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 Small Chinese county commands over 65 pct of global steel measuring tape market People's Daily Online) 09:40, January 29, 2026 Yucheng county in Shangqiu city, central China's Henan Province, has developed a steel measuring tape industry cluster worth 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion). The county is home to over 2,000 steel measuring tape enterprises that together produce 1.5 billion units annually, accounting for 85 percent of China's output and over 65 percent of the global market. Products are exported to more than 120 countries and regions, including Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia, with the industry's annual output value reaching 12 billion yuan. In the showroom of Henan Xuanshi Tools Co., Ltd. (Xuanshi), display cases feature steel measuring tapes ranging from basic models to the latest laser versions, reflecting the industry's gradual shift toward the high-end market. Photo shows measuring tapes displayed in an exhibition hall in Yucheng county, central China's Henan Province. (Photo/Chinanews.com) Among them, a pure silver hollowed-out steel measuring tape stands out for its striking appearance. "This measuring tape represents one of our most significant innovations and is a star product for us," said Liu Guohui, the company's general manager. "The launch of this product marked a turning point for our company and showed how the steel measuring tape industry could move into the premium segment." A decade ago, the company faced a development bottleneck. "Only by producing differentiated, higher-quality products could we stand out. We thought product innovations and improvements might usher in a new stage of our company's development," Liu said. In 2017, despite difficult business conditions, he decided to invest in developing new products. "We discovered that previous measuring tape casings were sealed, and when used on construction sites, the spring would get jammed with mud and sand, accelerating damage. With the hollowed-out design, water and sand can pass directly through with minimal residue, making the tapes better suited to demanding environments like construction sites," Liu explained. The hollowed-out steel measuring tapes, launched in 2019, received widespread market acclaim. "We brought them to a hardware exhibition in Shanghai, and the new products sold extremely well, bringing us cash flow and helping our company overcome financial difficulties," Liu said. Around 2022, the company further improved the hollowed-out measuring tape by using stainless steel for the spring and blade to achieve dust, water and rust resistance. The company's hollowed-out stainless steel measuring tape holds 39 patents, with a lifespan three times longer than ordinary steel measuring tapes. Sales grew from over 6 million units in 2022 to more than 30 million units in 2025. "Now we receive about 10,000 orders daily," Liu said. Today, Yucheng county's steel measuring tape industry is gradually moving upmarket. Intelligent automated production lines have increased production efficiency by over 50 percent, while 3D modeling technology has shortened new product development cycles by one-third. Xuanshi has partnered with a trade company in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, to sell its products via cross-border e-commerce platforms. "Besides cooperating with trading companies, we're also exploring cross-border e-commerce platforms like Amazon to expand sales channels. We've already achieved stable shipments to European and American markets," Liu said. Henan Bison Tape Co., Ltd. (Bison) has also excelled on cross-border e-commerce platforms. "Many of our customers are long-term clients we connected with through cross-border e-commerce platforms," said Li Qianzhi, head of Bison. As the Spring Festival approaches, Bison's overseas orders have increased 30 percent year on year, with production lines running at near-full capacity. The company has completed 80 percent of existing orders. "We're advancing construction of overseas warehouses, positioning inventory in target markets and leveraging local e-commerce platforms and offline channels to increase product exposure and enable rapid delivery," Liu said. Leveraging regional branding and robust industry strength, Yucheng county's exports of measuring tools, primarily steel measuring tapes, grew nearly 10 percent year on year in 2025. In recent years, the county's growing reputation for steel measuring tapes has provided a solid foundation for brand development. Xuanshi focuses on specific use cases, developing personalized, quality-oriented, and diversified products, using distinctive design and rich functionality as selling points to build brand recognition. "We employ a dual-brand strategy, using the Xuanshi trademark in the domestic market and the Probon trademark overseas," Liu said. "In the domestic market, we previously produced entirely for other brands. Now, our own brand accounts for over 20 percent of sales. In overseas markets, our own brand accounts for 60 percent of sales," Liu said. Today, many measuring tool enterprises in the county have registered their own trademarks and are gradually building their brands. Over the years, the county has implemented multiple measures to help enterprises enhance brand awareness and move the industry up the value chain. "This March, the China International Hardware & Tool Industry Expo will be held in our county, providing a platform for enterprises to explore domestic and international markets," said an official from the Communist Party of China Yucheng County Committee. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights. NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. If you currently own Archer-Daniels stock and are a long-term shareholder, you may be able to seek corporate governance reforms, the return of funds back to the company, a court-approved financial incentive award, or other relief and benefits. Please click here to learn more about your legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected]. Our firm would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Why Your Participation Matters: Shareholder involvement can help improve a company's policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms to create a more transparent, accountable, and effectively managed organization, which can enhance shareholder value. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 [email protected] [email protected] https://www.halpersadeh.com SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP Kim Kardashian has revealed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle asked her to delete an Instagram photo of them at Kris Jenners 70th birthday party because it was Remembrance Sunday. Photos of Harry and Meghan at the bash were removed from both Kardashian and Jenners social media accounts days after the celebrations took place on 9 November. Kardashian has finally addressed the reason behind the decision, revealing that the couple believed it would be insensitive to be seen having a good time on the national day commemorating those who lost their lives in world wars. We were told that it was totally cool to post, she told her sister Khloe Kardashian's podcast Khloe In Wonder Land. And then after it was posted, I think they realised it was Remembrance Day, and they didn't want to be seen at a party, even though it's already up, you know, and then taken down. The reality TV star and Skims founder suggested the couple regretted asking them to delete the photos because of the frenzied media attention it received. I think they realised, like, Oh, this was so silly, Kardashian added. It was really innocent, which is so crazy. Mom and Meghan have been friends for some years now, and they have a really sweet relationship. Meghan and Harry requested a photo of them partying be removed on Remembrance Sunday (Getty Images forA 2022 Robert F.) Kardashian also said the pair were happy to appear in photos at a charity gala for non-profit organisation Baby2Baby that same day, but felt that was fine as opposed to being shown partying and dancing. The Independent has contacted Harry and Meghan for comment. Harry and Meghan became close friends with the Kardashian-Jenner family after they quit their roles as British royals in 2020 and moved to California. Jenners James Bond-themed birthday celebration was held at Jeff Bezoss mansion in Beverly Hills. Famous guests included Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Adele, Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, Justin and Hailey Bieber and Oscar-nominated One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor. (Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner) The lavish party, which featured a surprise performance from Bruno Mars, led to multiple noise complaints over loud music levels and disturbances throughout the night, according to TMZ. Cops were photographed outside the sprawling Beverly Hills home that Bezos shares with wife, Lauren Sanchez. Officers spoke with the partys security detail and issued a warning. The party was held by Jenners six kids: Kim, Khloe, Kourtney Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Kendall Jenner. Kopek Des Bordes will head straight to the Cheltenham Festival after Willie Mullins decided against a run in Saturdays Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. The Supreme Novices Hurdle winner was due to clash with Gordon Elliotts Romeo Coolio in what would have been one of the highlights of the day one action at Leopardstown, especially after Kopek Des Bordes missed an intended outing over the Christmas period with a small setback. However, his name was missing from the small field of three declared on Thursday morning, with the Closutton team switching their focus to Prestbury Park in March. Owner Charles McCarthy said: Willie rang me this morning and said he wont run. Hes working well and everything is positive but hes just not happy to take on these horses at the moment. He just needs a little more time and thats what he doesnt have before Saturday. I asked him what was plan B and he said were going straight to Cheltenham. I never challenge Willie and I respect his calls, Id rather have a horse than not a horse. Im brokenhearted he wont run on Saturday like everyone else but we have to put the horse first. Kopek Des Bordes has been eased to 4-1 with some bookmakers for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, McCarthy confirmed that would be the most likely destination for his popular six-year-old where he could face a mouthwatering clash with Nicky Hendersons current race favourite Lulamba. He added: Were aiming for the Arkle and at the moment thats where we are thinking. Willie has his eyes firmly set on Cheltenham and didnt want to jeopardise the horse this weekend, so the Arkle is what were gunning for. Late actor Sir Laurence Olivier, a Second World War military strategist and a Victorian-era photographer are among the people being honoured as nine blue plaques are installed in London. Other plaques will include photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, film-maker Jill Craigie, military strategist Brigadier Dudley Clarke, anti-racism activist Kamal Chunchie, journalist Duse Mohamed Ali and astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. Sir Laurence Olivier is one of Britains most decorated and revered actors of the 20th century (English Heritage/PA) The nine new additions are completed by tributes to social reformer Gertrude Tuckwell and writer Stefan Zweig. English Heritage curatorial director, Matt Thompson, said: This years new plaques represent an astonishing range of achievement from scientific discovery and artistic innovation to activism and political campaigning. Julia Margaret Cameron was a Victorian photographer (English Heritage/PA) Each, in their own way, helped shape London as a place of ideas, creativity and reform, and their stories continue to resonate today. Craigie is recognised for her influential films, such as Out Of Chaos and Blue Scar, while Chunchie is honoured for his work supporting black and Asian communities in London, particularly in campaigning against racism in housing, while Ali is recognised for work championing racial equality. Payne-Gaposchkin is recognised for her work which changed our understanding of the universe and for blazing a trail for women in science; Tuckwell is honoured for her work to improve conditions for working women; and Zweig is recognised for his writings on European culture and the impact of war. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a trailblazer for women in science (English Heritage/PA) English Heritage says the plaques are subject to approval from the properties where they will be installed, which are usually places where their subjects lived or worked. The Blue Plaque scheme runs on suggestions from the public on the conditions that their subjects are deceased for at least 20 years, and that at least one building in Greater London in which they lived or worked should survive with a substantially unaltered exterior. Subjects also have to have made an exceptional impact in their field, made a positive contribution to humanity and lived in London for a significant period of time. Four new banking hubs have been confirmed by cash access body Link, taking the total number it has recommended to 250. The announcement was made as Santander said it would shut 44 of its bank branches and the newly-announced banking hubs will open in four locations where Santander has announced closures. Link said its 250th banking hub recommendation is in Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire. The three other hubs newly-recommended are in Ormskirk in Lancashire, Wilmslow in Cheshire and Whitehaven in Cumbria. Santander has said it plans to close branches in these locations by the end of January 2027. Banking hubs have helped to plug gaps in cash access as there have been waves of bank branch closures. They are a shared banking space, where customers of different banks can do their banking in a single place. The hubs will consist of a counter service where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions. There will also be spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank. Staff from different banks will be available on different days. In December, Cash Access UK opened the 200th banking hub open in Billericay in Essex, and there are now 210 hubs across the UK. John Howells, Link chief executive, said: Almost five years ago, the first two banking hubs opened as part of a pilot to see how we could better protect access to cash. Were delighted to announce the recommendation of the 250th hub today. The hubs, alongside other solutions, are making a significant difference and helping communities to readily access and deposit cash with ease. Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said: Bank branch closures have real impacts on local communities, especially on those customers who rely on in-person services and arent yet ready or willing to make the switch to digital banking. These recent closures are a reminder that branches are still under threat and its clear that banking hubs will play a big role in how we manage our money. However, not all hubs provide the same services, meaning some customers can still be forced to travel long distances to access the services they need. Given the importance of banking services to local communities, the Government and banking industry should work together to plug gaps so consumers can rely on hubs for their banking needs and be ready to increase the target of 350 open hubs by the end of this parliament if needed. Shoplifting across London has soared by 19 per cent in a year, new figures show. The number stood at 95,302 in the 12 months to September 2025. The Metropolitan Police recorded 93,849 of them, up 19 per cent from 78,458 the previous year. The capitals other force, City of London Police, had a further 1,453, down five per cent from 1,536 in September 2024. Last year, Scotland Yard launched its largest ever targeted crackdown on organised shoplifting gangs in London. Officers raided more than 120 shops suspected of buying items stolen from major retailers and reselling them at discounted prices. Thirty-two suspects were arrested for various offences and items worth hundreds of thousands seized. Reacting to the data, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: We are having real success tackling the crimes that terrorise communities. But the crimes that tear at the fabric of communities, like shop theft and shop robbery, continue to rise and we must do more. That is why we are putting 13,000 more neighbourhood officers on the beat, and have invested 2 billion more in forces across the country since we took office. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show police-recorded homicides in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest level in more than 40 years driven by a drop in knife crime. Shoplifter George Nicholson fills large black holdall bag with items (Metropolitan Police) The change helped drive down the overall murder total to the lowest annual total since 1983. There were 97 homicides in London last year, down 11 per cent from 109 in 2024, and the fewest recorded since 95 killings 11 years ago in 2014. Under major policing reforms announced on Monday, counter-terror, fraud and criminal gang investigations are set to be taken over by a new national police force dubbed the British FBI. Mahmood believes it will lift the burden on forces who are believed to be diverting time and resources away from everyday policing against shoplifting and antisocial behaviour to deal with UK-wide issues. Billy Gazard of the ONS said: While the crime survey paints a relatively stable picture, many aspects of violent crime and theft recorded by the police have fallen in the past 12 months. Homicide and gun crime are at the lowest levels seen this century, while knife crime has also decreased. The majority of police forces have seen knife crime fall in the past year, including the larger urban Greater Manchester, Metropolitan and West Midlands areas. This is supported by NHS data, which continue to show a decrease in hospital admissions for assault by a sharp object. Elsewhere on Thursday, separate figures from the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales also suggested bank and credit card fraud increased by 19 per cent to 2.6 million incidents in the year to September. The statistics provides a reliable measure of crime trends for the population, and the offence types it covers because it is not affected by police reporting or recording changes, the ONS said. It covers a range of personal and household victim-based crime, including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse and violence with or without injury, but does not include sexual offences, stalking, harassment and domestic abuse, which are presented separately. Separately, 20 town centres across London have seen an enhanced police presence, building on reductions in thefts, burglary, knife crime and robbery. Increased police activity also saw a significant increase in arrests in 2025, up by 1,800 a 44 per cent increase in 12 months. More retail theft cases are being solved. The Met spokeswoman said the substantial rise in reporting - as much as 200 per cent from some stores - explains much of the ONSs increase in recorded offences, therefore building stronger intelligence to identify suspects. Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met's lead for retail crime, added: Tackling shoplifting continues to be a priority for the Met. Over the current financial year, we have made significant progress, which has resulted in a 4.5 per cent reduction in this type of crime. By working with retailers, we are improving evidence gathering and intelligence on the most prolific offenders. We are also increasing the use of technology such as facial recognition, which has helped us solve double the number of shoplifting cases. Kaya Comer-Schwartz, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: The evidence shows London is getting safer. Alongside historic falls in homicides, the latest ONS crime stats show you are still less likely to be a victim of violence in the capital than the rest of the country, with the biggest year-on-year fall in robbery of personal property since the pandemic and a 10 per cent reduction in violence with injury. Alongside this, the Met have recorded the biggest reduction in knife-enabled crime across England and Wales over the last year, with a drop of over 14,800 offences. But we know there is still more work to do. The Mayor and I are absolutely committed to building on the progress made and will continue to work with the police, Londons Violence Reduction Unit and partners to further tackle shoplifting, knife crime, mobile phone crime and violence against women and girls to build a safer London for all. Santander is to close 44 bank branches, putting close to 300 jobs at risk. (Vuk Valcic) Santander has announced plans to close 44 bank branches across the UK, putting 291 jobs at risk as the lender continues to reshape its high street presence. The closures form part of a broader overhaul of the banks branch network, driven by a sharp rise in customers choosing to bank online rather than in person. The announcement comes less than a year after the business announced the closure of 95 branches last March, in a round of cuts that hit 750 workers. The closures also come as Santander moves closer to completing its takeover of UK banking rival TSB for 2.65bn. Santander said an increase in digital banking was driving the closures. (Ascannio) The deal with TSB, which will bring more branches into the business, is expected to complete later this quarter. Last July, UK boss Mike Regnier said they had cut around 2,000 roles over the previous year through a continued overhaul at the lender, but indicated there "might well be" more job cuts on the way. Which Santander stores are closing? The 44 branches set to close are part of a reconfiguration rather than a full withdrawal from local areas, according to the bank. Santander said affected communities will instead be served by "community bankers", who will work out of Santander Local sites or shared banking hubs. Once the latest changes are complete, the bank will operate 244 full-service branches across the UK. Alongside these, it will also run 19 counter-free branches, 36 reduced-hour branches, six work cafes and 111 Santander Local outlets. Below is a map of all the closures. Click the red dots to find out the address and date of closure: Why are the Santander stores closing? Santander said the closures reflect a "continuing and sizeable shift" in customer behaviour, with far more people now using digital banking services for everyday transactions. The bank said it is responding to how customers choose to bank, rather than leading the change itself, with the vast majority of everyday transactions moving to digital services around 96% of customer activity is carried out online or via mobile apps. According to data from Santander, 83% of current accounts have been opened digitally since 2019, while there has been a 67% increase in mobile banking users in the same period. Branch footfall has dropped significantly, with 66% decrease in financial transaction in branches since 2019. Santander said this long-term shift in how people manage their money means it needs fewer traditional branches, even as it looks to maintain a physical presence in communities through alternative formats. The decision to close dozens of branches is not unusual in the sector other major high street banks have significantly reduced their branch networks in recent years as online and app-based banking has become the norm. Other major high street banks like NatWest have also closed branches in recent years, (Stanislav Halcin) In September last year, Lloyds said it would close 49 branches across its Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands between January and October this year. The announcement came shortly after NatWest announced that it was closing 46 mobile branches across its NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland brands. Barclays shut at least 99 bank branches throughout 2024 and 2025, as well as 177 branches in 2023. HSBC UK bucked the trend by extending its "branch promise" in December last year guaranteeing its 327 branches will stay open until at least 2027. The bank said it was boosting investment into its branch network by around 30% in 2026, committing 55.8m, up from the 42m it spent in 2025. HSBC UK said usage across the network has remained "robust", with an average of 825,000 customers visiting a branch each month and more than two million monthly transactions carried out through self-service machines. Matt Lauer, a longtime anchor on the Today show is pictured in 2014, years before his firing over sexual assault allegations (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) A former NBC employee whose complaint against Matt Lauer led to his firing in 2017, is sharing harrowing new details of what she describes as a violent sexual assault during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The excerpt from Brooke Nevils upcoming memoir, Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe, was published by The Cut on January 28. Nevils writes about waking up in a hotel room after a night with the longtime Today show anchor - and she was in pain. Her first thought, she wrote, was that this must have been a misunderstanding. It was the only acceptable conclusion I could reach without my whole life falling apart. Nevils, now married with two children, says she has spent years trying to make sense of what happened and rebuilding her life after what she later came to understand as sexual assault. Matt Lauer, a longtime anchor on the Today show is pictured in 2014, years before his firing over sexual assault allegations (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) I have spent the long years since using my otherwise abandoned skills as a journalist to report and write the book about sexual harassment and assault that I wish had existed for me, she wrote. In the process, I have painstakingly rebuilt my life. The book, set to be released on February 3, includes Nevils recollection of that night in Sochi when Nevils, then an NBC talent assistant, went out for drinks with her boss Meredith Vieira and Lauer, and what happened when she later accompanied Lauer to his hotel room. Nevils writes in the excerpt that despite the rounds of vodka shots, the overwhelming power differential, she would never have used the word rape to describe what had happened. Back then, I had no idea what to call what happened other than weird and humiliating. But then there was the pain, which was undeniable. It hurt to walk. It hurt to sit. It hurt to remember. One thought briefly crossed her mind, she wrote: If anyone else had done this to me, I would have gone to the police. But Lauer was not anyone else. At the time, he was Todays longest-serving anchor, earning a reported $25 million a year and surrounded by NBC employees whose careers depended on him, Nevils wrote. Nevils says she tried to convince herself the encounter in Sochi had been a misunderstanding, she continued communicating with Lauer after returning to New York even visiting him at his apartment, a decision she examines with painful clarity in her memoir. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announce the firing of Matt Lauer in 2017 After much back and forth with herself, in November 2017, Nevils filed a formal complaint with NBC. Lauer was questioned the next day and fired that night by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack. Multiple other women later came forward with allegations against him. Some of the allegations, from Nevils and other women, were published in 2019 in Ronan Farrows book, Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators. Lauer denied Nevils allegations of rape, saying in a statement to Variety that he had an "extramarital affair" with her, but that their relationship was completely consensual. The Independent has reached out to Lauer for comment. Nevils also confronts in her book the fact that she continued to contact Lauer. Why, if an alleged victim was really sexually assaulted, would they continue a relationship with the perpetrator? Why would they go back? she wrote. But for Nevils, it would take years and a national reckoning with sexual harassment and assault before I called what happened to me assault. After struggling for months, and then learning that at least two teams of reporters from two different publications, Variety and the Times, were looking into Lauer, she knew it was a matter of time. But Nevils said she was at a loss forres what to do. I was no Ashley Judd or Gretchen Carlson. I was just one woman and nobodys ideal victim. Id done everything wrong, and if it had taken five women coming forward with allegations against Mark Halperin, at least six for Bill OReilly, at least seven for Roger Ailes, how many women would have to come forward about Matt Lauer before any would be believed? she wrote. Then In November 2017, Nevils filed a formal complaint with NBC. Lauer was questioned the next day and fired that night by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack. Multiple other women later came forward with allegations against him. After Lauers firing, Nevils says her life unraveled. She took a leave of absence from NBC that became permanent and struggled with drinking, paranoia, and shame. I barely recognized the train wreck Id become, she wrote. Soon I would find myself in a psych ward, believing myself so worthless and damaged that the world would be better off without me. Today, Nevils says she has found healing through family and writing. She hopes her book will help someone who may be in a similar situation - something she says she did not have at the time. I know what it is to feel truly alone and ashamed, living a life that seems irredeemable, believing yourself to be worthless and unlovable, she wrote. Not one of these things for any one of us is ever true. Poor Melania Trump. All she wanted, presumably, was a nice, fluffy documentary that painted her in a good light as the First Lady of a troubled America. What shes had instead has been a lot of bad press. As Melania and a select group of Trump administration officials gathered in the White House for a sneak preview screening complete with branded popcorn buckets and gift boxes emblazoned with her face Rolling Stone was dropping an excoriating behind-the-scenes feature which described the entire production process as chaos. At the same time, all this controversy doesnt appear to be drawing in viewers. UK cinema chain Vue admitted that sales had been soft. For those who dont speak business-ese, that translates to: they sold precisely one ticket for the documentarys premiere. (REUTERS) Even Amazon has refused to share the film with the press ahead of its release despite sinking $40m into the film, as well as an additional $35m in marketing (which apparently includes a takeover of the Las Vegas Sphere). To be honest, its not really a surprise that nobody is begging to tune in. What exactly are we going to learn, except what Melania Trump wants us to see? Its not for nothing that one member of the production team branded the entire thing as an exercise in "propaganda." Melania Trumps documentary, of course, also carries significant extra baggage considering her role as the spouse of a man currently tearing apart the current world order. But Id challenge anybody to find a celebrity documentary these days worth watching. Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Coleen Rooney, Lionel Messi: stick any of them on, and prepare to be treated to the same, ultra-curated, ultra-glossy inside look on their lives as the last one. These days, documentaries are just as fascinated with celebs as any other form of media, but that wasnt always the case. Most documentary makers made their name tackling subjects like war, strife and social change: in 2004, Michael Moore won the Palme dOr for his Iraq War documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11. When celebs did make it onto the screen, they werent given an easy ride: in Geri, the 1999 film about the former Spice Girl, director Molly Dineen can be heard setting her subject right behind the camera when Halliwell foolishly assumes she will have complete control and it will be edited if theres anything bad. Those days feel a long way away now. To turn on Netflix, or indeed any streaming service, is to be confronted with a deluge of celeb-fodder. Lady Gaga has a documentary; Selena Gomez has one; famously, both Beckhams have one. Taylor Swift has several, in fact not just Miss Americana, but her recently-released behind the scenes look at the Eras tour. Taylor Swift in The End of an Era (Disney) I cant tell you the amount of calls Ive gotten from celebrities wanting to make their films since Beckham, Fisher Stevens who directed the film on David told Esquire last year. I think people are fascinated with celebrities, especially those who kind of had a moment and then are still relevant. You get to look back at those periods, the music and styles, and theres a certain reminiscing and nostalgia That seems to be what people are wanting. Streamers are battling for views; celebrities come with a pre-built, adoring fan base who are willing to shell out the big bucks (or at least, a subscription fee) for the chance to see their beloved star prance around and be vulnerable on screen. Theyre also very affordable: theres no CGI, no script and hardly any direction. Throw in a bit of archive footage, and Bobs your uncle. The landscape production companies are operating in these days is also profoundly changed. Social media has created a bridge between celebs and their adoring crowd, at the expense of the press. No need for lengthy, and sometimes awkward, interviews not when you can reach more people through Instagram than a magazine cover will ever do. As streamers scramble to sign big names and keep viewers engaged, the celebs in question have been able to call the shots like never before in exchange for access to their brand. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham have been in Paris (PA Wire) In doing so, the humble documentary has changed from an honest, behind-the-scenes examination of the subject to a PR exercise, in which celebs get to sit down in front of a camera and talk, uninterrupted, about their own version of events, all while making deep eye contact with us, the viewer. Nowhere is this better personified than in Netflixs duo of Beckham documentaries, each of which follow the famous couple as they go about raising awareness for their fashion line (Victoria) or reminiscing about the good ol days (David). Knowing what we do now about the infamous Brooklyn Beckham feud, there must have been a lot going on behind the scenes. We dont get any of that here, though: we see Victoria dropping breadcrumbs of gossip, intended to showcase her status as an authentic person, serious fashion designer: aka, exactly the type of person she wants to be seen as. She loves to drink red wine! She almost bankrupted her company by buying potted plants! How funny! The most personal interaction by far is the famous meme in which David outs Victoria as having been driven to school in a Rolls-Royce, while she attempts to describe herself as working class. Was that scripted? Or was it intended to show the audience that the Beckhams can be spontaneous and down to earth, if they feel like it? Whatever the angle is, its working. Netflixs David Beckham docuseries became a massive hit, clocking up 30 million views and 145 million hours of streaming time in its first weekend. Miss Americana still racked up 340 million minutes of streaming time in 2024, four years after it was first released. Unfortunately, that means the landscape isnt about to change anytime soon. Melania excepted, we cant get enough of these ultra-curated looks into our heroes lives even if the story theyre telling us might not exactly match up to reality. The documentary as we know it is gone; the celeb-PR-mentary is here, and its here to stay. An observer blows a whistle as border patrol agents arrest two teenagers after a car crash in south Minneapolis on 21 January. Photograph: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images (Photograph: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Brandon Siguenza saw his first federal immigration agent just one minute before he was arrested by one. He and his friend, Patty OKeefe, were following ICE officers in their vehicle after receiving an alert that agents were nearby. Soon after arriving to observe the scene, an agent approached their car and sprayed chemicals into the front vents, then began shouting. An agent yelled at Siguenza that he was under arrest, so he said he put his hands in the air and waited for instructions. The agent didnt say to leave the car. Instead, they smashed the two front windows, pulled Siguenza out of an unlocked door and slammed him against the car. I told him, Sir, my passport is in my pocket. He said, Shut the fuck up, Siguenza, a US citizen, told the Guardian. Siguenza and OKeefe were put into separate vehicles and taken to the BH Whipple federal building, a facility just south of the Twin Cities where agents take people they have arrested both US citizens and immigrants they intend to deport. They were held there for hours before eventually being released. The killing of Alex Pretti by a federal officer on Saturday, less than three weeks after the killing of Renee Good, brought heightened attention to the brutality observers and bystanders are facing in Minneapolis as they witness and document immigration enforcement. Volunteer observers told the Guardian they have been subjected to violence since the beginning of Operation Metro Surge in early December. Observers who had been detained by federal agents and released, many without charges, told the Guardian they were denied access to medical care, phone calls and lawyers. Still, even after federal agents killed two bystanders in Minneapolis, Siguenza said he was determined to keep observing and recording the federal agents actions. If we dont document and film federal agents, then they can shoot you 10 times and then say that youre brandishing a firearm and it ends there, he said. The fact that bystanders and community members were able to capture the agents who shot Good and Pretti, and present evidence to refute the Trump administrations claims about those incidents, he said, speaks to the power of bearing witness. There will be absolutely no accountability unless people are documenting, he said. *** Federal agents have been taking an increasingly aggressive approach against observers using so-called less lethal weapons such as chemical irritants and projectiles against onlookers at the scene of immigration raids. RM, an observer who asked that their name remain anonymous because they feared further retaliation from federal agents while patrolling, said that they were at the scene of a raid on the same day that Good was killed when agents smashed their car window and sprayed chemical irritants directly into their car. Then an agent cuffed RM and used a pain-inducing restraint to drag them out, crushing their wrist in the process. Afterwards, agents drove RM to the Whipple building. When RM told one of the agents he looked rather young, they pushed them down and held their face into the ground. The agents yelled at RM, who is trans, saying, Do you like the dirt, queer?, they recalled to the Guardian. They were not offered water to clear the irritant out of their eyes for more than an hour. Eventually, they were left to wash their face at a broken, low-pressure sink inside the cell where they were held. The whole incident was painful and humiliating, said RM. When they were released about three hours later, without any charges, they were finally able to wash in a shower. It took almost an hour to fully rinse off and the irritant spread and burned their skin even as they tried to wash it off. That, I would say, is the most painful experience of my life. These escalating tactics, observers told the Guardian, seem to be designed to intimidate and deter them from monitoring the activity of federal agents, warning their communities and bearing witness to immigration arrests. In a statement to the Guardian, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that rioters and terrorists have assaulted law enforcement. The agency said that despite these grave threats and dangerous situations our law enforcement as followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property. The statement did not give a spokespersons name and did not address multiple questions about the use of force against RM and other observers, nor did it address questions about why agents have been smashing the car windows of observers. Jac Kovarik, who has been volunteering as an observer for nearly two months now, said that agents had tried a number of times to intimidate them, including by taking photos of their former house and car. In December, Kovarik was arrested by agents and taken to Whipple. They were patted down, told to remove all their jewelry and put all personal belongings into a bag, cuffed at the ankles, and taken to a cell. They were denied a request to make a phone call. Other observers found Kovariks information in their car, and informed neighbors that they had been detained. An attorney eventually came to Whipple, and Kovarik was released after about seven hours in detention. They, too, were never charged with a crime. On another occasion, after Good was killed, Kovarik was on patrol with a friend when agents routed them from the friends home and drew guns on them. That was a huge escalation, Kovarik said. *** Attorneys told the Guardian that the DHS had been regularly denying them access to clients held at the Whipple building which has become a home base for the thousands of immigration officers who have swarmed the Twin Cities. The building is also the first stop for immigrants detained in the recent enforcement surge, and the spot where dozens of bystanders and observers have been held after arrest. On Wednesday, the Advocates for Human Rights and a detained individual filed a class-action lawsuit challenging detention practices, alleging a pattern of denying lawyers confidential communication with their clients at Minnesota facilities including Whipple. In a statement to the Guardian, the DHS categorically denied that people detained at Whipple were unable to access attorneys. Siguenza was eventually able to meet with a lawyer, but the door to the room where they met would not close, and agents were able to listen in, he said. Observers who were detained at Whipple provided corroborating accounts that agents appeared disorganized and unclear about who, exactly, they were holding at the facility. Wes Powers, who was arrested and detained there on 8 January, told the Guardian he witnessed agents accessing Facebook and personal social media accounts on the same cellphones they were using to photograph detainees and their identification cards. Siguenza said that at one point during his detention he was brought into a cell with three men who identified themselves as from Homeland Security Investigations. They seemed to insinuate he was in a lot of trouble and they could help him if he would give them the names of protest organizers or undocumented neighbors. They said if he had family members outside the US who wanted to enter the country, they could help with that as well (Siguenza is of Mexican descent). I told him, Im just trying to protect my neighbors. And he said, Oh, where are your neighbors from? Siguenza said. He thought I meant my nextdoor neighbors. I just meant my community generally. Meanwhile, Tippy Amundson and Heather Zemien, neighbors in the Brooklyn Park suburb of Minneapolis, had a different experience than most while being detained. They saw federal agents at an apartment building and were alerting people to their presence by honking their horns on 22 January. Agents told them to leave, but as they were leaving, they saw a police officer and stopped to ask some questions. Then a federal agents vehicle blocked their car and the agents accused them of calling the cops. The agents pulled them out of the car and arrested them. An agent put Amundsons phone on a console in the vehicle, but she was able to use Siri to call her husband. A few blocks into the drive, an agent in the front passenger seat started having a seizure, and the women told the other agents what to do and how to help. Amundson moved his weapon so she could put him on his hip and held his head up so he wouldnt choke on his own tongue. After emergency services arrived, and after helping the agent through multiple seizures, they were again handcuffed and brought to the Whipple building. Amundsons husband alerted her state representative, who quickly worked to get them released. Between the aid rendered to the agent and the knowledge of a representative on the way, Amundson and Zemien said they pretty much rolled out the red carpet for us at the Whipple building they got water and a bathroom and a heater. They were out within three hours and were cited for impeding federal officers. Im not well, Amundson said in the aftermath of the experience, noting she had not been eating. But Im well supported and Im well cared for. The 37-year-old nurse was involved in an angry, physical confrontation with agents 11 days before he was shot Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti spat at ICE agents and kicked their SUV during a confrontation almost a fortnight before he was shot dead, new video shows. The 37-year-old nurse, who was killed by federal immigration officers in the city on Saturday, was involved in a tense, physical clash with agents 11 days earlier. Newly released footage appears to show Pretti spitting at agents and kicking an ICE vehicle so hard that he breaks its rear brake light. He is then bundled to the ground by agents in tactical gear, video published by The News Movement shows. Pretti reportedly stopped his car on Jan 13 after seeing ICE agents chasing a family on foot, and began blowing his whistle and shouting. He then said five agents tackled him and one leant on his back, breaking his rib, before he was released at the scene. BREAKING - New video obtained by the BBC shows Alex Petti armed, spitting on federal agents, and kicking out a taillight one week before the CBP incident that claimed his life.pic.twitter.com/jJT6anaL5i Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) January 28, 2026 That day, he thought he was going to die, the source told CNN. A representative from the family confirmed it was Pretti in the footage. The Department of Homeland Security said it was investigating the incident. Donald Trump Jr, the US presidents eldest son, posted one of the videos on X and commented: Just a peaceful legal observer. In a statement after the videos release, Steve Schleicher, a lawyer for the Pretti family, said: A week before Alex was gunned down in the street despite posing no threat to anyone he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents. He added: Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alexs killing at the hands of ICE on Jan 24. Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old nurse at a veterans hospital Pretti was described as a would-be assassin by officials who claimed the officers who fired on him were acting in self-defence. But bystander footage filmed at the scene of his death contradicted their claims. Federal immigration officers have been collecting personal information about protesters in Minneapolis and documented details about Pretti before he was shot dead, sources told CNN. A memo sent in January to agents deployed to the city asked them to capture all images, license plates, identifications and general information on hotels, agitators, protestors, etc, so we can capture it all in one consolidated form, according to correspondence reviewed by the network. Pretti also suffered a broken rib during a confrontation with federal officers about a week before his death when he was tackled by a group of them while protesting their attempt to detain other individuals. A source said he had stopped his car after seeing ICE agents chasing what he described as a family on foot and began blowing his whistle and shouting. He then said five agents tackled him and one leant on his back, causing his rib to break, before he was released at the scene. That day, he thought he was going to die, the source told CNN. Pretti was later given medication consistent with treating a broken rib. Another source claimed Prettis name was known to federal agents, but it is unclear how. Credit: Reuters There are concerns that ICE agents are compiling a database of protesters, which a DHS spokeswoman denied on Sunday. A video filmed previously in Maine showed an agent recording the licence plate of a woman observing him during an operation and telling her: We have a nice little database and now you are considered a domestic terrorist. Donald Trump has been on the back foot over his administrations handling of the Minnesota protests, with Democrats threatening a government shutdown if Republicans do not agree to a list of demands that would stop ICE terrorising neighbourhoods. Senate leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said his partys demands included that agents adhere to a code of conduct and that they identify themselves, not cover their faces with masks and wear body cameras. Republicans did not immediately signal support for the proposed restrictions on ICE. But in an operational shift on Wednesday night, ICE was said to be moving to targeted enforcement of aliens with a criminal history and agents were also told not to interact with protesters. Alex Pretti is seen confronting ICE agents on the street before the shooting in Minneapolis DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS, read an email disseminated to agents by Marcos Charles, a top ICE official, who said all targets must have a criminal nexus. ICE agents placed on leave There has been considerable public backlash following the shooting deaths of unarmed mother, Renee Good, also aged 37, on Jan 7, and Pretti on Saturday. Initially, senior figures in the administration, notably deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, claimed Good had been a domestic terrorist and that Pretti was a would-be assassin. However, Mr Trump has since sought to de-escalate tensions and said he supported a full investigation into Prettis death. The president spoke to Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, and dispatched border tsar Tom Homan to oversee the operation. Alex Pretti was described by loved ones as a good, kind person who lived to help others - Michael Pretti In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Mr Trump voiced his sympathies for the two US citizens who had been killed, describing the situation as terrible. I dont like the fact he was carrying a gun that was fully loaded, and he had two magazines with him. Thats pretty unusual, Mr Trump said. But nobody knows when they saw the gun, how they saw the gun. On Wednesday, the DHS said the two agents involved in the shooting of Pretti had been placed on administrative leave, which was standard procedure. Mr Miller, one of the leading architects of the US presidents anti-immigration policies, acknowledged the ICE agents in Minneapolis may have broken the rules. Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights. NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Vestis Corporation (NYSE: VSTS) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. If you currently own Vestis stock and are a long-term shareholder, you may be able to seek corporate governance reforms, the return of funds back to the company, a court-approved financial incentive award, or other relief and benefits. Please click here to learn more about your legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected]. Our firm would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Why Your Participation Matters: Shareholder involvement can help improve a company's policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms to create a more transparent, accountable, and effectively managed organization, which can enhance shareholder value. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 [email protected] [email protected] https://www.halpersadeh.com SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP The City regulator has called on the insurance industry to help more people access products that support them and their families if they become critically ill or die. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that more than half of adults do not hold a pure protection product, even though many could benefit from them. The regulator said it wants to help close the gap. Pure protection products help people deal with financial shocks. They typically include life insurance, which pays out in the event of death or a terminal illness; critical illness cover, which pays a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified serious illness; and income protection insurance, which provides regular payments if someone is unable to work due to illness or injury. The interim findings of the FCAs competition review of pure protection products found that, for people who have taken out protection insurance, the market mostly works well. There are a wide range of products, most consumers can claim when they need to, and the costs of cover have remained stable in the last few years, the regulator said. It said research suggests that the gap exists because consumers are not aware of their needs and are not prompted to consider them. Other issues include ability to pay, misunderstandings about the product or improvements needed in the sales process. The regulator said it is exploring what more can be done, to better support consumers. Graeme Reynolds, director of competition and interim director of insurance at the FCA, said: These insurance products play a vital role in helping families manage some of the most difficult experiences in life. While competition in the market is mostly working well for consumers, many more people could benefit from protection. We will work with industry to reduce this gap, to help consumers navigate their financial lives. The FCA said it welcomes feedback on its interim findings by March 31. A final report will be published in the third quarter of this year. Dr Yvonne Braun, ABI director of policy, health and protection and long-term savings, said: Were pleased the FCA has recognised that the pure protection market delivers for customers by offering a wide range of products, stable prices and high claims acceptance rates. These findings are especially important as life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection insurance remain vital financial safety nets for people and their loved ones when it matters most. The FCA has rightly recognised that a protection gap remains, and that many more people could benefit from the peace of mind and security that protection insurance offers. This is a key concern for our sector, and we look forward to working with members and the regulator to address it. The majority of Trump voters now back greater military intervention in other countries, according to a new poll, despite the presidents previous pledge to take the U.S. out of foreign wars. His supporters gave greatest backing to an attack on Iran, with 51 percent approving of military strikes on the Middle Eastern nation, Politicos survey found. That number was even higher those who described themselves specifically as MAGA Republicans, at 61 percent. Trump is still mulling strikes in Iran after weeks of protests left thousands of people in the country dead. Earlier this week the president warned the regime an American armada was headed to the Middle East, while claiming time was running out for Tehran to make a deal. Democrats, by comparison, were broadly against any such intervention in Iran, with only 18 percent of people who cast their ballots for Kamala Harris in 2024 backing the move. Trump voters back greater military intervention in other countries, including Iran and Mexico, according to a new poll (Getty) Trump has adopted an increasingly aggressive foreign policy since he returned to office last year. This month alone, the administration has forced regime change in Venezuela while also demanding Greenland becomes a U.S. territory. Despite his voters increasing enthusiasm for international intervention, Trump was elected on a promise of removing the U.S. from costly overseas wars and prioritizing America First. However, the actual definition of Trumps infamous mantra has become flexible for his supporters, Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, told Politico. If you believe the Trump theory that our goal is to do everything we can to protect Americans, and that includes taking out bad people in certain places, then thats America First, she said. Trump has backed protests in Iran against Ayatollah Khamenei's regime However, she told Politico that there is an important caveat to support for Trumps newfound interventionism. While military action is broadly supported by his base, long-term involvement or more direct efforts that put U.S. soldiers at risk are not. If he said tomorrow that were going to send troops into the Middle East or were going to put boots on the ground in Venezuela, that is one thing that would break the coalition apart, she said. Republicans have urged caution over Iran for this very reason. "It really needs to come organically from the people of Iran, Representative Nicole Malliotakis told Fox News. At some point, theyve got to take ownership and leadership. Boots on the ground, you know, foreign intervention and costly overseas wars have been borne out to be pretty ineffective in the long run. Trump kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the start of the year (Reuters) Support amongst Trump voters for international military intervention also splits depending on which countries are the potential targets. Most Trump voters were against intervening in Greenland, for example, despite the presidents previous threats. Just 21 percent of his 2024 voters backed taking over the Danish territory, with that number only rising to 26 percent amongst MAGA Republicans. Sending the military into Mexico was marginally more popular, with 39 percent of MAGA approving of intervening south of the border and 22 percent of non-MAGA supporters agreeing. Around 30 percent of his voters also supported sending the military to Colombia, with 28 percent advocating for intervention in Cuba. All three countries have drawn Trumps ire in recent months, with the president calling for cartels in Mexico to be bombed and for reportedly plotting to overthrow the current regime in Cuba. He has also openly bragged about the possibility of usurping Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia. Attacking China was lower on the priority list for Trump voters with only 25 percent backing the move, although that does mean 1 in 4 of his voters support an attack that could spark a major global conflict. Nicki Minaj has proudly revealed that she is now the owner of a Trump Gold Card. Launched last month, the card is Donald Trumps latest immigration effort aimed at attracting the worlds wealthiest, promising legal U.S. residency in record time for a $1 million fee. However, according to the Trinidadian-born rap star, 44, she was gifted the card free of charge. On Wednesday night, Minaj shared a picture of the Trump Gold Card resting in her lap, writing on X: Welp. In a separate post, she claimed she wasnt just receiving permanent residency but citizenship also. Residency? Residency? The cope is coping, she said. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldnt have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge. The president has touted the program as a pathway to citizenship, but the trumpcard.gov government website currently notes that it only confers legal residency. Nicki Minaj was gifted a Trump Gold Card during her recent appearance at the president's Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit (Getty Images) Minaj said she received the Trump Gold Card 'free of charge' (nickiminaj/X) Minaj previously admitted that she came to this country as an illegal immigrant at five years old, in a 2018 Facebook post, criticizing the governments family-separation policies. This is so scary to me, she said. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror and panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they'll ever see them again. The Grammy-nominated Anaconda artist, who recently came out in strong support of Trump, received her Trump Gold Card following her Wednesday appearance alongside Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary at a White House event to promote the childrens investment accounts established under the Trump administrations partisan spending package. Nicki makes a lot of money, and shes generously stepping up. Shes investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump accounts to support the children and really, really the children of her incredible fans, the president said. Trump noted that Minaj has been a big Trump supporter and a Trump fan who has taken a little heat on occasion from her fans but has remained an unbelievable supporter nonetheless. Asking Minaj and OLeary to join him on-stage, Trump remarked that Minaj has been with us all the way. Minaj (right) faced extreme backlash for her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's four-day AmericaFest 2026 summit (Getty Images) Wearing a puffy white fur-trimmed coat, Minaj said she wasnt sure what to say but professed herself to be Trumps number one fan while vowing that her support for him was not going to change. And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more, and its going to motivate all of us to support him more, she said. Were not going to let them get away with bullying him and you know, the smear campaigns, its not going to work. OK? The Starships rapper has faced significant backlash from fans for her public admiration of Trump. During a surprise appearance last month at Turning Point USAs four-day AmericaFest 2025 summit, she praised him as handsome and dashing. This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them. Our vice president, he makes me ... well, I love both of them, Minaj said. Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to. Downing Street has welcomed new EU sanctions on Iran, which include labelling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organisation. EU foreign ministers met in Brussels on Thursday to further respond to Irans brutal crackdown on protesters in recent weeks. The bloc adopted new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in the violent crackdown and has now include the IRGC the military group loyal to the Iranian regime on its list of terrorist organisations. This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh [Isis], the EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. EU foreign ministers are due to sign off on new sanctions in response to a brutal crackdown on protesters in the country in recent weeks (Getty) The move heaps pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to follow suit. When asked on Thursday about Ms Kallas comments on the proscription and further sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said: We welcome todays announcement by the EU which will further hold the Iranian authorities to account for the violence and brutality shown against peaceful protesters. When asked why the UK was not planning to implement a similar ban, they said: Its longstanding practice under successive governments that we dont speculate about individual sanctions targets or speculate around issues related to prescription. They added: Under this government, youve seen 220 sanctions brought against individuals in the Iranian regime. We've been clear that of our intention to bring forward further sanctions. On Thursday evening, The Times reported that ministers were planning to introduce a law to ban the IRGC. However, the Home Office said it would not name specific groups to be covered by any planned legislation to proscribe hostile state-sponsored agencies. The brutal response to the anti-government protests across Iran since has drawn international condemnation, including in many EU countries (Getty) In 2023, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper then the shadow home secretary announced a Labour policy to proscribe the IRGC as criticism mounted over the Tory governments refusal to do so. But earlier this month, Labour MPs to hit out at Sir Keirs government over its apparent refusal to proscribe the group, with business secretary Peter Kyle insisting that the UK had already used the sanctions against Iran to the full extent we can and would not be proscribing the IRGC. After imposing further sanctions, the EUs likely move to include the IRGC list of terrorist organisations marks a symbolic shift in Europes approach to Irans leadership. Earlier this month, Labour MPs to hit out at Keir Starmers government over its apparent refusal to proscribe the group (Getty) Anti-government protests that swept across Iran since December have triggered a bloody crackdown by authorities, drawing international condemnation. Earlier this week, activists reported that at least 6,159 people had been killed in the crackdown, with the number feared to be much higher. Tensions have continued to build this week between Tehran and the US, after Donald Trump said that a massive armada is heading to Iran and is ready to fulfil its mission with speed and violence if necessary. Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said any military action by the US would be considered the start of war and provoke an immediate, all-out and unprecedented against the US and Israel. US sources told Reuters that Mr Trump was weighing options including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire renewed protests and create the conditions for regime change. Ocado has been dealt a further blow after Canadian supermarket partner Sobeys announced the closure of one of its robotic warehouses, sending shares tumbling. It comes months after a US grocery chain decided to shut three Ocado-run warehouses and scrap plans for new sites. Sobeys moved to close its fulfilment centre in the Canadian city of Calgary after slower than anticipated growth in the regions grocery e-commerce market, Ocado told investors. Ocado signed a deal with the chain, which is the second-largest food retailer in Canada, in 2018 to launch an online grocery business using its tech platform. The warehouse in Calgary was the third to open under the partnership. Sobeys moved to close its fulfilment centre in the Canadian city of Calgary (Alamy/PA) Ocado said Sobeys will continue to use the two remaining Ocado-powered warehouses in Ontario and Montreal to support its online business. However, shares in the British company plunged by about a 10th on Thursday morning following the announcement. The Hertfordshire-based group sells automation technology allowing retailers to pick and dispatch online food orders from giant robotic warehouses. It also runs a UK online grocery firm as a joint venture with Marks & Spencer. Ocado suffered a big drop in its share price late last year after Kroger, one of the biggest supermarket chains in the US, said it was shutting three Ocado-run warehouses that feature automation technology, and later that it was scrapping plans for a new site in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ocado continues to operate five sites for Kroger and supports its logistics operations. Tim Steiner, Ocado chief executive, insisted the Sobeys closure reflected a pragmatic approach to refining the network, and acknowledged parts of the market that had not developed as anticipated. Online grocery in North America has continued to develop and Ocados technology has evolved significantly since our first CFCs (customer fulfilment centres) were launched in the region, he said. The changes we have made in our relationships with both Sobeys and Kroger represent a reset of our North American business, placing those partnerships in the best position to secure long-term growth, while reopening a substantial market for Ocados much evolved technology. A top transportation official warned that the Hollywood Burbank Airport located in Los Angeles County, California could be the site of the next deadly mid-air collision. Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, delivered the sobering message during a board meeting in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. It took place on the one-year anniversary of a crash between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter above the Potomac River, near Reagan National Airport, which claimed 67 lives, becoming the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the U.S. in over a decade. Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank, Homendy said, according to The Los Angeles Times. She added that no one at the Federal Aviation Administration is paying attention to us. The midsized airport, a hub for domestic travel, is considered a hotspot, given its combination of airplane and helicopter traffic in a relatively small airspace. Whether it is involving helicopters or not, people are raising red flags, and why arent people listening? Homendy added. The FAA has to ensure safety. That is their job. A top transportation official fears that the Hollywood Burbank Airport could be the site of the next midair collision (Getty) The FAA, which oversees the safety of the countrys airspace, disputed her account. A spokesperson for the agency told The Independent that it has bolstered security measures and that it has not overlooked Burbank. Following the deadly crash in the nations capital, the agency acted immediately to improve safety and began using innovative AI tools to identify similar hotspots with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic and implement appropriate mitigations, the spokesperson said. One of our primary focus areas was Van Nuys Airport and nearby Hollywood Burbank Airport in the Los Angeles area, the FAA added. Based on our safety analysis, the FAA lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern by 200 feet during an evaluation in 2025 to see if that would reduce conflicts with aircraft landing at Burbank. Preliminary data indicated the change resulted in a reduction of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts for Burbank arrivals and we permanently lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern effective Jan. 5, 2026. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Burbank airport told The Independent that the safety of our guests, staff, tenants and all stakeholders...is our top priority. As the FAA has stated in response to yesterdays NTSB comment about safety hotspots, work to help alleviate the risks at Hollywood Burbank Airport and Van Nuys Airport has been underway since immediately after the midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport in January of 2025, the spokesperson added. 'Commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air is going to be at Burbank, ' NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said (Getty Images) Hollywood Burbank Airport has experienced several close calls in recent years. For example, in 2023, an inbound Mesa Airlines flight came within 1,680 feet of a SkyWest Airlines plane as it was departing a runway, according to the LATimes. A representatives for the NTSB did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. The crash in Washington last year left 67 people dead, becoming the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the US in years (REUTERS) During the board meeting on Tuesday, Homendy, who has led the NTSB since 2021, added that last years catastrophic collision in Washington was 100 percent preventable. Following an investigation, the NTSB concluded that the crash was likely caused by the FAAs decision to place a helicopter route near an airport runway, according to Politico. The FAA said it will diligently consider the boards recommendations, adding that safety is and always will be the agencys number one priority. Commercial airline crashes in the U.S. remain extremely rare. Before the mass casualty collision in Washington last year, it had been nearly 16 years since a major airline crash in the country. Omoda E5 was the most popular car in 2025 according to Octopus EVs (Omoda) The Omoda E5, made by Chinese car giant Chery, was 2025s most popular model for those leasing cars through Octopus EVs the electric car leasing offshoot of Octopus Energy. Another Chery model, the new Jaecoo E5, which was only released in September, has already proven popular, topping the Octopus charts in the final quarter of last year. The new Jaecoo 5 was the best-selling car in Q4 2025 according to Octopus EVs (Steve Fowler) For the full year, the Omoda E5 was joined by the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQB, Cupra Born and MG 4 in the Octopus EVs top five. But the arrival of the Jaecoo E5 saw the Cupra drop off the list in the last quarter of 2025, with the Omoda moving down to second place, followed by the Tesla, Mercedes and MG. Alvin Castillo, procurement director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: I first saw the JAECOO E5 at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025 and it was immediately clear it could be a game-changer for the UK. We were the first to start selling it in September, and within just three months it had become one of our top-performing cars of the year. When great design and great value line up, drivers move fast. The BMW iX3 is set to be one of 2026s most exciting launches (BMW) However, 2026 is set to be more challenging for the Chinese brands, with Octopus EVs expecting new European models to interest its customers. Looking ahead to Q1 2026, the established European brands are expected to hit back at some of the newer entrants, said Castillo. Mercedes will release four new electric models, while the BMW iX3, the first of the Neue Classe, is particularly exciting. Castillo also predicted that small electric hatchbacks could have a big impact on leasing deals in 2026. 2025 had a strong EV hatchback presence, but SUVs really took centre stage, he said. 2026 will be the year of the electric hatchback. Models like the VW ID Polo, Cupra Raval, Geely EX2, and new entrants such as the AION UT will bring real choice into the most competitive part of the market. At the same time, the JAECOO E5 shows how quickly expectations are shifting. Customers moving to challenger brands are choosing the top specification, because luxury is now genuinely affordable. Octopus EVs is also expecting cars with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) tech, that enables some electric vehicles to power their owners home, will start to become more commonplace in future. For years the industry has been talking about the potential of V2G, both for driver's bills and helping to support our energy system, said Castillo. Octopus UK-first V2G tariff Power Pack showed that the technology is scalable, but were now seeing new models enter the market that can tap into batteries sitting on driveways. The likes of BMW, Kia and Renault all have V2G-ready cars coming this year watch this space. Vincent Chan worked at the Bright Horizons nursery for seven years until he was suspended in 2024 (Metropolitan Police) A paedophile nursery worker has pleaded guilty to 30 new sexual offences, including an upskirting incident that took place in a school classroom. Vincent Chan, 45, is facing years behind bars for molesting girls aged three and four while working at the Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road, West Hampstead, north London. Chan filmed himself carrying out the abuse during naptime at the nursery and also confessed to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. On Thursday at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Chan appeared via videolink from HMP Pentonville to face 30 new charges. He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of taking indecent photographs of children, six charges of outraging public decency, sexual assault on a female, and 11 counts of voyeurism. As a result of his guilty pleas, Chan has now admitted to filming up the skirts of children as they sat at tables in a classroom. Police also recovered images showing Chan exposing himself in a classroom in 2017, as well as videos, believed to be of Chan, depicting a solo sex act. He has also admitted to a campaign of voyeurism between 2011 and 2023. Scotland Yard said he had placed hidden cameras around his home to film women getting changed, and he has also confessed to sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep. The new set of charges relates to 10 girls and six women, and did not take place at Bright Horizons, said the Met. Chan will be sentenced on 12 February for all 56 offences that he has now admitted. Chan worked at the Bright Horizons nursery for seven years until he was suspended in 2024. This came after a colleague raised concerns about his activities with the children. The whistleblower complained that Chan had filmed a child falling asleep and set the footage to music, in a bid to entertain his colleagues. The Metropolitan Police investigation that followed unearthed Chans collection of more than 25,000 indecent images of children. Among them were videos taken by Chan himself as he sexually assaulted some of the children at the nursery while they were sleeping at naptime. In the new charges, Chan has admitted taking indecent images of children in 2024 and 2025, as well as outraging public decency offences in the classroom between 2011 and July 2017. One of Chans videos, from June 2011, showed him filming a girl from under a classroom table with the camera angled directly at her legs, the court heard. Sixteen images were identified of a schoolgirl taken from under a classroom table with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. Chan also had 13 images from 2016 showing two unidentified female child victims with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. In June 2017, Chan admitted to taking three images of a male holding an exposed penis whilst in classroom, and having a video showing a solo sex act in a classroom. In July 2017, Chan admitted to taking seven photos of him holding his exposed penis in a classroom. The classroom offences happened in north London, the court heard, before he joined Bright Horizons. Chan also pleaded guilty to taking indecent images of children between 2011 and 2016, sexual assault of a female in 2011, and nine counts of voyeurism involving the covert recording of people as they did private acts. In December, Chan appeared at Wood Green Crown Court to plead guilty to the first 26 charges he faced five charges of sexual assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, 11 charges of taking indecent images of children, and six counts of making indecent images of children. Police had recovered video evidence of Chan sexually abusing four young girls at the nursery. After the hearing, parents of children who went to the Bright Horizons nursery issued a statement saying: We feel that Bright Horizons has failed us. How was someone like Vincent Chan employed? Why did safeguarding systems fail completely? And how were such horrific crimes against children able to continue for so long without the staff responsible for safeguarding at Bright Horizons nursery acting? We are concerned that failures in management and supervision at Bright Horizons allowed this abuse to go undetected, and we are committed to securing accountability for our children. On Thursday, lawyers at Leigh Day, who are representing some of the parents, said they were sickened to learn of Chans further offending prior to his time at Bright Horizons Finchley Road. These further allegations raise deeply troubling questions about how safeguarding systems could have failed so badly that someone actively offending was able to secure employment as a nursery worker and offend without intervention for a number of years. Bright Horizons said in a statement in December that it was shocked and appalled at the crimes and has commissioned an expert review of its safeguarding practices. The families of 700 children who attended the nursery during the time Chan worked there, between 2017 and 2024, have been contacted and are receiving specialist support. A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up for anyone affected by Chans offending, on 0800 028 0828, which operates from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on weekends. The NSPCC helpline for families can be contacted on 0800 028 0828. Anyone who wants to make a report to police about Chan can contact OpLanark@met.police.uk, or call 101 from within the UK, quoting the reference CAD3697/1DEC. Chan, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, north London, remains in custody ahead of sentencing next month. (Deiby Martinez/Facebook) A small aircraft crash in a rural area of Colombias Norte de Santander province on Wednesday claimed the lives of all 15 people on board, including a member of congress, authorities said. The state-owned airline, Satena, which operated the flight, confirmed that local officials in the community of Curasica were the first to notify authorities of the crash site. A rescue team was promptly dispatched to "assess the condition of the passengers." However, Colombia's Transportation Ministry later issued a statement confirming the tragic outcome: "once the aircraft was located on site, authorities regrettably confirmed that there were no survivors." The aircraft, registered as HK4709, had departed at 11:42 a.m. local time from Cucuta, the departmental capital, en route to Ocana, a municipality nestled among mountains. The flight typically lasts approximately 40 minutes. (Deiby Martinez/Facebook) (Deiby Martinez/Facebook) The aircrafts final contact with air traffic control came minutes after takeoff, according to a statement released by Satena. Officials did not provide a cause for the crash, but said there would be an investigation. The small plane was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, including Diogenes Quintero, 36, a member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, the airline said. Carlos Salcedo, a social leader who was running for Congress, was also among the victims. Quintero was a renowned human rights defender in the troubled border region with Venezuela, where he was from and where the accident occurred. (AFP/Getty) (Deiby Martinez/Facebook) (Deiby Martinez/Facebook) A lawyer by profession, he was elected in 2022 as one of 16 representatives in the lower chamber to represent the more than 9 million victims of Colombia's decades-long armed conflict. The seats were created as part of a landmark 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the country's largest guerrilla group known as the FARC. His party, the U Party, expressed their remorse for his death and said he was a leader committed to his region, with a firm vocation for service. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said via social media: I am deeply saddened by these deaths. My heartfelt condolences to their families. May they rest in peace. Starmer Sir Keir Starmers career as a human rights lawyer is no secret. Nor is its centrality to his political career. In 2018, the then-shadow Brexit secretary said that he was a human rights lawyer for 20 years. He trumpeted the values of that calling, and was utterly ironclad in his belief of its righteousness. I believed the only question in my lifetime would be how much further do we extend those values? he said at the time. I did not think in my lifetime wed actually be having an argument about those values. Small wonder, then, that The Telegraphs reporting on the Prime Ministers past views and actions has struck a nerve. On Wednesday, we reported that Sir Keir had previously authored a chapter in a book edited by a lawyer who specialised in persecuting British soldiers, in which he made the case that Britains armed forces should be investigated under European human rights law. This was not Sir Keir doing his duty by representing a client of whom he may not have approved of; it was, presumably, unremunerated, or very poorly remunerated, polemicising. It simply reflects Sir Keirs personal obsessions. Downing Street has called our story a desperate and deliberate misrepresentation, and Sir Keirs piece an academic legal analysis about international human rights law. The fact that he chose to participate in this project, however, and to make this argument, is informative as to the Prime Ministers degree of attachment to a particular strand of legal activism. This attachment may at present be geographically curtailed the Prime Ministers trip to China has so far been short on criticism of a regime which stands accused of systematic, brutal denial of the fundamental rights of its citizens but in matters of policy, at least, it has defined Sir Keirs career. It has also left him ill-prepared for political challenges of the day: boosting economic growth, restoring our borders and safeguarding our nation. Sir Keirs obsession with trendy legal causes has left him with little experience promoting the first, and a set of views on military force and the law which hinder the second and third. Given the degree to which the Prime Ministers stances shared by his Attorney General, Richard Hermer influence policy, accurate reporting on their nature is of intense public interest. The views of Sir Keir have in no way been misrepresented. The only question is whether he still holds them. The Wildfire Quest Team advances to Alaska finals in autonomous wildfire response competition. SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a field dominated by universities, defense contractors, and international research labs, a team of Silicon Valley teenagers has broken into the Top 5 finalists of the Autonomous Wildfire Response Track of the $11 million XPRIZE Wildfire competition. VCS High Schoolers Shock Global Field with Kaizen Aerospace and SensoRy AI, Team Advances as Finalist in $11M XPRIZE Post this VCS equips students to pursue advanced STEM research through hands-on engineering, mentorship, and applied problem-solving that aims to serve communities and address global challenges. Valley Christian Schools (VCS), along with its technology partners Kaizen Aerospace and SensoRy AI, announced today that its student engineering team, Wildfire Quest, has advanced as one of the five Finalists in the $11 million XPRIZE Wildfire competition's Autonomous Wildfire Response track, continuing a historic run as the only high school team competing at this level in the global field. "These students aren't building science projects, they're building solutions firefighters actually need," said Danny Kim of Valley Christian Schools. "They're tackling the same problems professionals face: speed, terrain, and extreme conditions." Finalist teams advancing in the Autonomous Wildfire Response track passed a rigorous judging process, which assessed their Technical Readiness Level (TRL) across three core areas: Smart Wildfire Detection; Autonomous Navigation & Safety; Autonomous Suppression, which then gave an aggregated TRL. Additionally, teams were assessed on their system scalability to meet the 1000km2 area. "Globally, wildfires are becoming more frequent, more intense, more unpredictable, and more destructive," said Andrea Santy, XPRIZE Wildfire Program Director. "The technologies being developed by these Finalist teams offer meaningful solutions with the potential to fundamentally change how we detect, respond to, and ultimately prevent catastrophic wildfire events." From Classroom to Fireline: A Valley Ecosystem Built for Breakthroughs The team's success is powered by Valley Christian's AMSE Institute, which gives high school students access to advanced R&D tools, rapid prototyping, mentorship, and engineering resources typically found only at universities or in industry labs. Students have spent years iterating on a next-generation wildfire platform that integrates early detection, decision-making, and suppression, designed with real-world fire behavior in mind. Where Student Ingenuity Meets Industry Muscle That work is reinforced by industry partners Kazien Aerospace and SensoRy AI, whose technologies expand the system's operational realism and performance. "Wildfire response demands speed, autonomy, and reliability under extreme conditions," said Ziv Marom, Founder and CEO of Kazien Aerospace. "What impressed us about Wildfire Quest is not just the talent of the students, but their commitment to building systems that work in the real world. Our role is to bring proven heavy-lift + AI autonomous flight and operational experience to the table, and together we're demonstrating what's possible when industry and next-generation engineers work side by side to protect lives and communities." Together, Kaizen and SensoRy AI help complete the full response loop by pairing heavy-lift autonomous suppression with rapid, long-range detection and precise location reporting. The result is a system designed to move from first alert to targeted action in minutes, not hours. "Wildfire response hinges on two things: knowing quickly that a fire exists and knowing exactly where it is", said Ryan Honary, Founder of SensoRy AI, "We've designed and field-tested our platform to deliver both. As a teenager, it's been particularly exciting to collaborate with other teens and the Kaizen team to integrate that capability into a complete suppression workflow, and exactly the kind of practical innovation this challenge is meant to surface." What Comes Next: Alaska Finals and Real-World Testing With this global competition culminating in Alaska this June, Wildfire Quest is poised to test its technology where it matters most, under real conditions, real pressure, and real stakes. The team's advancement signals a new model for innovation, where students, industry, and mission-driven education come together to protect lives and landscapes. About Valley Christian Schools and the AMSE Institute Valley Christian Schools is a faith-based, college-preparatory K12 community in San Jose, California. Through the AMSE Institute, VCS equips students to pursue advanced STEM research through hands-on engineering, mentorship, and applied problem-solving that aims to serve communities and address global challenges. Learn more at vcs.net/amse or visit vcs.net. About Kaizen Aerospace: Heavy-Lift Autonomy for Aerial Suppression Kaizen Aerospace contributes proven expertise in heavy-lift autonomous dronescapable of carrying payloads up to 1,000 lbpaired with AI-driven mission navigation via its xNav system. For Wildfire Quest, Kaizen provides flight technology, integration support, and operational experience to execute rapid, reliable aerial suppression. Kaizen has joined as a long-term partner, dedicated to advancing next-generation tools for firefighting through and beyond the XPRIZE competition. About SensoRy AI: Detecting Fires in Minutes, From Miles Away SensoRy AI, founded by Ryan Honary, provides its patented multi-sensor platform capable of detecting wildfires in their incipient stage from thousands of feet away and reporting them within minutes. Developed with guidance and mentorship of Professor Kavehpour, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at UCLA, and support from Orange County Fire Authority, the system has undergone extensive field testing with real fires and has been deployed in the field for more than six months. The technology not only identifies small fires at long distances but also reports precise locations, enabling Wildfire Quest to rapidly deploy drones for suppression. About XPRIZE XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity's greatest challenges. For over 30 years, our unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future. Donate, learn more, and co-architect a world of abundance with us at xprize.org. SOURCE Valley Christian Schools Non-crime hate incidents are those perceived to be motivated by hostility due to characteristics such as race, without meeting the threshold of a criminal offence. Photograph: NurPhoto/SIPA USA/PA Images (Photograph: NurPhoto/SIPA USA/PA Images) It would be a disaster for disabled people if police stop recording and investigating lower-level incidents of abuse that often lead to more serious hate crimes, according to researchers and campaigners. As part of wide-ranging changes to policing, the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, confirmed this week that the category of non-crime hate incidents would be scrapped in its current form in England and Wales. Non-crime hate incidents are those perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people because of certain characteristics, such as race or religion, but that do not meet the threshold of a criminal offence. Last year, police chiefs declared the category not fit for purpose after a series of high-profile cases in which outspoken individuals were arrested because of social media posts about race and gender, prompting concerns about freedom of speech. Mahmood has said she wants officers to focus on the day job and stop policing perfectly legal tweets. But disabled campaigners warned that if day-to-day instances of lower-level abuse were not recorded then police and other agencies would lose vital intelligence. Stopping the recording of non-crime hate incidents would be a disaster for disabled people, said Prof Stephen Macdonald, a professor of criminology and disability studies at Durham University. Hate crime is the tip of the iceberg, but repeat hate incidents are the hidden day-to-day reality for many disabled people, he said. Macdonald has extensively researched disability hate crime, whether thats neighbours banging on doors, blocking access routes, engaging in aggressive behaviour, or even throwing dog faeces at a persons property. It may not meet the threshold for a serious crime but its the kind of behaviour that can often escalate into stalking and harassment, incitement of violence, or serious assaults. Macdonald said that hate crime against disabled people was overlooked in government data and academic research, with the law itself developed around stranger assaults such as the racist attack that killed Stephen Lawrence rather than the incremental abuse from neighbours, carers or local young people, which is often more commonly experienced by disabled people. In my research Ive come across instances where whole families have been targeted by ongoing abuse and forced to move house to escape it. Its really important to record these lower level incidents because they add up, said Mark Brookes, campaigns adviser at Dimensions, the UKs largest specialist support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. Brookes, who has a learning disability, describes an incident a few years ago in which he was followed by a driver as he walked home from the station one evening. I heard a car revving behind me. There was laughing and giggling, then shouting mong and spastic and they threw something at me. I quickly ran away and it was only when I got home I saw it was an egg. This level of abuse was very familiar to the people he worked with, said Brookes, who has trained more than 3,000 police officers in how to give people with learning disabilities more confidence to report hate crimes. He describes another man with a learning disability who was subject to a campaign of name-calling and intimidation after neighbours got angry at his support worker taking up a parking space outside his supporting living accommodation. Louise Holden, senior policy officer for Inclusion London, said: Only 1 in 10 hate crimes against disabled people are thought to be reported and there are low rates of investigation and conviction, meaning disabled victims rarely see justice. We know that recording and investigating non-hate crime incidents is a vital evidence base for proving patterns of abuse and securing a conviction. At a time when disabled peoples confidence in police handling of reports is low, we mustnt take away vital evidence, but instead should strengthen the law. Inclusion London supports the Law Commissions recommendation to make disability hate crime an aggravated offence, alongside other protected characteristics. Responding to the home secretarys proposals, Police Scotland said they would continue to record non-crime hate incidents which can be used for monitoring of community tensions and forward planning. A Home Office spokesperson said: Disability hate crimes are completely unacceptable, and we are committed to tackling these appalling crimes. We asked the College of Policing and the NPCC to look into non-crime hate incidents and will consider their report due in a few weeks. Sanija Ameti, right, arrives at court with her lawyer (Keystone via AP) A Swiss politician has been convicted for shooting a poster featuring an image of the baby Jesus and posting photos online. Zurich council member Sanija Ameti was given a suspended fine for disturbing freedom of religion and worship, the Zurich district court said in its ruling on Wednesday. Ameti, 33, is an independent who formerly belonged to the Green-Liberal party. She was given a suspended fine of 3,000 Swiss francs (about 2830), along with a penalty of 500 francs (about 472). Prosecutors in the case had asked the court for a larger fine. Swiss public broadcaster RTS reported that Ameti did not speak during the hearing. Ameti's lawyer and his office did not respond to emailed requests for comment. Sanija Ameti was given a suspended fine (Keystone) In September 2024, Ameti fired a sport pistol at an auction poster that showed details of the work Madonna with Child and the Archangel Michael by 14th-century Italian painter Tommaso del Mazza. She then posted images to Instagram showing the damage to the poster, including about 13 bullet holes in the face of the baby Jesus and four in the face of his mother, the Virgin Mary. Those images were later removed. Ameti apologised and announced her resignation from the Zurich Green-Liberal party on 9 September, but the shootings and posting caused an uproar and she lost her job in public relations. The national branch of the party also announced that it would initiate expulsion proceedings on the same day. Kath.ch, the website of the media centre for the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland, initially said that bishops had condemned the shooting, saying it hurt the sensibilities of many Catholics. Catholic leaders later expressed forgiveness. Ameti explained she had been practicing shots from about 10 metres (33 feet) and found the poster as big enough for a suitable target, and only belatedly realised the religious character of the target. Rangers first-half collapse saw them conclude their dismal Europa League campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Porto in the Estadio do Dragao. Gers attacker Djeidi Gassama headed the visitors in front after just six minutes but they soon fell apart with some calamitous defending and goals from teenager Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal before the break left Danny Rohls side reeling, with the Portuguese side comfortably fending off an improved Govan side after the break. Rangers were already out of the competition before kick-off but it was a first defeat in nine games for the Ibrox side, who at times in the first half reverted back to early-season form. The Light Blues, who drop out the competition with four points from eight league phase fixtures, return to the more encouraging environment of the William Hill Premiership on Sunday, where they face Hibernian at Easter Road hoping to at least remain four points behind leaders Hearts. Rohl was always going to have an eye on Hibs albeit his three January signings Denmark winger Andreas Skov Olsen, Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, and Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens were ineligible as was Nedim Bajrami. The Gers boss made five changes with Max Aarons, Mohamed Diomande, Findlay Curtis, Gassama and Youssef Chermiti coming into the team. Francesco Fariolis side had lost just one game in seven Euro fixtures to sit ninth and were looking for automatic qualification but home fans were soon taken aback when Curtis cross from the right was headed down into the ground and past Portugal international keeper Diogo Costa by Gassama. Porto, however, soon took control and in the 27th minute, when Gers defender Jayden Meghoma toe-poked the ball towards his own goal trying to clear, 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora controlled quickly and fired in from close range. There was a VAR check for a possible Porto penalty minutes later when Fernandez left Pepe on the floor with a last-gasp tackle inside the Light Blues box but played moved on. Rangers crumbled to lose two goals in five minutes close to the end of the half. In the 36th minute, after skipper James Tavernier and keeper Jack Butland stumbled into each other as they tried to deal with a long ball into the box, Francisco Moura was left to flick into the net from a yard out. An off-balance Fernandez headed into his own net from a corner in the 41st minute to add to the Gers misery. The Govan men tried to make a fight of it in the second half with Rohl using all five substitutes, looking to Easter Road at the weekend. In the 63rd minute Gers midfielder Nico Raskin drew a save from Costa, the corner posing no danger. Butland then got himself in trouble wide in his own box but substitute John Souttar mopped up and there were some more near misses by Porto, who move on with Rangers bowing out. A retired couple are fearing the worst flooding in over a decade with heavy rainfall set to fall on Thursday. Lesley and John Parker, from Burrowbridge in Somerset, say they have installed flood defences, concerned water will come "straight up through the floor". Their preparations follow Storm Chandra, which brought disruption and flooding across the UK on Tuesday, prompting Somerset Council to declare a major incident. A key route through Burrowbridge is already shut, and the Environment Agency's nearby pumps run at "full capacity" to drain water. The heavy rainfall forecast for Thursday has left the Parkers and their neighbours fearing the worst. Mr and Mrs Parker said the conditions are the scariest they have seen since their home was devastated by flooding in 2014, when 3ft of water inside the house forced them to evacuate. The heavy rainfall forecast for Thursday has left the Parkers and their neighbours fearing the worst (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire) The couple said they have been mostly left to (their) own devices, and believe the Environment Agency has done too little too late to save their home of 14 years. Mr Parker said: The thing was, in 2014, the whole process was much slower, it was almost like slow motion. Whereas this has happened so fast that nothing has actually been set up yet. Despite covering the doors and vents with sandbags, the couple said the water came straight up through the floor during the last serious flood. Mr Parker added: The water came in one afternoon, we thought we might survive, went to bed and got up in the morning and there was a foot or so of water in the ground floor. The insurance company arranged a hotel, and we went to the hotel and stayed there for a couple of weeks. When the water had gone, which was five weeks after it came in, we came back We lived in a caravan on the drive from the middle of March to November. The couple say the Environment Agency has done too little too late to save their home of 14 years (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire) On Wednesday, the couple installed a flood barrier provided by their local rotary club and stuffed sandbags outside the entrances to their home. Mrs Parker said: Theres been a few sort of hairy moments, but at the moment with the forecast, the rate and rise of the water is the quickest its ever been. Weve had a few scares, but this is probably the scariest, and I was told on Monday I would be under water today. Somerset Council said an estimated 50 properties had been affected by flooding across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel in the wake of Storm Chandra. Council leader Bill Revans said: The weather forecast remains challenging so we will be working with colleagues in the emergency services to ensure we are prepared should the situation continue to deteriorate. There were no Met Office weather warnings in place on Wednesday, but yellow warnings for rain have been issued for the south west of England on Thursday. Alan Sandwell, who lives close to the Saltmoor pumping station in Burrowbridge, said he was promised his house would never flood when he moved in two months ago. Yellow warnings for rain have been issued for the south west of England on Thursday (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire) You never say never, so weve got precautions coming tomorrow if we need it, he added. Im concerned with the fact that there always seems to be stuff happening, always too late. Its like shutting the gate when the horse has bolted. A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: Our incident response has been ahead of the curve not behind it. Staff have been working hard 24/7 to protect people and property. Additional pumps have been set up ahead of agreed timing and we pumped down water levels ahead of Storm Ingrid to mitigate its impact. We cant pump water into already full rivers. But as soon as they drop we are prepared to maximise that window of opportunity. The Environment Agency said a rain gauge in Fulwood, Somerset, had recorded the wettest seven-day period in at least 30 years last week. (Lucy Delius) For centuries, the category of pinky rings was dominated by the signet ring. Those chunky family crest-emblazoned creations were favoured by everyone from Henry VIII to any given cast member of Made In Chelsea. But a fresher, more sparkly take has emerged of late. Behold: the rise of pinky bling. First, there was Meghan Markle, whos been sporting a rock on her little finger since her days as a working royal. Nobody who sat through the dried flower-dusting of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan could have failed to miss her bezel-set emerald-cut diamond pinky ring. The chic piece, made by jeweller Lorraine Schwartz, is worth an estimated 60,000. Kylie Jenner at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards (E!) Then there was Kylie Jenner at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, clapping on her beau Timothee Chalamet with a pear-shaped dazzler for a pinky ring. And just this week, Margot Robbie shared that she and her Wuthering Heights co-star Jacob Elordi have matching bespoke signet rings made by London-based Cece Jewellery, which feature two skeletons embracing and a quote from the book encircled in a ring of diamonds. Historically, signet rings were used as seals for letters and official documents, often bearing a noble familys crest, says founder Cece Fein-Hughes. (Cece Jewellery) But theyve moved far beyond their traditional association with posh British aristocracy. You no longer need a family crest or noble lineage to wear one; today, theyre about personality, identity and self-expression. The undisputed master of pinky bling for those in-the-know is London-based jeweller Lucy Delius. One of her most distinctive pieces is a riff on the traditional signet covered in Victorian-set diamond pave. Im calling 2026 the year of the signet ring, says Delius. I think were seeing a shift from the family crest traditions to something more experimental and exciting because whats more fun than pushing the boundaries of the norm? Signet rings no longer have the fussy, posho connotations to them and now we see women buying them for themselves as a style signifier. As well as style, they can sometimes carry a deeper meaning. Look at Emily Ratajkowski, who sent the concept of divorce rings mainstream by splitting out her east-west engagement ring into two separate rings one of which is worn on the little finger. (@emrata) This is a mood Charlotte Needham has tapped into through her brand The Promise Co., which includes a range of chic pinky promise rings. Whats interesting is how the symbolism is being reclaimed and reinterpreted, especially by women, she says. Were seeing women choose signets to mark self-promises, personal milestones, independence or career achievements. It feels like a modern form of self-coronation wearing something that once symbolised status and legacy, but now symbolises personal power and identity. When I started wearing one, stacked beneath the Russian wedding ring Ive worn on my pinky for years, it attracted more compliments than any other piece of jewellery. Pinky bling still feels unexpected, glamorous and a bit ridiculous. Theres a defiance to it that asks: why let engagement rings have all the fun? Its only a matter of time before they start appearing on the high street. In the meantime, heres a selection of the best to buy now, from blow-the-budget options to surprisingly affordable pieces. (The Promise Co.) The Promise Co. 18kt gold vermeil ring, 105, thepromiseco.com (Lucy Delius) Lucy Delius diamond signet ring, 6,700, lucydelius.co (Heavenly London) Heavenly London 18kt gold-plated ring, 180, heavenlylondon.com (Laura Vann) Laura Vann 18kt gold vermeil ring, 180, lauravann.co.uk (Cece Jewellery) Newly-discovered markers in peoples blood can help identify the earliest signs of Parkinsons disease years before symptoms start, Swedish researchers said Thursday. While there is currently no cure for the degenerative brain condition that affects an estimated 1.1 million Americans and no test to diagnose the disease, early detection is crucial to administer treatments that can slow its progression. A blood test for these markers could lead to earlier diagnoses, giving patients and doctors more time to respond. By the time the motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease appear, 50 to 80 percent of the relevant brain cells are often already damaged or gone, Danish Anwer, a doctoral student at Chalmers University of Technology, explained in a statement. The study is an important step towards facilitating early identification of the disease and counteracting its progression before it has gone this far, Anwer added. Annikka Polster, Chalmers University of Technology, senior researcher in the study, with Nicola Pietro Montaldo, Oslo University Hospital, who also participated in the study. (Guro Flor Lien) A crucial window The biological processes that result in the disease leave traces in the blood, the universitys team found, but only for a short time, between the incubation of memory-impacting Parkinsons and its symptoms. To find these traces, the researchers focused on two processes long thought to be involved in the early phase of Parkinsons - appearing up to 20 years before tremors and other motor symptoms are seen. The first is the bodys ability to repair damage to DNA, and the second is cells response to stress. Both processes work to fix damage in our cells. Using a type of AI known as machine learning, the researchers were able to identify a genetic pattern in people who werent healthy and didnt yet have Parkinsons symptoms. This pattern indicated that both processes in the blood vessels were tied to the start of the disease. This means that we have found an important window of opportunity in which the disease can be detected before motor symptoms caused by nerve damage in the brain appear, Annikka Polster, an assistant professor at the Department of Life Sciences, said. A Parkinson's patient draws spirals with and without a glove that is used to stabilize tremors. Motor symptoms like tremors typically start after patients turn 50 - but may also be seen in people as young as 20 years old (AFP via Getty Images) Real world implications Previous studies have identified other biological indicators of early Parkinsons - looking in blood, brain fluid and even earwax. A protein tied to cell loss in the brain called alpha-synuclein is the first widely used biomarker, according to the Parkinsons Foundation. But, tests for widespread screening to detect early Parkinsons are not yet available and doctors have to rely on symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis. Motor symptoms typically start in people after they turn 50, but are sometimes seen in people as young as 20 years old, according to Mass General Brigham. The Chalmers researchers say their findings could lead to such a test within just five years, as well as contribute to drug development. If we can study the mechanisms as they happen, it could provide important keys to understanding how they can be stopped and which drugs might be effective, said Polster. This may involve new drugs, but also drug repurposing, where we can use drugs developed for diseases other than Parkinsons because the same gene activities or mechanisms are active. Recent twists and turns in the relationship between Britain and China are damaging to both countries, Xi Jinping told Sir Keir Starmer as the two leaders met in Beijing on Thursday. Ahead of face-to-face talks as part of efforts to reset diplomatic relations between the two countries, President Xi praised Labour governments for their important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations, while Sir Keir said he wants a more sophisticated relationship with Beijing. The prime ministers controversial three-day visit to China, which he has claimed will make the UK safer and richer, comes despite stark concerns over the threat the country poses to Britains national security and mounting pressure on the PM to secure the release of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping pictured at the Great Hall of the People (No 10 Downing Street) Sitting down with Mr Xi on Thursday in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sir Keir said it had been too long since a British prime minister had visited China, which he described as a vital player on the global stage. Mr Xi told Sir Keir the two men would stand the test of history if they could rise above differences, adding: China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries. He said: Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude. The PM has faced considerable pressure at home to address China's human rights record, particularly concerning the detention of Mr Lai and the treatment of the Uyghur minority. It also comes after the trial of two men accused of spying for China last year collapsed, and an accusation from MI5 in November that Chinese spies had been posing as headhunters on LinkedIn to target MPs as part of a widespread operation to access information about the UK government. China and the UK have agreed to a frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement, a spokesperson has said (AP) Earlier, Sir Keir remained tight-lipped on the specifics of what he intended to raise with Mr Xi, stating only that he had always raised the issues that need to be raised on foreign trips but would not get ahead of himself. While Sir Keir said he raised Mr Lais case, the PM has played down hopes of a breakthrough. Asked how forcefully he raised issues including the jailing of Mr Lai and the treatment of the Uighur minority, Sir Keir said: We raised those issues, as you would expect. Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what weve done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on. He said they had a respectful discussion and that was part and parcel of the reason to engage. The PM visiting The Forbidden City during his state visit (Getty) A Downing Street spokesperson said Sir Keir and Mr Xi agreed to a frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement during their meeting. They agreed they would continue to enhance cooperation on areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement, No 10 said. It comes after Mr Lais son, Sebastien, said the normalising of relationships between the UK and China cannot happen until my father is free. The PM also said he made good progress on talks on tariffs and visa-free travel to China in his meeting with Mr Xi, saying he and the Chinese leader had discussed how huge opportunities in China could benefit people back in the UK. China had said, in its own readout of the meeting, that it was willing to actively consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the UK. Thursdays day of talks with the Chinese leadership began with Sir Keir meeting the chair of Chinas National Peoples Congress, Zhao Leji. Mr Zhao said it was significant to develop the UK-China relationship amid the changing and turbulent international landscape. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome when he arrived in Beijing (PA Wire) He also praised Sir Keirs efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were on the correct track to improvement and development and positive progress has been made. Later on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer received a ceremonial welcome. A military band played God Save The King and the Chinese national anthem, March Of The Volunteers, before the two men inspected an honour guard of around 140 troops from the Chinese army, navy and air force. At the start of his meeting with Sir Keir, Mr Li told the prime minister that his efforts to improve relations had been widely welcomed in both countries. A significant focus is anticipated to be a joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operation designed to combat illegal Channel crossings by disrupting the supply of small boat engines. This initiative aims to tackle the issue at its source, given that approximately 60 per cent of engines powering small boats across the Channel are Chinese-manufactured, with many vessels also utilising Chinese components. The proposed deal is understood to encompass intelligence sharing on smugglers supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to deter them from supplying criminal gangs. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance the removal of individuals without legal residency in the UK and intensify efforts against Chinese organised crime groups involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids. Ministers are hopeful that this agreement will contribute to a significant reduction in Channel crossings, amid growing pressure to bring numbers down in the face of the growing popularity of Reform UK. South Korea has launched what it calls world-first laws aimed at regulating artificial intelligence. Photograph: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images) South Korea has embarked on a foray into the regulation of AI, launching what has been billed as the most comprehensive set of laws anywhere in the world, that could prove a model for other countries, but the new legislation has already encountered pushback. The laws, which will force companies to label AI-generated content, have been criticised by local tech startups, which say they go too far, and civil society groups, which say they dont go far enough. The AI basic act, which took effect on Thursday last week, comes amid growing global unease over artificially created media and automated decision-making, as governments struggle to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies. Related: Wake up to the risks of AI, they are almost here, Anthropic boss warns The act will force companies providing AI services to: Add invisible digital watermarks for clearly artificial outputs such as cartoons or artwork. For realistic deepfakes, visible labels are required. High-impact AI, including systems used for medical diagnosis, hiring and loan approvals, will require operators to conduct risk assessments and document how decisions are made. If a human makes the final decision the system may fall outside the category. Extremely powerful AI models will require safety reports, but the threshold is set so high that government officials acknowledge no models worldwide currently meet it. Companies that violate the rules face fines of up to 30m won (15,000), but the government has promised a grace period of at least a year before penalties are imposed. The legislation is being billed as the worlds first to be fully enforced by a country, and central to South Koreas ambition to become one of the worlds three leading AI powers alongside the US and China. Government officials maintain the law is 80-90% focused on promoting industry rather than restricting it. Alice Oh, a computer science professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), said that while the law was not perfect, it was intended to evolve without stifling innovation. However a survey in December from the Startup Alliance found that 98% of AI startups were unprepared for compliance. Its co-head, Lim Jung-wook, said frustration was widespread. Theres a bit of resentment, he said. Why do we have to be the first to do this? Companies must self-determine whether their systems qualify as high-impact AI, a process critics say is lengthy and creates uncertainty. They also warn of competitive imbalance: all Korean companies face regulation regardless of size, while only foreign firms meeting certain thresholds such as Google and OpenAI must comply. The push for regulation has unfolded against a uniquely charged domestic backdrop that has left civil society groups worried the legislation does not go far enough. South Korea accounts for 53% of all global deepfake pornography victims, according to a 2023 report by Security Hero, a US-based identity protection firm. In August 2024, an investigation exposed massive networks of Telegram chatrooms creating and distributing AI-generated sexual imagery of women and girls, foreshadowing the scandal that would later erupt around Elon Musks Grok chatbot. The laws origins, however, predate this crisis, with the first AI-related bill submitted to parliament in July 2020. It stalled repeatedly in part due to provisions that were accused of prioritising industry interests over citizen protection. Civil society groups maintain that the new legislation provides limited protection for people harmed by AI systems. Four organisations, including Minbyun, a collective of human rights lawyers, issued a joint statement the day after it was implemented arguing the law contained almost no provisions to protect citizens from AI risks. The groups noted that while the law stipulated protection for users, those users were hospitals, financial companies and public institutions that use AI systems, not people affected by AI. The law established no prohibited AI systems, they argued, and exemptions for human involvement created significant loopholes. The countrys human rights commission has criticised the enforcement decree for lacking clear definitions of high-impact AI, noting that those most likely to suffer rights violations remain in regulatory blind spots. In a statement, the ministry of science and ICT said it expected the law to remove legal uncertainty and build a healthy and safe domestic AI ecosystem, adding that it would continue to clarify the rules through revised guidelines. Experts said South Korea had deliberately chosen a different path from other jurisdictions. Unlike the EUs strict risk-based regulatory model, the US and UKs largely sector-specific, market-driven approaches, or Chinas combination of state-led industrial policy and detailed service-specific regulation, South Korea has opted for a more flexible, principles-based framework, said Melissa Hyesun Yoon, a law professor at Hanyang University who specialises in AI governance. That approach is centred on what Yoon describes as trust-based promotion and regulation. Koreas framework will serve as a useful reference point in global AI governance discussions, she said. Sir Keir Starmer is facing urgent calls from a cross-party group of MPs to secure the release of British citizen Jimmy Lai, who they warn faces a "de facto death sentence" in a Hong Kong prison, as the Prime Minister concludes his visit to China. Pressure has mounted on Sir Keir to prioritise the case of the 78-year-old British national, an influential figure in Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Mr Lai has been "arbitrarily detained" for over five years, much of it in solitary confinement, following his arrest in 2020 under Hong Kongs national security law. In a letter sent to the Prime Minister during his trip, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs stated: "We hope one of the conditions of your visit is that you will be bringing Jimmy Lai home with you." The group expressed grave concerns for Mr Lais welfare, adding: "Following his conviction, which is unsound and politically motivated, if Jimmy remains arbitrarily detained by the Chinese Communist Party he is likely to receive a very lengthy custodial sentence, and possibly a life sentence. This will be a de facto death sentence for him given his age and declining health, exacerbated by his poor treatment. After being in solitary confinement for over 1,800 days, his health is rapidly deteriorating and his life is now at risk." Pressure has mounted on Sir Keir to prioritise the case of the 78-year-old British national, an influential figure in Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement (Supplied) Sir Keirs visit to China has largely focused on fostering closer economic ties with the East Asian trading giant, aiming to mend relations after a strained period under the previous Conservative government. Negotiations have reportedly yielded a 30-day visa-free deal for Britons travelling to China and an easing of tariffs on whisky exports. Pressure has mounted on Sir Keir to prioritise the case of the 78-year-old British national, an influential figure in Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement (Supplied) However, the APPG cautioned that the "UKs bilateral and trading relationship with China must not be advanced without any regard for the life of a British citizen imprisoned for his defence of democratic values." The letter was signed by its chairwoman, Tory shadow minister Alicia Kearns, alongside vice chairs Labour peer Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws, SNP MP Brendan OHara, and Labour MP Tim Roca. Responding to the concerns, Sir Keir confirmed he had a "respectful discussion" on Mr Lais detention, as well as the treatment of the Uighur minority, during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Prime Minister stated: "We raised those issues, as you would expect. Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what weve done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on." Sir Keir Starmer in Beijing on Wednesday. The PM was a human rights lawyer before he entered politics - Carl Court/Getty Sir Keir Starmer worked with Phil Shiner, the disgraced lawyer, on a second case that used the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to target British troops in Iraq. The Prime Minister represented an Iraqi who sued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for jailing him in Basra, prompting a ruling critics say has harmed the Armed Forces ever since. It is the second example unearthed by The Telegraph of Shiner, Sir Keir and Lord Hermer working on a case that laid the groundwork for British troops to be prosecuted. Court documents show that while working as a human rights lawyer, Sir Keir accepted the case alongside Lord Hermer, now the Attorney General, and Shiner, who was later jailed for presenting falsified evidence against British troops. Sir Keir Starmer (right) with Phil Shiner, the human rights lawyer who has since been convicted and barred from practising - Middlesex University Sir Keir represented Hilal al-Jedda, who was jailed without charge in occupied Iraq for three years on suspicion of terrorist activity, and claimed his human rights had been breached. The case resulted in a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that has encouraged British troops not to detain potential enemy combatants. Critics say it has cost lives and made the Armed Forces hyper-cautious and risk-averse. Earlier this week, The Telegraph revealed that Shiner, Sir Keir and Lord Hermer were involved in a separate 2007 case that ultimately led the MoD to order inquiries into deaths in Iraq. This triggered years of criminal investigations of soldiers who had been wrongly accused, at an enormous cost to the taxpayer. Tom Tugendhat, the former Conservative cabinet minister who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Sir Keirs work had turned British troops into whipping boys for the courts and left senior officers paralysed by potential litigation. Both the Conservatives and Reform have pledged to leave the ECHR if they win the next election. Critics claim the advantage of leaving for the UK would be to take back control over human rights law, after several cases highlighted by The Telegraph where killers, sex offenders and rejected asylum seekers have used Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to family life, to block their deportations. Sir Keir has repeatedly rejected calls to leave the convention but said last month that it must be reformed to help combat illegal migration. The Jedda ruling has since been cited by military experts and legal scholars as an example of the lawfare facing British troops operating overseas and vexatious war-crime allegations against them. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said Sir Keirs involvement in the case was completely extraordinary and had led to a whole series of vexatious prosecutions against British troops who served on operations in Iraq. He said: The Prime Minister has a moral duty to explain to Parliament, and especially those veterans who were wrongfully pursued, exactly what he did and why. Court documents show that Sir Keir represented Mr Jedda. He was captured by American forces in October 2004, then held by British troops in Basra for three years without charge, while suspected of being a member of a terrorist group responsible for attacks on Western forces. In the case, Sir Keir argued that European human rights law applied to areas of Iraq occupied by Western coalition troops, and that Mr Jeddas ECHR right to freedom from arbitrary detention had been breached. The House of Lords dismissed the appeal, arguing that the ECHR was superseded by a United Nations Security Council resolution. Downing Street said on Wednesday night that Sir Keir had represented people whose views he disagrees with because of the cab rank rule that requires barristers to take any case they are offered. However, an article by Sir Keir in the Socialist Lawyer magazine suggests he personally agreed with Mr Jeddas case at the time, arguing that the decision to reject the appeal showed an alarming approach from the law lords. He also cited the case in a chapter he worked on for a book, edited by Shiner, which argued in favour of the use of international human rights law in war zones controlled by British forces. Four years later, Shiner brought the case back for a further appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, where Mr Jedda won. Sir Keir did not represent him at the European appeal. The successful appeal established in law that the right to freedom from arbitrary detention in European law applied even in conflict zones in the Middle East, controlled by Western forces. Lord Brown, a former justice of the Supreme Court, singled out the case in 2016 as one of several judgments that have all tended rather to undermine our military capability and to lead to our Armed Forces becoming hyper-cautious and risk-averse. He told the House of Lords that the particular consequence of the Jedda decision in Strasbourg is that [the Armed Forces] have become unable to detain suspect foreign fighters whom we capture, however dangerous we judge them to be if left at large. Lord Hermer, now the Attorney General, worked with Sir Keir Starmer and Phil Shiner on human rights cases - Leon Neal/Getty Mr Jedda, whose case is a key plank of human rights law in conflict zones, was stripped of his British citizenship in 2007, shortly before his release from the prison in Basra. After a High Court appeal in 2010, this decision was overturned, and his citizenship was reinstated. Lord Hermer once again acted for Mr Jedda in the 2010 case, though Sir Keir did not as he had since become director of public prosecutions. After a Supreme Court judgment in 2013, Mr Jedda was once again stripped of his British citizenship. A Downing Street spokesman said: Everybody is entitled to legal representation in this country, which means the Prime Minister has represented people whose views he disagrees with. But he was not involved in the case heard in the European Court of Human Rights that led to the relevant judgment. As our countrys chief prosecutor, the Prime Minister protected Britains national security by locking up 150 terrorists, including the first conviction of an al-Qaeda ringleader and the liquid bomb plotters who tried to carry out a British 9/11. NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilco Global real estate group is accepting offers for the Grant Building, a 125,000 SF, 10-story site with hospitality and mixed-use redevelopment opportunities. Available via a bankruptcy sale, this downtown Atlanta property is a historic landmark located in the Fairlie-Poplar district at 44 Broad Street, Atlanta, Ga. Originally completed in 1898 by the architectural firm Bruce & Morgan, this steel-framed skyscraper is among the oldest surviving high-rises in the Southeast and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. A hallmark of Chicago School architecture, this site is recognized for its rectilinear form, expansive windows designed to maximize natural light and ornate terra cotta detailing, defining its presence in downtown Atlanta. Over the years, there have been meaningful improvements, most recently with a renovation in 2024. The building has been partially gutted and prepped for a full interior build-out, creating a rare opportunity to reimagine an architecturally significant structure for modern use. With its large floor plates, high ceilings and abundant window lines, the property is ideally suited for boutique hospitality, residential or mixed-use redevelopment, including ground-floor retail and food-and-beverage concepts. Located in the heart of the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, the property is surrounded by distinctive character and lies within proximity to some of Atlanta's most active urban corridors. Major destinations such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, along with multiple MARTA rail stations, are all within walking distance. Georgia State University and key government, business and cultural institutions are also nearby. This highly centralized setting offers exceptional transit connectivity and consistent daily foot traffic from students, professionals and visitorsreinforcing the site's appeal for a broad range of redevelopment opportunities. This bustling downtown scene has contributed to Atlanta's role as a leading tourism destination. In 2024, Georgia welcomed more than 174 million visitors, with downtown Atlanta serving as a central hub for culture, government and economic activity. This visitor demand is complemented by sustained population growth. Between 2020 and 2024, Georgia's population increased by approximately 4%, reaching an estimated 11.2 million residents, and driving continued demand for housing, services and mixed-use development. Together, rising visitation, growing residential density and ongoing public- and private-sector investment are accelerating Atlanta's evolution into a more vibrant, walkable, mixed-use urban center. Keith Worsham, senior director and head of hospitality and hotels in the Hilco Global real estate group, stated, "Few buildings tell Atlanta's story as powerfully as the Grant Building. This next chapter focuses on preserving its past while positioning the property to meet the needs of today's dynamic downtown." Jeff Hubbard, director in the Hilco Global real estate group, added, "Importantly, this offering is eligible for historic tax credits, offering meaningful financial incentives to preserve an irreplaceable landmark while reinvesting in the city's continued revitalization." The sale of the Grant Building is being conducted subject to approval by Order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta) Case No. BK 25-61599-PWB and with Weston Worsham, GA Broker Lic. #373549. Offers must be submitted using the documents available for review and download on the Hilco Global Real Estate Sales website. Interested bidders should review the requirements in order to participate in the bankruptcy sale process on the Hilco Global website. For further information, please contact Keith Worsham at (404) 514-0242 or [email protected], Jeff Hubbard at (631) 295-3531 or [email protected] and Weston Worsham at (404) 304-4993 or [email protected]. For additional details, due diligence access and terms of sale, visit Hilco Global Real Estate Sales website or call (855) 755-2300. About Hilco Global Hilco Global, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA, is a diversified financial services company that delivers integrated professional services and capital solutions that help clients maximize value and drive performance across the retail, commercial and industrial, real estate, manufacturing, brand and intellectual property sectors, and more. Hilco Global provides a range of customized solutions to healthy, stressed, and distressed companies to resolve complex situations and enhance long-term enterprise value. Hilco Global works to deliver the best possible result by aligning interests with clients and providing strategic advice and, in many instances, the capital required to complete the deal. Hilco Global is based in Northbrook, Illinois and has more than 810 professionals operating on four continents. Visit www.hilcoglobal.com. SOURCE Hilco Trading, LLC Adam Rehman (second left) returned to the hospital where he underwent treatment (NHSBT/PA Wire) A young boy, among the first in the UK to receive a revolutionary 1.65 million gene-editing treatment, has returned to the hospital where he was cared for to express his gratitude to the nurse who helped grant him new-found freedom. Adam Rehman underwent a one-time gene therapy, Casgevy (also known as exa-cel), designed to cure the debilitating blood disorder thalassaemia. This pioneering treatment was the first to be licensed using the Crispr gene-editing tool, a scientific breakthrough that earned its inventors the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 2020. The therapy functions by editing faulty genes within a patients own stem cells. Adam, from Oldham, was one of the initial children to benefit from the treatment, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). While the official price stands at 1.65 million per patient, a confidential agreement between the NHS and manufacturer Vertex suggests the actual cost is likely lower. Adam required regular blood transfusions (NHSBT/PA Wire) The 13-year-old was born with beta-thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder that impairs haemoglobin function, affecting oxygen transport throughout the body. Symptoms include anaemia and chronic pain, with severe cases posing a life-threatening risk. Since he was eight months old, Adam relied on monthly blood transfusions. His older sister, who shared the same condition, received a stem cell transplant in 2023, but no suitable stem cell match could be found for Adam. In November 2024, when he was 12, Adam received the specialist treatment. This involved collecting his stem cells, transporting them to a laboratory for Crispr technology application, and then infusing the edited cells back into his body, prompting the production of healthy red blood cells. Casgevy offers a vital option for patients who are suitable for a stem cell transplant but lack a donor. Adam recently reunited with Clair Baron, an NHSBT therapeutic apheresis specialist nurse, who cared for him during his treatment at Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital. "It feels nice to be back here because I can see the nurses who treated me in the past," Adam said. "Its really good to see Clair and to be able to say thank you to her she was the start of my treatment and now Im much better. But it is nice to have my freedom back and not be in hospital anymore." Adams father, Anzaq Rehman, 43, from Oldham, added: "It feels great to be back here and to be reunited with Clair were so grateful for the role that she played in Adams journey, she was that first step towards where we are now and thats so special." Adam remained positive throughout his treatment (NHSBT/PA Wire) Ms Baron expressed her delight: "Its absolutely wonderful to see Adam, it genuinely is, seeing how well he is doing is just brilliant. To see him now, out on the other side, back at school and being able to enjoy activities in a way he couldnt before, is just incredible. The gene therapy has given him his life back and its an honour to be a part of his story." Teresa Baines, head of therapeutic apheresis services (TAS) at NHS Blood and Transplant, commented: "Its incredible to see Adam doing so well in such a short amount of time. Gene therapies are truly life-changing treatments. By collecting the cells, our TAS teams are setting patients off on their journey and thats a real privilege. Having Adam visit and hearing how much the treatment has changed his life, really does help to see how important the work that we do is." Russia has agreed to a partial ceasefire that will stop all attacks on Ukrainian cities for a week - AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump has announced an energy ceasefire. For one week, Ukraine and Russia will cease attacks on one anothers cities and critical infrastructure. Details are sparse, beyond Trumps claims that he asked Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that. The Kremlin has yet to confirm or deny Trumps claim. Nor has Ukraine said whether it will refrain from strikes on Russian energy and oil refining infrastructure, which have wreaked considerable damage to the Russian economy. But in the context of a four-year war without a single day of meaningful progress, such a truce would be a landmark. If it happens and more importantly, holds Trump will at long last be able to point to genuine progress from his hitherto fruitless peace-making efforts. The greatest beneficiaries will be ordinary Ukrainian civilians. Russian bombardment of energy infrastructure has left Kyiv and other cities facing catastrophic failures of basic utilities amid the coldest winter in a decade. The past week has been particularly brutal, with most of Kyiv, a city of three million people, left without basic utilities for days on end. After a few nights at -15C in a pitch black city, with no electricity, hot food, running water or flushing toilets, one Kyivan told me it begins to feel like the end of the world: You have to make a great effort not to go mad. Russian bombardment of Ukrainian energy infrastructure has left Kyiv facing catastrophic failures of basic utilities - Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images On Wednesday, President Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had detected Russia preparing another large-scale attack this week, apparently planned to coincide with another cold snap forecast for Friday. Dozens of emergency repair crews have been brought from across the country in a bid to keep the capital from freezing over. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, has advised those who can to leave the city. Beyond helping freezing Ukrainians, the potential ceasefires timing could make it even more significant. Russian and Ukrainian delegations are due to meet for talks brokered by the US in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. A series of talks in recent weeks, including a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Florida, have produced optimistic statements, but few specifics on a possible deal. Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskys chief of staff and former spy chief leading the Ukrainian delegation, insisted last week that there is movement and it is real. We are genuinely making progress. The infrastructure truce, if it materialises, would be the first evidence of such progress. Talks would still have to bridge enormous gaps between the two sides to actually stop the war, however. Zelensky said after meeting with Trump in Davos last week that the pair had drawn up the text of a US post-war security guarantee, which Ukraine considers vital to a peace settlement. But the text has not been made public, and neither president has signed it. This week, the Financial Times reported that the White House was trying to make the promise of security guarantees conditional on Ukraine first surrendering Donbas to Russia something Zelensky has ruled out. The White House denied the report. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said on Thursday that Putin would talk peace with Zelensky, but only if the Ukrainian president came to Moscow to do so. That is a condition Putin knows Zelensky could not possibly accept. Going on bitter experience, there is an even chance that Trumps infrastructure truce will never materialise. If it does, it is quite likely to break down immediately. But ordinary Ukrainians will be praying that this time, somehow, the diplomats will deliver a miracle. A federal judge in Minnesota has blocked immigration officers from arresting and detaining recently resettled refugees in the state after a lawsuit accused agents of hunting them down and sending them to a detention center in Texas. The order from Minnesota District Judge John Tunheim also commands the administration to immediately release any detained refugees and return them to their homes in Minnesota. In his ruling on Wednesday night, Tunheim notes that the lawsuit involves refugees who have been carefully and thoroughly vetted before they were accepted into the United States, because of persecution in the countries from which they have come. They are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border, he added. Refugees have a legal right to be in the United States, a right to work, a right to live peacefully and importantly, a right not to be subjected to the terror of being arrested and detained without warrants or cause in their homes or on their way to religious services or to buy groceries, Tunheim wrote. At its best, America serves as a haven of individual liberties in a world too often full of tyranny and cruelty. We abandon that ideal when we subject our neighbors to fear and chaos. A federal judge appointed has blocked ICE from arresting lawfully present refugees, saying the US abandons its ideals when we subject our neighbors to fear and chaos (Getty Images) The order remains in effect while the judge considers a wider injunction. For more than two weeks, refugees in Minnesota have been living in terror of being hunted down and disappeared to Texas, said Kimberly Grano, staff attorney at the International Refugee Assistance Project, which joined the litigation. This temporary restraining order will immediately put in place desperately needed guardrails on ICE and protect resettled refugees from being unlawfully targeted for arrest and detention. President Donald Trumps administration launched Operation PARRIS earlier this month to exclusively target the states 5,600 new refugees, who are legally present in the country but are not yet lawful permanent residents. But Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested them at immigration check-ins, on their way to work or school, and appeared at their doorstep without a warrant for their arrest, according to a recent class-action lawsuit. Others were shackled and sent to a detention center in Texas, more than 1,200 miles away. The plaintiffs in the case were admitted to the country through the Refugee Admissions Program after undergoing painstaking vetting processes and waiting years for safe resettlement, according to the lawsuit. They arent subject to any deportation orders and are not considered a flight risk, yet they have been detained or are at imminent risk of detention because Homeland Security officials arbitrarily determined, without any rational basis or legal authority, to intimidate and terrorize the refugees of Minnesota because they were admitted under President Joe Bidens administration, lawyers wrote. Minnesota is ground zero for the war on fraud, a spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told The Independent. This operation in Minnesota demonstrates that the Trump administration will not stand idly by as the U.S. immigration system is weaponized by those seeking to defraud the American people, the spokesperson added. This is yet another lawless and activist order from the federal judiciary who continues to undermine our immigration laws. We look forward to being vindicated in court. American citizens and the rule of law come first, always. Lawyers for targeted refugees argued that the operation is fueled by the presidents animus towards Somali immigrants he has derided as garbage who come from hell. Trump has spent months demonizing the states Somali population, including Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was assaulted during a town hall hours after Trump singled her out during a campaign-style event. The Twin Cities are home to roughly 80,000 people of Somali ancestry, the vast majority of whom are legal residents or American citizens. But the president seizing on a series of fraud cases involving government programs where most of the defendants have roots in Somalia surged officers into the state as part of his nationwide effort to deport millions of people. In a statement announcing the operation, Homeland Security officials said Minnesota is ground zero for the war on fraud. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is reviewing thousands of refugees who were lawfully admitted to the country under former President Biden, while Homeland Security officials broadly canceled legal protections for roughly 1 million immigrants who entered the country during that time. Trump directed an overhaul of the nations refugee admissions program last year to study whether allowing refugees into the country was even in the interest of the U.S. That includes prioritizing admissions for white South Africans and putting a ceiling on the overall number of refugee admissions each year to just 7,500, down from 125,000 in the previous fiscal year. Donald Trump has renewed his threat of military action against Iran, urging the Islamic Republic to make a deal or face the consequences with a massive armada already en route to the region. The US president said on Wednesday that time was running out for Tehran to avoid a repeat of last summers strikes against the countrys nuclear facilities, warning this time would be far worse. The U.S. has been seeking a deal to curb Irans nuclear programme even after claiming to have totally destroyed it in a bombing campaign last June. However, officials fear the programme was not destroyed and that the regime has been reconstituting it. Iran denies trying to make a bomb, but says it is open to talks. The decision to move a carrier strike group to the region gives Trump a wider range of options than he had earlier this month, when he vowed to come to the rescue of anti-government protesters being brutally killed and targeted by the regime. But U.S. bases and partners in the region will be fearing an Iranian retaliation after regime officials threatened an unprecedented response if provoked. The Independent looks at what is likely to happen next in Iran. A US fighter jet is prepared on the deck of an aircraft carrier en route to the Middle East (AP) Military intervention Trump has been deliberating how to attack Iran for weeks, according to officials close to the talks. But the range of options from a coordinated cyber attack to strikes on nuclear facilities has been limited by the recent dispersal of U.S. military assets around the world. Washington has fewer options than it did when it struck key Iranian sites last summer, using B-2 bombers from Missouri alongside 125 military aircraft, decoys in the Pacific and missiles from a submarine. But the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group lends credibility to his recent threat. Andreas Krieg, associate Professor in security studies at King's College London, told The Independent that Trump is trying to run a familiar play, applying maximum pressure to force movement in negotiations, while leaving open space to off ramp so he can claim a deal rather than own a war. His problem is that he has boxed himself into needed a visible result quickly. If Iran does not offer something tangible, he risks looking like he bluffed. That makes both deescalation and a limited punitive strike plausible in the same week. Iran fired salvoes of missiles at Israel last summer at the height of tensions (AP) The US could use limited strikes against military bases and nuclear sites to press Iran to make a deal. This would limit civilian casualties, but could also see Iran try to save face with limited retaliatory strikes against US bases in the region. With recent memory of Iran hitting back at Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar last year, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. said this week they would not let the U.S. use their airspace or territory to attack Iran, restricting Washingtons options. Iran striking back hard Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Irans supreme leader, said that a U.S. attack on Iran would warrant an unprecedented response against the U.S. and Israel. Any military action would be considered the start of war and the response would be immediate. Iran has historically tried to save face with fiery rhetoric, even if experts say it lacks the resources to prosecute a regional war. Dr Krieg said the greatest risk would be that it miscalculates a limited response and forces open a wider conflict. If the US attacks, Irans most likely retaliation is asymmetric and calibrated rather than an immediate all-out exchange. It can target US interests and partners through deniable channels, pressure shipping and energy routes, and use cyber operations. The central danger is miscalculation, he added. Coercive signalling can quickly become a war neither side claims to want. Last year, the U.S. sent B-2 bombers (pictured) from Missouri to strike Iran, backed by dozens of planes and missiles launched from a submarine (AFP/Getty) The U.S. will also be conscious that it has less means to defend itself this year. In July, The Guardian reported that the U.S. only had around 25 per cent of the Patriots it needed after depleting stockpiles in the Middle East. If it does become a longer-term volley of strikes, then your interceptor capacity becomes all the more important, a former defence official told Politico earlier this month. We could get in a sticky situation very quickly on that front. Regime change US secretary of state Marco Rubio assessed on Wednesday that the Iranian regime was probably weaker than it had ever been. His comments follow the most serious protests against Tehran in years over the countrys deep economic crisis. Multiple sources told Reuters that Trump was weighing strikes that would aim to inspire protesters and create the conditions for regime change. But setting out to topple the regime would be a costly and uncertain venture for the U.S., experts say. Arab officials and Western diplomats told Reuters they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, U.S. strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained heroic but outgunned. Trump has also notably avoided endorsing a successor, and Irans exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi lacks sufficient support within the country to immediately be installed as leader. One of Donald Trumps senior envoys for Ukraine has sparked alarm after making a series of blunders during crucial peace talks, according to a report. The unnamed official is alleged to have made several comments that exposed a basic lack of knowledge about the war between Ukraine and Russia during trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi last week. The talks, set to continue this weekend, are the first between the three countries since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022 but the comments in the Kyiv Independent have led to fears that inexperience and misunderstanding could pose a risk to Kyiv. Among the incorrect statements allegedly made during the meetings are errors about how long the war has been going on, when it started and whether or not the country has a vice-president. The White House has pushed back on the report, calling the claims nonsense and arguing Donald Trump had done more than anyone to try and end the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. Vladimir Putin welcomes US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US president Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner (POOL/AFP via Getty) General [Kyrylo] Budanov is now their vice-president, the official is reported to have said during a meeting with reporters, according to the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine does not have a vice-president, and Budanov has recently been appointed as head of the presidents office. Asked whether the envoys hoped to agree a peace deal before the four-year anniversary of the conflict, the top official reportedly answered: I wasnt aware of what that anniversary date was. He added: I dont think we feel pressure to because we have a four-year anniversary. The discussions have so far been led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, president Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, army secretary Dan Driscoll and other senior members of the administration. Pictures from a meeting at the Kremlin with president Vladimir Putin also showed commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), Josh Gruenbaum, present during the talks. I think its the longest war now, the US official is reported to have said erroneously during the meeting. It was longer than World War II. At this point, its been going on. The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. While Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, its military actions and illegal annexation of Crimea began in 2014, with Russian-backed separatist troops fighting Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region. Russia has continued to attack Ukraine in a series of strikes that president Volodymyr Zelensky has called acts of terrorism (AP) It is not clear whether the officials comments are referring to the beginning of Russias invasion in 2022 or the earlier Donbas conflict. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's parliament foreign affairs committee, told the publication that the alleged comments represented a serious problem and described the situation as troubling. (The envoy) has already made several big mistakes both technical and, in essence, serious diplomatic ones. He added: For example, (they) view territorial issues as real estate. That is completely wrong. They do not know the basics the fundamentals of politics, history, international law. Referring to the Kyiv Independents story, a White House spokesperson said: President Trump and his entire team have done more than anyone to stop the killing and bring peace to this brutal war, including by bringing both sides together for trilateral talks last weekend. Its pathetic that this reporter was too scared to reach out to the White House for comment, as he does frequently, because he knows this story is nonsense and the United States has been working incredibly hard to save lives. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to attack Ukraine in a series of strikes that president Volodymyr Zelensky has called acts of terrorism. Overnight, three people were killed in Odesa, just a day after five were killed in a drone strike on a passenger train. The Ukrainian leader warned the escalations were a signal that Russia is preparing a new massive strike and said the onslaughts discredited peace talks. The Russians are preparing a new massive strike our intelligence indicates this, he said in a video to his social media account on Wednesday. The United States, Europe, and all our partners have to understand how this discredits diplomatic talks. Every single Russian strike does. President Donald Trump has always loved hearing fulsome praise from his hand-picked cabinet at meetings that can run for two to three hours while each department leader sounds off on how wonderful he is and recounting his administrations most recent wins. But not this time. Trump on Thursday abruptly ended what was billed as the first cabinet meeting of the new year without taking any questions from reporters and without hearing from one of his most prominent and recently most troublesome cabinet secretaries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Instead, after reading prepared remarks filled with his usual and often inaccurate boasts about the state of the U.S. economy with some announcements about re-opening Venezuelan airspace and a request for Russias Vladimir Putin to stop bombing Kyiv for a week due to the cold weather, Trump dispensed with his usual practice of letting cabinet officers go around the large Nixon-era table to offer their own remarks and instead called on a series of hand-picked advisers. He started with his roving peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, then gave the floor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Small Business Administration boss Kelly Loeffler and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before asking Vice President JD Vance if hed deliver any closing remarks. Vance declined to do so and quipped that he was only attending for the free coffee. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attends a cabinet meeting where Donald Trump skipped right over her, as she faces backlash for ICE tactics in Minnesota (REUTERS) Trump, who claimed the truncated session had been amazing and said he liked the format much better than going around for three hours, then ended the meeting at which point his aides began to shriek at the assembled reporters to leave the room. Noem, who was seated at the far end of the table to Trumps left, did not speak a word during the roughly 90-minute session, nor did Trump acknowledge her presence. It was a stark contrast from the previous nine cabinet meetings held since Trumps return to power just over a year ago. Each of those meetings inevitably became multi-hour affairs complete with lengthy question-and-answer sessions with reporters, who often put questions not just to the president but to the various cabinet secretaries and advisers in attendance. The uncharacteristically short cabinet meeting and the pointed snub of his Homeland Security secretary comes as she remains under intense scrutiny on account of her response to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday. After Border Patrol agents fired shots into Prettis back within five seconds of wrestling him to the ground after one officer removed a holstered pistol from Prettis waist, Noem and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino both falsely claimed that Pretti had brandished the weapon or approached officers with the intent of shooting them. Noem claimed on Saturday the shooting had been the consequence of a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and kill law enforcement, even though Pretti never drew his weapon, which he had a permit to carry, and did not confront the agents before he was tackled after trying to help a woman whod been shoved by a CBP agent. Trump got updates from several of his cabinet members, but not the one who has been in the news the most recently (Getty Images) She also falsely accused him of having reacted violently when agents attempted to disarm him a claim that appears to be contradicted by video of the shooting. Noem has since defended her false statements by attributing them to talking points provided by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller the main architect of Trumps mass deportation campaign while Miller has, in turn, thrown Border Patrol personnel under the bus by claiming in a statement that he got the false information at issue from them. Her handling of the situation has not just Democrats, but multiple Republicans on Capitol Hill calling for her to quit or be fired with Democrats threatening impeachment should she remain long enough for them to take control of Congress after this Novembers midterm elections. Trump has thus far said he has confidence in her, telling reporters this week that he wont ask for her resignation because she is doing a very good job. Despite Trumps professions of support, he has a long history of jettisoning advisers and associates even after vouching for them, especially when members of his own party call for him to do so. In addition to silencing her at Thursdays cabinet meeting, he kneecapped her earlier in the week by dispatching Border Czar Tom Homan, a former Border Patrol and ICE agent who ran Immigration and Customs Enforcement during part of his first term, to Minnesota to take charge of the situation and report directly to him. Two federal agents in Minneapolis shot at Alex Pretti. DHS report says he did not brandish his gun Two federal agents fired at protester Alex Pretti during Saturdays fatal shooting in Minneapolis, according to a preliminary review by a Department of Homeland Security internal watchdog, which made no mention that the intensive care nurse brandished a weapon before he was killed. The preliminary review, conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility, was sent to Congress Tuesday and appeared to contradict claims made by the Trump administration in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was quick to claim that Pretti had been brandishing a weapon before the two Border Patrol agents fired, while her department also issued a statement that claimed without evidence that the 37-year-old had wanted to massacre law enforcement. The review, based on body camera footage and documents, provides the first official timeline of how events unfolded that day, according to copies obtained by The New York Times and ABC News. A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said the review was standard protocol and does not convey any definitive conclusion or investigative findings. Two federal agents fired at protester Alex Pretti during Saturdays fatal shooting in Minneapolis, according to a preliminary review by a Department of Homeland Security internal watchdog (via REUTERS) The ordeal began at approximately 9 a.m. Saturday when a federal officer was confronted by two female protesters who were blowing whistles, according to the review. The CBPO ordered the female civilians to move out of the roadway, and the female civilians did not move. The CBPO pushed them both away and one of the females ran to a male, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a US citizen, the report said. The officer attempted to move the woman and Pretti out of the road, but when they did not move, the agent deployed pepper spray toward both of them, the report said. A struggle ensued between the federal agent and Pretti, who resisted the officers attempts to take him into custody. During the struggle, a [Border Protection agent] yelled, He's got a gun! multiple times, the report continued. Approximately five seconds later, the agent discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a CBPO also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. According to analysis from The Times, the officers fired 10 shots at Pretti, including six after he was lying motionless. The report made no mention that the intensive care nurse brandished a weapon before he was killed, as claimed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (@dangjessie/UGC) After the shooting, the Border Patrol agent advised he had possession of Prettis firearm. The report does not specify exactly when the agents disarmed Pretti, which he was lawfully carrying according to local authorities. But footage of the incident appeared to show that Prettis firearm had been taken away before he was shot multiple times. At 9:02 a.m. approximately, Pretti was provided medical aid by Customs and Border Protection personnel, who placed chest seals on his wounds, according to the report. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center in an ambulance and pronounced dead at approximately 9:32 a.m., the report said. President Donald Trump has attempted to turn down the temperature in Minneapolis by pulling out Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who insisted Sunday that the two Border Patrol agents were the victims of the shooting. The president said he wanted an honest investigation into Prettis killing, a significant shift in tone following the fatal shooting of mother-of-three Renee Good. Trumps border czar Tom Homan has been sent to Minneapolis to calm tensions, where he has met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to discuss how to move forward. Noem, meanwhile, has faced calls to resign from Democrats and two Republican senators. Trump met with Noem for two hours in the Oval Office Monday evening, though the president did not suggest her job was at risk. The president is standing by her and wont be calling for her resignation, he told reporters Tuesday. A woman passes the wreckage of a public bus destroyed during the anti-government protests in Tehran earlier this month. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA (Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA) As the nightly protests that recently gripped Iran got under way, familiar shouts of death to the dictator and death to [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei, Irans most powerful cleric and political figure, filled the air in Karaj, a city 30 miles to the west of Tehran. But when female participants tried to add another recent popular rallying cry, woman, life, freedom, the slogan found few takers despite having proved an inspirational call to solidarity in demonstrations that swept the country in 2022 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained for allegedly flouting Islamic dress codes. That was the moment I realised: OK, this is slightly different than what happened in 2022, said Parisa, an Iranian film-maker based in France who was visiting relatives when the recent demonstrations began. Related: Iran accused of campaign of revenge as doctors arrested for treating protesters The earlier protests had been credited with forcing de facto concessions from the authorities including the right not to wear Islamic head covering and were broadly middle-class and progressive, said Parisa, who used a pseudonym to protect family members. But the latest unrest was very masculinist at heart and underpinned by a broader social rebellion against rising poverty, she said. A main beneficiary of this shift appears to be Reza Pahlavi, a son of the countrys former pro-western monarch, around whom many Iranians in their teens and 20s appear to be coalescing in desperation to be rid of the current deeply unpopular theocratic regime. At least 30,000 people are believed to have been killed by security forces in a brutal response to demonstrations that began in provincial towns and cities in late December amid anger over economic privations triggered by a sharp fall in the value of the rial, Irans currency. The protests spread to the capital, Tehran, and other major centres before abating in the face of ruthless repressive tactics that have resulted in victims being laid out in public en masse inside body bags for relatives to identify. The scale of the dissent and simmering rage at the murderous official response poses an existential threat to the Islamic regimes sustainability, analysts say. Related: Son of former shah says he is uniquely positioned to lead Iran as he predicts end of regime Parisa, a veteran of previous anti-regime protests, including the rallies against the disputed presidential election of 2009, noted another departure from precedent in the chanted slogans: some were in support of Pahlavi, a 65-year-old exile living in the US, and his father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Irans last shah, who fled the country in 1979 at the start of the Islamic revolution. Some were shouting: javid shah (long live the Shah), this is our last fight Pahlavi is going to come back, she said. Unfortunately, these chants were quite well supported. They were also in line with sentiment she had encountered among Irans younger generation, too young to recall the revolutionary fervour that toppled the shah, who was criticised for torturing opponents and crushing dissent. Driving this may be despair at a dearth of any viable alternative, rather than a desire to restore the monarchy a system that ruled Iran for much of its history. My cousin and his girlfriend, who are 25 and 26, were participating in the protests every night and until two years ago, these guys were leftists, said Parisa. Now they are completely pro-Pahlavi because they see Reza Pahlavi as the only leader who can bring people together and do something. They kept saying that he has said he doesnt want to be king, that he just wants to lead the transition. This is something you can see mainly within the younger generation in Iran, like generation Z. Despite doubts about the breadth of his support, Pahlavi who has not been in Iran since before the revolution predicted at a news conference in Washington this month that the Islamic regime would collapse and proclaimed himself uniquely positioned to lead a transition government. But he was ambiguous when asked whether he hoped to return as monarch, saying a draft constitution that would be put to a referendum would establish the form a new government. If its a republic, the president will be elected. If its a monarchy, the prime minister will be elected at that time, he said. My role in all this is to lead this transition, help with the transitional structure. His modest self-portrayal as a transitional figure, while pointedly declining to rule out a monarchy, has historic echoes of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of the 1979 revolution, who vowed before returning from exile in France that he would retire and play no active role in day-to-day politics. Instead, Khomeini an ascetic and uncompromising Shia cleric headed a repressive Islamic theocracy that executed political opponents and restricted personal freedoms. Pahlavi has fuelled doubts about his credentials after being criticised for urging protesters to take to the streets only for them to face a remorseless crackdown. His recent justification that this is a war, and war has casualties in an interview with CBS News exacerbated the criticism. He has also come under fire for removing the slogan supporting the woman, life, freedom movement from his social media sites during the latest unrest a move some have denounced as cynical opportunism driven by calculations that the new demonstrations were more socially conservative and less female-friendly. His emergence as a potential leadership figure has been aided by the fact that prominent domestic opposition figures, including Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel peace prize laureate and human rights activist, and Mostafa Tajzadeh, a reformist politician, are in jail. Two other reformists, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, have been under house arrest for 15 years after disputing the results of the 2009 presidential election, which was won by the then incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Sir Keir Starmer worked with Phil Shiner, pictured after being convicted for using falsified evidence - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire The former commander of a British Army regiment in Iraq has expressed his deep frustration with Sir Keir Starmer over his involvement in the investigation and prosecution of veterans. The Prime Minister has also been accused of running Britain like he hates it after a series of disclosures about his historic legal career in The Telegraph this week. Downing Street has strongly denied accusations that Sir Keir worked against the interests of the British Armed Forces. This is despite revelations that show he pushed for the application of human rights law in occupied Iraq. In two cases, Sir Keir argued that the European Convention on Human Rights should apply in British-controlled territory paving the way for the investigation of troops for war crimes. In one of the cases, he worked directly with the disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner, who was later convicted for using falsified evidence in the prosecution of British troops. Significant mental trauma Lt Col Jonny Gray, the former commanding officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, said the investigations had caused his colleagues significant mental trauma. In a letter to The Telegraph, Lt Col Gray expressed deep frustration at the revelation that Phil Shiners inquiry into the actions of B Company, following the Battle of Danny Boy, involved legal arguments provided by Sir Keir Starmer. He said: My officers and soldiers, who fought bravely alongside Sgt Brian Wood and other members of the Princess of Waless Royal Regiment, never faced charges, yet they endured years of investigation and suffered from significant mental trauma. We are concerned that such inquiries appear to equate enemy combatants with British forces. This simply does not make sense. The enemy is trying to thwart British national interests, while our soldiers are endeavouring to secure them. Phil Shiners use of Sir Keir Starmers legal arguments has generated deep frustration, says Lt Col Jonny Gray Robert Jenrick, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform earlier this month, said Sir Keirs work showed his lack of commitment to veterans. Before he entered politics, Starmer helped to pursue British troops through the courts, he said. Now hes Prime Minister, hes leaving them exposed to prosecutions. Labour run Britain like they hate it. Their comments followed a third day of revelations in The Telegraph, which exposed Sir Keirs work on the al-Jedda case in 2007. The case was brought by Sir Keir, Lord Hermer and Shiner, who argued that a suspected Iraqi terrorist had been unlawfully detained for three years by British forces. Mr al-Jedda, the Iraqi, eventually won his case on appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg in 2011, although Sir Keir did not represent him in that appeal because he was already Director of Public Prosecutions. Soldiers turned into whipping boys British military veterans said the case had directly weakened the Armed Forces operating overseas, because it had made troops hesitant to detain suspected enemy combatants without trial. Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, said the case had transformed soldiers into whipping boys for the courts. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said the case had led to a whole series of vexatious prosecutions against British troops who served on operations in Iraq. A Downing Street spokesman said Sir Keir has represented people whose views he disagrees with, while sources pointed to the cab rank rule that requires barristers to represent any client that approaches them. In a separate case, Sir Keir worked on behalf of legal and human rights bodies who intervened in support of a case that extended the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to cover occupied Iraq. No 10 said his role was to assist the court on points of law, not to advocate for either side. A Filipino mayor escaped unharmed after a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was fired at his convoy. Akmad Ampatuan, the mayor of Maguindanao del Sur in the Philippines, was travelling inside a bulletproof vehicle when the military-grade weapon was fired from the other side of the road. Video footage shows two men stepping out of a white van, one holding an RPG and the other a handgun. One of the men then lowers on to one knee, before firing the launcher across the street. Remarkably, the mayor was unharmed, although two members of his security team were injured. Mr Ampatuans back-up vehicle was also hit by gunfire during the attack. Police and military forces later killed three suspected attackers in a high-speed chase. The first angle we were looking at was local tension related to local politics, which may have resulted in the hiring of gunmen-for-hire, a police spokesman said regarding the possible motive for the attack. Mr Ampatuan has survived four attempts on his life, including a roadside bombing in 2010 and an ambush in 2014. This was the fourth attempt on the life of Akmad Ampatuan I didnt expect them to use such large firearms. An RPG is not a weapon an ordinary person would use. This was a professional crime, the mayor said. I have some suspicions about who might want to kill me, but I cannot confirm the attackers identities or motives. The politician is part of the Ampatuan clan, which dominates politics in the Maguindanao region. In 2009, the family was accused of massacring 58 political rivals, including 32 journalists. Mr Ampatuan was acquitted at trial. It was ruled that while he attended meetings where the plot was discussed and expressed support, there was no proof he committed an overt act to carry it out. PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "I have worked as a nurse for 20 years. I was frustrated due to the lack of available IV poles in various medical facilities," said an inventor, from Crete, Ill., "so I invented THE EVER READY I V POLE. My design eliminates the need to search for a sanitized IV pole." The invention ensures that an IV pole is always readily available at a patient's bed. In doing so, it can be employed on the right or left side of the bed. It also eliminates the need for a nurse to search for an IV pole and sanitize it. As a result, it saves time and effort. The invention features an adjustable design that is easy to use so it is ideal for hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, infusion clinics, and homes. Additionally, a prototype model and technical drawings are available upon request. The original design was submitted to the Chicago sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 24-CHK-4010, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Jamie Snowdens Wendigo came through his Cheltenham Festival preparations at Ayr with flying colours, with his trainer describing the race as perfect. Last seen finishing strongly into third in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices Chase at Kempton over Christmas, he was taking a big drop in class for the Join Coral Bet 10 Get 50 Chasing Excellence Novices Chase. Only two were declared to take him on, Donald McCains Maximilian, a Grade Two winner over hurdles in January 2023, and Nick Alexanders Donny Boy. Maximilian set out in front under Brian Hughes and while Donny Boy briefly led, Gavin Sheehan did not waste time in sending Wendigo on. Jumping with aplomb, the seven-year-old was soon a long way clear and the 1-5 favourite came home 22 lengths to the good. Wendigo is a general 10-1 chance for the Brown Advisory Novices Chase at Cheltenham. You always hope it is straightforward when they are so short in the betting and thankfully it was, said Snowden. Its a good sign when after the last he picked up immediately, suggesting there was plenty left, it was a perfect race really. Its a long gap between Kempton and Cheltenham so it was nice to get a run into him. We went right-handed at Christmas, but we always had a sneaky suspicion he was better left-handed and he did jump out to his left at Kempton. All the graded races between now and then like the Scilly Isles, the Reynoldstown and Pendil are right-handed so we had to go up to Ayr. He jumped beautifully today and I think hes the best of the British in the Brown Advisory, but hes not had four runs over fences which qualifies him for the handicaps. Our main aim is the Brown Advisory, but we do have options. We can watch the Irish this weekend now. Yaser Jabbar is said to have harmed over 85 patients during his time at Great Ormond Street (Clemenceau Medical Center) Nearly 100 patients suffered harm at the hands of Great Ormond Street orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabber, a report has concluded. The doctor treated hundreds of children from 2017 to 2022 at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) in London, with independent experts saying in a new review that his surgery fell well below the level expected in several areas. Many patients came to harm or were left in pain, with some going on to need further surgery. Proper consent was also not obtained in some cases, while Mr Jabbar also had an "unjustified preference for certain surgical techniques including unconventional or unrecognised procedures". During his time at the hospital, seven complaints were raised about Mr Jabbar, as well as one deemed a serious incident. Who is Yaser Jabber, how did he get a job at the hospital, and why did it take so long for concerns to come to light? Who is Yaser Jabber? There were no concerns raised about the orthopaedic surgeon when he joined Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) in 2017. The British consultant surgeon was trained at a medical school in the UK and worked his way up to become a consultant in 2014. As a specialist in the field of orthopaedic surgery he will have dealt with both acute injuries and congenital and acquired disorders of the bone. Orthopaedic surgeons are specialists in bones, joints and their associated soft tissues, including ligaments, nerves and muscles. He joined the world-renowned children's hospital in 2017. Before this appointment he worked at another London hospital specialising in orthopaedics and limb reconstruction in children. He was given the job following a "competitive recruitment process, with no concerns raised regarding his clinical practice or behaviour". While he worked at Gosh he was one of a team of surgeons working in the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Service, treating children with a range of conditions. Some of these treatments involved the use of circular frames, metal plates, bone grafts, implants, and castings as appropriate. He also treated children whose blood vessels did not form properly at birth. When were complaints about his treatment raised? Mr Jabbar treated hundreds of children from 2017 to 2022 when concerns were raised about the care he provided. When concerns were raised the hospital looked back at his work and found seven complaints and one serious incident during this time. The new report into the care he provided says that one complaint related to his communication style, another related to the care provided with the remainder relating to delays to treatment owing to him being absent from the hospital. It says that none of these complaints provided any broader concerns, and the serious incident was "thoroughly investigated", including by an external surgeon. "Both the trust's internal investigation and the external review highlighted specific actions which needed to be addressed by Mr Jabbar in relation to the family and patient in question, but it did not identify any wider concerns which needed a broader investigation," the report states. The serious incident was "closed" in 2021 and "did not trigger any further exploration of any possible issue with Mr Jabbar's practice". Concerns were raised in 2022 and later that year a formal review by the Royal College of Surgeons was commissioned. In October 2022, Mr Jabbar started an unpaid sabbatical from work at Gosh and he formally resigned in June 2023. Jabbar has not had a licence to practise medicine in the UK since January 2024 and is reported to have moved overseas. Now a separate review of 789 children who were cared for by Jabbar found that 94 patients came to harm. The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, has been cleared of misconduct - Ian Forsyth/Getty The Archbishop of York has been cleared of misconduct after letting a priest who was a child sex abuser remain in post. The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell had let David Tudor remain in post despite knowing that he had been barred by the Church from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim. The findings emerged following a BBC investigation in December 2024, which led to calls for the Archbishop of York to resign just days before taking temporary charge of the Church of England following the unprecedented resignation of Justin Welby as archbishop of Canterbury. However, on Thursday it emerged that the Church has dismissed a complaint against the Archbishop of York over his handling of the Tudor case. The internal church complaint is known as a clergy discipline measure (CDM). The decision is likely to increase tensions as both archbishops now battle to convince survivors of church-related abuse of their commitment to safeguarding. Dame Sarah Mullally, seen at her installation ceremony as Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, has also been accused of mishandling abuse complaints - Alishia Abodunde/Getty It also comes after Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony in St Pauls Cathedral on Wednesday, which was interrupted by a heckler questioning her safeguarding record. Her election has been plagued by accusations that she has also mishandled abuse complaints, and she also had a CDM against her dismissed by the Archbishop of York, her closest-ranking colleague. This prompted accusations of collusion of both archbishops by the victim at the centre of the case, known as Survivor N. However, just weeks after it emerged that the Archbishop of York had dismissed a complaint against Dame Sarah, it now appears that Dame Sarah had already dismissed a separate complaint against Archbishop Cottrell months earlier, before the CDM was appealed. As a result of the Tudor case, which occurred while Archbishop Cottrell was in his previous role as bishop of Chelmsford, he was also made the subject of a CDM. On Thursday, that CDM was dismissed by the Sir Stephen Males, president of CDM tribunals. Some mistakes were made He said: I conclude that although some mistakes were made in the handling of David Tudors case, there is no case for the respondent to answer in respect of which a disciplinary tribunal should be requested to adjudicate. Following the verdict, the Archbishop of York said in a statement that he would take a different approach if presented with a similar situation in the future, thanks to todays trauma-informed understanding. However, he added that his decisions were taken in accordance with legal and professional safeguarding advice given to me at the time. Tudor was banned from ministry after he admitted historical sex abuse allegations relating to two girls including one under the age of 16 between 1982 and 1989. He was a priest in the Diocese of Southwark at the time. Surrey Police said it investigated a report in 2019 of non-recent indecent assault offences, but the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to take the matter to court. The BBC investigation also revealed that Archbishop Cottrell was briefed in his first week as bishop of Chelmsford, a role he held between 2010 and 2020, about serious safeguarding issues surrounding Tudor. These included that he was convicted of indecently assaulting three underage girls and was jailed for six months in 1988 however, the conviction was quashed on technical grounds. David Tudor was suspended from the Church of England in 2019 - BBC Archbishop Cottrell would also have known that Tudor served a five-year ban from ministry and that he had been working under a safeguarding agreement in 2008 preventing him from being alone with children yet months later became an area dean in charge of 12 parishes. By 2012, Archbishop Cottrell was told that Tudor had paid a 10,000 settlement to a woman who said she was sexually abused by him from the age of 11. In 2018, the Church of England issued an apology and a six-figure payout to another alleged victim. The priest was suspended only in 2019 when a police investigation was launched after another woman spoke out alleging Tudor had abused her in the 1980s. In a statement published today, the Archbishop of York said: Mr Tudor shouldnt have been allowed back into ministry in the 1980s. However, in relation to the way in which I handled this difficult situation, the President of Tribunals, an independent Court of Appeal judge, concluded that there is no case to answer and no possibility of a tribunal finding I committed misconduct. He added: We all have much to learn from this case. There are some things I wish I had done differently. With todays trauma-informed understanding which rightly places greater emphasis on listening carefully to survivors and recognising the lasting harm caused by abuse I would take a different approach now. The Irish dancer is now set to lead the 30th anniversary tour which starts in Dublin next week - Liam McBurney/PA Wire Michael Flatley has taken back control of Lord of the Dance after winning a legal battle. The Irish dancer, 67, said he would be calling his dancers after a court order blocking him from involvement in the stage show was overturned on Thursday. Switzer Consulting, which claims it was responsible for turning the shows fortunes around since the pandemic, secured the interim injunction after accusing Flatley of using the multimillion-euro tour to fund his debts and personal lifestyle expenses, which he denied. Flatley, who once held the Guinness World Record for tap dancing 35 times per second with feet that were insured for a reported $57.6m (43m), said he was now 100 per cent in charge of the Lord of the Dance show. He is now set to lead its 30th anniversary tour, which starts in Dublin next week and will also tour Europe and the United States. The Lord of the Dance show was created by Michael Flatley nearly 30 years ago - Paul Armiger Id just like to say thank God, Im delighted with the judges decision today, Flatley said outside court. I wont be in the car 10 seconds and Ill be calling all my dancers, all of the cast and crew. All their families have flown in and were going to lift the roof on Thursday. This will be the greatest version of this show that you will ever see. Im absolutely delighted. Sitting in Belfast, Mr Justice Simpson, of the Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice, discharged an interim injunction which had prevented him from engaging with the Lord of the Dance production. The court previously heard that the performances were in grave danger of falling apart without his involvement. It was told that the productions anniversary tour was under threat without the famed dancers artistic direction, according to his barrister John Coyle. Mr Coyle said the economic havoc the injunction would inflict on his client would be substantial. Switzer claims Switzer Consulting accused the Riverdance creator of putting the show in jeopardy himself by allegedly attempting to divert deposit funds for booked shows directly to him. The company accused Flatley of having a dreadful financial reputation. In a sworn statement before the court, music producer Joe Gallagher, a director of Switzer, said: Historically speaking, instead of reinvesting, the defendant has consistently stripped the business of monies to support his personal lifestyle. It is my view that the defendant will try to hijack all existing contracts, and instead of running the business correctly, will strip the business of cash to support his debts and lifestyle. At a hearing on Thursday, David Dunlop KC, for Flatley, denied the claims that Flatley was a poor manager of his own affairs and was a man with substantial debts, saying ad hominem attacks had been made on his character. Organic farmed salmon off the Western Isles, Scotland. Photograph: John Angerson/Alamy (Photograph: John Angerson/Alamy) Campaigners have forced the Soil Association to reveal its salmon farm inspection reports, amid claims that certifying the farmed fish as organic is misleading to consumers. The Soil Associations Organic scheme, the UKs oldest and most widely recognised organic certification, defines organic farming as using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare. But critics say its Aquaculture Standard allows use of chemical treatments, including pesticides known to be toxic to marine life, and methods that are damaging to the environment and the welfare of the farmed fish. After a two-day hearing, the information tribunal ruled the charitys certification arm must share its inspection reports with WildFish, a campaign group that has claimed labelling farmed salmon organic amounts to unacceptable greenwashing. Inspection reports go to the heart of whether organic certification of salmon farming is credible at all, a WildFish spokesperson said. The fact that their disclosure was resisted, and had to be tested all the way to tribunal, only reinforces why independent scrutiny is essential. WildFish says that certified organic salmon are produced using a very similar method to uncertified farms: reared in open-net cages, with the waste from the fish and chemicals used to treat them discharged directly into the surrounding environment. A 2023 report by Wildfish detailed how one organic-certified salmon farm had been treated with the chemical pesticide Deltamethrin which is used to kill sea lice but is also highly toxic to lobsters and other marine invertebrates twice in 12 months. It also documented the use of formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, on several occasions to treat fungal infections on fish at organic farms. The tribunals decision this week is the culmination of an 18-month battle for disclosure, after WildFish first requested to see Soil Associations reports under environmental information regulations in May 2024. Soil Association Certification had argued that it was not a public body and so any legal disclosure obligations lay with its delegating authority, the environment department (Defra). It appealed against an initial decision by the Information Commissioners Office, but this was dismissed by the independent first-tier tribunal a decision that could have wider implications for other control bodies operating in the organic food production sector. Dominic Robinson, the chief executive of Soil Association Certification, said the organisation had not sought to withhold information. He said it was contracted to provide the information to Defra, which in turn determined the appropriate disclosure. It is the right reporting channels for the information, not the reporting of the information itself, that is in question and that we seek to ensure is clearly set out, he said. The Soil Association is now holding a public consultation on tightening its standards for organic salmon, after last year warning it could withdraw from the sector unless progress was made on environment and welfare by summer this year. Rabbi Irit Shillor objected to the claim and was heckled by another performer A rabbi was heckled at a Holocaust Memorial Day event for challenging claims that Israel had indiscriminately killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza. Essex charity Razed Roof, a performing arts group which includes adults with learning disabilities, has been reported to the Charity Commission over a performance last weekend, which saw one performer claim Israel had indiscriminately killed 70,000 people. Attending the event, Irit Shillor, the rabbi at Harlow Jewish Community, objected to the claim, only to be heckled by another performer. The charity insists it did not sanction the claims, but Harlow council has terminated its support and reported Razed Roof to the police and the charities watchdog. In a letter to Razed Roof confirming the action, Dan Swords, the council leader, said that the event was evidently hostile to our Jewish community. He said one participant read from a script listing places where genocides against populations had occurred. The performer said: [In] 2023, seventy thousand Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are indiscriminately killed by the State of Israel. Up to 90 per cent of a population are displaced. Rabbi Shillor then stood up to dispute the claim, telling the service: Id just like to note that the last statement is a statement of opinion. Its not fact. A member of the group then said loudly in response: Actually, it is. Dan Swords, leader of Harlow council, said that the event was evidently hostile to our Jewish community Mr Swords told the charitys chairman of trustees: Razed Roof representatives subsequently claimed that they had instructed the participant not to read this material. However, it has since been confirmed that the script was prepared and provided by Razed Roof and had been rehearsed and prepared over a period of many weeks. He added: The council considers that responsibility for the content and its delivery rests entirely with those in positions of authority within Razed Roof. This failure raises serious concerns regarding judgment, supervision, and the use of vulnerable individuals in politically charged and foreseeably distressing circumstances. Chris Vince, the local Labour MP, resigned as a trustee from the charity following the events last week. In a statement, Razed Roof said: As an award-winning inclusive theatre group in Harlow for 34 years, Razed Roof has been proud to perform at the Holocaust Memorial Service for almost twenty years. The relationship between the group and the Jewish community has always been a very strong one hence the annual invitation from Rabbi Irit for the group to perform at such a prestigious ceremony. The performances by Razed Roof at this event have always been carefully thought out, sensitively performed and warmly received by the assembled guests. Over the years in all these performances, there has never been a controversial moment. It added: A mutual decision was reached that the statement about Gaza would not be read out, and the artistic director physically removed the statement from the script. The reason for this was explained to the member of Razed Roof who was due to read it, and the decision was accepted. Unfortunately, despite strong assurances to the contrary, the original reader of the Gaza statement made a personal decision to break his promise and make a statement about Gaza. He no longer had a written script, so he made a statement from his memory of his research on Gaza. This was totally unexpected, and specifically against the wishes of the artistic director and the rabbi. A Charity Commission spokesman said: We are assessing concerns raised with us about comments made by Razed Roof at a recent event to determine what regulatory role there is, if any, for the commission. The Board of Deputies said they rejected any attempt to hijack Holocaust Memorial Day for political agitation against the worlds only Jewish state. Such actions are an insult to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust many of whom sought sanctuary in Israel and to the Jewish community in Britain, of which many are descendants of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Nazi persecution. We welcome the swift and strong response from Harlow council, as well as the statement from the charity in question distancing itself from the actions of a lone activist. Sailors will be limited to roughly 14 units of alcohol a week while at sea - Getty Images/John Keeble The Royal Navy has banned sailors from drinking alcohol for at least two days a week, in a ruling that would have been unthinkable in the days of splicing the mainbrace and the daily rum ration. New regulations will require ships to remain dry on certain days, with crews restricted to 14 units of alcohol per week the equivalent of six pints of lager. The order replaces the two-can rule imposed across the Armed Forces, which equates to around 21 units per week, well above the NHS recommendation of 14 units. The policy was outlined in official documents, entitled Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships, that revealed that drinking on board remains a significant concern to Navy chiefs, although some former officers expressed concern that the move might be a step towards dry ships. Adm Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, said he opposed the change. The Navy is the smallest its been for 400 years, he told LBC. We dont seem to have enough money to do repair work and maintenance everything else, and yet the MoD is focusing on how much drink people consume. I would leave it to the responsibility of the sailors. There are very strict rules about being drunk. He added: If we start down this route, the next thing is that you should only have salads at lunchtime and the whole raft of other things like that. The policy is the latest attempt to curb drinking culture in the military. Junior ratings were previously permitted to buy three half-pint cans of beer a day, with no limit on the drinking habits of senior rates and officers. In 1970, the Navy ended its 300-year-old daily rum tot tradition in what is now known as Black Tot Day. The custom was implemented to boost morale but was eventually axed because of concerns about operational efficiency. Responsible drinking habits to be promoted The papers, seen by the Daily Mail, found that nearly half (48 per cent) of sailors were estimated to consume excess alcohol. These figures highlight the critical need for stricter alcohol policies to safeguard personnel, enhance operational performance and mitigate risks to operational capacity, the document read. It is understood the updated policy limits alcohol consumption to a maximum of three units per day for all staff, regardless of rank. With the two dry days, this would limit the total amount for any one sailor to near the 14-unit target. By comparison, the US navy operates a more stringent policy, with alcohol banned on warships. The rule has been in place for more than a century, having been introduced in 1914. American captains can authorise a single beer day for ships that have spent 45 days at sea, where sailors are allowed two cans of alcoholic beverages as a way to boost morale. The British restriction aims to move the Navy in line with government health targets. Warship bars will be stocked with zero and low-alcohol alternatives to promote responsible drinking habits. The move, however, has been criticised by former Navy chiefs. Retired Rear-Adml Chris Parry told the Mail: This is very sad and Im a teetotaller. You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules. I never had any problems in my career with crew members stepping out of line. You can screw down a system too much. Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices. Retired Cdr Tom Sharpe added: This is an inevitable step towards dry ships. The Navy is changing. The modern sailor is more interested in gym and Wi-Fi. A threat environment However, retired Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, a former nuclear submarine captain, told The Telegraph: In my view alcohol consumption and being at sea in a warship are incompatible. Even if someone is not on watch, they will always be immediately available if there is a serious accident such as a fire or a grounding or the ship is in a threat environment being attacked by the enemy. The Navy has a long tradition of providing sailors with alcoholic beverages. During long voyages in the 17th century, sailors were issued a daily gallon (eight pints) of weak beer, when water supplies turned rancid in wooden barrels or had run out entirely. The beverage was known by sailors as liquid bread because of the carbohydrates and vitamins it provided. Meanwhile, the rum ration has spanned over three centuries of Naval history. Sailors were given the drink straight until 1740, before Adml Sir Edward Vernon oversaw it being watered down to one part rum and four parts water because of concerns about how it was affecting service personnel. This tradition continued, via the creation of the grog a drink containing rum, water and citrus juice. The rum ration was halved in 1823, before being cut in two again in 1850, and then its eventual discontinuation in 1970. On special occasions, a Splice the mainbrace order would be issued, meaning sailors received an extra ration of rum. The name originates from fixing the mainbrace rigging by splicing a long piece of hemp rope. The phrase came to mean that the crew would be rewarded with an extra drink after victory in battle, the change of monarch or a Royal birth. The last official Splice the mainbrace order was issued in 2012 for Elizabeth IIs Diamond Jubilee, although specific units did so to celebrate the birth of Prince Louis in 2018. A Royal Navy spokesman said: The updated policy aligns with advice from the UK chief medical officer, ensuring that our people remain fit for naval operations and comparable with modern military and civilian maritime standards. It also prioritises the health of our people, which is paramount, and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations, while also continuing to enjoy downtime. A Royal Navy Wildcat took off from Yeovilton to track the Russian ship, seen lurking in the Bristol Channel - Si Ethell A Russian ship has been chased out of British waters by a Royal Navy attack helicopter after anchoring over transatlantic data cables. The cargo vessel Sinegorsk sailed into the Bristol Channel on Tuesday night and appeared to have anchored about two miles off Minehead, on the north coast of Somerset. Sinegorsks mooring location was less than a mile from undersea telecoms cables connecting Britain to the US, Canada, Spain and Portugal. Officials ordered the ship to leave British waters after the Russians claimed they were making essential safety repairs. After 14 hours, an RN Wildcat helicopter was dispatched from the naval air station at Yeovilton, Somerset prompting the Russian crew to raise anchor and sail back out to sea. Alicia Kearns, the shadow security minister, said: The movements of this Russian ship are deeply suspicious. [It is a] reminder of the persistent and pernicious threats our country faces from Putin and his allies. Sinegorsks last recorded call at a port was three weeks ago at Arkhangelsk a major trading hub that is also the headquarters of the Russian navys Northern Fleet. Data from MarineTraffic showed the cargo ship sailing up the Bristol Channel on Tuesday night and coming to a halt about two nautical miles off Minehead at about 11pm. It remained stationary, suggesting it was anchored, until about 2pm on Wednesday. Within three quarters of a mile of Sinegorsks location were five undersea data cables. Two of those form the TGN Atlantic cable system, connecting Britain to New York. Another, EXA Express, links the UK to Nova Scotia in Canada, a global telecoms meeting point. The remaining two, forming the VSNL Western Europe cable network, connect Spain and Portugal to the UK. Aircraft-tracking websites showed that a Coastguard surveillance aeroplane, registered G-HMGC, spent about half an hour circling the Sinegorsk on Wednesday morning. Aware of threat posed by Russia A Wildcat helicopter, flying under the call sign Talon 1, took off from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton at about 1.30pm on Wednesday, about half an hour before the Sinegorsks departure. Wildcats can be armed with up to four Sea Venom anti-ship missiles or Sting Ray torpedoes. It is not known whether the helicopter used in this operation was armed. Sinegorsk is not specifically sanctioned by the UK, nor is it believed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet used for evading sanctions. Around 500 Russia-related shadow fleet oil and gas tankers have been sanctioned by Britain in efforts to degrade Vladimir Putins ability to continue fighting the war against Ukraine. Officials estimate that around 200 ships have been forced off seas around half of Russias tanker capacity. Russian ships have previously been linked to attempts to interfere with undersea infrastructure. The crew of a Russian tanker, Fitburg, were arrested by Finnish authorities in December after undersea cables between Helsinki and Tallinn were damaged as their ship passed over them. Earlier in the year, Yantar, a Russian cable-tapping vessel, entered British waters and prompted a surveillance operation at sea by the Royal Navy. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, told Parliament: Let me be clear, this is a spy ship. Russian vessel Yantar, which was tracked by the Navy in November, was described as a spy ship by the Defence Secretary - AFP A Department for Transport spokesman said: We issued a clear warning as a first step to the Sinegorsk vessel to leave UK waters after it entered to undertake essential safety repairs. This directive has been complied with, and the vessel is leaving UK waters. We continue to take strong action against Russian-flagged ships, as well as to deter, disrupt and degrade the shadow fleet by stepping up our response through tough sanctions. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We are acutely aware of the threat posed by Russia, which includes attempts to map undersea cables, networks, and pipelines belonging to both the UK and our allies, and we are tackling these threats head on. The Royal Navy constantly monitors our seas, including safeguarding critical infrastructure such as underwater cables and offshore structures. Car theft graphic Almost half of urban motorists have fallen victim to vehicle crime in the past year, a survey reveals. RAC research carried out in April 2025 with nearly 2,400 motorists found 26 per cent of drivers across Britain have been the target of vehicle crime, with significant differences seen between urban and rural areas. Almost half (45 per cent) of drivers in towns and city centres said they have experienced vehicle crime in the past 12 months, compared with just 20 per cent in the suburbs or the outskirts of towns and 15 per cent in rural areas. The survey found that almost one in five (19 per cent of) urban motorists had their vehicle damaged with deliberate scratches and dents, compared with just seven per cent in the countryside. Meanwhile, 13 per cent of drivers in towns and city centres had possessions stolen from their car in the past year, while the figure stood at 2 per cent in rural areas, the survey found. The analysis also found 11 per cent of urban drivers reported vehicle theft, compared with six per cent overall. The RAC said despite the lower incidence of vehicle crime outside towns and cities, rural motorists are equally, if not more, worried about being targeted by thieves and vandals. Victims have shared photographs on social media showing how thieves smashed car windows - Facebook Nearly two in five (39 per cent of) drivers in the countryside said they were worried about their car being vandalised, compared with 34 per cent of urban motorists. RAC Insurance spokesperson Simon Williams said the survey findings are very worrying. He said: Having a vehicle vandalised is both unbelievably annoying and expensive but having one stolen is a horrible violation, incredibly stressful to resolve and inconvenient to cope with, given how important cars are to our daily lives. Every criminal incident like this contributes to the average cost of car insurance, which has already risen in recent years due to the higher costs of parts and labour, and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. Having to claim on your insurance because of something youve accidentally done yourself is one thing, but when its because of mindless, deliberate vandalism, its beyond frustrating, not least because it will inevitably result in higher future premiums, he added. In December, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to address the soaring cost of motor insurance. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said efforts would continue to tackle vehicle-related crime and make roads safer, while addressing increasing costs on the motor insurance market. Thatcham Research chief executive Jonathan Hewett said: Vehicle theft is no longer just opportunistic its increasingly driven by organised criminal gangs using sophisticated methods. Tackling the threat means not only making cars harder to steal, but also disrupting the networks behind high-volume, tech-enabled theft. The Department for Transport and Home Office have been contacted for comment. Tracey Hanson, whose son was murdered, had her application for a sentence review rejected because it came outside office hours - Paul Grover Victims could be given more powers to challenge unduly lenient sentences handed out to criminals under a major Government-backed review. The Law Commission is considering expanding a scheme which gives victims just 28 days to ask for tougher penalties after a criminal is sentenced. The right to appeal is currently restricted to serious crimes tried in the Crown Court, such as murder, robbery, rape and child abuse. It excludes hundreds of other offences, including some sexual crimes, causing death by careless driving and burglary. Claire Waxman, the victims commissioner, is backing amendments to allow victims of all crimes to ask for a review and for a longer time period to request a review. Victims campaigners say the timescale is too short and has led to victims losing out simply because they were never told about the scheme or failed to apply in time. However, offenders are able to get an extension if they miss their 28-day deadline to appeal their sentences. Amendments currently in the Lords are designed to ensure all victims are told about their rights to challenge unduly lenient sentences and grant extensions to the 28-day limit in exceptional circumstances. Claire Waxman, the victims commissioner, said current rules were manifestly unfair Ms Waxman told The Telegraph: Currently, many are unaware of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme or find out too late, by which time the window to appeal has closed. This stands in direct contrast to offenders, who are permitted extensions in exceptional circumstances. That is manifestly unfair. In one case highlighted by The Telegraph, a mother whose son was murdered in an unprovoked knife attack had her bid to challenge the killers lenient sentence rejected because she lodged her appeal in time but outside office hours. Tracey Hanson, whose son Josh had his throat slashed by a violent criminal in a nightclub, submitted her appeal to the Attorney General in 2019 within the 28-day time limit to challenge the unduly lenient sentence. However, it arrived at 8.40pm on the last day and was deemed outside court hours. Neither her barrister, police, courts, nor victim support had told her she could appeal a lenient sentence within 28 days of the judge jailing killer Shane OBrien. He had been Britains most wanted man when he fled to Europe after the murder in a private plane chartered by a drug dealer. Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman also fell foul of the scheme after his mother, Carol, was killed by a motorist subsequently convicted of causing death by careless driving. While death by dangerous driving is covered by the scheme, careless driving is not. Mr Boardman said if a crime involved a death, this should be a triggering factor in deciding whether it was serious enough for the scheme. Carol Boardman was killed by a motorist later convicted of causing death by careless driving Huw Edwards, the former BBC newsreader, who received a six-month suspended prison sentence, also avoided any attempt to increase the penalty because his offence of possessing indecent images of children is not covered by the scheme. Ms Waxman said her amendments to the Victims and Courts Bill were simply levelling the playing field, ensuring victims have the same rights to information and time to challenge when a sentence fails to reflect the gravity of the crime. The demands are backed by Robbie Moore, Tory MP for Keighley and Ilkley, who has lobbied Ellie Reeves, the Solicitor General. He said: Victims and families of horrific crimes shouldnt need an MP, a lawyer or sheer luck to understand their basic right to challenge the sentence of their abusers. The law should require it. Worse still, it cannot be right that there is a strict 28-day time limit for victims and families to ask for a sentence to be reviewed, but criminals themselves can appeal their own sentences beyond the 28-day limit. This leaves grieving families with fewer rights than the very offenders who harmed them. Its insulting 28 days is the same window given to shoppers to return a parcel. I want to see a new mandatory duty to inform all victims and their families about the ULS [Unduly Lenient Sentence] scheme and an extension to the 28 day deadline for challenge. Flexibility over the deadline In opposition, Ms Reeves, the Solicitor General, called for greater flexibility over the 28-day deadline and a statutory responsibility on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to inform all victims including bereaved family members. A Labour source said that Ms Reeves had made the appeal before the victims code was put on a statutory footing, which gives responsibility to the police to notify victims about the scheme. The MoJ spokesman said: We know the aftermath of a trial can be distressing for victims and their loved ones. Under the victims code, police must automatically tell victims they can ask for certain sentences to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme and anyone, not just victims, can refer a sentence to this scheme. The Law Commission is reviewing the law on criminal appeals, which includes this scheme, and we will carefully consider its recommendations. The Ministry of Justice said the Law Commission was now reviewing whether to increase the scope of offences and to extend the 28-day deadline. A spokesman said: We will carefully consider its recommendations. Victims groups and MPs are campaigning for common sense changes in the law to extend the deadline and to place a statutory legal duty on law enforcement and prosecutors to inform victims of their rights to appeal. Veteran courtroom advocate joins firm to fight for individuals harmed by negligence. DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin announces the addition of attorney William "Billy" Massengale to its award-winning personal injury roster. Massengale brings extensive courtroom experience and a demonstrated commitment to advocating for individuals. He joins a firm that "Best Lawyers" named to its prestigious 2026 'Best Law Firms' list, the firm's 11th consecutive year being honored.* Massengale joins James Scott Farrin after a distinguished career that includes serving as an Assistant District Attorney across multiple North Carolina counties, most recently as a violent-crimes prosecutor in the Durham County District Attorney's Office. During his time as a prosecutor, he handled high-stakes cases, including numerous first-degree murder prosecutions, where he developed a reputation for meticulous preparation and poised courtroom advocacy. Massengale also represented plaintiffs in complex personal injury litigation in private practice, securing significant settlements on behalf of injured clients.** Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability and drive to pursue justice and meaningful compensation for those harmed by the wrongful actions of others. Farrin injury Partner Rosa Antunez Boatwright stated, "Billy has a long history of helping people, both in the civil and criminal sector, through some of the most difficult times in their lives. We are excited to have someone as passionate and compassionate as him on our team." ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 73,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 14 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability. Contact Information: David Chamberlin 555 S. Mangum Street Suite 800 Durham, NC 27701 1-866-900-7078 https://www.farrin.com Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, and Greenville, SC. Attorney Michael Shepherd: 555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, NC *Standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com. ** Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted a more sophisticated relationship with China - Carl Court/PA Xi Jinping praised Labour for pursuing good relations with China. The Chinese president, who held face-to-face talks with Sir Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday, said that twists and turns in Britains relationship with China had damaged both countries. He singled out Labour governments for praise, saying they had made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations. His remarks appeared to be a criticism of previous Tory governments that stopped Chinese companies from building Britains 5G network and investing in nuclear projects. Mr Xi also warned against unilateralism and power politics, claiming that great powers must stop the international stage from regressing to a jungle-like world, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting. The comments are an apparent reference to Donald Trumps capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, and recent threats to bomb Iran. Sir Keir and Mr Xi discussed tariffs and visas during their 80-minute meeting The Prime Minister said it was time for a more sophisticated relationship with Beijing as he sought to thaw what he referred to as an Ice Age in ties between the two nations. The bilateral meeting with Mr Xi lasted about an hour and 20 minutes. Sir Keir also had a tete-a-tete with the president, where they were joined by only one adviser and translators. Sir Keir said after the talks that he had raised the case of Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, with the Chinese leader. Mr Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen, has been held in custody since December 2020 and faces life in prison after he was found guilty of national security offences last month. Sir Keir also raised the treatment of the Uyghurs, the Turkic ethnic group which has been persecuted in Xinjiang province, and British MPs who remained sanctioned by China. Yet neither the Prime Minister nor his Downing Street team was willing to say in public what their message had been in private on the issues, except for confirming they were raised. A new visa deal was agreed to allow British tourists and business travellers to travel to China without a visa if their trip will last fewer than 30 days. The move brings the UK in line with 50 other countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Australia. Sir Keir also said progress had been made on a reduction in whisky tariffs and an agreement had been struck getting help from Beijing to tackle people-smuggling gangs. More than 60 per cent of engines powering small boats used to cross the English Channel are made in China. PM kowtowing to Beijing Sir Keir has been accused of kowtowing to Beijing by making the trip despite mounting fears about the Communist states threat to national security. Last week, Labour came under fire for granting China planning permission to build a super-embassy in London which Beijing could use to spy on Britain. The collapse of a case against two alleged Chinese spies in Westminster also fuelled a public row about the Governments relationship with Beijing. However, Sir Keir has defended his visit by claiming that he can make Britons richer without jeopardising national security. The trip makes Sir Keir the first British prime minister to visit the country since Baroness May in 2018. Speaking to the cameras in the Great Hall of the People, which is used for legislative and ceremonial activities, Mr Xi said: China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries. Mr Xi did not single out what twists and turns he had in mind, but under the Conservatives, Huawei, the Chinese telecoms company, was locked out of building Britains 5G network and Chinese state companies were barred from investing in UK nuclear projects. Mr Xi said a consistent partnership would benefit Britain, though critics at home caution about deepening ties with the Communist state - Kin Cheung/AP Describing the state of the world as turbulent and fluid, the Chinese president said more dialogue between Britain and China was imperative, whether it was for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries economies and peoples. In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations, Mr Xi said. He added: China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples. Mr Xi told Sir Keir: Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude. Sir Keir, who was shown around the Forbidden City, discussed small boat parts with Mr Xi - Carl Court/AFP He added: As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history. Mentioning the upcoming Chinese new year, he said Sir Keirs visit was a sign of auspiciousness. Sir Keir said he and Mr Xi discussed how huge opportunities in China could benefit people back in the UK. UK policy on Taiwan unchanged In its readout of the meeting, China said it did not pose a threat to other countries and sought to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with Britain. It stated that the UKs policy on Taiwan remains unchanged and will not change. Beijing also said it was willing to consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for Britain. Asked how forcefully he raised issues including the jailing of Mr Lai and the treatment of the Muslim Uyghur minority, Sir Keir said: We raised those issues, as you would expect. Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what weve done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on. Sir Keir has been accused of kowtowing to China - Carl Court/AFP He said they had a respectful discussion, and that was part and parcel of the reason to engage. Sir Keir gave Mr Xi a football used during last weekends Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal. The Prime Minister is a keen Arsenal fan, while the Chinese president is reportedly an avid supporter of Manchester United, who won Sundays match 32. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, has accused Sir Keir of kowtowing to Beijing. Writing in The Telegraph, she warned: We cannot be naive. China is also a threat to Britain. It is a country that does not believe in democracy, it has sanctioned our MPs, it disrupts the global trade system, oppresses the Uyghur Muslims and has aggressive designs on Taiwan. We need to have a relationship with China; we do not need to be in hock to China. At a press conference in London on Wednesday, she also said that the Prime Minister should not be visiting China. Would I be going to China? No, not now, because I dont think that this is the time to do that. We need to be talking to those other countries who are worried about the threat China is posing to them, she said. Anti-ICE protests come to SoCal as events honor Pretti. Where, when More anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests are planned in Southern California as various advocacy groups and unions put their support behind a strike in the aftermath of the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti and continued federal immigration enforcement operations nationwide. Dubbed "ICE Out of Everywhere," the latest SoCal demonstrations come as another coalition, No Kings, announced the next date for a nationwide protest. Last year, demonstrations under the No Kings banner and other names swept across American cities and across California in protest of the Trump administration. An "ICE Out of Everywhere" protest is planned in Santa Clarita on Friday, Jan. 30, and others are planned in Corona and Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 31. The protests are in response to all those who have died in ICE custody as well as Good, a mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier January, and Pretti, an intensive care nurse fatally shot by Border Patrol agents on Jan. 24, both in Minneapolis. Also looming is a potential partial government shutdown as Democrats refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Thousands rally against ICE on anniversary of Trumps second term Activists hold signs during a protest on the one-year anniversary of President Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Protestors gathered to call for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave Washington, D.C. Is there a strike? What to know about the National Shutdown on Jan. 30? Organizers are calling for people nationwide not to attend school, work and skip out on shopping on Friday, Jan. 30. Called a national shutdown, it comes a week after hundreds of Minnesota businesses were expected to close as part of statewide strike. At least one demonstration is planned in Los Angeles on Jan. 30 that is in solidarity with Minnesota. The national shutdown calls for an end to ICE funding and to their reign of terror. National Nurses United: Events planned in honor of Alex Pretti in SoCal National Nurses United announced days of actions across more than a dozen states, including California, to honor Pretti and call on Congress to vote against funding federal immigration enforcement agencies. In Southern California, a vigil was planned in Hemet on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Additional California demonstrations include: San Pedro: Jan. 28 Orange: Jan. 28 West Hills: Jan. 28 Santa Monica: Jan. 29 San Diego: Jan. 29 When is the next 'No Kings' protest? The next No Kings demonstration is planned for March 28, according to the coalition. While there is no public list of planned No Kings events across the U.S., previous No Kings days have seen protests held in dozens of cities across the state. Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anti-ICE protests planned in SoCal amid call to skip work, school Flames rise from flare stacks at the Amuay refinery in Los Taques, Venezuela, on January 14. - Matias Delacroix/AP As the Trump administration prepared late last year for the US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a handful of officials began studying the US approach to oil resources in Iraq following the 2003 US invasion. During a State Department briefing in late December, among the key findings presented was that Iraqi skepticism about Americas intentions hampered US efforts to boost production quickly, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. Distrust of Americans was so high among Iraqis working in the oil industry that internal sabotage harmed the ability to quickly boost output, according to one of the sources familiar with State Department briefing. Its unclear if elements of the briefing, which has not been previously reported, were ever shared directly with President Donald Trump, who has long been a critic of the US decision not to, as he puts it, keep the oil in Iraq. But if they were, they do not appear to have altered the presidents thinking. Trump has made no secret of his desire to exert US control over Venezuelas vast oil resources, and in private, both before and after Maduros January 3 capture by US forces, he has been keenly focused on how to revitalize Venezuelas oil industry, sources said. While multiple Trump administration officials have said the oil profits would go towards benefitting the people of Venezuela, Trump has repeatedly promised to take back the oil in Venezuela that he also claims was stolen from us a reference to Venezuelas past nationalization of assets and infrastructure owned by US oil companies. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with US oil companies executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on January 9. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images That kind of language, particularly coming without a clear ownership and development plan for the industry, could undermine the long-term US objectives in Venezuela, multiple US officials told CNN. Venezuelans are all going to be suspicious of the US, said one current US official. There is no trust, there is no vision laying out what the plan is. The official, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, added that Trumps language could engender deep distrust among Venezuelans and efforts to find a way to fight against the system. Trump has directly lobbied major US oil firms such as Exxon and Chevron to invest billions of dollars in Venezuelas oil industry. His administration has also begun having conversations with smaller independent oil companies that may be more willing to take on the risks associated with operating in Venezuela, three sources familiar with the discussions said. The discussions are being led at the White House by the National Energy Dominance Council, sources said. Some of these firms have experience in oil excavation in places where the political dynamics are not stable, driving an eagerness to engage in Venezuela. It will likely be a mix of large, mid, and independent players closely matching the makeup of the room during the meeting with President Trump a few weeks ago in the East Room, an administration official said. There is massive potential in Venezuela, so there is room for a wide variety of companies to be involved. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said that the White House has been flooded with requests from the worlds greatest oil and gas companies looking for licenses to operate in Venezuela adding that the administration is currently working through those requests. Its far more brazen The driving rationale and the approach to the US intervention in Iraq and Venezuela are very different, but in both cases the US set out to revitalize another countrys oil sector after ousting its leader. Those similarities prompted US officials to consider potential lessons learned from Iraq, sources said, though its unclear how much they are being put into practice as the Trump administration works through its next moves on Venezuela. That you would have a president come in and state were going to control the sector, were going to control all oil sales, and were going to decide who invests in (the country), is sort of worlds apart from what you saw in Iraq, said Raad Alkadiri, an expert with over 20 years of experience advising senior oil and gas industry executives following his UK government career which included time in Iraq from 2003-2007. In the Trump case, its far more brazen, Alkadiri said. In Iraq, the George W. Bush administrations goal was to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein based on the claim which later proved incorrect that he possessed weapons of mass destruction. During the intervention and in the following years, the US never dictated Iraqs oil policy or sought preferential access to the countrys resources for American companies. It was not even until 2009 that international oil companies entered Iraqs market. This 2009 photo shows the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, an Iraqi offshore, deep sea crude oil marine loading terminal in the Persian Gulf. - US Army Specialist Darryl L. Montgomery/US Department of Defense According to two former Bush administration officials, the unmistakable message from the Bush White House was that the US intervention had nothing to do with oil. While the US worked to revitalize the Iraqi oil sector, it did so in conjunction with Iraqs oil ministry and with the backing of the United Nations through the creation of the Development Fund for Iraq. President Bush could not have been clearer that intervention had nothing to do with Iraqs resource wealth, said one of the former Bush administration officials. We went out of our way to ensure that there was not the perception or reality that this had to do with oil. To stabilize Iraq they had to get outflow up again, but it was made clear to US multinationals that they were not going to get a privileged position. A focus on oil in Venezuela In stark contrast, the Trump administrations central focus in Venezuela is the oil. It is a point that Trump made clear in his speech immediately following Maduros capture as well as in his administrations subsequent moves. In recent weeks, the administration has brokered deals to sell millions of barrels of formerly sanctioned Venezuelan oil on global markets, routing the proceeds into a US-controlled account in Qatar and using that leverage to shape Caracass transition and stabilization strategy. The US completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil earlier this month, valued at $500 million. The interim Venezuelan government has been allowed to use those funds for critical expenditures Rubio told lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to testify during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 28 in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images They were facing a fiscal crunch. They needed money in the immediacy to fund the police officer, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government, Rubio said. This is a short-term mechanism in which the needs of the Venezuelan people can be met through a process that weve created where they will submit every month a budget of, this is what we need funded. While some US officials and oil experts are skeptical of how this will unfold, there are pockets of hope that US oil companies could be able to forge better relationships in Venezuela. The sentiment of distrust in Venezuela will exist at the political level, but at the working level American (oil companies) have been in Venezuela for the better part of 100 years, so you do have some of that reservoir of trust which could be built on, said the former Bush administration official. Iraq was hard. Venezuela could be harder Even while Trumps approach Venezuelas oil industry is radically different than how Bush approached Iraqs oil resources, current US officials have some concerns about the US repeating past mistakes. The Iraqi oil sector boosted production back to upwards of 2.5 million barrels a day in the early 2000s following the plummet in output after the 1991 Gulf War. It took about 10 years to get back to those levels of output following the 2003 US invasion. It was a circumstance where a set of technocrats believed that they could manage the sector quite capably, on their own. Most of them did not think foreign support was vital, said Alkadiri, the veteran oil consultant. Though the State Department briefing in December included details about the situation in Iraq, it did not explicitly compare Iraq and Venezuela, according to one of the sources familiar with the briefing. There also have not been similar followup briefings, signaling the White Houses effort to keep decision-making and information flow limited as the Venezuela policy is shaped. The State Department did not provide a comment on the briefing to CNN. At the time of Maduros capture, Venezuelas production hovered around 800,000 barrels a day after, a huge drop off from the past 25 years following the election of Hugo Chavez. A boy stands on a fishing boat with the Cardon refinery in the background in Punta Cardon, Venezuela, on January 14. - Matias Delacroix/AP US distrust could be a major impediment to effectively revitalizing the sector in Venezuela just like it was in Iraq, US officials and experts warned. Developing trust and genuine collaboration will be particularly critical in Venezuela due to geological and security challenges that could make its industry even harder to revitalize than Iraqs, experts said. Iraq was incredibly difficult but restoring Venezuelas oil could potentially be even harder, said Amy Myers Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University. Jaffe advised the Bush administration on the difficulties of restoring Iraqs damaged oil fields. The state of some of Venezuelas fields are in worse shape, she said. There has been massive destruction to Venezuelas oil infrastructure and the environmental damage in and around the key Lake Maracaibo reservoirs is monumental. Cleaning up that devastation and restoring the fields there would be a massive undertaking. Its hard to explain the extent of this challenge, said Jaffe. How to create a normal oil economy While Trump has encouraged US oil CEOs to invest in Venezuela, and appeared to pledge that they will, a key hurdle will be securing their commitment. Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that the US would not subsidize oil companies investment, still the administration is putting in tremendous efforts to stabilize the country so that it could attract that investment. Right now what you have in Venezuela is a corrupt and broken oil company run by the government, Rubio said on Wednesday. We want it to become a normal oil economy. The problem with some of the smaller firms known informally as wildcatters is that they are good at projects on small fields that do not have huge technical challenges, but that they lack capital and the ability to move infrastructure of various types, experts and current officials said. Many of them may have to rely on subcontractors which could get messy, they added. Still, these firms could boost short-term production and give the administration early wins making them an attractive option to the administration. There are some wins to be had with smaller firms because they can be agile and effective. But looking at sizable production and what is required in terms of infrastructure, that will require investments at scale and those companies wont be able to do that, Alkadiri said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Chinese court sentencing 11 people to death for running a family-run criminal empire in Myanmar and for killing workers who tried to escape in Zhejiang, China on September 29, 2025. - The Peoples Courts News and Communication Agency, China China has executed 11 members of the notorious Ming family criminal gang, who ran mafia-like scam centers in Myanmar and killed workers who tried to escape, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. The Ming family was one of the so-called four families of northern Myanmar crime syndicates accused of running hundreds of compounds dealing in internet fraud, prostitution and drug production, and whose members held prominent positions in the local government and militia aligned with Myanmars ruling junta. The 11 people executed were sentenced to death in September after being found guilty of crimes including homicide, illegal detention, and fraud, Xinhua news agency reported. Two of the defendants appealed and the case was elevated to the Supreme Peoples Court, Chinas highest court, which upheld the original verdict, according to Xinhua. The crime family, headed by Ming Xuechang, had long been tied to an infamous compound called Crouching Tiger Villa in Kokang, an autonomous region on Myanmars border with China. At its peak, the group had 10,000 people working to conduct scams and other crimes, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Kokangs capital Laukkaing was at the heart of a multibillion-dollar scam industry that took root in lawless pockets of Myanmar, where trafficked workers were used to defraud strangers with sophisticated online schemes. After years of complaints by relatives of trafficked scam center workers and growing international media attention, Beijing cracked down on the compounds in 2023. That November, China issued arrest warrants for members of the family, accusing them of fraud, murder and trafficking, and posted rewards of between $14,000 and $70,000 for their capture. Family head Ming Xuechang, who had also served as member of a Myanmar state parliament, later killed himself while in custody, Chinese state media reported at the time. His son Ming Guoping, who was a leader in the junta-aligned Kokang Border Guard Force, and his granddaughter Ming Zhenzhen were among those executed, Xinhua reported on Thursday. Before they were executed, they met with close relatives, the report said. The Ming family syndicate also conspired with the leader of another syndicate, Wu Hongming, who was also executed, to intentionally kill, injure and illegally detain scam workers, resulting in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens, according to Xinhua. In one incident in October 2023, four people were killed when members of the group allegedly opened fire on people at a scam compound. In a report into the shooting, Chinese state media CCTV reported the group were transferring workers from the cyberfraud park under armed guard after being tipped off that police were planning a raid of the compound. Scamming gangs in Southeast Asia steal more than $43 billion a year, according to the US Congress-founded United States Institute of Peace. In Myanmar, scam compounds have been shielded by corruption and lawlessness that has long saturated the countrys border regions. The criminal syndicates and the armed groups hosting them have also exploited almost five years of devastating civil war to expand their business. When asked about the executions on Thursday, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry said Beijing would continue to intensify efforts to eradicate the scourge of gambling and fraud. CNNs Kloe Zheng contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Senate Passage Of Government Spending Package In Doubt As Democrats Seek Changes To DHS Funding (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The Senate rejected a six-bill appropriations package funding vast portions of the federal government Thursday with Democrats citing their opposition to funding federal immigration enforcement following weeks of unrest in Minnesota. Lawmakers voted 45-55, falling well short of the 60-vote threshold necessary to advance the funding package. The decision of Senate Democrats and some Republicans to filibuster government funding is almost certain to trigger a partial government shutdown starting Saturday at 12:01 a.m. (RELATED: Schumer Reveals What Democrats Want In Order To Back Off Forcing Another Shutdown) Republican Sens. Ted Budd of North Carolina, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Ashley Moody and Rick Scott of Florida, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama also opposed advancing the funding package. The conservative group of lawmakers contains several leading fiscal hawks and opponents of abortion. Budd told reporters he voted no over concerns about abortion funding in the package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also voted no during the failed procedural vote, so he can bring the package up for a vote at a later point in time. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers shutdown threat comes just three months after Democrats plunged the country into a record-breaking 43-day funding lapse in fall 2025 over Obamacare subsidies. Despite the six-bill appropriations package being negotiated in a bipartisan manner, Democrats unanimously came out against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding measure included in the funding package following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. Senate Democrats have demanded that Republicans separate the DHS funding measure from the five additional government funding bills included in the package, which the House approved overwhelmingly on Jan. 22. Schumer wants to renegotiate the bill and is reportedly discussing a number of reforms to federal immigration enforcement with the White House. A deal over DHS funding was not reached prior to Thursdays vote. Its pretty clear that people want an end to these roving, indiscriminate patrols that are endangering citizens lives, Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy told reporters Wednesday. They dont want any more secret mask police, and they want accountability for whats already happened to American citizens. Democrats demand that federal immigration agents remove their masks is almost certainly a nonstarter for Republicans, who fear officers could be doxxed by far-left agitators. Were not going to keep ICE from doing their job, Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin told reporters Wednesday. Border Czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that federal immigration authorities will focus their operations on illegal aliens with criminal records. He also floated a potential drawdown of federal immigration officers in Minnesota if local officials choose to cooperate with the Trump administration. It was not immediately clear whether Homans remarks helped soften Democrats opposition to the DHS funding bill. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA JANUARY 29: Border czar Tom Homan speaks during a news conference about ongoing immigration enforcement operations on January 29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Republicans have also noted that Democrats decision to block DHS funding could result in more money for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not less. A stopgap spending measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is expected to fund DHS at a higher amount than the House-passed DHS funding measure negotiated between both parties. The CR would also not include reforms to ICE that Democrats secured in the House-passed DHS bill, which included $20 billion for ICE body cameras. The tens of billions of dollars that President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocated to ICE and CBP also means federal immigration enforcement would likely keep moving at full throttle if the government shuts down while other vital agencies funded by the DHS bill would come to a halt. The DHS bill also funds the Coast Guard, Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the TSA among other agencies. It shuts down Secret Service kind of important, right? Mullin said regarding Democrats filibuster of the DHS funding bill. It shuts down FEMA. Thats really important, especially with the ice storms and everything we have going on. It also shuts down the coast guard and shuts down TSA. Thats where theyre actually shutting down. ICEs salary is still going to go out, Mullin continued in a reference to the appropriations the agency received in Republicans tax and spending cut law. Democrats could face immense public pressure for holding up billions in federal disaster funds if FEMA runs out of money during a prolonged shutdown. However, some lawmakers believe the fight over ICE funding is worth the risk. It is truly a moral moment, Democratic Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a brief interview on Tuesday. Id be willing to take the heat and vote down Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, all the rest of it, because I think we need to take a stand. Also included in the six-bill appropriation package is the defense appropriations package. The bill funds troop pay, meaning U.S. service members would miss a paycheck absent intervention by the Trump admin in the event of a drawn-out shutdown. Just seven House Democrats voted yes on the DHS funding bill on Jan. 22, but support among Democrats for funding federal immigration enforcement cratered further over the weekend following Prettis shooting. Some of the defecting Democrats have since voiced support for defunding ICE and publicly apologized to the partys base. Congress has already passed six out of the 12 appropriations bills including funding for the legislative branch, meaning a second shutdown is not expected to be as painful as the 2025 funding lapse. Federal nutrition assistance has also been fully funded for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which tens of millions of Americans rely on, became a pain point during the last shutdown. Andi Shae Napier and Caden Olson contributed to this report. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. A former doctor who lied to investigators about sexually assaulting his wifes best friend in 1989 in her Cincinnati home was sentenced Jan. 28 to 15 years in prison, the maximum possible. In imposing the sentence in federal court in Dayton, U.S. District Judge Michael Newman referred to Frederick Tanzer as a "serial rapist," said his crimes were "unusually horrendous" and had caused "long-lasting pain, both physical and emotional," to the victims. Tanzer, 67, could not be charged with rape, prosecutors said, because the statute of limitations that was in place at the time expired in the mid-1990s. So Tanzer instead was charged with multiple counts of making false statements to federal agents in 2024 when they questioned him about the attack. He lied when he denied having seen or interacted with the woman that day. But Tanzers DNA taken from a Starbucks coffee cup that he had thrown in the trash matched DNA found at the womans home in 1989. He pleaded guilty last year to three counts of lying to federal agents, and each count was punishable by up to five years in prison. Newman announced the prison term on the second day of a sentencing that began Jan. 12 and included an emotional and detailed statement from the woman Tanzer attacked. Tanzer practiced medicine for 3 decades Tanzer, who according to court documents obtained his medical license two months before the 1989 attack, went on to practice medicine for the next three decades in multiple states, including Ohio, Colorado, Kansas and Arizona. He wasn't considered a suspect until 2024. He was arrested in December of that year at his Sycamore Township home. Tanzer's license to practice internal medicine in Ohio was permanently revoked in March 2025. And as part of his plea agreement, he allowed his medical licenses in other states to expire. Both Tanzer's now-ex-wife, who is the 1989 victim's best friend, and his current wife have accused him of drugging them before having sex with them. Although Tanzer has not been charged in connection with those allegations, Newman said he considered them in imposing the sentence. After the sentence was formally imposed, Tanzer told Newman he wanted to say something but his attorney advised him not to speak. His attorney, Christopher Bucio, said Tanzer will appeal the sentence, which also includes a $250,000 fine. Newman said that in the years before Tanzer's arrest, he was making $400,000 a year. Attacker wore mask, full-body spandex suit The first attack investigators connected to Tanzer was the one in 1989. The woman, who was 29 at the time, was attacked in her Columbia Tusculum home by a man wearing a black, full-body spandex suit, black gloves and a mask that covered his face. The only thing he said was, Shh, before putting a knife to her throat. He sexually assaulted her over five and a half hours. Had Tanzer spoken, she would have recognized him. In court on Jan. 12, the woman, now 66, described existing in a chronic state of anxiety. She said she has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic insomnia, night terrors and panic attacks. She has been in therapy for decades. I have felt imprisoned most of my adult life," she said. In a statement released after the sentence was imposed, U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II said Tanzer "poses a grave risk to the public and deserves to be in prison not only for his lies, but also for the despicable attack he was trying to cover up. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Ohio doctor Frederick Tanzer sentenced for lying about assault Andriy Korshunov Go Fund Me NEED TO KNOW An 80-year-old man and his dog were killed in a hit-and-run on Tuesday, Jan. 27, while on a walk in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, Calif. The victim's daughter said her father was a Ukrainian War refugee who also survived the Holocaust as a child Police said they are looking for the driver, who abandoned his silver Maserati and removed its license plates blocks away from where the crash occurred A Ukrainian War refugee and Holocaust survivor was killed in a hit-and-run in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The victim, Andriy Korshunov, was 80 years old and immigrated to the United States after the start of the Ukraine War, according to KTLA. The outlet reported that Korshunov had also survived the Holocaust as a young child. "[He] survived historys darkest chapter, only to have his life taken so suddenly and senselessly," the victim's daughter Ilana wrote in a GoFundMe created to help raise money to transport his remains back to Ukraine. Korshunov and his dog were struck by a Maserati in the 4400 block of Woodman Avenue in Sherman Oaks, Calif., around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night, according to KTLA and ABC 7. According to the outlets, bystanders performed chest compressions on the man until paramedics arrived and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. KTLA reported that Korshunovs dog was later found dead underneath a nearby vehicle. The outlet reported that there was video of the incident, showing the driver briefly stop and then speed off after hitting the elderly man. He didnt help him. He just hit and run, Korshunov's daughter told KTLA. He killed two souls. I dont know what he thinks about this. I mean, what horrible person he has to be to do that. How come? The victims grieving daughter added: God sees everything, and God sees what hes done. He has to do something. First of all, apologize to God for what hes done. Los Angeles police described the car in a news release as a silver 2009 Gray Maserati Quattroporte. Police said investigators located the vehicle abandoned near the area of the collision without its license plates shortly after the incident. One Sherman Oaks resident told ABC 7 they avoid walking down the street where Korshunov and his dog were killed because people are always racing down the road ... so you see accidents here. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, per the release. 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. Ilana Korshunov described her father as a man who "survived unimaginable horrors, rebuilt his life, and carried his resilience with quiet strength for eight decades," in the online fundraiser. "He was kind, gentle, and deeply grateful for every day he was given," she wrote. Read the original article on People A newly unsealed court filing revealed Xana Kernodle may be the 'reason' why Bryan Kohberger accepted a plea deal.MEGA; XANAKERNODLE/INSTAGRAM A gut-wrenching update has emerged in the University of Idaho murders case, RadarOnline.com can reveal. In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, Bryan Kohberger broke into an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, and brutally murdered four students Xana Kernodle, 20, Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Maddie Mogen, 21. Recently unsealed court filings included details from an autopsy report on Kernodle and crime scene evidence suggesting she continued fighting the deranged killer after he stabbed her 67 times. Authorities suggested evidence left behind from the struggle may be the reason why Kohberger accepted a plea deal to avoid the trial and the death penalty. 'Idaho 4' Autopsy Details Released Autopsy report details said Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and Maddie Mogen were killed in bed before they had a chance to stand up.@KAYLEEGONCALVES/@XANAKERNODLE / @MADDIEMOGEN/INSTAGRAM Autopsy reports on three of the victims Goncalves, Mogen, and Chapin stated they were stabbed while lying in bed and suffered fatal injuries before they were able to stand up. According to the fourth victim's autopsy report, Kernodle was not asleep or in bed when the attack took place, as she had just received a fast-food delivery order. Crime scene photos documented a half-eaten Jack in the Box meal in the kitchen located on the second-floor of the home, suggesting the victim could have stopped eating to investigate the commotion heard upstairs. Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen previously told investigators she heard loud sounds and crying coming from the floor above her room and upon slightly opening her bedroom door to check, she saw a masked intruder pass by as he fled the home. Xana Kernodle 'Was Awake When Attack Occurred' The report said Kernodle was not in bed or asleep when the attack took place. @KAYLEEGONCALVES/INSTAGRAM Authorities believe Kernodle went upstairs, toward Mogen's bedroom, after hearing noises and discovered Kohberger, prompting her to flee back downstairs towards her bedroom as the murderer followed behind. Blood from Mogen and Goncalves was discovered on the door of Mogen's bedroom, the stairwell, and the bannister from the third to the second floors, as well as on the wall outside of Kernodle's room. Autopsy details noting Mogen and Goncalves were killed while lying down supported the theory of another individual transferring the blood to other areas of the home. Xana Kernodle's Injuries Indicate She Fought Kohberger Kohberger stabbed Kernodle 67 times during their struggle.MEGA; XANAKERNODLE/INSTAGRAM Despite being nine-inches shorter than her killer, Kernodle's injuries indicated she courageously put up a fight when she encountered Kohberger. The autopsy report stated she was stabbed a total of 67 times, including 23 wounds on her face, neck, and scalp; seven on her chest; four on her abdomen; three on her back; 25 incised wounds on her upper extremities, and five incised wounds on her lower extremities. Authorities believed blood smeared across her body and the bottom of her feet suggested she continued to fight off Kohberger after being stabbed. Kohberger was also said to have sustained cuts and scratches after the murders. Authorities believe evidence left behind after encountering Kernodle may be the reason Kohberger accepted a plea deal.XANAKERNODLE/INSTAGRAM Kernodle's body was discovered on the floor of her bedroom, near her bed, where her boyfriend had been killed. Traces of Chapin and Kernodle's blood and DNA were found underneath their fingernails, which investigators said suggested the couple were close to each other in their final moments. Details suggesting a horrific and chaotic clash took place between Kohberger and Kernodle offered some explanation as to why the killer left behind a crucial piece of evidence connecting him to the crime scene a leather knife sheath fitting the murder weapon. Authorities believe the evidence collected at the crime scene could played a factor in Kohberger accepting a plea deal in July 2025. Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for the students' murders, plus 10 years for burglary. CHICAGO While her husband was at work Monday evening, Eliza Morales planned to meet the 19-year-old who had purchased the couples pickup truck on Facebook Marketplace at her Downers Grove apartment. In mere minutes, the transaction turned deadly. The teen brutally stabbed the 30-year-old pregnant mother around 70 times because he was upset about the trucks condition, killing her and her unborn child before setting her home on fire, DuPage County prosecutors said in court. Nedas Revuckas, of Westmont, appeared before Judge Joshua Dieden for an initial court appearance Thursday, wearing an orange jumpsuit and showing minimal emotion. Charged with first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, arson and aggravated cruelty to animals, Revuckas was ordered detained while awaiting trial. Revuckas is both violent and has difficulty controlling his emotions, which poses a danger to the community, Dieden said in ordering him detained. The accusations against him are troubling, chilling and significant, Dieden added. Rather than stop, he continued the merciless attack on (Morales), Dieden said. In a phone call with the Tribune, Morales mother-in-law, Angelica Silva, said she never imagined such a devastating crime could happen to someone so caring. Morales was the kind of person who was always trying to help someone, Silva said. She cared deeply about children and human rights causes, and recently converted to Islam. She worked in the payroll department at Lurie Childrens Hospital, and dreamed of having at least two more kids one day. She and her husband were high school sweethearts, Silva added. She always said my kids are going to be smart, theyre going to read, theyre going to know, Silva said. She always was at the library with the baby, always trying to absorb knowledge. Morales was about five months pregnant. Silva was babysitting her daughter, who is 1 years old, at the time of the attack. A GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $60,000 as of Thursday morning, was started to support the family. We were probably eating dinner while she was being murdered, Silva said tearfully. She was fighting for her life. The whole apartment you can tell she fought for her life. Her handprints of her getting up and falling are all over the walls. 70 stab wounds Assistant States Attorney Alyssa Rabulinski said in court Thursday that video surveillance showed Revuckas arriving at Morales apartment in the 2300 block of Ogden Avenue just before 5:30 p.m. Monday. He had arranged on Facebook with Morales husband to pick up the bill of sale and license plate for the pickup truck he first expressed interest in buying from the couple two days earlier. The footage showed Morales interacting with Revuckas in the buildings vestibule and inside of the couples unit, Rabulinski said. Her husband wasnt at home at the time. By 5:49 p.m., Morales and Revuckas are shown in what appears to be a struggle, and the door to her apartment quickly closes. The handle on the door continued turning from the inside, indicating that someone likely Morales was attempting to escape, Rabulinski said. About 20 minutes later, prosecutors said smoke was seen escaping from under the door. The Downers Grove Fire Department quickly arrived at the scene, finding Morales near the door. She was pronounced dead in the ambulance, Rabulinski said. Revuckas was arrested just before midnight. An autopsy from the DuPage County coroners office found her cause of death to be multiple sharp force injuries. They estimated there were 70 stab wounds, most of which were from a knife to her head and neck. She also had defensive injuries and soot in her airways. During the struggle, Rabulinski also alleged Revuckas stabbed the familys elderly, red-nosed pit bull mix, named Zula, between the eyes. He also later admitted to kicking the dog, who escaped out of a sliding door during the fire, prosecutors said. The dog was under the care of an animal hospital. It is a horrific act of violence, and its not something that we typically see in DuPage County, DuPage County States Attorney Bob Berlin said at a Thursday news conference. Its unconscionable, an unconscionable level of violence. Revuckas public defender argued in court that Revuckas is a young adult whose brain is still developing. He works full time as a painter and is in school for an electrical apprenticeship. He has no criminal history. It just happened During a police interview, Revuckas confessed to murdering Morales, Rabulinski said. He said he had been upset about the condition of the pickup truck he purchased. He told police he wanted to confront Morales husband, and that Morales didnt do anything wrong. But he took out his frustration on her anyway, Rabulinski said. Revuckas said in the interview that he didnt plan on killing Morales, but that he lost control and it just happened. During the fight, Morales told him she was pregnant, prosecutors said. But Revuckas said by that point, she was basically dead to me. Revuckas also admitted to setting the fire. He stacked household items on a stovetop and used household chemicals and sanitizer as an accelerant, Rabulinski said. I thought maybe just erase it all, Revuckas told detectives. During a search of Revuckas home, officers found the bloody boots Revuckas wore at Morales apartment, which were shown on the surveillance video. Revuckas later took detectives to an Ace Hardware where he swapped out of his jacket and took off his bloody clothes, prosecutors said. At the store, detectives found the plastic bag he threw out, which contained his bloody camouflage jacket, Morales work lanyard and her husbands debit card. There were also two bloody gloves and pieces of what appeared to be Morales cellphone. In Revuckas truck, detectives saw blood on the drivers-side door and steering wheel as well as about $200 on the drivers seat, some of which was bloody. Investigators said they have not yet located the knife. Downers Grove police Chief Michael DeVries said at the Thursday news conference that he felt someone looking over us during their speedy investigation. Im thankful that we have an outcome for Eliza, her family and her unborn child, and Im hopeful that this provides a sense of peace for the family as they deal with this tragic situation, he said. Rabulinski relayed in court an interaction between a detective and Revuckas. The detective told Revuckas that while he showed no remorse at first, now you know what you did was wrong. Im not going to sugarcoat. Its pretty bad, . I know, Revuckas responded. ____ SWNS / Chester Zoo Quick Take The UKs Chester Zoo welcomed a new Goodfellows tree kangaroo baby recently. The Goodfellows tree kangaroo species is listed as endangered by the IUCN. To monitor the babys growth in the pouch, zookeepers used endoscopic pouch-cams. The baby tree kangaroo is the Zoos second and marks a significant milestone for the endangered species. When you think of kangaroos, you usually imagine the six-foot-tall kind, hopping across wide open spaces throughout Australia. After all, it is this version of the marsupial that nature series and movies tend to showcase. You probably dont imagine these large marsupials hanging out in the treetops. While terrestrial kangaroos can leap to great heights, they arent built for climbing due to their size. Youd be rightat least when it comes to ground-dwelling kangaroo species. But those arent the only kangaroos around. Theres another kind of kangaroo whose specialty is living in trees. There are actually 14 tree-kangaroo species built specifically for moving around high above the rainforest floors. These arboreal dwellers are found in New Guinea and the far northeast of Queensland, Australia. One of these arboreal marsupials is the Goodfellows tree kangaroo. Like many other tree kangaroo species, Goodfellows are considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This endangered status is why the recent birth of a Goodfellows joey at a UK zoo is cause for celebration. Meet Chester Zoos Newest Tree Kangaroo Addition The Chester Zoo, located just south of Liverpool, England, is not just a zoo but also an international conservation charity. It is a globally recognized center of excellence for scientific research and conservation. The Zoo takes part in 139 international conservation breeding programs, one of which is for the Goodfellows tree kangaroo. The recent birth of the tiny male Goodfellows tree kangaroo to parents Kitawa (mom) and Kayjo (dad) marks the second Goodfellows tree kangaroo birth at the Zoo. Both pregnancies were part of the Zoos collaborative conservation breeding program designed to help rebuild populations of one of the worlds most threatened marsupials. Zookeepers, using hormone analysis, pinpointed the best time for Kitawa and Kayjo to mate. Zookeepers conducted their work in the Zoos on-site science centerthe only one of its kind at any European zoo. The planning was effective, and Kitawa gave birth to a male joey in the fall of 2025. Born weighing just a few grams, the tiny newborn quickly made its way into moms pouch, where it would spend the next several months growing. Newborn kangaroos instinctively find their way to the pouch by following a trail of saliva that the mother licks into place immediately after birth. This path leads directly to the pouch, and the tiny newborns use their forelimbs to climb along the mothers fur. Under normal circumstances, zookeepers wouldnt catch a glimpse of the joey until it emerged months later. Given the significance of the birth, zookeepers took a unique approach to safeguarding the little joeys early months of life. They used a series of tiny pouch-cams to monitor the joeys development. By inserting endoscopic cameras into the pouch, conservationists were able to monitor the joeys growth as he developed. The insights gained through this innovative approach gave conservationists a better understanding of the rarely-studied species. The information will also help shape breeding programs around the world. The Zoos newest Goodfellows tree kangaroo joey takes his first peek out of the pouch. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) Tree kangaroos dont breed quicklya joey is a huge energy investment for the mother. Thats why this birth is such a significant moment, says David White, Team Manager of Twilight at Chester Zoo, in a news release. Its taken a huge amount of work from keepers, vets, and scientists, all collaborating to support the joeys safe arrival. Everything weve learned is helping to protect this remarkable species. The still-unnamed joey weighed in at 4.1 pounds in mid-January. Visitors to the Zoos Island Zone may catch a glimpse of the joey peeking out from moms pouch. The Zoo plans to name the joey soon, choosing a name inspired by the communities in Papua New Guinea that are actively working to protect the endangered species forest homes. It Wasnt the First Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Birth at the Zoo The most recent Goodfellows tree kangaroo birth was the second such occurrence in the past few years. The first tree kangaroo baby arrived in July 2022 and marked the Zoos inaugural breeding program for the endangered marsupial. The Chester Zoos first Goodfellows tree kangaroo baby was born in July 2022. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) Parents of the first tree kangaroo baby were also mom Kitawa and dad Kayjo. That joey spent six months in its mothers pouch before eventually popping its head out to explore life outside. It took a few more months for the joey to fully emerge and begin life as a young tree kangaroo. Its daily lessons included refining its hopping skills and learning to climb treesan essential skill for any tree kangaroo. Just as with this second tree kangaroo birth, scientists used endoscopic cameras to monitor the first joeys in-pouch development. Learn More About the Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Goodfellows tree kangaroos are one of 14 tree kangaroo species found throughout the tropical forests and rainforests of north Queensland and New Guinea. Much smaller than their terrestrial cousins, tree kangaroos have smaller hind legs adapted to climbing. These adapted hind legs make them clumsy when hopping on the ground. Goodfellows tree kangaroos spend most of their lives in the treetops of New Guineas forests. John Carnemolla/Shutterstock.com (John Carnemolla/Shutterstock.com) They also have very sharp claws and long, patterned tails to help them climb and leap great distances between trees. They can leap up to 30 feet between trees in the treetops, where they spend most of their lives sleeping on branches and foraging for leaves and other plants. When they do need to come down to the ground, they can also successfully make vertical jumps of up to 60 feet and land safely. They have reddish-brown fur highlighted by gold stripes and spots. Adults weigh between 13 and 20 pounds and are about 21 to 30 inches long. One unique feature of the Goodfellows tree kangaroo is its ability to move its hind feet independently. Other tree kangaroo species share this skill, but terrestrial kangaroos do not. Why Are Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Numbers in Decline? Most tree kangaroo species, including Goodfellows, face ongoing habitat loss due to logging, agricultural expansion for palm oil plantations, and hunting for their meat and fur. Deforestation is a major threat to all tree kangaroos, including Goodfellows. Toa55/Shutterstock.com (Toa55/Shutterstock.com) These threats have a dramatic negative impact on tree kangaroo populations in both New Guinea and Queensland. A ban on traditional hunting and increased habitat protection in Queensland, Australia, have helped stabilize tree kangaroo populations there. Unfortunately, in New Guinea, deforestation continues unabated, leading to significant habitat loss for all 12 tree kangaroo species that live there, including Goodfellows. More About Tree Kangaroo Conservation Efforts Although Goodfellows tree kangaroos are only found in a small corner of the world, global conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this unique species. Coordinated breeding programs like the one at Chester Zoo help to build the population of captive tree kangaroos. In fact, Goodfellows tree kangaroos are one of only a few New Guinea tree kangaroo species that are part of an international breeding program. These programs help raise awareness and serve as insurance against extinction. The Zoos newest Goodfellows tree kangaroo joey peeked out of moms pouch for the first time on January 12, 2026. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) There are other ways for the general public to help with conservation efforts, too. You can reduce the impact of deforestation by buying only certified sustainable FSC wood and paper products. FSC certification ensures that the wood is ethically sourced from responsibly managed forests, rather than from clear-cutting that contributes to deforestation. You can also choose RSPO-certified palm oil, which is produced according to standards set by the global Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Certification means that the oil was produced without causing deforestation. The post Inside the Pouch of a Newly Born Tree Kangaroo appeared first on A-Z Animals. Deep-dish pizzeria donates $1 per heart-shaped pizza sold and hosts special celebrations for wish children throughout the month CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A beloved Lou Malnati's tradition returns this February, as the deep-dish pizzeria's fan-favorite heart-shaped pizzas make their annual comeback February 1, alongside heart-shaped desserts for the first time. This year, the pizzeria is donating $1 for every heart-shaped pizza sold at its restaurants to benefit Make-A-Wish chapters in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona, the states where Lou Malnati's has locations, to help grant wishes for local children facing critical illnesses. Heart-shaped pizzas are available starting February 1 at every Lou Malnati's location for dine-in, carryout, and delivery. The pizzas feature Lou Malnati's signature flaky, buttery crust, Wisconsin mozzarella, and vine-ripened tomato sauce in cheese, pepperoni, and sausage varieties. New to the menu this year are heart-shaped cookies and Eli's heart-shaped cheesecake, also available for dine-in, carryout, and delivery. Customers can pair these with pizzas through special online Make-A-Wish bundles available for carryout and delivery. Lou Malnati's will donate $1 for every heart-shaped pizza sold or Make-A-Wish Bundle sold. Customers nationwide can order the Make-A-Wish Heart-Shaped Bundle through tastesofchicago.com, featuring two heart-shaped pizzas, one heart-shaped cookie, and one Eli's heart-shaped cheesecake. Lou Malnati's will donate $2 from every bundle sold online to Make-A-Wish. "Our deep-dish pizza brings people together for moments that matter," said Julie Younglove-Webb, CEO of Lou Malnati's. "This February, every heart-shaped pizza sold helps grant wishes and create special moments for Make-A-Wish families in our communities." The campaign will help grant wishes for children like Sutton, a 13-year-old from Surprise, Arizona, living with a gastrointestinal disorder. After using her own wish to design a T-shirt benefiting her treatment facility, Sutton has now created a special design for Lou Malnati's staff to wear throughout February at all locations. The campaign will support wish kids in the Midwest and Arizona, including 8-year-old Annie from Addison, Illinois, with a blood disorder, who dreams of the ultimate princess party; Kennedy, an 8-year-old from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, looking forward to his wish trip to Japan in May while living with a heart condition; and 4-year-old Scarlett from Mesa, Arizona, who recently received a heart transplant and can't wait to meet the characters from Gabby's Dollhouse. The partnership goes beyond fundraising to create memorable experiences for wish families. Lou Malnati's will host special pizza-making parties in February where wish children and their loved ones can make their own heart-shaped pizzas together. Throughout the month, the pizzeria will also host celebration dinners for children and their families who are waiting for their wish to be granted, giving them the chance to gather with friends and family over deep-dish. "We're thrilled to partner with Lou Malnati's," said Carly Fishbein, corporate gift officer of Make-A-Wish Illinois. "Their generous support helps grant life-changing wishes for children in our communities, and these special celebrations give wish families moments of joy and connection they'll treasure for years to come." The campaign runs through February 28. To order heart-shaped pizzas visit loumalnatis.com or ship the Make-A-Wish Heart-Shaped Bundle nationwide through tastesofchicago.com. Lou Malnati's is committing up to $50,000 in total donations to local Make-A-Wish chapters through this campaign. For more information about the partnership, visit loumalnatis.com/dish-out-some-love/. About Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a family-owned company famous for deep dish pizza and staying true to the original Chicago-style pizza recipe. The company stresses consistency in quality, service, and food, offered in a unique environment by a staff that is committed to one another, the customer, and the community. Lou Malnati's is passionate about pizza, people and proud to support the local communities they serve one deep dish at a time. There are 70 locations in the Chicagoland area, Arizona, and Wisconsin. The Malnati's signature deep dish is made from a secret family recipe that has been handed down through four generations. For the latest dish, visit https://www.loumalnatis.com/ . About Make-A-Wish Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring wish to every child with an eligible condition because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. To find your local Make-A-Wish chapter, visit wish.org. SOURCE Lou Malnati's Bug Hall, a Hollywood star known for his child role as Alfalfa in Steven Spielbergs The Little Rascals, who last made headlines in 2020 for his arrest over huffing air duster cans from a dumpster, has revealed that he has traded his showbiz life for a quiet living in Arkansas. In a January 28 interview, Hall identified himself as a radical Catholic extremist who has taken a vow of poverty and moved his wife and kids to a small area near Mountain Home in the southern U.S. state. The internet has reacted to Halls decision with both support and ridicule, with critics asking what the term really means. The Little Rascals actor revealed he ditched Hollywood to live off the grid Image credits: Bug_Hall/X According to the Daily Mail, 40-year-old Bug Hall has moved his wife, Jill, whom he married in 2017, and five kids, to an 80-acre plot in Arkansas. Per the outlet, the Hall family currently resides in a campervan with a water well and a generator, but the former actor plans to build them a house within six months. Image credits: Universal Pictures Hall informed that his familys only bills are for gas to power the generator and their car, and $100 for him and his wife to have cellphones. He has reportedly donated the fortune he collected as a child star, revealing that his goal is to maintain a life as free of any need for an income as possible. Image credits: Bug_Hall/X If theres any financial need that comes up, Ill go take some work or do an odd job for cash to fulfill that need. He seems happy, wrote a social media user in support of Halls decision, while a second probed, I have never heard of a radical Catholic extremist. Even nuns and priests are not labeled as such. Halls extended family, which includes his younger brother Gemini, their mother Twila, and his stepfather Mark, has also moved to Arkansas and bought plots. While Hall has left Hollywood, he still documents his life on X. He regularly posts pictures of his wife and their kids as they celebrate holidays, indulge in nature walks, and more. Image credits: Bug_Hall/X In September 2024, Hall made headlines for celebrating the birth of his son, Mark Athanasius Chad Anthony Hall-Barnett, by calling him his heir on the micro-blogging platform. When some on the internet pointed out that he already had four daughters, Hall replied, I said heir, not dishwasher. Bug Hall said his decision to leave Hollywood stems from his 2020 arrest Image credits: Bug_Hall/X Halls arrest for inhaling air duster cans on the Fort Worth Highway in Weatherford, Texas, nearly six years ago, did not culminate in charges, but it served as a wake-up call, he revealed in his interview. The cans, notably, contain chemicals like difluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane, which cause dizziness, euphoria, and hallucination. They are considered severely harmful, even for a single use, as they can cause sudden heart failure, brain damage, or suffocation. In his latest press interaction, Hall described his very public arrest as the best thing that ever happened to him. I loved making movies. I loved writing, producing, and acting. So God had to shake me up a little harder, he said. Hall believes his arrest led to an epiphany that he no longer wanted to work a job he described as basically meaningless, making widgets to entertain people or distract people. Image credits: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Besides The Little Rascals, Hall is best known for the 2002 Disney film Get a Clue. In 2022, he earned a Childrens Emmy nomination for A Tale Dark and Grimm. He is also known for co-writing This is the Year, produced by Selena Gomez. Bug Halls most famous role came from The Little Rascals, but it also allegedly caused him trauma Image credits: Weatherford Police Department A January 2024 article for The Altavista Journal by Alice Prival, an acquaintance of Hall, claims that the former actor was exploited by two men on the set of the film when he was only eight years old. It further detailed that the molestation continued from film to film, leading Hall to pick up substance and alc*hol use. Some netizens believe Halls current actions of trying to live a quiet life result from what stardom dealt him very early on in life. Image credits: Universal Pictures I read an article years ago. He disclosed that he was violated on that set. So whatever he does after that probably stems from the psychological damage that child ab*se inflicts on a person, one commented, while another wrote, Are there any child actors who turned out okay? Halls case mirrors that of Tylor Chase from Nickelodeons Neds Declassified School Survival Guide, as both of their lives unraveled amid struggles with substance and alc*hol misuse in the aftermath of childhood fame. Image credits: Universal Pictures The latter former child star grabbed attention for living in homelessness in Southern California and battling substance dependency in September 2025. In a video shared by influencer Lethal Lalli, whose real name is Citlalli Wilson, 36-year-old Chase looked disheveled, with his hair messed up and clothes visibly torn and soiled. Who knows what life gave him to handle, a netizen commented about Halls journey A health worker administers a dose of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana, November 19, 2025. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko A health worker administers a dose of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana, November 19, 2025. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko By Jennifer Rigby and Emmanuel Bruce LONDON/ACCRA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - New vaccines are helping Ghana approach a long-sought goal of ending child deaths from malaria, demonstrating the potential of the shots to drive back a disease that kills nearly half a million young children every year in Africa, according to the international vaccine aid group Gavi and the countrys health service. But aid cutbacks by the Trump administration and other wealthy governments could mean fewer children benefit on the continent where malaria hits hardest, Gavi told Reuters. Ghana is among the countries that had already made significant progress reducing malaria mortality by scaling up interventions such as the distribution of bed nets treated with insecticides and improving access to both preventive drugs and prompt treatment. Two new vaccines - one developed by British drugmaker GSK (GSK.L), the other by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India - are helping close the remaining gap, said Dr Selorm Kutsoati, who heads Ghanas immunisation programme. For me, the malaria vaccine is a gamechanger, she told Reuters. Gavi is currently the only organisation purchasing malaria shots for African nations. It anticipates it will be able to spend just over $800 million on the programme over the next five years - 28% less than the expected need - after falling $2.9 billion short of its overall funding goal for the period, according to internal estimates prepared for its board of directors in December, seen by Reuters. An additional 19,000 lives could be lost as a result due to lower vaccination rates, the documents say. The estimate, which has not previously been reported, is based on modelling of the vaccines impact by researchers at Imperial College London and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. It is the gap between the promise and the need for the vaccine, and the resources we have to provide that, Scott Gordon, who heads Gavis malaria program, told Reuters. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced in June that Washington would no longer support Gavi, part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid that President Donald Trump says do not align with his America First agenda. The United States was previously one of the groups top donors, contributing some $1.3 billion between 2020 and 2024. The U.S. "remains committed to working with global partners to combat malaria," a Department of Health and Human Services official told Reuters. But the Trump administration will not disburse funds to Gavi unless it starts phasing out vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative thimerosal from its portfolio, the official said. Anti-vaccine groups have linked thimerosal to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, despite multiple studies showing no related safety issues. Gavi confirmed the request and said the group remained in contact with the U.S. government on the subject. Any decision related to its portfolio would be "guided by scientific consensus," it said. Other donors have also been scaling back support. Britain, Gavis biggest donor, has pledged 1.25 billion pounds ($1.72 billion) over the next five years, more than 20% less than for 2020-25. Britain's international development minister, Jenny Chapman, said the country remains committed to supporting Gavi's work because it saves lives. A MOTHER DECIDES: I HAVE TO GO FOR THE VACCINE Some major global organisations initially doubted the potential of the two vaccines now being rolled out in 24 African countries with help from Gavi. Based on clinical trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates they reduce malaria cases by over 50% during the first year after three shots are administered, an efficacy rate lower than many commonly used childhood shots. A fourth dose is required before a child turns 2 to maintain protection. Supporters of the vaccines point to the success in Ghana, saying even a partially effective shot has translated into many lives saved. In real-world settings, we're seeing significant impact," Gavis Gordon said. Confirmed deaths among children under the age of 5 have dropped nearly 86% in Ghana, from 245 in 2018, the year before GSKs vaccine was introduced in select districts, to 35 in 2024, according to government figures. A decade ago, nearly 1,000 children in that age group died each year, Kutsoati said. Malaria infections have also declined, from roughly 6.7 million in 2018 to 5.3 million in 2024, around a fifth of which were among children under 5, Ghanas figures show. The actual numbers are likely to be higher, as many malaria cases do not get diagnosed, and deaths that occur at home often go unreported, said Dorothy Achu, the WHOs team lead for malaria in Africa. There can also be inconsistent reporting by some health facilities. But Achu agreed the combination of strategies used in Ghana resulted in a significant reduction in malaria deaths, adding the WHO is using the countrys figures to update its estimates. Esther Kolan, a 31-year-old clothing trader, did not need much persuading to get her 1-year-old son Phenehas Gyngyi Jr. vaccinated last summer at the Mother and Child Hospital in the southern town of Kasoa. Her brother died of malaria just before his 15th birthday. A daughter was hospitalised twice with the disease before she turned 3. I told myself, no matter the condition, I have to go for the vaccine, Kolan said, adding her family also sleeps under bed nets. Phenehas has had three doses and has never been hospitalised with malaria. This has really helped me a lot, said Kolan, who plans to get him a booster shot soon. I was not scared for my child. Malaria deaths were already declining in their district when vaccines became available in 2023, according to Stanley Yaidoo, the municipal health services director. But the number of cases still put pressure on hospitals, exhausting staff and taking up beds that could be used to treat other dangerous diseases, he told Reuters. The vaccine implementation was the master stroke that we needed to support the already existing interventions, Yaidoo said. PROGRESS AGAINST A KILLER DISEASE Some regions managed to eliminate malaria without a vaccine, but countries in sub-Saharan Africa face particular challenges, disease experts say. Many are among the worlds poorest, with poorly-resourced health systems. The prevailing strain is particularly deadly, and there is growing resistance to preventive and curative drugs. Control efforts have been disrupted by conflicts and natural disasters. The first countries to use the vaccines - Kenya, Malawi and Ghana - were part of a WHO-led pilot programme that began in 2019 with GSKs shot. The WHO approved this vaccine for wider use in 2021, but the rollout faced hurdles, including a vast supply shortfall. Access improved when WHO recommended the Oxford shot in 2023. In many countries, it is too early to assess the vaccines' impact. But there are anecdotal reports of reductions in cases, hospitalisations and deaths among young children, according to the Gavi documents and interviews with health officials in four countries. Take-up of the vaccines has varied, the documents show. In the first six months of 2025, coverage rates across 11 countries for three doses ranged from over 70% in Ghana and Burkina Faso, to 45% in Liberia and 35% in conflict-hit South Sudan. Introducing a new vaccine that requires multiple doses has presented logistical challenges, especially in rural areas where transportation and storage options are limited. In Ghana, there was also resistance from a number of traditional and religious leaders, and politicians skeptical about the benefits, Yaidoo told Reuters. But results talk, he said. Those who have had the vaccination, they give their testimonies on how their children are protected from severe malaria. So many of them are actually our ambassadors." Cases of severe malaria among vaccinated children were 58% lower than among unvaccinated children in the year after they received the third dose across the countries that participated in the pilot, a study published in The Lancet medical journal in January found. Health officials in Kenya and Malawi did not respond to Reuters questions about their vaccination programmes. At least four more countries plan to introduce malaria vaccines before 2028, Gavi said. Until this year, Gavi could subsidise 85% of the assessed need for shots in areas of medium and high malaria transmission, with governments contributing as little as $0.20 per dose. It has now reduced its spending cap to 70% for areas that will be ordering shots for the first time, the documents show. It will also be asking all but the poorest governments to increase their contributions, which vary depending on the strength of their economies. Details of how these changes will affect individual countries are being worked out, Gavi said. Price cuts for the vaccines could help mitigate the aid cuts. GSK and its partner, Indias Bharat Biotech, said in June they would reduce the price of their shot to under $5 a dose by 2028, roughly half what it costs now. In November, Gavi and the U.N. children's agency announced a deal to pay 25% less for Serums vaccine, currently priced at around $4 per dose, within roughly a year. GSK said the real-world data was encouraging, and it was working with Gavi on how to make the roll-out as effective as possible. It did not elaborate. The other companies did not respond to requests for comment. At least three countries - Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo - have committed to covering some malaria vaccine needs themselves, Gordon said. But Tanzania is struggling to plug funding gaps and will have to delay the start of its vaccination campaign, said Dr Samwel Lazaro, acting head of its malaria programme. Currently, the government is focused on ensuring the implementation of the most essential and life-saving services, such as the use of medicated bed nets, Lazaro said. ($1 = 0.7255 pounds) (Jennifer Rigby reported from London and Emmanuel Bruce from Accra; Additional reporting by Nuzulack Dausen in Dar Es Salaam and Alice Lawson in Lome; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Alexandra Zavis) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during an event, May, 25 2025. Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to raise taxes on the city's wealthiest to help reduce a projected $12 billion deficit he says was inherited from the previous administration. In a highlight of his upcoming budget, Mamndani told reporters on Wednesday that his administration will be pursuing his campaign pledge to raise taxes by 2% on millionaires and increase the combined corporate tax rate to just over 22%. He said the tax hikes are needed to whittle down the $12 billion deficit he "inherited" from the Adams administration. "I will be blunt. New York City is facing a serious fiscal crisis," Mamdani said in remarks Wednesday. "We are speaking about a fiscal crisis at this scale greater than the great recession. And so there will not be one single thing that can answer that crisis." In his remarks, Mamdani ruled out cuts to the NYPD, FDNY and other essential city services but warned that the budget gap must be filled to balance the spending plan. He said his budget writers will try to maximize savings by scrutinizing city agency budgets, but said that will only go so far. "That also means raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and those profitable corporations, and it means recalibrating the relationship with the state," Mamdani said. But Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who was seeking reelection in the fall, swatted down the idea of giving New York City approval to raise taxes on the wealthiest residents, calling it a "non-starter." She told reporters on Wednesday that it "isn't a newsflash" that Mamdani wants to raise taxes to fund his agenda but ruled out support from her administration. "We are not raising taxes in the state of New York, we are not raising taxes for the sake of raising taxes, so he will continue to say what he needs to say," Hochul said. New York City's business community has raised concerns about an exodus of employers from raising taxes on job creators, warning it will ultimately hurt the city's economy. "We want to help Mayor Zohran Mamdani find a real solution," Steven Fulop, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, posted on social media. "Lets move past the relocation debate over taxes people can argue that forever. The real question is simple: if you were starting or scaling a business today, would you choose NYC if these trends continue? He cited a recent report by the nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission showing New York City already has the highest combined corporate tax rate in the country at 17.44% and that matching New Jerseys top rate would push NYC to 22.48% nearly double New Jersey. "Thats a competitiveness problem," Fulop said. "Companies may not leave overnight, but they will stop expanding here. This weeks NYC jobs data is a warning sign and exactly why were focused on helping get this right." Mamdani is blaming the city's budget shortfall on former Mayor Eric Adams, accusing his administration of "negligent budgeting" and leaving behind a financial mess. But a spokesperson for Adams said he left City Hall with $8 billion in reserves, suggesting that the new administration was being "disingenuous" about its claims of a budget gap. "Despite these challenges, Mayor Adams led a real recovery through steady leadership and tough decisions," the spokesperson said. "Blaming him for decades-old City-State funding inequities is inaccurate and disingenuous." Human rights groups say more than one million ethnic Uyghurs have been detained against their will in detention facilities in northwestern China [Getty Images] A Chinese national who exposed human rights abuses in Xinjiang has been granted asylum in the United States, after an immigration judge found he had a "well founded fear" of persecution if he returned to China. In 2020, Guan Heng secretly filmed detention facilitates in the north-western Chinese region, where human rights groups say more than one million ethnic Uyghurs have been detained against their will. Guan, 38, applied for asylum after arriving in the US illegally in 2021, but was detained in August as part of a mass deportation campaign by the Trump administration. Plans to deport him to Uganda were dropped in December after his situation raised public concerns. When asked during Wednesday's hearing if his plan in filming the detention facilities and releasing the video a few days before his arrival in the US was to give himself grounds for an asylum claim, Guan said it was not. "I sympathised with the Uyghurs who were persecuted," he replied, via video link from the US correctional facility where he was being held. Guan published most of the footage on YouTube after leaving China, having first travelled to Hong Kong and then Ecuador, the Bahamas, and eventually Florida. The videos show him travelling to parts of Xinjiang and filming what he describes as "concentration camps". Several countries, including the US, UK, Canada and the Netherlands, have accused China of committing crimes against humanity and possibly genocide against the Uyghur Muslim population in Xinjiang. A UN human rights committee in 2018 said it had credible reports that China was holding up to a million people in "counter-extremism centres" in the region, which is largely cut off to international media and observers. China denies all allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang and describes the centres as "re-education camps" to prevent terrorism and root out Islamist extremism. Meanwhile, Uyghurs in exile continue to recount stories of terrified or disappeared relatives. A series of police files obtained by the BBC in 2022 revealed details of China's use of these camps and described the routine use of armed officers and the existence of a shoot-to-kill policy for those trying to escape. People who have managed to escape the camps have reported physical, mental and sexual torture. Women have spoken of mass rape and sexual abuse. Guan's lawyer, Chen Chuangchuang, said his client's case was a "textbook example of why asylum should exist". The US has a "moral and legal responsibility" to grant Guan asylum, he added. The judge on Wednesday said Guan was right to fear retaliation from the Chinese state if sent back, noting that his family had already been questioned, and said he had established his legal eligibility for asylum. The Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to appeal and has 30 days to do so. Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development at Missouri State University, will retire at the end of June after 19 years with the university, according to a community announcement. Kunkel joined Missouri State in 2007 and became director of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) in 2010. During his tenure, he led the expansion of JVIC, establishing it as a hub for applied research and technology commercialization. It has been an honor and privilege to work for Missouri State and Im fortunate to have been able to work for and with so many wonderful people, Kunkel said in the announcement. Allen Kunkel Helping educational and economic development projects succeed Kunkel played a significant role in advancing IDEA Commons, an urban innovation park in downtown Springfield. He was also instrumental in establishing and expanding the efactory, Missouri States entrepreneurship and small business outreach center. In 2022, JVIC was selected as one of only three locations nationwide to house a NextFlex Node as part of Americas Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute. Kunkel also oversaw the establishment of the universitys composite braider facility, a specialized advanced manufacturing center for developing large-scale components, especially for hypersonic vehicles, funded by the U.S. Air Force. 'An outstanding economic developer' Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships at Missouri State, praised Kunkels leadership. Hes an outstanding economic developer someone who has the experience and skills to take a vision and make it reality. Thats what hes done here in Springfields center city, Bodenhausen said in the announcement. For almost 20 years, he has devoted his energies to implementing the universitys vision for JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons. As a result, we now have excellent facilities and a talented team working with business and community partners to support innovation and advanced manufacturing. Kunkels leadership extended beyond the university through professional and civic service. He has served as a board member of the Missouri Biotechnology Association, Springfield Downtown Community Improvement District and the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments. He was recently appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Missouri Technology Corporation board. He is also part of the International Economic Development Council, the Heartland Economic Development Course Board and the Missouri Economic Development Council. From Iowa State University to Missouri State University Kunkel earned a bachelors degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is also credentialed as a Certified Economic Developer by both the state and international economic development associations. Kunkel said that he is optimistic about the future of JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons. Ive been blessed with a tremendous staff team who are extremely capable to take JVIC, efactory and IDEA Commons to the next level. There are so many opportunities and Ill enjoy watching their continued success," Kunkel said in the announcement. Kunkels last day at Missouri State University will be June 30. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@usatodayco.com with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State University's Allen Kunkel will retire June 30 U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., speaks with supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at a town hall in Las Vegas, Feb. 9, 2020. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday night. During a call for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, a man stood up and yelled at Omar. He also sprayed an unknown substance on her with a syringe. It is unclear from the video what the man said or what the substance was, but Omar did continue with the speech after he was tackled by security and arrested by the Minneapolis Police Department. Im ok. Im a survivor so this small agitator isnt going to intimidate me from doing my work, Omar posted on social media following the attack. I dont let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong. Omar was not hurt in the attack, according to her office. Police identified the man as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, who was booked in Hennepin County Jail on assault charges. The attack came the day after President Donald Trump announced that the federal government is investigating Omar for fraud. The DOJ and Congress are looking at Congresswoman Illhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars, Trump posted on social media on Monday. Time will tell all. Omar is a Minnesota Democrat born in Somalia. A member of the far-left congressional group The Squad, she has been outspoken against the Trump administration since it began its investigations into Somali immigrant-linked welfare fraud. Almost all Somalis in Minnesota are citizens, she posted recently. Thats why ICE is angry and is killing white citizens who want to document their illegal stops asking for proof of papers. None of this is normal. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota called out President Donald Trumps use of hateful rhetoric against her and suggested he has made her a target for other attacks. What the facts have shown, since Ive gotten into elected office, is that every time the President of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket, said Omar on Wednesday. I wouldnt be where I am at today, having to pay for security, having the government to think about providing me security, if Donald Trump wasnt in office and if he wasnt so obsessed with me, she added. Omar also accused the rhetoric of the right wing of being a tactic to stop her from being in public service. Its not going to work, she said, emphasizing that fear and intimidation wont work on her. The Congresswoman was approached by a man with a syringe on Tuesday afternoon during a Town Hall meeting in Minneapolis. The man sprayed her with an unknown substance before being restrained by on-site security. Police have since identified the suspect in the attack as 55-year-old Anthony J. Kazmierczak. On Thursday, court documents revealed the Justice Department has charged Kazmierczak with assault. Investigators also determined the substance was a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. A social media account believed to belong to Kazmierczak has featured profile pictures of Trump and has also uploaded cartoons criticizing Democrats policies. Trump has long targeted Omar and her birthplace Somalia during his anti-immigration speeches and remarks. In December, while delivering an address in Pennsylvania, Trump referenced Omar during an ant-immigration tirade, claiming she does nothing but b-tch and arguing she comes from a county considered to be the worst in the world. We ought to get her the hell out, the President said, pausing as members of the crowd chanted send her back. Omar, who was born in Somalia and gained her U.S. citizenship aged 17 in 2000, responded at the time by saying Trumps obsession with her is beyond weird and went on to call him a national embarrassment. Protesters and Democratic lawmakers condemned Trumps targeting of Minnesotas Somali Community in December after he said Somalia is barely a country and referred to Somali immigrants as garbage. Our countrys at a tipping point, we could go bad, one way or the other, and were going to go the wrong way if we keep taking garbage into our country, he claimed during a Cabinet meeting. The President has pointed to well-documented instances of fraud in Minnesota involving people of Somali ancestry and welfare programs, and has seemingly taken to blaming the community as a whole rather than the individuals involved. The Trump Administration is currently facing widespread scrutiny over its immigration enforcement in Minnesota after two U.S. citizensAlex Pretti and Renee Good, both 37were fatally shot by federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis. In the wake of Prettis shooting, Trump lashed out at the Democratic leadership of Minnesota and appeared to refer to the shooting as a cover-up for the fraud investigations taking place in the state. Earlier this week, Trump said the Justice Department is looking at Omar specifically. The DOJ and Congress are looking at Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all, he claimed. Trump has since announced the appointment of his first Fraud Czar, sparking concerns of politicized investigations. Hours before Omar was attacked on Tuesday, Trump mentioned Omar as he gave a speech in Iowa. On the subject of immigrants, he said: They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar. After the attack, Trumps initial response saw him suggest, without evidence, that Omar had staged the incident herself. I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud," Trump told ABC News. "She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. In response to the unfounded claim, Omar said Trump lacks compassion and pointed to the fact her attack, much like the deaths of Good and Pretti, was caught on camera. During an interview with CNN, Omar went on to suggest it could be time for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, echoing remarks made by several of her Democratic colleagues who have also suggested invoking the Amendment to remove Trump from office. Contact us at letters@time.com. Photo: Alan Wooten / The Center Square (The Center Square) New poll results indicate support for the Opportunity Scholarship Program in North Carolina is better than 6 in 10. Support for charter schools is the lowest in three years, yet still solidly running at 57.4% to only 32.8% opposed. For the state Board of Education, 2 in 3 say elections, not appointments, should determine the panel. North Carolina ranks dead last on open enrollment laws, even as voter support continues to rise, said Carolina Journal publisher and John Locke Foundation CEO Donald Bryson. That gap between what North Carolinians want and our states education policy should be a wake-up call for lawmakers. National School Choice Week started Sunday and runs through Saturday. The survey was conducted Jan. 22-25 with 700 likely general election voters by Harper Polling for the Carolina Journal. The margin of error is +/-3.7%. In the Educational Freedom Index 2026 published Jan. 21 by the American Legislative Exchange Council, North Carolina was 13th nationally with an overall grade of B-plus. The grades were two Bs for student-center funding programs and charter schools; two Cs for homeschooling and virtual schools; and an F in open enrollment. Allowing interdistrict and intradistrict, transparency in transfers and a prohibition on charging tuition to transferring students is the key to the F grade. In the poll, 78.8% were in favor of changing how North Carolina does this, and only 12.6% were opposed. Taxpayers provide more money for education than any other part of the state budget. For fiscal year 2024-25, the figure was $17.9 billion; spending levels are the same for 2025-26 until a new state budget that was due July 1 is passed. First-term Democrat Mo Green is the elected superintendent leading the Department of Public Instruction. The state has about 1.5 million schoolchildren and 90,000 public school educators. Satisfaction with K-12 students education in local public schools is at 34.9%, and dissatisfaction at 47.1%. Those numbers are trending better than one year ago in January (33.3% satisfied, 55.2% dissatisfied) and two years ago (31% satisfied, 48% dissatisfied). When considering statewide and not just local, 52.8% are dissatisfied and 29.2% satisfied. The childs parents or guardians (67.8%) remain best suited to determine where a child should attend school, said respondents. The Opportunity Scholarship Program enables all families in the state to apply for taxpayer-funded scholarships. Its a sliding scale with prioritization to lowest family income. The awards range from $3,500 to $7,700 and can be used for private schools. The respondents (63.7%) were supportive of the program, up from a year ago in January (60.8%) and relatively steady to two years ago (64%) and three years ago (67.3%). Charter schools are subject to the same academic and testing requirements as traditional public schools; theyre exempt from some administrative regulations in hiring, budgeting and curriculum design. Support for them is 57.4% and opposition is 32.8%, with nearly 10% unsure. A year ago in January, support (59.9%-30.4%) was favored though less than in 2024 (66%-23.6%) and 2023 (68.7%-21.5%). The state Board of Educations 13 members include 11 appointments from the governor only three men since 1900 have won as a Republican and the states lieutenant governor and treasurer. Election of the 13 members is favored by 67.5% of this years respondents and opposed by only 20.3%. Legislation to change it has been submitted. From a list of choices, 23.8% said they would send their child to a public school. The reasons among the rest for not choosing public schools were academic quality (19.4%); curriculum or educational values (16.6%); preference for private, charter or homeschool (13%); school safety or bullying (11.3%); teacher quality or staffing (8%); lack of extracurricular or enrichment opportunities (2.3%); transportation challenges (0.3%); and 5.4% were unsure. While the average of combined expenditures from local, state and federal funding is $13,100 per student, 34% thought it was lower than $10,000; 20.4% said between $10,000 and $14,999; and 12.9% thought it exceeded $15,000. Told the amount, of those sampled, 15.3% said it was appropriate. It was too little for 42.9%, too much for 16.1%, and 25.7% were unsure. There was little change in what respondents believe are the most challenging issues facing K-12 public education. The shortage of high-quality teachers (19.8%) led as it did a year ago in January, followed by adequate finances (14.5%), academic standards (14.4%), preparing students for the workforce (11.5%), curriculum concerns (10.1%), lack of parental involvement (10%), overcrowded classrooms (8.6%) and school safety (7%). A year ago, academic standards (15%) were second, followed by curriculum concerns (14.6%) and adequate finances (13.1%). School safety (11.1%) was sixth. Voters continue to strongly support school choice in North Carolina, Bryson said. "While charter support has leveled off from recent highs, backing for private school options is growing again, showing parents remain committed to choice and focused on what works best for their children." Not every sunny stop on a cruise itinerary stays that way. In the past year, several well-loved cruise ports have disappeared from schedules. Safety concerns have pushed cruise lines to rethink routes, and in some cases, make sudden swaps mid-season. Here are 10 destinations that cruise ships have recently pulled back from. Labadee, Haiti Credit: Tripadvisor Royal Caribbeans private resort in Labadee once promised travelers a beach day without the crowds. That plan changed in 2023 when rising violence in nearby Port-au-Prince pushed the cruise line to suspend stops out of an abundance of caution. The U.S. State Department currently advises against all travel to Haiti. San Juan, Puerto Rico Credit: Wikipedia Flight cancellations grounded more than 48,000 passengers in Puerto Rico after the U.S. imposed temporary airspace restrictions following Venezuela's political upheaval. Though not a cruise port issue directly, the closure of San Juans main airport halted embarkations for ships like Valiant Lady and Jewel of the Seas. Barbados Credit: Wikimedia Commons Barbados found itself caught in the fallout from the same Venezuelan crisis. The Bridgetown airportkey for cruise turnaround dayswas shuttered, leaving Windstar and P&O Cruises scrambling to rebook flights for thousands of guests. While ships remained ready to sail, getting passengers on board became a logistical maze. St. Maarten Credit: Tripadvisor For cruise travelers planning to join their voyage in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, the timing couldnt have been worse. As airspace restrictions swept through the region, the islands airport shut down temporarily. Windstar Cruises reported delays for its Wind Surf and Wind Spirit sailings. Crews held the ships in port to give travelers a fighting chance to board. Aruba Credit: Wikimedia Commons Normally known for its steady breeze and smooth cruise operations, Aruba was another casualty of the FAAs January air ban. Though ships still called at the island, travelers trying to fly in for embarkation got stranded. Cruise lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean had to reconfigure itineraries and manage a storm of refund requests. Curacao Credit: Getty Images Curacaos role as both a destination and departure point meant that when flights were frozen, cruise logistics fell apart. Holland Americas Eurodam had to alter guest operations mid-trip, with passengers stuck in transit or suddenly grounded at the gate. Bridgetown, Barbados Credit: Wikipedia Flights in and out of Bridgetown were stopped cold in early January, sending cruise lines into emergency planning mode. P&O Cruises worked over a weekend to rebook 5,000 guests after TUI cancelled their charter flights. While the ship stayed docked, staff scrambled behind the scenes to keep the sailing on track and passengers informed. St. Lucia Credit: Wikimedia Commons Though not as headline-grabbing as other islands, St. Lucia wasnt immune to regional airspace chaos. Cruise-heavy itineraries, especially during the busy winter season, rely on consistent travel routes. But when flights were grounded due to service activity in Venezuela, the domino effect hit St. Lucia, too. Margarita Island, Venezuela Credit: Getty Images Cruise ships have largely steered clear of Margarita Island as Venezuelas political situation worsened. Ports near Porlamar dropped off itineraries after U.S.-led actions against President Nicolas Maduro triggered activity and airspace restrictions. The FAA temporarily banned U.S. flights connected to the region, which made cruise logistics risky. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Credit: Wikimedia Commons St. Thomas saw cruise disruptions tied directly to airspace restrictions in the Caribbean earlier this year. While the port itself remained intact, the closure of nearby regional airports stranded passengers trying to join cruises departing from neighboring islands. Several itineraries skipped scheduled calls when guests couldnt arrive safely or on time. Two young students complete worksheets on a classroom whiteboard. Photo: Allison Shelley / The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages / CC BY-NC 4.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) Despite having a similar state program expire, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains on the fence about whether to opt Illinois into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. As part of federal legislation President Donald Trump signed last summer, beginning in 2027, states can take part in a program that gives private donors of scholarship granting organization individual federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for school choice scholarships. States have to opt in. The U.S. Department of Education Tuesday detailed 23 states have opted in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. For Illinois, Pritzker said he hasnt seen the rules yet. Until we have that, right, just on its face, the question is, is this just a repeat of trying to take money out of public schools and move it into private schools, which is what the Trump administration, generally speaking, has been in favor of? Pritzker said at an unrelated event Wednesday. Or is this something that could be useful? But we just don't know because there are no rules around it right now. Lori Smith, who is a Republican running for the Illinois Statehouse, said school choice is important. We are setting their selves up for such failure. I've seen it in my entire career. The kids can't read, they can't do math, Smith told TCS. They can't do, you know, life skills. So what do they do? They get sucked into the gang life. Before it expired at the end of 2023, the Illinois Invest in Kids program allowed Illinois residents and businesses to receive a tax credit worth 75% of their contributions for low-income students to attend qualified private and technical schools. With the federal government preparing to launch a similar program nationwide next year, states have to opt in. Wednesday, Pritzker said he hasnt seen the rules. The state program, that Invest in Kids program, had its own rules that were written into the legislation. We knew what that was, how that was supposed to be used, Pritzker said. We don't know what the federal program will be used for, and that's what we're waiting rules for. A fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Education said individual tax credits on up to $1,700 for school choice scholarships does not involve public tax dollars and spells out what the scholarship donations can be used for. For some families, this could mean using scholarships to pay for private school tuition at a school they choose, the fact sheet said. Other students will benefit from buying the equipment or uniforms needed for a career training program at a secondary school. Other families may seek a scholarship for tutoring or for afterschool enrichment programs. The options are expected to vary in line with students unique academic needs, the focus of a particular [scholarship granting organization], and the educational opportunities available to students. Jim Talamonti contributed to this story. ### DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the global Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market size is projected to grow from USD 2.80 billion in 2025 to USD 3.73 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period. Browse 200 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 260 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market - Global Forecast to 2030" The growth of the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market is driven by increasingly stringent environmental and safety regulations that require the effective removal of contaminants from oil and gas streams to maintain operational integrity and compliance. The measures implemented to secure pipeline safety, control emissions, and protect equipment have been among the factors driving the rapid adoption of advanced filtration solutions in pipelines, gas processing plants, and storage terminals. Moreover, the expanding midstream infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets and key gas-producing areas, is transporting more hydrocarbons, thereby making filtration systems more reliable and increasing demand. Technological innovations in filter media and separator designs have made filtration more effective, durable, and cost-efficient. Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market Size & Forecast: Market Size Available for Years: 20212030 20212030 2025 Market Size: USD 2.80 billion USD 2.80 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 3.73 billion USD 3.73 billion CAGR (20252030): 5.9% Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=138691478 "Cartridge filter is projected to be the second-largest filter technology segment of the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market during the forecast period." The cartridge filters segment is projected to hold the second-largest share of the midstream oil and gas filtration market in terms of value during the forecast period. This is largely due to their efficiency in filtering contaminants and their modular design. These filters can remove even the smallest particles, corrosion, and various chemicals from the oil and gas stream. They provide consistent performance across a wide range of flow rates and pressure levels, making them ideal for use in pipelines, compressor stations, gas processing plants, and storage terminals. Additionally, their ease of installation and replacement leads to reduced maintenance downtime and lower operating costs. Furthermore, advancements in cartridge mediasuch as improved fiberglass and synthetic materialshave enhanced their durability and chemical resistance, facilitating greater adoption in midstream operations. "Fiberglass accounted for the second-largest share of the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market, by filter media in terms of value." The fiberglass segment accounted for the second-largest share of the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market in 2024, driven by its design flexibility, durability, and ease of operation. The high surface area and depth filtration properties of fiberglass not only increase contaminant removal efficiency but also prolong service life and reduce fouling. Also, fiberglass filters have good resistance to chemicals and heat, which reduces long-term operational costs and facilitates the smooth installation of new or the expansion of the existing midstream filtration infrastructure. "Gas processing is the fastest-growing application in the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market during the forecast period." Gas processing is the fastest-growing segment of the midstream oil and gas filtration market. This growth is primarily driven by the critical need to remove contaminants to ensure gas quality, enhance operational safety, and protect equipment. As environmental and safety regulations become stricter, there is an increasing demand for filtration processes capable of effectively removing solids, liquids, aerosols, water, and sulfur-based impurities from natural gas streams before transportation or distribution. Additionally, advancements in natural gas production, LNG plants, and shale gas are driving greater investment in gas processing infrastructure. Continuous improvements in filtration media and system design are further enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of these processes, accelerating their adoption in gas processing plants. "Asia Pacific is the second-fastest-growing region in the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market during the forecast period." The Asia Pacific region is the second-fastest-growing market for midstream oil and gas filtration, driven by rising demand for filtration in midstream processing. This growth is fueled by the rapid development of oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, processing plants, and liquefaction facilities in countries like China, India, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Governments and national oil companies are fully supporting the natural gas sector and prioritizing energy security, resulting in increased midstream capacity. Additionally, environmental and safety regulations regarding emissions control, gas quality, and pipeline integrity are becoming stricter, prompting the rapid adoption of advanced filtration solutions. Investments in infrastructure modernization and innovations in filtration systems are also key drivers of market growth across the Asia Pacific. Top Companies in Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Industry: The key global players in the Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Market include Pall Corporation (US), Jonell Systems (US), Parker Hannifin (US), Eaton (Ireland), Pentair (US), Graver Technologies (US), 3M (US), CECO Environmental (US), FTC Filters (US), Clark Reliance (US), Hilliard Corporation (US), EnerWells (US), Saifilter (China), TM Filtration (US), Brother Filtration (China), Swift Filter (US), Fil-Trek (Canada), and Donaldson (US). Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=138691478 Pall Corporation (US) Pall Corporation has centered its strategy in the midstream oil and gas filtration market around technology leadership, reliability, and lifecycle service offerings. The company provides vital support for pipelines, gas processing, and storage operations. Its key areas of expertise include high-efficiency coalescers, particulate filtration, and contaminant-removal systems, all supported by exceptional application engineering. Pall enhances its innovation and digital monitoring capabilities through selective acquisitions and partnerships within Danaher's portfolio. The company typically employs a highly vertical integration strategy, allowing it to maintain control over the performance consistency of its design, manufacturing, and aftermarket services. This approach fosters long-lasting customer relationships. Jonell Systems (US) Jonell Systems focuses its midstream oil and gas filtration strategy on customer-centered innovation and custom-engineered solutions. The company combines various products to enhance both efficiency and reliability in its processes. Among its key advantages are innovative cartridge and vessel designs, in-house research and development, and extensive application knowledge gained through integrating Jonell's and Nowata's legacy technologies for contaminant removal in pipelines, gas processing, and refining. Being part of the Filtration Group allows Jonell to benefit from product development and large-scale operations across the group. This is achieved through horizontal integration with complementary filtration brands, which not only expands its product portfolio and global market presence but also strengthens its manufacturing and service capabilities. Parker Hannifin (US) Parker Hannifin is strategically expanding its portfolio and embracing technology integration to tap into the midstream oil and gas filtration market. A notable recent move is its acquisition of Filtration Group for USD 9.25 billion, which will enhance its filtration capabilities and increase recurring revenue streams. Additionally, previous acquisitions, such as CLARCOR, have expanded its product offerings in this area. Through these efforts, the company is pursuing a horizontal integration strategy by acquiring businesses to strengthen its market presence and share technical expertise in the industrial filtration sector. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Refinery and Petrochemical Filtration Market Recycling Water Filtration Market Get access to the latest updates on Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Companies and Midstream Oil & Gas Filtration Industry About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller attends an event in the Oval Office of the White House on October 15, 2025. - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Stephen Miller has sought this week to distance himself from the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis and the administrations miscalculated response. But more than anyone, Miller has been the overall architect of Trumps aggressive deportation push, encouraging heavy-handed operations in blue cities and urging agencies to cast a wide net to meet hefty arrest quotas. Miller is one of multiple Trump administration officials who have sought to cast blame on each other in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota as they have faced bipartisan criticism for the increasingly chaotic scenes there and for their seeming rush to blame Pretti for the confrontation. On Tuesday, Miller who has long been reticent to admit to failure or weakness took the rare step of acknowledging a possible mistake in the administrations immigration effort, a sign of how much the Pretti shooting has shaken the White House. Miller said that Customs and Border Protection may not have followed protocols during the shooting, and he noted that the White House based its preliminary response on initial reports from CBP on the ground. Miller originally called Pretti a would-be assassin and his comment was amplified by other Trump-linked accounts. His description of Pretti was quickly contradicted by video that showed him only filming officers and helping a woman who had been knocked down. A screengrab from a video obtained by Reuters shows Alex Pretti walking backwards on the street while holding a mobile phone near a law enforcement officer, moments before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 2026. - Obtained by Reuters Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, is widely seen in the administration as the mastermind of the presidents immigration policy, relentlessly pushing officials to meet goals that he designates on behalf of the president. His power is evident in his daily 10 a.m. conference calls, including Saturdays, where he demands updates from agencies and exerts pressure on senior officials who deliver less-than-satisfactory results, according to a source familiar. The call, which a White House official described as a policy call to ensure interagency coordination, includes senior leadership of agencies across the administration who are responsible for various aspects of national security and public safety. And while the call can cover a host of topics, it largely focuses on Trumps immigration push, a core part of the presidents second-term agenda. Miller is militant, according to administration sources, in his belief that he must strictly enforce that push. He has been keenly focused on numbers, including how many immigration arrests are being conducted on a given day and how quickly deportations are happening. Last year, he directed ICE officials to meet daily quotas of 3,000 immigration arrests an unprecedented number that hasnt yet been met. The intense White House pressure is felt downstream among agents and officers conducting immigration enforcement operations, resulting in their casting a wide net as to whom they arrest, including those who do not have criminal records. Stephen Miller walks from Marine One after arriving at the White House on January 27, 2026. - Alex Brandon/AP Officials will often breathe a sigh of relief when Miller is directing his ire to an agency thats not their own during the calls. Miller is also known to call Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem who has taken significant heat for her handling of Minnesota multiple times a day, according to sources, to provide guidance and direction on how Trumps immigration agenda is being executed. Stephen is laser-focused on implementing the presidents agenda and the high success of the Homeland Security Council showcases that, a White House official told CNN, pointing to the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force and the oil boat seizures, among other items. This is the definition of good government. CNN has previously reported Miller is also heavily involved with the Justice Department day-to-day operations especially when it comes to immigration and messaging. He is in regular contact with officials at all levels of the department, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. A White House official argued that Millers role is strictly focused on policy, not operational enforcement. The official noted that Greg Bovino, who until this week led the operation in Minnesota, was not present for these calls. Miller, a former Senate aide who has long been fixated on immigration policy, joined Trumps 2016 presidential campaign during its early stages, and was the rare White House aide to serve the full four years of his first term. He has become even more powerful during Trumps second term, weighing in on a wide range of issues as Trump and his aides have sought to transform Washington. One White House official laughed at the prospect of Miller being fired over the Minneapolis response. Trump is hesitant to talk about getting rid of someone who has been here a few weeks, let alone someone who has been with him for more than 10 years. Its not even on his radar. By Wednesday, Miller was back to sharing X posts about the arrests of Minnesota rioters and the dangerous policy on immigration supported by Democrats. CNNs Paula Reid and Michael Williams contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CNN Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, in a CNN town hall Wednesday night, stood by the citys sanctuary policies and repeated his demand that federal immigration agents leave the city. Freys comments come as state, local and federal officials look for ways to tamp down tensions in the wake of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two US citizens who lived in Minneapolis. Frey spoke on Monday with President Donald Trump, who then appeared to soften his comments on the mayor and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. But Trumps tone changed Wednesday, when he said the mayor is playing with fire by insisting local police wont play a role in enforcing federal immigration laws. During the town hall, three Republican state lawmakers also said blame for the chaos in Minneapolis is shared between the Trump administration and Democratic state and local leaders. And Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said state officials still do not know the names of the federal agents involved in Prettis killing. Three faith leaders said they were grappling with leading a city where grieving residents feel a sense of rage. Father Jim Cassidy of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community Church said that the challenge is that we clergy can also get very riled up. One of the things that I ask people to remember is their own power, said Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, the lead pastor at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. I may not have the energy today, but someone else beside me will, and together we can get through this. I believe it strongly. And its awful, and it hurts. Here are six takeaways from CNNs town hall: The present status needs to change Frey said he had a productive and collegial conversation with Trump on Monday. But didnt back down at all Wednesday night from his demand that federal immigration agents leave Minneapolis. Im saying the same things now that I said then, he said. A CNN Town Hall in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026. - Austin Steele/CNN Frey had two specific demands. First, he said, state officials should lead the investigations into the killings of Good and Pretti. He said he doesnt trust a federal government that came to a conclusion from the very beginning that the those killings were acts of self-defense and that Good and Pretti were domestic terrorists. He also said he wanted the federal operation that has seen thousands of immigration agents swarm the Twin Cities in recent weeks come to a rapid conclusion. Frey told the audience he said as much in a meeting with Trump border czar Tom Homan, who the president sent to Minnesota this week to oversee the administrations efforts there in an attempt to ease tensions in the wake of Prettis killing. Frey said a meeting between Homan and state and local officials didnt end with a commitment to ending the federal effort on any given timeline. But, he said, there was a general consensus that the present status needs to change. He said he hopes that the number of agents in Minnesota will be drawn down, and the violent clashes between federal agents and local observers will end. But again, Ill believe it when I see it, Frey said. Local role apprehending undocumented immigrants? Trump on Wednesday attacked Frey on social media, saying the third-term Democratic mayor was playing with fire after Frey said Tuesday that Minneapolis would not change its sanctuary policies and would not help enforce federal immigration laws. But Frey insisted Wednesday night that the city and its police are going to do our jobs, not the federal governments jobs. I want our police spending time protecting the residents of our city stopping homicides and carjackings; making sure violent offenders are investigated and held accountable, he said. That isnt to say Minneapolis law enforcement wouldnt cooperate with federal agents to apprehend any criminals, Frey said. Importantly when youre trying to catch a murderer or a rapist, the first question that you ask is not, Where are you from? he said. The question thats important is, Did they rape somebody? Did they murder somebody? And if they did, we investigate and we partner to do so, he said. I dont want them spending a single second hunting down a father who just dropped his kids off at daycare, is about to go work a 12-hour shift, and happens to be from Ecuador, Frey said. That guy? He makes our city a better place. Were proud to have him in Minneapolis. He explained the citys sanctuary policies, saying Minneapolis officials want undocumented immigrants to feel like they can call 911 when necessary without fearing deportation. He called those policies a safety strategy. And he said he didnt want police spending their time investigating those who havent committed crimes. Police chief says immigration agents using questionable tactics Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara speaks during a CNN Town Hall in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026. - Austin Steele/CNN Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara was sharply critical of federal immigration agents tactics in the city, saying that viral social media videos of encounters between those agents and local observers show a lot of methods that are questionable and tactics that just do not appear safe for agents or community. He said Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents approach looks like policing 20 or 30 years ago, and said those agents often did not appear to be working in a coordinated way. OHara also sought to contrast federal immigration agents approach with Minneapolis police. He said in the city, local law enforcement has been placing a very strong emphasis on trying to deescalate situations whenever possible. That means we try to slow things down. We try to calm the situation, and not unnecessarily escalate things, he said. Frey says video of separate Pretti clash doesnt justify killing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a CNN Town Hall in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026. - Austin Steele/CNN Frey watched a video of a prior altercation between Pretti and federal immigration agents for the first time during Wednesday nights town hall. The newly surfaced video showed Pretti kicking the taillight of a law enforcement vehicle before being tackled to the ground. Frey said regardless of that videos contents, it did not justify Prettis killing more than a week later. Are we actually making the argument that Alex Pretti should be killed for something that happened, like 11 days prior to the shooting itself? he said. I think we should be talking about the circumstances that actually led to the killing and what took place and those circumstances. Its literally all the people involved Republican Minnesota lawmakers State Reps. Nolan West and Elliott Engen as well as State Sen. Michael Holmstrom join a CNN Town Hall in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026. - Austin Steele/CNN Three Republican Minnesota state lawmakers who participated in CNNs town hall didnt absolve the Trump administration for its role in the chaos that has played out in the streets of Minneapolis, but they said state and local Democratic officials bear a share of the blame. Its literally all the people involved, said state Rep. Nolan West. Thats what were seeing, is that there is not a desire to lower the temperature. Its immediately tit-for-tat, were not going to work together. State Rep. Elliott Engen also faulted our supposed leaders for the absolute unrest in Minneapolis. He said Walz, the Democratic governor, should have cooperated with federal immigration officials to help identify targets for deportation. Engen and the other Republicans did break with Trump and federal officials on several key points. Engen acknowledged the role federal immigration agents have played in some clashes. Theres been a lot of negative rhetoric thats been spewed both ways, I will not deny that, Engen said. West emphasized that he didnt favor deporting all undocumented migrants, calling it fundamentally impossible and economic suicide. State Sen. Michael Holmstrom broke with Trump over the presidents assertion that Pretti should not have been carrying a gun. I certainly disagree with the president on that, he said, emphasizing his support for the Second Amendment. However, Holmstrom said he trusts the federal government to handle the investigation into Prettis killing. I believe that they can conduct a proper investigation, Holmstrom said. Ellison says state officials dont know names of agents who shot Pretti Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during a CNN Town Hall in Minneapolis on Wedneday, January 28. - Austin Steele/CNN Ellison said the federal governments refusal to release the names of the immigration agents who shot Pretti feels like a cover-up. An exasperated Ellison insisted that Minnesota officials are moving to investigate Prettis killing, and he said the state moved to secure a court order to protect evidence. But he also acknowledged that Minnesota officials do not know the names of the agents involved in the altercation in which Pretti was killed. We have heard some reports that the names might be exist, in a report form, he said. I havent heard them yet. And I am confident that we will get those names. But the fact that I dont know them yet is an absurdity, and an example of how little cooperation that were getting. Ellison also said Vice President JD Vances claim which came in the wake of Goods killing that federal immigration agents are protected by absolute immunity is wrong, and said he would like to debate the vice president on that point. Anybody who commits a crime in this state can be charged and held accountable for that crime, Ellison said. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) The number of weather-related fatalities in Tennessee in the wake of the recent winter storm rose once again in the latest update from state officials on Wednesday. The Tennessee Department of Health has now confirmed 13 weather-related fatalities across the state. FORECAST: arctic chill holds its grip on East Tennessee Two fatalities in Cheatham Three fatalities in Davidson Two fatalities in Hardin One fatality in Haywood One fatality in Henderson One fatality Hickman One fatality in Knox Two fatalities in Obion A weather-related fatality had previously been reported in Crockett County but it has since been deemed not to be weather-related. The Knox County Forensic Center told 6 News they reported three potentially weather-related deaths to the state: a 29-year-old man found outside near Asheville Highway on Jan. 26, a 38-year-old man found in a backyard on Jan. 26 on Adair Drive, and a 72-year-old woman who died at University of Tennessee Medical Center after possible prolonged exposure at Sevierville Pike residence on Jan. 26. A forensic center spokesperson said the final determination on whether or not the death was weather-related will be made by the medical examiner after a review of medical records and/or toxicology. This could take 30-60 days to complete. More than 114,000 customers remain without power statewide. At the request of the Tennessee Tennessee National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have been deployed to support National Electric Service to clear debris as restoration efforts continue in addition to recovery efforts in Shelby, Hickman and Hardin counties. Since Saturday, January 24, the Tennessee National Guard has assisted 20 stranded citizens, 220 stranded motorists, and transported more than 280 emergency and health care employees. Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday announced an executive order to give Tennessee Department of Transportation crews the ability to clear non-state roads in an effort to help local utility providers restore power more quickly. President Donald Trump granted an emergency declaration on Saturday provide federal assistance to the state and local governments for protective measures. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. DES MOINES President Donald Trump said he wants to "de-escalate" the explosive situation in Minnesota after federal agents fatally shot two people in recent weeks, insisting a shakeup in leadership of his immigration enforcement team in the state was not a "pullback" by the administration. The Trump administration has been reeling from intense backlash to its operations in Minnesota after federal agents killed Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti this month. The president sent Tom Homan, his border czar, to take over the Minnesota operation led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol leader Gregory Bovino. Immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota have generated heavy criticism, and Trump indicated during a Fox News interview before a speech in Clive, Iowa, that Bovino's "out there" approach wasn't right for the situation. Visual analysis: Second-by-second breakdown of video shows when agents killed Alex Pretti Vigils held for Alex Pretti, killed in Border Patrol related shooting Mourners kneel at a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. "Bovino is very good," Trump said. "But he's a pretty out there kind of a guy, and in some cases, that's good maybe it wasn't good here." Trump also said during the interview that he wants to take down the temperature as protesters clash with federal agents in the streets of Minneapolis, a chaotic scene punctuated by the pair of shocking deaths that have gripped the nation. "We're going to de-escalate a little bit," the president said. Trump changed course in Minneapolis after federal agents shot Pretti on Jan. 24, toning down his rhetoric and speaking with Democratic leadership in Minnesota as he retreated from the confrontational approach that has characterized his immigration enforcement efforts. The president said in a social media post that he recently spoke to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom he repeatedly has criticized, and that they now seem "to be on a similar wavelength." Homan met with Democratic leadership in Minnesota on Jan. 27. Walz's office said afterwards that the governor advocated for an independent investigation into the shootings and greatly reducing the number of federal agents in the state. "The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals, which the President also agreed to yesterday," Walz's office said in a statement. A city under siege: Why Minneapolis is at the center of so much chaos Protester: 'I'm here because of Renee Good' The deaths of Pretti and Good, both 37, have led to protests and pushback from lawmakers on ICE operations in Minnesota, with more Republicans speaking out after Pretti, a nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, was killed over the weekend. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the venue where Trump spoke in Iowa, with some saying they came out because of concerns about what was happening in Minneapolis. Olga Gonzalez, 52, of Ames, was handing out sandwiches and water she prepared at home before driving down with two of her sons. Gonzalez said the killings were personal for her."As a mother, I'm here because of Renee Good," she said. Good was killed in her car shortly after dropping off her child at school. Trump administration officials slammed Pretti after his death, with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller calling him a "would-be assassin" and a "domestic terrorist. Noem later suggested Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. Thousands rally against ICE on anniversary of Trumps second term Activists hold signs during a protest on the one-year anniversary of President Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Protestors gathered to call for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave Washington, D.C. Trump on leadership shakeup: 'I shake up teams' But the White House subsequently has sought to distance Trump from the comments. The president, during an appearance at an Iowa business before his speech, said "I haven't heard that" when asked by reporters about Miller and Noem's description of Pretti. While Trump called Prettis death a "very unfortunate incident," he also continued to question the fact that he was carrying a gun, which he was legally permitted to have and did not brandish when confronted by authorities. "I dont like that he had a gun. I dont like that he had two fully loaded magazines," said Trump, who has long expressed support for the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Trump continued to express confidence in Noem on Jan. 27, telling reporters he won't ask her to step down amid bipartisan calls for her departure, even as he made it clear that Homan is now running the show in Minneapolis and reports "directly to me." Trump's pivot on Minneapolis is notable for a leader who often is reluctant to change course in the face of criticism. It comes as polling shows most Americans believe his deportation efforts are going too far, and Trump's approval rating on immigration, one of his signature issues, has dropped. The president sought to downplay his changing approach when asked about his leadership shakeup in Minnesota. "I do that all the time. I shake up teams," Trump told reporters after visiting with customers at the Machine Shed in Urbandale on Jan. 27 before a speech. "Everybody here, theres are a lot of owners of farmers and places, and you shake up your team if they cant do the crops fast enough. Look, we have an incredible team." Who's in, who's out: White House slides into damage control over Minneapolis ICE operation 'I hope you remember us for the midterms' Trump had considerable turnover during his first administration, but there has been more stability in his leadership team since he won reelection. Trump later said in the Fox interview that the leadership change is not a "pullback." "Its a little bit of a change," he said. Trump's trip to Iowa offered him an opportunity to change the subject, and he largely stayed on topic during a speech at the Horizon Events Center in Clive that lasted just under an hour, focusing on his economic agenda amid lingering cost-of-living concerns. The president argued that his Democratic predecessor's policies were pricing Americans out. "Remember, the first part of the year, actually, you could say almost the first year, I was fixing the country from the horror show that we inherited," he said. Trump seemed to relish being back in Iowa, the first state he won in his initial long-shot bid for the presidency. He reminisced about his earlier victories there, and twice teased another presidential bid despite being constitutionally term-limited from running again. The president also made his most forceful pitch yet for the midterm elections, telling rallygoers: "I hope you remember us for the midterms." If the GOP loses the 2026 elections, he said, it would "lead to very bad things" happening, invoking the tax cuts Republicans passed. "You got to get out and vote," Trump implored his supporters. Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY; Nick El Hajj, The Des Moines Register This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says Minnesota immigration operations shakeup not a 'pullback' President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House on January 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. - Tom Brenner/Getty Images President Donald Trump is weighing a major new strike on Iran after preliminary discussions between Washington and Tehran over limiting the countrys nuclear program and ballistic missile production failed to make progress, according to people familiar with the matter. Trumps latest threats were met with indignation by Tehran, which vowed an immediate response to any US military action, with one top adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatening to target Israel if an attack goes ahead. Its a rapid refocusing of the US administrations publicly framed objectives for Iran and comes only weeks after Trump seriously considered military action he framed as potential aid for nationwide protests in Iran. Protesters had faced violent crackdowns by security forces leading to thousands of killings. Trump on Wednesday posted on Truth Social demanding that Iran come to the table to negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. He warned the next US attack on the country will be far worse than the one it carried out last summer, when the US military attacked three of Irans nuclear sites. Options he is now considering include US military airstrikes aimed at Irans leaders and the security officials believed to be responsible for the killings, as well as strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and government institutions, the sources said. Trump has not made a final decision on how to proceed, sources said, but he believes his military options have been expanded from earlier this month now that a US carrier strike group is in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group entered the Indian Ocean on Monday and is continuing to move closer to Iran where it could support any potential operations against the country, both in terms of aiding in strikes and in protecting regional allies from potential Iranian retaliation. The US and Iran had been exchanging messages including through Omani diplomats and between Trumps foreign envoy Steve Witkoff and Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi earlier this month about a possible meeting to ward off a US attack, which Trump had been threatening in response to protesters deaths, the sources said. There was a brief discussion of an in-person meeting, but that never came to fruition, one source said. There have been no serious direct negotiations between the US and Iran as Trump has ramped up his threats of military action in recent days, according to another person familiar with the matter. Its not clear why Trump has since shifted his focus back to Irans nuclear program, which he said last summer had been obliterated by US strikes. But Iran has been trying to rebuild its nuclear sites even deeper underground, according to a person familiar with recent US intelligence on the issue, and has long resisted US pressure to halt its uranium enrichment. The regime has also barred the UNs nuclear watchdog from inspecting its nuclear sites. Amid the threats of military action, the US has also demanded preconditions for a meeting with Iranian officials, the sources said, including a permanent end to uranium enrichment central to Irans nuclear program, new curbs on Irans ballistic missile program and halting all support for Iranian proxies in the region. The biggest sticking point, sources said, has been the US demand that Iran agree to put limits on the range of its ballistic missiles an acute concern for Israel, which expended much of its missile interceptor stockpile shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles during last Junes 12-day war. Iran has balked at that and told the US it would only discuss its nuclear program. The US has not replied, leaving both sides at a dead end, the sources said. A US official on Monday said the administration is still willing to engage with Iran as long as they know what the terms are. We are open for businessas they say, so if they want to contact us and they know what the terms are, then were going to have the conversation, the official told reporters. The official would not give details on the terms but said theyve been reported throughout this entire beginning of the Trump administration, so theyre aware of the terms. Still, the US is preparing for possible action. The US military has been moving air defense systems to the region, including additional Patriot batteries, to help protect US forces there from possible Iranian retaliation, a US official said. The US is also planning to move one or more THAAD missile defense systems to the region, multiple sources said. Meanwhile, the US Air Force is set to conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East, allowing airmen to prove they can disperse, operate, and generate combat sorties under demanding conditions safely, precisely and alongside our partners, said a statement from Lt. Gen. Derek France, US Central Commands AFCENT commander and Combined Forces Air Component commander. Irans top diplomat Araghchi warned Wednesday that the countrys armed forces are fully prepared to respond immediately and powerfully to any aggression against Irans territory, airspace or waters. Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea, Araghchi wrote in English on X. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the remarks were in response to threats from Trump. Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Khamenei, warned on X that any military action would be considered the start of war and vowed an unprecedented response, specifically naming Tel Aviv as a target. Oil prices rose Wednesday and continued their climb Thursday as investors worried that global oil supply might be disrupted if the United States attacked Iran. Brent, the global oil benchmark, topped $70 a barrel earlier on Thursday. Anti-American posters and Iranian flags on display in Tehran, Iran, on January 28, 2026. - Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu/Getty Images Regime is historically weak, but decisive blow unlikely Recent US intelligence reports, which Trump has been briefed on, indicate that the Iranian regime is in a historically weak position following US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites and proxy forces last year, and the mass protests that erupted earlier this month, said people familiar with the assessments. And Trump hinted last weekend that he wants to see Khamenei, removed from power. Its time to look for new leadership in Iran, Trump told Politico on Saturday, appearing to double down on his past comments backing regime change in Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told lawmakers on Wednesday that the Iranian regime is probably weaker than has ever been. But the Iranian government has been weakened before, one of the sources familiar with the intelligence noted, and there is no guarantee that deposing Khamenei would mark the regimes downfall. Even if you remove the ayatollah, his successors are all hardliners, too, this person said. There are also no indications that Irans security services are preparing to turn against the government, sources said. Rubio also echoed that perspective saying no one knows who would take over if the supreme leader is removed from power. Nonetheless, all options remain on the table for the president, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. Ideally, Trump wants to carry out a powerful, conclusive strike that will force Tehran to accept US terms for a ceasefire, one official said. If an attack on Iran is ordered, Trump will want to declare victory in short order. On Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump appeared to compare a possible US military operation against Iran to the one he ordered in Venezuela in December to remove then-President Nicolas Maduro. But two US officials said Trump is aware that a military strike against Iran would be far more difficult than a precise covert operation into Venezuela. Iran has an array of air defense systems, ballistic missiles, and one-way attack drones in its arsenal, as well as aging but battle-tested US and Russian fighter jets. Tehrans military capabilities, even if far outnumbered and much older than modern US systems, make a decisive strike far more difficult. And unlike the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, Tehran is hours from the coast, posing different challenges to a potential military operation there. The Trump administration had also had conversations with the now-interim Venezuelan government prior to detaining Maduro, laying the groundwork for a transitional regime. Such conversations have not taken place on the Iranian side, sources said. Rubio acknowledged on Wednesday that the situation in Iran is more complex. Youre talking about a regime thats in place for a very long time, so thats going to require a lot careful thinking if that eventuality ever presents itself, he said, referring to the possibility of regime change there. In a rebuke of possible US military action, key US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have ruled out use of their airspace and territory for a US operation. Their declarations earlier this week come amid strong concerns from Gulf allies and Turkey about potential US military moves, which they have communicated to both Tehran and Washington, said one of the people familiar with the discussions. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute noted that the Iranian message has likely been that any country that allowed this airspace to be used also will be seen as a legitimate target from the Iranian side, and by that, they are messaging these countries that this will be very bad for them as well. Targeting Irans Supreme Leader poses its own set of challenges. After Junes conflict between Israel and Iran, Israels defense minister acknowledged the country did not have the opportunity to strike the Ayatollah. He was a legitimate target for elimination, but it wasnt possible this time around, Israel Katz said in one of a series of interviews after the conflict ended. In the opening salvo its June strikes, Israel eliminated Irans highest-ranking military officer, the head its elite Revolutionary Guard Corps and others, demonstrating the precise intelligence Israel had before it attacked. But Israel was never able to pinpoint Khamenei. Katz, who had said Khamenei was marked for death, admitted Israel could not zero in on Irans leader after he went into hiding. Khamenei understood this. He went deep underground to great depths, and even broke off contact with the commanders, Katz told Kan News. So ultimately, it wasnt realistic. Correction: This story has been updated to accurately describe the scale of protestor killings in Iran. CNNs Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this story For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A liquefied natural gas transport truck is parked near storage tanks at a facility on Alaskas North Slope. Photo: Interior Gas Utility / Used with Permission (The Center Square) - A record-high 525.1 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas was exported by the U.S. in November as Turkey and other European countries stepped up purchases, Energy Department data shows. Europe remained the largest importer of U.S. LNG, receiving 354.3 million metric tons in the month, 68% of all American exports. Asia took about 78.9 million metric tons, or 15%, according to the department's report. Turkey, whose state-owned pipeline company BOTAS signed several long-term supply deals with U.S. LNG exporters in the last two years, received a record 70 billion cubic feet of American gas in November, some of which will be re-exported to countries in southeast Europe. Egypt also imported a significant amount of U.S. LNG. The country received 61.4 billion cubic feet of gas in the month. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France took 60.3 billion cubic feet, 43.6 billion cubic feet and 38.0 billion cubic feet, respectively. In the last two years, Turkey's pipeline company BOTAS has signed deals with global energy trader Mercuria, ExxonMobil and Woodside Energy to import up to 11 million metric tons of LNG each year, beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2045, as Turkey replaces supplies of gas produced in Russia and Iran that has been supplied by pipelines. Turkish officials estimate the Mercuria deal alone will put it halfway toward meeting a $100 billion bilateral trade target established in a 2019 agreement between Turkey President Erdogan and President Donald Trump. The pact was reaffirmed in talks between the two leaders in November. The deals are part of Turkey's strategy to leverage its investments in LNG regasification facilities and storage infrastructure and position itself as an energy hub for southeast Europe and the Balkan countries. BOTAS now supplies gas to customers in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Moldova on the Trans-Balkan pipeline, which once sent gas from Russia to Turkey. Pipeline flows were reversed in 2024. Teresa Ribera, the European Commissions executive vice president for competition, on Tuesday warned the region is becoming increasingly reliant on U.S. LNG and said the development of local energy resources should be prioritized. The European Union's imports of U.S. LNG totaled 81 billion cubic meters in 2025, about 58% of regional supply, representing a fourfold increase from 2021. "We are significantly increasing our dependence on liquefied natural gas imported from the U.S.," Ribera said in a video message at a "Hydrogen Day" event Wednesday sponsored by Enagas, a Spanish energy infrastructure company. The European Union now gets about 30% of its gas supply from Norway. In 2025, Norway provided the trade bloc about 87 billion cubic meters of the gas it consumed, compared with 81 billion cubic supplied by the U.S. European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jrgensen said Wednesday he is "increasingly concerned" about the blocs dependence on U.S. LNG. He warned against "replacing one dependency with another" and confirmed that the European Union is actively seeking gas from other suppliers that include Canada, Qatar and North Africa. The European Union will step up efforts to diversify away from U.S. LNG following Trumps threats to take control of Greenland, Jrgensen said Wednesday at a news conference in Brussels. United Kingdom Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg on Monday that the only way to "get off the roller-coaster of fossil fuels" is to accelerate development of offshore wind and other local sources of renewable energy. [Reuters] Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump sent a message to Iranians who were protesting against the regime, that "help is on its way". Since then, there has been a slow, steady and significant build-up of US military forces in the region. America, which is the world's most powerful military, has already shown it can strike Iran. Last June's operation "Midnight Hammer" targeted its nuclear facilities. It involved more than 100 aircraft, with B-2 stealth jets flying all the way from the United States to deliver their "bunker-buster" precision guided bombs. The question now: Is the US getting ready to hit Iran, again? Donald Trump's latest social media post suggests he may, with him warning Iran that unless it makes a deal to limit its nuclear programme then "the next attack will be far worse!" The US president said a "massive Armada" was heading to Iran and - like in Venezuela where the US seized Nicolas Maduro - it was "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary". He called for Iran to come to the negotiating table but added that time was "running out". The US already has a significant military footprint in the Middle East, with up to 50,000 military personnel in the region. Around 10,000 of those are based at al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar. But the US also has bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past few weeks, open source intelligence reporting has tracked scores of additional US military aircraft arriving in the region. Photos taken on Sunday of al-Udeid Air Force Base - the largest American facility in the Middle East - show a number of new structures appearing at a site on its periphery. After the US strikes on Iran's nuclear complexes last year, Tehran launched missiles at al-Udeid. Now, there seems to be new anti-air defences being installed there, experts who were shown the satellite images said. [BBC] The Pentagon does not provide a detailed list of those movements. But BBC Verify has been able to track the arrival of F-15 fighter jets and refuelling tankers. Drones and P-8 Poseidon spy planes have been seen operating near Iranian airspace on the FlightRadar24 tracking website. There has also been the arrival of transport aircraft, some of which are believed to be carrying more air defence systems. This may suggest that America is taking steps to defend itself and its Gulf allies from possible retaliatory strikes, if Trump ordered an attack on Iran. Britain, too, has sent a squadron of Typhoon jets to the area "to boost regional security". The US Air Force has announced that it is conducting a major exercise in the region, Operation Agile Spartan, "to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the US Central Command area of responsibility". Stefan Watkins, who tracks ships and shares his findings on social media, has also recently tracked the arrival of a number of US early warning and spy aircraft which were there during Operation Midnight Hammer including RC-135s, and E-11A BACN and E-3G Sentry. He says that "might suggest" that strikes are "coming sooner rather than later". Just as significant is the arrival of a US carrier strike group to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln shown in 2019 [US Navy via Reuters] The USS Abraham Lincoln was in the Indo-Pacific region when it was ordered to turn around and head to the Gulf. While the aircraft carrier has not publicly broadcast its location for more than a week, on Monday an Osprey aircraft's tracker was seen on FlightRadar24 landing in Oman after leaving an offshore location in the Gulf. That suggests the Lincoln could be operating somewhere near Oman. A carrier strike group is one of the most potent symbols of American military power, with an air wing of around 70 aircraft. On the USS Abraham Lincoln, that includes the latest F-35 stealth jets, capable of evading enemy radar. The strike group also has three destroyers loaded with Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles, and is normally accompanied by a nuclear powered submarine, which fires the same weapon. That is in addition to the two US destroyers already in the region. In the words of President Trump: "We have a big flotilla going in that region and we'll see what happens". [BBC] Potential targets Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the defence think tank Rusi, says that with their current military posture in the region, the US "could probably go almost anywhere in Iran and strike almost anything, apart from the most deeply buried facilities" which would likely require B-2 bombers. So, what might the US target, if Trump gives the order? Savill, who worked on Iran policy with the UK government, says the US has a range of options. The first could be Iran's military capabilities, "like its ballistic missile threat or its coastal missile batteries". At the very least that could make it harder for the regime to retaliate, which it is threatening to do. Iran still has significant stockpiles of short range ballistic missiles and long range drones. That makes some of America's Gulf allies nervous. Some have already made clear they will not support more US strikes. Another option would be to target the regime itself. Savill says "they could go after the centres of military power, including Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and maybe the militias that are suppressing the protesters". Trying to decapitate Iran's leadership, though, may prove more difficult and dangerous. Israel did target senior Iranians during its 12-day war last year. That included tracking bodyguards to find their locations. But Iran is likely to have since tightened up security and dispersed. Savill says the US "could probably find and kill senior individuals, but it is not clear what the cumulative effect would be". "We could be witnessing the final death throes of this current regime, but the problem is that could take months or even years to play out," Savill adds. While President Trump has proved that he is willing to use military force, he has made clear in the past that he has no desire to get involved in a long, protracted conflict. His military interventions so far have been short, sharp and limited. He has also not ruled out a diplomatic solution that would require Iran to agree to limit its nuclear programme. According to Savill, Trump is now having to "weigh the desire to be seen as decisive with the chances of actually achieving a decisive impact". Scam centers, like this one in Myanmar, are a key part of this crypto-powered criminal activity. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Jingliang Su, a Chinese national, faces almost four years in prison for his role in crypto fraud that relied on befriending Americans on social media, then winning their trust in order to fleece them. He laundered about $37 million from 174 U.S. victims via scam centers in Cambodia, according to a statement released by the Department of Justice on Tuesday. In June, Su pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an illegal money transmitting business. The sentencing follows a year in which mostly Chinese scammers stole a record $17 billion from regular people. Scam centers have become notorious in Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, and recent kidnappings in the region have been linked to these fraud hubs. This case is emblematic of a broader trend were observing: highly organized scam conglomerates in Southeast Asia weaponizing technology and cryptocurrencies to defraud victims at scale across borders, said Jacqueline Burns Koven, the head of cyber threat intelligence at Chainalysis, in a note to Fortune. Su and his criminal network used creative techniques, and crypto, to lure victims and launder money. The fraudsters would contact American victims through social media, texts, or online dating platforms to get peoples trust. They would then create fake websites that looked like real crypto exchanges, where they convinced victims to send their money. These tactics, which are intended to exploit lonely or otherwise vulnerable people, are at the core of what Chinese criminals call pig butchering. The term describes winning an individuals trust over time in order to abruptly swindle them. The scammers used Tether, the worlds largest stablecoin issuer, to move and launder the funds. The roughly $37 million in victim funds were transferred from the fraudsters U.S. bank accounts to an account in the Bahamas. They then directed that bank to convert the funds to the stablecoin Tether (USDT), which was then transferred to a digital asset wallet controlled in Cambodia. Chinese fraudsters duping Americans is an issue that has been raised to U.S. legislators. Earlier this month, Burns Koven delivered a testimony in front of the Senate titled, Made in China, Paid by Seniors: Stopping the Surge of International Scams. Addressing this threat demands a holistic strategy that combines upstream prevention and victim remediation, deep collaboration between the public and private sectors, and truly international coordination among law enforcement, regulators, and industry partners, Burns Koven said in a note to Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Crude oil prices rose Thursday to reach their high levels since September after the Trump Administration warned Iran may face military strikes if the country does not negotiate a new nuclear agreement. The price of Brent crude oil (BZ=F) jumped as much as 4.3% to briefly cross $70 per barrel for the first time since September before paring gains. The US pricing benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) crude, gained as much as 4.7% to trade above $65 at its highs of the day. The gains add to a run-up over the past month that has seen oil rise roughly 15% as geopolitical risk premiums and record cold weather in the US have buoyed prices. "Oil markets are rapidly repricing geopolitical risk as the probability of direct US action against Iran rises," said Rystad Energy head of geopolitical analysis Jorge Leon. "The speed of the oil price reaction suggests markets see US military action against Iran as a real, near-term risk." The US military has positioned naval vessels and other equipment capable of striking inside the country over the past week as President Trump has ratcheted up threats of action against the Iranian regime over a new nuclear weapons deal with the US. "A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose ... Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary," the president wrote in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" If Iran won't negotiate, the president said, "The next attack will be far worse!" a reference to the US's strikes last summer on Iran's Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant. The tensions between Washington and Tehran have kept worries alive around potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. The strait sees roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil and other petroleum products cross its waters every day, according to the Energy Information Administration, and disruptions would have wide ripple effects on supply and pricing. On top of the geopolitical risk, the US crude market also saw an unexpected tightening last week. Commercial crude inventories in the US for the week ended Jan. 23 decreased by 2.3 million barrels from the previous week, according to data released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration. Analysts at Macquarie had expected a growth of 900,000 barrels. A small boat loaded with merchandise sails past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images) (GIUSEPPE CACACE via Getty Images) Still, analysts say it is unlikely Iran would be able to fully close off the strait, even if the regime sought to do so. "They've played that card so many times that it doesn't really have any share," Clay Seigle, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Yahoo Finance. But the strait is not Iran's only lever. The Iranian regime has been under immense pressure as mass protests against the country's religious governing regime have swept across the country, seeking to topple the Ayatollah. Thousands of protesters have been killed by Iranian forces, raising fears of US intervention and potential disruption to oil markets if protesters were to attack key oil-exporting infrastructure along the Persian Gulf and of potential retaliatory action from the regime. "There have been instances in the past where Iran's government has sent a reminder of its ability to cause disruption and chaos," said Ben Cahill, director for energy markets and policy at UT Austin's Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis, referencing Iran's "sabotage and attacks on tankers" in 2019 and attacks against oil infrastructure in the surrounding region. "If the Iranian regime decides to lash out and cause havoc, there are multiple ways that it could do it," Cahill told Yahoo Finance. Jake Conley is a breaking news reporter covering US equities for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @byjakeconley or email him at jake.conley@yahooinc.com. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Detainees at a Florida immigration facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," were allegedly punished for seeking legal advice and forced to scrawl lawyers phone numbers on walls and beds using soap due to a lack of writing materials, two former detainees testified this week. The men, who have since deported to Colombia and to Haiti, gave video testimony in a federal court in Fort Myers, Florida. They claimed that monitored calls to individuals outside the detention centre were routinely disconnected whenever they attempted to discuss legal advice or secure representation. The testimony came during a two-day hearing where civil rights lawyers are seeking a temporary injunction from US District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell. The injunction aims to ensure detainees at the state-run Everglades facility receive the same access to legal counsel as those in federally-operated centers. The remote facility was constructed last summer by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantiss administration. The detainees lawsuit alleges violations of their First Amendment rights. They claim their lawyers must schedule visits three days in advance, unlike other immigration detention facilities, where attorneys can arrive during visiting hours. Furthermore, detainees are reportedly often transferred to other facilities after their lawyers have made appointments, and scheduling delays have been so extensive that some detainees missed crucial legal deadlines. During Wednesday mornings hearing, the former detainees testified remotely from their home countries, using translators and only their initials to protect their identities. The former detainee from Haiti recounted being asked to sign documents he did not understand while at the facility. These papers, he later discovered, were for his self-deportation to Haiti, a country he feared returning to after seeking asylum in the United States. He was subsequently presented with a second set of documents, which someone explained would lead to his self-deportation to Mexico. He signed these out of fear of returning to Haiti, but ultimately, he was sent back to Haiti. State officials, who are defendants in the lawsuit, denied restricting detainees access to their lawyers, stating that any protocols were implemented for security reasons and to ensure adequate staffing. Federal officials, also defendants, asserted that no First Amendment rights were being violated. "Moreover, any Alligator Alcatraz policy regarding attorney-detainee communications is valid so long as it reasonably relates to legitimate penological interest," they wrote. The third witness to testify on Wednesday was Juan Lopez Vega, deputy field office director of ICEs enforcement and removal operations in Miami. Vega, who unsuccessfully attempted to quash a subpoena compelling his court appearance, testified that despite his job including oversight of detainees at the state-run facility, he had only visited the center once. This case is one of three federal lawsuits challenging practices at the controversial immigration detention center. Another lawsuit, brought by detainees in federal court in Fort Myers, argued that immigration is a federal issue, and Florida agencies and private contractors hired by the state lacked the authority to operate the facility under federal law. That lawsuit concluded earlier this month after the immigrant detainee who filed the case agreed to be removed from the United States. This case is one of three federal lawsuits challenging practices at the controversial immigration detention center (AFP via Getty Images) In the third lawsuit, a federal judge in Miami last summer ordered the facility to wind down operations over two months because officials had failed to conduct a review of the detention centers environmental impact. However, an appellate court panel has since put that decision on hold, allowing the facility to remain open. Florida has been at the forefront among states in constructing facilities to support President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Beyond the Everglades facility, which began receiving detainees in July, Florida has opened another immigration detention center in northeast Florida and is considering a third facility in the Florida Panhandle. The Everglades facility is not alone in attracting unwanted attention. Other detention centres, including ICE facilities at the Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso, Texas; one in Miami; and others in California City and Adelanto, both in California, face common complaints such as poor and insufficient food and a lack of access to legal counsel. The ICE detainee population, which excludes Alligator Alcatraz and other state-run facilities, has roughly doubled to about 70,000 since President Trump took office, fuelled by a one-time injection of \$45bn for immigration detention. Located at AMAALA, the global lifestyle icon brings its signature social energy to Saudi Arabia. AMAALA, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While much of the region's ultra-luxury hospitality has leaned into quiet sanctuaries, Nammos, the global cultural landmark of Mediterranean glamour is set to disrupt the status quo. Opening its first-ever resort this spring at AMAALA's Triple Bay, Nammos Resort AMAALA is set to launch a full-spectrum destination built on the brand's core philosophy of Endless Joy. Part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, Nammos Resort marks the first new opening under the global expansion plan for the brand. NAMMOS TO OPEN FIRST-EVER RESORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN SPRING 2026 For more than twenty years, Nammos has set the rhythm for the world's most discerning travellers, creating destinations where energy, connection, and celebration come naturally. Now, the brand brings that instinctive sense of atmosphere into a resort environment, unveiling a new vision of luxury, one where wellbeing is shared, social and effortlessly immersive. The resort will feature 110 guest rooms and suites, alongside pool bungalows, villas, and 20 private residences, crowned by the exclusive Cliff Villa, which offers AMAALA's most exclusive viewpoint. Anchored by a private island and a dedicated wellness hub, the destination will feature a collection of infinity pools, the Blu Kids Club for younger guests, and three signature dining venues, including the iconic Nammos Restaurant. Recognising the regional desire for absolute privacy without boredom, the resort's architecture ensures that while the energy is communal, the sanctuary is personal, drawing the entire property towards the water, capturing sunlit mornings and the Red Sea's dramatic sunsets. Carolyn Turnbull, CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts said: "For years, the global ultra-luxury landscape has been divided into two worlds: the social energy of the world's most sought-after lifestyle destinations and the silent isolation of the resort. At Nammos Resort AMAALA, those worlds collide. We are bringing our signature social connection into a destination built on regenerative luxury, creating a rhythm that the region has never seen before." Exclusive to Nammos Resort AMAALA, Nammos Spa debuts its proprietary philosophy of 'Boundless Wellbeing.' Reframing wellness not as a retreat, but as the ultimate social pre-game, the spa reimagines isolation in favour of social readiness. Inspired by its mantra 'Rest Up, Move Up, Fuel Up, Show Up,' every experience is designed to ensure guests look and feel amazing for the day ahead. This high-performance promise is powered by a regional-first partnership with Augustinus Bader, blending precision-led skincare with Nammos' signature momentum to prove that wellness isn't just for recovery, it can be the main event. Ensuring this high-energy lifestyle remains effortless, the resort's service culture is defined by the art of 'Invisible Luxury'. A dedicated Nammos Butler for every guest operates on a single, intuitive promise: nothing is requested, because everything is anticipated. From seamless arrivals to personalised daily rhythms, the experience is immediate, fluid, and precisely attuned to each guest. At the resort's heart lies the iconic Nammos Restaurant. Set on its own private island, the signature destination features an infinity pool, chic cabanas, and a private jetty for arrivals by boat, architecting a scene that is undeniably Nammos, yet entirely new. The culinary energy extends across two distinct venues. Nalu is a laid-back dining spot rooted in the energy of Latin American flavours with Asian influences. Ilios is a refined Mediterranean restaurant and bar offering elevated cuisine, visiting chefs and pop-ups crafted for evenings that feel polished, effortless and spontaneous. Beyond the resort walls, guests tap into AMAALA's wider world of regenerative luxury. From AMAALA's Yacht Club maritime luxury to the Corallium Marine Life Institute, experiences are designed to intersect with the coastline's natural beauty. Sustainability here is infrastructure, not a slogan; as part of AMAALA, the resort is positioned to operate with a zero-carbon footprint, powered by 100% renewable energy once complete. For more information and to stay up to date, please visit: https://www.nammoshotels.com/amaala Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872671/Nammos_Resort_Middle_East_Spring_2026.jpg [EPA] Many members of Senate Foreign Affairs committee have wanted an opportunity to question the US Secretary of State on Venezuela for some time. They have called for a hearing since well before the unprecedented US airstrikes on Caracas and the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in the early hours of 3 January. Wednesday, their wish was fulfilled. "Finally, a public hearing," said Tim Kaine of Viriginia, a Democrat, before launching into a recap of how the Trump Administration had reached this point on Venezuela, where Maduro is now in a US jail and the country is being led by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Kaine pointed out that the first US strike on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean took place on 2 September 2025 some five months ago and lamented the fact that the discussions about the legality of those strikes had been classified and took place behind closed doors. However, this hearing was primarily about the events of this year when Delta Force troops forcibly removed Maduro from Venezuelan soil in his pyjamas to face drug trafficking charges in New York. Secretary Rubio was careful to stress that the US was not at war with Venezuela, saying in his written opening statement for the hearing: "We did not occupy a country. There are no US troops on the ground." It was a key point for him to register in the face of arguments that the Trump administration has circumvented Congress, which under the US Constitution has the sole power to declare war, and ignored the 1973 War Powers Act. Instead, Rubio, a former US Senator, repeatedly characterised the US military action in Caracas as a "law enforcement operation". A "drug bust", retorted Senator Rand Paul, a Republican who has argued the justifications for military action were lacking. But as the Trump administration's critics questioned the logic, wisdom and the legal basis of its decisions on Venezuela, Rubio remained robustly on message. He was, as expected, thoroughly unapologetic over the military action and removal of Maduro from power. Maduro was an indicted drug criminal, he said, and not the legitimate president of Venezuela. Furthermore, it was impossible to make a deal with the man as "he couldn't be trusted" having strung along negotiators and diplomats so often in the past, Rubio added. "The glue that held the regime together was corruption and graft," Rubio said at one point. "His removal has created the conditions to begin to move away from that." Rubio insisted the Trump administration's actions would eventually improve the situation in Venezuela which he likened to a "critically ill patient" and make the region safer and more prosperous. The secretary also laid out the administration's plan for Washington to maintain full control over Venezuela's oil industry. The funds from sales of Venezuelan crude were being held, at least initially, in an offshore account in Qatar but would eventually be transferred to "a US Treasury blocked account in the United States". The Venezuelan government would have to request the use of those funds for a set of narrowly defined needs and Washington would decide on releasing them, he said. The upshot, according to Rubio, would be Venezuelan oil profits being spent on US-made goods, from basic foodstuffs to chemicals for oil refineries, rather than in Russia or to service debt to China. Analysts continue to wonder how government figures in Caracas, all of whom have made a career through vocal anti-Americanism, will receive such intervention in Venezuela's oil wealth Rubio, however, refused to take the further use of military force in Venezuela off the table. "We don't want that and we hope we don't have to use it," he repeated. But undoubtedly, the action against Maduro has served as a stark warning to others in Venezuela's government and armed forces that they could face a similar fate should they step out of line. The ultimate goal of Washington's energy plan, said Rubio, was to eventually transfer the control of the oil-rich nation's natural resources back to Venezuela under a stable democratic government. It was the roadmap to that destination which most concerned a number of Secretary Rubio's critics in the hearing room. Still, Rubio exuded confidence when talking about Latin America, one of his strongest area of expertise. Rubio chaired the committee he was facing for many years, and also led its subcommittee on the region. "We are not even four weeks into this thing," he responded to a question about how success could be defined and measured. Already things were moving in "the right direction", he insisted. A hydrocarbons law passed under Maduro's political mentor, Hugo Chavez, had been redrafted to allow greater private investment from US energy companies and Rodriguez was proving to be a willing partner so far. "Four, five or six months from now cannot look like now," he conceded but cited the examples of Spain and Paraguay's 20th Century transitions to democracy. Rodriguez as the country's leader and an energy policy devised and executed by Washington were both immediate necessities, he argued, not long-term strategies. Eyes across the region will have been fixed on Rubio's appearance on Capitol Hill -- particularly in Venezuela itself and its long-standing communist-run ally, Cuba. One statement from Rubio, a Florida-born Cuban American with a deep enmity towards the Cuban Government, will have worried authorities in Havana above all. Rodriguez "has pledged to end Venezuela's oil lifeline to the Cuban regime", he said in his prepared remarks, and she is "well aware of the fate of Maduro; it is our belief that her own self-interest aligns with advancing our key objectives." The coming months will reveal whether that belief is well placed. But either way, the US government's vision as set out by Rubio involves nothing less than transformative change in Venezuela and, by extension, in Cuba. A homeless encampment covered with a blue tarp sits on a city sidewalk with belongings nearby. Photo: Brett Sayle / Pexels (The Center Square) - Nevada will conduct its unsheltered Point-In-Time count of the states homeless residents Thursday. Limitations in the national Housing and Urban Developments count means the number is likely to be an undercount, according to a Nevada official. The criticisms of the Point-In-Time Count are that it doesn't count people who are living in a motel theyre paying for themselves, or are doubled up with family and living in some of those, kind of more marginal living situations, said Catrina Peters, human services coordinator for the Washoe County Human Services Agency, We're here to be absolutely transparent, to follow the HUD methodology, but I would say broadly across the country, that's a consistent concern," Peters told The Center Square. The HUD methodology counts unsheltered people on a single night within the last 10 days of January, but does not include people staying over at somebody elses home, in a motel, hospital or jail for a short period, even if some people in those positions are likely to return to homelessness. Nevadas PIT count will begin at 3 a.m. Thursday in the Las Vegas area, which is in Clark County in southern Nevada. Washoe County, which is in northwest Nevada, will begin counting at 4 a.m., with 60 people who have experience working with the countys homeless population set to conduct the count, who they call enumerators. We're very lucky in that we have an amazing community of folks doing that work who rise to the challenge of getting together at 4 a.m. to start this work, said Peters. Folks who are already working as a street outreach worker one, know where encampments are, and two, oftentimes already have relationships established with folks who are unsheltered. But the winter can present an additional risk of undercount, as it can be an especially dangerous time of year to be homeless. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimated that 700 homeless people die annually across the U.S. from hyperthermia. Occasionally we have some winter weather to navigate but [we] are looking pretty good for this year," Peters told The Center Square. Across the country, annual Point-In-Time Counts are required by HUD, but only have to account for people who are sheltered. This includes areas such as emergency shelters and transitional houses. But the annual PIT counts do not include unsheltered homeless people, who are required to be counted at least every other year. The last unsheltered count took place January 2024 and listed 7,906 homeless people in Nevada, a 20% increase from the previous year. Peters did not say exactly whether this years PIT count was likely to show an increase in the homeless population. Its just so hard to say, she said, later adding, There have been quite a few changes in the community over the last two years. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico fiercely denied a Politico report that said he was shocked by President Trumps state of mind during his visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida this month. Politico, citing five unnamed European diplomats, reported that Fico told European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels last week that his meeting with the U.S. president left him concerned about Trumps psychological state. Two of the diplomats said Fico used the word dangerous to describe the way Trump came across during the Jan. 17 meeting at Trumps estate in Florida, according to Politico. I must emphatically reject the lies of the POLITICO portal about how I assessed my meeting with US President D. Trump at an informal summit in Brussels, Fico wrote in a post on the social platform X. No one heard anything, no one saw anything, there are no witnesses, but nothing prevented the POLITICO portal from coming up with lies, he continued. Attacking the liberal media, Fico wrote, It is a sad look at the liberal and progressive political and media world. The abuse of criminal law to destroy opponents, the rejection of different opinions, boundless media lies, and attempts to assassinate political leaders in Slovakia and the US. The White House in a statement also dismissed the reporting. This is absolutely total fake news from anonymous European diplomats who are trying to be relevant. The meeting at Mar-a-Lago was positive and productive, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. Politico did not respond to a request for comment. The news outlet reported that the remarks were made on the sidelines of the emergency EU summit, which was called to address the trans-Atlantic alliance amid Trumps threats to take control of Greenland and levy tariffs on countries that came to its defense. Trump has walked back his tariff threats. Fico, who is among the most pro-Trump European leaders, denied speaking at the informal summit in Brussels, in his statement. He noted he was grateful the meeting with Trump was not canceled after he was critical of Trumps approach in Venezuela. I agree with many strategies of the US president, but with some I dont, he wrote. I honestly expected that after my sharp statement on Venezuela, my visit to the US would be cancelled. This did not happen, which makes me appreciate the meeting with the U.S. president all the more. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Handcuffs Contaminazionivisive Pixabay (cropped) A federal grand jury in Bridgeport has indicted a Dubai man after he allegedly robbbedsmall and mid-sized businesses and commercial lenders across the US, authorities said. Saul Shalev, a 36-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, is accused of using stolen identities and false claims to pose as a loan broker, then reroute payoff money into accounts he controlled, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. The FBI said the case involves more than 20 businesses across the country. Investigators said the alleged scheme ran from about December 2019 through November 2022. They said Shalev looked for businesses with existing commercial loans, then offered refinancing or additional funding through lenders. After new money was approved, authorities said he sent fake payoff instructions that directed funds away from legitimate lenders and into accounts he controlled. Officials also said he collected commissions from lenders. Court records describe several examples. In one case, prosecutors said Shalev, using a stolen identity, helped arrange a $343,000 loan for an Ohio auto dealership through a Connecticut lender, then caused more than $190,000 in payoff money to be sent to an account he controlled. In another case, they said he arranged a $145,500 loan for an Indiana healthcare provider and diverted more than $156,000 in payoff payments. A third example involved a $196,000 loan for a Michigan home improvement business, where prosecutors said he claimed the funds were sent by mistake and told the company to return the money to him. Authorities said Shalev converted stolen funds into cryptocurrency. Shalev is charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors stressed the charges are allegations, prosecutors said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted. A unique Valentine event is being hosted by KIND Conservatory as part of its Candlelight Music series to help fund scholarships for young musicians. | File photo POCATELLO Downtown Pocatello will glow by candlelight this Valentines Day weekend as KIND Conservatory hosts a special Harp-and-Piano Night designed to support local young musicians. The Valentine edition of the conservatorys Candlelight Music series is set for Saturday, Feb. 14, pairing live music, food and a relaxed concert atmosphere with a fundraising mission. Proceeds from the evening will help send local students to the GEMS Piano Competition, with organizers saying each ticket purchased covers one childs entry fee at no cost to their family. RELATED | Accomplished pianist opens music school in Pocatello RELATED | Idahos best young pianists take the stage at piano competition Your evening out can help power a childs year of music, said Natalia Lauk, director and pianist with KIND Conservatory. The performance will feature Jessica Andersen on harp and Lauk on piano. Andersen, a longtime musician with the Idaho State-Civic Symphony and a well-known private instructor, is donating her time for the event. Lauk will join Andersen for a program that highlights the harp and piano as versatile, modern instruments rather than traditional background accompaniment. Local musician Jessica Andersen will play the harp at KIND Conservatorys Valentine edition of Candlelight Music. | Courtesy photo Organizers say the concert will take place amid candlelight throughout the venue, creating an intimate setting. Guests will also have the opportunity to view the historic Mosler vault located in the buildings basement. Food and hospitality are part of the evening, as well. Fuji Steakhouse is donating sushi service, and attendees can purchase discounted Fuji gift certificates during the fundraiser. Small plates and decor are being donated by Maria Arutyunova, a Ukrainian refugee who organizers say wanted to support the local arts effort. The program blends classical music favorites with contemporary works, including pieces by Handel and Debussy alongside newer compositions. Highlights include the U.S. premiere of Sonatina by Japanese composer Kenichiro Kobayashi, works by French composer Bernard Andres, and flamenco-inspired music by Deborah Henson-Conant, known for pushing the boundaries of the harp. Tickets are $40. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with food service, followed by a 7 p.m. pre-concert talk and a 7:30 p.m. performance. Tickets and seat reservations are available here on KIND Conservatorys website. The post Valentine candlelight concert blends harp and piano to help young local musicians appeared first on East Idaho News. Independent scientific research institute partners with Morehead Planetarium to bring hands-on STEM events to all 100 counties statewide RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), presented by RTI International, will return for its 16th year this April, with the theme "Science Matters." An initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the festival highlights the essential role of science in everyday life and expands access to hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities. The 2026 NCSciFest is expected to surpass 4 million in cumulative participation, building on 3,871,664 attendees to date. This year will also mark the 3,000th Duke Energy Science Night. Festival events will feature more than 30,000 scientists and hundreds of STEM activities, designed to engage students, families, educators and community members, across all 100 North Carolina counties. Event categories include: Large-scale public science demonstrations Behind-the-scenes tours of university and industry laboratories Citizen science projects that contribute real-time data to ongoing research Morehead director Todd Boyette said, "The theme of Science Matters reflects how science touches every part of our daily lives in North Carolina, from our communities and economy to our health and environment. Science absolutely matters, and this is why we are excited to bring this event to the state once again in 2026." RTI has provided multi-year support to NCSciFest, encouraging participants to explore how science shapes decisions and drives solutions. "Science is at the heart of everything we do at RTI," said RTI President and CEO Tim J. Gabel. "It's how we turn ideas into solutions that improve lives. By partnering with the NC Science Festival, we're helping ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation to lead with innovation and purpose." 2026 program highlights: Duke Energy Science Nights throughout April Statewide Star Party on April 24-25 UNC Science Expo on April 11 Science on the Rocks adult mixer, dates TBD Founded in 2010, NCSciFest celebrates the economic, educational and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit https://ncsciencefestival.org. View media kit About North Carolina Science Festival Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses, and other local organizations), NCSciFest celebrates the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. It is an initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, please visit ncscifest.org. About RTI International RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approachone that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems. For more information, visit www.rti.org. About Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a unit of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Morehead serves North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of UNC to engage the public for an enhanced understanding of science. For more information, please visit moreheadplanetarium.org. Media Contact: RTI International Media Relations 919-541-7300 [email protected] SOURCE RTI International First, the program structure now makes it easier for customers to see what we bring to the table, he explained. We have Preferred Status and strong PVI [partner value index] scores across all the Cisco portfolios, thats breadth and depth of capability all in one place. Under the old model, that wasnt always obvious. Second, the focus on lifecycle and digital enablement reflects how we already work with our customers. Success today is less about the initial purchase and more about whether customers are getting real value from their technology over time. By gaining deeper, data-driven insight into how Data#3s customers use technology, it can tailor its support to their needs. That ability to gain deeper insight through P360 was something that came just in time for outcome-driven systems integrator ArchiTech. Its managing director, Rob Russell, said being outcome-driven has formed the cornerstone for its internal transformation project and scaleup strategy. The new partner program, while initially a little daunting, has arrived at the ideal time for our business, he explained. As we continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with Cisco, the program aligns seamlessly with our role. It offers equal opportunities for committed partners of all sizes and emphasises and rewards partners who provide client value across each technology domain throughout the entire lifecycle. At the same time, it gives partners the ability to differentiate and create unique value said Russell. It enables partners to succeed in their chosen discipline(s), whether that be a single technology portfolio, or a cross-portfolio mix, he said. Throughout the course of the qualification period, weve seen Cisco embrace partner feedback and fine tune the program to ensure a fairer system for all partners. That helps shift partners off what was a static tiering towards a model that genuinely rewards lifecycle ownership and customer outcomes, said Logicalis Australia general manager Lisa Fortey. Customers are increasingly asking how Logicalis platforms will support AI, security, and resilience over time, not just at the point of purchase. Cisco 360 has helped us anchor those discussions around AI ready capabilities, adoption, and lifecycle delivery, rather than isolated technologies, explained Fortey. That alignment has reinforced our strategy to focus on adoption, expansion, and annuity growth. This includes ensuring customers see clear value in the long-term outcomes, we help them achieve, she noted. Cisco took a long-term view to change management rather than rushing the market, which made a real difference, Fortey said. Being introduced to the direction early, followed by regular check-ins and transparency around evolving PVI performance, gave partners the time required to adapt, educate teams, and realign go-to-market approaches. Future refinement Cisco partners mostly feel the vendor deserves recognition for its strong communication and collaboration with the community, which has helped refine the program over time. The ability for partners and Cisco to speak the same language leads to better customer outcomes; everyone is pulling in the same direction, noted van Zoggel. However, the only programmatic change which may be difficult is for smaller or less committed partners, he said. The barrier to entry is higher and level of commitment to Cisco is elevated. This may benefit the customer community, as they then have some assurance that the partner they are engaging with is a committed Cisco integrator, holding the right skills and capabilities to deliver appropriately. According to Fortey, where future co-creation could be strengthened is through even earlier involvement of partners in shaping how new measures translate into customer conversations. Partners are closest to customers, and deeper engagement at that level would further accelerate adoption and reduce friction during transitions, she said. The strongest element of the refined program is its alignment to real behaviours that drive customer success. Cisco 360 rewards partners who invest in skills, managed services maturity, and lifecycle engagement, rather than simply volume. The transparency of PVI and the clear linkage between investment and reward has raised the standard across the ecosystem. The most important next step is continued differentiation at the top end of the ecosystem, said Fortey. Partners who consistently demonstrate excellence across multiple technology pillars and achieve high PVI performance should be unmistakably differentiated, she acknowledged. That level of clarity reinforces the behaviours Cisco is trying to drive and gives customers confidence in selecting partners who are genuinely committed to long-term outcomes. The stronger and clearer that differentiation becomes, the more effectively the program will drive mutual growth for Cisco, partners, and customers alike. For Russell, Cisco not involving a select group of partners in a pilot phase before the full rollout was a missed opportunity to reduce the volume of subsequent changes. This would have allowed partners to focus on transitioning to a stable program rather than constantly adapting to ongoing updates, he said. It offers equal opportunities for committed partners of all sizes and emphasises and rewards partners who provide client value across each technology domain throughout the entire lifecycle. At the same time, it gives partners the ability to differentiate and create unique value. In addition, the program provides the tools and actionable insights needed to manage our partnership, identify customer opportunities, measure and monitor progress, and enhance revenue predictability. For Russell, to drive further investment in new Cisco-based managed services, a mechanism needs to exist that recognises partners who proactively invest in developing new services prior to the launch of those services. Having the ability to have such services audited and approved by Cisco before the first customer sale will put the partner in a better position to successfully execute and reach a wider customer base with the recognition Cisco accreditation brings, he said. Comstor Australia director John Poulter added as Cisco streamlines and strengthens its partner ecosystem, the distributors role is to ensure partners are fully equipped to maximise the opportunities ahead. Through dedicated enablement, deeper lifecycle support, and our commitment to simplifying the complex, were empowering partners to build resilient, futureready business models, he said. In Australia, where demand for agile, cloudled and secure solutions continues to accelerate, Cisco 360 will give partners a powerful framework to differentiate and scale at pace. by Dario Salvi The cardinal spoke to AsiaNews with "sadness and great concern" about the country's political divisions and renewed tensions in the region. He also expressed apprehension over the return of al-Maliki, a possibility rejected by the United States. Christians are fearful of economic and social problems, and the lack of security and prospects. Milan (AsiaNews) Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, spoke to AsiaNews about recent events in Iraq, and more generally in the region, scene of a new escalation between Iran and the United States (and Israel). Sadness, great concern, and a climate of fear" are pushing many government officials and religious leaders to remain silent, relegated to the margins while the country risks sinking back into a spiral of tension and violence, fuelled by new winds of war that are blowing in the Middle East," in addition to an "internal instability that has already proven to be a decisive factor in plunging Iraq into chaos. Amid a broad conspiracy of silence, fear, and silence that resonate louder than words, several politicians have in recent days asked me to intervene, to make the voice of a religious authority heard, said the cardinal by telephone at the end of a three-day retreat and prayer. Fear and anxiety are fed by internal instability in a country waiting for the new president to be elected after repeated postponements. Once he is named, he will have to name a prime minister charged with forming a new government. The ruling coalition that emerged from last November's parliamentary election appears to be leaning toward Nouri al-Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014 and then resigned during a period of profound crisis for the country. US President Donald Trump has already rejected this possibility, blaming the former prime minister for the serious economic and social crises that the country experienced in the past (including the rise of the Islamic State), as well as for being too close to Iran. A fake letter currently circulating in the media, allegedly signed by the Saudi foreign minister, is a sign of the tensions and uncertainty. In it, al-Maliki is supposedly asked to "step back" for the good of Iraq and the region. Riyadh has not commented so far on events in Iraq and is awaiting official news on the new leadership, but the widespread coverage of this fake text further highlights a state of confusion, as well as someones attempt to further destabilise the region. Conversely, behind the silence of Iraqi religious leaders, especially top Shia clerics, lies the fear of repercussions or retaliation from Iran, given the close ties between Baghdad and Tehran that go beyond religion, and embrace politics and strategic interests. Not only in Iraq, but throughout the region, from Syria to Lebanon, people are very worried, Cardinal Sako said. The same goes for Christians, who have already paid a very high price in terms of exodus, and who certainly cannot live without security and stability. Above all, They fear for their children and their future, he explained. Last but not least, there is also the problem of an economy that is 90 per cent dependent on oil revenues, plus other critical factors," including a resurging threat from the Islamic State and other jihadist groups. The Chaldean patriarch has also joined the chorus of criticism and concern over the United States' decision to send Islamic State detainees from Syria, just over a hundred for now, but they number in the thousands, to neighbouring Iraq. Further fuelling uncertainty is the election of Iraqs new president, a largely ceremonial role but one that is essential to unlocking other key appointments in the country's political life, starting with the government. Nothing is known about the timing. There is talk about the weekend, but it's not certain, the prelate said. Instability and fear are also reflected in "the weakness of international institutions, starting with the United Nations, which is no longer capable of ensuring global order. The only superpower today seems to be the United States, which does what it wants," especially since Trump's return to the White House. The isolation and silence in Iran are also worrisome. I haven't had the opportunity to speak with the bishop and the faithful in Iran," Cardinal Sako said, because everything is closed. The Internet doesn't work, and it's impossible to communicate. Given global transformations, the Chaldean patriarch noted that in eastern societies there is a lack of great awareness of ongoing geopolitical developments, an accurate analysis of what is happening, and a rational and responsible attitude. "I am truly worried because we don't know how things will turn out. Today we are here, but tomorrow, it is impossible to predict. There are threats from the United States of an attack on Iran, which would have a significant impact on Iraq, but also on Lebanon, Syria, and the entire region." This is why, having recently completed a three-day retreat, the cardinal urges the faithful to rely on prayer, which has served to give comfort and some hope" to tormented Iraq. The country seems to never have peace, but praying enlightens us and shows us how to act and see what others don't. by Nirmala Carvalho Introduced by the University Grants Commission to combat casteism on university campuses, the regulations have been challenged by students in Uttar Pradesh from the "general classes, i.e. those not covered by quotas, for their ambiguous language and the risk of generating new forms of exclusion. The Supreme Court has stayed their application, calling for a review. Meanwhile, existing protections remain in place. Lucknow (AsiaNews) New regulations introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to promote equity in Indian universities and combat caste discrimination on campuses have sparked a wave of student protests by upper-caste students. On Tuesday, numerous university students took to the streets, accusing the UGC, which regulates and oversees university education nationwide, of protecting only lower castes and introducing new forms of discrimination due to the unclear language in the regulations, an issue that saw the Supreme Court rule in their favour. The protests were concentrated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the state capital, Lucknow, university students organised sit-ins and marches, but mobilisations and demonstrations were also reported in the districts of Kanpur, Prayagraj, Deoria, and Raebareli. Several leaders of the ruling Hindu ultranationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have also criticised the UGC regulations, fearful that members of the upper castes would be singled out if complaints were filed. Specifically, the challenge is directed at the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, which require all higher education institutions to prevent, monitor, and sanction discrimination, holding university officials directly accountable. The rules also mandate the establishment of equal opportunity centres, tasked with assisting students from disadvantaged groups as defined by the Indian Constitution. These facilities are tasked with handling reports of discrimination and abuse and providing support. Tragic incidents in recent years involving underprivileged university students partly motivated the adoption of such regulations. In 2016, Rohith Vemula, a Dalit doctoral student, committed suicide in Hyderabad, while in 2019, Payal Tadvi, a young Muslim gynaecologist from a tribal community, took her own life in Mumbai after reporting severe discrimination against her. Some student groups have clarified that their protest is not against the UGC's quest for fairness, but against the ambiguity of the regulations, which risks giving rise to abuse rather than solving the problem. The most controversial point is the definition of "caste discrimination" contained in Regulation 3(c), which defines it as discrimination exercised only on the basis of caste or tribe against people from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). These are socially and economically disadvantaged groups for whom quotas have been reserved in public employment and higher education. It is precisely the adverb "solely" that has attracted much of the criticism. Critics argue that such a formulation risks excluding complex situations, because discrimination often arises from a combination of factors. Some students also fear that other forms of humiliation occurring on campus could remain excluded. Some groups from so-called general classes (those not covered by quotas) have also said that the regulations fail to recognise that students not belonging to the reserved categories can be victims of discrimination or hostility. As a result, many are calling for broader protection of the "dignity of all citizens without hierarchies among victims. After the new regulations were challenged before the Supreme Court of India, the latter decided to stay their application. During the hearing, the justices called the language of the regulations "vague" and requested that the latter be reviewed with input from experts. The Court also ruled that the UGC regulations currently in force, dating back to 2012, will remain in place until further notice, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, which empowers the Court to intervene to ensure "complete justice" by going beyond the literal interpretation of the rules, thus preventing existing protections for marginalised groups from being dismantled. Prescribed by doctors for anxiety disorders, the drug use is raising questions among doctors due to its increasing abuse. Advertised in forums and private chats, it is presented as a "safer" alternative to other, more controlled, substances. The problem of limited responses to young people's psychological distress is compounded by the stigma that still discourages many of them from seeking help. Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) In China, health professionals are becoming increasingly worried about drug abuse among adolescents and young adults involving pregabalin, a substance typically prescribed for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. Beijing News reported the story in an in-depth article, translated and published by the English-language portal Sixth Tone. According to the news outlet, the issue further confirmation of the widespread problem of addiction in China appeared to have developed after the Chinese government cracked down on dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant that had become popular among young people for its dissociative effects. Although the drug requires a prescription, it has become an ideal substitute since it is inexpensive (a bottle costs just 20 yuan), requires minimal testing before issuing an electronic prescription, and is (erroneously) marketed as safer. Clinical cases, in fact, tell a very different story. The article reports, in particular, the story of two young people who showed how the drug initially offered relief from mood disorders and anxiety, or even just relationship difficulties or academic or work-related pressure. Quickly, it quickly became habit-forming, prompting a progressive increase in doses and paving the way for serious side effects such as hallucinations, memory loss, paranoia, heart problems, and withdrawal symptoms. From a medical perspective, the problem has taken many professionals by surprise. Pregabalin, when taken correctly, is not classified as a dangerous substance from an addiction perspective. The first documented cases of abuse, reported in 2024 and 2025, indicate that the problem is no longer episodic but structural and growing. This, according to Beijing News, has sparked a regulatory debate. On the one hand, some doctors predict that pregabalin will follow the same path as dextromethorphan, becoming a strictly controlled substance. On the other, some warn that excessive restrictions could harm patients who truly need it, pushing them towards far more dangerous opioid analgaesics. A key factor is the role of social media. Online forums, private chats, and platforms like Xiaohongshu disseminate information on dosages, effects, and purchasing methods, often downplaying the risks. In university settings, the combination of curiosity, social pressure, and emotional fragility fosters emulation. Specialists agree on one point: pharmacological control alone is not enough. Pregabalin abuse is a visible symptom of deeper distress, linked to loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a lack of psychological support among young people in China. An effective response would require not only regulating and monitoring online sales, but also strengthening mental health services and reducing the stigma that discourages people from seeking help. The story of Lin Ke (not her real name), who today tries to live with her emotions without numbing them, shows that the real challenge is not just limiting access to pills, but offering credible alternatives to the emotional pain that drives people to seek them. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Today's headlines: Iran sends fuel to Myanmar's regime using ghost ships, while Beijing executes 11 members of the Ming family involved in online scams; Vietnam and the EU upgrade diplomatic relations; The Taliban designate half of public spending on security. In South Korea, more and more minors are gambling. CHINA PACIFIC According to a recent ODI Global survey, small island states consider China their most valuable partner for development assistance following the United States' decision to cut international aid funding and stop fighting climate change. The survey included countries in the Caribbean (where Beijing has surprisingly surpassed the United States despite the geographical distance) and the South China Sea, including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Barbados, Cape Verde, Mauritius and the Maldives. MYANMAR According to an investigation by Reuters and Amnesty International, Iran is also sending fuel to the Burmese military junta via ghost ships (the same method that Russia and North Korea use to circumvent Western sanctions), enabling the generals to conduct aerial bombardments against civilians and armed resistance groups. In 2025 alone, at least 109,604 tonnes of aviation fuel were imported into Myanmar, an increase of 69% compared to 2024 and the highest annual amount since the 2021 coup. Meanwhile, China has carried out the death sentence on 11 members of the Ming family, who ran scam centres and illegal trafficking in the Burmese city of Laukkaing. VIETNAM EU Vietnam and the European Union today elevated their diplomatic relations to the same level as China, the United States and Russia. This is a diplomatic move that does not involve binding commitments, but which carries political weight in the current context of global uncertainty. Both sides face higher tariffs on exports to the United States. Bilateral cooperation will be strengthened in a number of areas, including defence, rare earths, semiconductors, transport and reliable communications infrastructure. AFGHANISTAN The Taliban spent nearly half of public spending on security in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025. This is according to the Central Bank's Afghanistan Economic Monitor, which reports that security spending reached 96.9 billion Afghanis (1.4 billion), accounting for 47.8% of total spending, while development spending remained limited to 15.7 billion Afghanis. During the same period, GDP fell by 4% and the economy continues to struggle due to the return of the population expelled from neighbouring countries, the prolonged closure of the border with Pakistan and the lack of private investment. SOUTH KOREA Gambling among young people in Seoul is on the rise: according to a metropolitan police survey of 34,779 students, 20.9% of respondents had witnessed gambling, more than double the previous year, while the percentage of those who had participated in gambling rose from 1.5% to 2.1%. The age of exposure is getting lower and lower: fifth-grade students represent the largest share of gamblers trying gambling for the first time. About 14% have incurred debts. RUSSIA The Moscow Duma has approved an amendment to the law regulating extraditions, now called the Tortuga law in memory of the pirate island, as it is planned to enlist criminals detained in all countries with which there is an exchange of Russian citizens in prison abroad, those to whom Russia decides to grant political asylum, those wanted or convicted in absentia by Russian courts or those whom Russia does not consider guilty, to fight in the war in Ukraine. KAZAKHSTAN Tobacco factories in Kazakhstan have produced the highest quantity of cigarettes in the last decade, with production increasing by a third in the last year alone, according to EnergyProm, with 24.4 billion cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, with earnings of 534.4 billion tenge (over one billion euros), with large increases in domestic consumption, but also in exports, with increasingly high prices, up to 970 tenge. by Sumon Corraya Since August 2024, over 300 companies have closed in a heavily industrialised area of Bangladesh, leaving tens of thousands of people out of work. My wife and I used to earn a good salary. Now I drive a rickshaw and we've cut back on meals. Many have returned to their villages, but the depopulation also affects traders and homeowners. Entrepreneur: The empty warehouses I saw in Italy are now in our country. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Mohammad Rafiq Mia, 30, once had a stable life. He worked as an operator at Lez Fashion, a garment factory in Gazipur. His wife also worked in the same factory. With two incomes, the family was able to get by well. Everything changed when the factory closed. Now I drive a rickshaw, Rafiq tells AsiaNews. My wife has not yet found a job. We are in financial difficulty. I used to eat three meals a day. Now I eat two. Rafiq's home village is in Dinajpur, in northern Bangladesh. His two children live there with their mother and attend school. He is constantly worried. I came to the city to improve my lot, but now I am unemployed. I don't know how I will be able to educate my children. I may have to return to the village. But there is no work there for half the year. Rafiq's story is similar to that of thousands of other people in Bangladesh, which is preparing to go to the polls on 12 February. According to industrial police sources, since August 2024, as many as 327 factories have closed permanently or temporarily in Gazipur, Savar and Ashulia. These closures have occurred over a period of about a year and a half, following changes in the political and economic environment. In Gazipur alone, 188 factories had closed by 21 January, with 115,379 workers losing their jobs. Of these, more than 90,000 remained unemployed due to permanent closures. In Savar and Ashulia, 139 factories closed during the same period. Approximately 40,000 workers are now out of work. Sixty-seven factories have closed permanently, while 72 have temporarily suspended operations. Among the closed factories are well-known names. In Gazipur, there are 13 units of the Beximco group, Dard Composite in Sripur, Season Dresses in Tongi, Polycon Limited in Konabari, Textile Fashion, Classic Fashion, La-Muni Apparels and Lease Fashion of the NASA group, among others. Local sources say that nearly 90% of the workers affected are now unemployed. Many have changed jobs. Some drive rickshaws. Others work as day labourers. Some, residents say, have turned to crime out of desperation. The impact goes far beyond the factory gates. With the closure of the factories, workers have begun to leave the industrial areas and return to their home villages. Rental rooms have been left empty. Small businesses lost customers. Grocery shops, tea stalls and markets saw sales plummet. Shahid Rahman, a landlord in the Kashimpur area of Gazipur, said rents were the backbone of the local economy. About 28,000 Beximco workers and employees lived here with their families, he explained. Markets and shops depended on them. When the factories closed, most of the workers returned to their villages. Many landlords built houses to rent using bank loans. Now they are empty, Rahman added. We cannot repay the loans. We are facing serious losses." Industrial Police Superintendent Amjad Hossain confirmed the scale of the crisis, which shows no sign of abating. He cited several causes, including the global energy crisis, difficulties in the banking sector, political instability, lack of orders, cancellation of export contracts, labour tensions, vandalism and rising operating costs. The combination of these factors is forcing factories to close, he said. This is creating mass unemployment and affecting the entire local economy. In Savar-Ashulia, the situation is equally bleak. I used to sell goods worth 10 or 15 thousand taka a day, said Shafiqur Rahman, owner of a grocery store in Burir Bazar. Now sales have dropped to 3,000 or 4,000. The workers are gone. Trade unions are warning of the social consequences. Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, said hunger is pushing workers to the brink. When people can't find work, some end up on the streets just to feed their families, he said. Abdul Hakim, a property owner in Jamgarh, Ashulia, expresses the same concern. I had almost 100 rooms rented to garment workers, he said. They had never been empty before. Now most of the rooms are vacant because the nearby factories have closed. A Catholic entrepreneur in the garment industry, who asked to remain anonymous, told AsiaNews that the scene reminds him of abandoned industrial areas in Europe. I travel to Italy almost every year, he explains. I have seen empty warehouses from Bari to Lombardy. Now I see the same thing in Gazipur and Savar. I wonder: what was Bangladesh and what do I see now? Bangladesh is the world's second largest exporter of clothing after China. The sector drives the national economy and supplies major brands in Europe and North America. But as factories shut down, the price is paid by workers like Rafiq. One job lost, one meal skipped and one uncertain future at a time. Chinese cultural event series kick off in Sri Lanka Xinhua) 09:58, January 29, 2026 A performance is staged during a Chinese New Year celebration event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 27, 2026. The opening performance of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place here Tuesday night, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua) COLOMBO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The opening gala of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" cultural events in Sri Lanka was held Tuesday at Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, marking the beginning of a series of celebrations ahead of the traditional Chinese holiday. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the gala notably features artists and performers from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The art troupe presented the audience with authentic Bai ethnic performances, including songs, dancing, and musical performances with traditional instruments. The gala was attended by an audience of around 1,200, including Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, as well as Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka and the local public. Addressing the event, Qi said that the year 2026 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. He noted that in Chinese culture, the animal symbolizes endeavor, loyalty, and success, which coincides with the spirit of optimism and strenuousness that is also valued in Sri Lanka. He wished both China and Sri Lanka new and greater accomplishments in the new year in their pursuits of national development. In his speech, Wickramaratne hailed the long history of cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and China. He added that the performance amply manifests the joyfulness and profound cultural meanings of the traditional Chinese festival. Apart from the opening gala, the cultural events will also see performances, parades and other activities held at the Colombo Port City, the Hambantota International Conference Centre, and Colombo's historic Gangaramaya Temple area. Sri Lanka's parliament speaker Jagath Wickramaratne (L) attends a Chinese New Year celebration event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 27, 2026. The opening performance of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place here Tuesday night, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua) A performance is staged during a Chinese New Year celebration event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 27, 2026. The opening performance of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place here Tuesday night, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua) Chinese tea is displayed and offered to visitors during a Chinese New Year celebration event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 27, 2026. The opening performance of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place here Tuesday night, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua) A performance is staged during a Chinese New Year celebration event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 27, 2026. The opening performance of the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place here Tuesday night, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NewReputation , a New Yorkbased online reputation management company, reported strong growth in 2025 as AI-driven search features reshaped how people and businesses are evaluated online. According to the company's 2025 Year-End Report , NewReputation achieved 59% year-over-year revenue growth and a 500% increase in new customers, driven by rising demand for tools that help individuals and organizations understand and manage how they appear in AI-generated search summaries. The growth comes as Google and other platforms expand AI overviews that summarize people and businesses directly on the search results page. Industry research estimates that 50% of Google searches now display AI-generated summaries . As a result, many users form opinions before ever clicking through to websites, reviews, or profiles. NewReputation says this shift is changing how reputation issues appear. Based on 2025 client intake data, many new customers reported stalled leads and fewer inbound inquiries despite no changes to their online presence. In most cases, AI summaries were surfacing outdated, incomplete, or unbalanced information. "By 2026, roughly half of Google searches already include AI summaries, and that number is on track to climb past 75 percent," said Kevin Curran , founder and CEO of NewReputation. "We see the impact every day. People come to us because something feels off. Leads slow down and conversations stop, even when nothing has changed internally. The shift is happening at the top of the search page, where an AI summary starts telling the story for them." In response, NewReputation redesigned its platform in 2025 to make online reputation data easier to understand at a glance. The updated interface allows users to see how they appear across search engines, review platforms, and AI-generated summaries without technical expertise. NewReputation also launched new tools to turn reputation risk into measurable insights, including the Reputation Loss Calculator , which estimates the financial impact of negative or outdated search results, and a free Online Reputation Assessment Report with a reputation score, key findings, and recommended next steps. To support businesses managing reviews at scale, NewReputation expanded its free tools suite with an AI Review Response Generator, a Review Calculator for estimating the number of needed five-star reviews, and a Sentiment Analysis Tool for monitoring emotional tone and keywords in real time. Looking ahead to 2026, NewReputation plans to continue building practical tools that help people see what others see online and address reputation issues before AI-generated summaries define the narrative for them. More information, including the full 2025 Year-End Report and free assessment tools, is available at https://www.newreputation.com . About NewReputation Founded in 2019, NewReputation is a New Yorkbased online reputation management company that helps individuals and organizations understand and improve their visibility across search engines, reviews, and AI-generated summaries. Contact: Email Phone Facebook LinkedIn Instagram X SOURCE NewReputation 29 January 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As Azerbaijan pursues economic diversification, reducing reliance on oil revenues has emerged as a strategic imperative. Over the past decade, the government has prioritised the development of non-oil sectors, particularly manufacturing, agriculture and high-tech industries. Industrial parks have become the cornerstone of this transformation, providing the infrastructure, investment incentives and policy support necessary to attract domestic and foreign investors while fostering innovation and employment. However, the long-term effectiveness of this model will depend on whether industrial output and export competitiveness can be sustained as global market conditions evolve and fiscal incentives are gradually reduced. On January 27, President Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Azermirror LLC mirror sheet production plant within the Sumgayit Industrial Park, underscoring the governments commitment to expanding industrial capacities and non-oil exports. Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted that 104 enterprises are now operational in Azerbaijans industrial zones, generating over 11,000 permanent jobs and producing goods worth 19.4 billion manats, with 6.1 billion manats exported to 70 countries. At the next stage, an additional 1.74 billion manats is expected to be invested in ongoing projects. While these figures demonstrate tangible progress, they also raise questions about productivity growth, value added per employee and the resilience of exports in the face of global demand fluctuations. Industrial parks are not merely production hubs they are strategic instruments of economic policy. By concentrating resources and infrastructure, these parks enhance production efficiency, enable technology transfer and encourage the manufacture of high-value, export-oriented products. This aligns with Azerbaijans broader non-oil sector development strategy, which seeks to maximise the use of natural and economic resources, attract advanced technologies and cultivate new industrial sectors. Yet, a key challenge remains ensuring that technology transfer translates into domestic capabilities rather than long-term dependence on imported equipment and foreign expertise. Currently, Azerbaijan hosts eight operational industrial parks, including Sumgayit, Garadagh, Pirallahi, Mingachevir, Balakhani, Hajigabul, Agdam and Jabrayil. New parks are under development in Nakhchivan, Ganja and Shamkir, alongside industrial districts in Masalli, Neftchala, Sabirabad and Sharur. These facilities aim to stimulate regional economic development, attract foreign investment and create thousands of jobs outside the capital. At the same time, their success will hinge on the availability of skilled labour, efficient logistics links and consistent demand for industrial output beyond domestic markets. The Sumgayit Industrial Park exemplifies the success of this model. With 40 active resident enterprises across 640 hectares, the park has attracted 5.5 billion manats in investment and currently provides employment to 6,135 people, with a projected total of 8,800 jobs upon completion of ongoing projects. Total sales of resident enterprises have reached 15.4 billion manats, including 5.7 billion manats in exports. Nevertheless, maintaining export momentum will require continuous upgrades in quality standards, energy efficiency and cost competitiveness, particularly as regional and global manufacturing competition intensifies. Foreign technologies play a critical role in this growth. The Azermirror LLC plant, built using Chinese technology, has an annual production capacity of 900,000 square metres of mirror sheets and employs 30 people. The project received a 1.5 million manat preferential loan and 600,000 manat in tax and customs exemptions, illustrating the effectiveness of state support mechanisms in catalysing high-tech production. However, such support also entails fiscal trade-offs, making it essential to assess long-term returns in terms of innovation, exports and workforce development. Similarly, the Baku Cardboard and Box Factory LLC, using Turkish and Chinese technologies, produces 55 million square metres of packaging annually. With 64 jobs created and an investment of 20 million manats, the enterprise demonstrates Azerbaijans strategy of integrating international expertise to modernise domestic production, while highlighting the need to scale employment and value creation alongside capital intensity. The upcoming Nun LLC polypropylene and laminated bag production facility will leverage German technology, reflecting Azerbaijans effort to diversify technology sources and reduce single-country dependence. With an investment of 11.2 million manats, 140 permanent jobs and preferential financing, the project reinforces the role of industrial parks as incubators for export-oriented manufacturing. Its success, however, will depend on access to raw materials, stable energy supply and sustained demand in international markets. Azerbaijans industrial park policy is supported by extensive fiscal incentives. Residents benefit from 10-year exemptions from property, land and profit taxes, VAT and customs duty exemptions on imported machinery, and access to state-funded infrastructure, including gas, electricity, water, sewage systems, transport links and fibre-optic internet. While these measures significantly reduce entry barriers for investors, they also require careful calibration to ensure that public investment yields durable private-sector competitiveness rather than long-term subsidy dependence. From an analytical perspective, several trends are evident: Non-oil sector expansion: Industrial parks are proving effective in diversifying Azerbaijans economy, though their long-term success will depend on sustained productivity and export growth beyond state support mechanisms. Foreign technology integration: Chinese, Turkish and German technologies are enabling rapid industrialisation, but the challenge lies in transforming technology access into domestic innovation capacity. Job creation and regional development: Industrial parks are stimulating regional economies, although continued investment in skills training will be essential to support higher-value manufacturing. Policy effectiveness: Strategic fiscal incentives have accelerated industrial growth, yet ongoing evaluation will be necessary to balance fiscal costs with economic returns. Given all the above facts, this once again shows that Azerbaijans industrial parks are more than production facilities; they are strategic engines of economic modernisation. By leveraging foreign technology, incentivising investment and prioritising non-oil sector growth, Azerbaijan is laying the foundations for a more diversified and resilient economy. The integration of Chinese, Turkish and German technologies reflects a pragmatic approach to industrial development. The next phase will test whether this model can transition from state-led acceleration to self-sustaining, globally competitive industrial growth. 29 January 2026 11:16 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more On January 28, 2026, a conference titled "The Turkic Language Family: From the First Written Texts to the Modern Era" was held at the Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center in Mexico City to mark World Turkic Language Family Day, Azernews reports. The event was jointly organized by the embassies of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Kazakhstan in Mexico, together with the Yunus Emre Institute. Azerbaijan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico, Seymur Fataliyev, highlighted in his address the importance of the shared language factor as an integral part of culture that unites Turkic peoples. He described as a landmark decision the proclamation of December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day during the 43rd session of UNESCO's General Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2025. The ambassador noted that this step represents significant international recognition of the Turkic language as an essential component of universal cultural diversity. Fataliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has supported this initiative from its earliest days, as it serves the preservation, development, and international promotion of the Turkic language family. Referring to President Ilham Aliyev's statement, "our family is the Turkic world," the ambassador said this idea reflects both a sense of belonging and responsibility, underscoring unity based on shared history, collective cultural memory, and common values. He concluded by stressing that promoting the richness of the Turkic language family requires more than the declaration of a single commemorative day, calling instead for sustained, practical efforts and a systematic approach to language diplomacy. Speeches were also delivered by Turkiyes Ambassador Murat Selim Esenli and Kazakhstan's Ambassador Almurat Turganbekov, who noted that the establishment of World Turkic Language Family Day opens new opportunities for strengthening ties among Turkic states. They emphasized that the richness and diversity of the Turkic world, united by history and culture, paves the way for a bright shared future. The speakers also highlighted the importance of cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States for the preservation and promotion of the Turkic language. Later, Professor Mehmet Necati Kutlu, who lectures on Turkic language and culture at the Yunus Emre Institute, spoke about the Orkhon-Yenisey inscriptions as the earliest written sources of the Turks, their decipherment in 1893 by Danish scholar Vilhelm Thomsen, the development of Turkic alphabets, the geography of Turkic-speaking peoples, and shared vocabulary across Turkic languages. The event continued with a question-and-answer session and was attended by representatives of Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament, the diplomatic corps in Mexico, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 29 January 2026 17:57 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Albania's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Besart Kadia has visited the Azerbaijan National Library, Azernews reports. It was noted that the Director of the National Library, Professor Kerim Tahirov, briefed the guest on the library's activities. He stated that the National Library, with a collection of nearly five million books, maintains book exchanges with national libraries in 90 countries and has signed memoranda of mutual cooperation with national libraries from 54 countries. Kerim Tahirov provided detailed information on the library's operations and projects, noting that a memorandum of cooperation between the National Libraries of Azerbaijan and Albania was signed in 2022. The director particularly emphasized that an Azerbaijani Literature Section was opened at the Albanian National Library in 2025, and informed the ambassador that a similar section had been established at the Azerbaijan National Library two years earlier. The Ambassador Besart Kadia stated that he would support the expansion of cooperation and international book exchange between the National Libraries of Azerbaijan and Albania and Azerbaijan. Besart Kadia expressed his readiness to cooperate at all times and stressed the importance of organizing presentations at the National Library of Azerbaijan of books by Albanian writers and poets published by the embassy in Turkish and Azerbaijani. The meeting also included an exchange of views on cooperation in the fields of professional experience-sharing between library specialists of both countries, as well as the preservation, digitization, and inclusion in academic circulation of books and manuscripts held by libraries. At the end of the meeting, the director presented the guest with books about Azerbaijan. The guests then toured the Azerbaijan National Library and expressed their high appreciation of the library. The Albanian National Library was founded on July 10, 1920 and officially inaugurated on December 10, 1922 in the capital city of Tirana. The library's initial collection at the time of inauguration consisted of about 6,000 volumes, and over the decades its holdings grew significantly. By the end of World War II the collection had expanded to around 15,000 volumes, and by the late 1940s it reached roughly 100,000 items. In the years that followed, the collection continued to grow and today comprises more than one million items, including books, periodicals, maps, atlases, microfilms, and other materials. From its earliest years, the National Library has served as Albania's main repository for the written cultural heritage of the nation. It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Culture and plays a leading role in organizing library education, continuing professional development, and national bibliographic services. Among its responsibilities are cataloguing national publications, preserving rare and historical materials, and providing public access to research resources. The institution also participates in international library organizations and digital initiatives, and its services include an online public access catalogue (OPAC), digitized collections, exhibitions, book launches, conferences, and cultural events. With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov. The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad. The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library. In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers. The building of the library is no less impressive. The library's faade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others. The scope of the library's activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook "Books of Azerbaijan" for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001. Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries. In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, "Let's go to Garabagh with a book", to restore libraries in the Garabagh region. A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and printing houses. In 2025, Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was officially signed between the National Libraries of Tajikistan and Azerbaijan during a ceremony held in Dushanbe. The agreement was inked by the director of the Azerbaijani National Library, Karim Tahirov, and the director of the Tajikistan National Library, Farzalizada Jumakhon. This memorandum provides a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions, emphasising the exchange of books, publications, and other cultural materials to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations. It also sets the stage for joint activities and projects aimed at promoting literacy, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting scholarly research. 29 January 2026 16:11 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on January 29 that he considers it advisable to connect Armenias energy system with the energy networks of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, describing the initiative as both economically and strategically beneficial, Azernews reports. Speaking to reporters, Pashinyan stated that the creation of a single regional energy space could transform the South Caucasus into a strong energy exporter in international markets and lay the foundation for what he described as a new security architecture. According to the prime minister, both Armenia and Azerbaijan already possess energy production capacities, creating favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted that Armenia is interested in accessing broader export markets by using Azerbaijani infrastructure, while Azerbaijan could gain the opportunity to transit electricity to Nakhchivan and other destinations through Armenian territory. Pashinyan emphasized that the project would not be limited to direct energy trade, adding that Armenia would also benefit from stable transit revenues, which would flow both into the state budget and private-sector accounts. He said expert assessments had not identified any security threats stemming from the initiative. Commenting on criticism over Armenian President Vahan Khachatryans public expression of gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pashinyan said he had also openly thanked the Azerbaijani leader for several decisions. He pointed out that grain and diesel fuel are currently being transported from Azerbaijan to Armenia and that the process of unblocking regional roads is underway. I do not think that we should criticize Azerbaijan for these decisions, Pashinyan said. The prime minister also reiterated that the Karabakh movement should not continue, stressing that he remains committed to this political course. If citizens are not satisfied with this policy, I call on them to take to the streets and carry out a revolution, he added. The ArmeniaAzerbaijan conflict began in the late 1980s, leading to the occupation of Azerbaijans Garabagh region and seven surrounding districts in the early 1990s. Following the 44-day war in 2020 and a one-day military operation in 2023, Azerbaijan restored sovereignty over all its territories. On August 8, 2025, after more than three decades of conflict, officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed the text of a peace treaty in Washington. The document provides for mutual recognition of territorial integrity, the withdrawal of claims, and the establishment of an unhindered connection between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through southern Armenia, as outlined in a declaration signed with the participation of the US President. 29 January 2026 16:38 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 82,575.87 tons of crude oil to Spain, with the value of these shipments amounting to $38.59 million, the State Customs Committee data show, Azernews reports. The volume is about three times less than in 2024, and the value is... Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 29 January 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The 12th test launch of SpaceXs next-generation Starship is scheduled for March 2026, marking the debut of the Starship V3 (Block 3) architecture, a more advanced and powerful version of the spacecraft, Azernews reports. The launch had originally been planned earlier, but in November 2025, Booster 18 was damaged during testing. SpaceX is now preparing a new launch stack: Booster 19 and Ship 39, which must pass a series of critical pre-flight tests this week. For the first time, the flight is expected to take off from the second launch pad (OLP-2, Pad 2) at Starbase in Texas. The mission profile will largely mirror previous Starship test flights, without attempting to recover the booster or spacecraft. Elon Musk said that in 2026, SpaceX aims to prove the full reusability of the Starship spacecraft, which he predicts could reduce the cost of access to space by up to 100 times. As preparations near completion at Pad 2, SpaceX has already begun preliminary work to upgrade Pad 1, reflecting the companys long-term expansion plans for Starbase. The 11th test flight, which took place on October 13, 2025, marked the final flight of the Starship V2. The new V3 model is not only 1.5 meters taller, but also features larger propellant tanks, updated Raptor engines with higher thrust and lower weight, and new docking ports for in-orbit refueling, a critical capability for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. According to SpaceX, Starship V3 is the first version designed with Mars missions in mind. Despite the success of the 11th flight, Musk acknowledged that the V3 version would require learning a lot from scratch, as many of the spacecrafts components and systems have been completely redesigned. SpaceX has also been experimenting with different thermal protection tiles, testing how they perform during atmospheric reentry. Starship is central to NASAs plans to return astronauts to the Moon, making the development of a lunar version of the spacecraft a top priority for SpaceX. The company faces competition from Blue Origin, which also holds a NASA agreement. NASA has emphasized that the lunar contractor will be selected based on speed and reliability in developing the spacecraft. With its fully reusable design and orbital refueling capability, Starship V3 could eventually carry up to 100 passengers or massive cargo loads to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, potentially revolutionizing human space exploration. 29 January 2026 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Donald Trump has warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, Azernews reports via BBC. The US president said a "massive Armada" was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's armed forces were ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression by land or sea. According to Axios, however, US President Donald Trump has given Iran 24 hours to announce its position and final decision on the path forward, according to the sources. Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and has repeatedly denied accusations by the US and its allies that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Trump's latest warning follows his promise that Washington will intervene to help those involved in the brutal and unprecedented crackdown on protests in the country earlier this month. Demonstrations began after a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency, but swiftly evolved into a crisis of legitimacy for the country's clerical leadership. "Help is on the way," Trump said, before later changing his tune and saying he had been told on good authority that the execution of demonstrators had stopped. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has confirmed the killing of more than 6,301 people, including 5,925 protesters, since the unrest began at the end of December. HRANA says it is also investigating another 17,000 reported deaths received despite an internet shutdown after nearly three weeks. Another group, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), has warned that the final toll could exceed 25,000. 29 January 2026 18:55 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre Turkiye has reached a new milestone in global broadcasting, with the total number of television channels broadcasting via TURKSAT satellites climbing to 532a record in the past decade. Speaking on the achievement, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu said, In just the past year, we have achieved a 20 percent increase in the number of channels, transforming Turkiye into a global broadcasting hub. In a written statement, Uraloglu highlighted that the commissioning of Turkiyes indigenous and national communications satellite, Turksat 6Aconsidered the countrys most strategic move in spacehas elevated TURKSAT to the status of a global broadcasting powerhouse, now operating six active satellites. TURKSAT satellites now reach over 5.5 billion people across more than 110 countries, Uraloglu emphasized, noting that Turksat 6A has extended coverage to the farthest corners of the globe. Pointing to the combination of sovereign control in space and technological export capability, he said, Today, TURKSAT is not just a satellite operator; it has become a trusted and preferred technology brand internationally. Uraloglu also underscored that TURKSATs international credibility is reflected in the growth of foreign channels carried via its satellites. He provided the following statistics: At the end of 2020, the number of foreign-origin channels was 114. Over the past five years, we have increased this figure by 50 percent to 171. This growth illustrates the historic momentum Turkiye has achieved in satellite service exports. From Europe to Central Asia, from the Middle East to Africa and the depths of South Asia, the worlds voice now rises via TURKSAT. Our satellites have evolved from being regional players to becoming influential platforms in the global broadcasting league. Highlighting Turksat 6As role in creating new opportunities, Uraloglu said the satellite has opened a new chapter in South Asia. He noted that the launch of Turksat 6A has led to rapid and significant agreements in the region: Through a contract with a Dubai-based company, we began offering direct commercial services via Turksat 6A for the first time. Following this, we integrated 50 channels from Freesat Lanka, a leading platform in Sri Lanka, into our system. These projects are the tangible results of Turkiyes technology diplomacy, bringing high value-added foreign currency to the country. Turksat 6A, a product of our domestic manufacturing capability, has proven to be an invaluable asset for our nation, repaying its investment cost multiple times through technology and service exports. Reiterating the record-breaking achievement, Uraloglu stated, With the total number of television channels broadcasting via TURKSAT satellites now at 532, we have broken a 10-year record. In the past year alone, we have achieved a 20 percent increase in channel numbers, making Turkiye a global broadcasting hub. This represents the highest annual growth rate in TURKSATs broadcasting history. With its advanced technology and uninterrupted service quality, TURKSAT satellites will continue to be the most reliable destination for global broadcasters. Turkiye is steadily advancing its vision of leading the space age in transport and communications. Latest fundraising efforts accelerate further innovation in biology-based diagnostics and therapeutics for critical care conditions CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prenosis, a biology-based technology company delivering integrated diagnostics and therapeutics, announced today two major milestones: completion of its Series A Financing Round, and a contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a component of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The combined funding from private investors and BARDA will support commercial delivery of Prenosis' AI-based diagnostic tools, clinical trial enrollment, algorithm development and validation, and regulatory advancement. It will also support expansion of Prenosis' precision medicine platform for additional critical care applications, including sepsis, pneumonia, acute heart failure (AHF), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute kidney injury (AKI). Bobby Reddy, Jr., PhD, Prenosis CEO and co-founder explains, "Because of these investments, we are well-positioned to advance the development of biology-driven solutions that can transform outcomes for patients facing the most critical conditions." Prenosis raised $20 million in a private financing round led by PACE Healthcare Capital, with premier co-investors including UC Investments, UCI Health Ventures, the Labcorp Venture Fund, Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Carle Health. This financing will continue to support the commercial delivery of Prenosis' Sepsis ImmunoScore, the first FDA-authorized AI diagnostic tool for sepsis. "Sepsis kills more people annually than all cancers combined. It is difficult to diagnose and treat in a timely manner, plaguing patients, providers, and payers," explains Julia Monfrini Peev, PACE Healthcare Capital Managing Partner. "Sepsis ImmunoScore is the first product among a suite of precision medicine tools Prenosis is developing to reliably inform and empower critical care providers. PACE is excited for the deployment this round supports and the continued pipeline development it enables." In addition, the $20 million BARDA contract, awarded under the Type to Treat Program will support pivotal studies to advance the development of a comprehensive precision medicine platform. The cornerstone of the BARDA-funded project is a randomized controlled trial that will enroll approximately 800 patients with severe respiratory infection to evaluate corticosteroid therapy using Prenosis' artificial intelligence steroids companion diagnostic. The study will test the diagnostic tool's ability to identify patients most likely to benefit from corticosteroid treatment, potentially improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary therapy and its associated risks. Prenosis will also integrate its Immunix platform in up to 40 of the top academic medical centers across the U.S., forming a powerful, first-of-its-kind precision medicine clinical trial network, which will enable rapid identification and availability of patients with specific biological profiles for therapeutic clinical trials. "This program marks a significant milestone in our innovative approach to treating critical conditions like sepsis, ARDS, AKI, and AHF," says Carlos Lopez-Espina, SVP of Research and Development at Prenosis. "By combining AI-driven diagnostics with targeted therapeutics, we're identifying which patients will benefit most from specific interventions, moving beyond one-size-fits-all protocols to deliver personalized care." This announcement builds on a continued series of strategic partnerships and accolades for Chicago-based Prenosis, including innovation awards from Chicago Innovation, TIME, and Fast Company for Sepsis ImmunoScore, and a commercial distribution agreement with Roche. This project has been supported in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract number 75A50125C00016. About Prenosis, Inc. Prenosis, Inc. is a biology-based technology company redefining the standard of care for critical conditions. We believe healthcare should not follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, our mission is to tailor healthcare to each patient's biology through the creation and delivery of integrated diagnostics and therapeutics. We use deep data and AI to build tools that augment clinical diagnosis of critical conditions based on each patient's unique biological profile. Unlike other AI-driven diagnostics, we go further by developing therapies that help providers deliver personalized care. Our Immunix platform powers the development of a variety of AI-based diagnostics, including Sepsis ImmunoScore , the first FDA-authorized AI diagnostic tool for sepsis. At Prenosis, we see people differently. For more information, visit us at prenosis.com or find us on LinkedIn . SOURCE Prenosis 29 January 2026 18:18 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more European Union ambassadors have approved a 20 million package of non-lethal military assistance for Armenia, marking the largest support package the EU has ever provided to the country under the European Peace Facility (EPF), Azernews reports. According to RFE/RL Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak, the assistance will include medical equipment for the Armenian Armed Forces. The package was initially proposed in the spring of last year but remained blocked for several months due to a veto by Hungary. Budapest, whose government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban maintains close relations with Azerbaijan, had insisted that a similar offer should also be extended to Baku. Hungary announced in December that it would lift its veto, clearing the way for approval of the aid. The European Peace Facility, established five years ago, is used by Brussels to finance military training missions and the provision of military equipment to non-EU countries. Armenia first received EPF support in 2024, when it was allocated 10 million. EU officials have indicated that Brussels intends to increase support for Armenia ahead of the countrys parliamentary elections in June, amid concerns that Russia may seek to pressure Yerevan to alter its pro-Western political course. 29 January 2026 23:25 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Afghanistans Ministry of Public Health on Thursday inaugurated the countrys first national cancer treatment hospital in the capital, Kabul. The new 200-bed facility is intended to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for diagnosis and treatment, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. The inauguration ceremony was led by Public Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, who described the opening of the hospital as the realization of a long-held goal. It is a great pleasure to inaugurate the national cancer treatment hospital together, Jalali said. This was our dream, achieved through joint efforts, and we will continue working to provide standardized, high-quality medical services to our people. He noted that many Afghan cancer patients have long been forced to seek care overseas, often facing serious challenges such as visa restrictions, high costs, and long waiting times. For this reason, we are committed to expanding medical facilities inside the country and ending the necessity of traveling abroad for treatment, the minister added. Until now, many Afghan patients traveled to neighboring countries such as Pakistan, India, or Iran for cancer care. Health officials hope the new hospital will not only improve access to life-saving treatment but also serve as a training center for Afghan oncologists and medical staff, strengthening the countrys healthcare system in the long term. 29 January 2026 17:43 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The United States is hosting separate high-level discussions with Israel and Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, focused on a potential US military operation involving Iran, Azernews reports via Axios, citing informed sources. According to the report, the Donald Trump administration held meetings with Israeli officials on Tuesday and Wednesday, while talks with the Saudi delegation are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Israels delegation was reportedly led by Major General Shlomi Binder, head of the Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Directorate (Aman). Saudi Arabia was said to be represented by Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The consultations come amid heightened rhetoric over Iran. President Donald Trump recently warned that any future strikes against Iran would be far worse than the attack on Irans nuclear facilities carried out in 2025. At the same time, Trump has reiterated his belief that Tehran is interested in reaching a nuclear deal with Washington. Iranian officials, for their part, have stated that Tehran would respond if necessary, signaling readiness to counter any escalation. A 1940s Motor Lodge on the Oregon Coast With Thoroughly Modern Vibes Published 01/27/26 at 7:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Newport, Oregon) - Agate Beach in Newport has seen plenty of history, which includes a time when it was rich in agates hence the name. Although that's not usually the case now. Among the finds was the once-famous Agate Beach Inn, a Bavarian-style landmark that burned down in 1948. Yet just before that loss, the area - like all of the Oregon coast - was already shifting into a new era of seaside lodging. In 1940, a modern and novel concept for its time. This was the motor lodge: and this one appeared on the bluff above what was then still prime rockhound territory. Whether it originally went by Agate Beach Motor Lodge or Deluxe Cottages isn't entirely clear, but by the latter half of the century it had settled into the name Agate Beach Motel. The 1930s marked the transition from tents on the sand to small beach cottages, and then to the motor lodge - the early form of the motel, where rooms (often still called cottages) lined up in a single building with parking right outside the door. Plenty of travelers still seek out this vintage style, drawn to the nostalgia of the Oregon coast in the '60s and '70s. Agate Beach Motel manages to preserve that atmosphere, even with its updated paint and modern amenities. A few old newspaper ads from 1948 mention Deluxe Cottages in Agate Beach, while a 1976 article shows the property had become the Agate Beach Motel by then - with rooms going for $14 a night. A different era, indeed. Owner Wendy Kelley knows this appetite for the historic well. She's had the place in since 1989 and has kept up the vibe. You can see it in the moulding and the wood that run throughout the place. We have tried to keep the motor lodge feel that was so popular in those days, she said. Some people travel in search of original motor lodges. We had a group awhile back that came strictly because it was a motor lodge. Over that time, plenty of guests have come in saying they've been here before, and there are some interesting tales that were told around campfires, Kelley said. These would get a chuckle if they were revealed, but she said they can be a bit spicy. Each room has a starkly individualistic quality and vibe all their own: a completely different interior. They're bright, upbeat and resplendent in coastal views. There are three room types available. The Yaquina Suite is the signature queen suite, offering more than 700 square feet, a private sun deck, sweeping ocean views, and covered parking. A fully equipped kitchen and a generous living room - complete with a queen sleeper sofa for additional guests - create plenty of space to unwind. The Buoy Suite spans 825 square feet and accommodates up to six guests. The Dory Suite is their standard queen option, though there's nothing standard about it. It features a charming kitchenette, a private sunning deck, and ocean views worth lingering over. A roomy living area with a queen sleeper sofa provides space to relax and map out the day's adventures, while a separate bedroom and custom-tiled bath with tub and shower round out the comforts. One of the more recent additions was the cajoling firepit overlooking that stunning beach. They do allow pets. These days, the Agate Beach Motel hosts one of the coolest webcams on the Oregon coast, pointed to Agate Beach. Sundowns are beyond fab, even if just from the webcam. You'll probably want to hit it in-person, though. 175 NW Gilbert Way. Newport, Oregon. 541-265-8746. Agate Beach Motel. Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Constant Killer Views at One Cannon Beach Legend: Oregon Coast Travel Tips There's also deep history at this popular, luxury hotel. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Cannon Beach lodging, Tolovana Inn, Manzanita hotel reviews, Seaside hotel reviews Two Wowing Homes Just Listed in Pacific City, Neskowin: Oregon Coast Real Est... A soaring house on a knoll; upscale beauty in Pacific Heights. Pacific City hotel reviews Cannon Beach Hotels - North Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock Cannon Beach Hotels, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, vacation rentals winter 2026: Giving the Oregon Coast Online New ways to give the gift of a night at the beach or fun gear. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel specials, Pacific City hotel reviews, Newport lodging deals, Newport hotel reviews 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 '96 Flood On North Oregon Coast Is Focus of History Event in Nehalem Published 01/26/26 at 7:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Nehalem, Oregon) One of the more notorious floods in Oregon history including the coast will come into focus in mid February. (1996 flood in Bandon - courtesy Bandon Historical Museum) Nehalem Valley Historical Society is organizing a community program titled Thirty Years Later: The Devastating Floods of 1996, set for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the North County Recreation District in Nehalem. Admission is $10, with proceeds supporting the societys education programs. The event will feature panelists Mark Beach and Vivi Tallman, who will discuss the historic January 1996 floods that struck Tillamook County after a prolonged cold spell and intense warm rains. The resulting surge overwhelmed river systems, eroded stream banks, and sent debris barreling downstream, flooding towns and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and dairy farms. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their own experiences from the disaster. Organizers say the gathering aims not only to revisit the destruction but also to highlight the ways local residents supported one another during and after the floods. 1996: a Year of Floods Seaside Airport flooded in recent years - photo Angi D Wildt Gallery In Portland, the waterfront threatened to swell and finally did. Luckily, an army of volunteers built a wall of sandbags to keep it up. Various neighborhoods were smothered, with many losing or nearly losing their homes. In Salem, it was a series of astonishing sights. Minto-Brown Island park was flooded up to nearly 20 feet, leaving the entirety of the site well underwater. For at least a decade after you could still see the watermark high on many trees. Closer to downtown, all of Pringle Street Park, next to Salem Hospital, was a raging river. Nearly a year later, another round of soakings hit Oregon in November. Rivers swelled somewhat in Lincoln County on the central Oregon coast, but down south, from November 17 19, things went nuts, especially on Monday, November 18. Neskowin a few years ago - photo USCG That Monday, a slightly bigger storm hit the southern Oregon coast than the day before, one where more than six inches of rain fell, especially in Lane, Coos and Douglas County. 80 mph gusts created various kinds of issues. Major flooding took out chunks of Coos Bay, North Bend and Bandon. Even Florence was affected. Great Flood of '96' for South Oregon Coast Hit Coos Bay, Bandon in Nov In fact, there, 70 mph winds knocked out power in Florence by snapping over trees that in turn clipped power lines, with the bulk of the town losing power at 6:20 a.m. Power was also out in Dunes City and Elkton. Traffic on Highway 126 was blocked by a landslide for about one day, and other landslides plagued the Oregon coast in other areas. Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Clifftop Spa Aglow Above Oregon Coast's Nye Beach: Luxury Meets History at Inn Newport's Inn at Nye Beach has numerous sides. Hotel reviews, lodging A1 Beach Rentals - in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay Substantial rate reduction all rentals (50 percent) - click on site. Lincoln City hotel reviews Cannon Beach Hotels - North Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock Cannon Beach Hotels, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, vacation rentals A Less Expensive May in Newport: Handful of Oregon Coast Inns Still Offering ... Inn at Nye Beach, Nye Beach Cottages, Ocean House BnB: Newport hotel specials. Newport hotel reviews 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 Brays Point: Expansive View Near Middle of Oregon Coast Hiding in Plain Sight Published 01/25/26 at 12:55 a .m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Yachats, Oregon) One of the coastline's more engaging tracts of scenic highway exists in a kind of nowhere land, an oft-traveled yet off-the-beaten-path chunk of Highway 101 where the secrets are hiding in plain sight. Between Yachats and Florence, you're approaching the very middle ground of the Oregon coast and about to switch over to the south coast. Yet here, the central portion seems to linger longer, to stick around for one last visual jolt as cross over from the northern half to the southern half. (All photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection) This part of northern Lane County weaves and bobs up and down, sometimes enclosing you in thick tree coverage and others letting the views explode. Along that stretch of some 20 miles or so there's a handful of pullouts probably countable on one hand. One pops up fast and is really the only true pullout in the area with a full name. Brays Point, the sign reads. No apostrophe - it's not "Bray's." No explanation who that's for. No description. It's just a pullout but oh, what a knockout view. It's all just a bit shy of MP 170, a mere few hundred feet south of the famed Bob Creek Wayside spot. Indeed, Brays Point is right above part of the Bob Creek access. And Brays Point may well be the only pullout viewpoint on the coast with a cave directly beneath it. Bob Creek Wayside Northern Delights That's right: Brays Point has a secret, and one that's a tad Goonies-esque. Speaking of films: this area is a little famous in that realm. Cable TV's prequel to Psycho was the series Bates Motel, which was set in a kind of mythical Oregon coast town. Incidental scenery shots of coastal highways and expansive vistas were actually filmed right around here. It was more quick-moving travel scenes where Norman and Norma, et al, were supposedly roaming this area. One pullout just south of here near Ocean Beach Picnic Area was a regular spot for filming cars winding down the road. It could well be that Brays Point or areas closeby were included. Either way, the main attraction here is the view. You're about 60 70 feet above the surf and cloistered little Bob Creek beach, giving you prime perspective on these incoming waves that batter little basalt structures below. Crane your neck a bit and see more of the rocky stuff at the bottom. Then, seasonally you'll note it changes vastly. During summer, there's less of these slabs visible and yet the tide is a little farther out. That's because summer brings in sand and covers more up, but it also pushes the tide out which, paradoxically can reveal more rock features. In winter, sand is scoured out and the rock structures look higher and the areas between them deeper. Look to the north and you'll see Bob Creek spread out before you. Look south and the long tracts of Stonefield Beach are visible, with its soft and bright yellow sandstone cliffs rising and falling in the distance. Yet below you, out of sight, there's a cave. You have to head to Bob Creek and then wander to its southern edge. There, directly below some of the highway barrier of Brays Point, is a cave that grows taller or shorter depending on season. If it's winter - again - sand levels are lower, thus increasing the height of the cave and its interior. It's not a major cave: there's not a lot to it and it doesn't go back far. But getting to goof around inside an Oregon coast cave is always a kick in the pants, and it brings on thoughts of pirate's booty and maybe even that famous movie. Or maybe that epic ELP tune. The cave, admittedly, seems to almost glisten at times. Wet rock in here acquires a kind of sheen, and for a split second you think you might've spotted rubies or such. But no. It's just a weird old cave. Brays Point is about a mile north of Stonefield's access. Its GPS coordinates are 44.23920670290397, -124.11169865932658, and its address is listed as Florence, Oregon, even though it is a little over ten miles to Florence and within five miles of Yachats. Magical, Time-Tripping Stonefield Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Upper Lane County Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) 'Old Oregon Coast' Feel Meets Modern Swank at Manzanita Charmer Hotel Ocean Inn at Manzanita is woodsy yet bougie. Manzanita hotels, lodging reviews Dreamy Port Orford's Hotels, Rentals, Inns - Unique Rooms of the South Oregon... Variety of hotels, vacation rentals and BnB's that stand out. Hotel reviews Depoe Bay Hotels - Incredible Views, Wild Tides Depoe Bay Hotels, Depoe Bay hotel reviews, outstanding places to stay Brookings Hotels - Close to Harris Beach, Samuel H. Boardman Brookings Hotels, Brookings Hotel Reviews 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 Oregon Coast Security Guard Arrested for Unwanted Sexual Contact, Impersonating Officer Published 01/27/26 at 8:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Toledo, Oregon) Toledo Police Department (TPD) on the central Oregon coast just released details on the arrest of a man impersonating a police officer and making sexual contact. The incident involved them and law enforcement in Newport. Toledo police are still investigating an early-morning incident in which a private security guard allegedly impersonated law enforcement and made unwanted sexual contact with a woman near the Toledo Port parking lot. Officers were dispatched around 2:30 a.m. on January 20, 2026, after a report that an adult male wearing a law-enforcement-style uniform and carrying a firearm had approached an adult female. According to the arrest report, the woman told officers the man was driving a grey sedan marked with the word patrol. The victim was initially confused if the male was a police officer and engaged in conversation initiated by the male, police said. The male eventually identified himself as a private security guard who then initiated sexually suggested conversation which culminated with the male exiting his vehicle, brandishing his firearm, and making inappropriate sexual contact with the victim. The woman was able to break away and contacted a separate security guard contracted by Georgia Pacific, who ensured she was safe and notified law enforcement. Investigators later identified the suspect as Charles Belt III, who was on duty for TCB Security at the time. A second woman has since reported that Belt made similar sexualized comments to her during a prior contact. Toledo On January 26, 2026, Newport police located Belt and took him into custody. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Anyone with information about this incident or other interactions involving Belt is asked to contact Sgt. Pitcher at aaron.pitcher@cityoftoledo.org or Det. Shinholster at dalynn.shinholster@cityoftoledo.org. Additionally, TPD would like to remind the public that some security services utilize uniforms, vehicles and equipment which resemble sworn law enforcement, external vests, duty belts, patches, badges and display rank insignia modeled after military and law enforcement rank structure, TPD said. The similarities may confuse individuals who are less familiar with mandatory differences designated by Oregon Administrative Rule 259-060-0012. Individuals are encouraged to report misconduct by anyone in a security, law enforcement, or similar uniform. Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) One of the True, Rare Historic Motor Lodges Left on Oregon Coast Agate Beach Motel in Newport goes all the way back to 1940. Hotel reviews, lodging Thanksgiving Vacation Homes on Oregon Coast: Downright Dazzlers in Cannon Beach Availability in Cannon Beach for a large gathering: these are mammoth, stunning. Cannon Beach vacation rentals, Cannon Beach lodging, Seaside hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel reviews What's Old Is New Again: N. Oregon Coast's Tolovana Inn Redecorates, Winter B... New decor at the hotel hotspot, winter brings drama below. Cannon Beach hotel reviews Pacific City Hotels, Lodging Pacific City Hotels, Lodging, hotel Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals 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 New globetrotting LGBTQ podcast "Pride This Way" follows UK icon Soraya Vivian through worldwide queer joy and resilience. Post this From the pilot in Soraya's hometown of Yorkshire to the 2026 season climax at Winter Pride in Maspalomas, Pride This Way captures the unique frequency of the LGBTQ+ movement. Produced in partnership with Jack Horlock of the UK agency Horlock House, Ltd, every episode feels like a fluid DJ set spun by an icon with main character energy who knows everyoneand mixes highoctane joy with raw storytelling. "We're going a lot deeper than just parades with Pride This Way," says Soraya. "You'll meet the fam, the history, and the sheer strength that ties us together. Every episode doesn't just throw you into the noise and colourit shows you the heart underneath all that sparkle." The 2026 season of Pride This Way serves a fierce schedule of global broadcasts (subject to change): United States: Miami Beach, Houston, Provincetown, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Miami Beach, Houston, Provincetown, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. United Kingdom: London, Birmingham, York, Blackpool, Leeds, and Manchester. London, Birmingham, York, Blackpool, Leeds, and Manchester. Europe & Beyond: Geneva, Ibiza, Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, and Maspalomas. "I founded Horlock House to bring together brands, talent and festivals that actively support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community," said Horlock. "We are committed to authenticity and driving positive awareness. This partnership allows us to scale our global advocacy, turning immersive storytelling into tangible support for all communities." "This show is a direct transmission from the heart of the global scene," said Mandy Goldberg, Pride This Way producer who has previously worked with The Washington Post, MediaCom and The Economist. "We're dedicated to opening doors to inclusive celebrations and enabling the kind of visibility that transforms how people see the world." ABOUT PILLARS OF CHANGE MEDIA By integrating philanthropy into its core business model, POC turns audience engagement into essential resources for the communities and organizations at the heart of social movements. Discover more at PillarsOfChange.com. ABOUT HORLOCK HOUSE Led by cultural ambassador Jack Horlock, UK-based Horlock House builds powerful Pride partnerships that unite brands committed to authentic advocacy with LGBTQ+ artists and communities across Europe. Through collaborations with CocaCola, Heineken, L'Oreal, BMW, Neutrogena, Unilever, and Jean Paul Gaultier, Horlock House connects brands to Pride events in meaningful ways that align purpose with profit. To learn more, visit HorlockHouse.com. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Pillars of Change Media Oregon State Police Make Arrest in Gearhart Bomb Case; Two Crashes Near Coast Range Published 01/27/26 at 6:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Astoria, Oregon) It's been a busy month on or near the coastline for Oregon State Police. A rather unnerving case on the north Oregon coast from back in September has apparently been solved, and two crashes in the Coast Range area created more than a couple of tragedies. OSP have arrested a suspect tied to an explosive device found last year at Sunset Beach State Park, a case that took them down to southern Oregon and involved a SWAT team. James Mason Liggett, 52, was taken into custody on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Grants Pass by OSP SWAT, with support from the OSP Explosives Unit and OSP Major Crimes. Liggett was wanted in Clatsop County for the following charges: Attempted Murder Attempted Assault I Attempted Assault II Arson I Possession of a Destructive Device Manufacture of a Destructive Device OSP said numerous agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Clatsop County Sheriffs Office, Salem Police Department, Oregon Parks Department, Warrenton Fire Department, Astoria Fire Department, Astoria Police Department, and Seaside Police Department. No further information is being released while the case moves through the court process. The arrest stems from an incident on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, when Oregon State Parks reported a suspicious backpack inside a public restroom at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site at Gearhart. Troopers located the backpack and requested assistance from explosives technicians with OSP and the Salem Police Department, who rendered the device safe. No injuries were reported. Authorities searched additional locations throughout the day and found no other devices. They believed it to be an isolated incident which has so far proven correct. Bomb Found in Backpack at Sunset Beach on N. Oregon Coast - No other devices were found on the coast Oregon State Police responded to and investigated two major crashes that left two people dead in separate incidents near the Oregon Coast Range - on Highways 22 and 18 in mid-January. Hwy 18 - Oregon Coast Beach Connection The most recent crash occurred Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:32 p.m., when troopers responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 22 near milepost 16 in Polk County. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chrysler Town and Country van, operated by Eduardo Carrillo Jiminez (42) of Lebanon, left the roadway for unknown reasons in between the Highway 223 exit and Highway 22, before rolling and ejecting the operator, OSP said. The highway was partially blocked for roughly four hours. The Polk County Sheriff's Office assisted. Earlier in the month, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 8:06 a.m., OSP responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 18 and Highway 154 in Yamhill County. Investigators say a northbound Honda Civic driven by Abbygale Elizabeth Cain, 33, of Lafayette, attempted to cross Highway 18 and entered the path of an eastbound Audi AS4 operated by Isaac Andres Cisneros, 32, of Dayton. The impact pushed both vehicles into the westbound lane, where the Audi was struck by a westbound Freightliner flatbed truck driven by Kevin Loren Holstrom, 48, of Portland. Cisneros died at the scene. Cain sustained minor injuries, and Holstrom was unhurt. The crash closed the highway for about five hours while crews worked and investigators documented the scene. The cause remains under investigation. Responding agencies included the Yamhill County Sheriff-s Office, Dayton Fire and Rescue, Lafayette Fire and Rescue, the McMinnville Fire District, and ODOT. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - 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) A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Calm... A hot tub on that balcony, massive windows to the view. Hotel reviews, Lincoln City lodging, vacation rentals Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon C... Plenty of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews, Gleneden Beach Bandon Hotels - South Oregon Coast Beachfront Bandon Hotels, Bandon Hotel News, hotel reviews, vacation rentals Rockaway Beach Hotel News: New Inn Near Rockaway Beach is Really 100 Years Old Boutique inn and BnB on north Oregon coast features marvelous high-end details; bathroom vanities created by local craftsmen, headboards made of live edge wood. Pets. Rockaway Beach Hotel Reviews 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 Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt Returns to Wilds of Oregon Coast Forest Trails Published 01/28/26 at 5:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Yachats, Oregon) The wilds of Oregon coast's backwoods just got a little more civilized and yet still more thrilling. Your chances of finding cool little glass or crocheted art pieces in the region just got higher. Mushroom Treasure Hunt season has returned to Yachats, running through February 28. This, however, is not on the beaches but on the forest trails behind Yachats. This Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt features new twists for winter explorers. Each Saturday, four handcrafted mushroom sculptures are hidden along local trails, with clues released at 10 a.m. Organizers say the hints will be more challenging this year, offering only a general area rather than precise directions after last seasons treasures were found almost immediately. People, apparently, got too good at it. After the mushrooms are hidden each Saturday morning, the chamber posts clues on the Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt website and on Instagram at @visit.yachats. Also different: these are mushroom-shaped goodies. Not glass floats like Gold Beach and Lincoln City, Not messages in bottles as in Bandon, nor stuffed toys or elves. These are the iconic fungi that populate the section of coastline. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the quieter Oregon coast months, when rain gear, warm socks, and the golden, moisture-rich atmosphere define the winter landscape. The chamber emphasizes staying on designated trails and respecting both private property and the surrounding forest while searching. The weekly hunt began in 2023 as an experiment and has quickly blossomed into a distinctive local tradition. Unlike Lincoln Citys glass float drops, the Yachats treasures are placed along trails, sometimes reaching as far as Heceta Head. The volunteer trail gnomes responsible for hiding them are known for their dedication and sense of adventure. This season features creations from three local artists. Paris Birdwell Designs is contributing colorful glass mushrooms with swirling patterns. Billow Cloud Soaps is crafting mushrooms from its signature saltwater soap blend. Swallows Nest Homemade is adding hand-crocheted mushrooms to the mix. Also see: 2026 Beachcombers 'n Glass Float Expo Brings Real Glass Floats to Washington Coast - Feb 14 through March 8 they're dropped; Expo at Ocean Shores, March 7-8 "All three artists are making original one of a kind, collectible shrooms with the hope of bringing smiles and encouraging adventure to be a year round endeavor," organizers said. They are intended as an invitation to walk, breathe, and reconnect with the subtle beauty of the regions forests and shoreline, they said. https://www.yachats.org/the-yachats-mushroom-treasure-hunt-is-on/ 541 547 2345 Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) A Bit of Oregon Coastal Swank At Not Quite the Coin Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma is a bit of a surprise. Lincoln City hotel reviews Three Distinctive, Unique Places to Spend the Night in Pacific City - N. Oreg... One in Neskowin, two rentals homes in town. Lodging reviews, hotel reviews Gold Beach Hotels Gold Beach Hotels, news, hotel reviews, vacation rentals A Less Expensive May in Newport: Handful of Oregon Coast Inns Still Offering ... Inn at Nye Beach, Nye Beach Cottages, Ocean House BnB: Newport hotel specials. Newport hotel reviews 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 The actions of radical far left mobs and leftwing Democrat politicians in Minneapolis have led America to the brink of having our immigration laws nullified in that state. It reminds one of the South Carolina Nullification Crisis of 1832-33. Mobs of radicals, some so hell-bent on their ideology that they are willing to engage in suicide-by-cop to make themselves martyrs for the cause, are rampaging on the streets and even invading churches. The leftwing Democrat mayor and governor have demanded that federal immigration laws not be enforced in their state. The mobs of rioters are even invading churches, and politically corrupt Biden judges are refusing to issue arrest warrants for some of the church invaders. Law and order has broken down in Minnesota, and our immigration laws hang in the balance. The radical mobs and politicians reject the attempts by ICE to take criminals qho have committed crimes like murder, rape, burglary, child abuse, robbery, and others into custody for deportation as our immigration laws provide. This is a clear act of insurrection, but the Trump administration appears to be backing down. Perhaps the threat of national Democrats to further the insurrection by blocking ICE funding has led to the change in policy, but if they get away with it, enormous damage will be done to the rule of law and to American democracy. https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/28/trump-has-failed-his-nullification-crisis-other-states-will-follow-minnesotas-example/ https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/01/27/fanning-the-flames-of-violence-soros-backed-da-says-will-hunt-down-wannabe-nazi-ice-agents-n2198582 https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/28/democrats-want-to-keep-illegals-in-america-to-rig-the-census-and-congressional-apportionment/ https://joehoft.com/former-special-forces-officer-whats-unfolding-in-minneapolis-isnt-a-protest-its-an-insurgency/ https://redstate.com/jenniferoo/2026/01/29/tom-homan-minneapolis-presser-n2198629 In the original nullification crisis, in 1832, the South Carolina legislature passed legislation nullifying a federal tariff in their state. President Andrew Jackson immediately threatened to march federal troops into the state and to hang his vice president, South Carolinian John C. Calhoun. However, in the end, Congress greatly reduced the amount of the tariff in 1833 and South Carolina agreed to accept that. The organized and orchestrated campaign against ICE, funded by both globalist money from the likes of George Soros and by Red Chinese money sent in by tech billionaire US citizen Neville Singham, who now lives in Shanghai, China, is all about open voters. Its goal is to destroy our country. Real Clear Politics has a good article out describing how the real goal of the anti-ICE protesters and their funders is to go back to the Biden open borders. https://www.realclearwire.com/articles/2026/01/26/the_campaign_against_ice_is_all_about_open_borders_153753.html Meanwhile, new video of anti-ICE insurrectionist Alex Pretti from a week before his death in what seems to be a "suicide by cop" incident shows Preti at a prior attack on ICE in which he spit at ICE agents as he violently attacked them and their vehicle. Pretti also smashed the tail lights of an ICE vehicle in that confrontation and had one of his own ribs broken. Pretti was clearly a violent insurrectionist full of hate. The BBC found the video footage of Pretti using facial identifaction software. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/new-footage-appears-show-alex-pretti-spit-ice-break-suv-tail-light-prior-minneapolis https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15507833/Alex-Prett-video-new-angle-ICE.html There is also a real question of why Pretti was illegally carrying a pistol and extra magazines when he physically attacked ICE officers and was shot in self defense.. Although he had a permit to carry the pistol, Minnesota law required him to have an ID on his person while doing so, and he did not have that ID on him. Was this simply a "suicide by cop" to make himself a martyr, or did he plan to try to take some ICE officers with him? "Christian" Zionist Robert Stearns apologizes to Jews at Jerusalem Post conference for 2,000 years of "Christian history" hurting Jewish people. He says it's "irrelevant" if Jesus was the Messiah and claims to be part of a new Christian group "serving Zion."Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/aHhMgOfpA3 AF Post (@AFpost) January 14, 2026 Now that President Trump is picking his cabinet and immediate staff to insulate him from the poor judgement of the Bureaucratic Class, while moving quickly to transition this Constitutional Republic unto a wise and sustainable direction: What is your immediate impression as to how our nation will prosper? We are headed toward a Golden Age in America's self-governed society. This will all wind up in a clustered mess since Trump is a Fascist, and thought to be the second coming of Adolf Hitler by our best journalists. This is a time where critical days lay ahead, where only wise and responsible decisions must be made to sustain US. I generally do not pay attention, but expect only the best to occur ... and that is what I always expect. 147 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? A very controversial statement - at least according to the internet - has just come out of Jerusalem. And not just from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the chief Catholic prelate there, but from the heads of the other historic churches as well: the Armenian Church, the Syriac Church, the Greek Orthodox Church - all the Apostolic churches of Jerusalem.Here is what they said. In a statement titled On Unity and the Representation of the Christian Communities in the Holy Land:The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in the Holy Land affirm before the faithful and before the world that the ock of Christ in this land is entrusted to the Apostolic Churches, which have borne their sacred ministry across centuries with steadfast devotion.Here is the controversial line:Recent activities undertaken by local individuals who advance damaging ideologies such as Christian Zionism mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock. These undertakings have found favor among certain political actors in Israel and beyond, who seek to push a political agenda which may harm the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East.The statement goes on for several more paragraphs and concludes with:It is signed by the patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem.So what is this about?We've heard a lot about Zionism - the nationalist ideology that arose in the 19th century and sought to return Jews to the Holy Land, where they had lived millennia earlier, though not in large numbers for quite some time. We've also heard about Christian Zionism, which is a specifically Christian theological take on that project.But who exactly are thesesowing discord and undermining proper Christian authority?I had to look into this, because as a Catholic I don't exactly keep up with every niche Protestant trend. And I think the patriarchs are referring to a man named Robert Stearns, who styles himselfHe is not part of any Apostolic Christian community, but he calls himself a bishop anyway. He is also a vociferous advocate of Christian Zionism.Here's a sample of what he recently said:I was trying to be sympathetic here, but this is just ridiculous. It violates the law of non-contradiction - a principle we've known about since at least Aristotle. Opposing statements cannot both be true in the same respect.Christ's return cannot be both His first coming and His second coming. It's one or the other. And if you're a Christian, I'm happy to break it to you: it will be the second coming. You actually have to believe that.This attempt to be cute or accommodating doesn't resolve anything. It just empties theology of meaning.Stearns also claims that the existence of the modern State of Israel is of biblical and prophetic necessity - that it is required for the end times to unfold. I know plenty of people share this view. But here's the thing: this theology is new. Really new. Less than two centuries old. It is not the traditional Christian position, and it is not the correct one.Which brings us back to the Jerusalem statement.Is it shocking? Is it anti-Israel? Is it a break with tradition?No. Not at all.In fact, the position expressed by the patriarchs lines up perfectly with long-standing Vatican teaching. Here is something from 1985 - forty years ago, and two decades after the Second Vatican Council. This declaration from the Vatican goes out of its way to speak respectfully of Jews and is in no way anti-Semitic:That reference, by the way, is to the Passover Seder.Notice what's happening here. The Vatican is not talking about the Church as the new Israel - which Christians have always believed - but about the historical, earthly Israel of the Jewish people. It acknowledges their witness, their fidelity, and even their attachment to the land.But then comes the key clarification:And just to make it unmistakable, the Vatican adds:Bingo.That is exactly what the patriarchs of Jerusalem are reaffirming. And they are completely right.This is why I would not call myself a Zionist, or a Christian Zionist, or any other kind of Zionist. Not because I dislike Jews - I don't. Not because I oppose the State of Israel - I don't.I am broadly supportive of the nation-state of Israel but not because of Zionist religious claims, which I don't believe are true. I do not believe Jews are entitled to the Holy Land because of a theological premise. As a Christian, I believe the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. Christ is the New Covenant. The Church is the spiritual Israel. Those Old Testament promises are fulfilled - not suspended, not postponed.And I also don't believe that occupying a piece of land 2,000 years ago grants a perpetual title deed. If that were the case, we'd have to hand Mount Rushmore back to the Lakota Sioux. I don't believe that logic anywhere.That said, I still broadly support Israel because I don't like the alternatives. I don't want Iran running the Holy Land. I don't think the Muslims have been particularly protective of the holy sites. The Ottoman Empire is gone. Baldwin's Kingdom of Jerusalem isn't coming back anytime soon. The real-world options are limited.From the standpoint of international law, the Jews were granted territory by the British Empire, recognized by the United Nations, and then defended it through war. Like it or not, under the modern nation-state system, that matters.But that isn't Zionism. And it certainly isn't biblical prophecy.You can support Israel without subscribing to the relatively novel theology of Christian Zionism. You can like Jews without turning geopolitics into eschatology.I love the Jews. I grew up in New York. I'm extremely philosemitic. If you told me I had to choose between hanging out with the guys making pastrami sandwiches or the guys making shawarma, I'm choosing pastrami 100 times out of 100. Okay - 999 times out of 1,000.And you can do that without embracing a theology invented in the 19th century and dressed up as ancient Christianity.That is clearly what the patriarchs of Jerusalem are saying. And anyone pretending this is antisemitic, radical, or some kind of rupture with tradition is, frankly, completely insane. Northern Irelands hospitality sector will do whatever action we deem necessary" to save hotel and pubs facing the prospect of huge increases in their rates bills, a leading voice in the industry has claimed. Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill warned anger and frustration over the rise in rates have reached levels greater than during the Covid pandemic, when many businesses were forced to close their doors. He said: We all believed then that we could get through Covid with support. It was a difficult time in the industry, we all know that, but there was always a light at the end of that tunnel, that restrictions would end and that we could get back open and running again. What were facing now is another tunnel and as things stand, there is no light at the end. In the end, were talking about more than an individual business being under threat. Were talking about the whole industry, and that means peoples lives, their families, their homes. Last week the Department of Finance announced Reval2026, as Land & Property Services (LPS) released a draft list of revaluations for commercial properties. Some hotels and pubs will see their rates bills doubling or even tripling. In the aftermath Mr Neill said an emergency board meeting of Hospitality Ulster was the most difficult during his time heading the organisation. He said: There was disbelief at what has been proposed... the hospitality industry is both hurt and angry on the back of Reval2026. According to LPS, the new business rates reflect improved rental conditions since the pandemic. But Mr Neill added: The sector has no problem paying its way in a fair and reasonable manner, but this is not what is being asked of it. While LPS might say that it defines its formula on fair and maintainable trade, there is nothing fair or maintainable about rates bill increases of over 100%, 200% and 300%. If the rent on property went up by that amount there would be no one in the hospitality business at all. Sectors essential to the Northern Ireland economy, such as manufacturing, have benefited in the past from rates relief due to their importance. Hospitality is the fourth largest private sector employer in Northern Ireland. At a time when the Department for the Economy is leaning on the doubling of tourism revenue over 10 years to achieve its economic growth targets, hospitality accounts for four in every five tourism jobs. The 2026 Reval will be the ruination of the hospitality industry, which will be the ruination of the Northern Ireland economy. Its my responsibility to reflect the views of our members, and the views have hardened considerably. Individual businesses have been told they can submit accounts for assessments, but weve been doing this dance for years and we are all too aware the system is not fair on the industry. If action is not now taken by Finance Minister John ODowd to address the crisis facing the hospitality industry, no action in response will be off the table. The hospitality sector is fighting for its life and that anger will be felt in the streets, in our pubs, restaurants and hotels, and in the halls of Stormont. Whatever action we deem necessary will be taken. Describing the Hospitality Ulster meeting in the wake of the announcement as very difficult and very tough, he added: We are the only industry body that covers all sections of hospitality, from cafes to bars to hotels... right across the board theres disbelief mounting to anger at the way peoples businesses are being targeted in what we see as an unfair and unjust manner. We are happy to have dialogue, and this is not going to be a one day headline, but if we dont sit down now and agree a fair and reasonable solution then the very future of the industry is not going to be viable. Angela McGrath, commissioner of valuation in Northern Ireland, said Reval2026 was about ensuring rates were distributed fairly based on current rental evidence. Businesses are currently paying rates based on rental levels that reflect the economic and market conditions during the pandemic in October 2021, she pointed out. Reval2026 updates this position by using more up-to-date rental evidence from April 2024. The majority of non-domestic properties are expected to see little or no change in their rates liability. She encouraged business ratepayers to check the new valuations online. LPS will review any new or relevant information ratepayers wish to bring forward now and make updates where appropriate before the new valuation list takes effect in April 2026, she added. But Hospitality Ulster warned: At a time when hospitality businesses are battling unprecedented cost pressures, the idea that our sector can absorb significant increases in rates liabilities is utterly detached from reality. We will explore every possible avenue political, legal and practical to challenge the revaluation. Hospitality bosses have described their relief after Finance Minister John O'Dowd halted a controversial rates revaluation process after a backlash from the industry. In a major U-turn, Mr ODowd said pausing the Reval2026 scheme was the right decision to make. A draft list of revaluations for commercial properties was released by Land & Property Services (LPS) last week. But there was a public outcry as some hotels and pubs would see their rates bills doubling or even tripling. Finance Minister John ODowd (Liam McBurney/PA) Santander to shut 44 bank branches with 291 jobs at risk Mr ODowd said today: I want our local businesses to thrive; they are the backbone of our communities. I have listened carefully and I am very aware of the concerns raised by businesses particularly hotels, pubs and other hospitality businesses. I remain in listening mode, I will now consider the next steps. My focus remains on supporting our public services, our local businesses and growing our economy. He added: I think its the right decision to make. I might take some flak over it, but thats OK. Businesses will receive rates bills based off of October 2023 for the next incoming year. The finance minister confirmed a cost will be incurred to public finances as a result of the U-turn but was unable to confirm what that bill might be. He said: Theres obviously a cost involved in preparing and gathering the data and the information to publish a draft list. I believe the information gathered for that draft list will still be a benefit for whatever next step we take. So I think its too early to say what the actual cost has been to date. But I believe that the work that has been carried out will be a benefit as we move forward. Ciaran Smyth, owner of Voodoo, Orisha and the Phoenix Bar in Belfast, said he is "next to overjoyed" at the pause. He told the BBC: "I didn't realise how tense I was about the whole thing. I am incredibly relieved. Eamon McCusker, owner of AM PM and the Chubby Cherub in Belfast, thanked Mr ODowd for listening to the industry. Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said the news was a boost to a sector which had reached crisis point. Mr Neill is seeking the engagement of an independent body to ensure a repeat does not occur. It is proof that local politicians, having a local Minister, makes things easier, he said. Itll be a huge relief for our industry, a huge relief for those businesses, because behind every business is a family, and the families were worried. So we now want to engage and move forward positively with the Minister and find a solution so this doesnt happen again. Ive had people basically saying theyll have to shut, theyll have to lay off staff. This was a huge increase, something in the degree of an extra 16.5 million from the hospitality sector. Thats over 600 jobs if you took it on living wage. This is a huge, I think its good for the Minister, good for us, good for the economy. However, there was criticism of the Finance Ministers handling of the matter from political opponents. DUP finance spokesperson Diane Forsythe said: While pausing the process is welcome, it also raises serious questions about the Ministers judgement in allowing things to progress to this stage. "Any future proposals must be fair, transparent and not place unjustified additional burdens on businesses already struggling to stay afloat. TUV leader Jim Allister said Mr O'Dowds U-turn demonstrates how detached Stormont has become from the real economy. It took a public backlash to force the Minister into listening mode. That is not good governance; it is reactive politics, the North Antrim MP added. Opposition leader Matthew OToole welcomed the temporary freeze, but slammed the farcical attempt to shift blame on to the UK government. The SDLP MLA added: I hope that businesses will soon have the clarity they need, but there is nothing to stop something else coming down the tracks in the next few weeks that will paralyse this place, waved through ambivalently by an Executive that is asleep at the wheel. NI Chamber chief executive Suzanne Wylie Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong said Mr ODowds climbdown showed Sinn Feins tone-deaf approach to the economy. The Minister must now explain why he failed to intervene at an earlier stage to recognise the devastating impact these punishing rate increases would have on core hospitality providers, including hotels, pubs, and food outlets, she added. We also need clarity on whether the Minister received a briefing from Land & Property Services in advance of their findings on the Reval 2026 exercise. If so, why did he not foresee how damaging this would be to the cornerstone of hospitality in Northern Ireland? I hold this Minister wholly responsible for the widespread alarm he has caused across the industry. Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said the U-turn highlighted a cack-handed approach to the economy from Sinn Fein, which he said has left businesses here anxious and frustrated. Mr Tennyson said: This will offer some much-needed relief for businesses, but also lays bare how cack-handed and muddled the Ministers approach has been from the beginning. Many hospitality businesses were left contemplating their future because Sinn Fein ploughed ahead with a move that was clearly unworkable. The overwhelming public outcry, from businesses and people right across our society, has now forced them to listen. Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of the NI Chamber, said: In light of todays decision, we will now write to the Minister to seek clarity on next steps and request a meeting to discuss the urgent issue of the cost of doing business. Economic development agency Invest NI has said its looking into whether it can claw back any of 0.4m in support received by a business now in administration. Storied Credit Unions with Shared Roots in Aviation are Taking Flight Together LIVE OAK, Texas, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors at both Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) and True Sky Federal Credit Union ("True Sky") have unanimously approved, and entered into, a definitive merger. With regulatory and True Sky membership approvals expected in early 2026, True Sky and RBFCU will come together, retaining the RBFCU name. Through this merger, RBFCU and True Sky will continue their commitment to the core beliefs that make credit unions stand apart from other financial institutions, while providing increased accessibility and financial soundness for members throughout Texas and Oklahoma. True Sky is located in Oklahoma City, established in 1946 by the forerunner of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It has since grown to serve more than 64,000 members at 14 branches in the greater Oklahoma City area, with assets exceeding $799 million. RBFCU is based in the San Antonio-area community of Live Oak, established in 1952 on Randolph AFB. With assets exceeding $19 billion, RBFCU serves more than 1.1 million members at 64 branches throughout Texas. RBFCU President/CEO Mark Sekula said the combined credit union will bring more value, support and enhanced industry-leading financial services both institutions have championed for more than 70 years. "We are combining our shared heritage in aviation and spirit of people helping people to provide more value and support to our members," Sekula said. "Our deep roots in the Southwest and foundations in civilian and military aviation give us the opportunity to provide even more financial soundness and resources to our members and communities, grounded in a shared history and culture. We are thrilled to take flight together." Media Contact Salvador Guerrero RBFCU Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations 210-637-4287 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not facts and they often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" or similar. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ. Except as required by law, neither RBFCU nor True Sky undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made. SOURCE Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union Belfast teacher explains why hes using little-known law clause to withdraw from RE teaching: There is absolutely a better way Article 22 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 used to opt out of system where one view is dominant Javed Love Mark Bain Wed 28 Jan 2026 at 22:17 A primary school teacher who used a conscience clause in a 40 year old law to withdraw from teaching religious education (RE) has said he is open to reconsidering his position but only when meaningful change occurs. One of the pothole close to Roselawn Crematorium The car was damaged by a pothole close to Roselawn Crematorium A family has been left devastated after a limousine carrying bereaved loved ones to a cremation suffered two flat tyres. The funeral directors believe the damage was caused by the poor road surface. It happened on Wednesday as the family was taking a deceased relative to Roselawn Crematorium outside Belfast. However, conditions on the Ballygowan Road, which is heavily pot-holed, left the limousine unable to finish its drive. Christopher Mallon of Mallon Funeral Directors said some of the family were forced to walk the remainder of the journey. I got a phone call from the limousine driver yesterday and he explained that the family was in the car on the way up to the crematorium and the limousine had gotten two flat tyres, he explained. He said it was not sustainable to drive four of the passengers were able to get into the car behind but two of the deceased's brothers had to walk to the crematorium. They were devastated, it was just adding more shock and hassle to a day thats already difficult. They don't want to deal with something like that on top of everything. Mr Mallon said the poor road on the route to the crematorium was adding to families stress. Its just a disgrace, people are grieving and then something like this happens to them, he added. The roads in Northern Ireland altogether are a disgrace but to have such a bad road on the way to a crematorium is even worse. Roselawn Crematorium is the busiest crematorium in the country. You have about 16 or 17 families going up there every day and each of them have to deal with this road. Mr Mallon said he wasnt surprised the limousine was damaged. He added: Its ridiculous but its not at all surprising, the limousine couldnt have been driving more than 10mph and that was the damage that was done. It just shows you how bad the road is. Mr Mallon said the business has invested thousands of pounds in an attempt to combat the poor road conditions. We have to invest in the suspension of the limousine and the hearse, he explained. If you take the journey to the crematorium in your car you cant avoid the potholes you are just bouncing. Now imagine that, but with a coffin in the back. We spend all that money to avoid that, to make it better for the families, but we really shouldnt have to we pay taxes so our roads should be safe to drive. Mr Mallon feels Northern Irelands roads are not up to standard. Ive been to America and Dubai, their roads are second to none, nothing like ours, he said. If you go down to the Republic, you can feel it as soon as you cross the border, their roads are just better than ours. Mr Mallon urged the Department for Infrastructure to act fast to avoid another family going through the same ordeal. [Liz Kimmins, the minister] needs to take accountability, the roads are a disgrace, something needs to be done and it needs to be done now, this cant keep going on like this. Mallon Brothers Funeral Directors' car was damaged by a pothole close to Roselawn Crematorium Ballymena farmer rescues flock of sheep from flood water When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph, the Department for Infrastructure said staff have been sent to access the location and the Ballygowan Road is due to be resurfaced. Earlier this week Ms Kimmins announced that a 720,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme will start on February 9. The scheme will include resurfacing works from Upper Knockbreda Road to Manse Road and improvements to kerbs and footways. Ms Kimmins previously said: This is a substantial investment which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our roads, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. INLA faction linked to shooting of man in legs cleared in connection with drugs haul Ardoyne residents in fear after victim is shot in both legs Police at the scene of the shooting incident in the Strathroy Park area of north Belfast (Kevin Scott) Thu 29 Jan 2026 at 07:08 A faction of the INLA is being blamed for the paramilitary-style shooting of a man recently cleared of drugs offences. A cafe owner in Limavady has gifted two of his employees free tyres after they had their tyres slashed in a deliberate act of vandalism this week. Alan McLoughlin, who owns Als Coffee, said the employees, Olly and Josh, were unable to attend work on Monday following the incident which happened while they were in school. Their cars were among 15 vehicles parked in a small carpark in Glenview Drive that had their tyres damaged that morning. Police are continuing to investigate and no one has yet been arrested. MLA Claire Sugden urged anyone with information to come forward. Mr McLoughlin said: Olly and Josh are my team-mates, they work for me and they were obviously quite shocked and disappointed on Monday. We all were when we heard. As a result, he decided to cheer the pair up and cover the cost of their new tyres. They were buzzing and really surprised. They were just delighted and I was so glad to see the smile on their faces, he added. It was totally unfair what happened on Monday, they are good lads and great workers. But his generosity didnt stop there. The boys werent the only ones affected. There were 13 other cars that had their tyres damaged, so I put up a post and said that anyone whose tyres were damaged could come in on Friday or Saturday for a free coffee on us. 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 McLoughlin said the incident has shaken the whole community. Limavady is a small town; there are a lot of hard-working people and it is a very close-knit community. A lot of people have been left shocked after this, especially the students at the school as it happened so close to them. Mr McLoughlin said the community is supporting Olly, Josh and others impacted by the incident. He added: People are coming together after this and its great to see a good show of strength within our community. It was sad that this has happened, but we are trying to put a positive spin on it and lets hope it doesnt happen again. Ms Sugden said: "This was a deliberate act of vandalism, and the fact it took place close to a school during the daytime is particularly concerning. Behaviour of this kind undermines people's sense of safety and has no place in our communities. Alan McLoughlin with Olly and Josh Ballymena farmer rescues flock of sheep from flood water The PSNI said: "Our investigation is ongoing and we believe a man dressed in dark clothing, wearing a hi-vis jacket and a navy hat may be able to help with our enquiries. "We would appeal to anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area to contact us on 101. We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam or other footage. UVF serial killer walks free from English prison and may return to Northern Ireland Sources have said Haddock, who has been linked to over 20 murders, was recently released Mark Haddock Steven Moore Thu 29 Jan 2026 at 09:23 UVF state-sponsored serial killer Mark Hannibal Haddock is a free man after he walked out of an English prison. This is the moment caught on camera showing paint being thrown over a house in a cowardly sectarian attack. The Derry couple told the Belfast Telegraph how their three children, aged between one and five, were left screaming when the windows of their house in Ebrington Oaks in the city were smashed on Monday night, with white paint thrown over the front of their home and their family car damaged. Ring doorbell footage shows the moment paint was thrown over the home, with people seen running in the distance. Darian Moore and Chloe Rutherford Chloe Rutherford said she believes her home was attacked because of her partners religion, with the PSNI saying they are treating the incident as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. Im just so distraught this has happened to my family home, Chloe said, adding this wasnt the first time her family had been targeted in recent days. I think it is just cowardly behaviour. We have lived here for four years, we have never bothered anyone and its just scandalous. The attack is even more distressing as her home is specially adapted for her eldest son Tiarnan (5), who uses a wheelchair and has a condition called pulmonary hypertension, which is incurable. Their Ebrington Oaks home had its windows smashed Chloe said her partner, Darian Moore, had also been verbally abused in the last few days. This is all over being a Catholic living in a Protestant area, Mr Moore said. We come from a family that dont bother anybody and we have just been targeted. I put it down to what I am and what my children are. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan described it as a disgraceful sectarian attack and said no one should have to endure intimidation. In early December, a Protestant youth was treated in hospital following another sectarian attack in Ebrington. Meanwhile, Derry City and Strabane District Council members have condemned the sectarian attack. At Januarys Full Council Meeting, Mayor and Sinn Fein councillor Ruari McHugh said sectarianism from whatever quarter must be condemned and called out by council, while the districts Deputy Mayor and Waterside representative, DUP councillor Niree McMorris, said she had spoken with the family on Monday evening. To say that theyre devastated is probably an understatement, she said. This is a very young family, three children under the age of five and the five-year-old is actually getting palliative care, so to say it is disgusting is a real underestimation. She said that, due to the childs complex care needs, which requires an adapted house, rehousing the family could prove difficult. Fellow Waterside representative, SDLP councillor Martin Reilly, said the family had really enjoyed living in Ebrington Oaks, which is a relatively new development with purpose-built housing for those with specific care needs. He added: We all know across this chamber about how valuable social housing is on the waiting list for those types of properties, so its a really disappointing and its really sad occasion for our society. This type of attack is wrong on any individual but when it affects a family like this, with so many young children in the home, it is particularly reprehensible and really draws out the ugliness of sectarianism. People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin welcomed the fact that members across the chamber were united in condemnation of the attack. I was glad to see Alderman McMorris straight away going to visit the house and speaking out about it, he said. Ive listened to discussions at Stormont recently and theyve got increasingly harsh, increasingly sectarianised. I think that some ministers Stormont could benefit from maybe listening to the way that their colleague, McMorris, is actually operating here in the city, because I think what happens in Stormont has a direct impact on what happens on the ground here. Waterside Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson condemned the attack as disgraceful and said no person should be forced from their home due to the actions of mindless individuals. He concluded: They certainly do not represent the views of the people of the Waterside, and were seeing a community evolving thats diverse, welcoming. Those that have a sectarian mindset are very much in the minority and they need to be challenged by everybody. Im slightly concerned that the victim has to move, because victims should be supported where theyre living where possible. I know from speaking to people the length and breadth of the Waterside theres no appetite for sectarianism; theres no appetite for people being forced out of their homes, and a family that has so much on their plates as it is shouldnt need to face sectarianism on top of it. A PSNI spokesperson said they responded to the incident just before 8pm on Monday. They said: Paint and items, including a brick, were thrown at the house in the Ebrington area, causing damage to a door and a window. Windows of a car were also smashed. The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1606 of 26/01/26. Elaine Byrne at her flood-damaged home in Riverfield in Aughrim (Brian Lawless/PA) Residents have been warned to prepare for more flooding as further heavy rain is forecast over the bank holiday weekend, according to emergency planners. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. Workers clear damage items from gardens in Riverfield in Aughrim (Brian Lawless/PA) His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Elaine Byrne, who lives in Aughrim, told the Press Association that her whole house became flooded in the space of 20 to 30 minutes. She said she had not experienced such flooding in the area, stating that a local pitch had been turned into a river. This was horrendous. Water came in everywhere it was under walls, in through windows. Elaine Byrne (centre) with her daughters Abbey (left) and Lyndsey, at her flood damaged home in Riverfield in Aughrim (Brian Lawless/PA) Asked about the extent of the damage, Ms Byrne said: Everything is gone. Every single thing that we had. Theres one unit in the sitting room, and now the water dripping at the bottom of it and it has to go. The kitchen most things are gone, the legs on the table are starting to swell, the chairs are starting to swell and all the appliances on the ground are gone because it was sewerage water flowed in as well. Ms Byrne said theres nothing that can be salvaged as the water level was halfway up the radiators. Irish Rail workers clear debris from the line in Enniscorthy (Niall Carson/PA) She has now been advised not to stay in the house which she has lived in for 18 years. It is heartbreaking to see all the things I built up over the years and its gone, she said. Ms Byrne said they had never experienced water flooding into the house before, with only one occasion where water had come close to the front door. She said Mr Moran saw the damage and commiserated with her, but she said the Government had to do something drastic to support affected homeowners. Whats the point in us doing the house up if it happens again. Im afraid to leave the house in case it (happens) again you cant just leave the house filling with water. Catherine Kenny (right) with daughter Shannon in Riverfield (Brian Lawless/PA) Catherine Kenny told the Press Association the floodwater came into her home like a tsunami. She said the water was up to the top step on her flight of stairs and she needed help getting her 15-year-old son, who has Downs syndrome, out of the property. Ms Kenny said the ground floor was destroyed and that there is nothing left. She said she was advised to return to the property and live out of the upstairs area but she was worried sick for her son, who also has asthma. Ms Kenny said she felt that Mr Moran and council officials just passed by her when she sought help. After staying on her daughters floor for two days, later on Thursday the council was able to provide her with alternative accommodation. Meanwhile, the Republic of Irelands National Emergency Coordination Group met on Thursday to assess the continued clean-up as a result of Storm Chandra. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran was assessing flood damage after Storm Chandra (Brian Lawless/PA) It said localised flooding will continue to be a risk because of saturated ground conditions and high river levels, with those in the east, north-east and south-east most at risk. Mr Moran said he wanted to assure those affected that Government is here to support them. Whatever is to be done will be done to alleviate the problem, he said. Theres an awful lot of rain coming. I cant say where its going to hit, but its going to hit somewhere, and its coming fast. I want to make sure that the communities are ready for that in terms of backup support. 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 An Emergency Response Payment has been made available to those living in properties directly affected by flooding, while businesses can avail of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme. Earlier, people dealt with serious traffic disruptions because of flooding and debris on road and rail routes. A burst water main in the Fairview area of Dublin added to weather-related commuter disruption in the capital. Subsidence also sent a tree onto the Dart rail route near Portmarnock, closing the service between Portmarnock and Howth Junction for a period. The line, which also affected services to Belfast, has reopened. Heavy winds and torrential rain caused significant disruption across the island of Ireland earlier in the week, including power outages, flight cancellations and 300 school closures in Northern Ireland. The River Slaney burst its banks in Enniscorthy (Niall Carson/PA) Rivers burst their banks, including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin, with fallen trees reported across the island. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Another yellow warning for rainfall will come into effect between 9pm on Friday and midnight into Saturday for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. 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 A union has reiterated a call for the introduction of climate leave when extreme weather makes it impossible to get to work, as parts of Ireland deal with the clean-up. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work and four days paid leave to be available if workers have to address needs at their home. The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. They say that workers should be paid as usual for days where work is required to stop because of the weather. Unite also wants a 24C action level, where heat management controls must be put in place, and an absolute maximum of 30C for when work should stop if it cannot be prevented. 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 In Northern Ireland, further rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground and the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6pm on Friday. While the wettest conditions are likely over Antrim and Down, there is potential for many areas to see 10-25mm build up, with 40-60mm over some hills. A union has reiterated a call for the introduction of climate leave when extreme weather makes it impossible to get to work, as parts of Ireland deal with the clean-up after Storm Chandra. It is part of a series of proposals from Unite on Thursday, while people dealt with serious traffic disruptions because of flooding and debris on road and rail routes. A burst water main in the Fairview area of Dublin added to weather-related commuter chaos in the capital. Subsidence also sent a tree on to the Dart rail route near Portmarnock, closing the service between Portmarnock and Howth Junction for a period. The line, which also affected services to Belfast, has reopened. 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 Heavy winds and torrential rain on Tuesday caused significant disruption across the island of Ireland, including power outages, flight cancellations and 300 school closures in Northern Ireland. Rivers burst their banks, including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin, with fallen trees reported across the island. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. The River Slaney bursts its banks in Enniscorthy (Niall Carson/PA) Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work and four days paid leave to be available if workers need to address needs at their home. Irish Rail workers clear debris from the line in Enniscorthy (Niall Carson/PA) The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. They say that workers should be paid as usual for days where work is required to stop because of the weather. Unite also wants a 24C action level, where heat management controls must be put in place, and an absolute maximum of 30C for when work should stop if it cannot be prevented. Unites Irish secretary Susan Fitzgerald said there was an urgent need to update health and safety legislation to keep up with scientific evidence on climate change. Meanwhile, Irish Congress of Trade Unions president Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: When storms strike, many workers are advised to work from home where possible. 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 But many others cant work from home, either because their employer cant or wont facilitate that or because they are essential workers. All employers must be compelled to prioritise staff safety and ensure that workers do not pay the price, financially or in terms of their wellbeing, for extreme weather events. In Northern Ireland, further rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground and the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6pm on Friday. While the wettest conditions are likely over Antrim and Down, there is potential for many areas to see 10-25 mm build up, with 40-60 mm over some hills. The House of Lords will continue its scrutiny of the assisted dying Bill on Friday (Parliament TV/PA) Backers of the assisted dying Bill have rejected accusations of bullying amid claims from opponents they are attempting to force it through Parliament. The latest war of words comes as Dame Esther Rantzen one of the Bills highest profile supporters has written to peers urging them to stop inventing fictitious excuses to block the proposed legislation. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was voted through by MPs in the Commons in June, is back in the Lords on Friday for further scrutiny. Members of the Lords have tabled more than 1,000 amendments a record number for a private members Bill prompting supporters to accuse opponents of trying to delay or talk out the draft legislation, leading it to run out of time to be passed before spring when the current session of Parliament ends. But this week, Bill supporters have said the Parliament Act could be invoked to override objections from peers if the draft law is not approved before the Kings Speech in May. The rarely-used legislation allows for Bills that have been backed by the Commons in two successive sessions but rejected by peers to pass into law without Lords approval, and backers have insisted they are confident the Act would apply if the Bill was taken through a second time. Former justice secretary Lord Charlie Falconer, who is sponsoring the Bill in the House of Lords, said it is really important that Parliament resolves the issue, and he suggested were the Parliament Act to be used, the Bill could be approved sometime in the spring of 2027. Bill sponsor and Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and Lord Falconer said the Parliament Act could be used to get the law changed (Stefan Rousseau/PA) He told reporters on Thursday: There is no resolution if it just peters out in the Lords because there is no time. That will then lead to the thing coming back again and again and again throughout this parliamentary session with no resolution. We, as a Parliament, should be capable of reaching a conclusion. Supporters of the assisted dying legislation say there are precedents for the Act being used in relation to so-called conscience issues, with seven Bills having been passed using the powers under section 2 of the law, including the Hunting Act 2004. A source close to Labour MPs and peers opposed to the Bill said threats to use the nuclear option a description used by some Bill backers of the Parliament Act to force it through were the act of a bully who knows they are losing the argument on the substance. But Lord Falconer strongly rejected this, saying: Its neither bullying nor nuclear. It is absolutely the foundation of our constitutional democracy, which is ultimately it is not the unelected Lords that can have their way. It is ultimately the Commons who are elected who can have their way. Former Commons clerk, Sir David Natzler, who is an expert in parliamentary procedure, branded the use of the word nuclear as a meaningless phrase. Sir David Natzler is an expert in parliamentary procedure (Stefan Rousseau/PA) He told reporters use of the Parliament Act would be just the due process of parliamentary and statute law, its nothing to do with bullying. Labour MP Jess Asato said: A Bill like this with such profound life and death impacts, which still ignores massive risks like coercion or the capacity of the vulnerable, must not be forced through without the scrutiny it deserves. Meanwhile, an ex-director of legislative affairs for two previous prime ministers has insisted peers are simply doing their best to patch these holes in the Bill and responding to external concerns. Nikki da Costa, a vocal critic of the Bill, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: This Bill managed to provoke two royal colleges psychiatrists and physicians from four years of neutrality to saying that this Bill, while theyre neutral on principle, that this Bill is unsafe. This Bill is dangerous for the vulnerable and people will be failed. So, youve got a situation where Lord Falconer wants the Lords as a scrutinising chamber to stop doing the work and just wave it through. Broadcaster and ChildLine founder Dame Esther who is terminally ill with cancer said some peers were not being honest about their motives for suggesting amendments. In her letter to peers, she said: The House of Lords is not being honest. The real motive behind these 1,000 amendments is not to improve the Bill, to block it. The truth is that none of the thousand amendments you propose would reassure you and enable you to vote for the Bill because you oppose it on principle. Dame Esther Rantzen, celebrating her 85th birthday last year (family handout/PA) She said some are forcing on non-believers their personal religious principles, are disability campaigners who believe quite wrongly that the Bill will apply pressure to disabled people when it only applies to terminally ill people like me, or think there is a risk the legislations eligibility criteria could be broadened if passed. She wrote: Please stop inventing fictitious excuses to block what the majority of the public have asked for, and the House of Commons have voted for. Its your choice, please allow us also the dignity of choice, not to shorten our lives, but to shorten our deaths. No change in the law can come in time for me. But at least you can give hope to future generations. Lord Falconer has written to peers setting out where he intends to propose amendments to strengthen and improve the Bill, including a tighter definition of the protections for people with eating disorders; an explanation of how a ban on advertising assisted dying services would operate; a clarification that medical practitioners would have to opt-in to take part in such a service; and extra protections for people aged 18-25. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell said he hopes peers scrutinise the Bill in a responsible way and the Parliament Act does not have to be invoked. Supporters and opponents of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at a previous demonstration (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Downing Street would not be drawn on whether the Government could make time in the next session of Parliament for the Bill, reiterating the Government remains neutral on assisted dying. The Bills proposals would allow adults with terminal illnesses in England and Wales who have less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death. An application would have to be approved by two doctors and a panel including a social worker, senior legal figure and a psychiatrist. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has agreed a deal with China to cut tariffs for exports of Scotch whisky (Carl Court/PA) Tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to China are to be halved as a result of a deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer with the Prime Minister insisting the agreement showed how his Governments hard-headed international engagement brings benefits at home. Sir Keir said whisky distilleries, which he hailed as the jewel in Scotlands crown, would benefit from the move. As a result of a new deal agreed during the Labour leaders trip to China, tariffs on Scotch whisky are to be cut from 10% to 5% a deal the UK Government said would be worth 250 million to the UKs economy over the next five years. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during the 2026 UK-China Business Council at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during his visit to China (Carl Court/PA) China is currently the 10th largest market for Scotch whisky by value, with the new deal coming in the wake of an earlier agreement by the UK Government which cut tariffs on sales of Scotch to India. Sir Keir said: Our whisky distilleries are the jewel in Scotlands crown. Having already slashed tariffs on whisky exports to India, were now doing the same with China proof that our pragmatic, hard-headed international engagement brings benefits at home. Scotlands First Minister John Swinney described the deal as very welcome news. Mr Swinney said: China is a vital market for Scotch whisky exports and one which has grown considerably over the last five years. Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Mark Kent said China is a a priority growth market for many distilleries, adding that the country had developed into a knowledgeable and premium-focused market with a strong appreciation of Scotch. Scottish First Minister John Swinney welcomed the deal (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Kent added: The proposed tariff reduction from 10% to 5% has the potential to re-energise exports of Scotch to this important market. We are very grateful to the Prime Minister and officials on both sides for this welcome development and look forward to working with the UK Government on the rapid implementation of the tariff reduction, as part of wider work to improve competitiveness in all Scotch whiskys global markets. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander insisted the tariff deal was another tremendous result delivered by the UK Government for Scotlands world-renowned whisky industry. The Labour MP said: From Delhi to Beijing, this Government is opening doors for Scottish exporters and putting money in the pockets of working people across Scotland. Just months ago we secured a trade deal with India, transforming the prospects for Scotch in the worlds largest whisky market. Now we have delivered again in China. The trip also saw Sir Keir secure a deal on visa-free travel to China for UK citizens. Those visiting the country for less than 30 days will no longer need a visa under the agreement, Downing Street announced. It will apply to those travelling to China for business and as tourists and brings the rules for UK visitors in line with those from 50 other countries including France and Germany. The change will not come into effect immediately, but Beijing is understood to have committed to unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens, with a start date to be confirmed. SAFETY HARBOR, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa will celebrate a milestone anniversary this year, marking 100 years as one of Florida's most iconic destinations, while also honoring a remarkable personal milestone: the 90th birthday of its owner, William Touloumis. The dual celebration recognizes not only a century of hospitality excellence at the resort, but also the extraordinary life and career of the man who has guided it in recent decades. Born in Greece, Touloumis immigrated to the U.S. in 1952 at the age of 16, leaving behind his mother and three younger brothers in pursuit of the great American dream. Through determination, discipline, and vision, he built a career that would leave a lasting imprint on the commercial and hospitality landscape throughout the Southeast. Touloumis is a former chief architect for the Walgreens drugstore chain. In 1991, he founded Olympia Development Group Inc. Since then, he has designed and developed more than 100 Walgreens stores, along with scores of office buildings and restaurants throughout Florida and Georgia. Today, he is widely recognized as one of the most successful commercial developers in Pinellas County. As owner of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, Touloumis has continued the legacy of the iconic property that has been a cornerstone of the community. The resort's 100-year anniversary stands as a testament to its enduring significance, while Touloumis' 90th birthday underscores a life defined by perseverance, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact. "This is a rare and meaningful convergence of milestones," said Lisa Margarone, spokesperson for the resort. "We are celebrating not just a historic property, but also the extraordinary journey of the man who owns it and has contributed so much to preserving its heritage and timeless beauty." The evening will commemorate both a century of hospitality at one of Florida's most iconic resorts and the remarkable life and career of the man who owns it, bringing together community leaders, business figures, and guests to celebrate both milestones. About Safety Harbor Resort and Spa Founded in 1926, the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is a historic waterfront destination in Safety Harbor, Florida, known for its Espiritu Santo natural mineral springs, classic architecture, and long-standing role in the region's tourism and hospitality industry. Media Contact: Lisa Margarone | GlobalEdge Media, LLC | 727-420-9876 | [email protected] SOURCE Safety Harbor Resort and Spa A paedophile nursery worker has admitted a series of new charges including filming up the skirts of girls as they sat in a school classroom. Vincent Chan, 45, is facing years behind bars for molesting girls aged three and four while working at the Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road, West Hampstead, north London. Chan filmed himself carrying out the abuse, during naptime at the nursery, and also confessed to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. On Thursday at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Chan appeared via videolink from HMP Pentonville to face 30 new charges. He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of taking indecent photographs of children, six charges of outraging public decency, sexual assault on a female, and 11 counts of voyeurism. Because of his guilty pleas, Chan has now admitted filming up the skirts of children as they sat at tables in a school classroom. Police arresting nursery worker Vincent Chan (Metropolitan Police/PA) Police also recovered images showing Chan exposing himself in a classroom in 2017, as well as videos, believed to be of Chan, depicting a solo sex act, also in a classroom. He has also admitted a campaign of voyeurism between 2011 and 2023. Scotland Yard said he had placed hidden cameras around his home to film women getting changed, and he has also confessed to sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep. The new set of charges relate to ten girls and six women, and did not take place at Bright Horizons, said the Met. Chan will be sentenced on February 12 for all 56 offences that he has now admitted. Vincent Chan is a dangerous and predatory individual, and the scale of his abhorrent offending is shocking, said Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who has led the investigation. Chans history demonstrates to us that he has sought out positions of trust involving contact with young girls, which allowed him to commit his crimes unchecked for so long. He has repeatedly exploited the trust of those around him, proving himself to be a danger to all girls and women. Chan worked at the Bright Horizons nursery for seven years until he was suspended in 2024, after a colleague raised concerns about his activities with the children. The whistleblower complained that Chan had filmed a child falling asleep and set the footage to music, in a bid to entertain his colleagues. The Metropolitan Police investigation that followed unearthed Chans collection of more than 25,000 indecent images of children. Among them were videos taken by Chan himself as he sexually assaulted some of the children at the nursery while they were sleeping at naptime. In the new charges, Chan has admitted taking indecent images of children in 2024 and 2025, as well as outraging public decency offences in the classroom between 2011 and July 2017. One of Chans videos, from June 2011, showed him filming a girl from under a classroom table with the camera angled directly at her legs, the court heard. Sixteen images were identified of a schoolgirl taken from under a classroom table with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. Chan also had 13 images from 2016 showing two unidentified female child victims with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. In June 2017, Chan admitted taking three images of a male holding an exposed penis whilst in classroom, and having a video showing a solo sex act in a classroom. In July 2017, Chan admitted taking seven photos of him holding his exposed penis in a classroom. The classroom offences happened at a school in north London where Chan was employed from 2007 to 2017, before he joined Bright Horizons. Chan also pleaded guilty to taking indecent images of children between 2011 and 2016, sexual assault of a female in 2011, and nine counts of voyeurism involving the covert recording of people as they did private acts. In December, Chan appeared at Wood Green Crown Court to plead guilty to the first 26 charges he faced five charges of sexual assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, 11 charges of taking indecent images of children, and six counts of making indecent images of children. Police had recovered video evidence of Chan sexually abusing four young girls at the nursery. After the hearing, parents of children who went to the Bright Horizons nursery issued a statement saying: We feel that Bright Horizons has failed us. How was someone like Vincent Chan employed? Why did safeguarding systems fail completely? And how were such horrific crimes against children able to continue for so long without the staff responsible for safeguarding at Bright Horizons nursery acting? We are concerned that failures in management and supervision at Bright Horizons allowed this abuse to go undetected, and we are committed to securing accountability for our children. On Thursday, lawyers at Leigh Day, who are representing some of the parents, said they were sickened to learn of Chans further offending prior to his time at Bright Horizons Finchley Road. These further allegations raise deeply troubling questions about how safeguarding systems could have failed so badly that someone actively offending was able to secure employment as a nursery worker and offend without intervention for a number of years. Bright Horizons said in a statement in December that it was shocked and appalled at the crimes, and has commissioned an expert review of its safeguarding practices. The families of 700 children who attended the nursery during the time Chan worked there, between 2017 and 2024, have been contacted and are receiving specialist support. A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up for anyone affected by Chans offending, on 0800 028 0828, which operates from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-6pm on weekends. Anyone who wants to make a report to police about Chan can contact OpLanark@met.police.uk, or call 101 from within the UK, quoting the reference CAD3697/1DEC. Chan, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, north London, remains in custody ahead of sentencing next month. The mere smell of predators such as lynx is enough to reduce the amount of time deer spend browsing on young trees, a study has found. The researchers said their findings highlight the importance of large predators in landscapes, and show how they and even just their scent could help reduce browsing from overabundant deer populations and support the recovery of forests. The findings come as conservationists explore the possibility of reintroducing lynx into Britain, from where they vanished 800 years ago, to help tackle problems caused by too many deer hindering woodland regeneration, boost forest ecosystems and reverse declines in nature. Reintroducing lynx could help control deer populations (PA) A recent assessment has found the cats could thrive if released in Northumberland, and 72% of people in the project area supported a potential lynx reintroduction though some people have raised concerns about the impact on livestock such as sheep. And rewilding charities have recently launched a consultation about a reintroduction to the Scottish Highlands, although the Scottish government has said it does not intend to allow the return of large carnivores in the foreseeable future. The new study, published in the British Ecological Societys Journal of Applied Ecology, applied lynx and wolf urine and scat, along with cow scent and water as a control, to separate plots of saplings in 11 locations in forest in south-eastern Germany where wolves and lynx have been reintroduced. They then used camera traps to record the reaction of red and roe deer in the woodlands, and monitored the saplings they had planted in each plot for browsing damage. A red deer stag stands amongst the grassland in Bushy Park (PA) The study found deer visited less and spent less time browsing in the plots with predator scents, particularly the smell of lynx, leading to less damage to the saplings planted there. The researchers, from the University of Freiburg, found that the deer showed a stronger response to the scent of lynx than wolves, likely because the cats are ambush predators that tend to stalk their prey from close range. They also added that wolves were still establishing themselves in the area when the study was taking place, but the deer had more experience of lynx as predators. While the experiment took place in forests where lynx and wolves have been reintroduced, the researchers said they would expect similar but weaker effects on deer in places such as the UK where the predators had long been absent. Lynx have been reintroduced in German forests (PA) One of the lead researchers, Walter Di Nicola said: At a time when debates around large carnivore conservation often focus on conflicts, our study highlights the benefits these species bring to landscapes. The presence of carnivores, even just their scent, could help reduce the ecological and economic problems associated with browsing from overabundant deer populations. And he said: In the UK we would expect similar but probably weaker effects. Deer still have some innate fear of predators, even if those predators have been absent for generations. Where predators return, we expect these responses and their ecological benefits to become stronger over time. The researchers said that by simulating a landscape of fear, the study showed how the risk of predation by lynx could alter deer behaviour and reduce browsing pressure. The reintroduction of lynx, which prey primarily on deer, would also directly reduce the number of herbivores eating saplings, they added. So conservation strategies that introduce large carnivores into forests could offer a natural, low-intervention solution to tackling the problem of over-browsing woodlands by deer, they said. The European Union has announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, over Tehrans deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Six Iranian organisations, including bodies responsible for monitoring online content in Iran, were also included on the sanctions list. The decision by the 27-nation bloc marks the latest Western response over the violence which activists say has killed more than 6,300 people. The measures add to international pressure on the Islamic Republic as it faced US threats to potentially launch a military strike against it. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier has moved to the area (US Navy via AP) America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. Iran has kept up its own threats as well, saying it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Middle East, including American military bases and Israel. It remains unclear what President Trump will decide about using force, though he has threatened to use it in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. At least 6,373 people have been killed in the protests, activists said. But the move by Europe will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to one dollar on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticising Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the blocs 27 nations. That has at times hindered Brussels ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks to the media (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) France had objected to listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions, which provide some of the few communication channels between the Islamic Republic and Europe and its allies. However, the office of President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday signalled that Paris backed the decision. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing would be a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organisation is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties, she said. But they havent cut diplomatic ties and they wont. The European Union has listed Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation in the aftermath of Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the blocs top diplomat said. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said that foreign ministers unanimously agreed on the designation. She said that any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise. The listing came after the 27-nation bloc announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard. 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 Six Iranian organisations, including bodies responsible for monitoring online content in Iran, were also included on the sanctions list. The decision by the 27-nation bloc marks the latest Western response over the violence which activists say has killed more than 6,300 people. The measures add to international pressure on the Islamic Republic as it faced US threats to potentially launch a military strike against it. America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. Iran has kept up its own threats as well, saying it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Middle East, including American military bases and Israel. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier has moved to the area (US Navy via AP) It remains unclear what President Trump will decide about using force, though he has threatened to use it in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. At least 6,373 people have been killed in the protests, activists said. But the move by Europe will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to one dollar on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticising Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the blocs 27 nations. That has at times hindered Brussels ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks to the media (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) France had objected to listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions, which provide some of the few communication channels between the Islamic Republic and Europe and its allies. However, the office of President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday signalled that Paris backed the decision. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing would be a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organisation is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties, she said. But they havent cut diplomatic ties and they wont. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight, authorities said on Thursday. The incident came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow is building up for another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks at the weekend. The Zaporizhzhia strike caused a major blaze in an apartment building, according to emergency services. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Mr Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he added. Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 600-mile front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting almost four years after Russia launched its devastating all-out invasion of Ukraine. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach two million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since the Second World War, according to an international think tank report published on Tuesday. Russia launched more than 6,000 drones at Ukraine over the past month alone, according to Ukraines defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Russia is constantly improving its drones and its tactics, he said late on Wednesday, prompting Ukraine to shift its air defence strategy, though he gave no details of the changes. President Donald Trump said he has spoken to Vladimir Putin (Evan Vucci/AP) US President Donald Trump said he has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin not to target the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv for one week as the region experiences freezing temperatures. The call for a pause in attacks on Ukraines capital comes as Russia has been pounding the countrys critical infrastructure, leaving many without heat in the middle of winter. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this extraordinary cold, Mr Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. He added that Mr Putin has agreed to that but there was no confirmation from Russia. The Republican president added that he was pleased that Mr Putin has agreed to the pause. Kyiv is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting on Friday that is expected to last into next week. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that, Mr Trump said of his request to Mr Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow is planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks at the weekend. The Zaporizhzhia strike caused a major blaze in an apartment building, according to emergency services. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Mr Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late on Wednesday. Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 600-mile front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting almost four years after Russia launched its devastating all-out invasion. Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said that his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Starlink is a global internet network that relies on around 10,000 satellites orbiting Earth. Mr Fedorov thanked Mr Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Musk and SpaceX have sought to steer a delicate course in the war. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Russia (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) Ms Shotwell said a year after the invasion that SpaceX was happy to provide Ukrainians with connectivity and help them in their fight for freedom. At the same time, the company sought to restrict Ukraines use of Starlink for military purposes, she said. The Russian drone attacks on Ukraines electricity network are denying people heating, light and running water during the coldest winter in years, and the hardship is set to get worse. Severe frost is expected to hit Ukraine in early February, with temperatures in some areas dropping to minus 30C, the State Emergency Service warned. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling on Thursday in Brussels for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Company winds down majority of off-price operations as it centers go-forward strategy on luxury customers, brand partners and full-price selling to drive sustainable, profitable growth Select Saks OFF 5TH stores will remain open to serve primarily as a selling channel for residual inventory from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Saks Global Enterprises LLC ("Saks Global" or the "Company"), a leading luxury retail company, today announced strategic actions to wind down the majority of its off-price operations, sharpening its focus on luxury retail and full-price selling across its iconic portfolio. These actions are part of the Company's ongoing evaluation of its operational footprint to ensure it remains well positioned to invest in areas that present the greatest opportunities for sustainable, profitable growth for its luxury retail brands and partners. Optimizing the Saks OFF 5TH and Last Call Store Footprint Following a thorough review of its off-price business, Saks Global made the decision to close the majority of its Saks OFF 5TH retail locations and the remaining Last Call stores. A full list of closing locations and updates to customer programs can be found here . Subject to certain approvals in the chapter 11 process, the Company will commence closing sales at certain Saks OFF 5TH stores and all remaining Last Call stores beginning Saturday, January 31. To support the Company's go-forward business, select Saks OFF 5TH stores will remain open to serve primarily as a selling channel for residual inventory from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. As such, Saks Global will move away from purchasing merchandise directly for Saks OFF 5TH. Winding Down Saks OFF 5TH Online In addition, saksoff5th.com , which is a separate legal entity from Saks Global, has determined that it will commence a wind-down of its operations, with an online closing sale beginning Friday, January 30. Customers are encouraged to shop early for their favorite brands while merchandise selection is best. During the closing sales, the Saks OFF 5TH ecommerce and brick-and-mortar businesses maintain the flexibility to pivot to alternative transactions, should any emerge. "As we advance on Saks Global's transformation, we are taking decisive steps to realign our business to better serve our luxury customers and drive full-price selling across our core luxury businesses," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer of Saks Global. "With these actions, we will be well positioned to seize the greatest opportunities for long-term growth and value creation. We sincerely thank our Saks OFF 5TH and Last Call colleagues for the important role they have played in serving our loyal customers." The Company continues to access the initial tranche of $500 million of $1.75 billion in committed capital to support operations and transformation initiatives across its portfolio, including facilitating go-forward payments to brand partners and the acceleration of inventory flow across its full-price retail brands. Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores and ecommerce experiences are open and serving customers as usual. Advisors Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Haynes and Boone, LLP are serving as legal counsel, PJT Partners LP is serving as investment banker, Berkeley Research Group is serving as financial advisor, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to Saks Global. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is serving as legal counsel and Accordion Partners is serving as financial advisor to saksoff5th.com. Saks Global and saksoff5th.com have engaged Great American to strategically assist with inventory management throughout the closing sales of saksoff5th.com as well as Saks OFF 5TH and Last Call stores. About Saks Global Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail. Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. For more information, visit SaksGlobal.com and follow Saks Global on LinkedIn. SOURCE Saks Global If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. School Committee member Ciara Batory asked that the body review the fully redacted report before it's released, to make sure that there is enough to present to the public. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that some of the brightest lights of artificial intelligence technology had published a joint statement declaring that the devices they build may one day pose an existential threat to humanity and should be considered a societal risk on par with pandemics and nuclear wars. Thats some warning label. Every blood unit donated at the Blood Donor Center at Berkshire Medical Center or through the Bloodmobile stays right here in Berkshire County. Weve written a lot about the bridges of Berkshire County in recent years, and its rarely been good news. So we were heartened to hear that Gov. Maura Healey is reviving the states Accelerated Bridge Program. The ABP is a proven mechanism of infrastructure improvement. Its rollout in 2008 was intended to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges across the commonwealth to below 450 and it did just that. Over the course of 10 years with seed funding of $3 billion, Massachusetts beat back a sizable backlog of bridge projects. It was an exemplary model of a state program that did exactly what it set out to do and created thousands of good jobs in the process (1,372 in Berkshire County alone). But in 2018, the state stopped topping up the funding for the program. Predictably, much of its progress was eroded. Massachusetts number of structurally deficient bridges is now well above the 450 mark once again and thats according to Department of Transportation data from 2024. The catalogue of crumbling connectors is almost certainly worse now, as more and more Berkshire communities beset by busted bridges can confirm. Thats why weve been endorsing the ABPs revival for more than a year, and were glad the governor has listened to the many Massachusetts communities that need some help with critical community infrastructure. Key to this effort is the first word in the programs name: accelerated. The bigger a backlog, the longer the delay before broken bridges are fixed. The more years a project must wait, the costlier it becomes over time. That means millions more in taxpayer dollars thrown at repairs that could have been made for a fraction of the price were projects addressed in timelier fashion. Then there is the incalculable cost to residents affected by long-term bridge outages, from commerce and commutes to property prices and emergency response time. Perhaps the starkest example of this pernicious cycle and the frustration it produces can be found in Great Barrington. In that small South County town, the approximately 150-foot Brookside Bridge is estimated to take $50 million and five years. Its tough to say which number is more eye-watering the eight-figure price tag or the 60-month waiting period. And thats not even the only bridge out in Great Barrington. So, if the state is going to pitch in with funding for small-town bridge repairs a helping hand we welcome, given the rural infrastructure woes overlooked by Beacon Hill for decades it behooves everyone to move quickly. A revitalized Accelerated Bridge Program is the first real shot of optimism for that prospect in far too long in fact, probably since the last time the ABP was active in 2018. When Gov. Healey announced the programs revival in her state of the commonwealth address last week, she said the endeavor will be seeded with $8 billion in funding from the Legislatures 10-year transportation investment plan, adding that 27 bridges in Western Massachusetts are on the targeted repair list. While its not yet known exactly which structures are on that list, were hopeful that at least a handful of struggling Berkshire bridges are prioritized for repair. We also hope that this time around state leaders keep the program funded to not only meet the previous goal of reducing the number of structurally deficient bridges but to support ever crucial preventive maintenance. We realize allocating funds is easier said than done, but the advantage of accelerating repairs is preventing more costly ones in the future. Given the number of bridges across the commonwealth and the cost multiplier of big delays, think of this as an investment in critical community infrastructure that could potentially save Massachusetts billions in the long run which is why letting ABP funding lapse in the first place was penny wise and pound foolish. Rep. Leigh Davis pushes to revive bridge repair program amid Berkshire infrastructure woes A program that quickly fixed hundreds of bridges before running out of money could restart if state Rep. Leigh Davis gets her way. The governors attention to this matter is welcome, though of course the Beacon Hill spotlight was only thrown on this issue because of tireless regional advocates who for years have highlighted infrastructure struggles in Berkshire County and other rural corners of Western Massachusetts. While those advocates are too many to name here, one voice deserving particular praise is Rep. Leigh Davis, a former Great Barrington municipal official who prioritized the push for a renewed Accelerated Bridge Program in her first term representing the 3rd Berkshire District. We give credit to Rep. Davis for forwarding an issue clearly germane to her hometown and districts quality of life, and as a result, we finally have some good news about bridges to report in Berkshire County. Letter: How did we get to this crisis point? NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP announces that it is investigating RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) on behalf of the company's shareholders. The investigation seeks to determine whether RingCentral's directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with recent corporate actions. If you are a shareholder of RingCentral, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information about your rights and options, please visit us at: https://pjlfirm.com/ringcentral-inc/ You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation. Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP Our brains are designed to focus on something. The Scripture gives us the greatest aim of our attention: Set your mind on things above. We all find something to focus on. Whether an idea, a person, or a cause, the human heart aligns with some purposeeven simply a desire for momentary comfort or pleasure. Or perhaps we are just trying to get through the day and survive. God calls us to something higher, more enduring. He tells us to set our mindsthoughts, attention, and desireson what is above. But what are those things above? How do we set our minds there? Where Does the Bible Say to Set Your Mind on Things Above? The appeal to set your mind on things above appears in the book of Colossians. The Apostle Paul urges believers to anchor their thoughts and aspirations in heavenly realms. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1) In these powerful words, Paul shows one of Christian spiritualitys fundamental principles: intentionally orienting ones thoughts and focus toward heavenly, eternal realities rather than being consumed by temporal, earthly concerns. This statement comes within Pauls broader teachings in Colossians about the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. The apostle underscores the Christian lifes transformative nature. He emphasizes that having been raised with Christ, believers should actively seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The instruction to set your minds on things that are above is a clarion call to a higher perspective. This spiritual mindset transcends earths immediate challenges and fleeting pleasures. It encourages believers to align their thoughts with Gods eternal purposesto focus on the heavenly realms values, priorities, and truths. What Does It Mean to Set Our Minds on Things Above? Pauls choice of words is deliberate. The verb set implies an intentional and continuous action. It involves consciously orienting ones thoughts, affections, and priorities toward the heavenly realm. This is not a passive suggestion but an active engagement. The juxtaposition with not on things that are on earth highlights the two realms contrasting natures. While valid and necessary in context, earthly concerns should not dominate believers mindsets. Instead, the believer is encouraged to view earthly matters through the lens of eternity. They should bring heavenly values and principles to bear on their daily lives. This biblical admonition remains timeless and relevant. In a world filled by temporal pursuits and material preoccupations, Pauls words invite believers to cultivate a heavenly mindset. The shifted mindset will change attitudes, perspectives, and how believers respond to lifes challenges and opportunities. Who Is Paul Addressing When He Says Set Your Mind on Things Above? As mentioned earlier, Pauls instruction to set our minds on things above comes in his letter to Christians in Colossae. Colossae was an ancient city located in the Lycus River Valley in what is now Turkey. It was part of a strategic trio of cities (Laodicea and Hierapolis were the other two) on trade routes connecting the Mediterranean to the East. Colossae was a thriving city in its prime, known for its commerce and trade. However, it seems to have declined by the time of Pauls letter compared to the other two cities. Like many cities in the Roman Empire, Colossae had a diverse population. The city was influenced by Greek, Roman, and (thanks to its crossroads location) even Eastern cultures. The diverse milieu influenced the citys religious and philosophical landscape. Colossaes diverse Christian congregation faced challenges from many influences, including false teachers and pagan philosophers seeking to undermine the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Paul wrote his letter from prison to help the Colossian Christians face these challenges. He recognizes their shared commitment to the gospel and their identity as members of the body of Christ. He acknowledges their (internal and external) struggles. He seeks to equip them with spiritual principles to fortify their faith and guard against false teachings. Like all believers, the Colossians lived in a world that bombarded them with earthly concerns, distractions, and competing worldviews. Pauls exhortation to set your mind on things above is a strategic countermeasure. He gives them a spiritual discipline guarding them from getting trapped by the temporal and transient. Does Set Your Mind on Things Above Mean We Only Think about Religious Things? The exhortation to set your mind on things above does not mean to focus on religious matters alone. Instead, Pauls direction points to a holistic approach to life: he urges believers to cultivate a mindset beyond religious rituals. A mindset permeating every aspect of their existence. My spiritual mentor, Larry Trammell, called this the eternal perspective. Others may use this term, but he considered the eternal perspective the primary lens to view all of life. From this verse and other passages, he taught me the crucial importance of having this eternal perspective in every areafamily, marriage, work, career, community, education, and more. Pauls message of eternal perspective encourages a transformative focus influencing all of life. His direction means Christians must reorient their mindsets toward the heavenly realms values and priorities. It involves acknowledging Gods sovereignty in every facet of life. It means recognizing His lordship over all creation, not just religious activities. What Are the Things Above We Should Set Our Minds On? It is tempting to relegate following God to religious moments and adopt a secular mindset for other areas of life. Pauls call to set ones mind on things above challenges believers to avoid compartmentalizing. It urges believers to view their entire existence through their relationship with God. Practically, this means that the heavenly realms principles should influence every area of a believers life. These principles include: Love. Justice. Compassion. Righteousness. It transcends a narrow understanding of religious devotion. It infuses love and truth into everyday interactions. For example, setting ones mind on things above in the workplace might involve approaching tasks with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to excellence. In relationships, it could mean embodying the principles of forgiveness, humility, and selflessness. While prayer, worship, and study of religious texts remain crucial components of a believers life, the call to set your mind on things above extends an invitation to infuse divine principles into every thought, decision, and action. It challenges believers to embody the teachings of Jesus in the marketplace, the home, the community, and all other spheres of life. How Can You Set Your Mind on Things Above Today? Setting your mind on things above, or the eternal perspective, is not a lofty, unattainable ideal but a practical and transformative endeavor that can be pursued in your everyday life. Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines. Practically, every spiritual discipline from the Scripture engages in what is unseen. Prayer talks about God. Worship praises a God we cant see with our eyes. Gathering with other believers declares we all have the same Father, God. Allocate time for intentional conversations with God, fostering a connection with the divine. Engage in regular study of the Bible to deepen your understanding of heavenly principles. Cultivate a Gratitude Practice. Develop a habit of gratitude, acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in your life. This practice shifts your focus from earthly concerns to recognizing Gods goodness, fostering a mindset aligned with heavenly principles. Filter Your Thoughts. The Scripture also tells us the Spirit has empowered us to tear down ideas and imaginations that come against the knowledge of God. Actively monitor your thought patterns. When negative or unwholesome thoughts arise, intentionally replace them with thoughts that align with biblical truths. Focus on virtues such as love, kindness, and humility, redirecting your mind towards heavenly values. Engage in Worship. The largest book in the Bible is Psalms, and not by accident. Praising God sharpens our eternal perspective. Create spaces (whether through music, prayer, or reflection time) where you express adoration and awe for God. This practice elevates your mindset, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and intimacy with the divine. Seek Divine Guidance in Decision-Making. Before making decisions, big or small, seek guidance through prayer. Acknowledge Gods wisdom and sovereignty, inviting His direction in your choices. Ask him what he is after in the situation. This practice ensures that your decisions align with heavenly principles. Practice Compassion. Extend compassion and kindness to others in your daily interactions. Emulate the love Christ exemplifies. Demonstrate understanding, empathy, and generosity. By prioritizing others well-being, we embody heavenly values. Set Eternal Priorities. We live what is most important to us. How does your life reflect eternal priorities? Evaluate your goals and priorities in light of heaven. While earthly ambitions are valid, ensure they align with heavenly values. This perspective helps you navigate life with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in Gods kingdom. Serve Others Selflessly. Engage in acts of service without expecting reciprocation. Selfless service mirrors Christs sacrificial love and redirects your focus from personal gain to the well-being of others, embodying the selflessness inherent in heavenly principles. Embrace a Teachable Spirit. Nobody knows everything. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to learning. Recognize that setting your mind on things above involves continuous growth and transformation. Be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom in Gods Word. Community Involvement. We need one another. One part of Christs body cant say to the other, I dont need you. Regular gathering with other disciples clarifies the eternal perspective. Connect with a community of believers for mutual support and encouragement. Engaging with fellow Christians provides accountability and shared experiences, fostering an environment where setting minds on things above becomes a communal journey. Photo Credit: Getty Images/m-gucci Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy-to-read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. We hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in your life today. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH, the premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques worldwide, is preparing for the 53rd annual conference taking place July 2026. This volunteer-driven event is home to a community of computer graphics innovators, all of whom champion inspiration, new experiences, and transformative technology. As the annual gathering for building community and expanding connections in the computer graphics industry, SIGGRAPH 2026 will unite passionate technical and creative minds looking to advance innovation and to have a direct impact on real-world applications. For the first time since 2023, the conference returns to Los Angeles this year, 1923 July. SIGGRAPH 2026 is now accepting submissions for many of the conference's key programs, with the next major deadline closing 10 February. SIGGRAPH 2026 invites researchers, creators, and enthusiasts from academia, industry, or beyond to contribute their discoveries and innovations. "SIGGRAPH 2026 is a powerful reminder of how computer graphics technologies drive innovation across a vast range of fields," Conference Chair Chris Redmann says. "We are seeing breakthroughs transform everything from robotics and astronomy to architecture, film, and gaming. What excites me most this year is the sense of connection. The most significant progress often occurs when a solution in one discipline sparks a revolution in another, and I can't wait to see how the research debuting here will bring our global community even closer together." As a cross-community exchange of knowledge and excellence, SIGGRAPH is particularly interested in examining current and emerging topics like physical AI, robotics, computer vision, gaming, and technical content. Two of the conference's core research programs Art Papers and Technical Papers frequently cover advancements in these spaces. Both programs recently achieved an impressive number of submissions, with 204 contributions to Art Papers and 1,124 submissions to Technical Papers. In the conference's 53 years, these submissions stats are setting new records for the programs. With creative industry jobs in LA County making up 8% of California's workforce, SIGGRAPH's return to this frequent host city is an exciting occasion for researchers and creatives alike to transcend the boundaries of computer graphics. Of SIGGRAPH's more than 20 conference programs, many are open for submission. Opportunities include contributing to SIGGRAPH's leading immersive and interactive programs like Real-Time Live!, Emerging Technologies, or the Immersive Pavilion. As SIGGRAPH 2026 finds its home in Hollywood, Production Sessions and the Computer Animation Festival, an Academy Award Qualifying Festival, are seeking the cutting-edge stories told both behind the scenes and on the screen. After the launch of two new programs at SIGGRAPH 2025, the conference is excited to welcome back Spatial Storytelling and Technical Workshops, where creators and researchers are invited to share how stories unfold across extended reality and engage in advanced discussions, respectively. More details about the conference experience, including the program and registration details, will be available in the months leading up to SIGGRAPH 2026. In the spirit of sparking fresh connections and collaborations, SIGGRAPH is already looking ahead to 2028. ACM SIGGRAPH has appointed Diana Arellano of the Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg as SIGGRAPH 2028 Conference Chair. A longtime volunteer for both ACM SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH conferences, Arellano will lead the 55th conference, taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, 30 July3 August 2028. Arellano will follow SIGGRAPH 2027 Conference Chair Kristy Pron and the Anaheim, California, event, 812 August 2027. For now, build upon a 53-year legacy in enhancing computer graphics' impact by submitting to SIGGRAPH 2026. About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2026 ACM , the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2026, the 53rd annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 1923 July at the Los Angeles Convention Center. SOURCE SIGGRAPH 2026 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 Leading fence franchise enters its first international market JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior Fence & Rail , North America's leading fence franchise and part of the Empower Brands family, announced today its expansion into Canada, marking the brand's first international market and opening franchise opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario. The move comes as demand continues to rise for outdoor living and property improvement solutions throughout Canada. With a proven business model and rapid growth across the U.S. since it began franchising in 2017, Superior Fence & Rail is now seeking qualified owners to establish its presence in one of North America's most active residential and commercial construction markets. "Entering the Canadian market is a significant step forward for Superior Fence & Rail and for our long-term growth as a brand," said Zach Peyton, Brand President and Founder of Superior Fence & Rail. "Toronto is a dynamic, high-demand market, and we see a tremendous opportunity to bring our experience, infrastructure and customer-first approach to business owners looking to build something meaningful and sustainable." Superior Fence & Rail has grown to become the largest fencing company in the United States by combining strong purchasing power, comprehensive training and proprietary technology that supports sales and customer management. Franchise owners benefit from in-depth operational and business training, allowing individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds to successfully own and operate a location without prior fencing experience. "Superior Fence & Rail's expansion into Canada is a natural evolution in furthering the positive impact of what we've built in the U.S.," said R. Scott Sutton, Chief Development Officer of Empower Brands. "With the support of Empower Brands and our internal systems, we're eager to provide more franchise owners beyond domestic borders with the tools, training and purchasing power needed to compete in the booming fencing industry from day one." The brand's Canadian expansion will initially focus on the Toronto area, with additional opportunities expected throughout Ontario as development continues. Superior Fence & Rail encourages entrepreneurs and skilled trades professionals to explore franchise ownership opportunities. For more information on available territories, visit fencefranchise.superiorfenceandrail.com . About Superior Fence & Rail Superior Fence & Rail is North America's leading fence franchise and is part of the Empower Brands family of franchises. With more than 250 locations operating across over 45 states, the brand delivers first-class service and high-quality fencing solutions to residential and commercial customers. Superior Fence & Rail offers franchise opportunities across the United States and Canada, supporting owners through comprehensive training, proprietary systems and national purchasing power. Learn more about Superior Fence & Rail at superiorfenceandrail.com or fencefranchise.superiorfenceandrail.com . SOURCE Superior Fence & Rail While there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of GPs, the State is "treading water" when it comes to shortages as the population has increased by nine per cent, according to the medical director of the Irish College of GPs (ICGP). In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, ICGP medical director Dr Diarmuid Quinlan said: "We have made a lot of progress. Where previously I would have referred to it as a crisis, I would probably use less urgent terms now, but we still have a significant shortage in the GP workforce." There are currently 4,650 GPs in the State, up from 4,200 in 2019, but Dr Quinlan estimates a need for 6,500 or more GPs in Ireland due to current demand and population growth. "What we need is more GPs. In 2022, we had 4,200 GPs; this year we have 4,650. It's up about 450, which is great, very welcome, so the GP workforce is up about 10 per cent. However, in that time, the population has risen by 9 per cent. Advertisement "So we are just about treading water. In comparison, the hospital doctor workforce in that time has increased by almost 40 per cent. "What do we need? We need well north of 6,000/6,500 GPs." He added: "We also need to double our GP nurse numbers; there are currently about 2,200, we need to double that because they do a huge amount of work in terms of preventative illness." Dr Quinlan explained that population growth is a key factor in the need for additional GPs. With the population now standing at around 5.2 million, it is expected to hit 5.5 million by 2030. "That might sound like a small jump, but that's 300,000 extra patients, which will require another 300 GPs," he said. Ageing population Dr Quinlan said Ireland's ageing population also brings demand for GP services. "People aged 65 and over are the main consumers of our healthcare at a national level. In 2019, there were 720,000 people in this age group; by the end of 2024 that was up to 830,000. The HSE and the Department of Health expect that by 2030 we will have in excess of 1 million people over the age of 65. "We now have the longest life expectancy of any country in the EU. This is a real testament to all the stakeholders in improving the healthcare of older people." He added: "With that comes additional needs for healthcare. As we age, we all accumulate illnesses. People aged between 45 and 65, 30 per cent of them have two chronic diseases, mostly heart disease and lung disease like COPD. "People aged 65 to 84, two-thirds of them have three or more diseases, heart, lung, and bone issues. In people aged 85 and over, 85 per cent have four or more chronic diseases. Heart, lung, bones, but also dementia and chronic kidney disease are common in this age group. Advertisement "People accumulate illnesses and then are on lots of medicines. "In people aged over 65, five per cent of them are on 15 or more medicines, and two per cent of them are on 10 or more medicines, so that's a lot of medicine... a lot of work for doctors. "What is also really important is that 10 per cent of all emergency admissions in hospitals are related to adverse drug events, and about half are avoidable. There is scope to improve outcomes for patients and also reduce emergency, unscheduled hospital attendance. "The mean length of stay for patients hospitalised due to adverse drug events is 11 days." Money spent on training GPs in Ireland is money well spent. Dr Quinlan said the GP workforce is also ageing. "Data shows we have around 600 GPs aged 65 or over. "Three hundred of these were aged 65 to 69, and 300 GPs are still working aged 70+, so it's not unreasonable to assume in the lifetime of this government, by 2030, that cohort aged 65 and up will largely have retired. "We don't just have an expanding population; we have a significant number of GPs retiring. Covid has not gone away, so we are still doing tens of thousands of Covid vaccines. We are still seeing people with acute Covd, assessing people with long Covid. "There has also been a GMS [General Medical Services] expansion. We know that when medical cards were introduced for children under the age of six, the consultation rate for that age group increased by 30 per cent. This is not criticising the children or the parents at all, their consultation rate came up to the NHS and European norm for children in that age group. So that's wonderful, and clearly cost was a barrier. Advertisement "But there are implications of people consulting their GP more when you have a limited GP workforce." Dr Quinlan said the ICGP is working closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to "substantially increase our GP training". He pointed to the 2015 figure of 155 trainee GPs, while there were 350 trainees in 2024. "We were meant to reach 350 by 2026, but we got there earlier with the support and encouragement of the Government, Department of Health and HSE, two years earlier, so that is very good. "We do know that the vast majority of people who complete their GP training not only do they stay in Ireland, but the majority stay in the area where they did their training. "A small number, probably 5-10 per cent, emigrate, often for personal reasons. "Money spent on training GPs in Ireland is money well spent, so we need to support GP training." In terms of addressing the GP shortage in rural areas, Dr Quinlan pointed to the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. This is a collaborative initiative between the ICGP, the HSE, and GP indemnity organisations. It aims to address the severe shortage of GPs in rural Ireland by identifying, supporting, and integrating experienced non-EU doctors into rural practices. ICGP medical director Dr Diarmuid Quinlan. "To date, we've had about 170 people on the programme. If you look at the uplift of GP numbers, this is an important part of the jigsaw. "The first cohort have graudated and have taken up posts in rural areas. "It's a bonus for rural communities to have these highly skilled GPs." Advertisement Dr Quinlan called for additional support for infrastructure, both in terms of buildings and computer systems, to boost the number of GP practices in rural areas and to help existing practices which are "bursting at the seams". "We need to look at the rural population. There are fewer GPs per head of population, while the patients are generally older with more chronic diseases. Rural practices need particular supports and incentives to attract GPs to come, and this is a global phenomenon." Dr Quinlan also said he would like to see medical students spending more time learning in GP practices and about the work they do in communities. "UL has about 25 per cent of its curriculum in general practice, Ulster University has over 30 per cent. "In week one, medical students are out in GP practices, being exposed to it and seeing what a wonderful career it is. "In Ireland, some of the medical schools see the GP component of the curriculum being less than 10 per cent. The medical schools need to be resourced to have students in general practice to show them what a fabulous career it is." There are patients who simply cannot get a GP, and that is why we are working so hard with the HSE and the Department of Health to expand the GP workforce. While we are all familiar with stories about people not being able to get access to GP care, Dr Quinlan stressed that GPs are doing everything they can to address this while carrying out 29 million routine consultations per year. "There are patients who simply cannot get a GP, and that is why we are working so hard with the HSE and the Department of Health to expand the GP workforce. "We do know that most GP practices treat some urgent illnesses. GP and GP nurses between us see in excess of 29 million routine consultations a year and 1.5 million GP out-of-hours consultations. "The data clearly shows that in excess of 500,000 people per week are seen by a GP or GP nurse. We regret that there are people who can't be seen, and we're working to address it. However, over 500,000 people are seen by their GP or GP nurse every week. "We do well in excess of 80 per cent of the patient consultations in Ireland. We are the bedrock of the health service. "We need to specifically look at the challenges facing doctors and rural communities. "Commercial propertly in rural towns can be eye-wateringly expensive, so it's difficult for younger GPs to establish a practice or existing GPs to expand their practice." Irish agriculture officials are engaging with their Chinese counterparts to calm concerns over the bluetongue virus. China has suspended imports of Irish beef after 11 cases of the virus were confirmed in cattle in Co Wexford this week. Just this month, China agreed to lift its previous ban on Irish beef following a visit by Taoiseach Micheal Martin. On January 22nd, post-slaughter sampling found a culled suckler cow to be antibody positive for bluetongue. The cow originated from a herd in Wexford, according to the Irish Examiner. The bluetongue virus has now been detected in three additional herds in Wexford, all of which are located near the initial herd where the virus was detected. In the initial herd, there have been a total of seven cattle identified who have tested positive for the disease. Advertisement Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said there is no threat to human health and there were no food safety concerns about the discovery of bluetongue in 11 animals in four herds which has led China to suspend imports of Irish beef. This is a production disease, there is no human health, no food safety concerns at all, but it does have implications for trade, particularly trade of live animals, he told Newstalk Breakfast. With countries outside of Europe, it doesn't have any implications on trade of meat or dairy produce and it has very little impact on trade with Europe, but beyond Europe to third countries, every country can set its own requirements in a trade certificate with us, so countries like China have protocols where we notify them this is a notifiable disease and then as a standard procedure they cease importation of that produce and we will engage we will give them the full epidemiological breakdown we have massive traceability of our animals. We've seen it in the past when access has been broken and interrupted with China. Ultimately the timing is on their side. We engage with the General Administration of Customs in China called the GAC and they are the competent authority there. Officials from my department are regularly dealing with them and our officials in our embassy in Beijing, we were working on the protocol. "We were working on that cert as we worked on other certs being revised in recent years identifying the fact that bluetongue and other diseases are more prevalent now and likely to come and don't have a food safety or an impact from that regard so we'll continue to engage with them but ultimately the final decision will be down to them. Mr Heydon said that while the result was disappointing, it was not surprising as the virus was rampant across England, Wales, and all of Europe. So we were monitoring wind patterns last year during the very warm weather to see when the wind pattern might blow the midge activity from France and from Wales and beyond. Residents have been warned to prepare for more flooding as further heavy rain is forecast over the bank holiday weekend, according to emergency planners. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. Workers clear damage items from gardens in Riverfield in Aughrim. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Elaine Byrne, who lives in Aughrim, told the Press Association that her whole house became flooded in the space of 20 to 30 minutes. She said she had not experienced such flooding in the area, stating that a local pitch had been turned into a river. Advertisement This was horrendous. Water came in everywhere it was under walls, in through windows. Irish Rail workers clear debris from the line in Enniscorthy (Niall Carson/PA) Asked about the extent of the damage, Ms Byrne said: Everything is gone. Every single thing that we had. Theres one unit in the sitting room, and now the water dripping at the bottom of it and it has to go. The kitchen most things are gone, the legs on the table are starting to swell, the chairs are starting to swell and all the appliances on the ground are gone because it was sewerage water flowed in as well. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran was assessing flood damage after Storm Chandra (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Byrne said theres nothing that can be salvaged as the water level was halfway up the radiators. She has now been advised not to stay in the house which she has lived in for 18 years. It is heartbreaking to see all the things I built up over the years and its gone, she said. Ms Byrne said they had never experienced water flooding into the house before, with only one occasion where water had come close to the front door. She said Mr Moran saw the damage and commiserated with her, but she said the Government had to do something drastic to support affected homeowners. Whats the point in us doing the house up if it happens again. Im afraid to leave the house in case it (happens) again you cant just leave the house filling with water. Elaine Byrne (centre) with her daughters Abbey (left) and Lyndsey, at her flood damaged home in Riverfield in Aughrim (Brian Lawless/PA) Meanwhile, Irelands National Emergency Coordination Group met on Thursday to assess the continued clean-up as a result of Storm Chandra. It said localised flooding will continue to be a risk because of saturated ground conditions and high river levels, with those in the east, north-east and south-east most at risk. Advertisement Mr Moran said he wanted to assure those affected that Government is here to support them. Whatever is to be done will be done to alleviate the problem, he said. Theres an awful lot of rain coming. I cant say where its going to hit, but its going to hit somewhere, and its coming fast. I want to make sure that the communities are ready for that in terms of backup support. Yellow Rainfall Warning Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow & Dublin 00z Thursday to 00z Friday Further heavy rain/showers falling on saturated ground, combined with high river levels may cause further flooding & difficulty travelling https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/8WlgdVZAGs Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 28, 2026 An Emergency Response Payment has been made available to those living in properties directly affected by flooding, while businesses can avail of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme. Earlier, people dealt with serious traffic disruptions because of flooding and debris on road and rail routes. A burst water main in the Fairview area of Dublin added to weather-related commuter disruption in the capital. Subsidence also sent a tree onto the Dart rail route near Portmarnock, closing the service between Portmarnock and Howth Junction for a period. The line, which also affected services to Belfast, has reopened. Heavy winds and torrential rain caused significant disruption across the island of Ireland earlier in the week, including power outages, flight cancellations and 300 school closures in Northern Ireland. The River Slaney burst its banks in Enniscorthy. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Rivers burst their banks, including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin, with fallen trees reported across the island. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. Advertisement The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Another yellow warning for rainfall will come into effect between 9pm on Friday and midnight into Saturday for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. Yellow Rainfall Warning issued Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, & Wicklow 09:00 Friday 30/01/26 to 00:00 Saturday 31/01/26 Localised flooding River flooding Difficult travel conditions Please stay up to date https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/gqz0wDCWyZ Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 29, 2026 A union has reiterated a call for the introduction of climate leave when extreme weather makes it impossible to get to work, as parts of Ireland deal with the clean-up. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work, and four days paid leave to be available if workers have to address needs at their home. The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. They say that workers should be paid as usual for days where work is required to stop because of the weather. Unite also wants a 24C action level, where heat management controls must be put in place, and an absolute maximum of 30C for when work should stop if it cannot be prevented. Yellow weather warning issued Further rain across Northern Ireland falling on already saturated ground Friday 00:00 18:00 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/pdqAax2BbW Met Office (@metoffice) January 28, 2026 Ireland New yellow rain warnings issued for 13 counties Read more In Northern Ireland, further rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground, and the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6 pm on Friday. While the wettest conditions are likely over Antrim and Down, there is potential for many areas to see 10-25mm build up, with 40-60mm over some hills. One of six gunshots fired by an armed garda at George Nkencho which struck him in the back proved fatal, according to the State pathologist who carried out a postmortem on his body. Kathleen Han Suyin told an inquest into the death of Mr Nkencho at Dublin District Coroners Court that one or possibly two of the six gunshots fired by a member of the Garda Armed Support Unit had hit him in the back. Dr Han Suyin said gunshot wounds had caused damage to the deceaseds liver, spleen, lung, and heart. These injuries would have proven rapidly fatal, the pathologist observed. Dr Han Suyin attributed the cause of death to multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk. In reply to questions from coroner, Myra Cullinane, she said the fatal bullet was the one she had identified as striking Mr Nkencho in his back, which caused damage to his heart and lung. Advertisement The pathologist said she could not conclude definitively whether a second gunshot wound to the victims back was where a bullet had entered or exited his body. However, she confirmed it had not hit any of his vital organs. Dr Han Suyin concluded that none of the bullets were fired at close contact but at an intermediate range. However, she clarified that it meant the shots were not fired from a distance of at least 50 centimetres or one step away. Dr Han Suyin said four bullets had caused through and through wounds as they had passed through and exited the deceaseds body three via the chest and one through his left arm. The former State pathologist, who gave evidence via videolink from Brunei, said her examination had found that two of the six bullets fired had remained within the deceaseds body. Mr Nkencho (27) the eldest of five siblings whose family originally come from Nigeria sustained fatal injuries in the incident in the driveway of his family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin on December 30th, 2020. The inquest heard he had carried out an unprovoked assault on a manager at the nearby Eurospar store in Hartstown a short time earlier, as well as threatening staff with a knife. The deceaseds family claim the level of force used against him was disproportionate. However, the DPP directed that no prosecution should arise over the circumstances of Mr Nkenchos death following an investigation by Fiosru, previously known as the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. Advertisement Dt Han Suyin said the victim had also suffered multiple rib fractures as a result of the gunshot wounds. She also found three distinct puncture wounds on Mr Nkencho, which she believed were consistent with prong marks from being tasered. However, she found no evidence of any blistering on the deceaseds face or swelling of his eyes, which might have indicated the effects of pepper spray. The inquest had previously heard that one of the ASU members had attempted to stop Mr Nkencho by deploying pepper spray in his face, but it appeared to have no effect. Toxicology results proved negative for alcohol and drugs. In reply to a question from Dr Cullinane, Dr Han Suyin said it was not possible to determine the sequence in which the six bullet wounds occurred. Asked why the first five gunshots fired at Mr Nkencho appeared to have had no effect, the pathologist said it was a complex situation and depended on which injuries the victim had sustained first. She told counsel for An Garda Siochana, Ronan Kennedy SC, that she found no evidence of any injuries consistent with a forcible kick to Mr Nkenchos back. The inquest had previously heard claims that a member of the ASU had kicked Mr Nkencho in the back while he was on the ground in an effort to take the knife off him. A pathologist who carried out a postmortem on behalf of the Nkencho family, Jack Crane, said he believed the deceased had sustained five or possibly six bullet wounds. Advertisement Professor Crane explained that it was possible that one of the bullets might have passed through both Mr Nkenchos arm and his torso. However, Prof Crane a former State pathologist in Northern Ireland said his findings were not at variance with those of Dr Han Suyin. He said the bullet which passed through Mr Nkenchos heart would have been rapidly fatal but not immediately so. Prof Crane said Mr Nkenchos movement in the short period during which all six bullets were fired could have been a result of a wound from the initial gunshot. He expressed surprise that the deceaseds body and clothes had not been swabbed to test for pepper spray at the original postmortem. The inquest before a jury of five women and four men continues on Thursday afternoon and is expected to conclude on Friday. As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more Hertz Rent a Car has been ordered to pay 10,000 compensation to a blind person after it imposed a 150 valet damage charge due to a car being made excessively dirty with dog hair from the womans guide dog, Django. At the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), Adjudicator Gaye Cunningham has ordered Ryan's Investments Unlimited Company trading as Hertz Rent A Car to pay the 10,000 compensation for the effects of the discrimination suffered by Kim Murphy under the Equal Status Act. As part of her order, Ms Cunningham has ordered the Irish arm of Hertz Rent a Car to offer an apology to blind person, Ms Murphy, for the prohibited conduct that occurred and update its policies for its rental car service, making provision for persons with disabilities, including blind persons who require the carriage of a guide dog in the vehicle. Advertisement Ms Murphy contended she was treated less favourably on the grounds of disability by Hertz Rent a Car (Hertz) when it imposed the 150 valet charge relating to her guide dog. Ms Cunningham found that Hertz discriminated against Ms Murphy with the imposition of the 150 rectification charge, an apparently neutral provision, which she found put Ms Murphy at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons. Ms Cunningham further found that Hertz discriminated against Ms Murphy by failing to provide her with reasonable accommodation to accommodate her needs and that such provision would give rise to only a nominal cost. On April 3rd 2024, Ms Murphys husband, Anthony Murphy, rented a car for himself and his wife from the Dublin branch of Hertz for five days. In her evidence, Ms Murphy said her guide dog Django was a cross Labrador/Retriever who had been with her for eight years. Django was trained by the Irish Guide Dogs, and when travelling in a car, Django would sit in the passenger footwell as he did on the occasion of the rental. Ms Murphy said that it was a wet day when her husband was returning the car, and the man receiving it did say to him that there was superficial soiling on the inside of the car. However, Ms Murphy did not accept that the valet charge of 150 was reasonable, and she queried it in April 2024. Ms Murphy stated that 150 is a significant amount as she has only a pension in respect of her disability. Advertisement Mr Murphy sought a refund from the Dublin Airport branch of Hertz, and in response Hertz told him that in this case the vehicle was required to be sent for extensive cleaning and subsequently was removed from the fleet whilst this was performed. The email read: "Please be assured that we understand your wife's needs for the dog to be in the vehicle and had the vehicle been returned to us in a satisfactory condition, no additional charge would have been levied... In this instance, however, we believe that the condition that the vehicle was returned to us justifies the charge applied." In response to Ms Murphys complaint under the Equal Status Act, Hertz stated that upon inspection of the vehicle it was noted that the car was excessively dirty with dog hair, the floor mats were wet and there was a strong dog odour from the vehicle. Hertz stated that it was only at the end of the conversation that Hertz was told there was a guide/service dog in the vehicle during the rental. Ireland Paddywagon tour operator to pay 7,200 after WRC rules drivers dismissal was unfair Read more Hertz stated that it was not charged simply because the claimant had a guide dog in the vehicle, but due to the condition the car was returned in which would not be rented again until professionally cleaned. In evidence at a WRC hearing at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, Mr B for Hertz accepted the car back from Mr Murphy and stated that his job was to check for damage or problems. He said in this case, the inside of the car was soiled and there was an odour from the dog having been in the car. Hertz stated that the rectification fee is applied universally to any customer where the condition of the vehicle warrants it and is not a bar to accessibility. Non-compliance that impacted the delivery of care and support to residents was identified in nine centres for people with disabilities, according to reports from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Poor governance impacted residents at a centre operated by Lotus Care Limited. Due to the level of safeguarding concerns identified, the chief inspector informed Tusla immediately after inspection, HIQA said. In addition, an urgent action was issued to the provider to address safety concerns over residents medications. Immediate actions were also issued to address food safety concerns, measures to protect residents from infection, and potential risks impacting on residents. Poor governance also impacted residents at a centre operated by Sunbeam House Services CLG. Residents expressed dissatisfaction due to ongoing safeguarding incidents which required better management by the provider. In addition, improvements were required in staffing and meeting residents rights. Advertisement Poor governance impacted upon residents at a centre operated by The Rehab Group. The provider had not mitigated a specific risk for a resident. In addition, improvements were required in residents personal plans, communication, staffing, and oversight of safeguarding. At a centre operated by St John of God Community Services CLG, significant concerns were raised over the use of residents personal finances in an inappropriate manner. At a centre operated by The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, improvements were required in residents contracts, personal plans, and communication needs. A review was required on the impact of some practices upon residents and their rights and in managing their healthcare assessments. Improvements were required in managing risks and safeguarding assessments for residents at a centre operated by Orchard Community Care Limited. At two centres operated by Saint Patrick's Centre (Kilkenny)/trading as Aurora-Enriching Lives, Enriching Communities, improvement was required in the oversight of residents finances. Finally, improvements were required in the management of residents personal plans and staff training at a centre operated by St Hilda's Services. The other 13 centres inspected by HIQA were found to have a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards. These centres were operated by a number of providers including: Praxis Care; Redwood Neurobehavioural Services Unlimited Company; Resilience Healthcare Limited; Saint Patrick's Centre (Kilkenny)/trading as Aurora-Enriching Lives, Enriching Communities; St Aidans Services; St Hilda's Services; St John of God Community Services CLG; St Michael's House; Talbot Care Unlimited Company; The Rehab Group; and Western Care Association. The number of people seeking specialist care at Rotunda following a sexual assault increased by 12 per cent last year. The Dublin hospital's sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) recorded one of its busiest years on record with a total of 443 people seen, accounting for 41 per cent of all SATU attendances nationally. This mirrors the national trend, which saw 2025 as the busiest year ever across the entire SATU network. At Rotunda, the vast majority of those who attended the SATU unit last year identified as female. The ages of those attending ranged from people under the age of 14 to people over the age of 70. Where urgent care was required, the majority were seen within three hours of requesting support, and nearly nine in ten people had the opportunity to speak with a psychological support worker at their first attendance. Advertisement June was identified as the busiest month, with Wednesdays the busiest days of the week. While most incidents occurred overnight and at weekends, the majority of people attended the service during daytime hours. Care pathways included forensic examination with An Garda Siochana, evidence storage, and a health-check option, ensuring people could access medical care and support regardless of whether they chose to engage with the criminal justice system. SATU said that the record level of activity highlights the vital role of the service and the importance of continued investment and support to ensure it can meet growing demand. Professor Maeve Eogan, Clinical Lead for National SATU Services and Consultant at The Rotunda Hospital said: Every person who attends the Rotunda SATU is seeking care, safety and support at an extremely difficult time. "Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that people were seen promptly and supported with dignity and care, but these figures clearly demonstrate the ongoing pressure on specialist services and the need to plan for continued demand. The national SATU network comprises six units nationwide and provides around-the-clock specialist care to people who have experienced sexual violence. The SATU unit at Rotunda provides care regardless of whether individuals choose to report to An Garda Siochana, and it works closely with specialist support services to ensure a holistic response to sexual violence. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. Uisce Eireann is carrying out urgent repair works following a large burst on a major water main in north Dublin, resulting in water outages and low pressure. Fairview Road is closed while Uisce Eireann carries out the repairs at Edges Corner, Fairview Park. Traffic management measures are in place, with gardai on site, while Dublin Fire Brigade is assisting with flooding in the area. Areas currently experiencing water outages include: Bayside, Collins Avenue, Howth Road, Raheny, Clontarf, Artane, Fairview, Kilbarrack, North Strand, Drumcondra. All other locations in north Dublin may be experiencing reduced water pressure. Uisce Eireann said repair works are ongoing and are expected to continue for some time. Keith Conmy with Uisce Eireann said: The repair is being carried out as quickly and as safely as possible. We understand the significant impact this incident is having on households experiencing water outages, as well as the considerable disruption being caused to traffic. Advertisement "This is a complex repair, and we appreciate the patience of customers and morning commuters as we work to restore normal water supply and reopen roads as quickly as possible. Once water is restored, customers may experience temporary discolouration as the network refills. If this occurs, Uisce Eireann recommends running the cold kitchen tap until the water runs clear. Following repair works, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to return to all customers as the network refills, particularly for those on higher ground or at the end of the network. The European Union has announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, over Tehrans deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Six Iranian organisations, including bodies responsible for monitoring online content in Iran, were also included on the sanctions list. The decision by the 27-nation bloc marks the latest Western response over the violence which activists say has killed more than 6,300 people. The measures add to international pressure on the Islamic Republic as it faced US threats to potentially launch a military strike against it. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier has moved to the area (US Navy via AP) America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. Iran has kept up its own threats as well, saying it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Middle East, including American military bases and Israel. Advertisement It remains unclear what President Trump will decide about using force, though he has threatened to use it in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. At least 6,373 people have been killed in the protests, activists said. But the move by Europe will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to one dollar on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticising Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the blocs 27 nations. That has at times hindered Brussels ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks to the media (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) France had objected to listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions, which provide some of the few communication channels between the Islamic Republic and Europe and its allies. However, the office of President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday signalled that Paris backed the decision. Advertisement French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing would be a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organisation is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties, she said. But they havent cut diplomatic ties and they wont. The European Union is set to sanction Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard over Tehrans crackdown on nationwide protests, further squeezing the Islamic Republic as it worries over a threat by Donald Trump to potentially launch a military strike against it. America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. Iran has kept up its own threats as well, saying it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Middle East, including American military bases and Israel. It remains unclear what President Trump will decide about using force, though he has threatened to use it in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier (US Navy via AP) At least 6,373 people have been killed in the protests, activists said. But the move by Europe, long considered, will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Advertisement Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to one dollar on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticising Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the blocs 27 nations. That has at times hindered Brussels ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. For Iran, France had objected to listing the Guard as a terrorist organisation over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions, which provide some of the few communication channels between the Islamic Republic and Europe and its allies. However, the office of President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday signalled Paris backed the decision. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. TRC will provide actionable strategies that solve urgent challenges facing the utility industry WINDSOR, Conn., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TRC Companies, Inc. (TRC), a global professional services firm providing integrated strategy, consulting, engineering and applied technologies, will highlight how utilities are moving beyond incremental fixes toward more integrated, operationally grounded grid solutions at DISTRIBUTECH 2026 in San Diego, Feb. 2-5. Electric utilities are confronting a convergence of pressures that is reshaping how the industry plans, builds and operates the grid - from skyrocketing demand growth, tightening infrastructure constraints, rising resiliency risks to increasing pressure to deliver affordable power. These forces are pushing existing systems to their limits and exposing challenges that can't be addressed through incremental changes or traditional planning approaches alone. At the same time, this moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move beyond stopgap fixes and redesign the grid with greater intention, creating a more flexible, resilient and integrated system capable of supporting economic growth, decarbonization and evolving customer expectations. TRC will share practical solutions to help attendees turn that future into reality today. "The challenge isn't whether utilities are investing, it's whether those investments are coordinated, informed and resilient to uncertainty," said Dr. Matt Green, TRC's Senior Vice President of Integrated Planning & Advisory. "As the grid becomes more dynamic, digital and interconnected, successful outcomes depend on approaches that reflect how the system actually operates. That's what we will showcase at DTECH this year." TRC and its deep bench of industry-leading experts will have prominent roles across the conference sharing practical solutions for moving beyond short-term fixes to durable, system-wide solutions all based on TRC's successful work as an indispensable partner to so many utilities in the U.S. and globally. In its booth on the Expo Floor (booth # 3445/3549), TRC will highlight how Intelligent Grid Solutions are helping utilities connect planning, operations and the field. This includes practical advancements toward the Control Room of the Future. In the TRC booth, Dr. Matt Green will share insights from his forthcoming publication, "The Grid Transformation Playbook: Seven Strategies for Achieving Resiliency, Reliability and Sustainability at Lower Costs and Increased Customer Value." The seven strategies provide a roadmap for utilities to modernize grid operations and thrive in the new era of energy demand. TRC will host a two seminars including, "From EVs to Everything: A Framework for Beneficial Electrification the Grid Can't Wait For," presented by TRC's Maddie Emerson, Bidgely's Abhay Gupta and OGE's Ryan Jones and "Oklahoma Gas and Electric's Mobile and Stationary Energy Storage Strategy Advancement through Self-Managed Pilot Deployment, Research and Testing," featuring presented by TRC's Mark Evlyn and Michael D'Ambrose, OGE's Hermes Arevalo and OPPD's Aaron Smith. Stop by our Innovation Zone where TRC will demonstrate applied use cases that show how improved data and analytics support grid performance today. These include Lemur Mobile Field Mapping and visual intelligence solutions that rapidly capture accurate, field-level asset data, improving safety, productivity and system awareness. TRC will host a panel titled, "Integrated Control, Flexible Grid: Modernizing for Tomorrow's Demands," which will explore how unifying ADMS, DERMS, AMI and Protection & Control helps utilities increase capacity, strengthen resilience, and operate with greater visibility and coordination. The panel will feature Miki Deric of TRC, Quinn Nakayama of PG&E, Michael Brown of NV Energy and Emmett Romine of Excel Energy. TRC invites utility leaders, engineers and planners to visit the booth or schedule a meeting during DISTRIBUTECH 2026 to discuss how we can help you build a more flexible, resilient and integrated grid. To learn more or request a meeting, visit: www.trccompanies.com/events/distributech-2026. About TRC Companies TRC stands for adaptability. With direction setting perspectives and partnerships, our 8,000+ tested practitioners in advisory, consulting, construction, engineering and management services deliver unique resolutions that answer any built or natural imperative. By creating new pathways for the world to thrive, we help our clients adapt to change and achieve long-lasting results while solving the challenges of making the Earth a better place to live community by community and project by project. TRC is ranked #17 on ENR's list of the Top 500 Design Firms, #5 for Power and #3 for Transmission & Distribution. Learn more at TRCcompanies.com and follow us on LinkedIn. SOURCE TRC Companies, Inc. The European Union has listed Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation in the aftermath of Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the blocs top diplomat said. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said that foreign ministers unanimously agreed on the designation. She said that any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise. The listing came after the 27-nation bloc announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard. Repression cannot go unanswered. EU Foreign Ministers just took the decisive step of designating Irans Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation. Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise. Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 29, 2026 Six Iranian organisations, including bodies responsible for monitoring online content in Iran, were also included on the sanctions list. The decision by the 27-nation bloc marks the latest Western response over the violence which activists say has killed more than 6,300 people. The measures add to international pressure on the Islamic Republic as it faced US threats to potentially launch a military strike against it. Advertisement America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. Iran has kept up its own threats as well, saying it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Middle East, including American military bases and Israel. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier has moved to the area (US Navy via AP) It remains unclear what President Trump will decide about using force, though he has threatened to use it in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. At least 6,373 people have been killed in the protests, activists said. But the move by Europe will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to one dollar on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticising Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the blocs 27 nations. That has at times hindered Brussels ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks to the media (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) France had objected to listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions, which provide some of the few communication channels between the Islamic Republic and Europe and its allies. However, the office of President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday signalled that Paris backed the decision. Advertisement French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing would be a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organisation is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties, she said. But they havent cut diplomatic ties and they wont. Human-caused climate change worsened recent torrential rains and floods that devastated parts of southern Africa, killing more than 100 people and displacing hundreds of thousands, researchers have said. A study by World Weather Attribution, which analysed the heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in parts of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, showed that the region experienced a years worth of rain in a period of 10 days. It resulted in widespread damage to housing and infrastructure estimated to run to millions of dollars while humanitarian agencies say there is an escalating crisis for people displaced and facing hunger, disease outbreaks and a lack of health services. Many homes and buildings in Mozambique were completely submerged under water and dozens of hospitals and clinics were destroyed while roads and bridges were swept away in the South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and parts of Zimbabwe. Children wade through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Maputo, Mozambique (Carlos Uqueio/AP) The study was conducted by scientists from across the world using peer-reviewed methods to assess the impact of climate change on severe weather patterns and events. The data obtained from the recent downpours, the rare magnitude of which occurs roughly once every 50 years, confirmed a clear move toward more violent downpours, the study said. Advertisement It was also compounded by the current La Nina weather phenomenon which naturally brings wetter conditions in the southern Africa region and is now operating within a much warmer atmosphere. Our analysis clearly shows that our continued burning of fossil fuels is not only increasing the intensity of extreme rainfall but turning events that would have happened anyway into something much more severe, said Izidine Pinto, a senior climate researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Vehicles queue on the flood-damaged N1 road in Maputo province, Mozambique (AP) Mr Pinto, who co-authored the study, said the climate models used struggled to pinpoint exactly how much worse the recent floods were made but that a 40% increase in the intensity of the rains would be impossible to explain without human-caused climate change. It means what would have already been a serious period of heavy rain has been transformed into a more violent deluge that communities are not equipped to deal with, he said. Africa contributes only 3% to 4% of global emissions, according to the United Nations, and yet is one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Advertisement The floods and previous crises like cyclones in southern Africa cause hundreds of millions to billions of dollars worth of damage in what are largely poor countries and the continent has urged richer nations to help more with climate-related disasters. Around 1.3 million people across southern Africa were affected by this months floods, The World Health Organisation said. Tete Province, Mozambique, was badly hit (AP) The affected regions in southern Africa are no strangers to heavy downpours and flooding, but scientists were alarmed by the magnitude of the recent events. This event was a surprise to us because we have experienced the previous ones 25 years ago, which flooded the same areas, said Bernardino Nhantumbo, a researcher with the Mozambique weather service. There are places that have recorded in two to three days the rainfall that was expected for the entire rainy season, so this was very challenging to accommodate in any circumstances. Nine international rivers flow downstream to Mozambique and significant damage is expected following such an event due to heavy rainfall as well as the stream flow, Mr Nhantumbo said. We forecast well because we have different models but these are those events that even with a good forecast you cannot hold the damages that are associated, he said. The central and southern parts of Mozambique were the hardest hit, with the Gaza provincial capital of Xai-Xai and the nearby town of Chokwe largely submerged under water. US President Donald Trump said he has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin not to target the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv for one week as the region experiences freezing temperatures. The call for a pause in attacks on Ukraines capital comes as Russia has been pounding the countrys critical infrastructure, leaving many without heat in the middle of winter. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this extraordinary cold, Mr Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. He added that Mr Putin has agreed to that but there was no confirmation from Russia. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) The Republican president added that he was pleased that Mr Putin has agreed to the pause. Kyiv is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting on Friday that is expected to last into next week. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that, Mr Trump said of his request to Mr Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. Advertisement A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow is planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks at the weekend. The Zaporizhzhia strike caused a major blaze in an apartment building, according to emergency services. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Mr Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late on Wednesday. Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 600-mile front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting almost four years after Russia launched its devastating all-out invasion. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Russia (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said that his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Starlink is a global internet network that relies on around 10,000 satellites orbiting Earth. Advertisement Mr Fedorov thanked Mr Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Musk and SpaceX have sought to steer a delicate course in the war. Ms Shotwell said a year after the invasion that SpaceX was happy to provide Ukrainians with connectivity and help them in their fight for freedom. At the same time, the company sought to restrict Ukraines use of Starlink for military purposes, she said. The Russian drone attacks on Ukraines electricity network are denying people heating, light and running water during the coldest winter in years, and the hardship is set to get worse. Severe frost is expected to hit Ukraine in early February, with temperatures in some areas dropping to minus 30C, the State Emergency Service warned. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling on Thursday in Brussels for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed not fire on Kyiv for a week due to cold weather. "I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that," Trump said at a Cabinet meeting, citing "extraordinary cold" in the region. "It was very nice. A lot of people said, 'Don't waste the call, you're not going to get that.' And he did it," Trump said. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he expected the implementation of an agreement by Russia not to fire on Kyiv and other cities for a week because of winter weather. Zelenskiy said the days to come would show whether Moscow would abide by such an agreement. Advertisement World Democrats block homeland security funds amid anger over immigration enforcement Read more "Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates. We expect the agreements to be implemented," Zelenskiy wrote in English on the X social media platform. "De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war." Speaking immediately afterwards in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy expressed his thanks to Washington for the initiative, which he described as halting Russian strikes on energy targets. "Thanks to the American side for their efforts in ensuring a stop to strikes on energy (targets) at this time, and let's hope that America succeeds in ensuring this. "We shall see what the real situation is with our energy facilities and cities in the days and nights to come," he said. Advertisement Exclusive BusinessCompaniesEnergy Dud project: How Andrew Forrests green dreams cost taxpayers $80m Eryk Bagshaw and Nick Toscano January 30, 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 Billionaire Andrew Forrests flagship green hydrogen factory cost Australian taxpayers $80 million while his company spruiked its successes to foreign investors, only to abandon the project months later. New documents highlight a sharp disconnect between the mining magnates optimistic projections of his prospects for producing emissions-free hydrogen in Australia at scale and the major commercial hurdles that stand in the way of such projects becoming viable, even with massive taxpayer subsidies. Andrew Forrest and Fortescues Gladstone hydrogen project. Marija Ercegovac Fortescue Metals Group, the ASX-listed iron ore miner founded and chaired by Forrest, has so far repaid $20 million of the $100 million dispersed by state and federal governments for the failed project, but is still being pursued for $66 million by the Queensland government, which has labelled it a vanity project. The documents also reveal representatives from the Moroccan OCP Group visited the Gladstone hydrogen electrolyser in December 2024, six months after OCP board member and Moroccan energy minister Leila Benali and Forrest were reportedly photographed kissing in Paris. Benali denied any connection to the person in the photo. Delegations from CS Energy and Santos also visited the site. Advertisement Andrew Forrest was reportedley pictured kissing Moroccan politician Leila Benali in a Paris park in the historic Marais district in April 2024. Daily Mail The Moroccan Competition Council approved a joint venture between OCP and Fortescue to establish four major projects in Morocco in April 2024 after the federal and Queensland governments pledged $137 million for the Gladstone hydrogen technology plant in 2023. Fortescue contributed $228 million to the project. But the Australian plant was suddenly mothballed in May 2025, just months after Fortescue said the project had reached all of its milestones and was testing hydrogen electrolysers, which it had vowed would create a new export industry for Australia. The documents, released under freedom of information laws, show that after the government-funded construction, the plant tested hydrogen electrolysers for just seven weeks, costing taxpayers an estimated $14 million for each week of testing. Green hydrogen technology is central to Forrests push to diversify Fortescues mining-dominated business into products needed to decarbonise the economy, with plans to produce the emissions-free fuel source in Australia, Brazil, Norway and Morocco. Hydrogen electrolysers split water into hydrogen and oxygen, allowing the hydrogen to be extracted emissions-free if powered by renewable energy. In theory, green hydrogen could be used to replace coal, gas and oil in industries that generate high levels of fossil-fuel pollution, such as steel production or heavy transport. Advertisement Industry Minister Tim Ayres said in September he would pursue the company for the public money that went into the project. Under the terms of this grant, the grantee is required to use project assets funded by the grant for a designated purpose, to ensure those assets are not left unused, used for any other purpose or otherwise disposed of during a designated period, he said. A Department of Industry spokesperson confirmed Fortescue repaid $20 million of the $33 million dispersed from the original federal government grant in November. Part of the project involved building a hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility. This facility was built and delivered by Fortescue, the spokesperson said. Advertisement There was also significant eligible expenditure on labour and supplies throughout construction. But the Queensland government is still chasing $66 million in taxpayer funding that it paid to the company. The company recorded $5 billion in profits last financial year the same amount it paid in Australian taxes and royalties. Forrests companies, including Fortescue, Minderoo and Tattarang, have $17 billion in investments underway in Queensland. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Jamila Filippone Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie demanded Fortescue repay the taxpayer funding in August, describing the Gladstone site as a vanity project and a terrible deal. Fortescues chief executive, Dino Otranto, said Fortescue was taking a risk attempting to build a new industry from scratch. The company spent $38 million on infrastructure, local labour and supplies from the grant. Advertisement We shouldnt expect those who take on the challenge of building something new to go at it alone its a co-investment in Australias economic growth, said Otranto. The documents also show Fortescue scrambling to locate Forrest as it attempted to arrange a call with Queensland Liberal Premier David Crisafulli following Queenslands decision to launch legal action. Forrest told Crisafulli he was reassured that the state government would maintain a constructive and positive relationship with his companies despite Fortescue announcing it would shut down the plant and lay off 90 workers. I remain strongly committed to supporting the state of Queensland and was encouraged by your assurances regarding your governments intention to maintain a constructive and positive relationship with the entities I lead, Forrest wrote to Crisafulli in September. Advertisement I appreciate you making time Andrew, Crisafulli responded. Please keep in touch. DC But relations between the Queensland government and Fortescue have since soured. Bleijie, the deputy premier, said the Queensland government was still negotiating to recover tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that were poured into this dud project and blamed the former Labor state government for approving it. Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli government respects Queenslanders money and we expect proponents to pay back what they owe when they dont deliver. Advertisement Otranto said the government decided where to invest taxpayers money. The reality is not every investment delivers immediately, and there are setbacks, he said. What matters is backing those with the ambition to try and the track record of delivering real value for the nation. A Fortescue spokesperson said the company hoped to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Fortescue will return funds where required under the grant agreement, the spokesperson said. Electrolyser components stacked in automated production line at Fortescues Green Energy Facility in Gladstone. AFR Advertisement Touted by Fortescue as the future of energy, green hydrogen has been beset by hurdles, driven by the high cost of production, and a lack of delivery infrastructure and guaranteed supply. Foreign, federal and state governments have been pouring billions of dollars into becoming a leading supplier of green hydrogen. However, major barriers to the technologys viability remain, the biggest of which is that it still costs much more to make than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, and not enough customers are yet willing to pay the green premium. Its a long way from being the magical fuel that was going to fuel everything, said Alison Reeve, the energy director at the Grattan Institute, an independent think tank. Electricity is better, is the short answer. Electricity is more efficient. So to run a truck on hydrogen, for example, you turn green electricity into green hydrogen, and then you put that in whats called a fuel cell, and you turn it back into electricity to run the truck, and you lose a chunk of the energy at each stage of that process. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Renewables An Australian powerhouse tried to kill a start-up. It failed Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Fortescue has abandoned its goal to produce 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen a year by 2030 and shuttered Gladstone and a US plant in Arizona in May, laying the blame on the Trump administration for pausing grant payments, and uncertain market conditions. However, the company says it is not giving up and maintains that green hydrogen will be an essential fuel in a greener world. Forrest, who has previously described green hydrogen sceptics as muppets, told world leaders at Davos last week that he had plans for a cheaper new form of hydrogen, but said he was not yet in a position to discuss it publicly. The company has received more than $343 million in funding from the European Union for the Holmaneset Project in Norway, and says it is investing in the $5 billion Pecem project in Brazil. Advertisement Reeve said the industry would remain dependent on public subsidies. Every new technology development that we have, regardless of what field were talking about, has had some level of taxpayer-funded research at the early stage, and probably taxpayer-funded early commercialisation as well, she said. Leila Benali, Moroccos energy minister. Bloomberg Hydrogen is not going to be any different, and thats because there are lots of risks at that stage that stuff wont work, and the private sector is not going to take those risks by themselves. Forrest told Davos that his company was not filled with senseless greenies. Advertisement Were hard-edged businesspeople with an understanding of the planet, he said, declaring that Fortescues iron ore operations would have real-zero emissions by the end of the decade by removing diesel trucks and firming its power with batteries. Related Article Blood Oil This should ring alarm bells: Twiggy Forrest demands an end to Russian oil loopholes in Australia Id just say this to the world, renewable energy on a 24/7 base load basis, to be proved by my company within three years, he said. While Forrest was in Davos, Benali was in Saudi Arabia at a mining ministers meeting, where she pitched Morocco as a green corridor connecting West Africa to the rest of the world. The photograph of Forrest and Benali reportedly kissing threw the spotlight on the pair a year after the billionaire split with his wife of 31 years, Nicola. Advertisement Benalis Ministry of Energy described the publication of the Paris kiss photograph by The Daily Mail and The Australian as offensive and claimed it was part of a campaign to defame her. It is a form of revenge and targeting by interest groups on the grounds of its failure to achieve certain gains and objectives, she said in a statement in 2024. Forrest and Benali did not respond to requests for comment about their personal lives. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. CLARIFICATION This story has been updated with an additional quote from Fortescue submitted after publication about their intention to return funds when required under the grant agreement. The updated story also clarifies that the $17 billion in investments underway in Queensland are across Fortescue, Minderoo and Tattarang, and that the hydrogen electrolysers cost taxpayers $14 million per week of testing, not operations. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesGaming & wagering The company was told a gambler was banned. A new account was opened minutes later Kishor Napier-Raman January 29, 2026 9:07am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Six betting companies breached rules designed to protect problem gamblers from losing large sums of money while in the grip of addiction, an investigation by the media watchdog has found. In one case, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that a gambler on the Picklebet platform was allowed to open an account just two minutes after the company was notified, by an industry-wide register, that he had asked to be excluded from gambling. Tabcorp is among the companies found to have breached self-exclusion rules. Will Willitts The authority concluded separate probes into Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet and BetChamps which found that the wagering companies had failed to comply with BetStop, an opt-in, national self-exclusion register that allows people with gambling addiction to block themselves from betting sites. The investigations were based on complaints from nine separate gamblers who had been able to create accounts with the various betting agencies despite self-registering with BetStop. Advertisement ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the breaches undermined the protections from the self-exclusion regime. The national self-exclusion register is designed to help people who are trying to avoid gambling services and stop gambling, but self-exclusion only works if wagering providers follow the rules, Lidgerwood said. These rules have been in place for more than two years, and wagering providers should be taking their responsibilities seriously. Tabcorp, the biggest of the six companies, has paid a $112,680 fine and agreed to commission a third-party review of its customer verification processes, and train staff on their regulatory obligations as part of a court-enforceable undertaking. A report last year by Equity Economics, a consultancy, found that Australians lost more than $31.5 billion annually to all forms of gambling. The report was commissioned by the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Wesley Mission, both of which have campaigned against the sector. Advertisement The authoritys investigative report found that Tabcorps internal control systems did not function as intended, and failed to stop people on the self-exclusion register opening new accounts. The investigation into Tabcorp focused on two separate complainants. In one of the complaints the company had been informed three times by the regulator that the person was excluded, before they created an account using new information that no longer matched their record on the self-exclusion register. Tabcorp submitted that it was unaware the person was a registered individual until informed by the regulator as part of its investigation. A Tabcorp spokesperson told this masthead the company acknowledged the authoritys findings. Tabcorp assisted the ACMA throughout the investigation and will continue to work closely with the regulator to ensure ongoing improved compliance, they said. Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet were each issued with remedial directions notices by the watchdog, requiring them to commission an independent audit of their internal systems and adopt any recommendations. Advertisement The authority investigation into Betfocus included evidence from three separate complainants and concluded that there were gaps and deficiencies in the bookmakers procedures to identify accounts linked to self-excluded people. Related Article Gambling Problem gamblers find loophole in self-exclusion register BetChamps, which received a formal warning, was found by the regulator to have sent an email promotion advertising betting for a coming race to a person who was on the self-exclusion register. The authority is still determining what action to take against Picklebet. In its investigative report, the authority found that Picklebet had allowed an individual on the self-exclusion register to open a new account just two minutes after the register operator had informed it that the person was excluded. Advertisement The watchdog said that this suggests the ease in which the complainant was able to request to open an account with Picklebet. All of the gambling companies were contacted for comment. The national self-exclusion register was launched by the Albanese government in 2023. Legislation was first introduced by then-Coalition communications minister Paul Fletcher five years earlier but the scheme was never implemented, despite support from the industry. As of late last year, about 30,000 people have registered. Within months of the scheme going live, the communications authority warned betting companies that problem gamblers could circumvent their exclusion by using personal data that was not an exact match with details provided to the register. Alastair Shields, the chair of the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission, told a 2023 House of Representatives inquiry that people who are addicted to gambling could exploit those loopholes in the system. Advertisement It is the commissions experience that self-excluded persons who are in the grip of a gambling addiction will go to extraordinary lengths to circumvent a system designed to prevent them from opening an account and using it to gamble, he said. ACMA said all contraventions occurred in 2024 and noted that companies could face stronger action in the future if they failed to comply with self-exclusion, including Federal Court proceedings to seek civil penalties. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. This story is part of lifestyles series on generational approaches to love, relationships and dating. See all stories . Theyre going to the gym, you know, theyve probably been the provider the husband, the father most of their life, and now theyre looking after themselves a bit more and are not after anything longer term, she says. The main challenge of dating men her age, she says, is that most are only looking for casual relationships. Lucio, a mother of two adult daughters (and a French bulldog, Kingsley), is currently braving Melbournes dating scene, mainly online, although she says her preference would be to meet someone organically. I found it very hard to be able to manage that. I certainly dont have these big walls up; Im open to meeting someone, but Im a bit weary of that. That was a really big blow for me in terms of trust, she says. Her last long-term relationship ended over a year ago, when her partner of two years got cold feet just weeks before they were due to marry. Leanne Lucio, a 56-year-old disability support worker from Melbourne, has been dating on and off since her divorce in 2002. Coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s, they grew up during periods of great social, political and cultural change from evolving familial formations and gender norms, and amid the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Like any generation, they are far from homogenous, but there are some broad themes we can look to. Generation X is generally defined as the cohort born between 1965 and 1980, making its members aged 46 to 61 in 2026. Equally, dating in midlife can bring with it new-found freedom in the absence of pressure to marry or have children, greater financial security and, oftentimes, a stronger sense of self. Sitting firmly in midlife, Gen Xers like Lucio, naturally, have lived more of life than their younger counterparts . The search for love, then, comes with more baggage be it the scars of a broken relationship, young children or ageing parents to care for and a smaller dating pool. Meanwhile, the average age of first home buyers has increased from 27 in 1990 to mid-30s in 2024 . Between 1970 and 1990, the median age at first marriage jumped from 23.4 years to 26.5 years for grooms, and from 21.1 years to 24.3 years for brides. Between 1969 and 1999, the proportion of mothers aged 15 to 24 more than halved , going from 46 per cent to 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the fertility rate of women aged 35 to 39 and 40 to 44 doubled between 1979 and 1999. Baby Boomers were a high point or a low point, depending on which way you look at it, at which people were getting married and having children and buying houses pretty much as early as theres ever been in Australian history. And then Gen X marked the big shift thats gone on for future generations, he says. Dan Woodman, a professor of sociology at The University of Melbourne, says Generation X was the first to extend (or eschew entirely) traditional markers of adulthood beyond something to be reached in our early 20s. These stressors in turn, he says, can get in the way of quietening the mind, in a way where you can make effective decision-making around potential dating options. Typically, they are heavily involved in their career or have more senior roles that are requiring more of their time. They are juggling parenthood and often that can be co-parenting with a former partner so there are all these other life stresses and challenges that can compromise ones ability to invest the time and effort they would like to put into dating. Gery Karantzas, a lecturer at Deakin Universitys School of Psychology, says Gen X are at a life stage where theyre straddling multiple life tasks and priorities. Their parents mainly the Silent Generation and older Baby Boomers are ageing and living longer today. Often referred to as the Sandwich Generation , many Gen Xers and Millennials (particularly women) are faced with the double responsibility of raising children while caring for ageing parents. Sometimes referred to as the forgotten middle children, Generation X comprises a smaller proportion of the population than Baby Boomers and Millennials (in part due to the introduction of the contraceptive pill in 1961), and were often left unsupervised by parents (aka the Latchkey Generation) due to a greater share of dual-income households as women entered the workforce at unprecedented rates. Regardless, I think its terribly important to challenge these ideas. Everything in society tells women that unless theyre 20 basically, theyre over the hill, she says. Sex and relationship counsellor Susie Tuckwell says that tougher beauty standards can be a challenge for midlife daters, but notes for some, getting older can bring a newfound confidence in oneself. And then, of course, theres the fact that Generation X is ageing. Even if your kids are a bit older, that kind of intensive parenting emotional support, but also financial transfers goes on way beyond 18 now. So your kids can still be putting a dampener on your dating life well into their 20s. In 2023, the divorce rate hit its lowest point since 1975. But there is one group bucking this trend: the rate of divorce among those aged 45 to 60 (in other words, Generation X), has increased. The age of divorce has also been creeping up for decades. In 1995, the median age at divorce was 40 years for men and 37.1 years for women. This year, it reached 47.1 and 44.1 years respectively. A phenomenon sometimes referred to as grey divorce, high-profile splits like that of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness exemplify this wider trend. Tuckwell thinks this is related to the HSC divorce, where parents may choose to stay together for the sake of their kids until they finish school. She says changing social norms also mean couples, particularly women, may be more likely to feel as though they have permission to end a marriage, especially if they have borne the brunt of care work in a relationship and been unsatisfied when it comes to sex. Moreover, ending a relationship in midlife can carry the hope of a second (or third) chance at love. Often its related to, were still young enough to find another partner, she says. For others, Karantzas says a midlife split may be a chance to be alone for the first time, and re-establish a sense of identity outside a relationship. Former educator Janette Holzer, 57, is a self-described romantic. She married young, and stayed married for 22 years despite being unhappy. I was more a mother to him than I was a partner. I call him Peter Pan because its like the boy that just never grew up, she says. But I had that belief, which was my grandmothers, which was, When you marry, you marry for life, and thats your lot. So I just kind of went with it, but I dont think I was happy. More than eight years ago, the marriage ended when her husband left her. I would have stayed in the marriage, but I actually found that for the first time in my life I could breathe again. I realised how much stress I had been under in the marriage because that depleted me. Divorcee Janette Holzer has found love again after the end of her 22-year marriage. Wolter Peeters Still, the separation took its toll particularly on her son, who was 10 at the time. When she caught the flu at the childcare centre where she was working and developed chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, she was forced to stop working and move back in with her parents. This, in turn, prompted a return to her childhood self. There was a kind of coming back into myself before I ever really dated, when I was 18, and the things that I had wanted then, and looking at myself and how much I really knew myself and what I wanted out of a partner. Holzer sat down and came up with a list of non-negotiables for her new partner, which included respect and sharing household responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. Most importantly, I wanted somebody I could grow with, she says. Somebody who could take me to another level, because I felt like in my marriage, I didnt grow at all. After navigating the rocky waters of online dating (Holzer was scammed twice on dating apps, an experience she says gave her the confidence to speak up for and advocate for herself), she met her current partner, Christian. While he wasnt the type of man she would typically go for (his profile had photos of him on his Harley, wearing motorbike gear, I kept thinking, Why is this guy coming up on my feed? Im not getting with a biker ), he won her over with his kindness and similarities in their dating histories. For their first date, they had dinner followed by karaoke. In the morning, he cooked her bacon and eggs. The pair have tried living together, but Holzer now lives with her 84-year-old mother, who is in the early stages of dementia and needs her care. Its not like when youre in your 20s, and you get married, and youve got no children or big responsibilities, and your parents are in good health, she says. They hope to travel around Australia in a motorhome one day. Dating in the digital age Alex Aumann, an engineer from Sydney, is dating after divorce while raising young kids. Sam Mooy Engineer Alex Aumann, 54, met his ex-wife online more than 10 years ago. Recently divorced, the father of two from Sydney has found himself back in the world of dating apps, which he says has changed markedly from a decade ago. I never got ghosted and there werent all of these conversations that sort of just end, he says of online dating in the 2010s. The oversaturation of users on dating apps means theres a dilemma of choice, which he says in turn feeds into a never-ending pursuit of perfection, that in reality, does not exist. Before, you werent expecting to find a 10 out of 10 who checked every single box before you agreed to meet them. Whereas now people are looking for that, says Aumann, who is mainly dating women in their 40s and 50s. While younger users still dominate the dating app landscape in Australia, older users are a fast-growing demographic. One-quarter of Generation X have used a dating app, according to a 2023 survey from YouGov. Karantzas says what people want from a partner has changed little, but for Gen Xers entering into a new digital age of dating, these values can bristle against reality. The way you go about communicating with people via dating apps, and what information you are exposed to in order to make decisions about whether you want to strike up a match or not, is a very different way of viewing and approaching a mate, he says. People have to redevelop scripts around how you go about dating I think thats a real challenge. Aumann says dating with young kids and navigating co-parenting can have its challenges, but theres also a freedom that comes with it. There isnt that pressure of, Im expecting a perfect marriage, followed by the family of children. Youve done that aspect, he says. Leanne Lucio says another challenge of dating in midlife is that many men her age are looking for younger partners. That compromises me because I prefer older. I prefer someone whos emotionally intelligent and mature. On the flipside, Lucio has noticed more interest from younger men. Ive got one chatting to me at the moment, and hes 43, and Im struggling with that. But Ive got girlfriends that are saying, you know, 30-year-olds are hitting on them. Indeed, while its normal to see men coupled with younger women, age-gap relationships in which the woman is older tend to face more societal disapproval. Still, celebrity couples like Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and movie portrayals like Nicole Kidman, 58, and Harris Dickinson, 29, in Babygirl, are indicative of a broader change in relationship dynamics. In middle age, Lucio says what she wants from love has changed. When I was younger, I always looked for someone who would support me, not necessarily financially, but just being the protector and someone big and strong that would look after me. Ultimately, Ive always gone for the bad boys for that reason, she says. Of course, Id like to have someone whos going to be supportive and have my back, but not looking after me as much. Im independent and I can do that for myself. And I dont like to feel obligated to anyone either. Aumann would like to find love again, but is happy being by himself for now if nothing comes of his dating endeavours. I have a good job, the kids are doing well, I have good friends. So if nothing happens from all the dating stuff, then thats OK, he says. Coming out later in life Bre Bondoux, 46, came out last year. Justin McManus Growing up Catholic in Ireland in the 1990s, being gay never felt like a possibility for Bre Bondoux, now 46. As a teenager, she had an intimate relationship with a female friend, but when she moved to Australia 20 years ago, she met a man, got married and had kids. It wasnt until last year that she came out, ending her 17-year marriage. It was like a pressure cooker and it was bubbling all the time underneath that I was living this lie, she says. It got to a point where I just knew I wasnt attracted to him, and I was starting to pull back by that point in the relationship, and he had sensed that I was robbing him of what it [a marriage] should be. While the decision was tough, Bondoux says the relationship ended amicably and shes still good friends with her ex, who has since repartnered. Recently, late in life lesbians, as they are sometimes referred to, have received more attention as a growing number of celebrities come out in midlife, like Jodie Foster, Cynthia Nixon, Rebel Wilson and Natalie Bassingthwaighte. The Australian Bureau of Statistics first-ever estimates of LGBTQI+ Australians, published last year, found 2.9 per cent were aged 45 to 54 and 2.3 per cent were aged 55 to 64 in 2022. Some research suggests women are more likely to come out later in life than men, while other research suggests womens sexuality and sexual identification may be more fluid over the life course. A study of more than 16,000 Australian women between 1989 and 1999 found 30 per cent changed their sexual identity label at least once during the four times they were interviewed. The impetus for coming out, Bondoux says, was meeting a woman in her run club who had been out since her late teens. It was the first time I met somebody that I could relate to. She looked feminine, she was active, she was attractive, she was sporty, she says. She used to say [to me], are you sure youre not gay? and I was like, Im happily married, Im happily married. And I think then as I became closer with her as a friend, we would have deep conversations around fluidity, gender norms, and she let me see that, yes, you did get married, but maybe youre actually not straight. I started to realise I had suppressed so much. Since coming out, Bondoux has been dating, but says living in Geelong, where the queer community is smaller, has made it difficult. Coming out later in life also means she has fewer queer friends than she might have had if shed come out earlier. Sometimes I feel Im not gay enough, she adds. Thats the thing about coming out later in life, you feel you didnt fight the big fight that a lot of these other ladies have had to fight. Ageing, body image and sex What 40, 50 or 60 looked like a few decades ago now looks very different, at least among the ageless faces of the Hollywood elite like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger, as cosmetic treatments and surgeries become more socially acceptable and widely adopted. Generation X celebrities Kim Kardashian, 45; David Beckham, 50; and Nicole Kidman, 58. Getty Images Indeed, midlife today looks different. Consider, for instance, the cast of Golden Girls most of whom were in their mid-50s in the shows first season in 1985, to the cast of Sex and the City spin-off And Just Like That, who, despite also being in their 50s, look significantly more youthful. Research on the relationship between body image and ageing is mixed: some studies suggest body satisfaction improves with age, while others suggest it may stabilise or that our perception and priorities towards our body shift. Depictions of midlife, several decades apart: The Golden Girls (left) and Sex and the City spin-off And Just Like That... Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank; HBO Nor are these image-based pressures exclusive to any one gender Aumann has felt the pressure to looks a certain way in the dating world first-hand. It definitely feels like, now, you need to be a certain shape or nothings going to happen, he says. Menopause, which tends to start between the ages of 45 and 55, can also bring its challenges although it doesnt necessarily mean a decrease in libido, as is often assumed. For Bondoux, who says shes always enjoyed sex, finding partners with a similar libido, who are willing to experiment, has been a challenge. Lucio has found addressing menopause head-on, in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, to be popular on her dating app bio. I actually wrote in one of my profiles, which I dont have up any more, about menopause in a humorous way. It was something along the lines of, the positive is that you get to have a different woman every week, she says. Despite the image-based pressure that come with ageing, Lucio is hopeful. At the end of the day, its meeting someone who can overlook all of that and see the fundamentals of who you are your personality and your morals and stuff like that. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday. 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 The moment Ellen Kassel asked how to describe Column 8 to overseas friends (C8) it was apparent the feedback would be copious. So were delivering them in short, sharp shots. Here goes: Intelligent humour and wit Garry Thomas from Oatlands; Gods waiting room for failed authors and comedians John Kouvelis of Neutral Bay; Quirky, quaint, quick, queer and Queenslanders! Mary G. Clarke of Mount Gravatt (Qld); A daily snapshot of Australian civic life tiny acts of wit, stubbornness, bureaucracy and accidental poetry, curated with a straight face and a wicked eye Serge Nemaz of Illawong; and A spontaneous sprint inside a random persons head while simultaneously wondering why on earth youre there, where to leave your initials, and what time youll be back tomorrow Suzanne Saunders of Wadeville. The acclamation from John Whiteing of Willoughby was even more laudatory: Column 8 is the Heralds daily temple of trifles, where readers compete for the fleeting, absurd immortality of seeing their pedantry, whimsy or perfectly timed curmudgeonly observation enshrined in newsprint, earning briefly, gloriously, and to no material benefit whatsoever the highest honour Australian journalism can bestow. Eric Scott (C8) may have to modify his when the Queen drinks out of a bottle beer-drinking protocol as Queen Camilla strikes me as a six-pack stubby imbiber, offers Kerry Kyriacou of Strathfield. Some trophies (C8) are just too unique to hand over to The Donald. Mary Billing of Allambie Heights knows of one: My husband has a medal for winning 100 yards butterfly at the Wimbledon Swimming Club championship, a record that will never be broken as they went metric that year. Trump aint getting it. At my school in the 1970s, if you got 10 wickets in a cricket match you would receive the ball mounted on a stand with a plaque denoting the details, recalls Mark Morgan of Palmwoods (Qld). After getting a 10-for, I duly left the ball with the details written on a piece of paper on the cricket masters desk. Some clown must have got-ten to the piece of paper because when I received the mounted ball, the plaque said the bowler was Mark Moron. I didnt keep the trophy, although I now wish I had. Lancang-Mekong countries see positive outcomes from joint anti-crime operation Xinhua) 10:03, January 29, 2026 KUNMING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Six Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries have achieved fruitful results in combating telecommunication fraud, online gambling, and drugs and human trafficking in 2025. During the "Safe Lancang-Mekong 2025" joint operation launched in late February last year, law-enforcement agencies from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam cracked down on 8,012 telecommunication fraud and online gambling cases and arrested 14,047 criminal suspects, according to the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC). Additionally, 122,503 drug-related cases were busted, leading to the arrest of 139,956 suspects and the seizure of over 82 tonnes of various drugs along with 169.73 tonnes of precursor chemicals. Law enforcement officers also cracked down on 1,017 human trafficking cases, capturing 718 suspects and rescuing 1,469 victims. Officials from the LMC countries met Monday and Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, to exchange experiences and discuss further law enforcement and security cooperation. All parties agreed to continue joint operations to combat telecommunication fraud, the most serious transnational crime in the Lancang-Mekong region. Established in 2017 in Kunming, the LMLECC serves as a comprehensive intergovernmental international organization for law enforcement and security cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong River basin. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Concert to be held at Hard Rock Live Universal Orlando on April 10 ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The iconic rock band Triumph is kicking off its first tour in 30 years on April 10, with 100% of the net proceeds being donated to Make-a-Wish , to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The concert will be held at Hard Rock Live Universal Orlando, and is part of t he 23rd annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival , the world' s largest exotic car charity event. Iconic rock band Triumph to start its first tour in 30 years with a concert to benefit Make-a-Wish on April 10 Post this Triumph Gil Moore, Rik Emmett and Mike Levine Triumph Rock & Roll Reloaded Tour starts April 10 Formed in Toronto in 1975, Triumph quickly emerged as one of rock' s most powerful and influential trios. Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore blended virtuoso musicianship, soaring melodies, and uplifting anthems (including "Lay It On the Line," "Fight the Good Fight," and "Hold On") to define arena rock in the late 70's and ' 80s. With 16 albums, 25 Gold and Platinum awards, and legendary live shows, Triumph became global superstars, highlighted by co-headlining the US Festival before nearly 500,000 fans. Honored with numerous Hall of Fame inductions and lifetime awards, Triumph' s 50-year legacy remains a towering force in rock history. Band founder and drummer Gil Moore stated, "We are excited to kick of our Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded tour in Orlando on April 10, and fight the good fight together with our fans to create life changing wishes for children!" The five-day charity event is a national partner of Make-a-Wish, and has raised more than $7 million since its inception. The centerpiece of the event is the exotic car concours, set in the Disney-developed town of Celebration, Florida. The show features over 300 rare exotic cars, including Pagani, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, Lotus and more, in addition to race cars and iconic Hollywood movie cars. In addition to the concert and concours, the five-day festival also includes an exclusive ZD and ACTA Wine pairing dinner gala and charity auction at the Waldorf Astoria, headed by world renowned Michelin 2* Celebrity Chef Gabriel Kreuther. The event also encompasses a police-escorted exotic car road rally, and two track days at Daytona International Speedway, where the exotic cars run at full speed. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: www.celebrationcarshow.com www.triumphmusic.com www.wish.org Media Contact: Jeff Ippoliti, [email protected], 407-761-7777 About Make-A-Wish Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, the organization has granted more than 550,000 wishes worldwide, bringing hope, strength, and joy to children and their families during some of their most difficult times. Research shows that a wish can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional and physical well-being, helping them build the resilience needed to fight their illness. Together with generous donors, volunteers, partners, and medical professionals, Make-A-Wish continues its mission to grant wishes that inspire hope and create powerful moments that are forever remembered. For more information about Make-A-Wish and how to help grant wishes, visit wish.org. SOURCE CECF Wish Foundation Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWCourts Uber driver imitated Sydney law firm principal, swindled client out of $200,000 Clare Sibthorpe January 29, 2026 10:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An Uber driver impersonated the principal of a Sydney law firm and tricked a client into sending him more than $200,000, in what a magistrate described as a calculated, deceptive and significant fraud. Pardeep Pardeep has been jailed for a maximum of two years for dishonestly obtaining property by deception and dealing with proceeds of crime, leaving the victim mentally and financially distressed as he recovered just $900 of his savings to buy a house that was traded in for gold. An Uber driver impersonated the principal of a Sydney law firm and tricked a client into sending him more than $200,000. Monique Westermann On Wednesday, Liverpool Local Court heard the 28-year-old Indian national was in Australia on a student visa, had studied information technology and worked as a ride-share driver when he embarked on a cunning ploy that swindled a man out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. His victim was looking to buy a home for his family in October 2024 when he sought the services of a Sydney real estate law firm and spoke on the phone to its principal and founder. Advertisement The Herald has chosen not to name the firm and victim. About the same time, Pardeep somehow gained the victims details, registered a domain name nearly identical to that of the law firm, and sent the victim a fraudulent email from an address that closely resembled the principals and had an identical signature block. Communication between Pardeep and the victim continued for several weeks, documents tendered to the court show. Within that time, Pardeep registered a company with ASIC that almost mirrored the law firms name, created a Westpac business bank account linked to the business, and listed himself as the beneficial owner and director. On November 13, Pardeep requested payment of $209,000 relating to the house purchase, including stamp duty fees. The victim transferred this amount across two payments that totalled $209,874. Advertisement A week later, the penny dropped. During a phone call between the victim and the actual lawyer, the former realised that he had not been emailing her and his money was missing. The man was looking to buy a home for his family when he sought the services of a Sydney real estate law firm, when Pardeep gained the victims details. Rob Homer Upon making this realisation, court documents state, the mans life snowballed into a pit of mental and financial stress. As of Pardeeps sentence date, he had only recovered $900. After the fraud was reported to police, investigators traced it to Pardeep. He initially told them his shoddy company was set up as a transport company but admitted he had no customers. Footage from CCTV captured him buying gold with the stolen funds. Advertisement On Pardeeps phone was a hidden folder containing selfies of him posing with gold bullion and photos of Westpac bank statements from the fraudulent company. In arguing against full-time prison, Pardeeps lawyer, Ikbal Khan, told the court his client claimed he acted under the direction of another man. Khan said Pardeep was deep in medical debt, having not qualified for Medicare, and this person advised him to open a business account that could potentially help him receive a bank loan (which he was rejected for as an individual). Then the money started coming in, and he says he turned a blind eye, Khan said, adding his guilty plea showed he had found some remorse and contrition despite being misled. At this point, the prosecutor told magistrate Andrew Miller that the alleged co-accused was investigated and found not to be involved. Advertisement Miller sentenced Pardeep who had been in custody since his arrest nine months ago to two years jail with a non-parole period of 14 months. Pardeep sat emotionless as he heard his punishment via audiovisual link from prison. This is a matter where there was detailed planning and premeditation, the magistrate said. The value of property is significant [it was] a calculated plan to go out and defraud over $200k from an innocent party. Miller said Pardeep knew exactly what he was doing and failed to take responsibility for what he described as a serious example of fraud. White-collar fraud is pervasive in the community; it is becoming ever more prevalent and the number of victims is significantly increasing, he said. Advertisement There is a need to send a message that this type of fraud will be punished by the courts. Pardeep, who lived with his partner in Granville in Sydneys west and had no other family in Australia, would most likely be deported from the country upon his release, the court heard. He was directed to repay $100,000 in compensation the maximum amount permitted to be ordered in the Local Court. Pardeep had initially pleaded not guilty to the two counts he was convicted of, as well as a third charge of accessing or modifying restricted computer data. The third charge was dismissed and he changed his other pleas to guilty on the day of a scheduled contested hearing in December. Due to the backdating of his sentence to his arrest, he will be released on parole in June. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandSchools Inside the extreme lengths to weed out enrolment fraud at Brisbane schools Felicity Caldwell January 30, 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 Just one day after a family submitted an application to one of Brisbanes most in-demand state high schools, an enrolment officer began scouring their intimate details to probe the applicants in-catchment claims. This included the name of the childs primary school in a different catchment zone the familys address listed in the OneSchool database, and even the floor plans of their in-catchment apartment versus an out-of-catchment home to test the veracity of the so-called primary residency. Following a 14-month fight to receive documents relating to enrolment fraud at Brisbane State High School through Right to Information laws, Brisbane Times can reveal the lengths the school pursues to deny entry to families it believes are not genuinely living in its catchment suburbs of West End, South Brisbane and Highgate Hill. Brisbane State High School has long sought to investigate issues of enrolment fraud. Dan Peled It reveals the schools scepticism toward a particular family who moved into an apartment within the catchment zone just months before the school year was due to begin, after living in a family home elsewhere and attending that suburbs local primary school. Advertisement The inner-city school has long struggled to keep a lid on enrolment numbers, and last year had 3588 students enrolled despite a capacity of 3000. Of those, 2072 lived in-catchment. The school the only government institution in the Great Public Schools (GPS) allocates more than 1000 spots in its competitive academic, sporting and cultural selective entry program. The heavily redacted RTI shows the family submitted an application for their child on October 25, 2023, for year 7 the following year, giving the address of a unit in the State High area. However, the family soon admitted they moved into the unit in early November. Advertisement Internal notes written by an enrolment officer during a pre-enrolment interview in mid-November noted the familys statutory declaration affirming their home address was signed on October 19: A new one will need to be re-done had not moved in (to the unit). Related Article Exclusive Schools The Brisbane school catchments at the top of home buyers lists Tenants were living in unit when purchased they came to an agreement and they moved out, the officer wrote. Real estate listings for units and apartments for sale in West End and South Brisbane market themselves as being within the prized State High catchment. The schools strict enrolment management plan asks prospective students to provide detailed proof they live in-catchment, including three utilities bills that demonstrate reasonable levels of use. Advertisement The family submitted proof they updated their address on drivers licences on October 19 20 days before moving into the unit home contents insurance, and even a receipt showing they had a fridge delivered. Had to put a lot of their furniture in storage because the unit is much smaller, an enrolment officers interview notes state. Currently gets driven back to [primary] school every day. Brisbane State High School has a long list of documents prospective families must provide to prove they live within the catchment area. Michelle Smith State school records, via OneSchool, showed the student was enrolled to attend their allegedly former catchment high school in 2024, but that application was withdrawn on October 12, almost two weeks before they applied to State High. Advertisement Property searches by the school confirmed the family owned four properties. The family followed up several times, but on December 8, 2023, the school advised they would not receive an offer as officers were not satisfied their principal place of residence was in-catchment, and they argued it was instead at the long-term family home. Owning a property and providing paperwork to that effect, is not the same as evidencing that it is the students (sic) principal place of residence, the enrolment officer wrote in an email. Despite the rejection, the family applied to State High again on Sunday, January 21, 2024 just one day before term 1 was due to begin and on February 20 said they had been living at the unit for three months. However, in mid-March, the school again rejected the students application, providing details from an investigation that spanned one-and-a-half pages. Details of this investigation were redacted in the RTI. Advertisement The family applied again on April 22, 2024, but were told on May 3 executive principal Greg Pierces decision remained unchanged. It is unknown whether the child attended any school for the first few months of 2024. Brisbane State High has previously employed a private investigator who followed children and their parents to their home and work to weed out enrolment fraud, according to an RTI released in 2022. Parents at Brisbane State High are concerned about plans to build residential towers, including more than 4000 homes, on the former 7.1 hectare Visy site in South Brisbane, arguing the school was already under significant pressure. An education department spokeswoman said they could not comment on individual students due to privacy reasons, but said State Highs selective entry places were only available to out-of-catchment enrolments once demand for in-catchment enrolment was met. Advertisement She said the school had sufficient capacity for in-catchment and selective entry enrolments in the medium term. Larger high schools, such as Brisbane State High School, are able to achieve timetabling efficiencies that allow operation above the student enrolment capacity. Under the 2026 State High flexible timetable, students in years 10 to 12 leave school during the second lunch break, from 12.45pm to 1.20pm on Mondays, and have one extra early afternoon flex time finish per week. A project has also begun to convert an existing space within the school into a teaching space. The spokeswoman said the department was actively considering potential future additional primary and secondary growth in the West End and South Brisbane area. 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 busy Brisbane street was reopened more than two hours after police and emergency teams were called to reports of a suspicious item on Thursday. Traffic and pedestrians were allowed back onto Ann Street about midday, with officers confirming nothing dangerous had been found. The item was a metal pipe with smaller metal pipes inside. Police close Ann Street in the Brisbane central business district on Thursday over fears a suspicious item could be a safety risk. Catherine Strohfeldt Witnesses in surrounding buildings told this masthead they believed it had been located in a bush, but gave conflicting accounts of where it was found. Advertisement Updated NationalQueenslandWorkplace safety Worker dies in machinery accident at Port of Brisbane Julius Dennis Updated January 30, 2026 9:58am ,first published 8:41am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A man has been killed after bulldozer rolled over at a cement site at the Port of Brisbane on Friday. Helicopter imagery showed a bulldozer propped up by a series of jacks, with another vehicle pushing at its rear. Both vehicles were at the foot of a large pile of sand. A bulldozer accident claimed the life of a worker at the cement business at the Port of Brisbane on Friday. Nine News Paramedics were called to the scene on Bulk Terminals Drive about 6.20am after reports a worker had been critically injured in an accident involving a bulldozer. Advertisement Firefighters also attended the scene, with the Queensland Fire Department receiving a request from the paramedics, where they were asked to stabilise a rolled bulldozer, a QFD spokesperson said. The incident happened at a sprawling site run by Sunstate Cement Ltd. Emergency services attend the workplace fatality. Nine News Through the electric gate, huge mounds of white and grey material blocked the view of the scene. The strong chemical smell hung on the air, wafting across from a bitumen producer over the road. A sign next to the gate read: You are entering a zero harm site. Advertisement Two police cars were seen leaving the site at 9.40am. Despite the accident, large trucks continued to move through the gate. The entrance to Sunstate Cement Ltd at the Port of Brisbane. Julius Dennis/Brisbane Times Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors were on the site later in the day. Inquiries into the incident are under way, as this is an active investigation, no further comment can be made at this time, a spokesperson said. Advertisement In a statement, Sunstate Cement general manager Peter Edwards said the man who died was a contractor, and the company was assisting with the investigation. Our priority right now is to provide support to the contractors family and our people at site, he said. The Australian Workers Union (AWU) said union organisers were also on the ground. This is a devastating loss, and the AWU extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and workmates of the man who has been killed, a spokesperson said. Workplace deaths are unacceptable. Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of their shift, and tragedies like this should not be occurring in modern Australian workplaces. Advertisement A report will be prepared for the coroner. 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 NationalWAConstruction Consumer Protection takes Nicheliving to the State Administrative Tribunal Hamish Hastie January 29, 2026 6:41pm 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 Consumer Protection is pursuing the business formerly known as Nicheliving in the State Administrative Tribunal over allegations it breached WA law by releasing funds from a trust account improperly. Consumer Protection commissioner Trish Blake confirmed her agency was pursuing the Australian Property Alliance, which was established by Nichelivings directors after the company was deregistered as a builder in 2024. An unfinished Nicheliving property in Tapping. Ross Swanborough Blake told ABC Mornings it was pursuing APA over $50,000 of a customers money that was released to a builder when it was meant to remain in a trust account. She said the customers money had been repaid, but when a developer sold off the plan for strata developments, the law required that deposits paid by customers remained in a trust account until the strata plan and development were registered. Advertisement That means that if the development doesnt go ahead, that money is protected and those deposits can be returned to the consumers; theyre kept safe, Blake said. What were alleging in this instance is that didnt happen. So when it was trading as Nicheliving real estate, they received a sum of money from a particular consumer. They released the lions share of that money to the builder the day after the contract was signed, and then they also released what was remaining after the buyers had actually cancelled the contract. What were alleging is that the allegations include unauthorised withdrawals of client funds. Blake said because APA was also acting as real estate agents Consumer Protection was alleging the company failed to meet the standards of honesty, due care and diligence. Advertisement If the SAT finds APA breached its obligations, it could result in a reprimand or complete cancellation of its licence. The SAT hearing will take place on March 10. APA did not respond to a request for comment. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson declined to comment directly on Consumer Protections action, but urged people to pick their builders carefully. People need to exercise caution when theyre engaging their builders and use credible operators with experience and a track record, she said. Advertisement When we see operators as we have, such as Nicheliving, it undermines the entire sector and some of the really good quality operators that we have in Western Australia. Nichelivings construction division was plunged into administration in November 2024 when it was unable to complete 230 unfinished home builds, leading to a State Administrative Tribunal battle over its building registration. The legal fight over the registration meant homeowners who had been waiting years for their houses to be complete were unable to access indemnity insurance to have someone else finish the build. In response, the state government parachuted in and forced Nicheliving to relinquish its building licence in exchange for taxpayers footing the companys $40 million home indemnity insurance bill to get its homes completed. The group was dragged out of administration in December after creditors backed a $2.7 million surety from the eponymous family trusts of directors Ronnie Michel-Elhaj and Paul Bitdorf to retain control. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission conducted several raids across two states as part of an investigation into Nicheliving late last year. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Construction Perth Hamish Hastie is WAtoday's state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism. or email. Connect via X Advertisement NationalWACourts Freed detainee accused of violent Girrawheen attack reoffended while on bail, court told Rebecca Peppiatt January 29, 2026 3:28pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A man alleged to have been part of a violent robbery months after he was controversially released from immigration detention went on to reoffend yet again, six days after he was released on bail, a Perth court was told. Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan, 45, is one of four men accused of an attack on Ninette and Philip Simons at their home in Girrawheen, in Perths northern suburbs in April 2024. Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan. Doukoshkan was charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated assault with intent to rob which he has pleaded not guilty to. He was part of a group of detainees released from Perths Yongah Hill Detention Centre in November 2023 after a landmark High Court ruling found indefinite detention for detainees who could not be deported was illegal. Advertisement Following the decision, the Albanese government rushed laws through parliament that gave the Commonwealth powers to electronically monitor released detainees. But in April last year Doukoshkan convinced a Perth District Court judge to release him on home detention bail which he violated just six days later, the court heard. The 45-year-old failed a urine test and admitted to taking methamphetamine, the court was told and was placed back into custody. Home invasion victim Ninette Simons. On Thursday, lawyer Hamish Glenister made yet another application to the court for his clients release from prison, telling judge Karen Shepherd that the case against his client was circumstantial. The victims arent able to identity him, theres no forensic evidence, CCTV doesnt put him at the scene, Glenister told the court. Advertisement Im not suggesting its a very weak case, but Mr Doukoshkan does have a real prospect of acquittal. Related Article Crime Teenage rider in fatal Edgewater e-motorbike crash to fight manslaughter charge The court was told Doukoshkan had spent six years in prison previously for possession of drugs with intent to supply which is why his visa was revoked, and he was sent to immigration detention to await extradition. Judge Shepherd said releasing Doukoshkan again was a risk that the court should [not] be prepared to take. Its such a serious charge, she said. Advertisement Its a charge where a number of steps have been taken and an offence of aggravated burglary was committed with three other co offenders. Actual violence was used and two complainants suffered bodily harm. Mr Doukoshkan is alleged on the prosecutions case to have played a significant role in demanding keys to the safe, used a cord to tie the victim together, took a necklace from one of the victims necks with force, as well as two watches, kneeling on the victim as he was pinned to the ground. Doukoshkan was denied bail and will next appear before the court in May. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Amid Coalition chaos, this Nationals leader has little to be proud of James Massola Chief political commentator January 30, 2026 4:00am January 30, 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 Is Nationals leader David Littleproud one of the worst the party has had in recent history? He faces a probable spill motion next week but will almost certainly survive maverick Queensland MP Colin Boyces challenge. The more realistic candidates to replace Littleproud include Matt Canavan, Michael McCormack, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie, but none of them have signalled plans to blast out the member for Maranoa. Illustration by Marija Ercegovac At the same time, Liberals have this week been tying themselves up in knots over whether and when to challenge Sussan Ley, and who should lead the charge for the conservative faction either Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor. One Hastie backer claimed to this masthead on Thursday that he had the vote of 20 members in the party room, with 17 strongly committed, whereas Taylor could count on six votes, with three firmly committed. These numbers are fluid, and Taylor supporters claim differently, given the pair are mostly drawing from the same well of support. Taylors backers also emphasise he has broader support across the party room, especially among moderates, if the pair were to face each other in a ballot. Advertisement But as the latest challenge hangs over Littleprouds head, and with disaffected Liberals looking less likely (at the time of writing) to challenge Ley next week, consider some of the key moments of Littleprouds time in power. Over almost five years of this Labor government, the Nationals under Littleproud led the way in opposing the Indigenous Voice to parliament, forced the Liberals to water down their net zero commitment and pursue a nuclear power policy of dubious design, extolled the virtues of coal and generally dragged the Coalition in a more conservative direction. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud in parliament before the latest Coalition split. Alex Ellinghausen At each step and with each policy decision, the Nationals have (mostly) had allies in the conservative wing of the Liberals onside and opponents in the form of Liberal moderates (nuclear power being an exception). The Nationals have (mostly) got their way. This would suggest that Littleproud is an effective leader of the Nationals and one able to secure outcomes for his party. But what has occurred concurrently? As the Coalition has adopted more conservative positions, the Liberals have lost swathes of inner-city seats to the teals, Labor and even the Greens. Meanwhile, One Nations vote has grown and grown. This is not all the fault of Littleproud, but many Liberals, fairly or not, blame the Nationals, at least in part, for costing them votes and seats. Advertisement Related Article Opinion One Nation Rise of One Nation reflects deeper divisions in society Sean Kelly Columnist As one former Nationals staffer described it: Now we have the Liberals chasing the Nats to the right while the Nats chase Pauline [Hanson] into fantasy Trumpland. Littleproud noted on Wednesday that the Nationals held all their House of Representatives seats at the last election. This assertion infuriates members of his own party room as it conveniently omits three MPs (Andrew Gee, Barnaby Joyce, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price) who defected from the party in his time as leader, while there is another defection in the offing (Boyce) and Perin Davey lost her seat in the Senate at the last election. Some MPs also blame Littleproud for the decision of former MP Keith Pitt to resign and take up the post of ambassador to the Holy See. The pair were not close, but at least the Nationals held Pitts former seat of Hinkler. Advertisement But its almost impossible to imagine any of Littleprouds predecessors from Doug Anthony to Warren Truss to Barnaby Joyce splitting the Coalition twice in less than a year. Two decades ago, previous generations of Nationals would grin smugly whenever leadership speculation or a challenge washed over the Liberals or Labor; the Nats are different, theyd say, we dont do things like that. Those days are long gone. There will be other consequences for the Nationals, too, if the split continues: senators Bridget McKenzie and Ross Cadell could struggle to hold their seats in Victoria and NSW, respectively, if the two parties do not re-form the Coalition and run on a joint ticket, while Joyces close friend Gina Rinehart a big Nationals donor has begun steering donors towards One Nation. There is no sign that Boyce is playing the role of stalking horse as Liberal Kevin Andrews did in 2009, when he launched an organised first challenge against Malcolm Turnbull and weakened the then-opposition leader to clear the way for Tony Abbott to stand and win. Advertisement Boyces reasons for challenging are more existential; he warned on Thursday that his party was headed towards oblivion if the Coalition was not re-formed. Related Article Opinion Political leadership Great politics and poor policy undid the Coalition. But one thing might have saved it Parnell Palme McGuinness Columnist and communications adviser I came out yesterday and made this announcement and the reasons for that were simple. To allow my colleagues four or five days to contemplate the future and understand the importance of this decision in respect to breaking the Coalition and running alone. Boyces actions are more like the empty chair spill of February 2015, when frustrated Liberal MPs Don Randall and Luke Simpkins forced a spill before any of the possible candidates (Turnbull, Julie Bishop, Scott Morrison) were ready. Abbott, then struggling as prime minister, instead faced an empty chair and won 61-39. But the margin was a surprise and presaged Abbotts downfall months later. Advertisement Deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan predicted on Thursday that his leader would win the ballot comfortably and that aside from his own vote, Boyce might get one or two others. Related Article Opinion Political leadership Coalition crumbled, not by opposing One Nation, but by aping it Karen Middleton Political journalist But if that one or two becomes three or four in a party room that has shrunk to just 18 members, the Nationals leader will be looking over his shoulder (if he isnt already). Littleprouds declaration last week that a reunion of the Coalition under Ley was untenable at the moment and very unlikely bit hard within the ranks of Liberal MPs. Though Littleprouds office subsequently attempted to argue to the contrary, Liberal MPs understood those words plainly to mean the junior Coalition party was ordering the senior Coalition party to change its leader a demand as welcome as chickenpox on the first day of school holidays. Advertisement Littleproud might not be the worst Nationals leader ever, and he may well see off Boyce and other future challengers. But he has infuriated enough Liberals that Coalition reconciliation becomes almost impossible while he is still leader. And the more Littleproud and the Nationals fight each other and the Liberals giving the Albanese government a free pass the greater the chance Littleproud becomes just the third Nationals leader, after Ian Sinclair and the short-lived Charles Blunt, not to lead the party in government and serve as deputy prime minister. Thats not a testimonial he would wish to claim. James Massola is chief political commentator for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. It has also left a gaping hole in Chinas peak military decision-making body, reigniting fresh debate about the preparedness of the PLA to carry out Xis ultimate goal of taking control of Taiwan. The news of Zhangs sudden detention on Saturday , alongside another top general, Liu Zhenli, for grave violations of discipline and the law, shocked China experts. Graft has been a major problem in the PLA for decades, but this move confirmed nobody was safe from Xis campaign to root out corruption and disloyalty. Zhang Youxia was Chinas most senior uniformed officer and had known Xi Jinping since childhood. But most importantly, he was a rare breed of Chinese general with actual combat experience. Zhang, vice-chair of the powerful Central Military Commission and second-in-command of the army to Xi, had survived earlier purges that cut down the top generals around him. He was thought by some to be a close ally of Xi. They had grown up together as princeling sons of Chinas communist revolutionary elite. Since 2023, Xis anti-corruption drive has taken a Stalinist turn, with friend and foe alike purged in a stunning hollowing out of the elite ranks of the Peoples Liberation Army. Singapore: To the outside world, General Zhang Youxia seemed relatively secure at the top of Chinas military machine. As secure as anyone can be under President Xi Jinping. With the PLA in disarray, some analysts argue that Beijings threat to Taiwan has dissipated in the short term, but could prove deadlier in the long run as Xi appoints new loyalist generals. Others theorise that the shifting geopolitics under US President Donald Trump means nothing can be ruled out. Today, many China experts stress that 2027 shouldnt be seen as a deadline for invasion, but rather a marker for assessing Beijings military capability to execute one. A military parade in Beijing last year. President Xi Jinping has stepped up military pressure around Taiwan. In recent years, one date in particular 2027 has become so embedded in Western policy circles and media commentary that it has, at times, warped into a theoretical deadline for when Xi could fulfil his threat to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. When Beijing might make this move and what form it could take such as a full-scale military invasion, or a naval blockade designed to cut the island off from its outside support and resources is the subject of extensive debate among China watchers, defence experts and government officials in the US and elsewhere. China regards the island democracy of 23 million people as its own territory, but the Chinese Communist Party has never controlled it. Former CIA Director William Burns said in 2023 the US had intelligence that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had told his military to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027. In February 2023, then-CIA director William Burns reaffirmed the significance of the target to Taiwans strategic thinking. Speaking at an event at Georgetown University, he said US authorities knew as a matter of intelligence that Xi had ordered the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, but that this was not a deadline. The timeline became known as the Davidson window. Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions... And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years, he testified. The 2027 timeframe took root in Washington after US Admiral Phil Davidson, then leading the US Indo-Pacific Command, told a 2021 congressional hearing he was concerned Beijing was accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States. So where did this 2027 fixation come from, and is it still a useful benchmark for understanding Beijings calculus on Taiwan? The US defence sector interpreted this move as Beijing setting a new interim target for accelerating its already publicised goals of completing military modernisation by 2035 and possessing a world-class military by mid-century in 2049. Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (right) and Russias Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (far left), presides over a massive military parade in Beijing in September. In October 2020, a meeting of the partys top governing body signed off on a new 2027 milestone for modernising the military, which aligns with the PLAs 100th anniversary. The exact nature of the US intelligence referred to by Burns is not clear. But analysts point to Chinas massive and rapid military build-up, in line with modernisation goals that Xi has set for the army. He added that while the US must take very seriously Xis ambitions to control Taiwan, it did not mean that a military conflict was inevitable. But that doesnt mean hes decided to invade in 2027 or any other year as well, Burns said, repeating this view during a TV interview with US broadcaster CBS weeks later. Because of that, the 2027 date has taken on a life of its own because of Xi Jinpings emphasis on centennial goals and their connection to the China dream of the great rejuvenation of China to be achieved in 2049. If you look at PLA writings from the Academy of Military Science, in particular, Taiwan has always been central to modernisation strategy and force development efforts, says Thompson, now a US-China relations academic at Singapores Nanyang Technological University. The CCP leadership has not explicitly tied these modernisation goals to its Taiwan agenda. But a link has been drawn and taken on a life of its own due to the unification of Taiwan being one of the partys top goals, says former Pentagon official Drew Thompson. If the 2027 efforts were realised, this could give the PLA capabilities to be a more credible military tool for the CCPs Taiwan unification efforts, a US Department of Defence report said in 2023. Dr Zack Cooper, an expert in US-China strategy in Asia at the American Enterprise Institute, says having a date became a useful tool for the defence sector to drive a funding push at a time when the US military was struggling to get resources for its Indo-Pacific endeavours. Members of Congress took it much more seriously, even though many of us have been warning that we were heading into a much more difficult period for several years. But 2027 grabbed politicians in a way that nothing else had, Cooper says. Xi ramps up military firepower, but purges top generals In 2023, on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco, Xi told then-US president Joe Biden that Beijing was determined to unify Taiwan with the mainland, through peaceful means as the first preference, according to a senior US official who briefed reporters on the meeting. Xi, according to the US briefing, also dismissed speculation about a deadline. President Xi basically said, look, I hear all these reports in the United States how were planning for military action in 2027 or 2035 ... there are no such plans, no one has talked to me about this, the US official said, summarising the conversation. Whatever Beijings calculus is, Chinese officials are not going to announce it to the world in advance, least of all give a deadline to their foremost rival. A Taiwanese Mirage 2000 fighter jet lands at an airbase in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan. The islands defence force regularly scrambles jets in response to Chinese fighter planes encroaching on its defence zones. AP But Xi has signalled that he wants the Taiwan question resolved on his watch and is widely expected to seek an unprecedented fourth term in 2027. Since becoming leader in 2012, he has repeatedly described it as something that cannot be passed on from generation to generation. China has not renounced using force to realise this aim. Xi has also presided over a massive military build-up that includes more than doubling its nuclear warhead stockpile to 600 warheads since 2019, with US defence estimates putting it on track to reach 1000 warheads by 2030. The PLA Navy is now the worlds largest maritime force with 234 warships to the US Navys 219, though it still trails the US in some key capability metrics. At a massive military parade in September, where Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong-un were key guests, Beijing showcased a range of new advanced weapons, drone systems, high-energy laser weapons, autonomous sea vehicles, and anti-ship missiles. But unlike US forces, Chinas army lacks combat experience and has not fought a war since 1979, when it invaded Vietnam and suffered heavy losses. China has also ramped up its war games in the waters around Taiwan, in intimidatory shows of force. In December, the PLA conducted its largest military drills to date, test-firing rockets, simulating strikes on targets, and deploying new amphibious assault ships in a rehearsal of a naval blockade of the island. The Pentagons latest report assessing Chinas capabilities, also released in December, restated the centrality of the 2027 milestone in US thinking, noting China expects to be able to fight and win a war on Taiwan by the end of 2027. At the same time, Xis gutting of the top military ranks has fuelled speculation that he is not satisfied with the PLAs progress on its Taiwan strategy. But Chinese elite politics is notoriously opaque and these remain just theories. K. Tristan Tang, an analyst with the Pacific Forum think tank, believes Zhang was purged because his war preparations openly conflicted with Xis 2027 benchmark, while he clearly placed this goal closer to 2035. Together with Liu, their presence instead posed a challenge to Xis authority, he concluded in a report this week analysing months of official party statements. Regardless of their removal, the probability of achieving the 2027 Taiwan invasion capability remains extremely low, he says. With Zhang and Lius ouster, Xi has purged all but one of the six generals he handpicked for the Central Military Commission in 2022. Just two remain: Xi himself as chair and Zhang Shengmin (no relation to Zhang Youxia), who has overseen the anti-corruption purges in the military. It follows the expulsion of two former defence ministers from the party in 2024, as well as the removal of dozens of other high-ranking officers in recent years, on a scale unmatched since the Mao Zedong era. This means Chinas military cannot fight, as it has a broken chain of command and relative absence of war-fighting-related experience and expertise at the top level, says Wen-Ti Sung, fellow at the Atlantic Councils Global China Hub, based in Taiwan. Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, says this weakness may prove short-lived. In the long term, a less corrupt, more loyal, and more capable military could more credibly coerce Taipei into submission and deter Washington from intervening, he says. As for Taiwan, the 2027 timeframe has also become embedded in the strategic psyche in Taipei. In its annual military drills last year, Taiwanese troops simulated scenarios defending against a 2027 Chinese invasion, and President Lai Ching-te cited this timeline when he announced a budget bill to ramp up defence spending. We wont let the downfall of any one person make us lower our guard or slacken the level of war preparedness we should maintain, said Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo this week. Is 2027 still a useful benchmark? While the Chinese leaderships thinking is a black box, whether the US will intervene to defend the island, potentially expanding a regional conflict into a wider war, is almost certainly the priority factor for Beijing. In December, the White House approved a $US11.1 billion ($15.8 billion) arms package to Taiwan, its largest ever. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping shake hands after their talks in South Korea in October. They are due to meet again in Beijing in April. Getty Trump has largely adhered to the deterrence policy of strategic ambiguity, that is, being deliberately vague about how Washington may respond to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Its a source of pride for him. He considers it to be a part of China, and thats up to him what hes going to be doing. But Ive expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I dont think hell do that, Trump told The New York Times earlier this month. But Trumps transactional approach to foreign policy has also raised anxiety among Taiwan supporters in Washington and elsewhere that he could trade away US backing in a bid to strike a grand bargain with Xi. The pair did not discuss Taiwan when they met on the sidelines of APEC in South Korea in October, but many observers are anticipating it will be a key agenda item when Trump makes a state visit to Beijing in April. Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Centre, a US think tank, says the Chinese view on Taiwan changed significantly in 2025 due to the perception that Trump had little interest in defending it militarily. She argues a move by Beijing could happen sooner rather than later. The Chinese policy community is increasingly convinced that an effort to assert control of Taiwan will happen, and it could even be imminent if Taiwan does something to provoke Beijing, Sun writes in Foreign Affairs magazine this month. She does not believe the removal of the top leaders will affect the operational capability of the PLA. However, some analysts say the fixation on 2027 has distracted from other important considerations. Xi Jinpings purges are undermining the PLA operationally while elections in Taiwan and the United States loom. For both reasons, Beijing would be wise to wait out the next two years, says Cooper. As a result, I would expect 2028 and 2029 to be much more risky periods for cross-Strait dynamics. Other factors include the sheer difficulty of launching an invasion due to Taiwans mountainous geography and the need for mass transit of Chinese forces across the 180-kilometre-wide Taiwan Strait. Defence analysts routinely describe an invasion as likely to be one of the largest, most complex military operations in history. The cost of miscalculation for Xi, especially at a time when Chinas domestic economy is in the doldrums, is high. A military conflict over Taiwan would risk massive economic disruption, catastrophic military losses, significant social unrest, and devastating sanctions, all of which could turn his dream into a nightmare and undermine his political authority, says China expert Bonnie Glaser in a report for the German Marshall Fund think tank. Meanwhile, China will continue a near-daily campaign of grey-zone harassment from cyberattacks to sending fighter jets and coast guard ships to patrol around Taiwan designed to exhaust resources and resolve. As Glaser put it recently: The Chinese believe that time is on their side to achieve reunification without sacrificing blood and treasure. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Advertisement WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war Trump takes credit for pause in Kyiv bombings, saying Putin agreed to his request Aamer Madhani and Susie Blann Updated January 30, 2026 5:25am ,first published 4:54am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Kyiv: US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed not to target the Ukrainian capital and other towns for one week as the region experiences frigid temperatures. There was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin that Putin had agreed to such a pause. People wait for the end of a Russian air attack to get on the metro train in Kyiv this week. AP Russia has been pounding Ukraines critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country to endure the dead of winter without heat. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this ... extraordinary cold, Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday (Washington time), adding that Putin has agreed to that. Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked earlier on Thursday whether a mutual halt on strikes on energy facilities was being discussed between Russia and Ukraine, and refused to comment on the issue. Reports of a possible partial ceasefire surfaced earlier on Thursday through bloggers close to the Russian military, Londons Telegraph reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed not to fire on Kyiv for a week, US President Donald Trump says. AP We are receiving reports that ... the Russian Armed Forces have imposed a ban on the use of fire ... on any infrastructure facilities throughout Ukraine, prominent Russian blogger Vladimir Romanov said. He added that a similar ban applies to any facilities in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Ukrainian social media channels with connections to the military also reported there had been orders not to strike Russian energy infrastructure facilities, the Telegraph reported. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned late on Wednesday that Moscow was planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks this weekend. Trump said he was pleased that Putin had agreed to the pause. Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting on Friday that is expected to last into next week. A woman walks by emergency heating points set up in a Kyiv neighbourhood. Getty Images Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus 30 degrees, the State Emergency Service warned. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that, Trump said of his request to Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. Advertisement Zelensky thanked Trump for his effort and welcomed the possibility of a pause in Russian military action on Kyiv and beyond. Power supply is a foundation of life, he said in a social media post. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. AP Trump did not say when the call with Putin took place or when the ceasefire would go into effect. The White House did not immediately respond to a query seeking clarity about the scope and timing of the limited pause in the nearly four-year war. Russia has sought to deny Ukrainian civilians heat and running water over the course of the war, hoping to wear down public resistance to Moscows full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Ukrainian officials describe the strategy as weaponising winter. Advertisement Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 as Russia intensified its aerial barrages behind the front line, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country. The war killed 2514 civilians and injured 12,142 in Ukraine 31 per cent higher than in 2024, it said. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight and caused a major blaze in an apartment building, officials said on Thursday. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicated Russia was assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredited the peace talks, Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late on Wednesday. Advertisement Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 1000-kilometre front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting. Related Article Trump's America OK of me but nice of him: Trump hangs photo of Putin in White House Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite internet service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said that his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Fedorov thanked Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Advertisement Russia launched more than 6000 drones at Ukraine over the past month alone, according to Fedorov. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat on Thursday (Brussels time) accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. Advertisement Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, said on Thursday that a lot of progress was made in recent three-way talks and expressed optimism that more headway could be made when the parties met again in the coming days. I think the people of Ukraine are now hopeful and expecting that we are going to deliver a peace deal sometime soon, Witkoff added. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published this week. 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. CINCINNATI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Western & Southern Life ranked second in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Individual Annuity Study, a national benchmark of customer satisfaction in the individual annuity market. The annual J.D. Power study measures customer experiences across eight core dimensions: trust, value for price, ability to get service, ease of doing business, people, product offerings, digital channels and problem resolution. Western & Southern Life is a member company of Western & Southern Financial Group. Western & Southern's performance in the J.D. Power study illustrates its continued commitment to serving customers with care and delivering financial strength and security throughout life's journey. "Doing business the right way means putting people first," said John F. Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Western & Southern Financial Group. "That belief shapes how we serve our customers, and this ranking by J.D. Power is a meaningful reflection of that focus." 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Assets owned ($86.8 billion) and managed ($43.7 billion) totaled $130.5 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025.1 Western & Southern is one of the strongest life insurance groups in the world, with seven life insurance subsidiaries that maintain very strong financial strength ratings. For more information, visit westernsouthern.com. 1 The financial information presented here is preliminary and unaudited. Review our current financial ratings. From Fortune. 2025 Fortune Media (USA) Corporation. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune 500 are registered trademarks of Fortune Media (USA) Corporation and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Western & Southern Financial Group. About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 55 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com. 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A fixed-charge notice was issued to the defendant but was not paid. Solicitor Joe Farrell, who entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client in his absence, told the court that Mr Slattery was down the country working but was anxious to get the matter rectified and wanted to apologise to the court. The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions. Judge Elizabeth Healy convicted and fined Mr Slattery 300, giving him two months to pay. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme A CHINESE restaurant company is applying to Carlow District Court to operate a casino on Tullow Street in Carlow town. The licence hearing will take place on 11 February, according to the public notice placed in this newspaper last week. The company, SLCZ limited, Shi Lin as company secretary and Zhanglian Chen listed as the director, plans to operate a 45-machine casino between 52-54 Tullow Street. The companys address is listed as 6 Stanhope Street, Athy, where the Peony Inn Chinese Restaurant owned by SLCZ Ltd currently operates. If the licence is granted, there will be four casinos operating in the centre of Carlow town. The same applicants were previously granted permission in November 2023 to turn the basement of 53 and 54 Tullow Street into a casino, subject to 13 conditions. They were further granted permission in October 2023 to turn the ground floor into a food court, with a two-bed residential unit on the first floor. The food court never materialised, but Crystals Chinese Takeaway began trading there in June 2025. There was also a Stop & Shop Convenience Store, which was issued with a closure order on 8 May 2025 by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The building was formerly occupied by the T Street Wine Bar and Bistro until 2018, and before that it was a nightclub called The Temple. It was listed for sale with a guide price of 795,000 in May 2025 on Daft.ie and appears to have sold for 500,000. Tim Healy A teenage Somalian refugee who came to Ireland alone at 16 years of age and who was then allegedly incorrectly considered by Tusla to be an adult has been granted High Court permission to establish if she is entitled to an 'aftercare' support programme. At the High Court, barrister Michael Conlon SC, for the now-18-year-old who is a State-recognised refugee, submitted to Mr Justice Micheal P O'Higgins that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency (CFA), had in 2024 wrongly placed the applicant in adult accommodation, which did not provided requisite State supports for a minor and that the plaintiff, therefore, "remains in difficulty in navigating basic supports and resources to date". The case was taken by lawyers for the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) on behalf of the teenager against the CFA, the Chief International Protection Officer, the Minister for Justice, the International Protection Service Accommodation Services, Ireland and the Attorney General. The IRC is seeking a court order requiring the CFA to reassess whether the teenager needs further life assistance and if so, to provide an adult aftercare plan under the Child Care Act 1991. It is claimed that the teenager was entitled to a presumption that she was a child when she came to Ireland in 2024 and that there was a failure regarding a lawful procedure to establish her age, which is a breach of the International Protection Act of 2015. It is submitted that the plaintiff arrived in Ireland in March 2024 and successfully claimed international protection later that month. It is also submitted that she was issued with a Temporary Residence Certificate until 2028 and was then placed in "inappropriate adult accommodation" without access to child education and supports she was entitled to as a minor. It is submitted that the applicant was assessed "unlawfully" by the CFA, whose social worker had "concerns" about her age verification, opining that the girl was "not a minor". The CFA decision, it is claimed, therefore, made the applicant ineligible for future services provided under the Child Care Act, "despite the fact that the applicant had consistently claimed she was a minor and had provided her Somali birth certificate issued by the Mayor of Mogadishu in February 2023". Her original birth certificate was submitted to the International Protection Office in February 2025 and was accepted with the date of birth recorded as September 2007. It was claimed that the applicant was not appointed a guardian or a social worker by the CFA, despite being a minor when she arrived in the State and that this "failure" has had serious consequences for the applicant, who is a commuting college student and is in employment to support her education. Mr Justice O'Higgins granted leave to the teenager to seek State aftercare entitlements and adjourned the matter to March. They met as young women in their 20s through Sunday School, built careers and families in the Chattanooga area and spent decades serving their church and community. More than 70 years later, five lifelong friends from the same Red Bank Baptist Church Sunday School class are neighbors again - now living together at Morning Pointe of Hixson.All local to the Chattanooga area, the women have shared faith, friendship and community since the late 1940s and 1950s. Two of them have known each other since kindergarten, growing up less than two miles apart.Over the years, they hosted class potlucks, attended activities together and remained deeply involved in church programming and service at Red Bank Baptist Church.Today, they describe living together as one of the best decisions theyve ever made.We grew up together, worshipped together and now we live together, said Pat Arnold, who was the first of the group to move to Morning Pointe of Hixson in 2016, after a fall and hospital stay. I felt like that wasnt a coincidence. That was a God thing.As Ms. Arnold settled in, her longtime friends came to visit regularly. One by one, they eventually followed by choice. Together, theyve formed what they now describe as family.The group includes retired teachers, a longtime telephone company employee and a former TVA professional - women whose lives and careers helped shape generations in the local community.Inez Parson, born and raised in Chattanooga, will turn 101 this May. She met the group in 1947 at age 22, and later worked for the telephone company. She moved to Morning Pointe of Hixson in 2020 after a fall.Its been real good, Ms. Parson said. Everyone is really nice here. Its so good to be with all these people.Betty MacDonald, 97, has known Ms. Arnold since kindergarten. A stay-at-home mother and proud grandmother of five grandsons and several great-grandsons, she says faith and friendship have been her greatest support.Stay close to the good Lord, Ms. MacDonald said. Knowing youre not alone makes all the difference.Sarah Malone, 88, taught elementary school for 29 years and served for more than a decade as a program director for their church group.These girls are family, Ms. Malone said. We look after each other.Virginia Atkins, 97, taught clothing and human behavior at Western Kentucky University for 27 years. She became part of the group through shared faith and friendship. Ms. Atkins recalls one time when she returned from the hospital and the Morning Pointe staff greeted her warmly and with genuine excitement - a moment she said meant a great deal to her.Church life has changed over the decades, the women note. Hymns have given way to contemporary music, and Sunday dresses are now often jeans. Still, traditions matter. They attend senior church services together on Tuesdays, and dress up a little nicer on Sundays, just as they always have.Their days are filled with cards, dominoes, bingo, Mexican Train and plenty of friendly competition. They schedule game times, cheer each other on and laugh often.Were very competitive, Ms. Arnold said with a smile. But were happy. Were people people.Ms. Arnold also credits the staff at Morning Pointe of Hixson with recognizing when she needed help during a stroke she did not initially realize she was having. They saved my life, she said.For these five women, living together isnt about looking back - its about continuing something that began generations ago.It feels great and rewarding to be part of something thats lasted for generations, Ms. Arnold said.Long-standing traditions still matter, Ms. MacDonald added. They give you peace.After all these years, sitting side by side still means everything. Noelia Sargento, a Business Management student from Rossville, was named Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges (GNTC) 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, and Trevor Roberts, clinical coordinator of Ultrasound Programs and instructor of Adult Echocardiography, has been named the colleges 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. The winners were named during the Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Coosa County Club in Rome. The awards were sponsored and presented by the Rome Floyd Chamber, the Seven Hills Rotary Club of Rome and GNTC. Jayden Allen, a resident of Lindale, was also recognized during the banquet; Allen received GNTCs 2026 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Award for superior achievement in Adult Education classes and programs. Troyanna Troy Foster, Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor for Adult Education in Floyd County, was also acknowledged during the ceremony for being named GNTCs Adult Education Teacher of the Year for 2026. Allen and Foster will represent GNTC at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute state competition March 9-11 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. Allen will compete to become the Technical College System of Georgias 2026 Adult Education Student of the Year and Foster will compete to become the TCSGs Office of Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year Sargento, attends GNTCs Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold. She was nominated by Tracy Gentry, Instructor of Business Management at GNTC. Last year, Sargento was selected as GNTCs 2025 EAGLE award winner and then went on to become the TCSGs 2025 Adult Education Student of the Year for the State of Georgia. I was honored to be named Georgias 2025 EAGLE Winner, an experience that reminded me how powerful technical education truly is, not just for students, but for families and communities, she said. Sargento said after becoming a mother at age 17, her focus shifted from education to survival and college seemed distant. The turning point came when I realized I was encouraging my children to believe in themselves, while quietly doubting myself, Sargento said. I knew something had to change. After earning her High School Equivalency at GNTC, Sargento understood that it was only the first step. I knew that wasnt the finish line, it was the doorway. Sargento chose Business Management with a focus on Human Resources as her major because she enjoys working with people and helping create environments where individuals feel respected, supported and empowered to succeed. Ive always been someone others turn to for guidance, and Human Resources allows me to turn that strength into a career, she said. Sargento is actively involved in her community and participates in her childrens school activities, volunteers in the Childrens and Youth Ministry at her church, assist others with Spanish translation and encourages adults who dropped out of high school to seek their High School Equivalency. As the 2026 GOAL winner for GNTC, Sargento will move to the regional competition. If chosen as a regional finalist, she will compete at the state level against finalist from the other regions of Georgia. GNTCs other 2026 GOAL finalists were Brittney Elrod of Ringgold and Latasha Fluker of Rome. All three GOAL nominees were Adult Education students at GNTC. A panel of leaders from business, industry and government will choose the Technical College System of Georgias (TCSG) GOAL winner for 2026 and recipient of the GOAL medallion. The 2026 Student of the Year and state GOAL winner will serve as TCSGs student ambassador during a number of system and college functions throughout the year. Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia will award a new automobile as the grand prize to the state GOAL winner. The Rick Perkins Award honors TCSGs most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Roberts, a resident of Silver Creek, has served as an Echocardiography instructor at GNTC since 2021 and as a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer at AdventHealth Redmond since 2022. He previously served as a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer at Atrium Health Floyd, 2012-21, and at Erlanger Health System, 2011-18. Roberts said his interest in healthcare began when he was 12 years old and would watch his mother take care of her parents, mainly her father, who had Alzheimers Disease. I made it a goal to demonstrate and deliver compassionate care the way Mom had delivered care to her parents, Roberts said. His mother would later be diagnosed with Alzheimers and Roberts said the support from his students was exactly what I needed at that moment. One day, one of his fellow instructors needed someone to serve as a patient for a demonstration exam in GNTCs Ultrasound lab. The instructor began scanning Roberts while giving instructions to students and then her voice changed, Roberts said. That day, my students witnessed the discovery of my thyroid cancer in our Ultrasound lab on campus. He was scheduled for surgery at Emory, and the week before, his students came to class with a care package to show their support. I will never forget those days. That was Moms compassion, and it came full circle twice. I never intended it to be directed at me, said Roberts. Those students were supposed to take Moms compassionate care to their clinical sites and their places of employment. Roberts will represent the college as GNTCs 2026 Rick Perkins winner and move on to the regional competition, vying for the opportunity to compete at the state level in the competition. A panel of leaders from business, industry and government will choose one instructor to be TCSGs 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize. The Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia and will make many public appearances throughout the year, including addressing both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. The most recent state winners to represent GNTC were 2019 Rick Perkins Award winner Leyner Argueta, program director of Business Management, and 2013 Rick Perkins Award winner Troy Peco, former assistant dean of Industrial Technologies, program director and instructor of Automotive Technology. GNTCs 2024 Rick Perkins Award winner Deanna Hulsey, instructor of Cosmetology, and 2023 Rick Perkins Award winner Salvador Gonzalez, former program director and instructor of Diesel Equipment Technology were first runners-up in the state competition. The other GNTC 2026 Rick Perkins Award nominees were Nick Barton, program director and instructor of Horticulture; Tyler Gayan, program director, assistant dean and instructor of Criminal Justice Technology; Ronny Huggins, program director and instructor of Automation Engineering Technology; Brandon Johnson, instructor of Welding and Joining Technology; and Pete Lute, program director and instructor of Automotive Technology. A man with mental issues who ran his car into another man who had just robbed and shot him has been given a lower bond. The family of Corey Devon Washington, who is charged with second-degree murder, made the bond and he was released. Last April 4 at 6:21 p.m., CPD officers were dispatched to 3003 Towerway Dr. on reports of a person shot and a motor vehicle crash. Police found Washington suffering from a gunshot wound and another man, 51-year-old Kevin Kendrick, deceased from apparent blunt force trauma-type injuries. Police spoke with several witnesses who said they heard multiple gunshots, a slight pause, a vehicle engine revving and then a loud crash. Witnesses said they saw a tan/gold vehicle had crashed into another vehicle. Washington told police he had gone to 3005 Towerway Dr. to see an old friend when Kendrick, known as "Kboogie," began assaulting him. Washington's aunt lived nearby. Washington said "Kboogie" demanded money from him and took $70. He said he then tried to leave the scene when "Kboogie" began to continually shoot at him. He told police that because he was continuously being shot at, he acted in self defense and intentionally struck Kendrick with his vehicle. A video was shown in the courtroom of Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman of the incident. It shows Washington backing his vehicle up a hill, then suddenly gunning it down the hill. There was a crash as Washington's vehicle struck a car that was headed up the hill. Kendrick was "sandwiched" between the two vehicles. Police at the time said the video evidence contradicted Washington's statement of self defense. Police said the video "did not show Kendrick continuously shooting him. The video did show Washington reversing out of the driveway on Towerway Drive as Kendrick was walking in the opposite direction. Video then showed as Kendrick was walking away, with his back turned, Washington intentionally accelerated towards Kendrick, ultimately striking him in the yard of the Towerway Drive address." Prosecutor Miller Leonard said it was agreed that Kendrick had robbed Washington and shot him, including one bullet that broke his femur. The Joseph Johnson Center at the start of the case gave an opinion that Washington was not competent to assist his counsel, but a later report from the Moccasin Bend Psychiatric Hospital said he was competent. Washington's mother testified that he first was diagnosed with mental illness when he was 17. She said he could function well when he was on his meds. She said prior to the incident that she had noticed that he was acting erratically. She said he quickly ran up a $15,000 bill after going on a buying spree. She said she learned that a doctor treating him had taken him off his mood stabilizer medication. She said he is back on the medication and is doing well. Judge Steelman agreed to lower the bond from $500,000 to $50,000. At the foot of Lookout Mountain by the Trenton-LaFayette Highway in McLemore Cove, Camp Hidden Hollow is marking a milestone this summer: 50 years of shaping childhood summers through faith, friendship, and outdoor adventure. Founded in 1976, the Christian day camp has welcomed generations of children from across the Chattanooga region. For many families, Camp Hidden Hollow is more than a summer destination - it is a tradition passed down from parents to children. A Day That Begins the Same Way It Always Has Every morning at Camp Hidden Hollow begins with a familiar and meaningful routine. Campers line up for flag line, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and bow their heads for prayer before the sounds of camp songs, Bible Stories, and Skits. This daily gathering sets the tone - one of respect, faith, and community - before campers head off to their activities. From there, the day unfolds across the wooded property. Campers set out on nature hikes, ride horses along shaded trails, and spend time at the lake swimming, jumping off the dock, or swinging from the rope swing. Canoes glide across the water, while others fish with cane poles from the dock, celebrating both patience and small victories. Down at the creek, campers hunt for crawdads, carefully lifting rocks and discovering the simple joys of exploration. Arts and crafts, archery, and team games round out days filled with movement, creativity, and laughter. A Camp Family Built Over Generations One of Camp Hidden Hollows defining features is its people. Many counselors once attended the camp as children and later returned to serve as leaders, eager to give back to the place that helped shape them. Counselors are affectionately known by nicknames Splash, Mother Nature, Speedy, Dondi, Boomer, Skipper, Pink Panther, Running Bear and more adding to the camps sense of fun and familiarity. At the heart of the camp is director Sally Thomas Worland, known lovingly as Miss Sally. For 50 years, Miss Sally has been a steady presence, guiding the camp with warmth, faith, and a deep commitment to preserving its traditions. Started for Sally Thomas (Worland) at age 14 as a Dream Because I was their favorite child they listened to me when I said my dream was to have a camp one day. In all sincerity at age 14, I talked to my parents, Tommy "Pop" Thomas and Bonny Jean Thomas, about my dream of having a camp one day. My Dad, Pop, was a pharmacist and my mom was a pharmacist technician, as well as a concert pianist - interesting enough, though her favorite music was bluegrass. They were also well-known square dance callers. I was very blessed, along with my sister and two brothers, to be raised by wonderful parents so for all the mischief I did, I cannot blame them as they were loving, kind, and an example of Gods goodness. I would get the classified ads out of the newspaper and beg my mom to go with me to look at land. We drove all over Chattanooga and beyond. One day in December of 1970 I saw a very non-descript ad, which stated 145 acres of wooded land with a pond. The price was right, but it did not sound very attractive. Mom and I came to see it and immediately I knew that this was the place. The almost century year old buildings were covered with tar paper to keep them warmer and some of the buildings needed to be torn down. But there was still a beauty about it as we looked at the mountains with the lake up against it. I also had a feeling of deja vu when later I realized that I had been here to swim when I was about eight years old and what at that time was called Blue Lake. I am sure I was an annoying teenager as I begged my kind Dad to come look at it with us. Dad did not have an interest in buying a farm as he called it. Mom was more interested as she thought one day she might like to have something like a Bed And Breakfast. After much pleading, he agreed to come look at it. Mr. Cook was our realtor and he told us later he told his mom, who was also a realtor, that Sally was going to sell that place for him. On Jan. 1, 1971, Dad agreed to look at it and on the way home we talked nonstop about how I would help pay for it as soon as I could get through college If they could go ahead and purchase it now. I said I would put in as much money in improvements as they had to pay for the property, which I did by saving and borrowing funds. Of course, that has multiplied many times now. We needed to put $500 earnest money down to hold it, but still there was hesitancy on my folks' part. I asked if I could call Mr. Cook and find out if there was anything else we could do to hold it. When I reached him on the phone, I remember he said, Honestly, Sally, I have heard someone wants to give me cash for the property, but I would really rather sell it to you all. Could you all possibly meet me at the foot of Signal Mountain and give me the earnest money so I can hold it for you before the gentleman comes to my office. I know it may sound naive, but I really believed him and later did find out there were several people that wanted to purchase it right away. He really did want us to have it and Ive always appreciated him for that. Once again I went to begging and dad said OK well pay that part but well have to see about the rest. So we met him at the Golden Gallon at the foot of Signal Mountain and gave him the $500 to hold it for us while my parents worked on getting a bank loan. Every day when I came home, I would ask if they had heard from the bank yet and one day they had and the loan was approved. I think this is a good place to interject that if your child talks to you about something they feel convicted about they need to be heard and my wonderful parents did that for me. Ten years later, after sharing my dream of having a camp, I began it with six children. Believe it or not I picked them up in a pickup truck on Signal Mountain and then to Ringgold and then to Hidden Hollow. I was the only staff. Things were sure different in those days. We did all kinds of things like getting clay out of the lake bottom to make clay pots (We had the lake drained to do some repairs), nature skills, waiting in the creek, crawdad hunting, sports, picnics etc. Then the second year in 1977 I had quite a few friends willing to help me. And from there, it just continued to grow. Several years later, mom and dad did start Hidden Hollow Resort. They rented log cabins, which were built from wood on the property and also offered parties, including square dancing, to many many groups. They worked so hard to make it a lovely place and made guests feel so very welcomed. They were such an integral part of many guests' lives. The resort still operates today but they are greatly missed as they had a real knack for it. My name has always been Miss Sally for Camp, but I thought it would be fun to have different fun names for the staff. Some of those in the early years had staff camp names such as Dondi, Splash, Mother Nature, Pink Panther, and Speedy. During the 50 years of camp, we have had hundreds of different staff camp names. The kids love it as it makes an extra dimension of fun. I married Dave Worland in 1984 and, interesting enough, he had worked one session at Camp Hidden Hollow previously as a swimming instructor. He was very active in the Boy Scout program as a director and so had experience with Scout camping and directing. He also really had a love for camping. When we were first married, he worked in banking for about seven years. He then went on to do quite a few jobs in the financial world as he led foundations - especially those that were foundations giving to charitable causes. Through the years, he has tried to be at camp when he can and does a marvelous job. He is a very big help to me in many ways. He is the computer savvy one in our family. He also tells me hes the only boyfriend that would stick around in the summer as I worked them all too hard helping me get ready for camp. But Im very thankful he did stick around. We will celebrate our 42nd anniversary this May. He is so gifted and can fix anything and believe me theres a lot that has to be fixed when you have so many people around. He is also so wonderful on the waterfront. His camp name is Skipper. I am very thankful for him as well as for our four children who were campers through the years and grew up at Hidden Hollow. Many of our grandchildren come to camp now. Our four children (and some of their spouses have been staff at at camp). Our children are: Craig (Crisco), Scott (John Deere), Bonny Jean (Skittles) and Suzannah (Laffy Taffy). The most important part of all is that I know God has blessed us with this and it is His camp, not mine, and I pray that I will always honor Him through it. My verse has been With God all things are possible Luke 1:37. Also, the byline for camp is Where a kid can be a kid a little longer A Legacy That Continues The Chuck Wagon Gang started 90 years ago when David Dad Carter needed money to pay for the care of a sick wife. From a radio program to a record contract with Columbia, the Chuck Wagon Gang has sold nearly 40 million records. The Chuck Wagon Gang has been singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 90 years and they return to Chattanooga on Feb. 15, for the Hullanders Red Back Hymnal Singing at the Ridgedale Baptist Church on Hickory Valley Road. The concert starts at 6 p.m. and is free, but a love offering will be taken. In 1936, the Chuck Wagon Gang recorded 16 songs. The collection included The Son Hath Made Me Free, their first release. The Chuck Wagon Gang is perhaps best known for Albert E. Brumleys Ill Fly Away. Written in 1929, Mr. Brunley was unsuccessful in getting the song recorded for nearly 20 years. The song became known almost all over the world after the Chuck Wagon Gang recorded it in 1948. The story goes that Mr. Brumley pulled the manuscript out of his desk and gave it to Dad Carter for consideration. Mr. Carter took it to Don Law and Art Satherly and convinced the record executives the gang needed to record the song. Columbias A and R man, Mitch Miller, didnt like the idea or the song, but the label needed an artist to go against Deccas Bing Crosby and RCAs Perry Como. After Ill Fly Away sored in popularity at home and abroad, Mr. Miller said with a smile, I was wrong; Ive now changed my mind. He said for several years the Chuck Wagon sold more records than Johnny Cash. Mr. Miller said, Outside of Amazing Grace, Ill Fly Away, may be the most recorded Gospel Song of our time. The late J. Basil Mull hosted the Mull Singing Convention late at night on several 50,000 wat radio stations and on his program sold thousands of Chuck Wagon Gang albums. Rev. Mull said, Ill Fly Away was his most requested song. This writer hosted a country music show on the American Forces Network, Europe in 1972 73 and Ill Fly away, was our most requested inspirational song. Hello Chattanooga by David Carroll documents the Chuck Wagon Gang singing at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium eight times. That included a WDOD country music specular in 1967 that featured Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn and the Chuck Wagon Gang. I remember introducing the Gang that evening and the first song they sang was Ill Fly Away. This writers mother, Norma Freudenberg, played the piano for over 75 years and some of her favorite songs were from the Chuck Wagon Gang. The Gangs picture below is from that songbook she purchased in 1964 for $1.50. When Grand Ole Opry Star Roy Acuff brought his country music show to the Louvin Brothers music park in Henagar, Alabama in 1983, he sang, Ill Fly Away. Before Mr. Acuff sang the hymn said he wanted to sing a Chuck Wagon Gang song, Ill Fly Away, his second most requested Gospel Song, next to I Saw the Light. Mr. Acuff received a standing ovation. Ill Fly Away was a favorite of the late television pastor Dr. Robert Schuller. The Hour of Power speaker said, Ill Fly Away was released at the end of World War II and before the Korean Conflict when the people were looking for a simple tune with a positive message. Shaye Smith is owner manager and the granddaughter of the Chuck Wagon Gangs original alto, Anna Carter Gordon Davis. Mrs. Smith said, Growing up, I didnt really understand what it was all about. It was something my grandparents did; the music they sang. When I was able to be a part of it and to get to know the fans and really get to know the music, it began to mean so much to me. It means so much more to share it with the people. Ive been at it my whole life but its taken me this long to really understand what it is. Over 600 friends and fans attended the event last year at the Ridgedale Baptist Church. Organizers Bill and Linda Hullander said they were bringing the group back by popular demand from Chattanooga area fans. The February singing will be the third time the Hullanders have sponsored the Chuck Wagon Gang in Chattanooga. They sang at the Red Back Hymnal Singing at the Hullander farm, Oct. 28, 2019. A video produced by Ben Cagle on YouTube has had over 50,000 views. Mr. Hullander said, Linda and I look forward to hearing some of the gangs old songs in addition to selections from the Gangs latest project, Made to Live Forever. Ill Fly Away is Mr. Hullanders favorite song and is sung at every Red Back Hymnal Singing. Mr. Hullander said, It promises to be a memorable evening with the Chuck Wagon Gang on their 90thanniversary tour, so everyone should come early and enjoy the music and fellowship and meet Shaye Smith, granddaughter of original alto Anna. Southern Adventist University invites guests to campus in Collegedale for more than 50 presentations, performances and workshops during its third annual Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference, March 23-24. Last years event drew more than 200 attendees from Chattanooga and across the Southeast.A snapshot of performers and session leaders for the 2026 conference includes award-winning musician Matt Maher (Lord, I Need You), author and professor Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt (Redeeming Vision) and illustrator John Hendrix (The Mythmakers).In addition to these and other national presenters, the gathering will feature faculty from Southern Adventist University, Bryan College, Covenant College, Lee University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.Iconic artists being discussed at Illuminate this year include Ludwig van Beethoven, Wendell Berry, William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Woody Guthrie, C.S. Lewis, Lilias Trotter and more. Hands-on workshops range from pottery throwing and therapeutic drumming to psalm writing. New Threads Theatre Company will perform a one-act play about philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard, with staged readings of an original script still in development. The special two-day conference concludes with a full concert by Matt Maher.As a result of event sponsorships, each high school in Hamilton County receives one complimentaryregistration for an arts educator - email illuminate@southern.edu for details - and area high schoolstudents are welcome to attend the 4-5:30 p.m. session block each day at no cost. General admission tickets are $200, with bulk-ticket rates available for churches, schools and nonprofits. To learn more, visit southern.edu/illuminate. For the fifth time, innovative scientists and founders can apply for the ACHEMA Founder Award. We are looking for the best solutions, technologies and business models for life sciences and the process industry. Up to 10 finalists will be invited to present themselves to an international audience from the industry at ACHEMA 2027 in Frankfurt/Main. The winning team will also receive prize money of 15,000 euros. Interested teams can apply now. Start-ups and founding teams working on topics relating to chemical production, process engineering, biotechnological processes, the digitalization of industry, the circular economy or sustainability solutions are particularly welcome. Business concepts can be submitted online until August 31, 2026; all business plans submitted by November 30, 2026 will be included in the competition. During the competition, the teams will receive feedback or be put in contact with experts who will give them valuable advice on how to develop their plans. If the business plan is already available, contacts with potential investors can be arranged in parallel to the competition. January 27, 2026: Europeans have become more uneasy the longer the Ukraine War goes on. At this point it has lasted longer than the 1941-45 war between Germany and the Soviet Union. The 30 European NATO members became concerned about Russia attacking NATO. In reality, this is absurd. The 30 European NATO nations have a combined population of over 800 million and more than half the global GDP. Their combined forces have 3.5 million troops. Add Ukraines 800,000 and you have a force more than four times what Russia can muster. Russia has a population of 140 million and a GDP of $7.7 trillion, which is 3.6 percent of Global GDP. European NATO nations have a combined GDP fifteen times that of Russia. Not surprisingly, the NATO nations closest to Russia spend more on defense and have larger military forces than nations more distant from Russia, like Spain, Italy, France and Britain. Since 1949, NATO has been preparing to defend Western Europe from a Russian attack. Until 1989, Russia had massed several hundred thousand troops in East Germany, along with several thousand tanks, most of them T-72s. Thousands more tanks were stationed in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. In 1989, when the wall dividing Russian-controlled East Berlin from NATO-controlled West Berlin came down, the situation changed in a radical and unexpected way. Back then, Russia was called the Soviet Union because it had more territory and twice as many people as the current Russian Federation. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed into 14 independent nations. The two largest were the Russian Federation and Ukraine. The current Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, always wanted to rebuild the Soviet Union and began doing so in 2014 by seizing several Ukrainian provinces. He then invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Ukraine was seeking to join NATO, and its application was being processed. To become a NATO member, Ukraine had to acquire Western tanks and warplanes because NATO requires all members to use similar weapons, not Russian ones. The Ukrainians were in the process of converting when Russia attacked, as Russia wanted Ukraine to be part of a new Russian Empire, not the NATO alliance that defends members from Russian aggression. The Russian attack did not go well, with their initial force losing most of its tanks and more than half a million soldiers dead, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner. This was a startling revelation to NATO and a major disappointment to Russia. NATO had amassed substantial forces to defeat a Russian attack, and that attack eventually came in early 2022 against NATO applicant Ukraine. This clarified the long-unanswered question of what would have happened if Russia had attacked NATO forces during the 19491991 Cold War. The Russian attack against Ukraine was not as massive as the one the Soviet Unions forces in Eastern Europe were prepared to launch against NATO forces in West Germany and beyond. The Ukrainians halted the Russian attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the Russians while doing so. After a year of fighting, the Russians had lost most of their modern tanks, along with nearly half a million troops killed, wounded, or missing. A growing number of Russian soldiers preferred desertion or surrendering to Ukrainian forces over dying in Ukraine. Over a million military-age Russian men left the country, legally or otherwise, to escape military service and the possibility of death or disabling wounds in Ukraine. This made it clear that a war between NATO and Russia would be one-sided, even without the Americans. European NATO nations can raise far more troops and equip them with more tanks, warplanes, and warships than Russia can muster. Since 2022, NATO nations have been preparing for an eventual Russian attack. For nearly four years, invading Russian forces have been fighting in Ukraine. One reason Russia gave for invading was Ukraines effort to join NATO and gain the protection of the NATO alliance, which includes the United States, in addition to well-armed nearby states like Poland, Germany, and France. Russia did not want to fight the NATO alliance. While NATO could not justify sending troops to Ukraine, it could and did send nearly $400 billion worth of weapons and economic aid. Initially the Americans were the largest contributor, but as the war continued, European contributions increased while U.S. shipments declined. NATO continues to support Ukraine because that is what NATO was established to do in 1949. The threat then was the aggressive Soviet Union, which never attacked. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the largest and most aggressive successor state was the Russian Federation, led by men who wanted to rebuild the Soviet empire and decided in 2021 to start with Ukraine. The Russian invasion reminded other NATO states that the Russian threat still existed and was very real. At the same time, Russia is aware that NATO countries can muster more military forces than Russia and possess far larger economic resources. NATO nations are planning to increase the number of soldiers in their peacetime forces, which means a return to conscription. Without the war in Ukraine, European voters would not have approved the return of conscription as a necessary step to increase the size of their armed forces. NATO nations have large enough populations of military-age men to do this, in addition to enormous economic resources. NATO members, including the United States, accounted for nearly half of the $2.4 trillion in global defense spending in 2022. NATO spending continued increasing faster than global spending because of the war in Ukraine. For example, Denmark announced that it would gradually increase defense spending over the next ten years until it reaches about $21 billion. At that point, defense spending would be three times what it was in 2022 and would meet the NATO-suggested two percent of GDP. Denmark had long spent much less, safe in the knowledge that the United States and larger NATO members met or exceeded the spending goal applicable to all NATO members. This annoyed the United States, but America has the largest economy in the world and military commitments worldwide. The U.S. has long had the largest defense budget in the world. During the 19481991 Cold War, European NATO members believed their job was to keep the Americans in, the Germans down, and the Russians out. By 2025, the Americans had proof that the Europeans could defend themselves from Russian aggression if they had to. The U.S. was increasingly committed to dealing with China, which meant its largest military commitment was in the Pacific theater. The Europeans were on their own but could still get some support from the United States, like specialized military services and a source for new weapons designs. The Europeans accepted this new reality and are increasing their defense spending and expanding their active-duty and reserve military forces. Outwardly, Russia proclaims superiority over European forces. However, privately, Russian military planners and intelligence experts see a realistic opportunity for European nations to create armed forces capable of dealing with any Russian aggression. America has the largest economy in the world and military commitments worldwide. The U.S. has long had the largest defense budget in the world. During the 19481991 Cold War, European NATO members believed their job was to keep the Americans in, the Germans down, and the Russians out. By 2025, the Americans had proof that the Europeans could defend themselves from Russian aggression if they had to. The U.S. was increasingly committed to dealing with China, which meant its largest military commitment was in the Pacific theater. The Europeans were on their own but could still get some support from the United States, like specialized military services and a source for new weapons designs. The Europeans accepted this new reality and are increasing their defense spending and expanding their active-duty and reserve military forces. Outwardly, Russia proclaims superiority over European forces. However, privately, Russian military planners and intelligence experts see a realistic opportunity for European nations to create armed forces capable of dealing with any Russian aggression. Home News 3 takeaways from Live Action's abortion pill expose, investigation of Planned Parenthood A pro-life watchdog group says its new undercover video shows Planned Parenthood employees telling a woman she doesnt have to undergo an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill mifepristone. During a press conference on Capitol Hill last Thursday, the pro-life advocacy group Live Action, headed by prominent activist Lila Rose, released the undercover video that has been seen over 168,000 times on YouTube in addition to a white paper documenting the dangers of the abortion pill and the lack of regulations surrounding chemical abortion drugs. Several Republican lawmakers attended the event, including Reps. Michael Cloud, R-Texas; Mark Harris, R-North Carolina; Troy Downing, R-Montana; Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas; and Andy Biggs, R-Arizona. Rose, the founder and president of Live Action, also spoke at the press conference. Roses organization is calling on the Trump administration to suspend approval of mifepristone, the first drug in the abortion pill regimen. However, the administration filed a request Tuesday in federal court to pause a lawsuit challenging regulations that allow the mailing of mifepristone while the Food and Drug Administration conducts a safety evaluation. Our memo to the administration and our new white paper explain how federal regulators allowed this system to grow through years of weakened rules and incomplete reporting. The agencies charged with protecting public health now have the evidence in front of them, the pro-life leader said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. The FDA should revoke the approval of mifepristone as an abortifacient. Until that happens, it must immediately restore in-person exams, full medical screening, and real follow-up requirements. Every day of delay means more women harmed and more children killed, Rose continued. The Christian Post reached out to Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation for comment on Live Action's report and video. This report will be updated if responses are received. The following pages highlight three takeaways from Live Action's report and video. Home News New movement seeks to mobilize churches in push to overturn landmark gay marriage ruling Quick Summary AI Summary Greater Than campaign launches to overturn Supreme Court's 2015 same-sex marriage ruling. Coalition includes Christian conservative organizations like Focus on the Family and The Colson Center. Goal is to challenge the Obergefell v. Hodges decision protecting same-sex marriage under the 14th Amendment. 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 coalition of Christian conservative organizations and leaders has joined a new campaign seeking to mobilize churches to push for the overturning of the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Known as the Greater Than campaign, the effort is spearheaded by the advocacy group Them Before Us and includes among its supporters Focus on the Family, Live Action, the Colson Center, Word on Fire, the American Family Association and Citizens for Renewing America. The ultimate goal is to get the Supreme Court to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which held that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects same-sex marriage. Greater Than describes itself as a "coalition of parents, students, researchers, think tanks, influencers, and citizens who are willing to state the self-evident but costly truth: children need, deserve, and have a right to their mother and father." Individuals expressing their support for the campaign include pro-life activist Lila Rose, The Blaze talk show host Steve Deace, Princeton University Professor Robert P. George, and author and speaker Heidi St. John. When marriage was redefined in 2015, parenthood was too. Once husbands and wives became optional, mothers and fathers became replaceable, states the campaigns website. But for a child, their mother and father are never optional; they are essential. Children need both a mother and a father to provide stability, guidance, and the unique love only a man and woman can give. No adult desire or ideology can change that. Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, told The Christian Post in an interview Thursday that her group was inspired to launch the campaign last year as the country neared the 10-year anniversary of the decision. "It dawned on us: has anybody really, really put together an effort to overturn this?" Faust recalled. "I kept thinking, another organization that has more legal chops than we do was ultimately going to do it. But it dawned on us leading up to the 10-year anniversary that no, this is probably something that we need to do." "We can pull in a lot of other wonderful, faithful, grounded, virtuous, clear-eyed organizations into the mix, because there's a lot of people that have been steadfast before Obergefell and ... I think are ready to really make an effort to take it down." The campaign has three components, Faust said. The first is "a judicial strategy" that she believes "has the possibility and I would say likelihood of success." The second component is an effort at "changing public opinion," with Faust saying "Americans need to understand the threat that gay marriage poses to children and that natural marriage is directly connected to children protection." The third component involves mobilizing churches, which Faust hopes to transform into "a child-centered fighting force." The campaign plans to develop "materials that both Protestants and Catholics can use to understand why natural marriage is God's plan A for child protection," Faust said. Released on June 26, 2015, the 5-4 Obergefell decision struck down state-level constitutional bans on same-sex marriage, with Justice Anthony Kennedy authoring the majority opinion. "The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity," wrote Kennedy. "The petitioners in these cases seek to find that liberty by marrying someone of the same sex and having their marriages deemed lawful on the same terms and conditions as marriages between persons of the opposite sex." In 2022, the Obergefell ruling was federally codified when a Democratic-controlled United States Congress passed bipartisan-supported legislation, which then-President Joe Biden signed into law. Recently, social conservatives have tried to advance legal challenges in the hopes that the more right-leaning modern-day Supreme Court will overturn the 2015 decision. Last November, however, the high court denied without comment a petition filed by former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis to reconsider the 2015 ruling. Faust told CP that she was "actually glad they didn't take up the case," as she believed that Davis "was the wrong victim and she was asking the wrong questions." "Children have lost their mother or father. They are being commodified. Parental rights themselves are being weakened because of gay marriage," Faust said. "The real question before the court is not 'does gay marriage provide some kind of inconvenience for Christian adults?' The question before the court needs to be 'do children need, benefit from, deserve and have a right to their own mother and father?'" Home News Nicki Minaj declares 'God is protecting' Trump at Trump Accounts event, receives 'Gold Card' Quick Summary AI Summary Nicki Minaj said 'God is protecting' President Trump at Trump Accounts event on Wednesday. Minaj later said she received a Trump Gold Card and is finalizing her U.S. citizenship. The Trump Accounts initiative is set to launch on July 5, providing tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children. 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 Rapper Nicki Minaj proclaimed that God is protecting President Donald Trump as she spoke at an event launching a new economic initiative by the president, revealing later in the day on social media that she has received a Trump Gold Card and is finalizing her U.S. citizenship. Minaj appeared alongside Trump at an event in Washington unveiling his Trump Accounts initiative on Wednesday, where she declared that she is "probably the presidents No. 1 fan" and that the backlash she has received for supporting the president "motivates" her to "support him more." Its going to motivate all of us to support him more, Minaj, a rapper known for explicit records who recently said she has reignited relationship with God, vowed. Were not going to let them get away with bullying him. After decrying the smear campaigns," Minaj expressed confidence that Trump "has a lot of force behind him and God is protecting him. Before introducing Minaj on stage Wednesday, Trump announced that the rapper was investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump Accounts to support the children of her incredible fans. The new investment initiative is scheduled to launch on July 5, according to its website. Under the Trump Accounts program, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will contribute $1,000 into a tax-advantaged investment account for all American children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. While Americans are not required to contribute additional money into the accounts, parents, family members, friends and employers of beneficiaries can deposit up to $5,000 per year to maximize growth. Children will not have access to the money in the Trump Accounts until they turn 18. The money in the Trump Accounts is intended for qualified expenses like education, a first home purchase, or starting a business. The Internal Revenue Service is creating a new form, Form 4547, available starting on July 5, that parents can use to create Trump Accounts for their children. This is a pro-family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy to lift up the next generation. And theyll really be getting a big jump on life, Trump said as he reflected on the Trump Accounts. Hours after her appearance at the event, Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and came to the U.S. illegally when she was 5, posted a photo on social media saying she had received a Gold Card from President Trump, indicating she is becoming a U.S. citizen. The Gold Card was created by a September executive order as a pathway to citizenship for skilled foreign workers, with a typical cost of about $1 million. In a follow-up post, she stated that she is finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Minaj has emerged as an outspoken supporter of Trump in recent months after the president promised to take action on behalf of persecuted Christians in Nigeria and announced plans to designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern for tolerating egregious violations of religious freedom. Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God, she wrote in an X post responding to Trumps comments about Nigeria. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We dont have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other. Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & its dangerous to pretend we dont notice. Minaj concluded her post by thanking The President & his team for taking this seriously and proclaiming God bless every persecuted Christian. She called on her followers to lift them up in prayer. In November, Minaj appeared at an event hosted by the United States Mission to the United Nations titled Combating Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria. She was invited to speak at the event by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz after he saw her X post praising the Trump administrations actions on Nigeria. Home News CofE priest erupts during election service of first female archbishop of Canterbury: 'I object!' Quick Summary AI Summary A priest was removed from the election service of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first archbishop of Canterbury after shouting, 'I object!' The Rev. Paul Williamson has opposed the ordination of women and claimed his objection was related to Mullally's alleged false allegations against a clergyman who killed himself. Mullally's formal installation is scheduled for March 25, amid ongoing divisions within the Anglican Communion over its leftward drift on homosexuality and female ordination. 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 An Anglican priest was removed from the formal election service of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female archbishop of Canterbury at St. Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday after he shouted his objection to her confirmation. The Rev. Paul Williamson, who was ordained in 1973 and has since been outspoken against the ordination of women, shouted, "I object!" during the service before he was removed, according to Church Times. Williamson's eruption, the rest of which was inaudible, came during the part of the ceremony when the proctor, who represents the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral, declared: "No person has appeared in opposition to the Confirmation." No person has appeared in opposition to the confirmation. Untrue. The Revd Paul Williamson can be heard objecting. Objections could be lawfully received and none having appeared as ordered. Untrue. I have seen the paper trail. Woe to you, Pharisees!pic.twitter.com/DgF28iZNer Fr Calvin Robinson ?? (@calvinrobinson) January 28, 2026 Williamson subsequently said the rest of his objection was related to what he characterized as Mullally's false allegations against the late Rev. Alan Griffin, who died by suicide in August 2020, "after a prolonged period of suffering, resulting from the false allegations of a sexual nature," according to a petition launched by Williamson calling for her resignation. Williamson claimed he was "nearly pushed down the stairs" outside by "four heavies" during his removal from the cathedral on Wednesday. The solemn ceremony, known as the Confirmation of Election service, was attended by Anglican bishops, clergy and dignitaries, to mark Mullally's formal consent to serve as the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, which has historically been the most-senior bishop in the Anglican Communion. She will be formally installed on March 25 during another service at Canterbury Cathedral. The Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell, who serves as the archbishop of York and second-most senior bishop in the church, told Mullally during the service that "while the world may be very interested in the fact that you are the first female archbishop of Canterbury, I think God is very interested in the fact that this is the first time Sarah has been the archbishop of Canterbury." "Continue to be the person who exercises the gifts, wisdom and experience that your life has given you; and continue to be the one whose life is shaped and nurtured by the Gospel of Jesus Christ," he advised her. The Rev. Calvin Robinson, now a conservative Catholic whose ordination in the Church of England was reportedly blocked because of his conservative theological views, claimed the assertion that nobody has objected to Mullally's confirmation is "untrue," and that he has personally "seen the paper trail" proving otherwise. "Woe to you, Pharisees!" Robinson posted to X on Wednesday. Williamson's protest highlighted ongoing divisions over Mullally's appointment within the Anglican Communion, which has been fracturing for years over sexuality and gender. Mullally has also been accused of misleading the public over the status of a clergy abuse case. Mullally's appointment last fall drew sharp criticism from Gafcon, a conservative global Anglican movement, which accused the Church of England of abandoning biblical teaching by choosing a woman who has affirmed homosexuality as its leader. Rwandan Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, who serves as chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, said at the time that the Church of England had "chosen a leader who will further divide an already split Communion" and repudiated the spiritual authority of the archbishop of Canterbury. "For over a century and a half, the Archbishop of Canterbury functioned not only as the Primate of All England but also as a spiritual and moral leader of the Anglican Communion," Mbanda said. "In more recent times, the See of Canterbury has been described as one of the four 'instruments of Communion,' whilst also chairing the other three Instruments, namely the Lambeth Conference, the Primates Meeting and the Anglican Consultative Council." "However, due to the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to guard the faith, the office can no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity," he continued. "As we made clear in our Kigali Commitment of 2023, we can 'no longer recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as an Instrument of Communion' or the 'first among equals' of global Primates." Global orthodox Anglican bishops are set to meet in Abuja, Nigeria, in early March for the G26 Bishops Assembly to discuss the tension within the Anglican Communion. Gafcon expects the meeting to be the most significant gathering of "faithful Anglicans" since they first met in Jerusalem in 2008. Home News Third ex-leader in televangelist Mark Barclays church convicted of child sex abuse Quick Summary AI Summary Randy Saylor, a former associate pastor, convicted of child sex abuse. Saylor pleaded no contest to 11 sexual assault charges involving victims under 13. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and must register as a sex offender for life. 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 third minister with Living Word International Church in Midland, Michigan, founded by televangelist Mark Barclay of Mark Barclay Ministries, has been convicted of child sex abuse charges in the last two years. Last Thursday, 73-year-old Randy Saylor, a former associate pastor of the church, pleaded no contest to 11 sexual assault charges involving victims younger than 13, ABC 12 News reported. He is expected to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison before he is eligible for parole. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Saylor pleaded no contest to four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a relation and seven counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, MLive reported. By pleading no contest, Saylor did not admit to committing any crime, but did so to avoid potential civil liability. The first-degree charges involve penetration, while the second-degree charges are limited to touching. Two or more of each count were dismissed by the prosecutor. Saylors son, Brandon Saylor, a now 46-year-old elder of the church, was sentenced in 2024 to five to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing four children. Barclays son-in-law and former pastor, James Randolph, was convicted in August 2025 of six counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child. In 2013, Mark Barclay, who is known as a self-styled "Preacher of Righteousness," asked his followers for $79,000 to repaint a luxury jet he said "actually belongs" to the Lord. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," Barclay told his supporters in a letter seeking support for his jet paint fundraiser. "Please pray about any part God would have you do, for actually the airplane does belong to Him and not me and is used for His ministry and not personal use." Following Randolphs conviction, Barclay wrote his congregants asking for continued support. According to MLive, he denied knowing his daughters husband was previously imprisoned for the gang-rape of a minor in the 1980s. Had we known the truth earlier, James would never have been permitted to participate in youth ministry in any capacity, Barclay wrote to his supporters. January 26, 2026: In an unusual multibillion dollar arms deal, Pakistan is providing one of the two factions in the Libyan civil war with substantial arms sales and training support. Pakistan is selling $4.6 billion worth of combat and trainer aircraft to the Libyan National Army/LNA, which is also known as the clan/tribal faction subsidized by Turkey. This includes sixteen JF-17 jet fighter bombers and twelve Super Mushak jet trainers. Also included are training for pilots and aircraft maintainers as well as officers who will plan and control air operations. Deliveries will not be complete until sometime in 2028. Given the general incompetence and corruption of the LNA faction, this sale is most likely being to provide rake-off money to the very corrupt Pakistani military. The JF-17 is a joint China-Pakistan manufacturing effort. It is a 13.5 ton, single-seat aircraft with a max speed of 1,900 kilometers an hour and a cruise speed of 1,360. Combat range is 900 kilometers on internal fuel and 1,700 kilometers with drop tanks. Ferry range is 3,400 kilometers with drop tanks. Aircraft armament consists of one twin barrel 23mm autocannon. There are eight hard points that can collectively carry 3.4 tons of guided and unguided bombs. The JF-17 can also be equipped with air-to-air and air-to ground missiles, but these are expensive and not suitable for the targets Libyan Air Force encounters. The aircraft sold to Libya will probably be sent by boat and reassembled in Libya. The LNA Air Force currently has about 15 operational Russian MiG-21, 23 and Su aircraft plus two French Mirage F-1s. There are also about 20 trainer aircraft and about ten helicopters. There are also about 30 Chinese and Russian drones used for reconnaissance and attacks on ground targets. Libya has been chaotic since dictator Muammar Gaddafi was ousted from office and killed in 2011. This was followed by a persistent ongoing civil war. Eastern Libya is controlled by the Government of National Accord/GNA while western Libya is run by the Libyan National Army or LNA. This was further complicated in 202o when Turkey sent several thousand troops and dozens of drones to protect its illegal offshore natural gas and oil claims granted by the LNA in exchange for protection from its GNA rival. Turkish troops will remain in the country at least until 2026. This continued presence has been a major obstacle to national elections and a peaceful resolution to the twelve-year civil war. In early 2020, Turkey reinforced the LNA, a UN and Moslem Brotherhood-supported government that failed to gain any national support and even has problems inside Tripoli where rival militias often fight each other. The Turks refuse to send troops to pacify Tripoli and get the militias off the streets. The Turks believe that would lead to endless urban guerrilla war as the militias continued to operate while attacking the Turkish troops seeking to maintain order. Eastern Libya is more orderly because the last elected Libyan government, called the House of Representatives, is governed under the protection of the GNA run by general Haftar and his sons. The GNA is run like a military organization with discipline and regular supplies, plus medical care for the wounded and proper burial for those killed. It also has significant support from Egypt and some Arab oil states, who oppose Turkish intervention in Libya. The LNA, confined to Tripoli and Misrata, was slowly being conquered by the GNA when the Turks intervened in 2020. That occurred when the GNA launched an offensive on Tripoli, pushing back the militias fighting for control of neighborhoods in the city. The GNA eventually agreed to a ceasefire and national elections, but the Turkish military and Syrian Arab mercenaries continue to occupy positions in Libya, with no plans for withdrawal. Meanwhile, Egypt is increasingly concerned about the Turkish military presence on its border, a situation unprecedented for centuries. The LNA is not eager for a free and fair election because most Libyans believe the LNA is affiliated with militias in Tripoli and Misrata to the east. An elected government is expected to impose order on chaotic Tripoli. Turkey and Russia, which have oil development contracts in Libya, both believe an honest government would be bad for their oil and natural gas extraction and export deals. Libya's economic landscape mirrors its turbulent military situation, characterized by instability and foreign dependencies. The prolonged conflict has severely disrupted the country's economic activities, especially its vital oil industry, which has historically been the backbone of the Libyan economy. Frequent clashes between rival factions and the control of key oil facilities have led to inconsistent oil production and exportation. Although Libya holds significant oil reserves, the volatility in production has hampered consistent revenue generation. The inability to manage and distribute oil revenues effectively has further exacerbated the economic hardships faced by the Libyan population. Furthermore, foreign interventions have complicated economic recovery efforts. Countries like Turkey, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates/UAE have vested interests in Libya's resources, influencing economic policies and further entrenching divisions. The ongoing presence of Turkish troops and mercenaries adds a layer of complexity to economic stabilization efforts, with various factions and foreign supporters vying for control over lucrative resources. Libya's infrastructure has also suffered extensively due to the conflict. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and public utilities are in disarray, contributing to the declining quality of life for many Libyans. The rebuilding of infrastructure will require significant foreign investments and stable local governance, both of which are currently lacking. The current military and economic situations in Libya are chaotic. No one is prepared to pacify the country for the good of all Libyans. Turkey has sent troops and warships while Russia and the UAE supply weapons and equipment to helpful factions. The rival factions are deadlocked because of Turkish intervention and that means Libya remains divided and chaotic. Libya is a difficult country for firms trying to operate international oil extraction and export operations. To make that work, lots of money is spent on bribes for the various local militias seizing control of oil facilities and not leaving until they are paid. Libya was always a corrupt place, and the deceased dictator Gaddafi kept the country peaceful while slowly improving the economy for most Libyans. Peace in Libya made Gaddafi confident enough to intervene in Chad and contribute to rebel groups in Morocco, South Africa and elsewhere. Gaddafi sought to maintain good relations with the United States, but that became difficult after the terror attacks in the United States during 2001 that left thousands of Americans dead. Gaddafi was not involved but the U.S. was wary of his intentions after 2001. The Russians are seen as reliable allies of Libya, even though it was Russia which supplied Libya with most of its weapons throughout the Kaddafi era from the 1960s to 2011 and are now delivering fewer, but more modern ones, like Anti-Tank Guided Missiles/ATGMs and portable anti-aircraft missiles to bring down drones. The Turks are seen as a former imperial overlord trying to make a comeback. Their weapons and drones are superior to the Russians. The Turks also ignore the fact that most Libyans oppose the Islamic conservative militias that the Turks support and see the Turks as more of a threat than the Russians or Arabs who are backing the GNA. Turkey is threatening war with its neighbor Greece because it demands control of Mediterranean offshore areas which might contain lucrative natural gas deposits. Those had been promised to Greece by Gadaffis government and various European treaties, and which the LNA later gave to Turkey in exchange for Turkish intervention to save them from the GNA. Turkey is also at odds with the United States in Syria. All these foreign adventures are an effort to distract Turkish voters from the current economic recession they are suffering from as well as their government's continuing suppression of internal criticism of the governments corruption. Home News Trump prays with supporter during campaign stop in Iowa President Donald Trump prayed with a supporter during a trip to Iowa on Tuesday as he sought to tout his administrations record ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump visited the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale, Iowa, ahead of a speech he gave later in the day on the economy. While interacting with supporters at the restaurant, a man seated in a booth asked the president, Can I pray for you real quick? Absolutely. Come on, Trump responded. The president put his hand on the mans shoulder as he declared, Lord God, we give you thanks for this president. We pray for continued wisdom, we pray for discernment, we pray for hope, we pray for more peace, he added. The man also prayed for protection against the world, the devils and the flesh. After the prayer concluded, Trump acknowledged the presence of great people in Iowa. Following his visit to the Machine Shed Restaurant, Trump delivered a speech in nearby Clive, Iowa, defending his administrations record on the economy and affordability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that will determine which party controls the U.S. Congress during the final two years of his presidency. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 seats in the U.S. Senate are up for grabs in the midterms. Republicans currently control both chambers, but Democrats taking control of one or both houses of Congress will deal a blow to Trumps efforts to get his preferred agenda passed and makes a third impeachment of the president significantly more likely. Democrats are seen as significantly more likely to take control of the U.S. House than the U.S. Senate. Trumps appearance in the Hawkeye State comes just over two years after his victory in the 2024 Iowa caucuses helped him to secure the Republican nomination for president. Iowa is home to a U.S. Senate election in 2026, a gubernatorial election, several other statewide offices, state legislative elections and four U.S. House of Representatives elections. The U.S. Senate seat on the ballot this year and the gubernatorial race are open contests as incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Gov. Kim Reynolds opted not to seek re-election. Since Iowa voted for Trump by 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, Republicans are expected to win most of the statewide races. However, one or more of the U.S. House of Representatives elections, all four of which are currently held by Republicans, could be competitive in a favorable environment for Democrats. Iowa is one of three states that backed Trump in all three presidential elections in which he was the Republican nominee, after supporting former President Barack Obama in both of his presidential bids. The other states that supported Obama twice and Trump three times are Ohio and Florida. Home News Tucker Carlson prompts pushback for praising Saudi Arabia: 'I feel completely comfortable' Quick Summary AI Summary Tucker Carlson praised Saudi Arabia, stating he feels 'completely comfortable' there as a Christian. His comments prompted backlash from some Christians who highlighted persecution in the country. Saudi Arabia ranks 13th on Open Doors' list of countries with high Christian persecution. 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 Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson claimed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that he feels "completely comfortable" there as a Christian, which prompted users on X to clarify that the Islamic kingdom persecutes Christians. "I'm, for whatever it's worth, a pretty fervent Christian, and I feel completely comfortable here in the seat of Islam," Carlson said during an appearance at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, footage of which went viral on X. "And why is that? Just saying that is a threat somehow to some people who are propagandists and liars, but it's true, so I'm going to say it." NOW - Tucker Carlson speaking in Riyadh: "I'm, for whatever it's worth, a pretty fervent Christian and I feel completely comfortable here in the seat of Islam... and just saying that is a threat somehow to some people who are propagandists and liars." pic.twitter.com/spOQDrRsn7 Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 28, 2026 Carlson's remark came after he had been discussing his appreciation for the manners and hospitality of Saudi Arabia, claiming many in the United States have a mistaken view of life in the country he first visited last year to attend the same real estate forum. "There's a cultural quality here that is almost never remarked upon, but that I really value, which is graciousness, politeness, which was a huge feature of the culture that I grew up in and is changing, unfortunately, in parts of the West," said Carlson, who has long lamented the collapse of the upper-class Episcopalianism he was raised in. "But that was very prized in the world that I grew up in: you know, kindness to strangers, politeness, some formality not stiffness, but formality and hospitality. Treating strangers as family. And that was a big part of the world I grew up in. And that exists here," he said. Carlson also praised the Saudi capital for its "calm," "stability" and "safety," which he contrasted with many Western cities. He described Riyadh as a diverse and "kind of a weirdly free space," where last year he ran into an Orthodox Jew "with mutual friends," who told him, "Yeah, I love it here." "You run into all these other random people, and it's like, the world needs places like that," Carlson said. Despite praising Saudi Arabia, Carlson also expressed the hope that prayer and his Christian faith bring him. "I did not consider that God was real or that you could talk to Him or that He would answer," he said of his youth. "And it's only 56 years of rough-and-tumble living that have shown me that that is absolutely true. And it is our only hope in the end." Footage of Carlson's comments at the forum was slapped with a "community note" on X, which is appended to posts that draw significant pushback from users on the social media platform. "Christianity is banned in Saudi Arabia, a country with no religious freedom. It is illegal to open a Christian church or preach Christianity," the community note read. Open Doors US, a U.S.-based nonprofit Christian persecution watchdog group, ranked Saudi Arabia 13th on its 2026 list of the top 50 countries where Christian persecution and discrimination are at a record high. Home to two of its three holiest sites, Saudi Arabia is inextricable with Islam and leaving the religion is technically punishable by death, though there has been no recent documentation of official executions for doing so, according to Open Doors US. The watchdog gave the country an 82 out of 100 on its persecution ranking, and noted it is marked by Islamic and clan oppression, as well as "dictatorial paranoia" under its absolute monarchy. The roughly 2.3 million Christians in the country of more than 35 million are prohibited from establishing public churches, forcing Christians underground as they often face persecution from their own clans and families, which is commonplace in many Islamic countries. Saudi Christians discovered to be evangelizing are potentially subject to arrest and deportation. "Most Muslims who come to Christ in Saudi Arabia will never tell their family about their newfound conviction," a Christian in the country told Open Doors US. "They must live their faith in secret with utmost caution and secrecy. This is why many Saudi Christians suffer from loneliness." Former first lady Hillary Clinton also spoke and praised Saudi Arabia at the real estate forum Wednesday, according to The New York Times. "The example that the kingdom is setting for the right kind of development ambitious, audacious, but organized, focused, bringing people, men and women together to move into the future that is a very strong model for other parts of the world," she said. Trump Faces Criticism On Minneapolis Unrest, Kanye West Apologizes For Antisemitism, Man Paints Over Heretical Billboard link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:30 06:30 Top headlines for Thursday, January 29, 2026 In this episode, President Trump faces a wave of criticism as federal agents arrest criminal illegal immigrants amid ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, Kanye West issues a public apology for past antisemitic remarks linked to struggles with mental health, and a viral video captures a man painting over a controversial billboard campaign in California. 00:11 6 things to know about the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis 00:59 Kanye West apologizes for antisemitic comments 01:45 Fount NYC megachurch pastors under fire over remote leadership 02:34 Sexual abuse lawsuits against Riverside Church settled 03:23 Man paints over heretical billboard to read 'Jesus is God' 04:08 JR Ramirez says 'It's Not Like That' emphasizes presence 04:49 Christ's birthplace will be restored for first time in 600 years Home Opinion Can we blame the Nigerian gov't now? 160 Christians kidnapped while in churches Armed terrorists stormed three churches in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on Sunday morning, Jan. 18, and abducted at least 160 Christian worshipers in the middle of their services. They were taken during worship services, marched into nearby forests, and forced toward known terrorist enclaves. And none of this should have surprised anyone. One week earlier, TruthNigeria issued a terror alert warning that the Kurmin Wali corridor was facing imminent danger. The area lies within miles of established hostage camps long operated by Fulani Ethnic Militia and allied terrorist groups camps that have held hundreds of captives for years, documented through survivor testimony, video interviews, and geolocation data. The threat was known. The terrain was mapped. The pattern was established. And yet, when armed Fulani Ethnic Militia walked into three churches and carried out one of the largest mass church abductions in Kadunas history, the government did not respond with urgency. It responded with denial. For two days, local authorities denied that any mass kidnapping had occurred at all. While families searched for loved ones, officials rejected the reports outright. Only after TruthNigeria published detailed documentation of the attack did the government abandon its denial and acknowledge that the abductions had taken place. That sequence matters because this was not an unforeseeable tragedy. There was warning of the attacks in a documented terror corridor near permanent hostage camps. And when it happened, the first instinct of the state was not protection it was suppression. This is not merely failure; It is a pattern. Nigeria has become the deadliest country in the world to be a Christian. For more than a decade, violence linked to Fulani Ethnic Militia and allied jihadist groups has followed a grim and familiar arc: intelligence warnings ignored, attacks denied, language softened, perpetrators left untouched, and then quiet normalization. Churches are burned. Villages are massacred. Worshippers are abducted. And each time, the response follows the same script: minimize, reframe, delay. Eyewitnesses from Kurmin Wali describe gunmen bursting into services, ordering worshippers to lie down or be killed. Some wore black robes and turbans. Others wore Nigerian Army-style camouflage. The attackers coordinated strikes on three churches simultaneously, then marched captives toward forests that security officials know well. This was not a random crime. This was not opportunistic banditry. This was a coordinated operation by armed Fulani Ethnic Militia in territory already identified as high risk. This raises an unavoidable question: How does an attack of this scale occur in a warned-of zone, near permanent hostage camps without either catastrophic incompetence or quiet tolerance? That question becomes harder to avoid when those camps remain untouched year after year in the age of drones and satellite surveillance, ransom economies flourish openly, kidnappers operate within miles of security corridors, and victims are marched through territory no one seems willing to secure. At some point, failure ceases to be accidental. Governments are judged not only by what they prevent, but by what they permit and by what they refuse to acknowledge. And this refusal is reinforced by the language the world continues to use. Western institutions describe Nigerias violence as complex, ethnic, or tribal, but complexity does not explain why churches are targeted. Ethnicity does not explain why worship services are raided. Tribal conflict does not explain coordinated multi-church operations carried out by armed militia groups with ideological motives. What explains it is persecution tolerated, or aided and abetted, by a state that denies it, delays it, and declines to confront it. The men and women taken from those churches were not casualties of chaos. They were victims of terror in a territory their government had been warned about and failed to secure. The world does not get to call that complex. It must call it what it is. And Nigerias government must now answer the question it has avoided for too long: How many warnings must be ignored, how many churches must be burned, and how many Christians must be taken before this is no longer negligence but complicity? Home Opinion Murder rates plummeted last year yet media refuse to give credit Violent crime plummeted around the country this year, but the legacy media refuse to acknowledge that it has anything to do with the return of President Donald Trump. According to a report by the Council on Criminal Justice, over the past year, the murder rate dropped to its lowest level since 1900. Other crimes dropped across 11 of 13 categories in the report. The study also noted that while FBI crime statistics wont become available until later this year, there is a strong possibility that 2025 could mark the largest single-year percentage drop in the homicide rate on record. While crime was beginning to fall in 2024, the drop occurred most dramatically in the past year. Interesting timing, right? As most Americans outside the newsrooms of our most elite legacy media publications almost certainly know, crime spiked dramatically in 2020 immediately following the George Floyd riots. This coincided with a nationwide push by the Left to obliterate traditional policing in the name of anti-racism and social justice. To the shock of nobody with common sense, crime immediately spiked and stayed high for years until it finally began slowing down. Now its going down faster than ever before. Thats amazing and well worth celebrating. But dont think that the media is going to give any credit to the Trump administration. This line from a New York Times piece on the crime drop sums up so much about the state of politics in recent years. Experts said there is little to justify any claim that President Trump is responsible for last years drop in crime. Oh, those experts, theyre just so measured, nonpartisan, and correct about everything, right? FBI Director Kash Patel noted that while many outlets reported on the sudden crime collapse, they twisted themselves in pretzels to avoid giving a shred of credit to Trump and the policies of his administration. Axios just reported the lowest murder rate since 1900, down 20% from 2024, and somehow forgot to mention President Trump or the historic results of this FBI, Patel wrote on X. Nearly 200% more arrests. Violent gangs crushed. Fugitives hunted down. Media gymnastics cant hide the reality that this administration brought law and order back, and Americans are safer because of it. Dan Bongino, who just left the FBI, was even harsher on the media. Axios is simply incapable of giving this President, and his administration, any credit for this incredible headline about violent crime. Theyre propaganda pieces for the defund the police democrats, nothing more, he posted on X. Bongino wrote that the FBI made some significant changes to policing, including clarifying UFAP (Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution) warrant policies, we refocused personnel to investigate gang and VICAR (Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering) crimes, and we doubled down on using the Hobbs Act for organized robbery gangs. This led to dramatically enhanced cooperation with local law enforcement partners and a historic number of arrests. Theres no question that Trump made crime-stopping a huge part of his rhetoric and policies. He sent the National Guard to cities like Washington, plagued by an unacceptable amount of violent crime for years, and prioritized immigration law enforcement. Those may not have been the only reasons crime dropped, but you can bet that if in an alternate moral universe where defunding the police preceded a huge crime drop, you can bet that the media would be rushing to give Democrats the credit. Thats just how things work. In many ways, this crime spike, then dip, follows the pattern of the so-called Ferguson or Minneapolis Effect. This trend was first widely noted following the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The media portrayed the shooting as police malfeasance, that they shot Brown in cold blood while he was trying to surrender to the police. That narrative was bunk, but it sparked backlash, riots, and a retreat from proactive policing by many departments. In the wake of this incident, crime surged, though eventually petered out as departments returned to proactive policing. That cycle was repeated to an even greater extent post-George Floyd, when the media was in the full swing of the Great Awokening and cities insanely decided it was a good time to defund the police. The result was one of the most acute crime surges in American history. The story the corporate media told was generally that this was all just a result of COVID-19, but many countries experienced a sharp drop in crime as it surged in the U.S. Now that the delusional moment has passed somewhat, some cities have come back to reason, and we have a federal administration committed to law and order. Its easy to see why crime is coming back down. But as good as this all is, we should all still be wary. As much as crime has dropped in aggregate, its still unacceptably high. In many cities, there is still a huge problem with repeat offenders committing crime after crime and getting away with lenient sentences. New York City appears to be throwing away the lessons of the last few years because it wishes to give true socialism another shot. So be thankful for the good news, but wary of how quickly crime can again spiral out of control. Originally published at The Daily Signal. January 29, 2026: India recently announced that it had developed a 155mm Ramjet 155mm artillery shell. A ramjet is an air-breathing engine that requires no compressor or turbine because the high speed of the shell once it leaves the barrel provides all the start-up speed the ramjet requires. With the ramjet, 155mm shells travel up to 50 percent farther. Most 155mm shells have a range of 30-40 kilometers. With the ramjet 155mm shells can have a range of up to 60 kilometers. Longer range means less accuracy, unless the shell is fitted with GPS guidance, this can be acquired by using a fuze equipped with the GPS guidance and control technology. India has also developed a method for retrofitting conventional shells with the ramjet technology. South Africa began developing a ramjet shell 25 years ago. The South African firm Rheinmetall Denel Munition continues to manufacture and export these shells to NATO and other countries. Ramjet shell technology was first developed in the 1950s. It took decades before the ramjet components became more capable and cheaper to make them practical. A collaboration between an American and a Norwegian firm has developed a guided 155mm ramjet shell with a range of 70 kilometers. This shell can be used to hit moving targets. The most recent version of this shell has a range of 150 kilometers. Twenty five years ago the US planned to build a ramjet powered version of AMRAAM. Since ramjets do not need to carry oxidizer for their rocket motors but get oxygen from the atmosphere, they can carry more fuel and have more range. The United States abandoned this concept because a ramjet-powered missile would be larger and would cut the war load of an F-22, which must carry its missiles internally to remain stealthy, from six missiles to four. tashatuvango / Adobe The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is investigating a Catholic school charity that has not submitted its annual financial accounts for the last three years. This week, OSCR announced that it was making inquiries into Fernhill School Ltd, an independent school that registered as a charity in 1975. In its inquiry report , the regulator said the charity has failed to submit its accounts for the years ending July 2022, 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, it found that unaudited dormant company accounts for the years ended July 2023 and 2024 have been filed with Companies House without explanation. OSCR said Fernhill School Ltd has not responded to previous correspondence seeking an explanation of its financial position, and is now looking at how trustees or in this case, governors are managing the charity. The regulator said the trustees appeared to have breached their duties under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 to act in the interests of the charity and, as a result, there has been misconduct in the administration of the charity. OSCR considers it expedient and in the interests of the charity to exercise its power under section 30b of the 2005 Act to direct the charity to provide financial and other governance information, it said. Civil Society has contacted Fernhill School Ltd for comment. OSCR closes inquiry into defunct charity Separately, last year, OSCR opened an inquiry into Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA), after members of the public raised concerns over the charitys sudden closure on 24 July 2025. The concerns included allegations of inappropriate expenditure by MHA, which registered as a charity in 1954. In a social media post , MHA said its funding had been reduced or withdrawn and upcoming contract negotiations offered no guarantee of renewal, while rising operational costs had added further strain, ultimately leading to the charitys immediate closure. OSCR has now confirmed to Civil Society that its inquiry into MHA concluded in December, with no further action taken. OSCR is satisfied from the information we received during our inquiry that the actions of the charity trustees were consistent with the general duties required under Scottish charity law, and that there was no inappropriate financial management which led to the charity becoming insolvent, it said. As a result, weve closed this inquiry. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Oxfam GB has appointed a new acting chief executive after Jan Oldfield, who took up the role following Halima Begums departure last month, left for another charity sector role. Oldfield had been Oxfams chief support officer since 2021 and had stepped in as acting CEO in December when Begum left in controversial circumstances. However, Oxfam confirmed this week that Oldfield left the charity on 23 January to take up another role in the sector, with chief people officer Joyce Idoniboye replacing her as acting CEO. In a statement, Oxfam said Oldfields departure was planned before the charity appointed her as acting CEO and that it was planning to appoint an interim leader shortly. We thank Jan for all that she has done for Oxfam and the people we serve across the globe, the charity said. We would like to express our particular gratitude and appreciation for the work she has undertaken over the past few weeks as acting CEO. Work is progressing to appoint an interim CEO to take the organisation forward, until a permanent CEO is appointed. Joyce Idoniboye (chief people officer) has kindly agreed to step in as acting CEO until an interim CEO is appointed. As the longest-serving, permanent member of the strategic leadership team, Joyce brings established leadership expertise and a strong commitment to Oxfams mission. Commission meeting with former trustee Meanwhile, Civil Society now understands that the Charity Commission met Oxfam trustee Balwant Singh last week after he tendered his resignation due to the charitys inhumane treatment of Begum. Singh called for the commission to intervene at Oxfam when he announced his exit, which came after he had publicly raised concerns in December about the brutal manner of Begums departure. Earlier this month, Oxfam announced a review of its board processes following Begums departure, which came after an internal review last year into concerns about her leadership. Singh has expressed a lack of confidence in Oxfams latest review, questioned its independence and called for the commission to install caretaker leadership at the charity as part of a statutory inquiry. The commission has not announced a formal investigation into Oxfam since Begums departure. A spokesperson for Oxfam said: Dr Singh has been a member of the Oxfam GB Board since November 2022. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best for the future. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, January 29, 2026: Over twenty years ago, Russia and Sweden signed a trade agreement that included coil bearings used in the axles and wheels of railroad cars. Railroad coil bearings are more expensive than the ball bearings formerly used for rail car axles, but are so much more durable, reliable and cheaper to install, maintain and replace that overall lifetime purchase and operation of them is at least 10% cheaper. Russia could not manufacture its own railroad coil bearings because it could not manufacture the technologically sophisticated high-alloy steels those required. This agreement included sale of Swedish-manufactured railroad coil bearings and some of the necessary special high-alloy steels to Russia, and licensed Swedish computer programs for Russia to assemble its own railroad coil bearings. Russia then stopped training new personnel to pack, install and maintain the old-style ball bearings it was then using, and let them gradually age out of the work force as more and more of its rail cars were converted to coil bearings. Germany and some other countries also manufacture railroad coil bearings, and Germany did sell those to Russia among others. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Sweden joined the nations imposing economic sanctions on Russia, and those included assembled coil bearings, the high quality alloys those required, and the computer programs Russian factories required to assemble their own. Sweden issued a kill code to wipe out the coil bearing software in Russia, and terminated all coil-bearing related exports to Russia. So did all the other countries which sold them to Russia. That put Russia in a world of hurt as most of its rail car & engine fleet had converted to coil bearings, while it no longer produced enough sufficient quality ball bearings for railroad cars. Plus it no longer had enough trained personnel to install and maintain those. Basically the Russian railroad system was on borrowed time from the onset of sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Railroad coil bearings do wear out. Russias entire railroad system would have begun collapsing last year and its ability to continue the war would probably be over now. But in early 2023 Sweden quietly resumed exports of railroad coil bearings to Russia. Russias rail system has many problems, but lack of coil bearings isnt one of them. China produces its own rail axle coil bearings, but those arent anywhere near as good as Western ones, and China hasnt sold any to Russia because of the sanctions. During World War II Sweden, while technically neutral and anti-Nazi, did trade with the Germans. Exports included metals and ball bearings essential to the German war effort. Meanwhile, Sweden has continued to prepare for a possible Russian attack. Eight years ago, for the first time since 1961 Sweden sent to all 4.7 million households a brochure describing what they should do in the event of war as in a Russian invasion. Reflecting the sharp political differences on the possibility of war, the brochure will also cover similar actions Swedes should take if the catastrophe is some aspect of the Climate Change threat or a massive hacker or terror attack. Neighbors of Sweden have played down Climate Change, hackers and terrorists and concentrated on the Russian threat. Across the Baltic Sea NATO members Lithuania and Latvia had issued similar publications to all their citizens. Lithuania led the way when, in late 2016, when a 75 page manual on how to survive another Russian occupation appeared. What all citizens received was called Prepare to Survive Emergencies and War. Lithuania has plenty of experience with being invaded and occupied by Russia and wants to remind its citizens what works, especially now that Lithuania has a mutual defense treaty with the United States and all other NATO members operates not fast enough to keep the Russians out. The prepare to survive guide provides tips on how to behave when dealing with the invader while also spying on the occupation force. The manual provided illustrations and description of most Russian weapons and details of how the Russians use secret police, local informants and special operations troops to try and control an occupied population. The manual also pointed out that Russia would send in agents or activate ones it has already recruited before an invasion and provides tips on how to detect the presence of these agents, especially in preparation for an imminent invasion. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. At first, January 7 felt to Bob Batz Jr. like a triumphant day. The Supreme Court had declined to consider an appeal from Batzs longtime employer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the latest in a long string of legal victories for the papers union. In late November, after more than three years on strike, Batz and twenty-four colleagues returned to work. Now the Post-Gazette was legally obligated to reinstate the workers previous health plan, plus reimburse costs accrued when management failed to bargain in good faith. A few hours after rejoicing over the Supreme Court news, though, elation turned to mourning. Citing 350 million dollars in losses over twenty years, Block Communications, the Post-Gazettes owner, announced it would shut down the paperone of the oldest in the countryeffective May 3. The company took no questions from its employees. The three weeks since have brought a flurry of activity designed to save some version of the Post-Gazette. Batz and his colleagues have been meeting multiple times a weeksometimes with potential funders, sometimes aloneto determine the best path forward. This morning, a group of them announced the launch of the Pittsburgh Alliance for People-Empowered Reporting (PAPER), which is raising money to research worker-owned and nonprofit models as well as the potential for a truly independent Post-Gazette. Forty-nine of their coworkers who didnt strike, meanwhile, are working to overthrow union leadership in hopes of negotiating with Block Communications. Seemingly everyone in Pittsburghs large philanthropic world seems to be chattering about the potential for a nonprofit model. For this weeks episode of The Kicker, I talked to Batz about the highs and lows of his thirty-plus years at the Post-Gazette and his three years on strike, from his job editing the strikers award-winning newspaper to the friendships that ended as a result of the battle and the efforts to build something new. Listen below, or at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOW NOTES: Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Last month, in CJRs new Journalism 2050 issue, Kyle Paoletta described a model of political communication that might be called direct to consumer. The internet election of 2008, he wrote, evolved into the Twitter election of 2016 and eventually the podcast election of 2024. Whatever the next election will be called, one thing is clear: American politicians are increasingly bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and speaking directly to constituents. To better understand this phenomenon, we downloaded the official Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accounts of every senator, representative, and governor in the country. While some politicians have moved on to other social media, like Bluesky and Truth Social, the mainstream platforms give us a window into which politicians have mastered the art of communicating with constituents online and how those communications might evolve. Importantly, our analysis excludes personal accounts and campaign accounts, and focuses only on the official accounts that each politician uses in their capacity as an occupant of an elected office. This is because official accounts are subject to different rules. For instance, official government accounts cannot block constituents who criticize them; the Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Knight First Amendment Institute that this would run afoul of the First Amendment. A recent Supreme Court decision, Lindke v. Freed, defined an official account as one where the account holder has the authority to speak for the government on a topic and exercises that authority in their posts. The Lindke decision makes it extremely difficult for the public to claim First Amendment access rights to officials personal pagesalthough many still keep a public personal profilewhich may explain why the real political theater sometimes happens on the personal accounts where constitutional constraints are less tight. Take Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her personal Twitter account (@AOC) has amassed over twelve million followers, but is not included in our collection. This account is more politically driven, and has posts like one advocating for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani during his campaignsomething she could not do on her official account (@RepAOC), which, as the profile for a representative from the NY-14 district, is much smaller than her personal account; it just barely hits seven hundred and fifty thousand followers. On Instagram, however, its a different story. Even though Ocasio-Cortezs personal account (@AOC) has 9.5 million followersmore than her official government account (@RepAOC), which has 2.7 millionthe latter is among the most popular of any official political pages and contains professionally stylized posts informing constituents about their immigration rights. To see how politicians fare on newer and more visual media, we also pulled their TikTok accounts. But for this platform we included both official and unofficial accounts. Thats because very few elected officials hold accounts on the platform at all, and fewer yet advertise them as official communications on their government websites. The TikTok deal President Trump supposedly brokered has yet to be formally finalized, and the platform is still banned on government-owned technology. Despite the White Houses recent embrace of the platform, the elected officials who have built successful followings on TikTok are still mostly Democrats. Sign up for CJRs daily email While some Republicans have joined TikTok, not many have found success there. Rand Paul, for instance, joined the platform in protest of the possible banning of the platform. Why am I joining TikTok, just as the government ban begins? Because I dont like being told what to do. I dont like being told what I can think or what I can say, he said in his first post on the platform. The courts may think theres an exemption to the First Amendment. I dont. I joined TikTok today as a form of civil disobedience. He has barely posted since. @randpaul I join @TikTok today as a form of civil disobedience. To the 170 million Americans using Tiktok: Dont give in and dont give up. Resist. original sound Rand Paul As the social media environment has fractured, some politicians have moved to more partisan platforms. Bluesky gained popularity among journalists and academics and so too, it seems, among Democratic politicians. To see how much elected officials have moved away from mainstream platforms, we navigated to every governors, senators, and representatives official website and collected the mentions of any social media platform on their homepage. While right-leaning platforms like Truth Social, Rumble, and Parler are only listed on a handful of websites of Republican officials, more than two-thirds of Democratic congresspeople and about 40 percent of Democratic governors listed Bluesky accounts. Most elected officials from either party still listed mainstream social platformsincluding X. While the past two decades have been characterized by politicians experimenting with social media, the conversations on these platforms are not dominated by them. For instance, @whitehouse and @realdonaldtrump have 10.6 million and 39.2 million followers, respectively, on Instagram, compared with 19.6 million followers of @newyorktimes and 29.6 million followers of @bbcnews. (Of course, celebrities like Taylor Swift and Cristiano Ronaldo blow all these accounts out of the water, with 281 million and 668 million followers, respectively.) Politicians may intend to bypass the press and speak directly to constituents, but an independent press can still hold power to account by not ceding the social media audience to politicians and focusing its efforts on reaching the same audiences to contextualize and challenge political narratives. Cybercriminals are opportunists. Many of them are not looking for the most complicated or valuable target; they just want an easy way into an organizations systemand exposed and unprotected internet-facing technologies offer just that. Many of the riskiest technologies have valid business functions. Some provide a way for authorized external users to access internal systems, while others are meant to increase security or help manage organizational resources. But because theyre so visible on the public-facing internet, theyre also visible to cybercriminals looking to exploit them. With the new year now under way, its the perfect opportunity for businesses to refresh their knowledge and get a jump start on improving their cyber posture. A great start would be to consider five technologies that increase an organizations likelihood of experiencing a cyber claimand what remedies are available. 1. VPN Login Panels In many ways, virtual private networks, or VPNs, are a good thingthey create a secure, encrypted connection between a device and a business internal network, enabling employees to work remotely and still access necessary internal systems. SSL VPNs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their user and administrator-friendly features and configuration, but their track record, from a security standpoint, is abysmal. Even with multi-factor authentication enforced, vulnerabilities have been discovered time and again across nearly every vendor of SSL VPN solutions, requiring diligent tracking of firmware updates and rapid patching when threat actors begin exploiting those vulnerabilities. With exposed VPN login panels, businesses are three to four times more likely to experience a cyber incident. And, if an attacker gets in, either through credential stuffing, phishing attacks, or exploitation of a vulnerability, they gain unrestricted access to a business internal systems. Critical vulnerabilities further magnify this risk, as most major VPN vendors have disclosed flaws that allow attackers to steal session tokens or bypass authentication entirely. Related: Bumble, Panera Bread, CrunchBase, Match Hit by Cyberattacks While MFA can help prevent stolen credentials from being the only thing attackers need to access a VPN, ensuring VPNs are updated and patched promptly is critical to reduce the likelihood of an attack. Organizations should also aim to limit a VPNs web exposure by ensuring that administrative panels are not publicly accessible. By doing so, organizations can reduce the number of potential entry points attackers can pursue. More than all these steps, however, the best advice is to seriously consider migrating from SSL VPN to a Zero Trust Network Architecture solution. There are no silver bullets in security, but the segmentation and access control offered by ZTNA is an enormous step up in security posture from SSL VPNs. 2. Remote desktop applications Many businesses use remote desktop applications to allow authorized external users, such as remote employees or IT contractors, to access internal computers or organizational files. While it may sound quite useful and harmless, businesses with exposed remote desktop applications are three to eight times more likely to experience a cyber incident. These applications create a direct pathway into businesses IT environments, and once attackers are inside, they can deploy ransomware, steal data, or move laterally across the network. In the end, the risk of exposing sensitive technologies directly to the internet without adequate safeguards outweighs the convenience of remote access. The potential cost savings simply arent worth it, and it significantly increases an organizations cyber risk. Luckily, there are steps organizations can take to reduce their exposure, including putting the application behind a ZTNA solution or VPN, enabling MFA and using a reputable managed detection and response (MDR) solution. 3. On-premises Exchange web logins Microsoft Exchange is the most popular email service on the market, enabling companies and employees to manage email, calendars and other resources remotely. Because it can be configured so its accessible via any browser, its convenient for staff working outside the office. But it also provides an easy entry point for attackers who regularly scan the internet for exposed login portals. Once attackers identify these exposures, they launch password-spraying, brute-force, and credential-stuffing attacksall designed to pick at the entry point relentlessly until they get in. Related: AI Is the Biggest Mover on Allianz Risk Barometer; Cyber Takes Top Spot for Fifth Year Smaller organizations often host Exchange on-premises due to existing infrastructure investments or a desire for customization. But they may not take the necessary steps to ensure a secure configuration. Given that on-premises Exchange servers have been among the most heavily targeted technologies in recent years, this creates a serious exposure for businesses: they are four times more likely to experience a cyber incident and a potential claim. When Exchange is outdated or a critical vulnerabilitywhich is extremely commonremains unpatched, it makes businesses even more likely to fall victim to a security compromise. A solution to this exposure is upgrading to a secure cloud or hosted email product. By transitioning to Microsoft 365 or another managed email platform, businesses can reduce their exposure as the services are continuously updated, monitored, and patched against the latest threats. Using firewalls or filtered access can also mitigate some exposure because they may restrict login access to trusted IP ranges or locations, reducing the risk of brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks. But moving away from on-premise email is a quick way to dramatically improve your security posture. 4. Stolen Credentials The internet data that infostealers target is a key exposure for businesses. These infections are a type of malware that infiltrates browsers to steal usernames and passwords as individuals enter them into different websites and applications. Identity is becoming an increasingly large target for threat actors as it unlocks access to so many critical services. Because theres been a steady stream of data breaches over the past two decades, an online black market dedicated to buying and selling stolen information has thrived. So, even if an organization has managed to detect and expel an attacker, its possible theyve taken employee credentials and sold them to others to exploit. Organizations whose employees credentials have been stolen are four times more likely to experience a cyber claim. The risk of stolen credentials can be mitigated by enforcing MFA and implementing security awareness programs for employees, which can help create a security-minded company culture. Investigating potential infections and credential reuse are also important steps a company can take to protect itself. 5. Remote Shell Programs Remote shells allow IT administrators to execute commands on systems across a business network. Think of them as a master key that unlocks direct access to internal functions, allowing users to leverage them to configure and modify anything in the system. While this means administrators can remotely manage servers, deploy updates, and troubleshoot problems, if it falls into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for an organization. The risk of a cyber claim varies based on the type of shell program an organization uses, but its safe to say that those who expose these applications to the internet are significantly more likely to experience a claim. Theyre a prime target for attackers because they offer deep administrative access to business systems. Once inside, attackers can issue commands, install malware, extract data, and even disable security tools. As a general rule, these technologies simply should not be directly exposed to the public internet. Moving them behind a ZTNA solution or VPN dramatically reduces a companys attack surface and makes it far more difficult for an adversary to even know the remote shell exists, let alone attempt to access and exploit it. Turing Awareness into Action Sensitive technologies are increasingly exposed to the internet, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. Small and midsize businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often lack deep cybersecurity expertise, operate with limited IT budgets, and face overwhelming amounts of information. Attackers recognize and exploit these resource and knowledge gaps to their advantage. For the past few years, the perception has been that organizations arent aware of their exposure to cyber threats, but research reveals that business leaders know attacks are increasing. They do, however, struggle to make informed decisions about where and how to invest their time and money thoughtfully. Thats why brokers and risk management professionals are essential. By offering clear guidance that cuts through the noise and helping to pair organizations with mitigation-focused cyber insurance coverage, they can help businesses move from awareness of these risks to concrete action to proactively mitigate them. Toomey is vice president of underwriting security at Coalition. In March of 2025 a well-known dentists office exploded in the town of Evergreen, Alabama, near the Florida line. Today, the owner of that office, a dentist described as very successful and a very nice guy, is in jail, charged with arson and insurance fraud in connection with the explosion and fire. Dr. Douglas P. OConnor, who turns 56 in February, did knowingly and unlawfully commit the crime of insurance fraud by knowingly and with intent to defraud, conceal material information presented to his property insurance company, reads the arrest warrant, filed in District Court in Conecuh County. OConnor intentionally damaged the building on Hillcrest Drive in Evergreen by starting a fire, reads a second warrant against the dentist, signed by a special agent with the Alabama Attorney Generals office. The state Fire Marshals Office posted on social media that the investigation took 10 months. OConnor turned himself in on Friday and was being held in the Conecuh County Jail. Fire officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and further details on the alleged arson and fraud, including the insurance carrier that insured the property and business, were not immediately available. The building literally exploded, and fire investigators quickly determined that the fire was suspicious, said Robert Bozeman III, publisher and editor of the Evergreen Courant newspaper in town. OConnor, who is listed with a home address in Troy, Alabama, about 75 miles away, was apparently near his office when the explosion occurred. He was burned and drove himself to the hospital in his Tesla, Bozeman explained. Bozeman said he has known OConnor since the dentist bought the dental practice from another practice many years ago. Most people in town were surprised that OConnor could be involved in the alleged crime, given that his practice was popular in the area, and he appeared to live a healthy lifestyle. It was a very successful practice. Thats what blew my mind when news of the arrest spread last week, Bozeman said. Court documents did not describe a possible motive for the alleged fraud. Maybe he just got overloaded, Bozeman said. Something like that usually involves money. The dental office was situated next to an Alabama State Troopers office on one side and a liquor store on the other, not far from Interstate 65. A worker at the liquor store said Tuesday that the fire happened about 9:30 p.m. and did not damage the liquor store. Video of the blast is probably available from the nearby offices, Bozeman said. The Fire Marshals office recorded 14 arson-related arrests in Alabama in 2023 and 14 in 2024, according to the offices recent annual reports. Top photo: The office as it looked before the explosion (Google Maps). Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. agreed to pay $40 million to settle a two-year federal investigation into the crop giants accounting practices that rocked its share price and eroded faith in the companys transparency. The civil penalty levied by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission settles allegations that ADM and former executives engaged in accounting and disclosure fraud when they sought to boost the bottom line of ADMs flailing nutrition business unit to meet the Chicago-based companys targets. ADM neither admitted nor denied the SECs allegations, which regulators detailed late Tuesday. The company also said the Department of Justice has closed its investigation without taking further action. The settlement caps a turbulent period for ADM, during which it lost market share, twice revised its financial statements and dismissed its chief financial officer. Chief Executive Officer Juan Luciano also faced criticism as the company grappled with the fallout from the accounting issues. We are pleased to put these matters behind the company, Luciano said in a statement Tuesday. But while the settlement lifts a heavy weight from the company, it still faces lawsuits from shareholders who allege ADM misled investors. ADM will continue to vigorously defend against the shareholder lawsuits, spokeswoman Jackie Anderson said in an email. Meanwhile, the SEC on Tuesday also settled with two former executives, Vince Macciocchi and Ray Young, who agreed to pay more than $500,000 each in penalties and other fees as a result of the alleged acts. The agency separately filed a lawsuit against the companys former CFO, Vikram Luthar, accusing him of coordinating a series of adjustments that shifted operating profits from other ADM units to prop up the nutrition segment. Junaid Zubairi, an attorney for Luthar, said the regulators case was meritless. The SEC unjustly seeks to hold Mr. Luthar accountable for longstanding business practices at ADM, Zubairi said in a statement. The transactions in question were transparent and were considered, approved and implemented in good faith at the company. ADM stunned the market in January 2024 when it made an unusual Sunday night announcement that it suspended its CFO and had to delay its earnings call. The company said it was investigating accounting practices in its nutrition unit, a business that creates and manufactures products including veggie burgers and pet food that executives believed was the future of the storied crop trader. The fallout from the scandal sidelined Luthar who agreed to resign in September 2024 and drew investigations from both the DOJ and the SEC. ADM lost as much as $16 billion of market value as shareholder trust was eroded and the company restated and corrected its earnings. The shares touched an almost five-year low last April. They have since rebounded to regain all of those losses as of Tuesdays close. On Wednesday, ADM was down 1.3% at 3:50 p.m. in New York. The probe also cast a spotlight on the companys decade-long push, largely under the leadership of Luciano, to lessen its dependence on agricultural commodities trading, a notoriously volatile business. It spent $3 billion to acquire Wild Flavors GmbH and another $1.8 billion to take over animal-feed maker Neovia, the companys largest-ever deals. ADMs nutrition segment is one of the smallest of the companys business units, but its performance had an outsize impact on executive bonuses in 2020 and 2021, Bloomberg News previously reported. The units operating profit growth targets were metrics in ADMs 2020 and 2021 cash bonus and long-term incentive plans for all eligible ADM employees, including Luthar, Macciocchi and Young, the SEC said. The companys executives propped up the segments performance by essentially shifting profits from other business units through a series of retroactive rebates and price changes, the regulator said. ADM faced a separate scandal in 1990s, when it was implicated in a price-fixing conspiracy later portrayed in the 2009 film The Informant! starring Matt Damon. ADM pleaded guilty to the price-fixing charges in 1996. Top photo: A truck drives past the Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (ADM) milling facility in St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. JACKSON, Miss. A state appeals court has reversed a school boards decision to fire an educator who read a funny childrens book to secondgrade students. The court said the firing was not supported by evidence. Toby Price, a native of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was an assistant principal at Gary Road Elementary School in Hinds County. In March 2022, Price read the book I Need a New Butt! to a secondgrade class on Read Across America Day after the guest reader did not show up. The book features humorous illustrations and rhymes about a boy seeking a new behind. After the reading, school officials put Price on leave and then fired him. They said he did not act professionally when he chose the book to read to young students. Some administrators said the book could embarrass children. Price appealed his firing. His case first went to chancery court, where a judge reviewed it but did not change the school boards decision. Unsatisfied with that outcome, Price then took his appeal to the Mississippi Court of Appeals. On Jan. 27, the appeals court ruled in Prices favor. The judges wrote that the school board did not provide sufficient evidence to justify his termination. The court said there was no proof the students were embarrassed or harmed by the reading. The panel said the firing was not done for a good reason or based on solid thinking. The court ordered that Prices termination be reversed and sent the case back to chancery court for further steps, including deciding how much back pay he should receive. The book I Need a New Butt! by Dawn McMillan and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird is known for its humorous style and simple story. The Mississippi Court of Appeals noted that the books content is meant to be funny and ageappropriate for young readers. Price said the book helped keep children interested in reading. A potential showdown looms in Springfield as Governor Mike DeWine navigates the treacherous political waters surrounding the possible deportation of Haitian refugees, and Today in Ohio hosts disagreed Thursday on whether he has done enough to assure residents their rights will be protected. DeWine firmly stated his opposition to removing Haitians refugee status while their home country remains dangerously in the hands of gangs, he told the Editorial Board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer Wednesday. He was more careful in what he said about preparing the state if ICE agents to deploy here. DeWine, unlike President Trump, has a deep personal connection to Haiti., Laura Johnston said on the episode. He has a school -- the Becky DeWine School -- in Haiti. Its supported by his family and named after his daughter. Its free education, meals and healthcare to thousands of kids. And its closed right now because of all of the violence. This firsthand knowledge informs the governors assessment that Haiti is more dangerous than ever. DeWine cited the ongoing gang violence and pointed to Federal Aviation Administration restrictions that still prohibit civilian aircraft from operating in parts of Haiti because security forces cant prevent attacks. Also, DeWine talked about the economic impact of removing Haitian refugees , as they have become key to local economies. Thats especially true in Springfield, where DeWine grew up. When pressed about how he would handle a potential ICE operation in Ohio, DeWines response revealed the delicate balance hes trying to strike. While acknowledging that immigration policy is set federally, he confirmed meetings with local officials and plans to provide Ohio Highway Patrol as backup if needed. DeWine did not match the podcast hosts fervor in denouncing the ICE operations. Chris Quinn called ICE agents thugs of the worst kind, Trumps personal Gestapo and cowards who committing murder of American citizens. Quinn articulated DeWines predicament: You want to hear your governor say, I wont allow that. But if he says that, isnt it more likely Trump would say, okay, Mike DeWine, Im coming for you? Quinn suggested that DeWine is working to assure Ohio citizens that he will protect them without saying anything that might inflame the notoriously fickle Trump. In one of the interviews most chilling moments, DeWine gave a one-word answer when asked if he feared Springfield could become the new Minneapolis Yes. Quinn stressed, though, that the administration has said nothing about coming to Ohio and has largely avoided Republican-run states. Also, Quinn said, the White House is reeling from the nationwide anger over ICEs wanton killing and abuse of peaceful protesters and might want to avoid similar videos in Ohio. Leila Atassi pushed back, arguing that Trump might want to visit ICE upon a red state now,I: I truly do believe that Donald Trump is trying to stoke a civil war here. And I actually think that sending ICE to a red state is how hes going get his militia together, because thats where all the gun toters are going come out to come to ICEs backing. DeWines subtle messaging to ICE was evident when he emphasized the training standards of Ohios law enforcement. As Laura Johnston noted, he specifically mentioned that Ohio officers know not to stand in front of cars something they have done in Minnesota -- and know not to reach in through car windows, which ICE agents have done repeatedly. With a court case challenging the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians expected to be decided on February 2nd, Springfield residents and Ohio officials are holding their breath. Will ICE appear in this red state community, and how will DeWine respond if they do? Listen to the discussion here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois A 30-year-old woman was found dead inside her apartment Monday evening after suffering what authorities said was 70 stab wounds, NBC Chicago reported. Police said the victim, identified as Eliza Morales, was about five months pregnant when she was stabbed repeatedly and later died at the scene, with her unborn child also lost in the attack, the news outlet said. Fire crews responded to the building shortly after 6 p.m. on Ogden Avenue after reports of a kitchen fire and the discovery of Morales. DuPage County prosecutors said Morales suffered most of the stab wounds to her head and neck. She leaves behind a young daughter, who was not home at the time of the violence, according to the Daily Herald. According to Fox 32 Chicago, the suspect, 19-year-old Nedas Revuckas of Westmont, Illinois, was arrested and charged with several felonies, including first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson and animal cruelty. Investigators accused Revuckas of stabbing Morales during what began as a Facebook Marketplace meetup over a vehicle sale and later set fire to the apartment in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime. ABC 7 Chicago reported Revuckas made an initial court appearance Wednesday, but his detention hearing was postponed until Thursday morning at DuPage County Court in Wheaton to allow attorneys additional time to review evidence in the case. Prosecutors told the judge they will argue he should remain in custody as the investigation continues. Four children from West Jordan, Utah who vanished with their mother over Thanksgiving have been located in a state-run orphanage in Croatia, Us Weekly reports. The mother, Elleshia Seymour, 35, was arrested in Dubrovnik on Jan. 16. West Jordan police said Seymour disappeared with her children, ages 11, 8, 7 and 3, after a visit during the Thanksgiving holiday in November 2025. Surveillance footage last captured them at Salt Lake City International Airport boarding a flight to Europe. Kendall Seymour, the father of three of the children, confirmed their location in a Sunday update on a GoFundMe page. The kids are trapped in Croatia in a state-run orphanage. We are in the country, trying to get the kids out of the custody of the local government, he wrote. The family is raising money to hire lawyers and translators to regain custody from the Croatian government. A fifth child, another American, was found with Kendall Seymours children. My children were traveling with him and his mother. The fifth childs situation is even more difficult than my own kids status, he wrote. We would like to help him as much as possible his situation is going to need more legal help and strategy than ours. Elleshia Seymour has been charged with four counts of felony custodial interference, Fox 13 reports. An Endangered Missing Advisory was issued for the children on Dec. 10, 2025. Before leaving, she left behind two notes, according to police. One contained a delusional message from God saying she would be in Italy by Christmas, according to Us Weekly. The second was a to-do list that included buying a prepaid burner phone. Kendall Seymour learned his children were missing from a panicked call from their babysitter. She was in a panic and just said, you know, Your Kenny, I think your kids are missing, he said in a Jan. 4 interview with East Idaho News Courtroom Insider. He said his ex-wifes behavior was new. When we were married, there was nothing like this, he said. We both grew up LDS, or Mormon, but (there were) none of these beliefs about end times or Salt Lake specifically being destroyed. The West Jordan Police Department and the FBI are investigating the disappearance. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Mike DeWine expects federal immigration agents to follow the states law-enforcement practices if they come to Ohio. Our people follow those rules, DeWine said during a Wednesday meeting with the editorial board for Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer. We expect ICE to follow them as well. Related video: Watch the full discussion between Gov. Mike DeWine and the editorial board. Federal immigration enforcement could begin as early as next week if Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Haitians expires as scheduled. DeWine said he didnt know when, or if, ICE would be deployed to Ohio, noting that a federal court is still weighing whether to block the administrations decision. We have been told by local people at Homeland Security that we would get some notice, DeWine said. It would not be a lot, but it would be a notice. While the state prepares for possible federal enforcement, DeWine said he believes the decision to end protections for Haitians was incorrect. The facts on the ground in Haiti indicate its a worse situation there than its ever been, DeWine said. He pointed to gang violence and how the Federal Aviation Administration still prohibits civilian aircraft from operating in parts of Haiti because security forces cannot prevent attacks. TPS allows people from countries facing dangerous conditions to live and work legally in the United States. In November 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would not renew TPS for Haitians. Secretary Kristi Noem concluded that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS. That designation is set to expire Feb. 3 unless a federal judge intervenes. DeWine said the Haitian community has played a key role in Springfields economic recovery. And removing that workforce would hurt the region. Youre going to have a lot of people overnight unemployed, DeWine said. At the same time, DeWine acknowledged that immigration policy is set by the federal government, and he has no say in enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, DeWine has met with Springfields mayor, local police, the Clark County sheriff, the Springfield school superintendent and childrens services officials. We will make the highway patrol available as backup, DeWine said. When asked whether hes worried Springfield could become the new Minneapolis, the governor said, Yes. In Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities, a large federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge deployed thousands of federal agents and drew national attention after ICE officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens. DeWine said Ohios law enforcement is well-trained, and we will expect no less out of ICE. For example, Ohio State Highway Patrols protocol is to never stand in front of a car because nothing good can happen. Its dangerous for the officer, DeWine said. Could be detrimental to, you know, the person driving. The same goes for reaching into a vehicle. DeWine didnt mention the case directly, but his description is similar to ICEs confrontation with Renee Good in Minnesota. Good, 37, was fatally shot in the drivers seat of her SUV during an encounter Jan. 7 with ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. DeWine said he has also advised local law enforcement to let people protest so long as they do not physically interfere with ICE. We are a state and a people that obey the law whether we like the law or not, whether we like the policy or not, DeWine said. We need to obey that. DeWine stressed that no federal enforcement action has been announced and that everything hinges on what happens in court next week. The case, Miot v. Trump et al., argues that conditions in Haiti remain dangerously unstable and the decision to end TPS was not based on current conditions, but on improper reasoning by the administration. A ruling is expected by Tuesday evening. Related story: DeWine reveals what he considers his biggest mistake during 7 years as governor Related story: DeWine admits Ohio is facing an energy crunch; Whats his plan to address it? Related story: DeWine defends hemp beverage ban: Businesses knew the risks China reports notable progress in ecological, environmental protection during 14th Five-Year Plan period Xinhua) 10:10, January 29, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- China has achieved a significant reduction in major pollutants through the implementation of 24,000 ecological and environmental treatment projects during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the government. Sun Shouliang, an official with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the reduction of major pollutants -- including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical oxygen demand, and ammonia nitrogen -- was realized over the past five years through efforts to phase out outdated production capacities in certain industries and to enhance sewage treatment in both urban and rural areas. Through efforts to phase out outdated production capacity during the period, China achieved reduction in nitrogen oxide and VOCs emissions by approximately 210,000 tonnes and 220,000 tonnes, respectively. The country also pushed forward green transition in some industries, having completed ultra-low emission upgrades for 940 million tonnes of crude steel production capacity, 470 million tonnes of cement clinker capacity, 360 million tonnes of coking capacity, and 170 GW of coal-fired power units, according to ministry data. Sun said that urban sewage treatment projects contributed to reducing chemical oxygen demand by about 3.2 million tonnes and ammonia nitrogen by 350,000 tonnes during the 2021-2025 period. The national rural domestic sewage treatment rate also rose to 55 percent by 2025, doubling the rate recorded at of the end of 2020. Sun said that at present, the country's hazardous waste disposal capacity is about 220 million tonnes per year, a 60 percent increase compared to 2020. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Sun said the ministry will continue to plan and carry out a raft of high-standard flagship projects to further support ecological and environmental progress. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Columbia University's Board of Trustees announced Sunday evening that Jennifer L. Mnookin, the current chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will become the institution's next president, effective July 1, 2026. The appointment concludes an extensive national search and marks Columbia's fourth presidential transition in just two years, following a period of unprecedented turmoil at the Ivy League institution. The Board of Trustees made the announcement on a snowy Sunday evening, acknowledging they had hoped to wait until Monday but were compelled to share the news early due to intense media interest. The decision represents a pivotal moment for Columbia as it seeks stable leadership after successive resignations and ongoing challenges related to campus activism and federal government scrutiny. A Consensus Builder Takes the Helm At 58, Mnookin brings an impressive academic pedigree and reputation as a thoughtful consensus builder to Morningside Heights. She currently leads UW-Madison, a flagship public research university serving more than 50,000 students across 13 schools and colleges with over 25,000 faculty and staff, including a medical school and affiliated health system. "Jennifer will be an exceptional leader for Columbia's future," said David J. Greenwald and Jeh C. Johnson, co-chairs of Columbia's Board of Trustees. "She is a distinguished scholar who now leads a complex institution with clarity and vision. She understands the essential role that higher education and research play in advancing knowledge, serving the public good, and addressing our most pressing challenges." Acting President Claire Shipman praised Mnookin's leadership qualities, stating she brings an inclusive and mission-driven approach that has demonstrated an ability to move from vision to execution while earning trust across diverse communities. Distinguished Academic and Leadership Career Mnookin's academic credentials are formidable. She holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a JD from Yale Law School, and a PhD in history and social study of science and technology from MIT. As one of the nation's leading scholars in legal evidence, her research focuses on the intersection of law and science, with particular attention to wrongful convictions, forensic evidence, and visual evidence. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Prior to assuming the chancellorship at UW-Madison in 2022, Mnookin served for seven years as dean of UCLA School of Law, where she spent nearly 17 years on the faculty. As dean, she strengthened the law school's academic profile, expanded interdisciplinary centers and clinical programs, and led major fundraising efforts while earning recognition for her commitment to teaching excellence. Her scholarly work has made her widely regarded as one of the most cited experts in the field of legal evidence. She recently served as co-chair of a 2024 expert report on facial recognition technologies for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and previously spent six years on the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Science, Technology, and Law. Accomplishments at Wisconsin During her tenure at UW-Madison, Mnookin has overseen significant institutional advances despite navigating challenging external pressures. Her leadership contributed to increased enrollment, strong research growth, and record levels of philanthropic support. Last year, the university secured the second-highest amount in contributions in its history under her fundraising leadership. Mnookin made substantial investments in faculty hiring and research infrastructure, launching major cross-campus initiatives on artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research. She established Bucky's Pell Pathway, which guarantees full financial support for Pell-eligible Wisconsin residents, and expanded scholarship opportunities and academic support services that contributed to improved completion and graduation rates. In February 2024, she launched the most comprehensive sustainability initiative in UW-Madison's history. The university subsequently achieved gold status for the first time in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS ranking, marking key progress among the five goals she set for the initiative. Her tenure also saw significant infrastructure development, with multiple major academic buildings either completed or breaking ground, including Morgridge Hall, which opened in August 2025 and will house a proposed new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Navigating Complex Challenges Mnookin's appointment comes as Columbia continues to grapple with the aftermath of highly publicized campus protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and strained relations with the federal government. The university's previous president, Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, resigned in August 2024 following intense national scrutiny of the university's handling of pro-Palestine demonstrations. Her successor, Katrina Armstrong, served only seven months as interim president before resigning earlier this year. Claire Shipman has led the institution since March 2025, providing what the Board of Trustees described as steady guidance during an exceptionally difficult transition period. "We express the University's deep gratitude to Acting President Claire Shipman for her steady leadership during a period of transition and for her unyielding service to Columbia," Greenwald and Johnson said. "She led the University through an exceedingly difficult time with grace and fortitude; her stable leadership has positioned us well for this next chapter." At UW-Madison, Mnookin navigated her own challenges related to campus activism. She reached an agreement with a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" that occupied a major campus thoroughfare, framing the protesters as well-intentioned activists motivated by passionate feelings about the devastation in Gaza. The agreement included commitments to disciplinary leniency and hosting guest scholars from Palestinian universities. Columbia has faced significant consequences from its recent turbulence. The Trump administration froze $400 million in federal funding in March over alleged failures to address antisemitism, though most funds were later reinstated through a settlement. The institution has laid off nearly 180 researchers funded by federal grants, and its operating surplus declined by 63 percent between 2024 and 2025. The presidential search itself proved challenging, with the university extending its timeline in December after two prominent candidatesformer Harvard Law dean John Manning and Vanderbilt chancellor Daniel Diermeierremoved themselves from consideration. A Message of Commitment In accepting the appointment, Mnookin expressed enthusiasm tempered with awareness of the challenges ahead. "I am honored and thrilled to join Columbia University at this important moment," she said. "Columbia is defined by rigorous scholarship, a deep commitment to open inquiry, world-class patient care, and an inseparable and enduring connection to New York City, the greatest city in the world. I look forward to working closely with faculty, students, and staff, and with both our local and global community of alumni and friends, to advance the University's critically important mission and to ensure that its teaching and research continue to contribute meaningfully to society." Transition Plans Mnookin will remain at UW-Madison through spring commencement, completing the academic year before assuming her new role on July 1. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman will appoint an interim chancellor to succeed her and initiate a search for a permanent replacement later this year. "During her tenure, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin brought unbounded energy, resilience and deeply thoughtful leadership to this great university," Rothman said. "As she now takes on a new opportunity at another prestigious institution, we extend our substantial gratitude for her service and wish her continued success in the years ahead." Board of Regents President Amy B. Bogost added: "We express our deepest gratitude for Chancellor Mnookin's tireless work and the transformative legacy she leaves at the University of Wisconsin. She is an incredible leader whose unique strength and ability to accomplish so much, even in the most difficult times, truly set her apart." Looking Forward Mnookin's appointment represents both hope and challenge for Columbia. Her track record of building consensus, strengthening academic programs, and managing complex stakeholder relationships will be tested in one of higher education's most high-profile and pressure-filled environments. The Board of Trustees emphasized her qualities as a keen listener who builds consensus but doesn't shy away from difficult decisions when necessary. "As president, she will lead Columbia forward with strength and a firm commitment to the University's cherished values," they stated. For Columbia's community of students, faculty, staff, and alumnimany of whom have endured months of uncertainty and institutional upheavalMnookin's appointment signals an attempt to return to stability while maintaining the university's commitment to rigorous scholarship, open inquiry, and public service. As she prepares to transition from Madison to Manhattan, Mnookin faces the formidable task of healing divisions, restoring confidence, and positioning one of the world's premier research universities to thrive amid ongoing social and political tensions that show no signs of abating. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to ramp up his company's spending on artificial intelligence in 2026. Wall Street seems fine with that strategy. In its fourth-quarter earnings report Wednesday, Meta beat on the top and bottom lines while also revealing that its AI-related capital expenditures this year will be between $115 billion and $135 billion. That's nearly twice the amount Meta spent on capex last year, when the company revamped its AI unit. Although investors have previously expressed concern about Meta's AI spending spree, they took comfort in the company's latest results, which showed 24% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by online ads. Meta shares, which trailed the market last year, popped as much as 10% in after-hours trading. "As we plan for the future, we will continue to invest very significantly in infrastructure to train leading models and deliver personal super intelligence to billions of people and businesses around the world," Zuckerberg told analysts during the earnings call. Zuckerberg was referring to Meta's ambitious data center build-outs intended to anchor both current and future AI projects. Meta finance chief Susan Li told analysts that the company continues to be "capacity constrained," meaning it needs more computing power to further improve its core ad business while also providing its AI team the necessary resources to create more advanced models and products. "Our teams have done a great job ramping up our infrastructure through the course of 2025, but demands for compute resources across the company have increased even faster than our supply," Li said. Zuckerberg said 2026 will be a major year for AI, with Meta's investments geared toward supporting his mission for "building personal super intelligence." Whether Meta will have much by way of new AI products that can generate revenue remains a major question, and one Zuckerberg hasn't clearly answered. "I mean, we're going to roll out new products over the course of the year," Zuckerberg said on the call. "I think the important thing is, we're not just launching one thing, and we're building a lot of things." Perhaps Zuckerberg's biggest swing last year was the $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, which brought founder and CEO Alexandr Wang and some of his top engineers and researchers to Meta. Wang is now leading Meta's TBD AI unit, which has been testing a new frontier model code-named Avocado that's intended to be a successor to the company's Llama family of models, CNBC reported. "I expect our first models will be good but, more importantly, will show the rapid trajectory that we're on," Zuckerberg said Wednesday. "And then I expect us to steadily push the frontier over the course of the year as we continue to release new models." Asked on the call why Meta needs to develop its own powerhouse AI foundation model, Zuckerberg said it's important because Meta is a "deep technology company." Meta can't risk being "constrained to what others in the ecosystem are building or allow us to build," he said, adding that controlling a model allows you to help "shape the future of these products." In the meantime, online advertising still accounts for the overwhelming majority of Meta's revenue. As long as that business continues to dominate in mobile, exceed expectations and throw off billions of dollars of cash a quarter, Zuckerberg is likely to get plenty of leeway to pursue his AI ambitions. WATCH: Meta and Google go to trial over child safety here's what's at stake. Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, speaking with CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 20, 2026. Amazon is in talks to invest up to $50 billion in OpenAI, CNBC confirmed on Thursday, in a significant vote of confidence from the e-commerce giant after it invested in one of the startup's biggest rivals. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy have been engaging in direct discussions, according to a source familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because the details are confidential. Amazon has pumped billions of dollars into OpenAI competitor Anthropic since 2023. The details of Amazon's talks with OpenAI are still fluid and the final total is subject to change, but the term sheet could be signed in the coming weeks, the person said. A representative for Amazon declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the $50 billion figure. OpenAI is also engaging in fundraising discussions with other investors, and the total round could close at around $100 billion, the person said. Altman was in the United Arab Emirates to participate in investment talks with sovereign wealth funds last week, as CNBC previously reported. The startup's funding round could close in two parts, beginning with investments from strategics like Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia , the person said. Other contributions from participants like SoftBank, which is in talks to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI, would follow, the source said. American Airlines is planning to resume service to Venezuela from the United States for the first time since 2019, weeks after the U.S. captured Venezuela's president. American would be the first U.S. carrier to restart service to Venezuela, which had become isolated after airlines paused flights to the country in recent years, citing unrest there. "American will share additional details about its return to service in the coming months as it works closely with federal authorities on all necessary permissions and security assessments prior to resuming service," the carrier said Thursday. American halted service to Venezuela in March 2019 after its pilots' union told its members to refuse trips to the country following the State Department advising U.S. citizens to leave the country and pulling its diplomats from Venezuela because of unrest. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines , which had paused service in 2017, didn't immediately comment. Federal officials temporarily closed airspace in the Caribbean earlier this month following the U.S. strikes in Venezuela, a measure that disrupted air travel and forced carriers to cancel hundreds of flights at the tail end of the holidays. Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Apple employees at the Apple store as customers line up for the release of Apple new iPhone 17 models in New York on Sept. 19, 2025. Apple has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence startup Q.ai, a company representative confirmed on Thursday. No purchase price was disclosed. Q.ai was secretive and had not publicly shared a product, but its website suggests it was working on something related to audio. The startup was led by CEO Aviad Maizels, who previously sold PrimeSense to Apple in 2013. "We're thrilled to acquire the company, with Aviad at the helm, and are even more excited for what's to come," Johny Srouji, Apple senior vice president of hardware technologies, told Reuters, which first reported the news. Srouji leads Apple's chip development. The company was backed by investors including GV (Google Ventures), Kleiner Perkins and Spark Capital, according to PitchBook, which says Q.ai was working on a "communication enhancement technology." Apple's AirPods have been upgraded with AI in recent years, including a live translation feature and intelligent noise cancelling that can tell when the user is in a conversation. Some investors have called on Apple to make a big acquisition in AI as its megacap peers pour money into cutting-edge models and the infrastructure to run them. Meanwhile, Apple's products, like a more personal Siri that can use apps, have faced delays. Apple more commonly buys smaller companies with specific technologies that it can integrate into its products. Apple also announced a deal with Google earlier this month to have its Gemini models power some Apple Intelligence features. "We're very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in July. PrimeSense, Maizels' prior startup, developed technology that allowed sensors to detect the distance between objects, and was integrated into Apple's Face ID sensor starting in 2017. WATCH: What to watch from Big Tech earnings Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses a business delegation following his arrival to China, at a hotel in Beijing on January 28, 2026. After years of strained ties, China and the U.K. are looking to develop a long-term strategic partnership following a high-stakes meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer is on a 4-day visit to China, the first trip by a British prime minister in eight years signaling an attempt at resetting relations between the two countries after years of distrust and acrimony. Beijing's crackdowns on democratic protests in Hong Kong, a former British colony, and imposition of a sweeping national security legislation in 2020 strained bilateral ties, while U.K. businesses in China have flagged a challenging business climate in the country. The U.K. has often accused China of conducting espionage in the country, and labeled it as a long-term strategic challenge. Financial Times reported on Tuesday that British officials were planning to tighten scrutiny of Chinese activity over national security concerns. The British government as recently as December moved to clamp down on two tech companies based in China, allegedly for carrying out cyberattacks that it said had undermined U.K. security and prosperity. Against that backdrop, Thursday's developments signal a positive shift in relations. The two countries said they will expand cooperation in key areas including education, healthcare, finance and artificial intelligence research, biological sciences and new energy development, according to a statement published by Chinese state media on Thursday. Beijing will also consider opening visa-free entry for British nationals, the statement said, while urging London to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms operating in the U.K. Starmer told Xi at the start of the meeting that it was "vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship" allowing both sides to identify areas for further collaborations and dialogue, according to Reuters. London will maintain high-level close communications with Beijing and deepen trade and investment partnerships, according to the Chinese readout. Speaking to reporters following the summit with Xi, Starmer described the meeting as "positive" and one that delivered "productive outcome," adding that the relationship was in a "good, strong place," Reuters reported. A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. Many investment firms of ultra-rich families are keen to buy stakes in private companies directly rather than through private equity funds, which come with fees and less control. Cutting out the middleman can come at a steep cost, though, and requires hiring an in-house investment team to source proprietary deals. But family offices have found a way to have their cake and eat it too by backing PE funds while investing directly alongside them. Under these kind of deals, family offices make large fund commitments in exchange for the right to invest additional capital on their own to individual portfolio companies. They typically pay reduced management or performance fees on their co-investments, and the PE fund handles the burden of sourcing and due diligence. These co-investing arrangements have grown in popularity over the past decade, lawyers to family offices and fund managers told Inside Wealth. This trend has been fueled by family offices seeking out more direct investments and PE firms facing challenges raising capital. "The ability to share the burden, share the costs and, in some cases, rely on the private equity funds to source, [perform due] diligence, execute and manage those investments, is extremely attractive to families who want that exposure to direct investing, but don't necessarily want to build all that on their own balance sheet," said Scott Beach, who chairs Day Pitney's corporate and business law department and the family office practice. By teaming up with private equity funds, family offices are able to get stakes in companies they would not be able to buy outright, according to Michael Schwamm, partner at Duane Morris and co-chair of its family office practice. "Private equity funds will almost always outbid family offices, at least in the middle market," he said. "With the vast majority of families we deal with, most of them recognize they will never be highest bidder in the room." PE sponsors have become more willing to negotiate co-investment rights as a way to induce family offices to allocate to the fund, according to Kevin Shmelzer, co-leader of Morgan Lewis' private equity practice and family office strategic initiative. For instance, sponsors may give family offices the right to buy new shares to maintain their ownership percentage when more shares are issued, he said. PE firms may also offer more detailed financial or operational information on portfolio companies than a fund investors would typically get. However, while family offices are investing alongside PE funds, they are still minority investors. They do not get the same governance or operational rights that they would get if they bought the company themselves. "These family offices, are not in the room with the PE sponsors, negotiating with the seller," Shmelzer said. "At the end of the day, the family office is still at the whims of the PE fund." Most importantly, family offices rarely have the right to hold onto their equity and prevent the PE firm from exiting. This can be a serious drawback for family offices, which are known for investing for the long term. "That can create some tension on the back end of a relationship," Beach said. "The PE firm is going to want to deliver to the buyer preferably 100% of the equity so they want the right to drag along the family office." But in turn, family offices are able to deploy capital faster than they would if they relied solely on finding their own deals or allocating to funds, according to Doug Macauley, a partner for the private client practice at investment advisory Cambridge Associates. Macauley expects family offices to allocate more to co-investing as private markets generally get more attractive. Some family clients have as much as 15% to 20% of their portfolio in co-investments, he said. He cautioned that families need to watch their liquidity and be selective with fund managers and portfolio companies. When funds invite co-investors to join a deal, it may indicate a lack of conviction by the sponsor or a risky asset, he said. "I don't think the rationale to co-invest is that you're going to get a better return because it's a co-investment. You might get a better return because the fees are lower," Macauley said. "It doesn't make it a bad deal, but it doesn't make it a better deal than everything else in their fund either." Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen talks to journalists ahead of a EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on January 29, 2026. Denmark's foreign minister on Thursday welcomed "very constructive" high-level talks over Greenland's future, saying the conversation about the island was "back on track." The talks between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark in Washington on Wednesday were designed to resolve the diplomatic crisis triggered by President Donald Trump's repeated threats against the vast and sparsely populated Arctic island. Speaking to reporters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of European Union foreign ministers, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting "went well." "Very constructive atmosphere and tone and new meetings are planned," Rasmussen said. "It's not that things are solved but it is good because now we are back to what we agreed in Washington exactly two weeks and a day ago. After that, there was a major detour. Things were escalating but now we are back on track," Rasmussen said. "It's not that we can conclude anything, but I am slightly more optimistic today than a week ago," he added. Last week, Trump backed away from imposing tariffs on several European countries opposing his effort to take over the self-governing Danish territory and also ruled out using force to take it for the first time, during his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump subsequently declared on Truth Social that he had a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and later told CNBC he had "the concept" of one. Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Supreme Court for a suppression of evidence hearing in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Dec. 2, 2025. A Minnesota man was arrested after allegedly showing up Wednesday night at a New York federal jail claiming to be an FBI agent and saying he had a court order from a judge to release an inmate, according to a new criminal complaint Thursday. That inmate is Luigi Mangione, according to a person in law enforcement, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Mangione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a midtown Manhattan street in December 2024. The Minnesota man, 36-year-old Mark Anderson of Mankato, when asked by Bureau of Prisons personnel at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for his credentials, produced a Minnesota driver's license, prosecutors said. Mangione is being held at that jail without bail. Anderson also allegedly said he had weapons in a bag he was carrying. Inside the bag was a barbecue fork and a circular steel blade that resembled a pizza cutter, according to the criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn. "Anderson also displayed and threw at the BOP officers numerous documents," an FBI agent who signed the complaint wrote. "I have reviewed those papers and they appear to be related to filing of claims against the United States Department of Justice," the agent wrote. A view of Oslo seen from the roof of the Oslo Opera House in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund made $247 billion in 2025, its management team said Thursday, thanks to rallying tech, financial and mining stocks. The fund posted annual profit of 2.36 trillion kronor, or $246.9 billion. By the end of last year, the fund's total value stood at 21.27 trillion Norwegian kroner Over the course of 2025, the fund returned 13.5 trillion kronor its highest annual return since the fund's inception in the nineties. The overall return was 0.28 percentage points lower than the return on its benchmark index. Equities, which make up about 71% of the fund's investments, returned 19.3% last year. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) manages the fund on behalf of the Norwegian population. Set up in the 1990s to invest excess revenues from Norway's oil and gas industry, the fund is currently an investor in more than 7,000 companies across 60 countries. Its most valuable investments include a 1.3% stake in Nvidia , a 1.2% stake in Apple and a 1.3% stake in Microsoft . "Stocks in technology, financials and basic materials stood out, making a significant contribution to the overall return", Nicolai Tangen, NBIM's CEO, said in a statement on Thursday. NBIM's holdings in the basic materials sector include mining giant Fresnillo the best-performing stock on London's FTSE 100 last year, which surged 452.5% amid a silver boom and its acquisition of Probe Gold. In the financial sector, NBIM holds significant stakes in Bank of America , JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs . The fund also has various holdings in global lenders, including European banking giants Santander , UBS , HSBC and UniCredit . Europe's banking sector has been a source of major returns for investors in recent years. Outside equities, NBIM's fixed income investments returned 5.4% in 2025, while unlisted real estate returned 4.4%. Its renewable energy infrastructure holdings returned 18.1% last year. Crude oil prices rose more than 3% on Thursday as President Donald Trump weighed military strikes on OPEC member Iran. U.S. crude rose $2.21, or 3.5%, to close at $65.42 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent was up $2.31, or 3.38%, to settle at $70.71 per barrel. Multiple sources told Reuters that Trump is weighing targeted strikes on Iranian security forces and leaders to inspire anti-government protesters. The president wants to create conditions for regime change, two U.S. sources told Reuters. The Islamic Republic launched a security crackdown earlier this month to quell protests, leaving thousands dead. The oil market is monitoring whether the unrest in Iran and possible military intervention by the U.S. could lead to a disruption of crude supplies in the region. Trump has deployed the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East, warning Iran on Wednesday that time is running out to make a deal on its nuclear program. The president threatened Tehran with larger strikes than the attack the U.S. launched last June, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. "The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again," Trump said in a Truth Social post. Senators are working toward an offramp to fund most of the government through the remainder of the fiscal year as a shutdown looms less than two days away. The Senate earlier Thursday failed to clear a key procedural hurdle on a crucial six-bill government funding package. The procedural vote on the package was widely expected to fail as Democrats demand that the Republican majority strip funding for the Department of Homeland Security from the measure. The Democrats want new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement added to the DHS bill after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis this month. Two Senate Republicans said their party is working to address Democrats' demands and split the DHS portion of the bill off to salvage the rest. That move would include a short-term stopgap to keep DHS running, but senators are still haggling over how long the continuing resolution would be. If that happens, it would be a crucial step to avert a shutdown. "I think we're going to get through the five bills very quickly, probably sometime today," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said after emerging from a Republican caucus meeting Thursday. "We'll agree on a clean CR for Homeland Security; the only issue is for how long," Kennedy said, adding that Senate Democrats are negotiating with the White House over the length of the CR. In addition to Homeland Security, the package would also fund the Departments of Defense, Treasury, State, Health and Human Services, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education. Spending measures need at least 60 votes to avert the Senate filibuster. Thursday's procedural vote failed 45-55, with seven Republicans joining Democrats in voting against it. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., voted no to reserve a motion to reconsider. That vote increased the likelihood of a government shutdown, which would begin at 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., also told reporters at the Capitol he was optimistic that the package without DHS funding would clear the Senate. "If they will give us the five appropriations bills with no change, I think we've got a really good, strong path to be able to get that done," Mullin said. "We could maybe vote tonight, that all depends on what the Democrats bring out of their conference." Due to time constraints to avoid a shutdown, the Senate may have to use a procedure to remove the DHS bill that would allow any one senator to block it. Kennedy warned that he "can't guarantee" that all members will agree to the move. "We've got some free-range chickens," Kennedy said of the Republican caucus. Democrats earlier in the day held firm in asking for the DHS bill to be separated and said they would vote for the other five to avert a shutdown. Check out the companies making headlines in after-hours trading. Apple Shares rose less than 1% after the company posted blowout fiscal first-quarter results, with notably strong revenue from its iPhone 17 models released in September. Apple earned $2.84 per share for the quarter, higher than the $2.67 per share expected by analysts surveyed by LSEG. Revenue came out at $143.76 billion, significantly exceeding analysts' expectation of $138.48 billion. Overall iPhone revenue surged 23% on an annual basis to $85.27 billion in revenue. Sales in China popped during the quarter, also easing investors' fears about competition and consumer sentiment in the region. Sandisk The data storage device manufacturer shared solid guidance, leading the stock to pop 11%. Sandisk sees fiscal third-quarter adjusted earnings ranging from $12 to $14 per share, versus the FactSet consensus for $5.11 per share. Second-quarter results also beat Wall Street estimates on the top and bottom lines. Visa Shares of the financial giant slipped nearly 2% in extended trading despite strong fiscal first-quarter results. Visa earned $3.17 per share, on an adjusted basis, on revenue of $10.9 billion thanks to a jump in cross-border payments and payments volume. That came out higher than the $3.14 in earnings per share and $10.69 billion estimate from analysts polled by LSEG. Western Digital The digital storage company saw shares rise about 1% in extended trading. Western Digital provided a rosy forecast for the fiscal third quarter, calling for adjusted earnings of about $2.30 a share on revenue of roughly $3.2 billion. Analysts polled by LSEG sought $1.96 per share and $2.96 billion. Deckers Outdoor The maker of Ugg Boots and Hoka sneakers saw shares surge 12% after issuing a 2026 outlook that surpassed Wall Street's estimates. Deckers sees earnings for the period ranging from $6.80 to $6.85 per share on revenue of $5.4 billion to $5.43 billion. Analysts polled by LSEG were looking for $6.40 per share and $5.37 billion. Stryker The medical equipment company jumped 2% after fourth-quarter results beat estimates. Stryker reported adjusted earnings of $4.47 per share, compared to the FactSet consensus of $4.40 per share. Revenue of $7.17 billion beat analysts' call for $7.12 billion. Robinhood Shares of Robinhood ticked 2% higher after Bloomberg News reported that the Trump administration is considering giving the company a key role in overseeing the tax-advantaged "Trump accounts" it is creating for eligible children under 18 . The brokerage platform is preparing for the possibility of being appointed to a trustee role for the new accounts, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. KLA Corp . The semiconductor equipment maker fell more than 8% after saying fiscal third-quarter earnings excluding one-time items would range between $8.30 and $9.86 per share, against the LSEG consensus estimate of $8.80. KLA pegged Q3 revenue at $3.2 billion to $3.5 billion versus the Street's $3.25 billion. CNBC's Darla Mercado and Scott Schnipper contributed reporting. Correction: This story has been revised to reflect that KLA pegged Q3 revenue at $3.2 billion to $3.5 billion. A previous version misstated the low end of KLA's guidance. Elon Musk announced his new company xAI which he says has the goal to understand the true nature of the universe. Tesla sold $430 million worth of its giant backup batteries called Megapacks to xAI, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, in 2025, according to a filing on Thursday. The sales to xAI accounted for around 3.4% of Tesla's energy business revenue, which climbed 27% to $12.8 billion last year from $10.1 billion in 2024, the filing said. Tesla's energy division, which sells solar photovoltaics and battery storage systems of various sizes, was a bright spot for the company, as auto revenue dropped 10% to $69.5 billion, weighed down by a tarnished brand reputation and an aging lineup. Because autos remain Tesla's predominant source of revenue, total sales fell roughly 3% for the year, declining for the first time on record. Musk first incorporated xAI in March 2023, and revealed its existence publicly four months later, describing it as a politically incorrect competitor to OpenAI. Musk co-founded OpenAI as an AI lab in 2015, and left in 2018, years before the company released ChatGPT. The two sides are now involved in heated litigation, with a trial expected to begin in April. In its fourth-quarter earnings release on Wednesday, Tesla said it was investing $2 billion in xAI as part of the startup's latest round of funding. Tesla's investment came after the announcement of a number of investigations across the globe into xAI's Grok chatbot and image generator, which enabled the widespread nonconsensual creation and distribution of explicit deepfake images Earlier this month, xAI said that it raised $20 billion in its recent funding round from a number of investors, including Nvidia and Cisco . Reuters reported on Thursday that SpaceX is weighing a merger with xAI ahead of a planned IPO for Musk's aerospace and defense company XAI previously announced it was using Tesla Megapacks to help power its data infrastructure in and around Memphis, Tennessee, home to its data center called Colossus. Megapacks are used for business and utility-scale developments, and Tesla's newer Megablocks are a combination of four Megapacks around one transformer. The systems use lithium-ion or other battery cells, helping data centers and utilities avoid blackouts, allowing for energy storage from sources like solar and wind. In 2025, xAI installed and was using 35 natural gas-burning turbines to power operations at the Colossus facility, according to aerial video obtained by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Emissions from the turbines led to community uproar, with residents complaining of a stench, health problems and an inability to keep their windows open at home. The Environmental Protection Agency recently updated a rule concerning the use of such turbines, making clear that they are not exempt from the need for Clean Air Act permits. In a lawsuit that's pending in Delaware, Musk has been accused of violating his fiduciary duty to Tesla shareholders by diverting the automaker's resources to xAI. WATCH: Musk's xAI closes $20 billion funding round A Toyota dealership is seen on November 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Toyota Motor has retained its position as the world's top-selling automaker in 2025, posting record sales of 10.5 million units, the Japanese auto giant reported on Thursday. Sales of Toyota and its luxury Lexus marque rose 3.7% from a year earlier, edging out Volkswagen Group's 9 million units and Hyundai Motor Group's 7.27 million units. Notably, demand was buoyed by strong U.S. sales of hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius and RAV4 models. Toyota's strength in the U.S. came despite an aggressive tariff regime rolled out by U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially imposed 25% levies on Japanese automotives, before reducing them to 15%. In the U.S., Toyota and Lexus vehicle sales climbed 7.3% to 2.93 million units. The results reflect success in Toyota's strategy of absorbing tariff-related costs rather than passing them on to consumers through broad price hikes, while focusing on local production and other cost controls. While the company estimated in November that U.S. tariffs would still cost it 1.45 trillion yen ($9.7 billion) in its fiscal year ending March 2026, it also raised its full-year operating profit forecast, citing successful cost reductions and strong demand outside the U.S. watch now The fatal shooting this weekend of a second American citizen by federal immigration agents in Minnesota has forced corporate leaders to do something they've rarely done since President Donald Trump returned to office last year: publicly disagree with his policies. For months, executives have kept quiet as the Trump administration expanded its sprawling immigration crackdown. The Department of Homeland Security in recent weeks has sent thousands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents into Minnesota, leading to violent clashes with protestors. It wasn't until the Jan. 24 killing of intensive care unit nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents that more CEOs started to break their year of near silence on the president's actions. The following day, dozens of executives from Minnesota-based corporations co-signed a letter calling for an "immediate de-escalation" in the state. Even then, it was clear the business leaders were treading carefully they didn't mention the name of the shooting victim, the president by name or his policies. Instead of speaking out individually, they published the message as a group. The reluctance of business leaders among the most powerful and wealthiest Americans to explicitly speak out against the president's policies illustrates how Trump has used his power during his second term. Trump has sued media companies, law firms, universities and banks, and he has threatened corporations with regulatory scrutiny and the review of lucrative government contracts. "They don't want to speak out alone because they are afraid," Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a Yale School of Management professor, told CNBC. "They know that they will be shaken down, coerced, intimidated [by the administration]. Retaliatory gestures are quite severe." In subzero temperatures, demonstrators marched in downtown Minneapolis on Jan. 23, 2026, waving signs decrying ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities metro area. Alex Kormann | The Minnesota Star Tribune | Getty Images Some CEOs have been slightly more bold: Days before Pretti's killing, JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon became the first prominent U.S. CEO to criticize Trump's immigration crackdown. In the days that followed Pretti's death, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple CEO Tim Cook have spoken out, too. Altman made pointed comments in a Slack message to OpenAI employees, saying that "part of loving the country is the American duty to push back against overreach" and that "what's happening with ICE is going too far." In his own internal message to Apple's workforce on Tuesday, Tim Cook described himself as "heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis" and called for "de-escalation," adding that he had privately expressed concerns to Trump. Trump has in recent days appeared to soften his approach to DHS' presence in Minneapolis, using language of de-escalation that mirrored the executives' public letter and saying he had "very respectful" calls with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. But he has yet to pull ICE agents from Minneapolis, and it's unclear when he will do so. Trump's change in tone comes as the risk rises of a partial government shutdown later this week, with Democrats vowing to oppose funding for the DHS in large part because of opposition to the administration's Minneapolis operation. Experts said one thing has been made clear: Pretti's death and the viral spread of videos and analysis surrounding his final moments show there are limits to the obedience of the business community. Minneapolis, home to mega corporations like Target , UnitedHealth and 3M , has become the testing ground for when and how far corporate leaders will wade into escalating political tensions, heightened by a president who pushes the bounds of state power. An ICE patch and badge are seen on a Department of Homeland Security agent while Vice President JD Vance gives remarks following a roundtable discussion with local leaders and community members amid a surge of federal immigration authorities in the area, at Royalston Square in Minneapolis, Jan. 22, 2026. Jim Watson | Pool | Getty Images Weaponizing power There are examples of corporate leaders having used their influence and turning the tide before. In the fall, Trump planned ICE enforcement in San Francisco. Yet the president called it off in part due to conversations with Bay Area business leaders, including Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Since ICE and Border Patrol agents poured into Minnesota late last year in a plan dubbed Operation Metro Surge, videos have shown agents shoving protestors, detaining children, spraying demonstrators with chemical irritants and, in at least two cases, using their firearms. The operation followed similar efforts in cities including Chicago and New Orleans, sparking concerns of what some saw as agency overreach. I don't like what I'm seeing, with five grown men beating up little women," JPMorgan's Dimon said during an onstage interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "I think we should calm down a little bit on the internal anger about immigration." Later in that discussion, Dimon's interviewer, The Economist Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, told the veteran CEO that she was surprised at how careful he and other leaders were in speaking about Trump. "I'm genuinely struck by the unwillingness of CEOs in America to say anything critical," Minton Beddoes said. "There is a climate of fear in your country." Dimon, who has spoken of the need for immigration reform for years, pushed back: "I think they should change their approach to immigration," Dimon said. "I've said it. What the hell else do you want me to say?" The day after Dimon's comments, Trump sued JPMorgan and Dimon for $5 billion for closing his bank accounts after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. While Trump had warned he would sue JPMorgan days before Dimon's comments at Davos, the implication was clear: Companies face retribution for perceived slights against the president. "If you're a corporate CEO, this man has the potential to tank your stock," Tad DeHaven, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute, said of the president. "We've seen this administration weaponize every conceivable lever of power it has." A CNBC poll of corporate leaders, conducted in the days following Pretti's killing, found 56% said it is "a lot more challenging" to speak out today when it comes to social and political causes. The CNBC Councils flash poll surveyed 34 companies about ICE's presence in Minnesota. Only one of the 34 corporate leaders surveyed reported they had spoken out publicly about the situation in Minneapolis, with about a third saying it was not relevant to their business, 21% saying they were still contemplating making public comments and 18% saying they were worried about backlash from the Trump administration. Some of those companies remained silent even as they acknowledged the challenges were close to home: Among the surveyed businesses, about 15% said they were aware of company employees who had been personally impacted by ICE enforcement in the last 12 months. watch now In addition to the risk of retribution from the White House, companies have also become hesitant to speak out and anger a divided American public, said Eli Yokley, U.S. politics analyst for Morning Consult. "A number of them are probably thinking about the post-'woke' backlash that came at least culturally and put some of them on their heels," he said. "If you are a consumer-facing brand, the last thing you want to engage in is politics today in a world that is so polarized. "People can react pretty fiercely," Yokley said. What's more, the public isn't united even in whether they think corporate leaders should weigh in on Trump or his policies. Forty percent of Americans say CEOs who criticize Trump are acting responsibly, but only 28% say they should speak out publicly when they disagree with the president's policies, according to a Morning Consult survey of about 1,000 U.S. adults conducted on Jan. 20. About 38% of respondents said they would view a company less favorably if a CEO praised Trump publicly, while 25% said they would view a company more favorably, the survey found. Around immigration enforcement, specifically, Americans are similarly divided on corporations' role. The share of Morning Consult respondents who said companies should cooperate fully with ICE enforcement, 23%, was nearly equal to the share who said that companies should actively resist, at 22%. Demonstrators participate in a rally and march during an "ICE Out day of protest on Jan. 23, 2026, in Minneapolis. Stephen Maturen | Getty Images Close to home "When you look at weekly export flows, what's striking is how persistent the shift in trade from China to South Asian countries [has been] since late 2025," said Kyle Henderson, CEO & co-founder of Vizion. "China's export volumes have established a higher baseline across Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and those levels have held into 2026. That pattern points to new buyers and more durable sourcing relationships forming across Southeast Asia, rather than a temporary rerouting tied to headlines or tariffs." Based on 2024 full-year data from Exiger on the top 10 countries by number of shipments to the U.S. from companies with 100 percent ownership by Chinese entities, Vietnam accounted for 80 percent of those shipments. Italy ranked second, followed by Thailand and Malaysia. Daniels said he would expect 2025 full-year numbers to be consistent with 2024, as the additional Trump trade policy moves change more quickly than the existing structural shifts. The impacts of reshoring, and the creation of additional tariff evasion facilities, is more likely to show up in the 2026-2027 period. "The $1.1 trillion surplus is a result of the country effectively doing a global rerouting of manufacturing through the transshipment of products to other Asian countries," said Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, which provides supply chain and third-party risk management, and regulatory compliance solutions to over 150 Fortune 500 companies and 60-plus government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "China creates special economic zones in these countries. The reality is that the vast majority of the product is made in China and rerouted to these countries for assembly," he said. "Southeast Asia volumes are growing as shippers diversify imports away from China towards lower-tariffed countries," said Paul Brashier, vice president of global supply chain at ITS Logistics. "Imports from key Southeast Asia countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia) are each up roughly 20 percent year over year." As that strength in trade flows has increased U.S. efforts to reverse its trade balance remain in flux: the U.S. deficit with its global trading partners nearly doubled based on the most recent data from November, to $56.8 billion, with European Union trade representing one-third and the goods deficit with China decreasing by about $1 billion to $13.9 billion. For the year-over-year period, the U.S. trade deficit was up 4%. In recent years, Chinese companies rerouted their manufacturing to Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam to offset tariffs that began with Trump's first-term trade war in 2018, a shift that continues to benefit China today. Trade between China and Southeast Asia (including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei, and Timor-Leste) tracked by the freight data tracker Vizion show increased volumes of Chinese goods during the 2025 frontloading effort by many manufacturers and importers to avoid the first tranche of Trump's second term tariffs ahead of April's so-called "Liberation Day." China's recent record $1.1 trillion trade surplus showed that despite President Donald Trump 's efforts to use tariff policy to slow China's manufacturing export strength, the geopolitical and economic rival has not only found global workarounds, but thrived. Trade and supply chain data shared with CNBC show that behind China's success in mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs, two factors loom large: use of secondary manufacturing markets to finish products, particularly in Asia, and forced labor. One such example Daniels pointed to was HHC Changzhou Corp., doing business as MotoMotion China, based in Changzhou, China. The company founded Jiangxin Home Furnishings in 2002 to produce metal mechanical parts. Today, the company designs and manufactures structural mechanisms for smart furniture under the brand MotoMotion. The company's products exported from China to the United States were subject to a 10 percent tariff starting in September 2018, and a 25 percent tariff starting on May 2019. To avoid these tariffs, the company established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Craftsmanship Vietnam (aka MotoMotion Vietnam), in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, in June 2019. In HHC Changzhou Corp's 2021 annual report, the company mentions the creation of the Vietnam-based facility in response to the tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. These transshipment practices can undermine U.S. industry at every part of the supply chain, Exiger says, because the jobs that could be created in the U.S. are being done in Chinese shadow factories. The practices are not just limited to Asian markets, according to Exiger. "We saw in the tooling space as an example, where companies were rerouting goods through Taiwan, through Vietnam, through Malaysia, through Mexico, and South America," Daniels said. "It is a strategy that is winning, but it's putting millions of jobs that would be in the U.S. or other countries in peril," he said. The U.S. trade deal with Vietnam from last summer included a 40% transshipment tariff on top of standard tariff rates, but it is difficult to link imported products from countries such as Vietnam back to original sourcing in China. China's circumvention of tariffs under Section 301 alone will amount to over $30 billion this year, which translates to over one million trade and manufacturing jobs lost, according to Exiger. Chinese GDP and 'dominance through coercion' According to Exiger's new supply chain and labor risk database, forcedlabor.ai, China's supply chain expansion and the multiple tiers of vendors also reveals distinct patterns or surges in illicit labor force activity. Exiger says its analysis of the supply chains of products once made solely in China shows that companies are now subsidizing tariff costs by using forced labor to speed the products, at some stage of manufacturing, to these secondary markets in Southeast Asian countries where they can finish production and ship more cheaply. "The fact is China's GDP is growing by using dominance through coercion," Daniels said, adding there are signs of forced labor in both China and the secondary markets where it is moving some manufacturing to avoid tariffs. The International Labour Organization estimates almost 28 million people are subjected to forced labor worldwide, with 63 percent happening in the private economy and generating $236 billion in illegal profits every year. China has long been accused of using forced labor by human rights watchdog groups, and these concerns continue to be raised in 2026. In 2025, the United Trade Representative's Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force added 78 new entities to the forced labor entity list, bringing the total to 144 Chinese entities. Daniels explained that supply chain risks related to labor practices can exist multiple levels away from the main source of manufacturing the company is contracted to buy from. If a supplier is the only provider of a specific product for a company and forced labor has been identified in these lower supply chain levels, Daniels says many companies now monitor and mitigate the product manufacturing through the use of contracts. "Companies are going to the supplier directly and using their buying power to draw up contracts with them specifying they can only use specific mills to make the product," Daniels said. "Prime defense companies have started to do this because of all of the restrictions that have been put in place around critical minerals from China and permanent magnets from China. But this is just scratching the service on how to monitor forced labor," he said. Chinese companies, specifically, "are utilizing forced labor in China to drive extremely cheap products into these secondary nations with favorable tariff rates, and then rerouting those goods into the United States or into other markets. It's financial abuse," Daniels said. In addition to furniture, Exiger has identified a steady ramp-up of other industries like kitchen cabinets, automotive parts (gears, drive trains, carburetors), and electronics that have invested billions in countries like Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries to sidestep the tariffs. "The shadow factories in the intermediary countries are also employing less workers there as well for the products predominantly being made in the Chinese factories using forced labor. That impact their jobs growth as well," Daniels said. Trump's tariffs have hit China's exports to the U.S. and generated significant new revenue for the government. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that during the first year of Trump's second term, the government collected over $305 billion in tariffs, taxes, and fees, including $250.9 billion in tariff revenue. Enforcement actions on tariff circumvention generated an additional $1.2 billion. The closing of the de minimis loophole resulted in Customs recovering more than $1 billion. But Daniels says if the trade war has forced China to shift strategy, it hasn't resulted in weakening China's manufacturing juggernaut. "China's economic dominance is maintained through these deceptive practices in investing billions of dollars into these shadow facilities," he said. "It is complicating enforcement efforts on forced labor and giving China an economic advantage." People walk in front of a crude oil tanker at Maracaibo Lake in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on January 12, 2026. After the US raid that deposed Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's leader, citizens hope the ensuing talks on selling its oil to US may improve their dire economic fortunes. (Photo by Margioni BERMUDEZ / AFP via Getty Images) The United States is handing over to Venezuela a tanker that it seized this month, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The United States has been carrying out a months-long effort to seize oil tankers linked to Venezuela - carrying out seven apprehensions since late last year. The officials, who were speaking on the condition of anonymity, identified the vessel being handed over to Venezuelan authorities as the Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia. They did not say why the tanker was returned. The U.S. Coast Guard, which leads interdiction and seizure operations, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Venezuelan communications ministry, which handles all press queries for the government, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Sophia was carrying oil when it was interdicted on Jan. 7 by the Coast Guard and U.S. military forces. At the time, the administration said the Sophia, which is under sanctions, was a "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker." One of the sources did not know if the Sophia still had oil on board. Trump has focused his foreign policy in Latin America on Venezuela, initially aiming to push Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. After failing to find a diplomatic solution, Trump ordered U.S. forces to fly into the country to grab him and his wife in a daring overnight raid on Jan. 3. Since then, Trump has said the U.S. plans to control Venezuela's oil resources indefinitely as it seeks to rebuild the country's dilapidated oil industry in a $100 billion plan. Earlier this months, the Sophia and another seized tanker were seen near Puerto Rico. Along with most tankers under Western sanctions or part of the so-called shadow fleet, many of the Venezuela-linked tankers seized were built over 20 years ago and pose hazards to shipping because they lack safety certification and adequate insurance, experts said. That means that if they have a collision or oil spill, establishing insurance claims or liability is very difficult to impossible, shipping and insurance industry sources said. Dubai-run GMS has applied for a U.S. license to buy and scrap ships seized by the U.S. government linked to Venezuelan oil trading. [The stream is slated to start at 11 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. The meeting came as Trump and other administration officials seek to de-escalate tensions over immigration enforcement activities in Minnesota, where federal agents in the past month have killed two U.S. citizens during confrontations over immigration actions. There is a risk that there will be a partial shutdown of the U.S. government later this week over opposition by Democratic senators to passing a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement. On Wednesday, Trump, in a social media post, said, "A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." The warning came as Trump has pressured Iran to make a deal on its nuclear program and to cease a brutal crackdown on protestors domestically. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Waymo driverless taxi parks in lower Manhattan in New York City, U.S., Nov. 26, 2025. Waymo is starting to take San Francisco passengers to the airport. The Alphabet -owned company said in a blog post Thursday that it is opening up San Francisco International Airport access to a select number of customers, and will gradually welcome all riders over the coming months. Pickups and drop-offs will initially take place at the airport's rental car center, and will eventually expand to additional locations like terminals. Waymo began driving passengers on freeways late last year, a necessary step to move into airport transportation. Home-grown FMCG firm LT Foods Ltd on Thursday (January 29) said the proposed acquisition of the "Global Green Group," which includes Global Green Europe Kft., Greenhouse AGRAR Kft., and Global Green International (UK) Ltd will not proceed.The company received a decision from the Ministry of National Economy, Hungary, dated January 28, 2025, rejecting the proposed acquisition due to identified national economic and sectoral risks. The proposed transaction, earlier communicated in May 2025 and October 2025, has been officially withdrawn and will not be taken forward.Last year, LT Foods said it had agreed to acquire a 100% stake in Hungary-based Global Green Europe Kft for approximately 25 million euros (about Rs 256 crore) to expand its presence in the European packaged food market.It will pay 6 million euros upfront for the equity stake, with 1.8 million euros payable over two years through an earn-out mechanism, the company said in a regulatory filing. It will also assume the target's debt. The transaction includes the acquisition of Global Green International (UK) Limited and Greenhouse Agrar Kft, which serve as support and distribution entities.Shares of LT Foods Ltd ended at 360.50, up by 2.45, or 0.68%, on the BSE. Jackson said that there is already a lot of social pushback against the expansion of data centers for AI. There are environmental concerns about the use of water, the amount of power to be consumed, and the possible emissions that go along with it. Funding nuclear power sources, he said, is supposed to be a way [for hyperscalers] to mitigate those reputational risks, since they dont contribute to carbon emissions. But if the nuclear power plant negatively impacts worker or citizen safety, or contaminates the environment, thats an issue. The process by which the regulations have been changed is also an issue. Matt Kimball, VP and principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, said that he does not think that anyone likes to see rules and regulations rewritten or edited behind closed doors. These kinds of actions make it easy for the public to be suspicious. And it is a little difficult to fully comment on the rule changes implemented, as they appear significant. However, he added, if these rule changes were made to enable an accelerated path to employing small modular reactors (SMRs), I can see where perhaps some changes were required, or a separate set of rules [needed] around deploying an SMR. When it comes to SMR technology, it is designed to be less impactful on the environment. Partly because of size (significantly less fuel) and partly because of design. Brotli is one of the most widely used but least-known compression formats ever devised, long incorporated into all major browsers and web content delivery networks (CDNs). Despite that, it isnt yet used in the creation and display of PDF documents, which since version 1.2 in 1996 have relied on the FlateDecode filter also used to compress .zip and .png files. That is about to change, though, with the PDF Association moving closer to publishing a specification this summer that developers can use to add Brotli to their PDF processors. The hope is that Brotli will then quickly be incorporated in an update of the official PDF 2.0 standard, ISO 32000-2, maintained by the International Organization for Standardization. With PDF file sizes steadily increasing, and the number stored in enterprise data lakes ballooning by billions each year, the need for a more efficient compression method has never been more pressing. For years, CSOs have worried about their IT infrastructure being used for unauthorized cryptomining. Now, say researchers, theyd better start worrying about crooks hijacking and reselling access to exposed corporate AI infrastructure. In a report released Wednesday, researchers at Pillar Security say they have discovered campaigns at scale going after exposed large language model (LLM) and MCP endpoints for example, an AI-powered support chatbot on a website. I think its alarming, said report co-author Ariel Fogel. What weve discovered is an actual criminal network where people are trying to steal your credentials, steal your ability to use LLMs and your computations, and then resell it. 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. China draws growing number of int'l patients seeking medical care People's Daily Online) 10:15, January 29, 2026 Viral videos on social media have recently sparked discussions about the growing trend of international patients seeking medical treatment in China. "My nose isn't blocked anymore. I feel so much better!" said a 68-year-old Canadian patient after trying auricular acupuncture at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing. The man first visited the hospital's International Medical Services in 2023 for treatment of intestinal polyps, gastroesophageal reflux, and a Helicobacter pylori infection. Since then, he has traveled to China annually for medical care. Hospital administrators say foreign patients currently represent a small fraction of their total patient population, but their numbers are rising steadily. With China's expanding visa-free travel policies, more people from overseas are also seeking emergency treatment while visiting the country. An administrator at the International Medical Center at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University in south China's Hainan Province said the number of foreign patients remains relatively low but is growing rapidly. Most patients come from Russia, Singapore, the U.S., Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa. A medical worker gives massage to a Canadian visitor at the Boao Yiling Life Care Center in Boao, a coastal town of south China's Hainan Province, June 13, 2025. (Xinhua) Hao Siguo, director of the Department of Hematology at Xinhua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, noted that a drug approved in 2024 for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma has attracted 11 patients from overseas and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. According to an industry report from the Chinese Hospital Association, 850 medical institutions in 57 Chinese cities provide international medical services. Foreigners seeking medical treatment in China include expatriates working in the country, individuals traveling specifically for health care, and those interested in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Experts in the field attribute the trend to China's distinct advantages in certain medical services. A National Health Commission official said China has advanced clinical experience in some specialized fields, with cutting-edge techniques and more affordable costs than developed countries for treatments like proton therapy and targeted therapy. As TCM gains international recognition, treatments including acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), and certain traditional remedies are becoming increasingly popular among foreign patients. Liu Xinyan, director of the International Medical Department at Guang'anmen Hospital under the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, said foreign patients most often seek treatment for oncology, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and rheumatic immune diseases. In Suifenhe, a city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Russians frequently visit for TCM treatment to address neck and back pain. In Sanya, a city in Hainan, international visitors are especially attracted to TCM wellness tourism programs. Beijing has launched 40 TCM international medical tourism service packages in two phases, offering foreign patients treatment plans with clear outcomes, expected efficacy, and predictable treatment timelines. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) A couple of days ago, during her appearance on Desert Island discs, Kemi Badenoch was asked why she first joined the Conservatives. Its a standard question, with a range of boiler-plate answers. A burning desire to change the world. A yearning to contribute to public service. A need to drive forward a particular political ideology. I joined the Conservative Party for the party aspect of it socialising, drinks, hanging out with other young people, she admitted with refreshing candour, adding: And it was amazing, because thats where I met my husband. Its a response that will have old school grandees spluttering into their Pol Roger. But as the events of the past week have proven, their party is under new management. And for the first time since the election it is the Tory leader 15 years younger than Nigel Farage, and 17 years younger than Keir Starmer who is appearing fresh and distinctive. Partly that is because of the increasingly bizarre and self-defeating moves of her opponents. Over the weekend, the country saw Starmer retreating back to the 1970s. Beer and sandwiches werent on the menu, and smoking was strictly prohibited. But the spectacle of Labours shadowy National Executive Committee assembling behind closed doors to stitch-up the Gorton and Denton by-election and Andy Burnham in the process was straight out of a dusty playbook last plucked from the shelf in the Winter of Discontent. Matt Goodwin, Reform's candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who defected to Reform UK this week Barely 24 hours later it emerged that Suella Braverman former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union under Theresa May, former Attorney General under Boris Johnson and former Home Secretary under both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak had defected to Reform. Her departure brought to 12 the number of old Conservative cabinet ministers, ministers and whips to have pocketed the Farage Danegeld, to join a party that has only eight sitting MPs and one peer. The loss of another senior MP would have rattled most traditional leaders. But Kemi Badenoch currently seems to be revelling in her 2026 spring-cleaning. To those that are defecting who dont actually disagree with our policies, I will say Im sorry you didnt win the leadership contest, Im sorry you didnt get a job in the shadow cabinet, Im sorry you didnt get into the Lords. But you are not offering a plan to fix the country, this is a tantrum dressed up as politics, she chided yesterday. And shes right. But its not just that the trickle of defections to Reform is giving Badenoch the chance to clear out dead wood. Its giving her the opportunity to recast her party completely in the eyes of the British people. Anyone who looks at Keir Starmers Government can see an administration already scuttled and rusting in the water. Its as if hes been in power for 18 years, not 18 months. Starmer is already out of ideas, out of energy and is scrabbling to keep leadership pretenders at bay. As if the decade-long psychodrama of the Blair/Brown years is being replayed. But to be fair to the Prime Minister, theres little he can do now. The difference between blocking Burnham and letting him stand was the equivalent of deciding to leap from a plane without a parachute or leaping from one while clutching a mattress. The result will be the same. And it will not be pleasant. The real opening for Kemi Badenoch and the Tories is being presented by Nigel Farage. For years, Reforms leader had the establishment on the run. His populist insurgency re-wrote the rules of domestic politics. Yet, just at the moment he has Britains elite beaten, he seems to have taken the decision to join them. Or at least, co-opt them. First, there is the ongoing infusion of toxins from the Tory corpse into the previously vigorous body-politic of Reform. Yesterday, on X, a clip was circulating showing Reforms leader berating the Conservatives. My message to you is clear, plain and simple. Never trust a Tory. Did you get that? Ill repeat it. Never trust a Tory. They will always let you down, they will always betray you, Reform UK are the real deal. Well yes, many people do get that. And theyre wondering if thats the case, why is Farage not just trusting the same Tories who spent the past decade running down the country, but welcoming them and giving them senior positions in his shadow cabinet? Over the past couple of weeks we have a seen a parade of Tory retreads crossing the floor of Parliament. Or more specifically, shuffling a few places to their left on the opposition benches. And every one has trotted out the same pre-rehearsed line: My old party refuses to take responsibility for what it did in government. Theyre gaslighting the voters. Fine. But wheres Bravermans admission of responsibility? Or Jenricks? Or Zahawis? Their self-serving mantra is always It was nothing to do with me guv. Boris/Liz/Rishi made me do it. Then there was yesterdays surreal spectacle of the unveiling of Reforms own candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election. This will be one of the most vital electoral tests of this parliament. A Reform victory would put rocket boosters under the party, and mark the end for Starmer. We are told the British people are desperate for change, and increasingly it looks as if its Kemi Badenoch who has the hunger to embrace it, Dan Hodges argues Former justice secretary Robert Jenrick also defected to Reform this month Mrs Braverman and Nigel Farage after announcing her defection this week So who did they select? This party whose ranks have supposedly been swollen by 200,000 ordinary grass-roots insurrectionists. A local plumber? A publican? A dinner lady? No. To contest the working-class Northern seat they opted for Matt Goodwin, a Home Counties-born academic and TV presenter, whose main connection with the area is that he delivered a couple of double pepperonis there as a pizza delivery driver while studying political science at Salford University in the Nineties. And where was Goodwins party leader while his candidacy was being unveiled? In Dubai, with wealthy potential donors. Following hot on the heels of last weeks trip to Davos, where he was hob-nobbing with the worlds most affluent bankers and businessmen. Yes, Reform are still ahead in the polls. They have a fighting chance in Gorton. But they are also now handing Kemi Badenoch and her colleagues a fighting chance nationally. It normally takes years for a party ousted from government to sterilise its brand. Yet by ushering over former Tory misfits by the busload, Nigel Farage appears intent on bringing out the disinfectant for her. When the voters are asked to weigh up the two alternatives to Labour, and they see Reforms new line-up of Braverman, Zahawi, Jenrick et al, are they really going to think yeah, thats the way to turn the page? Similarly, when they see a shadow cabinet of Nick Timothy, Laura Trott, Helen Whately, Claire Coutinho, Nigel Huddleston, Andrew Bowie and Badenoch herself, will they really conclude Look! There are the guilty men and women who wronged us! There is still a long way for the Tories to go. For now, Reform remain the easy default option for those who want to give our political class a kicking. But we are told the British people are desperate for change. And increasingly it looks as if its Kemi Badenoch who has the hunger if not yet the fully formed strategy to embrace it. Is it any wonder that a majority of churchgoers are keeping their hands in their pockets as the collection plate is passed around, when the causes they cherish are increasingly diverging from the progressive political agenda of the Church? In a survey earlier this month, the majority said they feared their money would not help repair crumbling spires or fund the food banks many clergy now host, but towards a fund for communities adversely impacted by historic slavery. This is since the disgraced former Archbishop Welby had decreed 100million should be given in reparation for the Church of Englands historic links with the transatlantic slave trade. With the appointment of a successor to Welby, we might have hoped this ludicrous waste would be halted and the money given to the many parishes in need. Unfortunately, Dame Sarah Mullally has already indicated she intends to press ahead with her predecessors grotesque exercise in virtue signalling. Indeed, she shows every sign she wants to be Welby Mark Two rather than the new broom we need, sweeping clean. I doubt whether there is a single churchgoer in favour of slavery. Most would abhor that a fund established by Queen Anne in 1704 to support poor Anglican clergy had been invested in the repugnant trade in humans, which is the basis for Welbys Project Spire fund. But 81 per cent of Anglicans polled said Church money should be used to support local parishes rather than atone for 300-year-old sins. Some 61 per cent felt so strongly that theyd rather donate to other charities if the Church Commissioners the institutions financial arm are going to hand it over as reparations. Money is needed to help deprived parishes and keep church buildings in good repair, argues our writer AN Wilson A sign displayed outside a church in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, west Wales, saying it is closed These people see through Welby and the Anglican hierarchys gesturing towards those of the Guardian-reading class whove long forgotten what the Church stands for, beyond hosting candle-lit carol services at Christmas. They see through the notion that these vast sums would improve the spiritual lives of people in the Caribbean and West Africa, by building schools or funding missionary workers. With their heads screwed on, they suspect the money will go astray into unscrupulous hands, as so often happens in badly run charities. Yet money is needed to help deprived parishes, here. In many of the toughest city areas, the church plays a pivotal role in keeping communities together, in offering support to the homeless and the truly poor. Money is needed, too, to keep church buildings in good repair. This brings me to the story of St Marys Somers Town. The small church is not far from Londons Euston station, and the nearest church to the British Library where I work most days, and some years ago I took to popping in occasionally and attending the short weekday service under its handsome rib vaulting. St Marys sits among a cheap cafe, a dry cleaners and council flats, and its parish has always been poor. In the years after the First World War, an inspirational young curate there, Basil Jellicoe, was so shocked by the levels of poverty families sharing one room in rat-infested houses, children near starvation, suffering from rickets and lung diseases if not dying he determined something must be done. This was before the days of the nanny state. Jellicoe, a relative of a famous admiral, approached his posh friends, even royalty, to raise funds to clear the slums and give its denizens the dignity of a housing association home. The church of St Charles Borromeo, Kingston upon Hull, has peeling paintwork and plaster 'The Church easily has enough money to spend wisely, if only it had wisdom' Jellicoe inspired similar enterprises all over the kingdom, and eventually abroad. I have known people whose grandparents and great-grandparents remember being rescued from absolute poverty. Thanks to Jellicoe, they were rehoused in decent tenements, with flush toilets, their own kitchen, even ovens. Their lives were transformed. And everyone who saw the miracle realised it had happened for one reason: The Church. The Church knowing what it was for. It had been founded by a poor man from Nazareth, who preached the good news to the poor. He said anything you did for a person less fortunate for than yourself, you did as it were to Him also. That is the function of the Church and these good works were nourished by Jellicoes Anglo-Catholic convictions. Its not very difficult to grasp, is it? But the people who have been running the church for the last few decades just dont get it. St Marys Somers Town was consecrated 200 years ago, in March 1826. It was built just a few years after the young Charles Dickens, from a street round the corner, walked down to the blacking warehouse in the Strand to earn a pittance. There have been many celebrations in Somers Town to mark the role the church and housing association have played in this gritty, crime-ridden part of London. Join the debate Should the Church spend its wealth on reparations for historic slavery, or focus on helping struggling communities today? Imagine the shock, then, when the Diocese of London announced it had decided the church was not viable. An archdeacon arrived for the Sunday service and bluntly told the congregation that hundreds of thousands of pounds would be needed to repair the building, so the authorities had decided to demolish this fine place and put up an office block instead. An unintentionally insulting offer of a worship pod in the new building underlined how out of touch the Anglican hierarchy had become. This vandalistic idea was, luckily, nipped in the bud. The community of Somers Town rose up. The Victorian Society, led by the valiant Gryff Rhys Jones, protested, as did other excellent organisations. Money was found from the Heritage Lottery fund and other sources to make a start on the failing masonry, brickwork and joinery. While the congregation of St Marys is not as large as it once was, its marvellous parish priest upholds the Jellicoe tradition. He works to improve the lives of the homeless, the dispossessed, and junkies and oddballs, who hover near London railway stations, as well as serving the old, the housebound and schoolchildren. What was so shocking about the dioceses willingness to close a parish and destroy a fine 19th-century building was their indifference to the suffering it would cause. At the worst moment of the crisis, when it looked as if the building might actually be demolished, I met a man who had just resigned as a Church Commissioner. He told me the Commissioners have no right to hold on to their huge cash reserves, which were always meant to help poorer parishes. He asked me to guess how much money the Commissioners possessed. The answer was 50billion. Not million, billion. The Church easily has enough money to spend wisely, if only it had wisdom. It has forgotten that its duty is not to wring its hands over historic wrongs, which it can never right, but to perpetuate historic virtues preaching and living the Gospel among the poor of Jesus Christ. Not the imaginary poor of the past, but the actual poor of the here and now. The hungry sheep look up and are not fed. The 'armada' sent by Donald Trump to the Middle East, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is long overdue. For weeks I have been speaking to people inside Iran men and women still living under the boot of the Islamic Republic and alongside the pain of what they have gone through is another emotion that I'm encountering over and over: rage. They are furious with a regime that has oppressed, tortured and killed them for decades. And, increasingly, they are furious with the West. When Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah who is safe in Washington DC, urged Iranians to rise up against their theocratic jailers, many did. When Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that 'help is on its way', many believed him. The help never came. Rumours are that Trump was talked back from a strike at the last minute. Maybe. We'll probably never know the truth. What we do know is that the regime then felt free to shut down communications, flood the streets with yet more Basij and Revolutionary Guards and really get to work. It hunted down and killed anyone it even suspected of dissent. Its storm troopers raided homes and murdered people in the street. It dragged the wounded from their hospital beds and murdered them, too. Official figures claim about 6,000 dead. But doctors and witnesses inside Iran speak of a campaign of close-range killing with stab and bullet wounds on the eyes, chest and genitals and mass executions that could have claimed tens of thousands of lives, with some estimates putting the toll above 30,000. Others say higher still. The precise number is almost beside the point now: this is mass violence of a state against its own people, on a scale not seen since the bloodiest days of the Islamic Republic's early years. We must be clear-eyed. Sympathy is not a strategy and anger is not a policy. Striking the Mullahs does not automatically mean regime change; and regime change does not automatically mean freedom or even stability. Iraq should have cured us of that illusion. The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran A protest against the Iranian regime in the streets of Lisbon, Portugal Iran is a huge, ancient and complex country with deep social and ethnic divisions. The fall of the Mullahs could yet open the door to something worse. But another truth is just as stark. The regime has ignored every appeal for restraint and instead chosen the language it understands best: force. And this is where credibility matters. American credibility. The West's credibility. The credibility of every leader who has repeatedly warned Tehran that its repression will carry a price. Trump doesn't want to be stuck in yet another endless Middle East bog, and I don't blame him. But between doing nothing and launching a crusade, there is a lot of space to act. American power can be used surgically and with clear purpose. The Islamic Republic's strength rests on three pillars: its internal security machine; its regional militias; and its ability to threaten far beyond its borders. The last of these its missile forces, special operations teams and naval assets is what gives Tehran the confidence to slaughter at home, believing the world will remain too timorous to act. The United States and its allies know where the regime's military nerve centres are. The Israelis have spent decades mapping the architecture of the Revolutionary Guards corps. Iran's navy continues to be the sword by which the regime menaces the arteries of global trade and a shield behind which the leadership believes it can act with impunity where its people are concerned. All this must be hit. An exchange of blows with Israel in June, which became known as the 12-day War, changed nothing fundamental for the beleaguered Iranian people. It was brief, brutal and involved Israel bombing military and nuclear facilities, assassinating military chiefs and nuclear scientists, followed by Iran's retaliation with hundreds of ballistic missile strikes. Join the debate Do YOU think the US has a moral duty to act now? The armada must provide the people of Iran with the tools to finish the job, our writer argues Next came the US operation Midnight Hammer involving 125 US military aircraft, which successfully targeted three nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. The Mullahs were shaken, the military hardware severely degraded, but they didn't surrender and they set about rebuilding their missile stocks. Their machinery of terror was put back together and then deployed against their citizens six months later. To strike at this machinery does not require carpet bombing of cities or occupation of territory merely resolve, clarity and the willingness to use force intelligently and in combination. To do it most effectively, Washington should come with the surgical, far-off violence of modern air-sea power. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers would slide in from the dark, invisible to radar, carrying bunker-busters for the regime's buried control-centres. F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets would roar off from USS Abraham Lincoln to provide air dominance, striking missile sites, command nodes and what's left of Iran's air defences. Destroyers and submarines would let loose Tomahawk cruise missiles from hundreds of miles away, their warheads screaming in low and fast toward launchers, radars and naval bases. And in the background, cyber attacks would scramble the Islamic Republic's military infrastructure, allowing it to be smashed by American power. There would be strikes on energy infrastructure, too on oil terminals at Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas, and refineries in Abadan to create economic pressures. But the ultimate aim must surely be to give the people the confidence to go back on to the streets in Iran without fear of slaughter. So the armada's response has to be finely judged, despite the massive firepower. A huge anti-US billboard hangs in a public square in Tehran A repeat of the overwhelming attacks Iran faced in June would not work, according to Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran programme at the DC-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). 'While suppression of Iranian long-range fire such as missiles will be critical,' he says, 'if the Iranian people sense the military response from America is going to be akin to a resumption of the 12-Day War, their behaviour will resemble that which we saw during that war, which is to flee into their homes rather than to protest.' Critics are already grumbling that Trump is finally taking action because he wants to distract from the scandal over the recent killing of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minnesota. Others say it is reckless, and risks escalation. Perhaps. But inaction has its own escalatory logic. Every time the West draws a red line and erases it, the lesson learned in Tehran is simple: kill more and then wait for the storm to pass as it surely will. Inside Iran, the people are watching. Thus far we have abandoned them to their executioners. I speak to them and they want the regime that terrorises them to pay for its brutality as Trump promised it would. The United States has unrivalled military power. What it lacks, too often, is the will to translate moral language into concrete action. Trump now has a chance to show he understands this. If the armada is to be more than a photograph and a headline, it must provide the people of Iran with the tools to finish the job and end the rule of the Mullahs themselves. It seems too good to be true: a weight loss drug that works just like name-brand GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) but for a fraction of the cost. And, according to some experts, it is. Compounded semaglutide the active ingredient in the blockbuster drugs mixed with other additives is produced by compounding pharmacies and is non-FDA approved. And, with demand growing, scrutiny is increasing due to the risk of severe and potentially fatal health conditions linked to using these unregulated drugs. The FDA has repeatedly warned the millions of Americans currently taking approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss to steer clear of non-approved concoctions from compounding pharmacies. And this month, Maziar Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, cautioned against using the compounded drugs, claiming that 1.5 million Americans currently take 'unsafe, knock-off versions of our products.' Compounded GLP-1 medications have become exceedingly popular after the brand-name prescriptions experienced a protracted shortage starting in 2022. With list prices soaring above $1,300 per month and spotty insurance coverage for weight loss-related issues, many patients turned to compounding pharmacies, which offered what appeared to be the same drug for around $200. That is what initially piqued the interest of Jamie Evan Bichelman, who tried compounded semaglutide from a pharmacy in Las Vegas. The clinical psychology expert, now based in Massachusetts, told the Daily Mail that he couldn't afford name-brand GLP-1s at the time. Compounded versions of blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy made by mixing the active ingredient for weight loss with other additives are now facing scrutiny Jamie Evan Bichelman (pictured) told the Daily Mail that he couldn't afford name-brand GLP-1s at the time He was working as a freelance and contract worker, forced to pay out of pocket for health insurance that he described as 'extremely limiting and overall very poor.' As a result, his doctor informed him that any prescriptions for weight loss medication would likely be denied. His doctor's solution? A compounding pharmacy. Bichelman claimed: 'He sounded extremely confident in their products, said that he writes prescriptions for his patients there all of the time, and that semaglutide compounded with [amino acid] L-Carnitine would "torch the weight off in no time".' But after months of taking the medication and forking over a total of around $1,000, Bichelman says he experienced 'nothing but disastrous effects.' 'Monday through Friday would look very much the same: feeling nauseated, experiencing constant headaches, my appetite was still massive and unending, which was quite the feeling when combined with the constant nausea, and it wasn't until Saturday or Sunday when the effects would lessen and I'd find some reprieve,' he told the Daily Mail. 'It obviously impacts your ability to focus at work, or in social settings, and you're constantly feeling turmoil inside because you're wildly hungry and wildly nauseous.' Bichelman now uses the brand-name Zepbound, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, and said the difference is night and day in terms of both effectiveness and how his body tolerates it. Despite some side effects the first week of taking the drug, he now reports a reduction in 'food noise' and can eat moderate, healthy portions with discipline. His experience has made him 'strongly encourage [people] to avoid the compounding pharmacies,' he said. Compounding pharmacies are not typical retail chains like CVS or Duane Reade. They are usually small, independent operations where pharmacists custom-mix medications for individual patients. In the case of GLP-1s, these pharmacies concoct versions of weight loss drugs by mixing the active ingredients, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, with additives such as Vitamin B12. These untested combinations are fundamentally different from the rigorously studied, FDA-approved formulas. Dr Betsy Dovec, a weight-loss specialist and bariatric surgeon, told the Daily Mail: 'The potential downsides are very real and deserve careful attention. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved and are not identical to brand-name pens, which means there can be variability in formulation, handling, and dosing.' Namely, she emphasized that one of the key risks is ingredient sourcing, 'particularly products marketed as "semaglutide" that may use alternative salt forms, which are not the same active ingredient as the FDA-approved medication and raise legitimate safety and efficacy concerns,' she said. 'There is also a higher risk of dosing errors when patients are using multi-dose vials and syringes rather than prefilled pens, especially if they are not carefully counseled.' Dr Betsy Dovec, a weight-loss specialist and bariatric surgeon, told the Daily Mail: 'The potential downsides are very real and deserve careful attention' She added that sterility, cold-chain shipping and pharmacy quality standards matter enormously, and this is where the difference between a reputable pharmacy and a questionable one becomes critical. Dovec continued: 'The problem is not compounding itself, but inconsistency and lack of oversight in parts of the market.' Compounding pharmacies operate in a distinct regulatory space that falls between traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing and standard pharmacy practice. While drug makers must secure rigorous FDA approval, compounding pharmacies are mainly regulated by state boards. The FDA does oversee large-scale 'outsourcing facilities,' but traditional compounders creating custom prescriptions do not need FDA approval for each formulation. This creates a patchwork system where safety hinges on state oversight and a pharmacy's own standards, not on uniform federal approval for every compounded product. But now, people can also subscribe to deliveries of weekly injectables for as little as $99 per month via direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms, which operates under their own distinct regulatory framework. While state pharmacy boards oversee the dispensing facilities and the FDA regulates drug safety, the role of the telehealth intermediary, including its marketing practices, clinical claims and remote prescribing protocols, often falls into murky oversight space. In September 2025, the FDA launched a sweeping crackdown, issuing over 100 warnings to compounders and telehealth companies, including Hims and Hers. The Daily Mail contacted Hims and Hers for comment and did not receive a response. The agency targeted 'false and misleading' advertisements that presented compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide as identical to their FDA-approved counterparts, an unlawful sale of unapproved drugs. Dr Meena Malhotra, a double board-certified physician who specializes in weight loss, hormone balancing and diabetes The FDA has warned the public about the dangers of compounded 'knock-off' weight-loss drugs, citing reports of severe injuries and deaths in its MedWatch database. MedWatch logs, which compile reports from providers, patients and manufacturers, show around ten deaths linked to compounded semaglutide since 2023. These reports do not confirm the drug caused the fatalities, as the FDA has not yet completed investigations to establish a definitive causal link. They also do not list the providers. The FDA's latest warning in September noted 605 adverse event reports for compounded semaglutide and 545 for compounded tirzepatide as of July. However, the agency warned that adverse events are likely underreported because most compounding pharmacies are not required to submit them. Compounded semaglutide has been directly linked to emergency room visits for severe complications, including pancreatitis and gallbladder injury. Dr Dovec said: 'In our practice, we do not administer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide directly in the office. 'However, when a compounded option is appropriate, we prescribe it and have it shipped directly to the patient from a vetted pharmacy, with clear instructions and close medical supervision.' While official figures do not separate compounded from brand-name versions, semaglutide users overall accounted for nearly 25,000 emergency room visits between 2022 and 2023, one study estimates. FDA data links some semaglutide hospitalizations to critical dosing errors by both patients and prescribers. Beyond side effects, life-threatening sepsis, acute toxicity or overdose could occur. The most common side effects of GLP-1s, whether FDA-approved or compounded, include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, which affect between 40 and 70 percent of people taking them. Dr Meena Malhotra, a double board-certified physician who specializes in weight loss, hormone balancing and diabetes, told the Daily Mail: 'With branded GLP-1s, we know exactly what the patient is getting. With compounded versions, variability in formulation and dosing can lead to more GI symptoms or responses that don't always line up with the dose. 'These are powerful medications, and formulation and oversight really matter.' Britain is lagging behind countries including Norway, Switzerland, Spain and Estonia when it comes to patient safety, a major new report has warned. In a ranking of the safest places to receive care, the UK placed 21st out of 38 countries in Imperial College London's second Global State of Patient Safety Report. Norway topped the table, followed by the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Ireland. Below the UK were France in 29th place, Greece in 31st and the US in 34th. Researchers compared performance across key measures, including deaths from treatable causes such as sepsis and blood clots, as well as maternal deaths and baby deaths linked to premature birth complications, brain damage during delivery, sepsis and other neonatal infections. The report also warned that thousands of deaths in the UK could be avoided with safer, faster treatment. It is estimated that if Britain matched Switzerland the best-performing country for preventable deaths 22,789 lives could have been saved. The UK's poor showing was also driven by long waits for more complex treatment, with the report finding Britain had higher-than-average delays compared with other nations. It ranked bottom out of 11 countries for waiting times for heart bypass operations, and also came last for rates of deep vein thrombosis following hip or knee replacement. The NHS lags far behind other countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Japan, Spain and Italy when it comes to patient safety, according to a new report According to the British Heart Foundation, 397,478 people were waiting for 'routine' cardiac care in England at the end of September 2025. Research has previously found that the longer people wait for treatment, the higher their risk of becoming disabled from heart failure or dying prematurely. The report looked specifically at countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) a group of 38 mostly wealthy, developed nations whose health systems and outcomes are often compared. James Titcombe, chief executive of Patient Safety Watch and one of the report's authors, said: 'Behind every statistic in this report is a person who should still be alive and a family whose lives have been permanently changed. 'The gap between where the UK is on patient safety and where we could be if we matched the bestperforming health system represents around 22,000 lives every year. That's 60 lives every day.' Mr Titcombe, who lost his son Joshua after NHS safety failings in 2008 and has since campaigned on patient safety, added: 'Preventable failures in care send ripples of suffering through families, communities and the NHS workforce, traumatising staff, undermining trust. 'It diverts scarce time and resources away from caring for patients and towards dealing with the consequences of avoidable harm. 'Closing this gap must now be an urgent national priority.' Your browser does not support iframes. Failings in women's health also came under scrutiny, with the UK ranked ninth out of 10 countries for hysterectomy waiting times. Maternity care also failed to score highly when compared with other nations. The leading cause of neonatal mortality in the UK is preterm birth, and since 2003 Britain has consistently performed worse than the OECD average on this measure. And although the neonatal death rate in the UK has fallen since 2000, it has plateaued since 2017, while the average death rate among other countries has continued to fall. If the UK had matched the neonatal mortality rate of Japan in 2023 the top OECD country for this measure there could have been 1,123 fewer neonatal deaths. The UK also ranked last out of 10 countries for patients falling ill with sepsis following abdominal or pelvic surgery. Meanwhile, wider data in an accompanying tool using figures from 205 countries ranked the UK 141st for deaths due to adverse events following medical procedures. These are unintended injuries or complications resulting from healthcare management rather than the patient's underlying disease. Adverse events can include deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, pulmonary embolism, a blockage in an artery in the lungs, and sepsis. While OECD rates for four out of five indicators for surgical complications have fallen since 2009, the UK recorded the highest complication rates for three of the indicators where data was available, the report said. For pulmonary embolism following hip and knee replacement, the UK experienced an upward trend during and after the Covid19 pandemic. Surgery and anaesthesia have been major focus areas for patient safety improvement efforts over the past 25 years, particularly through standardised processes before, during and after operations. The report will be launched by Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Health Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt at the House of Lords on Thursday. Lord Darzi, director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London, and one of the report's authors, said: 'This report shows where we can make rapid progress reducing surgical complications, reducing avoidable deaths and learning systematically from the countries that lead. 'Better data, stronger governance and patients as partners are the foundations of safer care.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'This Government inherited an NHS that was failing too many patients and families. 'We have taken rapid action to strengthen patient safety overhauling the Care Quality Commission, rolling out Martha's Rule and Jess's Rule so patients can get a fresh clinical review, and introducing hospital league tables to drive improvement. 'We have also brought in new maternity safety measures and are establishing a task force so every mother can have confidence in NHS care once again. 'We know there is much more to do but we are determined to make sure the NHS is the safest in the world.' More countries are implementing screening measures, while others are tightening the ones they already have in place after a deadly bat-borne virus was detected in humans. India has so far confirmed two cases of Nipah virus, a rare disease that can be caught from contact with an infected person or by consuming food or drink contaminated with the feces, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats. The cases are in two nurses, though local media report that three additional patients, a doctor, nurse and another staff member also had symptoms. On Thursday, Pakistan became the latest country to order enhanced screening of people entering the country to look for signs of Nipah virus. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam have all also implemented enhanced screening procedures at airports, and the UK has warned travelers about the potential outbreak. In the US, CDC officials told the Daily Mail they were in 'close contact' with authorities on the ground to assess the situation. A spokesman said: 'CDC is monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist as needed.' Nipah virus has never been detected in the US, but experts fear it could reach the country if someone who is infected travels to America and told Daily Mail the virus poses a 'real' risk. Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, this week Staff members install a sign reading 'Nipah isolation ward, entry strictly prohibited' at a hospital where a ward is being prepared for suspected Nipah virus patients in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India, during a suspected outbreak in 2023 Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases expert in Texas who previously worked at the World Health Organization (WHO), told the Daily Mail that a Nipah virus outbreak was 'absolutely' something that the CDC should be 'closely monitoring,' though the current risk was low. She said: 'Nipah virus is a high-consequence pathogen, and even small, apparently contained outbreaks warrant careful surveillance, information sharing, and preparedness. 'Outbreaks like this also underscore the importance of strong relationships with global partners, particularly the WHO, [which] plays a central role in coordinating outbreak response and sharing timely, on-the-ground information.' The US completed its official withdrawal from the WHO last week. President Donald Trump gave notice through an executive order on the first day of his second term that America would be leaving the global health agency, something he originally proposed his first term. Kuppalli added: 'The US risk is best described as real but small and would primarily involve the possibility of an imported case in a traveler, particularly someone with high-risk exposures or healthcare-related contact.' The virus patients in India reportedly became infected after treating a patient at the hospital who had a respiratory disease. The first infected individual died before they could be tested for the virus. They work at a hospital around 15 miles outside Kolkata, West Bengal, India's third-largest metropolitan area and home to 16 million people. India's health ministry revealed Wednesday that 196 people who came into contact with infected patients are now being monitored for the virus, which can spread from person-to-person and kills 40 to 75 percent of those it infects. Security personnel patrol near a deserted Kozhikode, India, beach after restrictions were imposed to prevent the spread of Nipah virus in 2023 Your browser does not support iframes. This is 86 more individuals than the prior day, though officials said none were showing symptoms and all had tested negative for the virus thus far. Officials added that there is no sign of a larger outbreak at the time. However, it can take days to weeks for symptoms to appear. Indian health officials told Reuters one of the patients is recovering and will likely be discharged from the hospital soon. The other is still in critical condition, with previous reporting saying she was in a coma. A federal health ministry official told the outlet, speaking on the condition of anonymity: 'There is no outbreak, there were just two cases in one district in [West] Bengal and there is no spread. There is no consideration for screening at airports in India because there appears to be no need for it.' In implementing screening measures, Pakistan's Border Health Services department said in a statement: 'It has become imperative to strengthen preventative and surveillance measures at Pakistan's borders. 'All travelers shall undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment at the Point of Entry,' which includes seaports, land borders and airports. Travelers entering the country must provide travel history for the previous 21 days to check if they have been through 'Nipah-affected or high-risk regions.' In Singapore, the country's Communicable Diseases Agency said on Wednesday that it will set up temperature screening at its airport for flights arriving from areas affected by the infections in India. Vietnamese officials ordered the screening of incoming passengers at some international border crossings, particularly those arriving from India, and they will be checked with body temperature scanners. In Hong Kong, an airport authority spokesman said it was facilitating enhanced health screening measures, including a temperature check at gates for passengers arriving from India. An ambulance is parked outside of the medical clinic at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand this month as the country tightened health screening after cases of Nipah virus were confirmed in India Your browser does not support iframes. Earlier this week, Thailand tightened its airport screenings, requiring passengers arriving from India to complete health declarations. Malaysia's public health ministry also said it was boosting health screenings at airports, particularly for arrivals from countries deemed 'at risk'. Thai health officials monitoring the body temperatures of international flight passengers after they arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province this month as a precaution against Nipah virus In China, authorities said Tuesday that no Nipah virus cases had been detected in the country but that there was a risk of imported cases. Nepal, which shares a 1,000-kilometer border with India, said it was on 'high alert' and had tightened screening of travelers. Health ministry officials said border points with India and China had been notified to remain vigilant and check suspected cases. The Philippines has also tightened checks at airports and implemented passenger screenings. People with Nipah virus suffer symptoms including fever, headaches, vomiting and a sore throat within four to 21 days of infection. They can pass the disease to others via close contact. After symptoms emerge, patients may then develop serious complications such as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. There is no treatment for the disease, but several vaccines against the virus are currently in testing. More than two million people traveled from India to the US in 2023 alone, the latest data suggests, which was up a quarter from the previous year. Your browser does not support iframes. All of India is currently under a US Level 2 travel advisory, asking travelers to practice increased caution amid reports of crimes and terrorism. It has been in place since June last year and there is no mention of the virus. In a statement, the CDC said: 'As of January 27, 2026, two cases of Nipah virus infection have been confirmed, both in healthcare workers in West Bengal. 'Indian health authorities have deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team. Coordination and additional activities are underway including laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management, infection prevention control (IPC) measures, and experts have been mobilized to ensure containment.' It added: 'CDC headquarters is in close contact with the CDC country office in India, which is closely engaged with national and local health authorities. 'CDC is also in contact with the neighboring country of Bangladesh as they enhance surveillance and response readiness.' A daily low dose of aspirin will not prevent cancer in later life, and could even increase your risk of dying from the disease, landmark new research has found. Globally, an aging population has meant we have seen an increase in the prevalence of age-related disorders, including cancer - with two-thirds of all new cases diagnosed in those aged 60 and older. Previous studies have hinted that the over-the-counter painkiller may lower the risk of getting some cancers, including bowel cancer, stop them from spreading and even prevent death. But now, Australian researchers have dispelled these claims, suggesting that starting to take aspirin in old age to prevent cancer could have negative side-effects, and can even increase risk of developing the disease. In the study, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, researchers prescribed over 19,100 adults aged 70 and older a daily 100mg aspirin tablet, or matching placebo. At the beginning of the study - which lasted just over 4.5years, all participants were free from heart disease, dementia and could live largely independently. A history of cancer was not a means for exclusion, but all participants involved were expected to survive for at least five years as judged by their doctors. Throughout the course of the study, there were 3,448 cancer cases recorded, and 1,173 cancer-related deaths. Taking aspirin in old age to prevent cancer is not recommended, the experts say and could even increase your risk of dying from the disease Results showed that 8.5 years later, taking aspirin for just over four-and-a-half years had no impact on cancer risk. Interestingly, those who were taking aspirin every day and developed cancer were 15 per cent more likely to die from the disease than those prescribed placebo pills. In the 14,907 surviving participants who did not develop cancer during the study period, there were no major differences seen between treatment groups in terms of age, sex, body weight, smoking status, alcohol use and family history. The researchers concluded, with the exception of melanoma, taking aspirin daily does not help protect against cancer, and could increase the risk of death. They also explored aspirin effects on cancer according to stage at diagnosis, and found aspirin was linked with increased risk of stage four cancer - meaning the cancer had already spread from where it started to another body organ by the time it was diagnosed. The team concluded: 'We found overall no cancer incidence benefit with aspirin when initiated in older age, but cancer mortality risk remained significantly elevated, although longer follow-up of the cohort is warranted.' This is because whilst the researchers did observe an increase in cancer mortality risk linked with taking aspirin, this did not persist into the post-trial follow up period, suggesting no legacy effect. The finding that aspirin could have a long-term protective effect against melanoma - the fifth most common cancer in the UK - warrants further research, the experts said, given that Australians spend a lot of time in the sun exposed to harmful UV rays. Your browser does not support iframes. Around 15,000 Brits and 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year, with the incidence rising faster than any other common cancer. Increased UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds, has been blamed for the increase. The disease occurs after the DNA in skin cells is damaged, triggering mutations that become cancerous. Despite huge strides forward in treatment that has seen survival leap from less than 50 per cent to more than 90 per cent in the past decade, it still kills more than 2,000 people a year. Melanoma is often fast growing and can quickly burrow through the skin and into the blood vessels beneath. Once the cancer cells get into the bloodstream, the disease can spread throughout the body. On February 10, 1986, a huge trial, a maxiprocesso, took place in Palermo, Sicily. The defendants were escorted to the courtroom, which was built like a concrete bunker, via underground tunnels and confined to steel cages. Outside, two tanks stood ready, several armoured vehicles, and no fewer than 3,000 extra police officers were drafted in. In their cages the defendants looked bored or defiant, some dressed in tracksuits and trainers, others in sharp suits. These were the men who had run Palermo for decades, run Sicily, even the whole of Italy: the Mafia bosses. No one dared go up against them. But that day in the courtroom, one brave woman addressed these thugs and bullies directly. Her name was Vita Rognetta, and they had killed her only son. Come and kill me too, she taunted, if you want to. I have no one left. But enough people did testify, the judge had not been bought, and 323 defendants were jailed for terms adding up to centuries. One other figure felt vindicated that day: Solitary, obsessive, erudite, brave and outspoken, the Sicilian novelist and essayist Leonardo Sciascia, had warned for decades about the Mafia, and how they corrupted the entire country with what he called the whole mosaic of evil. And for decades he had been ignored, although deeply respected as a writer. An interviewer once asked him how it felt to be the conscience of a nation. Bad, he said. And alone. Luciano Leggio, a reputed Mafia leader, behind bars in the courtroom in 1986 Members of the Sicilian Mafia - 323 were jailed after the maxiprocesso Now prize-winning writer Caroline Moorehead, who was present at the trial, has given us this vivid and disturbing but utterly compelling biography of Sciascia, so astute and broad-ranging that it adds up to a modern history of Italy as a whole with the Mafia at its very heart. They may once have been known as a harsh but honourable lot. Sicily was for centuries so ruthlessly colonised, plundered and enslaved, by Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs . . . Under these last, Moorehead shockingly tells us, Christians had been forced to wear pictures of pigs on their shoulders; Jews those of monkeys. Not surprisingly, the impoverished Sicilian people themselves, ignored except as a source of revenue to their brutal overlords, became fiercely hostile to outsiders, turning inwards to family and clan as the only ones they could trust. Il sangue mio, they called family: my blood. Even their own Sicilian grandees treated them no better, and after the island was reunited with Italy in the 1860s, Sicily was soon in rebellion. The Italian navy responded by bombarding Palermo, killing some 500 people. These Italian liberators described the Sicilians as self-centred and dirty, more like Africans than Europeans. Not an auspicious start. More summary executions followed, and the islanders retreated ever more into close-knit, suspicious Sicilianismo. Out of this relentless poverty and oppression grew a monster: the Mafia. As Nobel Prize-winning author V. S. Naipaul once grimly put it, Hate oppression, but fear the oppressed. Sciascia was born into this world in 1921, in the little village of Racalmuto. In the Second World War he saw American soldiers in his village, and first encountered peppermint chewing gum. The Americans, on the other hand, saw with disbelief a world barely changed since the Middle Ages, people living in caves and threshing with mules. And as soon as the much-needed food aid began to pour in, the Mafia took control of it. Of course. In the 1950s, they took up a key role in the heroin trade, importing from Turkey and Syria, repackaging the drug inside sardine tins or wax oranges, the exact size and weight of real oranges, and then on to the US. More money meant more ferocious competition, more violence. Their presence seemed to corrupt everyone, policemen, lawyers, even Franciscan friars. Sicilian novelist and essayist Leonardo Sciascia called the Mafia 'the whole mosaic of evil' One, Dr Michele Navarra, boss in Corleone, murdered an 11-year-old shepherd boy who had witnessed another murder. Other Mafiosi beheaded the Alsatian dog of an undertaker who had refused to pay them extortion money. Anyone who still thinks the Mafia are cool outlaws and free spirits will find this book educational. Eventually, in 1961, Sciascia produced the first ever Mafia novel, The Day Of The Owl, but its no simple thriller, any more than his subsequent works. In his fictional world, solitary, pessimistic figures battle with corruption that reaches into every corridor of power in Italy. As Moorehead says, its a world in which reality is ambiguous, elusive, priests rapacious and ungodly, and the investigators themselves often meet death rather than solve crimes. Sciascia felt his books achieved nothing, changed nothing, but writing kept him sane. I write, I console myself, I feel happy. As Italy grew more European, more globalist, the Mafia just grew more globalist with it, establishing vast criminal empires across America. By the 1980s the death rate was staggering. Between 1980-82, 1,000 people were strangled, shot or poisoned in Palermo alone, one of them a 15-year-old boy. More recently they have been central to the vastly lucrative business of people smuggling, along with traditional drugs, prostitution and extortion. Sicily itself, most beautiful and richly productive of Mediterranean islands, is another character here, in all its splendour and pomp, its harsh climate, the arrogance and melancholy of its people, as Moorehead puts it. Every Sicilian seems to long to get away, but somehow cant. Sciascia too: he loved escaping to Paris, for instance, which he saw as a city of light and reason, intellectual vivacity, irony and joie de vivre, utterly different to crime-cursed Sicily. But he could never leave his sun-baked, oppressive island home. I hate Sicily, he wrote, and am condemned to love her. He once joked, rather bleakly, that if he was obliged to live in Sicily, at least he hoped to die elsewhere. But he didnt. He died in Palermo in 1989, aged 68, and is buried in his native Racalmuto. A Sicilian Man by Caroline Moorehead is out on February 5 (Chatto and Windus 25, 320pp) This is the emotional moment a woman saw a photograph of her 'secret sister', whom she didn't know existed until 2018, for the first time. Teaching assistant Mandy Irvin, 56, who lives in West Sussex, enjoyed a happy childhood in Hertfordshire with her parents and younger brother, completely unaware that she had a sister. It wasn't until her mother's death in 2018 that Mandy's father let her in on the 'family secret'. Her father, whom she was caring for at the time, dropped the bombshell randomly, saying: 'I just want to make sure mum told you the family secret'. Clueless to what he meant, she probed further. He revealed that when Mandy's mother was 17, and he was 18, she got pregnant. Given that they were still teenagers, both of their parents were horrified to learn the news. Mandy's maternal grandparents were certain that they were too young to properly care for a child and demanded that they give the baby, whom they went on to call Sandra, up for adoption. The 56-year-old now speculates that her grandmother thought her father was no good for her mother, and that giving up their child would lead to the end of their relationship. Teaching assistant Mandy Irvin (pictured), 56, who lives in West Sussex, broke down in tears after she learned her older sister, whom she didn't know she had until 2018, is alive and well Nevertheless, they stayed together and wed when Mandy's mother was 21. But their first child was always kept as a painful secret from then on. When Mandy learned of the news in 2018, she immediately set out to find her long-lost sister. But when her search came to a dead end, she employed the help of ITV's Long Lost Family team. ITV's team discovered that after Sandra was adopted, she was renamed Jenny and was raised by a family who lived less than 10 miles away from Mandy's childhood home. In an emotional scene in this evening's episode, co-host Davina McCall broke the news to Mandy that her sister has been found. McCall, while sitting in Mandy's home, presents her with a picture of her sister, revealing that the team has located her. Immediately, Mandy broke down in tears, given Jenny's similar appearance to her mother, saying: 'Oh wow, she looks like my mum.' 'She looks like my mum's side of the family, 100 per cent my mum. Oh my goodness, it's so lovely.' In an emotional episode of Long Lost Family, which airs on Thursday, Mandy and her sister Jenny (pictured left) meet for the first time Mandy added: 'She's got my mum's smile, and her love for big earrings, it's absolutely amazing.' Elsewhere in the episode, co-host Nicky Campbell meets Jenny at the Hertfordshire school where she now works. Campbell delivered the news of Mandy's search, which left Jenny shocked but delighted. 'I'm really excited now. There's just been so many questions going round and round in my head,' Jenny said after. In heartwarming final scenes, the sisters meet for the first time in Hertfordshire, and click immediately. After meeting her sister, Mandy, on cloud nine, said: 'On a scale of 1 to 10 100! It's been absolutely amazing.' It comes after a woman who spent five decades searching for her birth mother revealed her joy after meeting the half-siblings she never knew she had. Katherine Fletcher, 61, and her brother were raised by their parents in Yorkshire. At the age of seven, however, her mother told her that she was adopted, changing the course of her life forever. 'I felt extremely confused...I felt ashamed of myself,' Katherine said when recalling the emotional memory. As she got older, she grew determined to find her birth mother, and by her early teens, she obtained her adoption file, which told her more details about her origins. She learned that at the time she was conceived in 1964, her mother was 19 and was in a relationship with an archaeology student studying at a London-based university. But when she became pregnant, he refused to help her birth mother, making her feel as though she had to go through the pregnancy alone, and with no option but to give Katherine up for adoption. After her search came to a dead end, she reached out to ITV's Long Lost Family, who helped her learn more about her past. Though she was told her mother had sadly passed away in 2006, she came to realise she had two half-siblings based in Canada, and in an emotional scene, she finally got to meet them. Long Lost Family airs on ITV1 on Thursday at 9pm. Standing in front of a classroom of 30 Year One pupils, Im ready to start teaching when a hand suddenly shoots up. The six-year-old boy looks at me confidently, before saying as loudly as he can, Miss! My nappy needs to be changed. No shame, no embarrassment. I feel frustrated because taking him off to change him will completely disrupt the 45-minute lesson, but I keep a smile on my face to reassure him. Still, some of the other children giggle and pull faces. It cant be fun for the boy either, who lies there on the carpet in silence while a fresh nappy is put in place. You might think this is a one-off, but its become par for the course in the primary school where I work. I would be utterly ashamed to send a child of mine into class still in nappies. But parents today? They shirk more and more of their responsibilities. If I had a pound for every time Ive heard, We thought you would toilet-train them, Id have enough funds to retire to Monaco. An annual poll of 1,000 primary school teachers found that one in four children starting reception are not toilet-trained Mary's school has a bank of spare clothes and underwear, along with nappies, wipes, gloves, masks and lotions in a fully equipped changing station At 36, I have been teaching for 14 years and the situation has been dire for a while. But I can honestly say that, in 2026, we are now at a stage of national crisis. Thats why last weeks report suggesting children lack the basic skills needed to start school didnt surprise me or any of my colleagues. An annual poll of 1,000 primary-school teachers found that one in four children starting reception are not toilet-trained and the same proportion cannot eat independently. According to the report, teachers are spending an hour and a half every day on average either changing nappies or helping children go to the loo the equivalent of an entire school day per week. It went on that teachers said the frequent interruptions led to a stop-start day, with 70 per cent saying it had an impact on class progress. Pastoral care has always featured in school classrooms. We get involved in everything from feisty divorcing parents to the death of a beloved pet. And of course accidents do happen, but the notion that its now the norm to send children to primary school unable to use a loo is utterly wrong on so many levels. And yet its so common that in my school, in a well-to-do town in the south of England, we have a bank of spare clothes and underwear, along with nappies, wipes, gloves, masks and lotions in a fully equipped changing station (all of which comes out of the school budget). In fact, most of the primary schools I have worked in have needed these amenities. And Ive dealt with children aged from four to seven who still arent toilet-trained almost every day of my career. We have teaching assistants to support us in the delivery of the class plan, and to help the vulnerable ones or those not so quick to learn. The job has has morphed into behaving as glorified nannies, writes Mary Sawyer But instead, their job has morphed into behaving as glorified nannies. Most dont mind but there are limits. Thankfully they are usually women, because Id hate to think about the safeguarding issues that come with men performing this role. Ive changed hundreds of nappies in the schools Ive worked in. (The irony that Im not a mother myself but have likely had more nappy experience than some of the parents I encounter, doesnt escape me.) I feel angry and overwhelmed on a daily basis that responsibilities which I see as primarily parental are being transferred to school staff. On more than one occasion, I have had a good cry on the hour-long drive home from work. Parents are desperately failing our future generation. Yet as much as I would love to unleash my frustration on them, I have to keep my professional head on with a false, supportive smile. This is not what I envisaged when I became a teacher. After studying for a psychology degree, I knew that I wanted to work with children. First, I spent two years as a teaching assistant and found it so rewarding. Ready to commit, I did the year-long post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE) to become a teacher. I knew that the hours would be long, and my salary would be far from stellar. But for me, teaching a new generation of children was a real privilege. But do I still feel that same passion 15 years later? Some days, I feel as though I dont have time to teach at all. In the well-off neighbourhood where I teach, the parents work full-time with good jobs, fancy cars, swanky clothes. And they are extremely articulate when they try to convince me that theyve given toilet training a good go during the summer holidays. Initially, I spot the hint of embarrassment, but these types are good at changing the subject and pivot the conversation to how fantastic their month-long summer holiday in Italy was. Parents are desperately failing our future generation, argues our writer Mary Yet their children still arrive at school in a nappy, so it leaves me wondering where their priorities lie. In one recent lesson, while covering for another teacher, I was utterly dumbfounded when one little boy confidently told me: Its snack time now, Miss! But first we have to line up for our nappies to be changed! A totally normal daily occurrence for him. This was a class of four- and five-year-olds, and there were at least a dozen children in the queue. Even more bizarrely, we have to report it in the log book each time the nappy is changed so that (inexplicably) parents know when it occurred. If you forget, parents will pull you to one side and demand to know when it was done. I once forgot to inform a parent at the end of the school day and she sent an abusive message on the class app at 10pm. In fact, there are often parents messaging late at night asking how many times their child has been changed that day. Nothing to do with education, just their childs nappy behaviour. On what planet can this be justified? Its so dispiriting that this is now the environment Im forced to work in. I have teaching friends who work at schools where they refuse to admit children if they arent nappy-trained, but they are few and far between. As controversial as it sounds, the increase in children labelled as special educational needs (SEN) has only made the situation worse. Join the debate Are parents failing their children by expecting schools to handle toilet training? I know that some children have severe needs, but sometimes it comes down to the parents simply not trying. I may sound cynical, but I get the sense some deliberately stop training because they want the disability label. If they get a diagnosis of ADHD or autism, they receive Disability Living Allowance and I have seen an uptick in parents pushing (and pushing) for this, as it can be as much as 110.40 a week. For some teachers, this assumption that they are some sort of au pair is too much. One friend in her mid-50s was off for most of last year after putting her back out changing a childs nappy. When she returned, totally disillusioned, she asked to be transferred to an older age group. This hasnt happened, so she is now seeking early retirement. As she told me: Nothing matches seeing a childs face light up when you read a story together. But over the last decade Ive done less of that and more grunt work, like mopping up accidents or leaving the classroom with a child so I can change their nappy. Its hard physical work doing this day in and day out. Everyone is feeling it in the school system. Contrary to the popular perception that teachers have it easy, were usually in by 7.30am and, when we get home were on our laptops until 9pm planning lessons. Im now considering a career change so I can claw back some kind of work/life balance. I recently joined a Facebook group called Life After Teaching: Exit the Classroom and Thrive. There are more than 178,000 teachers in the group and the general feeling is of exasperation and depression, with a high percentage of the group keen to quit the profession. Can you blame us? Mary Sawyer is a pseudonym As told to Samantha Brick 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 As a beauty editor I test hundreds and thousands of products each year which means that I have quite a discerning taste, having tried everything from budget high street options to high-end luxury brands. Of course when it comes to celebrity beauty lines, responses vary from low expectations and eye-rolls to obsessive collecting. But if youre suffering from celeb-beauty-blindness and a what do they know anyway attitude, I can confirm that many of those products on the market are actually great. Read on for a whos who of the brands are actually worth your money, and what to buy from them. On my good list... RARE BEAUTY (Selena Gomez) Launched in 2020, Rare has everything from colour cosmetics to skincare to fragrance. Im convinced that this is the best eyebrow gel to ever exist, and I have found nothing that exceeds its performance. Whether your preferred looks is subtly tamed or properly laminated, this tiny, mighty tube will hold those errant brow hairs locked in place. Simply brush through to coat and then sweep through a second time to set into the desired shape. This went viral in 2022, and for good reason, its potent stuff. Because its so pigmented you only need the tiniest dot of product to get a healthy flush, so it lasts for ages. Its a thin, weightless formula that blends out very well and comes in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones. Im prone to forgetting to moisturise my hands. Which is ironic because Ive written so many times about how I obsessively moisturise myself from head-to-toe the hands are one spot I can never be bothered with. Thankfully Selenas perfect handbag-size is easy to slip in and out of your bag, and thanks the firm, slim packaging and the twist top it never leaks over your stuff. It smells so nice you might end up sniffing your own hands in public though, so be warned. FENTY BEAUTY (Rihanna) Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty way back in 2017 with a collection of 40 foundation shades, drawing worldwide acclaim for providing for the large gap in the cosmetic industry for black and brown women, triggering an industry-wide shake-up for shade ranges to be more inclusive. This is one of those products that I will use to the actual last drop. Its the only moisturiser I will use when Im getting my limbs out because of the finish it leaves on your skin. Yes, its super hydrating, with a sumptuous texture that smells delicious and melts into the skin wonderfully, but its the way it leaves your legs and collarbone gleaming, making skin look healthier and smoother that really does it for me. If you fear the mid-afternoon oil slick on your T-zone like I do, may I introduce you to this handy little number. Its a transparent lavender shade that works on all skin tones that effectively blots out any grease or shine, without leaving you looking flat. Rihanna actually whipped it out halfway through her Super Bowl half-time show. And if its good enough for Riri As mentioned, the shade range is huge, and the high coverage hides everything from redness to pigmentation. The finish is quite a velvety matt that looks almost airbrushed without leaving your face looking chalky and too done. Victoria Beckham Beauty (Victoria Beckham) After collaborating with Estee Lauder, Victoria Beckham officially debuted her beauty line in 2019 at her London Fashion Week Show where her range was used exclusively. Since then shes collaborated with luxury brand Augustinus Bader on her skincare line too. Its silky, smooth, creamy gliding onto eyes and highly pigmented for an intense colour payoff. Its supremely blendable too, smudging out for the perfect smoke, but once set doesnt budge. Plus it comes in both matt and shimmer in a wide range of shades to make every eye colour pop. Yes it is wildly expensive. Im sorry, I know it is. But its really really good. A lightweight texture that melts into skin, smooths out texture and fine lines, blends like a dream, a radiant finish thats also somehow natural and not greasy. Plus it lasts for ages and the 19 shades it comes in a wide range. Cost per wear surely makes this worth the price. RHODE (Hailey Bieber) Hailey Biebers skincare brand finally reached UK shores in 2025 to a long waiting list. All fragrance-free, gentle and barrier repairing, the range also now includes colour cosmetics too. As creamy a texture as youd expect from Mrs Bieber, this is quite densely pigmented but blends out really smoothly. It also gives you a lovely dewy texture for some added radiance, plus the dinky size is not only cute but satisfying. Despite how chic it looks, this is a real no nonsense product at a decent price. Its not super expensive, it does what it says and its multipurpose. Use as a final step in your night time routine to seal in hydration and wake up to bouncier, happier skin. And the one that didn't stand up to testing KYLIE COSMETICS (Kylie Jenner) Kylie Jenner sold a 51% stake of the company to beauty giant Coty for $600 million in 2019. I will concede that the lip pencil is silky and perfectly pleasant. But the matte liquid lipstick is horribly drying, emphasises lines, flakes off and has a strong chemical scent. Swerve. Beloved fashion label Kate Spade has raised eyebrows with a very risque new handbag design. The bag, which retails for $348 on the brand's website, is called the Patent Spade Flower Bucket Bag - inspired by the Kate Spade logo. The purse, which comes in red and black, was created to look like a flower head and boasts a 'petal-shaped' exterior when viewed from the side. However, it was the overhead shot of the bag - that zips up the middle - which caused many viewers to do a double take over the striking resemblance to female genitalia. Earlier this week, Kate Spade shared a picture of the bag to its Facebook page. The caption read: 'We like to think of this bucket bag - which has a sneaky spade flower base - as a love letter to our iconic logo.' But the post was immediately flooded with more than 12,000 comments making the same shocking comparison. 'Every OBGYN's signature bag,' one joked. The bag, which retails for $348 on the brand's website, is called the Patent Spade Flower Bucket Bag - inspired by the Kate Spade logo It was the overhead shot of the bag that zips up the middle which caused many viewers to do a double take over the striking resemblance to female genitalia 'I thought, you thought, we all thought' another amused shopper shared. 'We all see it? Right?' someone else questioned, before one added: 'The resemblance is uncanny!' However, others thought it resembled something else entirely, with many comparing it to a Demogorgon - a monster from hit show Stranger Things. 'It's giving demogorgon' one user mused, comparing it to the terrifying creatures from the Netflix series. 'Thought you were going to tell us it was a Stranger Things edition!' laughed another. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Kate Spade brand for further comment on the design. Jennifer Lyu has been the head of design and accessories for Kate Spade since 2022. Spade founded her now-iconic company, Kate Spade New York, in 1993 with husband Andy Spade. The purse, which comes in red and black, was created to look like a flower head and boasts a 'petal-shaped' exterior when viewed from the side However, others thought it resembled something else entirely, with many comparing it to a Demogorgon - a monster from hit show Stranger Things The designer was tragically found dead at 55 in her Manhattan apartment on June 5, 2018. Police reported at the time that she had left a note, which was addressed to her only daughter, Frances Valentine Beatrix Spade. The day after her death, the fashion designer's husband released a statement that revealed his wife was on medication for depression and anxiety - but said there were no substance-abuse issues. At the time of Spade's death, the Kate Spade New York Foundation donated $1 million to mental-health and suicide prevention causes. Aldi shoppers are delighted after discovering a favourite sell-out item has quietly returned to shelves. Aussie customers are stocking up on bottles of the Colway Spicy BBQ Sauce after it was discontinued mid last year. The wildly popular condiment is part of one of the latest Special Buys drops, with many demanding the supermarket giant make it a permanent item. The news of its return has been circulating all over social media, as shoppers race into stores to bulk buy before missing out, with some even confessing to buying a year's worth because they can't get enough of it. 'Sorry but I couldn't buy just one,' a customer said in a Reddit thread, alongside a picture showing four bottles of the spicy BBQ sauce. 'I just bought six bottles (sorry everyone else) because my last bottle ran out last September and I hadn't seen it since. It is my favourite sauce,' another shared. 'I initially grabbed one and my wife was like, "Really? It's not been available for ages" - my voice of reason,' one revealed. 'It's been about a year since it was last in store. I must get a year's worth in one go,' another suggested. Aussie customers are stocking up on Spicy BBQ Sauce after it disappeared from shelves Shoppers said they love the sauce for its 'nice mild to medium kick'. 'It's much better than their plain BBQ sauce,' one claimed. The return of the sauce has sent many racing into stores, with one confirming: 'These are insanely good.' However, some pointed out the condiment won't be around for long. 'The staff at my store said it's a Special Buy (item). We brought up as there's no guarantee if and when it will be back,' one said. Before its latest drop, the sauces were last seen on shelves in June last year, with many saying they were devastated after learning it had been discontinued. 'My hubby misses this sauce so much,' one shared. Many took particular issue with the supermarket for pulling the beloved pantry staple from shelves. 'I'm really not happy with Aldi Australia discontinuing the Colway Spicy BBQ sauce after more than 10 years of it being a staple product,' one ranted. 'Has anyone found a good alternative for the discontinued spicy BBQ sauce? I'm having withdrawals. Nothing beats it on a sausage sanga,' another shared. 'I'm hoping to find out what happened to this sauce. My hubby is devastated,' one said. 'Does anyone know anything about what happened to the spicy BBQ sauce? It's just not anywhere. It is our family's favourite sauce,' another added. An Aldi Australia spokesperson previously told Daily Mail that the supermarket had 'deleted the Colway Spicy BBQ Sauce from its core range' 'When there are known fan favourites, you never know when they may make a comeback in Aldi's Special Buys program,' they added. Meanwhile, one shopper believed they had uncovered the 'secret' ingredient that makes the spicy BBQ sauce so tasty. 'It's just BBQ sauce with some cayenne powder. Its easy to make if they stop selling it,' they pointed out. Stephen Colbert claimed the Nazis were better than US immigration officers as he continued with his non-stop rants against Trump in his show's final months. On Monday's episode of The Late Show, Colbert blasted Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino for defending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a recent interview. Bovino was recently removed from overseeing operations in Minnesota after federal agents shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Colbert played a clip of Bovino telling CNN's Dana Bash that anti-ICE protesters are comparing federal immigration officers to Nazis. 'They're trying to portray Border Patrol agents and ICE agents as Gestapo, Nazis and many other words,' Bovino said. Colbert interrupted, 'Yes, do not compare ICE or Border Patrol agents to the Nazis. That's an unfair comparison. The Nazis were willing to show their faces.' The late-night host also criticized Bovino for claiming that the real victims of the two deadly shootings of US citizens in Minnesota are 'the Border Patrol agents.' 'Bulls**t. Masked agents shooting innocent people with impunity in the streets are not victims,' Colbert said. Stephen Colbert claimed the Nazis were better than US immigration officers because they 'were willing to show their faces' Colbert blasted Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino for defending agents who shot and killed two people in Minnesota 'The only way they could ever even be considered close to victims is that they are, at best, weak-minded individuals full of anger who have been led to the darkness by Donald Trump and are now participating in an evil system that will stick to them like hot black tar for the rest of their lives.' He also provided sharp political commentary on the fatal shooting of Pretti in Monday's episode. 'Today, more than 50 percent of Americans are digging out from a massive winter storm, freezing temperatures from Texas all the way up to Maine,' he said. 'It's frigid here in New York City. I want to thank everyone here who stood outside in the cold today before you came. I think we can all agree, f*** ICE.' He was critical of Trump's administration for labeling Pretti a 'domestic terrorist,' claiming they 'immediately blamed the victim' - as he said they did in the previous shooting of Good earlier this month, also in Minneapolis. It comes as Colbert's nonstop Trump rants have caused dwindling viewership in its final months. Early Nielsen data for January showed The Late Show pulled in just 285,000 viewers in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demographic - the worst in the show's ten-year history. CBS and Paramount canceled The Late Show last summer after 10 seasons, citing declining late-night revenues. Join the debate Has Colbert gone too far with his Nazi comparison or was it dark satire? Colbert has been non-stop ranting against Donald Trump rants as his Late Show enters its final months Some said the decision was politically-motivated to appease one of Colbert's most powerful critics: President Donald Trump. Others said that Colbert was clearly a political martyr amid the changing times under Trump, who praised the network's decision to let go of Colbert, a long-running critic of his. Also on Monday, Colbert revealed the final episode of The Late Show will air May 21 while he was appearing as a guest on Late Night With Seth Meyers. 'It feels real now... it did not feel ... I mean, I know it was real, but now, there's four months left,' he said. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough said that Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti was 'executed in the streets' by federal agents, adding that raids in Minneapolis are forcing even his most loyal MAGA friends against the Trump administration. The MS NOW commentator appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday night to discuss the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and his relationship with Donald Trump. Despite Scarborough's frequent criticisms of the president on his morning talk show, he confessed that '90 percent' of his friends voted for Trump. He explained that 'something happened this past week' where even his MAGA friends disagreed with the federal government's justification of Pretti's death. Scarborough said Pretti's death 'looked like an execution,' declaring that the nurse was 'executed in the streets of America.' Pretti, 37, was killed by ICE agents on January 24. His death came just two weeks after Renee Good was fatally shot by an agent in her car on January 7. The Department of Homeland Security has defended ICE agents in the killings, with Secretary Kristi Noem claiming an officer shot Pretti because he 'feared for his life,' and accusing Good of 'domestic terrorism.' The Trump administration has faced significant backlash for justifying the killings and blocking attempts from state and local officials to handle the investigation. Joe Scarborough, pictured above on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, said he believed Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti was 'executed in the streets of America' Alex Pretti, pictured above, was killed on January 24 by a federal agent. He worked as a nurse before his death Scarborough told Kimmel that even his MAGA friends have condemned Pretti's death and how the federal government has handled it Scarborough pushed back on DHS's claims, telling Kimmel that Good was 'trying to calm' the agent down before she was fatally shot twice through her car window. Speaking about Pretti, Scarborough added: 'It is amazing that you had a man who was a nurse at a VA hospital and was a Good Samaritan, dared to be a good Samaritan, and he got shot and killed for it.' Elsewhere in the interview, the MS NOW host declared: 'I think 20 years from now, our children and grandchildren are going to be looking back and this is going to be a defining moment.' 'I hope and I pray that the president and the people around him use this moment to understand that things have been pushed too far,' he continued. 'They need to start bringing this country together.' When asked if he thinks Trump is fearful that he's lost his base, Scarborough told Kimmel that he didn't believe fear was a motivating factor for the president. The Morning Joe anchor also revealed during the interview that he called Trump after the president announced he had spoken with Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. Scarborough revealed that he pushed Trump to be seen talking with Walz and Frey, adding that it was a 'good thing' for Americans and the country needed more of it. Scarborough defended Renee Good and Alex Pretti against claims from federal officials that their deaths were justified Scarborough (far left) has been a frequent critic of Trump alongside his wife, Mika Brzezinski (blue sweater). However, Scarborough said he's known the president for over 20 years and is pictured above with Trump and his daughter Ivanka in 2016 Scarborough previously served as a Republican representative in Congress. He's hosted the Morning Joe program since 2007 alongside his wife, Mika Brzezinski. The couple has frequently found themselves as the victims of Trump's wrath, with the president referring to them as 'Crazy Mika' and 'Psycho Joe.' The Morning Joe hosts made an attempt to smooth things over when Trump was reelected during a private meeting at Mar-a-Lago. They revealed that they visited Trump to 'restart communications,' adding: 'We didnt see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and we told him so.' The meeting drew significant backlash on the left, with many claiming Scarborough and Brzezinski bowed to Trump. Fellow liberal commentator, Sunny Hostin, said during an episode of The View that the couple met with Trump to 'kiss his ring.' The View host Ana Navarro said the Minneapolis ICU nurse who was shot dead by Border Patrol officers was the 'perfect guy,' and someone 'you'd want to date your daughter.' The Republican, who is also a staunch critic of President Donald Trump, praised Alex Pretti on CNN Wednesday night - four days after he was shot 10 times in broad daylight during an anti-ICE protest. 'They chose to... they killed the wrong guy,' Navarro told other panelists. 'Right? Because this is the perfect guy. Alex Pretti is a guy you would want to date your daughter, the guy you want your son to grow up to be. 'A decent human being who was serving humanity. Serving sick veterans. There is nothing that has been said about that man that isn't wonderful,' she added. Pretti, 37, has been remembered as a caring nurse who looked after US veterans and someone who 'loved his country, but hated what people were doing with it,' his mother previously told the Associated Press. 'They can't malign him,' Navarro continued. 'They can't malign him because we have the videos, so they can't say he's a would-be-assassin, and people believe them.' Footage showed a federal officer removing a gun that Pretti lawfully owned from his holster before he was shot dead. The View host Ana Navarro said Alex Pretti, the man who was killed by Border Patrol agents on Saturday, was the 'perfect guy,' and someone 'you'd want to date your daughter' Pretti was shot 10 times on the street during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He's been remembered as a caring nurse who looked after US Veterans, and someone who loved his country, his loved ones said 'They can't say, as they said, that he was there to commit a massacre,' she added. Trump officials initially attempted to portray Pretti as a 'domestic terrorist' because he had a legally-owned firearm at the time he was shot, however a new government report has undermined allegations he 'brandished' the weapon. Navarro then discussed what she believes many Americans are realizing following Pretti's death. 'People realize they are being lied to, and they will not be lied to a second time, the way they were lied to about Renee Good,' the TV personality added. Pretti's tragic death came just weeks after Good, another US citizen, was shot during an anti-ICE protest. Good was driving during a demonstration, also in Minneapolis, when ICE agent Jonathan Ross opened fire on her, causing her to crash her car and die. Noem also called Good a 'domestic terrorist', while the president labeled her a 'professional agitator.' 'People have had it. The country has had it, and they're feeling the heat,' Navarro stated. The two Border Patrol agents who shot and killed protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave Her comments about Pretti come just after new footage showed him spitting at a federal SUV and smashing its tail light just 11 days before he was killed. Lawyers for Pretti's family confirmed to The Star Tribune that the agitator in the footage on January 11 is, in fact, him. Pretti's attendance was confirmed with the help of BBC facial recognition software and published in a joint effort between the British public broadcaster and The News Movement. Reporter Dan Ming was on the scene to cover the ongoing protests in Minneapolis and can be seen at the beginning of the clip. He confirmed his attendance in an email sent to the Daily Mail. 'A week before Alex was gunned down in the street - despite posing no threat to anyone - he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents,' said attorney Steve Schleicher on behalf of the family. 'Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex's killing at the hands of ICE on Jan 24,' added Schleicher, an ex-federal prosecutor who helped secure a conviction for Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd case. The Department of Homeland Security said that they are investigating the footage. In the new video, Pretti was seen wearing an identical brown outfit to the one the nurse wore on the day of his death. Law enforcement officers were captured kneeling next to the body of Pretti after he was shot on Saturday The clip began with him angrily spitting at the window of the Ford Expedition SUV filled with federal officers conducting raids to arrest illegal migrants, with Pretti heard screaming 'F*****g trash' at officers. As the Ford began to pull away, the furious agitator angrily kicked its tail light, shattering it. An officer then got out of the car and fought with Pretti, pinning him to the ground as bystanders jeered and screamed. The protester's hat then came off and displayed the same male pattern baldness seen atop Pretti's head during his final moments on Saturday. Surrounding officers then fired tear gas and pepper balls into the crowd while agents released Pretti from their grip and set him free. Pretti's death came just weeks after Renee Good, another American citizen, was shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. (Pictured: A person visiting a vigil with posters of Pretti and Good) Pretti, who appeared to have a gun in his waistband as he did the day of the shooting, then picked up his belongings that came off in the scuffle and walked away. The officers he had been fighting with appeared to be ICE or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Pretti had an altercation with federal officers that saw him break a rib before his killing. It could not be immediately confirmed whether the new clip depicted the moment of the bone breakage and whether it was filmed before or afterwards. Pretti did not appear to be arrested for causing damage to federal property. The two Border Patrol agents who shot and killed Pretti have since been placed on administrative leave. One of China's largest automotive giants could soon be producing cars in the UK at a Jaguar Land Rover plant, reports have emerged. Chery - which is China's largest car exporter - is in talks to utilise a JLR site which is operating at 'undercapacity' to build its own brand cars, according to the Financial Times. Sources familiar with the subject said that the proposals are backed by the UK government, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussing the matter during his Beijing visit. The Prime Minister has just arrived in China for a three day visit. The UK has been actively courting Chery to make its vehicles in Britain for the last few years, the sources said. JLR and Chery have been in partnership since their first joint venture back in 2012. Deal negotiations are said to be at an early stage and details are yet to be finalised. However, representatives from JLR and Chery will meet during the Starmer's trip to China - the first British Prime Minister to visit the country in eight years. The move is part of the government's efforts to fix the UK's shrinking vehicle production pattern, with outputs falling to a 73-year low last year to 760,000 units. This is less than half the volume recorded in 2015 (almost 1.6 million). Such a deal would be vital for the government to achieve its target of 1.3m vehicles produced annually, the reports have claimed. Chinese automotive giant Chery could produce its cars in the UK and use a domestic Jaguar Land Rover plant to do so, the Financial Times has reported as Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in China Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo brands are the fastest-growing brands in the UK, with Jaecoo recording the largest market share increase of any other mainstream automotive brand in the last decade. Chery launched in late summer of 2025, with its Tiggo 7 and 8 models. Omoda launched in August 2024 and Jaecoo in early 2025. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) puts 2025 vehicle production at 764,715 cars and vans in total. This is a dramatic fall from the most recent peak of 1.7 million motor volumes. The highest on record was 1.92 million units in 1972. The government's aim to get to 1.3 million vehicles annually in under 10 years will need a major injection - and Chery moving in to maximise productivity and protect jobs could give UK automotive the bolster it needs. Peter Kyle, the business secretary, acknowledged that the government wanted Chery to manufacture in the UK and that using an existing JLR plant would be an option. He told the FT: 'If there is a manufacturing facility where there is sort of undercapacity, then [ . . . ] there is a logic to forming partnerships and that could well form one of them.' Chery has already acquired a plant in Barcelona from Nissan and recently reached another agreement to buy the Japanese carmakers plant in South Africa. Chery - which is China's largest car exporter - is reportedly in talks to utilise a JLR site which is operating at 'undercapacity' to build its own brand cars. Sources familiar with the subject said that the proposals are backed by the UK government JLR - which is owned by Tata Motors of India - and Chery have a partnership that dates back to 2012. The two struck a deal to built a research and development centre and engine production facility in China as part of a licence to manufacture JLR vehicles and new models. The most recent deal between the two, announced in June 2024, saw JLR agreed to license its Freelander brand to Chery to develop electric vehicles using the Chinese groups platform. Former JLR CEO Adrian Mardell - who was replaced by the incoming PB Balaji in November, had said: 'We believe that working together to develop new models of collaboration for the worlds largest and fastestgrowing electric vehicle market, combined with the appeal of the Freelander brand, promises a very exciting future for CJLR [Chery Jaguar Land Rover].' Omoda has not ruled out a new plant in the UK, but people close to the company have previously cited high energy and labour costs as the main hurdle to producing locally. The Daily Mail and This is Money reached out to both Chery and JLR. Both provided a no comment response. The number of vehicles built in the UK fell by 15.5 per cent in 2025 to the lowest output seen in 73 years in what the motor trade body dubbed 'the toughest year in a generation'. Just 764,715 vehicles - 717,371 cars (down 8 per cent) and 47,344 vans (down 62 per cent) - rolled off assembly lines in 2025. This is the lowest manufacturing volume since post-war 1952 - excluding the Covid-19 lockdown years - and is down 52 per cent on 2015 outputs when some 1.6 million motors were being made in Britain. The slump was triggered by significant declines posted by two of the nation's biggest car makers. Jaguar Land Rover saw outputs fall by almost 22 per cent as a result of Jaguar pausing production for a year as part of plans to reboot as an electric-only luxury brand in 2026. JLR outputs were also hammered in the months of September and October after it fell victim to a cyber attack that forced it to temporarily close its cars plants in Britain - and across the world - for more than five weeks. Another notable production crash was recorded by Vauxhall's parent firm Stellantis, with vehicle outputs down a monumental 71 per cent in the wake of the closure of the 120-year-old Luton van factory last March. Just 764,715 vehicles - 717,371 cars (down 8%) and 47,344 vans (down 62%) - rolled off assembly lines in 2025. This is the lowest manufacturing volume since post-war 1952 The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) blamed ongoing restructuring and plant upgrades to shift to electric vehicle outputs too had an impact on volumes. New tariffs on trade across the Atlantic also took a toll, as some vehicle companies temporarily suspended exports to the US on the back of President Donald Trump's crippling 25 per cent levy announced in March 2025. The UK Government two months later negotiated a more favourable 10 per cent tariff for motors arriving from British factories, though the SMMT said this has still influenced 2025's total numbers. Over the course of the calendar year, car production for the UK market and exports both fell by around 8 per cent. Production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars increased by 8.3 per cent to just under 300,000, a record 41.7 per cent share of output. Outputs are forecast to increase this year with the planned launch of seven new EV models, the SMMT said. Total car production is predicted to return to growth in 2026, with output set to rise by more than 10 per cent, according to the trade body's report published on Thursday. The SMMT's data showed Europe received 56 per cent of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15 per cent), and China (6.3 per cent). Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: '2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing. 'Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber attack that stopped production at one of the UK's most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery. 'The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well. 'The key to long-term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment, reduced energy costs, the avoidance of new trade barriers, and a healthy, sustainable domestic market. 'Government has set out how it will back the sector with its industrial and trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery.' The SMMT's report came as reports emerged that Chinese car giant Chery is close to agreeing a deal with JLR to allow the East Asian auto maker to build vehicles in the UK in what could be a massive injection for the nation's motor making sector. According to the Financial Times, Chery - which is China's largest car exporter - is in talks to utilise a JLR site which is operating at 'undercapacity' to build its own brand cars. Sources familiar with the subject said that the proposals are backed by the UK government, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussing the matter during his Beijing visit. The Prime Minister has just arrived in China for a three day visit. The UK has been actively courting Chery to make its vehicles in Britain for the last few years the sources said. JLR and Chery have had a partnership since their first joint venture back in 2012. UK's top five car makers - what happened in 2025? Nissan continues to be the UK biggest car maker. Its factory in Sunderland 273,322 cars last year, which was a decline of 3.1 per cent on 2024 outputs. However, the North East site has seen a significant shift in the last 12 months as it began production of the all-new electric Leaf - which went on sale only a matter of months ago - and has already started to prepare its assembly lines for a new electrified Juke coming this year. The Qashqai - which was Britain's third most popular new car by sales - was also named the most exported UK-made vehicle of 2025. Nissan Sunderland retained its crown as Britain's biggest car-producing facility. The North East factory assembled 273,322 cars last year, which was down 3.1% on 2024 outputs The Nissan Qashqai - which was Britain's third most popular new car by sales - was also named the most exported UK-made vehicle of 2025 Nissan's output fall was partially caused by an upgraded to assembly lines to allow production of the new electri Leaf to begin in December The factory, which is part of the beating heart of UK automotive production, has adopted future technology including intelligent use of big data, virtual reality and digital mapping of the plant JLR was second in terms of volumes, building 201,283 vehicles across its various sites in Britain. The vast majority of production was at the Solihull plant in the West Midlands - where Range Rovers are built - and the Halewood factory responsible for churning out Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport passenger cars. These sites were severely impacted by the cyber breach orchestrated on 30 August, which triggered a production shutdown for over five weeks as the company attempted to safely reboot its IT systems following the attack. JLR's Castle Bromwich plant, which is home to Jaguar production, has for the last 13 months been in a state of conversion. Outputs of vehicles ceased towards the end of 2024 as the British brand makes preparations to become an all-electric car maker. The third biggest car maker was Mini, which recorded a 12.2 per cent increase in output at Plant Oxford last year despite having moved production of some of its electric models to China as part of a deal with Great Wall Motors. This includes the new Mini Cooper Electric and Aceman. Toyota's Burnaston factory in Derbyshire - where the Corolla and Suzuki Swace sister model are built - was the fourth biggest UK car maker by volume, though outputs fell by 7.9 per cent year-on-year with 92,132 motors coming off the production line in 2025. JLR sites were severely impacted by the cyber breach orchestrated on 30 August, which triggered a production shutdown for over five weeks as the company attempted to safely reboot its IT systems following the attack JLR was second in terms of car volumes, building 201,283 vehicles in Britain. The vast majority of production was at the Solihull plant in the West Midlands and Halewood factory in Merseyside (pictured). Outputs at its Castle Bromwich factory would have dramatically declined as it spent the entirety of 2025 being refurbished in preparation to build EVs The third biggest car maker was Mini, which recorded a 12.2% increase in output at Plant Oxford last year despite having moved production of some of its electric models to China as part of a deal with Great Wall Motors. This includes the new Mini Cooper Electric and Aceman Vauxhall's Luton plant saw the final van roll off its production line in March last year as Stellantis moves its electric van production to Ellesmere in Cheshire The closure of the Luton factory triggered a massive 71% decline in UK vehicle production for Vauxhall's parent company, Stellantis Still, this was enough to overtake Stellantis, which saw its outputs tumble by 70.6 per cent - down from 105,450 units in 2024 to only 31,048 vehicles in 2025 - after it closed the Luton van factory in March. The move put some 1,100 jobs in Bedfordshire at risk, with employees offered the opportunity to relocate to its Ellesmere Port plant in Merseyside some 180 miles away. Stellantis' Ellesmere Port site is Britain's first electric-only mass vehicle production plant where the electric Vauxhall and Opel Combo, Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner and Fiat E-Doblo are made. However, the severe lack of demand for electric vans - which is far lower than appetite for electric cars - has seen the company's UK outputs fall off a cliff edge. Labour is set to be 'washed away in a tide of discontent' unless it tackles the downturn of the High Street, researchers have warned. Shoplifting and shop closures have contributed to many people feeling that 'parts of the country are being neglected and overlooked,' according to a study by the University of Southampton. It comes as there were fears of up to 2,460 job losses across discount retailer The Original Factory Shop, fashion brand LK Bennett and jewellery seller Claire's Accessories. Rachel Reeves has faced a huge backlash towards her business rates plans, which will see many retailers, restaurants and hotels pay higher tax bills from April. Business owners have even barred Labour MPs from their premises in a move which persuaded the Government to backtrack slightly and offer pubs and music venues a discount on their bills. But now there is a suggestion that gloom on the High Street may push the general public towards voting for Reform. Brits feel that their High Street has declined more than any other part of their local area over the past decade, the university study revealed. And Reform supporters were more likely than anyone else to say their area had significantly declined. Researchers have warned 'the government must urgently tackle feelings that parts of the country are being neglected and overlooked' (pictured: Crawley town centre, West Sussex) Prof Will Jennings, who led the research, said: 'People tend to think that politicians in Westminster don't care about their region and that not enough is being done to improve the economic situation. Jennings added: 'This is not new, but the government must urgently tackle feelings that parts of the country are being neglected and overlooked, otherwise like their predecessor they will be washed away in a tide of discontent at the next election.' Conservative business spokesperson Andrew Griffith said: 'The meltdown on our High Streets will be replicated by a landslide of Labour MPs losing their seats at the election if they don't fix things fast. The incomplete U-turn so far just doesn't cut it.' The dismal updates follow shop closures at Poundland, River Island and Russell & Bromley in recent weeks. Andrew Goodacre, who is the chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said: 'The Treasury has made a real mess of the opportunity to seriously reform business rates. This government really does not understand.' 'Ignoring high streets in this way is leaving an open goal for Reform,' Goodacre added. He said: 'High Streets are always a key issue for constituents at election time. I think the Government is taking the chance and hoping they can be more generous in years to come (pre-election) to head off any threat. For many businesses though, that will be too little too late.' Retailers are grappling with upcoming increases to wages and business rates in April after being hit with a cocktail of higher taxes - including increases to employers' National Insurance contributions - last year too. Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Given this challenging environment, it is little surprise to see shops closing and some businesses falling into administration, and the situation could become worse if government policies add significantly to this burden in 2026.' Gold and silver's record-breaking run showed no sign of stopping before a pullback this afternoon, as analysts warn the 'volatile' run is 'highly unusual'. One went as far to suggest the run could signal 'difficult' times are on their way for stock market investors. The precious metals have kept breaking new records this month, with gold nearing $5,600, having started the week at $5,000, before pulling back to $5,100 by the afternoon. Bullion climbed 64 per cent in 2025, and today's rally added as much as $211.33, or 4.2 per cent, to the price, before trading down 1.5 per cent. Silver, meanwhile, reached a new high of $120, before pulling back to $112. It is trading 18 per cent higher over the week. Copper is also starting to pick up, with prices on the London Metals Exchange jumping to as high as 14,000 per tonne as investors look for exposure elsewhere. Mounting geopolitical tensions are the primary driver for the uptick in prices of precious metals, which are seen as a haven in tumultuous markets. All that glitters: Precious metal prices are surging as investors flock to safety This week, indications that the US may take action on Iran are driving oil prices higher too. Brent crude surged to a six-month high as traders price in fears of escalation in the Middle East. The surge in precious metals helped to propel most of the FTSE's biggest miners to the top of the index this morning. Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining were up 1.8 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively, while Antofagasta jumped 7 per cent to 3,963p on surging copper prices, which offset a lower output of the metal. 'Everyone can see the madness in metals prices, but there seems no sign of it slowing down,' said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG. 'Investors can be forgiven for hoping that the vast profits set to be reaped by miners will translate into better dividend payments in the near future.' Glencore reached its full-year production guidance for a second year running, with copper output in the second half almost 50 per cent higher than the first half. Shares gained 3 per cent this morning, and are up 27 per cent year-to-date. When will the gold run come to an end? Analysts are increasingly bullish on where precious metals might go this year, with some suggesting it could reach $6,000 per ounce. Deutsche Bank said heightened tensions and higher defence spending create a long-term case for gold, while RBC says bullion could push as high as $7,100 if last year's rally continues at a similar pace. However, Neil Wilson, Saxo's UK investor strategist warns that the recent precious metals run 'has all the hallmarks of a speculative squeeze that is increasingly disorderly, volatile and dangerous'. He added: 'We know the backdrop and solid fundamentals to this trade, but the moves are highly unusual. The volatility can be self-sustaining as market makers become reluctant to take and hold positions, leading to thinner liquidity and greater volatility.' Even if gold continues its record run, Stifel analysts say it isn't good news for the stock market. The investment bank flagged gold has surged more than 20 per cent this year, while the S&P 500 has gained just 1 per cent. The rally has broken down a long-standing price relationship between stocks and gold, which is a rare signal that has typically been followed by 'difficult' years for investors. 'Perhaps 'this time is different' and both the S&P 500 and gold will continue to soar, but to us that sounds like wholesale flight from fiat money, which has never ended well in history,' analysts said. Elsewhere, Goldman Sachs forecasts copper prices to decline to $11,000 per tonne by the end of the year, following a decision on tariffs. 'Buyers have been stockpiling copper in the US in advance of the expected import tax, creating expectations of temporary scarcity outside of the US,' said analyst Eoin Dinsmore. 'We do not expect the price above $13,000 to be sustained.' Shares in Ocado fell by over 10 per cent after one of its partners announced the closure of one of its robotic warehouses. The retailer signed a deal with Canadian supermarket Sobeys in 2018 to launch its online grocery business using Ocados platform. In an update, Ocado said Sobeys would close its fulfilment centre in Calgary after expansion was slower than originally anticipated. The Calgary warehouse was the third to open under the partnership, and the remaining two in Ontario and Montreal will stay open. The UK-listed retailer sells technology to retailers to pick and dispatch online food orders from robotic warehouses. It also runs its own grocery firm in partnership with Marks & Spencer. Canadian retailer Sobeys penned a deal to use Ocado's robotic warehouses in 2018 The Calgary closure is expected to reduce Ocados fee revenue by 7million this year, but the retailer said it expects compensation of 18million for the closure. The shuttering of another warehouse marks another blow for Ocado, which has pinned its hopes on the expansion of its technology. Last year, one of its key partners, Kroger, said it would close three of its robotic warehouses across the US. It sparked the biggest drop in its share price. The pair had planned to build 20 robotic customer fulfilment centres across the US, but the roll-out has been slower than expected. Investors are losing patience with Ocado as new openings with existing partners and further technology deals have failed to materialise. Shares tumbled 11.87 per cent on Thursday, with the price down nearly 28 per cent over the past year. Chief executive Tim Steiner said Ocado had taken a pragmatic approach to refining the network and addressed key challenges from early network planning decisions, in particular where the market has not developed as anticipated. Online grocery in North America has continued to develop, and Ocado's technology has evolved significantly since our first CFCs were launched in the region. 'The changes we have made in our relationships with both Sobeys and Kroger represent a reset of our North American business, placing those partnerships in the best position to secure long-term growth, while reopening a substantial market for Ocado's much-evolved technology.' The price of oil hit a six-month high on rising concerns of a US military attack on Iran. With tensions between Washington and Tehran mounting, Brent crude jumped 5 per cent to $71.89 a barrel. That was the highest since the start of August and took gains since early January, when oil dipped below $60 a barrel, to 20 per cent. Shares in BP and Shell gained more than 2 per cent. The latest surge in the oil price came as Iran vowed a crushing response to any US attack after Donald Trump warned that time was running out for a nuclear deal. The rising oil price threatens to push up prices at the petrol pumps for motorists. Iran is OPECs fourth-largest oil producer with output of 3.2million barrels per day. Iran is OPEC's fourth largest oil producer with output of 3.2million barrels per day Analysts warned military conflict could hit Iranian production and lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz a key supply route with 20million barrels passing through it every day. The immediate concern is the collateral damage done if Iran takes a swing at its neighbours or possibly even more tellingly, it closes the Strait of Hormuz to the 20million barrels per day of oil that navigates it, said PVM analyst John Evans. Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, added: With the Middle East tinder box looking set to ignite again, oil prices have moved sharply higher, lifting shares in listed energy giants. 'The weaker dollar is also partly behind the move in crude rising higher, given that its denominated in the currency and so makes oil more attractive for buyers. Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: If this spills over into military conflict, the concern for energy is not only over 3million barrels of daily oil production but also disruption to tankers carrying oil and Liquid Natural Gas through the Strait of Hormuz. Four more towns have been recommended for a banking hub as bank branches vanish from high streets up and down the country. Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire has become the latest town to be recommended a banking hub after the last bank in town closed. It marks the 250th banking hub recommendation in a milestone for Cash Access UK the non-profit organisation which runs the banking hubs. Banking hubs replace traditional banks in towns where all the branches have gone. They have a traditional counter service operated by the Post Office, and community bankers from nine major high street banks visit on a rotating basis to provide support to customers with their banking needs. Deposit services also allow small businesses to deposit and access cash. Three other banking hubs have been recommended today for Ormskirk in Lancashire, Wilmslow in Cheshire and Whitehaven in Cumbria. Lifeline: Some 250 banking hubs have been recommended, the latest in Leighton Buzzard ATM network Link visited these towns and found there was a significant need for new cash services. The banking hub recommendations come as Santander announced it will shutter 44 bank branches in a shake-up of its branch network, in a move putting 291 jobs at risk. The bank said the closures are due to 'changing customer behaviour', which has seen more people turn to online banking. This has seen a 96 per cent surge in digital transactions since 2019 while branch transactions have slumped by 66 per cent in that time, according to Santander. But new data from Link shows people are still using ATMs and bank branches for banking services despite the shift towards digital payments. The average withdrawal from cash machines in 2025 was 1,352, a 5 per cent decrease on 2024s 1,424 figure. There were 832million cash withdrawals recorded last year, a 10 per cent increase from 2024. This works out at approximately 15 trips to the ATM per person, withdrawing an average of 92 each time. Labour has pledged 350 banking hubs by the end of Parliament. In December, Cash Access UK opened the 200th banking hub open in Billericay, Essex, and there are now 210 hubs open across the UK. It reached its 100 banking hub milestone in December 2024. It can take up to a year to set up a banking hub, with most of this time being taken up by finding a location for a new hub. Link conducts community assessments following the announcement of the closure of any high street bank, a significant change in the hours or services provided, or when a member of a community requests it. Link then recommends new banking hubs or deposit services and they are delivered by Cash Access UK, which is owned by the banks. John Howells, CEO of Link says: 'Almost five years ago, the first two banking hubs opened as part of a pilot to see how we could better protect access to cash. Were delighted to announce the recommendation of the 250th hub today. The hubs alongside other solutions are making a significant difference and helping communities to readily access and deposit cash with ease.' This is the chilling moment a 15-year-old killer posed as an innocent bystander after stabbing a 12-year-old boy to death at random as he walked home from school. Leo Ross was by himself in a park in the Hall Green area of Birmingham when he was ambushed by the teenager, who had been on a violent rampage for the past three days. His attacker - who was 14 at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons - dealt a single stab wound to Leo's stomach and then callously pretended to be a witness by helping to raise the alarm. The boy even spun a fabricated account of how he had come across Leo's body to police as paramedics desperately worked to save him a few feet away. In one piece of bodyworn camera footage captured by officers, the attacker was recorded casually lying to officers about how he had found the body. The boy told the officer: 'I just come out every now and again to ride my bike, because there's a mechanic's shop up there and I was going to come through here because it leads that way. 'That's when I saw him and then I saw this woman walking down so I told her to call you guys. 'Then I went to get some help from different people and that's all I know about it. 'He was lay there like that when I got here.' The boy later added: 'I didn't touch him because that could put me in the case.' The murder on January 21 was the sickening culmination of three days of serious violence perpetrated at random by the killer against strangers in Trittiford Mill Park. He had previously targeted three lone women, including an elderly woman whom he attacked with her own walking stick before pushing her into the River Cole, leaving her seriously injured. Today, the teenager, wearing a black T-shirt with a grey jumper draped over his shoulders, pleaded guilty to Leo's murder, as well as two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of possessing a knife, during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court. He will be sentenced on February 10. Leo Ross, 12, was murdered at random by an older boy, then 14, as he tried to walk home from school Leo was 'funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body', according to his heartbroken family Chilling police bodyworn camera footage captured the killer, who was then aged 14, posing as an innocent bystander just feet away from where Leo is being treated by paramedics He gave his fabricated account to police while paramedics could clearly be seen in the background trying to save Leo's life Leo, who did not know his attacker, was a 'model student' with an unblemished behavioural record at school and had no problems with any other pupils, according to police. Following today's verdicts, Leos heartbroken birth mother Rachel Fisher said: 'My son Leo was the sweetest, most kind-hearted boy. He didn't have a bad bone in his body. 'My baby's life was stolen for no reason whatsoever. 'My life will never be the same again without him. He will be loved and missed forever.' Leos foster family, the Westons, added: 'Not a day goes by where we dont think about Leo. 'His loss has impacted us deeply and his absence is felt constantly. 'Leo was the sweetest, kindest boy who put others before himself. 'He was loved by all that knew him, he made friends with everyone he met, young or old. 'He was wise beyond his years, full of knowledge and facts, full of life. A life cut short by a senseless act. 'We hope justice is served and we can get some closure, whatever the outcome, it still does not give Leo his life back, the life he truly deserved to live to its fullest.' It can now be revealed that the teenage killer was a delinquent who had spent months terrorising his neighbourhood since he was kicked out of full time education. Neighbours of the boy told the Daily Mail he had attacked people, vandalised property and been brought home by the police in the months before the park rampage. By contrast, Leo was 'funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body', according to his heartbroken family. Police believe he was singled out that day because his killer was 'much physically bigger' than him and Leo represented an 'easy target'. Leo had been walking home from Christ Church of England Secondary Academy School at around 3pm, wearing his school uniform with his jacket hood up against the cold. His killer, who was dressed entirely in black with his hood up, spotted him cutting through the park by himself. Leo, who was a model pupil, was seen on CCTV walking home from school shortly before the attack CCTV captured the killer setting out from his home on the day of the attack, January 21, dressed entirely in black with his hood up Leo's killer, now 15, has pleaded guilty to his murder at Birmingham Crown Court Earlier that day, his killer had tried to attack a woman who was on her own in the park, but had been interrupted - forcing him to flee. The boy, who was then 14, remained in the park and was circling around on his bicycle 'hunting' for another victim to assault when he spotted Leo. It is unclear precisely what happened next, but police believe the older boy pulled a kitchen knife out and stabbed Leo without much of a wider struggle. There was no suggestion it was a robbery gone wrong, as nothing was stolen. Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, of West Midlands Police, said the only person who would be able to explain what had happened was Leo's killer. He told the Daily Mail: 'No other person was present unfortunately when Leo died, but a single stab wound, with no other injuries to Leo and no injuries to (his killer) would suggest to me there wasn't any kind of confrontation. 'He simply stabbed him in an unprovoked attack.' Once he had inflicted the fatal blow, the boy then immediately pretended he had just come across Leo's body and ran over to alert a member of the public who called the police. Extraordinarily, the killer was still hanging around when police and paramedics arrived and it was then he was caught on police bodyworn camera, watching CPR taking place. 'It was really, really sinister behaviour,' Detective Inspector Davenport said. His killer had been circling Trittiford Mill Park looking for victims after attacking three women before he targeted Leo Leo was last seen on CCTV turning down Scribers Lane and walking in the direction of the park CCTV later captured the killer returning home around an hour after the stabbing took place The murder of Leo was the boy's fourth attack in the park over just three days. As well as the woman he assaulted on the same day Leo was killed, the teenager beat an elderly woman with her own walking stick and pushed her into the River Cole on January 19. On this occasion too he had posed as a witness to the attack and helped to raise the alarm. The following day, on January 20, he launched another attack on a lone woman who had been walking in the park, causing serious injuries, before running away. Police arrested the teenager within three hours of Leo's murder and were taunted by him as he was put in the police van. Detective Inspector Davenport said: 'He has shown no remorse for his behaviour. 'He seemed to find the whole thing quite funny when the police arrested him, almost goading officers that they wouldn't find anything on his clothes or in his house.' Fortunately, however, that did not prove to be the case, as officers were able to recover the murder weapon which had been thrown into the river. Crucially, the knife was found to have both his DNA and Leo's DNA on it. Police have revealed Leo's killer posed as an innocent bystander after killing the schoolboy with a single stab wound The boy was responsible for three other attacks in the Trittiford Mill Park in the Hall Green area of Birmingham over the course of three days, including on the day of Leo's killing Speaking after the hearing, Jonathan Roe, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This was a senseless act of violence that has devastated a family and robbed a 12-year-old boy of his life. 'Leo Ross should have had his whole future ahead of him, and he should have been able to walk home from school without harm. 'It seems unimaginable that a 14-year-old would use a knife to intend to murder another or seriously injure them causing their death, but that is what occurred on that day. 'The defendant's guilty plea today means Leo's loved ones have at least been spared the ordeal of a trial. Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss. 'There are no excuses for carrying a knife and I hope this case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of carrying and using knives.' It's awards season, that time of year when actors are judged for the authenticity of their performances. But perhaps no drama has been more heavily scrutinized in recent months than that of a celebrity who is not in show business: Erika Kirk, the wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 37-year-old widow was catapulted to global fame when she vowed to carry on her husband's political legacy after his assassination at Utah Valley University last September. Within days, she assumed leadership of his organization, Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that advocates for conservative politics at high schools and on college campuses. And the mother-of-two has certainly been kept busy since, sitting for primetime interviews and making countless public appearances in her trademark bold makeup and sequined pantsuits often welcomed to the stage in an explosion of indoor pyrotechnics. Most recently, she announced a 30-city speaking engagement series that she's calling the 'Make Heaven Crowded Tour 2026.' But despite the fact Kirk hasn't ever been shy about her grief often needing to dab away tears as she speaks about her late husband her authenticity has, increasingly, come up for criticism. In particular, certain subsets of social media on both the political right and left have alleged that Kirk's behavior seems rehearsed, performative or even fake. Erika Kirk has faced intense scrutiny since the assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk last year The 37-year-old's public displays of grief have been dissected by online critics, with some deeming them 'performative' Some go so far as to accuse her of 'using' her husband's assassination for personal gain. Nothing, her critics might say, supports that claim quite so much as an audio recording leaked this week by controversial right-wing podcaster Candace Owens. The recording is of a conference call which took place around two weeks after Charlie Kirk's murder. The call is chaired by newly appointed Turning Point USA boss Erika, who can be heard congratulating staff for their hard work on her late husband's memorial service, which she describes, while at times giggling, as 'an event of the century.' 'I think we're at like 200,000 for merch sales. Don't quote me on that, because I think it just keeps bumping up like crazy,' she says, noting the event which was held at a stadium in Arizona brought in 300,000 new donors and 50,000 'new hat orders'. 'It's weird to say I'm excited. I really hesitate saying that. It's really hard for me to say that. It's a really weird thing to say,' she continues. 'But I think it comes from a space of peace knowing that God is using this and we're humbly witnessing the gospel in real time.' Owens who has expended much of her energy in recent months spreading obscene conspiracy theories about the assassination of her former friend suggested Kirk seems emotionally unfazed by her husband's death in the call, saying: 'In my imagination, I just thought that she would be more upset. All of that, all of this makes my skin crawl. It genuinely makes my skin crawl.' The Daily Mail has spoken with several experts on grief and so-called 'grief policing' about the recent obsession many Americans have developed with Kirk's behavior as a new widow. And, as her critics will likely be disappointed to learn, those experts say judgments about Kirk reveal less about her 'true' state of mind and much more about a broader, national discomfort with death especially the kind of violent, widely broadcast killing that took her husband down. Join the debate Is Erika Kirk being unfairly grief-policed or inviting scrutiny herself? Erika became a widowed mother-of-two after her husband Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10 last year The two had been married for four years at the time of Kirk's shocking murder 'It reflects our mourning-avoidant, emotion-phobic culture where people tend to make all sorts of quick, uninformed judgments about how people are "supposed" to grieve,' Dr Alan Wolfelt, a Colorado-based death educator and grief counselor, told the Daily Mail. Criticism of Kirk began almost immediately after her husband's assassination on September 10 last year, with some eyebrows being raised over the swiftness with which she had been able to launch into political activism so soon after his death. Others were put off by an apparent anger in her remarks on September 13, when she said: 'You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.' Others questioned the wisdom of her not leveling with her children about their father's death. She instead initially told them: 'Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus.' But grief experts say hers was a common mistake families make with young children. 'People get really scared about how to talk to their kids about death,' said Claire Bidwell Smith, a Los Angeles-based grief therapist and author. 'Often they do it wrong, not talking about it in plain terms, but using a lot of euphemisms that are really confusing.' The social media firestorm only really kicked off when, still in the early days after the shooting, Kirk posted Instagram images of herself draped over her husband's open casket and holding his embalmed hand. Some commenters thought the pictures gratutious. She was criticized heavily for sharing images of her late husband, including photos showing her holding his hand in an open casket Even Erika's fashion - which regularly includes sequined pantsuits - has been picked apart by critics who say it clashes with expectations of widowhood Things stepped up further still on September 18, eight days after the assassination, when Turning Point USA officially announced Kirk's appointment as CEO of the group her husband had founded in 2012. Some speculated that it was too soon to make such an appointment and too early for Kirk, now a single mother of a one and three-year-old, to accept it. Others said the former Miss Arizona USA wasn't qualified for the job. At the September 21 memorial service, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Kirk used her eulogy to directly address Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Southern Utah student accused of killing her husband. 'That young man, I forgive him because it was what Christ did and what Charlie would do... The answer to hate is not hate love for our enemies,' she said, dressed in all white, her hands decorated with large gold rings. Her supporters praised those comments as an act of incredible grace in the face of senseless violence. But scores of online critics cruelly mocked her facial expressions, and the tone and delivery of her remarks, describing them as overly theatrical. Others accused her of moral grandstanding and being ingenuine. Ever since, similar judgements have continued to swirl about Kirk's many subsequent high-profile media engagements which have included multiple major interviews and town halls to discuss her grief, her views on American politics and even her endorsement for a Republican presidential candidate in 2028 (Vice President JD Vance). Some online critics have suggested that, during these many TV appearances, Kirk's eyes seem dry even as she dabbing them with tissues. 'She's lying. I'll prove it,' says YouTuber Nadia Asencio, whose account bio welcomes viewers to 'a non-partisan channel dedicated to cutting through noise, narratives, and emotional manipulation.' 'I can tell you that any trained actor can see right through Erika Kirk,' Asencio says. During her speech at her husband's memorial held in September, she drew both praise and mockery after publicly forgiving the man accused of killing Charlie At one point during the memorial, while flanked by President Trump, Erika threw up what some called a 'devil horn' hand gesture on stage, for which she was also criticized Some have also taken aim at Kirk's wardrobe describing sequins and leather pants as inappropriate for a grieving widow while others have scrutinized her apparent predilection for those on-stage fireworks. And then there was that prolonged hug she gave JD Vance at a Turning Point event late last year. The embrace sparked viral videos and unsubstantiated internet gossip about a possible romantic connection. Critics opined that Kirk's behavior was in poor taste for a woman so recently widowed. But Vance is, of course, a married man now expecting a fourth child. There has also been focus on Kirk's personal profit in the wake of her husband's killing. Part of her rising wealth comes not only from his life insurance policy and other inherited business ventures, but also from private donations to her and her children, which reportedly have totaled around $10 million. She is also now cashing in on her husband's royalties, including from his 'last' book which she has been on tour promoting. Some have highlighted an apparent contradiction here between Kirk's life as the new CEO of a large organization and her public, conservative urging of young women not to prioritize their careers and instead start a family as soon as possible. The experts the Daily Mail spoke to were quick to note that Kirk has been an easy target for people who don't share her or her late husband's staunch political or religious views. There is, they say, also an aspect of sexism at play. In October, a prolonged hug between Erika and Vice President JD Vance at a Turning Point event fueled baseless online speculation Since Charlie's death, Erika Kirk has given multiple national interviews discussing grief, faith, and politics She has been promoting her husband's 'last' book (seen here on the Sean Hannity Show in December) Criticisms of Kirk as angry or confrontational even when responding to preposterous conspiracies about her husband's killing are particularly 'gendered'. Nobody would criticize a man for lashing back under such circumstances, the experts say. 'Widows are uniquely grief-policed their appearance, their tone and behavior,' said LA grief therapist Bidwell Smith. 'There's this cultural belief that a good widow should look really collapsed and devastated. But grief is not a performance and survival is not a moral failure.' When grieving people 'hyper-function', as Kirk has appeared to do, 'people throw a lot of negative judgment on that, thinking they feel nothing when, internally, privately, they may be collapsing and not really show it,' Bidwell Smith added. Dr Wolfelt similarly suspects that Kirk's vigor her insistence on getting up, getting dressed, putting on makeup and fighting for something she believes in every day is a classic emotional survival tactic. Kirk's awkward public appearances, the potentially over-dramatic performances, don't necessarily reflect what she is experiencing inwardly, Wolfelt says. 'There was a lot of pressure on her very fast to appear in public when she likely was experiencing psychic numbing and shock,' he added. 'It's very likely that what she knew in her head that her husband was assassinated hadn't caught up with her heart. It's also likely that it could take her months, if not longer, for the tragedy to really sink in for her.' Erika made headlines after interviewing surprise - and controversial guest - rapper Nicki Minaj at AmericaFest last month Experts also highlighted criticisms of her angry, confrontational responses to conspiracy theories about her husband's killing as an example of sexism Experts also say Erika's high-functioning, hyper-public approach to mourning is a survival tactic When the shock of the assassination subsides, Kirk may have much to teach the public about grieving. The more people to discuss the often taboo issue, demystifying it, the better, experts say. Fully aware that scores of Americans have been picking apart her grief online, Kirk addressed the unpredictability of mourning on Instagram. 'There is no linear blueprint for grief,' she wrote in October. 'One day you're collapsed on the floor crying out the name Jesus in between labored breaths. The next you're playing with your children in the living room, surrounded by family photos, and feeling a rush of something you can only attempt to define as divinely planted and bittersweet joy as a smile breaks through on your face.' Neither Erika Kirk nor Turning Point US responded to the Daily Mail's requests for comment. As the dust settles on the dramatic ousting of Nicolas Maduro, a highstakes battle for the soul of Venezuela has emerged between two formidable women one a Nobel Peace Prizewinning 'Iron Lady' and the other a 'cagey' regime stalwart nicknamed 'The Tiger.' In one corner stands Maria Corina Machado, 58, the eliteborn industrial engineer and mother of three who has spent decades as the courageous face of the opposition, only to find herself sidelined by Donald Trump. In the other is the designerfashionloving Delcy Rodriguez, 56, the daughter of a Marxist martyr who rose through the ranks as what one diplomat dubs 'Maduro's ultimate schemer and manipulator.' While Machado is hailed by supporters as a 'Paladin of righteousness' seeking to restore democracy, Rodriguez, branded by her rival as an 'architect of torture,' has pulled off the ultimate political pivot, winning over the White House to be sworn in as interim president while her former boss languishes in a New York jail. The White House confirms that Rodriguez is now expected to travel to Washington 'soon.' The visit, a former state department official explains, is designed to provide a seal of approval a formal 'blessing' of her interim presidency that stands in stark contrast to the cold shoulder given to Machado. On Thursday, President Trump said he spoke with Rodriguez by phone, announcing that Americans will be able to visit Venezuela and that the airspace will be open to US planes as well. It marked the latest indication or Rodriguez's staying power with the Trump White House. The speed of Rodriguez's US-friendly transformation has left seasoned diplomats stunned. According to one source familiar with the transition, the 'Tiger' knew exactly when to stop growling. Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on January 14, that her country was looking to 'a new political era' after the January 3 ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado greets supporters outside the White House following a meeting with President Donald Trump 'After about 24 hours of consideration, when basically Trump said, 'You're my b**** now,' she pivoted,' a diplomat who spent seven years at the embassy in Caracas revealed. 'She said, 'Great. I want to collaborate. I want to build peace and prosperity... It's a wellworn path for the Rodriguez's whenever their backs are against the wall, they want to dialogue,' the diplomat added. While Rodriguez publicly claims to 'detest the West,' those who knew her during her years at the University of London recall a woman practicing a strange, performative radicalism. US Diplomat Brett Bruen recalls a bizarre morning ritual in London: Rodriguez would pick up her tube of toothpaste and berate it as a 'capitalist product' before using it. 'She is a tried and true socialist,' Bruen says. 'But as with any regime, the first priority is survival.' When US forces launched Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3 to capture Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez was reportedly positioned safely on Margarita Island, away from the immediate chaos of the Caracas raids. Her initial public reaction was a fiery, scripted condemnation of 'Yankee imperialism,' but her following actions told a different story. Less than 24 hours later, with footage of her boss in a Brooklyn jail cell broadcasting across the globe, she sent a backchannel signal through diplomatic intermediaries to the White House, indicating she was ready to cooperate with the transition. Since then, Rodriguez has been governing with a ruthlessly pragmatic hand. Gone is the revolutionary rhetoric; in its place is a message of 'order and stability' aimed at pacifying Maduro's terrified base while quietly assuring American oil executives that the pumps will stay on. Delcy Rodriguez and partner Yussef Abou Nassif Smaili, a businessman of Lebanese descent. He is reportedly 15-years younger than Rodriguez Machado gestures as she leaves the U.S. Capitol following a meeting with U.S. senators Machado waves a national flag during a protest called by the opposition on the eve of the presidential inauguration in Caracas on January 9 A source inside Venezuela tells the Daily Mail the mood among ordinary people is one of anxiety as they anticipate what comes next. But behind the European flair and what one diplomat calls an 'urbane' persona lies a mind described by insiders as a 'rapidly running supercomputer.' 'She's a hardcore ideologue, but she's calculating the entire way,' the diplomatic source says. 'You just get the sense she's running through permutations. She's a schemer, a manipulator. I wouldn't run to the bank to cash any check she signs. She is as bad as the other guy [Maduro],' the same diplomat very familiar with Venezuela explained. Insiders suggest her power is bolstered by a 'smart' husband with deep Middle Eastern ties. Yussef Abou Nassif Smaili, a businessman of Lebanese descent, operates in the shadows of the regime's finances effectively a tie between Venezuela and Iran's proxies destabilizing the wider middle east. 'He has a very tight relationship with the network of finance,' a university contemporary familiar with Rodriguez told the Daily Mail. 'Isla Margarita is full of these guys from Iran... if she has to move something, her husband makes the move.' Diplomats say the contrast with Machado couldn't be more stark. While Machado is a 'hero of the opposition' who recently accepted then delivered her Nobel Peace Prize into Trump's arms, her 'righteousness' appears to have still cost her the presidency. Rodriguez attends a ceremony honoring Venezuelan and Cuban military and security personnel who died during a U.S. operation to capture Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores Her fall from grace in Trump's orbit was accelerated by her clashes with Ric Grenell, Trump's envoy. Sources say Grenell, who visited Caracas for secret talks before the ouster, found Machado 'inflexible.' At the time, Grenell was still advocating for a 'different relationship' with Venezuela's dictator. 'Maria Machado refused to meet with him,' a US diplomat who worked with Grenell explained. 'We heard she did not want to deal with him, and did not like what he stood for.' The US diplomat familiar with their botched meeting told the Daily Mail that Machado's reluctance to deal with Grenell came partly from a mix of 'arrogance and inflexibility.' In the same vein Trump, seeking 'peace through business' and the swift extraction of Venezuelan oil, reportedly finds Machado 'difficult' and 'too strong,' according to our diplomatic source who served significant time at the embassy in Venezuela. 'For Trump, dealing with Delcy is calculated,' explains the diplomatic insider. 'He thinks it's easier to deal with Delcy than Machado. He doesn't like strong women like Maria Corina. He doesn't care about democracy or human rights, he's trying to pursue business.' Machado now faces a dwindling political halflife. 'The community is solid behind her,' Representative Carlos Gimenez, a key voice on Venezuela, told the Daily Mail, 'She has the respect of the people. If you had an election tomorrow, she'd win.' Machado speaks with members of the press after meeting with members of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Machado speaks to reporters alongside U.S. Reps. Mario Balart and Carlos Gimenez after a closed door meeting with GOP lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol building Yet, others are less charitable, describing Machado as a 'complicated' outlier who 'pisses people off' if they don't share her exact vision. 'She was the true Paladin who is going to restore democracy, not negotiate,' says the senior diplomat who served time in Venezuela. 'But quite frankly, she all but endorsed military action.' Machado is currently in Washington D.C., working the halls of Congress and the White House during her recent visit, widening the rift with the White House by publicly opposing Trump's mass deportation plans. In meetings on Capitol Hill, she warned reporters that the interim government under Rodriguez remains unsafe for returnees and that Maduro's number two is still arresting those who supported the U.S. operation a direct contradiction of the 'mission accomplished' narrative coming from President Trump. The bottom line, a diplomat familiar with both women says for Trump, it's not personal, it's business. 'For Trump, dealing with Delcy is calculated. He thinks it is easier to deal with Delcy than it is with Machado. Kind of on a personality basis. He also doesn't like strong women like Machado. More importantly, though, I think what he's decided is he doesn't want to focus on democracy and human rights. He's trying to basically pursue peace through business.' Furious residents in a quaint northern village have apparently taken drastic action to try to stop a mammoth housing development going ahead. With its picturesque surroundings and quick transport connections to Manchester, Littleborough has long been mooted as one of the best-kept secrets in Greater Manchester. But the small village nestled among the rolling hills of the Pennines risks being overwhelmed by a number of large-scale housing developments which residents claim would worsen the congested roads and cause further problems for local health and education infrastructure which is already on the brink of capacity. The most controversial of the new housing projects is the 309 homes set to be built by Bloor Homes on former greenbelt land next to Hollingworth Lake - Littleborough's most beloved landmark. Members of the public booed a planning committee meeting at Rochdale Council where the development was approved and over 1,000 objection letters were sent into the council. But it would appear some residents have decided to take more dramatic actions to try and scupper the project. Last month, just days before Christmas, an unknown assailant released a pair of horses onto the field. In response, Bloor Homes erected a sign warning that the horses running loose on the land would be 'removed by other means' if they weren't taken away within 96 hours. The most controversial of the new housing projects in Littleborough is the 309 homes set to be built by Bloor Homes (pictured) on former greenbelt land next to Hollingworth Lake Last month, just days before Christmas, an unknown assailant released a pair of horses onto the field in apparent attempt to scupper the homes being built After four days, the horses were still roaming in the field and the owners had not returned. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bloor Homes has revealed that after the company failed to locate the horses' owners, they were handed to the RSPCA. A spokesperson said: 'Two ponies/horses were placed on Bloor Homes land without permission. Staff were concerned for the welfare of the animals and made attempts to locate the owners, without success. 'Bloor Homes then contacted World Horse Welfare who advised to erect the signage. They also advised on the wording. 'With adverse weather conditions forecast at the end of December and increasing concern for the animals, they were taken into the care of the RSPCA.' According to the RSPCA, the horses are now in their care and are 'doing well' but bizarrely, their owners have still not come forward. A spokesperson said: 'With the support of Bloor Homes, two ponies, both of whom were in poor condition, were removed from the site last month. They are now doing well in RSPCA care.' While most residents have not taken as extreme action as the owner of the horses, the new housing development remains unpopular with much of the population of Littleborough. In response, Bloor Homes erected a sign warning that the horses running loose on the land would be 'removed by other means' if they weren't taken away within 96 hours. After four days the horses were still roaming in the field and the owners had not returned The owners of the horses has not come forward the the animals are now in the care of the RSPCA Road access is of particular concern for many. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ann and Andrew Bowker said: 'There is only one road in and one road out. 'A lot of roadworks come on these roads and it jams up continuously. There is already a housing estate being built, and okay they're nice, but you're going to have one hell of an estate when they come together.' At a council meeting earlier this month, another large 199 housing development in the Smithy Bridge area of Littleborough was also approved. More than 300 people wrote in objection to the homes which are to the direct southwest of the Bloor Homes site. Once again, the congested roads into the village were raised as an issue. Resident Matt Hargreaves told the planning committee: 'The roads are already substantially over capacity. They are adding hours to people's days and this is going to make it worse. 'The traffic is wrecking people's lives, every single day.' A relief road which would link Littleborough to the Rochdale Bypass has been proposed alongside this latest housing development to fix the traffic congestion. But local councillors questioned if this will effectively tackle the problem with Reform UK councillor John Taylor calling it 'the road to nowhere' adding that it wont be effective until it is 100 per cent complete. Labour's Richard Jackson said that without the commitment to build the relief road, nothing will ever change and that residents will suffer more misery and longer queues. Despite the opposition from councillors and nearby residents, Rochdale Council said their 'hands were tied on this application and voted to approve it. In similar scenes to last year, the vote was met with jeers from residents watching the meeting. Two London NHS trusts spent nearly 350,000 on colourful signs in the middle of the pandemic while thousands of patients died with Covid in their hospitals. The self-congratulatory signs cost a combined total of 345,142.41 and were put up as part of a recruitment push by King's College NHS Trust and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust in November 2021, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request lodged by the Daily Mail revealed. While these signs were being prepared and installed, 1,625 patients died with Covid at King's College Trust hospitals from the beginning of the pandemic until March 2023, official government data shows. King's College Hospital also had 735million of debt written off by the government in 2020 just before the pandemic, after its finances were in a 'precarious state', Mrs Hayes told the Commons in December 2021. John O'Connell, CEO of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: 'This is a shocking example of how warped spending priorities became during the pandemic, with taxpayers' money diverted into vanity projects while frontline care was under immense strain. 'Nearly 400,000 on decorative "thank you" signs is impossible to justify when hospitals were overwhelmed, and lives were being lost. 'Episodes like this underline why the NHS needs far stronger scrutiny and accountability over how money is spent, to ensure limited resources are directed to patient care rather than wasteful, box-ticking gestures.' The signs line the street on both sides in block colour for 250 metres outside King's College Hospital along Denmark Hill, Camberwell. They have also been put up inside King's College Hospital as well as the other King's College Trust Hospitals - Princess Royal University Hospital and Orpington Hospital. The signs cost the NHS trusts 345,142.41 in total and were put up at three King's College Hospital sites and at Maudsley Hospital The boards stretch the 250-metre length of Denmark Hill outside King's College Hospital and Maudsley Hospital There were 300 pieces of artwork and 18 installations across the three King's College Trust sites, designers People Scout said Life-saving ventilators used to battle deadly Covid cost around 18,300 each, according to National Audit Office figures, meaning the 345,000 price tag for the signs could have bought 18 ventilators instead. Covid patients stay on ventilators on average for about 8-10 days, ventilator specialist Better Option said. This means, over the two years of the pandemic, these 18 ventilators could have been used on 1,310 patients - almost as many as those who died at King's College Trust hospitals. King's College Trust led the campaign and spent 338,694.40 for one side of the street and the inside of their hospitals to be covered, while South London and Maudsley Trust used the same campaign material, so spent only 6,448.01. King's College Trust doubled down on their defence of the massive public spending, with a spokesperson saying: 'Our Big Thank You campaign recognised the extraordinary dedication of hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The same campaign materials were also used to support recruitment efforts at the Trust.' The Trust's FOI officer said that the signs 'contributed to both staff morale and recruitment during that difficult period'. They continued: 'The signs helped fill a significant number of vacancies in the Trust at that time and won awards for recruitment advertising.' There were 300 pieces of artwork and 18 installations across the three King's College Trust sites, according to People Scout, who were commissioned to make the signs for the Trust. The 'Big Thank You' campaign also received a refresh about a year after the signs were installed with more photos being taken of staff and published digitally. King's College Trust said the cost of this refresh was included in the above costings. John O'Connell (pictured), CEO of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: 'Nearly 400,000 on decorative "thank you" signs is impossible to justify when hospitals were overwhelmed, and lives were being lost' The 345,000 price tag of these signs was the equivalent cost of 18 life saving ventilators for Covid patients Around 1,300 patients could have used 18 ventilators during the course of the two-year pandemic, according to average figures Both King's College and South London and Maudsely Trusts defended their massive public spending on the signs In total, there were 13,159 thank yous sent to staff, People Scout said. The South London and Maudsley Trust claimed that the signage, which is identical to that made by People Scout for King's College Trust, was 'designed, manufactured, and installed primarily in-house by the Trust's Estates and Facilities Department' in their FOI response. A spokesperson said: 'The Big Thank You recruitment campaign was led by King's College London NHS Foundation Trust during 2020 to help recognise the extraordinary dedication of hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The same campaign materials were also used to support recruitment efforts at the Trust. 'South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust was proud to support this campaign six years ago recognising our extraordinary mental health staff who went above and beyond during the pandemic.' Australians are being urged to check their superannuation accounts amid fears thousands may be caught up in the collapse of two major investment funds - without even realising their retirement savings have gone. First Guardian and Shield Master went under in May 2024 owing about $1.2billion, with more than 12,000 investors believed to have been affected. Yet only 1,860 complaints have been lodged with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, sparking concerns many people may not realise their money is missing. ASIC alleges First Guardian director David Anderson, 46, siphoned millions of dollars from the fund into his personal ANZ bank account ASIC also alleges Anderson moved $274million offshore after learning he was under investigation. Before the fund went under, he purchased a $9million mansion in Melbournes Hawthorn. Fellow director Simon Selimaj, 63, had a $548,000 Lamborghini Urus registered in his name, which is alleged to have been bought using money from the fund. Liquidators say just $1.6million has so far been recovered from the $1.2billion collapse. First Guardian victim Melinda Kee (pictured) lost $360,000 in retirement savings and is urging people to check their super accounts before it's too late to file a complaint David Anderson, 46, a director of the First Guardian fund, is accused by ASIC of siphoning millions of dollars into his personal ANZ bank account and shifting money overseas after the corporate regulator launched an investigation into his business affairs When First Guardian went under, Melinda Kee saw $360,000 of her retirement savings vanish. Now, as an administrator for Save Our Super, she is urging others affected by the collapse to lodge complaints with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, warning it is often the key step toward securing compensation. She warned AFCA deadlines are strict, and missing the cut-off could mean losing the right to seek compensation through the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, a government initiative that provides up to $150,000 for consumers with unpaid financial misconduct claims. 'While 1,860 complaints may seem significant, the figure is misleading because many investors have lodged multiple complaints against different entities,' Ms Kee told Daily Mail Australia. 'In reality, fewer than 1,000 individuals have come forward. The true scale of the crisis is likely far worse, with many people still unaware their retirement savings are either frozen or gone.' While investigations into the collapse continue, attention has also turned to the financial platforms that made the funds available to investors. For some affected Australians, that scrutiny has already led to compensation, with more than 1,000 people who invested in First Guardian via fintech platform Netwealth set to share in $100 million following the fund's collapse. Under a court-enforceable undertaking, Netwealth has agreed to repay affected members 100 per cent of what they invested in First Guardian, minus any withdrawals already made, with payments due by January 30. Just $1.6 million has been recovered from the $1.2 billion First Guardian collapse, and many investors still dont know their retirement savings could be gone. In a statement of agreed facts, Netwealth admitted to the financial regulator that it failed to adequately assess or understand the risks before making First Guardian available to clients on its platform. Netwealth chairman Michael Wachtel said repaying affected members promptly had been the company's top priority. 'It became clear that the only way to restore members in a timely manner was to reach an agreement with ASIC under which Netwealth would fund the compensation to affected members,' he said. Macquarie Group also made a similar agreement, with $321 million to be paid to about 3,000 people who invested in Shield through its platform. But despite those two groups stepping in to compensate victims, Ms Kee said thousands of investors may be unaware their financial advisers placed their retirement savings into the funds. 'How do you warn people they are running out of time if they don't check their super or worse, don't realise their adviser placed their money into one of these funds?' she said. 'If you miss the deadline to complain to AFCA, there will be no second chance.' First Guardian victim Peter, who is using a pseudonym, said a financial adviser persuaded him to shift his super onto a platform and invest more than $440,000 in First Guardian. 'The financial adviser told me that I only have a few years to go until retirement and it's better I move into a higher growth account, so I thought he knows what he is talking about and went with what he suggested,' Peter said. At 64, after more than two decades working in the mining industry, Peter was preparing to retire. 'I was hoping I would be able to retire with a comfortable income,' he said. 'But because of the situation I'm in now, I'm scared I might have to work another 20-odd years to get enough money to survive on, or until I drop.' He is now pinning his hopes on the liquidators' work and his complaint to AFCA. Ms Kee said she has spent countless evenings speaking with victims, including one person who was contemplating suicide. 'I hear the same story repeatedly, shock, confusion, shame and despair when people realise their retirement savings are frozen or gone,' she said. 'One woman told me she coped better when her home burned down in a bushfire than when she discovered her super had vanished. 'This is not an abstract policy failure. It is human devastation.' Ms Kee said she has repeatedly brought the issue of 'missing investors' to the attention of key regulators. 'This is not about apportioning blame after the fact. It is about preventing a second injustice, one created not by fraud, but by inaction, poor communication and missed deadlines. 'Check your super. Tell your parents. Tell your friends. And if government agencies know where these investors are, they must stop waiting for them to stumble forward alone.' New images show the incredible devastation caused after a 2.5-mile landslide hit a town in Sicily, forcing the evacuation of 1,500 people and leaving houses teetering on the edge of a cliff. Photos show homes in Niscemi, a town in the southern part of the island, overhanging a precipice after large sections of the slope gave way on Sunday. In newly released images, a narrow vertical section of the cliff can be seen falling away, while huge piles of debris appear on the ground below. Other images show the collapsed roof of a house, with bricks and rubble scattered around it. A separate picture from the devastation shows a car which was left with its front poking into the chasm. The Sicilian town, which has a population of about 25,000, sits on a plateau that authorities say is gradually collapsing toward the plain below. Land has continued to give way due to rain that has soaked the area in recent days, said Niscemi Mayor Massimiliano Conti, who called the situation 'dire.' Photos show homes overhanging a precipice following a landslide in the Sicilian town of Niscemi Aerial view shows widespread devastation and debris in the town of Niscemi following a landslide, with Picture shows the collapsed roof of a house, with bricks and rubble scattered around it, following a landslide in southern Sicily 'The situation continues to worsen because further collapses have been recorded,' he told reporters on Monday. Conti said local authorities were working with police, fire and civil protection units to assess the next steps, including the resumption of school, which was cancelled on Monday. No deaths or injuries were reported following the landslide. Italy's civil protection unit said all residents in a four-kilometre radius of the landslide had been evacuated, while several inhabitants will have to be permanently relocated. 'Let's be clear: there are homes on the edge of the landslide that are uninhabitable,' the civil protection head Fabio Ciciliano told reporters. 'Once the water has drained away and the moving section has stopped or slowed, a more accurate assessment will be made ...The landslide is still active,' he added. Ciciliano also said that the hill Niscemi lies on is sliding towards the plain where the city of Gela is based. 'The whole hill is falling onto the Gela plain,' he said. Homes perched along a landslide slope show severe structural damage, with a car left stranded at the edge of the collapsed ground on January 27, 2026 in Niscemi, Italy. he landslide front runs beneath homes, leaving entire blocks hanging over the edge of the collapse on January 27, 2026 A drone picture shows houses teetering along the edge of a cliff after a landslide in Niscemi, Sicily, Italy, January 27, 2026 'There are homes that can no longer be saved and it will be necessary to define a plan for the definitive relocation of the people who lived there'. Speaking to local news outlet Leggo, Italian geologist Mario Tozzi blamed heavy rainfall for the landslip and said factors such as climate change had had an effect, explaining that it 'amplifies existing natural events, making them more violent, more frequent, and more damaging. 'It's a risk multiplier,' he said. Tozzi also said the disaster could have been avoided, saying: 'There was already a red zone, some houses should have been demolished, but for years nothing was done to remedy a well-known situation.' The geologist added that 'the lack of land-use planning, the tolerance of construction in dangerous areas, illegal building, and amnesties' were all factors that contributed to the landslide, highlighting that: 'We have built too much and poorly on a fragile landscape.' Coastal areas of Sicily were hit last week by Storm Harry, damaging seaside roads and residences. According to the ANSA news agency, heavy rainfall in the region worsened ground conditions and contributed to the landslide. The region's president, Renato Schifani, estimated the cost of the damage cost at 740 million euros. It is believed heavy rainfall in the region worsened ground conditions and contributed to the landslide On Monday, the Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared a state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria, the three southern regions battered by the violent storm last week. Extreme weather events have become more frequent in Italy in recent years. Floods have devastated cities across the country, killing dozens of people and amplifying risks of landslides and floods also in historically less exposed areas. The administration set aside 100 million euros for the initial needs of the areas worst hit by the recent storm. But local authorities estimate damage at over 1 billion euros after powerful winds and waves pushed the sea inland, overwhelming coastal defences, destroying homes and businesses. In Niscemi, the sudden evacuations have fuelled anxiety and anger among residents, some of whom say earlier landslides went unaddressed. 'I have been told that I have to leave, even though I don't have anything (collapse) in the house or underneath,' Francesco Zarba said. 'We had the first landslide 30 years ago, and no one ever did anything.' The man accused of squirting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with a syringe is a MAGA faithful with progressive children and a lengthy rap sheet, the Daily Mail can reveal. Anthony 'Andy' Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested for third-degree assault Tuesday after he allegedly attacked Omar at the podium during a town hall in Minneapolis as she called for the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency. But the alleged assault is not Kazmierczak's first run-in with the law. The Minnesota native has a criminal history dating back to the late 1980s that includes a slew of convictions including motor vehicle theft and six instances of drunk driving, records show. Kazmierczak was previously charged with a disturbance over his barking dog and a slew of traffic violations including reckless driving, speeding, and driving through or around a highway barricade. Alongside his legal issues, Kazmierczak has seemingly struggled financially. He filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2004 and again in 2017, court filings showed. His most recent petition cited a debt of more than $95,000 owed to 24 creditors including banks, credit card companies, tax authorities, medical clinics and more. He has Parkinson's Disease and was in a car crash a few years ago that damaged his spine, a neighbor claimed. The accident allegedly left him 'heavily medicated' and unable to do much physically. It's unclear if Kazmierczak was employed at the time of alleged assault. His Facebook profile states that he worked as a 'phone company business consultant' for 22 years, though other records indicate a career in the engineering field. His social media accounts, however, show no suggestion of active employment and are instead flooded with posts featuring his dogs and two children, who identify as queer and transgender. Anthony 'Andy' Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested for third-degree assault Tuesday after he allegedly attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar. Kazmierczak is seen holding his dog, Laura Kazmierczak has two queer children, seen with him at a family funeral in December 2021 Kazmierczak is pulled away by security after he allegedly used a syringe to squirt a strong, vinegar-like-smelling liquid at Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall Tuesday night Kazmierczak has two children, a daughter Drew, 22, and 20-year-old transgender son Toby, who was born female and originally called Katya. The father-of-two often shares childhood photographs of his children on social media, highlighting some of his favorite memories from their youth. He appeared to be in somewhat regular contact with his children. Kazmierczak posted a photo of the pair last September that appeared to be taken at Toby's high school graduation. Public records indicate Toby graduated in 2024. Drew works as a hairstylist at a salon in Minnesota and has highlighted on her professional Instagram that she is queer and uses the pronouns 'she/they'. She has styled Toby's hair on several occasions, her posts reveal, and exclusively calls him by his new name. Kazmierczak referred to Toby as his daughter and used his female birth name in a post from 2021. It is unclear when Toby transitioned to male. Drew graduated from Eden Prairie High School in 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile. As a freshman, she participated in a protest against gun violence at her school that was organized after 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Join the debate Does the attackers troubled history change how we should judge his actions against Ilhan Omar? The father-of-two often shares childhood photographs of his daughter Drew (left) and transgender son Toby (right) on social media The demonstration was part of the nationwide National School Walkout campaign and held exactly one month after the February 14, 2017 shooting. Drew, at the time, told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press that she was protesting because she felt the elected politicians were not addressing the needs of their constituents. Trump was serving his first presidential term at the time. 'That is why students are self-organizing and giving themselves the chance to tell their stories about the subject that so many politicians are avoiding. Students recognize that there is not just one solution to any problem,' she told the newspaper. 'We recognize our community has to work together to solve problems, including gun violence. Schools should not feel like prisons, they should be warm and safe places to learn.' She also hit out at suggestions that teachers should carry weapons, adding that the 'solution [to gun violence] is not arming my history teacher who can barely work the projector.' Unlike his children, Kazmierczak is a conservative Trump supporter. He previously posted comments on social media criticizing Omar and other Democrats. In 2022, he compared then-President Joe Biden to the Looney Tunes character Elmer Fudd and penned a sarcastic post saying: 'We're all too stupid to realize Biden and [Nancy] Pelosi's "Greatness".' He blamed Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison for the for 'rampant crime' in his home state and called for his resignation. Your browser does not support iframes. Kazmierczak (left) went to a shooting range with friends in December 2021. His daughter Drew (not pictured) protested gun violence in high school In one Facebook post, Kazmierczak added an Israeli flag to a photograph of his dog, suggesting he backed Israel in its war in Gaza More recently, he made several posts supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia and branded Vladimir Putin as an 'evil leader'. He also added an Israeli flag to a photograph of his dog, suggesting he backed Israel in its war in Gaza. He also shared a photograph of Trump at a Turning Point USA event after Charlie Kirk's assassination in September last year. A few days later, he posted a picture of Trump embracing the activist's widow Erika Kirk. His neighbor Brian Kelley confirmed his political affiliation in an interview with the New York Post. Kelley said Kazmierczak was a Trump fan who 'doesn't like Omar.' On his Facebook profile, Kazmierczak describes himself as an 'empty nester looking to enjoy retirement and 2nd half of my adventure'. Records show that he has been married and divorced twice. He currently lives alone in a rented house in Minneapolis, suggesting he does not have a serious partner at the moment. Kelley revealed how Kazmierczak warned that he 'might get arrested' at Omar's Minneapolis town hall in a text sent ahead of the event. The neighbor claimed Kazmierczak said he was 'going to this Omar thing' and asked him to watch his dog. 'He said, "I might get arrested,"' Kelley told the Post. 'I figured it was nonsense. He wasn't going to do anything stupid.' Kazmierczak, 55, was charged with third-degree assault and is being held in custody Omar appeared ready to confront Kazmierczak before he was dragged away as she mutters: 'F**king a**hole.' Kazmierczak is subdued after attempting to attack Rep. Ilhan Omar Kelley agreed to walk the dog but said Kazmierczak ended up canceling the arrangement, claiming he 'got it covered'. Kazmierczak allegedly attacked Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis, where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have come to a head after agents fatally shot two protesters this month. Omar had just called for the abolition of ICE and for Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment seconds beforehand. Calls are mounting on Capitol Hill for the Homeland Security Secretary to step down after the deaths of Renee Nicole Goode and Alex Pretti, both 37. Few Republicans have risen to her defense. 'ICE cannot be reformed,' Omar said, seconds before the attack. 'DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.' Kazmierczak is accused of running toward Omar and spraying a light brown substance at her from a syringe. Witnesses said there was a strong, vinegar-like smell from it. He then told Omar to resign and claimed she's 'tearing Minnesota apart' before being dragged away by security guards. Police immediately arrested Kazmierczak and booked him at the county jail for third-degree assault. Omar continued speaking for about 25 more minutes after the man was ushered out by security, saying she would not be intimidated Kelley was shocked by the incident, adding that he never imagined Kazmierczak was the type of person who would assault someone. The town hall audience cheered as Kazmierczak was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. Omar appeared ready to confront her alleged attacker before he was dragged away as she muttered: 'F***ing a**hole.' Omar continued speaking for about 25 more minutes after the man was ushered out by security, saying she would not be intimidated. Walking out afterward, Omar said she felt a little flustered but was not hurt. She was going to be screened by a medical team. She later posted on the social platform X: 'I'm ok. I'm a survivor so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win.' Trump has since commented on the incident, calling Omar 'a fraud' and suggesting she faked the syringe spray attack. 'No. I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud. I really don't think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her,' the President told ABC News when he asked if he'd watched the clip. He reiterated that he had not seen the video and added: 'I hope I don't have to bother.' The Daily Mail approached Omar for comment on Trump's remarks. This is the moment double murderer Colin Howell's second wife told police he had confessed to her - without mentioning she had known about the killings for ten years. Howell, 65, and his former lover Hazel Stewart, 62, murdered their respective spouses Lesley Howell, 31, and police officer Trevor Buchanan, 32, in May 1991. He first told his second wife Kyle Jorgensen in 1998 that he had killed both victims, who were found in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, County Londonderry. But Howell convinced Ms Jorgensen to stay quiet and covered it up as a double suicide - having five children with her while she kept his crimes secret for a decade. The respected dentist eventually confessed the murders to elders in his church and then police in January 2009. He was imprisoned for at least 21 years in 2010. He also implicated former Sunday school teacher Stewart and she was jailed for at least 18 years in 2011. Stewart was told last July that she cannot appeal the sentence. Howell was also imprisoned in 2011 for five-and-a-half years for indecent assaults on five female patients, although this ran concurrent to the sentence for murder. Now, a new episode of 'Confessions of a Killer' on BBC Two this Sunday reveals footage of Ms Jorgensen speaking to detectives just hours after Howell's arrest. Double murderer Colin Howell with his second wife Kyle Jorgensen, whom he married in 1997 Kyle Jorgensen speaks to police in January 2009 following Howell's confession to detectives Colin Howell convinced Kyle Jorgensen (pictured) to stay quiet about the deaths for a decade Jilly Beattie, a journalist who has followed the case for years, tells the BBC series that Kyle Jorgensen neglected to tell police in the 2009 interview about her husband's 1998 admission Colin Howell and his wife Lesley (pictured together) shared four children when he killed her An officer asks her to introduce herself at the start of the interview on January 29, 2009 at 8.30pm, and she replies: 'I'm Kyle Jorgenson Howell, wife of Colin Howell.' The officer then tells her: 'The reason that we're coming here today is that it's come to our attention today that your husband Colin has made certain disclosures about matters that occurred some 17 years ago, perhaps 18 years ago.' Ms Jorgensen, who is American, claims Howell told her: 'I can't because if it comes out it will hurt people' - but says she insisted to him 'no, you must say' and then quoted John 8:32 in the Bible, where Jesus Christ says: 'The truth will set you free.' She then claims Howell replied: 'No, I can't' before saying she told him: 'It's the truth, you must get it out. I'm here for you, tell me the truth.' Ms Jorgensen claims Howell then said: 'When Lesley and Trevor Buchanan died, everybody thought it was suicide'. She says she asked him: 'What happened?' She says Howell told her: 'I can't say it, I don't think I'll say it' - before she spent five minutes saying: 'Please say it, you must say it, you'll never be free until you say it, you'll never be free.' She adds: He said: 'I did it. I did it'. And that's where that ended and I just went 'Oh'.' Jilly Beattie, a journalist who has followed the case for years, tells the programme: 'You can see her quite animated in this video explaining how she had kept saying "The truth will set you free, Colin" and how he was saying "I can't, I can't confess". 'So there's quite a lot of drama, quite a lot of histrionics around this, and how she had just kept saying to him: "You have to" to Colin, "you have to".' The reporter adds: 'There was one little piece of information that Kyle left out and that was that she knew about this for ten years. He had confessed to her ten years, a decade earlier. And she hadn't told anybody.' Colin Howell was jailed for at least 21 years in 2010 after confessing 18 years after the murder Howell implicated his ex-lover Hazel Stewart (above) and she was jailed for at least 18 years Howell's children (from left) Daniel, Lauren and Jon have also spoken in a new ITV programme Police spoke to Ms Jorgensen a number of times following Howell's arrest, and she admitted to them in interviews following the first one that he had told her in August or September of 1998 about the murders. Ms Jorgensen who met Howell in December 1996 and married him in May 1997 - claimed she was feeding their first child in the lounge of their home at the time. Howell and Ms Jorgensen went on to have four further children together, despite his confession. Ms Jorgensen already had two other children from her first marriage in Colorado, while Howell had four children from his marriage to Mrs Howell. Police had originally believed Mrs Howell and Mr Buchanan died in a suicide pact, after discovering that their partners were having an extra-marital affair. But the victims had actually been drugged before being murdered and their bodies arranged to make it look as though they had taken their own lives. Howell first told Ms Jorgensen in 1998 that he had murdered them and was thinking about handing himself in to police. But they agreed to stay quiet after he blackmailed her by persuading her not tell the authorities for the sake of their children or he would kill himself. She eventually made him confess to detectives after he was swindled out of the family's life savings of 353,000 investing in a scheme to make money from gold in the Philippines. After Howell was arrested in 2009, Ms Jorgensen was placed under police investigation - but she left Northern Ireland to return to Florida with her five children and later filed for divorce. In 2013, the Public Prosecution Service in Belfast said Ms Jorgensen would not face any charges because there was 'insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction'. Howell is now serving his sentence at high-security Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn. Murder victim Lesley Howell (above) was found in a fume-filled garage in County Londonderry Murder victim Lesley Howell receiving a nursing award with her mother May Clarke Police officer Trevor Buchanan (pictured) was one of the two victims of the double murder The case was turned into an ITV mini-drama in 2016 called The Secret (pictured), which starred James Nesbitt as Colin Howell and Genevieve O'Reilly as Hazel Stewart Ms Jorgensen declined an offer to take part in the documentary. But speaking in 2016, she told the Sunday Mirror: 'He abused patients, he is a compulsive liar, he was an adulterer in our marriage and murdered two people. Everyone thought he was this great Christian guy but they were so wrong. He was a monster.' The programme also features audio of Howell telling police about confiding in Ms Jorgensen ten years earlier. He says in the clip: 'Kyle is the most truthful, straight-forward person that you can meet. And what I didn't know, well her reaction was you've got to go to the police. And she was married to me. She was already married two years. 'And I kind of knew that she was right, and I agreed with her that we would do that. And what I didn't know was that she had just - she was new to - she was American, she was young and inexperienced.' Howell explains that they had begun the 'process of what would we do' and the 'implications' for their older relatives. He adds: 'She said "I'll stick with you, I'll visit you in prison". This is hard to explain except to say that I just got a Christian conviction that I was forgiven, which I shared with Kyle. And Kyle agreed with me.' In a separate ITV documentary on Tuesday, called 'Killer In The House: The Murders Of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan', Howell's children revealed they spent two decades believing their mother had died by suicide before finding out he had killed her. Lauren, Daniel and Jon spoke about their mother's death and its impact on them with Lauren saying: 'For 18 years I believed that my mum died in a suicide pact. It turned out that my dad and Hazel had actually killed her.' Their brother Matthew died aged 22 while studying abroad in Russia. The case was also turned into an ITV mini-drama in 2016 called The Secret, which starred James Nesbitt as Howell and Genevieve O'Reilly as Stewart. Confessions of a Killer airs on BBC Two this Sunday at 9pm and is on iPlayer A mailman was suspended from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and threatened to be fired after begging for help on video as he showed the dire winter conditions in Ohio, in which he and his co-workers were forced to work. Jason Thompson, a letter carrier for the Fairfield Post Office, claims he was suspended without pay or explanation on Monday following a now-viral post he made about his colleagues and him being put in danger without reason by their employer. 'Today the United States Postal Service is operating under extreme and dangerous weather conditions, and our carriers are being put in an unacceptable safety situation,' wrote Thompson. 'Carriers are driving in from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and surrounding areas risking their lives just to get to work only to be told there is no mail and no parcels.' Thompson left early to get to work following a treacherous storm that hit the Greater Cincinnati area from January 24 to 25 and found that the mail truck parking lot had been poorly plowed, and the vehicles were covered with 'two to three feet of snow'. The mailman added that they were expected to dig their trucks out of the deep snow and had to use annual or sick leave if they wanted to go home early. While Thompson and others made it to the office through hazardous conditions, he said there was no plan of action or even any mail to deliver. 'We have no mail,' he said. 'We have no parcels. No anything. No plan, why isn't there a plan for a level two or level three snow emergency that the district can hand out? Jason Thompson, a letter carrier for the Fairfield Post Office, was suspended after posting a video showing the dire conditions he was forced to work Thompson found that the trucks were trapped under to 'two to three feet of snow' 'We're sitting here with our hands tied,' he added. Thompson stressed several times that he knows that fellow carriers across the nation are frustrated as well. 'Trump, let's go help us out here,' said the mailman. 'City managers, senators, anyone we can get involved in this.' 'Help us, what are we supposed to do?' he added. His call for help has nearly 750,000 views online, along with hundreds of comments condemning his post office for putting its staff in such horrid conditions. However, Thompson made an alarming update to his post shortly after: 'NOW I'M GETTING THREATENED THAT IF I DON'T TAKE THIS POST DOWN I COULD LOSE MY JOB!!! HELLLLLLP US BE HEARD.' Despite the alleged threat, his upload remains online, suggesting he is determined to make a change at his office. 'I can feel the hands on my back pushing me forward,' Thompson spoke with Fox19. 'I am grateful forever, and I'm here to continue on to help.' The mailman noted in another update that he was also put on Emergency Placement without pay. He has now been asked to return to work, but said he is taking time to set up a meeting with his union leader and corporate officials to discuss the incident, according to the outlet. 'What started with a lot of concern and uncertainty and frustration and questions led to an explosion of support,' Thompson said. USPS sent a statement to Fox19 about their carriers delivering in winter conditions, but ensured that employees safety is their number one priority. 'The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail in cold weather to maintain our commitment to providing reliable service to every address we serve, including critical items such as medications, government correspondence, and essential supplies,' the statement read. 'Weather conditions are continuously monitored, and delivery decisions are made with employee safety as the top priority.' The mailman said that despite showing up to the post office with his co-workers there was no plan of action or even mail to deliver Thompson claimed his employer asked him to take his video down or he could be fired. He has since been asked to return to work but, before he goes back he wants to set up a meeting with his union leader and corporate officials to discuss the incident 'USPS has emergency plans in place and employees are updated about any operational changes. During extremely cold conditions, employees follow established safety precautions, including wearing appropriate cold-weather gear, taking warm-up breaks as needed, remaining alert to icy or hazardous conditions, adjusting work practices when necessary, and maintaining communication with local management. These measures help ensure employees can deliver the mail safely while continuing to serve their communities.' 'The safety of our employees is a top priority, particularly during periods of severe cold. During extremely cold conditions, letter carriers follow established safety precautions, including: The Postal Service continuously monitors weather conditions and reinforces safety guidance to help ensure employees can deliver mail as safely as possible while continuing to provide reliable service to our customers.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the United States Postal Service for comment. The seemingly spontaneous protests against ICE agents in Minnesota following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti is actually well-funded and organized, the Daily Mail can reveal. Behind the bullhorns and blockades lies a sophisticated network of national advocacy groups, labor organizations and deep-pocketed foundations pumping big money into what many left-wing activists portray as a crusade to help unfairly targeted immigrants - and to avenge what they see as the martyrdom of the two 37-year-olds. Flush with millions in non-profit foundation cash and aided by labor unions and veteran national organizers, Minnesota's increasingly aggressive anti-ICE protests are far from grassroots. 'The chaos in Minneapolis is far from organic,' Seamus Bruner, vice-president at the conservative Government Accountability Institute, told the Daily Mail. 'What we're seeing is what I call Riot Inc.' And for now, the activists appear to be winning. US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has returned to California and is expected to retire, with President Trump having sent Border Czar Tom Homan to the embattled state, snubbing controversial Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem. Trump has said that he 'doesn't like any shooting' and suggested that federal agents may soon be scaling back their presence in the Twin Cities. As thousands of protestors pour into the streets of Minneapolis in the wake of the ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the Daily Mail has uncovered the well-funded and organized activism behind it In the wake of the protests, shake-ups in the Trump administration are being seen as a victory - with US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino (right) expected to retire and border czar Tom Homan dispatched to the state, sidelining Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem The fatal shooting of Good, a mother of three, on January 7, ignited already simmering tensions. And the death of Pretti, an ICU nurse, on January 24, may further stymie the arrest and deportation efforts of ICE and the Border Patrol in Minneapolis. But if ICE leaves Minnesota in shame, it won't be simply because federal agents got too trigger happy, according to some observers it will be the result of a well-executed strategy to harass, provoke and intimidate them. 'Normal Americans watching from afar may reasonably ask: how does this happen, and how do large, coordinated crowds suddenly materialize in subzero temperatures?' said Bruner. 'The answer is simple: they are deployed. As I told President Trump at the White House roundtable on Antifa, these protests don't assemble themselves so we must follow the money. The signs, the slogans, the logistics, even the drumlines are pre-planned and professionally supplied.' Roughly 20 to 30 separate activist groups and coalition partners are regularly involved in anti-ICE actions in the Twin Cities, along with numerous informal grass-roots networks and rapid-response crews that participate without public organizational names. Minneapolis attorney Nathan Hansen, who's been chronicling Somali-connected fraud in the city for years and following what he calls the state's dangerous progressivism, says the anti-ICE protests are not surprising. Behind the blockades is a sophisticated network of national advocacy groups, labor unions and deep-pocketed foundations pouring money into what many left-wing activists frame as a crusade to defend unfairly targeted immigrants Renee Good was shot dead by ICE agent Jonathan Ross after attempting to flee the scene when agents asked her to step out of the vehicle on January 7 ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed while being detained by ICE agents on Saturday 'Minnesota is like a testing ground for domestic revolutions,' Hansen told the Daily Mail. 'The people behind this are people who want nothing less than to overthrow the government.' Investigative journalists like Cam Higby and Andy Ngo have infiltrated anti-ICE chats on the encrypted messaging app Signal, revealing complex training manuals and classes as well as elaborate protocols for tracking down, obstructing and impeding federal agents in the Twin Cities. Methods include mobile, foot and stationary patrols, license plate checkers and instructions on how to stay anonymous, including an edict to delete all chats on Signal at the end of each day. 'The quasi-police force uses a system called "SALUTE" which calls out the size of federal units, activity, locations, uniforms, times and locations,' Higby has reported. 'They then instruct their ICE chasers to follow and confront agents at their known locations. 'ICE chaser operations go all night. The dispatch call is 24/7. These are messages screenshot at 2am asking for observers at a location with potential illegals.' Ngo said he observed an atmosphere of 'distrust and paranoia' in the Signal chats with leaders making sure everyone uses aliases. 'Right-wingers are trying to get into many chats right now,' warned an administrator using the moniker 'Moss' when Ngo was in the chat. 'Never put anything in Signal you would not want read back in court. No Signal group can fully protect you from unfriendly eyes.' Tensions have been rising between protestors and ICE agents in the Twin Cities, with some observers arguing that agents could be pulled out as result of a well-executed strategy to harass, provoke and intimidate them Higby posted to X on Saturday his infiltration of anti-ICE chats and messages on the messaging app Signal; his alleged findings showed them tracking down agents with the intention of 'impeding/assaulting/and obstructing them' Higby alleged these chats required protestors in 'occupation' or 'shift' positions to 'undergo training' The post also alleged that each chat has 'patrol zones' to 'guide ICE chasers on where to go Many leaders of the ongoing movement are not easy to identify, though there are some who don't try to avoid the spotlight. Many are clergy leaders and figures tied to the Black Lives Matter network. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis civil rights attorney and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP, played a key role in recent anti-ICE actions including the controversial church protest in St. Paul last week. Armstrong, 49, led the protest, she said, after learning that David Easterwood, a St. Paul field director for ICE, was part of the church's ministry team. She was arrested with Chauntyll Louisa Allen and William Kelly aka 'Woke Farmer.' A flashier local leader is a self-identified Antifa member and Antifa recruiter in Minneapolis named Kyle Wagner who had 40,000 followers on Instagram until his account was deleted Sunday. Wagner, who goes by the name KAOS, calls himself a 'master hate baiter' and occasionally cross-dresses in his videos, regularly exhorts his followers to protest against ICE and upped the ante this past weekend. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis civil rights attorney and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP, is a key player in the protest's organization and was arrested during a church protest last week Chauntyll Louisa Allen and William Kelly aka 'Woke Farmer' were also arrested during this church protest A self-identified Antifa member and recruiter in Minneapolis, Kyle Wagner, escalated calls for residents to mobilize last week, declaring: 'It's time to suit up, boots on the ground,' and urging protesters to 'get your f***ing guns' 'Hi, my name is Kyle, I'm Antifa, and there's so much rage in me that I've had to record this like 15 times trying to get the message out,' he said in one now-deleted video made the day of Pretti's killing. 'It's time to suit up, boots on the ground,' he added. 'No, not talking about peaceful protests anymore. 'We're not talking about having polite conversations anymore. This is not a f***ing joke. There's nothing fun to chant about it. Get your f***ing guns and stop these f***ing people.' An anti-ICE activist using the handle Vitalist International posted on X recently that 'Minneapolis could be our Fallujah,' referencing the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War. 'Going to Minneapolis to get in a fistfight with ICE is completely reasonable strategically, since pinning them down in a city with popular and well-organized resistance is better than the whack-a-mole game we have been playing for the past year.' Indivisible Twin Cities, which calls itself a 'grassroots group of volunteers,' is one of the central linchpins of the organized resistance in Minnesota. But its real power comes from Washington, where parent organization Indivisible Project pulls in grants by the millions much of it from George Soros's Open Society Foundations sometimes funneled through intermediaries like the Tides Foundation. Kate Havelin of Indivisible Twin Cities told the Daily Mail the local organization does not receive money from the national headquarters, however the national organization's website states clearly that it shares resources that it pays for with local chapters. 'Our efforts are exactly what they look like local people organizing in their own communities,' Havelin said. 'We aren't receiving funding from any "Indivisible Cities" operation in DC, and our work isn't propped up by national dollars The national Indivisible Project, which provides organizing tools and strategy, has received millions in foundation funding from groups including Soros's grantmaking network. Public records show that it received $7,850,000 from Soros' Open Society Foundations between 2018 and 2023. George Soros's Open Society Foundations funnels millions in grants through intermediaries like Tides to national advocacy networks such as the Indivisible Project, which then support local activist groups backing the blockades and protests Fiscal sponsorship is another tactic used by large protest organizers in Minnesota, allowing campaigns to raise and spend money without normal public disclosure for example, organizers used the crowdfunding platform Chuffed to raise $993,782 to support the protests ICE Out of MN is another big protest brand, hosting online briefings and circulating activist toolkits. But like many of the big-name activist organizations, it's a coalition project under the umbrella of existing organizations through 'fiscal sponsorship' a setup that lets campaigns raise and spend money without disclosing who's writing the checks. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation has been identified as a key fundraising beneficiary for 'rapid response' actions. Attempts to reach ICE Out of MN were not successful. Crowdfunding platforms like Chuffed supplement the big money, collecting small-dollar donations for 'legal defense' and 'frontline organizing,' almost always listing a nonprofit or labor sponsor as the beneficiary. Chuffed did not respond to a request for comment. 'It's a shell game: money enters at the top, gets funneled through intermediaries, and comes out at the street level looking like community organizing,' said one conservative activist who did not want her name used because she's already been doxed. 'It's a business model that hides who's really calling the shots.' A scorned ex-boyfriend who gunned down his former flame and her new beau in a fit of jealous rage shared chilling final words as he was put to death. Charles Victor Thompson, 55, died by lethal injection inside the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville on Wednesday at 6:50 pm CST. He was the first criminal in the US to be executed in 2026. Thompson was convicted in 1999 for the slaying of Dennise Hayslip, 39, and Darren Cain, 30, at her north Harris County home a year prior. Aside from the heinous killings, he was known for briefly pulling off an escape from the Harris County Jail in 2005. He sat on death row for 26 years before meeting his fate and unsuccessfully tried to dodge the ultimate punishment several times. 'There are no winners in this situation,' he told witnesses after a spiritual advisor prayed over him for roughly three minutes - moments before he was administered a deadly dose of pentobarbital. Thompson added that his execution 'creates more victims and traumatizes more people 28 years later.' 'Im sorry for what I did. Im sorry for what happened, and I want to tell all of yall, I love you and that keep Jesus in your life, keep Jesus first,' he eerily added. Charles Victor Thompson had been on death row for more than two decades before he was executed on Wednesday Dennise Hayslip, right , and Darren Cain, left, were murdered in April 1998 He gasped loudly for air as the nervous system depressant took effect then took roughly a dozen breaths that evolved into three snores. The killer was pronounced dead 22 minutes after all movement ceased. 'He's in Hell,' Cain's father, Dennis Cain, bluntly said after witnessing his son's murderer perish. Thompson and Hayslip were romantically involved for more than a year before the relationship nosedived into chaos, according to prosecutors. Thompson 'became increasingly possessive, jealous and abusive' and Hayslip left him after prolonged suffering,' according to court records. Hayslip and Cain were dating when Thompson busted into his ex-girlfriend's apartment at around 3 am on the doomed April day that they were killed in 1998. Cops were called to remove the agitated intruder from the residence, but he returned three hours later and fatally shot them both. Cain died on the scene, while Hayslip passed away in the hospital a week later. On Monday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied clemency - one of Thompson's last chances at dodging capital punishment. Thompson was escorted from court in 2005 after he escaped from jail Dennise Hayslip is seen above with her son Wade when he was young Thompson's plea to postpone the execution or be completely relieved of the fatal sentence was denied by the Court of Criminal Appeals on Tuesday. About an hour before he was executed, the US Supreme Court issued a brief order rejecting Thompson's final appeal for a lesser sentence. Thompsons attorneys had argued in filings with the Supreme Court that he was not allowed to refute or confront the prosecutions evidence that concluded Hayslip died from a gunshot wound to the face. They claimed that Hayslip actually died from flawed medical care she received after the shooting that resulted in severe brain damage sustained from oxygen deprivation following a failed intubation. But the jury had decided under state law he was responsible for Hayslip's death because it 'would not have occurred but for his conduct.' Hayslip's family sued one of her doctors, alleging that medical negligence during her treatment left her brain-dead. But a jury ruled in favor of the doctor in 2002. Thompson had his original death sentence overturned and a new punishment trial was held in November 2005. A jury again ordered him to die by lethal injection. Shortly after his re-sentencing, Thompson infamously escaped from the Harris County Jail in Houston by strolling out the front door without deputy intervention. Thompson is pictured speaking to The Associated Press about how he brazenly escaped jail Dennise Hayslip is seen with her ex-husband Felix Hayslip and their son Wade before they divorced He had sneakily slipped out of his orange jail jumpsuit after a meeting with his lawyer in a tiny cell, he later confessed to The Associated Press. Thompson left the unlocked room and flashed a fake ID badge he made from his prison ID card to get past the guards. He was later arrested in Shreveport, Louisiana, while trying to wire transfer money from overseas to flee to Canada. 'I got to smell the trees, feel the wind in my hair, grass under my feet, see the stars at night. It took me straight back to childhood being outside on a summer night,' he recalled from his brief stint of freedom in 2005. The gut-wrenching nature of Thompson's actions, combined with his shocking jail escape, resulted in him being the subject of a 2018 episode of the 'I Am A Killer' docuseries. A Facebook group titled 'Friends of Charles Victor Thompson' had been fiercely advocating on his behalf, slamming the death penalty as inhumane. 'We have been denied by the Supreme Court. I have no words. The execution will go ahead. My heart is broken,' one member wrote shortly before the execution. However, Thompson's death signified the end of a horrifying era for the loved ones of the victims. Thompson is pictured above smiling from jail, as shared on a social media account in support of getting him off of death row Thompson died by lethal injection. A gurney used to carry out the penalty is seen above 'The Hayslip and Cain families have waited over 25 years for justice to occur,' prosecutors wrote in court filings. 'It's more of the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one,' Wade Hayslip, Hayslip's grieving son, told USA Today before the execution. 'I'm looking forward to the new one.' Wade trekked from Chicago to Houston to witness Thompson's death, claiming his life is 'the only thing he has left to offer in accountability for the lives he's destroyed.' Texas has historically held more executions than any other state, though Florida had the most in 2025 with 19. Ronald Heath, who was convicted of killing a traveling salesman during a 1989 robbery in Gainesville, Florida, is the next person scheduled to be executed in the US this year. He is set to die by lethal injection on February 10. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, there are 18 executions scheduled for this year. Kemi Badenoch has said she 'won't be blown off course' from holding Labour to account, as she took aim at recent Tory defectors to Reform and the Conservatives trying to drag the party back to the centre. In a speech on Wednesday, Mrs Badenoch likened the recent wave of high-profile defectors to Reform to children 'having tantrums' and asserted the Conservatives as 'the only party of the right'. This week, former home secretary Suella Braverman defected to Nigel Farage's party making her the third sitting Tory MP to join Reform in less than two weeks. Mrs Badenoch had previously sacked Robert Jenrick from his position as shadow justice secretary and removed the whip after learning of his plans to defect in 'a way designed to be as damaging as possible' to the Conservative party. Romford's Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell resigned the Tory whip three days later, while former Tory chancellor Nadim Zahawi defected after he was refused an appointment to the Lords, the Conservatives claim. In a stinging rebuke to her former colleagues, Mrs Badenoch said on Wednesday: 'To those who are defecting who don't actually disagree with our policies, I will say: 'I'm sorry you didn't win the leadership contest. In a speech on Wednesday, Kemi Badenoch likened the recent wave of high-profile defectors to Reform to children 'having tantrums' and asserted the Conservatives as 'the only party of the right' This week, former home secretary Suella Braverman defected to Nigel Farage's party making her the third sitting Tory MP to join Reform in less than two weeks 'I'm sorry you didn't get a job in the shadow cabinet. 'I'm sorry you didn't get into the Lords, but you are not offering a plan to fix this country. 'This is a tantrum dressed up as politics.' She added: 'There are people in politics who don't really know what they are doing or why. They just want to be in the world. They want to be on top. They want access, attention and advancement. And when they don't get their way they create drama. 'What we need are people who are going to help get Britain working again, and that means we have to be a truly Conservative party. 'So I won't apologise to those walking away because they don't like the new direction. We only want Conservatives.' While Mrs Badenoch has insisted Mr Farage has done her 'spring cleaning' for her by accepting Tory MPs who have been 'repeatedly sacked from Government', a recent YouGov poll suggests one in nine Britons view Reform more positively after the defections. And according to the data, one in five (22 per cent) of those voting Conservative at the 2024 general election said recent defections made them view Reform more positively. Mr Farage told the Daily Mail this suggests the appeal of Reform is 'broadening', despite some pointing to support plateauing for his party in recent public opinion polls. He added: 'The Tories in Government put us through years of psychodrama. They are done.' But Mrs Badenoch said the Conservatives under her leadership are 'about the future, not the past', and are not refighting the battles of 2006 or 2016. This comes as Conservative figures Sir Andy Street and Baroness Ruth Davidson this week launched 'Prospect', a group trying to pull the Tory party back to the centre to capture millions of 'politically homeless' voters. Conservative figures Sir Andy Street and Baroness Ruth Davidson this week launched 'Prospect', a group trying to pull the Tory party back to the centre to capture millions of 'politically homeless' voters Mr Street was mayor of the West Midlands between 2017 and 2024, while Ms Davidson led the Scottish Conservative Party between 2011 and 2019. In response, Mrs Badenoch warned that those pushing other agendas are 'not being helpful' and that the Tories need to 'move away from any sort of factionalism or groupings'. The Tory leader also called on the Prime Minister to apologise for his involvement in pursuing criminal investigations of soldiers wrongly accused of causing deaths in Iraq, revealed on Wednesday by the Telegraph. She said the way that veterans had been harassed through the courts is a 'complete disgrace' and said the Tories are 'doing everything' they can to protect them. 'What Labour is doing with its legislation it is doing because it does not believe in our veterans whether it's Keir Starmer or his Attorney General Lord Hermer where they have had the opportunity pro bono, not cab rank, they have gone to help the people who are acting against our country's national interest. 'Those veterans put their lives on the line to defend us, and I want them to know that the Conservative Party will always have their back.' James works long hours day after day at a London nail bar in a street near the pastel-painted houses made famous by the wildly successful romcom Notting Hill. He hails from Vietnam and arrived in Britain as a student three years ago when he was 29. He has never visited the West Country university that gave him a place on a computer course. And he never will. For his student life is a sham. His visa was a way of entering this country to work and send money home to his family who live in a remote village where the average weekly wage is 29. He is here illegally because his Government-authorised study visa expired a year ago. He travels into Notting Hill from a flat in the East End, which he shares with other Vietnamese migrants many of them so-called students, too. Each week James uses a money company, Remitly, to transfer between 40 and 60 to his mother who speaks to him regularly over the internet, asking him relentlessly: Have you found a nice wife in London yet? James the anglicised name he gives himself so his predominantly English-speaking customers feel comfortable is one of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers sending money back home to their families abroad. It helps my mother, he says simply. My family collected together the 1,250 to buy my UK student visa and pay the tuition fees upfront. They knew I was not here to study, but to earn. The university doesnt ask where I am. It was a cheap way for me to work in the UK. Across the road is a hairdressing studio where three Indian girls in their 20s with pitiful English work several hours a day and sleep in a shabby flat beneath the property. The popular money company Remitly is often used by illegal migrants, like student visa holder James from Vietnam, to send money back to their home countries Critics of uncontrolled immigration argue that benefits and the chance of illegal work attract people to Britain. They are student visa holders, too. They go online four hours a week ostensibly to get masters degrees in business administration at a London college with a postal address near the British Museum. Every week, the trio wire money to their parents while living frugally in Britain. We feel lucky to be here, one of them, called Maya, explained. The daily wage back home is 1.47, so my father, a market trader, needs the extra money. James and Maya are two of the millions of foreigners in Britain sending money home. But there is a darker side to the so-called remittances sent out of this country by migrants of all sorts, whether honest workers, illegals or those living on welfare benefits. Critics of uncontrolled immigration have long argued that benefits and the chance of illegal work are a pull factor attracting people to Britain. True enough. But the prospect of being able to easily wire money back home is surely the strongest lure. The sums involved are extraordinary. The respected Migration Observatory at Oxford University says 9.3billion was dispatched to countries around the world from the UK in 2023, a 2billion uptick on two years earlier. Yet the Observatory says this is a staggering underestimate. It points out that the World Bank believes remittances from the UK stood at a mind-blowing 24.5billion in 2021, more than twice Britains foreign aid budget of 11.4billion for that year. The scandal is that no one in Government counts the remittance figures, so those who ask dont or cant get answers. Posters like these in Walthamstow, east London, advertising money remittance services are increasingly common. An estimated 9.3billion was sent to countries around the world from the UK in 2023 Husband and wife Petru and Ancutu Neagu, said they send money from London to Romania for their four children, aged between one and seven To add to the difficulty of calculating the amount, we do not know how many illegal migrants are in the country, even less how much money they are sending home. Since the end of foreign exchange controls in 1979, there have been no official mechanisms for recording international money transfers, including remittances. A significant proportion of them may occur through unofficial and unrecorded channels, such as friends and relatives carrying cash on their travels, comments the Observatory. This week, Professor Carlos Vargas Silva, an economist at Oxford Universitys Centre on Migration, Policy and Society, told the Daily Mail: There is almost no reliable recent research into what sources of income make up the remittances being sent from the UK whether that is from earned income, welfare or other ways that people may have made their money. 'This makes it challenging to understand the impact on our economy. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that huge sums are wired or transferred out of the country by immigrants enticed here by the laissez-faire remittance system. It means billions and billions of pounds are not being spent on high streets, invested in British savings accounts or paid in VAT to the Exchequer. At a time when the economy is struggling, it is billions of pounds annually that could benefit the country. In President Trumps America, the penny has dropped. The US state department has frozen visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, in a bid to bring an end to the outflow of funds from America, which in 2022 reached 640billion. Petru begs on the pavement outside Selfridges with a pink walking stick, pretending to be disabled to get more cash in his tin. He is later seen sending his profits back home to Romania at a post office in Edgware Road, central London All remittances from Cuban migrants to their Communist run island, where 70 per cent of citizens survive on them, have been suspended. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is to widen curbs further. Every migrant on welfare is to be barred from wiring out money to protect the US economy. There will be no more funds leaving for abroad at the expense of the American taxpayer, his department said a few days ago. Here in Britain, a quarter of all non-EU migrants (whether here legally or not) send remittances home, with Pakistan, India and Nigeria topping the list of destinations. A report by the money transfer giant Western Union two years ago stated openly: For many who move to the UK, being able to send money back is one of the primary reasons why they choose to relocate here. Astonishing figures show that in 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan received 3.3billion from the huge diaspora of two million people of Pakistani heritage living in the UK. This was 15 per cent of all global remittances to Pakistan, where money sent from abroad props up the economy and represents 9.4 per cent of the countrys GDP. The question is where did these billions sent from Britain come from? It is highly likely some of it is from benefits paid by UK taxpayers. Since almost half of people with Pakistani heritage in Britain receive some form of state support and up to one in three are either out of work or not seeking employment, it is improbable that none came from UK state handouts, a system already creaking under a huge strain. As far back as 2010, the then Labour MP Harriet Harman, who published a report on remittances in her Camberwell constituency in south London, claimed that heroic migrants claiming benefits in the UK were routinely sending money abroad to support family members. And the anecdotal evidence suggests it is still going on today. In 2024, there were 10,542 asylum applications filed by Pakistanis, higher than any other nationality, even though the country is deemed safe by the Home Office. When the figures were revealed, Harjap Bhangal, a UK-based immigration lawyer, said: They dont need to come on small boats because they come on visas, claim asylum and dont go back. The Home Office is a broken institution. They do not realise the loopholes or what the migrants are doing. A Romanian woman begs in Southwark in London, during icy winter conditions An advertisement for Remitly is displayed on the side of a London taxi He added some detail: There is a trend for Pakistani students to get a visa and come over, then claim asylum once they are here. We see those who dont actually go to university. There are also people who come on healthcare visas and then dont work... the idea is once you get through immigration [with a visa] you can claim asylum. Another source of the money haemorrhaging from Britain is crime. HMRC warned last year that 2billion leaving the UK annually is likely to be through informal routes (such as cash stuffed in suitcases or via backstreet money agents) used by criminals to launder their spoils or even those funding terror organisations in rogue nations abroad. The legal UK remittance system works by allowing senders to wire funds using a mobile app or via money transfer shops (of which there are now many in the UK) for cash pick up at agencies or banks abroad. I followed a gipsy couple one Monday morning to a post office near Oxford Street and, with the help of an interpreter, filmed them counting out 800 of their weekend takings from begging in central London to send by MoneyGram to their home city of Iasi in eastern Romania. When I approached Petru and Ancutu Neagu, then aged 29 and 25, they told me the takings were for their four children, aged between one and seven, who were being looked after by Ancutus blind grandmother. If we could not provide for our children, there would be no reason to be here, said Petru simply. Within an hour of making the MoneyGram transfer, the couple were back sitting on the pavement outside Selfridges with their hands outstretched, as though destitute. Petru, incongruously, was waving a pink walking stick to pretend to be disabled and get more cash in his tin. Even the most destitute manage to send home money. Recently, I visited a migrants hotel in Crawley, East Sussex, and found that many of the young men, a good number of them fresh off the Channel boats, had apps on their mobile phones to transfer money back home to the very countries they have fled from apparently because of the terror and trauma they suffered there. While waiting for their asylum claims to be heard, they are receiving a Government handout of 43 a month, effectively pocket money to spend as they wish because everything else, from their laundry to their three meals a day, heating and roof over their heads, is free. It may sound a pittance, but it isnt back in the Sudan where many migrants come from and where the average monthly income is just 6. Yes, I already sent money to my parents, said one 27-year-old who I talked to outside the hotel. If I could work, which I want to, I would send more. It is for my family to survive, to buy food, to let my little sister go to school. He came from the capital Khartoum and arrived on a Channel boat in September, one of 1,500 Sudanese men who lived in a former warehouse in Calais which was cleared by the French government in the autumn with almost all immediately making their way to the UK. I have also discovered that Albanians coming here illegally think it is perfectly normal to send money home. I have regularly visited the town of Has, tucked away in Albanias mountains, where almost all the young men have left for England. Yet another Remitly advert, this time at a station on the London Underground ... and another on the side of a London bus, advertising the company's services Out of the working-age population of 5,000, only 700 have jobs, 300 of them in the public sector as police officers, civil servants or teachers paid for by the state. As a teacher from the secondary school told me last year: The residents left behind rely heavily on money sent back from the UK by their sons in order to make ends meet. In 2016, Romanias ambassador to the UK said in Parliament that 7billion a year was being funnelled back to his country by Romanians then settled here. Today, of course, the figure will be far higher. When I met one young Albanian in east London recently he said, quite openly, that he was working illegally on a building site. I have not claimed asylum. I know I would not get it. I came on a Channel boat and was sent to a migrant hotel where my cousin picked me up after 24 hours and I disappeared. I stay here for one thing, he added politely. To work hard and send money to my family who need it in Albania. No wonder the Romanian beggars Petru and Ancutu believe it is all worthwhile to up sticks and come to the land of milk and honey. Outside the Oxford Street post office after sending the MoneyGram transfer, they told me: If we did not do this begging in London, our children would have nothing to eat. Then Ancutu rubbed her stomach proudly. We have another child on the way, she added. Five children are a lot to look after and once this baby is born we will be back in Britain to beg and send our money home because he or she will need feeding, too. Chinese companies could be banned from building wind farms in Britain on national security grounds. Sir Keir Starmer said his Government is still considering whether or not to allow one firm, Mingyang, to set up a 1.5billion turbine manufacturing plant in Scotland. It had been expected that he would give the project, which could create up to 1,500 jobs, the go-ahead during his visit to Beijing this week. But there are fears that it would leave the UK dangerously over-reliant on China for renewable energy technology. The Trump administration is also thought to have warned the UK Government that it poses a national security risk, amid fears Chinese-built wind turbines could house surveillance technology and eavesdrop on military bases. The Prime Minister was asked as he embarked on his trade mission if he backed the factory planned for Inverness-shire and replied: 'No decision has been made in relation to Mingyang. 'There's no decision on that yet, one way or another, but obviously uppermost in our minds is the national security of the United Kingdom.' It had been expected that Sir Keir would give the project, which could create up to 1,500 jobs, the go-ahead during his visit to Beijing And asked if he thought wind power was similar to nuclear power in terms of counting as critical infrastructure from which the Chinese should be excluded, Sir Keir said: 'That's part of the consideration in any decision, but there is no decision.' Labour MP Liam Byrne, who is chairman of the Commons business committee, told The Times: 'We need to be far more vigilant than we have been about safeguarding the UK economy from coercion and unfair competition from China. 'If we do not block China from projects such as this, we risk Beijing using unfair state subsidies to undermine UK and EU energy independence by destroying the renewable energy market in Europe.' The Royal Navy has ordered sailors to abstain from alcohol for at least two days a week and meet strict Government health targets. In a breach of hundreds of years of naval tradition, ships will be dry on certain days and crews restricted to 14 units of alcohol each per week. Some sailors even fear the Navy will eventually follow its US counterpart and ban alcohol from ships completely. The proposals are revealed in official documents entitled Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships and are based on advice from military doctors. The documents reveal the level of alcohol consumption aboard ships 'remains a significant concern' to service chiefs. The documents, seen by the Daily Mail, indicate 48 per cent of Navy personnel are estimated to consume alcohol to excess down from 55 per cent in 2023. They said: 'These figures highlight the critical need for stricter alcohol policies to safeguard personnel, enhance operational performance and mitigate risks to operational capacity.' According to the documents, lower risk guidelines will be enforced including 'not more than three units for men or women on any one day, not more than 14 units for men or women per week and at least two whole-ship alcohol-free days a week'. Royal Navy sailors 'splice the mainbrace' with an extra ration of rum from the rum tub to celebrate the birth of Prince Charles (now King Charles) at the Chatham Royal Dockyard in Gillingham The Daily Mail has also been told sailors will be obliged to fill in forms in bars, listing what drinks they have consumed, to ensure they do not exceed those limits. But last night, former Navy chiefs questioned the effects it could have on morale. Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry said: 'This is very sad and I'm a teetotaller. 'You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules. I never had any problems in my career with crew members stepping out of line. You can screw down a system too much. Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices.' Retired Commander Tom Sharpe added: 'This is an inevitable step towards dry ships. The Navy is changing. The modern sailor is more interested in gym and wifi.' The new orders replace the 'two-can rule' observed across the Armed Forces. But drinking two cans a day meant personnel were totting up 21 units per week, far above the recommendation of 14. Warship bars should also stock non-alcoholic beers 'to support healthier lifestyle choices', according to the memorandum. Last night, the Royal Navy said: 'The updated policy aligns with advice, ensuring our people remain fit for naval operations. 'It also prioritises the health of our people and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations.' The news comes after it emerged last week that the Navy is losing its last remaining full admiral. It will have no officers of this rank for the first time in its near 500-year history, after Admiral Sir Keith Blount steps down in March. How 'grog' built Senior Service The association of alcohol with the Royal Navy dates back centuries. Ships had limited access to clean drinking water and were unable to transport it safely, while alcohol was much safer and longer-lasting at sea. Beer was carried until the 17th century, when the capture of Jamaica from Spain in 1655 introduced the Navy to rum. It could be transported more easily than beer and lasted even longer. The daily ration was known as the 'tot', which started as half a pint of neat rum before being gradually reduced over time. The rum was also mixed with lemon or lime juice to ward off scurvy. In 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon known as 'Old Grog' for his coat of grogram cloth ordered lower ranks to be issued watered-down rum to 'lessen the effects'. This is where the term grog comes from. Last century, the Admiralty became concerned the lunchtime rum ration was hindering sailors' ability to operate increasingly complex weapons systems and navigational tools. The practice was ended on July 31, 1970, which became known as Black Tot Day. But rum can still be issued by captains as a reward to sailors. A former Starbucks vice president has claimed she was fired after she raised concerns about maggots inside one of the coffee giant's equipment systems. Janice Waszak filed a lawsuit against the company on Monday, alleging she was fired after she told her bosses that maggots were found in a milk dispenser and a separate manufacturing defect sparked a fire during the rollout of Starbucks's Siren System, the Seattle Times reports. 'They should have given her an award for standing up for what was the truth,' her attorney, Michael C Subit, told the outlet. 'Instead, they fired her.' He and Waszak's other lawyer, Catherine Sellers, further claim that her termination was the result of sex discrimination, saying Starbucks 'allegedly terminated her for interpersonal behaviors for which it has not discharged male employees.' She is now seeking damages, including those for lost wages and attorney's fees. But Starbucks executives refute her claims, and have said they are looking forward to defending themselves in court. 'Safety is a top priority for Starbucks and these claims are entirely without merit,' a spokesperson for the Seattle-based company told the Daily Mail. 'Ms Waszak was separated from the company after an investigation into allegations that her conduct violated Starbucks workplace conduct policies,' the spokesperson continued, adding: 'We look forward to presenting our evidence in court.' Janice Waszak, a former vice president at Starbucks, has filed a wrongful termination suit against her former employer Waszak is seeking damages, including those for lost wages and attorney's fees, from the Seattle-based company Waszak had started working at the company as a brand manager back in 2004, and worked her way up to director of concept innovation - overseeing the development and testing of new initiatives - by 2016, according to the lawsuit. Two years later, she started reporting to Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, who was then vice president of global equipment, and soon, his equipment engineering team created the Siren System - a proprietary equipment system focused on boosting productivity and profit at coffeehouses. In a news release at the time, Starbucks described the system as 'a series of equipment and technology improvements... to make crafting beverages and food more straightforward for partners.' It was 'intended to enable baristas to make any beverage in 40 seconds or less, and in doing so, significantly increase Starbucks's efficiency and revenue,' Waszak's lawsuit claims. But when Venkatakrishnan presented the Siren System to senior executives in early 2022, two execs allegedly criticized his fiscal projections. Neither was still working at the company months later, according to the suit filed in Kings County Superior Court. 'Venkatakrishnan later bragged to Waszak that he had brought about the termination of both executives because they had spoken out against him,' it says. By April 2022, testing of the Siren System fell under Waszak's domain. At that point, she claims she noticed that maggots infested the system's milk dispenser due to improper cleaning - and larvae even fell out of the machine during a demonstration for Starbucks leadership. 'Baristas flicked the maggots away to avoid attendees seeing them,' the lawsuit alleges. She started working at the company as a brand manager back in 2004 Her lawsuit claims she was fired after she brought up concerns over the company's Siren System. A barista is pictured pouring steamed milk into a cup in 2019 It also says that she soon learned from employees that the system's design 'was too complicated' to be properly sanitized, and team members told her they were afraid to report accurate tests results to Venkatakrishnan out of fear that he would 'get mad,' MyNorthwest reports. Waszak ultimately told Venkatakrishnan about the health and safety risks that she found, but he allegedly moved forward with the implementation plans for the Siren System. By 2023, Waszak was promoted to a vice president position, in which she oversaw the testing of the Siren System. At one point, she claims she noticed a milk dispenser caught fire because of a manufacturing defect. Yet when she reported her concerns to Vekatakrishnan and other company executives, tensions between her and her boss escalated, and Starbucks continued its nationwide rollout of the Siren System. The suit alleges that tensions between her and her boss, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan (pictured), elevated after she brought up her concerns with the safety of the system Eventually, Waszak claims she met with a human resources manager to discuss the problems she was facing, including that Venkatakrishnan allegedly yelled at her and criticized her, bringing her to tears. She even decided to file a complaint against her boss in December 2023, but later that month, she was fired for violating the company's antibullying and harassment policy, according to the lawsuit. It claims that after she was informed of her termination, Waszak learned that an employee complained about her, citing criticisms and vague instructions. But Waszak allegedly discovered that an ethics and compliance officer investigated the accusations and determined she had not contributed to a hostile work environment. The officer allegedly recommended she receive a warning, but the company fired her anyway. 'We don't believe the reason they gave,' Subit said, arguing that his client 'infuriated her bosses by not backing down and he got rid of her.' Subit and Sellers also argue that Waszak faced sex discrimination because 'we don't believe that men were held to this standard,' he said. Deployment of the Siren System was curtailed under CEO Brian Niccol (pictured in September) According to his LinkedIn page, Venkatakrishnan continues to work at Starbucks as a senior vice president. His Siren System led to the formal introduction of the Siren Craft System, a project that began in 2023 and was formally introduced to the public the following year. 'The role of [the] Siren Craft System is really about helping to capture the demand that we have by shortening customer wait time, while elevating connection, elevating the quality of our coffee and celebrating the craft of our baristas each and every day,' Sara Trilling, a former executive vice president and president of Starbucks North America said in a statement at the time. By the end of May 2024, over 1,100 US coffeehouses were using the Siren Craft System, the Seattle Times reports. But under CEO Brian Niccol, who took over the company that September, the system's deployment was curtailed. It is now unclear how many coffeehouses still use the system. The ferocious storm set to slam the East Coast over the weekend is expected to bring frigid temperatures to Miami for the first time in roughly 15 years. Daunting forecasts indicate that yet another storm is brewing, pummeling millions of Americans with snow and ice for a second weekend in a row following Winter Storm Fern. Weather models suggest that a powerful system will form off the coast of the Carolinas early Saturday before moving onto the Mid-Atlantic and New England on Sunday. The storm's pressure is anticipated to intensify rapidly, creating an 'Arctic hurricane,' formally known as a bomb cyclone. The impending Arctic blast may be so extreme that temperatures in Miami are predicted to drop significantly from the comfortable mid-60s that the Sunshine State city has been enjoying in recent days. Miami temperatures are expected to plunge into the 30s on Sunday morning. The last time the area experienced such conditions was in December 2010. That December was dubbed the coldest one ever in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West. South Florida also experienced a historic 12-day cold snap in January 2010, with similarly unbearable temperatures. A weather forecast map for Florida on Sunday is seen above. Miami is expected to see temperatures in the 30s Forecasters warn of another deadly storm heading for the US after Winter Storm Fern claimed the lives of at least 25 people 'WOW - Miami down into the 30s!?' Georgia-based AMHQ meteorologist Jordan Steele wrote on X. 'The last time Miami saw a temp below 40 was in 2010. This next cold snap is going to be dropping those iguanas for sure.' Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are forecasted to see low temperatures in the 30s as well. Tampa residents should brace themselves for lows in the 20s. Temperatures are expected to fall near zero on Sunday morning across much of the country, including parts of the South, Midwest, Northern Plains and Northeast, increasing the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Meteorologist Ryan Hall, known as 'The Internet's Weather Man,' warned that the bomb cyclone will develop in the Atlantic this week and spiral like a tropical cyclone. 'That's pretty much a hurricane,' Hall said on Tuesday. 'Whoever ends up on the western side of that in the cold area is going to get absolutely clobbered with snow.' While Hall cautioned that it was too early to say whether the storm would make landfall this weekend and deliver up to a foot of snow in some areas, the forecaster was certain that this week's dangerously cold temperatures would get worse. 'Another arctic blast is going to come around the backside of this low-pressure system, probably the most powerful one of the year so far, and it's going to plummet temperatures down 30 degrees below average,' the meteorologist warned. Join the debate How do you think cities like Miami should prepare for rare, extreme cold snaps affecting millions? A Florida man, Ronnie Reichter, observes his ice sculpture in January 2010 A forecast shared by Jordan Steele indicates Miami will experience temperatures in the 30s on Sunday morning The looming storm system has been dubbed 'Winter Storm Gianna' by The Weather Channel. The forecasting platform noted that there are 'key uncertainties' surrounding the storm and more will become clear as the weekend approaches. Winter Storm Giana comes on the heels of the historic Winter Storm Fern, which claimed at least 44 lives and affected 34 states across the US. The treacherous weather began pounding parts of the South and the Plains on Friday, bringing ice, freezing rain and snow, before the 2,000-mile storm spread eastward through Sunday night. On Monday, wind chills of around 30 degrees below zero were reported in multiple states across the US, including Ohio, Nebraska and Minnesota. As of Wednesday, roughly 69 million people remain under cold weather alerts. White House immigration czar Tom Homan arrived in Minnesota on Tuesday with a clear mandate from President Donald Trump: De-escalate the chaos that has engulfed Minneapolis. Homan moved quickly. Within hours he was sitting down with Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey - two Democrats who have been at war with the White House over migration enforcement operations - in a bid to cool tensions and reset fractured relations between local readers and federal law enforcement. Tom Homan is a professional, Walz told CNN after the meeting in a surprising U-turn, praising what he called a noticeable tone shift from the Trump administration. Notably, Homan avoided the cameras, working quietly behind the scenes and declining to hold a press conference. The low-key approach marked a sharp contrast to the high-profile tactics that had inflamed protests. Sources told the Daily Mail it was striking to see Democrats embracing Homan as a calming force, given his long reputation as one of the most unapologetic defenders of mass deportations in Washington. Even more remarkable was the contrast with how the city had reacted to Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino. Just months ago, Homan had boasted he would run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen. They aint seen s**t yet. Wait until 2025, he told an immigration panel in July of 2024. Now, a senior administration official says Homan is finally getting his chance to put his own stamp on operations, a moment insiders privately describe as make or break. President Donald Trump empowered White House Border Czar Tom Homan to handle ground operations in Minnesota Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a press conference in Minneapolis Homan's deployment is the first time he's been put on the ground with operational control since he left the first Trump administration as acting ICE director in 2018. In Trump's second term, Homan was named the White House immigration czar, but ended up with a role that was more as a spokesperson and an advisor to the president. Administration immigration hawks will be watching closely to see if the new tone struck by Trump and Homan will result in fewer deportations in Minnesota. Already, there have been 10,000 arrests of criminal illegal aliens across Minnesota since the start of the Trump administration, a Department of Homeland Security official told the Daily Mail. Trump's supporters view Minnesota as the number one testing ground for his promises on immigration. Now the White House will be watching the numbers closely to see if he can deliver. The question now is can he de-escalate the scene in Minneapolis and at the same time still get the job done, a source familiar with the dynamic told the Daily Mail. But after weeks of chaos in the streets under the direction Commander at Large and border patrol official Greg Bovino, Democrats embraced Homan as a moderating force. Federal law enforcement officials, a Washington insider told the Daily Mail, were feeling the same way. There's a sigh of relief amongst agency officials and agents that Homan is taking control after the last year, the source said, citing the 'chaos' that unfolded on the ground in recent weeks. Despite his tough rhetoric, Homan has largely been sidelined by Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. When Trump selected Noem as the head of the Department of Homeland Security, immigration officials were surprised that it was not Homan. As conversations buzzed around Washington around the presidents unusual choice, it was revealed that Trump had done it as a favor to his long-time advisor Cory Lewandowski, now working for Noem. At the time, the idea was that Noem would handle the more public facing role of the Department of Homeland Security, such as disaster efforts and security while Immigration Czar Tom Homan would be leading the deportation and immigration, according to people who recalled conversations surrounding Noems confirmation. But that did not end up happening. Once Noem was confirmed she sidelined Homan and took command with repeated appearances at immigration enforcement operations wearing combat gear and body armor. Although her critics mocked Noem as ICE Barbie' on social media, Trump loved it, and frequently praised her public appearances on social media and to members of his staff. Noem appointed several experts to the agency that have intentionally shaken up the status quo to deliver better results. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has empowered her efforts, as part of his quest for more deportations and tougher enforcement. That rubbed some more seasoned officials the wrong way, who view Noem and her people with suspicion and fear. But Noem boasted big results, marking Trump's one-year anniversary by announcing that more than 675,000 illegal immigrants had been deported and an estimated 2.2 million had self-deported as a result of his immigration policies. Trump has little patience for the infighting between Noem and Lewandowski and Homan, repeatedly demanding that they end the drama, sources say. The president views them on the same team with the same mission. Federal agents stand near police tape as demonstators gather near the site of where state and local authorities say a man was shot by federal agents White House border czar Tom Homan responds to critics in an interview The president repeated his support for Noem on Tuesday but also gave the highest praise for Homans expertise. His defended his decision to send in Homan as part of his leadership style. 'I do that all the time. I shake up teams,' he said to reporters in Iowa. 'We have a great team.' But the chaotic scenes in Minneapolis threatened the presidents success as the riots against immigration officials escalated for weeks in Minneapolis. That would have bothered Homan, sources told the Daily Mail. Homans philosophy is to focus primarily on catching and deporting the 'worst of the worst.' If agents cross illegal immigrants on the way they are picked up as well. A seasoned immigration official who helped lead deportations for past presidents and even during President Barack Obama's administration, Homan was well aware about the dangers of bad public optics. Homan was famously awarded the Presidential Rank Award for distinguished service by Obama and was prominently featured in a Washington Post article for his efforts. We dont do schoolhouse raids or neighborhood raids. We dont show up with bulletproof vests, Homan told the Post in the nearly ten-year-old interview. Im not ashamed of what I do. Homan has that article framed in his office, not only as a reminder of his long record, but also the disappointing change in tone toward immigration enforcement since he left government service. At the White House podium, press secretary Karoline Leavitt hoisted both the picture of former President Obama awarding Homan the medal but also the Washington Post headline from years ago. That confidence would continue, she said, under President Trump. 'He's obviously very qualified, he has the full trust and faith of the president,' she said. A terrifying vulnerability in a private jet's wings is feared to be the cause of a horror plane crash on a snowy runway that killed six people. The Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 flipped during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine about 7.45pm on Sunday and burst into flames. Top lawyer Tara Arnold, 46, chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43, wine expert Shelby Kuyawa, 34, event planner Shawna Collins, 39, and pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, were all killed. The plane was owned by powerful law firm Arnold & Itkin, and was flying to Paris for a location scouting trip for Arnold and her husband Kurt's luxury travel venture. Crash investigators have barely began sifting through the wreckage, where all six bodies are still frozen under snow, with only six staff so far on site. But aviation experts believe the most likely culprit is a buildup of ice on at least one of the wings, causing the plane to stall and flip over. Two other Bombardier CL-600 series jets met the same fate in eerily similar crashes to Sunday night's disaster, along with several others overseas. Northeast Maine was walloped by Winter Storm Fern on Sunday along with 34 states across the US with snow and sleet falling and temperatures dropping to just 3F. The Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 flipped during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine about 7.45pm on Sunday. The wreckage was still covered in snow with the bodies frozen inside it on Wednesday morning The jet flipped upside-down and burst into flames (wreckage pictured burning minutes later) Tara Arnold, 46, wife of personal injury attorney Kurt Arnold, died in the crash. The couple are pictured with their children Jaxon and Isla Former National Transportation Safety Board crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti told the Daily Mail that the plane's wing design made it 'particularly susceptible' to ice contamination. To remove ice, aircraft are sprayed with a de-icing solution and then treated with an anti-ice spray to prevent it from forming before they take off. Airport logs showed the Challenger arrived from Houston at 6.09pm for refueling, and underwent de-icing at 7.17pm to 7.36pm, and took off at 7.44pm. However, with the temperature so low and the storm setting in, that may not have been enough. 'There was a unique kind of precipitation, a kind of snow and sleet mix, in this storm that can make the anti-icing fluid less effective or not effective at all,' Guzzetti told the Daily Mail. This concern was shared by the pilots of two other planes that night, at least one of which abandoned trying to fly through the storm. One was an Allegiant Air Boeing 737 Max headed for St Petersburg in Florida that aborted its takeoff after manually checking its wings for ice. 'One, our deice fluid has failed, and two, I don't think the visibility is good enough for us to go, so we're going to have to taxi back to the gate here,' the pilot told air traffic control of its reasons for aborting. Private chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43, (center) was on a location scouting trip for luxury travel company Beyond, started by powerful lawyers Kurt and Tara Arnold (pictured with Mastrascusa) Jacob Hosmer, 47, the pilot of the private jet, was also killed in the crash Your browser does not support iframes. The pilots confirmed to the tower that ice was found just minutes after anti-ice was applied, and the light, powdery snow was sticking to the plane. 'I don't know what blew over the end of the runway, but the visibility dropped and it stuck to us like there's nothing there,' one of them said. A Breeze Airways plane's pilots responded that they 'might end up staying the night' after encountering the same problems. 'Yeah, my guys are trying to make us go, but I keep telling them this is stupid,' they said. It is unclear whether Hosmer, and is co-pilot who is yet to be publicly named, would have been able to hear this conversation. Just two minutes later, the Challenger jet reported it was ready for departure. Ten minutes later the horrified Breeze and Allegiant crews watched it crash. Guidebooks for the Type 4 anti-ice fluid the jet used advise the aircraft must take off within nine minutes of application under the conditions at Bangor Airport that night. Visibility was poor due to the storm that's pummeling America, which brought heavy snowfall Weather cameras capture the poor visibility at the airport around the time of the crash Should even the smallest amount of ice or snow be left on the wings, the results could be catastrophic. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a directive in 2005 for Challenger 600 pilots to carefully inspect the wings for contamination before takeoff. This was 'prompted by a report that even small amounts of frost, ice, snow or slush on the wing leading edges or forward upper wing surfaces can cause an adverse change'. Guzzetti said the FAA's directive followed two eerily similar crashes by Challenger 600 planes that rolled on takeoff due to ice on their wings. The first was a crash in Birmingham in the UK in January 2002 that killed all five people on board. An investigation found the crew failed to properly check for ice on the wings, causing the plane to roll left on takeoff until the wing hit the ground and flipped the plane. The report blamed 'asymmetric ice contamination' causing the left wing to stall more than the right, rolling the plane. The first was a crash in Birmingham in the UK in January 2002 (wreckage pictured) that killed all five people on board A Bombardier Challenger 650, the same model involved in Sunday night's runway incident To remove ice, aircraft are sprayed with a de-icing solution and then treated with an anti-ice spray to prevent it from forming before they take off The second crash was in Montrose, Colorado, in November 2004 that killed three of the six people on board. Like the Birmingham crash, the right wing dipped on takeoff and caused the plane to hit the ground. Fortunately, the plane didn't flip and instead slid 1,400ft through a fence, over a road, and into another fence. NTSB investigators again blamed ice on the wing, and noted even small amounts of surface roughness 'can reduce maximum lift by as much as 33 percent'. Even 1/64th of an inch of ice is enough to be dangerous, the NTSB said. If one wing lifts less than the other, the plane will dangerously roll towards that wing. Other recorded incidents in Norway and Russia later in the 2000s followed a very similar pattern. Guzzetti explained that the situation could be made worse when the plane has a full load of fuel as it makes it heavier. The Challenger jet was headed to Paris after arriving from Houston, and had a long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to fuel up for. The FAA reiterated its directives in 2008 after three similar incidents in Canada. 'The unsafe condition is anti-ice system air leakage with a possible adverse effect on the anti-ice air distribution pattern and anti-ice capability without annunciation to the flight crew, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane,' it said. The second crash was in Montrose, Colorado, in November 2004 (wreckage pictured) that killed three of the six people on board Another Bombardier Challenger CL-600 jet that crashed during takeoff from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey in February 2005 Pilots are supposed to manually check with their hands that that wings are free of ice. Whether the crew of the Bangor crash plane did this thoroughly enough is unclear. Flight communications showed they only waited 30 seconds at the hold-short line, where planes wait and do final pre-flight checks being taxiing onto the runway. Aviation surveillance systems showed the plane accelerated down the runway to 158 knots (182mph) then slowed to 147 knots (169mph) for three seconds before the crash - just 33 seconds after it began its takeoff. Guzzetti explained that the wing design of the Bombardier CL-600 series made it more vulnerable than most planes to problems with ice. The 'supercritical wing' design reduces drag during cruising, but make it more likely to stall and suffer a rapid loss of lift with any disturbed airflow across the front edge of the wing within seconds of the plane starting its climb off the runway. This is consistent with a witness account of the plane lifting off the runway at Bangor Airport, then crashing back onto it and 'exploding'. Pilots have described the Bombardier CL-600 series' wings as being 'unforgiving' and 'very light in the pitch axis'. The plane may also have had other issues before it crashed. A man commenting on the Bangor crash said his father, another pilot for Arnold & Itkin, flew the plane to Houston on Saturday night and reported issues with the flight data. 'Maybe false sensor readings. Take off from Houston was delayed due to weather and maintenance inspection,' he wrote. Shelby Kuyawa, 34, successful wine expert, is the fifth victim of a private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday Event planner Shawna Collins was also killed in the private jet crash 'He is shook up. Hes wondering if he could have explained the errors he was getting better. One of the pilots leaves behind an 18-month-old.' Guzzetti said though ice on the wings was a popular candidate, there could be many other explanations including engine failure or pilot error. 'As an investigator you dont want to be biased towards one thing,' he said. Arnold, 46, planned the trip as part of her new luxury travel company Beyond, a source close to the passengers told the Daily Mail. Beyond provides invitation-only curated travel experiences for the extremely wealthy, including stays at five-star resorts and exotic culinary adventures. The group was on their way to tour a French chateau and other stunning locations for future intercontinental jaunts with their elite clients, the Daily Mail understands. It is unclear why the flight had to go ahead in such dangerous conditions, with that question likely to cause angst for the plane's owners in coming months. A Commonwealth Bank worker who was sacked for telling a colleague to 'calm the f*** down' is suing his bosses for unfair dismissal. Bradley Duff, who began working within the bank's major client group in 2022, was fired on September 16 after an external firm found his behaviour breached the bank's code of conduct and warranted dismissal. Mr Duff has taken his fight to the Federal Court of Australia, where he is seeking compensation, pecuniary penalties, damages, and interest. He does not want to be reinstated at the bank. In documents filed with the court, Mr Duff said he had 'consistently denied that the conduct (he was sacked for) constituted bullying, misconduct, or any form of serious misconduct.' He also alleges his repeated complaints to management about reaching 'breaking point' due to excessive workloads were ignored. Mr Duff was accused by a junior male colleague of 'standing over' him and raising his voice to say, 'Do you want to get the deal done or not?' and, 'If you can't get it done let me know.' He was also alleged to have touched the same colleague on the shoulder on a different date. Bradley Duff was sacked on September 16 after his behaviour was found to have breached the bank's code of conduct When he voiced concerns over his workload, Mr Duff alleges his former boss, Emily Tonkin, told him words to the effect of 'don't let anyone hear you say that' While Mr Duff admitted he said to the person words to the effect of 'Calm the f*** down,' he denied his behaviour constituted misconduct and claimed his alleged bad language was widespread within the company. 'Swearing was commonplace across the bank, from the most senior management levels down,' the court documents claim. 'Comparable conduct by other employees, including senior managers and senior leaders, did not attract disciplinary action.' The Australian reports CBA has rejected this claim. Mr Duff also claimed his concerns about 'chronic under-resourcing, excessive workload, and a lack of effective management support' fell on deaf ears. He alleges he emailed managers Ian Manwaring and Emily Tonkin on June 17 and 18, 2025, but 'no effective management action was taken.' In response to the complaint, Mr Duff claimed Ms Tonkin replied with words to the effect of, 'Don't let anyone hear you say that.' CBA said the comment was made 'in circumstances where Mr Duff and the team were aware approvals were pending for the new team members to assist with team workload. CBA otherwise denies the paragraph.' Join the debate Should swearing in a stressful workplace ever justify being fired, or is it part of modern office life? Mr Duff began working within the bank's major client group in 2022 and was tasked with clients who had turnovers above $150 million or borrowings above $100 million The bank also denied failing to take action over Mr Duff's concerns over staffing with four additional full-time employees recruited into the team. They also cast doubt on Mr Duff's performance and said some of his team had refused to work with him. 'In FY25, the debt balance of Mr Duff's lending portfolio reduced and he failed to meet his people and leadership KPI,' CBA's defence said. 'Mr Manwaring and Ms Tonkin received complaints from team members about his behaviour and leadership style.' Mr Duff, whose clients were property investors and developers with turnovers over $150 million, said he was diagnosed with a mental illness during his final weeks at the bank. He said he is unlikely to be able to work for a period of time. On his LinkedIn bio, Mr Duff said he was 'proud to play a role at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.' 'I work alongside an incredible team managing relationships with an exceptional portfolio of clients... it's both a privilege and a responsibility to support our clients' financial goals and long-term success,' he said. 'I am continually inspired by the Commonwealth Bank's values of care, courage, and commitment - principles that align perfectly with the passion I bring to every client interaction. 'Grateful to contribute to an organisation that not only champions financial excellence but also prioritises meaningful partnerships and creating a better future for our clients and the communities we serve.' The Federal Court has ordered both parties to attempt mediation. Senator Ted Cruz is happy with his day job. The Texas Republican was sitting in the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, on Wednesday when President Donald Trump joked about giving Cruz a new role. The Harvard-educated attorney-turned-lawmaker was praised as 'a brilliant legal mind' by the president during his speech touting the administration's new 'Trump Account' initiative. 'He's a brilliant man,' Trump said. 'If I nominate him for the United States Supreme Court, I will get 100 percent of the vote.' 'The Democrats will vote for him because they want to get him to hell out, and the Republicans will vote for him because they want to get him the hell out, too.' The auditorium burst out with laughs at the president's remarks, though it's unclear whether Cruz found it funny. 'No, just no,' the senator told the Ruthless Podcast shortly after the president's remarks, according to a video exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail. 'Hell no,' Cruz added. In a video speaking with the Ruthless Podcast, exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, Senator Ted Cruz said 'Hell no' he does not want Trump to appoint him to the Supreme Court 'If I nominate him (Cruz) for the United States Supreme Court, I will get 100% of the vote,' Trump joked on Wednesday Even if Trump wanted to nominate Cruz for the Supreme Court, there would need to be a vacancy, as the justices maintain their roles for life, and there's no indication that any of them will be leaving their post any time soon. The show's hosts, Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug (an alias one not-to-be-named host has long gone by) and John Ashbrook, regularly discuss Republican politics with lawmakers and other GOP icons on their program. They were the first to get Cruz's reaction to the surprise Trump announcement. Whether it was a joke or not remains to be seen, but the quip highlights how the senator, and 2016 political rival of the president, is still comfortably within Trump's good graces. Earlier this week a report indicated that Cruz slammed Trump and Vice President JD Vance while speaking privately to donors. 'Mr. President, if we get to November of [2026] and people's 401(k)s are down 30% and prices are up 1020% at the supermarket, we're going to go into Election Day, face a bloodbath,' the senator told the donors, according to Axios. 'You're going to lose the House, you're going to lose the Senate, you're going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week.' Trump was not pleased with the senator's analysis. Join the debate Should outspoken lawmakers like Ted Cruz ever be appointed to the Supreme Court? Cruz, who spoke at the 'Trump Account' event, has been reportedly setting himself up for a presidential bid in 2028 'F**k you, Ted,' Cruz recounted Trump saying. The dispatch came just weeks after reports that Cruz is readying himself for a presidential run in 2028. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has made his party's list of demands known as lawmakers look to avoid another government shutdown, with the next funding deadline set to expire at the end of the week. In the wake of the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis last week, Democrats and Republicans alike on Capitol Hill have spoken out about the need to rein in the power of President Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats hold the keys to avoiding a shutdown. Spending bills require 60 votes, meaning Republicans who hold just 53 seats need Democratic support even if their entire caucus backs the House-passed measures. This puts Schumer in a powerful position, and he is using it to shed light on the 'chaos' he believes the Trump administration is in charge of sowing. During a Wednesday press conference on Capitol Hill, Schumer stated that 'under President Trump, Secretary Noem and Stephen Miller, ICE has been unleashed without guardrails.' 'They violate constitutional rights all the time and deliberately refuse to coordinate with state and local law enforcement,' Schumer argued, seemingly ignoring the fact that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey noted in a post on X that the job of his 'police is to keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws.' Still, Schumer rolled out a list of things needed to secure a vote for DHS from members of his caucus, which included a request to 'end roving patrols,' 'masks off, body cameras on,' and a need to 'tighten the rules governing the use of warrants and require ICE coordination with state and local law enforcement.' The latest round of federal funding expires at the end of January - this Saturday - without Senate action. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat speaks to members of the media after the weekly Senate Democratic caucus policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 28, 2026 Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by U.S. immigration agents as they tried to detain him in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is seen in this image obtained by Reuters on January 25, 2026 Law enforcement officers, including HSI and ICE agents, take people into custody at an immigration court in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 21, 2025 Seven Democratic senators previously sided with Republicans in November to end the last shutdown: Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jacky Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen. Independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats, joined them. Now, Department of Homeland Security funding threatens to derail the package putting those same moderate Democrats in a bind. Rosen noted Wednesday that she was in favor of redirecting 'the excess funds for ICE to local law enforcement' that were provided to the federal agency in the GOP-led tax bill, which was signed into law by Trump last July. Fetterman is toeing a fine line, both defending the work of ICE agents 'deporting criminal migrants in our country', while also calling for Noem to be ousted and for the agency to come under 'new leadership.' Kaine argued on the Senate floor late Wednesday that he currently plans to reject the House-passed government funding package until his colleagues 'reach a bipartisan path forward that protects Americans from reckless violence at the hands of federal agents.' A suburban dispute is heating up in Perth as more homeowners rip out real lawns for synthetic grass, prompting warnings the trend is turning neighbourhoods into heat traps. Calls are growing for the City of Swan to ban artificial lawns from residential homes, as some residents claim the fake turf is worsening already scorching summer temperatures and posing risks to public health. Dayton resident Catherine Dixon said synthetic grass was super-charging the Urban Heat Island effect, trapping heat and baking suburbs long after the sun goes down. 'It absorbs and stores intense heat and has been reported at 60-plus degrees, which is a lot hotter than natural grass,' Ms Dixon told Daily Mail. 'That makes surrounding areas hotter, reduces air quality and increases energy demand for air conditioning.' Ms Dixon claimed homes surrounded by plastic lawns were paying the price, arguing fake grass was driving up power bills as residents struggled to keep cool. 'I'm sure everyone who has fake grass has their air conditioner on a lot more than people who have trees, plants and real grass,' she said. Ms Dixon also warned artificial turf posed serious environmental risks, including damage to local ecosystems and the spread of dangerous microplastics. Perth local Catherine Dixon wants her council to ban the use of artificial turf Fake turf is becoming more popular due to its low maintenance 'It destroys biodiversity, creates microplastic pollution and is extremely difficult to recycle,' she said. 'Those microplastics end up in the soil and eventually in rivers.' She also issued a blunt warning for families with children and pets, claiming synthetic lawns can become dangerously hot underfoot during extreme heat. 'It's not recommended to walk on it after a scorching day because you'll get burns,' Ms Dixon said. 'They're significantly hotter than natural grass, concrete, and asphalt which can put people at risk of burns and heat-related illnesses.' Following successful bans in Fremantle, Victoria Park, and Subiaco, Ms Dixon wants a complete ban on artificial turf in her council area. 'The trend in new developments of installing fake grass is not helping our heat island or tree canopy. It looks ugly, weeds still grow, it fades in colour, it doesn't hold its shape, and it smells,' she said. 'We are losing trees due to land developers and poor design. Councils should not have it as an option. Native plants, trees or real grass. Keep it real,' Ms Dixon said. Amanda Blair was told by Gold Coast City Council to remove the fake turf laid outside her front fence or face a fine It's argued that fake turf increases the surrounding air temperature Critics of fake turf say it's a health and environmental hazard Artificial turf has sparked fierce debate nationwide, with some councils ordering residents to rip it up or face fines. In November, Mermaid Beach resident Amanda Blair was shocked to receive a letter from Gold Coast City Council, demanding she remove synthetic turf laid outside her front fence five years earlier. 'Some idiot has decided to ring council who now demand we rip it up and replace it with real grass,' she wrote on social media. Gold Coast City Council said artificial turf was banned from road verges due to 'possible safety risks'. 'Artificial turf can become a trip hazard for pedestrians if not properly maintained and attracts significant heat,' GCCC told Daily Mail. 'Failure to comply with the notice may result in an on-the-spot fine of $834.' While the Gold Coast City Council has taken a hard line against artificial turf on nature strips, the City of Swan has stopped short of a ban, instead discouraging its use and urging residents to choose natural grass. Mayor Tanya Richardson said council discouraged the use of fake turf, and those who wish to lay it down needed permission from the city. 'While the City of Swan does not currently ban the use of synthetic turf on verges, it is discouraged,' she said. 'Waterwise verges with native plants and mulch increase water efficiency and stormwater infiltration, creating a cooling effect, and provide habitat for local wildlife. 'Additionally, the greening of verges can be beneficial for human health and wellbeing, improving aesthetics and saving money.' And it's not just households that are being targeted for their use of fake grass. The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project has called for a five-year ban on new synthetic sporting fields. The group's research director Dr Scott Wilson said fake grass was 'insidious' and warned that not a lot was known about potential health and environmental effects of it's long-term use. Mayor Richardson was contacted for further comment. A Tasmanian council has become the first government organisation in the country to agree in principle to a four-day work week. City of Launceston workers are set to vote on a landmark enterprise agreement that would see full-time staff work about 30 hours across four days while retaining 100 per cent of their fiveday salaries. If approved, the agreement would make the council the first government body in Australia to formally adopt a fourday working week a model the councils chief executive wants enshrined in law nationwide. The proposed agreement would apply to around 600 council employees and includes higher wages, improved allowances and expanded leave entitlements, according to the union. City of Launceston chief executive Sam Johnson said the traditional fiveday work week no longer reflected modern working life. This is a bold and progressive proposal that recognises the changing nature of work and the importance of wellbeing, productivity and sustainability in the public sector, he said. A fourday week on full pay, with improved allowances and leave entitlements, would deliver real benefits for our people, as well as improved service delivery for the community we serve. If endorsed next month, the agreement would see the City of Launceston lead the country in what supporters describe as gamechanging industrial reform, more than a century after Australia introduced the worlds first annual leave provisions. City of Launceston chief executive Sam Johnson (pictured) said the traditional five-day week no longer reflects modern working life The shorter hours, same pay proposal comes as millions of Australians continue to juggle long hours, rising living costs and growing burnout However, the local business community has raised concerns, warning the move could drive up costs, reduce service levels and place added pressure on employers. Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said the proposal amounts to a 20 per cent cut in hours worked, with no guarantee of improved productivity or service. 'Let's be clear - this is effectively a 20 per cent reduction in hours for the same pay,' he said. 'At a time when rates are already rising above CPI, most ratepayers and small businesses will see this as a 20 per cent pay rise for council staff with no clear return for the community.' Mr Bailey said the council is a monopoly provider of essential regulatory services and that businesses cant shop around for a faster planning department. 'If service slows down, projects are delayed, costs blow out and investment is put at risk. That is the opposite of what Launceston needs right now.' However, Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work director Rae Cooper said studies in Europe had found at worst no reduction in productivity and at best significant improvements from a four-day work week. In 2019, Iceland made history by becoming one of the first countries to approve a four-day work week. ASU Tasmanian Branch Secretary Tash Wark (pictured) said the majority of members supported the proposed four day work week France legislated a 35-hour full-time work week in 2000 and, in 2024, began piloting a four-day working week. ASU Tasmanian Branch Secretary Tash Wark said the majority of members supported the proposed agreement. 'This is a collaborative effort to address attraction and retention challenges, and the union is pleased this is a solid commitment from council,' she said. In exchange for the shorter working week, a new pay deal would cap wage increases at 1 per cent for two years, after council employees receive a one-off 5 per cent pay rise at the start of bargaining. The proposal would also reduce superannuation contributions from 15.25 per cent to 12 per cent. If a majority of eligible employees vote in favour of the agreement, it will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval. If approved the new agreement will start in July. Australian tourists have been warned to take precautions after two people tested positive for the potentially deadly Nipah virus in India. India's National Centre for Disease Control confirmed on Tuesday that two cases of the virus had been detected in the eastern state of West Bengal since December. It identified and tested 196 people who may have come into contact with the confirmed cases, with all returning negative results and showing no symptoms. The Nipah virus, which can cause severe illness and has a high fatality rate, has not been detected in Australia. However, the Australian Centre for Disease Control has issued advice for travellers heading to affected regions. 'Given the virus can spread from person to person, people should avoid close contact with anyone suspected of having Nipah, particularly exposure to blood or body fluids,' an ACDC spokesperson said. Travellers are also urged to practise good hygiene in areas where the virus may be present, including washing hands after contact with animals, visiting sick people, or spending time in crowded public places. 'Nipah is a rare viral infection, but it can be deadly,' the spokesperson said. Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus have been detected in West Bengal, Inida (pictured, health workers shift the body of a person who died of Nipah virus in India's Kerala state in 2023) Australian tourists have been urged to take precautions if visiting the region (stock image) Nipah typically begins with the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and a sore throat. In some cases, the virus can trigger encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which usually develops between three and 21 days after symptoms first appear and can be fatal without intensive supportive care. The incubation period is generally four to 14 days, but in rare cases can be as long as 45 days. 'People are advised to check the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice before travelling overseas,' the ACDC spokesperson said. 'Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals or contaminated food to humans, as well as directly from person to person. 'Although there are no licensed human vaccines, there are simple steps people can take to reduce their risk.' They also advised tourists to avoid eating fruit that appears to have been partially consumed by an animal. All fruit should be cleaned and peeled before eating. Join the debate Should Australia introduce mandatory airport health screenings for travelers from outbreak regions? Nipah virus causes severe disease and death in people (pictured, Thailand's international disease control checkpoints in January 2026) Human outbreaks of the virus have only been identified in South and South-East Asia. The latest outbreak in India's West Bengal region has prompted some countries to roll out Covid-era airport screenings to stop it spreading. So far no cases have been reported outside of India, and a spokesperson from the World Health Organisation told Daily Mail they do not expect the disease to spread beyond India's borders. 'As per the available information, WHO considers risk of further spread of infection from these two cases is low,' they said. 'India has the capacity to contain such outbreaks, as demonstrated during the past outbreaks. 'Recommended public health responses are jointly being rolled out by the national and state health teams. There is no evidence yet of increased human-human transmission. 'However, the source of infection is not yet fully understood. It is possible that further exposure to Nipah virus could occur, given known reservoir of Nipah virus in bat population in some parts of India and Bangladesh, including West Bengal. 'Community awareness of risk factors such as consumption of date palm sap needs to be strengthened.' In response to the new cases, Thailand's ministry of public health has implemented health screening for passengers at major airports arriving from West Bengal. Travellers are being assessed for fever and other Nipah virus symptoms including headache, sore throat, vomiting and muscle pain, and are being issued health 'beware' cards advising what to do if they become ill. Phuket International Airport is also reportedly undergoing increased cleaning due to its direct flight links and Nepal has raised alert levels. First Lady Melania Trump gushed about her son Barron and insisted that her husband, President Donald Trump, was a 'unifier' in a new interview. The first lady is doing the media rounds ahead of the release on Friday of her documentary, Melania, which charts the 20 days before the Trumps moved back into the White House in early 2025. She noted how this time in the White House is much different for Barron, pointing out that the college sophomore is 19 and will turn 20 in March. 'I'm very proud of him, and he's an incredible young man. He understands now. He's involved. He knows what's going on in the world. He talks with his dad. He talks with me,' she said Wednesday evening during an in-studio appearance on Fox News Channel's The Five. Barron Trump remains guarded by his family, never doing media appearances, but he attended his first Trump rally in July 2024 and played a role behind the scenes. 'He was very involved in the campaign,' the first lady noted. She touted that Barron was very influential to his father. 'He gave him all of the ideas, who he needs to talk to, all of these YouTubers and, you know, podcasts. So he was really a smart mind behind it,' she said. First Lady Melania Trump insisted on Fox News Channel's The Five that President Donald Trump is a 'unifier,' adding it's the 'opposition' in the United States that's the problem First Lady Melania Trump gushed over Barron Trump (left), explaining what a pivotal role he played in his father's 2024 presidential campaign and labeled President Donald Trump (center right) as a 'unifier,' pushing back on criticism While most of the interview questions were lighthearted, Jessica Tarlov, the lone liberal on the panel, noted how in the trailer, the president is asked what he wants to accomplish in his second term, and he says, 'peacemaker.' The first lady added that she wanted to see him become a 'unifier' as well. But with protests rampant around the country due to the president's mass deportation policy, which were heightened after Saturday's shooting by Customs and Border Patrol officers of American citizen Alex Pretti, Tarlov added that 'there's no question that the country needs a lot of unifying at this moment.' 'Yes, it does,' the first lady responded. 'But I think he's [a] unifier.' 'He's a unifier, not just here in the United States, but around the world. He has stopped many wars, and, as well, here in the United States, it's a lot of opposition and that's the problem, right?' she continued. 'So the people not agreeing with everything that - what he does,' she added. 'They just need to come on the same page and see that he wants to make America only safe and better.' The movie, the first lady explained, will show the swirl of activity around her as she prepares to move back into the White House and as she hires 'East Wing' staff, which remains the name of her official office despite the building being demolished by her husband. Join the debate What does true leadership look like in a deeply divided America? 'We have so many people around, have Secret Service, and it's a big production whatever you do. So one take, and you go,' Melania said, explaining that it documented her days from morning until evening. Amazon paid a whopping $40 million for rights to the film, which is being released in theaters first only despite the company's ownership of its Prime streaming service. 'I think in every scene they will see how I work, who I am, how I communicate with people and they will know me a little bit more,' she said. 'I know they know I'm a very private person and a very selective person, what I do, what I don't do, when I talk, when I don't talk and that's my choice.' 'And nobody is in charge of me and I'm not in charge of anybody else,' she continued. Melania wouldn't divulge whether there are parts of the film she wished had ended up on the cutting room floor. 'I will leave a scoop out,' she said. The first lady also wasn't ready to reveal a new piece of legislation she has teased. Last year, she lobbied for passage of the Take It Down Act, a revenge porn bill that includes the criminalization of AI-generated images. First Lady Melania Trump (third from right) joined the Fox News Channel broadcast The Five to promote her new documentary film, Melania, which showcases her life just before moving back into the White House on January 20, 2025 First Lady Melania Trump poses at the New York Stock Exchange, where she rang the bell Wednesday morning as part of her promotion for the new Melania documentary 'Not yet,' she told the panel. 'I'm working and I think I will have a lot of support like I had with the previous one.' She also said she planned to continue her work reuniting Ukrainian children with their families who were abducted by the Russians amid the war in Ukraine. On the lighter side, the first lady revealed that she was a morning person and while 'some days it's not appropriate,' she doesn't mind the president's trademark YMCA dance. She also praised her son Barron's work on his father's presidential campaign, referencing how he was the one who suggested the president do appearances with YouTubers and podcasters. 'So he was a really smart mind behind it,' she said of the 19-year-old youngest Trump son. During the interview, she also batted down a suggestion that her husband would run for a third term, which is prohibited by the Constitution, and didn't commit to there being a Melania movie sequel. 'Oh, interesting,' she said when asked about a Melania part two. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has lauded the fact that 'common sense prevailed' after a decision to cancel her film screenings was reversed at the eleventh hour. The Senator is currently promoting her new flick, 'A Super Progressive Movie', which is being screened across Australia's capital cities. The 90-minute film, which is an M-rated animation, describes itself as a 'satirical feature that dives into Australia's political and cultural chaos with bold humour and sharp commentary.' It premiered in Brisbane on Monday and Sydney on Tuesday with three screenings also scheduled in Melbourne for Thursday night. A sold-out screening was also planned in Hobart on Saturday, January 31. However on Wednesday night, Hanson claimed the Melbourne and Hobart screenings had been cancelled by 'super progressives... at the last minute.' 'This country has become so rigidly politically correct and so frightened of giving imaginary offence to imaginary people,' Senator Hanson said. 'They're calling this the most dangerous movie in Australia, when in truth it's a love letter to Australia. I have much stronger confidence in the Australian people's ability to take a joke and appreciate political satire.' Senator Pauline Hanson slammed the event organisers as 'super progressives' after the Melbourne and Hobart screenings were reportedly cancelled on Wednesday Hanson's 'A Super Progressive Movie' was due to premiere in Melbourne on Thursday night and in Hobart on Saturday Following reports of the cancellation, the Melbourne organisers reversed the decision with film sessions now available at Melbournes Village Cinemas Crown She added: 'You can't have real free speech unless you're able to take it as well as you give it.' However following reporting by NewsWire, the Melbourne venue organisers revised the decision. 'The people of Melbourne will love the movie and I'm so pleased that common sense prevailed,' Hanson told the publication. The Daily Mail has contacted the Hobart venue organisers for comment. News of the Melbourne screening's reinstatement came was welcomed by Hanson's supporters who had paid up to $133 for a ticket. Ticket holders were told they could 'walk the orange carpet, stay for a live Q&A with the full creative team, pick up exclusive merch only available at the premiere and be part of the [film's] national launch.' Film sessions at Melbournes Village Cinemas Crown tonight were still active on trybooking.com on Thursday morning. The ticketing website displayed the 6.30-8pm session was sold out, though a later 7-9pm session had all of its seats available for purchase. The 90-minute film, which is an M-rated animation, describes itself as a 'satirical feature' An animated Pauline Hanson plays the role of Australia's Prime Minister in the bizarre movie The film, which follows the journey of four progressives who travel beyond their 'Naarm Bubble' when their rainbow malfunctions, looks at what a world led by 'Prime Minister Pauline Hanson' would look like. It's been given a 4.9 rating on IMDb with one reviewer describing it as 'pure garbage.' 'I started watching this movie for a laugh at progressive politics, which are obviously disastrous, but this movie is for people with very low IQ and was a turnoff in minute one. No thanks,' they posted. However another reviewer said the film showed a 'fast-paced rewind to what's happened to Australia.' They added: 'Not for the faint-hearted though! Plenty of crude jokes, a bit like an Australian South Park episode!' New South Wales could soon get a new public holiday, with Premier Chris Minns revealing the state may follow Western Australia and the ACT in granting a Monday off when Anzac Day falls on a weekend. Speaking to Triple Ms Beau, Cat & Woodsy on Thursday, Minns said the government is weighing up the change, which would bring NSW into line with other states that already allow workers to take the Monday off when April 25 lands on a Saturday or Sunday. 'We've never had it if it's fallen on a weekend,' Minns said. 'But Western Australia and the ACT have recently changed it so that, if it's a Saturday or a Sunday, then you get the following Monday off.' The Premier stressed he is not making a commitment just yet, but confirmed the idea is on the table. He said he will consult with RSL NSW officials before coming to any decision. 'I'm not committing to that today, because I think that this is a decision that we've got to make with the RSL in particular. We've got a lot of veterans. Anzac Day it really is our national day.' Minns stressed the importance of maintaining the significance of Anzac Day itself, insisting any Monday public holiday must not overshadow the commemorative day. Chris Minns (pictured) said the government was considering an extra public holiday in NSW NSW would be given an extra public holiday in the case that Anzac Day fell on a weekend Join the debate Should NSW finally match other states and give workers a Monday off when Anzac Day falls on a weekend? 'I've got to have confidence that a public holiday on the Monday doesn't detract from the salience of the 25th,' he said. 'I'd hate for that to happen, and everyone kind of goes, "commemorate it on the Monday". We can't do that.' Minns said NSW lags behind other states on the number of public holidays. 'We're underserved when it comes to public holidays, there's a lot more in every other state,' he said. 'So I can say to you guys, we're going to have a conversation about it for this year.' Anzac Day falls on a weekend in both 2026 (Saturday) and 2027 (Sunday), meaning NSW workers are set to miss out on a weekday off for two years running. If the move goes ahead, millions of NSW workers could soon enjoy an extra-long weekend in April, without dipping into their annual leave. A former NSW Police officer is now behind bars after being accused of being involved in an international satanic child abuse material ring. Ex-Sergeant David Turner, who once received a Rotary Police Officer of the Year award for his 'outstanding contributions', faces significant child abuse material charges. He was arrested on January 22 following the execution of a search warrant at an address in Sydney Olympic Park. A number of electronic devices and a small amount of methamphetamine and ketamine were allegedly seized during the search. Turner, 42, is facing five charges, which include using a carriage service to access child abuse material, using a carriage service to make child abuse material available, possession of bestiality material, and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug. It's understood investigators will allege the offences occurred after Turner decided to leave the NSW Police Force. His current employer, the NSW Telco Authority, said Turner had been suspended. He is due back in court in March. Former NSW Police Sergeant David Turner was arrested in relation to a child abuse ring Police arrested him last week following a search warrant at a Sydney Olympic Park address He once received an award for his 'outstanding contributions' to the NSWPF's radio network The arrest comes after NSW Police set up Strike Force Constantine last year to investigate the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes. In November, detectives uncovered a paedophile network in Sydney that was actively involved in possessing, distributing, and facilitating the material via a 'website administered internationally'. NSW Sex Crime Squad Commander Jane Doherty previously told reporters the videos were of children aged from infancy to 12-years-old allegedly being sexually abused. These (videos) were particularly devastating and they used symbols and rituals around it in the discussions that they were having about abusing children,' she said. 'The sharing of child abuse material, unfortunately, is increasing, as you can see, in the internet and the applications that are available, unfortunately, make this not such a hard crime to commit.' In November, detectives, along with the riot squad, executed six search warrants in Waterloo, Ultimo and Malabar before arresting four men. Among those charged was Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, 26, who was arrested at an apartment in inner-city Waterloo wearing a zebra-print outfit and covering his face with a blue beanie. Police allege Germanotta-Mills played a leading role in the paedophile network. Four men were arrested in November last year in relation to the alleged ring, including self-appointed independent journalist Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills (pictured) Germanotta-Mills had pledged to report on child protection and expose institutional abuse before he was accused of controlling child abuse material in a satanic cult He was charged with child abuse offences including seven counts of using a carriage service to make child abuse available, using a carriage service to access child abuse material, three counts of possessing child abuse data-use carriage service, two counts of disseminating bestiality material and possessing bestiality material. The 26-year-old founded the Underground Media Network - an outlet described as an 'independent Australian investigative journalism platform committed to exposing institutional failures and the misuse of power'. According to the Underground Media Network's website, the outlet investigates issues including police corruption and child protection. Three other men were arrested at a unit block in Malabar and charged over their alleged involvement in the paedophile network. Strike force investigations continue. Anyone with information about organised criminal activity into the distribution of child abuse material is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. An elderly man has died after being struck by a car as it crashed into a shop in Northern Ireland. Gerard Rafferty, 71, passed away following the collision in Coalisland on Wednesday. Chief Inspector Simpson, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'Police received a report at around 12.20pm that a car had crashed into a shop in the Moor Road area and struck a member of the public. 'Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene. 'However, Mr Rafferty sadly passed away a short time afterwards. 'The Moor Road remains closed to road-users between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road. 'Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 651 of 28/01/26.' The tragedy comes after a pregnant woman and her unborn baby died in a car crash in Northern Ireland that saw eight people raced to hospital. Gerard Rafferty, 71, passed away following the collision in Coalisland on Wednesday Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco was killed in the accident between a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb in Crumlin, Co Antrim, while travelling in a passenger seat. Ms Singco, a Filipino healthcare worker, died in hospital as a result of her injuries shortly after the crash, with her unborn baby also passing away. Her husband, Ralph Singco, died a day later. Emergency services, including the PSNI, the NI Fire Service (NIFRS) and the air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene. Hours before the crash, Ms Singco had shared a one-year-old post on Facebook from her last wedding anniversary. It was a video of her and her husband dancing in the snow at 3,454m during a trip to Jungfraujoch railway station in Switzerland, known as the 'Top of Europe'. The original post celebrating five years of marriage on January 10, 2025, contained the caption 'cheers to 5 years of love as husband and wife'. Ilhan Omar suggested Donald Trump is 'suffering from dementia' after hearing his reaction to the supporter who attacked her with a syringe full of apple cider vinegar at a town hall. The congresswoman reacted after Trump said 'I don't think about her' in response to the attack with a 'foul' liquid by 55-year-old Anthony J. Kazmierczak. 'It is ironic that last night, he was on stage just moments before I was attacked, talking about me and then when asked about my attack he said, "I don't think about her."' She asked: 'Does he not remember? Is he suffering from dementia? How do you spend 20-30 minutes on stage obsessing over me by name, multiple times and then moments later, say "Ilhan Omar? I don't think about her."' Trump had railed against Omar during a rally in Iowa Tuesday night, just prior to the attack in North Minneapolis. The president criticized Omar as he spoke to a crowd in Iowa, saying his administration would only let in immigrants who 'can show that they love our country.' 'They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar,' he said, drawing loud boos at the mention of her name. He added: 'She comes from a country thats a disaster. So probably, its considered, I think - its not even a country.' Ilhan Omar (pictured) accused Donald Trump of 'suffering from dementia' after his reaction to the syringe attack against her Trump (pictured) criticized Omar just minutes prior to the attack at a rally Omar said that Trump was specifically to blame for the amount of death threats she received. 'What the facts have shown since I have gotten into elected office is that every time the President of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket,' she said. The congresswoman noted that death threats against her 'plummeted' during Joe Biden's presidency. Asked if she was nervous about appearing in public, she said, 'Fear and intimidation doesn't work on me.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment. The syringe is believed to have been filled with apple cider vinegar, Alpha News reported, citing Hazmat teams. Kazmierczak was charged with third-degree assault and remains held without bail in Hennepin County Jail. He has a criminal history and has made online posts supportive of the Republican president. The syringe carried by 55-year-old Anthony J. Kazmierczak (pictured center) is believed to have been filled with apple cider vinegar Kazmierczak (pictured) was charged with third-degree assault and remains held without bail in Hennepin County Jail Kazmierczak, 55, was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence and has had numerous traffic citations, Minnesota court records show. There are also indications he has had significant financial problems, including two bankruptcy filings. In social media posts, Kazmierczak criticized former President Joe Biden and referred to Democrats as 'angry and liars.' Trump 'wants the US is stronger and more prosperous,' he wrote. 'Stop other countries from stealing from us.' In another post, Kazmierczak asked, 'When will descendants of slaves pay restitution to Union soldiers' families for freeing them/dying for them, and not sending them back to Africa?' Kazmierczak's brother told The Independent that he's 'not surprised' by his brother's actions. 'Not at all. Unfortunately, he and my mother are both right-wing extremists,' said the brother, who did not give his first name and said he doesn't speak to him. He said that his brother has long held a dislike for Omar and 'has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years.' 'Hes got a lot of anger, I have no idea where it comes from. Hes always been that way. In and out of treatment since he was a kid.' Omar has faced renewed scrutiny from Republicans in the wake of the Minnesota daycare scandal. On Tuesday night, President Trump again criticized her while at a rally with his base in Iowa Kazmierczak confronted Omar after she called for Kristi Noem to resign while speaking about the recent Border Patrol shooting of Alex Pretti during a North Minneapolis town hall. 'DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment,' Omar says in footage of the incident. Kazmierczak ran toward Omar and sprayed the substance at her from a syringe. He then told Omar to resign and claimed she's 'tearing Minnesota apart' before being dragged away by security guards. Omar appeared ready to confront Kazmierczak before he was dragged away as she muttered: 'F**king a**hole.' She then answers an inaudible question from the crowd with 'I don't know' and telling another member of her team that she needs a napkin. When one of the bystanders tells Omar she needs to 'get checked' for whatever was sprayed at her, she stands her ground, saying: 'We will continue. These f**king a**holes are not going to get away with it.' 'Here is the reality that people like this ugly man don't understand: We are Minnesota strong.' Kazmierczak's brother said that he's 'not surprised' by his brother's actions Kazmierczak, 55, was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence and has had numerous traffic citations, Minnesota court records show She has been hit by claims she faked her own attack after Trump declared 'she probably had herself sprayed.' 'No. I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud. I really don't think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her,' the president told ABC News when he asked if he'd watched the clip. He reiterated that he hadn't seen the video and added 'I hope I don't have to bother.' The attack came days after a man was arrested in Utah for allegedly punching Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Democrat from Florida, in the face during the Sundance Film Festival and saying Trump was going to deport him. The Capitol Police said that threat assessment cases against members of Congress, their families, staff and the Capitol Complex had increased for the third year in a row. In 2025, the USCP's Threat Assessment Section (TAS) investigated 14,938 concerning statements, behaviors, and communications, a 57 percent increase. 'While security on Capitol Grounds has already improved, we have been strengthening our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the country to keep the Members of Congress safe when they are away from Capitol Hill,' said US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. 'We want to make sure agencies have the resources they need to be able to enhance protection, which is critical to the democratic process.' The Prime Minister has accused Donald Trump of flip-flopping over his support for Labour's controversial 30billion give-away of the Chagos Islands. In comments that risk provoking the White House incumbent, Sir Keir Starmer suggested that the President's recent criticism of the deal is out of step with US intelligence officials and contradicts his own previous support. Ministers are scrambling to salvage the deal after Mr Trump branded it an 'act of great stupidity' last week. Legislation to implement the deal handing sovereignty to Mauritius after ministers acknowledged that US agreement was needed because of the impact on a joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia. Speaking to reporters en route to China, Sir Keir revealed that British officials have held frantic talks with their US counterparts in recent days to try and salvage the deal. But he stressed that the US intelligence and security agencies had looked into it in detail after last year's presidential inauguration and were happy with the arrangement for Britain to give control of the Indian Ocean islands to China ally Mauritius while leasing the crucial military base on it for up to 35billion. His comments come amid growing hopes among opponents of the deal that it could be scuppered following President Trump's dramatic intervention. The Tories pointed out it could violate a 60-year-old treaty with the US unless the White House agrees to back it. The Prime Minister, pictured on Wednesday, has accused Donald Trump of flip-flopping over his support for Labour's controversial 30billion give-away of the Chagos Islands Asked if he thought the President could pull the plug on the deal, Sir Keir told reporters: 'Well, I've obviously discussed Chagos with Donald Trump a number of times. It has been raised with the White House at the tail end of last week, over the weekend and into the early part of this week. 'The position, as you know, is that when the Trump administration came in, we paused for three months to give them time to consider the Chagos deal, which they did at agency level. 'And once they'd done that, they were very clear in the pronouncements about the fact that they supported the deal.' No 10 insists the deal is needed to secure the future of the Diego Garcia base following legal rulings undermining the UK's claim to the territory. Under its terms, the UK will lease back Diego Garcia from Mauritius for 99 years. The PM pointed out that key figures in the Trump administration had backed it last year, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the agreement 'secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia'. Asked if he thought President Trump understands the deal, Sir Keir replied: 'Well, as I say, there was a three-month pause whilst his administration looked in detail at an agency level, because obviously this is about security and intelligence. 'And so it was an agency review that was conducted in the US before they then concluded that it was a deal they wanted to support, did support and did so in very clear terms.' Join the debate Who do YOU believe on Chagos Starmer or Trump? Donald Trump pictured on Wednesday. Sir Keir Starmer suggested that the President's recent criticism of the deal is out of step with US intelligence officials It is the latest difference in opinion between the two leaders, with Sir Keir last week vowing not to 'yield' to President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Greenland's allies if they oppose his demands for the territory. It came as the Conservatives urged ministers to abandon the deal. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel warned that ceding sovereignty to Mauritius would make it impossible for either the UK or the US to station nuclear missiles on Diego Garcia, because the state is signed up to a non-proliferation treaty. Dame Priti told MPs: 'It's high time that the Prime Minister tore up this atrocious surrender treaty and put Britain's interests and our defence first and our security first and Britain's hard-pressed taxpayers first.' Donald Trump last night issued a chilling threat to Iran: make a nuclear deal or face an overwhelming military onslaught. As the US President's 'beautiful armada' of warships moved into position, the Tehran regime said any attack would be 'an act of war'. Facing unprecedented domestic pressures, President Trump looked to make good his promise to protect Iranians from the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamanei following a brutal crackdown on protests against the regime thought to have left tens of thousands dead. Having stepped back from the brink a fortnight ago when Tehran dropped threats to hang protesters, the President vowed the United States was ready to fulfil its mission in the region 'with speed and violence, if necessary'. He warned that 'time is running out' for the mullahs to negotiate a deal on their nuclear programme, which was the subject of US attacks last year. Iran's mission to the UN responded by saying Tehran 'stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests', but it would defend itself and 'respond like never before' if threatened. Igniting the rhetoric further, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that its armed forces had 'their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression'. With the region back on the brink of conflict, the UK condemned Iran's 'brutal' repression, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy criticising the regime and backing sanctions. Donald Trump speaks during a reception with business leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21 Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei attends an event in Tehran on May 10 last year Your browser does not support iframes. However, whether any UK naval assets would take part alongside the US looked uncertain last night, following the Royal Navy's recent announcement that its last frigate is to return from the region. In the early hours of yesterday, Mr Trump told a rally in Iowa: 'By the way, there's another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now, so we'll see. I hope they make a deal. They should have made a deal the first time.' He then followed it up with a message on his Truth Social platform: 'A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. 'It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. 'Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties. 'Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' a major destruction of Iran. 'The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again.' Last summer, after weeks of Israel and Iran exchanging missiles, Mr Trump ordered Operation Midnight Hammer to target Tehran's nuclear facilities. Seven B-2 stealth bombers flew 18-hour journeys to and from the US to drop their devastating payloads on plants buried deep into a mountain at Fordo. 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 protests A giant banner depicting a US aircraft carrier and the American flag displayed at Enqelab (Revolution) Square in Tehran on January 25 Last night, US Navy and Air Force assets were awaiting his order to once again strike. The US was moving defensive missile systems into the region from bases in Europe, suggesting action could be taken any day. Following Mr Trump's dramatic capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro as he seeks a new world order, his ambitions in Iran may not be limited to its nuclear facilities, according to security sources. The President is understood to have issued the regime in Tehran with three demands: to permanently end uranium enrichment, restrict its ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Behind the scenes, the UK and France have offered support to the White House, in moves intended to restore relations damaged by the recent dispute over Greenland. President Trump came close to ordering strikes against Iran earlier this month, at the height of the uprising against its regime. But he backed off after warnings from regional partners about Iran's anticipated response. He had told the thousands of protesters demanding democracy 'help is on its way', then seemingly changed his mind, after the regime agreed not to execute 800 protesters. Key US allies such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt urged restraint and diplomacy, convincing Mr Trump to back off. Unnamed US security sources have indicated the White House may be eyeing a similar operation to Venezuela whereby he is able to remove Iran's political leadership while leaving the infrastructure of government in place. But the Supreme Leader is much better protected than the Venezuelan president. Iran has placed its military forces on high alert and has sent long-range drones over the Iranian Ocean to record the progress of the US warships. US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, DC on Tuesday, January 27 There were also fears last night that Israel could bear the brunt of any Iranian military retaliation. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Khamanei, pledged that any US action would be 'considered the start of war'. On X, he said: 'The response will be immediate, all out and unprecedented,' adding that 'all supporters of the aggressors' would be targeted. Iran's mission to the UN in New York taunted: 'Last time the US blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq it squandered $7trillion and lost more than 7,000 US lives.' President Trump could be using foreign policy to distract his critics from issues at home, such as the double killing of US citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The shooting death of nurse Alex Pretti's came a fortnight after poet and mother-of-three Renee Good was killed. Former presidents and business leaders have spoken out against ICE's tactics. Another US government shutdown was looming last night as rival Democrats vowed to block White House spending plans on Homeland Security passing through Congress if they include funding for ICE. In a rare show of solidarity for the US, France last night confirmed it intended to list Iran's Republican Guards, the IRGC, as a terrorist group. The European Union is expected to follow suit. The moves will place pressure on the UK to follow suit. Keir Starmer's Government has sanctioned the IRGC but has refused to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation. The Prime Minister's critics have accused him of threatening UK security by failing to make this move, but others have argued it would have no real value. This month, the Royal Navy announced its intention to pull back its only warship in the Gulf. The return of HMS Lancaster from Bahrain will end an offensive military presence in the region going back 46 years. Royal Navy minesweepers will continue to operate in the Gulf. Alan Rickman's widow has spoken about the 'difficult' symptoms of pancreatic cancer a decade after the Harry Potter star died from the disease aged 69. Rima Horton said the biggest challenge with pancreatic cancer is that symptoms are often hard to recognise - meaning many patients are diagnosed when it is already too late. The actor, best known for playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films as well as starring in Die Hard and Robin Hood, kept his illness private and lived for just six months after his diagnosis. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Ms Horton said her decision to speak out was driven by a desire to raise money for earlier detection of what she described as a 'deadly disease'. 'Our motive is to raise money for this deadly disease, because it now has one of the highest death rates,' she said. 'The biggest problem is that by the time that people find out they've got it, it's too late. The symptoms are so difficult to work out.' Ms Horton explained that she is supporting efforts to develop a breathalyser-style test that could help doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer sooner. 'What we're trying to do is raise money for a breathalyser test which could provide an early diagnosis,' she said. She added that chemotherapy had extended her husband's life slightly after his diagnosis, but was ultimately unable to cure him. Alan Rickman's widow has said he had 'so much more to give' before his death from pancreatic cancer- and that there were 'many more things he could have done'. The couple are pictured together in 2015 at Goodwood Racecourse in Chichester Rima Horton has now spoken out about her husband's death to raise money towards the development of a new breath test to detect symptoms in patients. Pictured: Goodwood Racecourse, 2015 'He lived for six months after finding out he had cancer,' she said. 'The chemotherapy extended his life a bit, but it didn't cure it.' Ms Horton said Rickman had 'so much more to give' before his death, adding: 'There were so many more things he could have done.' She told presenters that the average life expectancy for pancreatic cancer patients is around three months after diagnosis. The actor also appeared in films including Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually. Ms Horton also discussed a prize draw organised in memory of her late husband, offering fans the chance to win a set of Harry Potter books signed by some of the films' stars, with proceeds going to Pancreatic Cancer UK. 'All you have to do is buy a ticket,' she said. The set of seven books has been signed by 12 cast members, including Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, and Ralph Fiennes, who starred as Lord Voldemort. BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay held up a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, pointing out signatures from Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Miriam Margolyes and Imelda Staunton. Ms Horton said: 'The actors were wonderful. Everybody asked said of course they'd do it.' The actor, who portrayed potions master Severus Snape (pictured) in all eight films in the series, also appeared in films such as Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually Rickman became one of the best-known villains in showbiz - appearing as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Professor Snape in the Potter films. He is pictured here in 2015 Ms Horton said: 'The actors were wonderful. Everybody asked said of course they'd do it.' Harry Potter stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint are pictured About 10,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer across the UK each year. In 2015, Rickman revealed he had secretly married Ms Horton in New York in 2012, 35 years after they began their relationship. He died in January 2016. A family statement, issued shortly after his death, read: 'The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.' Rickman's brother David, 71, added: 'He passed away this morning. He was in a hospital at the time.' The actor, who was born into a working-class family in Hammersmith, began his acting career on the stage before graduating to Hollywood films. He became one of the best-known villains in showbiz - appearing as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Professor Snape in the Potter films. Daniel Radcliffe, who was mentored by Rickman during the filming of Potter, said he was one of the most loyal friends anyone could have in showbusiness. In a heartfelt online message, the actor said: 'Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. 'He is also, one of the loyalist and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry. Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man. 'I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.' Tickets for the prize draw organised in Rickman's memory are available until the Sunday March 1, with a minimum 5 donation to charity. The organisers said one person will win the complete set of signed hardback books. The secret breakfast meeting that Sussan Ley's rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie held to discuss the future of the Liberal leadership was held at the home of the Opposition Leader's loyal ally, Senator James Paterson. The senior Liberals' much talked about private catch-up on Thursday morning, held in Melbourne hours before a colleague's funeral, is understood to have ended in a stalemate. Both Liberals are hoping to consolidate the party's conservative faction to stand against Ley for the party's leadership, but neither will succeed unless the other bows out. The Daily Mail can reveal the meeting was held at Paterson's newly purchased $2.5million home - held in the name of his wife Lydia - in one of Melbourne's wealthiest suburbs. It is not clear if Paterson was acting as peacemaker, powerbroker or kingmaker with his presence. He told ABC Radio National earlier: 'You can assume that I continue to support Sussan'. The breakfast summit adds fresh fuel to speculation about an imminent Liberal leadership showdown and came just hours before the memorial service for former MP Dr Katie Allen. Ley flew to Melbourne with a cluster of senior allies on Thursday to farewell Dr Allen, a paediatrician and Higgins MP, who died last month after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Before the service, The Australian newspaper captured photos of Hastie, a former SAS captain and WA MP, arriving at Paterson's home accompanied by Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam and WA Senator Matt O'Sullivan. Sussan Ley (pictured Thursday at Dr Katie Allen's funeral) is facing renewed pressure over her leadership of the Liberal Party. James Paterson (on right) hosted the Liberal leadership gathering on Thursday West Australian MP Andrew Hastie is determined to seize the leadership but no deal has been struck between him and fellow conservative Angus Taylor. Above, jogging in WA last week Andrew Hastie visited the mens' only Athenaeum Club in Melbourne's CBD after the service Taylor, the defence spokesman and former energy minister, arrived alone around 40 minutes later. But neither Hastie nor Taylor were willing to settle who would stand against Ley in a leadership contest. The Mail can also reveal that Hastie raised eyebrows among Liberal insiders over just what he did after the funeral. He visited the Athenaeum Club, a private members' club on Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD. Membership is open only to men, although women may attend as guests. The club describes its membership as being reserved 'for gentlemen of good character.' The state of play in the Liberal party Conservatives are firmly in Camp Hastie, but several moderates insist they 'won't touch him', and Taylor supporters say those floating votes are theirs for the taking. Hastie's biggest handicap is said to be his record on Baby Priya's Law. Many Liberals remain uneasy about his past criticism of the legislation which guarantees paid parental leave for parents of stillborn or deceased infants. Senator Jane Hume - a key voice in the leadership debate - was especially scathing, publicly expressing her horror that colleagues like Hastie had politicised the issue. There's also growing anxiety that elevating Hastie would hand Labor a readymade culturewar attack line, a rerun of the abortion scare campaign deployed against David Crisafulli and Queensland's LNP in 2024. Angus Taylor (pictured) is pitching himself as a more 'traditional' conservative leader Liberal conservatives are deadlocked over who should challenge Sussan Ley as leader Despite her moderate pedigree, Hume hasn't ruled out backing an alternative to Ley. Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, she said that while she supported Ley's handling of the Bondi Beach terror attack, the Opposition Leader had 'failed to cut through' and turn it into meaningful voter support. Moderate figures remain largely behind Ley, believing she may avoid a challenge altogether if her opponents continue to fight over who should run. While they concede the party's polling has slipped under her leadership, they argue that another round of instability would only accelerate the slide toward irrelevance. However Ley's critics argue the party's position is so dire, any change would be better than the status quo. A graphic circulating among MPs warns several key seats would fall under a Hastie leadership, and influential Liberals including powerbroker Alex Hawke and NSW Senator Maria Kovacic are urging colleagues not to abandon the party's first female leader. Skeptics caution that Taylor may not be the saviour some imagine, and dumping the first woman to lead the Liberal Party could spark a backlash far worse than the current internal unrest. Taylor's critics say he may not 'stick the landing' if he takes the leadership, and could further erode female support for the party. Albanese said it was 'astonishing' that a meeting happened on the day of Dr Katie Allen's (pictured) funeral Taylor's backers are from the party's traditional conservative wing, including NSW Senator Jess Collins and Cook MP Simon Kennedy - seen as Howard-era conservatives, in contrast to Hastie's populist style, which Taylor's camp argues can also appeal to moderates. Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien is publicly brushing off the drama, declaring he doesn't expect any challenge when Parliament resumes next week. 'I don't think it's going to happen,' he told Sky News on Thursday. O'Brien said colleagues had praised Ley for her 'strength and dignity' in handling Labor's hate speech laws in parliament and the fallout with the National Party that split the Coalition. Mourners at St Paul's Cathedral included Ley, former leader Peter Dutton, Howard-era treasurer Peter Costello, frontbenchers Angus Taylor, Andrew Hastie, Simon Birmingham, Michaelia Cash, Ted O'Brien, Tim Wilson, Senator Jane Hume, and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and numerous state Liberals, including Malvern candidate Amelia Hamer, were also present. The service was attended by figures from right across the political spectrum, including Labor's Daniel Mulino and Independent Monique Ryan. During a media conference on Thursday in Cairns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 'his heart went out' to Dr Allen's family and friends, and said he found it 'astonishing' that Taylor and Hastie held a meeting about Liberal leadership on the day of her funeral. Dr Allen revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of liver cancer, shortly after contesting the seat of Chisholm for the Liberals. Her family announced her death on December 23. A Colombian plane that vanished minutes after takeoff crashed near the Venezuelan border, killing all 15 people on board, including a prominent politician. A Beechcraft 1900 operated by Colombia's state-owned airline Satena took off Wednesday morning from Cucuta bound for Ocana, but lost contact just 12 minutes into the 40-minute flight near the rugged Venezuelan border. Hours later, the airline confirmed on X that the aircraft had 'suffered a fatal accident,' killing all 13 passengers and two crew members on board. The victims included Diogenes Quintero, a member of Colombia's House of Representatives, and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo Salaza. In a statement to X, Quintero's party said they express 'its deep dismay at this painful loss, which not only plunges our party into mourning but also the country.' 'Diogenes Quintero was a leader committed to his region, with a firm vocation for service and a profound sense of public responsibility,' it added. Those identified among the passengers killed were: Maria Alvarez Barbosa, Carlos Salcedo, Rolando Penaloza Gualdron, Maria Diaz Rodriguez, Maira Avendano Rincon, Anayisel Quintero, Karen Parales Vera, Anirley Julio Osorio, Gineth Rincon, Diogenes Quintero Amaya, Natalia Acosta Salcedo Maira Sanchez Criado and Juan Pacheco Mejia. Captain Miguel Vanegas and Captain Jose de la Cruz were identified as the two crew members among the fatalities. A Colombian plane operated by its state-owned airline Satena crashed near the Venezuelan border after vanishing 12 minutes after takeoff on Wednesday - killing all 15 people on board The victims included Diogenes Quintero (pictured), a member of Colombia's House of Representatives, and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo Salaza A Beechcraft 1900 took off from Cucuta bound for Ocana, but lost contact shortly into the 40-minute flight near the rugged Venezuelan border known for limited visibility The airline revealed that the aircraft's emergency beacon was not activated but offered no additional details about the cause of the deadly crash Your browser does not support iframes. 'From Satena, we extend our most sincere condolences with profound sorrow and our deepest solidarity to the families of our passengers and crew who lost their lives in the accident,' the airline's statement read. Satena also revealed that the aircraft's emergency beacon was not activated but offered no additional details about the cause of the deadly crash. 'We will make all our resources available for humanitarian assistance to their families and to clarify what happened,' the airline added. Flight HK-4709, operating the Cucuta-Ocana route, took off at 11:42am Wednesday for the short journey but seemingly vanished before its scheduled 12:05pm landing. It remains unclear why the jet lost contact, but airport officials said flight data revealed a sudden drop in altitude just 11 minutes before its scheduled arrival at Aguas Claras Airport, as reported by The US Sun. Once officials confirmed the flight had disappeared from radar, the airline said 'all available resources' were being used to locate the aircraft, which would have run out of fuel by 2pm. Its last known signal came from the Catatumbo region - a remote, mountainous jungle notorious for dense vegetation and limited visibility. The area is also covered with coca plants - the raw material for cocaine - and is known to be controlled by illegal armed groups such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), as reported by Salem Radio Network News. It remains unclear why the jet lost contact, but airport officials said flight data revealed a sudden drop in altitude just 11 minutes before its scheduled arrival at Aguas Claras Airport Officials said the aircraft was found destroyed in a rural area of Curasica, which has been battered with recent violence - including kidnappings - and heavy rain for weeks Images released by local media showed the crashed plane - including apparent extensive fuselage damage - as bystanders helped medical crews recover victims from the wreckage Other photos showed bags piled at the crash site Other photos showed members of Quinteros campaign team visibly grieving The Colombian Aerospace Force, National Army, and charter company Searca launched aerial searches over the area where the planes final signal was registered, as well as along its planned flight route. The government also assisted in the search, establishing a Power Management Unit (PMU) to coordinate efforts, according to Express News. Just before 5:30pm, the president of the Community Action Board of Curasica, in La Playa de Belen, reported to the airline that the plane had crashed, leaving no one alive. Officials said the aircraft was found destroyed in a rural area of Curasica, near the border with Venezuela, as reported by BNO News. Weeks of heavy rain have battered the area, which has also seen recent violence, including targeted killings, kidnappings and forced displacement of civilians, according to local newspaper El Tiempo. Officials in Curasica informed authorities of the planes location, and a rescue team was dispatched to assess the condition of those on board. Images released by local media showed the crashed plane - including apparent extensive fuselage damage. Another image captured bystanders helping medical crews recover victims from the wreckage. Officials in Curasica informed authorities of the planes crashed location, and a rescue team was dispatched to assess the condition of those on board The plane's last known signal before losing contact came from the Catatumbo region - a remote, mountainous jungle notorious for dense vegetation and limited visibility Local images showed armed guards overseeing vehicles transporting the victims remains Other photos showed bags piled at the crash site, armed guards overseeing vehicles transporting the victims remains and members of Quinteros campaign team visibly grieving. Satena, a key carrier for government officials and tourists alike, connects the capital with small regional airports throughout Colombias 32 states. The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing and no official cause has yet been released. A music teacher who confessed to the repeated sexual abuse of a schoolboy has been hiding out in the back room of her family home, as her husband ferries their son between his mother and grandparents. Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to 15 child sex-related charges committed against a former student at the Anglican school she worked at in Mandurah, about an hour south of Perth. Court records obtained by the Daily Mail state Craig abused the boy over a period of about 14 months, from October 2024 to December 16, from when he was just 12 years old. The abuse continued until her arrest, when she was about eight months pregnant with his baby, born on January 8. Craig was granted bail after fronting $20,000 personal liability and providing $50,000 surety, and has been living in a rear bedroom inside the $740,000 home she bought with her husband last year. Since she's banned from unsupervised visits with her toddler, her husband - who wrongly believed he was the father of her second child until just weeks ago - drives their older child between Craig's place and her parents' home. Since she confessed to her crimes, Craig has only left the house under the cover of darkness. Neighbours told the Daily Mail they barely saw her even before her arrest in December. She always drove into the garage, closed the electronic door and disappeared out of sight, they said. The young mum was on maternity leave while pregnant with her second child, father by her young rape victim Naomi Tekea Craig (pictured), who is charged with 'penetrating' a teenage schoolboy during 'persistent' sexual abuse, has given birth to a baby alleged fathered by her victim 'I've never heard anything from that house,' one neighbour said. 'Not even a child's laugh or cry.' Another neighbour said they had no idea Craig was pregnant, and only spotted her once during the entire six months she was living at the house. It was previously revealed her husband told those close to the family 'our baby is due in two weeks' - indicating he was blindsided by the child's paternity. Schoolchildren in Mandurah claim the victim still plans to run away with Craig once her sentence is up. Craig will be sentenced in the District Court at a later date and she could face a lengthy stint behind bars, with those who commit sexual offences against children able to be sentenced to up to 20 years in WA. Due to the nature of her crimes, she could also end up on the state's sex offender registry, which would require her to inform police of her whereabouts. Craig took part in a number of professional maternity photoshoots in November and December - just days before her arrest, and while she was actively abusing the boy. Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, has been charged over alleged sexual offences involving a male student According to a series of later-deleted posts, Craig had about three shoots with different photographers when she was seven and eight months pregnant with her victim's baby. In the photos, Craig could be seen holding a variety of suggestive poses in a leopard print two-piece with a midriff to show off her burgeoning bump, and then again in zebra-inspired jeans with the top buttons and fly undone. One photographer described her as a 'Christina Aguilera doppelganger', while another referred to her as an 'absolute bombshell'. In a third shoot in Fremantle, where Craig paired a scarf with tracksuit pants, she was described as 'fierce, wild, beautifully chaotic' in a social media post uploaded on December 7. Those photos were shared just one month before the birth, and nine days before she last abused the boy on December 16. Craig appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court via audio link on Tuesday, when Magistrate Clare Cullen read the charges aloud. They included multiple counts of penetration of a child under 13, and after his birthday, sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16. Further charges included additional counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13, and possessing child exploitation material. Pictured: Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, doing a performance with primary school children in 2024 Twelve of the incidents took place in the Mandurah suburb of Silver Sands, and three took place nearby in Meadow Springs. To each charge, Craig responded: 'Guilty, your honour.' She will be required to appear in person when her matter is mentioned in the District Court on March 27. An Ohio honor student was gunned down in a tragic shooting by a teenager who claims he was just cleaning his gun when it discharged. Symini Moore, 15, was at an apartment with Jakob Heintzelman, 18, his girlfriend and another male last Friday when Heintzelman's gun went off, WTVG reports. First responders were then called to the apartment on Lakepointe Drive in Northwood at around 10.45pm about an individual being shot. When officers then arrived on the scene, they found Moore had died from her injuries. Heintzelman is now facing a charge of reckless homicide in connection with the shooting, but authorities told WTVG he claims he was just cleaning his gun that night when it went off, striking and killing Moore. A judge set his bond on Monday at $75,000 with an order for electronic monitoring if the bond is posted, according to WTOL. The investigation into the fatal shooting now continues, as residents in the small town try to make sense of the Woodmere High School sophomore's senseless death. 'The town is shaken,' Christy Donnell, Moore's former preschool teacher, told the Toledo Blade. 'Woodville is a small town and it's not every day that things like this happen. It's tragic.' Symini Moore, 15, was fatally shot at an apartment in Northwood, Ohio last Friday night Jakob Heintzelman, 18, claims he was cleaning his gun when it discharged and struck Moore Donnell went on to say she remembers her former student as gentle and protective of her younger brother. 'She was a good kid, very sweet, very kind,' Donnell said of Moore. 'When her youngest brother Vincent was there she always looked out for him,' she added, going on to describe Moore as 'just a very well-mannered, wonderful little girl.' In high school, Moore was involved in cheerleading, track, volleyball, wrestling, choir and Future Farmers of America, according to an online fundraiser set up to pay for her funeral expenses. In her free time, she also worked at Granny's Kitchen, a family-owned local business, or babysitting her younger siblings. 'If you ever met Symini Rai Moore, you remember her smile,' the GoFundMe reads. 'It was the kind that lit up a room instantly - the kind that made people feel seen, welcomed and cared for without ever having to say a word.' 'At just 15 years old, Symini carried a kindness and compassion far beyond her years.' The online fundraiser goes on to claim that customers at Granny's Kitchen 'didn't just come for the food - they came for her. 'She greeted everyone with warmth, treated people with genuine care and left lasting impressions on those who walked through the door,' it says. Moore was an honor student at Woodmere High School, who was involved in cheerleading, track, volleyball, wrestling, choir and Future Farmers of America Moore had dreamed of one day becoming an obstetrics nurse and 'was counting down the days to getting her driver's permit - excited for the independence and future she had so carefully imagined,' the fundraiser continues. 'That future was full of promise, love and purpose.' It then declares that Moore's life 'was far too short, but her impact was immense. Her kindness, compassion and light will never be forgotten. 'She lives on in every heart she touched, every smile she inspired and every life she made better just by being in it.' As of Wednesday night, the online fundraiser raised over $23,600 for Moore's memorial service. In an update on Tuesday, the woman who organized the fundraiser said the funds are also helping Moore's mother, Brittany, who is unable to work 'as she focuses on comforting her other four children, navigating overwhelming grief and trying to plan Symini's funeral with love and care.' The donations are now 'allowing' Brittany 'the space to grieve, to be present for her children and to take each moment one breath at a time without the added burden of immediate financial stress,' the fundraiser says. Additionally, it says, the donations are 'giving Brittany the ability to focus on what matters most right now: loving her children and honoring Symini's beautiful life.' Mystery still surrounds the identity of human remains found in a Tasmanian forest as police revealed there were no personal belongings to confirm it was missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer. A bushwalker made the gruesome find on Wednesday near the Philosopher Falls area in Waratah, on the state's west coast. Jarrod Boys, 25, had been searching in that area as part of the ongoing hunt for Ms Cremer, 31, and immediately contacted police when the discovery was made. Inspector Andrew Hanson said on Thursday that police are treating the remains - including a lower jaw bone - as if they are Ms Cremer. A pathologist has confirmed the bones were human, he said, but no other items have been found with the remains which would help that determine the identity. It could now take several weeks for police to get answers, Insp Hanson said. Ms Cremer's mother Ariane has been told not to think about it 'for at least the next three weeks', but she was warned the testing could take even longer. 'The process now will be the bones will be sent to a pathologist who will conduct a report and a review. They will then go to an anthropologist for a similar process,' he said, ABC News reports. Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer (pictured) went missing after she went out for a simple one-hour return hike in Tasmania's north-west in June 2023 Ms Cremer's car was discovered at the trailhead's car park on June 27, 2023 Police confirmed on Wednesday that a bushwalker had discovered what are believed to be human remains near the Philosopher Falls area in Waratah (pictured, a search team in 2023) 'The bones will then go to an odontologist [teeth specialist] who will conduct those dental comparisons with records that we are currently in the process of obtaining through [Ms Cremer's mother] Ariane from Belgium.' The bones are then due to be sent to Forensic Science Services Tasmania for DNA testing. It is unlikely the bones could belong to someone else as there haven't been any other missing bushwalkers in the area, Insp Hanson told reporters. But he added that they cannot provide a definitive answer until after testing as they don't know the age of the bones. Helicopters are due to drop six experts in the area on Friday to cut short the lengthy walk they would have to make to reach the remote site where the bones were found. Once there, they will search the river area but won't need to diving gear as the water level is 'quite low', Insp Hanson added. 'They're going to be inserted approximately 400-500 metres downstream of where the remains were located,' he said. 'They will then walk up the river in a what is effectively a line search. Ms Cremer had been travelling around Tasmania for six months On Friday, experts will be dropped approximately 400-500 metres downstream of where the remains were located 'If these remains turn out to be Celine Cremer, that location is consistent with our theory that potentially she could have been trying to reach the road and may have done so by moving towards the river, knowing that following it downstream may eventually lead to that road.' Insp Hanson praised Mr Boys for his swift action, saying the bushwalker 'did exactly what we would have expected them to do'. 'He identified the remains or the bones where they were. He took some photographs of them. He recorded the exact location,' he said. Ms Cremer went missing after she went out for a simple one-hour return hike to the waterfalls, in the state's north-west, about 73km south of Burnie. Her white SUV was discovered by police in the car park at Philosopher Falls on June 27, 2023. Using mobile phone data, they determined it had been parked there since June 20. She was an experienced hiker who had been exploring Tasmania for six months and the case had baffled officers. Tasmania Police called off the search in early July 2023 after medical experts advised Ms Cremer could not have survived the harsh winter conditions. Asked during Thursday's press conference whether police regretted ending the search, Insp Hanson said no. Mr Boys was involved in search efforts organised by private investigator Ken Gamble (pictured), who has conducted four searches of the region 'The assessments we make at the time are consistent with national practice. We have all of our things peer-reviewed,' he said. 'The actual location of these remains is two kilometres away from the [search] scene. 'The water at that time was very high. As you might remember, the temperatures was an average of -2 in the nine days that we knew between when Celine went to philosopher Falls, and when she was reported missing. 'Our search and rescue teams did a really amazing job in the conditions.' Mr Boys had been involved in previous larger search efforts organised by private investigator Ken Gamble, who runs IFW Global. His company has conducted four searches of the region, including at least one with a team of 25 volunteers chosen for their bushcraft and medical expertise. Celine's phone data suggests she left the marked trail for unknown reasons. She was understood to be confident in the outdoors, familiar with Tasmania's unpredictable conditions, and had a good head on her shoulders. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. A car was filmed repeatedly smashing into a historic New York City synagogue as horrified bystanders looked on. The New York Police Department was called to Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, where a dark Honda sedan slammed into the building at around 8.45pm on Wednesday. Officials arrived at 770 Eastern Parkway and arrested the driver, who has not yet been charged, according to ABC 7. The NYPD is still investigating whether the accident was intentional. No Injuries were reported. Video footage of the incident was posted on X by Rabbi Yaacov Behram, which showed the Honda with New Jersey plates driving back and forth into an entrance way. A group of men standing on leftover snow from the winter storm on January 25 near the vehicle scream and yell for others to get out of the way as the car smashes into the synagogue door at least three times. The car seems to struggle to get traction on the ice, repeatedly ramming into the temple. Towards the end of the clip, the group can be heard screaming 'police' as what appears to be a reflection of officials' emergency lights bounces off the snow. Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, was repeatedly smashed by a dark colored Honda sedan Video footage captured the car slamming into the synagogue at least three times before officials arrived and arrested the driver The historic synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway - known to members of this deeply insular and intensely observant community as 770 - is one of the most important religious sites in the city A car just drove into the side doors of 770 at Chabad Headquarters. Baruch Hashem, there are no injuries. Witnesses report the driver yelled for people to move as he drove in. It appears intentional. The synagogue has been evacuated as a precaution. Please stay away from the pic.twitter.com/ljsoZ0sIE7 Yaacov Behrman (@ChabadLubavitch) January 29, 2026 A statement was released by the Anti-Defamation League of New York / New Jersey following the incident: 'We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occurred tonight in Brooklyn.' 'Just minutes ago, a car repeatedly rammed into 770 Eastern Parkway.This building is not only a synagogue, but also the worldwide @ChabadHeadquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world. @ADLis in touch with law enforcement and local partners on the ground. We are grateful to @NYPDNewsfor making a swift arrest and will update as we learn more.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the New York Police Department for comment. New York is home to the biggest Hasidic population outside Israel and the historic synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway - known to members of this deeply insular and intensely observant community as 770 - is one of the most important religious sites in the city. It was once the base of Chabad rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th Century. The rabbi, who had fled Nazi Germany, spent four decades until his death in 1994 establishing a global network of schools and community centres, revitalising a Hasidic community devastated by the Holocaust. The synagogue is the same place where the infamous tunnels were discovered by the NYPD in January of 2024. Nine of the tunnellers, aged 19 to 21, have been arrested for criminal mischief and reckless endangerment with connection to the 60ft secret tunnel. A Canberra woman has fronted court today after she was accused of assaulting a newborn baby on the weekend. The 56-year-old has been charged with one count of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm following Saturday's alleged attack. ACT Police said a mother was walking with her four-week-old child in a pram on Ijong Street in Braddon when they were approached by another woman. Investigators allege the woman blocked the path before reaching into the pram, grabbing the child and flinging him to the ground. It's understood the mother then took the baby to hospital for medical treatment, and the matter was reported to authorities. Officers from the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team arrested the woman yesterday, with police also investigating a second incident near Ijong Street in Braddon, where a woman was allegedly assaulted immediately prior to this incident. The woman was due to front the ACT Magistrates Court today. The Daily Mail has contacted ACT Police for comment. Anyone who can assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. ANZ customers have slammed the bank after an outage left many without their weekly pay cheque and unable to pay rent and bills. ANZ released a statement confirming issues with its services. 'We're currently experiencing delays in processing some payments due to an industry-wide issue that occurred on Tuesday 27 January 2026,' it read. 'While the issue has been resolved, please do not resend any payments, delayed payments will be processed as soon as possible. 'We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.' The notice provided little comfort for customers, who lashed the bank's Facebook post. 'ANZ, this is not just an inconvenience,' one furious customer posted in reply to the announcement. 'I've been waiting three business days for my salary with no clear update Bills are overdue, late fees are stacking up, and customers are left to carry the financial fallout of your outage. Many ANZ customers haven't been able to access their pay this week 'What does reimbursement actually look like? Who's covering the late fees and penalties caused by this? 'An apology without accountability or answers is meaningless. We deserve real updates and real compensation.' Another customer called on the bank to fix the issue 'quicker' because they were now behind in their rent and couldn't buy groceries. 'I'm defaulting on rent and power bills.... How are you going to fix this for me,' another asked the bank. 'ANZ this is completely unacceptable. We processed staff wages in good faith and our employees still have not received their pay,' another person wrote. 'These are people with rent, fuel, food and family commitments relying on that money being in their accounts when promised.' The payment delays were blamed on an issue at the Reserve Bank. 'An issue on direct entry and property settlements occurred between 10am and 4.30pm AEDT on Tuesday,' an RBA spokesperson told AAP. ANZ confirmed the issue to Daily Mail but insisted payments were now going through. Due to a Reserve Bank of Australia technical issue on Tuesday 27 January 2026, the processing of some payments has been impacted,' said a spokesman., 'Most of these payments from other financial institutions have already arrived in customer accounts or will do so today. 'Remaining payments will be credited to ANZ accounts as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank our customers for their patience.' The Costco Wholesale Corporation is facing a lawsuit over accusations that the shopping giant misled customers into believing its popular rotisserie chicken was free of any preservatives. Two women in California filed a class action claim on January 22, alleging the warehouse retailer falsely advertises its Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken as having 'no preservatives' according to the lawsuit. The complaint claims the beloved chickens contain two added preservatives: carrageenan and sodium phosphate. According to the filing, by quietly adding those ingredients to the chicken's label, Costco has 'systemically cheated customers out of tensif not hundredsof millions of dollars'. Carrageenan is added to meats as a thickening agent, while sodium phosphate helps keep products moist and enhances their flavor. While the Food and Drug Administration lists ingredients as safe, studies have shown that carrageenan can lead to irritation of the gut, and sodium phosphate in excess can lead to complications of the kidneys and or heart. The lawsuit alleges that Costco violated several consumer protection laws in California and Washington State, where the company is headquartered. Additionally, the complaint said that Costco displays large in-store signage and online product listings stating 'No Preservatives.' The Costco Wholesale Corporation is facing a lawsuit after it was accused of falsely advertising its rotisserie chicken as 'preservative free' The complaint claims the beloved chickens contain two added preservatives: carrageenan and sodium phosphate. Costco said in a statement that it uses those ingredients for 'to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking. Both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities' The company told USA TODAY in a statement that those labels have been taken down. 'To maintain consistency among the labeling on our rotisserie chickens and the signs in our warehouses/online presentations, we have removed statements concerning preservatives from the signs and online presentations,' the company said. 'We use carrageenan and sodium phosphate to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking. Both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities.' However, the two plaintiffs, Bianca Johnston and Anastasia Chernov, purchased their birds in 2024 and 2025 from Costco stores in California and claimed they would never have bought the product if the advertising had been clear or if they had paid less. 'Consumers reasonably rely on clear, prominent claims like 'No Preservatives,' especially when deciding what they and their families will eat,' said California Managing Partner of the Almeida Law Group. 'Costco's own ingredient list contradicts its marketing. That's unlawful, and it's unfair.' The chickens caused outrage in 2024 after it switched its packaging from its hard shell plastic containers as pictured, to plastic bags The pair is seeking that Costco stop misleading its customers, offer refunds, and return the profits received from allegedly false advertising. Johnston and Chernov hope to purchase the chickens in the future if they are actually preservative-free. The Daily Mail has reached out to Costco for comment. The warehouse retailer sells over 100 million rotisserie chickens annually, making it one of the most popular foods in the country, said Chief Executive Ron Vachris, as cited by the Seattle Times. The birds were scrutinized after they were moved from their hard-plastic-shelled containers to plastic bags in 2024. Shoppers still complain about the bags' leak-prone design, which causes a mess in trollies, cars, and fridges by allowing meat juice to leak out. Footage of fugitive Julian Ingram taken hours before he allegedly murdered three people has been released as police vow they won't scale back their search until his capture. An almost one-minute CCTV clip released on Thursday shows the fugitive sporting a red cap and blue and yellow work gear, while casually vaping outside Lake Cargelligo police station on January 22. Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, had been reporting for his mandatory bail check-in. In accompanying images, police point to a number of tattoos on his arm including a distinctive demonic image. The footage was disclosed after NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon pledged to find the fugitive, who has been on the run for a week after a deadly alleged domestic violence-related shooting spree. Ingram allegedly killed three people, including his pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn and her aunt Nerida Quinn, in the western NSW town of Lake Cargelligo hours after the police station visit. 'I want to make sure that not only are you safe, but you feel safe,' Mr Lanyon said. 'You will continue to see a significant policing presence until such time as we put Mr Ingram before the court.' Julian Ingram (pictured), also known as Julian Pierpoint, was seen reporting to Lake Cargelligo police station on January 22 Ingram (pictured) is accused of shooting four people, killing three Specialist riot squads will be deployed to assist in the search, which has entered its second week, and all leads are being investigated, police say. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said there had only been one reported sighting of Ingram, although police were investigating the lead of a motorcyclist who didn't stop for officers. The white getaway ute the 37-year-old had been driving could be hidden, he noted. 'He'd be mad if he was still using his original ute. But if he's got other vehicles involved, we want to make sure we are investigating any lead that we have,' Mr Holland said. The earlier tip-off, from Sunday morning, led investigators to focus on the areas surrounding the remote outpost of Mount Hope, a former mining town about 90km northwest of Lake Cargelligo. Police warned they would arrest and prosecute anyone helping the experienced council worker to access food and water amid a heatwave across the outback region. The tricky terrain with ample hiding spots between sheds and vast properties, some of which exceed 160 square kilometres in size, is posing challenges for officers. 'All members of the community should exercise extreme caution,' Mr Holland said. Ingram allegedly fatally shot his pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn, her aunt Nerida Quinn and her friend John Harris, while Kaleb Macqueen (pictured) survived NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon (pictured) called domestic violence a 'scourge' on the state 'They need to be aware that there is a gunman on the loose in their area.' The slain women's friends and family have since asked the public for donations as the manhunt continues. 'Nerida and Sophie will be missed by so many,' family friend Leisa-Ann Kilby said online. The fundraiser had topped $16,000 by Thursday afternoon Ms Quinn, 25, and her friend John Harris, 32, were killed when bullets were fired into a dark hatchback on Lake Cargelligo's Bokhara St about 4.20pm. Soon after, her 50-year-old aunt was shot dead at a home on Walker St, a two-minute drive away. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was also shot at the home but survived with serious injuries. Suspicion and tensions are high as the search for the alleged triple killer grips the town of about 1,100 people and surrounding region. Ingram allegedly fled the scene of the shooting in a white ute (pictured) Ingram (pictured) was required to report to Lake Cargelligo police station every day as part of his bail conditions The openness of the terrain, particularly compared to the alpine-country search for fellow fugitive Dezi Freeman in Victoria, should allow police to conduct a more thorough search for longer, according to one expert. The outback heat and scarcity of water meant it was doubtful Ingram could survive on the run for longer than six weeks, 30-year police veteran and criminology academic Vincent Hurley told AAP. Domestic and family violence remained a scourge on the community and its eradication was a personal focus, the state police commissioner said. 'A tragedy like this brings domestic and family violence into the picture even more,' Mr Lanyon said. '...Last year alone we charged over 32,000 people with domestic and family violence assaults. 'That is a disgrace. It is simply unacceptable.' Daily Mail previously revealed Ingram was on bail after being accused of stalking, intimidating and assaulting Ms Quinn and allegedly damaged her property. Part of his bail conditions was that he report to Lake Cargelligo Police Station every day, as seen in the recently released CCTV footage. A massive search operation is still underway for the alleged gunman (pictured, special forces at the scene) Specialist riot squads will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search (pictured, a heavy armoured vehicle at the scene) 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.' 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 13YARN 13 92 76 Keir Starmer made his pitch to 'vital' China today as Xi Jinping suggested the Communist state prefers Labour governments. The PM held two hours of talks with the autocratic president in Beijing in the early hours of this morning, insisting he wants a more 'sophisticated' relationship. Xi talked up the advantages of his tightly-controlled country, contrasting that stability with the the volatile behaviour of the US Donald Trump. He pointedly noted that 'Labour governments' have made 'important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations' - complaining that there had been 'twists and turns' in the ties. In an apparent peace offering, Brits are being granted visa-free travel to China for tourist or business trips up to 30 days - something 50 other countries including France already have. Underlining the 'reds' theme, Sir Keir gifted Xi - a Manchester United fan - the matchball from their recent victory over his own team Arsenal. After the discussions, Sir Keir said Xi was someone he could do business with, although he stressed he had also raised human rights issues. However, there was little sign of big-ticket wins for Sir Keir as he seeks to neutralise accusations of 'kowtowing' to a state that is engaged in industrial scale espionage. MPs have been sanctioned by China for criticising the regime, including over curbs on civil liberties in Hong Kong. Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is with the PM, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves is notably absent despite widespread expectation should would go. City minister Lucy Rigby has been sent instead. National security adviser Jonathan Powell - a controversial but highly influential figure in Sir Keir's inner circle - also attended the talks in Beijing. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting during his visit to China British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, fourth right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, fifth left, with their delegations participate in a bilateral meeting The prime minister is visiting China with a delegation of almost 60 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions as he continues his efforts to build bridges with Beijing Xi told the PM that more dialogue was 'imperative' for the sake of 'world peace and stability' as well as their economies. In a barely-veiled jibe at Mr Trump after his trade war threats and bruising spat with Nato allies over Greenland, he said: 'International law is only truly effective when all countries abide by it, and major powers, in particular, must take the lead; otherwise, they will regress to a jungle-like world.' It comes as tensions between the US and Iran spiked once again yesterday after Mr Trump warned that a 'massive armada' is ready to strike if the Islamic Republic does not make a deal on nuclear weapons. At the start of their meeting in Beijing's Great Hall of the People close to Tiananmen Square, President Xi said: 'China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.' But he singled out Sir Keir's party for praise, saying: 'In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.' He added: 'China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.' President Xi also told Sir Keir they would 'stand the test of history' if they could 'rise above differences'. He said: 'Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. 'Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude.' The president quoted a Chinese proverb: 'Range far your eye over long distances.' In response, Sir Keir told his host he wanted a 'more sophisticated' relationship with China in their meeting on Thursday morning. He said it had been 'too long' since a British Prime Minister had visited China, which he called a 'vital player on the world stage'. 'It is with the British people in mind that I am here today,' he said. 'I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again. 'Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.' Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sir Keir said they had discussed 'huge opportunities' to benefit people in the UK. He added: 'We made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China and on information exchange and co-operation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts. 'So a very good, constructive meeting with real outcomes and that's very much in our national interest.' China's own readout of the meeting said it would 'actively consider' implementing unilateral visa-free entry for Brits. Asked how forcefully he raised issues including the jailing of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai and the treatment of the Uighur minority, Sir Keir said: 'We raised those issues, as you would expect. 'Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what we've done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on.' He said they had a 'respectful discussion', and that was 'part and parcel of the reason to engage'. Brits visiting China for less than 30 days will no longer need a visa under the agreement, Downing Street announced. The change will not come into effect immediately, but Beijing is understood to have committed to unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens with a start date to be confirmed. British passport-holders currently need a visa to enter mainland China. 'As one of the world's economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China,' Sir Keir said. 'We'll make it easier for them to do so, including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home.' After the meeting, Sir Keir toured the Forbidden City, and then received a ceremonial welcome at Beijing's Great Hall of the People ahead of his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qian. A military band played God Save The King and the Chinese national anthem, March Of The Volunteers, before the two men inspected an honour guard of about 140 troops from the Chinese army, navy and air force. Sir Keir also addressed the UK-China Business Council, where chief executive of British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, Sir Pascal Soriot, announced an investment of 100 billion yuan (10.4 billion) in China by 2030 to expand medicines manufacturing and research and development. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister met the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today. 'The Prime Minister thanked the President for a warm welcome to China, and both leaders affirmed their shared commitment to building a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries. 'They agreed they would continue to enhance co-operation on areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. The Prime Minister raised areas of concern to the United Kingdom. 'Accompanied by a delegation of nearly 60 of Britain's biggest businesses and cultural organisations on his visit, the Prime Minister added that he hoped new partnerships could be forged and new opportunities unlocked for them in China. 'Growth and prosperity at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world's biggest powers abroad, the Prime Minister added. 'The Prime Minister said he looked forward to the rest of his visit.' China also released a readout of a meeting between foreign minister Wang Yi and Mr Powell, which took place yesterday. Yi urged the UK to 'jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core' - in an apparent reference to Mr Trump's new 'board of peace', seen as a potential rival to the UN. According to the readout, Mr Powell said that China is the world's second-largest economy and a major influential country. The absence of high-level exchanges between the states was 'not in the interests of the peoples of both countries'. Earlier the Prime Minister had been welcomed by the chairman of China's National People's Congress, who praised his efforts to improve relations between their countries. Sir Keir was given a tour of the Forbidden City during his visit today Join the debate Do YOU think UK-China relations should be handled differently under Labour? China flew the Union Jack at Beijing's Tiananmen Gate to mark Sir Keir's arrival Zhao Leji said relations were now on 'the correct track to improvement and development' and 'positive progress has been made'. Sir Keir said: 'This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. 'We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together, and that has been our long-standing position.' He added: 'I look forward to a very productive few days discussing issues of global stability and security, growth and shared challenges like climate change.' A 'hero' bus driver was sacked after he chased down and knocked out a thief who stole a passenger's necklace. Mark Hehir had worked as a London bus driver for Metroline for two years when, on June 25, 2024, he was driving the 206 bus between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London. A tribunal heard that a man boarded the bus, pushing past a female passenger, before snatching a necklace from around her neck and running off. After becoming aware of the incident, Mr Hehir left his bus and chased after the man down the street. He managed to retrieve the stolen jewellery and returned the necklace to the female passenger. But the man then reappeared, walking towards the bus, where he threw 'the first punch' at Mr Hehir, the tribunal was told. Mr Hehir then responded in self-defence and hit the man once, knocking him unconscious. The tribunal was told Mr Hehir then dragged the man to the pavement and restrained him for almost half an hour. Mark Hehir had worked as a London bus driver for Metroline for two years when, on June 25, 2024, he was driving the 206 bus between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London A tribunal heard that a man boarded the bus, pushing past a female passenger, before snatching a necklace from around her neck and running off Join the debate Should YOU lose your job for stepping in to stop a theft? The men were both arrested, however Mr Hehir was subsequently released and told he would face no further police action. The day after the incident, Mr Hehir was suspended from duty and told to attend an investigation. At a disciplinary hearing, Mr Hehir was told the allegations included 'bringing the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger' and that he also 'failed to protect his and his passengers' safety by leaving the bus unattended with engine running and chasing an assailant'. Mr Hehir told the hearing that 'he had acted instinctively in running after the (man)' and that he had left the doors open and the handbrake on. The hearing was shown an email containing a case review note from Detective Sergeant Waddington, which said 'the claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger'. She found that the thief had thrown the first punch in the altercation, but this was disputed at the tribunal. Mr Hehir told the hearing that when the man returned to the bus 'the female passenger was scared' and that he held him on the ground as 'he was frightened that the (man) would do something if he got to his feet'. Mr Hehir told the hearing that the public's view of his actions was that he was a 'hero'. The hearing questioned whether the man returned to the bus to 'shake hands and apologise to the female passenger and the claimant', and who threw the first punch. Alina Gioroc, an operations manager who heard the disciplinary case, told the tribunal that she believed 'that the (man) returned towards the bus with the clear intention to apologise and shake hands with the female passenger'. Ms Gioroc continued: 'When the (man) intended to shake hands with the claimant, the claimant pushed the (man) away rather than stepping away himself, and that the (man) had not been aggressive until this point.' She found the restraining of the man for almost half an hour to be an 'excessive use of force and disproportionate', the tribunal heard. Ms Gioroc concluded that each allegation was found and decided the claimant should be dismissed without notice for gross misconduct. Mr Hehir appealed the ruling, but it was upheld at a recent tribunal in Watford. It was ruled 'that the genuine belief of the disciplinary and appeal managers that the claimant was guilty of gross misconduct was held on reasonable grounds and was within the band of reasonable responses open to an employer in the circumstances'. A Metroline spokesperson said: 'The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair. The claimant breached protocols designed to keep staff and passengers safe, which is our priority.' US President Donald Trump is weighing up options against Iran, including targetted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protestors to overrun government buildings. Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for 'regime change' after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people. To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could storm government and security buildings, they said. One of the US sources said the options being discussed by Trump's aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach US allies in the Middle East or its nuclear enrichment programmes. The other US source said Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Middle East this week has expanded Trump's capabilities to potentially take military action, after he repeatedly threatened intervention over Iran's crackdown. Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, such strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained 'heroic but outgunned'. Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on January 9, 2026 The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (L) transits the Strait of Hormuz on November 19, 2019 US President Donald Trump is weighing up options against Iran, according to multiple sources Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, warning that any future US attack would be more severe than a June bombing campaign against three nuclear sites. He described the ships in the region as an 'armada' sailing to Iran. Writing on Truth Social on Wednesday, the president said: 'A massive Armada is heading to Iran. 'It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. 'Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. 'Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties. 'Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again.' A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was 'preparing itself for a military confrontation, while at the same time making use of diplomatic channels'. However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said. The European Union appeared poised Thursday to sanction Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard over Tehran's deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, further squeezing the Islamic Republic. The move by Europe, long considered, will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. Its rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to $1 on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. 'This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh,' the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. 'If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist.' Iran had no immediate comment, but it has been criticizing Europe in recent days as it considered the move, which follows the US earlier sanctioning the Guard. By EU law, sanctions require unanimity across the bloc's 27 nations. That's at times hindered Brussels' ability to flex its economic clout to crack down on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Tehran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue 'based on mutual respect and interests' but would defend itself 'like never before' if pushed, Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X on Wednesday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, warned on X that Iran's forces were ready to retaliate. He said: 'Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea. 'The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and profoundly. 'At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Iran's rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. 'Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them.' Trump has not publicly detailed what he is looking for in any deal. His administration's previous negotiating points have included banning Iran from independently enriching uranium and restrictions on long-range ballistic missiles and on Tehran's network of armed proxies in the Middle East. A senior Israeli official with direct knowledge of planning between Israel and the United States told Reuters Israel does not believe airstrikes alone can topple the Islamic Republic, if that is Washington's goal. 'If you're going to topple the regime, you have to put boots on the ground,' he said, noting that even if the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would 'have a new leader that will replace him'. Only a combination of external pressure and an organised domestic opposition could shift Irans political trajectory, the official said. The Israeli official said Irans leadership had been weakened by the unrest but remained firmly in control despite the ongoing deep economic crisis that sparked the protests. Multiple US intelligence reports reached a similar conclusion, that the conditions that led to the protests were still in place, weakening the government, but without major fractures, two people familiar with the matter said. The Western source said they believed Trump's goal appeared to be to engineer a change in leadership, rather than 'topple the regime,' an outcome that would be similar to Venezuela, where US intervention replaced the president without a wholesale change of government. A woman walks past an anti-American wall poster that reads 'If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind', following a possible US intervention against Iran, on January 28 Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran on January 8 Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, January 9 Families 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 protests, January 13 Khamenei has publicly acknowledged several thousand deaths during the protests. He blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and what he called 'seditionists'. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the unrest-related death toll at 6,221, including 5,858 demonstrators, 214 government-affiliated forces, 100 children and 49 civilians who weren't demonstrating. The crackdown has seen over 42,300 arrests, it added. However, Time magazine on Sunday cited two senior Iranian health ministry officials saying at least 30,000 people had been killed, while The Guardian, citing medical professionals, reported a similar figure, adding that a large number of people had disappeared. Verification is hampered by a near-total internet shutdown now in its fourth week, as well as attempts by the regime to conceal the number of total casualties by pushing for fast, mass burials. At 86, Khamenei has retreated from daily governance, reduced public appearances and is believed to be residing in secure locations after Israeli strikes last year decimated many of Irans senior military leaders, regional officials said. Day-to-day management has shifted to figures aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including senior adviser Ali Larijani, they said. The powerful Guards dominate Iran's security network and big parts of the economy. However, Khamenei retains final authority over war, succession and nuclear strategy - meaning political change is very difficult until he exits the scene, they said. Iran's foreign ministry did not respond to questions about Khamenei. In Washington and Jerusalem, some officials have argued that a transition in Iran could break the nuclear deadlock and eventually open the door to more cooperative ties with the West, two of the Western diplomats said. But, they cautioned, there is no clear successor to Khamenei. In that vacuum, the Arab officials and diplomats said they believe the IRGC could take over, entrenching hard-line rule, deepening the nuclear standoff and regional tensions. Any successor seen as emerging under foreign pressure would be rejected and could strengthen, not weaken the IRGC, the official said. Newspapers in Iran's capital Tehran prominently featured statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that military options could be considered, January 28 Across the region, from the Gulf to Turkey, officials say they favour containment over collapse - not out of sympathy for Tehran, but out of fear that turmoil inside a nation of 90 million, riven by sectarian and ethnic fault lines, could unleash instability far beyond Iran's borders. A fractured Iran could spiral into civil war as happened after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, two of the Western diplomats warned, unleashing an influx of refugees, fueling Islamist militancy and disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy chokepoint. The gravest risk, analyst Vatanka warned, is fragmentation into 'early-stage Syria,' with rival units and provinces fighting for territory and resources. Gulf states - long-time US allies and hosts to major American bases- fear they would be the first targets for Iranian retaliation that could include Iranian missiles or drone attacks from the Tehran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt have lobbied Washington against a strike on Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran. 'The United States may pull the trigger,' one of the Arab sources said, 'but it will not live with the consequences. We will.' Mohannad Hajj-Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center said the US deployments suggest planning has shifted from a single strike to something more sustained, driven by a belief in Washington and Jerusalem that Iran could rebuild its missile capabilities and eventually weaponise its enriched uranium. The most likely outcome is a 'grinding erosion - elite defections, economic paralysis, contested succession - that frays the system until it snaps,' analyst Vatanka said. A Russian boat has been tracked by Britain's Royal Navy amid concerns over it spending 14 hours near the sea sharing data cables in the Bristol Channel. A cargo ship called Sinegorsk travelled to the channel in south-west England on Tuesday evening this week, about two miles off Minehead. The cables link to the US, Canada, Spain and Portugal. Concerns have been raised about possibe security dangers, amid concerns about Vladimir Putin's Russia following that country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Conservative shadow security minister Alicia Kearns said: 'The movements of this Russian ship are deeply suspicious, right over our transatlantic deep-sea data cables. 'Yet another reminder of the persistent and pernicious threats our country faces from Putin and his allies.' The most recent port call from Sinegorsk came three weeks ago at Russian trading port Arkhangelsk. Information shared by the website MarineTraffic shows Sinegorsk travelled along the Bristol Channel on Tuesday night before stopping two nautical miles off Minehead at about 11pm. Russian cargo ship Sinegorsk left this month port of Arkhangelsk in north-western Russia Your browser does not support iframes. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'We issued a clear warning as a first step to the SINEGORSK vessel to leave UK waters after it entered to undertake essential safety repairs. 'This directive has been complied with, and the vessel has left UK waters. 'We continue to take strong action against Russian-flagged ships, as well as to deter, disrupt and degrade the shadow fleet by stepping up our response through tough sanctions.' Reports have suggested that within a quarter of a mile of Sinegorsks location were five undersea data cables. These include two from the TGN Atlantic cable system, linking the UK to New York, while another - EXA Express - connects Britain to Canada's Nova Scotia. Weather forecast organisation, the Met Office, has warned of Force 6 winds ahead. It was previously revealed in November 2025 that a Russian spy ship was lurking in British waters and tried to jam the Royal Navy frigate's GPS. Defence Secretary John Healey said the research vessel Yantar was spotted lurking north of Scotland and attempted to blind RAF pilots using military-grade lasers. Your browser does not support iframes. Defence Secretary John Healey told in November 2025 how a Russian spy ship had been spotted on the edge of UK waters The lasers were directed at the pilots of RAF P-8 Poseidons, long-range reconnaissance aircraft that were sent with HMS Somerset to track the Yantar. Healey said it constituted a 'deeply dangerous' provocation and the first time a Russian crew had used lasers against UK forces. It has since been revealed they also attempted to disrupt the GPS on HMS Somerset. The Russian spy ship used jamming technology to interfere with the global position systems of the Royal Navy vessel, a defence source told the Telegraph. Warships run using a mixture of civilian and military-grade GPS systems, which help with accurate navigation as well as the deployment of precision-guided weapons. It is understood only civilian-grade systems were impacted, as the military systems are encrypted and almost impossible to jam. The source said it was 'more low-level disruption, causing a nuisance'. Commercial vessels near the Yantar, including fishermen, were also believed to have had their systems disrupted. A Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Agusta Westland Wildcat helicopter is pictured here approaching to land at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in July 2014 An infrared photograph of Russian spy ship Yantar taken following its recent arrival to the edge of British waters. It is thought to be capable of mapping underwater cables The Yantar (pictured, front of image, followed by a Royal Navy vessel) is a Russian spy ship operated by the elusive GUGI unit The boat, operated by Russia's elusive deep-sea research unit GUGI, has been situated on the edge of the UK's waters for 'the last few weeks', Mr Healey said. It is suspected by the West to map vital undersea infrastructure such as internet cables. A Royal Navy frigate and RAF P-8 reconnaissance planes were deployed to monitor and track the Yantar's moves, and to capture infrared photographs. The Russians responded by directing lasers at pilots - an unprecedented escalation that the Defence Secretary was taking 'extremely seriously'. 'That Russian action is deeply dangerous, and this is the second time this year that this ship, the Yantar has deployed to UK waters,' Mr Healey said. He changed the Navy's rules of engagement to allow them to track the Yantar more closely. 'We have military options ready should the Yantar change course,' he added, though he would not go into detail, citing security reasons. He also confirmed that a Royal Navy submarine surfaced close to the ship the last time it was seen in British waters. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Healey added: 'My message to Russia and to Putin is this: We see you, we know what you're doing, and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready. 'Make no mistake: we will not tolerate a threat to the British people's essential connections underwater.' It was warned this month that Russia could cripple Britain by cutting just 60 undersea cables that carry 99 per cent of our data. Vessels in Vladimir Putin's 'shadow fleet' - ships operating secretly to avoid sanctions - have been blamed for sabotaging telecommunications cables, oil and gas pipelines and electricity cables keeping countries connected. And Britain is particularly vulnerable, experts say, with disruption to undersea cables 'akin to a major military attack' - throwing our economy and everyday lives into chaos. The UK has 45 cables which connect with countries overseas, with roughly 1.15trillion in financial deals flowing through every day, linking Wall Street with the City of London, and European financial capitals to North American partners. Prof James Bergeron and Charlotte Kleberg, for the Council on Geostrategy think tank, said: 'Accidental damage from weather or (innocent) anchor dragging is unlikely to threaten Britain's network significantly. 'A more concerted effort to cut several key data cables simultaneously would be required. 'Difficult to monitor and protect, undersea information cables are vulnerable to deliberate disruption, with Russia presenting a particular challenge. In conflict with Ukraine, it seeks to dissuade NATO and EU states from supporting Kyiv. 'With its land forces drained, maritime activity presents an attractive means of sub-threshold action. Furthermore, the Kremlin has made it clear that it does not see a sharp distinction between peace and war, but rather a continuity.' They added: 'Without the internet and the cloud, air and maritime transport would be disrupted, critical aspects of the National Health Service (NHS) could not function, pay would not arrive in current accounts, and supermarket shelves would be empty. 'Any widespread disruption could threaten national security.' And the report also doubted if Labour would respond to Moscow unless there was a critical incident. The study also said that while Russia's current efforts were 'aimed at structural damage', they fall 'below the threshold of the UK's willingness to escalate'. 'The essence of this strategy is implausible deniability,' the report reads. 'While some incidents arise from accidents and negligence, others are suspicious but undetermined. 'This difficulty of attribution, combined with the challenges of monitoring and protection, makes the undersea domain well-suited to sub-threshold tactics.' Russian vessels were returning from a deployment in the Mediterranean and were closely watched throughout their voyage by NATO warships in the English Channel this month HMS Mersey and P282 HMS Severn are pictured shadowing RFN Boikiy in January 2026 Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Navy intercepted Russian ships in the English Channel - as the UK warned Mr Putin it knows 'exactly what his navy is doing.' British warships and aircraft were activated to shadow Russian vessels during a two-day operation in coordination with NATO allies. Portsmouth-based patrol ships HMS Mersey and HMS Severn were dispatched alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron to intercept Russian corvette Boikiy and accompanying oil tanker MT General Skobelev as they sailed towards the North Sea. Mersey first intercepted the Russian vessels on entry to the Channel, taking over shadowing duties from NATO allies after they had monitored them through the Bay of Biscay. Near the Isle of Wight, Severn and Mersey combined with the Wildcat to monitor the group in close coordination, utilising powerful sensors to gather valuable information and report on their movements. Severn continued to keep watch on the Russians as they sailed into the North Sea before handing over responsibility for the group to a NATO ally as they continued their journey north. Armed forces minister Al Carns said: 'With this operation, our sailors have once again sent a message to Putin - we know exactly what his navy is doing. 'Every time a Russian ship comes near the UK, the Navy is ready to track, deter, and defend.' MI6 head Blaise Metreweli has accused Russia of 'testing' the UK through sabotage, cyber attacks, and drone harassment, while the head of the Armed Forces warned Moscow wants to 'challenge, limit, divide, and ultimately destroy NATO'. Ministers have already been warned that Britain may not be able to stop attacks on its undersea cables, or repair them quickly if they are damaged, despite the creation of a new oversight board. Some defence experts have gone further, arguing that Atlantic Bastion should be reinforced with long-range strike weapons to deter sudden Russian submarine 'surges' from Arctic bases. Mr Healey previously said: 'We are living in a new era of threat which is less predictable and more dangerous.' 'We see the threat that Russia poses to our nation,' he said. 'They are mapping our undersea cables, our networks and our pipelines and those of our allies.' Atlantic Bastion, he added, would 'detect, deter and defeat those who threaten us'. France's justice minister has proposed banning legal migration for two to three years. Gerald Darmanin made the proposal as the number of immigrants in France has reached a new high, and a new opinion poll has revealed that 80% of voters believe France should toughen immigration policies. The conservative minister, who is preparing to run for president in 2027, told news channel LCI that immigration would be halted for employment and family reunification. 'There would be some exceptions, for instance, for doctors, researchers and some students,' he added. More than 8% of France's adult population is made up of legal immigrants, with the number at about 4.5 million, according to figures by the interior ministry released this week. Last year, France granted legal status to 384,230 new immigrants. Darmanin served as interior minister from 2020 to 2024, during which he tightened immigration policies. His immigration bill, which placed restrictions on migrants' access to benefits, family reunification and the eligibility of children born in France for citizenship, was passed by parliament in 2024. Darmanin (pictured) served as interior minister from 2020 to 2024 People wait outside an immigration office in France Your browser does not support iframes. These measures were scrapped, however, and conservatives criticised President Macron for watering down the bill after he referred it to the Constitutional Council, which rules on whether new laws comply with France's constitution. According to the new opinion poll, conducted for right-wing news outlet CNews, 67% of French voters back Darmanin's proposal. The justice minister has said that after the two to three year halt, France should introduce a 'quota system' alongside a referendum 'to ask the French people directly, how many [immigrants] you want'. Darmanin's plan comes as the EU will set its first target to bring down illegal immigration. European home affairs and migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, who is leading the overhaul told The Times the new migration strategy is 'about bringing the numbers down and keeping them down.' In 2015, illegal migration overwhelmed the bloc, with 1.32 million asylum seekers entering the EU. By the end of 2023, over 8.5 million people had arrived to claim asylum. Although 50-60% were asked to leave, 80% of those refused did not do so. This has led to growing anger from EU citizens on their governments' failure to secure borders and deport illegal migrants, including criminals. Many began to support the hard right due to stricter views on migration, and Brunner said he understands the electoral revolt. He said: 'I don't think it's about left or right or extreme parties. It's about getting it done, getting things right and listening to the voters, listening to the people in Europe. What they want and what they don't want. European people do not want a system that is 'abused by people,' he added. Magnus Brunner (pictured) said the new migration strategy is 'about bringing the numbers down and keeping them down.' Illegal crossings were down 26% over the past year to 178,000 Join the debate Would YOU back a national referendum on immigration numbers? 'We didn't have control over what was happening in the EU. I think that's actually what people don't like and that's what we have,' he told The Times. 'We have to give people back the feeling that we are in control of our borders, and of who comes and who is allowed to stay. We have to get a system. We have to have rules.' His current approach has delivered results, with EU governments forced to face the problem head on. Illegal crossings were down 26% over the past year to 178,000, which is less than half the number it was two years ago. Brunner said: 'We have mainly already given the right signals that what we do in Europe is to bring our European house in order.' Deportations are his biggest priority. Under a new EU directive, asylum seekers who are deported will be confronted with an entry ban and automatic deportation for ten years. These people will be sent back to their country of origin or to 'return hubs' outside the EU. Migrants who have committed crimes while claiming asylum or have suspected terrorist ties can be held in detention centres. 'Only one out of five people who are illegally in the EU are being returned to their home countries,' Brunner said. 'That's what we want to change.' Extraordinary footage has emerged showing multiple Russian soldiers surrendering to an armed Ukrainian combat robot. Video shows three Russian troops dressed in white military gear lying on the ground while a robot advances towards them, forcing the soldiers to stand up. The Russians cautiously walk toward the machine - one of them covered in blood - as they lift their hands in the air to surrender. The terrified fighters then lie back down on the snowy ground as they submit to the Ukrainian weapon. The surrender was achieved by a remotely controlled Droid TW-7.62 - a Ukrainian-made reconnaissance and strike unmanned ground vehicle designed for combat and surveillance missions. The drone was mounted on a NUMO platform and was fitted with a remotely operated 7.62mm machine gun turret. It is described as a reconnaissance and strike ground robotic complex from Ukrainian defence firm DevDroid, adapted to fire a PKT-type machine gun and equipped with elements of artificial intelligence for target detection, tracking and fire control. The machine is the first known ground combat robot to successfully capture enemy soldiers during active fighting. Screen grab shows Russian soldiers surrendering to an armed Ukrainian combat robot The Russians can be seen as they cautiously walk toward the machine as they lift their hands in the air to surrender Russian fighters lie on the snowy ground as they submit to the Ukrainian weapon The operation was monitored by an unmanned aerial drone. It is believed to be the first time a video has captured troops surrendering to a ground combat robot during active fighting. As it nears the four-year mark since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv now stands as the world leader in making armed robots and drones to fight against Vladimir Putin's troops. The video highlights how rapidly the war in Ukraine is transforming modern combat methods, with robots replacing infantry, with ground drones becoming widely used in reconnaissance, assault and evacuation efforts - reducing Ukrainian casualties while maintaining pressure on Russian positions. In July last year, Ukraine's Third Assault Brigade reported a comparable incident in the Kharkiv region, where Russian troops surrendered after being attacked exclusively by FPV drones and ground robotic platforms. That operation was hailed by Ukrainian forces as the first confirmed assault conducted entirely by unmanned systems, but it was not documented in the same way. Footage from the violent front line comes as a report warned on Tuesday that the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides of Russia's war on Ukraine could reach two million by spring. The report from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies came less than a month before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The surrender was achieved by a remotely controlled Droid TW-7.62 One of the Russian soldiers appears to be covered in blood As the war grinds through another bitterly cold winter, Russian strikes damaged an apartment block on Wednesday on the outskirts of Kyiv on Wednesday, killing two people. Nine others were injured in attacks in the Ukrainian cities of Odesa and Kryvyi Rih and in the front-line Zaporizhzhia region. The CSIS report said Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, between February 2022 and December 2025. 'Despite claims of battlefield momentum in Ukraine, the data shows that Russia is paying an extraordinary price for minimal gains and is in decline as a major power,' the report said. 'No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II.' The report estimated that Ukraine, with its smaller army and population, had suffered between 500,000 and 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv gives timely data on military losses, and each side seeks to amplify the other side's casualties. Commenting on the report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that the research could not be considered 'reliable information' and that only Russia's Ministry of Defence was authorised to provide information on military losses. The ministry has not released figures on battlefield deaths since a statement in September 2022 that said just under 6,000 Russian soldiers had been killed. A report warned on Tuesday that the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides of Russia's war on Ukraine could reach two million by spring. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers operate a Ukrainian 2S22 Bohdana 155 mm self-propelled howitzer to strike Russian manpower and equipment in the Pokrovsky direction in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on January 23, 2026 Rescuers carry the coffin of their colleague Oleksandr Zibrov during a farewell ceremony in Kyiv on January 28, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine People pass by damaged cars near an apartment building after a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 Firefighters work in a residential area damaged during overnight Russian drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine January 28, 2026 The Ukrainian government had no immediate comment on the report. In an interview with NBC in February 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that more than 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the war began. The CSIS report estimated that at current rates, combined Russian and Ukrainian casualties may be as high as 1.8 million and could reach two million by spring. The figures from the CSIS were compiled using the Washington-based think tanks own analysis, data published by independent Russian news site Mediazona with the BBC, estimates by the British government and interviews with state officials. A caravan park has been evacuated after Storm Chandra caused a nearby river to burst its banks - with more heavy rain on the way today. People living at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch in Dorset were told to leave 'as quickly as possible' because of a severe flood warning, meaning 'danger to life'. Rescue teams were seen going caravan to caravan as homes were flooded from rising levels on the River Stour and officials warned of 'deep and fast flowing' water. It comes as the Met Office warned further torrential downpours will cause travel delays and could worsen flooding on already saturated ground in the South West. Another 25mm (1in) of rain is expected to fall with a yellow alert active from noon today until midnight tonight for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. A further rain warning for Devon and Cornwall was also issued from 9am tomorrow until 6am on Saturday as another 30mm (1.2in) is set to fall along with strong winds. A separate 19-hour yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland is forecast to bring up to 60mm (2.4in) and more flooding between midnight tonight and 6pm tomorrow. The Environment Agency had 76 flood warnings and 181 alerts in place for England today, while there were three alerts in Wales and six alerts or warnings in Scotland. Flooding also continued to cause rail disruption with National Rail imposing a 'do not travel' warning for Great Western Railway passengers attempting to go between Exeter, Okehampton and Barnstaple in Devon until at least the end of tomorrow. Rescuers help a couple leave their caravan at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset yesterday Iford Bridge Home Park on the banks of the River Stour in Dorset was flooded yesterday Flooding at Iford Bridge in Dorset this morning ahead of further heavy rain on the way Flooding at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset today ahead of more heavy rain on the way Flooding at Iford Bridge in Dorset this morning ahead of further heavy rain on the way People living at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch in Dorset have been told to leave Flooding at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset today ahead of more heavy rain on the way Iford Bridge Home Park on the banks of the River Stour in Dorset was flooded yesterday Flooding at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset today ahead of more heavy rain on the way Officials warned of 'deep and fast flowing' water at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset yesterday Flooding at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset today ahead of more heavy rain on the way People living at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch in Dorset have been told to leave Flooding at Iford Bridge Home Park in Dorset today ahead of more heavy rain on the way The Environment Agency issued one severe flood warning, 76 warnings and 181 alerts today Your browser does not support iframes. In Cornwall, the line between Liskeard and Looe remained closed following heavy rain which flooded the track with no trains expected until next Monday at the earliest. Meanwhile in Devon, recent storm weather caused a large sinkhole to appear near the railway line between Dawlish and Teignmouth, and it was closed for repairs. The Environment Agency (EA) issued the severe flood warning for Iford Bridge Home Park yesterday morning. It said: 'Severe flooding is expected today and flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing. Flooding is expected on January 28, 2026. 'River levels are rising and require residents to evacuate as quickly as possible.' Staff from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) were at the site, as well as emergency services, to help residents evacuate. Highest rainfall totals from Storm Chandra The Met Office has revealed the highest rainfall totals between 12pm on Monday and 11.59pm on Tuesday: White Barrow, Devon 115.1 mm 'The highest total recorded during Storm Chandra, with sustained heavy rainfall through the morning of 27 January.' Katesbridge, County Down 114.8 mm 'A remarkably high total for Northern Ireland, highlighting the storm's broad footprint. Katesbridge also appears frequently in the hourly highrainfall records, showing consistent heavy bursts.' Banagher, Caugh Hill, Londonderry 83.2 mm 'Another significant total in Northern Ireland, illustrating how Chandras associated rainfall band pivoted northwards.' Dartmoor Training Centre, Devon 75.7mm Brookfield Farm, Devon 73mm Princetown Prison, Devon 68.2mm Bellever, Dartmoor 67.6mm Glen Ample, Stirlingshire 66.6mm Advertisement Residents were told to pack a bag with essential items such as medications and prepare to be away from their properties overnight. Power to the site, which has 80 homes, was expected to be impacted by flooding. The EA told residents: 'Move family, pets and cars to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so.' River levels were expected to peak at 3.66m yesterday, it added. Resident Martin Sadler, who was among those evacuated, said: 'I was there in 2013 and my home was flooded then. Subsequent to that the homes were raised by about 65cm. 'I feel quite safe actually now that the home is safe from flooding. I think they are turning the electricity off, and so that's a bit difficult to be comfortable without that. 'I stayed there until it got a bit risky and I left. I left before I got wet feet.' Ann Mallett, who has gone to stay with her family after being evacuated, said flood alleviation measures needed installing at the park after the latest incident. 'It's obviously going to get worse every year, and nobody seems to do anything about it,' she said. 'We are okay because we are over to our sons to stay, but some people don't have that. It's just a flipping nuisance really. 'They have switched the electricity off, and I did a big shop about a week ago. I should not have done really.' Forecasters said a band of rain would arrive across Cornwall this afternoon, then move north-east across the South West of England before clearing early tomorrow. Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'On Thursday, showers in South West England will be replaced by a more organised area of rain when the next system reaches the south of Cornwall around Thursday lunchtime. 'There's a yellow warning for rain in place from noon until Friday morning, with the focus for heavier rain across South West England as the wet conditions spread northeast across the warning area. 'The rain is only likely to last for a few hours in each location but will be heavy at times - 10 to 15 mm is likely quite widely, but in some areas, particularly towards the south coast, a further 20 to 25 mm is possible. 'This rain will fall onto already saturated ground, compounding the impacts of Storm Chandra, so we're encouraging people to stay up to date with the latest forecast and follow any advice from the emergency services and local authorities.' A retired couple are among residents living on the Somerset Levels who fear heavy rainfall today could bring the worst flooding in more than a decade. Flooding in Burrowbridge, Somerset, yesterday as hundreds of warnings and alerts are active Floodwater in Burrowbridge, Somerset, yesterday after Storm Chandra brought heavy rain A road closed due to flooding in Burrowbridge, Somerset, yesterday after heavy rain Flooding in Burrowbridge, Somerset, yesterday as hundreds of warnings and alerts are active Lesley and John Parker, who live in the village of Burrowbridge, Somerset, have installed flood defences around their property in the hopes of holding back the water, which they fear will come 'straight up through the floor'. A key route through Burrowbridge has been shut due to flooding, and the Environment Agency has nearby pumps running at 'full capacity' to drain water away. But the heavy rainfall forecast today has spurred the Parkers and their neighbours to prepare their homes for the worst. Mr and Mrs Parker said the conditions are the scariest they have seen since their home was devastated by flooding in 2014, when 3ft of water inside the house forced them to leave. The couple said they have been mostly 'left to (their) own devices', and believe the Environment Agency has done 'too little too late' to save their home of 14 years. Mr Parker said: 'The thing was, in 2014, the whole process was much slower, it was almost like slow motion. Whereas this has happened so fast that nothing has actually been set up yet.' Despite covering the doors and vents with sandbags, the couple said the water came straight up through the floor during the last serious flood. Mr Parker added: 'The water came in one afternoon, we thought we might survive, went to bed and got up in the morning and there was a foot or so of water in the ground floor. 'The insurance company arranged a hotel, and we went to the hotel and stayed there for a couple of weeks. 'When the water had gone, which was five weeks after it came in, we came back... We lived in a caravan on the drive from the middle of March to November.' Yesterday, the couple installed a flood barrier provided by their local rotary club and stuffed sandbags outside the entrances to their home. Mrs Parker said: 'There's been a few sort of hairy moments, but at the moment... with the forecast, the rate and rise of the water is the quickest it's ever been. Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire yesterday after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Storm Chandra brought heavy rain across the country and flooded St Ives in Cambridgeshire St Ives in Cambridgeshire was flooded yesterday after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Flooding around St Ives in Cambridgeshire yesterday after the River Great Ouse burst its banks 'We've had a few scares, but this is probably the scariest, and I was told on Monday I would be under water today.' Somerset Council said an estimated 50 properties had been affected by flooding across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel in the wake of Storm Chandra. Council leader Bill Revans said: 'The weather forecast remains challenging so we will be working with colleagues in the emergency services to ensure we are prepared should the situation continue to deteriorate.' Alan Sandwell, who lives close to the Saltmoor pumping station in Burrowbridge, said he was promised his house would 'never flood' when he moved in two months ago. 'You never say never, so we've got precautions coming tomorrow if we need it,' he added. 'I'm concerned with the fact that there always seems to be stuff happening, always too late. It's like shutting the gate when the horse has bolted.' A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: 'Our incident response has been ahead of the curve - not behind it. Staff have been working hard 24/7 to protect people and property. 'Additional pumps have been set up ahead of agreed timing and we pumped down water levels ahead of Storm Ingrid to mitigate its impact. 'We can't pump water into already full rivers. But as soon as they drop we are prepared to maximise that window of opportunity.' The Environment Agency said a rain gauge in Fulwood, Somerset, had recorded the wettest seven-day period in at least 30 years last week. Floods minister Emma Hardy said: 'Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected. 'I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe. Hucklesbrook ford near North Gorley in the New Forest in Hampshire where a lorry driver died The lorry driver drowned after his vehicle was swept away in a flooded ford at North Gorley The vehicle was swept into the rising flood water at North Gorley caused by Storm Chandra Flowers at the scene at Hucklesbrook ford near North Gorley in the New Forest in Hampshire 'I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.' The Environment Agency said teams were on the ground switching on pumps to remove flood water as soon as river levels allow, with ultra high-volume pumps used in Northmoor and Saltmoor on the Somerset Levels. Fire chiefs are warning that the flood risk in England is rising faster than the legal and funding framework in place to support the emergency response. The National Fire Chiefs Council has called on the Government to consult on establishing a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding incidents which pose a risk to life. Council chairman Phil Garrigan said: 'Firefighters routinely carry out water rescues, evacuate residents and support communities during major flooding events, and they will continue to do so because that is what the public rightly expects. 'But as climate change drives more frequent and severe flooding, it is no longer credible for this life-saving work to sit outside a clear statutory framework. 'England is increasingly exposed to flood risk, yet fire and rescue services are being asked to respond without the legal clarity or funding that exists elsewhere in the UK.' Storm Chandra is the latest storm to be named by the western Europe storm naming group list shared between the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. It brought weather warnings, disruption and flooding across parts of the UK on Tuesday with Somerset Council declaring a major incident that evening. The highest rainfall total recorded during Storm Chandra was 115.1mm (4.5in) at White Barrow in Devon. At least six weather stations set new alltime January daily rainfall station records including Katesbridge in Northern Ireland which saw 100.8mm (4in), beating the previous record of 38.2mm (1.5in) set in 2005. A lorry driver died in the New Forest after crashing into a river on Tuesday in the aftermath of Storm Chandra. Hampshire Police said the man, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident in North Gorley. 'Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death,' a force spokesman added. A plastic surgeon in France has been given a suspended sentence after his diamond dealing billionaire client died during a penis enlargement surgery. Belgian-Israeli Ehud Arye Laniado died after suffering a heart attack in the Saint-Honore-Ponthieu clinic in Paris' 8th arrondissement. The 65-year-old was having injections in his penis to make it larger at the time of his death. Prosecutors initially opened a manslaughter investigation following his passing, which was quickly changed to charges of failure to assist a person in danger, drug offences, and practising medicine without a licence. They also discovered that Laniado, a bodybuilding enthusiast, had been taking banned substances as well as chemicals used to help men fight erectile dysfunction in the lead up to his death. Surgeon Guy H. was given a 15-month suspended sentence, while his assistant surgeon, who was standing in for him at the time of the operation, was given a 12-month suspended sentence. Both doctors, in their 70s, have now been banned from practising medicine and were made to pay respective fines of 50,000 (43,000) and 20,000 (17,000). A French court heart that emergency services were initially called at 8pm on March 2 2019, the night Laniado died, before they were called again two hours later. A plastic surgeon in France has been given a suspended sentence after his diamond dealing billionaire client died during a penis enlargement surgery (file image) The billionaire died in the Saint-Honore-Ponthieu clinic in Paris' 8th arrondissement (pictured) One defendant claimed that the first call was only made at Laniado's insistence, as he was suffering from abdominal pains. Despite this, he elected to continue with his surgery. The bodybuilder was known for visiting the clinic two to four times a year for procedures that cost tens of thousand of euros each time. A judicial source told Le Parisien that the injection into the penis was quickly ruled out as the cause of the diamond dealer's death. A source close to the case said: 'It's easy to say in hindsight that the heart attack started [at the 8pm call], but since the patient had an ulcer, it was impossible to consider a heart problem, and emergency services wouldn't have been called out for such a minor issue.' An autopsy revealed the billionaire had died of cardiac hypertrophy. Investigators who searched his hotel room at the luxurious five-star Plaza Athenee hotel found he had been taking several substances that were banned in France, as well as vasodilators that can facilitate erections. A judicial source added that the material found in his hotel room is 'likely what caused his death.' Further investigation revealed that the assistant surgeon had not been registered with the French Medical Association, even though she had been working in the nation for over 20 years. On top of this, the degrees she obtained in Algeria were not recognised as legitimate in France. These issues did not stop Guy H. from employing her as a surgery assistant. Despite his death, Laniado's family received no compensation. Martin Reynaud, the lawyer who defended the surgeon, said following the end of the case: 'It's a sober, clear, and calming decision. There was something futile and sad about trying to find someone responsible at all costs, following a purely accidental death.' Benefits claimants in Scotland take home the same amount of money as a worker earning a salary of 56,000, Tories in the country say. Unveiling an election manifesto pledge to make cuts of 1billion to the welfare bill, Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay argued the benefits system has 'spiralled out of control under the SNP'. The Tories claim that a parent with three children takes home almost 42,000-per-year through UK-wide and local welfare payments. A person in employment would need to earn 56,000 to match that level of income after tax reductions - a salary which just 15 per cent of Scots currently earn. Findlay claimed that First Minister John Swinney's party's generous benefits system is encouraging parents to reduce their hours and even 'quit work altogether'. In one case, a worker reportedly pleaded with their employer not to give them a pay rise because it would have cost them 300 per month in benefits. Under the Tories' plans, the SNP's 27.15 weekly benefits payment would only be available for the first two children in a family. There is currently no limit and research suggests that one in eight Scots who receive the payment have stopped working or lowered their hours. Findlay said: 'Our country is blessed to have a social security system that helps people in genuine need, but the benefits bill has spiralled out of control under the SNP. Russell Findlay has pledged to make cuts of 1billion to Scotland's welfare system, which he says has spiralled out of control under the SNP Findlay claimed that John Swinney's party's generous benefits system is encouraging parents to reduce their hours and even 'quit work altogether' 'We are the only party being straight with the paying public by saying that Scotland's bloated benefits bill is unaffordable, unfair and unsustainable. 'With costs of the Scottish child payment set to hit over half a billion pounds in coming years, we believe the time has come to limit the benefit to a couple's first two children. 'Benefits should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice. Hard-working Scots who struggle to pay the bills know that no-one should be better off through a life on benefits. 'With costs of the Scottish Child Payment set to hit over half a billion pounds in coming years, we believe the time has come to limit the benefit to a couples first two children. This is a fair, reasonable and necessary measure.' The gap between the cost of the SNP's benefits system and that of the UK Government's is expected to reach 1.1bn this year and 2bn by the end of the decade. By 2023, the Scottish Government's social security spending will reportedly increase by almost 25 per cent to 9.2bn. Describing his party's proposal as 'fair' and 'necessary', Findlay claimed that around 1 in every 7 spent by the SNP at the moment goes on benefits. However those in power have hit back at the Tories' plans, branding them 'cruel' and 'arbitrary'. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who is responsible for Scotland's benefits system, hit back the Tories' claims The SNP's benefits system has been praised by poverty charities since its inception under Nicola Sturgeon Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who is responsible for Scotland's benefits system, said: 'This (the plans) would pull children into poverty and limit the prospects of future generations through no fault of their own. 'The Scottish child payment is benefiting about 322,000 children, while keeping about 40,000 children out of poverty this year. 'It is unconscionable to me that some should now be punished for circumstances beyond their control. 'We see social security as a vital investment in people, a human right, and a public service that anyone may rely upon throughout their lives - we are committed to this approach. 'That's why the draft Scottish Budget pledges a premium top-up to the Scottish child payment for eligible parents with children under one, benefiting about 12,000 children, while delivering the strongest cost-of-living package in the UK.' The SNP's benefits system has been praised by poverty charities since its inception under Nicola Sturgeon and is likely to be expanded to provide 40-a-week to families with children under one from April. The Tories' pledge to cap the Scottish child payment to two children is part of what Mr Findlay hailed as a 'bold new social security paper'. Claiming that spending on benefits in Scotland will be 'almost 10 billion' a year by the end of this decade, the Conservative paper declared: 'The SNP are spending too much on benefits, taking too much from taxpayers - and disincentivising work.' The Tories also plan to introduce new assessments for those claiming benefits on mental health grounds, saying the changes could save taxpayers 1 billion. The party is also pledging to end 'light-touch reviews' of benefit recipients' payments, arguing people should no longer be able to 'just tick a box to stay on benefits'. Face-to-face reviews would be brought in for some claimants, with people asked to prove they still meet the criteria for payments. China has executed 11 members of a notorious Myanmar mafia family that was infamous for duping victims in fake online romances. The Ming crime family was sentenced to death in September by a court in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, with the same court also carrying out the executions on Thursday. Residents in the UK and the US have fallen victim to similar, sophisticated schemes, after being lured into romantic relationships that resulted in the loss of large amounts of cash. The clan members were executed for crimes including 'intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud and casino establishment', according to news agency Xinhua. The death sentences were approved by the Supreme People's Court in Beijing, which found that the evidence produced of crimes committed since 2015 was 'conclusive and sufficient'. The 'Ming family criminal group' had contributed to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to 'many others', according to local media. 'The criminals' close relatives were allowed to meet with them before the execution,' Xinhua added. Ming Xuechang, the head of the clan who allegedly took his own life in 2023 to avoid capture, ran one of the most infamous of Laukkaing's scam centres, Crouching Tiger Villa. Their empire of crime came crashing down in 2023 after they were detained and handed over to Chinese authorities by ethnic militias that had taken power in the town of Laukkaing amid rising conflicts with Myanmar's army. Under Chinese law, criminals sentenced to death are executed either by firing squad or lethal injection. As part of its own effort to combat online fraud, the UK government last October sanctioned a different network that also operates scam centres in Southeast Asia, and has several assets in London. The leader of that group, Chen Zhi, and his web of enablers, had incorporated their businesses in the British Virgin Islands and invested in the London property market, acquiring assets including a 12 million mansion on Avenue Road in north London, a 100 million office building on Fenchurch Street in the City of London, and seventeen flats on New Oxford Street and in Nine Elms in south London. All of the businesses and properties were frozen, as part of the government's attempt to clampdown on scam centres which trick victims across the world out of substantial sums of money and torture their trafficked workers. The execution in China came as Sir Keir Starmer met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the British prime minister said he raised the country's human rights record. Starmer said when asked if the issue of human rights and of the prosecution of British citizen and pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai had been raised: 'We did have a respectful discussion about that, raised those issues as you would expect. China has executed 11 people linked to Myanmar criminal gangs, including 'key members' of telecom scam operations (pictured, some of the crime family at their sentencing in October at the Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court in eastern China's Zhejiang Province) Fraud operations centred in Myanmar's border regions have extracted billions of dollars from around the world through phone and internet scams (pictured, some of the crime family at their sentencing in October at the Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court in eastern China's Zhejiang Province) Join the debate Is this justice for victims or state brutality? 'It gives us great opportunities, but it also gives us the opportunity to have those discussions about areas where we disagree.' Fraud compounds where scammers lure internet users into fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency investments have flourished across Southeast Asia, including in the lawless borderlands of Myanmar. Initially largely targeting Chinese speakers, the criminal groups behind the compounds have expanded operations into multiple languages to steal from victims around the world. Those conducting the scams are sometimes willing con artists, and other times trafficked foreign nationals forced to work. In recent years, Beijing has stepped up cooperation with regional governments to crack down on the compounds, and thousands of people have been repatriated to face trial in China's opaque justice system. Fraud operations centred in Myanmar's border regions have extracted billions of dollars from around the world through phone and internet scams. Experts say most of the centres are run by Chinese-led crime syndicates working with Myanmar militias. The fraud activities and crackdowns by Beijing are closely followed in China. Alleged scam centre workers and victims pictured during a crackdown operation by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) on illicit activity at the KK Park complex in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township, February 26, 2025 Hundreds of foreigners, pictured above, were sent home from compounds in Myanmar that are run by criminal gangs, with many workers saying they were trafficked and forced to swindle people around the world in protracted internet scams Alleged scam centre workers and victims from China arrive at the border checkpoint with Thailand in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township on February 20, 2025 The executions are designed to send a message of deterrence to would-be scammers, but the business has now moved to Myanmar's border with Thailand, and to Cambodia and Laos - areas where China has much less influence. The eleven members of the notorious mafia family are the first of the Myanmar scam bosses to be executed by China, but they will not be the last. The September rulings that resulted in Thursday's executions also included death sentences with two-year reprieves to five other individuals. Another 23 suspects were given prison sentences ranging from five years to life. In November, Chinese authorities sentenced five people to death for their involvement in scam operations in Myanmar's Kokang region. Their crimes had led to the deaths of six Chinese nationals, according to state media reports. Despite the fact that the Ming family's trial was held behind closed doors, an audience of more than 160 people were allowed to attend the sentencing hearing last year, including families of victims. Between 2015 and 2023, the Ming mafia's scam operations and gambling dens brought in more than 10bn yuan (1 billion). Previously, the main source of income for such families was prostitution and gambling, but then they eventually got involved with online fraud and used kidnapped workers to run their scams. According to the testimony of freed staff, beatings and torture were commonplace within the mafia's sprawling and well-guarded compounds. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned in April that the cyberscam industry was spreading across the world, including to South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and some Pacific Islands. The UN has estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are working in scam centres globally. The UK government launched sanctions on illegal scam networks last October alongside the US, to ensure maximum impact. The joint action followed extensive investigations by the FCDO and the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). 'The masterminds behind these horrific scam centres are ruining the lives of vulnerable people and buying up London homes to store their money,' Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said. 'Together with our US allies, we are taking decisive action to combat the growing transnational threat posed by this network upholding human rights, protecting British nationals and keeping dirty money off our streets.' Fraud Minister Lord Hanson added: 'Fraudsters prey on the most vulnerable by stealing life savings, ruining trust, and devastating lives. We will not tolerate this. 'These sanctions prove our determination to stop those who profit from this activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep dirty money out of the UK. 'Through our new, expanded Fraud Strategy and the upcoming Global Fraud Summit, we will go even further to disrupt corrupt networks and protect the public from shameless criminals.' Taking place in Vienna between March 16-17, the Global Fraud Summit will bring together representatives from across governments, law enforcement, the private sector and academia to 'galvanise international action' and deliver 'cross-sector collaboration'. A Labour-run council has deferred its decision to convert a car park into 45 new homes after drawing criticism from an army of A-list celebrities. Backed by Jude Law, Dominic Cooper and Sarah Hadland, a campaign group is fighting plans to build 20 terraced houses and 25 flats as part of two towering blocks in the Blackheath Station car park, where the thriving farmers' market is held every Sunday. The proposals would reduce the 162-space car park to just 17 - something locals fear will create 'fighting for spaces'. Concerns have also been raised that the new homes would have negative effects on the Blackheath Conservation Area, which was one of the first in the capital. So far, Lewisham Council has received more than 1,200 objections to the plans, including from a local school and dozens of local businesses, with just 30 comments in support and 12 neutral comments. Mr Law previously stated that the flats would be a stain on the wonderful South London village, as Mr Cooper urged the council to dismiss the plans, claiming it 'prioritises developer profit, whilst ignoring overwhelming public opposition'. While, Ms Hadland accused the council of hypocrisy, enforcing strict planning laws on residents while pushing through developers' projects. However, despite the plans being recommended for approval, Lewisham councillors decided to defer a decision on the development at a council meeting on Tuesday evening until further information is gathered on its impact on the village and its farmers' market. Backed by Jude Law (pictured), Dominic Cooper and Sarah Hadland, a campaign group is fighting plans to build 20 terraced houses and 25 flats as part of two towering blocks in the Blackheath Station car park Ms Hadland (centre) and an army of Blackheath locals campaign against the development Acorn, the north London developer, has submitted plans to build 20 terraced homes and 25 flats as part of two towering blocks in the Blackheath Station car park, where the thriving farmer's market is held every Sunday. Pictured: Concept images of the development Mr Cooper, who also starred in Mamma Mia and The History Boys, insisted people who object are not 'anti-development' but are 'demanding development that is fair, responsible, and puts local people at the heart of decision-making'. 'To plough ahead with a proposal of this size, that provides so little social and affordable housing, that prioritises developer profit, whilst ignoring overwhelming public opposition would amount to a devastating betrayal of the electorate,' he said. An open letter was also signed by a host of high-profile public figures, including Hollywood heartthrob Mr Law, fashion legend Jeff Banks and renowned author and humanitarian Sir Terry Waite. Mr Law wrote: 'I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place. 'This plan does not answer housing needs. Instead this plan will enforce a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.' Last year, 80 local businesses signed a separate open letter urging the council to reject the plans, saying it is 'the single biggest threat to the survival of Blackheath's independent retailers' and the 'unique character of the village'. TV Actress Sarah Hadland, 54, who has lived in the south-east London village for more than 20 years, has also called out the plans. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, The Miranda star said: 'This is a good landmark to say "no this has to stop, you cannot destroy areas to make money for private developers". 'They are the ones that are going to come out this the best. How does that work? They don't have to live here.' Ms Hadland (left) has urged Brits to protect their communities from Labour's housing blitz. Mr Cooper (right) is also among those who have criticised but insisted people who object are not 'anti-development' Under the plans by developer Acorn, the site's 162 spaces will be axed to just 17. Above, Blackheath Station car park Plans to convert the car park at Blackheath Station into 45 new homes Residents say this could have an impact on the footfall which it brings to local businesses within the village, as well as uncertainty around the future of the farmers' market which operates in the car park every Sunday Lewisham Council has received more than 1,200 objections to the plans, including from a local school and dozens of local businesses, with just 30 comments in support and 12 neutral comments Blackheath is known for its quaint and suburban charm (pictured) Ms Hadland, who was a Strictly Come Dancing finalist last year, added: 'It's very wrong and has to be stopped. If it doesn't, this will become routine everywhere across this country. People will just be going, 'We'll build where we like because we want to make money".' 'I appreciate all different types of architecture but if you put something as sympathetic as that, it just looks extraordinary.' Also fighting is musician Chris Difford from the band Squeeze, which was formed locally. He said: 'This is heartbreaking Blackheath has a skyline that is already suffocated by the horizon of Canary Wharf and the buildings in neighbouring Lewisham. 'We must respect the beauty and freedom that the sky provides around Blackheath Village and say no to this new development.' Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler, 76, added: 'Blackheath has always been a treasured area and one of London's last intact villages. 'Let's please leave it alone.' The proposed plans also include a farmers' market - which already runs every Sunday - a public square, cycle parking and the relocation of a sewer. However, residents' group Reject Blackheath Station say the towering buildings do not fit the style of the area and block light from existing terrace houses. Parents and staff at the John Ball Primary School have also recently added their voices to objections, saying the flats would tower over them, blocking natural light and disrupting pupils' privacy. In a statement on Lewisham Council's deferral, a spokesman for the Reject Blackheath Station group said: 'We feel that this is a really positive decision at this point. 'It shows that, unlike the developer who has consistently ignored the feedback the community has given them - which is why we're in this mess - the councillors are actually listening to what residents and businesses are telling them. 'They're asking for actual evidence rather than just accepting whatever the developer and planning officers have come up with. This is a really good sign. 'We're also really pleased that the three Blackheath ward councillors have got behind us in the way they have. It's a good result.' Olly Payne, a dad-of-two and local resident who has lived in Blackheath all his life, branded the proposals for the car park 'ridiculous'. 'It's a conservation area,' the 52-year-old said. Despite the plans being recommended for approval, Lewisham councillors decided to defer a decision on the development at a council meeting on Tuesday evening until further information is gathered on its impact on the village and its farmers' market. Blackheath Station car park could be replaced by 45 new houses which would consist of 20 terraced homes and 25 flats as part of two blocks that would be five and four storeys tall Locals say the development is not in keeping with the character of their charming village 'There's a point to conservation areas: to preserve the heritage of London, which seems to be getting lost. 'Blackheath is a very old and well-respected conservation area, but the proposed buildings are completely out of character and scale with what's around them. 'Nobody is against housing or development in general. What we are against is bad development - and this is bad development.' IT worker Mr Payne added that the huge reduction in parking spaces could badly affect local businesses, especially given the farmers' market - which attracts thousands of people to Blackheath each Sunday - will have to move whilst construction is ongoing. He says Network Rail had tried to get a similar development through back in 2006, but points out that both Lewisham and Greenwich councils stopped the plans due to concerns over a loss of parking in the area. Though London Farmers Market Limited, which manages the Blackheath market, do not oppose the plans - which incorporate the market - Mr Payne says it will cause 'significant disruption' at the very least and that the effect this will have is completely unknown. Mr Payne also pointed to a planning report that claimed builders would provide 'additional trade' during construction. A spokesperson from Acorn Property Group said: A spokesperson from Acorn Property Group said today (Thurs): 'While we are naturally disappointed that the Committee did not reach a decision at this meeting, we are grateful to Members for their time and careful consideration of the proposals. 'We understand the Committee's desire to ensure that all matters are fully addressed before a final decision is taken. 'We are now in the process of collating the additional information and clarification requested by Members and look forward to engaging constructively with officers and Members ahead of the next Committee meeting. 'Our proposals have been the result of almost four years of dedicated engagement with the local community, planning officers, stakeholders and consultees and have been thoroughly reviewed and supported by Lewisham's independent Design Review Panel. 'As recognised in the officers' report, the development would deliver significant public benefits, including 45 new homes - 21 per cent of which are wholly social rented - much-needed three- and four-bedroom family homes, the return of the farmers' market to the site and a safe pedestrian route to the school, improving on the existing car park conditions. 'Acorn Property Group remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure that the scheme's benefits are fully understood and that all outstanding matters are resolved. 'We look forward to the opportunity to bring the proposals back before the Committee in due course.' A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: 'The planning committee deferred the Blackheath Station car park application because members were not satisfied they had the information needed to make a fully informed decision. 'In particular, councillors were clear they needed stronger and more detailed evidence about the potential impact of the proposals on Blackheath's economy. 'Deferring the application ensures residents' concerns can be properly considered and any decision is taken with a full understanding of the likely effects on local businesses and the wider area. 'Our priority is securing the best possible outcome for Blackheath.' A final decision will rest with the Strategic Planning Committee and is expected in the autumn. A giddy Duchess of Sussex failed to hide her excitement at the Sundance Film Festival world premiere of her documentary about Girl Scouts. The former actress, 44, couldn't resist moving out from behind director Alysa Nahamias during her speech introducing the film to an audience in Utah including Prince Harry. The Sussexes are among 24 executive producers, co-producers and producers on Cookie Queens, a documentary about the American tradition of Girl Scouts selling biscuits to raise money. The Duchess of Sussex looked delighted as she posed for selfies after arriving at the Eccles Theatre in Salt Lake City on Sunday. She then took her enthusiastic backing for the project to the stage, standing directly behind director Alysa as she introduced the documentary on Saturday morning. As Ms Nahamias thanked Meghan 'for her incredible support', the Duchess was spotted slowly edging outwards on to the stage and into view from behind her. The former actress smiled shyly, with her arms folded, as Alysa said from the podium: 'I'm grateful for your unwavering trust in me as an artist and your belief in the power of our film's story'. Meghan Markle edges out on to stage as she supported the director of Cookie Queens, Alysa Nahamias Meghan had been out of view, moved out into view as she was praised by Alysa, and slipped back behind her again around a minute later Meghan also gave her own speech praising the film before walking off stage to sit with her husband Harry, who was in the audience Meghan poses with a fan at the Sundance Film Festival this week with Harry in the background Around a minute later, after claps and cheers, Meghan edged sideways in the opposite direction and back out of view behind the director. Meghan said she and her husband are 'proud and privileged' to have worked on it. Although it has been claimed their involvement with the film began only after it was completed. It came as Meghan and Harry's fans rubbished claims the event was not a sell-out. Meghan, a former Girl Scout herself, gave a speech on stage herself praising the film and thanking so many people for coming to see it. 'This film is probably the cutest at the festival', she said. According to reports, there were a number of unoccupied seats at the Eccles Theatre screening on Sunday morning. People had to be turned away from the premiere of Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite,' starring Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton the night before. Pictures online appeared to showed significant spaces on the balcony above the busy stalls area of the theatre before Cookie Queens began. But supporters of Meghan and Harry, known colloquially as the Sussex Squad, have said claims the couple couldn't sell out the premiere was a false online conspiracy to attack the couple and the documentary Archewell Productions had co-produced. One person in the audience insisted it was a 'packed house' and a complete sell out. Others shared images from ticket websites showing there were no tickets available for the premiere - or for the entire week. Footage from the theatre was shared where people insisted there were a lot of empty seats, but Sussex fans said it was a sell out The online row sparked by press reports in the US has led to the two sides trading insults and pictures from inside the venue with critics of the couple who insist they could see empty seats. There were around 150 empty seats when the premiere of Cookie Queens began on Sunday morning costing up to $7,000 for a pass, The New York Post claimed. This then reduced to around 60 empty seats when the film began ten minutes late, according to Page Six. In response, one supporter who was there said: 'This is silly, it was a packed house at 9am for a documentary in the biggest theater.' Another tweeted: 'LIARS, LIARS, LIARS! ALL screenings SOLD OUT!' Several people shared screengrabs of the theatre's online ticket page to prove it. In her speech the Duchess of Sussex thanked people for attending the Sunday morning showing. She said to cheers on stage: 'Thank you so much for being here bright and early. I know some of you probably had late nights, last night, so extra thanks for the effort. 'My husband and I, and Archewell Productions, we are so proud and privileged to be able to support and uplift Cookie Queens.' Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pictured alongside Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahamias at Sundance Film Festival Meghan is hugged as she arrived at the screening on Sunday with Harry in the background Meghan posted photos of her as a Girl Scout selling cookies in April last year Cookie Queens is yet to find a distributor. According to Tom Sykes' The Royalist substack, the couple's involvement with the film began only after it was completed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched the special screening of their film, which follows four Girl Scouts during the iconic cookie-selling season. Asked by a reporter whether Lilibet would become a Girl Scout in the future, Meghan gave a vague answer, saying they would 'continue to explore whatever feels right'. Meghan says she has a 'personal affinity' with the 91-minute film because she was a Girl Scout while growing up in California, with her mother Doria Ragland serving as her troop leader. Speaking at the festival, Meghan recalled her time in the Girl Scouts and revealed what the experience meant to her. She told a reporter: 'It really embeds such great values from the get-go. I was a Girl Scout, my mom was my troop leader and I think the value of friendship, of being dedicated to a goal, as you see that in Cookie Queens, is so reflective of how these girls stick to something that is important to them and don't give up. 'And self-belief I think is a really integral value that comes as being a girl scout.' Tesla's annual revenue has fallen for the first time ever with Elon Musk vowing to plough billions of pounds into artificial intelligence and robots. The company saw its total revenue fall by 3 per cent in 2025 while profits tumbled by a massive 61 per cent, with its multi-billionaire tech boss and X owner announcing Tesla would no longer build its iconic Model S and Model X cars. Tesla is instead shifting its focus into AI and self-driving vehicles as 'a lot of our investors asked us to do this'. It will splurge $20billion next year in what Musk described as the firm 'making big investments for an epic future'. The California factory that built the S and X models will now be used to produce its Optimus humanoid robots with the aim of making one million a year. Tesla revealed $2billion will be invested in Musk's xAI, but most of the cash will be spent on its Cybercab (a fully autonomous vehicle without pedals and a steering wheel), the Tesla semi-truck, Optimus robots and plants for battery and lithium production. Musk said: 'This is going to be a very big capex (capital expenditure) year. We're making big investments for an epic future.' The dramatic drop in Tesla's profits and revenue comes after Musk's controversial dive into politics and short-lived venture in Donald Trump's DOGE department. Tesla's annual revenue has fallen for the first time ever with Elon Musk vowing to plough billions of pounds into artificial intelligence and robots It sparked a wave of protests in the US and UK, with Tesla vehicles being targeted in a backlash against the billionaire tech tycoon. Musk left the Trump administration in May last year amid a steep decline in sales of Tesla cars. He has recently been embroiled in a row with the UK government over X's Grok AI being used to generate indecent images of women and children. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed earlier this month to keep the pressure on Musk, with the tech boss hitting back and calling Britain 'fascist'. X has since announced that Grok would no longer be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where it is against the law. A statement read: 'We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. 'This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers.' Tesla joins Facebook-parent Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet in planning sharp increases in capital spending this year, as those companies invest heavily in hardware and data centres to support AI model training and customer demand. Join the debate Does Musk's strategy make you MORE or LESS confident in Tesla's future? The California factory that built the S and X models will now be used to produce its Optimus humanoid robots (pictured) with the aim of making one million a year Andrew Rocco, stock strategist at Zacks Investment Research, said he viewed the $20 billion as 'necessary spending.' 'If Optimus is going to be a best-selling product, the AI must be trained as well as possible,' he said, adding the planned spending gives him confidence that Musk's 'sometimes loose timelines will actually be honoured'. Tesla's Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja said the company has more than $44 billion in cash and investments on the books that it can use to fund the investments. He signalled this year was not likely to be the end of increased spending, adding the company could look to pay for the investments 'through more debt or other means'. Musk said Tesla was embarking on some of the spending projects not for fun, but rather 'out of desperation'. 'Can other people, please, for the love of God, in the name of all that is holy, can others please build this stuff?' Musk said, referring to spending on cathode and lithium refining. 'It's very hard to build these things.' Donald Trump has deployed a naval armada and warned 'time is running out' for Iran to negotiate a deal on their nuclear programme, which was the subject of US attacks last year. The President said a 'massive armada' had been dispatched to the Middle East, as part of a build-up of American forces in the region. He also warned the regime in Tehran that it must 'come to the table' to make a 'fair and equitable deal', including abandoning its nuclear weapons programme, or 'the next attack will be far worse'. Speaking during his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain and its allies are working to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. Asked if Mr Trump's actions were right, Sir Keir said: 'We all agree that ensuring that Iran doesn't get that nuclear programme is the number one priority, and that's what we're working on.' Thousands of people have been killed in recent weeks as the Iranian authorities have responded to protests in cities across the country with a brutal crackdown. Now it's time to have your say in the Daily Mail's latest poll is the President right to threaten military action in Iran? In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Is Keir Starmer right to forge closer ties with China?' Out of more than 13,000 votes, 85 per cent of you said 'no' and 15 per cent said 'yes'. A brazen shoplifter who stole 3,800 worth of luxury clothes during his crime spree has been jailed. Zenith Lawrence, 24, targeted the same All Saints clothes shop in London St Pancras Station four times between December 2025 and January 2026. But the police caught up with him outside the shop and he was jailed for 12 weeks last Monday. Each time he stole from the All Saints, he calmly walked from the scene after swiping the luxury items, which in total came to 3,800. But each time he was caught on CCTV camera. His crime spree began before Christmas, when he stole a jumper from the All Saints on December 4. Emboldened by his apparent success, Lawrence decided to hit the very same shop three times in two days the following month. Wearing a hooded black coat, he went into the shop and stole two leather jackets worth 1,300 from the hanger on January 14, pushing past a man as he waltzed out. The next day, he turned up at the All Saints again, wearing his hooded coat and covering his face with a scarf. He stole two women's leather jackets and a bag on January 15. Zenith Lawrence, 24, was jailed for 12 weeks just two days after he was arrested for four separate thefts at the same clothes shop in the space of two months. He stole 3,800 worth of clothing Lawrence was seen stealing clothes on CCTV from All Saints in London St Pancras International station between December last year and January Brazenly, Lawrence decided to return that very same day and take three more men's leather jackets just two hours later. Meanwhile, his reckless theft had been noticed by police, and on Saturday, January 17, plainclothes officers recognised him as the man behind the thefts at All Saints while on patrol at 3pm. They alerted uniformed colleagues and quickly detained Lawrence. They reviewed CCTV footage at the clothes shop and identified him for all four offences. Lawrence refused to answer any questions during a police interview following his arrest. He was left with no option but to plead guilty after the CCTV evidence and witness statements against him were presented to the Crown Prosecution Service. He was charged and remanded to court and then jailed for 12 weeks after his hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, January 19, two days after his arrest. British Transport Police Inspector Ben Payne said: 'I'd like to recognise the awareness and proactivity of our officers in identifying Lawrence, then quickly working to link him to further offences. On this day, January 15, Lawrence stole clothes twice in the space of just two hours Lawrence was seen pushing past a man on CCTV after brazenly swiping thousands of pounds worth of clothes 'This fast-paced investigative work allowed us to arrest, charge, and bring him before the courts in just two days. 'His imprisonment demonstrates our determination to tackle theft across the railway network. 'By using targeted patrols, intelligence and thorough investigative work, we are ensuring offenders are identified quickly and held accountable, sending a clear message that theft on the railway will not be tolerated.' A hospital doctor who killed herself after her NHS funding for ketamine to treat depression was stopped had resorted to buying medication on the dark web, an inquest has heard. Dr Suzanne Parker, 37, had a history of mental ill health that dated back to her early teens and had been diagnosed as bipolar. In 2022, she was referred by her psychiatrist to a ketamine scheme for those with treatment-resistant depression. Dr Parker, who had worked in the older persons medical department at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and as a clinical teaching fellow at the University of East Anglia, was given low doses orally and by intravenous infusions. But she had to start self-funding the treatment when her local clinical commissioning group now replaced by integrated care boards stopped paying after the third session and she eventually stopped it as she was concerned she couldnt afford it. In September 2024, police attended her home in Eaton, Norfolk, after concerns were raised and her body was found. A post-mortem examination found she had died from asphyxiation. At the end of a two-day inquest, coroner Johanna Thompson said she was writing to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which reviews the value for money of treatments, to highlight the benefits of ketamine. Dr Suzanne Parker, 37, began buying medication on the dark web after NHS funding for ketamine to treat her depression was stopped Concluding Dr Parker died by suicide, she said: I shall be communicating to indicate the use of ketamine by Suzanne in relation to her condition and the benefits that she found that had been described in the inquest. The medics mother, Danielle Fairey, criticised a decision to allow her to leave Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital the day after she was admitted following an overdose on September 16, 2024 - less than a week before her death. She said: [She would have been] saveable, had the people who discharged her from hospital acted differently in those crucial days. The hearing was told that Dr Parkers mental health problems began after she injured herself on a trampoline aged 13. Following the accident, she developed transient ischaemic attack, or mini-strokes, caused when there is a temporary disruption of the flow of blood to the brain. Shortly after being diagnosed with the condition, she began self-harming and took an overdose for the first time. Her GP, Dr Lousie Francis of the UEA Medical Centre, told the inquest she had a complex medical history, with on-going concerns including an eating disorder and the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2010. In February 2022, Dr Parker began the ketamine treatment with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust after a referral. Dr Parker, whose body was found by police at her home in Eaton, Norfolk, on September 22, 2024, had co-founded Headucate, a student society that raises awareness of mental health issues and runs workshops Professor Rupert McShane, who leads the service, said three of the 200 sessions had been funded by her local CCG but she then had to pay for them herself, until she stopped in May 2024. If she had been a resident of Oxford, the coroner was told, the NHS funding would have continued. A relapse in Dr Parkers mental health followed and she described feeling hopeless for the future and isolated, with concerns including funding her treatment, job security and the health of her cats. She paid for a final ketamine infusion on September 11, 2024, and the doctor who performed the procedure said a graph she produced to show her symptoms revealed a gradual decline since she had stopped the treatment six months earlier. Ms Thompson commented: Professor McShanes evidence had been that further treatment would have been needed for the benefit to have been derived from restarting the ketamine. In his evidence he was unequitable about the positive benefits of ketamine therapy in reducing suicidality in patients with treatment resistant conditions, such as Suzy had. Dr Parker took the overdose a few days later but left hospital the following day. Her mother added: Im surprised she was allowed to return home. However, it may be likely that she self-discharged as she wanted to be home for her cats. The gifted academic gained a first in philosophy and English literature at the University of East Anglia in 2008 and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge before returning to UEA and graduating from Norwich Medical School Victoria Kelly, a friend who visited Dr Parker in hospital, told the inquest: She told me she had taken [medication] that she managed to purchase on the dark web. I have no idea how Suzy managed to access the dark web, or had learned how to access it, but I felt that she had found it thrilling to do so. Police found the medics body just five days later, on September 22. Dr Parker graduated with a first-class degree in philosophy and English literature at the University of East Anglia in 2008 and then gained an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. She returned to the UEA and graduated from Norwich Medical School before starting her medical career. While studying medicine, she co-founded Headucate, a student society that raises awareness of mental health issues and runs workshops. The charity said after her death: Her incredible and inspiring mission to destigmatise mental health has made a huge impact on many university students and young people. In a tribute at the time, her mother described her as bright, intelligent, loving, caring, passionate with an incredible sense of humour. Ms Thompson said at the end of the inquest: I would like to express to Suzys family my most sincere condolences. I am very, very sorry for your loss. A woman collapsed after she and her partner were caned 140 times each for having sex outside of marriage and drinking alcohol in one of the most severe Sharia Law lashings carried out in Indonesia. The couple, a man and a woman, were struck on their backs with a rattan stick in a public park on Thursday in the province of Aceh while dozens of people watched. Sexual relations between an unmarried couple are strictly outlawed in Aceh, the only place in Indonesia to impose a version of Sharia. The woman fainted after enduring her brutal punishment and was escorted to an ambulance. In total, the pair received 140 lashes: 100 for sex outside marriage and 40 for consuming alcohol, according to the head of Banda Aceh's Sharia police, Muhammad Rizal. Pictures of the public canings showed the woman kneeling as a masked man whipped her repeatedly with a cane, while another image showed her wiping away tears. The woman was also pictured being wheeled off in a stretcher following her beatings, while her partner appeared to grimace in pain in separate photographs. It is thought to be one of the highest numbers of cane lashes imposed since Sharia was implemented after Aceh was granted special autonomy in 2001. A woman grimaces in pain after she and her partner were caned 140 times each for having sex outside of marriage in the Aceh province, Indonesia, on January 29 The woman was struck on her back with a rattan stick in a public park before she collapsed The woman reeling in pain after being struck for breaking the Islamic code The couple was among six people flogged for breaking the Islamic code, including a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught in close proximity in a private place. That couple received 23 strikes each. 'As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members. This certainly tarnishes our name,' Rizal said. Caning retains strong support in Aceh to punish a range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex and having sexual relations outside marriage. Last year, two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after they were found guilty of sexual relations by the Sharia court. Back in September, a woman was publicly whipped with a cane in Aceh after being found guilty of adultery. Photographs released showed the woman kneeling as a masked man, a member of the Sharia police known as an Algojo, struck her repeatedly with a rattan cane. Armed officers stood guard while a crowd gathered to watch. Other images captured two men grimacing as they were flogged for their own convictions. Join the debate Should international bodies intervene to stop public canings? The woman fainted after enduring her brutal punishment and was escorted to an ambulance Medical workers tend to the woman who fainted after being publicly caned An offender grimaces in pain as he is whipped in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on Thursday In February last year, two men aged 18 and 24 were caned for having sex. One collapsed and had to be carried away after receiving his final lash. The public nature of these punishments is intended to shame as well as inflict pain. Canings are often staged outside mosques or in community squares, with crowds watching and photographing the event. Human rights groups say the humiliation adds to the cruelty and causes lasting psychological damage. Since the practice came into force, hundreds of people have been flogged in Aceh each year. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned the practice, saying it violates Indonesia's constitution and its obligations under international law. The woman wipes away her tears after the ordeal in Aceh province, northern Indonesia The public nature of these punishments is intended to shame as well as inflict pain Amnesty said in a statement: 'Caning contravenes Indonesia's constitution and is in clear violation of international human rights law and standards. 'It constitutes a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and can amount to torture in violation of the UN Convention against Torture and other international covenants, to which Indonesia is a State Party.' Local officials have defended the practice as a deterrent and as part of the province's identity, while critics warn it has negatively impacted Indonesia's human rights reputation and inflicted lasting trauma on those who endure it. A claustrophobic passenger on her way to a Hyrox fitness event had to be cut out of a train toilet by firefighters after being trapped there for nearly two hours. Robin Smith, 35, found herself stuck on a CrossCountry rail service from Southampton to Manchester Piccadilly after the electronic doors failed to open. Despite almost fainting twice due to her claustrophobia, train staff told Miss Smith that calling the fire brigade would hold up an already delayed service. 'I asked the female attendant when it would be appropriate to call the fire service as this was clearly a fire risk,' Miss Smith said. 'She replied that the train had already been delayed by an hour and a half as if that took precedence over my safety.' Staff attempted to pull at the door and even retrieved an axe to try and break what they thought was blocking it. After she threatened to call the fire service herself, train attendants requested the assistance of firefighters. They arrived on the scene at Oxford station and used a saw to cut through a gap big enough for Miss Smith to crawl out of. Robin Smith, 35, found herself stuck in the toilet on a CrossCountry rail service from Southampton to Manchester Piccadilly after the electronic doors failed to open Firefighters in Oxford used a saw to cut through a gap big enough for Miss Smith to crawl out of Miss Smith said: 'The firemen worked really quickly. They immediately asked if I was okay, for my name, and whether I was happy to give them ten minutes to see if they could open the door without damage. 'I was content to wait a further ten minutes as I felt like I was now in safe hands. When that time was up, and it was clear the door could not be opened, the firemen immediately got to work and cut an opening in the door. They were excellent. 'I am so claustrophobic, it was just immediate relief being able to get out.' Robin, from Southampton, was travelling to a Hyrox event, a fitness race that includes running and weightlifting workouts, last Saturday with her boyfriend Angus Jones. She was placed in first class for the remainder of her 89 journey. 'I am severely claustrophobic and on two occasions I had to lie on the floor as I was concerned I would faint,' Miss Smith told NeedtoKnow. 'While the staff were helpful and trying to do something to release me from the bathroom, it was clear that neither party had any idea what to do. 'No one had control of the situation. 'From inside the toilet, it just sounded like chaos outside. 'The toilets are designed for disabled access and it's concerning that there are no procedures in place to extract someone in an emergency, or a child, or me if I fainted.' For ten minutes the firefighters attempted to open the door without damage but it was clear the door would not budge The fire service used hydraulic cutting gear and a reciprocal saw to release Robin Smith from the train toilet She added: 'My Apple Watch had been going mad because my heart rate was so raised for the entire period I was locked in.' A spokesman for CrossCountry said: 'Were sorry to passengers affected by a technical fault on one of our trains on Saturday. 'While incidents like this are rare, our onboard colleagues are trained to deal with them safely and worked closely with station staff and emergency services to resolve the situation. 'All passengers were able to continue their journeys, including the customer directly involved, who travelled on our next northbound service from Oxford.' A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said: 'Oxfordshire County Councils fire and rescue service sent a fire engine from its Rewley Road fire station to Oxford railway station. 'Crews used hydraulic cutting gear and a reciprocal saw to release a person trapped in a train toilet on platform 3.' A fifth man has been arrested after two properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer were targeted in north London in alleged arson attacks last year. Scotland Yard said a 19-year-old male was arrested yesterday in Harlow, Essex, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson. He was taken into custody at Essex police station for questioning and has since been released under investigation. The arrest is in relation to a Met Police investigation into a vehicle blaze last year on May 8, a fire at the entrance of a property on May 11 and a fire at a residential address on May 12 that are connected to the Prime Minister. A fourth man, 48, who was arrested at Stansted Airport in June last year on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life has been released without charge. Three men have already been charged in connection with the fires: Ukrainians Petro Pochynok, 35, and Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and 27-year-old Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc. Pochynok has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, Lavrynovych with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, while Carpiuc has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. They all deny the charges and have been remanded in custody ahead of a trial at the Old Bailey on April 27. Sir Keir Starmer's home, as well as a flat and a car (pictured) he previously owned, were targeted in suspected arson attacks in London between May 8 and 12 in 2025 Aspiring model Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who lives in Romford, is one of three men who have been charged in connection with the alleged arson attacks The charges relate to three arson incidents: a vehicle fire in Kentish Town, a fire at the Prime Minister's private home in the same street, and another blaze at an address where he previously lived in the Islington area. One of the fires took place in the early hours of May 12 at the property where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister and moved into Downing Street. A car was torched in the same street four days earlier on May 8. The other fire took place on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. Sir Keir has let his 2million private home in the Kentish Town area of north London to his sister-in-law on a peppercorn rent since he moved into 10 Downing Street following his general election victory. The property was set alight in the early hours of May 12, with the London Fire Brigade alerting police to reports of a fire there at 1.35am. The blaze damaged the porch of the property but no one was hurt. Firefighters were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes, stopping it from spreading further indoors. It came just 24 hours after a flat the Prime Minister previously lived at, in the nearby Islington area, caught fire. Roman Lavrynovych (pictured), 21, of the Sydenham area of south-east London, has also been charged Court artist drawing of Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in May, 2025 A fifth man has now been arrested as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London linked to Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) Firefighters attended the blaze, helping one person to safety, with the door of the property suffering fire damage. On May 8, in the same street as Sir Keir's Kentish Town property, a car he sold to a neighbour last year also burst into flames. The new owner of the Toyota Rav 4 is understood to have thought the fire started because of a faulty battery. The hybrid car was completely destroyed in the blaze, which occurred on VE Day. The Met's Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation as all three targets of the alleged arson attacks have 'previous connections with a high-profile public figure'. An Egyptian migrant with suspected links to the Muslim Brotherhood has won a UK asylum appeal after running over a policeman in his home country. The claimant, referred to as 'MM' in court, previously had his human rights application rejected by a First Tier Tribunal, largely on credibility grounds However, his case will now be heard by another court after an immigration judge decided there had been an error in the way the evidence was treated. It is claimed MM, who 'does not speak English', had hit someone with his car in Egypt in August 2021 and police wanted compensation. He could not afford to pay and so fled to Britain where he submitted an asylum bid - having travelled via Libya, Italy and France. During an interview in the UK, he said the person he hit was a police officer and that his family had told him the Egyptian authorities were looking for him and had been to their home. MM claimed the police officer had said he was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood - an Islamist movement designated a terrorist organisation by the Egyptian government. The migrant had been charged with collecting money for the Muslim Brotherhood but claimed he had never been politically active. The claimant, referred to in court as MM, previously had his human rights application rejected by a First Tier Tribunal, largely on credibility grounds (file image) In August 2022 an Egyptian court found him guilty, alongside others, of crimes connected to the organisation. His asylum claim was dismissed on credibility grounds but he appealed - claiming that the judge failed to engage with some of the documents he had provided. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Hannah Graves concluded mistakes had been made and MM's case needs to be heard afresh. The case will be reheard in the first-tier tribunal at a later date. Judge Graves said: 'I am therefore unable to find any basis in the evidence before the judge, to support the finding that MM failed to provide these documents at the earliest stage. 'Or that the timing of the production of them prevented the Home Office from having time to undertake proper scrutiny, given they were submitted before the decision, the review and the hearing before the judge. 'Accordingly, I find there is an error in the treatment of this evidence, which gave rise to a core adverse credibility point with regard to [MM's] credibility overall, but also with regard to what weight could be placed on the documents themselves. As a result, it is a material error. 'I am mindful too that [MM] is a litigant in person who does not speak English and who has struggled to engage with the appeal process. '[MM] had provided photographic evidence as part of his claim of attendance at a Muslim Brotherhood demonstration in the UK in November 2022.' The Muslim Brotherhood is banned in parts of the world including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The organisation was established more than 50 years ago. By mid-2014, the Brotherhood was a range of 'loosely associated' groups but had no single leader in Britain. Trans women could still be allowed access to Hampstead Heath bathing ponds' women only spaces following a consultation. Currently, biological women and transgender women are allowed to use the ladies' pond, while men and transgender men are admitted to the men's pond. The policy has sparked years of tension among swimmers, with campaigners demanding a return to strict sex-based segregation. A consultation was launched to review the access of trans women following a Supreme Court ruling in April, which found the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Despite protests, including one demonstration where campaigners donned fake beards and moustaches to storm the men's pond, 90 per cent of people surveyed rejected requiring trans swimmers to use separate changing rooms or have separate swimming sessions. Of six options considered for the Kenwood Ladies, Highgate Men's and Hampstead mixed ponds, the most popular - with support from 86 per cent of 38,000 respondents - was retaining the existing trans-inclusive access arrangements. While 66 per cent opposed making all ponds mixed sex. Critics of the current policy say the ponds' current system undermines women's rights to privacy and dignity. Pictured: A demonstrator dons a fake beard in protest against rules which allow transgender women to use the female only pond Women's rights campaigners protested at Hampstead Heath in May as bosses refused to ban trans women from an adjacent ladies' only pond After being denied entry to the ponds, the women demonstrated with a police officer standing behind a locked iron gate And in May, around 30 women chanting 'no goolies in our poolies', tried to enter the male-only space in defiance of the rules while claiming to self-identify as male. The row escalated further with campaign group Sex Matters taking legal action against the City of London. It said the policy of allowing trans people to use the facilities for the gender with which they identify amounts to sex discrimination. Tom Cross KC, for the charity, said at a hearing in December that the rules treat an individual woman 'less favourably' than an individual man, as they are at 'greater risk of suffering the detriment of her privacy, dignity or safety being compromised'. But Mrs Justice Lieven dismissed the challenge saying the 'appropriate forum' for the claim is the county court, rather than the High Court. She said: 'In my view the more appropriate person to bring this claim is an individual who says that they have been discriminated against by decisions about access to the ponds.' Trans swimmers and their allies argue they have used the ponds for decades without issue, calling the push for exclusion 'cruel and judgemental'. They claimed the rules could backfire, forcing trans men with facial hair and masculine features into the women's pond and leading to humiliating confrontations. The City of London Corporation said it was reviewing its access rules to ensure they are fair, lawful and respectful. The findings will be presented to corporation committees which will consider them 'alongside legal duties, equality impact assessments, safeguarding responsibilities and operational considerations' before making a final decision on future access. In the meantime, the current admission rules will remain in place. Some 84 per cent of respondents to the consultation had swum at the bathing ponds and 74 per cent lived in London, the City of London Corporation said. A bemused male swimmer watches on as one of the protesters breaks into the male-only pond Woman rights campaigners swim in the men's pond at Hampstead Heath City of London Corporation policy chairman Chris Hayward said: 'The volume and tone of responses we received demonstrate very clearly just how much the ponds are valued as calm, safe, welcoming community spaces for all to enjoy. 'While we've been clear that the consultation was not a referendum, carefully reviewing the findings from it will form an important part of our wider decision-making process, which we will communicate clearly to the public in the months ahead. 'It's important that we take the time to ensure future access arrangements are fair, lawful, evidence-based and, crucially, respectful to those who use the swimming ponds.' Hampstead Heath forms part of the 11,000 acres of open space across London and the South East owned and managed by the City Corporation. Andy Burnham has revealed that Keir Starmer refused to speak to him before he was blocked from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election. The Manchester mayor said he would have 'preferred' to speak to the PM before he was refused permission to be Labour's candidate. Mr Burnham insisted he had wanted to assure the premier he was not intending to 'undermine' him, but hinted again that he now fears the contest will be lost. In a phone in on BBC Radio Manchester, he also hit out at No10 briefing against him warning 'anyone paid by the public purse does not get licence to lie'. The intervention came as the head of a Labour-affiliated union warned that Sir Keir is on his 'last chance'. The February 26 by-election is already threatening to turn nasty, with the Greens vowing to weaponise the issue of Gaza. A poll last night suggested Reform is the narrow favourite to win the seat, although constituency-level surveys are notoriously difficult and the sample was extremely small. Andy Burnham has revealed that Keir Starmer refused to speak to him before he was blocked from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election Sir Keir (pictured in China today) is adamant that the panel of Labour's ruling national executive committee blocked Mr Burnham on Sunday because his candidacy would have triggered an expensive and risky election for Manchester mayor Sir Keir is adamant that the panel of Labour's ruling national executive committee blocked Mr Burnham on Sunday because his candidacy would have triggered an expensive and risky election for Manchester mayor. But Mr Burnham said: 'I want this to be known as well: I spoke to senior people in the party, including the Home Secretary. We had a really great conversation. 'And I did ask to speak to the Prime Minister, because I wanted to assure him of something I put in the letter that supported my application, and it was that I wasn't coming in to undermine him or the Government. 'I was coming in to see if I could contribute, because some of the things I know are holding Greater Manchester back are problems at that level.' Asked about what was said when he finally spoke to the PM on Monday, Mr Burnham said: 'It was a fair exchange, but we both said how we how we felt, and I was glad to have that conversation and a chance to say how I felt. 'I would have preferred, obviously, to speak in advance to the decision to assure him of what I was trying to do. As I say, I think it could have created a more positive path for everybody, including the Prime Minister, including the Government.' Matt Goodwin has been installed as the Reform candidate, while Labour is expected to make a decision on Saturday. The Greens are unveiling their contender tomorrow. Green leader Zack Polanski told the Times: 'We'll want people on the ground to know our position on Gaza, that we've stood with the Palestinian people. 'Gorton & Denton has a large Muslim population. 'Of course, we want to speak to everyone, and it's not just people who are Muslim who care about people's freedom and people's human rights. But I imagine that will certainly be an element in the contest.' Turning his fire on briefing against him, Mr Burnham said: 'There are always in politics I saw it around Tony Blair, I saw it around Gordon Brown, I saw it around the Conservative prime ministers from the 2010s onwards where some people just think they can say what they like to the media. 'And why do they do it? You're asking me; They do it to denigrate the character, impugn the integrity of elected politicians. Your browser does not support iframes. 'They did it to Wes Streeting not so long ago, and it's almost like the stock in trade of Westminster. 'But the thing I would want to get over today, and I give great credit to the Prime Minister for backing the Hillsborough Law that I brought to Parliament, and obviously that brings in a duty of candour on public servants. 'Some of these people are paid by the public purse, but in my view, anybody paid by the public purse does not get license to lie, and in the aftermath of all of this, I'm not going to be bitter, and I'm going to be out there campaigning in the by-election, but I am going to call that one thing out.' In an interview with The House magazine, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Steve Wright complained that Sir Keir had scored 'a lot of own goals'. Hinting that he would like to see a change at the top, Mr Wright said there was a clear 'threat' from Reform. 'I want to see Labour in a position to fight that off. And I'm not sure who's best to do that at the moment,' he said. Mr Wright suggested that if the May local elections are as disastrous as feared Labour-affiliated unions could join forced to demand Sir Keir steps down. Police have stopped 23 Bangladeshis from being smuggled out of the UK - with five people arrested. Surveillance teams from the National Crime Agency (NCA) watched as taxis drove down from London to a location near Whitstable, Kent earlier this week. The migrants were then loaded onto a lorry which was subsequently stopped by officers as it approached the ferry port in Dover. One was arrested for immigration offences but the other 22 were found to be in the UK legally and were released, the NCA said. It is possible that they could have been coming to the end of their visas and planned to sneak into mainland Europe undetected to work without papers. Three taxi drivers, men aged between 43 and 55, were all arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration, as was the 32-year-old Romanian lorry driver. A 43-year-old man, the suspected ringleader of the network, was detained in the New Cross area of London. Around 30,000 cash was also seized from a property. The criminal group are alleged to have been involved in a number of attempts to move predominantly Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals out of the UK in lorries, in an attempt to avoid border controls and French entry restrictions. Five people have been arrested and charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation targeting a suspected organised crime group involved in smuggling migrants out of the UK in lorries All five were subsequently charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration, and will appear at magistrates' courts in the Kent and south east London areas on January 28. NCA branch commander Saju Sasikumar said: 'This operation has been the culmination of an investigation that has been ongoing for a number of months. 'Organised crime groups involved in people smuggling risk the safety of those they transport, and also threaten the border security of both the UK and France. 'Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA and this investigation is one of around 100 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of this type of criminality.' The NCA previously issued a warning that criminal gangs are actively recruiting HGV drivers to smuggle migrants both into and out of the UK. It followed a spike in arrests in Kent which has seen a number of drivers detained as they attempted to board trains or ferries to France whilst carrying people illegally in their vehicles. People smugglers are known to be targeting drivers, offering them thousands of pounds to transport people across the border in otherwise legitimate loads. Alongside economic migrants, smuggling routes out of the UK are also used by criminals avoiding justice . Last year, two Romanians, Marius Bajenaru, 44, and Sorin-Costinel Ivan, 46, were jailed for trying to smuggle 49 migrants out of the UK A group of 17 migrants were discovered in the back of Bejenaru's van A recent Daily Mail investigation found one Albanian running a network helping crooks flee for 2,500. The mastermind brazenly operates his 'Returns from England' business on social media, offering a 'stress-free' express service for migrant fugitives, with 'passage 100 per cent secured'. He boasted his team of corrupt drivers had trafficked at least 50 people to France after they 'commit crimes and want to go fast'. Last year, two Romanians, Marius Bajenaru, 44, and Sorin-Costinel Ivan, 46, were jailed for trying to smuggle 49 migrants out of the UK. Bajenaru was found with 17 migrants hidden in the back of his Romanian-registered panel van and almost 4,000 in cash in a black plastic bag. Ivan had 32 people, mostly Bangladeshi, in the trailer of his lorry, as well as three bundles of cash worth 9,950 in the cab. Ivan was jailed for three years and four months, while Bajenaru was given a jail sentence of two years and eight months. The head of the Natural History Museum was interrupted on Sky News this morning as Chinese security guards moved him on in the middle of an interview. Director of the Kensington-based museum Dr Doug Gurr temporarily switched off his camera and said he had been 'encouraged to move on' while speaking live on the channel earlier today. Dr Gurr, who is a former head of Amazon UK and Amazon China, is visiting Beijing as part of a 60-strong delegation of business and cultural leaders. The group is in China alongside the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who met with President Xi Jinping as part of a trip to the capital city and Shanghai. The PM held two hours of talks with the autocratic president in the early hours, insisting he wants a more 'sophisticated' relationship. Also on the trip was the delegation of business, cultural and sporting leaders, including representatives from Barclays, AstraZeneca, British Airways, Visit Britain and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Speaking following Sir Keir's meeting with the Chinese President, Dr Gurr told Sky News the trip is going 'really well'. 'All of us in both the culture and business delegation, frankly we've been thrilled. It's going very well so far,' he said. Director of the Natural History Museum Dr Doug Gurr was speaking on Sky News today when he was approached by a Chinese security guard (left) The former head of Amazon UK briefly turned his camera off before resuming the interview, saying he had been 'encouraged to move on' Addressing the historically complicated relationship between the two nations, he said the UK must 'understand' and 'engage'. He added: 'We've had cultural and scientific links to China for a long time and they've carried on. 'But I think there is no doubt that we've had a period where... we've perhaps been a bit more distant. I don't think that does us any favours.' Shortly afterwards a security guard, dressed in a smart suit, could be seen approaching Dr Gurr from behind. He then appeared to speak to the museum director off camera, with Dr Gurr turning his head towards him before switching off his camera. There was a brief period of confusion before the ex-Amazon boss switched his camera back on in a different location, and could be heard on the broadcast explaining he had been 'encouraged to move on'. The interview then concluded as expected. Before the trip, Dr Gurr said: 'For over 15 years, the Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has toured to multiple locations in China. The security guard spoke to Dr Gurr off screen before he moved to a different area of the building Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting during his visit to China 'During 2025, our scientists co-authored over a hundred papers with Chinese collaborators, as well as facilitating collection and research visits. 'The museum is also excited to be expanding its commercial activities in the Chinese market from brand licensing to publishing projects. 'I look forward to building on our existing ties with museum partners in China and to developing new opportunities for collaboration in research, collections, and knowledge exchange.' Earlier Sir Keir gifted Xi - a Manchester United fan - the match ball from their recent victory over his own team Arsenal during a meeting between the two leaders. After the discussions, Sir Keir said Xi was someone he could do business with, although he stressed he had also raised human rights issues. Xi talked up the advantages of his tightly-controlled country, contrasting that stability with the the volatile behaviour of the US Donald Trump. He noted that 'Labour governments' have made 'important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations' - complaining that there had been 'twists and turns' in the ties. In an apparent peace offering, Brits are expected to be granted visa-free travel to China for tourist or business trips up to 30 days - something 50 other countries including France already have. The prime minister is visiting China with a delegation of almost 60 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions as he continues his efforts to build bridges with Beijing The PM and his business delegation will sign a series of deals this morning, as he seeks to neutralise accusations of 'kowtowing' to a state that is engaged in industrial scale espionage. MPs have been sanctioned by China for criticising the regime, including over curbs on civil liberties in Hong Kong. Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is with the PM, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves is notably absent despite widespread expectation should would go. City minister Lucy Rigby has been sent instead. President Xi said during the meeting: 'China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.' He also told Sir Keir they would 'stand the test of history' if they could 'rise above differences'. He said: 'Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. 'Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude.' A Downing Street spokesman said afterwards: 'The Prime Minister met the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today. 'The Prime Minister thanked the President for a warm welcome to China, and both leaders affirmed their shared commitment to building a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries. 'They agreed they would continue to enhance co-operation on areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. The Prime Minister raised areas of concern to the United Kingdom. 'Accompanied by a delegation of nearly 60 of Britain's biggest businesses and cultural organisations on his visit, the Prime Minister added that he hoped new partnerships could be forged and new opportunities unlocked for them in China. 'Growth and prosperity at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world's biggest powers abroad, the Prime Minister added. 'The Prime Minister said he looked forward to the rest of his visit.' Schools will be told to stop sending suspended pupils home and instead discipline them on site, due to too many spending the time on social media. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, said she wants schools to adopt internal suspensions in most cases, with pupils serving the time at school instead. Under her plans, suspended pupils will be placed in special exclusion zones inside schools and given set work so they do not fall behind. External suspensions, when children are sent home, will only be used in the most extreme circumstances. Mrs Phillipson said the change is needed because many pupils are now spending their suspension at home on social media, gaming and the online world, which devalues the punishment. However, Laura Trott, shadow education secretary, branded the plans micromanagement from the centre. Schools will be told to stop sending suspended pupils home and instead discipline them on site, due to too many spending the time on social media (file picture) She said on X: Children need clear boundaries and must understand there are consequences for poor behaviour. Weakening those consequences risks a further erosion of standards. The schools that will suffer most are weaker schools. It will encourage them to reduce headline suspension figures, rather than properly tackling poor behaviour. Meanwhile, Matt Wrack, general secretary of NASUWT teaching union said it risked 'weakening' the deterrent. External suspension has long acted as a clear signal to pupils and families that behaviour has crossed an unacceptable line,' he said. Any measure that may undermine the ability of schools to establish and maintain good discipline will not be welcomed by teachers or parents. The measure, set to be unveiled in a forthcoming schools white paper, will recommend guidance that at-home suspensions should be saved for serious cases, such as those involving violence. However, heads will still have the power to decide which cases warrant this action. Current laws state that a suspension must take place off-site, but the Government will seek a law change to make in-school suspensions the default. The Government will launch a consultation on the changes with the aim of introducing them from September 2027. Suspensions were first introduced 40 years ago, but the Department for Education believes they are now less effective because of pupils access to friends and gaming via the internet. Mrs Phillipson said: Suspensions will always play a critical role in helping heads manage poor behaviour, but time at home today can too easily mean children retreat to social media, gaming and the online world instead of serving their punishment. That has devalued suspensions and led to high levels of lost learning. Time out of school doesnt just disrupt learning it can have a huge impact on a young persons life chances. We want to restore suspensions as the serious sanction they should be, while keeping young people engaged in their education and reducing the time teachers spend helping pupils catch up. Nearly a million suspensions were handed out to state school pupils in England in 2023-24 the latest full year with available data. It marked a record high and a 21 per cent increase compared with statistics from the previous year. An Australian man has successfully reduced his term in an Indonesian jail for a drug trafficking conviction after he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, was sentenced on December 18 after Denpasar District Court found him guilty of receiving two packages filled with 54 individually-wrapped Lindt chocolates - each containing 8.3g of cocaine. His 12-year original prison term, along with a substantial fine, was much harsher than the nine-year sentence that was sought by the prosecution. John McLeod, a former police officer who now specialises in helping Australians negotiate with authorities, on Thursday confirmed Ahchee's appeal was successful. 'Lamar Aaron Ahchee's sentence has been now reduce from 12 years to only nine years,' Mr McLeod said. The decision was made by a panel of judges at the Bali High Court on Wednesday. 'We accept the appeal from the prosecutor and defendant Lamar Aaron Ahchee and change the sentence made by Denpasar District Court on December 18, 2025,' the verdict read. Ahchee's lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, earlier this month confirmed the appeal was lodged on December 23. Lamar Aaron Ahchee (pictured) was sentenced to 12 years behind bars after helping smuggle drugs into Indonesia Denpasar District Court found Ahchee guilty of receiving two packages filled with 54 individually-wrapped Lindt chocolates containing cocaine (pictured) The move came with significant risk as it could have resulted in Ahchee receiving a longer prison sentence or the death penalty. Mr Pangkahila said his client was seeking a 'fairer sentence' and highlighted Ahchee's claims that he didn't know the package he received contained drugs. 'My client did not know the things he collected from the gojek driver was drugs,' Mr Pangkahila said, instead blaming the drug smuggling operation on a British man Ahchee knew only as 'Boss'. During the trial, presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said there were several factors in determining the sentence. 'The defendant's acts do not support the government's program to eradicate narcotics,' he said. 'Cocaine is classified as a dangerous narcotic and is highly destructive due to its very strong addictive properties and its ability to affect the brain's nervous system. 'The quantity of cocaine received was quite large and could harm many people as well as damage the quality and security of Bali's tourism. 'The defendant was evasive and attempted to obscure the facts by pretending not to know the contents of the package he received.' Ahchee (pictured) successfully appealed his sentence and had his prison term reduced to nine years However, the judge noted that Ahchee was 'polite during the trial' and had expressed remorse for his actions in collecting the suspicious package. He had also never previously been convicted, the judge observed. While Ahchee's prison term was reduced, he will still be required to pay a hefty fine of two billion Indonesian Rupiah, equivalent to around $169,000 AUD. If he is unable to pay the fine, he faces an additional six months behind bars. 'The defendant's act do not support the government's program to eradicate narcotics,' he said. 'Cocaine is classified as a dangerous narcotic and is highly destructive due to its very strong addictive properties and its ability to affect the brain's nervous system. 'The quantity of cocaine received was quite large and could harm many people as well as damage the quality and security of Bali's tourism. However, the judge noted that Ahchee was 'polite during the trial' and had expressed remorse for his actions in collecting the suspicious package. He had also never previously been convicted, the judge observed. A 41-year-old man has been arrested after a hooded gang stole 600 high-value artefacts from the Bristol Museum warehouse. The man was detained on suspicion of handling stolen goods but was later released under investigation after the warehouse burglary on September 25. Four hooded men entered the museum's storehouse in the Cumberland Road area of Bristol between 1am and 2am that night, it is believed. Burglars targeted Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection and took jewellery, carved ivory ornaments, medals, badges, pins, silver relics and bronze figurines that had belonged to Britons posted in the distant colonies. 'The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city,' Detective Constable Dan Burgan said. 'These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice,' he added. Natural history pieces, including geological specimens, are also believed to have been stolen. A police spokeswoman said: 'We continue to appeal for the public's help to identify the four men pictured and have released two short video clips of the people we wish to speak to.' More than 600 artefacts were stolen from a building housing items from Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection. Cops have arrested one man in connection and released a CCTV image of four men they would like to speak to (pictured) Bristol City Council released an image of an elephant ornament with inlaid ebony eyes which was stolen in the warehouse raid An ivory Buddhist model on a stone base was among the historic items swiped from the collection Photos of an elephant carved in ivory, an ivory statue of the Buddha, a ship lantern and an Emancipation token from 19th Century America were shared by Bristol City Council after they were stolen. The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection at Bristol Archives is a 'unique' set of artefacts which document the links between Britain and countries in the British Empire from the late 19th century to recent times. The items are stored at the B Bond Warehouse, which is run by Bristol Archives and Bristol Museums. They had been held at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in the city until 2012. As well as the artefacts, there are thousands of reels of film and half a million photos with footage from British India and African colonies from the 1860s to the 1970s. CCTV footage was released of four men whom police are working to identify in connection. One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers. The second man was of slim build, wearing a grey hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers. The third male wore a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg. One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information after the precious items were swiped on September 25 An East India Company Officer's waist belt plate mount is believed to be among the 600 items stolen from the museum's collection A ship's lantern, pictured, also went missing following the burglary in September The fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers. Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said previously: 'We're deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts which make up the extensive British Empire and Commonwealth Collection. 'These artefacts were part of a collection that documents the links between Britain and countries formerly part of the British Empire from the late 18th century to the late 20th century. 'The collection is of cultural significance to many countries and provides an invaluable record and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire. 'We're grateful for the support of Avon and Somerset Police and continue to work closely with officers to investigate this crime and seek to apprehend the offenders and recover these artefacts. 'Security at the facility has been tightened and members of our museum community have been informed.' Simon Potter, professor of modern history at the University of Bristol, previously said: 'It's a very shocking event, this is a collection of national and international significance. 'It includes irreplaceable historical material from all around the world. An Emancipation token from 1830s America taken by the thieves 'It was collected as a unique collection, 20 or 30 years ago, and it contains material from lots of different public institutions and private individuals. 'It's something quite unique, and it's something that's of huge value if you want to understand the history of the British Empire, British colonialism, the history of many African and Asian countries in the Pacific.' Anyone with information is asked to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, giving the reference number 5225269603, or to complete an online appeals form. A family has been forced to demolish their home after it was left uninhabitable by a Lowe's worker. Eric Naddy and his family moved into his late mother-in-law's house in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2020 after she died of cancer. Eric and his wife, Terri, got married in the property and raised their son, Declan, there. After they moved in, they realized the home urgently needed repairs. The Naddys struck a deal with Lowe's in November 2020 to replace the shingles and other parts of the roof for $15,000. But what started as a simple repair spiraled into a disastrous five-year-long legal battle, ending with the property's demolition. 'The home that we built all the memories in is gone. Destroyed in fact,' Eric told AZFamily. The subcontractor overloaded the roof with shingles, punched holes through it and broke ten trusses. Eric Naddy and his family moved into his late mother-in-laws home in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2020 What started as a simple repair spiraled into a disastrous five-year-long legal battle Rain then poured into the house, causing water damage and mold. The Naddys were forced out of the home and into a trailer for nearly four years while they waited for insurance and for Lowe's to help. 'We tried to solve it with Lowe's - Lowe's took like a month to get back to us, and they gave us like $3,000 to go fix the entire roof where ten trusses were broken, which is nowhere near enough money,' Eric told Gilbert Sun News. 'We actually said, "We don't want money we want you to fix the roof. You're a construction supply company. You can easily go and do this."' As months passed, their calls for help went unanswered, and no repairs were ever made. 'Over the next nine months, the house was destroyed by weather and Lowe's did nothing to resolve it,' a GoFundMe for the family stated. Last month, they finally received a bittersweet ruling: Lowes and its roofing contractor were found at fault, but the family was awarded no compensation for damages, no money for emotional distress, and no reimbursement for legal fees. They were refunded $15,000 for the original contract deal and another $3,000 for their deductible. 'We figured in fairness they damaged the house, we would get money to rebuild and that wasnt the case,' Naddy told AZFamily. The subcontractor overloaded the roof with shingles, punched holes through it and broke ten trusses The family were eventually forced to move out of the home and into a trailer Rain poured into the house due to the damage to the roof, causing mold The site where the home once was now sits empty after the house was demolished Since the case was resolved through arbitration, they are barred from pursuing any further legal action or filing a lawsuit. Now the site of their home is just an empty lot. 'After paying about $100,000 in legal fees, we still do not have a house,' the GoFundMe said. 'We don't know what else to do, but turn to everyone out there to ask for help. Our son has spent all of his teen years without a real house. 'My wife has lost the first home she ever purchased and all the memories she made there. I have had to watch my family suffer through this entire ordeal, only to get told the people at fault don't have to pay.' The Daily Mail reached out to Lowe's for comment. Virginia murder suspect Brendan Banfield admitted to an affair with his au pair in bombshell testimony, but denied allegations they plotted to murder his wife together. Banfield, 39, took the stand in his own defense on Wednesday as he faces life behind bars for the February 2023 killing of his wife Christine, 37. Prosecutors say he schemed with their nanny, 25-year-old Juliana Peres Magalhaes, to kill Christine by luring stranger Joseph Ryan, 39, to the home with a fake advert on BDSM site Fetlife. The pair allegedly planned to have Ryan carry out a 'rape fantasy' with Christine without her knowledge, having him sneak into the home with a knife to make it look like he was an intruder. Magalhaes previously testified that Banfield shot Ryan in hopes of it appearing as 'self-defense', before he also stabbed his wife to death to frame Ryan. In his testimony on Wednesday, Banfield maintained his innocence as he insisted he loved his wife and did not plan her murder, but admitted to having an affair with Magalhaes behind her back. Asked how the affair began, Banfield said he and Magalhaes were having dinner with his young daughter one evening while his wife was out of town, and claimed she initiated the fling by 'scooting' her chair to his at the dinner table. He said she followed him into his bedroom later that evening, and admitted he didn't stop her. Earlier in the trial, it was revealed that investigators discovered Magalhaes had moved into Banfield's marital bed and was still sleeping with him months after Christine was murdered. Prosecutors allege that Brendan Banfield hatched a plot to murder his wife Christine so he could be with their au pair, 25-year-old Juliana Peres Magalhaes (seen together), which he denies Banfield, seen earlier in the trial, took the stand in his own defense on Wednesday to admit he had an affair with the nanny but denied he murdered his wife, describing prosecutors' theories as 'absolutely crazy' Banfield testified that he and Magalhaes carried out the affair for months, but denied prosecutors' claims that they plotted to kill his wife and Ryan with the bizarre scheme. 'I think that it's an absurd line of questioning for something that is not serious, that a plan was made to get rid of my wife,' he testified. 'That is absolutely crazy.' In Magalhaes's testimony, she alleged that Banfield left his home on the morning of February 24, 2023, and ordered her to wait outside in her car while he waited at a nearby McDonald's. She said that he told her to call him when Ryan arrived to carry out the 'rape fantasy', so that he could come home and catch him on top of his wife. When they entered the home, she testified they took Banfield's child to the basement before going upstairs to find Ryan struggling with Christine. 'When I got to the bedroom, he yelled, "Police officer",' she said of Banfield, who at the time was an armed IRS agent. 'Christine yelled back at Brendan, saying, "Brendan! He has a knife!" That's when Brendan first shot Joe,' she told the court. Prosecutors say Banfield plotted to frame stranger Joseph Ryan, 39, (pictured) by luring him to his home with a fake advert on BDSM site Fetlife to make him look like an intruder Christine Banfield, seen with Brandon and their daughter, was stabbed to death on February 24, 2023 as part of a twisted plot to lure a stranger into their home to frame him, prosecutors say After shooting Ryan, Banfield then began stabbing his wife, Magalhaes alleged. She said she tried covering her eyes as the alleged murder unfolded, but admitted that she then saw Ryan moving on the ground, so she shot him with a gun that Banfield had given her. Magalhaes was also initially charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in 2024. She has become the key witness in Banfield's murder case, and will be sentenced at the conclusion of his trial. In Banfield's testimony, he said that Magalhaes's description of a plot to kill his wife was a lie, and insisted that 'there was no plan.' Authorities say that Banfield and Magalhaes initially told investigators that they tried to save Christine when they saw Ryan entering the home and that both of them shot him in self-defense. Prosecutors have alleged that the entire scene was staged and that it was intended to look like Ryan was shot as an intruder who was stabbing Christine during a botched robbery. Banfield admitted to having an affair with Magalhaes, but denies that they plotted to kill his wife so they could be together Banfield's mistress Juliana Peres Magalhaes admitted to shooting Ryan during the incident and was initially charged with murder, but pleaded down to a lesser charge of manslaughter as she became a key witness for the prosecution Jurors previously heard that Banfield moved his mistress into his marital bed shortly after the killing. Magalhaes was sleeping in the bed Christine had shared with her husband eight months after the murders, Fairfax County Sgt. Kenner Fortner told Banfield's trial last week. Fortner first entered the residence in February 2023 as part of the investigation into the murders and photographed the home, including both the primary and Magalhaes's bedrooms, Fox News reported. When he visited the home again eight months later, 'red, lingerie-style clothing items' and a yellow t-shirt with green trim that had previously hung in the au pair's closet had been moved to the master bedroom, he testified. 'They had gotten new flooring, new bedroom furniture,' Fortner said, noting how photographs that once featured the Banfields had been 'taken down and replaced with Brendan and Juliana together.' Banfield's attorney, John Carroll, alleged in his opening statements that Magalhaes only changed her story in exchange for a 'sweetheart' deal to avoid murder charges. 'The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client,' Carroll argued. Carroll also alleged that the initial lead homicide and forensic detectives disagreed with the theory that Banfield set up the plot to frame Ryan and both were later transferred off the case. The defense attorney said there was 'turmoil' inside the police department over the case, as he attempted to undermine the argument put forward by the prosecution. 'You're going to see a presentation of a horrible, tragic, awful event,' he said. 'However, there's an awful lot more to look for.' Carroll surprised the court when he announced that Banfield had decided to take the stand in his own defense - opening him up to cross-examination from prosecutors that will take place later this week. Three sisters have mysteriously vanished from their home, sparking a frantic search in their Colorado town. Annabelle, 12, Aurelia, 10, and Autumn, 8, were seen in surveillance footage leaving together at 3.40pm on January 29 with an unknown destination in mind. The Aurora Police Department issued a statement asking the community to help find the missing sisters, whom they classified as 'at risk.' 'The girls packed backpacks and left for an unknown location,' it said. 'Their mother does not believe they are dressed appropriately for the weather.' Temperatures in Aurora dipped as low as 24F on Wednesday with highs of 52F, according to AccuWeather. With just their backpacks in tow, the girls wore no more than light jackets and sweaters. Annabelle was described as 5ft 2in with black hair, Aurelia as 5ft 2in with pink hair and Autumn as 4ft 7in with brown hair. Annabelle, 12, is 5ft 2in with black hair. She was seen leaving her home in surveillance footage Police said Aurelia, 10, had pink hair at the time of her disappearance and was 5ft 2in Autumn, 8, is 4ft 7in with brown hair and wore glasses, though she may not have worn them when she disappeared Autumn and Aurelia wear glasses, but their mother worried they did not have them when they fled. All three are Hispanic. Their disappearance prompted an outcry from the community, with fears that ICE had snatched the young girls. Hundreds of residents interacted with posts, pleading with their neighbors to help find them. 'Check ICE detention centers and routes, they usually check community cameras along the way,' one commenter said. 'I hope these girls are found safe, but I can't help but to think that ICE has something to do with it,' another added. 'CHECK ICE,' a third said. 'They clearly don't hesitate to take children.' The sisters were seen in surveillance footage leaving their home with packed backpacks ICE has a known presence in Aurora. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility located in the city has almost reached its 1,530 capacity, reported Colorado Newsline. Aurora police announced Thursday that Annabelle, Aurelia and Autumn were found safe just after midnight. 'Our detectives will continue their investigation and will work closely with the Department of Human Services,' officials said. The Daily Mail contacted the Aurora Police Department and the Arapahoe Department of Human Services for more information. Oxford is ditching admissions tests altogether for some subjects including Classics, Philosophy and all languages, it confirmed today. Under a major shake-up, a number of Oxford in-house admissions tests are being phased out with no replacements. The Archaeology and Ancient History course will also lose its test, while those for History and English Literature were phased out over the last two years. The changes, effective for applicants to 2027 entry, come after the university announced it will no longer run its own bespoke admissions exams, in a bid to 'streamline' the process. It said 16 courses including Maths, Physics and Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) will instead adopt generic exams taken by other top universities and run online via Pearson. Oxford is ditching admissions tests altogether for subjects including Classics, Philosophy and all languages, it confirmed today (file picture) Oxford's entrance exams were dramatized in Alan Bennett's 1980s nostalgia play The History Boys, which was made into a film in 2006 starring Dominic Cooper and James Corden Today, Oxford confirmed a number of other courses will lose entrance tests entirely, although it insisted they would retain a 'rigorous selection process, including an interview. However, Professor Anthony Glees, security expert at Buckingham University and an Oxford alumnus, said the old exams were valuable in selecting students best-suited to the courses. He said: These latest changes are simply appalling. The risk that students will suffer by finding themselves studying and paying for courses for which they have no aptitude will be a very expensive mistake for them. Dropping standards, discarding benchmarks, brushing aside youthful schoolkid brilliance and hard graft at 6th form level can only subvert Oxfords global pre-eminence as a unique place of great learning and academic excellence. Instead of dumbing down, they should spend money subsidising the teaching of these subjects at secondary level. The in-house Oxford tests which are not being replaced are the Classics Admissions Test (CAT), the Philosophy Test (PhilAT), the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT), and the Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT). Meanwhile, the History Aptitude Test (HAT) was phased out in 2025 and the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) was dropped in 2024. It means students applying for these courses will no longer have to sit an entrance exam. The university has not provided clarity on the exact reason for this decision. However, it comes following concerns in the sector about the accessibility of certain courses. Many state schools do not have the resources to lay on extensive preparation in less popular subjects like Classics, Philosophy and languages. It has led to a dominance of privately-educated students in Classics, who make up 57 per cent of the intake despite only making up 44 per cent of the universitys population. The old entrance exams, which asked subject-specific questions, would have favoured people with a familiarity with the subject. Evelyn Pike, a specialist in Oxbridge applications at William Clarence Education, said: These tests were typical of those where forms of rote learning could sometimes provide an unfair advantage to students from excellent educational backgrounds. Their scrapping doesnt mean that itll be easier to get a place at Oxford, not whilst interviews are still being used and, as weve seen in the last five years, increasing in complexity and difficulty. Many Oxford interviews already use unseen text interpretation and response, akin to an admissions test but live, so we expect to see more of that, as well as more challenging logic puzzles for philosophy, for example. This implies that Oxford may be on the search for more raw talent from a wider pool of applicants, whilst also trying to avoid the pitfalls of students using AI as a crutch in the admissions process. The 16 courses switching to new exams will use three tests provided by UAT-UK, a partnership between Cambridge University and Imperial College. These are the Engineering and Science Admission Test (ESAT), the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), and the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). It is understood Oxford is switching to the new exam system to 'streamline' the process for applicants, who will now only need to sit one exam to apply to multiple top universities An Oxford spokesman said: Oxfords undergraduate admissions process is rigorous and designed to identify academic potential. The university is continually reviewing its admissions processes and practices to ensure they best meet the needs of the University, schools, and applicants. Our approach varies according to subject and considers a range of information as evidence of a candidates ability to thrive here. All those offered a place to study at Oxford have been interviewed and every year more than 20,000 interviews for approximately 10,000 applicants are conducted, allowing tutors to assess directly a candidate's ability to think independently and engage with new ideas qualities that underpin learning at Oxford. Chinese enterprise, college launch vocational academy in Sierra Leone Xinhua) 10:27, January 29, 2026 FREETOWN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- China Railway Seventh Group Co., Ltd. (CRSG), in collaboration with Zhengzhou Railway Technician College and Freetown Polytechnic, officially launched the Excellence Skills Academy on Tuesday in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown. The initiative aims to equip young Sierra Leoneans with essential vocational skills, promote youth development, and strengthen ties between China and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio underscored the importance of the program in empowering young people, pledging government support and encouraging CRSG to expand its contributions, particularly through the establishment of Chinese technology centers. Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong congratulated the partners on the launch of the academy while addressing the inauguration ceremony. "The Excellence Skills Academy translates shared visions into concrete realities," he said, noting that the initiative aligns closely with the government's youth development agenda. Zhao added that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He said the Chinese embassy would continue to support people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as educational cooperation between the two countries. Samba Moriba, principal of Freetown Polytechnic, welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects a shared commitment to technical and human capacity development. "This initiative will promote skills training among our learners and present skilled opportunities, enabling them to contribute positively to society," he said. CRSG General Manager Du Xinguo said trainees who successfully complete the program will be offered job placements, enabling them to apply their skills in the workforce. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A California animal shelter held a graduation ceremony for an adorable orange cat that survived a coyote attack. Kyle, a two-year-old tabby, was brought to the San Diego Humane Society in late July after he was attacked by a coyote, suffering wounds to his neck and chest. Shortly after the attack, a Good Samaritan rescued him and brought him into the shelter for emergency care. Due to California law, Kyle was forced to undergo a six-month quarantine period to monitor him to make sure he wasn't carrying rabies, which is fatal. On January 27, he finally graduated from his isolation period and the shelter threw him a ceremony, complete with a black graduation cap and gown. They decorated a room with a sign commemorating the occasion and posted photos of the short-haired kitty on the wall. Staff even played a Kyle-theme game of trivia, where the prize was a crocheted version of the sweet kitty, and ate cupcakes with a picture of him on it, according to Fox 5 San Diego. 'Kyles resilience has been remarkable,' said Rebecca Smith, the associate director of guest relations and animal placement. Kyle, a two-year-old tabby cat, graduated from his six-month quarantine period on Monday after he was brought in after an animal attack in July Staff threw him a graduation party to celebrate, including playing a Kyle-themed trivia game where the prize was a crocheted version of the cat 'From learning to play with enrichment toys, to enjoying window time and treats, hes shown us hes a fighter.' Kyle spent the last six months in a large enclosure inside Smith's office so he would still have support and comfort. During his quarantine, he kept staff entertained by demanding treats and snacks and voicing his opinion, the outlet added. He also enjoyed cuddle time and liked to be rolled around in his stroller. Now that he has graduated, Kyle is finally cleared for adoption. Kyle is one of the lucky feral cats who were able to get immediate help after a bite. Roughly 200 to 300 cats per year get the deadly virus, which currently has no cure. The virus is transmitting through animal bites. The virus then reproduces in the tissues and travels through the nerves to the brain. During his quarantine, he kept staff entertained by demanding treats and snacks, voicing his opinion, and working as a handyman Now that he has graduated, Kyle is finally cleared for adoption Cats show signs as early as 10 days after the bite, but it can take up to a year or longer for signs to appear, according to VCA Hospitals. California requires a six-month quarantine for unvaccinated pets that have been exposed to an animal that may carry rabies. However, if a pet is up-to-date on their vaccines, the state allows for a shorter 30-day quarantine at home. A juror burst into tears after photos of a baby girl starved to death by her parents were shown in court. Elizabeth Ucman, 26, and Brandon Copeland, 25, are on trial in San Diego, California after the death of their three-month-old baby daughter Delilah. Delilah was found unresponsive by police on November 9, 2021 and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly she was pronounced dead. Police then named Ucman and Copeland as suspects in her murder. The parents have both pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. They appeared in court on Wednesday for opening statements. The prosecution painted a grim picture of them as neglectful, and claimed they were responsible for the infant's death. Police body camera footage was shown in court showing Delilah's body after emergency responders arrived at the apartment, according to NBC 7 San Diego. Prosecuting attorney Francesca Ballerio said Delilah was reduced to less than half of her birth weight during the first three months of her life. Elizabeth Ucman, 26, and Brandon Copeland, 25, are on trial in San Diego, Californiaafter the death of their three-month-old baby daughter Delilah The prosecution painted a grim picture of them as neglectful, and claimed they were responsible for the infant's death She added that Delilah's abdominal organs were visible and the infant was a victim of 'severe malnutrition.' An alternate juror was reportedly so distraught as video of Delilah's body from a police officer's body camera was played in court that she began crying. During opening statements, Ballerio read a damning transcript of Ucman and Copeland's conversation after they were taken into custody. The pair were reportedly unaware they were being recorded, and Copeland was caught telling Ucman: 'Even if we get a lawyer, we are guilty as s***. We neglected her.' 'I mean, technically, what we did was murder,' he added. During another part of the conversation, Ucman was recorded telling her partner that she was scared, to which he replied, 'Oh well. How do you think Delilah felt?' The defense argued that the couple was repeatedly told by the police that they were guilty after their arrests. The prosecution accused Copeland and Ucman of creating a volatile and unsafe environment for their baby. Court documents reportedly seen by NBC 7 revealed that the pair's apartment was littered with trash, spoiled food, and animal feces. Family members were reportedly concerned for Delilah's safety, and a great-aunt, Annie Chapman, decided to care for the child during the first month of her life. The couple was previously reported to Child Welfare Services and social workers had visited the home multiple times. The prosecution argued during opening statements that Delilah was half her birth body weight when she was found dead Delilah was born in July and her great-aunt cared for her during the first month of her life. She died just a few months later after suffering from malnutrition However, Copeland and Ucman were eventually allowed to care for Delilah despite family members reporting that they were unfit parents and struggled with mental health issues. Chapman testified during a preliminary hearing in 2023 that Copeland and Ucman's home was filled with trash 'up to your hips,' City News Service reported at the time. She said she took Delilah so that the couple could create a safer environment for the child, but the parents never once checked in on their infant. Chapman added that she offered to take Delilah permanently and even suggested the idea of adoption, but Ucman had refused. She returned Delilah to her parents in August and continued to check in on the child, testifying that she reported the home to Child Welfare Services 'hundreds' of times. San Diego Police Detective Kelly Thibault-Hamil also testified during the preliminary hearing, according to City News Service. She said Copeland told her he would leave Delilah in a playpen in the living room all day while Ucman worked, and he stayed in his bedroom. Hamil added that when Delilah cried, Copeland would allegedly cover her in blankets to muffle the noise. The defense said that Delilah's parents suffered from trauma and mental health issues Copeland also told police that Ucman would occasionally go days without feeding Delilah or changing her diaper. Their trials have been split, so they are being represented by different attorneys and have separate juries, NBC 7 reported. Two different opening statements were read at the start of the trial, but both juries will be present when testimonies begin on Thursday. Copeland's attorney argued that he was a victim of abuse and trauma, citing an incident when he was an infant, when his mother sold him to a stranger. He was a product of the foster care system and was even given up by his adoptive family due to behavioral problems, his attorney said. Ucman's lawyer, Anthony Parker, stated that Delilah's death was a product of neglect and not murder. Parker added that Ucman suffered from mental illness and postpartum depression. 'She wasnt seeing the world or Delilah through normal eyes, but through the lens of postpartum depression,' Parker argued. Ucman and Copeland have been in custody in San Diego since their arrest in 2021. They both face first-degree murder charges, and Copeland faces an additional obstruction charge According to Ucman's Facebook profile, she married Copeland in 2021. Her social media account lists her nickname as 'Jade Locklear' and Copeland's as 'Jace Di'angelo.' Ucman's attorney said during opening statements that she referred to herself as 'Jade' as a coping mechanism for her postpartum depression. A month after Delilah's birth, Ucman posted photos of her child in a Facebook group, saying she didn't know she was pregnant and asking for donations. Ucman is in custody at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, while Copeland is being held at San Diego Central Jail, according to inmate records. The maximum penalty for first-degree murder in California is the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or 25 years to life. A New York City personal trainer sparked a legal battle after accusing a luxury Manhattan nursing home of 'kidnapping' his wealthy, 91-year-old friend. Eric Houston, 69, says the ordeal began last May when his personal training client Diana Multare suffered a heart attack, and he wanted to help her up to her apartment in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Having only known her as capable and independent during their gym workouts at Equinox, Houston told the New York Times he grew concerned when he entered her apartment and found it littered with years' worth of mail. He said he found unpaid bills and bank statements, and was afraid her failing memory could lead her to miss her medications she was prescribed following her heart attack. 'I was concerned every night that she was going to die,' he said. Houston, a former concert pianist who bragged that he was once 'Anna Wintour's favorite waiter', said he found a luxury nursing home near Multare's apartment called The Aplsey, which he initially believed was a perfect fit. The Apsley offers gourmet meals, high-quality medical care, and lavish lifestyles for the Big Apple's elderly elites - for the staggering price of $28,000 per month. But although he insists he was only trying to help, Houston's prompting of Multare to move into the nursing home led to claims he was setting off 'red flags', including taking power of attorney over her multi-million-dollar estate. New York City personal trainer Eric Houston (pictured) sparked a legal battle after accusing a luxury Manhattan nursing home of 'kidnapping' his wealthy, 91-year-old friend Houston has launched a lawsuit against The Apsley (pictured), a Manhattan nursing home charging $28,000 a month for elderly elites that he accused of trying to 'kidnap' his friend. The nursing home denies the allegations Multare was not eager to leave the apartment she had lived in since 1976, but agreed to move at Houston's request so long as she could return whenever she wanted. Although he said he thought The Apsley's fees were potentially too high for her, Houston said they were both stunned when they visited a Citibank together to check her accounts. Bank clerks found the 91-year-old had around $3 million in various accounts - far more than the half a million dollars she thought she had, and enough to give The Apsley a chance. But within one day of moving in, Multare said she decided to leave. She told the Times that she found the assisted living home too fancy, and wanted to return to her longtime home. The legal issues began as soon as she tried to leave the home, however, as Houston claimed that employees at The Apsley wouldn't let her leave and insisted she had dementia. Houston said his concerns escalated when the staff tried to move Multare into the home's dementia ward, and he said a gym client of his warned him that her father had been 'virtually imprisoned' in the dementia ward in a nursing home in Boston. In his eyes, Houston claimed The Apsley 'were trying to kidnap' his friend, who he had grown close with and visited often after they first met at the gym. Houston said he worked with Multare as a client at Equinox gym in Manhattan's Upper West Side, and refuted claims she suffered from dementia as he found her to be competent and independent In a lawsuit filed in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, Houston and Multare accused the Apsley and Sunrise Senior Living of wrongful restraint, fraud and defamation. The nursing home denied these allegations. Heather Hunter, a spokeswoman for Sunrise Senior Living, which runs The Apsley's healthcare, told the outlet in response: 'We disagree with and will defend against the characterizations and allegations. 'We take the privacy, safety and security of our residents very seriously and will not be commenting further.' The following six days saw a tense standoff between Houston and The Apsley, as he claimed they were holding Multare against her will while the nursing home said they thought his behavior set off 'red flags.' The Apsley eventually waived all charges for Ms. Multares six-day stay, though the lawsuit continues. The nursing home says it initially found Houston suspicious because when he checked Multare in, he brought only a single bag of T-shirts, and she did not appear to have any underwear or many personal belongings. He told the Times he later picked up more belongings from her home. Before she moved in, the living facility also required Multare to grant someone power of attorney, because she had no living relatives. The Apsley apartments (pictured) are a luxury nursing home in Manhattan's Upper West Side, which charges a staggering $28,000-per-month for a single room The nursing home offers a glamorous living style for Manhattan's elderly elites, including gourmet food and top of the line healthcare She chose Houston, but after signing over her power of attorney, nursing home staff reportedly found she did not recall doing so. Margaret Quinn, the Apsleys executive director, told The New York Times that Multare 'did not realize' that Houston 'moved her to The Apsley to live', and claimed 'she stated she would never have agreed to that. She did not remember signing the P.O.A.', but 'did agree it was her signature' on the document. Medical professionals also disagreed over Multare's mental state, and physicians have given differing assessments of whether she was suffering from dementia. Sunrise Senior Living said in court documents that Multare's primary care doctor said she showed signs of dementia, while Houston hired a different doctor who said she aced tests and was mentally competent. Houston said the standoff with the nursing home came to a head when he contacted an attorney, who told him that he needed to get Multare out of the assisted living situation as soon as possible, before they could rescind the power of attorney document. The attorney said that The Apsley would be able to seek temporary guardianship and file a restraining order against Houston, and he says he was told, 'You have to get Diana out of there immediately.' The next day, her sixth at the facility, Houston said he put his attorney on speakerphone so they could argue for over an hour over Multare's fate. Eventually, the decision came down to Multare, who decided she wanted to leave. By October, Multare was back in her longtime apartment in the Upper West Side, and Houston said he visits her almost daily. 'She does not have dementia,' he still asserts. Houston rejected assertions that he was attempting to coax funds from Multare to himself, and says he is independently wealthy through inheriting a fortune from his grandfather, who was a successful industrialist. The New York Times reported that in their interviews with Multare, she did not remember her fight to leave The Apsley, and did not recall her ongoing lawsuit. But, 'after some prompting', she said she hoped her story would serve as a warning to other elderly New Yorkers who leave their longtime homes. 'Im concerned about the fact that this could happen to others,' she said. 'I'm sorry about my memory. Thats my biggest problem. I dont remember anything.' Altered flight paths over President Donald Trump's Florida estate have sparked an outcry of noise complaints from locals. At a town hall meeting on Wednesday, West Palm Beach residents detailed just how much recent flight changes had impacted their daily lives. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated a permanent no-fly zone in a one-mile radius above Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in October. Previously, the airspace was only cleared when the president was present, reported CBS12. The new flight plan made roaring jets a constant in neighborhoods west of Palm Beach International Airport. Residents said planes flew overhead as often as every 90 seconds with the racket lasting until 11.30pm. 'Planes are so loud and it's so constant that we just tend to stay inside,' said resident Nathalie Fuson, per WPBF. 'It was so bad that you couldn't have a conversation outside,' added Flamingo Park local Margie Yansurai. Resident Margie Yansurai said she can't even have a conversation outside due to the constant plane noise Neighborhoods west of Palm Beach International Airport saw increased overhead flight activity following the change 'Right at 6 a.m. every morning, the jets would start coming over, and it was every few minutes. It was very disruptive to our life.' Plane noise was never an issue before the airspace above Mar-a-Lago was cleared. In the two months after the change was implemented, police received 500 noise complaints. Previously, they reported only 50 per year. The FAA introduced a revised route on January 22, seemingly to address local concerns. Using a smaller corridor of airspace, the administration aimed to direct flights only over neighborhoods that have already been soundproofed. County Commissioner Gregg Weiss said the January 22 change had provided some relief, but many residents still had complaints Congresswoman Lois Frankel spoke with residents about noise complaints, an issue she has spoken with the Secret Service about County Commissioner Gregg Weiss said some residents expressed relief, while others noticed little difference. 'The concentration of flights now is over the Southland ParkProspect Park area and a portion of Midtown on Palm Beach Island,' he said. 'Clearly, we're not done. We're going to continue to work to try and get things back to normal.' Congresswoman Lois Frankel celebrated the alteration, but said the issues was far from resolved. 'I'm pleased these changes will reduce the impact on some residents, but there is still more work to do to lessen the burden on the remaining homes in the flight path,' she said in a statement obtained by the Daily Mail. 'My office will continue working with all stakeholders to reach a fair and lasting solution.' The airspace above Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort used to only be closed while the president was there A one-mile radius above the Florida estate will now remain closed all of the time, prompting new flight patterns At Wednesday's meeting, she encouraged locals to continue voicing their concerns. 'Silence is acceptance,' she said. 'And the way they went about this to me was totally wrong.' Frankel claimed the FAA changes flight paths without consulting Palm Beach airport officials. She pressed the Secret Service about the reason for the sudden adjustments, but seemed skeptical about their response. 'If you're asking me whether it was a good reason or I believe it...' she said, trailing off. Frankel hoped to schedule another meeting with the Secret Service, but a date has not been set. The Daily Mail contacted the FAA for comment. The Arizona man who was shot by Border Patrol agents close to the Mexico border this week has been outed by his own sister as a violent people smuggler. Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, was gunned down by an officer in Arivaca, around 30 miles south of Tucson, before being taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Schlegel, from Sahuarita, is accused of firing a shot at a US Customs and Border Protection helicopter which was assisting his arrest on Tuesday. Agents were trying to detain him for alleged people smuggling, and one officer shot him after he opened fire on the aircraft, according to the Department of Justice. The incident followed the slaughter of anti-ICE protestors Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, both 37, at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota earlier in January. However, Schlegel's sister, Amber Schlegel, has spoken out to distinguish her brother's shooting from the killings of Pretti and Good, saying he had it coming. She outed her sibling as a violent criminal who has been smuggling illegal migrants over the border for a long time, adding that he should be in jail. 'To hear that he's back running illegals again didn't surprise me, but to hear that he actually fired at federal agents that took me by surprise,' she told 13 News. Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, the Arizona man who was shot by Border Patrol agents close to the Mexico border this week has been outed by his own sister, Amber Schlegel (pictured) as a violent people smuggler who has endangered many people and was 'no victim' Schlegel, from Sahuarita, is accused of firing a shot at a US Customs and Border Protection helicopter which was assisting his arrest on Tuesday (Pictured: The scene of the shooting) 'He is no victim. He is a violent person. That's who he always has been.' Amber added that her brother has put many migrants in danger through his risky smuggling system. 'I don't care how people feel about (illegals), they're people,' she said. 'He could have killed them with no care.' She added that her brother has threatened her for speaking out against him in the past, prompting her to take out an order of protection against him. 'He's where he should be,' she said. 'Whether he recovers or not, he needs to be locked up for a very long time.' Patrick Schlegel was spotted driving a Dodge Ram pickup around 10 miles north of the US-Mexico border on Monday morning, according to a criminal complaint. He was already on the radar with an active warrant for escape from a previous conviction for human smuggling. When agents tried to pull him over, he drove away and later stopped his vehicle to let two men out - named as Alfonso Isidrio-Carrillo and Jeronimo Rosado-Garcia. The men were taken into custody, but Schlegel fled. The incident follows the killing of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti (pictured) , 37, by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis during a scuffle at an anti-ICE protest on January 24 Renee Nicole Good, 37, (pictured) was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7 Rosado-Garcia told investigators he paid Schlegel $8,000 to be smuggled into the U.S., while Isidrio-Carrillo said he paid $14,000. Around 7am the next day, agents tracked Schlegel's truck down again. He bailed from the vehicle and sprinted into the desert nearby. Border Patrol deployed the helicopter to follow him, and he allegedly fired several rounds at the aircraft. At this point, an agent shot at Schlegel, and he suffered injuries to his leg and head. Police recovered a .45 pistol and a cell phone from the accused criminal. 'There is no ambiguity here, shooting at any law enforcement officer - including federal agents - is a violent felony that attacks the rule of law and undermines universal American values,' US Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in a statement released by the DoJ. 'We will pursue every available charge to ensure the subject is held fully accountable under federal law. 'The quick and coordinated reaction to the threat posed by this subject from all levels of Arizona law enforcement was key and demonstrates why local and federal cooperation keeps communities safer.' The incident follows the killing of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis during a scuffle at a protest on January 24. Pretti was armed with a loaded Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol - which he had a legal permit to carry - when he allegedly tried to stop agents from detaining a woman. The internal scrutiny of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem intensified after the fatal shooting of Pretti, whom she characterized as a 'domestic terrorist,' putting her at odds with Trump The nurse did not fire any shots at the agents, and one shot him several times as several more officers surrounded him and he struggled to break free. Less than three weeks prior, on January 7, mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good, 37, was gunned down by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the same city. She was in her car which was positioned sideways in the street when officer Jonathan 'Jon' Ross walked around her vehicle and told her to get out. Good began moving forward slowly instead, and Ross responded by firing four shots through her windshield, striking her in the head, chest, and forearm. Both victims are believed to have been protesting the increasingly aggressive tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to deport migrants, and their deaths have only caused rallies against the agency to snowball. A gang sacrificed a horse so that a dead member would be able to 'ride it in the afterlife', according to court documents. Brandon Gerner, 42, faces a slew of charges including premeditated murder for allegedly killing two people in 2023 with his fellow gang member Kody Olsen, 45, in Maple Valley, Washington. Olsen later died after fleeing police during a traffic stop. He suffered a fatal gunshot wound and died in the hospital after a shootout with deputies. As a tribute to his fellow gang member, police said Gerner killed a horse named LeMon, so Olsen could have a 'steed to ride into the Valhalla,' according to court documents. Gerner told police that he killed the horse as a 'sacrifice to Odin,' an affidavit for probable cause states. 'The horse had suffered and did not die quickly, initially walking around the paddock area bleeding in the water trough and inside the horse run in shelter before succumbing to its injury,' the affidavit added. A necropsy report determined that LeMon died from a gunshot wound to the face, after the bullet penetrated his nasal cavity and lodged in his neck. A gang member is accused of killing a horse named LeMon as a sacrifice for his alleged co-conspirator Brandon Gerner (left) allegedly killed the horse so Kody Olsen (right) could have a 'steed to ride into Valhalla' Valhalla is a term in Norse mythology referring to a hall of slain warriors who live under the god Odin. Norse mythology stems from the Viking era and centers on gods such as Odin, Thor, and Loki. The King County Sheriff's Office said in a report that Norse mythology is often associated with white supremacist and Nazi gang affiliations. Investigators believed that Gerner had founded the Omerta White Supremacist Prison Gang while serving time for previous felony convictions. Olsen was also believed to have been a part of the prison gang and was a member of a Nazi gang. After his death, police found Gerner's social media account with a post that read: 'I lost a brother today and someone who had a very big impact in my life he can not be replaced I love and miss you Kody I'll keep your memory alive.' LeMon was owned by a family in the nearby Kent community. Fred Greer, the horse's owner, previously told King 5 News that the alleged double murder was 'horrific.' He described LeMon as a 'big dog' and a beloved animal in their community before the horse was slain. Court documents said that LeMon was shot in the face but didn't die instantly, wandering into a nearby water trough Investigators believe Gerner was responsible for a 2023 double murder. Police discovered the two bodies under a tarp covered in blood on November 16 Two individuals were found with gunshot and stab wounds in what one witness described as a 'drug deal gone bad' In addition to first-degree animal cruelty, Gerner faces charges including premeditated murder, murder/felony assault, and first-degree criminal assistance, among others. Joshua Jones pleaded guilty last year to a charge of criminal assistance for helping to dispose of the bodies Prosecutors believe that Gerner and Olsen killed a man named Robert Riley, 57, and Ashley Williams, 34, in the fall of 2023. The pair's bodies were found on November 16, discarded in bushes covered in blood under a blue tarp, according to a probable cause affidavit. Detectives believe Olsen, Gerner, and a man named Joshua Jones were responsible for the double murder. Jones pleaded guilty last year to a charge of criminal assistance for helping to dispose of the bodies and was sentenced to 72 months in prison. An unidentified witness told police that Riley had pulled a gun on the men during a drug deal that had 'gone bad.' The witness said Gerner then shot Riley and instructed the other men to kill Williams since she was a witness to the crime. Riley's body was found with a single gunshot wound to his collarbone, and Williams sustained over 20 stab wounds and at least two gunshot wounds, according to the affidavit. Ashley Williams was one of the victims in the alleged double murder. She was found with 20 stab wounds and gunshot wounds Prosecutors believe Olsen fatally shot Williams after Gerner stabbed her. However, Gerner's lawyers argued in court on Wednesday that Olsen was solely responsible for the deaths. Defense attorney Lisa Mulligan argued that Olsen shot Riley after a gun was pulled because he was afraid for his life, local ABC affiliate KOMO-TV reported. She confessed that Gerner's choice to help Olsen bury the bodies was wrong, but that he wasn't guilty of murdering the couple. 'In this case, fate has already punished the real killer of Ashley and Robert. Convicting an innocent person is not justice. Brandon Gerner is an innocent person,' Mulligan said. New York City's Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani has infuriated parents with a plan to axe the school system's gifted-and-talented program for young students. Mamdani announced his intention to eliminate the program at the kindergarten level, moving entry to the program to the third grade in October. The Big Apple's public school gifted program offers the same curriculum but with accelerated instruction. It is a highly selective program, offering spots to only about 2,500 children out of approximately 55,000 total kindergartners, and is considered an opportunity for low-income and students of color to excel in the country's largest school system. However, it has been the subject of debate for years and was previously axed by Former Mayor Bill de Blasio at the end of his last term. Eric Adams revitalized the program during his tenure. 'I will return to the previous policy,' Mamdani told the New York Times during his campaign. 'Ultimately, my administration would aim to make sure that every child receives a high-quality early education that nurtures their curiosity and learning.' The decision infuriated some critics who blasted Mamdani for taking away opportunities from children while pointing out that the 34-year-old received a glitzy private education. Zohran Mamdani plans to eliminate NYC's public school system's gifted and talent program at the kindergarten level NYC's public school gifted program offers the same curriculum but with accelerate instruction. It is considered an opportunity for low income and students of color to excel 'This spoiled little brat went to expensive private schools (St. Georges Grammar School in Cape Town & Bank Street School for Children in Manhattan) and now will stomp out the last remaining equivalent opportunities available to NYC public schools students,' one person wrote on X. 'Hypocrites on steroids. This will just drive more people into private schools,' a second person wrote. Notably, Mamdani spent his formative years at at Bank Street School for Children, a private, ultra-progressive academy on Manhattan's Upper West Side that now costs more than $66,000 per year. Danyela Souza, vice president of Community Education Council 2 in Manhattan, told the New York Post the decision could spark an exodus from the city public school system. 'Mamdani is eliminating opportunities for low and middle income students to access an advanced education,' Souza said. 'He's taking away opportunities from families who are not as fortunate as his family. It's going to accelerate families leaving the city public school system.' Yiatin Chu, co-president of the group Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education, told the Post that 'Mamdani wants to be de Blasio 2.0.' 'It's definitely going in the wrong direction. You're removing a pathway for the brightest of our kids to be challenged,' she said. Critics blasted Mamdani for taking away opportunities from children while pointing out that the 34-year-old received a glitzy private education Mamdani attended Bank Street School for Children, a private, ultra-progressive academy long favored by Manhattan's liberal elite. Tuition costs upwards of $66,000 'We should be expanding these programs, not eliminating them. Why do we think every kid is the same? 'Parents are going to look to private schools or charter schools as an option or they're going to move out of the city. You have one chance to educate your child.' A spokesperson for Mamdani's campaign told the Post in October he believes eliminating the program will make education more equitable. 'Zohran knows that five year-olds should not be subjected to a singular assessment that unfairly separates them right at the beginning of their public school education,' spokesperson Dora Pekec said. 'His agenda for our schools will ensure that every New York City public school student receives a high-quality early education that enables them to be challenged and fulfilled.' Daily Mail contacted the mayor's office for more information. Fines for term-time holidays reached a record high of 459,288 last year, as parents accepted penalties to snap up cheaper deals. New figures from the Department for Education (DfE) show the number of these fines rose by 4 per cent in 2024-25 compared with the previous year. Term-time holiday fines accounted for 93 per cent of all penalties issued for unauthorised school absence. Many families take such holidays in full knowledge they will have to pay the fine, because it is still cheaper than paying the peak season premium. The cost of flights and accommodation can be more than double for a family to travel during the school holidays, as travel companies cash in on high demand. Parents can save thousands of pounds by sneaking their children out of school, while the fine for doing so is only 80 per parent, per child. Fines for term-time holidays reached a record high of 459,288 last year, as parents accepted penalties to snap up cheaper deals (file picture) The data is the first to capture those fined after the penalty amount increased from 60 previously suggesting it has not proven a deterrent. Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of heads union ASCL, said: We cannot continue like this, with parents choosing between an affordable holiday and good school attendance for their child. We really need the Government to consider any ways they can limit how travel firms raise their prices during school holidays. This is the driving factor behind these statistics. Lucy, a farmer from East Sussex who did not want to give her surname, told the BBC she took her family to Lanzarote during term time because school holidays were not compatible with the schedule of the farm. She said she saved about 1,500 by going in term time rather than in February half term, but insisted the decision wasnt motivated by money. She added: A week's holiday for us as a family is more important than our children being in primary school. I'm quite happy to pay the fines, but I just don't want to be prosecuted. I potentially face huge fines and a stint in jail for just wanting to spend a bit of time with my children. The latest data shows the region with the highest rate of penalty notices, Yorkshire and the Humber, saw a slight drop to 103 per 1,000 enrolled pupils in the latest data, while London, which has the lowest rate, saw a slight increase to 36 per 1,000 pupils. Fines are issued by individual councils, which has historically led to variation in the rate of fines issued in different local authority areas. Fines issued for unauthorised holidays in term time have been increasing since 2020/21. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders union NAHT, said: The use of fines to manage absence increasingly appears to be an overly-simplistic solution to a more complex issue, and it is becoming clear that this approach is ineffective. The fact that unauthorised absence figures have continued to increase suggests that the current approach is simply not working. It is clear that for many families the threat of a fine is not acting as a significant deterrent. A spokesman for the DfE said: We're determined to give children growing up in our country the best start in life. But that can only happen if children regularly attend school. We have already made significant progress with five million more days in school last academic year and 140,000 fewer pupils persistently absent. Term time holidays place the burden on teachers to support missed learning affecting the entire class. That's why fines have a vital place in our system, so everyone is held accountable for ensuring our children are in school. A large mob of protestors surrounded a restaurant in Los Angeles after mistaking airport security workers for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The demonstrators gathered outside of Ten-Raku, a Korean BBQ spot in Lynwood, on Wednesday night after hearing reports that federal officers were allegedly inside. In reality, they blared airhorns and whistles and shouted at off-duty TSA officers who were just trying to enjoy dinner, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail. When confronted about mistaking the airport staff for ICE, one irate demonstrator gave the excuse that people get 'emotional' and make 'mistakes,' noting that ICE does the same when they arrest people. The heated ordeal in the parking lot of Ten-Raku comes after weeks of heightened outrage at Trump's immigration and detention policies across the country. Wednesday's intense scene was eventually calmed after sheriff's deputies arrived - and the confused airport workers were safely escorted out of the restaurant. No injuries or arrests were reported during the noisy ordeal, according to police. When approached by Fox 11, a woman with long curly hair, who is believed to be one of the protest organizers, refused to comment because she doesn't 'trust Fox.' A large crowd of anti-ICE protestors surrounded a restaurant in Lakewood, a city in Los Angeles, on Wednesday night after hearing there were apparently federal agents dining inside In reality, a group of TSA workers were off duty and enjoying dinner inside the restaurant. The airport workers are seen gathered in the parking lot after the protest broke out When asked if the group thought the officers inside were with ICE, the unidentified woman said: 'Potentially.' The outlet also went to ask restaurant employees about the situation, but the woman told them not to speak with the station. She was seen holding a megaphone with one hand as she used her phone to record the scene in the other. 'Yeah sorry to you. Nobody's gonna talk to you,' she was heard telling reporters. Meanwhile, other protestors attempted to hide behind trees as they recorded the scene. One woman was seen wearing a magenta hoodie and sunglasses, and another was dressed in a black sweatshirt, as they appeared to giggle while recording the outlet's camera. A male customer arrived at the restaurant just after the chaotic scene ended to grab a bite to eat. 'I think there is a place and time for everything,' he told Fox 11. After being told the authorities inside were TSA agents, the man told the reporter: 'You wouldn't understand. People get very emotional so they easily make mistakes. Join the debate How should protesters balance their passion for justice with the risk of falsely targeting innocent people? The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said the airport security workers were enjoying a meal after work at Ten-Raku, a Korean BBQ restaurant, that was soon besieged by demonstrators When approached by Fox 11, a woman with long curly hair, who is believed to be one of the organizers of the protest, refused to comment on the demonstration because she doesn't 'trust Fox' A male customer arrived at the restaurant just after the chaotic scene ended to grab a bite to eat. He compared the mistake to ICE agents 'taking it out on everybody,' not just criminals 'It happens! You take it out on the wrong people, which, same thing as ICE. They say they're after criminals, but they're taking it out on everybody,' the man added. The protest in Los Angeles comes as tensions remain at an all-time high across the US as Donald Trump's administration continues on with its immigration crackdown. Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been at the forefront of the controversy, especially following the death of Alex Pretti, a US citizen who was shot dead by Border Patrol agents on Saturday during an anti-ICE protest. Just weeks prior, Renee Nicole Good, another American citizen, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during another demonstration. This is also not the first case of mistaken identity, as a group of software engineers were targeted in Minneapolis after protestors assumed they were ICE agents. The five men had been dining at Clancy's Deli when anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the restaurant's front windows and shouted obscenities at them a little over a week ago. 'Get out of our f***ing neighborhood,' one protester was heard yelling in a clip obtained by Alpha News. Another shouted: 'If you're not with us, you're against us.' One demonstrator even went as far as calling them pedophiles and another screamed 'I hope you die,' the news outlet reported. A victim, known as Lee, claimed the mob's ringleader said the group, who are not affiliated with ICE, deserved to be harassed because they were 'white privileged males.' He has alleged that the restaurant owner was responsible for the chaos by falsely claiming the group of software engineers were federal agents. 'You don't tell extremists that random customers are ICE agents. That's how people get hurt,' Lee said, adding how one of his friends feared they would be shot. The government may have to introduce a universal basic income system to allow society to cope with the scale of artificial intelligence stealing people's jobs, a minister has warned. Lord Stockwood said people in Whitehall were 'talking about' massive help for those worst affected by the 'bumpy' introduction of AI amid fears that it will rock the foundations of society. UBI, where people are paid a lump sum whether they work or not, is not currently government policy, but the tech entrepreneur said there would have to be 'some sort of concessionary arrangement with jobs that go immediately'. 'Undoubtedly we're going to have to think really carefully about how we soft-land those industries that go away, so some sort of UBI, some sort of life-long learning mechanism as well so people can retrain,' the former tech businessman told the FT. It came after the boss of a major AI firm said humanity had to 'wake up' to the risks it presents us 'as a species'. Dario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive of Claude chatbot creator Anthorpic, used an online essay this week to warn that 'humanity is about to be handed almost unimaginable power, and it is deeply unclear whether our social, political, and technological systems possess the maturity to wield it'. He has previously warned AI could 'displace' half of all entry-level white collar jobs by the end of the decade. Lord Stockwood said people in Whitehall were 'talking about' massive help for those worst affected by the 'bumpy' introduction of AI amid fears that it will rock the foundations of society. UBI, where people are paid a lump sum without means testing, is not currently government policy, but the tech entrepreneur said there would have to be 'some sort of concessionary arrangement with jobs that go immediately'. Dario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive of Claude chatbot creator Anthorpic, used an online essay this week to warn that 'humanity is about to be handed almost unimaginable power, and it is deeply unclear whether our social, political, and technological systems possess the maturity to wield it'. Several countries have carried out trials of UBI, the most notable being a study in Finland in 2017. It saw 2,000 unemployed people given a 560 (490) basic income every month for two years to see whether the system would work better than traditional benefits. It found that the cash made people happier and more satisfied with their lives, while experiencing less mental strain, depression, sadness and loneliness. But it did not improve employment levels and academics warned it would be 'unsustainable' on a country-wide level and it went no further. Similar schemes have previously been trialled in Kenya, Canada, India and parts of the United States. In 2017, Swiss voters rejected a proposed universal basic income in a referendum after critics slammed the idea as rewarding the lazy and the feckless. Ministers hope to make Britain the fastest adopting AI country in the G7. On Wednesday ministers unveiled plans for free AI training to be offered to every adult in the UK. The move has been backed by a panel of experts from business and trade unions, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said. It argues the training could free workers up from routine tasks and create more higher-skilled jobs. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI. 'Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits. 'That starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities AI brings, putting the power and control into their hands.' A thief who brazenly filmed himself burgling people's homes and driving stolen cars in boasting videos posted to Snapchat has been jailed. Liam Moore, 20, recorded himself during a three-month crime spree where he stole more than 300,000 worth of cars and goods. Between August 13 and October 7, 2023 he broke into dozens of homes and cars across Birmingham and Solihull. The videos he posted to Snapchat showing his crimes ended up becoming key evidence that helped police lock him up. Following his arrest, Moore's phone was seized and analysed with his own phone records linking him to 13 burglaries and 14 car thefts. Detectives found videos uploaded to Snapchat brazenly showing his crime spree, including one that showed him melting a door lock. Moore's search history on his phone showed that he would look up the cars he was targeting. After initially pleading not guilty, Moore changed his plea to guilty last Wednesday on the second day of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court and was jailed for nine years. Liam Moore, 20, has been jailed for nine years for his 300,000 crime spree Moore's phone was seized and analysed with his own phone records linking him to 13 burglaries and 14 car thefts Detectives found videos uploaded to Snapchat brazenly showing his crime spree, including one that showed him melting a door lock DS Charlie Edwards, of West Midlands Police, said: 'I'm so glad Moore has finally been served the justice he deserves for what he has done. 'Moore was that confident he wouldn't get caught. He would film himself breaking into people's homes and take photos of the cars he was stealing. 'Moore would also refer to the crimes he was committing as "grafting" which is such an insult to the hard-working people he was stealing from. 'We worked really hard to ensure he was held accountable for his actions and I'm glad that he will now spend the next few years in prison.' Iran vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack after Donald Trump warned time was running out for a nuclear deal, as Hezbollah warned that a US attack will 'trigger a volcano in the region.' Washington and Tehran have exchanged sharp warnings since a protest wave in Iran led Trump to threaten military action over a violent crackdown, while the Islamic republic blamed the United States for fuelling what it deemed 'riots'. The face-off has sent diplomatic shock waves across the region, with calls for negotiations to defuse tensions drawing in key regional actors. Iranian officials have ratcheted up warnings that Tehran would respond forcefully to any US military action, while not ruling out diplomatic solutions. Iran's army chief Amir Hatami on Thursday vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack, according to state television, which reported 1,000 'strategic drones' had joined the combat regiments. Senior Hezbollah official Nawaf al-Moussawi warned yesterday that the result of American military action against Iran was unpredictable: 'What holds the United States back is its inability to predict the aftermath of the strike'. Asked whether the Lebanese terror group, which is backed by the regime, would support Iran if it were attacked by the US, he coyly said: 'We will cross that bridge when we get to it.' A US naval strike group arrived in Middle East waters on Monday, with Trump warning it was 'ready, willing and able' to hit Iran 'if necessary'. Iran vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack after Donald Trump (pictured) warned time was running out for a nuclear deal The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (L) transits the Strait of Hormuz on November 19, 2019 Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, January 9 Your browser does not support iframes. He said on Wednesday that 'time is running out' for Iran to negotiate a deal over its nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb. The United States had hit Iranian nuclear targets when it briefly joined Israel's war against Iran in June. Trump is still weighing up options against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters to overrun government buildings. Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for 'regime change' after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people. To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could storm government and security buildings, they said. One of the US sources said the options being discussed by Trump's aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach US allies in the Middle East or its nuclear enrichment programmes. The other US source said Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path. Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, such strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained 'heroic but outgunned'. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was 'preparing itself for a military confrontation, while at the same time making use of diplomatic channels'. However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said. Families 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 protests, January 13 Newspapers in Iran's capital Tehran prominently featured statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that military options could be considered, January 28 Tehran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue 'based on mutual respect and interests' but would defend itself 'like never before' if pushed, Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X on Wednesday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, warned on X that Iran's forces were ready to retaliate. He said: 'Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea. 'The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and profoundly. 'At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Iran's rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. 'Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them.' Trump has not publicly detailed what he is looking for in any deal. His administration's previous negotiating points have included banning Iran from independently enriching uranium and restrictions on long-range ballistic missiles and on Tehran's network of armed proxies in the Middle East. A senior Israeli official with direct knowledge of planning between Israel and the United States told Reuters Israel does not believe airstrikes alone can topple the Islamic Republic, if that is Washington's goal. 'If you're going to topple the regime, you have to put boots on the ground,' he said, noting that even if the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would 'have a new leader that will replace him'. Only a combination of external pressure and an organised domestic opposition could shift Irans political trajectory, the official said. The Israeli official said Irans leadership had been weakened by the unrest but remained firmly in control despite the ongoing deep economic crisis that sparked the protests. Multiple US intelligence reports reached a similar conclusion, that the conditions that led to the protests were still in place, weakening the government, but without major fractures, two people familiar with the matter said. The Western source said they believed Trump's goal appeared to be to engineer a change in leadership, rather than 'topple the regime,' an outcome that would be similar to Venezuela, where US intervention replaced the president without a wholesale change of government. Iran's neighbours, including Gulf states that host US military sites, have called for calm. Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on January 9, 2026 Your browser does not support iframes. A Gulf official said that fears of a US strike on Iran are 'very clear'. 'It would bring the region into chaos, it would hurt the economy not just in the region but in the US and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket,' the official added. Turkey on Thursday said it would offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran during an upcoming visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, after Ankara's top diplomat urged Washington to start nuclear talks with Tehran. 'It's wrong to attack Iran. It's wrong to start the war again. Iran is ready to negotiate on the nuclear file again,' Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television in English. NATO member Turkey is also weighing contingency plans along its 330-mile border with Iran should the dispute escalate, a senior official said. Iran ally Russia on Thursday also said 'the potential for negotiations is not exhausted.' 'Any use of force can only create chaos in the region and lead to very dangerous consequences,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Trump's recent statements have focused more on Iran's nuclear programme than the fate of protesters in the anti-government demonstrations that erupted in late December and peaked on January 8 and 9. In an updated toll, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had confirmed that 6,373 people had been killed and more than 40,000 arrested, as internet restrictions persisted after a shutdown imposed on January 8. Iranian authorities acknowledge that thousands were killed during the protests, giving a toll of over 3,000 deaths, but say the majority were members of the security forces or bystanders killed by 'rioters'. Khamenei has publicly acknowledged several thousand deaths during the protests. He blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and what he called 'seditionists'. Time magazine on Sunday cited two senior Iranian health ministry officials saying at least 30,000 people had been killed, while The Guardian, citing medical professionals, reported a similar figure, adding that a large number of people had disappeared. Verification is hampered by a near-total internet shutdown now in its fourth week, as well as attempts by the regime to conceal the number of total casualties by pushing for fast, mass burials. Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran on January 8 A woman walks past an anti-American wall poster that reads 'If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind', following a possible US intervention against Iran, on January 28 At 86, Khamenei has retreated from daily governance, reduced public appearances and is believed to be residing in secure locations after Israeli strikes last year decimated many of Irans senior military leaders, regional officials said. Day-to-day management has shifted to figures aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including senior adviser Ali Larijani, they said. The powerful Guards dominate Iran's security network and big parts of the economy. However, Khamenei retains final authority over war, succession and nuclear strategy - meaning political change is very difficult until he exits the scene, they said. Iran's foreign ministry did not respond to questions about Khamenei. It comes as the EU is set to agree to put Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) on the bloc's 'terrorist list' over the crackdown, which rights groups say saw thousands killed by security forces, including the IRGC - the ideological arm of Tehran's military. 'If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as terrorists,' top diplomat Kaja Kallas told journalists ahead of a ministers' meeting in Brussels, adding that the step puts the Guards on the same level as jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The symbolic move will send a strong message of condemnation to Iran, though it is expected to have little practical impact, as the organisation and senior commanders are already under EU sanctions. However, Iran has warned of 'destructive consequences' if the designation is greenlit, state media reported on Tuesday. A woman who says she was silently praying outside an abortion clinic has denied breaking the Public Order Act. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, 48, from Malvern, Worcestershire, has been accused of trying to influence those accessing an abortion clinic in Birmingham. The charges, read out at the city's Magistrates Court, said she had been standing within a 'safe access zone' around the Robert Clinic on five occasions last year. It added that her presence had either been intended or was reckless as to whether it had the effect of influencing any person's decision to access or facilitate the provision of abortion services. Vaughan-Spruce, dressed in a short-sleeved black and brown hooped dress, spoke only to give her name, date of birth and address and to deny the charge. Her lawyer, Annie Fendrich said the issues in the case would be whether her conduct was covered by Section nine of the Public Order Act of 2023, whether it was intentional and whether it violated her human rights. Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, which came into force on October 31, 2024, made it an offence for a person who is within a safe access zone of 150 metres from any part of an abortion clinic to influence, obstruct or harass anyone accessing the facility in England and Wales. Original plans for a five-day trial were quashed by His Honour Judge Tanwer Ikram, who said that because the facts of the case are not in dispute, five planned prosecution witnesses would not be required. He set a trial date for October 6 with a time span of four days. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce arrives at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, has been accused of trying to influence those accessing an abortion clinic in Birmingham. Pictured: Vaughan-Spruce arriving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court Vaughan-Spruce, a charitable volunteer, was acquitted in court in 2023 after being arrested for praying in a local 'buffer zone', under a Public Spaces Protection Order that banned 'expressions of approval or disapproval' of abortion. The incident occurred while the abortion facility was closed. The prosecution offered no evidence to support a conviction. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Vaughan-Spruce was arrested again for her silent thoughts in the same location weeks later in March 2023, opening an investigation that lasted several months. In August 2024, she successfully challenged her two unjust arrests and received a settlement from West Midlands Police of 13,000. A prestigious Ivy League school will eliminate tuition for students from families earning less than $200,000 per year. Yale College, the undergraduate arm of Yale University, said the generous change was aimed at improving affordability for all future students. 'The benefits are evident as these talented students enrich the Yale campus and go on to serve their communities after graduation,' said Scott A. Strobel, Yale's provost. Students from more than 80 percent of households in the US would now be eligible for free tuition, according to the university. The New Haven, Connecticut, college will also cover the full cost of attendance - including housing, meal plans and books on top of tuition - for students from families earning less than $100,000 a year. That means nearly half of the country's families would be able to attend Yale's undergraduate college at no cost. 'With an institution that has an endowment of over $40 billion, I don't see why we can't have robust financial aid policies,' Micah Draper, a class of 2028 student, told the Yale Daily News. The change will go into effect starting next fall as part of the 2026-27 academic year. Yale University's undergraduate program will slash tuition for students coming from families making less than $200,000 annually More than 80 percent of US households would now be eligible for free tuition at Yale College (file photo of Yale students) Draper said student leaders had spent the last year advocating for tuition-free options for middle and upper-middle class families. However, he also called for the school to do more and bring back two summer grants that were previously scrapped. Altogether, the full cost of attendance at Yale for an undergraduate student currently comes out to roughly $98,000. Tuition makes up the bulk of the cost at $72,500, with an additional $185 student activity fee. Housing and food add another $21,600 combined, while books, course materials and personal expenses are estimated at $3,700. Yale officials touted the change as an 'important investment in affordability' for the school. 'With this announcement, we reiterate and reinforce Yale's commitment to ensuring that cost will never be a barrier between promising students and a Yale College education,' said Jeremiah Quinlan, the dean of undergraduate admissions and financial aid. The total estimated cost of attendance for a Yale undergraduate student is currently about $98,000 Yale's dean of undergraduate admissions and financial aid, Jeremiah Quinlan, said the move highlighted the school's 'commitment to ensuring that cost will never be a barrier' However, Yale's financial aid offer appears to be limited to families with 'typical assets.' 'If you have an outsized asset portfolio, even if you have an income level that's in one of these areas, you might get a different financial-aid offer,' Quinlan told the Wall Street Journal. There are currently 6,740 undergraduate students at Yale, according to the university. More than 1,000 currently attend the Ivy League school tuition-free, while 56 percent of that student body qualifies for need-based financial aid. Yale's director of undergraduate financial aid, Kari DiFonzo, said having been a 'first-generation, low-income college student' helped him understand how navigating economic help from universities was 'overwhelming.' 'Determining a family's specific ability to contribute towards a college education can be complicated, but these new policies will make it easier for more families to quickly understand their cost,' he added. Families with incomes below $150,000 were already 'not asked to pay tuition for their students' education' last year, per the school. This shift changed the stress line for families by $50,000. More than 6,700 undergraduate students attend Yale, which is located in New Haven, Connecticut. The tuition change will kick in next fall (file photo of Yale flyer) The Ivy League institution's move follows other top schools around the United States also tweaking their financial aid programs to offer greater help for middle class families. Harvard University also said undergraduate students from families with annual incomes below $100,000 would attend at no cost starting this school year. As will be the case at Yale going forward, tuition for Harvard's undergraduates was also waived for those making $200,000 or less. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has offered tuition-free education for undergraduates with families making less than $200,000 since last year. Yale's endowment was valued at $44.1billion last June, according to the university. That makes it one of the most affluent schools in the US. Last fall, Yale College started adding 100 students per year to its undergraduate classes as a push to expand enrollment. The Daily Mail has reached out to Yale University for comment. A Wisconsin brewing company is facing backlash after apparently offering free beer on the day that President Donald Trump dies. Minocqua Brewing Company took to Facebook to offer 'free beer, all day long, the day he dies' on January 22. Many have speculated the openly anti-Trump establishment is referring to the 79-year-old President. 'Show us this post when it happens in a few months and well make good on that promise,' wrote the company, which is owned by Kirk Bangstad. Although the post garnered thousands of fan reactions from people saying they will be at the event, others were horrified the company would preemptively celebrate someone's death. 'Wishing death on anyone is disgusting,' one user wrote. 'This is why us moderates can't stand on the side of the left. It's unfortunate.' Another wrote: 'Guys, please: careful what you say. 'Im still rooting for your business. I love what youre doing. Taking the risk for the righteous. But between the implications of sponsoring someone dying with product, and the person who takes over if that happens, I dont think much good would become of it if it happened.' Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by Kirk Bangstad, offered their customers free beer 'the day he dies' - which many took to mean the President The establishment has been known to be openly anti-Trump 'Show us this post when it happens in a few months and well make good on that promise,' the company wrote on Facebook A third wrote: 'Leave it to the party if peace and love to wish death upon someone. Y'all are wild.' 'You can all eat s**t and move out of this beautiful country,' another wrote. 'Sense [sic] you all think it's so bad.' But the company did not take the negativity too harshly, as they have replied to detractors and criticized journalists who went to them for comment. In a public response to Fox and Blaze News, the company posted the journalists' email addresses and phone numbers, and encouraged their followers to send them correspondence. 'Please help him [the journalist] with his "gotcha" state-sponsored propaganda by emailing him your own quote,' they wrote in a Facebook post. In response to Fox News, they publicly posted: 'Who knew that Faux News would still write this story after we went viral mocking them in response to their cynical request for a quote about our celebration of life free beer party the MOMENT he dies. 'Thanks, Fox, youve done wonders for our sales in the last few days. Keep covering this story and well be able to pour that much more free beer when his blood clot finally moves.' In a separate post, they wrote: 'Little did they know that we eat fake reviews for breakfast and had one last surprise for them waiting in the wings.' In a January 26 post, Minocqua Brewing Company said their anti-Trump activism has 'made it harder to sell beer.' But since news outlets started covering it, sales have spiked Although the post garnered thousands of fan reactions from people saying they'll make the event, others were horrified the company would preemptively celebrate someone's death In a January 26 post, Minocqua Brewing Company said their harsh anti-Trump stance has 'made it harder to sell beer.' 'We've been boycotted by distributors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois - so we rely on a ragtag crew of supporters to help us self-distribute in those three states,' the company said. However, in a new post yesterday, the company said their sales have spiked since news outlets started covering the story. The company is also now selling Trump voodoo dolls, including some wearing a striped fabric that is supposed to be reminiscent of a prison uniform. It also sells an 'eff ICE' hoodie. The profits go toward the funding of their podcast and Substack. A Great Ormond Street Hospital orthopaedic surgeon who botched operations injured almost 100 children, a report has revealed - as a victim told of being left in 'horrifying' pain. Some 36 of Yaser Jabbar's patients suffered severe harm, a report published by Great Ormond Street Hospital has concluded. GOSH released a review on Thursday into the actions of Jabbar, who treated hundreds of children from 2017 to 2022. It found 36 children endured severe harm while under the care of the surgeon, who worked on lower limb reconstruction. A further 39 patients came to moderate harm and 19 patients came to mild harm. The study also reported that 642 patients did not come to harm that could be attributable to the surgeon. The disgraced surgeon is understood to live abroad and no longer has a licence to practise medicine in the UK. Children suffered chronic pain, deformities, permanent nerve damage and even an amputation after being operated on by him. Yaser Jabbar, 43, treated 721 children at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, leaving some with serious injuries, different leg lengths and even requiring amputation A teenage boy was forced to have his leg amputated after he felt his bone 'snap' just months after surgeon Yaser Jabbar operated on it Other patients have been left with drop foot - a debilitating condition where the foot cannot be pulled up and the sufferer must bring their leg up high when walking to avoid tripping over. Some found themselves living with legs of different lengths by up to 20cm after going under Jabbar's knife. GOSH ordered a review by independent experts into the care of 721 patients who passed through Jabbar at the hospital. A further 68 cases were later uncovered, bringing the total to 789. Jabbar harmed between 85 and 100 children, the trust confirmed. At least 32 of those suffered severe harm, meaning potentially lifelong deformities or chronic pain, 36 were left with moderate harm, and 18 cases were mild. However, some families of the children who feature in the report have criticised it, and claimed that a 'cover-up culture' will obscure the truth. Some accuse GOSH of 'failing their children', while others claimed the report - by external surgeons using patient notes - would leave more questions than answers. Jabbar stopped treating patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital (pictured) in London in 2022 before leaving the hospital the following year One mother told the BBC last month: 'Mr Jabbar was known for not writing up records or keeping notes correctly, but these reviews have been based on hospital notes. 'My daughter's report doesn't reflect her journey at all.' Jabbar stopped treating patients at the world-renowned hospital in 2022 after concerns were raised about his work. He left GOSH in 2023 after a report by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) found some surgeries had been 'inappropriate' and 'incorrect'. Jabbar subsequently moved to Dubai, where he continued to operate and claimed to be one of the most sought-after doctors in his field. However, after the Daily Mail's revelations, he was ditched as a speaker by a major conference and removed from hospitals websites that had celebrated him. Following the 2023 review, GOSH promised that each of Jabbar's patients would receive an independent report to conclude what level of harm they suffered at his hands. A spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital said earlier this month: 'We are deeply sorry to all the children, young people and their families who have been affected by the actions of a surgeon working at GOSH between 2017 and 2022. Great Ormond Street launched an urgent review of all the youngsters treated by former surgeon Yaser Jabbar (pictured) in its orthopaedic department 'We have reviewed the care of every single child involved and our report will be shared with families this month before it is made public.' One parent unhappy with the outcome of the reports into their child's care was Dean Stalham, whose daughter Bunty was born with a rare bone disease which caused her left tibia to be bowed and short. She had a genetic condition causing tumors to grow on her nerves. Over a 15-month period, Bunty underwent a number of operations which all failed, leaving her in agony and taking strong pain relief for months. Bunty finally had a below-knee amputation in May 2020 despite undergoing all the surgeries carried out by Jabbar, which included bone grafting, limb lengthening of the tibia and the use of frames. In Bunty's report, the physical impact on her was deemed 'moderate' - but her father told the BBC it was 'simply wrong'. He said the report claimed she underwent six operations - but he said the figure was actually 10. 'Not a single one of Bunty's surgeries worked, and none of them were of any benefit to her whatsoever,' he told the BBC. Vivaan Sharma (pictured) was aged seven when surgeon Yaser Jabbar decided to carry out leg lengthening surgery on him 'When they were trying to lengthen her leg they ended up shortening it by about eight inches.' A teenager who suffered severe harm at Jabbar's hands has now described how the 'traumatic' experience left him in 'horrifying' pain. James Wood, 19, from Great Yarmouth, first encountered the surgeon when he was referred to him at the age of 12. Mr Wood was born with multiple pterygium syndrome, a rare congenital condition that mainly affects neuromuscular and skeletal functions. It causes skin webbing across the joints and in Mr Wood's case, it limited movement in his knees and ankles. He was referred to Jabbar in September 2018 and underwent an operation in April 2019 which saw a frame fixed to his leg with the aim of stretching the tissues in his knee. He also underwent an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure. Just a few weeks later, Mr Wood began to suffer extreme pain and swelling in his right thigh. He went to his local hospital and was sent back to GOSH for review. There, an ultrasound identified a large collection of fluid and a biopsy was performed. Medics discovered that one of the pins used to secure the frame had protruded into Mr Wood's thigh. A report on Thursday from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) detailed the harm caused by Dr Yasser Jabbar to dozens of children in his care - pictured is patient Vivaan Sharma When it was removed, there was bleeding and surgeons noted damage to his femoral artery. The frame was removed and Mr Wood was then placed in a permanent full-length leg cast to support his leg. He developed a deep pressure sore to his heel. An independent review into his treatment ahead of Thursday's GOSH report found 'poor surgical skill' by Jabbar had resulted in a pin going into Mr Wood's thigh when the frame was fitted. The study said the type of pins used had increased the risk of vascular injury and other pins should have been used. Mr Wood, a student at the University of East Anglia, studying English literature and creative writing, said: 'I was only 12 at the time so you just trust the doctors. 'I was never right after I had that operation and was in pain from the moment the frame was put on me. 'Rather than it getting better, it began to get worse. I would get these really intense fits of pain in my right thigh for about an hour at a time. It was the worst pain I had ever felt. 'When I went back to hospital I was told there was a collection of fluid in my thigh. I remember them saying there was a lot of internal bleeding. 'I then remember waking up from an operation and being told that a pin had nicked my femoral artery. I was told it had been an accident. James Wood, of Great Yarmouth, suffered 'severe' harm and was subjected to an 'unacceptable' standard of surgery under the care of Yaser Jabbar (family handout photo) 'After the frame was eventually removed, I then had to have a cast on my leg. I was told to start trying to walk every day, but whenever I put pressure on my foot it would really hurt. 'When the cast was removed, the back of my foot was rotten and it looked like the back of it had just been scraped off from the cast being too tight. 'It halted me walking until it healed, and I had to return for a lot of appointments so they could keep cleaning it out.' Mr Wood still struggles with movement but has delayed treatment to his other, left leg owing to the trauma he has experienced. 'They tried to schedule an external fixator for my left leg, and I said no,' he added. 'I'm not letting them touch my legs again unless it's vital, because I'm in university and I can't handle a long recovery right now. 'If I'm in a position to in the future, I'll do the left one but the past trauma with my right leg makes me hesitant to go through with it as I still can't bend it more than 90 degrees and my right foot is a bit awkwardly positioned. 'The back of my heel is mostly gone, so now my feet are drastically different sizes which makes walking and finding shoes difficult. Vivaan Sharma's family released this picture of him, another of Jabbar's former patients 'I struggle a lot with stairs because I have to use one leg at a time. Sometimes my right leg just gives out at the ankle. It makes it a lot harder to walk longer distances and I can be slow walking. 'This experience has robbed me of my abilities from being 13. I'm still recovering to this day. 'I missed a lot of my formative high school experiences and it left me quite lonely in my childhood because I spent my early teenage years in recovery. 'It was all incredibly traumatic and the pain is still horrifying and has had a long-term impact. 'To later find out that my surgeon was harming not only me, but many others, and was not stopped for many years, is abysmal. How can this ever have been allowed to happen?' And the family of a 12-year-old boy who was harmed by Jabbar say he still suffers nightmares and will be affected for the rest of his life. Vivaan Sharma was seven when Jabbar decided to carry out leg lengthening surgery on him. Vivaan was born with a shortened and bowed right leg, which his family was told would lead to a leg length difference of around 9cm if it was not corrected. James Wood's leg is seen here in a frame following the GOSH surgery he received Vivaan's parents Viresh and Namarata said that after Jabbar carried out surgery in July 2021, they were shocked to find he had used a different frame to that commonly used for such procedures, and which they had expected. An independent review ahead of Thursday's GOSH's report found Vivaan suffered 'moderate harm' and the surgery was 'incorrect and unsuitable', as the issue was too complex to resolve in a single procedure. Vivaan's family dispute the moderate harm finding. Mr Sharma said: 'The review has said that Vivaan has suffered moderate harm, and we think that's nonsense, as it has affected his treatment and independence way beyond six months, which is how they class moderate harm in their review. 'These independent experts have never spoken to Vivaan. They've not seen what we have seen, him waking up having nightmares about having more operations or needing to have another frame on his leg. 'If they had reached out to Vivaan, they would see what he has been through and how he is today. 'They wouldn't have said he was moderately harmed then. Even today, after many operations, he walks with a limp. It impacts his self-confidence. 'We're talking about a boy who has been around hospitals all his life and has been badly let down. James Wood has told of the 'horrifying' pain he suffered following the surgery 'He was just seven when he underwent surgery, which has now been found to have been completely unsuitable, with independent experts finding no justification for why he was subjected to it. 'It's appalling. Our boy will be affected for life.' The review panel criticised Jabbar's record-keeping and documentation, assessment, examination and diagnosis, decision-making and case selection. It said his actions caused 'both physical and psychological harm' to Vivaan, leaving him with 'postoperative deformity deemed unacceptable by other members of the team at GOSH'. Vivaan has since undergone further corrective surgery under other surgeons at the hospital. Mr Sharma believes he and his wife were amongst the first to raise concerns about Jabbar's standard of practice and approach following the 2021 surgery. They say the hospital did not act quickly enough to address the errors in his work. Mr Sharma said: 'In all of our meetings prior to Vivaan's surgery, we were told a certain type of frame would be used to help rotation and lengthening, but when the procedure was done, a completely different frame was used. We were never told why, but it seemed strange. James Wood, whose leg is seen in a frame, underwent an 'unacceptable' standard of surgery 'We feared immediately that something was wrong, as when the swelling went down, we noticed a hard bump on the side of his leg and felt the bone. His foot didn't seem to be at the right angle either. 'When we raised this with Mr Jabbar, he said it was "part of the plan" and dismissed our concerns with a level of arrogance that I misunderstood at the time for my panic as a parent versus his depth and experience. 'How wrong I was. I believed his words and dismissed Vivaan's screams as we were turning the screws on his frame as part of the treatment which had been prescribed. I was later told by another consultant that he had nerves running across the break, which were being stretched and pulled. 'I did my own research too as I was worried about the frame, so I contacted other specialist surgeons in this country and the United States who said that type of frame should not have been used. 'The hospital repeatedly denied this. I also remember we were told by one of Mr Jabbar's colleagues not to worry as he was "the frame guy" who knew what he was doing, and for us to relax as we were at Great Ormond Street. We were basically told they didn't make mistakes. 'It was only at a later stage, when Vivaan was in terrible pain, that we saw another consultant and the hospital admitted that the wrong frame had been used. I think the hospital failed completely its duty of care to patients.' Mr Sharma says he first made complaints about Jabbar in August 2021. GOSH commissioned a Royal College of Surgeons review in September 2022 and Mr Jabbar left the trust the following month. The RCS concluded its findings in October 2023 and GOSH wrote to patients the following February. Hudgell Solicitors represents Vivaan and is among those pursuing civil claims against Gosh. Solicitor Caroline Murgatroyd said: 'We were first instructed on cases relating to Mr Jabbar in 2023, and since the review of all cases was launched in September 2024, we have seen a continual flow of independent reports confirm to our clients that they were harmed at this surgeon's hands. 'The majority of our clients have been told they suffered severe or moderate harm. 'These include cases where independent experts have reviewed the treatment and questioned the decision-making of Mr Jabbar in terms of treatments, and the standard of his surgeries. 'We represent clients who suffered arterial bleeding after surgery, had unnecessary operations, and suffered nerve injuries and leg length discrepancies. 'There have even been questions raised over amputation, and whether it was the right course of treatment. Children have suffered life-changing injuries. 'The individual patient reports paint a picture of a man not following recognised procedures and treatments, being allowed to carry out surgeries without full and proper consideration or consultation with patients and colleagues, and then repeatedly operating to a very poor standard and causing harm. 'This report may well offer reassurance that changes have been made to prevent this happening again, but this is of little comfort to so many children and parents who believed they were being treated in the best possible place. 'It should never have been allowed to happen, and Great Ormond Street Hospital's reputation will be tarnished for a long-time by this appalling situation.' GOSH chief executive Matthew Shaw today said: 'We are profoundly sorry to all the patients and their families who have been affected by the care provided by Mr Jabbar, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at our hospital between 2017 - 2022. 'The report we have published today sets out in full what happened, what we found in our review of patients, what we have learnt and what we have done as a consequence. 'We have made significant changes to both the Orthopaedic Service itself and across the hospital to minimise the chance of something like this happening again. Many of these changes are designed to help spot potential issues before they become a risk to patient care. 'We know this comes too late for the families affected by this issue, but we are committed to ensuring our hospital is a better and safer place for all current and future patients.' Five immigration officers stole cash from small boat migrants as they arrived at Dover, a court heard. Besmir Matera, 36, Jack Mitchell, 33, Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, John Bernthal, 53, and Ben Edwardes, 45, were charged with conspiracy to steal following a Home Office investigation into thefts from migrants. A sixth officer David Grundy, 43, was charged at the same time with money laundering offences between August 2021 and November 2022. Matera, who is Albanian, was also charged for entering the UK illegally between July 2003 and March 2004 after forging an asylum application with a false name, date of birth and nationality. He is said to have entered the UK on a school trip but told authorities he is from Kosovo. Matera was also charged with possessing false passports between 2011 and 2022 and a false driving licence between 2018 and 2022. Jack Mitchell (L) and Lee-Ann Evanson (R) are accused of stealing cash from small boat migrants who arrived at Dover Besmir Matera (L) was charged for forging an asylum application and David Grundy (R) was charged with money laundering offences John Bernthal (L) and Ben Edwardes (R) were charged at Westminster Magistrates' Court The six defendants, who are from London, Berkshire, Surrey and Kent, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The investigation took place by Home Office anti-corruption investigators between August 2021 and November 2022. Prosecutor Ms Earis said: 'At the time of these offences, these defendants were colleagues working in immigration enforcement clandestine operation response team, dealing with migrants arriving on small boats across the channel.' She added: 'The Crown alleges that they conspired together to steal cash from migrants on small boats.' The prosecutor said many of the migrants travel to the UK with 'relatively large' amounts of cash. She continued: 'When the defendants became aware of that, they worked together to take that money from the cells and share it. 'The converting criminal property relates to taking that money elsewhere after.' District Judge Paul Goldspring told the six defendants each will face an indictable-only offence, he said: 'Each of you will enjoy your bail. If you do not turn up at your next hearing you will be committing a separate offence which will be treated more seriously.' The six were granted conditional bail not to contact prosecution witnesses ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on February 26. A howling dog was dramatically rescued after falling into an icy lake. The St Louis Fire Department launched a rescue mission after receiving a call about a canine stuck in the freezing-cold water as temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling low of just 9F on January 19. Marine Rescue Task Force members were shown on video paddling through the ice-cold water and towards the stricken pup. The dog was clinging to the ice to stay afloat, and as a rescuer paddled toward it he accidentally nudged its head with the raft. 'I gotcha bubba,' he said as he leaned over to pull the dog out by the scruff of its neck. 'You ok bub? Come on bub,' the responder said. Once he got a strong grip on the dog, his colleague started to paddle the boat backwards and away from the ice. The dog could be heard whimpering as it was hauled into the raft. It struggled to move in the boat appearing to be in shock. The St Louis Fire Department launched a rescue mission after receiving a call about a canine stuck in the freezing-cold water Temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling low of just 9F on January 19 The dog was clinging to the ice to stay afloat 'In the grip of single-digit temperatures, a dog wandered onto the ice and suddenly found itself in a life-threatening situation,' the fire department wrote on Facebook. 'The ice gave way, leaving the dog trapped in frigid water, unable to swim to safety as the cold quickly took its toll. 'Crews launched, navigated the frozen conditions, and reached the dog just in time, carefully pulling it from the icy water and bringing it to safety. 'Were happy to report the dog is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.' The rescuers showed photos of the dog after the rescue wrapped in a towel as it warmed up. Another showed the damp canine leashed on land, surrounded by firefighters. 'The photos that follow show a much better sight, a survivor, safe and recovering,' the department added. Rescuers hauled the frozen dog into the raft before giving it pats on the belly After the successful rescue mission, firefighters recovered the damp dog, and leashed it The dog was wrapped up in a towel and is expected to make a full recovery Hundreds of comments flooded the post, thanking the responders for saving the big pup. 'This had me so nervous even though I already knew he was safe. Thank you for saving him!' One user wrote. 'That's amazing, what a fantastic rescue by those heroes!' another said. 'Those snow dogs I tell ya! Thanks for saving that cutie.' Labour is on course for its worst result in an election in 116 years in May as Scottish voters desert it, a new poll suggests. Against a backdrop of major dislike for Keir Starmer, Anas Sarwar's party is on course to take just 15 per cent of the vote in the Scottish Parliament election. A survey by YouGov today suggests it will remain the third largest party at Holyrood, but with Reform forming the largest opposition group to the Scottish National Party, also leapfrogging the Tories. Less than a third (32 per cent) of Scots who voted for Labour at the 2024 general election plan to do so in May, with more than a quarter abandoning it for both Nigel Farage's party (14 per cent) and the nationalists (13 per cent). It is the second recent poll to show that Reform - led north of the border by former Tory peer Malcolm Offord - is on course to be the second largest party at Holyrood, despite currently having zero seats. Labour's 15 per cent in both the constituency and regional list votes is below their 22 per cent and 18 per cent share respectively in 2021. A YouGov spokesman said: 'If repeated in May, this would be Labour's worst result in either a Westminster or Holyrood election in 116 years.' Your browser does not support iframes. Against a backdrop of major dislike for Keir Starmer, Anas Sarwar's party is on course to take just 15 per cent of the vote in the Scottish Parliament election. A survey by YouGov today suggests it will remain the third largest party at Holyrood, but with Reform forming the largest opposition group to the Scottish National Party Mr Offord said the poll findings 'reflect the reality we are hearing on the doorsteps'. He added: 'Anas Sarwar is in the last-chance saloon. His desperate attempts to escape Scottish Labour's toxic brand and make this a presidential election between him and (John) Swinney have backfired spectacularly. 'The SNP are down 14 points on the 2021 election, recording their lowest opinion poll share since John Swinney's disastrous first leadership of the party in 2003. 'It is now a clear two-horse race between a clapped-out SNP Government and new direction for Scotland with Reform.' The SNP is on course to retain power despite 57 per cent of those polled by YouGov saying they were dissatisfied with its performance running the Scottish Government . At the same time, 75 per cent said the same was true of the way Labour was running the UK. Today Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall insisted Labour was 'determined to win' and said the vote should be a 'referendum on the SNP's record'. She dismissed suggestions from SNP First Minister John Swinney that Sir Keir will no longer be Prime Minister if Labour poll badly in Scotland and Wales in May. Rather than seeing the Holyrood poll as a way to a second Scottish independence referendum as Mr Swinney hopes Ms Kendall said the vote should instead focus on the Scottish Government's own record. 'I'm for winning, I want to win for Scotland, I want to win for the UK,' she said. A Savanta poll earliest this month suggested Labour and Reform were on course to win 18 seats each, miles behind the Scottish National Party, which is on course to marginally increase its share to 61 seats and remain in government with Green support. It came after Wales' Labour First Minister today begged voters not to treat May's Senedd election as a protest against Sir Keir Starmer's government. Your browser does not support iframes. Today Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall insisted Labour was 'determined to win' and said the vote should be a 'referendum on the SNP's record'. The party faces losing power for the first time since devolution in Cardiff, prompting Baroness Eluned Morgan to say Sir Keir is 'not on the ballot paper'. She refused to say he was a 'good prime minister' as she appeared on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Polls have suggested that the Senedd is likely to be run by a coalition government made up of nationalists Plaid Cymru and the Greens, with Reform leading the opposition. Baroness Morgan could see her party reduced from its current 29 seats to just eight, becoming just the third largest party. One poll, released this afternoon, suggested just 10 per cent of voters in Wales believe Sir Keir's Government is doing a good job, with the figure little better for the Welsh Labour government (14 per cent). A paedophile nursery worker has admitted a host of new sex offences including filming up the skirts of girls as they sat in a classroom. Vincent Chan, 45, is facing years behind bars after pleading guilty to 30 new offences in court today. Last month he admitted sexually abusing children in his care in what officers described as among 'the most significant and disturbing' investigations in recent history. He admitted molesting girls aged three and four while working at the 2,000-a-month Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road, West Hampstead, north London. He filmed himself carrying out the abuse, during naptime at the nursery, and also confessed to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court this afternoon via video link from HMP Pentonville to plead guilty to 30 new charges. This included: 12 counts of taking and making of indecent images of children; one count of sexual assault; 11 counts of voyeurism; and six counts of outraging public decency. The offending relates to 16 victims, 10 of whom were children at the time. Paedophile nursery worker Vincent Chan has pleaded guilty to 26 new sexual offences today Chan, a British national of Chinese heritage, will be sentenced on February 12 for all 52 offences that he has now admitted. In a statement released through law firm Leigh Day, the families of children previous;y in Chan's care said: 'We are sickened to learn that Chan committed appalling offences apart from his time at Bright Horizons Finchley Road. 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected by these new charges. 'Understandably, these further crimes raise deeply troubling questions about how safeguarding systems could have failed so badly that someone who was a prolific and persistent offender was able to secure employment as a nursery worker and offend without intervention for a number of years. 'The harm caused by crimes like these does not end in court; victims and their families live with the consequences every day. Safeguarding is meant to protect children, and when it fails, accountability cannot stop with one individual. 'Organisations and those responsible for enforcing safeguarding standards must answer too. 'No parent should have to wonder whether the most basic checks, protections and accountability are optional.' Helen Reddy from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'I'm very pleased Vincent Chan has admitted to these additional offences and thereby avoided the need for a rial. 'Crimes against children are particularly distressing and clearly the aggravating feature of his offending was that Chan was in a position of trust. 'It is hoped that thanks to the excellent work of the CPS and the police, he will receive a lengthy sentence for all his offending and will no longer be a risk to children.' In the new charges, Chan has admitted taking indecent images of children in 2024 and 2025, as well as outraging public decency offences in the classroom - at an unspecified location in north London - between 2011 and July 2017. One of Chan's videos, from June 2011, showed him filming a girl 'from under a classroom table with the camera angled directly at her legs', the court heard. Sixteen images were identified of a schoolgirl taken 'from under a classroom table with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body'. Chan also had 13 images from 2016 showing 'two unidentified female child victims with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body'. In June 2017, Chan admitted 'taking three images of a male holding an exposed penis whilst in classroom', and having a video showing a solo sex act in a classroom. In July 2017, Chan admitted 'taking seven photos of him holding his exposed penis in a classroom'. Chan also pleaded guilty to taking indecent images of children between 2011 and 2016, sexual assault of a female in 2011, and nine counts of voyeurism involving the covert recording of people as they did private acts. Chan began working at Bright Horizons in 2017, passing an advanced vetting process to become an 'art specialist'. He went on to become a nursery nurse and then was promoted to room leader, but asked to be demoted back to nursery nurse. His duties included feeding, clothing, cleaning and interacting with the children, tasks that required a high degree of trust and safeguarding. He was first investigated in May 2024 when an anonymous safeguarding complaint was made against him, accusing him of neglect. He was arrested the following month when police later discovered 'humiliating' videos of some of the children, which included them falling asleep while eating, which Chan had overlaid with music for 'comedic' purposes. Chan was suspended from work. It was only a year later, while Metropolitan Police were investigating the neglect allegations that they first found evidence of his child sexual abuse. Indeed, detectives unearthed Chan's collection of more than 25,000 indecent images of children. Among them were videos taken by Chan himself as he sexually assaulted some of the children at the nursery while they were sleeping at naptime. He was further arrested and remanded in custody ahead of his guilty pleas last month. It comes more than 15 years after paedophile nursery worker Vanessa George filmed and distributed videos of herself sexually abusing 30 children at Little Teds in Plymouth, Devon. She was jailed indefinitely in 2009 and was told she would serve a minimum of seven years but she was released in 2019 despite still refusing to hand over a full list of all the children she sexually abused. It was revealed earlier this month that nurseries could be required to install CCTV following the Chan case. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced a local child safeguarding practice review in December to 'learn every lesson we can to make sure that crimes like this are guarded against at every step and every stage'. Pressed at the time to mandate CCTV in nurseries, Ms Phillipson said this could lead to other forms of child abuse if footage was misused. She appointed an expert advisory group to develop guidance for the sector on the safe and effective use of CCTV. Education minister Olivia Bailey then appeared to go further as she told the Commons the Government was 'considering the mandatory use of CCTV in early years settings' as part of the review. This came in response to Labour former minister and MP for Hampstead and Highgate, Tulip Siddiq, who said: 'The Secretary of State will know about the horrific sexual abuse case in one of my local nurseries. 'So could I ask the Secretary of State, would she introduce mandatory CCTV in nurseries so that we can use it as a safeguarding tool?' Speaking at education questions, Ms Bailey replied: 'I thank (Ms Siddiq) for her advocacy for her constituents in what has been an absolutely appalling case, and my thoughts remain with all of the children and families who have been affected. 'The safety of our children comes first, so we are considering the mandatory use of CCTV in early years settings through our review, which we are getting under way rapidly.' A young immigrant father admitted to the crime that got him deported to Mexico, forcing him to leave his young fiancee and baby son in Alabama. Alfonso 'Fonzie' Andrade Jr, 26, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in July when he showed up for an appointment with his probation officer. He was arrested for possession of marijuana in 2020, then again in 2021, and was serving out his probation when he was detained by ICE amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 'That was really stupid on my part. I knew I could go to jail, but I didn't think they would send me to another country,' Andrade told AL.com. The young father was brought to the United States when he was just one year old and grew up in the small town of Blountsville, Alabama. He said he only learned he was not a citizen when he applied for a driver's license, but could not obtain it because he did not have a Social Security number. Andrade eventually applied for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but failed to renew it, claiming he could not afford the fees. In October, an immigration judge gave him voluntary departure status, and Andrade returned to Mexico, leaving behind his 21-year-old fiancee, Bralie Chandler, and their one-year-old son, Glen. Alfonso 'Fonzie' Andrade Jr, 26, pictured with son Glen, was detained by ICE agents in July when he showed up for an appointment with his probation officer He was deported to Mexico and left behind his 21-year-old fiancee, Bralie Chandler, and their one-year-old Chandler told AL.com Andrade was the primary provider for her and their son, and she feels responsible because she was smoking weed with him when he got arrested. 'I just feel really guilty because I feel like obviously, all of this could have been prevented if we were not smoking marijuana,' she said. 'It just makes me feel really bad. Especially knowing that the two possession of marijuana charges could stop him from being able to get citizenship.' Chandler said being separated from her son's father has taken a toll on both of them, and she is struggling to make ends meet while trying to afford Andrade's path to citizenship. 'It's thousands and thousands of dollars. Realistically, nobody around here has that much money. I don't have that much money,' she said. She has started a GoFundMe to help raise money for the legal expenses. In Mexico, Andrade lives with his father, who was deported from the United States during the Obama administration. 'I love my Mexican culture, but at the end of the day, no disrespect to nobody. America, Alabama, is where I grew up. That's where all my memories are. That's what hurts me,' he said. Andrade said he struggles in Mexico because Spanish is not his first language, and he is trying to find work to pay his immigration fees. The young father admitted it was 'stupid' of him to get arrested for marijuana possession and said he is fighting to be reunited with his son and fiancee Chandler (right) said Andrade was the primary provider for their family, and she is struggling to make ends meet while trying to afford his immigration fees 'This is my birth country, yes. But at the end of the day, my home is in Alabama, and it will forever be my home,' he said. 'One way or another, God willing, I will be back. We just got to let this little short storm pass and then we'll be together. I'll be at home once again.' 'That's where my memories are. It's where I went to school, where I played ball, where I made friends. It's where I met Bralie, where my son was born,' he added. Blountsville's community members have also expressed their heartbreak over Andrade's deportation, saying he was a good kid who made a mistake. 'Nobody thought he needed to be deported, I mean, he's not a criminal, he's just a kid, just a young man,' said Donald Nation, a neighbor who helped raise Andrade after his father was deported. 'He's never been in any serious trouble. You know, he had two misdemeanors for marijuana. How many kids would get deported for that?' 'He wanted to be a policeman, but that was an impossibility. He tried to join the military, but that was an impossibility. He wanted to be an MP in the military, but they wouldn't let him in,' he added. An Atlanta homebuyer stumbled across a piece of American history that had been hidden in the attic for more than a century. Jeff Notrica, president of Inman Park Properties, purchased 125 Edgewood Avenue for nearly $1million in September. When he made the purchase of the historic building, he didn't know that an old Coca-Cola barrel was hidden upstairs in the attic of the home once owned by beverage company magnate Asa Candler. The wooden, five-gallon barrel, which more than likely held the syrup used in the famous drink, dates back to the 1900s, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The building is one of the last remnants of the company's early days in the Southern city, where it is still headquartered. The 135-year-old building, which sits on Edgewood Avenue, was the location of the first Coca-Cola bottling operation. Notrica is now looking to take the historic brick building and transform it into a commercial space in a bid to preserve its legacy, whether it be a coffee shop or comedy club, he told The Journal-Constitution. He bought the property after seeing too many historical buildings get torn down in the city. Jeff Notrica, president of Inman Park Properties, purchased 125 Edgewood Avenue for nearly $1million in September. Little did he know, history was hidden in the attic A five-gallon wooden Coca-Cola barrel, which more than likely held the syrup used in the famous drink, was discovered. It is believed to date back to the 1900s 'Its extremely exciting to be involved with something that is so quintessentially Atlanta,' he told the outlet. The businessman has collected multiple historic buildings in his hometown over the years, although some had to be sold during a recession. But he believes it's important to preserve the city's rich history. 'One of the things is just being more in the public of what were trying to do here and to move this forward,' he said of his past mistakes. In order to make sure this project works out, he hired fellow Atlanta native Alison Gordon to help restore the building. She is working alongside the Atlanta Preservation Center. Although the preservation and renovations are still in the works, the duo have listed the property for $3million, so the new tenant can financially help the project reach its end, broker Danny Glusman told the outlet. The building may also receive state tax credits as it is deemed an historic place. It is one of the oldest standing buildings left in the area, and was standing during the Civil Rights Movement and the Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906. Join the debate Should rare finds be donated to museums for everyone to enjoy? A bottling operation for the beverage company was previously housed in the building. Notrica is hoping to transform the space into another commercial venture to preserve its legacy 'It has served as a visual reminder to our achievements and our successes and our hopes and dreams,' W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, told The Journal-Constitution. Coca-Cola was first available at Jacob's Pharmacy in 1886. Two years later, Candler bought the recipe and started the Coca-Cola company, which was only available in a soda fountain. In 1899, he struck a $1 with lawyers Benjamin Thomas and Joseph Whitehead, who had the financial means to rapidly expand the brand, which appealed to Candler. The first bottle plant opened in Chattanooga, before expanding to Atlanta in 1900. The company operated at the Edgewood property until 1901 before opening another bottling operation location on Spring Street. Coca-Cola now has bottling operations in more than 200 countries and remains the most popular soda sold in the world, raking in billions of dollars in profit annually. A young British girl is missing after she was swept out to sea while sitting on some rocks with her family in Morocco. Inaayah Makda, a seven-year-old from Blackburn, went missing last night as she and her family were sitting watching the sun set on the coast near Casablanca on the first day of their week-long holiday to the north African country. The family was surrounded by water while on the rocks, before they were knocked down by a freak wave. Several relatives were also knocked into the sea, though they made it back out. Her father, Zubair, told UCTV, a Blackburn-based broadcaster: 'We were just on rocks [that] were... half a metre high. The tide suddenly swept everyone out. 'Inaayah was on the rock behind me. We got swept to the right and she got swept to the left. I did not see where Inaayah was, as she got swept away so quickly. 'I couldn't find her at all. We are trying to get help, because the police here are... useless. They are not doing anything.' A family member told the BBC that Zubair and Inaayah's mother, Tasneem, spent hours screaming her name and searching for her up and down the beach. A relative told the broadcaster the tide appeared to be a long way out when the family first arrived at on the coast, but came in within roughly 20 minutes - catching them all by surprise. A neighbour of the family said that Inaayah, a pupil at Roe Lee Park Primary School in the Lancashire town, is a 'lovely, bubbly, cheeky little girl.' Inaayah Makda, a seven-year-old from Blackburn, (pictured) went missing last night as she and her family were sitting the coast near Casablanca Several members of her family were also swept into the water with her, though they made it back out (File image of a Morocco beach) Your browser does not support iframes. She said the young girl is her parents' only child and is 'their whole world', adding: 'We're all just in shock, we're devastated.' The family has slammed local authorities for not doing enough to try and find her. A family member in the UK told the Lancashire Telegraph: 'We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone. 'The support we have got from the local authorities in Morocco can only be described as inhumane. The family over there have been walking up and down the beach, conducting their own search. They have been disregarded.' The family member told the local paper that her relatives had not been warned of any potential dangers of walking on the rocks outside the historic city, which sits on the Atlantic Ocean. She claimed that Moroccan authorities told her family to 'wait for the body to wash up.' She said: 'They actually got told it was too rough to go out to sea, and they should wait for the body to wash up on sea.' The family are said to have hired a private search operator with a helicopter to help find the young girl. Adnan Hussain, the MP for Blackburn, said today in a social media post: 'I am heartbroken by the news that seven-year-old Inaayah from Blackburn has been swept away by a wave while on holiday in Casablanca. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this unimaginably painful time. 'The whole community in Blackburn is holding Inaayah and her loved ones in their prayers, and I will continue to do all I can to support the family during this devastating time.' The independent MP said he has raised the issue with the UK's foreign office and will soon make 'direct contact' with Morocco's ambassador. A spokesperson for the UK's foreign office told the Daily Mail: 'We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities.' Top Trump administration officials have met multiple times with leaders of a separatist movement in Canada that seeks to turn an oil-rich part of the country into an independent entity. The secret meetings, which have been ongoing since last spring, come as the relationship between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has frayed. Recently, Carney deepened Canada's trade relationship with China - setting off alarm bells in Washington. Beijing and Ottawa agreed to lower levies on Canadian canola oil and to allow some Chinese-made electric vehicles to be sold in Canada with far lower tax rates. Jeff Rath, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group pushing for the western province to become independent, claimed he has a 'much stronger relationship' with the Trump administration than Carney, the Financial Times reports. Top officials from the Alberta Prosperity Project have convened with State Department officials in Washington at least three times since April 2025, sources revealed to the FT. 'The US is extremely enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta,' Rath, who sat in on the meetings, has said. However, US officials have been quick to downplay the meetings, noting that no commitments have been made to the group. Trump and Carney's relationship soured over the weekend after Ottawa and Beijing announced a trade deal on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian canola oil. Trump soon threatened to raise tariff rates on Canada Jeff Rath, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group pushing for the western province to become independent, has met multiple times with State Department officials about an independent Alberta Alberta is Canada's energy capital, responsible for around 85 percent of the nation's oil production 'The department regularly meets with civil society types. As is typical in routine meetings such as these, no commitments were made,' a State Department spokesperson said. The White House similarly highlighted that no deal has been struck. 'Administration officials meet with a number of civil society groups. No such support, or any other commitments, was conveyed,' a White House official told the outlet. The Alberta Prosperity Project is reportedly seeking a meeting as soon as next month with US Treasury Department officials. They plan on asking for $500 billion in credit to help fund the province if a yet to be called referendum results in the province's independence. The group needs 177,000 signatures to bring an independence petition to the legislature by May. It has not said how many it has attained thus far. Coming at a tense moment between Trump and Carney, the president has made known is unease with Ottawa and Beijing deepening ties. '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 on Truth Social on Saturday. An attendee wears an Alberta flag during the Alberta Independence Town Hall event in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. A petition has been started by separatist activists in Alberta for a referendum on independence from Canada, driven in part by a belief that the government in Ottawa hasn't done enough to accelerate projects to expand oil production, such as new pipelines. Leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project are seeking meetings with the US Treasury Department to secure $500 billion in credit financing 'If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100 percent tariffs against all Canadian goods and products,' the president threatened. Carney was quick to clarify on Sunday that any deal with China would have to go through proper channels under its trade deal with the US and Mexico, called USMCA. Part of that deal restricts which non-market economies can sign deals with the North American countries. Any deal that Canada wishes to strike must first be notified to the US and Mexico. 'We have no intention of doing that with China or any other non-market economy,' Carney said Sunday. Subscribe to The Crime Desk to listen ad-free to The Trial of Lucy Letby - the Mail's award-winning true crime podcast. Join here available now wherever you get your podcasts available now wherever you get your podcasts No evidence of infection was found in a baby girl who Lucy Letby's lawyers claim was exposed to deadly bacteria in hospital, the Daily Mail can reveal. The child killer's new legal team claim the waterborne bug stenotrophomonas maltophilia was discovered in the breathing tube of Baby I, an infant Letby was convicted of murdering in October 2015. The same bacterium has been linked to the deaths of six people at a hospital in Glasgow and the finding could help prove Letbys innocence, her lawyers say. They have suggested sewage leaks on the neo-natal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital could have harboured the bug and are to blame for the baby deaths. However, there was no evidence presented at Letby's trial to show any of the victims contracted bacterial or parasitic infections linked to dirty water, and although the bacterium was discovered in Baby I's breathing tube, in September 2015, the Mail has seen documents that show it had not developed into an infection when she died more than a month later, on October 23. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, also known as pseudomonas maltophilia, is a common bacterium found in soil and plants. It rarely causes problems for healthy individuals but is capable of causing pneumonia in vulnerable patients, such as premature babies or people suffering from cancer and other conditions that compromise immunity. Crucially, Baby Is post-mortem examination showed no evidence of pneumonia or any other inflammatory infection which would be expected if she had such a bacterial infection at the time of death. According to the post-mortem report: (There was evidence of) early stage chronic lung disease (due to immaturity and prolonged ventilation) without inflammation or recent bleeding. Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole life sentences for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016 Defence expert Dr Mike Hall found Baby I was 'colonised with but not infected by' the hospital bug A photograph of the sympathy card that Letby sent to the parents of Baby I, which was shown to the jury at her 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court In the card Letby apologised for not being able to attend Baby I's funeral. She murdered the tot by injecting her with air Also significantly, Dr Mike Hall, the defence expert neonatologist, who was never called to give evidence in Letby's trial, also ruled out the bug as being important. In his report on Baby I, also seen by the Mail, he says she was found to be colonised with (but not infected by) a bacterium called stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In other words, the bacterium was not to blame for Baby I's death, according to the expert. Letbys trial, at Manchester Crown Court, also heard Baby I was not ventilated and has been breathing for herself for some time, so did not have a breathing tube, when she died. There was also no evidence of pneumonia on an X-ray, taken around 40 minutes before she collapsed. There was, however, a large bubble of air in her stomach, the jury was told. Letby was convicted of attacking Baby I three times over the course of three weeks, before murdering her on the fourth attempt, by injecting air into her stomach and bloodstream. The 36-year-old is currently serving a record 15 whole life terms after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more one of whom she attacked twice at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016. The court heard Baby I had been born 13 weeks early at the end of August 2015, weighing just 2lbs 2oz. Despite being very premature she was gaining weight nicely and her death, at almost three months old, shocked nurses on the neo-natal unit. Mark McDonald is representing Letby and claims she is the victim of a miscarriage of justice An artist's drawing of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court Letby worked as a nurse on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital Afterwards, Letby wrote a gushing sympathy card to Baby Is parents, saying she was sorry she couldnt attend her funeral with colleagues to say goodbye. There are no words to make this time any easier, she wrote. It was a real privilege to care for Baby I and get to know you as a family. 'A family who always put Baby I first and did everything possible for her. She will always be part of your lives and we will never forget her. Thinking of you always, sorry I cannot be there to say goodbye. A picture of the card - taken around 7.30am on the morning of Baby Is funeral, when Letby was finishing a nightshift at the hospital - was found on her mobile phone when she was arrested by police almost three years later. Letby denied getting a thrill out of the picture, but admitted it was the only time she had sent a condolence card to parents of a deceased baby and it was not a normal thing to do. The prosecution said she had kept it as a trophy of Baby Is murder. The court also heard that Letby, who was on duty but not assigned to care for Baby I on the night she died, was found with her hands inside the tots incubator when she collapsed. Nurse Ashleigh Hudson gave evidence that she was alerted that Baby I was in distress by a loud, relentless cry, which was markedly very different to how she had cried before when she was hungry. She said she saw Letby with her hands inside Baby I's incubator, apparently trying to settle her with a dummy. The prosecution said Letby had injected Baby I with air, causing her to cry out in pain, moments earlier. Nurse Hudson also told the jury about another alleged attack which happened 10 days earlier, while she had nipped away from Baby Is cot momentarily to help a colleague. When she returned, Letby appeared in the doorway of the nursery and although the lights were off and there was a canopy over the cot covering Baby Is face - told Ms Hudson the infant looked pale. Ms Hudson went to check on the tot and found her incredibly pale', 'floppy' and gasping for breath. Doctors only just managed to save her after 20 minutes of CPR. Letby was questioned by prosecutor Nick Johnson KC about how she could possibly have seen from the doorway that the baby was 'pale' when the lights were off. She replied: I knew what I was looking for, then quickly corrected herself, adding: at. Letby then immediately appeared agitated and flustered, before asking to take a break in her cross-examination. The mother of Baby I also gave evidence about Letbys strange behaviour after her daughters death, which she described as making her feel uncomfortable. She told the public inquiry into the baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital that she was shocked to see Letbys name all over her daughters medical notes because she had had little to do with her, compared to other nurses. The mother said she thought Letby was quiet and a bit odd. She always seemed a bit of a loner, the woman, who cant be named for legal reasons, said. I remember thinking she seemed miserable compared to the others and I never saw her interact with parents much. Letby was also smiling weirdly after Baby I died, the mother said. She (Letby) was smiling and kept going on about how she was present at our baby's first bath and how much our baby had loved it, the mother told the Thirlwall Inquiry. I remember thinking at the time, What are you going on about, she's only ever had one bath and my husband never got to bath her. I just felt so sorry for him because he hasn't got that memory and I wished Lucy would just stop talking. I remember thinking, 'Will you just go away. I was really uncomfortable and I just wanted her to leave. It was also weird that she kept smiling. Eventually, I think she realised and stopped. It wasn't something we wanted to hear right then so I put it down to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. However, I still thought her behaviour was strange. 'I mentioned it to my mum who said that maybe Lucy was trying to put a nice mood on it, but there was no nice mood. Letby, formerly of Hereford, is currently a prisoner at HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey. She has twice tried and failed to appeal against her convictions. Mr McDonald has submitted reports from 26 medical experts to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice, in a bid to have her case reviewed and heard for a third time at the Court of Appeal. The barrister claims his new expert panel are impartial, although the Mail previously revealed that they were recruited by Canadian neonatologist Dr Shoo Lee, whose evidence for the defence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, and who wrote to fellow medics, saying: We might be her (Letbys) last hope. Another panel member, Professor Neena Modi, was also head of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in 2016 when it carried out a flawed review into the neo-natal unit at the Countess. A redacted version of their report which omitted references to Letby and instead flagged up staffing shortages, problems with the transfer of babies to other hospitals and other issues as potential causes for the spike in baby deaths was used by hospital managers to exonerate Letby, discredit doctors, mislead parents and delay the police probe. A new Netflix documentary on Letby's case, which shows her being arrested by police in bed, is being released on Wednesday February 4. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan began his gubernatorial bid to take down Gavin Newsom with the support of major Silicon Valley billionaires. The 43-year-old moderate Democrat announced his 2026 run on Thursday ahead of the primary in June. He has been a critic of Newsom's approach to crime and homelessness and called his relationship with Trump a 'blind leap into meme land.' Newsom is ineligible to run again because of term limits, reported the New York Times. Mahan was elected mayor in 2023, with his current term set to end in 2028. He is known for his firm stances on energy costs, homelessness, drugs and housing. With his city situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, experts said his tech ties could assist with campaign fundraising. Tech giant Rick Caruso already expressed support for Mahan's campaign, after eyeing the role himself. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced his run for governor on Thursday after three years as mayor Mahan has been critical of sitting Governor Gavin Newsom's policies and relationship with President Trump 'I am very excited by my good friend Matt Mahan's decision to run for Governor,' Caruso posted on X. 'Matt is a practically minded moderate and a thoughtful leader brimming with innovative new ideas. He is a proven manager with exactly the skill set I think California needs to get on the right track. 'I have encouraged him to run and I'm delighted he is entering the race.' Mahan is a former tech entrepreneur and founder. He was classmates with Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard. Zuckerberg reportedly encouraged Mahan to found Brigade, a digital political organization tool. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan called Mahan the 'real deal' for Californians. 'Matt Mahan just declared for Governor and California finally has a real choice,' he wrote on X. 'He's not another Sacramento creature. He's a former startup founder who became mayor of the largest city in Silicon Valley and actually delivered results.' Mahan has received support from Silicon Valley giants like Rick Caruso who at one point had his eye on the role Tan seemed to reference Newsom's controversial approach to handling the president. 'Not more vibes. No more trolling. RESULTS,' he said. Mahan's pro-building stance could also garner support from development companies. His campaign has largely focused on local issues, with the mayor marketing himself as a 'back to basics' leader. 'I believe that the best resistance is demonstrating results and showing that a state with our values and our diversity can produce greater economic opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of our residents,' he told the Times. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan expressed his support for Mahan, calling the mayor the 'real deal' He posted on X that he was encouraged by his wife, Silvia, to enter the race. 'I think our state needs you,' she said. The crowded June primary features nine Democratic candidates, including Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Betty Yee, Eric Swalwell and Tom Stayer, with no clear frontrunner. Republican candidates thus far are Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton and Jon Slavet. The Daily Mail contacted Newsom and Mahan for comment. A private school teacher allegedly sent 'revenge porn' images of teenage girls to his own students, according to a lawsuit filed by the girls in federal court. Math teacher Winston Nguyen is named in the suit seen by the New York Times, which states that the girls in the naked images were 13 when he first contacted them. They were not students at Saint Ann's, an elite school in Brooklyn which charges $60,000 per year for tuition, and counts Lena Dunham, Jennifer Connelly, and Jean-Michel Basquiat among its star-studded alumni. Nguyen, 39, was sentenced last year to seven years in jail after pleading guilty to a felony charge of using a child in a sexual performance and five misdemeanors. The new lawsuit claims that Nguyen impersonated a teenage boy online and built a Snapchat community of Saint Ann's students, along with pupils from other private schools in the New York City area. Nguyen chatted with the girls, who were younger than 17, via Snapchat while he was teaching in the classroom, sending increasingly explicit and sexual messages. He told one girl that she 'made him horny' and he wanted 'a blowjob', according to the complaint, while telling another that he wanted a threesome with her. Nguyen allegedly sent masturbation videos and 'pushed both girls for explicit pictures', including full-frontal nudity. This escalated to him asking for videos of them 'engaged in sexual acts,' according to the suit. 'The girls felt pressure to comply because they perceived Nguyen to be a peer in their social circles with significant social clout given his account's large network of Saint Ann's connections,' the complaint reads. Private school math teacher Winston Nguyen (pictured) allegedly sent 'revenge porn' images of teenage girls to his own students, according to a lawsuit filed by the girls in federal court Prestigious Brooklyn school Saint Ann's (pictured) charges $60,000 per year in tuition and has built a reputation as one of the best prep schools in New York for wealthy creative students When the girls cut contact with the teacher, he began sharing nude photographs of them with other students in revenge. According to the complaint, Saint Ann's knew about the revenge porn circulating and Nguyen's history of misconduct, but did not report the incidents to police. The school was humiliated in December when it emerged in court that Nguyen was given a second chance in 2020 after he was convicted on fraud charges. But just four years later, Nguyen was arrested again - sending the prep school spiraling into a PR crisis. St Ann's has built a reputation as one of the best prep schools in New York for wealthy creative students. Nguyen was hired as an administrative aide in 2020, just one year after he was convicted for fraud for stealing more than $300,000 from an elderly couple while employed as their home health support. Maureen 'Mo' Yusuf-Morales, the Head of the Upper Middle School at Saint Ann's and an experienced DEI trainer, had pushed for him to be given a chance, despite his past crimes. He had declared to the administrator that he was a convicted felon, and according to the New York Times at least one of the school leaders vehemently opposed the decision to hire him regardless. And yet, he was given a second shot, climbing his way through the ranks to ultimately earn a math teaching gig by 2021 at a school known for unorthodox teaching methods. Nguyen, who competed in and won Jeopardy in 2014, was ultimately arrested in June 2024 and charged with a litany of offences He also taught a seminar called 'Crime and Punishment.' Parents were not alerted to Nguyen's criminal record, but students quickly discovered news articles about his initial crime on the internet. When parents expressed concerns to the school, they were dismissed. In October 2021, head of school Vince Tompkins sent an email which assured families 'as with any teacher we hire, we are confident in Winston's ability and fitness to educate and care for our students.' Multiple parents and witnesses later reported they feared they'd be branded 'racist' or 'not progressive enough if they raised a substantive concern about a person of color.' Then in 2022, students at both Saint Ann's and other private schools within Brooklyn began reporting that they were receiving solicitations via Snapchat for inappropriate photos and videos. Some of these students were as young as 13. The District Attorney's office alerted Saint Ann's in February 2024 that an investigation was taking place into the anonymous account. Parents were not notified. Nguyen, who competed in and won Jeopardy in 2014, was ultimately arrested in June 2024 and charged with a litany of offences. The BBC is still perceived to lean towards the 'middle class' and be too 'London-centric', a new report has claimed. In a damning independent review of portrayal and representation in BBC content, commissioned by its own board, the corporation has been urged to improve the way it connects with working-class audiences and those based outside the capital and the south of England. It found that perceptions of the Beeb are often lower among those demographics who are also less likely to be satisfied with how they are represented and portrayed. The review, by former Bafta chairwoman Anne Morrison, and independent media consultant Chris Banatvala, said that power in the organisation is still too concentrated in London and recommended more key decision makers should be located outside the capital. 'Our audience research found that the perception of the BBC remains that it is skewed towards the middle class and is London-centric - and that the power in the organisation still lies in the UK capital,' the report said. 'We found that this has consequences for portrayal and representation. 'Genuine production, rooted in the location, made by people who understand it in depth was described to us as fundamental to on-air authenticity. We agree.' The reported added that the BBC's key decision makers 'must understand the audience and what will appeal to them - whoever and wherever they are' and that bosses need to devise a 'new set of diversity characteristics specifically for measuring portrayal and representation which would include class and geography'. The BBC's headquarters at Broadcasting House in London. A damning new report has claimed that the national broadcaster is too 'middle class' and 'London-centric' The BBC's interim director general Rhodri Talfan Davies. The review has recommended that more key decision makers inside the corporation should be located outside the capital In order to facilitate these changes, they said that senior editorial staff at the organisation should be located outside London. They also said that BBC would represent the whole of the country better if 'at least half' of all senior TV genre commissioners were 'rooted in the location' where Brits are currently more disengaged from its content. It continued: 'The genres which bear most strongly on UK portrayal and representation and have the greatest impacts for audiences would be the most appropriate to move to these locations. 'We also believe that network radio not based in Salford should move elements of its commissioning out of London over time.' The review also noted that, while there has been some improvement, there are still more men than women featured in BBC news, nations and factual programming, and this is particularly prevalent with older people. The report said: 'We would like to see a renewed effort to achieve gender balance in content for contributors and reporters in news and factual programmes. 'In addition, we found that male presenters significantly outnumber female presenters in the older age groups. Responding to the review, BBC chairman Samir Shah (pictured) said: 'It is vital the BBC authentically reflects the lives of all the communities, classes and cultures across the UK' 'The BBC has not been making full use of the data it holds to keep track of this issue. We believe that women on air ought to be able to have as long a career at the BBC as their male counterpart.' Responding to the review, BBC chairman Samir Shah said: 'It is vital the BBC authentically reflects the lives of all the communities, classes and cultures across the UK. 'Decision-making must happen closer to audiences if we want to ensure that everyone feels represented and that the BBC remains an engine for growth within the creative industries. 'The board welcomes the challenge set out in the report and the actions the BBC Executive want to take in response.' The BBC Executive has committed to strengthening how the BBC measures the ways in which different audiences are portrayed and represented in its output. It will also systematically review upcoming content plans to ensure underrepresented audience groups are reflected authentically and use existing and new data to ensure social background, age and geographical representation also help inform the development of on-screen and on-air roles. The organisation also said: 'The BBC welcomes the authors recognition that significant progress has been made in how it represents all the communities of the UK, including through increased regional investment, a broader and more representative range of voices on and off-air, and a stronger focus on authentic portrayal in commissioning decisions.' The white police officer who murdered a black woman revealed he has stage 3 and 4 cancer in multiple organs just before he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Sean Grayson, 31, was found guilty of second-degree murder in October for shooting Sonya Massey to death inside her Springfield, Illinois, home in July 2024. She was unarmed and had called 911 over a suspected intruder. During his sentencing hearing on Thursday, Sangamon County Judge Ryan M. Cadagin sentenced Grayson to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence for killing Massey. Just before he learned his fate, Grayson's defense attorney, Mark Wykoff, asked the judge to consider giving his client probation because of his deteriorating health. The disgraced police officer was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer around the time of his arrest in 2024. The cancer, now stage 4, has since spread to his liver and lungs. Grayson also has rectal cancer, Wykoff said. His lawyer argued that it would cost the state more money to house him in prison because of his medical condition. Sean Grayson, the Illinois cop who murdered Sonya Massey at her home in July 2024, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the crime on Thursday Grayson was found guilty of killing Massey at her home in Springfield in July 2024 after she called 911 for help Wykoff also said he understands that prison time is necessary for Grayson, but asked if he could only be sentenced to six years. During the emotional hearing, Massey's heartbroken family took to the stand with their victim impact statements. Her son, Malachi Hill-Massey, told the court: 'Part of me is dead.' Without looking at Grayson, Malachi added: 'This is like pain I can't explain.' James Willburn, Massey's father, told the judge that his daughter's killer has not shown an ounce of remorse for the fatal shooting. 'My family will forever suffer. They will forever be changed by this murderer,' Wilburn said. He then turned toward Grayson and said: 'May God have mercy on this defendant.' Massey's mother, Donna, told the court she has not stopped crying since he daughter was killed. 'Sonya would give you the shirt off your back,' she stated. She said she has endured endless nightmares since her daughter's murder and is scared to call the police after seeing what happened to Massey when she asked for help. During the week-long trial members of the jury heard the gruesome and tragic events that led to Massey's death, including the horrific body camera footage depicting the shooting 'Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,' Donna told Grayson, repeating what her late daughter told the officer just before he drew his weapon and shot her. Just before he learned his fate, Grayson apologized to the family. 'I'm sorry,' he said before admitting his actions were unprofessional and wrong. 'The things I said to her, she didn't deserve that,' Grayson continued. His conviction followed a week-long trial where members of a jury, comprised of nine women and three men, heard the gruesome and tragic events that led to Massey's death, including the horrific body camera footage depicting the shooting. The footage showed Grayson arriving at Massey's home with his partner, Dawson Farley, after responding to a 911 call reporting a suspected intruder. The deputies searched Massey's yard and didn't find anyone hiding. They then entered her home. The conversation became heated when an officer asked Massey to remove a pot of water from her stove. The footage showed Grayson arriving at Massey's home with his partner, Dawson Farley, after responding to a 911 call reporting a suspected intruder Grayson's partner, Dawson Farley, attempted to help Massey by providing her medical aid. He testified that Grayson (pictured at the scene_ discouraged his help, but Farley did it anyway Massey obliged and told the officer: 'I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,' which prompted Grayson to draw his weapon. Massey was heard pleading with the officers, telling them, 'Don't hurt me,' and 'Please God.' She was then heard telling the officer, 'Okay, I'm sorry,' before he shot her three times, with one gunshot to her head. Farley attempted to help Massey by providing her medical aid. He testified that Grayson discouraged his help, but Farley did it anyway. 'She done. You can go get it, but thats a head shot. Theres nothing you can do, man,' Grayson was heard telling Farley in the footage. Anthony Mayfield, a former department official, said he watched the body camera footage with the sheriff, and the room fell silent. 'You could hear a pin drop. I think everyone was shocked,' Mayfield said. Grayson's defense team argued that he was concerned Massey would throw the hot water on him, which was why he fired his weapon. During the emotional hearing, Massey's heartbroken family took to the stand with their victim impact statements, including her son Malachi Hill Massey (pictured in July 2024) In the weeks leading up to her death, Massey had struggled with her mental health. Her mother (pictured) called 911 a day before she was murdered, expressing concern that Massey was having a mental breakdown 'In this situation, unfortunately, I matched the threat level,' Grayson testified. He said that he had an old taser and thought it would malfunction if he used it instead of his gun. In the weeks leading up to her death, Massey had struggled with her mental health. Her mother called 911 a day before she was murdered, expressing concern that Massey was having a mental breakdown, according to 911 recordings obtained by the Washington Post. Massey's mother told the dispatcher that she was worried police would harm her daughter, and the dispatcher assured her that officers 'just do their job,' and that 'there's nothing to be fearful of.' After Massey's death, information about Grayson's problematic record came to light, revealing that he had been convicted twice of driving under the influence, had been discharged from the US Army for misconduct, and had been flagged multiple times for impulsive decision-making and filing inaccurate reports from other departments. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell resigned amid backlash over hiring Grayson, who was later fired from the force after his indictment. Massey's death prompted nationwide outrage against racial profiling in the criminal justice system. After Grayson's conviction, her family expressed disappointment and anger that he wasn't found guilty of the more serious charge of first-degree murder. In response to his conviction last year, Massey's father said: 'Theres a difference in this country when you have my skin color and Graysons skin color. We need serious justice, not a miscarriage of justice.' Massey's mother added: 'Anybody who watched the video and thinks that it was partly Sonyas fault is inhumane 'And for them not to give him life, and Sonya got life and death I cant wait until he goes to hell.' Police are hunting for a moped gang behind a 'high value heist' on a jewellery shop in west London that was targeted in a similar raid just over six years ago. Sultan Jewellers in Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, was attacked by several men who smashed the shop's windows with a sledgehammer at 3.30am on Thursday morning before fleeing with expensive jewellery. Police officers were at the scene within three minutes and were threatened with a hammer as the thieves tried to speed away on mopeds. A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in police custody. But multiple thieves escaped police. A police cordon was in place more than 12 hours after the theft while shards of broken glass and jewellery remained strewn on the floor outside. Jack Stones, the landlord at the neighbouring Defectors Weld pub, said fresh blood was on the pavement outside the jewellers when he walked past at 7am, more than three hours after the attack. One resident said the attack was eerily similar to another heist which saw three robbers armed with a sledgehammer smash into the shop with a Range Rover in October 2019. Mr Khan, who only gave his surname, said: 'Its Shepherds Bush, theres always young people causing trouble, kicking the doors of shops down and drinking. Crime around here has got so bad lately.' Sultan Jewellers in Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, was targeted by several men who smashed the shop's windows with sledgehammers A police cordon was in place more than 12 hours after the theft while shards of broken glass and jewellery remained strewn on the floor Police officers were at the scene within three minutes and were threatened with a hammer as the thieves tried to speed away on mopeds Detective Superintendent Alex Bingley, from the Met's Central West command unit, said: 'Quick work by our officers meant we were on the scene within minutes and able to interrupt the thieves. 'I'd like to thank the response officers first on the scene, who were threatened with a weapon. 'We know that incidents like this cause significant concern for businesses and residents, but we would like to reassure the public that we are working at pace to identify all those involved in this burglary. 'We'd appeal to anyone with information about the burglary or who has CCTV or dash cam video to get in touch with the police.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting reference 732/29JAN26. Information can be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. The previous robbery saw a black Range Rover crash through the window of the e-Smart Money foreign exchange, which was linked internally to the jewellers, before a thief in a motorcycle helmet rushed out with a sledgehammer. Bystanders were forced to take justice into their own hands and restrained one of the three robbers, Ben Wegener, as they attempted to flee on foot towards Westfield shopping centre. Pedestrians rushed to the thief, who had dropped a bag on the ground when he fell, and attempted to restrain him, pummeling him on the street while other onlookers filmed the scenes. One resident said the attack was eerily similar to another heist which saw three robbers armed with a sledgehammer smash into the shop with a Range Rover in October 2019 A small group then pushed the apparent thief back to the ground when he tried to rise to his feet. Wegener, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he and two accomplices robbed the store, narrowly missing people inside. The other two robbers escaped but Wegener pleaded guilty to robbery, dangerous driving, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage and receiving stolen goods. Police later recovered the Range Rover, which was stolen and was displaying false number plates. A US 'nuke sniffer' plane has made a rare arrival in Britain - as Donald Trump assesses whether to carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. The aircraft was observed at an undisclosed British airbase on Thursday where US special forces were also seen carrying out 'fast roping' training drills from a V-22 Osprey aircraft- a technique used to deploy troops behind military lines. This is only the third time in 40 years that it has been sent to a UK airbase, as deployment to Europe is unusual and normally concerns missions close to the Russian border. The rare arrival of the plane has now fueled speculation of preparations for conflict with Iran. The WC-135R aircraft is used to test if there have been radiation leaks into the atmosphere related to detecting nuclear explosions and incidents. It was deployed in 1986 after the Chernobyl disaster, in 2011 after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant incident, during North Korean nuclear tests and at the start of the Ukraine Russian war in 2022. Its deployment comes as a US naval strike group arrived in Middle East waters on Monday, with Trump warning it was 'ready, willing and able' to hit Iran 'if necessary'. He said on Wednesday that 'time is running out' for Iran to negotiate a deal over its nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb. The United States had hit Iranian nuclear targets when it briefly joined Israel's war against Iran in June. Trump is still weighing up options against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters to overrun government buildings. Special forces have been seen practicing 'fast roping' from an V-22 Osprey aircraft A US WC-135R Constant Phoenix 'Nuke Sniffer' plane has arrived in the UK Iran has now vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack. Washington and Tehran have exchanged sharp warnings since a protest wave in Iran led Trump to threaten military action over a violent crackdown, while the Islamic republic blamed the United States for fuelling what it deemed 'riots'. The face-off has sent diplomatic shock waves across the region, with calls for negotiations to defuse tensions drawing in key regional actors. Iranian officials have ratcheted up warnings that Tehran would respond forcefully to any US military action, while not ruling out diplomatic solutions. Iran's army chief Amir Hatami on Thursday vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack, according to state television, which reported 1,000 'strategic drones' had joined the combat regiments. Senior Hezbollah official Nawaf al-Moussawi warned yesterday that the result of American military action against Iran was unpredictable: 'What holds the United States back is its inability to predict the aftermath of the strike'. Asked whether the Lebanese terror group, which is backed by the regime, would support Iran if it were attacked by the US, he said: 'We will cross that bridge when we get to it.' Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for 'regime change'. Iran vowed a 'crushing response' to any attack after Donald Trump (pictured) warned time was running out for a nuclear deal Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, January 9 To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could storm government and security buildings, they said. One of the US sources said the options being discussed by Trump's aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach US allies in the Middle East or its nuclear enrichment programmes. The other US source said Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path. Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, such strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained 'heroic but outgunned'. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was 'preparing itself for a military confrontation, while at the same time making use of diplomatic channels'. However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said. Newspapers in Iran's capital Tehran prominently featured statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that military options could be considered, January 28 Families 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 protests, January 13 Tehran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue 'based on mutual respect and interests' but would defend itself 'like never before' if pushed, Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X on Wednesday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, warned on X that Iran's forces were ready to retaliate. He said: 'Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea. 'The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and profoundly. 'At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Iran's rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. 'Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them.' Ghislaine Maxwell has claimed that 29 friends of Jeffrey Epstein were shielded through 'secret settlements' by the Justice Department. The disgraced socialite filed a habeas corpus petition on December 17 seeking to overturn her conviction, arguing that prosecutors cut deals with Epstein associates while prosecuting her as if no such agreements existed. Maxwell alleges that 25 men reached undisclosed deals, while four alleged co-conspirators were known to investigators but never charged. She does not name the individuals. 'None of the four named co-conspirators or the 25 men with secret settlements were indicted,' the court filing says. Maxwell argues that the alleged concealment of these deals undermined the fairness of her trial and violated her constitutional rights. 'New evidence reveals that there were 25 men with which the plaintiff lawyers reached secret settlements - that could equally be considered as co-conspirators,' the legal document states. 'None of these men have been prosecuted and none has been revealed to Petitioner; she would have called them as witnesses had she known.' In the sprawling court filing, Maxwell mounts multiple lines of attack forming the basis of her habeas corpus argument, including allegations of juror misconduct and suppression of evidence. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the Queen's log cabin on the Balmoral Estate Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 7 She alleges that prosecutors violated the terms of Epstein's 2007 non-prosecution agreement in Florida, which she claims extended immunity to co-conspirators, and asserts she was prosecuted for political reasons while others escaped justice. The 64-year-old is serving a 20-year sentence at Federal Prison Camp Bryan, a minimum-security federal women's prison in Bryan, Texas. She was convicted in New York in December 2021 of sex trafficking over her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for abuse by Epstein between 1994 and 2004. The Justice Department said on Tuesday in a court filing submitted in New York that it expects to release the Epstein files 'in the near term'. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that her lawyers are redacting several million pages of documents from the files of the DOJ, FBI and US attorneys offices. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by Donald Trump in November after a civil war in the Republican Party, required the DOJ to release the files by December 19. No less than 200 lawyers in the US attorneys office for the Southern District of New York are involved in the review. Even prosecutors assigned to Nicolas Maduro's high-profile case have been requisitioned as part of the effort, according to the New York Times. Join the debate Will Epsteins unnamed associates face justice? Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein in a photo she presented him for his 50th birthday But the delay has sparked fury on Capitol Hill. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Ro Khanna of California accused the DOJ of a 'flagrant violation' of the law. Massie and Khanna wrote to Judge Paul Engelmayer, who oversaw Maxwell's trial in New York, requesting that he appoint an independent monitor to ensure the DOJ's compliance. Engelmayer denied the request last week, stating that he does not have the authority to supervise the Justice Department. He added that he had received letters from Epstein victims supporting the representatives' request, which he said were 'undeniably important and timely'. The judge noted that Massie and Khanna could initiate a separate lawsuit or use 'the tools available to Congress' to seek DOJ oversight. The Supreme Court last year declined to hear Maxwell's appeal, leaving her conviction intact. She has now turned to what lawyers describe as 'extraordinary relief' via a habeas corpus petition filed in the Southern District of New York, seeking to 'vacate, set aside, or correct' her sentence based on alleged constitutional violations. The petition is a rare 'collateral attack' permitted only after appeals fail and typically requiring proof of new evidence or fundamental flaws. Such challenges only succeed in exceptional cases. Alex Pretti clashed at least twice with federal agents before one officer gunned him down, marking the second fatal shooting of a protester in Minnesota this month. A Border Patrol agent fired at the 37-year-old intensive care nurse during a scuffle at a January 24 rally against Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. It followed the fatal shooting of mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan 'Jon' Ross in the same city on January 7. In the weeks before the deadly shooting, Pretti had violent skirmishes with federal officers on at least two occasions. January 13 One clash came on January 13 when Pretti was shown on camera daring ICE agents who were carrying pepper spray to 'soak me, motherf***er'. The video shows Pretti shouting 'f*** you!' at the agents, before yelling: 'What the f*** is wrong with you? Every decision you've made in your life is f***ing wrong!' He also referred to one of the agents as a 'pepper spray b****' and 'f***ing trash' as the officers climbed into their SUVs to leave the premises. Alex Pretti, 37, was shot dead by US Border Patrol Tactical Unit agents in Minneapolis One clash came on January 13 when Pretti was shown on camera daring ICE agents who were carrying pepper spray to 'soak me, motherf***er', as shown in the photograph above Pretti then yelled: 'F***ing soak me, motherf***er!' before kicking the back of the car. The sound of shattered plastic could then be heard in the footage as the SUV turned away and the damaged taillight came into view. An agent leaped from the back door as Pretti held up a middle finger and yelled, 'f*** you.' Multiple agents then converged on the nurse and attacked him as shocked bystanders screamed in the background. Surrounding officers then fired tear gas and pepper balls into the crowd while agents released Pretti from their grip and set him free. Shortly after, the agents begin to disperse. Pretti, who appeared to have a gun in his waistband as he did the day of the shooting, picked up his belongings, which had come loose amid the scuffle, and walked away. The Daily Mail spoke to Max Shapiro, a Minneapolis tax attorney who filmed the original clip, about what he saw that day. His son attends daycare not far from where he took the footage. Shapiro participates in a group Signal chat of parents who have been 'patrolling the corners near the entrances' for ICE agents. After he dropped off his son and went to work, a member of the group chat said ICE had arrived a block from his son's daycare. A different angle is shown of Pretti's January 13 confrontation with ICE agents, filmed just 11 days before his death Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot three times in the face on January 7 by an ICE agent 'I ended up going to observe and as I got there, got there right at the moment where Mr Pretti was being confronted and assaulted by some ICE individuals,' Shapiro said. Shapiro, who said he had never met Pretti before, began filming on his phone just after the nurse kicked out the taillight in a crowd of about 15 people. He claimed that everything had been 'orderly and calm' for the majority of his time observing, until they began to pack up and leave, and Pretti kicked the SUV. January 17 Just four days after this furious clash, Pretti suffered a broken rib after a group of officers tackled him to the ground during another protest, a source told CNN. The alleged assault occurred when the 37-year-old stopped his car after seeing ICE officers chasing a family on foot, the insider said. Pretti allegedly began shouting and blowing a whistle, and was then tackled to the ground by five agents. The source claimed one officer leaned on his back, causing his ribs to break. The ICU nurse, who allegedly 'thought he was going to die', was reportedly released at the scene - but allegedly remained on federal agents' radar. Agents deployed in Minneapolis were instructed earlier this month to 'capture all images, license plates, identifications, and general information on hotels, agitators, protestors,' according to documents obtained by the outlet. Federal officers are understood to have kept documented details about Pretti, although it is unclear when they first started collecting information on him. January 24 One week later, Pretti was dead. Multiple bystander videos show a Border Patrol agent shooting and killing Pretti after a roughly 30-second scuffle around 9am Saturday. Videos show a Border Patrol agent shooting and killing Pretti after a roughly 30-second scuffle around 9am Saturday. His final moments were captured in the photograph above Your browser does not support iframes. The videos appear to contradict statements by DHS, which said the shots were fired 'defensively' against Pretti as he 'approached' them with a gun. In the videos, Pretti is seen holding only a phone. None of the footage appears to show him with a weapon. During the scuffle, agents discovered that he was carrying a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, and they opened fire with several shots. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order banning the Trump administration from 'destroying or altering evidence' related to the death of Pretti. It has not been confirmed whether Pretti's gun fired any shots. Department of Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem was quick to label Pretti a domestic terrorist, a title that Trump himself has not used. The President has tapped border czar Tom Homan to take over the Minnesota operation from Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. A police officer who killed a retired newspaper photographer when he drove through a red light has admitted causing death by careless driving. Steven Allcock, 33, a police constable with Nottinghamshire Police, was driving a force van when he hit Trever Bartlett, 80, as he crossed the road. Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court heard Allcock was taking a prisoner into custody when he was 'momentarily distracted' by the prisoner 'kicking off'. He struck Mr Bartlett as he crossed the A52 Derby Road in Beeston, Notts A52 on December 19 2023. Mr Bartlett worked for the Nottingham Post and was particularly well known among Nottingham Forest fans for his photos during the Brian Clough era. He was one of the few photographers who had a close relationship with the manager. Former colleagues described him as a 'dazzlingly brilliant' photographer and 'the kindest, most generous bloke' following his death. Trevor Bartlett, who used to work for the Nottingham Post newspaper, was especially known for his work with Nottingham Forest and his friendship with former manager Brian Clough Police Constable Steven Allcock, 33, pictured at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court Allock, of Nottinghamshire police, admitted causing his death by careless driving on Thursday Allcock was charged after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Mr Bartlett had been on the crossing for about seven seconds while the traffic light was red when the crash happened. The IOPC previously said it found that the police van was taking a detainee to a custody facility and was travelling in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens on at the time. Allcock, who stood in front of the dock wearing a navy suit and blue tie, was a trained response driver, meaning he legally can exceed the speed limit and drive through red lights in some circumstances. He was travelling between 25 and 28mph when he struck Mr Bartlett, the court heard. Prosecutor Elizabeth Reid said: 'When approaching a red light, they must treat it as a stop or give way and ensure the road is clear and have sufficient space to stop if it's not clear. 'The officer was entitled to drive through a red light but he was driving at an inappropriate speed and did not make sure the way was clear.' Allcock pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on Thursday. District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: 'What I have here is a man of good character, a serving police officer, who was on operational duties driving a police van, inside which someone is kicking off in the back of the van. 'There then appears to be some momentary distraction and Mr Bartlett was unfortunately killed. 'It is not a case where somebody is driving dangerously or that the speed was inappropriate when approaching the crossing.' District Judge Taaffe adjourned sentencing until February 12 so Mr Bartlett's family could attend. He said: 'I initially wanted to conclude the case with sentence today but one thing I had not noted down was to check whether or not the relatives of the deceased wanted to come to court. 'And it is likely given the nature of the circumstances they might want to be and that is not an unreasonable thing so I am going to adjourn your case and deal with you to its conclusion on February 12. 'In the meantime, you will have unconditional bail and I am imposing an interim driving disqualification.' A Northern California man has died after eating a toxic mushroom in an 'unprecedented outbreak' of the life-threatening fungus. Health officials reported the death in Contra Costa County on January 27, marking the fourth victim of wild mushroom poisoning in the state since November. 'We can confirm a county resident of Hispanic descent in his 60s died after eating wild mushrooms foraged at a regional park in Contra Costa County,' a representative for Contra Costa Health told the Daily Mail. 'Preliminary information indicates the man may have mistaken the mushroom for a variety that is edible in his home country. 'Some edible mushrooms closely resemble toxic species found in California, including the Death Cap mushroom, which can be deadly even in small amounts.' Death Caps are the 'deadliest mushroom' in the world, UC San Francisco infectious disease expert Dr. Monica Gandhi told SFGate. Eating just one could cause liver damage, kidney damage, hallucinations, seizures and even death. Like many toxic mushrooms, Death Caps look and taste similar to mushrooms found in grocery stores, reported the California Department of Public Health. The Death Cap mushroom (pictured) can often be mistaken for edible mushrooms native to other countries Officials said the victim seemed to have consumed a deadly mushroom he found in one of Contra Costa's many regional parks. Pictured is Briones Regional Park Between six and 24 hours after eating one, victims could experience stomach pain, nausea, a drop in blood pressure, fatigue and confusion. The Death Cap does not usually pose a risk when touched, but officials recommend washing hands after contact. The best way to stay safe is to avoid foraging and consuming wild mushrooms altogether. 'Cooking or freezing doesn't actually inactivate the toxin, and just like about a half a mushroom can kill someone,' said Gandhi. California is reportedly 'experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of severe illness and deaths associated with people accidentally picking and eating Death Cap mushrooms.' Since November, 39 cases have been reported across ten counties. State officials said this could be the 'largest outbreak' of wild mushroom poisoning in California. Approximately 60 percent of victims spoke Spanish as their primary language. Immigrants are reportedly especially susceptible to toxic mushrooms because they can be mistaken for safe fungi in other countries. Ingesting a Death Cap mushroom can lead to serious liver damage and even death Death Cap mushrooms commonly grow in California's rainy season near oak and pine trees. Pictured are oak trees near Briones Regional Park Wild mushrooms are common statewide, especially after wet weather. Northern California's rainy season falls from October to April. Death Cap mushrooms are particularly common in wooded areas near oak and pine trees, reported Richmond Side. Contra Costa County is known for its sprawling mountains, forests and parks. The Daily Mail contacted the California Department of Public Health for more information. A Florida care worker was taken into custody after being accused of wildly inappropriate behavior, including twerking in the faces of disabled patients. Josalynn Janeice Hart, 29, was arrested in Panama City on Tuesday after she allegedly danced in a sexually explicit manner in front of adults under her care. Her uncouth displays caught law enforcement's attention as far back as January 15, according to WMBB. That was when the Panama City Police Department received a tip about possible abuse and exploitation of disabled adults. Authorities reported receiving a video that showed four women dancing inside the facility, which has not been named. Hart could be seen dancing on a sink and twerking on a table, according to court documents. At least two disabled patients were seated at the table while Hart performed, according to court documents. The patients appeared to be nonverbal and incapable of providing consent, per law enforcement. Josalynn Janeice Hart, 29, was arrested on Tuesday after being accused of twerking in her disabled patients' faces One of the other workers in the footage was spotted 'placing her breasts in the face and also one leg' on a patient as she danced. Hart was not seen making direct physical contact with any of the disabled adults in the video. The footage allegedly captured her watching another woman repeatedly make physical contact with a patient. Meanwhile, Hart danced and twerked near the faces of two others but without touching them. Police reiterated that none of the victims appeared capable of giving their consent. Hart was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition of an elderly or disabled person, as well as failure to report abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. The first charge could be a third-degree felony under Florida law, even if Hart did not appear to touch the patients. Lewd or lascivious exhibition can include 'the simulation of any act involving sexual activity.' Before Hart's arrest, Panama City Police Department received a tip on January 15 concerning possible abuse and exploitation of disabled adults Hart's second charge could be a second-degree misdemeanor, according to state law. If so, she could be punished with up to one year in jail and fines for her actions. On Wednesday, a judge released Hart from Bay County Jail on her own recognizance. Hart was employed by the adult care facility at the time of the incident. As of Thursday, it was not known whether she remained in her previous job, or whether the three other women in the video, who have not been identified, would face any charges. Curiously, past instances of care takers twerking on disabled patients have been reported in the US. Hart was taken into custody in Panama City after her uncouth display. She was released from jail on her own recognizance on Wednesday Last January in Georgia, a healthcare worker was arrested and charged with exploiting a disabled person. That happened after a video showed her sexually dancing on a disabled patient's head while dressed in scrubs. The Daily Mail has reached out to Hart and the Panama City Police Department for comment. A heroic young man was found dead after disappearing beneath the ice while desperately trying to save his beloved dog. Luke Kitterman, 23, of New Memphis, and his dog, Bourbon, were hunting with friends in Clinton County, Illinois on Monday when his pooch fell through the ice while attempting to get a drowned bird around 3pm. Kitterman immediately leapt onto the ice to save his dog, belly-crawling across to pull the animal out, but fell into the water himself, witness reports said, per WTSP. Shocked bystanders saw the dog fall back into the water. Kitterman was once again able to get his beloved pet out, but he quickly disappeared under the icy water and never resurfaced. The 23-year-old's friend attempted to reach Kitterman, but couldn't safely cross the ice, said Peyton Matthews, who works for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police. 'They were able to pull the dog out of the water and into a canoe, just unfortunately lost sight of their friend,' he told the outlet. Emergency crews responded immediately and a dive team spent hours in the freezing water searching for Kitterman. Eventually, the rescue mission switched to a recovery and was paused around 9pm. The recovery mission picked back up on Tuesday, and crews had to drill a hole through the three-inch ice to allow divers into the pond. Luke Kitterman, 23, of New Memphis, and his dog Bourbon were hunting with friends in Clinton County, Illinois on Monday when his pooch fell through the ice while attempting to get a downed bird around 3pm Kitterman was able to pull the dog out of the water twice, before sinking beneath the surface. His body was discovered by dive teams the next day His body was found in the pond on Tuesday Kitterman's friends also returned to the scene on Tuesday to be there while crews worked. Hours later, his body was recovered. Kitterman was an avid outdoorsman and being in nature was his favorite place, his family said in his obituary. He loved fishing, hunting, and was a conservationist and member of Ducks Unlimited. 'He took great care to ensure that the forests, rivers, and lakes would be protected for future hunters and fishermen to enjoy,' the obituary read. 'Luke also loved boating, and hanging out, and drinking beer with family and friends. 'Even though his life was cut short, Luke lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.' He leaves behind his parents and a brother, among other relatives. Apple's expanded callscreening tool is rapidly changing the way Americans use their phones and how their calls get answered. The tool, introduced with iOS 26, forces unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before the phone rings - a process the Wall Street Journal reported has become a surprise friction point among Hollywood insiders and tech investors. Attorney Alan Jackson, whose client roster has included Karen Read and Nick Reiner, told WSJ that colleagues had begun after unexpectedly encountering his iPhone's robotic screener. In one case, a friend calling from an office line wasn't recognized by Jackson's phone and was greeted by the automated prompt instead. That annoyance has become more common. As WSJ noted, Apple's rollout has effectively turned millions of iPhones into the modern equivalent of the old Hollywood gatekeeper - the assistants who guarded a star's phone line. Meanwhile, the reactions across Silicon Valley have been mixed. Venture capitalist Bradley Tusk told the WSJ that call screening irritates him when he encounters it, but he can't fault people for using it given the relentless flood of spam. 'It's like, 'Well, you get spam all day, so how do you blame them?' he said. Apples new callscreening tool uses an automated voice to ask unknown callers to identify themselves before the phone rang. Pictured: A still from the 2015 movie Entourage Attorney Alan Jackson, whose client roster has included Karen Read and Nick Reiner told WSJ that colleagues had begun after unexpectedly encountering his iPhone's robotic screener Publicist Elijah Harlow said he finds the automated followups, such as the system telling callers the user will return the call later, to be impersonal, adding that a simple text would feel more human. Some tech leaders stopped answering unscheduled calls altogether. Mark Cuban said he only answers calls that were arranged or texted ahead of time, and Jason Calacanis rarely picked up for unknown numbers, comparing coldcalling in 2026 to showing up unannounced at someones house in the 1990s. Spam fatigue drove wider adoption. Americans received more than two billion robocalls a month, pushing professionals toward Apples tool or Googles Pixel version just to keep their phones usable. Vantage founder Ben Schaechter said he was overwhelmed by sales calls until discovering the feature, which dramatically improved his phone use. Younger users have reportedly shifted expectations as well, increasingly treating calls as a last resort and leaning on messaging and FaceTime. Even business contacts often expected a text first. Slow Ventures Sam Lessin told the WSJ the change wasnt about status - just convenience in an era when surprise calls have felt intrusive. The Daily Mail has reached out to Apple for comment. Donald Trump has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-week ceasefire in Ukraine. 'Because of the cold extreme cold I personally asked President Putin not fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week. He agreed to do that... during this extraordinary cold. I have to tell you, it was very nice,' Trump said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. There was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. 'A lot of people said, "Don't waste the call, you're not going to get that," And he did it. We're very happy that they did it,' Trump added. It comes as Kyiv is bracing for dangerously low temperatures beginning Friday and persisting through the middle of next week. Russian forces have been targeting Ukraine's energy grid, leaving vast swaths of the population without heating during the coldest months of the year. Tragedy struck southern Ukraine overnight as authorities reported that a Russian drone strike claimed three lives in the Zaporizhzhia region. This escalation comes despite preparations for USbrokered peace talks scheduled for this weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains cautious, warning that Moscow is likely positioning itself for another major offensive even as diplomatic efforts intensify. Oleg, a Ukrainian serviceman from the 24th Brigade, walks through the market destroyed by Russian shelling in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine President Donald Trump has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed he would do a oneweek ceasefire for Russian strikes on Kyiv because of the cold weather President Trump has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a oneweek reprieve from Russian strikes on Kyiv. The appeal specifically aims to protect the city while the region grapples with a severe winter deepfreeze A woman visits the snow-covered memorial for the fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters on Independence Square in Kyiv The Trump Administration has indicated to Ukraine that any US security guarantees are contingent on Kyiv first agreeing to a peace plan that would see it surrendering territory to Vladimir Putin. The US is calling on Ukraine to give up the Donbas region, its industrial heartland made up of Luhansk and Donetsk, sources told the Financial Times. The White House also suggested it would promise Kyiv more weaponry to reinforce its peacetime army, but only on the condition that it agrees to withdraw its forces from the parts of the eastern region it still holds, according to two sources. Zelensky was ready to sign documents on security guarantees and a postwar $800 billion 'prosperity plan' with the US as early as this month, giving him the upperhand in future negotiations with the Kremlin. But the Trump administration is now signaling that any American security assurances depend on reaching an agreement with Moscow first. Washington is yet to give its final approval to either agreement, despite the fact that Zelensky said the texts of the security guarantees, which he discussed with President Donald Trump at Davos last week, were '100 per cent ready'. Putin has repeatedly demanded that Kyiv make painful territorial concessions to end the war, but Zelensky has consistently said Ukraine would not hand over the Donbas in exchange for peace. A top Ukrainian official said it was increasingly ambiguous whether Washington would commit to assurances. 'They stop each time the security guarantees can be signed,' the official said.# The Darlington nurses have refused to accept an apology from health chiefs for forcing them to share a changing room with a transgender colleague. The health trust, which was found to have 'violated the dignity of the nurses, has finally apologised after battling the women for two-and-a-half years. In a landmark ruling earlier this month, an employment tribunal judge said that forcing the eight female nurses to share a changing room with a transgender woman created a hostile, humiliating and degrading environment for them. Judge Seamus Sweeney concluded that County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust had harassed and discriminated against the nurses, who worked at Darlington Memorial Hospital. He ruled that their colleague Rose Henderson, a biological male who identifies as a woman, did not directly victimise or harass the women. Following the judgement, the trust said it would need to consider it in full. But in a new statement, a spokesman for the NHS body has admitted it did not adequately consider the concerns of a group of our colleagues, adding that it regrets any distress caused. We have a responsibility to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment for everyone and the tribunals findings make clear that we did not get this right for all our colleagues, for which we apologise, the spokesman said. In light of the judgement, we will rapidly review our policies and the changes that have already been put in place and will consider what facilities are required to follow the tribunals findings in a way that is respectful to all our colleagues. We know that this has been a difficult and distressing experience for all those involved which we regret. We also recognise that the implications of the ruling will affect colleagues in different ways and we want to reaffirm our commitment to a supportive and respectful workplace for all colleagues from all backgrounds. Nurses from Darlington Memorial Hospital (left to right) Tracey Hooper, Annice Grundy, Bethany Hutchison, Lisa Lockey and Karen Danson speak to media The eight nurses who took on the trust objected to having to share a female changing room with Rose Henderson, a transgender woman But responding to the statement, Bethany Hutchison, the lead nurse involved in the tribunal taking on the trust, told the Daily Mail that an apology could only be accepted once concrete lawful action is put in place and said there had been no meaningful change on the ground. The nurses have previously said they want access to single-sex spaces without fear or intimidation. Ms Hutchison added: No policies have changed and therefore female staff at the hospital could still face having to get changed in front of a man. While the trusts apology acknowledges failures, confidence is very low that decisive action will now follow. Nurses asked only for the basic dignity of singlesex changing facilities, which is both lawful and entirely reasonable. We urge the trust to move swiftly from statements to concrete, compliant action. The nurses first raised concerns with hospital management about having to share a changing room with Henderson in July 2023. The following March, 26 nurses signed a letter to the trust raising further concerns but were told to broaden their mindset. Two months later they took their case to an employment tribunal alleging sexual harassment and sex discrimination. When the judge agreed with their claims of harassment and discrimination after hearing three weeks of evidence, Ms Hutchison said it was a victory for common sense. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported the nurses, said the apology in its context is not sufficient, adding: NHS staff must never again be placed in a position where they have to fight for such a fundamental and lawful safeguard as singlesex changing facilities. Accountability and rapid action are now essential. Hunter Biden told a court it doesn't matter that he 'ghosted' his seven-year-old daughter, whom he had with his ex-stripper baby mama, because he never agreed to be a part of her life. The former First Son, 55, made the callous move in a new legal filing in Arkansas as he attempts to stop a court from re-opening the child support case for his daughter Navy Joan Roberts. Navy's mother, Lunden Roberts, 34, said in a filing earlier this month that Hunter failed to live up to his side of a contentious settlement they reached in 2023, where he agreed to give Navy the profits from his artwork. The agreement, dated three years ago, also barred Navy from taking Hunter's famous last name, but Lunden claims that Hunter has refused to even talk to his daughter, and has not handed over any of his art. Roberts submitted her filing last month to seek an increase in child support payments from Hunter, however Hunter's response in court left little to the imagination over his feelings toward the child. 'Any failure to communicate with the Child is not punishable by contempt, as the Order does not order Defendant to communicate with the Child,' Bidens lawyer, Brent Langdon, wrote in the documents. Hunter also argued that his failure to hand over his artwork - which once sold for upwards of $500,000 before plummeting in value when his father left the White House - does not violate the order, because he never agreed a date by which he had to give them to his daughter. 'Even if no paintings had been given to the Child to date, such would not violate the Order, because as long as thirty paintings are assigned to the Child by Defendant will have complied with the Order,' the response filing said. Hunter Biden told a court it doesn't matter that he 'ghosted' his seven-year-old daughter with his ex-stripper baby mama because he never agreed to be a part of her life in a callous new filing Lunden Roberts claimed Hunter has failed to follow through on his child support payments for their child Navy Joan Roberts, 7, who she says has been 'ghosted' by her father The child support case in 2023 centered around Roberts' attempts to have Navy adopt the Biden family name, to which Hunter was opposed. The former exotic dancer was also demanding monthly child support payments of $20,000, but eventually lowered her demands to $5,000 to settle the case, per the New York Post. His agreement to hand over dozens of paintings to his young daughter was made at a time that the artworks raked in huge six-figure sums, and he would either give the artworks or the proceeds from their sales to his daughter. The artworks now sell for a fraction of what they were once worth, and Roberts slammed the former president's son in her filing on January 16, branding him 'classless' for 'ghosting' their daughter. Roberts said that their daughter has begun to realize she does not live the privileged life that her half-siblings enjoy. 'It is axiomatic that no one can force Mr. Biden into being a good dad for MC1, but this court can make it so that MC1 has, at least, the same level of support as MC1s younger half-brother,' she wrote, referring to her daughter as MC1, stood for minor child 1. In Roberts' filing earlier this month, she also sensationally asked an Arkansas judge to have Hunter arrested for failing to fulfil the child support agreement. Lunden Roberts, 34, filed an emotional plea to the judge earlier this month, reopening her child support case against the felonious former First Son Hunter's artwork (pictured) once sold for upwards of $500,000 per piece, before plummeting in value when his father left the White House Roberts claimed Hunter has failed to follow through with their agreement - and asked Judge Holly Meyer to 'incarcerate him in the Independence County Detention Center as a civil penalty until he purges his contempt by complying with this court's orders'. Roberts wrote in the filing that their daughter Navy Joan yearned for contact with her father, who allegedly 'ghosted' her. 'MC1, who believes her father will go to heaven, once stated that she 'could not wait to get to heaven' so she could 'be with [her] dad' because her dad does not see or talk to her because her dad 'lives far away and is really busy,' Roberts wrote in the legal filing. Hunter initially denied paternity, but it was proven by a court-mandated DNA test, after which he began to engage with his youngest daughter, Roberts said. 'The child and her dad started building the foundations of a missing, but exceedingly important, father-daughter relationship,' her filing said. 'The defendant and his daughter talked several times during a series of scheduled calls and were able to bond.' But she wrote that in 2024, 'suddenly and without warning or explanation, Mr. Biden ghosted sweet, little MC1who was then only five-years-old.' Roberts claimed that Navy Joan, 6, had 'recently experienced emotional trauma at a family member's wedding when she realized that her dad would not walk her down the aisle or dance with her at her own wedding reception.' Roberts claimed that Hunter had sent some paintings to his daughter, but that they were not ones picked out by the child - and that what was important to her was the contact with the little girl that the agreement would entail. 'MC1 received some paintings, but they were the ones chosen by Mr. Biden and not MC1,' Roberts wrote in the filing. 'The defendant's actions are a willful and contemptuous violation of this court's prior orders.' 'This court should allow the child to select her paintingswhich will be her only real connection to her father and his side of the family to date,' the filing continues. 'To this day, MC1 has not heard again from her father, and this is baffling to the plaintiff and her family because Mr. Biden said that he had 'lived in guilt and remorse every second of every day that [he] hasn't been in [MC1's] life.' 'It is now clear that Mr. Biden's statement was only meant for the purpose it accomplishedsuccessfully inducing Ms. Roberts to agree to take less money for her daughter's support,' it adds. Hunter Biden was slammed as 'classless' by his ex-stripper baby mamma in a court filing earlier this month alleging he 'ghosted' their daughter, 7 Roberts also asked the judge to reassess Hunter's monthly child support payments, pointing to an apparent lavish lifestyle by the Biden family. 'All of MC1's siblings live at a means above that of the average American. For Thanksgiving of 2025, the Biden family (minus MC1, who is not allowed to participate in family activities) gathered at an exclusive Nantucket locale,' Roberts wrote. 'Additionally, all of Mr. Biden's children except MC1 were seen at renowned Nantucket restaurants and other social scenes.' 'No one can force Mr. Biden into being a good dad for MC1, but this court can make it so that MC1 has, at least, the same level of support as MC1's younger half-brother,' Roberts added. Hunter claimed in his 2021 memoir that he had 'no recollection' of Roberts, after she sued him for paternity and child support. But the Daily Mail revealed records from his abandoned laptop showing he employed her at his firm, after reportedly meeting her at a Washington DC strip club. The two had a fling around December 2017, and the baby was born in August of 2018. But Hunter's text messages from the laptop show he asked his assistant to make sure she had been kicked off his company's health insurance plan just three months after the birth. Even after a DNA test proved he was the father, the former president's son claimed he did not have enough money to pay child support - despite living in a $12,000-per-month home in Hollywood and driving a Porsche at the time. Roberts' filing was first reported by conservative nonprofit Marco Polo on social media site X. The organization published an extensive report about Hunter's abandoned laptop and the evidence of alleged criminality therein. The Daily Mail has contacted Biden and Roberts' attorneys for comment. A teenage victim of the devastating Swiss bar inferno on New Year's Eve has woken from her coma weeks after the blaze claimed the lives of 40 people and left around 100 others seriously injured. Roze, 18, was working at the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana on the night of the tragedy and suffered severe burns to her face, hands, and foot. A week after the inferno, Roze was transferred to the specialist burns unit at the University Hospital of Liege, where doctors have extensive experience treating similar injuries. She underwent multiple surgeries and was kept in an induced coma for weeks, with medics reportedly fearing for her life for a prolonged period. Last Friday, she was finally allowed to leave intensive care and is now continuing her recovery in a regular hospital room. 'I'm doing better,' she told Sudinfo. 'I'm still receiving a lot of care; my bandages have to be changed every two days. But my face is no longer bandaged, and I can talk normally with my family and the hospital staff.' However, the teenager's recovery remains a long and painful journey. 'The recovery of my hands and right foot will still take time, but I'm on the right track,' Roze continues. 'The doctors told me I have to wear gloves for another two years,' says the 18-year-old. But I can still use my hands. My right foot? It still hurts. I can't walk on my own yet; it will be another six months before I can.' Her father has been living with her permanently during her hospital stay. At the same time, her mother and three-year-old brother have also recently visited, helping her cope with the psychological trauma of the horrific night. 'Every night I wake up with nightmares,' she says. 'I keep reliving what happened. I'm seeing a psychologist.' Roze, 18, was working at the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana on the night of the tragedy and suffered severe burns to her face, hands, and foot A dramatic video captured the moment the ceiling of a Swiss ski bar caught fire Despite the ordeal, Roze remains determinedly positive. 'I want to thank the healthcare staff for their kindness, and also all the Belgians who inquired about me. Thank you for all your kindness, the worst is over!' It comes after CCTV footage from before the inferno emerged, showing a chair wedged against an emergency exit and employees using pool cues to prop up insulation foam. The footage follows the owners of the bar, Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, who blamed their young staff for causing the fire and blocking an escape exit. A video released by channel France 2 appears to show a staff member at the nightclub pushing drooping insulation panels on the ceiling back into place using pool cues and paper towels, about two weeks before the fire. In one clip, employee Gaetan Thomas-Gilbert takes a video of this, sending it to Jaques Moretti, who replies: 'Yeah, that looks OK. Take the others off, please.' Thomas-Gilbert, who sustained severe injuries in the fire, previously told his father he had concerns about safety at the bar and that he was planning to resign. Another photo from minutes before the blaze shows a chair propped against an emergency exit, appearing to block the way. Three dead bodies were found in front of it, according to Bild. Jaques and Jessica Moretti have been charged by Swiss prosecutors with negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. The Morettis are being questioned by prosecutors constantly, and leaked interview records point to them saying, 'It's not us, it's the others', Le Parisien reported on Tuesday. Their defence strategy during some 20 hours of interrogation by three prosecutors was, in particular, to blame waitress Cyane Panine, 24, for getting on the shoulders of a colleague while brandishing two champagne bottles with lit sparklers inside. Cyane, who died in the fire, was wearing a promotional crash helmet and did not see the pyrotechnics lighting up the bar's basement ceiling, which was covered in highly flammable foam. Referring to the champagne sparklers stunt, Jacques Moretti told the enquiry that it was 'Cyane's show'. 'I didn't forbid her from doing that,' he told prosecutors, adding: 'I didn't make her pay attention to safety instructions. We didn't see the danger. Cyane liked doing that it was a show, she liked to be part of the show.' Jessica Moretti, who was at the same hearing on January 20, said: 'Cyane liked to deliver these bottles she did it of her own accord. 'If I had thought there was the slightest risk, I would have forbidden it. In ten years of running the business, I never thought there could be any danger.' In video footage someone can be seen trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfs the packed bar High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana, where dozens died on New Year's Eve Cyane Panine, 24, was killed in the blaze after fire broke out at the packed club, with footage showing her sitting on a colleague's shoulders holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers Cyane's family are amongst those who have vehemently denied the Moretti's claims, and they are supported by witnesses who survived the blaze. They say it was Jessica Moretti who sent Cyane out with the bottles and encouraged her to perform the stunt using a helmet provided by Dom Perignon. Regarding fire safety, Jacques Moretti said: 'There was no training, but employees were told what steps to take in case of fire when they were shown around the premises. 'Evacuate the customers, raise the alarm, and call the fire department,' he said, adding: 'And of course, if they had time, use the fire extinguishers to put out the fire.' When told that one employee, referred to only as L, had told the enquiry that he had no idea where the extinguishers were kept, Jacques Moretti replied: 'The staff has several shifts, and maybe I forgot to give this information to L, but it was going to be passed on at some point. Maybe I forgot.' Both Morettis also blamed an unidentified staff member for locking an escape door in the basement. 'The door was always open,' Jessica Moretti told the enquiry. 'There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wonder why that door was closed that night. We always said that the door was always open, and it was taken for granted.' In turn, Jacques Moretti said: 'After the tragedy, we learned that an employee delivered ice cubes to the Constellation and, without understanding why, closed the latch at the top of the door.' Jacques Moretti said he later sent a text message to this employee, saying: 'You shouldn't run away, you should stay here and take responsibility.' When contacted by Le Parisien, the staff member concerned vehemently denied all wrongdoing, saying: 'I didn't close a door that was already locked.' Regarding the inflammable foam which was installed at Le Constellation during renovations in 2015 Jacques Moretti said: 'The fire chief and the fire captain approved it.' A shoplifter killed an Asda security guard as she tried to flee a supermarket with stolen alcohol. Natasha Smith's aggressive and threatening behaviour towards ex-Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack on June 30, 2024. As Mr Harris-Richards tried to prevent her from leaving the Asda store in Arbroath, Angus, Smith falsely accused the security guard of assaulting her. The 38-year-old shouted and swore at Mr Harris-Richards and repeatedly tried to pull a bag from him. At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, Smith admitted to killing the 61-year-old at the store on Westway Retail Park. The charge stated that during the altercation, Mr Harris-Richards, who had an undiagnosed heart disease, 'suffered such physical and emotional stress that he then and there sustained a heart attack, fell to the ground, struck his head and died'. Smith told the court that she had planned to sell the stolen alcohol to a pub. The benefit claimant, whose only child is in foster care, has amassed a record of criminal offending for repeated shoplifting, theft, drugs and assault in both Scotland and England but has never previously served a jail sentence, the court heard. Natasha Smith, 38, pled guilty to culpable homicide on Wednesday The shoplifter killed ex-Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards (pictured) as he tried to prevent her from leaving the Asda store Footage from a bodycam worn by Mr Harris-Richards was shown to the court. It showed Smith shouting and screaming at the security guard, claiming: 'You're not allowed to touch me' and 'Get your f***ing hands off me.' Smith also told the victim 'who do you think you are f***ing Hulk?' as the irate thief continued to pull at the bag containing bottles of alcohol. After Mr Harris-Richards fell to the floor, Smith continued to struggle with two female employees. She grabbed one of them, Chloe Robinson, put her hands around her neck and told her: 'I will end you.' The staff managed to grab the bag from Smith, who walked back towards the fallen victim before she was pushed into the foyer by the employees. This resulted in an alarm being triggered as staff suspected she had more stolen goods in a handbag. After a further struggle between Smith and the employees, her handbag fell to the floor. The Asda store on Westway Retail Park, Arbroath, Angus, where Mr Harris-Richards worked as a security guard when Smith tried to steal the alcohol Smith continued to shout 'I will end you' towards Ms Robinson, punched her in the face and pulled her hair before leaving. She was later detained by police. Smith admitted assaulting and behaving in a threatening and abusive way towards Ms Robinson in an offence under protection of workers legislation. Advocate depute Adrian Stalker said that shortly before Mr Harris-Richards died, Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket and a staff member became suspicious that she might be shoplifting. The prosecutor said: 'Other members of staff were alerted, including the deceased Alun Harris-Richards.' Smith went to a self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags, but then went towards the exit, triggering alarms. Mr Harris-Richards and another staff member intercepted her and took hold of a reusable bag containing two bottles, but Smith would not let it go. During the confrontation, Mr Harris-Richards' breathing became laboured and he fell to the floor, the court heard. Mr Stalker said: 'He was immediately unresponsive. The deceased received first aid, CPR and emergency medical treatment from staff, customers and paramedics where he had fallen. These efforts were to no avail.' Smith was originally accused of assaulting him and repeatedly pushing him on the body but the Crown amended the charge, removing the assault allegation, before she pleaded guilty to the culpable homicide of Mr Harris-Richards. A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible punishment for her offending was 'a significant custodial sentence'. The hearing was adjourned for sentencing at a later date and Smith was remanded in prison. A song created for Pauline Hanson's controversial new film A Super Progressive Movie has been reinstated on a major streaming platform after it was briefly removed - despite topping the charts. The track, titled Kiss Kiss (XX) My Arse, was released on Australia Day and reached No. 1 on the Apple Music iTunes best-selling songs chart, ahead of releases by Keli Holiday and Harry Styles. The ranking was based on paid downloads rather than streaming numbers. The song is a reworked version of Holly Valance's 2002 hit Kiss Kiss and features lyrics taking aim at progressive politics, including references to trans issues, 'snowflakes' and 'cancel culture.' Valance, a former Neighbours star who is now based in the UK, has in recent years become a vocal supporter of conservative politics and has publicly backed Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Posting on social media, Senator Hanson said: 'When we phoned Holly Valance to write us a song for the movie, she instantly said yes.' The track was later removed from the platform after it briefly overtook Olivia Dean's Triple J Hottest 100-winning song Man I Need, before being reinstated following backlash. Ironically, the track itself includes lyrics mocking 'cancel culture.' A song written for Pauline Hanson's new film has been taken down by Apple Music It was a reworked song from Holly Valance's 2002 hit Kiss Kiss Ms Valance with hard-Right personality Tommy Robinson Lyrics of the song include: 'MWAH You will respect my pronouns / Not all ladies have ovaries, some have a penis / They say that I'm a he but I'm a she / Coz I gotta V and not a D.' 'And I don't care what people say / I'll never be a him, a them or they / Cause I'm real biological woman / A real biological woman.' 'Fave song from the river to the sea / No job but I bleed LGBT Q+, ya bigot / Cause I'm a real diabolical lefty.' 'Wouldn't the ABC have a heart attack knowing they had to play this track,' Ms Hanson said when the song was released. Despite being popular in downloads, it was only streamed about 50,000 times on Spotify and did not appear on Australia's major streaming charts or break into the country's official rankings. The song received plenty of criticism for being transphobic and attacking minority groups. Despite this, some social media users were quick to ask why they couldn't access the tune. 'Who gave Apple the go ahead to tell us what music we could download?' one Aussie wrote. Lyrics of the song include: 'MWAH You will respect my pronouns / Not all ladies have ovaries, some have a penis / They say that I'm a he but I'm a she / Coz I gotta V and not a D' Hanson's new film has either been rated 1 or 10 on the IMDB website The film attracted controversy ahead of its release amid concerns it could offend some viewers 'I'm so buying it,' another said. The One Nation leader's film is about four 'progressives' who find themselves in the 'real-world' led by Hanson after their 'rainbow malfunctions'. The film has a 4.8 rating on renowned website IMDB, and that average figure comes from users mainly rating it either 1/10 or 10/10. The movie's release comes amid skyrocketing support for One Nation among Australian voters, tying it with the Coalition for the first time. Ms Hanson has even talked about the possibility of becoming Prime Minister if her party's popularity continues to rise. 'If we get the number one vote, and we get majority of the votes, the majority of lower house seats, yes, we can form government,' she told Sky News. 'I think that we'll probably get government in the states before, eventually, in the federal parliament. 'But there's nothing stopping us from being opposition first, then working our way towards government.' Apple Music was contacted for comment. A Minnesota man allegedly tried to break Luigi Mangione out of his New York jail by posing as an FBI agent in a brazen plot that was ultimately foiled, police said. Mark Anderson, 36, was charged on Thursday with impersonating a federal agent as he allegedly tried to sneak Mangione, 27, out of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Sources told ABC News that the ill-fated escape attempt saw Anderson approach an intake area inside the jail to get close to the accused healthcare CEO assassin. Anderson allegedly lied to officials by claiming he had paperwork 'signed by a judge' authorizing the release of Mangione. The criminal complaint against Anderson does not name Mangione as the target of the alleged breakout attempt, but sources said the murder suspect was the focus of the plot. The scheme reportedly fell apart when Bureau of Prisons staff asked to see Anderson's credentials, which led him to show his Minnesota driver's license and throw 'numerous documents' at the personnel. Anderson then allegedly warned staff that he had weapons in his bag, and a search of his belongings found a barbeque fork and a tool resembling a pizza cutter, according to the criminal complaint. The alleged escape plot comes just one day before Mangione is due back in court, where a judge may decide if the 27-year-old could face the death penalty if convicted with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A Minnesota man allegedly tried to break accused healthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione out of jail in New York The man arrested for allegedly trying to break Mangione out of jail, Mark Anderson (seen in his driver's license) tried to bring a barbeque fork and a pizza cutter in his bag during the plot. The items are pictured in a criminal complaint filed Thursday against Anderson It comes as Mangione nears the start of his high-profile trial for Thompson's murder. The official start date has not yet been set. Earlier this month, Mangione appeared to be playing to the cameras as he appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing, flashing a boyish grin as his flock of female admirers ogled from the gallery. Ahead of his trial, Mangione's lawyers have attempted to bar key pieces of evidence against him from being heard by a jury, arguing a bungled investigation by police made the evidence inadmissible. Mangione allegedly shot Thompson on a Manhattan sidewalk in the early hours of December 4, 2024 before fleeing the scene on a bike. He was arrested almost a week later in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a small town over 300 miles away from the crime scene. Police said that when he was arrested, they discovered a manifesto and a gun inside his backpack, alongside notes to himself to 'check reports for current situation' - a possible reference to news reports after Thompson's death made headlines. Mangione's attorneys have argued that the chain of custody for the evidence found in his backpack was not appropriately followed, and they alleged he was not read his Miranda Rights. Officers allegedly found a handgun that matched the firearm description of the weapon used to murder Thompson inside Mangione's backpack Mangione was arrested eating breakfast at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after Thompson was shot, after suspicious customers recognized him and alerted staff, who dialed 911 Prosecutors say that the backpack was searched legally because Altoona police protocols require the immediate search of suspect's property at the time of their arrest for dangerous items, and said police later obtained a warrant for the evidence. Officers later said they only found a loaded magazine in the bag at first, but in a later search at a police station they discovered the gun and a silencer. An inventory search then found a notebook and other notes, including an alleged 'to do list' for Mangione to follow after the shooting. Among the evidence shown at the pretrial hearing was a Philadelphia transit pass purchased at 1.06pm - a little more than six hours after the shooting - and a ticket for a Greyhound bus, booked under the name Sam Dawson, leaving Philadelphia at 6.30pm and arriving in SSSSat 11.55pm. Among the notes presented to the hearing was one with a heading '12/5' and a starred entry that said: 'Buy black shoes (white stripes too distinctive)'. Another, also written in to-do list style, suggested spending more than three hours away from surveillance cameras and using different modes of transportation to 'Break CAM continuity' and avoid tracking. Prosecutors also seized a handwritten diary from Mangione's backpack during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania that his attorneys are now trying to hide from jurors Below that, it said: 'Check reports for current situation' a possible reference to news reports about the search for Thompson's killer. A note with the heading '12/8' lists a number of tasks, including an apparent trip to Best Buy to purchase a digital camera and accessories, 'hot meal + water bottles' and 'trash bag(s)'. Under '12/9,' the day of Mangione's arrest, the note lists tasks including 'Sheetz,' an Altoona-based convenience store chain, 'masks' and 'AAA bats'. Mangione had a Sheetz hoagie in his backpack when he was arrested, along with a loaf of Italian bread from a local deli, police officers testified. A note titled 'Future TO DO,' listed 'intel checkin' and 'survival kit'. This is a developing story and will be updated as information is confirmed. Four people have been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after they were attacked by a dog at a home in Melbourne last night. Emergency services were called to James Cook Drive in Melton West just before 10pm on Thursday following reports a family pet had mauled four people during an argument. All four victims required surgery for significant bite wounds but are expected to recover. The dog was seized by a council ranger, along with a second dog at the same address. Have YOU got a story? They're a daily frustration for millions of motorists across the country. And now it appears Britain's crater-like potholes are threatening to claim another victim - the return of the Bayeux Tapestry. Plans are being finalised to ship the 11th-century, 70-metre embroidery, which depicts the Norman invasion of 1066, from Bayeux in northern France to the British Museum in London. The journey will mark the first time the tapestry - which some historians believe was woven in Kent - has crossed the Channel in more than 900 years, with it due to go on display in September. But the arrangement risks being torn apart after French conservationists expressed concerns over 'vibrations and shocks' to the 'extremely fragile' artefact during its ride to the capital. They have now urged judges to scrap the deal to prevent any damage to the tapestry, The Telegraph reports. Court documents submitted by heritage campaigners argue French President Emmanuel Macron made a legal 'error of judgment' in allowing the British Museum to loan the historic item. They hope that by contesting Mr Macron's authority in the Conseil dEtat, the court which establishes the legitimacy of executive power, the deal can be blocked at the 11th hour. Plans are being finalised to ship the Bayeux Tapestry, pictured, which depicts the Norman invasion of 1066, from Bayeux in northern France to the British Museum in London They're a daily frustration for millions of motorists across the country. And now it appears Britain's crater-like potholes are threatening to claim another victim - the tapestry's return The Treasury has already agreed an 800m insurance package, while the British Museum and the French Government have established a maximum level of vibration the tapestry can endure on a road. Julien Lacaze, president of Sites and Monuments, the French heritage group which started the legal challenge, said: 'If [the roads] are in poor condition, that is obviously not a good thing. 'The risks are those associated with handling the tapestry and the vibrations during a long journey. 'They must be limited to the bare minimum.' Officials are hailing the agreement as a major stride in Anglo-French relations, but a group of conservationists have consistently opposed the deal since it was announced last year. A deal previously seemed close in 2018 during Baroness May's premiership but experts delayed it over similar concerns. And documents submitted to the Conseil dEtat highlight these warnings and question why they have been ignored. They also refer to a 2022 study into the tapestry's condition, commissioned by the French ministry of culture, which discussed risks over transporting it to the UK. Court documents argue French President Emmanuel Macron made a legal 'error of judgment' in allowing the British Museum, pictured, to loan the historic item Conservationists prepare the tapestry for its journey to Britain. The trip will mark the first time the tapestry has crossed the Channel in more than 900 years The report specifically mentioned potholes as potential 'shock sources' which posed a threat to the artefact. It went on to strongly warn against any journeys over three hours long. In many areas across the country, potholes seem to be getting worse locals of one particularly bad street renaming it 'Potholesville'. Residents of Residents say the 'undriveable' road has been allowed to fall into a state of permanent disrepair because no authority will fix it. The company previously responsible for repairs went bust in 2024, leaving the crater-ridden road with no official owner. And amid mounting frustrations, 'Welcome to Potholesville' was pasted over a sign at the weekend. Earlier this month, at least 14 drivers had their wheels mangled in one evening by a lethal pothole hidden on a motorway slip road. A trail of stricken vehicles built up along the M3's hard shoulder in Hampshire as the treacherous surface of the A303 slip road claimed its victims. Motorists were stranded for hours as they awaited help, with some cars suffering multiple burst tyres and buckled wheels. The Daily Mail is campaigning for more action to fix potholes. A serial shoplifter who killed a security guard as he tried to prevent her leaving a supermarket with stolen goods has been told that she faces a significant jail sentence. Natasha Smiths aggressive and threatening behaviour resulted in former Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards suffering a heart attack and dying at an Asda store in Arbroath, Angus. During the incident the thief levelled a false claim against the victim of assaulting her as she tried to leave the premises with alcohol she was in the process of stealing. The 38-year-old admitted killing Mr Harris-Richards on June 30, 2024, at his workplace in the towns Westway Retail Park, when she appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh. During the crime she shouted, swore, made the false allegation against him and claimed he would be prosecuted, and tried to pull a bag from him. The charge said that as a result 61-year-old Mr Harris-Richards, who had undiagnosed heart disease, suffered such physical and emotional stress that he then and there sustained a heart attack, fell to the ground, struck his head and died. Smith was originally accused of assaulting him and pushing him on the body but the Crown amended the charge, removing the assault allegation, before she pleaded guilty to culpable homicide. The mother of one has a criminal record for repeated shoplifting, theft, drugs and assault in Scotland and England but has never previously served a jail sentence, the court heard. Footage from a bodycam worn by Mr Harris-Richards was shown to the court as Smith shouted and screamed, claiming Youre not allowed to touch me and Get your f****** hands off me. Smith could be heard stating to the victim, Who do you think you are, f****** Hulk? as the thief pulled at the bag containing bottles of alcohol which she said she planned to sell to a pub. Natasha Smith pled guilty to culpable homicide The horrific incident took place at an Asda store in Arbroath, Angus Alun Harris-Richards suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at the scene After the security guard had fallen to the floor she struggled with two women employees at the store and grabbed one of them, Chloe Robinson, and put her hands around her neck, telling her: I will end you. They grabbed the bag from Smith who walked back towards the fallen victim before she was pushed into the foyer by the employees. The move triggered an alarm with staff suspecting she had further stolen goods in a handbag and after another struggle that bag fell to the floor. Smith continued to shout at Ms Robinson, punched her on the face and pulled her hair before leaving and being detained by police. She admitted assaulting and behaving in a threatening and abusive way towards Ms Robinson in an offence under protection of workers legislation. Advocate depute Adrian Stalker said that shortly before Mr Harris-Richards died Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket and a staff member became suspicious that she might be shoplifting. The prosecutor said: Other members of staff were alerted, including the deceased Alun Harris-Richards. Smith went to a self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags, but then went to the exit, triggering alarms. Mr Harris-Richards and another staff member intercepted her and took hold of a bag she was carrying containing two bottles, but Smith would not let it go. In the confrontation Mr Harris-Richards breathing became laboured and he fell to the floor. Mr Stalker said: He was immediately unresponsive. The deceased received first aid, CPR and emergency medical treatment from staff, customers and paramedics where he had fallen, These efforts were to no avail. A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible disposal for her offending was a significant custodial sentence. Lord Haldane adjourned sentence for reports and continued her remand in prison. After the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Craig Kelly said: Aggressive behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and can have devastating consequences, as this case has shown. A woman has been charged with murder after a one-year-old girl was rushed to hospital with 'serious injuries'. Jayla-Jean Mclaren died on August 3 last year after being taken to hospital 48 hours earlier. Hampshire Police has now charged 27-year-old Samara Jay Glover, from Newport, on the Isle of Wight, with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. She remains in police custody. A 31-year-old man from Newport was previously arrested on suspicion of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. He has been bailed with conditions until April 27. Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Hunter said: 'We understand that cases such as this are incredibly concerning and upsetting. 'However, we kindly ask that you do not speculate on this case, as it could potentially impact any future court proceedings. 'We will provide further updates on this investigation when appropriate.' Jayla-Jean McLaren (pictured) was taken to hospital on the morning of August 1, 2025 after suffering serious injuries. She tragically died 48 hours later Following her death, Jayla-Jean's heartbroken parents, Jay and Shay McLaren, led around 70 mourners at the vigil for their 'princess' on August 7. People gathered to leave flowers, balloons, teddies and photographs under a tree in Church Litten Park following Jayla-Jean's death. The vigil was organised by Mr and Mrs McLaren, as well as Jayla-Jean's paternal grandmother Lesley Chiverton, and saw people gather to leave tributes under a tree with pink leaves. Mrs McLaren used social media to call on people to 'make Newport pink for our beautiful little girl who gained her wings on Sunday' and asked people to 'make this a massive memorable place for her'. She also said her daughter's 'tiny life' had been 'cruelly snatched away from her'. Paying tribute, Mrs McLaren said in a statement at the time: 'Mummy and daddy and nanny will always love you. Fly high, princess.' Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on any country providing oil to Cuba. The President on Thursday signed an executive order 'declaring a national emergency and establishing a process to impose tariffs on goods from countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to Cuba.' Mexico is Cuba's number one supplier, providing roughly 44 percent of the island's crude in 2025. While the executive order did not specify any tariff rates or single out any countries, Trump has been urging Mexico to cut ties with the Communist-run island. Venezuela and Russia have historically supplied oil to Cuba, but are already subject to extensive sanctions and tariffs. Following the US military's seizure of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, Trump has repeatedly spoken about taking action against Cuba. This week, he noted that 'Cuba will be failing pretty soon,' after Venezuela recently stopped supporting the country with money and oil. Trump said he had a 'productive' call on Thursday with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump and Sheinbaum spoke on Thursday about trade and security. It was unclear if the tariff threat was discussed. President Donald Trump speaks at an event on addiction recovery in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday The President on Thursday signed an executive order 'declaring a national emergency and establishing a process to impose tariffs on goods from countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to Cuba' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with President Trump on Thursday. Mexico is Cuba's number one supplier, providing roughly 44 percent of the island's crude in 2025. It was unclear if the tariff threat was discussed Trump, in a Truth Social post, praised Sheinbaum as Mexico's 'wonderful and highly intelligent leader.' He said the conversation went well. While the presidents did not go into detail about what they discussed regarding security, Sheinbaum said both agreed things are going 'very well.' Sheinbaum said that two topics were not discussed on the call: Cuba and critical minerals. She stressed that the two governments are addressing the issues. The oil shipments from Mexico have been scrutinized after Trump vowed to stop Cuba from receiving oil and money from Venezuela. Pemex, Mexicos state oil company, said that 20,000 barrels of oil where being shipped everyday to Cuba from January to September 30 2025, according to the company's most recent report as cited by the Associated Press. Following a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jorge Pinon, an expert at the University of Texas Energy Institute who tracks shipments using satellite technology, said the shipments dropped to 7,000 barrels. This week, Sheinbaum described decisions about supplying Cuba with oil as a sovereign matter and appeared to acknowledge that Mexico had stopped some planned shipments to the island. She said the temporary pause was part of fluctuating oil supplies but still noted that Mexico would continue to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba in the form of oil. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said this month the US had no moral authority to force a deal on his country after Trump suggested the island should come to an agreement with the US Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said this month the US had no moral authority to force a deal on his country after Trump suggested the island should come to an agreement with the US. The US and Mexican government are preparing for negotiations later this year on their trilateral trade deal with Canada. 'There is nothing concrete, but it is coming along very well,' Sheinbaum said about the trade deal in her morning press conference. She noted progress on the Trump administration's demand that Mexico address what Washington calls 'non-tariff barriers' to trade. Under the trilateral trade deal, negotiated during Trump's first term, the US, Mexico, and Canada must launch a joint review of the trade pact by July 1, its sixth anniversary, to confirm their intention to either renew it for 16 years or make modifications. The USMCA deal is the backbone of Mexico's economy, and it replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020. The agreement has protected Mexico from most of Trump's tariffs. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, however, has said the deal has 'shortcomings' and is address surges in exports and investment from non-market economies into the region. Trump this month said the USMCA was 'irrelevant' for the US despite a highly integrated North American economy. Music is playing as we arrive at Auschwitz. Its a cold dawn in April 1944 and weve just been decanted from a cattle car, in which several people have died along the way. But my father has just spied a big sign above the gates: Arbeit macht frei, it says - work sets you free. He is suddenly cheerful. You see, he says, it cant be a terrible place. Well only work a little, till the wars over. If the platform werent so crowded, I swear hed break into a dance. Soldiers start herding the men into a separate line - maybe they are being sent on ahead, to stake out a place for their families. I wonder where well sleep tonight. I wonder when well eat. My mother, my elder sister Magda and I stand in a long line of women and children, inching towards a man with cold and domineering eyes. I dont yet know that this man is Dr Josef Mengele, the infamous Angel of Death. As we draw near, I see a boyish flash of gapped teeth when he grins. His voice is almost kind when he asks if anyone is sick. Or over 40 or under 14. When someone says yes, he sends them to a line on the left. My mother has grey hair but her face is as smooth and unlined as mine. She could pass for my sister. Magda and I squeeze her between us and we walk three abreast. Button your coat, says my mother. Stand tall. There is a purpose to her nagging. I am slim and flat-chested, and she wants me to look every day of my 16 years. Unlike me, she has realised my survival depends on it. From left to right: Edith's mother Helen, Edith, Magda, Klara and her father Ludwig Our turn now. Mengele lifts his finger. Is she your mother or your sister? he asks. I cling to my mothers hand. But I dont think about which word will protect her. I dont think at all. Mother, I say. As soon as the word is out of my mouth, I want to pull it back into my throat. Too late, I have realised the significance of the question. Sister, sister! I want to scream. Mengele points my mother to the left. Panicking, I start to run after her but he grabs my shoulder. Youll see your mother very soon, he says. Shes just going to take a shower. He pushes me to the right. Toward Magda. Towards life. My mother turns to look at me and smiles. It is a small, sad smile. Magda and I are marched off to stand in front of some low buildings. We are surrounded by thin women in striped dresses. One reaches for the tiny coral earrings, set in gold, that have been in my ears since birth. She yanks and I feel a sharp sting. Why did you do that? I ask. Id have given you the earrings. She sneers. I was rotting here while you were free. Edith wanted to represent Hungary at the Olympics. Pictured: Edith at 16 I wonder how long she has been here and why she is so angry. When will I see my mother? I ask her. I was told Id see her soon. She gives me a cold, sharp stare. There is no empathy in her eyes; just rage. She points to the smoke rising from a distant chimney. Your mother is burning in there, she says. Youd better start talking about her in the past tense. Just a month before, I had been a pretty ordinary teenager - but with an extraordinary ambition. I wanted to represent Hungary at the Olympics. For years Id done five hours of rigorous ballet practice every day after school; then Id discovered gymnastics and joined an Olympic training team. Recently, my teacher had taken me aside. She was crying. My team place had to go to someone else, she said, because I was Jewish. I wasnt the only one with a talent. My sexy and flirtatious sister Magda played the piano, and our middle sister Klara had mastered the Mendelssohn violin concerto when she was five. She was away studying music in Budapest on the night the Germans came for us. Storming into our flat, they told us we were being resettled and had to leave now. The entrance gate to Auschwitz that reads 'Arbeit Macht Frei', which translates to 'work sets you free' Despite a chill in the air, I put on a thin blue silk dress the one Id been wearing when my boyfriend Eric gave me my first kiss. It made me feel protected. Daylight was breaking as we arrived at a large brick factory, where 12,000 Jews would be held for nearly a month without beds, running water or adequate rations. A girl only a little older than me tried to run away. The Nazis hanged her in the middle of the camp as an example. All too soon we were on our way to Auschwitz, 100 of us crammed in each cattle car. For what seemed like days, my parents didnt speak. Then, one night, I heard my mothers voice in the dark. Listen. We dont know where were going. We dont know whats going to happen. Just remember, no one can take away from you what youve put in your mind. Her words helped to save my life. I am in shock. I cant picture my mother being consumed by flames. I cant fully grasp that she has gone. And I cant even grieve. Not now. It will take all my concentration to survive the next minute, the next breath. Night is falling when we are marched to gloomy, primitive barracks where we will sleep on tiered shelves, six to a board. Dr Josef Mengele, known as the Angel of Death, pictured in 1942 With our bunkmates, Magda and I try lying on the top tier. Then I hear the sound of woodwind and strings and think I must be imagining it. An inmate quickly explains that the camp has an orchestra. The door rattles open. On the threshold is the uniformed officer from the selection line. Dr Mengele, it turns out, is not only a killer but also a lover of the arts. He trawls the barracks in the evenings in search of talented inmates to entertain him. He walks in tonight with his entourage, casting his eye over the new arrivals. The inmates already know Im a trained ballerina and they push me forward. Little dancer, Dr Mengele says, his eyes bulging, dance for me. The familiar opening strains of The Blue Danube waltz filter into the room. Im lucky. I know a routine to this. As I step, bend and twirl, he never takes his eyes off me. But he also attends to his duties as he watches. I can hear him discussing with another officer which one of the 100 girls in our barracks should be killed next. If I do anything to displease him, it could be me. Im dancing in Hell. I close my eyes and hear my mothers words again: Just remember, no one can take away from you what youve put in your own mind. SS officers outside Auschwitz. From left to right: Josef Mengele, Rudolf Hoss, Josef Kramer and Anton Thumann And as I dance, I have a piercing insight. Dr Mengele, the man who has just murdered my parents, is more pitiful than me. Im free in my mind, which he can never be. He will always have to live with what he has done. I close my routine by doing the splits, and pray he wont kill me. But he must like my performance because he tosses me a loaf of bread a gesture, it turns out, that will later save my life. When he leaves, I share the bread with all my bunkmates. After that, I work hard at developing my inner voice. This is temporary, I tell myself. If I survive today, tomorrow Ill be free. One day, as Im taking a shower with other inmates, I notice a sudden quiet. I feel a chill in my gut. The man I fear above all others is at the door, gazing right at me. You! Dr Mengele calls. My little dancer. Come. He leads me, naked and wet, down a hall and into an office with a desk and chair. He leans against the desk and looks me over, taking his time. I hope whatever he plans to do to me will be over quickly. Come closer, he says, and I inch forward, shaking. I can smell menthol. His fingers are working over his coat buttons. I am naked with my mothers killer. Just as Im close enough for him to touch me, a phone rings in another room. He flinches. He rebuttons his coat. Dont move, he orders as he opens the door. At 19, Edith married Bela, a Slovakian whose mother had been gassed at the camp I hear him pick up the phone in the next room, his voice neutral and curt. And I run for my life. The next thing I know, Im sitting beside Magda as we devour the daily ladle of weak broth, with little pieces of potato skin bobbing up like scabs. But the fear never goes away - that hell find me again, that hell finish what he started, that hell select me for death. As the months go by, we starve and lose strength. In our heads, though, its a different story: we spend most of our time cooking. At 4am roll-call in the freezing dark, we can smell the rich aroma of meat we have just roasted. We give each other cooking lessons; we salivate over our imaginary dishes; we fight over how much paprika you put in Hungarian chicken paprikash, or how to make the best seven-layer chocolate cake. I try to blank out the horrors. The day SS officers tie a boy to a tree and use his limbs for target practice. The day a woman goes into labour and they tie her legs together. I have never seen such agony. One day, an officer separates us all into two lines. Its impossible to tell which one leads to death. Magda and I are in different lines. Nothing matters except that I stay with my sister; even if shes in the death line, I want to die with her. I dont have a plan. And then Im suddenly doing cartwheels, hands to earth, feet to sky. I expect a bullet at any second but I cant stop myself. In 1949, Edith, her husband and Magda emigrated to the US A guard raises his gun. But he doesnt shoot; he winks at me. In the few seconds that I hold his complete attention, Magda has run across the yard into my line. Now they are herding 100 of us towards the platform. As we stand there, waiting to climb a narrow ramp into a cattle car, the Russians are approaching Poland from one side, the Americans from the other. The Nazis have decided to evacuate Auschwitz, bit by bit. I lose track of the time we are in motion. We end up working at a thread factory. After a few weeks, the SS come for us one morning with striped dresses to replace our grey ones. We board a train carrying ammunition. This time we are forced to sit on top of the cars - human decoys to discourage the British from bombing the train, but they do anyway. Somehow, Magda and I survive. We get off the train and march, maybe for weeks. There are fewer of us every day. The roadside ditches run red with blood from those shot in the back or the chest those who tried to run, those who couldnt keep up. Weve gone without food for days and now we are at Mauthausen, a concentration camp at a quarry, where prisoners have to hack and carry the granite destined for Hitlers new Berlin. Rumours shudder down the line. They make you stand along the so-called Parachutists Wall, at the edge of a cliff. At gunpoint, you then have to choose: either push the inmate beside you off the cliff or be shot yourself. Magda and I agree to push each other. Night falls and word goes round: well be killed tomorrow. Have we really been marched these many hundreds of miles only to die? What has it all meant? I think of my boyfriend Erics voice and lips. If I die tomorrow, Ill die a virgin. I wonder what a man looks like naked. There are naked dead men all around me: it wouldnt hurt their pride for me to have a look. Afterwards, I feel satisfied: at least I wont die ignorant. Edith has a PhD in clinical psychology, becoming an expert on post-traumatic stress disorder At daybreak the line starts to move. Some wail. Some pray. Everyone is being sent in the same direction. It really is the end. And then the line stops. We are led towards a crowd of SS guards by a gate. If you fall behind, youll be shot, they shout at us. We limp on. A march of skeletons from Mauthausen to Gunskirchen. It is a relatively short distance, about 50km (31 miles) or so, but we are so weak that only 100 of the 2,000 of us will survive. Magda and I cling to each other, determined to stay upright. Each hour, hundreds of girls fall into the ditches on either side of the road. Too weak or too ill to keep moving, they are killed on the spot. Every part of me is in pain. I dont realise Ive stumbled until I feel arms lifting me. Magda and other girls have laced their fingers together to form a human chair. You shared your bread, one of them says. A girl who shared Mengeles loaf with me nearly a year ago has recognised me. When we stop marching, we are crowded into huts where we sleep three deep. If someone below us dies, we dont have the strength to haul them away. It is now five or six months since we left Auschwitz. I can no longer walk. Although I dont know it yet, I have a fractured spine and Im suffering from pleurisy, typhoid fever and pneumonia. Here, in hell, I watch a man eat human flesh. I cant do it; I eat grass and try to stay conscious. Once, I see Magda crawling back to me with a Red Cross can of sardines that glints in the sun. But theres no way to open it. One day, the SS rig the ground around us with dynamite. With my eyes closed, I wait for the explosion that will consume us in its flames. Nothing happens. I open my eyes and see jeeps rolling slowly in through the pine forest that obscures the camp from the road. Feeble voices shout: The Americans are here! Watching from the tangle of bodies, I see men in fatigues. I see an American handing cigarettes to inmates, who are so hungry that they eat them. Are there any living here? the Americans call out in German. Raise your hand if youre alive. I try to move but I cant. A soldier shouts something in English. They are leaving. And then a patch of light explodes on the ground. The sun is flashing on Magdas sardine tin. Whether on purpose or by accident, she has caught the soldiers attention with a tin of fish. I feel a man touching my hand. He presses something into it. Beads. Red, brown, green, yellow. Food, the soldier says. He helps me lift my hand to my mouth. I taste chocolate. He pulls the dead away from me, and now Magda is beside me in the grass. She is holding her can of sardines. We have survived the final selection. We are alive. We are together. We are free. After recuperating, Magda and I were reunited with Klara. My boyfriend Eric had died in Auschwitz the day before liberation. At 19 I married Bela, a Slovakian whose mother had been gassed at the camp. He wasnt the love of my life but he made me laugh and feel protected. Later wed have three children, divorce and marry each other again. In 1949, my husband, Magda and I emigrated to the US, where she worked as a piano teacher and I did a PhD in clinical psychology, becoming an expert on post-traumatic stress disorder. I was helping others but it was years before I felt free in my own mind. Could I have saved my mother? Maybe. I can continue blaming myself for ever for making the wrong choice or I can accept that the more important choice is not the one I made when I was 16 and hungry and terrified, when we were surrounded by dogs and guns and uncertainty. Its the one I make now, to accept myself as I am: human, imperfect. The choice to stop asking why I deserved to survive. The choice to stop running from the past. Adapted from The Choice by Edith Eger (Rider 12.99). Edith Eger 2024. To order a copy for 11.69 (Offer valid to 12/02/26; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. You've read the headlines and heard our experts' opinions - but what do YOU think? Have your say on one of the biggest royal stories of the week by answering our poll below. 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The future Queen has not held back from experimenting with her beloved locks The Princess of Wales has delighted fans with her salon-perfect hair styles over the years, but the royal is now also impressing with a newfound fondness for fuss-free DIY up-dos. Since she first married Prince William in April 2011, Kate has enjoyed experimenting with a carousel of different styles - from bouncy blow-dries to bangs - for public appearances. However, when the future Queen, 44, paid a visit to Wakefield Rugby Club yesterday, the royal showed that she's just as comfortable with a low-maintenance look, styling her hair into a neat plait for the final part of her engagement in West Yorkshire. 'What a wonderfully versatile and chic look for the Princess', a fan of Kate's hairstyle wrote on the social media platform X. Another cooed that Kate's braid was 'amazing', while one observer said the royal's low-key look suited her, writing: 'She looked stunning!' It's not the first time the Princess of Wales has showcased her deft hair skills mid-engagement. In September, during a visit to Marina Mill in Kent, Kate was seen effortlessly scooping her hair up into a bun, without a mirror or even a hairband to aid her. As the future Queen prepared to try her hand at fabric painting, the down-to-earth royal swept her tresses up into the elegant bun, all while listening attentively to instructions for the craft class. When the future Queen paid a visit to Wakefield Rugby Club yesterday, she showed off a simple plait - which she'd braided herself during the visit to West Yorkshire In September, during a visit to Marina Mill in Kent, Kate effortlessly scooped her hair up into a bun without a mirror or even a hairband The technique Kate used is a version of the 'wrapped ponytail' or 'twist-through bun' adopted by several hair stylists as it ensures that the hair can remain in place without any visible accessories required The moment was captured during a visit to the Kent-based mill, a British family business that specialises in hand-designing and screen-painting furnished fabrics. They supply dozens of royal homes - from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House to Highgrove, and even the Prince and Princess of Wales themselves - and are world-renowned for the quality of their handmade fabrics. Taking to X, one impressed royal fan noted that while attempting Kate's hairstyle was 'possible', it 'never comes out this perfect', and praised the princess for her ability to style her locks so effortlessly. 'She's a magician!' they quipped. The genius hair styling hack saw the princess gather her hair into a ponytail and then twist the end of it once around itself. She then proceeded to thread the rest of the ponytail through that loop to ensure her gorgeous locks stayed in place. The technique is a rather smart version of the so-called 'wrapped ponytail' or 'twist-through bun' adopted by several hair stylists, as it ensures that the hair can remain in place without any visible accessories required. Taking to X, one royal fan praised the princess for her ability to style her locks so effortlessly (Pictured at Marina Mill in Cuxton, Kent, in September) While Kate has often experimented with different hairdos, her bouncy blow-dry has always been a key part of her style repertoire (Pictured this week in Wakefield) In recent years, it appears that the princess may have realised that a simple up-do can be an ally when it comes to undertaking engagements (Kate and William pictured at Pontypridd Market in Wales in 2025) While Kate has often experimented with different hairdos, her bouncy blow-dry has always been a key part of her style repertoire since she first debuted the look during her engagement photocall in 2010. When newly engaged Kate and William stood side-by-side at St James's Palace to announce their joyous news, the soon-to-be bride kept her hair simple, while also incorporating some longer side pieces and layers. To ease her nerves, the future princess also made a deliberate 'point of placing her hands on her lap so that she didn't fidget with her glamorous hair', royal author Katie Nicholl said at the time. However, in recent years, it appears that the princess may have realised that a simple up-do can be more practical when it comes to undertaking engagements - particularly those that require her rolling up her sleeves. When the Prince and Princess of Wales made their first joint engagement in Pontypridd, Wales, for more than a year to mark St David's Day, Kate was seen struggling slightly with her sweeping locks as the couple made Welsh cakes. The future King and Queen tried their hand at making the national delicacy at the town's local market, before William hand-delivered the entire tray to well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals. At one stage, a rather surprised Kate turned to William and said: 'Those are so good. How did you do that?' In response, William then joked: 'Well I don't know, my stunning bakery skills, Mary Berry taught me everything I need to know.' During the summer, Kate debuted her dazzling chestnut Bronde hairdo which soon saw the 'Kate Effect' sweep the salons as dozens flocked to achieve their own effortless dupe of the look. The caramel hue shade, believed to have been the work of Mario Charalambous, salon director at Richard Ward's London salon, was unveiled during a visit to the Natural History Museum and sent royal fans into a tizzy. Meanwhile, experts have also remarked on the versatility of the style, as well as the fresh new aesthetic it brings. Dubbed the 'Posh Mum Bronde', esteemed hairdresser Jo Hansford previously told the Daily Mail that the glamorous shade's 'depth and richness' creates a 'modern and timeless' look that is a perfect fit for Britain's future Queen. Ms Hansford, who was awarded the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment from Her Majesty The Queen, added: 'Polished and understated, her hair radiates sophistication and elegance, which are hallmarks of Catherine's signature style.' The Duchess of Edinburgh brought the glitz and glamour to the premiere of King Charles's passion project film at Windsor Castle last night. Sophie, 61, repurposed a striking, emerald green Galvan gown that she first wore for another film premiere in London six years ago. She paired the 1,350, ankle-skimming satin dress, with a flattering high neckline, with black and gold stilettos that perfectly complemented her dainty jewellery. The mother-of-two pinned a gold brooch to the gown and finished her look for the movie premiere of King Charles's environmental documentary Finding Harmony with a pair of diamond bracelets and earrings. She wore her hair in an elegant updo and kept her makeup looking soft and dewy as Sophie upped her style game for what was one of Windsor Castle's most star-studded events in recent history. While the Princess of Wales was not in attendance, Sophie easily charmed the King's A-list guests arriving for Windsor Castle's maiden film premiere. The former PR executive was photographed having an animated chat with the film's narrator, Oscar-winning Kate Winslet, who led the celebrity arrivals on Wednesday night. As Sophie made her rounds, while supporting a cause deeply close to the King's heart, she was spotted in conversation with stars like Stanley Tucci, Dame Judi Dench, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The Duchess of Edinburgh brought the glitz and glamour to the premiere of King Charles's passion project film at Windsor Castle last night The former PR executive was photographed having an animated chat with the film's narrator, Oscar-winning Kate Winslet, who led the celebrity arrivals on Wednesday night Other celebrity guests at Windsor Castle's maiden film premiere included Sir Rod Stewart, who put on a very loved-up display with his wife Penny Lancaster. Eagle-eyed royal fans will remember that Sophie - then the Countess of Wessex - first wore the gown when she attended the London premiere of childhood abuse drama Sulphur And White six years ago. The castle's Waterloo Chamber was transformed into an opulent cinema as the King unveiled Finding Harmony, a documentary that celebrates Charles's philosophy and long-term commitment to sustainability. In the 90-minute film, made in collaboration with his charity The King's Foundation for Amazon MGM Studios, the monarch said the situation is 'rapidly going backwards' - with mankind 'actually destroying our means to survival'. But he expressed his hope that 'by the time I shuffle off this mortal coil' there might be more awareness of the 'need to bring things back together again'. In the film, Charles can be seen collecting eggs from chickens at the 'Cluckingham Palace' coop on his Highgrove estate, as he reveals his love of a crispy baked potato - declaring 'red Duke of Yorks' are the best variety. The documentary describes how the King, as the Prince of Wales, emerged as a key figure on the environment over the years, making regular keynote speeches, despite 'cries from some that he should take a back seat', Winslet said. The monarch, in new footage, added: 'I just felt this was the approach that I was going to stick to. A course I set and I wasn't going to be diverted from.' Charles has remained focused on environmental activism for many decades, despite being treated 'very unfairly' after the then-Prince of Wales described how he talks to plants in an interview that left him 'quite upset'. Eagle-eyed royal fans will remember that Sophie - then the Countess of Wessex - first wore the gown when she attended the London premiere of childhood abuse drama Sulphur And White six years ago Archive footage of the interview was included in the documentary as the now-King said: 'I just come and talk to the plants, really - very important to talk to them, they respond.' Ian Skelly, co-author of the King's 2010 Harmony book, said: 'Those criticisms really upset him. He got treated very unfairly, seen very unfairly, and those of us that knew him better were quite upset by that. 'It was difficult to know how to respond, but I really felt for him.' The Titanic actress, who was breathtaking in a one-shouldered, black sequinned dress, also recounted how Charles was 'haunted' by the interview that was aired in 1986. The King's estranged son, Prince Harry also makes a fleeting appearance in the documentary; archive footage showing Charles teaching the young royal how to fish on holiday at Balmoral. The Prince of Wales also features, as a small child with Charles at Highgrove, and lies next to his father on the grass before visiting a herd of cows at Home Farm in 2004, when William was in his twenties. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, with the now Prince and Princess of Wales, are pictured briefly in footage from the King's coronation. And the late Queen Elizabeth II is shown filming a young Charles in archive footage of the future king in home movies. As Sophie made her rounds, while supporting a cause deeply close to the King's heart, she was spotted in conversation with stars Benedict Cumberbatch (centre), who attended the event with his wife, Sophie Hunter The former PR executive easily charmed the King's celebrity guests, including Dame Judi Dench (right) and Stanley Tucci The documentary explores the origins, evolution and scientific foundations of the King's 'harmony' philosophy, which he set out in his 2010 book Harmony: A New Way Of Looking At Our World. The book will be republished by HarperCollins in March to mark the release of the documentary. Ahead of the premiere, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said Finding Harmony is unlike any other royal documentary. 'There are no golden carriages here; no glittering crowns or crimson robes,' the spokesperson added. 'Instead, this is a deeply personal exploration of ideas that have shaped His Majesty's life and work: the interconnectedness of all things, the wisdom of traditional knowledge, and the belief that we can build a future that works in partnership with nature rather than against it.' The spokesperson added that it 'sets a new high watermark for royal documentaries'. After its glitzy premiere, the film - produced by Amazon - will be released on Prime Video in over 240 countries across the world on February 6. Kim and Khloe Kardashian were left 'frustrated' after claiming they were asked to remove pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their mother Kris Jenner's 70th birthday party, a body language expert has claimed. Kim and Kris posted photographs of Harry and Meghan at the November 8 celebration in Beverly Hills, showing the pair cosying up to the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch and Harry sashaying towards her on the dancefloor. However, 48 hours later, Kris and Kim deleted all pictures of Harry and Meghan at the James Bond-themed ball from their accounts without explanation, setting the rumour mill alight. People magazine, the Sussexes' preferred publication in the US, claimed that Meghan and Harry asked that no photographs of them inside the party be published. The publication also claimed that it was understood the Sussexes had ticked a 'no' box on a photo consent form, leading to the removal of party images. This week, the Kardashians claimed on Khloe's podcast that the Sussexes had requested the pictures of them at the party be deleted because it was the night before Remembrance Sunday. Speaking to the Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James assessed the Kardashian sisters on the podcast and has given her opinion. She said: 'The implications about their true feelings come from both their paralanguage, in other words, their choices of words, tone, and body language, with Khloe appearing to be more open in her cynical-looking responses.' UK body language expert Judi James has given her opinion on Kim and Khloe Kardashian's recent podcast episode where they addressed the photogate saga According to James, Khloe's feelings towards the situation were clear from the get-go when she introduced the topic by simply saying, 'Meghan Markle'. The expert said: 'Her introduction to the incident sounds laden with meaning. As she says the two words "Meghan Markle", she puts a tonal full stop between them and uses one emphatic head baton per word. 'There is no moment of fond expressions here as the name comes up, more some knowing eye contact to announce a good piece of drama. 'Kim does smile slightly and tilt her head, but she also lets out an "Aww" like a small groan about the incident. 'Kim's tone now becomes partly recitative as though frustrated by the fuss.' Assessing the conversation further, James continued: 'The use of the word "photos" receives an instant correction and upgrade to "photogate" to register the drama that swirled around this incident. She added that Kim set boundaries between herself and Meghan by referring to her as her mother's friend. James explained: 'Kim seems to define some degrees of social separation by referring to their relationship with Meghan as: "Mom and Meghan have been friends for some years now," rather than calling her "Our friend". Kim Kardashian was 'frustrated by the fuss' of the ordeal, according to the body language expert Pictured: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Kris Jenner's 70th birthday party at Jeff Bezos's home in Beverly Hills 'She applies some slightly defensive hand movements like a hand splay or a winding ritual as she narrates the story, and there is some heavy emphasis placed on her point that "We're never ones to post without permission".' James added: 'When they discussed the issue with Remembrance Day, they mentioned the photo was "already up", and Khloe added a mention of a Baby2Baby event "right before", although Kim reminded her that it was a charity event. 'There is a hint of cynicism or even disapproval from Khloe here as she runs a hand across her eyebrows then through her hair in a dismissive-looking power-preening gesture, looking away as though pondering reflectively, while Kim adds a "whatever" to sound dismissive as though the subject is closed.' In the podcast, Kim said: 'I think they realised it was Remembrance Day and they didn't want to be seen at a party.' Kim was also clear that the images had been shared online with the Sussexes' consent, explaining: 'We were told that it was totally cool to post. We're never ones to post without permission. It's not who we are.' She said that Harry and Meghan had changed their minds and wanted them 'taken down' because they didn't want to be seen 'partying and dancing on the dance floor'. 'I think they realised it was Remembrance Day, and they didn't want to be seen at a party, even though it's already up, you know, and then taken down. 'And then I think they realised, like, "oh, this was so silly",' she told her sister Khloe as they discussed the so-called 'photogate' row for the first time on the Khloe In Wonder Land podcast. She added that while Harry and Meghan were photographed attending the Baby2Baby charity gala the same evening, there was a distinction to be made. 'That was fine, but maybe not partying and dancing on the dance floor or whatever,' Kim noted. 'So we took them down to respect Remembrance Day.' 'It was really innocent, which is so crazy,' Kim added. 'Mom and Meghan have been friends for some years now, and they have a really sweet relationship.' The Sussexes were among the A-listers invited to the James Bond-themed ball thrown for Jenner by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez at their $165million estate. Despite the images being deleted, the pictures of Harry and Meghan were shared widely on social media and published by several websites in the US. Harry looked particularly happy in one photo, putting his arm around Jenner, who was standing between him and his wife, with the prince leaning in to bring his face closer to hers. Meghan looked far more serious, with her hand on Jenner's shoulder. Kris's birthday celebration took place the night before royals gathered at London's Cenotaph for the annual service. King Charles and other members of the Royal Family led the commemorations in Whitehall to honour the service and sacrifice of all those who lost their lives in conflict. There was widespread disgust in this country after Donald Trumps slur against British troops. Speaking at last weeks World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Switzerland, the US President claimed that Americas Nato allies failed to pull their weight during the 20-year Afghanistan war. He declared: Weve never needed them. Weve 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. A total of 457 British service personnel died in the war with hundreds more left injured, many of them permanently. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, was quick to point this out. I made lifelong friends there, he said in powerful statement. 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, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace. President Trump eventually backpedalled, hailing British service personnel online as among the greatest of all warriors. He praised Britain for fighting in the war with tremendous heart and soul, adding: We love you all and always will. At the World Economic Forum Donald Trump said of America's Nato allies: 'They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. They stayed a little back, a little off the front lines' Prince Harry served in two tours in Afghanistan, in 2007 to 2008 and again in 2012 to 2013 His climbdown is said to have come after King Charless unease at his slur was relayed to the White House. A British official told The Sun: You would always expect our Commander-in-Chief to defend the Armed Forces proud record of service and sacrifice. A well-placed source added: It was made very clear that the Kings concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments, whether inadvertent or not. Trump is an outspoken admirer of the Royal Family who praised our Monarch as a great gentleman and a great King during his historic second State visit last September. The King and Queen are expected to visit the President in America in April as part of the 250th anniversary of US Independence. When the King let his unease about the Presidents comments be known to the White House privately, he was reflecting what the vast majority of British people will have thought. However, its questionable whether it was a wise move. The fact that his concerns were later made public via a newspaper is even more troubling. Members of the Royal Family must avoid becoming embroiled in politics and this was, lets be clear, a deeply political intervention. During Queen Elizabeths long reign, her views were kept to herself for the long-term benefit of the monarchy, which could stay above politics. Donald and Melania Trump with the King and Queen at Windsor Castle last year On the rare occasions her views did leak out, it caused a crisis. For example, the Sunday Times published a story in 1986 about her relationship with the then prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, under the headline: Queen dismayed by uncaring Thatcher. It provoked a huge political row and, under intense scrutiny, the Sunday Times stood by its story. Palace officials soon identified the Queens own press secretary, Michael Shea, as the source. He left royal service the following year under a cloud. The fact that the Kings comments followed Harrys public intervention is another cause for concern. It seemed as though he was backing his California-based son - who has crossed swords with Trump before, just as Harrys wife, Meghan, has done. Giving the appearance of working in tandem with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - after all they have done to damage the monarchy - is not a good look for the King. Prince William will, no doubt, have been just as appalled by the Presidents comments as his brother and father. Yet, wisely, he chose to remain silent. He knows that the Royal Family wields influence, in part, because it avoids getting involved in political disputes. This is not the first time that William has reminded me more of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, than of his father. And that gives me hope for the future of the monarchy. For more than a century, Egyptologists have dated the Great Pyramid to around 2580 BC, about 4,600 years ago. A controversial new study now claims the monument could be tens of thousands of years older. Italian engineer Alberto Donini from the University of Bologna said erosion patterns at the pyramid's base suggest it may have been built between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, far earlier than the conventional timeline. Donini's Relative Erosion Method (REM) estimated the pyramid's age by comparing how much erosion occurred on stones exposed since construction with nearby stones whose exposure time is known. By measuring the difference in wear, he calculated how long the older stones have been exposed, producing dates that far exceed traditional estimates. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, examined twelve points around the pyramid's base. Some measurements suggested tens of thousands of years of erosion, with the average pointing to roughly 25,000 years. Donini also proposed that Pharaoh Khufu may have renovated the pyramid rather than built it, potentially revising assumptions about its original authorship. If the dates proposed by Donini are accurate, the Great Pyramid could predate not only the reign of Khufu but also the rise of any known advanced civilizations, raising fundamental questions about human history and architectural knowledge in the distant past. Archaeologist have long dated the Great Pyramid to about 4,600 years old. But an engineer has proposed the iconic structure is much older The Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau, was built by Pharaoh Khufu during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. It sits alongside the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Sphinx, all shrouded in mystery due to their precise alignment, unusual construction methods, and debated purpose. The new study measured erosion at twelve points around the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. At each point, Donini compared limestone surfaces that had been exposed since the pyramid's construction with adjacent surfaces that were only exposed after the outer casing blocks were removed about 675 years ago. He measured the volume of eroded material on both surfaces and calculated a ratio, which allowed him to estimate how long the older stones had been exposed. Each point produced a different age, ranging from about 5,700 to over 54,000 years. However, the average suggested a 68 percent probability that the pyramid was built between roughly 11,000 and 39,000 years ago, with an overall average of about 24,900 years. Donini emphasized that REM does not provide a precise construction date, but rather an estimate of the structure's age range with an associated probability. The new study measured erosion at twelve points around the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu Italian engineer Alberto Donini from the University of Bologna said erosion patterns at the pyramid's base suggest it may have been built between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, far earlier than the conventional timeline 'Although the resulting date ranges are wide, the conclusions indicate a low probability for the official archaeological dating of 2,560 BC,' he said. The study challenges long-held assumptions about ancient Egypt and has ignited debate among archaeologists, historians and engineers. Some scholars have pointed out that evidence for the pyramids construction has always relied heavily on textual sources, like the later inscriptions found inside the monument, which may not reflect the original building period. Doninis approach differs from traditional archaeological dating, which often relies on historical records, carbon dating of organic material, or stylistic comparisons with other monuments. Donini's Relative Erosion Method (REM) estimated the pyramid's age by comparing how much erosion occurred on stones exposed since construction with nearby stones whose exposure time is known By focusing on the physical erosion of the stone itself, REM offers a method that is independent of historical accounts, providing an entirely new perspective on the pyramids age. The study also acknowledges that many factors, including climate variation, acid rain, foot traffic, and partial burial under sand, introduce uncertainty into the calculations. Despite these variables, the consistent results across twelve measurement points strengthen the claim that the pyramids base has endured tens of thousands of years of exposure. Whether the findings will overturn centuries of Egyptological consensus remains to be seen, but the research has already reopened one of archaeologys most enduring mysteries. With the first launch window for Artemis II now just days away, NASA has shared a glimpse inside the cramped quarters of the Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will spend 10 days living inside the capsule as they whizz around the moon. During that time, the crew will stay in a tiny, equipmentfilled space, no larger than the back of a Ford Transit. While NASA says it will use the mission to learn how crews adjust to tight quarters, space fans have pointed out one very obvious problem. Although Orion is equipped with a toilet and washing facilities, many commenters wondered just how hygienic the capsule will be after a week and a half in space. On X (formerly Twitter), one sceptical commenter wrote: 'No mention of how they will be in extremely close quarters and will have to change each other's diapers and wipe. 'The smell would be intolerable.' Another concerned commenter asked: 'Do they change their clothes at all and if so, since there is a woman in the crew, is there privacy for that and toileting?' Four astronauts will spend 10 days living inside the cramped confines of the Orion spacecraft Although Orion has 30 per cent more habitable volume than the Apollo capsule, it is still smaller than the back of a Ford Transit. Pictured (left to right): Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Koch On X, some space enthusiasts had serious concerns about the smell that could be caused by four astronauts living, exercising, and using the bathroom in such a small space During the Artemis II mission, the fourperson crew will launch from Kennedy Space Centre on a round trip passing around the far side of the moon. Once their Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has pushed the astronauts out into orbit, the early stages will detach and leave Orion to drift by itself through space. While Orion has 30 per cent more space than the Apollo capsule, it is still absolutely tiny for four people. Measuring just 3.35 metres (11 feet) in height and five metres (16.5 feet) in diameter at the base, Orion has a habitable volume of just 9.34 cubic metres (330 cubic feet). For comparison, a Ford Transit van typically has 10 cubic metres (353 cubic feet) of storage in the back. Conditions are so cramped that NASA wants to study how the crew physically and psychologically adapt to their time in space. In a video posted to X, NASA explains: 'To better understand how isolation, confinement, and other aspects of spaceflight affect human health and performance, Artemis II crew members will evaluate their activity levels, sleep patterns, movements and interactions for a study called Artemis Research for Crew Health and Readiness or ARCHR for short.' The astronauts will wear sportswatchlike wristbands to measure their movements and sleep patterns in real time, as well as completing surveys and motor control tests before and after flight. Other concerned space fans were worried that there might not be privacy for washing, changing, or using the toilet in the tiny confines of the Orion capsule Despite the obvious challenges, a number of commenters on social media were bizarrely unimpressed by the technological and human achievements of spaceflight The crew will sleep for eight hours per day in sleeping baglike hammocks that attach to handrails (pictured) In the biggest upgrade over Apollo, Orion features a separate toilet compartment hidden behind a panel in the floor (circled in red) The Artemis II crew Reid Wiseman Commander A US Navy aviator and test pilot with 27 years of experience. Wiseman has previously spent 165 days in space onboard the ISS Victor Glover Pilot A US Navy aviator and test pilot with 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft Glover served as Flight Engineer on the ISS during a 168day mission Christina Koch Mission specialist An engineer and scientist specialising in electrical engineering Holds the record for longest spaceflight by a woman, spending consecutive days on the ISS Jeremy Hansen Mission specialist Selected by the Canadian Space Agency to join Artemis II A Canadian Armed Forces fighter pilot, physicist, and experienced aquanaut Advertisement However, despite these obvious challenges, some space enthusiasts remained bizarrely unimpressed. One commenter wrote on X: 'Relax. Once you get used to it, it'll be fine. I could do the trip to Mars in a freakin' Apollo capsule.' Another said: 'So NASA's gonna put Fitbits on the astronauts? Cool, I've been wearing one for over three years.' Despite the small amount of space, NASA has managed to fit in a few comforts that should make the journey more bearable. For those concerned about the smell, Orion is fitted with a modified version of the toilet from the International Space Station known as the Universal Waste Management System. This is essentially an elaborate vacuum cleaner with a seat and a specialised nozzle that operates by 'using air flow to pull fluid and solid waste away from the body'. Compared to the toilet on the ISS, Orion's lavatory has been modified to fit in an even smaller space and to be more practical for female astronauts. Perhaps most importantly, NASA has even found enough space on Orion to fit the toilet in its own tiny room. The toilet room will also allow astronauts to wash in relative privacy, using liquid soap, flannels and rinseless shampoo to stay clean. Pictured: A training mockup of the Artemis II toilet used to practice on Earth The crew will use a similar toilet to the one found on the ISS, known as the Universal Waste Management System (pictured), that uses 'air flow to pull fluid and solid waste away' Orion even has room for a compact gym with a flywheel system (pictured) that allows for simple resistance exercises On Apollo, astronauts had to simply float in a corner while doing their business, but Artemis II's crew have the luxury of a tiny cabin in the 'floor' of the capsule. Speaking in a video blog, Artemis II crewmember Jeremy Hansen described this as 'the one place we can go during the mission where we can actually feel like we're alone for a moment.' This hygiene bay also offers the crew a place to wash in relative privacy, using liquid soap, flannels, and rinseless shampoo to remain clean. To stay healthy and prevent muscle atrophy while in microgravity, Orion even packs in a compact gym for the astronauts to use. The crew will use a flywheel device for simple resistance exercises like rowing, squats, and deadlifts for 30 minutes every day. Thousands of Americans across the nation, from California to the Midwest, Appalachians, and the Northeast, are urged to stay indoors on Thursday as air quality reached hazardous levels. Air quality maps showed sharply elevated PM2.5, tiny particles carrying toxic organic compounds or heavy metals from vehicles, industry, and wood burning, creating serious health risks. Pinehurst, near Fresno, California, recorded a hazardous AQI of 463, while Clovis, with more than 120,000 residents, hit 338. Sacramentos metro area registered an unhealthy AQI of 160. Air quality ranges from 050, which is satisfactory with no health risks, to 101150, unhealthy for sensitive groups who should limit prolonged outdoor activity. Levels of 151200 may affect everyone, 201300 are very unhealthy with increased risk for all, and 301500 are hazardous, likely impacting the entire population. In the South and Midwest, Batesville, Arkansas reached 151, and Ripley, Missouri hit 182, driven by inversions that trap emissions from wood burning and other local sources. Farther east, rural Northeast and Appalachian towns, including Harrisville, Rhode Island, and Davis, West Virginia, recorded unhealthy AQI readings of 153 and 154, primarily from residential wood stoves during cold snaps. These spikes highlight a recurring winter phenomenon: calm, cold air creates inversions that trap pollutants, turning routine emissions into health hazards. Pinehurst, near Fresno, California, recorded a hazardous AQI of 463, while Clovis, with more than 120,000 residents, hit 338 (pictured dark purple) While air quality often improves by midday as the sun heats the atmosphere, prolonged exposure can trigger lung inflammation, worsen respiratory conditions and strain the cardiovascular system. The Central Valleys air problems are driven by its basin-like geography, which traps pollutants during high-pressure systems. In Fresno and Clovis, part of the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin, home to 4.2 million people, PM2.5 from traffic along highways like CA-99 and nearby farming operations builds up overnight, creating hazardous peaks before dawn. Higher up in the Sierra foothills, towns like Miramonte and Pinehurst see even sharper spikes as terrain funnels cold air and traps wood smoke from rural homes, a familiar winter hazard in forested areas. Moving north to Sacramento, an unhealthy AQI highlights similar struggles in the Sacramento Valley, where dense fog and stagnant air worsen conditions. With more than half a million residents in the city, officials urge limiting outdoor activity as inversions trap emissions from traffic and residential heating. While the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District predicts overall Moderate conditions, community sensors show localized hotspots that official monitors can miss, underscoring the importance of hyper-local data for protecting personal health. In the Northeast, Harrisville, Rhode Island, saw a spike in AQI, reflecting broader New England winter woes where cold snaps and inversions trap pollutants in rural pockets. Sacramentos metro area registered an unhealthy AQI of 160 (STOCK) Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are color-coded from Green (050, Good) to Maroon (301500, Hazardous) to indicate health risks. The scale moves from Yellow (Moderate, 51100) and Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 101150) to Red (Unhealthy, 151200) and Purple (Very Unhealthy, 201300). While state monitors reported overall good to moderate air, isolated unhealthy readings from wood stoves highlight risks for small communities like Burrillville. Similarly, Davis, West Virginia, nestled in the Monongahela National Forest, faces high AQI levels as residents rely on wood heat during sub-freezing nights, with valleys and terrain amplifying pollution buildup. Southern and Midwestern towns show the same trend. Batesville, Arkansas, in the Ozark foothills, experiences inversions that trap PM2.5 from local sources, while statewide air remains generally satisfactory. Ripley, Missouri, in the flat Bootheel region, sees similar accumulation, prompting officials to advise sensitive populations to take precautions even without official alerts. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to these particles can irritate lungs, worsen heart conditions, and raise the risk of respiratory infections, especially in winter when people spend more time indoors near fireplaces. The American Lung Association ranks regions like the Central Valley among the nations worst for particle pollution, urging cleaner heating and improved ventilation. Residents should monitor tools like AirNow.gov or PurpleAir, stay indoors during peaks, and consult doctors if symptoms appear. While these spikes usually ease by midday, they reveal a hidden winter air quality crisis stretching from the coasts to the heartland, driven by weather, terrain, and human habits. An earthquake struck near Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, which oversees a large network of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos spread across the state. The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 4.2 magnitude quake at 12:41pm MT (2:41pm ET), just seven miles outside of the center of the base located in Great Falls. Hundreds of people in the area reported shaking, with one saying on X: 'We just had an earthquake, holy cow, our building shook, looks like we were very close.' Another resident shared: 'Just had a big earthquake here in Montana. Holy s***, that was scary.' The USGS warned there is a 27 percent chance of a magnitude 3 or greater aftershock striking in the same area in the next week. There is also a six percent chance of another 4 magnitude or higher tremor hitting in the same timeframe. While Montana is not a major earthquake hotspot, the region lies along the Intermountain Seismic Belt, a zone of faults capable of producing moderate quakes. The quake occurred near areas that house hardened missile silos and launch control facilities. There are approximately 150 active ICBM silos throughout Montana. Military officials have not issued a statement about the earthquake or whether any damage has occurred to the silos. Malstrom Air Force Base in Montana houses 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, which can be in the air in less than four seconds after a launch command The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 4.2 magnitude quake at 12:41pm MT (2:41pm ET), just seven miles outside of the center of the base located in Great Falls 'Damaging earthquakes can occur in the future, so remember to: Drop, Cover, and Hold on,' the USGS said in an alert. 'No one can predict the exact time or place of any earthquake, including aftershocks. Our aftershock forecasts give us an understanding of the chances of having more earthquakes within a given time period in the affected area.' The earthquake hit just six miles below the surface. Shallow earthquakes tend to be more destructive because their energy reaches the surface with little loss, producing stronger shaking. In contrast, deeper quakes spread their energy over a wider area, often lessening the impact on buildings and people. Susan Hough, a US Geological Survey seismologist, previously told AP that shallow quakes can feel like 'a bomb directly under a city.' Montana residents reported feeling light tremors as far north as Shelby, about 85 miles from Great Falls. Weak shaking was also felt in Helena, the state capital. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the quake caused any damage. Malmstrom Air Force Base maintains a vast number of silos across 13,800 square miles of central Montana, making it the largest complex of nuclear arms in the western hemisphere. Malmstrom Air Force Base is in Cascade County. It lies about seven miles from the Great Falls and is home to the 341st Missile Wing It is one of three bases that together house the country's arsenal of 400 Minuteman III missiles. The silos in Montana are run by the 341st Missile Wing, whose mission is to provide 'lethal combat capability by delivering long-range precision nuclear strikes within a moment's notice.' The closest it has come to doing that was during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Retired Col. Robert Stanley, who was the 341st Missile Wing commander in the 1980s, said: 'We are the guardians of doomsday. That isn't an exaggeration.' Each missile is 60 feet in length and weighs almost 80,000 pounds, with a range of 8700 miles. If the launch order comes, it would race into the air from the silo in less than four seconds, climbing 70 miles above Earth before reaching its target on the side of the planet in 25 minutes, before unleashing twenty times the explosive power of the bomb that killed 140,000 people in Hiroshima. Kim and Khloe Kardashian have revealed the sweet nickname they have for Timothee Chalamet as they gave a rare glimpse into his relationship with Kylie Jenner. Speaking during part two of their Khloe in Wonderland podcast, Kim, 45, revealed she recently held an intimate family dinner in Malibu, California and her youngest sister Kylie, 28, and boyfriend, 30, who they call 'Timmy'. Kim and Khloe, 41, admitted due to their busy lives they usually don't have a lot of time to stay at dinners for long, but this time was different and they couldn't be prouder of the couple who stayed later than usual, and had 'the best time.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Kim and Khloe Kardashianhave revealed the sweet nickname they have for Timothee Chalametas they share a rare insight into his relationship with Kylie Jenner Khloe explained: 'Kim threw a little dinner in Malibu it was so nice, it was 12 people, it was really small and we had so much fun. 'I wasn't there for like 10 minutes and left, I was so proud of myself for staying because I'm normally the one to be the first to dip.' Kim replied: 'I was so proud Kylie came. She stayed til 1:30 in the morning, she was the first one there and the last to leave which is insane'. 'I'm shocked, she had the best time, she stayed after me', said Khloe. 'I was so proud of her and her and Timmy they had the best time'. Kim added: 'The best time.' Khloe admitted that she is now 'exhausted' and 'beat' after enjoying the 'fun' intimate party with her family and close friends. This comes after Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet were spotted on a getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico In love: The famously private couple looked more in love than ever on a luxury boat Fun: The pair were later seen walking along the dock together The sighting came just one day after Timothee made history as he had earned his third Oscar nomination - and the night after the couple enjoyed a rare public date night at celebrity hotspot Flora Farms, according to TMZ. On the evening of the nomination announcement, the pair reportedly celebrated with an hour-plus dinner at the beloved Cabo restaurant, where an eyewitness told the outlet they appeared deeply engaged, laughing and chatting throughout the meal. Although no overt public displays of affection were observed, the source said the couple were 'totally into each other' the entire night, describing Timothee as visibly 'smitten'. Fun: Khloe explained: 'Kim threw a little dinner in Malibu, it was 12 people and we had so much fun. I was so proud of myself for staying because I'm normally the one to be the first to dip' Smitten: Kim and Khloe gushed over Kylie and 'Timmy' Fun: The sisters shared their surprise that their youngest sister stayed at the party later than Khloe Earlier this month, a source told Page Six that the pair have been living together in Los Angeles for more than a year and behave 'like they're basically married already'. The insider claimed: 'They're obsessed with each other and always together, adding that Timothee has become involved in the lives of Kylie's children, Stormi, seven, and Aire, three, whom she shares with ex Travis Scott. The Cabo escape also follows a wave of very public declarations from Timothee during awards season. At the Golden Globes, the actor referred to Kylie as his 'partner' during his acceptance speech, telling the audience: 'To my parents and partner, I love you.' Weeks later, while accepting the Best Actor award at the Critics Choice Awards, Timothee again thanked Kylie directly. 'And lastly, I'll just say, thank you to my partner of three years,' he said. 'Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you.' Kylie was seen mouthing back, 'I love you too,' as the couple shared a kiss after his win. The affectionate displays marked a sharp contrast to reports late last year that the pair had quietly split. In November, a source told the Daily Mail the couple were in a 'cool-down cycle', describing their relationship as on-again, off-again rather than definitively over. 'They cool down and they heat up,' the insider said at the time. In love: Earlier this month, a source told Page Six that Kylie and Timothee have been living together in Los Angeles for more than a year Psychologist Darren Stanton previously told the Daily Mail that the couple's recent PDA sends a 'very clear message' to the public. 'They're showing the relationship is real, secure and intentional,' he explained, adding that the timing of their public moments appears carefully considered amid heavy media attention. Relationship psychologist Dr Kathy Nickerson echoed the sentiment, noting that high-profile couples are not just people, but brands. 'When a celebrity relationship appears stable and affectionate, it reassures fans and partners alike,' she said. 'Increased visibility often functions as reassurance signaling.' A veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder struck his wife with his Tesla Cybertruck during a rampage in North Carolina. Nathan Lorne Tharp, 32, of Garner, near Durham, was allegedly experiencing a PTSD episode on Sunday when authorities said he tried to mow down wife and hit his neighbor's house. Garner Police responded to the scene after reports of a domestic violence situation around 3pm. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Cybertruck rampage: Nathan Lorne Tharp tried to run over his wife (pictured on the ground) and hit his neighbor's house during a PTSD episode on Sunday When police arrived, they observed Tharp hit his wife with his Cybertruck, causing her to fall to the ground. When the 32-year-old father allegedly attempted to hit his wife again, officers fired shots at him. Uninjured, Tharp ran into his neighbor Daniel Fontana's home, plowing through his fence four separate times, knocking out support pillars on the front porch, and destroying parts of the garage, photos and surveillance footage obtained by WRAL News showed. Afterward, he fled into the house causing the home's residents to flee. Tharp barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team was called in and spent hours attempting to negotiate for Tharp to come outside, which he eventually agreed too. Cops: Tharp attempted to hit his wife again, causing police to draw guns and shot at him. He was uninjured Damage: Tharp ran into his neighbor Daniel Fontana's home, plowing through his fence, knocking out support pillars on the front porch, and destroying parts of the garage He was taken into custody and brought to a hospital for treatment. He was released from the hospital the same night. Tarp was charged with a slew of crimes, including assault on a law enforcement officer, assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and domestic violence, among others. Fontana's home was left with thousands of dollars worth of damage, with $5,000 worth of damage to his backyard alone. The experience left Fontana's stepson, eight, fearsome. 'He is kind of nervous,' he told WRAL News. 'He's been a bit scared the first night thinking that, you know, what if? What happens if this happens again?' Neighbors have started a GoFundMe to help the Fontana family repair their home, which has been deemed structurally unsounded. The fundraiser has raised more than $3,000 of its $5,000 goal. Aftermath: Garner Police responded to the scene after reports of a domestic violence situation around 3pm Wreckage: Tharp allegedly caused $5,000 worth of damage to Fontana's backyard, including creating four holes in his fence Effects: Fontana, right, said his stepson is now scared after the incident on Sunday The Tharp incident was the second violent confrontation involving a veteran in the state on Sunday, according to WRAL News. In Johnston County, Anthony Richardson was also suffering from a PTSD episode when he was fatally shot by police. A seasoned commercial pilot has revealed how the windows on planes are cleaned - and a surprising product is used in the process. Some pilots use fizzy drinks such as sparkling water to clean the plane windshield. The trick was revealed in a video on Instagram, where pilot Joi Schweitzer explained why it is used. In the clip, posted on her account @thejoischweitzer, she says: 'Believe it or not, this actually works.' She points to another clip of a pilot cleaning a plane windshield with what appears to be Sprite - but says it is likely soda water. Joi adds: 'There's no sugar or stickiness in soda water. Soda water has a tiny bit of natural acidity called carbonic acid, and that acid helps break down dirt, bugs, grime and probably even a little bit of bird poo. 'And it won't damage the windshield coating.' She says it's not standard procedure, but if you've called in bug wash and you're in a rush, she says this is 'old-school pilot resourcefulness.' A seasoned commercial pilot has explained how the windows on planes can be cleaned Joi adds it is a 'bold, audacious move'. Former commercial pilot Daniel Bubb told Reader's Digest that sparkling beverages are sometimes used to help clean off any dirt from the plane. Daniel said: 'It is critical to keep aeroplane windshields clean for visibility and safety reasons.' 'Personally, I've never used soda water,' he says, 'but if it works, is not abrasive and does not cause damage over time, why not use it?' And the reason fizzy drinks are effective is explained by science. Carbonation helps loosen and lift dirt and grime from glass surfaces. Plus, the mineral content adds some cleaning power without harsh chemicals. Fizzy drinks, like club soda or sparkling water, also don't leave behind streaks or a sticky, sugary residue. The tactic is 'old-school pilot resourcefulness' It can't be used for all cleaning - just dead bugs and residue - as heavier dirt, such as grease or oil, needs stronger products. It comes after a flight attendant revealed the one area in a plane that is dirtier than the toilets because it 'never gets cleaned'. Brenda Orelus, from Miami, who goes by Flight Bae B online, said the seat-back pockets are riddled with 'germs' and have no regular maintenance or cleaning, unlike the lavatories. The glamorous frequent flyer alerted her 98,000 TikTok followers to the alarming fact in a video and said she's seen passengers put all sorts of things in the pockets, from discarded food to used tissues and even dirty nappies. Located just off the west coast of Scotland, the uninhabited Gruinard Island has a dark history. Back in World War II, the remote island was used in British experiments involving Anthrax in 1942 which left it severely contaminated. It has since been dubbed 'Anthrax Island'. The land measures just two kilometres long by one kilometre, and was made off limits to humans in the 1940s, until 1990 when the Ministry of Defence declared the island free from the deadly disease. One keen explorer, Ellie, who shares her adventures on YouTube where she's known as EllieMarieTV, was undeterred by Gruinard Island's past and made it her mission to visit. In a video uploaded last year, she aims to explore 'banned Google Map locations' and the quest takes her to Gruinard island. Ellie claims the land is 'totally erased off Google Maps' and explains she hopes to venture there. 'I want to try and find a local crazy enough to take me to this island, to see for ourselves, can we still see the Anthrax,' she says. The Brit spoke to several locals who shared their various conspiracy theories of the island. Located just off the west coast of Scotland, the uninhabited Gruinard Island has a dark history The land measures just 2km long by 1km and was made off limits to humans in the 1940s until 1990 when the Ministry of Defence declared the island free from the deadly disease One keen explorer, Ellie, who shares her adventures on YouTube where she's known as EllieMarieTV, was undeterred by Gruinard Island's past and made it her mission to visit Eventually, Ellie finds local kayaker Will who agrees to row with her to the mysterious island. In her kayak, Ellie has to work her way through caves and dodge rocks as she finds a place to safely land and disembark. 'After an hour of kayaking, we had finally made it to the back of the island,' she says. The explorer admits she is scared about the adventure, but pushes on with her quest to explore the questionable location. 'As much as I'm scared right now, this might be our only opportunity to explore an island totally erased and hidden from the entire world, to see if the crazy conspiracy theories about this place are true,' Ellie adds. Standing on a pebbled cove, Ellie looks around and notes the destination isn't particularly strange. She acknowledges how she 'doesn't see any Anthrax' or 'anything suspicious'. 'And after exploring these banned locations, despite their dark pasts, what we actually discovered was some very beautiful, yet creepy adventures,' she concludes. 'I want to try and find a local crazy enough to take me to this island, to see for ourselves, can we still see the Anthrax,' she says Ellie finds local kayaker Will who agrees to row with her to the mysterious island What is anthrax and how was the infectious disease developed into a weapon for bioterrorism? Anthrax spores have been weaponised by at least five countries: Britain, Japan, the United States, Russia and Iraq Anthrax is the name of the potentially-deadly disease caused by the spores of bacteria Bacillus anthracis. As the disease can survive in harsh climates, Anthrax spores have been weaponised by at least five countries: Britain, Japan, the United States, Russia and Iraq. The disease can be contracted by touching, inhaling or swallowing spores, which can lie dormant in water and soil for years. It is most deadly, however, when the spores are inhaled, which is why the threat of a letter containing the disease is taken very seriously by authorities. About 80 per cent of people who inhale the spores will die, in some cases even with immediate medical intervention. Use as a biological weapon Anthrax's first documented use as a weapon of warfare was by the Japanese in the 1930s, where thousands of prisoners of war were intentionally infected and died. British trials of the disease on Gruinard Island in Scotland in 1942 severely contaminated the land for half a century, making it a no-go area until 1990. The disease is particularly dangerous as its spores can be cultivated with minimal scientific training and special equipment. Letters containing the deadly spores was mailed to several news outlets and the offices of two politicians in America, in what came to be known as the 2001 Anthrax attacks. Biodefence researcher Dr Bruce Ivins (left) is the sole suspect of the 2001 Anthrax attacks, in whcih letters (right) containing the disease were mailed across the USA As a result, 22 were infected and five people died after just a few grams who used across all the letters. In 2008, biodefence researcher Dr Bruce Ivins was named as a suspect but committed suicide before he could face any charges. What are the symptoms of Anthrax? Once inside the body they become active and start producing toxins, which cause the disease and manifest and spread. Symptoms range from blisters to shortness of breath or diarrhea, depending on how it enters the body. The vast majority of cases are caused by skin contact. This is the least deadly form of the disease, with 75 per cent of patients surviving without treatment. Anthrax naturally infects many species of grazing mammals such as sheep, cattle and goats, which are infected through ingestion of soil contaminated by B. anthracis spores. The spores may remain dormant for many years. Infection generally occurs 1 to 7 days after exposure but occasionally, if inhaled, cases may present 2 to 3 months later. Sources: NHS and US Centers for Disease Control Advertisement Back in 2022, wildfires engulfing Gruinard Island were visible by those on the mainland. At the time, the Scottish public were urged 'take care' following a wildfire warning in force. According to the BBC, Kate Gearing and her daughter Nessie were going home to Aultbea, a small fishing village in the North-West Highlands of Scotland, at 8.30pm last night when they spotted the blaze. Ms Gearing, 25, said the huge fire scene raging across the island was 'apocalyptic,' and looked like 'hell fire'. A daughter was horrified when British Airways refused to refund her 3,500 flight without receiving her dad's death certificate - despite him still being alive. Liz Horne was on holiday with her husband Nevil Horne, 63, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on November 29 when she was told that her dad was gravely ill. The 61-year-old was 10 days into her three-week getaway when she decided to get the first flight back to Bristol to be by the side of her 88-year-old dad Kevin Duvall. Liz, who had already paid 3,500 for two business-class tickets back to the UK, contacted BA to see if she could swap her seats for an earlier flight. However, while on the phone to customer services, the semi-retired PA claims she was told she would have to fork out for new tickets and send over his death certificate to receive a refund. Horrified, Liz says she explained to the operator that her dad was in fact still alive, branding the slip-up as 'shocking and insensitive'. Liz ended up paying 2,500 for two tickets back to the UK, returning home just two days before her dad sadly died on December 1 after battling dementia for six years. Grief-stricken, Liz said she spent the following days organising a funeral while liaising with BA about her refund for the original tickets. Liz Horne was on holiday in Thailand with her husband Nevil at the time Kevin Duvall died on December 1 after battling dementia for six years Liz claims she had to send her father's death certificate over to BA four times while making multiple calls and emails to BA over her repayment. Still awaiting her refund, Liz claims the experience has made her resolute in never flying with the airline again - claiming it's 'not the great British institution [she] thought it was'. British Airways admitted that the customer's experience 'fell short of expectations' and they were in touch with her to resolve it. Liz, who lives in Bristol, said: 'Dad had been in a nursing home for a number of years. I saw him a couple of days before I left for Thailand and he'd been his normal self. 'This was a bucket list trip for me. I'd always wanted to go to Thailand. 'We were in Chiang Mai and I got a call from my sister to say there's no point in coming home but dad's not going to be long. I was shocked, I'd only seen him a few days before. 'I processed it for a minute and thought I need to go and be with him.' Liz called her airline British Airways immediately to see if she could move her and her husband's return flight to a different date. Liz with her father Kevin Duvall before he died, aged 88, in December However, Liz claims BA told her this would not be possible, and instead advised her to book two new tickets and claim a refund after sending across her father's death certificate. Liz said: 'They said on the phone 'send us the death certificate and then you'll be able to make the claim'. And I said 'but he's not dead yet'. 'It was unlikely he was going to make it - he was incredibly frail, [but] I suppose it was possible. He was responsive, my sister was telling him I was coming home. 'I was obviously shocked when they said that. It was quite shocking. I think I was quite numb. It was rather insensitive. There wasn't any empathy, there didn't seem to be that basic care. 'It might've been language - I know that English wasn't their first language but even so, that wasn't great.' After forking out 2,500 for two flight tickets back to the UK, Liz made it home in time to say goodbye to her dad before he died two days later. However, Liz claims she's still awaiting a refund despite sending her father's death certificate over 'four times' in the last month. Liz said: 'There was just a lot of insensitivity and bureaucracy. I'd sent the death certificate on four occasions and still got asked to send it again. They agreed they could refund the 3,500 on the phone but I haven't seen the money yet. Liz was abroad when she got the news that her dad was gravely ill 'I had to arrange a funeral and all these extra stresses going on besides BA. There's been a lot to deal with. 'BA just added to all those stresses. I later found out that there's a bereavement line that BA should've referred me to and they would've sorted it. 'I'll never fly BA again after all the stress and anxiety they have added to an already very difficult time. 'I chose BA because of the name - I thought I could trust them. They're known to me but now I know it's not the great British institution I thought it was. You're paying a lot of money for a flight - you want something you can rely on.' A British Airways spokesperson said: 'We know how stressful it must be to receive difficult news about a family member whilst abroad, and our teams work very hard to get people home as quickly as possible when this happens. 'On this occasion, our customer's experience fell short of expectation, and we are in touch with them directly to resolve this matter.' Holidaymakers can rejoice as London Gatwick Airport is set to add seven new airlines to the hub in 2026. The major airport welcomes around 40 million passengers a year jetting off to destinations all over the world. And 2026 is set to be another busy period, with Jet2 set to be one of the new additions coming to Gatwick. The UK's third-largest airline will bring six aircraft and will fly 29 routes across Europe, Travel and Tour World reports. Routes will begin from March 26, 2026 to a range of different locations across Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. The new arrival is expected to bring 300 direct jobs to the local area, including flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations. Hundreds more are also thought to be created through the wider supply chain. Air France is also set to secure a spot at Gatwick Airport. From March 29, the French airline will offer a new direct service twice a day to Paris, from Gatwick to Charles de Gaulle. 2026 is set to be another busy period, and Jet2 is one of the new additions coming to Gatwick The UK's third-largest airline will bring six aircraft and will fly 29 routes across Europe German carrier Eurowings will make its debut in the busy hub from March 29, launching 13 flights a week to Cologne. From April 13, it will provide six weekly services Stuttgart too. Another German airline, Condor, has also secured flights from Gatwick to Frankfurt from April. Beijing Capital Airlines will also reportedly launch flights from Gatwick to Qingdao, in East China's Shandong province. Meanwhile, from March 29 Air Arabia will offer twice-daily flights to Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. It will be the only direct service between this UAE destination and the UK. Romanian airline AminaWings is launching flights between Bucharest and London Gatwick from March 22, six days a week. Last year, Gatwick added many other airlines to its offerings - including Qanot Sharq, Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Peace and Skybus. Air France is also set to secure a spot at Gatwick Airport. From March 29 the French airline will offer a new direct service twice a day to Paris, from Gatwick to Charles de Gaulle In September, the airport was given the go-ahead to open a second runway - set to cost an impressive 2.2billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the nod of approval to the plans for the privately financed project. The new runway could potentially mean travellers can fly to a whole host of new destinations. The project will see the West Sussex airport will move its emergency runway 13 yards north, so it can be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. Holidaymakers are now seemingly turning away from going to the USA following the announcement of planned social media checks. A new survey, by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) analysed the answers of 4,500 respondents from many different countries involved with the ESTA programme. It found a third of tourists admit they are less likely to go to America if the social media proposals are introduced, Sky News reports. Proposals announced by US Customs and Border Protection in December, via a 'mandatory' notice published in the Federal Register, could mean overseas visitors would be required to make their social media activity over the last five years open to scrutiny. The plans mean any hint of anti-American sentiment posted online could land tourists hoping to visit the country in hot water with border officials. If overseas visitors do fall in such a way, the WTTC estimates tourism spending could be cut by $15bn (10.8bn). It could also hit a whopping 157,000 jobs. Some 66 per cent of respondents shared they were aware of the possible new regulations. The World Travel & Tourism Council found a third of tourists admit they are less likely to go to America if the social media proposals are introduced It's not the first time concerns have been raised about tourism to the US being impacted. When the proposals were first announced, Peter Greenberg, aka The Travel Detective, told BBC 5 Live Breakfast that the US faces losing huge tourist revenue if the plans go ahead. The News Travel Editor at CBS said: 'They're proposing up to a $15,000 bond to guarantee that when a visit is over, they don't extend their visa and they come home. How many people can afford that? 'Adding to that [the bond] is the new proposal that tourists may have to provide five years of social media history that needs to be inspected. 'Add those things together and you'll understand already why there's been a huge drop in inbound travel to the United States this summer, resulting in lost revenue that can never be recouped.' American President Donald Trump previously commented on whether he was worried about the plans impacting tourism. According to Sky News, he said: 'We want safety, we want security, we want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come into our country.' Join the debate How do YOU feel about governments reviewing travelers' online activity? American President Donald Trump previously commented on whether he was worried about the plans impacting tourism WTTC CEO and president Gloria Guevara, noted that security is 'vital' but went on to outline the damage the new plans could cause. She explained: 'Security at the US border is vital, but the planned policy changes will damage job creation, which the US administration values so much. 'Even modest shifts in visitor behaviour, discouraged by the planned changes, will have real economic consequences for US travel and tourism, particularly in a highly competitive global market.' It comes after we revealed how to get your phone ready if US border force ask you to go through it. With February half term fast approaching and thousands of families preparing to jet off on trips, new research has revealed which of the UK's busiest airports are best equipped for travelling with children. A study by Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) assessed ten major UK airports, comparing facilities such as play spaces, pushchair rules, baby care facilities, food options and family-friendly security, to help ensure a stress-free airport experience. Nick Caunter, Managing Director of APH.com, said: 'February half term is one of the busiest times of year for family travel, and the right facilities can make a real difference to how smoothly a journey begins. 'Our research helps parents understand what support is available at the UKs major airports, so they can plan ahead and travel with greater confidence.' Read on to discover how you can plan ahead and ensure a smooth start to your family's holiday. Airport Designated Play Areas Dedicated play spaces are especially beneficial before long flights as they help children burn off energy before boarding. While Heathrow Airport offers 'Stay & Play' soft-play areas in every terminal, Manchester Airport has its 'Little Flyers' play zone in Terminal 1, alongside baby facilities across all terminals. Children's play spaces can help young and restless flyers burn off energy before boarding, with airports such as Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick providing free soft play areas (stock image) Gatwick provides a free play area after security in the North Terminal, Birmingham has 24-hour Sky Zone play areas near Gates 1-20, and Bristol Airport offers a bookable Sensory Room for neurodivergent passengers. Pushchairs, Baby Care and Travelling with Little Ones Moving through an airport with young children can be tricky, but understanding what's allowed can help smoothen the experience. Pushchair policies can differ by airport - Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted allow pushchairs through security and to the gate, while Luton offers free loan pushchairs, and Birmingham provides them for a refundable deposit. All airports included in the research offer baby-changing and feeding facilities, and most allow essential baby food, milk and sterilised water through security within set limits. Dining Options for Families With airport waits often overlapping with mealtimes, access to children's menus and taking advantage of family-friendly meal offers can help make time at the airport more manageable. Most airports provide family-friendly dining options, with Heathrow standing out for its 'Kids Eat Free' offer during school holidays. Access to children's menus and family-friendly meal deals can help make time at the airport more manageable (stock image) Some airports, such as Belfast International, Gatwick and Edinburgh, offer free or directed Fast Track access for families with very young children (stock image) The UK's most family-friendly airports *Based on play spaces, pushchair rules, baby care facilities, food options and family-friendly security, compiled by Airport Parking and Hotels. The full study can be found here. Belfast International Airport Birmingham Airport Bristol Airport Edinburgh Airport Gatwick Airport Glasgow Airport Heathrow Airport Luton Airport Manchester Airport Stansted Airport Advertisement Fast Track and Family-Friendly Security During busy holiday periods, shorter queues can make a big difference - especially when travelling with babies or toddlers. Several airports offer free or directed Fast Track security access for families with very young children. Belfast International, Gatwick and Edinburgh provide free Fast Track for children under two, while Luton extends the benefit when travelling with an adult Fast Track ticket holder. Glasgow Airport offers free access for children under three when accompanied by a paying adult. A beautiful Welsh island is offering for people to stay for free - as long as you're willing to count puffins. Skomer Island, located just off the coast of southwest Wales, is known for its puffins, which arrive in large numbers to nest each year in May. The island is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW). Currently, the WTSWW is seeking applicants to spend months on the island to contribute to its conservation efforts. The WTSWW's official website is advertising for three long-term volunteers, one to work from March to July, another from April to August and a third from July to September. There's also a seabird monitoring volunteer position available from May to June. The trust explains: 'Our long-term volunteers form an integral part of the island team. 'They assist with the day-to-day running of the island and support the wardens, visitor officer and field worker with visitor engagement and wildlife monitoring. Volunteers are needed to count the puffins on Skomer Island 'Successful applicants will gain experience in visitor engagement and monitoring techniques (i.e. seabirds, breeding birds, butterflies, moths, marine mammals, etc.) on a National Nature Reserve. 'Additionally, long-term volunteers will gain experience in path and infrastructure maintenance with training being provided in the use of relevant tools and equipment.' It adds: 'In spring, the focus is on our breeding seabirds - so that'll mean Puffin counts and assisting with boat counts of seabird species. 'In summer, the focus moves to chick productivity, whilst in autumn the focus of our work is on Grey Seal monitoring and some of our other species including Skomer Voles, reptiles, cetaceans and moths.' Aside from contributing to the vital project, there are other perks to the roles. Volunteers will receive free accommodation including bills on Skomer, as well as travel expenses to and from Skomer (from within the UK) including parking, among other perks. The island's visitor officer Rob Knott told the BBC its at-risk puffins were 'absolutely iconic birds' and counting them was 'quite a job'. He said the process of counting them involves checking the island section by section, with a focus on counting two hours before sunset, when more puffins are on land. Skomer Island, sitauted off the south-west Wales coast He added: 'We get our clickers out and we count all the ones on the land, then the sea and the ones in the air as well.' Puffins are listed as vulnerable to extinction on the Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The island currently has more than 40,000 Puffins, and is an internationally important seabird island. Puffins start arriving on Skomer in mid-April and are present from May-July. Kyle Sandilands has been left stunned during a dramatic audition on Channel Seven's upcoming season of Australian Idol, a new teaser has revealed. The 54-year-old shock jock appeared momentarily lost for words when a contestant appeared before him and fellow judges Amy Shark and Marcia Hines without a song to sing. In the preview, the young woman, named Eva, tells the surprised judges to pick a song for her to perform, leaving the trio gobsmacked. 'You want us to choose which song you audition with?' Kyle asks Eva, who nods and smiles enthusiastically. However, the mood turns awkward when Kyle challenges the would-be Idol contestant: 'It's normally a bit of a red flag [when you don't have a song].' The other judges seem to back up Kyle's verdict on Eva's audition strategy, with Amy Shark telling the hopeful, 'You need to be your own artist.' In a new teaser for Australian Idol, Kyle Sandilands was left stunned during a dramatic audition In the preview, the young woman from Brisbane tells the surprised judges to pick a song for her to perform Kyle then cheekily suggested to the other judges to yell out requests, leaving Eva biting her lip and looking embarrassed. 'Whitney Houston,' the KIIS star suggested before adding, 'Men at Work, Down Under.' Marcia also chimed in, suggesting Eva try out with Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey. This season of Idol comes one year after Kyle rubbished claims that he had been gearing up to leave his Australian Idol hosting gig. In April 2025, Woman's Day reported that speculation was 'rife' that Sandilands, 53, would not be returning for the 2026 season of the Channel Seven reality series. The publication claimed that his three-year contract with Idol had now ended and that 'producers are concerned that [his] priorities had shifted'. The publication also claimed that Kyle was stepping down from his Idol role due to his recent brain aneurysm diagnosis. It was all news to the shock jock, however, who told Daily Mail Australia that there was no truth to the rumour. The other judges seemed to back up Kyle's verdict on Eva's audition strategy. Pictured: Amy Shark Kyle, who first joined Australian Idol in the early 2000s, said that the only correct course of action is for the publication to pay reparations to readers. 'I'm calling on the editor of Woman's Day to do the right thing and refund the $5.99 to every single reader who bought this week's edition of the magazine,' Sandilands said. He added that he would happily accept an apology from the publication. 'I'll graciously accept Woman's Day's apology for the false report. I'll also promise not to sue them, this time,' Sandilands joked. A spokesperson for Sandilands further rubbished the claim, adding: 'Kyle's not on a three-year deal, nor has his contract expired'. At the time, rumours of Sandilands' departure appeared greatly exaggerated, especially given that he already confirmed to The Daily Mail that he was locked in for another season. 'They've already booked in the dates,' he said. Grantchester (ITV1) Rating: Evenin' all. Dixon Of Dock Green, the nation's favourite Saturday night serial 60 years ago, is returning to our screens - but not as a TV drama. The London copper, played by Jack Warner, was the best advert the Metropolitan force has ever had. Whistling his theme tune, hands clasped behind his back as he patrolled his beat, he left no crime unsolved. In a dystopian twist, Sgt George Dixon is apparently to be the AI face of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's police reforms. I can't see how that will work: a few years ago, Warwickshire Police ordered its officers to stop using that catchphrase, 'Evening all', because of the risk of confusing people with cultural differences. Dixon made Britain feel a safer place. It's impossible to imagine any TV detective could do that now. Robson Green definitely doesn't have that effect on me. As Inspector Geordie Keating in Grantchester, he's seen so many murders over the past decade that, when his own custody sergeant turned up dead in the cells, he barely raised an eyebrow. As Inspector Geordie Keating in Grantchester (left), Robson Green has seen so many murders over the past decade that, when his own custody sergeant turned up dead in the cells, he barely raised an eyebrow The only person mourning the loss of Sgt Floyd (Jamie Kenna) was nervous former curate Leonard Finch (pictured), whose role is usually to stay on the sidelines, fussing and twittering, but who this time stole the show In fact, for everyone at the station, their chief gripe seemed to be that the killing meant any chance of an early night was kiboshed. Office secretary Miss Scott (Melissa Johns) was quite narked that her boyfriend, young DC Larry (Bradley Hall), wouldn't be taking her to the pictures... though she cheered up when he got down on one knee and proposed instead. ANIMAL MAGIC OF THE NIGHT: In a rubber apron, Clive Myrie was helping out at a bird sanctuary on his African Adventure (BBC2), concealing arthritis tablets in sardines for penguins with stiff flippers. Is he planning to add Supervet to his multiple hosting duties? Advertisement The only person mourning the loss of Sgt Floyd (Jamie Kenna) was nervous former curate Leonard Finch, whose role is usually to stay on the sidelines, fussing and twittering, but who this time stole the show. Leonard (Al Weaver) woke up in a locked cell next to the corpse, with a thumping hang-over and no memory of how he got there, let alone whether he'd strangled any policemen during the course of a riotous evening. We saw him sozzled and silly, blotto and boisterous, plastered and pugnacious, and finally mashed and maudlin. Weaver performed all of them with gusto, and then gave us the morning after, so vividly that my own brain was throbbing in sympathy. Throughout the ordeal, while Leonard was first chief suspect, then sole witness to the impossible murder, loyal housekeeper Sylvia Chapman (Tessa Peake-Jones) was waiting patiently at the front desk. She refused to eat or sleep till she'd seen him safely released into her own custody (after Geordie came up with a solution to the mystery that made no logical sense whatever). Grantchester has seen a succession of sleuthing vicars with streams of lovelorn lady admirers. Poor tortured Leonard, who was defrocked in disgrace, and the devoted Mrs Chapman, have been the reliable constants at the heart of the series, and it's good to see them at the fore. They've become the best characters in Grantchester, and made this a cracking episode. G'night, all. Fans of Ben Platt saw a very different side of the Broadway star as he wrapped up a guest stint on Ryan Murphy's gory body-horror series The Beauty on Wednesday. The 32-year-old actor opened the fourth episode of the buzzy Hulu show with a bloody rampage through a medical facility after he was infected with the deadly beauty drug in the previous episode. As Platt's character suffered stomach-churning side effects of the drug, which transfers its positive and negative effects like a sexually transmitted disease, he suddenly fell into a frenzy and broke free of his restraints, before murdering several guards and sending series lead Evan Peters on a high-octane chase to prevent him from escaping the hospital. Fans of Platt's work in the original stage versions of the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen and its film adaptation also got a kick of Platt's gruesome fate as he shed his skin and transformed into an even hunkier version of himself that was played by his former Dear Evan Hansen costar Isaac Cole Powell. Starting with the shocking opening scene of The Beauty, the series has established that people infected with Beauty eventually spontaneously combust in a bloody explosion after their body temperature spikes to an unsustainable level. But first, they suffer similar symptoms before shedding their original form and emerging from their old skin in a revitalized, more traditionally attractive form. Fans of Ben Platt saw a very different side of the Broadway star as he wrapped up a guest stint on Ryan Murphy's gory body-horror series The Beauty on Wednesday The 32-year-old actor opened the fourth episode of the buzzy Hulu show with a bloody rampage through a medical facility after he was infected with the deadly beauty drug in the previous episode After a Conde Nast employee who was infected with Beauty (played by the model Amelia Gray Hamlin) exploded in the third episode, FBI Agent Cooper Madsen (Peters) has been tasked with interviewing everyone around her who may have been infected by her splatter of bodily fluids and viscera. First, he speaks with a coworker of Hamlin's character named Ashley (Nick Olsen), but after he confesses that he had multiple sexual encounters with the dead woman, Cooper texts for help, and armed men stream into the interrogation room to tranquilize the witness and take him away. The FBI doesn't yet know much about how the virus is transmitted, and it doesn't know the time between infection and combustion, so anyone who may have been infected is treated as someone who could potentially go on a homicidal rampage before exploding and infecting even more people. Cooper's next interview subject is another Conde Nast employee, Manny, who was infected by a droplet of blood that got into his eye in the previous episode. Manny is being held in a medical facility with restraints, and he's clearly showing symptoms, as his temperature is through the roof. As Cooper who wears a full hazmat suit tries to interview him, Manny gets increasingly agitated and begs him to release him. As his temperature continues to climb, Manny suddenly feels the full impact of the virus. He begins screaming and convulsing in pain in his bed as his eyes well up with blood, just like the other victims did before they exploded. The episode opened with FBI Agent Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) interviewing people who were potentially infected with a Conde Nast employee (Amelia Gray Hamlin) exploded in the previous episode First, he speaks with a coworker of Hamlin's character named Ashley (Nick Olsen), but after he confesses that he had multiple sexual encounters with the dead woman, Cooper texts for help Armed men stream into the interrogation room to tranquilize the witness and take him away Cooper's next interview subject is another Conde Nast employee, Manny, who was infected by a droplet of blood that got into his eye in the previous episode Manny is being held in a medical facility with restraints, and he's clearly showing symptoms, as his temperature is through the roof and he's increasingly agitated As his temperature continues to climb, Manny suddenly feels the full impact of the virus. He begins screaming and convulsing in pain in his bed as his eyes well up with blood, just like the other victims did before they exploded As Manny struggled against his restraints, the skin on his arms starts to slough off in blood patches, allowing him to wriggle free. He's now in a frenzy and suddenly gifted with superhuman strength, and he lashes out at the doctors monitoring him. One unfortunate person in a hazmat suit gets between Platt's character and the exit, so he grabs him from behind and gives him a bear hug strong enough to send a splatter of blood that breaks through his suit. As Cooper chases him through the hospital corridors with his gun drawn, Manny breaks into an operating room and assaults the doctors and shoves the patient, whose abdomen is open for surgery, through a door. He rushes into another room where two sinister doctors appear to be performing a face transplant on a person who was blinded and completely disfigured by a chimpanzee. Manny enters a room with disturbing fluid-filled cylinders containing the skin of donor patients, which the surgeons will use to reconstruct the bodies of other disfigured patients. It's there that Platt's character completes his transformation, and Cooper arrives to find a bubbling, steaming pile of flesh and a hospital gown, before looking up to see the new version of Manny (now played by Isaac Cole Powell) covered in bloody goo and ready for more brawling. Cooper is eventually able to subdue him thanks to a syringe full of a powerful sedative given to him by a nurse, and the armed guards carry away Manny's new body. As Manny struggled against his restraints, the skin on his arms starts to slough off in blood patches, allowing him to wriggle free He's now in a frenzy and suddenly gifted with superhuman strength, and he lashes out at the doctors monitoring him, including one that he bear hugs with superhuman strength until he splatters He rushes through the hospital as his skin starts to fall off In one gruesome moment, Manny's spinal cord seems to poke through his back A sinister doctor is performing a face transplant on a woman disfigured by a chimpanzee when Manny bursts into the operating room Fans on social media were stunned by Platt's transformation, as he's never played a character in such a frenzied, murderous state. 'Yesss! Ben Platt! Amazing!!' wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Others were delighted not just with Platt's unusual turn, but also by the fact that his new 'Beautified' self was played by another Dear Evan Hansen actor. Powell played Rhys, a character that was created specifically for the film adaptation. Multiple posters on X jokingly referred to Powell as the 'yassified' version of Platt's character. 'Lol at them making Ben Platt's yassified inner person Isaac Cole Powell on the Beauty,' one fan wrote. Another viewer added, 'Sexy a** Isaac Cole Powell being the yassified Ben Platt LMAOOOOO #TheBeautyFX.' Other viewers joked about Platt's history of working with series co-creator Ryan Murphy. In a room with ghastly cylinders with donor skin, his skin completely falls off, revealing his hunky new persona, played by Platt's former Dear Evan Hansen costar Isaac Cole Powell Manny tussles with Coooper and gets control of his gun But Cooper is able to get the upper hand and tase him as armed guards arrive They carry the newly svelte version of Manny away Fans on social media were stunned by Platt's transformation, as he's never played such a dark or extreme character Multiple posters on X jokingly referred to Powell as the 'yassified' version of Platt's character Other viewers joked about Platt's history of working with series co-creator Ryan Murphy Others were grossed out by the scene of doctors removing the disfigured patients face and replacing it with another dead person's visage 'The best part of watching a ryan murphy show is you never know when ben platt will show up with an eating disorder,' read one post. Others were grossed out by the scene of doctors removing the disfigured patients face and replacing it with another dead person's visage. '#TheBeauty oH MY GOD THEY REMOVED THE FACE EWW,' read one distressed tweet. Lord Sugar sacked TWO Apprentice candidates on Thursday night's episode after a disastrous performance - and both axed stars has furiously hit back at his decision. The popular BBC show returned to our screens for its 20th series on Thursday night. Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell put the 20 new candidates through their paces as they were tasked with trying to find nine items for the lowest price possible in Hong Kong. The girls and boys went head to head to locate and purchase them - and the boys managed to come out on top. But unfortunately two didn't impress him enough to carry on in the competition. Mortgage broker Nikki Jetha, who was project manager for the task, and events manager Georgina Newton were fired after failing the task miserably by only managing to bring back TWO of the nine items. Lord Sugar sacked TWO Apprentice candidates on Thursday night's episode after a disastrous performance - and both axed stars has furiously hit back at his decision The girls and boys went head to head to locate and purchase them - and the boys managed to come out on top and project manager Nikki Jetha was the first to be fired. events manager Georgina Newton were fired after failing the task miserably by only managing to bring back TWO of the nine items. Events manager Georgina Newton was also fired after the girls teams failed the task miserably by only managing to bring back TWO of the nine items (seen) Not only that, half of Nikki's team were nearly two hours late to cross the finish line. When asked if she deserved the boot, Nikki said: 'No, definitely not. I was brave enough to stand up and take on a challenge during the first task. 'It was, you know, unfamiliar territory. 'Not knowing the process, let alone the country, and not having internet and things like that. 'But I did the best I could do under the pressure, with limited information, and I'd rather be fired for stepping up than staying safe in the background. 'Theres a saying that ships are safest in the harbour, but that's not what they're built for. ' When Georgina was asked the same thing, said: 'No, I didn't. I think in the first episode, I probably contributed more than anybody on my team, and I think for the show, the person that contributes the least should go home. 'I thought a had a few more weeks at least left in me.' Join the debate Was firing two candidates the right call? Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell put the 20 new candidates through their paces as they were tasked with trying to find nine items for the lowest price possible in Hong Kong Not only that, half of Nikki's team were nearly two hours late to cross the finish line after losing their driver When asked if she deserved the boot, Nikki said: 'No, definitely not. I was brave enough to stand up and take on a challenge during the first task' When Georgina was asked the same thing, said: 'No, I didn't. I think in the first episode, I probably contributed more than anybody on my team, and I think for the show, the person that contributes the least should go home' When asked if she would do anything differently, Nikki said: 'Yeah, definitely. 'In hindsight, I would do a lot differently, but that's just the luxury you don't get, unfortunately. 'But I trusted my instincts, I made decisive calls, and I'll do that again. 'I guess I did something that many people think about, but they don't actually stand up and do.' Meanwhile when asked who she thought should have gone, Georgina confessed: 'My answer to that is, if I was Lord Sugar, I would have sent two girls home from Nikkis sub team because I think there's no excuse for being two hours late somewhere. 'But I can't comment on who that person is because I don't know what they did or how they worked, because I wasn't on their sub team. 'But that's what I would have done.' This now means that Andrea Cooper, Carrington Saunders, Conor Galvin, Karishma Vijay, Dan Miller, Tanmay Hingorani, Marcus Donkoh, Priyeshi Bhatia, Lawrence Rosenberg, Roxanne Hamedi, Kieran McCartney, Vanessa Tetteh-Squire, Harry Clough, Pascha Myhill, Rothna Akhtar, Levi Hague, Megan Ruiter, and Rajan Gill are all still battling it out for a 250,000 investment with Lord Sugar. Lord Sugar revealed that there was a 'heated exchange' cut from the premiere after the 'shocking' performance from both teams which left him seething with disappointment He said: 'I expressed my displeasure, from what I recall, what you've seen, you saw a kind of a mild disapproval from me... But there was actually a little bit more of a heated exchange when I told them how disappointed I was.' Lord Sugar revealed that there was a 'heated exchange' cut from the premiere after the 'shocking' performance from both teams which left him seething with disappointment. He said: 'It is a classic task. You'd think it's quite simple, wouldn't you? 'Just for the audience's reference, we don't just pick nine items randomly, we actually sent people out there beforehand to do a dummy run, to go and find these things, so we know they're there. We know that they are gettable...' He continued: 'Yeah, and I was a bit disappointed. I think it must have shown... to spend all that time and money of sending everybody to Hong Kong. 'And one of the teams only found two of them, and the other team found three of them, and even then they got wrong. It was quite shocking, really. 'And so I expressed my displeasure, from what I recall, what you've seen, you saw a kind of a mild disapproval from me... 'But there was actually a little bit more of a heated exchange when I told them how disappointed I was.' The Apprentice airs Thursdays on BBC One and iPlayer from 9pm. Sam Thompson was left embarrassed after Ben Shephard took a withering swipe at his appearance as he appeared on the This Morning sofa. The former Made In Chelsea star joined Ben, 51, and his co-host Cat Deeley on Thursday morning to talk viewers through the latest showbusiness gossip. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner Sam, 33, is a regular contributor to the ITV series, often appearing during the week to give viewers the lowdown. But before he even had a chance to open up on the latest headlines, he was given a savage takedown by Ben - who was quick to comment on his tan. 'I think you're going more and more orange,' Ben pointed out as Sam first appeared on screen, as Sam flapped his hands in the air responding: 'Don't! You've got to stop this!' Lifting his hands up to reveal his fake tan, Sam smiled and said: 'It's on the palms,' as Cat chimed in: 'You're going to give him a complex!' Sam Thompson was left embarrassed after Ben Shephard took a withering swipe at his appearance as he appeared on the This Morning sofa The former Made In Chelsea star joined Ben, 51, and his co-host Cat Deeley on Thursday morning to talk viewers through the latest showbusiness gossip 'He looks very healthy,' Ben added, leaving Sam looking embarrassed behind him. Later on in the show, Sam was seen gushing over the Kardashians as commented on Kim, 45, opening up on her trips to the supermarket with daughter North, 12. Heaping praise on her skin, Cat was quick to poke fun at Sam once more, adding: 'There's no dodgy fake tan on them!' It comes after Sam was given a grilling live on air as he appeared on This Morning after it was revealed he'd exchanged flirty messages with Love Island's Helena Ford. In August 2025, the former Made In Chelsea star recounted how he'd been invited to the ITV2 show's Hideaway, the Love Island villa's private room, after Helena, 29, made a steamy remark about him. Helena made the offer to Sam in 2017 ahead of the Love Island final, in which she had asked where to apply to 'sit on Sam Thompson's face'. Sam revealed on his podcast with Pete Wicks that when he met face to face with Helena at the filming of Love Island's spin-off Aftersun, she made yet another cheeky jibe asking 'if the Hideaway was free' there and then. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here winner Sam, 33, is a regular contributor to the ITV series, often appearing during the week to give viewers to low down Before he even had a chance to open up on the latest headlines, he was given a savage takedown by Ben - who was quick to comment on his tan And as the TV presenter joined Cat and Ben the This Morning sofa on Thursday, Sam's thoughts on Helena were quickly brought up. The I'm A Celebrity winner, 33, took to the show to discuss the upcoming series of All Stars, which starts tonight (Thursday) on ITV2 after being debuted because of the wildfires across South Africa. Sam joked: 'So we know Helena quite well at Staying Relevant, my podcast, we had her at the O2 - she made a tweet about me when she was on Love Island last year.' Cat pressed: 'Saying what?' as he responded: 'Im not going to say what it was.' But as he was pushed, Sam then gave away: 'It was of a nature...' to which Ben continued to push: 'Of a flirty nature?' Sam then confirmed: 'It was of a flirty nature,' with Cat prying even further: 'Did she slide into your DMs?' Trying to divert the conversation away from Helena, Sam started to nervously last - pointing towards the new images of show host Maya Jama. Sam and his best pal, former The Only Way Is Essex star Pete, discussed the tweet written by Helena, as they filmed a podcast episode last year. The former Made In Chelsea revealed he'd been invited to the ITV2 show's Hideaway, the Love Island villa's private room, after Helena, 29, made a steamy remark about him The chat came after Pete read out a tweet made by Helena about Sam years earlier, in a previous podcast episode. 'Where do I apply to sit on Sam Thompson's face? Asking for a mate,' the tweet written by Helena at the time had said. Pete warned Sam that he and Helena would come face to face on Aftersun, to which the Made In Chelsea star said: 'I don't mind coming on to ask her!' After the video from the podcast was shared on TikTok, Helena commented: 'They dont call me hideaway Helena for nothing.' This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. Season four of Bridgerton has come under fire for 'playing it safe,' with critics complaining that the latest episodes 'feel like they've been written by AI'. On Thursday (January 29), the alternative history regency drama series dropped its four latest installments on Netflix. Based upon Julia Quinn's book series of the same name, the show originally debuted on Christmas Day in 2020. The series currently stars the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Adjoa Andoh and Lorraine Ashbourne. Meanwhile, legendary Oscar-winning actress Julie Andrews features as the voice of Lady Whistledown. The fourth season places the spotlight onto Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), the second son. Bridgerton has kicked off season four on Netflix - but critics have not been overwhelmingly impressed The focus this time is on the romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) Although some critics praised the characters' romance and the actors' on-screen chemistry, others took a different view Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton and Daniel Francis as Lord Anderson in Bridgerton season four With the latest episodes now available to stream, critics have sadly not been too impressed. The Independent's Nick Hilton writes: 'The show created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimess Shondaland has managed to take the conventions of the period drama and distil them into something even more conventional. 'It is the closest a human could come to creating an AI slop Regency romance: distilling plotlines from classic novels and fairy tales, generating consistently perfect facial bone structure, rendering everything in lurid, over-saturated colour.' TIME's Judy Berman pens: 'Still, five years into its tremendously popular run, the Bridgerton template is showing signs of wear. 'The new seasons lead Benedict Bridgerton, a louche aspiring artist played by Luke Thompsonwould seem to present the ideal opportunity to switch things up. 'Instead, we get an extremely familiar story that, while packed with endearing performances and never less than bingeable, plays it disappointingly safe.' The Guardian's Sarah Dempster says: 'Any similarities to Downton Abbey and, indeed, any other earthly television series, living or dead are purely superficial. 'The Regency romp, based on the series of eight novels by American author Julia Quinn, operates in a world of its own making. One review for the first four episodes described them as 'an extremely familiar story' and 'disappointingly safe' 'It is, as the fourth season makes only too plain, quite, quite bananas.' Variety's Aramide Tinabu describes Benedict and Sophie's romance as 'lackluster', adding: 'Unfortunately, at least as depicted in Part 1, Sophie and Benedicts romance lacks the tantalizing heat and erotic chemistry of the shows previous central couples. 'Though they are doing and saying all of the right things, their connection doesnt leap off the screen.' The Telegraph's Anita Singh comments: 'Thompson and Ha spark off one another nicely. 'But, goodness me, the rest of this series is cheesier than fondue. 'Just as women are said to forget the pain of childbirth otherwise wed never go through with it again, so Bridgerton fans can only be returning because theyve erased the godawful scripts from their minds. And the acting! 'Adjoa Andoh is an associate artist with the RSC and has won much acclaim over the years, yet as Lady Danbury she delivers her lines as if addressing an audience of toddlers on CBeebies.' ScreenRant's Liz Hersey writes: 'With its romanticized Regency setting, gorgeous gowns, decadent balls, and of course, its swoon-worthy romances, Bridgerton already feels like a fairy tale. 'So, making season 4 an overt homage to Cinderella feels like such a natural pairing that it's a surprise the show hasn't done this with other fairy tales before. 'The problem is that season 4's fairy tale influence clashes with its convention-flouting male lead. Benedict became a fan-favorite Bridgerton character precisely because he defies societal and genre norms.' Another couple hits the rocks on Thursday's episode of Love Island: All Stars in the aftermath of the latest brutal double dumping - and SIX US bombshells send shockwaves through the villa. Wednesday's instalment of the ITV2 dating show saw the islanders break down in tears after finding out that Jess Harding and Shaq Muhammad were given the boot. Viewers were voting for their favourite boy and girl - who was revealed as Sean Stone and Samie Elishi - and those with the fewest votes had to leave. Leanne Amaning and Lucinda Strafford were also in the bottom three, as well as Curtis Pritchard and Konnor Ewudzi. After the pair were sent home, Leanne's man Scott van-der-Sluis opens up about how he is feeling towards her with Belle Hassan. Belle asks: 'Well, you could have gone home with her?' Another couple hits the rocks on Thursday's episode of Love Island: All Stars in the aftermath of the latest brutal double dumping - and SIX US bombshells send shockwaves through the villa After Jess and Shaq were sent home, Leanne's man Scott van-der-Sluis (pictured) opens up about how he is feeling towards her with Belle Hassan - and it doesn't sound good... Six new American bombshells (pictured) enter their very own villa which is called Villa USA 'No, not on day 14 whats the earliest point that you do leave?,' Scott replies. Belle tells him: 'When you feel like what you have is real if I felt like I was settled and they left, Id think, "Why am I in here?"' But Scott tells her: 'Just imagine you got outside and it didn't work after a couple of weeks and you look back and think, "Why did I leave?"' He then has a chat with the boys about how he felt she acted towards him after the dumping. Scott tells them: 'Last night was heavy for both of us. 'If it was the other way around Id have got into bed and been like, Im so glad to still be here with you... Leanne was so passive with it. 'She sounded like she didnt care either way' Trying to get to the bottom of how he is feeling, Curtis asks: 'So, you just felt you wanted a bit more reassurance that she is super happy to be here?' It appears that Scott doesn't seem very happy in his relationship with Leanne anymore as he opens up to the boys Scott tells him: 'I dont even think it's being reassured, I just know that if it was the other way around Id have been like that, the relief would have been in my voice.' The islanders are also treated to not one, but SIX new bombshells - and they are all from the US. Earlier this week the Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Zack Woodworth, 26, who starred in the seventh series of Love Island US, will be on our screens on Thursday as part of a shocking twist. But now there are five others who are joining him. Love Island USA season two star Carrington Rodriguez, season one favourite Yamen Sanders, season two's Sher Suarez, season three star Kyra Lizama and season five's Imani Wheeler also set foot in their very own villa, which is called Villa USA. Zac can be heard saying: 'I want to make a cheers to the US being part of All Stars for the first time ever!' Presenter Maya Jama, 31, arrives at the villa and tells them: 'Well, this is US All Stars in the building for the very first time. 'This is kinda major, very big deal. I hope youre all ready to make an impact.' The islanders are also treated to not one, but SIX new bombshells - and they are from the US (pictured) Yamen Sanders, who appeared in the first series of Love Island USA, is back to find The One again Carrington Rodriguez - who took part in the second season - is looking for a girl and maybe she is from the UK Love Island USA season two star Sher Suarez wows in a red bikini as she walks into the sister villa Sher tells her: 'I am convinced that my husband is from the UK.' 'It's every guy's dream to find a girl abroad,' Carrington tells her. After giving them a warm welcome, Maya heads back over to the main villa to spill the beans. She tells the islanders: 'Youve all been here seeking a second chance at love. I think its fair to say loyalties have been tested. 'But ask yourself this, are the connections youve found - or started to build - strong enough? Are you happy? Or could you be happier? 'Whos ready for an All Stars twist?' Six islanders then head over to the sister villa as she tells them: 'You guys standing here have been invited to a USA getaway.' She continues: 'Please head directly to Villa USA to meet some American All Stars.' Love Island's official Instagram page shared the news that two islanders had been dumped on their profile. After Jess was given the boot, they wrote: 'Jess brought an unmatched vibe to the Villa and wasnt afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, but now her All Stars journey has come to an end.' Writing about Shaq's departure, they said: 'Kissing bans, love triangles and a loverboy through and through, Shaq had a rollercoaster of a journey but now his time on All Stars is over.' Love Island: All Stars continues Thursday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. The first four episodes of Bridgerton series four has been branded unusually tame by fans. The Netflix show, which is often called a bonkbuster thanks to its racy sex scenes, dropped on Thursday after a two-year wait. But the episodes were called 'lackluster' by critics, with Benedict Bridgerton's (Luke Thompson), romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) being a slow-burner. Viewers will have to wait until February 26th when the second part drops to watch the relationship unfold, after it was only in the last episode the lovers met on the maid's staircase. The sex scenes instead were focused on newly-married Penelope and Colin Bridgerton. Fans were amused as they claimed Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) had turned into 'sex guru' when Francesca (Hannah Dodd) asked about what a 'pinnacle' for a woman was, after she had questioned her mother Violet (Ruth Gemmel), who was hopeless at explaining. The first four episodes of Bridgerton series four has been branded unusually tame by fans Fans joked Violet is terrible at sex education despite having eight children after her daughter Francesca asked what a 'pinnacle' for a woman is Viewers joked on X: 'For someone who had eight children, Violet Bridgerton sucks at sex ed'; 'Violet Bridgerton when she has to talk about sex with her female children'; 'Penelope Bridgerton - writer, wife, mother, sex guru'; 'It is a sensation that occurs between your legs and spreads throughout your entire body. Your heart will begin to race. You may gasp for air or shout into the night. It'd feel like the height of pleasure! - Pen explaining to Fran what a "pinnacle is. Oh my god'.; 'Violet Bridgerton everything one of her daughters asks about sex "Well uh, I uh"; 'Reviewers losing their mind because Bridgerton series four isn't sex scenes every two mins. I'm here to tell you we do not care' 'Bridgerton going back to basis with storylines about girls not knowing anything about sex we're so back!' The Netflix show, which is often called a bonkbuster thanks to its racy sex scenes, dropped on Thursday after a two-year wait. But the episodes were called 'lackluster' by critics Benedict Bridgerton's (Luke Thompson) romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) was a slow-burner Viewers will have to wait until February 26th when the second part drops to watch the relationship unfold, after it was only in the last episode the lovers met on the maid's staircase Viewers joked on X: 'For someone who had eight children, Violet Bridgerton sucks at sex ed'; Bridgerton season four: What are the critics saying? Hello!: Rating: 'Ha is a brilliant heroine, and while there's notably less steam compared to Penelope and Colin's season three romance, the chemistry between the two leads is palpable and a joy to watch.' Looper: Rating: 'Season 4 benefits from a little bit of time away from London and the ton, giving its two leads (Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, respectively) a chance to shine on their own. 'And although this season (Part 1, at least) is more rom-com than raunch, there are still plenty of moments that we suspect will make fans go feral.' The Independent: Rating: 'It is the closest a human could come to creating an AI slop Regency romance: distilling plotlines from classic novels and fairy tales, generating consistently perfect facial bone structure, rendering everything in lurid, over-saturated colour.' The Guardian: Rating: 'Its all utterly bananas. But crucially, it is sincere about it and its commitment is admirable.' Digital Spy: Rating: 'While there are no stakes in the will-they-won't they aspect of this romance (we don't need to see part two to know that they will, as is the Bridgerton formula), investment in their season four journey comes from the way Ha and Thompson commit to their hopelessness.' The Telegraph: Rating: 'Thompson and Ha spark off one another nicely. But, goodness me, the rest of this series is cheesier than fondue.' Advertisement Violet and her late husband Edmund had eight children, named alphabetically: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. She acts as the family matriarch, guiding her children in the marriage market and hoping they find love matches. Meanwhile, critics have sadly not been too impressed with Part One. The Independent's Nick Hilton writes: 'The show created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimess Shondaland has managed to take the conventions of the period drama and distil them into something even more conventional. 'It is the closest a human could come to creating an AI slop Regency romance: distilling plotlines from classic novels and fairy tales, generating consistently perfect facial bone structure, rendering everything in lurid, over-saturated colour.' TIME's Judy Berman pens: 'Still, five years into its tremendously popular run, the Bridgerton template is showing signs of wear. 'The new seasons lead Benedict Bridgerton, a louche aspiring artist played by Luke Thompsonwould seem to present the ideal opportunity to switch things up. 'Instead, we get an extremely familiar story that, while packed with endearing performances and never less than bingeable, plays it disappointingly safe.' The Guardian's Sarah Dempster says: 'Any similarities to Downton Abbey and, indeed, any other earthly television series, living or dead are purely superficial. 'The Regency romp, based on the series of eight novels by American author Julia Quinn, operates in a world of its own making. One review for the first four episodes described them as 'an extremely familiar story' and 'disappointingly safe' 'It is, as the fourth season makes only too plain, quite, quite bananas.' Variety's Aramide Tinabu describes Benedict and Sophie's romance as 'lackluster', adding: 'Unfortunately, at least as depicted in Part 1, Sophie and Benedicts romance lacks the tantalizing heat and erotic chemistry of the shows previous central couples. 'Though they are doing and saying all of the right things, their connection doesnt leap off the screen.' The Telegraph's Anita Singh comments: 'Thompson and Ha spark off one another nicely. 'But, goodness me, the rest of this series is cheesier than fondue. 'Just as women are said to forget the pain of childbirth otherwise wed never go through with it again, so Bridgerton fans can only be returning because theyve erased the godawful scripts from their minds. And the acting! 'Adjoa Andoh is an associate artist with the RSC and has won much acclaim over the years, yet as Lady Danbury she delivers her lines as if addressing an audience of toddlers on CBeebies.' ScreenRant's Liz Hersey writes: 'With its romanticized Regency setting, gorgeous gowns, decadent balls, and of course, its swoon-worthy romances, Bridgerton already feels like a fairy tale. 'So, making season 4 an overt homage to Cinderella feels like such a natural pairing that it's a surprise the show hasn't done this with other fairy tales before. 'The problem is that season 4's fairy tale influence clashes with its convention-flouting male lead. Benedict became a fan-favorite Bridgerton character precisely because he defies societal and genre norms.' Veronica Webb was a top model in the 1980s and 1990s. The Detroit native worked with the best photographers when posing for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar magazines. She also walked the runways for designers including Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaia, Isaac Mizrahi, and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. In 1992, Webb made history as the first Black model to sign an exclusive cosmetics contract when she joined Revlon. And she also was a part of the Victoria's Secret brand as she posed for the catalogs and walked their runway. Webb also acted: Her films and TV credits include Jungle Fever, In Too Deep, Just Shoot Me! The Big Tease, The West Wing, Dirty Laundry and Malcolm X. Her dating life was interesting too: she romanced Spike Lee, Cory Booker and Robert De Niro. Now at 60, she still models, and looks sensational as well. Veronica Webb was a top model in the 1980s and 1990s. Seen at the Victoria's Secret spring show in 1996 in NYC. This week she posted a new image to Instagram In 1996 at the Victoria's Secret Spring 1996 Lingerie Fashion Show at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, both left and right The star took to Instagram this week to give a look at her body in lingerie as she was hooked up to a machine. 'You cant fake the funk. New York Fashion Week is two weeks out, which means the prep gets intentional. This part isnt glamorous. Its repetitive. Its disciplined. And yestemporarily joy-limiting. 'Daily Pilates. Long walks in a weighted vest. Strength training with the vest (because bones, muscles, and metabolism dont maintain themselves). And as we hit the two-week mark, the dial turns: No alcohol. No fried food. No refined sugar. AKA: no fun until the last show wraps. 'Im also layering in body treatments that focus on muscle tone and tissue qualitynot quick fixes, not spot reduction, but supporting what Im already doing. Think muscle stimulation, circulation, and recovery, not magic. 'Fashion Week doesnt reward shortcuts. It rewards consistency. The goal isnt smaller. Its sleeker. Stronger. More awake in your own body. The party comes later. First, the work.' Webb on Holiday in St Barthelemy, French West Indies in 2009 Walking down the runway at the First Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1995 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City Webb at the Tracy Reese for Magaschoni Fall 1992 Ready to Wear Runway Show in 1992 in New York City Webb during Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2006 - Fashion For Relief - On the Runway at Bryant Park in New York City Seen on her Elle magazine covers And she has also appeared in a swimsuit for Vogue magazine She got an early start in modeling as a teenager. After high school in Detroit, she studied design at Parsons School of Design in New York. While working as a cashier in SoHo in NYC, she was discovered by a makeup artist, launching her modeling career. Her career has also included contributions to Good Morning America as a cultural correspondent. Director Spike Lee and Webb (L) enter the Festival Palace to attend the screening of A Rage in Harlem at the 44th Cannes International Film Festival in 1991 Russell Simmons and Webb during Victoria's Secret Fall 1995 Runway Show at Plaza Hotel in New York City Webb pursued journalism and cultural commentary after making a splash as a model. She has also written for The New York Times, Elle, and Interview. Her writing covers trends in beauty, wellness, and even modern science. Webb is wed to Chris Del Gatto, the Co Founder and CEO of the Del Gatto Finance Group which is the largest non-bank lender to the global diamond and jewelry industry. Before that she was married to George Robb from 2002 until 2009. The star took to Instagram this week to give a look at her body in lingerie as she was hooked up to a machine. 'You cant fake the funk. New York Fashion Week is two weeks out, which means the prep gets intentional. This part isnt glamorous. Its repetitive. Its disciplined' 'Daily Pilates. Long walks in a weighted vest. Strength training with the vest (because bones, muscles, and metabolism dont maintain themselves). And as we hit the two-week mark, the dial turns: No alcohol. No fried food. No refined sugar. AKA: no fun until the last show wraps' Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news. Winning at life Don't you miss the days when CEOs lived like rock stars? Well, John 'Herman' Winning Jr - the boss of appliances company Winning Group - proves that philosophy is alive and kicking in 2026. Since the start of the year, he has been papped partying with British rocker Yungblud and posing for effortlessly cool selfies with his socialite girlfriend Dina Broadhurst. But there's a problem. Appliances heir John 'Herman' Winning Jr and on-again-off-again girlfriend Dina Broadhurst posed for this selfie in his walk-in wardrobe earlier this week While Herman is, by all accounts, a perfectly competent CEO, there are some within the family firm who wish his social media presence would be a little more... CEO-like. One of Dina's latest shots of the duo has particularly irked company insiders. This week, Herman was captured in a snap taken inside his walk-in wardrobe (yes, really), dressed in drop-crotch pants, a leopard-print shirt and sunglasses that would make Elton John jealous. It was certainly more Fashion Week than appliances heir, and not the sort of polished, presidential look some within Winning HQ would quietly prefer. Sources say Winning top brass had long hoped Herman would cultivate a more statesmanlike presence befitting the helm of a household-name company. Instead, he projects an image of 'work hard, play harder'. Still, at least things have settled down in his romantic life. After being on and off since at least April 2024, Herman and Dina are now firmly back 'on'. Dina certainly reaped the benefits of their yo-yo love story, hooking up with a Belgian model aged in his 20s during one of their 'off' periods last year. You go, girl. Snow much fun Barbara and Michael Coombes were part of the Aussie contingent in Aspen this ski season The billionaire ski playground of Aspen took on a distinct Australian twang this season. Leading the charge was Sydney socialite Barbara Coombes and her property developer husband, Michael - a man often mistaken for English actor Jason Statham. The pair were spotted partying with Orlando Bloom, who happily embraced the Aussie invasion. Festivities kicked off with dinner at glitzy hotspot Sant Ambroeus, then the group - including corporate advisor Charlie Graham and his wife Wallis - later migrated to Silver City, Aspen's storied mountain saloon and celebrity haunt. Before long, Babs' niece found herself sharing the microphone with Bloom for a karaoke rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart. The outing came mere days after the Hollywood star's 49th birthday, which reportedly saw him leading a conga line of 'power gays'. The Aspen escape doubled as a family affair, with Babs and Michael hitting the millionaire ski fields flanked by her father, freight and transport boss Terry Tzaneros; her brother Arthur and his wife Maude; and her socialite sister-in-law Angelique Andrews - who, for good measure, is also sister to Michael Coombes. Dexies drama Former stylist and 2000s 'It' girl Kelly Smythe is seen on July 3, 2025, collecting a prescription from a North Bondi pharmacy months after her arrest Former stylist and 2000s 'It' girl Kelly Smythe faced court this week after admitting she used a false letter and two fraudulent prescriptions to score drugs from a Paddington chemist. The 48-year-old, who calls Australia's most expensive street in Point Piper home, appeared at Downing Centre where the charges were ultimately dismissed on mental health grounds - but only after she pleaded guilty to misusing multiple pharmaceutical scripts and was formally ordered into a treatment plan. Court documents revealed the dodgy prescriptions were for dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine, obtained from Paddington Compounding Pharmacy last year. Dextroamphetamine - better known as 'dexies' - is typically prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, while lisdexamfetamine is used to treat moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder in adults - neither of which Smythe was authorised to self-prescribe. The court heard that the final time Smythe attempted to collect medication from the chemist, police were waiting. She was arrested on May 15, 2025. Represented by one of Sydney's top barristers, Stephen Alexander, the court was told Smythe's offending was driven by depression. 'It was self-medication,' he reportedly said, insisting she was only harming herself. He also suggested Smythe may suffer from ADHD and had been under ongoing medical care, telling the court that, in her mind, she believed she needed additional medication to 'rehabilitate' herself. Police prosecutor Sgt Will Bargwanna wasn't buying it, pointing out the behaviour wasn't a one-off slip, but one that stretched across an eight-month period. Still, Smythe managed to convince Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson, who accepted her mental health issues and ordered her into a formal treatment plan - though not before issuing a stark reminder that she was not a doctor. Smythe is pictured alongside actor Alex Dimitriades at Derby Day on November 4, 2006 Bad neighbours A court date slipped by last month without much notice. But it probably shouldn't have, because it involved one of the eastern suburbs' more compelling marital splits. Michael Burn, a former male escort and the fiance of BondiBoost entrepreneur Alexandra Jakob, appeared before a magistrate at Downing Centre on December 12 over several matters related to Alexandra's ex-husband Gabriel Jakob. To recap: Alexandra and Gabriel were together for 12 years and made a fortune from childcare centres before separating in March 2023. While many former couples opt for a clean break, the Jakobs remained neighbours, occupying tri-level mansions on Wolseley Road in Point Piper. The arrangement no longer stands, with Alexandra moving across the harbour. After the split, Alexandra found love with Mr Burn, and the pair later became engaged, with plans to marry at the 17th-century Grantley Hill in England's Yorkshire Dales in September. Unfortunately, the former Mr and Mrs Jakobs and her new partner Mr Burn - who has Alexandra's name tattooed on his chest - have not made for a harmonious trio. The upshot of the December 12 hearing was an apprehended domestic violence order made to protect Gabriel from Mr Burn for 12 months. The bitter marriage split of Gabriel and Alexandra Jakob is still keeping magistrates occupied BondiBoost entrepreneur Alexandra Jakob is now engaged to former male escort Michael Burn Alexandra Jakob is due to marry her fiance in England late this year The order prohibits Mr Burn from contacting or approaching Gabriel - a man so media-shy he wouldn't let the AFR show his face in a glowing 2024 profile - except through lawyers, and from engaging in any form of assault, harassment or intimidation. (The Group Chat does not suggest Mr Burn has done any of these things, only that they are the standard conditions of the AVO.) Meanwhile, two charges of stalk/intimidate against Mr Burn related to Gabriel were withdrawn after he pleaded not guilty. He pleaded guilty to a third charge, which was dealt with under Section 10(1)(a), meaning the court found the offence proven but did not record a conviction. Sadly, that's not the end of the saga. Further court dates loom. Mr Burn is due back in court on February 17, this time as the party seeking protection in an AVO application against another person who, I should note, is not Gabriel Jakob. And March 23 sees Alexandra listed in separate proceedings. Oh, and a separate Federal Court matter between the former Sydney power couple is still ongoing. You can catch up on that mess here. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the last week Why Sydney's 'old money' mean girls have turned on a mum-of-three influencer with humble origins: We reveal the toxic group chats AND the clip that set them off... as the woman in the middle speaks out 'Old money' mean girls howling like hyenas at a young mum... How predictable. Their catty group chat exposes a shameless lie so many Aussie women tell themselves: AMANDA GOFF Fancy seeing you here! Twist in Lachie Neale saga as we spy Tess Crosley making an unexpected home visit - and Jules' new manager speaks on reality TV rumours Haunting secret trove of Idaho murder pictures: Leaked images reveal last moments of Bryan Kohberger's victims Powerful statement from Tom Silvagni's victim after disgusting claim about her personal life - as the footballer's son appeals verdict The ultimate Old vs New Money tier list: As a 'gauche' young mum rattles society snobs, we reveal who really belongs on each side of Australia's wealth divide Nick Kyrgios definitely has a type as he debuts his new love interest at the Australian Open... and she looks just like his ex Costeen Hatzi Why the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola: Brooklyn's 'worrying' nickname for his wife, the 'misstep' that infuriated the Peltzes... and truth about 'appalling slow dance' between him and Victoria: ALISON BOSHOFF The REAL story behind Luke Sayers lawsuit and why it could bring down the AFL's house of cards... Plus, women in Lachie Neale saga find common ground: COSTELLO'S MELBOURNE What REALLY happened inside Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding, revealed by KATIE HIND. What I'm told went on during 'inappropriate' dance. Why Vogue story 'doesn't make sense'. And toilet drama that horrified the Beckhams exposed Chumpy Pullin's father reveals the TRUTH about 'ridiculous' Tea Time rumour from Ellidy's supporters about his younger female friend - after he went public with their family feud My life fell apart and my children were taken away after I ditched alcohol for the 'mummy treat' drug. These are the hidden signs your school-gate social circle are using it: VICTORIA VIGORS Society split sparks chatter about Bondi's 'Mr Perfect' - we reveal what the gossips are saying... Plus, secret past of French model accused of dealing coke - and club king's age-gap romance: THE GROUP CHAT Normally it's 20-something Brazilian backpackers treating Bondi Beach like their own personal make-out spot. But nightclub king Julian Tobias proved he's still young at heart - despite being three years shy of 50 - as he packed on the PDA with his model girlfriend Emma Harmelink at the Sydney hotspot on Tuesday. The couple - whose 24-year age gap is raising eyebrows even by eastern suburbs standards - got very amorous on a grassy knoll, and our photographer was there to catch all the action. Lifelong playboy Julian, 47, who runs popular Sydney Harbour venue The Island and Potts Point disco Sussudio, simply couldn't keep his hands to himself as he and Emma, 23, put on an affectionate display. After some chatting and sunbaking, Julian even climbed on top of the blonde for a passionate embrace. Even though Julian is known to date younger - a preference that has inevitably drawn comparisons to Leonardo DiCaprio - the pairing of the hospitality veteran and his youthful squeeze is nonetheless a source of chatter among Sydney's elite social set. Nightclub king Julian Tobias proved he's still young at heart - despite being three years shy of 50 - as he hit up Bondi Beach with his girlfriend Emma Harmelink on Tuesday The couple - whose 24-year age gap is raising eyebrows even by eastern suburbs standards - got very handsy on a grassy knoll, and our photographer was there to catch all the action Lifelong playboy Julian, 47, who runs Sydney Harbour venue The Island and Sussudio in Potts Point, simply couldn't keep his paws to himself as he and Emma, 23, put on an amorous display The pair chatted and smooched in the sunshine Julian went shirtless in a pair of white and yellow boardshorts Even though Julian is known to date younger, the pairing of the veteran hospitality boss and his youthful squeeze is nonetheless a source of chatter among Sydney's elite social set But the May-December lovebirds certainly didn't seem to be feeling self-conscious as they splashed in the ocean and strolled around the shoreline, looking perfectly content, with Julian's pet pooch in tow. At one stage, Emma was seen cradling the back of Julian's neck during what looked to be a heartfelt conversation. After spending time in the sun, the pair grabbed their towels and headed for a local chicken shop, where they picked up a takeaway meal. The couple were later seen tucking into their food in the front seat of Julian's car, with the businessman even hand-feeding his ladylove pieces of chicken. The sighting comes after the pair embarked on a romantic road trip around rural New South Wales earlier this month. Julian shared photos on Instagram showing the couple cruising through the Outback. In one of those snaps, a bikini-clad Emma posed in their car at Mollymook Beach. In a sign the relationship is getting serious - and a proposal could be on the cards - Julian recently commented 'wifey' underneath one of Emma's Instagram posts. This, combined with the fact Julian is posting Emma on his socials, has some society gossips convinced the legendary ladies' man - who is usually notoriously private regarding his dating life - may finally be ready to settle down. Join the debate Does the 24-year age gap raise red flags for YOU? The May-December lovebirds certainly didn't seem to be feeling self-conscious as they splashed in the ocean and strolled around the shoreline, looking perfectly content At one stage, Emma was seen cradling the back of Julian's neck during what looked to be a heartfelt conversation Emma went makeup-free and wore her hair in a high ponytail Emma sported a green and black patterned bikini After spending time in the sun, the pair grabbed their towels and headed for a local chicken shop, where they picked up a take-away meal The couple were later seen tucking into their food in the front seat of Julian's car, with the businessman even hand-feeding his ladylove pieces of chicken The model chowed down on her chicken as the couple zoomed away Back in 2023, Julian became the subject of some immortal gossip when he was briefly linked to wild child OnlyFans model Paris Ow-Yang, then aged just 18. He reportedly called time on his relationship with the influencer just two months after they began dating, dumping her following an overseas holiday. At the time, Paris acknowledged the uncomfortable optics of the relationship, admitting Julian was just two years younger than her father, the respected Sydney neurosurgeon and spine specialist Dr Michael Ow-Yang. The Bondi resident said on the PUNCLADS podcast: 'My boyfriend and my dad are two years apart. My dad's 46 and my boyfriend's 44.' Julian, who opened his first Sydney bar in 2009, has dated a succession of high-profile women over the years. His most significant relationship to date was with Charlotte Coquelin, to whom he was said to have been engaged for five years before she packed her bags and returned to Paris in 2021. Prior to that, he made headlines in 2014 when he was linked to Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev, before moving on with American Instagram star Alexis Ren in 2016. The sighting comes after the pair went on a romantic road trip around rural New South Wales Here's one of the photos Julian posted on Instagram during his road trip with Emma Julian had shared photos online showing the couple cruising through the Outback In a sign the relationship is getting serious - and a proposal could be on the cards - Julian recently commented 'wifey' underneath one of Emma's Instagram posts Julian, who opened his first Sydney bar in 2009, has dated a succession of high-profile women His most significant relationship to date was with Charlotte Coquelin, to whom he was said to have been engaged for five years before she packed her bags and returned to Paris in 2021 Before that, he made headlines in 2014 when he was linked to Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev He then moved on with American Instagram star Alexis Renin 2016 Back in 2023, Julian became the subject of some immortal society gossip when he was briefly linked to wild child OnlyFans model Paris Ow-Yang (pictured), then aged just 18 New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the last week Why Sydney's 'old money' mean girls have turned on a mum-of-three influencer with humble origins: We reveal the toxic group chats AND the clip that set them off... as the woman in the middle speaks out 'Old money' mean girls howling like hyenas at a young mum... How predictable. Their catty group chat exposes a shameless lie so many Aussie women tell themselves: AMANDA GOFF Fancy seeing you here! Twist in Lachie Neale saga as we spy Tess Crosley making an unexpected home visit - and Jules' new manager speaks on reality TV rumours Haunting secret trove of Idaho murder pictures: Leaked images reveal last moments of Bryan Kohberger's victims Powerful statement from Tom Silvagni's victim after disgusting claim about her personal life - as the footballer's son appeals verdict The ultimate Old vs New Money tier list: As a 'gauche' young mum rattles society snobs, we reveal who really belongs on each side of Australia's wealth divide Nick Kyrgios definitely has a type as he debuts his new love interest at the Australian Open... and she looks just like his ex Costeen Hatzi Why the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola: Brooklyn's 'worrying' nickname for his wife, the 'misstep' that infuriated the Peltzes... and truth about 'appalling slow dance' between him and Victoria: ALISON BOSHOFF The REAL story behind Luke Sayers lawsuit and why it could bring down the AFL's house of cards... Plus, women in Lachie Neale saga find common ground: COSTELLO'S MELBOURNE What REALLY happened inside Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding, revealed by KATIE HIND. What I'm told went on during 'inappropriate' dance. Why Vogue story 'doesn't make sense'. And toilet drama that horrified the Beckhams exposed Chumpy Pullin's father reveals the TRUTH about 'ridiculous' Tea Time rumour from Ellidy's supporters about his younger female friend - after he went public with their family feud My life fell apart and my children were taken away after I ditched alcohol for the 'mummy treat' drug. These are the hidden signs your school-gate social circle are using it: VICTORIA VIGORS Society split sparks chatter about Bondi's 'Mr Perfect' - we reveal what the gossips are saying... Plus, secret past of French model accused of dealing coke - and club king's age-gap romance: THE GROUP CHAT Channel 10 is trialing an 'experiment' to improve 10News+. TV Blackbox reported that an internal email outlined plans for the shake-up, which aims to prevent viewers switching over to Channel Nine or Seven bulletins at 6pm. 'Next week, we're going to experiment a touch, to try and hold people better over the 5pm/6pm changeover,' Channel 10's Vice President of News, Martin White, said in the email. Under the proposed shake-up, the 5pm bulletin will no longer conclude with the presenter bidding viewers 'goodnight'. Instead, a graphic of the weather forecast will be shown with weather presenters delivering the final line of the bulletin before segueing straight into 10 News+ at 6pm. 'No music, no goodbye, disclaimer along the bottom of the screen over the graphic,' White added in the email. Channel 10 is trialing an 'experiment' to improve 10News+ 'Then we go straight into the Plus opener pics and VO, not on camera.' It was also revealed that the change would be trialled for one week. 'We'll see what difference it makes next week before deciding what we'll do next,' the email continued. Daily Mail has reached out to Channel 10 for comment. The news comes after Channel 10 cancelled its afternoon bulletin back in December. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Narelda Jacobs, the half-hour news program was launched with much hype at the start of 2024. Staff were informed via email just before Christmas that the bulletin would not return in 2026, and were told that the move would have no impact on jobs at the network. The internal memo also announced that Channel 10's late bulletin, hosted by Ursula Heger, would be moved from 10.30pm to 9.30pm. TV Blackbox reported that an internal email outlined plans for the shake-up, which aims to prevent viewers switching over to Channel Nine or Seven bulletins at 6pm (Pictured: Channel Nine news anchor Peter Overton) The trial shake up is expected to take effect from next week (Pictured: 10 News Sydney anchor Sandra Sully) White said in the memo that the changes were based on 'research' and making better use of 'resources'. In the email to staff, which was later obtained by Yahoo Lifestyle, White said cancelling the afternoon bulletin was 'no reflection on the work our daytime team has done'. 'This is based on putting more of our news and resources where research tells us there are more viewers,' he said in the email. 'We want our audience to see as much of your work as possible, on as many platforms as possible.' White also used the email to farewell Chris Bath, who left the network after a decade. 'She will always be a valued member of the 10 family,' he said. After Bath's departure, Georgie Tunny replaced her as host of the network's weekend news bulletin. Dame Prue Leith has revealed she decided to leave the Great British Bake Off out of 'a desire to work less and play more'. The TV chef, 85, who replaced original judge Dame Mary Berry in 2017, announced she was saying goodbye to the hit baking series after nine years on Instagram last week. On Monday, Nigella Lawson was confirmed to be taking her place, and will join co-judge Paul Hollywood when the new series begins filming in April ahead of airing later this year. Prue has now explained why she decided to step down from the Channel 4 show, admitting she had been debating it for a while, but decided to pull the trigger because she wants the chance to work more in the winter months and 'play in the summer'. Speaking to The Spectator, she said: 'I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off. 'When I joined nine years ago, I thought, since I was in my mid-seventies, that I'd be lucky to manage two years. Dame Prue Leith has revealed she decided to leave the Great British Bake Off out of 'a desire to work less and play more' The TV chef, 85, who replaced original judge Dame Mary Berry in 2017, announced she was saying goodbye to the hit baking series after nine years on Instagram last week (seen with Paul, Alison and Noel) On Monday, Nigella Lawson (pictured) was confirmed to be taking her place, and will join co-judge Paul Hollywood when the new series begins filming in April ahead of airing later this year 'At that age, my mother was deaf as a post and away with the fairies, believing her son was her father and that her cat was the one she'd had 40 years before. 'But my marbles stayed more or less in place and there seemed no good reason to give up a job I loved. 'Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me. Bake Off and its offshoots such as The Great American Baking Show and even the Christmas specials are all filmed in the summer, which has meant I could never have a summer holiday.' Prue explained that a recent getaway to Madagascar was what finally convinced her that it was time to move on. 'I suddenly realised that if I don't give up Bake Off, I'll never again have a holiday in the south of France, in Italy, in Spain, or even in Cornwall or Scotland,' she said. Expressing her desire to 'reorganise my life a bit', she went on: 'I've made truly great friends. It has been a joy to work in such great company. 'I find it irritating when businesses insist their staff are all just one happy family. But that tent does seem to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, friendship and mutual support. 'But in the end, I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed. Prue said that there was so much she would miss about the show, particularly fellow judge Paul and the Bake Off presenters - the 'unstoppable, loving, hilarious' Alison Hammond and the 'multi-talented, slightly crazy' Noel Fielding (pictured together) 'In all my conversations over the past two years with the bosses of Love Productions, which makes the programme, they've always insisted I was doing a great job and could stay as long as I like. 'And I know I'd enjoy it if I stayed. But I do want to reorganise my life a bit. Ideally, I'd like to work in winter and play in summer.' But Prue said that there was so much she would miss about the show, particularly fellow judge Paul and the Bake Off presenters - the 'unstoppable, loving, hilarious' Alison Hammond and the 'multi-talented, slightly crazy' Noel Fielding. She added that she 'never had to learn lines, rehearse, go to meetings' and instead just had to arrive on set and eat cake all day, as she declared: 'There cannot be a better job in the world.' She was also full of praise for her replacement, calling Nigella a 'great baker' and 'also really nice, mighty glam and seriously bright, sexy and sassy', adding: 'I'm just glad she wasn't in the running nine years ago.' Nigella previously admitted being daunted by the big shoes she had to fill, following two 'great dames' in Prue and Mary. She said in a statement: 'I'm uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now. Of course it's daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I'm also bubbling with excitement. 'The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it.' She was also full of praise for her replacement, calling Nigella a 'great baker' and 'also really nice, mighty glam and seriously bright, sexy and sassy', adding: 'I'm just glad she wasn't in the running nine years ago' Before adding: 'I'm just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!' Following the announcement that Nigella was coming onboard the show, Prue wrote on Instagram: 'I was so hoping it would be Nigella! Brilliant choice.' While host Noel commented: 'So Excited !!! Welcome to the Mischief Palace x x We will all have a blast. x' and Alison added: 'Welcome to the family Queen.' Nigella thanked fans for their support saying: 'Thank you, thank you, thank you I cant wait to enter the Tent of Dreams!' Wuthering Heights co-stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been accused of pulling a 'lame' publicity stunt after unveiling intimate matching rings and making gushing statements about each other. Critics have claimed it is an over-the-top attempt to sell their on-screen chemistry. Margot, 35, gifted her co-star Jacob, 28, a striking matching signet ring engraved with a romantic quote from the novel. Each ring features two skeletons locked in an embrace, alongside the words: 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.' The rings were created by UK designer Cece Fein-Hughes, who shared behind-the-scenes details of the jewellery on social media, confirming the piece was 'gifted to Jacob by Margot'. 'What an honour it was to create matching pieces for Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, celebrating their time filming together as Catherine and Heathcliff,' she wrote. Wuthering Heights co-stars Margot Robbieand Jacob Elordi have been accused of pulling a 'lame' publicity stunt after unveiling intimate matching rings and making gushing statements about each other. Critics have claimed it is an over-the-top attempt to sell their on-screen chemistry The rings also feature the engraved initials of Cathy and Heathcliff, along with the inscription '1847-2026', referencing the publication year of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, and the upcoming film release. One image in the gallery appeared to show Margot gently gripping Jacob's hand as they modelled the rings, while another showed the actress wearing a dramatic ruby choker paired with her period costume from the film. Jacob also recently raised eyebrows during a press interview when he declared the pair had a 'mutual obsession' while filming. Speaking to Fandango, with Margot sitting nearby, he said he made sure he was never more than 10 metres away from the Barbie actress on set. 'If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you're going to make sure you're within five to ten metres at all times,' he said. 'Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food. When is it going to slip? And it never comes undone.' The matching jewellery and comments have left many far from impressed. Several commenters have accused the pair of copying the now-infamous press tour playbook used by Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell during the promotion of Anyone But You. Margot, 35, gifted her co-star Jacob, 28, a striking matching signet ring engraved with a romantic quote from the novel On Wednesday, Warner Bros released a string of behind-the-scenes snaps from Wuthering Heights' filming, offering a glimpse at the much-anticipated adaptation Jacob gushed over his co-star during a recent interview when he revealed he made sure he was no less than 10 metres away from the Barbie actress 'at all times' 'They are going way too hard with this film promotion. This is exactly like Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. It's all marketing,' one said. 'Overdoing it to sell their chemistry,' a third agreed. 'This shouldn't be necessary if the film is actually good.' Others questioned the optics altogether, with one bluntly writing: 'Super creepy to say when you're married.' Margot has been married to husband Tom Ackerley for almost ten years and the couple share one child together. Several commenters also dismissed the entire spectacle as transparent PR. 'This is like Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga (in A Star Is Born) all over again,' one reader claimed. 'It's all part of the marketing machine.' Another added: 'She wants you to think there's something going on so you'll watch their butchering of a classic.' Margot, meanwhile, has been candid about returning to work just three months after welcoming her son in October 2024 with husband Tom Ackerley. Speaking to British Vogue, she admitted she was initially fearful about filming Wuthering Heights so soon postpartum and addressed expectations surrounding the film's intimacy. 'Everyone's expecting this to be very, very raunchy,' she said. 'I think people will be surprised.' It appears that Amazon's upcoming documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump is failing to ignite the imaginations of Australian audiences. The film, Melania, is set to premiere on Friday, however, it seems that Aussie viewers are giving it a wide berth. Looking at a sample of seat availability at Hoyts cinemas around Sydney shows a raft of cinemas with empty seats. The cinema chain's Chatswood theatre, for example, has just 11 seats reserved for its 8:30pm Friday session. The theatre's Saturday session looks even more barren, with just two seats reserved. Meanwhile, the Hoyts Cinema at Warringah Mall on the Northern Beaches has just one seat reserved for its Friday premiere screening at 4.30pm. It appears that Amazon's upcoming documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump is failing to ignite the imaginations of Australian audiences The film Melania, is set to premiere on Friday, however, it seems that Down Under viewers are giving it a wide berth It's a similar story in Western Sydney, with the Wetherill Park Hoyts attracting just three Melania fans to its 6.45 Friday showing. The 104-minute film, titled Melania, will hit cinemas worldwide on January 30, and chronicles the dramatic 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's inauguration. Amazon secured the film for $40 million - the largest documentary deal in history - after beating rivals Disney, Netflix and Paramount in a ferocious bidding war. The trailer opens with a showstopping moment as the First Lady, 55, prepares to stride into the Capitol rotunda in her now-iconic inauguration ensemble. 'Here we go again,' she says, giving a knowing smile to the camera beneath her wide-brimmed boater-style hat. The trailer shows Melania in her element, ascending the stairs to her private jet in sky-high stilettos, marshalling business meetings in Mar-a-Lago and Manhattan, and stunning in her white-and-black inaugural ball gown. Behind-the-scenes footage captures tender family moments with son Barron and her father, while also shining a light on the rigorous security standards that surround the First Family. The trailer ratchets tension as motorcades with blaring sirens race through the streets of New York. Join the debate Would YOU watch the Melania documentary in cinemas? Looking at a sample of seat availability at Hoyts cinemas around Sydney shows a raft of cinemas with empty seats. The cinema chain's Chatswood theatre, for example, has just 11 seats reserved for its 8:30pm Friday session The theatre's Saturday session looks even more barren, with just two seats reserved Both Warringah Mall on the Northern Beaches and Wetherill Park in the Western Suburbs have also seen the same lacklustre response The 104-minute film, titled Melania, will hit cinemas worldwide on January 30, and chronicles the dramatic 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's inauguration 'Is it safe?' Melania asks her security detail during one intense scene. The idea for the movie came immediately after Trumps election victory, with negotiations starting just days later, on November 18 last year. The First Lady has been hands-on with every aspect of the production and insisted on cinematic excellence. She did not want it to feel like a regular documentary, but an 'elevated film,' insiders revealed. 'The 20 days of my life, preceding the US Presidential inauguration, constitute a rare and defining moment one that warrants meticulous care, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship,' Melania explained. 'I am proud to share this very specific moment of my life 20 days of intense transition and planning with moviegoers and fans across the globe.' The film marks another milestone for the First Lady following the release of her memoir, also titled Melania, which has dominated the New York Times bestseller list since its release. The trailer concludes with Melania revealing why she wanted to make the film as she navigates a second term, drawing on her shrewd understanding of the scrutiny that comes with the role. 'Everyone wants to know. So here it is,' she says. Brendan Fevola was in protective dad mode this week when he confronted his daughter Mia about a rumoured romance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Mia, 26, appeared on Brendan's Fifi, Fev & Nick radio show this week to chat about her time in the South African jungle. Not beating around the bush, Brendan, 45, point-blank asked his daughter about recent reports that Mia had become quite cosy with host Robert Irwin. 'What's going on with Bob Irwin?' Brendan asked. A clearly surprised Mia replied: 'Nothing,' before pausing in what Brendan called 'awkward silence.' 'I think you're really stitching me up here,' a shocked Mia added. Brendan Fevola was in protective dad mode this week when he confronted his daughter Mia about a rumoured romance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Mia appeared on Brendan's Fifi, Fev & Nick radio show this week to chat about her time in the South African jungle. Not beating around the bush, Brendan point-blank asked his daughter about recent reports that Mia had become quite cosy with host Robert Irwin Brendan's co-host Nick Coady interjected with: 'This has gone from a radio show to dad picking up daughter at an 18th "Who's that boy?"' Co-host Fifi Box added some context for Mia, telling the reality star that her father had seen chatter about love blossoming between her and Robert online. 'This morning, Fev said: "ooh, it's everywhere that Bob and Mia are...," and I said: "I haven't seen it anywhere, and I wouldn't ask Mia about it," and then he's gone and asked you about it,' Fifi explained. It appears that Brendan would be quite chuffed with the pairing as it would provide quite the boost to his property portfolio. 'Mate, I could be part owner in a zoo,' he joked. Brendan's concern comes after Woman's Day claimed Mia and Robert were developing quite the rapport on set. 'Robert thinks Mia is absolutely stunning,' an insider told the publication. 'He had seen her on social media and on TV but in real life he was blown away and he thought she was awesome.' 'What's going on with Bob Irwin?' Brendan asked. A clearly surprised Mia replied: 'Nothing,' before pausing in what Brendan called 'awkward silence' Brendan's co-host Nick Coady interjected with: 'This has gone from a radio show to dad picking up daughter at an 18th "Who's that boy?"' It was also suggested that Robert was so smitten with Mia that he would get 'nervous in her presence'. It was also claimed that the feeling was mutual, with Mia impressed by Robert's recent performance on US Dancing With The Stars. 'Mia watched Roberts highlight reel from Dancing With The Stars and has seen the Bonds ad, and like the rest of Australia, she was very impressed,' the source added. 'She also thinks he is hilarious and loves how he can be cheeky and charming at the same time.' It's not the first time that Mia has been the subject of jungle romance rumours. An insider has told Daily Mail that producers attempted to manufacture a jungle romance between Tammy Hembrow's ex Matt Zukowski and Mia only to see it fall flat as Mia was 'not interested' in the Love Island star. 'They were meant to be this season's flirtation storyline - it was a deliberate casting move, but it just didn't land,' the insider said. Producers were hoping for sparks to fly between Matt and Mia, who have both been through high-profile break-ups in the last year. Brendan's concern comes after Woman's Day claimed Mia and Robert were developing quite the rapport on set The insider said Mia, who confirmed she was single in July after her split from long-term beau Bass Miller, was not 'naive'. 'Her parents raised their daughters to keep their eyes wide open, especially with certain types of guys,' they claimed. 'She's been warned about boys like Matt and the second she clocked his vibe, she knew what he was about.' Afton McKeith, who has claimed she had a fling with Brooklyn Beckham, has suggested his parents David and Victoria used to tip off the paparazzi on his whereabouts. The eldest Beckham son, 26, went nuclear on his family last week and said he doesn't wish to reconcile with them. Now Afton has waded in on the drama, appearing to suggest that David and Victoria used to tell paparazzi where he was going to be so they would photograph him. Afton went to sixth form with Brooklyn in 2017 and she says the pair had a brief romance. Speaking to ITV News on Wednesday, Afton, the daughter of TV personality Gillian McKeith, said: 'I could see that he would get visibly distressed and anxious. 'I do know that there were paparazzi every single, like, pretty much every day. And somebody would've been organising that, who knew his schedule inside out because it's not like random.' Afton McKeith, who has claimed she had a fling with Brooklyn Beckham, has suggested his parents David and Victoria used to tip off the paparazzi on his whereabouts (Brooklyn seen earlier this month) Speaking to ITV News on Wednesday, Afton, the daughter of TV personality Gillian McKeith, said: 'I could see that he would get visibly distressed and anxious' When asked who she thought had been tipping off the paparazzi about Brooklyn's movements, Afton replied: 'I won't say who I think it was, but I have an idea in my mind. 'I'm not going to implicate anybody.' She was further probed, asking if she thought it was someone at school, to which she responded: 'No, I don't think it was anyone at school. 'I think it was someone who knew his schedule from start to finish, of his day inside out, everywhere he went, what break he would've had. 'So, you can think about who that might be that would know that.' When asked 'Surely not his parents?' Afton refused to comment further and shared a knowing look. Afton also talked about his decision to speak out now. She said: 'I think that Brooklyn made the right decision in coming out with a statement, because after many years, of what I think is a false narrative about Brooklyn and Nicola portrayed in the press publicly, it can become overwhelming and stressful to have an inaccurate narrative of yourself put out in the press constantly. 'And so, it became too much for him. I think doing the best for your children is protecting your children. Afton has waded in on the drama, appearing to suggest that his parents David and Victoria used to tell paparazzi where he was going to be so they would photograph him (Brooklyn, Victoria and David seen in 2019) Afton McKeith went to sixth form with Brooklyn in 2017 and she says the pair had a brief romance (Seen in 2023) 'And putting your children in the public eye is very exposing.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Brooklyn and David and Victoria for comment. It comes after Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz's former wedding planner has waded into their family row and said he was 'surprised' by the aspiring chef's bombshell statement. Their former wedding planner Preston Bailey shared that he was shocked he hit out against his parents in such a public and brutal manner. Preston was embroiled in wedding drama himself and didn't end up seeing their planning job through - instead going on to be replaced by Arianna Grijalba and Nicole Braghin. After quitting as the first planner - Bailey claimed at the time he was 'overcommitted' on other jobs so 'couldn't deliver to the quality I was used to.' He said in 2023: 'I have the best to say about the Peltzes and Nicola. There wasn't any bad blood.' In a subsequent legal filing, Nicola's dad Nelson Peltz said Bailey encountered 'challenges' while planning the enormous event, which took place at the family estate in Palm Beach, Florida and reportedly cost around $3.5million. Now Preston has spoken of his experiences with Nicola and Brooklyn while he was still planning the wedding. He told Page Six: 'It surprises me that he is taking this stand against his parents. That's not the Brooklyn I met as far as him being this nice, gentle guy... He was just a nice, regular person who would say hello and chit chat. Last Monday the 26-year-old son of David and Victoria went nuclear on his family and said he doesn't wish to reconcile with them and made several claims about their behaviour at his wedding (seen at their vow renewal last year) 'I can tell you about my experience with Brooklyn. While we were planning, clearly as far as the details for the design, he was very much involved. I have always thought of him as a gentle, decent guy. There was never any tension.' 'I don't remember her being bossy. I remember a lot of affection between them. Whatever design was done was presented to Nicola, but it was important for her to have Brooklyn approve it. She wasn't going to do anything without his approval.' Nicola was portrayed as a 'nightmare bride' in a documentary about her bitter dispute with her wedding planners for her lavish 2022 nuptials. The wedding took place in April 2022 in the Palm Beach, Florida, mansion of Nelson Peltz, Nicola's billionaire investor father. The three-day event attracted celebrities like Eva Longoria, Gordon Ramsay and Venus and Serena Williams, as well as David and Victoria. Beckham v Beckham: The Price of Fame? ITV's Tonight programme - Thursday, January 29th at 7.30pm on ITV1 & ITVX Dozens of influencers have been parading around the Australian Open and snapping selfies in an array of designer outfits over the past couple of weeks. But Pia Whitesell put all of them to shame as she attended the men's quarter final between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night. The former Home and Away star, 42, looked incredibly chic in an understated Miu Miu ensemble and over two million dollars worth of jewels, including her $1.9 million engagement ring and a Patek Philippe Nautilus gold and diamond watch, worth a whopping $250,000. Pia donned a sheer black T-shirt that revealed a hint of her black bra paired with slim leg black trousers. She accessorised with snakeskin Roger Vivier stilettos, a leather belt, and a black suede Celine bag. The brunette beauty, who is married to multimillionaire Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell, enhanced her natural beauty with minimal makeup and coiffed her chocolate locks in bouncy waves. Pia Miller looked incredibly chic as she attended the men's quarter final at the Australian Open on Wednesday night The former Home and Away star wore an understated Miu Miu ensemble Pia attended the match with her best friend and interior designer Clint Nicholas, who helped design the $57 million Los Angeles mansion she shares with husband Patrick. Pia accessorised with a Patek Philippe Nautilus gold and diamond watch, worth a whopping $250,000 Patrick appears not to have joined the pair on the trip Down Under. Pia recently introduced a new 'family member' to her followers - a gorgeous puppy. She took to her Instagram stories with an adorable picture featuring the tiny blonde, long-haired dachshund. Pia did not announce the dog's name or sex in the post, but added a paw print emoji. Patrick shares two children son Evan, 19, and daughter Ella, 17 with Lauren Sanchez, who is now married to Amazon billionaire boss Jeff Bezos. Pia also has sons Isaiah, 22, and Lennox, 19, from two previous relationships. 'For me, it's honestly the best, most heartwarming thing to see the blending of four teenagers who were strangers just a few years ago,' she told the latest issue of Marie Claire Australia. Pia attended the match with her best friend and interior designer Clint Nicholas, who helped design the $57 million Los Angeles mansion she shares with husband Patrick 'We sit around the table every night, enjoying each other's company, having a laugh as we share our stories. We spent Thanksgiving together; how lucky are we to have all found each other?' Pia also admitted she leans on her family during times of hardship, such as when they lost a house last year during the California wildfires. 'We lost a house, we'd taken it down to the studs and I'd redone the whole thing. It was shocking we were glued to the TV in our main house, watching the fire move down the coast in real time,' Pia admitted. 'It broke our hearts. Thank God I was surrounded by Patrick, friends and family. Every single thing burned, but we still had our main home; we were blessed compared to those who lost childhood homes. 'It was so surreal. A whole stretch of those character-filled 1960s coastal shacks, just gone.' Pia relocated to Los Angeles with her children and married Hollywood power agent and multimillionaire Patrick five years ago. Since then, the glamorous star has seamlessly blended into LA life. The two pals clapped as they watched Ben Shelton take on Jannik Sinner Radio star Lauren Phillips also attended the game and wore powder blue shorts and a matching shirt jacket Influencer Hannah Dal Sasso got into the theme by wearing stilettos with tennis balls on the heels Model Montana Cox posed in blue and white off-the-shoulder gown inside the Ralph Lauren hospitality suite Models Billie Jean Hamet and Rebecca Harding were also guests of Ralph Lauren She accepted Patrick's proposal in late 2020 after he presented her with a spectacular diamond ring. The couple tied the knot in May 2021. Last year, she gave fans a glimpse of her privileged life by showing off her astounding collection of designer goods inside her gigantic walk-in closet. Featured in the photo was Pia's impressive collection of shoes, which filled six built-in shelves in her closet. Also spied inside Pia's walk-in was the dark-haired beauty's mammoth collection of designer handbags. Patrick is the boss of Hollywood talent and media agency Endeavor, formerly known as WME. His client list includes the likes of Jude Law, Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jake Gyllenhaal, with whom he shares both professional and personal ties. Jude Law looked unrecognizable on set of the upcoming Apple TV+ series Wild Things, which follows the life and legacy of tiger taming magic duo Siegfried & Roy. Instead of his natural short brunette coif, the hunky English actor, 53, sported a full head of bleach blond hair while filming in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 27. Law is playing the entertainer Siegfried Fischbacher, who died at 81 in 2021, while Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield will portray Siegfried's professional and romantic partner Roy Horn, who died in 2020 at 75. The duo, who performed as Siegfried & Roy, helmed one of the most successful stage shows in Las Vegas, which grossed hundreds of millions of dollars over several decades. But the act came to a horrific end in 2003, when Horn was brutally attacked by one of the tigers he performed with. For Tuesday's shoot, Law was dressed in a fitted blue suit, white dress shirt and patterned tie. Jude Law looked unrecognizable on set of the upcoming Apple TV+ series Wild Things, which follows the life and legacy of tiger taming magic duo Siegfried & Roy Instead of his natural short brunette coif, the English actor, 53, sported a full head of bleach blond hair while filming in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 27 The BAFTA Award-winner was spotted following behind a production PA in between takes. Also present was Law's costar Garfield, 42, whose brunette hair was augmented with thick sideburns to help transform him into Horn. The Spider-Man actor hid much of his costume, which consisted of a white dress shirt, skinny black tie and trousers, under a cozy puffer coat. He carried his cellphone, an iPad and what appeared to be pages from the Wild Things script. Garfield and Law are portraying the Vegas entertainers for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, which is based on the podcast Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy. The series will detail 'the wild ride relationship tale of two of the greatest showman-magicians in history who, along with their white tigers, are tasked with turning Sin City into a family-friendly destination,' according to the official logline, via Variety. 'The duo push the concept of illusion versus reality to the extreme, personally and professionally, until tragedy reframes and opens a mystery surrounding their last fateful Las Vegas show.' Garfield and Law were pictured in Las Vegas earlier this week as they began filming the hotly anticipated series. In the first-look for fans, Law sported a thin soul patch and covered his short dark hair with a black beret, which contrasted with his royal blue sport coat. For Tuesday's shoot, Law was dressed in a fitted blue suit, white dress shirt and patterned tie The BAFTA Award-winner was spotted following behind a production PA in between takes Law seen left on Tuesday, January 27 and Siegfried seen right in 2007 He wore it over a collar-free white shirt and had on thin metal-frame glasses and what looked like a rabbit-foot necklace. Law's transformation was even more extreme, as he appeared to wear prosthetics to give him a more prominent, sculpted chin and a rounded nose. His receding dark hair was replaced with shaggy blond hair that was swept back over sleek sunglasses, and his costume consisted of a dark jacket with padded shoulders and contrasting leather sleeves, along with a sliver-and-black patterned scarf and a silver cross. The actors looked as if their characters had just done some shopping as they stood next to some bags on the stone balcony of The Venetian in Las Vegas. In their act, Siegfried focused on illusions, while Roy was responsible for the animal displays. But on October 3, 2003, their act went awry when Mantacore, a 400-pound white tiger featured in the show, began to strut toward the front of the stage, putting him dangerously close to the unprotected audience. As Horn tried to guide him back to his mark, the tiger latched onto his sleeve with its jaw. He tapped it on the snout with his microphone to get it let him go, but as he stepped away, the tiger pounced. Also present was Law's costar Garfield, 42 Garfield's (left) brunette hair was augmented with thick sideburns to help transform him into Horn (right) The Spider-Man actor hid much of his costume, which consisted of a white dress shirt, skinny black tie and trousers, under a cozy puffer coat Mantacore clamped down on Horn's neck and proceeded to pull him into the wings, where trainers were forced to discharge a fire extinguisher to get the tiger to let go of him. Horn suffered a stroke and a severed spine in the attack and lost a significant amount of blood. He suffered partial paralysis for the rest of his life, and the duo never performed again. Garfield and Law were reported to have joined the series in May 2025, though Wild Things has been in the works at Apple since 2022. Both are pulling double duty as executive producers, while John Hoffman is leading the show as EP, showrunner and director after developing the show. Wild Things is also executive produced by Will Malnati and Steven Leckart, the creative team behind the original podcast. The duo, who performed as Siegfried & Roy, helmed one of the most successful stage shows in Las Vegas, which grossed hundreds of millions of dollars over several decades; seen in 1993 But the act came to a horrific end in 2003, when Horn (right) was brutally attacked by one of the tigers he performed with; seen in 2002 Garfield was most recently seen in Luca Guadagnino's psychological campus thriller After The Hunt, in which he plays a professor accused of sexual assault by a student (Ayo Edebiri), while Julia Roberts stars as a colleague caught between the two. His most recent work for television was in the acclaimed 2022 true-crime miniseries Under The Banner Of Heaven. Law will soon be appearing in French filmmaker Olivier Assayas's political thriller The Wizard Of The Kremlin, in which he plays Russian President Vladimir Putin, though the film is based on a work of fiction. In 2024, he joined Disney+ Star Wars universe for Skeleton Crew, a loose spin-off of The Mandalorian. John Leguizamo has a message for supporters of ICE: 'Don't come to my shows.' The 65-year-old actor and comedian shared a video to his Instagram account on Wednesday in which he indicated that he didn't want any fans who were also fans of the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Leguizamo is the latest star to speak out against ICE amid its crackdown in Minnesota and the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was shot and killed by ICE agents on January 24 after he apparently attempted to intervene on behalf of a woman who had just been shoved to the ground by ICE agents. Although DHS and Border Patrol officials initially claimed that Pretti had 'brandished' a firearm before he was killed, bystander video appears to show one agent removing Pretti's handgun which he was licensed to carry just moments before two other agents shot him 10 times. In Leguizamo's video, the actor stared down into the camera with a stony face as he declared: 'If you follow ICE, unfollow me.' John Leguizamo, 65, shared a message with supporters of ICE on Wednesday: 'Don't come to my shows.' The message comes after ICE agents shot and killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota on January 24 The actor and comedian has long been a supporter of liberal causes and a critic of President Donald Trump's administration, and in particular its immigration enforcement efforts; pictured in June in LA It wasn't just in-person run-ins with ICE supporters at his comedy shows that he was trying to avoid, as the Ice Age voice actor added that he didn't want fans of the agency to take any pleasure from his film work. 'Don't come to my shows and don't watch my movies,' he added. Leguizamo captioned his video: 'Abolish ice!' The clip, which had just under 300,000 likes after 10 hours, had plenty of supportive comments, including one from Everybody Loves Raymond actor Brad Garrett, who echoed the sentiment. 'Me too!!!! ,' he wrote. Leguizamo has long been a supporter of liberal causes and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. In August, he took the actor Dean Cain to task for a video in which Cain said he had joined ICE, and his Instagram account is currently plastered with anti-ICE and anti-Trump administration reposts. Cain recently spoke up in support of ICE and declared in an interview with TMZ Live that Alex Pretti 'certainly wasn't just being a peaceful protester' before he was shot and killed. Leguizamo said anyone who follows ICE should 'unfollow' him, and he added that fans of the agency shouldn't watch his movies either He got support in the comments from Everybody Loves Raymond actor Brad Garrett, who echoed the sentiment. 'Me too!!!!' he wrote In August, Leguizamo took Dean Cain to task for a video in which Cain said he had joined ICE. Cain subsequently defended ICE's conduct after Pretti's killing, claiming that the ICE nurse 'certainly wasn't just being a peaceful protester'; pictured in December 2024 in Hollywood Leguizamo's video was shared shortly after another star, Natalie Portman, broke down in tears as she discussed the ICE enforcement operations currently taking place. The agency has made thousands of arrests since Trump returned to the White House, sparking public protests across the nation. Portman, 44, attended the premiere of her new film The Gallerist at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Saturday, where she sported an ICE OUT pin while posing for photographers. The premiere came after Pretti was shot dead during an altercation with federal agents earlier that day. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed in a press conference that Pretti had 'reacted violently' amid the altercation and further questioned why he was carrying a legally-held weapon at the time. She added that Pretti had 'impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers, had a weapon on him and multiple, dozens of rounds of ammunition.' Natalie was emotional over the incident as she began to tear up while speaking with the press on the red carpet. 'It's such a horrible day, it's been a horrible week. What is happening in our country is just onscene,' she said. Leguizamo's post comes shortly after a wave of stars spoke out against ICE. Natalie Portman broke down in tears as she discussed the ICE enforcement operations currently taking place over the weekend while attending the Sundance Film Festival 'It's such a horrible day, it's been a horrible week. What is happening in our country is just onscene,' she said 'What Trump and Kristi Noem and ICE are doing to our citizens and undocumented people is outrageous and needs to end. 'I'm very moved by all the people coming out and supporting each other in community and showing the best of America. It's just too much, it needs to end.' In another interview at the same event, she said: 'Of course, we're at an unfortunately horrific moment in our country with the federal government attacking civilians in our own cities. 'I'm so lucky to be here in a joyful, creative community celebrating a movie we're really proud of, but it's impossible to ignore what ICE is doing to our country. 'I'm very inspired by all the amazing Americans who are coming out and supporting each other and being there in communities, it's beautiful.' Stars such as Mandy Moore and Ariana Grande shared their outrage following the incident over the weekend. Mandy took to her Instagram stories not long after the incident and reposted a New York Times article that had the headline: 'Federal Agents Shoot And Kill A Person In Minneapolis, Officials Say.' The actress then added her own message at the bottom, which read, 'We have eyeballs. 'I'm very moved by all the people coming out an dsupporting each other in community and showing the best of America. It's just too much, it needs to end,' she added 'We've seen the video. They executed someone else. I'm not sure how this ends. This is terrifying territory.' Ariana reposted a tweet shared by NYC mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who wrote, 'As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today. 'ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.' On Saturday, Pretti's family issued a statement on his death, saying he had been killed 'by murdering and cowardly thugs.' '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. 'Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not through around the hero term lightly. 'However his last thought and act was to protect a woman. 'The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. Natalie attended the premiere of her new film The Gallerist at the Sundance Film Festival Saturday where she sported an ICE OUT pin (pictured with Jenna Ortega and Charli XCX) '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.' They concluded with, 'Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.' While the family accused ICE of the shooting, it was actually carried out by officers from the Department for Homeland Security (DHS). On Saturday evening, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed claims Pretti 'brandished' a weapon at her agents before his shooting. But footage taken of the killing appears to dispute her claims. One agent was seen removing what appeared to be Pretti's legally-owned handgun from his waistband. Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed getting into adventures with Joule, his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog who also recently died. He had also participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs officer. The premiere came after Alex Jeffrey Pretti (pictured), a 37-year-old Minnesota resident and nurse, was shot dead during an altercation with federal agents on Saturday Pretti was a US citizen, born in Illinois. Like Good, court records showed he had no criminal record and his family said he had never had any interactions with law enforcement beyond a handful of traffic tickets. In a recent conversation with their son, his parents, who live in Colorado, told him to be careful when protesting. Family members said Pretti owned a handgun and had a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota. They said they had never known him to carry it. The family first learned of the shooting when they were called by a reporter for the Associated Press. Margot Robbie wore one of Elizabeth Taylor's most iconic jewelry pieces to the Los Angeles premiere of Wuthering Heights with her hunky costar Jacob Elordi on Wednesday night. The Oscar nominee, 35, plays the lead role of Catherine Earnshaw in director Emerald Fennell's racy R-rated film adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic novel, with Elordi, 28, taking on the role of love interest Heathcliff. For the world premiere event, held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Robbie waltzed onto the red carpet in a breathtaking couture gown by Schiaparelli. But it was Taylor's Taj Mahal diamond necklace, which is worth a reported $8 million, that truly stole the show. Robbie wore the glitzy heart-shaped pendant high up on her neck with the gold chain falling down her back. The necklace was famously gifted to Taylor by her fifth husband Richard Burton 54 years ago for her 40th birthday and it is among the most recognizable pieces in the late Hollywood star's legendary jewelry collection. Margot Robbie wore one of Elizabeth Taylor's most iconic jewelry pieces to the Los Angeles premiere of Wuthering Heights on Wednesday The Oscar nominee, 35, had on Taylor's Taj Mahal diamond necklace The vintage necklace paired beautifully with Robbie's couture gown, which featured a strapless nude illusion bodice with black lace. The skirt of the dress hugged the Australian beauty's hips before flaring out to create a dramatic mermaid-style silhouette. The skirt was made of black velvet fabric, which faded to a deep red shade - a nod to the film's moody color palette - towards the lower half of the dress. Robbie's blonde hair was styled in a romantic bun with curled strands left out to frame her face. The mother-of-one had a noticeable red flush to her cheeks while her lips were painted a rosy-nude tone. As for her eye makeup, Robbie kept it extremely minimal with just a wash of brown on the lids and a light application of mascara on her lashes. After getting in her stunning solo shots, Robbie reunited with her onscreen lover Elordi. The duo, who have admitted to being 'obsessed' with one another, sent fans into a frenzy by holding hands at the star-studded event. Join the debate How do YOU feel about modern stars wearing iconic Hollywood pieces? Robbie wore the glitzy heart-shaped pendant high up on her neck with the gold chain falling down her back The necklace was famously gifted to Taylor by her fifth husband Richard Burton 54 years ago for her 40th birthday; Taylor seen wearing the necklace in 1972 The necklace is worth a reported $8 million She was joined by her hunky costar Jacob Elordi on Wednesday night Robbie waltzed onto the red carpet in a breathtaking mermaid-style couture gown by Schiaparelli Elordi towered over the Barbie star in a chic all-black outfit that included a boxy blazer, a button-up shirt and high-waisted trousers. While the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi is palpable, both of the A-list stars happen to be in relationships. Robbie has been married to film producer Tom Ackerley, 35, since 2016, with whom she shares a one-year-old boy. The couple co-founded the production company LuckyChap Entertainment, which produced Wuthering Heights. Ackerley stood proudly beside his superstar wife at Wednesday's premiere in a classic black tuxedo. Meanwhile, Elordi has been in an on/off romance with Full House star Lori Loughlin's look-alike daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli, 26, since 2021. Unlike Robbie's better half, Giannulli did not appear to attend the premiere. Earlier this week, Robbie raised eyebrows when she gifted Elordi a stunning matching signet ring. Each of the beautiful rings features an image of two skeletons embracing, and the words 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.' They are also both engraved with the initials of Cathy and Heathcliff- the doomed lovers played by Robbie and Elordi in the film. Another feature is the inscription '1847-2026', a reference to the year that saw the publication of Bronte's classic novel - and the release of the new Wuthering Heights film. The vintage necklace paired beautifully with Robbie's couture gown, which featured a strapless nude illusion bodice with black lace The skirt of the dress hugged the Australian beauty's hips before flaring out to create a dramatic mermaid-style silhouette Robbie held hands with Elordi on the red carpet The costars have admitted to being 'obsessed' with one another Elordi towered over the Barbie star in a chic all-black outfit The Euphoria actor offered a peace sign in the direction of fans and photographers Elordi and Robbie were caught gazing into each other's eyes during the event Elordi admired Robbie's glamorous getup The good looking duo play lovers Catherine and Heathcliff in the film adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic novel Robbie's husband Tom Ackerley supported his superstar spouse at the premiere; the couple seen with fellow Wuthering Heights producer Josey McNamara Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell was also in attendance as she graced the red carpet in a plunging black gown Robbie held hands with Fennell at one point The cast and crew gathered for group snap; (L-R) Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Margot Robbie, Emerald Fennell, Jacob Elordi and Charli xcx While Elordi appeared to be wearing his ring from Robbie at the LA premiere, the blonde beauty's hand placement made it difficult to tell if she was wearing hers. Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell was also in attendance as she graced the red carpet in a plunging black gown. Charli xcx, who created an original soundtrack for Wuthering Heights, put on a busty display in a glimmering gold corset gown. The Grammy-winner's frock had exaggerated hips and a frilly tulle overlay, adding to the jaw-dropping drama of the look. She wore her jet black hair down, letting it fall down her back in waves. Hong Chau, who stars alongside Elordi and Robbie as Elly Dean in the upcoming R-rated feature, turned heads in a gray plaid strapless dress layered over a blue gingham print shirt. The actress, 46, who has appeared in acclaimed films like The Whale (2022) and Downsizing (2017), stood on blue heels with white ankle straps. Cara Delevingne flaunted her ultra tiny waist in a purple and black corset top styled with a sparkly black velvet skirt that matched her opera gloves. Charli xcx put on a busty display in a glimmering gold corset gown The Grammy-winner's frock had exaggerated hips and a frilly tulle overlay, adding to the jaw-dropping drama of the look She wore her jet black hair down, letting it fall down her back in waves The singer created an original soundtrack for Wuthering Heights Hong Chau turned heads in a gray plaid strapless dress layered over a blue gingham shirt The actress, 46, who has appeared in acclaimed films like The Whale (2022) and Downsizing (2017), stood on blue heels with white ankle straps Chau stars alongside Elordi and Robbie as Elly Dean in the upcoming R-rated feature Cara Delevingne flaunted her ultra tiny waist in a purple and black corset top styled with a sparkly black velvet skirt that matched her opera gloves The supermodel, 33, added height to her already statuesque frame with sky-high heels She accessorized with a sexy choker necklace The beauty's hair was worn in a sleek bun The supermodel, 33, accessorized with a sexy choker necklace and added height to her already statuesque frame with sky-high heels. Reese Witherspoon's mini-me daughter Ava Phillippe stunned onlookers in a flirty black and white polkadot dress. The nepo baby, 26, whose dad is 90s heartthrob Ryan Phillippe, stood on tall black heels and wore her jaw-length blonde hair in bouncy curls. Shazad Latif, 37, who stars as Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights, smoldered for shutterbugs in a chic black coat worn over a white dress shirt and black tie. Alison Oliver, 28, who plays Isabella Linton in the upcoming film, modeled an eye-catching strapless dress with a side cutout that exposed a frilly green petticoat. Lisa Rinna's model daughter Delilah Belle Hamlin, 27, slipped into a racy black fringe frock that left little to the imagination. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter Scout Willis, 34, flashed a sweet smile as she hit the red carpet in a flowing yellow number. Love Island USA host Ariana Madix, 40, looked ultra radiant while posing for photos in a busty curve-enhancing gown featuring a bedazzled maroon corset. Alison Oliver, 28, who plays Isabella Linton in the upcoming film, modeled an eye-catching strapless dress with a side cutout that exposed a frilly green underskirt Shazad Latif, 37, who stars as Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights, smoldered for shutterbugs in a chic black coat Reese Witherspoon's mini-me daughter Ava Phillippe stunned onlookers in a flirty black and white polkadot dress The nepo baby, 26, whose dad is 90s heartthrob Ryan Phillippe, stood on tall black heels and wore her jaw-length blonde hair in bouncy curls Love Island USA host Ariana Madix, 40, looked ultra radiant while posing for photos in a busty curve-enhancing gown featuring a bedazzled maroon corset Hacks star Megan Stalter cut a chic figure in a skintight black dress with an O-shaped cutout on one side. The actress, 35, accessorized the frock with a skinny blue scarf that touched the ground. Terri Seymour put on a dazzling display in a rhinestone-covered corset dress that exposed her svelte figure. Wuthering Heights is set to be released in theaters just before Valentine's Day on February 13. Like the Bronte novel, the Fennell-director film, 'set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors,' follows the 'intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw,' as per IMDb. Robbie and Elordi play lovers Catherine and Heathcliff in the highly-anticipated romance drama, produced by Robbie and her production company LuckyChap Entertainment. Just days ago, Robbie confessed to being 'codependent' with her handsome costar. 'I'm so codependent with people I work with and I love everyone so much and I'm always that person who's so devastated when a job's over and I never want it to end. I think I developed that quite quickly with Jacob too,' she said during an interview with Fandango. Lisa Rinna's model daughter Delilah Belle Hamlin, 27, slipped into a racy black fringe frock that left little to the imagination Hamlin paraded around the A-list event in platform heels Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter Scout Willis, 34, flashed a sweet smile as she hit the red carpet in a flowing yellow number Hacks star Megan Stalter cut a chic figure in a skintight black dress with an O-shaped cutout on one side Terri Seymour put on a dazzling display in a rhinestone-covered corset dress that exposed her svelte figure Casey Affleck's actress girlfriend Caylee Cowan was also on hand for the Wuthering Heights festivities Daus Mendoza looked incredible in a corset teamed with a billowing satin overcoat 'I don't know if Emerald told you to do this or you did this,' she said while addressing Elordi, 'but I remember the first couple days on set, he would just be always in the vicinity where I was, but like in a corner, watching Cathy.' 'I didn't tell him to do that,' Fennell, 40, chimed in as the cast laughed. 'I actually had to ask him to leave.' By the third day of filming Robbie said she found herself 'starting to look around to see where he was.' When Elordi was not around, she said she felt 'really unnerved and unmoored. And I felt quite lost, like a kid without their blanket or something.' Meanwhile Elordi admitted they have a 'mutual obsession' with each other. The Frankenstein actor gushed that he made sure he was no less than 10 meters away from the Barbie actress 'at all times'. 'We have a mutual obsession,' he said during the interview, as Robbie sat nearby. 'I think the thing is, regardless of plot or screenplay, if you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you're going to make sure you're within 5 to 10 meters at all times.' Wuthering Heights is set to be released in theaters just before Valentine's Day on February 13 Like the Bronte novel, the Fennell-director film, 'set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors,' follows the 'intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff (Elordi) and Catherine Earnshaw (Robbie),' as per IMDb 'Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food, how she does it. When is it going to slip? When is the thing going to come undone? And, it never comes undone,' he added. Earlier this week, the onscreen lovebirds appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live where they spoke about there being 'a lot of sex' in the film versus the book. 'Is there that much sex in the book?' Kimmel questioned, to which Robbie replied that her character Catherine Earnshaw and Elordi's Heathcliff 'never even really kissed' in the novel. 'Wow, you guys do,' Kimmel cheekily replied. 'Yeah, we kiss a lot,' the Barbie star - who previously said she became 'codependent' with Elordi - concurred while smiling. 'All over the property,' Kimmel added, to which the blonde beauty said, 'We kiss everywhere, yeah, a lot of kissing.' Beloved Australian musician John 'Tatt' Dalzell, bass player for 80s rockers Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, has died at age 66. Mark Lizotte, known by his stage name of Diesel, announced the sad news on his social media on Wednesday. No details, including the cause of death, have been made public as yet. 'RIP John Dalzell,' Lizotte said in his Instagram tribute, which he also shared to Facebook. He continued: 'Thanks for the music we made together, the sweat, tears and laughs. One of the most gentle souls one could ever encounter... sending light and love to his family.' According to an obituary on music blog Noise, Dalzell's surname became the inspiration for the Johnny Diesel and the Injectors brand. Beloved Australian musician John 'Tatt' Dalzell, bass player for 80s rockers Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, has died at age 66. Mark Lizotte, known by his stage name of Diesel, announced the sad news on his social media on Wednesday. Pictured: Dalzell with the band Johnny Diesel and the Injectors in 1986 The Perth-born musician joined Lizotte, the US-born brother-in-law of Jimmy Barnes, to form the band, known for its hard rock sound, in Perth, WA, in 1986. He won admiration for his bass sound from followers and peers alike. After winning over audiences in Perth, Dalzell relocated to Sydney with the other members of his group. Quickly establishing a strong following in Sydney's thriving music scene, the band scored a record deal in 1988 after touring as a support act for Jimmy Barnes. They went to the US to record their first self-titled album, which peaked at No.2 on the ARIA chart in Australia in 1989. It later won an ARIA for Highest Selling Album, after the record had shipped 280,000 units - a huge number for an Aussie record at the time. Dalzell won plaudits for his memorable bass line on the band's hit single Don't Need Love. After Johnny and The Injectors split in 1991, Diesel pursued a solo career, and according to Noise Dalzell's bass lines anchored his former bandmates' sound. Dalzell won admiration for his bass sound from followers and peers alike. Pictured: Dalzell rocking in a scene from one of Johnny and Injectors music videos He reportedly moved to the Northern Territory in later years. He also had stints playing with the bands Innocent Bystanders and Living Sounds Of Love. Lizotte's post has inspired many fans and fellow musicians to share their own tributes to Dalzell, including hitmaker Nathan Cavaleri, who posted a blue heart emoji. Mick Evans of Melbourne's Prairie Oysters messaged, 'RIP John, definitely one of the nicest chilled fellas I encountered early in my...touring days. Condolences Mark.' 'Very sad news. He was a brilliant part of Johnny Diesel and the Injectors. Too young to leave this earth x,' added another follower. 'From the opening bass line of the Injectors Don't Need Love I was hooked and then a fan for life. RIP John (the original Johnny Diesel),' said another person on Facebook. Added another: 'Its a fact of music life that the guys behind some of the most iconic and recognisable lines/riffs escape mainstream fame. That opening bass from Don't Need Love is the stuff legacy is made of... tough weeks for Aus music.' Sydney Sweeney showed off her bombshell curves in a burgundy lingerie set as she promoted her SYRN underwear line. The actress, 28, teamed the plunging bra and matching knickers with daring lace suspenders from her debut collection. Posing against a vintage car outside The United Artists Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, she draped a purple fur coat over her shoulders. Sydney topped off her sultry look with towering stiletto heels and shielded her eyes with a pair of sunglasses. The first collection is called Seductress, which Sweeney billed as 'bold, confident, and unapologetic. Its about owning your power and your desire on your own terms'. Sweeney explained that she launched her line partly out of frustration with the 'annoying strap' and 'cutting bands' she tends to come across in bras. Sydney Sweeney showed off her bombshell curves in a burgundy lingerie set as she promoted her SYRN underwear line The actress, 28, teamed the plunging bra and matching knickers with daring lace suspenders 'I wanted to create a world and a feeling. I wanted to build a lingerie brand that feels like it understands women instead of talking at them,' she told Elle. 'Syrn is about confidence without pressure, feeling sexy, powerful, soft, playful, or all of the above, depending on the day. As the sole founder, my vision was to create something that lives in real life and doesnt hold anyone back.' A new promotional stunt for the brand reportedly landed her in murky legal territory after the actress allegedly strung bras on the iconic Hollywood Sign. According to TMZ, the Housemaid star was seen 'scaling' one of the massive white letters, late in the evening, as a production crew filmed the moment. Video obtained by the outlet appears to show Sydney climbing what looks like the 'H' before hanging a makeshift clothesline of bras across the landmark. Sources told TMZ the footage was shot to promote the launch of her new lingerie brand, which is backed by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. While the actress reportedly obtained a filming permit, officials say it may not have authorized the activity seen in the video. TMZ reported that Sweeney's production secured permission from FilmLA to shoot at the Hollywood Sign location - but did not have approval to touch, climb, or physically alter the sign itself. Posing against a vintage car outside The United Artists Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, she draped a purple fur coat over her shoulders Sydney topped off her sultry look with towering stiletto heels and shielded her eyes with a pair of sunglasses The first collection is called Seductress, which Sweeney billed as 'bold, confident, and unapologetic. Its about owning your power and your desire on your own terms' In an email obtained by TMZ and allegedly sent to the production company, the Chamber warned that filming the landmark for commercial use requires a separate license - one that had not been sought or approved. 'It has come to our attention that you and crew filmed the Hollywood Sign last night for a production connected with Persuasion Pictures,' the email reads in part. 'Please be advised that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce owns the intellectual property rights to use of the image of the Hollywood Sign and neither you nor the production company have sought or received permission to use the images captured for any commercial use.' The email further stated that FilmLA had previously notified the production of the requirement to obtain licensing approval from the Chamber before filming the sign for promotional purposes. The Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which owns the intellectual property rights to the Hollywood Sign, later claimed to TMZ that the stunt was unauthorized, stating: 'There was no permission granted to do this as is required.' The bras were reportedly removed shortly after the shoot concluded, though several were allegedly left behind on the hillside. The Daily Mail has also reached out to Sweeney's representatives and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, but has not heard back, at this time. The Hollywood Sign, one of Los Angeles's most protected landmarks, has long been off-limits to climbers and stunts - with previous unauthorized attempts resulting in arrests and fines. Whether Sweeney's footage will ever be used commercially remains unclear, as any such use would reportedly require retroactive approval or licensing from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Kelsey Parker has reflected on the 'harrowing' care she received after the stillbirth of her son Phoenix. The star, 35, has two children, Aurelia, six, Bodhi, four, with the late Tom Parker from The Wanted, who died age 33 from a rare, aggressive brain tumor (glioblastoma) in 2022. Last June she suffered further heartbreak when her unborn baby - her first with her new boyfriend Will Lindsay - was stillborn. Kelsey lost her son Phoenix at 39 weeks when he was stillborn at home before she was taken to a maternity ward which added to the trauma of the experience. After the stillbirth she was placed on a ward with new mums and their newborns where she said she received little kindness or understanding from staff. Speaking on Sky News on Wednesday she said: 'I didn't feel much kindness. The people who had to look after me, their jaws were on the floor and they didn't know what to do. Kelsey Parker has reflected on the 'harrowing' care she received after the stillbirth of her son Phoenix Last June she suffered heartbreak when her unborn baby - her first with her new boyfriend Will Lindsay - was stillborn 'I took time off from work afterwards as I needed time to process what I went through. I wouldn't wish what I went through on anyone. It was absolutely horrendous and harrowing. I can't even go into what that loss felt like as it's too painful for me. 'On my own podcast I hear stories of birth trauma all the time and so many of us with birth are not heard or frightened to have a voice in the birth process.' She also spoke more widely of the grief she is still dealing with and how she dealt with the loss whilst also having to parent her two young children. Kelsey explained: 'Everyone wished me good luck at the end of my pregnancy and wanted me to have a happy ending. 'It was the worst thing... well obviously losing Tom was the worst thing that ever happened to me but this it was like a double whammy of pain. 'You never think it's going to happen to you. I had to be strong for my other children. People were devastated for me. 'My children really wanted their baby brother to be there. Their understanding of death is beyond children of their age so they understood that Phoenix wasn't coming back.' At the end of the interview however she added a positive spin on things, saying: 'I like to think of it as Will is looking after Tom's kids here and up there Tom is looking after Will's child.' It comes after earlier this month she revealed she will be trying for a baby in 2026 as she reflected on her tough year after suffering the heartbreaking stillbirth. Kelsey lost her son Phoenix at 39 weeks when he was stillborn at home before she was taken to a maternity ward which added to the trauma of the experience The star, 35, has two children, Aurelia, six, Bodhi, four, with the late Tom Parker from The Wanted, who died age 33 from a rare, aggressive brain tumor (glioblastoma) in 2022 Last June, Kelsey took to Instagram to tell her followers that she had lost her baby Phoenix Speaking on her her podcast with Georgia Jones, Mum's The Word!, Kelsey opened up about her 'really really tough experience'. Kelsey explained that all she wants is to have a 'better year' and said she will continue to try and have a baby. She said: 'I just want a better year, it was really really tough, it was s**t. I think to continue the path of, 'is there a baby this year for me', I could have one this year, which is exciting, also I think raising awareness and keep doing my charity work.' Kelsey revealed a touching tribute to her stillborn son Phoenix ahead of Christmas. She took to social media on Christmas eve to share how she has added her son to Tom's memorial bench. Kelsey shared a snap of the new plaque she has installed, which reads: 'I walk towards my destiny with ease. Phoenix Parker-Lindsay.' She then penned to fans: 'Today we added our beautiful baby boy Phoenix to the bench with Tom. 'It has always stayed with me that Will was looking after Tom's children here, and now Tom is with Phoenix, looking after him for Will. 'A medium once told me Tom had Phoenix in his arms, and was caring for Phoenix. Whether you believe in that or not doesn't matter what matters is the peace it brings. 'What gives me peace is knowing my angel boys are together. Taken far too soon from us, but never truly gone. I feel them guiding us through life, surrounding us with love in ways we can't always see. 'I miss you both more than words can ever say. Always loved. Always remembered.' Kelsey was flooded with support from fans, as one replied: 'So beautifully said and I love that so much- love you all'; 'Wow how special, doesn't matter what others think or believe. It's what matters to you'; 'So beautiful, absolutely Tom is looking after Phoenix for you both I have no doubt xxx Tom is smiling down on yourself and will for all you do for the kids too'; 'Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family - in heaven and on earth.' At the end of last year Kelsey shared her feelings with fans on Instagram, admitting she needed 'space to breathe' and that she feels as though she sometimes has the weight of the 'whole world' on her shoulders. In a video, she said: 'Hi everyone, how are you all? I feel like I've been a little bit quiet, but you know what, that's ok. It's ok to not be ok all the time. She continued: 'We live in this world where everyone's just trying to look like they've all got it figured out. 'Strength means smiling for everything, sometimes strength means being still it means saying, I just need quiet for a little bit. 'Sometimes I just need calm, I just need space to breathe, to let my thoughts settle, to find myself again because life doesn't stop and for me, it never really has. 'I've literally had the children and raised them, and I've had to show up every single day sometimes I struggle. Kelsey is pictured with Tom who lost his battle with cancer in 2022 'Sometimes I literally feel like I'm holding the whole world with my bare hands, but it's the only thing I've ever known how to do. 'It's pushing forward, it's keeping on going even when it's hard, even when I am tired, because my babies are watching me, they're learning from me, they are my reason, my peace and my power. 'I'm not ok, but I don't have to be. None of us do.' She added: 'What matters is that I keep moving, keep loving, keep believing that better days are coming. And they are, they've got to be.' Michelle Keegan racked up the air miles this week as she jetted to Los Angeles just days after returning home from Abu Dhabi. The actress, 37, is preparing to hit Hollywood in the film adaptation of Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's new novel, and it seems preparations could be underway. In an update shared to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Michelle revealed she had touched down in California as she headed out to lunch. She looked effortlessly stylish in a cropped broderie anglaise shirt with a dramatic collar. Michelle teamed the statement piece with a pair of light wash denim jeans and accessorised with oval-shaped sunglasses. Her latest trip comes after she enjoyed a sun-soaked winter getaway to the Middle East with her husband Mark Wright and their 10-month-old daughter, Palma. Michelle Keegan racked up the air miles this week as she jetted to Los Angeles just days after returning home from Abu Dhabi The actress, 37, is preparing to hit Hollywood in the film adaptation of Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's new novel, and it seems preparations could be underway Harlan and Reese have teamed up to write the new crime thriller Gone Before Goodbye. As Michelle has worked with Harlan before on his Fool Me Once adaption Reese is reportedly keen to get her back on board. The novel sees an indomitable woman, trapped in a conspiracy she helped create but cant understand. She searches for the truth that could expose a conspiracy woven throughout the exclusive world of the global Uber Elitebut at an unfathomable cost to Maggie herself. The Daily Mail have contacted Michelle and Reese's representatives for comment. Taking to Instagram Michelle also shared her love for the Hollywood actress as she shared a sweet snap with both Reese and Harlan. She penned: 'When two geniuses collide.. Gone Before Goodbye is made! (I can confirm Reese Witherspoon is everything youd imagined her to be, what a woman)'. Reese then replied: 'So wonderful to meet you .. finally!' In an update shared to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Michelle revealed she had touched down in California Her latest trip comes after she enjoyed a sun-soaked winter getaway to the Middle East with her husband Mark Wright and their 10-month-old daughter, Palma Harlan and Reese have teamed up to write the new crime thriller Gone Before Goodbye and are reportedly keen to get Michelle on board Michelle recently shared a sweet photo after meeting up with Reese at the book launch Michelle starred as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once, alongside Joanna Lumley in the series adaptation of Harlan's novel, which quickly shot to the top of Netflix charts worldwide. Harlan has previously gushed over the star's talent and has previously said he would be keen to work with Michelle again. Her character's demise in Fool Me Once left Harlan 'kicking himself' and seeking a plot, no matter how far-fetched, that could see her reprise her role in the second instalment. A source close to Michelle previously told the Daily Mail: 'Michelle and Harlan really bonded during the Fool Me Once filming and he thinks she's amazing. 'He believes Michelle is a big part of the show's stratospheric success. 'They were having a real heart to heart at the National Television Awards recently and Harlan was saying that he was absolutely gutted that he killed off her character and that he'd do anything to bring her back from the dead so that they can have a much-longed for sequel.' Rumours of Hollywood surrounded Michelle after the success of Fool Me Once in 2024, and the star confirmed she would consider re-locating if the perfect role came along. Kim and Khloe Kardashian have revealed the sweet nickname they have for Timothee Chalamet as they share a rare insight into his relationship with Kylie Jenner. Skims mogul Kim, 45, revealed she recently held an intimate family dinner in Malibu, California and her youngest sister Kylie, 28, and Oscar-nominated boyfriend Timothee, 30, 'had the best time'. Kim and Khloe, 41, admitted due to their busy lives they usually don't have a lot of time to stay at dinners for long, but this time was different and they couldn't be prouder of their sister Kylie and Timothee, who they revealed they call 'Timmy'. Speaking during part two of their podcast Khloe in Wonder Land, Khloe explained: 'Kim threw a little dinner in Malibu it was so nice, it was 12 people, it was really small and we had so much fun. 'I wasn't there for like 10 minutes and left, I was so proud of myself for staying because I'm normally the one to be the first to dip.' Kim replied: 'I was so proud Kylie came. She stayed til 1:30 in the morning, she was the first one there and the last to leave which is insane'. Kim and Khloe Kardashianhave revealed the sweet nickname they have for Timothee Chalametas they share a rare insight into his relationship with Kylie Jenner Kim, 45, revealed she recently held an intimate family dinner in Malibu, California and her youngest sister Kylie, 28, and Oscar-nominated boyfriend Timothee, 30, 'had the best time' 'I'm shocked, she had the best time, she stayed after me', said Khloe. 'I was so proud of her and her and Timmy they had the best time'. 'The best time', added Kim. Khloe admitted that she is now 'exhausted' and 'beat' after enjoying the 'fun' intimate party with her family and close friends. Earlier this week, Kylie and Timothee were spotted enjoying a romatic escape to Cabo san Lucas, Mexico, just one day after his historic Oscar nomination. The famously private couple looked more in love than ever as they cozied up at a secluded waterfront property before later stepping out onto a dock and boarding a luxury boat, where they mingled casually with others on board. The sighting came just one day after Timothee learned he had earned his third Oscar nomination - and the night after the couple enjoyed a rare public date night at celebrity hotspot Flora Farms, according to TMZ. On the evening of the nomination announcement, the pair reportedly celebrated with an hour-plus dinner at the beloved Cabo restaurant, where an eyewitness told the outlet they appeared deeply engaged, laughing and chatting throughout the meal. Although no overt public displays of affection were observed, the source said the couple were 'totally into each other' the entire night, describing Timothee as visibly 'smitten'. Khloe explained: 'Kim threw a little dinner in Malibu, it was 12 people and we had so much fun. I was so proud of myself for staying because I'm normally the one to be the first to dip' Kim replied: 'I was so proud Kylie came. She stayed til 1:30 in the morning, she was the first one there and the last to leave which is insane' 'I'm shocked, she had the best time, she stayed after me', said Khloe. 'I was so proud of her and her and Timmy they had the best time'. Kim added: 'The best time' Earlier this month, a source told Page Six that the pair have been living together in Los Angeles for more than a year and behave 'like they're basically married already'. 'They're obsessed with each other and always together,' the insider claimed, adding that Timothee has become involved in the lives of Kylie's children, Stormi, seven, and Aire, three, whom she shares with ex Travis Scott. The Cabo escape also follows a wave of very public declarations from Timothee during awards season. At the Golden Globes, the actor referred to Kylie as his 'partner' during his acceptance speech, telling the audience: 'To my parents and partner, I love you.' Weeks later, while accepting the Best Actor award at the Critics Choice Awards, Timothee again thanked Kylie directly. 'And lastly, I'll just say, thank you to my partner of three years,' he said. 'Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you.' Kylie was seen mouthing back, 'I love you too,' as the couple shared a kiss after his win. The affectionate displays marked a sharp contrast to reports late last year that the pair had quietly split. In November, a source told the Daily Mail the couple were in a 'cool-down cycle', describing their relationship as on-again, off-again rather than definitively over. 'They cool down and they heat up,' the insider said at the time. Earlier this month, a source told Page Six that Kylie and Timothee have been living together in Los Angeles for more than a year and behave 'like they're basically married already' Psychologist Darren Stanton previously told the Daily Mail that the couple's recent PDA sends a 'very clear message' to the public. 'They're showing the relationship is real, secure and intentional,' he explained, adding that the timing of their public moments appears carefully considered amid heavy media attention. Relationship psychologist Dr Kathy Nickerson echoed the sentiment, noting that high-profile couples are not just people, but brands. 'When a celebrity relationship appears stable and affectionate, it reassures fans and partners alike,' she said. 'Increased visibility often functions as reassurance signaling.' Despite their heightened visibility this awards season, Kylie and Timothee have largely kept their romance off social media and out of interviews. Both have previously emphasized the importance of privacy, with Timothee stating he 'will not talk about' the relationship, while Kylie has said privacy is 'so important' to her. He's one of Hollywood's biggest stars, known for his fan-friendly antics. And Sydneysiders got a taste of Tom Hanks' famously down-to-earth personality this week as the Oscar winner filmed his latest movie, Greyhound 2. The Forrest Gump actor, 69, was seen chatting to onlookers who had gathered outside the filming location of the World War II drama in Little Bay. A small group of curious bystanders stopped by the film set after spotting lights and film equipment outside the Prince Henry Hospital Nursing and Medical Museum. Crew members watched as Hanks, who was in costume for his role, including a white shirt, a bathrobe, and a short 1940s haircut, mingled with the crowd. 'Great to see Tom Hanks saying hello to the locals and having a little chat, very cool,' a staff member from Site Pizza Bar said on Facebook as they posted pictures of the moment. Sydneysiders got a taste of Tom Hanks' famously down-to-earth personality this week as the Oscar winner filmed his latest movie, Greyhound 2 A small group of curious bystanders stopped by the film set after spotting lights and film equipment outside the Prince Henry Hospital Nursing and Medical Museum Hanks' new film is a sequel to his 2022 Apple+ streaming hit Greyhound. The actor scripted the drama, which is set on board a US Navy destroyer battling the enemy in the North Atlantic during World War II. The sequel, which Hanks also wrote, follows his character Commander Ernst 'Ernie' Krause as he heads to fight the war in the Pacific. Hanks was seen arriving in Sydney earlier this month with his entourage, including a very hunky bodyguard. The strapping security guard cut a striking figure in a fitted black T-shirt, which showcased his heavily tattooed and impressively muscular arms. This is Toy Story star's second trip to Australia in several years, as he was here in 2020 to film his role as Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's epic movie Elvis. During his stay on Queensland's Gold Coast, he hired Brisbane-based Aaron Teece to be his personal chef. At the time, the internationally renowned cook, who owns Studio Neon Catering, revealed the Aussie dishes that the Cast Away star fell in love with during his stay. Hanks' new film is a sequel to his 2022 Apple+ streaming hit Greyhound The sequel, which Hanks also wrote, follows his character Commander Ernst 'Ernie' Krause as he heads to fight the war in the Pacific. Pictured: Hanks in a scene from Greyhound 'He loves a good homemade meat pie, loves Vegemite and now Oomite too,' Aaron told the Courier Mail. Oomite is an all-natural savoury spread billed as an all-natural, preservative-free version of Vegemite. Aaron explained his main job was simply cooking the Oscar winner some hearty dinners. The renowned chef, who has cooked for the likes of Lady Margaret Thatcher, the Queen, Kate Moss and Keira Knightley, shared a selfie with the Academy Award winner, his daughter Elizabeth and other members of his team. Sophie Monk is officially a free agent after ending her professional relationship with long-time manager Sean Anderson, marking a major shift in the TV star's career. The Love Island Australia host, 46, is no longer represented by Anderson's 22 Management, one of Australia's top celebrity talent agencies. The split was confirmed after Monk quietly removed 22 Management from her Instagram, and both she and Anderson unfollowed each other on social media. Anderson is known for managing former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins and helping her establish her brand. He also represents a host of high-profile Australians including Tammy Hembrow, Ruby Tuesday Matthews, Lindy Klim, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, David Koch and Jodi Gordon. Sophie joined Anderson's agency six years ago, after previously being represented by his former protege, Titus Day. Sophie Monk is officially a free agent after ending her professional relationship with long-time manager Sean Anderson, marking a major shift in the TV star's career The Love Island Australia host is no longer represented by Sean Anderson's 22 Management, one of Australias top celebrity talent agencies. Pictured While the reason for the split hasn't been made public, she has informed her brand partners of the change, signalling a new chapter for one of Australia's most renowned TV personalities. In June last year, Sophie's husband Josh Gross opened up about what life is really like when your partner is one of the most recognisable faces in the country. The American-born tech entrepreneur, who married the Love Island host in 2022, told Daily Mail he'd happily embraced life in the background swapping boardrooms for beach shoots and robotics for red carpets. 'I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. One minute I'm working from home, next I'm on the Gold Coast filming a movie or in Spain filming Love Island,' Josh began. 'Life with Soph is never dull... I wouldn't change a thing.' Josh, who met Sophie on a long-haul flight from Europe to Australia in 2018, said the transition into fame-by-association wasn't something he planned. 'I don't really live my life in the spotlight. That's the beauty of being behind the camera. I've always liked it that way, supporting from the background, capturing the moments,' he said. While he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Josh has unwittingly become a familiar face on red carpets and social media often spotted snapping glamorous photos of his famous wife. The split was confirmed after Monk quietly removed 22 Management from her Instagram, and both she and Anderson unfollowed each other on social media In June last year, Sophie's husband Josh Gross has opened up about what life is really like when your partner is one of the most recognisable faces in the country 'Sophie is incredibly beautiful and photogenic, so if the photo isn't great, it's on me,' he quipped. 'She's got a sixth sense for her best side, and I've got a mental checklist every time I pull out the phone. Lighting matters golden hour is magic.' He also revealed a little-known fact about his reality TV star wife. 'What you see is what you get with Soph... I think she's a lot funnier than what people realise. She's my best friend and we laugh a lot,' Josh said. Despite the scrutiny that often comes with dating a celebrity, Josh said the public have only ever shown warmth towards Sophie and to him by extension. Sophie and Josh wed in a private ceremony at their Central Coast, NSW home in 2022. The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018 and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class. Rafe Spall has spoken for the first time about his blended family after leaving the wife of his three children and welcoming a third with his Trying co-star, Esther Smith. The actor originally embarked on a new romance with Smith in 2022, months after separating from wife of 12-years Elize du Toit - best known for her former role as Izzy Davies in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. The couple welcomed their first child together - Spall's third after fathering two sons and a daughter with his ex-wife - two years later, and the 42-year old actor says raising a child as a middle-aged man has made him more aware of his own mortality. 'I was 27 when I had my first child,' he told the Telegraph. 'Ill be 43 in March with a new baby; at the risk of sounding trite, starting again has given me a keen sense of the passing of time. No phase will last forever; nothing is permanent.' Launched by Apple + in 2020, Trying features Spall and Smith as a working couple who turn to adoption after struggling to conceive a child of their own, only to be confronted by a deluge of unexpected challenges. Its fourth and most recent series series, released in 2024, jumps six years into the future, with the couple now established as experienced adopters having built a nuclear family, enriched by an extraordinary support network. Rafe Spall has spoken for the first time about his blended family after leaving the wife of his three children and welcoming a third with his Trying co-star, Esther Smith The actor originally embarked on a new romance with Smith in 2022, months after separating from wife of 12-years Elize du Toit (pictured) And away from the show, Spall - the son of legendary British screen star Timothy Spall - fully embraces the inevitable demands that come with raising a child. 'When youre up in the small hours pacing the floor as you try to get the baby to sleep, it feels like forever, but those precious moments are where the love is,' he said. 'Thats not to say it isnt bloody annoying too, but I would truly exchange anything I have for just one day with each of them as a baby.' Spall married du Toit in 2010 before moving to The Cotswolds with her in 2019. Together, they share children Lena, 14, Rex, 13, and another ten-year old son. The actor previously admitted his regret at not spending more time with his children, telling the i newspaper: 'Unfortunately I don't have any other skills to exchange for cash. 'This is all I have and so I have to go off and do my acting in order to keep them in hummus.' In November 2024, Spall and Smith were pictured with their new baby for the first time as they enjoyed a family day out in London. The couple had announced the pregnancy during an appearance on Lorraine some six months earlier, though they withheld a due date. Launched by Apple + in 2020, Trying features Spall and Smith as a working couple who turn to adoption after struggling to conceive a child of their own Spall has relocated to leafy Hampstead with Smith and their infant child, whose name and gender have not been disclosed publicly Spall is the son of legendary British screen star Timothy Spall (pictured together in 2014) Spall married du Toit in 2010 before moving to The Cotswolds with her in 2019. Together, they share children Lena, Rex, and another young son (pictured in 2020) Admitting they can't wait to welcome their first child child into the world before filming fifth series of Trying, Smith said: 'We'll have a baby, and then we'll carry on, perhaps, with that ['Trying'].' Seated alongside his partner, Spall added: 'We're very excited.' In July 2022, the actor told Filmhounds of his relationship with Smith: 'I get to hang out with Esther all day. We really get on. She's my favourite person I've ever done acting with.' Spall has since relocated to leafy Hampstead with Smith and their child, whose name and gender have not been disclosed publicly. Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw has revealed he is battling cancer that has left him unable to walk The DJ and presenter, 66, said doctors discovered tumours in his spine last August and said: 'I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast. 'I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while. Andy has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and physiotherapy. His close friend, Peter Everett, said the radio star has been facing serious health struggles since his diagnosis. Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw, 66, has revealed he is battling cancer that has left him 'unable to walk' - doctors discovered tumours in his spine last August Andy's career began at Radio Aire , where he worked as a promotions manager He said: 'My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk. 'Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers. 'Although weve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us.' Andy's career began at Radio Aire, where he worked as a promotions manager and went onto give Carol Vorderman her first job. He presented the BBC TVs flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1984 and went onto co-present the BBCs television coverage of Live Aid. He was later hired by Radio 1 as a successor to the late DJ John Peel. Andy travelled the world extensively covering conflicts and music and was a regular contributor to Radio 4 and reported on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. He appears on The Andy Kershaw podcast, which Peter produces, but they last published in June 2025. Andy, had a 17-year relationship with restaurateur Juliette Banner and they share two children together, Sonny and Dolly. The couple moved to the Isle Of Man but split on their first day there in 2006 when she discovered his infidelity with another journalist. Andy Kershaw and ex partner, restaurateur, Juliette Banner were together for 17 years and have two children together called Sonny and Dolly - the couple split in 2006 (pictured in 2004) It was reported: 'The dream turned sour on their first day, when she borrowed his mobile and discovered on it a message from a woman with whom he'd had a one-night stand at the Womad festival ("it alluded to a leg-over in the Reading area").' Andy wrote in his autobiography, No Off Switch in 2011, that the encounter was of such little significance, he hadn't even bothered to delete the message. He implies that he is incapable of fidelity, referring to himself as a 'selfish d***head'. His book is filled with references to beautiful, intelligent women that he couldn't resist, writing things like: 'I treated Melanie, the sweetest and most loving of girlfriends, disgracefully.' Juliette took out a year long restraining order on Andy after he refused to accept the breakdown in their relationship. Andy was imprisoned three times and arrested many more for breaking the terms of the restraining order that forbade him from contacting her. He was given a six-month term suspended for two years after pleading guilty, and left the Isle of Man to address his problems. In 2012, he told a judge he had lost everything' after hounding Juliette in the wake of their split. He said: 'I have lost my kids. I have lost the woman I love. I have lost everything. It is a very difficult time for me. I just want peace and quiet.' Andy was born in Lancashire on November 9, 1959. His parents, Jack and Eileen Kershaw, were a headmaster and headmistress. His older sister, Liz Kershaw, 67, is one of the longest serving female national radio DJs in the UK, having been on the radio for more than 30 years. In 2022, she claimed the BBC had 'done her a favour' after she accused them of sacking her for being over 60. Andy's older sister, Liz Kershaw, 67, is one of the longest serving female national radio DJs in the UK, having been on the radio for more than 30 years Her departure from BBC Radio 6 Music after 20 years in March of that year reignited the criticism of the corporation's treatment of older women, after she tweeted: 'I got sacked from @BBC6Music because they don't want women over 60.' A BBC insider rejected claims of sexism and ageism, pointing out that Liz had recently presented a four-episode Radio 2 series on the biggest-selling musical acts of the Queens reign as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations. But she stood by her claims, saying: I dont want it to be all about me because I think its a bigger issue than that. At the same time, I dont think its a job for life and you do have to make room for new people. But it just seems quite remarkable that whereas there are many men in their sixties, seventies and eighties on these pop stations there are hardly any women. A spokesman for the BBC said at the time: All radio schedules evolve over time and after 16 episodes of Liz Kershaws Legends In Their Own Lunchtime in a year, we wanted to explore other music stories. 'There were no other factors involved in the decision and we are proud to have a diverse range of presenters on TV and radio. Brooklyn Beckham declared last week that he had chosen a 'peaceful' life with his wife Nicola Peltz over a reconciliation with his parents. But after severing all ties with his famous family, Victoria and David's eldest son is hardly going it alone. The aspiring chef has landed on his feet with his in-laws. While his name may not be as well known in pop culture as the Beckhams, Nicola's father Nelson Peltz's wealth eclipses that of his co-parents-in-law, with the businessman boasting a stunning net worth of $1.6billion, in comparison to the Beckhams' $680million. And Nelson has dished out the wealth among his eight children. It was revealed this week that his youngest daughter Nicola, 31, receives a $1million a month allowance from her billionaire father. During their four years of marriage Nicola and her husband, 26, have documented just how that staggering allowance is spent. From their $16million California mansion with a fleet of luxury cars parked in the drive, to lavish holidays and sharing a bottle of the world's most expensive wine, here's where the Beckham-Peltz's millions are spent... During their four years of marriage Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have documented how her staggering $1million a month allowance is spent Beverly Hills mansion In late 2024 Nicola and Brooklyn bought a $16million home in the Trousdale Estates neighbourhood in Beverly Hills with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica mountains. The four-bedroom, six-bathroom, 7,000 square foot home is in an exclusive neighbourhood with neighbours including Justin and Hailey Bieber and Brooklyn's godfather Elton John. The house purchase came after the couple's lengthy search for their dream marital home and included more than $100,000 worth of furniture and art thrown in. The property boasts a wet bar, fitness center and movie theater, as well as its own spa which includes a treatment room, sauna, steam room and meditation deck. Despite the impressive details of the house, Brooklyn and Nicola embarked on an extensive renovation last year, ripping outt an ultra-luxe kitchen and bathrooms designed by renowned architect Vincent Van Duysen at a cost of at least $1million. Back in 2021 the pair made a mansion mistake, purchasing a home just five minutes away from their current abode for $10.5 million, only to sell it eight months later at a loss of $1 million. Nicola later admitted the purchase was 'silly', confessing they had rushed into splashing millions on a home before working out which area they wanted to start their married life in. Join the debate Could YOU spend $1 million every month? In late 2024 Nicola and Brooklyn bought a $16million home in the Trousdale Estates neighbourhood in Beverly Hills with views of the Pacific Ocean The house purchase came after the couple's lengthy search for their dream marital home and included more than $100,000 worth of furniture and art thrown in 'We did have a house in LA at one point but we sold it because we were like oh, we're going to go to Florida for awhile. And then we're like no just kidding we have to be in LA for work,' she mused. Before purchasing that home the pair lived in a three bedroom condo that Nicola's mother bought in 2012 for $3.8million. Five star getaways Nelson Peltz's property portfolio has ensured the young couple have plenty of luxury homes to flit between if they are in need of a break from their own mansion. The billionaire owns a gigantic compound in upstate New York as well as his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, at which the couple held their 2022 wedding. A round trip private jet trip, their preferred mode of transport, to the Palm Beach family home doesn't come cheap though at around $100,000. Favourite destinations include yacht breaks in Los Cabos, Mexico or St Tropez, and ski weekends in Aspen More recently, the couple have retreated to Meghan and Harry's favourite California hotel in the wake of the bombshell statement The couple are living just as lavishly when they travel overseas. Favourite destinations include yacht breaks in Los Cabos, Mexico or St Tropez, and ski weekends in Aspen. In previous years they would have had access to Victoria and David's $16million superyacht but last summer they enjoyed a Peltz family break on a 85million superyacht called Project X, which is chartered for 1.2million per week. The 260ft luxury vessel was rented by Nicola's billionaire parents, who holidayed in St Tropez with the couple and the rest of the Peltz clan. More recently, the couple have retreated to Meghan and Harry's favourite California hotel in the wake of the bombshell statement. The young couple have shared snaps from their lavish break at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, where rooms range from 2,245 to as much as 9,069 a night Wine buffs Amongst their holiday snaps from San Ysidro Ranch there was a photo of a bottle of red wine open on the table as well as some pictures from the wine cellar, including one of the world's finest, and most expensive dessert wines, worth 17,000 a bottle. Brooklyn has become something of a wine aficionado, sharing photos of hs extensive wine cellar at home Amongst their holiday snaps from San Ysidro Ranch there was a photo of one of the world's finest, and most expensive dessert wines, worth 17,000 a bottle It is not known if the Peltz Beckhams bought the 1831 Chateau d'Yquem or the 1811 vintage next to it, which last sold at auction in 2012 for around 75,000. Although if reports of Nicola's 1million-a-month allowance from her billionaire father are to be believed, they could no doubt afford both. Brooklyn has become something of a wine aficionado, sharing photos of hs extensive wine cellar at home. Fine dining Brooklyn is famously the foodie of the pair, with his Instagram stuffed with cooking videos. Last year he tried to kickstart his cooking career with his own online series, enlisiting a 62-person crew at the eye-watering cost of $100,000 to film him making a sandwich. Brooklyn is famously the foodie of the pair, with his Instagram stuffed with cooking videos but the couple also love a pricey meal out His connections saw him teaming up with his 'favourite chef' Nancy Silverton but after his online cooking career fizzled out Brookyn has made do with regular visits to Nancy's restaurant Osteria Mozza in LA where even a humble bowl of olives sets you back $27. Another favourite LA haunt of the couple's is Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Hayato which offers a highly exclusive 7-seat, multi-course dinner with prices ranging from $350 to over $400 per person. When at the Peltz's Palm Beach home they frequent Le Bilboquet, with whom Brooklyn's hot sauce brand collaborated on a 'Cloud-Cajun' chicken sandwich for $44. And for a simple lunch at home? The couple turn to celeb-favourite Nobu for a pricey sushi takeout. Lavish gifts The pair love an Instagram public display of affection, sending gushing gratitudes for each other's Valentines, anniversary and birthday gifts. Brooklyn is a big fan of sending his wife huge bouquets, pictures of which are promptly uploaded online. The pair love an Instagram public display of affection, sending gushing gratitudes for each other's Valentines, anniversary and birthday gifts One of their favourite florists is Flowers of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach where the couple once splashed 4,000 on 500 red roses for Nicola's mother Claudias birthday. Then there's the jewellery. Brooklyn proposed with a 350,000 diamond ring in July 2020 but in the years since they have spent their cash on less conventional gems. A couple of years into their marriage Nicola famously had the couple's wisdom teeth turned into his and hers gold necklaces. Designer closets Nicola once gushed that her mother-in-law Victoria Beckham's closet is 'like heaven'. She had the pick of Victoria's eponymous fashion line as well as borrowing from her personal collection. After the estrangement though Nicola has to splash the cash herself. In 2023 the couple offered a quick glimpse into their very pricey wardrobes when they revealed to Vogue what a week of outfits looks like in their very luxurious world - flaunting an array of different ensembles that totted up to an astounding $80,249. In a video for the fashion bible, Brooklyn and Nicola put together a host of different 'looks', ranging from 'business meeting' attire to 'date night' outfits that they might wear during a dinner out on the town. In 2023 the couple offered a quick glimpse into their very pricey wardrobes when they revealed to Vogue what a week of outfits looks like in their very luxurious world But while the occasions might have been varied, one thing remained consistent: Each look was filled with a host of high-end and very costly items, from vintage Chanel and Alaia for Nicola to Berluti for Brooklyn. Even when indulging in their favourite activity of watching TV at home, the couple do so in matching $1,150 Valentino robes. Nicola's bag collection is full of vintage pieces including a Louis Vuitton purse worth $4,144 and a Chanel for $6,000. Brooklyn is also a fan of a label, gushing to Vogue about his beloved $1,150 Saint Laurent shoes. Even when indulging in their favourite activity of watching TV at home, the couple do so in matching $1,150 Valentino robes When on holiday Nicola has a favourite spot in St Tropez to stock up on swimwear, once musing 'I know how hard it can be to find a good bikini and the boutique at Le Club 55 in Saint-Tropez sells the most perfect ones.' 'I also bought Brooklyn a bracelet there, and he's worn it ever since.' The high-end boutique items are only available onsite and not online or anywhere else in the world. Luxe motors When he's not playing chef, Brooklyn is fulfilling a 'lifelong dream' of driving a Formula E car, joining an intense training programme last year. Brooklyn has plenty of motors are home to indulge his passion for cars including a McLaren 765LT He's also owned a Andy Warhol-inspired pop-art 1971 BMW M1 and a McLaren P1 whilst his every day car at home in California is a 50,000 Jeep Wrangler And he also has plenty of motors are home to indulge his passion. Fellow motorhead, dad David, splashed $500k on a vintage electric Jaguar as wedding gift for his son and Nicola back in 2022. Having learned to drive in a Peugeot 208, Brooklyn upgraded to a 37k Mercedes A-Class and a Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG shortly after passing. He's also owned a Andy Warhol-inspired pop-art 1971 BMW M1 and a McLaren P1 whilst his every day car at home in California is a 50,000 Jeep Wrangler. Bulgarian official calls for deepening ties with China under BRI Xinhua) 10:35, January 29, 2026 SOFIA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Zahari Zahariev, president of Bulgaria's National Association for the Belt and Road, on Wednesday called for deepening ties with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting broad prospects for bilateral cooperation in infrastructure. Speaking at the association's General Assembly, Zahariev specifically noted the development of maritime connections with China, citing a BRI route running "from China, through the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus and the Black Sea, with Bulgaria serving as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe and Europe as a whole." He said municipal authorities in Bulgaria's Black Sea ports of Burgas and Varna, particularly Burgas, have expressed willingness to see the route pass through a joint project to construct a shared port center at Port Burgas. Zahariev added that the pharmaceutical industry could be another area for cooperation with China, along with the development of Bulgaria's energy system. Wang Min, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, said at the assembly that China stands ready to continuously deepen its partnership with all countries, including Bulgaria, so that the BRI can become a path to prosperity, cooperation and opportunity, contributing to the stable growth of the global economy and the sound development of international economic and trade cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Katie Price's new husband Lee Andrews has revealed the reason she had to return to the UK without him after their whirlwind wedding in Dubai. The former glamour model, 47, tied the knot for the fourth time to Lee, 43, in an intimate ceremony over the weekend, just days after getting engaged. Following their nuptials, Katie jetted back to the UK alone, leading to questions from some about the legitimacy of the marriage. But Lee has since taken to Instagram Stories to hit back at the claims, saying that he would be flying out to join his new wife on Thursday, and Katie had to fly back early so she could be reunited with her children. A source previously claimed that Katie's mother Amy and her five children were all left completely in the dark about her wedding. It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. Katie Price's new husband Lee Andrews has revealed the reason she had to return to the UK without him after their whirlwind wedding in Dubai The former glamour model tied the knot for the fourth time to Lee in an intimate ceremony over the weekend, just days after getting engaged In his post, Lee said: 'I'm going be meeting Katie tomorrow in the UK. I just need to wrap up a few things here. 'She had to get back for her children because she's a good mother and she's lovely like that.' He began the video: 'So yes, Im in Dubai, shes in England, youll see us reunite.' Before ending the post, he also referenced speculation that he and Katie had been wearing their wedding rings on the wrong hand. He jokily added: 'Our rings are on the correct hand, which is on the right hand, no Im joking, its on the left hand.' Following his wedding to Katie, Lee has faced accusations from exes that he is a 'lying swindler,' with some warning his new wife that she should 'run for the hills.' Lee's ex-girlfriend Alana Percival took to Instagram on Wednesday with a warning to Katie that her new man is not what he seems. She wrote: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' and tagged Katie in the post. Lee took to Instagram Stories to say that he would be flying out to join his new wife on Thursday, and Katie had to fly back early so she could be reunited with her children Alana also shared a photo of herself in a bikini on the beach and wrote: 'Catching flights not fiances Somebody with your ex right now thinking they found the one @katieprice more to come todays news is just a warm up. 'You guys wanted to know what he is all about? Well let me start to tell you #runforthehills.' Lee connected to Alana on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds. He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Katie's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The Daily Mail has contacted Lee Andrews and representatives of Katie Price for comment. Lee appeared to have repurposed the Cartier ring he gave to Alana to propose to Katie. Alana said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'. Despite their warnings, Alana, who has since branded him a 'lying swinder', said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'. Alana, who sold a house to Katie 15 years ago and called off their engagement in November, told the publication: 'Katie should run for the hills, Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think hes a manipulator. Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesnt know whats fact and whats fiction.' Meanwhile, another of Lee's exes, Crystal Janke, has claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over 123,000 to invest in his company, on the promise he could get a 'return of 1million'. The Sun reports the police are aware of the alleged fraud. The family nurse practitioner from Texas, who started a romance with Lee last May, claims she has been scammed and fears her money was spent by Lee on lavish gifts for Alana, who he was dating at the same time. Crystal commented on Alana's post, writing: 'Keep smiling and soaking up every moment - you truly deserve it!' to which Alana replied, telling her that 'There is so much more to this story, karma.' Crystal wrote: 'I truly wish I could jump on a plane and fly to you right now just to hug you. Thank you for having the courage to listen when I reached out. At the end of the day, women supporting women always wins, and Im grateful we crossed paths for a reason. 'Im sorry this happened to both of us, but were going to get through it- and well come out on the other side stronger and empowered.' Alana added on her Instagram Stories: 'This man had me shrinking myself making me not want to speak up, telling me not to speak to my friends about how he acted because they all told me to leave him. He even ruined some of my friendships pulled me away from people I love by protecting him. 'Made unlimited promises making me look as bad as him because I was on his side!! Finally I get to speak freely and tell you all, I hope Katie listens I wish I had listened to all the others that warned me! Please ladies if you experience anything like this run a mile and more. Keep running!' It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage Crystal said she believes Lee had planned on proposing to her in the same way just two weeks before Alana's engagement after they looked at rings together. But her sister began to become suspicious of Lee and contacted a private investigator, who then revealed he was dating Alana at the same time. Crystal said: 'The PA then found his ex Dina and she said, "Run for the hills. Hes not who he says he is". She said he scams people all the time.' Crystal swiftly ended the relationship, contacted her bank and reported Lee to police as she said: 'I know theres no chance Ill ever get this money back. Looking back I think, "How did I let him scam me?" But he was so convincing.' Lee told the Daily Mail that he did have a relationship with Alana, stating: 'I gave her a lavish lifestyle. I invested in her real estate business. I have to dismiss all her claims.' He added that he does have a heart condition but 'I have never used this as leverage as a conversation to fake anything. It's something that was bought up in conversation because I was with my partner'. He added of Crystal that 'I have never met the woman' adding that he has 'exchanged conversations and a couple of texts but I do not have any notion of her investing in me or sending me money. I have to dismiss that claim.' The Sun claims to have seen texts from Lee to Crystal in which he says he was 'dating a really famous person from the UK' and wants to meet her in London to return her money. The Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Katie's family have reportedly been left in the dark over her shock marriage to Lee following the pair's whirlwind 'one-week' romance. A source told the Daily Mail that Katie's family had not spoken to her since she walked down the aisle. It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. It has been reported that Lee's glossy online profile supposedly caught her attention just days ago which led to the whirlwind wedding. The couple, who are currently apart after Katie returned to England and Lee stayed in Dubai, have also had each other's names inked on their hands. Speaking to the camera, Lee said: 'Hi guys how are you? So this is married life. There's been a bit of confusion about tattoos and rings. Rings are all on the right fingers and tattoos are all on the right hands... 'Anyway, lots of love to everyone and massive love, all the love in the world to Katie and I'll see you soon. We had the most wonderful wedding, we are married, it is official and I'm the happiest man in the world... Katie has been urged to 'run for the hills' by two of her new husband's exes, who claim the Dubai businessman is a 'lying swindler who preys on women' Lee also appeared to have used the same ring - predicted to cost around 40k - to propose to the star as he used on his ex-wife Dina Taji 'Lots of love to everyone. That might clear up a lot of the 99 per cent of the junk that's in my requests. It should. Lots of love to you all.' Harking back to the tattoos, he shared another video showing his hand and penned: 'So there is the tattoo, just so you can see it. Just so you know. It's further up the hand than Katie's and we are getting more tattoos.' Further in his bid to silence naysayers, he then shared a video aimed further at those who claimed his ring was on the wrong hand. He said: 'Folks, folks, folks. Let me just do one think for you. Listen, I'm not a videographer and I'm not a photographer but this is my left hand... 'From where you guys are sitting because it's a reverse camera, it's the frontal camera, and you can give it a go on your iPhone or your Androids or whatever you've got, if you show your left hand to yourself on the camera with the camera facing you it will look like the right hand... 'I can assure you myself and my beautiful wife, both have the rings on the correct finger which is the left. She also has her engagement ring which is beautiful, I love you, I love you babe, and her wedding band. Our tattoos are on the right hand.' Stranger Things star Eduardo Franco has revealed his jaw-dropping body transformation which took just three months as he takes on a new film role. The actor, 31, who is best known for playing pizza delivery boy Argyle in the hit Netflix series, has landed a role in an exciting new film that requires him to take off his top in the opening scene. Speaking in a video for his gym S10 Training, the star said: 'On July 14th I got the word I got this job. I knew from the script that my character appears in the very beginning of the movie and he is shirtless. 'I said ok, I'm taking it upon myself, I'd like to look as lean as possible for that scene. And then I came out here, my trainer Bowen linked me with Stephen here at S10. 'I had no prior experience with any strength training whatsoever. Stephen really did take care of me, it was super dope.' Pointing to his trainer, he said: 'This is the guy behind almost every physique in Hollywood.' Stranger Things star Eduardo Franco revealed his jaw-dropping body transformation which took him just three months on Instagram on Thursday as he took on a new film role The actor, 31, is best known for playing pizza delivery boy Argyle in Stranger Things (pictured) The gym captioned the inspiring video: 'Three months of hard work, discipline and S10 got lean and mean for his movie role.' Eduardo was even praised by his Stranger Things co-stars Finn Wolfhard, 23, and Caleb McLaughlin, 24. Finn, who is most famous for his lead ole as Mike Wheeler, left clapping emojis under the clip, while Caleb, who played Lucas Sinclair, wrote 'Oh s***!' While fans were also quick to recognise Eduardo, who entered the series as a key character in season four. One said: 'IM SORRY, IS THAT ARGYLE?!?' Another wrote: 'Them not bringing him back for S5 was disrespectful his character was hilarious but I understand this season s**t is hitting the fan.' A third commented: 'He still has the most beautiful hair that I hope he keeps forever'. Many also left fun gifs of Eduardo's character Argyle in the comments below. The actor has landed a role in an exciting new film that requires him to be topless in the opening scene Speaking in an Instagram video for his gym, Eduardo said: 'I'm taking it upon myself, I'd like to look as lean as possible for that scene' Fans were also quick to recognise Eduardo, who entered the series as a key character in season four The show's final-ever episode - Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up - dropped on December 31 in the US and January 1 in the UK. In the finale, fans watched Mike Wheeler (Wolfhard), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the rest of the gang try and take down Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Mind Flayer, as well as try and close the gap between the real world and the Upside Down. The evil characters are killed by El and they successfully managed to close the gap. Now, Netflix has announced and released a teaser for One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5. The documentary gives fans an insight into the years of work that went into the beloved show's last-ever series. One Last Adventure will be released on the streaming platform at 8am GMT on January 12. During the trailer, several stars are overcome with emotion, including Millie and Noah Schnapp, both 21. Millie - who played Eleven throughout the entire run - admitted in a voiceover: 'I'm not ready to let go.' The Traitors' Mollie Pearce proudly showed off her stoma bag in a patterned red bikini as she enjoyed a birthday trip to Thailand with her pop star boyfriend this week. Former Dancing On Ice contestant Mollie, 24, is dating The Vamps bassist Connor Ball, 29, and the couple confirmed their romance by going on a break together to Amsterdam last summer. And he joined her on the most recent trip where she posed on the beach in the swimwear and soaked up the sun. The couple also looked loved-up as they enjoyed a boat trip and some snorkelling later in the day. Mollie penned in the caption of her Instagram post: 'I highly recommend spending your birthday in Thailand.' Mollie began dating Connor after the couple connected at a Dancing On Ice wrap party. The Traitors' Mollie Pearce proudly showed off her stoma bag in a patterned red bikini as she enjoyed a birthday trip to Thailand with her pop star boyfriend this week Former Dancing On Ice contestant Mollie, 24, is dating The Vamps bassist Connor Ball, 29, who was on the trip with her They were both at the TV bash after Connor appeared on the series in 2022 and Mollie finished in sixth place during 2025's competition. A TV source told the Daily Mail last year: 'Mollie and Connor are in the early stages of dating and are loving getting to know each other. 'They felt ready to share their relationship on Instagram after holidaying together for the first time. 'It's been a few months since they met at the Dancing On Ice wrap party, where they first connected and now they're up for going public.' Mollie starred on the last ever series of Dancing On Ice with professional partner Colin Grafton before the programme, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, was cancelled by ITV. The star competed on the show to raise awareness for the stoma bag community after having one fitted when she was 18, seven years after she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Mollie, who was born without fingers on her right hand, spoke about her decision to sign up to Dancing On Ice, saying she wanted to take the opportunity now that she isn't held back by poor health. She said at the time: 'I have my health and the chance to do these things now. I would never have been able to do anything like this four years ago. Join the debate Should more public figures proudly embrace visible health conditions? And he joined her on the most recent trip where she posed on the beach in the swimwear and soaked up the sun The couple also looked loved-up as they enjoyed a boat trip and some snorkelling later in the day Mollie penned in the caption of her Instagram post: 'I highly recommend spending your birthday in Thailand' She had a stoma bag fitted when she was 18, seven years after she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 'I want to take all the opportunities I possibly can now and take it all in.' In 2024, Mollie was humiliated by Traitors rival Harry Clark, who convinced her he was a fellow Faithful, when all along he was a Traitor, and his deceit saw him bag the 95,000 cash prize. The most recent series of The Traitors concluded on the BBC last Friday night. Traitor duo Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby scooped the huge cash prize after going undetected for the whole show. Katie Price showed off her white bridal lingerie in sizzling snaps after being warned to run for the hills from husband Lee Andrews. The former glamour model, 47, married Lee, 43, at the weekend, but two of his exes have branded him a 'lying swindler who preys on women' in an online post. Brushing off the drama surrounding her new husband, Katie posed for a series of photos which she shared to Snapchat on Thursday. She wore a plunging lace bra, teamed with a matching thong for the first sultry picture. Katie then changed into a busty white dress, complete with a see-through mesh panel in another update. The TV personality married Dubai businessman, Lee, just days after getting engaged during a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. Katie Price showed off her white bridal lingerie in sizzling snaps after being warned to run for the hills from husband Lee Andrews The former glamour model, 47, posed for a series of photos which she shared to Snapchat on Thursday as she brushed off the drama surrounding her new man His ex girlfriend Alana Percival later claimed she has 'proof' he is a 'lying swindler' after warning her to 'run for the hills'. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Alana shared a warning to Katie that her new man is not what he seems. She wrote: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' and tagged Katie in the post. Alana also shared a photo of herself in a bikini on the beach and wrote: 'Catching flights not fiances Somebody with your ex right now thinking they found the one @katieprice more to come todays news is just a warm up. 'You guys wanted to know what he is all about? Well let me start to tell you #runforthehills'. Lee connected to Alana on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds. He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Katie's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Daily Mail has contacted Lee Andrews and representatives of Katie Price for comment. Katie married Lee, 43, at the weekend, but two of his exes have branded him a 'lying swindler who preys on women' in an online post Lee appeared to have repurposed the Cartier ring he gave to Alana to propose to Katie. Alana said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'. Despite their warnings, Alana, who has since branded him a 'lying swinder', said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'. Alana, who sold a house to Katie 15 years ago and called off their engagement in November, told the publication: 'Katie should run for the hills, Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think hes a manipulator. 'Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesnt know whats fact and whats fiction.' Meanwhile, another of Lee's exes, Crystal Janke, has claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over 123,000 to invest in his company, on the promise he could get a 'return of 1million'. The Sun reports the police are aware of the alleged fraud. She has been urged to 'run for the hills' by two of her new husband's exes His ex girlfriend Alana Percival warned Katie: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' 'Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesnt know whats fact and whats fiction,' she said Another ex, Crystal Janke, 40, has claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over 123,000 to invest in his company, on the promise he could get a 'return of 1million' The family nurse practitioner from Texas, who started a romance with Lee last May, claims she has been scammed and fears her money was spent by Lee on lavish gifts for Alana, who he was dating at the same time. Crystal commented on Alana's post, writing: 'Keep smiling and soaking up every moment - you truly deserve it!' to which Alana replied, telling her that 'There is so much more to this story, karma.' Crystal wrote: 'I truly wish I could jump on a plane and fly to you right now just to hug you. Thank you for having the courage to listen when I reached out. At the end of the day, women supporting women always wins, and Im grateful we crossed paths for a reason.' 'Im sorry this happened to both of us, but were going to get through it- and well come out on the other side stronger and empowered. Alana added on her Instagram Stories: 'This man had me shrinking myself making me not want to speak up, telling me not to speak to my friends about how he acted because they all told me to leave him. He even ruined some of my friendships pulled me away from people I love by protecting him.' 'Made unlimited promises making me look as bad as him because I was on his side!! Finally I get to speak freely and tell you all, I hope Katie listens I wish I had listened to all the others that warned me! 'Please ladies if you experience anything like this run a mile and more. Keep running!' Crystal said she believes Lee had planned on proposing to her in the same way just two weeks before Alana's engagement after they looked at rings together. But her sister began to become suspicious of Lee and contacted a private investigator, who then revealed he was dating Alana at the same time. Alana added on her Instagram Stories: 'This man had me shrinking myself making me not want to speak up' Lee proposed to ex Alana just four months ago - and recreated the exact same set-up when he got down on one knee to Katie (pictured) Crystal said: 'The PA then found his ex Dina and she said, "Run for the hills. Hes not who he says he is". She said he scams people all the time.' She swiftly ended the relationship, contacted her bank and reported Lee to police as she said: 'I know theres no chance Ill ever get this money back. Looking back I think, "How did I let him scam me?" But he was so convincing.' Lee told the Daily Mail that he did have a relationship with Alana, stating: 'I gave her a lavish lifestyle. I invested in her real estate business. I have to dismiss all her claims.' He added that he does have a heart condition but 'I have never used this as leverage as a conversation to fake anything. It's something that was bought up in conversation because I was with my partner.' He added of Crystal that 'I have never met the woman' adding that he has 'exchanged conversations and a couple of texts but I do not have any notion of her investing in me or sending me money. I have to dismiss that claim.' The Sun claims to have seen texts from Lee to Crystal in which he says he was 'dating a really famous person from the UK' and wants to meet her in London to return her money. The Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Katie Price's sister Sophie has said it's been 'a long week' and she is 'very tired' after her sister's shock wedding to Lee Andrews. The former glamour model, 47, shocked the showbiz world when she announced that she was engaged on Friday, just days after her breakup from reality star JJ Slater, 32. The wedding took place just days after getting engaged, with sources saying even her family were unaware of the star's new relationship. They are now said to be planning an intervention. A source told Daily Mail that Katie's family had not spoken to her since she walked down the aisle. In a new Instagram clip she shared on Thursday, Sophie gave a big, drawn out sigh as she gave her followers an update on the last few days. 'It has been a long old week. I'm very tired, looking forward to the weekend,' she said. Katie Price's sister Sophie has said it's been 'a long week' and she is 'very tired' after her sister's shock wedding to Lee Andrews The former glamour model, 47, shocked the showbiz world when she announced that she was engaged on Friday, just days after her breakup from reality star JJ Slater, 32 Sophie said her children would be out of the house on Friday and she was looking forward to spending some quality time with her husband Harry. 'I'm at home doing a bit of tidying, yeah, that's it. I'm off tomorrow, Olive's in nursery and Albert's in school and I cannot wait to have a day on my own. Well, me and Harry. I'm looking forward to having a bit of time out,' she said. It has been claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. A source told The Sun: 'Everyone is worried she's spinning out of control. 'They haven't even met this man and if she's only known him a week, he could be anyone. Nobody is planning to hold back.' Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Following their nuptials, Katie jetted back to the UK alone, leading to questions from some about the legitimacy of the marriage. But Lee has since taken to Instagram Stories to hit back at the claims, saying that he would be flying out to join his new wife on Thursday, and Katie had to fly back early so she could be reunited with her children. A source told Daily Mail that Katie's family had not spoken to her since she walked down the aisle A source previously claimed that Katie's mother Amy and her five children - Harvey, 23, Junior, 20, Princess, 18, Jett, 12, and Bunny, 10 - were all left completely in the dark about her wedding. It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. In his post, Lee said: 'I'm going be meeting Katie tomorrow in the UK. I just need to wrap up a few things here. 'She had to get back for her children because she's a good mother and she's lovely like that.' He began the video: 'So yes, Im in Dubai, shes in England, youll see us reunite.' Before ending the post, he also referenced speculation that he and Katie had been wearing their wedding rings on the wrong hand. He jokily added: 'Our rings are on the correct hand, which is on the right hand, no Im joking, its on the left hand.' Following his wedding to Katie, Lee has faced accusations from exes that he is a 'lying swindler,' with some warning his new wife that she should 'run for the hills.' Lee's ex-girlfriend Alana Percival took to Instagram on Wednesday with a warning to Katie that her new man is not what he seems. She wrote: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' and tagged Katie in the post. Lee took to Instagram Stories to say that he would be flying out to join his new wife on Thursday, and Katie had to fly back early so she could be reunited with her children Alana also shared a photo of herself in a bikini on the beach and wrote: 'Catching flights not fiances Somebody with your ex right now thinking they found the one @katieprice more to come todays news is just a warm up. 'You guys wanted to know what he is all about? Well let me start to tell you #runforthehills.' Lee connected to Alana on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds. He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Katie's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The Daily Mail has contacted Lee Andrews and representatives of Katie Price for comment. Lee appeared to have repurposed the Cartier ring he gave to Alana to propose to Katie. Alana said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'. Despite their warnings, Alana, who has since branded him a 'lying swinder', said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'. Alana, who sold a house to Katie 15 years ago and called off their engagement in November, told the publication: 'Katie should run for the hills, Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think hes a manipulator. Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesnt know whats fact and whats fiction.' Meanwhile, another of Lee's exes, Crystal Janke, has claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over 123,000 to invest in his company, on the promise he could get a 'return of 1million'. The Sun reports the police are aware of the alleged fraud. The family nurse practitioner from Texas, who started a romance with Lee last May, claims she has been scammed and fears her money was spent by Lee on lavish gifts for Alana, who he was dating at the same time. Crystal commented on Alana's post, writing: 'Keep smiling and soaking up every moment - you truly deserve it!' to which Alana replied, telling her that 'There is so much more to this story, karma.' Crystal wrote: 'I truly wish I could jump on a plane and fly to you right now just to hug you. Thank you for having the courage to listen when I reached out. At the end of the day, women supporting women always wins, and Im grateful we crossed paths for a reason. 'Im sorry this happened to both of us, but were going to get through it- and well come out on the other side stronger and empowered.' Alana added on her Instagram Stories: 'This man had me shrinking myself making me not want to speak up, telling me not to speak to my friends about how he acted because they all told me to leave him. He even ruined some of my friendships pulled me away from people I love by protecting him. 'Made unlimited promises making me look as bad as him because I was on his side!! Finally I get to speak freely and tell you all, I hope Katie listens I wish I had listened to all the others that warned me! Please ladies if you experience anything like this run a mile and more. Keep running!' It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage Crystal said she believes Lee had planned on proposing to her in the same way just two weeks before Alana's engagement after they looked at rings together. But her sister began to become suspicious of Lee and contacted a private investigator, who then revealed he was dating Alana at the same time. Crystal said: 'The PA then found his ex Dina and she said, "Run for the hills. Hes not who he says he is". She said he scams people all the time.' Crystal swiftly ended the relationship, contacted her bank and reported Lee to police as she said: 'I know theres no chance Ill ever get this money back. Looking back I think, "How did I let him scam me?" But he was so convincing.' Lee told the Daily Mail that he did have a relationship with Alana, stating: 'I gave her a lavish lifestyle. I invested in her real estate business. I have to dismiss all her claims.' He added that he does have a heart condition but 'I have never used this as leverage as a conversation to fake anything. It's something that was bought up in conversation because I was with my partner'. He added of Crystal that 'I have never met the woman' adding that he has 'exchanged conversations and a couple of texts but I do not have any notion of her investing in me or sending me money. I have to dismiss that claim.' The Sun claims to have seen texts from Lee to Crystal in which he says he was 'dating a really famous person from the UK' and wants to meet her in London to return her money. The Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Katie's family have reportedly been left in the dark over her shock marriage to Lee following the pair's whirlwind 'one-week' romance. A source told the Daily Mail that Katie's family had not spoken to her since she walked down the aisle. It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. It has been reported that Lee's glossy online profile supposedly caught her attention just days ago which led to the whirlwind wedding. The couple, who are currently apart after Katie returned to England and Lee stayed in Dubai, have also had each other's names inked on their hands. Speaking to the camera, Lee said: 'Hi guys how are you? So this is married life. There's been a bit of confusion about tattoos and rings. Rings are all on the right fingers and tattoos are all on the right hands... 'Anyway, lots of love to everyone and massive love, all the love in the world to Katie and I'll see you soon. We had the most wonderful wedding, we are married, it is official and I'm the happiest man in the world... Katie has been urged to 'run for the hills' by two of her new husband's exes, who claim the Dubai businessman is a 'lying swindler who preys on women' Lee also appeared to have used the same ring - predicted to cost around 40k - to propose to the star as he used on his ex-wife Dina Taji 'Lots of love to everyone. That might clear up a lot of the 99 per cent of the junk that's in my requests. It should. Lots of love to you all.' Harking back to the tattoos, he shared another video showing his hand and penned: 'So there is the tattoo, just so you can see it. Just so you know. It's further up the hand than Katie's and we are getting more tattoos.' Further in his bid to silence naysayers, he then shared a video aimed further at those who claimed his ring was on the wrong hand. He said: 'Folks, folks, folks. Let me just do one think for you. Listen, I'm not a videographer and I'm not a photographer but this is my left hand... 'From where you guys are sitting because it's a reverse camera, it's the frontal camera, and you can give it a go on your iPhone or your Androids or whatever you've got, if you show your left hand to yourself on the camera with the camera facing you it will look like the right hand... 'I can assure you myself and my beautiful wife, both have the rings on the correct finger which is the left. She also has her engagement ring which is beautiful, I love you, I love you babe, and her wedding band. Our tattoos are on the right hand.' Katie Price unveiled a huge new tattoo on her shoulder on Thursday - just days after getting inked with her new husband's name. The former glamour model, 47, shocked fans over the weekend when she married businessman Lee Andrews in Dubai. After he popped the question to Katie, making him her ninth fiance, she showed off her's and her partner's hands, which had fresh tattoo's of each other's names. She has now added yet another tattoo to her collection as she showed off the start of an intricate design on her shoulder. The piece was still being worked on with the bottom section tattooed and the top half stencilled on. Katie met entrepreneur Lee just days before their wedding in Dubai, where he is based, after connecting on social media. Katie Price unveiled a huge new tattoo on her shoulder on Thursday - just days after getting inked with her new husband's name The former glamour model, 47, shocked fans over the weekend when she married businessman Lee Andrews in Dubai. Amid a slew of loved-up snaps being shared on Instagram this weekend were several of Katie and Lee's fresh matching hand tattoos. Katie has Lee's name inked on the back of her hand and Lee has Katie's, while they both have the number 11 11 underneath. The 'angel' number is associated with love and deep connections and seeing it on a clock, car number plate, or even on a receipt, is seen by some as telling you that you're 'aligned with your true purpose'. Their choice of this number certainly indicates that Katie believes Lee is 'the one' after four previous marriages and nine engagements. The angel number is also meant to represent new beginnings, or a 'wake-up call' from the universe - which seems fitting for Katie as she embarks on this fresh relationship. The former glamour model hasn't held back with paying tribute to partners in the way of ink. She previously had name tributes to ex-husband Peter Andre and ex-fiance Leandro Penna - both of which she has covered up. The reality star also got ex Carl Woods face tattooed onto her arm. After he popped the question to Katie, making him her ninth fiance, she showed off her's and her partner's hands, which had fresh tattoo's of each other's names Katie has more than twenty tattoos and got the whole of her back covered with angel wings last year. Other inkings include a garter on her thigh BS a crown for daughter Princess Other inkings include a garter on her thigh, a crown for daughter Princess, 18, and a rose which was used to cover up ex Pete's name. The star hit headlines when she decided to put a giant X over Pete's name when their marriage broke down in 2009. Katie also once had the name of her model ex Leandro on her ankle, with the date they met but covered it up when they split in 2012. Other notable tattoos include red hearts and stars on her wrist in tribute to sons Harvey, 23, and Junior, 20, a bow on her hip to represent her loved ones 'tied together, and the initials H and J on the back of her neck. She also has a pony and ribbon on her ankle, two other bow tattoos, a crown and microphone inking to represent 'self worth', a heartbeat on her right wrist and a heart with wings on her left wrist. Before Christmas Katie endured a mammoth six hours at the tattoo parlour as she added to her extensive collection with a floral design on her bottom - in what echoes Cheryl's famous rose tattoo. Katie has more than twenty tattoos and got the whole of her back covered with angel wings last year. The TV personality married Dubai businessman, Lee, just days after getting engaged during a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. However, his ex girlfriend Alana Percival later claimed she has 'proof' he is a 'lying swindler' after warning her to 'run for the hills'. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Alana shared a warning to Katie that her new man is not what he seems. She wrote: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' and tagged Katie in the post. The TV personality married Dubai businessman, Lee, just days after getting engaged during a whirlwind 'one-week' romance Alana also shared a photo of herself in a bikini on the beach and wrote: 'Catching flights not fiances Somebody with your ex right now thinking they found the one @katieprice more to come todays news is just a warm up. 'You guys wanted to know what he is all about? Well let me start to tell you #runforthehills'. Lee connected to Alana on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds. He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Katie's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Daily Mail has contacted Lee Andrews and representatives of Katie Price for comment. Lee appeared to have repurposed the Cartier ring he gave to Alana to propose to Katie. Alana said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'. Despite their warnings, Alana, who has since branded him a 'lying swinder', said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'. Blake Lively's allegation that she was 'fat shamed' by Justin Baldoni is facing fresh scrutiny after a newly released audio clip reveals the actress wanted to push back filming to get into 'her best shape' after having a baby. The unearthed recording, obtained by the Daily Mail from court filings in New York, captures Lively speaking candidly to Baldoni her director and co-star in the 2024 film It Ends with Us in February 2023, just weeks after she gave birth to her fourth child and months before cameras started rolling. In the clip, the actress admits to feeling anxious about returning to work so soon while wanting to 'work out every day'. The audio, released as part of Baldoni's bid to have Lively's $160million lawsuit dismissed before the case goes to trial in May, appears to undermine one of her most explosive claims that she was humiliated when Baldoni allegedly made comments about her weight shortly after she had given birth. Lively alleges in her lawsuit that Baldoni asked her personal trainer Dan Saladino about her weight, a comment Saladino then relayed to her. Blake Lively's explosive claim that she was 'fat-shamed' by her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni has been thrown into doubt by a newly released audio The actress claims to have suffered more than $160million in damages after claiming he sexually harassed her on the set and retaliated against her with a smear campaign The Gossip Girl star maintains that Baldoni also sexually harassed her on the set of It Ends With Us and retaliated against her with a smear campaign. Baldoni denies all claims against him but a judge dismissed the actor's own $400million defamation countersuit last year. Saladino said in a deposition that he was taken aback when Baldoni asked him about Lively's weight, supposedly because he was worried about not being able to lift her up during a dance scene. In his deposition, Saladino said Baldoni's comments made him feel 'uncomfortable' and so he told Lively. Baldoni claims he had back problems and only wanted to be safe during filming. Lively's audio message was sent to Baldoni on February 8, 2023, three months before shooting eventually began. The 'fat shaming' allegation was perhaps one of Lively's most explosive claims in the suit and centered on comments Baldoni made to her longtime personal trainer Don Saladino Lively expressed feeling anxious about returning to work weeks after giving birth to her fourth child In the rambling, four-and-a-half minute long message, Lively said she had been speaking to the director of Proxy, the sci-fi film she was due to make before It Ends With Us because there was 'very little time to prep'. Lively told Baldoni that the Proxy director asked if the start date of It Ends With Us could be pushed back but she said no. She said: 'I've been really, really under it. I don't talk to him (the other director) like I talk to you, so I haven't told him about about not having a baby nurse still don't have one by the way. 'The idea of going back to work right away. The idea of wanting to work out every day and yet being on set every day. Like what have I done?' A gap of just a week between filming Proxy and It Ends With Us was 'a lot', Lively told Baldoni, because she 'really wanted to focus on our movie'. Texts also revealed Baldoni offered words of reassurance to Blake and urged her 'not to stress about her body' and assured her she would 'look amazing' 'Shooting in April, March is too soon after having a baby and not sleeping and wanting to be in my best shape and all that,' she said. Lively added that she and Ryan Reynolds had been 'really stressed' about spending all of June apart. She said that the most they had ever been apart was less than two weeks and that they wanted to be with their children during the summer holidays. In the end she did not work on Proxy. The alleged 'fat shaming' particularly angered Reynolds who let rip during a January 2024 meeting at the house he shares with Lively, according to legal filings. Baldoni had claimed Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds was 'enraged' about the alleged fat shaming and demanded an apology The movie follows Lily Bloom, a florist played by Lively, who falls in love with a charming but abusive neurosurgeon played by Baldoni, who was also the film's director According to Baldoni, Reynolds was 'enraged' during the 'traumatic encounter' as the Deadpool star demanded an apology. When Baldoni 'resisted apologizing for what he had not done, Reynolds became further enraged', court documents state. Baldoni's lawyers have said that he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life'. In her complaint Lively claimed that Baldoni 'routinely degraded' her by finding 'back channel ways of criticizing her body and weight'. She was left feeling 'humiliated' after her personal trainer told her about Baldoni's comments, which allegedly included him wanting her to 'lose weight in two weeks'. The complaint states: 'Mr Baldoni told the trainer that he had asked because he was concerned about having to pick Ms Lively up in a scene for the movie, but there was no such scene.' The newly released filings also lift the lid on Baldoni's private mindset as the controversy engulfed him. They include a long text conversation between Baldoni and the PR team he hired in 2024 to manage the crisis enveloping him and the movie. In messages to Jennifer Abel, who worked at the time for Baldoni's PR firm, he mocked Sony, the film's distributor. Baldoni said: 'Hi I'm Sony and I'm going to cozy up to Ryan (Reynolds) and erase JustinSony has no spine'. Abel insisted that comments on social media were 'real people' and 'no bots' were involved in the Internet criticism of Lively. In a text from July 2024 Baldoni revealed a text sent to him by Isabela Ferrer, who plays a young version of Lively's character, Lily Bloom. Ferrer told Baldoni it was 'such a comfortable safe space' on set. Baldoni wrote: 'Now she won't even say my name'. In a deposition filed last week, Ferrer said that she was shocked that Baldoni said a sex scene where her character loses her virginity was 'hot' because she was supposed to be around 16 at the time. In the texts Baldoni talked about getting a 'ton of fun bro texts' from Brandon Sklenar who plays a Atlas Corrigan, Lily Bloom's love interest. Baldoni wrote the pair had a 'bromance for a year and then nothing'. Days later Baldoni claimed that Reynolds had unblocked him and his wife Emily on social media but only so he could 'spy' on them. The Daily Mail also previously revealed raw footage that refuted Lively's claim that Baldoni had 'suggestively' told her that her neck smelled 'so good' during a scene where they dance together Also included in the new documents was raw video from the shooting which Baldoni's lawyers said refuted Lively's claim that he 'suggestively' told her that her neck smelled 'so good' during a scene where they dance together. The footage was previously reported by the Daily Mail last July in an exclusive clip. It shows Baldoni joking about rubbing his beard on Lively, who laughs at the remark. Lively says: 'I'm probably getting my spray tan on you.' Baldoni replies: 'It smells good.' Lively appears not to take the comment well and tells Baldoni: 'Well it's not that, it's my body makeup.' According to Lively, Baldoni 'nuzzled' her neck without her consent during the filming of the scene in an improvised moment that wasn't in the script. Jennifer Lawrence picked up a thing or two at Paris Fashion Week. After attending Dior's star-studded runway show in the French capital, the A-lister was looking exceptionally stylish as she returned to New York City on Wednesday. Rather than a tried-and-true traveling outfit consisting of sweats, the 35-year-old went for a cream coat that tied loosely around her waist. Hair styled in effortless ringlets, she paired the coat with flowing black trousers and matching footwear. As for her complexion, the Oscar-winner opted for a chic, makeup-free look, one which displayed her natural beauty to full effect. She rolled a black carry-on suitcase and a Dior tote featuring the cover of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Jennifer Lawrence returned from a trip to Paris Fashion Week looking exceptionally stylish The eye-catching accessory is one Lawrence has been photographed with before and costs at least $3,450. The sighting comes after the actress discussed her style during an appearance on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast. 'I want to know, how do you pick clothes? What is your relationship to clothes?' Poehler asked after telling the screen siren she has 'great style.' Lawrence shared, 'I do a lot of closet clean-outs. I think living in New York helps with that. I don't have a lot of excess stuff that confuses me; I have things that I really like.' The star has a three-year-old son, Cy, as well as a younger son whose name and birthdate have not been publicly revealed with husband Cooke Maroney, 41. The actress was spotted wearing a beaded keychain with the names Cy and Louie in September. She admitted to Poehler that she wants her style to appear 'effortless' after revealing that she loosely plans what to wear to school drop-offs. Lawrence also highlighted style rules to remember: 'Big goes with big, and if you're going to have a baggy and a tight [combination], you cannot ever have tiny on the bottom-baggy on the top... or you'll look like a lamp.' The Oscar-winner opted for a chic, makeup-free complexion for her flight back to the US She wheeled a carry-on and a Dior tote bag featuring the cover of Bram Stoker's Dracula She reiterated, 'You can have baggy on the bottom and tight on the top, but you cannot do the other way around.' Known for her self-deprecation, she also joked that she's 'never had an Ozempic rumor.' 'I was surprised more people haven't talked about how skinny I am in Die My Love because I'm pregnant,' she pointed out. Last year Lawrence said her experience with postpartum anxiety after the birth of her second child helped her tackle her role in the movie, which came out in November. She plays Grace a single mom who struggles with motherhood in the comedy-drama movie, and for the role, she took insight from her life. Lawrence was recently in the French capital for Paris Fashion Week Speaking with People, she said: 'I didn't really end up having really bad postpartum [anxiety] until my second [baby]. I think that just added another layer. 'I mean, I don't think that you have to have kids to play a parent by any means, but having that information about what a tiny person needs, and is looking for... just having that information was helpful.' The star revealed on The Graham Norton Show in October that she had to dance naked with co-star Robert Pattinson, 39, after being asked to do interpretive dance by director Lynne Ramsay. 'Lynne Ramsay, the director, challenged us during rehearsals... Robert and I had to do interpretative dance lessons together. We both embarrass quite easily, and we didn't really know each other, so it was totally humiliating. 'Then on the first day of filming, she asked whether we remembered what we did and asked if we would do it naked!' Ava Phillippe stood out in the crowd at the star-studded premiere of Wuthering Heights in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Reese Witherspoons lookalike daughter looked classy in a tea-length black polka dot dress with lace details around the sweetheart neckline and thigh-high slit, completed with black pumps. The 26-year-old actress wore her blonde hair in a style that would have suited her mom as well, softly curled and just barely grazing her shoulders. Phillippe, whose dad is actor Ryan Phillippe, held her own among the likes of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, who play the star-crossed lovers Cathy and Heathcliff in the movie, plus Cara Delevingne, Scout Willis and Charli XCX, who created the album for the film written and directed by Emerald Fennell. The budding star - who has been a fixture on the Hollywood red carpet in recent months - had a cameo in the Netflix series Ransom Canyon, playing Amalah in a flashback 90s prom scene, where she remarkably resembled her A-lister mom with her perfect updo and purple dress. 'Had a little moment on Ransom Canyon, out now on Netflix,' the young actress shared last April on her Instagram Stories across stills from her appearance. Ava Phillippe stood out in the crowd at the star-studded premiere of Wuthering Heights in Los Angeleson Wednesday night Reese Witherspoons lookalike daughter, 26, looked classy in a tea-length black polka dot dress with lace details around the sweetheart neckline and thigh-high slit 'Best. Prom. Ever,' she announced in another post, while a third image showed her with a typical 90s-style updo, across which she wrote, 'Gotta love a butterfly clip updo,' adding some purple butterfly stickers. Phillippes career has gotten off to a great start, and next she will be seen in the starring role in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, based on the young adult graphic novel by Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-OConnell. Shes been following her moms footsteps into show business since last year, when she made her acting debut on the show Doctor Odyssey. Phillippe has also modeled for brands like Beyonces Ivy Park, Pat McGrath Labs and her moms own Draper James, and she serves as global ambassador for Vince Camuto. Meanwhile, Witherspoon recently credited her illustrious career to 'anxiety.' 'I was probably successful because I had so much anxiety,' the star, who turns 50 on March 22, told Harpers Bazaar in the December/January issue. 'They go hand in hand. 'I had pressured myself to extreme levels to show up at work in a perfect way. We all now know - perfect is not attainable. Its not sustainable. I stressed myself out in service of my job, and it got me really, really far. Im rewarded for my anxiety and perfectionism. 'But Im getting older, and am starting to relax into the idea that Im enough. I mean, Ive had an abundance of good fortune, great work opportunities and worked with some of the greatest people on Earth' A side-swept hairdo and black pumps completed the budding actress' look The petite 5-foot-2 star recently had a cameo in Netflix's Ransom Canyon, playing a teen named Amalah in a prom scene The young star's resemblance to her famous mom Reese Witherspoon is uncanny - her dad is actor Ryan Phillippe; pictured with her mom in April 2024 in Beverly Hills Besides Ava, The Morning Show star also shares son Deacon, 21, with her 51-year-old ex-husband, actor Ryan Phillippe, and has a 12-year-old son called Tennessee, 12, with her 55-year-old former spouse Jim Toth. Witherspoon admits that she likes to have direct and open dialogues with her children. She said: My mom never talked about mental health in a way that made it feel untouchable, unspeakable or taboo; she was almost clinical about it. When I was a teenager, she would proactively ask whether I was sexually active, about birth control. I dont beat around the bush. If something is on my mind or Im concerned, Im always going to be that person who pushes the edges and asks the hard questions [of my children]. A former landlord for Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson is not laughing after the actor allegedly broke a lease on a Los Angeles property. Thompson, 47, is being sued by a landlord for more than $34,390 after he allegedly terminated a year-long lease on a rental property in Los Angeles and abandoned his 'obligations under the lease', according to documents obtained by The Daily Mail. According to the documents, the lease he agreed to to stated Thompson would still be responsible for rent until a tenant filled his vacancy, a clause the lawsuit says is 'consistent with California law.' Thompson also agreed to terminate the lease once a replacement had been found in subsequent documents. The lawsuit alleges Thompson broke the contract not long after signing a 12-month lease that was set to begin October 1, 2025. The landlord claims he refused Thompson's request to end the lease early, meaning the comedian would still have to pay the rent. Thompson's monthly rent was $10,250, and a replacement tenant was found to reside on the property for the remaining nine months for a rate of $8,500 a month. SNL star Kenan Thompson is facing heat from a landlord who claims the actor owes him over $34k after allegedly breaking a lease; pictured 2022 In December, Thompson allegedly agreed to terminate the lease through his counsel and that the landlord could still 'seek all past or future damages.' 'Through his counsel, agreed that the lease could be terminated to allow re-leasing, but that any such termination would preserve Plaintiff's right to seek all past or future damages, including all lost rent and rental shortfall,' the documents state. Thompson allegedly did not pay the pro-rated rent due for the month of November along with the full amount for December and now owes $17,425 or past rent. He also owes as $15,750 to make up for the difference in the decreased rent the new tenant is now paying for the next nine months, according to the landlord. In addition, the landlord is seeking a $871 late free from Thompson, a $9,594 broke fee, and $1,000 for 'legal fees recoverable under the lease.' In total, the landlord wants to recover $34,390 from Thompson, which includes the deduction of the $10,250 security deposit paid for by the actor. The landlord claims they suffered 'damages including lost rent, rent differential losses, late fees, brokerage fees, additional broker fees, and legal fees.' Sources close to Thompson, however, told TMZ that the issue was not over the actor refusing to pay rent but rather a contractual dispute. Thompson allegedly never received the keys to the unit and has never even physically present on the property. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Thompson for comment but have not yet heard back. Thompson has the longest-running history on Saturday Night Live after joining the show in 2003 'I mean, I love that place. It's one of my favorite places to be,' Thompson previously told Page Six of SNL Thompson has been making audiences crack up for years as a long-time cast member on Saturday Night Live since 2003. Of all the current cast members, The 'All That' alum has the longest running history with the show. Thompson has been an iconic part of the show for decades and last year appeared eager to return despite not having a contract signed for the 23rd season at the time. 'I mean, I love that place. It's one of my favorite places to be,' he told Page Six last year. The beloved comedian got his start on the hit Nickelodeon series All That - show that continues to have a special place in his heart. The actor rose to fame on the beloved Nickelodeon series All That Thompson recently said he is particularly proud of some of the sketches he did on All's That In an interview with People, Thompson said he is particularly proud of some of the sketches he did on the show, including his portrayal of a character named Pierre Escargot. 'I'm down with the people,' he told the publication. 'I kind of agree with everybody, you know, when it comes to [the characters people still love.] Pierre Escargot was a lot of fun.' His work with All That co-star Kel Mitchell was also a highlight. The duo's on-screen chemistry landed them their own spin-off show, Kenan and Kel, along with movies based on their Good Burger sketches. Eric Stonestreet married his longtime love Lindsay Schweitzer in an ultra-secret ceremony last September. Now, the Modern Family alum, 54, is sharing that no one from the hit sitcom that ran for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020 was there because they just wanted a small, private, family-only wedding. During a candid conversation on the Dinners On Me With Jesse Tyler Ferguson podcast, Stonestreet told the host, who played his husband on the show, that he simply 'didnt want to offend anyone', per People. Stonestreet and Schweitzer quietly exchanged vows on September 8 of last year at their recently completed dream home in Kansas City, Missouri. The day after the nuptials, Stonestreet - who lost 85lbs with the help of weight loss drug Mounjaro for his type 2 diabetes - finally spread the word via Instagram alongside photos from their special day. None of Stonestreets former co-stars including Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Sofia Vergara and Ferguson - were invited to the wedding. Eric Stonestreet married his longtime love Lindsay Schweitzer in an ultra-secret ceremony last September - and no one from his hit sitcom Modern Family was invited Ed O'Neill, Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, Nolan Gould, Lindsay Stoddart, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter on Modern Family When Ferguson saw Stonestreets big reveal on social media, he gushed in the comments: 'Of all second marriages, this one is my favorite! I love you both! I'm so happy for you!!!!' 'I mean, I only found out a few days before everyone else,' Ferguson, 50, noted on his podcast. Stonestreet had alerted a few friends over the phone that the wedding was happening, including Ferguson, but most people got the news after the deed was done. 'I hate saying it, but, like, we didn't invite anyone to our wedding other than our family,' Stonestreet revealed. 'So, the equivalent to an invitation to our wedding was a phone call before the wedding, which was, "This is your non-invitation, but this is because we love you and we want you to know about it first."' Stonestreet went on: 'So, there was a group of people that we called and told. Then, we got married, and I had a text all set up, ready to go, and then the moment we got married, we just sent it out to everyone, other people, because, you know, I'm a popular person. 'I didn't want to offend anyone, but I also didn't want to tell anyone. 'We wanted it to be a secret because we were keeping it from our family, so it's not like now all of a sudden I'm gonna let everyone know, I'm not my mom, but I just couldn't imagine us getting married and you not knowing about it and other people not knowing about it,' he added. During a candid conversation on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast, Stonestreet explained they just wanted a small, private, family-only wedding; pictured in April 2025 Stonestreet did tell his former co-star Ferguson of his wedding plans a few days before the ceremony; pictured together on Instagram The funny man - who lost 85lbs with the help of weight loss drug Mounjaro for his type 2 diabetes - married the pediatric nurse at their recently built dream home in Kansas City, Missouri; pictured in July 2025 in New York City Stonestreet and his intended bride waited until their kids twin boys from her previous relationship - were home from school before spilling the beans about their immediate plans, explaining that they 'didn't want them to have to lie or be weird at school.' 'When they got home from school, we sat them down and just had a talk with them and told them... And they were just like, "What?"'Stonestreet recalled. The few family members that were there didnt even know they were attending a wedding, he explained, adding that they assumed they were coming over for a 'first meal' in the couples new home. Ferguson admitted he wasnt hurt by not receiving an invitation to his Modern Family co-stars wedding, but he would have been surprised not receiving a heads up. 'I'm definitely glad you called me. I would've been, I don't think hurt is the right word, but I would've been surprised,' said Ferguson, who has been married to Justin Mikita since 2013. Stonestreet had dated the pediatric nurse for five years before he proposed in 2021. 'We've been together for a long time, and I just knew I wasnt going to find a better partner in life than Lindsay,' he previously told People. 'So, it just made the most sense. And I'd taken my sweet old time. 'Everybody else - let me put it this way - that knows Lindsay was like, "What are you waiting for?" So, it was time,' he said. Stonestreet and his bride waited until their kids twin boys from her previous relationship - were home from school before spilling the beans about their immediate plans Schweitzer initially thought the proposal was a joke, since Stonestreet is a well-known and avid prankster. Noting his own reputation, Stonestreet said during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2022. 'I wanted to get her somehow,' he quipped. Stonestreet said that he told Schweitzer they were to do a social media post together, to make sure her hair and makeup were done. Her twin sons even got in the surprise, telling their mom that Stonestreet had something to ask her. To her shock, he asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes. Holly and Adam Ramsay Peaty shared a sweet nod to her father Gordon as they cooked up a storm during their honeymoon. The newlyweds, who tied the knot in Bath last month, jetted off to a luxurious 6,000-a-night resort in Mauritius for their honeymoon. During their trip, the couple put themselves in her celebrity chef dad Gordon Ramsay's shoes as they whipped up a curry during a masterclass. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Holly, 26, shared an array of snaps from the class, including her new husband in chef whites. Holly and Adam, 31, started their day by heading to the food market to shop for ingredients before returning to the resort for a private cooking class with a chef. She captioned the snaps: 'Morning at the local market and then straight to the kitchen to learn how to make a Mauritian curry, yes chef @adamramsaypeaty!!' Holly and Adam Ramsay Peaty shared a sweet nod to her father Gordon as they cooked up a storm during their honeymoon Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Holly, 26, shared an array of snaps from the class, including her new husband in chef whites Holly looked incredible as she slipped into a bikini while sharing more photos from her honeymoon on Tuesday. She took to her Instagram Stories and posted a selfie wearing a black beaded bikini top along with a red wrap skirt. Holly styled her brunette locks into a ponytail and sported a pair of trendy sunglasses. She also shared a photo of her new husband Adam as he went for a stroll along the grounds of the scenic resort where the couple are spending their holiday. The Olympic swimmer went shirtless for the outing and wore a pair of black swimming trunks. The Daily Mail revealed last week that Holly and Adam have jetted off to the One&Only Le Saint Geran - one of the island's most prestigious five-star hotel and spa complexes. The couple belatedly flew from London to Mauritius after delaying their 10-day escape while three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam took part in a swimming competition in Romania. Shortly after arriving, the couple were seen hurrying down to the white sand beach, where Adam posed for selfies with locals. During their trip, the couple put themselves in her celebrity chef dad Gordon Ramsay's shoes as they whipped up a curry during a masterclass (Gordon, Tana, Holly and Adam pictured) Holly and Adam, 31, started their day by heading to the food market to shop for ingredients before returning to the resort for a private cooking class with a chef She captioned the snaps: 'Morning at the local market and then straight to the kitchen to learn how to make a Mauritian curry, yes chef @adamramsaypeaty!!' One onlooker told the Daily Mail: 'They looked very loved-up and relaxed. Adam was happy to stop and chat and seemed in great spirits.' Holly later shared a series of curated holiday snaps from Mauritius with her social media followers. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, she posed by the beach in a green bikini and a Miu Miu hat, and in another cosied up to Adam beside a swimming pool. Elsewhere in the album, captioned 'Honeymoon so far featuring palm trees' Adam appeared shirtless as he took in the scenic surroundings of the island's north-east Belle Mare coastline. Le Saint Geran, set on an idyllic private peninsula, offers suites that can soar in price to more than 6,000 a night. The property, among the first luxury resorts built on the island in 1975, has attracted a glittering guest list over the years, including Nelson Mandela, George and Amal Clooney, Rihanna and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Guests can even arrive by helicopter, landing on a pad just steps from the beach, while a chauffeur-driven luxury car service is also available. Private villas on the palm tree dotted estate have reportedly sold for as much as $13.6million (10.1million). Holly looked incredible as she slipped into a bikini while sharing more photos from her honeymoon on Tuesday She also shared a photo of her new husband Adam as he went for a stroll along the grounds of the scenic resort where the couple are spending their holiday The couple's no-expense-spared jaunt has been covered by Holly's father, Gordon, himself a repeat visitor to Le Saint Geran with wife, Tana. Holly revealed to British Vogue that her parents had paid for the trip to Mauritius as a 'wedding present', in what could be viewed as a thinly-veiled jibe at her husband's absent parents. She said: 'We're going to Mauritius to just lie by the sea - that was our wedding present from my parents. I had to tell Adam we weren't basing our honeymoon around a 25-metre pool' Prior to taking off from the UK, Holly shared a snap of her hand luggage showing off a Christian Dior handbag along with a pair of flippers and a snorkel. She wrote: 'The most chic hand luggage, thanks to my husband.' Katie Price's sister revealed it has been 'one hell of a week' after the star's whirlwind wedding to Lee Andrews in Dubai. Sophie, 36, took to Instagram on Thursday to tell fans their podcast, The Katie Price Show, has been postponed - seemingly hinting at tension after the surprise nuptials. Katie shocked the showbiz world when she announced that she was engaged on Friday, just days after her breakup from reality star JJ Slater, 32. The wedding took place just days after getting engaged, with sources saying even her family were unaware of the star's new relationship with 'businessman' Lee, 43. They are now said to be planning an intervention. An emotional Sophie said: 'Hi guys, how are you all? I know you've all been chomping at the bit to find out what has been going on. All our DMs have been going off. 'Let's just say, it's been one hell of a week. We have done over a 100 episodes of the podcast which sounds absolutely nuts when it;s just me and Kate doing our b*****s chat.' Katie Price's sister revealed it has been 'one hell of a week' after the star's whirlwind wedding to Lee Andrews in Dubai Katie shocked the showbiz world when she announced that she was engaged on Friday, just days after her breakup from reality star JJ Slater, 32 'We will back next week as normal and we will be able you guys on what's been going on. It will be business as usual.' Their followers rallied around Sophie, with some commenting it looked like she was fighting back tears. They wrote: 'You're such a lovely sister Sophie, don't forget to take time for you and protect your beautiful family bubble that you have created for yourselves. We can't control what others do, we can only control how we react to it.' 'You are a good sister'; 'Hope you're ok Sophie, you look like you're holding back tears'; 'Poor Sophie, younger sister trying to look after her older sister!! Kate needs help'; 'Oh Soph! I can only imagine how you must be feeling with all the chaos. Youre such a great sister. Katie is so lucky to have you. Keep your chin up, lovely. xx'. A source told Daily Mail that Katie's family had not spoken to her since she walked down the aisle. In an Instagram clip she shared earlier on Thursday, Sophie gave a big, drawn out sigh as she gave her followers an update on the last few days. The wedding took place just days after getting engaged, with sources saying even her family were unaware of the star's new relationship with businessman Lee, 43 Their followers rallied around Sophie, with some commenting it looked like she was fighting back tears It is now claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage Katie Price's new husband's ex Alana Percival has claimed she has 'proof' he is a 'lying swindler' after warning her to 'run for the hills' 'It has been a long old week. I'm very tired, looking forward to the weekend,' she said. It has been claimed that Katie's family are deeply concerned about the speed of the relationship and are preparing to sit her down for a 'serious talk' over her marriage. A source told The Sun: 'Everyone is worried she's spinning out of control. 'They haven't even met this man and if she's only known him a week, he could be anyone. Nobody is planning to hold back.' Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representative for comment. Following their nuptials, Katie jetted back to the UK alone, leading to questions from some about the legitimacy of the marriage. But Lee has since taken to Instagram Stories to hit back at the claims, saying that he would be flying out to join his new wife on Thursday, and Katie had to fly back early so she could be reunited with her children. In his post, Lee said: 'I'm going to be meeting Katie tomorrow in the UK. I just need to wrap up a few things here. 'She had to get back for her children because she's a good mother and she's lovely like that.' He began the video: 'So yes, Im in Dubai, shes in England, youll see us reunite.' Before ending the post, he also referenced speculation that he and Katie had been wearing their wedding rings on the wrong hand. He jokily added: 'Our rings are on the correct hand, which is on the right hand, no Im joking, its on the left hand.' Following his wedding to Katie, Lee has faced accusations from exes that he is a 'lying swindler,' with some warning his new wife that she should 'run for the hills.' Lee's ex-girlfriend Alana Percival took to Instagram on Wednesday with a warning to Katie that her new man is not what he seems. She wrote: 'Women look after women. I thought it was all a lie too until I had to find out the hard way... you want proof of everything, it's waiting for you...' and tagged Katie in the post. Lee connected to Alana on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds. He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Katie's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The Daily Mail has contacted Lee Andrews and representatives of Katie Price for comment. Sydney Sweeney hit back against being pigeonholed as a 'MAGA Barbie,' months after her American Eagle campaign made her a lightning rod of political controversy. Last summer she starred in a viral ad for the brand's jeans, which provoked a social media meltdown as frenzied critics compared it to 'Nazi propaganda' for playing on the phrase 'good genes' with a blonde, blue-eyed star. In the wake of the furor, reports emerged that Sweeney was a registered Republican, prompting howls of condemnation from left-leaning fans while US President Donald Trump joked: 'Now I love her ad.' By December she attracted hoots of derision over a talk-show appearance in which her makeover had given her a distinct resemblance to a retro Fox News hostess. Now she has opened a new door in her career by launching her lingerie brand SYRN, which she has been promoting with a string of sizzling new underwear shoots. She showed off her world-famous cleavage in a lace-trim bra on the cover of Cosmopolitan this week, and inside the magazine she appeared topless while sharing her view of the way the public has characterized her politically. Sydney Sweeney hit back against in Cosmopolitan against being pigeonholed as a 'MAGA Barbie,' while posing topless and plugging her new lingerie line She showed off her world-famous cleavage in a bubblegum pink lace-trim bra as she posed on the cover of Cosmopolitan after debuting her lingerie line SYRN 'Ive never been here to talk about politics. Ive always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of,' she insisted. 'And I think because of that, people want to take it even further and use me as their own pawn,' said the actress, who has been tagged by some as a refreshing antidote to political correctness and by others as a pernicious right-wing influence. The way she has been described in partisan terms is 'somebody else assigning something to me, and I cant control that,' Sweeney said. When she was asked why she refuses to straighten out the record if she feels she is being falsely portrayed, she replied: 'I havent figured it out. Im not a hateful person. If I say: Thats not true, theyll come at me like: Youre just saying that to look better. Theres no winning. Theres never any winning.' She maintained: 'I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am. I cant make everyone love me. I know what I stand for.' One of her personal adages is that she has 'always led with love. Ive always believed that love is love in every single form. You should be kind to whoever you meet.' She shared: 'I remember on the set of Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, I watched Brad Pitt sit and hang out with the transpo department. I absolutely loved that, and I was like: "Yeah, you have to respect everybody in your life."' Meanwhile she maintained that she has no intention of changing her mind and breaking her silence on the subject of her political convictions. 'Ive never been here to talk about politics,' she insisted: 'Ive always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of' Last summer she starred in a viral ad for the brand's jeans, which provoked a social media meltdown as frenzied critics compared it to 'Nazi propaganda' 'Im not a political person. Im in the arts. Im not here to speak on politics. Thats not an area Ive ever even imagined getting into,' she said. 'Its not why I became who I am. I became an actor because I like to tell stories, but I dont believe in hate in any form. I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another,' said the Euphoria actress. 'Its definitely not a comfortable thing to have people saying what you believe or think, especially when that doesnt align with you. It's been a weird thing having to navigate and digest, because its not me. None of it is me. And Im having to watch it happen.' Sweeney revealed: 'Im online and I see things, but Im slowly pulling myself away. Its definitely gone to a level where its just not healthy for me to digest it all.' She decried the perception that 'Im a hateful person' and noted that she is in favor of abortion rights, arguing that 'a woman has the right to decide.' The Christy star asserted that members of the public 'overestimate how much control I have' over the 'narrative' about her opinions, which she admitted 'definitely affects me because people who dont know me are putting words or assumptions on me that are blatantly not true. Im still a human being.' She confessed that 'it is difficult when people have opinions about you that arent true, because you want them to know who you are. You want to correct them and be like: I dont believe in hate! I dont stand for anything you guys are saying.' Her American Eagle ad, entitled Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes, showed its star buttoning up a set of denim trousers and offering a playful pun on the word 'genes.' 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color...my jeans are blue,' Sweeney said. The campaign was met with an explosion of controversy upon its launch in July, as social media users feverishly accused it of being racist and flirting with eugenics in light of its star's blonde-haired, azure-eyed appearance. In November, when asked about the allegations made about the American Eagle ad, she said: 'I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear,' via GQ Other viewers leapt to the pinup's defense, calling the blowback 'unhinged' and saying opponents of the ad were 'reading too much into this.' The subsequent reports that she had registered as a Republican in Florida only poured fuel on the fire, as fans of differing political persuasions leapt to the barricades to either denounce or exult in what they perceived to be her views. In November, when she was asked if she wanted to respond to allegations that the American Eagle ad was promoting ideas of 'genetic superiority,' she said: 'I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear,' via GQ. She was hailed by her admirers on social media for retaining her cool under pressure and refusing to be cornered into a political conversation. Last month she came in for online mockery when she went on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon looking like a Fox News blonde from the early 2000s. Last month she went on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon looking like the image of a Fox News blonde from the early 2000s The White Lotus bombshell, who often shows off her amply endowed cleavage, was more conservatively attired for her Tonight Show appearance in a long high-necked scarlet dress with full sleeves and prominent shoulder pads. Her bob was straightened out to a metallic sleekness and her youthful features were cocooned in heavy makeup including dark lipstick, bringing together a look that left one fan sniggering: 'The Mar A Lago transition is almost complete.' 'Home girl looking more republican not the bob,' remarked one as others slyly wrote that she was 'getting ready for her fox news debut' and 'leaning into it.' Still another quipped on X, formerly Twitter: 'someone must conduct a study on how and why sydney sweeney is slowly shifting her aesthetic to fox news host.' One more wondered: 'why is she being styled like a 45yo republican?' as another snorted: 'Is she auditioning for Fox News? Lol.' The long-awaited capture of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin, is still shrouded in mystery with US and Mexican authorities offering different stories on how he ended up in custody. Wedding, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, was among the FBI's 10 most-wanted fugitives with the 44-year-old accused of leading a billion-dollar drug-smuggling operation and orchestrating several murders. He has been labelled a 'modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar' and was believed to be living in Mexico under the protection of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Wedding spent around a decade on the run before he was brought back to the US by the FBI last week to face 17 felony charges, including murder. He pleaded not guilty. Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over High-Profile Arrest On the day of his stunning arrest, FBI director Kash Patel claimed on social media that the bureau's Hostage Rescue Team - who recently captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro - 'executed with precision, discipline, and total professionalism alongside our Mexican partners to bring Ryan James Wedding back to face justice.' Mexico's security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch, on the other hand, suggested that Wedding turned himself in, while the US ambassador to Mexico, Ron Johnson released a statement about the 44-year-old's 'voluntary surrender.' He said the arrest was 'a direct result of pressure exerted by Mexican and US law enforcement authorities, who worked in close coordination and cooperation.' Reports south of the border, meanwhile, claimed Wedding turned himself in at 2:40am at the US Embassy after 'weeks' of negotiations with the FBI. 'The Mexican government privately complained to the United States government because it has allowed the version to spread that it was an operation on Mexican soil,' one report claimed. But that version of events was later disputed by Wedding's lawyer. 'He was arrested, he didnt surrender,' Anthony Colombo said outside court. Mexican Law Limits Foreign Involvement in Arrests As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Mexican law bans foreign agents from 'being physically present in law-enforcement operations on its soil and taking part in detentions or raids.' The country's ruling party is said to be 'particularly sensitive to foreign interference.' Earlier this week, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum attempted to address the confusion. She contradicted both Patel and Colombo by insisting there was no US involvement in the operation that led to Wedding's arrest. 'Im not going to get into a debate with the FBI director, nor do I want there to be a conflict,' Sheinbaum said. 'What they, the US authorities, told the Mexican authorities is that it was a voluntary surrender.' Claims FBI Played a Direct Role Despite Earlier Denials On Wednesday night, the Wall Street Journal detailed another version of events. Citing officials on both sides of the border, the outlet claimed Mexican security forces had been 'closing in' on Wedding, who had run out of options. But by the time Wedding was captured, the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team was involved. It's said law enforcement reached out to the alleged drug kingpin and during 'an intense negotiation reminded him that his associates had been captured and millions of dollars of his assets had been seized. He was eventually handcuffed by FBI agents. The bureau's role in the operation, the WSJ said, was supposed to be a secret. That was until Patel's social media post. 'If the U.S. government is unilaterally going into a sovereign country and apprehending somebody, you can understand the concern that sovereign entity might have,' Colombo said. Wedding was apprehended at a time when - according to the WSJ - tensions are high between the US and Mexico in the wake of Maduro's capture and threats by President Trump to launch strikes against Mexican cartels. Former Olympic snowboarder caught after years on FBI most wanted list Accused murderer, drug trafficker and former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been arrested in Mexico and is now in United States custody, the FBI has confirmed. The 44-year-old Canadian had been wanted by the FBI for an alleged transnational drug ring that Attorney General Pam Bondi claims is responsible for bringing around 60 metric tons of drugs into Southern California annually. Wedding was allegedly under the protection Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel for the better part of the last decade and was compared by FBI director Kash Patel to that group's imprisoned former leader, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman. Wedding was previously convicted in the United States on drug distribution charges and served about two years in prison before his release in December of 2011. NBC was the first to report the arrest, which took place in Mexico City on Thursday night. The indictment was filed by the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office. Wedding will stand before a judge on Monday, FBI Los Angeles Field Office assistant director Akil Davis told reporters Friday. The fugitive was charged with eight felonies, including three counts of murder and one count of attempt to commit murder back in 2024. Then in November of 2025, a grand jury indictment against Wedding was unsealed, charging him with the death of a federal witness who was supposed to testify against the former snowboarder. That witness was shot and killed at a restaurant in Medellin, Colombia after Wedding 'placed a bounty' on his head, according to authorities. The FBI recently upped its reward for information on Wedding to $15 million after the snowboarder spent close to a decade on the run. It is unclear if that money will be awarded to anyone. Likewise, details about Wedding's apprehension have not yet been revealed and Patel declined to go into further detail Friday, saying he wanted to 'safeguard' the investigation. Read the full story here Amazon's brand dominance online hasn't yet translated offline, but a massive new store in Illinois might be the step towards changing that. The tech giant is placing a bold bet on bricks and mortar with plans for its biggest-ever physical store - a vast new retail site in the Chicago suburbs that would be large enough to fit nearly two Target stores under one roof. The village of Orland Park, an hour's drive from Chicago, approved the proposed 230,000 square-foot, single story structure on January 19. They said it would sell groceries, household essentials and general merchandise in a format similar to a Walmart Supercenter. The Illinois project is unlikely to be a one-off. Amazon is understood to be planning additional big-box stores across the US. It comes as it refocuses its plans for physical stores. On Tuesday, Amazon said would shut all its 70-plus smaller format Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores, while opening around 100 more Whole Foods, the brand it bought in 2017. Meanwhile in Illinois, Orland Park said the project would create around 200 construction jobs and 500 permanent roles, while generating millions of dollars in sales and property tax revenue. But the scale of the store - and what would happen inside it - has triggered fierce debate among residents. Roughly half of the building would be used as back-of-house space to prepare online and in-store orders, according to plans presented to officials. That detail has fueled fears the site could quietly operate as a warehouse rather than a traditional retail store. In response, Orland Park officials stressed that the permit explicitly bans any warehouse use. Your browser does not support iframes. A mock-up aerial view shows Amazons proposed Illinois store looking like a Walmart Supercenter. The arrow shows the angle the mock up is looking from An aerial view of a Walmart Supercenter in Athens, Georgia. Amazons proposed Illinois store would mirror the big-box model selling groceries and household essentials at a scale large enough to rival Walmarts largest locations 'No other uses are permitted, and if Amazon were to use the facility as a fulfilment center or warehouse the Special Use Permit would be revoked and nullified,' the village said in a Facebook post, and that there would be no tax breaks or incentives. Amazon has told local leaders the store would combine digital ordering with in-person shopping. Customers could order different sizes or colors of items they see in-store using kiosks, while bulky purchases such as large bags of dog food could be sent directly to their cars instead of being wheeled through checkout. Online-order customers and third-party delivery drivers would use separate entrances, and grocery orders would be assembled behind the scenes rather than picked from the same aisles as in-store shoppers, Amazon said. But some locals are not happy. 'So this propaganda basically states the village can't fix the roads without the revenues from Amazon,' one Facebook commenter said. 'Yet this Amazon 230,000 sq ft center and likely thousands of cars delivery vans, Uber drivers etc in and out of this facility are going to magnify the traffic congestion,. So we need Amazon $ to fix Amazon created problems. Got it.' Others complained about a lack of transparency, saying the development came as a surprise. One resident was more welcoming, posting: 'Amazon wants and needs this location. This is our town. We welcome and appreciate Amazon retail coming.' Bare trees line an open field at sunset in Orland Park, Illinois, where Amazon has won approval to build its biggest-ever physical store a vast big-box site designed to compete with Walmart and Target. A mock-up of the proposed Amazon megastore in Orland Park, Illinois. Amazon is buying the 35-acre site and could open the store as soon as next year after demolishing a closed restaurant currently on the property. Despite its dominance online, Amazon has struggled to find a winning formula in physical retail. That lead to Tuesday's surprise announcement that it was closing 57 Amazon Fresh stores and 15 Amazon Go locations on February 1. There was no word with the announcement as to what this latest experiment might be called by either Orland Park or Amazon. 'We regularly test new experiences designed to make customers' lives better and easier every day, including physical stores,' an Amazon spokesperson said. Meanwhile on Wednesday, Amazon told staff it plans to cut around 16,000 roles globally, just three months after axing roughly 14,000 jobs, as it looks to streamline its operations and reduce layers of management. Chief executive Andy Jassy has said the jobs shake-up is designed to make the company leaner. Weve been working to strengthen our organisation by reducing layers, increasing ownership and removing bureaucracy, he said in a message to staff. Texas Roadhouse customers are preparing for a tipping takedown. The iconic steakhouse may be losing favor with Americans who say its latest tipping prompts inflate how much customers are nudged to leave. Like many other restaurants, Texas Roadhouse now asks customers to make a tip selection after paying, either on a screen or a paper check. One diner explained what happened after the tipping screen popped up, asking for 15, 18, 20, or 25 percent gratuity on their $80 meal. The percentage amounts themselves were not shocking. Nowadays, customers are accustomed to restaurants, bars, and even coffee shops asking for a 20 percent tip often more. The real shock came in the small print on the bill: 'Tip is calculated after tax and before discounts.' A cardinal rule of tipping culture is that gratuity should be a percentage of the pre-tax total, not on taxes they never paid for. 'Texas Roadhouse suggestions are out of control,' the customer wrote on Reddit. Like many other restaurants, Texas Roadhouse now asks customers to make a tip selection on the payment screen after they pay The real surprise came from the message written in small print on the bill: 'Tip is calculated after tax and before discounts' How diners say they're beating it Frustrated customers shared a few simple ways they avoid inflated tips: Always tap 'custom' and calculate the tip manually Base the tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the final total Ask for a paper receipt so you can see the breakdown clearly Pay cash when possible to avoid screen-based pressure Advertisement The customers did the math themselves and found that the suggested tip amounts did not align clearly with either the pre-tax or post-tax total. In fact, the 15 percent suggested tip was neither 15 percent of the total before or after tax. It was actually 16.67 percent of the total after tax. Other Reddit users were equally horrified by the restaurant's tipping system. One wrote: 'Calculated after tax? F that!' 'Yup. Almost all places are doing the tip calculations after tax now, which is completely wrong,' another said. 'On top of the math not mathing, the fact that their default suggested tip is calculated after tax is so unethical. You're not receiving service on the meal taxes you're paying,' a different user wrote. 'This has been a trend, some places are just randomly adding a dollar or two hoping people wouldn't notice. Not sure how is this legal,' said someone else. Texas Roadhouse told the Daily Mail that 'a free appetizer of $8.99' was the cause of the confusion, but even still, the math did not add up. The restaurant also confirmed that its tip suggestions are indeed calculated after tax. 'This guest confirmed in this post they received a free appetizer of $8.99 during their visit, resulting in the difference in totals and suggested percentage shown on the Ziosk (a tabletop tablet system for restaurants),' a representative for the company said. 'As stated on the Ziosk, the tip suggestion is calculated after tax.' Join the debate Are post-tax tip suggestions fair or cheeky? The customer did the math themselves, and found that the total Texas Roadhouse had calculated made no sense 'Texas Roadhouse suggestions are out of control,' the customer ranted The iconic steakhouse may be losing favor with Americans for its latest tipping scheme Texas Roadhouse is not the only restaurant to be in hot water over tipping recently. Earlier this month, an Italian restaurant in Las Vegas was slammed for adding a tip onto the receipt before handing it to customers, and then requesting another tip on top of that. Not long before that, customers at a casual seafood eatery in Maryland were outraged when they received their bill for a $260 meal with the 15 percent tip option scribbled out by the server. The diners had been eating at G&M Restaurant in Linthicum Heights, near Baltimore, and said their waitress was friendly and service was 'decent enough', though 'nothing excellent'. But when the check was returned, the 15 percent gratuity - amounting to $36.75 - had been scratched out. It made it appear, the diners said, as though it 'wouldn't be good enough for her'. The waitress had also written 'Thank you' on the receipt in advance a move the diners described as 'entitled' and 'infuriating'. In another recent example, a Reddit user said they were shocked to be effectively forced to tip when ordering a pizza for pickup. As they were paying, they were hit with a message saying 'Don't forget a tip!' and given options of 15, 20 or 35 percent. There was also a 'custom' box, but no option to leave nothing. Just a decade ago, 15 percent was considered the standard tip for average service. Now, that number has spiked to 20 percent or often more Customers at a casual seafood eatery in Maryland were outraged when they received their bill for a $260 meal with the 15 percent tip option scribbled out by the server However, when the customer attempted to make the custom amount $0, the screen wouldn't allow the order to move forward displaying a bright red message: 'Please enter a valid tip amount.' 'How can it be a tip when I don't have a choice,' the customer asked on Reddit. 'Well I did have a choice and went elsewhere,' they wrote. These incidents are all examples of so-called 'tipflation', the expanding expectation to tip more often, in more places, and at higher rates than ever before. A survey last year found that three-quarters of Americans believed tipping culture has gone too far. The research also found that two in three Americans often 'guilt tip' - where they feel forced to add gratuity by prompts at check-out machines. The Daily Mail has reached out to Texas Roadhouse for comment. Target employees are skipping their shifts out of fear that ICE will turn up and detain them. Terrified workers told store managers that they're too afraid to go to work after two Target employees - both legal citizens - were detained by ICE on the job, the Los Angeles Times reported. The employees worked at a Target in Richfield, Minnesota - just a 15 minute drive from where the superstore was founded in 1962. A video caught the altercation, in which ICE members can be seen scrambling on the ground of the Target entrance with two of the store's workers. ICE grabbed the Target employees, one of whom was allegedly just 17-years-old, when they were at work - despite them insisting that they are US citizens. After confirming one was indeed a lawful resident, they dumped him in a Walmart lot where bystanders found him sobbing, bleeding, and screaming 'they slammed me on the ground,' the X account reported. Now, according to people familiar with the situation, other members of Target's staff in stores across Minnesota are calling out of work to avoid a similar fate. The upheaval comes at a brutal moment for Target, which now risks alienating both customers and staff no matter where it lands on hot-button issues like immigration and policing. Terrified workers told store managers that they're too afraid to go to work after two Target employees were detained by ICE on the job Demonstrators affiliated with Unidos MN hold a sit-in protest at a Target store The retailer is still recovering from fallout over scaling back its diversity efforts, a move that drove some shoppers away. Target significantly scaled back its DEI programs - ending specific racial equity initiatives, citing an evolving landscape and a need to align with broader corporate shifts. The retailer said it would revise its 'Belonging at the Bullseye' strategy, including scrapping a program launched after George Floyd's 2020 killing that aimed to support Black employees' career growth, enhance the shopping experience for Black customers, and spotlight Black-owned businesses. All of this follows the storm of protests over Pride Month merchandise - and the backlash that erupted again when the company later pulled some of those products from shelves. The company, which is the state's fourth-largest employer, has not released any public comment about ICE detaining two of its workers in Richfield. Target has not addressed the influx of federal agents in the Twin Cities or the recent fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Nor has it commented on the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday morning in Minneapolis. 'While we can't control everything happening around us, we are focused on what we can control,' chief human resources officer Melissa Kremer said in a memo. A small crowd of protesters sing along during a sit-in in a Target store as they denounce what they say is complicity by the store to allow ICE agents to come into the store in Saint Paul, Minnesota Target has significantly scaled back its DEI programs - ending specific racial equity initiatives, citing an evolving landscape and a need to align with broader corporate shifts '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.' Hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed on Friday while thousands of protesters turned out in frigid conditions to demonstrate against the ongoing immigration crackdown in the state. Residents were encouraged by organizers to skip work or school and refrain from shopping in a show of opposition to the ICE operation, which was ordered by the Trump administration and has been going on for more than six weeks. The Daily Mail has reached out to Target for comment. Shares of Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (CVE:LIT Get Free Report) fell 19% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.16 and last traded at C$0.16. 506,396 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 79% from the average session volume of 282,950 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.20. Argentina Lithium & Energy Stock Down 2.0% The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.14 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.11. The firm has a market capitalization of C$20.63 million, a P/E ratio of -1.67 and a beta of 0.06. Argentina Lithium & Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp., a junior mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of natural resource properties in the Americas and Argentina. It primarily explores for lithium. The company was formerly known as Iron South Mining Corp. and changed its name to Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. in September 2016. Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Argentina Lithium & Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argentina Lithium & Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc (NYSE:ASB Free Report) had its price target lifted by Truist Financial from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research note published on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the banks stock. ASB has been the subject of a number of other reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Associated Banc in a report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Associated Banc from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Associated Banc from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Associated Banc from $32.00 to $30.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $30.00 target price (up from $29.00) on shares of Associated Banc in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $29.20. Get Associated Banc alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ASB Associated Banc Stock Up 0.2% ASB stock opened at $26.80 on Monday. Associated Banc has a fifty-two week low of $18.32 and a fifty-two week high of $28.02. The companys 50 day moving average price is $26.36 and its 200 day moving average price is $25.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.67, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.79. Associated Banc (NYSE:ASB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The bank reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $393.52 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $382.06 million. Associated Banc had a net margin of 19.31% and a return on equity of 10.25%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.72 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Associated Banc will post 2.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Associated Banc Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. Associated Bancs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 34.66%. Associated Banc declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Tuesday, January 27th that allows the company to buyback $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the bank to buy up to 2.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In related news, EVP John A. Utz sold 2,135 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.41, for a total transaction of $56,385.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 109,842 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,900,927.22. This represents a 1.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Patrick Edward Ahern sold 30,489 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.70, for a total transaction of $783,567.30. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 24,055 shares of the companys stock, valued at $618,213.50. This represents a 55.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 35,951 shares of company stock worth $925,756 over the last quarter. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Associated Banc Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Associated Banc by 1.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,151,111 shares of the banks stock worth $101,256,000 after purchasing an additional 67,219 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Associated Banc by 139.1% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,748,667 shares of the banks stock valued at $61,927,000 after acquiring an additional 1,598,951 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Associated Banc by 32.5% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,629,549 shares of the banks stock worth $67,606,000 after purchasing an additional 645,676 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its stake in Associated Banc by 679.4% in the third quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,223,694 shares of the banks stock valued at $57,171,000 after buying an additional 1,938,393 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Associated Banc in the 2nd quarter valued at about $48,373,000. 82.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Associated Banc Company Profile (Get Free Report) Associated Banc-Corp, through its primary subsidiary Associated Bank, N.A., is a regional financial services company headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The bank operates more than 200 branches across the Midwest, offering community-focused banking solutions for individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. Its emphasis on personalized service and regional decision-making supports long-standing customer relationships. On the consumer side, Associated Bank provides checking and savings accounts, residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto financing and credit card products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Associated Banc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Associated Banc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Bank of East Asia Ltd. (OTCMKTS:BKEAY Get Free Report)s stock price rose 9.3% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $1.8585 and last traded at $1.8585. Approximately 402 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 94% from the average daily volume of 6,700 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.70. Bank of East Asia Stock Down 7.7% The businesss fifty day moving average is $1.74 and its 200 day moving average is $1.63. Get Bank of East Asia alerts: About Bank of East Asia (Get Free Report) Bank of East Asia, Limited is a Hong Kongbased commercial bank established in 1918. As one of the territorys largest independently owned banks, it provides a comprehensive range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The institution operates through a network of branches and digital channels designed to support both individual consumers and businesses of varying sizes. The banks core offerings include personal banking services such as deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, credit cards and wealth management solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of East Asia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of East Asia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) is anticipated to post its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, January 30th. Analysts expect Chevron to post earnings of $1.54 per share and revenue of $48.1828 billion for the quarter. Parties may visit the the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning results page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.14. Chevron had a net margin of 6.57% and a return on equity of 8.74%. The firm had revenue of $48.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $46.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.48 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect Chevron to post $11 EPS for the current fiscal year and $13 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Price Performance NYSE CVX opened at $170.02 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $342.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.91, a PEG ratio of 11.66 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $155.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $155.13. Chevron has a 1 year low of $132.04 and a 1 year high of $170.42. Chevron Dividend Announcement Insider Activity The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a $1.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is currently 96.20%. In other Chevron news, CEO Michael K. Wirth sold 320,700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.99, for a total transaction of $52,270,893.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 14,450 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,355,205.50. This represents a 95.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 28,334 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total value of $4,676,526.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 4,366 shares in the company, valued at approximately $720,608.30. The trade was a 86.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 635,190 shares of company stock worth $100,254,408. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CVX. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Chevron by 9.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 152,605,988 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $23,698,184,000 after acquiring an additional 12,789,399 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its position in shares of Chevron by 15.3% in the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 22,724,515 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,528,890,000 after purchasing an additional 3,007,403 shares during the period. Amundi increased its stake in shares of Chevron by 41.8% during the third quarter. Amundi now owns 11,760,376 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,811,333,000 after purchasing an additional 3,464,058 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in shares of Chevron by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 8,616,242 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,338,016,000 after purchasing an additional 196,895 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Chevron by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 7,102,674 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,102,976,000 after buying an additional 766,896 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently commented on CVX shares. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Chevron in a research report on Monday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Chevron in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Chevron in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Chevron from $190.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $160.00 price target (down from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $170.00. Get Our Latest Report on Chevron Key Headlines Impacting Chevron Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: About Chevron (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Equity Lifestyle Properties (NYSE:ELS Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The real estate investment trust reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.01, Zacks reports. Equity Lifestyle Properties had a net margin of 24.97% and a return on equity of 20.99%. Equity Lifestyle Properties Trading Down 1.7% Shares of NYSE:ELS traded down $1.04 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $61.86. 1,594,513 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,716,401. Equity Lifestyle Properties has a one year low of $58.15 and a one year high of $70.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.99 billion, a PE ratio of 31.09, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The businesss 50 day moving average is $61.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.30. Get Equity Lifestyle Properties alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Equity Lifestyle Properties Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Empowered Funds LLC raised its position in shares of Equity Lifestyle Properties by 14.1% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 6,516 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $435,000 after purchasing an additional 804 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Equity Lifestyle Properties by 598.5% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 119,397 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,964,000 after buying an additional 102,303 shares during the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Equity Lifestyle Properties by 62.3% during the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 23,114 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,542,000 after acquiring an additional 8,873 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Equity Lifestyle Properties by 111.0% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 10,122 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $624,000 after acquiring an additional 5,325 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gamco Investors INC. ET AL bought a new position in Equity Lifestyle Properties in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $300,000. 97.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes ELS has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Equity Lifestyle Properties in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Equity Lifestyle Properties from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $65.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Zacks Research downgraded Equity Lifestyle Properties from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Wall Street Zen cut Equity Lifestyle Properties from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, Truist Financial set a $66.00 target price on shares of Equity Lifestyle Properties and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned 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 target price of $69.14. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ELS Equity Lifestyle Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc (NYSE: ELS) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of manufactured home communities and recreational vehicle resorts. The companys portfolio includes more than 450 properties across the United States and Canada, serving over 200,000 residents and visitors. ELS organizes its operations into two primary segments: manufactured housing communities, which provide long-term housing solutions, and upscale RV and seasonal resorts designed for leisure travelers and seasonal patrons. In its manufactured home division, ELS offers home-site leases combined with community amenities such as landscaped common areas, clubhouses, swimming pools and organized resident events. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Equity Lifestyle Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Lifestyle Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IGO (ASX:IGO) executives highlighted improving safety performance, strong quarterly results from the Nova nickel operation, and an improving quarter at Greenbushes as the company discussed its latest results and operational priorities on a conference call led by Managing Director and CEO Ivan Vella. Get alerts: Safety and operational execution Vella said safety performance continued to improve, which he attributed to sustained attention and cultural focus across the business. He linked that progress to operational discipline, particularly at Nova, where the company reported a strong quarter despite the mine approaching end of life. Nova: strong quarter, end-of-life focus Vella emphasized that operating a mine late in its life can be challenging because there is limited ability to flex schedules, but said the team has managed those constraints well. He also noted that byproduct copper credits have supported cost outcomes, alongside favorable nickel market conditions over the past 12 months. NOVA was described as delivering really, really strong performance in the quarter, with production and costs benefiting from improved execution following what Vella called a start misfire in the first quarter that has since been addressed. He said Nova is tracking well against end-of-mine-life guidance and the company has confidence in performance through to the end of the calendar year. Sales volumes were lower due to shipping plans, with Vella describing the impact as largely timing-related (one fewer ship in the quarter) and not materially concerning. He said the company remains focused on managing costs as the operation ramps down, adding that it is certainly not looking to carry anything that we dont need to as it moves toward closure in 2027. Greenbushes: production improvement, pricing leverage, CGP3 ramp-up At Greenbushes, Vella said the December quarter was better than the prior quarter, which had been affected by rain and grades. He said grade improvements are expected to lift through the second half of the financial year. When asked later about grades, Vella indicated they were back above 2% and said the existing business should see a lift in production in coming quarters, aside from any contribution from CGP3. IGO reported a realized price of AUD 850 for Greenbushes in the quarter. Vella said the business benefits from pricing mechanisms closely connected to published price assessments, which he said creates a close link to spot prices and reduces lag from longer-term contractual frictions. Cath, who reviewed financial highlights, also noted that the company runs about a one-month lag with pricing and said the next quarter should reflect higher pricing. Vella also discussed Greenbushes margin profile, citing 64% EBITDA margin for the last quarter and stating that the mine remains a high-margin asset even at the bottom of the cycle. He said the operations cash conversion is strong and does not require heavy reinvestment to maintain production. A central focus for Greenbushes is the ramp-up of Chemical Grade Plant 3 (CGP3). Vella said CGP3 is fit for start and producing concentrate this month, with the key task now being a smooth ramp-up. In Q&A, he estimated roughly five months to reach nameplate capacity, targeting the end of the calendar year. He provided some detail on early commissioning issues, describing them as equipment-related, including mill realignment and resealing. He said the downtime was also used to check motors and pumps and replace some parts to improve confidence in the next phase of ramp-up. He added that feed and staffing were not seen as major risks and that vendor support is in place, but cautioned that early-stage commissioning still carries unknowns. On CGP3 operating parameters, Vella cited roughly 500,000 tonnes and said design feed grade is similar to CGP2 at about 1.8%. He said the company is targeting higher recoveries than test levels, but did not commit to specific outcomes at this stage. Life-of-mine optimization and productivity at Greenbushes Vella said Talison is conducting a significant life of mine optimization review with external expertise, reassessing mine design, ore characterization, waste and tailings management, and grade strategy top to tail. In parallel, the company is pursuing productivity initiatives spanning mining, plant utilization, recovery, and value in use, including whether current product grade and impurity specifications are optimal for both customers and the operation. As an example of value-unlock opportunities, Vella discussed work evaluating steeper pit walls. He said successful pit wall steepening could materially reduce strip ratio and expose additional high-grade ore, though he emphasized the geotechnical risks and the need for careful management, particularly given the mines long operating history. When asked for timing, Vella said there is no updated expected date for completion of the life-of-mine optimization and noted technical work remains ongoing. He said some elements may begin to emerge in a reserve and resource update later in February, and that topics under review include the role of underground mining and the sequencing of open pit versus underground extraction. He also said CGP4 is in the mix, but the optimal timing has not yet been determined. Kwinana: steady output, cost impacts from shutdown At Kwinana, Vella said the quarter was broadly in line with prior periods but impacted by a shutdown that reduced available production days. He said the facility finished the last month at about 50% capacity, which he described as the best monthly level seen so far at the refinery. However, he reiterated that the asset has a very challenged future, consistent with prior commentary. In Q&A, management said conversion costs spiked in the quarter largely due to maintenance and the fact that costs are expensed rather than capitalized, while production volumes were lower during the shutdown period. Vella said the company is pressuring both operating costs and capital spending as it works through the 2026 budget for Kwinana and cautioned against treating the quarter as a new run-rate indicator. Financial highlights: positive free cash flow and stronger net cash Cath said net sales were down AUD 32 million, largely due to shipment timing from Nova. Novas EBITDA increased by AUD 42 million, including value adjustments tied to higher nickel prices in September. She said the share of net profit from the lithium joint venture structure rounded to zero, with positive profit at Greenbushes offset by losses at Kwinana, including IGOs share of capital expenditures. Underlying EBITDA improved to AUD 30 million, supported by Nova and mark-to-market movements on investments. She said costs were inflated by a one-off insurance payment. Free cash flow was positive at AUD 13 million, and net cash increased to AUD 299 million. Capital allocation and distributions Analysts questioned whether stronger lithium pricing could translate into shareholder distributions. Vella said it was too early for decisions, noting a capital framework at the joint venture level and that any dividends would depend on liquidity needs, cash flow visibility, and broader market conditions. He said the company is not prioritizing de-gearing over distributions, describing both as important considerations within the structured framework. On broader growth outside lithium, Vella said the companys approach remains disciplined and return-focused, with a very high bar for capital allocation. He said stronger lithium cash generation does not change the criteria for investments in other opportunities. About IGO (ASX:IGO) IGO Limited operates as an exploration and mining company that engages in discovering, developing, and operating assets focused on metals to enable clean energy in Australia. It owns and operates a 100% interest in the Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation located to the east northeast of Norseman in the Great Western Woodlands of Western Australia; a 100% interest in the Cosmos nickel operation located to the north of Leinster in Western Australia; and a 100% interest in the Forrestania nickel operation located to the east of Perth in Western Australia. See Also Michelin (OTCMKTS:MGDDY Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 219,214 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 30% from the previous sessions volume of 168,201 shares.The stock last traded at $18.2350 and had previously closed at $18.42. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Berenberg Bank assumed coverage on shares of Michelin in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Oddo Bhf downgraded shares of Michelin to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Michelin in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Michelin from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, UBS Group cut Michelin from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Michelin alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Michelin Michelin Trading Up 0.4% About Michelin The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.80. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $16.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.33. (Get Free Report) Michelin (OTCMKTS: MGDDY) is a French multinational tire manufacturer founded in 1889 and headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Over more than a century the company has grown into one of the worlds leading tiremakers, serving passenger car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, agricultural, construction and aviation markets. Michelin has a global footprint with manufacturing facilities, research centers and commercial operations across multiple regions to supply OEMs, replacement markets and large commercial fleets. The companys core business is the design, manufacture and sale of tires and related products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Michelin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Michelin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) executives highlighted what they described as a successful quarter across the business during an analyst call covering the companys December 2025 exploration and mining activity report, pointing to steady performance at Onslow Iron, improved lithium output, and ongoing balance-sheet strengthening. Get alerts: Chief Financial Officer Mark Wilson, joined by General Manager of Investor Relations Chris Chong and Chair Mel Bundy, said the quarter underscored the strengths of the business, citing operational consistency in iron ore and agility to capture opportunities in an improving lithium market. Lithium: guidance upgrade and focus on recoveries Wilson said the company is upgrading FY26 volume guidance at both Wodgina and Mount Marion, attributing the change to strong operational performance in the first half and improved pricing conditions. He said MinRes has been operating Wodginas third train opportunistically and expects to continue doing so through the next half, but noted constraints around ore quality. According to Wilson, the joint venture does not expect to receive clean feed for a third train until the final quarter of this calendar year. He added that head grade is expected to be a bit lower this half, which was cited as a reason the company did not simply double volume guidance despite running the third train when possible. On operations, Wilson told analysts Wodgina recoveries averaged 70% on average for the quarter, crediting site initiatives and saying the team is pushing to go higher. At Mount Marion, he said performance benefited from working through the central pits, which provided higher-grade ore and better recoveries. However, he cautioned that guidance reflects a shift toward northern pits, which he said have higher strip requirements and lower recoveries due to more complex ore. Management also discussed studies underway that could affect future lithium output: Bald Hill: Wilson said the company is undertaking a study on a potential restart and stressed a prudent approach given lithiums volatility. He cautioned analysts not to get ahead of yourselves on assumptions, while noting MinRes ability to move people and equipment is a competitive strength. He referenced prior comments that remobilizing and restarting the plant could be up to four months if a decision is made. Wilson said the company is undertaking a study on a potential restart and stressed a prudent approach given lithiums volatility. He cautioned analysts not to get ahead of yourselves on assumptions, while noting MinRes ability to move people and equipment is a competitive strength. He referenced prior comments that remobilizing and restarting the plant could be up to four months if a decision is made. Mount Marion flotation plant and underground: Wilson said design work on flotation is ongoing and expected to be completed in the coming months. On underground mining, he said work has already been done and spending has occurred, but the company has not yet decided to take a restart proposal back to the board. He said underground was expected to feed about a third of the mines feed. Asked about whether customers might support projects through contract floors, Wilson described a lithium market that is moving quite quickly and volatile, with trading activity and complexity across spodumene, hydroxide, and carbonate markets. He said formal structures were not impossible, but more complex in the current environment. Iron ore: Onslow operating at nameplate capacity On the iron ore side, Wilson said Onslow Iron continues to operate at nameplate capacity. He also noted development of Lamb Creek is progressing at the Pilbara hub and that final exports from Wonmunna are scheduled for April. Analysts asked about shipments and downtime. Wilson said the current quarter is typically the most challenging for weather, noting recent impacts from high swell and wind. He said MinRes plans for disruption and allows for 55 days a year for downtime in one form or another. Wilson said maintenance on transhippers is routine but had more impact in the reported quarter than previously. To smooth the program, he pointed to plans for additional equipment, saying a sixth transhipper is expected to be operating by the middle of this year, with a seventh early into the new financial year. He also said the transhipper remains the bottleneck as the business pushes toward higher export rates. On the mine-to-port chain, Wilson said MinRes is very, very happy with performance across the mine, crushing, stockpiles, haulage, and the haul road, adding there were no constraints on speed and that the road is performing well. Wilson also confirmed that Onslows realized price includes hedging impacts, while stating there is no impact from prepayments because those are done at market. Costs and capital: steady expectations Responding to questions on Onslow capital intensity, Wilson said the company has been consistent on expectations of around AUD 2 a ton, and does not expect that to change materially in the short term. He added the company will provide FY27 guidance mid-year. On costs more broadly, Wilson said management was very, very happy with costs and that the quarter supported the view that the company has a pretty good grip on cost positioning. He said MinRes is guiding to the low end of guidance, while noting assumptions for the second half include slightly lower shipped tonnes and some rise and fall impacts as the calendar year turns. For lithium, Wilson said increased production volumes could imply a slight increase in stripping costs, but he did not expect overall capital expenditure guidance to shift materially. Balance sheet: liquidity up, debt down; POSCO JV noted Wilson said balance sheet transformation is progressing as planned, with liquidity strengthened to over AUD 1.4 billion and net debt reduced by AUD 500 million to below AUD 4.9 billion. He also said the POSCO lithium joint venture announced in November is expected to further accelerate de-leveraging. Asked about the effective date of the POSCO transaction and whether a cash box structure could limit participation in current price trends, Wilson said there is no effective date, adding the company would capture the full uplift. Accounting items: purchase price adjustments and RDG review Wilson addressed questions about flagged financial statement impacts, including an AUD 220 million purchase price adjustment related to haul road and gas transactions. He said these adjustments flow through the profit and loss statement but are expected to be treated as non-underlying. He also said the company is reviewing the carrying value of RDG assets as it finalizes interim results over the coming weeks, noting the asset had a carrying value of about AUD 70 million at the full year. Wilson closed his prepared comments by saying the report indicates MinRes is entering the second half with positive operational momentum, favorable market conditions, and a strengthening balance sheet. About Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) Mineral Resources Limited, together with subsidiaries, operates as a mining services company in Australia, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Mining Services, Iron Ore, Lithium, Energy, and Other Commodities. The company offers contract crushing, screening, and processing; specialized mine services, including materials handling, plant and equipment hire and maintenance, tails recovery, and aggregate crushing; and design, engineering, and construction services for resources sector. Recommended Stories ProCook Group plc (LON:PROC Get Free Report)s share price was down 4.1% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 33.80 and last traded at GBX 33.80. Approximately 41,808 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 78% from the average daily volume of 23,435 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 35.25. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 54 target price on shares of ProCook Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 54. Get ProCook Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ProCook Group ProCook Group Trading Down 3.3% The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 301.33. The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 36.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 37.38. The firm has a market capitalization of 33.74 million, a PE ratio of 28.57 and a beta of 1.12. ProCook Group (LON:PROC Get Free Report) last posted 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 return on equity of 7.65% and a net margin of 0.97%. Equities analysts expect that ProCook Group plc will post 1.6107383 earnings per share for the current year. About ProCook Group (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. Recommended 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. CGI (TSE:GIB.A Free Report) (NYSE:GIB) had its price target decreased by Royal Bank Of Canada from C$165.00 to C$150.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Desjardins dropped their price objective on CGI from C$169.00 to C$160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on shares of CGI from C$178.00 to C$168.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. TD Securities reduced their price objective on shares of CGI from C$190.00 to C$145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. CIBC downgraded shares of CGI from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from C$146.00 to C$139.00 in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of CGI from C$137.00 to C$142.00 in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$159.90. Get CGI alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CGI CGI Trading Down 2.4% Shares of CGI stock opened at C$117.09 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of C$25.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.23. CGI has a 52-week low of C$113.60 and a 52-week high of C$175.35. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$125.89 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$127.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.24. CGI (TSE:GIB.A Get Free Report) (NYSE:GIB) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported C$2.12 EPS for the quarter. CGI had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 19.51%. The firm had revenue of C$4.08 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that CGI will post 8.3679245 earnings per share for the current year. CGI Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 19th were issued a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from CGIs previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. CGIs payout ratio is currently 8.16%. More CGI News Here are the key news stories impacting CGI this week: About CGI (Get Free Report) Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for CGI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CGI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Topicus.com (CVE:TOI Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Royal Bank Of Canada from C$190.00 to C$160.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Topicus.com Price Performance Shares of CVE:TOI opened at C$105.69 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$122.92. Topicus.com has a 52 week low of C$103.93 and a 52 week high of C$199.00. The firm has a market cap of C$8.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 340.94 and a beta of -0.15. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Topicus.com Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Topicus.com and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (NYSEARCA:OWNB Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 6,197 shares, a drop of 74.5% from the December 31st total of 24,343 shares. Currently, 0.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 27,380 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 27,380 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Trading Down 0.9% Shares of NYSEARCA:OWNB traded down $0.22 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $23.69. The stock had a trading volume of 4,884 shares, compared to its average volume of 29,321. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF has a 1 year low of $18.91 and a 1 year high of $39.00. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $24.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $29.54. The company has a market capitalization of $27.24 million, a PE ratio of 20.01 and a beta of 5.30. Get Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Brookwood Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $233,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF during the third quarter valued at $934,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,085,000. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF during the third quarter worth about $1,245,000. Finally, Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,794,000. Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Company Profile The Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (OWNB) is an exchange-traded fund that trades on the NYSEARCA exchange in the United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (NYSEARCA:QLVD Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 867 shares, a drop of 73.4% from the December 31st total of 3,261 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 401 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 401 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. Institutional Trading of FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund An institutional investor recently bought a new position in FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund stock. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (NYSEARCA:QLVD Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 39,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,246,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC owned 2.10% of FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund at the end of the most recent quarter. Get FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund alerts: FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund Trading Down 1.1% Shares of QLVD stock traded down $0.35 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $32.50. The companys stock had a trading volume of 122 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,096. The business has a fifty day moving average of $31.77 and a 200-day moving average of $31.36. The stock has a market cap of $60.13 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.59. FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund has a twelve month low of $26.76 and a twelve month high of $32.85. About FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund The FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap equities from developed markets excluding the US. Holdings are selected for quality and low volatility. QLVD was launched on Jul 15, 2019 and is managed by FlexShares. Read More Receive News & Ratings for FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB Free Report) had its price target upped by TD Cowen from $115.00 to $120.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on SSB. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of SouthState Bank in a research note on Friday, December 12th. They issued an overweight rating and a $115.00 price target on the stock. Stephens upped their target price on SouthState Bank from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Piper Sandler cut their price target on SouthState Bank from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group lowered their price target on SouthState Bank from $125.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on SouthState Bank from $122.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $117.21. Get SouthState Bank alerts: Read Our Latest Report on SSB SouthState Bank Price Performance NYSE SSB opened at $100.94 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.84 and a beta of 0.74. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $95.16. SouthState Bank has a 52-week low of $77.74 and a 52-week high of $109.64. SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $2.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.17. SouthState Bank had a net margin of 21.26% and a return on equity of 10.86%. The firm had revenue of $686.87 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $667.88 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.93 EPS. SouthState Bank Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 6th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. SouthState Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 30.53%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On SouthState Bank Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Blue Trust Inc. grew its holdings in SouthState Bank by 12.4% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 991 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of SouthState Bank by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management now owns 6,456 shares of the companys stock worth $638,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SouthState Bank by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 2,480 shares of the companys stock worth $245,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in SouthState Bank by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Nicholson Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 7,201 shares of the companys stock valued at $663,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp raised its holdings in SouthState Bank by 14.0% in the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,090 shares of the companys stock worth $100,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the period. 89.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About SouthState Bank (Get Free Report) SouthState Bank (NYSE: SSB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, that provides a range of commercial and retail banking services. Through its subsidiary, SouthState Bank, the company serves businesses, institutions and individuals with deposit, lending and treasury management solutions. Its core business lines include commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate lending, consumer mortgages and home equity loans. In addition to traditional lending and deposit products, SouthState Bank offers specialized services such as treasury and cash management, merchant services, payment solutions and online banking. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SouthState Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SouthState Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Sse Plc (OTCMKTS:SSEZY Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday . Approximately 955,528 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 619% from the previous sessions volume of 132,908 shares.The stock last traded at $32.68 and had previously closed at $32.03. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently issued reports on SSEZY. Zacks Research raised shares of SSE from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of SSE in a report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of SSE in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of SSE in a research note on Monday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of SSE in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, SSE has a consensus rating of Hold. Get SSE alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on SSE SSE Trading Up 0.7% SSE Company Profile The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $30.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 0.97. (Get Free Report) SSE plc (OTCMKTS:SSEZY) is a United Kingdombased energy company engaged across the electricity value chain. Its principal activities include power generation, energy supply to residential and commercial customers, and ownership/operation of electricity networks. The company has a significant presence in renewable energy development alongside conventional generation, and it provides a range of energy-related services and infrastructure solutions. On the generation side, SSEs portfolio spans both low-carbon technologiessuch as onshore and offshore wind and hydroelectric assetsand thermal generation that supports system reliability. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SSE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA) used its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call to emphasize progress under its Pivot to Growth strategy, pointing to continued momentum in its innovative products, a stable generics base, expanding biosimilars portfolio, and ongoing balance sheet improvement. Management also outlined a milestone-rich 2026 for research and development, while discussing how one-time items affected fourth-quarter comparisons and how those dynamics factor into 2026 guidance. Get alerts: 2025 results and the impact of the Sanofi milestone CEO Richard Francis said Teva delivered a 5% revenue increase to $1.7 billion on the companys reported slide (with separate disclosure of results including and excluding Sanofi milestones), with EBITDA up 12% to $5.3 billion, EPS up 19% to $2.93, and free cash flow up 16% to $2.4 billion. He added that net debt to EBITDA was 2.5x, with a longer-term goal of 2.0x by 2027. CFO Eli Kalif highlighted that Teva received a $500 million development milestone payment from Sanofi in Q4 2025 tied to initiating a phase III program for Duvakitug in ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Kalif said the payment contributed $500 million to revenue and free cash flow and approximately $410 million to adjusted EBITDA. For much of the financial discussion, he presented results excluding the milestone and excluding the Japan business venture that Teva divested on March 31, 2025 to provide a like-for-like comparison. On a GAAP basis, Kalif said Q4 revenue was approximately $4.2 billion, up 2% year-over-year in U.S. dollars (down 1% in local currency). GAAP net income and EPS were $480 million and $0.41, respectively, and included the milestone payments. He also noted that growth in key innovative products and stability in generics were partially offset by lower proceeds from the sale of certain product rights compared with Q4 2024. Innovative brands drive growth: AUSTEDO, UZEDY, and AJOVY Francis said Teva surpassed $1 billion in Q4 revenue for its innovative portfolio and called out strong performance across its three growth engines: AUSTEDO : Francis said Q4 revenue was $725 million, up 40% year-over-year, and full-year revenue was about $2.2 billion, up 35%. He cited 10% TRx growth and a 19% rise in milligram volume, driven by new patients and adherence, and noted that AUSTEDO XR represented 60% of new patients. Management acknowledged Q4 benefited from year-end inventory stocking and a favorable gross-to-net item; Kalif later characterized the one-time gross-to-net benefit at about $100 million and said the vast majority of the $100 million referenced in Q&A was inventory-related. Francis said excluding those items, Q4 growth would still have been about 20%. : Francis said Q4 revenue was $725 million, up 40% year-over-year, and full-year revenue was about $2.2 billion, up 35%. He cited 10% TRx growth and a 19% rise in milligram volume, driven by new patients and adherence, and noted that AUSTEDO XR represented 60% of new patients. Management acknowledged Q4 benefited from year-end inventory stocking and a favorable gross-to-net item; Kalif later characterized the one-time gross-to-net benefit at about $100 million and said the vast majority of the $100 million referenced in Q&A was inventory-related. Francis said excluding those items, Q4 growth would still have been about 20%. UZEDY : Francis said Q4 revenue was $55 million, up 28%, and full-year revenue grew 63% to $191 million. He reported TRx volume increased 123% year-over-year and that more than 83% of NBRx came from patients transitioning from all therapies or treatment-naive, which he said supported market expansion rather than share shift. Management described UZEDY as the fastest-growing long-acting injectable in its category. : Francis said Q4 revenue was $55 million, up 28%, and full-year revenue grew 63% to $191 million. He reported TRx volume increased 123% year-over-year and that more than 83% of NBRx came from patients transitioning from all therapies or treatment-naive, which he said supported market expansion rather than share shift. Management described UZEDY as the fastest-growing long-acting injectable in its category. AJOVY: Francis said Q4 revenue was $211 million, up 43%, and full-year revenue was $673 million, up 30%. He said AJOVY was the number one preventive anti-CGRP injectable in top U.S. headache centers and led in 30 markets across Europe and international markets. During Q&A, Francis said Tevas approach for AUSTEDO has been to balance value and access, describing disciplined contracting amid a more competitive environment. He added that the AUSTEDO range for 2026 implies brand growth of roughly 11% to 18% after backing out the Q4 inventory build. For UZEDY, he said the companys assumptions incorporate the mix between Medicaid and Medicare, noting profitability differences between channels. Pipeline updates and a catalyst-heavy 2026 Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric Hughes outlined multiple late-stage programs, describing three phase III programs and two phase II programs. He highlighted external validation across several programs, including funding or partnerships involving Royalty Pharma, Sanofi, and Abingworth. Key pipeline developments discussed on the call included: Olanzapine LAI : Hughes said Teva submitted the filing on December 9 and expects an EU submission in Q2. He said the company hopes for approval at the end of the year. : Hughes said Teva submitted the filing on December 9 and expects an EU submission in Q2. He said the company hopes for approval at the end of the year. DARI (Dual Action Rescue Inhaler) : Hughes said Teva completed targeted enrollment at the end of 2025 and continued enrolling to accelerate the back end of the study. He emphasized the inclusion of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients and said having pediatrics and adolescents in the label could be a differentiator. : Hughes said Teva completed targeted enrollment at the end of 2025 and continued enrolling to accelerate the back end of the study. He emphasized the inclusion of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients and said having pediatrics and adolescents in the label could be a differentiator. Duvakitug (TL1A) : Hughes said Teva expects maintenance data in the first half of 2026 and described the importance of durability in chronic diseases like UC and Crohns. He said the maintenance dataset represents 58 weeks of exposure with two doses administered subcutaneously every four weeks. He also said phase III studies (SUNSCAPE and STARSCAPE) started on time with partner Sanofi and are being accelerated. Francis added Teva plans to announce two new indications for Duvakitug later in the year. : Hughes said Teva expects maintenance data in the first half of 2026 and described the importance of durability in chronic diseases like UC and Crohns. He said the maintenance dataset represents 58 weeks of exposure with two doses administered subcutaneously every four weeks. He also said phase III studies (SUNSCAPE and STARSCAPE) started on time with partner Sanofi and are being accelerated. Francis added Teva plans to announce two new indications for Duvakitug later in the year. Anti-IL-15 : Hughes said Royalty Pharma provided funding for a phase II/III program in vitiligo, calling it external validation. He said vitiligo results are expected in the first half of 2026 and that a second proof-of-concept study in celiac disease with a biopsy endpoint is expected in the second half of 2026. In Q&A, he said the vitiligo study is a single-arm trial of about 38 patients with facial VASI and total VASI endpoints and emphasized the need for systemic options beyond currently available topical therapy. : Hughes said Royalty Pharma provided funding for a phase II/III program in vitiligo, calling it external validation. He said vitiligo results are expected in the first half of 2026 and that a second proof-of-concept study in celiac disease with a biopsy endpoint is expected in the second half of 2026. In Q&A, he said the vitiligo study is a single-arm trial of about 38 patients with facial VASI and total VASI endpoints and emphasized the need for systemic options beyond currently available topical therapy. Emrusolmin: Hughes said enrollment is progressing quickly in the phase II study and that Teva plans to over-enroll to strengthen the dataset. He noted mean survival in the disease after diagnosis is six to 10 years and said the company is targeting a futility analysis by the end of 2026. He also said the program has received fast track and orphan designation. Hughes also pointed to a New England Journal of Medicine publication related to AJOVY data and said it supported recognition of innovation in migraine, including pediatric episodic migraine. 2026 outlook: Revlimid headwind, margin focus, and transformation savings Kalif guided to 2026 revenue of $16.4 billion to $16.8 billion, which he said represents about 1% growth to 2% decline versus 2025. He said the outlook reflects continued innovative portfolio momentum and low single-digit growth in global generics, largely offset by an expected $1.1 billion headwind from generic Revlimid in 2026. Teva guided to non-GAAP gross margin of 54.5% to 55.5% in 2026, versus 54.7% in 2025 excluding milestone payments, with improvement driven by portfolio mix and transformation savings. Operating expenses are expected at 27% to 28% of revenue, with a higher impact from transformation savings in the second half. Kalif guided to approximately $800 million in finance expense and a non-GAAP tax rate of 16% to 19%, resulting in non-GAAP EPS of $2.57 to $2.77 and free cash flow of $2.0 billion to $2.4 billion. Management said quarterly progression in 2026 should improve through the year, with Q1 expected to be light. Kalif attributed that to the loss of about $300 million of Q1 2025 generic Revlimid revenue and the sequential impact of Q4 2025 AUSTEDO inventory and gross-to-net benefits. He also said Q4 2026 AUSTEDO revenue could potentially be down year-over-year due to purchasing patterns and pricing ahead of IRA implementation in January 2027. On cost actions, Kalif said Teva achieved $70 million in transformation savings in 2025 and remains on track for about $700 million in savings by 2027, with roughly two-thirds realized by the end of 2026. Francis and Kalif both described the transformation program as designed to fund investment in growth drivers while supporting a path to higher margins. Biosimilars: expanding portfolio and new launches through 2027 Francis said Teva now has 10 biosimilar assets in the market globally, with six additional launches expected between now and the end of 2027, and a further set of assets planned to launch from 2028 onward. He said Teva has launched the most biosimilars since 2020 and described its portfolio as the second-largest in the industry. Francis said Teva is targeting $400 million of biosimilar growth by 2027. In response to questions on cadence and strategy, Francis said most of the near-term launches will span both the U.S. and Europe and emphasized Europes quicker uptake and predictability. He cited upcoming biosimilars including Prolia, Xgeva, Simponi, and Xolair, adding that Simponi is U.S.-only. He said Teva expects to continue expanding the biosimilars business primarily through partnerships, describing the economics as attractive with the right partner. About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA) is an Israeli multinational pharmaceutical company and one of the worlds largest manufacturers of generic medicines. The companys core activities include the development, production and marketing of generic pharmaceuticals alongside a portfolio of specialty branded medicines. Teva supplies finished dosage forms and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to markets around the globe and operates manufacturing and research facilities in multiple countries. Tevas product range covers oral solids, injectables, inhalation products and other dosage forms across therapeutic areas such as central nervous system disorders, respiratory, oncology, pain and infectious disease. Featured Articles OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Free Report) had its price target trimmed by Truist Financial from $48.00 to $44.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the banks stock. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on OFG. Zacks Research raised OFG Bancorp from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of OFG Bancorp in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on OFG Bancorp from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group set a $50.00 price objective on shares of OFG Bancorp in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler started coverage on shares of OFG Bancorp in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. They issued a neutral rating and a $45.00 target price for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold 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 $45.83. Get OFG Bancorp alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on OFG OFG Bancorp Stock Performance Shares of OFG opened at $37.67 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a PE ratio of 8.22 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.87. The companys 50 day moving average price is $40.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $42.01. OFG Bancorp has a 52 week low of $33.15 and a 52 week high of $46.11. OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The bank reported $1.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.11. OFG Bancorp had a net margin of 22.72% and a return on equity of 15.21%. The company had revenue of $185.37 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $184.17 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.09 EPS. The companys revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that OFG Bancorp will post 4.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. OFG Bancorp Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. OFG Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.20%. OFG Bancorp declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, January 28th that permits the company to repurchase $200.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the bank to repurchase up to 12% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In other OFG Bancorp news, Director Jorge Colon sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.85, for a total transaction of $1,021,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 27,543 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,125,131.55. The trade was a 47.58% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Jesus Nestor De sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.31, for a total transaction of $84,620.00. Following the sale, the director owned 22,690 shares of the companys stock, valued at $960,013.90. This trade represents a 8.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 62,500 shares of company stock worth $2,564,302 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 2.16% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of OFG Bancorp Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in OFG Bancorp by 211.0% during the second quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 421,742 shares of the banks stock worth $18,051,000 after buying an additional 286,113 shares in the last quarter. Burney Co. bought a new stake in shares of OFG Bancorp in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $10,236,000. CSM Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of OFG Bancorp in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $8,235,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in shares of OFG Bancorp by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 554,208 shares of the banks stock worth $23,720,000 after purchasing an additional 133,046 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in shares of OFG Bancorp by 6.5% during the third quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,875,513 shares of the banks stock valued at $81,566,000 after purchasing an additional 113,868 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.73% of the companys stock. OFG Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) OFG Bancorp, through its principal subsidiary Oriental Bank, is a financial holding company headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The company provides a wide range of banking services, including commercial and consumer deposit accounts, small business loans, corporate lending, treasury management, and cash management solutions. Its consumer offerings encompass personal checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and electronic banking platforms designed to serve retail customers across its markets. In addition to traditional banking products, OFG Bancorp offers mortgage origination and servicing, as well as wealth management and trust services for highnetworth individuals and institutional clients. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for OFG Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OFG Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Free Report) had its price objective increased by BMO Capital Markets from $60.00 to $65.00 in a research note published on Monday,MarketScreener reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on ARE. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $62.00 to $47.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Friday, January 9th. They set an equal weight rating and a $55.00 price target for the company. Zacks Research lowered Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $83.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald set a $46.00 target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Monday, January 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.93. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Alexandria Real Estate Equities Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Down 6.0% ARE opened at $54.65 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a current ratio of 0.23. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $51.43 and its 200-day moving average price is $66.90. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a one year low of $44.10 and a one year high of $105.14. The stock has a market cap of $9.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.48, a P/E/G ratio of 7.02 and a beta of 1.31. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 26th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.15 by $0.01. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative return on equity of 6.82% and a negative net margin of 47.23%.The company had revenue of $754.41 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $742.64 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.39 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess quarterly revenue was down 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.550 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.32 EPS for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities announced that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Monday, December 8th that permits the company to buyback $500.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization permits the real estate investment trust to purchase up to 6.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.3%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is currently -116.60%. Insider Buying and Selling at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In other news, Director Sheila K. Mcgrath acquired 3,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $45.60 per share, with a total value of $141,360.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 8,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $382,675.20. This represents a 58.58% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.15% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted 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 valued at $2,184,000 after purchasing an additional 11,762 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4,261.1% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,140 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $290,000 after buying an additional 3,068 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in 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 valued at $597,000 after buying an additional 296 shares during the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP boosted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 39.9% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 13,015 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,204,000 after acquiring an additional 3,714 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 171.5% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 6,591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $610,000 after acquiring an additional 4,163 shares in the last quarter. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Stories Impacting Alexandria Real Estate Equities Here are the key news stories impacting Alexandria Real Estate Equities this week: 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. Further Reading 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. SG Americas Securities LLC decreased its position in shares of Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Free Report) by 98.6% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 3,605 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 258,406 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Black Hills were worth $222,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Paradiem LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 858.5% during the third quarter. Paradiem LLC now owns 234,833 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $14,463,000 after purchasing an additional 210,333 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Black Hills during the second quarter valued at about $616,000. Midwest Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of Black Hills in the second quarter worth about $3,039,000. Hennessy Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Black Hills by 19.4% in the second quarter. Hennessy Advisors Inc. now owns 53,647 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,010,000 after acquiring an additional 8,700 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Black Hills by 17.3% in the second quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 38,860 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,180,000 after acquiring an additional 5,740 shares in the last quarter. 86.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Black Hills alerts: Black Hills Trading Down 1.9% Black Hills stock opened at $72.20 on Thursday. Black Hills Corporation has a 12 month low of $54.92 and a 12 month high of $74.23. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The stock has a market cap of $5.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.23, a P/E/G ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.75. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $71.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $64.75. Black Hills Increases Dividend Black Hills ( NYSE:BKH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.45. Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.86% and a net margin of 12.54%.The firm had revenue of $430.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $439.96 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.35 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Black Hills Corporation will post 4.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.703 dividend. This is an increase from Black Hillss previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. This represents a $2.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio is currently 68.18%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Black Hills news, CFO Kimberly F. Nooney sold 14,500 shares of Black Hills stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.70, for a total value of $1,025,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 34,621 shares in the company, valued at $2,447,704.70. The trade was a 29.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $70.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Black Hills in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Black Hills from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $66.00 to $81.00 in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $75.67. Check Out Our Latest Report on BKH Black Hills Company Profile (Free Report) Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides electricity and natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Through its regulated utility subsidiariesBlack Hills Power, Cheyenne Light & Power, and Black Hills Energythe company delivers reliable energy across Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In addition to its distribution operations, Black Hills owns and operates a generation portfolio that includes natural gasfired plants, coal-fired units, hydroelectric facilities and wind projects. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSE:BIP.UN Get Free Report) (NYSE:BIP) released its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported C$0.61 EPS for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. The business had revenue of C$8.32 billion for the quarter. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a negative net margin of 0.09% and a positive return on equity of 5.21%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Price Performance Shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners stock traded up C$0.35 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching C$48.20. 183,912 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 370,933. The company has a market cap of C$22.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -2.12 and a beta of 1.88. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a fifty-two week low of C$36.61 and a fifty-two week high of C$51.01. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$48.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$46.24. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 180.01. Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: About Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (Get Free Report) Read More Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP is a Bermuda exempted limited partnership that owns and operates quality, long-life assets that generate stable cash flows, by virtue of barriers to entry or other characteristics tend to appreciate in value over time. It focuses on acquiring infrastructure assets that have low maintenance capital costs and high barriers to entry. The companys segments consist of Utilities, Transport, Midstream, and Data. Geographically, it generates maximum revenue from Brazil and also has a presence in Australia, Colombia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Chile, Peru, India, and other countries. Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Wolfe Research from $122.00 to $123.00 in a research note released on Monday morning,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the energy producers stock. COP has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on ConocoPhillips in a research report on Friday, October 17th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $100.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $108.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $111.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $98.00 target price on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Roth Mkm lifted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $110.96. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on COP ConocoPhillips Stock Performance NYSE:COP opened at $101.47 on Monday. 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 has a twelve month low of $79.88 and a twelve month high of $106.20. The company has a fifty day moving average of $94.06 and a 200-day moving average of $93.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $125.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.35, a P/E/G ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 0.32. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.20. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 14.25% and a return on equity of 13.64%. The business had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.51 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.78 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.84 dividend. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is currently 47.52%. Insider Activity In other ConocoPhillips news, Director William H. Mcraven purchased 5,768 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at $499,970.24. The trade was a increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ConocoPhillips Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new stake in ConocoPhillips during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Strive Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Board of the Pension Protection Fund bought a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 136.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 315 shares of the energy producers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares during the period. 82.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About ConocoPhillips (Get Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Featured Stories 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. Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (NYSE:FSI Get Free Report) CEO Brien Daniel O sold 56,000 shares of Flexible Solutions International stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.90, for a total transaction of $330,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 4,664,156 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,518,520.40. This trade represents a 1.19% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Flexible Solutions International Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE FSI traded down $0.03 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $5.84. The company had a trading volume of 44,130 shares, compared to its average volume of 51,954. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 2.22 and a current ratio of 3.17. Flexible Solutions International, Inc. has a twelve month low of $3.46 and a twelve month high of $11.48. The stocks 50 day moving average is $6.64 and its 200-day moving average is $7.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $74.12 million, a PE ratio of 17.70 and a beta of 1.56. Get Flexible Solutions International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades FSI has been the subject of several research reports. Zacks Research upgraded Flexible Solutions International from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. Singular Research raised shares of Flexible Solutions International from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Flexible Solutions International Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FSI. Strait & Sound Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Flexible Solutions International during the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Flexible Solutions International in the third quarter worth $109,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Flexible Solutions International by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 80,481 shares of the companys stock worth $776,000 after buying an additional 1,700 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Flexible Solutions International by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 284,869 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,746,000 after buying an additional 7,700 shares during the last quarter. 54.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Flexible Solutions International (Get Free Report) Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI) is a specialty chemical company dedicated to the development, production and marketing of sustainable polymer-based and bio-based additives. The companys product portfolio includes polymer modifiers, specialty resins and performance additives that enhance properties such as adhesion, viscosity, impact strength and environmental resistance. These solutions serve a variety of end markets, including coatings and adhesives, composites and plastics, oilfield and mining fluids, wastewater treatment and agricultural applications. Headquartered in Urbana, Ohio, Flexible Solutions International operates an integrated manufacturing facility that supports customer-specific production and pilot-scale development. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Flexible Solutions International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flexible Solutions International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flossbach Von Storch SE trimmed its stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 14.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 112,462 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 19,073 shares during the period. Flossbach Von Storch SEs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $16,255,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TJX. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of TJX Companies in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,808,774,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in TJX Companies by 12,417.0% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,057,273 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $501,033,000 after buying an additional 4,024,859 shares during the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 120.7% in the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,016,792 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $620,406,000 after acquiring an additional 2,743,676 shares during the period. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. bought a new position in TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter worth $244,687,000. Finally, Mirova US LLC lifted its position in TJX Companies by 164.5% during the 2nd quarter. Mirova US LLC now owns 2,699,156 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $333,319,000 after acquiring an additional 1,678,665 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock. Get TJX Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on TJX shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $193.00 price target (up from $181.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a positive rating and issued a $150.00 price target (up from $145.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Barclays set a $172.00 price objective on TJX Companies and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $163.86. Insider Activity In related news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total transaction of $75,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 22,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,362,896.80. This represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.81, for a total value of $4,464,300.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 535,143 shares of the companys stock, valued at $79,634,629.83. This represents a 5.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. TJX Companies Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE:TJX opened at $147.69 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average is $154.08 and its 200-day moving average is $143.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 1.09. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $112.10 and a 52 week high of $159.48. The company has a market capitalization of $164.00 billion, a PE ratio of 32.60, a P/E/G ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.75. TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.06. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 58.30% and a net margin of 8.68%.The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.80 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. TJX Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.425 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. TJX Companiess payout ratio is 37.53%. 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. See Also 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. Japan Tobacco Inc. (OTCMKTS:JAPAF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 492,471 shares, a decline of 54.8% from the December 31st total of 1,089,482 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 19 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 25,919.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 19 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 25,919.5 days. Japan Tobacco Price Performance Shares of JAPAF traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $38.00. 5,030 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 922. Japan Tobacco has a 52 week low of $23.90 and a 52 week high of $39.79. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $37.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.22. Get Japan Tobacco alerts: About Japan Tobacco (Get Free Report) Japan Tobacco Inc is one of the worlds largest tobacco companies, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with American Depositary Receipts trading over the counter under the symbol JAPAF. The companys core business centers on the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products, which include cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. In recent years, Japan Tobacco has expanded its portfolio to include electronic nicotine delivery systems and heat-not-burn devices as part of its strategy to offer reduced-risk alternatives to traditional smoking. Among its leading brands are Mevius (formerly Mild Seven), Winston and licensed varieties of Camel, alongside a range of imported premium offerings such as Natural American Spirit. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Japan Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Japan Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Knorr-Bremse Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:KNRRY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 6,708 shares, a decline of 52.2% from the December 31st total of 14,028 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 40,757 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 40,757 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Knorr-Bremse Stock Performance Knorr-Bremse stock opened at $29.58 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $27.52 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.57. Knorr-Bremse has a 12 month low of $18.72 and a 12 month high of $29.66. Get Knorr-Bremse alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently commented on KNRRY. UBS Group upgraded shares of Knorr-Bremse to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Knorr-Bremse from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Zacks Research raised Knorr-Bremse from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Knorr-Bremse to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Knorr-Bremse from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. About Knorr-Bremse (Get Free Report) Knorr-Bremse AG is a Munich-based engineering company that specializes in braking systems and other critical subsystems for rail and commercial vehicles. Founded in 1905 by Georg Knorr, the firm has grown into a global leader in rail technology and commercial vehicle solutions. Its expertise spans safety-related systems designed to optimize performance, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort across a broad range of transport applications. The companys operations are organized into two primary business segments: Railway Systems and Commercial Vehicle Systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Knorr-Bremse Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Knorr-Bremse and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reliance (NYSE:RS Get Free Report) and Orbite Aluminae (OTCMKTS:EORBF Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Reliance and Orbite Aluminae, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Reliance alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Reliance 1 2 3 0 2.33 Orbite Aluminae 0 0 0 0 0.00 Reliance presently has a consensus price target of $317.25, suggesting a potential downside of 4.34%. Given Orbite Aluminaes higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Orbite Aluminae is more favorable than Reliance. Risk and Volatility Institutional & Insider Ownership Reliance has a beta of 0.92, suggesting that its stock price is 8% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Orbite Aluminae has a beta of -9.96, suggesting that its stock price is 1,096% less volatile than the S&P 500. 79.3% of Reliance shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Reliance shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Reliance and Orbite Aluminaes net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Reliance 5.23% 10.37% 7.24% Orbite Aluminae N/A N/A N/A Valuation & Earnings This table compares Reliance and Orbite Aluminaes gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Reliance $13.84 billion 1.25 $875.20 million $13.68 24.24 Orbite Aluminae N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Reliance has higher revenue and earnings than Orbite Aluminae. Summary Reliance beats Orbite Aluminae on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Reliance (Get Free Report) Reliance, Inc. operates as a diversified metal solutions provider and the metals service center company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company distributes a line of approximately 100,000 metal products, including alloy, aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, and specialty steel products; and provides metals processing services to general manufacturing, non-residential construction, transportation, aerospace, energy, electronics and semiconductor fabrication, and heavy industries. It sells its products directly to original equipment manufacturers, which primarily include small machine shops and fabricators. The company was formerly known as Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. and changed its name to Reliance, Inc. in February 2024. Reliance, Inc. was founded in 1939 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. About Orbite Aluminae (Get Free Report) Orbite Technologies Inc. operates as a clean technology based mineral-processing and resource development company in Canada. It produces high-purity alumina, silica, hematite, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, smelter-grade alumina, and rare earth and rare metal oxides from various feedstocks, including red mud, fly-ash, aluminous clays, mine tailings, bauxite, and kaolin clay, as well as serpentine residues from chrysotile processing sites. The company owns 100% interest in 99 mineral claims totaling approximately 55 square kilometers, as well as 1 mining lease of 98.5 hectares at a site near Grande-Vallee, Quebec. It also owns 100% interest in 138 mineral claims covering approximately 78.4 square kilometers at sites near Rimouski and Cap-Chat, Quebec. The company was formerly known as Orbite Aluminae Inc. and changed its name to Orbite Technologies Inc. in June 2015. Orbite Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Laval, Canada. 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. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Free Report) in a report issued on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm issued an underperform rating and a $385.00 price target on the stock. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on PIPR. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $368.00 to $386.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 12th. Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating and issued a $398.00 price objective on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Zacks Research cut Piper Sandler Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $389.67. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Piper Sandler Companies Piper Sandler Companies Price Performance Shares of PIPR stock opened at $353.06 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $6.25 billion, a PE ratio of 26.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.54. Piper Sandler Companies has a 1 year low of $202.91 and a 1 year high of $380.26. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $347.96 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $336.82. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $3.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.86. Piper Sandler Companies had a return on equity of 19.91% and a net margin of 13.73%.The firm had revenue of $455.31 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $408.40 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.57 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 33.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Piper Sandler Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Piper Sandler Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 21.10%. Insider Activity at Piper Sandler Companies In related news, CFO Katherine Patricia Clune sold 1,367 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $324.69, for a total value of $443,851.23. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 10,425 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,384,893.25. The trade was a 11.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $330.33, for a total value of $825,825.00. Following the transaction, the president owned 2,896 shares in the company, valued at $956,635.68. The trade was a 46.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 11,267 shares of company stock worth $3,763,746. Company insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Piper Sandler Companies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in Piper Sandler Companies by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,410 shares of the companys stock valued at $392,000 after buying an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. M&T Bank Corp increased its stake in Piper Sandler Companies by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 905 shares of the companys stock worth $251,000 after buying an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 13.8% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 288 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 12.0% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 345 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 13.4% in the second quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 330 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. 72.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Piper Sandler Companies (Get Free Report) Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) is an investment bank and institutional securities firm that provides a range of capital markets and advisory services to corporations, institutions, municipalities and high-net-worth individuals. The firms core activities include investment banking and M&A advisory, underwriting and distribution of equity and debt securities, public finance, and sector-focused advisory across industries such as healthcare, energy, financial services and technology. In addition to traditional investment banking, Piper Sandler offers equity and fixed income research, institutional sales and trading, and market-making services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Piper Sandler Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piper Sandler Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC lessened its stake in Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) by 87.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 10,064 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 67,399 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Invesco were worth $231,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco by 11.1% in the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,194 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $349,000 after purchasing an additional 1,524 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its stake in Invesco by 14.8% in the 3rd quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 19,159 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $440,000 after buying an additional 2,467 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS raised its holdings in Invesco by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 97,000 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,225,000 after acquiring an additional 700 shares during the period. ANB Bank bought a new stake in Invesco during the 3rd quarter valued at $279,000. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco by 8.3% during the third quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 818,143 shares of the asset managers stock worth $18,768,000 after acquiring an additional 62,476 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.09% of the companys stock. Get Invesco alerts: Invesco Stock Performance NYSE IVZ opened at $27.53 on Thursday. Invesco Ltd. has a 52-week low of $11.60 and a 52-week high of $29.61. The company has a fifty day moving average of $26.77 and a 200-day moving average of $23.75. The company has a market capitalization of $12.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.23. Invesco Dividend Announcement Invesco ( NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The asset manager reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.05. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 9.69% and a negative net margin of 6.92%.The business had revenue of $1.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.52 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $0.21 per share. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Invescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.14%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on IVZ shares. Morgan Stanley set a $29.00 price target on Invesco in a research report on Monday. Argus set a $31.00 price target on Invesco in a research report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Invesco from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $26.00 to $31.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Invesco from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Invesco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $27.93. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on IVZ Trending Headlines about Invesco Here are the key news stories impacting Invesco this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat consensus adjusted EPS $0.62 vs. $0.57 expected, revenue $1.26B vs. $1.24B and record AUM of $2.17T with strong net inflows; these drove the immediate market reaction. Earnings Top and Net Inflows Q4 results beat consensus adjusted EPS $0.62 vs. $0.57 expected, revenue $1.26B vs. $1.24B and record AUM of $2.17T with strong net inflows; these drove the immediate market reaction. Positive Sentiment: Argus raised its price target to $32 and issued a buy rating, implying meaningful upside and adding institutional analyst momentum. Argus Price Target Raise Argus raised its price target to $32 and issued a buy rating, implying meaningful upside and adding institutional analyst momentum. Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 (annualized yield ~3.0%), with an exdividend date of Feb 13 supports the stocks appeal to income investors. Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 (annualized yield ~3.0%), with an exdividend date of Feb 13 supports the stocks appeal to income investors. Neutral Sentiment: Multiple analyst and outlet writeups (Zacks pieces on momentum/value and dividend appeal) increase visibility and may attract different investor styles but dont change fundamentals immediately. Zacks Coverage Multiple analyst and outlet writeups (Zacks pieces on momentum/value and dividend appeal) increase visibility and may attract different investor styles but dont change fundamentals immediately. Negative Sentiment: GAAP results were hit by a $1.8B noncash intangible impairment that produced a reported diluted EPS of $(2.61), raising questions about onetime charges and earnings quality even though management provided adjusted figures. PR Newswire Release Insider Activity at Invesco In other news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total value of $3,769,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,523.52. The trade was a 99.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.21% of the companys stock. About Invesco (Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IVZ). With origins dating back to 1935, the company is dedicated to offering a wide array of investment strategies and solutions to both individual and institutional clients worldwide. The firms product suite encompasses actively managed equity and fixed income funds, passive index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts, alongside specialized offerings such as private markets, real estate, and structured products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 4,222 shares, a decrease of 52.1% from the December 31st total of 8,809 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,848 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,848 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Stock Performance NYSEARCA FNGO opened at $112.82 on Thursday. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN has a 52-week low of $48.67 and a 52-week high of $140.87. The company has a fifty day moving average of $119.14 and a 200-day moving average of $120.27. The company has a market capitalization of $564.10 million, a P/E ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. Get MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN alerts: MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading 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. 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. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The company traded as high as $46.14 and last traded at $45.7610, with a volume of 8915267 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.86. The airline reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.02. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.38% and a return on equity of 6.39%. The firm had revenue of $7.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.51 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.56 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Southwest Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.000- EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450- EPS. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is currently 110.77%. Key Headlines Impacting Southwest Airlines Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Here are the key news stories impacting Southwest Airlines this week: LUV has been the subject of several recent research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from an underweight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $60.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Southwest Airlines from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Seaport Research Partners raised their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $46.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.63. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Southwest Airlines Institutional Trading of Southwest Airlines Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Southwest Airlines by 100.6% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 39,347 shares of the airlines stock valued at $1,303,000 after acquiring an additional 19,729 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 5.4% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 61,060 shares of the airlines stock valued at $2,050,000 after purchasing an additional 3,141 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC increased its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,459 shares of the airlines stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 527 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in Southwest Airlines by 54.9% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,996 shares of the airlines stock valued at $195,000 after acquiring an additional 2,125 shares during the period. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 11.0% in the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 11,498 shares of the airlines stock valued at $373,000 after acquiring an additional 1,136 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.82% of the companys stock. Southwest Airlines Trading Up 12.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.49 and a quick ratio of 0.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 70.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a fifty day moving average of $40.07 and a 200-day moving average of $35.05. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. lessened its stake in Brookfield Infrastructure Co. (NYSE:BIPC Free Report) by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,193,707 shares of the companys stock after selling 57,074 shares during the quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. owned approximately 1.00% of Brookfield Infrastructure worth $49,508,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in Brookfield Infrastructure by 9.1% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 4,522,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $188,293,000 after acquiring an additional 375,586 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,977,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $82,258,000 after purchasing an additional 44,506 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Brookfield Infrastructure in the 2nd quarter valued at about $64,433,000. Scotia Capital Inc. grew its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure by 2.1% during the second quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 1,332,140 shares of the companys stock worth $54,975,000 after purchasing an additional 27,441 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in Brookfield Infrastructure by 1.8% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,043,808 shares of the companys stock worth $37,775,000 after buying an additional 18,648 shares during the last quarter. 70.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Brookfield Infrastructure alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently issued reports on BIPC shares. Morgan Stanley set a $57.00 price objective on Brookfield Infrastructure in a research report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen raised Brookfield Infrastructure from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Brookfield Infrastructure has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $57.00. Brookfield Infrastructure Price Performance BIPC stock opened at $46.43 on Thursday. Brookfield Infrastructure Co. has a fifty-two week low of $32.08 and a fifty-two week high of $47.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.85 and a beta of 1.37. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $43.28. Brookfield Infrastructure Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This represents a yield of 384.0%. Brookfield Infrastructure Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIPC) is a global owner, operator and investor in essential infrastructure assets. As the corporate class of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P., the company provides exposure to a diversified portfolio spanning utilities, transport, energy midstream and data infrastructure. Its holdings generate stable cash flows underpinned by regulated or long-term contracted revenue streams. Since its formation in 2008 and U.S. listing in 2017, Brookfield Infrastructure has pursued a disciplined strategy of acquiring and managing high-quality infrastructure businesses. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure 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 contrast to its competitors? We will compare Live Oak Bancshares to similar companies based on the strength of its risk, dividends, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability and institutional ownership. Get Live Oak Bancshares alerts: Profitability This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Live Oak Bancshares 10.09% 9.91% 0.75% Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 8.42% 7.78% 0.88% Volatility and Risk Live Oak Bancshares has a beta of 2.02, meaning that its share 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 share price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Live Oak Bancshares 0 2 0 1 2.67 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 32 181 226 26 2.53 This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 5.96%. Given Live Oak Bancshares competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Live Oak Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. 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 $105.87 million 17.25 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors $847.62 million $114.12 million 36.63 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. Institutional and Insider Ownership 64.0% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by institutional investors. 23.4% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. 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 60.2% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Summary Live Oak Bancshares beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared. Live Oak Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, and professionals in North Carolina, the United States. The company accepts various deposit products, including noninterest-bearing demand, as well as interest-bearing checking, money market, savings, and time deposits. It also offers commercial and industrial loans; construction and development loans; owner occupied and non-owner occupied collateral commercial real estate loans; and commercial land loans. In addition, the company provides settlement, accounting, and securitization services for government guaranteed loans; wealth and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families; investment advisory services to a series of funds focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies; and an on-site restaurant location to company employees and business visitors. Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Live Oak Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Live Oak Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Reduce from the eleven brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and eight have issued a hold recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $18.3750. Get Graphic Packaging alerts: A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial lowered Graphic Packaging from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Zacks Research cut Graphic Packaging from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered shares of Graphic Packaging from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and cut their price objective for the company from $18.00 to $12.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $16.00 price objective on shares of Graphic Packaging and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Graphic Packaging from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Read Our Latest Report on Graphic Packaging Hedge Funds Weigh In On Graphic Packaging Graphic Packaging Stock Performance A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GPK. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Graphic Packaging by 36.6% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 171,608 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,453,000 after acquiring an additional 45,944 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Graphic Packaging by 9.9% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,471,519 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $38,201,000 after purchasing an additional 132,692 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in Graphic Packaging by 54.7% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,841 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 2,065 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in Graphic Packaging by 46.5% during the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 6,556 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $138,000 after purchasing an additional 2,080 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue raised its stake in Graphic Packaging by 195.1% during the second quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 103,750 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,185,000 after purchasing an additional 68,595 shares in the last quarter. 99.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. GPK opened at $14.83 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.45 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $4.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.72 and a beta of 0.64. Graphic Packaging has a 1-year low of $13.93 and a 1-year high of $28.34. Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The industrial products company reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.04. Graphic Packaging had a net margin of 5.94% and a return on equity of 19.98%. The company had revenue of $2.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.17 billion. Graphic Packaging has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.800-2.000 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Graphic Packaging will post 2.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Graphic Packaging Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 7th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.11 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Graphic Packagings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.88%. Graphic Packaging Company Profile (Get Free Report) Graphic Packaging Holding Company is a leading provider of sustainable paperboard packaging solutions, offering a broad portfolio of products designed for food, beverage and other consumer goods markets. The company specializes in the manufacture of containerboard, folding cartons and engineered fill materials, as well as beverage packaging systems including paperboard cups, carriers and related components. Through a network of manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe and Latin America, Graphic Packaging serves a diverse customer base that includes major consumer packaged goods companies, quick-service restaurants and retail chains. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Graphic Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graphic Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eight research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $25.4286. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Several research analysts have issued reports on KRG shares. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and set a $24.00 target price (up previously from $23.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Kite Realty Group Trust from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $23.00 to $25.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 target price (up previously from $24.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. View Our Latest Report on Kite Realty Group Trust Kite Realty Group Trust Trading Down 1.6% KRG stock opened at $22.72 on Thursday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a twelve month low of $18.51 and a twelve month high of $24.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.83 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $23.36 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $22.66. Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $205.06 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $208.82 million. Kite Realty Group Trust had a net margin of 16.34% and a return on equity of 4.27%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Kite Realty Group Trust will post 2.05 earnings per share for the current year. Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th were paid a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 9th. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.1%. This is an increase from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. Kite Realty Group Trusts payout ratio is currently 181.25%. Institutional Trading of Kite Realty Group Trust Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 54.8% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 462 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the second quarter valued at $30,000. First Horizon Corp bought a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the third quarter valued at about $30,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 118.4% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,365 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 740 shares during the period. Finally, Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 57.9% in the 3rd quarter. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC now owns 1,748 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 641 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.81% of the companys stock. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and management of open-air retail real estate. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating community and neighborhood shopping centers, as well as mixed-use properties that accommodate national, regional and local retailers. Established in 1994, Kite Realty has grown its portfolio through strategic development projects, targeted acquisitions and selective dispositions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. At a time when the hospitality industry across Northern Ireland is facing one of its most challenging periods in decades, with rising costs, business closures and mounting pressure on independent operators, one Mid Ulster business is choosing a different path. The Lazy Llama BBQ Shack, based at the Jungle Activity Centre just outside Magherafelt, has announced the launch of a new fire-led cookery school, a significant investment made in spite of ongoing uncertainty across the sector. Hospitality businesses throughout Northern Ireland are grappling with increased energy bills, higher labour costs, VAT pressures and shrinking margins, forcing many to reduce hours or close their doors altogether. Against this backdrop, The Lazy Llamas decision to expand is rooted in resilience, adaptation and a long-term commitment to the local economy. Now entering its third year of operation, The Lazy Llama is operated by friends Conor Mac Cann and Conor Donnelly, who together bring more than 45 years of combined hospitality experience. Rather than allowing that experience to be lost during a turbulent time for the industry, the pair have chosen to reinvest it back into their business and community. As an industry, hospitality in Northern Ireland is under real pressure right now, said Conor Mac Cann, Head Chef and Partner of The Lazy Llama. But for us, standing still simply wasnt an option. If anything, this climate has forced us to think differently about how we survive, how we grow, and how we make what we do sustainable long-term. As part of its continued development, The Lazy Llama has invested over 50,000 in new infrastructure and equipment. This includes an 80-foot polytunnel supplying fresh vegetables and herbs directly to the kitchen, alongside professional equipment from leading fire-cooking brands including Kasai, Konro, Somerset Grill, Traeger and Rational. Sourcing locally sits at the heart of the business. From foraged produce in the surrounding woodland to partnerships with Northern Irelands artisan suppliers and the rearing of Saddleback pigs on the working farm where the restaurant is based, The Lazy Llama operates on a genuine farm-to-fork ethos that keeps spend within the local economy. The newly launched cookery school represents both a necessary adaptation to todays economic reality and a deliberate effort to fill a gap in the market. Designed as a hands-on experience for the public, the classes aim to give people the confidence, skills and understanding to cook over fire at home, something the founders believe has been lost over time. In todays economy, hospitality businesses have to adapt if they want to survive, said Partner Conor Donnelly. Weve built our careers over decades, and rather than wasting that knowledge, we felt a responsibility to pass it on. The cookery school allows us to diversify the business while offering something genuinely new: practical, accessible fire-led cooking that people can take home with them. READ NEXT: Tyres slashed on 15 vehicles belonging to Limavady students Classes will be led by Conor Mac Cann alongside Head Chef Melissa Norton, with occasional guest instructors, and will focus primarily on charcoal and live-fire cooking techniques. While the school provides an essential additional revenue stream, the founders are clear that its purpose extends beyond income alone. Theres a real lack of confidence when it comes to cooking over fire, added Mac Cann. We want to break that down, show people its achievable, and keep those skills alive. This isnt about trends its about craft, flavour and understanding food. Located within the 200-acre Jungle Activity Centre, The Lazy Llama has become a destination for both locals and visitors, benefiting from walking trails, outdoor activities and family-friendly facilities. Looking ahead, the team will continue to develop their skills with a learning trip to Austin, Texas, hosted by renowned BBQ expert Jim Moore. At a time when many hospitality businesses are being forced to scale back, The Lazy Llamas message is clear: investment, adaptability and a commitment to local producers can still create opportunity even in the toughest of climates. Diversification isnt a luxury in 2026, its a necessity for survival in todays hospitality landscape. Derry-born pianist Ruth McGinley returns home for a very special concert in New Gate Arts and Cultural Centre. During the concert on Thursday, February 12, Ms McGinley will present a "bold and beautiful new programme that reflects her unique musical voice and adventurous spirit". Titled 'Glass and Beyond' the programme weaves together music by Philip Glass, Arvo Part and Bill Evans with original compositions by McGinley herself, created in response to an artistic residency in Iceland. Atmospheric, intimate and deeply personal, the concert promises an immersive journey through sound, space and stillness. One of Irelands most distinctive and celebrated pianists, Ruth McGinley rose to national prominence at just 16, winning the piano final of BBC Young Musician of the Year. Since then, she has forged a wide-ranging career that defies convention performing with leading orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra, while also carving out a reputation as a fearless collaborator across classical, jazz, folk, electronic and film music. A familiar and much-loved presence on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC Radio Ulster and Lyric FM, Ms McGinley has appeared as a soloist at the BBC Proms in the Park and performed to critical acclaim at Londons Southbank Centre. Yet it is in the spaces between genres where reflection, atmosphere and emotional resonance live that her music truly flourishes. Her recordings have drawn widespread praise, with critics describing her playing as exquisite, healing and soothing in the truest sense. In 2024, she was awarded the Arts Council of Northern Irelands Major Individual Artist Award, recognising both her artistic excellence and her singular musical vision. This homecoming concert in Derry offers audiences a rare chance to experience Ruth McGinley at her most personal and expressive a powerful and poetic evening from one of Irelands most compelling musical voices. Translink is advising passengers to plan ahead for a series of essential engineering works that will impact the Derry line over two weekends in February and March. The planned maintenance is part of a wider infrastructure investment to maintain safety and reliability across the network. Works on the local line will focus on tunnel maintenance at Castlerock and Downhill, as well as critical culvert repairs between Coleraine and Derry. To facilitate these upgrades, the rail line between Coleraine and Derry will be closed on the following dates: Saturday, February 21/Sunday, February 22 and Saturday, February 28/Sunday, March 1. The line closure between Coleraine and Derry (North-West Transport Hub) will also affect the 10.43pm train ex Coleraine on Friday night (February 20 and February 27). Last service on Friday night (10.43pm) will operate as a bus substitution from Coleraine to the NW Transport Hub. Rail replacement bus services will meet Belfast-bound trains at Coleraine. Rail replacement buses will operate a direct service between Coleraine and NW Transport Hub as well as a stopper service for Castlerock and Bellarena passengers. Translinks Director of Infrastructure and Projects John Glass commented: We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our rail infrastructure to deliver a high quality, safe and sustainable public transport network today, and for future generations. READ NEXT: Finance Minister halts 'Reval 26' after pressure from hospitality sector Weve planned these works carefully so that several essential upgrades from tunnel repairs to platform extension work and embankment maintenance, as well as other improvements can be delivered in one closure period. Wed like to thank all our passengers and local neighbours for their patience and understanding while these important works are carried out, helping to maintain safe and reliable services for the future. We apologise to our passengers for any inconvenience, and we advise our customers to check their timetables in advance of travel on the website www.translink.co.uk or Translinks Journey Planner as bus substitutions may operate different schedules to regular train timetables. Passengers requiring further details on these works can visit: www.translink.co.uk/lineimprovements. Michael Flatley has said he will be calling his dancers, as a legal order blocking him from engaging with the Lord Of The Dance production was overturned by a court in Belfast. At the Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday, Mr Justice Simpson discharged a temporary injunction that had been secured against the dancer, saying trenchant and quite personal allegations had been made on both sides. Switzer Consulting took legal action in a civil case against Flatley for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows. The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer found international fame performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance. The productions 30th anniversary tour is due to play in Dublins 3 Arena next week on February 5, continuing in 2026 across Europe and the US. Speaking outside the court after the judgment on Thursday, Flatley blessed himself as he said: Id just like to say thank God, Im delighted with the judges decision today. I wont be in the car 10 seconds and Ill be calling all my dancers, all of the cast and crew. All their families have flown in and were going to lift the roof on Thursday. This will be the greatest version of this show that you will ever see. Im absolutely delighted. Asked if he was back in control of the production, Flatley said: Yes, 100%. The legal dispute hinged on a terms of service agreement under which Flatley transferred intellectual property rights for Lord Of The Dance to Switzer and they in turn were then required to provide business management services to Flatley such as accounts and payroll. The temporary injunction first filed by Switzer director Joe Gallagher in early January prohibited Flatley from cancelling, postponing, or in any way interfering with the Lord Of The Dance, including forbidding him to contact promoters or venues. This was on the basis of breach of contract as well as conspiracy to cause loss by unlawful means. Mr Justice Simpson said that at that time he had been shown a text message Mr Gallagher had been sent from Flatleys agent Denis OSullivan, saying understand you have no further involvement whatsoever in anything to do with the Lord Of The Dance. Gary McHugh KC, representing Switzer, had said the injunction was necessary to protect Switzers interests because Flatleys financial situation would have left him unable to pay damages. The court heard a statement by Flatleys former financial adviser Des Walsh who said the dancer has lived the lifestyle of a Monaco millionaire by borrowing money as he did not even have the minimum cash required to open a residency package. His statement claimed Flatleys appetite for lifestyle cash was insatiable, and he borrowed 75,000 euros for a birthday party and 50,000 euros to join Monaco Yacht Club. David Dunlop KC, representing Flatley, rejected the claims that Flatley was a man with substantial debts, and that ad hominem attacks had been made on his character by the opposing legal team. Mr Dunlop had told the court on Wednesday that Flatley had half a million euro with a solicitor in Dublin that was available to pay to the end of the contract with Switzer. On Thursday Mr Justice Simpson said he was satisfied that damages are an adequate remedy for the plaintiff (Switzer) and that the money is available to pay for any damages sustained. Flatleys legal team also raised the fact that Switzer had filed new accounts last weekend, updating their valuation with a primary asset being their licence agreement with Flatley. Mr Justice Simpson said: I cannot see how accounts can be filed essentially taking the whole of contingent income and describing it as an asset worth 2.14 million. The judge added that over the course of proceedings trenchant and quite personal allegations were both made and denied but that the civil nature of the case meant it was not the place to resolve hotly disputed issues of fact. Flatleys lawyers had warned that the Lord Of The Dance tour was in danger of falling apart without the creators involvement because his artistic direction is a vital component. The production is described in promotional material as the culmination of Flatleys belief that Nothing is impossible. Follow your dreams. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has claimed the body overseeing his department isnt a proper scrutiny committee as MLAs clashed during a Stormont meeting. In heated exchanges on Thursday, Sinn Fein MLA and chairman of the Communities Committee, Colm Gildernew, said Mr Lyons had committed a failure of leadership and has tried to deflect and distract criticism of his performance. Mr Lyons was investigated over a Facebook post he published in June 2025 after immigrant families were forced to flee their homes during racially motivated riots. In a report published last week former independent Assembly commissioner for standards Melissa McCullough found that Mr Lyons actions had the potential of heightening tensions and exacerbating an already contentious situation. The DUP minister has rejected the report, and his party leader Gavin Robinson insisted the findings were totally irrational. In a fiery exchange on Thursday, Mr Gildernew opened his remarks to the minister by highlighting that the committee has previously taken a vote of no confidence in him. You minister have, it would appear, in Trumpian fashion, decided rather than engage with the substance of that report you sought to deflect and distract, he said. What I would like to know, minister, is do you simply not care whether the public have confidence in you to discharge your role? Mr Lyons replied: Youve jumped in here on this and this is your hour, you have an hour with me and if you want to go down that route Im happy to, I have nothing to hide. He added: We can go over this time and time again but I think that your statement highlights yet again, just how often you get it wrong. You say that I have not engaged in the content of this. Of course I have. You clearly have not read the report. You clearly have not read my response to it, because if you had done that you would recognise that I have engaged with all of the points. Mr Gildernew said My Lyons had failed to address the central point of a failure of leadership and failed to stand with victims in their time of need. Youre right, this is our hour, and I am hoping to get to many other things, but Ill say this, minister, is certainly not your finest hour, he said. The communities minister then offered to go through the report and Mr Gildernew raised that the committee has to go through a range of issues. Mr Lyons said: You criticise me for not going through point by point, not addressing them, and then whenever I offer to do that, you say, oh no, no, lets move on and use your silly language about Trumpian tactics. He added: Youre saying you want to talk about my performance as a minister, its a bit rich, I have asked you a question as chair of this committee and your failure in this role. This has not been, under your leadership, a proper scrutiny committee. Sinn Fein MLA and deputy chairwoman of the committee Cathy Mason claimed that when the group tries to scrutinise the minister they get bluster and deflection, before raising the Irish language. She said: You have removed bilingual signage from your department, a clear attempt to try and make Irish language invisible. Theres consistent funding for bands for Ulster-Scots agency through the US250, all vanity projects in my eyes, and youre blatantly blocking new funding for Irish language. She added: You failed to publish an Irish language strategy, maybe that is your strategy. Minister, at what point does this stop being a coincidence and start being sectarian? USA250 provides funding to organisations to recognise contributions made by people of Ulster-Scots heritage to the founding of the US on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mr Lyons said I wish that we did have effective scrutiny but this isnt a proper scrutiny committee. He added: I think that you have been outrageously offensive by speaking about the US250 and the Ulster Scots as vanity projects. When Ms Mason asked where the balance is in the USA250 scheme, Mr Lyons said you tell me about the balance youd like to see, and Ms Mason responded Im asking the questions, not you. Mr Lyons then said: You come here and you think youre part of the scrutiny committee, but you ask questions, but you never bring an alternative. Its actually part of your job, Deputy Chairperson. Ms Mason concluded: My view is youre a minister who doesnt do GAA, doesnt do housing, doesnt do Irish language and doesnt do LGBTQ equality. To which the communities minister replied: Doesnt do housing, are you for real? Later in the meeting DUP MLA Maurice Bradley highlighted that the motion of no confidence is not unanimous within this committee. He told Mr Lyons: You do have support within this committee and that needs to be pointed out. Residents have been warned to prepare for more flooding as further heavy rain is forecast over the bank holiday weekend, according to emergency planners. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Elaine Byrne, who lives in Aughrim, told the Press Association that her whole house became flooded in the space of 20 to 30 minutes. She said she had not experienced such flooding in the area, stating that a local pitch had been turned into a river. This was horrendous. Water came in everywhere it was under walls, in through windows. Asked about the extent of the damage, Ms Byrne said: Everything is gone. Every single thing that we had. Theres one unit in the sitting room, and now the water dripping at the bottom of it and it has to go. The kitchen most things are gone, the legs on the table are starting to swell, the chairs are starting to swell and all the appliances on the ground are gone because it was sewerage water flowed in as well. Ms Byrne said theres nothing that can be salvaged as the water level was halfway up the radiators. She has now been advised not to stay in the house which she has lived in for 18 years. It is heartbreaking to see all the things I built up over the years and its gone, she said. Ms Byrne said they had never experienced water flooding into the house before, with only one occasion where water had come close to the front door. She said Mr Moran saw the damage and commiserated with her, but she said the Government had to do something drastic to support affected homeowners. Whats the point in us doing the house up if it happens again. Im afraid to leave the house in case it (happens) again you cant just leave the house filling with water. Catherine Kenny told the Press Association the floodwater came into her home like a tsunami. She said the water was up to the top step on her flight of stairs and she needed help getting her 15-year-old son, who has Downs syndrome, out of the property. Ms Kenny said the ground floor was destroyed and that there is nothing left. She said she was advised to return to the property and live out of the upstairs area but she was worried sick for her son, who also has asthma. Ms Kenny said she felt that Mr Moran and council officials just passed by her when she sought help. After staying on her daughters floor for two days, later on Thursday the council was able to provide her with alternative accommodation. Meanwhile, the Republic of Irelands National Emergency Coordination Group met on Thursday to assess the continued clean-up as a result of Storm Chandra. It said localised flooding will continue to be a risk because of saturated ground conditions and high river levels, with those in the east, north-east and south-east most at risk. Mr Moran said he wanted to assure those affected that Government is here to support them. Whatever is to be done will be done to alleviate the problem, he said. Theres an awful lot of rain coming. I cant say where its going to hit, but its going to hit somewhere, and its coming fast. I want to make sure that the communities are ready for that in terms of backup support. Yellow Rainfall Warning Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow & Dublin 00z Thursday to 00z Friday Further heavy rain/showers falling on saturated ground, combined with high river levels may cause further flooding & difficulty travelling https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/8WlgdVZAGs Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 28, 2026 An Emergency Response Payment has been made available to those living in properties directly affected by flooding, while businesses can avail of the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme. Earlier, people dealt with serious traffic disruptions because of flooding and debris on road and rail routes. A burst water main in the Fairview area of Dublin added to weather-related commuter disruption in the capital. Subsidence also sent a tree onto the Dart rail route near Portmarnock, closing the service between Portmarnock and Howth Junction for a period. The line, which also affected services to Belfast, has reopened. Heavy winds and torrential rain caused significant disruption across the island of Ireland earlier in the week, including power outages, flight cancellations and 300 school closures in Northern Ireland. Rivers burst their banks, including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin, with fallen trees reported across the island. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Another yellow warning for rainfall will come into effect between 9pm on Friday and midnight into Saturday for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. Yellow Rainfall Warning issued Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, & Wicklow 09:00 Friday 30/01/26 to 00:00 Saturday 31/01/26 Localised flooding River flooding Difficult travel conditions Please stay up to date https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/gqz0wDCWyZ Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 29, 2026 A union has reiterated a call for the introduction of climate leave when extreme weather makes it impossible to get to work, as parts of Ireland deal with the clean-up. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work and four days paid leave to be available if workers have to address needs at their home. The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. They say that workers should be paid as usual for days where work is required to stop because of the weather. Unite also wants a 24C action level, where heat management controls must be put in place, and an absolute maximum of 30C for when work should stop if it cannot be prevented. Yellow weather warning issued Further rain across Northern Ireland falling on already saturated ground Friday 00:00 18:00 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/pdqAax2BbW Met Office (@metoffice) January 28, 2026 In Northern Ireland, further rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground and the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6pm on Friday. While the wettest conditions are likely over Antrim and Down, there is potential for many areas to see 10-25mm build up, with 40-60mm over some hills. Philippines-based operator PLDT has invested PHP1.215 billion (US$20.5 million) in its data analytics unit Kayana, doubling down on efforts to unlock new growth engines across the wider group. In a stock exchange filing, PLDT said it purchased 1.215 billion Kayana shares at PHP1 apiece. Despite the fresh capital injection, PLDTs stake in the business remains unchanged at 45%, with Metro Pacific Investments Corp and its subsidiary Manila Electric each holding 27.5%. PLDT previously held a 60% stake in Kayana after an earlier PHP840 million share acquisition, but diluted its position after opening a share subscription to other investors. That move raised PHP523.5 million and reduced PLDTs holding to its current level. The operator said the investment supports growth ambitions across the MVP Group of Companies, the diversified conglomerate chaired by Manuel Pangilinan, who also serves as PLDTs chair. Kayana, formerly known as DigiCo, aggregates and analyses data across the group to deliver personalised services and help unlock new revenue streams. Broadly, the move reflects a growing push by operators to treat data as a strategic asset rather than a by-product of connectivity. As digital services mature, telcos are under increasing pressure to monetise customer insights, improve retention and compete with digital-native players through hyper-personalised offerings. Bolivias state-owned operator Entel has reportedly signed an interconnection agreement with Chilean operator Claro Chile to create what is being called a bioceanic route. The route will connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, strengthening Bolivia's position as a regional data corridor. It will also enable lower latency. This integration makes it possible to shorten the distance between Santiago and Sao Paulo, reducing the previous route by 2,400 kilometres, which translates into a siginificant12 milliseconds of latency. The transport networks of the two operators will connect from a point in Arica. Arica is a coastal commune, port city, and capital of the Arica y Parinacota Region in northern Chile. Timings, cost and technical details do not seem, so far, to be available. According to the news service BNamericas, Bolivia seeks to position itself as a direct highway for international data flow through partnerships with operators and investments in fibre optic infrastructure. In addition to the direct connection with Santiago, Entel already has multiple international routes after the signing of a contract with Telecom Italia company Sparkle for the operation of a Pacific-Atlantic fibre route, providing landlocked Bolivia with key data exits on both the Peruvian and Brazilian coasts. The agreement, announced in October 2025, aims to be the foundation for the joint commercialisation of international capacity along a route that connects Lurin (Peru), the Desaguadero (Peru) to Puerto Quijarro (Bolivia) route, and Sao Paulo (Brazil). Entel announced the consolidation of its Pacific-Atlantic project in March, when it expanded its fibre optic network that connects both oceans with a point of presence (PoP) in Sao Paulo. This PoP was added to the Lima-Sao Paulo fibre optic route, which has been operational since 2024. Tencent Cloud is reportedly planning to expand its data centre footprint in the Middle East in a bid to grow its cloud business outside of China. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Tencent Cloud CEO Dowson Tong said the company intends to expand the number of availability zones for its cloud services over the next 12 to 18 months. While Tencent Cloud will also expand its presence in Asia Pacific and Europe, Tong said the company will increase its investment in the Middle East and establish a stronger partnership network. Tong gave no details on timelines or financials, the report said. Tencent Cloud currently has one availability zone in Saudi Arabia, with customers including international food delivery firm Keeta, as well as several gaming companies. The region has been a hotbed of data centre-related activity in recent months. Ooreedoos data centre spinoff Syntys which currently operates 26 active data centres in Qatar, Tunisia, Kuwait, Oman and Iraq recently acquired two new data centres from hyperscale data centre operator Q Data QFZ in Qatar. Batelco by Beyon announced earlier this month this it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Bahrain-based Qareeb Data Centers to launch what they claim will be Bahrains first edge data centre. Last month, Saudi Arabian telco stc group formed a a strategic joint venture partnership with Humain, a Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned AI company, to build AI data centres in the country. Last week, Humain and Saudi Arabias National Infrastructure Fund announced a strategic financing framework agreement of up to US$1.2 billion to support the expansion of AI and digital infrastructure projects in the country. At the GITEX Global 2025 event in Dubai last year, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq said AI must become a core pillar of government spending, on par with defence and cybersecurity, for nations to truly embrace the digital age. At the same event, UAE-based telco du launched an AI Park in Dubai that will be deployed in phases over a period of five years, and will feature several liquid-cooled hyperscale data centres that will eventually deliver up to 1GW of capacity to support AI-level workloads. According to analyst firm Kearney, the Middle Easts data centre market is experiencing a significant boom, thanks in part to various regional governmental initiatives like KSA Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2031, New Kuwait 2035, and Digital Oman 2030. Kearney expects the number of data centres in the region to double between 2025 and 2030. The acting head of the United States cyber defense agency is under fire for allegedly uploading sensitive government contracting documents to the public version of ChatGPT, triggering internal security alerts, as per reports citing multiple officials familiar with the matter. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Madhu Gottumukkala, who currently serves as the interim director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as per the reports, used AI chatbot last summer to process internal contracting material marked for official use only. While the documents were not classified, the designation suggests they are considered sensitive and not intended for public disclosure. Also read: Apples iOS 26.3 beta reportedly breaks iPhone Mirroring and Sidecar on iPhones: What we know The incident drew attention because Gottumukkala had sought and received special approval to access ChatGPT shortly after joining the agency, at a time when the tool remained restricted for most Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees. The federal cybersecurity systems flagged the uploads in early August, generating multiple automated warnings designed to prevent sensitive data from leaving government networks. Following the alerts, senior DHS officials initiated an internal review to evaluate whether the disclosures posed any security risks. Officials familiar with the process said Gottumukkala later met with senior leadership to explain how the material was used, though the findings of the review have not been publicly disclosed. Also read: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes future without AI glasses is hard to imagine, heres why In a statement, CISA said Gottumukkalas use of ChatGPT was conducted under a temporary, authorised exception and was limited in duration. The agency added that access to the chatbot remains blocked by default unless explicit approval is granted. The case got into the limelight because information entered into public AI platforms can be stored and potentially used by the service provider, unlike government approved tools that are designed to keep data within federal systems. DHS employees have access to internal AI platforms that prevent data from leaving government networks. Also read: Microsoft gains $7.6 billion from OpenAI investment in latest quarter CISA, which plays a central role in defending federal systems from cyber threats linked to foreign adversaries, has faced additional turbulence in recent months. Gottumukkalas leadership tenure has included internal disputes and staffing controversies, adding to scrutiny around the agencys management practices. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Following a period of poor weather, storms and heavy rainfall, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public that checking weather and sea conditions is a critical first step before any coastal or water-based activity. Strong winds this weekend are expected to lead to very rough sea states and large swells, making coastal conditions particularly dangerous. READ NEXT: Six counties remain under weather warnings as experts warn 'more river flooding' expected Storm waters and rising sea levels can quickly cut people off from safety or allow waves to reach places that are normally dry, leaving little or no time to escape. Keeping safe around water is everyones responsibility and staying back from the waters edge can prevent a tragedy. Remember too that the edges of waterside pathways may have been damaged in storms and may be unstable. Year-round swimming and dipping are increasingly popular. Wind conditions can affect waves and swell, create rip currents and poor visibility, and increase cold exposure. Strong winds make open water riskier, even if the sky is clear. Because water conditions can shift quickly, a calm morning can turn dangerous by afternoon. If the water looks rough, murky, or unpredictable, it may not be safe to enter, so err on the side of caution and do not get in. READ NEXT: ALERT! TEMU issues urgent recall across Ireland as popular product can cause serious burns If swimming at this time of year, remember: Water temperatures are still cold - wear a wetsuit, brightly coloured swimming cap, and gloves to stay warm Acclimatise slowly and use a tow float to increase visibility. Never swim alone and always ensure that a colleague is monitoring your activity. For the most up to date information on weather and conditions, always check local forecasts to keep informed. If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think they are in trouble; Dial 112 or 999 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard. Bullets fired at George Nkencho damaged his heart, lung, liver and spleen, an inquest into his death has heard. Mr Nkencho, 27, died after being shot by gardai outside his west Dublin home in December 2020. An inquest into his death has been running at Dublin District Coroners Court over the last three weeks. On Thursday, the jury was presented with evidence of the pathology and post-mortem examination on Mr Nkenchos body. The members of the jury had previously heard evidence from his family, witnesses, and gardai who were present at the scene. The inquest had previously heard from witnesses who said Mr Nkencho punched a retail worker at a shop and brandished a knife. Gardai have provided evidence that later, outside the Nkencho family home, he waved a knife towards them before he was shot. Dr Myra Cullinane, the coroner overseeing the inquest, advised the family that the evidence of the post-mortem examination and pathology would be distressing. A post-mortem examination on Mr Nkencho was carried out by state pathologist Dr Kathleen Han Suyin on December 31 2020 a day after his death. Dr Han Suyin told the inquest on Thursday that she had been informed by gardai that Mr Nkencho had apparently approached the Armed Support Unit with a knife and did not respond to verbal commands. She said she was told that he was tasered but, while immobilised, maintained a grasp of the knife and continued to approach the ASU after he recovered. She said a second deployment of the Taser and the use of incapacitant spray were both unsuccessful and five to six gunshots were fired. She said she was told he received first aid immediately and he was transferred to Connolly Hospital where resuscitation attempts including three doses of adrenaline, two units of blood, and attempts to alleviate build-up of fluid were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. Before the post-mortem examination, a full CT scan on Mr Nkencho discovered there were two intact bullets present in the body, a build-up of blood in the space between the lung and chest wall, multiple rib fractures, and a tear in the spleen. The first bullet in the right lower anterior chest area appeared superficial while the second bullet was in the pleural space between the chest and lung. The jury was shown an anatomical diagramme made by Dr Han Suyin representing Mr Nkenchos body and the pathologist guided them through gunshot wounds. She told the inquest on Thursday that he had been shot six times identifying one of the wounds as definitely fatal as it pierced the heart and lung. On the bullet track identified as definitely fatal, it appeared to enter on the posterior aspect of Mr Nkenchos left flank just slightly above the waist and visible on the diagram showing his back. This bullet exited upwards and slightly forwards at the centre of his chest above the level of his nipples. The track included damage to ribs, as well as the back wall of the left ventricle of the heart as well as a smaller chamber of the organ, and passing through the left lung. The inquest heard the track was potentially explainable by Mr Nkencho being bent or stooped over or the shot being fired from a lower elevation. Other bullet entry wounds were present on Mr Nkenchos chest. Dr Han Suyin said there was no evidence from her examination that any natural disease present would have contributed to the death, and told the inquest that toxicology found no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system. She said she was unable to determine a chronological order for the six gunshot wounds she observed. Two intact bullets were retrieved from the body and the other four wounds were through-and-through injuries three to the chest and one to the left arm. She said three gunshot wounds within the chest damaged the liver, spleen, lung and heart and would have proved rapidly variable. The pathologist said the direction of the wounds were variable and in keeping with a moving body, and the movement of the person firing the shot. She said none of the wounds could be considered to be close contact and were of intermediate range. Dr Han Suyin said there was trauma on the back of the left hand consistent with bunt force on a rough surface but there were no other assault or defence injuries present. She said death was due to multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk. She said the through-and-through injury on the arm may not have been fatal, and that there could have been a few seconds after injuries to the major organs before someone collapsed. In particular, she said the wound that damaged the heart and lung would have been fatal but said others were quite significant also. For one of the through-and-through wounds, she said she was unable to determine which direction the bullet had travelled and identify which side was the entry and exit. The track of this wound appeared superficial and was present only in the soft tissue of the left flank. The wound tracked between the left chest and below the left shoulder blade. It appeared this bullet did not damage vital organs. Asked by Ronan Kennedy, the barrister for An Garda Siochana, if there was any evidence of a forcible kick to the mid-back, Dr Han Suyin said there was not. The jury also heard evidence from Professor Jack Crane, a pathologist instructed by the Nkencho family who was also previously the state pathologist for Northern Ireland. Prof Crane gave evidence of his examination which was conducted on January 12 2021, after Dr Han Suyins. In relation to the wound for which Dr Han Suyin said she could not determine which side was the entry and exit, he agreed both directions were possible but the jury had initially heard his post-mortem found a probable entrance wound on the left side of Mr Nkenchos back. He said there was no evidence of close-range gunshot wounds, but said overlying clothing would have obscured determinations of traces of such shots. The Governments overall housing targets have no realistic chance of being achieved, an opposition TD has said, while the Housing Minister insisted he is not complacent after figures showed a 20% boost in completions. New dwelling completions rose by more than 20% last year, with 2025 seeing the highest number of completions since the Central Statistics Office tracked the figures in 2011. The new data from the CSO shows there were 36,284 new dwelling completions in 2025, an increase of 20.4% from 2024. Housing Minister James Browne welcomed the figures, saying they signal a clear ramp-up in supply. The number of apartments completed in 2025 was 12,047, up 38.7% on last year. More than half (57.6%) of completions for the full year of 2025 were in Dublin or the Mid-East region containing Kildare, Louth, Meath, and Wicklow. By Local Electoral Area, the most completions in 2025 were in Clondalkin in Dublin with 1,399. Mr Browne said: Another promising indicator, earlier this week, was evident in the latest mortgage drawdown data from the BPFI, which showed steady growth in activity in 2025, with drawdown volumes up almost 8% year on year. First-time buyers continue to drive the mortgage market, accounting for 60% of the volume of mortgage drawdowns in 2025. Indeed the 27,652 first-time buyer mortgages in 2025 represented the highest drawdown volumes since 2008. There are many pointers to progress, but we are not complacent. We have a new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. We have record state funding. We have increasing confidence within the private sector. I am determined to take every action necessary to build on all of this and ensure even greater progress in the months and years ahead. The Government has set a 300,000-home target in its housing strategy for 2025-2030, which it described as achievable and realistic. That plan, announced in November, saw the scrapping of annual targets set by the last coalition, which set incremental increases from 41,000 homes in 2025 up to 60,000 in 2030. Thursdays figures fall 4,716 short of the old officially abandoned target for 2025. Social Democrats housing spokesman Rory Hearne said the CSO data shows the real reason why the Government abandoned setting annual targets. He said: With just 36,284 homes delivered last year which falls significantly short of whats required to tackle this crisis the CSO figures present a grim but unsurprising picture of Government housing policy in freefall. The Government is just spinning its wheels on housing. Completely out of ideas, it continues to be over-reliant on investors and institutional landlords to fill in the gaps. Not only that, but Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are actively in the process of hiking up rents for investor funds. Mr Hearne said the 2030 targets have no realistic chance of being achieved. During Leaders Questions, Tanaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said completions exceeded forecasts for 2025 by the ESRI, Central Bank, and Fiscal Advisory Council. There is now momentum back in the housing market, and that didnt happen by accident. It happened as a result of the policies that we are pursuing that is injecting confidence again in an ability to build in the private sector. However, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he was amazed the Fine Gael leader was trumpeting success on the housing disaster that people face in this country. China's Xinjiang reports vigorous foreign trade growth in 2025 Xinhua) 11:05, January 29, 2026 URUMQI, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region saw a 19.9 percent year-on-year increase in the total value of its foreign trade in 2025, ranking first in terms of growth rate among all Chinese provincial-level regions, according to the regional government's information office on Wednesday. Li Xuan, deputy director of Xinjiang's department of commerce, said at a press conference that the region's total import and export value came in at 520.37 billion yuan (74.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025. Xinjiang has established a multi-level and three-dimensional platform system for opening-up, spearheaded by the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone and supported by national economic and technological development zones, cross-border economic cooperation zones, and comprehensive bonded zones, according to Li. Over the past five years, more than half of all China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains exited China via Xinjiang, and the region's major highway ports have achieved a round-the-clock customs clearance capacity. Urumqi Tianshan International Airport now operates 37 international cargo routes connecting 36 cities in 22 countries and regions. The airport's cargo throughput surged 152.2 percent year on year in 2025. The optimization of Xinjiang's international business environment has been crucial in enhancing the quality and efficiency of the region's foreign trade, Li noted. Xinjiang has enacted regulations to promote the development of its port economy, and introduced a series of policies to foster innovation in the trade of goods, services and digital products. Meanwhile, Xinjiang is actively building a comprehensive services system integrating governments, industry associations, professional organizations and enterprises, providing institutional support for market entities to grow, Li said. It is also proactively undertaking industrial relocation from eastern and central China, and making all-out efforts to attract investment. A large number of export-oriented industrial projects have already landed or are set to be established in Xinjiang. "With the vigorous development of new foreign trade formats such as global bonded aircraft maintenance and cross-border e-commerce, Xinjiang continues to optimize its trade structure, and the integration of industry and trade is strengthening," Li said. Leveraging its geographical advantages, Xinjiang is set to achieve high-quality development characterized by steady growth in trade scale, a diverse range of market entities and the continuous optimization of its trade structure, Li added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The newly established Louth Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) held its inaugural meeting at County Hall in Dundalk. LCSPs have been established across all local authorities in Ireland, and aim to replace the work of former Joint Policing Committees. The Louth LCSP brings together residents, community organisations, elected members, An Garda Siochana, Louth County Council, Tusla, the Health Service Executive (HSE), education representatives, business representatives, and other key stakeholders. The LCSP aims to provide a collaborative forum where community safety concerns can be identified, discussed, and addressed through coordinated, evidencebased action. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council called the meeting a major milestone in delivering community safety for Louth. "The establishment of the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership ensures that communities are active partners in shaping safety priorities and identifying the improvements that matter most in their daily lives. The Partnerships remit goes far beyond policing; it includes crime prevention, environmental enhancement, placemaking, and promoting the broader wellbeing of our residents," he said. Mr Conway said there is a real opportunity to strengthen community confidence, improve quality of life, and make Louth and even better place to live. Read Next: Louth councillor loses race to become Green Party Deputy Leader Nasir Yasin, an environmental and safety professional was elected chair of the LCSP, while Cllr Paddy McQuillan was elected vice-chair. Mr Yasin said to be elected Chair of the Louth Local Community Safety Partnership was an honour. "Our goal is to listen, to engage, and to work collectively to make every part of Louth safer and more vibrant. I look forward to working with all partners and, most importantly, with the people of Louth as we build a safety plan that reflects local priorities and delivers meaningful outcomes, he said. Mr Yasin will serve a three-year term as Chair of the Louth LCSP. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Louth County councillor Marianne Butler has lost the race to become Green Party Deputy Leader. Cllr Butler lost out to Dublin City councillor and former Lord Mayor Hazel Chu. The vote came as a result of the resignation of former Deputy Leader, Roisin Garvey Cllr Butler received 36.8 per cent support from Green Party members, despite receiving endorsement from senator and former minister of state Malcom Noonan. Cllr Butler congratulated the new Deputy Leader and thanked the members who voted for her. "While we are all committed to rebuilding our Party, members saw different visions, for how that should happen. Thats a good thing and I hope that conversation will continue. The urgent need for climate action, social justice and nature restoration remains and our work continues with the same passion and purpose. I look forward to working with our leadership team as we now focus on the upcoming bye-elections and European and local elections in 2029, she said. Read Next: Dundalk students begin new pathway into Intellectual Disability Nursing Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman praised Cllr Butler for using her experience as a councillor to rebuild the party. The Green Party lost all but one of its seats in the 2024 general election, with its leader Roderic O'Gorman the only TD out of 12 to hold his seat. Cllr Chu ran in the Dublin Bay South constituency in the general election, receiving over 3,000 first preference votes, although was eliminated on the 7th count. She also contested the 2025 Seanad elections before losing out. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Seven future Intellectual Disability Nurses have begun the first step to their new careers as they commence their Tertiary Degree Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing. The students will complete their first year of this programme in their local ETB (Education and Training Board) and then progress to DkIT to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing programme. The course, which is available across three ETB (Education and Training Board) campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and the Louth/ Meath Region is aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who may not have considered third-level education as an option. Dr. Briege King, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years at DkIT said: We are delighted to welcome our Tertiary access students and colleagues from Cavan Institute and O Fiaich College to DkIT. The introduction of this access route reflects our belief that higher education should be accessible to all. This is the first Tertiary Degree Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing being offered in Ireland which is terrific for both DkIT and our HSE and St John of Gods Intellectual Disability services clinical partners who have been key in its realisation to date. Six students from OFiaich College, Dundalk and one from Cavan Institute have now begun their pathway to their new nursing careers. Grainne McEvoy who is beginning her pathway at OFiaich College said: I have enjoyed the course so far and the clinical skills classes this year. All the lecturers are friendly and very knowledgeable. Since viewing DkIT and learning more about whats to come in the next four years, I'm very excited to get started and learn in the impressive facilities DkIT has to offer, and to learn more about becoming an intellectual disability nurse. Read Next: Gardai investigate burglary in Dundalk Another student, Aisling Gallagher added: I have really enjoyed my tertiary degree this year, as a mature student it has been very insightful. My favourite part of the course is nursing theory and practice as I learned so many new skills I cannot wait to put into practice. DKIT has an amazing nursing building with so many extraordinary facilities and I can't wait to start in September. I would highly recommend this route to nursing for anyone interested. Irish Rural Link are calling on primary schools across Louth to sign up for its AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme following the successful pilot of the initiative in late 2025. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the nationwide programme will provide teachers and their pupils with farm safety resources that support the curriculum and champion a community led approach to farm safety education and practice. As part of the programme, teachers are encouraged to reach out to local farmers, vets, first responders and other agri representatives to deliver in school talks and demonstrations. Speaking about the programme, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., said: A farm is a wonderful place to rear a family, but safety must always be the priority. Building on the success of this programme in 2025, I am confident that this training will help foster an awareness of farm safety from a young age which can become instinctive. I am reminding parents that they play a key role in developing the learnings by adopting best practice when it comes to farm safety and encouraging children by showing good example. Schools will be given the option to choose between two programme approaches, the succinct AgriKids Farm Safety Hour or the AgriKids Farm Safety Day. The Farm Safety Hour offers a concise, introductory framework for farm safety, covering specific topics supported by resources available on the AgriKids website. Alternatively, schools can run a Farm Safety Day, choosing one of three themes: Farm and Field Safety, Tractor and Machinery Safety, or Animal Safety and Wellbeing. On completion of each a school will earn a themed pennant, once all three are collected, the school will earn a prestigious Farm Safety Ambassador Flag. Irish Rural Link CEO, Seamus Boland said Ireland is an agricultural country, and the reality is that farming activities have cost lives and resulted in serious injuries. That is why it is so important that we bring this message straight to classrooms and to the wider community, so that together we are more inclined to automatically think about farm safety and becoming instinctively safer as a result. Programme manager, Alma Jordan, is encouraging schools to take part. We want to help our educators make time for farm safety, keeping the subject real and relevant for students and teachers. Being aware of existing curriculum commitments, these programmes are designed looking at teachers time allocation, aiming to make a serious message fun, and to include the wider community. This is what makes this programme unique and applicable to how children learn. Schools that choose to run a Farm Safety Day are also eligible for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards. These awards celebrate schools who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and initiative in farm safety education, offering the opportunity to be awarded cash prizes that will be invested into current and future school farm safety initiatives. Read Next: Dundalk students begin new pathway into Intellectual Disability Nursing The categories include Best Farm Safety Ambassador and Best Learning Initiatives, for which nominations are sought for from schools, while Best Class and Best School are selected from the submissions, with Carrigduff National School in Bunclody, Wexford winning Best School for the 2025 pilot of the programme. Schools can sign up to participate in the programme here ahead of the closing date on April 17th, 2026. For eligible schools that take part in the programme, award nominations open on March 17th and close on May 31st, 2026, with winners announced in June. Visit www.agrikids.ie for more information on the initiative. Transition Year students from St. Louis Secondary School, St. Olivers Community School, Ardee Community School, Bush Post Primary School, and Colaiste Chu Chulainn, Louth were among the students from across Leinster who today graduated from the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme at a ceremony held at Maynooth University. The STEM Passport for Inclusion programme aims to break barriers and empower students from under-served backgrounds to pursue career pathways in science, technology, engineering and maths. The Louth students completed the programme alongside peers from across the country, earning a Level 6 National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) university qualification. Participants also benefited from academic supports, mentorship from industry professionals and exposure to real-world work experience opportunities within the STEM sector. Research shows that after completing the programme, students show an eagerness to continue in STEM, with 79pc considering applying to study STEM at third level, while 76pc are considering a career in STEM. Prof. Katriona OSullivan speaking about the programme, said: The continued growth of STEM Passport for Inclusion demonstrates its success in encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore the wide range of opportunities available to them. It is inspiring to see Transition Year students from communities across Leinster being supported to recognise their potential and envision futures in STEM. Since its launch, more than 5,000 students have completed the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, and as the programme enters its next phase, it is aiming to support a further 5,000 while expanding to include TY boys, Youthreach learns, and women returning to education. Read Next: Call for pause on proposed works at the Railway Memorial Park in Ardee Led by Prof. Katriona OSullivan at Maynooth University in partnership with lead and founding partner Microsoft, the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is funded by Research Ireland, the Department of Education and Youth and Microsoft, as well as by many industry and education partners. Graduation ceremonies will take place over three days, from 2830th January, celebrating the achievements of 920 learners who have successfully completed the programme. Louth County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the Status Yellow Rain Warning. The Status Yellow Rain warning will come into effect at 9am on Friday morning and run until midnight on Saturday. Due to recent rainfall from Storm Chandra, it said there is a potential for localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions due to already saturated ground and high river levels. Sandbags are available from the following Louth County Council depots around the county at Bush, Co Louth; Town Hall Yard, Dundalk; Dundalk Machinery Yard (Behind Garda Barracks); Ship Street, Drogheda; Wellington Quay, Drogheda; Woodlands Depot; Ardee Civic Office Yard; Stockwell Lane, Drogheda; North Quays, Drogheda; Greenhills, Drogheda; Baltray, Drogheda. Sandbags will also be delivered to areas which were affected by Storm Chandra earlier in the week, including Cluan Enda and Bay Estate in Dundalk, while one tonne sandbags will remain in place on the N2 Drogheda Road in Ardee. At present, three roads remain closed following the heavy rainfall in recent days: the Greyacre Road, Dundalk; Green Road, Dromiskin and Grange Road, Aclint. We would urge the public to remain vigilant of debris on roads, avoid floodwater, and please heed all signage in relation to closed roads. Read Next: Inaugural meeting of Louth Local Community Safety Partnership held Emergency Response Payment Louth County Council also advised people that the Emergency Response Payment which is available to people who have been directly affected by flooding during Storm Chandra. The scheme is managed by the Department of Social Protection and was formerly called the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. It provides financial support for people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items, and structural repair. Flood scheme for businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has opened the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for small businesses of up to 20 employees, as well as community, voluntary and sporting bodies, which have experienced damage as a result of flooding. Support under this scheme can include replacing flooring, fixtures and fittings, and damaged stock if relevant. The scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department. More information on financial supports can be found on www.louthcoco.ie Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A lap-dancing club was the scene of a suspected burglary as a manager at the premises flagged down passing gardai to report that a bag belonging to one of the cleaners had been stolen. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said at Cork District Court that the alleged incident occurred at Secrets lap-dancing club on Leitrim St, on December 4, 2025. Curtis Keniry, aged 30, whose address was given as St Patricks Church, Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork, was identified as the person who carried out the burglary, Sgt Murphy said. Judge Catherine Ryan was told that there were bank cards, loyalty cards, and membership cards in the wallet that was taken, as well as just over 100 in cash, at around 6pm on the day. All of the cards were recovered. Solicitor Frank Buttimer said the defendant was pleading guilty to the offence. Judge Ryan adjourned sentencing until February 9 so that a victim impact statement could be prepared, if the owner wished. Two men and a woman have been arrested following the seizure of more than 470,000 worth of suspected cannabis in Cork. As part of an intelligence-led operation, involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the Cork North West Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenue Customs Service, approximately 23.6 kilograms of suspected herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of 472,000, was seized in Cork on Wednesday. Following the seizure, two men, aged in their 30s, and one woman, aged in her 20s, were arrested. The three individuals are currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at garda stations across Cork county. Drugs to be sent for analysis The seized drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said this seizure forms part of Operation Tara, which is an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy that was launched by the Garda Commissioner in July, 2021. Operation Tara aims to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels international, national, and local involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, and local sale and supply of controlled drugs, the spokesperson said. Investigations into the seizure of the suspected cannabis are currently ongoing. A "unique" clinic by the sea in East Cork is at the forefront of efforts to tackle the fact that a quarter of women eligible for cervical cancer screening miss out on it. Screening is vital, as around 40% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland have never been screened. Every year, about 250 new diagnoses are made. The disease can be treatable if identified at early stages, and regular screening should help with this. Women miss out on a screening for a variety of reasons. One of those can be moving countries as a refugee in crisis. This clinic shares the grounds of the Quality Hotel outside Youghal. Back in early 2022, almost overnight, the compound became home to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. It is now home to people from over 30 countries, many of them women in need of healthcare. The clinic is part of the HSE SouthWest migrant health social inclusion programme. Sarah Ann Brenner, a nurse and midwife, has been working there since 2024 to support GP services. Cervical cancer screening started in November that year. Were up to about 90 women now who have come in for screening, out of about 160 [eligible], with a variety of different nationalities, she said. The challenges vary, and she said: Some women might never have heard of it at all. A few might have started screening at home, but many had not due to the disruptions often caused by conflict or under-developed health systems. Weve had a couple who needed a colposcopy, so wed refer them for a colposcopy, and Id ask them to come back if they dont understand the results, she said. A colposcopy is the next stage in treatment if concerns are identified. The group is hoping to target more women who dont come for screening. Women might hear about this service through pregnancy care or attending a GP or other healthcare worker locally. Ms Brenner sends monthly reminders too through a residents WhatsApp group. The language barrier is one of the main challenges, she said. Ms Brenner demonstrated how a device called Pocketalk is used with help from a Ukrainian migrant support worker on the team, Dr Olena Holub. She spoke into this in English and it produced a Ukrainian text translation on a screen as well as audio. Many other languages are supported. Dr Holub helps with translation for Ukrainian patients as part of her work promoting screening and other services. A firm called Access Translations also provides interpreters in person or on the phone in a range of languages. Even so, Ms Brenner said: Appointments can take a lot longer [than usual]. Sometimes, if were with Access Translation, it could be up to an hour. She added: Its all completely different, weve had people coming who hadnt had any education and weve had people with up to university level. Joanne McNamara, the senior health promotion manager and principal community worker with migrant health social inclusion in HSE South-West, said 32 nationalities were registered in the Redbarn centre up to Monday. Its actually quite a unique service that exists here, she said. If we didnt have Sarah Ann with her screening skills we wouldnt have been able to offer cervical screening, in which case, we would then be working a pathway to GPs locally to do that. Her ambition is to reach 100% screening here. The clinic also offers access to BreastCheck, diabetes checks, a mother and baby group, as well as other health services. It was a big piece of work to arrange for Ms Brenner and a GP to be at the clinic every week. And we wouldnt have Sarah Ann without the public health nursing in the East Cork area, she added. It all does start with relationships across the health services. Sitting opposite her is one of those people: Niamh Motherway, the assistant director for public health nurses in this area. A public health nurse, Liz Allen, would come here on a weekly basis, and shed do a full-day clinic, she said. So she does the developmental check-ups for babies, and then she refers onto the appropriate services. Advice about screening is widely shared, following a mantra to make every contact count even when the appointment is for other reasons. Its basically that every interaction you have with somebody has a benefit for those people, she said. She added: We have very good leaflets we give out too with QR codes to direct them to the right pathway. Ms McNamara said its about timing too, adding: We would see people arriving from war-torn countries, you have levels of post traumatic stress disorder, and things only really emerge after someones been in a place for a while. We wouldnt see people coming to us with dental health problems for a period of time, they manage that. They wont really talk about it unless they start to feel safe and comfortable. They all see the clinic as part of the bigger picture of getting healthcare out to as many vulnerable groups as possible. Dr Holub said: At the end it will benefit everyone, not only the vulnerable people but the community in general. Thats because every piece of the community which has vulnerabilities should be covered. At the national screening service, Lynn Swinburne is the senior health promotion officer and equity manager. We dont just focus on migrants, even though they would be one of the groups we want to work with, so we want to work with people who find it difficult to access our services for whatever reason, she said. We have to be mindful of who doesnt come for screening, she said, adding: We know about 40% of the women who get cervical cancer have never had screening. We dont have a huge number of cervical cancers cases thankfully in Ireland, but we do know 40% of those women have never come for cervical screening before. The data shows about 60%-70% of women act on the regular reminder letters Cervical Check sends out. She said: Probably the other 20%-40% we need to put more effort into. It can be different for different programmes. For Cervical Check, we probably have about 25% of women who are not coming as often as we would like, so we need to focus on them. Women from Ukraine and other countries getting support in East Cork fall into that 25%, she said, as do other groups including women who are homeless or struggle with literacy. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month around the world with a renewed focus on this preventable disease. Ireland is on target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, the HSE said. This means it will become a rare disease, with fewer than four new cases per 100,000 women every year, as part of a global effort to achieve this rate. Anyone with queries can contact Cervical Check on 1800 45 45 55 or by email on info@cervicalcheck.ie Fota Wildlife Park is celebrating the birth of two endangered cheetah cubs. The cubs were born on November 24, 2025, and are set to become stars at the Cork facility. The Northern cheetah cubs a male and a female are the offspring of mother Florence and father Nawab. Florence, who is five, was born at Fota Wildlife Park. Nawab, aged six, was transferred to the park from Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). Listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Northern cheetah habitats across the savannahs and grasslands of North and East Africa continue to decline due to human-wildlife conflict and illegal wildlife trade. It is estimated that approximately 600 Northern cheetahs remain in the wild. A spokesperson for Fota Wildlife Park said births like these represent a significant contribution to the EEP, which the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) coordinates. Senior ranger, John Leahy said: We are delighted to announce the birth of these endangered cubs. They are an important example of the international collaboration between zoological institutions, as well as the vital conservation work and high standards of animal care at Fota Wildlife Park in helping to protect endangered species." A first-time mother, Florence appears to be "adapting extremely well to her new role". "While we continue to monitor the animals very closely, we do so remotely, to avoid causing any stress to the mother or her newborns. Their den is fitted with cameras, so we can discreetly observe and assess mum and cubs continuously," added Mr Leahy. The cubs are developing well and have begun eating small amounts of meat shared by Florence, while continuing to nurse from her. Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park can already see the cubs running around their habitat each day, growing bigger by the day. The announcement comes as Fota Wildlife Park has recorded a 50% increase in visitor numbers compared with the same period last year, following its reopening after a bird flu-enforced 10-week closure. The park reopened on December 20, 2025, after what was described as a very challenging time, during which staff had to humanely euthanise more than 73 birds. Residents of a Cork village remain concerned about the site of a piggery which contained asbestos, over nine months after the structure was demolished. The piggery was knocked down on April 12 and 13, 2025. Immediately after the demolition, concerns about the presence of asbestos at the site led to the cancellation of GAA games on a neighbouring pitch while the local playground was also empty in the immediate aftermath. While some clean-up of the site has been carried out, it has not been completed and residents remain concerned. ASBESTOS Asbestos has been linked to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is now illegal to place asbestos or asbestos-containing products on the market, though it is often present in buildings constructed before the millennium. Subsequent testing of materials at the Grenagh site proved residents' fears there was asbestos in the building. As a result, material at the site is being dampened on a daily basis. A number of meetings have been held with local residents by representatives of Cork County Council, including one in early January. It is understood that while some work was carried out last August, the site has remained untouched since. David Manning of the Grenagh Residents Sub-Committee said: The community is now living with constant uncertainty around the future of this site. He said the locals feel let down by the progress in clearing the site. In a letter to the council last year, the group said: The children of this community now face yearsperhaps even decadesbefore they will know whether these reckless actions have had serious, life-altering consequences. The letter also asked that the community need to be given written information on planned dates, times, hours of work, extent of supervision of work by Cork County Council, HSE and HSA". "We will also need to know who will be allowed on site during the clean-up and how this will be supervised and managed," it said. A spokesman for Cork County Council said: The council continues to engage with representatives of the local community and elected representatives and met with the group earlier this month. Further updates will be provided to this group shortly in relation to the lands in question. A Cork city councillor has raised concerns about the lack of progress on the delivery of a new school campus to accommodate Le Cheile secondary school and Gaelscoil an Chaisleain in Ballincollig. Both schools have been operating out of temporary premises since they opened in 2021 and 2017 respectively. The new site premises, at Lisheens in Ballincollig, plans to accommodate 1,000 pupils for Le Cheile Secondary School and 500 pupils for Gaelscoil an Chaisleain. The plans include general classrooms, specialist rooms, a library, dining facilities, a PE hall and dedicated special education needs (SEN) units. This year and next year will see 12 Cork schools progress to tender and/or construction for new school buildings or extensions, under new funding announced by the government this week. But when the list was published on Wednesday, the Ballincollig school project wasn't included. Cork Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch told The Echo that the lack of a timeline by the Department of Education for the delivery of the project is a matter which requires urgent intervention from the Minister for Education. "I am extremely concerned that there is no mention of Ballincollig whatsoever in the Department of Education's sectoral investment plan out to 2030. "Parents with children in Le Cheile secondary school and Gaelscoil an Chaisleain, as well as the wider community in Ballincollig, have anticipated substantial progress being made on the project to provide them with proper school buildings for years now, and the failure to set out any sort of timeline for delivery is scandalous. "It is a dereliction of duty on the part of the department of education. Schools in the village are at capacity as is, he said. Sinn Fein Cork North central TD Thomas Gould added: The minister must engage with the council and come to a solution to get this land sorted and these schools built." St Patricks Cathedral in Skibbereen and the Church of the Ascension in Timoleague were recently awarded grants under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). Both churches will receive 37,500 for works to repair, restore and protect their historic structures. These two churches are iconic landmarks within their own areas. The love and attention they receive from their local communities is really uplifting, and it makes my job a lot easier, said minister for nature, heritage and biodiversity, West Cork TD Christopher OSulllivan. I would encourage anyone to pay them a visit and experience the unique architecture of each of them. I have had the privilege of working with and watching the community groups in both Skibbereen and Timoleague as they work tirelessly to protect these buildings for the public good," he added. The built heritage investment scheme is funded by the department of housing, local government and heritages national built heritage service and is administered by the local authorities. St Patrick's Cathedral in Skibbereen is included in the funding. The scheme is for the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the planning and development acts. A total of 696 projects throughout Ireland are to receive funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, with 8.1m in funding being made available in 2026. Mr OSullivan added: As minister for heritage, Im proud to be able to support the owners and custodians of these unique properties. "I am committed to helping communities and individuals keep these buildings alive, prevent them from falling into ruin and ensure that they are in good health for future generations. A young man attending a Cork garda station allegedly threatened to behead another man who was present in the public office at the time, a court has heard. Sergeant Gary Brennan alleged that Emmanuel Ibrahim only turned away when he noticed a member of An Garda Siochana appearing in the area. These were the allegations made by Sergeant Brennan in an objection to bail being granted to the Emmanuel Ibrahim of Ashbrook Heights, Lehenaghmore, Togher, on the basis of garda concerns that the accused would be a danger to the public. It is alleged that on Tuesday January 27, Emmanuel Ibrahim attended at Togher Garda Station to sign on. While waiting he stood up and removed a silver steak knife from his sock and placed it into his waistband. It will be alleged that Emmanuel Ibrahim then removed a larger black knife from his waist band and began swinging it in the air. There was a member of the public awaiting service at the hatch. Emmanuel had the large kitchen knife in his right hand when he began to sneak up on the unsuspecting member of the public. As Emmanuel reached the member of the public, it appears he observed a garda on the other side of the hatch and immediately placed the knife into his waist band and retreated from the male. The member of the public told gardai that Emmanuel Ibrahim had been repeating 'I will behead you' while he was sitting on the bench. The member of the public tried not to make eye contact or engage with the suspect in any way. Gardai tackled the suspect and retrieved the knife from the leg of his trousers. A second knife was located in his underwear during a search in the cell. The incident in its entirety is captured on clear CCTV, Sgt Brennan said. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, cross-examined the sergeant who said the defendant, who is in his early 20s, was sober but did appear to have an underlying mental health issue and was incoherent when gardai spoke to him. The defendant was called to give evidence in his bail application. Asked if he knew why he was in court, he said: I swung a knife at someone in the garda station. Asked if he knew why he did that, he replied, No. He said he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Mr Kelleher said to his client: The state say there is a danger you might have a knife again and that people might be in danger. Emmanuel Ibrahim replied: It wont happen again. I will take a higher dose of medication and I will be more calm. He said he did not know it was a criminal offence, even to carry a knife. Judge Catherine Ryan refused bail and recommended that the accused would get psychiatric attention in prison. On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, the judge adjourned the case until February 4 at Cork District Court. The issue, for me, is simple: the world changed, but NATO, which was an excellent idea originally, never changed with it. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 32 member states - 30 in Europe and two in North America. Founded in the aftermath of World War II by 12 countries, it was established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949. We are now in NATOs 76th year, and the alliance boasts a combined army of 3.2 million soldiers from 27 countries. From the northern reaches of the Arctic to Turkey in the south, and from the U.S and Canada to the Russian border, with a military HQ at Mons in Belgium and a political HQ in Brussels, the aim of the alliance has been simple; a united barrier against future wars in Europe. It is the largest defence alliance the world has ever seen, with more than a billion people living under its protection. In the 1950s, classes and exchange programmes were held so troops could learn about the people and the cultures of the nations where they would be stationed. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander since July, 2025, oversees NATOs three aims: Standardisation, Command and Control, and Exercises. All troops in Europe come under his command for collective defence. But the issues and problems with these noble aims are mired in problems which became glaringly obvious with Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022. In 2014, after the annexation of Crimea, NATO placed troops in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland. Each battle group amounted to about 2,000 soldiers. After Russia invaded Ukraine, troops were added to Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. Schools and markets were set up for the soldiers as they expected to be there for the long haul. Ukraine is not a member of NATO but its invasion shone a light on how ill-prepared the alliance is. It begged the question - what if another country decides to invade a NATO country? Is the group still fit for purpose with international tensions at an all-time high? And with the U.S President toying with the notion of leaving NATO, can it survive without its biggest contributor? After all, in recent years Europes security has been 90% dependant on the U.S. Many countries have reduced their land armies. France has nuclear weapons, but nothing compared to the scale of Russias arsenal. Germany has troops, but again, not enough. China has now the second biggest army and the U.S Office of Naval Intelligence has said its ships are increasingly of comparable quality to those of the U.S navy. All the while, China continues to build huge navy bases in its seas. Saudi Arabia has tripled its army in the last 15 years. As for NATO, it has been sitting back on its heels: 76 years of peace have allowed the alliance to get too comfortable. According to F. Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of the U.S army, the ability to move troops across countries is a cornerstone of success in times of conflict. But he says the bureaucracy of NATO is mind-boggling: 32 sovereign countries with separate laws meant he couldnt move troops seamlessly during exercises. The helicopter units had issues with maintenance, seeing as parts had to be transported through countries and permissions needed to be granted at each border. There arent enough trucks to move tanks across Europe. Many of the bridges, except for in eastern Germany, are not strong enough to withstand military vehicle weight, and movement for exercises had to be conducted outside of commuter times. Other issues include Article 5 - the idea that an attack on one is an attack on all. All members must agree a response unanimously. Parliament or congress must approve military action. This is to ensure calm heads and that a collective response is agreed. If one nation opts out, the other nations can respond but it wont be under the umbrella of NATO. According to American law, leaving an alliance or treaty needs approval from congress. However, in the event of an attack on Europe, the current administration could say, Youre on your own, seeing as the President is the Commander in Chief and can simply refuse to send troops. Nora Muller, from NATOs International Policy Division, reported on a meeting in 2019 at which nations were given a hypothetical scenario. If the U.S left the alliance, how would they react? Poland responded that they would try and make a bilateral security agreement outside of NATO, and Germany said they would offer a trade deal to the American President. This would undermine the structure and the alliance would falter, Muller says. In recent years, there have been some improvements: 100,000 troops can now be moved across Europe in 10 days. However, and in the simplest terms, each of the NATO nations are not going to hand over their military decisions to a central command, and without that, and without a new strategy, NATO will always struggle to remain relevant and effective. Shelter, in cinemas, Jan 30, cert 15a, *** Ive always had a particular fondness for action directors like Ric Roman Waugh. He knows exactly how and when to deploy action sequences for maximum effect. As a former stuntperson, he has the bruises to show his deep understanding of what makes each stunt work. Anyone familiar with these pages knows I love a good action flick, from the intensity of John Wick to the spectacle of Fast & Furious. Waugh stands out by giving classic action stars real drama and emotional stakes to sink their teeth into. His approach lets actors explore the human side of their characters, even as the action rages on. It is something he has done with Gerald Butler several times, with films like Greenland, which still have plenty of fights but have emotionally high stakes. This time, he is bringing Jason Statham into this restrained type of action film. Statham, who has over 30 action films under his belt, is renowned for his fighting skills, but even he would have to admit that some of his films are a little cheesy. Shelter keeps him in his comfort zone with plenty of fight scenes but gives him more emotional depth to contend with. The film was shot in Wicklow, but is set in Scotland. Statham plays Mason, but we do not know that yet. His identity is a closely guarded secret. He is living on a remote island in the Outer Hebrides with no communication and no company except for his loyal dog. Every few weeks, he receives a delivery of supplies, but he doesnt talk to the boatman or his young niece, Jesse (Bodhi Rae Breathnach), who is under strict orders to drop the goods and leave straight away. When a storm breaks out during a delivery, Mason has to rescue Jesse from the sea when her rowing boat capsizes. Her uncle drowns, leaving Jesse alone on the island with Mason. She is injured, and Mason patches her up, but cannot or will not explain why he isnt calling the mainland for help. We learn that Jesse is an orphan and that without her uncle, she is alone in the world. Mason doesnt say much, other than to reinforce that he cant contact anyone to collect Jesse. When her wound becomes infected, Mason is forced to risk exposure by leaving the island and heading to the mainland, a potentially fatal move given his mysterious past and the reasons for his isolation. On the mainland, a high-ranking intelligence officer, played by Bill Nighy, finds himself under fire. The governments secret new AI surveillance system, designed to track people by facial recognition, has generated considerable controversy. As the head of the programme, he is forced to take the fall for its missteps, but there is a certain relief in returning to the shadowy operations he prefers. Meanwhile, Naomi Ackie plays an intelligence operative tasked with managing the AI surveillance system. While monitoring the feeds, she spots a suspected terrorist believed to be hiding in Scotland. The figure identified by the AI bears a striking resemblance to Mason, who at that moment is back on the island, tending to Jesses injuries. This case of mistaken identity sets off a chain reaction, drawing unwanted attention directly to Masons secluded refuge. Before long, the island is besieged by a squad of elite special forces operatives. Despite their training and advanced weaponry, they are no match for Mason, whose skills as a former special operator quickly become evident. Forced to go on the run with Jesse, Masons back-story comes into focus: he is a former special operative who faked his own death after refusing to carry out a morally ambiguous order. Since then, he has lived in isolation, haunted by the knowledge that, if discovered by the AIs all-seeing gaze, he would be marked for elimination. As Mason and Jesse are swept up in a relentless series of car chases, gunfights, and fist-fights, under the watchful gaze of the omnipresent AI, the stakes grow ever higher. Can they stay alive long enough to escape? The opening act of Shelter builds slowly, but once the action begins, the car chases and shoot-outs pull audiences directly into the fray. While its refreshing to see Statham in a more subdued role, its young Breathnach who steals the show. Half-Irish and already earning acclaim for her role in Hamnet, she delivers a stand-out performance that marks her as a rising star to watch. Shelter may not land every blow as powerfully as hoped, but it remains an entertaining action film. Since 2010, Cork Cine Club has brought independent Irish and world cinema to Cork, showcasing more than 300 films in 29 seasons. Run by volunteers, the club curates two seasons each year. The 2026 season has just launched, featuring acclaimed new releases and a beloved classic. Jamie Monagan, chair of Cork Cine Club, has been involved since its earliest days and says the volunteer team loves bringing cinema to audiences at Cork College of FET, Douglas Street Campus. Volunteer-run organisations can sometimes lose momentum, but we continue because we truly love what we do, she said. Monagan notes the quality of the films is a major draw for cinephiles and emphasises that the club always welcomes new attendees. Quality is at the heart of our selections. Each season, we carefully choose ten outstanding independent Irish and world cinema titles from around the globe. Our seasons begin in January and September. If youre curious about the world, appreciate the art of film, and enjoy the sense of community that comes with shared viewing, Cork Cine Club is for you. The club accesses chosen films through an organisation which supports film clubs. Monagan explains: Our films come to us via Access Cinema, an Arts Council-supported group that assists film clubs nationwide. They organise screening weekends featuring a broad range of films. While its impossible to see them all, the Access Cinema team reviews each one and provides us with detailed insights, helping our committee select the most interesting choices for our audience. This years season began with Horseshow, co-written by Cork filmmaker Adam OKeeffe, and continues this week with Santosh. Santosh, Sandhya Suris debut, follows a newly widowed police constable facing caste, gender, and institutional challenges. Shahana Goswami stars in a Cannes-honoured role in a film that is quietly groundbreaking. Cork Cine Club will screen eight more superb films in the coming weeks from a mix of genres and countries. Holy Cow, released in 2024 and directed by Louise Courvoisier, is a heartfelt French coming-of-age story set in the Jura countryside. It follows Totone (Clement Faveau), who must care for his sister and try to save their farm by competing in a Comte cheese contest. The film won the Un Certain Regard Youth Prize at Cannes and several Cesar Awards. With Urchin, director Harris Dickinson crafts an intimate portrait of life on the margins. Frank Dillane plays a homeless drifter whose chance encounter sparks hope amid addiction and violence. The film, acclaimed at festivals, is a compassionate, unsettling debut that avoids easy redemption. While the programme mostly consists of new releases, it includes one classic film. Monagan, who comes from New Jersey but has lived in Cork for many years, says the club likes to introduce new strands. Last year was the first time we showed a classic film. We like to experiment and listen to feedback from our members. The older choice was very well received last year, so we decided to show another classic this year and have chosen A Heart In Winter. Claude Sautets elegant, human drama, released in 1992 and a multiple Cesar Award winner, explores emotional reserve with subtlety and grace. Daniel Auteuil stars as a reserved violin-maker whose cool demeanour confuses a passionate musician, played by Emmanuelle Beart. With clear storytelling and understated direction, Sautet examines love, pride, and miscommunication in a film that remains quietly affecting. Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir, brings 1936 Palestine to life during the Arab revolt against British colonial rule. Starring Robert Aramayo, Liam Cunningham, and Jeremy Irons, the film weaves personal stories against a backdrop of political upheaval. Jacirs drama, praised at festivals, resonates with ongoing struggles. Young Mothers (Jeunes Meres) is a drama from acclaimed Belgian filmmakers, the Dardenne brothers, following teenage girls as they navigate pregnancy, friendship, and survival on societys margins. With a strong ensemble, it blends social realism and compassion. A festival favourite, it offers an unsentimental, hopeful portrait of resilience and young womanhood. Shot in black-and-white and set in Paris, Nouvelle Vague, directed by Richard Linklater, reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godards Breathless. The film follows actors portraying artists, collaborators, and lovers as the New Wave takes shape, capturing the creative spirit of a pivotal moment in film history. Souleymanes Story, directed by Boris Lojkine, follows Guinean immigrant Souleymane (Abou Sangare) as he cycles through Paris delivering meals while preparing his asylum application. Premiering in Cannes Un Certain Regard, it won awards and offers an intimate portrait of resilience, dignity, and the challenges of immigrant life. It Was Just An Accident is a film by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who continues to create despite facing jail sentences, a 20-year ban on filmmaking, and restrictions preventing him leaving Iran. The film won the Palme dOr at Cannes and was Frances Oscar entry for Best International Feature Film. When a car pulls into the garage where Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) works, it sets off a chain of darkly funny, deeply memorable events. Monagan says the club is about much more than watching films, its about belonging to a community. Theres a sense of community within the club; its not like going to a multiplex. People are encouraged to chat, mingle, then enjoy the film together. Tickets are low-priced, and theres no booking fee because we absorb it. As a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, were committed to keeping ticket prices as low as possible. For tickets and information see https://corkcineclub.com/ Its that time again, where In Da Club looks back over the favourite releases by Cork and Cork-associated electronic musicians and dance music artists in 2025, counting down to our favourites. While for some publications it is traditional to do the Best Of lists in the month of December, we at In Da Club want to give every chance to the artists. After all, as late as St. Stephens Day, Exit Loop was uploading an EP to Spotify! These people never rest, and nor shall we. This is a list of EPs and single releases, considering a variety of genres, including techno, house, electro and hip-hop. Uploads and releases to every type of publishing platform have been considered, from Beatport and Spotify to Soundcloud and YouTube. Unlike previous editions, we are not acknowledging every track that was put out into the world. While the urge to acknowledge and document every release has been the motivation, the desire to celebrate and honour the efforts of local producers and musicians in some modest way, its best to bring a degree of concision to the exercise, so we keep it to a Top 50. So without further ado, lets get into it! Remember, its all opinions. [50]. Bubbling by DROKKR Netherlands-based Dave Barrett usually uploads at least a dozen new productions to his Soundcloud each year. Most, like this one, feel like exercises. Even so, theres a cheeriness to these experiments in electro. Drokkr: Making a big impression. [49]. Basics (Marlon George Remix and MPs Deliveroo Remix) by Colm K featuring Elaine Dowling (lilac Records) Here, as much for the novelty value as anything else. Released on Bastard Jazz in 2011, the originals laidback groove has been replaced by a loungey breakbeat by Londoner Marlon George, and turned into a club banger by Romanian Mihail Popescu on the very limited edition vinyl release. Regardless, its great to be reminded of Elaine Dowlings vocal. [48]. The Way it Was by Brian Ring & K.P. Ring Brian Ring doesnt normally do downbeat, but this is a more song-like offering featuring careworn vocals from his cousin K.P. [47]. See You Someplace Around by DROKKR Whimsical sounding electronica with gently billowy keys. [46]. Free Yourself by DJ Hammy (Positive State) In releasing his first original trance track, David Hamblyn must have decided it was a case of go big or go home. Featuring widescreen breakdowns, urgent, Wagnerian synths and soaring, overarching vocals, this is progressive trance in the mould of Paul Oakenfold. [45]. Running Out of Battery by DROKKR Running Out of Battery may be the title, but this has got Duracell bunny levels of groove. Topped by baleful synths, this runs on a chugging, hyperactive bassline. [44]. Cosmos by Fusion With its diaphanous female vocals and Teutonic groove, the Glanmire melodic techno duo deliver their usual Romantic European brand of techno. [43]. Atlantis by Fusion The evocation of scale and grandeur feels crucial to the Fusion sound. Here it is almost baroque in its grandeur. [42]. Gotta Give (Extended + Dub Mix) by Jason Busteed featuring Isha-D (Raising Records) Busteed ventures into more soulful house territory and has an excellent companion in veteran vocalist Isha-D. [41]. Akira by Fusion Fusion turn to the dystopian anime classic for inspiration. The combination of an evocative digital soundscape with their usual orchestral moodiness is a winning one. [40]. Love Burn by Boku featuring Cleo Simone (Just Like That) Ian Ring knows when to put the foot down on this electro pop banger, and he has a great foil in Cleo Simones kittenish vocals. Explosive. Love Burn by Boku featuring Cleo Simone impresses. [39]. Big Flute by Bantum In a year that saw Ruairi Lynch mine the self-titled Bantum album, the release in October of Big Flute marked his first brand new music in a year. Big synths, big guitar licks, a glam disco stomp. And theres some flute in there, too. [38]. Celestial Mechanic by DROKKR (Digital Distortion) Driven by distorted bass and doom-laden synths, this is pretty remorseless stuff by DROKKR. Taken from a various artists compilation. [37]. Holding On EP by Wukah (Enormous Vision) Gavin Desmond had a sensationally prolific year. This is the first of four entries by the Carrigaline producer in this chart. Each with its own flavour. This goes for a mystical melodic techno vibe. [36]. Note 040 EP by Exit Loop (Note Recordings) Meanwhile, Gavins brother Hugh Def returned to his moody techno alias for this smouldering and almost hallucinatory three-track EP. Lose yourself in them at your leisure. [35]. Qabal by Darqhorse (Bass Agenda Recordings) Featuring on the compilation album CAREBOT$ The Second Mission (for Medical Aid for Palestinians & Gaza Soup Kitchen), Qabals uptempo electro becomes suddenly lost in a squall of distorted melodies. Kinda like when you were tuning in an old FM radio station and suddenly an adjacent pirate station began bleeding in. Beauty in the chaos. [34]. Chewie Chewie by ELLLL (Diet Of Worms) Coming from a similar place is ELLLLs spectral deconstruction of the 1955 rock classic, Louie Louie. Its the conceptual theme of a various artists compilation album called The Sky Was a Mouth Again for Medical Aid for Palestinians. ELLLL contribution sounds like a haunted dancefloor of Upsetters-esque dub of sunny ska classics on scratchy 78 shellac. [33]. Moss Signal by ELLLL (Ghost Dance Tapes) Coming from a similarly inspired place, Moss Signal features on another various artists compilation of experimental sounds titled Remanence. Bubbling with ghostly agitated loops and underpinned by a ragged if defiant snare drum, this is quite rhapsodical. [32]. Let It Not Pale (Wrongtom Remix) by Klu (Tangential Music/ Creeping Curtain Records) 2024s Vol. II Cortis album by West Cork-based musician and producer Klu was a joyous collision of world music rhythms and contemporary urban grooves. Last year, he invited a number of producers to remix tracks. Londons Wrongtoms re-dub turns Let it Not Pale into a hazy, sun-drenched Afro-soul sizzler. [31]. Hidden Path by Fish Go Deep (Go Deep Recordings) Hidden Path is very much in line with the more left-of-field house tracks the pair occasionally do, but very much informed by the sounds and structures of their last two gorgeous studio albums. Incorporating suspenseful spy movie piano motifs and distorted vocal samples buried in the mix. [30]. Paradise by Jason Busteed (Lefty Shades Records) There is absolutely no messing from Busteed here. Layering a powerhouse vocal with rapidly cut edits from it, on top of a relentless piano groove and driving drums. [29]. Cosmic Horizon by Darqhorse Jimmy Wormall describes this as braindance, after the legendary UK club night of bonkers beats championed by Aphex Twin and Rephlex Records. Theres so much going on in this tapestry of intricately knit synths and rhythms, your brain can only wobble like jelly. [28]. Still The Voices Come (Jinje Remix) by Klu (Tangential Music) The original version of this, which was released as a single in 2024, was my second favourite Cork-made track of that year. Remixes of songs that great can only disappoint, but UK producer Jinje manages to deliver something energetic and epic. [27]. Encrypted VA 2 by various artists (Encrypted) Hooligan and Doileir deliver two typically moody cuts but, with its ominous rhythm and creeping beats, Mejmi delivers one of the albums highlights. [26]. Slip Away by Jason Busteed (Lefty Shades) Driven by a throbbing bassline, a calypso rhythm and an appropriately dreamy vocalist, Busteed delivers his most pop-song production to date. [25]. K-llab-01 by Dynamic Forces & Kerrie (Dark Machine Funk) A split release featuring Kerrie and Italian duo Dynamic Forces for her own label. Her track, Good Intentions is a rattling, machine funk of quivering grooves. [24]. Enemy Within EP by Squish The alias of Cathal Singleton, this six-track EP, free to download on his Soundcloud, is a compelling journey through deep and at times claustrophobic techno. He achieves a disquieting atmosphere that is at times paranoia drenched, which is evident on the muffled, confused vocal on Blistering Sun. It ends on an uplifting note with Deireadh An Sceil, which makes nice use of a harp. [23]. Maybe, In Time/ Reflection by Wukah (Sekora) Two very complimentary tracks that veer towards ambient house territory courtesy of their use of cinematic strings, stately piano and nature sounds. [22]. Find the Spirit by Travelling Gypsy (Clutching At Straws) A Brian Ring alter-ego that reveals his house and disco roots. The spirit of this is found in the hookiest of basslines, which came via Mood II Swings Do it Your Way . [21]. Standing Ovation (Fish Go Deep Remixes) by Klu (Creeping Curtain Records/ Tangential Music) One of the highlights of the great Vol. II Cortis album with its Afro-Caribbean funk flourishes. As ever, Fish Go Deep do their best work on the dub. Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson of Fish Go Deep continue to make huge impressions. Pic: Jed Niezgoda [20]. Sleep Paralysis by Darqhorse A Jackson Polock-like splattering of hyperactive synths, peculiar wibbles and wobbles and bouncing-off-the-walls beats feels like an exercise in abstract expressionism. Yeah, braindance is about right. [19]. Mind-Forgd Manacles by Pachino Brady An affiliate of the Kabin Studios, Brady is influenced by the hip-hop productions of J Dilla and Nujabes, but this feels like it came from more obscure corners. The jazz sources seem way more high-end. Perseverance has a classical grandeur. And theres an almost 1920s Jazz Age nostalgia to I Thought at Last . Its an EP that feels like a timeless window into a sadly departed gilded age. [18]. Rush by Fusion Usually so moody, Fusion swap the magnificence of their soundscapes for something more dancefloor-friendly and intimate. Playing around with a simple two-note riff, Fusion depart from their usual regimented sound to twist and loop it into something funky, sultry and far more elaborate. Fusion: Glanmire melodic techno duo deliver. [17]. Badder by Bagheera Darragh Toal was working on this track for two years, but his eureka moment came when he witnessed Biceps use of breaks on their Chroma series gigs, and he added breakbeats and a vocal sample unlocked this seductive, euphoric beast. [16]. Move Over/Canning Town by Wukah (PolyAmber) Magnificently moody and gloriously groovy, MoveOver veers from breakbeat and amyl house through to progressive house and melodic techno. Canning Town recalls the bassy, tension-filled London garage of his 2022 album In the Event of Capture. The urban-soul-filled vocals conveying an ecstatic sense of urgency. [15]. Knew No Know (Youre Alright Im Alright Edit) by Klu Patrick Hatchett serves up what surely must be one last plate of sunshine from 2024s wonderful Vol. II Cortis album. [14]. Are You in This with Me? by Fish Go Deep & Elaine Dowling (Go Deep Recordings) A second dose of Dowling feels like Im being spoiled. She almost sounds menacing when she asks: Tell me what you really feel, but her commanding vocals soar and weave through a multitude of points. Fish Go Deeps Systematic Dub mix dazzles with chunky bass and trance-like synths. [13]. Risk it All by La Deep (Fish Go Deep Remixes) featuring Sindiswa Vinqi (Wooden Discos) Fish Go Deep propel South African producer La Deeps original to delirious heights. Youd follow vocalist Sindiswa Vinqi anywhere, not that this song leaves you with any choice to do otherwise. [12]. Echoes of the Live Wire EP by Kerrie (Tresor) Kerrie Andersons second release for Berlins mighty Tresor label delivers tightly coiled no-nonsense bangers like System Awakens but she raises them with tiny sonic details that feel so simple but add immeasurably to the intensity. Those circular synth riffs in Together in a Rural Place? Lift your dome off! [11]. Second-Hand Lexus EP by CLM Local beat junkie CLM got genius New York rapper Gabe Nandez on the lead track "Pepper Spray", and while it is effortlessly cool it does not dwarf the laidback, compulsively head-nodding beats CLM assembled on the other tracks. [10]. A Blue Line in a Red Sky EP by Colm K (Soul Quest Records) A rare and very welcome release from Sunday Times DJ Colm K. The title track channels the eclecticism of the cult club night in its blending of his love of hip-hop, quality house and jazzy vibes. Unity, the EPs closing track, takes the same basic ingredients to create a more dancefloor friendly Chicago hose groove. [09]. Gimme Some (Brian Ring Remix) by Jakob Mader featuring JULIENT (Constant Change) The original track by Stuttgarts Jakob Mader, with its electro pop trimmings, is tailor-made for the Ring disco treatment as he injects some sultry synths, big handclaps and a choral alchemy that brings out the eroticism of JULIENTs yearning vocals. Dreamy and delicious. [08]. Act of Resistance EP by Kerrie (Blueprint) I think Kerrie most often delivers her best work on James Ruskins label and the four tracks here have a similar intensity and focus on repetition and groove, while the electro influences maintain the funk. [07]. Espiritismo by Brian Ring (Clutching At Straws) Pure simplicity and pure bliss from Ring as he gently builds around a shouty slogan, while adding some spare jazz-like keys. [06]. Carousel by Bantum Ruairi Lynchs self-titled third album may not have received the accolades of his Choice-nominated predecessor, but each and every single taken from it felt like a bigger banger than the last. Carousel is another casually delivered disco funk stomper. Bantum: Carousel is another casually delivered disco funk stomper. Pic: Celeste Burdon [05]. Clang Clang by Bantum Febrile electronica with Orbital levels of blissing out. Although not released together, lets include the CENTRAST remix of this track in this package. Sublime. [04]. Resistance by Chris Sterio & Nalon (Another Life Music) Ballincollig producer John Nolan (Nalon) teamed up with prolific UK producer Chris Sterio for this monster progressive house track. It may proclaim resistance, but at the same time its futile in the face of this. [03]. Back in the Groove EP by Various Artists (Vision Collective Recordings) A quiet year for Corks Vision Collective, but their third various artists vinyl release is more than enough. The gorgeous ache of QuestionmarQs 2 Years Past (Dub) is the highlight as it shifts from languorous to explosive. Mick Verma and Shane Breen also deliver, and we get a rare sighting of Adam Dunbar with his Late to the Party [02]. Open Secret by Brian Ring (Monomoods Records) My single of the year, surely, I thought when this was released in March, and it is everything that is great about Rings analogue disco explorations. Effortless, ingenious, infectious, and emotionally epic. How sad and beautiful is the world! [01]. Spiralformig EPby Wukah (Traum) What can one say? The three tracks together here beat Brian Rings one. But this is really accomplished stuff that marries compositional dexterity with pure pumping groove. James Cox Weather warnings and the clean up from Storm Chandra feature on Thursday's front pages. Met Eireann were criticised by Minister for Housing James Browne over the lack of information before Storm Chandra, The Irish Times reports. A VHI price hike and the birth of two endangered Northern cheetah cubs at Fota Wildlife feature on the front page of the Irish Examiner. A MetroLink row is the lead story in the Irish Independent. The Echo leads with a story on elderly people left without heating in Cork. US president Donald Trump's military threats to Iran lead in the Irish Daily Mail. The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on a drug bust at Dublin Airport. The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Sun both lead with the Storm Chandra fallout. The Herald leads with a story on evidence from a botched hit that 'disappeared' from a Garda station. In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on a shooting. The Irish News leads with a story on a man who died after a car crashed into a shop window. A range of stories feature on the UK front pages. Metro leads with a story on a lotto winner who set up a 'drugs empire'. Metro: Lotto winner set up 228m drugs empire #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/5zrVyqNneg George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Financial Times leads with a story on global tensions driving up metal prices. Financial Times: Miners boost value by $476bn after global tensions drive up metal prices #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/zinpBNkRmJ George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The i Paper, The Guardian, the Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror lead with escalating tensions between the US and Iran. i: Nuclear ultimatum: abandon weapons programme or massive armada will bomb Iran, US threatens Ayatollah #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ZZpul47RqV George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Guardian: Time is running out, Trump says as US armada heads towards Iran #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/YHcoLMsNUJ George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Daily Star leads with a story on Brooklyn Beckham spending 80,000 on wine. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party is not for "drama queens" after high profile defections to Reform UK, the Daily Express reports. Daily Express: KEMI: MY PARTY IS FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE AND NOT DRAMA QUEENS #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/dVflM3ZM9Q George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Daily Telegraph leads with UK prime minister Keir Starmer's China visit. The Daily Telegraph: Starmer: Use ECHR to investigate British troops #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WHHg7vtRG7 George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 Mr Starmer has shelved plans to overhaul benefits, The Times reports. The Times: PM shelves fresh plan to overhaul benefits #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WSntN0aVKN George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Sun leads with a story on Lucy Letby. The Sun: Letby 'The greatest miscarriage of justice this century' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/haCEms0yC9 George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 US president Donald Trump has softened his tone on the fatal ICE shootings in Minneapolis in response to the stance of Republican allies and Fox News, The New York Times reports. The Washington Post also leads with Mr Trump attempting to de-escalate tensions in Minnesota. So, do all the nice girls love a sailor? It appears so, as this week on Throwback Thursday, reader Brian Cronin trawls into his memory banks, and recalls his time in the Irish naval reserve. My seven or eight years as a boy-scout played a very important part of my growing up years, he says. However, in 1957 at the age of 15, I decided on a dramatic change. Many of my scouting friends had decided to join the FCA - our Army Reserve - and I was intrigued by their tales of learning how to handle firearms, practicing their skills on a shooting range, and the whole notion of being prepared to defend ones country if necessary. I had become friendly in my CBC years with one Rory Delaney (who later died tragically, in that Aer Lingus crash near the Tuskar Rock in 1968). Rory was a year younger than me, very good-looking and charming, great company and the heart-throb of many a girl. He suggested I join him in An Slua Muiri - the Irish Naval Reserve. I acquired my new naval outfit from Lawsons in MacCurtain Street and joined Rory at the regular weekly meetings of the Slua in Collins Barracks. Brian recalls the discipline required when joining that organisation. Each Tuesday evening before heading up to Collins Barracks, my sister Rosemary would paint my white gaiters and polish my boots before my mum inspected me! I chose to join the Signals division rather than the Deck or Engine Room, and found that my scouting knowledge of Morse Code came in useful, as indeed did semaphore. He continued: There was a certain pride in donning the crisp uniform and representing the Slua Muiri throughout Cork. Marching through the city, we often caught the admiring glances of passers-by, especially the local girls, who seemed particularly fond of a lad in navy blue! The camaraderie extended beyond our peers; both family and neighbours would marvel at our commitment and the sense of adventure that came with serving in the reserve. Some Sundays, they would drive down to Fort Camden in Crosshaven in army lorries, Brian recalled. Here, we mastered the art of sailing in whaler rowboats, or be taken out to one of the naval vessels anchored off-shore. There we would visit the engine room and other parts of the boat and learn how they operated at sea. We were taught the basics of navigation, including how to read nautical charts and plot courses, which was both challenging and exciting for young recruits like myself. Teamwork was essential, says Brian, and the camaraderie that developed among us during these exercises forged friendships that lasted well beyond our days in uniform. The sense of discipline and responsibility instilled by the officers left a lasting impression on me, shaping my approach to challenges in later life. Brian also has fond memories of the summertime activities with the organisation. Each summer, the Slua spent a fortnight in Fort Camden. We spent most of our days on the water, either in the large whaler rowboats or on board one of the naval vessels. It was a great opportunity to get to know other members of the Slua. I recall a few of us one evening going down to the Majorca Ballroom dressed of course in our smart naval uniforms. The Majorca wasnt quite as spacious a ballroom as the Arcadia (which of course was right next door to my home on the Lower Road), but it was particularly memorable for me as it was my very first dance. As usual, the boys were lined up on one side of the ballroom and the girls on the other. Having plucked up sufficient courage, I crossed the floor and asked a particularly attractive girl for a dance. To my consternation, she declined because she was all sweaty from too many previous dances, but suggested I ask her sister instead. Fortunately, her sister turned out to be a gem and, realising that I had never danced before, patiently took me through the steps of an old time waltz. I rememered being thrilled to bits, and only stepped on her toes on a few occasions! The dance ended in a cheek to cheek and she even gave me a kiss on the cheek to round off the memorable evening! Brian continues to delve into his wonderful memory bank from his time with An Slua Muiri. On another evening, I decided to cycle up to Cork (in full uniform) to visit my mum who was anxious to know how I was faring (no mobile phones in those days!) On the return trip, disaster awaited. Night had fallen, I was conscious that I didnt have a light on my bike, and was anxious to get to Camden as soon as possible. I was travelling down Carrs Hill outside Carrigaline at full tilt when suddenly a garda stepped out from the roadside, signalling me to stop. He had noticed that I didnt have a light on the bike! Unfortunately, my brakes failed at the vital moment and we both ended up in the ditch. His cap went one way and mine the other. Im not sure whether it was because I was a member of the defence forces, or perhaps he saw the humour in the situation, but luckily he let me off with a caution! Brian continues: Many years later, I renewed my connections with the Naval Service, if indirectly, because my wife Annes father, Frank Twohig, was very much a navy man. During the Emergency of 1939-1945 (World War II in every other country), he was a captain in the Irish Army but was transferred to Haulbowline in 1945 and was amongst a group of officers in the newly-formed Irish Naval Service. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his retirement many years later. Brian kept up another connection to navy life in his adult life. In 1985, I decided that our Blue Haven Hotel needed a large clock on the street-facing front and I commissioned Chris Stokes, the renowned Cork City clock maker, to design one which apart from giving the local time would also show high and low tides each day. It was to be the only one of its type in the country. Frank was very chuffed when we asked him to officially unveil the clock. In 1995, President Mary Robinson came down to Haulbowline to attend a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Irish Naval Service. Brian says: I discovered subsequently that my father-in-law felt disappointed, having been a veteran, at not receiving an invitation to attend the big day. On contacting the Commander of the Naval Service in Haulbowline, it came to light that he was still officially categorised as an army officer and wasnt officially on the roll of the Naval Service until the following year. Frank Twohig, who was transferred to Haulbowline in 1945 and was amongst a group of officers in the newly-formed Irish Naval Service. His son-in-law, Brian Cronin has fond memories of his time in An Slua Muiri Some years later, though, the Navy made generous amends for the oversight. They contacted me to say that the Naval Service ship L.E.Orla was being twinned with Kinsale the following weekend, and could I arrange for my father-in-law to visit the ship? I kept it a secret until the last minute and when we arrived on the Pier Head to view the vessel as he thought, we were delighted to find two lines of sailors with their officer lined up alongside the ship. Frank was duly piped aboard and given a tour of the vessel. He was then presented with a commemorative medal before departure. On visiting him in hospital during his last illness in 2001, his last words to me were, Tom, make sure they get it right on the paper - Commander D.F. Twohig - retired. When he died shortly after that, the Navy again surpassed themselves by sending a guard of honour to carry his coffin into the church at the funeral, and then arriving back the following day to escort the coffin to the cemetery before a bugler played The Last Post and presented my mother-in-law with the tricolour. It was a very proud moment for all of the family, and hats off to the Irish Naval Service. What great memories, Brian, and what an exceptionally nice gesture by the Navy. Good lads! Now, do you remember we mentioned the old Masseys bookshop on Patrick Street last week? Reader Frank Roche has written to say that he doesnt remember that particular establishment (well, it was a while back, Frank!) but did come across the Massey family when helping a friend trace one of her relations - a Peasley, who had emigrated to America. An advertisement for Masseys book shop in Cork city - the companys history is recalled in todays Throwback Thursday The shop at 84, Patrick Street was opened by Nassau Massey in 1872, but it was not his first shop, and Nassau was not the first bookseller in his family, reveals Frank from his detailed researches. In 1852, Nassau Massey of Georges Street (now Oliver Plunkett Street) married Jane Peasley, whose address was given as Passage West. Janes family were ship builders and owners based in Passage West and Carrigaloe. In the wedding record, Nassaus father was named as Samuel Massey, also a bookseller. I also noted that Nassau was baptised in the South Parish on September 21, 1823: parents Samuel Massey & Eliza Fitton. That makes it likely that Nassaus father was the Samuel Massey of Georges Street who appears in Pigots 1824 directory. The earliest record I saw of a Nassau Massey bookshop was in 1863 at 100, Georges Street. Within four years, he was advertising three shops - at 32, Cook Street, 41, Georges Street, and 110, Georges Street. The last, in particular, is interesting because it was on a prime site on the corner of Winthrop Street opposite the Post Office. By the early 1870s, he was also operating private lending libraries at 110 Georges Street and 56, South Mall, and had taken up residence at Upper Clifton House, just off the Old Youghal Road, so it would appear that the book business was doing well. (The location is now Murmont Lawn, but older readers might remember it as Hayes Lane.) Frank continues: In 1872, Nassau Massey, by then described as bookseller, stationer and librarian, opened the store at 84 Patrick Street - again in a prime location. He also advertised that his Munster Circulating Library at 110, Georges Street, could offer a large stock of school and college books, new and second-hand. His other branch - by then changed to 13, South Mall - could, he said, supply all the latest novels and magazines. In fact, the Massey bookshops were advertised repeatedly in the Cork Examiner in the 1890s, offering a free mail-order service. Their shops were then at 84 Patrick Street and at 17, Winthrop Street. By 1907, they again had three shops in operation in Patrick Street, Cook Street, and Georges Street. By then, several of Nassau and Janes nine children were involved in bookselling. His daughter operated a shop in a number of locations before settling at 10, Winthrop Street. Nassau Massey died in 1912 aged 89 and was buried in St Josephs alongside his wife Jane who had died eight years earlier. Of the Massey children, at least three - Samuel, Elizabeth and Ernest - were involved with the Cork bookshops (and all lived in Upper Clifton - as did their brothers Nassau and Bernard), while another brother Edward had a bookshop in Dublin. None of those six married - other Massey siblings who emigrated to London and Boston had families. Eventually, there was only one Massey shop remaining, at 84, Patrick Street. The last surviving bookseller was Ernest, and it is likely he was the man your correspondents remember. He retired in 1956 and the building was put up for sale. After his death two years later, the Massey home at Upper Clifton and its 20 acres of land were sold. The house was demolished and part of the Murmont estate was built on the land. Well, what a splendid bit of research, Frank! Get out there, the rest of you and do likewise, then let us know! Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com or leave a message on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork. Full and equal participation in all facets of society is a fundamental human right, yet from politics to research, from industry to academia, women continue to be underrepresented. Thats according to Cork woman Gillian Keating, partner at one of Irelands leading law firms and co-founder of I Wish, a multi-award-winning programme dedicated to driving the power of STEM to female students in Ireland and across the globe. The 12th annual I Wish takes place on February 5 at the RDS Dublin and almost 4,000 female teenage students will attend to experience an immersive, experience-led programme designed to build confidence, curiosity and awareness of real-world STEM careers. Gillian recalls how it all came about. I read an article in The Guardian about a group that was training women to code. It really interested me as I was bothered by a growing awareness that companies in Cork were struggling to fill roles across science and technology because half the population (the female half) were not engaging with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in sufficient numbers. I immediately telephoned the one woman I knew, Caroline ODriscoll, who might be willing to be a partner in crime in working out a solution to this lack of engagement. Caroline immediately said Yes, and the rest is history. Back then, we thought it was just about an information gap, and we hatched a plan with Ruth Buckley from Cork City Council to address it as a matter of urgency. However, it quickly became clear that lack of information wasnt the main reason girls were not engaging with STEM. The issues to be addressed are complex and a product of societal biases, which require a multifaceted approach, addressing bias at home, in school, in career pathways and in government policy. It might surprise readers to learn the Department of Educations 2024 Indicator Report disclosed that only 71% of girls schools offer at least one STEM subject other than Science or Maths, while 96% of boys schools do, Gillian said. The 2025 I Wish Survey of Female Students Attitudes to STEM found that access to practical STEM subjects remains dramatically lower for girls in single-sex schools, with just 5% reporting access to Construction Studies and 6% to Engineering, compared to 84% and 74% respectively in mixed schools, despite near-universal access to Biology and Chemistry. As technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to reshape design, builds and innovation, this years showcase will place a strong emphasis on applied STEM skills and future-ready career pathways for females. This includes a new dedicated Construction Zone, delivered in partnership with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Gillian said: Construction has the lowest female representation of any sector in Ireland, at just over 10% overall, and only 1% on building sites. Ireland urgently needs these skills, and we must work harder to encourage young women to consider construction pathways. Early exposure is critical. If girls dont see these careers as options in school, the talent pipeline simply wont meet industry demand. Positively, change is happening. But it takes time, and the issues to be addressed will not be resolved with a short-term lens. When we started I Wish in 2014, only 28% of new entrants into STEM undergraduate courses were women; by 2023, that had increased to 35%. Only 15% of new entrants into engineering, manufacturing and construction were women and by 2023, that had increased to 25%. We are seeing real progress, but we are not where we need to be to build the sustainable talent pipeline our economy needs and to ensure that every young girl today has the opportunity to participate fully in the economy of the future, emphasised Gillian. Her advice to a female teen who thinks STEM isnt for them is to focus on their passion. That could be music, sport, dance or film; think about how science and technology influence it. You are already engaging with STEM. Stay curious about how STEM can help you do what you love better, and have more fun doing it. Caroline added: Year after year, students tell us theyre interested in STEM but dont always see where it can lead. I Wish exists to bridge that gap by connecting girls with real people, real careers and real opportunities. Advice from I Wish alumni in Cork Becky OSullivan, final-year, Digital Humanities and Information Technology, UCC. I attended the I Wish showcase when I was in Transition Year in Ballincollig Community School. The showcase opened my mind to a wide variety of careers that I had never really considered before. It definitely influenced my choice of course, seeing that companies were aware of the gender imbalance and actively working to encourage more girls to look into careers in these areas. Becky O'Sullivan first attended I Wish when she was in TY at Ballincollig Community School. I think things are definitely improving as I hear of more girls pursuing careers in STEM, and I feel that, within my generation, the perceived stereotypes around gender and career choice are beginning to change, but there is still work to be done. Personally, Im lucky that my course is evenly distributed, but Im aware that the tech industry still can be pretty male-dominated, although it is changing. I would strongly encourage students to attend I Wish. Its an amazing opportunity to see the wide range of companies and all the career paths available for women, and its a fun and inspiring day out! Sarah Murray, third-year, Biochemistry, UCC. I first heard about I Wish through their online I Wish exhibition in 2021, which was promoted by my secondary school. It was very eye-opening, and to this day, Im so grateful that I was able to participate. One moment that really stood out to me was hearing from eight women who were studying STEM courses at UCC and MTU. Seeing women who were only a few years older than myself made these pathways feel far more relatable and achievable, and it was genuinely inspiring. It absolutely influenced my choice of third-level study. It helped solidify my interest in science and gave me the confidence to pursue a STEM degree. Hearing real experiences from women already studying and working in the field made the idea of a career in scientific research feel realistic. Sarah Murray said I Wish "absolutely influenced my choice of third-level study". Initiatives like I Wish have played a major role in increasing visibility and confidence among young women and girls. That said, engineering and maths-based STEM industries are still very much male-dominated, and persistent stereotypes around what careers are considered male or female remain. Without a doubt, continued outreach and representation are essential to keep breaking down these barriers. My course, biochemistry and life sciences generally have a better gender balance at undergraduate level, but men still remain over-represented in senior academic, research, and leadership roles. Im fortunate to have had guidance and support from some incredible female lecturers in biochemistry at UCC, as well as opportunities to speak with women working in industries such as J&J, PepsiCo, and many more. However, not every young woman is so lucky, which is why mentorship, visibility and organisations like I Wish for women in STEM are so important, to inspire the next generation and make these careers more accessible. Finally, I couldnt recommend I Wish enough. Having attended as a student and later volunteered with the organisation, Ive seen and experienced first-hand how powerful it can be in shaping young womens ambitions and self-belief. The Internet Archive has often been a valuable resource for journalists, from it's finding records of deleted tweets or providing academic texts for background research. However, the advent of AI has created a new tension between the parties. A few major publications have begun blocking the nonprofit digital library's access to their content based on concerns that AI companies' bots are using the Internet Archive's collections to indirectly scrape their articles. "A lot of these AI businesses are looking for readily available, structured databases of content," Robert Hahn, head of business affairs and licensing for The Guardian, told Nieman Lab. "The Internet Archives API would have been an obvious place to plug their own machines into and suck out the IP." The New York Times took a similar step. "We are blocking the Internet Archive's bot from accessing the Times because the Wayback Machine provides unfettered access to Times content including by AI companies without authorization," a representative from the newspaper confirmed to Nieman Lab. Subscription-focused publication the Financial Times and social forum Reddit have also made moves to selectively block how the Internet Archive catalogs their material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many publishers have attempted to sue AI businesses for how they access content used to train large language models. To name a few just from the realm of journalism: The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft The Center for Investigative Reporting sued OpenAI and Microsoft The Wall Street Journal and New York Post sued Perplexity A group of publishers including The Atlantic, The Guardian and Politico sued Cohere Penske Media sued Google The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune sued Perplexity Other media outlets have sought financial deals before offering up their libraries as training material, although those arrangements seem to provide compensation to the publishing companies rather than the writers. And that's not even delving into the copyright and piracy issues also being fought against AI tools by other creative fields, from fiction writers to visual artists to musicians. The whole Nieman Lab story is well worth a read for anyone who has been following any of these creative industries responses to artificial intelligence. Apple has acquired Israel-based startup Q.ai, a move that could provide a much-needed boost to the tech giant's capabilities in artificial intelligence. Although Apple has not disclosed terms of the deal, sources told Financial Times that the arrangement is reportedly valued at nearly $2 billion. If that figure is accurate, the Q.ai acquisition marks Apple's second largest acquisition to date, followed by its purchase of Beats for $3 billion back in 2014. Johny Srouji, Apples senior vice president of hardware technologies, said in a statement that Q.ai "is a remarkable company that is pioneering new and creative ways to use imaging and machine learning." Apple hasn't shared any specifics about how it plans to leverage the startup, but its past work indicates the possibility of Apple moving deeper into AI-powered wearables. "Patents filed by Q.ai show its technology being used in headphones or glasses, using 'facial skin micro movements' to communicate without talking," the Times reported. The startup's founding team, including CEO Aviad Maizels, will join Apple as part of the deal. This acquisition marks Maizels' second sale to Apple; he previously founded a three-dimensional hearing business called PrimeSense that Apple bought back in 2013. For several months, many tech insiders have speculated that an acquisition might be Apple's best path forward to catching up in the AI race. In the company's Q3 earnings call in July 2025, CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that "Were open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap." A deal like this one could eventually lead to Apple developing its own fully in-house AI chatbot rather than relying on a competitor like Google to power artificial intelligence in its Siri assistant. Google has agreed to a preliminary $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by Android users who accused it of harvesting their data without consent. The suit alleged that since November 12, 2017, Google has been illegally collecting cellular data from phones purchased through carriers, even when apps were closed or location features were disabled. As reported by Reuters , the affected users believed Google using their data for marketing and product development meant it was guilty of "conversion." In US law, conversion occurs when one party takes the property of another with "the intent to deprive them of it" or "exert property rights over it." Subject to approval from a judge, a settlement of $135 million was filed in a San Jose federal court earlier this week. The payout would be one of, if not the largest ever in a case of this nature, according to Glen Summers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each user involved in the lawsuit would be entitled to up to $100 from Google, which denies any wrongdoing and has agreed to seek consent during the setup process of a new phone from now on. A toggle will be added to enable users to easily disable data transfer, while the Alphabet-owned company will also adjust its terms of service accordingly. A trial is scheduled for August 5. 25 September 2024, USA, Menlo Park: At the Meta Connect developer conference, Mark Zuckerberg, head of the Facebook group Meta, shows the prototype of computer glasses that can display digital objects in transparent lenses. Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa (Photo by Andrej Sokolow/picture alliance via Getty Images) 25 September 2024, USA, Menlo Park: At the Meta Connect developer conference, Mark Zuckerberg, head of the Facebook group Meta, shows the prototype of computer glasses that can display digital objects in transparent lenses. Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa (Photo by Andrej Sokolow/picture alliance via Getty Images) (picture alliance via Getty Images) Mark Zuckerberg says there's an end in sight to Reality Labs' years of multibillion-dollar losses following the company's layoffs to the metaverse division earlier this year. The CEO said he expects to "gradually reduce" how much money the company is losing as it doubles down on AI glasses and shifts away from virtual reality. Speaking during Meta's fourth-quarter earnings call, Zuckerberg was clear that the changes won't happen soon, but sounded optimistic about the division that lost more than $19 billion in 2025 alone. "For Reality Labs, we are directing most of our investment towards glasses and wearables going forward, while focusing on making Horizon a massive success on mobile and making VR a profitable ecosystem over the coming years," he said. "I expect Reality Labs losses this year to be similar to last year, and this will likely be the peak, as we start to gradually reduce our losses going forward." The company cut more than 1,000 employees from Reality Labs earlier this month, shut down three VR studios and announced plans to retire its app for VR meetings. Meta has also paused plans for third-party Horizon OS headsets. Instead, Meta is doubling down on its smart glasses and and wearables business, which tie in more neatly to Zuckerberg's vision for creating AI "superintelligence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the call, Zuckerberg noted that sales of Meta's smart glasses "more than tripled" in 2025, and hinted at bigger plans for AR glasses. "They [AI glasses] are going to be able to see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you and help you as you go about your day and even show you information or generate custom UI right there in your vision," he said. Zuckerberg has spent the last few years laying the groundwork for pivoting Meta's metaverse work into AI. He offered one example if what the means for Metas Horizon app. "You can imagine people being able to easily, through a prompt, create a world or create a game, and be able to share that with people who they care about. And you see it in your feed, and you can jump right into it, and you can engage in it. And there are 3D versions of that, and there are 2D versions of that. And Horizon, I think fits very well with the kind of immersive 3D version of that. But there's definitely a version of the future where, you know, any video that you see, you can, like, tap on and jump into it and, like, engage and kind of like, experience it in a more meaningful way. And I think that the investments that we've done in both a lot of the virtual reality software and Horizon are actually going to pair well with these AI advances to be able to bring some of those experiences to hundreds of millions and billions of people through mobile." One thing Zuckerberg didnt mention, though: the word metaverse. I want to speak directly to the citizens of Gallatin County. We are witnessing a dangerous trend in public activity. On Jan. 26, a Sheriffs Office captain pulled over a vehicle in his issued, unmarked, police vehicle. He wore his issued Sheriffs Office vest with clear and unobstructed markings that said SHERIFF. He pulled the driver over for reckless driving and the contact went without incident. However, shortly thereafter, there were social media posts stating ICE had pulled someone over while describing this captains vehicle and time of traffic stop. This is not the first time we have seen reports that are false and misleading. These reports are an attempt to create fear and chaos within our community and they are patently false. Our local law enforcement officers are well trained; they conduct themselves with professionalism and they are dedicated to preserving the quality of life here in Gallatin County. If agitators or obstructionists attempt to interfere with lawful law enforcement operations, there will be criminal consequences for those doing so. Vigilantism is not an acceptable form of intervention and wont be tolerated in this community. I have no doubt the media and social media will be directing your attention to the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF). The Gallatin County Sheriffs Office has commanded MRDTF since the early 1990s. The mission of the Missouri River Drug Task Force is to provide a collaborative federal, state and local law enforcement effort to identify, target, and address those involved in drug trafficking, manufacturing, and violence. Their sole focus is to identify those criminals distributing and manufacturing large quantities of illegal drugs. These cases can take months to build as they track down those selling high quantities of drugs and distributing them here in Gallatin County and surrounding areas. We will continue using every resource available to identify, locate and arrest these individuals. We will continue to make sure our community members are protected from this scourge of the population. If we have cartel members, gang members, local residents, legal residents, illegal residents or anyone else selling, stealing property, and/or committing acts of violence, we will use the resources available to arrest them and remove them from our neighborhoods. This should not be controversial and to believe otherwise is irrational and damaging to our community. The Gallatin County Sheriffs Office is committed to a high level of professionalism when carrying out our investigations and our local, state and federal parters are expected to conduct themselves with the same level of professionalism in our community. This is why we engage in agreements to define the framework of their actions while they are working here. Partnering in this way ensures an avenue of communication with their supervisors and agency heads if their behaviors arent aligned with our expectations. All my deputies are aware of my expectation they will Engage non-standard actions immediately. This means we will step in and engage if we see anyone acting in a manner not appropriate to the profession. Your Sheriffs Office and I, as your Sheriff, will continue to do the Right thing, at the Right time for the Right reasons. SALEM, Ohio As the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza enters its fourth year, experts who track the disease are continuing to express concern over the viruss capacity to jump to animals that arent birds. The one thing that has been different is the potential to see it more in other animal species, especially in dairy herds, said Joe Moritz, a professor of dairy science at West Virginia University. The disease impacts poultry, such as chickens or turkeys, but has been detected in pigs, cattle and even humans, raising alarms among farmers, researchers and government officials. For West Virginia, this fall migration has had more wild bird detections than previous migrations, added Erika Alt, West Virginias assistant state veterinarian. To be clear, the avian infectious disease can be devastating to poultry farmers. Entire flocks have been euthanized to keep the highly contagious sickness from spreading, and every case of bird flu detected in chickens and turkeys destined for kitchen tables threatens to send food prices a little higher. But the possibility of cross-species contamination creates an element of unpredictability to an infection already denting farmers bottom lines, according to experts Unexplained spread Bird flu has been detected in cattle in California, Texas and Wisconsin in the past few months, Alt said, although none in the past 30 days. The first case of bird flu in a dairy herd was detected in March 2024 and sent shockwaves through the agricultural community. It was initially unknown how the virus was being spread in cattle or what it meant for consumers. In total, 1,084 cases were detected in dairy cattle in 19 states, including one case in Ohio early on. Pasteurization kills the virus, stressed Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which means there is virtually no possibility of catching the bird flu from drinking milk. But infections in animals are still disruptive. Agriculture is a critical part of our economy, he said. Pigs can also be infected by the disease because they have a respiratory tract similar to that of birds, said Moritz, although bovine infections have been limited. So far so good, he said. Since the bird flu outbreak began in the United States in February 2022, the virus has killed 187.72 million birds in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, according to USDA data. The disease has been detected in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia in wild and domestic birds over the past several months, mostly in backyard flocks, although a case was reported Jan. 28 in a flock of 1.5 million egg-laying hens in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Bird flu was also the suspected cause of 70 black vulture deaths in Clermont County, Ohio, and 400 snow geese deaths in Erie County, Pennsylvania, in December. Can it infect humans? Bird flu has been detected in a small number of people, mostly those working closely with infected livestock, but experts say that widespread human infection isnt a concern yet. The virus affects the respiratory tract, and humans dont have the same receptors as birds, Moritz said. But there have been mutations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has counted 71 cases in humans and two deaths since 2024. What will this year look like? The severity of this years bird flu season is a matter of debate. Everyone interviewed for this article agrees that we will see it spread this year, but how bad it will be remains to be seen. The disease spreads from wild birds to poultry and broiler chickens during migration seasons in the spring and the fall. Thats when we see the uptick, Alt said. What about the vaccine? As of now, poultry cant be immunized from the virus, and some of the vaccines in development are impractical, Moritz said. One such vaccine would be administered through the nose, he said. An average [poultry] farm can have thousands of birds, and giving each of them a nasal vaccine would be a struggle, Moritz said. But researchers are working on alternatives. West Virginia University was recently awarded a $2 million grant to develop an edible vaccine, Moritz said. Theres another issue with vaccinating poultry trade implications. There is a concern that vaccinated birds could be infected with the bird flu but not show clinical signs. As a result, many countries, including major importers of U.S. poultry, do not recognize birds as being free of the flu. What can you do about it? The strategies to prevent avian flu infections havent changed, officials stress. Wash everything, then disinfect, said Gregory Martin, a Penn State Extension poultry educator. Minimizing contact with wild birds and keeping foreign objects out of chicken coops and poultry barns remains the order of the day, Baldridge said. That means, among other things, going into those spaces with clean clothes and making sure delivery trucks and other vehicles are thoroughly washed. The number one defense is biosecurity, he said. Farmers should also keep visitors to a minimum, Martin said. You dont know where the UPS man has been, he said. Always try to keep them relegated to some place other than where the birds are. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a series of free webinars focused on biosecurity best practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza on farms. The next, Double Down on Biosecurity: Preventing Bird Flu in Poultry, will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 30. For more information and to register online, visit tinyurl.com/3ep3dwzx. Strong biosecurity makes for the best defense against the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Join experts at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to learn about the latest in biosecurity best practices, complete with resources for poultry farms of all sizes, such as biosecurity assessments for farms with 500+ birds. Speakers include Poultry Staff Veterinary Medical Officer Nancy Hannaway of APHIS Veterinary Services, Management and Program Analyst Jacob Smithson, also of APHIS Veterinary Services, and David Marks, Assistant State Director of APHIS Wildlife Services. Related content Get caught up on all of our bird flu news DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA held its annual fall fruit sale throughout October and November where it sold more than $12,000 worth of goods. Items for sale included citrus, Ohio apples, DB Yummers BBQ Sauce, Country Meat Sticks, candles, sprays, Pettisville Meats snack sticks, KSR spices and rubs, custom made buckets, different cheeses and Floridias Best nut selections. As part of the fruit sale, students learned how to sell the products, followed by how to sort, make and deliver these products to their customers. The money raised will help the chapter attend contests, conventions and participate in CDEs. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA members Emmy Hintz and Gavin Canskey participated in the Job Interview CDE on Nov. 6 at Bowling Green High School. Canskey placed first in his division and moved on to State Job Interview Preliminaries were he placed ninth in division five. Delta FFA also competed in the district Food Science and Technology CDE on Nov. 6 at Bowling Green High School where its team placed sixth out of 12 teams. Team members were Jordinn Heinemann, Hunter Heinemann, Jakub Heinemann, Claire Bates and Jayda Graham. Fourteen Delta FFA members competed in the online Ag Tech and Mechanical Systems competition on Nov. 17. Brady Murray placed fourth, Clarence Taft placed eight, Jacob Schlatter took ninth and Archer Andrews placed 10th. Overall, the chapter ranked ninth out of 60 in the state. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA and other chapters helped raise money for Toys for Cheer at ACE Hardware on Nov. 21. Chapter members stood on Shoop Avenue in Wauseon collecting money and unwrapped toy donations throughout the day. Students also served sausage/hamburger, chips and cookies/brownie in the ACE Hardware parking lot for donations. In total, Fulton County FFA chapters raised roughly $3,793. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA members spread Christmas joy by answering letters from Santa. On Dec. 1, students placed a handmade mailbox for Letters to Santa at Delta Elementary School. On Dec. 11, an FFA member picked up the box and took it back to the Ag Shop where members started writing back to kids on Dec. 15. The letters were returned to all the kids on Dec. 18 with a candy cane. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA participated in Ohio Leadership Night on Dec. 3 at Four County Career Center. Members connected with other chapters, participated in various activities and learned leadership skills. Delta FFA thanks Four County Career Center for hosting the event and providing pizza DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA participated in the Village of Deltas annual Christmas parade on Dec. 6. by making and riding a float. Members who attended the parade were Gracyn Pelton, Melanie Wyse, Ana Gilders, Willa Rosene, Eve Smith and Olivia Siewertsen. Delta FFA thanks the Pelton Family for allowing the chapter to use their tractor and wagon. DELTA, Ohio Jessie Schulze, an agricultural educator at Delta High School, recently attended the 2025 National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention in Nashville, Tennessee on Dec. 8-12. The event brought together thousands of agricultural, career and technical educators, industry professionals and leaders committed to advancing agricultural education. At the convention, Schulze participated in a plethora of professional development sessions, workshops and networking events designed to improve agriculture education. These sessions covered topics like agricultural technology, curriculum development, student leadership, teacher retention, work-life balance, greenhouse and food science. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA hosted its annual eighth grade recruitment on Jan. 9 at the Delta High School gym where FFA members encourage the new generation to join. Eighth graders visited stations to learn about the different areas in agriculture including animals, plants, soils, woodworking, metal working, teamwork, leadership and the history of agriculture. Kids also played games, pet animals and made paper bouquets. The event was full of surprises, including a pheasant escaping its cage and flying around the gym. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA participated in the Ohio Mission and Impact Conferences on Jan. 17 and 18 in Dublin, Ohio, where members attended sessions and participated in fun activities. The chapter attended six sessions, four sessions on Saturday and two sessions on Sunday. Members had lunch together before their sessions on Saturday and had fun at a dance party later that evening. The chapter thanks Mr. Schulze, Ms. Willitzer and Mr. Savage for driving and chaperoning. Rural communities risk being left exposed unless police funding properly reflects countryside realities under the governments sweeping reforms, the NFU has warned. The intervention comes as ministers unveil the biggest overhaul of policing in a generation, including new national response targets and a major restructuring of forces across England and Wales. The plans include the creation of a new National Police Service (NPS) to tackle the most serious and complex crimes, led by a national police commissioner. At the same time, police response officers will be expected to reach the most serious incidents within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas, while 999 calls are to be answered within 10 seconds. Neighbourhood policing is also set for expansion under an extended Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which will ensure every council ward has named, contactable officers and responses to local queries within 72 hours. The NFU said headline targets alone would not protect rural communities unless funding recognised the unique pressures of countryside policing. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: The funding must reflect rural needs, including remoteness, vulnerability, and seasonal population pressures. He warned that rural areas are increasingly targeted by organised criminals, citing evidence that more than 22 gangs are responsible for widespread thefts of farm machinery, vehicles and GPS equipment. Relentless fly-tipping and the growing menace of hare coursing are also causing significant financial loss and deep emotional distress to farming families and their businesses and impacting food production across the country, Mr Bradshaw said. Recent figures underline the scale of the challenge. NFU Mutuals 2025 rural crime report found quad bikes and ATVs remained the most commonly stolen items, while the cost of tractor thefts rose by 17% as criminals targeted high-value machinery and parts. The insurer warned that rural crime is becoming increasingly organised, although coordinated action by farmers, police, industry and insurers helped deliver a 16.5% reduction in the overall cost of rural crime in 2024. Mr Bradshaw said criminal networks often exploit stretched policing across large areas. Criminal gangs frequently operate across multiple police force areas to evade capture, and they target rural areas where policing is thinly stretched, he said. He said governance changes must not weaken rural accountability, as policing functions move away from existing structures. While the reorganisation of police forces takes place and as some policing functions transfer to elected mayors, we look forward to working with the Mayoral Strategic Authorities and future Policing and Crime Boards to ensure rural communities have a strong voice, he added. As part of the reforms, the Home Office plans to abolish police and crime commissioner roles once current terms end in 2028, transferring responsibilities to elected mayors and new oversight bodies. The changes are set out in a government White Paper and have been described by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the biggest reforms in the history of professional policing. She said the reset would restore neighbourhood policing under a new structure, with merged forces creating a less fragmented and more cost-effective service, while the NPS would provide centralised specialist capabilities. The NFU said rural communities would now be looking for firm guarantees that funding, governance and response models would work in practice across large, sparsely populated areas, not just on paper. Farmers face sweeping changes to water and pollution rules under new government proposals aimed at cutting river pollution while reshaping how sewage sludge is regulated. The plans combine tighter controls on sludge spreading with a simplification of existing agricultural water rules, in what ministers describe as a major reset of the regulatory system. Government figures show 41% of Englands rivers, lakes and streams are affected by agricultural pollution, prompting a consultation on increasing oversight of sewage sludge use on farmland. Options under consideration include bringing sludge under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, with the aim of strengthening protections for human health and the environment. At the same time, ministers say current water rules for agriculture would be streamlined to remove duplication and complexity, making them easier for farmers to follow. The measures form part of the Environmental Improvement Plan and sit alongside reforms outlined in the Water White Paper, which sets out a broader overhaul of how Englands water system is regulated. However, the NFU warned that responsibility for reform must extend beyond the farm gate. This is an issue that must be addressed across the whole water supply chain, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said in response to the consultation. He said higher standards would only be achievable if farmers were supplied with material that met consistent quality and safety requirements. Investment from both industry and government in research and technology is essential to ensure the material farmers take is high quality, safe and fit for purpose, he said. Water Minister Emma Hardy and Farming Minister Angela Eagle outlined the proposals at a roundtable with farming, water and environmental stakeholders. Ms Hardy said the changes were designed to support farmers rather than penalise them. By setting clearer guidelines and providing better support, were making it simpler for farmers to meet standards, farm sustainably and protect our environment, she said. The Environment Agency said it supports strengthening regulation around sludge use, with a preference for environmental permitting. Jennie Donovan, the agencys director for nature and place, said: Our aim is to ensure that sewage sludge can be recycled to agricultural land in a safe and sustainable way. These proposed changes will reduce risks to human health and tighten environmental protections, she added. The government said its approach to tackling agricultural water pollution will continue to focus on advice and partnership, rather than enforcement alone. Funding has already been introduced to double the number of advice-led inspections, allowing for at least 6,000 inspections a year by 2029. Support for farm businesses will also continue through Environmental Land Management schemes, the Catchment Sensitive Farming advice programme and targeted infrastructure grants. Farmers currently use sewage sludge as an alternative to manufactured fertiliser, and the NFU said it plays an important role in the circular economy. But the union warned that changes must not push additional costs onto farm businesses already under financial pressure. Farmers and growers are committed to caring for the environment, but regulatory change must not place additional cost burdens on farm businesses, many of which are struggling to be profitable, Mr Bradshaw said. He said the NFU will continue engaging with Defra and the water industry while gathering feedback from members, as the consultation process moves forward. A rushed deal with the EU on crop protection rules could cost British growers up to 810m in a single year and wipe out more than 10% of farm income, new analysis has warned. The findings come from a report by the Andersons Centre, published today (29 January) and commissioned by CropLife UK, which examines the impact of Britain immediately aligning with post-Brexit EU decisions on plant protection products. The analysis warns that if EU decisions were allowed to override GB approvals without a transition period, farmers could lose access to key crop protection tools almost overnight. That scenario would hit production of major staples such as wheat and potatoes, as well as fresh produce including apples, berries and leafy greens, at a time when domestic food production is already under pressure. The report underlines that such losses would land as growers continue to face high costs for labour, fuel and other inputs, compounding pressure on farm incomes and threatening UK food security. The NFU has echoed those concerns, warning that immediate and complete alignment with EU rules could cost the arable, horticulture and sugar sectors between 500m and 810m in the first year alone. At the heart of the risk is the sudden loss of approved plant protection products. Since January 2021, four new products have been approved in Britain following safety and sustainability assessments but are not yet authorised in the EU. The NFU has warned that immediate alignment in June 2027 could see growers lose access to those tools before EU reviews take place, reducing their ability to control weeds, pests and disease across combinable crops, fruit, vegetables and root crops. CropLife UK chief executive Dave Bench said the findings showed why careful negotiation was essential. The Andersons Centre report is an important piece of evidence, he said. We support the UK governments aim to seek an SPS Agreement with the EU that will reduce trade frictions. But it is important to understand the costs and consequences of different approaches before entering into an SPS deal, he added. This report shows how damaging a badly done deal could be. The analysis also highlights growing challenges around resistance management. Warmer and wetter conditions are allowing pests to overwinter and reproduce more rapidly, increasing pressure on existing products. It warns that losing further active substances would narrow the range of tools available to growers, intensifying resistance problems and storing up bigger productivity challenges for the future. However, both the report and the NFU stress that these impacts are not inevitable. The Andersons Centre argues that a process of managed alignment between Great Britain and the EU could significantly reduce disruption by phasing in changes through planned review and renewal points, rather than triggering an immediate regulatory cliff-edge. The NFU has backed that approach, warning that growers are already making long-term planting and cropping decisions that would be directly affected by sudden rule changes. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: Implementing appropriate transition periods is absolutely vital to enable farm businesses to adapt. He said British farmers should retain access to GB-approved plant protection products until EU rules are next reviewed, rather than being forced into abrupt change by an arbitrary deadline. The NFU said uncertainty around the shape of a future Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement is already delaying investment decisions and called on ministers to clearly communicate the outcome of negotiations as soon as possible. The report concludes that the government must fully understand the consequences of any SPS deal before signing it, ensure a managed transition that respects legitimate GB decisions, and guarantee meaningful UK involvement in future regulatory choices. It warns that decisions taken now will shape farm productivity, food security and investment for years to come and that getting the negotiations wrong would lock in long-term damage for British agriculture. Replacing imported soya with UK-grown beans could cut emissions by hundreds of thousands of tonnes, but without urgent incentives across the supply chain the opportunity will be missed, new analysis has warned. The UK would need an additional 1.6 million tonnes of home-grown beans to replace 50% of the soya currently fed to livestock, according to research presented at the From Soya to Sustainability event in Peterborough. Senior economist James Webster-Rusk of the Andersons Centre is outlining the findings as part of the Defra-funded Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems project. The work examines the impact of increasing pulses to 20% of UK arable rotations and scaling up domestic protein production over the four-year project period from 2023 to 2027. The analysis suggests the environmental prize could be substantial. Increasing pulses to 20% of arable rotations could reduce emissions by up to 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, or 9.4%, largely through lower fertiliser use in the arable supply chain. The biggest gains could be delivered in the poultry sector, where the environmental benefits of feeding beans to layers and broilers could outweigh the costs by as much as 20 times. Early broiler trials indicate that lower inclusion rates may both reduce emissions and improve producer margins, although the research so far has been carried out at small scale, highlighting the need for further trials. Results for grazing livestock are less clear-cut. Beans may reduce the emissions from feed, but any decrease in growth rates can offset the gains, Mr Webster-Rusk said. However, dairy trials included in the analysis showed that the benefits to society of reduced emissions do outweigh the cost to the farmer of increased feed. Despite the environmental upside, the report warns that current economics do not stack up for arable growers. While livestock producers see a net benefit from increased pulse use, arable margins are squeezed as rotations move towards 20% pulses. If we dont incentivise arable farmer to produce the beans then the beans wont be there to deliver the vast improvements that could be realised in the intensive livestock sector, Mr Webster-Rusk said. We will need 1.6 million tonnes of beans to make it happen, and we simply dont have that at the moment. The findings underline the need for targeted intervention across the supply chain, according to Tom Allen-Stevens, founder and managing director of the British On-Farm Innovation Network, which leads the projects on-farm trials. This analysis shows very clearly that the environmental gains are there for the taking, but the system is currently misaligned, he said. He warned that while livestock producers and society stand to benefit from lower emissions, arable farmers are being asked to shoulder the financial risk. If we want UK-grown pulses to replace imported soya at scale, we must put meaningful incentives in place to make bean production a viable and attractive option for growers, he added. Without that support, the report concludes, ambitions to boost domestic protein production, cut emissions and reduce reliance on imported feed are unlikely to be realised. Imagine Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai if Ameesha Patel were the under-appreciated employee and Hrithik Roshan the obnoxious, entitled yet hot boss. Except theres no romance, only survival instincts on full display. Thats how Send Help hits its viewers, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan OBrien, who get stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and are forced to survive together as tensions rise between them. Stories like these usually drift toward romance when two people are stuck together long enough. But with Sam Raimi in the directors chair, this story swerves hard into thriller, psychological tension and horror. Ahead of the release of Send Help, Filmfare caught up with the producer Zainab Azizi for an exclusive chat where she spoke about her bond with Raimi and casting McAdams for this morally murky role. Talking about the film, she shared, What excited me was the character of Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams). Everyone can relate to her, whether you're a man or a woman. She is a hardworking executive but she is overworked, undervalued and underappreciated. And the idea of being stranded on a deserted island with a terrible boss is something many people probably think about and fantasise about. So I thought it was a very interesting idea for a film. Send Help marks Sam Raimis return to the directors chair after 2022s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Asked whether there was added pressure with fans eagerly awaiting Raimis comeback, Azizi said, Theres always pressure when youre making a film. Sam Raimi is a master of horror. We want to entertain audiences, and we hope people really connect with and love this film. Sam is a director who loves to entertain and he wants audiences to be thrilled. That was our number one priority when it came to making this film. This is not the first time they have collaborated. Raimi and Azizi co-produced films such as Umma, 65 and Boy Kills World. She continued, The best part about collaborating with Sam was how open he is to collaborating. Ive never met any director who is almost like a communal director. He works with his cinematographer, his actors, his producer, costumes, makeup and is open to any ideas. Azizi also opened up about casting McAdams, who she calls Americas sweetheart for such a dark role. When we were developing Linda Little, we wanted someone that everybody could fall in love with. The character is so kind and loving. And Rachel embodies all of that. We know her as Americas sweetheart in films like The Notebook and The Wedding Crashers and About Time. It was really exciting for us to see her play this darker role. And it was also a reunion for her and Sam Raimi, who have done Doctor Strange 2 in the past. Azizi also has a Bollywood connect as she loved Hindi films growing up and is also close friends with Preity Zinta. Expressing her love for the industry, she further shared, When I was younger, I loved horror. I was a huge fan of Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Priti Zinta is one of my closest friends. I love Bollywood films and I hope to one day do a crossover. Send Help will be released theatrically on January 30. Also Read: "People Forget I Have Worked My Ass Off..."- Bhumi Pednekkar on Daldal, Trolling & More | Exclusive John Abraham recently became the centre of social media discussion after being seen in a brand-new look. Known for his signature rugged appearance and well-groomed beard, the actor surprised everyone by appearing completely clean-shaven in a series of new photographs. The sudden transformation has left many fans struggling to recognize him, with some even expressing concern over his well-being. The images, which began circulating online recently, show John posing alongside his team members. Dressed in a simple black T-shirt, the actor is seen smiling and holding hands with his colleagues. While his relaxed demeanour and salt-and-pepper hair were visible, it was his shaved face that caught the most attention. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) As the photos went viral, social media was flooded with speculations. While some fans saw the change as a complete transformation, others were quick to express their confusion and worry. One user commented, Ye kya ho gaya john ko (What happened to him), while another pleaded, Grow that beard back! The change in his facial structure led some to speculate about his health. One comment bluntly stated, He looks ill, while another follower questioned the authenticity of the images, asking, Is it a real picture? Some netizens suggested that weight loss might be the reason behind the different appearance. One fan noted, It seems like he's lost weight and with that weight loss his face looks gaunt and his wrinkles more visible. Despite the comments, many fans rushed to Johns defence, reminding others that aging is a natural process. A fan pointed out, Face-wise, he is looking how he is supposed to look at his age. Another urged people to be more kind, writing, Leave him alone, guys. He is 54. People change at this age. Stop judging. Love you John Abraham. On the work front, John was last seen in the action thriller Tehran, where he played a special officer. He has also been active behind the scenes, recently releasing the teaser for the documentary Oslo: A Tale Of Promise at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While there is speculation regarding a biopic on Rakesh Maria and a possible Force 3, John is yet to officially announce his next acting project. For now, fans are left wondering if this new look is for an upcoming role or simply a personal choice. Also Read: Photos: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and More Step Out to Vote for Mumbai BMC Elections 2026 What was meant to be a smooth festive release for Jana Nayagan has now turned into one of the most closely watched censor controversies in recent Tamil cinema. The Vijay starrer, produced by Venkat K Narayanas KVN Productions and directed by H Vinoth, has been caught in a prolonged standoff with the Central Board of Film Certification. Now, according to unconfirmed reports, the makers are preparing to change their strategy. From Courtroom to Committee Industry sources suggest that the producer is set to abandon the legal route in the upcoming hearing at the Madras High Court, which will be conducted by single judge Justice PT Asha. The plan, reportedly, is to withdraw the case filed against the Censor Board and instead approach the Revising Committee, as previously advised by the board. While no official statement has been issued yet, the development signals a possible end to the courtroom phase of this dispute. Earlier, the makers had chosen not to go to the Revising Committee because the process could delay the film beyond its original release date of January 09, which was locked in as a Pongal festive outing. Determined to stick to the schedule, the production house moved the High Court, seeking immediate intervention. At that stage, the single judge passed an order directing the board to grant the film a U/A certificate. However, the relief was short-lived. The Censor Board challenged the decision, and the higher bench set aside the single judges directive, asking for a fresh hearing. This ruling effectively pushed the film back into legal limbo, leaving the makers with little choice but to reconsider their options. If the producer does withdraw the case and proceed to the Revising Committee, it would mark a major shift in approach. Instead of relying on judicial relief, the team would now seek to resolve the issue within the certification framework itself, even if it means further edits or modifications to the film. Release Delays, Industry Impact and Growing Uncertainty The core of the dispute lies in the boards refusal to grant a U/A certificate. According to reports, the board has raised objections to certain scenes, arguing that they could potentially trigger religious unrest in the country. These concerns have stalled the certification process and forced the producers to postpone the release from its originally announced January 09 date to an as-yet-unknown new window. The delay has had ripple effects across the industry. Several theatre owners in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and other regions had already opened advance bookings for the film during the Pongal season, even as the censor issue remained unresolved. For exhibitors, the uncertainty has translated into financial strain and logistical chaos, as screens were blocked and promotional plans were rolled out in anticipation of the release. Adding to the tension, there are unconfirmed reports that KVN Productions is prepared to return the investment of distributors who wish to exit the project due to the delay. While this has not been officially confirmed, the move, if true, reflects the pressure the team is under to manage expectations and prevent long-term fallout with trade partners. For fans, the situation is especially frustrating. Jana Nayagan is being positioned as Vijays final film before his full-fledged entry into politics, which has only heightened anticipation. The combination of a politically charged narrative and the stars real-life political ambitions has made the film a subject of intense public interest. Despite the speculation, both KVN Productions and Venkat K Narayana have remained silent about the latest developments. Without an official word, the industry is left waiting to see whether the Revising Committee route will finally clear the path for the films release. Until then, Jana Nayagan remains suspended between legal battles, certification hurdles and mounting expectations, a reminder of how closely cinema, politics and public sentiment are intertwined in todays film landscape. Also Read: Jana Nayagan Release Uncertainty Deepens As Makers Reconsider Censor Board Case Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 28, 2026) - Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd. (TSXV: SPRO.P) ("Sprock-it" or the "Company"), a capital pool company, and U92 Corp. ("U92", and together with the Company, the "Parties") are pleased to announce that the Parties have received conditional acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") for the closing of the previously-announced arm's length qualifying transaction of the Parties (the "Qualifying Transaction"). In connection with the Qualifying Transaction, the Parties have publicly filed a filing statement dated January 28, 2026 (the "Filing Statement"), prepared in accordance with the requirements of the TSXV, and a technical report in respect of the Kurupung Project with an effective date of July 30, 2025 (the "Technical Report"), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Filing Statement and the Technical Report are both available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Further to the Parties' comprehensive news release dated September 9, 2025, the Qualifying Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) among the Company, U92 and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated for the purpose of completing the Amalgamation. The Amalgamation will result in the reverse takeover of the Company by the shareholders of U92, following which, the Company, as the issuer resulting therefrom (the "Resulting Issuer"), is expected to carry on the current business of U92 under the name "U92 Energy Corp." or such other name as may be determined by U92 and deemed acceptable to the applicable regulatory authorities. It is anticipated that the common shares of the Resulting Issuer will trade on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "UTWO" shortly following the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. The completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including final TSXV acceptance, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Assuming all conditions for closing are satisfied, the closing of the Qualifying Transaction is expected to occur on or about January 29, 2026, or such other date as the Parties may determine. For further information regarding the Qualifying Transaction, please see the Filing Statement, which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About U92 Corp. U92 was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on December 13, 2024. U92 is not a reporting issuer in any province or territory of Canada. U92 is a uranium exploration company, which, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, indirectly owns the exploration rights for the Kurupung Project in Guyana, South America. U92 intends to focus on advancing the Kurupung Project. U92 is targeting sustainable, high-grade uranium resources to support the global clean energy transition and is strategically positioned to benefit from the growing demand and supply deficit in the uranium market. U92's flagship Kurupung Project holds a 92.2 km land package in the Aricheng Batholith, a well-established shear-hosted uranium district in Guyana. The Technical Report in respect of the flagship Kurupung Project has been filed with the appropriate Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and is available for review under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd. Sprock-it is a capital pool company, incorporated for the purposes of identifying and evaluating businesses or assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined under the policies of the TSXV). Sprock-it was incorporated on July 29, 2024 under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. The common shares of Sprock-it (the "Sprock-it Shares") are listed for trading on the TSXV. The Sprock-it Shares were halted on June 26, 2025 in connection with the announcement of the Transaction and remain halted as at the date hereof. Until completion of a Qualifying Transaction, Sprock-it will not carry on any business other than the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a proposed Qualifying Transaction. Additional Information All information contained in this news release with respect to U92 and Sprock-it was supplied by the respective parties for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For further information regarding Sprock-it, U92, the Resulting Issuer or the Transaction, please refer to the filing statement in connection with the Transaction which is available under Sprock-it's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Qualifying Transaction (including the anticipated timing of the closing thereof), and the Resulting Issuer (including, the anticipated business focus of the Resulting Issuer, as well as the ticker symbol under which the common shares of the Resulting Issuer are expected to trade on the TSXV). Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Company, U92, the Resulting Issuer and the Qualifying Transaction, (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the final approval of the TSXV, and (iii) the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the business combination agreement previously entered into by the Parties. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the Parties at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither Party undertakes any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions. There can be no assurance that the Qualifying Transaction will be completed at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282004 Source: Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd. MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Alphinat Inc. (TSXV:NPA.H)(NEX:NPA) announces a net income of $89,282 for the first quarter 2026 ended November 30 th , 2025 compared to a net income of $105,204 for the same period ended November 30 th , 2026. During the quarter ended November 30 th , 2025, Alphinat continued to focus most of its sales efforts on the public sector and its partners. SmartGuide is leveraged by federal, state/provincial and municipal government agencies to accelerate solution deliveries, improve productivity gains and user experiences. In order to accelerate future growth, Alphinat has six main areas of solution deliveries: SmartGuide Grants and Contributions solution (http://www.smartgrants.ca) was developed in conjunction with a federal department of the Canadian Government. This platform offers unparalleled productivity for federal, state and municipal clients creating calls for grants including financial program creations for applications, adjudication and payments; SmartGuide Portal Edition for Dynamics 365[1] (http://www.smartd365.com) has optimize the way that clients can now create and deploy online services on top of Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM solutions. This offering is available in SaaS mode as well as on-premises. SmartGuide Green House Gas Registry solutions (www.SmartGHGR.ca) is a green fintech solution allowing governments and industry to work together in reducing the harmful effects of greenhouse gas. Alphinat currently has three provincial clients for our SmartGHGR.ca solution; SmartGuide Claims solutions (www.smartclaims.ca/) was developed in conjunction with a major IT consulting partner, which aims at offering unparalleled productivity to federal, state and municipal clients for financial claims applications, adjudication and settlements for financial compensation and class action settlements; SmartGuide CIVIC Portal, CIVIC Portal for Permits & Licensing (http://www.permitsmart.ca) and SmartGuide Municipal Cloud are Municipal Cloud and on-premises solutions front ending partner solutions and other digital services for improved user experience for both the cities and their citizens. SmartProfile (www.smartprofile.ca) a secure Trusted Public Access Platform (T-PAP), built on SmartProfile our trusted Single Sign-On (SSO) is now a standalone solution, built on SmartGuide it provides industry leading flexible for full integration and end-user satisfaction. SmartGuide brings faster agile development now with SAFEaiASSIST and LIVEaiASSIST & SmartComponents to the Cloud, Web & mobile and now extends its offering with SmartProfile standalone secure Single Sign On (SSO) solution. SmartProfile an access management secure single sign-on is now a standalone solution, based on SmartGuide, it offers industry-leading flexibility for full integration and end-user satisfaction. For the 3-month period ended November 30th , 2025, revenues were $370,849 compared to $328,714 for the corresponding period of 2024 the result of ongoing deliveries of two of our municipal and one large international project to our clients. The net profit for the 3-month period ended November 30th , 2025, was $89,282 or $0.00 per common share outstanding would correspond to a net income of $105,204 or $0.00 per common share outstanding for the 3-month period ended November 30th , 2024. Alphinat's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the period ended November 30th , 2025, are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About Alphinat At Alphinat, we are driven by the passion to make application development easy for everyone and system interoperability issues a thing of the past. We enable people with the vision of how a finished application should look and behave to be a major part of the development process. After all, what better way to ensure a favourable outcome than to provide those closest to an application's end-users with a vested interest in its success throughout its development? That's why we bring you new ways to empower the right people at the right time in the application development process. At the same time, we're constantly working to reduce the need to code in order to make application development and maintenance simpler and less error prone. So, whether you choose to develop your applications with the help of our low-code platform SmartGuide, kickstart your project using one of our pre-built apps or engage us or one of our partners to do the work for you, we're here to help you deploy better applications in record time. Visit us at https://www.alphinat.com for more information. We look forward to hearing from you. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regards to the Company's future performance constitute forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause significant differences between actual results and those described in forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's capacity to increase acceptance of its products on the market, and to penetrate new markets; the potential existence of defects or undetected problems in the Company's products; the Company's ability to manage its growth; the Company's ability to compete with others; potential commitments; maintaining the Company's intellectual property rights and defending against litigation putting those rights in question; the Company's reliance on the knowledge of its key personnel; and the Company's access to sufficient capital to finance its future needs. This is a partial and non-exhaustive list of factors that could bear on any of our forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to Alphinat or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. The Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances. Risks and uncertainties that bear on the Company are described in greater detail in the Company's Annual Report. 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. For further information please contact: Ms. Mahtab Abbasigaravand Chief Executive Officer Alphinat Inc. (514) 398-9799 [1] Dynamics 365 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation SOURCE: Alphinat, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/alphinat-announces-a-net-profit-of-89-282-for-quarter-ended-nove-1131536 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Golden Lake Exploration Inc. ("Golden Lake" or the "Company") (CSE:GLM)(OTCQB:GOLXF) and McEwen Inc. ("McEwen") (NYSE/TSX: MUX) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Definitive Agreement (the "Agreement") on January 28th, 2026 in respect of a proposed transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), whereby McEwen would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Lake by way of plan of arrangement. If the Proposed Transaction is completed, Golden Lake would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of McEwen. Golden Lake's principal asset is its 100%-owned Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West projects located adjacent to McEwen's Windfall and Lookout Mountain discoveries, part of the Gold Bar Mine Complex, in the Eureka Mining District of Nevada. Historical drill highlights from Jewel Ridge project include 2.20 gpt gold over 28.96 meters, 1.24 gpt gold over 56.39 meters, 2.37 gpt gold over 67.57 meters. These holes are located north of McEwen's Windfall deposit where a recent drill hole returned 5.55 gpt gold over 44.2 meters. Incorporating Golden Lake's projects into the Gold Bar Mine Complex will help continue the mine's transformation into a long-life operation by investing in exploration and leveraging the current McEwen infrastructure. The Proposed Transaction Pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction, each Golden Lake common share (a "Golden Lake Share") would entitle its holder to receive 0.003876 McEwen common shares (each, a "McEwen Share") as is equal to $0.12 divided by the volume-weighted average trading price of the McEwen Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending on and including the trading day of January 26, 2026. (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio represents an implied offer price of CDN $0.12 per Golden Lake Share, being a premium of 60% to the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Golden Lake Shares as at market close on January 26, 2026. Following completion of the transaction, existing Golden Lake shareholders will own approximately 0.5% of the combined company resulting from the Proposed Transaction. Benefits of the Transaction for Golden Lake Shareholders: Ability to integrate Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West into the Gold Bar Mine Complex, leveraging McEwen's ability to fund exploration and utilize existing infrastructure; Access to McEwen's Nevada technical team with a track record in gold exploration, open pit mining, heap leaching, permitting and mine development; Exposure to McEwen's diversified portfolio of commodities, producing operations, development projects and royalties; and An attractive premium of approximately 60% to the 20-day VWAP of the Golden Lake Shares and the enhanced liquidity of McEwen Shares from dual listing on US and Canada stock exchanges. Benefits of the Transaction for McEwen Shareholders: Adds an adjacent property to McEwen's Gold Bar Mine Complex, with promising drill results. Continued execution on the Gold Bar Mine Complex plan to develop a long-life operation with increasing production. Details of the Proposed Transaction The Proposed Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Under the Plan of Arrangement, (i) all outstanding warrants of Golden Lake will be cashlessly exercised and cancelled in exchange for Golden Lake Shares having a value equal to their in-the-money amount, and (ii) all outstanding Golden Lake convertible notes will be converted into Golden Lake Shares based on principal and accrued interest in accordance with their terms. All issued and outstanding Golden Lake Shares (other than those held by McEwen or dissenting shareholders but including the Golden Lake Shares issued to warrant holders and noteholders) will be exchanged for McEwen Shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio. Outstanding stock options of Golden Lake will be exchanged for replacement options of McEwen on an equivalent economic basis, with adjusted exercise prices. To be effective, the Proposed Transaction will require the approval of 66 ?% of the votes cast by shareholders, warrant holders and noteholders of Golden Lake at a special meeting of Golden Lake shareholders, warrant holders and noteholders expected to take place in March (the " Golden Lake Meeting "). The Agreement includes provisions such as conditions to closing the Proposed Transaction, and representations and warranties and covenants customary for arrangement agreements. The Agreement also includes: (i) customary deal protection and non-solicitation provisions in favor of McEwen, including a break fee of approximately C$250,000 payable to McEwen in certain circumstances; and (ii) provisions allowing Golden Lake to consider and accept superior proposals, in compliance with its fiduciary duties. Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of necessary court and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX and the NYSE. A copy of the Agreement will be filed on McEwen's and Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca. The Proposed Transaction was approved by the Board of Directors of both McEwen and Golden Lake. No fairness opinion was obtained in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Further details with respect to the Proposed Transaction are included in the Agreement and in an information circular to be mailed to Golden Lake shareholders in connection with the Golden Lake Meeting. Once available, a copy of the Agreement will be filed on each of McEwen's and Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and a copy of the information circular will be filed on Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About McEwen McEwen shares trade on both the NYSE and TSX under the ticker MUX. McEwen provides its shareholders with exposure to a growing base of gold and silver production in addition to a very large copper development project, all in the Americas. The gold and silver mines are in prolific mineral-rich regions of the world, the Cortez Trend in Nevada, USA, the Timmins district of Ontario, Flin Flon in Manitoba and the Deseado Massif in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. McEwen is also reactivating its gold-silver El Gallo Mine in Mexico. About Golden Lake Golden Lake Exploration is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. For Further Information, Please Contact: Mike England CEO & Director Golden Lake Exploration Inc. 1-888-945-4770 Neither the NYSE, TSX or CSE have reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by the management of McEwen and Golden Lake. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Proposed Transaction; the Agreement; the receipt of necessary shareholder, court and regulatory approvals for the Proposed Transaction; the anticipated timeline for completing the Proposed Transaction; the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Proposed Transaction will be completed, if at all; the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction including, but not limited to McEwen having an 100% interest in Jewel Ridge; the combined company; the future financial and operational performance of the combined company; the combined company's exploration and development programs; and potential future revenue and cost synergies resulting from the Proposed Transaction. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In respect of the forward-looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, including the entering into the Agreement, and the anticipated timing for completion of the Proposed Transaction including, but not limited to the expectation of McEwen having a 100% interest in Jewel Ridge, McEwen and Golden Lake have relied on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange and other third party approvals and the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction. This timeline may change for a number of reasons, including unforeseen delays in preparing meeting materials; inability to secure necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange or other third-party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed on a timely basis, if at all; the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction may not be satisfied; the risk that the Proposed Transaction may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; the possibility that legal proceedings may be instituted against the McEwen, Golden Lake and/or others relating to the Proposed Transaction and the outcome of such proceedings; the possible occurrence of an event, change or other circumstance that could result in termination of the Proposed Transaction; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder and court approval; other risks inherent in the mining industry. Failure to obtain the requisite approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to or complete the Proposed Transaction, may result in the Proposed Transaction not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. In addition, if the Proposed Transaction is not completed, the announcement of the Proposed Transaction and the dedication of substantial resources of McEwen and Golden Lake to the completion of the Proposed Transaction could have a material adverse impact on each of McEwen's and Golden Lake's share price, its current business relationships and on the current and future operations, financial condition, and prospects of each McEwen and Golden Lake. McEwen and Golden Lake expressly disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Qualified Person Technical information pertaining to the Gold Bar Complex exploration contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Robert Kastelic, MSc, CPG, Exploration Manager for McEwen Inc. in Nevada, and Luke Willis, P.Geo, Director of Resource Modelling for McEwen Inc., who are Qualified Persons (QPs) as defined by SEC S-K 1300 and Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Technical information disclosed in this news release pertaining to the historic Jewel Ridge drilling was reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, P. Geo., who serves as a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 for Golden Lake Exploration Inc. Historical References for Exploration Drilling at Jewel Ridge Golden Lake press release of March 23, 2022 Golden Lake corporate website SOURCE: Golden Lake Exploration View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/mcewen-inc.-to-acquire-golden-lake-exploration-inc.-1131544 Qvtcoinese introduces the new Qvtcoinese Pro application, built on the latest core trading engine optimization to significantly enhance high-concurrency processing and low-latency performance, delivering a more stable and efficient multi-market trading experience for global users FRANKFURT AM MAIN, DE / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Quantum Vault Trading Center (Qvtcoinese) today officially announced the launch of its new-generation application, Qvtcoinese Pro. The new app is built on the platform's latest core trading engine optimization, with a strong focus on enhancing high-concurrency processing capabilities and reducing system latency, providing global users with a more stable, efficient, and professional-grade mobile trading experience. As global financial markets continue to see rising trading frequency and increasing structural complexity, trading platforms face higher technical demands in terms of system stability, response speed, and concurrent processing capacity. The launch of Qvtcoinese Pro reflects Quantum Vault Trading Center's most recent core system upgrade, delivering a more advanced mobile trading solution designed to meet professional-level performance standards. Strengthening High-Concurrency Capabilities to Ensure Stability During Peak Trading Periods During overlapping global market sessions and periods of heightened volatility, platforms must handle a large volume of simultaneous trading requests. Through comprehensive upgrades to its underlying system architecture, order-matching logic, task scheduling, and resource allocation mechanisms, Qvtcoinese Pro significantly improves concurrent processing capacity. This enables the platform to maintain stable order matching and clear execution feedback even during peak trading periods, effectively reducing congestion and latency risks. Reducing System Latency to Improve Execution Efficiency Low latency is a critical benchmark for professional trading platforms. By shortening order-processing paths and optimizing data-processing workflows, Qvtcoinese Pro enhances response speed while maintaining execution accuracy. This allows users to receive more timely, stable, and predictable execution feedback, particularly in highly volatile market environments, thereby improving overall trade execution quality and user experience. Building a Scalable Technical Architecture to Support Future Enhancements The launch of the new application not only delivers immediate performance improvements but also establishes a stronger technical foundation for future feature expansion and ongoing system upgrades. Qvtcoinese stated that it will continue to increase investment in system performance optimization, architectural scalability, and operational stability, gradually introducing additional intelligent tools and expanded multi-market support to meet the evolving and diversified needs of global users. About Quantum Vault Trading Center Quantum Vault Trading Center (Qvtcoinese) is a global trading platform focused on enhancing transaction efficiency, system stability, and platform scalability through continuous technological innovation and infrastructure optimization. The platform continually upgrades its core trading engine, data-processing systems, and intelligent support tools, and is committed to building a more standardized, intelligent, and globally accessible trading service ecosystem. Media Contact Company Name: Quantum Vault Trading Center Inc Contact Person: Valentina Faith Email: service@qvtcoinese.com Website: https://qvtcoinese.com/ SOURCE: Quantum Vault Trading Center Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/quantum-vault-trading-center-qvtcoinese-launches-new-app-qvtcoinese-p-1130904 2026 startet mit einem Paukenschlag: Der DAX outperformt den US-Markt, Nachzugler holen auf. Ein erstes Signal, dass der Bullenmarkt an Breite gewinnt. Wahrend viele Anleger weiter auf die groen Tech-Namen setzen, hat sich im Hintergrund langst ein Umschwung vollzogen. Der Fokus verschiebt sich weg von uberteuerten KI-Highflyern hin zu soliden Qualitatswerten aus der zweiten Reihe. Anleger, die jetzt clever agieren, setzen nicht auf das, was war, sondern auf das, was kommt. Unternehmen mit gesunder Bilanz, unterschatztem Potenzial und begrenztem Abwartsrisiko konnten 2026 zu den groen Gewinnern zahlen. Die Gefahr einer scharferen Korrektur bleibt real, gerade fur passiv aufgestellte Investoren. In unserem neuen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau jetzt das Potenzial fur uberdurchschnittliche Renditen bieten. Stark, gunstig und bislang kaum im Fokus. Jetzt kostenlosen Report herunterladen bevor es andere tun! Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar. YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1% is the only dual-agent presbyopia-correcting eye drop intentionally designed to deliver durability, tolerability, and safety YUVEZZI was studied in two pivotal Phase 3 trials enrolling more than 800 patients, including the world's largest and longest safety study for presbyopia eye drops1,2 YUVEZZI achieves miosis from 30-minutes up to 10 hours with one drop daily1 Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd., a global, commercial biotechnology company focused on developing groundbreaking treatments to improve vision in the aging eye, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1%, previously known as BRIMOCHOL PF, the first and only dual-agent eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision that typically begins around age 45, affects about two billion people globally and 128 million people in the U.S.3,4,5 YUVEZZI is expected to be broadly commercially available in the U.S. in Q2 2026. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128284402/en/ The FDA approval of YUVEZZI is based on positive data from two Phase 3 studies. The Phase 3 BRIO I study demonstrated a superior benefit of the combination therapy over the individual actives a requirement for FDA approval of a fixed-dose combination.1 In the second Phase 3 study, BRIO II, which was vehicle-controlled, YUVEZZI achieved all primary near vision improvement endpoints with statistically significant three-lines or greater improvement in binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (BUNVA) over 8 hours, without the loss of one line or more in binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (BUDVA).2 In addition, YUVEZZI was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events observed in the more than 72,000 treatment days monitored in BRIO II, the longest safety study (12 months) conducted in presbyopia to-date.2 The most common side effects of YUVEZZI are headache, impaired vision and temporary eye pain or eye irritation.6 Eye redness was not a commonly reported side effect in clinical trials of YUVEZZI. In BRIO I and BRIO II the reports of adverse events of ocular hyperemia (eye redness) were low.1,2 In BRIO II, the rate of reported adverse events of ocular hyperemia (eye redness) was lower in subjects receiving YUVEZZI (2.8%) than carbochol alone (10.7%).2 "The FDA approval of YUVEZZI represents a significant milestone for the millions of people in the U.S. living with presbyopia and its daily frustrations and challenges," said Henric Bjarke, Chief Executive Officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. "As the first FDA-approved dual-agent eye drop for presbyopia, YUVEZZI leverages the mechanisms of carbachol and brimonidine tartrate to deliver sharp near vision with favorable tolerability. People deserve treatments that not only work but also can fit conveniently into their daily lives, and YUVEZZI brings an innovative new option to the presbyopia category. This approval marks the first groundbreaking therapy for Tenpoint Therapeutics aimed at advancing our mission to bring innovation to the aging eye." "The impact of presbyopia is often underestimated, and current solutions like glasses, contacts or surgery have fallen short in meeting the real-world needs of people who struggle with close-up tasks," said John Hovanesian, M.D., FACS, of Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills, California. "YUVEZZI introduces a novel approach by combining carbachol and brimonidine tartrate in a single daily eye drop that sharpens near vision and maintains tolerability throughout the day. YUVEZZI was intentionally designed to deliver both efficacy and tolerability, which represents an important step forward in delivering a complete, non-invasive option for people with presbyopia." "Presbyopia remains a universal and progressive condition that requires individualized management strategies," said Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, of Premier Vision Group in Bowling Green, Ohio. "I'm excited that I will be able to offer my patients YUVEZZI, the first-of-its-kind eye drop well-suited for long-term use. For people seeking a reliable, lifestyle-friendly solution to manage their near vision challenges in aging eyes, YUVEZZI is a valuable and practical advancement." "We've been working diligently to bring YUVEZZI to the eye care community and to the millions of adults looking for the optimal solution to address their frustration with presbyopia," said Carol Kearney, Chief Commercial Officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. "It was important to us that we provide an option that fits seamlessly into active, social and professional lifestyles, and we intentionally designed YUVEZZI to offer the right balance of efficacy, tolerability and ease of use." About Presbyopia Presbyopia is the gradual loss of near vision that typically begins around age 45 and significantly affects aging eyes and quality of life.3,4,7,8 It is a natural, inevitable part of aging and impacts nearly 128 million people in the U.S. and ~2 billion people worldwide.3,5 Presbyopia affects the lens' ability to change shape and focus on close objects.9 It can also make it difficult to adapt to different levels of ambient illumination, particularly in dim or low-contrast settings.10,7 About YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1% YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1% is a dual-agent eye drop approved by the U.S. Food Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of presbyopia, a condition characterized by the gradual loss of near vision acuity that typically begins after the age of 45.6,4 The proposed mechanism of action of this fixed-dose combination of carbachol and brimonidine in presbyopia is pupillary constriction and the creation of a pinhole effect that improves near visual acuity and depth of focus.6 Carbachol is a cholinergic agent which produces constriction of the iris sphincter and ciliary body. Brimonidine tartrate, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, blocks contraction of the iris dilator muscle and relaxes tonic contraction of the ciliary muscle, enhancing selectivity for the pupil and increasing bioavailability of carbachol in the aqueous humor.6 YUVEZZI Indication and Important Safety Information USE YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75% 0.1 is a prescription eye drop for adults with blurry close-up vision due to age. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use YUVEZZI if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you currently have inflammation of the iris (iritis). Before taking YUVEZZI, tell your doctor if you have depression, low blood pressure, or circulation problems. YUVEZZI may cause temporary blurry, dim, or dark vision. If you experience this, avoid driving, using machinery, and participating in hazardous activities. Use caution when night driving and in other activities in low light. Call your doctor right away if you suddenly have flashes of light, floaters, or vision loss. Do not let the tip of the vial touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. The most common side effects of YUVEZZI are headache, impaired vision, and temporary eye pain or irritation. These are not all of the possible side effects of YUVEZZI. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see the Brief Summary for more information. Please see the full Prescribing Information for YUVEZZI. About Tenpoint Therapeutics Tenpoint Therapeutics Ltd. is a global biotechnology company focused on the commercialization of YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1%, the first and only dual-agent eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia, a condition that affects nearly 128 million people in the U.S. and approximately 2 billion people globally.3,5 By understanding real-world needs and partnering with eye care professionals, Tenpoint is working to bring innovation to the aging eye. To learn more, visit tenpointtherapeutics.com and connect on LinkedIn. 1 Data on file confirmed from the BRIO I study. 2 Data on file confirmed from the BRIO II study. 3 American Optometric Association Health Policy Institute. New Approaches to Presbyopia. 2023. Accessed November 5, 2025. Available at https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Advocacy/HPI/presbyopia%20brief%20HPI%20Final.pdf. 4 National Eye Institute. Presbyopia. National Eye Institute. December 4, 2024. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/presbyopia. Accessed January 7, 2026. 5 Fricke TR, Tahhan N, Resnikoff S, et al. Global Prevalence of presbyopia and vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia: systematic review, meta-analysis and modelling. Ophthalmology. 2018;125(10):1492-9. 6 YUVEZZI US Prescribing Information 7 Mancil GL, Baily IL, Brookman KE, et al. Optometric clinical practice 2024 guideline care of the patient with presbyopia. American Optometric Association; 2011. 8 Wolffsohn JS, Leteneux-Pantais C, Chiva-Razavi S, Bentley S, Johnson C, Findley A, Tolley C, Arbuckle R, Kommineni J, Tyagi N. Social Media Listening to Understand the Lived Experience of Presbyopia: Systematic Search and Content Analysis Study. J Med Internet Res. 2020 Sep 21;22(9):e18306. 9 Glasser A, Campbell MCW. Biometric, optical and physical changes in the isolated human crystalline lens with age in relation to presbyopia. Vision Research. 1999;39:1991-2015. doi:10.1016/S0042-6989(98)00283-1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698998002831?via%3Dihub. 10 Kandel, H., Khadka, J., Goggin, M. and Pesudovs, K. (2017), Impact of refractive error on quality of life: a qualitative study. Clin. Experiment. Ophthalmol., 45: 677-688. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128284402/en/ Contacts: Media: Brandi Robinson media@tenpointtx.com Eye Care Trade Media: Michele Gray michele@mgraycommunications.com Investors: Ami Bavishi or Nick Colangelo Gilmartin Group LLC tenpoint@gilmartinir.com U.S. FDA Approves YUVEZZI as the only dual-agent, once daily presbyopia-correcting eye drop Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd., a global, commercial biotechnology company focused on developing groundbreaking treatments to rejuvenate vision in the aging eye, today announced it has secured $235 million through the successful close of its Series B preferred stock financing and a credit facility. The Company raised $85 million in Series B financing led by Janus Henderson, EQT Nexus, Hillhouse and British Business Bank. Existing investors also participating include EQT Life Sciences, Sofinnova Partners, F-Prime, Eight Roads, Qiming Venture Partners USA, AdBio and Wille. In addition to the Series B, Tenpoint entered into a $150 million non-dilutive senior secured term loan facility with Hercules Capital. "We deeply appreciate the support of our strong syndicate of global, long-term investors. This financing reflects their confidence in YUVEZZI, a new differentiated option for millions of people living with the daily frustration and challenges of presbyopia," said Henric Bjarke, Chief Executive Officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. "With our strengthened balance sheet, we are excited to launch YUVEZZI in early Q2." "It's incredibly exciting to see the Series B financing and YUVEZZI approval align at the same moment, creating the perfect launch point for this exceptional ophthalmology team to deliver a best-in-class dual agent to this massive market," said David Guyer M.D., Chairman of Tenpoint Therapeutics. "YUVEZZI's differentiated favorable safety and tolerability profile reinforces our confidence in its commercial potential to resonate with patients and providers as Tenpoint drives towards its successful launch," said Agustin Mohedas, Ph.D., Portfolio Manager Research Analyst at Janus Henderson Investors. "With extensive ophthalmology experience, Tenpoint's leadership team has executed key milestones toward commercialization and is well positioned to bring this differentiated new treatment to the presbyopia market." About Tenpoint Therapeutics Tenpoint Therapeutics Ltd. is a global biotechnology company focused on the commercialization of YUVEZZI (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75% 0.1%, the first and only dual-agent eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia, a condition that affects nearly 128 million people in the U.S. and approximately 2 billion people globally. By understanding real-world needs and partnering with eye care professionals, Tenpoint is working to bring innovation to the aging eye. To learn more, visit tenpointtherapeutics.com and connect on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128574430/en/ Contacts: Investors: Ami Bavishi or Nick Colangelo tenpoint@gilmartinir.com Media: Brandi Robinson media@tenpointtx.com HONG KONG, Jan 29, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Quam Plus International Financial Limited ("Quam Plus Financial" or the "Group") is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the "3rd Hong Kong Capital Markets Forum 2026" held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The Group is honored to be one of the Gold Sponsors of this prestigious event. Dr. Kenneth Lam, CEO of the Group, who also serves as Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee cum Executive Deputy Chairman of The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC), led a delegation of senior management to attend the forum. Mr. Xu Weigang, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and Mr. Paul Chan Mo-Po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of HKSAR were also in attendance. Together with prominent figures from the capital markets, government, academia, and the financial sector, they engaged in in-depth discussions on further strengthening Hong Kong's economic momentum.The forum was jointly organized by Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors Limited (PIEAA), The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC), The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD), and the Association of Hong Kong Capital Market Practitioners Limited (HKCMP), with strong support from key institutions including Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).As the global economy enters a new cycle of innovation and transformation, this year's forum, themed "Capturing the Next Growth Momentum' explored how Hong Kong can reinvent itself amid a rapidly changing international financial landscape, rebuild confidence, and transform challenges into powerful drivers of progress.As the globalMr. Paul Chan Mo-Po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, served as the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. He stated: "In my view, the global environment is shifting in ways that create new and favourable opportunities for Hong Kong. Our challenge is how to seize the moment and deliver tangible outcomes. More specifically, that involves supporting the country's high-quality development; matching the needs of Mainland enterprises going global and the appetite of international investors; and, at the same time, driving Hong Kong's own growth."Dr. Kenneth Lam, in his capacity as Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee, delivered the opening remarks: "As a vital financial hub connecting China and the world, our mission is to strengthen confidence, deepen integration, and expand diverse growth engines. We must keenly identify the next wave of growth drivers and ensure that markets advance in a balanced manner between flexibility and integrity. Positioned at the core of global transformation, this forum reminds us once again that progress is never accidental, it stems from resolute choices: with innovation as our aspiration, collaboration as our bridge, and conviction as our strength, we can lead Hong Kong forward and open up new chapters."Hong Kong now stands at the heart of global change. Advancing the capital markets requires not only visionary policies and regulation but also active participation and collaboration from all sectors. This year's forum focused on two key themes, digital asset development and capital market structural reform, examining how technological innovation can coexist with trust to drive reforms that build greater market resilience.As a proud Gold Sponsor of this year's forum, Quam Plus Financial looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders, including central government offices in Hong Kong and other parties, to propel Hong Kong and the region toward new achievements. Together, we aim to seize new opportunities, activate new momentum, and march toward a high-quality, sustainable financial future.About Quam Plus International Financial LimitedQuam Plus International Financial Limited (the 'Company', Stock Code: 00952.HK) is a Hong Kong based financial services group which is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Company was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1997, it is committed to building a comprehensive, full-licensed integrated financial platform. The core businesses of the Company are brokerage business, interest income business, corporate finance business, asset management business and investments and other businesses. The Company strives to become the ideal partner for both corporate and individual investors in Hong Kong and China. The Company also offers premier one-stop financial services to its clients. The Company continued to provide capital markets services through its representative office or the wholly-owned foreign enterprise in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Shenyang, Ningbo, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen of the PRC and through its networks of Global Alliance Partners network and Oaklins International.For further information, please contact:Quam IR LimitedMandy Lo Tel: (852) 2217-2753 Email: mandy.lo@quamgroup.comCharlie Chan Tel: (852) 2217-2504 Email: charlie.chan@quamgroup.comSource: Quam Plus International Financial LimitedCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Forbo Holding AG / Key word(s): Personnel Heinz Hossli to become new CFO of the Forbo Group 29.01.2026 / 06:30 CET/CEST MEDIA RELEASE The Board of Directors of Forbo Holding Ltd has appointed Heinz Hossli as the new CFO of the Forbo Group. He will take up his position on July 1, 2026, succeeding Peter Germann, who has been performing this role on an interim basis since October 2025 and will return into retirement following the handover. Forbo Group, Baar, January 29, 2026 With effect from July 1, 2026, the Board of Directors of Forbo Holding Ltd has appointed 56-year-old Swiss citizen Heinz Hossli as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Forbo Group and member of the Executive Board. Since 2020, he has been CFO of the Interroll Group, a listed company with global operations that specializes in conveyor technology, intralogistics, and automation. Heinz Hossli is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at EXPERTsuisse in Zurich and holds a Global Executive MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in Durham (USA). Prior to joining Interroll, Heinz Hossli spent 21 years in the Buhler Group, an international family-run technology corporation, where he held a wide range of financial positions. These roles included CFO/Vice President Advanced Materials from 2012 as well as Vice President Finance & Controlling Advanced Materials and CFO of the Die Casting division from 2009 to 2011. Between 2002 and 2009, he held various management positions as CFO of Buhler subsidiaries and spent a total of eight years in the USA and Mexico. Before joining the Buhler Group as internal group auditor in 1999, he worked as an auditor at Ernst & Young in Zurich. Bernhard Merki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Forbo Holding Ltd, says: "We are delighted about Heinz Hossli's nomination. This means the company's key positions are again filled with the right mix of highly qualified individuals. With a solid background in industrial technology, conveyor technology, and automation, Heinz Hossli ideally complements our CEO Johannes Huber, who has proven expertise in the global construction industry. Heinz Hossli also has extensive international management experience in the areas of finance and controlling as well as in the corporate governance of manufacturing companies, most recently in a listed environment. The Board of Directors wishes him every success in his new duties. Together with the two heads of divisions, they - as the Executive Board - will focus in particular on driving the company's growth, innovation, and employee development." Peter Germann, interim CFO of the Forbo Group, will return to his well-deserved retirement in summer 2026 following the handover. The Board of Directors and the Executive Board would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his outstanding commitment and for the valuable impetus he has provided for the further development of the Forbo Group during this transformation phase. They wish him all the best for the future. More information: forbo.com/en/investors MEDIA RELEASE (PDF FILE WITH PICTURE) About Forbo Forbo is a leading producer of floor coverings, building and construction adhesives, as well as belts for power transmission and lightweight conveyor technology. For its clients, the company offers tailored solutions that stand out for their functionality, quality, design, and sustainability. The company employs about 5,200 people and has an international network of 25 sites with production and distribution, 6 fabrication centers, and 47 sales organizations in a total of 39 countries around the world. The company generated net sales of CHF 1,122.0 million in the 2024 business year. The company is headquartered in Baar in the canton of Zug, Switzerland. The Group company Forbo Holding Ltd is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (security number 354151, ISIN CH0003541510, Bloomberg FORN SW, Reuters FORN.S). Contact person: Andrea Leiser Head Corporate Marketing and Communications Phone +41 58 787 25 73 www.forbo.com End of Media Release View original content: EQS News The "Global from Day One" Advantage TOKYO, JP / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / For Taiwan-based venture capital firm Darwin Ventures, the path has always pointed outward. "Taiwan is relatively small," explains Managing Partner Kay Lin. "So we require all of our teams to have a global view from day one." When the firm expanded into Japan in 2018, they looked for founders with that same instinct. While many Japanese entrepreneurs understandably prioritize the large domestic market first, Spider Labs, the developer of the ad security platform Spider AF, showed a different orientation. Lin identifies the leadership pairing of CEO Satoko Ohtsuki and CTO Eurico Dorado as a "unique combination." Beyond ticking a diversity box, this cross-cultural, business-technology blend creates a structural advantage. By embedding global perspectives at the C-suite level, Spider Labs is built to scale internationally by default, rather than as an afterthought. This structural foundation has rapidly translated into market dominance. Today, Spider Labs serves over 600 companies across Japan and overseas, achieving the largest cumulative customer base among ad verification tools in Japan. This traction is accelerating; from 2021 to 2024, the company approximately tripled its revenue, confirming that a global mindset drives not just ambition, but scalable growth. The Strategic Value of Friction Lin is candid about the reality of building a cross-cultural team: "Initially, it will create more chaos than benefit." However, Darwin Ventures views this "chaos" not as a setback, but as a front-loaded investment in efficiency. "Japanese eyes, Taiwanese eyes, and U.S. eyes-people see things from a different perspective," Lin notes. While staying within a single culture is easier in the short term, it often leads to costly "re-engineering" when a company tries to export its product later. By integrating these diverse viewpoints early, Spider Labs absorbs the friction upfront. The goal of navigating this initial negotiation is to gain "fresh eyes" that allow the team to see the market from a higher, more balanced perspective. This friction acts as a filter, ensuring that the product is robust enough to survive outside the domestic bubble before it ever launches abroad. Capital Efficiency as a Learning Engine This resilience is vital when products face the complex reality of global expansion. Unlike U.S. companies, which often rely on deep capital reserves to "hire the best people" and absorb the cost of mistakes, Asian startups operate in a different reality. Lin reframes this resource constraint as a driver of capital efficiency and discipline. Because they cannot afford to burn cash to hide strategic errors, teams like Spider Labs must "learn on their own" and iterate with higher precision. For Spider Labs, this means the "ad safety" value proposition must be honed until it fits the market perfectly. Lin notes that while "ad safety" is a unique term in Japan, international markets have varying maturity levels regarding ad fraud. The team cannot simply buy their way into these markets; they must adapt the product to fit the local reality. That enforced discipline results in a superior 'learning engine' that forces the team to find a sustainable Product-Market Fit. Unlike well-funded competitors who might brute-force growth through heavy spending, Spider Labs validates its market fit through organic traction, ensuring the business model is viable even without a massive capital safety net. Operationalizing the Global Mindset For Lin, global readiness shows up not in pitch decks, but in daily habits. She emphasizes that a founder must ensure the global vision is anchored in routine actions, noting that "the leader has to propagate the idea" until it permeates the entire organization. During a visit to the Spider Labs office, Lin observed this in action: the CEO proactively encouraged junior engineers to step out of their comfort zones and engage in English conversation with visiting investors. This was not micromanagement, but a deliberate effort to normalize the discomfort of cross-cultural communication. By modeling these behaviors, leadership ensures the team is not just talking about going global, but is operationally conditioned for the reality of international negotiation. The "Japanese Trust" Premium Looking ahead, Lin identifies a potent competitive moat: the reputation of Japanese business. In the ad tech industry, where fraud and opacity are global issues, the reliability associated with Japan serves as a strategic asset. Lin notes that international markets "tend to give more trust" to Japanese teams, viewing them as inherently legitimate. For Spider Labs, this allows them to export "Japan Quality" as a unique differentiator that competitors cannot easily copy. Rather than a reckless leap, Darwin sees value in leveraging this trust to methodically secure a "second place," then a "third place," expanding its market incrementally. As the company matures, this foundation of trust will support larger strategic moves, such as mergers or partnerships with overseas players. For talent, this environment offers something rare. Lin sees Spider Labs as the antidote to the "screw in the machine" culture of large corporations. It is a place for builders who are willing to trade stability for the chance to acquire the "fresh eyes" and strategic discipline required to win on the global stage. Media Contact: Monique Tison monique@spider-labs.com SOURCE: Spider Labs, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/strategic-friction-turning-diversity-into-a-competitive-moat-1131149 MUMBAI, India, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Piramal Pharma Limited (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), a leading global pharmaceutical, health and wellness company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Third Quarter (Q3) and Nine Month (9M) ended 31st December 2025. Consolidated Financial Highlights (in ? Crores or as stated) Particulars Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 6,117 6,397 (4) % CDMO 1,166 1,278 (9) % 3,207 3,659 (12) % CHG 668 654 2 % 1,948 1,928 1 % PCH 334 278 20 % 954 819 16 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 628 977 (36) % EBITDA Margin 11 % 16 % 10 % 15 % PAT Before Expectational Item (95) 4 NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional Item (41) - NM (20) - NM PAT After Expectational Item (136) 4 NM (317) (62) NM Key Highlights for Q3 and 9M FY26 Revenue growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. EBITDA Margin - Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Seeing significant pick-up in RFPs with early signs of recovery in order inflows since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. Growth Capex - US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest. Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Limited, said, "FY26 has been a muted year for the Company due to impact of inventory destocking and slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 in our CDMO business. However, in recent time, we are seeing early signs of recovery with pick-up in RFPs and order inflows on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US healthcare space. In our CHG business, we are investing in new products and expanding our presence in the ex-US markets. Acquiring niche brand like Kenalog, which is synergetic to our current business, is an important step in this direction. Our consumer business continues to outperform in its representative markets with robust growth in our power brands. Despite the slower growth in FY26, we continue to believe in long term growth prospects of our businesses and back them with timely investments in capacities and capabilities. Q4 has been historically the strongest quarter for the Company, and we expect this trend to continue this year as well." Key Business Highlights for Q3/9M FY26 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO): Biopharma funding in H2CY25 has shown signs of recovery with funding in H2CY25 close to double vs. H1CY25 and higher by over 50% vs H2CY24. Although, on full year basis CY25 funding was flat vs. CY24. with funding in H2CY25 close to double vs. H1CY25 and higher by over 50% vs H2CY24. Although, on full year basis CY25 funding was flat vs. CY24. Seeing significant improvement in RFPs along with uptick in order inflow since October 2025. Growth in orders from both large pharma and mid-size biotech companies. since October 2025. Growth in orders from both large pharma and mid-size biotech companies. RFP/RFI trends for our overseas facilities with differentiated capabilities remained healthy. These sites have superior gross margin and scale up at these facilities can drive profitability going forward. remained healthy. These sites have superior gross margin and scale up at these facilities can drive profitability going forward. Sustenance of biopharma funding along with faster decision making by the customers would be the key to healthy growth in FY27. US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest for our North America sites, especially from those looking for onshoring. to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest for our North America sites, especially from those looking for onshoring. Maintained our Best-in-Class Quality Track Record - Successfully closed 30 regulatory inspections, including 2 USFDA inspections in 9MFY26. Continue to maintain our 'Zero OAI' status. Complex Hospital Generics (CHG): Acquired Kenalog - Entered into an agreement to acquire Kenalog from Bristol-Myers Squibb in an all-cash deal for upfront consideration of US$ 35Mn, and contingent consideration of up to US$ 65Mn. Kenalog is a branded commercial injectable product with complex manufacturing requirements, complementing the CHG product portfolio. It is expected to generate EBITDA margin in-line with existing CHG business margins. Inhalation Anesthesia (IA) - Growing faster than market in the mature US Sevoflurane market with value market share of 47% - up from 44% in MAT Mar'24. (Source:- IQVIA) Initiated Sevoflurane supplies from lower cost Digwal facility in RoW markets. However initial pick-up lower than expected due to regulatory delays. Intrathecal Therapy - Supply impacted in Q2FY26 have normalized. Maintained our #1 Rank in intrathecal Baclofen in the US with 75% value market share. (Source:- IQVIA) Supply impacted in Q2FY26 have normalized. Maintained our #1 Rank in intrathecal Baclofen in the US with 75% value market share. (Source:- IQVIA) Injectable Pain Management - Initiatives to resolve supply constraints starting to yield results. Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH): Power Brands grew strength to strength with 30% / 23% YoY growth during Q3 / 9M FY26, contributing to 51% of total PCH sales. Growth was primarily driven by Little's, Lacto Calamine, CIR, and i-range. grew strength to strength with 30% / 23% YoY growth during Q3 / 9M FY26, contributing to 51% of total PCH sales. Growth was primarily driven by Little's, Lacto Calamine, CIR, and i-range. New Product Launches - Launched 31 new products and SKUs in 9M FY26. - Launched 31 new products and SKUs in 9M FY26. Invested about 12% of PCH sales in media and promotions in 9M FY26. in 9M FY26. E-commerce sales grew at 50% rate YoY in 9M FY26, contributing about 26% to PCH sales. More than 40% of e-commerce sales coming from quick commerce. sales grew at 50% rate YoY in 9M FY26, contributing about 26% to PCH sales. More than 40% of e-commerce sales coming from quick commerce. Optimizing Portfolio and Distribution Channel Mix - Focused efforts to grow profitable brands and distribution channels with better margins. Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement (in ? Crores or as stated) Particulars Quarterly Nine Months Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % Q2FY26 QoQ % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 2,044 5 % 6,117 6,397 (4) % Other Income 43 12 256 % 66 (34) % 167 93 80 % Total Income 2,183 2,216 (2) % 2,109 3 % 6,285 6,490 (3) % Material Cost 786 806 (2) % 703 12 % 2,183 2,277 (4) % Employee Expenses 600 556 8 % 611 (2) % 1,830 1,695 8 % Other Expenses 558 504 11 % 571 (2) % 1,643 1,541 7 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 224 7 % 628 977 (36) % Interest Expenses 89 103 (14) % 82 8 % 258 318 (19) % Depreciation 213 197 8 % 203 5 % 613 574 7 % Share of Net Profit of Associates 10 17 (40) % 15 (31) % 44 57 (23) % Profit Before Tax (53) 67 NM (46) NM (199) 142 NM Tax 42 63 (33) % 53 (20) % 98 204 (52) % Net Profit after Tax (95) 4 NM (99) NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional item1 (41) - NM - NM (20) - NM Net Profit after Tax after Exceptional Item (136) 4 NM (99) NM (317) (62) NM 1. Q3FY26 - Includes gratuity and leave encashment provision due to impact of change in LWF Act ? 26 Crs. & Settlement with CDMO customers ? 15 Crs. 9MFY26 - Includes exceptional items of Q3FY26 partially offset by one time insolvency proceeds received in Q1FY26 from a claim filed against a third- party supplier of CHG by ? 21Crs. Q3 and 9M FY26 Earnings Conference Call Piramal Pharma Limited will be hosting a conference call for investors / analysts on 29th January 2026 from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM(IST)to discuss its Q3 and 9M FY26 Results. The dial-in details for the call are as under: Event Location & Time Telephone Number Conference call on 29th January, 2026 India - 09:30 AM IST +91 22 6280 1461 / +91 22 7115 8320 (Primary Number) 1 800 120 1221 (Toll free number) USA - 11:00 AM (Eastern Time - New York) Toll free number 18667462133 UK - 04:00 AM (London Time) Toll free number 08081011573 Singapore - 12:00 PM (Singapore Time) Toll free number 8001012045 Hong Kong - 12:00 PM (Hong Kong Time) Toll free number 800964448 Express Join with Diamond Pass Please use this link for prior registration to reduce wait time at the time of joining the call -Click here About Piramal Pharma Limited: Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL), (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 171 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH) business, selling over-the-counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL's associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market. Further, PPL has a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, that operates in the biologics / bio-therapeutics and vaccine segments. For more information, visit: Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn 1. Includes one facility via PPL's minority investment in Yapan Bio. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1855206/Piramal_Pharma_Limited_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/piramal-pharma-limited-announces-results-for-q3-and-9m-fy26-302673591.html Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 29 January 2026 at 8:15 EET Proposals by the Board of Directors to Nokia Corporation's Annual General Meeting 2026 Nokia announces Board Chair succession: Sari Baldauf to step down; Timo Ihamuotila proposed for election as the new Board Chair Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal Technology Foundation, proposed for election as a new Board member Proposed that the Board be authorized to distribute an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share Nokia Corporation's Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 9 April 2026 at 14:00 (EEST) at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland. The Board submits the following proposals to the Annual General Meeting. Complete proposals are available as of today at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. The notice of the Annual General Meeting with more detailed information on the participation and voting will be published separately in week 6 of 2026 on the Company's website and by a stock exchange release. Board composition and remuneration Sari Baldauf has informed the Board's Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee that she will no longer be available to serve on the Nokia Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the number of Board members be ten (10). On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board further proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the following current Board members be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting: Timo Ahopelto, Elizabeth Crain, Thomas Dannenfeldt, Pernille Erenbjerg, Lisa Hook, Timo Ihamuotila, Mike McNamara, Thomas Saueressig and Kai Oistamo. In addition, it is proposed that Meredith Whittaker, United States citizen, President of Signal Technology Foundation, be elected as a new member of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting. Resumes of the Board candidates are available as an appendix to the Board's proposal available as of today at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. Should any number of the candidates proposed by the Board not be available for election, the proposed number of Board members shall be decreased accordingly, and the remaining available candidates are proposed to be elected in accordance with the proposal by the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee will propose in the assembly meeting of the new Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting that Timo Ihamuotila be elected as the Chair of the Board and Thomas Saueressig be elected as the Vice Chair, subject to their election to the Board. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fees payable to Board members for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are kept at the current levels: EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board; EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board; EUR 185 000 for each other member of the Board; EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee. In line with Nokia's Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board proposes that approximately 40% of the annual fee be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The Directors shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board. In addition, the Board proposes that the meeting fees for Board and Committee meetings remain at their current level. The meeting fees are based on travel required between the Board member's home location and the location of a meeting and paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term as follows: EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel; and EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel. Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. Moreover, it is proposed that members of the Board be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work. Authorization of the Board of Directors to decide on the distribution of dividend and assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be authorized to resolve in its discretion on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity. The authorization would be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the period of validity of the authorization unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason. The proposed total authorization for asset distribution is in line with the Company's dividend policy. The authorization would be valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting. The Board would make separate resolutions on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity with the preliminary record and payment dates set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution and, in connection therewith, confirm the record and payment date for such distribution. Preliminary record date Preliminary payment date 28 April 2026 7 May 2026 28 July 2026 6 August 2026 27 October 2026 5 November 2026 2 February 2027 9 February 2027 Each distribution based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Company's shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment. Auditor election and remuneration On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the auditor of the Company for the financial year 2027. The Board also proposes that the auditor elected for the financial year 2027 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company. Sustainability reporting assurer election and remuneration On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the sustainability reporting assurer for the financial year 2027. The Board also proposes that the sustainability reporting assurer elected for the financial year 2027 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company. Authorization to the Board to issue shares and special rights entitling to shares and repurchase shares The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorize the Board to resolve to issue in total a maximum of 550 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act in one or more issues during the effective period of the authorization. The Board may issue either new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. Shares and special rights entitling to shares may be issued in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization may be used to develop the Company's capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, to settle the Company's equity-based incentive plans or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 8 October 2027 and terminate the authorization for issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares resolved at the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2025 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to issue shares or special rights based on such authorization. The Board also proposes that the Board be authorized to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 550 million shares. The repurchases would reduce distributable funds of the Company. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 8 October 2027 and terminate the authorization for repurchasing the Company's shares granted by the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2025 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on such authorization. 550 million shares corresponds to less than 10 percent of the Company's total number of shares. The Board shall resolve on all other matters related to the issuance or repurchase of Nokia shares in accordance with the resolution by the Annual General Meeting. Other matters to be addressed by the Annual General Meeting Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting would address adopting the Company's financial statements for the financial year 2025, granting discharge from liability to the members of the Board of Directors and the persons who have served as President and Chief Executive Officer during the financial year 2025, and adopting the Remuneration Report 2025. The Remuneration Report for 2025 and the "Nokia in 2025" annual report, which includes the Company's Annual Accounts, the review by the Board of Directors, the auditor's report, and the assurance report of the sustainability statement, are expected to be published and available at www.nokia.ly/agm2026 in week 10 of 2026. About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Vice President, Global Media Relations Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 931 580?507 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com Regulatory News: Maurel Prom(Paris:MAU): M&P working interest production in 2025: 37,096 boepd, up 2% on 2024 M&P working interest production of 14,662 bopd in Gabon, down 6% versus 2024 M&P working interest production of 4,289 bopd in Angola, stable versus 2024 M&P working interest gas production of 59.7 mmcfd in Tanzania, down 3% versus 2024 M&P working interest oil production of 8,194 bopd in Venezuela, up 34% versus 2024 Valued production of $504 million and sales of $578 million Average oil price of $69.4/b over the period, down 14% compared with 2024 ($80.3/b) Service activities and trading of third-party oil contributed $14 million and $102 million to sales respectively Negative impact of $42 million from lifting imbalances and inventory revaluation Major rotation of the asset portfolio, aimed at refocusing on direct ownership of assets with high development potential Sale of M&P's 20.07% interest in Seplat Energy to Heirs Energies for $496 million Completion of the acquisition of a 61% stake in the Sinu-9 gas permit in Colombia Entry into Block 3/24 in Angola, which contains several established oil and gas discoveries Signing in December of an SPA for the acquisition of Azule Energy's interests in Blocks 14 14K in Angola, subject to customary conditions, in particular pre-emption rights Active drilling programme to develop reserves and production In Gabon, alongside the ongoing continuous development drilling campaign on the Ezanga permit, drilling underway of an exploration well on the Etekamba permit In Tanzania, start of a three-well campaign on the Mnazi Bay permit to significantly increase the field's production potential In Colombia, start of the six-well exploration campaign on Sinu-9 in early February M&P working interest 2P reserves at 31 December 2025: 295 mmboe Reserves up 28% after restatement of 2025 production Significant increase in reserves held in Venezuela, now standing at 148 mmbbls Positive net cash position placing the Group in the best position for future external growth operations Positive net cash position of $178 million ($460 million in cash and $282 million in debt) Position before the impact of M&A transactions in January 2026: additional net cash of $170 million ($248 million from the Seplat Energy sale, less $78 million for the completion of Sinu-9) Key indicators for 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2025 2025 2024 Change 2025 vs. 2024 M&P working interest production Gabon (oil) bopd 15,684 15,350 14,910 12,735 14,662 15,582 -6% Angola (oil) bopd 4,478 4,151 4,427 4,102 4,289 4,302 -0% Tanzania (gas) mmcfd 60,8 56,7 62,0 59,3 59,7 61,4 -3% Total interests in consolidated entities boepd 30,298 28,945 29,669 26,728 28,902 30,125 -4% Venezuela (oil) bopd 8,236 7,801 8,304 8,430 8,194 6,098 +34% Total production boepd 38,534 36,746 37,973 35,158 37,096 36,222 +2% Average sale price Oil $/bbl 74.9 69.7 70.2 64.3 69.4 80.3 -14% Gas $/mmBtu 4.02 4.02 4.02 4.02 4.02 3.90 +3% Sales Gabon $mm 98 92 93 76 359 437 -18% Angola $mm 26 22 24 21 93 109 -15% Tanzania $mm 11 12 16 13 52 48 +8% Valued production $mm 136 125 133 110 504 593 -15% Service activities $mm 4 5 2 2 14 39 Trading of third-party oil $mm 52 50 102 125 Restatement for lifting imbalances inventory revaluation $mm -76 42 15 -24 -42 51 Consolidated sales $mm 64 224 201 88 578 808 -29% Total Group production on an M&P working interest basis (including Venezuela) amounted to 37,096 boepd for 2025, up 2% compared with 2024. The Group's consolidated production on an M&P working interest basis (excluding Venezuela, not consolidated in sales) stood at 28,902 boepd, down 4% compared with 2024. The average selling price of oil was $69.4/b for the period, down 14% compared with 2024 ($80.3/b). The Group's valued production (income from production activities, excluding lifting imbalances and inventory revaluation) amounted to $504 million. Service activities and trading of third-party oil generated income of $14 million for 2025. The restatement of lifting imbalances, net of inventory revaluation, had a negative impact of $42 million. Consolidated sales for 2025 stood at $578 million. Olivier de Langavant, Chief Executive Officer of M&P, declared: "The Group has entered an active growth phase, built around the development of its existing assets and an external growth strategy set to accelerate. The sale of our stake in Seplat Energy represents a key milestone in this momentum: it enables us to crystallise the value created and to secure very significant financial capacity. This enhanced flexibility gives us the means to accelerate the capture of value-accretive acquisition opportunities, in line with our ambition to increase the share of operated assets with high development potential. Production activities Gabon M&P's working interest oil production (80%) on the Ezanga permit amounted to 14,662 bopd in 2025, down 6% on 2024. Q4 2025 was marked by pressure issues on the export pipeline, which resulted in reduced production in November and December 2025. The situation returned to normal in January 2026. The combined well potential has meanwhile increased to around 22,000 bopd (gross, i.e. 17,600 bopd net to M&P). The Mouletsi-2 well drilled on the Etekamba gas permit confirmed the gas-bearing levels encountered in the Mouletsi-1 well in the Gamba and Dentale formations. Start-up is expected by end-2026. Angola M&P's working interest production from Blocks 3/05 (20%) and 3/05A (26.7%) amounted to 4,289 bopd for 2025, stable compared with 2024. Construction of the Quilemba Solar power plant is progressing in line with plan. Grid connection is expected mid-year. Tanzania M&P's working interest gas production (60%) on the Mnazi Bay permit amounted to 59.7 mmcfd in 2025, down 3% compared with 2024. The rig is now mobilised on site for the three-well drilling campaign. The spud initially planned for December will now take place during the first half of February. These wells will sustainably increase the gross production potential of the field, which currently stands at around 100 mmcfd, beyond the 130 mmcfd capacity of the facilities. Venezuela M&P Iberoamerica's working interest oil production (40%) on the Urdaneta Oeste field amounted to 8,194 bopd in 2025, up 34% compared with 2024. Following the expiration on 27 May 2025 of the licence issued by the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"), M&P adjusted its activities in the country. Production continued normally, while on-site operations were limited to well interventions and maintenance work to ensure the safety of personnel and facilities. M&P is closely monitoring recent developments in the country and confirms that it submitted a new application to OFAC in early January to obtain a license allowing the restart of all of its activities on the Urdaneta Oeste field. M&P hopes for an early resumption of its operations, which will contribute to the redevelopment of the Venezuelan oil sector. Sale of M&P's 20.07% interest in Seplat Energy M&P entered into a binding agreement on 30 December 2025 in relation to the sale of its entire shareholding of 120.4 million shares, representing a 20.07% interest, in Seplat Energy Plc ("Seplat"), a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Exchange, to Heirs Energies Ltd ("Heirs Energies"). The sale is at a price of 305 pence per share, corresponding to a total consideration of $496 million, with an initial payment of $248 million received on 31 December 2025, with the balance payable within 30 days, secured by an irrevocable letter of credit. M&P has been one of Seplat's three founders and its largest shareholder since inception in 2010, and has supported the company throughout its development into a leading Nigerian energy player with a diversified portfolio across oil and gas, playing a key role in Nigeria's energy security. This transaction comes at a time that M&P considers particularly opportune to monetise this position and reallocate resources towards direct investments in oil and gas assets, in line with a growth strategy that the Group intends to accelerate. M&P is also very pleased to transfer its stake to Heirs Energies, a subsidiary of the leading PanAfrican investment company Heirs Holdings, and expresses confidence in Seplat's ability to continue to thrive with the support of another strong, long-term shareholder. Acquisition of a 61% interest in the Sinu-9 gas permit in Colombia The acquisition by M&P of a total 61% working interest and operatorship in the Sinu-9 gas licence in Colombia was successfully completed on 5 January 2026. The transactions comprise two acquisitions, for a total consideration of $229 million: A 40% working interest acquired from MKMS Enerji Anonim Sirketi S.A. (a subsidiary of NG Energy International Corp). The agreement was signed on 9 February 2025, with effective economic date of 1 February 2025; An additional 21% working interest acquired from Desarrolladora Oleum S.A. de C.V. and Clean Energy Resources S.A.S, which includes the transfer of operatorship. The agreements were signed on 2 July 2025, with effective economic date at closing. Taking into account the advance payments already made by M&P, the total outstanding consideration amounted to $185 million. Of this amount, $78 million was paid at completion, with the balance of $108 million payable in instalments during 2026. M&P now holds a 61% working interest in the Sinu-9 licence and assumes operatorship of the asset. M&P also retains an option to acquire an additional 5% working interest in Sinu-9 from NG Energy for a consideration of $18.75 million within 12 months, subject to adjustments for cash flows from the effective date on 1 February 2025. Sinu-9 started production in November 2024 as part of the ongoing long-term test of the Magico-1X and Brujo-1X wells. Evacuation infrastructure is in place today for gross production of 30 mmcfd, which will be increased to 40 mmcfd by Q2 2026. Current production level (January 2026) stands at around 14 mmcfd (gross). The start of the six-well exploration campaign is scheduled for February 2026, with the rig currently being mobilised and assembled. Entry into Block 3/24 in Angola In early September 2025, M&P signed heads of terms with Angola's National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency ("ANPG") for the risk service contract ("RSC") covering offshore Block 3/24. The RSC was formally approved by presidential decree on 8 October 2025. Under the agreed terms, Maurel Prom Angola S.A.S. will hold a 40% interest in Block 3/24, alongside Afentra Plc (operator, 40%) and Sonangol P&P (20%). This new asset strengthens M&P's long-term partnership in Angola and underlines its commitment to developing resources responsibly, in collaboration with its partners and the Angolan authorities. The heads of terms for Block 3/24 set out an initial five-year period to review the development potential of existing discoveries and exploration prospects, followed by a 25-year production period that would subsequently be awarded when a discovery is developed. Block 3/24 is located in shallow water and covers 545 km, adjacent to existing producing oil fields and undeveloped discoveries in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A. The block includes five discoveries Palanca North East, Quissama, Goulongo, Cefo and Kuma all located in the same Pinda reservoir as the existing oil fields in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A. In addition, the block contains the previously developed Canuku field cluster, which has produced up to 12,000 barrels per day. The block contains discoveries estimated at more than 130 mmbbls of STOIIP (oil in place) and 400 bcf of GIIP (gas in place). These discoveries offer a significant opportunity to apply modern technology to deliver short-cycle, low-cost developments tied back to the existing infrastructure in Block 3/05. A number of exploration prospects have also been identified based on existing 3D seismic data. Signing of an SPA for the acquisition of Azule Energy's interests in Blocks 14 14K offshore Angola On 10 December 2025, M&P signed, together in a consortium with BW Energy Limited ("BW Energy"), a Sale and Purchase Agreement ("SPA") with Azule Energy Angola B.V. ("Azule Energy") for the joint acquisition of a 20% interest in Block 14 (10% net to M&P) and a 10% interest in Block 14K (5% net to M&P), both located offshore Angola. Closing of the joint transactions remains subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions and the possible implementation of applicable pre-emption rights. Closing is expected mid-2026. Group reserves at 31 December 2025 The Group's reserves correspond to technically recoverable hydrocarbon volumes representing the Group's share of interests in permits already in production and those revealed by discovery and delineation wells that can be commercially exploited. These reserves at 31 December 2025 were certified by DeGolyer and MacNaughton. The Group's 2P reserves amounted to 294.8 mmboe at 31 December 2025, including 167.3 mmboe of proven reserves (1P). M&P working interest 2P reserves: Gabon Angola Tanzania Total consolidated assets Venezuela Total Group Oil (mmbbls) Oil (mmbbls) Gas (bcf) Oil eq. (mmboe) Oil (mmbbls) Oil eq. (mmboe) 2P reserves at 31/12/2024 115.0 21.5 165.8 164.1 80.0 244.1 Production -5.4 -1.6 -21.8 -10.5 -3.0 -13.5 Revision -8.2 +0.9 +2.2 -6.9 +71.1 +64.2 2P reserves at 31/12/2025 101.4 20.8 146.2 146.6 148.1 294.8 o/w 1P reserves 72.2 15.5 137.9 110.7 56.7 167.3 1P reserves as a of 2P 71% 75% 94% 75% 38% 57% Note: Gas-oil conversion rate of 6 bcf/mmboe The significant increase in reserves in Venezuela is due to geoscience studies carried out during 2025, which largely confirm the potential of zones previously considered unproven. These reserves do not include reserves for the Sinu-9 asset in Colombia, as the acquisition was completed in early January. Financial position The Group had a positive net cash position of $178 million at 31 December 2025, compared with a positive net cash position of $34 million at end-December 2024. The cash position stood at $460 million at end-December. Gross debt amounted to $282 million, including $240 million of bank loan (including a $110 million term loan and a tranche of $130 million drawn down on the RCF) and $42 million of shareholder loan. The cash position mainly reflects the receipt on 31 December 2025 of an initial payment of $248 million in relation to the sale by M&P of its stake in Seplat. It should however be noted that this cash position does not include: The $78 million payment made in early January for the completion of the acquisition of the 61% stake in Sinu-9; The receipt of a second payment of $248 million, expected at end-January, corresponding to the balance of the sale of the stake in Seplat. Discussions are ongoing regarding the refinancing of the bank loan to increase its amount and extend its term beyond the current maturity of July 2027. Glossary Francais Anglais pieds cubes pc cf cubic feet millions de pieds cubes par jour Mpc/j mmcfd million cubic feet per day milliards de pieds cubes Gpc bcf billion cubic feet baril b bbl Barrel barils d'huile par jour b/j bopd barrels of oil per day millions de barils Mb mmbbls million barrels barils equivalent petrole bep boe barrels of oil equivalent barils equivalent petrole par jour bep/j boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day millions de barils equivalent petrole Mbep mmboe million barrels of oil equivalent For more information, please visit www.maureletprom.fr/en/ This document may contain forecasts regarding the financial position, results, business and industrial strategy of Maurel Prom. By their very nature, forecasts involve risk and uncertainty insofar as they are based on events or circumstances which may or may not occur in the future. These forecasts are based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which may prove to be incorrect and which depend on a number of risk factors, such as fluctuations in crude oil prices, changes in exchange rates, uncertainties related to the valuation of our oil reserves, actual rates of oil production and the related costs, operational problems, political stability, legislative or regulatory reforms, or even wars, terrorism and sabotage. Maurel Prom is listed on Euronext Paris CAC Mid Small CAC All-Tradable PEA-PME and SRD eligible Isin FR0000051070 Bloomberg MAU.FP Reuters MAUP.PA View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128955144/en/ Contacts: Maurel Prom Shareholder relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 83 16 45 ir@maureletprom.fr NewCap Investor/media relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53 maureletprom@newcap.eu Dr. Mobasher held several executive roles in industry, most recently CMO at BeiGene IFLI contributed up to $9 million to Enterome's private funding round in 2025 Enterome has announced a series of encouraging clinical data for OncoMimics drug candidates in solid tumors and B-cell lymphomas Paris, France - 29 JANUARY, 2025 Enterome SA, a clinical-stage company pioneering OncoMimics, a new class of off-the-shelf, multi-targeted in vivo immune therapies that induce a fast and potent expansion of memory T-cells to fight cancer, has appointed Mehrdad Mobasher, M.D., M.P.H., a hematologist and oncologist and senior biopharmaceutical executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience in global drug development and commercialization, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Mobasher is currently an executive partner at the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI), which is a key investor in Enterome. The company recently announced highly encouraging clinical results with its immune candidate therapies across a range of blood cancers and solid tumors. "IFLI's highly collaborative support for the development of our OncoMimics in vivo immune therapies targeting follicular lymphoma and other forms of B-cell lymphoma has been transformative for Enterome. Dr. Mobasher joining our board further strengthens IFLI's invaluable support," said Pierre Belichard, CEO at Enterome. "Enterome has generated promising clinical data in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma, as well as in selected solid tumors through an entirely new immunotherapy approach. I'm excited to join the Board and work with the leadership team to help translate this innovative science into meaningful outcomes for patients," said Dr. Mehrdad Mobasher. Dr. Mobasher is a hematologist-oncologist with more than 15 years of leadership experience in drug development. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Medical Officer at BeiGene, leading the hematology portfolio and global launch of zanubrutinib in CLL and follicular lymphoma. Before that, he held roles as Global Head of Oncology Development at Zai Lab, Chief Medical Officer at Corvus Pharmaceuticals, and Group Medical Director at Genentech, where he led the development and launch of several landmark oncology programs including venetoclax and obinutuzumab. In October 2025, Dr. Mobasher was named Executive Partner at IFLI, a global non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing research and treatment for follicular lymphoma. IFLI became an Enterome shareholder when it invested up to $9 million in a $19 million private funding round in June 2025. In December, Enterome presented positive updated Phase 2 interim data from two cohorts of patients with low tumor-burden follicular lymphoma for its lead OncoMimics immunotherapy EO2463. The immune therapy candidate also secured FDA Fast Track designation for the watch and wait setting in follicular lymphoma in October. Enterome has also given positive data updates for EO4010 in metastatic colorectal cancer, and for EO2401 in glioblastoma. The Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) is a global, non-profit, private foundation dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). IFLI supports cutting-edge research and technology to lead to the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics and/or biomarkers for the treatment of FL, and to understand the biology of FL. The foundation deploys its budget across research funding, project-based partnerships, and venture philanthropic investments to achieve its innovation goals. IFLI promotes collaboration and works to enable data sharing and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among researchers and institutions advancing FL research. Learn more at www.i-fli.org. Enterome SA (www.enterome.com) is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough OncoMimics immunotherapeutics for cancer. The three most advanced product candidates have shown positive early data in Phase 2 clinical development, supporting the novel OncoMimics modality. The company's pioneering approach to drug discovery is based on the unique and powerful bacterial Mimicry drug discovery platform, which allows it to discover OncoMimics with high similarity to tumor associated antigens (TAA) based on the big-data insights from millions of gut bacterial proteins that live in humans. For more information, please contact: ENTEROME INVESTOR & MEDIA RELATIONS Pierre Belichard Chief Executive Officer +33 (0)1 75 77 27 85 communication@enterome.com Cohesion Bureau Chris Maggos / Giovanni Ca'Zorzi +41 (0)79 367 6254 / +33 (0)7 84 67 07 27 enterome@cohesionbureau.com Attachment VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCQB:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce the mobilization of a second drill rig to its flagship N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property") to accelerate its fully funded 30,000 metre drill program. The Company has working capital of ~C$12.1M with zero debt. Inclusive of provincial tax credits from the Quebec government, Formation's exploration budget for 2025-2026 is set at ~$8.1M. N2 is host to a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. Phase 1, comprised of 14,000 metres, is designed to: Resource confidence and conversion: Infill shallow gaps to improve confidence in near-surface mineralization. Resource growth: Test down-dip extensions and step-outs along strike to the west beyond the historic resource limits. Metallurgy: Collect representative core for confirmatory test work to validate recoveries. Targeting a conceptual open-pit resource, Formation is aiming to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate post-Phase 1 in Q3, incorporating nearly 70,000 metres of drilling. The second rig will be deployed to systematically test priority targets at the "A" and "RJ" Zones across over eight kilometres of strike, accelerating its program while evaluating multiple discovery targets across the corridor. Over the coming months, the Company plans to outline a focused and exciting exploration program at N2, reflecting the broader depth of opportunities across the Project and supporting sustained, disciplined exploration activity beyond the current drilling phase. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation, commented: "Momentum continues to build at N2. Drilling at the A-Zone is progressing well, and we are very encouraged by what we are seeing in the core to date. Given the visual continuity of mineralization, accelerating Phase 1 with a second rig was an easy decision to make and we look forward to sharing updates as we progress with our winter campaign." Assay results from the initial holes advanced are expected to be announced shortly. The Company will provide ongoing updates as drilling progresses. Highlights of the program to-date: The Company has completed 16 drill holes totalling 4,743 metres to-date. Significant intervals identified to-date include: N2-25-008: 208.8 metres of target mineralization intercepted beginning at 28.6 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 40 metres in width including up to 70.0 metres. N2-25-011: 166.8 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 60.0 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 20 metres in width including up to 70.6 metres. The mineralization intercepted to-date has been shallow and wide, with 9 out of 13 drillholes intercepting target mineralization within the first 25 metres, and 10 drillholes each intercepting over 80 cumulative metres of target mineralization. The intense quartz-carbonate veining and sulfide mineralization observed visually is directly comparable to the material that yielded long gold intervals in historical drilling including 245-91-151, which intercepted 1.7 g/t Au over 35.0 metres. Other historically significant drill results from similar material include: "A" Zone: 1.48 g/t Au over 13.7 metres, 1.41 g/t Au over 14.3 metres and 2.02 g/t Au over 15 metres. "RJ" Zone: 48.4 g/t Au over 0.5 metres, 24.5 g/t Au over 0.9 metres, 16.5 g/t Au over 3.6 metres, 11.14 g/t Au over 3 metres, and 8.94 g/t Au over 5.1 metres. Project Summary Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au)2. There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that are being investigated for the first time by Formation with diamond drilling. Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include: A Zone: a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces identified at a grade of 1.52 g/t Au. ~15,000 metres have been drilled historically across 1.65 km of strike, with 84% of historical drillholes intercepted auriferous intervals including up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. RJ Zone: a high-grade historic gold deposit with ~61,100 ounces identified at a grade of 7.82 g/t Au, with high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres and 16.5 g/t Au over 3.5 metres2. This zone was the target of the most recently drilling at the Property by Agnico-Eagle Mines in 2008, when the price of gold was ~US$800/oz. Only ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike remaining to be tested. The Company's internal view is that the N2 Project has the potential to host a potential open pit resource. This optimism is driven by several key factors: Significant Undrilled Strike Length : The "A" Zone alone has >3.1 km of strike open (only ~35% drilled historically), while the RJ Zone has >4.75 km remaining untested - offering substantial room for lateral expansion of known mineralization. Open at Depth and Along Strike : All zones remain open, with historical drilling limited to shallow depths (~350 m), leaving considerable vertical upside in a proven gold camp. Wide, Continuous Near-Surface Intercepts : Recent drilling has confirmed thick zones (100-200+ m) of target mineralization starting near surface, ideal for bulk-tonnage open-pit scenarios with low strip ratios and high tonnage potential. Regional Analogy and Pedigree : Located in the Casa Berardi trend, which hosts multiple multi-million-ounce deposits (e.g., Casa Berardi >2 Moz produced and 14.3 Mt @ 2.75 g/t Au P&P in reserve, Douay >3 Moz in resources (10 Mt @ 1.59 g/t Au indicated, and 76.7 Mt @ 1.02 g/t Au inferred), N2 shares similar geology and structural controls. Nearby Vezza produced from higher-grade underground mining, but N2's shallower, wider zones suggest superior open-pit economics. Untested Targets : Compilation work identified numerous geophysical anomalies (IP, EM, VTEM) that remain undrilled, providing discovery potential beyond known zones. Rising Gold Prices and Economic Viability: At current gold prices, lower-grade bulk-tonnage deposits become highly attractive, enhancing the project's upside. Strategically located 25 km south of the mining town of Matagami, Quebec, this prime location provides year-round access via provincial highways and logging roads, proximity to skilled labor, power infrastructure, and established mining services in a jurisdiction known for its gold production exceeding 200 million ounces historically. The project lies along the Casa Berardi mine trend, which hosts multiple million-ounce gold deposits, and is situated approximately 1.5 km east of the former-producing Vezza gold mine operated by Nottaway Resources from 2013 to 2019 producing over 100,000 ounces of gold via underground methods. The region's robust infrastructure supports toll milling opportunities, with potential access to nearby processing facilities such as those at Casa Berardi or other Abitibi mills, enabling cost-effective development without the need for on-site mill construction. Figure 1 - Historic drillhole locations; Formation believes that there is over 15 kilometres of strike to explore at the N2 property. Figure 2 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource. The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes known to have significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). Assay results range from 200 to 4,750 ppm and 203 ppm to 6,700 ppm, for copper and zinc, respectively, indicating strong potential for elevated base metal (Cu-Zn) concentrations across the property, specifically at the A and RJ zones. Property wide geology at N2 features volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in regional anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Three principal deformation structures, oriented along the known NW-SE to WNW-ESE structural trends typical of VMS deposits in the Matagami region, function as critical geologic controls for mineralization on the property. Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak V. Azar, P.Geo., geo (OGQ#10876) an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. About Formation Metals Inc. Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project hosting a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces. This includes ~810,000 oz Au (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au) across the A, East, RJ-East, and Central zones, and a high-grade component of ~61,000 oz Au (243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au) at the RJ zone. N2 features six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Key targets include the "A" zone, where only ~35% of the strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, which hosts historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres. FORMATION METALS INC. Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email dvarshney@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes and References: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the drilling program at the Property; the Company's goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; Company's planned 30,000-metre drilling program. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Formation Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/formation-metals-mobilizes-second-rig-to-accelerate-14-000-metre-drill-program-at-1131575 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Kingman Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KGS) (OTCQB: KGSSF) (FSE: 47A1) ("Kingman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce in conjunction with the completion of a high-resolution drone-based magnetic survey, it has filed a Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") Notice of Intent to Conduct Exploration for Phase III drill program at its high-grade gold and silver Mohave Project in Arizona. Since completing its oversubscribed financing in late 2025, the Company has fast-tracked targeted technical work to enhance its geological and structural understanding ahead of permitting and drilling at its flagship project including the historic Rosebud Mine. Geophysics Completed The Company completed a high-resolution drone magnetic survey designed to support drill planning in covered areas and for property-wide structural reconnaissance. The survey comprised approximately 305 line-kilometres flown on 30-metre line spacing at approximately 25 metres above ground level (AGL). Data were collected using a high-sensitivity potassium magnetometer and corrected using a ground-based magnetometer for diurnal variation. Processing deliverables include standard magnetic products such as Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), Reduced-to-Pole (RTP), and derivative maps including first vertical derivative (1VD), analytical signal, and tilt derivative. The dataset has been delivered for further processing, including three-dimensional magnetic inversion. Figure 1 & 2: Reduced-to-Pole (RTP) magnetic intensity map; First vertical derivative (1VD) of the RTP magnetic data To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9368/282007_ca8423c5a4fc2986_001full.jpg Simon Studer, Interim CEO, President and Director, stated: "The immediate goal of the magnetic survey was to confirm and lock in drill locations for permitting. Depth-to-source estimates indicate that magnetic features deepen rapidly to the northwest while remaining relatively shallow to the southeast, making the southeast the most efficient first-pass target area for step-out drilling. Once the magnetic inversion is complete, we will work with the geophysicist to define final drill orientations from the permitted pad locations." The Company has delivered the magnetic dataset for further processing, including three-dimensional Magnetic Vector Inversion ("MVI") modelling and geological analysis, to refine interpretations of structural geometry at depth and support finalization of drill collar locations and orientations for the next drill phase. Results will be integrated with historical mapping and geochemical sampling, and the Company will provide updates as processing and interpretation are completed. Permitting Update The Company has filed its BLM Notice of Intent for drilling at Mohave. The application is under review and approval is expected in the near term. Once approved, Kingman intends to mobilize and commence drilling promptly. The proposed Phase III program is designed to test the Southwick vein corridor extensions to the SE of the Rosebud Mine Area of the Mohave Project. Technical Disclaimer The magnetic survey identifies variations in magnetic response and relative depth to magnetic sources only. It does not identify mineralization or economic potential. All interpretations remain preliminary pending final processing and validation. Qualified Person The technical information in this website has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by, Qualified Person: Bradley C. Peek, MSc. CPG Qualified Person for Kingman Minerals Ltd. ABOUT Kingman Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KGS) is a publicly traded exploration and development company focused on precious metals in North America. The Company's flagship project is the fully-owned historic Rosebud Mine, located in the Music Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona. High-grade gold and silver veins were discovered in the area in the 1880s and were mined mainly in the late 1920s and 1930s. Underground development on the Rosebud property included a 400-foot main shaft and approximately 2,500 feet of drifts, raises and crosscuts. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to statements with respect to: the terms of the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds; the anticipated insider participation in the Private Placement; the completion of the Private Placement; and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although Kingman believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since Kingman can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Kingman's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Kingman's expectations include risks related to the completion of the Private Placement, including TSXV approval; risks associated with the business of Kingman; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by Kingman; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Kingman's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282007 Source: Kingman Minerals Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRD) (FSE: 2V0) ("Inverite") a Canadian risk infrastructure company providing real-time financial data and decisioning signals, specializing in real-time bank verification, income and affordability analytics, and AI-driven risk-modeling and fraud-prevention solutions, announced today that it has joined the Digital ID & Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) as a Tier-1 Sustaining Member, effective February 1, 2026. DIACC is a Canadian non-profit coalition of public- and private-sector leaders dedicated to advancing secure, privacy-enhancing, and interoperable digital identity and authentication standards. DIACC is the steward of the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF), a risk-mitigation framework of rules, standards, and guidance for digital identity, authentication, and trust services used by governments, financial institutions, and regulated enterprises across Canada. The organization also governs the Voila Verified Trustmark Program, a certification initiative that allows service providers to demonstrate compliance with national digital trust standards. "Inverite's mission is to help lenders and regulated businesses make faster, more confident decisions using trusted financial signals," said Karim Nanji, Chief Executive Officer of Inverite Insights Inc. "Joining DIACC as a Sustaining Member aligns our company with the national standards that underpin digital trust and identity in Canada. It enables us to participate directly in shaping the frameworks that influence how identity, consent, and verification are trusted across sectors in the digital economy." As a Sustaining Member, Inverite will contribute to expert committees and working groups that help define core elements of digital trust, including identity verification, consent requirements, and interoperability specifications used by banks, governments, and regulated enterprises. This membership class also provides voting rights and greater influence over the evolution of Canada's digital identity standards. "DIACC is pleased to welcome Inverite as a Sustaining Member," said Joni Brennan, President of the Digital ID & Authentication Council of Canada. "Organizations providing identity verification, financial data, and consent-based services play an increasingly important role in Canada's digital economy, and Inverite's participation will help support the continued evolution of trusted digital identity and verification frameworks." "Our involvement in DIACC underscores Inverite's commitment not only to comply with national digital trust principles but to help advance them," added Nanji. "As digital services and open-banking initiatives accelerate, aligning with recognized digital trust frameworks will be increasingly important for enterprise adoption, partner integrations, and regulatory alignment." DIACC membership also strengthens Inverite's visibility within Canada's digital trust ecosystem and expands the company's engagement with organizations seeking robust, standards-aligned identity and verification solutions. About Inverite Insights Inc. Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRD) (FSE: 2V0) is a Canadian risk infrastructure company providing real-time financial data and decisioning signals, specializing in real-time bank verification, income and affordability analytics, and AI-driven risk-modeling and fraud-prevention solutions used by fintechs, lenders, and financial institutions across Canada. For more information, visit www.inveriteinsights.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider/Market Maker (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, nor has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction nor approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the CSE. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281970 Source: Inverite Insights Inc. Analysis of FCA enforcement actions uncovers widespread data weaknesses as a key driver of regulatory failings and financial penalties A new report from Kyckr, the provider of global company registry data, reveals that data deficiencies were a contributing factor to 68% of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) enforcement cases for anti-money laundering (AML) non-compliance between 2020 and 2025. The report, "The Data Blind Spot: Uncovering a Major Cause of UK AML Fines," analyses AML failings in UK financial institutions and examines 22 FCA Final Notices totalling over 430 million in fines. The report reveals four main categories of data failure, all of which highlight a consistent pattern and the root causes of information gaps: Outdated and missing information a contributing factor to 45% of fines. This included a reliance on outdated Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and investor lists and not collecting sufficient information on customers to contextualise transactions. This included a reliance on outdated Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and investor lists and not collecting sufficient information on customers to contextualise transactions. Failure to identify the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) of a given entity a contributing factor to 32% of fines. This included not knowing who ultimately controls an entity and building an ownership map from that which enables financial crime professionals to "build the story" of an entity into a bigger picture. This included not knowing who ultimately controls an entity and building an ownership map from that which enables financial crime professionals to "build the story" of an entity into a bigger picture. Weak verification of wealth and funds a contributing factor to 32% of fines. This included not knowing how much money a business has at its disposal, without which firms cannot contextualise customer transactions. This included not knowing how much money a business has at its disposal, without which firms cannot contextualise customer transactions. Discrepancies between customer declarations and the public record a contributing factor to 18% of fines. This included failure to detect mismatches between "what a customer says about themselves" and "what the public record shows". The findings of the report highlight how the FCA is no longer satisfied with the policies firms have 'on paper'. In AML compliance and the fight against financial crime, enforcement action now focuses on whether institutions can obtain, verify and continuously update accurate customer information in practice. Steve Lamb, CEO at Kyckr, commented, "The problem firms face is that they are relying on outdated or incomplete data retrieved from siloed workflows. If poor data quality is a major contributor to AML fines, the solution isn't more staff or bigger frameworks: it's direct and ongoing access to authoritative company data. "These findings show that policy alone isn't enough and that data quality now plays a significant role in AML effectiveness. Financial institutions must be able to prove that their customer information is both accurate and verified in real time. Kyckr helps firms close this data blind spot by connecting directly to authoritative company registries, giving compliance teams instant, audit-ready access to verified information from over 300 global sources." Read the full report here: https://www.kyckr.com/guides-and-reports/kyckr-report-uk-aml-fines About Kyckr Kyckr is a B2B information services company that aggregates, organises and structures the world's primary source company data to help businesses reduce the risks associated with counterparty relationships. Kyckr's solutions help businesses to succeed in the fight against fraud, money laundering and financial crime. To learn more about Kyckr, visit www.kyckr.com Report methodology Kyckr analysed 22 Final Notices imposed between 2020 and 2025 by the FCA for AML non-compliance at financial institutions and located issues that stemmed directly from insufficient data and information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128338068/en/ Contacts: Media contact Email: kyckr@thoughtldr.com BOSTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainability Roundtable, Inc (SR Inc) is pleased to announce that Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era, has entered into a long-term Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with R.Power S.A. through SR Inc's Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB). R.Power S.A is one of Poland's leading solar energy developers. The agreement supports the development of four new solar projects located in Poland: Wydartowo, Biezyce, Ostrzeniewo III, and Nowy Zagor III, with a total contracted volume of 470 GWh. DLA Piper provided legal support for the agreement and SR Inc partner LevelTen Energy facilitated the initial RFP. The partnership demonstrates Cisco's commitment to advancing renewable energy access through a range of projects. The 15-year VPPA, targeting a Commercial Operation Date (COD) in 2027, represents a milestone in expanding solar capacity and strengthening Europe's renewable energy landscape. It will help accelerate progress toward increasing use of clean-energy in the carbon-intensive Poland electrical grid. The projects represent purchaser-caused renewable energy capacity, directly enabled by Cisco's long-term commitment under the VPPA. "Cisco's leadership reflects the growing role of global enterprises in catalyzing regional renewable energy development," said Jim Boyle, CEO of SR Inc. "This agreement showcases how corporate buyers can drive impact through diversified, high-quality clean-energy investments." "We are proud to support the growth of renewable energy in Europe through this partnership," said Evan Scott Brown, Renewable Energy & Utilities Manager, Cisco. "This agreement not only aligns with Cisco's commitment to powering a more resilient energy future, but also directly supports operational needs, including the expansion of our lab facilities in Krakow. This collaboration is a powerful example of how partnership can increase clean energy access while providing business value." "Partnering with Cisco reinforces R.Power's position as a leading multi-technology renewable energy producer in Central Europe. Cisco's long-term commitment directly enables new solar capacity in Poland and supports the wider adoption of clean energy underway across the region," said Rafal Hajduk, Chief Commercial Officer, R.Power S.A. R.Power S.A., headquartered in Warsaw, is one of Europe's leading multi-technology Independent Power Producers, with a rapidly expanding pipeline of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects across the continent. The company develops, builds, and operates large-scale clean-energy assets and is driving the deployment of new renewable capacity in Central Europe. Its collaboration with Cisco through SR Inc's NZCB will further accelerate Poland's adoption of clean-energy while delivering tangible environmental and economic benefits to local communities. About Sustainability Roundtable, Inc (SR Inc) SR Inc's Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB) is a confidential buyers' community committed to creating corporate buyer-favorable renewable energy transactions that enable participating enterprises to chart a path to decarbonization globally. SR Inc Member-Clients have made the NZCB a leading platform for corporate aggregated procurements through VPPAs in North America, Europe, and India. About R.Power Group R.Power is a leading independent renewable energy producer headquartered in Poland, with operations extending to Romania, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Germany. As a multi-technology company, R.Power is developing a portfolio of over 30 GW+ across photovoltaics, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and wind energy projects, with energy sales supported by Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Its activities cover the entire renewable energy value chain, including project development and renewable energy production as an independent power producer (IPP). Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) services, are delivered by R.Power's dedicated subsidiary NOMAD Electric. In addition, through its subsidiary Quanta Energy, R.Power provides comprehensive renewable energy solutions for industrial clients, businesses, and institutions. Media Contact: Brittany Nammour brittanynammour@sustainround.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870826/SUSTAINABILITY_ROUNDTABLE_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cisco-expands-european-renewable-energy-through-partnership-with-rpower-sa-in-poland-facilitated-by-sr-incs-nzcb-302672722.html UK Pride Icon Soraya Maps Queer Joy & Resilience Way Beyond the Rainbow LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pillars of Change Media officially announces the launch of Pride This Way, an immersive travel and culture podcast designed to be the definitive plus-one for global travellers. Hosted by UK Pride icon Soraya Vivian, Pride This Way is the first globe-trotting Pride vodcast-slash-podcast powered by years of Soraya's VIP access. The show is committed to sharing both the glitter and the grit-documenting what Pride costs its community while serving club-ready joy, backstage tea and unfiltered moments around the world. From the pilot in Soraya's hometown of Yorkshire to the 2026 season climax at Winter Pride in Maspalomas, Pride This Way captures the unique frequency of the LGBTQ+ movement. Produced in partnership with Jack Horlock of the UK agency Horlock House, Ltd, every episode feels like a fluid DJ set spun by an icon with main character energy who knows everyone-and mixes high-octane joy with raw storytelling. "We're going a lot deeper than just parades with Pride This Way," says Soraya. "You'll meet the fam, the history, and the sheer strength that ties us together. Every episode doesn't just throw you into the noise and colour-it shows you the heart underneath all that sparkle." The 2026 season of Pride This Way serves a fierce schedule of global broadcasts (subject to change): United States: Miami Beach, Houston, Provincetown, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Miami Beach, Houston, Provincetown, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. United Kingdom: London, Birmingham, York, Blackpool, Leeds, and Manchester. London, Birmingham, York, Blackpool, Leeds, and Manchester. Europe & Beyond: Geneva, Ibiza, Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, and Maspalomas. "I founded Horlock House to bring together brands, talent and festivals that actively support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community," said Horlock. "We are committed to authenticity and driving positive awareness. This partnership allows us to scale our global advocacy, turning immersive storytelling into tangible support for all communities." "This show is a direct transmission from the heart of the global scene," said Mandy Goldberg, Pride This Way producer who has previously worked with The Washington Post, MediaCom and The Economist. "We're dedicated to opening doors to inclusive celebrations and enabling the kind of visibility that transforms how people see the world." ABOUT PILLARS OF CHANGE MEDIA By integrating philanthropy into its core business model, POC turns audience engagement into essential resources for the communities and organizations at the heart of social movements. Discover more at PillarsOfChange.com. ABOUT HORLOCK HOUSE Led by cultural ambassador Jack Horlock, UK-based Horlock House builds powerful Pride partnerships that unite brands committed to authentic advocacy with LGBTQ+ artists and communities across Europe. Through collaborations with Coca-Cola, Heineken, L'Oreal, BMW, Neutrogena, Unilever, and Jean Paul Gaultier, Horlock House connects brands to Pride events in meaningful ways that align purpose with profit. To learn more, visit HorlockHouse.com. Media Contact: tmrmedia@pillarsofchangemedia.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870933/Pillars_of_Change_Media_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870932/Pride_This_Way_Hosted_by_Soraya_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870934/Pillars_of_Change_Media___Soraya_Vivian___Host.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pride-this-way-vodcast-opens-doors-to-worlds-biggest-kiki-302672363.html Appointment builds on CHF 10 million seed financing and Board leadership expansion BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TECregen, a biotechnology company pioneering thymus rejuvenation, today announced the appointment of Dr. Klaas P. Zuideveld, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Zuideveld will lead TECregen's strategy and execution as the company advances its thymopoietic biologics designed to rejuvenate thymic epithelial cells (TECs), restore immune function, and strengthen immune resilience. Dr. Zuideveld brings more than 20 years of experience across large pharmaceutical companies and biotech, with a strong track record spanning translational strategy, clinical development, and global regulatory execution. He has contributed to multiple IND clearances and global product approvals, and has led teams through partnering, financing and value creation milestones across several therapeutic areas. "Klaas is a highly experienced leader with a proven ability to translate innovative science into rigorous clinical development programs," said Dr. Bo Rode Hansen, Chairman of TECregen. "As TECregen advances its novel approach to restoring thymic function, his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's development strategy and guiding its transition toward the clinic." Dr. Klaas Zuideveld, Chief Executive Officer of TECregen, commented: "TECregen's approach to thymus regeneration addresses a central and underexplored mechanism underlying immune dysfunction. With a strong scientific foundation, an expanding pipeline, and committed investor support, the company is well positioned to advance its programs into clinical development and build a platform capable of delivering durable benefit for patients." The appointment builds on TECregen's recent CHF 10 million seed financing led by the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), with participation from LifeSpan Vision Ventures, Carma Fund, EOS BioInnovation, High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF), the JFG Life Sciences Foundation of the University of Basel, and Zurich Cantonal Bank, as well as the appointment of Dr. Bo Rode Hansen as Chairman of the Board. TECregen's differentiated platform and expanding leadership team position the company to accelerate development of its thymus rejuvenation programs and build a pipeline of innovative biologics aimed at restoring immune competence and resilience. About TECregen TECregen is pioneering thymus rejuvenation to address conditions driven by impaired T-cell responses. The company's innovative approach focuses on revitalizing and expanding thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to replenish T cells and achieve durable improvements in immune function. By developing a pipeline of differentiated thymopoietic biologics, TECregen aims to strengthen immune recovery following transplantation or cytotoxic therapy, promote immune health, and enhance immune surveillance against cancer, ushering in a new era of immunotherapy. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tecregen-appoints-drug-development-veteran-dr-klaas-p-zuideveld-as-chief-executive-officer-to-lead-thymus-regeneration-platform-into-clinical-development-302672814.html EQS-News: CPI PROPERTY GROUP / Key word(s): Tender Offer Tender Offer Launch Announcement 29.01.2026 / 09:53 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. THE ANNOUNCEMENT REPRODUCED BELOW CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED AND WAS ALREADY PUBLISHED THROUGH THE REQUIRED CHANNELS AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014, AS AMENDED. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT REPRESENTS VOLUNTARY PUBLICATION OF THE SAME INFORMATION VIA EQS. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (THE "UNITED STATES") OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS DOCUMENT. 29 January 2026 CPI Property Group (the "Company") today announces the invitation to holders (subject to the "Offer and Distribution Restrictions" (as described below)) of (A) its outstanding (i) EUR 750,000,000 2.875 per cent. Senior Notes due 23 April 2027 (ISIN: XS2069407786) (of which EUR 317,059,000 is currently outstanding) (the "2027 Notes") to tender the 2027 Notes for purchase by the Company for cash (the "2027 Notes Offer"); (ii) GBP 400,000,000 4.000 per cent. Senior Notes due 22 January 2028 (ISIN: XS2106589471) (of which GBP 329,816,000 is currently outstanding) (the "2028 Notes") to tender the 2028 Notes for purchase by the Company for cash (the "2028 Notes Offer"); and (iii) EUR 600,000,000 7.000 per cent. Senior Unsecured Green Notes due 7 May 2029 (ISIN: XS2815976126) (of which EUR 420,000,000 is currently outstanding) (the "2029 Notes") to tender the 2029 Notes for purchase by the Company for cash (the "2029 Notes Offer") and (B) the outstanding EUR 500,000,000 2.500 per cent. Notes due 15 October 2027 issued by CPI Europe AG (formerly Immofinanz AG) (ISIN: XS2243564478) (of which EUR 108,200,000 is currently outstanding) (the "CPIE Notes" and, together with the 2027 Notes, 2028 Notes and 2029 Notes, the "Notes") to tender the CPIE Notes for purchase by the Company for cash (the "CPIE Notes Offer" and, together with the 2027 Notes Offer, the 2028 Notes Offer and the 2029 Notes Offer, the "Offers" and each an "Offer") in an aggregate nominal amount (converted into the Euro Equivalent, where applicable) of no more than the Maximum Acceptance Amount, subject to the right of the Company to increase or decrease such amount, subject to the satisfaction of the New Financing Condition (as defined below) and as otherwise set out herein. The Company also intends to issue new sterling-denominated senior notes expected to be issued by the Company on or about 5 February 2026 (the "New Notes"), subject to market conditions. Whether the Company will accept for purchase Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offers is subject, without limitation, to the successful completion (in the sole determination of the Company) of the issue of the New Notes (the "New Financing Condition"). The Offers are being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the tender offer memorandum dated 29 January 2026 (the "Tender Offer Memorandum") and are subject to the "Offer and Distribution Restrictions" set out below. Subject to applicable law, the Company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to extend, re-open, withdraw or terminate the Offers and to amend or waive any of the terms and conditions of any Offer (including the New Financing Condition) at any time before any unconditional acceptance by the Company of the Notes tendered for purchase in an Offer as described in the section "Amendment and Termination" of the Tender Offer Memorandum, including with respect to any Tender Instructions already submitted as of the time of any such extension, re-opening, withdrawal, termination, amendment or waiver. Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not otherwise defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The table below sets forth certain information relating to the Notes: Description of the Notes(1) ISIN / Common Code Outstanding Nominal Amount Minimum Denomination Purchase Price Maximum Acceptance Amount(2) EUR 750,000,000 2.875 per cent. Senior Notes due 23 April 2027 issued by the Company XS2069407786 / 206940778 EUR 317,059,000 EUR 100,000 and integral multiples of EUR 1,000 in thereafter 100.10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the 2027 Notes (the "2027 Notes Purchase Price"). Subject as set out herein, an aggregate nominal amount of Notes (converted into the Euro Equivalent, where applicable) expressed in Euro such that the total amount payable (converted into the Euro Equivalent, where applicable) by the Company for all Notes so accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers (including Accrued Interest) is no greater than EUR 400,000,000, subject to the right of the Company to increase or decrease such amount in its sole and absolute discretion GBP 400,000,000 4.000 per cent. Senior Notes due 22 January 2028 issued by the Company XS2106589471 / 210658947 GBP 329,816,000 GBP 100,000 and integral multiples of GBP 1,000 in thereafter 97.80 per cent. of the nominal amount of the 2028 Notes (the "2028 Notes Purchase Price"). EUR 600,000,000 7.000 per cent. Senior Unsecured Green Notes due 7 May 2029 issued by the Company XS2815976126 / 281597612 EUR 420,000,000 EUR 100,000 and integral multiples of EUR 1,000 in thereafter 107.75 per cent. of the nominal amount of the 2029 Notes (the "2029 Notes Purchase Price"). EUR 500,000,000 2.500 per cent. Notes due 15 October 2027 issued by CPI Europe AG XS2243564478 / 224356447 EUR 108,200,000 EUR 100,000 98.50 per cent. of the nominal amount of the CPIE Notes (the "CPIE Notes Purchase Price"). The Rate of Interest on the 2027 Notes and the 2028 Notes is 2.875 per cent. per annum and 4.000 per cent. per annum, respectively, which includes, in each case, a Step Up Margin of 1.25 per cent. per annum following the occurrence of a Step Up Rating Change (each as defined in the relevant final terms for the 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes). The Company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to increase or decrease the Maximum Acceptance Amount, or to accept none of the Notes tendered for purchase pursuant to the Offers. The Company will determine the allocation of the Maximum Acceptance Amount between each Series in its sole and absolute discretion, and reserves the right to accept significantly more or less (or none) of the Notes of any Series as compared to any other Series. If the acceptance of the aggregate nominal amount of Notes validly tendered for purchase pursuant to the Offers would result in the relevant Series Acceptance Amount being exceeded, scaling on a pro rata basis may apply, as further set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Rationale for the Offers The Offers are intended to continue the Company's proactive capital structure management by extending the Company's senior unsecured bond maturity profile. The Company intends to issue the New Notes, which are expected to be issued on or about 5 February 2026, subject to market conditions. Whether the Company will accept for purchase Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offers are subject, without limitation, to the New Financing Condition. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes (alongside potential use of available cash on balance sheet, at the Company's sole discretion), will be used for purchasing the Notes in the Offers and/or other outstanding debt. Notes purchased by the Company pursuant to the Offers will, in the case of the Notes issued by the Company, be cancelled and will not be re-issued or re-sold and, in the case of the CPIE Notes issued by CPI Europe AG, be held by the Company and are not currently expected by the Company to be re-sold. Notes which have not been validly offered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers will remain outstanding. New Financing Condition The Company is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offers. The acceptance for purchase by the Company of Notes tendered pursuant to the Offers is at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company and tenders may be rejected by the Company for any reason. In particular, the acceptance of any Notes for purchase by the Company is subject to the New Financing Condition (as described above). Any investment decision to purchase any New Notes should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the base prospectus dated 11 June 2025, as supplemented on 26 January 2026, relating to the Company's Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the "Base Prospectus"), together with the applicable final terms relating to the New Notes (which are expected to be published on or about 4 February 2026), and no reliance is to be placed on any representations other than those contained in the Base Prospectus. The Company reserves the right at any time to waive any or all of the conditions of the Offers (including the New Financing Condition) as set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The New Notes are not being, and will not be, offered or sold in the United States. Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of, the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. The New Notes have and shall only be offered in conformity with the provisions of the Base Prospectus and the selling restrictions and, if applicable, the exemption wording, contained therein. Compliance information for the New Notes: MiFID II and UK MiFIR professionals/ECPs-only/No PRIIPs or UK PRIIPs KID - eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No sales to EEA or UK retail investors; no key information document has been or will be prepared. See the Base Prospectus for further information. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the New Notes to permit a public offering of securities. Priority Allocation in the New Notes A Noteholder that wishes to subscribe for New Notes in addition to tendering or indicating its firm intention to tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers or having indicated its firm intention to tender pursuant to the Offers may, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, receive New Notes Priority, subject to such Noteholder making a separate application for the purchase of such New Notes to Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC or Goldman Sachs International (each in its capacity as a joint bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes) in accordance with the standard new issue procedures of such joint bookrunner. A key factor in the allocation of the New Notes will be whether Noteholders have validly tendered or indicated to any of Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC or Goldman Sachs International (each in its capacity as a joint bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes) their firm intention to tender their Notes. When considering allocation of the New Notes, the Company intends to give preference to Noteholders which, prior to such allocation, have validly tendered or indicated to any of Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC or Goldman Sachs International (each in its capacity as a joint bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes) their firm intention to tender their Notes and subscribe for New Notes. However, the Company is not obliged to allocate any New Notes to a Noteholder which has validly tendered or indicated a firm intention to tender their Notes pursuant to the Offers. Any allocation of the New Notes, while being considered by the Company as set out above, will be made in accordance with customary new issue allocation processes and procedures. In the event that a Noteholder validly tenders Notes pursuant to the Offers, such Notes will remain subject to such tender and the conditions of the Offers as set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum irrespective of whether that Noteholder receives all, part or none of any allocation of New Notes for which it has applied. Noteholders should note that the pricing and allocation of the New Notes is expected to take place prior to the Expiration Deadline for the Offers. To request New Notes Priority, a Noteholder should contact Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC or Goldman Sachs International (each in its capacity as a joint bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes) using the contact details on the last page of the Tender Offer Memorandum. The pricing of the New Notes is expected to take place prior to the Expiration Deadline and, as such, holder of Notes are advised to contact Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank Ireland PLC or Goldman Sachs International (each in its capacity as a joint bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes) as soon as possible prior to the pricing of the New Notes in order to request New Notes Priority. Maximum Acceptance Amount, Final Acceptance Amount, Series Acceptance Amount(s) and Scaling of the Offers Although the Company is under no obligation to accept any valid tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers, it currently proposes to, subject to the New Financing Condition, accept for purchase valid tenders of Notes in an aggregate nominal amount (converted into the Euro Equivalent, where applicable) up to the Maximum Acceptance Amount. The Company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to increase or decrease the Maximum Acceptance Amount, or to accept none of the Notes tendered for purchase pursuant to the Offers. The Final Acceptance Amount and each Series Acceptance Amount will be determined by the Company at its sole and absolute discretion by reference to the aggregate nominal amount of Notes validly tendered for purchase pursuant to the Offers and will be announced by the Company as soon as reasonably practicable after the Expiration Deadline. Each Series Acceptance Amount will be determined by the Company at its sole and absolute discretion by reference to the aggregate nominal amount of the relevant Series validly tendered for purchase pursuant to the relevant Offer and announced as soon as reasonably practicable after the Expiration Deadline. The Company will accept (i) validly tendered 2027 Notes for purchase up to the Series Acceptance Amount for the 2027 Notes; (ii) validly tendered 2028 Notes for purchase up to the Series Acceptance Amount for the 2028 Notes; (iii) validly tendered 2029 Notes for purchase up to the Series Acceptance Amount for the 2029 Notes; and (iv) validly tendered CPIE Notes for purchase up to the Series Acceptance Amount for the CPIE Notes. The aggregate nominal amount of Notes (converted into the Euro Equivalent, where applicable) accepted pursuant to the Offers may be (i) higher than the Maximum Acceptance Amount set out herein, or (ii) lower than the Maximum Acceptance Amount set out herein. The Company will determine the allocation of the Final Acceptance Amount between each Series in its sole and absolute discretion, and reserves the right to accept significantly more or less (or none) of the Notes of any Series as compared to any other Series. If the acceptance of the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes of any Series validly tendered for purchase pursuant to an Offer would result in the relevant Series Acceptance Amount being exceeded, tenders thereof will be accepted on a pro rata basis. Such pro rata allocations will be calculated by multiplying the nominal amount of the Notes of the relevant Series tendered in each relevant Tender Instruction by a factor (in respect of such Series, the "Scaling Factor") equal to (i) the relevant Series Acceptance Amount divided by (ii) the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes of the relevant Series that have been validly tendered in the relevant Offer (subject to adjustment to allow for the aggregate nominal amount of Notes of the relevant Series accepted for purchase, following the rounding of Tender Instructions as set out below, to equal the relevant Series Acceptance Amount). In respect of each Series, each tender of Notes that is subject to scaling in this manner will be rounded down to the nearest (in the case of the 2027 Notes or the 2029 Notes) EUR 1,000 in nominal amount, (in the case of the 2028 Notes) GBP 1,000 in nominal amount or (in the case of the CPIE Notes) EUR 100,000 in nominal amount. In addition, in the event of any such scaling, the Company will use reasonable endeavours to apply pro rata scaling (to the extent practicable, and adjusted as may be applicable) to each valid tender of Notes of such Series in such a manner as will result in both: the relevant Noteholder transferring to the Company an aggregate nominal amount of Notes of such Series; and the relevant Noteholder's residual amount of Notes of such Series (being the nominal amount of the Notes the subject of the relevant Tender Instruction that are not accepted for purchase by virtue of such scaling), amounting, in each case, to either (i) at least (in the case of the 2027 Notes, 2029 Notes or CPIE Notes) EUR 100,000 or (in the case of the 2028 Notes) GBP 100,000 and, in the case of the 2027 Notes, 2028 Notes and 2029 Notes only, further increments of (in the case of the 2027 Notes or 2029 Notes) EUR 1,000 or (in the case of the 2028 Notes) GBP 1,000, as applicable, or (ii) zero, and the Company therefore reserves the right (but shall not be obliged) to adjust the relevant Scaling Factor applicable to any relevant Tender Instruction accordingly. Offer Period The Offers commence on 29 January 2026 and will end at 16:00 (London time) on 5 February 2026 (such date and time, as may be extended) unless extended by the Company, in which case notification to that effect will be given by or on behalf of the Company by way of announcement as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant decision is made. In order to participate in, and be eligible to receive the relevant Purchase Price (and the relevant Accrued Interest Payment) pursuant to, the Offers, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction that is received by the Tender Agent by 16:00 (London time) on 5 February 2026 (the "Expiration Deadline"). Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a minimum nominal amount of Notes of no less than (in the case of the 2027 Notes, 2029 Notes or CPIE Notes) EUR 100,000 or (in the case of 2028 Notes) GBP 100,000, being the minimum denomination of the Notes, and may be submitted in integral multiples of (in the case of the 2027 Notes or 2029 Notes) EUR 1,000 or (in the case of 2028 Notes) GBP 1,000 thereafter. Purchase Price and Accrued Interest The Company will pay (or arrange to have paid on its behalf) the relevant Purchase Price for any Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase by the Company pursuant to the Offers. If the Company decides to accept (subject to satisfaction of the New Financing Condition) valid tenders of Notes pursuant to the Offers, the Company will pay, or arrange to have paid on its behalf, the product of (i) the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes of such Noteholder accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers and (ii) the relevant Purchase Price. The Company will also pay, or arrange to have paid on its behalf, an accrued interest payment in respect of any Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers (the "Accrued Interest Payment"). The relevant Accrued Interest Payment will be an amount in cash (rounded to the nearest EUR 0.01 and GBP 0.01, as applicable, with EUR 0.005 and GBP 0.005, as applicable, being rounded upwards) equal to the interest accrued and unpaid on the relevant Notes from (and including) the interest payment date for the relevant Notes immediately preceding the Settlement Date to (but excluding) the Settlement Date on the relevant Notes validly tendered for purchase by a Noteholder and accepted by the Company pursuant to the Offers, calculated in accordance with the terms and condition of the Notes. Expected Timetable of Events The following table sets out the expected dates and times of the key events relating to the Offers. This timetable is subject to the right of the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, to extend, re-open, withdraw or terminate any Offer and to amend or waive any of the terms and conditions of any Offer, as described in the Tender Offer Memorandum under the heading "Amendment and Termination". Accordingly, the actual timetable may differ significantly from the timetable below. Events Times and Dates (all times are London time) Commencement of the Offers Offers are announced and the New Notes issuance is launched. Tender Offer Memorandum available from the Tender Agent. 29 January 2026 Expiration Deadline Final deadline for receipt of valid Tender Instructions by the Tender Agent in order for Noteholders to be able to participate in the Offers. Determination of the Applicable Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate. 16:00 on 5 February 2026 Announcement of Results of the Offers Announcement by the Company of its decision whether to accept valid tenders of Notes pursuant to the Offers (subject to satisfaction of the New Financing Condition) and, if so accepted (i) the Maximum Acceptance Amount, (ii) the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes of each Series validly tendered, (iii) the Applicable Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate, (iv) the Final Acceptance Amount, (v) each Series Acceptance Amount, (vi) the details of any Scaling Factor to be applied to Notes for each Series, and (vii) the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes of each Series that will remain outstanding following completion of the Offers. As soon as reasonably practicable on 6 February 2026 Settlement Date for the New Notes issuance Expected to be on or about 5 February 2026 Settlement Date for the Offers Subject to satisfaction of the New Financing Condition on or prior to the Settlement Date, expected Settlement Date for the Offers. Payment of the relevant Purchase Price and the relevant Accrued Interest Payment in respect of Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers. Expected to be 12 February 2026 The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Company in its sole and absolute discretion to extend, re-open, amend, and/or terminate the Offers at any time (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum). Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offers before the deadlines specified in this announcement. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified above. See "Procedures for Participating in the Offers" in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Participation in the Offers Noteholders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Memorandum for full details of, and information regarding, the procedures for participating in the Offers. For Further Information A complete description of the terms and conditions of the Offers is set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Further details about the transaction can be obtained from: DEALER MANAGERS Banco Santander, S.A. Ciudad Grupo Santander Avenida de Cantabria s/n 28660 Boadilla del Monte Madrid Spain Attention: Liability Management Email: LiabilityManagement@gruposantander.com Barclays Bank Ireland PLC One Molesworth Street Dublin 2 Ireland D02 RF29 Attention: Liability Management Group Email: eu.lm@barclays.com Goldman Sachs International Plumtree Court 25 Shoe Lane London EC4A 4AU United Kingdom Tel: +44 207 774 4836 Attention: Liability Management Group Email: liabilitymanagement.eu@gs.com Societe Generale 17, cours Valmy 92987 Paris La Defense cedex France Attention: Liability Management Email: liability.management@sgcib.com TENDER AGENT Kroll Issuer Services Limited The News Building 3 London Bridge Street London SE1 9SG United Kingdom Telephone: +44 207 704 0880 Attention: Arlind Bytyqi Email: cpi@is.kroll.com Website: https://deals.is.kroll.com/cpi A copy of the Tender Offer Memorandum is available to eligible persons upon request from the Tender Agent. This announcement is released by CPI Property Group and contains information that qualified as inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 ("MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Offers described above. For the purposes of MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055, this announcement is made by David Greenbaum, Chief Executive Officer at CPI Property Group. Disclaimer This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Tender Offer Memorandum. Each Noteholder is solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal of all matters as such Noteholder deems appropriate (including those relating to the Offers, the Notes, the Company and the Tender Offer Memorandum) and each Noteholder must make its own decision as to whether to tender any or all of its Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers based upon its own judgement and having obtained advice from such financial, accounting, regulatory, investment, legal and tax advisers as it may deem necessary. Accordingly, each person receiving this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum acknowledges that such person has not relied upon the Company, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent (or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers or affiliates) in connection with its decision as to whether to participate in the Offers. Each such person must make its own analysis and investigations regarding the Offers, with particular reference to its own investment objectives and experience, and any other factors which may be relevant to it. If such person is in any doubt about any aspect of the Offers and/or the action it should take, including in respect of any tax consequences, it should consult its professional advisers. None of the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent (or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers or affiliates) makes any representation or recommendation whatsoever regarding this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or the Offers, and none of the Company, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent (or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers or affiliates) makes any recommendation whatsoever regarding this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or the Offers (including as to whether Noteholders should tender Notes in the Offers and no one has been authorised by any of them to make such recommendation). The Tender Agent is the agent of the Company and owes no duty to any Noteholder. Offer and Distribution Restrictions This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum do not constitute an invitation to participate in the Offers in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such invitation or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum comes are required by each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the New Notes that would permit a public offering of securities. United States The Offers are not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly in or into, or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce of or of any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone, the internet and other forms of electronic communication. The Notes may not be tendered in the Offers by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from or within the United States or by persons located or resident in the United States as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Accordingly, copies of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed or forwarded (including, without limitation, by custodians, nominees or trustees) in or into the United States or to any persons located or resident in the United States. Any purported tender of Notes in the Offers resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid and any purported tender of Notes made by a person located in the United States or any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from within the United States will be invalid and will not be accepted. Neither this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum is an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to or from any person in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities Act. The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). Each Noteholder participating in the Offers will represent that it is not located in the United States and it is not participating in the Offers from the United States, or it is acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal located outside the United States that is not giving an order to participate in the Offers from the United States. For the purposes of this and the above paragraphs, "United States" means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Republic of Italy None of the Offers, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offers are being carried out in the Republic of Italy ("Italy") as an exempted offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Noteholders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy may tender Notes for purchase through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or the Offers. United Kingdom The communication of this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum by the Company and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to, and may only be acted upon by, those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or persons who are within Article 43 or 49 of the Financial Promotion Order or any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other document or material relating to the Offers have only been and shall only be distributed in France to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other such document or material has been or will be submitted for clearance to, nor approved by, the Autorite des Marches Financiers. Belgium The Offer is not being made, and will not be made or advertised, directly or indirectly, to any individual in Belgium qualifying as a consumer within the meaning of the Belgian Code of Economic Law, as amended (a "Consumer") and this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have not been and may not be distributed, directly or indirectly, in Belgium to Consumers General Neither this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum nor the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes in the Offers will not be accepted from Noteholders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require an Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any of its respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, such Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum or the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction. In addition to the representations referred to above in respect of the United States, each Noteholder participating in an Offer will also give certain representations in respect of the other jurisdictions referred to above and generally as set out in the section "Procedures for Participating in the Offers" in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Company determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. 29.01.2026 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. View original content: EQS News New global study explores how boards in emerging markets are strengthening governance, resilience, and decision-making amid mounting uncertainty and complexity LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has teamed with Heidrick & Struggles, a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, and the INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre to publish a new report examining how boards in emerging markets are governing in an era of sustained uncertainty. Governing Under High Uncertainty: Opportunities for Emerging-Market Boards explores how directors are responding to the growing interaction of geopolitical volatility, economic disruption, technological change, climate-related risks, and evolving societal expectations. Individually and collectively, these forces are reshaping agendas, governance practices, and the role of the board itself. Based on a series of roundtables and interviews with over 100 senior directors from emerging markets worldwide, the report highlights how uncertainty today differs from traditional risk. Rather than being episodic or predictable, uncertainty is broader in scope, faster moving, and increasingly driven by "unknown unknowns" that defy conventional forecasting and risk-management approaches. The report finds that boards in emerging markets experience a compounding effect of global and local pressures. International shocks such as geopolitical tensions, trade disruption, and technological change do not replace domestic challenges but intensify them, placing additional strain on governance systems that are often still maturing. Despite these challenges, the report identifies opportunities for improvement. Many boards are reinforcing foundational governance disciplines, such as role clarity, risk oversight, and contingency planning, while also paying greater attention to trust, culture, and collective behavior. Together, these "hard" and "soft" levers are enabling boards to remain composed, cohesive, and forward-looking when uncertainty peaks. The study also points to the distinctive role that boards in emerging markets can play beyond the company itself. By engaging constructively with regulators, policymakers, and industry peers, boards can help strengthen governance standards across their markets, contribute to institutional resilience, and build trust with stakeholders. In doing so, governance becomes not only a corporate responsibility but a broader contribution to economic and societal stability. Burak Tansan, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG and Chair of the firm's Turkiye office, said: "In an era of 'sustained uncertainty', effective corporate governance depends not only on formal processes, but on board composition and the quality of debate in the boardroom. Boards that combine diversity, independence, and balanced strategic and sector expertise, and are supported by timely, high-quality information, are better positioned to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities. Regularly refreshing board composition in line with strategic priorities is therefore critical to sustaining strong governance." Commenting on the findings of the report, Jeremy Hanson, partner in Heidrick & Struggles' Chicago office and a member of the global CEO & Board of Directors Practice, said: "Boards today are operating in an environment where uncertainty is no longer an exception but a defining condition. This research underscores the growing importance of governance that combines discipline, foresight, and constructive challenges. Creating arenas for constructive debate and decision making has never been more important. Boards and companies are learning to harness the power of colliding boundaries and views. This is the new reality, and for boards in emerging markets in particular, the ability to remain composed, aligned, and forward-looking amid complexity is becoming a critical source of resilience and long-term value." Annet Aris, Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy and Academic Director of the INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre, added: "Governing under high uncertainty and complexity requires boards to move beyond reactive oversight toward deeper learning, dialogue, and engagement. By anchoring decisions in purpose and values, while remaining open to diverse perspectives, boards can build the resilience needed to thrive in unpredictable environments." The report concludes with a practical framework designed to help boards assess their readiness for high uncertainty. The framework invites boards to evaluate their governance across three dimensions: hard levers of structure and process, soft levers of trust and behavior, and ecosystem stewardship beyond the firm. Together, these elements provide a roadmap for boards seeking to govern more effectively in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Media Inquiries: BCG: media2@bcg.com Heidrick & Struggles: bwilson@heidrick.com INSEAD: news@insead.edu About BCG Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders-empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. For more information, visit www.bcg.com About Heidrick & Struggles Heidrick & Struggles is the world's foremost advisor on executive leadership, driving superior client performance through premier human capital leadership advisory services. For more than 70 years, we have delivered value for our clients by leveraging unrivaled expertise to help organizations' discover and enable outstanding leaders and teams. Learn more at www.heidrick.com About INSEAD, The Business School for the World As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures, and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity. Our global perspective and unparalleled cultural diversity are reflected in our research, teaching, partnerships as well as in our alumni network of over 71,000 members spanning 172 nationalities. With locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), and North America (San Francisco), INSEAD's business education and research spans four regions. Our 160 renowned Faculty members from 38 countries inspire more than 1,500-degree participants annually in our Master in Management, MBA, Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master's degrees (Executive Master in Finance and Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 18,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year. INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World. For more information, visit www.insead.edu About INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre: The INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre (ICGC) has been actively engaged in making a distinctive contribution to the knowledge and practice of corporate governance globally. Its vision is to be the leading center for research, innovation, and impact in corporate governance. Through its educational portfolio and advocacy, the ICGC seeks to build greater trust within the public and stakeholder communities, so that businesses are a powerful force for improvement, not only of economic markets but also for the global societal environment. For more, visit www.insead.edu/centres/corporate-governance View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/boards-in-emerging-markets-confront-a-new-era-of-heightened-uncertainty-according-to-a-global-study-by-bcg-heidrick--struggles-and-insead-302673049.html ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newton Cinema announces that its feature film Mayilaa has been officially selected for the Bright Future section at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The selection highlights the festival's focus on discovering new voices from around the world. Directed by Semmalar Annam, Mayilaa explores the lives and experiences of working women, portraying their challenges and perspectives with clarity. Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, who presents the film, said, "'Mayilaa' captures the realities and inner world of working women. With honest cinematic language, Semmalar Annam portrays a woman's world with natural nuance. Actors Melody and Sudar deliver strong performances. 'Mayilaa' deeply moved me like a poem." Building on this portrayal, Mayilaa demonstrates how storytelling can reflect everyday experiences and highlight underrepresented perspectives. Its narrative emphasizes the significance of original voices and socially conscious cinema, aligning with Newton Cinema's mission to support filmmakers whose work engages audiences beyond local contexts. "Mayilaa is a content-driven film that captures the experiences and resilience of women through Semmalar Annam's storytelling. Supporting original voices and socially relevant cinema remains central to Newton Cinema's vision, and the film's selection at IFFR is encouraging," says Anto Chittilappilly, Founder and CEO of Newton Cinema. The film's cast and crew include Melody, Sudar, Vinoth Janakiraman for cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad for editing, and Anand Krishnamoorthi for sound design, contributing to the film's immersive experience. Mayilaa addresses themes relevant across cultures and communities, providing insight into lives often unseen. The film reflects the director's vision and the production house's collaborative approach, showing that character-driven stories can resonate with international audiences. With Mayilaa, Newton Cinema continues to support films that are socially relevant and to nurture filmmakers seeking wider visibility for their work. About Newton Cinema Newton Cinema is an international production house supporting meaningful storytelling. Focusing on emerging filmmakers, it produces films that connect globally while reflecting local realities. For more information, visit https://www.newtoncinema.com , @Newton_Cinema (Instagram), @Newtoncinema (Twitter) and Newton Cinema (Facebook) Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871820/Newton_Cinema.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871819/Newton_Cinema.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mayilaa--a-newton-cinema-production--announces-world-premiere-at-the-55th-international-film-festival-rotterdam-iffr-302673257.html VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. ("West Red Lake Gold" or "WRLG" or the "Company") (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to announce drill results from its fully funded infill and conversion drilling program at the 100% owned Rowan Project located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. A total of thirty-eight (38) holes for approximately 6,000 meters ("m") are being drilled at Rowan in the current drilling program. Thirty-three (33) holes have been completed to date with five (5) holes remaining. Fire assay gold results have been received for seven (7) holes. Fire assay results are pending for thirteen (13) holes with thirteen (13) holes currently being logged and prepared for sample shipment. ROWAN DRILLING HIGHLIGHTS: Hole RLG-25-192b Intersected Vein 013 with 1m @ 141.5 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au"), from 76.1m to 77.1m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by visible gold spatially associated with quartz veining and strong silicification (Figure 1). Hole -192b also intercepted Vein 011 with 1m @ 17.55 g/t Au, from 27.6m to 28.6m. Figure 1. Multiple instances of visible gold in hole RLG-25-192b within a sheared smoky quartz vein. Drill core is HQ (63.5mm) diameter. Hole RLG-25-190 Intersected Vein 006 with 1m @ 55.8 g/t Au, from 109.5m to 110.5m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by visible gold spatially associated with quartz veining and strong silicification (Figure 2). Hole -190 also intercepted Vein 013 with 1m @ 12.5 g/t Au, from 75m to 76m. Figure 2. Multiple instances of visible gold in hole RLG-25-190 within a sheared smoky quartz vein. Drill core is HQ (63.5mm) diameter. Hole RLG-25-187 Intersected Vein 013 with 1m @ 28.5 g/t Au, from 116.25m to 117.25m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by visible gold spatially associated with quartz veining and strong silicification (Figure 3). Figure 3. Multiple instances of visible gold in hole RLG-25-190 within a sheared smoky quartz vein. Drill core is HQ (63.5mm) diameter. Will Robinson, Vice President of Exploration, stated, "It's great to be back drilling at Rowan and we are very encouraged with the results from this first batch of assays. Our updated mineralized domain model that was completed in April 2024 has been holding true with veins and mineralized zones being intercepted where expected. The main targets for this program are Veins 001, 004, 006b and 013, but we are also intercepting mineralization along trend of other modeled veins in the system. These intercepts are expected to provide meaningful data points to inform an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at Rowan planned for Q2 2026. Additionally, the larger diameter HQ drill core we are using for this program is providing excellent grade representation and larger volume samples, with instances of visible gold being commonly observed by the core logging geologists. Based on the early success in this program and the clear expansion potential at Rowan we have added an additional 1,000 m of drilling to continue extending the Vein 001 zone along strike to the west in areas previously un-drilled." TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>1 g/t Au) from drilling at Rowan Deposit. Hole ID Target Domain From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t) VG RLG-25-187 Rowan Unmodeled 45.50 47.00 1.50 1.09 AND Rowan V013 (fw) 116.25 117.25 1.00 28.50 X AND Rowan V006 149.90 150.75 0.85 1.49 AND Rowan V006 (fw) 156.65 160.50 3.85 2.71 X Incl. Rowan 158.65 159.50 0.85 5.75 AND Rowan Unmodeled 167.50 168.50 1.00 1.01 RLG-25-188 Rowan Unmodeled 32.00 33.00 1.00 2.34 X AND Rowan V013 107.80 108.80 1.00 1.56 X AND Rowan V013 115.00 116.00 1.00 1.98 X AND Rowan V018 (hw) 122.50 123.25 0.75 6.54 AND Rowan V018 129.00 130.00 1.00 2.95 AND Rowan V006 158.50 159.50 1.00 2.29 RLG-25-189 Rowan Unmodeled 101.00 102.00 1.00 1.39 AND Rowan V013 166.25 168.25 2.00 3.74 X Incl. Rowan 166.25 167.25 1.00 5.88 X AND Rowan V018 185.50 186.50 1.00 1.09 AND Rowan V018 188.00 189.00 1.00 4.29 AND Rowan V006 214.00 215.00 1.00 1.01 AND Rowan V007 232.00 233.00 1.00 1.40 RLG-25-190 Rowan V011 (fw) 57.70 59.70 2.00 5.21 Incl. Rowan 58.70 59.70 1.00 9.55 X AND Rowan V013 75.00 76.00 1.00 12.50 X AND Rowan V006 (hw) 109.50 110.50 1.00 55.80 X RLG-25-191 Rowan V011 19.25 21.25 2.00 3.67 X Incl. Rowan 19.25 20.25 1.00 6.30 AND Rowan Unmodeled 36.25 37.25 1.00 1.29 AND Rowan V013 56.00 57.00 1.00 1.01 AND Rowan V013 (fw) 59.00 59.60 0.60 1.10 AND Rowan V006 101.70 102.70 1.00 4.09 X RLG-25-192b Rowan V011 27.60 28.60 1.00 17.55 X AND Rowan V011 (fw) 47.07 48.00 0.93 11.55 AND Rowan V013 (hw) 65.00 66.00 1.00 1.08 AND Rowan V013 76.10 77.10 1.00 141.50 X RLG-25-193 Rowan V004 240.30 241.30 1.00 11.65 X AND Rowan V001 262.10 263.10 1.00 5.85 X *The "From-To" intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be = 70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Internal dilution for composite intervals does not exceed 1m for samples grading <0.1 g/t Au. The "VG" column indicates the presence of Visible Gold as observed by the core logging geologist. The (hw) and (fw) notes under "Domain" column are indicating position of grade intercept "hangingwall" or "footwall", respectively, to primary vein domain. Vein intercepts currently defined as "Unmodeled" may be incorporated into new vein domains in upcoming MRE update for Rowan. TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip RLG-25-187 Rowan 422010 5657799 367 182.20 357 -45 RLG-25-188 Rowan 422021 5657804 367 191.50 7 -51 RLG-25-189 Rowan 422053 5657761 372 245.50 358 -51 RLG-25-190 Rowan 421992 5657829 366 118.00 358 -49 RLG-25-191 Rowan 421980 5657845 367 125.50 0 -50 RLG-25-192b Rowan 421979 5657845 367 92.50 357 -67 RLG-25-193 Rowan 422159 5657811 366 305.50 334 -53 FIGURE 4. Deposit-scale plan map of Rowan project area showing traces and intercepts for holes highlighted in this News Release[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 5. Rowan drill section showing assay highlights for Holes RLG-25-190, -191 and -192b[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 6. Rowan drill section showing assay highlights for Hole RLG-25-187[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 7. Rowan drill section showing assay highlights for Hole RLG-25-188[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 8. Rowan drill section showing assay highlights for Hole RLG-25-189[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 9. Rowan drill section showing assay highlights for Hole RLG-25-193[1]- [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. ROWAN PROGRAM SUMMARY West Red Lake Gold announced results for a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Rowan Project on July 8, 2025 which demonstrates robust preliminary economics for an underground mine at Rowan producing an average of 35,230 ounces ("oz") per year over a 5-year mine life at an average grade of 8.0 g/t Au (a copy of this news release can be viewed HERE1). The drill program at Rowan (Figure 10) will now consist of around 6,000 m of HQ diameter diamond drilling including conversion drilling on Veins 001 and 004 to support the potential upgrade of Inferred resources to Indicated2 and infill drilling on Veins 006b and 013 to provide data that may enable mine design consideration ahead of a planned combined Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Madsen Mine and Rowan projects. This planned study will evaluate the potential for developing the two projects using shared infrastructure and integrated mine planning, with the goal of identifying possible operational and economic synergies3- FIGURE 10. Plan view showing Rowan Veins 001, 003, 004, 006b and 013 with proposed infill and conversion drilling and current PEA underground mine design- 2- . Vein 1 west extension target outlined in red. Conversion drilling2 at Rowan is focused on Veins 001 and 004, with the objective to bring Inferred resources to an Indicated category. These veins account for the majority of PEA production tonnes. Approximately 63% of the tonnes and 72% of the ounces were already in the Indicated category in the Rowan PEA. Infill drilling is focused on Veins 006b and 013 to provide data for potential inclusion in the planned combined PFS. Integration of Veins 006b and 013 could not only extend mine life at Rowan, but may also allow for ore extraction to begin approximately 6 months sooner due to closer proximity to the access portal. Accessing and mining mineralization earlier at Rowan has the potential to positively impact the net present value ("NPV") of the project. Inclusion of Veins 006b and 013 in future mine plans and the impact such inclusion could have is subject to the results of the drill program and the outcome of the combined PFS as reviewed by a Qualified Person. Further geotechnical, metallurgical and engineering studies are also underway at Rowan to inform the planned PFS. These studies will be completed in conjunction with ongoing permitting efforts to advance Rowan towards Advanced Exploration status, which is required for bulk sample extraction. Permits to support Advanced Exploration activities, including underground mine development, are targeted for 2027, subject to regulatory review and consultation. The Advanced Exploration permit is targeted for approval in 2027, a timeline supported by the recent launch of the One Project, One Process mine permitting framework in Ontario that aims to cut review times within the mine permitting process in half for Designated Projects, a status the Company is pursuing at Rowan.4 ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES There are multiple opportunities to potentially expand and upgrade the resource and mine plan at Rowan. The Rowan resource comprises 26 domains that capture multiple parallel veins. Three of those veins - 001, 003 and 004 - are mined in the PEA. A fourth vein with strong gold grades, called 006b, is the third largest contributor of tonnes and ounces in the current mineral resource estimate ("MRE") but was not included in the PEA mine plan because its data stems largely from historic drilling, which suffers from unsampled intervals. Vein 013 runs adjacent and sub-parallel to Vein 006b and may demonstrate similar resource upgrade potential, subject to confirmation drilling and subsequent resource estimation by a Qualified Person. Historic operators often only sampled and assayed drill core with quartz veining containing visible gold. Surrounding rock, including vein margins, narrow gaps between veins, and adjacent wall rock, was typically not sampled. During the MRE estimation process those unsampled intervals were assigned a value of half detection limit equal to 0.0025 g/t Au. This excessively diluted those areas in the resource model, which was constructed on 2-metre minimum composites for longhole stoping design consideration. During the 2023 drill campaign, WRLG demonstrated that gold mineralization regularly persists into the altered wall rock adjacent to high-grade gold veins. Selective sampling would have missed mineralization of this type. Additionally, most of the drilling on Veins 006b and 013 is from the 1980's utilizing very small 27-millimeter diameter AQ drill core with no existing competent historic core available for resampling. The 2025-2026 drilling program is being completed with 63.5-millimeter diameter HQ drill core and with an aim to infill the gaps in the historic analytical data set on Veins 006b and 013, with the goal of bringing these veins back into consideration for mine design. The next layer of opportunity at Rowan is based on expanding the deposit. Notably, the highest-grade intercept ever drilled at Rowan was achieved during the 2023 drill campaign when hole RLG-23-163B returned 70.8 g/t Au over 8.3 metres. This intercept came from the deeper portion of Vein 001 and indicates potential for mineralization to continue at depth. The Rowan vein system has only been defined down to approximately 400 metres and remains wide open for expansion at depth (Figure 11). The Rowan deposit also remains open along strike to the east and west. FIGURE 11. Long section of Rowan block model at 1 g/t Au cutoff showing PEA mine design (blue) and outline of areas planned for long hole stoping on Veins 001, 003 and 004 (red outline). Notable assay intercepts have been highlighted to indicate the strength of gold mineralization and expansion potential at depth. Intercepts are reported as core length unless otherwise stated [2]- 2 Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Drilling completed at the Rowan Property consists of oriented HQ-sized diamond drill core. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at WRLG's Mt. Jamie core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Standard reference materials and blanks are inserted at a targeted 5% insertion rate. The drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold ("VG"), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is 'cleaned' with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties with additional security tags, and transported by freight courier to ALS Thunder Bay, Ontario for assay. Samples are then prepped by ALS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 70% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 250g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. Samples returning gold values > 100 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample. Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (ALS code: AU-SCR24). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to ALS's facility in Vancouver, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with a mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish for 48-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (ALS code: ME-MS61). ALS Geochemistry analytical laboratories operate under a single Global Geochemistry Quality Manual that complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The Rowan Mine deposit presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Indicated resource of 478,707 tonnes containing 196,747 ounces ("oz") of gold grading 12.78 g/t Au and an Inferred resource of 421,181 tonnes containing 118,155 oz of gold grading 8.73 g/t Au. Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.80 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Rowan Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ontario, Canada", prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc., and dated June 30, 2025. A full copy of the report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Robinson is not independent of WRLG. The PEA and Mineral Resource disclosure summarized herein is derived from the independent technical report prepared by Fuse Advisors Inc. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a gold miner development company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. "Shane Williams" Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gwen Preston Vice President Communications Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@wrlgold.com or visit the Company's website at https://www.westredlakegold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to results of the drill program at Rowan; completion and results of the geotechnical, metallurgical and engineering studies to prepare for the combined PFS; timing and receipt of advanced exploration permit; anticipated timing and expected results in the combined PFS; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company's future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; and changes in the Company's business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 1 The PEA is preliminary in nature; it includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves; there is no certainty that the PEA results will be realized. 2 There can be no assurance that drilling at Rowan will result in the conversion of Inferred resources to Indicated; any such upgrade will depend on the results of the drill program and subsequent resource estimation by a Qualified Person. 3 There can be no assurance that the planned combined PFS will support the development of the Madsen Mine and Rowan projects as a single operation or using common infrastructure. Any such determination will depend on the outcome of such PFS and subsequent technical and economic studies. 4 https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006621/ontario-implements-one-project-one-process-to-build-mines-faster Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e57aabd-3bfc-4567-b180-c8e0b16e6af1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2022bd29-5f06-444b-9709-0624bfa7e541 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3abb039-6812-4cad-a9cd-8f02f6788db0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/713d48c9-bc91-4528-a275-f869de6e3160 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c190f6c6-b341-443e-a44d-debc1cd2189b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9241f3a-612b-4450-ae1e-2c2261574a22 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfc0b562-cfb1-44d1-bb20-ea950f431f01 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf3cfdfc-c81e-4d9a-be4b-1f3f5be4ab96 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/433ece72-85ce-456e-8687-588c69d447d3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d2295be-c359-4e34-b662-6d3e01b9a888 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59d9ff86-1b5c-4e40-8809-75d44d7238ba https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95dcade5-8cda-4ef4-ba02-5927ef2527fd Patients as Partners Europe now part of Questex's Fierce Life Sciences, brings pharma R&D and patient advocacy together in an international event this May 19-20 in London NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Questex announced the keynotes and topics for the 10th annual Patients as Partners Europe conference happening May 19-20, 2026 at the Royal National Hotel, in London, UK. Sanofi, Johnson and Johnson, Roche and Parexel kick off the conference together with patient advocacy on how integrating patient involvement throughout medicine development delivers better value for patients with increased access and inclusivity. "Patients as Partners Europe has spent a decade leading the transition from 'centricity' toward true integrated partnership. By bringing pharma, patients, and service providers together to solve complex challenges, this event highlights how impactful medicines are developed not just for patients, but in dedicated partnership with them," said 2026 co-chair Lea-Isabelle Proulx, PhD, MBA, Patient Voice Partner, Strategy, Portfolio & Operations, Roche. Previously organized by the Conference Forum, Patients as Partners Europe is now part of Questex's Fierce Life Sciences, where its combined resources offer greater market reach and networking. The 2026 keynotes and featured speakers include: Patient Keynotes Patient Experience Keynote, with Michael McGrath, Muscular Dystrophy Patient Advocate Mental Health Patient Keynote, with Clarke Carlisle, Mental Health Patient Advocate R&D Leadership Keynotes AI at Scale in Drug Development Keynote, with Lionel Bascles, PhD, SVP, Global Head of Clinical Sciences and Operations, Sanofi Advancing the Patient Voice Across R&D Keynote, with Norman Putzki, MD, PhD, Global Head of Clinical Development, Novartis Protocol Optimization Keynote, with Kenneth Getz, MBA, Director and Professor, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine Pharma companies presenting case studies include: Bayer Boehringer Ingelheim Biogen BMS Johnson & Johnson Lundbeck Novartis Pfizer Roche Sanofi UCB And more "The 2026 program highlights the latest successes for advancing integrated patient engagement in R&D, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and what matters to patients through multi-stakeholder perspectives," said Tracey Kimball, Senior Director, Patients as Partners Europe. Key topics include: Advancing Integrated Patient Engagement Patient Experience Data and Data Return Understanding Patient Preferences in Clinical Trials Reversing Protocol Complexity to Ease Patient Burden Operationalizing Early Patient Insights for Measurable Impact Collaborative Approaches to Advance Representativeness in Clinical Trials Patient Perspectives on Supporting Mental Health in Clinical Trials Addressing Barriers to Cross Border Clinical Trials Access Deploying AI to Better Understand and Integrate Patient Insights HTA/Regulatory Requirements and Patient Engagement in Drug Development About Patients as Partners Europe: Patients as Partners Europe is co-produced with patients, the R&D industry, academia, government and nonprofit organizations to establish a well-rounded program that addresses the needs of all stakeholders seeking to implement and advance patient involvement, access and diversity across the entire clinical development continuum. To learn more about Patients as Partners and access the full agenda, visit PatientsAsPartnersEU.com. About Questex Questex fuels exceptional business connections-where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here. Media Contact: Alaina Schwartz Patients as Partners Europe aschwartz@questex.com RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Editage, the flagship brand of Cactus Communications (CACTUS), successfully hosted the Saudi Research Summit 2026 in Riyadh to explore the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Saudi Arabia's research ecosystem. The summit, themed "AI-Powered Research Excellence," served as a strategic platform for discussions on how responsible AI adoption can enhance research productivity, institutional competitiveness, and global academic impact in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The summit convened key decision-makers from universities and institutions, policymakers, research leaders, reflecting the Kingdom's growing emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, and knowledge-driven development. Through in-depth exchanges, the event highlighted how AI-enabled tools and workflows are reshaping the future of research and scholarly communication. Akhilesh Ayer, CEO, Cactus Communications, said, "Our commitment towards supporting Saudi's Vision 2030 is reflected in how we innovate for the research ecosystem. With research and innovation at the heart of national progress, CACTUS is working closely with academic institutions in Saudi Arabia to embed responsible AI across research workflows and help build a resilient, future-ready research landscape." The summit featured a keynote address by Prof. Mike Grandinetti, Harvard Business School, USA, who shared perspectives on AI, innovation, and leadership in advancing national research ambitions. Following this was a panel discussion with Dr. Sulaiman Bin Ibrahim Al-Riyayi, General Director, Consultant and Expert; Dr. Abdulrahman Niazy, Director at Prince Naif bin Abdulazziz Health Research Center, King Saud University and Prof. Fatemah Almofarrah, Director of the Scientific Research Centre, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, moderated by Ruchi Chauhan, Vice President & Head of Marketing (RoW), Cactus Communications. Siddharth Bhatia, Chief Growth Officer (Institutional Sales), Cactus Communications, said, "As Saudi Arabia scales its research ambitions, the focus is shifting towards building reliable, high-quality research workflows powered by AI. The summit reflected this transition, with institutions exploring how technology can be embedded responsibly across research lifecycle. Through Editage, CACTUS is committed to working with institutions across the globe including Saudi Arabia to advance their Vision 2030 goals with purpose-built AI solutions that enable high-quality research dissemination globally." Saudi Research Summit 2026 emphasized the role of cross-institutional engagement and responsible AI adoption in advancing academic research. Aligned with Saudi's Vision 2030, Editage works closely with universities and institutions to enable high-quality research that is credible, widely discoverable, and effectively communicated through a combined strength of technology and human expertise. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872387/Saudi_Research_Summit_2026.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/editage-successfully-hosted-saudi-research-summit-2026-to-advance-ai-powered-research-excellence-aligned-with-vision-2030-302673809.html BH Macro Limited - Notice of Class Closure Meetings PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, January 29 BH Macro Limited (the "Company") (a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235) LEI: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29 Notice of Class Closure Meetings 29 January 2026 Notices of Class Closure Meetings Further to the announcement by the Company on 27 January 2026 that the Class Closure Resolution procedure contained in the Company's articles of incorporation (the "Articles") has been triggered in respect of the year ended 31 December 2025 for both the Company's Sterling share class and US Dollar share class (the "Shares"), the Company announces that a shareholder circular containing notices convening class closure meetings ("Class Closure Meetings") to be held in respect of both classes of Shares will be despatched to the Company's shareholders ("Shareholders") later today (the "Circular"). Capitalised terms used but not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the same meaning as set out in the Circular. Copies of the Circular will shortly be available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism website at https://www.fca.org.uk/markets/primary-markets/regulatory-disclosures/national-storage-mechanism . An electronic copy of the Circular will also shortly be available on the Company's website www.bhmacro.com . The Circular contains an explanation of the business to be considered at each Class Closure Meeting. The Class Closure Meetings will be held starting at 9.00 a.m. on 19 February 2026 at the offices of Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3QL. Class Closure Resolution If passed by the Shareholders of the relevant class, the Class Closure Resolution to be proposed at each Class Closure Meeting requires the Company to make the following options (the "Class Closure Options") available to those Shareholders in respect of their holdings of shares of that class: (a) to offer all or some of their shares for redemption by the Company; (b) to convert all or some of their shares into shares of the other class of shares; or (c) to remain in the class, (subject to the Company retaining the ability to redeem or convert those shares if the remaining number of Shares of the relevant class was insufficiently large or not widely enough held to justify its continuation following the exercise of the Class Closure Options). Alternatively, if holders of both classes of the Company's shares approve a Class Closure Resolution, the Company is required to put in place measures for its winding-up instead of offering the Class Closure Options to Shareholders. If a Class Closure Resolution is rejected, no further action is required to be taken in respect of the relevant class of shares. Depending on the share price performance of the relevant class compared to its NAV, the earliest that another class closure resolution may be required to be proposed under the Articles in relation to that class would be in not less than twelve months' time, in 2027. The Board believes that the Company continues to fulfil its purpose and retains the utmost confidence in Brevan Howard Capital Management LP (the "Manager") and the strategy of the Master Fund, both of which the Board continues to monitor closely. The Circular includes a letter from the Manager setting out its support for the Company and further information provided by the Manager regarding the past and comparative performance of the Company. Recommendation The Board considers that a vote AGAINST the Class Closure Resolution, to be proposed at each Class Closure Meeting, is in the best interests of Shareholders as a whole. All directors intend to vote their own beneficial holdings AGAINST the Class Closure Resolution to be proposed at each Class Closure Meeting. The Board unanimously recommends Shareholders to vote AGAINST the Class Closure Resolution to be proposed at each Class Closure Meeting. Class Closure Resolutions The Class Closure Resolution to be proposed at each Class Closure Meeting is a special resolution, which requires not less than seventy-five per cent. of the members of the relevant class of Shares and duly appointed proxies attending the meeting and voting on a show of hands to vote in favour (excluding any votes that are withheld) or, if a poll is demanded, not less than seventy-five per cent. of the total voting rights cast on the relevant resolution (excluding any votes that are withheld) to be in favour. Each Class Closure Resolution will be conducted by poll. Action to be taken Holders of US Dollar Shares should complete and return the Form of Proxy featuring a blue band for the Class Closure Meeting of the US Dollar Shares to the Registrar, Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited, c/o The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than 9.00 a.m. on 17 February 2026 and/or attend and vote at the meeting on 19 February 2026. Holders of Sterling Shares should complete and return the Form of Proxy featuring a purple band for the Class Closure Meeting of the Sterling Shares to the registrar, Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited, c/o The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than 9.15 a.m. on 17 February 2026 and/or attend and vote at the meeting on 19 February 2026. The Form(s) of Proxy may also be sent to Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited by email at externalproxyqueries@computershare.co.uk . The lodging of a Form of Proxy will not prevent you from attending the relevant Class Closure Meeting and voting in person if you so wish. Expected Timetable Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy for the US Dollar Class Closure Meeting 9.00 a.m. on 17 February 2026 Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy for the Sterling Class Closure Meeting 9.15 a.m. on 17 February 2026 US Dollar Class Closure Meeting 9.00 a.m. on 19 February 2026 Sterling Class Closure Meeting 9.15 a.m. on 19 February 2026 All references are to Guernsey time. Company website: www.bhmacro.com Enquiries: The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: +44 (0) 1481 745001 Manager Brevan Howard Capital Management LP Email: bhmacro.ir@brevanhoward.com Corporate Broker J.P. Morgan Cazenove William Simmonds / Rupert Budge Tel: +44 (0)20 3493 8000 ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Jan 29, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure -from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations-by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.Power grids, rail networks, manufacturing facilities, and other critical assets are often decades old and are under pressure from rising demand, extreme weather, and aging components. Failures within these systems can lead to severe cascading impacts, including widespread blackouts, safety incidents, environmental damage, and significant economic losses. By combining Hitachi Energy's extensive expertise in managing critical infrastructure with Microsoft's advanced artificial intelligence and data capabilities, operators can transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, comprehensive, data-driven asset lifecycle management-addressing issues before they occur.Hitachi Energy is reinventing Hitachi Energy's Ellipse Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Microsoft Foundry - into a unified solution to manage data, analytics, and business operations. It builds on the strategic alliance between Hitachi, Ltd. and Microsoft Corp. announced in June 2024, which established plans to embed Microsoft technologies into Hitachi's Lumada solutions. Today's announcement brings that collaboration to the energy sector, and leverages Ellipse's 40 years of EAM expertise with Microsoft's advanced technology and capabilities."Hitachi Energy has decades of experience building and operating the infrastructure that keeps modern life running," said Massimo Danieli, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Business Unit Grid Automation at Hitachi Energy. "Microsoft technology accelerates and enhances value to our Ellipse customers, while also bringing to market a solution that is unmatched in terms of IT and OT capabilities, offering essential service providers the ability to operate more intelligently and sustainably.""Critical Infrastructure operators need insight they can act on. Together with Hitachi Energy, we're combining AI, cloud, and enterprise systems to help organizations move from reactive maintenance to predictive operations, improving reliability, safety, and long-term value for the infrastructure society depends on" said, Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Mobility, Microsoft.The solution leverages a combination of advanced digital solutions, including Microsoft Foundry, Fabric, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Dynamics 365, to integrate critical datasets supporting asset operations and provide unprecedented visibility of equipment across entire networks. It can recommend the best time for maintenance based on supply chain, HR, and financial data, ultimately helping organizations operate and plan investments more efficiently. This means more reliable services, safer operations, and fewer emergency repairs, which are often the most expensive and disruptive.The Value of IntegrationTraditionally, EAMs and supporting systems, like ERPs and CRMs, operate independently, making data silos. EAM data focuses on asset lifecycle management but can be strengthened when combined with supporting data, like financials, procurement, and workforce planning, often found in an ERP or CRM. This separation often leads to inefficiencies, data duplication, and limited visibility. By integrating these systems, with Microsoft's Agentic business applications, utilities gain:-End-to-End Visibility: A single source of truth for assets, financials, and operations enables better decision-making and compliance.-Optimized Asset Management: Real-time data flow between EAM and ERP systems for accurate budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.-Improved Reliability and Resilience: Predictive maintenance powered by integrated data reduces downtime and extends asset life.-Streamlined Processes: Unified workflows eliminate redundancies, accelerate work orders, and improve customer service.-Regulatory and Sustainability Alignment: Integrated reporting supports environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and regulatory compliance.The Hitachi Energy solution will be delivered through the company's ecosystem of system integrators, including Hitachi Solutions, a global systems integrator within the Hitachi Group, as the foundational advisor and partner to implementation design. Hitachi Solutions' recent recognition as Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Finance) Partner of the Year, along with its extensive experience delivering largescale, global digital transformations, will help accelerate adoption and provide consistent, high-quality outcomes for end users."Hitachi Solutions is proud to support this strategic reinvention and the tremendous impact it can have to drive new efficiencies into critical OT applications," said Soichiro Ohara, Chairman & CEO, Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. "Our role is to drive rapid deployment, integration, and business outcomes, ensuring customers realize the full potential of this industry-leading AIdriven solution."Driving Digital TransformationFor customers, this integration can become the backbone and strategic enabler of their digital transformation priorities. It empowers organizations to move from reactive to proactive operations, leverage advanced analytics, and deliver value to customers while controlling costs. This integration transforms tools from passive repositories into dynamic, self-optimizing platforms that consolidate data, automate processes, and drive enterprise-wide efficiency.Ellipse is part of the Asset & Work Management suite of solutions, which supports the HMAX Energy portfolio of digitally enabled services. HMAX by Hitachi is a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time - balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we cocreate and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://x.com/HitachiEnergyAbout Hitachi SolutionsHitachi Solutions empowers sustainable business transformation through tailored advisory, consulting, and technology solutions for organizations worldwide. Our expertise spans finance, sales, and service transformation, low-code innovation, and the strategic use of AI and data to drive insight and efficiency. As part of the global business strategy, Hitachi Solutions is dedicated exclusively to the Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging its cloud platforms and AI innovation to achieve meaningful business outcomes for our customers. Our global teams operate across North America, Europe, India, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In everything we do, we partner closely with our customers to drive transformation, build lasting value, and honor the trusted values that define Hitachi. https://global.hitachi-solutions.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Digital Science and Silverchair have partnered to further support research integrity for publishers by integrating the Dimensions Author Check API into ScholarOne Manuscripts as part of the Silverchair Universe program. Built on Digital Science's Dimensions - the world's largest interconnected global research database - Dimensions Author Check provides unmatched transparency into authors', editors', and reviewers' publishing and collaboration histories. With more than 9,000 journal sites using ScholarOne, publishers globally will benefit from Author Check's reliable, concise, structured insights, enabling them to quickly spot unusual activities, such as retractions, expressions of concern, or atypical collaboration patterns. "We're delighted to add Author Check as a Silverchair Universe partner to the direct benefit of ScholarOne users," said Hannah Heckner Swain, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Silverchair. "By connecting best-in-class services to our products, we give publishers the flexibility of choosing the services that best fit their needs." Dr Leslie McIntosh, VP of Research Integrity & Security at Digital Science, said: "ScholarOne is used by millions of researchers worldwide, which makes it an ideal platform to integrate the Dimensions Author Check API. "Supporting the integrity of the scholarly record is vital for upholding trust and transparency in research itself, where publishers play a critical role. Because the Author Check API can be used at scale, ScholarOne will now offer maximum benefit to the academic publishing community." For publishers interested in learning more about the Dimensions Author Check API, see the website or explore the Silverchair Universe program: www.silverchair.com/universe About Silverchair Silverchair is the leading independent platform partner for scholarly and professional publishers, serving our growing community through flexible technology and unparalleled services. Our teams build, maintain, and innovate platforms across the publishing lifecycle-from idea to impact. Our products facilitate submission, peer review, hosting, dissemination, and impact measurement, enabling researchers and professionals to maximize their contributions to our world. www.silverchair.com About Dimensions Part of Digital Science, Dimensions hosts the largest collection of interconnected global research data, re-imagining research discovery with access to grants, publications, clinical trials, patents and policy documents all in one place. Follow Dimensions on Bluesky, X and LinkedIn. About Digital Science Digital Science is an AI-focused technology company providing innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by researchers, universities, funders, industry, and publishers. We work in partnership to advance global research for the benefit of society. Through our brands - Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, metaphacts, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic, and Writefull - we believe when we solve problems together, we drive progress for all. Visit digital-science.com and follow Digital Science on Bluesky, on X or on LinkedIn. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282039 Source: Digital Science The International Tourism Trade Fair has once again confirmed its role as a key driver of Madrid's economy, generating an economic impact of 505 million and reaffirming its strong convening power with more than 255.000 attendees. MADRID, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), organised by IFEMA MADRID, has closed with a positive outcome, once again demonstrating its strong convening power after welcoming just over 255,000 visitors across its five-day program. Attendance during the professional days remained in line with the previous edition at 155,000 visitors, supported by a 12% increase in international attendance, broadly matching the 11% growth in international exhibitors. Weekend public attendance was also consolidated at around 100,000 travellers. These results consolidate FITUR's outstanding participation figures, with more than 10,000 companies from 161 countries, including 111 countries with official representation, and 967 main exhibitors. The economic impact of FITUR 2026 on Madrid reached 505 million, while supporting the maintenance of 3,753 jobs, confirming the fair's position as one of the region's most significant international events of the year and a key contributor to economic and tourism activity. FITUR thus opens 2026 by confirming the strong momentum of the global tourism sector. This favourable context is reflected in 2025 figures, a year in which, according to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals worldwide exceeded 1.5 billion, while Spain welcomed 97 million international tourists, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The 46th edition opened on Wednesday 21 January with a minute of silence, reflecting the tourism sector's solidarity with the victims of recent railway accidents. The gesture was echoed during the official opening on Thursday 22 January, when Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain signed the book of condolences at the Andalucia stand. Institutional backing and sector confidence FITUR 2026's institutional relevance was underscored by the official inauguration presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, as well as more than 70 institutional visits by regional presidents, ministers and deputy ministers of tourism from around the world, alongside senior tourism authorities. These visits highlighted FITUR's strategic role as a global forum for dialogue, cooperation and international projection for the tourism sector. FITUR: a commitment to knowledge and a more future-focused offer The strong attendance translated into intense activity across the nine exhibition halls, where destinations, companies and institutions from around the world showcased new products, strategies and projects. During the professional days, the Knowledge Hub emerged as one of the fair's central pillars, featuring eight auditoriums, ten conference programs, more than 200 sessions and over 250 speakers. In parallel, FITUR's specialized sections enriched and diversified the fair's overall offering. FITUR 4all advanced the agenda for accessible and inclusive tourism; FITUR Cruises strengthened the profile of sustainable blue tourism; and the launch of FITUR Experience, together with FITUR Lingua and FITUR LGTB+, energized segments with strong growth potential. Meanwhile, FITUR Screen, Sports, Talent and TechY promoted the intersection of tourism with culture, sport, talent and technology; FITUR Woman highlighted female leadership in tourism; and FITUR Know-How & Export showcased the international expertise of Spanish companies. With this outcome, and a strong and wide-ranging showcase by Mexico as Partner Country,FITUR 2026 has reaffirmed its global leadership in terms of participation and visitor numbers, its relevance for professionals in generating business opportunities and partnerships, and its contribution to strengthening tourism as an economic and social driver, as well as to the development of a more diverse, competitive and future-focused tourism offer. IFEMA MADRID is already working on FITUR 2027, which will take place from 20 to 24 January, with Puerto Rico as Partner Country. Photo gallery HERE About FITUR FITUR, the International Tourism Trade Fair, is one of the leading global events in the tourism industry and has been held in Madrid since 1981. Each year, it brings together industry professionals, companies, destinations, and international organizations to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities. Organized by IFEMA MADRID, FITUR has established itself as a global benchmark for driving and promoting tourism. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2829704/5737771/FITUR_Mexico_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870712/FITUR_2026.jpg Alejandra Elorza FITUR Press Officer Tel.: +34 629 64 49 68 aelorza@ifema.es Helena Valera International Press Tel.: +34 629 64 42 08 evalera@ifema.es Lucas Farioli International Press Tel.: +34 678 64 92 12 lfarioli@ifema.es View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fitur-2026-reinforces-its-leadership-as-a-driver-of-global-tourism-302672472.html HIROSHIMA, Japan, Jan 29, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) today announced that cumulative global production and sales of the Mazda CX-5 have both reached five million units as of the end of 2025. This milestone makes the third Mazda model to surpass the five-million-units, following the Mazda323 and the Mazda3. Among Mazda vehicles that fully incorporate the SkyactivTechnology and "Kodo - Soul of Motion", the CX-5 reached this landmark in the shortest time.To date, the CX-5 has been sold in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. It continues to be chosen by customers across the globe as Mazda's crossover SUV, carrying forward and further refining its vibrant, sporty design and effortless driving experience.Since production of the first-generation CX-5 began at the Ujina Plant No.2 in 2011, Mazda has expanded its manufacturing footprint to Ujina Plant No.1, the Hofu Plant*1, and facilities in China. Local assembly *2 has also been carried out in Malaysia and Vietnam, allowing the CX-5 to grow into the best-selling model *3 in Mazda's current lineup. The all-new CX-5 was unveiled in Europe in July 2025. Following its European debut, it will be launched in North America and Japan in spring 2026.Koichiro Yamaguchi, Program Manager for the CX-5, commented: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all customers and fans around the world who have supported the CX-5. The all-new CX-5 has been fully changed in eight years, further refines its sporty design and driving dynamics. It offers a spacious cabin where all passengers can enjoy comfort and ease, along with a redesigned Human-Machine Interface*4. Meticulously focused on daily usability, it has evolved into a new-generation SUV that makes driving more comfortable and life itself richer. We will continue to nurture the CX-5 carefully, aiming for it to be cherished for years to come."Mazda will continue to pursue the "Joy of Driving" and create cars loved by customers under its core value of Radically Human, and aim to deliver the "Joy of Living" by creating moving mobility experiences in the daily lives of its customers.History of the MAZDA CX-5First-generation of the CX-5September 2011 - World premiere at the "2011 Frankfurt Motor Show". *5November 2012 - Won the Japan Car of the Year award.January 2013 - Ranked first in domestic SUV sales in Japan for 2012. *6January 2014 - Ranked first in domestic SUV sales in Japan for 2013. *6April 2015 - Achieved one million units in cumulative global production.Second-generation of the CX-5November 2016 - World Premiere at the "Los Angeles Auto Show".February 2022 - For the ninth consecutive year, the model earned the highest safety rating, "IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+," in evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).Third-generation CX-5July 2025 - Unveiled in Europe.October 2025 - The All-new CX-5 was exhibited for the first time to visitors at the "Japan Mobility Show 2025 (European specification vehicle)".*1 Production is not currently carried out at the Hofu Plant.*2 Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CMA) produces the CX-5 in China. Locally assembled units in Malaysia (Mazda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.) and Vietnam (Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) are counted as part of domestic production.*3 The bestselling model in Mazda's product lineup since 2018.*4 It is a generic term referring to a method of exchanging information between humans and machines, as well as the devices and software used for this purpose.*5 The official name is "64th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung".*6 According to Mazda. SUVs refer to domestic vehicles classified as off-road 4WD (including some 2WD models) by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.Source: MazdaCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) (FSE: C8MQ) ("Hannan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the restart of drilling in early February 2026 and provide results from two drill holes (HDDRH001 and HDDRH002) at the Ricardo Herrera prospect from its maiden drilling campaign at the 100% owned Belen prospect, located within the permitted Valiente Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") area in Peru. These first-ever drill holes represent an important milestone in systematically exploring this new Miocene-aged porphyry-epithermal mineral belt in a back-arc setting. Five High Level Takeaways First Ever Drill Program Advances: Six holes totalling over 2,600 metres have now been completed across three prospects at Belen, with Ricardo Herrera results reported today and Sortilegio assays pending, with results systematically building understanding of this new district. Drilling Restarts in February: After a short wet season pause, drilling recommences in early February with follow-up holes at Sortilegio and Vista Alegre, where high-grade gold boulders up to 2.7 g/t Au remain unexplained and untested. Complex System Confirmed at Ricardo Herrera: Drilling has confirmed a low grade and complex, multi-phase intrusive system with multiple mineralising events, including early copper-molybdenum overprinted by later gold-silver. Previsto Shapes Up as the Main Event: An independent expert review confirms our flagship Previsto target shares striking similarities to globally-significant alkaline gold deposits like Cripple Creek (+28 Moz) and Porgera (+34 Moz). With 69 m @ 2.4 g/t Au in channel sampling, drill permitting is advancing now. Well-Funded to Execute: With over C$9 million in working capital and six geologists on the ground at Previsto, we have the team and the capital to aggressively advance this exciting new belt through 2026. Michael Hudson, CEO, states: "These first drill results at Belen represent an important milestone for Hannan - with drill results from Ricardo Herrrera from what we believe is a significant new Miocene-aged porphyry-epithermal belt in Peru. While the grades intersected at Belen to date are modest, this is typical of early-stage exploration in a new district. What's encouraging is the confirmation of a complex, multi-phase intrusive system with multiple overprinting hydrothermal events - exactly the geological ingredients needed for significant mineral systems. "At Ricardo Herrera, we've confirmed evidence for an early copper-molybdenum event overprinted by a later gold-silver event, with vein stages similar to Au-rich porphyry copper systems. At Sortilegio, initial drilling intersected the deep roots of the magmatic system, with textures indicating the intrusions had capacity to generate hydrothermal fluids - a positive sign for the broader belt." "The real excitement lies at Previsto, where Dr Alan Wilson's expert review has confirmed striking similarities to major alkaline epithermal deposits like Cripple Creek and Porgera - systems that host tens of millions of ounces of gold. The roscoelite-adularia-fluorite alteration assemblage and Au-Ag-Te-V geochemistry at Previsto are textbook indicators of these vertically extensive, high-grade systems. With six geologists now on the ground advancing field programs and the DIA drill permit application to be submitted shortly, we are positioning Previsto as our highest-priority target. The Company is well-funded with over C$9 million in working capital to aggressively explore this exciting new belt." For those who like the details: Drilling Restarts in Early February 2026 Following Wet Season Shutdown over the Christmas Period Access work continued throughout January 2026, with drilling scheduled to recommence in early February. A second hole at Sortilegio will test a different part of the system and potential source of anomalous gossanous boulders (0.2 g/t to 0.8 g/t Au), followed by additional holes at the Vista Alegre gold epithermal targeting geochemical and high-resistivity anomalies along a 2.4 km trend. Belen Drilling Program Update - Results Released and Outstanding Six diamond drill holes totalling 2,607.55 m have been completed at Belen, representing the first drilling within this emerging Miocene back-arc porphyry and epithermal belt. Results from Vista Alegre (3 holes) were released in August 2025. Results from Ricardo Herrera (2 holes) are reported herein. One drill hole at Sortilegio is awaiting assays. While initial results are modest in terms of grade, drilling has confirmed a complex geological architecture with multiple intrusive phases and overprinting hydrothermal events - validating the district-scale potential of this new metallogenic province. Ricardo Herrera - Multiple Intrusive Phases and Overprinting Events Identified At the Ricardo Herrera prospect, two diamond drill holes have been completed (HDDRH001, HDDRH002), with assay results now received. Drilling intersected a complex intrusive sequence, with up to seven distinct intrusive phases identified through detailed geological logging and multi-element geochemical analysis. The data indicate the presence of multiple overprinting hydrothermal events, including an earlier copper-molybdenum (Cu-Mo) event, followed by a later gold-silver (Au-Ag) event associated with subsequent intrusive phases. Vein stages observed are similar to those found in Au-rich porphyry copper systems, including early magnetite stringers and quartz-pyrite-molybdenite veins. Highest individual assays in both drillholes were: 0.6 g/t Au over 1.1 m, 0.63% Cu over 0.1 m, 862 ppm Mo over 0.6 m. Sortilegio - Deep Intrusive Complex Indicates Belt-Scale Potential (Assays Pending) At the Sortilegio prospect, the first drill hole (HDDSL001) intersected rocks interpreted to be structurally deep in the magmatic system - a composite mafic to felsic intrusive complex with equigranular textures suggesting formation at depth (5 km to 6 km), below that typically associated with porphyry deposits (1 km to 3 km). The chargeability anomaly targeted by this hole is now interpreted to be explained by an elevated abundance of primary magnetite, hosted within a gabbro-diorite intrusive phase. Importantly, the locally aplitic groundmass in a K-feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite indicates the magma had the capacity to generate hydrothermal fluids - a positive indicator for the broader belt's discovery potential. Assays are pending. Previsto - Alkaline Epithermal System with World-Class Deposit Analogues At Previsto, an independent geological review has confirmed clear similarities in alteration assemblages and mineralization styles to major alkaline epithermal deposits globally, including Cripple Creek (>28 Moz Au), Porgera (>34 Moz Au), and Emperor (>9.9 Moz Au). The Las Helenas zone at Previsto features roscoelite-adularia-fluorite alteration and Au-Ag-Te-V geochemistry characteristic of these world-class systems. With previous channel sampling returning exceptional results including 69.1 m @ 2.4 g/t Au (including 26.0 m @ 5.4 g/t Au), the Company has a team of six geologists conducting systematic field work. The DIA drill permit application at Previsto will be submitted soon, positioning the Company to commence drilling at this highly prospective target. Drilling Program at Belen Belen is located 23 km SW of Previsto Central and contained within the permitted Valiente DIA area. The initial phase of drilling at Belen began in May 2025 and was paused for the wet season. Six drillholes have been completed for 2,607.55 m to date. The status of results is as follows: Vista Alegre: 3 holes completed - results released August 21, 2025 (see press release) Ricardo Herrera: 2 holes completed - results reported herein Sortilegio: 1 hole completed - assays pending Drilling will restart in early February 2026. Hannan Metals is committed to legal compliance, community respect, and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that all operations only proceed with proper authorization from local populations and with required environmental and archaeological certifications. Ricardo Herrera: At Ricardo Herrera, two diamond drillholes have been completed. Both holes targeted a coherent copper soil anomaly exceeding 500 ppm Cu (pXRF), developed above a composite intrusive complex emplaced into sediments of the Palaeogene Huayabamba Formation. Drilling confirmed the presence of a multiphase intrusive system, ranging in composition and texture from fine-grained hornblende-biotite monzodiorite porphyry, crowded plagioclase-biotite-hornblende diorite porphyry, through to a series of possible syn-mineral monzonite to quartz monzonite porphyries. These intrusions have produced hornfelsing in adjacent siltstone units, consistent with emplacement at relatively shallow crustal levels. Highest individual assays in both drillholes were: 0.6 g/t Au over 1.1 m, 0.63% Cu over 0.1 m, 862 ppm Mo over 0.6 m. Alteration across the system is generally incipient to weak, characterized by biotite-epidote assemblages with a later chlorite overprint. Mineralization observed to date is minor and discontinuous, consisting of occasional magnetite-epidote-pyrite stringers, rare quartz-pyrite-molybdenite veins, and quartz-pyrite chalcopyrite porphyry-style veins and veinlets, as well as epidote-pyrite chalcopyrite veinlets. Anhydrite was a widespread late-stage vein phase that was hydrated to gypsum before being removed by groundwater, accounting for poor rock quality in the upper portions of the drill holes. Sortilegio (Assays Pending): One drill hole has been completed at the Sortilegio prospect (HDDSL001). The geology of the target area comprises a composite mafic to felsic intrusive complex of broadly equigranular nature, suggesting these rocks formed at some depth (5-6 km), below that typically associated with porphyry deposits (1-3 km). Observed intrusive phases are largely fresh, with local occurrences of magnetite stringers and goethite veinlets after pyrite. The diorite phases are fine to medium grained and equigranular, whilst a K-feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite contains abundant large orthoclase phenocrysts set in an equigranular to locally aplitic groundmass. Whilst the locally aplitic groundmass in the quartz monzonite indicates it had the capacity to generate a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid, igneous textures indicate this intrusive complex is likely the batholith associated with any porphyry system that may have developed at higher level but which is now-eroded. While there appears limited porphyry discovery potential remaining at Sortilegio itself, the observation that the right magmatic processes were occurring in the deeper environment is considered positive from a belt-scale discovery perspective. A second hole is planned for 600 m to the south-east to test a coincident IP and geochemistry anomaly, with the aim to locate the source of mineralized gossanous boulders (0.2 g/t to 0.8 g/t Au) adjacent to the drill platform. Vista Alegre (Results Previously Released August 21, 2025): Three drill holes were completed at Vista Alegre testing IP chargeability and geochemical anomalies. As reported in August 2025, drilling intercepted peripheral/leakage structures rather than the main mineralized zone, returning up to 0.4 g/t Au interpreted as surficial enrichment restricted to the upper 90 m regolith profile. The source of 21 mineralized boulders (0.15 g/t to 2.72 g/t Au, up to 1,475 ppm As) located 300 m to 500 m east of drilling remains undiscovered. The main exploration target at Vista Alegre remains the source of these auriferous boulders in several drainages over a strike length of 1.5 km. Boulders are strongly silicified and pyritic, commonly displaying cemented breccia textures with grey cryptocrystalline quartz intergrown with fine-grained disseminated pyrite. The geochemical association of these boulders is Au-Ag-As-Bi-Sb-Te, indicating an epithermal environment of formation. Extensive resistivity anomalies immediately east of the boulder trains remain to be targeted and will be the focus for follow-up drilling. These results, combined with untested high-resistivity targets identified for Stage 2 drilling, suggest the current holes are peripheral to a potentially significant epithermal system that requires additional drilling to locate the main mineralized structures. Previsto - Priority Target with Global Analogues: At Previsto, located 23 km NE of Belen, field work continues with a team of six geologists conducting systematic mapping, sampling and geological interpretation. An independent expert review by Dr. Alan Wilson (GeoAqua Consultants) has identified clear similarities in alteration assemblages and mineralization styles to major alkaline epithermal deposits globally, providing an important framework for understanding the system. The geology of Previsto comprises two main geological domains separated by a regional-scale NNW-striking fault. The Western Domain contains alkaline intrusive rocks including syenite porphyry and possible nepheline syenite (indicated by pseudoleucite phenocrysts), to which epithermal Au-Ag and Cu-Mo mineralization appear associated. Three mineralised zones have been identified: Las Helenas Zone: An extensive zone (at least 2 km x 1.5 km) of Au-Ag-Te-V anomalies associated with adularia-white mica-pyrite alteration and roscoelite-adularia veining/breccia cement. The highest grade Au-Ag mineralization is associated with roscoelite-adularia-cemented breccias that are largely devoid of sulphides. Fluorite is a locally abundant alteration phase. Previous channel sampling returned exceptional results including 69.1 m @ 2.4 g/t Au (including 26.0 m @ 5.4 g/t Au) with peak assays of 3.0 m @ 12.7 g/t Au. North Copper Zone: A 1.3 km x 0.5 km zone of anomalous Cu Mo associated with phengitic white mica alteration and relict secondary biotite. Host rock is an orthoclase-megacrystic monzonite to syenite stock, with local pseudoleucite phenocrysts indicating silica-undersaturated ultrapotassic rocks (comparable to Galore Creek, BC). Channel sampling has returned consistent intervals of >0.1% Cu. South Gold Zone: A ~1 km x 1 km zone of Au Cu anomalism hosted by Cretaceous sandstone, associated with goethite-rich quartz veinlets and silicified, pyrite-rich breccias. The expert review notes that all comparative alkaline epithermal examples (Cripple Creek, Porgera, Emperor) display regional structural association with major arc-transverse structures and/or transient periods of extension, mineralization spatially and temporally associated with alkaline intrusive complexes, and vertically extensive ore zones (>700 m to >1,000 m). Multiple vein and breccia zones are likely to be present at Las Helenas, and understanding structural controls on mineralization will be key to unlocking discovery potential. The DIA drill permit application at Previsto will be submitted Q2-2026, advancing this high-priority target toward its maiden drilling program. About the Valiente Project The 100% owned Valiente project is in central eastern Peru, east of the city of Tingo Maria (Figures 1 and 2). The area is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The project was found in 2021 during an extensive greenfields prospecting program initiated by Hannan for back-arc porphyry copper-gold systems. The Company has been actively prospecting on the project since 2021 and has successfully gained social permits progressively in all areas of interest. During 2021 Hannan staked and still holds 1,002 km2 of 100% owned mining concessions at Valiente covering unexplored terrain for potential mineralized porphyry targets in central eastern Peru. The Valiente Project has rapidly evolved from a greenfields prospect to a multi-prospect opportunity. Early surface prospecting identified two outcropping copper-gold porphyry targets and one epithermal target at Belen (see Press Release Feb 16, 2023). Porphyry areas quickly followed at Serrano Norte, Serrano and Pucacunga. The focus more recently has been on Previsto. At Previsto and Belen, a district-scale porphyry cluster within an area of 25 km by 10 km, with eight porphyry and/or epithermal targets now identified in more detail with up to 10 earlier stage targets awaiting further work. The company is executing a multi-year strategy to systematically explore and drill test its extensive land package in this emerging Miocene-aged, linked porphyry-epithermal mineral belt. Technical Background All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using trackable parcels and by company staff. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250 g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest performed on 0.25 g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Gold was analyzed in rock and soils by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30 g fire assay sample charge. Soil samples were analyzed by a portable XRF (VANTA-VMR) using an in-house protocol which includes routine use of CRM and field duplicates as well as 10% check samples analyzed by ALS Lima. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples. At this stage true widths of mineralization are not known. Grab or panel samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) (FSE: C8MQ) Hannan Metals Limited is an exploration company focused on the discovery of large gold and copper mineralizing systems in new frontiers in Peru. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Australia, Europe and South America. Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news. Figure 1: Overview of the 1,002 km2 Valiente project area in Pe To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5402/282027_902ffebad48caae0_005full.jpg Figure 2: Map of the Belen - Previsto area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5402/282027_902ffebad48caae0_006full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282027 Source: Hannan Metals Ltd. Lyken.AI and Clairvoyant Holdings Inc. Outline Proposed Collaboration for AI-Enabled Infrastructure and Engineering Services VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Alset AI Ventures Inc. (TSXV:GPUS)(OTC:GPUSF)(FSE:1R60, WKN:A40M0J) ("Alset AI" or the "Company") announces that its 100% owned Cedarcross International Technologies Inc., operating under the brand Lyken.AI ("Lyken.AI" or "Lyken"), has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding dated January 28, 2026 (the "MOU") with Clairvoyant Holdings Inc. ("CHI") in respect of a proposed commercial collaboration focused on the deployment of Lyken's artificial intelligence-enabled infrastructure, cloud computing, software development, and engineering capabilities across CHI's clinical and wellness platforms (the "Proposed Transaction"). Proposed Terms Pursuant to the MOU, the parties have outlined a preliminary framework under which CHI would procure from Lyken a range of AI-enabled services, including cloud infrastructure provisioning, data ingestion and orchestration, AI model development and deployment, workflow automation, software application and API development, systems integration, and ongoing engineering, maintenance, and optimization services, all tailored to CHI's clinical operations, digital platforms, and affiliated wellness networks. In connection with the proposed collaboration, Silver Birch Growth Inc. ("SBG") would provide complementary ecosystem and commercialization services, including customer introductions, channel and sales advisory, cross-referrals, and network expansion support. The parties currently contemplate aggregate consideration of approximately C$1.5 million, payable by CHI to Lyken in phased installments over an anticipated period of approximately twenty-four (24) months following the commencement of services, subject to the negotiation and execution of one or more definitive agreements. Of the amounts received by Lyken, approximately 65% would be retained by Lyken as consideration for its technology and engineering services, with approximately 35% allocated to SBG in consideration for ecosystem development and commercialization services. Any additional commercial arrangements, including potential revenue-sharing or performance-based economics, would be subject to further negotiation and, if agreed, documented in separate definitive agreements. The MOU is intended to outline the parties' current understanding regarding the proposed collaboration and to facilitate continued discussions while mitigating execution risk. The MOU is non-binding, and no party is obligated to proceed with the Proposed Transaction unless and until definitive agreements (the "Definitive Agreements") are negotiated, executed, and approved by the applicable boards and, where required, applicable regulators or the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The parties currently anticipate that any definitive agreement would not take effect prior to June 1, 2026. There is no guarantee that the parties will enter into Definitive Agreements. The parties have acknowledged that the beneficial owner of CHI is currently an insider of Alset, and that, as a result, the Proposed Transaction may constitute a related party transaction for the purposes of applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV. Any definitive agreement would be subject to compliance with applicable disclosure, approval, and procedural requirements, if required. About Clairvoyant Holdings Inc. Clairvoyant Holdings Inc. is a privately held company that operates clinical operations, digital platforms, and affiliated wellness networks in the health tech sector. CHI owns and controls Deer Park Wellness Inc. (operating as AlignWellness.ca) and Scale Health Inc. (operating as ScaleHealth.ca). About Alset AI Ventures Inc. Alset AI is an AI-focused venture investment platform dedicated to sourcing, funding, and developing companies across the artificial intelligence value chain. The company seeks to provide investors with diversified exposure to emerging applications and infrastructure that enable advancements in AI technologies. For further information about Alset AI Ventures Inc., please contact: Investor Relations Adam Ingrao Chief Executive Officer T: 236.312.6744 E: ir@alsetai.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") regarding the Company, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the Proposed Transaction; the entering into of Definitive Agreements; the Company's expectation that Lyken.AI will begin generating revenue; the Company's ability to leverage Lyken.AI's vendor ecosystem and partner relationships; and the strategic direction and business plans of the Company. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press release. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Alset AI's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Alset AI. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Alset AI undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in its most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Future-Oriented Financial Information This press release also contains certain future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") regarding the Company's forecasted revenues and prospective results of operations from the commercialization of Lyken.AI. Such FOFI is subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. The FOFI involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties and while the Company believes there is reasonable basis for the FOFI, such target may not be met and actual results may vary and differ materially. FOFI contained in this press release was approved by management as of the date hereof and was included for the purpose of providing further information about the Company's anticipated future business operations and revenues. The Company and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments, and represents, to the best of management's knowledge and opinion, the Company's expected course of action with respect to the future of Lyken.AI. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results, profitability or other measures of financial performance. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the FOFI and to note that the FOFI contained in this press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. Risks and uncertainties as more fully discussed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca can have a significant impact on the FOFI included herein. The Company's actual results may differ than as disclosed in this press release. SOURCE: Alset AI Ventures Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/alset-ais-lyken.ai-announces-non-binding-memorandum-of-understan-1131527 Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Peruvian Metals Corp. (TSXV: PER) (OTC Pink: DUVNF) ("Peruvian Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's Minas Visca Silver property (the "Property") located in Northern Peru. Peruvian Metals acquired the Property in 2021 by submitting a superior offer in a closed bid auction at the Peruvian Public Registry of Mining. Other bidders for the Property included Newmont Peru S.R.L and Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. ("Mitsui"). The Property is located approximately 140 kilometers north of Lima. Mineralized material can be shipped for processing to the Company's Aguila Norte Processing Plant, which is mainly accessible from the Project by paved highway. The Property covers an area of approximately 94 hectares and includes several old mine workings. The Property is road accessible from Lima by a paved highway and by 50 kms of well-maintained dirt road. Historical reports from the area by Banco Minero del Peru note that a metallurgical sample was taken from the workings that averaged 13.16 ounces silver per tonne ("oz/mt Ag") with 2.55% lead ("Pb") and 3.77% zinc ("Zn"). Results from the metallurgical test show that two concentrates can be produced with the first averaging 63.03 % Pb, 6 % Zn and 317 oz/mt Ag. The second concentrate averaged 61.9% zinc and 7.2% Lead. Please note that these results are historic and cannot be verified. The area is underlain by Tertiary volcanics belonging to the prospective Calipuy formation. Company geologists verified the potential of the area by mapping and sampling the workings and stockpiles left by the previous operators. Ten samples were taken from old stockpiles in four different areas with values ranging from 0.06 to 1.24 grams gold per tonne (g/mt Au), 0.71 to 47.82 oz/mt Ag, 0.34% to 9.25% Pb and 0.13% to 4.93% Zn and averaging 0.49 g/t Au, 12.93 oz/mt Ag, 2.62% Pb and 1.68% Zn (see Company's Press Release November 10, 2021). The Company acquired the key part of the mineralized system. Mitsui surrounds the concession to the North, East and South. The Company was able to collect one bulk sample from the remaining surface material with a head grade assaying 4.83 oz Ag/mt, 0.25 grams Au/mt and 1.62% Pb. The Company performed preliminary metallurgical work on this lower grade material and returned acceptable recoveries of 85.50% for silver, 84.37% lead and 46.33% for gold. This produced a concentrate assaying 150.34 oz Ag/mt, 42.12% Lead and 2.59 g Au/mt. The Company believes that higher grade material would improve the recoveries and grade of the concentrate. However, the Company is pleased to note that even with lower grade silver material, a commercially viable metal concentrate can be produced. Initial discussions with the local community are positive and the Company will continue discussions to start detailed mapping and sampling. Included in this work will be additional samples for metallurgical tests and to determine the condition of the underground adits for permitting purposes. The Company was also informed by the local community that Mitsui is planning a drill program next to the Property in the coming months. Mitsui has already completed the necessary consultations and workshops with the local community and has received approvals to commence drilling when all permits have been approved. Jeffrey Reeder, CEO of Peruvian Metals, comments: "We were very pleased to acquire this attractive silver rich polymetallic property. When the Company acquired the property, silver was trading in the $23 US per ounce range. It was believed that much of the high-grade stockpiled silver material represents mineral extracted from underground workings. Now that silver is trading at more than $100 US per ounce, the economics of extracting mineralized material at Minas Visca is very attractive. This addition to the Company's property portfolio yet again demonstrates Peruvian Metals' ability to grow organically without entering expensive third-party option deals." The Company's Aguila Norte Processing Plant ("Aguila Norte") is accessible mainly by paved highway from this new project. Aguila Norte has an environmental permit ("IGAC") from the Peruvian government and is currently producing at capacity of 100 tonnes per day. The Company expects to replace third party mineral with polymetallic mineral from this Property and from its 100% own Palta Dorada Au-Ag property where new metallurgical work shows 89% recoveries for gold (see the Company's news release of January 19th, 2026). The Company can expand Aguila Norte's throughput beyond 100 tonnes per day once the mineral supply exceeds the capacity. Financing The Company also announces that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 which will be used to advance its exploration strategy and for general working capital. The placement will consist of 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.10 per unit, each unit being comprised of one common share and one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant. The common shares, warrants, and any shares issued on the exercise of warrants will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring four months following the date of issue. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 per common share for a period of two years following the closing date. It is anticipated that Insiders may participate in up to 25% of the private placement. Completion of the private placement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Jeffrey Reeder, P Geo, a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. The metallurgical work was performed by Ing. Jose Orlando Moncada Rejas who is the main metallurgist at the Company's Aguila Norte Plant. Assaying of the material was performed by Procesmin Ingenieros SRL located in Caraz, Ancash by fire assay for Au-Ag. About Peruvian Metals Corp. Peruvian Metals Corp. is a Canadian Exploration and Mineral Processing company. The Company's business model is to produce high grade concentrates from its 100% owned Properties. The Company continues to acquire and develop precious and base metal properties in Peru. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. We use words such as "might", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "forecast" and similar terminology to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca.While the Company believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and the assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis underlying such expectations are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking statements and information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282028 Source: Peruvian Metals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) ("Golden Spike" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the 2025 soil sampling surveys completed at the Lower Mitchell, Steep Brook North and Vein Zone East Target areas on its 100%-owned Gregory River Copper-Gold Property ("the Property"), located in western Newfoundland (Figure 1). In addition, a small amount of prospecting was completed at the Lower Mitchell, and Vein Zone East targets and the area north of the Camp Brook Prospect. Lower Mitchell Soil Sampling Highlights: 600 m long, 25 m to 100 m wide, west-southwest trending, multi-element (gold-zinc-copper-arsenic) soil anomaly that remains open to the southwest. Individual soil grades up to 885 ppb gold, 1,520 ppm zinc, 1,797 ppm copper and >10,000 ppm arsenic. Easternmost end of the anomaly is coincident with four Winkie drill holes from the 2025 program that returned highly anomalous gold-zinc-copper values, including 1.02 g/t AuEq ( 0.62 g/t gold, 0.33% copper, 0.35% Zn) over 11.65m*. Majority of the Lower Mitchell target is unexplored and provides compelling targets for follow-on exploration and drilling. Steep Brook North Soil Sampling Highlights 2.6 km long, intermittent copper and gold soil anomaly following the Gregory River volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") target corridor. Subtle copper and gold soil anomalies track a potential north extension of the Steep Brook VMS mineralization. *Refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Intersects Wide Zone of Low-Grade Gold-Zinc-Copper Mineralization at Gregory River", dated October 22, 2025, for further details. Gold Equivalent (AuEq) =gold +(copper x 0.914298) + (zinc x 0.297147) and assumes the following metal prices, gold $3,000/oz, copper $4.00/lb, and zinc $1.30/lb and hypothetical metallurgical recoveries of 70% for each of gold, copper, and zinc. Golden Spike CEO Keith Anderson commented, "We are very pleased with the recent soil survey results, especially at Lower Mitchell, which follow-up from our successful Winkie drilling program last year. At Lower Mitchell, a 600 m strike length of coincident, gold-zinc-copper and arsenic soil anomalies has been uncovered and amplifies the importance of this target area and provides the Company with multiple potential drill targets. The speed at which our team have moved Lower Mitchell from an early-stage, low priority, narrow vein prospect, to a much more significant, wide, polymetallic exploration target is commendable. The true overall dimensions and potential grades of this early-stage prospect remain to be determined, and our technical team will be reviewing these results in more detail and planning additional work, including diamond drilling. At the Steep Brook North target multiple copper and gold soil anomalies have provided some of the first solid exploration results over this previously untested segment of the Gregory River VMS target Corridor and provides management with encouragement that new VMS targets can be generated here." Lower Mitchell Soil Results During November 2025, the Company completed a program of soil sampling over the Lower Mitchell target to follow-up on highly anomalous drillhole results from a Winkie drilling program in July 2025. The soil survey covered an area of approximately 550 m east-west by 560 m north-south and included 225 soil samples (plus 4 duplicate samples) collected along twelve, north-oriented lines. Lines were spaced 50 m apart, with samples collected every 25 m along each line. Line lengths alternated between 350 m and 560 m (Figure 1). Individual samples were collected with a soil auger, targeting the B-horizon soil layer and placed in kraft soil sample bags. All associated data for each sample location was recorded, along with a photograph of the sample. Samples were analysed for gold by fire assay and a package of 34 elements by ICP (see details below). Due to boggy conditions and significant organic material in the soil profile, approximately 27% of the samples did not have sufficient material for the laboratory to complete the gold fire assay analyses, however all samples were successfully analysed by ICP, providing results for all other key elements. Even with these samples excluded from the gold database the general shape of the gold anomaly remains very similar to that returned from the zinc, copper and arsenic anomalies and supports the concept for additional work at this compelling target. The range of analytical values received for each significant element from the Lower Mitchell Zone soil survey is as follows: Copper: 7 - 1,797 ppm Zinc: 39 - 1,520 ppm Gold: <5 - 885 ppb Arsenic: 9 - >10,000 ppm Soil results for gold, zinc, copper and arsenic each show a coincident, 25- to 100-metre-wide anomalous zone that can be traced approximately 600 m west-southwest across most of the grid and remains open to the southwest. A second, north-northeast trend appears to cross the main trend in the approximate centre of the grid with soil grades increasing at the intersection point. Anomalies for each element are defined by: Gold: >20 ppb with higher grade cores >40 ppb and >60 ppb Zinc: >200 ppm with higher grade cores >300 ppm and >400 ppm Copper: >100 ppm with higher grades cores >150 ppm and >200 ppm Arsenic: >500 ppm with higher grade cores >1,000 ppm and >2,000 ppm The contoured soil values for zinc and gold from the Lower Mitchell Zone are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 1 - Location of 2025 Soil Grids To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8310/282015_7a56c441c4d879c1_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Lower Mitchell Target - Zinc Soil Anomalies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8310/282015_7a56c441c4d879c1_002full.jpg Figure 3 - Lower Mitchell Target - Gold Soil Anomalies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8310/282015_7a56c441c4d879c1_003full.jpg A significant portion of the Lower Mitchell Zone is covered with bogs, shrubs and grass and underlain by a veneer of post mineral cover composed of till and soil layers. Rock outcrops are rare and mostly found in a cleared off area at the east end of the grid, where two small outcrops expose the brecciated basalt-hosted gold-zinc-copper mineralization. As previously reported by the Company on October 22, 2025, (refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Intersects Wide Zone of Low-Grade Gold-Zinc-Copper Mineralization at Gregory River"), Winkie drill holes WD25-03, 05, 07 and 08 are located in this area and drilled below the outcrops, intersecting wide zones (up to 50 m drilled length) of chlorite-carbonate altered and brecciated basalt cut by zones with strong silicification and quartz-carbonate veins and stockworks. Many of the veins and breccia-infill are mineralized with pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and arsenopyrite and each drill hole returned wide intervals of anomalous gold-zinc-copper-arsenic mineralization, including, 0.65 g/t AuEq* ( 0.45 g/t gold, 0.09% copper, 0.42% Zn) over 11.4 m (WD25-05: 47.1 m to 58.5 m) 1.02 g/t AuEq (0.62 g/t gold, 0.33% copper, 0.35% Zn) over 11.65 m (WD25-08: 31.0 m to 42.65 m) *Gold Equivalent (AuEq) =gold +(copper x 0.914298) + (zinc x 0.297147) and assumes the following metal prices, gold $3,000/oz, copper $4.00/lb, and zinc $1.30/lb and hypothetical metallurgical recoveries of 70% for each of gold, copper, and zinc. The soil sampling results appear to reflect the mineralogy and analytical results returned from the Winkie drillholes, which are located at the easternmost end of the soil anomalies. The soil survey has been a very effective exploration technique to trace the potential strike extension of the mineralization more than 500 m to the west-southwest below the overburden. The Company is continuing to review these soil results and planning for further exploration over Lower Mitchell, including diamond drilling. Steep Brook North Soil Results During August 2025, the Company completed a grid of soil samples over the Steep Brook North target area, which is a high-priority, underexplored segment of the Gregory River VMS-Target Corridor that occurs between the Steep Brook target to the south and the Jumbo South Prospect to the north (Figure 1). Significant portions of the area are covered by overburden with limited amounts of outcrop exposure, making soil sampling a good first pass exploration tool to evaluate this area. Soil samples were collected over a northeast oriented grid, covering an area of approximately 2.6 km by 2.0 km. A total of 623 soil samples (plus 28 duplicates samples) were collected over the grid on 200 m spaced lines with 50 m sample spacing along each line. Additional infill lines were sampled along the west portion of the grid. Soil samples were collected using the same sampling procedures as described for Lower Mitchell. The range of analytical values received for each significant element from the Steep Brook North target are as follows: Copper: 9 - 581 ppm Zinc: 15 - 555 ppm Gold: <5 - 90 ppb Arsenic: <5 - 214 ppm Anomalies for each element are defined below, and copper and gold are shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. Gold: >6 ppb with higher grade cores >10 ppb and >20 ppb Zinc: >85 ppm with higher grade cores >100 ppm and >115 ppm Copper: >80 ppm with higher grade cores >100 ppm and >130 ppm Arsenic: >10 ppm with higher grade cores >15 ppm and >25 ppm Along the southeastern side of the grid an anomaly trend shows partially coincident, 50 to 100-metre wide, copper, gold, and zinc soil anomalies, which can be intermittently traced approximately 1,200 m along a northeast trend. This trend potentially represents the northeast continuation of the Steep Brook Zone, which was tested with 5 wide-spaced diamond drill holes during late 2024, resulting in numerous anomalous copper and gold intervals (refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Announces Gregory River Drilling Results" dated February 13, 2025). This included drill hole GR-24-003, located about 500 m southeast from the southern tip of the copper and gold soil anomaly (Figures 4 and 5, respectively), which returned 1.29% copper, 0.19 g/t gold over 1.5 m and 1.37% copper, 0.02 g/t gold over 0.5 m, within a wider 11.15 m interval grading 0.33% copper and 0.04 g/t gold. Figure 4: Steep Brook North - Copper Soil Anomalies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8310/282015_7a56c441c4d879c1_004full.jpg Figure 5: Steep Brook North - Gold Soil Anomalies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8310/282015_7a56c441c4d879c1_005full.jpg In the approximate centre of the Steep Brook North grid a second trend of intermittent, low-grade copper and gold soil anomalies resulted from the soil survey. These are located just east of the projected location of the Gregory River fault. In other parts of the Property, several of the key VMS prospects appear to be spatially related to this fault and the Company believes this is a key area to be exploring for VMS-style copper and gold mineralization. Along the eastern portion of the grid, a linear trend of anomalous copper soil grades follows a creek bed and may actually be a "contamination anomaly" resulting from eroded material from mineralization near the north end of the grid (Figure 4). Gold soil results don't appear to be as affected by this. Finally, in the northwest corner of the grid are several intermittent copper anomalies, which will be further prospected to determine the source of the anomalies. No gold soil anomalies were returned from this area. Vein Zone East Soil Results During November 2025, the Company completed a program of soil sampling over the Vein Zone East target, in search of vein style mineralization. The soil survey covered an area of approximately 200 m east-west by 500 m north-south and included 32 soil samples collected along three, north-oriented lines. Lines were spaced 100 m apart, with samples collected every 50 m along each line (Figure 1). Analytical results for copper, gold, arsenic and zinc were fairly low and no significant anomaly trends were identified. The range of analytical values received for each target element from the Vein Zone East target are as follows: Copper: 4 - 197 ppm Zinc: 24 - 88 ppm Gold: <5 - 13 ppb (11 samples did not have sufficient material to complete the fire assay analyses) Arsenic: <3 - 71 ppm Regional Prospecting During November 2025 a small amount of regional prospecting was completed at the Lower Mitchell, Vein Zone East targets and the area north of the Camp Brook prospect. A total of 6 rock samples were collected, with no significant anomalies noted, except for two samples (398501, 398503) that were collected about 250 north of Camp Brook and returned weakly anomalous values of copper +/- gold, zinc, arsenic. Sample locations and analytical results are shown in Table 1. Sample Number Easting (UTM) Northing (UTM) Au (ppb) Cu (ppm) Zn (ppm) As (ppm) Target 398500 419550 5465248 <5 16.0 82 55 South edge of Lower Mitchell 398501 418683 5465745 331 805 81 3482 North of Camp Brook 398502 418634 5465764 <5 57.0 44 13 North of Camp Brook 398503 418670 5465776 6 283 266 16 North of Camp Brook 398504 421578 5464710 <5 11.8 34 <3 South edge of Vein Zone East 398505 421667 5464704 <5 22.1 7 <3 South edge of Vein Zone East QAQC and Laboratories Soil samples from the Lower Mitchell and Vein Zone East targets and the rock samples were delivered by Golden Spike contractors to Manitoulin/Armor transport company in Grand Falls/Windsor, Newfoundland, from where they were shipped directly to SGS Natural Resources ("SGS") in Lakefield, Ontario for sample preparation. Soil samples were dried at 60C and screened to -80 mesh (180m) (SGS preparation code G-Prp104). Rock samples were crushed to 75% passing 2mm, and a 250 g split was pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns (SGS preparation code PRP89). The soil and rock samples were shipped directly by SGS to their laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where all samples were analysed for gold by 30-gram fire assay with an AAS finish (SGS code GE FAA30V5) and for 33 elements by ICP-AES, using a 4-acid digestion (SGS code GE ICP40Q12). The ICP analysis included target elements, such as copper and zinc, as well as various pathfinder and other elements, including arsenic. SGS is an internationally recognized laboratory and is independent of Golden Spike. SGS conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Scopes of Accredited tests are site specific, please visit Accredited Organizations | Standards Council of Canada (scc-ccn.ca). Soil samples from the Steep Brook North Zone were delivered by Golden Spike contractors to Eastern Analytical Laboratory ("Eastern") in Springdale Newfoundland for sample preparation and analyses. Samples were crushed to 80% passing 110 mesh, and a 250 g split was pulverized to 95% passing 150 mesh. Samples were then analysed for gold by 30-gram fire assay with an AA finish and for 34 elements by ICP-OES, using a 4-acid digestion. The ICP analysis included target elements, such as copper, zinc, as well as various pathfinder and other elements, including arsenic. Eastern is a well-recognized laboratory, mainly servicing Newfoundland and Labrador and is independent of Golden Spike. Eastern has implemented a quality system compliant with the International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Eastern regularly participates in the Canmet Round-Robin proficiency test and passes all criteria. In 2014 Eastern achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in fire assay gold, as well as multi-acid ore grade assays in Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Fe and Co. The Company has incorporated a quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") program during the soil sampling, which includes the regular insertion of Company duplicates at a frequency of approximately 2 to 5%. Next Steps With the successful completion of the soil sampling program, the Golden Spike technical team will now focus on the integration and technical analysis of the soil results, incorporating data from Winkie drilling field mapping and airborne geophysics to plan additional exploration at Lower Mitchell and other key targets at Gregory River. The Company is planning to complete a program of geophysics over Lower Mitchell to better understand the orientation of the mineralization followed by diamond drilling. It is important to note that the Lower Mitchell Target is relatively flat and accessible by ATV and therefore limited helicopter time would be required for drill testing this target. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Mr. Robert Cinits, P.Geo, a Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Golden Spike Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS), (OTCQB: GSPRF), (FSE: L5Y) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring and unlocking value in mineral opportunities in Canada and other low-risk jurisdictions. The Company currently holds 100% interest in the 5,175-hectare Gregory River Property in Newfoundland, strategically centered over an approximate 11-kilometre-long stretch of the Gregory River VMS-belt, a north-northeast trending corridor of very prospective ground with potential to host Cyprus-type polymetallic VMS deposits. In addition, the Property hosts a cluster of historically explored, high-grade, copper gold-zinc vein structures and breccia hosted stockworks. Golden Spike Resources remains dedicated to sustainable exploration practices and continues to collaborate with local communities, consultants, and stakeholders as it progresses its exploration initiatives. "Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" occur. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results 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: the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, unanticipated costs, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the lack of availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure of the exploration program, including the recent soil and rock samples, IP surveys and the recent drilling programs to result in the discovery of significant precious and/or base metal mineralization, and those risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the Company's disclosure record under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained herein. 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 or forward-looking information disclosed herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282015 Source: Golden Spike Resources Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - HYLQ Strategy Corp. (CSE: HYLQ) (formerly, Tony G Co-Investment Holdings Ltd.) (the "Company" or "HYLQ Strategy") is pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of an aggregate of 34,597.44 HYPE tokens (the "Tokens"), the native asset of the Hyperliquid ecosystem, as part of its long-term digital asset strategy, at an average purchase price of US$25.35 per Token (total purchase price of US$877,195.89). As of the date hereof, the Company currently holds an aggregate of 93,558.97 Tokens. About the Company HYLQ Strategy Corp. (CSE: HYLQ) is a Canadian investment company dedicated to building long-term shareholder value through strategic exposure to the Hyperliquid ecosystem. HYLQ is focused on three main initiatives: 1) Accumulating $HYPE tokens, the native token of Hyperliquid; 2) Investing in companies within the Hyperliquid ecosystem; 3) Growing and incubating Hyperliquid-based businesses. HYLQ's goal is to give public market investors direct, institutional-grade access to Hyperliquid's growth. The company's mission is to be the leading public vehicle for exposure to Hyperliquid's next-generation digital asset infrastructure. For more information, please contact: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, any statements that are not historical facts may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the company's future investing plans and strategies, the growth of the Hyperliquid ecosystem, and the Company's investments. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281983 Source: HYLQ Strategy Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Magna Terra Minerals Inc. (TSXV: MTT) (the "Company" or "Magna Terra") is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Oxford Project (the "Project"), located in northern New Brunswick, via an option agreement. The Project underlying the option agreement comprises 5 mineral claims totaling 3,400 hectares that are situated along and adjacent to the Rocky Brook-Millstream Fault System (Figure 1) within the greater Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). The Project was acquired due to the presence of the high-grade polymetallic Oxford Brook occurrence where previous work has shown grab samples* assaying up to 59.1 g/t Ag, 8.9% Zn and 5.16% Pb and 2.71 g/t Au and the proximity (7 km) of the Project to the Puma Exploration - Kinross Williams Brook gold project. "We are pleased to acquire the Oxford Project and continue to increase our footprint in an emerging gold district. The Oxford Project with its proximity to Puma/Kinross's Williams Brook Property and strategic location along a 14-kilometre section of the Rocky Brook-Millstream Fault compliments our existing 28,089 hectare Rocky Brook Project and offers shareholders enhanced exposure to this developing exploration story. The acquisition of the Oxford Project furthers the Company's strategy of acquiring early-stage precious and critical metal projects that offer good value and discovery upside for our shareholders and highlights our belief that New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada remain under-explored, presenting a compelling opportunity for exploration and discovery. We have been aggressively acquiring additional mineral claims in the region primarily focused on gold with recent acquisitions at Fournier Lake and Prospect Or's Dream. Our technical team will be completing a full compilation of historic data on the Project in the coming weeks and will undertake planning for a spring/summer field program in 2026." ~ Lew Lawrick, President and CEO, Magna Terra Minerals Inc. Oxford Project Highlights Polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") and gold mineralization with rock grab samples* assaying up to 59.1 g/t Ag, 8.9% Zn, 5.16% Pb, and 2.71 g/t Au; 3,400 hectare property located 7 kilometres to the northwest of Puma Exploration-Kinross' Williams Brook discovery; Located along a 14-kilometre extent of the prospective Rocky Brook-Millstream Fault ("RBMF"); Multiple exploration targets identified by previous work that require follow-up testing; and No previous systematic exploration for gold along the RBMF. Geology and Previous Exploration at Oxford The Oxford Project is centered on a band of mid-Ordovician felsic volcanic rocks and associated subvolcanic intrusives. Precious and base metal mineralization was discovered by trenching and is hosted within felsic volcanic rocks with VMS-style zinc-lead-silver mineralization. The Project is adjacent to and northwest of the regional-scale RBMF that is known to host orogenic gold mineralization. Previous exploration work on the Oxford Project has led to the discovery of gold and base metal mineralization starting in 2013 when prospectors Tim Lavoie and Pierre-Luc Guitard discovered mineralization assaying up to 2.71 g/t Au, up to 14.9 g/t Ag, up to 1.11% Zn, and up to 0.48% Pb from 23 rock grab samples* collected during initial exploration. Follow-up sampling in 2014 resulted in rock samples* from a trench exposure assaying up to 59.1 g/t Ag, 8.9% Zn, and 5.16% Pb (Work Reports 477598 and 477875). Between 2014 and 2017, Fancamp Exploration Ltd. ("Fancamp") and Altius Resources Inc. ("Altius") completed trenching, collected an additional 319 rock grab, channel, and chip samples, collected 2,154 B-horizon soils samples, completed 58-line kilometres of ground magnetic and VLF-EM surveys, and excavated several trenches exposing bedrock mineralization. The collective work tested 18 priority targets (OB-01 to OB-18), mainly combined electromagnetic and magnetic targets over the property including the original trenched showing, target OB-08 (Work Reports 477876, 477975, 477977, 478166, and 478482). 16 rock samples have assayed over 100 ppb Au (4.8%), 15 rock samples (4.5%) assayed greater than 4 g/t Ag, 53 rock samples (16.0%) assayed greater than 0.05% Zn, and 49 rock samples (14.7%) assayed greater than 0.05% Pb. In 2022, Canadian Metals Inc. ("Canadian Metals") completed an IP survey that identified several targets for follow-up drill testing in 2023. A total of 836 metres in 5 drill holes were completed by Canadian Metals as outlined in their news release dated May 1, 2024. Although no detailed results of the exploration work were disclosed, drilling did not intersect significant values of Au, Ag, Zn, or Pb and the host felsic volcanic rocks were only intersected in one drill hole. Work on the property to date has not tested for gold mineralization along or adjacent to the RBMF which runs along the eastern edge of the Oxford Project and is one of the controlling structures for Puma-Kinross' recent gold discoveries to the immediate east of the Oxford Project. Option Agreement and Payment Details The Company has acquired the Oxford Project (covering 5 mineral claims) from the Optionor under an option agreement dated January 28, 2026. The Company can earn a 100% interest in the Oxford Project by paying $5,000 in cash upon signing; with $25,000 in cash and $70,000 in cash and/or common shares payable over a four-year period ending January 28, 2030. The Optionor retains a 1.5% net smelter royalty (the "NSR") on the sales of metals and minerals mined from the property with 0.5% of the NSR purchasable by the Company for $500,000. Magna Terra has a Right of First Refusal on the remaining 1% NSR. All share issuances will be based on the greater of $0.05 per share or the 10-day volume weighted average price on the date a payment is due, and the Company elects to make such payment in common shares. As such, the maximum number of common shares issuable by the Company with respect to the potential share consideration payable for the option agreement is 1,400,000 common shares. The common shares which may be issued under the agreement will be subject to a regulatory four month and one day hold period from their date of issuance and are subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. Figure 1: A map showing the location of the Oxford Project, adjacent exploration projects, fault zones, and mineral occurrences. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11586/282006_80438bebb4ab2b10_002full.jpg Qualified Person and Technical Notes This news release has been reviewed and approved by David A. Copeland, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person", under National Instrument 43-101 - Standard for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. All quoted drill core and rock samples results were compiled from historic assessment and government reports obtained from the government of New Brunswick (Work Reports 477598, 477875, 477876, 477975, 477977, 478166, and 478482). The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to validate these historic results. *Grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true metal content of the mineralized zone. About Magna Terra Magna Terra Minerals Inc. is a precious and critical metals focused exploration company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Magna Terra is focused on acquiring and advancing its high-potential mineral projects in Atlantic Canada and Argentina while generating value for shareholders and minimizing shareholder dilution through option and joint venture partnerships where appropriate; leveraging our ability to explore, grow, and transact projects. The Company is focused on exploring our 100%-owned Humber Copper-Cobalt Project in Newfoundland and Labrador; our 100% owned Rocky Brook Gold and Critical Metals Project in the historic Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick; and our 100%-owned Cape Spencer Gold Project in New Brunswick. In addition, the Company has optioned the Great Northern Project in Newfoundland to Gold Hunter Resources Inc. ("Gold Hunter") for total cash and share consideration of $9.5 million over a 2-year period, and currently holds an approximate 24.9% equity interest in Gold Hunter. The Company has also optioned the Luna Roja Project in Argentina to Lunex Metals Corp. (formerly Andean Metals Corp.) for total cash and share consideration of $2.375 million over a 4-year period. Further, the Company maintains a significant exploration portfolio in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina which includes its large 100% owned Boleadora Project, as well as several additional district scale drill ready projects available for purchase or option/joint venture. Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to file a report that complies with National Instrument 43-101. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, and the ability of the author of the Technical Reports to finalize same. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include the inability of the Company to execute its proposed business plans and carry out planned future activities. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of gold, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for precious metals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, and the Company's investment and operation in the mineral exploration sector, as well as the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282006 Source: Magna Terra Minerals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Flow Metals Corp. (CSE: FWM) ("Flow Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a technical update on its Sixtymile Gold Project, Yukon. Recent re-logging of historic drill core has resulted in a revised structural interpretation of gold mineralization. The revised interpretation supports a fold-controlled orogenic gold model, in which: Gold-bearing quartz veins preferentially develop within competent, quartz-rich layers . . Mineralization is structurally focused within antiformal fold geometries . . Deformation and veining intensify near a pre-existing ductile shear/thrust zone, interpreted to have acted as a regional fluid conduit. Figure 1: A- Mylonitic unit displaying foliation and shear fabric parallel to the core axis; porphyroclasts exhibit west vergence, interpreted to reflect movement along the regional thrust fault. B- Light-coloured quartzitic unit with foliation inclined to the core axis. C- Crenulation cleavage developed within the heavily deformed mylonitic unit. The interval just above at 145 m contained 18.1 g/t Au over 0.48 m. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7235/281980_flow%20metals%20figure%201.jpg Fold Structure Identified Detailed re-logging of historic drill hole DDH-11-18 has identified a fold structure within the schist host rocks. Core observations show a systematic swing in foliation orientation consistent with a large-scale fold, interpreted to have a wavelength of approximately 100-150 metres. The highest grades in DDH-11-18 correlate with competent quartzite units proximal to well developed crenulation cleavage. This fold geometry provides a new structural framework for understanding the distribution of gold mineralization on the property. Evidence for Turbidite Protolith Re-logging also identified sedimentary features interpreted to be consistent with a metamorphosed turbidite sequence, including: Repeated fining-upward units. Interlayered quartz-rich and micaceous horizons, locally carbonaceous. Strong competency contrasts between quartzite and pelitic schist. These observations suggest that the schist in the target area represents a layered metasedimentary package rather than a homogeneous schistose unit. Competency contrasts between quartz-rich and pelitic layers are interpreted to strongly influence the distribution of deformation and veining. Figure 2: DDH10-03 (@151 m): Interpreted preserved turbidite sequence showing layered sandy interval fining upward into deformed pelitic schist. This pattern repeats throughout the core. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7235/281980_1d80714e34d22986_007full.jpg Implications for Gold Mineralization Historic drill core indicates that gold mineralization is stronger in quartz-rich units than in adjacent schistose intervals, consistent with competency-controlled vein emplacement model. Exploration Strategy Future exploration will focus on: Structural modeling of the newly recognized fold architecture. Tracking quartz-rich horizons through the fold geometry. Testing down-plunge continuity of mineralized zones. Evaluating potential fold repetitions along the structural corridor. This refined model narrows targeting to specific structural positions where favorable host lithologies and deformation conditions coincide. Investor Awareness Agreement The Company also announces that on December 19, 2025, it entered into an agreement with Dig Media Inc. dba Investing News Network ("INN") for the provision of digital marketing and investor awareness services for a term of twelve months, commencing on January 15, 2026, for total cash consideration of CAD $45,000 plus applicable GST. Under the agreement, INN will prepare and host a corporate profile for Flow Metals, including the distribution of company-supplied press releases and corporate information through INN's investor-focused digital platforms. The services include content placement across selected precious metals investment channels, newsletter distribution, and display advertising on INN's website to support the Company's investor awareness and corporate communications efforts. INN will also provide additional content services, including editorial spotlights, push notifications to subscribed audiences, and interview-style content featuring Company management, distributed through INN's digital and social media channels. The agreement provides for the inclusion of investor information request tools and periodic reporting on campaign activity. INN is a private company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and has been providing advertising services since 2007 through its website at www.investingnews.com. INN's business address is 736 Granville Street, Suite 1200, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and it may be contacted at 604-688-8231 or info@investingnews.com. INN and its principals are arm's length to the Company and have no interest, direct or indirect, in the securities of the Company, nor do they have any present intention or right to acquire such an interest. The services provided under the agreement are limited to advertising and investor awareness activities and do not include investor relations advisory services. Qualified Person Harley Slade, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Slade is Flow Metals Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company. About Flow Metals Flow Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on grassroots copper and gold discovery in mining-friendly jurisdictions. New Brenda is a copper-silver-molybdenum porphyry project in British Columbia's Quesnel terrane and Sixtymile is a Yukon gold project in the historic Sixtymile gold district. Forward-Looking Statements The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "plans", "estimates", "may", "will", "should", "could", "continue", "potential", or similar expressions, including statements regarding the Company's exploration plans and strategy, the interpretation of geological and structural features, the potential for continuity or repetition of mineralization, the refinement and use of structural models to guide targeting, and the timing, scope, and expected benefits of the Company's marketing and investor awareness activities, including services to be provided by INN. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties in geological interpretation and modelling; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the Company's ability to execute planned exploration programs; availability of equipment, contractors, and personnel; timing and results of exploration work; permitting and regulatory approvals; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity price volatility; currency fluctuations; general market and economic conditions; the Company's ability to obtain future financing on acceptable terms or at all; and that marketing and investor awareness programs may not yield the intended outcomes or may be modified, suspended or terminated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281980 Source: Flow Metals Corp. Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) established a landmark partnership to deliver critical fusion infrastructure and perform collaborative R&D to drive down technology and commercialization risk. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127164854/en/ Anchored by a new public-private partnership between KF and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) that leverages each institution's expertise in fusion technology to develop world-leading fusion test facilities and technology, this agreement establishes a new paradigm in U.S.-Japan allied cooperation and public-private partnership towards accelerating the deployment of commercial fusion power. Under the new partnership, KF and ORNL will commence joint research and development activities focused on fusion breeding blanket systems, a critical technology for producing the tritium fuel needed to sustain fusion power generation. This includes laying the groundwork for the joint development of UNITY-3, a world leading breeding blanket test facility to be built at ORNL. KF and ORNL will immediately begin work to deliver UNITY-3 as a next-generation flexible fusion nuclear platform. The facility is designed to validate tritium breeding blanket performance with prototypic neutrons and component geometries, a critical step towards delivering commercial power plants. Underscoring the urgent market demand for this capability, the initiative has garnered strong industry endorsement from ten partners, including seven leading U.S. fusion development programs. In parallel, KF and ORNL will work with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to leverage KF's complementary UNITY-1 and UNITY-2 facilities in Japan and Canada, respectively, for non-nuclear blanket, thermal cycle, and tritium fuel cycle technology development, all part of DOE's Tritium Blanket Development Platform under the Fusion Nuclear Science mission. This partnership unites the DOE's Tritium Blanket Development Platform TBDP) and KF's global Unique Integrated Testing Facility (UNITY) programs to execute on the Build-Innovate-Grow strategy to close critical gaps identified in the DOE Office of Science's Fusion Science Technology Roadmap. These programs systematically elevate technology readiness level (TRL) of the tritium breeding blanket and fuel cycle systems by delivering logically linked, increasingly prototypic test environments and exploiting them through private-led and public-enabled coordination. This agreement pioneers a model for coordinated public-private investment and international collaboration. Led by a market-driven commercial imperative and enabled by world-leading science, the partnership merges KF's engineering and fusion technology excellence with the scientific pedigree of the DOE national laboratories. This synergy strengthens the deep strategic bond between the U.S. and Japan, pooling allied resources to forge a fusion industrial base unrivaled across the globe. "Fusion energy represents a transformational opportunity for our energy future," said Dr. Dario Gil, DOE Under Secretary for Science. "This partnership reflects DOE's commitment to working with trusted allies and the private sector to build critical infrastructure, strengthen American competitiveness, and deliver real, measurable progress toward making fusion energy a reality." "The United States and Japan share a long history of close cooperation in science and technology," said Dr. Satoshi Konishi, Co-Founder and CEO of Kyoto Fusioneering. "Through this strategic partnership with DOE, we are proud to contribute KF and Japan's fusion technology and engineering expertise to advance fusion nuclear science, reduce risk for fusion power plants, and support the long-term success of the U.S. and Japanese fusion ecosystems." About U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science DOE's Office of Science (SC) is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Its Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program is actively executing the Fusion Science Technology Roadmap to accelerate the delivery of commercial fusion power. For more information, please visit https://www.energy.gov/science About Kyoto Fusioneering Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) is the world's premier fusion technology and integrated systems provider, supporting many of the world's most advanced private and public fusion programs. As the largest fusion company to emerge from Japan, KF delivers critical-path technologies-including plasma heating, thermal management, and fuel cycle systems-essential for commercial fusion power. Headquartered in Tokyo, KF operates globally with subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, and a joint venture in Canada. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127164854/en/ Contacts: Kyoto Fusioneering media@kyotofusioneering.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Silverco Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SICO) ("Silverco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Velocity Capital Partners ("Velocity"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on its own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, with Velocity, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 3,200,000 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") at a price of $12.50 per Offered Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $40 million (the "Offering"). The Offered Shares will be offered in each of the Provinces and Territories of Canada (other than Quebec) in reliance on the "listed issuer financing exemption" from the prospectus requirements available under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), as modified by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offered Shares may also be offered on a private placement basis in such offshore jurisdictions may be mutually agreed between the Company and Velocity, provided it is understood that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation, ongoing reporting or continuous disclosure requirement or requisite regulatory or governmental approval arises in such jurisdictions, and the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended. Any such Offered Shares will be characterized as "restricted securities" under the U.S. Securities Act. In addition, the Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase for resale up to an additional 480,000 Offered Shares under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds of up to $6 million, on the same terms and conditions as set out herein, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration, evaluation and restart work on the Cusi Project, general and administrative expenditures and working capital. The Offered Shares to be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile and on the Company's website at www.silvercomining.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision concerning the Offered Shares. The Offering is expected to close on or about February 19, 2026 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional listing approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the TSXV. The Offered Shares have not been registered and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Silverco Mining Ltd. The Company owns a 100% interest in the 11,665-hectare Cusi Project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico (the "Cusi Property"). It lies within the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental gold-silver belt.There is an existing 1,200 ton per day mill with tailings capacity at the Cusi Property. The Cusi Property is a past-producing underground silver-lead-zinc-gold project approximately 135 kilometres west of Chihuahua City. The Cusi Property boasts excellent infrastructure, including paved highway access and connection to the national power grid. The Cusi Property hosts multiple historical Ag-Au-Pb-Zn producing mines each developed along multiple vein structures. The Cusi Property hosts several significant exploration targets, including the extension of a newly identified downthrown mineralized geological block and additional potential through claim consolidation. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Mark Ayranto, President & CEO Email: mayranto@silvercomining.com Cautionary Statement and Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, geological theories, and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about any information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking statements." Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) including statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering, the listing of the Common Shares on the TSXV, the use of proceeds of the Offering and other matters are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors include, among others, with respect to the Offering, the conditions of the financial markets, timeliness of completion of the Offering, and the timing of TSXV approval; and with respect to the use of proceeds, the availability of drills and personnel, weather, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, risks relating to the timing and ability of the Company to obtain and the timing of the approval of relevant regulatory bodies, if at all; risks relating to property interests; risks related to access to the project; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including the fact that any particular phase of exploration may be unsuccessful; the availability of contractors; geo-political risks; the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental risks; political risks; and community and non-governmental actions, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile. Further to this, geological similarities or characteristics are not guarantees or certainties of successful exploration. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282044 Source: Silverco Mining Ltd. No disguise can change the illegality of Takaichis Taiwan-related remarks 13:18, January 29, 2026 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently made fresh remarks related to Taiwan during a television program, claiming that "when something serious happens there, we have to go and rescue the Japanese and Americans in Taiwan. That means we might take joint action," and that "if the US military, acting jointly with us, comes under attack, and Japan does nothing and retreats, the Japan-US alliance would collapse." Regarding this matter, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern rebuttal on Tuesday, saying that "the Japanese side is in no position to interfere in the affairs of China's Taiwan region." The remarks by the Japanese side once again reveal the Japanese right-wing forces' ambitions to provoke antagonism, make trouble, and take chances to keep remilitarizing Japan and to challenge the post-war international order. Barely more than two months after making the "survival-threatening situation" remarks on November 7, 2025, Takaichi has shown no sign of remorse. Instead, she has doubled down on her mistake, once again openly making blunt and provocative statements on Taiwan, implying the possibility of intervention in the Taiwan Straits - an act with an extremely pernicious nature and impact. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, and no external force is in any position to point fingers at this, let alone Japan, which bears half a century of colonial crimes against Taiwan. Documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender all clearly affirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan. Takaichi's maneuver is crude and malicious, reeking of lingering colonial thinking, and constitutes a grave provocation not only against China but also against the post-war international order, severely threatening regional peace and stability and causing unease among neighboring countries. Compared with her remarks last November, Takaichi's latest comments on Taiwan no longer directly speak of Japan's military intervention in the Taiwan Straits. Instead, she has pushed the US to the forefront, attempting to manufacture "legitimacy" for Japan's potential use of force by binding it to the US-Japan alliance and under the banner of fulfilling alliance obligations. Yet, despite donning the guise of "alliance responsibility," the essence remains the same: hyping up a "Taiwan contingency" to hunt for pretexts for armed intervention in the Taiwan Straits. Those remarks seriously violate the one-China principle and the principles laid down in the four political documents between China and Japan, gravely undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. This kind of "victimhood delusion" rhetoric that forcibly bundles Japan and the US together is, at its core, an extreme amplification of the "China threat" theory. It attempts to drag the US along and transplant NATO-style bloc confrontation thinking into the Asia-Pacific, revealing a resurgence of militarism and its restless stirring. On the Taiwan question, Takaichi is engaging in a fatal gamble over Japan's national fortunes. Her provocative remarks have not only made the international community more wary of Japan, but have also triggered a series of firm countermeasures from China. Industries in Japan - such as tourism, seafood exports, and high-end manufacturing - have likewise suffered direct impacts. According to data recently released by the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of visitors from the Chinese mainland to Japan plunged by about 45 percent year on year, while both the number of Chinese customers visiting department stores in Japan nationwide and sales of duty-free goods dived by roughly 40 percent. This repeated testing of China's red lines lays bare the Takaichi government's strategic short-sightedness and opportunism. For Takaichi, the only way to break out of the current predicament is to return to a correct position on the Taiwan question. First, she should stop manipulating the Taiwan question to serve domestic political needs. Takaichi's refusal to reflect on or correct her mistakes is rooted in the distorted historical views of Japan's domestic right-wing forces, and a manifestation of attempts to realize ambitions of becoming a military power through the Taiwan question. Her invocation of "protecting nationals overseas" is even more revealing of historical ignorance. As one Japanese scholar has aptly pointed out, historically Japan used the pretext of "protecting nationals overseas" to launch the September 18 Incident, the Jinan Incident, and the Shanghai Incident, taking military actions against China, infringing upon China's sovereignty, and invading Chinese territory. Second, Takaichi should not harbor the illusion of using the US as a shield. As a bilateral military arrangement, the US-Japan alliance can in no way possess legal force that supersedes other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter. Nor can "alliance obligations" serve as a pretext for Japan to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Takaichi's attempt to increase leverage in strategic competition with China by binding Japan to the US is doomed to fail. The US has already refused to endorse her fallacious remarks on Taiwan, and some within Japan have also criticized her erroneous moves. Third, Takaichi should earnestly abide by the constraints of Japan's domestic laws. Treating an attack on US forces in the Taiwan Straits as a premise of Japan being "unable to stand by" amounts to forcibly expanding Japan's interpretation of "collective self-defense" under Japan's Legislation for Peace and Security. Defining another country's issues of territorial sovereignty as a threat to it's own "survival" demonstrates a shocking disregard for China's sovereignty, a complete departure from Japan's "Pacifist Constitution" and subversion of the principle of "exclusive defense-oriented policy." History has never shown mercy to arrogant gamblers; those who play with fire will inevitably be burned. Japan must understand that while its security relies on the US-Japan alliance, it likewise cannot do without stable China-Japan relations. On issues involving China's core interests, including the Taiwan question, there has never been room for Japan to "seek attention." Even under the guise of aligning with the US, it can neither conceal the illegality of such rhetoric nor halt the historical process of China's reunification. The Chinese people cherish peace, but they do not fear provocation. If Takaichi continues to play with fire on the Taiwan question, Japan will inevitably pay an even heavier and more unbearable price. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Regulatory News: The Combined General Meeting (ordinary and extraordinary) of Pierre et Vacances' (Paris:VAC) shareholders will be held on Thursday 12 February, 2026 at 14:30 p.m., at Handilab, 84 rue Charles Michels, 93200 Saint-Denis. The notice of meeting, including the agenda and the draft resolutions, was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) on Wednesday 7 January, 2026. The convening notice of the meeting will be published in the BALO on Wednesday 28 January, 2026 and will be published in the legal announcements journal "Affiches Parisiennes" on Wednesday 28 January, 2026. Details regarding participation and voting at this meeting are set out in these notices. All the documents and information provided for in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code are available on Pierre et Vacances' website at the following address: http://www.groupepvcp.com (heading Finance/General Meeting and By-Laws/General Meeting 2026). They will also be made available to shareholders as from the convening of the General Meeting, in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions. Up to and including the 5th day before the General Meeting, any shareholder holding registered shares may ask the company to send him the documents referred to in Articles R. 25-81 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code. For shareholders owning bearer shares, the exercise of this right is subject to the provision of a certificate of registration in the bearer share accounts held by the authorized intermediary. Any shareholder may consult the documents referred to in Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code at the company's registered office during a period of 15 days prior to the date of the General Meeting. PIERRE ET VACANCES French Public Limited Company (Societe anonyme) with a share capital of 4,619.875,36 Registered office: L'Artois Espace Pont de Flandre 11 rue de Cambrai 75947 PARIS Cedex 19 316 580 869 R.C.S. PARIS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129019606/en/ Contacts: Pierre Vacances-Center Parcs As global regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tighten across the European Union and the United States, manufacturers across industries are urgently seeking high-performance materials that meet evolving environmental and safety standards-without compromising technical performance. Asahi Kasei, a diversified global company, announced the development of a new PFAS-free polyamide (PA) engineered specifically for demanding low-friction applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129394214/en/ Gears with PFAS-free PA For decades, PFAS additives have been relied upon to deliver low friction and wear resistance in engineering plastics. As regulatory pressure intensifies, industries ranging from automotive to industrial machinery are seeking alternative solutions. Asahi Kasei's newly developed PFAS-free PA addresses this shift by combining environmental responsibility with the advanced material performance required for next-generation components. The new PA exhibits excellent low-friction and sliding properties-crucial for applications where lubrication with oil or grease is not possible. It maintains stable performance under high-load and high-temperature conditions. These characteristics make it ideal for mechanical parts such as gears, chain guides, and other sliding components that must operate reliably in dry environments. To meet the diverse needs of manufacturers worldwide, Asahi Kasei offers PFAS-free PA in both unreinforced and reinforced grades. These options allow engineers to select the optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability for their specific applications. Utilizing its unique processing control technology, Asahi Kasei can further tailor the material's performance profile. Customized formulations can optimize filler content, heat resistance, stiffness, and behavior under wet conditions-providing design flexibility that helps customers transition smoothly to PFAS-free solutions without sacrificing product performance. "As industries around the world move away from PFAS, we see a strong need for materials that go beyond compliance and actually raise the bar for durability and efficiency," said Yoshitaka Hori, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei's LEONA PA66 business. "Our new PFAS-free PA delivers exactly that, and we are excited to support our customers in building safer, more sustainable products." To learn more about the new material, visit: https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/en/products/leona/pfas-free/ About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/. Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129394214/en/ Contacts: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe christian.okeefe@ak-america.com Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity" or the "Company") announces that the following incumbent directors were re-elected at the Company's annual general meeting held on January 28, 2026: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr., Lawrence Page, K.C., Killian Ruby, Courtney Shearer and John Kerr. In addition, the shareholders re-appointed Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditor of Equity Metals and approved the Company's rolling incentive stock option plan pursuant to which a maximum of 10% of the issued shares will be reserved for issuance under the plan. The plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. The following officers were re-appointed subsequent to the annual general meeting: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr. as President, Lawrence Page, K.C. as Chairman, Robert Macdonald as Vice President Exploration, Jay Oness as Vice President Corporate Development, Killian Ruby as Chief Financial Officer, and Arie Page as Corporate Secretary. Equity Metals has granted incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants to purchase 9,000,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.45 per share, exercisable for a period of five years. The stock options are subject to the terms and conditions of Equity Metals' stock option plan and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Equity Metals Corporation Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. As well, the Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Arlington Property, located within the Boundary District of south-central British Columbia where 2025 exploration work consisted of geophysics and diamond drilling designed to identify and delineate an apparent gold system. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Lawrence Page, K.C." Lawrence Page, K.C. Chairman, Director, Equity Metals Corporation Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281991 Source: Equity Metals Corporation DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maharashtra at Davos announced a landmark investment package totalling approximately USD 360 billion, positioning the state as the most preferred investment destination. The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced these investments while leading the state delegation to the Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos. These investment commitments include MoUs and public announcements that cumulatively represent employment potential for 3 to 4 million people. Around 83 percent of the announced investments are FDI driven, with commitments coming from more than 18 countries, including the US, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain, Canada, Belgium, Austria and others. The deals span both investment projects and strategic partnerships. Sectors highlighted in the announcements reflect global priorities in technology and sustainability. Major focuses are quantum computing, AI data centres, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable energy, green steel, EVs and battery ecosystems, advanced healthcare and biotech, circular economy initiatives, agri tech and food processing, and digital infrastructure. Several investments are structured to include foreign technology partners to accelerate knowledge transfer and local manufacturing. Two flagship greenfield city development projects were unveiled with global investment commitments of about USD 11 billion each. One of which, the Maharashtra Innovation City, spread across 100 acres, is designed as a global AI and data centre hub, envisaged to host advanced research, innovation ecosystems and large-scale AI data infrastructure. The other, Raigad Pen Growth Centre, spread across 1200 acres and a part of Mumbai 3.0 initiative, is intended to decongest and expand the Mumbai metropolitan region with smart infrastructure and sustainable urban design. Maharashtra underscored its track record on converting investment intent into implemented projects. The state reported a 75 percent conversion rate for MoUs signed at WEF 2025, reflecting streamlined land allocation, coordinated inter-department approvals and mission-mode facilitation for project execution. During Davos, the Chief Minister held bilateral meetings and roundtables with global business leaders, financial institutions and development partners on topics including digital governance, climate finance, urban infrastructure and sector-specific collaborations. This reaffirms Maharashtra's aim to be a global manufacturing and innovation magnet and invites international companies seeking scale, skills and strategic partnerships in India to explore opportunities across the state of Maharashtra. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872554/Maharashtra_Pavilion.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/maharashtra-signs-mous-worth-usd-360-billion-in-davos-advanced-discussions-held-for-additional-usd-120-billion-worth-of-agreements-302674026.html "New Nordics" Economy Becomes Center of Gravity for Global Platform to Accelerate European Productivity, Values-Based Good Growth and Business Cooperation Stockholm Business Summit Follows Week of Davos Tumult that Catapults Nordic and Arctic Countries to Geopolitical Center Stage of Strategic Competition STOCKHOLM, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 80 global, Nordic, Baltic and Arctic community business leaders, regional academic, science and technology innovators gathered in Stockholm' historic Grand Hotel, 28-29 January, days after Davos tumult over U.S.-European relations, Greenland and tariff tensions. Leading Nordic, Baltic and Fortune 500 business figures converged to launch The Origination Finance Studios, a global convening platform to expedite business and societal scale dialogue and solution sets. The Origination Finance Studios will be anchored in the ascendent Nordic-Baltic economic leadership space to accelerate new financial models and industry blueprints needed to re-engineer long-term healthy growth and prosperity - for the many rather than the few. Building upon Stockholm's historic industrial and banking strengths and its status as Europe's new "capital of capital" for the reinvigoration of European markets' ($113 billion in fresh capital raised in the past five years alone), today's Origination Finance Studio and future convenings will expand to strategic geographies especially in the Global South, with India first, among others. Distinguished participants include Henrik Henriksson, CEO of Stegra, Sweden's green steel scale-up, Hans Vestberg, Board Member of Blackrock and former Chair & CEO of Verizon, Jakob Stausholm, former CEO of Rio Tinto, Niclas Martensson, CEO, Stena Line Group, Annette Selmeier, Co-Founder, Effective Energy Invest GmbH, Risto Siilasmaa, Founder of F-Secure and former Chair and Interim CEO of Nokia, Tonis Saar, Director of NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCoE), Line Gordon, Director of the Stockholm Resilience Center, Liza Jonson, CEO Swedbank Robur, and Bridget Fawcett, Global Head, Sustainability & Corporate Transitions Investment Banking at CITI. Origination Founder, Dr Osvald Magne Bjelland, and the Origination team have drawn together many of the world's most creative business minds, scientific, and industry thinkers. The Finance Studio approach emerges out of Bjelland's #1 Amazon Bestseller Book, HOPE for Life on Our Planet: Inspiration for Seven Generations, a two-year undertaking to distill the insights of over 60 co-authors from business, scientific, environment, artistic and religious leaders from around the world including three Nobel Peace Laureates - two-time president of Costa Rica Oscar Arias Sanchez, Iran's Narges Mohammadi, and Ukraine's Oleksandra Matviichuk - and business luminaries, such as Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Hans Vestberg, Blackrock Board Member and former Chair and CEO of Verizon, and Lord Browne of Madingley, Founder and Chairman of BeyondNetZero and former CEO of BP. Ambassador Jakob Kiefer, an Origination partner, will serve as the Stockholm Studio's Director. Stockholm programme speakers addressed four themes with the aim to secure specific implementable projects out of deliberations: Energy Transition: Chaired by Christian Rynning-Tnnesen , Senior Partner and CEO of Aker-ICP Infrastructure and former CEO of Statkraft, with contributions from Shaun Kingsbury CBE , Chief Investment Officer of Just Climate and Chairman of Stegra, Jakob Stausholm , former CEO of Rio Tinto, Tom Jensen , Founder T1Energy, Magnus Asbjornsson , CEO Reykjavik Geothermal and Financial Respondents Jan Olsson , CEO, Deutsche Bank AG Nordics and Krishnan Narayanan , Founder & Chairman, The Fifty Group. Chaired by , Senior Partner and CEO of Aker-ICP Infrastructure and former CEO of Statkraft, with contributions from , Chief Investment Officer of Just Climate and Chairman of Stegra, , former CEO of Rio Tinto, , Founder T1Energy, , CEO Reykjavik Geothermal and Financial Respondents , CEO, Deutsche Bank AG Nordics and , Founder & Chairman, The Fifty Group. Mobility and Connectivity: Chaired by Marcus Hogblom , VP of ABB Marine, with contributions from Amy Marshall , Partner and Managing Director Europe, Xynteo, Niclas Martensson , CEO, Stena Line Group, Max Blatt , CEO LOTS Group, Frode Dahl , Assistant Director, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Financial Respondents, Johan Haeggman , former CEO, Traton Financial Services and Annette Selmeier , Co-Founder, Effective Energy Invest GmbH. Chaired by , VP of ABB Marine, with contributions from , Partner and Managing Director Europe, Xynteo, , CEO, Stena Line Group, , CEO LOTS Group, , Assistant Director, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Financial Respondents, , former CEO, Traton Financial Services and , Co-Founder, Effective Energy Invest GmbH. Security & Resilience: Chaired by Risto Siilasmaa , Founder of F-Secure, former Chair and Interim CEO of Nokia, and Founder and Chair of WithSecure, with contributions from Tonis Saar , Director of NATO CCDCoE, Jessica Oberg , CEO of Combitech, Birger Steen , CEO of NORSAR, Thomas Brannstrom , CTO, Cisco and financial respondents, Victoria Vysotina , UBS. Chaired by Founder of F-Secure, former Chair and Interim CEO of Nokia, and Founder and Chair of WithSecure, with contributions from , Director of NATO CCDCoE, , CEO of Combitech, , CEO of NORSAR, , CTO, Cisco and financial respondents, , UBS. Food Systems, Health & Water: Chaired by Dr Gunhild Stordalen , Founder, EAT Foundation will include contributions from Professor Line Gordon , Director, and Professor Lisen Schultz , Deputy Director, Stockholm Resilience Center, Magnus Bjorsne , CEO of AstraZeneca Bioventure Hub, Johan Seimer , CEO Chromafora, Jakob Just-Bomholt , CEO of Elekta, Matts Johansen , Chairman of Aker Qrill and CEO of Aker BioMarine and financial respondents, Liza Jonson , CEO Swedbank Robur, and Karl Nagy , Founder Kabena Group. Chaired by , Founder, EAT Foundation will include contributions from , Director, and , Deputy Director, Stockholm Resilience Center, , CEO of AstraZeneca Bioventure Hub, , CEO Chromafora, , CEO of Elekta, , Chairman of Aker Qrill and CEO of Aker BioMarine and financial respondents, , CEO Swedbank Robur, and , Founder Kabena Group. The Origination Finance Studio also brings together world-leading academic expertise on blended finance with Professor Caroline Flammer of Columbia University. Professor Phoebe Koundouri , renowned economist and Member of the Nominating Committee for the Nobel Prize in Economics, outlines pathways to accelerated change. Professor Line Gordon , Stockholm Resilience Center Director, poses human & planet-friendly solutions. of Columbia University. , renowned economist and Member of the Nominating Committee for the Nobel Prize in Economics, outlines pathways to accelerated change. , Stockholm Resilience Center Director, poses human & planet-friendly solutions. Against an investment landscape increasingly shaped by geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, participants will hear from H.E. Mikaela Kumlin-Granit, Sweden's Ambassador to the European Union, Dr Parag Khanna, CEO of AlphaGeo, Singapore, Peter Dahlen, Managing Director of AmCham Sweden, Ketan Patel, Chairman of Force for Good, Nick Stansbury, Head of Climate Solutions at Legal & General Investment Management, and Sebastian Frisk, Chief of Staff at EQT. Origination Finance Studio summit leaders distilled current experiences and prescriptions: At this critical juncture, green steel pioneer and CEO Henrik Henriksson reported from the frontline on how Stegra has been able to finance one of the largest industrial scale-up projects in the world. He shared both achievements and challenges with funding a multi-billion dollar company from scratch and an update on the progress that has been made to be able to deliver green steel at scale from Boden, Sweden. "Stegra is a purpose-built company which aims to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. It is also fundamentally an example of how capital can be structured to solve some of mankind's common challenges," said Henrik Henriksson, CEO of Stegra. "The concept of the NEW Nordics emerged in the process leading up to the Studio. This region combines historic stability with innovation and good growth. Collectively, this 35-million-strong area wields economic influence comparable to a major G20 country, ranking among the top 15 economies globally. In fact, Sweden alone had more stock listings than Germany, France, Spain combined for each year of the last decade. "If the rest of the EU performed like Sweden, we would not be talking about a competitiveness problem," observed Dr Osvald Bjelland, Origination Founder and Chairman. "Closing the technology gap is central to Europe's resilience," stated Risto Siilasmaa, Founder of F-Secure, former Chair and Interim CEO of Nokia, and Founder and Chair of WithSecure. "We need to map where critical capabilities are missing, quantify the investment required to fill those gaps, and deploy both public and private resources strategically. That is the core of ensuring the New Nordics and Europe can withstand systemic shocks and maintain competitiveness." "Energy transition projects must move from prototypes to full-scale deployment. Our job is to identify which technologies are ready, where financing bottlenecks exist, and how to structure investment to de-risk early-stage deployment at scale," noted Christian Rynning- Tnnesen, Senior Partner and CEO of Aker-ICP Infrastructure and former CEO of Statkraft. "Europe does not lack innovation; it lacks the capital and risk appetite to invest and scale projects at speed and over time. For long-term investors, the question is not willingness but coordination of capital and creating an EU Inc.," asserted Sebastian Frisk, Partner and Head of EQT Growth. "Planet and human-centric capitalism driven by sustainable interaction between nature, society, and the economy is a force for good serving generations to come. It's a pathway to more and greater profits and returns for all stakeholders - humanity and nature," prescribed Dr Phoebe Koundouri, Professor at University of Athens and Cambridge University and Member of the Nominating Committee for the Nobel Prize in Economics. Stockholm Finance Studio Programme: https://www.originationstudio.com About ORIGINATION About THE ORIGINATION STUDIOS Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872270/Origination_Studio_Collage.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/over-80-global-nordic-baltic-and-arctic-ceos-and-leaders-of-industry-finance-technology-and-science-meet-in-stockholm-to-launch-the-origination-finance-studios-302673872.html Following GOOD DESIGN recognition, early sales momentum and consumer adoption underscore DORCO's global flagship product SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DORCO, South Korea's leading shaving brand, today announced that its flagship razor DORCO SLEEK has received a 2025 GOOD DESIGN Awards from Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, in the Personal Category for Global Flagship Razor Development. Following this recognition, SLEEK is gaining meaningful market traction across key markets, supported by strong sales performance and positive consumer response. This momentum highlights how DORCO's design-led development approach is translating into real-world consumer adoption. The GOOD DESIGN Awards recognition reflects SLEEK's focus on practical problem-solving through design, balancing refined aesthetics with everyday usability. These qualities are also reinforced by consumer feedback, with verified purchasers citing smooth glide, reduced skin irritation, and consistent shaving performance in everyday use. Developed in collaboration with Prime Studio, SLEEK was created to elevate DORCO's presence on the global stage by creating a flagship product built for the next generation. The process began with consumer persona research across Europe, Asia, and North America, which guided the overall design and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) decisions. Building on these insights, the team defined three visual directions-"Crafted with Care," "Simple Complexity," and "Lightness of Touch"-which were translated into 2D-rendered concepts inspired by precise details from premium hand tools, exposed connector details, and the tactile qualities of different materials. Through numerous reviews with DORCO and testing against persona benchmarks, nine initial concepts were refined into three leading directions that ultimately shaped the final SLEEK razor. SLEEK is designed to deliver a close, smooth shave while minimizing skin irritation.Built on DORCO's newest blade engineering technology, key innovations include the Super Thin Blade, Thin Edge Blade technology, and patented coating technology for durability and consistent performance. For added comfort and control, SLEEK features a SmoothShield+ lubricating strip (made with Vitamin E and aloe), a Micro Rubber Fin Guard Bar, and multi-flex head engineered for stable skin contact and precision. "SLEEK represents the pinnacle of our blade technology," said the Head of Product Development Division at DORCO. "By combining Thin Edge Blade engineering with our patented coating, SLEEK delivers superior cutting performance and a shave that is both smooth and gentle." SLEEK is available across DORCO's key growth markets, supported by tailored partnerships and campaigns. In the U.S., SLEEK launched in March 2025 on Amazon, supported by a brand collaboration with Evan Mock. In the UAE, following its June 2025 debut, the product expanded across both online and offline retail channels, achieving strong launch-month sales performance and a leading position in the system razor category. Meanwhile, DORCO continues to invest in blade engineering and manufacturing capabilities, applying its technical expertise to develop grooming products focused on performance, comfort, and everyday usability. Customer Testimonials Verified purchase reviews highlight SLEEK's smooth shaving performance, comfort, and overall quality, reinforcing its position as a high-performance razor designed for everyday use. "The shave is incredibly smooth and close, with no tugging or irritation. The pivoting head adjusts naturally to facial contours, making areas like the jawline and chin much easier to shave." "The razor feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, even when wet - it feels premium and stable to hold." "It delivers a clean shave in a single pass, and the blades attach and detach easily." About DORCO Founded in 1955, DORCO has been a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative razor products worldwide. We continue to push the boundaries of shaving technology. DORCO's diverse range of razors combines cutting-edge blade innovation with ergonomic designs, delivering the smoothest, most comfortable shave on the market. With a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, DORCO enriches the shaving experience for millions of customers across 100+ countries. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871600/DORCO_SLEEK_featuring_a_matte_metal_handle_a_multi_flex_head_precise.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dorco-wins-2025-good-design-award-global-traction-continues-for-the-flagship-razor-302672612.html Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - MineralRite Corporation (OTCID: RITE) ("MineralRite" or the "Company") today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Peeples, Inc., has executed a Common Variety Mineral Materials Lease with the Arizona State Land Department covering approximately 377.11 acres of State trust land in Yavapai County, Arizona. The lease was executed on January 26, 2026, and is a successor to a prior lease covering the same property. The stated term of the lease commenced on May 2, 2023, and expires on May 1, 2043. The lease is not renewable; any continuation beyond the expiration date requires discretionary approval of the Arizona State Land Commissioner or the issuance of a new lease. This lease allows MineralRite to advance its planned activities on the leased lands subject to applicable rent, royalty, operational, environmental, reporting, and reclamation requirements. "We have been working with the State of Arizona for nearly a year to align the necessary land rights and operational agreements, and the execution of this lease marks an important milestone in that process. With the lease now in place, the Company can move forward with its development plans. The first step is to have the Company's engaged Qualified Person access the property to complete Phase 1 of the scope of work contracted back in November. During that site work, he will gather the field observations and technical information necessary to define the scope, schedule, and cost estimate for Phase 2, which would consist of preparation of a full S-K 1300 technical report. We appreciate the constructive engagement of the Arizona State Land Department and look forward to advancing this project in a rigorous and timely manner." Additional details regarding the lease are included in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. --- About MineralRite Corporation MineralRite Corporation is a resource development company engaged in the evaluation, and potential future recovery and monetization, of mineral assets and related operations. The Company is in the early stages of development and has not yet established any mineral resources or reserves under SEC Regulation S-K Subpart 1300, nor does it currently have any revenue-generating operations. Safe Harbor Disclosure Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information set forth in this communication contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) the timing, terms, and completion of any financing or capital markets initiatives; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; (viii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements; (ix) statements regarding the potential value or economic viability of the Skull Valley project absent completed S-K 1300-compliant technical reports; (x) statements regarding the expected benefits of commodity price trends; (xi) statements regarding investor or market interest in the Company's assets; and (xii) statements regarding the Company's ability to obtain the ASLD lease and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this communication are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company's inability to obtain the ASLD lease on acceptable terms or at all; (ii) the absence of any established mineral resources or reserves under SEC Regulation S-K Subpart 1300; (iii) the speculative nature of mineral exploration and the possibility that no economically recoverable minerals exist at the Skull Valley project; (iv) volatility in commodity prices for gold, silver, and other minerals; (v) the Company's ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; (vi) regulatory and permitting risks; (vii) technical and operational risks associated with mineral recovery; (viii) the Company's limited operating history and lack of revenue-generating operations; and (ix) the early stage of the Company's projects and operations. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282010 Source: MineralRite Corporation ROSH HAAYIN, Israel, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. (CSE: PLCN) ("Cannibble" or the "Company") today announced that Yoav Bar-Joseph, founder and chief executive officer, has issued the following letter to shareholders. To Our Shareholders, I am writing to update you on recent developments at Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. and to outline key priorities as we move into 2026. Over the past year, the Company operated in a challenging environment. Ongoing geopolitical conditions in Israel and broader capital-market constraints limited our ability to raise capital and advance certain initiatives. During this period, management focused on maintaining operational continuity, preserving the Company's core assets and evaluating strategic opportunities that align with Cannibble's long-term objectives. More recently, the Company secured additional funding and completed a review of initiatives intended to support future growth. These steps have allowed Cannibble to begin advancing selected strategic initiatives while continuing to operate its core food-technology business. New Division: Robotics and AI for Hospitality and Food-Tech During the period, Cannibble established a Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Division for the Food and Hospitality Industry. The division was formed to explore opportunities in automation and service robotics that may complement the Company's existing relationships within the food service, hospitality, and related service sectors. As previously disclosed, Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. and AIBotics Inc. have entered into a collaboration to evaluate the potential deployment of AI-powered service robots in food service, hospitality and security applications, initially in Israel and, subject to market conditions and definitive agreements, in other international markets. As part of the initiative, an initial shipment of service robots manufactured by KEENON Robotics has arrived in Israel and is currently awaiting customs clearance. Cannibble's management expect the shipment to support pilot programs and market-assessment activities as they evaluate commercial demand and potential distribution opportunities. The Robotics and AI Division is focused on assessing commercial demand, supporting pilot initiatives, and evaluating the potential marketing and distribution of service robotics technologies. There can be no assurance that these activities will result in commercial agreements, revenue generation or long-term business operations. Shareholders' Meeting Update The Company recently held a shareholders' meeting at which several matters were approved by shareholders. One of these was the approval of a resolution authorizing a change to the Company's name. The new name will be announced through a separate news release in the coming weeks. In addition, shareholders approved the continued terms of office of the Company's existing directors and reappointed Ziv Haft Chartered Professional Accountants as the Company's auditor for an additional term. Looking Ahead It is anticipated that Cannibble will continue to evaluate strategic initiatives with a focus on disciplined capital allocation, operational execution, and regulatory compliance. Management remains committed to transparent communication with shareholders and to advancing initiatives that align with the Company's long-term strategy. I would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and engagement. Sincerely, Yoav Bar-Joseph Founder and Chief Executive Officer Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. Email: yoav.b@cannibble.world Tel: +1 (786) 322 6055 About Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. Cannibble Food-Tech Ltd. is a food technology company focused on developing food and beverage products enhanced with alternative proteins and functional ingredients. In addition to its food products, Cannibble has established an Innovation Division focused on robotics and artificial intelligence solutions. This division was formed to leverage the Company's existing relationships within the food service, hospitality and service industries and is focused on the marketing and commercialization of AI-enabled robotic technologies designed to support automation, operational efficiency and scalable service delivery across food service, hospitality, and security environments. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's operations relating to its new business division; potentials uses for and benefits of the current shipment of service robots expected to be used by the Company; operations relating to the Company's collaboration with AIBotics Inc; the anticipated name change of the Corporation; and other statements relating to anticipated future operations of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions, including with respect to: having the necessary resources to continue with its anticipated future operations; being able to utilize the service robots noted above as currently anticipated or at all; that the demand for automation and service robotics will continue as expected by the Company or at all; being able to obtain any necessary regulatory and other third party approvals; and general economic conditions. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: risks relating to consumer demand for the Company's products; financing risks and the risk that the Company will not have the necessary resources (financial and/or otherwise) to grow or continue operations as currently planned; regulatory risks; and other factors described in the Company's public filings on its SEDAR+ profile page at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / The Longevity Centers of America (LCOA) has expanded its regenerative medicine capabilities with the introduction of NanoScope Needle Arthroscopy. This advanced diagnostic technology allows patients to receive same-day joint evaluation and treatment without traditional surgical incisions. The minimally invasive system offers a new option for individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, suspected cartilage damage, or unexplained musculoskeletal issues. NanoScope Needle Arthroscopy utilizes a needle-sized camera approximately 1.9 millimeters in diameter to provide direct, real-time visualization inside joint spaces. Unlike traditional arthroscopy, which requires surgical incisions, general anesthesia, and extended recovery periods, this innovative approach can be performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia in appropriate cases. The technology enables physicians to diagnose and potentially treat joint conditions in a single visit, streamlining the path from evaluation to intervention. The system addresses a critical gap in musculoskeletal diagnostics. While MRI and ultrasound imaging provide valuable information about joint structures, they offer only indirect visualization. NanoScope technology allows physicians to directly observe cartilage integrity, synovial inflammation, meniscus tears, labral damage, and other intra-articular conditions that may not be fully apparent through conventional imaging alone. This enhanced diagnostic clarity helps ensure treatment plans target the actual source of pain rather than relying on presumptive diagnoses. The Longevity Centers of America has integrated NanoScope technology into its comprehensive regenerative medicine approach. The system is particularly valuable when combined with targeted regenerative injection therapies such as platelet-rich plasma treatments. Direct visualization enables precision-guided injection placement, ensuring therapeutic biologics reach the exact structures requiring intervention. This combination of advanced diagnostics with regenerative treatments aligns with LCOA's commitment to root-cause medicine and non-surgical solutions. Patients who may benefit from NanoScope evaluation include adults experiencing chronic joint pain, active individuals with sports-related injuries, and those who have not found relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy or standard injections. The technology has applications across multiple joints, including the knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow. By providing faster diagnostic clarity, NanoScope can help patients avoid the frustration of trial-and-error treatment approaches and unnecessary delays in care. The procedure typically begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation, during which Dr. Benjamin Kosubevsky and his team review the patient's symptoms, medical history, movement patterns, and any prior imaging studies. If NanoScope needle arthroscopy is deemed appropriate, the team discusses expectations, potential risks, and recovery protocols. On procedure day, the system's compact design and needle-based approach minimize tissue disruption compared to traditional arthroscopy. Following the evaluation, the physician develops a clear treatment plan that may include targeted rehabilitation strategies, PRP therapy , other regenerative approaches, or referrals when necessary. Dr. Kosubevsky brings an evidence-informed, patient-centered approach to musculoskeletal and regenerative care. The integration of NanoScope technology reflects LCOA's broader philosophy of combining advanced diagnostic tools with careful clinical judgment to deliver personalized treatment plans. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the practice evaluates each patient's unique anatomy, symptoms, and functional goals to determine the most appropriate intervention strategy. The addition of NanoScope Needle Arthroscopy represents a significant advancement in accessible orthopedic care, particularly for patients seeking alternatives to traditional surgery. As joint pain and arthritis affect millions of Americans across all age groups, having access to minimally invasive diagnostic technology that can be performed without hospitalization addresses a growing need in musculoskeletal medicine. The system's ability to provide immediate visual feedback during the same appointment reduces the waiting period between diagnosis and treatment, potentially accelerating overall recovery timelines. For patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options or received inconclusive imaging results, NanoScope offers a pathway to definitive answers. The technology's precision also supports more effective patient education, as physicians can show patients exactly what is occurring within their joints and explain treatment rationale based on direct observation rather than interpretation of external imaging. The Longevity Centers of America continues to expand its regenerative medicine offerings as part of its mission to provide comprehensive, minimally invasive solutions for complex health conditions. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like NanoScope with established regenerative therapies, the practice aims to deliver outcomes that improve both immediate symptoms and long-term joint function. Patients interested in learning whether NanoScope Needle Arthroscopy may be appropriate for their condition can schedule a consultation by calling (864)-520-5232 or filling out the LCOA website's contact form . About The Longevity Centers of America The Longevity Centers of America provides comprehensive regenerative medicine and longevity-focused healthcare services. Led by Dr. Benjamin Kosubevsky, DO, the practice specializes in minimally invasive treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, chronic illness, and age-related health concerns. With locations in Florida and South Carolina, LCOA combines advanced medical technology with personalized, root-cause approaches to help patients optimize their health and function. For more information, visit thelcoa.com . Media Contact: The Longevity Centers of America 580 Village Blvd., Suite 210 West Palm Beach, FL 33409 103 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609 Phone: (864)-520-5232 Email: info@thelcfl.com Website: https://www.thelcoa.com SOURCE: The Longevity Center OA View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/the-longevity-centers-of-america-introduces-minimally-invasive-nanosc-1131588 Polymer platform sets a new standard for catheter design with PTFE-like performance and expanded material flexibility ORANGEBURG, S.C., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeus, a global leader in advanced polymer solutions, today announced the launch of PFX, a breakthrough platform designed to advance catheter innovation with a focus on performance, design flexibility, and sustainability. Zeus also introduced PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall, the first product in the PFX portfolio and a next-generation catheter liner engineered as an alternative to film-cast PTFE. For decades, PTFE has set the standard in catheter performance. As device designs continue to evolve, OEMs are seeking materials that maintain trusted performance while enabling greater flexibility, scalability, and long-term confidence. The PFX platform represents a new chapter in catheter innovation, bringing together a portfolio of non-fluorinated polymer solutions that match the performance characteristics R&D engineers rely on, while opening new possibilities in catheter design and manufacturing. "PFX reflects how we think about innovation at Zeus," said Paddy O'Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Zeus. "It's about anticipating where our customers are going and investing ahead of that curve. With PFX, we're extending our leadership in polymer science to help OEMs design what's next with confidence." PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall: The First Product in the PFX Portfolio The first product introduced under the PFX platform, PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall, is engineered to deliver PTFE-like lubricity, flexibility, and enhanced bond strength through the material itself, without additives or coatings. The material bonds directly to thermoplastics without chemical etching and is compatible with sterilization methods beyond EtO, including gamma and e-beam. PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall liners are available in inner diameters ranging from 0.013" to 0.387", expanding design freedom across a wide range of catheter platforms and enabling applications that have traditionally relied on film-cast materials. "For a long time, PTFE was viewed as irreplaceable in high-performance catheter applications," said Suresh Sainath, Chief Technology Officer at Zeus. "The PFX platform challenges that assumption. It delivers performance parity where it matters most, while enabling new levels of design flexibility. This is a meaningful advancement in catheter material science." A Strategic Platform Built for What's Next Beyond individual product performance, PFX is designed as a scalable platform that supports a growing portfolio of polymer solutions tailored to evolving catheter requirements. Additional PFX products, including advanced catheter liners and heat-shrink solutions, are already in development with new introductions planned later this year. In addition to performance and design flexibility, the PFX platform was developed with sustainability in mind, giving OEMs a material foundation that aligns with long-term environmental and supply chain priorities. PFX supports continuity and confidence over time, without forcing trade-offs in performance or reliability. "Our customers want to move forward without taking on unnecessary risk," said Jim O'Connell, Chief Commercial Officer at Zeus. "PFX gives them a strong foundation to engage early, explore new designs, and gain a first-mover advantage as catheter technology continues to evolve, all while aligning with longer-term sustainability priorities." MD&M West Showcase Zeus will showcase the PFX platform and PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall at MD&M West, where attendees can connect with Zeus experts to learn more about how PFX supports next-gen catheter design. Visit Zeus at Booth #3001. For more information, visit www.zeusinc.com/PFX/Flex About Zeus Zeus, headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is the world's leading polymer extrusion and catheter design manufacturer. More than 60 years of experience in medical, aerospace, energy, automotive, fiber optics, and more allows Zeus to achieve its mission to provide solutions, enable innovation, and enhance lives. The company employs over 2,200 people worldwide with facilities in Aiken, Columbia, Gaston, Orangeburg, St. Matthews, South Carolina; Branchburg, New Jersey; Chattanooga, Tennessee; San Jose, California; Arden Hills, Minnesota; Guangzhou, China; and Letterkenny, Ireland. For more information, visit www.zeusinc.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871781/PFX_Blue_TM.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362135/Zeus_Inc_Logov1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zeus-launches-pfx-platform-and-introduces-pfx-flex-sub-lite-wall-advancing-the-future-of-catheter-innovation-302672885.html DUBAI, UAE and HONG KONG, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pyse has received the required Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to distribute PYSE Green Velocity 1, a token designed to fractionalize lease-based cash flows from electric motorcycles deployed across Dubai's last mile delivery ecosystem. The product will be distributed in Dubai through MANTRA Finance , a licensed broker-dealer operating under VARA's VASP regulatory regime. The launch on February 10th, 2026 will follow nearly a year of collaboration between Pyse, MANTRA Finance, and a Shariah advisor, AmanX, to structure and prepare a fully regulated and Shariah compliant offering. Following early real estate tokenization initiatives in Dubai, this launch approval marks one of the next steps in bringing income-generating infrastructure assets into regulated virtual asset markets. It reflects Dubai's continued progression from experimentation to real-world deployment of tokenized assets within a clear supervisory framework. Last mile delivery sits at the heart of Dubai's urban economy, keeping platforms like Noon and Talabat moving at full pace. Driven by strong ecommerce adoption and dense city logistics, the segment represents a multi billion dollar opportunity and plays a central role in keeping goods and services moving efficiently across the city. Electric motorcycles are a key part of this system, offering lower operating costs, faster delivery times, and improved earnings outcomes for riders and delivery operators. PYSE Green Velocity 1 fractionalizes lease-based cash flows generated by electric motorcycles deployed across Dubai. These are revenue generating, income producing assets that support riders, delivery partners, and the broader urban mobility ecosystem. By financing electric motorcycles, the structure contributes to the electrification of last mile delivery while improving unit economics for ecosystem participants. "The ability to structure a Dubai-based asset, as an offering distributed to investors locally, is a strong signal of the country's future-focused approach," said Kaustubh Padakannaya, Co-Founder of Pyse. "This product would not be possible without VARA's clarity and willingness to engage deeply with new asset classes. And we can't wait to get the people of Dubai to become a part of the rapidly growing 10 minute economy" "We are incredibly excited to partner with Pyse as the first onchain tokenized asset issuance on MANTRA Finance's VARA regulated platform." John Patrick Mullin, CEO and Founder of MANTRA, said. "We have been working with the Pyse team since the beginning of the MANTRA RWA accelerator, and are glad to see this real world use case coming together in a safe, compliant, and novel way. This offering will be a great example of how the MANTRA Finance platform will work with its key partners to leverage onchain DeFi technology with compliance oversight." The product has been structured to be Shariah compliant and has been independently audited by AmanX. The Shariah compliant structure aligns the product with regional investor expectations and reinforces its positioning as a long term, asset based investment. The issuance of the required Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) by VARA on PYSE Green Velocity 1 reflects a regulatory environment that recognizes the role of tokenization in modern capital markets and is committed to building the necessary rails responsibly. This approval represents a starting point as Pyse engages with wealth managers, family offices, and private investors in the coming weeks as the token is open for subscription. PYSE Green Velocity 1 is a Shariah compliant real world asset product, built for Dubai's sustainable vision and future first financial ecosystem. A waitlist is now open on MANTRA Finance , with limited allocation remaining for the MANTRA community and public investors. The waitlist will close ahead of the February 10th launch. Licensing or registration with VARA does not imply endorsement or approval of any specific Virtual Asset product, offering, or service. About MANTRA MANTRA is a purpose-built EVM compatible Layer 1 blockchain designed for real world assets, with native support for regulatory compliance. MANTRA holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange and provide broker-dealer, management, and investment services. www.mantrachain.io View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pyse-and-mantra-finance-receive-vara-noc-to-launch-shariah-compliant-rwa-backed-by-dubais-food-delivery-evs-302673962.html Joint Venture Structure and Regulatory Compliance SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / On August 15, 2024, the Company executed a joint venture ground lease agreement for mineral rights within the Tinkoko Chiefdom of Bo District in southern Sierra Leone. Under this arrangement, our local operating partner will oversee on-site operations, licensing administration, labor management, packaging, and shipment logistics. To ensure full compliance with Sierra Leone's existing regulatory requirements-which stipulate that mining licenses and operational management be held exclusively by Sierra Leonean citizens-the partnership agreement establishes our operating partner as a 25% equity stakeholder, with the Company retaining a 75% controlling interest in the enterprise. As of September 2025, the Company has obtained an artisanal mining license for its lithium project in Sierra Leone. Operational Mission and Current Status The joint venture is focused on the extraction, packaging, and export of raw lithium ore from Sierra Leone to the United States. The Company has currently stockpiled approximately 54 metric tons of hard-rock lithium ore at the mining site, prepared for export pending the securing of adequate capital for shipping costs. Elektro's objective is to establish itself as a reliable supplier to U.S.-based lithium refineries, supporting the conversion of raw materials into battery-grade lithium for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage markets. Near-Term Strategic Objectives: Establish and maintain continuous lithium extraction and export operations from Sierra Leone Execute regular shipments of two to three containers of raw lithium ore on a monthly to bi-monthly basis to the United States Secure long-term offtake agreements with U.S. lithium refineries Position the Company as a strategic participant within the global battery materials supply chain Attract strategic investment partners and scale operations to achieve leadership positioning in the lithium supply sector Recent Demand for Lithium Projects In 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted surging lithium demand by restructuring a multi-billion-dollar federal loan and taking 5% equity stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass joint venture, a Nevada project slated to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually-enough for about 800,000 electric vehicles. At the same time, the European Union launched a 3 billion ResourceEU program to support 25 strategic critical-materials projects, including lithium initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign lithium, cobalt and graphite by 2030. Against this backdrop of strong government investment and tightening supply, we feel Elektros' lithium business direction is well-positioned to serve growing demand from both public and private buyers. About Elektros, Inc. Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK) business plan is to develop an artisanal mining operation based in Sierra Leone, Africa. This operation focuses on hard-rock lithium exploration, development, and the eventual exportation of the mined material to lithium refineries in the United States. www.elektros.energy Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties. For more details, please refer to the Company's SEC filings at www.sec.gov. Elektros, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Contact: Elektros, Inc. IR and Media Inquiries Email: ElektrosInc@gmail.com Industry Commentary on Lithium's Global Importance "Price of lithium has gone to insane levels! Tesla might actually have to get into the mining & refining directly at scale, unless costs improve." - Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (April 8, 2022). "New technology is absolutely essential for society to obtain the volumes of lithium that are necessary for electric vehicles." - Dave Snydacker, CEO of Lilac Solutions, as reported by Reuters (April 7, 2022). "You will need six times more lithium by 2050 than you use today in order to meet the clean energy goals." - Jose Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary of State, as reported by Reuters (June 14, 2022). SOURCE: Elektros, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/elektros-unveils-a-bold-strategic-growth-roadmap-for-its-sierra-leone-lithium-operations-1131610 Press Release Bull: a New Brand to Drive the Future of Advanced Computing Paris, France - January 29, 2026 -Bull, a leading brand in advanced computing and AI, is officially launched today, marking the return of a historically rooted technology name, reimagined for a new era. Reinvented through a new identity and a clear sense of purpose, Bull is a global leader in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and quantum innovation, with the ambition to shape a more responsible digital world, through sustainability, sovereignty and real-world outcomes. The rebirth of Bull represents a strategic milestone on its journey towards becoming a private, independent company, following the signing of the share purchase agreement with the French State on 31 July 2025. The complete transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026, will support Bull in accelerating its vision of the digital future - more powerful, more sustainable, more sovereign and more open. With a team of over 2,500 engineers and experts, Bull is driving innovation at scale. Rooted in Europe and holding leading positions in Latin America and India, it brings together a strong European and industrial heritage, a world-class R&D supported by 1,500 patents, unique manufacturing capabilities and decades of expertise to enable nations and industries to fully control their AI and data, advancing progress for the benefit of the planet. Building on more than a century of expertise in computing and data science, Bull is the only European player designing, manufacturing, and deploying both hardware and software, while also delivering strategic services to unlock enterprise value, accelerate scientific research and drive society forward. From chip integration and interconnects design to AI platforms and applications, Bull masters the full technology stack. It delivers proven industrial robustness for critical sectors such as defense and energy, while minimizing total cost of ownership through world-leading green HPC performance. This integrated approach enables secure, sustainable, and independent AI at scale. Emmanuel Le Roux, SVP, head of Bull said "With the launch of Bull, we are reconnecting with our technological heritage to build our future. Our mission is clear: deliver powerful, sustainable, and sovereign computing and AI technologies that enable nations and industries to innovate with confidence and purpose." *** About Bull Bull is the Atos Group brand for High-Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum innovations with 2,500 employees. Built on a foundation of an open, end-to-end and trusted approach, Bull designs, deploys and runs hardware and software and provides strategic services that unlock enterprise value, accelerate scientific research and drive society forward. Driven by world-class R&D with 1,500 patents, manufacturing capabilities and data sciences, Bull enables nations and industries to fully control their AI and data and advance progress for the benefit of the planet. For more information, please visit our website and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Youtube. About Atos Group Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 63,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 8 billion, operating in 61 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is the brand under which Atos SE (Societas Europaea) operates. Atos SE is listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atos Group is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contact Constance Arnoux - constance.arnoux@eviden.com - +33 (0)6 44 12 16 35 Attachment Lenovo empowers education systems with safeguarded, AI-enabled solutions that personalize learning, protect data, and prepare students. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Lenovo announced at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2026 new additions to its portfolio of Chromebook devices to power teaching and learning. These education solutions and more will also be presented at Bett UK 2026, January 21-23, where Lenovo will engage with global education innovators about the future of edtech; AI literacy, safety, and security; device durability and repairability; and more. From immersive classrooms to research labs, Lenovo, the world leader in supplying laptops, desktops, infrastructure, and smart devices to education, helps institutions inspire the future of learning by empowering education systems with safeguarded, AI-enabled solutions that personalize learning, protect data, and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. "The workforce of the future requires smarter technology today," said Chris Babson, General Manager, Commercial Education Portfolio, Lenovo. "From our Chromebook portfolio to our full stack of technology solutions from the pocket to the cloud, Lenovo places technology in the hands of learners and teachers to help them build stronger learning outcomes." Lenovo Chromebooks Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help bring the latest technology to the classroom, including AI-enabled learning, security features, and device management. The newest additions to the Lenovo Chromebook portfolio for education include the Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15. "Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help school systems maintain future-proofed fleets that are more secure and easier to deploy, empowering teachers, staff, and students with a more agile experience through powerful applications and AI capabilities," said Benny Zhang, General Manager, Chromebook Business, Lenovo. Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 is a rugged and lightweight device that helps K-12 students thrive wherever learning happens. Fueled by either the Intel Processor N150 or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this go-everywhere device boasts an 11.6" or 12.2" touch or non-touch display. With a new, innovative design, this Chromebook is built to withstand the rigors of student life. It boasts impressive repairability and serviceability with customer replaceable unit (CRU) components, as well as Lenovo durability and MIL-SPEC testing that protects against drops, spills, and bumps. The improved 50WHr battery and enhanced Wi-Fi 7 and 4G LTE connectivity mean students can keep learning even when they're unplugged. With additional ports, including dual USB-C ports, the Lenovo Chromebook 100e is more versatile than ever and ready for peripherals that accelerate learning. Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5 January 14, 2026 /3BL/ - The Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5 delivers impressive versatility at exceptional value for K-12 students. Fueled by either an Intel Processor N150 or N250, or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this convertible device empowers students to tackle every assignment with confidence. Because on-the-move learning is standard, this device is resilient in the face of every accidental bump, drop, and spill, with MIL-SPEC testing1. Customers can choose from two touch display sizes-11.6" or 12.2"-both within the same streamlined chassis design. The new USI 2.0 stylus with a better grip enables natural interaction with the screen and securely tucks away when not in use. Other enhanced features boost the UX, including the dual USB-C ports, improved serviceability with CRU components, and faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 7. Add the larger 50WHr battery with up to 16 hours2 of unplugged productivity, the Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 is the go-to learning device for on-the-go students. Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 14 Powered by the Intel Core 3 Processor N355, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 delivers high-productivity features that make the grade for teachers and administrators. Starting at 1.4kg and boasting all-day battery life3 for ideal portability, this durable device is ready for students. Teacher performance and administrator efficiency will be enhanced by a superior user experience that includes a bold 16:10 display with over 87% screen-to-body ratio, Waves MAXX Audio for crisp sound, and a 5MP camera with a physical shutter. Plus, easy access to Google AI features assists in daily tasks like content creation, image editing, and research organization, so students can focus on learning outcomes. Built for the next generation, this device not only optimizes learning but also prioritizes sustainability and repairability with CRU components. The recently announced Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 with Google AI features and powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, also further extends Lenovo's broad portfolio of Chromebook options. Available in both consumer and education models, the Chromebook Plus i (15", 10) wows with a 15-inch 2K IPS display and audio tuned by Waves, keeps the user productive with up to 11 hours of battery life4, a full numpad and a larger touchpad, a fingerprint reader, and a 5MP webcam with privacy shutter. Chrome Portal for Lenovo Device Orchestration Lenovo Device Orchestration (LDO) for education is an intelligent endpoint management solution that empowers IT teams to monitor, manage, and optimize their school or district's entire fleet of devices to predict and prevent common issues. LDO makes it easier to enhance device health, security, and performance across operating systems, reducing downtime and boosting staff and student productivity. ChromeOS is now supported on LDO. IT staff can onboard a school system's entire ChromeOS fleet with Google Admin Console connector through LDO and see all its Chromebook devices in one place within a dedicated Chrome Management page. With the power to view accurate and detailed Chromebook data from Google and Lenovo in a simple interface, IT administrators can filter by telemetry data such as last check-in, battery health, last user, and more to analyze, manage, and protect fleets. Lenovo at FETC and BETT For more information about these products and services for education, visit Lenovo at Booth 900 at FETC 2026 and Stand NH20 at Bett 2026. Availability The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, and Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 / 15 will be available in select markets worldwide in the first half of 2026. Product Specifications Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5 Dimensions & Weight (L x W x D) (mm): 288.9 x 210 x 19.7 (inches): 11.37 x 8.27 x 0.78 (kg/lbs): 1.27 / 2.71 (mm): 287 x 212 x 20.33 (inches): 11.3 x 8.35 x 0.80 (kg/lbs): 1.35 / 2.97 Display 11.6" 16:9 HD Non-touch /Touch 12.2" 16:10 WU Non-Touch 11.6? 16:9 HD Touch with Gorilla Glass 12.2" 16:10 WU Touch with Gorilla Glass Processor Intel Core N-150 MediaTek Kompanio 540 Intel Processor N150 or N250 MediaTek Kompanio 540 Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics AI Definition Google AI Google AI Memory5 Up to 8GB Up to 8GB Storage6 Up to 64GB UFS Up to 128G OS ChromeOS ChromeOS Battery7 50Whr CRU 50Whr CRU Power Adapter Type-C 65W (Rapid Charge and Rapid Charger Pro) Type-C 65W (Rapid Charge and Rapid Charger Pro) Keyboard Top-load keyboard Spill-resistant (360ml) Anti-pry keys Top-load keyboard Spill-resistant (360ml) Anti-pry keys Camera 720p UFC 5MP/720p front-facing 8MP/5MP world-facing camera (optional) Ports 2x USB-C 2x USB-A 1x HDMI 1x Audio jack 2x USB-C 2x USB-A 1x HDMI 1x Audio jack Audio Waves MAXX Audio Waves MAXX Audio Connectivity Wi-Fi 7/6E Up to Bluetooth 5.4 4G/LTE CAT 6 eSIM Wi-Fi 7/6E Bluetooth 5.4 4G/LTE CAT 6 eSIM, 5G Colors Luna Grey Luna Grey Lenovo Chromebook Plus i (14?,11) Lenovo Chromebook Plus i (15?, 10) Dimensions & Weight (L x W x D) (mm): 320 x 223.5 x 19.9 (inches): 12.38 x 8.63 x 0.62 Starting at 1.4 kg / 3.0 lbs. (mm): 344 x 242 x 18.9 (inches): 13.54? x 9.52? x 0.75? Display 14.0? 16:10 WU, IPS, 400 nits 14.0" 16:10 WU Touch (optional) 15.3? WU (1920 x 1200), IPS, 16:10, 400nits, Optional: 100% sRGB, 120Hz, Touchscreen Processor Intel Core 3 Processor N3558 Intel Core 3 Processor N355 Graphics Integrated Graphics Integrated Graphics AI Definition Google AI Google AI Memory9 Up to 8GB LPDDR5 8GB Storage10 Up to 256GB UFS (Intel) Up to 128G UFS (MediaTek) Up to 256GB UFS OS ChromeOS ChromeOS Battery11 50 Whr, up to 14 hours 50 Whr with Rapid Charge Pro (65W adapter only) Up to 12 Hours Power Adapter 65W adapter, Type-C 65W adapter, Type-C Keyboard Backlit/Non-backlit Spill-resistant keyboard Non-backlit keyboard Camera 5M / 720p with webcam privacy shutter and dual microphone 5MP RGB + Dual Microphone Webcam with Physical Shutter Ports 2x USB-C 10Gbps 2x USB-A 5Gbps 1x HDMI 1x Audio Jack 2x USB-C 10Gbps 1x USB-A 5Gbps 1x HDMI 1 x Audio Combo Jack 1 x MicroSD Card Slot Audio Waves MAXX Audio 2 x 2W Speakers, with MaxxAudio by Waves Connectivity WI-FI Wi-Fi 7/6E 4G LTE/5G, eSim Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Colors Luna Grey Luna Grey [1] MIL-STD 810H establishes a methodology for testing products against environmental stresses under controlled laboratory conditions. Lenovo uses the U.S. Department of Defense's MIL-SPEC standards to test devices against hazardous physical and environmental conditions to determine durability. Such testing is not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Abuse, like that contained in MIL-STD 810H testing, is not covered under Lenovo's standard warranty. [2] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. [3] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. [4] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. [5] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates. [6] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. [7] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. [8] To maximize a tight budget and still enjoy the ChromeOS experience for efficient productivity tasks, email, browsing, this device is available as a Lenovo Chromebook. Powered by either Intel Processor N150/N250 or MediaTek Kompanio 540, this standard Lenovo Chromebook (14", 11) delivers ample performance to boost learning outcomes-all at great value. [9] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates. [10] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates. [11] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors. LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. Google is a trademark of Google, LLC. Intel, Core and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Wi-Fi is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. USB Type-C and USB-C are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Lenovo is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2026 Lenovo Group Limited. All rights reserved. About Lenovo Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit?https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our?StoryHub. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Lenovo Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Lenovo View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/lenovo-is-transforming-learning-and-inspiring-the-future-with-new-chro-1131614 Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), met today in Afungi with His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and have announced together the full restart of Mozambique LNG project activities. This restart of project activities onshore and offshore follows the decision made on 7 November 2025, by Mozambique LNG consortium to lift the Force Majeure that was declared in 2021 and resume project activities. During the meeting, the government of Mozambique confirmed its commitment to work together with Mozambique LNG to support the restart of project activities and address the consequences of the Force Majeure period. In particular, the Government confirmed all measures taken to address the security and the continued cooperation with Rwanda. Construction activities have now restarted both offshore and onshore at Afungi site, with over 4,000 workers currently mobilized of which over 3,000 are Mozambican nationals. First LNG is expected in 2029 as the project progress is currently at 40% almost all engineering and procurement of main equipments have been executed during the force majeure period. The Mozambique LNG project will bring significant economic benefits to Mozambique during its development phase, notably through an ambitious local content plan. The project will provide up to 7,000 direct jobs for Mozambicans during construction, and contracts awarded to Mozambican compagnies are expected to amount to more than USD 4 billion. In addition, Mozambique LNG has launched a large-scale socio-economic development program to support local communities in Cabo Delgado province. The Mozambique LNG Foundation, established in 2023 and endowed with a budget of USD 200 million, has already delivered tangible results, with over 8,000 jobs created and 7,000 farmers and fishermen supported by the Foundation in Cabo Delgado province. "The full restart of project activities marks a major milestone for Mozambique LNG and the country. I want to thank President Chapo and all Mozambican authorities for their commitment to the project. We are now working together to make this project a great success for the people of Mozambique", said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. "This landmark project will position Mozambique as a major LNG exporter. With its strong local content, it will also bring lasting economic benefits to Mozambican people." "The resumption of the project represents a significant milestone for the national economy and reaffirms the confidence of international partners in Mozambique's energy, institutional and human potential. It will have a direct and significant impact on job creation, both in construction phase and in the operational phase, stimulating the national labor market and promoting the capacity-building of Mozambican manpower. At the same time, it consolidates Mozambique's positioning as a regional energy hub and reaffirms the country as a credible and relevant actor in the global Liquefied Natural Gas market, strengthening its geostrategic position and its role in global energy security", said His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique About Mozambique LNG Mozambique LNG is a joint venture composed of TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 (26.5%, operator), Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 (20%), ENH Rovuma Area Um (15%), ONGC Videsh Rovuma (10%), Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique (10%), BPRL Ventures Mozambique (10%) and PTTEP Mozambique Area 1 (8.5%). About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. @TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129402488/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com The Georgia rehab center is renewing its commitment to integrated care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / LIV Recovery Center, a behavioral and mental health treatment clinic located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is advancing its dual diagnosis treatment services to better serve the needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The effort is part of a larger shift toward integrated dual diagnosis care, and is proven to support long-term wellness and stronger recovery outcomes. A dual diagnosis, or diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and one or more mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or a trauma or mood disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are approximately 21.2 million adults in the U.S. struggling with a dual diagnosis. People with co-occurring disorders are twice as likely to relapse or have other poor outcomes, such as emergency room visits or hospitalizations. That's because co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders exist in a hard-to-break cycle, and often fuel or trigger the other. If one is left untreated, an individual faces a greatly increased risk of poor recovery outcomes, regardless of the quality of treatment received. LIV Recovery Center's integrated, dual diagnosis focus is designed to address the limitations of current models that treat addiction or mental health conditions in isolation. Says Todd Wilson, CEO, at LIV Recovery Center, "We recognize that substance use disorders and mental health conditions are deeply connected. Our integrated dual diagnosis approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of addiction and supports lasting recovery." Benefits of dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders include: Improved long-term recovery success Reduced relapse rates Better symptom management for mental health conditions Whole-person treatment that supports emotional, psychological, and behavioral healing But while integrated dual diagnosis treatment is considered best practice in behavioral and mental health care, it's not always the norm. Fewer practices used integrated treatment models in 2018 than in 2010, and the introduction of new dual diagnosis programs has not kept up with the broader increase in addiction treatment centers. LIV Recovery Center's dual diagnosis treatment model ensures each individual gets personalized, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care based on their unique needs and challenges. The Alpharetta rehab center offers services that treat both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously, with therapeutic modalities that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment when clinically appropriate. In addition to dedicated therapeutic services, LIV Recovery Center is also increasing its focus on providing a full continuum of care during dual diagnosis treatment. Streamlined care reduces barriers of access for dually-diagnosed individuals and makes it easier to navigate the multiple levels of care that are often necessary for effective treatment of co-occurring conditions. Current programs include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and ongoing recovery support tailored to individual needs. LIV Recovery Center also offers resources and support for those in need of drug or alcohol detox or residential treatment. Readers are encouraged to visit LIV Recovery Center's website to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment services, programs, and individualized treatment options, or to contact the admissions team for individual assessments or consultations. About LIV Recovery Center LIV Recovery Center is an addiction and mental health treatment center located just 30 minutes outside of Atlanta in Alpharetta, Georgia. The center offers certified clinical care and evidence-based therapies for substance use and co-occurring disorders, with a strong commitment to compassionate, integrated care for all who need it. For more information, please visit www.livrecovery.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Todd Wilson info@recoverycenter.com 470-644-4357 http://www.livrecovery.com SOURCE: LIV Recovery Center View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/liv-recovery-center-expands-focus-on-dual-diagnosis-treatment-1131595 Sedex begins 2026 with its flagship social audit methodology, SMETA 7, formally recognised by The Consumer Goods Forum's initiative London / Chicago, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sedex enters 2026 with its flagship social audit, SMETA 7, formally recognised by the Consumer Goods Forum's Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) after completing the SSCI Benchmarking Process. SSCI Recognition strengthens Sedex and SMETA's roles in driving sustainable business practices at scale. For businesses, it means greater confidence in audit findings and a trusted foundation for ethical sourcing strategies. As global supply chains face increasing scrutiny, reliable tools like SMETA 7 are essential for meeting due diligence obligations, managing risk and advancing positive impact across industries. With over 60,000 in-person audits conducted yearly, SMETA remains the world's most widely used social audit to assess labour, health and safety, environmental, and business ethics risks at supply chain worksites. This recognition under both the Processing & Manufacturing and Primary Production SSCI scopes confirms SMETA's alignment with the SSCI Social Compliance Benchmark, reinforcing its credibility and value for companies seeking robust due diligence solutions. Why SSCI Recognition matters The SSCI, an industry solution of The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), benchmarks and recognises auditing, monitoring and certification programmes that meet industry expectations for sustainability and ethical practices. By "verifying the verifiers," SSCI provides an additional layer of trust, enabling businesses to make more informed sourcing decisions. For Sedex's customers, SSCI Recognition provides: Independent validation: Third-party assurance of SMETA's robustness, credibility and reliability. Third-party assurance of SMETA's robustness, credibility and reliability. Industry alignment: Confidence that SMETA meets evolving global standards and regulatory requirements. Confidence that SMETA meets evolving global standards and regulatory requirements. Enhanced transparency: The SSCI Benchmarking Process included a public consultation and external expert review. Launched in October 2024, SMETA 7.0 represents the most comprehensive evolution of Sedex's audit methodology in years. Key enhancements focused on improving critical issue detection (e.g. living wages, recruitment fees), facilitating more proactive risk and management gap identification, and clearer expectations for workplace conditions. Further improvements made during the SSCI benchmarking process strengthened requirements around human rights training and documentation, expanded guidance on forced and child labour, and clarified chemical usage standards. Jon Hancock, Chief Executive Officer of Sedex, comments: "I'm so pleased that SMETA 7.0 has achieved this major milestone. The Consumer Goods Forum's SSCI is a highly respected initiative that confers significant credibility on the schemes within this community. Being SSCI-Recognised provides our customers and other stakeholders with powerful, independent validation of SMETA's rigour and comprehensiveness. We're proud our solutions empower businesses to drive transparency, continuous improvement and responsible sourcing worldwide." Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability at The Consumer Goods Forum, comments: "As the world's most widely used social audit platform, spanning 35 sectors in more than 180 countries, we are delighted to welcome SMETA 7.0 into the SSCI community of Recognised schemes." Sedex remains committed to continuously improving its solutions for maximum effectiveness, capability and value. The business will embrace opportunities to make further improvements in collaboration with the SSCI, as part of being a Recognised scheme. Notes to editors About Sedex Sedex is a global technology company specialising in data, insights and professional services to empower supply chain sustainability. Our platform, tools and services enable businesses to easily manage and improve their social, ethical and environmental performance, manage risk and meet their supply chain sustainability goals. Sedex has over 20 years of expertise and provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for all businesses - including SMETA, our world-leading site-level social audit, which is SSCI-recognised. We are an official GRI Software & Tools Partner, and certified for ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management). We're proud to work with a community of 95,000 businesses and 115,000 supply chain sites across 35 sectors globally. This includes some of the world's most recognisable brands such as JDE, Nestle, Molson Coors, Yum! Brands, Marks & Spencer, Mengniu, Tesco, Asahi, Li & Fung, John Lewis Partnership (JLP) and Barclays. Visit our website for more information. About the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) builds trust in social and environmental sustainability standards worldwide by benchmarking auditing, monitoring and certification programmes and recognising schemes that meet industry expectations. Since 2019, the SSCI has provided consumer goods companies with information to support their independent and individually-made sourcing decisions, strengthen due diligence, and drive positive impact across global supply chains such as improved labour conditions, reduced environmental harm and ethical business practices in line with competition rules. For more information, visit www.tcgfssci.com About The Consumer Goods Forum The Consumer Goods Forum ("CGF") is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of best practices and recommended standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. Its members are the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have an estimated revenue of exceeding 5.2 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. The CGF is led by a Board of Directors formed of 54 CEOs - evenly split between retailers and manufacturers. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com Attachment Sedex logo Olivia Thomson Sedex 332-272-1887 olivia.thomson@sedex.com Against a backdrop of gradual hydrogen market structuring and longer decision-making cycles, HRS demonstrates the resilience of its business model and the disciplined execution of its industrial and financial roadmap. HALF-YEARLY SALES GROWTH FOR 2025-2026: 8.6 MILLION (+16% COMPARED TO H1 2024-2025); THE "APOLLO" TRANSFORMATION PLAN DELIVERING RESULTS: APPROXIMATELY 30% ANNUALIZED COST REDUCTION, (REPRESENTING SAVINGS OF 5 TO 6 MILLION); STRENGTHENED FINANCIAL STRUCTURE: COMPLETION OF A 8.5 MILLION CAPITAL INCREASE AND INITIATION OF A SALE AND LEASEBACK PROJECT ON THE INDUSTRIAL SITE; Maintenance revenue up 33% to 0.6 million, validating the recurring revenue strategy, with station availability exceeding 95%; Successful factory acceptance tests (FAT) for the first very high-capacity HRS160 station (4 tons/day), scheduled for installation in the first half of 2026; Commercial portfolio as of December 31, 2025 of 42 million, including 7.7 million in firm orders to be recognized on hydrogen stations already in production; Sales target for 2025-2026 financial year remains unchanged at between 25 million and 35 million. Grenoble, January 29, 2026 - HRS, French designer and manufacturer, and European leader in hydrogen refueling stations, present its half-yearly sales figures for fiscal year 2025-2026 (period from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025), approved today by the Board of Directors. In k - period from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025 (unaudited) H1 2024-2025 H1 2025-2026 IFRS IFRS Sales figures 7,364 8,563 Of which Hydrogen stations & Maintenance 6,483 7,895 Hydrogen stations 6,032 7,295 Maintenance 451 600 Of which Industrial piping and other 856 667 Growth in the first half of the year was driven by the Hydrogen Stations business (+22%) and the increase in maintenance (+33%), in line with the Group's strategy. Hassen RACHEDI, founder and CEO of HRS , states: "In a hydrogen sector characterized by the gradual structuring of uses, infrastructure, and economic models, HRS is pursuing a trajectory based on technological expertise, financial discipline, and a long-term industrial vision. The first half of the 2025-2026 financial year fully illustrates this approach. Beyond economic indicators, the Group has focused on strengthening its fundamentals through a capital increase aimed at accelerating its international expansion, supporting its R&D efforts and, ultimately, consolidating its financial structure. We have also taken steps to transform our organization in order to adapt our cost structure to market realities in a sustainable manner. Deployed over the past 12 months, the Apollo transformation plan has already delivered 5-6 million in annualized cost savings. These structural savings improve HRS's competitiveness and accelerate the achievement of break-even, while preserving the Group's key skills and execution capacity. All this has been achieved without compromising our industrial capacity, which is supported by our modern industrial facilities. The successful factory acceptance tests of our first very high-capacity hydrogen station, delivering up to 4 tons per day-a first in Europe-illustrates our industrial expertise and confirms the relevance of our technological choices. It demonstrates our ability to support the evolution of uses toward increasingly intensive applications, both in mobility and in industrial uses, particularly in logistics. At the same time, we are pushing ahead with our international development, where we recorded orders for the first half of the year. The recent opening of our branch in Dubai strengthens our presence in the Middle East, a region where hydrogen projects are numerous and promising. This local presence reinforces our operational and commercial proximity to decision-makers in the region and improves our ability to capture projects in the structuring phase. With an installed base of 31 high-capacity stations, a growing base of recurring maintenance revenue, and a solid commercial portfolio, HRS is approaching the rest of the fiscal year with confidence, fully committed to its mission of deploying reliable, high-performance, and economically sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. Our priority remains unchanged: to execute with rigor, deliver reliable infrastructure, and convert our technological lead into sustainable value creation." HALF-YEAR SALES 2025-2026 Half-year sales for 2025-2026 amounted to 8.6 million, up +16% year-on-year (7.4 million in H1 2024-2025). Sales from the "Hydrogen stations" business amounted to 7.3 million, up +21% year-on-year (6.0 million in H1 2024-2025), composed of the contribution from the advancement of stations brought into production during the financial year and new orders: 2.6 million from new station orders during the period; from new station orders during the period; 4.7 million from stations currently in production or deployment signed in previous financial years; Sales from maintenance contracts reached 0.6 million, up 33% year-on-year (0.5 million in 2024-2025). This increase confirms the ramp-up of a recurring revenue base with good margins as new stations are commissioned. The historic Industrial Piping business contributed 0.7 million (0.9 million in H1 2024-2025), a development consistent with the Group's strategy of refocusing on higher value-added hydrogen activities. Development of maintenance activities and recurring revenues Station maintenance is a major strategic focus and a lever for generating recurring revenues, which are set to grow as new stations come into service. To date, out of a total of 31 stations installed, 13 maintenance contracts have already been signed, covering 17 stations. 12 additional contracts are being finalized or are forthcoming, with the gradual commissioning of stations. This momentum puts the maintenance business on a path of gradual growth, based on recurring, predictable, and non-cyclical revenues, complementing revenues from the sale and installation of stations. Finally, the availability rate of stations, which exceeds 95%, is a major differentiating factor and a key element in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Commercial performance in the first half of the year The first half of the year was marked by a discrepancy between the intensity of the Group's commercial activity and the actual recognition of sales. Several major projects, which are at an advanced stage and still active, were not contracted within the initially planned timeframe due to longer decision-making processes and internal prioritization at certain key accounts. These time lags do not reflect any questioning of the projects or a weakening of demand. HRS now has the industrial and organizational capacity to quickly convert these projects into revenue once they are contracted. In this context, the first-half performance does not fully reflect the Group's actual level of commercial engagement. These delays should be considered cyclical rather than structural, and are inherent in the decision-making cycles of the sector's major industrial and institutional players. Furthermore, certain letters of intent have not yet been converted into firm orders at this stage, without calling into question the momentum or solidity of the projects concerned. Lastly, the commercial pipeline remains very significant, consisting of technically mature, economically structured and still fully active projects. FINANCIAL STRENGTHENING AND OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE Realization of an 8.5 million capital increase On December 12, 2025, HRS announced a 8.5 million gross capital increase, intended to accelerate its international expansion, particularly in the Middle East and North America, and to strengthen its R&D efforts, particularly in the integration of AI technologies for predictive maintenance and hydrogen-based backup energy solutions for data centers. The operation was supported by its majority shareholder Holding HR to an amount of 4.35 million, which is a strong signal of confidence in the strategy and prospects of HRS. Apollo transformation plan HRS is continuing to implement its transformation and rationalization plan designed to adapt the Group's organization to market realities. This strategic transformation plan, named "Apollo", aims to strengthen its operational efficiency in the long term by achieving between 20% and 30% in cost savings, while maintaining the agility and commitment of its teams. The workforce has thus been reduced from 163 employees in July 2024 to 110 employees today, while preserving key skills and industrial and commercial execution capacity. The actions taken over the last 12 months will generate between 5 million and 6 million in savings over a full year. The Apollo plan is now entering a stabilization phase and provides a sustainable foundation for operational efficiency. Apollo's ambition is clear: to increase product profitability and accelerate the Group's break-even point. Lease-back project for the industrial site: recognition of the real estate value of the HRS industrial site At the same time, HRS initiated a sale-and-lease-back process for its industrial site and offices with the aim of achieving a favorable asset arbitrage. Built under optimal economic conditions before the widespread rise in construction costs, this premium asset has benefited from a sharp increase in land value, estimated at between 30% and 40% of its cost price. This transaction, which has been entrusted to a specialist real estate advisor with a view to completion in 2026, aims to release this unrealized capital gain in order to allocate capital to the Group's growth. It would significantly strengthen net cash flow while securing, through a concurrent long-term lease, the continued use of this strategic industrial facility. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST HALF OF 2025/2026 Installation of two new stations in France: One HRS14 station (300 kg/day) for the Albigeois urban community (Tarn); One HRS14 station (300 kg/day) in Saint-Egreve (Isere). HRS had one of the largest installed bases in Europe as of December 31, 2025, with 31 large-capacity stations in operation. These commissioning illustrate HRS's ability to deploy large-capacity stations within the expected timeframes and to gradually expand its installed base, which is the foundation for the development of its maintenance business. International order worth 3.4 million: Order from Element 2 for an HRS14 station in Scotland Following an initial order in 2024 for Teesside Airport, Element 2, the UK's leading hydrogen refueling company, has renewed its confidence in HRS by ordering a new HRS14 mobile station. This order confirms HRS's positioning in heavy-duty mobility and the Group's ability to deploy reliable, high-performance solutions in European markets. Order from a major player for an HRS14 station HRS has received a new order from a major player for the supply and installation of a hydrogen station with a capacity of 300 kg/day (HRS14). This dual-pressure HRS14 station will be installed by the second quarter of 2026 and will refuel all types of heavy and light hydrogen vehicles at 700 bar and 350 bar back-to-back thanks to two dispensing terminals. This new project also illustrates the speed of execution of HRS, which is capable of deploying reliable, high-performance, high-capacity solutions across Europe in just a few months. This contract demonstrates HRS's ability to meet multi-purpose needs (350/700 bar) and to secure complete projects integrating supply, installation, and commissioning. International business developments in the Middle East As part of its international development strategy, HRS opened a branch in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in the fall of 2025 to strengthen its commercial and operational presence in a region with high potential for hydrogen mobility. As investments in low-carbon hydrogen accelerate in the region, HRS is strengthening its proximity to decision-makers, investors, and operators in the Middle East hydrogen sector. This local presence improves HRS's ability to support projects in the structuring phase and to position itself as close as possible to regional decision-makers. Projects and discussions are underway in particular in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia (notably in Jeddah). Industrial validation and upcoming installation of the HRS160 station (4 tons/day) in Europe in the first half of 2026 On the industrial front, the half-year was marked by a major breakthrough in the very high-capacity hydrogen station (4 tons/day) dedicated to public transport, for which an order was announced in February 2025. It successfully passed the factory acceptance tests (Factory Acceptance Test - FAT), carried out at the HRS industrial site in the presence of the customer. This key milestone validates the performance, reliability, and compliance of the installation. The station in question is scheduled to be installed at the customer's site by the end of the first half of 2026, in accordance with the industrial schedule , and confirms HRS 's ability to deliver on time equipment that is a first in Europe. This industrial validation positions HRS in the ultra-high-capacity hydrogen infrastructure segment and opens up commercial opportunities with public transport operators, heavy logistics, and intensive industrial users. It also represents a key step towards the gradual industrialization of very high-capacity solutions within the HRS range. HYDROGEN MARKET DYNAMICS Complementary activities: filling centers and export trailers Industry represents a major growth driver for HRS. To this end, HRS is continuing its activities related to filling centers and export solutions using trailers. These solutions are designed to meet both industrial needs and the mobility market, and are deployed across all of the geographical areas covered by the Group. These activities are a real growth driver, enabling the company to offer hydrogen refueling and distribution configurations that complement fixed stations. They give HRS greater operational and commercial flexibility and represent a differentiating advantage in a market where not all players necessarily have this type of integrated solution. These solutions strengthen HRS's value proposition by covering complementary use cases and help to expand the Group's addressable market, both for mobility and industry. Logistics and industrial applications HRS is seeing emerging market demand in the logistics and industrial applications segment, particularly for uses such as forklifts. These applications, characterized by intensive usage cycles and high availability requirements, are a relevant use case for hydrogen refueling solutions. This dynamic is observed in all the geographical areas addressed by the Group and is part of a global trend towards decarbonization and electrification of logistics and industrial activities. These intensive uses, strongly oriented towards operational availability, are particularly favorable for HRS to differentiate itself, particularly thanks to its installed base and its maintenance offering. Governance France Hydrogene Finally, HRS is seeing positive developments in the hydrogen ecosystem, characterized by increased structuring of players around collective projects aimed at pooling efforts, securing off-take commitments, and accelerating the deployment of infrastructure. In this context, the recent change in governance at France Hydrogene, with the election of Nicolas Brahy as president, is part of a favorable dynamic marked by enhanced dialogue with institutions and financiers. The structuring of the ecosystem is helping to improve the visibility of projects, secure deployment trajectories, and accelerate the maturation of business models. INNOVATIONS AND RECAP OF OUR PRESENCE AT THE HYVOLUTION EVENT HRS is continuing its work on technological and application diversification, particularly through the development of hydrogen backup center solutions designed to meet the growing need for energy security in critical infrastructure. These solutions, currently under development, are undergoing in-depth technical and engineering studies, with a target market launch date of early 2027, subject to the completion of the qualification and validation phases. These developments are part of a controlled diversification strategy aimed at addressing critical, high-value-added energy needs, in line with HRS's industrial and technological expertise. HRS presence at Hyvolution event in Paris At Hyvolution, a key industry event held in Paris from January 27 to 29, 2026, HRS announced a significant step forward in its strategic partnership with Toyota Motor Europe and ENGIE Lab CRIGEN for the development of the new-generation Mid Flow Twin (MFT) hydrogen refueling technology, which meets the growing need for high-capacity refueling for intensive use. In collaboration with its partners, HRS announced that it has successfully integrated MFT components into a RHeadHy refueling dispenser, a major achievement that represents a key step towards the industrialisation of this innovative solution. The MFT system is set to be tested thanks to new generation components developed within the European RHeaDHy project, which targets high flow rate (300 g/s at 700 bars) for heavy vehicles. The success achieved during this technology integration phase now paves the way for the launch of a new campaign of component and integration qualification tests at the HRS test center in Champagnier (Isere) in order to continue the development programme. Finally, in a context of strong mobilization of the hydrogen ecosystem, the main players and project leaders in heavy mobility were present and confirmed both their interest and the deployment schedule for their projects. This momentum confirms the relevance of HRS's positioning and strategic direction. OUTLOOK FOR 2025-2026 As of December 31, 2025, the commercial portfolio stands at 42 million. It consists of: Firm orders already in production , representing 7.7 million in revenue to be recognized in line with project progress ; , representing 7.7 million in revenue to be recognized in line with project progress ; Potential orders amounting to 34.3 million, supported by letters of intent and framework agreements with strategic partners who have chosen HRS to structure their hydrogen projects (PlugPower, HYmpulsion, ENGIE, and SEVEN). For the 2025-2026 financial year, HRS is maintaining its target of achieving sales of between 25 million and 35 million, with EBITDA breaking even in the middle of the range. HRS states that it is relying on a significant level of inventory (9.5 million as of June 30, 2025), which can be quickly converted into revenue upon receipt of new orders. With the completion of its main industrial investments and in view of the revenue outlook for the 2025-2026 financial year, HRS believes it has the necessary resources to finance its activities over the next 12 months. After adjusting its cost structure and strengthening its financial position, HRS believes it is fully positioned to benefit from the gradual market recovery. NEXT PUBLICATION Half-year results for the 2025-2026 financial year, 23 April 2026. ABOUT HRS (HYDROGEN REFUELING SOLUTIONS) HRS is one of the world leaders in large-capacity hydrogen refueling stations. HRS offers a comprehensive and unique range of modular and scalable stations, ranging from 300 kg/day to 4 tons/day. Pure player from design to commissioning of stations, HRS has a state-of-the-art industrial production facility capable of assembling up to 180 stations per year, with manufacturing lead times of 6 to 12 weeks. This industrial site includes a testing area, unique in Europe, for testing and trialing the range of stations and developing future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market. HRS solutions can be used with any type of hydrogen production source, whether local production, pipeline, or tube trailer. HRS also offers a comprehensive range of services including maintenance, 24/7/365 on-call support, and real-time monitoring through its control room, which is unique in Europe. Today, HRS has one of the largest installed bases of high-capacity stations on the market, with thirty stations ranging from 300 kg to 1 ton per day, representing a combined capacity of more than 6 tons per day. All station terminals are dual-pressure and equipped with 350 bar, 350-HF, and 700 bar nozzles, thus meeting all hydrogen mobility needs. HRS stands out for its rigorous economic discipline, offering long-term financial stability while continuing to allocate adequate resources to R&D, thus ensuring its position at the forefront of innovation. ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 - ticker symbol: ALHRS. For more information, visit our website at www.hydrogen-refueling-solutions.fr. CONTACTS Investor Relations ACTUS finance & communication Pierre JACQUEMIN-GUILLAUME hrs@actus.fr Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 79 Financial press relations ACTUS finance & communication Deborah SCHWARTZ hrs-presse@actus.fr Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 35 Corporate press relations ACTUS finance & communication Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT hrs-presse@actus.fr Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 32 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: nXCeZJuZZWeYmW+dk8pua2SXapiWxJGaZZKanJadY8iWm51olmiSZpeXZnJnl2hr - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-96235-2026-01-29-hrs-ca-s1-2025-2026-vdef-eng.pdf Quinlan, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Military Plumbing, a family-owned plumbing company serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is alerting homeowners that the region's notoriously hard water may be silently destroying their appliances and costing them thousands in premature replacements and inflated energy bills. The Dallas-Fort Worth area ranks among the top 10 hardest water regions in the United States, with mineral content measuring 140-180+ parts per million (PPM) - well above the threshold that causes significant damage to household plumbing and appliances. In response, Military Plumbing is offering free professional water quality testing to homeowners and businesses throughout Northeast Texas and the greater Metroplex. Northeast Texas Plumber Warns: Hard Water Is Destroying DFW Appliances 30-50% Faster To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/280932_01ec868b84a99b8b_002full.jpg "Most families don't realize their dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater are dying years before they should," said Jeff Whitworth, Texas Master Plumber and co-owner of Military Plumbing. "Hard water mineral buildup reduces water heater efficiency by 20-40% and shortens appliance lifespan by 30-50%. A water heater that should last 12 years might only make it to 6 or 7 in our area." The mineral deposits - primarily calcium and magnesium - accumulate inside pipes, water heaters, and appliances, creating insulating layers that force systems to work harder, consume more energy, and fail prematurely. Visible signs include white crusty buildup on faucets, soap scum that won't wash away, dry skin and brittle hair after showering, and spots on dishes despite using rinse aids. Northeast Texas Plumber Warns: Hard Water Is Destroying DFW Appliances 30-50% Faster To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/280932_01ec868b84a99b8b_003full.jpg Military Plumbing's free water testing identifies specific contaminant levels and mineral content, allowing technicians to recommend appropriate solutions based on each home's unique water profile. As a certified HALO partner, Texas' only authorized Crystal Quest vendor, and an authorized Plumbers Choice vendor, the company offers multiple whole-home filtration and water softening options across different price points. About Military Plumbing Military Plumbing is a family-owned, faith-based plumbing company headquartered in Quinlan, Texas. Founded in 2012 by Jeff and Kimberly Whitworth, the company provides residential and commercial plumbing services across 26+ cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With over 500 five-star reviews and 13+ years of experience, Military Plumbing is known for its Mission-Ready Guarantees, including upfront pricing, on-time arrival credits, and a one-year satisfaction pledge. Learn more at militaryplumbing.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280932 Source: Plentisoft The "Austria Alternative Lending Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Type of Lending, End-User Segments, Loan Purpose, Finance Models, Distribution Channels, and Payment Instruments Databook Q4 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The alternative lending market in the country has experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 14.0%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2025 to 2029. By the end of 2029, the alternative lending market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$3.87 billion to approximately US$7.35 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the alternative lending industry in Austria, offering comprehensive coverage of both overall and alternative lending markets. It covers more than 100+ KPIs, including loan disbursement value, loan disbursement volume, average loan ticket size, and penetration rate. The report offers in-depth segmentation across lending dimensions, including type of lending (Bank-based/NBFC and Alternative Lending), end-user segments (Retail Lending and SME/MSME Lending), and loan types. It further categorizes the alternative lending ecosystem by finance models (P2P Marketplace, Balance Sheet, Invoice Trading, Real Estate Crowdfunding, and Other Models), distribution channels (Branch/Physical, Direct Digital, and Agent/Broker), and payment instruments (Credit Transfer, Debit Card, E-Money, and Others). In addition, the analysis captures borrower demographics by age, income, and gender, alongside delinquency performance indicators. Collectively, these datasets provide a comprehensive and quantifiable view of market size, structure, lending behavior, and risk dynamics within the lending ecosystem. Reasons to buy Comprehensive Market Intelligence: Gain an integrated view of the overall and alternative lending landscape, combining macroeconomic context with detailed lending performance indicators such as loan disbursement value, volume, and average ticket size. Granular Coverage of Alternative Lending: Explore the fast-evolving alternative lending ecosystem, including peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, balance sheet lending, invoice trading, real estate crowdfunding, and hybrid finance models, supported by in-depth segmentation by end-user, loan purpose, and payment instrument. Segment-Wise Insights and Cross-Analysis: Evaluate lending trends across consumer and SME/MSME segments, using advanced cross-segmentation to link finance models, loan purposes, and payment methods, offering a comprehensive understanding of credit origination dynamics. Borrower-Level Behavioral Analytics: Understand borrower demographics and credit behavior through data on age, income level, gender distribution, and delinquency rates (30-day and 90-day), enabling sharper credit risk assessment and customer targeting. Digital Infrastructure and Ecosystem Readiness: Assess the enabling digital ecosystem including smartphone penetration, internet access, digital wallet adoption, and real-time payments infrastructure that underpins the growth of fintech-driven lending models. Data-Driven Forecasts and KPI Benchmarking: Access a comprehensive dataset of 100+ key performance indicators (KPIs) with historical and forecast data through 2030, providing visibility into emerging lending trends, growth drivers, and investment opportunities. Decision-Ready Databook Format: Delivered in a data-centric, easy-to-analyze format, the Databook supports integration into financial models, strategy decks, and investor presentations, enabling stakeholders, including banks, fintechs, investors, and policymakers, to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2025 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $4.38 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $7.35 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.8% Regions Covered Austria Report Scope Macroeconomic Overview: Austria Economic Indicators Austria by Gross Domestic Product (Current Prices) Austria by Population Austria Unemployment Rate Operational Enablers and Infrastructure Readiness Smartphone Penetration Internet Connectivity Broadband Access Digital Wallet Adoption Rate Real-Time Payments Infrastructure E-commerce Penetration Austria Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Austria Lending Market Segmentation by Lending Type Bank-based NBFC Lending Alternative Lending Austria Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Retail Lending SME MSME Lending Austria Retail Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Housing Mortgage Loans Auto Loans Education Loans Personal Loans Other Retail Loan Types (e.g., BNPL, Travel, Green Loans, Payday) Austria SME MSME Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Working Capital Loans Expansion Loans Equipment Machinery Loans Invoice Financing Factoring Trade Finance (Import Export) Real Estate Commercial Property Loans Other SME Lending (e.g., Digital Adoption, Franchise Financing) Austria Lending Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Branch Physical Direct Digital Lending Agent Broker Channel Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Austria Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Consumer Lending SME MSME Lending Austria Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by Finance Models P2P Marketplace Balance Sheet Lending Invoice Trading Real Estate Crowdfunding Other Hybrid Models Combined View: Finance Models by End-User Segments P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Balance Sheet Lending Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Austria Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose Consumer Lending Personal Loans Payroll Advance Home Improvement Loans Education Student Loans Point-of-Sale (POS) Credit Auto Loans Medical Loans Other Consumer Lending Types Austria Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose SME MSME Lending Lines of Credit Merchant Cash Advance Invoice Factoring Revenue-Based Financing Other SME Loan Types Austria Alternative Lending Segmentation by Payment Instrument Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Instruments Cross-Segmentation: Finance Models across Payment Instruments P2P Marketplace across Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Balance Sheet Lending by Payment Instrument Invoice Trading by Payment Instrument Real Estate Crowdfunding by Payment Instrument Other Models by Payment Instrument Austria Alternative Lending Borrower-Level Insights: Consumer Demographics Behavior Borrower Distribution by Age Group Borrower Distribution by Income Level Borrower Distribution by Gender Austria Alternative Lending Credit Risk Quality Metrics Delinquency Rate (30 Days 90 Days), 2024 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eejgw8 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129381351/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Azzet, Inc. - an innovative global marketplace for investment opportunities and premium assets - today announced the appointment of respected business leader, Henry Stoever, to its Board of Directors, signaling a pivotal step in the next phase of the company's international expansion. Stoever's appointment as an independent, non-executive director of Azzet marks a significant milestone for the company and its fast-growing multi-asset and investment focused network, which reaches a worldwide audience across more than 160 countries. As a principal at Brentwood Advisory Group and founder and managing principal of Windsor Strategy, Stoever partners with CEOs and leadership teams to drive strategic planning, revenue growth, stakeholder engagement, and transformational outcomes for nonprofit organizations and private companies. He brings decades of experience across executive leadership, marketing strategy, board governance, and organizational growth. Stoever's appointment brings world-class strategic vision to Azzet's Board, reinforcing the company's momentum as it scales a global asset marketplace connecting executives, investors, agents, and brokers to premium assets, investment & lifestyle opportunities, and trusted market intelligence. "With online marketplaces currently fragmented by asset type and country, Azzet's strategy to provide a global network of opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors across all major asset types makes complete sense. I'm delighted to join the Board and help guide the company as it connects a global community to opportunities that have the potential to transform both wealth and lifestyle." Azzet's Managing Director of Investor Relations Nicholas Lawson commented, "We are privileged to welcome Henry to Azzet at this transformative stage of our growth. His expertise in online marketplaces, digital strategy, and corporate governance will be invaluable as we accelerate our expansion and strengthen our position as a leading global asset network." Stoever was previously President and CEO of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), where he was responsible for national higher education governance for more than 2,000 institutions and 40,000 trustees. He also served as Chief Marketing Officer of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) where he oversaw marketing, partner relations, and board development initiatives that significantly increased revenue and brand impact. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President of Marketing at CoStar Group, which in 2025 acquired Australia's second largest real estate portal, Domain.com.au, in a transaction which valued the Australian digital media company at $2 billion. Stoever also held leadership roles in brand management, marketing, and business development with StudentLoans.com, Sprint Nextel Communications (now T-Mobile), LexisNexis and Kraft Foods. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in economics, Stoever served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps before earning an MBA in marketing and strategy from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He has served on multiple boards and advisory councils supporting military, higher education, and nonprofit missions. He resides in Alexandria, Virginia with his family. About Azzet, Inc. Headquartered in New York with representatives on the east and west coasts and in Australia, Azzet is a global marketplace for investment opportunities and premium assets. Azzet connects investors, executives, brokers, agents, dealers and other key decision-makers with investment opportunities and informative content across key asset classes including real estate, businesses, yachts, cars, private equity, investment products and other alternative investments. Members can self-publish and share content, create marketplace listings, and engage directly with influential peers worldwide. Joining Azzet is free and all profiles are verified, making high-value connections and opportunities more accessible than ever. The platform went live in 2024 and has attracted visitors from more than 160 countries to its marketplace listings and pay-wall free editorial content. The business provides agents, brokers, dealers and private sellers the opportunity to obtain global exposure for investment opportunities and premium assets across all major asset types. The business is presently scaling up its marketplace, user-base and editorial team ahead of its global rollout. To learn more or join the global Azzet community, visit www.azzet.com FIND + FOLLOW Web | LinkedIn | Facebook MEDIA CONTACT Laura Hall, pr@azzet.com, +917.544.6344 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ccb7837-fd88-4711-b514-df7ca8a024a8 This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual. The "Ireland Alternative Lending Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Type of Lending, End-User Segments, Loan Purpose, Finance Models, Distribution Channels, and Payment Instruments Databook Q4 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Alternative lending market in Ireland expected to grow by 13.2% annually, reaching US$899.1 million by 2025. The alternative lending market in the country has experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 14.3%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2025 to 2029. By the end of 2029, the alternative lending market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$794.6 million to approximately US$1.52 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the alternative lending industry in Ireland, offering comprehensive coverage of both overall and alternative lending markets. It covers more than 100+ KPIs, including loan disbursement value, loan disbursement volume, average loan ticket size, and penetration rate. The report offers in-depth segmentation across lending dimensions, including type of lending (Bank-based/NBFC and Alternative Lending), end-user segments (Retail Lending and SME/MSME Lending), and loan types. It further categorizes the alternative lending ecosystem by finance models (P2P Marketplace, Balance Sheet, Invoice Trading, Real Estate Crowdfunding, and Other Models), distribution channels (Branch/Physical, Direct Digital, and Agent/Broker), and payment instruments (Credit Transfer, Debit Card, E-Money, and Others). In addition, the analysis captures borrower demographics by age, income, and gender, alongside delinquency performance indicators. Collectively, these datasets provide a comprehensive and quantifiable view of market size, structure, lending behavior, and risk dynamics within the lending ecosystem. Reasons to buy Comprehensive Market Intelligence: Gain an integrated view of the overall and alternative lending landscape, combining macroeconomic context with detailed lending performance indicators such as loan disbursement value, volume, and average ticket size. Granular Coverage of Alternative Lending: Explore the fast-evolving alternative lending ecosystem, including peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, balance sheet lending, invoice trading, real estate crowdfunding, and hybrid finance models, supported by in-depth segmentation by end-user, loan purpose, and payment instrument. Segment-Wise Insights and Cross-Analysis: Evaluate lending trends across consumer and SME/MSME segments, using advanced cross-segmentation to link finance models, loan purposes, and payment methods, offering a comprehensive understanding of credit origination dynamics. Borrower-Level Behavioral Analytics: Understand borrower demographics and credit behavior through data on age, income level, gender distribution, and delinquency rates (30-day and 90-day), enabling sharper credit risk assessment and customer targeting. Digital Infrastructure and Ecosystem Readiness: Assess the enabling digital ecosystem including smartphone penetration, internet access, digital wallet adoption, and real-time payments infrastructure that underpins the growth of fintech-driven lending models. Data-Driven Forecasts and KPI Benchmarking: Access a comprehensive dataset of 100+ key performance indicators (KPIs) with historical and forecast data through 2030, providing visibility into emerging lending trends, growth drivers, and investment opportunities. Decision-Ready Databook Format: Delivered in a data-centric, easy-to-analyze format, the Databook supports integration into financial models, strategy decks, and investor presentations, enabling stakeholders, including banks, fintechs, investors, and policymakers, to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2025 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $899.1 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $1520 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 14.1% Regions Covered Ireland Report Scope Macroeconomic Overview: Ireland Economic Indicators Ireland by Gross Domestic Product (Current Prices) Ireland by Population Ireland Unemployment Rate Operational Enablers and Infrastructure Readiness Smartphone Penetration Internet Connectivity Broadband Access Digital Wallet Adoption Rate Real-Time Payments Infrastructure E-commerce Penetration Ireland Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Ireland Lending Market Segmentation by Lending Type Bank-based NBFC Lending Alternative Lending Ireland Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Retail Lending SME MSME Lending Ireland Retail Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Housing Mortgage Loans Auto Loans Education Loans Personal Loans Other Retail Loan Types (e.g., BNPL, Travel, Green Loans, Payday) Ireland SME MSME Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Working Capital Loans Expansion Loans Equipment Machinery Loans Invoice Financing Factoring Trade Finance (Import Export) Real Estate Commercial Property Loans Other SME Lending (e.g., Digital Adoption, Franchise Financing) Ireland Lending Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Branch Physical Direct Digital Lending Agent Broker Channel Ireland Alternative Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Ireland Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Consumer Lending SME MSME Lending Ireland Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by Finance Models P2P Marketplace Balance Sheet Lending Invoice Trading Real Estate Crowdfunding Other Hybrid Models Combined View: Finance Models by End-User Segments P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Balance Sheet Lending Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Ireland Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose Consumer Lending Personal Loans Payroll Advance Home Improvement Loans Education Student Loans Point-of-Sale (POS) Credit Auto Loans Medical Loans Other Consumer Lending Types Ireland Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose SME MSME Lending Lines of Credit Merchant Cash Advance Invoice Factoring Revenue-Based Financing Other SME Loan Types Ireland Alternative Lending Segmentation by Payment Instrument Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Instruments Cross-Segmentation: Finance Models across Payment Instruments P2P Marketplace across Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Balance Sheet Lending by Payment Instrument Invoice Trading by Payment Instrument Real Estate Crowdfunding by Payment Instrument Other Models by Payment Instrument Ireland Alternative Lending Borrower-Level Insights: Consumer Demographics Behavior Borrower Distribution by Age Group Borrower Distribution by Income Level Borrower Distribution by Gender Ireland Alternative Lending Credit Risk Quality Metrics Delinquency Rate (30 Days 90 Days), 2024 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j6kmkt About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129810976/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Philips is recognized for its market-leading innovation and comprehensive digital pathology ecosystem, driving global transformation in diagnostics and healthcare informatics SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Philips has been awarded the 2025 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Recognition in the Digital Pathology-Healthcare Informatics sector for its outstanding achievements in delivering next-generation digital pathology innovation, accelerated workflow modernization, and clinical informatics. This recognition highlights Philips Healthcare's consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its global market presence, and delivering customer-centric innovation in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Philips Healthcare excels in both, demonstrating an ability to align long-term innovation strategy with global market demand while executing at scale with consistency and precision. "Philips leads the global healthcare industry in patent applications. This propensity for innovation has positioned the company at the forefront of one of the sector's fastest-growing fields: digital pathology. Building on this legacy, Philips Healthcare has emerged as a global leader in digital pathology," said Melissa Kenig, Senior Consultant at Frost & Sullivan. Guided by a long-term growth strategy centered on digital innovation, customer partnerships, and scalable enterprise informatics, Philips has demonstrated a strong ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving diagnostic ecosystem. The company's sustained investments in digital pathology and AI-enabled1,2 informatics have enabled it to deliver value across diverse clinical environments, from large academic medical centers to multi-site laboratory networks. Innovation remains foundational to Philips Healthcare's approach. Its integrated digital pathology portfolio, including high-performance slide scanners, a robust image management system, advanced AI-powered2 workflows, cloud archiving by Cloud Data Services3, and full-lab workflow support, addresses the end-to-end needs of modern pathology practices. These capabilities are strengthened by the Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution, the first digital pathology platform to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for primary diagnosis. "As diagnostic demand grows and resources tighten, digital pathology is becoming foundational to modern care. Frost & Sullivan's recognition underscores our commitment to turning innovation into meaningful impact by streamlining workflows, enabling collaboration, and accelerating diagnosis, while responsibly advancing AI to support better patient care," said Martijn Hartjes, Business Unit Leader Clinical Informatics at Philips. Philips' commitment to customer experience further amplifies its global leadership. With more than 3,500 pathologists across over 40 countries leveraging Philips' digital pathology platform, and over 38 million slides scanned globally, the company has built one of the largest, most clinically validated installed bases in the industry. Its structured implementation services, extensive training programs, and globally unified support organization ensure strong customer engagement, high system uptime, and seamless scalability across enterprise networks. Frost & Sullivan commends Philips for setting the industry benchmark in competitive strategy, technology innovation, and global execution. Philips's vision for open, interoperable, and AI-powered2 digital diagnostics is shaping the future of digital pathology and redefining what is possible for healthcare organizations seeking to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, and collaboration at scale. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Enabling Technology Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The recognition honors organizations that are transforming their industries through forward-thinking innovation and growth excellence. 1 PIPS enables iSyntax files and with the Software Development Kit (SDK) third-party companies can use this for AI capabilities. 2 With Ibex AI, Ibex AI is Research Use Only (RUO) in the U.S. 3 With our partner AWS. Third party claims from AWS, which may not apply in all markets and may be updated from time to time. The functionalities and benefits of the solution depend on customer-specific configuration and use. Please contact your local Philips representative for (market) availability. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards. Contact us: Start the discussion . Contact: Ashley Shreve E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com About Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2024 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 67,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/philips-receives-frost--sullivans-2025-global-enabling-technology-leadership-recognition-for-excellence-in-digital-pathologyhealthcare-informatics-302674229.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTCQB: ICMFF) (FSE: YQG) (the "Company" or "Iconic") announces that the Company has received final acceptance from TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV" or "Exchange") with its previously announced non-brokered private placement (see news release dated January 5, 2026) which consisted of offering up to 30,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.125 per Unit for aggregate proceeds of up to $3,750,000 (the "Financing"). Each Unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.17 per share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. In the event that the Company's common shares trade at a closing price of $0.35 per common share or greater for a minimum period of 10 non-consecutive trading dates commencing four months from the closing of the Financing, then the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by providing notice to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which such notice is given by the Company (the "Warrant Acceleration Clause"). The Warrant holder cannot hold or exercise, whether individually or jointly with any Associates, Affiliates, or other persons on an undiluted basis greater than 9.9% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares without submitting a PIF for Exchange review. Proceeds raised will be used toward expenditures required for drilling and advancement of the Company's exploration program on its New Pass gold property in Nevada, and for general working capital purposes. Certain eligible finders (the "Finders") will be paid in connection with the Financing in accordance with policies of the TSXV to a total of $57,881 payable in cash and a total of 463,000 Finders' warrants. Each Finder's warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at $0.17 per share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance and shall include the Warrant Acceleration Clause terms. All securities issued in the Financing are subject to a four-month and a day hold period in Canada. Closing of the Financing will be subject to the approval of the TSXV. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended, or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to "U.S. persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Richard Barnett" For further information on Iconic, please visit our website at www.iconicminerals.com. The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Financing and the use of proceeds therefrom, and the Company's future plans are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including TSXV acceptance), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics, including the impact of such epidemic or pandemic on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. **NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES** To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282063 Source: Iconic Minerals Ltd. Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company") announces that it has granted incentive stock options to purchase up to a total of 4,175,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.85 per share to certain officers, directors, employees and key consultants of the Company, in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years expiring on January 28, 2031, and will vest in three tranches over two years from the date of grant. The grant of the stock options remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website ( www.greenheartgold.com ). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282064 Source: Greenheart Gold Inc. The agency pointed in particular to AFC's capacity to structure and execute complex transactions, and to deploy capital across priority sectors where private financing alone is often insufficient LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent's leading infrastructure solutions provider, today welcomed the assignment of 'A' long-term and 'A-1' short-term issuer credit ratings, with a Positive Outlook, by S&P Global (S&P) Ratings, following the rating agency's official announcement. According to S&P, the ratings reflect AFC's strong institutional and financial risk profile, underpinned by robust liquidity buffers, disciplined risk management, and the institution's ability to mobilise private capital for complex, cross-border infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa. The 'A' category assessment represents the highest rating assigned to AFC by a major global ratings agency, reinforcing its position as one of the highest-rated investment-grade African financial institutions, strengthening its standing in global capital markets and supporting continued access to diversified, long-term funding sources. In its published analysis, S&P emphasised AFC's expanded scale, broadened mandate and established operating model, underscoring the institution's leadership in delivering infrastructure and industrial assets that are central to Africa's long-term growth. The agency pointed in particular to AFC's capacity to structure and execute complex transactions, and to deploy capital across priority sectors where private financing alone is often insufficient. S&P also referenced AFC's growing continental footprint, with the institution having disbursed US$18.5 billion across 36 African countries since inception. Investments span energy, transport and logistics, natural resources, heavy industry, telecommunications and technology, with flagship projects including the Lobito Corridor, linking Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo - a strategically important trade and logistics corridor supporting regional integration and supply-chain resilience. S&P commented, "Given its mandate and emphasis on financing critical infrastructure, AFC plays a strategically important role that is not easily replicated by other development finance institutions (DFIs) or commercial lenders, in our view." Further AFC investments include ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, supporting the development of industrial zones that anchor local value addition in sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing and logistics, and the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world's highest-grade and fastest-growing copper projects. The Corporation has a history of successful asset exits, including partial exits from ARISE and from Ghana's Takoradi Port, demonstrating AFC's ability to originate, scale and responsibly reinvest capital. Together, these investments underline AFC's capacity to combine long-term development impact with disciplined execution and capital stewardship. The Positive Outlook reflects S&P's expectation that AFC will continue to broaden its shareholder base - which currently comprises 60 shareholders, including sovereigns, financial institutions, pension funds and multilaterals - strengthen its capital position, and sustain strong liquidity and asset-quality metrics as it delivers on its medium-term strategy. "This S&P Global rating is a strong validation of AFC's financial strength, governance, and strategic role in financing Africa's infrastructure and industrial transformation," said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. "It reflects the institution we have built: a solutions-oriented, execution-driven platform with disciplined balance-sheet management and a track record of delivering complex, high-impact projects. Just as importantly, it reinforces AFC's commitment to work in lockstep with sovereign priorities, supporting long-term national development plans with bankable structures, catalytic capital, and measurable outcomes that accelerate growth, competitiveness, and jobs across the continent." S&P highlighted AFC's experienced management team, its successful capital-raising programme and track record of maintaining very strong liquidity coverage ratios, even under stressed market conditions. S&P commented, "Based on end-2024 data, our 12-month liquidity ratio was 3.1x (including scheduled loans disbursements), while the six-month ratio was 5.5x. These ratios compare favorably with peers. Under stressed market conditions, we consider AFC's liquid assets sufficient to service its borrowing and maintain operations through the next year without slowing the pace of planned disbursements." The S&P ratings are expected to further reinforce AFC's role as a catalyst for private investments, as it continues to finance infrastructure, industrialisation and trade-enabling assets critical to Africa's long-term economic transformation. Structured Credit International Corp. (www.4SCIC.com) acted as a ratings adviser to AFC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/3Zr9WXH (Africa Finance Corporation receives 'A' long-term and 'A-1' short-term issuer credit ratings, with a Positive Outlook, by S&P Global (S&P) Ratings) Media Enquiries: Yewande Thorpe Communications Africa Finance Corporation Mobile: +234 1 279 9654 Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$18.5 billion in 36 African countries since its inception. AFC is also rated A3 (Stable Outlook) by Moody's Ratings, A+ (Stable Outlook) by Japan Credit Rating Agency, and AAAspc (Stable Outlook) by S&P Ratings (China) Co., Ltd. and AAA (Stable Outlook) by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd. (CCXI). www.AfricaFC.org SOURCE: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sandp-global-sandp-assigns-a%2fa-1-ratings-with-a-positive-outlook-to-1131661 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Delta Resources Limited (TSXV: DLTA) (OTC Pink: DTARF) (FSE: 6GO1) ("Delta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Troilus Mining Corp. (TSX: TLG) ("Troilus"), pursuant to which Troilus may acquire a 100% undivided interest in Delta's Delta-2 mineral claims (the "Option"), located approximately 35 kilometres southeast of Chibougamau, Quebec (the "Option Agreement"). Closing is subject to applicable regulatory approvals (the "Transaction"). The Delta-2 property comprises 405 mineral claims covering approximately 21,783 hectares (217.83 square kilometres) (the "Delta-2 Claims") in a well-established mining district that hosts several significant gold and base-metal deposits. Frank Candido, Chairman of Delta, commented: "This agreement represents a strong outcome for Delta shareholders. The Delta-2 property is a large, highly prospective land package in a proven mining district, and this transaction allows us to realize near and medium-term value while retaining meaningful long-term upside through a royalty interest. Troilus has demonstrated technical strength and regional expertise in the Chibougamau area, and we believe they are well positioned to advance the Delta-2 Claims in a disciplined and responsible manner." Ron Kopas, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) of Delta, commented: "The transaction achieves an objective we set ourselves last August and provides Delta with non-dilutive cash and share consideration, strengthening the Company's financial position and allowing management to focus its exploration and development efforts on the highly prospective Delta-1 Gold Property in the Thunder Bay district of Ontario where Delta has already made a significant gold discovery at Eureka, with increasingly prospective resources at a property scale. I am particularly enthused as this will underpin the business for the next three years, beginning with an initial C$2.5 million in 2026. Owing to Delta's low corporate overhead, combined with expected government credits, this provides meaningful, non-dilutive investment capital to advance Delta-1." Key Terms of the Option Agreement Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Troilus may earn a 100% undivided interest in the Delta-2 Claims by making aggregate payments of $8.25 million to Delta over an option period ending on December 15, 2028 (the "Option Period"). Payments may be made in a combination of cash and common shares of Troilus, at the discretion of Troilus, subject to applicable stock exchange approvals. Key payment milestones include: C$500,000 cash and C$500,000 Cash and/or Shares within 2 business days of the Effective Date (being the date upon which the condition precedent in the Option Agreement is duly satisfied or waived); and Additional staged payments totaling C$7.25 million through December 15, 2028. If the Option is exercised, Delta will retain a 1.0% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Delta-2 Claims, 50% of which can be re-purchased for CAD$500,000. Troilus will act as operator of the project during the Option Period, funding all required exploration activities and claim maintenance expenditures, while Delta will retain ownership of the Delta-2 Claims unless and until the Option is fully exercised, at Troilus' discretion. Detailed Payment Schedule Amount (C$) Form of Payment Within 2 Business Days of Effective Date $500,000 Cash only Within 2 Business Days of Effective Date On or before June 1, 2026 $500,000 $750,000 Cash and/or Shares Cash and/or Shares On or before December 15, 2026 $750,000 Cash and/or Shares On or before June 1, 2027 $750,000 Cash and/or Shares On or before December 15, 2027 $1,000,000 Cash and/or Shares On or before June 1, 2028 $2,000,000 Cash and/or Shares On or before December 15, 2028 $2,000,000 Cash and/or Shares Total $8,250,000 Strategic Rationale The Option Agreement provides Delta with significant non-dilutive upside through staged payments and retained royalty exposure, while allowing a well-capitalized and technically experienced operator to advance exploration on the Delta-2 Project. About the Delta-2 Project The Delta-2 Project is located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, an established mining jurisdiction with excellent infrastructure, skilled labour availability, and strong community and government support for responsible mineral development. Qualified Person Daniel Boudreau, P.Geo., Manager of Exploration at Delta Resources Limited, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this press release. About Delta Resources Limited Delta Resources Limited is a Canadian mineral exploration and project development company focused on its Delta-1 project in Ontario, where it has discovered a large, near-surface gold deposit located 50 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, directly adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway. The Eureka Gold Deposit extends 2.5 km in strike length, from surface to over 300 metres in depth. Highlights include drill intercepts such as 5.92 g/t Au over 31 metres (including 14.8 g/t Au over 11.9 metres), and 1.79 g/t Au over 128.5 metres. Mineralization has been observed up to 600 metres vertical depth and remains open in all directions. The property covers 297 square kilometres containing multiple corridors of intense alteration and deformation on strike with, and to the south of, the Eureka Gold Zone, many of which remain under-explored. Shabaqua Target Delta's initial phase of drilling at the Shabaqua Target demonstrates the potential for higher-grade gold mineralization beyond the currently defined Eureka footprint. Multiple higher-grade intervals were intersected in sulphide-rich chert and iron formation, including 4.25 g/t Au over 11.8 m in hole D1-25-150, 2.40 g/t Au over 4.30 m in D1-25-144 and 1.37 g/t Au over 10.50 m in D1-25-134. In addition, very broad intervals of low-grade, Eureka-style mineralization remain present in the sedimentary rocks, including hole D1-25-148, which returned 0.16 g/t Au over 132 metres. Wedge Target The Wedge Target lies about 4 km west of the Eureka Gold Deposit and 2 km west of the Shabaqua Target. Two holes located approximately 450 metres apart were completed at Wedge during the latest drill program. Assay results are expected to be released shortly, following final review and confirmation of QA/QC compliance. We seek safe harbor. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Some statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake to update any estimate at any particular time or in response to any event. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282070 Source: Delta Resources Limited Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release of October 17, 2025, it has completed the conversion of $600,995 of debt to units of the Company (the "Debt Conversion"). Of the amount converted, $505,995 represents the principal amount and interest accrued of certain debentures which had matured in August 2025. The remaining $95,000 represents amounts owed to two arm's length trade creditors who have agreed to accept units in lieu of payment on accounts. Under the Debt Conversion, Colibri has issued 3,848,300 units ("Units") in aggregate and as follows: 3,373,300 Units were issued to the debenture holders at a deemed price of $0.15 per Unit; each Unit being comprised of one (1) common share (a "Common Share") and one (1) common share purchase warrant ("Warrants") of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.25 for a period of 24 months following issuance; and 475,000 Units were issued to trade creditors at a deemed price of $0.20 per Unit; each Unit being comprised of one (1) common share (a "Common Share") and one (1) common share purchase warrant ("Warrants") of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.30 for a period of 24 months following issuance. All parties receiving the Units are arm's length to the Company. No finder's fees or commissions have been paid in relation to the Debt Conversion. The Common Shares and Warrants issued for the Debt Conversion are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on the date that is four months and one day after closing. Completion of the Debt Conversion remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. "This is debt conversion represents an important milestone for the Company as it will remove a significant portion of current debt on the Company's balance sheet and move it into equity," said Ian McGavney, CEO. "As a result, we have significantly enhanced our ability to raise additional capital for our exploration projects." ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION: Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company holds four high potential precious metal projects: 1) 100% of EP Gold Project in the significant Caborca Gold Belt which has delivered highly encouraging exploration results and is surrounded by Mexico's second largest major producer of gold on four sides, 2) 49% Ownership of the Pilar Gold & Silver Project which is believed to hold the potential to be a near term producing mine, and 3) two highly prospective interests in the Sierra Madre (Diamante Gold & Silver Project and Jackie Gold & Silver Project). For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282088 Source: Colibri Resource Corporation NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Action Against Hunger warns of a rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in north-eastern Syria, particularly in the governorate of Al-Hasakeh, where recent clashes and bombings have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread disruption to daily life. The escalation of violence has severely restricted population movement, forced the closure of markets, and significantly limited access to food, drinking water, and essential services. As insecurity grows, thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in collective shelters under harsh winter conditions. Displacement, Fear, and Overwhelmed Shelters According to data gathered by humanitarian partners, thousands of people have fled from Ar-Raqqa, Tabqa, and surrounding rural areas toward Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli. Many displaced families are now sheltering in schools, public buildings, and collective shelters that are stretched beyond capacity. Families are arriving with almost nothing, facing freezing temperatures and severe shortages of basic necessities such as clean water, food, blankets, hygiene kits, and essential non-food items. The uncertainty surrounding a potential further escalation is fueling fear, particularly among displaced families. "Families are arriving with only the clothes on their backs, in the middle of winter and with increasingly limited access to basic services," says Suzanne Takkenberg, Regional Director of Action Against Hunger in Syria and Lebanon. "We are very concerned about people who are trapped by violence or who have had to flee without any guarantee of safety." Decreasing Water Access Due to Insecurity and Power Cuts Ongoing insecurity and power cuts have disrupted the operation of water pumping and treatment stations, compromising access to safe drinking water for more than one million people across several areas of north-eastern Syria. Health centers are also under growing strain. Hospitals such as Al-Hasakeh have received dozens of wounded people while facing shortages of medical equipment, essential supplies, and transportation capacity. Action Against Hunger Prepares for a Possible Emergency Response Present in Al-Hasakeh since 2008, Action Against Hunger implements programs in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and nutrition, and food security and livelihoods. In response to the current crisis, the organization is prioritizing staff safety while preparing to scale up emergency assistance as soon as security conditions allow. Intervention options include: Emergency water distribution in collective shelters through local suppliers. Ready-to-eat food distribution for families unable to cook. Essential non-food item distribution such as blankets, winter clothing, and hygiene kits. Capacity strengthening in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and nutrition, and food security, in coordination with other humanitarian actors. "Our priority is twofold: to protect our staff and to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively as soon as the security situation allows," explains Takkenberg. An Urgent Call for Protection and Humanitarian Access Action Against Hunger stresses the need for: Protecting the civilian population and essential infrastructure, especially markets, collective shelters, health centers, and water systems. Ensuring safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to assess needs and deliver vital aid. Facilitating the arrival of flexible funds to adapt the response to a highly volatile context. Strengthening humanitarian coordination and assistance to displaced persons, particularly during the winter View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Action Against Hunger on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Action Against Hunger Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/action-against-hunger Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Action Against Hunger View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/action-against-hunger-prepares-for-emergency-response-as-crisis-1131703 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Haviland Enviro Corp. (TSXV: HEC.P) (the "Company"), a capital pool company ("CPC") pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), is pleased to announce that further to the Company's press release dated May 9, 2023 (the "May Press Release"), the Company and Xogen Technologies Inc. ("Xogen") have entered into an amending agreement dated January 26, 2026 (the "Amending Agreement"), to amend the terms of the letter of intent dated May 9, 2023, as amended (the "LOI"). Pursuant to the Amending Agreement, the outside date for the proposed transaction between the Company and Xogen (the "Proposed Transaction") has been extended to June 30, 2026 and the requirement to enter into a definitive agreement has been extended to April 30, 2026. All other material terms of the LOI remain unchanged. The closing of the Proposed Transaction is subject to, among other items, Xogen completing a private placement for minimum gross proceeds of $500,000 (as further described in the May Press Release). The Company is currently halted from trading pending final Exchange approval of the Proposed Transaction. About Xogen Xogen is a private company incorporated on June 3, 2004 under the laws of the Province of Alberta. Xogen is a cleantech company in the water sector that has developed a proprietary Advanced Electro-Oxidation (AEO) technology for the treatment of ammonia and other contaminants in our water. During the process of treating these contaminants the Xogen system generates valuable off gases, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen with trace amounts of CO2. All of these gases can be recaptured as a cost benefit to operating the system. Xogen has successfully demonstrated the viability of their system with pilot plants at a number of landfill sites in Canada and the United States. Xogen also has a commercial scale pilot plant installed at the University of Massachusetts to demonstrate treatment efficacy to potential US customers. About the Company The Company is a capital pool company and its common shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the symbol "HEC.P". The Company has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. Further Information Further details about the Proposed Transaction will be provided in a comprehensive press release if and when the parties enter into a definitive agreement and in the disclosure document to be prepared and filed in respect of the Proposed Transaction. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction. Information concerning Xogen, has been provided to the Company by Xogen for inclusion in this press release. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV), majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that management of the Company expect, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Proposed Transaction and certain terms and conditions thereof; the business of Xogen; the negotiation and completion of the Definitive Agreement; the terms and completion of the concurrent financing. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: future demand for Xogen's products; the results of research and development activities; inability to raise the capital necessary to incur the expenditures required to commercialize Xogen's products; intellectual property protection; environmental regulations; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; and failure to obtain regulatory approvals. 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282107 Source: Haviland Enviro Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Rumbu Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: RMB) ("Rumbu" or the "Company"), announces that it held its Annual and Special Meeting of Rumbu Shareholders on January 14, 2026. At the Meeting, the Shareholders approved all Resolutions including approval of KMSS LLP as the Auditors for the Company, the current slate of Directors and the Company's Stock Option Plan. The Company is also pleased to announce that it received an amended and improved Term Sheet from the Bank of Montreal, its principal lender. In addition, the Company plans to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 2,000,000 Units, with each Unit comprised of one (1) Common Share and one (1) Common Share Purchase Warrant. Each Unit is priced at $1.00 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,000,000. One Warrant together with $1.40 will enable the holder to acquire one (1) additional Common Share of the Company for a period of twelve (12) months from the closing date of the Private Placement. The proceeds from the Private Placement will be utilized for general working capital, including the acquisition of additional funeral homes by the Company. Closing of the Offering is subject to several conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The Units will be offered for sale pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Offering") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. The Offering is being made in all the Provinces of Canada (except Quebec) and other qualifying jurisdictions including the United States and to a limited number of international investors outside of Canada and the United States. The Units offered under the Offering will be immediately "free-trading" under applicable Canadian Securities Laws. Units sold to subscribers resident in the United States and jurisdictions other than Canada may be subject to additional restrictions on trading. The offering document for the Private Placement will be available on the Company's profile on SEDAR. The Offering is anticipated to close on or around February 27, 2026 (the "Closing") or such other date as the Company may determine. The Company is also prepared to pay 6% cash and 6% Warrants to registered dealers or finders in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information concerning this press release, please contact: Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable laws. The Securities of Rumbu being offered have not been, nor will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent, U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282073 Source: Rumbu Holdings Ltd. DUBAI, UAE / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Ecomma, a Dubai-based firm focused on the acquisition and operation of Shopify ecommerce businesses, has established a new office in the United States. The move is intended to support the company's operational activities and engagement with ecommerce businesses in the North American market. The U.S. office will function as a regional base for business development, portfolio coordination, and operational oversight. According to the company, the expansion is designed to improve responsiveness and collaboration with Shopify-based businesses located in the United States and Canada. Ecomma operates a portfolio of ecommerce businesses built on the Shopify platform. The firm's activities include acquiring established online stores and managing their day-to-day operations following acquisition. Its portfolio spans multiple consumer categories and geographic markets. The company is led by Bawar Ahmad and Wieger Sietsma, both of whom have experience in ecommerce operations and digital business management. Ecomma stated that the leadership team's operational background informs its approach to managing ecommerce businesses across different regions. The establishment of a U.S. presence allows Ecomma to operate more effectively across time zones and maintain closer working relationships with local service providers, partners, and business owners. The office is expected to support operational continuity and coordination across the firm's existing portfolio. "The United States is an important market for Shopify-based ecommerce businesses," said Bawar Ahmad. "Having a local presence enables more direct engagement and operational oversight." Ecomma indicated that the U.S. office will focus on supporting existing operations rather than changing the firm's core business model. The company will continue to manage its ecommerce portfolio from a centralized operational framework while using regional offices to facilitate local execution. The expansion does not alter Ecomma's focus on Shopify-based ecommerce businesses. Instead, it reflects the company's intention to maintain operational consistency while expanding its geographic footprint. The U.S. office is now operational and will serve as Ecomma's primary point of coordination for North American activities. About Ecomma Ecomma is a Dubai-headquartered firm focused on acquiring and operating Shopify ecommerce businesses. The company manages a portfolio of digital brands across multiple markets and regions. Media Contact Organization: Ecomma Contact Person Name: Bawar Ahmad Website: https://ecomma.co Email: bawar@ecomma.co City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates SOURCE: Ecomma View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/ecomma-establishes-united-states-office-to-support-north-american-ecom-1131726 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV: ROS) (FSE: 2OJ) (OTCQB: RCGCF) ("Roscan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of December 18, 2025, it has completed its non-brokered private placement through the issuance of an aggregate of CAD$1,505,000 principal amount secured subordinate promissory notes (the "Offering"). Gross proceeds of the Offering will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Notes bear interest at 12% per annum from the date of issuance and shall mature on January 29, 2027 (the "Maturity Date"). The Notes are convertible, in whole or in part, into common shares (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a conversion price (the "Conversion Price") equal to CAD$0.15 per Common Share. The Note holders shall receive accrued and unpaid interest on the Note, paid in cash, up to, but excluding, the earlier of the date of conversion and the Maturity Date. The Notes issued pursuant to the Offering are secured by way of a general security agreement providing security over all of the present and after-acquired property of the Company ranking subordinate to all other secured indebtedness of the Company. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. The Offering constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as an insider of the Company subscribed an aggregate of $700,000 principal amount of Notes pursuant to the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by the insider does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. About Roscan Roscan Gold Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of producing gold mines (including B2 Gold's Fekola Mine which lies in a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole), and major gold deposits, located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali. For further information, please contact: Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282117 Source: Roscan Gold Corporation Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Showcase Minerals Inc. (CSE: SHOW) (FSE: ZJ0) ("Showcase" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its a mineral property purchase agreement whereby it has acquired a 100% interest in seven mineral claims comprising 1,535.10 hectares, which are located north of Stewart, British Columbia and just east of the Premier Gold Mine in the prolific Golden Triangle region. The Premier Gold Mine produced over two million ounces of gold from 1918 to 1952. Originally, the agreement terms covered three mineral claims, but was expanded to a total of seven claims. In consideration of acquiring a 100% interest in the seven mineral claims, known as the Grassy and Premier East Gold Projects (the "Projects"), Showcase has issued 5,000,000 common shares in its capital to the vendor. The common shares are subject to a four month and one day hold period from issuance. Private Placement Showcase has completed its private placement financing of 3,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.07 per Unit for total gross proceeds to the Company of $210,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one three-year transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share for $0.10. In connection with the private placement, the Company agreed to pay Research Capital Corp. a finder's fee of $10,080 and 144,000 share purchase warrants with each warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share of the Company for $0.10 for a period of three years. The proceeds of the private placement will be used for debt payment and general working capital. The securities issued under the private placement are subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the private placement. About Showcase Minerals Inc. Showcase Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral properties focusing on precious metals. Disclaimer Readers are cautioned that the discussion about adjacent or similar properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization or potential of the Premier East Gold Project and the Grassy Gold Project. The Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such adjacent properties. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. 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, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting development of the mineral properties and use of proceeds from the private placement. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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/282122 Source: Showcase Minerals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") announces that its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Keith Barron (the "Lender") has agreed to provide a loan of up to C$750,000 to the Company to be advanced from time to time in principal amounts as agreed by the parties (the "Loan"). Dr. Keith Barron commented, "This loan provides the Company with additional working capital to continue advancing its projects while preserving shareholder value. Importantly, this structure avoids immediate dilution and reflects my confidence in our strategy and our projects as we continue work on multiple fronts." The Loan is unsecured, bears interest at 2% per annum and matures twelve months and one day after demand for repayment is given by the Lender, which may be provided at any time following the date hereof. The proceeds of the Loan will be used to fund the Company's preliminary economic assessment on the Balangero tailings retreatment project in Italy, including related laboratory/assay fees, and general working capital. Dr. Keith Barron is a related party of the Company by virtue of the fact that he is the Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, a promoter and a principal shareholder of the Company, and as a result, each advance and repayment under the Loan constitutes a "Related Party Transaction" for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying upon an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the Related Party Transactions, in reliance on Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the Related Party Transaction, collectively, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report related to the Loan more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Loan as required by MI 61-101, as the Company wished to organize the Loan on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. The Loan was approved by the members of the board of directors of the Company who are independent for purposes of the related party transaction, being all directors other than Dr. Barron. No special committee was established in connection with the Loan, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. About Aurania Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and critical energy in Europe and abroad. Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes Aurania's objectives, goals, future plans or other statements of intent, Aurania's ongoing engagement in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, and any potential exploration results or potential mineralization resulting therefrom, Aurania's ongoing exploration efforts in France, Italy, Ecuador and abroad, potential additional advances pursuant to the Loan, eventual repayment of the Loan or any part thereof by Aurania, and the use by Aurania of funds received pursuant to the Loan Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices and all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, the state of the capital markets generally and of the mining markets more particularly, any commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel due to war, weather, pandemics or otherwise; a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents; an inability to access financing as needed, including pursuant to the Loan; a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania; a failure to comply with environmental regulations; a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals, copper and critical minerals; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+. Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282106 Source: Aurania Resources Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Trish Jacques, Chair, Association for Mineral Exploration ("AME"), joined Andrew Creech, President, TSX Venture Exchange, to close the market to celebrate AME Roundup 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. From January 26 to 29, 2026, thousands of geologists, prospectors, financiers, investors, suppliers, governments and Indigenous partners, from around the world will connect and exchange knowledge at AME Roundup 2026. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FMe_O-9qI AME Roundup is a centre of excellence that features the latest geoscience knowledge, high-grade rock samples and mineralized drill core, with opportunities to learn and share the latest tools, technologies and techniques. This year at AME Roundup, AME launched its Minerals for Tomorrow campaign, which focuses on the need for mineral exploration to secure Canada's economic future, and to create future supplies of the minerals the world needs for everyday materials - from our devices to healthcare to defence. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282121 Source: Toronto Stock Exchange Cash & Bullion $232 million - $58 million increase for the quarter PERTH, Australia, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkane Resources Limited (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) ('Alkane' or 'the Company') is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities Report for the period ending 31 December 2025 ('Q2 FY26'): Operations Site operating cash flow of $133 million for the quarter . . An additional $18 million payment was received in early January from a Costerfield concentrate shipment that shipped in mid-December with payment receipt delayed due to the Christmas holidays. Q2 FY26 record gold production of 43,663 AuEq oz @ AISC of $2,739/AuEq oz. 1 , 2 of 43,663 AuEq oz @ AISC of $2,739/AuEq oz. Full Year Group Guidance on track for 160-175kozs AuEq at AISC $2,600-2,900/AuEq oz reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal from July 2025. 3 reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal from July 2025. In early October Tomingley awarded the final portion of the contract to construct the Newell Highway re-alignment. Construction is expected to complete in the first half of 2027. Exploration Extension drilling at Storheden (part of Bjorkdal property) doubled depth extent to 464m and strike extent to 2.7km of the known system including intercepts of 142.0 g/t gold over 0.60 m (Estimate True Width 0.25 m) and 111.0 g/t gold over 0.50 m (ETW 0.25 m). 4 At Tomingley a gold rich domain was discovered adjacent to McLeans and close to current underground infrastructure. Assays highlights from the drilling include; 4.36g/t gold over 26m including 22.8 g/t gold over 3.3m.5 Finance and Corporate Gold equivalent sales for the quarter of 44,084 ounces 1 for revenue of $256 million at an average gold price of $5,785/oz and an average antimony price of $41,510/t. for revenue of $256 million at an average gold price of $5,785/oz and an average antimony price of $41,510/t. Cash, bullion and listed investment balance of $246 million after $17 million of corporate income tax payments during the quarter. after $17 million of corporate income tax payments during the quarter. 8,200 ounces of hedges filled during the quarter. Managing Director, Nic Earner, commented: "It has been an excellent quarter for Alkane, producing 42,767 ounces of gold and 267 tonnes of antimony (43,663 ounces of gold equivalent) over the full quarter.1,Our site operating cashflow was $133 million for the quarter, resulting in a balance sheet with $246 million in cash, bullion and listed investments at quarter end. Our full year guidance of 160-175kozs gold equivalent remains unchanged.3" GROUP SUMMARY STATUTORY REPORTING PERIOD1,2 Gold-Antimony Production Alkane produced 42,767 ounces of gold and 267 tonnes of antimony in Q2 FY26, its highest quarterly gold and antimony production yet, resulting in a Group record quarterly production of 43,663 gold equivalent ounces (Q1 FY26: 30,511 AuEq oz) at an AISC of $2,739/AuEq oz (Q1 FY26: $2,988/AuEq oz). The production during the quarter was significantly higher than Q1 FY26, driven by improved output at Tomingley and 3 full months of production from Bjorkdal and Costerfield as compared to only 2 months of reported production in the previous quarter following the merger with Mandalay completing in early August 2025. Alkane processed 683,235 tonnes of ore in total at an average gold grade of 2.20g/t Au producing 42,767oz of gold. Tomingley processed 318,851 tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of 2.50/t. At Costerfield, the average grade of gold was 10.44g/t and the average grade of antimony was 0.91% over 34,732 tonnes of ore processed while Bjorkdal processed 329,652 tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of 1.04g/t. Table 1: December quarter 2025 operational performance summary Operations Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Ore mined t 39,698 275,079 266,217 580,994 Mined ore gold grade g/t 8.36 2.61 1.27 2.39 Mined ore antimony grade % 0.93 - - 0.93 Processed ore t 34,732 318,851 329,652 683,235 Processed ore - milled head grade gold g/t 10.44 2.50 1.04 2.20 Processed ore - milled head grade antimony % 0.91 - - 0.91 Recovery gold % 93.94 % 89.84 % 87.43 % 90.40 % Recovery antimony % 86.77 % - - 86.77 % Gold produced oz 10,790 22,089 9,888 42,767 Antimony produced t 267 - - 267 Gold equivalent produced oz 11,686 22,089 9,888 43,663 Ore stockpiles - contained gold oz 7,823 7,597 20,443 35,864 Ore stockpiles - contained antimony t 349 - - 349 Gold equivalent in circuit, finished concentrate and bullion oz 3,432 2,171 1,938 7,541 3,364 Table 2: FY26 statutory reporting period operational performance summary6 Operations Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Ore mined t 64,530 576,771 419,520 1,060,821 Mined ore gold grade g/t 8.42 2.43 1.27 2.33 Mined ore antimony grade % 0.86 - - 0.86 Processed ore t 57,403 633,821 563,441 1,254,664 Processed ore - milled head grade gold g/t 9.67 2.33 1.00 2.07 Processed ore - milled head grade antimony % 0.82 - - 0.82 Recovery gold % 93.45 % 87.81 % 86.68 % 89.31 % Recovery antimony % 84.85 % - - 84.85 % Gold produced oz 16,433 40,424 15,875 72,732 Antimony produced t 391 - - 391 Gold equivalent produced oz 17,875 40,424 15,875 74,174 Ore stockpiles - contained gold oz 7,823 7,597 20,443 35,864 Ore stockpiles - contained antimony t 349 - - 349 Gold equivalent in circuit, finished concentrate and bullion oz 3,432 2,171 1,938 7,541 Revenue Gold equivalent sales for the quarter of 44,084 ounces1 (Q1 FY26: 30,010 AuEq oz) for revenue of $256 million (Q1 FY26: $147m) at an average gold price of $5,785/oz (Q1 FY26: $4,896/oz) and an average antimony price of $41,510/t (Q1 FY26: $35,646/oz). The increase in revenue was mainly due to the Group's increased gold sales volume following the improved production output at Tomingley and the inclusion of 3 full months of production at Bjorkdal and Costerfield, combined with the higher gold price. Revenue from Tomingley includes 8,200 ounces delivered into forward contracts at $2,843/ounce. Bjorkdal's average realised gold price at $6,930/oz is a simple average for the quarter of revenue divided by ounces sold for the quarter. Sales revenue for the quarter at Bjorkdal includes adjustments to provisionally priced concentrate sales which are then revalued at each reporting date (by using the current market price at the end of each reporting period). The gold price increased notably during the quarter leading to the recognition of $9 million additional revenue without recognising additional ounces, therefore increasing the realised gold price per ounce. Operating Costs, Cash Operating Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce Produced, All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC") per Gold Equivalent Ounce Produced and Capital Expenditures Group AISC was $2,739/AuEq oz for the quarter and group cash costs were $2,031/AuEq oz for the quarter. These were lower than Q1 FY26 AISC of $2,988/AuEq oz and operating cash costs of $2,215/AuEq oz primarily due to planned higher grades at Tomingley and Costerfield resulting in higher increased gold equivalent production. Total operations sustaining, growth and exploration expenditure during Q2 FY26 was $38 million. Sustaining capital was $20 million. This included $10 million for capital development mainly at Bjorkdal and $4 million for mining ancillary equipment purchases at Tomingley and Bjorkdal. Growth capital of ~$9 million was mainly at Tomingley for the Newell Highway realignment. This project is due for completion in the first half of 2027. Exploration expenditure of ~$8 million was split between $6 million at Costerfield and $2 million at Bjorkdal and Tomingley. Costerfield drilling was predominantly close to the operating mine with the Brunswick South, Sub KC and Kendal drilling programs progressed with the aim to add immediate mine life. Three drill rigs also progressed the True Blue program with predominantly infill drilling. Newell Highway works looking east. Table 3: December quarter 2025 financial performance summary Financials Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Gold equivalent sold oz 12,417 22,491 9,176 44,084 Average realised gold price $/oz 6,333 5,048 6,930 5,785 Average realised antimony price $/t 41,510 - - 41,510 Revenue for the quarter $'000 79,026 113,534 54,827 247,386 Gold provisional pricing adjustments $'000 1,496 - 8,758 10,254 Antimony provisional pricing adjustments $'000 (1,141 ) - - (1,141 ) Total revenue from mining operations $'000 79,380 113,534 63,585 256,498 Mining $'000 12,530 23,532 16,873 52,934 Processing $'000 3,733 13,779 7,391 24,903 G&A $'000 3,614 2,699 4,514 10,826 Cash cost $'000 19,877 40,009 28,777 88,663 Inventory movements $'000 (475 ) 1 (879 ) (1,353 ) Royalties $'000 1,908 3,806 79 5,792 Corporate costs $'000 - - - 4,813 Rehabilitation $'000 623 606 181 1,409 Sustaining Capital $'000 3,182 4,522 12,553 20,257 All-in sustaining cost $'000 25,115 48,944 40,710 119,582 Exploration $'000 5,884 1,013 1,126 8,023 Growth capital $'000 1,385 6,389 1,640 9,414 All-in cost $'000 32,384 56,346 43,476 137,019 Gold produced oz 10,790 22,089 9,888 42,767 Antimony produced t 267 - - 267 Gold equivalent produced oz 11,686 22,089 9,888 43,663 Cash cost $/oz 1,701 1,811 2,910 2,031 All-in sustaining cost $/oz 2,149 2,216 4,117 2,739 All-in cost $/oz 2,771 2,551 4,397 3,138 Mine operating cash flow $'000 29,822 67,299 35,379 132,500 Table 4: FY26 statutory reporting period financial performance summary6 Financials Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Gold equivalent sold oz 17,690 40,947 15,457 74,094 Average realised gold price $/oz 6,035 4,703 6,688 5,225 Average realised antimony price $/t 40,254 - - 40,254 Revenue for the quarter $'000 107,387 192,591 89,213 389,191 Gold provisional pricing adjustments $'000 1,736 - 14,163 15,899 Antimony provisional pricing adjustments $'000 (1,363 ) - - (1,363 ) Total revenue from mining operations $'000 107,759 192,591 103,376 403,727 Mining $'000 19,494 46,097 27,254 92,845 Processing $'000 6,284 26,324 11,367 43,975 G&A $'000 6,022 6,452 6,950 19,424 Cash cost $'000 31,800 78,872 45,571 156,243 Inventory movements $'000 (716 ) 914 (1,644 ) (1,446 ) Royalties $'000 2,905 6,411 164 9,481 Corporate costs $'000 - - - 8,625 Rehabilitation $'000 636 1,422 214 2,272 Sustaining Capital $'000 5,658 9,510 20,412 35,580 All-in sustaining cost $'000 40,283 97,130 64,717 210,756 Exploration $'000 9,582 1,395 2,673 13,650 Growth capital $'000 1,508 12,418 1,640 15,566 All-in cost $'000 51,373 110,943 69,029 239,971 Gold produced oz 16,433 40,424 15,875 72,732 Antimony produced t 391 - - 391 Gold equivalent produced oz 17,875 40,424 15,875 74,174 Cash cost $/oz 1,779 1,951 2,871 2,106 All-in sustaining cost $/oz 2,254 2,403 4,077 2,841 All-in cost $/oz 2,874 2,745 4,348 3,235 Mine operating cash flow $'000 50,011 106,411 51,288 207,709 Cash flow Alkane closed the quarter with cash, bullion and liquid investments of $246 million - comprising $218 million in total cash, bullion ($14 million) and liquid investments ($14 million). This result was driven by record Group gold sales at 44,084 gold equivalent ounces and an increase in realised gold price to $5,785/oz (Q1 FY26: $4,896/oz) and a realised antimony price of $41,510/t (Q1 FY26: $35,646/t) generating $256 million in revenue. Alkane's operations generated $133 million of mine operating cashflows with the achieved gold price $3,046/AuEq oz over AISC. Tax outflows were $17 million during the quarter, $11 million of which related to FY25 on completion of the tax return with the remainder being monthly instalments on future tax obligations. Corporate and other cashflows were $20 million. This includes $7 million of corporate cash outflows, $6 million for a cash backed bond related to the Newell Highway project, $3 million of Boda & regional NSW exploration and $2 million on Lupin closure costs. Notably, an additional $18 million payment was received in early January from a Costerfield concentrate shipment that shipped in mid-December with payment receipt delayed due to the Christmas holidays. OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS Costerfield Gold-Antimony Operations - Victoria Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations Pty Ltd (100%) Costerfield Gold-Antimony Operations (Costerfield) is a wholly owned operation of Alkane. Costerfield is located within the Costerfield mining district of Central Victoria, Australia, approximately 10 km northeast of the town of Heathcote and 50 km east of the city of Bendigo. The property encompasses the underground infrastructure supporting the Augusta, Cuffley, Brunswick, Youle and Shepherd deposits; the Augusta Mine Site (Augusta), the Brunswick Processing Plant; the Splitters Creek Evaporation Facility; the Brunswick and Bombay Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF) and associated infrastructure. Operations Performance Costerfield delivered steady operational performance during the quarter, with both ore mining and milling rates being in excess of budget. Mining continued to focus on achieving mining of planned high priority areas, with some variability in stope performance due to challenging ground conditions and overbreak in complex shallow dipping parts of the orebody in the Youle-Shepherd transition. The operation continues to work on targeted improvement programs including drill and blast optimisation, enhanced operator training, and the move to emulsion explosives to improve recovery and reduce dilution. Processing focused on blend control to maximise throughput, recoveries and produced metal. Trials will occur in Q3 to determine potential benefits of pre crushing ore feed to further improve throughput, crusher downtime and blend control. Processing operations performed reliably, with higher mill throughput supported by improved crushing circuit availability. Continuous optimisation of blending and recovery continue to be a focus. Work continues to prioritise operational consistency across all aspects of the operation. A total of 11,686 gold equivalent ounces1 was produced during the quarter (Q1 FY26: 6,189 AuEq oz). The site cash costs for the quarter were $1,701/AuEq oz (Q1 FY26: $1,927/AuEq oz) with an AISC of $2,149/AuEq oz (Q1 FY26: $2,451/AuEq oz).2 Gold sold for the quarter was 11,042 ounces at an average sales price of $6,333/oz and antimony sold for the quarter was 409 tonnes (228 tonnes post payability) at an average sales price of $41,510/t, generating revenue of $79 million. Finished product stocks were 3,364 ounces. The site's operating cash flow was $30 million for the quarter. Exploration At Costerfield during Q2 FY26, near mine drilling continued on three main focus areas. Brunswick South drilling looked to build on high grade intercepts discovered earlier in the year with a progression to infill drilling late in the quarter. The Kendall drilling program explored a series of veins above the currently active Youle, and the Sub KC drilling aimed to both infill and extend mineral resources below the Cuffley and Augusta workings. Additionally True Blue was progressed with three diamond rigs predominantly focused on infill drilling. Geological map of Costerfield showing areas of exploration during Q2 FY26. Tomingley Gold Operations - NSW Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd (100%) Tomingley Gold Operations (Tomingley) is a wholly owned operation of Alkane, located near the village of Tomingley, approximately 50km southwest of Dubbo in Central Western New South Wales. Tomingley has been operating since 2014. Mining occurs underground on four gold deposits (Wyoming One, Caloma One, Caloma Two and Roswell). Operations Performance The primary source of ore continues to be from Roswell. During the quarter the ore production was constrained primarily due to multiple smaller issues including shotcreter downtime delaying paste fill, lower development led to lower development ore, and redesigned stope shape for lode recovery. Processing continues to perform well with milling in excess of budget primarily as a result of the insertion of a mobile crusher to pre-crush material prior to entering the processing circuit. Mill grade and recovery were as per budget. Pre-crushing of material to sub 10mm prior to entering the circuit has seen a nominal increase in milling rates to approximately 1.3mtpa, work is continuing in this area. A total of 22,089 ounces of gold was poured for the quarter (Q1 FY26: 18,335oz). The site cash costs for the quarter were $1,811/oz (Q1 FY26: $2,120/oz) with an AISC of $2,216/oz (Q1 FY26: $2,628/oz).2 Gold sold for the quarter was 22,491 ounces at an average sales price of $5,048/oz, generating revenue of $114 million. Bullion stocks were 2,171 ounces. The site's operating cash flow was $67 million for the quarter. Works continued on the Newell Highway diversion during the quarter with approximately 3.5kms of pavement established to varying thicknesses prior to the Christmas shutdown (19 December 2025). Work commenced on the Kenilworth access, required to allow heavy vehicle access into site and is expected to be completed late January 2026. Exploration Resource expansion drilling continues at Tomingley outside existing resources and nearby to underground infrastructure. The drilling has led to discovering a new zone of mineralisation that is associated with a second andesite host at McLeans. The recently discovered Western Andesite is intersected by several drill holes returning significant gold intercepts including drill hole MCLUG013D with 26m grading 4.36g/t Au including 3.3m grading 22.8g/t Au (see ASX Announcement dated 3 November 2025 and titled 'Tomingley Drilling Discovers New Mineralisation at McLeans') Bjorkdal Gold Operations - Sweden Bjorkdalsgruvan AB (100%) Bjorkdal Gold Operations (Bjorkdal) is a wholly owned operation of Alkane. The Bjorkdal property, containing both the Bjorkdal mine and the Storheden and Norrberget deposits, is located in Vasterbotten County in northern Sweden. Bjorkdal is located approximately 28 km northwest of the municipality of Skelleftea and approximately 750 km north of Stockholm. The Bjorkdal property is accessible via Swedish national road 95 or European highway route E4 followed by all-weather paved roads. Operations Performance Bjorkdal delivered another quarter of solid mining performance with ore production supported by consistent stope productivity and stable development activities. The operation also benefited from planned replacements of critical equipment, which improved machine availability. However, certain equipment deliveries were postponed by manufacturers and are now expected in the March 2026 quarter. Mill throughput was slightly lower than the previous quarter, primarily due to mill linings not wearing at the anticipated rate, which limited the maximum allowable mill load. The completion and commissioning of the return water system from the mine has had a positive impact on flotation performance to date. The more stable water temperature compared with variable temperatures in river-sourced raw water enhanced process stability. This new water redundancy also reduces the mill's vulnerability to seasonal fluctuations in river conditions. The operation achieved improved recoveries during the quarter as a result. A total of 9,888 gold ounces was produced during the quarter (Q1 FY26: 5,987oz). The site cash costs for the quarter were $2,910/oz (Q1 FY26: $2,805/oz) with an AISC of $4,117/oz (Q1 FY26: $4,010/oz).2 Gold sold for the quarter was 9,176 ounces at an average sales price of $6,930/oz, generating revenue of $64 million. Finished product stocks were 1,938 ounces. The site's operating cash flow was $35 million for the quarter. Exploration At Bjorkdal there were two programs progressed during the quarter. Both programs aim to extend the orebody that is currently being mined with the focus on the northern and eastern depth extensions. Additionally, in December, the results of the recent Storheden drilling were released (see ASX announcement dated 19 December 2025 and titled 'Alkane Doubles the Tested Depth Extent of the Storheden Deposit at Bjorkdal'). Highlights of the release include an extension of the known depth to 464m and Strike length to 2.7km with a series of Bjorkdal style veins interpreted across three main target domains. Assays highlights include, 142.0 g/t gold over 0.60 m (Estimate True Width 0.25 m) and 111.0 g/t gold over 0.50 m (ETW 0.25 m). Excerpt from the Storheden news release showing significant recent drilling results. Selected significant intercepts are annotated. Northern Molong Porphyry Project (NMPP)(gold-copper) Alkane Resources Ltd 100% During the quarter, exploration recommenced with the flying of a MobileMT survey over the majority of the NMPP. Inversion and interpretation of the MMT survey data is ongoing. Reconnaissance drilling for a total 4,500 metres commenced late in the quarter with the mobilisation of one air-core, one high-capacity RC, and one diamond core drill rigs. Exploration results are expected to be reported in Q3. Environmental baseline studies to inform the development approval of the Boda-Kaiser Au-Cu resources continued in the quarter. Lupin Reclamation Project Lupin Mines Inc 100% Lupin is currently in the process of final closure and reclamation activities which are to be partially funded by progressive security reductions. During the quarter, there has been minor spend on engineering, project management, coordination, site activities and equipment maintenance. The majority of this reclamation work to achieve the majority of closure obligations is expected to take place in the 2026 calendar year. As at 31 December 2025, $12 million in restricted cash stands as a deposit against the present value of certain reclamation cost obligations. La Quebrada Exploration Project Minera Mandalay Limitada 100% The Company continues to evaluate options for this non-core asset. CORPORATE Cash, Bullion and Listed Investments Units Q1 2026 Q2 2026 Cash $M 160 218 Bullion $1M 14 14 Cash and bullion sub-total $M 174 232 Listed Investments $M 17 14 Total cash, listed investments and bullion $M 191 246 Banking Facilities At the end of the quarter, the Company had $22 million of mobile equipment financing. Alkane previously had a Project Loan Facility from Macquarie Bank Limited (Macquarie) to develop the Tomingley Gold Extension Project. This facility was repaid during Q1 FY26 ($45 million). Investments At the end of the quarter, Alkane held ~9 million shares in Sky Metals (ASX:SKY) valued at $0.7 million and 30 million shares (~4.9%) in Medallion Metals Limited (ASX:MM8) valued at $13.1 million. Gold Forward Sale Contracts Tomingley holds the following forward sale contracts: Quarter Average Forward Price $/oz Ounces Mar-26 2,855 8,700 Jun-26 2,870 8,500 Sep-26 2,884 7,500 Dec-26 2,896 7,200 Mar-27 2,821 7,300 Jun-27 2,844 6,650 Total 2,862 46,150 During the quarter, 42,000oz of SEK put options were purchased for the Bjorkdal operation covering production from Jan 2026 to Dec 2026 at a strike price of SEK 30,645/oz (~$4,985/oz). Share Capital Alkane closed the quarter with the following capital structure: As at 30 December 2025 Fully Paid Ordinary Shares 1,365,794,967 Performance Rights 11,611,616 Total 2,862 GROUP SUMMARY FULL YEAR1,2,6 Table 5: FY26 operational performance summary Operations Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Ore mined t 74,532 576,771 488,560 1,139,863 Mined ore gold grade g/t 8.43 2.43 1.24 2.31 Mined ore antimony grade % 0.83 - - 0.83 Processed ore t 69,567 633,821 684,000 1,387,388 Processed ore - milled head grade gold g/t 9.39 2.33 0.97 2.01 Processed ore - milled head grade antimony % 0.82 - - 0.82 Recovery gold % 93.30 % 87.81 % 85.93 % 89.01 % Recovery antimony % 84.74 % - - 84.74 % Gold produced oz 19,402 40,424 18,468 78,294 Antimony produced t 465 - - 465 Gold equivalent produced oz 21,178 40,424 18,468 80,070 Ore stockpiles - contained gold oz 7,823 7,597 20,443 35,864 Ore stockpiles - contained antimony t 349 - - 349 Gold equivalent in circuit, finished concentrate and bullion oz 3,432 2,171 1,938 7,541 Table 6: FY26 financial performance summary Financials Units Costerfield Tomingley Bjorkdal Total Gold equivalent sold oz 20,674 40,947 17,422 79,043 Average realised gold price $/oz 5,907 4,703 6,527 5,416 Average realised antimony price $/t 43,026 - - 43,026 Revenue $'000 124,158 192,591 113,708 430,457 Mining $'000 23,616 46,097 31,662 101,375 Processing $'000 8,051 26,324 13,397 47,772 G&A $'000 7,269 6,452 8,238 21,960 Cash cost $'000 38,936 78,872 53,298 171,107 Inventory movements $'000 19 914 (580 ) 353 Royalties $'000 3,136 6,411 184 9,731 Corporate costs $'000 - - - 8,625 Rehabilitation $'000 642 1,422 229 2,294 Sustaining Capital $'000 6,778 9,510 22,330 38,619 All-in sustaining cost $'000 49,512 97,130 75,461 230,729 Exploration $'000 11,337 1,395 3,142 15,874 Growth capital $'000 1,508 12,418 1,640 15,566 All-in cost $'000 62,357 110,943 80,242 262,168 Gold produced oz 19,402 40,424 18,468 78,294 Antimony produced t 465 - - 465 Gold equivalent produced oz 21,178 40,424 18,468 80,070 Cash cost $/oz 1,839 1,951 2,886 2,137 All-in sustaining cost $/oz 2,338 2,403 4,086 2,882 All-in cost $/oz 2,944 2,745 4,345 3,274 Mine operating cash flow $'000 53,822 106,411 44,213 204,446 This document has been authorised for release to the market by Nic Earner, Managing Director. ABOUT ALKANE -alkres.com- ASX:ALK | TSX: ALK | OTCQX: ALKEF Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) is an Australia-based gold and antimony producer with a portfolio of three operating mines across Australia and Sweden. The Company has a strong balance sheet and is positioned for further growth. Alkane's wholly owned producing assets are the Tomingley open pit and underground gold mine southwest of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales, the Costerfield gold and antimony underground mining operation northeast of Heathcote in Central Victoria, and the Bjorkdal underground gold mine northwest of Skelleftea in Sweden (approximately 750km north of Stockholm). Ongoing near-mine regional exploration continues to grow resources at all three operations. Alkane also owns the very large gold-copper porphyry Boda-Kaiser Project in Central West New South Wales and has outlined an economic development pathway in a Scoping Study. The Company has ongoing exploration within the surrounding Northern Molong Porphyry Project and is confident of further enhancing eastern Australia's reputation as a significant gold, copper and antimony production region. Competent Person As an Australian Company with securities listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Alkane is subject to Australian disclosure requirements and standards, including the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX. Investors should note that it is a requirement of the ASX Listing Rules that the reporting of ore reserves and mineral resources in Australia is in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code) and that Alkane's ore reserve and mineral resource estimates and reporting comply with the JORC Code. Alkane is also subject to certain Canadian disclosure requirements and standards as a result of its secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), including the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Investors should note that it is a requirement of Canadian securities law that the reporting of mineral reserves and mineral resources in Canada and the disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning a mineral project on a property material to Alkane comply with NI 43-101. Unless otherwise advised above or in the ASX Announcements referenced, the information in this report that relates to exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves is based on information compiled by Mr Chris Davis who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a full-time employee of Alkane Resources Limited. Mr Davis has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person underNI 43-101. Mr Davis consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this announcement that relates to previously reported exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves is extracted from the Company's ASX announcements noted in the text of the announcement and available to view on the Company's website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcements and that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially altered. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This announcement contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information or financial outlook information (collectively Forward-Looking Information). Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from the amounts set out in any Forward-Looking Information. As well, Forward-Looking Information may relate to: future outlook and anticipated events; expectations regarding exploration potential; production capabilities and future financial or operating performance, including AISC, investment returns, margins and share price performance; production and cost guidance and the timing thereof; issuing updated resources and reserves estimate and the timing thereof; the potential of Alkane to meet industry targets, public profile and expectations; and future plans, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and the timing related thereto. Forward-Looking Information is generally identified by the use of words like "will", "create", ", "create", "enhance", "improve", "potential", "expect", "upside", "growth" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify Forward-Looking Information. Although Alkane believes that the expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on Forward-Looking Information since no assurance can be provided that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking Information is based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or good faith belief of the officers and directors of Alkane as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, without limitation: risks relating to changes in the gold and antimony price. Forward-Looking Information is designed to help readers understand Alkane's views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, Alkane assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the Forward-looking Information. If Alkane updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to those or other Forward-looking Information. All Forward-Looking Information contained in this announcement is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Disclaimer Alkane has prepared this announcement based on information available to it. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions or conclusions contained in this announcement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Alkane, its directors, officers, employees, associates, advisers and agents, nor any other person accepts any liability, including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault or negligence on the part of any of them or any other person, for any loss arising from the use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it. This announcement is not an offer, invitation, solicitation, or other recommendation with respect to the subscription for, purchase or sale of any security, and neither this announcement nor anything in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment whatsoever. Non-IFRS Performance Measures This announcement contains references to all-in sustaining costs which is a non-IFRS measure and does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS. Therefore, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. All-in sustaining costs include total cash operating costs, sustaining mining capital, royalty expense and accretion of reclamation provision. Sustaining capital reflects the capital required to maintain a site's current level of operations. All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold equivalent in a period equals the all-in sustaining cost divided by the equivalent gold ounces produced in the period. CONTACT: NIC EARNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, ALKANE RESOURCES LTD, TEL +61 8 9227 5677 INVESTORS & MEDIA: NATALIE CHAPMAN, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, TEL + 61 418 642 556 1 Gold equivalent ounces calculated by multiplying quantities of gold and antimony in period by respective average market price of commodities in period, adding the two amounts to get 'total contained value based on market price' and dividing that total contained value by the average market price of gold in period. I.e., AuEq = ((Au Produced x Au $/oz) + (Sb Produced pre-payability x 70% payability x Sb $/t)) / (Au $/oz). The average market prices for the December quarter were A$6,299/oz Au (being the average of the daily PM price, sourced from www.lbma.org.uk) and A$30,245/t Sb (being the average Shanghai Metal Market Price sourced from www.metal.com). 2 AISC is a non-IFRS measure and does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Refer to "Non-IFRS Performance Measures" at the end of this announcement. 3 Refer to ALK Announcement dated 9 September 2025 titled 'Alkane Announces Financial Year 2026 Guidance' for calculation of gold equivalent ounces and definition of Group Guidance. Production guidance on a statutory reported basis ('Attributable Guidance') is 155 - 168koz AuEq for FY2026. 4 Refer to ALK Announcement dated 19 December 2025 titled 'Alkane Doubles the Tested Depth Extent of the Storheden Deposit at Bjorkdal." 5 Refer to ALK Announcement dated 3 November 2025 titled 'Tomingley Drilling Discovers New Mineralisation at McLeans." 6 As the merger with Mandalay Resources completed on 5 August 2025, Alkane's statutory reported production for FY2026 reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal only from that date. Full year production and costs can be found at the end of this report. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5e8ab27-bf60-4cbb-b5b4-6e65d7a8569f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/739c87e5-c056-4210-a7f6-db05531e29a9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eda3af68-7336-4e6a-849e-d499e82b2918 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08ab5df4-946a-4fbe-9dce-3850d367b933 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e11ff91-415d-49ff-8a1f-0264031ddd4f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/613e7d73-9374-45de-81e3-69f554e280df https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3317f64-51a7-4bdf-b60c-de2a34c89484 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0c7ae13-a239-4052-851f-6017b4f477b3 PERTH, Australia, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkane Resources Limited (ASX: ALK, TSX: ALK, OTCQX: ALKEF) ('Alkane') has executed a term sheet comprising a conditional placement and earn-in agreement with Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX: NAG) ('Nagambie') in relation to Nagambie's core gold-antimony project tenement package, located on a mining lease approximately 40km northeast of Alkane's Costerfield operations in Victoria. There has been limited deep drilling to test potential depth extensions at Nagambie, with Alkane's proposed investment expected to target this potential as a priority. This proposed investment is consistent with Alkane's strategy of growing resources and expanding the production at its operations. Further details in relation to the proposed investment can be found in Nagambie's release to the ASX today. This document has been authorised for release to the market by Nic Earner, Managing Director & CEO. CONTACT:NIC EARNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, ALKANE RESOURCES LTD, TEL +61 8 9227 5677 INVESTORS & MEDIA: NATALIE CHAPMAN, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, TEL +61 418 642 556 ABOUTALKANE-alkres.com - ASX:ALK | TSX: ALK | OTCQX: ALKEF Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) is an Australia-based gold and antimony producer with a portfolio of three operating mines across Australia and Sweden. The Company has a strong balance sheet and is positioned for further growth. Alkane's wholly owned producing assets are the Tomingley open pit and underground gold mine southwest of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales, the Costerfield gold and antimony underground mining operation northeast of Heathcote in Central Victoria, and the Bjorkdal underground gold mine northwest of Skelleftea in Sweden (approximately 750km north of Stockholm). Ongoing near-mine regional exploration continues to grow resources at all three operations. Alkane also owns the very large gold-copper porphyry Boda-Kaiser Project in Central West New South Wales and has outlined an economic development pathway in a Scoping Study. The Company has ongoing exploration within the surrounding Northern Molong Porphyry Project and is confident of further enhancing eastern Australia's reputation as a significant gold, copper and antimony production region. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This announcement contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information or financial outlook information (collectively "Forward-Looking Information"). Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from the amounts set out in any Forward-Looking Information. As well, Forward-Looking Information may relate to: future outlook and anticipated events; expectations regarding exploration potential; production capabilities and future financial or operating performance, including AISC, investment returns, margins and share price performance; production and cost guidance and the timing thereof; issuing updated resources and reserves estimate and the timing thereof; the potential of the Company to meet industry targets, public profile and expectations; and future plans, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and the timing related thereto. Forward-Looking Information is generally identified by the use of words like "will", "create", "enhance", "improve", "potential", "expect", "upside", "growth" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify Forward-Looking Information. Although Alkane believes that the expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on Forward-Looking Information since no assurance can be provided that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking Information is based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or good faith belief of the officers and directors of Alkane as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, without limitation: risks relating to changes in the gold and antimony price. Forward-Looking Information is designed to help readers understand Alkane's views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, Alkane assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the Forward-looking Information. If Alkane updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to those or other Forward-looking Information. All Forward-Looking Information contained in this announcement is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Disclaimer Alkane has prepared this announcement based on information available to it. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions or conclusions contained in this announcement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Alkane, its directors, officers, employees, associates, advisers and agents, nor any other person accepts any liability, including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault or negligence on the part of any of them or any other person, for any loss arising from the use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it. This announcement is not an offer, invitation, solicitation, or other recommendation with respect to the subscription for, purchase or sale of any security, and neither this announcement nor anything in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment whatsoever. Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Fitness World, a British Columbia-based fitness company operating 17 locations across the province, has launched a redesigned website and an updated group fitness class schedule. These updates are part of the Vancouver gym's ongoing efforts to enhance digital access and improve operational efficiency for members across its network of clubs. In addition to these developments, Fitness World has introduced the Fitness World Five (FW5) Initiative to reinforce shared gym etiquette standards across all locations. Vancouver Gym, Fitness World, Launches Revamped Website, Updated Class Schedule, and New Gym Etiquette Initiative To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/282145_figure1.jpg The updated website features improved navigation, faster load times, and enhanced mobile responsiveness, making it easier for members to explore programs, view class schedules, and manage bookings. The redesign supports the company's digital strategy by providing a more intuitive and streamlined user experience across devices. Members can now access gym information more efficiently, register for group fitness classes, and stay informed about club updates from anywhere. Complementing the website redesign is the introduction of an updated group class schedule. The new lineup of the fitness classes includes Fitness World's most popular sessions, such as Yoga, HIIT, and the new "Burn" class, while offering more flexibility to meet member demand. The rollout of the updated timetable highlights the gym's operational focus on improving both online and in-person experiences. Fitness World is a British Columbia-based fitness company operating 17 locations across the province To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/282145_figure2.png In addition to the redesign and revised schedule, Fitness World has implemented the Fitness World Five (FW5) Initiative, a gym-wide etiquette campaign designed to promote a clean, respectful, and community-oriented training environment. The initiative outlines five simple habits rooted in gym courtesy and aims to improve the in-club experience by encouraging all members to support shared standards of behavior. These practices focus on equipment care, personal space, appropriate phone use, scent awareness, and responsible content recording. The FW5 Initiative has been implemented across all locations to maintain a consistent, welcoming atmosphere within Fitness World clubs. These recent announcements represent an operational milestone for Fitness World, aligning its member services with current expectations for accessibility, scheduling convenience, and in-club culture. The website redesign, updated schedule, and etiquette initiative reflect Fitness World's continued investment in member engagement and the overall fitness experience. About Fitness World: Fitness World is a British Columbia-based fitness company with 17 locations across the province. The company offers group classes, personal training, and wellness programs designed to support diverse fitness goals. Through digital improvements and in-club initiatives, Fitness World aims to create an inclusive, efficient, and community-focused fitness environment for all members. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282145 Source: GetFeatured Moneycontrols Eco Pulse is a composite high-frequency index which aims to measure Indias economic momentum on a monthly basis and provide early signals of changes in the direction of GDP growth Indias economic momentum grew steadily in December 2025, as per the newly launched Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index, a new high-frequency monthly index designed to track Indias economic activity in real-time. The Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index, which measures momentum in the economy, stood at 53.7 in December 2025. Readings above 50 on the Index, which tracks over 30 high-frequency economic indicators on a monthly basis, reflect stronger-than-average economic conditions compared with the previous month, while readings below 50 signal moderation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The steady economic momentum was reflected in several high-frequency indicators released during the month. GST collections picked up to 1.3 percent in December from 0.7 percent in November. Electricity demand returned to positive growth in December after two consecutive months of contraction, while four-wheeler sales and non-food credit growth picked up during the month. Two-wheeler sales, an indicator of rural demand, were also higher than the previous month. Conversely, growth had tapered in some of the consumption indicators like UPI volume growth and Aviation Turbine Fuel consumption, a proxy for air travel and cargo movement. New Moneycontrol Eco Pulse: Methodology and Economic Review Panel Moneycontrols Eco Pulse is a composite high-frequency index which aims to measure Indias economic momentum on a monthly basis and provide early signals of changes in the direction of GDP growth. It signals how Indias economy is doing by tracking over 30 high-frequency economic and business indicators in real-time for a monthly snapshot of the state of the economy. The Index combines a broad set of monthly indicators spanning industrial activity, consumption, business confidence, transport, and employment into a single measure. By distilling information from multiple datasets, it offers a timely and comprehensive view of underlying economic conditions. Unlike traditional headline indicators, the Moneycontrol Eco Pulse uses a dynamic statistical framework to extract the common economic signal across indicators, while filtering out short-term noise and extreme fluctuations. The methodology is aligned with international best practices used by central banks and statistical agencies for economic nowcasting. With a customised Economy Heat Map which tracks what is changing in the economy month-on-month, the Index provides an early indicator of turning points and emerging trends. The methodology has been vetted by a panel of eminent economists, policymakers and academics: Laveesh Bhandari, President and Senior Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress. Shubhashis Gangopadhyay, former Advisor to Finance Minister; Managing Trustee, India Development Foundation; Founding Dean and Professor, Indian School of Public Policy and Visiting Professor, University of Gothenberg, Sweden. DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India; Honorary Professor at Madras School of Economics and Member of the Advisory Council to the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions. Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics), Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. Smart investing requires real-time economic data intelligence and Moneycontrol Eco Pulse aims to fast-track access to systemised macro information to bridge the time lag between official statistics and fast-moving economic activity, said Nalin Mehta, Managing Editor, Moneycontrol and Chief AI Officer - Editorial Operations, Network18. With a transparent and robust methodology, the Index seeks to complement official data by offering an early, directional signal on whether economic momentum is strengthening or weakening on a monthly basis. Moneycontrol, Indias largest digital finance platform with over 1.2 million paying subscribers, will update the Eco Pulse in real-time and use it as a core analytical tool across its macroeconomic coverage, offering readers an early, data-driven assessment of Indias growth trajectory ahead of official GDP releases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What they are saying about the MC Eco Pulse Speaking on the Index, Laveesh Bhandari, President and Senior Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress, said, Moneycontrols latest initiative of following the Indian economy in real time with hard objective data is indeed very useful to us. It gives us fresh economic data in real time, in a crisp manner, and using innovative methods. Will follow it closely. Economist Shubhashis Gangopadhyay, Founding Dean and Professor, Indian School of Public Policy, added: In a fast-changing world, there has to be continual monitoring of change. This initiative could not have been more timely. It will help policymakers to better compensate the losers in the change process as well as signal the directions in which the economy is moving and anticipate the losses. Not all sectors of the society will grow uniformly and this initiative that measures sector-wise changes is, therefore, extremely important. DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India, said, A highly relevant methodology has been proposed for nowcasting quarterly GDP growth based on an underlying monthly index that utilises monthly data on critical underlying indicators. Preliminary tests indicate robust results. This is a welcome initiative and would add to the rapidly developing efforts to provide monthly projections of economic activity in India." The Moneycontrol Eco Pulse is a timely indicator for tracking economic activity in a rapidly modernising and fast-growing economy like India, said Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics), Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. Based on a scientific methodology for tracking real-time sectoral performance, the indicator should help businesses, analysts, students and other users better understand activity dynamics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shipments to the US fall across key sectors, but gains in UAE, Europe and Asia help cushion impact Indias exports have shown resilience despite facing some of the highest trade barriers in the US market, as exporters increasingly pivot to alternative destinations, the Economic Survey said. The survey noted that India is currently subject to an effective export tariff rate of about 50 per cent on goods shipped to the US, among the highest imposed on any trading partner. While these tariffs have weighed on select labour-intensive and small-scale sectors, Indias overall export performance has remained stable, supported by diversification across markets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Data for AprilNovember FY26 indicate a clear divergence between exports to the US and shipments to the rest of the world. Exports to the US declined on a year-on-year basis across several sectors, even as Indias global exports posted positive growth. On trade with the US, the Survey highlighted that India currently faces an effective export tariff rate of about 50 per cent, among the highest imposed on any country. While these tariffs have had a sector-specific impact, Indias overall exports have shown resilience due to diversification towards alternative markets. Data for AprilNovember FY26 show that while exports to the US declined year-on-year across several labour-intensive and small-scale sectors, exports to the rest of the world posted positive growth. In gems and jewellery, exports to the US fell 44.3 per cent, but global exports rose 0.6 per cent, with strong growth seen in markets such as the UAE and Hong Kong. Marine product exports to the US declined 5.7 per cent, even as shipments to the world grew 16.1 per cent, driven by Asian and European destinations. Similarly, auto component exports to the US fell 6.8 per cent, while global exports rose 6 per cent, with sharp growth to markets including the UAE, Germany, and Belgium. In textiles and allied products, exports to the US declined 6.1 per cent, but diversification towards Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia helped offset the impact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The survey said these trends highlight Indias growing adaptability to global demand shifts, aided by trade agreements such as the IndiaUAE CEPA and the recently signed IndiaUK FTA, which are expected to further boost exports in the coming years. In sum, Indias external sector enters this phase of global fragmentation with strengthened buffers, diversified trade linkages, and improving resilience, the survey said, adding that the policy challenge lies in leveraging these strengths to sustain external stability while supporting high growth in a world where global integration is increasingly shaped by strategic, rather than purely economic, considerations. The album, set to be celebrated at the Grammys on February 1 in Los Angeles, does not present Aarti as a performer in the conventional sense Aarti Khetarpal in Sounds Of Kumbha has earned a nomination at this years Grammy awards for the 2026 edition. Before we talk about the song, heres what you need to know about the artist. Who is Aarti Khetarpal? She is a known face for TV commercials, Seen in over 45 commercials including: Unicef M.R drops with Amitabh Bachchan Emami with Hritik Roshan Pepperfry, Acer laptops , Sony Rox , Phillips , Icici bank , Hindware, Ujala ad with Surya Shiv kumar and many more. She is also seen in Amazon Primes Webseries Inside Edge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Known for her polish across networks like Zee, Sony, Star Plus, Balaji and NDTV, Aarti has long been regarded as one of Indias most accomplished presenters and trusted with global stages, high-pressure live formats. Often seen carrying a small idol of Bal Krishna, her participation feels less like an artistic pivot and more like her truth finally made visible. The album that has reached Grammys The album, set to be celebrated at the Grammys on February 1 in Los Angeles, does not present Aarti as a performer in the conventional sense. There are no characters, no choreography, no performance cues to hit. Instead, she appears simply as herself and introduced by Sidhant as Aarti from Vrindavan, rooted in devotion, seva, and a lifelong relationship with Krishna. Often seen carrying a small idol of Bal Krishna, her participation feels less like an artistic pivot and more like her truth finally made visible. Success is never owned, she believes. It is received. And what is received, Aarti feels, must be shared. Games View All Her tracks Bala Krishna & Ram Ram in the album Sounds of Kumbha continue to resonate with people all across the nation. The other Indians at Grammys 2026 Indian musicians like Anoushka Shankar, Siddhant Bhatia, and Charu Suri are making the nation proud globally. The awards that will be on February 1 could be a watershed moment for the nations music and its artists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sitarist Anoushka Shankar received two nominations this year, including Best Global Music Album for Chapter III: We Return to Light, featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar. The trio was also nominated for Best Global Music Performance for Daybreak. Priyanka Chopra congratulated the musician on her Instagram story by captioning this- Just queen energy. Congratulations. Shankar has been nominated at the Grammys a staggering 11 times. Charu Suri The next name is that of Charu Suri, an Indo-American jazz composer and pianist known for her style of blending Indian ragas with jazz, who has been nominated for her album Shayan. Siddhant Bhatia The third name is that of Siddhant Bhatia, who has been nominated for his Sounds of Kumbha, featuring 12 songs, with 50 global artistes, and is dedicated to the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. Talking about the honour with Hindustan Times, Bhatia said, Its a very joyous moment for the entire country, as we created the album for the Mahakumbh. It showcases our culture, tradition, and heritage and now the entire world is knowing about it. The nomination and global recognition for the album is a very big win for our spirituality. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netflix has released the teaser trailer for Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, the latest Money Heist spin-off starring Pedro Alonso, set to debut on Netflix on 15 May 2026. Netflix has unveiled the first teaser trailer for Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, the highly anticipated new chapter in the Money Heist universe. The series, a continuation of the popular Berlin spin-off, promises another high-stakes caper when it premieres globally on 15 May 2026. New heist set in Seville The teaser sets the scene in vibrant Seville, where Berlin and his crew regroup for a master heist built around the infamous Lady with an Ermine. Quick cuts and dramatic action in the clip hint at sprawling plans, fast-paced thrills and unexpected twists, signalling that this instalment will aim to outdo previous criminal undertakings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Watch the teaser here: Returning cast and fresh faces Pedro Alonso returns as the charismatic mastermind Berlin, joined by familiar allies including Tristan Ulloa, Michelle Jenner, Begona Vargas, Julio Pena Fernandez and Joel Sanchez. New additions to the ensemble, such as Inma Cuesta, are expected to bring fresh energy and tension to the gangs dynamic. Behind the plot Unlike the first seasons jewel heist in Paris, Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine centres on a plot that moves beyond theft for its own sake. With the gangs true target obscured by layers of deception and potential revenge, the storyline appears to balance calculated planning with personal motivations in classic Money Heist fashion. Fiery female cops are back, With Daldal and Mardaani 3 gearing up for release, have a look at these 7 actresses who played fierce cops on screen. Bollywood actresses have consistently challenged stereotypes with commanding performances, especially when it comes to portraying women in uniform. From hard-hitting thrillers to layered crime dramas, these actors have redefined what female police officers look like on screen, bringing authority, menace and emotional depth to their roles. Heres a look at actresses who delivered memorable performances as cops in films and series. Priyanka Chopra Jonas Jai Gangaajal Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivered a fierce performance as SP Abha Mathur, the newly appointed police superintendent of Bankipur. As she takes on powerful criminals and battles corruption within her own force, the film raises the stakes at every turn. Priyankas intensity and restraint made the character both believable and intimidating, cementing Abha Mathur as one of Bollywoods most memorable female cops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rani Mukerji Mardaani franchise Rani Mukerjis portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy in the Mardaani franchise set a new benchmark for female-led police dramas. Fearless and relentless, her character takes on organised crime and human trafficking with grit and moral clarity. Ranis raw performance gave the franchise its emotional backbone. The latest instalment, Mardaani 3, is slated to release in theatres on February 27, 2026. Tabu Drishyam, Drishyam 2 Tabu brought quiet menace and sharp intelligence to the role of IG Meera Deshmukh in the Drishyam franchise. Her performance relied more on instinct and psychological pressure than brute force, proving that authority can be understated yet formidable. Tabus portrayal added depth to the cat-and-mouse tension at the heart of the films. Bhumi Pednekar Daldal Bhumi Pednekar steps into darker territory as DCP Rita Ferreira in Daldal. Her pursuit of a brutal killer forces her into the citys most unsettling corners, both professionally and emotionally. The role showcases a new side of Bhumi, underlining why she remains one of the most compelling performers of contemporary Bollywood. Games View All Shefali Shah Delhi Crime Shefali Shahs performance in Delhi Crime sent chills down viewers spines. As a senior police officer leading investigations into heinous crimes, she captured not just the procedural challenges of the job but also its psychological toll. Her nuanced portrayal earned widespread acclaim and set a high bar for crime dramas in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sonakshi Sinha Dahaad In Dahaad, Sonakshi Sinha broke away from her usual screen image to play a determined cop battling systemic injustice. Balancing toughness with empathy, her character highlighted the everyday struggles faced by women in law enforcement, making the performance both grounded and impactful. If these performances are anything to go by, Bollywoods leading ladies are far from dialing down the intensity when it comes to powerful female cop roles. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Punes Baramati district on Wednesday (January 28) along with four others. It was difficult for authorities to identify his body, but they were able to complete the task using his personal belongings. Heres how it was done The wreckage of the VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 aircraft in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed. Reuters On Wednesday (January 28), Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash after the chartered aircraft carrying him went out of control while attempting to land in Maharashtras Baramati. Pawar was killed along with four others on board, including the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft, a Learjet 45XR, was travelling from Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport to Baramati in Pune district, which is Ajit Pawars hometown. According to eyewitnesses, the crash was extremely severe, leading to four or five explosions and thick, black smoke in the sky. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among those killed were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had accumulated 15,000 hours of flying experience, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 hours, personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Following the crash, the "dada's" body was identified, and his last rites were held on Thursday (January 29). But, how was the body was identified among the wreckage. What led to the plane crash? The Bombardier Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, flew from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport in Mumbai at 8:10 am on Wednesday. At 30 nautical miles from Baramati, the aircraft was released by Pune approach and cleared to descend in visual conditions at the pilots discretion. The crew was informed that winds were calm and visibility was around 3,000 metres, stated the civil aviation ministry in an official statement. Wreckage of the aircraft can be seen in this image in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed after it crashed in Baramati. Reuters At 30 nautical miles from Baramati, Pune approach released the aircraft and cleared it to descend in visual conditions, with calm winds and about 3,000 metres of visibility, reported news website NDTV. After the go-around, controllers asked the crew to report their position. The pilots said they were on final approach to runway 11, but initially told ATC the runway was not in sight. Seconds later, they reported that they could see it, according to the ministry. The pilots tried landing a second time when they stated that Runway 11 was visible. But according to the DGCA, the pilots did not read back. A few seconds later, ATC saw flames erupt on the runway. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How was Ajit Pawars body identified? Once the flight crashed, it erupted into massive flames, leading to thick, black smoke in the sky. Amid this situation, it would have been extremely difficult to identify the 66-year-old leaders body among the wreckage. However, he was identified by his belongings. Authorities identified Pawar through a wristwatch he wore regularly. This eliminated the immediate need for DNA testing, stated news website New18. Ironically, Pawars party, NCPs, official election symbol is a clock. While relatives were initially asked to provide DNA samples due to the conditions of the remains, the identification occurred through personal belongings. Superintendent of police, Pune Rural, Sandeep Singh Gill, told Times of India, Our team inspected all the bodies recovered from the crash site and identified the deputy chief ministers body by studying his wristwatch. The police personnel were familiar with it. Moreover, he takes a special seat while flying in such aircraft. After studying the position of the body where it was found after the crash, our team confirmed that it was Ajit Pawars body. We have taken samples of his body for the DNA test. Furthermore, in a video circulating online, a person points to the wristwatch of a charred body and claims the deceased is Ajit Pawar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When will Ajit Pawars last be conducted? Ajit Pawars last rites are underway with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground in Baramati. The funeral is being attended by several dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Earlier, thousands of mourners assembled at Vidya Pratishthan to pay their final respects to Pawar, with his mortal remains kept there prior to the funeral. People pay their last respects to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after he was killed in an aircraft crash in Baramati. Reuters The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe to ascertain the cause of the mishap. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has declared three days of state mourning. Notably, Pawar was the longest-serving deputy chief minister of the state, having held the post for six terms under different governments. With inputs from agencies After taking off from Mumbai at 8:10 am on Wednesday, the plane ferrying Ajit Pawar to Baramati contacted air officials at 8:18 am. Twenty-six minutes later at 8.44 am, visuals show the aircraft crashing near the airstrip. We retrace what happened in the minutes before it all went wrong Wreckage of the chartered plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lie mangled and burnt after the aircraft crashed during landing near Baramati airport, in Pune district, Maharashtra, Wednesday. All five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, his security personnel and crew, died in the crash, and the wreckage was seen scattered around the impact site with flames and thick smoke rising soon after the impact. PTI Thirty five minutes thats how long the plane ferrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others was airborne before it crashed, killing all those on board. Now, a new video has emerged showing the Learjet 45 carrying the Maharashtra deputy chief Minister and four others tilting to its left moments before crashing near the runway at the Baramati airport on Wednesday morning (January 28). Moreover, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also released information that provides some insight into the sequence of events that led to Ajit Pawars demise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what exactly happened before Ajit Pawars plane crashed? Heres what we know so far. Crucial minutes before Ajit Pawars plane crashed After taking off from Mumbai at 8.10 am local time, Ajit Pawar and four others on board the Learjet 45 plane made their way to Baramati where the deputy chief minister was expected to address events ahead of the local polls. According to Flightradar24, the live flight tracker, after the plane, a Learjet 45, took off it made its way east/southeast overland, cruising at an altitude of 19,000 feet. Around 8.36 am, the aircraft piloted by Captain Sumit Kapur and Captain Shambhavi Pathak attempted a visual approach to runway 11 at Baramati. As per the aviation ministry, at this point the pilots enquired about the wind and visibility conditions. The operator informed them that the winds were calm and visibility was around 3,000 metres. Following this, the pilots approached the airport, but decided against landing as they did not have the runway in sight. Wreckage of the chartered plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lie mangled and burnt after the aircraft crashed during landing near Baramati airport, in Pune district, Maharashtra. PTI The pilots of the plane then carried out a go-around in order to try and land again. Flightradar24 also shows the same with the plane taking a loop and approaching Baramati airport again. Following their loop, the plane was asked again if the runway was visible, which the pilots agreed upon. Following this, the plane was given the go-ahead to land at Baramati this occurred at 8.43 am, but received no readback of the plane landing. As per a former Airports Authority of India official, it is standard practice to provide a readback, which acts like a confirmation to the instructions given to the pilot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At this moment, however, the plane goes silent. What this means is that the aircraft stopped sending ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, signals that are continuously transmitted by aircraft to broadcast real-time position, altitude, speed, and identification to ground stations and other equipped aircraft. A steep descent and then a fireball A minute later, at 8.44 am, new visuals from CCTV footage shows the plane tilting and then seen losing altitude rapidly. In the footage, the aircraft can be seen descending rapidly near a temple in Baramati before disappearing over the horizon, moments ahead of a fireball and a massive plume of smoke. NEW FOOTAGE CAPTURES AJIT PAWAR'S PLANE CRASHING. Visuals show the plane wasn't on fire but just falling to the side under great speed. pic.twitter.com/Q47QchbiVc Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) January 28, 2026 Earlier, another CCTV video of the crash showed the aircraft hitting behind a small shop. Seconds later, a huge plume of smoke rose in the background. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to one DGCA official who was quoted by Hindustan Times, the plane crashed significantly short of the runway threshold but well within the airstrip perimeter. The last words heard from the crew were oh s***, said the official. Soon locals around the Baramati runway rushed to the spot, becoming first-responders. One such local was Sadashiv Raghu, whose house was close to the Baramati airstrip. Speaking to The Print, he said, We know how a plane sounds when its landing. This did not sound like that, and before we knew it, there was a loud boom and the land beneath us shook a little. Remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars plane that crashed during landing, near Baramati in Pune district, Maharashtra. PTI Kamla Kailash Atle, who was close to the airstrip also told The Print, We were doing our morning chores when we heard the loud noise. Flames and smoke quickly took over. We ran there with water and blankets. Two bodies were lying further away from the site. It looked like they were thrown out of the plane during the crash. The fire brigade vehicle reached just five minutes after us but nothing could have saved those people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, When we reached there we did not know Dada (Ajit Pawar) is one of these people. We were only trying to save the people. We later found out that he was in the same plane. But we could not make out who is who because the faces were all burnt. Visuals from the spot showed fire and smoke and the mangled remains of the plane, as emergency services personnel and horrified locals gathered, each trying to help. A state funeral for Maharashtras dada Now, as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau launches a full-fledged investigation investigators will retrieve and analyse flight data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance records, and airfield/weather logs to ascertain what caused the plane to go down, a state funeral has been organised for Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Family members and supporters gather as the mortal remains of the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar arrive at the Vidya Pratishthan College ground for public homage, at Baramati in Pune district. PTI Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the State cabinet will be present at the funeral, being held at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, Pune. Moreover, the state has announced a three-day mourning period to mark the demise of Ajit Pawar, fondly known as the Dada of Maharashtra politics. Pawar is survived by wife Sunetra, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and two sons, Parth and Jay. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Tehrans role in supplying Russia with hundreds of long-range, kamikaze-style drones is long known. But what has gone largely unnoticed outside Ukraine is Irans central role in teaching Russia to produce these drones itself The Shahed drones are being used extensively by Russia in Ukraine. File image/Reuters With Russian ground troops bogged down in a grinding war of attrition, Moscow is striving to press home its advantage in the skies through an ever-evolving army of drones, courtesy of Iran. In early January, wreckage of a drone found in Ukraine hinted at a new high-speed model of drone being deployed by Russia in the conflict. It prompted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to air fears over failing to keep pace. We produce (drones) at about 1,000 a day. We really produce them, but its not enough. Its still not enough, he told an audience of political business leaders at the World Economic Forum on 22 January, 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Moscow, too, will also soon be pumping out 1,000 drone units a day, in large part thanks to the support and technical assistance of Iran. A central concern for Ukraine is Russias increasing production of long-range attack drones that it has used in mass attacks to strike targets in Ukraine. Tehrans role in supplying Russia with hundreds of long-range, kamikaze-style drones is long known. But what has gone largely unnoticed outside Ukraine is Irans central role in teaching Russia to produce these drones itself. As an expert on weapons technology and former assistant director of the CIA for weapons and counterproliferation, I believe use of Iranian technology has helped Russia develop a fleet of sophisticated drones able to erode Ukrainian air defences and strain the countrys resolve. By doing so, Moscow is able to preserve more expensive missiles for long-range precision strikes. Drone warfare Both Ukraine and Russia have ramped up drone production since the beginning of the current conflict in February 2022. Russia was initially unable to produce large numbers of kamikaze drones, and the countrys military seemingly did not at first understand the decisive role long-range strike drones could play. Instead, Moscow invested in traditional battlefield weapons, such as missiles. It mainly thought of drones as carrying out the roles of intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance. Tehran had the expertise Russia needed. It also had an existing defence relationship with Russia. Moreover, faced with a cash-strapped economy due to years-long sanctions, Iran needed money. Since probably about early 2022, Tehran has been providing drones and drone technology to Russia for use in Ukraine. Later that year, Russia and Iran signed the agreement to set up a production plant in Russia for Iranian-designed attack drones. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Iranian blueprints and technology, a production plant in Tatarstan in western Russia now produces large numbers of drones originally designed by Iran. At this factory, Russia manufactures the Geran-2, Moscows name for the Iranian Shahed-136 strike drone. Easily identifiable by its delta-wing shape, the drone has optimised certain design features, such as range, endurance and weight capacity. It can carry an estimated 90 to 110 pounds of explosives hundreds of miles. Rescuers work at the site of the apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters Meanwhile, the delta-wing design optimises precision diving, helps prevent stalling at low speeds, and increases the drones stability during the attack phase. These features enable targeting of strategic infrastructure at much less cost than long-range missiles. Russia can now produce hundreds of one-way Geran-2 attack drones a day. It may soon be able to launch thousands in salvos. Russia is also modifying and enhancing the drones with features such as precise navigation, heavier warheads and new engines. Some reports claim Russia is testing telemetry and video links to fly drones remotely, a significant improvement over its current pre-programmed design that would improve accuracy and range. Iran also supplied Russia with technology to build a jet-powered drone variant based on the Shahed-238 that can fly faster. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Called the Geran-3, Russia has produced and used fewer of these drones, whose jet power makes them more challenging for Ukrainian air defence to detect and intercept. New generations of the drone Geran-4s and Geran-5s have since been rolled out and apparently deployed in the war with Ukraine. Russia still reliant on components Even with the blueprints and Iranian assistance, Russia is still reliant on Western and Chinese suppliers for some drone components, many of them commercial, off-the-shelf technology. These include the engine, fuel pump, GPS and navigation systems, semiconductors and components for antennas. To assist Russia, Iran exploits its networks of brokers and companies in acquiring Western components to evade international sanctions. A procurement network headed by the Iranian company Sahara Thunder used shipping firms in the UAE and India to sell Russia the original Iranian drones and components and to negotiate the deal for the production plant. The US Treasury Department has sanctioned this firm and others involved in the drone sales, but Iran set up new companies to help Moscow acquire components. Multiple studies and reports documenting the inclusion of foreign components in downed Geran-2s show Moscows continued acquisition of these parts, almost certainly with Iranian assistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Russia uses long-range drones Russia uses the Geran and other longer-range Iranian and Russian models to purposefully target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including residential housing in Ukrainian cities. Russia has even targeted first responders and humanitarian distribution points, according to a United Nations account. In fact, the UN concluded in October 2025 that Russias use of short-range, unmanned aerial vehicles against civilians in southern Ukraine constituted a crime against humanity and a war crime. A local resident and firefighters look on at a fire in a damaged private house following a drone attack to Kyiv on November 29, 2025, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Image- AFP A two-day attack in May 2025 on the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv in the north-east and Odessa in the south highlights the destructive power and human cost of the drone attacks. According to accounts in the Kyiv Post, Russia launched over 100 drones. In Kharkiv, three blocks were burned down, including 90 shops, and two people were injured. In Odessa, the drones killed one person and damaged residential buildings. Beyond psychologically tormenting the Ukrainian population, these drones have a profound effect on the battlefield. Ukraine has responded to Russias battlefield success with the Iranian-designed drones by diversifying the types of drones it manufactures, attacking Russian infrastructure for manufacturing drones and developing counter-drone technologies. How both parties benefit Iran also benefits from this terror campaign. Reeling from the economic impact of sanctions, Iran will make an estimated $1 billion (Rs 92 billion) to $1.75 billion (Rs 161 billion) from the deal for drones and the production facility. Russia is reportedly paying Iran a portion of the bill in gold. Iran is unlikely to stop its assistance anytime soon, given its own economic problems. Helping Moscow obtain drone components and even modify new versions of the Geran-2 will also benefit Iran militarily as it, too, learns to make the new drones and use them itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the main beneficiary of this relationship is Moscow. Without Iranian support, Russia would face more difficult trade-offs on the battlefield. The lower-cost drones allow Russia to preserve its expensive advanced missiles for the most significant targets in Ukraine and to employ large swarms of drones to target Ukrainian infrastructure. And with the ground offensive yielding little progress of late for Moscow, that could be crucial as the war enters its fifth year. Amy McAuliffe Visiting Distinguished Professor of the Practice, University of Notre Dame This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 2026 seems to be on track to be the year dominated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement atrocities. Apart from the killings of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, six others have died in the custody of the federal agency. Who were they? What led to their deaths? A person kneels near posters with images of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, after they were fatally shot in two separate incidents by federal immigration agents, following a vigil in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters The United States is angry, nay, its outraged. The killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good at the hands of federal agents has sparked anger across the country, with many demanding for the abolition of the federal agency. In Minneapolis, where the two killings occurred, activists have called for a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping on January 30 to protest President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country to stop [Immigration and Customs Enforcements] reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN, the website for the National Shutdown campaign reads. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, data reveals that Pretti and Good arent the only two who have died at the hands of ICE agents. As of date, eight people have either been killed by federal agents or have died while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in 2026 so far. In 2025, this number was the highest 32 since 2004. Here are the stories of those who died as a result of Trumps brutal immigration crackdown. Renee Nicole Good On January 7, 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, was shot dead by ICE agents while she was in her car. It all happened after Good dropped off her six-year-old son at school when she encountered the ICE agents. What followed was a shocking tragedy. Officials from the Trump administration maintain that Good tried to weaponise her vehicle to run over an officer near an ICE vehicle stuck on a snow-lined street before he opened fire. In the aftermath, she was termed a domestic terrorist, with US Vice President JD Vance alleging without evidence that she was part of a broader left-wing network intent on obstructing, assaulting and doxxing ICE officers. Flowers, toys and signs lie at a makeshift memorial at the site of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. File image/Reuters But videos and eyewitness accounts provide a very different picture of the events that led to Goods killing. Footage shows two federal agents trying to pull Good from a vehicle that was partially blocking a residential street. The car reverses, then pulls forward and begins to turn. A third agent steps into view, draws his gun and fires a shot, then continues firing as the vehicle moves past him. A private autopsy later determined that Good was shot three times, in her forearm, breast and head. Alex Pretti Sixteen days following her death, another Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital, was fatally shot by federal agents during an anti-ICE protest. And just like this fellow Minneapolis resident Renee Good, Pretti was 37. At least three minutes before he was shot dead by Customs and Border Protection officers, Pretti was using his phone to record officials during an anti-ICE protest. His last words to a woman, who had been tackled to the ground and pepper-sprayed, were: Are you OK? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A wreath surrounds an image of Alex Pretti at the makeshift memorial near the site where Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents, in Minneapolis. Reuters Minutes later, Pretti was pinned on the street by multiple federal agents visibly being hit by one of them when one of the officers can be seen leaving the struggle with what appears to be a gun. Moments later, at least 10 shots appear to be fired within the span of five seconds. Pretti is splayed motionless on the asphalt. Videos can hear peoples shock one of the bystanders yell, What the f**k, they killed him. Did they f*****g kill that guy? Trump administration and border patrol officials immediately sought to cast Pretti, like Good, as a villain. Kristi Noem, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), described Pretti, a nurse, as a domestic terrorist without providing evidence. Meanwhile Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino said it looked like Pretti wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. The administration also claimed that Pretti, who was licensed to carry a legal firearm, was attacking the ICE officers. This claim is contradicted by the video evidence, which shows Pretti filming ICE and seeking to assist fellow observers who were being hurt by the agents, with one hand holding his phone and another shielding his face from pepper spray. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Geraldo Lunas Campos Pretti and Good are far from the only deaths linked to immigration law enforcement. There have been six other deaths tied to ICE, one of them being Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old who died at the agencys largest detention facility: Camp East Montana in Texas on January 3. According to ICEs initial statement, the father of four became disruptive while in line for medication and refused to return to his assigned dorm and was placed in segregation. He then became distressed, according to the agency. Medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services. Lunas was pronounced deceased by EMS, read a statement put forth by ICE. Geraldo Lunas Campos with his three children. Lunas Campos died on January 3 at an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas. AP The authorities later changed their own story, claiming that Lunas Campos tried to kill himself. However, an autopsy report found that Linas Campos was killed by someone. Based on the investigative and examination findings, it is my opinion that the cause of death is asphyxia due to neck and torso compression, Adam Gonzalez, deputy medical examiner for El Paso County, said in the report, according to The Washington Post. Now, the matter has reached court with Linas Campos children filing a legal petition to block the deportation of any detainees who may have witnessed the incident, as they prepare to file a wrongful death lawsuit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The petition cites reports alleging that guards at the facility choked and asphyxiated Campos. Victor Manuel Diaz On January 6, Nicaraguan immigrant Victor Manuel Diaz was arrested by immigration officers in Minneapolis and sent to Camp East Montana. Eight days later, he was declared dead in custody. Victor Manuel Diaz, a Nicaragua man who died on January 14, 2026, in an immigration detention facility in El Paso, Texas. AP Officials claim he died of suicide, though the official cause of his death remains under investigation. But his family refuses to believe that Diaz would have claimed his own life. Yorlan Diaz, his brother, told _ABC New_s, I dont believe he took his life. He was not a criminal; he was looking for a better life and he wanted to help our mother. The family has also raised concerns over how the authorities are handling the investigation. Diazs body was transferred to William Beaumont Army Medical Centre for an autopsy, instead of the county medical examiner. This, taking of the body and doing the autopsy report and not letting the medical examiner do it? Youre then having the fox guarding the henhouse, Randall Kallinen, the familys lawyer, told the local outlet KTSM. Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres On January 5, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres passed away at a hospital in Texas. Nunez, who was 42 years old and from Honduras, was arrested by ICE on November 17. On November 25, Nunez was brought to the Joe Corley Processing Center in Conroe, Texas. According to ICE, Nunez was transported to the hospital on December 23 for complications related to congenital heart failure. On December 31, Nunez suffered from multiple life-threatening medical emergencies and was admitted into the intensive care unit. Parady La On January 6, 46-year-old Cambodian immigrant Parady La was arrested from outside his home in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and transferred to the Federal Detention Centre in Philadelphia. On January 9, while still in ICE custody, La was found unresponsive. He was given Narcan and then taken to the hospital and diagnosed with organ failures, among other conditions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His family, however, question the care officials gave to La during his time in custody. His nephew, Michael La, said ICEs version of the events leading to his uncles death didnt add up. He claimed that officials informed him that La experienced fentanyl withdrawal soon after he was detained. Theyre questioning why Narcan, which is used for opioid overdoses, was administered to La when he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Michael said his family now has a legal team and is going to pursue legal action against FDC Philadelphia and ICE. A person holds up an anti-ICE sign, during a rally on the day of a general strike to protest US President Donald Trumps deployment of thousands of immigration enforcement officers on the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. Reuters Luis Beltran YanezCruz A resident of the US for 20 years, 68-year-old Yanez-Cruz was arrested by ICE officials in New Jersey last November and transferred him to a detention centre in California. On January 6, the Honduran immigrant died at the John F Kennedy memorial hospital in Indio, California, from heart-related issues, according to an ICE statement. ICE said Yanez-Cruz was put in the detention facilitys medical unit for chest pains before being sent to El Centro Regional Medical Center. He was then transported by helicopter to Indio. His family mourn Yanez-Cruzs loss. His daughter, Josselyn Yanez was quoted as telling northjersey.com, As a father, he was an excellent dad. As a grandfather, the best grandfather of all. We hoped our father would get out of that place, that he would come out alive not the way he did. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Demonstrators carry signs condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near the site where a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters Heber Sanchez Dominguez The 34-year-old Mexican immigrant died at the Robert A Deyton detention cente in Lovejoy, Georgia on January 14. As per DHS, Dominguez was in ICE custody for six days and was awaiting a hearing when he was discovered hanging by the neck and unresponsive in his sleeping quarters about 2:05 am. Medical staff immediately attempted lifesaving measures and then transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about one hour later. Following his demise, the Mexican consulate requested that the circumstances of the death be clarified. Meanwhile, Christopher Williams, executive director of Sur Legal Collaborative, expressed deep scepticism over the demise. We are heartbroken, we are shaken, and honestly disgusted, Williams said. Quite frankly, ICE cant be trusted. We would need to do a lot of investigation into the exact circumstances and even then I would question. With inputs from agencies After retrieving the sacred Piprahwa relics last year, the Indian government has now secured the return of three cast-bronze sculptures from the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) The sculpture of Shiva Nataraja was stolen from India. Image Courtesy: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution The list of riches stolen from India during the British colonial rule is long. However, one by one, some artefacts have started returning to their rightful place. Now, the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) in Washington, DC, has announced it will return three cast-bronze sculptures of Hindu gods. These sculptures had been stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu and smuggled out of India in the mid-20th century. We take a look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Smithsonian museum to return 3 bronzes The Smithsonians National Museum of Asian Art said on Wednesday (January 28) it will return three sculptures to India after research revealed they were stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu. The sculptures Shiva Nataraja (Chola period, 990 CE), Somaskanda (Chola period, 12th century) and Saint Sundarar with Paravai (Vijayanagar period, 16th century) showcase the rich artistry of South Indian bronze casting. The museum said that one of the three sculptures, Shiva Nataraja, will remain at the NMAA for an ongoing exhibition. The Indian government has decided to place the Shiva Nataraja on long-term loan, according to the museum. The sculpture, also known as Dancing Shiva or Lord of the Dance, belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara temple in Tirutturaipoondi, Tamil Nadu, dating back to 1957. The Somaskanda is a 12th-century bronze that features medieval Hindu iconography of Lord Shiva and consort Parvati (Uma) seated with their son Skanda (Murugan). Saint Sundurar with Paravai is a 16th-century cast of Tamil poet-saint Sundarar, a devotee of Shiva and his wife. Somaskanda was stolen from Tamil Nadu. Image Courtesy: The National Museum of Asian Art These bronzes were among 1,000 objects gifted to the Smithsonian by Arthur M Sackler in 1987 to inaugurate his namesake gallery at the NMAA. These structures will now be handed over to the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, for their return. The Smithsonian acquired the Shiva Nataraja from the infamous Doris Wiener Gallery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Doris Wiener and his daughter Nancy Wiener were apparently clients of disgraced and convicted art smuggler Subhash Kapoor, who moved thousands of stolen artefacts illegally out of India and other South and Southeast Asian countries, as per Hyperallergic. A researcher at the museum found that the Doris Wiener Gallery had furnished falsified documentation to facilitate the sale of the sculpture to the museum. In 2023, museum researchers, in collaboration with the Photo Archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry, confirmed that these bronze sculptures had been photographed in temples in Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1959. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) subsequently assessed these findings and confirmed the sculptures had been illegally removed in violation of Indian laws. The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to stewarding cultural heritage responsibly and advancing transparency in our collection, museum director Chase F Robinson was quoted as saying by Times of India. ALSO READ: Will UK return the Kohinoor? Fascinating history of the diamond and Indias efforts to reclaim it STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How artefacts are coming back to India The India Pride Project (IPP), a citizen movement, is working for the restitution of stolen and smuggled antiques. The organisation has successfully traced stolen Indian statues to countries, including Australia and the US, and helped with their return. The IPP examined the Shiva Natarajas provenance records. Its a well-settled matter that bronzes are property of the temple, India Pride Project co-founder Vijay Kumar told Hyperallergic, pointing out that the casts are considered living gods. So the Government of India has no ownership over them to offer [as a] long-term loan. The Nataraja was stolen from the Tirutturaipoondi temple and the temple is very much ready to receive it. The IPP has helped bring back to India several million worth of antiquities from countries like Australia, Singapore, Germany, the UK and the US. You took our lives. You took our natural resources. You took our heritage. You cant give back our lives and natural resources. At least give back our heritage, Anuraag Saxena, who co-founded IPP in 2013, told DW in 2021. You havent really decolonised a nation, unless youve given back whats theirs, he added. Saxena said the IPP was a network of global volunteers who have built the case for Indias stolen heritage to be brought back home. The activist believes history belongs to its geography, nations, museums, citizens, adding that officials have to understand why this is the right thing to do. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The organisation consists of a small, anonymous global team of volunteers from different fields, who communicate mostly online. In 2023, the IPP gained the limelight after their efforts prompted the National Gallery of Australia to return antiques worth $2.2 million, stolen by art smuggler Subash Kapoor, to the Indian government. In 2018, a group of young IPP volunteer British Indians went to British museums and clicked pictures of Indian statues with speech bubbles that read How did I get here? and Im a deity, not a showpiece. Lewis McNaught, art expert and former Egyptologist at the British Museum, told BBC that IPPs model of citizen activism is intriguing. They go out and actively source information using a social network of supporters. And only when they are able to confirm that the object has been stolen, do they approach the government, which in turn applies pressure on the museum or other governments where the object is being held. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When Buddha relics returned to India Last July, India was successful in getting back Buddhas Piprahwa relics, reliquaries and gem relics. These are believed to date back to the third century BC and were found in 1898 by an Englishman named William Claxton Peppe in northern India. The relics were to be auctioned by Sothebys in Hong Kong in May 2025. However, the sale was halted after the Indian government intervened and asked for their return. Sothebys later found a buyer and finalised a sale that led to the permanent return of the artefacts to India. A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight Indias close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also pic.twitter.com/RP8puMszbW Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2025 In early January, the repatriated Piprahwa gem relics went on public display in New Delhi. Titled Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One, the exposition marked the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years, with relics, gem relics, and reliquaries from 1898 and then 1971-1975 excavations at the Piprahwa site, the government said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Democratic lawmaker Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a foul-smelling liquid during a Minneapolis town hall, triggering Maga conspiracy theories. As police arrested the attacker and charged him with assault, Donald Trump and far-right influencers cast doubt on the incident A man shouts at US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying her, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, January 27, 2026, in a still image from video. File Image/Reuters The town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday took place against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Minnesota, following the fatal shooting of two US citizens by immigration enforcement officers. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who has long been outspoken on immigration policy, was addressing constituents amid a surge in federal immigration operations ordered by the Trump administration. During her address, Omar focused heavily on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, directly blaming senior leadership for the consequences of the intensified crackdown. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She called for the dismantling of ICE and demanded accountability from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, drawing applause from attendees inside the venue. ICE cannot be reformed, it cannot be rehabilitated, we must abolish ICE for good, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment, Omar said while speaking from the stage. It was moments after this declaration that the town hall descended into chaos. What happened inside the Minneapolis town hall? According to eyewitness accounts, video footage, and police statements, a man seated in the front rows stood up and moved toward the stage as Omar continued speaking. Holding what authorities later described as a syringe, the man sprayed a brown-coloured liquid in Omars direction and told her, You must resign. The substance released had a strong, unpleasant odour, with at least one witness stating that it smelled similar to ammonia and caused minor throat irritation. Omar initially stepped toward the attacker with her hand raised before security personnel intervened. A security guard quickly grabbed the man, tackled him to the ground, and restrained him as the audience reacted in shock. Oh my God, he sprayed something on her, a woman could be heard saying in a livestream recording of the event. Another voice urged the congresswoman to seek immediate medical help. Despite the disruption, Omar refused to leave the venue. After a brief pause, she returned to the lectern and continued addressing the audience. Associates encouraged her to seek medical attention, but she declined, saying she only needed a napkin. Her office later confirmed that she was not injured and was medically fine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reflecting on the moment, Omar told the audience, I learned at a young age, you dont give in to threats. You look them in the face and you stand strong. We are Minnesota strong. We will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us. Later that evening, Omar addressed the incident again on social media. In a post on X, she wrote, Im OK. Im a survivor so this small agitator isnt going to intimidate me from doing my work. I dont let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday night, Omar reflected on her past experiences and linked them to her response during the attack. Ive survived war. And Im definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think they can throw at me because Im built that way, she said. Who was the attacker? Minneapolis police officers at the scene took the suspect into custody immediately after he was subdued by security staff. The department later identified the man as Anthony Kazmierczak. Authorities confirmed that he was arrested and charged with third-degree assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anthony James Kazmierczak poses for a Hennepin County Jail booking photograph after his arrest on a charge of third degree assault following an incident at US Rep Ilhan Omars town hall event in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, January 27, 2026. Image/Hennepin County Sheriff via Reuters Police also stated that forensic scientists were deployed to collect evidence from the venue, including residue from the sprayed substance. While the contents of the liquid were not immediately disclosed, those present described its odour as foul and overpowering. The incident was swiftly categorised as an assault by law enforcement, countering claims circulating online that no crime had occurred. Officials pointed out that the attack involved physical contact with a foreign substance and direct confrontation with a federal lawmaker during a public event. How did Trump react? US President Donald Trump weighed in on the incident later that evening during a phone conversation with ABC News. Trump stated that he had not watched footage of the attack and dismissed its significance. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her, Trump said. The remark added fuel to a growing wave of online accusations questioning the authenticity of the attack. Trumps comments also followed a long history of hostile rhetoric directed at Omar. In December, during a cabinet meeting, Trump referred to her in derogatory terms, stating, Ilhan Omar is garbage. Shes garbage. Her friends are garbage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on the same day as the town hall, Trump criticised Omar during an event in Iowa, attacking her background and immigration history. She comes from a country thats a disaster. Probably its considered, I think, the worst its not even a country, OK? It barely has a government, he said. Trump has also previously suggested that Omar should be removed from the country, despite her status as a naturalised US citizen who arrived in the United States at the age of 12 and became a citizen in 2000. How did Maga react? Following Trumps comments, far-right influencers and Maga-aligned commentators launched a coordinated wave of social media posts alleging that the attack had been fabricated. The claims spread rapidly across X, with prominent accounts accusing Omar of orchestrating the incident to gain sympathy or deflect scrutiny. Conservative activist Laura Loomer led many of these accusations. In a post, she wrote, This is the most staged thing I have ever seen in my life. Im calling for an immediate investigation into whether Ilhan Omar staged the spraying of her body at her Townhall tonight to distract from new reports over her marriage fraud and accumulation of $30 million worth of wealth on a $180,000 per year salary. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is the most staged thing I have ever seen in my life. Im calling for an immediate investigation into whether @IlhanMN Ilhan Omar staged the spraying of her body at her Townhall tonight to distract from new reports over her marriage fraud and accumulation of $30 million https://t.co/mwH6KCVhHT Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 28, 2026 Loomer continued with further allegations, adding, There must be an investigation into this known fraudster. This looks very staged, and I would not be surprised if Ilhan set this up herself so she could cry victim as President Trump is exposing her and as Congress and the DOJ [Department of Justice] are investigating her and her husband. Self-described Trump loyalty enforcer and conservative commentator accounts echoed similar claims, branding the incident a Somali False Flag Scam and repeatedly comparing Omar to actor Jussie Smollett, who was convicted in 2019 for making a false police report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several social media commentators attempted to analyse video footage of the attack, using selective interpretations to claim it was staged. Conservative YouTuber Anthony B Logan argued that the event was orchestrated because Omar looked directly at the guy and nodded before he sprayed that stuff on her. Zeek Arkham, another conservative commentator, suggested the sequence of events raised suspicion. Im not saying the incident with Ilhan Omar was staged, but a sitting congresswoman is at an event where an unknown man gets up and sprays an unknown liquid on her, he wrote. He questioned her response and decision to continue speaking, concluding sarcastically, Totally, totally wasnt staged. Political commentator David J Freeman also weighed in, stating, Why would I not think the Ilhan Omar incident was staged? EVERYTHING THE LEFT DOES IS FAKE AND STAGED. Podcast host Mario Nawfal took a more equivocal tone but still amplified doubt, posting, The internet thinks Ilhan Omars spray incident might have been staged Could be nothing Could be desperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The accusations escalated further as right-wing accounts attempted to link the attack to unrelated claims about Omars finances. Wall Street Apes, a prominent investment-focused social media account, alleged, Six days ago new disclosures show Ilhan Omar went from $42 in her bank account to $25 million in 1 year, before tying the claim to the town hall incident and declaring it Jussie Smollett 2.0. Ian Miles Cheong also asserted that nothing about the attack on Ilhan Omar is real, claiming without evidence that Omar and the attacker were working together. He alleged that Omar looks at the guy who sprayed her and gives him a little nod right before he springs into action. Far-right journalist Drew Hernandez shared manipulated images comparing Omar to Smollett and accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of politicising the incident, writing that Walz blaming Trump was proof the attack was probably staged. Daily Wire host Matt Walsh added to the narrative, stating: I dont know if the Ilhan Omar thing was staged or not. Theres certainly plenty of reason to be suspicious. He later dismissed the significance of the incident entirely, saying that even if it were real, it did not merit sympathy. Are US lawmakers under threat? South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace issued a statement on X saying, I am deeply disturbed to learn that Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall today. Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric and I do no elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are. Maces condemnation drew attention due to her own past remarks. In September, she had shared an article referring to Omar with the caption, Ilhan Omar is an Enemy of the State. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also responded, pointing to the broader pattern of political violence. Im glad that Congresswoman Omar is safe. Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nations leaders needs to stop immediately, he wrote. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey similarly described the attack as unacceptable and criticised the climate of hostility surrounding public officials. The incident occurred amid a documented rise in threats against members of Congress. On Tuesday, US Capitol Police released figures showing that threat assessment cases increased for the third consecutive year in 2025. According to the data, Capitol Police investigated 14,938 cases involving concerning statements, behaviour, or communications aimed at lawmakers, their families, staff, or the Capitol complex in 2025. This represented a nearly 58 per cent increase from the 9,474 cases recorded in 2024. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies The acting director of the United States Cyber Defence Agency, Madhu Gottumukkala, has come under fire after he reportedly uploaded sensitive documents to the public version of ChatGPT. The incident triggered multiple automated security alerts and an internal security review According to report, the Indian-origin cyber chief Madhu Gottumukkala uploaded critical files on ChatGPT: Image courtesy: X A ChatGPT upload has put Donald Trumps acting cybersecurity chief under scrutiny. Madhu Gottumukkala, the Indian-origin acting director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), reportedly uploaded sensitive contracting documents to a public version of the AI chatbot after joining the agency last summer, according to a media report. The incident triggered multiple automated security alerts designed to prevent government information from being lost or accidentally exposed, Politico reported, citing officials. In a statement to the media outlet, CISAs Director of Public Affairs Marci McCarthy confirmed that Gottumukkala was given permission to use ChatGPT with DHS (Department of Homeland Security) controls in, noting that the permission was short-term and limited. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why did Trumps aide plug sensitive files into ChatGPT? Were the documents classified? We take a look. Who is Madhu Gottumukkala? Madhu Gottumukkala was born on October 29, 1976. He completed his schooling at Kakinada Public School in 1993 in Andhra Pradesh. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Andhra University and earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He then moved to the United States to pursue his further education, according to his LinkedIn profile. From 1998 to 2000, he was at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he pursued a Masters in computer science. Gottumukkala also holds a PhD in information systems from Dakota State University and an MBA degree in engineering and technology management from the University of Dallas. The use of ChatGPT was blocked for other employees of the Department of Homeland Security at the time Gottumukkala sought permission. Image courtesy: X In information technology, Gottumukkala has more than 24 years of experience. Over the years, he has built experience in both the public and private sectors. Earlier in his career, he also served as South Dakotas chief technology officer. According to his LinkedIn profile, before joining CISA, Gottumukkala served as the commissioner and chief information officer for South Dakotas Bureau of Information and Technology, overseeing technology and cybersecurity across the state. Alongside his government service, he also sits on the Advisory Committee for the College of Business and Information Systems at Dakota State University. Gottumukkala is married to Vasantha. They are parents to two children. The acting director of CISA is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, according to a report in the Hindustan Times. What is the row over the ChatGPT upload? The CISAs acting director, Gottumukkala, has come under the radar after leaking sensitive files to the public version of ChatGPT. According to a media report, Gottumukkala sought special permission from CISAs Office of the Chief Information Officer to use the AI tool shortly after joining the office in May. At the time, the app was blocked for other DHS employees. The Politico reported that files uploaded by Gottumukkala werent classified. However, materials included sensitive CISA contracting documents marked for official use only, meaning they werent meant to be shared publicly. The report noted, citing officials, that Gottumukkala forced CISAs hand into making them give him ChatGPT, and then he abused it. All the information he uploaded to ChatGPT was accessible to OpenAI, meaning it could potentially be used to generate responses for other users. The app has over 700 million active users. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The publication reported, citing homeland security officials, that CISAs cybersecurity systems detected the uploads several times in August last year, prompting an internal investigation to determine whether the exposure posed any risk to government security. However, the outcome of that review remains unclear. The acting director of CISA met with senior DHS leaders to examine what had been uploaded after the issue was flagged. The then-acting DHS General Counsel, Joseph Mazzara, and DHS Chief Information Officer, Antoine McCord, participated in evaluating potential risks, the media outlet reported. In August, Gottumukkala also met with CISA CIO Robert Costello and chief counsel Spencer Fisher to discuss the handling of sensitive material. What is CISA saying? Gottumukkala was granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place. The use is short-term and limited, said CISA Director of Public Affairs Marci McCarthy, in a statement to Politico. McCarthy added, The agency was committed to harnessing AI and other cutting-edge technologies to drive government modernisation and deliver on Trumps executive order removing barriers to Americas leadership in AI. However, the CISA email seemed to challenge the timeline outlined in Politicos report, saying, Acting Director Dr Madhu Gottumukkala last used ChatGPT in mid-July 2025 under an authorised temporary exception granted to some employees. CISAs security posture remains to block access to ChatGPT by default unless granted an exception. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gottumukkalas leadership under scrutiny? The report also noted that Gottumukkalas tenure is marked by controversy. Earlier, at least six employees were sent on leave after Gottumukkala requested an unsanctioned counterintelligence polygraph. I did not accept the premise of that characterisation, he said during Congressional testimony last week. The publication separately reported that Gottumukkala tried to remove CISA CIO Robert Costello from his post last week. However, political appointees intervened. Now this ChatGPT episode fuels growing internal scrutiny at the agency responsible for protecting US cyber and infrastructure security. With inputs from agencies TikTok is facing a fresh backlash in the United States after restructuring its ownership under a new US-led joint venture. Concerns over censorship, data collection, political influence and technical outages have driven a surge in app deletions, even as overall user activity remains largely stable The TikTok app icon on a smartphone in this illustration taken October 27, 2025. Representational Image/Reuters TikTok, the popular short-video platform, used by more than 200 million Americans, is now facing a wave of user distrust following the creation of a new US-based joint venture, widespread technical disruptions, and allegations of censorship. While TikTok and its new US partners insist that recent disruptions are purely technical and temporary, a sharp rise in app deletions suggests that a significant number of American users are no longer convinced. According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, the average number of TikTok deletions per day in the United States surged dramatically in the days following the announcement of the new US operating structure last week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over a five-day period, daily uninstalls climbed by nearly 150 per cent compared with the average recorded over the preceding three months. A separate Sensor Tower analysis found that daily average uninstalls between January 22 and January 26 rose by 130 per cent when measured against the prior 30-day baseline. Despite the spike in deletions, the broader user base has remained largely intact. Sensor Tower data shows that TikToks daily active user numbers in the United States have stayed relatively flat compared with the previous week, even increasing by about 2 per cent during the same window. User engagement metrics also suggest that TikTok remains deeply embedded in American digital habits. While TikTok trailed YouTube and Instagram in terms of recent user growth, users in the US continued to spend more time on TikTok than on rival platforms during the period under review. How TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC was created The latest controversy traces back to TikToks effort to comply with a September 2025 executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The order required TikTok to sever its US operations from Chinese control or face a ban, citing long-standing national security and data privacy concerns that have persisted across both the Trump and Joe Biden administrations. To meet the orders requirements, TikTok announced on January 22 the formation of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a newly created entity designed to oversee the platforms US operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The joint venture was structured so that American and global investors collectively hold an 80.1 er cent ownership stake, while TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance retains a minority interest of 19.9 per cent. The joint venture is governed by a seven-member board of directors. Its members include TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew, Timothy Dattels, Mark Dooley, Egon Durban, Raul Fernandez, Kenneth Glueck, and David Scott. Adam Presser, who previously served as TikToks head of operations, was appointed chief executive officer of the new US entity. Will Farrell was named chief security officer. Three managing investors Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based investment group MGX each hold a 15 per cent stake in the joint venture. The transaction was publicly praised by Trump, who has repeatedly pointed to the deal as a successful resolution to years of regulatory confrontation with the company. Trump has also credited TikTok with helping him win the 2024 election and currently maintains a personal TikTok account with more than 16 million followers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know about Oracles expanding role and Project Texas A central element of TikToks new structure is the expanded role of Oracle, the US-based cloud computing giant founded by Larry Ellison. TikTok confirmed that its powerful content recommendation system known as the For You Page algorithm has been licensed to Oracle. Oracle already manages TikToks US user data under a longstanding arrangement known as Project Texas. Project Texas was created to address Washingtons concerns about the security of American user data, ensuring that information generated by US users is stored domestically and shielded from foreign access. Under the joint venture agreement, Oracles role has grown beyond data storage into deeper infrastructure and operational oversight. Ellison, who leads Oracle, is a prominent supporter of Trump. That political association has become a focal point of criticism from TikTok users who fear that the apps moderation policies or content visibility could be influenced by political considerations. In October 2025, Oracle released updated renderings of its planned corporate campus in Nashville. The designs include a pedestrian bridge connecting the East Bank with Germantown, riverfront features, and walking paths throughout the site. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Oracle executives have previously said Nashvilles strong health care sector was a key factor in the companys expansion, as Oracle increasingly focuses on health care software and data management products. Nashville is set to become Oracles third major home after its founding in the San Francisco area in 1977. How terms of service changes sparked privacy concerns Soon after the joint venture was announced, TikTok users were prompted to accept an updated privacy policy. Several social media posts highlighted language in the policy describing categories of information TikTok may process, including sensitive personal data such as your racial or ethnic origin as well as sexual life or sexual orientation, status as transgender or nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status, or financial information. Although these provisions triggered alarm online, archived versions of TikToks privacy policy indicate that similar language existed as far back as August 2024. Nonetheless, the renewed visibility of these clauses, combined with the timing of the ownership shift, contributed to deteriorating sentiment around the platform. The updated terms of service also introduced additional disclaimers. According to reporting cited by the BBC, the US entity clarified that it does not endorse any content hosted on the platform or reflect the views expressed by users. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The terms also acknowledge risks associated with TikToks generative artificial intelligence features, including the possibility that such tools may generate inaccurate or inappropriate material. How allegations of censorship surfaced Many users began reporting what they described as unexplained limitations on certain types of content. Some users claimed that videos mentioning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were being restricted, while others said the term Epstein was blocked in TikToks direct messaging feature. While TikTok has denied altering its censorship practices, the perception that content was being suppressed became a major driver of user frustration. TikTok creators with large followings were among the most vocal critics. Dre Ronayne, a creator who said she had nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok before deleting her account, urged others to follow suit. If I can delete my biggest platform because their terms of agreement and censorship have gotten out of control, so can you! she wrote on Meta-owned Threads. Other creators reported that their posts were failing to publish or that videos appeared to receive little to no visibility. How technical failures contributed to the wave TikTok also said that a power outage at one of its US data centre partner sites had disrupted services, triggering a range of glitches. Creators reported slow load times, posting errors, timeout requests, and instances where videos appeared to have zero views despite being watched. Some users were unable to upload content for extended periods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An X account associated with the TikTok joint venture addressed the situation publicly, attributing the disruption to infrastructure issues. Were working with our data center partner to stabilise our service. Were sorry for this disruption and hope to resolve it soon, the account said. Oracle later confirmed that the outage was linked to severe weather conditions. Over the weekend, an Oracle data center experienced a temporary weather-related power outage which impacted TikTok, Oracle spokesperson Michael Egbert said in an email. The challenges US TikTok users may be experiencing are the result of technical issues that followed the power outage, which Oracle and TikTok are working to quickly resolve. A powerful winter storm had swept across much of the United States over the same weekend, contributing to infrastructure disruptions. TikTok said on Tuesday that it had made significant progress in restoring services, though it warned that some users might continue to encounter issues while posting content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How California stepped in California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that his office had launched a review to determine whether TikToks content moderation practices violated state law. Following TikToks sale to a Trump-aligned business group, our office has received reports - and independently confirmed instances - of suppressed content critical of President Trump, Newsoms office said. The review focuses on whether TikTok improperly restricted political speech during the period of technical disruptions and ownership changes. TikToks new US joint venture strongly rejected the censorship claims. Jamie Favazza, a spokesperson for the venture, said it was inaccurate to suggest that user complaints were driven by anything other than technical failures that the company had openly acknowledged. The joint venture reiterated that it had been transparent about the outage and its efforts to restore service. Where TikTok users are going instead Sensor Tower data shows that UpScrolled experienced a dramatic rise in US downloads, increasing more than tenfold compared with the previous week. Skylight Social also recorded a sharp surge, with downloads jumping 919 per cent. RedNote, despite its limited long-term traction, saw a modest increase as well. Whether these gains represent a durable shift or a temporary reaction remains unclear. As more users choose to leave TikTok, instructions on how to delete accounts have circulated widely. To remove an account, users must open the TikTok app, navigate to their profile, access the menu, select settings and privacy, choose the account option, and then follow the prompts to deactivate or permanently delete their account. TikTok also allows users to deactivate accounts temporarily. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Hundreds of mourners thronged the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at his native village Katewadi on Thursday to pay their final respects to the leader who died in a plane crash The mortal remains of the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar arrive at the Vidya Pratishthan College ground for public homage at Baramati in Pune district. (Image: PTI) Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, Pune on Thursday. Pawar and four others were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Pune district on Wednesday morning. He was travelling to Baramati from Mumbai to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections in the State. Officials probing the crash have recovered both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the site, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the unfortunate aircraft accident near Baramati, all requisite response and investigative mechanisms were activated immediately. Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority. A team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team of three officers from the DGCA, Mumbai Regional Office, reached the crash site on 28 January. The Director General, AAIB, also arrived at the site the same day. The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered, the ministry wrote. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) remains fully committed to completing the investigation within a defined timeframe, strictly in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laid-down guidelines. The investigation has been initiated in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, the statement read. Following the unfortunate aircraft accident near Baramati, all requisite response and investigative mechanisms were activated immediately. Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority. A team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) January 29, 2026 The Pune Rural Police have filed an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station and begun further investigative procedures. Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station regarding the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigations have been initiated, a Pune police official quoted by TOI said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tens of thousands of mourners gathered at the cremation grounds to pay their last respects to Pawar. #WATCH | Baramati | Drone visuals from Vidya Pratishthan ground where the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are being performed. pic.twitter.com/2icmo7OPpV ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Not only will India in the 2050s be the worlds largest democracy but also the worlds largest economy. What explains Washingtons blow hot, blow cold relationship with India? Its not a new phenomenon under Donald Trumps erratic presidency. The US has played fast and loose with India since Independence in 1947. Successive US presidents have used Pakistan and economic sanctions to keep India off-balance. Washington made Pakistan a non-NATO ally, sold it lethal weaponry including F-16 fighter jets, and cosied up with Pakistans military dictators. Trump does this openly. His predecessors did it behind closed doors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US was never comfortable with Indias leading role in the non-aligned movement (NAM) along with former Yugoslavia and Egypt. Indias close ties with the Soviet Union during the Cold War grated on the Washington establishment. Pakistan in contrast slipped quietly into the US orbit, serving as a rentier state, willing to do Americas dirty work. US hostility towards India peaked during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war under President Richard Nixon and again in 1998 following Indias Pokhran nuclear test when President Bill Clinton slapped the country with sweeping sanctions. But by 2020, farsighted US think tanks and thoughtful mandarins in the US State Department began to realise that India was likely to soon become the worlds third largest economy. It therefore had to be removed from Chinas orbit as a matter of urgency. Washington knew that a modus vivendi or a pas de deux, a ballet of two between China and India as Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi publicly suggested, would pit the worlds second and third largest economies against the US. The optics of three summits between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad, Wuhan and Mahabalipuram between 2014 and 2019 had startled US policymakers. They were delighted when the India-China relationship nose-dived after the Galwan Valley clash. The Trump presidency has since upended US foreign policy. No longer do farsighted American policymakers regard India as purely a democratic ally in a disorderly world. India is seen as a future rival to be periodically cut down to size. Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador and Trump confidant, is here to balance this curious turn the India-US relationship has taken. On the one hand, India is now between the largest and third largest producer in the world in dozens of industries and categories, ranging from steel, cement and passenger cars to mobile phones, food and pharmaceuticals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With an aspirational middle-class which is already 600 million strong as large as the US and EU markets put together no global company can ignore India. This poses an awkward dilemma for Washington. It could target the Soviet Union then, and China now, on ideological grounds: communism versus free markets. That line of attack fails with India which is as noisy and diverse a democracy as the US. What David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, one of the worlds largest private equity firms with $474 billion in assets under management, declared at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos last week would have sent a chill down American spines. This is what Rubenstein said: In 20 to 30 years, India could be the biggest economy in the world. India is currently the worlds fourth largest economy but still one-seventh the size of Americas economy That causes few concerns in China-focused Washington. But if what Rubenstein said in Davos holds and his opinion is backed by a growing number of others India, not China, could be Americas principal competitor in the second half of this century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US has been used to being the worlds largest economy since the 1920s when it overtook the combined economy of the British Empire. In the 2010s, US policymakers saw China as the only potential threat to its century-long status as the worlds biggest economy. Those fears have faded in recent years as Chinas annual growth rate has slowed to just over 4.5 per cent and is forecast to fall to 3 per cent or lower this decade, narrowing the gap with Americas long-term projected growth rate of 2.5 per cent. The slender gap will ensure the Chinese economy does not overtake the US economy which at $30 trillion is currently 50 per cent larger than Chinas. With its population shrinking and ageing, China is no longer the looming threat to the US it was ten years ago. Despite that, the US still regards China as its principal technological adversary. Chinas military, however, has been thrown into disarray by the recent sacking of its senior-most army Generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, signalling a major purge in the PLA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas faultlines The ban on exporting high-end chips to China is aimed at restricting the growth of Chinas advanced tech ecosystem. But it is Chinas own structural economic faultlines that will achieve what the US cannot. China will eventually overtake the US in artificial intelligence (AI) as it has in electric vehicles (EVs) but its structural faultlines will stall its economic ascent. Xi Jinpings growing authoritarianism could, with hindsight, prove Chinas nemesis. For US policymakers, the next few years will determine the shape of the world order for the rest of the century. If what David Rubenstein said at Davos comes to pass and empirical evidence supports his hypothesis not only will India in the 2050s be the worlds largest democracy but also the worlds largest economy. For the US, that is the moment of truth which will guide its post-Trump relationship with India as both ally and adversary. (The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Syrians were jubilant as one year since the fall of Assad and the onset of President Ahmed Al Sharaa was celebrated. Sharaa has taken a pragmatic approach, and the Arabs, as well as Turkey and the Westespecially President Donald Trumphave adopted him and helped mainstream him. It was a successful whitewash, transformation, and transition from his terroristic past. No one talks about the millions of dollars bounty that the US itself had placed on him. He first met Trump in Riyadh, courtesy of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and was later invited to the White House, where he was lauded for his looks and strength. He conducted himself well and endeared himself to Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, he has undertaken several visits to various capitals, entrenching his position and securing international support21 visits to 13 countries since 29 January 2025. He even mended fences with Russia and visited the Kremlin to confer with Putin. There appears to be some understanding that Russians can stay in their bases at Tartus. Of course, they are expected not to interfere in domestic affairs through partisan support. Even in the south, they could help provide forces to monitor the fragile modus vivendi between Israelis and Syrians to avoid any flare-up. Israel was quick to decimate Assads military and equipment and moved into, and occupied, the strategic Golan Heights. In any case, President Trump had declared both Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, despite history and international opinion stating otherwise. Hence, even if the current weaker regime may want to pragmatically play it down, this will remain a major flashpoint in the future. As such, there is no love lost between Netanyahu and Al Sharaa, as the former continues to consider the latter a terrorist in a pinstriped suit. Al Sharaas main problem has been the integration of rival ethnic groups like the Druze, Kurds, Alawites, and Christians, who have their historic grievances and fear Sunni Arab domination. Moreover, Israeli aggression and occupation in the Golan Heights, along with their support for the Druze community, has added another layer to instability in Syria. The biggest challenge for Sharaa remains the US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), comprising the Kurdish community also fighting for their identity and geographical space across Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. US support, in the wake of the Arab Spring and their regime-change agenda against Assad over a decade ago, was supposed to be Transactional, Temporary, and Tactical. The SDF was supposed to be integrated into the eventually emerging governing architecture. However, integrating a large number of independent militants and groups into one unified wholeand arguably asking them to surrender their perceived geographical, ideological, and ethnic sovereigntyis quite a challenge, especially given the tremendous trust deficit and unabated external support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On March 10, 2025, the two parties signed a framework agreement. Under intense pressure from the United States, the SDFs commander-in-chief, Mazloum Abdi, agreed to a timeline that would see it fully merge into the Syrian army, and the Kurdish autonomous administration dissolve into the central government by the end of the year. The text promised respect for Kurdish culture and language. The deal was widely celebrated by supporters of both sides in the country. But there are too many slips between the cup and the lip, even in the implementation of Democratic Confederalism, considered the only viable alternative to a fragmented country. This is also subscribed to by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, detained in Turkey, who hopes to find a political modus vivendi with Erdogan and has urged his followers to desist from violent clashesa pragmatic stance. Many observers, however, also commented that the regime in the north-eastern part is using the same repressive tactics as Assad, or indeed the current regime: an exclusionary structure and diktat against Sunni tribes and Arabs, such as banning the Labbat, Labbat song and symbols, including the newly adopted Syrian flag by AANES. Kurds and the SDF, on the other hand, have a long history of being persecuted and dont want to hand over their future to another Sunni militant group, while they see a credible opening for extracting their fair share. But the power differential is not in their favour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even the likely Shia Prime Minister of Iraq, Nouri Al-Maliki, maintained: Syria is now a country under Turkish and Israeli rule, and the government consists of terrorists who used to be imprisoned in Iraq. Do you really believe these terrorists can properly govern an ethnically and religiously diverse country like Syria? Recent conflict between the SDF and Syrian security forces exposed mistrust between them. Kurds, who successfully fought against ISIL (Daesh), want fair representation in the emerging architecture, with some degree of autonomy. Trump spoke to Sharaa, and the issue was discussed even at Davos. While leading a delegation to Damascus on 31 May, Abdi refused to meet with President Al Sharaa or Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, choosing instead to negotiate exclusively with US envoy Tom Barrack. It is rumoured that the fate of 12,000 Kurdish female fighters is also an issue, as given HTS philosophy, they would be expected to return home and tend children, which is unacceptable to the SDF. Abdi did not want to meet Sharaa and Shaibani as he felt the regime was unstable and might not last long. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most observers agree that it is too little, too late to generate confidence, and much will depend on how the US, Turkey, and Israel behavewhether in unison or against each otherto eventually hurt or help the Syrians, irrespective of their ethnicity. Meanwhile, on 17 January, in an attempt to move negotiations forward, Al Sharaa issued a presidential decree affirming the rights of Syrian Kurds. The decree recognises Kurds as an integral part of the Syrian nation, guarantees cultural and linguistic rights (including the use and teaching of Kurdish), addresses long-standing citizenship issues for stateless Kurds, and designates Nowruz as a national holiday. But Kurds say that lasting protections require constitutional guarantees rather than relying solely on executive decrees. And the fight goes on. India has been a consistent supporter of Syrias sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development. While Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Shaibani was expected to attend the Arab League Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi, Syria is instead expected to send a senior official; had the minister attended, it would have provided a valuable opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral issues with the new regime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The EU will scrap all tariffs on 90 per cent of Indian goods, and within seven years, this will be extended to 93 per cent India and EU seal landmark free trade pact after two decades of negotiations, creating a two billion person market amid global tariff tensions On January 27, India (the most populous nation and soon to be the third-largest economy in the world), and the European Union (a group of 27 countries and the second-largest economic bloc in the world) announced the conclusion of a mega Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal will be signed in the coming months after legal scrubbing and legal vetting, and will become operational by the end of the year, after it is approved by the European Parliament and Bharats Union Cabinet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mother of All Deals European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indias Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, have both dubbed the just-concluded FTA as the mother of all deals, and for once, the hyperbole fits. The IndiaEU free trade agreement will connect over two billion people across a market representing nearly a quarter of global GDP. Also, from Bharats perspective, it is the largest-ever trade deal. Economic Insurance Size and the deals impact aside, its significance lies in the timing, which represents not only the return of the free world order but also, in a world fragmented between Washingtons capricious tariffs and Beijings economic coercion, this deal is economic insurance. In the Making for Two Decades The FTA was signed at the 16th Summit meeting between India and the EU but had been in the making for two decades and had undergone many twists and turns, false starts, and steep gradients. For the uninitiated, the India-EU trade deal was first negotiated between 2007 and 2013 but was abandoned due to irreconcilable differences between the two sides. In a fresh beginning, on 8 May 2021, EU and Indian leaders agreed to resume negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement and to launch separate negotiations on an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications (GIs). Leaders also agreed to link trade negotiations to finding solutions to long-standing market access issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bilateral negotiations, restarted in 2022 after a nine-year lull, gained momentum after Trump imposed import tariffs on several trading partners, including a 50 per cent duty on goods from India. Flurry of Deals The agreement comes days after the EU signed a crucial deal with the South American bloc Mercosur, following last years deals with Indonesia, Mexico and Switzerland. The agreement also marks the culmination of the ninth trade deal by India in the past four years and comes closely on the heels of New Delhis finalised agreements with Britain, New Zealand and Oman. The flurry of deals underscores global efforts to counter the United States, as President Donald Trumps attempt to seize Greenland and tariff threats against European countries test long-standing Western alliances. The Backdrop How important the FTA is can be gauged from the following data available on the official website of the European Commission. The EU is Indias largest trading partner, accounting for trade in goods worth 120 billion in 2024, or 11.5 per cent of Indias total trade. India is the EUs ninth-largest trading partner, accounting for 2.4 per cent of the EUs total trade in goods in 2024, well behind the US (17.3 per cent), China (14.6 per cent), and the UK (10.1 per cent). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trade in goods between the EU and India has increased by almost 90 per cent in the last decade. The EUs imports from India comprise mainly machinery and appliances, chemicals, base metals, mineral products, and textiles. The EUs main exports to India consist of machinery and appliances, transport equipment, and chemicals. Trade in services amounted to 59.7 billion in 2023 (with EU exports of 26 billion). The EUs share of foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in India reached 140.1 billion in 2023, up from 82.3 billion in 2019, making the EU a leading foreign investor in India. Indias FDI stock in the EU was 10.3 billion. Some 6,000 European companies are present in India. Leaders Speak Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the conclusion of the deal, Friends, today, India has concluded the largest ever free trade agreement in its history. He also declared that the partnership would strengthen stability amid global turmoil. PM Modi added further, There comes a time when history tells us this was a turning point. This is when the moment took a new direction, when a new era began. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reciprocated: This is a tale of two giants, she said. Two giants who choose partnership, in a true win-win fashion. A strong message that cooperation is the best answer to global challenges. Also, von der Leyen wrote in a post on X, Europe and India are making history today We have created a free-trade zone of two billion people, with both sides set to benefit. We will grow our strategic relationship to be even stronger. What Is in the Deal The deal is Indias largest and most comprehensive trade agreement, covering goods, services, and investments across the EUs customs union. The new deal would give India an edge in several sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, steel, petroleum products and electrical equipment. In quantitative terms, the deal will see the EU drop tariffs on 99.5 per cent of Indian exports to the 27-nation bloc, while India has given concessions on 97.5 per cent of imports from the EU. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the deal, New Delhi will lower tariffs on European cars and wine, while the EU signalled it would assist Indian companies with decarbonisation and negotiate duty-free quotas for Indian steel. As reported by Politico, economists at the Kiel Institute estimate that the accord could lift EU exports to India by up to 65 per cent and add more than a tenth of a percentage point to GDP on both sides. India will gradually slash tariffs on European cars, reducing them from 110 to 10 per cent on 250,000 cars every year. India will lower wine tariffs to between 20 and 30 per cent from 150 per cent now, depending on value. European olive oil will also enter India duty-free, rather than face a 45 per cent tariff. Overall, the EU is giving India access to 144 service subsectors, while India is opening 102 subsectors to the EU, including in the financial, maritime, and telecommunications industries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Win-Win Crucially, this deal represents an opportunity for both sides to diversify and look beyond the US and grow beyond their dependence on the American market. The economic benefits of the FTA flow in both directions, creating genuine complementarity rather than zero-sum competition. For India, the elimination of European tariffs opens markets for textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods, where Indian producers already compete globally but face barriers to entering Europe. How Will the Deal Benefit India? The EU will scrap all tariffs on 90 per cent of Indian goods, and within seven years, this will be extended to 93 per cent. Among those benefitting from zero tariffs immediately are marine/seafood products, such as shrimp and frozen fish (currently levied at up to 26 per cent); chemicals (12.8 per cent); plastics and rubber (6.5 per cent); leather and footwear (17 per cent); textiles (12 per cent); apparel (4 per cent); base metals (10 per cent); and gems and jewellery (4 per cent). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There will be partial tariff cuts and quotas for about 6 per cent of Indian goods, bringing the EUs average tariff rate down from 3.8 per cent to 0.1 per cent. Overall, 99.5 per cent of bilateral trade will benefit from some form of tariff concession. India is still seeking improvements in tariff-free steel export quotas, and the outcome of these talks is due by June 30, before EU rules take effect on July 1. Under the deal as it stands, India would be allowed to export 1.6 million tonnes of steel to the EU duty-free, but this is only about half of what it exports annually. What Benefit Does the EU Get? Indian tariffs on 30 per cent of goods imported from the EU will fall to zero immediately. Overall, tariffs on 96.6 per cent of EU goods exports to India will be eliminated or reduced, EU officials said. As per the European Commission, the EU will save up to 4 billion euros ($4.74bn) in duties on European products each year. Besides the relaxation of tariffs on car imports from the EU, existing Indian tariffs of up to 44 per cent on machinery, 22 per cent on chemicals, and 11 per cent on pharmaceuticals will, for the most part, be eliminated. Tariffs on EU aircraft and spacecraft will also be eliminated for almost all products, while those on optical, medical and surgical equipment will be eliminated for 90 per cent of products. Meanwhile, spirits and wines imported to India from the EU, currently tariffed at 150 per cent, will be cut to 20-30 per cent for wines, 40 per cent for spirits, and 50 per cent for beer. India will also provide improved access for EU firms in financial and maritime services, and both sides will simplify customs rules and provide stronger intellectual property protections. Beyond the numbers game, the deal provides Europe with supply chain diversification beyond China. Indias manufacturing share of GDP is 13 per cent, compared to Chinas 26 per cent, suggesting substantial growth potential in sectors where European firms need alternatives. Strategic Rationale The strategic rationale for the FTA is that India needs stable conditions for export-oriented manufacturing to compete with Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia in attracting firms diversifying away from China. Europe needs economic partnerships that provide leverage against American protectionism and Chinese pressure without requiring political alignment on every foreign policy question. Future Perfect After the implementation of the FTA, bilateral trade between India and the EU is projected to grow to between $200 billion and $250 billion by 2030, from $136.5 billion in 202425. Key projections and drivers for India-EU trade by 2030 include: Trade Volume Growth: The total bilateral trade, in billions, is expected to grow substantially, with some projections aiming for $250 billion by 203031. Sectoral Increases: Specific sectors are expected to see massive growth, including a potential doubling of apparel exports from $5.5 billion to over $11 billion. Key Drivers: The deal includes reducing or eliminating tariffs on 96.6 per cent of EU exports to India, alongside increased access to the EU market for Indian goods. Key Sectors: Significant growth is expected in textiles, machinery, automobiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, with Indias textile sector aiming for $100 billion in exports by 2030, strongly supported by the EU market. Investments & Green Energy: The partnership is targeting $10 billion in foreign direct investment for green technologies, such as electrolyser manufacturing, by 2030. This enhanced cooperation is expected to help European firms diversify supply chains away from China while boosting Indias manufacturing capacity. Taking the Plunge After on-and-off talks since 2007, India and the EU have finally taken the plunge, responding to steep US tariffs and cheap goods from China, creating the mother of all deals, bringing unparalleled opportunities for the two billion people of India and the EU, with a combined market estimated at Rs 2,091.6 lakh crore ($24 trillion). As the FTA takes shape and is implemented, it is a big leg-up for the strategic relationship between India and the EU, for goods and services, and for taking innovation to a much higher level. The FTA delivers an unprecedented opportunity to re-establish the rule-based trade order of free trade and is a timely reminder to the fractured world that globalisation, instead of dying, will be thriving soon. Make no mistake, as the Government of Indias PIB note dated January 27, 2026 rightly says, The FTA of strategic significance evolves IndiaEU relations from a traditional into a modern, multifaceted partnership, providing a stable and predictable environment for exporters, enabling Indian businesses, including MSMEs, to plan long-term investments, integrate into European value chains, and ensure consistent favourable market access amid global economic uncertainties. More importantly, apart from merchandise trade, this FTA assumes salience for transformation in the services sector. Services Sector: Tango of the Future Under the FTA, the EU has secured broader and deeper commitments across 144 service subsectors, including IT/ITeS, professional services, education, and other business services. This covers a vast range of service sectors, in which Indian service providers will have a stable, conducive regime in the EU market to supply their services. Indias competitive, high-tech services are expected to drive Indias exports while benefitting EU businesses and consumers. And This Services Sectors Future Is Complementary Under the FTA, India has also offered 102 subsectors that cover EU priorities, including professional, business, telecommunications, maritime, financial, and environmental services. This will offer EU businesses a predictable regime to bring investment and innovative services to India, thereby enhancing their exports and providing best-in-class services to Indian businesses. This mutually beneficial framework is set to accelerate trade in services, unlock new opportunities for Indian and EU professionals and businesses, and strengthen Indias presence in high-value global markets, fostering innovation, skills mobility, and knowledge-based economic growth. Winner No. 1: The Indian Talent The FTA establishes an assured regime for the entry and stay of professionals, including Business Visitors, Intra-Corporate Transferees, Contractual Service Suppliers, and Independent Professionals. The EU is ageing, while India is poised to enjoy an unprecedented demographic dividend over the next few decades. Through a comprehensive mobility framework in the FTA, India strengthens its position as a global talent hub. The agreed framework eases the movement of employees (and their spouses and dependants) of Indian corporations established in the EU in all service sectors. For business entities aiming to provide services under a contract to EU clients, India can access 37 subsectors, including IT, business, and professional services. Independent professionals intending to provide services to EU clients gain certainty in 17 subsectors, covering IT, R&D, and higher education, creating expanded opportunities for Indian professionals and knowledge-driven trade. India and the EU have agreed on a constructive framework to enable Social Security Agreements within five years with all EU member states and a continuing, conducive framework for the entry of Indian students to study and avail of a post-study work visa. The benefits are humongous. It has taken two decades, but it has arrived as a global game changer the mother of all trade deals. The deal is done, but not yet done. In the months to come, both the EU and India will need to move fast in a calibrated and symbiotic manner to turn the audacious dream into reality. (The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India-based impact consultant. He is President of Advisory Services at BARSYL. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts position.) The shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24 in the ongoing Minnesota siege has once again foregrounded the deep divisions in the American state and society. Demonstrators carry signs condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near the site where a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters Is the United States at the brink of a civil war? The plain answer is no. But it is a country and society that is so deeply divided that it is at war with itself. And Minnesota is just the tip of the iceberg. The shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24 in the ongoing Minnesota siege has once again foregrounded the deep divisions in the American state and society. Pretti, a US citizen not an illegal immigrant, was seen in several video clips waving a phone when federal agents apprehended him. The official account is that he was carrying a licensed semi-automatic on his person and was shot when he pointed the weapon at an ICE agent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let us understand that the notion of a nation at war with itself does not imply widespread armed conflict between states or armies, as in the US Civil War, 1861-1865. The Civil War resulted in battle casualties as high as 750,000, more than the combined total of Americans who died fighting in World War I and World War II. Today, we are nowhere close to such an armed and internecine conflict between two factions or sections of the US. But never in my living memory has American society been more internally divided and distraught. What we are witnessing is a profound internal rupture, political, cultural, ideological, and institutional. Competing visions of what it means to be American and what kind of nation the United States are clashing with increasing intensity, often spilling into violence, legal battles, and mutual delegitimisation. These dangerous signs and symptoms are there for all to see. Partisan polarisation has reached historic highs. The US came out of a 43-day government shutdown in November 2025, the longest ever in US history. It is now staring at the possibility of another one. It would seem that Democrats and Republicans, instead of rivalling and competing with one another in a working relationship within the broader two-party democratic system have started viewing each other not merely as opponents but as existential threats. The Minnesota flashpoint starkly illustrates this internal war. In January 2026, the Trump administration intensified its immigration enforcement through Operation Metro Surge. Thousands of ICE agents come to Minneapolis, a sanctuary city and home the nations largest Somali community in the US, made up of both legal and illegal immigrants. Accused of large-scale fraud and misappropriation of funds, this group has come under increasing scrutiny, even hatred, in large sections of US society. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many American Minnesotans have rallied around the Somalis, pushing back, even defying the ICE agents who descended on their state. States within the US have a great deal of autonomy. Usually, they resent Federal interference in local matters. The confrontation came to a head on January 7, 2026. ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Macklin Good. This unfortunate incident triggered a nation-wide reaction against the use of excessive force by ICE agents. Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, mother of three, poet, was shot when she tried to block the Federal agents with her SUV. The bigger problem is that trust in institutions has also been eroded in this uncivil war. Elections, courts, media, law enforcement have been overrun by Americas internal conflict. In US society at large, families even, the divisions are stark. The media itself, supposedly the fourth pillar of democracy, has become one massive echo chamber. With a few exceptions, it has become an amplified chorus of daily criticism of the president Trump and his unpredictable policies and even more volatile daily statements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Growing economic inequality, racial tensions, immigration debates, and cultural disputes over identity, gender, and history fuel this fracture. Events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the 2020 George Floyd protests revealed how quickly disagreements can turn confrontational. Luckily, confined as they have been mostly to local outrage or outage, they are yet to turn into nationwide insurgencies. But such incidents have triggered widespread outrage, accusations of racial profiling, and claims of federal overreach, culminating in the January 23 Day of Truth & Freedom general strike. This was a rare occurrence in the US, after 80 years. Major unions, faith leaders, students, and tens of thousands of participants participated, demanding the suspension of the anti-immigration campaign and prosecution of the officer involved. Back to the present, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, who was under fire for alleged corruption, got an unintentional reprieve. Now he could attack President Trump for the latters invasion of Minnesota. Jacob Fry, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, expectedly chimed in, condemning the ICE operations. The state and city have launched lawsuits alleging constitutional violations. Federal responses included DoJ subpoenas to Democratic leaders, threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, and troops on standby. Vice President J.D. Vance defended the crackdown, blaming the standoff on local non-cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Minnesota clashes highlight a core divide: one side views aggressive enforcement as essential for law and order; the other sees it as punitive overreach targeting blue states and minority communities. But Minnesotas unrest is not isolated. It echoes national rifts over immigration, federal power, and political retribution. The administrations targeting of the North Star state is seen by many as a test case. Now that Trump has pulled back, many see this is a victory of the organized resistance against him. Some Republicans have also distanced themselves, given the impending mid-terms, with one gubernatorial candidate even withdrawing in protest over the crackdowns excesses. But Trumps motto of fight, fight, fight, does seem to have devolved into TACO (Trump always chickens out). Instead, if theres anything weve learned about him, it is this. He only changes tack; he does not give up or give in. Somewhere behind the loss of Prettis life is also the long shadow of the deeper and long-standing divide over gun control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Pretti hadnt been carrying a semi-automatic as alleged, then the justification for shooting him would have evaporated. Closer to Trump himself, his would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, may not have as easily acquired an AR-15 long-range assault rifle. On that fateful July 13, 2024, Crooks bullets aimed at Trump grazed the latters right ear. What, then, of Americas civil war? The violence, while tragic, remains episodic. The war, however bitter, acerbic, and unforgiving, is still rhetorical, cultural and only occasionally kinetic. In the meantime, the world looks on, not without sad bafflement and disappointment. (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.) The recent report highlights that Amazons latest wave of layoffs will also affect India. The job cuts are likely to be concentrated in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its retail operations. Amazon has begun another major wave of layoffs, with its latest round expected to affect around 16,000 employees globally. Sources indicate that India will not be spared, with an estimated 500 to 700 roles likely to be impacted across Amazon Web Services (AWS) and retail teams. The decision forms part of Amazons ongoing global restructuring efforts, which aim to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and sharpen the companys focus on efficiency amid a rapidly changing digital and retail environment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amazon job cut in India According to reports from Business Standard, the impact on India is expected to be concentrated in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its retail operations, two divisions that play a crucial role in both domestic and global markets. The report states that sources familiar with the matter suggested that subpar sales performance during the last few festive and sales events could be one of the contributing factors behind the job cuts in India. Amazon reportedly failed to meet its desired market outcomes, prompting internal reviews and cost adjustments. More from Tech Amazon confirms 16,000 job cuts as part of major restructuring drive In the Amazon note to employees, Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology emphasised that the move is part of a strategic realignment rather than a recurring practice. She stated that teams across Amazon will continue to evaluate ownership, speed, and capacity to innovate while adapting to new business realities. India remains one of Amazons most critical global talent hubs, housing large engineering, product development, and operations teams that support both its domestic marketplace and international services. However, like other major tech firms, Amazon is under growing pressure to balance costs and productivity as it shifts priorities towards automation and profitability. Amazon internal messages reveal information The full scale of Amazons latest layoffs is becoming clearer, with new internal documents shedding light on where the cuts are landing hardest. According to Business Insider, confidential Slack messages and executive memos reveal that the companys prized cloud computing and retail divisions have both been deeply affected, as Amazon continues to streamline operations under its global restructuring plan. Many of the employees impacted held software engineering roles, with several posting on internal channels in search of new job opportunities both inside and outside the company. For those based in the United States, Amazon has outlined a 90-day transition period. During this time, affected employees will continue to receive full pay and benefits while being allowed to apply for internal roles within the company. Workers who do not secure another position, or who choose to opt out of the redeployment process, will be offered a severance package, career outplacement support, and extended health insurance coverage. An internal FAQ seen by Business Insider also outlined the next steps for employees as they wrap up their employment. Staff have until February 13 to complete an official company survey about retrieving personal belongings from their workspaces. Amazon has arranged for shipping boxes to be sent to departing employees to return company laptops and other equipment once their separation becomes official. Any personal items not claimed by the deadline will reportedly be donated or disposed of. Global tech and corporate giants including Amazon, Microsoft, HP, Pinterest, Ubisoft and Nestle are cutting thousands of jobs worldwide, citing cost pressures and restructuring. Many layoffs are tied to aggressive investment shifts toward artificial intelligence and long-term efficiency plans. Corporate and tech giants from Amazon, HP, Pinterest, Meta, Flipkart, Zepto, xAI, Nestle, Ubisoft, and many more have announced significant layoffs in recent weeks. Image Credit: Reuters Corporate and tech giants from Amazon, HP, Pinterest, Meta, Flipkart, Zepto, xAI, Nestle, Ubisoft, and many more have announced significant layoffs in recent weeks. The layoffs have heightened stress, job security, and anxiety among workers. A group of companies across different sectors are cutting jobs, citing rising operational costs amid rising technology. Artificial intelligence has been the bigger restructuring plan for certain companies, and many are laying off to invest in the new tech zone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amazon layoffs Amazon has recently announced a major wave of layoffs, with its latest round expected to affect around 16,000 employees globally. Sources indicate that India will not be spared, with an estimated 500 to 700 roles likely to be impacted across Amazon Web Services (AWS) and retail teams. The tech giant plans to lay off thousands of corporate employees in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica, but the company has not yet officially informed those impacted, according to a report by Reuters. Amazon delivered an email, Reuters reported that Amazon called the layoffs Project Dawn. Changes like this are hard on everyone. These decisions are difficult and are made thoughtfully as we position our organization and AWS for future success, the email read. Ubisoft job cuts According to a report from IGN, Ubisoft is planning to slash a significant portion of its workforce at its Paris headquarters, proposing cuts that could impact up to 200 employees, or roughly 20 per cent of its staff. This move follows a turbulent few months for the Assassins Creed publisher, which recently shut down multiple studios and cancelled several in-development projects as part of a larger cost-cutting strategy. Nestle layoffs The coffee company is also planning to remove about 12,000 white-collar jobs over the next two years, which will save the company 1 billion Swiss francs, twice the savings they originally expected. In addition, 4,000 more jobs are being cut in production and supply chain roles. Pinterest layoffs Pinterest plans to lay off under 15 per cent of its workforce, as part of broader restructuring that arrives as the image-sharing platform pivots more of its money to artificial intelligence. In a Tuesday securities filing, San Francisco-based Pinterest said it was making these cuts to support transformation initiatives which include reallocating the companys resources to AI-focused roles and prioritizing AI-powered products. It said it was also working to reshape its sales and go-to-market approach. HP layoffs HP is also planning to cut 4,000 to 6,000 jobs worldwide, saying this is part of a long-term plan that will continue until fiscal 2028. HPs restructuring plan is expected to save at least $1 billion each year by the end of 2028. Microsoft job cuts Microsoft initiated two rounds of mass layoffs last year, first impacting 6,000 and then another 9,000 positions. The tech giant cited it as organizational changes. A new report has found that Grok AI was just one of the apps, which was capable of undressing photos. Dozens of such apps are still available on Apple and Google app stores. Last week, Elon Musks xAI faced widespread criticism after its Grok chatbot was caught generating explicit and sexualised images of women and even children. But a new report has now revealed that Grok is far from an isolated case. According to a review conducted by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), both Apple and Googles app stores are hosting dozens of nudify apps capable of using artificial intelligence to strip clothes off people in photos and generate fake nude images. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the report was based on a review of app stores in the United States, these platforms operate globally. Many of the apps identified are also visible to users in India, where they can be downloaded freely unless specifically region-blocked. The findings raise grave questions about how seriously the worlds biggest tech companies enforce their own safety guidelines, and how such invasive AI tools continue to slip through their app store vetting processes. Apple and Google under fire for hosting AI nudify apps The TTPs investigation, conducted in January 2026, identified 55 nudify apps on Google Play and 47 on the Apple App Store. These apps were discovered using search terms such as nudify and undress, and many were tested using AI-generated photos of fully clothed women to see if the tools could digitally remove clothing. The results were alarming. According to the watchdogs report shared exclusively with CNBC, the apps could indeed create realistic nude or sexualised versions of the images, effectively allowing users to produce non-consensual deepfake pornography. After CNBC and the TTP contacted Apple last week with details from the report, Apple removed 28 of the identified apps from its App Store. The company also said it had warned developers of other similar apps that they risked removal if they did not address guideline violations. Two of the removed apps, however, were later reinstated after developers resubmitted revised versions that Apple deemed compliant. A company spokesperson told CNBC that Apple is committed to user safety and takes guideline enforcement seriously. But the TTP said its latest review of the App Store found that only 24 of the flagged apps had actually been removed, indicating that several others remained active. Google, meanwhile, said it had suspended several apps identified in the report for policy violations but declined to specify exactly how many. A spokesperson told CNBC that the company investigates such cases thoroughly and takes appropriate action when violations are confirmed. Googles investigation into the apps flagged by TTP is still ongoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD TTP sharply criticised both companies, writing in its report: Both companies say they are dedicated to the safety and security of users, but they host a collection of apps that can turn an innocuous photo of a woman into an abusive, sexualised image. A dangerous AI trend normalising abuse The rise of AI-powered nudify and deepfake tools has fuelled a growing wave of digital sexual abuse, allowing anyone with a smartphone to generate non-consensual explicit images. Experts warn that these technologies not only violate privacy but can also inflict deep emotional trauma on victims, many of whom are women and minors. The TTPs findings follow a broader pattern of AI misuse seen across platforms. Earlier this month, Elon Musks xAI faced backlash when users of its Grok chatbot discovered that it could produce explicit and sexualised images, including those depicting children, when prompted in certain ways. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger AI safeguards. Despite growing awareness, regulatory action against such AI-generated abuse remains limited. Many of these apps disguise their true purpose under seemingly harmless names or descriptions, making it easier for them to evade detection. Digital rights advocates say tech companies must take far more proactive measures to prevent the spread of such apps, including stricter AI content moderation, human-led review systems, and transparency around algorithmic misuse. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, so too do the risks it poses to privacy, safety, and dignity. The availability of apps that can undress people with a few clicks shows how blurred the line between innovation and exploitation has become. The onus now lies with tech giants such as Apple and Google to prove that user protection is not just a promise on paper, but a principle actively upheld in practice. ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent have been shown the green light to buy more than 400,000 H200 chips in total. Other tech companies are now waiting in the queue to get similar approvals from the government An Nvidia AI chip is a specialised processor, typically an advanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)engineered to handle the intensive, parallel computations that modern artificial intelligence models require. (Reuters) China has approved three of its largest tech companies to purchase Nvidias H200 artificial intelligence chips, marking a significant shift in policy as the country seeks to catch up in the AI race. According to a report by Reuters, ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent have been shown the green light to buy more than 400,000 H200 chips in total. Other tech companies are now waiting in the queue to get similar approvals from the government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, sources have told the news agency that Beijing has allowed the purchase, not without a set of conditions that are being decided upon currently. Licenses are too restrictive, and customers were not yet converting the approvals to purchase orders. Is China trying to limit access to H200 chips? Last month, regulators in Beijing were looking at ways to limit access to the H200 chips, Nvidias second-best generation of artificial intelligence chips. Buyers would likely have to undergo an approval process, submitting requests to purchase the chips and explaining why domestic suppliers could not meet their requirements. Other moves include increasing customs checks of chip imports and offering energy subsidies to data centres using domestic chips. The two regulators leading Beijings years-long push for semiconductor self-sufficiency, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, may impose additional measures to bolster the competitiveness of domestic chips, the people said. These could include prohibiting Chinas public sector from purchasing the H200. Trump allows Nvidia to sell AI chips to China US President Donald Trump authorised Nvidia to sell AI chips to China in December, as he informed Chinese President Xi Jinping of the development. Although Trump had clarified that the US will not provide China with the Blackwell chip, the sale could be worth billions of dollars for Nvidia. The company has said it has more than $500 billion worth of orders for its best artificial intelligence chips to fulfil this year and next, and thats before any buyers in China are factored in. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security. President Xi responded positively! The Indian-origin acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Madhu Gottumukkala shared cybersecurity related documents on ChatGPT, triggering automated security alerts leading to internal review. The acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Madhu Gottumukkala shared confidential contracting and cybersecurity-related materials with ChatGPT last summer for work purposes, triggering automated security alerts and an internal review. The documents were not marked confidential but were labelled for office use only. Multiple Department of Homeland Security officials told Politico that the uploads set off safeguards designed to prevent sensitive government information from being exposed. Educational background Madhu is of Indian-origin and responsible for protecting federal networks from cyber-attacks, including those linked to Russia and China. He also holds a PhD degree in Information Systems from Dakota State University, an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dallas, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Obtained special permission to use the AI bot Gottumukkala obtained special permission to use ChatGPT, which most of the employees are not allowed to use and access. Data entered into the public version of ChatGPT, built by OpenAI, can potentially be retained and used to improve the system, raising concerns about wider exposure. CISA sought to downplay the episode. In an emailed statement to Politico, agency spokesperson Marci McCarthy said Gottumukkala was granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place, describing the usage as short-term and limited. More from Tech Amazon confirms 16,000 job cuts as part of major restructuring drive Acting Director Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala last used ChatGPT in mid-July 2025 under an authorized temporary exception, McCarthy said, adding that CISAs default position remains to block access to the tool unless an exception is granted. Politico also reported that several CISA staffers were placed to leave last year after Gottumukkala failed a polygraph test he had pushed to implement. He has denied failing the test, telling lawmakers he did not accept the premise of that characterization. Rep John Moolenar wrote a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said documents obtained by the committee from Nvidia showed the achievement came after extensive technical assistance from the chipmaker At a time when the US and China are seeking more cooperation in tech and AI, the chairman of a US House of Representatives committee has claimed that chipmaker Nvidia provided DeepSeek with the necessary hardware to improve its capabilities and later help the Chinese military. DeepSeek shook markets early last year with a set of AI models that rivalled some of the best offerings from the United States but were developed with far less computing power, fuelling concerns in Washington that China could catch up with the US in AI despite US restrictions on the sale of high-powered computing chips to China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rep John Moolenar wrote a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said documents obtained by the committee from Nvidia showed the achievement came after extensive technical assistance from the chipmaker. According to Nvidia records, Nvidia technology development personnel helped DeepSeek achieve major training efficiency gains through an optimised co-design of algorithms, frameworks, and hardware, with internal reporting boasting that DeepSeek-V3 requires only 2.788M H800 GPU hours for its full training - less than what US developers typically require for frontier-scale models, Moolenaar wrote in the letter. Did Nvidia help DeepSeek? The letter, seen by Reuters, says that the document has information about Nvidias activities from 2024. Moolenar wrote that the time when Nvidia provided technical help to DeepSeek, there were no indications that the Chinese AI models capabilities were being used in the military. Nvidia treated DeepSeek accordingly - as a legitimate commercial partner deserving of standard technical support, Moolenaar wrote. If even the worlds most valuable company cannot rule out the military use of its products when sold to (Chinese) entities, rigorous licensing restrictions and enforcement are essential to prevent such assurances from becoming superficial formalities, Moolenaar added. China approves H200 chip purchase Meanwhile, China has approved three of its largest tech companies to purchase Nvidias H200 artificial intelligence chips, marking a significant shift in policy as the country seeks to catch up in the AI race. ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent have been shown the green light to buy more than 400,000 H200 chips in total. Other tech companies are now waiting in the queue to get similar approvals from the government. However, sources have told the news agency that Beijing has allowed the purchase, not without a set of conditions that are being decided upon currently. Licenses are too restrictive, and customers were not yet converting the approvals to purchase orders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A good news for students preparing for IIT, NSUT, DTU and other engineering colleges. Google Gemini has now announced free JEE-Main mock tests. The company says that Gemini will not only generates exam-style questions but also offers detailed feedback after each test. A few days after giving students across the world free SAT practice tests, Google Gemini has now turned its focus to Indias most competitive exam, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. The tech giant announced that students can now take full-length JEE Main mock tests directly on Gemini, Googles AI-powered assistant, completely free of charge. All they need to do is type: I want to take a JEE Main mock test. Good morning India! A lot of you asked for full-length mock JEE Main tests in @GeminiApp at no cost - done! Good luck on your prep! Last week, SAT. This week, JEE. What other global exams would be most helpful? pic.twitter.com/0qgQFhFJum Josh Woodward (@joshwoodward) January 29, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Google, the practice tests are designed to replicate the real JEE Main experience, featuring rigorously vetted content in collaboration with two of Indias most trusted education platforms, PhysicsWallah and Careers360. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the official Gemini account wrote, Practice JEE Mains are grounded in rigorously vetted content in partnership with @physics__wallah and @careers360. Gemini will provide immediate feedback highlighting where you excelled and where you might need to study more. Practice JEE Mains are grounded in rigorously vetted content in partnership with @physics__wallah and @careers360, and Gemini will provide immediate feedback highlighting where you excelled and where you might need to study more. To try it out, tell Gemini to generate a practice Google Gemini (@GeminiApp) January 28, 2026 The company says Gemini not only generates exam-style questions but also offers detailed feedback after each test, pinpointing areas of strength and highlighting topics that need more work. The integration means students no longer need to pay for or hunt down reliable mock tests online. Gemini handles everything, from generating questions and timing sections to explaining mistakes and offering personalised study advice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The announcement quickly gained traction online, with students, teachers and even parents weighing in. Many called it a game-changer for Indias massive community of JEE aspirants, over a million students who sit the exam each year. One user posted, As an Indian I know how expensive it is to prepare for JEE these days. This is definitely going to help students with no money, and its huge for those preparing seriously. Another joked, Nothing makes an Indian parent panic-spend like JEE prep. This just saved families lakhs of rupees. The JEE Main feature comes hot on the heels of Geminis free SAT mock tests, which were introduced last week. Those can be accessed by typing I want to take a practice SAT test into Gemini. Google CEO Sundar Pichai seemed particularly delighted about the rollout, posting on X, If I could turn back time excited for SATs last week and JEE Main this week in Gemini at no cost! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If I could turn back time.... excited for SATs last week and JEE Main this week in Gemini at no cost! https://t.co/mSp1Vn88gU Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) January 29, 2026 With both SAT and JEE practice tests now live, Gemini is steadily transforming into a one-stop academic companion for students worldwide. Whether its American high schoolers aiming for Ivy League universities or Indian teens dreaming of IIT, Googles AI chatbot seems to have found its next big purpose, making quality exam prep free, accessible, and just a chat away. The launch of the Specs unit comes as the success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses positions eyewear as an early frontrunner in the race for gadgets powered by artificial intelligence. Snap doubles down on smart glasses with new independent unit (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo) Snap will create an independent subsidiary for its augmented reality smart glasses, as it looks to attract external investment and challenge bigger rival Meta in the fast-growing wearables market. The launch of the Specs unit, announced on Wednesday, comes as the success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses positions eyewear as an early frontrunner in the race for gadgets powered by artificial intelligence. But wearables is a costly bet, requiring massive capital injection for hardware, software and research and design capabilities, where even slight supply chain disruptions can impact production goals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this month, a supply squeeze forced Meta to pause the international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses and focus on fulfilling U.S. orders. While Meta develops its smart glasses with EssilorLuxotticas Ray-Ban, Big Tech rival Google has partnered with Warby Parker. More from Tech Amazon confirms 16,000 job cuts as part of major restructuring drive Known for its Snapchat messaging app and animated filters, Snap has been doubling down on AR, which can overlay digital effects onto photos, videos and users views of their surroundings in real-time. Specs smart glasses will feature an intelligence system to anticipate user needs and assist them with tasks. Snaps shares were up more than 2 per cent. The company said the new unit would open its door to minority investment and is actively recruiting for nearly 100 global positions as it moves closer to the products launch. Snap has invested more than $3 billion over 11 years to develop its AR glasses, co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel said at the Augmented World Expo last year. Success will depend less on breakthrough hardware innovation, but more on ecosystem integration and software value, said Francisco Jeronimo, VP of devices research at market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last year, Meta dominated the smartglasses market with a 70% unit market share, followed by Xiaomi Corp at 8.5 per cent and Huawei Technologies with 2.7 per cent, according to IDC. A twin-propeller aircraft carrying 15 people, including a Colombian lawmaker, crashed Wednesday in a mountainous region near the Venezuelan border, killing all passengers and crew, according to authorities in Bogota. A Satena Airlines aircraft covering the route Bogota-Caracas is pictured upon arrival at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, La Guaira State, Venezuela, on November 9, 2022. File Image: AFP A twin-propeller aircraft carrying 15 people, including a Colombian lawmaker, crashed Wednesday in a mountainous region near the Venezuelan border, killing all passengers and crew, according to authorities in Bogota. The plane took off from the Colombian border city of Cucuta and lost contact with air traffic control shortly before it was due to land in nearby Ocana around noon (1700GMT). There were 13 passengers and two crew members aboard the flight, which was scheduled to take 23 minutes and was operated by Colombian state airline Satena. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are no survivors, an official from the aviation authority told AFP. The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The government deployed the Air Force to carry out a search of the area a rugged, densely covered tract of the Andes eastern range with highly changeable weather. Swaths of the surrounding countryside are controlled by Colombias largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army, better known by its Spanish acronym ELN. So far, seven bodies have been recovered, according to North Santander state governor William Villamizar, speaking to local news magazine Semana. One Colombian lawmaker and a legislative candidate were aboard. I deeply regret these deaths, leftist President Gustavo Petro wrote on X. All my solidarity to their families. Among the list of dead was Representative Diogenes Quintero, 36, a member of Colombias chamber of deputies, and Carlos Salcedo, a candidate for the upcoming elections. Quinteros party described him as a leader committed to his community. He was born in Catatumbo, a conflictridden region with coca crops and competing armed groups. The aircraft was a Beechcraft 1900 twin-propeller plane. With thick jungle and snow-capped mountain ranges, much of Colombia is difficult to traverse by land. Planes link many towns that in less rugged countries would be connected by train or highway. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Senate Democrats are threatening to block Homeland Security funding unless new limits are placed on immigration enforcement, raising the risk of a partial US government shutdown. Senate Democrats are threatening to block a major funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies, raising the prospect of a partial US government shutdown if Republicans and the White House do not agree to new curbs on President Donald Trumps intensified immigration enforcement. The standoff comes ahead of a key Senate test vote on Thursday. Democrats have warned they will withhold the votes needed to pass the legislation unless their demands on immigration enforcement practices are met, potentially triggering a shutdown at midnight on Friday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Late Wednesday, there were indications of possible movement in talks. According to a person familiar with the discussions, the White House appeared open to exploring a deal that would separate DHS funding from the broader spending package and approve only a short-term funding extension for the department, allowing more time for negotiations. The remaining agencies would be funded through the end of September under the proposal. The dispute has intensified amid public anger over the recent deaths of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good during confrontations with federal agents in Minneapolis. Senate Democrats have called for new requirements for immigration officers, including removing masks, clearly identifying themselves and securing warrants before making arrests. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said his party would not provide votes for the bill until US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is subjected to significant reforms. He said Democrats support law enforcement and border security but oppose aggressive enforcement tactics that he argued have endangered civilians. Schumer has urged Republicans to strip DHS funding from the wider bill, which also includes financing for the Defense Department and other agencies. Under the proposal being discussed, DHS would continue to be funded temporarily while talks continue on Democratic demands. Without an agreement, lawmakers risk another shutdown just two months after a previous funding impasse over expiring federal healthcare subsidies led to a 43-day closure of the government. While that dispute ended after a group of moderate Democrats reached a compromise with Republicans, Democrats appear more unified this time. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said there was broad consensus within the Democratic caucus that federal immigration agents should be subject to the same standards as local law enforcement, including accountability mechanisms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Thursday, Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, said federal authorities were considering reducing the number of immigration agents deployed in Minnesota, depending on cooperation from state officials. It remains unclear whether that step would satisfy Democratic concerns. Democrats are seeking an end to what they describe as roving patrols in cities, stronger warrant requirements and an enforceable code of conduct for immigration officers. Schumer said officers should operate without masks, wear body cameras and carry proper identification. Republican leaders have signalled limited openness to compromise. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said some Democratic proposals could be considered and urged continued negotiations between Democrats and the White House. However, significant obstacles remain. The House has already passed the funding bills as a single package, complicating efforts to separate DHS funding. Any change would require either unanimous consent in the Senate or procedural votes that could push lawmakers past the deadline. House Republicans have warned they will reject any revised legislation that excludes DHS funding. In a letter to Trump this week, the House Freedom Caucus said the bill would not return to the chamber without funding for the department. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some Republican senators said they would support separating DHS funding for further debate but oppose Democratic demands requiring officers to reveal their identities. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina cited security concerns for officers and their families. Texas Senator John Cornyn accused Democrats of risking a shutdown for political reasons, but Democrats said they would not retreat. This is a moral moment, said Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. We need to take a stand. With inputs from agencies As defence spending surges and arms output rises, Europe edges toward military autonomy but capability gaps, industry fragmentation, and reliance on US systems persist A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet flies during during a demonstration of NATO Air Policing safeguards in 2023. File Image / Reuters President Trumps renewed talk of acquiring Greenland has reignited concerns among Nato allies over whether Europe can defend itself without relying on the United States, raising fresh questions about the continents weapons production, military readiness, and long-term strategic independence. According to The Wall Street Journal report, defence analysts and lawmakers broadly agree Europe could eventually fight independently but not yet. While Europes defence industry is expanding at its fastest pace in decades amid Russias war in Ukraine and growing strains with Washington, major capability gaps remain and replacing US military support would be costly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates the price tag of substituting US equipment and personnel in Europe at roughly $1 trillion, added the report. Europe is rapidly producing drones, tanks, ammunition, and armored vehicles, and has sharply increased defence spending. Still, analysts say the region lacks key capabilities such as stealth fighter jets, long-range missiles, and satellite intelligence, and its fragmented defence industry remains less efficient than that of the US, backed by the worlds largest military budget. Despite those limits, Europes push toward greater autonomy is accelerating. In late 2024, Clemens Kurten founded a German drone company without staff or a finished design. Within a year, it had sold hundreds of drones to European militaries. There is growing urgency to find a response to what the US intends to do, not just in Greenland, but with the broader security alliance that has bound it to Europe since the end of World War II, The Wall Street Journal quoted analysts as saying. If Americans will start to diminish their presence on the European continentof course, we need to start to plan how we shall build what we can call a European pillar of Nato, Andrius Kubilius, the European Union official overseeing defence industrial revitalisation, said on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. That shift would require Europe to replace strategic enablers, including space-based assets, that it currently depends on the US to provide, Kubilius said. Trump has long pressed European allies to boost defence spending, and a US increasingly focused on Asia and Latin America is expected to redeploy assets away from Europe. Tensions over Ukraine and Greenland have heightened fears that Washington could restrict weapons supplies or limit access to US-made systems already in European inventories. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Finlands President Alexander Stubb said Wednesday that his countrys fleet of US-made fighter jets cannot operate long-term without American spare parts and software updates, underscoring Europes continued dependence on Washington. Industry executives argue that momentum toward self-sufficiency is real. That wouldnt have been possible five years ago, Kurten, now CEO of Twentyfour Industries, told The Wall Streer Journal, citing increased investor interest, available talent, and faster government procurement. Arming up Europe spent an estimated $560 billion on defence last year double its outlays a decade ago, according to the report, citing Bernstein analysts. By 2035, Europes equipment spending is projected to reach 80% of the Pentagons, up from less than 30% in 2019. The shift could hit US defence firms, which derive up to 10% of revenues from Europe, according to Agency Partners. Germanys Rheinmetall has opened or is building 16 factories since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Italys Leonardo has expanded its workforce by nearly 50% to 64,000 employees. In some areas, European output now rivals or exceeds that of the US. Rheinmetall is expected to produce 1.5 million artillery shells annually more than the entire US defence industry combined. Europe manufactures nearly all of its armored vehicles, ships, and submarines, many of which dominate global export markets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet analysts caution that a decisive break from US defence reliance has not occurred. Some European defence companies arent moving fast enough, particularly in aerospace, The Wall Street Journal quoted Pieter Wezeman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as saying. Frances Dassault Aviation faces a backlog of 220 Rafale fighters, producing just two aircraft a month last year. The fact that Poland buys arms from South Korea shows that Europe, along with the U.S., isnt ramping up defense production as fast as needed, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in Davos. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani pointed to fragmentation as a major obstacle. Every country wants to have its own tank, its own aircraft, its own ship, and of course the dispersion in terms of investment, R&D [and] procurement does not favor European rearmament, he said. Europe remains at least a decade away from producing its own stealth fighter and continues to rely heavily on US satellite intelligence, cloud computing, and long-range missile defences. Patriot air-defense systems remain indispensable, particularly for Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some gaps are beginning to close. Several European programmes aim to develop missiles with ranges exceeding 1,000 miles after 2030, and the UK has launched its own military satellite constellation. France says it now supplies two-thirds of Ukraines satellite intelligence. Could Europe arm itself? Yes, but over time, Matthew Savill of the Royal United Services Institute was quoted as saying. The volume is not there yet, and we need to accept that in some areas the stuff is not as good, Savill added. With inputs from agencies As the war in Ukraine drags on, Russia has been forced to offer cash bonuses, free prisoners, and lure foreigners to replenish its ranks for deployment to the frontlines. Estimates suggest that Russia has suffered more than 1 million casualties in the ongoing conflict. Russian recruits take a train at a railway station in Prudboi in the Volgograd region of Russia on September 29, 2022. (Photo: AP) For average wage earners in Russia, its a big payday. For criminals seeking to escape the harsh conditions and abuse in prison, its a chance at freedom. For immigrants hoping for a better life, its a simplified path to citizenship. All they have to do is sign a contract to fight in Ukraine. As Russia seeks to replenish its forces in nearly four years of war and avoid an unpopular nationwide mobilisation its pulling out all the stops to find new troops to send into the battlefield. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some come from abroad to fight in what has become a bloody war of attrition. After signing a mutual defense treaty with Moscow in 2024, North Korea sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia defend its Kursk region from a Ukrainian incursion. Men from South Asian countries, including India, Nepal and Bangladesh, complain of being duped into signing up to fight by recruiters promising jobs. Officials in Kenya, South Africa and Iraq say the same has happened to citizens from their countries. Russian numbers in Ukraine President Vladimir Putin told his annual news conference last month that 700,000 Russian troops are fighting in Ukraine. He gave the same number in 2024, and a slightly lower figure 617,000 in December 2023. Its unclear if those numbers are accurate. Still hidden are the numbers of military casualties, with Moscow having released limited official figures. The British Defense Ministry said last summer that more than 1 million Russian troops may have been killed or wounded. Independent Russian news site Mediazona, together with the BBC and a team of volunteers, scoured news reports, social media and government websites and collected the names of over 160,000 troops killed. More than 550 of those were foreigners from over two dozen countries. How Russia gets new soldiers Unlike Ukraine, where martial law and nationwide mobilisation has been in place since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, Putin has resisted ordering a broad call-up. When a limited mobilisation of 300,000 men was tried later that year, tens of thousands of people fled abroad. The effort stopped after a few weeks when the target was met, but a Putin decree left the door open for another call-up. It also made all military contracts effectively open-ended and barred soldiers from quitting service or being discharged, unless they reached certain age limits or were incapacitated by injuries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, Moscow has largely relied on what it describes as voluntary enlistment. The flow of voluntary enlistees signing military contracts has remained strong, topping 400,000 last year, Putin said in December. It was not possible to independently verify the claim. Similar numbers were announced in 2024 and 2023. Activists say these contracts often stipulate a fixed term of service, such as one year, leading some potential enlistees to believe the commitment is temporary. But contracts are automatically extended indefinitely, they say. The incentives The government offers high pay and extensive benefits to enlistees. Regional authorities offer various enlistment bonuses, sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. In the Khanty-Mansi region of central Russia, for example, an enlistee would get about $50,000 in various bonuses, according to the local government. Thats more than twice the average annual income in the region, where monthly salaries in the first 10 months of 2025 were reported to be just over $1,600. There also are tax breaks, debt relief and other perks. Despite Kremlin claims of relying on voluntary enlistment, media reports and rights groups say conscripts men aged 18-30 performing fixed-term mandatory military service and exempted from being sent to Ukraine are often coerced by superiors into signing contracts that send them into battle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recruitment also extends to prisoners and those in pretrial detention centers, a practice led early in the war by the late mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and adopted by the Defense Ministry. Laws now allow recruitment of both convicts and suspects in criminal cases. Targeting foreigners Foreigners also are recruiting targets, both inside Russia and abroad. Laws were adopted offering accelerated Russian citizenship for enlistees. Russian media and activists also report that raids in areas where migrants typically live or work lead to them being pressuring into military service, with new citizens sent to enlistment offices to determine if theyre eligible for mandatory service. In November, Putin decreed that military service was mandatory for certain foreigners seeking permanent residency. Some reportedly are lured to Russia by trafficking rings promising jobs, then duping them into signing military contracts. Cuban authorities in 2023 identified and sought to dismantle one such ring operating from Russia. Nepals Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud told The Associated Press in 2024 that his country asked Russia to return hundreds of Nepali nationals who were recruited to fight in Ukraine, as well as to repatriate the remains of those killed in the war. Nepal has since barred citizens from traveling to Russia or Ukraine for work, citing recruitment efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also in 2024, Indias federal investigation agency said it broke up a network that lured at least 35 of its citizens to Russia under the pretext of employment. The men were trained for combat and deployed to Ukraine against their will, with some grievously injured, the agency said. When Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks in 2024, New Delhi said its nationals who were misled into joining the Russian army would be discharged. Iraqi officials say about 5,000 of its citizens have joined the Russian military along with an unspecified number who are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Officials in Baghdad cracked down on such recruiting networks, with one man convicted last year of human trafficking and sentenced to life in prison. An unknown number of Iraqis have been killed or gone missing while fighting in Ukraine. Some families have reported that relatives were lured to Russia under false pretenses and forced to enlist; in other cases, Iraqis have joined voluntarily for the salary and Russian citizenship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreigners duped into fighting are especially vulnerable because they dont speak Russian, have no military experience and are deemed dispensable, to put it bluntly, by military commanders, said Anton Gorbatsevich of the activist group Idite Lesom, or Get Lost, which helps men desert from the army. A drain on a slowing economy This month, a Ukrainian agency for the treatment of prisoners of war said over 18,000 foreign nationals had fought or are fighting on the Russian side. Almost 3,400 have been killed, and hundreds of citizens of 40 countries are held in Ukraine as POWs. If true, that represents a fraction of the 700,000 troops that Putin said are fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Using foreigners is only one way to meet the constant demand, said Artyom Klyga, head of the legal department at the Movement of Conscientious Objectors, noting Russian recruitment efforts appear to be stable. Most of those seeking help from the group, which assists men in avoiding military service, are Russian citizens, he said. Kateryna Stepanenko, a Russia researcher at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, said the Kremlin has gotten more creative in the last two years with attracting enlistees, including foreigners. But recruitment efforts are becoming extremely expensive for Russia, which faces a slowing economy, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) A court in Chinas Zhejiang province sentenced the Ming family members for crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and operating gambling dens in Myanmar Dozens of members of the Ming mafia were sentenced in 2025. File Image CCTV China has executed 11 members of a notorious family that ran scam centres in Myanmar. According to Chinese state media CCTV, a court in Zhejiang province sentenced the Ming family members for crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and operating gambling dens in September. It is pertinent to note that the Ming family was one of the several clans that ran Myanmars sleepy town of Laukkaing, close to the border with China. Under their reign, the region was transformed into a flashy hub of casinos and red-light districts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the scam empire came crashing down in 2023 when Myanmar authorities arrested them and handed them over to China. The operation was part of a crackdown prompted by pressure from Beijing, their most powerful ally. Why it matters The scam operation in Myanmar has trapped thousands of Chinese workers over the years - they are among the hundreds of thousands who have been trafficked into these compounds, where they are forced to scam people overseas. Last year, the Chinese internet saw a viral search for a small-time Chinese actor who had flown to Thailand for an acting gig but was instead taken to a scam centre in Myanmar. More stories like these added to the frustration of Beijing. For the longest time, China has been demanding that Myanmars junta crack down on the scam mafia operating in the country. The Ming mafias scam operations and gambling dens brought in more than 10bn yuan ($1.4bn; 1bn) between 2015 and 2023, the court has found. The crimes involving the family resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to many others, the court has learnt. The US military has identified three American centers of gravity under sustained attack by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as part of a broader effort to weaken and ultimately defeat the United States, according to a report The US military has identified three American centers of gravity under sustained attack by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as part of a broader effort to weaken and ultimately defeat the United States, according to a Washington Times report. A center of gravity refers to a militarys primary source of power, strength, and will to act a concept introduced by 19th-century Prussian military theorist Gen. Carl von Clausewitz. According to the report, citing defence officials, the first and most critical target is US political decision-making, including the ability of civilian and military leaders to make rapid, coordinated decisions during crises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Responsibility for targeting this center of gravity rests largely with Chinas United Front Work Department, an intelligence and influence organisation with an estimated annual budget of up to $11 billion. The US military has identified the department as the driving force behind Chinas expansive information warfare campaign, which uses disinformation, propaganda, and financial influence to manipulate American decision-making. The second center of gravity under assault is Americas network of allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. For years, Chinese civilian and military operations have sought to weaken US alliances in Asia through propaganda and political warfare portraying the United States as a destabilising force. Beijings messaging promotes the idea that Asia should be for Asians and that the US should remain confined to its own hemisphere. Those efforts have largely failed, US officials say, with China instead damaging its own reputation through aggressive actions and attempts to turn regional partners into vassal states. More recently, Beijing has adjusted its narrative, asserting through information operations that the US is a hostile power seeking to drag Taiwan, the Philippines, and other regional states into war. Chinese strategists now claim falsely, according to the US that China, Russia, and the US jointly defeated fascism in World War II and that Taiwan represents the final fascist remnant requiring unification. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The CCP has also asserted that its forces, not US forces, were the true victors of World War II despite historical evidence that party forces largely avoided combat and seized power only after the wars conclusion in 1949. Regional leaders have so far rejected Beijings revised narrative, US officials say. The third center of gravity under attack is US power projection capability, particularly the militarys ability to deploy and maneuver forces. This effort is evident in major cyber intrusions such as Vault Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, which US officials assess were designed to enable large-scale cyberattacks during a future crisis. The goal, officials say, would be to cause widespread civil disruption, sow chaos, and slow US leaders decision-making. Chinese cyber operations are intended to prevent US forces from deploying, provide the Peoples Liberation Army with dominance across information, air, and maritime domains, and block US and allied intervention in Chinese military actions. Kerry K. Gershaneck, a professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Chinas strategy centers on cognitive warfare aimed at achieving mind superiority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China identifies cognition how we think as the ultimate domain in conflict and war, The Washington Times quoted Gershaneck as saying. The CCP employs algorithmic social media warfare, United Front operations, cyberattacks, and other forms of warfare to disrupt American reasoning, decisions, and actions, he added. Specifically, China hopes to disrupt our political decision making, split us off from our allies and friends, and block our ability to militarily respond to Chinas aggression in Asia, Gershaneck said. Beijings view of high-level military purge Chinese officials, typically outspoken on global affairs, have remained notably silent following the abrupt purge of Gen. Zhang Youxia, the Peoples Liberation Armys most senior general. Gen. Zhang, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, is under investigation for political and financial crimes, the Defense Ministry said in a brief statement Saturday. Despite the lack of public comment, The Washington Times has obtained the Chinese Communist Partys internal view of what is being described as the most senior military purge since the fall of PLA Marshal Lin Bao. Lin died in a 1971 plane crash while fleeing China after an alleged coup attempt and was later branded a traitor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Like Lin, Gen. Zhang reportedly fell under suspicion for political and financial misconduct, including allegations that he leaked nuclear secrets to the United Statesan act the CCP considers high treason. The removal stunned many inside China, where Gen. Zhang was widely seen as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission. As with earlier purges, the move is viewed as part of Xis effort to consolidate power and eliminate rival centers of influence. Beijing also signaled that military pressure on Taiwan including large-scale exercises will continue, though officials assess that military action against the island is neither imminent nor likely as a result of the dismissal. The purge is expected to trigger short-term risk aversion within the PLA and create a leadership vacuum until replacements are named, temporarily disrupting decision-making and operational continuity. The timing is significant, coming weeks before a key CCP meeting in March and ahead of the 21st Party Congress in late 2027, where major leadership changes are expected to further cement Xis authority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gen. Zhang was not spared in the partys anti-corruption campaign, and several subordinate generals were also purged. No reliable information has emerged regarding his current status. Political stability remains intact, with no visible signs of unrest in Beijing. U.S. analysts dispute Beijings framing of the purge as anti-corruption, arguing instead that Xi is clearing the way for more capable commanders aligned with his plans for Taiwan. K. Tristan Tang, a China expert at the Secure Taiwan Associate Corporation and National Taiwan University, said evidence points to policy disagreements with Xi. Gen. Zhang and Gen. Liu Zhenli likely clashed with the Chinese leader over PLA development, particularly the joint operations training timeline, and may have pursued policies or issued orders that ran counter to Xis directives, The Washington Times quoted Tang as saying in a Jamestown Foundation report. The simultaneous announcement of investigations into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli indicates the decision stemmed from the same underlying cause, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pentagon urged to adopt decision-based AI warfare The Pentagons push to integrate artificial intelligence into military operations must move beyond large language models and toward what a technology firm calls agentic warfare, according to a new report by Scale AI. Genuine strategic advantage in this new era will not come from stealthier jets, faster missiles or larger drone swarms alone; it will come from new kinds of human-machine teaming that drive accelerated decision-making, the company said. Agentic warfare centers on delivering decision advantage at every level of command, enabling U.S. forces to outpace adversaries. The United States must capitalise on its first-mover advantage before adversaries do, the report said. Scale AI executives Dan Tadross and Jared Jonker said current military uses of AI are largely limited to administrative tasks. Clever junior staffers benefit from tools that summarize emails or draft memos, they wrote, but such systems cannot execute complex operations or interact with the physical world. Future warfare, they argue, will rely on networks of AI agents capable of monitoring the battlespace, planning, testing, and executing actions faster than human commanders. We still rely on linear, manual workflows that produce static Operational Plans in physical binders that take two years to write and are often obsolete by the time they are printed, Tadross and Jonker said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a conflict with a near-peer adversary like China, we will not have two years; we may not even have two days. The authors warn that China is already restructuring its forces around intelligentised warfare and so-called command brains, designed to overwhelm opponents cognitively and collapse decision-making in forces that lack comparable AI-enabled systems. With inputs from agencies Guan Heng, 38, has spent the last five months in custody after being swept up in an August enforcement operation, part of President Donald Trumps intensified mass deportation campaign The Uyghurs are the largest minority ethnic group in China's north-western province of Xinjiang (Reuters) In an increasingly rare victory for asylum seekers under the current administration, a US immigration judge has ruled that a Chinese whistleblower has a well-founded fear of persecution and is legally entitled to stay in the United States. Guan Heng, 38, has spent the last five months in custody after being swept up in an August enforcement operation, part of President Donald Trumps intensified mass deportation campaign. Despite the ruling, Guan remains detained at the Broome County Correctional Facility as the government considers an appeal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A journey from Xinjiang to Florida Guans legal battle stems from his 2020 decision to secretly film detention facilities in Xinjiang. His footage added to the international evidence of widespread human rights abuses in a region where up to 1 million ethnic minorities, primarily Uyghurs, are believed to be detained. Realising he could not safely publish the footage from within China, Guan travelled a circuitous route through Hong Kong, Ecuador, and the Bahamas. He released the videos on YouTube shortly before crossing to Florida by boat in October 2021. I sympathized with the Uyghurs who were persecuted, Guan told the court through a translator, speaking via video link. Addressing concerns that the filming was a ploy to secure residency, he stated, I didnt know whether I would survive the boat trip, and explained his primary goal was ensuring the evidence reached the public. Diplomatic tensions and policy shifts The case took several unusual turns before reaching Judge Charles Ouslanders courtroom in Napanoch, New York. In late 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly attempted to deport Guan to Uganda. The plan was scrapped in December following a bipartisan outcry on Capitol Hill regarding the safety of a high-profile whistleblower. The Chinese government has consistently denied the allegations of abuse in Xinjiang, characterising the facilities as vocational training centres. However, Judge Ouslander found Guan to be a credible witness, noting that Chinese police had already questioned Guans father three times following the release of the videos. Guans attorney, Chen Chuangchuang, characterised the ruling as a victory for the core principles of the US asylum system. This is a textbook example of why asylum should exist, Chen said, arguing the US holds a moral and legal responsibility to protect those fleeing retaliation for exposing state-sponsored abuses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Asylum approval rates plummet Guans success comes at a time when the path to asylum in the US has narrowed significantly. According to federal data compiled by the nonprofit Mobile Pathways, the asylum approval rate plummeted to 10 per cent in 2025. This represents a sharp departure from the historical average of 28 per cent seen between 2010 and 2024. The shift reflects the broader impact of the second Trump administrations immigration policies, which have prioritised rapid removals and increased the burden of proof for applicants. The 30-day window While the judge urged a swift resolution to the case, citing Guans five-month detention, the DHS lawyer stated the department reserves the right to appeal. The government has 30 days to file its challenge. If no appeal is filed, Guan will finally be released from custody; however, until that deadline passes or a decision is made, the man who risked his life to expose the Xinjiang camps remains behind bars in New York. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A new analysis links last months deadly floods in southern Africa to a potent mix of climate change and La Nina, with scientists warning that warmer oceans are driving far more intense downpours across the region. Climate change and La Nina blamed for deadly southern Africa floods as extreme rainfall intensifies across the region A new study has revealed that the combination of climate change and recurring La Nina weather conditions triggered the disastrous floods that swept across parts of southern Africa in recent weeks. The floods, which began in December, have claimed at least two hundred lives and disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands across Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Researchers describe the devastation as the result of a perfect storm brought about by rising global temperatures and natural oceanic phenomena. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Increasing intensity of rainfall According to the report by World Weather Attribution (WWA), the severity of the rainfall events in the region has increased by about forty per cent since the preindustrial era. This rise is attributed to the warming of ocean waters due to greenhouse gas emissions, which has created conditions for heavier and more frequent downpours. In many places, rainfall over a few days exceeded what is normally recorded in an entire year. Rivers burst their banks, damaging infrastructure and forcing wildlife reserves such as South Africas Kruger National Park to close for repairs worth millions of dollars. Role of La Nina and changing oceans La Nina, a cyclical phenomenon marked by the temporary cooling of the Pacific Oceans central and eastern regions, has historically brought wetter conditions to parts of southern Africa. However, in this instance, the effect has been magnified by warmer global sea temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization noted that these altered ocean conditions are increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, including both floods and droughts. WWA experts explained that La Nina now operates within an atmosphere containing greater moisture, thereby intensifying rainfall when storms occur. Climate change amplifying disasters Scientists involved in the study warned that human-induced climate change is reshaping weather patterns across the world, with Africa bearing the brunt of many extremes. Izidine Pinto, a senior climate researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and one of the studys co-authors, emphasised that the continued reliance on fossil fuels is making heavy rainfall events more intense and destructive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pinto said that what were once seasonal storms have evolved into far more damaging catastrophes. Researchers urged immediate action to cut emissions, improve disaster preparedness and invest in resilient infrastructure to avert similar tragedies in the future. A US government funding shutdown looked increasingly certain Thursday after Senate Democrats rejected a key procedural vote to express anger over the killing of two protesters against President Donald Trumps hardline immigration crackdown. Democrats on Thursday voted to block legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security and several other federal agencies as negotiations with Republicans and the White House continued over proposed limits on President Donald Trumps stepped-up immigration enforcement. The 4555 procedural vote came amid Democratic warnings that the standoff could lead to a partial government shutdown when funding expires on Friday. Shortly before the vote, however, Trump said his administration was seeking to avoid a shutdown and suggested talks were under way on a potential compromise that would temporarily separate Homeland Security funding from the broader spending package. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest showdown follows the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis during encounters with federal agents. Senate Democrats, angered by the incidents, had earlier outlined a series of demands, including requiring officers to remove face coverings, display identification and obtain warrants before making arrests. Democratic leaders said failure to meet those conditions would prompt them to block the sweeping spending bill, which Republicans need Democratic votes to pass. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said that Democrats wont provide needed votes until U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reined in and overhauled" and that this is a moment of truth. The American people support law enforcement. They support border security. They do not support ICE terrorizing our streets and killing American citizens, Schumer said. Schumer has pushed Republicans and the White House to strip the Homeland Security funding from the rest of the bill, which includes money for the Defence Department and other agencies. In the deal under discussion, Homeland Security would still be funded but for a short time to allow for negotiations on the Democrats demands. Other agencies included in the bill would be funded through the end of September. Still, with no agreement and an uncertain path ahead, the standoff threatened to plunge the country into another shutdown just two months after Democrats blocked a spending bill over expiring federal health care subsidies, a dispute that closed the government for 43 days as Republicans refused to negotiate. That shutdown ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke away to strike a deal with Republicans, but Democrats are more unified this time after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., encouraged Democrats and the White House to talk and find agreement. Were getting closer, the GOP leader said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. Kicking off a Cabinet meeting, Trump said his administration is speaking with congressional Democrats. Were working on that right now, Trump said while declining to go into specifics. He added: We dont want a shutdown. Democrats lay out their demands Theres a lot of unanimity and shared purpose within the Democratic caucus, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said after a lunch meeting Wednesday. Boil it all down, what we are talking about is that these lawless ICE agents should be following the same rules that your local police department does," Smith said. There has to be accountability. Earlier Thursday, Tom Homan, the presidents border czar, said during a press conference in Minneapolis that federal immigration officials are working on a plan to begin drawing down the number of agents in Minnesota but that it would depend on cooperation from state authorities. Its unclear how far those assurances will go in satisfying Democrats. Amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, Schumer said Democrats are asking the White House to end roving patrols in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Democrats also want an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules. Schumer said agents should be required to have masks off, body cameras on and carry proper identification, as is common practice in most law enforcement agencies. The Democratic caucus is united in those common sense reforms and the burden is on Republicans to accept them, Schumer said, as he has pushed for the Homeland Security spending to be separated out to avoid a broader shutdown. Many obstacles to a deal As the two sides negotiated, it was unclear whether they could agree on anything that would satisfy Democrats who want Trumps aggressive crackdown to end. As the negotiations continued, it was unclear whether all Democrats would agree to a temporary extension of the funding. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, has said that Congress should not send another penny to ICE until Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is fired. And across the Capitol, House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to the bill they passed last week. In a letter to Trump on Tuesday, the conservative House Freedom Caucus wrote that its members stand with the Republican president and ICE. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security, according to the letter. Just ahead of the Senate vote, Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, called for Democrats to vote to move forward on the bill so they could negotiate the changes ahead of final passage. This mornings vote is about taking the first step, not the final step," Collins said. Still far apart on policy Several Republican senators have said they would be fine with Democrats request to separate the Homeland Security funds for further debate and pass the other bills in the package. But it might be more difficult for Democrats to find broad GOP support for their demands on ICE. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said he is opposed to the Democrats proposal to require the immigration enforcement officers to show their faces, even as he blamed Noem for decisions that he said are tarnishing the agencys reputation. You know, theres a lot of vicious people out there, and theyll take a picture of your face, and the next thing you know, your children or your wife or your husband are being threatened at home," Tillis said. And thats just the reality of the world that were in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham posted on X that he was putting his Senate colleagues on notice that if Democrats try to make changes, he would insist on new language preventing local governments from resisting the Trump administrations immigration policies. Democrats say they wont back down. It is truly a moral moment, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. I think we need to take a stand. With inputs from agencies The European Union is set to designate Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, aligning it with al-Qaeda and Hamas, escalating sanctions amid widespread protest repression and growing geopolitical tensions. In a historic pivot that fundamentally alters Europes diplomatic relationship with Tehran, the European Union is set to formally designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. This move, confirmed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on January 29, 2026, places the elite military branch on the same legal and symbolic footing as global jihadist entities like Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Hamas. The decision follows a dramatic shift in the European consensus. For years, major powers like France, Italy, and Spain resisted such a designation, fearing it would sever vital diplomatic backchannels and endanger European nationals held in Iranian prisons. However, a brutal domestic crackdown on mass protestswhich rights groups estimate has claimed thousands of livescoupled with Tehrans escalating military support for Russias war in Ukraine, has finally exhausted Brussels patience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you act as a terrorist: The rationale for red listing The designation serves as a direct response to the IRGCs role as the primary engine of state repression within Iran and its destabilizing axis of resistance abroad. Speaking ahead of the foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Kallas delivered a blunt justification for the move: If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. This blacklisting is more than symbolic. By adding the IRGC to its terror list, the EU triggers a comprehensive framework of restrictive measures: Asset Freezes: All funds and economic resources belonging to the IRGC within the 27-nation bloc will be seized. Legal Liability: European citizens and companies are strictly prohibited from providing any financial or material support to the group, creating a compliance nightmare for firms still engaged in the Iranian economy. Criminal Prosecution: Law enforcement agencies across Europe gain expanded powers to investigate and prosecute individuals associated with the Guards activities on European soil. A regional tinderbox: Retaliation and geopolitical risks The timing of the EUs decision is particularly sensitive. It comes amid heightened fears of direct military escalation between the United States and Iran. Tehran has already issued stern warnings, with state media quoting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as having fingers on the trigger to respond to any Western aggression. Critics of the move, including some MEPs, argue that while the designation is morally justified, it could be counterproductive. They warn that crushing sanctions often empower the IRGCs grip on the shadow economy while impoverishing the middle class, the very demographic pushing for social change. Furthermore, the IRGCs unique status as a formal branch of the Iranian military makes this designation unprecedented; never before has the EU labelled a core state institution of a sovereign nation as a terrorist group. Despite these risks, the EUs top diplomat insists that diplomatic channels will remain open, as the Iranian Foreign Ministry itself remains outside the terror listing. The move is intended to be a clear appeal to Tehran to end executions, restore internet access and cease its regional adventurism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hololei, an Estonian national, was investigated over alleged violations related to conflicts of interest, transparency, acceptance of gifts, and failures in document disclosure Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, attends the European Railway Summit in Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, on February 21, 2022. Reuters File The European Commission has dismissed senior official Henrik Hololei following an internal investigation that found he had breached EU rules, according to a Politico report, citing three officials. Hololei, an Estonian national, was investigated over alleged violations related to conflicts of interest, transparency, acceptance of gifts, and failures in document disclosure, according to documents reviewed by Politico last year. I am disappointed but I accept the decision of the Commission and Im happy that this long process has finally come to a conclusion, Politico quoted Hololei as saying on Thursday. Hololei previously served as a senior transport official at the European Commission and most recently as a Hors Classe Adviser in the Directorate-General for International Partnerships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Politico, he was formally notified on March 21, 2025, that the Commission had opened an internal disciplinary procedure against him. The case was based on confidential findings from a 2023 investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), launched following revelations published by Politico. A confidential document reviewed by the outlet last year showed the probe examined possible breaches of four articles of the Commissions staff regulations. On the basis of the findings of the investigation conducted by OLAF and of the disciplinary procedure, the College [of European commissioners] decided to remove the senior official from his post, a Commission official familiar with the matter said. Without naming the individual, Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen confirmed the conclusion of the disciplinary process. The European Commission has concluded a disciplinary procedure with regard to a senior official, she told reporters on Thursday. Three Commission officials with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed that Hololei was the official involved. Two of those officials, along with a fourth source, also confirmed that he was dismissed. This procedure established that the staff member concerned breached the applicable rules, Virkkunen said, adding that the college of commissioners had decided on appropriate and commensurate measures to apply to this senior official. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies After two deadly incidents, ICE in Minnesota has been directed to steer clear of protesters and focus on individuals with criminal charges. The revised guidance aims to reduce confrontations while maintaining targeted immigration enforcement in the region Demonstrators protests ICE operations and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical centre, died on Saturday after being shot multiple times during a brief altercation with border patrol agents in the Eat Street district of Minneapolis. Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7. AFP Federal immigration agents in Minnesota have been given new internal orders to steer clear of protesters and agitators as part of a recalibrated enforcement strategy following two controversial shootings that have sparked outrage and legal scrutiny. The guidance marks a shift in how US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carries out its operations in the state. Under the revised instructions, officers are told to DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS. It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation. No one is going to convince the other. The only communication should be the officers issuing commands, according to an internal email reviewed by Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This new approach comes in the wake of two fatal shootings in Minneapolis this month involving federal agents during immigration enforcement activities. In both cases, ICE and Border Patrol officers shot and killed US citizens at protests that drew heavy criticism and intensified clashes between federal authorities and local communities. As part of the updated guidance, ICE will also narrow its enforcement focus to immigrants with criminal charges or convictions, rather than broad sweeps that have drawn legal challenges in Minneapolis and other cities. The aim is to move toward a more targeted enforcement strategy that concentrates on individuals with a clear criminal nexus. President Donald Trump has publicly said he wants to deescalate tensions in Minnesota and nearby St. Paul, where protests have continued since the shootings. Yet video evidence and local accounts have undercut early federal claims that the deceased were aggressors, adding pressure on the administration to adjust its tactics. Also read | US immigration agents may have 'breached protocol' before Minneapolis shooting, White House aide says How will the new rule take effect? To implement the new guidance, ICE officers will now be equipped with megaphones to clearly articulate each step during arrests and limit direct confrontation with crowds. Officials are also encouraged to use tools like license plate checks to locate individuals with criminal histories, with Border Patrol assigned a support role in the regional operation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The change in orders also includes a leadership reshuffle, with border czar Tom Homan tasked with overseeing Minnesota operations, while Border Patrol commanderatlarge Gregory Bovinoknown for leading aggressive sweeps in several citieshas been demoted and is expected to retire soon. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has not immediately responded to Reuters requests for comment on the new directives. The Trump administration is meeting with senior Israeli and Saudi officials in Washington this week to discuss Iran as the president considers possible military strikes US President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters during a press briefing at the White House, on the one-year mark into his second term in office, in Washington, DC. Reuters File The Trump administration is holding separate talks this week in Washington with senior defence and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia to discuss Iran, as President Donald Trump weighs potential military strikes, according to a Reuters report, citing two people familiar with the matter. The meetings come amid rising tensions and a growing US military buildup in West Asia. On Wednesday, Trump urged Iran to negotiate over its nuclear programme, warning that failure to reach a deal could result in a US attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tehran responded by threatening strong retaliation. As part of the consultations, Israels military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, met with senior officials at the Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the White House on Tuesday and Wednesday, Reuters quoted a source as saying. Axios reported that Binder shared intelligence assessments on potential Iranian targets during the discussions. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was also in Washington for talks with US officials focused on Iran, Reuters quoted a second source familiar with the discussions as saying. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are seeking to de-escalate tensions and avert a wider regional conflict. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for military action against Tehran, state news agency SPA reported this week. According to multiple sources, President Trump is weighing a range of options against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and senior leaders aimed at encouraging domestic unrest. However, Israeli and Arab officials have cautioned that air power alone would not be sufficient to topple Irans clerical leadership. Trump has yet to make a final decision on a course of action, including whether to pursue military options, a US official and one of the sources were quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India-US relations, Jaishankar wrote on X External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi. Image Courtesy: @DrSJaishankar Ahead of his upcoming trip to the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi. Jaishankar said the talks focused on the many dimensions of our partnership and expressed confidence that the ambassador would help further strengthen India-US ties. Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India-US relations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India - US relations. pic.twitter.com/xLJFwJqtvY Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2026 Gor also shared the news about highly substantive discussion" with Jaishankar, covering a wide range of issues including defence, trade and critical minerals. Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more! pic.twitter.com/LzLmREibPd Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 29, 2026 Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more!" he wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., next week for a high-level meeting on critical minerals. The trip, planned for early February, will see him take part in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 4 at the State Department. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who officially assumed his role as the 27th ambassador on January 12, previously held senior positions in Washington, including Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House, overseeing key appointments and administrative matters. Earlier, Ambassador Gor highlighted the robustness of India-US defence cooperation, pointing to a 10-year defence pact signed last year that he said will significantly deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. Just last year the United States and India signed a 10 year defense pact which will significantly deepen our Defense Partnership. Joint exercises will continue, additional sales are in progress. This is a strong relationship! Thank you for hosting us Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh," Gor wrote on X, underscoring defence ties even as trade disputes continue to test the broader relationship. The ambassador also attended Indias Republic Day parade for the first time, calling it a privilege and a tribute to Indias Constitution and democratic values. In a post on X, Gor highlighted the participation of US-manufactured aircraft in the flypast, describing it as a strong symbol of the depth and strength of the US-India strategic partnership." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The comments came after Khans opposition party spokesman Zulfiquar Bukhari said earlier this week that the former premier was suffering from an eye condition and required immediate medical attention Pakistans imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan is in good health after undergoing a medical procedure for an eye ailment at a government hospital, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Thursday. Khan was examined by a team of doctors at Rawalpindis Adiala prison, where he is serving multiple prison sentences, before being taken to a government hospital on Saturday, where he underwent a 20-minute medical procedure with his consent. He is in good health, Tarar told the private Geo News television channel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The comments came after Khans opposition party spokesman Zulfiquar Bukhari said earlier this week that the former premier was suffering from an eye condition and required immediate medical attention. Bukhari had called for Khans personal physician to be granted access, warning on X that any further delay could result in irreversible harm. Tarars remarks followed days of speculation on social media that Khan had been taken to a hospital under heavy security over the weekend and returned to jail the same night. Khan has not been seen in public since his arrest in 2023 in a corruption case. In a statement on Thursday, Bukhari said Tarars remarks were very worrying and described the handling of the health issue as opaque and alarming. Khans family nor his legal team was informed before or after he was taken from prison for medical treatment, Bukhari said, adding that authorities had provided no verifiable details about his condition, the treatment administered or the doctors involved. Bukhari said the governments attempt to portray the eye condition as a routine medical matter raised more questions than answers. He expressed serious concerns about Khans health and demanded immediate access for his family and personal physicians, as well as full disclosure of the medical procedure and Khans current condition. He urged human rights organizations to monitor the situation, saying the treatment of a former elected prime minister in custody reflected broader concerns about the rule of law, prisoners rights and due process in Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After Khans arrest in 2023, Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, initially launched a campaign demanding his release, but the effort later subsided. Authorities recently restricted meetings between Khan and his family after relatives publicly conveyed political messages urging supporters to stage rallies against the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Khan has also used posts on X to criticize the military and Sharif for his removal from office in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has alleged that his ouster was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy carried out with the support of Sharif and Pakistans powerful military claims denied by Washington, the military and his political opponents. Khans party remains in opposition in parliament and he continues to command significant popular support across the country. Theyve never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice, said Trump US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to suspend attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week, as Russias strikes continue to leave Ukraine facing its harshest winter since the start of the conflict. Russian attacks on Ukraines power infrastructure have disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies for millions, raising fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis amid freezing temperatures. Because of the cold, extreme cold I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this, AFP quoted Trump as telling a cabinet meeting at the White House. Its extraordinary. Its not just like cold, its extraordinary cold. Record setting cold, over there too, they are having the same, its a big pile of bad weather, added Trump, comparing it to a current cold snap in Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Theyve never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice. There was no immediate response from the Kremlin, but Trump whose summit with Putin in Alaska last August ended without a breakthrough said he trusted the Russian leader to honor the agreement. I have to tell you, people said, dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that. And he did it, said Trump. And were very happy that they did it, because on top of everything else, thats not what they need is missiles coming into their towns and cities. Ukraines state weather agency on Thursday warned of a severe cold snap, with temperatures expected to plunge to as low as minus 30C in the coming days, as authorities scramble to restore essential services. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an evening address on Wednesday, cautioned of renewed Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. President Trump said there had been a lot of progress in Washington-brokered talks between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at ending Russias invasion, which is entering its fifth year. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed six people in central and southern Ukraine on Thursday, officials and emergency services reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio argued that the opaque and deeply entrenched nature of the Iranian government makes any post-Khamenei transition highly unpredictable US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned lawmakers that the potential fall of Irans ruling regime would trigger a succession crisis, admitting that no one knows who would fill the resulting power vacuum. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio argued that the opaque and deeply entrenched nature of the Iranian government makes any post-Khamenei transition highly unpredictable. No one knows He detailed a power structure fractured between the Supreme Leader, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and various quasi-elected individuals who ultimately lack the authority to make major moves without clerical approval. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thats an open question," Rubio told the committee. No one knows what would take over." The Secretary of State contrasted the situation with other regional shifts, noting that the long-standing nature of the current order in Tehran would necessitate careful thinking by American policymakers. He expressed a cautious hope that the US might eventually find a moderate element within the existing system to facilitate a stable transition, though he admitted such a path is far from guaranteed. I dont think anyone can give you a simple answer to what happens next in Iran if the supreme leader and the regime were to fall, other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition, he stated. Rubio backs Trumps military buildup Amid these uncertainties, Rubio defended the Trump administrations aggressive military buildup in West Asia, specifically highlighting the recent arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. He framed the deployment of thousands of additional personnel and advanced hardware as a wise and prudent defensive measure designed to protect the 30,000 US service members currently stationed within reach of Iranian ballistic missiles. Rubio emphasised that while Washington hopes to avoid conflict, the administration maintains the right to act first if American lives are at risk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And so I think its wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily whats going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively prevent the attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies, Rubio testified. Despite characterising the Iranian regime as being weaker than it has ever been due to internal unrest and economic decay, Rubio cautioned that Tehran remains a formidable military threat. He noted that the country has continued to amass an arsenal of thousands and thousands of long-range missiles despite its financial collapse, leaving the region in a state of high tension as the US waits to see if the current order will hold or fracture. Russia said on Thursday that there was still room for negotiation between Iran and the United States and warned that any use of force against Tehran would have dangerous consequences and cause chaos throughout the West Asia. Russia on Thursday urged restraint amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, saying diplomatic options remain open and warning that any military action against Tehran would risk destabilising the entire West Asia. The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump called on Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme, warning of possible military consequences if no deal is reached. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the scope for dialogue has not been exhausted and stressed that force would only deepen regional instability. He said efforts should remain centred on diplomatic channels rather than coercive measures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Peskov cautioned that any use of force against Iran could trigger very dangerous consequences and undermine the regions already fragile security architecture, adding that escalation would create widespread chaos rather than resolve disputes. Russia has significantly strengthened its relationship with Iran since the start of the Ukraine war, positioning Tehran as a key strategic partner. The two countries signed a 20-year strategic cooperation treaty in January 2025, further deepening political, economic and security ties. Sir Keir Starmer, left, meets Chinas leader Xi Jinping, right, in Beijing on Thursday. His trip is the first by a UK prime minister to China since 2018. File Image: AFP UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, calling Beijing a vital player on a global scale. Starmer is in China for a historic visit, aimed at bolstering economic ties between the two nations. This visit is significant since Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. In his opening remarks during a joint press conference with the Chinese leader, Starmer called Beijing a vital player on a global scale, adding that he looks forward to taking [both countries] relationship further. The last time the two leaders met face to face was back in 2024, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the BBC, during the Thursday meeting, Starmer told Xi that he wanted a more sophisticated relationship with China. Its been too long since a British PM visited the country, Starmer told Xi. The UK PM went on to stress the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China. Starmer said: It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago, when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outwards again. Because, as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel," he added. Engagement with China is unavoidable: Xi Meanwhile, Xi noted in his opening remarks that the UK-China relationship in recent years had seen twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries. China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries," Xi said. The Chinese president went on to describe the state of the world as turbulent and fluid Xi said more dialogue between the UK and China was imperative, whether it was for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries economies and peoples. In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations," he said. China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples," the Chinese leader averred. Engagement with China is an unavoidable issue, and I express my appreciation for this, Xi went on to say. Good things often take time and effort, he said. As long as something is the right thing to do and serves the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples We should take a long-term view, Xi said, adding that both countries should rise above differences and uphold mutual respect, he said. After the presser, the two leaders headed for a closed-door bilateral meeting. While it was initially scheduled for 40 minutes, the meeting, according to the BBC, has now extended to more than an hour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his trip to China, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in a bid to bolster trade ties between the two nations During his trip to China, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in a bid to bolster trade ties between the two nations. The historic talks are coming at a time when Starmer has been facing internal pressure amid fears that the US is no longer a reliable partner'. The visit is significant because Starmer will be the first British Prime Minister to visit China in the last eight years. According to The Guardian, Starmer is scheduled to hold a 40-minute meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing before several cultural and business receptions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On his way to Beijing, Starmer told reporters that he wanted to bring stability and clarity to bilateral relations after years of inconsistency under the Tories, when relations went from a golden age to ice age. Meanwhile, Beijing leadership has spied a political opportunity to improve links with one of the USs closest allies at a time of deep uncertainty in the transatlantic alliance. A cautious step Starmer, who is also scheduled to meet the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, on Thursday, insisted that he is clear-eyed about the threat China poses to the UKs national security, with Downing Street saying he would have guardrails in place to protect against espionage. Ahead of his visit, he vowed to raise the difficult human rights issues with the Chinese leadership, such as the case of Jimmy Lai, the former media tycoon and one of Hong Kongs most significant pro-democracy voices, with the UK government pressing for his release. Meanwhile, the UK will also keep a close eye on Donald Trumps reaction to the visit, and has insisted the UK will not be forced to choose between China and the US, amid rising trade tensions between the two superpowers. Despite this, Starmers visit has attracted fierce criticism from his political opponents in the UK, particularly after the government gave the green light for a Chinese mega-embassy near Tower Bridge in London. Following a speech in London, the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she would not visit China at this time if she were in charge. We should be talking more to those countries that are aligned with our interests, not the country that is doing everything it can to undermine our economy, Badenoch. Overall, Starmers visit will be watched closely. Tensions between Iran and the United States seemed to escalate after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Wednesday that its forces would retaliate strongly to any US military operation Tensions between Iran and the United States seemed to escalate after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Wednesday that its forces would retaliate strongly to any US military operation. While Araghchi claimed that Tehrans fingers on the trigger, he did not rule out a new deal on the countrys nuclear programme. Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea, the Iranian foreign minister said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Irans rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS, he furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The remarks from the Iranian diplomat came right after US President Donald Trump warned the West Asian nation that its 'time is running out to negotiate a nuclear deal. The US president said a massive Armada was moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet. Trumps warning It is pertinent to note that Trumps latest warning followed his promise that Washington would intervene to help those involved in the brutal and unprecedented crackdown on protests in the country earlier this month. Help is on the way, he said, before later changing his tune and saying he had been told on good authority that the execution of demonstrators had stopped. However, the American-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirmed the killing of more than 6,301 people, including 5,925 protesters, since the unrest began at the end of December. The body noted that it is also investigating another 17,000 reported deaths received despite an internet shutdown after nearly three weeks. Meanwhile, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has warned that the final toll could exceed 25,000. Interestingly, Trumps latest comments on Iran appeared to focus more on the country's nuclear programme. Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS, he wrote on Truth Social. The American leader went on to maintain that the naval force in the Gulf was larger than the one he sent to Venezuela before US forces seized the countrys former leader, Nicolas Maduro. Trump added that this force was ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. With inputs from agencies. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he planned on opening up Venezuelas air space after a discussion on Thursday with the countrys acting President Delcy Rodriguez. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had directed the reopening of commercial airspace over Venezuela, nearly a month after the US military operation to topple Nicolas Maduro. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump said he had recently spoken with Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, and had informed her of the decision to restore all commercial flights over the country. He said American citizens would soon be able to travel to Venezuela and assured that they would be safe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump added that he had instructed US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, along with other relevant authorities, including the military, to complete the reopening of Venezuelan airspace by the end of the day. eek, Trumps Republican administration notified Congress that it was taking the first steps to possibly reopen the shuttered U.S. Embassy in Venezuela as it explores restoring relations with the South American country following the U.S. military raid that ousted then-President Nicolas Maduro. The United States has kept Venezuelan airspace closed to commercial flights since the January 3 military operation that captured leftist leader Maduro, who now faces trial on drug and terrorism charges in New York. Trump also said that major oil companies were going to Venezuela now, scouting it out and picking their locations. Following the fall of Maduro, Venezuelas Rodriguez quickly signed oil agreements with Trump, who has declared that his administration now controls the sector the main engine of the Venezuelan economy. Diplomatic relations between the two countries collapsed in 2019, and the U.S. State Department warned Americans shouldnt travel to Venezuela, raising its travel advisory to the highest level. The State Department on Thursday still listed a travel advisory for Venezuela at its highest level, Do not travel, warning that Americans face a high risk of wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping and more. With inputs from agencies Charles Thompson was put to death in Texas, the first execution in the US this year. Convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend in 1998, the execution sparks renewed discussion on capital punishment practices and ethics Texas carried out the first execution of the year in the United States on Wednesday, putting to death a man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend. Charles Thompson, 55, was pronounced dead at 6:50 pm Central Time (0050 GMT) at a state prison in Huntsville, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Thompson had been sentenced to death for the 1998 murders of his ex-girlfriend, Dennise Hayslip, 39, and her boyfriend, Darren Cain, 30. The couple was shot at Hayslips apartment in a Houston suburb. Cain died at the scene, while Hayslip succumbed to her injuries in hospital a week later. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wade Hayslip, Dennises son from a previous marriage, who was 13 when his mother was killed, had planned to attend the execution. In an interview with USA Today, he described Thompsons death as the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. Im looking forward to the new one, he said. Execution trends in the US Last year, the United States carried out 47 executions, the highest since 2009, when 52 inmates were put to death. Florida led with 19 executions in 2025, followed by Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas, which each had five. Of last years executions, 39 were carried out by lethal injection, three by firing squad, and five by nitrogen hypoxia, a method in which nitrogen gas is pumped into a face mask, causing suffocation. The United Nations has condemned nitrogen hypoxia as cruel and inhumane. Currently, the death penalty is abolished in 23 US states, while California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have moratoriums in place. Trumps stance on capital punishment President Donald Trump is a staunch supporter of capital punishment and has made its restoration and expansion a central pillar of his second-term justice policy. He views the death penalty as an essential tool for deterring heinous crimes and has actively worked to increase its use since returning to office. On his first day in office (January 20, 2025), President Trump signed Executive Order 14164, titled Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Venezuelas interim government has agreed to submit a monthly budget to the Trump administration as the United States attempts to tighten its grip over the Latin American nation US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during an end-of-year press conference in the State Department Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC on December 19, 2025. AFP File US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Venezuelas interim government has agreed to submit a monthly budget to the Trump administration as the United States attempts to tighten its grip over the Latin American nation. Rubio noted that the budget would then release money from an account funded by the countrys oil sales and initially managed by Qatar. The remarks from Rubio came while he was addressing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The plan soon drew sharp, sceptical Democrats, with the American diplomat admitting that it was novel and hastily designed. It is pertinent to note that the Wednesday hearing was Rubios first public testimony to Congress since American forces captured Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, on January 3. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the hearing, Rubio assured senators that the Trump administration had established a very respectful and productive line of communication with the government of Delcy Rodriguez, Maduros second-in-command. As a result, he said that the Trump administration does not intend or expect to use military force against Venezuela at any time. However, in his opening statement to the committee, Rubio warned that the United States was prepared to use force to ensure maximum cooperation from Ms Rodriguezs government if other methods fail. Rubio details Trumps ambition It is important to note that Trump had previously maintained that the United States would control Venezuelas oil and run the country, but Rubio provided more details of the plan. The Secretary of State noted that the US would help Venezuelas government fund basic public services by disbursing proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan oil that is subject to American sanctions. Rubio insisted that the approach was necessary because of a fiscal crunch in Venezuela and that it was a short-term mechanism not meant to become permanent. They needed money in the immediacy to fund the police officers, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government, Rubio averred. They have pledged to use a substantial amount of those funds to purchase medicine and equipment directly from the United States," he added. While he acknowledged that the arrangement is unusual, he noted that the funds would initially be held in an offshore account controlled by Qatar before eventual transfer to a US Treasury account. I understand its novel, but its the best we could come up with in the short term, Rubio said. He explained that a third-party account was necessary because of US financial sanctions on Venezuela and because creditors to whom the country owes money, mainly from its seizure of American energy company assets roughly 20 years ago, could otherwise make legal claims on the funds that would complicate their disbursement. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has yet to comment on the matter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Rodriguez were to break ties with the U.S. rivals, it would open more opportunity for U.S. investment in Venezuelas energy sector U.S. intelligence reports have raised doubts about whether interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez will cooperate with the Trump administration by formally cutting ties with U.S. adversaries, four people familiar with the reports said in recent days. U.S. officials have said publicly they want the interim president to sever relations with close international allies like Iran, China and Russia, including expelling their diplomats and advisers from Venezuela. But Rodriguez, whose swearing-in ceremony was attended by representatives of those countries early this month, has yet to publicly announce such a move. She became president after the U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The U.S. intelligence reports said it was not clear if she is fully on board with the U.S. strategy in her country, according to the sources, who declined to be identified by name. CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled on January 15 to Caracas, where he discussed the countrys political future with Rodriguez. Reuters could not determine if those conversations changed the intelligence agencies opinion. Washington wants to rein in its foes influence in the Western hemisphere, including in Venezuela, where Trump seeks to exploit the OPEC nations vast oil reserves. If Rodriguez were to break ties with the U.S. rivals, it would open more opportunity for U.S. investment in Venezuelas energy sector. But failure to control Rodriguez could undercut Washingtons efforts to direct the countrys interim rulers from afar and avoid a deeper U.S. military role. The Central Intelligence Agency and the Venezuela government did not respond to requests for comment. Asked for comment, a senior Trump administration official, who declined to be identified, said U.S. President Donald Trump continues to exert maximum leverage over Venezuelas leaders and expects this cooperation to continue. ABANDON LONGTIME ALLIES? The CIA has previously assessed that officials loyal to Maduro, including Rodriguez, were best positioned to govern the country following his ouster. But critics of Trumps Venezuela strategy have expressed doubts about the wisdom of keeping Maduros loyalists in place as the countrys interim leaders. The concerns about Rodriguez reliability were present prior to the U.S. military operation, said two sources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Venezuela, the U.S. directive means abandoning its closest allies outside the region. Iran has helped Venezuela repair oil refineries while China has taken oil as repayment for debt. Russia has supplied weaponry, including missiles, to Venezuelas military. Trump has also cited communist-led Cuba as another U.S. foe he wants Venezuela to abandon. Havana has provided security and intelligence support while receiving cut-rate Venezuelan oil. Since Maduros removal, Rodriguez, whose deep ties to the oil sector are crucial to keeping the country stable, has taken steps to stay in favor with Washington including releasing political prisoners and authorizing the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. In a speech on Sunday, Rodriguez said she has had enough of U.S. intervention. Still, U.S. officials have also held positive calls with her in recent days, according to two of the sources. The Trump administration does not see an immediate alternative to working with Rodriguez, given it has publicly backed her so strongly, two of the sources said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But U.S. officials are developing contacts with senior military and security officials in case they decide to change their approach, a source briefed on Venezuela policy said. MACHADO CONSIDERED A LONGER-TERM OPTION TO RUN VENEZUELA The recent intelligence reports also found that opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is not currently able to run the country successfully in part because she lacks strong ties to the countrys security services or oil sector, the sources said. Some observers and Machados movement say it won a 2024 election that year by a huge margin, though the state backed a Maduro victory. She remains popular with Venezuelans. Trump told reporters last week he wanted Machado involved in the countrys leadership, without providing details. One person familiar with the administrations discussions with Machado said she is well-liked by the White House and is considered a longer-term option for a leadership position in Venezuela. The separate source briefed on Venezuela policy suggested that for now, Machado could be considered for an advisory role but no firm decision had been made. Representatives for Machado did not respond to a request for comment. With their security and defence partnership, India and the European Union (EU) are seeking a winwin arrangement to build a selfsustaining strategic powerhouse at a time when the United States and China are locked in an arms race and Europe is rearming amid threats unseen since World War II. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. (Photo: PIB) As the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) makes wave in geopolitical circles for becoming the mother of all deals, the defence and security tie-up between the two sides passed on a little under the radar. India and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday signed the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) that is nearly as ambitious if not more. It aims to create a mutually beneficial defence production ecosystem and open the European defence market to Indian exporters in the near future, according to people aware of the matter and analysts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In her statement beside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the SDP will deepen cooperation on maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, space security, and counterterrorism. But it is the aspirational aspect of the SDP that gives it real significance. Modi said the pact will allow Indian defence companies to gain new opportunities to work together on codevelopment and coproduction. Firstpost has learnt that European powers are looking to establish manufacturing hubs in India in a winwin arrangement in the coming years, and the SDP is set to be the stepping stone and a confidencebuilding measure towards that goal. ALSO READ Mother of all deals: India-EU partnership emerges as geopolitical stabiliser in fractured world This is what PM Modi hinted at when he spoke of new opportunities to work together on codevelopment and coproduction beside von der Leyen at the conclusion of the IndiaEU Summit, a person aware of the thinking behind the engagement told Firstpost. Separately, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh explicitly stated that India has its eyes on the EUs 800 billion ReArm programme particularly its 150 billion Security Action for Europe (Safe) component. Over the decades, India has developed close defence relationships with European countries such as France and Germany, but the EUs transformation in the wake of Russias fullscale invasion of Ukraine has changed Indias outlook and nudged it to aim for larger deals at the EU level, not just at the countrytocountry level, according to Swasti Rao, associate professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), OP Jindal Global University. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the EU embarks on its military transformation, it has launched a 150 billion Safe initiative for member states to jointly procure ammunition, artillery, airdefence systems, drones, and other equipment. This represents a massive market for Indian industry to tap into once India reaches a Safe participation agreement with the EU the SDP alone does not grant access to Safe as it serves more as a gateway. Once India joins Safe, it would be fully integrated into Europes military transformation, said Rao. India & EU move closer amid global churn India and the EU have moved closer on trade, security cooperation, and defence partnerships at a time when the world is in a churn not seen since World War II. The Russian war on Ukraine has had its side effect on the longstanding IndiaRussia defence relationship when India is in the middle of its modernisation drive against the backdrop of growing two-front challenge from Pakistan and China. Russias entrenchment in Ukraine has meant that supplies have slowed and deliverables from airdefence systems such as the S400 to ships and submarines are delayed. The Russian shadow war on Europe has forced the EU to transform from an economic bloc into a security and military player. Amid Russian aggression, US President Donald Trump has opened a second front: threatening an invasion of Greenland, weakening the EU by supporting farright anti-EU parties, and empowering Russia by effectively quitting the theatre and undermining Nato. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the IndoPacific, Trump has plunged the longstanding relationship with India to its lowest point in the postCold War era and marginalised the Quad, which had emerged as the fulcrum of the free worlds effort to counter Chinese aggression in recent years. He has also elevated China as a peer in the G2 arrangement and enabled Beijing to challenge the United States as the global hegemon. Such a churn driven by Trump as the worlds disruptorinchief has brought India and the EU closer on all fronts even as trade talks predate Trumps second term. India and the EU had many differences, but most of them were bridged over the past year only because of the urgency that President Trumps disruption brought. He rattled everyone with his unpredictability. India particularly misread him. And thats what made the IndiaEU FTA possible, said Rao, a consulting editor at The Print and a professor of geopolitics at JSIA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The moonshot IndiaEU defence partnership and Europes rearmament As both India and the EU grapple with Trumps trade and political coercion, they have put in motion a plan that if all goes well will lead to a selfsustaining, mutually beneficial defence ecosystem. The IndiaEU SDP that EU foreign and security minister Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed was merely the stepping stone. Firstpost has learnt that European powers are looking to establish a second line of defence production in India to secure supplies as Russian hybrid warfare has threatened defence manufacturing units in Europe. European leaders believe that Russian sabotage would be unlikely in India and that this second line of production would safeguard supplies for the EUs ReArmdriven transformation, Firstpost has learnt. At the same time, such a partnership would provide India with investments and the technical knowhow of sophisticated arms manufacturing, supporting the Make-in-India initiative and wider indigenisation efforts in the defence sector, a person familiar with the thinking behind the partnership told Firstpost. While India has longstanding defence relationships with European partners like France which have led to joint manufacturing in India and increased sourcing from Indian suppliers India now plans to pursue defence deals at the EU level rather than through just individual countries, the person said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the next logical step, as hinted by PM Modi and Singh, India will seek a safe participation agreement to unlock the 150 billion market for Indian suppliers. India would then look to leverage existing partnerships with European companies such as aircraft manufacturing with Dassault and Airbus, submarine manufacturing with TKMS and Naval Group, and tieups for airdefence systems with the likes of Thales along with military vehicles from BAE Systems to not only produce for India but also for Europes own rearmament. Instead of simple deals where one side orders and another supplies, the Modi government has made the codevelopment model central to its ambitions in defence manufacturing and heavy manufacturing more broadly. While the specifics of envisioned projects with the EU are not public, and the process is in its infancy at the moment, a likely structure under the codevelopment model mentioned by PM Modi after the IndiaEU Summit could see costs and profits shared in a winwin arrangement, according to Ram Singh, a professor of international trade at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For any procurement, EU member states buying equipment through the EU could make part of the payment in cash and invest the rest in a joint venture in India, Singh explained, This would help establish a second line of defence manufacturing to support European plants that are under strain from the conflict with Russia. In the initial phase, production is expected to focus on cartridges, artillery shells, and other massproduced defence items with limited to no transfer of technology. From this simpler outsourcing model, the partnership could gradually advance to more sophisticated manufacturing over time," Singh said. UK enterprises eye closer ties with China amid Starmer's visit 13:22, January 29, 2026 By Ma Jingjing and Tu Lei ( Global Times Visitors explore the UK Pavilion at the ongoing China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province on April 13, 2025. Photo: Chen Tao/GT Multiple British businesses on Wednesday expressed optimism about the long-term prospects of China's economy and vowed to continue to invest in the Chinese market, with a group of senior executives from more than 50 major British firms and representatives of British institutions accompanying UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on an official visit to China from Wednesday to Saturday. Starmer's visit to China provides a good opportunity for both sides to further expand cooperation on the existing basis, promote the development of trade in goods and services, advance two-way investment, and unleash growth potential, said Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, who is a member of the UK's business delegation. As an international bank based in the UK with a continuous presence of 168 years in China, Standard Chartered has always been optimistic about the long-term development prospects of China's economy and continuously invests and expands its business in the Chinese market, the bank said. It is understood that during the visit, Starmer is leading a delegation comprising senior executives from more than 50 major British firms and representatives of British institutions, representing Britain's leading sectors that span finance, medicine, manufacturing, culture and creativity, according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Such a large delegation reflects the sincerity of the Labour government and its pragmatic approach to cooperate with China, Li Guanjie, a research fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies under the Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "Previously, some UK governments took a relatively tough stance toward China, viewing China in terms of challenges and threats. However, judging from the current Starmer government's policy toward China, it is basically sending a signal of cooperation," Li said. In 2025, China-UK trade in goods reached $103.7 billion, with trade in services estimated to exceed $30 billion and two-way investment stock reaching nearly $68 billion. Pragmatic cooperation between the two countries is full of vitality, according to the MOFCOM. Despite changes in the external environment and mounting domestic difficulties and challenges in 2025, China's economy posted 5 percent growth to reach a record 140.1879 trillion yuan ($20.01 trillion), according to data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics. China's economic resilience and vitality has also elevated the confidence of British companies. "Our confidence in the Chinese market has never wavered, and we will continue to boost our localization strategy," said Fu Yue, head of corporate affairs for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong at British consumer health giant Haleon. Fu pointed to the company's full acquisition of its Tianjin joint venture and an agreement to expand production in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province. "These moves reflect our long-term commitment to the Chinese market, and we will also continue to reinvest our earnings in China. Achieving this progress would not have been possible without the support from China's efforts to build a 'service-oriented government' and the transparent regulatory environment," he said, noting that this also provides key impetus for Haleon to sustain its rooted development in the Chinese market. Today, China is a stabilizing force in the global economy and China's contribution to the world is also increasingly practical, Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group Club and CEO of London Export Corp, told the Global Times. He said that China's robotics and automation help other economies address labor shortages and productivity challenges, while clean technologies support global climate goals, which are the solutions that the world actively needs. "The strongest opportunities for China-UK economic and trade cooperation lie in high technology, life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and education. Robotics and automation stand out as areas where Chinese innovation and British expertise can work together in a very tangible way," he said. As to the future of China-UK bilateral trade, Li said that he is looking forward to the point where it can reach 150 billion pounds ($206.82 billion) a year. On the one hand, "as a developed economy, the UK primarily focuses on the services sector, and thus there is great room for its exports of services to China. On the other hand, the UK needs products that China manufactures. Therefore, China-UK economic and trade cooperation is promising if the British side takes a pragmatic attitude," Li said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Samsung has reported its earnings for Q4 2025, which ended December 31, 2025, in which the company posted 93.8 trillion won (USD 65.77 billion approx.) its highest-ever consolidated revenue, up 23.74% YoY and up 8.94% QoQ. It made an operating profit of 20.1 trillion won (USD 14.06 billion), up 209.23% YoY and up 64.75% QoQ, largely due to strong sales in Memory Business, and its all-time high for the quarter. For the whole of 2025, it posted 333.6 trillion won ($233.44 billion approx.) consolidated revenue, up 10.86% YoY. Operating profit was 43.6 trillion won (USD 30.49 billion), up 33.33% YoY. Samsung MX (Mobile eXperience) in Q4 2025 The MX and Networks businesses posted 29.3 trillion won in consolidated revenue, down 13.56% YoY, but down 14% QoQ. The division posted 1.9 trillion won in operating profit, down 9.52% YoY, and down 47.22% QoQ. The double-digit annual profit in 2025 is through flagship growth and stable sales of tablets and wearables, although smartphone sales declined in Q4 as new model launch effects normalized. Samsung MX Q2 2026 and 2026 expectations In Q1 2026, Samsung plans to further strengthen its AI smartphone leadership by delivering Agentic AI experiences with the launch of the Galaxy S26 series. It also aims to ensure sustained profitability driven by flagship sales expansion and resource optimization, in addition to addressing global competitive uncertainties by strengthening supply stability. In 2026, the MX Business intends to consolidate its mobile AI leadership by leveraging next-generation AI experiences as well as innovation in slimmer and lighter form factors. Additionally, it will pursue comprehensive growth across all segments via AI-driven product sales and new market expansion, while upholding a steadfast commitment to profitability through process optimization amid persistent cost pressures. Samsung DS (Semiconductors) in Q4 2025 The semiconductor unit reported an operating profit of 44.0 trillion won, up 46.17% from the previous year and up 32.93% from the previous quarter, a new quarterly record. In the quarter, despite limited supply availability, the Memory Business achieved record highs in quarterly revenue and operating profit by addressing strong conventional DRAM demand while expanding HBM sales amid an overall increase in prices. The Business focused on improving profitability via higher sales of high-value-added products such as HBM, server DDR5 and enterprise SSDs. Samsung DS Q2 2026 and 2026 expectations In Q1 2026, the ongoing AI boom is expected to continue driving favorable market conditions across the industry, and the Memory Business plans to keep prioritizing high-value-added products for AI applications. The Memory Business is on track to begin delivering HBM4 products this quarter including those with industry-leading 11.7Gbps performance with the aim of reestablishing a leadership position in the high-end HBM market. As for 2026, the Memory Business will continue to maintain close partnerships with customers based on product competitiveness and aims to address customer demand through the timely shipment of competitive HBM4 and the expansion of sales of AI-related products such as DDR5, SOCAMM2 and GDDR7. It also plans to proactively address AI-related NAND demand with a focus on scaling up sales of high-performance TLC products for Key Value SSD demand for inference. Colorado Mesa University Tech was awarded a nearly $225,000 federal grant, the school announced Wednesday, to provide Heat Pump Employment Ready certificates to students as part of their coursework, as well as to interested area trades workers through community education courses. The grant also helps cover costs for an addition to the schools Mobile Learning Lab fleet, to provide similar training in Montrose and Delta. The funding was celebrated by local businesses in the interior heating industry, two of which Grand Junction Winair and Avalanche Heating, Plumbing and Cooling wrote letters of support for the grant. The demand for trained and certified technicians is outpacing the current supply, wrote Jim Ostrander, Avalanches owner, in one of those letters. A heat pump certification program at CMU Tech would not only benefit students but also strengthen the local workforce and help companies like mine grow and serve our communities more effectively. Grand Junction Winair Education Director and Lead Service Representative Matt Peiffer said such classes would help modernize the regions training for its workforce. He hopes it will also help bridge a gap between rural western Colorado and the Front Range, where training opportunities are more readily available. Back in the day, the way you learned heating and cooling, or plumbing, was you rode with a guy, and hed show you everything he knows, said Peiffer, who is also an adjunct instructor at CMU Tech. Unfortunately, some of this is newer technology (and) there is nobody that did it back in the day there is nobody to learn it from. The heating and cooling technician of 25 years said the training was necessary to equip others in the trade on the Western Slope. There has been a nationwide push to move away from gas and propane furnaces and toward more environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient heat pumps, which use refrigeration to control interior temperatures rather than generating heat by burning fuel. While the newer systems have plenty of upsides, Peiffer said they were far more difficult to service and install than older, gas-powered technology, and required more specialized knowledge. That means the certificates now offered by CMU Tech can significantly improve recipients employability. I can teach a guy to install a furnace very, very quickly, he said. But to install a heat pump is a lot harder, because now I have to teach him how to do the piping I have to show him how to wire one of the most complicated HVAC systems in the industry, and regular heat pump systems have a lot of wires to them. And these are all field-installed, theyre not factory-installed. The school, for its part, said it was excited to offer new opportunities with the grant money. At CMU Tech, we work really closely with industry partners to determine what education is going to be most beneficial and relevant to not only our students, but also our local community, CMU Tech Vice President Brigitte Sundermann said in a statement. When we can create programs like this one that align with industry needs, our students are more successful and secure jobs easier. Sunday Night Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies with light rain and snow developing overnight. Low 33F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 30%. Reata Walden is pleased to announce that she has been awarded $1,500 through AgWest Farm Credit's Rural Community Grant program, to be used towards her 4-H Leadership Project. Her 4-H Leadership Project goal is to assist the Valley Ridge Runner's Saddle Club in refurbishing their arena and crow's nest. The funds granted to the Ridge Runners Restoration Project will impact the local community by increasing the usability of the arena for the Ridge Runners, Middle of Nowhere Pony Club, and all of Valley County. Walden is sourcing funding this winter and hopes to put improvements in place this spring and summer. AgWest's Rural Community Grants provide funds to non-profit organizations for projects that improve rural communities within Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This includes efforts such as building or improving facilities, purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate a local program, and funding capital improvements which enhance a community's infrastructure, viability and prosperity. For more information about the Ridge Runners Restoration Project, contact Reata Walden at 406-974-7780. For more information about the Rural Community Grant Program, please visit AgWest's Rural Community Grants' webpage, http://www.agwestfc.com/about/community-engagement/grants/rural-community-grants. Students from Glasgow and Frazer schools delivered strong performances at the Speech and Drama Divisional Meet held in Shepherd on Jan. 24, earning multiple top finishes and qualifying several competitors for the State Speech and Drama Meet scheduled for Jan. 3031 in Townsend. The top six finishers in each event advanced to state competition. Glasgow Speech and Drama Glasgow competitors posted impressive results across a wide range of events at Divisionals: DS Dramatic Solo: Tenley Knight, 8th place HI Humorous Interpretation: Ash James, 5th place HS Humorous Solo: Averylynn Terrel, 12th place; Emmy Gutow, 8th place Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Gabe Allen, 5th place SPOI Serious Program Oral Interpretation: Oliver Kemp, 5th place; Adam Weber, 9th place Impromptu: James Pearson, 3rd place Extemporaneous Speaking: Cody Lacock, 3rd place DI Dramatic Interpretation: Vick Overbey, Divisional Champion As a team, Glasgow earned third place in Speech Sweepstakes, highlighting the group's depth and consistency. The placement also brought home hardware to be added to the high school trophy cases. During the meet, competitors were briefly evacuated after a fire was reported at Shepherd High School. All students and staff were safely evacuated, and the final round of competition was relocated to Huntley Project High School, where the event concluded without further incident. Six Glasgow students-Vick Overbey, James Pearson, Cody Lacock, Oliver Kemp, Ash James, and Gabe Allen-will compete in their respective events at the state meet this weekend, Jan. 30 and 31, in Townsend. Frazer Bearcubs The small but mighty Frazer Bearcubs team of Marick Old Person and Nayla Old Person also found success at the Divisional Meet in Shepherd, held Jan. 24. Competing in Program Oral Interpretation, Marick Old Person placed second, while Nayla Old Person placed fourth. Both students finished within the top six, qualifying them for the State Speech and Drama Meet on Jan. 3031 in Townsend. The Frazer team will spend the week preparing for state competition, and community members are encouraged to show their support. Spirit Bags with treats and positive messages will be available in the school office as students head into another week of competition. Good luck to all local competitors as they represent their schools at State! The Valley County Health Department is reporting a high number of COVID-19 and influenza cases in the area. In response, the Health Department is offering drive-by testing for COVID-19 and Flu A & B, provided by Valley County Health staff. The testing is designed to be quick and convenient, allowing individuals to remain in their vehicles. Community members who are feeling ill and would like to be tested are asked to call the Valley County Health Department, 406-228-6205, to schedule an appointment. Health officials encourage residents experiencing symptoms to seek testing to help reduce the spread of illness in the community. Ken Austin, 66, of Bayard, Neb., peacefully passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, after battling ALS. Ken was born Sept. 10, 1959, in Glasgow, Mont., to Terry (Allen) and Alvin (Ernie) Austin. He was reborn in the waters of Holy Baptism on Feb. 17, 1991, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colo. In May of that same year, he and Janet Martin, of Bridgeport, Neb., were united in marriage. He and Jan traveled to Russia in 1999, and adopted two two-year olds, Daniel and Maria. Ken worked hard growing up, helping his parents' commercial fishing enterprise on Fort Peck Reservoir in northeast Montana as well as their Duck Creek Supper Club. He spent much of his free time racing dirt bikes and stock cars. He earned his bachelor's and master's degree in computer information systems from Regis University in Denver, Colo. As a self-described "computer nerd" Ken worked in several tech companies in the Denver metro area before landing at Oracle. The evolution of the internet created the opportunity for Ken to work remotely; so in 2001 he, Jan, and their two toddlers moved to Bayard, Neb., and built a straw bale house. Over the following years, he built up a small cow-calf operation as a relief from his computer screen. Ken is survived by his wife, Jan, and son Daniel, of Bayard; daughter Maria (Anthony) Watson and grandson Ryker, of Lindon, Utah; siblings Debi Miller and Wade (Vanessa) Austin. of Billings, Mont., Brian (Jenny) Austin, of Glasgow, Don Allen, of San Marcos, Calif .; and many extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Terry Austin; father and stepmother Ernie and Donna Mae Austin; parents in-law Ruben and Paula Martin; and nephew Cody Stensland. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 27, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, Neb., with Pastor Peter Preus officiating. Services were live streamed on Bridgman Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment followed at Oregon Trail Memorial Park Cemetery in Bridgeport. In lieu of any flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bridgeport or ALS in the Heartland, 1915 N. 121st St., Omaha, NE 68154. Online condolences may be made by viewing Ken's memorial page at http://www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements. Paid Political Content By Senator Gayle Lammers, R-Hardin, and Rep. Bob Carter, D-Missoula For more than two decades, the Montana Legislature has attempted to flip the switch on the inherent structural problems with the Public Service Commission, the primary body responsible for regulating investor-owned monopolies throughout the state. One only needs to scan the news headlines to see some of the problems plaguing the PSC. Allegations of misconduct, abuse, harassment, and unprofessionalism would cast a dim light on any work environment, which may be the reason for the shocking number of executive directors the agency has cycled through. It is said the PSC tends to be a parking spot for retired legislators who want to earn a six-figure income. Montana deserves better. First, we need to reform the process that allows for a politically charged culture. The challenges faced by the commission are inevitable when it is organized as a political popularity contest. There are no minimum professional or experience requirements to run for the PSC. Winning an election does not qualify one to do the serious job of regulating utilities. At a minimum, regulators should be required to have regulatory, technical or industry expertise - this is not the case in Montana. The current PSC structure dates to 1974, and Montana is only one of ten remaining states that still elect their commissioners to this important statewide agency. The first draft of our proposed restructured PSC uses a three-step process to appoint commissioners: 1.) The Montana House of Representatives (or likely a committee designated by the House) will research and choose a slate of candidates for an open PSC seat based on a set of minimum professional qualifications. 2. ) The governor chooses an appointment from a highly qualified slate of candidates. 3.) The Senate confirms the governors choice. It sounds simple, right? Of course, the devil is always in the details, and there are many details yet to work out. Key questions include: How strict to make the professional requirements? How many years will they serve? How to remove some of the politics from what should be a regulatory body? Should the Senate confirmation require a simple majority or more, to ensure broad acceptance? Should there be a cooling off period to prevent conflicts of interest with the regulated industries? Do we dissolve the current commission and start fresh with newly appointed professionals? These are just a few of the questions we intend to answer over the next year before the full legislature meets again. On January 15, we presented our draft proposal to the legislative Energy Interim Committee and the committee voted unanimously to move forward with an initial bill draft proposal. Our bill draft includes many concepts that are working well in other states, and we will continue our efforts to reach out to stakeholders across the state over the next year while we refine this proposed policy. Integrity and transparency will be key to our bill drafting process to make for a better Public Service Commission here in Big Sky Country. The energy picture in Montana has shifted over the past decade and will change even more in the future. The importance of modernizing the PSC cannot be overstated. In an era of increasingly complex energy challenges, we need an updated regulatory structure to balance affordability, reliability, and forward-thinking strategies. It is time to reject the status quo and provide consistency to the regulatory process. A reformed PSC is one that will ensure regulatory decisions are made to drive long term economic growth and a brighter future for our citizens and businesses alike. Man convicted of spying for Mossad, assisting Israel's failed sabotage plot executed in Iran Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 8:54 AM A man convicted of espionage for Israel's spy agency Mossad has been executed in Iran following the completion of legal procedures and confirmation of the verdict by the Supreme Court, according to the Judiciary. Hamidreza Sabet Esmaeilpour, who was found guilty of maintaining contact with a Mossad officer and transferring classified documents and information, was arrested in April. Judicial officials said the case began after security units became suspicious of Sabet Esmaeilpour's covert contacts with individuals linked to Israeli espionage networks. Subsequent investigations uncovered financial transactions involving cryptocurrency conversions, with funds allegedly transferred through an exchange office to accounts belonging to one of his relatives. Further probes into his online activities reportedly showed that he had sent documents to an Israeli spy. According to the investigations, his activities included logistical and operational support for a failed Israeli sabotage operation targeting missile-related facilities of Iran's Ministry of Defense. The operation was thwarted by Iran's intelligence services in 2022. The Judiciary said Sabet Esmaeilpour admitted during interrogations that he had established contact with Mossad through online communication and later exchanged emails with an individual identified as "Mike," who requested his personal and professional details. He was then instructed to communicate via encrypted platforms and follow specific security protocols. Officials stated that, according to his confessions, he initially carried out smaller tasks such as placing items in designated locations, conducting surveillance, and moving equipment to gain the trust of the spy agency, receiving payments in return. Investigators said he later carried out multiple vehicle transfers in the provinces of Isfahan and Lorestan, under the direction of Mossad officers. Some of the vehicles were later found to contain explosive materials, according to security officials. In one account cited by authorities, Sabet Esmaeilpour described being instructed to guard a house in a village in Lorestan Province, retrieve a mobile phone left inside, and later move a vehicle to different locations, where he was instructed to hand over or collect equipment. He also described additional vehicle transfers in Isfahan, during which he was directed to retrieve electronic devices concealed inside objects. The Judiciary said Sabet Esmaeilpour also photographed and transmitted classified documents to Mossad, taking advantage of temporary access to sensitive materials. He was ultimately identified and detained while still in contact with Mossad handlers, according to the statement. Authorities said that after his arrest, monitored communications helped security agencies uncover additional sabotage plots. Following the completion of judicial proceedings, including hearings in which the defendant and his lawyer presented defenses, the court sentenced Sabet Esmaeilpour to death on charges of espionage and cooperation with Israel. The ruling also ordered the confiscation of assets deemed to have been acquired unlawfully. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The FSB, Lies, And Drunk Texting The FBI: The Curious Case Of Nomma Zarubina By Mike Eckel January 28, 2026 Just after 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of December, in the lower Manhattan courthouse for the US Southern District of New York, a 35-year-old Russian woman and mother of a young daughter stood before a federal judge and pleaded not to be sent to jail. "My life now seems like a tragedy because I get almost every day threats from many people from many countries who think that I was a spy but they don't know the whole story," Nomma Zarubina told the court, in near-fluent English. "No one knows the whole story." About 12 months earlier, Zarubina had been arrested and charged with repeatedly lying to the FBI about her interactions with Russia's main domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service. For years, authorities alleged, Zarubina cultivated relationships with journalists, think-tank experts, and academics, as well as Russian opposition activists in the United States at the specific instruction of intelligence officers in Russia. At the December 2 hearing, the judge was less interested in the whole story than in the fact that in recent months Zarubina had allegedly sent scores of text messages and photographs, often while drunk, to one of the FBI agents who had interviewed her previously. Prosecutors said she was "taunting" the agent. "How are you?" she wrote in one of several text messages that were filed in court records. "I'm so tired. Everything is so f***ed up." During the December 2 hearing, Zarubina lashed out at the FBI, including the very agent she was accused of stalking, who was in the courtroom. The FBI "actually work the same like Russians work," she said. "They frame people, they build cases. You know this. They essentially inflated [my] case all the time, and now all of you are very focused on my drinking, but I don't drink often." The judge was sympathetic but unimpressed. He ordered her jailed, pending trial. Zarubina's case is the latest in a series that have drawn public attention -- and fascination. Maria Butina, Natalia Burlinova, Elena Branson, Aleksandr Ionov -- all Russians with direct links to Moscow intelligence spending years forging ties in emigre circles and building networks among Western think tanks, journalists, and cultural groups. Zarubina "acted as a very good access asset: She established initial contacts with persons of interest and made sure she was remembered, so those contacts could be exploited later, by her or by other, more skillful operatives," said Andrei Soldatov, an investigative journalist and co-author of a book about Russian emigre communities and how frequently they are infiltrated by Russian intelligence agencies. "It is a very good, traditional tactic." 'A Clearer Idea Of The Peculiarities' The FBI said it "first approached" Zarubina on October 5, 2020, in connection with an investigation into Branson, another Russian woman who had lived and worked in New York for years. About a week before the FBI interviewed Zarubina, agents raided Branson's Manhattan apartment, executing a search warrant. The apartment, which Branson owned as a result of her divorce years earlier from the late Princeton University economist William Branson, doubled as a home office for the organization she ran called the Russian Center New York. Three weeks after the FBI search, Branson fled to Russia. In a subsequent interview with state TV, she said armed FBI agents took iPhones, iPads, computers, documents, and tax declarations during the search. About 18 months later, in March 2022, US prosecutors filed criminal charges against Branson, accusing her of working as an unregistered agent of the Russian government for nearly a decade. A native of the Siberian city of Tomsk, Zarubina immigrated to the United States in 2016 after graduating from an elite Moscow university. She went to work for Branson, helping to run the website for the Russian Center, which promoted Russian cultural events with funding, and explicit guidance, from Russian authorities. Branson was also the godmother of Zarubina's daughter, and Zarubina said she was close to Branson's daughter. In Washington and elsewhere, Zarubina was a prolific networker, joining panel discussions and advocacy groups, attending book talks, hobnobbing with Russians and Americans alike. She posted scores of photographs to her social media accounts. She spoke at eventsin Washington and Ottawa, including one discussing "decolonizing Russia." In the fall of 2022, she landed a fellowship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a well-known Washington think-tank. "Long-term living abroad and various joint projects with people in different fields have given [Zarubina] a clearer idea of the peculiarities of working with the Russian and American government authorities using public diplomacy," according to her profile. The center removed it after her arrest, citing its inability to verify her professional background. She also traveled regularly back to Russia, and beginning in December 2020, she was in contact with an FSB officer from her hometown, Tomsk. According to court filings, she signed an agreement to help the FSB with "network marketing." Her FSB contact gave Zarubina a code name, Alyssa, as well as list of individuals at US think tanks and other organizations, and told her to obtain information about them or contact them, court records say. She also met with Branson, who pressed Zarubina for information about the status of Branson's own case. In early 2022, Branson requested Zarubina ask the FBI if it was safe for Branson to travel back to the United States, Zarubina told the FBI. Over the course of next four years, Zarubina also sat for at least five interviews with the FBI -- in which, among other things, she described her interactions with an FSB officer with whom she "developed a personal relationship." The FBI obtained a search warrant to search her cell phone, a warrant directly tied to her relationship with Branson, according to court records. In her final interview with the FBI, on July 24, 2024, Zarubina allegedly showed agents the contact information for one of the FSB officers whom she felt manipulated her, according to court records, which "ultimately led to a fracture in their relationship." On November 21, 2024, Zarubina was arrested. Prosecutors later added more charges: transporting women around the New York region for prostitution and lying on her US immigration application. Butina, Burlinova, Branson, And More Zarubina's actions -- and the allegations she was working at the behest of the FSB -- fit into a pattern of cases over the past decade. Her relationship with Branson is a central element in her prosecution by US authorities. However, they face two sets of charges: Zarubina, primarily lying to the FBI; Branson primarily being an unregistered foreign agent. Branson's prosecution stems from allegations that she closely coordinately her work at the Russian Center New York and related groups with Russian government officials and received "tens of thousands of dollars." In two other similar cases, US authorities said they pinpointed a specific FSB office that was directing and coordinating work of the people in the United States. The first was Natalia Burlinova, who founded a nongovernmental group called Creative Diplomacy that hosted young journalists, public policy specialists, and newly minted graduate students from the United States and Europe at annual events in Russia. Participants attended lectures given by former Russian spies. The second was Aleksandr Ionov, a Russian businessman who founded an NGO called the Anti-Globalization Movement and pushed a quixotic effort to get the state of California to secede from the United States. The FSB unit that oversaw both those efforts, according to US officials, was the Second Directorate, formally known as the Service for the Protection of the Constitutional System and the Fight Against Terrorism. The unit's chief and a subordinate officer coordinated the effort. Another case that drew wide attention was that of Maria Butina, a Russian graduate student who was an active networker particularly among activists from US gun-rights groups, as well as the Republican Party. Arrested in Washington in 2018, she pleaded guilty to working as an unregistered foreign agent and spent 15 months in US prison before being released and deported back to Russia, where she was later elected to parliament. In the October 2021 Russian state TV interview where Branson discussed some of the details of the FBI raid and her decision to flee the US, the interviewer was Butina. 'So Many Spies' After Zarubina's arrest, she was released on $25,000 bail, her travel restricted, and her passport confiscated. In an extensive interview with RFE/RL's Siberia Realtiesconducted shortly after her release on bail, Zarubina confirmed she had numerous contacts with the FSB during her trips. She said she had been forced into working with them. "They wrote to me, sometimes threateningly, because that's basically how they work -- like, 'We see everything, we're kind of keeping an eye on you, even there in New York,'" she told RFE/RL. In the spring and summer of 2025, she spent most of her time in Brooklyn, where she had an apartment and lived with her young daughter. That September, Zarubina received court permission to spend a week in Texas, where her daughter was at the time, according to court records. It wasn't clear why her daughter was there. She also, prosecutors said, sent scores of messages on several occasions to one of the lead FBI agents in her investigation. Some of the messages included photographs of her standing outdoors in a cowboy hat, drinking what appeared to be glasses of red wine. Some were sent in the dead of the night. "I need you. Call to the court. Please. Wake up. You are SO smart," she said in one string of disjointed messages sent at 4 a.m. on September 13. "So many Russians. And Prostitutions in Manhattan." "Catch me baby. So many spies," she wrote. In September, prosecutors accused her of stalking the FBI agent and asked the court to revoke her bail. Her court-appointed defense lawyer told the court that the texts were "largely a byproduct of her being intoxicated and texting the agent while drunk. This is supported by the incoherent nature of the text messages and the time of day in which they are sent." "While Zarubina's text messages may certainly be an annoyance to the [FBI agent], these messages do not suggest that she poses a danger to him," the lawyer, Kristoff Williams, wrote in his September 22 filing. Williams did not respond to e-mails seeking comment. The court ordered her to attend alcohol abuse treatment and "intensive" mental health counseling. At a final emergency hearing on December 2, however, prosecutors said Zarubina had continued sending messages, despite previous warnings, accusing her of "relentlessly and illegally harassing an FBI witness." In her own remarks to the court, Zarubina said she felt she had been manipulated, or used, by the FBI. She said she had provided evidence and other information to the bureau about her FSB contacts. "Honestly very deep inside I'm proud that I produced and shared so much valuable information with the FBI, even though they never appreciated that," she said, according to a court transcript. "And that's what I got from them, a pack of candy, chocolate candy, after all our meetings." She brandished a pack of candy to the court. The judge cut her off and revoked her bail. Her trial is scheduled for June. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-nomma-zarubina-fsb- fbi-lying-spy/33661443.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 Contracts Contracts for Jan. 28, 2026 ARMY SAVIT Corp.*, Rockaway New Jersey (W15QKN-26-D-A032); The Lockwood Group,* Belcamp Maryland (W15QKN-26-D-A033); Total Technology Inc., Mount Laurel, New Jersey (W15QKN-26-D-A034); Logisys Technical Services Inc., Huntsville Alabama (W15QKN-26-D-A035); Progsit LLC,* Dumont New Jersey (W15QKN-26-D-A036); SPAARK Skies LLC,* Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (W15QKN-26-D-A037); WisEngineering LLC,* Denville, New Jersey (W15QKN-26-D-A038); Bigelow Family Holdings, doing business as, Mettle Ops,* Sterling Heights, Michigan (W15QKN-26-D-A039); Pioneering Decisive Solutions Inc., California, Maryland (W15QKN-26-D-A040); and Universal Technical Resource Services Inc., Cherry Hill, New Jersey (W15QKN-26-D-A041), were awarded a multiple-award, task order contract with a shared ceiling of $467,695,553 for omnibus research and development, engineering, and support services for the Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center in the areas of large caliber cannon engineering support, weapons research technical support, system testing and diagnostics, and netcentric support. Work locations will be determined with each order. The estimated completion date is Jan. 27, 2031. Funding will be obligated with each order by fiscal year and fund type as requirements are identified. The contracting activity is Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey. Intuitive Research and Technology Corp., Huntsville Alabama (W31P4Q-20-A-0010, W31P4Q-25-F-0279), was awarded a $24,418,233 modification (P00003) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price time-and-materials contract, bringing the total cumulative face value to $73,952,4723. This modification raises the contract ceiling and realigns funding and hours to support current and incoming requirements for systems engineering and technical assistance technical support. Work locations will be determined with each order. The estimated completion date is Sept. 26, 2026. Funding will be obligated incrementally by fiscal year and fund type as requirements are identified. The contracting activity is Army Contracting Command, Aviation Logistics, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. NAVY CAPE-APTIM JV1 LLC,** Norcross, Georgia, is awarded a $95,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for environmental remedial action services at environmentally contaminated sites. Work will be performed at Navy and Marine Corps installations and other government agencies throughout the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic area of responsibility and is expected to be completed by January 2031. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, is $95,000,000. Fiscal 2026 environmental restoration, (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at time of award to satisfy the minimum guarantee and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov website, with three offers received. NAVFAC Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-26-D-0004). Ultra Maritime, Braintree, Massachusetts, was awarded a $59,603,232 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for production of acoustic device countermeasures MK3 and MK4 for in-service submarines. Work will be performed in Braintree, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by January 2031. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,500,333 (88%); and fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,152,032 (12%), will be obligated for production of acoustic device countermeasures and launch tubes under delivery order N00024-26-F-6227 and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The requirement was competitively procured through full and open competition via System for Award Management with one offer received in response to this solicitation. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-26-D-6214). (Awarded Jan. 26, 2026) Black Hills Ammunition Inc.,* Rapid City, South Dakota, is being awarded a $28,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 5.56mm reduced ricochet limited penetration MK 255 MOD 1 ammunition. This contract does not include options. Work will be performed in Rapid City, South Dakota, and is expected to be completed by January 2031. Fiscal 2026 Defense procurement funding in the amount of $455,664 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured on the basis of 100% Small Business Set-Aside, and four offers were received via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment Solicitation module. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contract activity (N0016426DJN17). American Structurepoint Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, is awarded a combined $12,000,000 firm-fixed-price, single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0016426D1025) for architect-engineer services related to construction projects located at Naval Support Activity Crane, Indiana, inclusive of Lake Glendora Test Facility. American Structurepoint Inc. will be awarded $491 (minimum contract guarantee) at contract award. This contract is for a cumulative value of $12,000,000 over a five year period. Work will be performed at Naval Support Activity Crane, Crane, Indiana (90%); and Lake Glendora Test Facility, Sullivan, Indiana (10%), and is expected to continue through January 2031. Fiscal 2026 working capital funding in the amount of $491 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be made available at the task order level as contracting actions occur. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website with four offers received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $9,542,931 firm-fixed-price order (N0001926F1020) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001923G0002). This order is for the production and delivery of tooling in support of CH-53K gearbox and main rotor head maintenance, repair, and overhaul for the CH-53K rotary wing aircraft for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed in August 2027. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,542,931 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $9,500,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost contract modification to a previously awarded delivery order (N00024-25-F-6260) under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-25-D-6211) to exercise options for engineering support related to submarine electronic warfare systems on new construction and in-service submarines. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed by February 2027. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,867,641 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE L3Harris Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $62,749,158 modification (P00353) to previously awarded (FA8823-20-C-0004) for the Eglin Radar, round based Electro Optical Deep Space Surveillance Telescope, Space Surveillance Telescope, and Agile Portfolio Engineering Sustainment Option Year Seven. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $1,506,007,631 from $1,443,258,473. Work will be performed at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2027. No funds are being obligated at the time of award; fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds; and fiscal 2026 research development test and evaluation funds, will be incrementally funded prior to the period of performance start date. The Space Systems Command Directorate of Contracting, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity. General Dynamic Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, has been awarded a $19,138,520 Option Year Seven modification (P00034) to a previously awarded contract (FA489019FA022) for the Distributed Common Ground System network weapon system. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $151,513,053 from $132,374,532. Work will be performed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; and Beale Air Force Base, California; and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2027. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $15,396,233 are being obligated at time of award. The Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Hampton, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Merchants Foodservice, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been awarded a maximum $47,465,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a 315-day bridge contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 12, 2026. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-26-D-3010). Gentex Corp., Carbondale, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $17,150,236 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for ballistic helmet-2 and associated subcomponents. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 29, 2031. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0022). DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY American Systems Corp., McLean, Virginia, is awarded a firm-fixed-price contract (HT001126FE007) in the amount of $11,237,189 for continued enterprise development, sustainment, and maintenance support to the Defense Occupational and Environment Health Readiness System - Industrial Hygiene (DOEHRS-IH) and Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System Hearing Conservation systems. Enterprise sustainment involves maintenance for defects, cyber-security, including hardware and operating system updates of all environments. Ongoing sustainment and maintenance activities across the DOEHRS-IH Enterprise will ensure the DOEHRS-IH Web Application, Data Warehouse, and reporting capabilities are available to the worldwide user community. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance; and research and development funding, was obligated at the time of award. Place of performance is McLean, Virginia. Period of performance is Jan. 6, 2026, to Jan. 5, 2027. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division Falls Church, Virgina, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 6, 2026) *Small business **Small business joint venture https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4392289/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today Lithuania and Germany partner to strengthen the new security architecture in Europe, says R. Kaunas Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2026-01-27 German brigade in Lithuania | International cooperation | Security and defense policy Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas is conducting a visit to Berlin where he has met with minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius. Ministers have discussed the bilateral defence cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, defence procurement and industrial cooperation, regional security situation, assistance to Ukraine, and infrastructure development for the German Brigade Lithuania. "Today Lithuania and Germany partner to strengthen the new security infrastructure in Europe. We must keep going deepening our cooperation further. Germany's leadership in defence of the eastern flank of NATO is invaluable. The Government, business and public of Lithuania understand well the importance of stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania," Minister R. Kaunas underscored. 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. Among the topics discussed at the meeting Ministers addressed opportunities for expanded and deepened bilateral defence cooperation leading to a deeper integration. Minister R. Kaunas underscored the impressive potential of cooperation on shortage of limited or critical resources through mutual development and integration in order to ensure efficient response to the growing threat of Russia. Lithuania aims to enhance cooperation on air defence, cyber defence, UAV and systems, special operations forces and maritime surveillance, to achieve a force capable of operation as one team. Security and defence were once again mentioned to reiterate it was Lithuania's key priority. As of this year, Lithuania commits 5.38% of GDP to defence, that amounts to EUR 4.8 billion which is a historically biggest defence budget of Lithuania. Defence spending is planned to range between 5-6% of GDP at least until 2030. Development of the national Lithuanian Division remains among top priorities as key contribution to the NATO collective defence, alongside the stationing the German Brigade in Lithuania and providing all the necessary infrastructure for that. Also, Lithuania has recently passed a decision to develop a new Brigade-sized military area in the vicinity of the Suwalki Gap. The Lithuanian side assured Federal Minister B. Pistorius of Lithuania's strong commitment to supply the necessary infrastructure the German Brigade required. 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. At the bilateral meeting, Ministers also discussed assistance to Ukraine and the commitments to continue it. Lithuania made a commitment to transfer EUR 30 million to the Patriot Initiative and pledged EUR 25 million for the PURL fund, including finance for air defence capabilities. Lithuania renders long-term assistance to Ukraine in the form of at least 0.25% of GDP spending. The significant German contribution to the Lithuanian and Icelandic co-led Capability Coalition for Demining was praised. The Coalition achieved good results in 2024-2025 in training and equipping eight Ukrainian EOD battalions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 28 January, 2026 On January 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered a speech at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, followed by a question-and-answer session with MPs. The full speech of the Minister is presented below. "Madame President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Secretary General, Madame Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly, Distinguished Members of the Parliamentary Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me start by extending warm congratulations to you, President Bayr, for assuming the leadership of this august body and wish you all the success during your tenure. I would also like to express gratitude to you for the opportunity to address this highly respected European agora of democratic debate. And of course, my special thanks to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Alain Berset, for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. It is an honour and a privilege to address the Assembly on the occasion of the twentyfifth anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's accession to the Council of Europe. We have gathered to celebrate the valued membership of Armenia in the Council of Europe and to recognise Armenia's remarkable achievements over the recent years in ensuring the rule of law and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This jubilee provides an opportunity to reflect on the path we have travelled together - the challenges faced, the moments of shared resolve, and the achievements made possible through joint efforts. It is also a chance to reflect collectively on today's common challenges and uncertainties, such as: - hybrid attacks against democracies, including malicious spread of disinformation and weaponization of information, - foreign interferences into domestic democratic processes such as elections, - last, but not least, undermining international law and the erosion of the multilateral system. All of these put our values and principles to the test, and it is our shared responsibility to safeguard them in an increasingly complex and fragile international environment. he 75-year legacy of the Council of Europe as a standard-setter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law empowers the Organization to expand its role in countering global democratic backsliding and contributing to the restoration of trust in the international architecture. Distinguished Members of the Parliamentary Assembly, Since Armenia's accession, the Council of Europe has played a significant role in nurturing hope for democratic values and in their eventual incorporation into the very fabric of Armenian society and statehood. Each reform, each ratified convention, each institutional development has meant not just a technical change, but tangible and practical improvement in the lives of ordinary citizens. Armenia's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights introduced the right to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, providing a place where citizens can seek justice and fairness when the domestic legal remedies fall short. The abolition of capital punishment guaranteed the fundamental right to life, ensuring that no individual can be sentenced to death. The establishment of the Human Rights Defender institution gave a direct and independent channel to alert bout rights violations committed by the state, providing ordinary people with a mechanism to seek restoration of their rights without necessarily going through long court battles. The Venice Commission, through its legal opinions, acted as a "watchdog," aimed at ensuring that legislative reforms met international standards. The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) provided regular monitoring and pressure to implement transparent anti-bribery laws and promote integrity within government. Accession to the European Charter of Local Self-Government empowered local communities to manage their own affairs with greater autonomy from the central government. Ladies and gentlemen, I named only basic illustrative examples, but, of course, the list can go on and on. But let us be very frank, and I really hope that this message won't be misunderstood. This process of prescribing reforms from outside could have continued for ages without reaching the finish line - turning Armenia into a democracy - because there was no genuine interest on the level of government. Thus, in Armenia, people changed the government, becoming the driving force behind change and democracy. Madame President, The peaceful democratic Revolution marked a turning point in the modern history of our country. After tasting the bitterness of all previous failures, in 2018, I myself walked along hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens, my sisters and brothers, who filled the streets and cities of Armenia, not with weapons, but with open hands and a fierce, burning belief that we deserved better - fair and legitimate elections and right to form government through our votes; open, accountable, and transparent governance; state institutions free from corruption; social justice; taxes being spent on building schools and roads for the people, not castles and private estates for oligarchs and corrupt officials; businesses operating without paying bribes to officials and competing without artificial monopolies; an independent and efficient judiciary. And we proved that our nation can choose its own destiny. Since 2018, Armenia has implemented extensive reforms. Our achievements registered since are reflected in the indices of reputable organisations like Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, Transparency International and many others, and, of course, in the reports and resolutions of this very prestigious body. Most importantly, Armenia successfully conducted two snap parliamentary elections that earned both domestic and international recognition as completely free and fair, including by this august body. These milestones demonstrated a genuine transition, ensuring that the will of the citizens is accurately reflected at the ballot box. This June, Armenia will hold parliamentary elections. For us, it represents a vital milestone in cementing the irreversibility of our democracy. It is the moment where the Armenian people will once again demonstrate that their will is the only source of power in our country. However, we are not naive to the realities of the modern world. We know that the enemies of freedom do not sleep. We must acknowledge that they can be very creative, they are ready to pump millions of dollars into propaganda machines and illegal schemes of interference, and they own near-limitless media resources. They want to derail our sovereign choice for peace and democracy, and they want to take us back into the darkness of authoritarianism, endless conflict with neighbours and weak sovereignty. They want to use the very tools and mechanisms of democracy to destroy democracy. Confronting these challenges has become a daily activity. Of course, there comes the dilemma and the delicate line between upholding the freedom of expression, pluralistic media on one hand, and, on the other hand, the decisiveness to confront the malign actors aiming to misuse the freedom and undermine the trust in society, our democracy itself. Those efforts will only increase as Armenia is heading towards parliamentary elections this year. But, I stand here to tell you: they will not succeed. Our society has developed an immunity to lies, and our resolve to defend our hard-won freedoms is stronger than any shadow operation. To protect democracy in Armenia, we will rely on democracy itself and the mechanisms it provides, as also outlined by the Prime Minister of Armenia Mr Pashinyan just months ago in his address to this body. We will be both prudent and decisive. With our partners, including the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly, we will ensure that these elections will serve as a showcase of our democratic resilience. Distinguished parliamentarians, Despite the painful experiences of recent years, including the war and the humanitarian consequences that followed, Armenia has made a clear and deliberate choice for peace, taking strong steps that enabled the South Caucasus to move to peace and cooperation in the region and beyond. The Washington Peace Summit on 8 August 2025 marked a historical turning point with the signing of the Joint Declaration by Armenia's Prime Minister and Azerbaijan's President, the US President as a witness. Together with the foreign minister of Azerbaijan, we have initialled the Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, establishing principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as the indispensable foundations for lasting peace and stability in our region. For Armenia, this is a solemn pledge to our citizens, to all who suffered through decades of conflict, and to our future generations, that we will choose cooperation over confrontation, hope over despair, development over decline. Meanwhile, respect for human rights and dignity is crucial to restoring trust and reconciliation between societies, turning the page of decades of suffering and paving the way for a peaceful future. Indeed, the recent release of 4 Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan offers hope for this. The subsequent release of the remaining 19 Armenian detainees currently still held in Azerbaijan, as well as the cooperation in clarification of the fate of missing persons, would undoubtedly represent a meaningful contribution to reconciliation. Peace - much like democracy - cannot be taken for granted: it must be constantly nurtured, defended, and renewed in the face of both external and internal pressures. In this context, I want to stress that we deeply value the Council of Europe's consistent attention to our region and appreciate the unwavering commitment of the Secretary General, the PACE President, and this Assembly in supporting the normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Your support for lasting peace, the humanitarian dimension of normalization and human rights remains vital as we turn the page of decades of enmity. We thank you for standing with us on this historic path toward a stable and prosperous future. At the same time, Armenia remains fully dedicated to the full normalization of relations with Turkiye. Continued progress in Armenia-Turkiye normalization, including the full opening of the border, establishment of diplomatic relations and restoration of the Gyumri-Kars railway, will be a crucial investment in strengthening regional stability and prosperity. Distinguished Members of the Assembly, Last spring, the Parliament of Armenia adopted the law initiating the EU accession process. The support from both the Government and Parliament underscores that our shared vision of European integration is not just a political goal, but a societal choice driven by civic initiative. This represents the democratic will of the Armenian people to anchor our future in the European family of nations as an authentic reflection of our values and identity. Another milestone was achieved last December, when the Strategic Agenda for the Armenia-EU Partnership was adopted in Brussels, complementing the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, CEPA, elevating our partnership to a strategic level. In May this year, in Yerevan, we will host heads of state of Europe to participate in the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, a crucial Pan-European platform to discuss evolving challenges and identify necessary steps to address them. Madame President, Armenia's unwavering dedication to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law defines who we are as a nation. Today, we renew the choice we made 25 years ago. We do so knowing that our journey of peace and democracy will face tests, that external pressures will seek to divert us, and that the road ahead remains challenging. But we also know that we do not walk this path alone. The people of Armenia know this. The Council of Europe and this Assembly stand with us. For this partnership, for this solidarity, and for the shared belief that our common values are worth defending, we express our profound gratitude. It is symbolic that following our exchange, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia's membership to the Council of Europe, we will present Armenia's official gift to the Secretary General, a manuscript reproduction of the first Armenian legal code, Datastanagirk, created in the XII century. This masterpiece serves as a reminder of our nation's deep-rooted dedication to justice and the rule of law. I invite you all to join us for this special occasion. I thank you for your attention. I will respond with pleasure to your questions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In recent years, the impossible has been done in many directions, the impossible has become a reality: the Prime Minister attends the solemn session of the Ministry of Defense Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia 28.01.2026 On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Ministry of Defense and participated in the solemn session. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan delivered speeches. In his speech, the Prime Minister touched upon the reforms being implemented in the sector and emphasized the importance of this process in a changing world. "When we do not change in a changing world, we remain out of the world, and that, unfortunately, is what has happened to us several times throughout our history, and we have decided to change this practice." The Prime Minister considered the most important achievement of the army today to be that there is the understanding of constantly expanding the horizons, the need for which is recognized. In this context, the Prime Minister also emphasized the need to develop education in the sector, towards which necessary steps are being taken. "Today, a sergeant system is being introduced, which will be a turning point in the logic of the combat effectiveness of our Armed Forces, our army. And this is a substantive change that has been discussed long and in detail, which I consider very important. We are creating a completely new, essentially new territorial defense system from scratch. And this is also very significant," said Nikol Pashinyan. The Prime Minister also touched upon the "Defender of the Fatherland" program and noted that it is a good opportunity for the professional orientation of young people towards military service. "We have never had such a system before, where we could gradually bring young people closer to military service and show them its advantages. Today, many 19-year-old servicemen take home 500,000, 600,000 drams every month, and live in their homes outside of combat duty." Within the framework of the reforms, the Prime Minister emphasized the perception and consciousness of those working in the field: What are we doing, why are we doing it. "This is the most important thing, because you all know that systemic resistance is the most cruel thing, which is sometimes impossible to overcome. But everything that is happening, I want to emphasize, is the result of our, everyone's, joint efforts. I want us to appreciate this, it is very important and has a very high value." Nikol Pashinyan also touched upon other reforms being implemented in the sector: changing uniforms, acquiring new weapons, digitalization, and ensuring promotion based on a person's work and the quality of service. The Prime Minister emphasized that work in these areas must continue. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the need to add new security buffers to the army in order to ensure the country's security, so that the army does not become the first mechanism for ensuring security: "We cannot put all the burden of security on the army. And we have achieved this today in a very difficult way. What priorities have we set for the army? The first priority is legitimacy. This is a very important circumstance, international legitimacy. When the state and the army rely on international legitimacy for their work, it is a different situation, when the army is not based on international legitimacy, it is a completely different situation," the Prime Minister emphasized. According to the Prime Minister, the next priority is interdependence, which should ensure external security. "An environment of relations with the outside world that the country becomes such an important part of the economic turnover of the global supply chain, the security and stability of which becomes important for many others, including neighboring countries and superpowers. And on the contrary, its instability should be perceived as a threat by the region and the international community. The "Crossroads of Peace" project and the TRRIP project arising from it, as a result of the implementation of which goods will flow through the territory of the Republic of Armenia from east to west, from north to south, create such an opportunity for our country, and we rely and will rely on this strategic perception," said Nikol Pashinyan, adding that this is a guarantee of security. The Prime Minister noted that the next priority is long-term predictability, which must be seriously assessed. According to Nikol Pashinyan, the ideology of Real Armenia is precisely for this and about this: "We say that the Republic of Armenia is a territory of 29,743 square kilometers, and this territory is a state whose task is to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens in its internationally recognized territory." And the most important guarantee of security, according to the Prime Minister, is peace. "There is no more reliable guarantee than peace. And today we are building peace with difficult, hard decisions. The path to peace will not be easy, but we must continue on that path. And here too, the very principled position of the army and the Armed Forces is important, that it is focused on its task. This is a very important thing, because regardless of peace, regardless of what kind, how reliable the peace will be, we must have a strong and capable army, because any country that does not have a strong and capable army is a temptation for everyone. And therefore, the primary agenda of the Republic of Armenia should always include the existence of a strong and capable army, the continuous development of the army, within the framework and based on the principles that I mentioned." Summing up his speech, Nikol Pashinyan once again congratulated the Armed Forces on their 34th anniversary and thanked everyone for the tremendous work they have done: "I want to express my satisfaction with the situation we have today in the Army of the Republic of Armenia, not because we have reached the point we wanted, but because we are definitely and unequivocally on the right path. In recent years, in many directions, it must be said frankly, the impossible has simply been done, the impossible has become a reality, and this is an extremely important achievement." On the occasion of Army Day, Nikol Pashinyan presented awards to a group of servicemen of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia for their contribution to the security and defense of the homeland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army modernizes munitions production with landmark lease at Pine Bluff Arsenal By U.S. Army Public Affairs January 28, 2026 WASHINGTON -- In a major step to modernize the U.S. munitions supply chain and enhance warfighter lethality, the Department of the Army is awarding a lease to Hanwha Defense USA for a landmark enhanced use lease, or EUL, to build and operate a new munitions facility at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Through its EUL program, the Army is strategically leasing underutilized property to the defense company Hanwha. This partnership will bring the manufacturing of essential ingredients for explosives and propellants to the United States, a critical step in strengthening the nation's defense organic industrial base. This move directly enhances the performance, safety, and lifespan of crucial munitions, including 155mm artillery shells. Army leaders described the effort as a foundational investment that will shape the future of U.S. munitions production. Although the agreement is pending final lease negotiations, the selection marks a transformational moment for the organic industrial base. The EUL program allows the Army to lease underutilized property to private partners, with the option to reinvest proceeds into critical infrastructure. This innovative approach provides lasting value to both the Army and the surrounding community. "This partnership with Hanwha is a model that the Army will use to further strengthen and build a modern commercial and organic industrial base," said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Brent G. Ingraham. Arkansas's congressional leaders praised the announcement as a victory for both the state's economy and national security. "I'm proud to have worked with Secretary Hegseth and our entire delegation to secure this important investment which will mean more jobs in Pine Bluff and more tools for our men and women in uniform," said Sen. Tom Cotton. "This is a great development for the economic future of central Arkansas and the future of our nation's defense." The tools Cotton mentioned are essential for ensuring Soldiers have a decisive edge on any future battlefield. This investment directly supports Army readiness and modernization priorities by providing the advanced energetics needed to create more lethal and effective munitions, directly impacting the capabilities of the warfighter. Hanwha Defense USA plans to invest approximately $1.3 billion in the facility, a move expected to create around 200 skilled jobs in the region. Senator John Boozman called Pine Bluff Arsenal a "vital national security asset," expressing confidence that the skilled Arkansas workforce is prepared to supply the critical materials needed for munitions that protect U.S. military personnel. Integrating a skilled local workforce with advanced manufacturing processes creates a powerful partnership, ensuring the organic industrial base can meet the demands of modern conflict and deliver reliable munitions to the front lines. Congressman Bruce Westerman echoed the praise, welcoming Hanwha to the district as a move that will "create greater opportunities for the Pine Bluff community but also bolster our national defense capabilities." Army officials said negotiations will conclude in the coming months, with the momentum behind the initiative signaling a new, innovative chapter for the service's organic industrial base modernization efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Swiss Government Press release Published on 28 January 2026 Bern, 28.01.2026 -- At its meeting on 28 January, the Federal Council approved the deployment of the Armed Forces in a supporting role to assist the civilian authorities with security measures during the G7 summit to be held in Evian-les-Bains, France, from 15 to 17 June. This deployment, which is subsidiary in nature, complements the security measures put in place by the civilian authorities. Parliament will vote on the deployment at its next session in March. From 15 to 17 June, the town of Evian-les-Bains will host the G7 Summit, welcoming the heads of state of the seven G7 member countries as well as other heads of state and government. These dignitaries will be accompanied by official delegations, and the event will be followed by a large number of media representatives Participants will for the most part be accommodated in France, but it is possible that some delegation members may be accommodated on the Swiss side of the border. Geneva International Airport is expected to be the main point of arrival. The governments of the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have requested support from the federal government to ensure security during the G7 summit. Up to 5,000 military personnel on support duty As part of the security measures planned for the G7 Summit and at the request of the cantonal authorities, the Federal Council has approved the subsidiary deployment for support services of in excess of 2,000, but not exceeding 5,000 military personnel. The Armed Forces will support the cantonal police forces of Geneva, Vaud and Valais by assuming tasks such as protecting buildings, surveillance, reconnaissance, transport and logistics. These measures will complement the security measures put in place by the cantonal authorities. The large number of personnel required is due to the scale of the event and the necessary security measures, the complexity of the region and the tasks involved, in particular the number of premises to be protected. The Armed Forces will be deployed on land, on the lake and in the air and will act in coordination with the French armed forces, which will also be supporting their own law enforcement agencies. In accordance with Article 70(2) of the Armed Forces Act (ArmA), Parliament must approve any deployment involving more than 2,000 military personnel or lasting more than three weeks. Parliament will vote on this deployment during its spring session. Airspace restrictions between 10 and 18 June The Federal Council also approved the introduction of a temporary restriction on the use of airspace in the Lake Geneva region. Given the international nature and importance of the Summit, the measure is necessary to ensure the event's security. Switzerland is obliged to ensure the safety of guests who are entitled to special protection under international law. The airspace restriction will be in effect from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, 10 June, until 3am (local time) on Thursday, 18 June, and will be limited to an area covering Evian, Lausanne and Geneva International Airport. The Swiss Air Force, in collaboration with the Geneva cantonal police and the French Air and Space Force, will provide an air policing service and enhanced airspace surveillance. The restriction will apply to visual air traffic as well as non-commercial instrument air traffic. Swiss Government Press release Published on 28 January 2026 Berne, 28.01.2026 -- The Federal Council is responding to the dramatic situation in Haiti. On 28 January, it took the decision to join the EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence. This extends the existing Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The new measures come into force at 11pm on 28 January. The Federal Council has extended the Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The Ordinance has been in force since 16 December 2022 and has so far been based exclusively on UN sanctions. The UN sanctions include an arms embargo on the entire country as well as an asset freeze and travel ban currently against eleven individuals and entities. With the decision to extend the measures taken on 28 January, the Federal Council is also joining the EU sanctions. The asset freeze and travel bans will therefore apply to ten additional individuals and entities. As such, the Federal Council is responding to the escalating gang violence and dramatic humanitarian situation in Haiti. The Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti already provides for a wide range of exemptions for humanitarian activities. Humanitarian exceptions also apply to the new measures. Time to think as Europeans, industry urges EDA conference European Defence Agency 28 January 2026 A "European preference" in EU defence procurement is necessary and should not be seen as protectionism, Saab President and Chief Executive Micael Johansson told the European Defence Agency Annual Conference on Tuesday. He argued that Europe needs greater control over its defence capabilities and supply chains as the transatlantic relationship faces strain. In a series of roundtables at EDA's 2026 conference, industry, military and government representatives, as well as a delegation from Ukraine, spoke on shared strengths, cooperation and the future of warfare in Europe. "European preference (in procurement) is about capabilities, not about protectionism," Saab's Johansson said, adding that Europe needed the ability to upgrade and sustain its systems without excessive reliance on fragile or critical supply chains outside the region. Johansson also said that if the EU was serious about advancing defence integration including through a competitive fund under the bloc's long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework new decision-making mechanisms would be unavoidable. "We all agree on the objectives and ambitions, but the elephant in the room is still governance, structure and mandate," he said, adding that national sovereignty continued to dominate defence policy and complicate collective action at EU level. Major General Hanke Bruins Slot, the National Capability Director of the Netherlands, warned of potential turf wars if too many proposals to improve European defence cooperation were put forward, calling for decisive action from EU institutions. "Readiness relies on the ability to take decisions," Bruins Slot told the conference. Russian posture is warning to Europe Hanna Hvozdiar, an advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defence brought a sense of urgency to the conference, also reminding panelists of the cold and dark that Ukrainians face as Russia shells its cities. "The Russians are now scaling production, scaling training and scaling the quantity of unmanned systems. This is a signal for us, for NATO," she said. Calls for longer-term planning were echoed by industry representatives. Jan Grabowski, vice-president of the management board at Poland's state-owned defence group PGZ, said Europe needed to focus on funding and planning amid shifting geopolitical pressures. "One week it's Greenland, next week it might be something else," Grabowski said of changing U.S. policy. Camille Grand, secretary general of the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association (ASD), urged EU member states to move away from short-term political debates and think longer term, European terms. "If you haven't made a decision today, you're already missing future deliveries," Grand said. "If you are not thinking in European terms, you are losing out." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kallas presses EDA to move from support to leadership in EU defence European Defence Agency 28 January 2026 The European Defence Agency (EDA) must go beyond its role as a supporter of EU cooperation to a leadership role, especially in innovation, Head of EDA and High Representative Kaja Kallas, told the Agency's 2026 Annual Conference. Member States must give the Agency the power to do more, Kallas said, recalling EU leaders' call in 2025 to strengthen EDA. "This is also an open message for Member States: if you want a strong EDA, provide the necessary means," Kallas told the more than 400 participants at the Concert Noble in Brussels. "If we want to translate our political ambition into operational capability, EDA needs to lead, not just facilitate. You need to act, not just advise." Kallas called on Member States to make the Agency "a true EU hub of defence innovation, including by supporting next generation and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence." EDA Chief Executive Andre Denk told the conference that the Agency, which is owned and funded by the EU's 27 Member States, will come forward in the coming days with proposals to strengthen operations. "What we are proposing is a new, re-engineered agency the new EDA," he said. Denk said areas to be expanded would be those in EDA's core tasks, including preparing joint procurement to increase the effectiveness of public spending, developing new military capabilities together, and innovation from the lab to testing to field use. Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, threw his support behind a stronger EU defence. "Europe has the potential to become a defence giant," he said. Strategic autonomy A stronger EDA has the support of EU Member States, Pal Jonson, Sweden's Minister of Defence, and Jens Plotner, Germany's State Secretary for Defence, told the conference. "Hard core defence will remain intergovernmental," Plotner said. Cypriot Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas, whose country holds the rotating EU Presidency of the Council, said his government would make a "particular effort" to strengthen EDA over the next six months. Jonson and Plotner said missile defence should be a priority for EU defence. Both urged more emphasis on space, as well as continuing to learn from Ukraine's fast cycles of innovation. Jonson said money was less of an issue in the past, with Sweden's defence budget tripling compared to 2018. But he urged the EU and NATO to invest in European ground forces to be able to potentially hold ground for longer periods. "We do also have a challenge across Europe. When there was very little money for defence, we cut down on ground forces, we cut down on sustainment, logistics, spare parts, ammunition." Other challenges were raised during the conference. Belgium echoed EDA Chief Executive Denk in calling for strategic autonomy for the EU, but said that smaller EU countries would still need to rely on larger EU Member States' willingness to work together. "We are part of a bigger whole, and so we need standardisation. Without it, that makes it impossible for our smaller, innovative companies to participate," said Joachim Pohlmann, Head of Cabinet of Belgium's Minister of Defence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HR/VP Kaja Kallas: Keynote speech at the European Defence Agency Annual Conference 2026 European External Action Service (EEAS) 28.01.2026 EEAS Press Team Dear colleagues, Dear friends, Dear guests, It is a pleasure to be here today as we need to prepare ourselves for the future. Indeed, the crisis we face has deepened dramatically during the past year. As we get close to marking four years of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, we are fending off: cyber attacks; sabotage against critical infrastructure; foreign interference and information manipulation; military intimidation; territorial threats; and political meddling. And it has become painfully clear that Russia will remain a major security threat for the long term. The Middle East has lived through a year of relentless crisis, from conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Gaza to protests in Iran. The only certainty now is that that the region will remain completely unpredictable. China, too, remains a long-term challenge: it poses a risk to our economic model, threatens countries in the East and South China seas, and supports Russia's war against Ukraine. In this regard, China is not the only one. As President Zelenskyy underlined in Davos last week, Russia can only continue to build weapons and pay for them thanks to imports of critical parts and continuing oil sales. If we want to stop the war, we must cut Russia off from both. Arguably, the biggest change in the fundamental reorientation is going on across the Atlantic: a rethinking that has shaken the transatlantic relationship to its foundation. Let me be clear: we want strong trans-Atlantic ties. The U.S. will remain Europe's partner and ally. But Europe needs to adapt to the new realities. Europe is no longer Washington's primary centre of gravity. This shift has been ongoing for a while. It is structural, not temporary. It means that Europe must step up - no great power in history has ever outsourced its survival and survived. These developments put a severe strain on the international norms, rules and institutions enforcing them that we have built over 80 years. The risk of a full-blown return to coercive power politics, spheres of influence and a world where might makes right, is very real. Since we last spoke here, the virus has started to spread. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney hit the nail on its head in his own speech in Davos. It's time also for Europe to take down its sign. To acknowledge that this tectonic shift is here to stay. And act with urgency. When I was a schoolgirl in Estonia, before anyone had a mobile phone in their pocket, many schools used a bell system to tell you the time. The first bell was the signal to go to the class. The second bell was a warning. And the third bell meant you were late and there would be consequences. We are now dangerously close to the third bell. Before that third bell actually rings, we need to inject a sense of urgency into our efforts in four areas. The first and arguably most important of these is: defence. We need the capabilities to deter and defend. You all know the diagnosis: There is a lack of complementarity of capabilities in Europe. We are too focussed on national interests to tackle fragmentation in a serious way; Fragmentation makes us slow. It makes us weak. We need to change the culture away from thinking like nations, towards acting jointly, as Europeans. In areas including investment, development, procurement, maintenance, training - the full circle. Our defence spending is rising, which is good, but Europe lacks a number of strategic enablers, which are often too costly, or complex, for any one single Member State to develop alone. So it is not only about how much we spend, but whether we spend it wisely and to maximum effect. We must also strike the right balance between innovation and traditional systems. Warfare is evolving fast. Capabilities that are used today might be outdated by tomorrow. We need to put our militaries in a position of strength. Or put simply: we must be able to win the fight tonight and be ready tomorrow. Fortunately, there is no shortage of ideas on how to address each of these. And we have already made a lot of progress. Just think: White Paper, Defence Readiness Roadmap, 9 capability priorities led by our Member States. But addressing the capabilities shortfalls also means posing some rather tricky questions: What geopolitical role do we want Europe and the EU to play? Can we identify a set of "European" NATO capability targets, for which the EU can then support the development? Could we also think of establishing EU military capabilities that would be financed and owned by the member states? These and other sensitive subjects require political debate and action. The second priority area for action is the defence industry. Here quite a lot is happening. We are already setting the conditions for industry to flourish. I am sure my good colleague Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will address these in detail when he speaks in a few minutes. So here I will just flag that what I see is a slow-motion ramp-up. There is a long list of areas where we are already acting but where there is an urgent need to do more in order to reach a turning point. We need to fill our gaps, first and foremost. But we also stand before another huge task: to support Ukraine with 60 billion euro in military aid for 2026 and 2027. And ensure Ukraine gets the capabilities it needs - and fast! For this, European industry must simply deliver. Why? Because otherwise, the money will go abroad, to those industries who can. This is the European moment to show what it can do: get ready to accept this challenge! I am speaking here...: ...of adapting our defence industrial base to better support the defence of Europe, with critical mass, economies of scale and deeper cross-border cooperation; ...of security of supply; ...of cross-border cooperation as well as collaboration between primes, on the one hand, and small and medium enterprises on the other; ...of a greater sense of responsibility among industrial stakeholders for the security and defence of our continent. There is also a need for more innovation, entrepreneurship and private financing. It is the EU's task to prepare the ground and create the conditions. But it is industry's task to deliver. If we are to reach that point of no return, it is critical to have a broader sharing of risks and responsibilities among Member Statespolitically as well as economically. With Rearm [Europe] and SAFE, we have sent a clear signal of demand. Industry needs to take up that call. This also requires the strong support of the European Defence Agency, the EU Military Staff as well as the European Commission. Together we must help to aggregate demand and encourage joint procurement so that industry can better predict how to make investment decisions. The third priority area I see is partnerships. First of all NATO. Twenty plus years ago, back when my country joined the EU and NATO for that matter, all we had was what you will remember as "Berlin Plus." This was the framework from 2003 that allowed the EU to use NATO military assets for EU-led crisis management operations, in cases when NATO chose not to act. We have come a long way in the ten years since that first EU-NATO Joint Declaration in Warsaw. There is constructive leadership and close staff-to-staff cooperation. Moreover, Russia's full-scale invasion led to unprecedented, previously unthinkable changes within the EU. For the first time, we are using our instrumentsintentionally, explicitly, aimed on achieving resultsto support the capability targets set by NATO allies. And with that, NATO's territorial defence and deterrence. Because the point is to make the 23 members we have in common stronger. We are all well aware of the political issues that have limited cooperation. But especially now, as the US is setting its sights abroad and beyond Europe, NATO needs to become more European to maintain its strength. And for this, Europe must act. For example, we need to ensure that our security and defence initiatives remain complimentary to NATO. For this, the ball is also in NATO's court: if we want to use EU instruments - such as our budgetary and regulatory power - to support and enable NATO, we have to know what the needs and targets are. The more information NATO provides, the better we can align. Here, those 23 countries that are members of both organisations bear a special responsibility and have a vested interest in ensuring coherence. In short, we need to sync our efforts, together with NATO, so as to complement each other. And to demonstrate how a distinct European pillar adds value through more burden sharing and military strength on our continent. That is on the NATO side. But more and more, our bilateral partnerships are also becoming a valuable tool. Not only in security and defence but also in the sense of broader foreign policy issues. Countries around the globe are looking to diversify their partnerships to manage the heightened risk. I hear this every single time I travel and meet those countries in other regions. And when they search for a strong partner, more and more they also come to the European Union. We now have 9 specific Security and Defence Partnerships. I just signed the ninth yesterday with India. For me it is important that these are tailor-made arrangements that are operational, with a focus on tangible take-ways that serve both sides: Such as contributions to missions and operations or joint training, exercises and initiatives. The partnerships should also be used to leverage key Common Security and Defence Policy goals, like support for Ukraine. We could turbo-charge our collaboration with selected like-minded partners. But we could also prioritise partners that are leaders in their regions in order to bolster the EU's position and narrative on the global stage. The fourth priority for action is how to make our political and military decision-making more fit for purpose, more responsive to the urgent situation we find ourselves in. Let's face it, Europe can be slow. Unanimity means we cannot always act at the speed of relevance. Of course there are policy differences among Member States, this is all natural. But unanimity is also used by some as a bargaining tool. And it cannot be that the one country's veto defines the policy for others. So we need to think about how to make our procedures more effective: We can take inspiration from the decades-long process when Justice and Home Affairs moved from being a strictly Member State competence to a communitarian one; We can explore the clauses within the Treaties on topics like constructive abstention in the context of military and defence decisions. We should dare to also consider the Q-word. Meaning a gradual extension of qualified majority in Common Foreign and Security Policy. We should operationalise our own article 42.7 of the Treaty on the European Union. And when it comes to our Defence Ministers' Meetings (Defence Councils), they need to happen more frequently. They need to address all the issues, including the questions related to industry. We need more strategic-political discussions. And for sure we need more thinking in European and not only in national terms. Dear friends, Capabilities, industry, partnerships, decision-making: these are the four areas where we need urgent action. And the institutions that you in this room represent are the ones to make it happen. For Member States: Speed up and modernise your procurement procedures and your work with others. The role of defence ministers is key: you provide the resources and the mandate to empower the EDA. It is in your interest to do so. For industry: Show us your lean and mean side! Let's see more of your entrepreneurial spirit as you innovate and ramp up. It is also in your interest to do so. And since this is the annual EDA conference, a few special messages for the Agency. The organisation is well respected among the Member States. This came out clearly during discussions on defence at last year's European Council, where the EDA got a strong push. Thank you for your efforts so far. As we move forward: You must be fit for purpose, with the right internal organisation and financial and human resources tailored to our priorities. This is also a message for Member States: if you want a strong EDA, provide the necessary means. If we want to translate our political ambition into operational capability, the EDA needs to lead, not just facilitate; you need to act, not just advise. So today I am calling on the EDA to: Keep the focus on supporting Member States. Make the EDA a true EU hub for defence innovation, including by supporting next-generation and disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum. The current war has showcased drones; the next one will be about technologies we can only envision today. Collaborate closely with Ukraine. We have a lot to learn from them, their battlefield experience and innovative defence solutions. Leverage cooperation with partners, be it NATO or bilaterally. And engage with broader EU defence policies. You can help bring coherence and alignment across all EU initiatives. We all know what to do. And we know that our aim is a strong and independent Europe - also in defence. If what we create now will one day be called a European Defence Union, then so be it. We must strengthen our instruments, end fragmentation, close our gaps and join forces with our partners. We are facing today a crisis that is an opportunity in disguise. So let's use it! Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Working group proposes that real estate expropriation for security reasons be assigned to Ministry of Defence Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 28.1.2026 14.19 Type:Press release On 10 December 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Defence set up a project to examine the need to amend the Act on the Expropriation of Immovable Property and Special Rights to Ensure National Security and related legislation. The objective was to draw an overview of how the current legislation should be amended to ensure fair and effective safeguarding of real estate critical to national security. The current Act on the Expropriation of Immovable Property and Special Rights to Ensure National Security enables the expropriation of real estate to safeguard Finland's security, security of supply and critical infrastructure. The working group examining the need to amend the expropriation legislation found that it has been difficult to apply the current act as each ministry is responsible for granting expropriation permits in their respective branch of government. The working group proposes that only the Ministry of Defence would grant expropriation permits. It has the widest experience of assessing real-estate-related threats, and it is already responsible for supervising foreign real estate ownership and for preparing proposals for the state's use of its pre-emption right, both tasks being closely related to expropriation for reasons of security. The group further argues that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with other branches of government, should be responsible for maintaining a situational picture of real estate that pose a potential security threat. The working group also proposes that the right to obtain information under the current act be extended and updated so that other branches of government could issue statements in matters concerning expropriation. The group maintains that appropriate sanctions for violating the prohibition of measures under the act should be introduced and that a prohibition of measures should be issued as soon as a potential need for expropriation is identified. It should be possible to abandon voluntary transaction as a primary objective in urgent cases and to depart from the obligation to consult other authorities during the permit procedure if the matter is urgent or if the consultation is deemed not necessary for resolving the matter. The relevant authorities should also have wider possibilties to take temporary possession of real estate. The working group proposes that compensation for expropriation for reasons of security be aligned with compensation payable under the Act on the Expropriation of Immoveable Property and Special Rights. Funding for expropriation for reasons of security should be pooled and taken into account in budgets. The project implemented the Government Programme's objectives to examine possibilities to engage in more effective ex post facto intervention and control in respect of assets central to the security of society and security of supply. The report is a unanimomus view of the working group. The group had representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Defence Command Finland, the Finnish Border Guard, the National Land Survey of Finland, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and the National Bureau of Investigation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister for Foreign Affairs receives German counterpart Government Offices of Sweden Article from Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 28 January 2026 On 26 January, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard received Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Johann Wadephul, in Stockholm. At their meeting, special emphasis was given to the importance of cooperation within the EU and NATO as the world around us changes. The foreign ministers also highlighted the important role of the Council of the Baltic Sea States for strengthening security and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. Other matters discussed included support to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Germany and Sweden are among the countries that are contributing the most to Ukraine - in economic, military and humanitarian terms. Following the meeting, Ms Malmer Stenergard and Dr Wadephul held a joint press conference. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen warns of attacks on US warships in regional waters IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's Ansarullah Movement has warned the United States against military buildup in the West Asia region, saying Sana'a is prepared to confront the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in regional waters. A military source cited by Al-Alam News Network on Wednesday said that Ansarullah would not allow any American ships or aircraft carriers to approach the Red Sea or the Arabian Sea. Recalling a previous successful attack on the British-linked tanker Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden, in response to violations of the Israeli naval blockade, Brigadier General Aziz Rashid, a close associate of Ansarullah, warned that the resistance movement might carry out similar strikes on American ships deemed "threats" to Yemen. He emphasized that the Yemeni armed forces have heightened their combat readiness and are closely monitoring enemy movements after the United Statesdeployed a strike group commanded by the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had previously been targeted by Yemeni forces. General Rashid also referred to a short video released by Ansarullah's media bureau earlier this week showing the targeting and burning of the British tanker, saying the message recalled earlier attacks and the sinking of dozens of ships for violating the naval embargo declared by Sana'a against Israel. He added that Yemen now possesses advanced naval capabilities to track and target hostile vessels, and that its armed forces are at peak readiness to repel any attack and engage enemy targets in both seas. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address B. Braze with Minister of State of the United Kingdom S. Doughty: All allies must continue to support Ukraine's self-defence and maximise pressure on Russia. We highly appreciate the UK's contribution to the security of the Baltic and NATO's eastern flank Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 28.01.2026. On 28 January 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, welcomed Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on a working visit. The Ministers discussed security in the Euro-Atlantic area and transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine's self-defence capabilities and containment of Russia, bilateral and NATO cooperation, and deepening EU-UK relations. Baiba Braze and Stephen Doughty also discussed cooperation between Latvia and the United Kingdom in the UN Security Council, of which the UK is a permanent member. Baiba Braze emphasised that this month marks 105 years since Latvia's international (de jure) recognition. On 26 January 1921, the Supreme War Council, including the United Kingdom, recognised the state of Latvia de jure. The United Kingdom has never recognised the Soviet Union's occupation of Latvia. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "The United Kingdom has always been a friend of Latvia and one of its closest allies in the areas of security and defence. We have excellent cooperation within NATO, regionally and bilaterally, as well as in support of Ukraine - both in coordinating sanctions against Russia, especially the "shadow fleet" and its ecosystem, and in jointly leading the Drone Coalition. Last year, Latvia allocated EUR 20 million to the Drone Coalition, and this year it plans to provide EUR 50 million in support. I thank the United Kingdom for its significant contribution to the security of the Baltic Sea, the Northern Region and NATO's Eastern Flank, in particular the presence of soldiers in our region - in the multinational brigade in Estonia, in the Eastern Sentry in Poland, regular participation in the Baltic airspace patrol mission, as well as leading the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and the Coalition of the Willing (CoW). We agree that all allies must continue to support Ukraine's self-defence and that global pressure on Russia must be maximised. Russia is not interested in peace and poses the most serious threat to transatlantic security. Russia's goal is to divide the allies and weaken support for Ukraine. Our common priority is to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine." The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Ursulskis, and the Minister of State of the United Kingdom, Stephen Doughty, discussed current issues in bilateral relations, opportunities for political dialogue, economic, security and defence issues, and matters on the agenda of the European Union and the United Kingdom: "We are close allies in NATO, the UN, regionally and bilaterally. The United Kingdom is one of Latvia's most important allies in the field of security and defence, as well as a significant trading partner. Latvia supports closer cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom, based on shared interests in foreign policy, security and defence, as well as trade and economic matters." During his visit, Minister of State Stephen Doughty visited the Autonomous Systems Competence Centre, where he met with Minister of Defence, Andris Spruds, and together with the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Head of the Saeima Group for Cooperation with the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Antonina Nenaseva, laid flowers at the Freedom Monument. Background information The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force is a high-readiness force capable of responding rapidly, conducting full-spectrum operations, and responding to any crisis development to prevent its possible escalation, including participation in UN, NATO, and EU operations. Since the establishment of the Drone Coalition on 14 February 2024, its Member States have already provided significant support to Ukraine through the delivery of drones. The total support of all Drone Coalition Member States to Ukraine's drone capabilities reached EUR 1.8 billion in 2024. The coalition includes 20 Member States - Latvia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, as well as Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkiye, Germany, and Sweden. The United Kingdom is home to Latvia's largest diaspora - more than 160,000 compatriots. More about bilateral relations between the Republic of Latvia and the United Kingdom (in Latvian). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address B. Braze with Swedish Foreign Minister M. M. Stenergard: Our countries share common goals - to strengthen regional security and defence, and to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. We highly appreciate deployment of Swedish troops in NATO brigade in Latvia Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 28.01.2026. On 28 January 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Maria Malmer Stenergard, on a working visit. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Sweden, including economic cooperation, current regional security issues, transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine, EU multiannual budget priorities, and EU enlargement. Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Swedish soldiers at the Adazi military base, laid flowers at the Freedom Monument, and addressed Latvian ambassadors at the annual meeting of diplomatic missions. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "Sweden is a reliable friend, neighbour, and strategic ally of Latvia. We have close historical ties and excellent bilateral relations in the areas of security and economics. Our cooperation is close both bilaterally and within the NB8, EU, NATO, UN, and other formats. It is a great pleasure to welcome a friend and colleague, Maria Stenergard, during the week of the 105th anniversary of Latvia's international recognition de jure. I express my gratitude for Sweden's significant contribution to strengthening security and defence in the Baltic Sea and Eastern Flank regions, including the presence of the Swedish battalion in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Adazi. Last week, approximately 500 Swedish battalion soldiers arrived in Latvia with new capabilities, including air defence. We appreciate Sweden's readiness to participate in NATO's Baltic air policing. We have close cooperation in various formats in the area of sanctions. We are currently developing a strong 20th sanctions package and preparing new proposals to combat the "shadow fleet". We share a common view - there is no indication that Russia is ready to stop its aggression against Ukraine. Maximum support for Ukraine's self-defence and continued pressure on Russia must continue. We commend the NATO missions Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry launched last year, which demonstrate both NATO's unity and its practical deterrence capabilities. It is important to continue strengthening the capabilities of NATO allies, to rapidly implement the historic Hague decision, and to be able to demonstrate real progress in increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP at the upcoming summit in Ankara." The Ministers discussed transatlantic relations, the situation in the Arctic and the Middle East, the development of the European Defence Industry and current EU issues - EU enlargement and the EU's multiannual budget priorities, including in relation to strengthening the external borders of the EU and NATO, as well as strengthening the security of strategic underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. The Ministers condemned Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine: "We condemn Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine - the bombing of cities, energy systems, civilian infrastructure - homes, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. The "freezing" of the Ukrainian people. Last night, Russia carried out a targeted attack with combat drones on a passenger train carrying more than 200 people. At least four people have been killed. Russia is a terrorist state." Sweden is Latvia's fifth largest trading partner and largest investor. Both countries have great potential to develop cooperation in areas such as ICT, bioeconomy, energy, digitisation, military industry, research and innovation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Commision approves further advancement of Latvia's SAFE application for defence funding Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 28.01.2026 In Latvia Defence policy International cooperation Information prepared by Media Relations Section The European Commission has approved funding requests for the second group of national defense plans under the Security Action Fund for Europe (SAFE), marking another significant step in strengthening the security of the European Union. The Commission has submitted a proposal to the Council of the European Union to approve financial loans totaling approximately 74 billion euros for eight countries: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Greece, Italy, and Slovakia. "Together with the European Commission, we are building an even stronger and safer Europe - this decision is a clear signal of solidarity. Latvia will use the available funds to strengthen the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, develop the defense industry, and enhance regional security," emphasizes Minister of Defence Andris Spruds. Latvia is proposed to receive 3.49 billion by 2030, when SAFE programme concludes. As early as 2026, Latvia will be allocated up to 524 million to launch procurement and strengthen defence industry capacity. These funds will be used to reinforce national defence and security, covering the needs of the National Armed Forces and the State Border Guard. The preparation of the Industrial Investment Plans took into account the priorities set out in the National Armed Forces Development Plan for 2025-2036 and the NATO capability targets approved in 2025. SAFE funding will enable Latvia to make urgent and large-scale investments in the acquisition of military-technical equipment, develop local industry, and finance capability development. The SAFE funding requested by Latvia also includes resources to support Ukraine between 2026 and 2028. Following the completion of the Commission's assessment, the Council has four weeks to adopt the implementing decisions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Finance will work in coordination to develop the loan agreement and the agenda for implementing the program within its designated timeframe. Once compliance with the SAFE program is confirmed, the Commission will finalize the loan agreements, with the first payments expected in March 2026. SAFE is a financial instrument established by the European Union that allows member states to borrow additional financial resources from the European Commission to mitigate critical defense capability gaps. It also promotes increased defense investment and the strengthening of the European defense industry. SAFE is a loan instrument, not a grant, and the funding provided should be viewed as a support mechanism for meeting defense requirements rather than a direct budget increase. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys: Time for Europe to sleep on a cloud is over Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2026-01-28 On 28 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, met with the ambassadors of the member states of the European Union to Lithuania. The meeting discussed EU support for Ukraine, transatlantic ties, European security and defence, sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Budrys called on the EU member states to urgently find ways to respond to the support needs of Ukraine's energy sector and provide military assistance for its protection. The Minister stressed the urgent need for the EU to finalise a 90 billion loan for Ukraine, ensuring the flexibility to finance urgent military needs, as well as make rapid decisions regarding Ukraine's upcoming EU membership "We must not forget that Ukraine is today making sacrifices in terms of human lives and blood to defend Europe. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a priority for European security, as it is directly linked to the continent's overall peace and stability. We must not only make political statements, but take the necessary decisions for our own security and that of Ukraine," the Minister said. According to the head of Lithuania's diplomacy, the EU must act more decisively to intensify its pressure on Russia to break the aggressor's war economy. The Minister urged the EU countries to approve as soon as possible the 20th sanctions package, focusing on tightening restrictions against Russia's energy, financial, and technology sectors, including specific measures against Lukoil and a crackdown on the Russian shadow fleet. According to Budrys, Europe cannot ignore geopolitical changes and the security situation in the world, and must accelerate the strengthening of its defence capabilities and increase investment in security. "The world is changing, and the time for Europe to sleep on a cloud is over. Europe needs to move from writing strategic documents to actually implementing them," the Minister said. The Minister also discussed the strengthening of transatlantic ties with EU ambassadors. Budrys said that Europe's security partnership with the United States is vital and needs to be expanded and strengthened. The meeting took place at the initiative of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General joins Industry during NATO's C-UAS Week NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 28 January 2026 On Wednesday (28 January), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined an Industry Day during NATO's Counter-Uncrewed Autonomous Systems (C-UAS) Week at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The event brought together over 100 representatives from NATO, Allied nations, and industry to discuss how best to counter the dangers posed by drones. It follows Allies' decision, at the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in October 2025, to expand NATO's counter-drone capabilities. "Drones are here to stay. Growing in quantity, growing in quality", the Secretary General warned. "And if there is one clear lesson we are learning from Ukraine ... and particularly from recent incursions into Allied airspace, it's that we need to be able to respond to this threat and we must be prepared." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 19 - 25 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 28-01-2026 | 11:40 The two naval officers who took part in reconnaissance in Greenland in preparation for a joint NATO military exercise in the Arctic have completed their work. The reconnaissance mission was carried out by a number of allies under Danish command. State Secretary Tuinman in South Korea and Japan: "We must hold on to each other" State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman recently visited South Korea and Japan to share experiences, for instance in the field of digitalisation. He also explored how the two nations can strengthen each other. The visit marked a step towards possible further cooperation. Navy closely monitors Russian vessels in the North Sea For the second time within a short period, the Royal Netherlands Navy has escorted Russian vessels passing the Netherlands on the North Sea. Patrol vessel DSS Galatea escorted the tanker General Skobolev and the Steregushchiy-class frigate Boikiy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address House leader: Filipinos back PBBM's firm stand vs. China Philippine News Agency By Zaldy De Layola January 28, 2026, 5:07 pm MANILA -- Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Wednesday lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for taking a firm, law-based stand in defending Philippine territory, as Filipinos overwhelmingly support efforts to protect the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea. Ortega said a recent nationwide Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research affirmed the administration's position is aligned with public sentiment, particularly as ordinary Filipinos continue to bear the cost of tensions at sea. "President Marcos has been clear and consistent: we will defend what is ours, anchored on law and diplomacy. Our soldiers, Coast Guard personnel and fishermen are on the frontlines every day. While others debate, Filipinos stand watch," Ortega, a House leader from a West Philippine Sea-facing province, said in a news release. The non-commissioned TNM survey, conducted from Dec. 3 to 11 last year through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, showed that only 13 percent of Filipinos believe the Philippines should trust China, while 60 percent disagree and 26 percent remain undecided. The survey has a 3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level. The same poll found that 79 percent of Filipinos now view China as the country's greatest external threat, up from 74 percent in July 2025. Russia and the United States trailed far behind at 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively. "For a small country, resolve matters. Strength is not measured by size, but by the courage to stand firm and by our commitment to the rule of law. That is the realism President Marcos has shown," Ortega said. Ortega stressed that the West Philippine Sea issue is not an abstract geopolitical debate but a daily struggle for Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on the country's waters. "Our fishermen feel this first. When they are harassed or driven away, it means fewer fish brought home and higher prices in the market. That is why defending our maritime rights is also about food security and protecting families," he said. According to OCTA Research, distrust of China remains consistently high across regions, ranging from 56 percent to 63 percent, with the highest levels recorded in Balance Luzon and the National Capital Region. Trust levels varied widely, from zero in Caraga to a high of 31 percent in the Davao Region. Across socioeconomic classes, distrust was highest among Class E respondents at 70 percent, compared with 61 percent among Class ABC and 59 percent among Class D. Skepticism toward China also cut across age groups and educational levels, with distrust more pronounced among Filipinos aged 45 and above. Ortega said the survey reinforces the importance of pursuing peaceful but firm legal remedies grounded in international law. "The message from the people is unmistakable. They expect their government to defend the nation's territory, protect those on the frontlines, and do so with dignity and discipline. That is exactly what the President is doing," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH eyes more drills with Australian Navy on rules-based maritime order Philippine News Agency January 28, 2026, 1:51 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is looking to have more engagements with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as it goes about its goal of maintaining a "secure and rules-based maritime order." PN flag officer in command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta made this comment after meeting with the RAN chief Admiral David Hammond at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila last Jan. 26, the Navy said in a statement Wednesday. "We deeply value your support in training, interoperability, and the exchange of best practices, which have contributed significantly to our shared goal of maintaining a secure and rules-based maritime order. We are confident that through continued collaboration, our navies will remain ready to respond effectively to regional and global security demands," he added. Australia is one of the Philippines' major military allies and has participated actively in land, air and sea drills in the past years. "We are grateful for your presence here, which is reflective of the enduring friendship and strong professional ties between our two navies. The RAN has been a steadfast partner in enhancing the capability and professionalism of the PN," Ezpeleta noted. During the meeting between Ezpeleta and Hammond, the two sides engaged in discussions on areas of mutual interest such as maritime security initiatives and capacity-building efforts that reflect the commitment of both nations to regional stability and the safety of maritime domains. The engagement also underscored the strong mutual cooperation between the two nations and reaffirmed the importance of strong Philippine-Australia relations in addressing common security challenges and promoting interoperability between their respective naval forces. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP vows continued presence in Malampaya gas field Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 28, 2026, 12:47 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public of its continuous presence in the oil-rich Malampaya gas field, citing its value as "a lifeline" of the country's energy security. "Malampaya is not just an installation, it is a lifeline of our energy security, the AFP's message is clear, we protect what powers the nation, our presence there is not symbolic, it's operational," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a mix of Filipino and English during an interview with reporters late Tuesday. She added the AFP has units ready to respond to ensure that no hostile force will interfere with this critical infrastructure. Padilla said Malampaya's importance to the AFP was highlighted when military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Jan. 23 took part in an aerial patrol to assess its security posture. "The visit highlighted the AFP's firm commitment to protecting critical national energy infrastructure vital to economic stability and energy security," she added. The Malampaya gas field got a lot of boost following last week's discovery of Malampaya East-1 (MAE) which is estimated to hold around 98 billion cubic feet of gas in place. This marked the first milestone under the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling campaign, which also includes the Camago-2, Camago-3 and Bagong Pag-asa wells, aimed at securing additional gas resources. The project is being undertaken by the SC3A consortium led by Prime Energy, in partnership with UC38, PNOC Exploration Corporation and Prime Oil & Gas Inc. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Slovak PM describes Trump's state of mind as 'dangerous' to EU leaders Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 6:49 PM Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has privately warned EU leaders that US President Donald Trump's state of mind appeared "dangerous" during a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago. During informal talks with EU counterparts on the sidelines of an emergency summit in Brussels on January 22, Fico said he was concerned about the US president's "psychological state," Politico reported, citing two diplomats. Fico used the word "dangerous" to describe how Trump came across during their face-to-face meeting at the US president's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on January 17. Diplomats briefed on Fico's comments said the Slovak leader was shocked by Trump's behavior during their meeting. "Fico seemed traumatized," one source said. "He described Trump as out of his mind and dangerous." The remarks were private and separate from formal summit discussions. They were relayed to other diplomats by multiple EU officials, all speaking on condition of anonymity. The Slovak prime minister, however, later denied the report as "the hateful, pro-Brussels liberal portal Politico." "I must emphatically reject the lies of the Politico portal about how I assessed my meeting with US President D. Trump," he wrote on social media platform X. "I did not speak informally with any prime minister or president about my visit to the US." Trump's unpredictability has worried European leaders for months. His positions on the Russia-Ukraine war, trade disputes, and the US role in European defense have repeatedly sparked alarm. Earlier this month, Trump threatened tariffs on several EU nations over Greenland after publicly threatening to take over the Arctic island. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Merz told fellow leaders that Europe must reduce reliance on the United States for security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that standing firm against Trump in a measured way is essential. An EU official involved in political discussions in Brussels said concerns about Trump's health are "rapidly becoming a more widely discussed topic at all levels." Trump, who will turn 80 in June, has repeatedly denied any cognitive or health issues. He told New York Magazine this week that he does not suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Many observers, however, are uncertain about how Trump will perform in the remaining three years of his term. During the first year of his second term, the US president has insulted allies, leaked confidential conversations, and ridiculed nations. For the first time in US history, an American president has refused to rule out the use of force against an ally in Greenland. He sparked global ridicule when he claimed this was because the Nobel committee declined to award him the peace prize. Trump said he no longer feels "an obligation to think purely of peace." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Ansarullah cautions US against aircraft carrier deployment in Red Sea Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 6:28 PM The Ansarullah resistance movement has warned the United States against the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and guided missile destroyers accompanying it in the strategic Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, stressing that Sana'a views such a measure as a threat to Yemen's sovereignty. The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday, pointed to its January 2024 attack in the Gulf of Aden on the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda after the British vessel violated a naval blockade on Israel. The naval siege took effect in response to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal campaign against the Gaza Strip. Ansarullah stated that Yemeni military units are fully prepared to confront the US aircraft carrier group in the waters of the region. The movement further noted that it will not allow any US military vessels to approach the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, and considers these actions as a threat to Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces have increased their preparedness and capacity to respond effectively to any form of aggression in light of recent US military moves, especially as the US carrier strike group is deployed to West Asia. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Aziz Rashid, a military expert close to Ansarullah, said Yemeni naval forces are closely monitoring enemy moves in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, and will take action to thwart any attempt to deploy a task force led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. He recalled that the aircraft carrier had been targeted in the past, stressing that the strikes were launched after the US carried out operations against Sana'a in response to Yemen's support for Palestine. Rashid stated that Yemen now has advanced naval capabilities to intercept and target hostile vessels, and the country's armed forces are at the apex of defense preparedness to repel any aggression and target enemy ships in both seas. The military expert highlighted that Yemeni forces are currently far stronger than in the past, and are fully prepared to deliver "strategic surprises" to any threat posed by the US and Israel. He also warned that any potential confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel could bring about an inflammatory situation throughout the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu plans to maintain Israeli 'security control' of Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 6:23 PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of the Israeli regime, says Tel Aviv will maintain "security control" of Gaza, refusing to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. "Israel will maintain security control over the entire area from the Jordan River to the sea, and that applies to the Gaza Strip as well," Netanyahu said late on Tuesday, adding that a Palestinian state "will not happen." "Now we are focusing on completing the two remaining missions: dismantling Hamas's weapons and demilitarizing Gaza of arms and tunnels," he said. "As I agreed with [US] President [Donald] Trump ... there are only two possibilities: either this will be done the easy way, or it will be done the hard way, but in any case, it will happen. I am already hearing the statements that we will allow Gaza's reconstruction before demilitarization. That will not happen," he added. As he delayed the opening of the Rafah border crossing despite the October ceasefire, Netanyahu claimed that it will "open in both directions" soon. Tel Aviv recently conditioned the crossing's opening on the recovery of the last dead captive, whose corpse was found on Monday. "There will be no open access - it is not going to be opened for goods ... People go out, people come in - but they are checked, thoroughly checked [by Israel]." A recent Reuters report said Israel is working to make sure that people exiting via the Rafah crossing are greater in number than those entering, in an effort to facilitate the ethnic cleansing of the strip. A recent Hebrew media report also said Tel Aviv is planning to "collapse" the ceasefire agreement and launch a series of violent attacks on northern Gaza. According to the report, Israel is preparing for a new round of fighting with Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. According to the Gaza-based Health Ministry, at least 71,657 Palestinians have been killed and 171,399 others wounded in Israel's war on Gaza. Last year, a fragile ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, was reached in the strip. Since the truce was reached in early October, Israel has killed over 490 Palestinians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela's Rodriguez rejects US push to cut ties with China, Russia, Iran: US Intel. Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 3:26 PM US intelligence reports indicate that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, is resisting Washington's push to realign the country's foreign partnerships. The assessments have raised doubts about whether Rodriguez will fully comply with Washington's demands to sever ties with Iran, China, and Russia. Venezuela, home to some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, has become central to Washington's pressure campaign to curb the influence of rival powers in the Western Hemisphere. Trump has repeatedly demanded that Caracas expel diplomats and advisers from allied countries. Representatives from all the three countries attended Rodriguez's swearing-in earlier this month, following the US raid on the country that led to the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. In mid-January, the US President Donald Trump claimed he held a "long call" with Rodriguez, describing her as "a terrific person." He later said the two discussed "many topics," including oil, minerals, trade and national security, and claimed they had made "tremendous progress." Rodriguez, who has said she is working to unify the country after the US abduction of Maduro, has since signaled resistance to Washington's pressure. Nearly a month into her interim role, she said Venezuela has had "enough" of US interference. "Enough already of Washington's orders over politicians in Venezuela," Rodriguez told oil workers in the city of Puerto La Cruz on Sunday. "This republic has paid a very high price for confronting the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country," she added. US officials are now developing contacts with senior Venezuelan military and security figures in case Washington decides to change its approach, a source on Venezuela policy told Reuters. Since the attack on the country, the US has also sought greater access to Venezuela's energy sector. A senior Trump administration official said the president "continues to exert maximum leverage" and expects cooperation from the country's leadership. Washington is also moving to establish a permanent Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) presence inside Venezuela. CNN reported on Tuesday that the agency is quietly expanding its footprint, meeting local officials, monitoring political opponents, and shaping the policies of the new leadership. The report said that the Trump administration is likely to rely heavily on the CIA to lead the initial re-entry into the country. Trump has openly acknowledged that a central objective of the military action against Venezuela was control over its oil sector underscoring a long US history of violence and imperial domination in Latin America. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why Is Islamic State Targeting Chinese Citizens In Afghanistan? By Freshta Shikhany January 28, 2026 The bombing earlier this month on a Chinese hotel restaurant in Kabul, claimed by a regional affiliate of the Islamic State extremist group, has raised new questions about the its operations in Taliban-run Afghanistan and what analysts say is an emerging campaign targeting Chinese citizens. The January 19 suicide attack on the Lanzhou Chinese Noodles restaurant in the heart of the Afghan capital killed at least seven people and wounded 13 others, including a Chinese citizen. The attack was quickly claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K), the regional affiliate of the extremist group, which said in a statement it "has placed Chinese nationals on its list of targets" due to Beijing's policies in Xinjiang, where at least 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities have been put into mass detention camps. "Extremist jihadists who believe China is an enemy of Muslims are still free and active under Taliban rule," Michael Semple, an Afghanistan expert and professor at Queen's University Belfast, told RFE/RL. "As a result, China will be forced to further strengthen security measures for its citizens." Chinese nationals have been targeted before in Afghanistan, including by IS-K, but the recent bombing comes amid a larger string of attacks against Chinese interests in neighboring Pakistan and Tajikistan that analysts say are also likely aimed at making China less willing to invest. Since the Taliban retook power in 2021, it has clashed with IS-K, viewing the extremist group's goals of establishing a regional caliphate as a threat to its own governance of Afghanistan. "By creating fear, IS-K seeks to prevent Chinese companies from investing, doing business, and extracting natural resources in Afghanistan, thereby weakening the Taliban," Lucas Webber, a senior analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, a research group monitoring terrorist activity, told RFE/RL. Chinese Citizens In The Cross Fire Of Taliban-IS Rivalry Amid biting sanctions, China has become one of the Taliban's most important diplomatic and economic partners since the group returned to power, even without formally recognizing the government. That relationship has made Chinese citizens -- from engineers to restaurant owners -- visible symbols of Taliban legitimacy and attractive targets for IS-K militants seeking to expose cracks in the group's security claims. Semple says that in targeting Chinese nationals, IS-K may also be looking to send a message to the Taliban that it "still has the ability to successfully carry out attacks" despite ongoing efforts to push the extremist group out of Afghanistan and weaken it. The recent attack also casts doubt on Taliban claims that Islamic State has no active presence in Afghanistan and has been eradicated. In April 2024, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in an audio message broadcast by Taliban-controlled national radio and television that IS-K had been suppressed and no longer posed a threat in Afghanistan. Sami Yousafzai, a political analyst, says the Taliban's claims are only partly true, although IS-K currently lacks "bases inside Afghanistan, which limits its ability to carry out frequent attacks." IS-K is also active in Pakistan and Tajikistan, where Chinese citizens have been targeted. Five Chinese workers were killed and five others wounded in two separate attacks in November in Tajikistan close to the Afghan border. Tajik authorities said the attacks were carried out from Afghan territory, and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi pledged to cooperate with Tajikistan in a joint investigation. Following the attacks, a Taliban government official -- speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing investigations -- told Radio Azadi, RFE/RL's Afghan Service, that Taliban forces recently raided an IS-K hideout in northern Afghanistan near the Tajik border and that it is linked to the November attacks on Chinese workers. An Ongoing Regional Campaign IS-K emerged in 2015, largely formed by disgruntled Pakistani Taliban fighters led by Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former Pakistani Taliban commander, and later expanded operations into Afghanistan. The group has also carried past attacks against Chinese nationals in Afghanistan -- including a 2022 bombing of a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul -- and has stepped up its recruiting and propaganda efforts since the Taliban returned to power. "In the lead-up to the Taliban's return to power, various unofficial IS-K-linked media outlets released videos, pamphlets, and online posters criticizing and threatening China," said Webber, who is also a senior fellow at the Soufan Center. "These activities were largely tied to the Taliban's diplomatic relations with China." He says IS-K is continuing with those efforts and is poised to keep targeting Chinese nationals as the group's rivalry with the Taliban deepens and its regional ambitions grow. "[IS-K] has previously talked about bombings, and its propaganda branch has issued warnings in Uzbek about possible attacks on Chinese energy lines in Central Asia," said Webber. "Cross-border attacks are also possible, as insurgent and criminal groups have increasingly targeted Chinese nationals." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-islamic-state-taliban- afghanistan-terrorism-xinjiang-attack/33662116.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 Romanian-German ministerial dialogue in the field of defense Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 18 28.01.2026 The minister of national defense, Radu Miruta, had on Wednesday, January 28, a bilateral meeting with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, in the context of the official visit of the Romanian governmental delegation, led by the Prime Minister of Romania, to Berlin. The discussions aimed at consolidating Romanian-German cooperation in the field of defense, deepening the strategic dialogue and strengthening the role of the two states in ensuring the security of NATO's Eastern Flank, in the context of a complex security environment in continuous transformation. The two ministers emphasized the importance of implementing the decisions adopted at the NATO Summit in The Hague, in June 2025, including increasing investments in defense and maintaining a consistent, predictable and long-term support for Ukraine. "Bilateral cooperation in the field of defense between Romania and Germany materializes through concrete results and a solid mutual support within NATO missions, demonstrating the common commitment of the two states to respond unitarily to current security challenges," the Romanian official emphasized. On the margins of the discussions at ministerial level, the Chief of Defense, General Gheorghita Vlad, had talks with his German counterpart, General Carsten Breuer, focused on cooperation at the operational level and on regional security developments. On this occasion, General Vlad thanked the German side for the constant support granted to Romania through the participation of the German Air Forces in the enhanced Air Policing missions carried out on the national territory. The agenda of the ministerial meeting also included the component of the defense industry, analyzing the opportunities for developing common projects and for capitalizing on the European financing instruments (SAFE), for which Romania has recently published the list of projects. "For part of the products that Romania has introduced as joint procurements, Germany is the lead country that manages these acquisitions. It will mean a lower price per acquisition and we expect shorter delivery times," Minister Miruta highlighted. Within the framework of the meeting, the Joint Declaration of Intent was signed between the Ministry of National Defense from Romania and the Federal Ministry of Defense from the Federal Republic of Germany in the field of defense materials, a document with strategic value oriented towards the development, production and acquisition of state-of-the-art capabilities, aiming at the integration of the Romanian industry into European ecosystems. The cooperation will take place on four main levels: joint logistical support, bilateral acquisitions of products and services, co-development of military equipment and research-development in the field of defense technologies. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rubio Lays Out US Policy on Venezuela, NATO, Ukraine and Iran in Senate Testimony Sputnik News 20260128 Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Venezuela, NATO, Ukraine and other policy in Senate testimony Wednesday. "There is no war against Venezuela, and we did not occupy a country. There are no US troops on the ground," Rubio said in his remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The US and Venezuela are even talking about cooperating on counter narcotics for the first time in twenty years, according to the US's top diplomat. "I'm not here to tell you ... it's all going to go perfectly. But for the first time in 20 years, we are having serious counter-narcotic talks with Venezuelan authorities ... about going after narcotics organizations," Rubio said. Rubio assured that the US wants to reach a political transition in Venezuela so that it becomes a "friendly, stable, prosperous and democratic" country. The secretary added that the US is prepared to help oversee Venezuela's transition from a "criminal state" to a responsible partner. Rubio warned that the US will watch what Venezuelan interim authorities do and remain ready to use force to ensure "cooperation", if needed. "We will closely monitor the performance of the interim authorities as they cooperate with our stage-based plan to restore stability to Venezuela. Make no mistake, as the president has stated, we are prepared to use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods fail," Rubio said in testimony. Rubio stated further that the US would not allow the Western Hemisphere to become a platform for America's adversaries. "The president has made clear that the Western Hemisphere is our home, and we will not tolerate criminality within this Hemisphere that harms American citizens or permit territory to become platforms for our adversaries," he said. Rubio also assured that acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez had pledged to stop shipping oil to Cuba. "She has pledged to end Venezuela's oil lifeline to the Cuban regime and to pursue national reconciliation with Venezuelans at home and abroad," Rubio said. Proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales are currently being deposited in an account that will later become a US Treasury account in the United States, Marco Rubio clarified. "On the sanctioned oil, the oil that requires US permission to move. That oil, the proceeds of that oil, which, by the way, is being sold at market price, not at the discount Venezuela was being forced to sell, is being deposited into an account that ultimately will become a US Treasury blocked account here in the United States," he said. Rubio noted that for Venezuelan authorities to access the funds, a request detailing how the money will be used will have to be submitted. Part of the oil sale proceeds will also be directed to audit processes which will ensure the funds are being spent appropriately. NATO Policy Shifting gears to US NATO policy, Rubio said that the US benefits from NATO, but that the alliance needs to be "reimagined" in terms of member obligations. The US has informed Europe that Washington's defense resources are also needed for Latin America, Rubio said. The secretary assured that the US is in a "good place" on Greenland, and that this process will bring all sides to a good outcome. "In the case of Greenland, I will say we on a good place right now. We had excellent meetings with the secretary general of NATO. In fact, even as I speak to you now, there'll be some technical level meetings between us and our partners in Greenland and Denmark on this issue," Rubio said. Ukraine On Ukraine, Rubio said the idea of security guarantees for Kiev basically would involve the deployment of a handful of European troops, and a US backstop. "Those security guarantees [for Ukraine] basically involve the deployment of a handful of European troops, primarily French, the UK, and then a US backstop." These security guarantees would be irrelevant without a US backstop, as European countries have not invested enough in their defense capabilities, Rubio added. The secretary admitted that the US has not received Russia's consent for any such security guarantees. Commenting on the state of peace talks, the secretary suggested that territorial questions regarding Donetsk are an issue requiring a "bridging of views.' Active US work on reconciling positions continues, he said. Iran Rubio claimed the Iranian Government is "weaker than ever" and is unable to address the economic crisis which sparked nationwide unrest. "That regime is probably weaker than it has ever been, and the core problem they face, unlike the protests you saw in the past on some other topics, is that they don't have a way to address the core complaints of the protests, which is that their economy is in collapse," he said. The secretary expressed his belief that while the protests might have scaled down, they are poised to resume in the future unless Iranian authorities find a way to address the public's "legitimate and consistent" demands. Rubio also warned that Trump reserves the option to eliminate a potential threat from Iran to defend the US. "The president does reserve the option in self-defense to eliminate that threat. We don't see that. We don't anticipate it, but it could happen, but we hope not. We don't want it to happen," Rubio said. Summarizing his testimony, Rubio said the US "has interests all over the world." "We have interest in the Middle East. We have interest in the Western Hemisphere, and we most certainly have interest in the Indo-Pacific," Rubio told lawmakers. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zakharova Exposes NATO's Blind Spot: Bloc Powerless to Counter US on Greenland Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO countries have no means to confront the United States if it decides to seize Greenland, as the bloc does not provide for mechanisms to resolve such issues, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. "[The alleged threat coming from China and Russia] is an entirely made-up story. There is panic within the alliance ... And where can they go to file a complaint? They have been conditioned, their national legislation has been structured in such a way that complaints can only be made within NATO against those outside NATO. And there is no clause about how to complain about those within NATO," Zakharova told Sputnik Radio. The spokeswoman cited NATO's Charter, which states that all issues among member states must be resolved collectively, but she zeroed in on its serious blind spot. "It does not even state whether it is permissible or not for one NATO member country to threaten, or even threaten to use force against, another member. There isn't such a provision anywhere. Meaning, no one built this into NATO's mechanisms, and accordingly, there are no options for a response," Zakharova pointed out. Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom. However, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the Arctic island should join the United States, arguing that the territory is of strategic importance for US national security. Danish and Greenlandic authorities have warned Washington against seizing the island, noting that they expect their territorial integrity to be respected. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden Negotiating 'Nuclear Umbrella' Protection With UK, France - Prime Minister Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that the country is in talks with the UK and France about protecting the kingdom under their "nuclear umbrella." "We are now holding ongoing discussions with both France and the United Kingdom. They are not very precise yet, and the French [nuclear weapons] are uniquely French, but France also shows openness to discussing with other countries," Kristersson was quoted as saying by The Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday. At the same time, Kristersson added that Sweden currently sees no need to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory. A UK government spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had discussed the "nuclear umbrella" proposal with Kristersson. Sweden as a NATO member already has protection in the form of nuclear weapons belonging to other member states of the alliance, but its desire to secure the assistance of the UK and France indicates the kingdom's hope to reduce its dependence on US nuclear weapons, the report said. On Monday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during a discussion with EU lawmakers, called on the EU to stop dreaming that the European Union is capable of defending itself without the US, noting the importance of the US "nuclear umbrella" for Europe. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement of the United States and African Union on the Launch of a Strategic Investment Working Group US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson January 28, 2026 The following joint statement was released by the Government of the United States of America and the African Union Commission on the occasion of today's agreement to establish a Strategic Investment Working Group. Begin text: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met today at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Africa relationship through the African Union (AU). Alongside their shared commitment to protecting peace and security on the Continent, they agreed that economic growth forms the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous Africa, and that the development of quality, trade-enabling infrastructure is a critical next step in advancing that growth, informed by the African Union's Agenda 2063 and its flagship priorities, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) priority corridors, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In this regard, the Government of the United States and the AUC have agreed to the establishment of a U.S.-AUC Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group (SIWG), to promote and advance U.S.-Africa economic partnerships that create jobs, prosperity, and economic security both in America and across Africa. The SIWG will serve as a platform for senior officials and technical experts across the U.S. government and AUC to identify and advance opportunities for U.S. private sector investment and engagement in AU-backed infrastructure projects and related initiatives that advance the shared strategic priorities of the United States and the AU, its member states, and Africa's Regional Economic Communities - enabling trade and logistics infrastructure, as well as continent-wide digital transformation. These investments will leverage AU convening authority and expertise alongside U.S. capital and innovative financing tools to develop critical minerals and commodities supply chains, transportation corridors, energy networks, and regulatory harmonization, as well as to increase two-way trade, secure digital infrastructure, and improve health security that will make Americans and Africans safer and more prosperous. As the United States and Africa seek durable, profitable investments to drive economic goals in place of foreign assistance, the SIWG will provide a foundation for strategic economic cooperation that will grow and shape the relationship for years to come. End text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on U.S. Policy Towards Venezuela US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. January 28, 2026 SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. I appreciate it. And I'll be brief in my opening statement so we can leave more time for questions. I've submitted a written statement, but I'm not going to use it. I'm just going to talk to you guys for a few minutes and - (Interruption.) CHAIRMAN RISCH: All right. Here we go. Suspend. You know the drill. Off to jail. (Interruption.) CHAIRMAN RISCH: That's a one-year ban from the committee. Anyone who is a persistent violator will be banned for three years. So I don't know whether the guy falls in that category. Looks like it. I hope but after three years, he'll find a more productive means of employment. Secretary Rubio, we have two hearings a week. You seem to have a more robust following than most of our witnesses that come before us. But anyway SECRETARY RUBIO: That's all right. There'll be a couple more, so I just - thank you for stopping the clock. But I appreciate it. So - and I know there's a lot of other topics you're going to ask me about, so we can talk about those, including the ones that Senator Shaheen just outlined. But let me just talk about Venezuela in particular. CHAIRMAN RISCH: Please. SECRETARY RUBIO: I think we can talk - if you want, I'm sure your questions will be about what happened before and led up to and the operation. I want to focus my comments this morning on what happens now and moving forward, because you're going to ask about going back. And let me just say this: What is our goal going in? We had, in our hemisphere, a regime operated by an indicted narcotrafficker that became a base of operation for virtually every competitor, adversary, and enemy in the world. It was - for Iran, their primary spot of operation in the Western Hemisphere was Venezuela. For Russia their primary base of operation in the Western Hemisphere, along Cuba and Nicaragua, was Venezuela. In the case of China, China was receiving oil at a huge - about $20 a barrel - discount, and they weren't even paying money for it. It was being used to pay down debt that they were owed. This is the oil of the people of Venezuela, and it was being given to the Chinese as barter at a 20 percent - at a $20 discount per barrel in some cases. And so you had basically three of our primary opponents in the world operating from our hemisphere from that spot. It was also a place where you had a narcotrafficking regime that openly cooperated with the FARC and the ELN and other drug trafficking organizations using their national territory. It was an enormous strategic risk for the United States - not halfway around the world, not in another continent, but in the hemisphere in which we all live. And it was having dramatic impacts on us but also on Colombia and on the Caribbean Basin and all sorts of other places. It was an untenable situation, and it had to be addressed. And it was addressed, and now the question becomes what happens moving forward. As I've described to you in previous settings and in individual conversations, we had three objectives here. The final - I'll work it backwards because the end state here is we want a - we want to reach a phase of transition where we are left with a friendly, stable, prosperous Venezuela, and democratic, in which all elements of society are represented in free and fair elections. By the way, you can have elections. You can have elections all day. But if the opposition has no access to the media, if opposition candidates are routinely dismissed and unable to be on the ballot because of the government, those aren't free and fair elections. That's the end state that we went: free, fair, prosperous, and friendly Venezuela. We're not going to get there in three weeks. It's going to take some time. And so objective number one was stability. In the aftermath of the removal of Maduro, the concern was what happens in Venezuela. Is there civil war? Do the different factions start going at each other? Are a million people crossing the border into Colombia? All of that has been avoided. And one of the primary ways that it has been avoided is the ability to establish direct, honest - respectful but very direct and honest conversations with the people who today control the elements of that nation, meaning the law enforcement, the government apparatus, et cetera. And one of the tools that's available to us is the fact that we have sanctions on oil. There is oil that is sanctioned that cannot move from Venezuela because of our quarantine. And so what we did is we entered into an arrangement with them, and the arrangement is this. On the oil that is sanctioned and quarantined, we will allow you to move it to market. We will allow you to move it to market at market prices - not at the discount China was getting. In return, the funds from that will be deposited into an account that we will have oversight over, and you will spend that money for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. Why was that important? Venezuela was running out of storage capacity, okay. They were producing oil. They were drilling oil. They had nowhere to put it. They had nowhere to move it. And they were facing a fiscal crunch; they needed money in the immediacy to fund the police officer, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government. And so we've been able to create a short-term mechanism. This is not going to be the permanent mechanism, but this is a short-term mechanism in which the needs of the Venezuelan people can be met through a process that we've created, where they will submit every month a budget of this is what we need funded. We will provide for them at the front end what that money cannot be used for. And they have been very cooperative in this regard. In fact, they have pledged to use a substantial amount of those funds to purchase medicine and equipment directly from the United States. In fact, one of the things they need is diluent*, or diluent* depending how you want to pronounce it. And that basically is the light crude that you need to mix with their heavy crude in order for the oil to be able to be mixed and moved. They're getting - they used to get 100 percent of that from Russia. They are now getting 100 percent of that from the United States. So we're using that short-term mechanism both to stabilize the country but also to make sure that the oil proceeds that are currently being generated through the licenses we'll now begin to issue on the sanctioned oil goes to the benefit of the Venezuelan people, not to fund the system that existed in the past. The second is a period of recovery, and that is the phase in which we want to see a normalized oil industry. Again, this is - look, we've got plenty of oil. There's plenty of oil all over the world. Canada produces heavy crude, so it's not like Venezuela's oil is unique in that regard, despite the fact they have the largest known reserves in the world. It's not irreplaceable. But we understand that that is the lifeline. Their natural resources are going to allow Venezuela to be stable and prosperous moving forward. And so we created the - what we hope to do is transition to a mechanism that allows that to be sold in a normal way, a normal oil industry - not one dominated by cronies, not one dominated by graft and corruption. To that end, the authorities there deserve some credit. They have passed a new hydrocarbon law that basically eradicates many of the Chavez era restrictions on private investment in the oil industry. It probably doesn't go far enough to attract sufficient investment, but it's a big step from where they were three weeks ago. So that's a major change. We can address some of the other components, but I'll run out of time. But one of parts of the transition phase or the recovery phase is beginning to create space for different voices inside of Venezuelan politics to have an ability to speak out. Part of that is the release of political prisoners, by some estimates up to 2,000. They are releasing them. They are releasing them probably slower than I would like them to, but they are releasing them. And in fact, you're starting to see some of the people being released beginning to speak out and participate in political life in the country. We have a long ways to go. Look, we can talk in more detail about all of these things. Suffice it to say I am not here to claim to you this is going to be easy or simple. I am saying that in three and a half, almost four weeks, we are much further along on this project than we thought we would be, given the complexities of it going into it. And I recognize that it won't be easy. I mean, look, at the end of the day we are dealing with people over there that have spent most of their lives living in a gangster paradise, so it's not going to be like from one day to the next we're going to have this thing turn around overnight. But I think we're making good and decent progress. It is the best plan, and we are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four week ago. And I think and hope and expect that we will be better off in three months, in six months, in nine months than we would have been, had Maduro still been there. So thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK remains committed to supporting implementation of Resolution 2803 and forging a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians: 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 Gaza. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG Published 28 January 2026 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 28 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) This week brought the long-awaited return of the final remaining hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, killed while defending families at Kibbutz Alumim during the brutal Hamas attack on October 7th. As my Foreign Secretary said, our thoughts are with Ran's family, as they now finally lay him to rest. The suffering of October 7th and the devastating conflict that followed serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of our collective efforts to secure lasting peace in the Middle East. I will make three points. First, we welcome the announcement of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, an important step in implementing the peace plan and putting Palestinians at the heart of efforts to recover and rebuild. We call for the swift implementation of phase two of the peace plan as set out in Security Council Resolution 2803, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the decommissioning of Hamas' weapons, the deployment of the ISF, and a clear timeline for transition of governance from the Board of Peace to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza. Second, for the peace plan to succeed, we must also see urgent action to address the still catastrophic humanitarian situation. The UN reports that at least nine infants have died of hypothermia this winter, including a three-month-old baby last week. This is completely unconscionable, especially when lifesaving shelter and medical supplies remain at the border, blocked by Israeli authorities. We welcome Israel's commitment to partially open the Rafah crossing, but this is not enough. Rafah and all crossings must be fully opened to allow life-saving humanitarian supplies to enter at scale. The UK condemns Israel's egregious attacks against UNRWA's compound in East Jerusalem and its restrictions on the work of international NGOs. These are the backbone of the humanitarian response, providing $1 billion of funding annually, and without them, Palestinians will face yet more suffering. We call on Israel to fulfil its humanitarian commitments under President Trump's 20 Point Plan and its obligations under international law. Finally, we cannot allow the deeply concerning trajectory of Israeli actions in the West Bank to undermine our efforts to secure peace. We condemn ongoing settler violence and outpost construction in Area B, and we call upon the Israeli government to tackle this with effective law enforcement and accountability measures as needed. Israeli movement restrictions and incursions into Area A must cease. We oppose ongoing illegal settlement expansion, including recent developments around E1. President, we cannot afford to lose momentum towards peace. The UK remains committed to supporting swift implementation of Resolution 2803 and to forging a new future, built upon a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace, security, and dignity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Demolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement News story Joint statement by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK on demolitions by the Israeli authorities of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 28 January 2026 We the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom strongly condemn the demolitions by the Israeli authorities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, on 20 January 2026. This unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate. We urge the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the UN General Convention (1946) and the Charter. We call upon the Government of Israel, a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions. We reiterate our full support for UNRWA's indispensable mission to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. We welcome UNRWA's commitment to reform and implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna Report to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions. We reiterate our deep concern regarding the application by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024 and strengthened in December 2025, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities and officials and UNRWA, prohibiting and de facto preventing any UNRWA presence within Israel and in Jerusalem including the supply of electricity, water and gas to properties registered under UNRWA. Israel agreed to President Trump's 20-Point Plan, which committed to the entry and distribution of aid into Gaza, led by the UN and Red Crescent and without interference. We call on the Government of Israel to fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain dire and supply is inadequate for the needs of the population. Therefore, we call on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps: allow the expanded, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services throughout the whole of Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with international humanitarian law ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza, including by lifting restrictive registration requirements the reopening of all crossing points, including the announced plans to re-open the Rafah crossing in both directions and lift persistent restrictions on humanitarian goods' imports, including items considered to have a "dual use" that are essential to humanitarian and early recovery operations NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: UN Support Office in Haiti, Goodwill Ambassador Theo James in Syria, urgent appeal for millions in DR Congo 28 January 2026 - The Security Council-endorsed UN Support Office in Haiti is on track to deliver on behalf of the Haitian people, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday. The office established through a resolution in September, will provide support to the new Gang Suppression Force and the UN political mission in the country (BINUH). The Spokesperson's updates included that Stephen McOwan has been selected as interim director of the office and he joined some 37 staff members already up and running in Port-au-Prince over the weekend. Furthermore, a second office was established in Santo Domingo, capital of the neighbouring Dominican Republic last week, to provide resources, finance and travel services. The country will also serve as a designated medical evacuation destination should the organization need it. Mr. Dujarric added that the first air asset to be delivered, a helicopter, is now in Port-au-Prince, while more equipment is coming from the UN Logistics Base in Brindisi and from the UN's now closed mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Goodwill Ambassador Theo James 'hopeful' after visit to Syria Walking through Damascus, the Syrian capital currently being rebuilt after years of conflict, British actor Theo James contemplated his own grandfather's journey years ago, who was welcomed in Syria after escaping war in Greece. "It's a reminder that we all have the choice to provide safety to those fleeing conflict and persecution," said the Hollywood star and UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador. Renewed clashes over the past weeks in northeast Syria have forced thousands to flee their homes, a year after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Mr. James visited the country this week in his capacity as a top advocate for UNHCR's work, which is on the ground providing assistance to Syrian families. He visited Damascus, Zabadani and Eastern Ghouta, meeting families who have recently returned home. Optimism despite crisis "I am hopeful for the future after meeting with Syrians who chose to return to their homes - though for many people, not much is left," said Mr. James. However, almost 90 per cent of the population needs humanitarian assistance, according to UNHCR. Mr. James added that much of the infrastructure is destroyed and access to basic services remains limited, among other struggles. "That's why UNHCR's work in Syria is critical to ensure that those who return receive support," he said. New funding appeal for DR Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community have launched an urgent appeal for $1.4 billion to support millions in the country this year, the UN aid coordination (OCHA) agency announced on Wednesday. In what OCHA characterised as one of the 'most neglected humanitarian crises', nearly 15 million people are in need of aid. Due to limited funding, however emphasis is on reaching the 7.3 million most vulnerable, down from 11 million last year. Impossible choices The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis, said "the combination of immense needs and limited resources, forces us to make extremely difficult, sometimes impossible, choices." The funding appeal focuses exclusively on areas affected by three major shocks: conflict, climate hazards, and recurrent epidemics. It covers 228 health zones, compared to 332 in 2025. This drastic reduction comes in a humanitarian context that is already deeply disrupted, particularly in the east where the situation has continued to deteriorate since January 2025 following an offensive by M23 rebels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Occupation policies drive further displacement in West Bank OCHA reports that efforts to bridge the gap between the enormous needs on the ground and the ability of the humanitarian community to respond continue, despite multiple constraints and restrictions. The immunization campaign underway concludes tomorrow, and our partners have so far vaccinated nearly 13,000 children across the Strip against a target of almost 18,000. A programme, which began earlier this month, to help patients who need limb reconstruction, has recently expanded to include Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, in addition to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. Plans are also underway to include Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza city to help people living in northern Gaza. So far, the teams have screened around 400 patients, of whom a quarter were identified as having complex injuries which need reconstructive surgery. In a positive development, equipment and supplies for surgery and treatment of some of these patients was allowed to enter Gaza this week, which means some people on waiting lists can be operated on. With more cold spells expected, winter support continues across the Strip. Since Sunday, our partners leading on shelter reached more than 4,000 families with tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets and kitchen supplies. OCHA continues to stress the need for sustainable shelter solutions, including repairing damaged homes to provide adequate protection and mitigate the effects of rain and floods. In the West Bank, OCHA warns of increased forced displacement of Palestinian families due to occupation-related policies and practices. On Monday, following repeated attacks and threats by Israeli settlers, the remaining 100 residents of the Ras Ein al 'Auja Bedouin community near Jericho were compelled to leave the area, bringing the number of people displaced from that community this month to about 600. OCHA says that the community is now completely empty. Settlers had damaged or blocked herders' access to grazing areas around the community and prevented them from using the nearby spring, severely undermining their livelihoods. This comes on top of livestock theft and frequent attacks resulting in injuries and property damage. Since the beginning of January, OCHA has recorded the displacement of 688 Palestinians from eight communities due to settler attacks - which is over 40 per cent the number of displaced people in that category for the whole of 2025. It also comes on top of the displacement of another 130 Palestinians this month due to demolitions. OCHA is carrying out assessments and working with humanitarian partners to ensure people receive the support they need. Since yesterday, Israeli forces have reportedly been demolishing dozens of Palestinian-owned structures in Kafr Aqab area of East Jerusalem. OCHA reminds us that 2025 recorded the highest levels of demolitions in East Jerusalem in nearly two decades of record-keeping, with these latest developments pointing to a continuation of that trend. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Democratic Republic of the Congo UN, humanitarian partners seek $1.4 billion to tackle escalating needs The UN, its humanitarian partners and the Government, today launched this year's Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $1.4 billion. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world's most protracted and most neglected humanitarian crises, driven by conflict, displacement, climate shocks and epidemics. Out of a population of 113 million, nearly 15 million people in the DRC need humanitarian support. But severe funding shortages mean that we will aim to reach 7.3 million of them this year. Humanitarian partners report that funding shortfalls forced 1,000 nutrition centres to shutter in 2025, denying life-saving care to nearly 400,000 of severely malnourished children. Some 1.5 million people also lost access to primary healthcare due to health facility closures, shortages of vital medicine and reduced capacity to respond to epidemics. Food assistance was also affected, with monthly ration cuts by up to 70 per cent in eastern provinces. Meanwhile, continued fighting in the north-east of the country has further disrupted humanitarian operations in the region. Without adequate funding, the response won't match the scale of the needs. Last year, we received less than a quarter of the $2.5 billion we needed to reach people in need. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support. Sudan Violence in Kordofan forces 88,000 people from their homes OCHA warns that continued fighting in the Kordofan region is putting civilians in danger and worsening already severe humanitarian needs. In Dilling, the second-largest city in South Kordofan State, the security situation remains highly volatile, with humanitarian access routes still cut off. The prolonged isolation of the city has driven the humanitarian situation to crisis levels. Humanitarian partners report that half of Dilling's civilian population fled last year, while those who remain face critical shortages of food, healthcare and other basic services. OCHA reports that humanitarian operations in the city are limited, with only a small number of non-governmental organizations working under severe constraints. Across the Kordofan region, the International Organization for Migration reports that more than 88,000 people were displaced between late October and mid-January because of the conflict. Meanwhile, violence against civilians also continues in North Darfur State. On Monday, multiple drone strikes on markets and other civilian locations were reported in the towns of Jebel Issa and Mellit. Civilians were reportedly killed and injured, livelihoods were destroyed, and already fragile health facilities were impacted. At the same time, people continue to flee into the locality of Tawila. A field visit conducted yesterday by the UN and its partners saw families arriving after fleeing El Fasher. They need food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition support. OCHA once again urges all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access. It also calls on donors to step up funding so life-saving assistance can reach more people in need. Ukraine Civilians killed, wounded as attacks hit critical infrastructure OCHA reports that attacks over the past two days have yet again claimed more civilian lives and caused widespread disruptions to electricity, heating and water supplies. In the city of Odesa, a massive drone attack yesterday killed several civilians and injured more than 20 others, including children. Residential buildings and energy infrastructure were damaged, leaving more than 60,000 families without electricity. A preschool and a school were also damaged. Front-line areas also sustained widespread damage to housing and civilian infrastructure, including hundreds of apartments and several schools in the regions of Kharkiv and Sumy. Still in Kharkiv region, yesterday, a drone strike hit a passenger train in the commune of Barvinkivska, reportedly killing at least four civilians and injuring two others. This is one of the closest railway stations to Donetsk region and is essential for people fleeing hostilities. Meanwhile, people continue to be evacuated. This month, in the region of Dnipro, authorities evacuated nearly 1,300 children with their families from front-line communities. Humanitarian partners have provided blankets, flashlights, hot meals, psychological and medical support, including in the city of Odesa. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support. Posted on 28 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Facing a critical funding gap, the humanitarian community in DRC is forced to strictly prioritize its response in 2026 UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Kinshasa, 28 January 2026 -- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community in the country today launched an urgent appeal for US$1.4 billion to address humanitarian needs in 2026. These resources are essential to assist millions of Congolese women, men, and children trapped in one of the most protracted and most neglected humanitarian crises of our time. Due to insufficient funding, the 2026 humanitarian response will focus on 7.3 million people, out of nearly 15 million individuals who require life-saving assistance and protection. This narrower targetingcompared to the 11 million people prioritized in 2025reflects a strict focus on populations facing the most immediate and life-threatening needs. This drastic reduction comes as the country continues to face an acute crisis driven by persistent armed conflict, large-scale displacement and returns, climatic shocks, and recurrent epidemics. The consequences of underfunding were already evident in 2025. For example, reduced operational capacity led to the closure of more than 1,000 nutrition centres, depriving over 390,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition of essential treatment. Approximately 1.5 million people lost access to primary healthcare due to facility closures, shortages of vital medicines, and limited capacity to prevent and respond to epidemics. Monthly food assistance targets were reduced by up to 73 per cent, leaving the most vulnerable further exposed to hunger and deprivation. "The combination of immense needs and limited resources forces us into extremely difficult, sometimes impossible, choices," said Bruno Lemarquis, Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "We call for renewed and strengthened financial commitment so that we can respond efficiently, help preserve the dignity of the Congolese people facing acute suffering, and prevent millions from being deprived of life-saving support," he emphasized. This plan comes at a time when the humanitarian landscape in the eastern provinces has been profoundly disrupted since January 2025. Fighting in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri has reshaped needs, disrupted supply chains, and increased administrative and security constraints. Access to affected populations has become more dangerous and more complex than ever. Given the gravity of the situation, Mr. Lemarquis called for a genuine paradigm shift: "We cannot continue operating as before. Humanitarian assistance is indispensable because it saves lives, but it is not the solution to humanitarian problems. It does not address the root causes of the crises. The best response is the one that sustainably reduces needs The pursuit of peace must be at the centre of our efforts. Solutions are above all political. It is also essential to move beyond a constant reactive mode and to establish a true culture of anticipation and prevention, both in terms of conflict and disaster risk. We must also strengthen the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus to achieve impact at scale." He also paid tribute to the remarkable resilience and solidarity of Congolese communities, particularly the host families who open their homes and share the little they have, forming the country's first line of humanitarian support. Mr. Lemarquis further recalled the central role of the Government in facilitating humanitarian action on the ground. Largely absent from international headlines, the humanitarian crisis in the DRC remains one of the longest-running and most neglected worldwide. The humanitarian community remains fully engaged alongside the Congolese Government to save lives, protect civilians, and strengthen resilience. With adequate support, this response could be expanded and intensified to meet the scale of the needs. END Note to Editors 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP): The 2026 HNRP is a strategic document developed through extensive consultations between the United Nations, international and national NGOs, and the Congolese authorities. It outlines priority interventions based on a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of needs. Targeting and geographic scope: The 2026 HNRP focuses exclusively on areas affected by three major shocksarmed conflict, climatic hazards, and epidemics. It covers 228 health zones, compared to 332 health zones in 2025. Costs and funding requirements: The total estimated cost of the 2026 response amounts to US$1.4 billion and targets 7.3 million people. Evolution of needs: The decrease in the total number of people in needfrom 21.2 million in 2025 to 14.9 million in 2026 (a reduction of approximately 30 per cent)reflects methodological choices and revised analyses rather than an improvement in the humanitarian situation on the ground. Budget adjustments: Overall funding requirements for the 2026 HNRP have been reduced by 45 per cent compared to 2025. This reduction corresponds to a 34 per cent decrease in the target population and adjustments in specific activities. The average cost per beneficiary has also decreased by 17 per cent, falling from US$231 in 2025 to US$192 in 2026, largely due to revised quality standards within certain clusters. 2025 underfunding: In 2025, only 24 per cent of the HNRP's funding requirements were met. This severely limited partners' ability to deliver planned life-saving assistance and protection services, leaving millions without essential support. Operational coverage: Despite access challenges, shrinking resources, and increased insecurity, partners were able to deliver assistance at least once to more than 8.2 million people as of 30 November 2025. However, the frequency and quantity of assistance were often insufficient due to funding gaps and operational constraints. Complementarity of actions: The HNRP should be complemented by Government efforts to deliver basic services and ensure the protection of the Congolese people, alongside sustained peace initiatives aimed at ending conflict. Posted on 28 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Consolidate Gaza Ceasefire, Halt Escalating Violence, Settlement Activity in West Bank, Deputy Special Coordinator Tells Security Council Open Debate Meetings Coverage Security Council 10098th Meeting (AM & PM) SC/16284 28 January 2026 As the Security Council gathered the day after the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza was retrieved, a United Nations Middle East peace expert stressed the need to consolidate the tenuous ceasefire, while also raising alarm about the escalation of violence and settlements in the occupied West Bank. Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, hoped that the return of Ran Gvili's body to Israel for burial will lead to healing. "The announced start of the second phase of [United States] President [Donald J.] Trump's 20-point Comprehensive Plan is a critical step in consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza," alongside the establishment of the subsidiary bodies of the Board of Peace, including the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the Office of the High Representative for Gaza, he said. However, "despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to conduct military operations with air strikes, shelling and gunfire occurring across the Strip," he pointed out. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, including many women and children. Recalling the misery and hope he witnessed recently in the Strip, he described farmers, unable to import seeds, repairing greenhouses with makeshift materials and families who sat vigil through rainy nights "just to hold down the four corners of their tents". Humanitarian work continues to be hindered by insecurity, customs clearance challenges, delays and denials of cargo at crossings, and limited routes. The West Bank has seen extensive Israeli military operations, settler violence and arrest campaigns of Palestinians including children by Israeli security forces. "The combination of settlement advancement, State land declarations and persistent establishment of outposts is carving up and making vast swaths of land inaccessible for Palestinian use in the occupied West Bank," he said. He also detailed "the pressure campaign" against United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), including forcible entry with bulldozers and demolitions at its Headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem and "abhorrent calls for the annihilation of UNRWA staff" by Israeli officials. Further, Israel continues to withhold nearly $2.5 billion of Palestinian clearance revenue. Ultimately, these actions taken together are undermining any prospects of a two-State solution. "Unless urgently addressed, they may also jeopardize progress on implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement," he warned. The President of the United States, that country's delegate said, recently announced the Board of Peace while speaking in Davos and the transition to phase two of the United States' 20-point plan. "The results of phase one speak for themselves," he said, pointing to the establishment of a ceasefire, the delivery of aid and the return of all hostages. Phase two will "advance the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza", he said, thanking those who have committed to joining the Board including Council members Bahrain and Pakistan. The Board "is acting, and not just talking", he said, and will help realize a "new Gaza" and break the decades-old cycle of violence. He warned, however, that "assistance cannot devolve into dependence", and that Hamas and other militant groups "must live up to their side of the bargain" by disarming. With Hostages Returned, Hamas Must Be Disarmed, Gaza Demilitarized "From the first day of the war in Gaza, Israel has been clear before this Council about its goals," said that country's representative. These are "every hostage home" and "Hamas disarmed"; and now the first goal has been achieved. "Today, for the first time in 843 days, I sit in this Chamber without the yellow hostage pin on my lapel," he noted, holding up the small ribbon. Now, Israel works towards its second goal the disarmament of Hamas, he said, adding: "It does not mean weapons hidden underground while promises are made above ground." Hamas remains heavily armed, still holding thousands of rockets and anti-tank missiles and tens of thousands of assault rifles. "This is not a movement preparing for peace, this is a terrorist army preparing for its next war," he stressed. Israel is upholding its commitments, he said, detailing aid trucks entering Gaza, as well as his Government's decision to open all major crossings into the Strip. "Aid is flowing, coordination continues," he said. "Hamas must now be dismantled completely, Gaza must be demilitarized and deradicalized," he added. Peace Still Possible, But Occupation of Palestine Must End "Palestine is a reliable partner for peace if peace is the objective," said the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine. While welcoming the ceasefire agreement and acknowledging that it saved thousands of lives, he noted also that at least 500 Palestinians have since been killed. For the ceasefire to succeed, Israel must cease dictating the future of Gaza and fully withdraw from the territory. He also noted the highest number of West Bank displacements since 1967. "Yet, we still see a chance for peace," he said "a real historical opportunity to end the occupation". Any peace process must preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, and "Palestine must be central to, and fully represented in, any process that determines its future". Welcoming the recovery of the remains of the last Israeli body, he asked: "What about the countless Palestinian families whose loved ones have been killed, with thousands of bodies still crushed and buried under rubble, yet to be found, yet to be identified and to be given dignified burial?" The all-day open debate on this item featured more than 60 speakers, many echoing the need to consolidate the ceasefire and reaffirming the importance of the two-State solution. Pakistan's representative noted that his country, together with other Arab and Islamic countries, has joined the Board of Peace. He reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Board's mission as a transitional administration towards consolidating a permanent ceasefire, supporting Gaza's reconstruction and advancing a lasting peace grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination. The representative of Qatar another member of the Board also reaffirmed its mandate "as an interim mechanism" established under the plan endorsed by resolution 2803 (2025). Advance Recognition, Admission of State of Palestine Egypt's delegate recalled the Sharm elSheikh Peace Summit of October 2025 and called for continued active American engagement in implementing all phases of the peace plan. Reconstruction must go beyond physical rebuilding to restoring conditions needed for everyday life and must enable the people to remain on their land. He welcomed the growing international momentum supporting the recognition of the State of Palestine. The representative of Turkiye, speaking for the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called for "expeditious action" in the Council regarding the State of Palestine's admission as a full UN member. The Council must "commence action on the implementation of its relevant resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016), with the aim of transforming the ceasefire into a just, durable and comprehensive peace", he said. The representative of the United Kingdom called for the swift implementation of phase two of the Peace Plan, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the decommissioning of Hamas' weapons, the deployment of the International Stabilization Forces and a clear timeline for transition of governance from the Board of Peace to a reformed Palestinian Authority. "Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza," he said. Delegates also called for further clarity about the next steps, with France's representative noting that the founding text of the Board of Peace raises "major political and legal questions particularly concerning its scope of application and its governance". The representative of the Russian Federation said: "We await from the American side more details" regarding the deployment of the International Stabilization Forces. He called for the restoration of "administrative, political and economic unity of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem", within the framework of a Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders. Iran's delegate said the creation of so-called "International Stabilization Forces" and a "Board of Peace" undermine Palestinians' fundamental right to self-determination. They legitimize the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza, reduce Palestinian authority over their own land to "a mere service-delivery role" and "sideline the Security Council", he said. New West Bank Settlements Undermine Viable Palestinian State Nicaragua's delegate, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, said that Israel's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank including the re-establishment of settlements evacuated in 2005 represents a serious setback. "These illegal, colonial actions openly seek to destroy the contiguity of the Palestinian land and foreclose the possibility of a viable Palestinian State," he said. Echoing that, Jordan's delegate, speaking for the Arab Group, also condemned the continued settlement-expansion, the demolition of homes, the seizure of lands and settler terrorism. Welcoming the United States President's confirmation that Israel must not annex any part of the West Bank, he reaffirmed that the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is the sole legal authority responsible for managing Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem. Several speakers stressed the vital role of UNRWA, with the representative of China expressing grave concern over the forceful demolition of its premises in East Jerusalem, which were set on fire. The representative of Somalia, Council President for January, spoke in his national capacity to stress that Israel's undermining of UNRWA violates humanitarian principles and constitutes "an abdication of Israel's responsibilities as an occupying Power under international law". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Indo-Pacific to engage with Airmen, allies Published Jan. 28, 2026 Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Jan. 24 to kick off his tour of the Pacific Air Force's area of responsibility and meet with Airmen and Guardians throughout the region. Lohmeier's visit was an in-depth immersion to how the Department of the Air Force enhances regional stability by working in concert across all warfighting domains. The visit is focused on seeing department priorities of modernization, readiness and people in action across the Pacific. Additionally, it highlights the United States' ongoing commitment to its allies and partners. "I am thrilled to engage with our personnel here in the Indo-Pacific," Lohmeier said. "These discussions inform how to better resource and equip our warfighters to accomplish their critical mission alongside our allies and partners. The motivation, sacrifice, and service I see here are a tangible example of our commitment to maintaining a strong deterrent presence in the Indo-Pacific." Gen. Kevin Schneider, PACAF commander, said Airmen in the region are forging peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific by providing a credible deterrent force that makes it clear to any adversary that aggression will fail. "Our strength is rooted in the professionalism and readiness of our Airmen alongside the power of the joint force and integration with allies and partners," he said. "Our team is finding ways where we continuously improve our positions, our capabilities, and our ability to adapt ahead of what a potential adversary is doing. We are achieving that by staying focused on modernization and readiness and having a deep commitment to our greatest asset our warfighters. They are at the center of everything we do." While in Hawaii, the under secretary's visit will include meetings with leadership from Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command where he will receive a strategic overview of joint operations in the region. He will meet with the Airmen and Guardians executing the mission while highlighting the unique and impactful aspects of the command, its installations and the surrounding communities. He is also scheduled to stop in the South Korea and Japan during his time in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 28 January 2026 - Day 1435 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 109 combat clashes. The Russian enemy made one missile strike, using one missile, 63 airstrikes, dropped 159 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian forces used 4523 kamikaze drones and carried out 2912 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 14 times and carried out 74 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units, three of which were reactive systems of arson fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of settlements Staritsa, Prylipka, and towards Obuhivka, Zelenoy, Vovchansky Farms, Kolodyazny and Kutkivka. Ukrainian units repelled 13 attacks. Two attacks today were repelled by Ukrainian defenders towards Radkivka and Pi any in the Kupans komu direction. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped seven attacks in the area of Mirnoy and in the directions of Lyman, Drobishevogo and Stavok. In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled six Russian attempts to advance in the areas of Yampol, Svyato-Pokrovsky and towards Rai-Oleksandrivka. One fight is going on. In the direction of Kramators komu, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. In the Konstantinivsky direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders nine times near the settlements of Konstyantinivka, Predtechyna, Pleshiyivka, Sofiyivka and towards Novopavlivka. The Russian enemy committed 22 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance near the settlements of Rodins ke, Pokrovsk, Mirnograd, Kotline, Molodetske, Filiya, Dachne. According to preliminary estimates, today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers eliminated 45 Russian invaders and wounded 25; destroyed 47 unmanned aircraft, one personnel shelter, two ammunition warehouses, ten automobile units and one special transport unit, one ATV and one cannon, also hit three automobile units and a special equipment unit And 12 ukrittiv personal composition of the Russian opponent. In the Oleksandrivsky direction Ukrainian units stopped one Russian attack towards Yegorivka. Gavrilivka suffered an enemy air strike. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 Russian attacks, in the area of Gulyaipol, Mirny and towards Dobropil. One fight is going on. In addition, the Russian aviation struck the settlements of Ternuvate, Zaliznycne, Upper Tersa, Vozdvizhivka, Barvinivka, Valley, Charm. In the Orihivs komu direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Stepnogirsk and towards Primors kogo. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of two mechanised brigades of the AFU near Proletarskoye and Miropolye (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of one mechanised brigade and one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and one national guard brigade have been hit close to Grafskoye, Verkhnyaya Pisarevka, Neskuchnoye, and Krugloye (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 145 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, one MLRS and one Western-made field artillery gun. Four materiel depots were destroyed. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian troops engaged two mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, one assault regiment of the AFU, and one national guard brigade have been hit close to Rubtsy, Yatskovka, Korovy Yar (Donetsk People's Republic), Blagodatovka, Nechvolodovka, Novonikolayevka, and Petrovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to more than 180 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, and four artillery guns, including two Western-made ones. Four field ammunition depots were eliminated. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit formations of three mechanised brigades and one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU close to Druzhkovka, Vasyutinskoye, Krasnotorka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 100 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 13 motor vehicles, three artillery guns, including one Western-made gun, and two electronic warfare stations. One ammunition and two materiel depots were eliminated. The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade, one special forces brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and two national guard brigade near Sergeyevka, Belitskoye, Kutuzovka, Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic), Mezhevaya, Novopodgorodnoye, and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 390 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, and eight motor vehicles. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Strikes were delivered at formations of two mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, one airmobile brigade, and three assault regiments of the AFU close to Zaliznichnoye, Rizdvyanka, Vozdvizhevka, Zarnitsa, Rozovka, Komsomolskoye, Dolinka, Tsvetkovoye (Zaporozhye region), and Vasilkovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The enemy lost more than 270 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, and 20 motor vehicles. The Dnepr Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU near Odarovka (Zaporozhye region) and Sadovoye (Kherson region). Up to 40 troops, four motor vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations were neutralised. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Russian groups of forces have inflicted damage on the storage and pre-launch areas of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, a fuel base, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 158 areas. Air defence systems shot down 175 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 111,406 unmanned aerial vehicles, 646 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,364 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,652 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,903 field artillery guns and mortars, and 53,043 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address January 28, 2026 By Mark Schauer, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground Upcoming Artemis II Space Mission Has Multiple Yuma Proving Ground Connections NASA announced the first crewed mission of the Artemis II will fly around the moon after an opportune launch window sometime between early February and the end of April. The mission will culminate in the deployment of the Orion space capsule's parachutes, which were rigorously evaluated at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, through multiple developmental tests between 2011 and 2018. The mission's pilot is slated to be Astronaut Victor Glover, who witnessed multiple developmental tests of the Capsule Parachute Assembly System at the proving ground. Glover and his crewmates went into a prelaunch health stabilization, or quarantine, Jan. 23 in preparation for the mission. Most people associate space travel with tremendous speed, but safe deceleration is just as important for the astronauts on board. A spacecraft must travel at approximately 20,000 mph to escape Earth's gravity. By contrast returning its occupants safely to the ground the same capsule needs to be decelerated from as fast as 24,500 mph to speeds slower than most people drive their cars on residential streets. Meanwhile, the extreme friction generated as the capsule hurtles back into the Earth's atmosphere at such tremendous speed causes its exterior to heat to more than 4,000 degrees. Safely landing under these conditions is a tremendous undertaking and large parachutes play an important role in accomplishing it. The Capsule Parachute Assembly System's cord is made of Kevlar, a strong synthetic fiber used in body armor; the change from steel was made following testing at Yuma Proving Ground. Each main parachute consists of 10,000 square feet of fabric. The system is designed to deploy sequentially, passing through two stages before fully opening. On reentry, two drogue parachutes deploy to slow the hurtling 10-ton capsule before three main parachutes bring it down to a languid landing speed of 17 mph. Further, the parachute system is designed with redundancies to ensure a safe landing for astronauts, even in extreme scenarios such as two parachutes failing or a catastrophic mishap shortly after takeoff. In many of the tests at the proving ground, evaluators intentionally rigged one or more of the Capsule Parachute Assembly System's parachutes to not deploy, which tested if the remaining functioning chutes could withstand the additional stress of speed and mass that the failure would cause. In addition to outfitting the test vehicle with far more instrumentation and cameras than would be possible if it were coming from space, testing over land at Yuma Proving Ground made recovery and examination of the parachutes easier than when the capsule lands in the ocean following a real space mission. The years of hard work paid off. Following a Nov. 16, 2022, launch the uncrewed Orion took a 1.4-million-mile round-trip journey that took it past the moon, reentering the atmosphere and splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean after the Capsule Parachute Assembly System deployed without a hitch Dec. 11, 2022. Yuma Proving Ground has hosted developmental testing for NASA since the earliest days of the space program. The precursor to the lunar rover used during the last moon landings in 1971 and 1972, dubbed the "mobility test article," was tested at the proving ground in 1966. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the surface of the moon, visited the proving ground in 1971 to witness developmental testing of the AH-56 Cheyenne Attack Helicopter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Dili, Timor-Leste Transcript Wednesday 28 January 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao Prime Minister of Timor-Leste KAY RALA XANANA GUSMAO, PRIME MINISTER OF TIMOR-LESTE: It is my great honour to welcome Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP to Timor-Leste for this official visit. Prime Minister Albanese's visit is an important moment in the relationship between our two countries and reflects the depth of friendship, trust and partnership between Timor-Leste and Australia. Our discussions today were warm, open and productive. We agreed to establish a new partnership for the new era that reflects the maturity of our relationship and our shared future. Our relationship has been shaped by solidarity in times of conflict and by partnership in peace. Today, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous region. Australia has been a strong supporter of Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, and I thank the Prime Minister for his support. We reaffirmed the importance of international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Our 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty remains a powerful example of how disputes can be resolved peacefully and fairly through dialogue and law. Our talks today also focus on promoting development and creating jobs, and Australia's continued partnership in supporting these priorities. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to the development of Greater Sunrise. Timor-Leste's position on Greater Sunrise has always, always been real. The natural gas fields of Greater Sunrise must be processed on shore in Timor-Leste. This is essential for our national development and for the long-term strength of our family. Development of Greater Sunrise will provide jobs and opportunities for young Timorese to gain skills and participate in emerging industries. I reinforced with the Australian Prime Minister that Timor-Leste is committed to progressing Greater Sunrise in a manner that is commercially sound, technically appropriate and aligned with the interests of our people. I am very pleased that today we agreed to accelerate our negotiation to finalise the Petroleum Mining Code, the Production Sharing Contract and the Fiscal Regime expeditiously. We also discussed Australia's labour mobility programs which continue to deliver real benefits for Timorese workers and their families. We agree to work together to increase the number of Timorese that can work in Australia. People to people links remain at the heart of our relationship. It was Australians like Prime Minister Albanese that actively supported our struggle for independence. We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen the bonds within our peoples, including civil society, church and friendship group, school groups and veterans. I also announce today that Timor-Leste has identified a parcel of land in Dili, next to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Coorporation, which we will grant Australia for the construction of a new embassy. This grant of land allows us to reciprocate after Australia provided land to Timor-Leste which allowed us to build our embassy in Canberra. We are pleased that Australia is planning to build a new and larger embassy which reflects its strong and long-term commitment to Timor-Leste. At a time of global change and uncertainty, Timor-Leste highly values our partnership with Australia. We share a vision for a world that is peaceful, where development is inclusive, where international law provides the basis for preventing conflict and where human rights are upheld. I thank Prime Minister Albanese for his visit, for Australia's friendship, and for the progress that we have made today to work together for the benefit of our peoples. ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, good afternoon and I want to begin by thanking Prime Minister Gusmao for the invitation for me to visit for the first time as Prime Minister, my second visit here to Dili. I must say the warm welcome that I received from literally thousands of children was overwhelming, as well as from the people on the side of the route that we took this morning. It was indeed a real sign of the affection and warmth between our two peoples. And I thank the Prime Minister for that. I also thank the President for driving the car for us as well, so successfully, because some of those children were running in front of the car as we went along. I'm also joined by my friend Luke Gosling, who has such a strong relationship with Timor-Leste. He served here as an Officer in the Australian Defence Force and came back to assist the development here in Timor-Leste as well. Timor-Leste is of course, our neighbour from Australia. You don't get to choose your neighbours, but you do get to choose your friends. And Timor-Leste is a friend and has a friend in Australia as we go forward. Today, we've reflected the strength of that friendship and the relationship by signing the Parseria; 'A New Partnership for a New Era', elevating the friendship between Timor-Leste and Australia to a new level, the first of its kind between our two nations. The partnership cements our cooperation across economic security, development and people to people relations right across the board. It is a very comprehensive agreement. It acknowledges the mutual respect for national sovereignty and our shared commitment to continuing cooperation and consultation, not just between our two countries, but also, we've spoken about working together. As the Prime Minister has said, we live in uncertain times with a lot of turbulence around the world. We are reliable partners and we can cooperate in the development of the vision that we both share for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Australia is honoured to be Timor-Leste's largest development partner. Through this new partnership, we'll continue to work with Timor-Leste on nation building priorities that matter to the people of both of our nations. We've also discussed our interest today in building economic resilience and providing opportunities for all people of Timor-Leste. There's now over 5,000 Timorese are working in Australia. We want to build that up to 10,000, which is in the interest of both of our nations. Last year, Timor-Leste became ASEAN's eleventh member and Australia was very supportive of that. And I want to acknowledge the Prime Minister's role and leadership on this. To further support Timor-Leste's ASEAN accession, I'm announcing today that Australia will boost the funding that we've provided for technical assistance and capacity building package so that the total will be up to $20 million, an increase of $8.2 million. Supporting our partners along the journey of economic development and resilience is so important for securing opportunities for the entire region. I'm also pleased to announce two new programs, the Private Sector Development Program and a Human Development Initiative to improve the quality and reach of critical health services, education and disability support. These are all areas where Australia is proud to support Timor-Leste's aspirations, the growth and wellbeing of Timorese people. Australia and Timor-Leste share a common history. We fought side by side in the pursuit of peace during the World War II and our veterans, including my mentor Tom Uren and others, Bluey Rutherford and others, who were captured and became prisoners of war at the Japanese. In Tom Uren's case, in 1941, they remembered for the rest of their life the debt of gratitude that Australia owes to the Timorese people who provided such extraordinary support at our darkest hour. We supported the 1999 independence referendum process and we helped secure peace again in 2006. Australia has engaged consistently in providing support for Timor-Leste and now together we've taken the next step, which this agreement today represents. I do want to thank the Prime Minister for his friendship and his hospitality. And I want to acknowledge as well my friendship with President Ramos-Horta that goes back literally to last century when we first met in Australia. I look forward to continuing to work together under our new partnership, furthering a region that is secure, stable and flourishing. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what news do you bring on the Greater Sunrise project? If it is not settled are you concerned that Timor-Leste might seek partnership with China? PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: I think that I bring good news on the Greater Sunrise project. I think that the agreement that we've signed today, that you will see, acknowledges how important it is for both of our nations, but particularly important for economic development in Timor-Leste. We have appointed Dr Katrina Cooper, who is one of our most experienced international diplomats, to be the Sherpa that is to push things along between the commercial partners to make sure that we achieve an outcome that is very important. The most recent negotiations occurred in Canberra in December 2025 and so this is a shared resource between Australian Timor-Leste. Of course agreement need to be consistent with the criteria that was set out in the 2018 Maritime Boundary Treaty. I'm very optimistic and positive and I know this is such an important project for Prime Minister Gusmao and I share his enthusiasm for it. JOURNALIST: When will there be a deal with Timor-Leste? PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: For Greater Sunrise? We are hoping, we're working these issues through. Of course there are commercial partners involved with it, but today's and the Sunrise joint venture of course is Woodside, TIMOR GAP, Osaka Gas, as well they will put forward a proposed development plan for Greater Sunrise. And today's agreement that we have signed, the Parseria, acknowledges how important this project is. JOURNALIST: Timor-Leste has expressed its preference for the Greater Sunrise Pipeline to be developed towards Timor-Leste. Could you share your perspective on this matter? PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: You're getting off easily here, Prime Minister. You'll want me to come here more often I suspect. Look, we will work through these issues in a constructive way. We acknowledge that there is commercial issues involved so we will allow that process to occur. But it will occur as well with oversight from my government and I'm absolutely certain that Prime Minister Gusmao will be providing oversight as well. JOURNALIST: The Chinese Ambassador to Australia today said that Beijing would act to protect Landbridge's interest if the Australian government were to try to take back the Port of Darwin. Are you prepared to stand up to the Ambassador and to Xi Jinping and take back the port by the end of the year? PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: We've made it very clear that we want the Port of Darwin, that was sold to non-Australian interests with a financial incentive from the former coalition government to the Northern Territory government, that that wasn't something that we supported at the time. And we are committed to making sure that that Port goes back into Australian hands because that is in our national interest. Thanks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening our partnership with Timor-Leste Media release Thursday 29 January 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first visit to Timor-Leste as Prime Minister. In Dili, he met His Excellency President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The Prime Minister also addressed the Parliament of Timor-Leste, a great honour for Australia. Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Gusmao signed a joint declaration establishing Parseria Foun ba Era Foun, which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era. The declaration is the first of its kind between our two nations and cements our growing economic, security and development partnerships. Parseria is a demonstration of our shared commitment to: an open, stable and prosperous region; cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty; support Timor-Leste's nation building priorities; and strengthen community links. Prime Minister Albanese announced an Economic Cooperation Package for TimorLeste, which includes a further $8.2 million to support its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization. The package also includes an $80 million Private Sector Development Program to support Timor-Leste's economic diversification and private sector growth through access to credit, business services and marketing support. In addition, the Prime Minister announced a new $220 million Human Development Initiative to support the delivery of inclusive and high-quality health, education and disability services across Timor-Leste. The Australian Government committed to allocate ten per cent of Australia and Timor-Leste's combined future upstream revenue from the Greater Sunrise project, once finalised, to the TimorLeste Infrastructure Fund. Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta presented the Prime Minister with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Timor-Leste and commitment to the prosperity of the Timorese people. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese: "This marks a new era of cooperation between our nations. "It reflects our longstanding friendship and sets out our shared vision for the future. "It was an honour to visit Timor-Leste at this important moment in its history following its accession to ASEAN. "Australia will continue to work with Timor-Leste to ensure this delivers peace, stability, and prosperity for the Timorese people and our shared region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, France should jointly inject stability into turbulent world, Wang Yi tells French president's adviser Bonne in phone talk Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 28, 2026 08:02 PM Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, on Wednesday. Wang said that at the beginning of the new year, the international situation has undergone major new changes, with turbulence and disorder on the rise. As major countries that pursue independence and autonomy, China and France should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly inject much-needed stability into the world, and better bring into play the strategic value of China-France relations, per the Xinhua News Agency. Wang reiterated that China and the EU are partners rather than rivals, a fact long proven by more than 50 years of fruitful cooperation. China and the EU share identical or similar positions on many issues, including the promotion of a multipolar world, and both sides are capable of properly resolving specific trade disputes through dialogue and coordination. Under the current circumstances, China and the EU should further enhance dialogue, build mutual trust, and deepen cooperation. The recent visits to China by leaders of several European countries have strongly promoted China-EU relations. China hopes that France will continue to play a positive role within the EU and help advance the sound and stable development of China-EU relations, said Wang. Bonne said that France attaches great importance to the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. In a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, France stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with China on major international and regional hotspot issues through bilateral and multilateral platforms, jointly address challenges, and make positive contributions to safeguarding global security and stability and promoting common development and prosperity, Bonne said. France believes that the EU and China moving in the same direction and further consolidating their relationship fully serves the interests of both sides, and France is willing to make efforts to promote the stable development of EU-China relations, Bonne noted. The two sides also exchanged views and coordinated positions on current hotspot issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the situation in Venezuela, and the situation regarding Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM spokesperson calls Starmer's China visit 'an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation' Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 28, 2026 03:53 PM When asked about expectations on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's three-day visit to China and his meeting with Chinese leaders, Chinese FM spokesperson Guo Jiakun said against a backdrop of a turbulent and complex international situation, continuous communication and strengthened cooperation between China and the UK, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, serve the common interests of the peoples, and are conducive to promoting world peace, stability and development. The UK Prime Minister will pay an official visit to China from January 28 to 31. Guo noted that this visit marks the first time in eight years that a UK prime minister visits China. During the visit, Chinese leaders will hold talks and meetings with Starmer, during which they will have in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern. Starmer will also visit Shanghai. China is willing to take this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust with the UK, deepen practical cooperation, jointly open a new chapter in the healthy and stable development of China-UK relations, and work together to make due efforts and contributions to world peace, security and stability, said Guo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 28, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 28, 2026 16:30 Shenzhen TV: China announced that the first 2026 APEC senior officials' meeting will be held in Guangzhou this February. As the meeting approaches, can you brief us on the preparations for the meeting? What does China hope to achieve through the meeting? Guo Jiakun: APEC senior officials' meetings, held four to fives times every year, are the main channel for preparing outcomes for the leaders' meeting. As the host of APEC in 2026, China will host the first APEC senior officials' meeting and related meetings in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10. This will be the first official event of the APEC "China Year." Focusing on the theme of the 2026 APEC "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together" and the three priorities "openness, innovation and cooperation," the meeting will launch cooperation across the board in all areas and through all mechanisms, have in-depth discussions on specific cooperation, and accumulate outcomes for the Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. There will be over 50 events during the meeting, which are expected to have the participation of about 1,000 representatives from member economies of APEC, the APEC Secretariat and the APEC Business Advisory Council. At the moment, preparations are proceeding smoothly. The host city Guangzhou has a time-honored history and is an important window to learn about China's opening up and a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We welcome friends from the media to follow and actively report on the first senior officials' meeting and related meetings to share the stories of the APEC "China Year" with the world. Yonhap News Agency: It's reported that yesterday afternoon, the DPRK fired ballistic missiles toward the eastern waters. The ROK, the U.S. and Japan said this violates UN Security Council resolutions. What's China's comment? Guo Jiakun: We noted that relevant parties have different views on what the projectiles are. We hope relevant parties will face up to the root cause of the Korean Peninsula issue, stick to the direction of political settlement, and make an effort for peace and stability in the region. AFP: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins a three-day visit to China today and will meet Chinese leaders tomorrow. Can the Foreign Ministry provide a comment about your expectations for the visit? Guo Jiakun: As you said, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on an official visit to China from January 28 to 31 upon invitation. The international landscape is witnessing turbulence and transformation. It serves the common interest of both peoples and contributes to global peace, stability and development for China and the UK, as two permanent members of the UN Security Council, to maintain communication and enhance cooperation. Prime Minister Starmer's visit marks the first visit to China by a UK prime minister in eight years. During the visit, Chinese leaders will meet and have talks with him for in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Starmer will also visit Shanghai. China stands ready to take this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust with the UK, deepen practical cooperation, open a new chapter of sound and steady development of China-UK relationship and together make due efforts and contributions to world peace, security, and stability. Reuters: The Chinese ambassador to Australia has warned of retaliation from Beijing if the Albanese government forces a Chinese firm to sell the Port of Darwin. Could the Foreign Ministry please comment on these reported remarks? Guo Jiakun: China reiterates that the Chinese company got the lease of Port Darwin through market means. The company's lawful rights and interests should be fully protected. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Embassy spokesperson vows to fight back slanders against China following Philippine legislators' push to designate Chinese diplomat persona non grata Global Times By Fan Wei Published: Jan 29, 2026 01:00 AM A spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Wednesday that countering slanders against China is the "most basic duty" of Chinese diplomats, vowing to push back through all channels "without hesitation" even if the embassy were forced to close. Ji Lingpeng, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, made the remarks in response to Global Times' inquiry over calls by certain Philippine legislators to declare a particular Chinese diplomat persona non grata. The Chinese Embassy has made firm response to lies and smearing remarks about China by Jay Tarriela, the so-called PCG spokesperson for the "West Philippine Sea." Following that, some Philippine legislators claimed that the Chinese Embassy "interfered in the Philippines' internal affairs" and "showed disrespect." Certain senators proposed a resolution expressing an anti-China position and even suggested that a diplomat of the embassy be declared persona non grata. When asked for comment, Ji told the Global Times that there is no need to go through such trouble. They could simply declare Ambassador Jing Quan "persona non grata" that would be the most straightforward approach. As ambassador, he bears responsibility for all words and actions of the Chinese Embassy, according to the embassy. The statement was also released on the embassy's social media platform X account. "Throughout all of this, Ambassador Jing never blinked his eyes, steadfastly defending China's interests and dignity because this is the duty and responsibility of a diplomat," Ji said. In the Philippines, there is but one person who has the authority to ask Ambassador Jing to leave, and that is President Marcos. If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately. But he would do so with immense pride and honor, knowing that through his actions, he has fulfilled the firm commitment a Chinese diplomat makes to his country. If anyone intends to declare any Chinese diplomat "persona non grata", please do include myself and the entire 12-member media affairs and public diplomacy team, said Ji. "As a team, we stay or leave, together," said the spokesperson, "That said, rest assured that even if the embassy were to be closed, we would continue, without hesitation, to push back slanders and smears against China through various channels. This is the most basic duty of Chinese diplomats. If a diplomat cannot even do that, then what is the point of having diplomats at all?" Ji noted. Earlier, following critical remarks by officials from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines in response to statements by Philippine officials on the South China Sea issue, 15 Philippine senators signed a resolution opposing the comments made by Chinese Embassy personnel, according to the local outlet Philstar on Wednesday morning, adding that the Philippine Senate is now studying whether the resolution could be used as a basis to declare the embassy officials persona non grata. The report said that the discussion was initiated by Senator Sen. Francis Pangilinan, with the resolution co-sponsored and signed by a total of 15 senators. The resolution condemns the "derogatory statements made by Chinese Embassy officials that disparage certain Philippine officials and politicians." Philippines Senate President Vicente Sotto III peddled that, in addition to considering the resolution, the Senate could explore through its Committee on Rules the possibility of declaring Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata. He remarked during a session that such a move by the Senate would be "very, very serious." "I suggest that the Committee on Rules study that possibility," Sotto claimed. However, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson cautioned that, according to diplomatic practice and convention, only the head of state has the authority to declare a foreign diplomat persona non grata. The Senate can only recommend or suggest such action. Currently, a plenary vote on the resolution in the full Senate session has been deferred. In recent weeks, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has issued a series of public statements on social media platforms to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, directly refuting erroneous claims made by the Philippine National Maritime Council and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, among other Philippine government entities and officials. A notable incident occurred on December 25, 2025, when a Chinese PLA Navy warship on patrol in the South China Sea rendered humanitarian assistance to a Philippine fisherman in distress in the South China Sea, providing food and water and notifying a nearby PCG vessel for follow-up assistance. Following this humanitarian act, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela and certain Philippine individuals and institutions launched widespread attacks and smears against China, spreading false narratives. In response, Ji issued a direct rebuttal on social media. Ji stressed that while other ASEAN member states are actively exploring cooperation and shared development opportunities with China, the Philippines has lost significant development prospects and cooperation chances due to its persistent hype of maritime disputes. Direct flights between China and the Philippines have plummeted from over 300 weekly pre-pandemic to just 84, and personnel exchanges have dropped sharply from over 3 million to around 300,000 annually. Chinese investment in the Philippines now lags far behind that in other ASEAN countries, barely exceeding levels in Brunei. "Is this what the Philippine side hopes to see?" he asked. "The Chinese Embassy is also a fortress defending national interests and dignity," Ji stated. "We welcome constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but we oppose groundless attacks and slander. If someone spreads lies, wantonly smears China, or incites hatred, we will never tolerate it and will resolutely fight back. This is a right granted by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a fundamental duty of the Chinese Embassy," said the spokesperson. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on Democratic People's Republic of Korea ballistic missile launches Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 January 2026 Category: International relations Australia is deeply concerned by ballistic missile launches carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), most recently on 27 January 2026, as well as on 4 January 2026, 7 November 2025 and 22 October 2025. These actions flagrantly violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and directly threaten the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Australia urges the DPRK to return to full compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Australia will continue to work with our allies and partners, including the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea, to address the threats posed by the DPRK and uphold global peace and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Tajikistan 27.01.2026 19:30 The Republic of Tajikistan expresses its serious concerns regarding the escalation of situation in the Middle East, particularly in relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and, opposing any military actions, supports the peaceful resolution of all conflicts exclusively through diplomatic means. The Republic of Tajikistan calls upon parties to comply with the principles of the UN Charter, the norms of international law, and to make every effort to preserve peace and stability in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Murder-for-Hire Plot and Stalking a Journalist and Prominent Critic of the Iranian Government Wednesday, January 28, 2026 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Today, convicted murderer Carlisle Rivera, also known as "Pop," was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his participation in a murder-for-hire plot directed by the Government of Iran targeting Masih Alinejad, a journalist, author, and human rights activist. Rivera previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman for the Southern District of New York, who imposed today's sentence. "Today's sentence underscores the consequences of conspiring with a regime that relies on violence and intimidation to survive," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "The National Security Division will continue to work tirelessly with its partners to detect and protect against such plots and to hold accountable those who try to achieve the vile ends of the Iranian regime." "The Iranian government repeatedly targeted a journalist and human rights activist living in New York, but thanks to the good work of the FBI and our partners those efforts failed," said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. "Today's sentencing sends a strong message that anyone who conspires with foreign powers to harm people living in the United States will be held accountable." "The Government of Iran, a sponsor of terrorism, assassination, and espionage around the globe, has engaged in a campaign of assassination plots in the United States and abroad targeting those who oppose the regime," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. "The Government of Iran hired Rivera through an associate living in Iran to locate and murder Masih Alinejad in cold blood, right here in New York City. The Government of Iran has long sought to murder Ms. Alinejad, a U.S. citizen residing in New York City, because of her efforts to stand up to the Iranian regime and expose its discriminatory treatment of women, corruption, and human rights abuses. Today's sentence should be a warning to anyone who would cast their lot with the brutal Iranian regime and seek to do their murderous bidding, especially on American soil: You will be stopped, you will be arrested, and you will be brought to justice." "The Iranian government enlisted a convicted killer to stalk and murder an American journalist and activist, Masih Alinejad, in an effort to forever silence her vocal criticism of its regime," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. "Carlisle Rivera served as a hired gun to facilitate the political assassination attempt ordered by an international adversary. May today's lengthy sentence reflect the FBI's unwavering stance against any domestic or foreign actor seeking to target our nation's residents for nefarious agendas." As reflected in the charging instruments, other public filings, and statements in public court proceedings, in 2024, Rivera was hired by his criminal confederate, Farhad Shakeri, to murder Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a military and intelligence organization that directly reports to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is the Government of Iran's primary instrument for providing financial and lethal aid to proxy terror groups in the Middle East. Among its activities, the IRGC plots and conducts attack operations outside Iran targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States. Alinejad is one of the IRGC's principal targets. The IRGC and the Government of Iran's intelligence services have long sought to kidnap or murder Alinejad because of her efforts to promote gender equality and civil liberties in Iran and to expose the regime's corruption, oppression, and terrorism to the international community. In 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad in the U.S. for rendition to Iran; then, in 2022, the IRGC hired powerful, violent members of the Russian Mob to murder Alinejad. After those efforts failed, the IRGC turned to Shakeri, who hired Rivera to kill Alinejad. Rivera and Shakeri were incarcerated together in the New York State prison system after Rivera's 1994 conviction for murder and Shakeri's 1991 conviction for manslaughter. In 2024, Shakeri was living in Iran and was an IRGC asset. Shakeri offered Rivera $100,000 to locate and kill Alinejad, and Rivera agreed. Rivera then recruited his friend, co-defendant Jonathon Loadholt, to assist him in the murder plot. Using money sent by Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt purchased a firearm and "burner" cellphones. The two men then spent several months attempting to find and kill Alinejad, including by following her to a public speaking event and repeatedly stalking the Brooklyn house where Shakeri and the IRGC believed Alinejad lived. During their efforts to locate and kill Alinejad, Rivera and his co-conspirators shared messages about their progress and photographs relating to their murder plot. For example, in or about February 2024, Rivera and Loadholt messaged about an incoming payment from Shakeri, and then traveled to Fairfield University, where Alinejad was scheduled to appear, and took photographs on campus. In April 2024, Rivera and his co-defendants exchanged a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill Alinejad. In one voice note, Rivera told Shakeri that Alinejad was "hard to catch, bro. And because she hard to catch, there ain't gonna be no simple pull up, unless there['s] the luck of the draw." In a subsequent voice note, Rivera referred to the "slammer," meaning a firearm he had obtained to kill Alinejad. On Nov. 7, 2024, before he could complete his plan to kill Ms. Alinejad, Rivera was arrested. At Rivera's residence, law enforcement agents recovered, among other things, a firearm with a partially obliterated serial number. In addition to the prison term, Rivera, 50, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. In January 2026, Loadholt pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Loadholt is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Liman in April 2026. Shakari remains at large. Investigative work in this case was conducted by the FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents and analysts from the FBI's New York and Washington Field Offices and detectives from the New York City Police Department. The Department of Justice's National Security Division (NSD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection's New York Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division, and the New York State Police provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob H. Gutwillig and Michael D. Lockard for the Southern District of New York, with assistance from Leslie Esbrook of NSD's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Paul Casey of NSD's Counterterrorism Section. Topics: Counterintelligence Counterterrorism National Security Component: National Security Division (NSD) Press Release Number: 26-69 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide strongly condemns the brutal use of force in Iran Government of Norway Press release | Date: 28/01/2026 'I strongly condemn the brutal and disproportionate use of force inflicted on the civilian population by the Iranian authorities in connection with the protests in Iran', said Eide. 'The extensive use of executions, arrests, torture, and the prolonged shutdown of the internet as a means of control is completely unacceptable. 'Norway strongly urges the Iranian authorities to respect human rights and to ensure free and unhindered access to information', said Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN mission: Iran to give unprecedented response to any US attack IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 New York, IRNA -- Iranian mission to the United Nations has warned against US President Donald Trump's act of adventurism, saying that Iran is ready to negotiate, but if had to, it will defend itself like never before. In a post on its X account on Wednesday, the mission said that Iran is prepared to resolve its disputes with the US through dialogue "based on mutual respect and interests", but insisted the country will not hesitate to defend itself if attacked. "BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!" the post read. Trump escalated his rhetoric about a potential military confrontation with Iran late on Tuesday, telling supporters that "another beautiful armada" of warships was "floating beautifully toward Iran." He later published a post on his Truth Social platform, expressing hope that the deployment of the warships would pressure Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program. Trump warned that if Iran fails to reach a deal with the US, it will be attacked, adding that such an attack would be "far worse" than the strike on Iran's nuclear facilities in June. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Enemy will suffer severe damage in potential war with Iran: Cmdr. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has reiterated the preparedness of the Iranian Army to counter any threat against the country, noting that in case of any war, the enemy will suffer "severe damage." Speaking during a ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday, Sayyari said, "We are always ready around the clock." "We stand against any threat, whether on land, in the air, or at sea, and the army is always prepared to confront any danger," he added. He emphasized that the enemy will take this into account in its calculations, warning that any aggressive action would result in severe damage. The remarks come as the United States has ramped up its military presence near Iran, with President Donald Trump threatening potential military action. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Saudi Arabia warn of consequences of regional escalation amid US threats IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia have warned against the repercussions of any regional escalation amid the dispatch of US warships to the region. In a telephone conversation on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, reviewed issues discussed during a phone call the previous night between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The two foreign ministers urged the need for combined efforts of all regional countries to preserve stability and security across the region. US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric against Iran. In his latest post on social media, he said Iran should come to the negotiating table for a deal, warning that the next strike would be "more severe" than last June's military aggression. Tehran has rejected talks under the threat of military action. The US has dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships to the Middle East. Trump said Wednesday that another "armada" was on its way to the region. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Negotiations with US under military threats not 'useful': Iran FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected talks with the United States as long as bullying and dictates persist, saying diplomacy imposed through military threats cannot be effective or useful. Araghchi made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in response to reporters' questions about the possibility of negotiations between Iran and the United States. He said that neither US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff had contacted him in recent days, nor had there been any request for negotiations from either side. Responding to a question about the US military buildup in the region alongside calls for talks, Araghchi said that while threats and diplomacy have often gone hand in hand in international affairs, the United States must abandon threats, exaggerations, and what he described as irrational demands if it genuinely seeks negotiations. The top diplomat stressed that any talks must take place on an equal footing, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, adding that it is not diplomacy if one side attempts to use force to achieve its objectives. Araghchi also referred to his recent discussions with regional counterparts regarding US military threats against Iran, saying he remains in contact with most neighboring countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have announced they will not allow the use of their airspace for possible attacks on Iran. He added that there is widespread concern across the region that any military threat would cause instability throughout West Asia, particularly given the nature of the US presence there. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tajikistan calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts between Iran and US IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- The government of Tajikistan has expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, calling for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts only through diplomacy. In a statement issued by Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, the country expressed its opposition to any military actions. "The Republic of Tajikistan expresses its serious concerns regarding the escalation of situation in the Middle East, particularly in relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and, opposing any military actions, supports the peaceful resolution of all conflicts exclusively through diplomatic means," said the statement released on the ministry's website. "The Republic of Tajikistan calls upon parties to comply with the principles of the UN Charter, the norms of international law, and to make every effort to preserve peace and stability in the region," it further said. The United States has built up its military presence near Iran, bringing in its aircraft carrier strike group to the region, as President Donald Trump has stepped up threats of military action against Iran. Trump intensified his rhetoric as unrest broke out in Iran during protests over the rising cost of living. The unrest, instigated by foreign-backed terrorists, broke out on January 8, nearly two weeks after the protests had begun and while the Iranian government was holding meetings with protesters' representatives to hear their demands. Iranian authorities say the terrorist groups involved in the unrest were backed by the US and Israel, as the two sought to compensate for their defeat during the 12-day war which Israel waged on June 13 last year and the US joined later. 4194**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi foreign minister says Iran is ready for talks but US has yet to respond IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jan 28, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says Iran has announced its readiness for dialogue with the United States, but it has yet to receive any response from Washington. Speaking with Rudaw, a Kurdish digital news network based in Iraq's Kurdistan region, the foreign minister said late on Tuesday that messages are exchanged between Iran and the US, but no meeting has been held yet. The main problem is that there is no direct communication, he said, adding that messages are exchanged without holding a meeting, which complicates the situation. If a decision is made to hold a meeting, Iraq would be able to play a role, but the US is yet to decide if it would hold discussions, he further said. According to the Iraqi foreign minister, Iran is willing to hold talks without any pre-conditions, but the US is placing different conditions, from uranium enrichment and the amount of the enriched material. Also, Iran has made it clear that it will not initiate any war but it will defend itself if attacked, he added. Hussein also said that he has not exchanged messages between Iran and the US, but has listened to both sides and discussed the existing issues. Iran and the US were in the middle of talks over the Iranian nuclear program when Israel launched a war of aggression on June 13, 2025, which was later joined by Washington. Despite the aggression, Tehran has repeatedly stated its readiness to engage in negotiations based on equal footing, mutual respect, and shared interests. 4194**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says another "armada" sailing toward Iran People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:41, January 28, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that an additional "armada" of U.S. military vessels is sailing towards Iran, expressing hope that Iran will agree to a deal. "There's another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now, so we'll see," Trump said at a rally in the midwestern U.S. state of Iowa. "I hope they make a deal," Trump added, "They should have made a deal the first time they'd have a country." One day earlier, the U.S. Central Command said the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. Last week, USS George H.W. Bush departed Virginia for Europe, amid speculation that the supercarrier could be deployed to the Mediterranean and transit the Suez Canal if tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise, Forbes reported. The Pentagon also ordered U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles that were forward-deployed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in Britain to American air bases in Jordan, Forbes added. On Monday, the U.S. Air Forces Central said in a statement that "Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) will be conducting a multi-day readiness exercise to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility." The exercise will allow the U.S. military "to validate procedures for rapid movement of personnel and aircraft; dispersed operations at contingency locations; logistics sustainment with a minimal footprint; and integrated, multi-national command and control over a large area of operations," said the statement. Cameron Chell, a leading military drone expert, told Fox News on Sunday that Iran's drone swarms would pose a credible and serious threat to U.S. naval assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group. So far, there is no indication that the White House has made any decision on Iran. Trump has repeatedly said he is considering several options, including striking Iran, but also noted that Tehran "wants to talk," suggesting that Washington may enter into discussions with Tehran, CNN reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No talks under pressure -- Iran responds to Trump's threats, U.S. naval enforcement in Middle East Xinhua) 08:20, January 29, 2026 This photo taken on Jan. 27, 2026 shows a giant banner in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday rejected any prospect of talks with the United States as long as Washington continues to threaten military action, after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric and announced the deployment of additional U.S. naval forces to the Middle East. "There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "Conducting diplomacy through military pressure is neither effective nor useful. If they want negotiations, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and illogical issues." In a post on X, Araghchi added that Iran welcomes a new deal on its nuclear program but would respond forcefully to any U.S. military operation. "Our brave Armed Forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger," the Iranian diplomat said. Trump, meanwhile, urged Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, warning that a "massive armada" was moving toward the region. Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026 shows Hezbollah supporters holding portraits of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a rally to voice support for Iran and denounce U.S. threats in Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua) "A massive armada is heading to Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the force would be larger than one previously deployed near Venezuela and would be ready to act if necessary. "Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal -- NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," he added. "Time is running out." Trump warned that any future U.S. strike would be "far worse" than previous military actions if no agreement is reached. The United States has already dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers to the region. The U.S. Central Command said Monday that the carrier-led strike group had taken up position in Middle Eastern waters, without disclosing its exact location. The heightened military posture comes roughly a month after protests erupted across Iran, which Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting. Since then, Trump has sent mixed signals, alternately calling for negotiations while refusing to rule out military intervention. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi (R) attends a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) Inside Iran, the response to the naval buildup has been defiant. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Wednesday that any notion of a "limited strike" against Iran was an illusion. He warned that any U.S. military action "from any origin and at any level" would be considered the start of a war and would prompt an "immediate, all-out and unprecedented" response. In a statement, Iran's mission to the United Nations also warned against military action, citing the cost of past U.S. wars in the region. "The last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over 7 trillion U.S. dollars and lost more than 7,000 American lives," the statement said. "Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests -- but if pushed, it will defend itself." Iran has also sought to rally regional opposition to any U.S. strike. Officials contacted several Arab states this week, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they would not allow their airspace to be used for an attack on Iran. Turkiye, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, urged diplomacy. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Washington should restart nuclear talks with Tehran. "It's wrong to attack Iran. It's wrong to start another war," Fidan said. He added that Iran was ready to resume negotiations on its nuclear program and called on the United States to address disputes step by step, beginning with the nuclear issue. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Descendants of overseas Chinese rediscover their roots in China, find opportunities amid ancestral lands rising momentum 13:25, January 29, 2026 By Lin Xiaoyi and Shan Jie ( Global Times When 47-year-old financial analyst Katherine Wong decided to move to China, her colleagues in New York were perplexed. In October 2025, the US-born Chinese American gave up her life in Manhattan along with a $300,000 annual salary, and moved back to her hometown in Shantou, Guangdong Province, with her 16-year-old son and retired parents. There, she joined the investment division of a leading Chinese securities firm. For Wong, the most striking contrast etched in her mind over the past couple of months consists of two scenes. One is a photo from the 1960s, showing her parents boarding a ship at a Shantou harbor, bound for the US, their backs turned to the old port city with its distinct rows of arcaded buildings. The other is the scene at the end of 2025, when she stepped out of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport holding her elderly parents' hands and guiding her teenage son through the bustling traffic of a modern metropolis. As a native New Yorker who spent over two decades building a solid middle-class life, Wong chose to uproot her family in midlife and return to the homeland her parents once left behind. Wong's choice is far from an isolated case. As China's development gains momentum, a growing number of overseas Chinese are now seeing China with fresh eyes - they see boundless opportunities in emerging sectors, the real progress in people's livelihoods, and the vibrant continuity of cultural roots. Bringing diverse international perspectives, they are "returning" to their ancestral land, seeking to align their personal aspirations with the opportunities unfolding in their country of origin. A new tide of 'return' "Emigrating, working hard abroad, and eventually settling down with permanent residency, that was the path many of the older generation in Shantou once took. But now, the story has changed," Wong told the Global Times. Sixty years ago, Wong's parents huddled in the lower deck of a cargo ship bound for the US. Their only possessions were a few dozen US dollars and a slip of paper with the address of their hometown in Shantou. Like countless overseas Chinese pioneers before them, they washed dishes in restaurants and worked in garment factories. Back then, the phrase "going abroad" carried the heavy weight of a family's hope for a better life. Their only daughter did not let their sacrifices go to waste. After graduating from university, Wong spent more than a decade working at a mid-sized investment firm. She moved into a high-rise apartment in Manhattan, becoming the epitome of a successful immigrant in her parents' eyes. But changes crept in quietly. In recent years, this "comfortable life" gradually lost its shine. The invisible glass ceiling in the workplace became increasingly palpable. Nearly a quarter of the analysts at her mid-sized investment firm were of Chinese descent, yet very few managed to break into the management ranks. In daily life, high tax burdens took a big bite out of her actual income. Mortgage payments alone accounted for 30 percent of the family's earnings. When her mother suffered a sudden gallbladder inflammation in early 2025, they faced endless waits just to get a doctor's appointment. "Between the career roadblocks, financial pressures, and healthcare frustrations, life already felt fraught with uncertainty," Wong recalled. "Every time we got together with friends, news of layoffs at major companies like Amazon would come up - and that only added to my anxiety." The turning point came during her trip back to China for the 2024 Christmas holiday. The high-speed train ride from Guangzhou to Shantou took less than two hours. As she looked out the window, she saw a brand-new sci-tech park standing next to the arcaded buildings she remembered from her childhood photos. She also realized how convenient life in China is when she used her phone to scan QR codes for doctors' appointments and food delivery. What really caught her attention, though, was a conversation with local government officials. The green finance support policies they mentioned aligned perfectly with the field she had been researching in New York for years, a field where she had struggled to find feasible projects to implement. Countless moments like these turned the distant thought of moving back to China into a firm decision. If many middle-aged people's life experiences offer a chance for a new beginning, a growing number of young descendants of overseas Chinese are also choosing to look to China when imagining their future. Eighteen-year-old twin sisters Yeva Sun and Kira Sun moved to Beijing about a month and a half ago. Born in Kyiv to a Chinese father and a Ukrainian mother, they spent most of their childhood in Ukraine and lived in Germany in recent years. "We always knew that we have Chinese heritage, and it is part of who we are," Yeva recalled. Growing up in an international environment, they were accustomed to cultural diversity, with classmates from various backgrounds. A real shift came as they grew older. Over the past few years, the sisters visited China several times to see family. As children, their impressions of China were mostly about food, travel, and sightseeing. With age, however, they began paying closer attention to how cities function, how people study and work, and how China's rapid development is reflected in everyday life. In December 2025, Yeva and Kira arrived in Beijing to begin what they described as a trial period of living in China. They are living with their grandmother while completing Ukrainian high school courses online and studying Chinese. Their daily life has quickly settled into a routine, from online classes and food delivery to spending time with family and making new friends. "We adapted pretty fast," Kira told the Global Times. "China is very convenient to live in." Reflecting on their decision, Yeva said that coming to China has allowed them to experience living in the country, spend time with family, and see more opportunities for the future. "When we came to China, we saw how different it is. I just liked it so much here that it really inspired me." Who do you think you are In recent years, the tide of overseas Chinese returning to their ancestral homes to seek their roots has also created several new trends, reflecting contemporary global shifts, China's rapid development, and evolving international relations. For instance, this "root-seeking" journey is undergoing a profound transformation from the traditional nostalgia of older generations to a conscious awakening of identity among young Chinese people. Many of them have shared their stories on lifestyle sharing apps Rednote and TikTok, inspiring more to explore their roots back in China. For 35-year-old Richard Lau Lee Siong from Sibu, Malaysia, December 2025 was not just another month - it marked the culmination of a long-held dream: Stepping onto the soil of his ancestral home in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province. As a fourth-generation overseas Chinese, Lau had grown up hearing fragmented stories about his roots and China's rapid development, and his journey - documented in a viral video series - struck a chord with a global audience. Lau told the Global Times that a particularly moving moment happened in Fuzhou when he visited the former residence of Wong Nai Siong, the revolutionary leader and educator who helped establish Sibu's "New Fuzhou" community over a century ago by leading more than 1,000 Chinese migrants to Malaysia. There, Lau learned that many early Chinese migrants like Wong Nai Siong ventured abroad not merely for survival, but also with a broader vision for their homeland's prosperity. "I felt immense pride," Lau said. "The love for our ancestral country is the greatest common denominator uniting us with our Chinese compatriots." After posting his journey online, Lau was surprised by the overwhelming response. "So many people left comments under my videos," he said. Many expressed a desire to follow in his footsteps. Beyond young people like Lau, who maintain a deep connection to Chinese culture and follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents by returning to their ancestral hometowns, in recent years an increasing number of mixed-race or third- and fourth-generation overseas Chinese descendants from other parts of the world have begun crossing cultural and geographical barriers to embark on root-seeking journeys. Their appearances have become foreign, they speak English or other languages, and the only remaining link to their heritage is often a single Chinese surname. Yet, relying on family genealogy records, old photographs, or digital tools, they return from the other parts of the world to China to trace their ancestral stories and reclaim their bloodline roots. According to a 2024 report by the Jiangmen Daily, the family of Doug Lougoon from Melbourne, Australia, traveled more than 7,000 kilometers back to Hele village in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, to search for their roots. Although they did not find an exact name match, through phonetic similarities and matching neighbor records, they basically confirmed their ancestral line within the Lei clan. This was the first time they felt so close to their forebears, Doug Lougoon said with tears in his eyes. From July 7 to 8, 2025, Nauruan President David Adeang visited Jiangmen on a journey with his family to trace his ancestral roots in China, News Guangdong reported. At Zhongxinli village, the president reunited with his maternal great-aunt, with a family member noting simply, "We're cousins." The president's daughter, Magna Adeang, shared, "It's really fun. It's really pretty, too," specifically praising cultural elements like the lion dance, stating, "I feel like I'm from here; I feel like I'm part of here," per News Guangdong. Building the future According to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, there are over 60 million overseas Chinese living in nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide. They serve as "China's global ambassadors," and today, through strengthened ties with their ancestral homeland, they have become a key pillar for China to bridge global innovation and expand development horizons, the Xinhua News Agency reported in December 2025. "After moving back to China, I noticed my parents' longing to spend their retirement here," Katherine Wong said. "While my son, who's still in school, is already thinking about his career in China, he wants to be a scientist and research AI in the future." Katherine Wong noted that unlike earlier generations who returned out of nostalgia, many of today's overseas Chinese who closely follow China are motivated by the chance to apply their international experience in a land of opportunities. This trend was visible at events like the Third Overseas Chinese Talent Conference for Development held in Fuzhou in December 2025, which attracted over 1,000 experts and professionals from 39 countries and regions. According to Xinhua, more than half of the participants were younger-generation overseas Chinese, and over 86 percent were high-level talents. As one attendee put it, "Today's China offers institutional stability, a complete industrial system, and a thriving cultural environment - all of which create a sense of security and upward momentum." Currently, across China, local authorities are competing to roll out new pro-overseas Chinese policies to attract elite talents to return and start businesses. For example, in August 2025, the Southeast Overseas Innovation Center in Quanzhou, Fujian, officially opened. Targeting returnee entrepreneurs, the center offers turnkey physical spaces, along with perks like free shared workspaces and rent subsidies, Xinhua reported. Similar initiatives have been launched in economic development zones, high-tech parks, and innovation hubs nationwide. "Looking back, my parents crossed the ocean for survival; today, I returned because I see a future here," Katherine Wong said. "It's no longer about 'making it abroad,' but about growing where our roots run deepest." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) IRGC: Iran holds upper hand in determining any war's endgame Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 9:46 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran holds the upper hand in determining the outcome of any war, asserting that applying military pressure against the Islamic Republic has yielded no results. IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Ali-Mohammad Naeini made the remarks on Wednesday, saying the experience of the 12-day war that was imposed by the Israeli regime and the United States on the Islamic Republic in June demonstrated that "the military option against Iran has failed." The official also said attempts to intimidate Iran through warlike signaling and deployment, including the recent deployment of an American aircraft carrier, were not new, describing them as an "old tactic used by American officials." He ascribed the regional military buildup to White House officials' "confusion and desperation" over Iran's resistance during both the war and the abortive US- and Israeli-backed armed sedition that took place in the country earlier in January. According to the spokesman, after the "rapid and decisive defeat of the American-backed sedition in Iran," US officials have sought to inflame tensions and spread fear within Iranian society. Such efforts, however, have failed because anti-Iranian actions have consistently encountered "the solid barrier of the people and the national cohesion of Iranians," he added. 'Reality on the ground' versus media narratives Naeini, meanwhile, pointed to enemy media propaganda beating the drums of war simultaneously with the American military buildup, saying the situation on the field differed from the propagandist picture that was being painted by the adversarial outlets. "We have full control over the situation," he said, adding that the IRGC took pride in being "the shield of the great Iranian nation against any conspiracy." The official said the Iranian Armed Forces were fully aware of enemy movements and behavior and have "operational plans in place for all enemy scenarios." Referring to past confrontations, Naeini said the enemy "has not forgotten our initial strikes on al-Udeid," the most vital American airbase in the region that is located in Qatar and was hit hard by Iranian ballistic missiles in retaliation to Washington's involvement in the 12-day war. Iran has experience defeating adversaries in modern warfare "on a large scale" and in "the most dangerous and complex battlefields," he stated. Broader warnings The remarks echoed similar cautions sounded by various other Iranian officials. Also on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran's Armed Forces were prepared to respond "immediately and powerfully" to any aggression, saying the military stood "with their fingers on the trigger." The top diplomat said the Islamic Republic had integrated "valuable lessons" from the 12-day war, allowing for a response that would be "rapid and profound." Separately, Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, cautioned that any US military action would be considered the start of war and would be met with an "immediate, all-out, and unprecedented" response. The comments followed statements by US President Donald Trump, who said on January 27 that "another beautiful armada" of warships, in addition to the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, was "floating beautifully toward Iran," alleging that the deployment was meant to pressure Tehran into negotiations. Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would result in a military strike "far worse" than the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. The comments avoided reference to either Tehran's repeated insistence that it would not engage in any negotiation under threat or the widely reported aspects of the Iranian reprisal that targeted al-Udeid. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Fingers on trigger': Iran warns of strong response while signaling openness to 'fair' deal Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 7:13 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran issued a warning on Wednesday, saying the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic are prepared to respond "immediately and powerfully" to any aggression, even as he signaled Tehran's willingness to reach a nuclear deal under the right conditions. In a post on X, Araghchi said the Iranian military forces stood "with their fingers on the trigger," ready to defend the land, air, and sea. He said the military has integrated "valuable lessons" from the 12-day war in June, which, he said, would allow for a response far more "rapid and profound" than previous encounters. The comments come in direct response to a surge in bellicose language from Donald Trump, the president of the United States. On January 27, Trump told reporters that "another beautiful armada" of warships was currently "floating beautifully toward Iran." In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump signaled that the naval deployment was intended to pressure Tehran back to the negotiating table. However, Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would result in a military strike "far worse" than the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Following the June strike, Iran launched a massive missile barrage at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major hub for US forces in the region. Araghchi reiterated Iran's long-standing position on its nuclear program. He said Tehran remains open to a "mutually beneficial, fair, and equitable" nuclear deal, provided it is conducted on an "equal footing" and remains free from "coercion, threats, and intimidation." He said such a deal must ensure Iran's rights to peaceful nuclear technology while guaranteeing that Tehran will not build nuclear weapons. "Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them," Araghchi posted on X. 'Limited strike an illusion' Separately, Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, dismissed the notion of a "limited strike" as an illusion. "A 'limited strike' is an illusion," Shamkhani wrote in a post on X. "Any military action by the USfrom any origin and at any levelwill be considered the start of war." Shamkhani warned that the Iranian response would be "immediate, all-out, and unprecedented," specifically threatening to target the "heart of Tel Aviv" and any parties supporting American aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's power makes any hostile military action 'high-risk': IRGC deputy cmdr. Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 7:07 PM Iran's defense advancements have fundamentally altered the strategic landscape, making the cost-benefit analysis of any military aggression against the country "extremely complex and high-risk" for adversaries, says the deputy commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). General Ahmad Vahidi made the remarks during a speech at a scientific festival held at the University of Tehran on Wednesday, in reaction to renewed threats of military attacks targeting Iran by American officials. Citing a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, General Vahidi said the international community recognizes the qualitative shift in Iran's military power. "Iran's defense capability has developed in such a way in recent years that calculating the costs and benefits of any military action against Iran has become very complicated for the enemy." He said indigenous technological breakthroughs and a significant reduction in strategic dependence on foreign powers have dramatically bolstered Iran's level of deterrence. Failure of cognitive warfare General Vahidi addressed the multifaceted pressures facing Iran: a combination of economic sanctions, military threats, and a continuous and extensive cognitive warfare operation by Western powers. General Vahidi said the enemy, through cognitive, political, and economic operations, seeks to create fear and to break the cohesion of society. "Yet once again, despite severe economic pressure, military threats, and psychological warfare, the Iranian nation has passed this test of resilience with high marks," he said, referring to massive anti-riot demonstrations across Iran in early January. Reflecting on recent history, he said foreign plots have consistently backfired. "The enemies thought they could weaken or eliminate the pure Islam and the Islamic Republic system through pressure, but the experience of the eight-year Sacred Defense (Iran-Iraq War) and the recent 12-day war showed that these pressures did not weaken us; instead, they led to the strengthening of the Islamic Revolution." Western hypocrisy The IRGC commander slammed Western diplomatic positions in support of recent terrorist riots in Iran, expressing astonishment at the "ignorance and insolence" of certain Western officials who openly defend crimes. "While widespread atrocities against the oppressed people of Gaza are met with silence or open support from certain Western governments, those same countries take positions against the legitimate actions of the Iranian nation and security forces." The general said these "double standards" signal a "moral crisis and value collapse" within Western societies, which, he said, was a precursor to an eventual collapse. Earlier in January, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with attacks if Iran killed what he termed as "peaceful protesters." Only a few days later, on January 8 and 9, terrorist groups launched a wave of armed attacks against police stations, military bases, and other sensitive locations, along with civilian infrastructure, in several cities. Iranian officials say the violent attacks were intended to create mass casualties and destabilize urban centers in various cities across the country. Iranian officials have repeatedly criticized Western media outlets for circulating mass-scale false reports regarding casualties and blaming the Iranian government for them. Some Western media reports have claimed up to 30,000 deaths occurred after what they label as "peaceful protests" were suppressed by security forces. But official Iranian records show 3,117 people lost their lives in the riots, of which 2,427 were innocent civilians and security personnel killed by terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Even a limited US strike will bring regretful response: Iran Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 6:06 PM Iran says it will react decisively to even a limited US attack as it dismisses rumors of back-channel talks amid escalating threats of a potential military confrontation between the two countries. "...even a limited (military) action would receive a harsh, regretful response," said Kazem Gharibabadi, who serves as Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal affairs, on Wednesday. Gharibabadi made the comment in a post on his X account, where he published highlights of his discussions with foreign media representatives earlier in the day in Tehran. He said he had told foreign journalists that the US military buildup in the region and its escalating threats against Iran were a continuation of previous attempts by the US and Israel to destabilize Iran, including their brief war against the country in June and their support for riots and terrorist acts earlier this month. "Our enemies have tried war, sanctions, threats, sabotage, and terrorism, but they have not achieved their goals and have been defeated at every stage. We hope that this time they come to their senses," said the diplomat. Gharibabadi dismissed media speculation that there have been back-channel negotiations between Iran and the US amid growing threats of military confrontation. "Currently, there are no ongoing negotiations with the United States, but messages are being exchanged through intermediaries. If they claim to seek negotiations, they must cease their threats," he said. US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric about a potential military confrontation with Iran late on Tuesday, telling supporters that "another beautiful armada" of warships was "floating beautifully toward Iran." He later published a post on his Truth Social platform, expressing hope that the deployment of the warships would pressure Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's nuclear chief urges Grossi to stick to his IAEA mandate after NPT jab Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 4:04 PM The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has cautioned the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against using threatening language, urging him to act within the legal boundaries of his mandate. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Mohammad Eslami referred to recent comments by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi regarding Iran's commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). "Our expectation from Mr. Grossi is that he does not use such language," Eslami said. "He is the Director General of the IAEA, an entity defined under the United Nations, and its statute sets clear duties for him. We expect him to adhere to his legal obligations in his language and reports." The exchange follows an interview Grossi gave to Reuters last week, where he said that while the IAEA had inspected 13 declared nuclear facilities that were not targeted last June, the agency had been unable to access the three key sites that were bombed during the US-Israeli attacks that same month. Grossi said Iran had to meet its obligations as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "This cannot go on like this for a long time without me, unfortunately, having to declare them in non-compliance." Eslami, however, said the IAEA must first clarify its stance on the attacks before demanding inspections of the bombed facilities. Eslami said while IAEA regulations provide protocols for natural disasters at nuclear facilities, the agency has no clear procedures for military attacks. "The Agency must announce what its procedures are regarding military attacks so that we can act accordingly." Grossi has notably refrained from condemning or criticizing the US-Israeli aggression of June. 'Nuclear progress is a national right' Eslami also addressed the development of Iran's nuclear program, accusing Western powers of attempting to stifle the country's technological advancement. He said developed nations, particularly the United States, prioritize nuclear development in their own national security strategies. "The same document recently signed and issued by the US President [Donald Trump] places the development of nuclear technology and AI at the top of their priorities," Eslami stated. "When these fields are considered strategic priorities for their own progress, it is the natural right of the Iranian nation to prioritize these technologies as well." The nuclear chief said Iran is pursuing its programs based on national interests and will not allow any stagnation in its technological development despite external pressures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Saudi Arabia warn of 'dangerous consequences' of regional escalation Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 2:38 PM Iran and Saudi Arabia have warned of the "dangerous consequences" of any escalation of tensions for security and stability in West Asia, as the US military buildup near Iran continues. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan made the assertion in a phone call on Wednesday. The two ministers warned of "dangerous consequences of any escalation of tensions in the region on regional peace and stability". They also said all regional countries have a shared responsibility to maintain stability and security in the region The phone call reviewed the topics discussed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a phone conversation on Tuesday. The conversation followed the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in the region and a series of escalatory threats from Washington, which has accused Iran of a violent crackdown on "peaceful protests." US President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran in recent weeks. "The threats and psychological operations of the Americans are aimed at disrupting the security of the region and will achieve nothing other than instability," Pezeshkian told the crown prince. For his part, Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia considers any aggression, threat, or creation of tension against Iran to be "unacceptable" and that the Kingdom would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military attack on Iran. "The Crown Prince stressed during the call the Kingdom's position in respecting the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that the Kingdom will not allow the use of its airspace or territory in any military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any attacks from any side, regardless of its destination," according to a readout of the call. Iran, Turkey FMs talk easing tensions As part of his diplomatic efforts, Araghchi also held a separate phone call with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday. TRT news agency cited a source within the Turkish foreign ministry as saying that the ministers discussed efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the wake of the latest developments. Fidan has warned the US against launching a military attack on Iran, calling such a move "wrong." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Araghchi: Negotiations cannot work under threats Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 11:11 AM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that imposing diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective or productive, saying that no decision has yet been made regarding negotiations with the United States. Addressing reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, Araghchi said there has been no direct contact in recent days between him and US regional envoy Steve Witkoff, and that Iran has not submitted any request for negotiations. He noted that intermediaries and various countries remain in contact with Iran, adding that Tehran is engaging with those actors who are attempting to play a constructive role in good faith. However, he stressed that no decision has yet been made regarding negotiations. Addressing questions about simultaneous calls for talks and US military posturing around Iran, Araghchi said that threats and diplomacy have often occurred separately in international relations. He emphasized, however, that Iran's position is clear: "Negotiations cannot work under threats, and talks must take place in conditions where threats and excessive demands are set aside." He added that "negotiations must be conducted from an equal position, based on mutual respect and reciprocal interests." Araghchi also rejected the use of force as a means to achieve political objectives, saying such an approach cannot be described as diplomacy. In response to a question about regional engagement to prevent conflict, including statements by some Arab countries indicating they would not allow their airspace to be used for attacks on Iran, Araghchi said Iran maintains continuous and regular contact with regional states. The top diplomat said there is a shared understanding across the region that military threats would lead to widespread instability, particularly given the nature of the US presence in West Asia. The remarks follow the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in the region and a series of escalatory threats from Washington, where some officials have accused Iran of a violent crackdown on peaceful protests. According to Araghchi, regional countries broadly oppose military escalation and believe it would result in serious challenges for the region as a whole. Asked about the possibility of a meeting with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Araghchi said there are currently no plans for such a meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq's Nujaba warns will not hesitate to defend Iran in case of any attack on Islamic Republic Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 7:49 AM An Iraqi anti-terror group has vowed that the Arab country's resistance forces would join the response to any attack on Iran, warning that any aggressive action against the Islamic Republic would drag Iraq and the Persian Gulf states into a broader regional conflict. Firas al-Yasser, a member of Iraq's Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba's political bureau, on Tuesday described the role of resistance groups as pivotal to regional security and stability, stressing that these groups would immediately participate in the response from the very first moments. "Any action against Iran will push the region toward a broader confrontation that will also encompass the Persian Gulf countries and Iraq," he warned, when commenting on a possible attack by the United States on Iran. "These groups will not wait for the fire of the conflict to be drawn into Iraqi territory; rather, from the very first moments of any attack on Iran, they will take part in the response," al-Yasser stressed. Sheikh Naim Qassem, secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, also said in a speech on Monday at a gathering held in solidarity with the Lebanese people and Iran that any war against the Islamic Republic could set the entire region ablaze, strongly implying that Hezbollah would defend Iran in the event of such an attack. "A war against Iran may this time set the entire region ablaze; we will never be among those who facilitate such actions, and we hope to neutralize them, and through defense there is also hope for major possibilities; the United States wants to dominate the entire world and, in cooperation with Israel, seeks to strike all resistance projects in the region," the Hezbollah chief noted. Sheikh Qassem stressed that over the previous two months, many parties had raised this clear question regarding intervention in the event of an American and Israeli attack on Iran, adding that "our answer was that in any potential aggression, we would be targeted and we are determined to defend ourselves; at that time, we will decide how to act - whether to intervene or not - but we are not be neutral." Earlier, Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) movement had voiced its readiness to enter any possible war in defense of Iran, calling on resistance fighters worldwide to mobilize for this purpose. The remarks by regional resistance groups came amid escalated rhetoric by US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened fresh military action against Iran in connection with what the latter described as the Islamic Republic's handling of economic protests that began in late December. According to Iranian authorities, after the protests started, they were infiltrated by riotous elements seeking to divert them towards unrest. Iranian intelligence authorities have verified that the elements were receiving American and Israeli intelligence, arms, and logistical support. Late last week, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Deputy Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi stressed that Iran is fully prepared to respond decisively to any hostile action against the country, warning adversaries against further adventurous moves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran 'Practically Naked' If US Attacks, But Can Retaliate With Force By Frud Bezhan January 28, 2026 Iran is bracing for a potential attack as the United States deploys key military assets, including an air carrier and additional bombers, to the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the Islamic republic over its bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. If Trump authorizes military action, Tehran would be virtually powerless to stop an aerial attack, experts say. But that does not mean Iran cannot retaliate against US military and commercial assets in the region, experts say, citing Tehran's formidable arsenal of advanced ballistic and low-flying cruise missiles as well as combat and suicide drones. During the 12-day war last June, Israel hit Iran's military infrastructure, including missile-production centers. Israel's attack also weakened the ability of Iran, which has an aging air force, to fend off aerial assaults by targeting its radars and Russian-made S-300 air-defense systems. Even then, Tehran was still able to fire hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel. Dozens of the missiles, aimed mostly at military sites, penetrated Israel's formidable air defenses. "In terms of purely defensive capabilities, Iran is practically naked," said Michael Horowitz, an independent defense expert based in Israel. But Iran "still has a large arsenal of short and medium range missiles that can easily hit US bases in the Middle East, as well as cruise missiles and drones that it would likely use to try and target US ships," added Horowitz. 'Potent' Ballistic Missiles In June, Israel struck sites around Tehran, including the Parchin military complex, the Khojir military base, the Shahrud missile site, and a factory in the Shamsabad Industrial Zone. The strikes were aimed at hindering Iran's production of medium-range ballistic missiles that threaten Israel and are "fairly potent," said Sascha Bruchmann, a military and security affairs analyst at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. Many of the medium-range ballistic missiles are "liquid-fueled and rely on infrastructure to be loaded, fueled, and launched," said Bruchmann. "The Israelis used this fact to find them and destroy many launchers during the war." The number of Iranian launchers still operational is unclear. Iran also possesses short-range ballistic missiles that are "often solid-fueled, much more flexible, and thus more difficult to detect before launch," added Bruchmann, estimating that Tehran has several thousand of the missiles. He said the short-range missiles "constitute a real threat, especially for the smaller Gulf countries" like Qatar and Bahrain that house US bases and forces. Beyond its weapons, one of Iran's most potent tools is its ability to disrupt oil traffic in the Persian Gulf, a region that produces around 40 percent of the world's oil, experts say. About one-fifth of the world's oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Iran has previously considered closing the route, a move that would disrupt global oil flows. "The Islamic republic has long prepared a set of military assets meant to shut down this key maritime route. This would create an economic shock that Iran could exploit," said Horowitz. US Weighs Military Options Trump threatened military strikes against Iran as the authorities killed thousands of people in a crackdown on mass protests that erupted in late December. Trump recently backed away, although he has not ruled out an attack. Trump is weighing up a range of military options, according to US media reports. They include strikes on largely symbolic targets, decapitation strikes targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders, or a sustained bombing campaign. Any US military action against Iran is fraught with risks, experts say, and even a limited strike could provoke retaliation by Tehran and trigger a full-blown conflict that could drag in the entire region. It is unclear if the end goal of possible US military action in Iran is regime change, to encourage defections in the armed forces and political elite, to impede the ability of the security forces to suppress street protests, or bring a weakened Tehran to the negotiating table. A US aerial campaign alone, without a ground incursion, would not lead to regime change, experts say. A ground invasion of Iran, the largest and most populous country in the Middle East, is considered a nonstarter by many defense experts. A protracted US air campaign is considered unlikely, experts say, citing Trump's reported desire for a limited and decisive attack. But even a monthslong offensive would not guarantee the fall of the regime. "A sustained US air campaign could severely degrade Iran's conventional military by ripping up command-and-control, and fixed infrastructure, but it is unlikely by itself to produce collapse of Iran's security forces, which can disperse, hide, and shift to low-signature internal repression," said Horowitz. "Airpower can punish and paralyze, but it would need a simultaneous political fracture on the ground, both a resumption in protests and divisions within the Iranian leadership, to really deliver a full collapse of Iran's security forces or regime," he added. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us- israel-strikes-war/33662293.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 France Backs EU Terror Listing Of Iran's IRGC, Clearing Path For Unified Bloc Stance By Kian Sharifi January 28, 2026 France has announced that it now supports the designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a major policy shift that could clear the way for European Union consensus on the issue. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on January 28 that "France will support the inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on the European list of terrorist organizations." His announcement follows similar reversals by Spain and Italy, which had also hesitated to back the move but shifted their positions ahead of the January 28 meeting of EU ambassadors. The United States, Canada, and Australia have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Within the EU, Germany and the Netherlands have repeatedly urged the bloc to follow suit, arguing that the group's involvement in repression at home and destabilizing activities abroad warrants such a step. The decision comes as the bloc's ambassadors agreed to impose new sanctions on several Iranian officials for their role in a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests that rocked the Islamic republic earlier this month. They also approved a separate tranche of sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities for aiding Russia's war against Ukraine. The measures, which include asset freezes and visa bans, were approved on January 28. The bloc's foreign ministers are expected to rubber-stamp them on January 29. Protests erupted on December 28, 2025, over economic woes including currency collapse but morphed into anti-regime demonstrations that were met with lethal force. The protest-related sanctions target Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and 14 other senior officials. Momeni, who oversees Iran's Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) and security units within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), is held responsible for hundreds of protester deaths. The interior minister, who also serves as deputy commander-in-chief, led forces that "suppressed street protests," resulting in thousands of casualties, according to the EU. Death Sentence Threats Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad is targeted for designation after threatening demonstrators with death sentences on charges of "enmity against God" during the protests. Regional IRGC commanders, including Heydar Olfati in Ilam Province and Ahmad Ali Feyzollahi of the IRGC Ground Forces' elite Saberin Brigade, are accused of ordering troops to fire on peaceful crowds. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says that as of January 28 it had verified 6,221 deaths, including 214 security forces, with more than 17,000 deaths still under investigation. The EU measures also target six entities enabling repression, from the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), which censors dissent, to tech firms Yaftar and Douran that develop VPN blockers and facial recognition tools. The Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC), a judicial body that filters and censors Internet access, is also being sanctioned. Iranians have been cut off from the outside world since January 8, when authorities imposed a near-total nationwide Internet shutdown as the crackdown on protests intensified. Access is slowly being reinstated, but experts fear authorities will eventually force Iranians onto a domestically designed "intranet" that operates independently from the global Internet. Sanctions For Aiding Moscow Separately, the ambassadors approved sanctions targeting four individuals and six entities linked to Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs that supply Moscow. The entities include Sahara Thunder and the Khojir Missile Development and Production Complex. The document describes Sahara Thunder as a Defense Ministry front company serving as an import-export cover to ship drones, components, and technology to Russia in exchange for payments. The Khojir complex, meanwhile, produces Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles allegedly delivered to Russia, where the EU says troops are being trained to operate them. Jointly managed by the IRGC and Defense Ministry, the facility manufactures solid-propellant missiles used against Ukrainian targets. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-eu-sanctions- deadly-protests-crackdown/33662357.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Asserts 'Massive Armada With Great Power' Racing Toward Iran Sputnik News 20260128 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a "massive armada" containing great power is speeding toward Iran. "A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The force would be larger than one previously sent to Venezuela and is prepared to fulfill the mission rapidly if needed, the US leader stressed. "Hopefully Iran will quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" Trump added. The president warned that if no agreement is reached, any future US strike on Iran would be "far worse" than previous actions. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Missiles Can't Reach US, But Can Reach US Bases in Mideast - Senior Diplomat Sputnik News 20260128 TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The range of Iranian missiles is not enough to reach the United States, but it is enough to reach US bases in the Middle East region, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday. "Our missiles do not have enough range to reach the United States, but American bases are located around us [in the Middle East]," Gharibabadi said. 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 Any military adventurism would only push the region into an unpredictable abyss: Chinese envoy to UN on escalating tension as US threats Iran with military strike Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 29, 2026 09:11 AM As the US government is reportedly weighing a major new strike on Iran after discussions over limiting Iran's nuclear program reportedly failed to make progress, the Chinese envoy to UN said at a UN Security Council high-level debate on the Middle East on Wednesday local time that any military adventurism would only push the region into an unpredictable abyss. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, noted that the current situation in Iran has drawn widespread attention, with the Middle East shrouded in the specter of war and tensions continuing to rise. Iran is an independent and sovereign country, and its affairs should be decided by the Iranian people themselves. China hopes for and supports Iran in maintaining national stability, and supports the safeguarding of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Force cannot solve problems, and any military adventurism would only push the region into an unpredictable abyss, he said. China calls on all parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs, and opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, Fu said. China hopes that the US and other relevant parties will heed the calls of the international community and regional countries, do more to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and avoid escalating tensions or fanning the flames, the Chinese envoy added. Time is running out for Iran to make a deal, US President Donald Trump warned Wednesday, as he urged Iran to negotiate on nuclear weapons or face the force of a "massive armada" of American ships, NBC News said. Iran's foreign minister said the Iranian armed forces are ready to "immediately and powerfully" respond to any possible attack by the US, hours after Trump reiterated a threat to take military action against the country, the Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No talks under pressure -- Iran responds to Trump's threats, U.S. naval enforcement in Middle East People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:20, January 29, 2026 TEHRAN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday rejected any prospect of talks with the United States as long as Washington continues to threaten military action, after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric and announced the deployment of additional U.S. naval forces to the Middle East. "There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "Conducting diplomacy through military pressure is neither effective nor useful. If they want negotiations, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and illogical issues." In a post on X, Araghchi added that Iran welcomes a new deal on its nuclear program but would respond forcefully to any U.S. military operation. "Our brave Armed Forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger," the Iranian diplomat said. Trump, meanwhile, urged Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, warning that a "massive armada" was moving toward the region. "A massive armada is heading to Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the force would be larger than one previously deployed near Venezuela and would be ready to act if necessary. "Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal -- NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," he added. "Time is running out." Trump warned that any future U.S. strike would be "far worse" than previous military actions if no agreement is reached. The United States has already dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers to the region. The U.S. Central Command said Monday that the carrier-led strike group had taken up position in Middle Eastern waters, without disclosing its exact location. The heightened military posture comes roughly a month after protests erupted across Iran, which Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting. Since then, Trump has sent mixed signals, alternately calling for negotiations while refusing to rule out military intervention. Inside Iran, the response to the naval buildup has been defiant. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Wednesday that any notion of a "limited strike" against Iran was an illusion. He warned that any U.S. military action "from any origin and at any level" would be considered the start of a war and would prompt an "immediate, all-out and unprecedented" response. In a statement, Iran's mission to the United Nations also warned against military action, citing the cost of past U.S. wars in the region. "The last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over 7 trillion U.S. dollars and lost more than 7,000 American lives," the statement said. "Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests -- but if pushed, it will defend itself." Iran has also sought to rally regional opposition to any U.S. strike. Officials contacted several Arab states this week, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they would not allow their airspace to be used for an attack on Iran. Turkiye, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, urged diplomacy. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Washington should restart nuclear talks with Tehran. "It's wrong to attack Iran. It's wrong to start another war," Fidan said. He added that Iran was ready to resume negotiations on its nuclear program and called on the United States to address disputes step by step, beginning with the nuclear issue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq's former PM Maliki rejects 'blatant US interference' after Trump warning Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 2:52 PM Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has dismissed "blatant US interference" in the country's domestic affairs, a day after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would withdraw its support for Baghdad if the veteran politician returns to power. "We categorically reject the blatant American interference in Iraq's internal affairs," the 75-year-old Maliki wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Wednesday. "We consider it (US interference) a violation of sovereignty, contrary to the democratic system in Iraq after 2003, and an infringement on the decision of the Coordinating Framework for selecting its candidate for the position of Prime Minister." "The language of dialogue between countries is the only political option for dealing with them, not resorting to the language of dictates and threats," Maliki said. "Out of respect for the national will" and the Coordination Framework's decision "guaranteed by Iraq's constitution," Maliki said he "will continue his efforts until the end, in a way that serves the supreme interests of the Iraqi people." Trump warned on January 27 that Iraq could face consequences if Maliki is reinstated. The warning came after Maliki was endorsed by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties, to run for the premiership. The Iraqi parliament was scheduled to elect the prime minister on Tuesday, but the vote was delayed. The president will then task the prime ministerial nominee from the largest bloc with forming a government within 15 days. Maliki served as Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014 and as vice president between 2014 and 2015 and again from 2016 to 2018. He currently heads the Islamic Dawa Party political movement. He is a senior figure in Iraq's political scene and maintains close ties with various factions, including parties linked to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) that have opposed foreign interference in the Arab country's affairs. The PMU was formed in 2014 to fight the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and was later incorporated into Iraq's armed forces. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has opted not to seek a second term, a decision that stands to reshape Iraq's political landscape. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq warns of imminent security threats as questions mount over Daesh prisoner escapes in Syria Iran Press TV Wednesday, 28 January 2026 10:03 AM Iraqi security authorities have warned of imminent and dangerous terrorist movements in the country's western regions, amid growing concerns over cross-border militant activity linked to developments in neighboring Syria. Al-Ma'alumah news agency, citing an unnamed Iraqi security source, reported on Wednesday that more than 50 Syrian nationals with direct links to terrorist organizations operating in Syria are currently present in Iraq, primarily in Anbar province. According to the source, the individuals are planning sabotage operations aimed at destabilizing security in the region, with their movements supported by unidentified actors inside Iraq. Security forces are closely monitoring the situation in an effort to preempt any attacks, the source added. The warning comes a day after Iraqi forces arrested a suicide bomber near a restaurant in the city of Ramadi. The suspect was detained while wearing an explosive belt, which was later defused by an explosives expert, according to Iraqi security officials. The heightened alert in Iraq coincides with mounting confusion and controversy over the escape of large numbers of Daesh detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria during clashes between Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime forces and the US-sponsored, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Fighting erupted despite the announcement of an immediate ceasefire, with heavy bombardment reported near Raqqa and in the vicinity of detention facilities holding Daesh prisoners. The SDF said it lost control of the Shaddadi prison following attacks by HTS forces, allowing around 1,500 Daesh members to escape. Syria's HTS-led regime has denied attacking the prison and accused the SDF of deliberately releasing detainees, claiming that only slightly more than 100 prisoners fled and that dozens have since been re-arrested. Kurdish media and officials, however, continue to cite far higher numbers. The SDF oversees more than a dozen detention facilities across northeastern Syria, where an estimated 9,000 Daesh Takfiri terrorists have been held for years. The fate and whereabouts of most of these detainees remain unclear following the recent unrest, fueling speculation that the breakdown may not have been accidental. Analysts and regional sources have pointed to possible coordination or at least parallel actions involving US forces, Kurdish authorities, and Syrian factions. Against this backdrop, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on January 21 that it had begun transferring Daesh detainees from Syria to Iraqi government-controlled facilities, allegedly to thwart the threat they pose to the region and the US. CENTCOM said 150 Daesh terrorists had already been moved from a prison in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah to a "secure" location in Iraq, adding that up to 7,000 detainees could ultimately be transferred. The announcement came shortly after HTS forces entered the al-Hol camp, long one of the largest holding sites for Daesh terrorists and their families. While Washington described the transfers as necessary to prevent further breakouts, it did not address reports that thousands of detainees may have already escaped or been released amid the chaos. Kurdish and Syrian sources have offered sharply conflicting accounts of events at al-Hol and Shaddadi, and it remains unclear who currently controls parts of the detention infrastructure. Since the developments in northeastern Syria, the US has reportedly increased pressure on the Iraqi government, particularly over the role of Iraq's anti-terror forces. According to regional reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that failure to curb or isolate certain security factions could result in punitive measures, including blocking the country's access to its oil revenues held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said Washington would end its "support" for Iraq if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki was reinstated. Trump made the remarks, days after Iraq's Coordination Framework, the country's largest parliamentary bloc, nominated al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. Al-Maliki is a senior figure in Iraq's political scene and maintains close ties with various factions, including parties linked to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) that has opposed foreign interference in the Arab country's affairs. The PMU was formed in 2014 to fight the Daesh terrorist group and was later incorporated into Iraq's armed forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby's visit to MOD Ministry of Defense of Japan January 28, 2026 On January 28th, 2026, the Hon. Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy visited Ministry of Defense. Vice-Minister of Defense Yamato received a courtesy call, and Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Kano held a meeting with Under Secretary Colby. In the meetings, they discussed increasingly severe security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, and based on the outcomes of the Defense Ministerial Meeting held on January 15th, they confirmed the critical role both countries play to reinforce the Japan-U.S. Alliance capabilities to deter and respond. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 2nd Japan-NATO Cyber Dialogue Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan January 29, 2026 On January 27 (January 27, local time), the 2nd Japan-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Cyber Dialogue was held in Brussels, Belgium. This meeting was co-chaired by Mr. YAMAMOTO Takeomi, Director, National Security Policy Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and Mr. Jean Charles ELLERMANN-KINGOMBE, Assistant Secretary General for Cyber and Digital Transformation, NATO. From the Japanese side, officials from MOFA, National Cybersecurity Office (NCO), and Ministry of Defense (MOD) attended the dialogue. In this dialogue, following the enactment of Japan's Cyber Response Capability Strengthening Act and Necessary Arrangement of Relevant Acts last year, as well as the adoption of a new Cybersecurity Strategy, the two sides exchanged views on broad topics, such as cybersecurity strategy and policy of Japan and the NATO, and future bilateral cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. Both sides confirmed that they will continue to closely work together in the cyber defense field including through the Japan-NATO Cyber Dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ASEAN affirms 'collective resolve' to find solution to Myanmar crisis Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora January 28, 2026, 9:48 pm CEBU CITY -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday held an informal meeting on the implementation of the Myanmar peace plan and affirmed its "collective resolve" to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the country. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Philippine ASEAN chair special envoy to Myanmar, led the consultations among top Southeast Asian diplomats on the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings at the Nustar Hotel in Cebu City. Lazaro, in a post on X, said the 11 member states have "discussed ways forward," and reaffirmed ASEAN's "collective resolve in finding a peaceful and lasting solution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led." "Had engaging discussions with my ASEAN colleagues, as concurrent Chair and Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, during the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC)," she said. The meeting was held following the recently concluded Myanmar elections, regarded by critics as a sham. It also comes ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, where top Southeast Asian diplomats and a senior Myanmar official, with a rank of Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, are set to attend on Jan. 29. In an interview with reporters after the informal talks, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for ASEAN Dax Imperial said initiatives taken by the special envoy to engage various political and ethnic groups in Myanmar were received positively by the ASEAN foreign ministers. "They welcome what the special envoy did, convening the stakeholders of Myanmar in Tagaytay. So it's actually a welcome move. [S]upports from the foreign ministers were received," he said. Meanwhile, he said the ministers have yet to decide whether ASEAN would recognize the election results in Myanmar. He said it is also difficult to speculate at the moment if ASEAN would engage with the newly elected leaders in Myanmar. "It's hard to speculate, really, on that. At least for the Philippines... We will look at the results of the election." "The elections have just concluded, and so we still have to see what was going to happen," he added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Call on the Prime Minister of Pakistan by the Myanmar Foreign Minister Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan January 27, 2026 ISLAMABAD: 27 January 2026. Call on the Prime Minister of Pakistan by the Myanmar Foreign Minister The Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Than Swe, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, this morning. Welcoming the visiting dignitary and reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its longstanding relations with Myanmar, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in trade and economic engagement, education, culture, capacity-building, and people-to-people exchanges. The Prime Minister, particularly appreciated Myanmar's cooperation in combating trafficking and its support for Pakistan's engagement with ASEAN. The Myanmar Foreign Minister thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation. He conveyed the greetings and good wishes from Myanmar's leadership and expressed Myanmar's desire to expand its ties with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. The Myanmar side also thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan's timely support to Myanmar, following the catastrophic earthquake on March 28, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and SAPM Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wife of S. Korea's ex-president Yoon sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:24, January 28, 2026 SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kim Keon-hee, wife of the impeached former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for taking bribes, live footage showed Wednesday. The Seoul Central District Court handed down the prison sentence with a forfeiture of 12.81 million won (about 9,010 U.S. dollars), saying Kim exploited her position as the first lady for private profit. The court found her not guilty of the charges of violating the capital markets act and the political funds act. Kim was charged with receiving valuables from Unification Church officials in return for favorable treatment of the religious group in 2022. The court rejected the special counsel's claim of Kim's involvement in stock rigging, saying it was difficult to confirm her complicity even if she was aware of the stock price manipulation. Kim was indicted while in detention in August last year on charges of her participation in the stock price manipulation between October 2010 and December 2012. She was also charged with conspiring with Yoon to receive illegal public opinion poll results worth about 270 million won free of charge from a political broker on 58 occasions from April 2021 to March 2022 ahead of the presidential election. The court, however, ruled that there was no evidence to prove the presidential couple's order of the opinion polls. Apart from the ruling, Kim was indicted on charges of requesting mass enrollment of Unification Church members in the People Power Party to support a specific candidate as a party leader in the party's national convention. She also faced charges of accepting valuables in exchange for providing business favors and selling public offices. Kim became the first wife of a former South Korean president to be tried under detention as she has been held at a detention center since last August. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera. January 28, 2026 11:55 Vladimir Putin congratulated Faustin-Archange Touadera on his landslide victory in the presidential election held on December 28, 2025, and expressed sincere wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the CAR people. In turn, the Central African Republic President thanked the Russian leader for the multidimensional contribution to the strengthening of the country's sovereignty and security. After discussing current matters pertaining to cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and humanitarian spheres, the leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the further development of friendly bilateral ties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Co-Facilitators for the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UN Security Council Reform Tareq Albanai and Lise Gregoire van Haaren 28 January 2026 14:47 90-28-01-2026 On January 27, 2026, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting in Moscow with Co-Facilitators for the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UN Security Council Reform, Permanent Representatives of Kuwait and the Netherlands to the UN Tareq Albanai and Lise Gregoire van Haaren. The parties focused on the current round of negotiations held as part of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia's position of principle in support of a coordinated Security Council reform, aimed at enhancing this body's prestige and effectiveness and at making it more democratic through an expanded representation of Global South and East countries. The parties also stated that significant differences persisted among the IGN participants on all key aspects of the reform process. This being so, it was necessary to go on with a thorough discussion of this agenda in the current format of intergovernmental negotiations, while avoiding to set any deadlines in the interests of reaching as broad an agreement as possible among the member states. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serbia Expects Long-Term Gas Deal With Russia - Vulin Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Serbia is counting on concluding a long-term agreement with Russia on gas supplies, former Serbian Prime Minister and the head of the supervisory board of Srbijagas, Aleksandar Vulin, told Sputnik. "I expect that we will come to an agreement, will reach a deal. By deal, I mean a long-term contract for a couple of years," Vulin explained. He emphasized that the agreement must take into account the interests of both sides. "I am confident that we will conclude a deal, and it will be signed before the expiration date of the [current] agreement," Vulin said. Earlier this month, Vulin told Sputnik that a new round of gas supply negotiations between Serbia and Russia was expected to take place in the second half of February, At the end of December 2025, Dusan Bajatovic, the CEO of the Serbian state-owned company Srbijagas, announced that Serbia would receive 10 million cubic meters of gas per day under a new agreement with Russia's Gazprom until March 31, 2026, which, together with supplies from Azerbaijan and Hungary, would fully meet its needs. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the release of the fifth report of the OPCW investigation and identification team European External Action Service (EEAS) 28.01.2026 Brussels, Belgium EEAS Press Team On 20 January 2026, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued a report that found Syrian Arab Air Force responsible for a chemical weapons attack in Kafr Zeita, Syrian Arab Republic on 1 October 2016. The report concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a military helicopter released a cylinder which contained chlorine gas, injuring 35 named individuals and affecting dozens more. The European Union strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone - be it a State or a non-State actor - anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. It is a violation of international law and can amount to the most serious of international crimes - war crimes and crimes against humanity. The EU recognises the positive role of the Syrian Transitional Authorities in facilitating the OPCW investigations. The OPCW Investigation and Identification Team's professional reporting is an important contribution to efforts to end impunity for the use of chemical weapons. We stay committed to supporting the OPCW politically and financially with a view to ensuring full accountability for those responsible for these heinous crimes in Syria and beyond. The European Union has imposed restrictive measures on Al Assad regime officials and scientists for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons. In light of the new report, the European Union is ready to consider introducing further measures as appropriate. The European Union reiterates its full support to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and underlines the complementarity of its work with the United Nations. We have full confidence in the objectivity, impartiality and independence of the Organisation's Technical Secretariat and its Investigation and Identification Team. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian-Syrian talks Vladimir Putin met with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Kremlin. January 28, 2026 19:40 The Kremlin, Moscow The President of Syria has arrived in the Russian Federation for a working visit. The agenda of the talks encompasses the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in various spheres, alongside discussions on the current situation in the Middle East. The talks continued at a working breakfast. * * * Beginning of Russian-Syrian talks President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues, It is a great pleasure to welcome you once again to Moscow. Much has been achieved in restoring our interstate relations since we last met; time has not been wasted. We have also managed to set things in motion in terms of our economic cooperation, with growth of over 4 percent. While this is perhaps not as ambitious as we might have wished, it's a positive step nonetheless, and it is a trend we should keep going. We continue to work actively to develop our partnership across all areas. As we have discussed before, Russian-Syrian relations have deep historical roots. Diplomatic ties were formally established as far back as 1944, with the signing of an agreement even as the Second World War was raging. Throughout all the following decades, our bilateral relations have remained consistently strong, without a single dark chapter. Today, in this new reality - and thanks in no small measure, above all, to your personal efforts - the relations between Syria and Russia continue to progress. I have already mentioned the economic dimension. There is, of course, much to discuss on this front, and we will certainly use today's visit to delve into these matters. Our various agencies have been very active since your last visit. A large interdepartmental delegation from the Russian Government travelled to Syria and worked intensively with their colleagues. Consequently, we have a number of promising initiatives planned, spanning both industry and humanitarian affairs - including sports, medicine, and construction. We are aware of the significant rebuilding needs in Syria, and our economic operators, particularly in the construction sector, are ready to engage in this joint work. We have followed closely your efforts to restore Syria's territorial integrity. I would like to congratulate you on the growing momentum of this process. Russia has always championed this goal, you know our position well, and we fully support your endeavours in this direction. I hope that the integration of areas east of the Euphrates - this is, without doubt, a crucial step forward - will contribute significantly to the full restoration of Syria's territorial integrity. We congratulate you on this achievement. Once again, we are delighted to have you with us. Welcome, Mr President. President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President. I am truly pleased to be here; this is my second visit. To date, there have already been 13 delegation exchanges between our countries. I believe a year has passed since the first such visit. On my way from the airport today, I saw a lot of snow and was reminded that, historically, there have been many military campaigns and attempts to seize Moscow. Yet the resilience of the people, and even the climate, helped repel those efforts. We sincerely wish you all the best. We have many issues to look into and discuss. I hope that during our meeting we will address them in detail and that our discussions will be productive. I believe that over the past year, Syria has come a long way and has managed to overcome sanctions. However, one of the greatest challenges is the unification of Syrian territory. We have been working consistently on this issue since last year. Russia, of course, plays a major role in Syria, contributing to the stabilisation not only in our country but in the entire region. Our region is in great need of stability. For this reason, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Mr President, for your efforts in this regard. Vladimir Putin: Thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai warns opposition: Approve trade pact or risk higher U.S. tariffs ROC Central News Agency 01/28/2026 04:51 PM Taipei, Jan. 28 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Tuesday urged the Legislature to approve a trade agreement with the United States that has yet to be finalized, warning that a failure to do so could lead the U.S. to hike tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 25 percent or higher. In an interview with Taiwan's FTV News channel, Lai said the tentative deal his administration reached with the U.S. followed extensive negotiations and investment commitments by Taiwanese companies. The terms of the agreement are "very good," Lai said, adding that he hopes the Legislature will approve the finalized version of the deal and not cause Taiwan to go back on its word. Lai was referring to a tentative agreement with the United States reached in mid-January, under which the U.S. would lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20 percent to 15 percent. In return, Taiwan committed Taiwanese companies to provide up to US$250 billion in direct investment in the U.S., while the government would provide up to US$250 billion in credit guarantees for other companies investing in the U.S. According to Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (), who led the negotiations, the deal will also grant Taiwan semiconductors and other products the most favorable treatment under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, though the final tariff rates and quotas have yet to be finalized. Once a deal is signed, it will need to be approved by Taiwan's opposition-controlled Legislature. Its fate could also be complicated by an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump's authority to impose tariffs. Lai warned that if the Legislature delayed approving the agreement, the U.S. could raise its tariffs on Taiwan to 25 percent "or even higher." Lai was likely hinting at the situation in South Korea, on which U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Monday to raise tariffs from 15 percent to 25 percent, for "not living up to" a trade deal reached last year. Aside from the positive response of Taiwanese companies and stock market to the deal with the U.S., the current "anxiety" in Korea (at the potential hiking of U.S. tariffs) shows that such an agreement is desirable, Lai said. Special defense budget During the interview, Lai also urged the Legislature to approve the NT$1.25 trillion (US$40.02 billion) special defense budget his administration has proposed, while criticizing a competing plan put forward by an opposition party. He argued that in Taiwan's system of government, the Legislative Yuan is primarily responsible for "oversight," and that lawmakers should respect the professional judgment of the Ministry of National Defense, which proposed the budget. The special defense budget is "NT$1.25 trillion over eight years, or NT$150-160 billion per year, which the government will use to build the T-Dome -- a smart air defense system -- and advance the defense industry, all of which is interconnected and indispensable," Lai said. The smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party (TPP), by contrast, has proposed cutting the budget to NT$400 billion, Lai said, warning that this would require giving up purchases that would leave the T-Dome with a "hole" in it. The passage of either special budget bill would be a significant expenditure for Taiwan, where overall defense spending in the government's 2026 budget proposal, which remains stalled in the Legislature, was around NT$950 billion. The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), meanwhile, has not yet decided whether to review the government's special defense budget or propose its own, a KMT lawmaker told CNA on the condition of anonymity. (By Kao Chien-hua, Yeh Su-ping, Wang Cheng-chung and Matthew Mazzetta) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan, U.S. hold sixth Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue ROC Central News Agency 01/28/2026 11:16 AM Washington, Jan. 27 (CNA) Officials from Taiwan and the United States held a sixth round of talks under the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday and signed a pact agreeing to the principles of "Pax Silica." The meeting was led on the U.S. side by Jacob Helberg, undersecretary of state for economic affairs, while Taiwan was represented by Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin (), the U.S. State Department said in a statement. The talks covered topics that included supply chain security, particularly in the field of AI, as well as cooperation on unmanned aircraft system component certification, support for trusted digital infrastructure, and cooperation on critical minerals, the statement said. Discussions also focused on "highlighting progress in responding to economic coercion, pursuing mutual cooperation in third countries, and addressing tax-related barriers to increase investment between the United States and Taiwan," the State Department said. Taiwan and U.S. representatives also signed a joint statement endorsing the principles of the Pax Silica Declaration, the statement said. "Pax Silica" is a U.S.-led initiative focused on coordinating trusted supply chains for advanced technologies, whose initial eight signatories (now 11) did not include Taiwan, the world's leading producer of advanced semiconductors. Upon its launch last month, Helberg said Taiwan had been involved and made contributions to the initiative, and that planners expected to roll out "several new members" in the first quarter of 2026. "Give us a little bit of room to let sensitive conversations unfold on a bilateral basis," Helberg told a Taiwan-based reporter at the time, who asked if there was a pathway for Taiwan to be brought in as a full participant. Asked on Tuesday for an update on Taiwan's potential membership, Helberg told CNA the signing of a joint statement was a "major milestone," but did not provide a timeframe for entry. The EPPD framework was launched in November 2020 near the end of U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, and continued during the administration of Joe Biden. Tuesday marked the sixth set of meetings under the EPPD framework, and the first since Trump returned to office in January 2025. (By Elaine Hou and Matthew Mazzetta) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT-CCP think tank exchange to promote cross-strait engagement: KMT ROC Central News Agency 01/28/2026 06:46 PM Taipei, Jan. 28 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) confirmed Wednesday it will send a delegation to Beijing from Feb. 24 for the first official think tank exchange with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aiming to foster constructive cross-strait interaction. Deputy KMT Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen () said at a press conference he will head the delegation, joined by National Policy Foundation Deputy Chairman Lee Hong-yuan () and around 40 experts and scholars. Hsiao said the forum will focus on topics including tourism, industrial development and environmental protection, aiming to revive the kind of cross-strait exchanges previously carried out based on a shared acceptance of the "1992 Consensus." The "1992 consensus" refers to a tacit understanding reached in 1992 between the then KMT government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Chinese government. It has been consistently interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgment by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. The independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has never acknowledged the "1992 Consensus," arguing that Beijing allows no room for the interpretation of "China" as the Republic of China, and that acceptance of the consensus therefore implies agreement with China's claim over Taiwan. No information has been released on whether discussions will touch on a possible meeting between KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun () and CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping (). China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed the forum will take place on Feb. 3 in Beijing, co-hosted by the KMT's National Policy Foundation and the Straits Research Center of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee. TAO spokeswoman Zhang Han () said the forum will cover cross-strait tourism, industry and environmental cooperation, emphasizing that Beijing seeks peaceful engagement based on the 1992 Consensus while opposing Taiwan independence. The DPP criticized the exchange, with spokesperson Han Ying () warning that the KMT's highly synchronized schedule with Beijing shows a loss of political autonomy and risks making the party an instrument of Chinese influence, undermining Taiwan's national dignity and security. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) reminded the KMT no organization is permitted to engage in political agreements with the Chinese side or discuss matters related to government authority, without the authorization of Taiwan's government. (By Liu Kuan-ting and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Peaceful reunification to bring opportunities to Taiwan: mainland spokesperson People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:25, January 28, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that peaceful reunification will create tremendous opportunities for Taiwan's economic and social development. Backed by a strong motherland, all sectors of Taiwan, including infrastructure, will be better developed, Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference. Taiwan compatriots will join their mainland counterparts in sharing the fruits of Chinese modernization and embracing a bright future of prosperity and stability, she added. 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 2026.01.29 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 28 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 29 (Thu.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 5 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 5 sorties entered Taiwan's 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. 1150129_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 1150129_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 1150129_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Pollard speech at ADS Annual Dinner 2026 Speech Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, delivered a keynote speech at the ADS Annual Dinner. From: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP Published 28 January 2026 Location: London Delivered on: 27 January 2026 (Original script, may differ from delivered version) Thank you Kevin, and good evening everyone. It's a real pleasure to join you tonight. Once again ADS has done a magnificent job bringing together 1,000 leaders from across the sector to enjoy a splendid dinner and excellent company and to kick 2026 off in some style. Looking around the room, I know we have companies here in close competition for defence contracts. We have innovators racing each other to launch new technologies onto the market. We have defence correspondents looking to land a scoop ahead of their rivals. And we have MPs from across the political divide who usually stare each other out on opposite sides of the House of Commons. But it's nights like tonight when we're reminded of the bonds that unite everyone in this remarkable industry, facing a new era of threats. The shared principles and convictions of a great many people, working collectively across a vast array of businesses and organisations with a clear and common objective. To strengthen Britain's security at a time when the world is growing increasingly polarised and dangerous. So I want to start this evening by thanking every one of you for what you do. You're not just leaders within this sector. You're torchbearers for defence within wider society. And collectively, you're one of the fastest developing industries within our economy. A quick glance at the ADS Facts and Figures document for 2025 tells us that the entire sector now has a combined turnover of 100 billion adding 42 billion of value to the UK economy each year and representing growth of almost two-thirds over the past decade. You're part of a defence industry that directly supports over 460,000 highly skilled and well-paid jobs. Highlighting the importance of this thriving sector. And, I believe, the unprecedented opportunities to grow in the years ahead. ADS has proved that defence is an engine for growth, and the MOD's own facts and figures tell the same story. We hope to increase those numbers even further, to demonstrate this to the public. But the future is more unpredictable than at any time in recent memory. The Ukraine war is about to enter its fifth year. Putin is threatening Europe's borders. And the UK is facing cyber attacks on a daily basis indeed, since we started this evening, based on average statistics, approximately 20 cyber attacks have taken place against UK defence - and 50,000 new cyber threats were identified in the UK. So everyone in defence needs to step-up to get our Armed Forces to warfighting readiness. I'm proud to be part of a Ministerial team, headed by the Defence Secretary, MinAF, MinVP, MinLords, and myself. In the same way, it's a privilege to work with Rich Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff and Roly Walker, Gwyn Jenkins, and Harvey Smyth, respective Chiefs of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. But it's not just those wearing lots of gold braid I'm honoured to work alongside. It's all our servicemen and women, and our veterans. The people working to support them, from logistics, health and recruitment to cooks and cleaners and of course, the supply chain across the country. Our military is only as strong as the industry that supports it. One year ago, the Defence Secretary stood here, and made a number of key pledges. He promised a Strategic Defence Review that would hardwire-in the lessons of Ukraine. Delivered. He promised a Defence Industrial Strategy that would finally treat industry as a strategic partner. Delivered. He vowed to appoint a National Armaments Director to help lead a programme of Defence Reform. Delivered. And he promised investment. All delivered. The SDR in the summer was followed by the Industrial Strategy in September. Our excellent new NAD, Rupert Pearce, is already busy reforming procurement, and driving a new commercial approach in the Department. And we've gone well beyond our pledge to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by next year setting out a pathway to 3% in the next parliament, and promising a historic rise to spend 5% of GDP on national security by 2035, by far the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. We are using more of our increasing defence budget on British companies. And for avoidance of doubt, if you've got a British postcode, you are a British company. Now, I know there's frustration about the timing of the Defence Investment Plan. But when we came into government, we inherited a programme that was overcommitted, underfunded and unsuited to the threats we face today. The decisions being taken now concern investments worth hundreds of billions of pounds over the next decade. And I can assure you, that finalising the plan is the single highest priority in the Department. It is the first line-by-line review of defence planning in 18 years. It will transform our Armed Forces by backing our defence industrial base providing them with the most advanced battlefield technology available and equipping them to fight and win. Nothing matters more than getting this plan right, and finally putting defence on a sustainable footing. It will benefit from close engagement with defence companies and SMEs, to make sure we deliver the most robust and effective Investment Plan that responds directly to your concerns. I can't stress enough, that bringing you closer into UK Defence is a two-way process. We can only achieve our goals with your full involvement, and your unique expertise on how to make the system work better, and how to make it radically different. More of the same is not an option. One of the things industry has been asking for is a place where SMEs can get advice, support, and connect to opportunities in defence. A single front door that makes things easy. On a visit to Scotland yesterday, we established the Office for Small Business Growth, specifically to meet those needs. No more bouncing about between departments. No more guessing who to call. No more hearing that you're too small to matter. And we're backing this with real money. 7.5 billion committed to small businesses by 2028. That's a fifty per cent increase in money allocated directly by this Department. And we expect the primes to follow suit. Our ambition is to reach every SME with something to offer UK defence and that includes companies which don't think of themselves as defence firms yet - Kevin, that's membership growth for you. So, if you're running a small defence business or you know someone who is we'd love you to come and talk to us. And we're on the hunt for something else. Somewhere in this country - maybe in this room tonight - is a company that will transform how we fight. It might be a startup working on autonomous systems. A scale-up developing AI for logistics. A spinout from a university with a breakthrough in materials science. Wherever those transformational ideas are coming from, we want to find them, and back them. That's why we've ringfenced 10% of our equipment budget for novel technologies. It's why UK Defence Innovation now has a protected budget of 400 million a year. And it's why we are creating a fund of up to 20 million to support the search for the next defence unicorns. A British company, solving global defence problems, selling to the world. If that's you - or if it's your ambition - we're ready to talk. We'll also run a 'Dragon's Den' style event to provide seed funding for new ideas at an early stage of development. Because if you're willing to take risks, we must be willing to take them too. But keeping with tradition as some of you who have heard me speak before might know I like to set a little homework. Just as we are putting up the money and delivering the reforms we need industry to raise its game too. The challenge is to make tangible improvements to the fundamentals of supply chain manufacturing. That means commitments to better productivity. It means hitting timelines and controlling costs and if things aren't working, being honest about it. We talk a lot about innovation in technology. But just as vital is innovation in how you work. The old cost-plus culture has to go. We want to reward agile companies that take risks, move at pace, and deliver change. And we want exportability. Whenever feasible, platforms should be designed with export in mind from day one. Because UK requirements alone won't sustain the industrial base we need. We must sell to the world. And speaking of international matters, as we enjoy our dinner 1,500 miles away from Kyiv, I'm always reminded at this time of year of the men, women and children once again huddled in air raid shelters never knowing what Putin may have in store for them tonight. And I think of the hundreds of thousands of families mourning their loved ones. The need for warfighting readiness has never been more acute. This is the blunt reality of Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. But whenever peace comes, we will be ready to deploy our troops, through the Coalition of the Willing. And because someone from the FSB is always listening, we implore you to return any Ukrainian child immediately, safely and unconditionally. So, now we've laid the foundation for change, it's time to get on and deliver. As we reinvigorate our Armed Forces, and move into a period of historic growth for defence spending it goes without saying that we are entering a period of enormous opportunity for the supply chain. Yes, opportunities for commercial success. Opportunities to spread the benefits of investment across our nation. But also to join together as true partners in this critical national endeavour. That's why we are forging a much closer partnership between industry, innovators and investors fuelling a virtuous circle between strong defence, a growing economy, and stable society. This is our country. And this is our shared future. So let's write the next chapter of defence history together. Thank you. Have a great evening. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev discusses strengthening Ukraine's air defence and UAV production with France's Minister Delegate for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 27 January, 2026, 10:43 AM EET Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev held talks with Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France, during her working visit to Kyiv. At the outset, the Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude to France for the military, humanitarian, financial, and political assistance provided. Sergiy Boyev emphasised the importance of the visit given the challenging security situation in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine. Alice Rufo, for her part, emphasised her readiness to deepen cooperation across a number of areas and to make France's support for Ukraine even more effective. A representative of Ukraine's intelligence briefed the French delegation on the operational situation at the front and russia's plans to mobilise the population and ramp up weapons production. "There are no indications that russia plans to cease hostilities. Ukraine requires partner support in 2026 more than ever. Our primary focus is air defence: our cities must be protected," Sergiy Boyev stated. The French side expressed its readiness to increase sanctions pressure in order to limit the supply of critically important components for the production of russian missiles. Among the most important topics were cooperation on air defence, the replenishment of Ukraine's stocks of critically important missiles, and the involvement of additional partner countries to address this requirement. Countering enemy ballistic missiles remains one of the most serious challenges. The Ukrainian and French delegations also discussed cooperation under the SAFE programme and the potential for new industrial projects. France has expressed interest in Ukraine's experience in the UAV domain and is committed to developing joint production. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mykhailo Fedorov holds talks with Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France, on strengthening Ukraine's air defence and aviation capabilities Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 27 January, 2026, 8:08 PM EET Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov held talks with Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France. He thanked France for its many years of consistent cooperation and its strong contribution to the development of Ukraine's air defence and aviation capabilities. "This partnership is already contributing to the protection of Ukraine's skies," the Minister of Defence of Ukraine stated. Mykhailo Fedorov noted that the two countries are currently cooperating across a range of areas. This includes, in particular, measures to strengthen air defence and address emerging technological threats. "We are counting on ammunition supplies from France both for SAMP/T and Crotale systems, as well as for long-range capabilities. I am grateful for the readiness to deliver additional French-manufactured missiles in the near term," Mykhailo Fedorov noted. Another line of cooperation concerns the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft to Ukraine. Ukraine is expecting additional aircraft deliveries, which would significantly strengthen its air capabilities. A third priority is countering russia's shadow fleet. The Minister of Defence of Ukraine underscored France's principled stance on limiting the activities of russia's shadow fleet, noting that cutting the enemy's resources is critical to reducing its capacity to finance the war. "I also invited Catherine Vautrin to visit Ukraine. We are prepared to elevate our cooperation to a new level, including in data sharing and joint analytical efforts. I am grateful to France for its systematic support, leadership, and clear stance," Mykhailo Fedorov concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Attacks Kill Civilians Across Ukraine After Drone Strike On Passenger Train By RFE/RL January 28, 2026 Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least three people and injured several others, Ukrainian officials said on January 28, just hours after a deadly attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced as "terrorism." In the Kyiv region, an apartment building where RFE/RL correspondent Marian Kushnir lives was hit, killing at least two people and sparking a fire. Kushnir, who covers the front line of the war with Russia, rescued a 4-year-old girl from the blaze. Her mother and partner were killed in the strike. Medics treated the rescued girl, another child, and two adults at the scene, Ukraine's National Police said. "I was at home when I heard an explosion. A drone struck the roof of our building, the upper two-story apartment," said Kushnir, who has worked for RFE/RL's Ukrainian-language service for more than a decade. "I saw half-open doors to the place where the impact was. I opened them and saw a child lying on a couch, wrapped in a blanket, crying, screaming, calling for her mother." Kushnir, an award-winning correspondent who has regularly reported from the front-lines of the war since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, said that with the fire spreading quickly, he carried the child to safety before heading back into the building to search for more survivors. However, the impact location of the drone trapped those upstairs -- the mother and her partner -- who were later declared dead. "When I carried the little girl out, she started crying a lot and then began to shake badly, she hugged me. And then it became very painful for me, because in 10 years of war I had never felt anything like this, when, holding in my arms a 4-year-old child who was crying, I realized that her mother is dead." In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, a drone strike on January 27 killed a 46-year-old man and injured five others, one of them seriously, according to the regional authorities. Russian forces launched another attack on Kyiv, hitting a 17-story residential building and damaging the roof, upper-floor windows, and nearby parked cars. No casualties were reported, according to preliminary information from Ukraine's Emergency Service. Deadly Attack On Passenger Train The overnight strikes followed a deadly Russian drone attack on a passenger train in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on January 27. Ukrainian authorities said at least six passengers were killed. Russian forces attacked with three Shahed drones, striking near the locomotive and a passenger car, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said, adding that 291 passengers, including children, were on board. Kuleba said 18 people were in the carriage hit by one of the Russian drones. Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it "purely an act of terrorism" and saying there could be no military justification for killing civilians in a train carriage. "In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be regarded in the same way -- purely as an act of terrorism," he wrote in a post on X. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the attack was a deliberate strike on civilians and described it as a crime against humanity. "A deliberate strike on a civilian train is pure terrorism, a conscious crime against peaceful people and against humanity itself," she said on X. "Russia must be held accountable for every such attack. The means by which Russians continue to inflict atrocities on our people are only growing," she added. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office updated the number of casualties, saying the remains were badly damaged and it took DNA forensics to determine that retrieved body fragments belonged to six people. Ukraine's State Emergency Service later clarified that the final number of victims would be determined once the tests are completed. Russia denies intentionally targeting civilians in Ukraine despite widespread evidence to the contrary, including the latest attack on a passenger train, since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-attacks-kill-civilians- across-ukraine/33661985.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 Putin-Zelensky Meeting Discussed in Trump Calls - Kremlin Aide Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump proposed that Russia consider the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday. The issue of a possible Putin-Zelensky meeting was discussed several times during telephone conversations between the Russian and US leaders, Ushakov told Russian media. "And during these conversations Trump, in particular, suggested that we consider this possibility," Ushakov told said. Russia has never refused Putin's contacts with Zelensky, but they should be well prepared and focused on achieving concrete positive results, Ushakov said. "Our President also said several times, talking to reporters, that if Zelensky is really ready for a meeting, then we invite him to Moscow. And at the same time, we will ensure his safety and the necessary working conditions," Ushakov concluded. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Strike Storage Sites for Ukrainian Long-Range Drones Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 390 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to over 390 military personnel, five armored combat vehicles and eight vehicles," the ministry said in a statement. Kiev has also lost over 270 soldiers in battles with Battlegroup Vostok over the past day, the statement read. The Ukrainian armed forces also lost more than 145 soldiers in Russia's Battlegroup Sever area of operations, the ministry said, adding that Ukrainian losses in Russia's Dnepr group of forces' area of operations amounted to up to 40 servicepeople. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad also improved its frontline positions and inflicted losses on Ukrainian units, with Ukrainian losses exceeding 180 personnel, the ministry added. Ukraine also lost up to 100 servicepeople in the area of responsibility of Russia's Battlegroup Yug, the defense ministry said. Additionally, the Russian armed forces attacked storage sites for launching long-range drones of the Ukrainian armed forces, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Work on Ukrainian Settlement Underway - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260128 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Work on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is underway, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "Of course, work is underway. And it is good that it started in the form of direct contacts," Peskov told reporters. Russia is open to the negotiation process on Ukraine, the spokesman said. "Of course, everything will depend on the constructive position of the counterparts. Russia continues to remain open to the negotiation process," Peskov told reporters, answering a question about whether there is progress in the negotiation process, from the Kremlin's point of view. The trilateral negotiations on Ukraine complicated and are being conducted at the level of experts, Dmitry Peskov said. "These are very difficult negotiations that began at the expert level. As you know, an agreement has been reached to continue them. The work will continue," Peskov told reporters. Moscow considers the fact of the beginning of a discussion of difficult topics related to the settlement in Ukraine to already be some progress, Peskov added. Only the Russian Defense Ministry can provide information about any losses during the special military operation, Peskov said. "It is the Ministry of Defense that is authorized to provide information about any losses during the special operation war," Peskov told reporters when asked if the Kremlin was familiar with the report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies of the United States on Russia's losses during the military operation. The agenda of negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa in Moscow includes bilateral cooperation and the exchange of views on the situation in the region, Peskov said. "There are many issues on the agenda related to bilateral cooperation, primarily in the economic sphere. And also an exchange of views on the situation in the region," Peskov told reporters. Putin and Sharaa have a lot to talk about on the situation in the region, the official said, adding that they will also touch upon topics related to the presence of the Russian armed forces in Syria. "[Russia's] relations with Syria are actively developing," Pesko added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 27 January 2026 Press release The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 28 January 2026 The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Prime Minister began by expressing his support for the President and the people of Ukraine following the latest Russian missile and drone attacks. They discussed the desperate situations many families face, including no heating or electricity, during freezing winter temperatures. The President reflected on visits by UK ministers to Ukraine in recent weeks, which underscore the unwavering UK support as Ukraine faces the 4th year anniversary since Russia's full-scale invasion. The President welcomed the UK's announcement of 20 million in support for energy infrastructure earlier this month, which will strengthen Ukraine's energy security amid escalating and indiscriminate Russian attacks on its critical infrastructure. The leaders discussed the progress made during recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi and agreed on the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Prime Minister said that Ukraine has already shown its commitment to peace and that Russia must end the continued bloodshed. The Prime Minister said the UK would continue to work closely with international partners to support Ukraine's security. The Prime Minister then updated President Zelenskyy on his upcoming visit to China and Japan. They looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel Gideon Sa'ar Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 28 January 2026 19:12 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a meaningful conversation with my colleague, Foreign Minister of the State of Israel Gideon Sa'ar. Ukraine, together with Israel and the entire world, mourns the victims of the Holocaust. Yesterday, we joined the commemoration at the highest level. At the Babyn Yar Memorial in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of all Jews killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Separately, I briefed my colleague on the consequences of Russia's massive attacks and our urgent needs to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure. We also discussed the development of the peace process aimed at achieving a lasting peace. We exchanged views on key issues of our bilateral agenda and common security threats, including those posed by the Iranian regime. Ukraine strongly condemns brutal violence and repressions of the Iranian authorities against their own people. International pressure on Tehran must be scaled up in response to so many people killed and injured. Grateful to my colleague for a constructive dialogue and solidarity with the Ukrainian people". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Know That the Russians Are Preparing a New Strike - Our Intelligence Indicates This - Address by the President President of Ukraine 28 January 2026 - 20:49 Wishing you good health! A brief update for today. In all regions where it's needed, repair crews and necessary services have been deployed to carry out restoration work. The situation is most difficult in Kyiv right now, primarily with heating, and there are also major electricity problems. Crews from many of our regions, practically from all over the country, have been brought in to assist Kyiv, including from frontline areas, ready to help. I also want to thank for the help from Ukrzaliznytsia, other state-owned companies, and the entire private sector - everyone supporting the people. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is providing hot meals in Kyiv districts where this is needed. Just in the past 24 hours, 6,200 people in Kyiv and 22,000 people in the Kyiv region received hot meals. We are ready to scale up this assistance if necessary. I expect reports on all the tasks assigned for work with partners. Equipment should have been sourced and procured well before this winter, and Kyiv city authorities must act much faster now to make life easier for people, at least in February, especially since everyone in the government is ready to help. I receive regular updates on the situation in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Dnipro regions. In Kryvyi Rih, heating was being restored throughout the day - this morning, more than two hundred buildings were still without heat following a Russian strike. Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia regions - I want to thank everyone working to keep people warm and supplied with electricity. There are also significant outages in Poltava, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, and Chernivtsi regions. I spoke with the President of France. Emmanuel acknowledged the challenges we face. We discussed the assistance Ukraine needs most urgently right now. We are counting on Europe's support. It is crucial that leaders and states do not remain silent about what is happening, do not remain silent about the fact that the Russians are still trying to inflict as much pain as possible on Ukrainians, regardless of any diplomacy. We also know that the Russians are preparing a new strike - our intelligence indicates this. Now the United States, Europe, and all our partners have to understand how this discredits diplomatic talks. Every single Russian strike does. Today, in the Kyiv region, the Russians killed a woman and her husband. People were simply in their own apartment. My condolences to their family and loved ones. A four-year-old child was rescued. I want to thank Maryan Kushnir, a journalist at Radio Liberty, a war correspondent, who acted courageously and saved this little girl. Much depends on the fact that our people do not lose courage. The day before, the Russians struck an ordinary civilian train with drones. There were fatalities and injuries. On that train was a Ukrainian sergeant - a warrior of the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade - Vladyslav Rozhkovskyi, call sign Omar. He did not panic and spared no effort to help others. I want to thank you, Vladyslav! I thank everyone who is doing everything possible - and the impossible - right now to save as many people, as many lives, as they can. Today, I spoke with Tata Kepler - a Ukrainian volunteer who has contributed greatly to the development of our tactical medicine and to saving the lives of our warriors. Ukrainian surgeons, Ukrainian doctors are performing incredible operations, saving lives amid war. This expertise must be scaled up, and it must be supported - not just with words, but with decisions and through the development of our state institutions. We agreed that Tata, together with currently serving military medics, will propose ways to advance the preparation of our warriors, specifically in medical skills: treating injuries, combat trauma, helping a brother or sister-in-arms, conducting faster and better evacuations, and making Ukrainian tactical medicine even stronger. There is much to be done, and there is expertise that must be shared. I thank everyone who is working on this effort. There was a briefing from Major General Khmara, focused primarily on the combat operations of the Security Service of Ukraine, including both our frontline - particularly the actions of our Alpha unit - and the entirely justified SSU activities on the aggressor's territory in response to all strikes, in response to all the Russian evil that came to our land. I am proud of our special forces. We also discussed oversight of all processes in military production. Absolute clarity is essential, and everything Ukraine needs must be produced exactly as Ukraine requires, without any chance for Russian sabotage or any internal rot: corruption or similar abuses. Much of this is the responsibility of the Security Service of Ukraine - to ensure real integrity in these processes. And one more thing. When there are so many diplomatic efforts to end this war - when the Americans are negotiating with the Russians and the Europeans are trying as well - all this diplomacy must carry real weight for the people, real significance in the current situation. When Russian strikes continue, when assaults are ongoing, it is hard for people to feel that diplomacy is constructive or can produce results. Everyone who truly wants peace must think about how to ensure that the Russians are preparing not for new massive attacks but for ending the war. The world has the power to make this happen. We just need to use that power - for the sake of peace. I thank everyone who approaches the situation exactly this way. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President of Ukraine and the President of France Discussed Support for Ukraine's Energy System and Countering Russia's Shadow Fleet President of Ukraine 28 January 2026 - 20:14 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of France Emmanuel Macron. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the words of condolence over Russian strikes on civilians, and in particular, the attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed his counterpart on the frontline situation and the ever-growing Russian losses. The Presidents discussed diplomatic efforts: trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi and preparations for new ones that may take place later. They also addressed the matter of countering Russia's shadow fleet. Emmanuel Macron spoke about the relevant legislative work. The leaders paid particular attention to strengthening Ukraine's energy resilience. In the near future, Ukraine will receive generators from France. There will also be additional deliveries this year of French aircraft, missiles for air defense systems, and aerial bombs. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for this assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Further Reduction of the Price Cap on Russian Oil and Active Countermeasures Against the Shadow Fleet Will Force Russia to Be More Open to Peace - Ihor Brusyl President of Ukraine 28 January 2026 - 16:15 The Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Brusyl, held a meeting with the Director General Political and Political Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom, Edward Llewellyn. The key topics of the meeting included the diplomatic process, security guarantees for Ukraine, the strengthening of sanctions against Russia, and support for Ukraine's energy system. Ihor Brusyl briefed Edward Llewellyn on the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities and handed over a list of equipment needed to restore the energy system. Our state is counting on an additional assistance package from the United Kingdom. Edward Llewellyn noted the resilience of Ukrainians and reaffirmed continued UK support. The parties also discussed the progress of negotiations aimed at achieving a dignified peace. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President emphasized the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, since reducing the Russian Federation's revenues from energy exports remains a key instrument for limiting its ability to continue aggression. The sides aligned their positions ahead of a meeting of European representatives in the United Kingdom next week, which will focus on further measures against Russia's shadow fleet. Among Ukraine's key priorities are lowering the price of Russian oil below USD 30 per barrel; banning tankers from entering European ports and passing through European straits; denying insurance coverage to operating companies; and preventing the use of European tankers to transport Russian oil. "Further reduction of the price cap on Russian oil and active countermeasures against the shadow fleet will force Russia to be more open to peace," Ihor Brusyl stressed. In addition, the meeting addressed the launch of joint work on a legally binding agreement for the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing. The relevant declaration was signed by the leaders of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and France in Paris on January 6. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Perth, Jan. 29, 2026 - DECEMBER 2025 QUARTER REPORT Perseus Mining sustained operational performance resulting in cash & bullion balance of US$755 million PERTH, Western Australia/January 29, 2026/Perseus Mining Ltd. ("Perseus" or the "Company") (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months' period ended December 31, 2025 (the "Quarter"). A summary is included below with the full release available from www.perseusmining.com, www.asx.com.au and www.sedarplus.ca. OPERATING PERFORMANCE In January 26, tragically 2 contract employees lost their life in an offsite vehicle accident Q2 FY26 production totalled 88,888 ounces of gold at an All-In Site Costs of US$1,800 1 per ounce per ounce Average cash margin of US$1,637 1 per ounce of gold produced, delivering notional operating cashflow of US$145 million 1 per ounce of gold produced, delivering notional operating cashflow of US$145 million Cash and bullion of US$755 million, plus liquid listed securities of US$229 million CMA Underground development progressed with first ore delivered in January 2026 Nyanzaga project development progressing to plan with first production planned for January 2027 Work progressed on life extension for the sites through resource conversion and drilling activities Key operating indicators and highlights for the December 2025 quarter (Q2 FY26) include: PERFORMANCE INDICATOR UNIT JUNE 2025 HALF YEAR2 SEPTEMBER 2025 QUARTER2 DECEMBER 2025 QUARTER1 DECEMBER 2025 HALF YEAR1 2025 CALENDAR YEAR Gold recovered Ounces 242,843 99,953 88,888 188,841 431,684 Gold poured Ounces 242,782 103,566 78,641 182,207 424,989 Production Cost US$/ounce 1,008 1,152 1,362 1,250 1,114 All-In Site Cost (AISC) US$/ounce 1,358 1,516 1,800 1,649 1,482 Gold sales Ounces 248,826 101,589 86,607 188,196 437,022 Average sales price US$/ounce 2,734 3,075 3,437 3,241 2,953 Notional Cashflow US$ million 334 156 145 301 636 FY26 Q2 AISC only includes additional 2% royalties paid in Cote d'Ivoire that relate to the December 2025 quarter. December 2025 half year only includes the Q1 and Q2 FY26 additional 2% royalty paid. June 2025 half year and FY26 Q1 AISC and Notional Cash Flow have been restated to include the 2% additional royalty paid in FY26 Q2 but relating to the respective periods. GROUP GOLD PRODUCTION AND COST GUIDANCE In relation to market guidance for the 2026 financial year (FY26): Group gold production guidance remains unchanged Group AISC guidance has been updated to reflect: Increased gold price assumptions 2% royalty increase in Cote d'Ivoire for Yaoure and Sissingue under negotiation with the government. Bringing forward mining volumes from Bagoe at Sissingue from FY27 to FY26 in preparation for the upcoming wet season Gold production is weighted to H2 of FY26 with the inclusion of the new higher grade ore sources at Edikan and Sissingue that are included as part of the mine plan. Due to performance of Yaoure in Q2 FY26, it is expected that Yaoure will produce in the lower half of its guidance. Table 1: Production and AISC Guidance PARAMETER UNITS 2026 FINANCIAL YEAR FORECAST Yaoure Gold Mine Production Ounces 168,000 - 184,000 All-in Site Cost US$ per ounce $1,620 - $1,790 Edikan Gold Mine Production Ounces 154,000 - 169,000 All-in Site Cost US$ per ounce $1,470 - $1,620 Sissingue Gold Mine Production Ounces 78,000 - 87,000 All-in Site Cost US$ per ounce $1,810 - $2,000 PERSEUS GROUP Production Ounces 400,000 - 440,000 All-in Site Cost US$ per ounce $1,600 - $1,760 Competent Person Statement All production targets referred to in this release are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" released on 21 August 2025. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana" dated 6 April 2022, "Technical Report - Yaoure Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 18 December 2023, "Technical Report - Sissingue Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 29 May 2015, and "Technical Report - Nyanzaga Gold Project, Tanzania" dated 10 June 2025 continue to apply. Meyas Sand Gold Project The information in this report that relates to the mineral resources and probable reserves of the Meyas Sand Gold Project was first reported by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Orca Gold Inc." released on 28 February 2022. The Company confirms it is not in possession of any new information or data relating to those estimates that materially impacts of the reliability of the estimate of the Company's ability to verify the estimate as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with Appendix 5A (JORC Code) and the information in that original market release continues to apply and have not materially changed. These estimates are prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. This release and all technical information regarding Orca's NI 43-101 have been reviewed and approved by Adrian Ralph, a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, development of a mine at Nyanzaga, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This market announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Perseus Mining Limited ASX/TSX CODE: PRU CAPITAL STRUCTURE: Ordinary shares: 1,351,230,319 Performance rights: 8,654,248 REGISTERED OFFICE: Level 2 437 Roberts Road Subiaco WA 6008 Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700 www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS: Rick Menell Non-Executive Chairman Craig Jones Managing Director & CEO Amber Banfield Non-Executive Director Elissa Cornelius Non-Executive Director Dan Lougher Non-Executive Director John McGloin Non-Executive Director James Rutherford Non-Executive Director CONTACTS: Craig Jones Managing Director & CEO [email protected] Stephen Forman Investor Relations +61 484 036 681 [email protected] Nathan Ryan Media +61 420 582 887 [email protected] Attachment Vancouver - Canadian Uranium Corp. (CSE: CANU) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option acquisition agreement (the "Option Acquisition Agreement") with Impact Uranium Group Ltd. ("Impact"), pursuant to which it will acquire Impact's right to acquire the King South property in Saskatchewan (the "Property") pursuant to an amended mineral property option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Doctors Investment Group Ltd. (the "Optionor") in consideration for 8,230,187 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") issued at a deemed price of $0.45 per Consideration Share (the "Option Acquisition"). The Considerations Shares will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable securities laws and policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). Upon completion of the Option Acquisition, pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company may acquire the Property by: (i) paying $200,000 on or before March 13, 2026; (ii) paying $350,000 on or before March 13, 2027; (iii) paying $500,000 on or before March 13, 2028; (iv) incurring $100,000 in exploration expenditures, by July 30, 2026; (v) incurring additional $500,000 in exploration expenditures, on or before March 13, 2027; and (vi) incurring additional $1,400,000 in exploration expenditures, on or before March 13, 2028 (the "Option"). Upon commencement of commercial production at the Property, if the Company exercises the Option, the Company will pay a 1% net smelter returns royalty to the Optionor, which may be repurchased by the Company for $1,500,000. Closing of the Option Acquisition is subject to: (i) the receipt of all necessary consents, approvals, and authorizations, including acceptance by the CSE and approval by the shareholders of Impact, for the Option Acquisition and the issuance of the Consideration Shares; and (ii) other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature. About the King South Property The King South Project is located in Saskatchewan's prolific Western Mineral Tenure Zone (WMTZ) within the eastern Athabasca region, which hosts world-class uranium deposits including Cigar Lake, McArthur River, Key Lake, Collins Bay, and Eagle Point. The project is adjacent to exploration ground controlled by Fission 3.0 and Cameco. Project Highlights Prolific Eastern Athabasca location 10,575 hectares Large assessment database Highway accessible About Canadian Uranium Corp. Canadian Uranium Corp. is an emerging uranium exploration and development company focused on the prolific Athabasca Basin - the world's premier district for high-grade uranium deposits. The Company's strategy centers on assembling highly skilled technical teams with expertise in uranium geology, advanced geophysics, and northern exploration logistics. Through disciplined acquisitions, innovative exploration methodologies, and strategic partnerships, the Company aims to accelerate project advancement and unlock value across its exploration portfolio. Contact Information: Canadian Uranium Corp. Geoff Balderson, Chief Financial Officer 604-602-0001 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that are "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements relating to, among other things, closing of the Option Acquisition, receipt of all necessary consents, approvals, and authorizations, the exercise of the Option, and the Company's strategy, plans or future operations, contain "forward-looking information". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca), which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver - Lucky Minerals Inc. (TSXV:LKY, OTC:LKMNF, FRA:LKY) ("Lucky" or the "Company") is filing an amended and restated financial statement for the year ended October 31, 2023 (the "2026 Filings") amending the financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023 previously filed on SEDAR+ on October 2, 2025. The 2026 Filings were filed on January 28, 2026 and are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In accordance with its disclosure obligations, the Company advises that all explanations of material differences identified in the consolidated financial statements of Lucky Minerals Inc. for the year ended October 31, 2023. audited by Olayinka Oyebola & Co. Chartered Accountants ("Olayinka"), with the auditor's report dated April 4, 2024 are fully addressed in the Auditor's report issued by Mao & Ying LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants ("Mao & Ying"), dated January 27, 2026, and included within the 2026 Filings. About Lucky Minerals Inc. Lucky is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Patrick Laforest" President, CEO and Chief Operating Officer Further information on Lucky can be found on the Company's website at www.luckyminerals.com and at www.sedarplus.ca, or by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (866) 924 6484. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company 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. Such factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties related exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in input costs; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labor relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations also include 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 not update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. E3 Lithium Ltd. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), "E3", "E3 Lithium" or the "Company," a leader in Canadian lithium development, provides an update on its progress and 2026 outlook for its Clearwater Project following the successful execution of key milestones in 2025. "E3 hit major milestones in 2025, culminating in the construction and operation of our Demonstration Facility leading to production of battery-grade lithium carbonate and kicking off our commercial permitting," said Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium. "We have had a strong start to 2026, building from our 2025 success, delivering lithium carbonate to key strategic global partners and off-takers, and submitting another key regulatory application for our Clearwater facility. We will continue to advance our technical, commercial, and regulatory plans in parallel as we aim to achieve our shovel ready goal." 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Constructed and commissioned Phase 1 of the Demonstration Facility Produced battery-grade lithium carbonate from the Demonstration Facility Executed commercial agreement for potential sale of lithium carbonate and supply of sorbents Submitted EPEA application for the Clearwater Project Facility Raised a combined ~$20 million to support advancement of the project Continued to strengthen leadership team to support execution of the project 2026 KEY OBJECTIVES Deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate to global customers to support offtake agreement execution Complete the Demonstration Facility which informs engineering and the delivery of Front-End Engineering Design and the Feasibility Study Advance Front-End Engineering Design and complete the Clearwater Feasibility Study Continue the permitting and stakeholder engagement process, with Directive 056 Clearwater facility licence submitted in early 2026 Throughout 2025, the Company made significant progress to advance technical, commercial, and regulatory plans for its Clearwater Project. Demonstration Facility Commissioned E3's technical successes included converting a concept into reality by completing the design of its facility based on the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") conducted in 2024. The Company completed and commissioned Phase 1 of its Demonstration Facility and produced battery-grade lithium carbonate in the third quarter of 2025. E3 Lithium will continue to collect data and operational information from its Demonstration Facility to complete the Front-End Engineering Design ("FEED") to finalize its Feasibility Study ("FS"), which is expected by the end of 2026. Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production and Capital Raising The Company continued to make progress on its commercial plans, consistently producing battery-grade lithium carbonate and delivering samples to key strategic global off-takers earlier this year. This is a critical step as the Company builds relationships with key players in the battery and critical minerals industry within the global lithium market. Securing certain offtake agreements will materially advance the commercialization of E3 Lithium's Clearwater Project. The Company also raised approximately $20 million of capital in 2025 through proceeds from equity issuance and sale of its non-core assets, in addition to securing incremental government funding. E3 Lithium will use the funds to continue advancing its Clearwater Project. Major Permits Submission In late 2025, the Company submitted its Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act ("EPEA") application and most recently submitted its application for the Directive 056 ("D56") facility licence through the Alberta Energy Regulator ("AER"). The EPEA and D56 are key permits required for provincial government authorization to construct and operate E3's Clearwater Project's Central Processing Facility ("CPF"). Management Evolution During 2025, E3 Lithium also made certain changes to strengthen its leadership team. In mid-2025, Brian Newmarch joined the Company as its Chief Financial Officer and will play a critical role in E3's strategic planning, capital markets activities, and commercial initiatives. Most recently, the Company promoted Jason Doornbos to Vice President of Facility Design and brought on Sarfraz Somani as its Director of Capital Markets. As the Company advances its commercial efforts, it will continue to grow the team to fill positions, from executives to engineers, to support its development. 2026 Outlook E3's overarching goal for 2026 is to advance the Clearwater Project towards shovel ready at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Accomplishing this goal sets the Company up for reaching a Final Investment Decision ("FID") in 2027 and beginning construction of the plant site upon receiving required licences and approvals. The key 2026 milestones for E3 Lithium are: Strategic Engagement In parallel with both technical and regulatory advancements, the Company will continue to progress discussions with key offtake partners to execute offtake agreements and advance project financing initiatives. This will include continued delivery of battery-grade lithium carbonate being produced from the Company's Demonstration Facility and continued engagement with strategic capital providers as it evaluates project financing. Demonstration Facility E3 is currently executing Phase 2 of its Demonstration Facility. The final completion activities for the two wells drilled in the later part of 2025 are underway. A tie-in between the two wells and the equipment required to complete gas and water analysis will be installed shortly thereafter and a reservoir production test will then commence. Brine produced through the reservoir test will be available to continue operating the Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") and polishing & carbonation equipment, which was commissioned in the fall of 2025. Data from the Demonstration Facility will be used for the completion of FEED and the subsequent FS report. Battery-grade lithium carbonate will also be continually shipped to key potential strategic partners and off-takers as part of the pre-qualification process. Complete Front-End Engineering Design and Feasibility Study The Company continues to advance its technical designs for the commercial facility, with the focus for the balance of 2026 on the completion of FEED and publishing its FS shortly thereafter. This work enables E3 to complete a Class 3 cost estimate, necessary for financial institutions and strategic partners interested in supporting the project financing for the construction of the Clearwater facility. The Company has selected the lead firm to complete this engineering work for the Clearwater Project. Permitting The Company will continue the permitting process and engagement with its stakeholders around the Clearwater facility and project site. E3 aims to have submitted all remaining licence applications required for the construction and operation of the Clearwater Project prior to the end of 2026. E3 Lithium has staged its proposed development plan with Phase 1 of its project planned for capacity of 12,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year. Benefitting from a significant appreciation in global lithium prices over the last six months, commissioning and commercial operations of E3's Clearwater Project are expected to occur between 2028 and 2029. Finally, the Company recently entered into an agreement with Winning Media LLC ("Winning Media") to provide digital marketing services to E3. Winning Media is a marketing agency based out of Houston, Texas, that specializes in providing strategic digital media services, with Ty Hoffer acting as principal. The Company and Winning Media are at arm's length and neither Winning Media nor any of its principals currently own any interest, directly or indirectly, in E3, nor do they have any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Winning Media will provide various services including omnichannel programmatic advertising, ticker tagging, ad copy and content by professional finance writers, financial outlets and networks, push notification media, 70+ native ad networks, influencer network, retargeting platform, advertising through ad exchanges and digital podcasts, among other services. The agreement commences on January 29, 2026, for an initial term of three months with the Company paying total consideration of US$150,000 in cash for the services provided by Winning Media, with no equity compensation component. The agreement remains subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris Doornbos, President, CEO & Chair E3 Lithium Ltd. About E3 Lithium E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 21.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) Measured and Indicated1 as well as 0.3 Mt LCE Inferred mineral resources2 in Alberta. The Clearwater Pre-Feasibility Study outlined a 1.13 Mt LCE proven and probable mineral reserve with a pre-tax NPV(8%) of USD 5.2 Billion with a 29.2% IRR and an after-tax NPV(8%) of USD 3.7 Billion with a 24.6% IRR1. 1: The Clearwater Project NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study, effective June 20, 2024, identified 16.2 Mt LCE (measured and indicated) and is available on the E3 Lithium's website (www.e3lithium.ca/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). 2: The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Garrington District Lithium Resource Estimate, effective June 25, 2025, identified 5.0 Mt LCE (measured and indicated) and 0.3 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium's website (www.e3lithium.ca/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Unless otherwise indicated, Kevin Carroll, P. Eng., Chief Development Officer and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained on this news release. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "believe", "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "project", "potential", "possible" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions, expectations, estimates and assumptions of management in light of its experience, perception of historical trends, and results of the PFS, but such statements are not guarantees of future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to: the expected timelines for execution of offtake agreements, completion of Phase 2 of the Demonstration Facility, completion of FEED and FS, submitting all remaining licence applications, and commissioning and commercial operations of E3's Clearwater Project; the Company's expectations regarding the production of lithium carbonate; plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations of the Demonstration Facility; and the inherent hazards associated with mineral exploration and mining operations. In preparing the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Company's expectations; that the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Demonstration Facility can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned activities on the Demonstration Facility will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms. All forward-looking information (including future-orientated financial information) is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of lithium and other metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; the Company's lack of operating revenues; currency fluctuations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.< Contact E3 Lithium - Investor Relations [email protected] 587-324-2775 E3 Lithium - Media Inquiries [email protected] 587-324-2775 Latest Headlines Competing with fintechs the way to go Traditional mortgage advisory companies have been told to take the lead from fintechs in becoming more agile, innovative and aggressive. Thursday, January 29th 2026, 5:00PM by Sally Lindsay Fintechs, and other fast moving new entrants, are encroaching on financial services companies, including mortgage advisory firms, PwCs 2026 Global CEO Survey reveals. More than 50% of chief executives in the global financial services sector say they are most worried about whether their company is transforming fast enough to keep up with tech/AI. CEOs across all industries cited this as a top concern in the survey, but financial services chief executives were more than 10 points higher than the global average. Of the chief executives surveyed across 95 countries in the $10 trillion financial services sector that level of concern makes sense in terms of disruptions affecting the industry, PwC says. To compete with fintechs, traditional players are being urged to streamline their processes and work in new ways with the right risk controls in place at all levels of the company, including leadership. This is something that cant be delegated, the global accountancy/professional services firm says. Senior teams need to spend more time focusing on change and innovation even as they continue to execute business as usual. That is big challenge, but it is the only way firms can reinvent fast enough to keep place in a changing market, it says. Sector shifts One major shift in the sector is the rise of private credit where non-traditional players, such as private equity firms and insurers, increasingly offering commercial loans. That approach can benefit borrowers and investors, but it erodes market share for banks in a business they have long dominated. Tokenisation is another potential threat to financial services. This technology uses digital tokens to represent ownership of tangible or intangible assets on a blockchain stocks, bonds, cash or crypto currency. It simplifies things like asset transfers, but it threatens incumbent firms by reducing the need for conventional processes and controls. Both private credit and tokenisation show how traditional industry boundaries are blurring and putting value in motion. These shifts create risks for traditional players but also opportunities if they can reinvent themselves quickly enough to capitalise. Financial services and mortgage advisory firms must build agility into their thinking and processes. Close to a third of chief executives say their company has significant tech constraints and one in five say their internal politics are excessive higher than average on both accounts. Not much in the way of returns The survey also reveals 48% of financial services and mortgage advisory firms have begun competing in new sectors over the past five years higher than the average across all industries. Most arent yet seeing a financial return from investments in AI. While close to a third, 30%, report increased revenue from AI in the past 12 months and a quarter, 26%, are seeing lower costs, more than half, 56%, say they have realised neither revenue nor cost benefits. Asked about the extent to which their organisations are deploying AI across the business, a relatively small proportion of CEOs say theyre applying it to a large or very large extent to areas such as demand generation, 22%; support services, 20%; the companys products, services, and experiences,19%; direction setting, 15%; or demand fulfilment, 13%. PwC says its work with organisations confirms mounting evidence that isolated, tactical AI projects often dont deliver measurable value. Tangible returns come from deployment consistent with company business strategy. This, in turn, demands strong AI foundations, including a technology environment that enables AI integration, a clearly defined road map for AI initiatives, formalised responsible AI and risk processes, and an organisational culture that enables AI adoption. Data from this years survey shows the one in eight companies achieving both additional revenues and lower costs from AI are furthest ahead in building these foundations. They are also applying AI more extensively across different areas of the business. For example, 44% of those companies have applied AI to their products, services, and experiences, compared to only 17% for other companies. PwC global chairman Mohamed Kande says this year is decisive for AI. A small group of companies are already turning AI into measurable financial returns, while many others are still struggling to move beyond pilots. That gap is starting to show up in confidence and competitivenessand it will widen quickly for those that dont act. He says in periods of rapid change, the instinct to slow down is understandable but it is also risky. The value at stake across the global economy is increasing, and the window to capture it is narrowing. The companies that succeed will be those willing to make bold decisions and invest with conviction in the capabilities that matter most, he says. Special Offers Comments from our readers Sign In to add your comment Read about the Women in Government program and the rest of the honorees. Diane Allen started her career covering the New Jersey Legislature as a journalist. Those days as a radio reporter launched a career in TV and public relations, which took her to Philadelphia and Chicago, before she ran for a seat in the same legislature she had once covered. When I left anchoring in Philadelphia, I had both political parties come and ask me to run in New Jersey, Allen says. As a journalist, I thought that was a feather in my cap that they didnt know what party I belonged to.Allen opted to run as a Republican in a Democratic district. She won a spot in the Assembly, then quickly moved to the Senate, where, two decades later, she is the deputy minority leader.Despite her leadership spot, Allen is not afraid to vote against her party or her Republican governor, whom she recently opposed on a deal to hike the states gasoline tax. Allen is especially focused on veterans issues because her district houses a joint Army, Navy and Air Force base. She has also traveled the country as a former chair for the nonpartisan National Foundation for Women Legislators to encourage more women from both sides of the aisle to run for office. Antonelli reveals psychologist support after tough rookie year Andrea Kimi Antonelli has revealed he worked with a psychologist over the winter after a difficult rookie Formula 1 season that included a mid-year slump and emotional moments in public. Kimi Antonelli, Italian GP 2025 Mercedes The 19-year-old, now entering his second season with Mercedes, said the break was used to reflect and reset after the pressures of 2025. I did a few sessions with my psychologist, Antonelli said. "We looked back and understood what went well and what went wrong in 2025, and that helped to set some goals for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared. Antonelli said the focus for the new season has been on managing energy levels and avoiding unnecessary fatigue, including more structured time at home and a greater emphasis on cardio fitness ahead of hotter races. He also spent part of the winter training in Florida at the IMG Academy with Mercedes partner Gatorade, before returning to Europe to settle into a new home in San Marino. On track, Antonelli said his early impressions of the new Mercedes were encouraging, while cautioning that the learning curve remains steep under the new regulations. All the cars look really nice and they are quick, he said. I don't think the gaps on the grid will be as big as people think. We will have some close fights. After a bruising introduction to Formula 1, Antonelli said the main goal for 2026 is simple. I want to be able to say I gave 100 percent and got everything out of it, he said. I want to keep growing as a person this year - that's the ultimate goal. (GMM) Featured China executes 11 scammers bbc.com International News Jan - 29 - 2026 , 07:47 3 minutes read China has executed 11 members of a notorious mafia family that ran scam centres in Myanmar along its north-eastern border, state media report. The Ming family members were sentenced in September for various crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and operating gambling dens by a court in China's Zhejiang province. The Mings were one of many clans that ran the town of Laukkaing, transforming an impoverished backwater town into a flashy hub of casinos and red-light districts. Their scam empire came crashing down in 2023, when they were detained and handed over to China by ethnic militias that had taken control of Laukkaing during an escalation in their conflict with Myanmar's army. With these executions Beijing is sending a message of deterrence to would-be scammers. But the business has now moved to Myanmar's border with Thailand, and to Cambodia and Laos, where China has much less influence. Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to run online scams in Myanmar and elsewhere in South East Asia, according to estimates by the UN. Among them are thousands of Chinese people, and their victims who they swindle billions of dollars from are mainly Chinese too. Frustrated by the Myanmar military's refusal to stop the scam business, from which it was almost certainly profiting, Beijing tacitly backed an offensive by an ethnic insurgent alliance in Shan State in late 2023. The alliance captured significant territory from the military and overran Laukkaing, a key border town. Who are the Ming family? The eleven members of the Ming family are the first of the Myanmar scam bosses to be executed by China. But they will not be the last. Five members of the Bai family were also sentenced to death in November, and the trials of two other groups of defendants from the Wei and the Liu families have not yet concluded. The Ming family's trial was held behind closed doors, although more than 160 people were allowed to attend their sentencing hearing last year, including families of victims. The Ming mafia's scam operations and gambling dens brought in more than 10bn yuan ($1.4bn; 1bn) between 2015 and 2023, according to China's highest court, which rejected their appeals in November. Their crimes resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to many others, the court said. More than 20 others from the Ming family were given jail sentences in September ranging from five years to life. Ming Xuechang, the clan's patriarch, killed himself in 2023 while trying to avoid detention, Myanmar's military had said back then. The confessions of those who were arrested were aired in state media documentaries, to emphasise Chinese authorities' resolveto eradicate scam networks. The Mings were among a handful of Godfather-esque families who rose to power in Laukkaing in the early 2000s. This was after the town's then warlord was ousted in a military operation led by Min Aung Hlaing, who became the leader of Myanmar's military government after the 2021 coup. The head of the family, Ming Xuechang, ran one of the most infamous of Laukkaing's scam centres, Crouching Tiger Villa. At first gambling and prostitution were the main sources of income for these families, but they eventually started online fraud, staffed mostly by people who were kidnapped and forced to run these scams. Within the walls of the sprawling, well-guarded compounds was a culture of violence. Beatings and torture were routine, according to testimonies collected from freed workers. Featured Court gives OSP more time to file disclosures in SML trial Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Jan - 29 - 2026 , 14:19 4 minutes read The High Court in Accra has granted the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) additional time to file and serve further disclosures in the ongoing Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Attah and seven others. The order was issued by Justice Francis Aponga Achiponga at a case management conference. So far, two witness statements have been filed in the case. At Thursdays sitting, January 29, Mr Ofori-Attah and a former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ernest Darko Akore, were absent, while the other accused persons were present in court. The Principal Prosecutor at the OSP, Adelaide Kobiri Woode, told the court that the prosecution had amended the charge sheet to reflect the title of the sixth accused person, Kwadwo Damoah, to include Hon. She said the amended charge sheet, containing charges earlier agreed on in court, had been served on all the accused persons. On disclosures, Ms Kobiri-Woode said the Republic had filed some witness statements with attached exhibits and served them on the accused persons, but acknowledged that the defence had been short-served. She said there were additional disclosures the prosecution intended to file, explaining that the compilation of some exhibits, which were voluminous, had delayed the process. She further informed the court that although the matter had been fixed for a case management conference, extradition processes involving Mr Ofori-Attah and Mr Akore were still ongoing. According to her, the Attorney-General had transmitted the relevant extradition documents to the United States. Ms Kobiri-Woode added that documents relating to the issuance of summons on Mr Ofori-Attah and Mr Akore, as earlier ordered by the court, had also been forwarded to the international desk of the Attorney-Generals Department and were being processed for service through the appropriate authorised institutions in the United States. In view of the outstanding disclosures and the ongoing international processes, the prosecution applied for more time. The court consequently extended the time for the Republic to file and serve all additional disclosures on or before February 26, 2026, and adjourned the case to the same date for the continuation of the case management conference. The case relates to alleged offences arising from contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority. The Office of the Special Prosecutor has charged Mr Ofori-Attah, Mr Akore and other accused persons in connection with the transactions. In a charge sheet signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, and filed at the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court last year, the OSP alleged that the accused persons hatched a criminal enterprise to use the SML contracts to fleece the nation. The criminal enterprise was commenced in 2017 by the first, third, seventh and eighth accused persons, with the other accused persons joining the adventure at various times, the charge sheet stated. According to the OSP, The criminal enterprise was characterised by no genuine need for contracting the eighth accused company for the obligations it purported to perform, and the contracts were secured for the eighth company through self-serving patronage and promotion by the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth accused persons based on false and unverified claims. The OSP further accused the suspects of engaging in prohibited acts and said they Acted with increased emboldened impunity as they freely abused their public offices by using the offices for private benefit. It also alleged that the six former government officials created an avenue for SML to Largely pretend to perform the services under the various contracts - leading to immense financial loss to the republic of about one billion, four hundred and thirty-six million, two hundred and forty-nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-eight cedis, fifty-three pesewas (GH1,436,249,828.53). The accused persons based their actions on their false claims that the eighth accused company possessed technical expertise and capability in revenue assurance, and that the technical expertise and capability of the eighth accused person had greatly increased revenue for the republic; and further that the eighth accused company exclusively possessed the only patented and proven technological systems in the world for value chain transaction audits, external price verification and measurement audit services in the downstream petroleum, upstream petroleum and minerals sectors, the OSP added. The five key claims the OSP must prove to convict ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta & 7 others Next article: The five key claims the OSP must prove to convict ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta & 7 others Featured From Rolls-Royce to fuel stations: Inside the OSP's GH50+ million asset haul GraphicOnline Jan - 29 - 2026 , 17:40 5 minutes read The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed financial recoveries and a sweeping seizure of high-value assets, including luxury vehicles and prime real estate across Accra, as part of its ongoing anti-corruption drive in the latter half of 2025. According to the OSP's Half Yearly Report for July to December 2025, the office secured notable cash recoveries for the state. It recovered "Two Million United States Dollars (US$ 2,000,000.00) for Minerals Income Investment Fund" and a further "Eight Million Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Cedis (GH8,518,233.00) in respect of investigation regarding diversion of petroleum products." The report details an extensive list of properties seized and now being managed by the OSP, predominantly linked to the case CR/0603/2025 The Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & Nine Others. The seized assets include an immediate cash seizure of "Nine Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Cedis Fifty-Six Pesewas (GH951,995.56)" and four fuel stations located in Opeikuma, Dansoman, Abeka Lapaz in Accra and Millenium City near Kasoa. The real estate portfolio seized is vast and high-value, encompassing lands in Tamale, Haatso, Adenta, and Kumasi with a combined value of tens of millions of cedis. Among the most prominent seized properties are a "Two-storey residential building located at East Legon, Accra valued at Twelve Million Seven Hundred and Thirteen Thousand Cedis (GH12,713,000.00)" and a "Two-storey building located at Adjiringanor, Accra valued at Ten Million Cedis (GH10,000,000,00)." The OSP also seized multiple luxury apartments in upscale Accra developments such as The Bantree, The Signature, The Lennox, and The Address, with individual units valued between GH1.4 million and GH3.5 million. Additionally, "Six-unit blocks of buildings located at Agbogba, Accra valued at Ten Million cedis (GH10,000,000.00)" and "Twenty-three fuel tanker trucks" were seized. In a separate investigation into the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), the OSP seized a fleet of luxury vehicles valued at "Eighteen Million Six Hundred Thousand cedis (GH18,600,000.00)." The seized vehicles include a "Mercedes Benz Brabus 800 S/W," a "Rolls Royce Mansory Phantom S/C," a "Mercedes Benz Maybach S680 S/C," and several Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models. These seizures and recoveries, pending the outcomes of trials and forfeiture proceedings, represent a tangible demonstration of the OSP's asset recovery mandate. The report underscores the scale of suspected illicit wealth targeted by the anti-corruption office, with the combined value of the detailed seized assets and cash running into hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis. The Office secured notable financial recoveries and seized substantial tainted prime immovable and movable assets as follows FINANCIAL RECOVERIES i. The Office recovered Two Million United States Dollars (US$2,000,000.00) for Minerals Income Investment Fund. ii. The Office recovered Eight Million Five Hundred and Eighteen T h o u s a n d Two H u n d re d a n d T h irt y - T h re e C e d i s (GH8,518,233.00) in respect of investigation regarding diversion of petroleum products. ASSETS SEIZURE The Office seized, and it is managing, the following properties in respect of CR/0603/2025 The Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & Nine Others pending before the High Court (Criminal Division), Accra i. Cash seizure of Nine Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Cedis Fifty-Six Pesewas (GH951,995.56). ii. Four fuel stations located at Opeikuma, Dansoman, Abeka Lapaz, and Millenium City in Accra. iii. Parcel of land located in Tamale valued at Nine Million Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand Cedis (GH9,930,000.00). iv. Parcel of land located in Adenta, Accra, yet to be valued. DEVELOPMENTS v. Parcel of land located in Haatso, Accra valued at Two Million Seven Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand Cedis (GH2,737,000.00). vi. Parcel of land located at Danyame, Kumasi valued at Four M i l l i o n Se v e n H u n d re d a n d Si x t y -Si x T h o u s a n d (GH4,766,000.00). vii. Two-storey residential building located at East Legon, Accra valued at Twelve Million Seven Hundred and Thirteen Thousand Cedis (GH12,713,000.00). viii. One-bedroom apartment in The Bantree, Airport Residential, Accra valued at One Million Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand Cedis (GH1,435,000.00). ix. Two uncompleted apartments in The Bantree, Airport Residential, Accra. x. One studio apartment in The Signature, Boundary Road, Accra valued at Two Million Seventy-Five Thousand Cedis (GH2,075,000.00). xi. Two-bedroom apartment in The Signature, Boundary Road, Accra valued at Three Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Cedis (GH3,562,000.00). xii. One studio apartment in Beyond, Airport Residential, Accra valued at Three Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Cedis (GH3,562,000.00). xiii. Three one-bedroom deluxe apartments under construction at The Monarch, Airport Residential, Accra. xiv. One-bedroom apartment in The Lennox, Airport Residential, Accra valued at One Million Six Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Cedis (GH1,687,500.00). xv. One-bedroom apartment in The Address, Roman Ridge, Accra valued at Three Million One Hundred and Forty-One Thousand Cedis (GH3,141,000.00). xvi. Two uncompleted studio apartments in The Address, Roman Ridge, Accra. xvii. Two-storey building located at Adjiringanor, Accra valued at Ten Million Cedis (GH10,000,000,00). xviii. Two-bedroom apartment in The Loxwood Apartments, Boundary Road, Accra. xix. Four uncompleted apartments in The Atlas, Airport City, Accra. xx. Six-unit blocks of buildings located at Agbogba, Accra valued at Ten Million cedis (GH10,000,000.00). xxi. Twenty-three fuel tanker trucks. The Office seized, and it is managing, the following properties in respect of the Minerals Income Investment Fund investigation valued at Eighteen Million Six Hundred Thousand cedis (GH18,600,000.00) i. Mercedes Benz Brabus 800 S/W ii. Rolls Royce Mansory Phantom S/C iii. Mercedes Benz Maybach S680 S/C iv. Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 S/W v. Two units Toyota Land Cruiser S/W vi. Lexus Lx600 vii. Two units Fiat bullion vans Govt clears GH115.9m premix fuel under-recovery arrears owed BDCs Samuel Ohene Ewur Jan - 29 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The government has settled of GH115.9 million of outstanding premix fuel under-recoveries owed to Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs), a move widely seen as critical to stabilising supply and restoring confidence in the premix system. The payment, which covers under-recoveries accumulated between March and September 2025, is aimed at easing liquidity constraints faced by BDCs supplying subsidised premix fuel. Government officials have said the arrears are a major contributor to shortages and price distortions at landing beaches across the country. It is also in fulfilment of President John Dramani Mahamas commitment to Ghanas fishing communities. This payment is about keeping faith with our fisherfolk, the Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, Ebow Mensah, said. He described the timely reimbursement as essential for the effective functioning of the subsidy programme. Mr Mensah further stated that the combination of arrears clearance, automation, strengthened oversight of the Community Development Fund, and regular price reviews would help stabilise supply and ensure subsidised fuel reached genuine fisherfolk. Automation reforms gain momentum Alongside the clearance of arrears, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat reported steady progress on the Premix Fuel Automation System, designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability in premix fuel distribution. Official data from the National Premix Secretariat show that 157 premix fuel sites have been completed nationwide, with 55 currently fully operational on the automated system. An additional 38 sites are awaiting the installation of storage tanks before commissioning. Authorities project that by the end of the first half of 2026, the number of fully operational sites will rise to about 85, significantly expanding national coverage. Safeguarding livelihoods The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, described the automation programme as central to safeguarding fisherfolks livelihoods. The premix fuel programme is a livelihood intervention, not just a subsidy, she said, adding that automation reduced leakage and strengthened accountability at the landing-beach level. Lasting relief, sustainability Industry players have broadly welcomed the arrears payment, linking it directly to early improvements in supply and price enforcement. They said the interventions marked a turning point, but insisted that sustained monitoring, strict enforcement and consistent supply would determine whether the reforms would deliver lasting relief for fishing communities across Ghanas coastal and inland regions. The President of the Canoe and Gear Owners Association of Ghana, Nana Kweigya, said fisherfolk were beginning to see changes. Our priority is availability and affordability. When supply fell, we were told it was due to accumulated under-recoveries. Now that the government has addressed that, we are seeing some increase in supply, and the price per gallon has come down, he stated. However, the President of the Canoe and Fishermen Council, Nana Joojo Solomon, cautioned that accessibility remained uneven. He emphasised that while the payment strengthened BDCs capacity in a capital-intensive oil industry, many fishing communities still struggled to obtain daily access to premix fuel, a situation that needed to be addressed. On behalf of the inland fishing communities, the President of the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council, Jacob Kabore Tetteh Ageke, and its womens wing, described the development as very positive, but appealed for improvements in distribution and an end to siphoning. Our lives on inland waters are woven around premix, he said, stressing its role in health care, emergencies and daily survival. Featured Police arrest 7 suspects over highway robbery involving Council of State Member Beatrice Laryea Jan - 29 - 2026 , 12:19 3 minutes read The police has arrested seven suspects in connection with a highway robbery attack on a member of the Council of State. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday [January 29, 2026] the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor explained that the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation. The Police have arrested seven suspects in a highway robbery incident involving a Council of State member, which occurred sometime last year, she said. The suspects have been identified as Rashida Yussif; Aaron Abana Baswi Fanga; Wilson Avasong; Muntaro Idrisu, also known as Virgin; Aminu Zebrilla, also known as Bedman; Inusa Sumaila, also known as Agenda; and Haruna Safiano. According to the CID Director-General, the robbery occurred on July 21, 2025, along the TamaleBuipe Highway, where the victim was attacked by six armed men who made away with several personal belongings. He was robbed of mobile phones, some cash, wristwatches, reading glasses, a laptop and other items, she said. She explained that on 11 January 2026, following intelligence gathered by the CID, a team from the Anti-Robbery Unit was deployed to Salaga in the Savannah Region. This led to the arrest of Rashida Yussif, who was found with an iPhone 7 Plus belonging to one of the victims. The phone was retrieved, she confirmed. Further investigations led police to a mobile phone shop at Dagomba Line in Salaga, where the shop attendant, Aaron Abana Baswi Fanga, was arrested. He told police that the phone had been brought to the shop by his uncle, Wilson Avasong, an environmental officer and owner of the shop who lives in Tamale. Wilson Avasong was later arrested in Tamale. During interrogation, he said he bought the phone from a phone repairer, Muntaro Idrisu, for GH1,000. Police subsequently arrested Muntaro Idrisu at the Aboabo Market in Tamale. He then led officers to Aminu Zebrilla, also known as Bedman, a 35-year-old motorbike rider, at Dungu, a suburb of Tamale. Aminu Zebrilla admitted selling the phone to Muntaro Idrisu for GH650, COP Donkor said. She said a search carried out in the room of Aminu Zebrilla uncovered a large number of weapons and items believed to be linked to the robbery. Items retrieved "A search conducted in the room of suspect Amin Uzebilla resulted in the retrieval of several items including a locally manufactured shotgun, one locally manufactured pistol, four live BB cartridges, one locally manufactured sword with the inscription Bedman, one live 5.56 x 44 CZ ammunition, two live revolver ammunition, one face mask, one jack knife, a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one talisman, one cutter, one catapult, 15 assorted mobile phones, one jungle motorbike, 17 assorted race watches, five pen drives, one telecell SIM card, and three MTN cards which were removed from the phones that were snatched from victims during the robbery." Police investigations also revealed that Aminu Zebrilla is an ex-convict who was jailed for robbery in 2012. "Further investigations revealed that Aminu Zebrilla is an ex-convict who was convicted of robbery in 2012. Two other accomplices in Inusa Sumaila, also known as Agenda age 42, and Haruna Safiano age 32 were both subsequently arrested from their hideout behind the Tamale China Mall," she said. "Police investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to be on the run and to retrieve a weapon believed to be in their possession," she added. Featured Police reject GH150,000 'bribe' from suspected 'wee' dealer arrested at Asanso Bekwai checkpoint - SITREP Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 29 - 2026 , 07:49 1 minute read The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect for the unlawful possession of 713 slabs of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs following an operation at a checkpoint Asanso Bekwai in the Ashanti Region. The suspect, identified as Atampugri Akanyani, the driver of the vehicle, was arrested on January 26, 2026, when a police team on snap check duty intercepted a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AC 718-25 at the Asanso checkpoint. A search conducted on the vehicle led to the discovery of nine nylon sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs concealed in the bus. A police situational report (SITREP), a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online said the sacks were opened, thereby revealing the 713 compressed slabs of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs. "During the arrest, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with an amount of GH150,000.00, which was declined, according to the SITREP. "The suspect is currently in police custody assisting investigations, as efforts continue to trace the source of the suspected narcotic drugs and identify other persons connected to the offence," it said. Featured The five key claims the OSP must prove to convict ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta & 7 others GraphicOnline Jan - 29 - 2026 , 15:49 3 minutes read The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has laid out a detailed, five-point evidential roadmap it intends to follow to secure convictions against former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta and seven others in a high-profile corruption case involving Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML). According to the OSP's Half Yearly Report for July to December 2025, the prosecution aims to demonstrate that the accused persons operated a "criminal enterprise" which caused an "immense financial loss to the Republic of about 1,436,249,828.53." The case, numbered *CR/0106/2026 The Republic v. Kenneth Ofori-Atta & 7 Others*, involves seventy-eight charges. The accused include former Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) commissioners-general, a former customs commissioner, and the CEO of SML. The OSP's case, as extracted from the report, rests on proving five core allegations: Firstly, the prosecution seeks to prove that the accused "conspired to set up and did perform acts in furtherance of the conspiracy to set up a criminal enterprise of directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain unfair advantage" for SML. It alleges the contracts were secured through "self-serving patronage, sponsorship, and promotion... based on false and unverified claims" and that there was "no genuine need" for SML's services. Secondly, the OSP will argue that "egregious prohibited acts" were committed, as "mandatory statutory prior approvals by Parliament, and the Board of Public Procurement Authority were wantonly disregarded by the public official accused persons who collectively acted with increased emboldened impunity." Thirdly, the prosecution contends that the accused officials "ensured that there was no established financial management system of monitoring and verification" for the contracts. Crucially, it alleges "the channels of payments of public funds to the private company were set on automatic mode... detached from actual performance and based on false and unverified claims in willful oppressive injury to the public." Fourthly, the OSP states that the actions of the accused "created the opportunity for the private company to largely pretend to perform the services under the various contracts," leading to the alleged GH1.4 billion loss. Fifthly, the Republic will seek to establish that the accused "based their actions on their false claims that the private company possessed technical expertise and capability in revenue assurance." It further alleges they falsely claimed SML had "greatly increased revenue for the Republic" and "exclusively possessed the only patented and proven technology systems in the world" for audit services in the petroleum and minerals sectors. Two of the main accused, Kenneth Ofori-Atta and his former Chef de Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, are currently fugitives in the United States. The OSP has filed an extradition request with the Attorney General. The case opened at the High Court in Accra on 11 December 2025, where several accused were granted bail of GH50 million each. The court has ordered summons to be served on Ofori-Atta and Akore to appear on February 26, 2026, while the case management conference is set for January 29, 2026. What is Nipah virus and why WHO list it as a global epidemic threat Next article: What is Nipah virus and why WHO list it as a global epidemic threat Featured New malaria vaccines helped Ghana slash child deaths. Then Trump, others cut aid Reuters Health Jan - 29 - 2026 , 11:13 9 minutes read New vaccines are helping Ghana approach a long-sought goal of ending child deaths from malaria, demonstrating the potential of the shots to drive back a disease that kills nearly half a million young children every year in Africa, according to the international vaccine aid group Gavi and the countrys health service. But aid cutbacks by the Trump administration and other wealthy governments could mean fewer children benefit on the continent where malaria hits hardest, Gavi told Reuters. Ghana is among the countries that had already made significant progress reducing malaria mortality by scaling up interventions such as the distribution of bed nets treated with insecticides and improving access to both preventive drugs and prompt treatment. Two new vaccines - one developed by British drugmaker GSK (GSK.L), the other by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India - are helping close the remaining gap, said Dr Selorm Kutsoati, who heads Ghanas immunisation programme. Vials of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, are stored inside a fridge at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko For me, the malaria vaccine is a gamechanger, she told Reuters. Gavi is currently the only organisation purchasing malaria shots for African nations. It anticipates it will be able to spend just over $800 million on the programme over the next five years - 28% less than the expected need - after falling $2.9 billion short of its overall funding goal for the period, according to internal estimates prepared for its board of directors in December, seen by Reuters. An additional 19,000 lives could be lost as a result due to lower vaccination rates, the documents say. The estimate, which has not previously been reported, is based on modelling of the vaccines impact by researchers at Imperial College London and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. It is the gap between the promise and the need for the vaccine, and the resources we have to provide that, Scott Gordon, who heads Gavis malaria program, told Reuters. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced in June that Washington would no longer support Gavi, part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid that President Donald Trump says do not align with his America First agenda. The United States was previously one of the groups top donors, contributing some $1.3 billion between 2020 and 2024. The U.S. "remains committed to working with global partners to combat malaria," a Department of Health and Human Services official told Reuters. But the Trump administration will not disburse funds to Gavi unless it starts phasing out vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative thimerosal from its portfolio, the official said. Anti-vaccine groups have linked thimerosal to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, despite multiple studies showing no related safety issues. Gavi confirmed the request and said the group remained in contact with the U.S. government on the subject. Any decision related to its portfolio would be "guided by scientific consensus," it said. Other donors have also been scaling back support. Britain, Gavis biggest donor, has pledged 1.25 billion pounds ($1.72 billion) over the next five years, more than 20% less than for 2020-25. Britain's international development minister, Jenny Chapman, said the country remains committed to supporting Gavi's work because it saves lives. A MOTHER DECIDES: I HAVE TO GO FOR THE VACCINE An infant waits to receive a dose of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Some major global organisations initially doubted the potential of the two vaccines now being rolled out in 24 African countries with help from Gavi. Based on clinical trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates they reduce malaria cases by over 50% during the first year after three shots are administered, an efficacy rate lower than many commonly used childhood shots. A fourth dose is required before a child turns 2 to maintain protection. Supporters of the vaccines point to the success in Ghana, saying even a partially effective shot has translated into many lives saved. In real-world settings, we're seeing significant impact," Gavis Gordon said. Confirmed deaths among children under the age of 5 have dropped nearly 86% in Ghana, from 245 in 2018, the year before GSKs vaccine was introduced in select districts, to 35 in 2024, according to government figures. A decade ago, nearly 1,000 children in that age group died each year, Kutsoati said. Malaria infections have also declined, from roughly 6.7 million in 2018 to 5.3 million in 2024, around a fifth of which were among children under 5, Ghanas figures show. The actual numbers are likely to be higher, as many malaria cases do not get diagnosed, and deaths that occur at home often go unreported, said Dorothy Achu, the WHOs team lead for malaria in Africa. There can also be inconsistent reporting by some health facilities. But Achu agreed the combination of strategies used in Ghana resulted in a significant reduction in malaria deaths, adding the WHO is using the countrys figures to update its estimates. Esther Kolan, a 31-year-old clothing trader, did not need much persuading to get her 1-year-old son Phenehas Gyngyi Jr. vaccinated last summer at the Mother and Child Hospital in the southern town of Kasoa. Her brother died of malaria just before his 15th birthday. A daughter was hospitalised twice with the disease before she turned 3. I told myself, no matter the condition, I have to go for the vaccine, Kolan said, adding her family also sleeps under bed nets. Phenehas has had three doses and has never been hospitalised with malaria. This has really helped me a lot, said Kolan, who plans to get him a booster shot soon. I was not scared for my child. Malaria deaths were already declining in their district when vaccines became available in 2023, according to Stanley Yaidoo, the municipal health services director. But the number of cases still put pressure on hospitals, exhausting staff and taking up beds that could be used to treat other dangerous diseases, he told Reuters. The vaccine implementation was the master stroke that we needed to support the already existing interventions, Yaidoo said. PROGRESS AGAINST A KILLER DISEASE Mothers attend a child welfare clinic at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Some regions managed to eliminate malaria without a vaccine, but countries in sub-Saharan Africa face particular challenges, disease experts say. Many are among the worlds poorest, with poorly-resourced health systems. The prevailing strain is particularly deadly, and there is growing resistance to preventive and curative drugs. Control efforts have been disrupted by conflicts and natural disasters. The first countries to use the vaccines - Kenya, Malawi and Ghana - were part of a WHO-led pilot programme that began in 2019 with GSKs shot. The WHO approved this vaccine for wider use in 2021, but the rollout faced hurdles, including a vast supply shortfall. Access improved when WHO recommended the Oxford shot in 2023. In many countries, it is too early to assess the vaccines' impact. But there are anecdotal reports of reductions in cases, hospitalisations and deaths among young children, according to the Gavi documents and interviews with health officials in four countries. Take-up of the vaccines has varied, the documents show. In the first six months of 2025, coverage rates across 11 countries for three doses ranged from over 70% in Ghana and Burkina Faso, to 45% in Liberia and 35% in conflict-hit South Sudan. Introducing a new vaccine that requires multiple doses has presented logistical challenges, especially in rural areas where transportation and storage options are limited. In Ghana, there was also resistance from a number of traditional and religious leaders, and politicians skeptical about the benefits, Yaidoo told Reuters. But results talk, he said. Those who have had the vaccination, they give their testimonies on how their children are protected from severe malaria. So many of them are actually our ambassadors." Cases of severe malaria among vaccinated children were 58% lower than among unvaccinated children in the year after they received the third dose across the countries that participated in the pilot, a study published in The Lancet medical journal in January found. Health officials in Kenya and Malawi did not respond to Reuters questions about their vaccination programmes. At least four more countries plan to introduce malaria vaccines before 2028, Gavi said. Until this year, Gavi could subsidise 85% of the assessed need for shots in areas of medium and high malaria transmission, with governments contributing as little as $0.20 per dose. It has now reduced its spending cap to 70% for areas that will be ordering shots for the first time, the documents show. It will also be asking all but the poorest governments to increase their contributions, which vary depending on the strength of their economies. Details of how these changes will affect individual countries are being worked out, Gavi said. Vials of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, at the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, Ghana. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko/Illustration Price cuts for the vaccines could help mitigate the aid cuts. GSK and its partner, Indias Bharat Biotech, said in June they would reduce the price of their shot to under $5 a dose by 2028, roughly half what it costs now. In November, Gavi and the U.N. children's agency announced a deal to pay 25% less for Serums vaccine, currently priced at around $4 per dose, within roughly a year. GSK said the real-world data was encouraging, and it was working with Gavi on how to make the roll-out as effective as possible. It did not elaborate. The other companies did not respond to requests for comment. At least three countries - Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo - have committed to covering some malaria vaccine needs themselves, Gordon said. But Tanzania is struggling to plug funding gaps and will have to delay the start of its vaccination campaign, said Dr Samwel Lazaro, acting head of its malaria programme. Currently, the government is focused on ensuring the implementation of the most essential and life-saving services, such as the use of medicated bed nets, Lazaro said. Supreme Court's ruling on Kpandai victory for rule of law in Ghana - Minority in Parliament Next article: Supreme Court's ruling on Kpandai victory for rule of law in Ghana - Minority in Parliament Ensure peaceful presidential primary - Christian Council urges NPP Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Politics Jan - 29 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has called on the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to ensure a peaceful presidential primary election on Saturday. The CCG also urged the Ghana Police Service, Electoral Commission (EC) and other security services to work together to maintain peace during the polls. "Dear aspirants and delegates of the NPP, let us give peace a chance. It is possible to elect your flag bearer devoid of hate, acrimony and violence," the council said. The General Secretary of CCG, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, made the call at the commemoration of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence held in Accra yesterday. The event was on the theme: "Leveraging Peaceful Coexistence for National Development." He urged delegates and other actors in the primary to ensure that the period leading up to the elections on Saturday and thereafter remained peaceful and harmonious. The General Secretary of CCG indicated that the country was not a one-party state, hence the need for a thriving opposition in order to safeguard the democratic credentials within the subregion. He commended the NPP for instituting the signing of the peace pact among aspirants, and urged them to abide by the terms of the pact for an incident free electoral process. Present at the event were Reverend Victor Kpapko Addo, popularly known as Reverend Azigiza Junior, who represented the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah; the Communication Advisor of the CCG, Samuel Koku Anyidoho among others. Tolerance Rev. Fayose also urged Ghanaians to continue to be tolerant and embrace diversity to safeguard the peace of the country. The CCG pleads with the good people of Ghana, including our political, traditional and religious leaders to embrace diversity, uphold fellow feeling, promote interfaith harmony and community initiatives for the common good of our people. We entreat the good people of Ghana across religious and political divides to employ peaceful, democratic and lawful means to resolve disputes, conflicts and any impasse that may confront us in our quest to build our dear nation, he stated. Rev. Dr Fayose affirmed the CCGs commitment to all activities aimed at promoting peace in the country, the sub-region and beyond; adding that the countrys economy was seeing some revival, which needed peace to consolidate its gains for national development. National development cannot be sustained without peace. We agree with the United Nations that peace is not only construed as the absence of war or conflict. It is a progressive, proactive and holistic state encompassing the dignity of humankind, socio-economic justice, sustainable development and respect for God-given human rights. Peaceful coexistence obligates us to foster tolerance, mutual understanding, and active maintenance of international security. It does not suggest that we share the same faith, creed, or religion, he added. Interfaith harmony The External Affairs Secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, R. Y. Yusuf Quainoo, for his part underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the country. Mr Quainoo shared a personal experience of travelling with Christian colleagues to Indonesia, highlighting the surprise of Indonesian Muslims at the warm relationship between Ghanaian Christians and Muslims. He attributed the country's peace to the strong interfaith relationships, citing the example of the General Secretary of the CCG, who he considered a brother. He praised the General Secretary's participation in Muslim events when invited, and urged media practitioners to promote peace and avoid fuelling trouble. Mr Quainoo added that the countrys identity transcended religious affiliations, saying, "First of all, we are Ghanaians. That is what identifies us." He stressed that God is one and would not condone violence against others, hence the for all Christians and Muslims to live together. Featured How NPP supporters in Kpandai reacted to the Supreme Court's quashing of High Court judgment on re-run Simon Unyan Politics Jan - 29 - 2026 , 13:16 2 minutes read Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Kpandai Constituency have taken to the streets to celebrate a Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Tamale High Courts annulment of the 2024 parliamentary election results in the constituency. The decision by the apex court effectively reinstates the NPPs parliamentary candidate, Matthew Nyindam, as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kpandaian outcome party supporters have hailed as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. Chanting party songs and waving NPP flags, jubilant supporters said the ruling had restored their confidence in Ghanas judicial system, insisting that the will of the people, as expressed at the polls, had now been upheld. This judgment has cleared all doubts. The people voted, and the Supreme Court has confirmed it. Matthew Nyindam remains our MP, one supporter said. Another resident described the ruling as reassuring, particularly given the composition and outcome of the courts deliberations. The five-member panel examined the matter thoroughly and reached a 41 majority decision. That process and outcome reassure us that justice was served through careful consideration, the supporter noted. The celebrations were, however, followed by calls for calm and unity, with party faithful urging all political actors to respect the ruling and work together for the development of the constituency. The NPP Constituency Organiser, Mr. Frank Donkor Wuladanye, described the judgment as a positive signal for Ghanas judicial system and government reset agenda for broader national reforms. There is always room for improvement. If the judicial system recognises its shortcomings and takes steps to address them, it benefits the entire country, he said, adding that institutional reforms should strengthen public confidence. Mr. Wuladanye cautioned supporters to be measured in their celebrations and to maintain peace, urging residents of Kpandai to put political differences aside and focus on the collective development of the district. Back in 2024, Google introduced its Android theft protection program, which has been available on all Android phones running Android 10 or later. The set of device protection features is now expanding with new ways to combat financial fraud and better personal data protection in case your device gets stolen. Devices running on Android 16 are getting improved safeguards in case of failed authentication. Failed Authentication Lock, which arrives with Android 15, will now get its own toggles in the settings menu for more granular control. The feature locks the devices screen after excessive failed authentication attempts. In addition, Google is expanding Identity Check to cover all features and apps that use the Android Biometric Prompt, including banking apps and Googles native password manager. Google is also increasing the duration for lockouts after excessive failed PIN entries and password attempts. Android is also gaining enhanced recovery tools for all devices running Android 10 and newer. Remote Lock which is available via android.com/lock allows users to remote lock stolen devices from any web browser. Google is now implementing an optional security question to ensure no one else can lock your phone remotely. In addition, Google is proactively enabling Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock by default in Brazil. This means all new Android phones sold and activated in the country will have the two features on out of the box. Source These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Today Samsung has announced an enhanced Samsung Care+ protection plan for 17 European markets. This includes unlimited accidental damage cover, for knocks, drops, and spills, with a "streamlined" excess fee. There's also seamless care at home as well as abroad - the previous 60-day trip limit has been removed. For walk-in repairs, 175 new locations have been added, but of course there's still the option to send in your device for repair too. Devices with a battery capacity falling below 80% after the end of the standard manufacturer warranty are eligible for a free battery replacement for those who have Care+. Samsung also says that "should an insured customer experience any mechanical and electrical failure after the standard warranty period, Samsung Care+ covers the repair for the duration of the policy term". There's also a new monthly payment option for up to 60 months of coverage, and you can cancel at any time, complementing the fixed-term, two-year option. For added peace of mind, you can now include theft and loss coverage, which ensures dispatch of a replacement device within 48 hours after a claim is approved. Note, however, that only a maximum of two successful claims for theft or loss are allowed per year, and you need to activate Samsung Knox Guard within 30 days of starting your Care+ policy. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Thursday said she would support a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam waters, as she plans a visit to Washington, D.C. to oppose the harvesting of minerals from the regions seafloor. Of course I would support that, Leon Guerrero said of a proposed mining ban in Guam waters. I dont know what weight thats going to hold, because they can just come in and do it. Sen. Therese Terlaje and five other members of the Guam Legislature have introduced a bill to ban mining in Guams nearshore waters and restrict the use of island ports for mining activity. The ban would only cover waters extending about 3 nautical miles out from Guams coast, but is meant to hamper the use of the island to support deep-sea mining in waters claimed by the federal government. Leon Guerrero said she and others are heading to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 16 to lobby against deep-sea mining. The Department of the Interiors Interagency Group on Insular Affairs, which convenes territorial governors, is expected then. We are going to be very united in our position of opposing any kind of deep-sea mining harvesting till we get more data, information and scientific studies that can better guide us and recommend to us whats best for our environment, Leon Guerrero said. BOEM visit Leon Guerrero also said the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, leading the deep-sea mining push, is due on Guam next month. I think theyre going to meet with us, with me first. And I think they are going to try and meet with more of the public, she said. Adelup spokesperson John Ryan said BOEM is anticipated on Guam on Feb. 25, and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Feb. 26. My biggest concern is the fact that we dont really legally have any control over our waters, Leon Guerrero said of the potential of deep-sea mining leases. We have an economic...zone, but it only stretches from our coast to 3 miles out, and everything after that, up to 200 miles, is owned by the federal, she said. She said the federal government could come in and say, We dont care about you guys, were going to deep-sea mine your waters. I hope, in this day and age that that doesnt happen, she said, with more respect for civil and human rights. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Lawmakers on Thursday voted to pass a bill that would allow $16.4 million to be used for the demolition of the old Simon Sanchez High School campus in Yigo and other site work, even as a competing bidder challenged the legality of a deal with Core Tech International for the same work. General Pacific Services, the second-ranked bidder for the school rebuilding project, filed an appeal with the Office of Public Accountability hours before senators passed the funding bill. The bidder raised concerns not only about the Department of Public Works allegedly ignoring its procurement protest over incomplete procurement records and awarding a contract well above the cap set by law, but also because of what General Pacific described as a secret project between DPW and Core Tech. General Pacific was referring to a campus demolition contract, even though demolition work, it said, was originally included within the scope of the main procurement that General Pacific and Core Tech had already bid on. Sen. Chris Duenas, speaking just before a 3 p.m. vote at the Guam Congress Building, said the $16.4 million authorization in his Bill 235-38 is not for any specific bidder or contract. Were not appropriating to Core Tech, Duenas said, but to whatever party GovGuam decides will do work on the Sanchez campus after a procurement protest and other legal actions are settled. If the protest is upheld, its going to help the next person, he said. The senator also said authorizing funding for demolition of the old campus and other work at the site will not impact a protest because they cant do anything, anyways, because the protest is in place. Bill 235-38 would authorize $16.4 million set aside to cover debt payments for the Simon Sanchez High School construction borrowing to also be used for demolition costs, grading, site preparation, and similar work. Lawmakers on Thursday afternoon voted 10-5 to pass the bill. Sens. Vince Borja, Shelly Calvo, Duenas, Shawn Gumataotao, Jesse Lujan, Tina Muna-Barnes, Sabrina Salas Matanane, Joe San Agustin, Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Speaker Frank Blas Jr. voted yes. Sens. Chris Barnett, Will Parkinson, Sabina Perez, Telo Taitague, and Therese Terlaje voted against it. Alleged secret project Before the Thursday vote at the Legislature, General Pacific announced that it filed an appeal with OPA related to its Simon Sanchez High School procurement protest. General Pacifics main appeal argument is that DPW picked Core Tech even though it bid $195.5 million for the work. That amount is over a $166 million cap on the construction job, and nearly double the $86 million bid that General Pacific put in, the competing bidder said. But the appeal documents dated Jan. 27 also assert that DPW and Core Tech made what appears to be a separate and undisclosed demolition contract after competitor General Pacific started demanding documents related to the Core Tech contract award. Appeal documents show that General Pacific on Dec. 12 filed a protest with DPW for the alleged secret project. General Pacific alleges that demolition work and costs were wrongfully separated out and added on. At issue is a Nov. 14 email from Core Tech Chairman Ho Eun to multiple cabinet members and officials, including DPW Director Vince Arriola and the governors chief of staff, Jon Junior Calvo, thats attached to General Pacifics appeal. The email contains a Limited Project Scope Agreement, limited to $16.4 million, for work at the Sanchez campus. General Pacifics appeal argues that the document is a contract which was never put out to bid, and is a separate project cost even though demolition is supposed to be a part of the Sanchez construction award. If accepted by DPW, the Limited Project Scope Agreement means that CTI is looking to be paid more than $211 million dollars to complete a scope of work legislatively limited to $166 million dollars and that GPS was willing to do for $86 million dollars. GPSs protest on this point continues to be ignored by DPW, compelling GPSs move to the OPA, General Pacific said in a statement. Concerns raised during legislative session Shortly before the Thursday vote on Bill 235-38, Sen. Chris Barnett rose on the session floor to advise his colleagues of General Pacifics appeal. This deals specifically with predevelopment tasks that are directly included in the bill that were contemplating for voting, Barnett said. He said he wanted to pass copies of the document out for senators to consider, before making a vote that could jeopardize procurement of the new Simon Sanchez campus construction. Documents were passed out, but an attempt by the senator to attach the appeal to a committee report for the bill failed. Barnett also tried to send the bill back to committee for further consideration on Wednesday. He and other senators argued that a section of the bill adding new potential financing schemes to the Simon Sanchez campus construction project could be seen as interfering with the ongoing General Pacific protest. Duenas: Its cleared legal scrutiny Speaking before the vote, Duenas told the PDN that his office was made aware of the Dec. 12 protest. He said that the bill was cleared by Vice Speaker Tony Adas Committee on Rules and legislative legal counsel, to ensure it would not impact any protest. Its cleared legal scrutiny. Its cleared review. And the fact of the matter is, the special interest is building a school for the Sharks, Duenas said. No matter what the outcome of the protest, or what vendor built the Simon Sanchez campus, GovGuam would need the $16.4 million authorization to tear down the old campus, Duenas said. Were going to need money for pre-development. Because you cant just break the ground and then sit there and wait for the next fiscal year, he said. Carlson: Agreement signed The limited scope agreement presented by Core Tech Chairman Ho Eun did get approval from the attorney general, but was halted due to the protest filed, Bureau of Budget and Management Research Director Lester Carlson said Thursday. No money was expended, and no work was done, he said. Duenas has repeatedly pointed to Carlson as the person who asked for the $16.4 million to be authorized for use for demolition and pre-development costs. Carlson on Thursday said both he and Director of Administration Ed Birn had asked for that amendment as far back as last summer, when senators were in the middle of budget debate. The final budget act did allocate the $16.4 million, Carlson said, but only for debt service payments on the Sanchez financing, not for demolition or pre-development costs. All we did was ask for that three-, four-word amendment, Carlson said. Other provisions in Bill 235-48, regarding financing for the project, did not come from him, he said. He said he was not specifically aware, prior to Thursday, that there was a protest from General Pacific specific to the limited scope agreement. This is a DPW thing, not a BBMR thing, Carlson said. He said he knew General Pacific had begun making Freedom of Information Act requests for documents, but not that the matter grew into a separate protest. Quite honestly, Im not personally involved, Carlson said. A groundbreaking to mark the start of demolition was scheduled for just before Thanksgiving last year. It was canceled due to General Pacifics protest. A procurement protest triggers a mandatory project pause until the protest is resolved. Besides General Pacific and Core Tech, Guam Education Financing Foundation, GEFF, also submitted a full proposal to rebuild the Yigo campus. Past protests Core Tech, in 2016, protested DPWs intent to award up to $100 million, five-year contract to GEFF for the Sanchez High campus rebuilding project, which at the time was supposed to be completed by 2018. The protest held up the project for years until the procurement had to start from scratch. Both the Calvo and Leon Guerrero administrations dealt with these procurement protests. Meanwhile, since Typhoon Mawar rendered the Simon Sanchez High School campus in Yigo unusable in May 2023, Sanchez High students have been attending double-session classes at John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning. With reports from Julianne Hernandez/Pacific Daily News Haiti - News : Zapping... Port-de-Paix : Airport Construction Announced During the official handover of two state-of-the-art fire trucks https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46740-icihaiti-airports-two-new-state-of-the-art-fire-trucks-received.html , Yves Ducarmel Francois, Director General of the National Airport Authority (AAN), announced the project to build a modern airport in Port-a-L'Ecu, located 22 km from Port-de-Paix, in the Northwest Department. He specified that the site was chosen after extensive studies. Suspension of Subsidies within the Public Administration Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime has decided to suspend, until further notice, the granting of subsidies within the Public Administration, except with special authorization from the Prime Minister's Office. The measure, announced in a circular dated Tuesday, January 27, instructs all state authorizing officers to refrain from any decision committing to subsidies and to strictly comply with this directive. MEF-Expo Postponed The Ministry of Economy and Finance informs the public of the indefinite postponement of the MEF-Expo event scheduled for January 29-31, 2026. Elections : Agreement between the CEP and Mexico On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Jacques Desrosiers, President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), and the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Jose de Jesus Cisneros Chavez, signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the National Electoral Institute of Mexico (INE) and the CEP. Through this memorandum of understanding, the two institutions intend to formalize their cooperation, particularly in strengthening the capacities of electoral operators, managing and updating the electoral register, and using technology in election management. 400 Producers Trained in Banana Tree Staking With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, 400 producers now possess the necessary technical knowledge, such as banana tree staking, to better protect their plots from climate hazards in northern and central Haiti. 29 Police Officers Graduated in Combat Driving On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the General Directorate of the Haitian National Police (DGPNH), a graduation ceremony was held for 57 recipients: 29 police officers in combat driving (military tactics), 20 roadside assistance vehicle technicians, and 8 tire inflation technicians. HL/ HaitiLibre Staff and wire report The City of Havre issued a health advisory notice after a valve failure at the water plant Wednesday, Jan. 28. A filter valve failure occurred at the Havre Water Treatment Plant after hours of operation on 28 January, a release said. The valve failure caused filtered water turbidity to exceed the maximum allowable level. (Montana Department of Environmental Quality) was notified as soon as possible and consulted on the valve failure and turbidity levels. Due to high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms. This health advisory is to notify the community of these conditions and provide information if any users wish to seek further health care advice. The health advisory follows: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER Health Advisory City of Havre MT0000524 29 January 2026 Water System Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements Due to High Turbidity We routinely monitor your water for turbidity (cloudiness). This monitoring tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply. A filter valve failure occurred at the Havre water treatment plant and filtered water turbidity exceeded the maximum allowable level. MT DEQ was notified and consulted on the valve failure and turbidity levels. Due to high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance the water may contain disease-causing organisms and this health advisory is to notify you of these conditions. What should I do? What does this mean? Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-anddrinking-water. What is being done? The filter with the malfunctioning valve has been taken out of service. The filter will not be placed into service until the filter valve has been repaired and the filter has been properly evaluated. The City of Havre will inform you when the health advisory has been lifted. For more information, please contact Trevor Mork, Public Works Director, at 406-265-4941. *Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. This notice is being sent to you by the City of Havre State Water System ID#: MT0000524 Western leaders step up engagement with China amid global uncertainty 13:40, January 29, 2026 By Zhang Jiahao ( Ecns.cn (ECNS) - Western leaders have stepped up diplomatic and economic engagement with China in recent weeks, signaling a renewed focus on ties with the world's second-largest economy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing earlier this month and signed multiple cooperation agreements. Speaking in Quebec City after his trip, during which the two countries signed many agreements covering various fields, Carney emphasized that "in a time of rising walls and thickening borders, we demonstrate how a country can be both open and secure, welcoming and strong, principled and powerful." Carney framed the visit to Beijing as part of a broader strategy to ensure Canada thrives by building independent, mutually beneficial partnerships rather than relying on unstable powers. Similarly, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo led a delegation of top business executives to China starting January 25, highlighting their intent to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. Observers noted that European countries are increasingly viewing engagement with China as both pragmatic and essential. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also preparing a high-level delegation to Beijing this week, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit in eight years. The Observer, a U.K.-based news outlet cites an unnamed source as saying that "Starmer thinks it was a dereliction of duty by previous prime ministers not to go to China." The delegation includes senior government officials and business leaders, and the visit is widely seen as a critical moment for setting the tone of Sino-British relations over the next two to three years. The recent surge of visits to China by leaders from Western countries comes against the backdrop of concerns over unilateral actions by the Trump administration, which have unsettled allies and strained traditional frameworks of cooperation. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO, threatened new tariffs on key allies, and claimed European nations and Canada owed a "debt" to the United States. European leaders were reportedly taken aback, while former U.S. national security adviser Phil Gordon noted that officials asked him, "Is this America? And is the post-World War II era definitively over or is there any hope it comes back?" Such episodes have contributed to Western countries seeking alternative avenues for reliable partnerships, particularly with China. China's market size, policy stability, and commitment to multilateralism have strengthened its appeal. John Miller-White, executive chairman of the U.S.-China Cooperation Foundation, said, "China demonstrates that a country can develop while contributing ideas and solutions to the world." At Davos, Chinese representatives outlined commitments to expand domestic demand, accelerate technological innovation, and promote green development, offering opportunities for international partners to participate in high-quality growth. French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders have expressed support for engagement with China, viewing it as a stabilizing force in a turbulent global economy. The recent surge of visits by Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom demonstrates that deepening cooperation with China is no longer optional but a central component of Western nations' economic and diplomatic strategy, critics said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) (HedgeCo.Net) In an industry that often equates scale with edgemore analysts, more data, more technology, more leverageLucida Capital is an uncomfortable counterexample. The Canada-based hedge fund is operated solely by Francis Lau, and yet it posted a 65% gain from April through the end of 2025 without using leverage, putting it among the countrys top performers and ahead of many far larger, better-resourced rivals. This Bloomberg story matters for more than its novelty value. In a year when leverage across the hedge fund ecosystem has been pushing toward historic highs as managers compete for incremental returns, a standout, no-leverage performance forces investors to re-examine what actually drives alpha: structure, process, position sizing discipline, and the ability to exploit market micro-inefficienciesoften faster than large organizations can move. This is not a claim that one-person funds are the future, or that leverage is inherently bad. Rather, Lucida Capitals run offers a case study in how returns can be created when constraints are embraced: capacity limits, simplicity of decision-making, low overhead, and a willingness to be meaningfully different from benchmarks. Public reporting provides a few key anchors: Manager/operator: Francis Lau, who acts as the funds sole decision-maker. Francis Lau, who acts as the funds sole decision-maker. Location and context: Lau operates away from Canadas Bay Street financial corereportedly from an office in Markham, Ontario , near everyday retail landmarks rather than a major downtown tower. Lau operates away from Canadas Bay Street financial corereportedly from an office in , near everyday retail landmarks rather than a major downtown tower. Performance: +65% from April through the end of 2025 , achieved without leverage . , achieved . Peer comparison: Few larger, established rivals reportedly returned more than ~40% over the same window. Thats enough to frame the discussion: a large return, over a defined period, produced without the most common mechanical accelerator (borrowing). Leverage is often used in hedge funds for three broad reasons: To amplify small edges: Market-neutral and relative-value strategies may target modest spreads and scale them via leverage to reach attractive net returns. To smooth volatility: Some funds leverage diversified books, aiming to keep risk balanced while raising total exposure. To compete in a crowded opportunity set: When many funds chase similar trades, gross exposure tends to rise. The tradeoff is straightforward: leverage can magnify returns, but it also magnifies mistakes, correlations, liquidity shocks, and the speed at which drawdowns become existential. Thats why Lucidas result stands out against the broader industry backdrop. Reuters has documented hedge fund leverage hovering near record levels in late 2025, driven by equity trading and AI-fueled market dynamicsconditions that can reward risk-taking until they dont. In that environment, a no-leverage 65% run suggests that the driver was not more exposure, but better exposure. The structural advantages of being a one-person hedge fund The phrase one-man hedge fund tends to be used as a curiosity. For investors, it should instead be treated as a description of structurewith real pros and cons. 1) Speed as an edge Large hedge funds rarely lack ideas. What they often lack is execution speed across committees, risk constraints, sector sleeves, and portfolio construction rules designed for stability. A single decision-maker can act quickly when a dislocation appearsespecially in less trafficked mid-cap names, special situations, or fast-changing narratives. 2) Capacity and liquidity Some of the best opportunities in public markets are simply too small for mega-funds. If a position can only absorb a few million dollars before prices move, the trade is irrelevant to a multi-billion-dollar platformbut meaningful to a smaller fund. If Lucida capitalized on these small pond inefficiencies, the return profile makes more sense. 3) Lower operational drag With fewer layers, fewer mandates, and fewer internal silos, the portfolio can be constructed with coherence. Many large funds end up being a collection of sub-books whose correlations spike in stress. One PM can keep the risk thesis integrated. 4) A clean incentive loop In bigger organizations, decision-making and consequences can be separated: an analyst pitches; a PM sizes; a risk committee trims; a senior partner overrides. In a one-person fund, feedback is immediate. That tends to sharpen processassuming the manager is disciplined and self-critical. If the advantages are obvious, so are the vulnerabilities: Key-person risk: If one individual is the strategy, the strategy is fragile. If one individual is the strategy, the strategy is fragile. Operational concentration: Compliance, controls, trade operations, and counterparty management must be robust even without staff depth. Compliance, controls, trade operations, and counterparty management must be robust even without staff depth. Behavioral risk: A great run can lead to overconfidence, concentration creep, or style drift. A great run can lead to overconfidence, concentration creep, or style drift. Capacity constraints: The very inefficiencies that produce big gains can disappear as AUM grows. This is why sophisticated allocators treat a standout year not as proof, but as a prompt: How was it achieved, and can it be repeated? How a no-leverage fund can generate a 65% run Without access to Lucidas full portfolio, any explanation must be framed as mechanisms rather than specific holdings. Still, there are clear pathways by which leverage-free returns can become unusually large: 1) Concentrated, high-conviction equity selection A concentrated long bookespecially in mid-capscan outperform massively in a strong tape. If a manager catches a handful of idiosyncratic winners (re-rating stories, turnarounds, M&A catalysts), the compounding can be dramatic without borrowing. 2) Event-driven and catalyst-driven timing Catalyst investing is often misunderstood as guessing headlines. In practice, its about identifying a timeline where the market is mispricing the probability distribution. If Lucida leaned into corporate actions, restructurings, or inflection points, returns can spike quicklyespecially when the markets attention is elsewhere. 3) Volatility as an input, not an enemy A one-person fund can be structurally comfortable with volatility if its capital base is stable and its risk framework is tight. The ability to buy when forced sellers appear is often the difference between good and great years. 4) A disciplined downside framework Heres the quiet secret: the most explosive return years often come from not blowing up during drawdowns. If a manager keeps losses small, they preserve the ability to press when the odds are skewed. The arithmetic mattersavoiding a 20% drawdown means you dont need a 25% recovery just to get back to even. The 20252026 backdrop: a market that rewarded selectivity Industry-wide, 2025 was a strong year for many hedge fund styles, helped by buoyant equities even amid volatility and policy uncertainty. Reuters reported hedge funds posting strong double-digit gains in 2025, with stock-picking strategies averaging in the mid-teens in some datasetsgood results, but nowhere near Lucidas pace. That spread is important. When the average fund is up, it becomes easier for a top-decile manager to look like a genius, and harder to disentangle beta from alpha. Yet Lucidas reported outperformance versus many large peerswhile remaining unleveredsuggests something beyond simply riding the market. What allocators should ask before treating this as repeatable: If youre an allocatoror a sophisticated observerhere are the diligence questions that separate a headline from an investment thesis: Return drivers: What percentage came from a few names vs. broad book strength? Gross and net exposure: No leverage doesnt automatically mean low risk. Was the book structurally concentrated? Liquidity profile: Could positions be exited in a stressed tape without becoming the market? Risk process: What are the hard rules on position sizing, drawdowns, and stop-loss behavior? Operational resilience: Who handles compliance, reconciliation, and controls? Whats the prime brokerage setup? Capital stability: Are investors patient and aligned, or is the capital base prone to redemption risk at the wrong time? Capacity: What AUM level begins to erode the opportunity set that produced the outperformance? The broader takeaway: simplicity can still win Lucida Capitals run lands at an interesting moment for the hedge fund business model. The industry is increasingly bifurcated: At one end: mega-platforms with industrialized risk systems, large teams, and steady single-digit-to-low-teens targets. At the other: small, nimble funds that can exploit capacity-limited opportunitiesoften with higher volatility and more key-person risk. In 2025, leverage in parts of the hedge fund ecosystem has been elevated, raising long-term questions about crowding and unwind risk. Against that backdrop, an unlevered 65% surge is a reminder that outsized outcomes still exist in public markets when a manager can move quickly, stay focused, and avoid the institutional friction that sometimes dilutes edge. But the conclusion isnt copy this. The conclusion is more nuanced: structure shapes returns. A one-person fund can be extraordinarily efficientuntil it isnt. A no-leverage approach can be a signal of disciplineuntil concentration becomes the hidden leverage. A great year can reflect repeatable processuntil the market regime shifts. For now, the cleanest interpretation of Lucidas performance is also the most practical: in a world where many funds increasingly rely on borrowed exposure to compete, Lucidas 65% run shows that selection, timing, and risk control can still do the heavy liftingno mechanical amplifiers required. (HedgeCo.Net) In 2026, Pershing Square Capital Management (PSCM) and its publicly listed vehicle Pershing Square Holdings (PSH) sit at an interesting crossroads: they are still fundamentally what theyve always beena highly concentrated, research-intensive, fundamentally driven hedge fundbut theyre also pushing further into structures and strategies that look more like an alternative-investment platform than a traditional partnership. That evolution can be summarized in three big priorities for 2026: Own a small number of exceptional businesses for a long time (with selective activism when it matters) Build durable, permanent capital and a broader franchise (including public-market ambitions) Use Howard Hughes as a strategic long-term vehicle that fits Ackmans modern Berkshire narrativewhile keeping the core portfolio anchored in liquid, high-quality compounders Below is how those priorities show up in portfolio construction, catalysts, and what they imply for alternative-investment allocators watching Pershing Square in 2026. 1) The Core Identity in 2026: A Concentrated Portfolio Built for Compounding Pershing Squares defining feature remains concentration. Unlike many multi-manager platforms or quant-heavy firms that diversify across hundreds of positions, Pershing Square typically allocates the substantial majority of capital to roughly 812 core holdingsgenerally liquid, large-cap North American businesses with recurring cash flows and the ability to compound value over long periods. That structure matters in 2026 for one reason: the alternative-investment world is increasingly split between scale-driven diversification (multi-strats, pods, systematic platforms) and high-conviction concentration (a smaller group of managers who seek outsized outcomes from a handful of investments). Pershing Square remains one of the most prominent examples of the second category. The why behind this approach is consistent: Predictability and durability over cyclical stories over cyclical stories Business quality (pricing power, scale advantages, strong management, resilient demand) (pricing power, scale advantages, strong management, resilient demand) Asymmetric downside: Pershing Square seeks businesses where the downside is limited by fundamentals and the upside is driven by compounding plus occasional catalysts This philosophy is often describedby Ackman and by analysts covering the firmas leaning into long-duration compounders: businesses that can reinvest at attractive returns for years and therefore benefit meaningfully from time, not just timing. 2) 2026 Portfolio Emphasis: Platform Winners, Asset-Heavy Alternatives, and Select Consumer Compounding At the holdings level, what stands out heading into 2026 is that Pershing Squares largest positions are widely viewed as big, scaled franchises rather than tactical trades. Public portfolio trackers consistently show top exposures clustered in a small set of namesoften including Uber, Brookfield, Howard Hughes, Alphabet, and Restaurant Brandswith weights that underline just how high-conviction the portfolio remains. What does that imply about focus in 2026? A) A bet on modern infrastructure and network/platform economics A holding like Uber is not just a transportation story. In a 2026 lens, its a scale platform with: Large, growing transaction volume Margin expansion potential from operating leverage Optionality in logistics/delivery and adjacent mobility layers Whether investors agree with Ubers long-term moat is a separate question. The key point is that this is the type of business Pershing Square wants at the top of the portfolio: scaled, cash-flow generative, and structurally advantaged. B) A notable tilt toward alternative-asset exposure via Brookfield Brookfield is especially relevant to your Ackman and alternative investments framing because its effectively public-market access to a broad alternatives enginereal assets, private credit, infrastructure, insurance, and fee-bearing capital dynamics. When Pershing Square owns Brookfield in size, it isindirectlyowning a set of alternative-investment cash flow streams that behave differently than traditional operating companies. That matters in 2026 because allocators are increasingly drawn to alts-like economics in public wrappers: companies that produce management fees, carried interest, and long-duration asset cash flows, but trade on exchanges. C) An ongoing quality + brand + cash flow bias in consumer and services Pershing Square has historically favored businesses where: brand strength reduces competitive risk recurring demand improves forecastability capital allocation can be a value driver (buybacks, disciplined reinvestment, pricing strategy) This is the conceptual box where positions like Restaurant Brands have often been discussed (whether one views the timing as right is a different debate). The broader point is that Pershing Squares 2026 portfolio remains oriented toward durable franchises rather than deep cyclical bets. 3) The Activist Lever in 2026: Selective, Not Constant Pershing Squares reputation is closely tied to activism, but the firms modern posture is more nuanced: activism is treated as a tool, not an identity. The PSH fact sheet language itself emphasizes high-quality growth and recurring cash flows, while noting that the manager may catalyze managerial, operating, and governance changes in certain cases. In other words: the base case in 2026 is not fight a proxy battle every quarter. The base case is own great businesses and let them compound, while staying willing to push for change when a catalyst can unlock long-term value. This distinction matters because activist hedge funds in 2026 are competing against: faster capital (multi-strats, systematic event-driven) higher corporate defenses more complex stakeholder environments (regulators, employee bases, political optics) Pershing Squares edge has increasingly been less about public confrontation and more about deep conviction, a clear operating thesis, and patient capital. 4) Howard Hughes: The Strategic Platform Move That Signals 2026 Ambition If there is a single investment that best communicates Pershing Squares long-term ambition beyond a classic hedge fund portfolio, it is Howard Hughes. Reuters reporting in 2025 detailed Pershing Squares proposal to increase its stake in Howard Hughes and to have Bill Ackman assume chairman and CEO rolespart of an approach Ackman suggested could become the foundation for a modern-day version of Berkshire Hathaway. Regardless of whether one embraces the Berkshire comparison, the strategic logic is clear: Howard Hughes is a long-duration asset platform (large, multi-year development and community assets rather than short-cycle earnings) (large, multi-year development and community assets rather than short-cycle earnings) It can function as a capital allocation vehicle , where managements decisions can materially shape long-term value creation , where managements decisions can materially shape long-term value creation It provides a more permanent canvas for Pershing Square leadership to apply a blend of investment judgment and operating oversight For allocators watching alternatives in 2026, Howard Hughes matters because it blurs lines: Its not private equityyet it resembles PEs long-hold, asset-intensive value creation Its not a pure real estate companyyet it is clearly real-asset oriented Its not a typical hedge fund positionyet it remains linked to public markets and liquidity frameworks This is precisely the kind of hybrid structure that is trending across alternatives in 2026: public-market vehicles that behave like private-market platforms. 5) Permanent Capital and Franchise Expansion: Why IPO Chatter Matters in 2026 Another major theme around Pershing Square entering 2026 is capital structure and distribution strategyspecifically, the idea of moving toward more permanent capital. Multiple outlets have reported discussion of Pershing Square potentially pursuing a public offering route (or related public-vehicle structures), reflecting a broader trend: alternative managers want stability of fee streams, scalable product architecture, and brand leverage in a world where fundraising is more competitive and cost of capital matters again. Why it matters: Permanent capital reduces the business risk of redemptions and cyclical flows reduces the business risk of redemptions and cyclical flows A broader, more public structure can support new products (closed-end funds, listed vehicles, other strategies) (closed-end funds, listed vehicles, other strategies) It positions the firm more like a platform than a single-strategy boutique Even if the exact timing or format evolves, the direction is meaningful: Pershing Squares 2026 focus is not only pick great stocks, but also build a structure that can endure and scale. The deal, announced by both parties, excludes Lukoil's operations in Kazakhstan and is subject to regulatory approval from the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Lukoil has until 28 February to comply with a US directive requiring the divestment of its overseas assets. Carlyle Group has reached a provisional agreement to acquire the international assets of Russian oil firm Lukoil, following increased pressure from US sanctions introduced in October. Lukoils foreign portfolio is valued at around $22 billion according to the company's 2023 accounts. It includes oil and gasfields in Iraq, Mexico, and Central Asia, refineries in Bulgaria and Romania, and petrol station networks operating across 20 countries, including Teboil in Finland. Carlyle confirmed the agreement was conditional on extensive due diligence and clearance by US authorities. Carlyles approach to Lukoil International would be on ensuring operational continuity, preserving jobs, stabilising the asset base and supporting safe, reliable performance, the firm said in a statement. The transaction, if approved, would end Lukoils international expansion. The company said in a press release that the agreement is not exclusive and that it continues negotiations with other parties. Kazakhstans government has separately submitted a formal request to purchase Lukoils interests in the country, which include stakes in the Tengiz and Karachaganak oilfields and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The US Treasury has already confirmed that Lukoils Kazakh assets are not subject to the mandatory divestment. The sanctions have disrupted the operations of Lukoil-owned businesses in multiple countries. In Finland, Lukoils Teboil petrol stations have faced payment processing blockages after Finnish banks halted transactions in response to the US measures. Teboil has since been placed under court-supervised corporate restructuring. Lukoil had earlier attempted to sell its international division to Swiss trading house Gunvor in November. The proposed sale collapsed after the Trump administration publicly objected, labelling Gunvor a Kremlin puppet. Gunvor has since undergone leadership changes and restructured its ownership model. Founded in Washington, D.C., Carlyle is a private equity group managing over $470 billion in assets. It has long experience in global energy markets and infrastructure, and has confirmed that its agreement with Lukoil adheres to US sanctions regulations. HT The employee side, led by unions including SuPer, Tehy, Erto, JHL, Talentia and Salli ry, walked out of the negotiations after failing to reach consensus with employer organisation Hyvinvointiala Hali ry. Wage negotiations in Finlands private social services sector have ended without agreement after weeks of talks, affecting around 72,000 workers including practical nurses. The talks, held between trade unions and employer representatives, broke down late Wednesday evening. The negotiations aimed to renew the collective labour agreement for the private care sector, which covers workers in elderly care homes, disability services, shelters, home care and various social welfare organisations. Talks had taken place since the start of the year under a temporary arrangement after the previous contract expired. Disagreement focused on how wage increases should be distributed. Employees sought to narrow the gap between private sector pay and the salaries of equivalent workers in public welfare regions. The unions proposed a 13 percent increase over two years, arguing that better pay was needed to retain staff in a sector already under strain. Paivi Inberg, chair of SuPer, said the proposals from the employer side were not sufficient to ensure the sectors long-term viability. Practical nurses will continue to be needed in private social services. The pay gap with public sector jobs must be closed, not widened, Inberg said in a statement. There was no announcement of strike action, but unions said they would provide further information on next steps in the coming days. If industrial action is proposed, a two-week notification period applies. In previous cases, measures have included bans on overtime and shift changes. Talks also covered other terms of employment including working hours and wellbeing-related clauses. Union representatives said the current conditions are not sufficient to support employee retention or prevent burnout. HT The move follows months of internal EU debate and growing international concern over Tehrans crackdown on protest movements and weapons exports to Russia. The European Union has imposed new sanctions on senior Iranian officials and entities, citing human rights abuses and support for Russias war in Ukraine. The bloc has also listed Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Sanctions announced on Monday target 15 individuals and six organisations involved in the repression of demonstrators and censorship. Among those named are Eskandar Momeni, Irans Minister of the Interior, and Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, the Prosecutor General. Iman Afshari, a presiding judge, was also listed. They face an EU-wide travel ban, asset freeze, and a prohibition on providing funds or economic resources. The same measures apply to the sanctioned organisations, including the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), the Seraj Cyberspace Organization, and the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content. These entities were accused of operating censorship mechanisms, orchestrating online disinformation, and developing surveillance tools used to suppress public dissent. According to the Council, the listed bodies played a direct role in limiting internet access and disrupting online communications during periods of unrest. The sanctions now apply to 247 individuals and 50 entities connected to human rights violations in Iran. Equipment used for internal repression and telecommunications monitoring remains under export ban. Alongside the human rights designations, the EU has expanded its sanctions regime targeting Irans military support to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Four individuals and six entities linked to Irans drone and missile development were added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the decision as long overdue, saying the IRGCs role in repressing protests justified its terrorist designation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that the designation brings the IRGC into the same legal category as al-Qaeda and Daesh. Speaking after the decision, Kallas said the EU must be ready to further increase pressure on the authorities and continue supporting Iranian civil society. The EU move follows similar action by the United States, which designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organisation in 2019. The IRGC answers directly to Irans Supreme Leader and is central to the countrys military, political, and economic systems. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the EUs move as a publicity stunt, claiming Europe was ignoring Israeli actions in Gaza while escalating pressure on Tehran. Irans military leadership called the designation illogical and provocative, warning of consequences for European policymakers. The General Staff of Irans Armed Forces said the EU acted under the pressure of the delusional and foolish president of the United States, referencing Donald Trump, who has recently warned of military action if Iran does not re-engage in nuclear talks. Trumps administration has accused Iran of expanding its nuclear capabilities and has sent additional naval forces to the Arabian Sea. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon was ready to act if instructed. On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held phone calls with leaders from Qatar and Pakistan. His office said Iran would defend itself but remained open to dignified diplomacy. HT CAMPAIGNERS in Watlington have reacted angrily after the town lost its Air Quality Management Area status. South Oxfordshire District Councils licensing committee voted earlier this month to remove the designation from the town saying it had consistently shown levels of pollutants that were below national guidelines. The status meant that targeted action was needed to reduce nitrogen dioxide, a key pollutant primarily linked to emissions from combustion engine vehicles. A cabinet report on the issue presented to the committee said that since Watlington was first designated as a management area in March 2009 it has seen a reduction in NO2 of about 54 per cent. The 2025 report found that the level of NO2 was 23.7 g/m3 compared to 51.3 g/m3 in 2009. But parish councillors in Watlington have written a letter to one of the officers behind the report, saying they are very angry with the decision. They argue that the data over the past five years can not be used because the councils analysis used data from the covid years of 2020 and 2021. They added that it was upsetting that the council was not contacted prior to the decision being made despite holding several meetings with officers on the issue in the past. In response, the district council argues that even if the covid years are excluded, the area still meets the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs criteria for removing the designation It said the guidance states the status should be removed after five years of compliance but can be considered after three. Defra says: Compliance being reached in 2020 may not be representative of long-term trends in pollutant concentrations due to the change in activity observed across the UK as a result of covid and associated lock down measures. Where 2020 is one of many consecutive years of compliance, this may be considered for revocation. Gill Bindoff, who is chair of the Watlington Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Board, wrote: There have not been five consecutive years of valid data as Defra has stated that, because of the unusually low levels of NO2 recorded in the covid years of 2020 and 2021, these years should be excluded. Mrs Bindoff has requested that the committees decision be withdrawn immediately. She wrote: You knew that the years 2020 and 2021 should not be included but your report included them anyway and misled the members of the committee. They will be very embarrassed but, in Watlington, we are very angry. Mrs Bindoff said that she was upset at a lack of communication around the decision. She added: We consider that it is very poor practice not to have informed Watlington that the item would be on the agenda for that meeting. The partnership between the council and communities should be better than this. A spokeswoman for the district council said: Specifically for Watlington, measurements show that levels of pollutant, nitrogen dioxide, have continued to decline in 2022, 2023 and 2024 (following on from the 2020-2021 declining trend) and are now substantially below the National Objective set by Defra. She said that correspondence between the council and Defra had previously confirmed that the air quality management area could be lifted this year. The spokeswoman added: Defra confirmed that if NO2 concentrations remain below the objective and the legislation does not change, the council should be in a position to revoke Watlington AQMA in two years time. Officers behind the councils report said that they believed the progress had come as a result of a combination of factors, which include changes in working patterns following the pandemic and the rise in electric vehicles. The data was collected by the Environmental Protection Team using diffusion tubes and analysers which will stay in place and continue to be monitored after the AQMA is lifted. l What do you think? Write to: Letters, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley or email letters@henleystandard.co.uk International team gets close look at China's grassroots policing 13:50, January 29, 2026 By ZHANG YI in Quanzhou, Fujian and HU MEIDONG in Fuzhou ( China Daily Members of the delegation visit Jinjiang's Wudianshi police service office in Fujian province on Jan 14 and pose for a group photo with on-duty officers. CHEN LUKUANG/FOR CHINA DAILY In the historic streets of Fuzhou, along the verdant coastlines of Quanzhou, and within the ancient town in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, a unique delegation recently embarked on a journey to look behind the curtain of one of the world's safest societies. From Jan 12 to 15, the Ministry of Public Security organized a field trip, inviting police liaison officers from 11 nations and representatives of international organizations to explore the frontline of law enforcement in Fujian. The tour was designed to showcase the country's "two miracles" rapid economic growth and long-term social stability through the lens of grassroots policing. For the visiting envoys, it was an opportunity to witness how China's enforcement concepts translate into the lived experiences of ordinary citizens. For many international observers, a police station was often perceived as a cold institution. However, the delegation's visit to Fujian challenged this stereotype. Antonio de Padua Vieira Cavalcanti, a Brazilian Federal Police liaison officer, found himself surprised by the harmonious atmosphere at a local station in Fuzhou. "It was my first time in a Chinese police station, and it's very different from those in Brazil," Cavalcanti observed. "It is a very warm space where people can go to find services." The delegation found that integrating administration with technology and local culture at the precinct level makes the police seem less like a force of authority and more like a pillar of community support. This human-centric philosophy also finds its expression in the Zhangzhou 110 model a pioneering rapid-response unit that has become a national household name. Marcy Salting, police attache of the Philippine embassy in China, was deeply moved by the unit's commitment to public welfare. "It really shows how compassionate you (police in Zhangzhou) are," she said. "I really salute all of you, and I would say that I learned a lot from it." For Salting, the "compassion" of Chinese officers is the secret ingredient that unifies. As environmental crimes become a global crisis, China's specialized focus on ecological policing emerged as a major highlight. In Quanzhou's Luojiang district, the delegation visited a specialized station dedicated to protecting natural resources. Jason Beatty, an attache with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, noted that China has revitalized the concept of natural resource protection. Reflecting on a display showcasing tiger conservation and mangrove restoration, Beatty remarked on the evolution of policing. "In the early 1900s, there was a need to kill tigers because they had a negative impact on human populations. Now, it's the opposite; tigers are endangered, and we are bringing them back by stopping poaching." He stressed that a renewed focus on environmental policing is vital for human survival, noting that the preservation of clean water, air, and diverse ecosystems is essential, which needs all parties to work together. Adnane Makrani, the Netherlands Police attache, echoed this sentiment after walking through a local village. "The beauty of the work they do to preserve nature and try to balance humans and nature is impressive," he said, adding that the scenery was so serene that one could "sit somewhere, have a coffee and read a book". While the tour showcased traditional values, it also highlighted China's technological advancements. Sener Mavzer, counselor for security cooperation and interior affairs with the Turkish Gendarmerie, was particularly keen on China's "AI Plus" initiative. "Every year, I work on compiling crime rate statistics. From what I've seen, China is advancing at an impressive pace," Mavzer said. He was particularly impressed by the robust big data systems used to combat property crimes like theft." Your professional operational mechanisms and big data systems are functioning exceptionally well. We are eager to learn about these systems; we need to learn from China." Mavzer also expressed interest in the specialized units tasked with addressing emerging crimes."Crimes against the environment and transnational crimes are becoming increasingly prevalent. We must join forces to tackle these problems effectively," he urged. Chan Vandy, from the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, shared a success story of international cooperation. Last year, the center requested assistance from the Fujian public security department regarding 15 Cambodian nationals suspected of being human trafficking victims. Vandy noted that the department provided timely verification and updates to help resolve such issues, which demonstrated effective police cooperation. As the delegation concluded its trip, the mood was one of mutual respect and a shared desire for future collaboration. Stefan Korting, the German Federal Police attache, emphasized that understanding the history and specific systems of Chinese policing including visits to a police museum is the key to a "good future". "We see a lot of police stations and different ways of working, which gives us a deep understanding of how China works," Korting said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Canadian officials and political figures have warned of potential foreign interference after reports that members of the Trump administration held meetings with Alberta separatists seeking U.S. support for the province's independence amid growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa. Leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), a fringe separatist group advocating for Alberta's secession from Canada, met U.S. State Department officials in Washington on three occasions since April last year, according to people familiar with the discussions, the Financial Times reported. The group has also sought further meetings with U.S. officials to discuss financial support in the event of a future independence referendum. "The department regularly meets with civil society types. As is typical in routine meetings such as these, no commitments were made," a State Department spokesperson told the news outlet in response, while a White House official similarly stated that no support or commitments had been conveyed. Canadian concerns about external influence have been amplified by rhetoric surrounding the separatist movement. "We're seeing evidence of foreign interference," said Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, pointing to online campaigns and political messaging linked to U.S. actors. "It doesn't feel organic, we are being targeted by the Maga crowd." A spokesperson for Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc underscored Ottawa's position that Alberta remains central to the federation, saying the federal government is working to renew its relationship with the province "based on common objectives and respect for each other's jurisdiction." The talks come as relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months, with President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney clashing last week after Carney accused Washington of contributing to a "rupture" in the global order. The Alberta independence movement, long marginal in Canadian politics, has gained renewed visibility in recent years amid debates over energy policy and federal-provincial relations. However, public support remains limited: an Ipsos poll found that only 28 percent of Albertans would vote to leave Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office told The Financial Times that "the overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a U.S. state." Originally published on Latin Times If you've caught a glimpse of the Phoenix shining brighter than ever over Aruba's stunning Palm Beach, you're witnessing the transformation of one of the island's most iconic resorts. The famed Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, a landmark on Palm Beach since 1996, has just completed an extensive, top-to-bottom refresh. Divi Aruba Phoenix is kicking off 2026 revitalized, reimagined, and ready to welcome guests home to Aruba. The resort refresh kicked off in September 2023 and while minor touches are being made to rooms, the resort has fully reopened as of January 2026. Over this period, every corner of the resort received attention, from the 14-floor Tower and adjacent villas (Phase 1), to the Beach Towers A, B, C, and D (Phase 2) built in 2009. Together, these buildings host hundreds of guest rooms that have now been modernized to meet the expectations of today's travelers. At the heart of the project was a total transformation of Phase 1 accommodations. Say goodbye to outdated fixtures each bathroom now features sleek, modern designs emphasizing space and comfort. Kitchens have been completely overhauled with new cabinetry, backsplashes, and state-of-the-art appliances, including dishwashers, making extended stays effortless and enjoyable. New flooring extends through interiors and balconies alike, complemented by fresh baseboards, lighting upgrades, and entirely new furniture packages that strike a balance between island-inspired aesthetics and modern comfort. Guests will enjoy 65-inch Smart TVs and thoughtfully chosen artwork that add a stylish finishing touch. HVAC systems were also cleaned and updated to ensure optimal air quality and temperature control. Phase 2 guest rooms received a thoughtful refresh focused on enhancing aesthetics and functionality, including fresh interior paint, updated kitchen cabinetry, new lighting, upgraded appliances, new mattresses, balcony furniture, and refreshed artwork creating a bright, clean, and welcoming retreat that complements the resort's beachfront setting. Balcony spaces throughout the resort, a guest favorite for soaking up ocean views, now feature new flooring and elegant glass railings, offering a seamless blend of safety and unobstructed vistas of Palm Beach. Dining spaces also saw exciting updates. The sleek new poolside and oceanfront Wave Shack bar and grill was unveiled in 2024, serving fresh pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches to hungry beachgoers and resort guests. New seating arrangements and furniture at purebeach and pureocean Restaurant were added, creating fresh, comfortable spaces to enjoy the outlets' new menu offerings. Pureocean Restaurant specifically is sporting a new, modern feel with comfy loungers for mingling, and neon lights to set a fun tone for nighttime dining. Beyond the interiors, the resort's exterior received a striking refresh designed to feel modern and timeless. A sophisticated new palette of soft coastal grays now complements Aruba's blue skies and turquoise waters, giving the Phoenix a clean, contemporary look from Palm Beach. With the reopening of the final floors of the Tower and Building A, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort proudly enters 2026 offering guests a refreshed, elevated, and unmistakably vibrant beachfront escape. To book your stay at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, visit www.diviresorts.com/specials. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-367-3484 (toll-free US) or 1-919-419-3484 (international). Hotel website Four Seasons Resort Lanai named Jessica Candy as Spa Director, responsible for overseeing daily spa operations, including staff training, treatments and retail, fitness facilities as well as the Resort's Yoga and Wellness program. Candy has a distinguished spa and wellness background with almost 20 years' experience in the industry. Her return to Lanai marks an exciting new chapter for Hawanawana Spa. Candy has held executive spa leadership roles at properties including 1 Hotels, Montage as well as the Everline Resort & Spa and has worked in a variety of spa facilities from day and medical spas to salons and resort spas. Hawanawana Spa, whose Hawaiian name translates to whispering ocean - offers eight treatment rooms including four new couples' suites featuring rain showers, an intimate living and dining area, and side-by-side deluxe spa treatment beds as well as new reception, retail, and waiting areas. The salon offers manicures and pedicures and a selection of hair, bridal, and makeup services to enhance a visit. While at the Resort, wellness instructors offer a variety of complimentary indoor and outdoor classes, including yoga on the beach and morning meditation as well as group and private wellness experiences including cocoon sound bath, reiki, HeartMath meditation, tai chi, and more. Aerial yoga silk hammocks welcome all levels in a Yoga Studio featuring gorgeous views overlooking Hulopoe Bay and instructors can be booked for private training sessions, fitness assessments and meditation. Washington, D.C. Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced a comprehensive human trafficking prevention training curriculum that will be made available to the hospitality industry at no cost. The training will be available to independent hotel owners, operators, and brands throughout 2026, marking the first time these three major hospitality companies have collaborated on a training initiative designed to help prevent human trafficking across the industry. The updated training, developed in partnership with the three hospitality companies, Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), and Unboxed Training & Technology, is survivor-informed and leverages live-action video storytelling that will now be available in English and Spanish on PACTs website for industry use. PACT will serve as the training administrator and provided subject-matter expertise grounded in survivors lived experience. Unboxed Training & Technology served as the strategic learning design partner, working with the companies to design and deliver a scalable, multilingual learning experience aligned to shared industry standards. Participants will receive technical support throughout the training, scheduled reminders to encourage completion and a certificate upon successful completion. The collaboration exemplifies AHLA Foundations mission to unite the industry against human trafficking through its No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) initiative. All three companies are represented on AHLA Foundations NRFT Advisory Council, whose members champion and shape the hotel industrys unified anti-trafficking efforts and survivor support. It will be featured alongside the industrys existing training launched by Marriott International, which has been completed more than 2.6 million times by industry employees since 2020. This collaboration shows that together, we can achieve more than any of us could alone. Today, were putting competition aside and partnering across the industry to ensure every hospitality professional has access to the most up to date information and tools they need to recognize, respond and report instances of trafficking. Katherine Lugar, EVP, corporate affairs, Hilton and president, Hilton Global Foundation By listening to survivors and learning from hotel teams on the ground, we gained invaluable insights into where guidance could be strengthened to deepen the impact of our existing training. That understanding helped us shape and design an updated training to better support and equip hotel teams in real-world situations. Joan Bottarini, Chief Financial Officer at Hyatt and Chair of AHLAFs NRFT Advisory Council This partnership succeeded because we shared a commitment to turn an idea into action, together. By uniting around a common purpose, weve created a new, survivor-informed resource that can empower hotel teams to make a real difference in preventing human trafficking. Rani Hammond, SVP, Global Human Resources at IHG Hotels & Resorts. As an industry, well continue to play a leading role in human trafficking prevention. Through the AHLA Foundations NRFT initiative, our mission is to convene the industry to elevate awareness of the crisis of human trafficking, educate the industry, and support survivors on their path forward. We are proud to support this collaboration. This is the kind of industry-wide cooperation on shared priorities that we hope will inspire future collective efforts on critical societal concerns. Kevin Carey, President and CEO of AHLA Foundation This training launch announcement culminates a series of advocacy and awareness events conducted throughout January in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, offering the industry a valuable tool as it prepares to welcome large-scale events to the U.S. in 2026, which present opportunities to further strengthen awareness and prevention efforts. Industry members can access the training and additional information at courses.wearepact.org/preventing-human-trafficking. About AHLA Foundation AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industrys greatest asset our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org. About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 26 world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 141 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. As the No. 1 Worlds Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 235 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money cant buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2025, the Companys portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 82 countries across six continents. The Companys offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz, Thompson Hotels, The Standard, Dream Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas, JdV by Hyatt, Bunkhouse Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Vacation Club, and Hyatt; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt loyalty program, ALG Vacations, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. About IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the worlds largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 145 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms and 6,800 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,300 properties. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Groups holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 385,000 people work across IHGs hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn. Rahkendra Ice AHLA Foundation EXPERIMENTAL* announces the acquisition of Quinta da Comporta, an iconic address in the heart of preserved Portuguese countryside, where time slows down to embrace the beauty of Comporta. An hour and twenty minutes south of Lisbon, this area boasts endless beaches, infinite rice fields, wild dunes, and villages steeped in charm. A discreet, almost instinctive, luxury prevails soaking in the golden light and a bohemian, naturally elegant atmosphere. Here, the art of living is simple, refined, and deeply connected to nature. Quinta da Comporta embodies a rare hospitality where guests immediately feel welcome, inspired, and connected to the place and its region. The vast, open estate invites contemplation and exploration, from sunrise to sunset over the rice fields. The spa and wellness area are a sanctuary, offering a haven of calm and regeneration, in harmony with the gentle ocean. The experience also celebrates conviviality: warm spaces that encourage conversation, creativity, and the pleasure of being together. A sincere spirit, rooted in Comporta's unique lifestyle, where the joy of getting together becomes an art form. EXPERIMENTAL* will be committed to revealing this unique destination to its guests, while preserving what makes Quinta da Comporta so special: its elegance, its intimate connection with the landscape, and a rare sense of freedom. This news comes in addition to the recent acquisition by EXPERIMENTAL* of the iconic Hotel Infante Sagres in Porto which will open under the group in autumn 2026 and solidifies the brands strategic plans for growth in the Portuguese market. About Experimental Experimental was founded in 2007 by childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre- Charles Cros and Romee de Goriainoff. Xavier Padovani later joined the group and their shared vision: to offer the ultimate hospitality experience to a discerning clientele. Celebrated for bringing the cocktail renaissance to Paris, Experimental operates seven Experimental Cocktail Club bars in Paris, London, the Cotswolds, Venice and Verbier; STEREO, a live music venue in London; four "Compagnie Wine" bars wine bars in Paris, London and New York; and two beach clubs in Ibiza and Cannes. In 2015, the Group embarked on another journey, this time into hotels. Today, Experimental has twelve hotels across London, Paris, Ibiza, Menorca, Venice, Verbier, Val d'Isere, the Cotswolds and will grow the portfolio with a further hotel in Rome, Porto and Comporta in 2026. www.experimentalgroup.com In this recast of Hotel Moment, Karen Stephens, Revinate CMO, talks with Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners, about why the future of tourism isnt just sustainable its regenerative. With experience advising world leaders across 85 countries, Aradhana challenges the industry to rethink its impact, its technology, and its purpose. She dives into why much of todays travel AI is lipstick on legacy, how geopolitical instability affects the entire tourism ecosystem, and why hospitality can be one of the worlds most powerful forces for peace. In this episode, youll learn how regenerative tourism goes beyond traditional sustainability to create lasting value for destinations and communities. Aradhana explains why much of todays travel AI falls short of true innovation, and explores how tourism can drive resilience, foster community growth, and promote global understanding. She also shares practical leadership strategies for thriving in an industry that is rapidly evolving and facing unprecedented challenges. Listen in and rethink the future of hospitality for your guests, your communities, and your business. Meet your host As Chief Marketing Officer at Revinate, Karen is focused on driving long-term growth by building Revinates brand equity, product marketing, and customer acquisition strategies. Her deep connections with hospitality industry leaders play a key role in crafting strategic partnerships. Karen has more than 25 years of expertise in global hospitality technology and online distribution including managing global accounts in travel and hospitality organizations such as Travelocity and lastminute.com As the host of The Hotel Moment podcast, she interviews top players in the hospitality industry. Karen has been with Revinate for over 11 years, leading our global GTM teams. Her most recent transition was from Chief Revenue Officer, where she led the team in their highest booking quarter to date in Q4 2023. Watch the video Transcript Aradhana Khowala 00:00:00: Historically, tourism has been extractive as an industry. I know speak about sustainability, but if youre not adding back more than you take, net-net, you are extractive as an industry. Regenerative growth, and its not just in tourism, its in all kinds of businesses, is where you add back to a place more than you take. And thats not just to the place, its building businesses that are actually enriching or adding to the ecosystem, empowering the communities, and prioritizing human well-being alongside profit. Intro- 00:00:41: Welcome to the Hotel Moment Podcast presented by Revinate, the podcast where we discuss how hotel technology shapes every moment of the hoteliers experience. Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge technology transforming the hospitality industry and hear from experts and visionaries shaping the future of guest experiences. Whether youre a hotelier or a tech enthusiast, youre in the right place. Lets dive in and discover how we can elevate the art of hospitality together. Karen Stephens 00:01:10: Hello, and welcome to the Hotel Moment Podcast. I am your host, Karen Stephens, the Chief Marketing Officer of Revinate. And today we are joined by a true visionary in the hospitality and tourism sector, Aradhana Khowala. Aradhana is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a consultancy focused on regenerative tourism development. With over two decades of experience across five continents, she has played a key role in shaping some of the most ambitious sustainability initiatives in the industry. From her work with the Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia to her insights on AI-driven Travel personalization, Aradhana is at the forefront of changes transforming the Travel and hospitality landscape. Were thrilled to have her here today to discuss innovation, sustainability, and how women can break through the glass ceiling in leadership roles. So I have to say this conversation with such an amazing leader is really a treat. I hope you enjoy it. We get a little controversial here, my friends, which I think is a good thing. Theres a lot going on in the world. Aradhana is based in London. Shes worked all through the Middle East and globally, in fact. She sits on a ton of advisory boards. Shes done TED Talks. She really knows this space. So I think her insights on resilience and how we as an industry can thrive and survive with everything going on, and also her take on AI, is really, really cool and not something you hear every day. So here you go. I give you Aradhana. Hello, Aradhana. Welcome to the podcast. Its a pleasure to have you here. Aradhana Khowala 00:02:36: Thank you for having me, Karen. Karen Stephens 00:02:37: I have been so excited for this discussion. So I really encourage our listeners. I did an intro there, but I really encourage you to go out on social and find Aradhanas profile. Youve done so many cool things within the industry. So I really just want to make sure our listeners understand who were talking to here. So youve had a really impressive career spanning multiple continents and industries. So tell us what initially inspired you to get into hospitality and the luxury sector. Aradhana Khowala 00:03:03: I think it was human error. I pretty much escaped medical school and I had no clue what I was getting into. But Travel is my only and one true addiction in life. So I knew this is what I wanted or this is the direction I wanted to go in. But I didnt have a structured, firm plan in place when I started. Karen Stephens 00:03:23: Thats so cool. I find that its interesting when you talk to people at this part in their career, how that weaves through life. I think often young people are like, I need to pick one thing and stick with it. But I find that often life kind of brings about different changes. So can you just give our audience a little bit of an idea? Where did you grow up? Whats your background? Where are you living now? Just a high level of who you are and where youre from. Aradhana Khowala 00:03:45: So I was born in India, in Delhi, which is where I grew up. Ive worked across five continents and I pretty much shape tourism strategy. I have worked in 85 different countries where you are advising presidents, prime ministers and global CEOs on how do you unlock tourisms potential, but not just as an economic driver, but as a force for good. So a force for human advancement. My speciality is I lead the charge on regenerative tourism and Im talking long before it became fashionable. One of the things I also push for is wellness and inclusion and true diversity to become core pillars of hospitality as a business, not just side notes. I sit on multiple boards. I chair global think tanks. Thats pretty much it. And London is home. Karen Stephens 00:04:30: London. I love London. I lived there myself as well many years ago. And what a wonderful, cool, multicultural city. You can get anywhere from London quickly. So what a fantastic place to be. Aradhana Khowala 00:04:42: And you can hear multiple languages when youre walking the streets. Its a walkable city. 25% or 21%, dont hold me to the exact percentage, is actually forest. So you forget its a city with 15 million people, but you have greenery everywhere. I cant think of many cities in the world that offer that. Its a great place to raise kids. Karen Stephens 00:05:01: Thats right. Royal Parks. I love it. Okay, so you talked a little bit about regenerative tourism. So can you talk us through how that differs from traditional tourism? What do you mean when youre talking about regenerative tourism? Aradhana Khowala 00:05:14: So look, historically, tourism has been extractive as an industry. I know speak about sustainability, but if youre not adding back more than you take, net-net, you are extractive as an industry. Regenerative growth, and its not just in tourism, its in all kinds of businesses, is where you add back to a place more than you take. And thats not just to the place, its building businesses that are actually enriching or adding to the ecosystem, empowering the communities, and prioritizing human well-being alongside profit. So its not just an idealistic dream, its, I think, becoming a business imperative. And increasingly, businesses that fail to adopt this mindset will have to pay a price in the long run, either through reputational damage, environmental harm, or social backlash. Its going to come. So at some point, were going to see leaders realizing that they need to change their mind mindset that only values volume and actually make a leap into how do you actually prioritize values. So its not just about thinking how fast you want to grow. How do you grow in a way which is, its right. Its good for the people. Its good for the planet. And that doesnt mean youre abandoning the financial success. Youre just kind of reframing it. And thats what sustainable growth really is. You have to create value. But that does require bold decisions that may not pay off immediately, but will compound over time. But that puts off a lot of people from making the leap. Karen Stephens 00:06:48: Isnt that interesting? Because its the short-term gains of profitability, but youre not looking at the long-term gains of I loved how you called out kind of your reputation as a brand. So youre not doing it necessarily just for the reputation. But people, I believe, want to support businesses that are good for other people and good for the planet. So I love that concept. Aradhana Khowala 00:07:08: Look, when something doesnt work, we blame the leadership or we hold the leadership accountable. So as travel and tourism industry, we are no exception. We have really fallen short when it comes to our sustainability efforts. Its failed on a structural level. Its failed at a leadership level. And what we need is systemic change. But what we are doing is really tinkering at the edges and calling that a green gloss. But its not really systemic change. Karen Stephens 00:07:34: I think the other thing that I picked up there when you talked about wellness, youre not just talking about wellness in terms of the wellness industry for consumers. Youre talking about the wellness of the employees as well. Aradhana Khowala 00:07:45: Well, absolutely. And I think that is the most thing. I mean, the overall size of the industry, its now $6.3 trillion, and self-care, employee wellness, business wellness, all of them are intrinsic parts of it. And I think its also the holistic nature of wellness. We cant just say, I look at this part of the wellness, but not really. So its spiritual wellness. Its holistic. Karen Stephens 00:08:08: Its the whole thing. Yes, I love that. So, of course, everybody is talking about AI, AI. Thats the number one. I just got back from high tech here in the United States. And AI is the big buzzword. So how do you see that coming on? When you talk about staff, you talk about wellness for employees. Whats your take on AI and how thats going to impact the industry? Aradhana Khowala 00:08:28: I mean, you will know this a lot more than I do, because I know this is what Revinate focuses on. But I call it, Karen, weve had, as a Travel industry, a bit of an innovation drought. I mean, lets call it out. This is an industry that touches billions of lives. And, travel and hospitality, we have barely evolved in how we operate digitally. I mean, of course, lots of things have improved. The interfaces are sleeker. The search bars feel faster. But the underlying mechanics, what you call the real plumbing, which is not seen, of how bookings are priced, distributed and fulfilled. Im going to be controversial, but I think its still rooted in early 2000s logic. So, yes, we have the AI wave and its everywhere. But again, how much of it is lipstick on legacy? Most of what we bill as AI today in travel, its either a glorified chatbot thats answering pre-fed queries. Its a recommendation engine thats tuned to boost conversions. Or in the best case scenario, we have probably a very clever UI tweak thats layered on the same old booking stack. So for me, its not really a leap in innovation. Its kind of incrementalism of some form, because as a traveler, then you and I, and this is despite us being from the industry, when we are trying to book a holiday, we are still jumping across 10 tabs to piece together different pieces. Suppliers are burning budgets to claw visibility. And there is nothing which is holistically designed, personalized. I mean, its still out of reach for most. And what really is sad from my perspective is I dont think the system is broken. I think we have normalized the brokenness as this is the best we can do, which I think is sad. Its changing. Im optimistic. Karen Stephens 00:10:14: Yeah. Lipstick on legacy might be my new favorite catchphrase. I love that. One thing we talk about at our company is like AI isnt going to do you any good if your data is all over the place. And thats exactly what youre talking about. If a system doesnt know, have one place to go to to get all the details. And you got to be like, because thats what the humans do. We just saw a recent study where for most hotels, it takes two to four days to compile reporting on a monthly basis because you have to look at so many different things. So AI isnt going to help you do that if it doesnt know where to look, right? Aradhana Khowala 00:10:45: Absolutely. And I think its, look, where we are getting to is we still have one part of the value chain, which is human. Imagine we had something, and its something that Im working on, one of the projects Im working on, which is a startup, and I cant name names yet because its still under wraps. But imagine what is the very architecture of how we transact in travel. If we take it back to the old souks, the bazaars, where youre actually in the marketplace, bargaining, actively engaging, if they could reimagine the entire value chain. So imagine if there was a platform where you have two AI agents speaking directly to each other. So its my AI agent, not me, my AI agent who understands me, my preferences at a cognitive level, not just from prompt that Im giving. So its intelligence and its emotions to an extent. So my AI agent is speaking and negotiating now directly with the AI agent or systems of hotels, airlines, local vendors. And Im not talking static listings. Im talking about real-time personalized negotiation like we would see in a souk or a bazaar or a marketplace. So you just kind of say, okay, this is my intention, a quiet weekend by the sea. I need excellent Wi-Fi. It needs to be kid-friendly and I need everything, flights, local guides, and all of that can be orchestrated without you lifting a single finger. And its not fiction. Its the new direction. I think the next generation of platforms are all building forward, future forward. And towards this, its AI-to-AI commerce commerce, humans talking to bots, like I said, not bots pretending to be concierge, which is what we see, but actual AI agents negotiating with intelligence between them. Karen Stephens 00:12:30: Well, thats a really exciting concept. I think whats interesting about that is for so long, travelers, weve been voluntarily giving up our data. We know that if I tell you what I like and you personalize offers to me, thats going to convert. And I dont mind giving you my data if you do it right. If youre sending me a bunch of stuff thats irrelevant after youve asked me all these things, Im over it. But if you think about companies like Revinate and other companies that have deep guest data at the property level, but also across properties. So I think what youre talking about here is being able to unlock that data. So I dont have to tell you what Karens AI bot persona is. If were intelligent enough, we can see from all of the travel that Ive done. Aradhana Khowala 00:13:10: Exactly right. And think about the opportunity, how we can turn every social interaction into a potential deal, right? Youre pretty much collapsing the entire booking tunnel from hours to seconds. And then youre in control as a person whos booking. And the suppliers are in control, too, because they dont have to dump stuff, last minute pricing, whatever. I have nothing against OTAs, but also you have the opportunity of taking the middleman out of the picture. Karen Stephens 00:13:36: Right. Well, were very much not against it. Yes, we are. So we talk about direct booking. I think especially I mentioned high tech before. In addition to AI, the other thing that everybodys talking about is bookings are pretty soft. I mean, Im sitting in the United States. Weve had a dramatic fall off in international Travel. We know the reasons why for that as certain markets. So I think the folks here are really struggling with how to fill rooms today, how to make sure that youre not just, again, dunking your rates, throwing it out to a distribution channel thats costing you 20 to 30% on top of it. So in this environment, how should hotels think about how they start to take more command of getting those direct bookings in and attracting the right guests into their hotels? Aradhana Khowala 00:14:18: Its a very complex one. And as you rightly say, this is a time when we have 107 armed conflicts happening in some part of the world. The war is in the news. The travel bans is what we read off every morning. But its a global phenomena. And what we dont recognize, its very painful because tourism is so much more than leisure. Travel is. Its an economic lifeline. And Im talking at a global level. The amount of revenue that the Middle East as a region where I do a lot of work would have lost in the last few months, its unprecedented. I mean, Israel alone has lost an estimated three and a half billion in tourism revenue since the conflict started. In Egypt, there is at least one person in a family whos employed in the travel and tourism sector. They employ millions. And now with everything thats happened, theyre looking at a 20 to 30 percent drop in revenues. Its a fragile economic recovery, which is going to get the biggest boom. Like, come on. I mean, its not just bad timing. And there are many other countries who have probably been spared the direct conflict, but they have seen bookings plunge 35% year on year. So the 3,000 flights that are getting canceled in 48 hours, we have 45 different countries, including mine in the UK, where there were travel advisories that were issued saying avoid all travel. And we forget that, of course, safety is first. But from our industrys perspective, it completely paralyzes local economies and hotels are emptied. Cruises are rerouted. Insurers pull back and it takes sometimes months for something what we call is a small blip. Its not a blip. Its a full on crisis. And I think its also a wake up call for our sector. Because think about it, Karen, if you have a diplomatic problem, you have an embassy. If there is a financial issue, there are central banks that regulate these things. If there is a health issue, there is the CDC, Center for Disease Control, and World Health Organization. But travel and tourism, we have silence. I mean, we are 11% of the global GDP. 1.5 billion people annually Travel across borders. Thats one in six months to us. But when it comes to moments of real world geopolitical crisis, we dont have a war Room. We dont have a command center. We dont have a global voice to represent our interest and represent the interest of the small little mom and pop players who youre talking about. These are not big hotel chains necessarily, right? It could be small, medium, in some cases, micro enterprises. And the worst case is in a lot of governments, even the tourism ministry is sidelined because theyre excluded from national emergency response structures. As a result, when you have a crisis like we are seeing now, travel and tourism becomes the first casualty and the last to recover. Karen Stephens 00:17:05: It really does. I think you hit on a couple of things that I want to touch on. So we talked before about the impact of staff. Its the people in the hotels, but its also, as you mentioned, its the mom and pop selling bottled water to the people who get off the cruise ship. So that the impact to the economy goes all the way down in a lot of countries. And then also, and I saw this in a LinkedIn post that you had, and I dont remember the exact words, but at the end of the day, people see war and they just go, Im not going anywhere near that. And its thousands of miles away, in some cases. War in the Middle East and Thailands impacted. Its just everybody contracts, right? Aradhana Khowala 00:17:41: Absolutely. And youre 100% right. Its so interconnected and global in scale. Its terrifying. And because we dont have that unified leadership, so there is no green zone Travel corridor protocol, as an example. So how can we identify the safe corridors in volatile regions? How can we preserve essential mobility? How can we avoid a total industry collapse? We are the best agent of peace out there. Tourism is not a casualty. Its a catalyst. And its about time we acted as one. I mean, there is no better agent of peace. Because once you travel to a destination, you can never hate the place and the people. Karen Stephens 00:18:20: Amen to that. I want to really underline that. I think the more people that can get out and experience different cultures, different people, foods, music, thats how you bring about understanding, appreciation of other cultures. And thats number one for me. So what can a hotel do? I mean, you know, I think we always talk about the importance of having your guest data and understanding at a deep level where all of your guests are coming from so that you can proactively communicate. But in the absence of having, as you said, like a centralized organization or somebody that speaks for tourism, what advice do you give hotels to figure out how to navigate this way, especially if youre not in a war zone but you want to be able to draw in? Your bookings are falling regardless. Aradhana Khowala 00:19:04: I think you have to take a long-term view and you just have to be very resilient and that we are as an industry. Look at how well we came together during the COVID crisis. I mean, you speak a lot about innovation. The amount of innovation we saw between 2020 and 2023 was unprecedented. And that was also the three years where there was a lot of funding that went into Travel tourism startups. But coming back to your questions on hotels, I think do the right thing and prioritize the long-term view is what I would say. Because, if we make short-term calls and quick fix decisions, its never right. Its hard. I know easier said than done. But I think just take a long-term view and do the right thing for your guests, for your employees. Because how well you look after your people is ultimately how your guests are looked after. And if you do the right thing at the most difficult times, people remember and they always come back. Karen Stephens 00:19:56: Resilience is a word. I mean, when I hearken back five years ago to COVID, resilience is what got a lot of companies through. Whether you were serving the hospitality sector or the tourism sector, you were a hotel yourself. So I think that thats a word that is appropriate again in this time. Its like, how do you navigate that? And I also love the idea of really thinking, taking it down to doing the right thing for your people. And itll come throughout the other side. Aradhana Khowala 00:20:20: And I think were also very good as an industry. We do well when we are pushed to a corner, which is what we saw during COVID. I mean, think back of all the cool things we achieved in like 18 months. And then theres been a lull after that, but that we wont talk about. But we introduced touchless tech across airports, hotels, restaurants, right? I mean, there was a dynamic route planning. There was digital nomad visas. We came up with all of these real-time pricing, all of these really cool things in 18 months flat. So we do really cool things as an industry when we are pushed to it and are not given the options. And we dont get funding anyway. So thats a good thing because Karen Stephens 00:21:01: Were scrappy. Aradhana Khowala 00:21:01: Were scrappy as an industry. Exactly. I mean, of all the funding, its 1% of all startup funding that goes to travel and tourism. Its shocking. So there is the volume angle. And Im talking not just one year. Im talking over the last 15 years where travel and tourism as an industry contributes 10 to 11% of the global GDP. But we get 1% of overall startup funding across all industries. I mean, food delivery startups get 7%. Karen Stephens 00:21:29: Wow. Why do you think that is? Aradhana Khowala 00:21:32: Multiple reasons. I think there is the value angle. So if I dissect the 1% that comes to travel and tourism, I think it tells a different story. So there is the volume angle and there is the value angle. Where does that 1% go? That 1% only goes to hospitality startups. So as an example, in the last few years, it was all about short-term rentals. And it was about business travel facilitators, which is startups in the space who are providing corporate solutions like expense management software and things like that. Its really not going into things which are completely transforming the industry. So its not really sustainable, innovative. Its still low-risk, high ROI, familiarity-based choices, not really true innovative choice. Karen Stephens 00:22:19: And true innovative. Well, I know you cant mention the name of the startup, but Im excited to see what that is. I really am. So going back to, you talked a little bit about the Middle East, and I know that you are also in the luxury sector is where you also specialized. The Middle East has more development around luxury hotel stock than anywhere in the world. So can you just talk, and I know obviously not great whats going on now with the wars that are there, but can you just talk about what the potential is out of that region, wars aside, with what were seeing as hotel stock and the luxury? I mean, because its really a different level when you talk about luxury in some of those places. Aradhana Khowala 00:22:55: For sure. And I think its also extra special because its in the region. What were seeing is financial will and political will come together in ways that its not easy to bring it together, if that makes sense. Were talking about $800 billion of active investments in the region as we speak. And Im not counting the overall project size. So Neom, which is Saudi Arabias $500 billion techno-futuristic city, is aiming to build a land of the future and aims to reshape global travel completely. There is Red Sea Global, where were looking at 50-plus resorts. Its going to contribute $5.5 billion annually to the Saudi GDP. There are projects in Egypt, which is a $35 billion project. Its a coastal mega-project funded partly with UAE investment. Theyre seeking to completely redefine the Mediterranean. Iraq has a big project. I think its $20 billion. Its a land corridor which is connecting Gulf to Europe. Qatar is doing multiple things. Bahrain is great. Oman is championing sustainable tourism. So I think, I mean, its what were seeing in terms of scale and speed. Its unprecedented. And I would go so far as to say that theyre not just vanity projects because theyre really existential bets on a post-oil future. The sad part is where you have geopolitical crisis like you do, they also get dangerously exposed. Karen Stephens 00:24:20: Thats interesting. I love it talking about they can see that the future is going to move away from oil and gas. And yes. Comment about my own country. I wish that we would get that at a higher level. But anyway, yes, thats interesting. So that the tourism comes out. And if its sustainable, regenerative, is like youre talking about. Thats really exciting. Aradhana Khowala 00:24:41: And also, at the end of the day, its about the people. Its the people argument. Because in this region, we have the population, like in some countries, 70% of the population is below the age of 30. So what other industry could be better in really employing a whole lot of youth and giving them the promise of a bright future than travel and tourism? Because we dont have that benefit in the Western world, not in the U.S., not in Europe, where in some countries we have a degrowing population. But in the Middle East, when you have so many young people, you need an agenda and a strategy, which is very pro-employment and pro-skills development. Karen Stephens 00:25:18: Right. Absolutely. Its fascinating. It really is. So obviously youre a powerhouse, Aradhana. Obviously youre sitting in a lot of boardrooms. You have your own company. You advise a lot of companies. So what advice can you give to other women who are listening to this that are thinking about how do I grow my career, and especially in hospitality and technology? Like what advice can you give young women out there at the start of their careers? Aradhana Khowala 00:25:41: Okay, a few. I would say anyone who is thinking about leadership, young men, women, both, anyone in the younger generation, I think my advice would be to not underestimate the power of your vision as an individual and what you can do. Because at the end of the day, Karen, leadership is not about making money. Its about making a difference. And you will see that through history and even in the future, the ones who will actually change the world will be the ones who leave the world better. And that only happens by challenging the status quo. So as a young man, woman leader, you have to cultivate resilience. You have to lean into your values, which I think is extremely important. Build coalitions of like-minded people who understand the importance of what youre trying to do. Start small experiment and be willing to fail spectacularly. I mean, stay committed to the picture. We live in a very funky world. I have a teenager and the pressure that young kids have today, the pressure to conform to dictates of society. Its a whole lot. So I just want to tell people that the people who will shape the future will be the ones who will not be going or chasing after a quick win. They are the ones who will challenge the status quo and redefine what success means to you. So work from your heart and dont worry about rules. Break them. Karen Stephens 00:27:08: I love that. Aradhana, this has been an amazing conversation. Very inspirational. I really appreciate you taking the time. Thank you for being my guest. Aradhana Khowala 00:27:15: Its been a pleasure. Thank you very much for speaking to me and having me. Outro- 00:27:23: Thank you for joining us on this episode of Hotel Moment by Revinate. Our community of hoteliers is growing every week, and each guest we speak to is tackling industry challenges with the innovation and flexibility that our industry demands. If you enjoyed todays episode, dont forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. And if youre listening on YouTube, please like the video and subscribe for more content. For more information, head to revinate.com/hotelmomentpodcast. Until next time, keep innovating. Media Team Media team | Revinate +1 415 671 4703 Revinate, Inc. View source Lilly Mitchell, Jeannie Green, and Ximena Vera - Image Credit Kalahari Resorts Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has announced several promotions and new appointments within its Group Sales department. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has implemented a series of leadership changes within its Group Sales department as part of efforts to support national growth and expansion. The company stated that these updates are intended to strengthen its group, meetings, and convention business across the United States, including activities related to its fifth resort in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Lilly Mitchell has been promoted to National Sales Director. In this expanded role, Mitchell will support strategic growth throughout the greater Washington, D.C. region. She will continue to focus on the Spotsylvania property while also promoting the Kalahari brand nationally with association partners. Kalahari has also appointed Jeannie Green as Director of Sales for Virginia. According to the company, Green has held previous positions with JW Marriott Las Vegas and the Kessler Collection. Additionally, Ximena Vera has joined Kalaharis National Sales Organization as Special Projects Manager, based in Wisconsin Dells. In this position, Vera will assist with the execution of strategic initiatives and provide support to sales teams. The company stated that Veras responsibilities include contributing expertise in data and performance insights to help improve collaboration and efficiency across the organization. The company indicated that these leadership updates are part of its ongoing investment in talent and infrastructure to support its group business nationwide. The announcement referenced continued anticipation around the companys planned resort in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Lt. Col. Alexander McDonough presents a certificate of appreciation to members of the Michael Kennedy American Legion Post 152. Williamstown Legion Post Recognized for Generosity to Guard Members WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Michael Kennedy American Legion Post 152 has been recognized for its work to support a Cape Cod National Guard training site. Lt. Col. Alexander McDonough presented the post with a certificate of appreciation for its support and commitment to the soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The post's generosity ensured that the soldiers and their families had a successful holiday party and a Christmas to remember. "Their support is greatly appreciated by Camp Edwards and the Massachusetts Army National Guard," the camp posted on Facebook. Companion Corner: Beans at Berkshire Humane Society PITTSFIELD, Mass. There's a sweet and playful puppy looking for his new family. iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. Beans is a terrier and American pitbull mix and came to the shelter with his littermates early December. Canine caregiver and adoption counselor Simone Olivieri told us about Beans. "There were four of these puppies in the litter. Each puppy looked very unique, different colors, different face shapes. They were all very, very unique puppies," she said. Beans is a very active puppy and is always playing. He is still learning many things but will also cuddle you once he's tired out. "Beans is super cuddly, very affectionate puppy. Once his needs are met, he's also very high energy, very playful. So he's gonna need a lot of attention training," Olivieri said. "He's really treat motivated. So he does love to learn once his physical needs are met and he has had some training. He, I mean, he turns into this just lovely, cuddly, snuggly boy." He needs to be in a home with someone who can keep an eye on him and help train him as he is not used to being in a house. He is still learning where to use the bathroom and needs to learn to be in a crate. "Lots of walks, lots of attention. A family who is home quite often would be wonderful for a couple reasons. First of all, so he can get a lot of attention, love, care, also to help him work on his potty training. He is not fully housebroken. He does know to potty outside, but we're still working on it," she said. "We're also working on his crate training. So he is going to need someone who has quite a bit of time on their hands, especially up front for the next few months, getting him integrated into the home. He had been living outside mostly before he came here." Beans likes everyone but with his high energetic nature, he is preferred to go home with older children. He might be OK with a cat but it's unsure right now, and would be better to go home with an older female dog to help teach him not to be less rowdy. "He gets along with every single person that he meets. But we are thinking for kids in the home, 12 and up, would be best. Just because he is still a puppy, he can still be a little bit mouthy and jumpy and rambunctious at times," Olivieri said. "He does OK with cats. He might want to chase a cat. So if there's a cat in the home, definitely a dog-savvy cat. If there's another dog in the home, we're opening it up, he can be a little bit rowdy and rough playing with other dogs. "We've had some play dates here at the shelter. He's done well. He just needs to be with another dog that can really match his energy." Adopters should make sure their house is Beans-proof. He loves to play with toys and will definitely tear up the soft toys and possibly other things. "He's still a puppy, still teething, he's going to want to just destroy stuff and rip stuff apart, and he's pretty good at it," she said. "So keeping him in a crate when you're not home or you can't watch him, and definitely puppy proofing the house is going to be really, really crucial for him, so that he doesn't ingest anything that he shouldn't." Beans came from a home with other siblings in an unwanted litter. The Berkshire Humane Society wants to remind pet owners that it can help with grants and clinics to neuter or spay animals, as it can be expensive. "There were four adult dogs in the home. We are working with the previous owners right now with their male dog, who is actually Bean's father, with getting him neutered through our clinic," Olivieri said. "We do have some grants from time to time through our wellness clinic, and we have some low-cost spay and neuter programs. "We just want to let everyone know we're out there and we can help with the cost of spay and neuters for your dogs." Once you meet Beans, you are sure to love him and he will love you as well. He is a great dog who will always stay by your side. "He's a lot of excitement. He wants to be just like, on top you with you, either playing or getting, you know, touched and loved on. So he's going to be a commitment, but for the right person and right family who wants to go like all in with him, he is just a lovely dog, like he just, he's going to be a good soulmate for somebody," Olivieri said. You can visit Beans at the Berkshire Humane Society and read more about him on the website. The Berkshire Humane Society is open Tuesday through Sunday. The adoption center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Xi calls on China, Britain to jointly advocate, practice true multilateralism Xinhua) 14:40, January 29, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and Britain, as supporters for multilateralism and free trade, to jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism. Xi made the remarks in his meeting with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, adding that international law can only be truly effective when all countries abide by it. He also said that major countries should take the lead in particular, otherwise, the world would risk regressing into the law of jungle. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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 China has executed 11 members of a powerful mafia family that once dominated cyber-scam operations along the China-Myanmar border, according to state media reports. The individuals belonged to the Ming family, a clan that for years exerted near-total control over Laukkaing, a town in northern Myanmars Shan State. The area, previously impoverished and isolated, was reshaped under their influence into a thriving enclave of casinos, online fraud hubs and brothels catering largely to foreign clientele. The executions follow a ruling by a court in Zhejiang province, which handed down death sentences last September for offences including murder, fraud, illegal detention and the operation of large-scale gambling enterprises. Chinas top court later rejected the groups appeals in November, clearing the way for the sentences to be carried out. The state-owned media Xinhua reported that the crimes of the executed included intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud and casino establishment. The outlet reported that Chinas Supreme Peoples Court authorised the executions after determining that evidence of offences dating back to 2015 was conclusive and sufficient. The Ming familys downfall was tied closely to the escalation of Myanmars civil war. In 2023, ethnic armed groups seized control of Laukkaing from junta-aligned forces. During the takeover, members of the Ming network were detained by militias and subsequently transferred to Chinese authorities. Last year, Chinas ministry of public security said that in 2025 alone, more than 7,600 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in online gambling and telecom scams were returned from Myawaddy, a southeastern Myanmar town near the Thai border. For years, scam compounds in Myanmar have been linked to the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of people, many of them Chinese nationals. Recently, China has intensified coordination with Southeast Asian governments to dismantle scam compounds, leading to the return of thousands of Chinese nationals. Victims were lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to be held captive and forced to carry out online fraud targeting people abroad. Chinese authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over the scale of these operations, pressing Myanmars military government to intervene. Public anger inside China intensified last year after reports circulated online about a Chinese actor who travelled to Thailand for what he believed was an acting job, but was instead smuggled into a scam compound in Myanmar. Last year, it was reported that a 22-year-old Chinese actor who had gone missing near the Thailand-Myanmar border said he was a victim of human trafficking after being rescued from an area where online scam networks operate. Wang Xings family had requested help from the Chinese embassy in Thailand after the actor went missing in northern Thailands Tak province bordering Myanmar. Thai authorities found him in Myanmar and brought him back for questioning, police said at the time. Meanwhile, Xinhua reported on Thursday that the criminals close relatives were allowed to meet with them before the execution. According to Chinas judiciary, the Ming familys businesses generated more than 10bn yuan (1bn) between 2015 and 2023. The court said their activities were linked to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to many others. Earlier this month, Cambodian authorities extradited businessman Chen Zhi to China. The United States has alleged that Chen heads a corporate group used as a cover for a cyber fraud operation generating billions of dollars. 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 Chinese national who exposed human rights abuses in Xinjiang has been granted asylum by the US after a judge found he had a well founded fear of persecution if returned to China. Guan Heng, 38, applied for asylum after arriving in the US illegally in 2021. He has been in custody since being swept up in an immigration enforcement operation in August as part of a mass deportation campaign by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security initially sought to deport Mr Guan to Uganda, but dropped the plan in December after his plight raised public concerns and attracted attention on Capitol Hill. In 2020, Mr Guan secretly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang, adding to a body of evidence of what activists say are widespread rights abuses in the Chinese region, where as many as 1 million members of ethnic minorities, especially the Uyghurs, have been locked up. During Wednesday's hearing in Napanoch, New York, Mr Guan was asked if his intention in filming the detention facilities and then releasing the video a few days before arriving in the US was to give him grounds to apply for asylum. He said that was not his goal. I sympathised with the Uyghurs who were persecuted, Mr Guan, speaking by video link from the Broome County Correctional Facility, told the court through a translator. This photo provided by Luo Yun shows an undated photo of Guan Heng ( Luo Yun ) Mr Guan knew he had to leave China if he wanted to publish the footage, he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. He went first to Hong Kong and from there to Ecuador, where Chinese tourists could travel without a visa, and then to the Bahamas. He released most of his video footage on YouTube before taking a boat to Florida in October 2021. Mr Guan told the judge he didn't know whether he would survive the boat trip and wanted to make sure the footage would be seen. After the video was released, police in China questioned his father three times, Mr Guan said. The Chinese government has denied allegations of rights abuses in Xinjiang, saying it runs vocational training programs to help local residents learn employable skills while rooting out radical thoughts, and has silenced dissenting views through a range of coercive means. Mr Guan's lawyer, Chen Chuangchuang, said in his closing statement that the case is a textbook example of why asylum should exist and that the US has both a moral and legal responsibility to grant Mr Guan asylum. In making his ruling, Judge Charles Ouslander told Mr Guan the court found him to be a credible witness and that he had established his legal eligibility for asylum. He said Guan was right to fear retaliation if sent back, noting that the Chinese government had questioned his family and inquired about Mr Guans whereabouts and his past activities. It was an increasingly rare successful outcome for an asylum seeker since president Donald Trump returned to office. The asylum approval rate dropped to 10 per cent in 2025, down from 28 per cent between 2010 and 2024, according to federal data compiled by Mobile Pathways, a California-based nonprofit that helps immigrants navigate the U.S. legal system. Mr Guan, however, was not immediately released because the lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security said the department reserves the right to appeal. It has 30 days to do so, but Ouslander urged DHS to make its decision soon, noting that Mr Guan has already been detained for about five months. 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 An 11-year-old boy was hailed as brave after he took control of a car in Hong Kong when his father suddenly fainted at the wheel. The incident occurred on Monday at around 6.20pm, when the 47-year-old father, identified in the media only by his surname Hui, suddenly lost consciousness, causing the vehicle to veer out of control. He was driving in Kennedy Town in Hong Kong. Seated in the front passenger seat, the boy quickly grabbed the steering wheel in an attempt to stop the car. He managed to steer the vehicle for about 100 metres before it collided with a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle driven by a 66-year-old man. The car then mounted the curb and crashed into roadside metal barriers before coming to a halt. Despite the dramatic circumstances, no one was injured in the crash. Social media users hailed the boy as brave for his quick thinking. 11-year-old child steers car for nearly 100 meters after father goes unconscious at wheel in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong ( Sam Kwok ) Movie scene quick thinking by the father and the kid. The best part is that there are no injuries, a user said. He did absolutely fine, hes not gonna be able to reach the pedals so he steered it into a barrier and another car, if nobody was hurt I count that as a win, another user said. The boy, the other driver, and the passengers involved were all reported to be unhurt. Paramedics rushed the unconscious driver to the hospital for treatment. His condition was not immediately known. Police are investigating the incident, including the cause of the fathers sudden fainting and the circumstances leading up to the crash. In 2018, an eight-year-old boy was hailed a hero after he took control of a car at 60mph and steered it to safety after his mother suffered a seizure. The boy, Ben Hedger, put the hazard lights on and drove the car across the lanes in Colchester, in Essex. He navigated the car before bringing it to a halt on a grass verge, preventing a likely major accident. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When police raided the Apple Daily newsroom in 2021, journalists across Hong Kong understood they were watching more than the collapse of a newspaper. They were being shown the future. A little over four years later, the conviction last month of the papers founder, Jimmy Lai, on sedition charges has merely formalised that state of affairs. The real impact has long since settled in, embedded in daily decisions about what can be written, who can speak, and how far the press can push in their pursuit of the truth. What remains of journalism is editors identifying invisible red lines, protecting staff and ensuring their reporting does not expose journalists or sources, while reporters engage in self-censorship to escape harassment and intimidation by the government. Nothing has changed because everything has already changed. The changes are baked in, Tom Grundy, the founding editor of Hong Kong Free Press, tells The Independent. Many Hongkongers, from whatever side youre on, are reluctant to speak nowadays, and there are fewer opportunities to ask questions of the authorities. Only a handful of journalists working in Hong Kong agreed to speak to The Independent, with several requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal. Those interviewed, from local and foreign media organisations based in the city, described witnessing in real time a rapid erosion of press freedom in what was once one of Asias most open and freewheeling media environments. Critics of the Chinese government say the guilty verdict against Lai, delivered after a 140-day trial, was preordained. The elaborate courtroom performance, they argue, should not be mistaken for justice. Lai is due to be sentenced soon, likely to life imprisonment. The looming verdict against the British billionaire businessman has sharpened pressure on prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit on Wednesday, to raise the matter directly with president Xi Jinping. Starmer is the first UK leader to visit China in eight years. His flight out came just days after the controversial approval of Chinas planned mega-embassy in London, and Starmer is facing widespread calls to prove he can still stand up to Beijing by securing the freedom of the British citizen whose health continues to deteriorate after more than 1,850 days in detention. open image in gallery Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing, China, on 28 January 2026 ( AP ) Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, says the days are now gone where you would see any story that questioned political power, or the citys disciplinary forces, in the local press, as these are now deemed the most sensitive areas. On the surface, the working conditions for the citys press seem quiet and calm: there are no longer dramatic newsroom raids, sudden arrests of journalists or people working in news organisations, and few, if any, overt acts of censorship. Instead, she explains, there are more covert forms of coercion anonymous letters accusing journalists of indulging in anti-China activities, threats of being reported to the national security police, targeted tax audits, and, in some cases, gag orders preventing them from explaining why they have stopped publishing or speaking publicly. Authorities have continued to arrest and prosecute people over speech, sometimes over quite innocuous comments on the internet criticising the government or over certain political slogans. None of these used to be criminal in Hong Kong, she says. They have moved to use other coercive methods covertly, so that people stop publishing or saying things in public. open image in gallery Projection on the UK parliament spotlights Keir Starmers golden opportunity to free Jimmy Lai ( Supplied ) Cheng, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with The Wall Street Journal over her dismissal by the paper, says that the authorities have realised arresting people, especially journalists, could backfire or lead to greater reputational damage for the government. The 35-year-old says she has first-hand experience of the threats and harassment that many in the profession have faced. Letters accusing her of anti-China activities or causing unrest in Hong Kong were sent to a professional organisation connected to one of her family members. Basically, it felt like a way to intimidate me and their professional contacts, suggesting that those contacts should not have a relationship with me, she says, adding the letters mixed half-truths with public information to appear credible. The journalists association has documented about a dozen similar cases involving reporters and their relatives, with complaints to police yielding no relief. open image in gallery Final edition of Apple Daily in Hong Kong on 14 June 2021 ( AFP/Getty ) The deterioration of press freedom in the city Hong Kongs global press freedom ranking has dropped from 18th in 2002 to 140th now moving closer to that of mainland China, which is in 178th place worsened dramatically with the imposition of the national security law in 2020. The law, imposed directly by Beijing after bypassing Hong Kongs local legislature, criminalises any acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, using language that critics say is deliberately vague. One of its first blows landed in June 2021 when almost 500 police officers raided the Apple Daily offices. Lai and senior staff were arrested and assets worth 1.64m were frozen. The newspaper was raided twice before it announced its closure a few days later a move described by Hong Kongs journalists and critics of the Chinese government as a chilling blow to freedom of expression. At least 14 other media outlets have shut down since, and many individual journalists have been arrested, according to Human Rights Watch. Stand News, once the citys most prominent pro-democracy outlet, saw its office raided, had its assets frozen and, two years later, had its editors convicted of sedition over published articles. A journalist working for a foreign outlet, among those who requested anonymity, says the pressure is no longer confined to local media. International outlets are now part of the same calculation, he says. In a move that he described as chilling and unprecedented, the national security office called in representatives of all foreign media outlets to warn them against indulging in anti-China activity following the devastating Tai Po fire on 3 December. The national security law ushered a new era in Hong Kong which is now seeing a steady march towards becoming an integrated part of the authoritarian state, the journalist says. Unlike in mainland China, he says, news outlets in Hong Kong now routinely consult lawyers before publication, highlighting the unpredictability of the national security framework. That legal ambiguity has created a level of nervousness weve never seen before, he notes. Almost every international media organisation now seeks legal advice before publishing stories related to figures like Jimmy Lai. Reporters from local media outlets are being approached by national security police to drink tea a euphemism long used in mainland China to call in journalists to threaten or question them, he says. Drinking tea is framed as a polite invitation from national security police to have tea, the journalist explains. But it is really a euphemism for a meeting in which a journalist is warned, questioned, or quietly threatened. open image in gallery Journalists in Hong Kong are under mounting pressure ( AFP/Getty ) The intimidation is no longer limited to members of the media, journalists say. Sources routinely withdraw at the last minute, decline interviews, or insist on anonymity. Some media organisations allege that government representatives have contacted advertising departments to discourage certain coverage, threatening to withhold advertising budgets if they dont comply. For the international community to better understand China, Hong Kong is sadly a case study in terms of how different the values are between China and much of the world, the journalist working for a foreign outlet says. Some people I interview often say that Hong Kong seems, in some ways, stricter than the mainland. Authorities almost treat Hong Kong similarly to how Xinjiang or Tibet might be treated. Officially, authorities deny any erosion of press freedom in the city. Yet the coverage of Lais trial by the Hong Kong media closely followed court statements, with editorials in state-aligned outlets insisting it was fair and that the case had nothing to do with journalism. The South China Morning Post ran an editorial saying the verdict stands up to scrutiny, rejecting claims it undermined judicial independence. The paper accused the West of misrepresenting the trial as an attack on press freedom. State media outlets like China Daily, Global Times and CGTN echoed this line, urging international media to retract what they called misleading criticism. Before its closure, Apple Daily sold up to a million copies per day at the peak of its popularity. That same popularity is now being presented as evidence of a criminal conspiracy. Lai once said he had named the newspaper after a forbidden fruit in the Bible, telling Lianhe Evening News: "If Eve hadn't bitten the forbidden fruit, there would be no sin, no right and wrong, and of course no news. open image in gallery A newsstand sells copies of Apple Daily in Hong Kong in 2020 ( AFP/Getty ) Lai has repeatedly denied acting illegally, calling for sanctions on China or inciting violence, insisting that Apple Daily gave voice to Hong Kongers desire for freedom. Robert Sirico, a US-based Catholic priest and friend of Lai, says he met the media mogul in Hong Kong after his baptism and turn towards religion in the late 1990s. Lais real offence is moral, not legal, Sirico tells The Independent. He refused to be silent. And more remarkably, he refused to leave Hong Kong, even though he holds British citizenship. He was an uncompromising advocate of human freedom, but he was never treasonous. There were no machinations of that kind in all my dealings with him. Lai could easily have escaped if he wanted to, he notes, because he had the wealth, the passport, and the opportunity to do so. But he stayed in Hong Kong because he always said Hong Kong gave me my freedom and he felt obliged to defend it. Sircio recalls leaving the courtroom with deep unease after seeing Lai in a glass dock, surrounded by security, during a 2024 hearing. It was a little frightening. The courthouse was surrounded by a lot of military presence with guns. To enter, you had to go through security, paparazzi, and metal detectors and that was the moment I felt the most uncomfortable, he says. No words were exchanged when I first saw him in the small courtroom. When he walked in, he greeted his wife and family, and then he saw me. I could see he became emotional. He bowed in my direction, and I made the sign of the cross. Sircio hopes that voices around the world will keep speaking up for Lai. The Pope has met Mrs Lai and their daughter, and political leaders have raised the case, he says. Thats the hope: that he can be released and spend his final years with his family. open image in gallery Jimmy Lai is escorted to a prison van before appearing in a Hong Kong court on 12 December 2020 ( AP ) A journalist, speaking anonymously after being targeted over their work, says the case is about more than just Lai. Apple Daily and its publishing group meant a great deal not just to journalists, but to the entire media industry and to Hong Kong society, they say. The journalist says when people talk about the case, they focus on Lai because hes the owner and a well-known figure. But six other senior figures, including journalists, were arrested and convicted as well. The crackdown on Apple Daily caused enormous damage to the industry. It was the first major action taken against a press group in Hong Kong. Hundreds of journalists lost their jobs, and some no longer felt secure living in the city and the country, the journalist adds. In addition to Lai, six former executives of Apple Daily and its parent company, Next Digital, were tried under the national security law and all pled guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. For journalists still working in Hong Kong, Lais case is a boundary marker rather than a story a measure of how far speech can go. As for the future of the citys press, Grundy says he is not very optimistic. But we are still here, he says. For all the compromises we have to make, and for all the risks we have to face, we feel its better to be in than out to keep our ears to the ground and capture, with nuance, what is really happening inside the city. 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 Sir Keir Starmer has landed in China for the first trip to the country by a UK leader in eight years, telling reporters that he will raise the issues that need to be raised with president Xi Jinping. The prime minister has come under pressure from human rights groups to press for the release of British national Jimmy Lai, a former media tycoon and pro-democracy activist. Mr Lai is facing a life sentence in prison after a Hong Kong court found him guilty of national security offences last December. He has already spent five years behind bars for his role in Hong Kongs 2019 pro-democracy protests. Sir Keir told reporters on his flight: In the past on all the trips Ive done, Ive always raised issues that need to be raised. But part of the reason for engaging with China is so that issues where we disagree can be discussed. open image in gallery Lai was arrested just two months after this photo was taken in June 2020 ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Lai, 77, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper, which was forced to close after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. But after a two year trial, three judges handed down a guilty verdict, with Judge Esther Toh saying Mr Lais actions left no doubt that he had harboured resentment for the Chinese government. She said that the court was satisfied that Lai was the mastermind of conspiracies against the Chinese government and that his evidence was at times contradictory, inconsistent and unreliable. Who is Jimmy Lai? Born in mainland China, Mr Lai fled to Hong Kong aged 12 by stowing away on a fishing boat, where he began work as a child labourer in a garment factory. He built his fortune through fashion empire Giordano, before becoming an outspoken democracy advocate following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, when hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters fighting for political reforms in Beijing were killed. In 1994, Mr Lai become a full British citizen. Despite having never held a Chinese or Hong Kong passport, he is regarded as a Chinese citizen by Hong Kong authorities. Mr Lai began the producing Chinese-language and pro-democratic newspaper Apple Daily before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from the UK to China, as he aimed to maintain freedom of speech in the territory. The paper was openly critical about the Chinese government. open image in gallery Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, 72, poses during an interview with AFP at the Next Digital offices in Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) Why was he imprisoned? A known pro-democracy campaigner, Mr Lai was known to Chinese authorities ahead of the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, prompted by Beijings growing crackdown on wide-ranging freedoms through the national security law. Mr Lai described the legislation as "a death knell for Hong Kong", and his Apple Daily newspaper was critical of the reforms while being supportive of the protestors. On 10 August 2020, Mr Lai was arrested alongside his sons on the accusation of collusion with foreign forces and fraud. Later that year he became the first high-profile figure to be charged for allegedly conspiring and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security, under the new legislation. He has since been charged and banned on separate cases of unlawful assembly and other crimes relating to pro-democratic protests in Hong Kong. Lais declining health Mr Lai has spent much of his imprisonment in solitary confinement and his son has been outspoken about fears over his health. The millionaires son, Sebastien Lai, claimed last year that his father, who suffers from diabetes, had lost a significant amount of weight and that he had been denied independent medical care. open image in gallery Jimmy Lais son, Sebastien has hit out at his fathers treatment ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Lai's lawyer, Robert Pang, told the court that he had experienced some episodes where he felt that he was collapsing and had heart "palpitations", prompting the court to adjourn proceedings and order that he be provided with a heart monitor and medication. The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, a US-based, non-profit advocacy organisation, said Mr Lai was an iconic figure in the battle between those who uphold democratic values and Hong Kongs authoritarian government. Responding to his conviction in December, its UK and Europe director Mark Sabah said: The trial against Jimmy Lai has been a grotesque exercise in legal subversion and chicanery a show trial masquerading as justice. But whats actually been on display is the complete and total destruction of Hong Kongs reputation as a global legal centre. Jimmy Lai is a British citizen. His release should be a condition of prime minister Keir Starmers planned trip to Beijing in January. My father has been treated inhumanely, his son, Sebastien Lai, previously told The Independent. But he is defiant and strong. It is ridiculous that in his display of bravery, the prime minister [Sir Keir] will not meet with me, he added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pakistan has implemented heightened screening protocols for all arrivals, responding to India's confirmation of two Nipah virus cases. This decision positions Pakistan alongside a growing number of Asian nations bolstering their defences against the potentially fatal infection. Across the region, countries including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have also intensified airport health checks. In contrast, an Indian official has indicated there are no immediate plans to introduce screening at the country's airports, maintaining that there is no evidence of a widespread outbreak. The Nipah virus is a serious pathogen, capable of inducing fever and severe brain inflammation, and is associated with a high mortality rate. Crucially, there is currently no vaccine available. However, person-to-person transmission is not easily accomplished, typically requiring prolonged and close contact with an infected individual. "It has become imperative to strengthen preventative and surveillance measures at Pakistan's borders," the Border Health Services department said in a statement. "All travelers shall undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment at the Point of Entry," which includes seaports, land borders and airports, the department added. open image in gallery A health worker wearing protective gear disposes of biohazard waste from a Nipah virus isolation centre at a government hospital in Kozhikode ( AFP/Getty ) The agency said travellers would need to provide transit history for the preceding 21-day period to check whether they had been through "Nipah-affected or high-risk regions". There are no direct flights between Pakistan and India and travel between them is extremely limited, particularly since their worst fighting in decades erupted last May. In Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital's health department on Wednesday also ordered the screening of incoming passengers at Noi Bai airport, particularly those arriving from India and the eastern state of West Bengal, where the two health workers were confirmed to have the virus in late December. Passengers will be checked with body temperature scanners. "This allows for timely isolation, epidemiological investigation," the department said in a statement. That follows measures by authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, who said they had tightened health controls at international border crossings. India downplays outbreak fears India's health ministry said this week that authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two cases with none showing symptoms and all testing negative for the virus. The two infected people are health workers, with the male patient doing well and likely to be discharged from hospital soon, while the female patient remains critical and under treatment, the chief district medical officer in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal told Reuters on Thursday. open image in gallery Health officials in full protective gear walk inside an isolation ward in the Indian southwestern state of Kerala after a 23-year-old was infected by the potentially deadly Nipah virus ( AFP via Getty Images ) Indian health authorities have repeatedly sought to reassure people that the infection has been contained and that there is no reason to fear an outbreak. Federal health authorities also said there was no need to screen passengers at Indian airports. "There is no outbreak, there were just two cases in one district in (West) Bengal and there is no spread," a federal health ministry official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There is no consideration for screening at airports in India because there appears to be no need for it." Asked about Indian passengers being screened at airports across Asia, the official said it was the sovereign right of countries to do what they think is best. Nipah has a high fatality rate Nipah is a rare viral infection that spreads largely from infected animals, mainly fruit bats, to humans. It can be asymptomatic but it is often very dangerous, with a case fatality rate of 40 per cent to 75 per cent, depending on the local healthcare system's capacity for detection and management, according to the World Health Organization. The virus was first identified just over 25 years ago during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, although scientists believe it has circulated in flying foxes, or fruit bats, for thousands of years. The WHO classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen. India regularly reports sporadic infections, particularly in the southern state of Kerala, regarded as one of the world's highest-risk regions for Nipah. As of December 2025, there have been 750 confirmed Nipah infections globally, with 415 deaths, according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is funding a vaccine trial to help stop Nipah. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rich countries should provide significantly more foreign aid in the form of grants and donations, rather than loans to help the worlds most fragile countries adapt to the climate crisis, David Miliband has told The Independent. The former foreign secretary, who has been the CEO of humanitarian NGO the International Rescue Committee (IRC) since 2013, said that the escalating climate crisis is fuelling conflicts around the world, and more aid for climate adaptation is needed to help combat this. We need grant-based aid not just for vaccinations and to treat things like malnutrition , but also to fund climate resilience , he tells The Independent after a speech at Chatham House. Such financing is important not only because the last thing fragile states need is more debts , Miliband continues, but also because it is very hard for climate adaptation efforts to attract money in such countries. Protecting communities so that their livestock dont get washed away in a flash flood is a long-term benefit that is worth funding, he continued. But [these interventions] are hard to make investable for the private sector and thats triply or quadruply hard in fragile or conflict-affected states. Pointing to a recent IRC report listing 20 countries most likely to face worsening humanitarian crises this year, Miliband says: I think the contribution of climate change to conflict is underestimated. He points out that the majority of the 20 countries featured in the IRC report are situated around the equator, which is known to be a highly climate-stressed part of the world. Some of the biggest conflicts that exist at the moment, notably in Ukraine and Gaza, aren't climate conflicts, so it's important that we are disciplined in how we speak about this, he continued. But climate change is a major contributing factor to resource stress, which is known as one of the major factors driving conflict globally . The poorer you are, the less help you get Climate adaptation can include everything from mangrove forests to protect coasts, to the distribution of seeds for drought-resistant crops, to the construction of flood defences. That is different to mitigation, which is about reducing carbon emissions, and is an area that experts are much more confident around attracting non-aid-based investment in fragile countries, due to the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies . Alo Baniya, 40, a father of seven from the Afar region of Ethiopia, stands next to his flooded home in September 2025. Ethiopia is among 20 countries that the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has said are likely to face a worsening humanitarian crisis this year ( WFP/Michael Tewelde ) Given the immense pressure that aid budgets have come under over the past year, with Donald Trump slashing US funding and the UK also planning significant cuts as well as the hugely inadequate levels of foreign aid made available for adaptation in recent years aid agencies have told The Independent in recent months that they have been working hard to drive private investment in climate adaptation. However, data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that only around 10 per cent of money directed towards climate adaptation in developing countries has traditionally come from the private sector. Whats more, analysis produced last year from the NGO Mercy Corps modelled that, even in a best case scenario, only around 15 per cent of adaptation needs could be met by the private sector in developing countries. The challenge that we face is about helping people sustain their livelihoods in the face of a changing climate which in some cases is very difficult, but not impossible, to adapt to, Miliband tells The Independent. We have to really shift this inverse relationship at the moment, where the poorer and more exposed you are to climate change, the less money you get for climate adaptation, he adds. Unprecedented moment The IRC report Miliband mentions, Emergency Watchlist for 2026: An assessment of the 20 countries most likely to face worsening humanitarian crises this year was released last month. In it, Sudan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories top the list. Collectively, the 20 countries represent 12 per cent of the worlds population, but 50 per cent of people in extreme poverty, and 89 per cent of people in humanitarian need. The report describes the world as being at an unprecedented moment, while global support to address them is collapsing. Indeed, IRC itself had to cut its budget by some $400m (290m) in the wake of aid cuts announced by the US and others last year, which led to some 6,000 staff being made redundant. The report, which supports Milibands view that the climate crisis is an underappreciated factor in amplifying conflicts around the world, also stresses how conflicts across the world are driving humanitarian situations, highlighting how the 61 conflicts recorded globally in 2024 was more than had been recorded in any year since the Second World War. Some 18 countries recorded more than 1,000 conflict deaths in 2025, and the 1,000 people killed seeking medical care in the first six months of 2025 is a total 60-times greater than during the same period in 2024. Mr Milibands comments come several months after 10 of the worlds conflict-affected countries told The Independent at the Cop30 UN climate talks in Brazil that war and conflict has been a blind spot consistently overlooked in climate talks. They warned that they are among the most vulnerable to impacts of the climate crisis, but are only receiving 10 per cent of global climate aid, which is preventing them from adapting and building resilience to the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. The comments came a year after a network of conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable countries was formed at Cop29 in Azerbaijan in 2024, which came with a call for $20 billion in aid annually to meet these countries climate adaptation needs. At Cop30, however, the Brazilian presidency had ignored the countries calls for the subject to be a key part of the agenda, despite high-profile conversations around climate finance in other areas. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has pledged a $15 billion investment in China by 2030, aiming to expand its medicines manufacturing and research and development capabilities. The announcement, made on Thursday during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing, marks the largest deal of his trip as Britain seeks to strengthen ties with China amid strained relations with Washington. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the investment, stating: "AstraZeneca's expansion and leadership in China will help the British manufacturer continue to grow - supporting thousands of UK jobs." This significant commitment to China, the company's second-biggest market, comes despite recent scandals, including the arrest of its China president in 2024. It also follows a substantial $50 billion manufacturing deal in the United States last year, highlighting AstraZeneca's global strategic focus. Biggest investment in China yet AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said it was the company's largest investment in China, where it has operated for more than 30 years and is the biggest foreign drugmaker. China accounts for about 12% of its revenue. AstraZeneca has invested billions of dollars in the country during Soriot's tenure as CEO since 2012, including $2.5 billion in a Beijing research and development hub in March last year, its second after a Shanghai site opened in 2024. The drugmaker said the new deal would bolster its capabilities in new therapeutic approaches like cell therapy. ( PA Archive ) The centres work with more than 500 hospitals across China and have helped run global clinical trials. The drugmaker said the new deal would bolster its capabilities in new therapeutic approaches like cell therapy and radioconjugates, where it said China was a recognised leader. Building on its 2024 acquisition of Gracell Biotechnologies, AstraZeneca said it would become the first global biopharmaceutical company with end-to-end cell therapy capabilities in China. The investment would also help develop treatments for cancer, blood disorders and autoimmune diseases, the company said, and expand manufacturing sites in Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao and Beijing, which it said supply medicines in China and to 70 markets worldwide. It will lift its China workforce to more than 20,000. Astrazeneca partners Chinas booming biotech industry China's growing role as a source of new drug assets has become a focus for the industry, executives said at the JPMorgan Healthcare conference earlier this month. AstraZeneca has signed more than a dozen deals with Chinese biotech firms developing early-stage experimental drug candidates, including partnerships with AbelZeta, CSPC, Harbour BioMed, Jacobio and Syneron Bio. AstraZeneca's Chief Financial Officer Aradhana Sarin said in November that growth in China has been "strong throughout the year". Some rival drugmakers have sold off Chinese assets following supply chain disruptions, economic slowdown, and strong competition in the country's centralised drug procurement programme. 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 patient who developed a life-threatening condition managed to live without lungs for two days thanks to surgeons who built him an artificial one. The 33-year-old man developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), causing inflammation and an infection in the lungs. It was triggered by the flu, his lungs deteriorated rapidly until they were damaged beyond repair, and he developed bacterial pneumonia. Eventually, his lungs, heart, and kidneys started to fail and a double lung transplant became his only chance of survival. Surgeons involved in the operation, at Northwestern University in Illinois, have described how they removed the patients infected lungs and built an artificial lung to keep him alive until a double lung transplantation was available. He was critically ill. His heart stopped as soon as he arrived. We had to perform CPR, recalled Ankit Bharat, the lead author and a thoracic surgeon at Northwestern University. When the infection is so severe that the lungs are melting, theyre irrecoverably damaged. Thats when patients die. open image in gallery The patients new lungs, left, and old lungs, right ( Northwestern Medicine ) The patients body was too weak to accept new lungs and needed more time to heal from the infection, according to the report published in the Cell Press journal Med. To save the mans life, surgeons engineered an artificial lung system that temporarily replaced the organs functions. It oxygenated the blood, removed carbon dioxide, and helped maintain a stable blood flow through the heart and body. Once surgeons removed the infected lungs, the patients organs and blood pressure started to recover. After two days breathing through an artificial lung, donor lungs became available and a double lung transplant was performed. More than two years later, the patient has returned to daily life with good lung function, surgeons have said. open image in gallery Dr Chitaru Kurihara, left, and Dr Ankit Bharat, right, operating on a patient, removing the damaged lungs and attaching an artificial lung ( Northwestern Medicine ) Only about 150 to 200 lung transplants are carried out in the UK each year. However, there are not enough suitable donor lungs available in the UK and it can be hard to find the right match for an individual, lung charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis explains. Conventionally, lung transplant is reserved for patients who have chronic conditions like interstitial lung disease or cystic fibrosis, Dr Bharat said. Currently, people think if you get severe ARDS, you keep supporting them and ultimately the lungs will get better. But the damaged lungs, when removed from the patient and analysed, revealed there was widespread scarring and immune damage. These are signs that the tissue had reached an irreversible stage and could not recover on its own, surgeons explained. For the first time, biologically, we are giving molecular proof that some patients will need a double lung transplant, otherwise they will not survive, Dr Bharat explained. Using an artificial lung is currently a rare operation and is limited to highly specialised centres with the expertise and resources to carry it out. But surgeons involved in this case hope the method will be adopted into more standardised devices that can keep patients alive while awaiting new lungs. In my practice, young patients die almost every week because no one realised that transplantation was an option, Dr Bharat added. For severe lung damage caused by respiratory viruses or infections, even in acute settings, a lung transplant can be lifesaving. 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 Illegal fillers worth up to 4m have been seized by the medicines watchdog after dermatologists warned they could cause disfigurement and infection. More than 27,000 units of unlicensed dermal fillers have been confiscated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) since January 2020. The MHRA has warned that using these fillers could put your health at risk as there are no safeguards to ensure it meets our quality and safety standards. The figures, uncovered by cosmetic company Vip Italia through a freedom of information (FOI) request, revealed most of the fillers were seized in 2023, with 19,754 units confiscated. In comparison, 631 units were seized in 2025. While the MHRA does not hold information on the exact value for these units, given that fillers can retail at approximately 25 to 150 per unit, the estimated value is at least 677,450, and potentially as much as 4m. Dermal fillers are injectable substances commonly used to target wrinkles and smooth or rejuvenate the skin, but if used incorrectly, they can pose serious health risks. The filler should be clear and smooth, never cloudy or clumpy. If the syringe looks flimsy or doesnt have the brand name printed clearly on it, its likely a fake, says plastic surgeon Raoul Novelli ( Getty/iStock ) Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, told The Independent: Counterfeit fillers are potentially incredibly dangerous. They are not subject to regulations which are essential to prevent potentially devastating complications. Using these can put people at risk of disfigurement and infection, which can cause huge health issues. Dr Raoul Novelli, a plastic surgeon based in Milan who works with Vip Italia, explained that a major danger of counterfeit or low-quality fillers lies in their composition. Such products may contain preservatives, silicone, various oils, or other harmful substances capable of triggering unpredictable biological reactions after injection, including severe allergic responses and the development of permanent scars, he added. It is not just the quality of the filler, but the person administering it, he explained. If the filler is injected into or too close to blood vessels, it can have major consequences as a result of a blocked artery. This can lead to tissue necrosis, infections, scarring and nerve damage. Other risks include asymmetry, an overfilled look or skin discolouration. Nora Nugent, consultant plastic surgeon and president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), warned that one of the biggest red flags that a clinic is selling counterfeit filler is if their prices are very low compared to their competitors. Always be wary when a filler is very cheap (unlicensed fillers are usually cheaper), or is being provided outside of a healthcare setting or by a non-medical practitioner. These are all red flags for your safety and the risks are simply not worth the bargain or ease of treatment, she told The Independent. Experts at Vip Italia, which supplies aesthetic equipment in Europe and worldwide, also said fake vials usually dont have a batch number or an expiry date, so asking the practitioner for this information can help to check the legitimacy. The filler should be clear and smooth, never cloudy or clumpy. If the syringe looks flimsy or doesnt have the brand name printed clearly on it, its likely a fake, added Dr Novelli. These findings come as data revealed the MHRA seized almost 20 million doses of illegally traded medicines, with a potential street value of nearly 45m, during 2025. An MHRA spokesperson said: Buying any medicine from illegally trading online suppliers significantly increases your risk of getting a product which is not licensed for use in the UK. Purchasing from illegal suppliers means there are no safeguards to ensure it meets our quality and safety standards. Taking such medicines may put your health at risk. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with arson attacks on properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer. The Metropolitan Police said a 19-year-old man has been released under investigation after being taken to a police station in Essex for questioning on Wednesday. The suspect, of Harlow, Essex, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, the force said. Three men are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in April, accused of targeting two properties and a car following the arson attacks in May last year. A fourth man has been released without charge, a force spokesperson said. A court previously heard that two of the blazes occurred in Kentish Town, north London. A court previously heard that two of the blazes occurred in Kentish Town, north London ( PA ) One of the fires took place in the early hours of May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister and moved into Downing Street. A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier on May 8. The third incident took place on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. Ukrainian nationals Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Petro Pochynok, 35, both previously pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life between April 1 and May 13 during a hearing at the Old Bailey in October last year. Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, pleaded not guilty to the same charge on November 28, a court spokesman said. Prosecutors previously said the case was not being treated as terrorism-related. Lavrynovych, of Lewisham, south-east London, Carpiuc, from Romford, east London, and Pochynok, of Islington, north London, have been remanded into custody until their trial on April 27. The Met said the investigation, which is being led by counter-terrorism officers, remains ongoing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An MP has criticised the police after an officer raised concerns about the welfare of children living at a home targeted in a suspected burglary. Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake said an officer who attended the incident at a family farmhouse in his Thirsk and Malton constituency checked on the living conditions of two children living there via a Public Protection Notice, which he described a strange response to a report of a burglary, Mr Hollinrake said that a father had contacted the police with concerns about a suspected burglary but when officers arrived, they wanted to check on the familys children due to hygiene concerns. The officer also questioned whether there was enough food for them in the pantry, as well as commenting that the property had a strong odour and sticky and dirty surfaces, Mr Hollinrake said. The MP, who is also chairman of the Conservative Party, roundly criticised the manner in which police acted with the lovely family. He then wrote to North Yorkshire Polices Chief Constable to complain about the forces response. open image in gallery Kevin Hollinrake (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire ) In a video posted to YouTube, the MP said: I think it's utterly disgraceful, actually, the whole thing. You're investigating a burglary, you go around to the house and then they seem to be more interested in whether the kids are being looked after than whether the burglary can be successfully investigated - which it wasn't. They wrote back some days later to say they couldn't get anywhere with the suspected burglary. But clearly they had interest in this family, they're a lovely family. It's just disgraceful. Mr Hollinrake added that he wanted the police to focus on their day jobs instead. North Yorkshire Police has defended the actions of the officer, saying they did the right thing and are trained to check on the children in person in such a scenario. Catherine Clarke, assistant chief constable for local policing and safeguarding, said: A North Yorkshire Police officer attended a property in response to reports that there may have been an attempt to burgle the address. open image in gallery North Yorkshire Police has defended the officer ( Getty/iStock ) The officer followed appropriate lines of enquiry to enable an investigation to follow. Whilst at the address, the officer became concerned about the living conditions and possible health implications for children living there and, in line with their training, displayed appropriate professional curiosity to explore their concerns. Assistant Chief Constable Clarke added: We have engaged with the family to support the understanding of why our officer took this action. We fully appreciate that Police Officers asking questions about the welfare of children may feel intrusive, however we would never apologise for taking a child-centred approach and for being proactive in ensuring that the wellbeing of children is protected. All of our officers and the public should be able to raise a welfare concern where appropriate for it to be properly assessed by qualified professionals. We would encourage this to ensure the most vulnerable in society remain protected from harm. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A paedophile nursery worker has pleaded guilty to 30 new sexual offences, including an upskirting incident that took place in a school classroom. Vincent Chan, 45, is facing years behind bars for molesting girls aged three and four while working at the Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road, West Hampstead, north London. Chan filmed himself carrying out the abuse during naptime at the nursery and also confessed to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. On Thursday at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Chan appeared via videolink from HMP Pentonville to face 30 new charges. He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of taking indecent photographs of children, six charges of outraging public decency, sexual assault on a female, and 11 counts of voyeurism. As a result of his guilty pleas, Chan has now admitted to filming up the skirts of children as they sat at tables in a classroom. Police also recovered images showing Chan exposing himself in a classroom in 2017, as well as videos, believed to be of Chan, depicting a solo sex act. He has also admitted to a campaign of voyeurism between 2011 and 2023. Scotland Yard said he had placed hidden cameras around his home to film women getting changed, and he has also confessed to sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep. The new set of charges relates to 10 girls and six women, and did not take place at Bright Horizons, said the Met. Chan will be sentenced on 12 February for all 56 offences that he has now admitted. Chan worked at the Bright Horizons nursery for seven years until he was suspended in 2024. This came after a colleague raised concerns about his activities with the children. The whistleblower complained that Chan had filmed a child falling asleep and set the footage to music, in a bid to entertain his colleagues. The Metropolitan Police investigation that followed unearthed Chans collection of more than 25,000 indecent images of children. Among them were videos taken by Chan himself as he sexually assaulted some of the children at the nursery while they were sleeping at naptime. In the new charges, Chan has admitted taking indecent images of children in 2024 and 2025, as well as outraging public decency offences in the classroom between 2011 and July 2017. One of Chans videos, from June 2011, showed him filming a girl from under a classroom table with the camera angled directly at her legs, the court heard. Sixteen images were identified of a schoolgirl taken from under a classroom table with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. Chan also had 13 images from 2016 showing two unidentified female child victims with the camera angled in a manner designed to capture intimate parts of her body. In June 2017, Chan admitted to taking three images of a male holding an exposed penis whilst in classroom, and having a video showing a solo sex act in a classroom. In July 2017, Chan admitted to taking seven photos of him holding his exposed penis in a classroom. The classroom offences happened in north London, the court heard, before he joined Bright Horizons. Chan also pleaded guilty to taking indecent images of children between 2011 and 2016, sexual assault of a female in 2011, and nine counts of voyeurism involving the covert recording of people as they did private acts. In December, Chan appeared at Wood Green Crown Court to plead guilty to the first 26 charges he faced five charges of sexual assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, 11 charges of taking indecent images of children, and six counts of making indecent images of children. Police had recovered video evidence of Chan sexually abusing four young girls at the nursery. After the hearing, parents of children who went to the Bright Horizons nursery issued a statement saying: We feel that Bright Horizons has failed us. How was someone like Vincent Chan employed? Why did safeguarding systems fail completely? And how were such horrific crimes against children able to continue for so long without the staff responsible for safeguarding at Bright Horizons nursery acting? We are concerned that failures in management and supervision at Bright Horizons allowed this abuse to go undetected, and we are committed to securing accountability for our children. On Thursday, lawyers at Leigh Day, who are representing some of the parents, said they were sickened to learn of Chans further offending prior to his time at Bright Horizons Finchley Road. These further allegations raise deeply troubling questions about how safeguarding systems could have failed so badly that someone actively offending was able to secure employment as a nursery worker and offend without intervention for a number of years. Bright Horizons said in a statement in December that it was shocked and appalled at the crimes and has commissioned an expert review of its safeguarding practices. The families of 700 children who attended the nursery during the time Chan worked there, between 2017 and 2024, have been contacted and are receiving specialist support. A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up for anyone affected by Chans offending, on 0800 028 0828, which operates from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on weekends. The NSPCC helpline for families can be contacted on 0800 028 0828. Anyone who wants to make a report to police about Chan can contact OpLanark@met.police.uk, or call 101 from within the UK, quoting the reference CAD3697/1DEC. Chan, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, north London, remains in custody ahead of sentencing next month. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A hero London bus driver was sacked after he chased down and knocked out a man who stole a passengers necklace. On 25 June 2024, Mark Hehir was driving the 206 bus, which runs between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London. A tribunal heard that a man boarded the bus, pushing past a female passenger, before snatching a necklace from around her neck and running off. Mr Hehir, who had worked for Metroline for about two years before the incident, chased after the man and returned the necklace to the female passenger. The man then reappeared, walking towards the bus, where he threw the first punch at Mr Hehir, the tribunal was told. Mr Hehir then responded in self-defence and hit the man once, knocking him unconscious. The tribunal was told Mr Hehir then dragged the man to the pavement and restrained him for almost half an hour. open image in gallery The 206 bus runs between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London ( Getty/iStock ) The men were both arrested, but Mr Hehir was subsequently released and told he would face no further police action. The day after the incident, Mr Hehir was suspended from duty and told to attend an investigation. At a disciplinary hearing, Mr Hehir was told the allegations included bringing the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger and that he also failed to protect his and his passengers safety by leaving the bus unattended with engine running and chasing an assailant. Mr Hehir told the hearing that he had acted instinctively in running after the (man) and that he had left the doors open and the handbrake on. The hearing was shown an email containing a case review note from Detective Constable Waddington, which said the claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger. Mr Hehir told the hearing that when the man returned to the bus the female passenger was scared and that he held him on the ground as he was frightened that the (man) would do something if he got to his feet. open image in gallery The men were both arrested, but Mr Hehir was subsequently released and told he would face no further police action ( PA ) Mr Hehir told the hearing that the publics view of his actions was that he was a hero. The hearing questioned whether the man returned to the bus to shake hands and apologise to the female passenger and the claimant, and who threw the first punch. Alina Gioroc, an operations manager who heard the disciplinary case, told the tribunal that she believed that the (man) returned towards the bus with the clear intention to apologise and shake hands with the female passenger. Ms Gioroc continued: When the (man) intended to shake hands with the claimant, the claimant pushed the (man) away rather than stepping away himself, and that the (man) had not been aggressive until this point. She found the restraining of the man for almost half an hour to be an excessive use of force and disproportionate, the tribunal heard. Ms Gioroc concluded that each allegation was found, and decided the claimant should be dismissed without notice for gross misconduct. A tribunal held in Watford upheld Mr Hehirs dismissal and said that the genuine belief of the disciplinary and appeal managers that the claimant was guilty of gross misconduct was held on reasonable grounds and was within the band of reasonable responses open to an employer in the circumstances. A Metroline spokesperson said: The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair. The claimant breached protocols designed to keep staff and passengers safe, which is our priority. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government is supporting research into a contraceptive "pill" for grey squirrels to curb the damage these rodents inflict on Britain's woodlands and its native red squirrel population. This forms part of a multi-faceted strategy against the invasive species. Officials will monitor reintroduced pine martens in Gloucestershires Forest of Dean, assessing their impact on grey squirrel numbers, following successes in Ireland and Scotland. Landowners are also encouraged to act, with grants for traps and support for trained volunteers managing the non-native species. These initiatives are part of an updated government policy addressing grey squirrels, whose population has reached 2.7 million across Great Britain since their 19th-century North American introduction. They aggressively out-compete native red squirrels for food and transmit the squirrel pox virus, fatal to reds but rarely to greys. Native red squirrel numbers have plummeted to just 38,900, pushed to England's fringes. Grey squirrels also damage woodlands by stripping bark, with the economic cost of this destruction estimated at 37 million annually in England and Wales. open image in gallery Landowners are being asked to take action to reduce the impact of grey squirrels in their woodlands, with grants for new equipment such as traps, and are being encouraged to use well-trained, competent volunteers who lead much of the work in managing the non-native species ( Alamy/PA ) In an update to a 2014 grey squirrel action plan, the Government said it would be taking action over the next five years including encouraging landowners to take steps to control the animals with financial incentives and advice, and providing support for training in grey squirrel management. The Environment Department (Defra) also said that with current control methods often labelled ineffective and amid public support for non-lethal control, it would continue to support research into developing an oral contraceptive delivered in a feeder that only grey squirrels could access. Pine martens, once common in English woodlands but which have largely vanished due to habitat loss and persecution, can also reduce the numbers of grey squirrels, officials said. Government agency Forestry England will continue to monitor pine marten populations in forests, and their effect on grey squirrels, in particular following the Forest of Dean reintroduction project, where 35 pine martens were reintroduced between 2019 and 2021. open image in gallery Grey squirrels damage woodlands by stripping bark from trees, with the economic cost of damage not including impacts on nature estimated at 37 million a year in England and Wales, officials said ( PA Archive ) Heather Harris, Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) communications officer, at The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & Merseyside, said: The Governments new squirrel strategy rightly acknowledges grey squirrels as a widespread non-native species, posing a serious threat to red squirrels and the health of woodland ecosystems. Red squirrels have now almost disappeared from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and are under serious pressure in Scotland. Without sustained and effective grey squirrel management, red squirrels could disappear from UK woodlands in 10 years. The priority now must be translating policy into co-ordinated, long-term action on the ground. And she said: The RSRN supports research led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and funded by the UK Squirrel Accord and its supporters, into non-lethal fertility control. This work remains in the research and development phase, where we will support landscape-scale trials of the feeder mechanisms to assess safety, effectiveness and practicality. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British family is desperately searching for a seven-year-old girl after she was dragged out to sea in Morocco while on holiday with her family. Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn, went missing after a wave suddenly crashed onto the rocks and swept her into the ocean in Casablanca on Wednesday night. Other family members were reportedly also dragged out by the wave, but managed to get back to shore. Her father, Zubair Makda, told Blackburn-based UCTV that their family was on rocks half a metre high at the time. He said: Inaayah was on the rock behind me. We got swept to the right and she got swept to the left. Before that, I did not see where Inaayah was, as she got swept away so quickly. I couldn't find her at all. We are trying to get help. open image in gallery The family was on holiday in Casablanca when the tragic incident happened ( Getty/iStock ) Blackburn MP Adnan Hussein, who has spoken to Inaayahs father and aunt, said he was urgently raising this matter with the UK authorities, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as well as the Moroccan ambassador. Mr Hussein told The Independent: This is an utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing situation. In this unimaginably difficult time for the family, my thoughts are with them, with Inaayah, and with everyone who loves and cares for her. The whole of Blackburn is holding Inaayah and her loved ones in their prayers. I will continue to do all that I possibly can to support the family during this devastating time. A family member in the UK told the Lancashire Telegraph: We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone. They told the paper that their family had not been made aware of any dangers of going onto the rocks, and were caught by surprise when a large wave crashed down. Inaayahs parents remain in Casablanca, where they are reportedly turning to a privae search operator to help with their search. A FCDO Spokesperson said: We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities. Moroccan authorities have been contacted by The Independent for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Almost 50,000 prisoners have been granted early release from jails across England and Wales under a government scheme designed to ease overcrowding. Ministry of Justice data reveals that 48,931 inmates had been freed by the end of September 2025. This initiative was launched as an emergency measure on 10 September 2024, shortly after the prison population soared to a record 88,521. The scheme permits eligible individuals to be released after serving just 40 per cent of their fixed-term sentence, a reduction from the standard 50 per cent. A total of 44,108 of the 48,931 early releases (90.1%) were British nationals, 4,733 (9.7%) were foreign nationals and 90 (0.2%) had no nationality recorded. The age group accounting for the greatest proportion of early releases was 30 to 39-year-olds (18,425, or 37.7%), followed by 40 to 49-year-olds (11,524, or 23.6%). Some 14,381 of prisoners released early (29.4%) were serving sentences of six months or under, with a further 6,989 (14.3%) serving sentences of between six and 12 months. HMP Humber in Brough, near Hull, has released the highest number of inmates so far under the scheme (1,459), followed by Fosse Way in Leicester (1,335), Berwyn in Wrexham (1,278) and Altcourse in Liverpool (1,087). The current scheme for the early release of prisoners replaced a separate scheme introduced by the previous Conservative government. Under this separate process, 13,325 prisoners in England and Wales were freed early between October 17 2023 and September 9 2024. The Labour Government has pledged to create 14,000 new prison places by 2031. This initiative was launched as an emergency measure in September 2024, shortly after the prison population soared to a record 88,521 ( Alamy/PA ) An additional 2,900 places have been created so far, justice minister Jake Richards told the Commons on Thursday. A further 5,000 places are already under construction, including category B HMP Welland Oaks in Leicestershire. Separate data released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on Thursday shows there were 12,836 recalls to custody in July to September 2025 of offenders who had breached the conditions of their release. This is up 29% on the equivalent period in 2024 (9,975) and a jump of 83% on the same period in 2023 (7,030). Recalls are at a historically high level, the MoJ said, and the rise is likely to be associated with the Governments early release scheme that began in September 2024. It also attributed the rise to a change in the law introduced by the Conservative government in April 2024, which implemented fixed-term recalls and automatic release after 14 days in prison on recall for most offenders. The combined effect expected from these changes is an increased number of offenders released on licence and therefore more opportunities for offenders to be recalled, the MoJ added. The Government has also published an update of the nationality of people in prison in England and Wales. Of the 85,613 prisoners on December 31 2025, 74,974 (87.6%) were British. The next largest nationality was Albanian (944 prisoners, or 1.1% of the total), followed by Irish (679, 0.8%), Polish (677, 0.8%), Romanian (658, 0.8%) and Indian (389, 0.5%). There were 10,376 foreign nationals in prisons at the end of December, down from 10,737 at the end of September but higher than 10,355 a year earlier in December 2024. The proportion of the total prison population who are foreign nationals is unchanged year on year, at 12.1%. This figure has remained around 12% for much of the past decade, reaching 12.5% in June 2021. 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 Royal Navy has ordered sailors to abstain from alcohol for at least two days a week in a recent crackdown on boozing aimed to meet the governments health targets. Based on advice from military doctors, crews will be restricted to 14 units of alcohol per week, the equivalent of around six pints of beer, and ships will be dry on certain days. Official documents titled Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships, seen by the Daily Mail, show that the level of alcohol consumption aboard ships remains a significant concern to service chiefs. It revealed that 48 per cent of Navy crew are believed to consume alcohol to excess, down from 55 per cent in 2023. The report said: These figures highlight the critical need for stricter alcohol policies to safeguard personnel, enhance operational performance and mitigate risks to operational capacity. open image in gallery Official documents revealed that 48 per cent of Navy crew are believed to drink alcohol to excess, down from 55 per cent in 2023. ( AFP/Getty ) The move has prompted concerns among sailors that the Navy will eventually follow the US in banning alcohol from ships entirely. Under the new rules, men and women will not be allowed more than three units a day, with sailors told to fill in a form at the bar listing what drinks they had consumed. Ships will also enforce at least two alcohol free days each week and bars have been encouraged to stock non-alcoholic beers to support healthier lifestyle choices in new orders that replace the two-can rule observed across the British Army. The retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry said that the rules could affect moral and said he had never had any issues in his career with sailors drinking. You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules, he said. You can screw down a system too much. Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices. open image in gallery Sailors will have to fill in a form at the bar listing what drinks they had consumed ( MOD/Crown copyright ) The Royal Navy has a long-standing history with alcohol consumption, given that beer was a better alternative to obtaining clean drinking water until the 17th century. After the capture of Jamaica from Spain in 1655, rum became the drink of choice, given that it could be transported easily and lasted even longer. Rum mixed with lemon or lime juice was also used to ward off scurvy, a disease which widely affected sailors, and a daily ration known as the tot was served as a half pint. The practice was ended on 31 July 1970 over concerns it was hindering sailors ability to operate complex weapons systems, in a move that was known as Black Tot Day. The Independent has contacted the Royal Navy for comment. A navy spokesperson told the Mail: The updated policy aligns with advice, ensuring our people remain fit for naval operations. It also prioritises the health of our people and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Russian cargo ship dropped anchor in the Bristol Channel near undersea data cables amid growing concerns around Russias shadow fleet. The Sinegorsk cargo ship, sailing under the Russian flag, cruised into the Bristol Channel on Tuesday night and appeared to anchor about two miles off Minehead, on the north coast of Somerset, near to where vital undersea telecom cables, connecting Britain to the US, Canada, Spain and Portugal, lie. Data from MarineTraffic showed the ship sailing up the British Channel on Tuesday night and stopping two nautical miles off Minehead around 11pm, where it remained stationary until 2pm on Wednesday. A coastguard surveillance aeroplane, registered G-HMGC, appeared to scramble from Newquay and spent half an hour circling the ship on Wednesday morning, according to FlightRadar. The Royal Navy reportedly deployed a Wildcat helicopter to survey the ship, according to The Telegraph. It has since moved south and was last spotted off the coast of the Isles of Scilly. The ship came within less than a mile of several undersea data cables, including the TGN Atlantic cable system, which connects Britain to New Jersey. A pair of cables, part of the TGN Western Europe cable system, connects the UK to Spain and Portugal. Another cable, EXA Express, links the UK to Nova Scotia in Canada. Sinegorsks last recorded port call was three weeks ago at Arkhangelsk, Russia, a major trading port where Russias Northern Fleet has a naval base, shipping data confirms. While it is understood that the Sinegorsk is not part of the Russian shadow fleet, it is the latest Russian vessel to cause concern amid a growing number of incursions in British waters since Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago. The term, shadow fleet, is used to describe Russias practice of using an old collection of ships, often tankers flying under false flags, in order to smuggle sanctioned goods, such as oil. open image in gallery The ship anchored in Minehead, Somerset ( Getty/iStock ) The Ministry of Defence has imposed sanctions on over 500 Russia-related shadow fleet oil tankers and 16 LNG tankers to date, forcing 200 ships off the seas, believed to be almost half of its capacity. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson 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. We are acutely aware of the threat posed by Russia, which includes attempts to map undersea cables, networks, and pipelines belonging to both the UK and our allies, and we are tackling these threats head-on. The Royal Navy constantly monitors our seas, including safeguarding critical infrastructure such as underwater cables and offshore structures. open image in gallery Sinegorsk has since made a journey south of the Bristol Channel ( MarineTraffic ) First sea lord general Sir Gwyn Jenkins warned in December that there had been a 30 per cent increase in Russian incursion in our waters just over the past two years. The activity is most visibly seen in the presence of Russian spy ships like the Yantar operating near UK waters, he said, but warned: Its whats going on under the waves that most concerns me. I can also tell you today that the advantage that we have enjoyed in the Atlantic since the end of the Second World War is at risk, Sir Gwyn said. We are holding on, but not by much. There is no room for complacency. Our would-be opponents are investing billions. We have to step up, or we will lose that advantage. We cannot let that happen, as the Secretary of State for Defence said recently in his message direct to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, we see you and we know what you are doing. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We issued a clear warning as a first step to the SINEGORSK vessel to leave UK waters after it entered to undertake essential safety repairs. This directive has been complied with, and the vessel has left UK waters. We continue to take strong action against Russian-flagged ships, as well as to deter, disrupt and degrade the shadow fleet by stepping up our response through tough sanctions. 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 Nearly half of parents with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (Send) fear that vital support could be reduced as they await details of impending government reforms. A survey by disability charity Sense found that 47 per cent of parents shared this concern. The poll of 1,000 Send parents highlighted the profound impact on families, with more than a third (35 per cent) reporting they had left their jobs due to a lack of appropriate support for their child. Additionally, 40 per cent indicated they had been forced to cut their working hours. These findings emerge ahead of the governments anticipated Schools White Paper, expected early this year, which will outline its plans to overhaul the Send system. Much of the speculation has focused on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which are legal documents designed to guarantee support for young people with Send. The growing number of EHCPs has led to escalating costs for local authorities, prompting some to advocate for legislative changes that would restrict these plans to only the highest-need cases. This prospect has generated considerable apprehension among many Send parents. open image in gallery The Government will set out how it will reform the Send system in the Schools White Paper later this year ( Lucy North/PA ) Education minister Georgia Gould has previously said there will always be a legal right to additional support for young people with Send. Sense chief executive James Watson-ONeill said: A shocking number of children are being failed by a baffling and underfunded Send system. Too many are falling through the cracks at the cost of their happiness, wellbeing and future life chances. So its little surprise that parents feel deep anxiety and distrust about the upcoming education reforms. If their childrens legal rights are weakened any further or theres an attempt to cut spending, the consequences could be devastating. Half (50 per cent) of the parents surveyed by Sense said they are nervous about reforms, and nearly half (48 per cent) said it had been stressful to get the support they currently have in place. Kimberly Hind, mother to five-year-old Harvey who is deaf-blind, told the Press Association they waited more than a year for his EHCP. In the meantime, he lost a space at a special school, and struggled attending a mainstream nursery that did not have the capacity to meet his needs. He was getting extremely distressed about going into nursery, to the point Mrs Hind had to give up her job to focus on caring for him, leaving the family of five on only her husbands income and her carers allowance. Harvey was finally able to start at a special school in September 2025 after getting his final EHCP in February. open image in gallery Education minister Georgia Gould has previously said there will always be a legal right to additional support for young people with Send ( PA Wire ) Generally he has this fear and anxiety now of too many children, Mrs Hind told PA. We are going one step at a time and hes starting to communicate better with his peers in his class, but I do think because he was so anxious and distressed at one time its just stuck with him. Mrs Hind said the EHCP system needs reforming to be more responsive to different needs for different children, but said she is extremely concerned about any changes in the funding Harvey receives for support through his EHCP. The ordeal we went through to get Harveys EHCP, which he was fully entitled to, was horrific for him and our whole family, she said. A Send taskforce set up by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) previously found one in 14 young people waited longer than a year to be issued an EHCP in 2024. The Government has already announced it will spend 200 million to give all teachers training in supporting children with Send, and 3 billion funding will go towards creating around 50,000 new school places for Send children. 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 Downing Street has welcomed new EU sanctions on Iran, which include labelling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organisation. EU foreign ministers met in Brussels on Thursday to further respond to Irans brutal crackdown on protesters in recent weeks. The bloc adopted new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in the violent crackdown and has now include the IRGC the military group loyal to the Iranian regime on its list of terrorist organisations. This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh [Isis], the EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. open image in gallery EU foreign ministers are due to sign off on new sanctions in response to a brutal crackdown on protesters in the country in recent weeks ( Getty ) The move heaps pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to follow suit. When asked on Thursday about Ms Kallas comments on the proscription and further sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said: We welcome todays announcement by the EU which will further hold the Iranian authorities to account for the violence and brutality shown against peaceful protesters. When asked why the UK was not planning to implement a similar ban, they said: Its longstanding practice under successive governments that we dont speculate about individual sanctions targets or speculate around issues related to prescription. They added: Under this government, youve seen 220 sanctions brought against individuals in the Iranian regime. We've been clear that of our intention to bring forward further sanctions. On Thursday evening, The Times reported that ministers were planning to introduce a law to ban the IRGC. However, the Home Office said it would not name specific groups to be covered by any planned legislation to proscribe hostile state-sponsored agencies. open image in gallery The brutal response to the anti-government protests across Iran since has drawn international condemnation, including in many EU countries ( Getty ) In 2023, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper then the shadow home secretary announced a Labour policy to proscribe the IRGC as criticism mounted over the Tory governments refusal to do so. But earlier this month, Labour MPs to hit out at Sir Keirs government over its apparent refusal to proscribe the group, with business secretary Peter Kyle insisting that the UK had already used the sanctions against Iran to the full extent we can and would not be proscribing the IRGC. After imposing further sanctions, the EUs likely move to include the IRGC list of terrorist organisations marks a symbolic shift in Europes approach to Irans leadership. open image in gallery Earlier this month, Labour MPs to hit out at Keir Starmers government over its apparent refusal to proscribe the group ( Getty ) Anti-government protests that swept across Iran since December have triggered a bloody crackdown by authorities, drawing international condemnation. Earlier this week, activists reported that at least 6,159 people had been killed in the crackdown, with the number feared to be much higher. Tensions have continued to build this week between Tehran and the US, after Donald Trump said that a massive armada is heading to Iran and is ready to fulfil its mission with speed and violence if necessary. Ali Shamkhani, a political adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said any military action by the US would be considered the start of war and provoke an immediate, all-out and unprecedented against the US and Israel. US sources told Reuters that Mr Trump was weighing options including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire renewed protests and create the conditions for regime change. 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 Jim Wallace, Scotlands first-ever deputy first minister, has died following complications from surgery, his family announced. Lord Wallace was undergoing a scheduled major operation at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Thursday when he passed away due to unforeseen complications. His wife, Rosie Wallace, said: The family are very shocked by Jims death. It was all so sudden. He was still incredibly active in a whole host of areas. She added: Jim was still going up and down to London and participating fully in the House of Lords. He was singing in the Dunblane Cathedral choir over the festive period and he was so looking forward to spending even more time with his grandchildren. She said it brings some comfort that he had been surrounded by those he loved most when he died. And she added she was thankful the whole family had been together in Scotland over Christmas when Clare, one of their two daughters, and her family had flown in from New Zealand. A former Liberal MP for Orkney and Shetland, Lord Wallace served 18 years at the House of Commons, becoming Scottish Liberal Democrat leader in 1992 during his time there. open image in gallery Lord Wallace led the Scottish Lib Dems in the first ever Holyrood elections in 1999, winning the Orkney constituency with 67 per cent of the votes cast, and serving as both an MSP and MP till he stood down from Westminster in 2001 ( PA ) He led the Scottish Lib Dems in the first ever Holyrood elections in 1999, winning the Orkney constituency with 67 per cent of the votes cast, and serving as both an MSP and MP till he stood down from Westminster in 2001. He took the party into coalition with Labour, which won the first Scottish Parliament elections with that move seeing him become the countrys first deputy first minister. He served three times as acting first minister, when the then first minister Donald Dewar underwent heart surgery in 2000 and later again that same year after Mr Dewars death. He also stepped into the role again in 2001, after the resignation of Mr Dewars successor, Henry McLeish. He stepped down from Holyrood at the 2007 elections, the same year which he became a life peer in the Lords, going on to serve as advocate general for Scotland in the UK Government from 2010 to 2015. He also served as the moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 2021 to 2022. Since Lord Wallaces death was announced, tributes have been pouring in for the 71-year-old. Russel Findlay, leader of Scottish Conservatives, shared on social media: A sudden and premature loss of a true giant, and gentleman, of Scottish politics. Condolences to Jim's family and friends from the Scottish Conservatives. Conservative MSP Liz Smith said: I am so very sorry to hear this news. Jim Wallace was a very fine politician and a gentleman who cared deeply about his country and the integrity of the political system. He will be greatly missed. More follows... Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain and China have agreed to share intelligence in an attempt to stop Chinese engines and dinghies being used by people smugglers to transport migrants across the English Channel. One of the deals signed by Sir Keir Starmer and president Xi Jinping is to share data on the small boats issue, which the prime minister hopes will disrupt the supply chains of the criminal gangs transporting thousands of people illegally to the UK. It comes as 2025 saw 41,472 people reaching the UK via the small boats crossing the Channel a figure described by the Home Office as shameful. The 2025 figure was second only to 2022, when 45,744 crossed the Channel on the boats. open image in gallery Delivering results for the British people has been one of Starmers key themes on his trip to China ( AP ) While the start of 2026 has seen no crossings, this has been put down to bad weather conditions in the Channel. Sir Keir came into office in 2024 with a vow to smash the gangs responsible for the crossings, but has instead seen a steady increase in the number of crossings. The issue was largely blamed for the collapse of the Conservative government after it failed to keep Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats. Now it is one of the issues fueling Reform UKs lead in the polls, with Labour struggling to average 20 per cent. The new agreement will provide for joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operations aimed at preventing gangs smuggling people across the Channel by disrupting the supply of small boat engines. Some 60 per cent of the engines powering the small boats crossing the Channel have been found to be Chinese-manufactured, while the boats are often made using Chinese parts. The deal is expected to cover intelligence sharing on smugglers supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to discourage them from supplying the gangs. Sir Keir said: This deal will help us cut off the supply of boats at source stopping crossings before lives are put at risk and restoring control to our borders. open image in gallery Confiscated small boats and outboard motors used to cross the Channel from France at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent ( PA ) This is Britain back at the top table, delivering real results for the British people through our international relationships. Delivering results for the British people has been one of Sir Keirs key themes on his trip to China as he seeks to emphasise the practical benefits of engaging with Beijing. Before the meeting with Chinas leader, Sir Keir was welcomed by National Peoples Congress chair Zhao Leji at Beijings Great Hall of the People. Mr Zhao said it was significant to develop the UK-China relationship amid the changing and turbulent international landscape. He also praised Sir Keirs efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were on the correct track to improvement and development and positive progress has been made. 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 former NBC employee whose complaint against Matt Lauer led to his firing in 2017, is sharing harrowing new details of what she describes as a violent sexual assault during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The excerpt from Brooke Nevils upcoming memoir, Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe, was published by The Cut on January 28. Nevils writes about waking up in a hotel room after a night with the longtime Today show anchor - and she was in pain. Her first thought, she wrote, was that this must have been a misunderstanding. It was the only acceptable conclusion I could reach without my whole life falling apart. Nevils, now married with two children, says she has spent years trying to make sense of what happened and rebuilding her life after what she later came to understand as sexual assault. open image in gallery Matt Lauer, a longtime anchor on the Today show is pictured in 2014, years before his firing over sexual assault allegations ( Michael Loccisano/Getty Images ) I have spent the long years since using my otherwise abandoned skills as a journalist to report and write the book about sexual harassment and assault that I wish had existed for me, she wrote. In the process, I have painstakingly rebuilt my life. The book, set to be released on February 3, includes Nevils recollection of that night in Sochi when Nevils, then an NBC talent assistant, went out for drinks with her boss Meredith Vieira and Lauer, and what happened when she later accompanied Lauer to his hotel room. Nevils writes in the excerpt that despite the rounds of vodka shots, the overwhelming power differential, she would never have used the word rape to describe what had happened. Back then, I had no idea what to call what happened other than weird and humiliating. But then there was the pain, which was undeniable. It hurt to walk. It hurt to sit. It hurt to remember. One thought briefly crossed her mind, she wrote: If anyone else had done this to me, I would have gone to the police. But Lauer was not anyone else. At the time, he was Todays longest-serving anchor, earning a reported $25 million a year and surrounded by NBC employees whose careers depended on him, Nevils wrote. Nevils says she tried to convince herself the encounter in Sochi had been a misunderstanding, she continued communicating with Lauer after returning to New York even visiting him at his apartment, a decision she examines with painful clarity in her memoir. open image in gallery Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announce the firing of Matt Lauer in 2017 After much back and forth with herself, in November 2017, Nevils filed a formal complaint with NBC. Lauer was questioned the next day and fired that night by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack. Multiple other women later came forward with allegations against him. Some of the allegations, from Nevils and other women, were published in 2019 in Ronan Farrows book, Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators. Lauer denied Nevils allegations of rape, saying in a statement to Variety that he had an "extramarital affair" with her, but that their relationship was completely consensual. The Independent has reached out to Lauer for comment. Nevils also confronts in her book the fact that she continued to contact Lauer. Why, if an alleged victim was really sexually assaulted, would they continue a relationship with the perpetrator? Why would they go back? she wrote. But for Nevils, it would take years and a national reckoning with sexual harassment and assault before I called what happened to me assault. After struggling for months, and then learning that at least two teams of reporters from two different publications, Variety and the Times, were looking into Lauer, she knew it was a matter of time. But Nevils said she was at a loss forres what to do. I was no Ashley Judd or Gretchen Carlson. I was just one woman and nobodys ideal victim. Id done everything wrong, and if it had taken five women coming forward with allegations against Mark Halperin, at least six for Bill OReilly, at least seven for Roger Ailes, how many women would have to come forward about Matt Lauer before any would be believed? she wrote. Then In November 2017, Nevils filed a formal complaint with NBC. Lauer was questioned the next day and fired that night by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack. Multiple other women later came forward with allegations against him. After Lauers firing, Nevils says her life unraveled. She took a leave of absence from NBC that became permanent and struggled with drinking, paranoia, and shame. I barely recognized the train wreck Id become, she wrote. Soon I would find myself in a psych ward, believing myself so worthless and damaged that the world would be better off without me. Today, Nevils says she has found healing through family and writing. She hopes her book will help someone who may be in a similar situation - something she says she did not have at the time. I know what it is to feel truly alone and ashamed, living a life that seems irredeemable, believing yourself to be worthless and unlovable, she wrote. Not one of these things for any one of us is ever true. 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 Mississippi dispatchers are fielding desperate calls for medication or oxygen from people stuck in their homes. Troopers in Tennessee are fanning out for welfare checks on those who havent been heard from in days. And in at least one rural area, officials have resorted to using trucks typically used for battling wildfires to transport patients to hospitals. It could be days before power is restored across the South, where more subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday in areas unaccustomed to and ill-equipped for such cold. The situation is reaching a breaking point for the elderly and those with medical conditions who lack electricity, some of whom are trapped by roads made impassable by ice and fallen trees. Nancy Dillon, 87, spent three days without power on her family farm in the rural outskirts of Nashville, relying on her fireplace for warmth. When her phone battery started dying and her back-up battery pack stopped working, she said she became alarmed. "If I were to fall, if I were to need somebody, there would be no way to get help, she said, adding that electricity was restored on Tuesday night. The growing misery and anxiety comes amid what Mississippi officials say is the states worst winter storm in more than 30 years. About 60 warming centers were opened across a state known as one of the nations poorest. But for some communities, they are not enough. Hal Ferrell, mayor of Batesville, said Wednesday that no one in the city has power and, with roads still slippery with ice, its too soon to begin recovery efforts. Were at a real mess and warming centers just dont exist for 7,500 people, Ferrell said. Roughly 298,000 homes and businesses remained without power Wednesday night, the vast majority of them are in Tennessee and Mississippi. At least 70 people have died across the U.S. in states afflicted by the dangerous cold. In Hardin County, Tennessee, at the Mississippi state line, LaRae Sliger, the countys emergency management director, said while people were prepared to manage a couple of days without power, they cant go much longer without help. Theyre cold, they dont have power, they dont have heat, theyre out of propane, theyre out of wood, theyre out of kerosene for their kerosene heaters, she said. More than 96,000 outages remained in Nashville, Tennessee, where downed trees and snapped power lines blocked access to some areas. Utility workers will need at least the weekend, if not longer, to finish restoring power, said Brent Baker, a Nashville Electric Service vice president. Forecasters say the subfreezing weather will persist in the eastern U.S. into February, with a new influx of arctic air arriving this weekend. Theres a growing chance for heavy snow in the Carolinas and Virginia. The National Weather Service said chances of additional, significant snowfall are low in places like Nashville, but weekend temperatures will reach dangerously low single digits with wind chills below zero. Mississippi dispatched 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to sections of Interstates 55 and 22 gridlocked by vehicles abandoned in the states ice-stricken northern region. Cars and semitrucks trying to navigate the frozen highways single-file began getting stuck Tuesday. No injuries were reported, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said. Erik Lipsett in Benton County, Mississippi, spent the last several days scooping ice from the front yard so he can melt it to flush down his toilets. The area has been without water and power since the weekend. On Wednesday morning, he lined up at a nearby gas station to shower and said that propane bottles, canisters and hookups for heaters are hard to come by. ___ Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Martin reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Jeff Amy and Charlotte Kramon in Atlanta; Jonathan Mattise and Travis Loller in Nashville, Tennessee; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Sarah Brumfield in Washington contributed to this report. 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 Pakistans imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan is in good health after undergoing a medical procedure for an eye ailment at a government hospital, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Thursday. Khan was examined by a team of doctors at Rawalpindis Adiala prison, where he is serving multiple prison sentences, before being taken to a government hospital on Saturday, where he underwent a 20-minute medical procedure with his consent. He is in good health, Tarar told the private Geo News television channel. The comments came after Khans opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party spokesman Zulfiquar Bukhari said earlier this week that the former premier was suffering from an eye condition and required immediate medical attention. Bukhari had called for Khans personal physician to be granted access, warning on X that any further delay could result in irreversible harm. Khans son, Kasim, wrote on X that his father has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that can cause permanent vision loss. He added: Yet authorities continue to block his treatment and deny him access to the doctors he trusts. He said even he has not been allowed to speak to him. Tarars remarks followed days of speculation on social media that Khan had been taken to a hospital under heavy security over the weekend and returned to jail the same night. Khan has not been seen in public since his arrest in 2023 in a corruption case. In a statement on Thursday, Bukhari said Tarars remarks were very worrying and described the handling of the health issue as opaque and alarming. Khans family nor his legal team was informed before or after he was taken from prison for medical treatment, Bukhari said, adding that authorities had provided no verifiable details about his condition, the treatment administered or the doctors involved. Bukhari said the governments attempt to portray the eye condition as a routine medical matter raised more questions than answers. He expressed serious concerns about Khans health and demanded immediate access for his family and personal physicians, as well as full disclosure of the medical procedure and Khans current condition. He urged human rights organizations to monitor the situation, saying the treatment of a former elected prime minister in custody reflected broader concerns about the rule of law, prisoners rights and due process in Pakistan. Suhail Afridi, a chief minister in the northwest Pakistan and a prominent member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, said he was trying to meet with Khan in prison. He said: The very first question is: how did his health deteriorate to the point that he had to be transferred to the hospital? If it reached this stage, it means he was already unwell so why was the illness concealed? Why was he not allowed to meet his family or his personal doctor? After Khan's arrest in 2023, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, initially launched a campaign demanding his release, but the effort later subsided. Authorities recently restricted meetings between Khan and his family after relatives publicly conveyed political messages urging supporters to stage rallies against the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Khan has also used posts on X to criticize the military and Sharif for his removal from office in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has alleged that his ouster was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy carried out with the support of Sharif and Pakistans powerful military claims denied by Washington, the military and his political opponents. Khan's party remains in opposition in parliament and he continues to command significant popular support across the country. 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 New Jersey mother is seeking reimbursement for a family cruise after her autistic son was kicked off the ship in Mexico on Christmas Eve. Carolyn Piro, a post-traumatic stress disorder therapist, told The Independent that her son, 31-year-old Sean Curran, was forced to disembark the Celebrity Cruises ship in Cozumel, Mexico, following an incident she said was mishandled by staff. The company, which is owned by Royal Caribbean, advertises that it has achieved Autism Friendly Cruise Line status. And while Piro says she has accepted a really sincere apology from the company, shes still waiting to hear back about her reimbursement request for more than $20,000. They said, you know, your family should not have been treated that way, Piro said. Piro, Curran and several family members boarded the five-star, seven-day cruise shortly before Christmas to celebrate her 60th birthday. The cruise departed from and returned to Fort Lauderdale, and was scheduled from December 21 to December 28. open image in gallery Carolyn Piro's son, Sean Curran, plays with a dolphin on vacation. The 31-year-old autistic man was kicked off the ship on Christmas Eve, Piro said ( Carolyn Piro ) The incident occurred on the fourth day when Curran was on his way to the swimming pool. He met a teenage girl, who followed him to the bar and asked him to order her a Long Island iced tea, which he didnt know contained alcohol, Piro said. If you ask Sean what a Long Island iced tea is, he'll tell you it's an iced tea from Long Island, she said. At one point, Curran and the girl went to the hot tub, according to Piro. There, he lifted up the girl, the same way hed seen the character Shrek lift up Princess Fiona in the animated film. When [Sean] says, like Shrek picks up Fiona, he's talking about how a groom would pick up a bride, Piro explained. He was horse-playing. He did not make any sexual contact with her. Sean didn't do anything wrong. He really didn't, she added. But when the girls parents arrived, Piro said security was called, and staff members questioned Curran without his mother present. Curran repeatedly explained he has autism and apologized, Piro said. Piro said a staff member informed her they had her son, and asked if he is high-functioning. I said, Well, that's a relative term, right? Can he make a pizza in the oven? Yes. Does he know how to make change? No. So, can he order a Sprite? Yes. Does he know that a Long Island iced tea has alcohol? No, Piro explained. Then, they went back and talked with him, and they still didn't bring me into the room. Then they came in and they told me, Your son got a girl drunk. She's underage. He picked her up in the hot tub. And I became very upset. I started crying, and Sean kept asking me, What's wrong? He still didn't understand that he did something wrong. He didn't get it, she added. open image in gallery Sean Curran was kicked off a Celebrity Cruises ship in Cozumel, Mexico, his mother said ( Getty Images ) At one point, Curran was asked to write a report about the incident, and was instructed to refer to himself as the suspect and the girl as the victim, Piro claimed. She said Curran concluded the report by writing: I have autism, and I was just trying to be nice. His handwriting is that of a kindergartner. It's very huge letters. When security saw his handwriting, they asked me to write the report for him. And I said, I can't do that. I wasn't there, Piro said. Piro said she told the staff, I want you see what youre doing here, who youre attacking. After they took Currans report, Piro said she and her son were given 90 minutes to pack their things and leave the ship. Then, they were left in Cozumel, an island resort, on Christmas Eve. I did not get a moment alone with Sean until we were on a dark, deserted dock in Mexico. They just dumped us. I had no cell phone service. It was pitch black and everything was closed. It was Christmas Eve, she explained. Fortunately, a paramedic flagged a taxi for us, who knew enough English. The taxi driver hot-spotted his cell phone for me so I could look up the address of the hotel, she added. Piro said she later learned the cruise line has a disability advocate on board, but that the staff member was never called in during the incident. She has requested a reimbursement of more than $20,000 from the cruise line, which includes expenses for the trip and her economic loss after having to take three weeks off work to process the experience. Piro said she hasnt heard back from the company about this request. My clients come to me with significant trauma, and we do significant processing. I couldn't focus, she said. The Independent has contacted Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean for comment. Royal Caribbean, which owns Celebrity Cruises, told The Philadelphia Inquirer the company has reviewed the incident and concluded we could have been more sensitive to their needs during the debarkation process. Staff will also undergo additional training to ensure this experience doesnt happen again, the spokesperson added. Since sharing her story, Piro said other parents have reached out to her with similar stories. Piro hopes she can help out with future trainings for cruise staff. I don't want our story to disappear. I said to them, let us come and participate in your training with your security staff. I'll pay my way. We'll come and we'll walk through how this could have been handled differently, she said. Autism isn't just a little kid with sensory issues. It's adults who can talk, who like to meet people, who are out in the world. Sean's a friendly guy who thought he was making a friend. He had no malicious intention, she added. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police in Canada are investigating a series of alleged sexual offenses on at least a dozen senior residents at a longterm care facility. The ages of the elderly victims at Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John, New Brunswick, range from 70s to 90s. Police said they have identified a suspect, but stressed the individual is neither a resident of the home nor an employee. Cops were alerted by concerned employees at the 100bed nursing home on 21 January. Two days later, the department publicly announced an investigation into what it described as offenses of a sexual nature. Staff Sergeant Shawna Fowler, who oversees the forces family protection unit, said more than a dozen residents are believed to have been affected. As we are still in the initial stages of the investigation and collecting information that number could go up," she told CBC News. Police said it is still too early to detail the specific nature of the alleged offenses, which could range from sexual touching to sexual assault, or how long the abuse may have gone on. Fowler said investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, gather forensic evidence and review potential video footage. Were just not there yet, she said. There are multiple victims, and were still working to determine exactly what occurred. open image in gallery Police were alerted on 21 January after staff raised concerns ( CTV News ) A memo sent Friday by Loch Lomond Villa administrators to families of residents confirmed that the facility had become aware of a serious situation and had contacted authorities immediately. New Brunswicks provincial health minister, Dr. John Dornan, said that residents are safe and not at risk of further violations, though he did not comment on the specifics of the case. Saint John police have set up a dedicated phone line for families seeking information or wishing to speak directly with investigators. The allegations have prompted renewed calls for stronger protections in longterm care facilities across New Brunswick. Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents Rights, called the reported assaults disturbing and horrific. Its frightening to even think that this is happening in our homes, Cassista said, FOX8 reports. Were talking about vulnerable people who cant defend themselves. According to CBC News, the nursing home's CEO Ashley King said they became aware of the situation last week. Upon receiving this information, the matter was reported to the police, and all families of impacted residents have been informed, she said. Since the alarm was raised, new safety measures and on-site security have been brought in to ensure residents' immediate safety, she added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New footage obtained by The Independent shows the aftermath of the 13 January confrontation between federal agents and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, where they tackled the intensive care nurse to the ground and sprayed gas at protesters. The video, which offers a different angle than others released in recent days, shows the moments following the heated altercation where Pretti kicked a government vehicle taillight, prompting a group of agents to wrestle him to the pavement on a Minneapolis street. The incident took place 11 days before Pretti, 37, was fatally shot in the street by two Border Patrol agents. His death sparked protests and outrage as calls for ICE to tone down its tactics in Minnesota continue to grow. Two witnesses from Minneapolis who filmed the incident at the intersection of East 36 Street and Park Avenue told The Independent that they saw Pretti hit the vehicles taillight. Immediately after, an officer got out of the vehicle and between four and five federal agents, heavily armed and in gas masks, surrounded Pretti before they aggressively pinned him. open image in gallery New footage obtained by The Independent shows the moment federal immigration agents sprayed gas at protesters following a tense altercation with Alex Pretti, where they tackled the intensive care nurse to the ground ( The Independent ) In the moments leading up to the clash, the witnesses claimed agents had been very, very aggressive, angering neighbors who had gathered over concerns that the officers were going to detain individuals they accused of being illegally in the country. A lot of people are very angry because [the agents] were being very, very aggressive said one witness who was granted anonymity for security reasons. By all counts they appeared to be trying to kick up this kind of reaction. As Pretti was pinned, people in the crowd screamed at the agents, blowing whistles and honking their horns to notify the neighborhood about their presence. Federal officers let Pretti out of their grasp, and what appeared to be a gun was seen in his waistband in videos released earlier this week showing the confrontation. There was no arrest and the federal officers returned to the vehicles. open image in gallery A federal agent is seen walking toward Pretti, circled, after the intensive care nurse kicked the taillight of a government vehicle. Shortly after, he is tackled to the ground by a group of officers ( The Independent ) Shortly afterwards, the security forces fired what appeared to be pepper spray and gas at the crowd. Theyre brutalizing people. They were firing directly into the crowds. Then just smoked the crap out of our neighborhood, the second witness said. Overwhelmingly, we came away, both of us, shocked at how ICE had reacted to this situation, the witness added. They tear-gassed 50 people. They beat people up. They used pepper spray. They shot pepper balls at people. open image in gallery An agent grabs Pretti before others join to help wrestle him to the ground ( The Independent ) After the agents deployed gas, one of them was seen in the footage hitting another on the shoulder, as though to signal it was time to leave. The agents left without making any arrests. The witnesses added that they did not see Prettis gun during the encounter. Homeland Security Investigations is reviewing the incident, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to The Independent. open image in gallery Pretti, circled, is seen in the footage without his coat on after being tackled to the ground. Witnesses told The Independent that the agents were being very, very aggressive ( The Independent ) Footage of Pretti kicking a government vehicle led to Republican commentators pointing to it as evidence that he was not a peaceful protester, a claim that was disputed by Steve Schleicher, an attorney for Prettis family. A week before Alex was gunned down in the street despite posing no threat to anyone he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents, Schleicher said in a previous statement to The Independent. Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alexs killing at the hands of ICE on Jan 24. The Department of Homeland Security said it had no record of this incident. open image in gallery Agents deployed gas at the crowd before they departed without making any arrests and let Pretti go. More than a week later he was shot dead by federal officers in another confrontation ( The Independent ) The day before the video was published, there were reports that Pretti sustained a broken rib after he was tackled by federal officers approximately a week before he was killed. It was not immediately clear whether Prettis alleged injury was sustained in the altercation in the latest footage of the January 13 incident. On January 24, Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents after he intervened to help two female protesters, according to a preliminary review of the incident, which laid out a timeline. The confrontation began when an officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordered the female protesters to move out of the road, but one of them didnt. The CBPO pushed them both away and one of the females ran to a male, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a US citizen, the report said. The officer attempted to move the woman and Pretti out of the road, but when they did not, the agent deployed pepper spray toward both of them, the report said. A struggle ensued between the federal agent and Pretti, who resisted the officers attempts to take him into custody. During the struggle, a [Border Protection agent] yelled, Hes got a gun! multiple times, the report continued. Approximately five seconds later, the agent discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a CBPO also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. In video footage of the shooting, Pretti was seen heatedly engaging with an officer and holding up a cell phone, not a gun, as initially claimed by administration officials. open image in gallery On Jan. 24, Pretti got into an altercation with border agents before being shot dead. He was seen in the moments before his death holding a cell phone ( @dangjessie/UGC ) Pretti appeared to say, Do not touch me, as an agent pushed into his chest. Later, the footage returned to Pretti as a group of agents piled on top of him and pounded him with blows. Gunshots then rang out and a group of observers scattered. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem swiftly claimed without evidence that Pretti had attacked officers and was brandishing a gun. Pretti was licensed to carry a concealed weapon in Minnesota, and it was taken from his waistband area by a federal agent moments before he was shot at least 10 times, video evidence has since shown. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller referred to Pretti as a domestic terrorist who had tried to assassinate federal law enforcement, echoing claims made by Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino. However, when the videos were released, there was backlash across Minnesota and the nation over Prettis killing. That has continued as officials continue to demand Noems job and threaten impeachment over the tactics seen in Minnesota. Protestors have demanded accountability for the killing of Pretti and Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent early in the month. Video showed Good driving away from officers, nearly clipping one, who opened fire and killed the 37-year-old mom. ICE and Border Patrol agents have surged into Minnesota in recent weeks to carry out Trumps campaign pledge for mass deportations. But it has been met with anger by locals, and nationwide protests over the killings. Prettis death seemingly led to a change in tune from the Trump administration about the surge. open image in gallery A group of federal agents piled on top of Pretti in the moments before he was shot on January 24 ( Reuters ) [Trump] saw it wasnt playing well, a Republican lawmaker told NBC News. The visuals were not playing well. He understands TV He saw it for himself. Following public uproar, Bovino, who has become the face of the Trump administrations immigration surge in cities across the country, was sent back to California. Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, was sent to Minneapolis instead and will remain there until the problem is gone, he said at a Thursday press conference. No agency is perfect we have recognised certain improvements could and should be made, Homan said, pledging to restore safety to the citys streets while also insisting that he would not be surrendering the presidents mission. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement have since been ordered not to engage with protesters in Minnesota in an apparent attempt by the Trump administration to lower the temperature. DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS, the official said in the email, according to the news agency. It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation. No one is going to convince the other. The only communication should be the officers issuing commands. 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 top transportation official warned that the Hollywood Burbank Airport located in Los Angeles County, California could be the site of the next deadly mid-air collision. Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, delivered the sobering message during a board meeting in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. It took place on the one-year anniversary of a crash between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter above the Potomac River, near Reagan National Airport, which claimed 67 lives, becoming the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the U.S. in over a decade. Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank, Homendy said, according to The Los Angeles Times. She added that no one at the Federal Aviation Administration is paying attention to us. The midsized airport, a hub for domestic travel, is considered a hotspot, given its combination of airplane and helicopter traffic in a relatively small airspace. Whether it is involving helicopters or not, people are raising red flags, and why arent people listening? Homendy added. The FAA has to ensure safety. That is their job. open image in gallery A top transportation official fears that the Hollywood Burbank Airport could be the site of the next midair collision ( Getty ) The FAA, which oversees the safety of the countrys airspace, disputed her account. A spokesperson for the agency told The Independent that it has bolstered security measures and that it has not overlooked Burbank. Following the deadly crash in the nations capital, the agency acted immediately to improve safety and began using innovative AI tools to identify similar hotspots with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic and implement appropriate mitigations, the spokesperson said. One of our primary focus areas was Van Nuys Airport and nearby Hollywood Burbank Airport in the Los Angeles area, the FAA added. Based on our safety analysis, the FAA lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern by 200 feet during an evaluation in 2025 to see if that would reduce conflicts with aircraft landing at Burbank. Preliminary data indicated the change resulted in a reduction of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts for Burbank arrivals and we permanently lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern effective Jan. 5, 2026. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Burbank airport told The Independent that the safety of our guests, staff, tenants and all stakeholders...is our top priority. As the FAA has stated in response to yesterdays NTSB comment about safety hotspots, work to help alleviate the risks at Hollywood Burbank Airport and Van Nuys Airport has been underway since immediately after the midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport in January of 2025, the spokesperson added. open image in gallery 'Commercial airlines have called me to say the next mid-air is going to be at Burbank, ' NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said ( Getty Images ) Hollywood Burbank Airport has experienced several close calls in recent years. For example, in 2023, an inbound Mesa Airlines flight came within 1,680 feet of a SkyWest Airlines plane as it was departing a runway, according to the LATimes. A representatives for the NTSB did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. open image in gallery The crash in Washington last year left 67 people dead, becoming the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the US in years ( REUTERS ) During the board meeting on Tuesday, Homendy, who has led the NTSB since 2021, added that last years catastrophic collision in Washington was 100 percent preventable. Following an investigation, the NTSB concluded that the crash was likely caused by the FAAs decision to place a helicopter route near an airport runway, according to Politico. The FAA said it will diligently consider the boards recommendations, adding that safety is and always will be the agencys number one priority. Commercial airline crashes in the U.S. remain extremely rare. Before the mass casualty collision in Washington last year, it had been nearly 16 years since a major airline crash in the country. 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 House Democrats have been advised by their party against traveling to Minnesota to protest Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, according to a report. A senior staffer to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sent out an email to Democratic congressional offices dated Monday urging representatives not to head the North Star State and remain in their districts instead, Axios reports, having obtained a copy of the message. In speaking with the [Minnesota] delegation offices and the governors team it has become clear that the best thing for members to do right now is to support their MN colleagues by participating in the Days of Action in their home district this week, the staffer wrote. Visiting the state right now, although well intentioned, puts a burden on local resources and does not support our colleagues, the city and state government, local law enforcement and most importantly the people of Minneapolis. An unnamed House Democrat confirmed the authenticity of the email to Axios and said its advice had also been shared through informal channels of communication. open image in gallery House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has urged his colleagues not to travel to Minnesota to join anti-ICE protests, citing security concerns ( Getty ) Minnesota elected officials cautioned members from going as it could add strain and overwhelm local law enforcement, they said. Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock has travelled to Minnesota this month in solidarity with the demonstrators braving sub-zero temperatures to speak out over the killings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as have New York congressional candidates Brad Lander and Micah Lasher. On Wednesday, California Rep. Ro Khanna posted a video of himself in Minneapolis on X (Twitter) with the comment: Im tired of people just tweeting. We need action and to be with people in the streets. I went to stand with Minnesotans and to listen to people in their own words after an ICE agent killed Alex Pretti. Pretti was in fact shot dead by Customs and Border Protection agents, not ICE. A version of the same security argument put forward by Jeffries office was also made by Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, newly dispatched to Minneapolis to restore order to Operation Metro Surge after Prettis killing inspired uproar. open image in gallery Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar confronting a man who attacked her at a town hall event in Minneapolis ( AFP/Getty ) Homan warned at a press conference Thursday morning that unruly demonstrations only served to place further strain on local law enforcement. Jeffries concern for his representatives safety was seemingly borne out on Tuesday, a day after the email was sent, when Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked by a man at her town hall event in Minneapolis, who sprayed her with a syringe before being restrained by security and taken into custody. Omar, a hate figure to conservatives, was unharmed in the incident, with the liquid in question turning out to be nothing worse than apple cider vinegar. She has since hit out at Trump for inciting hostility against her, with the president speaking out against at rally hours before the attack. In another incident Friday, Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, also a Democrat, was assaulted at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. 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 Senate Democrats blocked a spending package to avoid a partial government shutdown to buy time to negotiate guardrails for immigration enforcement agencies after two killings in Minneapolis. Democrats voted against the legislation on Thursday known as a minibus that includes funding the Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, Defense, Health and Human Security, Labor and Education. Democrats want to see that legislation split and funding for the agencies to be voted on separately, as they look for ways to force change to how federal agencies enforce Trumps deportation push. It was bulls*** that put them together in the first place, Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona told The Independent. If the funding is not agreed to and passes both houses, it would result a partial government shutdown. Republicans in the House of Representatives passed the legislation - that included funding for all agencies and an additional $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement - last week with the support of seven Democrats. But that came before Customs and Border Protection officials shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. That killing came weeks after Immigration and Customs Enforcement shot and killed Renee Good, also in Minnesota. Let me be clear: Democrats are ready to pass five bipartisan funding bills in the Senate, Schumer said in a floor speech. We are ready to pass them today. We are ready to fund 96 percent of the federal government today. But the DHS bill still needs a lot of work. open image in gallery Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) have been negotiating guardrails for ICE in the Homeland Security funding bill. ( Getty Images ) Schumer and other Democrats want to enact a series of reforms for ICE and CBP including ending roving patrols of ICE agents in cities; search warrants; cooperating with state and local law enforcement; a uniform code of accountability for officers; removing masks for ICE agents and body cameras during operations. Republicans are more amenable to some of these changes than others. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina told reporters that he did not want ICE agents to be doxxed. The goal with the latest block is ultimately be to have a separate vote on five of the spending bills. The new bills would be kicked back to the House for a vote while the Senate holds a separate vote on a stopgap spending bill for Homeland Security to give senators time to negotiate the legislation. The House would then hold a vote on the stopgap before both chambers pass a bill to fund Homeland Security for the rest of the fiscal year. Its not ideal, but its better than shutting down the government, Sen. John Conryn, a Republican from Texas, told The Independent. The move would trigger a brief partial government shutdown, unlike the government shutdown last year wherein Democrats opposed a continuing resolution in hopes of triggering an extension of the Covid-era enhanced tax credits for the health insurance marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act. That shutdown ended after eight Democratic senators defected to join Republicans to reopen the government. I didn't like the fact that we sort of gave up on the health care fight too early, I thought we could have won that fight, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee for Homeland Security, told The Independent. This is an opportunity for us to stick together and win on behalf of the American people, he said. I think people want us to fight. Even Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who voted to reopen the government after last years shutdown, told The Independent that she approved of splitting the most recent bills. open image in gallery Concerns over Homeland Security funding have mounted in the wake of deportation efforts in Minnesota that have resulted in two fatal shootings and protests ( Getty Images ) Since then, the Senate has passed six of its spending bills. But even if the government were to shut down, ICE would still be sitting on $75 billion thanks to the One Big, Beautiful Bill that President Donald Trump signed last year that boosted mandatory spending for agency outside of the appropriations process. Sadly, what's going to happen by partial shutdown is FEMA is not funded, Coast Guard is not funded, Secret Service is not funded, TSA is not funded, Sen. Steve Daines told The Independent. Still, the move shows how Republicans have had to adjust with public opinion after the killing of Good and Pretti. Minnesota right now are just quite focused on two things: one, ICE out of Minnesota, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota told The Independent. And two, no more funding for this agency that is committing all this violence in our community. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Republican moderate who called for Kristi Noem to resign as Homeland Security secretary, expressed optimism. You have to be optimistic, otherwise, why would you get up in the morning and come to work? she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has launched another late night social media spree, reposting more than 50 times in just a few hours. The president railed against everything from new video footage of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis, to one of his favored grievances, the stolen 2020 election. Prettis shooting has sparked a wave of protests, coming just weeks after the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in the same city. The new footage, captured 11 days before his death, appears to show him spitting at and kicking an ICE agent's car before being wrestled to the ground. For some MAGA influencers, that has added credence to the Trump administrations previous claim that Pretti was an agitator. This wasnt some peaceful protester. He was a domestic terrorist!, a post, accompanying the new video and reshared by Trump, read. open image in gallery Donald Trump went on a fresh social media blitz last night, posting over 50 times in a few hours Minneapolis was a big theme in the posts re-shared by the president, with one post sharing the conspiracy theory that people protesting Pretti and Renee Goods shootings had been paid to do so. James OKeefe has now CONFIRMED that the Minnesota rioters are bought and paid for - to the tune of TENS OF MILLIONS of dollars, the post read. There is a network of NGOs and activist groups funding it. We all knew it. Astroturfing is going on, the post alleged. Astroturfing is a term for an organized campaign made to look like it is spontaneous, rather than concerned citizens simply reacting to disturbing events on their doorstep. Trump also shared a slew of posts accusing the Democratic Party of committing electoral fraud, just ten months ahead of the pivotal midterm elections. open image in gallery Trump repeatedly re-shared posts related to Alex Pretti, who was shot dead by federal agents on Saturday ( Getty ) Some posts tied the allegations to Trumps immigration crackdown, with one person suggesting that the Democrats had overseen a secret plan to surge migration to the U.S. in order to swing elections. Another post suggested that Wisconsin, a Democratic leaning state, has 7.14 million registered voters, while only having 4 million adults of voting age in the state. However, statistics from the Independent Voting Project revealed that the actual number of registered voters hovers around 5 million. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Wisconsin allows young voters to pre-register if they will turn 18 by the next election, explaining the apparent discrepancy. Trumps social media blitz did not stop there, though, as he re-shared several posts accusing the California government of working with everyone from Mexican drug cartels to Russian mobsters. The 2020 election was a target as well, with the president airing his oft-shared grievances about losing the race. open image in gallery He also railed against losing the 2020 election, alleging that Biden has stolen the presidential race ( Getty ) The 2020 election was stolen right in front of your face, one ominous post re-shared by Trump read. And now accountability is coming. Anyone involved with any type of fraud during the 2020 election better lawyer up. Your time is coming. Another post suggested that 300,000 votes had been illegally certified in the election, despite many of the conspiracy theories surrounding the race already having been debunked. Trumps social media blitzes have become common on Truth Social, which had reached around 6.3 million users in January 2025, according to SEO.AI. Earlier this month, he posted over 80 times in less than two hours after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. On Christmas Day, he posted over 100 times about Somali immigration to the United States and voter fraud. 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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers carrying out the Trump administrations crackdown in Minnesota have been ordered not to engage with agitators and focus on arresting migrants with criminal records in an apparent focus switch, according to a report. A top ICE official shared the new guidance in an email obtained by Reuters following the deaths of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of federal law enforcement during clashes in Minneapolis. We are moving to targeted enforcement of aliens with a criminal history, the official said, according to the news agency. This includes arrests, not just convictions. ALL TARGETS MUST HAVE A CRIMINAL NEXUS. Under former President Joe Biden, the administration ordered ICE to focus on serious criminals, a policy that was rescinded by President Donald Trump, allowing agents to arrest non-criminals without restrictions. The new guidance states officers can run license plate checks for possible targets and should make an arrest if the registered owner of the vehicle is an immigrant with a criminal history, the outlet reports. open image in gallery Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers carrying out the Trump administrations crackdown in Minnesota have been ordered not to engage with agitators and focus on arresting migrants with criminal records ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Trump administration maintained it is targeting the worst of the worst in its anti-immigration operation, but ICE data for January showed that nearly 43 percent of detainees had no criminal convictions or charges. ICE officers have also been issued orders not to engage with protesters in Minnesota, marking a departure from the chaotic scenes of clashes in cities over the last year under the leadership of Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino. DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS, the official said in the email, according to the news agency. It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation. No one is going to convince the other. The only communication should be the officers issuing commands. A White House official told Reuters that the guidance was not final. open image in gallery The new guidance marks a departure from the chaotic scenes of clashes between protesters and ICE seen in cities over the last year ( Getty Images ) There are ongoing conversations on how to most effectively conduct operations in Minnesota, the official said. No guidance should be considered final until it is officially issued. ICU nurse Pretti, 37, was gunned down by two Border Patrol agents Saturday, and the Department of Homeland Security was quick to claim that he had been armed and wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Footage began circulating that contradicted the claim and the public appeared to widely dispute the administrations official line. It prompted Trump to make a change in how his administration was handling the immigration surge in the state. He saw it wasnt playing well, a Republican lawmaker told NBC News. The visuals were not playing well. He understands TV He saw it for himself. Trump sent Bovino back to California and announced his border czar Tom Homan would be deployed to Minnesota. At a Thursday press conference, Homan acknowledged certain improvements could and should be made to how the operation was being carried out on the ground. No agency is perfect, he said, but added, We are not surrendering the presidents mission. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Justice has filed federal criminal charges against the man who lunged at Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. Anthony Kazmierczak was swiftly detained and booked by Minnesota authorities and booked with state-level third-degree assault after Tuesdays incident. Now, an unsealed federal criminal complaint alleges Kazmierczak forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated an officer and employee of the United States while she was engaged in official duties. The FBIs affidavit alleges Kazmierczak sprayed Omar with a syringe filled with apple cider vinegar, which stained her clothes and may have reached her face and right eye. The affidavit also included a picture of the syringe that Kamierczak was accused of wielding. Kazmierczak allegedly had a history of threatening statements against Omar, including telling a close associate at one point that somebody should kill that b****, according to the FBI. open image in gallery Anthony Kazmierczak faces one count of assaulting a member of Congress after charging at Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar with a vinegar-filled syringe ( Getty Images ) The agent who filed the brief affidavit also referenced a political cartoon about Omar that Kazmierczak posted on Facebook in 2021. Moments after Omar called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems resignation, Kazmierczak appeared to say shes not resigning and youre splitting Minnesotans apart after he rose up from his seat and lunged towards her with the syringe, according to the FBI. In footage from Omars remarks to constituents after two Minneapolis residents were fatally shot by federal officers supporting the Trump administrations expansive mass deportation campaign, Kazmierczak can be seen jolting from his seat near the front of the room and rushing forwards. open image in gallery The syringe allegedly wielded by Kazmierczak was filled with a water and apple cider vinegar mixture, according to the FBI ( Department of Justice ) Omar, the first Somali-American to serve in Congress, appears briefly shaken but raises a fist in defense before returning to the microphone. We're gonna keep talking, she said. Just give me 10 minutes. Please don't let them have the show. She continued: Heres the reality that people like this ugly man dont understand. We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us. Her office later released a statement saying the congresswoman was safe and that she continued with her town hall because she doesnt let bullies win. Kazmierczaks social media accounts include photographs supporting President Donald Trump and criticizing Democrats, including Omar. In an interview with The Independent, Kazmierczaks younger brother called his brother a piece of s*** and right-wing extremist with a years-long fixation with the Somalia-born lawmaker. Kazmierczak, 55, is just a different person than I am, according to the brother, who said he has been estranged from his sibling for the past four years. He has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years, he added. Theres a reason I dont talk to him ... Hes got a lot of anger, I have no idea where it comes from. Hes always been that way. In and out of treatment since he was a kid. open image in gallery The office of the Minnesota congresswoman said she continued with her town hall because she doesnt let bullies win ( AFP via Getty Images ) The attack also followed Trump's routine use of racist and derogatory language to describe Somali immigrants, often directing his tirades at the congresswoman. The president has called Somali immigrants garbage who come from hell and baselessly accused them of taking over the state and roving the streets looking for prey. The Twin Cities are home to roughly 80,000 people of Somali ancestry, the vast majority of whom are legal residents or American citizens. The president seizing on a series of fraud cases involving government programs where most of the defendants have roots in Somalia has surged federal law enforcement officers into the state, dovetailing his nationwide efforts to deport millions of people with a campaign against alleged fraud. Hours before Omars remarks to constituents, the president again singled out the Minnesota congresswoman at a campaign-style speaking event. We need people to come in legally, but they have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country, the president said during an event in Iowa. They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar ... She comes from a country thats a disaster. Its not even a country. Asked whether he had seen the video of the incident, Trump told ABC NewsNo. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud. I really dont think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. 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 Ilhan Omar has suggested Donald Trump has dementia and is "obsessed" with her, after the presidents latest verbal attacks. Trump took repeated shots at the Minnesota congresswoman in a speech Tuesday, and hours later she was sprayed with a foul smelling liquid at a townhall meeting at which she railed against ICE's actions in Minneapolis. The man that attacked me was specifically upset that Trump's order to deport Somalis was not yielding enough deportations of Somalis, Omar told reporters Wednesday. So he wanted to come and get the person he thought was protecting the Somalis. Well, we are protected by the Constitution. open image in gallery Ilhan Omar speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, the day after she was attacked while giving an anti-ICE speech in Minneapolis ( Fox News ) Omar went on to suggest the abuse and threats she receives have been fuelled by Trump's repeated public vilification of her. I wouldn't be where I am at today, having to pay for security, having the government think about providing me security, if Donald Trump wasn't in office and if he wasn't so obsessed with me, she said. It is ironic that just last night he was on stage moments before I was attacked, talking about me. And then when asked about my attack he said, 'I don't think about her'. Does he not remember? Is he suffering from dementia? How do you spend 20, 30 minutes on stage, obsessing over me, by name, multiple times, and then moments later say, 'Ilhan Omar, I don't think about her'. Omar said the number of threats she received "plummeted" under the Biden presidency but she now receives "the most death threats of any member of Congress." Every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket, she added. open image in gallery Donald Trump hit out at Omar at a rally hours before she was attacked ( Getty Images ) Trump has repeatedly hit out at Somali immigrants, who make up a significant minority of Minneapoliss population. He has labeled them garbage and demanded that Omar who was born in Somalia be deported or face imprisonment. Just hours before the attack, Trump had singled out the Minnesota congresswoman during a rally in Iowa on Tuesday, saying: We need people to come in legally, but they have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country. They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar ... she comes from a country thats a disaster. Its not even a country. Following the attack on Omar, Trump suggested without evidence that the congresswoman had organised the incident herself, and that he wouldn't watch the video showing what happened. When asked by an ABC reporter on Tuesday if he had seen the video, the president said: No. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud. I really dont think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. When asked again if he had seen the video, he said: I havent seen it. No, no. I hope I don't have to bother. 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 Trump administration officials have reportedly held several secret meetings with far-right Canadian separatists who want to break free from the rest of the country. U.S. officials met with leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a fringe right-wing group of separatists who want the oil-rich western province to become independent, three times in Washington since last April, sources told the Financial Times. News of the stealthy meetings comes at a time of especially high tensions between the U.S. and its northern neighbor. During a speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke of a rupture in the world order, in what appeared to be a veiled attack on the trade and foreign policies of President Donald Trump but without mentioning him by name. Current tensions have only helped the separatists, who are trying to capitalize on the friction, according to the report. The U.S. is extremely enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta, the groups legal counsel, Jeff Rath, told the FT after attending the meetings. open image in gallery Trump administration officials have met with a group of right-wing Canadian separatists several times over the past year, according to a report ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ) Were meeting very, very senior people leaving our meetings to go directly to the Oval Office, he claimed. The group hopes to have another meeting in Washington next month to ask for a $500 billion credit facility, which would help fund the province if an independence referendum passes. However, a referendum has not yet been called. Both the White House and State Department told the FT that no commitments were made to the group during these meetings. Administration officials meet with a number of civil society groups. No such support, or any other commitments, was conveyed, a White House spokesperson said. A person familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents thinking told the outlet that he and his team were unaware of any credit facility request, and did not plan to engage on the issue. Carlo Dade, Director of International Policy at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, reportedly described the separatist group as attention seekers. The Americans are more than happy to continue to play Canadians off each other, Dade said. News of the meetings comes after Bessent sparked excitement amongst Alberta separatists last week when he described the oil-rich province as a natural partner for the U.S. during an interview with right-wing streaming channel Real Americas Voice. open image in gallery A person familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents thinking said they were not unaware of the groups request for any credit facility ( AP ) The Albertans are very independent people, Bessent said. [There is a] rumor that they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not. The Alberta Prosperity Project is looking to get 177,000 signatures to bring an independence petition to the legislature before May. The group declined to say how many signatures it currently has. The overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a U.S. state, a spokesperson for Albertas premier Danielle Smith. Meanwhile, an Alberta Forever Canada counter-petition opposing independence received 438,568 signatures by a deadline last year. Tensions have been high between the U.S. and Canada in recent months. Last weekend, Trump threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on goods imported from Canada if the country went ahead with a trade deal with Beijing, even as Carney has said Canada has no interest in negotiating a comprehensive deal with Beijing. Trumps push to acquire Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, alarmed Canada, which shares a 1,864-mile maritime border with the territory. The president has also repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty, suggesting that it become the 51st state of the United States. open image in gallery Trump has long poked at Canada over its sovereignty, often suggesting that Americas northern neighbor should become the 51st state ( Getty ) He also shared an AI-generated image on social media last week showing a map of the U.S. that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba as part of U.S. territory. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the U.S. said it may change its decades-old North American Aerospace Defense Command deal with Canada, should its government backtrack on the purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, warned that if Canada bought fewer fighter jets, the U.S. would fill those gaps in security concerns. That could mean the U.S. would need to purchase more F-35 fighter jets for its own use and use them to intervene in Canadian airspace more frequently. Under the current NORAD agreement, the U.S. and Canada can operate in each others airspace to track or intercept threats. However, Hoekstra suggested U.S. intervention would go even further, should the fighter jet deal change, ultimately requiring new terms to the Cold War-era agreement. Hoekstras comments come months after the Canadian government indicated it was reviewing the terms of the fighter jet deal after finding the program to be costlier than expected. This article was amended on the day of publication. It previously inaccurately reported that Carlo Dade works for the Canada West Foundation Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New details have emerged about how President Donald Trump and his administration responded to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was bundled to the ground and shot multiple times by Customs and Border Protection agents after a confrontation in the Minnesota city just after 9 a.m CT Saturday. Shots fired in Minneapolis, CBP Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino alerted the White House and the Department of Homeland Security in a text chain around five minutes later, according to NBC News, which spoke to 15 administration insiders about how the events unfolded. Over the following hour, Trump spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz talked to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, subsequently reiterating his long-standing demand on X (Twitter) that the president withdrew his forces. By 11.10 a.m. ET, DHS began briefing that Pretti had been armed and, at 12.31 p.m, posted its now-infamous statement along with a picture of the victims 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which he was licensed to carry claiming the wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement, had violently violently resisted the agents and forced them to fire the defensive shots that killed him. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has been forced to de-escalate his immigration crackdown in Minnesota following the angry public reaction to the killing of nurse Alex Pretti ( AP ) Between 1.22 p.m. and 1.43 p.m., Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller posted three tweets in which he referred to Pretti as a domestic terrorist who had tried to assassinate federal law enforcement, a would-be assassin and an assassin, leaning into Bovinos account of what happened. Trump and Vice President JD Vance took the same line in posts of their own, as did Bovino and Noem at their respective press conferences later in the day. However, as eyewitness video swirled across news sites and social media, viewers quickly came to their own conclusions and disputed the official line. According to NBC, Trump paced the halls of the White House and watched TV coverage, quickly realising the administrations account was not being accepted. He doesnt like chaos on his watch, an official told the network. Hes the smartest guy I know, and he saw it wasnt playing well, a Republican lawmaker added. The visuals were not playing well. He understands TV He saw it for himself. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivering a press conference on the killing of Alex Pretti on Saturday ( Getty ) On Sunday morning, the administration sent Bovino, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche out to defend Operation Metro Surge on CNN, ABC, Fox News, and NBC respectively. Wiles reportedly realised the DHSs messaging was backfiring and urged Trump to dispatch border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to take charge of the situation, a step he subsequently resolved to take. The president otherwise spent the day fielding calls from anxious allies and declined to defend Noem during a phone interview with The Wall Street Journal, saying only: Were looking, were reviewing everything and will come out with a determination. By evening, he had decided to make a change, conscious of the need to support a policy with $170 billion in funding behind it while avoiding alienating swing voters in a midterm election year. The reality is, you cant stop what youre doing, a former White House official told NBC. This is the whole point of ICE existing in these cities, and Minnesota is not going to be the last state that ICE goes to. Oregon was next. We were not done. We need to keep going. open image in gallery Trumps border czar Tom Homan was dispatched to Minnesota Monday to oversee the federal immigration surge, with Greg Bovino returned to California ( Reuters ) On Monday, Trump duly announced the Homan move, which saw Bovino sent back to California. He also held conciliatory calls with Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and, later, a two-hour crisis meeting with Noem and her top aide Corey Lewandowski in the Oval Office, with Wiles and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt present but Miller absent. Leavitt had declined to defend Noem and Miller at a briefing with reporters earlier in the day. A blame game then erupted in the media after an Axios report was published containing a quote from Noem in which she said: Everything Ive done, Ive done at the direction of the president and Stephen. Miller responded with a statement to CNN in which he suggested the CBP may not have been following the protocol established for immigration officers after the earlier killing of Renee Good on January 7, adding that the administrations initial information about Prettis death had all come from Bovinos agency. Also Tuesday, Trump spoke publicly about the killing for the first time, rejecting the assessment that the victim was an assassin but declaring that you cant have guns at a protest. Were going to de-escalate a little bit, he later told Fox during a trip to Iowa, denying the step represented a pullback from Minnesota. The conservative base is p***ed, a Republican strategist told NBC, summing up the debacle, warning that the president risked demoralizing the voters he will rely on in November with such erratic leadership. 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 always loved hearing fulsome praise from his hand-picked cabinet at meetings that can run for two to three hours while each department leader sounds off on how wonderful he is and recounting his administrations most recent wins. But not this time. Trump on Thursday abruptly ended what was billed as the first cabinet meeting of the new year without taking any questions from reporters and without hearing from one of his most prominent and recently most troublesome cabinet secretaries, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Instead, after reading prepared remarks filled with his usual and often inaccurate boasts about the state of the U.S. economy with some announcements about re-opening Venezuelan airspace and a request for Russias Vladimir Putin to stop bombing Kyiv for a week due to the cold weather, Trump dispensed with his usual practice of letting cabinet officers go around the large Nixon-era table to offer their own remarks and instead called on a series of hand-picked advisers. He started with his roving peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, then gave the floor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Small Business Administration boss Kelly Loeffler and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before asking Vice President JD Vance if hed deliver any closing remarks. Vance declined to do so and quipped that he was only attending for the free coffee. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attends a cabinet meeting where Donald Trump skipped right over her, as she faces backlash for ICE tactics in Minnesota ( REUTERS ) Trump, who claimed the truncated session had been amazing and said he liked the format much better than going around for three hours, then ended the meeting at which point his aides began to shriek at the assembled reporters to leave the room. Noem, who was seated at the far end of the table to Trumps left, did not speak a word during the roughly 90-minute session, nor did Trump acknowledge her presence. It was a stark contrast from the previous nine cabinet meetings held since Trumps return to power just over a year ago. Each of those meetings inevitably became multi-hour affairs complete with lengthy question-and-answer sessions with reporters, who often put questions not just to the president but to the various cabinet secretaries and advisers in attendance. The uncharacteristically short cabinet meeting and the pointed snub of his Homeland Security secretary comes as she remains under intense scrutiny on account of her response to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday. After Border Patrol agents fired shots into Prettis back within five seconds of wrestling him to the ground after one officer removed a holstered pistol from Prettis waist, Noem and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino both falsely claimed that Pretti had brandished the weapon or approached officers with the intent of shooting them. Noem claimed on Saturday the shooting had been the consequence of a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and kill law enforcement, even though Pretti never drew his weapon, which he had a permit to carry, and did not confront the agents before he was tackled after trying to help a woman whod been shoved by a CBP agent. open image in gallery Trump got updates from several of his cabinet members, but not the one who has been in the news the most recently ( Getty Images ) She also falsely accused him of having reacted violently when agents attempted to disarm him a claim that appears to be contradicted by video of the shooting. Noem has since defended her false statements by attributing them to talking points provided by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller the main architect of Trumps mass deportation campaign while Miller has, in turn, thrown Border Patrol personnel under the bus by claiming in a statement that he got the false information at issue from them. Her handling of the situation has not just Democrats, but multiple Republicans on Capitol Hill calling for her to quit or be fired with Democrats threatening impeachment should she remain long enough for them to take control of Congress after this Novembers midterm elections. Trump has thus far said he has confidence in her, telling reporters this week that he wont ask for her resignation because she is doing a very good job. Despite Trumps professions of support, he has a long history of jettisoning advisers and associates even after vouching for them, especially when members of his own party call for him to do so. In addition to silencing her at Thursdays cabinet meeting, he kneecapped her earlier in the week by dispatching Border Czar Tom Homan, a former Border Patrol and ICE agent who ran Immigration and Customs Enforcement during part of his first term, to Minnesota to take charge of the situation and report directly to him. 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 Overseeing Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign and government-wide anti-immigration efforts is a constellation of longtime loyalists, law enforcement officials and advisers spread across federal agencies. The president has reshaped the government around his mission to find, arrest and deport tens of thousands of people, deter new arrivals and impose severe restrictions on legal immigration that have stranded refugees and forced immigrants to flee the country. That mission is dovetailing with his campaign of retribution against political opponents, whose cities have been occupied by federal officers and National Guard troops under his direction. These are some of the agencies and players in charge. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of policy The architect of the Trump administrations draconian immigration policies in his first term returned to the White House last year as an influential force behind mass deportations and the presidents attempts to unilaterally define who gets to be a citizen. open image in gallery White House adviser Stephen Miller is an influential voice informing the presidents anti-immigration agenda ( Getty Images ) Months into Trumps second term, the 40-year-old far-right adviser allegedly instructed officials to carry out mass arrests and make at least 3,000 a day to keep pace with Trumps ambitions for 1 million people removed from the country each year. He has long advocated for ending birthright citizenship, a challenge that is now up for the Supreme Court to decide, and he floated the idea that the Trump administration could suspend the fundamental right of habeas corpus to accelerate deportations without a hearing. But after months of combative statements in defense of sweeping immigration operations that have outraged millions of Americans, Miller suggested for the first time that federal officers in Minnesota who fatally shot Alex Pretti may not have been following protocol. Miller previously accused Democratic officials of supporting insurrection and baselessly accused Pretti of being a domestic terrorist and an assassin. Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary The former South Dakota governor directs the nations third-largest Cabinet-level department, with 22 agencies under her direction including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, the two main immigration enforcement arms carrying out street-level operations. open image in gallery DHS Secretary Kristi Noem leads a massive Cabinet-level department that includes ICE and border patrol ( Getty Images ) Homeland Securitys annual budget of more than $103 billion includes billions of dollars for recruiting new ICE agents and expanding a detention center footprint that already is jailing more than 60,000 immigrants at any given time. Former Trump campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski is a special government employee who works closely with Noem, while her deputy secretary Tricia McLaughlin serves as a prominent Homeland Security spokesperson. Democratic members of Congress and some Republicans are now demanding Noems resignation, with Democrats warning that impeachment investigations are imminent unless she steps down after federal officers fatally shot two people on the streets of Minneapolis. Facing an intense and increasingly bipartisan backlash over her response to the chaos in Minnesota, Trump removed Noems top official from the state and replaced him with a White House adviser who reports directly to him, effectively cutting Noem out of the chain of command. Tom Homan, White House border czar Homan, who was deployed to Minnesota in an apparent rebuke of Noems performance, played a key role in immigration enforcement in a period where then-President Obama received the nickname deporter in chief from immigrant communities. Homan received a Presidential Rank Award in 2015. open image in gallery White House border czar Tom Homan previously served under the Obama administration when the former president was derided as deporter in chief ( REUTERS ) The United States carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013 during Obamas second term, the highest annual total since records were kept. Homan, whose work in that time is widely seen as the foundation for family separation policies that plagued Trumps first term, signaled a return to family detentions and breaking up families with U.S. citizen children before Trump entered office. He tapped David Venturella, a former executive for private prison contractor GEO Group, to support the administrations deportation agenda. He is now serving in a top role at ICE managing contracts for immigrant detention centers. GEO Group runs at least 20 ICE facilities and is the agencys largest provider. Gregory Bovino, commander-at-large, Customs and Border Protection After leading surges of federal officers into Democratic-cities through 2025, leaving behind a trail of lawsuits over allegations that his agents brutalized immigrants and citizens alike, Noems boots-on-the-ground commander is now headed back to his California homebase. Bovino, CPBs commander-at-large, is a longtime border patrol officer whose career catapulted into the public eye with the Trump administrations street-level surges. He has also become known for his clothing, which some say resembles a look of Nazi officials during World War II. open image in gallery Gregory Bovino, the boots-on-the-ground commander for Trumps immigration enforcement surges, appears to have been sidelined after fatal shootings in Minnesota ( REUTERS ) Rather than report to CPBs typical chain of command, Bovino reported directly to Noem. Last summer, Bovino began joining his masked and heavily armed officers on the street as they supported ICE in several cities to effectively block off protesters and bystanders from ICE operations, resulting in violent clashes and arrests that Bovino relished on social media. Last year, he was ordered to testify in federal court over his officers use of force in Chicago, which a judge said shocks the conscience. And the president, who has unwaveringly backed operations in cities run by his political opponents, seemed to believe that Bovino had gone too far after the officers in his command fired 10 shots at Alex Pretti as his body lay motionless on the frozen streets of Minneapolis. You know, Bovino is very good. But hes a pretty out-there kind of a guy, he said in an interview with Fox News. And in some cases, thats good. Maybe it wasnt good here. Todd Lyons, acting director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Lyons oversees an agency with more than 27,400 people, an annual budget of nearly $10 billion and more than $74 billion in funding from Trumps massive domestic spending bill signed into law last year. Before he tapped to lead ICE, which is often the shorthand for federal immigration officers and immigration enforcement generally, Lyons was a top official at the agencys Enforcement and Removal Operations bureau. open image in gallery ICEs acting director Todd Lyons oversees a vast network of detention centers that hold more than 60,000 immigrants at any given time ( AP ) He has also shaped logistics for moving thousands of detainees through a sprawling detention center system and has bluntly compared the movement of people to packages. We need to get better at treating this like a business, where this mass deportation operation is something like you would see and say, like, Amazon trying to get your Prime delivery within 24 hours, Lyons told a law enforcement conference in Phoenix in 2025. Joseph Edlow, director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Immigrants attending ICE check-ins or other immigration appointments have faced arrest when they show up, including at offices for the agency responsible for issuing visas and green cards Under Edlows direction, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has radically overhauled how the agency approaches immigration, moving the agency from a largely administrative role into a key law enforcement tool. open image in gallery US Citizenship and Immigration Services director Joseph Edlow has transformed the administrative agency into a key immigration enforcement tool ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) The agency is also creating its own law enforcement arm to investigate and arrest immigrants and their lawyers. That new class of agents is tasked with making arrests, carrying firearms, executing search and arrest warrants, and other powers standard for federal law enforcement, according to the agency. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Rubio has collected several job titles since joining the Trump administration. But as Secretary of State, the former senator has been central to the presidents anti-immigration agenda, from fielding El Salvadors offer to imprison immigrants and publicly defying judges orders to facilitate the return of a wrongly deported man, to revoking visas for hundreds of international students and threatening to deport activists who demonstrated against Israels war in Gaza. open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio has overhauled the nations refugee policies and stripped hundreds of visas for international students as part of a campaign against campus protests against Israels war in Gaza ( AFP via Getty Images ) Internal government documents revealed in court documents show that Rubio personally approved the arrest and removal of five international student activists for their Palestinian advocacy. A federal judge determined that Rubio and Noem engaged in an unconstitutional conspiracy and failed in their duties to protect the Constitution by violating the First Amendment rights of students and faculty with threats to strip them of visas and arrest and deport them. Rubio has also overhauled the nations refugee system and reshaped the State Department to fulfill Trumps America First approach, including plans for an Office of Remigration to serve as a hub for immigration issues and repatriation tracking and support the voluntary return of migrants to their country of origin or legal status. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump is being asked to provide more information about the Rolex watch and gold bar he accepted from Swiss businessmen last year, shortly before agreeing to lower tariffs on Swiss goods, by the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is seeking more details to determine whether the president violated laws by accepting the gifts before cutting the deal, according to the letter seen by Bloomberg. In November, a delegation of Swiss businessmen visited the White House to speak with Trump after he imposed a 39 percent tariff on Swiss goods. Shortly thereafter, a Rolex table clock, which does not appear to be available for purchase by the general public, appeared on the presidents desk. In addition, a custom gold bar was displayed on the Resolute Desk, worth more than $130,000, according to Wydens office. Less than two weeks later, Trump announced a deal that reduced Swiss tariffs from 39 percent the highest tariff placed on any Western country to 15 percent. The Swiss tariffs remain at this rate. open image in gallery The Rolex desk clock, gifted by Swiss businessmen, can be seen sitting on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office in mid-November ( AFP via Getty Images ) At the time, the White House said the gifts were donations to Trumps future presidential library, complied with U.S. and Swiss laws and were cleared by the White House legal counsel. In his letter, Wyden wrote: Trumps acceptance of gifts of significant monetary value just days before lowering tariffs on goods from Switzerland creates a blatant conflict of interest and possible constitutional violations. The Independent has asked Senator Wydens office for comment. The foreign and domestic emoluments clauses are some of the U.S.s oldest anticorruption buffers. Under the Foreign Emoluments Clause, federal officials are prohibited from accepting a present, office, title or payment from another head of state without the consent of Congress. Wyden also questioned whether Swiss negotiators informed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer of the gifts before or after presenting them to Trump and which administration official recommended the new, lower tariff rate. open image in gallery FIFA gifted Trump the first-ever 'FIFA Peace Prize', among a number of honors and gifts he has received as president ( Getty Images ) The White House pushed back on suggestions of a conflict of interest. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement: Switzerland secured a trade deal and lower tariffs by reducing their unfair trade barriers and committing to invest billions in the United States. The only special interest guiding President Trumps decision-making is the best interest of the American people, and any suggestion otherwise is completely unfounded. President Trump is an extraordinarily successful businessman who can afford his own Swiss table clock. Trumps decision to slap a 39 percent tariff on Switzerland in August stunned the countrys officials, since the U.S. is the top export destination for Swiss goods such as pharmaceuticals, luxury watches and precious metals. open image in gallery South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the Silla gold crown while the two met in South Korea in October ( Getty Images ) While in Davos last week, Trump said he imposed the tariff at a higher rate because he was rubbed the wrong way by former Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. Subsequently, Swiss officials reportedly struggled to convince the president to lower the tariff rate before the delegation of businessmen helped thaw tensions, according to Reuters. Trump has a well-known love for lavish, personalized gifts, which has raised questions about presidential ethics. Lawmakers and nonprofit organizations have said that the appearance of accepting such gifts leads to concerns about quid-pro-quos or giving certain countries preferential treatment as a result. This affair also creates a perception that lavishing gifts on the President, rather than negotiating with [US Trade Representative] is the best way for trading partners to engage with the United States, Wyden wrote. Over the last year, Trump has publicly accepted a gold crown from South Korea, a 24-karat gold and glass plaque from Apple CEO Tim Cook, the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a gold pager from Israel, a portrait from Russian President Vladimir Putin of the leaders together and a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to serve as the new Air Force One, before being transferred to his presidential library. 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 Talks between the United States, Greenland and Denmark have begun as the three parties seek to resolve a diplomatic crisis over President Donald Trump's threats against the Arctic territory. The Danish foreign ministry confirmed the start of the diplomatic talks Wednesday after months of tensions between Denmark and the United States, both founding NATO members. Denmark's foreign ministry told Reuters that senior officials from Denmark, Greenland and the United States had met to "discuss how we can address American concerns about security in the Arctic while respecting the Kingdom's red lines." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier Wednesday that the United States now has in place a process regarding Greenland and that there will be technical level meetings with officials from Greenland and Denmark on the issue. Trump's repeated calls for U.S. control over Greenland, citing national security concerns related to Russia and China, had threatened to fracture the transatlantic alliance before the dispute moved to a diplomatic track. 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 With sweeping layoffs expected to hit The Washington Post next month, the papers White House reporters joined the collective plea from the newsroom to publicly urge mega-wealthy owner Jeff Bezos to halt the massive rumored cuts. The note to Bezos, which was first reported by Semafor on Thursday, comes as rumors have swirled that the Will Lewis-led newspaper is looking to gut the Posts sports, arts, metro and foreign news departments. According to multiple reports, the newsroom could see over 100 employees laid off, and the company as a whole may cut as many as 300 staffers. With the looming layoffs spooking the newsroom, especially among reporters working at the desks that are likely to be impacted the most, journalists at the paper began tweeting under the hashtag #SaveThePost in an effort to grab the attention of the Amazon founder who purchased the outlet more than a decade ago. Amid the social media campaign targeting Bezos and his socialite wife Lauren Sanchez, dozens of the Posts foreign correspondents sent a collective plea letter to the billionaire begging him to reverse course. We urge you to consider how the proposed layoffs will certainly lead us first to irrelevance and later extinction not the shared success that remains attainable, the staff wrote. In their letter to Bezos on Thursday, the White House team which is not expected to be affected by the cuts spotlighted the collaboration they have had with the sections that could see brutal layoffs. open image in gallery Washington Post reporters are now publicly pleading with billionaire owner Jeff Bezos to reconsider the expected massive layoffs that will gut much of the paper. ( Getty Images for America Busines ) Given the uncertainty facing the Post, we wanted to tell you directly how the White House team relies on other desks and explain how our colleagues work helps lift up our own, the DC reporters wrote. We are clear eyed about the financial challenges facing the paper. When we accepted our assignments to cover the White House last year, we took the job with a goal to win back former subscribers and draw in new readers, the letter continued. A diversified Washington Post helps us do it. In an internal Slack chat that was viewed by CNN, White House bureau chief Matt Viser wrote: If the plan, to the extent there is one, is to reorient around politics we wanted to emphasize how much we rely on collaboration with foreign, sports, local the entire paper, really. And if other sections are diminished, we all are. The reporters at the paper are notably circumventing Lewis, the Posts embattled publisher and CEO, and appealing to Bezos directly at this point. This is all happening after the Washington Post has suffered through years of declining revenues, which was exacerbated after Bezos decided to block the editorial boards endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and push the publications opinion section into a conservative-leaning direction. Those moves by the Blue Origin founder were seen as an attempt to curry favor with Donald Trump amid the presidents return to the White House, leading to the cancellations of hundreds of thousands of paid subscriptions. Additionally, with Bezos seeming indifferent to the newsrooms concerns he snubbed an invitation to speak with the staff when he was in town for Trumps inauguration the Post has witnessed an exodus of editorial talent in the past year. open image in gallery Theres now a strong sense that neither Jeff Bezos nor Will Lewis are serious, good-faith stewards of The Washington Post , a veteran correspondent told CNN. ( Getty Images ) All the while, as the recent Bezos-led changes and turmoil have cost the paper, Lewis is aiming to try to push the Post into profitability this year by taking a lean approach and cutting more and more costs. This has prompted former and current Post journalists to wonder if the paper is slashing its way to irrelevance amid an existential meltdown, with staffers completely losing faith in both Bezos and Lewis. Theres now a strong sense that neither Jeff Bezos nor Will Lewis are serious, good-faith stewards of The Washington Post, one veteran correspondent told CNN, adding that the pair drove us into a ditch with their decisions, particularly the reinvention of the Opinion section, costing us hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Another former desk told New York magazine that when people were deciding which subscriptions they could live without, the Post was an easy cut. On top of that, according to the source, Bezos made it a lot easier with his decisions and now the papers left with something that's basically on life support because of the lack of vision. 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 Southern states are racing to recover from a crippling winter storm that killed at least 80 people before another blast of dangerous cold hits Friday. Mississippi dispatched 500 National Guard troops to clear roads blocked by fallen trees and Tennessee had nearly 1,000 linemen scrambling to restore power to thousands of Nashville homes. The National Weather Service said arctic air moving into the Southeast will cause already frigid temperatures to plunge into the teens Friday night in cities like Nashville, where more than 90,000 homes and businesses still had no electricity five days after a massive storm dumped snow and ice across the eastern U.S. At least 80 people have died in areas afflicted with bitter cold from Texas to New Jersey. The extended deep freeze has left some people increasingly desperate in a region unaccustomed to and ill-equipped for such cold. Emergency dispatchers in Mississippi were getting calls from people running out of food and medications while stuck at home. Tennessee had troopers making welfare checks on residents who hadn't been heard from in days. open image in gallery Utility trucks race to restore power Wednesday in Nashville after a winter storm knocked out power to more than 1 million homes and businesses in the US ( AP ) The situation in hard-hit northern Mississippi was life-or-death, said Jamie Partridge, a longtime resident of Batesville, where residents shivered in line outside a Walmart store waiting for a turn to buy supplies. More than 300,000 U.S. homes and businesses had no electricity Wednesday, according to the outage tracking website poweroutage.us. The vast majority were in Mississippi and Tennessee, with roughly 100,000 each. Nashville Electric Service said in a social media post Thursday that it had 963 linemen working on repairs after the storm snapped hundreds of power poles in the Nashville area. A utility vice president, Brent Baker, said Wednesday crews would need the weekend, or longer, before all customers could be restored. open image in gallery More than 300,000 U.S. homes and businesses still had no electricity as of Wednesday ( AP ) Interstates 55 and 22 were closed in northern Mississippi after emergency crews with tow trucks and snowplows removed gridlocked vehicles stuck on the icy roads. Gov. Tate Reeves said road crews would continue to work Thursday toward reopening the major highways. Reeves said he had mobilized 500 National Guard troops to clear trees and other debris still blocking roads. Warming centers are open across Mississippi Mississippi officials say it's the states worst winter storm since 1994. About 60 warming centers were opened across the state, known as one of the nations poorest. But for some communities, they weren't enough. Hal Ferrell, mayor of Batesville, said Wednesday that no one in the city has power and, with roads still slippery with ice, its too soon to begin recovery efforts. Were at a real mess and warming centers just dont exist for 7,500 people, Ferrell said. Forecasters say the subfreezing weather will persist in the eastern U.S. into February and there's high chance of heavy snow in the Carolinas, Virginia and northeast Georgia this weekend. Snowfall is also possible along the East Coast from Maryland to Maine. There was a slight chance of freezing rain Thursday night in some-hard areas of Mississippi and a limited possibility of snow showers in Nashville overnight Friday, according to the National Weather Service. But forecasters said the biggest threat was the dangerous cold, with sub-zero wind chills possible in parts of South deal with widespread power outages. University of Mississippi to close for a second week Officials at the University of Mississippi in snow-covered Oxford opted to cancel classes and campus activities for a second week, with plans to to reopen Feb 9. Though power had been restored to the campus, workers were still removing limbs dangling from trees, university officials said in statement Wednesday night. Erik Lipsett in Benton County, Mississippi, spent the last several days scooping ice from the front yard so he can melt it to flush down his toilets. The area has been without water and power since the weekend. On Wednesday morning, he lined up at a nearby gas station to shower and said that propane bottles, canisters and hookups for heaters are hard to come by. 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 An AI-generated post on an Australian tour companys website directed tourists to hot springs that did not exist, leading to unintended visits to a remote Tasmanian town. In a now-deleted article published last July, the Tasmania Tours website suggested visitors go to Weldborough Hot Springs, calling it a peaceful escape offering an authentic connection to nature. According to ABC News, the post claimed the attraction featured in a list of 7 Best Hot Springs Tasmania Experiences for 2026 where people would find pools rich in therapeutic minerals. Its reputation as a tranquil haven has made it a favourite among local hiking groups, wellness retreat organisers, and anyone wanting to experience one of the more untouched hot springs Tasmania has to offer, the article claimed. But tourists who headed to the secluded forest retreat found that the supposedly famed Weldborough Hot Springs did not exist and were in fact an AI hallucination. Weldborough is a small rural town in northeast Tasmania, about 110km from the state capital Hobart. There are no hot springs in or around this town, and no such attraction is listed in Tourism Tasmania material or local records. Our AI has messed up completely, Scott Hennessy, the owner of Australian Tours and Cruises, told ABC News, adding that they did not intend to mislead customers. Australian Tours and Cruises, based in New South Wales, owns and operates Tasmania Tours. We are not a scam, we are a married couple trying to do the right thing by people. We are legit, we are real people, we employ sales staff, he said. Hennessy said the article was created by a third-party contractor since they did not have enough horsepower to populate the website themselves. While all posts that went on the website were reviewed, he said, some were made live by mistake while he was not in the country. We are trying to compete with the big boys, and part of that is you have got to keep your content refreshed and new all of the time, he said. In addition to inventing the spot, the blog used AI-generated images to illustrate the supposed location. Australian Tours and Cruises told CNN that the AI-generated post and the resultant damage to their reputation as well as online hate they received had been absolutely soul-destroying. We are just trying to get on with our lives and put the whole thing behind us, the company said. AI researchers use hallucination to describe cases where generative AI systems produce information that may appear coherent and authoritative, but is factually incorrect or entirely fabricated. The owner of Weldborough Hotel has said there is a river that runs through the area, but it is freezing cold ( Google Street View ) After the article went up, local businesses like Kristy Proberts Weldborough Hotel started receiving inquiries from tourists looking for the hot springs as the blog post contained no directions. It started with a few calls in September, Probert said, and then people began turning up in droves. Were in a very remote location so it was very random, she said. The Independent has contacted Australian Tours and Cruises and the Weldborough Hotel for comment. Speaking to ABC Radio, Ms Probert said the Weld river, which runs through the area, was freezing cold and definitely not a hot spring. It was used primarily by fossickers looking for sapphires, she added. The AI-generated post brought a bit of a tourism boon for Weldborough, Probert said, adding that she was now gently telling visitors the truth when they inquired about the springs. If you can find these hot springs, beers are on me, she said she told a group of 24 that had taken a detour to visit the springs. She said they never came back. 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 China is sending a team to help the Australian authorities catch a man who allegedly doused a nine-month-old baby with scalding coffee in 2024. The attack occurred in a Brisbane park on 27 August 2024, and left the baby with burns to his face, neck, chest, and limbs. The child later underwent eight surgeries, including grafts and laser treatments. The man, who has been pictured from CCTV footage but not named, reportedly fled to China soon after the incident. His whereabouts remain unknown. China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, confirmed on Thursday that they had sent a working group to Brisbane to help with the investigation. Im not sure if I should announce this at this moment, but theres going to be a working group from China coming to Brisbane, Mr Xiao said. We are now preparing for the working group to come, so we are serious in addressing this concern, and were serious in taking the necessary actions. Mr Xiao said the team would work with the Australian police to see what exactly happened, how it happened, and how both sides can work together as a follow-up. open image in gallery Attack left the baby with serious burns to his face, neck, chest, and limbs ( ABC News ) China and Australia do not have an extradition treaty. China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurs outside China, the Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police said in a joint statement. It added that they were supporting a delegation of Chinese authorities and thanked the visiting team for their ongoing cooperation. The Queensland Police previously released CCTV footage of the man fleeing the park in a plaid shirt and cargo shorts. Hes suspected to have boarded a flight out of Sydney four days later. open image in gallery Man wanted in connection with an attack on a baby is seen fleeing a Brisbane park in Australia ( Queensland Police ) The babys mother said the attack had left her with anxiety about going out in public with her son. I will always have fear and anxiety being out in public with my son. Its affected my mental health for the rest of my life, she said. She still had no idea who the attacker was, the woman said. It sounds like they were very, very close to catching him. This obviously means that were going to have to wait who knows how long to get justice for our son, she said. Its heartbreaking. The Australian police have issued an arrest warrant for the man for acts intending to cause bodily harm, a charge that carries life imprisonment in the country. The police said the suspect was an itinerant worker, who had travelled back and forth to Australia several times since 2019 and lived in both New South Wales and Victoria. 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 Arctic, once a remote frozen periphery, is rapidly becoming a crucial strategic hub, a transformation underscored by past US-European tensions over Greenland. As sea ice melts at nearly four times the global average, the High North is revealing vast potential for energy, shipping, and critical minerals. This environmental shift is intensifying a global debate over control of the Arctic's future routes, rules, and resources, poised to shape international markets for decades. While Russia and China are systematically building their influence in the region to enhance economic leverage, Western policy is only now beginning to respond effectively. Russias arctic footprint Russia dominates the Arctic due to geography and infrastructure. Roughly 80% of Arctic oil and gas production comes from Russian territory, with Arctic fields accounting for about one-fifth of Russia's oil output and a far larger share of its export growth potential, according to the Arctic Institute. What sets Russia apart is not just scale but concentration. Russia's Arctic region holds an estimated 35.7 trillion cubic metres (tcm) of natural gas resources, nearly 75% of Russias total proven reserves and more than the rest of the Arctic combined. open image in gallery Employees of Russia's state-owned oil pipeline monopoly Transneft take part in a clean-up operation following a massive fuel spill in the Ambarnaya River outside Norilsk ( AFP via Getty Images ) Around 95% of Russias platinum-group metals and roughly two-thirds of its rare earth reserves sit in its Arctic territories. Russia already produces 100% of its nickel and 92% of its cobalt in this area, according to data from producer Nornickel and government statistics. By contrast, the West Arctic assets are significant but fragmented. Alaska holds the largest oil reserves in the region, accounting for about 3.5% of U.S. total crude output, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The city of Kiruna in Sweden contains the European Union's largest rare earth deposit, which if developed, could supply 18% of the bloc's needs, says the country's state-owned LKAB. Finland is set to become the EU's first integrated lithium producer this year. And then, of course, theres Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. It has vast critical mineral potential, but the logistical challenges involved in tapping these resources make major investments unlikely in the near term. Northern Sea re-routing Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Arctic energy flows were deeply integrated with European markets. Since 2022, however, sanctions have forced the rerouting of Russian fossil fuel exports. Arctic crude and condensate are now shipped east via Murmansk and the Northern Sea Route (NSR), often carried by a growing shadow fleet of aging tankers operating outside Western insurance regimes. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Yamal Peninsula continues to reach both Asian and European buyers, given that Russian LNG has not been fully sanctioned. However, the EU has moved to ban all Russian LNG imports from January 1, 2027, so the NSR will become even more important for Russia as it reroutes its exports to Asia. The NSR nearly halves the voyage length between northern Europe and Asia compared with the Suez Canal, giving Moscow leverage over a trade corridor that bypasses traditional chokepoints. open image in gallery Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during her visit to Norway to discuss Russian and Chinese threats to the Arctic and Nato's presence in the region. ( PA ) The Arctic also continues to be a testing ground for sanctions evasion. Ship-to-ship transfers, opaque ownership structures and the blending of Arctic-origin oil have weakened Western measures targeting the shadow fleet and Arctic LNG projects. Chinas polar calculus Chinas footprint in the Arctic is narrower than Russias but strategically placed. Chinese firms own nearly 30% of the Yamal LNG project through the national energy giant CNPC and the Silk Road Fund, with policy banks helping finance the $27 billion venture. That investment secures long-term LNG supplies, exposure to polar energy technology and options on future Arctic shipping routes. Beijings interest extends beyond hydrocarbons. Chinese companies have pursued stakes in Arctic minerals, including rare earths in Greenland and iron ore and nickel across the High North. These resources sit at the heart of global clean-energy supply chains, so access to them reinforces Chinas dominance over low-carbon manufacturing. For global trade, Chinas Arctic ambitions are about resilience. The Polar Silk Road offers a hedge against disruptions in the Red Sea, Suez or the Malacca Strait. Even limited commercial use of Arctic routes strengthens Chinas bargaining power when negotiating contracts for shipping and port infrastructure, both central to its global economic strategy. Long-term market implications The geoeconomic rivalry over Arctic resources and trade routes will unfold throughout the coming decades, but its structural impact on global markets is already visible. Tighter Russian control of Arctic routes has allowed the Kremlin to maintain its foothold in Asian LNG markets, undermining the strength of U.S. and EU sanctions. Looking forward, concentrated control over Arctic sea lanes may splinter trade routes, making the High North a separate corridor with different rules, costs and political risks. Meanwhile, the Arctic is no longer distant for the EU and the U.S. It is a gateway for energy flows, data cables and shipping lanes that underpin transatlantic economies. Any disruption - whether through sanctions evasion, cyberattacks, sabotage against critical infrastructure, or heavy-handed regulation of Arctic navigation - could reverberate through global supply chains. In short, as melting ice opens up new trade opportunities, it is also exposing a new fault line in the global economic order - one that markets can no longer afford to treat as frozen. (The views expressed here are those of Martin Vladimirov, director of the Geoeconomics Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), and Vanya Petrova, a senior analyst at the CSD.) 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 Bangladeshi man, Maksudur Rahman, was reportedly lured from his tropical homeland to Russia with the promise of a janitorial job, only to find himself thrust onto the front lines of the war in Ukraine within weeks. An investigation by The Associated Press has uncovered a pattern where Bangladeshi workers are enticed to Russia under false pretences of civilian employment, subsequently coerced into combat roles. Many of these individuals faced threats of violence, imprisonment, or even death if they refused. Mr Rahman, among three Bangladeshi men who managed to escape the Russian military and spoke to AP, recounted how he and fellow workers were instructed to sign Russian documents upon arrival in Moscow, which later proved to be military contracts. They were then transported to an army camp for training in drone warfare, medical evacuation, and basic combat skills involving heavy weaponry. Rahman protested, complaining that this was not the work he agreed to do. A Russian commander offered a stark reply through a translation app: Your agent sent you here. We bought you." The three Bangladeshi men shared harrowing accounts of being coerced into front-line tasks against their will, including advancing ahead of Russian forces, transporting supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers and recovering the dead. The families of three other Bangladeshi men who are missing said their loved ones shared similar accounts with relatives. Neither the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian Foreign Ministry nor the South Asian countrys government responded to a list of questions from AP. Rahman said the workers in his group were threatened with 10-year jail terms and beaten. Theyd say, Why dont you work? Why are you crying? and kick us, said Rahman, who escaped and returned home after seven months. The workers accounts were corroborated by documents, including travel papers, Russian military contracts, medical and police reports, and photos. The documents show the visas granted to Bangladeshi workers, their injuries sustained during battles and evidence of their participation in the war. How many Bangladeshis were deceived into fighting is unclear. The Bangladeshi men told AP they saw hundreds of Bangladeshis alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Officials and activists say Russia has also targeted men from other African and South Asian countries, including India and Nepal. open image in gallery Mohammed Siraj holds a photograph of his 20-year-old son, Sajjad, who was killed after being taken to fight in Russia, at his home in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In the lush greenery of the Lakshmipur district in southeast Bangladesh, nearly every family has at least one member employed as a migrant worker overseas. Job scarcity and poverty have made such work essential. Fathers embark on yearslong journeys for migrant work, returning home only for fleeting visits, just long enough to conceive another child, whom they will likely not see again for years. Sons and daughters support entire families with income earned abroad. In 2024, Rahman was back in Lakshmipur after completing a contract in Malaysia and seeking new work. A labor recruiter advertised an opportunity to work as a cleaner in a military camp in Russia. He promised $1,000 to $1,500 a month and the possibility of permanent residency. Rahman took out a loan to pay the fee of 1.2 million Bangladeshi taka, about $9,800, to the broker as a fee. He arrived in Moscow in December 2024. open image in gallery Salma Akdar, 28, who has not heard from her husband Ajgar Hussein, 40, for months, reacts as she sits in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Once in Russia, Rahman and three other Bangladeshi workers were presented with a document in Russian. Believing it was a contract for cleaning services, Rahman signed. Then they went to a military facility far from Moscow, where they were issued weapons and underwent three days of training, learning to fire, advance and administer first aid. The group went to a barrack near the Russia-Ukraine border and continued training. Rahman and two others were then sent to front-line positions and ordered to dig pits inside a bunker. The Russians would take a group of say, five Bangladeshis. They would send us in front and stay at the back themselves, he said. The men stayed in a leaky bunker in the rain as bombs fell a few kilometers away. Missiles flew overhead. One person was serving food. "The next moment, he was shot from a drone and fell to the ground right there. And then he was replaced, Rahman said. open image in gallery Mohan Miajee, 29, who escaped after fighting for the Russian army, poses for a portrait in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Some Bangladeshi workers were lured into the army with promises of positions far from the front line. Mohan Miajee enlisted in the Russian army after the job that initially brought him to Russia serving as an electrician for a gas-processing plant in the remote far east was plagued by harsh working conditions and relentless cold. While searching for employment online, Miajee was contacted by a Russian army recruiter. When he expressed his reluctance to kill, the recruiter said his skills as an electrician made him an ideal candidate for an electronic warfare or drone unit that would be nowhere near combat. With his military papers in order, Miajee was taken in January 2025 to a military camp in the captured city of Avdiivka. He showed the camp commander documents describing his experience and explained that his recruiter had instructed him to ask for electrical work. The commander told me, You have been made to sign a contract to join the battalion. You cannot do any other work here. You have been deceived, he said after returning to his village of Munshiganj. Miajee said he was beaten with shovels, handcuffed and tortured in a cramped basement cell, and held there every time he refused to carry out an order or made a small mistake. Because of language barriers, for example, "if they told us to go to the right and we went to the left, they would beat us severely, he said. He was made to carry supplies to the front and collect dead bodies. Meanwhile in Rahman's unit, some weeks later, they were instructed to evacuate a Russian soldier with a wounded leg. The men carried him, but no sooner had they left the position than they saw a Ukrainian drone buzzing above. It fired at them. Then more drones came in a swarm. Rahman could not advance or return to the bunker. A Russian soldier guiding them said land mines were everywhere. He was stuck, and the Russian commander fled. Rahman eventually suffered a leg wound that sent him to a hospital near Moscow. He escaped from the medical center and went directly to the Bangladeshi embassy in Moscow, which prepared a travel pass for him to leave the country. Some months later, Rahman helped his brother-in-law Jehangir Alam, who also spoke with AP, run away using the same method leaving the hospital after being wounded and appealing to the embassy. open image in gallery Mohan Miajee, 29, who escaped after fighting for the Russian army, shows his Russian military dog tag in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Families in Lakshmipur hold tightly to the documents of their missing loved ones, believing that one day, when presented to the right person, the papers might unlock the path to their return. The documents included photos of Russian business visas, military contracts and army dog tags. The papers were sent by the missing men, who urged relatives to complain to recruiting agents. The contracts were verified by two Russian groups helping men evade or get out of military service. Maj. Vladimir Yaltsev, head of the Kostroma regional recruitment center for contract military service, is listed as signing the contracts on behalf of the Russian military. In their final messages, these husbands, sons and fathers conveyed to relatives that they were being forcibly taken to the front lines in Ukraine. After that, all communication ceased. The families filed a complaint with police in Dhaka and traveled on three occasions to the capital to pressure the government to investigate. Salma Akdar has not heard from her husband since March 26. In their last conversation, Ajgar Hussein, 40, told her he had been sold to the Russian army. The couple has two sons, ages 7 and 11. Hussein left in mid-December 2024, believing he was being offered a job as a laundry attendant in Russia, his wife said. He had recently returned from Saudi Arabia and planned to stop working overseas for a spell, she explained. But believing Russia offered opportunities to make money, he left again. He sold some of his land to pay the agent's fees. For two weeks, he was in regular touch. Then he told his wife he was being taken to an army camp where they were trained to use weapons and carry heavy loads up to 80 kilograms (176 pounds). Seeing all this, he cried a lot and told them, We cannot do these things. We have never done this before,' his wife said. For two months after that, he was offline. He reappeared briefly to explain they were being forced to fight in the war. Russian commanders "told him that if he did not go, they would detain him, shoot him, stop providing food, she said. Families in the village confronted the recruiting agent, demanding to know why their loved ones were being trained for war. The agent replied dismissively, saying that it was standard procedure in Russia, insisting that even launderers had to undergo similar training. Hussein left a final audio note for this wife: Please pray for me." open image in gallery Mohammed Siraj, the father of Sajjad, 20, who was killed after being taken to fight in Russia, poses for a portrait at his home in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Mohammed Sirajs 20-year-old son, Sajjad, departed believing he would be working as a chef in Russia. He needed to support his unemployed father and chronically ill mother. Siraj wept as he described his son begging him to ask the agent why he was being made to undergo military training. Sajjad fought with his Russian commanders, insisting he had come to be a chef, not to fight. They threatened him with jail if he did not comply. Then someone else threatened to shoot him, his father recalled. Sajjad called the family and said he was being taken to battle. That is the last message from my son, he said. In February, Siraj learned through a Bangladeshi man serving with Sajjad that his son had been killed in a drone attack. Unable to bear telling his wife the truth, Siraj assured her that their son was doing well. But word spread through the village. You lied to me, Siraj recalled her saying as she confronted him. Soon after, she died, calling out for her son in her final moments. open image in gallery Maksudur Rahman, 31, who escaped after fighting for the Russian army, shows a Russian military dog tag during an interview with The Associated Press in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In late 2024, families approached BRAC, an organization that advocates for Bangladeshi workers, and said they could no longer reach their relatives in Russia. That prompted the organization to investigate. It uncovered at least 10 Bangladeshi men who are still missing after they were were lured to fight. There are two or three layers of people who are profiting, said Shariful Islam, the head of BRAC's migration program. Bangladesh police investigators uncovered a trafficking ring in Russia after a Bangladeshi man returned in January 2025, alleging he had been deceived into fighting. The police believe that similar networks, operated by Bangladeshi intermediaries with connections to the Russian government, are responsible for facilitating the entry of Bangladeshis into Russia. Another nine people were discovered to have been lured into fighting based on that police investigation, according to investigator Mostafizur Rahman. The Associated Press reviewed the police report filed by one victim's wife, who said he went to Russia expecting to work in a chocolate factory. A middleman, a Bangladeshi with Russian citizenship who was residing in Moscow, has been charged. It's not clear how many Bangladeshis were lured to Russia. A Bangladeshi police investigator told AP that about 40 Bangladeshis may have lost their lives in the war. Some go willingly, knowing they will end up on the front lines because the money is too good, according to Rahman, the investigator. In Lakshmipur, investigators learned that the local agent has been funneling recruits to a central agent associated with a company called SP Global. The company did not respond to APs calls and emails. Investigators found it ceased operations in 2025. Families of the missing individuals said they have not received any money earned by their loved ones. Miajee too said he was never paid. I dont want money or anything else, Akdar said. I just want my my childrens father back. 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 average wage earners in Russia, it's a big payday. For criminals seeking to escape the harsh conditions and abuse in prison, it's a chance at freedom. For immigrants hoping for a better life, it's a simplified path to citizenship. All they have to do is sign a contract to fight in Ukraine. This desperate recruitment drive is part of Moscow's strategy to replenish its forces in the nearly four-year conflict, while simultaneously avoiding an unpopular nationwide mobilisation. The bloody war of attrition has also seen foreign combatants join the fray. Following a mutual defence treaty in 2024, North Korea reportedly sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia defend its Kursk region against a Ukrainian incursion. Furthermore, men from South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, have reported being duped by recruiters who promised legitimate jobs, only to find themselves conscripted for combat. Officials in Kenya, South Africa, and Iraq have confirmed similar instances of their citizens being misled into fighting. open image in gallery Russian recruits take a train at a railway station in Prudboi in the Volgograd region of Russia, Sept. 29, 2022. (AP Photo, File) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) President Vladimir Putin told his annual news conference last month that 700,000 Russian troops are fighting in Ukraine. He gave the same number in 2024, and a slightly lower figure 617,000 in December 2023. It's unclear if those numbers are accurate. Still hidden are the numbers of military casualties, with Moscow having released limited official figures. The British Defense Ministry said last summer that more than 1 million Russian troops may have been killed or wounded. Independent Russian news site Mediazona, together with the BBC and a team of volunteers, scoured news reports, social media and government websites and collected the names of over 160,000 troops killed. More than 550 of those were foreigners from over two dozen countries. How Russia gets new soldiers Unlike Ukraine, where martial law and nationwide mobilization has been in place since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Putin has resisted ordering a broad call-up. When a limited mobilization of 300,000 men was tried later that year, tens of thousands of people fled abroad. The effort stopped after a few weeks when the target was met, but a Putin decree left the door open for another call-up. It also made all military contracts effectively open-ended and barred soldiers from quitting service or being discharged, unless they reached certain age limits or were incapacitated by injuries. Since then, Moscow has largely relied on what it describes as voluntary enlistment. The flow of voluntary enlistees signing military contracts has remained strong, topping 400,000 last year, Putin said in December. It was not possible to independently verify the claim. Similar numbers were announced in 2024 and 2023. Activists say these contracts often stipulate a fixed term of service, such as one year, leading some potential enlistees to believe the commitment is temporary. But contracts are automatically extended indefinitely, they say. open image in gallery Recruits carry ammunition during training at a firing range in the Rostov-on-Don region of southern Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo, File) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The government offers high pay and extensive benefits to enlistees. Regional authorities offer various enlistment bonuses, sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. In the Khanty-Mansi region of central Russia, for example, an enlistee would get about $50,000 in various bonuses, according to the local government. That's more than twice the average annual income in the region, where monthly salaries in the first 10 months of 2025 were reported to be just over $1,600. There also are tax breaks, debt relief and other perks. Despite Kremlin claims of relying on voluntary enlistment, media reports and rights groups say conscripts men aged 18-30 performing fixed-term mandatory military service and exempted from being sent to Ukraine are often coerced by superiors into signing contracts that send them into battle. Recruitment also extends to prisoners and those in pretrial detention centers, a practice led early in the war by the late mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and adopted by the Defense Ministry. Laws now allow recruitment of both convicts and suspects in criminal cases. open image in gallery People walk past an army recruiting billboard with the words "Military service under contract in the armed forces," in St. Petersburg, Russia, March 24, 2023. (AP Photo, File) ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Foreigners also are recruiting targets, both inside Russia and abroad. Laws were adopted offering accelerated Russian citizenship for enlistees. Russian media and activists also report that raids in areas where migrants typically live or work lead to them being pressuring into military service, with new citizens sent to enlistment offices to determine if theyre eligible for mandatory service. In November, Putin decreed that military service was mandatory for certain foreigners seeking permanent residency. Some reportedly are lured to Russia by trafficking rings promising jobs, then duping them into signing military contracts. Cuban authorities in 2023 identified and sought to dismantle one such ring operating from Russia. Nepals Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud told The Associated Press in 2024 that his country asked Russia to return hundreds of Nepali nationals who were recruited to fight in Ukraine, as well as to repatriate the remains of those killed in the war. Nepal has since barred citizens from traveling to Russia or Ukraine for work, citing recruitment efforts. Also in 2024, Indias federal investigation agency said it broke up a network that lured at least 35 of its citizens to Russia under the pretext of employment. The men were trained for combat and deployed to Ukraine against their will, with some "grievously injured, the agency said. When Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks in 2024, New Delhi said its nationals who were misled into joining the Russian army would be discharged. Iraqi officials say about 5,000 of its citizens have joined the Russian military along with an unspecified number who are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Officials in Baghdad cracked down on such recruiting networks, with one man convicted last year of human trafficking and sentenced to life in prison. An unknown number of Iraqis have been killed or gone missing while fighting in Ukraine. Some families have reported that relatives were lured to Russia under false pretenses and forced to enlist; in other cases, Iraqis have joined voluntarily for the salary and Russian citizenship. Foreigners duped into fighting are especially vulnerable because they dont speak Russian, have no military experience and are deemed dispensable, to put it bluntly, by military commanders, said Anton Gorbatsevich of the activist group Idite Lesom, or Get Lost, which helps men desert from the army. open image in gallery Russian Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, right, reports to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the annual board meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry and award soldiers in Moscow, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) ( Sputnik ) This month, a Ukrainian agency for the treatment of prisoners of war said over 18,000 foreign nationals had fought or are fighting on the Russian side. Almost 3,400 have been killed, and hundreds of citizens of 40 countries are held in Ukraine as POWs. If true, that represents a fraction of the 700,000 troops that Putin said are fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Using foreigners is only one way to meet the constant demand, said Artyom Klyga, head of the legal department at the Movement of Conscientious Objectors, noting Russian recruitment efforts appear to be stable. Most of those seeking help from the group, which assists men in avoiding military service, are Russian citizens, he said. Kateryna Stepanenko, a Russia researcher at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, said the Kremlin has gotten more creative in the last two years with attracting enlistees, including foreigners. But recruitment efforts are becoming extremely expensive for Russia, which faces a slowing economy, she added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Relatives of the 45 people killed in Spain's devastating rail disaster have vowed to uncover the truth behind the collision, making their solemn promise at a funeral mass attended by survivors still bearing visible injuries. "Only the truth will help us heal this wound. We will know the truth, we will fight so that there will never be another train," declared Liliana Saenz, who lost her mother in the tragedy, during the service held in the southern city of Huelva. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were present, offering their condolences. Spain continues to grapple with the aftermath of the January 18 incident near the village of Adamuz, southern Spain, which resulted in one of the highest death tolls from a train crash in European history. The government has faced intense scrutiny regarding its investment in the maintenance of Spain's acclaimed railway system, particularly following this crash and other incidents that same week, including the death of a train driver in Catalonia. Notably, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Transport Minister Oscar Puente did not attend the service. Emergency crews respond after a commuter train derailed when a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks in Gelida, near Barcelona, Spain ( AP ) Authorities have indicated that a fracture in the rail appears to have occurred before one of the trains, en route to Madrid from Malaga, derailed. It was then struck by a second, Huelva-bound train travelling in the opposite direction, just 20 seconds later. Transport Minister Puente suggested the gap between events could have been as brief as nine seconds. Addressing a congregation of hundreds of relatives and some survivors, Ms Saenz, flanked by her brother, articulated the profound grief: "We are the 45 families who would trade all the gold in this world, which is now worthless, for the chance to move the hands of the clock forward just 20 seconds." 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 One of Donald Trumps senior envoys for Ukraine has sparked alarm after making a series of blunders during crucial peace talks, according to a report. The unnamed official is alleged to have made several comments that exposed a basic lack of knowledge about the war between Ukraine and Russia during trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi last week. The talks, set to continue this weekend, are the first between the three countries since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022 but the comments in the Kyiv Independent have led to fears that inexperience and misunderstanding could pose a risk to Kyiv. Among the incorrect statements allegedly made during the meetings are errors about how long the war has been going on, when it started and whether or not the country has a vice-president. The White House has pushed back on the report, calling the claims nonsense and arguing Donald Trump had done more than anyone to try and end the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin welcomes US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US president Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner ( POOL/AFP via Getty ) General [Kyrylo] Budanov is now their vice-president, the official is reported to have said during a meeting with reporters, according to the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine does not have a vice-president, and Budanov has recently been appointed as head of the presidents office. Asked whether the envoys hoped to agree a peace deal before the four-year anniversary of the conflict, the top official reportedly answered: I wasnt aware of what that anniversary date was. He added: I dont think we feel pressure to because we have a four-year anniversary. The discussions have so far been led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, president Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, army secretary Dan Driscoll and other senior members of the administration. Pictures from a meeting at the Kremlin with president Vladimir Putin also showed commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), Josh Gruenbaum, present during the talks. I think its the longest war now, the US official is reported to have said erroneously during the meeting. It was longer than World War II. At this point, its been going on. The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. While Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, its military actions and illegal annexation of Crimea began in 2014, with Russian-backed separatist troops fighting Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region. open image in gallery Russia has continued to attack Ukraine in a series of strikes that president Volodymyr Zelensky has called acts of terrorism ( AP ) It is not clear whether the officials comments are referring to the beginning of Russias invasion in 2022 or the earlier Donbas conflict. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's parliament foreign affairs committee, told the publication that the alleged comments represented a serious problem and described the situation as troubling. (The envoy) has already made several big mistakes both technical and, in essence, serious diplomatic ones. He added: For example, (they) view territorial issues as real estate. That is completely wrong. They do not know the basics the fundamentals of politics, history, international law. Referring to the Kyiv Independents story, a White House spokesperson said: President Trump and his entire team have done more than anyone to stop the killing and bring peace to this brutal war, including by bringing both sides together for trilateral talks last weekend. Its pathetic that this reporter was too scared to reach out to the White House for comment, as he does frequently, because he knows this story is nonsense and the United States has been working incredibly hard to save lives. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to attack Ukraine in a series of strikes that president Volodymyr Zelensky has called acts of terrorism. Overnight, three people were killed in Odesa, just a day after five were killed in a drone strike on a passenger train. The Ukrainian leader warned the escalations were a signal that Russia is preparing a new massive strike and said the onslaughts discredited peace talks. The Russians are preparing a new massive strike our intelligence indicates this, he said in a video to his social media account on Wednesday. The United States, Europe, and all our partners have to understand how this discredits diplomatic talks. Every single Russian strike does. 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 number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides of Russia's war on Ukraine could hit two million by the spring, a report has warned. It would mean Russia suffering the largest number of troop deaths recorded for any major power in any conflict since the Second World War. The study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies revealed the slow, deadly grind of the conflict, and comes before the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. The report said Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, between February 2022 and December 2025. "No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II, the authors said. open image in gallery Rescue workers clear the rubble of a residential building which was heavily damaged after a Russian strike in Odesa ( 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) It estimated that Ukraine, with its smaller army and population, had suffered between 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. The figures have been described as unreliable by the Russia, as the countrys advance in Ukraine remains in a grinding war of attrition. Analysts say that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no rush to find a settlement, despite his army's difficulties on the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Putin has repeatedly said Russia will take all of Ukraine's Donbas region, of which Moscow's forces control 90 per cent, by force unless Kyiv gives it up in a peace deal. This weekend, a third round of negotiations between the two countries, brokered by the US, will take place aimed at ending the war. open image in gallery President Zelensky has condemned the attacks ahead of continuing trilateral peace talks on Sunday ( Emergency Service of Ukraine ) US secretary Marco Rubio said active work was underway to reconcile the territorial issue of Donetsk in the Donbas, describing the disagreement as a key remaining issue that is "very difficult" to resolve. Kyiv has said it will not gift Russia territory that Moscow has failed to win on the battlefield. "It's still a bridge we have to cross. It's still a gap, but at least we've been able to narrow down the issue set one central one, and it will probably be a very difficult one," Rubio told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. In Ukraine on Wednesday, Russian strikes killed a couple near Kyiv and hammered the southern city of Odesa, a day after a drone attack killed five people on a passenger train. open image in gallery At least two people were killed in the attacks near Kyiv ( AFP/Getty ) President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks. The strike hit a residential neighborhood, with no military targets anywhere nearby, the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media. We will respond fairly to Russia for this and other similar attacks. Several buildings sustained damage in the attacks on Odesa, though no casualties were reported. Several fires are said to have broken out, with emergency crews extinguishing a major fire at a construction and architecture college in the city. Emergency services said that religious sites including a monastery were damaged in the bombing. Energy infrastructure has continued to be targeted with deputy prime minister Oleksiy Kuleba saying that the strike damaged manufacturing facilities, a locomotive and hangars, and sparked a fire that was being extinguished. Hundreds of thousands of residents already remain without power following relentless attacks on infrastructure during one of the countrys coldest winters on record. Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority said the Black Sea port of Pivdennyi came under attack but continued operating normally. Three people were hurt in the attack that also damaged port infrastructure, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram on Wednesday. A residential building and buildings in the vicinity of an Orthodox monastery were also damaged, he added. Close 'Evil must stop: Zelenskyy mourns latest Russian attack on miners as he confirms next diplomatic talks in UAE On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian forces have been accused of carrying out a double tap drone strike on a bus on Sunday, in an attack which killed 12 miners. The bus, operated by Ukrainian energy company DTEK, was struck in the Dnipropetrovsk region in what the firm described as a large-scale terrorist attack, injuring a further 16 people. Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraines defence minister, has since claimed that Russian forces were became aware the bus was containing civilians when it attacked for a second time. He said on Telegram that a Shahed pilot saw a bus below and decided to attack it, adding that the driver lost control under the influence of the blast wave and drove into the fence before injured people began to flee. At this time, the operator of the second Shahed saw people and directed the Shahed directly at civilians, Beskrestnov said. The operators from the territory of Russia 100% saw and recognized the target as a civilian, saw that it was not a military person and made a conscious decision to attack, he added. Meanwhile, both the Kremlin and Volodymyr Zelensky have confirmed the second round of Ukraine-Russia-US talks is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Israeli military has for the first time accepted figures released by Gazas health ministry showing that more than 70,000 Palestinians were killed during its war in the territory, according to a report. The Gaza health ministry says 71,667 people have been killed since Israels military operations began on 7 October 2023, including 492 who have been killed since a ceasefire agreement was finalised in October. IDF sources told Haaretz that the death toll has now been accepted by military officials. The figures are regarded as reliable by humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations. The tally includes those killed directly by Israeli fire, not those who died of other causes, including starvation. Several studies suggest the death toll could be far higher. The health ministry also reports that 171,343 people have been wounded by Israeli fire, representing around 8.1 per cent of the population. open image in gallery Palestinian Civil Defence members lay out body bags containing the remains of members of the Shahebar family ( AFP/Getty ) An Israeli military official said the details published do not reflect official IDF data. They added: Any publication or report on this matter will be released through official and orderly channels. Gaza health ministry records identify nearly all of the casualties using their names and identification numbers, but they do not distinguish between militants and civilians. According to Haaretz, Israels military is currently analysing data on the deaths to calculate how many people killed it believes are combatants and how many were civilians. A study carried out by Professor Michael Spagat of the University of London suggested that more than 75,000 people had died during the war as of January 2025. At that time, Gazas health ministry placed the number at just over 45,600, suggesting it undercounted the true total by 40 per cent. Other research, published in the medical journal The Lancet in January 2025, also suggested the death toll was around 40 per cent higher than the recorded numbers. Violence has continued in Gaza even after a fragile ceasefire came into effect in October last year. Two more Palestinians were killed in eastern Khan Younis on Thursday, medics said, in an area adjacent to where the army operates. open image in gallery People search for survivors and the bodies of victims through the rubble of buildings destroyed during Israeli bombardment, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip last year ( AFP via Getty ) It comes as Israel and Hamas prepare to move into the second phase of the ceasefire, following the discovery of the body of the final Israeli hostage remaining in Gaza on Monday, police officer Ran Gvili. Israel said it had agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing linking the Gaza Strip to Egypt, the main point of entry and exit for Palestinians, which has been mostly closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side. The Rafah crossing was meant to open during the first stage of the ceasefire, but the Israeli government instead made it conditional on Hamas making every effort to return the body of Gvili. The Israeli military intends to restrict the number of Palestinians allowed into Gaza to ensure that more leave than enter, Reuters reported, citing three sources. Close Trump says Iran is seriously talking with US On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday for talks on a new nuclear deal, according to a report. Sources told Axios that the pair would meet in Istanbul to discuss the future of Tehrans nuclear programme, following repeated threats by Washington of military intervention. It would represent the first meeting with US and Iranian officials since Tehrans 12-day war with Israel and the US last June, which saw Washington bomb Irans nuclear facilities. Tensions are running high amid a military buildup by the US Navy near Iran following a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations last month. Last month, Trump threatened to launch strikes against the regime over the killing of protesters but later appeared to back down. Witkoff will also visit Israel this week for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iranian sources told Reuters last week that Trump had demanded three preconditions for resumption of talks: zero enrichment of uranium in Iran, limits on Tehran's ballistic missile program and ending its support for regional proxies. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Intrepid Travel has announced it will commit more than a quarter of a million pounds to support Indigenous tourism across Canada. The worlds largest adventure travel company announced it had signed a landmark partnership agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) on Monday, 26 January. Intrepid said it will be increasing the number of Indigenous and community-led experiences across its Canadian tours as it pledges CA$500,000 (267,000) to the project. The company said that by the end of the year, 75 per cent of its Canadian tours will include at least one Indigenous experience, with the long-term goal being to expand this across all tours. Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous-led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure, Keith Henry, CEO and President of ITAC, said at the partnership announcement at a sustainable tourism conference. Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits, while supporting our vision of Canada becoming a world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030. The partnership between Intrepid and ITAC will be structured into two key areas: development and promotion. The funding will be partly spent on helping ITAC to develop Indigenous-led tourism businesses, while also investing in advertising and media promotion. The vision is simple. Every traveller who visits Canada with Intrepid should leave with a deeper connection and understanding of Indigenous culture, said Christian Wolters, president of Intrepid Travel Canada. For more than 30 years, Intrepid Travel has used small-group adventures to empower communities around the world, Mr Wolters continued. Now, as we embark on our biggest expansion in Canada, were excited to help travellers connect more deeply with Indigenous cultures here and ensure tourism creates meaningful benefits for communities. Read more: Winter sun flights to US from Canada slashed as tourists shun Trump Theres another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now So the US president informed an audience at a rally in the Midwestern state of Iowa, and, via his usual social media megaphones, the world. Those who track such things have produced maps showing an impressive amount of US military, mostly maritime hardware, converging on the region. Presumed message: Stand by, oh ye ayatollahs, for an all-out US military assault and a possible end to your rule. Cue a belligerent, in-kind response from Irans foreign minister, saying the countrys armed forces were ready with their fingers on the trigger as well as panic alarms all around the region, and among the United States European allies, about an imminent US-Iran war. Nor can such a dramatic and potentially destabilising outcome be ruled out. At the same time, however, Donald Trump went on to spell out how it could be avoided. Irans leaders had to quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. In other words, Irans regime could survive, for the time being, at the price of swingeing constraints on its already severely curtailed regional power. Now, there are several points that could be made here, starting with the obvious: that it is at least in part even mainly Trumps fault that Iran is not signed up to international controls on what might remain of its nuclear capability. It was he, after all, who withdrew the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal, halfway through his first term, over the misgivings of the UN and the Europeans. That withdrawal came with the re-imposition of sanctions that arguably helped produce the economic discontent behind the recent protests in Iran. Trump could also be accused of performing an about-turn another about-turn. Having offered to rescue Irans protesters before they were so brutally repressed, he is now appealing, in his own inimitable way, to the very leaders they were trying to displace, in order to neutralise Iran as any sort of military threat. So which is it, you might well ask? Threatening the overthrow, or shoring up Irans leaders? And either way, do we not have here yet another Trump about-turn? Trump has said a massive armada led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading to Iran ( AP ) By way of an answer, let me offer two phrases America First and the art of the deal to be followed by a study of two recent official US documents, both succinct and eminently readable, setting out the basic objectives of US foreign and defence policy under Trump. What we are watching with Iran, and not for the first time, is Trumps method his way of achieving those objectives. And this is not, in the expression coined by some of his US detractors, Taco Trump always chickens out but the word he used in rejecting that description: Negotiations. Negotiations, it might be added, that often come with a certain old-fashioned prelude in the form of gunboat diplomacy: the deployment of power to intimidate and deter. In talking about the armada heading for the Middle East, Trump dropped a clue that he sees Iran through the same prism as Venezuela. There, he offered talks and then threats before seizing the president and his wife by force, leaving behind a headless and shellshocked administration more easily controlled by Washington. Still not convinced this could be the playbook to use with Iran? Trump has already boasted that the naval force in the Gulf is a great deal larger than the one he sent to Venezuela. For all the Europeans insistence that they forced Trumps climbdown on his claim to Greenland, it is not at all clear that the implied threat of force or new tariffs were more than opening gambits for negotiations as indeed his worldwide tariffs of a year ago turned out to be. The only genuine climbdown or about-turn I have observed from Trump is his not-quite-an-apology following what Keir Starmer described as the insulting and appalling remarks he made about British and other troops who served with Nato in Afghanistan: he later praised UK troops as brave soldiers. As a rule, Trump seems to shy away from operations that demand boots on the ground, the long-term commitment of troops, and uncertain outcomes. All the uses of military force so far in his second term have been highly limited in time and scope, and based on a fine calculus of risk versus reward. While some expected the Venezuela operation to entail regime change, that is not what happened. The regime was decapitated, not overthrown. As so far in Iran, Trump also rejected any plan to install an exiled opposition figure, saying in both instances that it was not clear that the most obvious frontrunners Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who handed Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal at the White House, and Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran commanded enough public support. If Trump has taken that lesson from past US interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, so much the better. Some favoured advice from observers of Trumps first term was that his words should be taken seriously, but not literally. Another way of putting it might be to argue that he uses maximalist language, while tempering his actions to what he judges to be feasible or realistic. As with Venezuela, so with tariffs, so with Greenland, and now with Iran, the threats have to be plausible. The desired results have also to be seen to be in Americas best interest hence, perhaps, the apparent to-ing and fro-ing on Iran and on Ukraine, which is increasingly seen by the US as a problem for Europe. Trumps approach to China as set out in the US National Defense Strategy is also less hawkish than that of past US presidential or congressional pronouncements. It says that China will now be dealt with by strength, not confrontation, and specifically that the US does not seek to dominate, humiliate or strangle China but wants a decent peace, on terms favourable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under. Taken together, what is clear from this is that power relationships reign supreme, and that US interests, as perceived by Trump and his coterie, come first, along with the security of the western hemisphere. It is possible for the calculus of US interests to shift, as it did in Iran, where the regime demonstrated its determination and ability, for the moment, to remain in power. Such adjustments are not climbdowns or about-turns, but reflections of Trump-style realism, with always America first. US airline lobby group has complained to American government over Dublin Airports cap The Irish Government has insisted there is no merit to the complaint by a powerful US airline lobby group that Ireland has breached the EU-US Open Skies Agreement because of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. I wish to assure you that it is not government policy to 'cap' passenger traffic at Dublin Airport, said Ethna Brogan, director general for civil aviation at the Department of Transport in a letter to the US Department of Transportation. Officials have been progressing a general scheme of a bill setting out the proposed legislative approach to resolving this matter which has involved navigating complex domestic planning legislation and EU environmental regulations, and while an existing planning application is seeking to also lift the cap. Transport Minister Darragh OBrien has recently accused senior civil servants of hindering efforts to remove the cap, which limits the number of annual passengers at Dublin Airport to 32 million. I cannot stress enough the level of commitment this Government has to resolving this issue, noted Ms Brogan in her letter. That cap was introduced as a planning condition attached in 2007 to permission for the construction of Dublins Terminal 2. Last year, Dublin Airport handled 36.4 million passengers, however. Airlines for America (A4A) which represents major US carriers including Delta and United has claimed that the cap at Dublin Airport is harmful to US airlines economic interests and violates the EU-US Opens Skies agreement. Earlier this month, it filed a complaint with the US Department of Transportation. It said that unless the cap is removed by February 1, the US government should impose restrictions on commercial flights from Ireland to the United States. That would have significant implications for Aer Lingus, which has an extensive network to the United States. For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Ireland is that there is no merit to the complaint made by A4, and consequently there is no requirement to engage the US-EU ATA (Air Transport Agreement) or to refer any matter to the Joint Committee thereof, Ms Brogan has told the US Department of Transportation. In a response to the A4A complaint, Aer Lingus has said it expects the heads of bill for legislation to remove the cap to be brought before Cabinet next Wednesday. Formal drafting of the Bill will then commence as soon as Government approval is received, notes Ms Brogan in her letter to Daniel Edwards, the principal deputy assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs at the US Department of Transportation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had previously moved to limit the number of available take-off and landing slots at Dublin Airport in order to ensure the airport adhered to the cap. The decision by the IAA to limit the number of passengers using Dublin Airport was challenged by airlines and remains stayed by the High Court pending a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union. It has been asked to rule if the IAA has correctly interpreted an EU slot regulation in making its decision to curtail slots for the summer 2025 season. An opinion in that referral to the Court of Justice is due to be filed by one of the courts advocates general next month. A final decision from the court will come some months later. Aer Lingus has previously said that it would have incurred 130m in lost revenue in 2025 and 2026, and further losses thereafter, had the IAA been permitted to enforce restrictions to ensure the Dublin Airport cap was not breached. The IAA has not attempted to curtail slots for the 2026 summer season due to the on-going legal action. It is clearly the case that no airlines, including airlines of the United States of America, are subject to any restriction stemming from the operation of the planning condition of a passenger cap, noted Ms Brogan in her letter. She added: Contrary to the argument made by the complainants, the withdrawal of historic slots at Dublin airport does not constitute a unilateral limit on air travel to Ireland. There are other airports within the State which can facilitate transatlantic traffic, in fact some of the complainants already operate services to one of these airports. Ms Brogan added that the DAA, the semi-state company that operates Dublin Airport, has already submitted a planning application for a number of infrastructure projects and has asked for the cap to be raised to 40 million in that submission. For present purposes there are two important aspects to take from this application, she said in her letter. First, it seeks to raise the existing planning condition passenger cap to facilitate more passengers at the airport, contrary to the suggestion of some latent government policy in support of the cap. Second, the infrastructure projects also proposed demonstrate, concretely, that it is the intention of the operator of the airport to increase capacity. There were 36,284 new dwelling completions last year, an increase of over 20pc from 2024 and the highest number in well over a decade. There was a particular bounceback in apartment building, with the number completed rising to 12,047, up 38.7pc year-on-year, according to new data from the Central Statistics Office. The final figure is well ahead of many independent predictions. The Central Banks most recent forecast was for 33,500 units, while the ESRI said it thought completions would be in the region of 35,000. A surge of activity in the final quarter is the reason why those forecasts were exceeded. While the Government proclaimed the big jump in completions as evidence that its housing policies are finally working, 36,284 completions still leaves it behind target. It has promised to build 300,000 new housing units by 2030. Independent analysts say the underlying need is for an extra 50,000 to 60,000 houses a year to clear the pent-up demand. More than half of completions almost 58pc were in Dublin or the Mid-East region of Kildare, Louth, Meath, and Wicklow. By Local Electoral Area, the most completions in 2025 were in Clondalkin in Dublin, with 1,399. Seven of the eight regions had higher rates of completion last year. The exception was the South East Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wexford where there was a 1.7pc decrease. The figures for the final quarter increased markedly, with 11,994 new dwelling completions in that quarter, 38.5pc higher than in the last quarter of 2024. Housing minister James Browne said: Todays figures are very welcome and signal a clear ramp-up in supply seen in the delivery of more than 232,250 homes in the last decade. Indeed, more than 161,300 new homes alone have been completed since July 2020. One key indicator of progress is the delivery of new apartments. Encouragingly, after a very significant drop-off in apartment delivery in 2024, todays figures show a 38.7pc increase in apartments in 2025 compared to 2024 with more than 12,000 apartments completed. This is the highest completions figure for apartments since the CSO began collating this data set in 2011. The minister is changing the regulations around building apartments in a bid to encourage private investors back into the sector. He has issued new design standards, including reducing the minimum size allowed. They can now be as small as 32 square metres. Restrictions on the mix of apartment sizes in new developments have been relaxed. The Department of Housing has said the changes should result in a saving of between 50,000 and 100,000 in the cost of building an average apartment. Among the other measures that the Government has taken to improve viability is a reduction in the rate of Vat on the sale of apartments, from 13.5pc to 9pc, which is expected to cost the Exchequer 250m next year. There are many pointers to progress but we are not complacent, Minister Browne said. We have a new Housing Action Plan, record state funding, and increasing confidence within the private sector. I am determined to take every action necessary to build on all of this and ensure even greater progress in the months and years ahead. The figures show momentum in construction, Tanaiste Simon Harris told the Dail. Mr Harris said it was the best annual achievement since 2011. The Social Democrats however accused him of dressing up failure as success. Deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said Mr Harris had promised to build 41,000 homes in 2025. It was there in black and white in the Fine Gael manifesto for Election 2024. The Government had missed its target by almost 5,000 homes, he said. Richard Boyd Barrett said however that it was a slight improvement, said but the Government hasnt a hope in hell of meeting housing need, which the CSO itself had estimated at 50,000-60,000 homes a year. Mr OCallaghan said the Government was trying to run away from the (41,000) target, and the Housing Minister had decided that annual targets were a distraction in James Brownes own words. Mr OCallahan said: Its not the only housing target that this Government has missed. It been categorical in the run-up to the 2024 election that 40,000 new homes would be delivered in 2024. Instead it turned out at 33,000 for that year. It was just another bogus figure, trotted out despite mountains of evidence that it was pie in the sky, he said. Fine Gael has now reverted to type with tax breaks for developers and sweetheart deals for investment funds, along with new legislation with a sole purpose to let record rents rip. Instead of providing affordable homes for people to buy the Government was pivoting more strongly to the private sector, he said. The Tanaiste answered: There's actually now almost 6,000 additional homes built last year than the year before. Were now living in a country where 600 first time buyers every single week are buying homes. It's not hopeless for those people. We have completion figures today that do show momentum. They are a positive sign. There is now momentum back in the housing market, and that didn't happen by accident. It happened as a result of the policies that we are pursuing. Mr Harris said the Opposition was disappointed because the ESRI forecast had 35,000 homes last year, the Central Bank 33,500, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council 34,500 and all had been exceeded. The plan that this Government has is to deliver 300,000 homes by the end of 2030, and this is a positive contribution. If you look at the graph, it is the highest number of housing completion since 2011. When I came into this Dail around 7,000 homes were completed annually. Irelands economy shrank in the last three months of 2025, according to early estimates from the statistics agency. These early, or preliminary, estimates indicate that Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a standard measure of economic size, decreased by an estimated 0.6pc in Quarter 4 2025 the last three months of the year, when compared with the previous quarter. That followed a decline of 0.3pc in the previous three months. Two back-to-back quarters of GDP decline is the standard measure of a technical recession, however by most measures the Irish economy continued to perform strongly in the second half of the year including a bumper tax take and jobs growth, although unemployment did creep up to 5pc. The same data showing declines through the second half of 2025 indicated the size of the Irish economy grew during the year as a whole by a massive 12.6pc, which - if correct - will likely be by far the fastest expansion in Europe last year. The latest GDP decline was mainly driven by contraction in the multinational dominated Industry sector, the CSO said. The numbers are early estimates and subject to revision but if correct will be a cause of worry at a time of already heightened anxiety around the impact of Donald Trumps tariff policies. That will be clearer when the more definitive Quarterly National Accounts are published in early March, which drawn on additional data sources. Regardless of the final numbers for Q4 the Irish economy grew strongly in 2025 as a whole, in GDP terms. Thats largely down to a huge 7.4pc growth spurt in the first three months of the year. Thats been ascribed in part to an element of front loading by multinationals of exports to the US to beat the impact of tariffs, but also reflects increased capacity in the Irish pharmaceutical supply chain, after years of investment. That includes a particular contribution by drug giant Eli Lilly, which manufactures ingredients for its weight loss drug Mounjaro and its diabetes drug Zepbound in Kinsale, Co Cork. Sustaining the level of growth in the first three months was always likely to be challenging, even if exports levelled off at new, elevated, levels. Measuring Irelands economy in any meaningful way is fraught. GDP is the standard measure used to compare economies but in the case of Ireland it is volatile even at the best of times because of the outsized impact of multinationals. Sergey Shilov is the sole owner of Dublin-based Holy Sky Ltd The Revenue Commissioners has moved to wind up an Irish aircraft firm owned by a Russian national who has been sanctioned by Ukraine. The petition to wind up Dublin-based Holy Sky Ltd is due to be heard before the High Court next month. Company records show that Holy Sky is wholly owned by Russian Sergey Shilov, with an address in Vicenza, Italy. It had net assets of 15.8m at the end of 2024. At one stage, the shares in the company were listed as being owned by Vladimir Shilov, also with an address in Italy. The shares were transferred to him from Sergey Shilov in March 2018. The shares were transferred back to Sergey Shilov in April 2022. Since 2012, the company acquired three Cessna passenger aircraft which have been registered in Russia. Filings show that the Kansas-based Cessna Finance Export Corporation has charges over the aircraft, that date from 2012. None of those charges are listed as being satisfied. Mr Shilov (64) served as a director of Holy Sky Ltd from 2016 to 2018. While he is no longer a director, the most recent annual return for the firm shows that he is the sole owner of the company. OpenSanctions, a database of sanctioned entities developed with backing from Germanys Ministry for Education and Research, shows that Mr Shilov was initially sanctioned by Ukraines National Security and Defence Council in 2008. He is also listed as going under an alias, Serhii Volodymyrovych Shylov. Apart from being the owner of the Irish firm, he has also been involved in aviation companies in Russia and India. A company in Russia in which he has been involved, Skol Aviation, is also subjected to sanctions by Ukraine. Mr Shilov has also been a director of companies in Italy Gruppo Elicotteristico Veneto, Santa Terra, El Filo and Tre Sergio. Company records in Italy show that he is currently a director of Santa Terra. The company also had financial assets of 7.3m at the end of 2024 The most recent set of accounts for Holy Sky signed off last November - show that the aircraft it owns had a net book value of just under 4m at the end of 2024. It has incurred total depreciation charges of about 8.2m, with 832,000 having been incurred in 2024. The company also had financial assets of 7.3m at the end of 2024. The accounts note that as of the end of 2024, 6.3m was due from Santa Terra, which is wholly owned by Holy Sky. A further 1.76m was due from Gruppo Elicotteristico Veneto, which is owned by Santa Terra. The accounts show that it recorded a loss of about 1m in 2024. Ireland is a global hub for aircraft leasing, with a majority of the worlds leased aircraft managed out of the country. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 also saw Moscow seize jets in Russia that were owned by Western aircraft lessors, including many headquartered in Ireland. That resulted in protracted legal battles between insurers and the lessors over billions of dollars of compensation. Embattled Chair Larry Murrin faces stand-off over importation of Brazilian beef The embattled Chairman of Bord Bia Larry Murrin and its CEO Jim OToole have agreed to go before the Agriculture Committee next week. It comes after the Chairman told the Irish Farmers Journal that dialogue was needed to resolve the stand-off, which sees an Irish Farmers Association (IFA) protest enter its fourth day outside Bord Bias Dublin offices. A ban on Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley having any involvement with forthcoming shows is to be lifted, a High Court judge in Belfast ruled today. Mr Justice Simpson freed the star from the temporary injunction obtained by an entertainment firm due to the risk he could ultimately suffer potentially unquantifiable lost revenue. A jubilant Mr Flatley declared the outcome a fantastic victory in his wider legal battle with Switzer Consulting Ltd over control of the multi-million production ahead of a 30th anniversary tour opening next week in Dublin. He said: Im very pleased not just for myself, but for my dancers, my cast and crew and everyone who believed in me. The show goes on and we are going to lift the roof (in Dublin) on Thursday. Switzer is suing Mr Flatley for alleged breach of a service agreement reached in July 2024 for it to run Lord of the Dance touring operation. Earlier this month the firm obtained an interim ex-parte order to stop the 67-year-old choreographer and retired performer from cancelling, postponing or interfering with the show. When it returned to court to seek a further injunction a series of allegations were made about Mr Flatleys financial affairs. The court heard he has received nearly 430,000 in royalties in a 15-month period after the agreement was signed. Mr Justice Simpson was told that 268 performances of Lord of the Dance have been booked across Europe and North America. It was claimed, however, that those shows have been put in jeopardy by the stars direct interference with the business. Senior counsel for Switzer, Gary McHugh KC, contended that the arrangement began to break down when Mr Flatley went on a solo run towards the end of 2025. During a bizarre meeting last October he allegedly discussed handing over his affairs and having all debts cleared in a bid to restructure what had been set up. Mr Flatley demonstrates fleetness of foot with this new deal, the barrister submitted. Mr Flatley pirouettes on the 2024 licence agreement, and then is now seeking to soft shoe shuffle into 2026 with new arrangements altogether. Switzer boss Joe Gallager also claimed in an affidavit that the dancer consistently stripped the business of money to support his personal lifestyle, while at the same time complaining that the show was being sold too cheap. According to the company, however, it has overseen a structured control and development of the commercial operation which has led to staff, suppliers and taxes all being properly paid. Further concerns were raised that another businessman who holds rights to music featured in Lord of the Dance could pull the plug on shows if there is any default on repayments of nearly 3m US dollars owed to him. A letter sent by Mr Flatleys former financial adviser examined during the hearing alleged he has a history of running tours at a loss and liquidating companies. Many promoters were reluctant to deal with Michael directly as he has an industry-wide reputation for not paying his bills, the correspondence stated. Referring to a growing sense of frustration among those who have worked with Mr Flatley for years, it was claimed he has feigned ignorance or a lack of understanding to avoid debt obligations. The financial adviser stated that he has used other peoples money to maintain a facade of wealth. Since 2019 Michael has lived the lifestyle of a Monaco millionaire without the funds to do so, the letter alleged. In the bluntest terms he was faking it on a multi-million euro scale. The star compounded his difficulties by making horrendous business mistakes which cost him millions in further borrowings at a time when he had no income and was running out of road financially, his former business associate claimed. He added: Michaels appetite for lifestyle cash was insatiable, including borrowing 75,000 euros for his birthday party and 50,000 euros to join Monaco yacht club, all during a time when he had no income other than borrowings. During the hearing it was contended that attempts were made to replace Switzer with the newly formed Feet of Flames company. Lawyers for the plaintiff insisted the injunction is required to stop the shows creator for bringing the house down. Mr Flatleys legal team countered that a deed of trust shows he has a controlling shareholding in Switzer, a company they maintain is only entitled to a management agents fee. Under the terms of a five-year arrangement, it was to receive a monthly fee of 35,000, rising to 40,000 after the first two years. David Dunlop KC said the firm had carried out an attack on Mr Flatleys character and ability to run a business which had nothing to do with the issues about the agreement. He told the court his client had relied on his former financial adviser, with question marks raised over what the dancer understood to be signing up to. Mr Flatley was then informed following the agreement that the business was back in his full ownership, counsel stressed. Questions were raised about Switzers financial status amid claims it had no listed employees or money until fresh accounts were filed last Saturday which now show net assets of just over 2m. Based on concerns about its solvency, any cross-undertaking to pay Mr Flatley damages if it ultimately loses the breach of contract case was described as worthless. Backing those submissions, Mr Justice Simpson said he could not be satisfied that any pledge by the company to pay compensation if it ultimately loses the action was meaningful. As opposed to that, if the court grants an injunction until trial of the action the potential losses to the defendant, who owns the intellectual property to Lord of the Dance which generates significant revenue, are potentially unquantifiable, the judge held. In the light of the apparent financial position of the plaintiff (Switzer), at least as matters stand evidentially today, any such damages would, on the balance of probabilities, be unlikely to be met by the plaintiff. I consider that the course of action which seems to me to be likely to cause the least irremediable prejudice would be to refuse the injunctive relief sought. He confirmed: Accordingly, I dismiss the plaintiffs application for an injunction pending the trial of this action and I discharge the injunction which I granted on January 13, 2026. As Mr Flatley left court he pledged to continue working with all those involved in a production he created and first choreographed 30 years ago. He added: When I get into the car Im going to call each and every dancer and crew member on the show. 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 Director Sean Sweeney accused of a breach of confidentiality A fresh row has broken out between the residents of Dublins Dartmouth Square and Transport Infrastructure Ireland following comments made on national radio by the MetroLink director. Sean Sweeney has been accused of revealing details of a confidential deal brokered before Christmas to buy properties from residents of the Victorian terrace for more than 30m. The sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) at the Rotunda Hospital has recorded one of its busiest years on record last year. There was a significant increase in the number of people seeking specialist care and support following sexual violence in Ireland. A higher demand in 2025 saw the Rotunda unit support 12pc more people than in the previous year, helping 41pc of all SATU attendances across the country. The majority of those attending last year identified as female, with people accessing care ranging in age from under 14 to over 70. Demand remains consistently high throughout the year, with June identified as the busiest month and Wednesday the busiest day of the week. Most incidents happened overnight and at weekends, while the majority of people attended the service during daytime hours. However, the majority of attendances were seen within three hours of requesting support, and nearly nine in ten people had the opportunity to speak with a psychological support worker at their first attendance. SATU said the record activity highlights the vital role of the service and the importance of continued investment and support to ensure the service can meet growing demand. Professor Maeve Eogan, clinical lead for national SATU services and consultant at the Rotunda Hospital, said 2025 was an exceptionally busy year for the Rotunda SATU, with a sustained level of demand throughout the year. "Every person who attends the Rotunda SATU is seeking care, safety and support at an extremely difficult time, she said. "Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that people were seen promptly and supported with dignity and care, but these figures clearly demonstrate the ongoing pressure on specialist services and the need to plan for continued demand, she added. The SATU at the Rotunda Hospital provides 24/7 specialist, trauma-informed care to people aged 14 and over who have experienced rape or sexual assault. The service, part of the SATU network comprising six units across Ireland, offers medical care, forensic examination, evidence storage, and access to psychological support. Care is provided regardless of whether individuals choose to engage with the criminal justice system and report to gardai. Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information Kickys duo Eric Matthews and Richie Barrett are blasting this old Dublin favourite to a new level, with a tasty menu perfect for groups It has been about 100 years since I last ate at Bang, despite the fact I walk past several times a week. My sense possibly misguided has been that Bang is a corporate favourite, which may have been good for turnover but off-putting to me. Politicians must now grapple with fallout after giving Donald Trump carte blanche on immigration enforcement People gather at a makeshift memorial at the site where Alex Pretti was shot and killed by US border patrol agents. Photo: Reuters Federal agents stand guard outside a hotel in Minneapolis during a noise demonstration protest against ICE operations in the city on Sunday. Photo: AP The killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by Border Patrol agents set off another firestorm nationwide just weeks after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official killed Renee Good. And just like after the killing of Good, US president Donald Trump, secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem and the rest of the administration has parroted the line alleging Pretti was a domestic terrorist. Trump and others have publicly affirmed that Pretti came at federal agents with a firearm though multiple video recordings contradict the official story and he was licensed to carry the holstered pistol. Senior Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official Gregory Bovino went so far as to accuse Pretti of wanting to assassinate federal agents. After days of snowballing criticism of the Pretti killing from both sides of the political aisle, the president yesterday announced he was dispatching Tom Homan, his border tsar, to Minneapolis. But there is more to this seeming Trump walk-back than meets the eye. The shooting is not just an approval ratings issue for Trump, it also comes at a crucial time for his Republican Party. Congress needs to pass a handful of spending bills to avoid a partial shutdown, including its bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which houses ICE and CBP. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats will not vote for a spending package that includes spending for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This could trigger a partial shutdown, though not a full-on shutdown like in October, since Congress has passed most of the other spending bills. People gather at a makeshift memorial at the site where Alex Pretti was shot and killed by US border patrol agents. Photo: Reuters But unlike the killing of Good by an ICE agent earlier this month, Republican senators seem to be queasy about the way Pretti was gunned down by CBP officials. The day after the shooting, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called for an investigation. For this specific incident, that requires co-operation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement, he said. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trumps legacy. Tillis speaking out is not necessarily surprising. For one, he announced his retirement last year and two, hes grown increasingly frustrated with Noem for her refusal to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. And his choice of words shows hes trying not to cross the president. But hes not alone. Republican senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy echoed this call for an investigation as well, not to oppose ICE or CBP, but to protect it. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake, he said. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth. Unsurprisingly, Bovino shot back at Cassidy. The same state that refuses to work with ICE is now going to investigate? he posted on X. How about investigating a certain mayor who told cops to fight ICE in the streets. You dont seem concerned about that how come, senator? Of course, Cassidy speaking out is a crisis of Trumps own making. Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, always would have to walk a tightrope after he voted to convict Trump for his action on January 6. He held his tongue and voted to confirm Robert F Kennedy Jr to be Health and Human Services Secretary. But Trumps decision to endorse Representative Julia Letlow in the Republican primary in the state all but guaranteed Cassidy would start to criticise Trump more. Its not just the moderates though. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, who narrowly won his race in 2024 and is married to Trumps former deputy national security adviser Dina Powell, also called for an investigation. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the only Republican senator from a state that voted for a Democrat for president, also called for an investigation. This comes as the administration has sent ICE to Maine to crack down on the states Somali-American community. This will probably be the compromise Republicans seek: an investigation in exchange for funding the department. But Republicans face major challenges. A poll found 63pc of registered voters disapprove of the job ICE is doing A New York Times/Siena poll released on Friday found 63pc of registered voters disapprove of the job ICE is doing. In addition, the number of Americans who say ICEs tactics are too forceful jumped by five points to 58pc this month. And those figures came before Pretti was shot dead while pinned down in the street. This is all partially because Republicans have given Trump carte blanche on immigration enforcement. They voted to confirm Noem and all but three Republican senators voted for the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which boosted spending for ICE to about $75bn. That gave ICE and CBP impetus to patrol the streets with the impunity we see today. Now Republicans have to grapple with how to rein in what they fed. Mullahs authority severely weakened after protests and brutal crackdown Donald Trump has said a massive armada led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading to Iran (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman/US Navy/AP) You can always get an insight into the thinking in the White House and the Pentagon by looking at where the US aircraft carriers are: and today the USS Abraham Lincoln and her strike group have just arrived in the vicinity of Iran. Quite apart from the Lincolns air wing, US warships in the area count 500 vertical launch cells among them, many of which will contain Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) capable of striking targets ashore over 1,600km from the launching ship. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is now positioned close to Iran. Photo: Getty News in 90 seconds - Thursday 29th January And theres more. C-17 Globemaster transports and KC-135 tankers have been relocating from bases in the US and UK to key sites such as Al Udeid in Qatar and Muwaffaq Salti in Jordan, transporting advanced defensive systems, including THAAD and Patriot air-defence missile units to protect allied positions. Indicators pointing to imminent action such as aircraft transponders going dark during flights and the positioning of refuelling assets in Europe have been observed. The UK appears to be preparing to join in, although possibly only defensively. The Royal Air Force has moved four Typhoon jets to Al Udeid and the nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Anson left Gibraltar last week heading eastwards, having reportedly loaded TLAMs during her visit to the Rock. Anson is actually headed for Australia for a spell operating out of Perth as part of the Australia-UK-US Aukus alliance: but it is earlier on that task than anyone was expecting, and its quite possible that it might pause on its way to join in the apparently imminent Iran operations. With the Iranian nuclear programme thoroughly dealt with during Operation Midnight Hammer last June, it would seem as though this time the goal might be to create the conditions for regime change in Iran. The ongoing protests have severely undermined the mullahs authority, creating an environment where targeted military action could perhaps topple the government without any ground invasion. Donald Trump has said a massive armada led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading to Iran (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman/US Navy/AP) The US and its allies will probably seek to undermine Irans economic foundations, exploiting existing fissures, while striving to avoid widespread civilian casualties. This could mean strikes on key energy infrastructure, including terminals at Kharg Island and Bandar Abbas, and refineries in Abadan. Iranian air defences proved largely ineffective against the US and Israelis last year, but they will probably still need to be resuppressed if non-stealthy aircraft are to enter hostile airspace. Following initial airstrikes, its not inconceivable that there will be small special forces deployments into places like the nuclear site at Fordow the opportunity to do eyes-on battle damage assessment post last June might be too good to pass up. If regime change is indeed the aim, broader measures such as increased sanctions, cyber disruptions and support for internal proxies would all be employed, aiming to exacerbate economic pressures and amplify dissent. Other regional players have expressed varied positions on the possibility of strikes Other regional players have expressed varied positions on the possibility of strikes, generally advocating for caution. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have called for restraint, concerned about potential refugee influxes and disruptions to oil markets. Jordan and Turkey have similarly urged de-escalation, mindful of the risks of broader instability spilling over their borders. China, as a major importer of Iranian oil, has voiced opposition to any form of external interference. Will the diplomatic discussions between these countries change the direction of travel or just slow it a little? The traffic may not be one-way. The mullahs still possess capabilities that could do damage and cause trouble. These include swarms (thousands in number) of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack craft equipped with Ghader missiles with a 300km range, mobile missile systems like the Fateh-313 with 500km reach, and Ghadir mini-submarines capable of deploying mines and torpedoes in shallow waters. They used to have well over 2,000 mobile ballistic missile launchers. I dont know how many are left, and I do know theyre not as good as we gave them credit for when I was last out there, but its still a big number. Closure of the Strait of Hormuz always comes up in these conversations. With fishing vessels-cum-minelayers again in the thousands, the Iranians certainly have the capability to do this. The perceived wisdom has always been that they wouldnt close the Strait because both they and China need it open too much. There was always a sotto voce caveat though: Unless they think the regime is at risk. Well, here we are. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran earlier in January. Photo: AP I still think closure is unlikely, but they have plenty of options for causing chaos there and preventing that will involve US or allied ships going into the Iranian missile envelope. Those who think the US can just swat all this aside do not always see the complexity and risk of doing so, and the logistic effort required to do it sustainably. Its certainly unfortunate timing that the four US Avenger-class minehunters based at Bahrain were ship-lifted out of the region only last week. The Royal Navy, once probably the best in the world at mine countermeasures, is reduced to just one minehunter in Bahrain, HMS Middleton, and it is due to leave soon. The UK has no other warships there. As for timing, that remains uncertain, though indicators suggest full readiness is approaching. Weekends present a strike option that minimises disruption to stock markets so its possible that this Friday or next the Iranian demonstrators may finally receive the help promised by Donald Trump. To quote a US friend of mine with relevant experience: You dont move that much junk into theatre unless youre going to play. Remembering you're no longer 20 years old and acting accordingly is the first step to avoiding a fall. Stock image Bobby Carty is quite right in his letter (Teaching elderly people how to fall properly may prevent serious injuries, Irish Independent, January 27). The great shock of ageing is discovering that while gravity remains fully committed, ones bounce has quietly resigned. Like many of his generation, I once fell with optimism. These days I fall, if at all, with planning permission. I have adopted several conventions designed to keep me upright rather than heroic. I now stand on one foot at the supermarket checkout, partly to test my balance and partly to frighten the queue behind me into giving me space. Each morning, on exiting the bed, I plant both feet firmly on the floor and count to 10 before attempting verticality. This is not mindfulness. It is a systems check. If the room remains where it is, I proceed. At the gym I have taken to the farmers walk, hauling weights while trying not to resemble a man transporting groceries during an earthquake. I am convinced this has strengthened my ankles, or at least my dignity. I also avoid sudden turns, shiny floors and any surface described as characterful. Teaching older people how to fall may indeed help. Teaching them how not to rush, not to twist and not to assume they are still 20 would help even more. The real lesson of ageing is not how to fall properly, but how to stay upright long enough to avoid finding out. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Votes outside of the party whip system are far better and fairer for electorate The EU Parliament has voted to refer the Mercosur Trade Deal to the European Court of Justice. Our MEPs were free to vote as they wished as the party whip system has no effect on party-affiliated MEPs. If a similar vote occurred in Dail Eireann, the party-affiliated TDs would be obliged to vote with their party in accordance with the party whip system. Both these scenarios cannot be democratically correct or just for the electorate. For what its worth, I believe the EU system to be correct. This system holds the elected representative to be personally accountable to their electorate for all votes cast. This means they must familiarise themselves with the issue and vote according to their conscience (or what they perceive will get them re-elected). There can be no hiding behind I had no choice, it was the party position. Paddy Murray, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath America is now no longer the United States under a divisive Donald Trump I cant help but wonder should America now be known as the DSA, the Divided States of America, thanks to Donald Trump? It was once a great country. Martin McGinty, Swords, Co Dublin Call on your TDs and get Government to condemn brutal ICE agents actions I am an Irishman living in Minneapolis. I am writing to draw attention to what is happening on the ground in US cities. The federal government, headed by Donald Trump has authorised immigration agents to round up illegal immigrants. These agents come into our cities, our places of work and our stores and abduct people from our streets. Due process in the legal system is not being adhered to. The constitution is being ignored in many cases. There have been cases of children being apprehended by masked federal agents and transported to detention centres thousands of kilometres away. The people of Minnesota have taken to the streets recently in peaceful demonstrations against the fear implemented by these federal agents who are terrorising Minneapolis. They have killed some of our citizens. Renee Nicole Good three weeks ago and this week, Alex Pretti, a local ICU nurse. Mr Pretti was the latest person to lose his life at the hands of the federal government. I work two blocks away from where this killing occurred. I work with vulnerable adults, and I witnessed clients and staff recovering from the effects of pepper spray which was all around in the air. If the Irish Government was doing this on the streets of Dublin, the US government would be the first to condemn it. I am asking that the Irish Government issue a statement of condemnation over how the Trump administration is killing and maiming its citizens. I am asking your readers to contact their TDs to condemn what is happening in Minneapolis. Irish citizens living legally in the US are asking for your help. Anthony McCartney, Minneapolis, Minnesota We want to express our solidarity with people in US under tyrannical rule The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the US is another example of the Trump administrations contempt for the rule of law. ICE agents have carte blanche in their enforcement of immigration law and are not held accountable for their actions before courts of law. As Irish people, we wish to express our solidarity with all our US sisters and brothers who are suffering under the tyranny of unjust immigration laws that are being applied mercilessly. Breda and Brendan Butler, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Global weather extremes are proving that we must protect the environment Yesterday, Victoria, Australia, broke its temperature record with 48.9C, and a moderately uncomfortable day. I note the photos of heavy snow in New York and so many other places. The Greenland ice sheet is shrinking and Donald Trump might need a submarine to visit it, although he might find them not quite as spacious as Air Force One. A lot of the world is also under water or mud. It doesnt look good overall, and dont think your country has escaped the consequences of weather extremes, there is still plenty of time for other disasters. Maybe we should concentrate on protecting the environment rather than destroying it. The weather extremes are worrying but they could easily become climate problems, reoccurring every year. I might suggest staying out of the sun on extreme heat days and staying indoors on the cold days, and get used to them becoming far more frequent. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Retail royalty Brown Thomas and Arnotts have stood as big-ticket landmarks for shoppers on both sides of the River Liffey for generations, encountering new owners, fires, floods and even the War of Independence along the way. This week, however, they were brought to Dublin District Court by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The prosecution against Brown Thomas Arnotts, which originally began last November, referred to a breach of sales-pricing laws during the 2024 Black Friday sales period. Having pleaded guilty to the breach, the company was ordered to make a 1,000 donation to charity. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent technology editor Adrian Weckler to break down the CCPC action, and to ask if consumers may feel that the sanction is little more than a slap on the wrist. The podcast is also joined by James Hanby, founder of Dublin Private Tour, to look at the rich history behind the iconic brands. An eco-friendly fire engine in Carlow County Fire and Rescues fleet is designed to cut carbon emissions without compromising on safety Revealed: How Carlows firefighters are using waste vegetable oil to fuel the fightback against global warming In August 2024, firefighters in Carlow made national and international headlines as they climbed aboard whats believed to be the worlds first low-carbon fire engine powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Built by HPMP Fire in Tullow, in collaboration with Acetech in Tullamore, Co Offaly, the fire engine combines state-of-the-art software with HVO, a green fuel manufactured from renewable waste such as food oils and animal fats. It also has solar panels on the roof that power the fire engines blue lights and charge the all-important cutting tools used to cut people out of vehicles following crashes. While attending an incident, the fire engine can use its Eco Smart Idle Mode to detect if its solar panels and battery have enough power to run the vehicle on their own. If the fire engine determines that it can run sufficiently off the power from the solar panels and battery, it will switch off the engine, cutting emissions on the spot. The fire engine powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil It has now been over a year since the fire engine was unveiled at the fire station on Green Lane in Carlow town. By using HVO as the primary fuel source in the fire engine, it provides us with a 90pc carbon saving in comparison to traditional diesel engines, Carlows acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse told the Irish Independent. Since the HVO fire engine has been in operation, which is a little over a year now, it has attended 352 calls and travelled 5,103km. Of those incidents and travel time, the fire engine has been in the Eco Smart Idle Mode for 106 hours. By being in eco mode for those 106 hours, we have saved 95 litres of fuel and approximately 250kg of carbon within the year. What is so important to us is that there is no difference in the fire engines performance operationally for the firefighters attending an incident, and no compromise in safety. The alert system warns drivers of the presence of a fire appliance responding to an emergency or when road users are approaching an accident The fire engine has intelligent software onboard that alerts its driver if they are driving or cornering too hard, or using too much fuel, which also helps lower emissions and fuel use. It was also the first emergency service vehicle in Ireland to have vehicle-to-vehicle digital alerting, which warns other road users of the presence of a fire engine responding to an emergency or that they are approaching an accident scene. The alert system is compatible with Apple Maps, Waze and in-built software across a number of vehicle brands. The low-carbon fire engine has been so successful that, in May last year, Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service were handed the keys to three new vehicles, also powered by HVO. Two of these vehicles are based in Carlow town fire station, while the third is located at the fire station in Hacketstown, Co Carlow. Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service has three additional vehicles powered by HVO. Photo: Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service Carlow firefighters are also dealing first-hand with the growing impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events across Ireland are becoming more common and Co Carlow is no exception. When I joined the fire service 25 years ago, the frequency of storms and severe weather events was much lower than it is today, Mr Woodhouse said. This increase places additional demands on our service, as we respond to incidents ranging from flooding to road traffic collisions and structural damage resulting from severe weather events and storms. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Communities across the county are pushing back against solar projects on farmland Cork, Irelands largest county and one with relatively good exposure to the sun, has become a hotspot for solar farm planning applications in recent years. There have been mixed results for the companies involved, as local opposition continues to grow and Cork County Council has begun turning down some of the larger schemes. Some developers have already lodged appeals with An Coimisiun Pleanala. The council has approved several smaller solar farms, however, as well as a battery energy storage system facility near the town of Newmarket that has sparked fierce opposition from local people, who are themselves appealing. In Leamlara, Califf Delaney, chair of the Leamlara Preservation Group, says a proposal for a 440-acre solar farm by Ballysallagh Solar Farm Ltd, which is with An Coimisiun Pleanala, will effectively surround his home and directly affect more than 100 other homes in the area. Mr Delaney has solar panels on his own roof, which he says is where they belong, rather than becoming an eyesore blanketing the countryside and productive agricultural land. Some argue that solar panels should not be installed on agricultural land. Photo: Getty We understand climate issues, climate targets that have to be achieved, but community consultation will be really important if the Government or anyone else wants to roll out these developments in rural communities, he said. We just dont think some areas are suitable for solar, and its really the Government and county councils need to get on top of this and decide where these developments are going to go, as opposed to the private developers deciding where theyre going to go by simply finding a landowner they can strike a deal with. Last month, renewable energy giant Orsted applied for a 323-hectare (800 acre) solar farm on the Greenhills dairy farm on lands around Killeagh, in east Cork. Theresa Riordan Carey of the Inch Killeagh Rural Preservation Group told the Irish Independent: Were trying to push for legislation on the use of prime agricultural land for renewables. We want to look at a scheme where prime farmland can be graded so it is not used for solar. We want the Government to put solar on every roof in Ireland and focus on more suitable land, such as brownfield sites, before considering agricultural land. Ronan Power, chief executive of Solar Ireland. Photo: Gerry Mooney Compared to the vagaries of agriculture, hosting solar panels can offer farmers a steady, predictable income over decades. According to Teagasc, landowners can receive between 2,200 and 3,500 per hectare every year for 25 years or longer. But not all farmers approve. The Irish Farming Association (IFA) has said that solar farms should be situated in more marginal areas rather than on prime farmland. Speaking generally, Ronan Power, the chief executive of industry group Solar Ireland, said it was a common misconception that solar farms would use inordinate amounts of land. In order to reach our climate action targets of 2030, we only need about 0.1pc of all the land available in Ireland and, in fact, if you look at it over the term of a solar farm, it actually starts to regenerate some of the soil nutrients and create better farming land for the future, he said. He also said it was a misconception that new solar capacity would simply be gobbled up by energy-hungry data centres, which he said are increasingly sourcing their own renewable power off the national grid. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Two new special classes to serve the communities of Millstreet and Newmarket have been sanctioned for September 2026. A further 11 special classes were also sanctioned for Cork city and its suburbs, which takes the total number of newly-revealed classes to 26 for September. The sanctioning comes two weeks after the first tranche of 13 special classes were announced for Cork recently. The breakdown of the classes consists of 19 at primary level and seven at post primary level. Minister for Special Education and Inclusion and Fianna Fail TD for Cork North-West, Michael Moynihan said: Im acutely aware of the stress families can face in securing a school placement. There will be several tranches of special classes announced over the coming weeks, which is months earlier than last year. This ensures parents know much sooner what school their children will attend next September. It also gives schools much more time to plan and prepare. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs, while at post-primary level schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs, he said. Scoil Na Mhuire Boys National School in Millstreet and Newmarket National School were chosen alongside Scoil Na Croise Naofa and Scoil Bhride Eglantine in Ballintemple, Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh in Glasheen, Scoil Iosagain in Farranree, Scoil Mhuire Ar Chnoc Haoine in Gurranabraher, Ballinspittle NS, Ballintotas NS, Monkstown NS, St Francis Capuchin College in Passage West, Glounthaune Mixed NS and Colaiste Muire in Crosshaven were chosen for special classes in 2026. Mr Moynihan said there will be hundreds more special classes sanctioned across the country over the coming weeks. "There will be hundreds more special classes sanctioned across the country over the coming weeks, which is on top of the 406 sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Investment in this area has increased massively in recent years to accelerate the provision of additional special class and special school places. There are now over 30,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools across the country so it's very much a key priority, he said. The lead engineer on the project is optimistic about a heat-on date of 2028 A key part of the planning application for the privately run Dublin Waste to Energy facility at Poolbeg was that the heat it generated would be harnessed to heat homes and businesses on a large scale. But, although the incinerator accepted its first truckloads of rubbish in 2017, the trumpeted district heating benefit never materialised. Now, Dublin City Councils lead engineer on the project, Karen Kennedy, says the authority has completed the preliminary design of the long-mooted project and will shortly begin the Part 8 planning procedure. But funding and political commitment are needed, Ms Kennedy said, to drive the market for such systems in Dublin. The first phase of the project could reduce Dublins heat emissions by 5pc. It would warm up water with waste heat generated by the Poolbeg incinerator and pipe it into local homes, businesses and public buildings via underground insulated pipes up to 900mm in diameter. Karen Kennedy, senior engineer at Dublin City Council. Photo: Steve Humphreys The necessary piping has already been installed in several locations, including under the Luas tracks leading to The Point and crossing the Liffey in the rivers services tunnel near the East Link bridge. The patchwork of piping needs to be linked up and connected to the incinerator, with the goal being to begin construction in 2027 and complete the first phase by the end of 2028. Ms Kennedy said she is optimistic these timelines can be met, but they hinge on sufficient funding and attention from the Government. Long-awaited legislation is currently in draft form and expected to pass through the Oireachtas this year. European countries like Denmark and Sweden have developed sprawling district heating systems. Up to 75pc of their heat demand is now served by the model. The first phase of the Dublin scheme would connect the Glass Bottle development and areas of the north Docklands to hot water from the incinerator, with an initial cost of 150m. Connections to facilities in the south Docklands will come later, said Ms Kennedy The Poolbeg incinerator. Photo: Getty Our key target customers are the public sector buildings on the north quays. So, you have the likes of the Convention Centre, the Central Bank, the Treasury Building, and also some of the private sector commercial buildings like Spencer Dock and the 3Arena, she said. Dublin City Council and the Department of the Environment are currently proposing splitting the costs for the first phase 50-50, and plan to bring a private partner on board to expand and operate the scheme once its been installed. Beyond phase one, the real gains for decarbonising will come from connecting the city centre, and particularly Georgian Dublin, to the network, Ms Kennedy said. In terms of decarbonising, if you want to use heat pumps, you need a very extensive retrofit, she said. The building is completely sealed, the windows and doors are replaced... You dont need that for district heating. By the same token, the decarbonisation of Dublins other historic buildings like Store Street Garda Station and the Custom House could depend on their connection to the district heating network. Its just a simple swap out from gas heating systems, Ms Kennedy said. In future, the Dublin system could source heat from several industrial buildings in Poolbeg, data centres, and the nascent geothermal facility being developed in Grangegorman, she added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Dancer and choreographer Siobhan Ni Dhuinnin is inviting people of all ages to take part in Country OK this spring, a participatory dance performance project that creates an intergenerational space celebrating the shared joy of movement. Following its successful run at Cork Midsummer Festival 2024, the project is coming to South West Kerry with the support of Cumas Ceantar Uibh Rathach. Further iterations will also take place in Skibbereen, followed later in the year by Limerick and Tipperary. Inspired by the body-bopping, hip-twisting and heart-wrenching sounds of country music, Country OK is a contemporary take on the spirit of social dancing, recalling dance halls and communal dancing across city and county. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays 10, 17 and 24 February, and 3 and 10 March 2026, in Baile an Sceilg (2.003.30pm) and Caherdaniel (7.008.30pm). Participants may attend either venue. Sessions will be led by Siobhan Ni Dhuinnin, with live music and a supporting cast of professional dancers. The project will culminate in a public performance at Halla an Dromaid, Uibh Rathach, on Wednesday, 25 March, from 7.009.00pm. Adults and young people aged 14 and over with an interest in dance, movement, theatre or creativity are encouraged to apply. No previous dance experience is required, there is no upper age limit, and participation is free of charge. Country OK is an inclusive project, and efforts will be made to support participants with disabilities. Financial assistance may be available to help cover access needs, including accessible transport. For registration and further information, contact Siobhan Ni Dhuinnin at siobhannidhuinnin@gmail.com, phone 086 107 4770, or visit www.siobhannidhuinnin.com. Places are limited, and early registration is advised. A recent Kerry County Council meeting descended into a row as elected members argued over the allocation of leisure funding. At the Castleisland/Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District (MD), Councillor Bobby OConnell accused Councillor Robert Brosnan of being duplicitous after he asked that priority be given to a playground in Lispole. During the meeting, Cllr Brosnan asked for confirmation that some of the 247,500 ring-fenced for playgrounds in the budget would be allocated for a community playground in Lispole. We wont be made a fool of again in applying for CLAR funding a third time, he said, after the village had applied twice in the last two years for the rural investment scheme. He emphasised they didnt have time to wait for funding, with the All-Ireland Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta tournament being hosted in Lispole in 2027. Councillor Bobby OConnell took exception to Cllr Brosnans appeal to prioritise Lispole over other towns and villages in the MD. Every area in the county needed facilities, he argued, accusing Cllr Brosnan of being duplicitous given his objection to the budget last year. Cllr Brosnan was the only councillor to vote against the draft budget in November due to the increase in the price of Eco Sense Bags, from 10 to 12 for a pack of four. All these things cost moneydo you not think its a bit duplicitous to come in here and look for all these things and then to vote against the budget, he said. Cllr Brosnan responded that he felt in principle he should have voted against the budget and he was not going to apologise. If I have an issue with the budget, I wouldnt back away from it. Im not a sheep, he said. Im not duplicitous, Im as genuine a person as anyone else in this room. What you see with me is what you get. Maybe Im a bit too negative at timesIm here to represent a community that feels its being ignored after two years applying for CLAR funding. His statement that he was not a sheep drew objections from other elected members who argued vocally against the implication that they were sheep. Cllr Brosnan clarified that he did not mean other councillors were sheep, only that he wasnt. KCC said they are currently assisting the group in the preparation of contract documents for a community access playground with a view to going to tender in Spring 2026. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme HSE still owns almost 200 vacant properties across the country, with calls for hospital sites to be turned into social housing Senator Mark Daly at the sculpture of Daniel OConnell in Leinster House to commemorate 250 years since his birth. It was unveiled by Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD. Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD has unveiled a sculpture of Daniel OConnell in Leinster House to commemorate 250 years since his birth. Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD has unveiled a sculpture of Daniel OConnell in Leinster House to commemorate 250 years since his birth. Deputy Michael Cahill and Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher who attended the unveiling by Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD of a sculpture of Daniel OConnell in Leinster House to commemorate 250 years since his birth. Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD has unveiled a sculpture of Daniel OConnell in Leinster House to commemorate 250 years since his birth. The Kerry man who was born on August 6th, 1775, was the foremost Irish nationalist leader of the 19th century. Known as the Liberator, Daniel O'Connell was the first Irish Catholic to speak in British Parliament and advocated for the abolishment of slavery. The Ceann Comhairle opened the event with a short welcome address to guests in attendance including members of both Houses of the Oireachtas and the staff of Bank of Ireland. Addressing those in attendance, the Ceann Comhairle said: We are not here to simply unveil a statue today, but to acknowledge a chapter in the history of this island," she said. A statue is never only about the person it depicts. It is also about us the people who choose to remember, to reflect, and to learn. This sculpture marks moments in time, reminders of choices and a tale of a man who shaped the path we walk today. As we look upon the sculpture of Daniel OConnell, we are invited to consider the responsibilities of leadership, the weight of public trust, and the understanding that meaningful progress is rarely smooth, yet always worth pursuing." The sculpture, created by Andrew O'Connor in 1932, was donated to the Houses of the Oireachtas by Bank of Ireland. Several of Mr OConnors statues are on display in Dublin, including a tripartite sculpture Christ the King from 1926, adjoining the Dun Laoghaire Lexicon Library and The Victims from 1923 located in Merrion Square. The Daniel O'Connell sculpture will sit on the Kildare Street side of the Leinster House complex, outside the entrance to LH2000. Foynes locals hope the creation of new energy infrastructure can boost business and tourism How offshore wind could bring the buzz back to a West Limerick village A Limerick village is preparing for one of the most significant transformations in its modern history, as major offshore wind ambitions gather momentum around the Shannon estuary. In Foynes, local business owners, tourism leaders and port officials say the project could restore economic vibrancy, create employment and place the town at the centre of Irelands green-energy future. Pat Keating, chief executive of Shannon Foynes Port, said the region is uniquely positioned to support offshore renewable energy on a massive scale. Irelands economic exclusive zone has something like 650 gigawatts of energy blowing in the wind over our heads every year, he said, noting that ports are essential in turning that resource into real power. Shannon Foynes Port. Photo: Getty To fulfil that role, Shannon Foynes Port has laid out a major development plan, including a new 600m jetty at Foynes Island. Mr Keating explained that this infrastructure would support offshore wind projects and freight. He added that the estuarys combination of deep water, zoned industrial land and strong grid connections creates an unmatched opportunity, with a possible 50,000 jobs possible centred on the port. Youve over 1,200 hectares [2,965 acres] of zoned land near a deep water port near the best electrical grid in the country, he said. Weve really strong offering here to build something big. The developments could also prove transformative for the tourism sector. Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum founder Margaret OShaughnessy said improved connectivity is already changing expectations for the region. Local businesses hope offshore wind can revive day-to-day activity The new road will let you come here and, in 15 minutes, be in Adare, she said. So I think that's going to change tourism in Co Limerick enormously, she states. Local businesses hope offshore wind can revive day-to-day activity in the town. Kieran Kavanagh, owner of the Yankee Clipper bar, said Foynes has quietened over the past two decades, but the new energy sector could reverse that decline. With offshore wind, [well] get the buzz back into the town and the pubs, he said. Local businesses will thrive. Offshore projects are widely seen as unobtrusive, but local communities remain concerned about proposed onshore wind developments. They say that onshore wind policy must be updated to protect public health something that could delay Irelands plans of producing 37 gigawatts of offshore energy nationally by 2050. Coolcappa residents are concerned about a proposed onshore windfarm. Photo: Getty Brenda Dowling, an activist with the Coolcappa Community Action Group, said development has outpaced regulation: Wind turbine technology has been rapidly changing over the years. Developers are now planning for onshore turbines that are 235m in height. For her community, the issue is not minor: It is not a noise annoyance issue. It is a matter of public health. Ms Dowling highlighted recent developments in national guidance: The HSE has instructed every windfarm developer submitting new plans to follow the World Health Organisation guidance for wind turbine noise. This is to protect the health of rural communities. In Coolcappa, she said, families could be directly affected by a proposed onshore windfarm. Fifteen young children live within 800 metres of the proposed turbine locations, including 11 pupils who attend Coolcappa National School, situated just 750 metres from the nearest planned turbine. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A 48-year-old man was warned at Sligo District Court that he is on a very slippery slope in relation to his alcohol consumption Michael Sweeney (48) of Knappagh Beg Court was charged with intoxication at Sligo University Hospital on January 19, 2026. Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that at 3pm, Sweeney was brought to the hospital by ambulance as he fell unconscious from drinking. When the defendant was released from hospital, he was observed by Gardai being intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself and others. He was arrested and conveyed to Sligo Garda Station. Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor (defending), said that Sweeney has a problem with alcohol and that he drinks to excess and that it was a regretful situation. He added that Sweeney has a history of this. Sergeant Butler informed Judge Eiteain Cunningham that the defendant has 22 previous convictions. Mr Mullaney said that Sweeney has recently engaged with addiction charity, Social Ground Force. Judge Cunningham said that the difficulty was that Sweeney presented at Sligo University Hospital and had to be dealt with by Gardai and hospital staff. She added that Gardai have to engage with other services and that there is people who attend hospital who really need to be seen. Judge Cunningham described Sweeneys consumption of alcohol as highly problematic. She warned him that he is on a very slippery slope. Mr Mullaney said that Sweeney has been encouraged to get help. He added that if his client continues to drink at his current rate that he would kill himself. Judge Cunningham convicted and fined Sweeney 100. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. Trio appear before Sligo court after cocaine, cannabis and cash seized Two men and a woman appear at Tubbercurry District Court The drugs and cash seized by Gardai Emma Gallagher Sligo Champion Thu 29 Jan 2026 at 18:00 Two men and a woman have been remanded on bail after appearing before Judge Eiteain Cunningham at Tubbercurry Court on Wednesday last charged with a number of drug offences. Reading China's modernization through 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail 10:45, January 29, 2026 By He Yin ( People's Daily A high-speed train runs on a bridge of Xi'an-Yan'an High-Speed Railway in Fuping, northwest China's Shaanxi province. (Photo/Shen Jiapeng) A U.S. media outlet recently noted that China's high-speed rail network, now exceeding 50,000 kilometers in operation, has set a new global benchmark. It said that China's experience offers useful reference for other countries seeking to modernize their railway infrastructure. This milestone transcends numerical significance. It marks a defining phase in China's modernization journey and provides a lens through which the world can better understand China's governance approach and the tangible opportunities presented by its development model. The 50,000-kilometer network reflects China's commitment to long-term planning. Given the extended timelines and substantial investments required for rail projects, forward-looking strategies have been critical to their systematic development. From the first edition of the Medium-and Long-Term Railway Network Plan in 2004, which laid out a clear framework for high-speed rail development, to its optimization in 2008, and its further upgrade in 2016, which proposed "eight vertical and eight horizontal" lines, China's high-speed rail development exactly explains what perseverance is. Throughout this process, China has fully leveraged the strengths of the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide, integrating enterprises, universities, research institutions, and the user end, and turning the world's largest high-speed rail market into the most dynamic driver for innovation. Such institutional strength enabled China to overcome technological barriers and emerge as a pioneer in fields like intelligent and green rail systems. A high-speed train runs on the JakartaBandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia. (Photo/Shi Jiamin) International media have attributed China's achievements to its exceptional focus. This, they note, also reflects a way of thinkingthe result of a country building for the next century rather than the next election. While some nations grapple with legislative gridlock on long-term infrastructure, China has demonstrated consistent policy stability. This capacity to transcend electoral timelines has made certainty a hallmark of its development. The 50,000-kilometer milestone also highlights the value of China's people-centered approach. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) alone, 128 counties -- including Fuping in northwest China, Badong in central China, and Longzhou in south China -- ended their history of having no access to high-speed rail. Take the recently opened Xi'an-Yan'an High-Speed Railway as an example. The line connects Yan'an, long known as the cradle of Chinese revolution, with the national high-speed rail network, dramatically shortening travel times and improving access to major markets. The benefits are tangible: apples from Luochuan and persimmon cakes from Fuping can now reach a much wider consumer base, while new forms of industrial collaboration are taking shape along the route. A beam-launching machine transfers precast box girders at a construction site along the Yangzhou section of the ShanghaiChongqingChengdu High-Speed Railway, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo/Meng Delong) By extending high-speed railways to remote and mountainous regions, China advances regional development and common prosperity. The commitment that no one will be left behind on the path to modernization is being translated into concrete progress across the country. The value of railways lies not only in the extension of tracks, but also in the pursuit of connectivity and shared development. Today, China's railways are injecting stronger momentum into global modernization. The JakartaBandung High-Speed Railway has realized Indonesia's long-standing goal of developing high-speed rail, accelerating the rise of industrial clusters along the route. The ChinaLaos Railway has helped Laos move from a landlocked country into a land-linked one, creating more than 100,000 jobs. The MombasaNairobi Railway has reshaped East Africa's transportation hub, improving livelihoods along the route through public welfare programs and community development. The ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan Railway currently under construction is unfolding a new vision of connectivity across the Eurasian continent. Chinese modernization does not seek progress for China alone; rather, it advances global development and prosperity through enhanced international cooperation. As observed by Kenyan media, China's modernization narrative emphasizes partnership over hierarchy and cooperation over dependency, offering countries of the Global South a distinctive and increasingly important framework. China's achievements are shared with the world. Turning blueprints into reality and visions into tangible outcomes, what expands is not merely track mileage, but globally applicable standards and shared prosperity pathways. Through openness and win-win cooperation, China continues contributing momentum to building a community with a shared future for humanity. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Tributes have been paid following the death of former Waterford national school teacher, Labour Party TD and junior minister Brian OShea at the age of 81. Mr OShea served as a TD for Waterford from 1989 until he retired from politics in 2011. During his time in the Dail he was as junior minister at the Department of Health and at the Department of Agriculture in the 1990s. Before taking office as a TD, he was first a teacher, then a member of the Tramore Town Council. In 1985, he was elected to Waterford City and County Council. Condolences and sympathies have been expressed from far and wide. Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan paid tribute to the former TD on. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Brians wife Eileen, his children Christine, Anne, Siobhan, Mary, Paddy and John, his extended family, friends and many Labour Party colleagues, said Cllr Ryan. Having been elected to Waterford Corporation, Waterford County Council and Tramore Town Commissioners, Brian had a distinguished political career, serving the people of Waterford with pride, dedication and commitment. As a senator and latterly a TD, Brian served as minister of state at the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, and while these were significant national portfolios, it was his dedication to and advocacy for Waterford that he will be long remembered and respected for. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Brian O'Shea. Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said: Brian OShea was a true gentleman and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Brian represented Waterford brilliantly for so many years in the Dail and he did so with decency, warmth and a real commitment to public service. He never forgot where he came from and he always put Waterford first. I had the opportunity to work with Brian on various campaigns over the years, including the long and determined push for proper radiotherapy services at University Hospital Waterford. That campaign meant an enormous amount to so many families and Brians support and advocacy at the time made a real difference. My sincere condolences to Brians family, friends, and all who knew him. A lengthy tribute was paid to Mr OShea from one mourner. The word decency is a word that always came to my mind in relation to Brian O Shea, said this colleague. Honesty, following accepted moral standards and showing respect for others feature in an Oxford Dictionary definition of the word. For so many who knew him, as a person, a teacher and a politician, I am sure they saw such positive traits in Brian OShea. Having become active in the trade union movement locally in Waterford in the late 1960s and throughout the 70s, Brian OShea brought many of the excellent qualities he had in the classroom to his wider involvement in seeking a fair chance for everyone in society. By the time the local elections of 1985 came around, many voters had come to know of Brians diligence in working towards such progressive aims. So much so, that Brian OShea achieved the rare triple feat of being elected to seats on three local authorities on the same day Waterford City, County and Tramore Town Councils. Having subsequently become a senator, Brian OShea was elected to the Dail in 1989 and served the Waterford constituency for the following 22 years. During that time, Brian served as a minister of state in two departments and was elected by its party members to the position of chairperson of the Irish Labour Party. If there are politicians that seek the limelight by way of a particular statement, Brian wasnt one of them. Thats not to say that Brian was any less determined, publicly or behind the scenes, in seeking respect for his constituents and the communities they lived in. A dedicated public servant, Brian was an effective advocate for the very many causes he took up and the individuals, their families, groups and communities that he represented. Brian had a lifelong interest in the Irish language. While they were in government together in the nineties, Brian was very much behind the efforts of his ally Michael D. Higgins as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht to establish TG4. Those in his company, especially in Labour Party related settings, appreciated the wise advice Brian would share. Many such observations made and described by Brian OShea remain in my mind, as do the witticisms he often imparted. In canvassing from door to door with Brian OShea, I remember the genuine interest he would take in a matter raised with him by a voter and particularly so when it was a case of waiting for or being unable to access a service. You could see the resolve in Brians face to do something about it. Brian OShea stood for decency and was respected for doing so. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, added this mourner. Another mourner wrote: Brian was a great friend to my late dad, Tony as well as being a champion for the working people of Waterford. After the passing of my grandfather Mick Mansfield in 1991 - Brian moved legislation that made sure widows of War of Independence Veterans were entitled to their pensions. Thus via Brians efforts the widows of those freedom fighters were correctly looked after. A political legend, a champion of the ordinary man and a true gentleman. Mr OShea, of Sweetbriar Lawn, Tramore, and late of Slievekeale Road, Waterford, died on Wednesday, January 28, in the care of the staff of Killure Bridge Nursing Home surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Nancy and sister Christine. He is mourned by his wife Eileen, sons John and Paddy, daughters Christine, Anne, Siobhan and Mary, their spouses and partners Brian, Tony, Tadhg, Caroline and Claire, his grandchildren Matthew, Nancy, Tom, Sarah, Laura, Liam, Paidi, Meadhbh, Ailbhe, Remy, Estelle and Sophie, brother Sean, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. His remains will repose at Thompson's Funeral Home, Barrack St, Waterford on Friday, January 30, from 7pm to 8.30pm with vigil prayers and rosary at 8pm. Mr OSheas funeral cortege will walk from his residence on Saturday, January 31, to the Holy Cross Church, Tramore, County Waterford for requiem mass on arrival at 10am, followed by burial in St Declans Cemetery, Riverstown, Tramore. The volunteer team behind the upcoming annual fast and fundraising drive in Enniscorthy hopes to raise more than 10,000 for the people of Gaza. The annual Concern Fast, which locally has raised thousands of euro for famine and disaster relief in the Third World, takes place in Enniscorthy from Thursday, February 5 to Sunday, February 8. Organised annually by the local Concern support group, the fast takes the form of a street collection and coffee morning, which last year raised a very impressive figure of 10,000 with confident hopes of this year exceeding that figure. Transition Year students from Colaiste Bride will, once again, play a pivotal role in the collection process by manning collection points throughout the town on Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6. The collection points will be in The Market Square, Rafter Street, outside Bank of Ireland, opposite AIB Bank, outside Enniscorthy Credit Union and on Mill Park Road at The Post Office. Also on the Friday there will be a coffee morning taking place in The Presentation Centre for two hours from 10.30 a.m. "All proceeds from this aspect of the fund raising drive will be going towards the relief of hunger among children in the Gaza Strip, explained member Jimmy Gahan. Since last years coffee morning in Enniscorthy, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated considerably making the need for a positive and generous response from the general public more important than ever. He said that on Saturday, February 7 the focus of the fast will be on the Market Square and Rafter Street where collectors will be out in force, urging the public to subscribe generously to the fund raising effort. "Likewise, collectors will also be in attendance at the evening Masses in St. Aidans Cathedral and St. Senans Parish Church on February 7, and again on Sunday, February 8, providing every opportunity for the general public to show their concern for those less fortunate than themselves, he added. "Enniscorthy has a proud tradition of contributing generously to the annual Concern Fast and in the last ten years has contributed more than any comparable sized town in Ireland. As relief efforts continue and the people of Enniscorthy come to terms with the impact of Storm Chandra, Housing Minister James Browne TD has placed the onus on Wexford County Council (WCC) to deliver a flood defence scheme for the town. Vowing to expedite any application to fund a flood defence scheme for Enniscorthy, Deputy Browne said WCC must first submit such an application to central government. There is currently no application for funding for a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy with the government, he said. The local authority, in this case Wexford County Council, develops the relief scheme with the Office of Public Work (OPW) and then applies to the government for funding. Although, WCCs special projects team is working alongside the OPW to design a scheme and have presented their plans to the public on two separate occasions, no formal application for funding has yet been submitted. Those plans include the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, the construction of a new River Slaney Bridge, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in Enniscorthy town centre. A planning application for the first phase of these works is expected to be submitted in Q3 of this year and, once it has been received, Deputy Browne said the money is available and he will do everything in his power to ensure it is approved. I encourage WCC to develop and submit an application as soon as possible. Any such application will have my 100 pc support and I will ensure any application when received is expedited. Government funding for the scheme is available, but there needs to be an application from the local authority. "The people of Enniscorthy deserve a shoulder to the wheel from everyone and I wont accept anything less than 100 pc.. Housing Minister James Browne The minister's comments come a day after he pledged to bring Met Eireann before a Dail committee to get to the bottom of a Status Yellow rain warning that allegedly failed to anticipate the flooding of Enniscorthy. Speaking on South East Radio, Minister Browne said: Im really frustrated that some state agencies seem to think its their duty to somehow withhold information, he said. I dont know whether there was a possibility of an earlier warning Ill let Met Eireann defend themselves in that respect, if they can. But in general, I think Met Eireann have to step up their communication. We will be bringing Met Eireann in. There needs to be an understanding that information is not to be guarded. Information is to be put out there. In a statement, Met Eireann said: As a line division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Met Eireann is focused on our role of monitoring, analysing and predicting Irelands weather, climate and flooding, and supporting emergency planning responses to weather events, such as Storm Chandra. As such, our services, operations and engagement with all stakeholders are always evolving to meet current and future needs. Opposition TDs have labelled criticism of Met Eireann by Deputy Browne as disgraceful. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Pictured The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, Ian Mernagh, CEO, GreenTechHQ, Alan Makim, Head of Sector Strategy at AIB Business Banking and Gaye OConnell, Regional Retail Director AIB South East. AIB has confirmed the continuation of its fruitful SME Sustainability Sponsorship Programme at GreenTechHQ reaffirming its commitment to supporting Irish businesses as they incorporate sustainability practices across their operations. AIB has been a long-standing partner to GreenTechHQ since its establishment in February 2023, stating that they recognised early the importance of a regional, enterprise-led model for sustainable growth. GreentechHQ is Ireland's first ever Sustainability Innovation Hub. Located in Enniscorthy, it offers mentoring, support and solutions to foster growth and job creation in the region. "This partnership brings together two organisations with a shared goal: enabling SMEs to grow stronger, more resilient and become future-ready, explained Jonathon Looby, Corporate Liaison and Events Manager. "Through tailored training, education and practical supports delivered at GreenTechHQ, AIB and GreenTechHQ are empowering businesses to make sustainability a commercial advantage improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, strengthening governance and unlocking new market opportunities. He added that AIBs sustainability-focused financial products and advisory services align seamlessly with GreenTechHQs programmes in innovation, business excellence and ESG implementation, creating a powerful end-to-end pathway for SMEs from awareness and capability building through to action and investment. Furthermore, they believe this partnership extends beyond the walls of the hub, ensuring meaningful outreach to businesses across the South East and beyond, meeting SMEs where they are and supporting them on their sustainability journey. "Together, AIB and GreenTechHQ are building a practical, inclusive model for regional enterprise one that proves sustainability is not only good for the planet, but essential for long-term business success, he said. An Taoiseach, Michael Martin TD was also recently on hand at GreenTechHQ, to mark the launch of the second phase of the Business Advantage and Sustainability South East #BASSE2026, in what has become a very exciting month for the team. The programme is GreenTechHQs flagship Enterprise Irelandfunded accelerator the first programme of its kind in Ireland. Designed exclusively for scaling SMEs in the South East, BASSE is a transformational leadership and growth programme that integrates commercial acceleration with sustainability at its core. In an exciting development, over the next 35 years, BASSE is projected to create more than 300 new jobs, double participant revenues, and embed resilience across the regions SME base. By integrating energy efficiency, carbon reduction, fair work and strong governance, BASSE positions the South East as a national leader in sustainable enterprise proving that growth and responsibility can, and must, go hand in hand. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan addressing the groups at the annual Wexford Comhairle na nOg Youth Conference in the Council Chambers at Wexford County Council on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell The chair of Wexford County Council (WCC) has offered his support to the members of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) protesting outside the offices of Bord Bia. Approximately 20 IFA members are staging an ongoing protest outside Bord Bia headquarters in Dublin as they seek the resignation of its chairman Larry Murrin. The protest began following the revelation that Mr Murrins company, Dawn Farms, has been using some Brazilian beef in its products. Both the IFA and the Irish Creamery Milk Supplier Association (ICMSA) allege that this creates a conflict of interest for Mr Murrin as Bord Bias mission is to bring Ireland's outstanding food, drink and horticulture produce to the world. And Councillor Joe Sullivan, who is the cathaoirleach of WCC, says Mr Murrin has now lost the confidence of the Irish agricultural community and should step aside from his role as Bord Bia chair. I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the Irish agricultural sector across beef, dairy and tillage, said Cllr Sullivan. I am also aware that some of the best food in the world is produced in Co Wexford. Bord Bia says its core purpose is to bring Irelands high quality produce to the world while enabling the growth and sustainability of producers; I believe Mr Murrin has not lived up to these principles by having a connection, however tenuous, with the importation of Brazilian beef. Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin. Photo: Douglas O'Connor Claiming that the farming sector is being attacked from all sides in the wake of the Mercosur agreement, Cllr Sullivan said there have long since been concerns about the quality of imported beef from the South American country. There remains question marks about the quality of Brazilian beef and there has been for years, can we be guaranteed that it is of sufficient standard? We cant. While it may only form 1 pc or less of whatever product it has found its way into that is still too much. I would therefore call on the Bord Bia Chairman Mr Larry Murrin to step aside as I believe he has lost the confidence of the Irish agricultural community particularly the beef producers. As chairman of Bord Bia, 100 pc commitment to Irish produce is required, not 99 pc. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A man has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting a young woman following a night out in the summer of 2023. The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his alleged victim, appeared for the first day of his trial at an in-camera sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday, January 28. The accused is charged with one count of sexual assault. The case opened with counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, acting on behalf of State solicitor Brian Robinson, addressing the jury, which was made up of 10 men and two women. Mr Kelly explained the process involved in a criminal trial and outlined the charge before the court. He told the jury that sexual assault is something that is unwanted and an assault in circumstances of indecency. He further outlined that the case was likely to turn on the issue of consent, telling the jury, I am giving you the guard rails on which to consider the evidence, before explaining how consent is defined and applied in law. The victim testified that on the day of the alleged sexual assault in 2023, she finished work late at night and received a message from a friend asking if she wanted to go for drinks at a local pub. A family member dropped an outfit to her workplace before a colleague dropped her to the pub. The victim stated she was wearing a t-shirt, a denim jacket and a dress. A photograph of her wearing the outfit was handed into court, as she had worn the clothes two days previously. She recalled drinking three drinks, noting that she was mindful of her alcohol intake as she had not eaten. I didnt have any soakage, so I was very careful of what I drank. The court heard that she met two male friends and the accused, whom she knew through friends of friends. She described her interaction with the defendant as friendly, adding, we were getting to know each other better. The group left the bar at 2am and walked towards the victims home, as the other three lived nearby. It was further heard that the pair shared a kiss while sitting on a wall before continuing towards her home. Stock image. News in 90 seconds - Thursday 29th January Both of her friends went to their own houses, leaving the accused to walk her home. This was normal, as I had no reason not to trust him, the victim said. The pair entered her estate, where the accused sat down beside a wall and she joined him. The two began kissing, which she said was consensual, before she alleged the defendant placed his hand on her thigh and then moved his hand inside her underwear. It is alleged he proceeded to penetrate her with his fingers, while they were still kissing. The alleged sexual assault lasted between two and three minutes, with the victim stating, it felt like an hour. She told the court she received a message on her fitness watch, which is connected to her phone, at 2.45am, stating: Its getting late and Im getting worried. The court was told that after the incident, the defendant continued to walk her to the end of her driveway. The victim stated she gave him a quick hug before going inside. The prosecution alleges that the defendant had contact with the victim via Snapchat prior to the alleged sexual assault. She reported the alleged assault to gardai several weeks later, after rumours and stories began circulating. She told the court she had discussed the incident with the accused via Snapchat. Mr Kelly noted that Snapchat deletes messages after they are read unless they are saved in chat. The court heard that the victim received a message from the accused the day after the alleged incident, stating: Im sorry if anything that happened last night made you uncomfortable. The victim later saw the accused in her workplace, on the day she gave her statement to gardai, accompanied by another female. The pair were reportedly eating when the victim requested that management have him removed. The victims manager contacted her mother, who brought her to a garda station in Wicklow, where she gave a statement. She told the court she had requested an apology from the accused as she wanted to put it under the rug, which she alleged was refused. The court also heard that the pair allegedly shared an exchange in a local pub following the incident, after it is alleged that two females were spreading rumours about the accused. The defendants issue, the court was told, was that the victim was allegedly telling others that he had pinned her down and raped her. She denied the allegation that she had told anyone that version of events. Mr Kelly remarked that she did not have any physical marks or injuries following the alleged assault. During cross-examination, defence counsel Justin McQuade, instructed by Brendan Maloney Solicitors, questioned the day the victim made her statement, remarking on how events transpired before she made her report to gardai. The court was told that the victim knew the woman who was with the defendant at her workplace, with Mr McQuade remarking on whether she had seen the defendant rubbing the woman on her thigh and hand. The court was told that the victim alleged she had made her mother aware of the allegations, but that she told a work friend first as she was not comfortable telling her mother. Her statement was put to her and the fact that it did not state whether her mother was aware of the details of the incident. The victim said that she told her mother and believed it was mentioned during interview. It is alleged by the accused that the pair had a consensual kiss on the night in question, with counsel for the defence questioning why the victim was not upset after the alleged assault occurred. Everyone copes with things differently, remarked the victim, adding, I just wanted to go home and go asleep. Mr McQuade told the court that in her statement the victim said that she and the accused were flirting the previous night before the alleged sexual assault. The court was told that the defence stance is that she did not object to his hand on her thigh and had given the defendant a kiss before entering her house. Mr McQuade stated that the alleged injured party was a willing participant and that the accused denies the allegation that he digitally penetrated her. The victim said: I was paralysed and couldnt move, you wouldnt understand, adding, all you can do is sit there and become a victim. Counsel argued that she was able to get up and go home after the alleged incident. She stated that a kiss is not consent, with the defence stating that she continued the kiss after he put his hand on the inside of her leg and that it was evolving contact between two parties. She remarked that consent can be withdrawn at any time. In response, Mr McQuade said: This isnt an op-ed in the Irish Times, this is two young people kissing on the side of the road. The court heard that in her statement she stated she pushed the accused away. The pair continued a streak on the social media app Snapchat after the incident for several weeks. Were there feelings of jealousy or rejection due to the accuseds romance with another woman? said Mr McQuade. The victim denied this was true. The court heard that the complainant and the accused shared mutual friends, who spoke about the incident. Rumours began spreading about the accused and what he was alleged to have done, though the complainant said she was unaware of how much attention it was getting within her social circle, as she did not leave the house much after the incident. Defence counsel asked whether she had threatened to go to gardai unless she got her way. The victim told the court that she only wanted to clear the air, but accepted that she may have made this threat two or three times. The court was told that gardai informed her that obtaining Snapchat phone data would cost around 20,000, with Mr McQuade remarking that Mr Maloney would make a note of that and that it would be put to the investigating garda during cross-examination. The trial is due to continue with further witnesses on Thursday, January 29. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. SSE Renewables is facing push-back from a local group that believes windfarm construction will be detrimental to wildlife and the coastline Former marine minister Frank Fahey (left) in 2002 with the late Eddie O'Connor, then managing director of Eirtricity, after signing the foreshore lease that allowed the construction of Arklow Bank. Photo: Getty Offshore wind turbines that can generate electricity at massive scale are touted as one of the solutions to our runaway energy demand. But campaigners in Arklow, Co Wicklow, believe plans to locate a large windfarm on a local sandbank, just 6km off the coast, pose a major threat to beaches across Wicklow and Wexford, with additional concerns over the visual impact. The South East Coastal Protection Alliance (SECPA) believes proposals from SSE Renewables to erect up to 56 super-sized wind turbines along the coast will have a detrimental impact on the 27km-long sandbank that runs parallel to the coast. The sandbank provides protection for the beaches and towns along the shore, sheltering them from storms and Atlantic swells that can cause flooding. If the installation goes ahead, SSE Renewables will be looking to deliver commercial-scale offshore wind at Arklow Bank. The site has been in use for 20 years, since the first seven turbines were installed at the site. It is Irelands first and only operational offshore windfarm. Former marine minister Frank Fahey (left) in 2002 with the late Eddie O'Connor, then managing director of Eirtricity, after signing the foreshore lease that allowed the construction of Arklow Bank. Photo: Getty At about 287 metres tall, the proposed turbines will be nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower. The proposals would see 2.6 million tonnes of solid matter being poured onto the sandbank, effectively levelling an area of 986 acres. SECPA says the erosion of specific areas of coastline, particularly the southern end of Brittas Bay beach, suggests the existing seven turbines less than 125m tall and sited 13km from shore, have already had a targeted detrimental effect. The group wants the new turbines sited away from the sandbank and farther out to sea, at least 22km from shore. By revising the location, we can all benefit from Irelands commitment to renewable energy and preserve the outstanding natural beauty of our beaches and sand dunes, a spokesperson for SECPA said. The Arklow sandbank is listed under Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive, as it is intrinsically linked to the well-being and survival of hundreds of species of wildlife. SSE says an environmental impact assessment report addresses many of the issues raised. The cumulative impact has received little consideration In April 2025, An Bord Pleanala (ABP) asked developers of windfarms in the Irish Sea to revise their planning applications to consider the cumulative effect of other similar wind farms proposed for the Irish Sea. The request, sent to the developers of the Oriel, Arklow and North Irish Sea windfarms on April 17, is likely to have a significant impact, especially if it is extended to the Codling and Dublin Array wind farms. When completed, Codling and Dublin Array would form a 33km line of wind turbines from Dun Laoghaire to Wicklow town. Wind turbines at sea. Photo: Getty How your county is weighing in on fighting climate change In a submission on a planning application for the Dublin Array, former chairman of Wicklow County Council Derek Mitchell said the application did not show a map of the proposed neighbouring Codling. Mr Mitchell said, the cumulative impact has received little consideration. Arklow Bank has a capacity of just 25MW. The States long-term ambition for offshore renewable energy in Ireland, the Future Framework, aims to deliver 20GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 and at least 37GW in total by 2050 almost 1,500 times more than the existing capacity. The conflict between the demand for clean energy and the environment it is meant to preserve is sure to continue. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme From one-hour lessons to four-week courses, beginners can learn how to apply products with confidence My love of make-up began in childhood. I always felt a deep admiration for the women I deemed glamorous, whether it was my relatives, Rita from Coronation Street (those earrings!) or my ultimate fave, Dolly Parton. I watched my granny seal her lipstick with Lipcote with fascination and dreamed of a day when I too could put on a red lip and strut out the front door like an independent woman in complete control of herself. Of course, I know that not everyone grows up this way. There are lots of people who never feel the pull of product, who feel entirely complete without ever picking up a make-up brush. I fully respect this, and essentially equate it to my disinterest in playing a sport. Athletes, Im happy for you, but its just never felt like the life for me. What Id like to talk about today, though, are the people who dont fall into either of the aforementioned categories. Im talking about the people whod really like to do more with make-up but have never quite managed to figure it out. I wasnt aware of how many people existed in this sphere until I started writing about beauty professionally and I started to hear from them, both on social media and in real life. The general message was this: I wish I was good at make-up but I just dont know where to start. Of course, I can recommend products to beginners, but application is something that needs to be taught and practised. Fortunately, there are several excellent options when it comes to learning how to do your make-up well. Lisa Shannon is a renowned make-up artist who acts as a product, creative and education consultant for Pippa OConnors excellent brand Poco Beauty, and she recently launched a new business, Refined Makeup Education. The aim of the business is to empower people to apply their make-up with confidence. The Soft Glam workshop (60 via refinedmakeupeducation.com) is ideal for beginners, covering make-up application from skin prep to flawless foundation application and a soft smoky eye. As its an online workshop, you can learn in the privacy of your home, which makes it ideal for anyone who feels self-conscious about the process. Mac also offers make-up lessons by appointment. Make Up My Way (60 via brownthomas.com) is an hour-long lesson during which a Mac artist applies a full face of make-up, educating you on the products and technique throughout. Afterwards, you receive a face chart to help you recreate the look at home, and the price is fully redeemable against product. I did one of these more than 20 years ago and I have used the skills I acquired ever since. If youd like something more extensive, Sculpted by Aimee offers a four-week course called Mastering Your Own Makeup (500 via sculptedbyaimee.com), which equips you with skills in application as well as guidance on specific looks for special occasions. Participants receive a Sculpted brush set worth 50 and a 100 voucher to use against Sculpted products. As a brand, Sculpted by Aimee is all about enhancing natural beauty, so if thats what youre after, this could be right for you. Buying Irish Ealu Body Sand Irish brand Ealu got my attention with its body gloss, a shimmering body oil which makes the skin gleam for hours. Now though, I feel absolutely compelled to tell you about Body Sand (25 via ealu-moments.com), a vitamin-enriched foaming body scrub, which exfoliates beautifully and leaves the skin incredibly smooth and soft. A friend of mine swears this product significantly minimised the appearance of her keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin), but it works for all skin types. Plus, Ealus signature jasmine and coconut fragrance smells like heaven. Something old... Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick The arrival of Sephora to the island of Ireland (it opens in Belfast on February 12) is exciting for many reasons, but the most exciting aspect for me is the opportunity to go and put your hands on the products people are raving about online. Up until now, there were several widely hyped brands we could only access online, and theres no getting away from the fact that purchasing make-up you havent seen in real life is risky business. One brand arriving with Sephora is Makeup by Mario, whose products Ive used extensively. Perhaps my favourite from the range is the SoftSculpt Shaping Stick (38 via makeupbymario.com), a contour product that never looks muddy and blends like butter. Something new... Dior Forever Skin Bronze Contour and bronzing sticks are big business these days. Theyre incredibly handy, as they allow you to easily apply warmth and dimension to the face, and the best ones melt into the skin, delivering a natural finish. The latest product to join this category is Diors Forever Skin Bronze (59 via dior.com), which has a soft and balmy texture, making application easy as pie. This product aims to mimic the bronzing effect of the sun, so simply swipe it on the parts of your face that would normally be hit by the sun, and blend with a blush or with your fingers via a tapping motion. Unfortunately, this product is only available in six shades, the deepest of which is nowhere near what is required by very deep skin tones. Hopefully this will improve. Hotels in Japan are increasingly using specially trained dogs to detect bedbugs as infestations rise along with a surge in international travel, the local media reported yesterday. Complaints about bedbugs have climbed sharply in recent years, prompting growing demand for these canine services. Bedbug-sniffing dogs can reportedly detect up to 95pc of infestations and are being deployed to inspect hotel rooms and other accommodations across Japan, according to The Asahi Shimbun. The Japan Pest Control Association, which represents exterminators and firms handling pests ranging from cockroaches and rats to mosquitoes and bedbugs, reported 1,176 bedbug-related complaints in 2023 about 500 more than the year before. That number reportedly edged up further to 1,185 in 2024. The numbers for 2025 have not yet been released. Experts say increased global travel has made it easier for bedbugs to hitchhike Industry watchers attribute the upward trend largely to the sharp rebound in overseas travel following the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, Japan welcomed a record number of foreign tourists last year, with arrivals surpassing the 40 million threshold for the first time. Pest control experts say increased global travel has made it easier for bedbugs to hitchhike across borders in luggage and clothing, raising the risk of outbreaks in densely used accommodation spaces such as hotels, hostels and dormitories. To address this, companies like Tokyo-based Asante Inc are expanding their canine detection programmes, training more dogs and handlers to meet rising demand. In the past year alone, Asantes dogs have checked thousands of hotel rooms in Japan, The Asahi Shimbun reported. Elle, a two-year-old beagle trained from the age of six months, is among a growing number of dogs being deployed to detect bedbugs. Working with handler Ataru Shimoyama, Elle can inspect a room in just minutes. Airline will cease transatlantic services from the city Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will close its Manchester base on March 31, with flights from there to New York stopping from February 23. The airline said it will operate a service from Dublin to Barbados during April and May to re-accommodate affected passengers who had been booked to fly to the Caribbean island from Manchester. The closure of the base will affect about 200 staff members at the operation, which Aer Lingus opened in 2021. The airline, headed by chief executive Lynne Embleton, has previously insisted that the operating margin on its long-haul operations from the city continue to significantly lag those of the airlines long-haul operation out of Ireland. It had initially entered talks with staff and unions back in November. Aer Lingus has been operating services to Barbados, Orlando and New York from Manchester using Airbus A330 jets. The decision will not affect Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional flights between Manchester and Ireland. Earlier this month, the airline said it had stopped selling tickets for flights on the transatlantic services from Manchester pending a final decision about the future of the base. The airline told staff in a circular earlier this month: During the consultation processes, the airline has explored various options for increasing the margin at the Manchester base, but unfortunately to date these options do not appear to be viable. Today, it confirmed the closure of the base will proceed. It told staff in a circular seen by the Irish Independent: Today, members of the Aer Lingus executive team had a further consultation meeting with the groups representing colleagues in the Manchester base. This follows a series of detailed and constructive consultation meetings held throughout the months of November, December and January to date. It added: The airline has emphasised throughout the consultation process that whilst the Manchester base has been profitable, the margins at the base are significantly below those in other comparable parts of Aer Lingus business. This is despite all of the committed work and best efforts of the Manchester team. It said that while various options had been explored for the future of the base, none of those options were deemed viable. In a statement, the airline said that customers are being informed directly of the cancellation of flights and provided with re-accommodation and refund options. Aer Lingus will continue to engage with staff representative groups to discuss the phased reduction in operations, redeployment opportunities and the terms of a severance package at the Manchester base, it added. Aer Lingus acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and will seek to ensure that colleagues are kept informed and supported as discussions evolve during the next phase of the consultation. About 40 pilots are employed by Aer Lingus at Manchester. About 30 will be free to return to operations out of Ireland. The remainder were hired out of the UK. Aer Lingus is part of the IAG group that also owns British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. The Longford-founded company said the acquisition increases its production capacity and strengthens its ability to supply sawn softwood across the UK and Ireland. Photo: Roger Jones The transaction completed on January 27 expands Glennon Brothers operations in the UK timber market. The Longford-founded company said the acquisition increases its production capacity and strengthens its ability to supply sawn softwood across the UK and Ireland. Glennon Brothers, the main sponsor of Longford GAA, already operates sawmills and a timber-frame-home manufacturing facility in Scotland. It said the addition of Pontrilas adds a large England-and-Wales-based operation to the group and increases its scale in the British market. Pontrilas Group is a large timber-processing mill in England and Wales. The business employs more than 530 people and reported turnover of 120m (138.5m), it said. It operates from a site on the Welsh border and is involved in sawmilling and timber packaging, supplying customers across the UK. The business was founded in 1947 by the Hickman family and has remained family-owned for over 70 years. It has received continued investment over that period and is led by an established management team, it said. Glennon Brothers said the existing management team will remain in place following the acquisition. The company operates across sawmilling, timber frame manufacturing and energy. Glennon Brothers was founded in Longford in 1913 and is now run by brothers Mike and Pat Glennon. It employs close to 500 people and has 250 indirect employees in Ireland and the UK. The acquisition brings Pontrilas processing capacity and customer base into the group. This provides our customers with an enhanced product and service offering The company said the deal supports its supply chain across forestry, processing and finished timber products. This is a significant milestone in Glennon Brothers history, Mike Glennon, joint managing director, said. This provides our customers with an enhanced product and service offering, as well as increased overall production capacity for the future. This acquisition allows us to continue fulfilling our commitment to our customers of offering a one stop shop solution for sawn softwood across the UK and Ireland, he said. The new partnership will help expand its offering from forestry to housebuilding, added Pat Glennon, joint director of Glennon Brothers. We are thrilled to welcome the Pontrilas team into the Glennon Brothers family. By adding Pontrilas to our existing business, it further enhances our capability to operate fully from forest to front door, he said. European Court of Human Rights found France violated a womans rights after she was blamed for marriage breakdown after refusing sex with her husband The lack of sex in a marriage will no longer be considered reasonable grounds for divorce, France is set to announce. MPs are debating a bill outlawing marital duty in the National Assembly that is likely to pass into law in the summer, correcting a long-standing human injustice, its supporters say. France was condemned by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg last year when a woman was blamed for the breakdown of her marriage after refusing sex with her husband. The legislation, tabled by Paul Christophe of the centrist Horizons party and the Green MP Marie-Charlotte Garin, seeks to clarify the civil code by stating explicitly that spouses must respect each others consent and that divorce on the grounds of fault cannot be based on the absence or refusal of sexual relations. Although the phrase marital duty does not appear in statute, courts have long drawn on the requirement that spouses share a community of life, a formula often cited at weddings, which can be interpreted as implying a community of bed. Crucially, French law has never defined what regular sex actually means, leaving this open to judges interpretation. This bill sets a clear boundary: in marriage, as in any relationship, everything begins with consent, Mr Christophe said. Ms Garin said: We have allowed the idea of a marital duty to persist, which has legitimised unfair and deeply violent decisions. The reform, she added, was needed to correct a legal absurdity and a human injustice. The initiative follows a ruling by the ECHR in January last year, which found that France had violated a womans rights. Her husband had been granted a fault-based divorce because she had stopped having sexual relations with him. The court ruled that the very existence of such a marital obligation ran counter to sexual freedom and the right to bodily autonomy. The debate over consent and sexual violence in France came under intense scrutiny during the recent Dominique Pelicot trial, in which a husband was convicted of orchestrating the mass rape of his drugged wife, Gisele. If the bill clears the Assembly, it will head to the Senate under an accelerated timetable, with ministers aiming for final adoption before the summer recess. ( Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd) People pass a crater and damaged cars near an apartment building after a Russian attack on Wednesday in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Photo: AP People pass a crater and damaged cars near an apartment building after a Russian attack on Wednesday in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Photo: AP Russian forces have suffered the heaviest battlefield losses the world has seen since World War II during its invasion of Ukraine, a new study shows. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) says the war has resulted in about 1.2 million Russian casualties and between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. Troop casualty numbers include those killed, wounded or missing. As many as 325,000 Russians have been killed since the war began nearly four years ago, the think-tank reported, accounting for the majority of troops killed in the war. No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II, the CSIS said, despite advancing remarkably slowly on the battlefield. The Kremlin dismissed the reports yesterday, saying the figures should not be seen as reliable. Russia pounded cities across Ukraine with drones and a missile overnight yesterday, killing a couple near the capital Kyiv a day after five people died in an attack on a passenger train, ahead of a fresh round of peace talks due at the weekend. Local media reported that the woman had a four-year-old daughter who survived the strike. Officials said four people, including two children, sought medical attention after the attack. When I carried her out, the girl started crying very hard, and then she began to shake violently, Marian Kushnir, a journalist who was a neighbour of the deceased couple, told Radio Free Europe. I felt a lot of pain, because in 10 years of war, I had never had such feelings before, when, holding a crying four-year-old child in my arms, I realised that her mother was dead. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on the apartment block, as well as another strike with short-range rockets on what he described as a residential area without military targets in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. We will respond fairly to Russia for this and other similar attacks, he wrote on social media. The latest attack came as Ukraine was still reeling from Tuesdays drone strike on a passenger train in the northeast that killed five people, an assault Mr Zelensky denounced as terrorism. In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be regarded in the same way purely as an act of terrorism, Mr Zelensky said. Ukraine and Russia met for US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi last week, with further meetings expected on Sunday, but Russia has continued to pound Ukrainian cities and both countries have hit each others energy infrastructure. There was no comment from Russia on the attacks. Both Moscow and Kyiv deny they are targeting civilians in the war, which is approaching its four-year mark on February 24. Ukraines air force said Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 146 drones overnight, of which 103 were downed. In Kyiv, a 17-storey residential building was hit, causing minor damage to the roof and shattering windows on the upper floors, the emergency services said. In Odesa, which had declared a day of mourning after a drone strike killed three people overnight on Tuesday, three more people were hurt, the head of the citys military administration, Serhiy Lysak, said. This article was amended at 11.15am on January 30, 2026, to make clear that troop casualty numbers include those killed, wounded or missing White House deal said to depend on giving Moscow control of region The future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was discussed during the talks. Photo: Getty The US has signalled that security guarantees will only be promised to Ukraine if it agrees to surrender territory to Russia in the Donbas, according to a report. White House officials are said to have told Volodymyr Zelensky that security guarantees will only be given if a deal is agreed to give Moscow control of the entire region in eastern Ukraine a red line for Kyiv. Sources close to the discussions told the Financial Times that the Trump administration would provide additional weapons to strengthen Ukraines military in the event of a peace deal if Kyiv withdraws its forces from the region. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not give up any occupied land without a referendum on territory. European and Ukrainian officials see Washingtons position as an attempt to place pressure on Kyiv to agree to a deal, with doubts raised over whether the White House is ready to make binding commitments on security. Anna Kelly, the White Houses deputy press secretary, described the FT report as a lie and said that Washington was simply seeking to bring the two sides closer to an agreement. She suggested the sources briefing the newspaper were attempting to undermine the peace process following historic trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. The White House has been asked for further comment. The talks marked the first time officials from the US, Russia and Ukraine had sat in the same room for discussions on peace since the invasion began in February 2022. There were no more pseudo-historical lectures. The conversations were very focused. Officials involved in the talks told the Kyiv Post that both sides had held discussions on key issues such as territory and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant that went beyond maximalist public statements by both sides. A US official told the newspaper that both sides were testing how flexible each others red lines really are. Talks will resume on Sunday. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister told European Pravda that there had been a qualitative change in the peace talks, specifically in the participants in the Russian delegation. These are different people, and there were no more pseudo-historical lectures. The conversations were very focused, he said. Moscows delegation was previously headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Vladimir Putin notorious for holding long historical discussions during the talks. It is now being led by General Igor Kostyukov, the director of Russias GRU military intelligence agency. Separately Ukraines foreign ministry said it summoned Hungarys ambassador to Kyiv today to protest over Budapests allegations of Ukrainian meddling in the upcoming Hungarian parliamentary election. Nationalist Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has intensified criticism of Ukraine in recent weeks, seeking to associate Hungarys opposition leader Peter Magyar with Kyiv and the European Union executive as the election campaign heats up. Mr Orban and Mr Zelensky have engaged in a public war of words, with Mr Zelensky accusing Mr Orban of trying to sell out European interests. In response, Mr Orban called his counterpart a man in a desperate position as Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary of full-scale war since the invasion. Shira Gvili, the sister of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, reacts during his funeral in the southern town of Meitar. Photo: AP The last Israeli captive recovered from Gaza was buried yesterday at a funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, which prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ended a painful chapter in Israels history. Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer, was killed fighting Hamas militants who attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. His remains were taken back to the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, Israeli officials said. Of the about 250 people abducted that day, Mr Gvili was the last to be released either dead or alive. He was buried in his hometown of Meitar, in southern Israel. His casket was driven to the funeral in a procession beginning in Camp Shura, a facility where Israel identified victims of the October 2023 attack. Police and civilians carrying Israeli flags lined parts of the route. The shattered fragments of our hearts can slowly begin to gather toward healing and repair The burial of Ran Gvili brings an end to the painful reality of the existence of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, all of them, living and fallen, Netanyahu said in a eulogy at the funeral. Israeli president Isaac Herzog also delivered a eulogy. He said the entire nation mourned Mr Gvili, who was 24 when he died, and that the shattered fragments of our hearts can slowly begin to gather toward healing and repair. Mr Gvili was one of about 1,200 people killed in the attack, which set off the war in Gaza, in which Palestinian health authorities say Israel has killed more than 71,000 Palestinians. Many of the hostages were released during two short ceasefires, but dozens died in captivity. Under the terms of an October deal brokered by US president Donald Trump, Hamas and other groups agreed to return the remaining hostages, alive or dead, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The return of the last hostage and his burial marks a moment of national healing for Israelis. The Hamas attack, the bloodiest killing of Jews since the Holocaust, was widely seen as the most traumatic event in the countrys history. Tzvika Mor, whose son Eitan Mor was taken hostage but was released last October, was among the crowds that watched the funeral procession pass. So were here to say goodbye and to stand with the Gvili family, he said, hailing Mr Gvili as a hero. Harel Plachinsky, Mr Gvilis aunt, also saw the return of her nephews remains and burial as a moment of closure. This is some kind of ending to the war and I think that October 7 is ending today, she said. Jacob Frey had said his city would not help agents enforce immigration law Donald Trump vowed to work with Jacob Frey to ease unrest in the city. Photo: Getty Gregory Bovino with his security team during a protest in Minnesota last week. Photo: Getty A protester sits in front of a group of federal agents and police officers in Minneapolis after Alex Pretti was fatally shot on Saturday. Photo: Getty US president Donald Trump warned Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey he was playing with fire yesterday. The Democrat leader had reiterated that his city would not help federal agents enforce immigration law, a day after the president said his administration would de-escalate a bit in the city. Tensions remained high in Minneapolis, where observers and activists said immigration raids appear to have been more targeted and less confrontational. A protester sits in front of a group of federal agents and police officers in Minneapolis after Alex Pretti was fatally shot on Saturday. Photo: Getty News in 90 seconds - Thursday 29th January The city has faced unrest after two US citizens were shot dead by federal officers, including Saturdays killing of nurse Alex Pretti. Mr Trumps administration has signalled it will soften its approach, dispatching border tsar Tom Homan to take over the operation from Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol official whose aggressive tactics have drawn widespread criticism. A senior administration official said Mr Homans arrival would mark a shift to more traditional targeted operations rather than the broad sweeps Mr Bovino has led in multiple cities. Yet it remained unclear how much would change in a city where federal agents have regularly clashed with protesters. Gregory Bovino with his security team during a protest in Minnesota last week. Photo: Getty Observers and activists said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity appeared to slow somewhat on Tuesday before resuming in full yesterday. They said there appeared to be more of an emphasis on targeted exercises. ICE agents were seen in several parts of the city yesterday, arriving at homes and businesses in groups of three vehicles with six to eight agents in total, then knocking on doors and looking around, seemingly for a specific person. If that person was not found, observers said, the agents were seen leaving. In past weeks, agents might have begun randomly stopping people and demanding to see proof of legal status, a practice that has enraged community members and led to heated encounters. It is difficult to know precisely how many raids are taking place. Authorities have not shared that information, and volunteers who track ICE and Border Patrol vehicles say many of their encrypted communication chats have broken into atomised, hyper-local groups, partly to avoid infiltration by federal agents. They definitely shift around, said Patty OKeefe, a community ICE observer in south Minneapolis. Let up for a few days so people let their guard down, I think. One observer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he did not believe the change in tone from Mr Trump meant there would be a meaningful slowdown in detentions. Donald Trump vowed to work with Jacob Frey to ease unrest in the city. Photo: Getty Like everybody out here, though, we can hope that maybe the change of having Homan come in could mean that ICE will shoot and kill less, that they wont attack people like us keeping watch on them, he said. Separately, Ecuadors foreign ministry sent a note of protest to the US embassy in Quito after the ministry said an ICE agent tried to enter its Minneapolis consulate on Tuesday. Under mounting political pressure, Mr Trump had dialled back his criticism of Mr Frey and Minnesota governor Tim Walz after speaking with both Democrats in the wake of Mr Prettis killing. He vowed to work with them to ease tensions. But on social media yesterday, Mr Trump faulted Mr Frey for saying the city would not enforce immigration laws: Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE! Mr Trump has threatened to cut off funding for states that include so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, which limit how much co-operation they give federal immigration authorities. In response, Mr Frey wrote on social media: The job of our police is to keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws. Mr Pretti (37) was shot dead during protests near his home on Saturday, and some administration officials immediately accused him of planning to kill law enforcement officers, citing the handgun he was carrying. A tribute to Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Photo: Getty But a video showed that Mr Pretti held only a phone in his hand when Border Patrol agents pushed him to the ground. Video also showed that an agent found Mr Prettis gun near his waist and removed it seconds before another agent shot a restrained Mr Pretti in the back. The killing, coupled with the earlier fatal shooting of Renee Good (37) by an ICE officer, has become a major political crisis for Mr Trump. A growing number of Republicans in Congress have called for independent investigations into the shooting. Stephen Miller, the White House adviser widely seen as the architect of Mr Trumps immigration policy, said in a statement reported by CNN that agents may not have been following protocol before Mr Pretti was shot. Mr Miller had previously described Mr Pretti as an assassin and terrorist immediately after the shooting. At least two federal agents who were involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave, two US media outlets said yesterday. A photograph of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin standing side by side in Alaska has been framed and put on display in the White House. The posed portrait of the US and Russian presidents, taken at the Alaska summit in August, has been hung on a wall in the Palm Room, which links the West Wing to the presidential residence. Below it, in a matching gold frame of the same size, is a photo of Mr Trump with his granddaughter Carolina Dorothy Trump (6). The photograph appears to be the same image Mr Trump showed off to reporters in the Oval Office in August, telling them it had been sent to him by Putin following their summit in Anchorage. Mr Trump said he thought the Russian leader looked nice in the photo, which recorded the first face-to-face meeting between US and Russian leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. He said at the time: OK of me, but nice of him. So that was very nice that it was sent to me. He added that he planned to autograph the photo and send it back to Putin. The decision to use a White House wall to display a portrait of the US president with a Russian leader accused of war crimes caused widespread anger. Mark Warner, a Democratic senator from Virginia, who sits on the intelligence committee, said: Putting Putin above the American people and his own family. Almost a little too on the nose. Meanwhile, Marko Mihkelson, the chair of Estonias parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested it made him question the chances of a swift ending to the Russia-Ukraine War. He said: If it is true that the US president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait. Unfortunately. Russia seemed pleased with the display. Kirill Dmitriev, its top negotiator in the Ukraine peace process, said: Good. A picture is worth a thousand words. Mr Trump and Putin met at the Alaska summit for almost three hours but left without announcing a deal or any specific areas where they made headway. Putin said they had reached an agreement to pave the path towards peace, but Mr Trump made clear there were still areas of disagreement, saying: Theres no deal until theres a deal. A White House official told US media it was routine for photographs of the presidents public engagements to be displayed throughout the White House. US secretary of state Marco Rubio gave a full-throated defence of president Donald Trumps military operation to oust and arrest then Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, while also using his wide-ranging congressional testimony to touch on Greenland, Nato, Iran and China. As Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee offered starkly different readings of the administrations foreign policy, Mr Rubio addressed Mr Trumps intentions and his often bellicose rhetoric that have alarmed US allies in Europe and elsewhere. In the first public hearing since the January 3 intervention to depose Mr Maduro, Mr Rubio said Mr Trump had acted to take out a major US national security threat in the Western hemisphere. Mr Trumps top diplomat said America was safer and more secure as a result and that the Republican administration would work with interim authorities to stabilise the South American country. Were not going to have this thing turn around overnight, but I think were making good and decent progress, Mr Rubio said. We are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four weeks ago and I think and hope and expect that well be better off in three months and six months and nine months than we would have been had Maduro still been there. Republican senators, with few exceptions, praised the Venezuelan operation. Among Democrats, there was deep scepticism. They questioned Mr Trumps policies in Venezuela and their potential for encouraging moves by China against Taiwan and Russia even more so in Ukraine, as well as his threats to take Greenland from Nato ally Denmark and his insults about the alliances contributions to US security. Mr Rubio played them all down. He said the uproar over Greenland within Nato is calming and that talks are under way about how to deal with Mr Trumps demands. The Republican president insists the US needs Greenland to counter threats from Russia and China, but he recently backed away from a pledge to impose tariffs on several European countries that sent troops to the semiautonomous Danish territory in a show of solidarity. I think were going to get something positive done, Mr Rubio said. He dismissed criticism that Mr Trump was undermining the alliance, while repeating the long-running American complaint that member nations need to boost their defence budgets. Nato needs to be reimagined, Mr Rubio said. I just think this president complains about it louder than other presidents. As Mr Trump once more threatens Iran with military action, Mr Rubio said there was no current plan to attack. Asked about the potential for a change of government in Tehran, Mr Rubio said that would require a lot of careful thinking because it would be far more complex than ousting Mr Maduro. Police subdue a man after an attack on Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: Getty Images The man accused of attacking Democrat politician Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday evening meeting in Minnesota is a piece of shit with lifelong anger issues who has been fixated on the Somali-born politician for years, his younger brother said. Im not surprised this happened, Anthony James Kazmierczaks brother told The Independent yesterday morning in a phone interview from his home in North Carolina. Not at all. Unfortunately, he and my mother are both right-wing extremists, he said. Mr Kazmierczak, a 55-year-old Minneapolis resident, is just a different person than I am, according to the brother, who said he has been estranged from his sibling for the past four years. The Independent agreed not to name the brother, who said he has begun receiving death threats. I believe in helping people, Mr Kazmierczaks brother (52) went on. He believes in blaming people. He has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years When asked if Mr Kazmierczak had mentioned Ms Omar before, the brother responded, Oh, yeah, and said he is thankful Ms Omar, who fled her war-torn nation as a child and became a US citizen in 2000, wasnt badly hurt. He has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years, the brother added. Theres a reason I dont talk to him Hes got a lot of anger, I have no idea where it comes from. Hes always been that way. During Ms Omars address to a group of constituents at the Urban League Twin Cities, Mr Kazmierczak suddenly stood up and rushed the progressive congresswoman as she called for abolishing ICE, the countrys deportation agency. Bystander video of the bizarre incident shows Mr Kazmierczak spraying an unidentified foul-smelling substance at Ms Omar from a syringe in his right hand. Just give me 10 minutes. Please dont let them have the show A security guard tackled Mr Kazmierczak, who was subsequently arrested by police and charged with third-degree assault. Ms Omar, the first Somali-American to serve in Congress, asked for a napkin to wipe herself off but declined further medical attention and continued speaking to the crowd of about 100. Were gonna keep talking, she said. Just give me 10 minutes. Please dont let them have the show. US president Donald Trump yesterday accused Ms Omar of organising the attack herself. Asked for his response by ABC news, he replied: I think shes a fraud ... She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence has indicated that Russia was preparing a new massive strike as he reminds world leaders that any attack will discredit the peace process. The United States, Europe, and all our partners have to understand how this discredits diplomatic talks, Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does. Trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the US are due to resume in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, following the first round of "constructive" talks over the weekend. Russian forces have suffered the heaviest battlefield losses the world has seen since the Second World War during its invasion of Ukraine, a new study shows. Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Getty News in 90 seconds - Thursday 29th January The Center for Strategic and International Studies says the war has resulted in about 1.2 million Russian casualties and between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. This includes both wounded and killed troops. As many as 325,000 Russians have been killed since the war began nearly four years ago, the think tank reported, accounting for the majority of troops killed in the war. No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II, the CSIS said, despite advancing "remarkably slowly on the battlefield". The Kremlin dismissed the reports on Wednesday, saying the figures should not be seen as reliable. Elsewhere, Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of an act of terrorism after a Russian attack on a Ukrainian passenger train killed at least five people. "In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be regarded in the same way purely as an act of terrorism," Zelensky said. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides of Russia's war on Ukraine could hit two million by the spring, a report has warned - with Russia suffering the largest number of troop deaths recorded for any major power in any conflict since the Second World War. The study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies revealed the slow, deadly grind of the conflict, and comes before the fourth anniversary of the Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. The report said Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, between February 2022 and December 2025. "No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II, the authors said. It estimated that Ukraine, with its smaller army and population, had suffered between 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. The figures have been described as unreliable by the Russia, as the countrys advance in Ukraine remains in a grinding war of attrition. Analysts say that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no rush to find a settlement, despite his army's difficulties on the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Putin has repeatedly said Russia will take all of Ukraine's Donbas region, of which Moscow's forces control 90 per cent, by force unless Kyiv gives it up in a peace deal. This weekend, a third round of negotiations between the two countries, brokered by the US, will take place aimed at ending the war. US secretary Marco Rubio said active work was underway to reconcile the territorial issue of Donetsk in the Donbas, describing the disagreement as a key remaining issue that is "very difficult" to resolve. Kyiv has said it will not gift Russia territory that Moscow has failed to win on the battlefield. "It's still a bridge we have to cross. It's still a gap, but at least we've been able to narrow down the issue set one central one, and it will probably be a very difficult one," Rubio told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. In Ukraine on Wednesday, Russian strikes killed a couple near Kyiv and hammered the southern city of Odesa, a day after a drone attack killed five people on a passenger train. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks. The strike hit a residential neighborhood, with no military targets anywhere nearby, the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media. We will respond fairly to Russia for this and other similar attacks. Several buildings sustained damage in the attacks on Odesa, though no casualties were reported. Several fires are said to have broken out, with emergency crews extinguishing a major fire at a construction and architecture college in the city. Emergency services said that religious sites including a monastery were damaged in the bombing. Energy infrastructure has continued to be targeted with deputy prime minister Oleksiy Kuleba saying that the strike damaged manufacturing facilities, a locomotive and hangars, and sparked a fire that was being extinguished. Hundreds of thousands of residents already remain without power following relentless attacks on infrastructure during one of the countrys coldest winters on record. Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority said the Black Sea port of Pivdennyi came under attack but continued operating normally. Three people were hurt in the attack that also damaged port infrastructure, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram on Wednesday. A residential building and buildings in the vicinity of an Orthodox monastery were also damaged, he added. 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. IndiaEU Conclude Financial Services Negotiations Under FTA The IndiaEU Financial Services Annex under the India-EU FTA reshapes bilateral finance by liberalizing FDI, enabling digital payment interoperability, and positioning India as a fintech export platform into Europe. India and the European Union (EU) have formally concluded negotiations on the Financial Services Annex of the IndiaEU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major milestone in deepening bilateral economic and strategic cooperation. The agreement was finalized on January 6, 2026, establishing a comprehensive institutional framework to accelerate cross-border financial collaboration. The development comes amid expanding IndiaEU services trade, which reached approximately US$83 billion in 2024. Financial services alone accounted for US$700 million in Indian exports to the EU and US$600 million in EU exports to India. The Financial Services Annex goes beyond standard WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) commitments, with provisions covering payments infrastructure, fintech cooperation, regulatory treatment, and market access across banking and insurance. IndiaEU Financial Services Annex: Key details Digital payments and real-time cross-border transactions Both sides will cooperate on electronic payments interoperability and real-time transaction infrastructure, enabling smoother cross-border remittances, merchant payments, and transfers. This provision directly supports Indias rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem, including platforms such as UPI, while creating market entry opportunities for Indian payment service providers in Europe and facilitating remittance flows from the Indian diaspora across EU member states. Fintech collaboration, RegTech, and CBDC exploration The agreement establishes Indias most advanced international framework for fintech cooperation to date. India and the EU will strengthen collaboration on: Financial innovation and emerging business models Supervisory technology (SupTech) and regulatory technology (RegTech) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) exploration Knowledge exchange and regulatory capacity-building These commitments position India as a fintech innovation hub within the bilateral partnership and create structured pathways for Indian fintech companies to collaborate with European counterparts. Credit rating safeguards and non-discriminatory treatment Indian financial institutions will receive protection against arbitrary or discriminatory credit assessments in EU markets. The Annex guarantees parity of treatment with domestic institutions, supporting market access for Indian banks, insurers, and financial service providers while preventing regulatory practices that could constrain operational expansion. Indias higher FDI limits and expanded bank branch access Indias market access commitments reflect its broader financial sector liberalization agenda, including: 100 percent FDI in insurance 74 percent FDI in banking A liberalized bank branch licensing framework allowing up to 15 branches over four years, compared to the previous GATS cap of 12 These measures significantly enhance EU financial institutions ability to scale operations in Indias fast-growing financial services market. Reciprocal commitments from the EU will also support Indian financial service suppliers seeking expansion across Europe, strengthening Indias financial exports and institutional footprint. Current institutional presence highlights growth potential At present, only three Indian banks, namely the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India, operate branches in the EU, with a combined total of five branches, while SBI maintains a single representative office. By contrast, five EU banks operate 33 branches in India, and 17 EU banks maintain representative offices, indicating substantial scope for greater balance in institutional presence following the FTAs implementation. Strategic implications for Indian, EU investors and financial service providers By establishing clear market access commitments, regulatory transparency, and cooperative frameworks, the IndiaEU Financial Services Annex is expected to catalyze: Increased bilateral investment flows Expanded institutional presence on both sides New opportunities for banks, insurers, fintech firms, and payment providers Deeper integration between Indian and European financial systems The agreement reflects a forward-looking, balanced approach to financial liberalization, supporting Indias digital finance ambitions while providing EU firms structured access to one of the worlds fastest-growing financial markets. As the broader IndiaEU FTA moves toward implementation, the Financial Services Annex ensures policy alignment translates into operational expansion and positions the financial services sector as a central pillar of the next phase of IndiaEU economic integration. IndiaEU Financial Services FTA: Market Access Comparison Area Market access in India (for EU financial institutions) Market access in EU (for Indian financial institutions) Strategic implications Banking Foreign direct investment (FDI) Up to 74% FDI permitted in Indian banks (subject to sectoral regulations); liberalized ownership structure compared to earlier regimes No formal equity caps at EU level; access governed by host-country licensing and prudential rules India offers clearer ownership thresholds; EU access depends on regulatory approval rather than statutory caps Insurance FDI 100% FDI permitted in insurance sector Market access via EU authorization framework Makes India one of the most liberal large markets for EU insurers Bank branch licensing Up to 15 new branches over four years (expanded from GATS limit of 12) Branching subject to EU supervisory approvals Improves scalability for EU banks in India; still approval-based on both sides Representative offices Permitted for EU banks (currently 17 active) Permitted for Indian banks (currently only SBI maintains one) Entry pathway remains open, but Indian institutional presence is still limited Electronic payments & remittances Commitment to interoperability, real-time payments, and cross-border digital infrastructure Reciprocal commitment Enables Indian payment platforms (including UPI-linked providers) to explore EU corridors FinTech cooperation Structured cooperation on FinTech, RegTech, SupTech, CBDC Same commitments Positions India as a fintech innovation partner rather than just a recipient market Credit rating & regulatory treatment EU firms receive national treatment protections Indian firms protected from discriminatory credit assessments Reduces regulatory asymmetry and market-entry risk for Indian banks Market access commitments (GATS+) Expanded commitments across banking, insurance, and financial services Expanded commitments enabling Indian service exports Annex goes beyond WTO norms, creating bilateral certainty Diaspora remittance facilitation Supported via digital payment cooperation Supported reciprocally Benefits Indian households and strengthens IndiaEU financial corridors Current physical presence 5 EU banks operate 33 branches in India 3 Indian banks operate 5 branches in the EU FTA expected to rebalance institutional footprint Key takeaways The Financial Services Annex materially improves symmetry in market access: India provides clearer FDI thresholds and branch expansion pathways, benefiting EU institutions seeking scale. The EU provides regulatory non-discrimination guarantees, improving operating certainty for Indian banks and fintech firms. Digital payments and fintech cooperation shift the relationship from traditional banking toward technology-led financial integration. Taken together, the framework positions India not only as a destination market but as an emerging export platform for financial services and digital payment infrastructure into Europe. Image credit : Instagram @ brooklynpeltzbeckham | Brooklyn Beckham refuses to share wedding video. The controversial wedding dance Rob Shuter Image credit : Instagran @ brooklynpeltzbeckham | Brooklyn Beckham felt humiliated by mothers dance. Brooklyn & Nicola turn down millions for wedding clip Image credit : Instagram @ brooklynpeltzbeckham | Nicola Peltz focuses on marriage, not drama. Brooklyns perspective Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, have reportedly kept a private moment from their April 2022 wedding under wraps, despite being offered millions for the footage. The video allegedly shows Victoria Beckham, Brooklyns mother, dancing with him at the reception, a moment that Brooklyn says ruined his first dance with Nicola. But sources reveal the couple has no intention of making the tape public, citing reasons deeper than money.The Palm Beach, Florida, wedding of Brooklyn and Nicola was held at the billionaire Peltz family mansion and attended by over 500 guests. During the reception, Marc Anthony called Victoria Beckham to the stage, praising her as the most beautiful woman in the room. Victoria then danced with Brooklyn, which reportedly upset Nicola.An insider told Hollywood reporter, Because money doesnt erase trauma. And releasing it wouldnt prove anything anyway. While Brooklyn claimed the dance was very inappropriate and left him feeling humiliated, sources familiar with the video insist the footage is not s---, its not shocking, its just awkward.Another source said, They control every frame. The video exists, but only on a private device they own. It will never be released.The underlying tension wasnt just Victorias dancing but how it overshadowed Nicolas moment as the bride. The couple reportedly wanted the day to focus on their love, not awkward interruptions, and sources suggest this is why they have refused all offers for the footage.According to insiders, Brooklyn and Nicola have been offered millions for the wedding video but immediately said no. Sources explained that the couple doesnt need the money, as Nicola reportedly receives a $1 million monthly allowance from her father, Nelson Peltz, who is worth an estimated $1.6 billion.A source said, They havent released it because theres nothing there. Victoria is dancing exactly how youd expect her to be dancing. Even though many fans might imagine a scandal, the footage is described as awkward rather than shocking.Sources emphasise that the wedding footage will remain off-limits and private. As one insider put it, They control every frame, and it will never be released.Brooklyn has publicly shared his side of the story in a six-page letter to his family, claiming, My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance, to a romantic love song. He added, Ive never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.Despite the offers, Brooklyn and Nicolas focus remains on keeping the attention on their marriage rather than the drama surrounding it. Image credit : X/@NICKIMINAJ | Nicki Minaj has reignited controversy by stepping firmly into the political spotlight. Nicki Minaj's political declaration sparks online firestorm Nicki Minaj on Instagram: why the timeline matters Image credit : X/@MeeqMinaj | Nicki Minaj went on to deactivate Instagram in December. Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande unfollow rumours go viral Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande have officially unfollowed Nicki Minaj on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/LocSAaPb4i Selenur (@yourightselena) January 29, 2026 What's real: other artists distancing themselves Charli xcx unfollowed Nicki Minaj following her support for Trump, zionism and anti-LGBTQ propaganda pic.twitter.com/fahxx9h581 dalia (@siegfriedkjs) December 14, 2025 Nicki Minaj's evolving politics under scrutiny Image credit : X/@NICKIMINAJ | Nicki Minaj's political evolution has drawn equal attention. Nicki Minaj is back in headlines - but not for a chart-topping comeback. This time, the rap superstar has reignited controversy by stepping firmly into the political spotlight, setting off viral claims, fan backlash, and a wave of Instagram unfollow rumours involving some of pop's biggest names. But what's actually real, and what's pure social media fiction?After keeping a relatively low profile musically, Nicki Minaj re-emerged in a way few expected. On Wednesday (January 28, 2026), the rapper publicly declared herself Donald Trump's "number one fan," adding that the "hate" directed at the US President only strengthened her support for him.The statement instantly polarized fans. While some praised her outspokenness, others accused the rapper of aligning herself with policies and rhetoric they strongly oppose. Within hours, speculation began spreading that fellow artists were distancing themselves from Minaj on social media.One key detail has been largely overlooked amid the viral chaos. As of late December 2025, Nicki Minaj reportedly deactivated her Instagram account following intense backlash and a sharp drop in followers.The move came shortly after her appearance at a Turning Point USA event, where she voiced her political opinions and openly praised Donald Trump.According to multiple reports, the rapper deleted or deactivated her Instagram account around December 23, 2025, as criticism surged across platforms.This detail is crucial - because once an account is deactivated, it cannot be followed or unfollowed.Despite this, a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande had officially unfollowed Nicki Minaj on Instagram. The post exploded, amassing over 728.2 lakh views, fueling assumptions of a silent celebrity protest.However, for Selena Gomez or Ariana Grande to unfollow Nicki Minaj, her Instagram account would need to be active. Since Minaj's account has remained deactivated since late 2025, no one - celebrity or otherwise - has been able to follow or unfollow her. This makes the viral claim false and misleading.While the Selena-Ariana rumor doesn't hold up, Nicki Minaj's political shift has had real consequences within the industry.On December 14, reports emerged that Charli XCX unfollowed Minaj following her public support for Trump, as well as her comments related to Zionism and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Unlike the recent viral claim, this unfollow reportedly occurred while Minaj's account was still active.The self-proclaimed "Queen of Rap" has long been celebrated for reinventing her sound, image, and fashion - but her political evolution has drawn equal attention.Once a vocal critic of Trump's hardline immigration policies, Minaj has gradually shifted toward praising his leadership.In November, she made a surprise appearance at the United Nations, calling for an end to faith-based persecution in Nigeria - a claim made by the Trump administration that the Nigerian government has denied.As Minaj continues to blur the line between pop culture and politics, reactions remain sharply divided. Image credit : Instagram @ paigecarlene_ | Influencer Paige Carlene with her husband. Influencer asked to donate late sons belongings Image credit : Instagram @ paigecarlene_ | Influencer asked to donate late sons belongings The internet tells the grieving mom to donate her babys items Paige Carlene answered in the boldest way Image credit : Instagram @ paigecarlene_ | Influencer Paige Carlene with daughters and husband. Influencer Paige Carlene is speaking out after receiving messages that left her heartbroken. After the death of her newborn son, Austin, some social media users asked her to donate his baby items. Instead of staying silent, Paige shared a powerful message about grief, love, and why those items still matter so deeply to her.Paige lost her son, Austin, nearly two months ago. While she continues to grieve, she says she began receiving messages asking for his belongings.I need to speak from my heart for a moment. Since losing our son Austin, Ive received countless messages asking for the extra bassinet and the Twin Z pillow we have, along with anything else we may have of his, she wrote on Instagram on January 28.She explained that people said things like, Since you cant use it anymore, could I have it? Or, My baby really needs it. Or even, You dont need that reminder in your house; let me take it off your hands.While some may have meant well, Paige said those words cut deeper than people realise. Grief does not follow a timeline.Paige made it clear that time has not made her pain easier. It has been two months since my son passed away. And while that might sound like time to others, for us it feels like no time has passed at all, she shared. It still feels like yesterday that he was here. I still wake up every day missing him. I still go to sleep every night aching for him. Grief does not move on a schedule, and love does not fade with time.Paige said the items people are asking for are not just objects. That bassinet is where my baby was supposed to sleep. Where he was supposed to stretch his arms, make little noises in his sleep, wake up crying, be soothed, and be held, she wrote. That pillow is where our twins were supposed to be together, side by side, sharing bottles, naps, laughter and life. She added, Those werent just extra items. They were for him. They were meant for our boys.Letting go of them feels like losing another piece of Austin. Letting go of those things feels like letting go of another piece of Austin. And I am not ready for that. I am nowhere near ready. I dont know when I will be, and I dont know if I ever truly will be.Paige explained that she is not trying to erase her sons memory. These are not reminders were trying to get rid of, she wrote. They are reminders of how deeply he is loved.She added, Austin may no longer be here physically, but he is still our son. He still belongs in our home. His presence is still felt here. And his things still hold meaning, memories, and dreams that were never fulfilled.Paige said she understands that many people do not mean harm. I know many people dont mean harm when they ask. I truly believe most intentions are good, she wrote. But asking a grieving parent to give away something that belonged to their child, especially so soon, cuts deeper than you may realise.She added, Sharing your need or your story does not make us more ready. It only reminds us of what we lost.Paiges family includes her husband, Garris, their daughters Nichole Grace (5) and Layla Lashay (2), and their surviving twin son, who was born alongside Austin in October 2025. What does the viral video show? Saw a viral Patna video where an ex-schoolmate mocks a Dominos delivery boy for just delivering pizza. He stayed calm, smiled, and kept working. No job is small when its honest. Mocking someones hustle is the real shame. Respect. pic.twitter.com/DmfWm14X2d World Monitor (@MonitorWarnow) January 29, 2026 Why the clip upset so many people Hes trying to hide his embarrassment. He neednt be. There is no shame in taking up odd jobs in tough times of a career. The humiliation is not his. Its that of his female classmate - who most certainly is thriving on the crumbs thrown by her parents. https://t.co/vGuqHYJ3zu Vishal Bhargava (@VishalBhargava5) January 29, 2026 The internet rallies behind the delivery worker Image credit : Screenshot taken from X | Social media quickly filled with messages praising the mans dignity and patience Image credit : Screenshot taken from X | Several users contrasted the womans behaviour with the mans effort to earn A viral video from Patna has triggered widespread anger after a woman filmed her former school classmate while he was delivering pizzas for Dominos and openly mocked him. The clip, widely shared on X and other platforms, shows her laughing and questioning how someone who once motivated classmates in school is now working as a delivery executive.What she likely meant as a joke has turned into a serious online conversation about dignity of labour, class attitudes, and the silent struggles many people face after school years. Instead of laughing along, the internet stood firmly with the man, praising his calm, grace, and honest work.In the footage, the woman recognises her old classmate at her doorstep as he arrives to deliver a pizza. She begins recording him and laughing, pointing out how he used to be an inspiring figure in school. She then remarks that she will share the video with their old classmates, treating his current job as something shameful.The man, believed to be around 30, remains calm. He smiles politely, hands over the order, and does not react in anger or embarrassment. His composure in the face of humiliation is what struck viewers the most.The video touched a nerve because many saw it as a clear example of class shaming. For viewers, this was not just about one woman and one delivery worker. It became a reflection of how society often looks down on blue collar jobs while forgetting the realities behind them.People pointed out that life after school is rarely simple. Family duties, financial pressure, and unexpected setbacks often force people to take up whatever honest work they can find. Dreams get delayed. Responsibilities come early. Pride gets tested daily. Mocking someone for working hard to earn a living felt deeply insensitive to thousands watching.Social media quickly filled with messages praising the mans dignity and patience. One user on X said, Hes a hero. Whoever you are, you have my respect. No work is small when you are earning honestly. Another wrote, He kept smiling through humiliation and continued working. That is real strength.Several users contrasted the womans behaviour with the mans effort to earn. One comment read, Big difference. He is working to support his family while she is laughing at him for content. Some even tried to identify him to offer help. One person tagged Dominos India and wrote, Can you help me find this guy? I want to sponsor his education and help him grow in his career.The incident soon grew beyond the individuals involved. It sparked discussions about how society treats delivery workers, drivers, cleaners, and other essential workers.Many said this video exposed how easily people forget that these jobs keep daily life running. Without delivery staff, many urban services would collapse. Yet, the same workers often face disrespect and mockery. For viewers, the real embarrassment was not the mans job but the womans behaviour Huda Kattans net worth Who Is Huda Kattan? Image credit : Instagram | Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan accused of amplifying pro-regime narrative in Iran video row Iraqi origin University of Michigan Dubai Los Angeles How Huda Beauty Started $6,000 loan Kim Kardashian Huda Beauty Huda Kattan Net Worth Image credit : Instagram | Huda Kattan is facing intense backlash after sharing a controversial video related to Iran protests, with critics accusing the Huda Beauty founder of amplifying pro-regime narratives Estimated net worth (latest reports): $560 million, as per reported in TOI. $560 million, as per reported in Huda Beauty valuation (last public figure): $1.2 billion $1.2 billion Listed by Forbes in 2023 as the richest self-made American businesswoman How Huda Beauty Makes Money Makeup products sold online and in global retail stores Direct brand sales through official websites Licensing and collaborations Spin-off brands, including fragrance lines Recent Controversy and Public Backlash Huda Beauty founder slammed by Iranians for sharing pro-regime protest video. Free Palestine activist Huda Kattan has been called out for sharing a video showing pro-regime protesters burning photos of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Trump. pic.twitter.com/HDaI2Kdyqi Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 28, 2026 TikTok Huda Kattans Family and Their Role Alya Kattan leads digital marketing and social media strategy Mona Kattan founded the Kayali fragrance line and now fully owns it Her husband, Christopher Goncalo, serves as COO and Co-CEO of Huda Beauty Huda Kattans Children and Public Attention Does Controversy Affect Huda Kattans Net Worth? Huda Kattan's net worth: Huda Kattan is not only a beauty creator. She is a business owner who turned online makeup content into a global brand. Today, her income, net worth, and public actions keep her in the spotlight for both business success and controversy.This report breaks down, how Huda Beauty makes money, and how recent controversy affects her public image. It also explains the role her family plays in the company.Huda Kattan was born on October 2, 1983, in Oklahoma City, USA, to parents of. She studied finance at theand worked in the field before losing her job during the 2008 financial crisis.After moving toto be close to her family, she trained as a makeup artist in. She later returned to Dubai and started a beauty blog, which became the foundation of Huda Beauty.Huda Kattan launched Huda Beauty in 2013 with afrom her sisters. The first product was a set of false eyelashes.The lashes sold fast after celebrity support, including praise from. Stores under Sephora in Dubai sold 7,000 units per week, far above expectations.That early success pushedinto global markets.Huda Kattans net worth has grown sharply over the years due to strong brand sales and ownership control.Most of her net worth comes from equity in Huda Beauty, product launches, and direct-to-consumer sales.Huda Beauty earns revenue through multiple channelsThe company relies heavily on social media reach, which reduces traditional ad costs and boosts profit margins.Huda Kattan often shares political views online. Her latest controversy started after she posted a video linked to protests in Iran.Many Iranian users accused her of sharing content that favored the ruling government. Critics said the video ignored voices opposing the regime. The backlash spread fast across social platforms.This was not her first controversy. In 2024, she shared claims onthat blamed Israel for global events. The video was later removed for policy violations. Soon after, Huda Beauty products were pulled from some Sephora locations.These moments raised questions about how public statements can affect brand value and long-term income.Huda Kattans family plays a major role in the brands success.This close family structure allows tight control over branding, costs, and business decisions.Huda Kattan has two daughters. Her eldest, Nour Giselle Goncalo, gained attention on TikTok in 2024 for makeup videos.Online users questioned her appearance, but Nour denied cosmetic surgery and confirmed her age as 14. The moment showed how fame also brings pressure to the family.So far, Huda Kattans net worth remains strong. Sales continue, and Huda Beauty still holds global demand.However, repeated controversy can affect retail partnerships and brand trust. For a business built on personal influence, public opinion directly impacts future income.Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty, net worth, controversy, and family are deeply linked. Her rise came from smart branding and strong family support. Her wealth now depends on how well the brand balances activism, public trust, and global business goals.As of now, Huda Kattans net worth places her among the richest figures in the beauty industrybut her influence brings higher scrutiny than ever. $23 million acquisition ensures conservation of full 6,500 acres; commitments in place for remaining ranch parcels in late 2026 Deal secures habitat for threatened species, regional wildlife connectivity and preservation of culturally significant landscape PALO ALTO, Calif. (January 29, 2025) Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) today announced the purchase of an additional 2,284 acres of the historic Sargent Ranch property for $23.04 million. Sargent Ranch, originally named Rancho Juristac, is located in southern Santa Clara County, southwest of Gilroy, Calif. To date, POST has protected 6,114 acres of the 6,500-acre ranch that is home to multiple at-risk species and provides vital habitat and connectivity for wildlife across the region. This land forms the core of the Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape, an area held sacred by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band where tribal ceremonies were conducted for millennia. The unique geography of Sargent Ranch provides essential connectivity between the Santa Cruz Mountains, Gabilan Range and Diablo Range.POSTs purchase of this property helps preserve biodiversity and connectivity across the entire region, provides environmental benefits such as watershed protection and carbon sequestration, protects the scenic natural beauty of this iconic California landscape and secures a significant portion of the Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape.Sargent Ranch is a rare ecological and cultural treasure. Its location right at the southern tip of the Santa Cruz Mountains makes it a vitally important landscape that connects the San Francisco Peninsula to the rest of California, said Gordon Clark, president of POST. This connectivity is critical to the environmental health of our entire region and the state more broadly. Additionally, it is part of what is known as the Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape, an irreplaceable and uniquely meaningful place of spiritual, cultural and natural importance. Had we missed out on this huge conservation opportunity, all these benefits may have been lost forever.Property HistorySargent Ranch occupies much of the land from west of Highway 101 to the Santa Cruz County line and north of Highway 129. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band refers to the Sargent Ranch area as Juristac, or meaning Place of the Big Head, and considers the area to be home to spiritual deities that are connected with ceremonial rites. For millennia, Indigenous peoples gathered at Juristac for sacred ceremonial dances and healings, regarding it as a place of inherent power. The Amah Mutsun and their ancestors stewarded the landscape for countless generations as they hunted, fished, collected plants for food, craft and medicine, and lived in small villages within the southern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, above the Pajaro and San Benito rivers.It is deeply fortunate that the landscape of Juristac has been protected. We are grateful to all who have worked alongside our Tribe to make this dream a reality, said Ed Ketchum, chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Juristac is a place of great power, where our spiritual doctors lived and conducted healings. The history of our people is written across the landscape and lives today in our stories. The protection of Juristac honors our ancestors and brings hope for a brighter tomorrow when we can return to our sacred grounds and restore our traditions.The Sargent Ranch property spans a vast open space area above the confluence of the Pajaro and San Benito rivers, west of Highway 101 and north of Highway 129. In the Spanish period in the early 1800s, the land that would become Sargent Ranch was claimed by Mission San Juan Bautista, and in the Mexican period, became an 1835 Mexican land grant known as Rancho Juristac.The ranchs current name is derived from the mid-1800s purchase by James P. Sargent, who made his fortune in the California Gold Rush. For a time, the property included a railroad depot, saloon and other infrastructure. It has had numerous owners since and has been subject to various unrealized plans for development. The property was owned most recently by a group of investors called Sargent Ranch Partners LLC that proposed a sand and gravel mine on the site.POSTs purchase of Sargent Ranch follows years of coordinated efforts by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and numerous regional organizations and their supporters to advocate for conservation of the property through the Protect Juristac campaign. A unique coalition of advocacy partners convened by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Green Foothills included regional conservation organizations, faith communities, civil rights organizations and grassroots community groups such as Friends of Juristac.The Conservation VisionBy protecting Sargent Ranch, POST hopes to achieve landscape-scale conservation by protecting regionally significant wildlife linkages and broad ecological habitat for multiple at-risk species. The Ranch provides essential connectivity between the Santa Cruz mountain range, south through the Aromas Hills to the Gabilan Range and east to the Diablo Range through the Upper Pajaro Valley, facilitating movement for animals such as mountain lions and badgers.As the climate changes, maintaining connected habitats is crucial to preventing genetic isolation and the potential local extinction of species in the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Recent research by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has found that mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains are already isolated and at risk for population decline over time.Protecting apex predators like mountain lions that have an outsized effect on our local food webs helps sustain the health and biodiversity of our entire region, said Marian Vernon, wildlife linkages program manager for POST. A purchase of this size, in a location as important as this, is extremely rare. I am thrilled that POST was able to make this happen since this land provides much to humans, too, including helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.Among myriad other species, the propertys grassy, oak-dotted hillsides are foraging grounds for golden eagles and northern harriers. The streams, ponds and wetlands in the valleys are suitable homes to California red-legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, northwest pond turtle and steelhead trout, all of which are federally threatened or proposed threatened species. A variety of soil types on site also offer excellent habitat for a vast array of plants.Many species that will benefit from the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats and connectivity at Juristac are also of cultural importance to Indigenous people of the region including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who regard the health of local wildlife populations as a reflection of the health of the landscape as a whole, said Noelle Chambers, executive director of the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. The protection of Juristac demonstrates how wildlife conservation can dovetail synergistically with the preservation of Indigenous peoples sacred sites and cultural landscapes, leading to more meaningful and effective conservation outcomes.Next StepsThe primary purpose of POSTs acquisition is for conservation and as a result any commercial development proposals and plans, including the formerly proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry project, are no longer under consideration. POST will retain ownership of the property until its environmental resources can be thoroughly studied and plans for long-term stewardship are developed.In these efforts, POST is working closely with a variety of partners, including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Amah Mutsun Land Trust, Santa Clara County Parks, the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, Valley Water, the Santa Clara Open Space Authority and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, among others.Santa Clara County Parks congratulates POST on this historic open space acquisition, said Todd Lofgren, director of Santa Clara County Parks. We look forward to collaborating on future opportunities for funding, planning, and visioning for the property that balance protection with preservation of natural and cultural resources and public access for education and inspiration.The TransactionPOSTs purchase of 2,284 acres for $23.04 million on January 28 was enabled by $3.95 million in funding from the Valley Waters voter-approved Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program and $1 million from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. Remaining funds will be raised from generous donors to POST.In October of 2024, POST acquired the adjacent 1,340-acre Pescadero Ranch, previously part of the historic Sargent Ranch, for $15.65 million. An additional 2,490 acres of Sargent Ranch were purchased by POST in May 2025 for $25 million. When combined, the three purchases represent a total of 6,114 acres for a combined investment of $63.7 million. Another 480 acres of Sargent Ranch remain and are under contract to be sold to POST in late 2026.POST president Gordon Clark added, Taken together, the acreage and the funds invested make this the largest land conservation purchase in POSTs nearly 50-year history. It represents decades of efforts on the part of many conservation and cultural organizations, funders and donors from across the region. We are deeply grateful to all POSTs partners for their part in making this landmark conservation achievement possible.Photo Credit : Teddy Miller for POSTAbout PostPeninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 93,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. The partnership relation Greece has with France "is one of the closest we have, in several sectors," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday during his meeting with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin at Maximos Mansion. "In the sector of defense and security we have built a very deep bilateral, strategic relationship," the premier added, noting that Greece and France are jointly working to renew the bilateral Strategic Partnership Relationship Agreement of 2021. He also expressed the hope he and the French president will sign it in the coming months. Mitsotakis referred to the delivery of the first French-made Belharra (FDI) frigate 'Kimon' recently and said it was proof of the dynamism and effectiveness of this cooperation. Addressing visiting Minister Vautrin, he added: "Your visit acquires even greater importance in a very complicated global environment, which is changing under dizzying rates and putting an end to a series of certainties." Referring to the strategic cooperation in the defense and security sectors, the Greek PM said he had requested of the foreign and defense ministers to expend every possible effort in order to conclude the new agreement the soonest possible. During their meeting, the two officials discussed the mutual will to strengthen and deepen the Greek-French defense cooperation, as well as the renewal in the near future of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Relationship Agreement on the cooperation of defense and security. The prime minister also underlined the importance of synergies between the two countries' defense industries. iefimerida.gr The ruling New Democracy party has extended its lead over main opposition Pasok, according to a GPO poll, though the advantage comes amid a sharp rise in undecided voters that signals growing volatility in the political landscape. While support for New Democracy dipped slightly to 24.5% from 25.2% in November, Pasok suffered a steeper decline, falling to 10.8%. The shift leaves Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with a comfortable margin, even as nearly one in five voters (17.9%) now describe themselves as undecided. The survey, conducted for Star TV, highlights the rising influence of non-traditional forces. The far-right Greek Solution polled third at 9.6%, followed by Course of Freedom at 8.2%. A potential wildcard has emerged in Maria Karystianou. The poll found that 20.1% of respondents are likely to vote for a party led by Mrs. Karystianou, drawing interest primarily from anti-establishment and undecided blocs. Meanwhile, 17.6% expressed willingness to support a new movement led by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Voter sentiment remains heavily influenced by economic strain. High prices were cited as the top concern by 58.5% of respondents, with half stating their income no longer covers monthly expenses. On foreign policy, the poll reflected deep skepticism regarding U.S. politics. Over 76% said President Donald Trumps interest in purchasing Greenland weakens European security, and a majority opposed Greece joining Mr. Trumps proposed "Peace Council." iefimerida.gr Actress Angela Okorie has been moved to Suleja Prison, where she is being detained pending her bail hearing, which is yet to be fixed. The actress was reportedly re-arrested, prompting her colleague Stanley Ontop to cry out for her release, claiming she was arrested due to an alleged abuse of power. However, a post that later surfaced online disclosed that Okorie allegedly disobeyed court orders by failing to appear in court on several occasions when summoned. Advertisement According to the report, the close associate who stood as her surety during her initial arrest could not be located. It was further claimed that Okorie was tracked to Lagos, where she was eventually arrested. She is expected to remain in detention for some time before her bail hearing takes place. In another post shared by her colleague and friend, Sonia Ogiri, who accompanied her to court in Abuja, photos of Angela Okorie from the court session were released. Photo credit soniaogiri, realangelaokorie (Instagram) #legitng #legitnews Super Eagles forward and Fulham FC star Samuel Chukwueze has been thrown into mourning following the death of his mother after a brief illness. The news was made public by his brother, David Chukwueze, who shared emotional messages on his Instagram story to announce the loss. In separate posts, he wrote, Cant even post your picture to say RIP Mum, My forever love just left me without saying goodbye and You didnt even carry your grandchild. Advertisement Samuel Chukwueze, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that finished third at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, is yet to publicly react to the loss. The bereavement comes days after another tragedy hit the Super Eagles camp, with team captain Wilfred Ndidi recently losing his father in a road accident. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that time is running out for Iran to come to the table and avoid US military action, prompting Tehran to retort that it would respond to any attack like never before. As Trump issued another threat, his top diplomat Marco Rubio said the Iranian leadership was at its weakest ever point and Germanys leader Friedrich Merz predicted the Islamic republics days are numbered after this months deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. Trump has not ruled out an attack after the protests that began in late December and peaked on January 8 and 9, in which a rights group said more than 6,200 people were killed. Advertisement In June last year the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israels 12-day war against the Islamic republic. In his latest post on Truth Social, Trump did not mention the protests but said Iran needed to negotiate a deal over its nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb. Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! said Trump. The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again, he added, referring to American strikes against Iranian targets during the June war. A US naval strike group that Trump described as an armada led by aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln is now lurking in Middle East waters. In response to Trump, Irans mission to the United Nations posted a screenshot of his threat on X and wrote: Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Germanys Merz suggested it could be only a matter of weeks until the Iranian government was no longer in charge of the country. A regime that can only hold onto power through sheer violence and terror against its own population: its days are numbered, he said at a press conference. His comments came as Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that Tehran was threatened by its inability to address the fact that their economy is in collapse, calling it the root of the protests. Two Girl Scout Intermediates and a Girl Scout Senior hold boxes of cookies as a second Girl Scout Senior writes "Girl Scout Cookie Sales" on a chalkboard within a few years after the Philadelphia enterprise was born in the 1940s. Read more The Girl Scouts, founded in Savannah, Ga., in 1912 by philanthropist Juliette Gordon Low, held its first bake sale in 1917 to raise money for troop activities. The booming direct cookie sales business, however, was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 12, 1932, at the Philadelphia Gas Co., then located at the intersection of Broad and Arch Streets. Advertisement That inaugural public Girl Scout cookie sale will be remembered Saturday at Center Citys PECO building, part of the Philadelphia Historic Districts weekly celebration of Americas 250th birthday. The historic district pays homage to events that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America and often the world with a weekly day party called a Firstival. It was the first time the Girl Scouts sold their cookies to people outside of their immediate community, said Amanda Harrity, director of product programs for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1932, a Philadelphia Girl Scout told her parents that her troop needed a place to bake cookies in order to raise money for nurseries, Depression-era organizations that cared for children of working parents. The little girls parents, who worked at the Philadelphia Gas Co., got permission for the Scouts to bake cookies on the shiny new gas ranges in the gas companys street-level windows. On the afternoon of Nov. 12, the Girl Scouts baked batch upon batch of their shamrock-shaped signature shortbread cookie, the Trefoil. The sweet, buttery aroma wafted through Center City streets and passersby asked if they could buy the cookies, hot out of the test kitchens ovens. The Girl Scouts agreed. I dont remember how many cookies we baked that day, then 80-year-old Girl Scout Midge Mason told The Inquirer in 2001 when the state erected a historic marker at Broad and Arch, marking the sale. I do know we baked a lot of cookies. The next year, the Girl Scouts were back at the Philadelphia Gas Company to raise the money needed to pay off the mortgage of its facility at Camp Indian Run in Glenmoore, Chester County. (That facility closed in the early 2000s.) READ MORE: Yes, Philly is most definitely a basketball city. Dating all the way back to 1898. In 1934, the Philadelphia Girl Scouts hired Keebler now Little Brownie Bakers to bake Trefoils, selling them at 23 cents a box, making them the first Girl Scouts to sell commercially baked cookies. Two years later, Girl Scouts all around the country began using commercial bakeries to bake cookies for their yearly fundraiser. Today, more than 200 million boxes of cookies are sold in America at an average price of $6 a box; 3.5 million of those boxes are sold in Eastern Pennsylvania, Harrity said. Girl Scout cookies are baked in two bakeries in the country: ABC Bakers in North Sioux City, S.D., and Little Brownie Bakers in Louisville, Ky. There are 12 varieties of cookies including this years newest Exploremores, inspired by Rocky Road ice cream. Seventy-five cents of every dollar from Girl Scout cookie sales are reinvested back into girl scouting, Harrity explained. In Eastern Pennsylvania, that includes maintaining 1,500 acres of property and underwriting Scouts camp experiences. This weeks Firstival is Saturday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m. 1 p.m., at the PECO Building at 2300 Market Street. The Inquirer will highlight a first from Philadelphia Historic Districts 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week. Kelly Crispin and Omar Padilla Velez got engaged in the fall and were looking forward to getting married. Read more After a night of dancing and laughter in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Kelly Crispin and her fiance, Omar Padilla Velez, were driving back to his familys home when they made a wrong turn off the popular Calle Cerra nightlife strip. It was about 1:45 a.m. on Jan. 3. The side street that the South Philadelphia couple had turned onto, which they thought led to the highway, was nearly pitch-black. Then suddenly, Crispin said, roughly a dozen masked men carrying AR-15-style rifles appeared in the road and quickly surrounded the car. Advertisement Padilla Velez tried to press forward and drive around the crew, she said, when the men opened fire. She remembers the glass exploding around her and the pain in her shoulder and hand as bullets tore through the car. And then the words from her fiance: Ive been shot. Padilla Velez, a 33-year-old chemist for DuPont, was shot in the head. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died days later. Crispin, 31, recounted the attack in a phone interview from her South Philadelphia home this week as she struggled to come to terms with what she said San Juan police believe was a random attack by a gang controlling a small stretch of road near a popular tourist area. After the shooting stopped, at the intersection of Calle Blanca and Calle La Nueva Palma, Crispin said, one of the men appeared at the side of the car and took her phone as she was calling 911. She said she heard some of the men yelling at one another that there was a woman in the car and urging others not to shoot, as if realizing they had made a mistake. They searched her purse, she said, but returned her phone. They took nothing. Crispin and a friend, who was with them in the car and was unharmed, pulled Padilla Velez into the back seat. As she held pressure on his wounds, her friend took the wheel, and the gunmen told them to leave and told them how to get out of the neighborhood. It was surreal, she said, to be shot and then have one of the gunmen explain how to leave safely. They called 911 again as they left, and met an ambulance at a nearby gas station and were rushed to Centro Medico de Puerto Rico. About two days later, Padilla Velez was briefly stable enough for Crispin to visit him. He told me that he loved me, and I told him that I loved him, too, she said. And he said, Im so sorry. Then he fell asleep. Later that day, she said, he suffered a catastrophic stroke. Days later, he was declared brain-dead. He was an organ donor, she said, and doctors were able to use his organs to save several lives. Padilla Velez was Puerto Rican, she said, and came to the mainland U.S. in 2015 to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry at Cornell University. He moved to Philadelphia in 2022 and worked as a senior scientist for DuPont in Wilmington. The couple met about three years ago at their best friends wedding. Crispin, who works as a project manager for an electrical vehicle company, moved to Philadelphia about a year into their relationship. In September, they got engaged. They often returned to San Juan to visit Padilla Velezs relatives. This trip, which began Dec. 30, was meant to ring in the new year. Crispin said she has been frustrated with San Juan police, who she said did not appear to have visited the scene of the shooting until five days later, after her fiance died and the case was assigned to a homicide detective. She said she was not interviewed until Jan. 21 and worries those delays could hamper the investigation. No arrests have been made. Police in San Juan did not respond to several requests for comment about the case. Crispin said the homicide detective assigned to the investigation told her that residents in the area, fearful of retaliation, have refused to provide information. Police, she said, told her that a gang operates on the street where they were ambushed, and that she and her fiance were likely shot in a case of mistaken identity. Crispin said the city should warn people to avoid the area, especially since its so close to a popular tourist district. Since returning to Philadelphia last week, she has struggled to make sense of her new reality. The bones in her hand were shattered and will require multiple surgeries to repair. The bullet passed through her shoulder, and she will need months of physical therapy. But that is nothing, she said, compared to the searing heartache of what she has lost. Padilla Velez, she said, was intelligent and funny. To meet him was to feel like youd known him for years. He had a booming laugh that was often the loudest in the room. I thought it was mortifying at first, how loud it was, she said. Then I just began to love it. She recalled sitting with him on their couch one night and laughing so hard that their stomachs ached. She cant remember what started the laughing fits, she said, but she remembers thinking: I am so lucky. I would see other couples and wonder if they laugh like Omar and I do, she said. We had just made this decision to spend the rest of our lives together, forever, she said. It just feels so cruel that this was taken away. After frigid temperatures and days of school buildings being closed, pipes burst at Vare-Washington Elementary in South Philadelphia, rendering six classrooms, the cafeteria and the gym unusable. Read more Conditions were rough when staff and students arrived at Penrose Elementary in Southwest Philadelphia some paths they needed to access to get inside the school were untouched by shovels or plows. Some buses could not open their doors to let students out at their usual spot because snow banks were so high, according to multiple people who work at the school and teachers union officials. A ramp that students with disabilities use to get into the school was blocked. Advertisement And the heat was on the fritz for part of the day as outside temperatures were barely in the double digits. Its about 45 degrees inside this classroom, one Penrose staffer said Thursday morning. The staffer was not authorized to speak to the media and asked not to be identified. Were all in jackets and hats. After Mondays snow day and virtual learning Tuesday and Wednesday, Philadelphia schools reopened Thursday, but for many students, it was anything but an inviting return. The combination of accumulated snow, days of subfreezing temperatures, and a clutch of old buildings many of which have maintenance issues made in-person learning challenging across the district. The rocky return came just hours before a planned rally to protest the districts proposed $2.8 billion school facilities master plan, which is necessary, officials say, because of poor building conditions and other disparities. Around some schools, crosswalks were covered by giant piles of snow, forcing children to walk in streets. Elsewhere, there was no place for staff to park. At Vare-Washington Elementary, in South Philadelphia, pipes burst, rendering six classrooms, the cafeteria, the gym, and the entire basement unusable, according to the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. There was a strong chemical odor throughout the building. At Mitchell, another Southwest Philadelphia elementary, its a mess, said a staffer who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. A pipe broke at the school, and Mitchell had no running water for most of the day, with just one brief window where students could use the bathroom. And Mitchells student lunches were never delivered, so kids were fed cereal for lunch. A lot of our kids rely on those lunches to sustain them throughout the day, the staffer said. In addition, Mitchells back doors and fire tower exits were blocked by snow, so if there had been a fire or emergency, the only available exits would have been the front doors. Robert Morris, in North Philadelphia, which the district recently announced it was targeting for closure, also reported not having student lunches delivered. Taylor, also in North Philadelphia, also had burst pipes, with four rooms unusable and most of the school cold. School officials asked for permission to hold classes virtually Friday, but had received no response as of Thursday afternoon. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has called on the district to return to remote learning on Friday in light of treacherous commutes and dangerous building conditions, Arthur Steinberg, PFT president, said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. Steinberg said in an interview that his office was inundated with reports of heating issues or a lack of snow removal or other problems at schools including School of the Future in Parkside; Farrell, Swenson, Mayfair, and Fox Chase in the Northeast; and others. The District must also show respect to students, families, and our members by rectifying the broken heaters, burst pipes, icy sidewalks, and piles of snow in parking lots as soon as possible, so that students and staff can safely resume in-person instruction on Monday, he said in the statement. Monique Braxton, a district spokesperson, said the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. Staff worked long hours inspecting boilers and buildings, restarting heating systems, clearing snow and ice, and more, Braxton said. Across the district, teams are responding in real time to heating concerns, snow and ice conditions, and other weather-related issues as they arise. When conditions do not meet District standards, we work closely with school leaders to take appropriate action and communicate directly with our families, she said in a statement. We will continue to closely monitor building conditions throughout this bitter cold period and make adjustments as needed, while temperatures remain below freezing. Both Thursday and Friday had long been scheduled as half days for students, with parent-teacher conferences planned. Those would be held virtually. John Bynum, a former building engineer who is now an official with 32BJ SEIU Local 1201, the union representing 2,000 Philadelphia school building engineers, maintenance workers, and bus drivers, said the going was rough for many schools in terms of building condition. Most of these buildings are operating with the original boilers, Bynum said. We know with antiquated equipment, theres going to be problems. In some cases, snowblowers that school staff were using to attempt to clear parking lots and sidewalks failed, Bynum said. And like other school staff, his members often coped with trouble getting to work themselves, he said. There were challenges regarding SEPTA not running at a full schedule and the anxiety of getting to work without a robust transportation system, Bynum said. Street conditions werent the greatest. However, they made the best of it, and they showed up. Conditions like Thursdays, Bynum said, highlight why the district needs more resources to address its buildings and students learning conditions. Registered nurses working in the Center for Connected Care at Penn Medicine's Rittenhouse Square offices monitor patients through the system's virtual nursing program. Read more The rollout of so-called virtual nurses in hospitals remains a mixed bag, University of Pennsylvania researchers have found in the largest survey to date on nursing care delivered remotely through a screen. One hospital staffer said virtual nurses are a huge help getting patients checked in. Advertisement Another said they worry hospitals are trying to cut corners by keeping floors fully staffed by using virtual nurses. And sometimes, patients think the virtual nurse is a television advertisement and try to press fast forward, researchers were told. A new study out of University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing surveyed 880 registered nurses in 10 states, including Pennsylvania, about the virtual nursing programs that have sprung up at health systems across the country. About half 57% of the nurses surveyed said virtual nurse programs did not reduce their workload, with some saying they felt virtual nurses created more work. But similar numbers also said they thought virtual nurse programs improved the quality of care patients received. Others said they didnt think the technology had any impact positive or negative on quality of care, according to a study of results published online in December in JAMA Open Network. It can be beneficial or a headache, one nurse interviewed by Penn researchers summed up. Virtual nursing programs became more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health systems needed to limit physical interaction to protect patients and medical staff, and have continued to expand in Philadelphia and across the country. Administrators embracing technology and artificial intelligence say they can help streamline administrative responsibilities that can burden staff, provide extra patient oversight, and improve how quickly clinicians can respond to emergencies. Local examples include Penn Medicines use of virtual nurses to monitor patients at risk of falling or pulling out tubes and wires. Jefferson Health assigns a virtual nurse to patients who doctors have decided need to be monitored around the clock. And virtual nurses handle administrative work, like reviewing medications and giving discharge instructions at Virtua Health hospitals in New Jersey. The new study from Penn is among the largest to date to evaluate how well the programs are meeting goals, and the mixed results should be a warning to hospital administrators to proceed cautiously, researchers say. Virtual nursing programs have been heralded as an innovative silver bullet to hospitals nurse staffing challenges, but our findings show that most bedside nurses are not experiencing major benefits, said lead author K. Jane Muir, an assistant professor of nursing in the universitys Department of Family and Community Health. Virtual nursing on the rise Virtual nursing refers to patient-care responsibilities managed by a team of nurses stationed at a remote hub, where they monitor screens and electronic information feeds. They are not intended to replace bedside care, but rather to serve as an extra set of eyes to monitor patients. If a patient who is known to be unsteady on their feet moves as if to get up from bed, a virtual nurse could speak through a screen or sound system asking if they need something and call a nurse on the floor to help them. If the patient falls, a virtual nurse can quickly alert medical staff. READ MORE: St. Lukes Health Network uses AI tool to reduce cardiac arrests and ICU transfers Virtua Health officially launched its program last year. Virtual nurses make sure patients have the appropriate medications before going home, know their discharge instructions, and have a follow-up appointment scheduled. They work in partnership with the bedside nurse, who focuses on the physical tasks in caring for a patient, while the virtual nurse handles the majority of the discussion. Its something that our patients are requesting and theyve come to expect, said Kristin Bloom, a nurse by training who serves as assistant vice president of clinical operations for Virtuas Hospital at Home program. Virtua also uses virtual nurses in its intensive care units to help monitor and identify early signs of deterioration. These nurses have access to bedside cameras and can view the patients heart rhythms, lab results, and vital signs. Participants in the Penn survey, conducted in late 2023 and early 2024, did not include nurses working in New Jersey, where Virtuas hospitals are based. Virtual nursing challenges Nurses surveyed by Penns researchers said they appreciated the extra set of eyes on patients, but not all were convinced that the virtual monitor was any more effective than bed alerts that can sound when they sense a patient leaving, according to the study. Karen Lasater, an associate professor of nursing and co-author of the study, urged health systems to include in-hospital nurses when shaping their virtual care programs. She said including bedside nurses in the conversation about whats working and not working is imperative. Its important that nurses have a seat at the table, Lasater said. Nurses surveyed also expressed concern that health systems were using virtual workers to avoid hiring more on-site staff. Bedside nurses questioned why they were being asked to take on more responsibility because administrators said they couldnt afford to hire more staff, yet still found funding to build virtual programs. They felt like investments in virtual nursing was a workaround, Lasater said. Why did they have money to invest in virtual nurses who couldnt do all the work of the bedside nurses, but couldnt invest in more bedside nurses? At Virtua, administrators have turned to veteran bedside nurses to staff their virtual nursing program. Its an avenue to retain our experienced nursing staff, Bloom said. Philadelphia-area hospitals have seen some virtual nursing challenges. In 2024, for instance, Jefferson Abington Hospital was cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health after inspectors said the power cords attached to the monitors for virtual nursing created a strangulation risk for behavioral health patients. The hospital treated the incident as a learning experience, adjusting how the mobile monitors are used. The technology can also be confusing for some patients, who may not grasp the concept of a virtual nurse or may get conflicting instructions from their virtual and bedside nurses, Lasater said. Penn initially planned to use virtual nurses to help monitor behavioral health patients, who often require one-on-one monitoring around the clock. But staff found that patients who were experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges were too often confused or unsettled by virtual nurses, and unable to follow their instructions, Bill Hanson, Penns chief medical information officer, told The Inquirer in 2024. Were all learning as we go, he said at the time. Todd Bolin (left) from Daytona Beach and Paul Pascone (right) from Los Angeles have a Independence National Historical Park Ranger take a photo them outside Independence Hall on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Read more The doors of Independence Hall had been flung open, and the British were coming. More specifically, English tourists Chadi Rahim and his daughter, Sophia Rahim, 18, shivered in their parkas Thursday, awaiting one of the first tours of Independence Hall since its 119-day closure. Advertisement The historic state house, where American democracy was born in 1776, had been closed to the public since Oct. 1 a temporary pause of access, stretching through the federal government shutdown and weeks of planned preservation work ahead of Philadelphias Semiquincentennial celebrations this year. The revamp included restoration of wood, masonry, plaster, and metal, historically accurate paint finishes, and the construction of accessibility ramps. The work would ensure that Independence Hall would continue as a beacon of American freedom, the National Park Service had said. As part of the Independence Square Improvement Project, similar repairs were planned for Congress Hall and Old City Hall, which are part of the Independence Hall complex. Wear and tear, National Park Ranger Hugh Evans assured 14 visitors assembled for the 11:30 a.m. tour. All morning, a steady trickle of travelers trekked to the redbrick building in Old City where the Founding Fathers staked their necks on the promise of a freer and more perfect future. In Thursdays cold, the tourists came from the rocky coasts of Oregon and the sunlit shores of California, from small towns and big cities, from red states and blue states. And their presence on such an auspicious day was completely by chance. None of the more than a dozen pilgrims to American democracy who braved frozen temps and icy footpaths said they had been aware that Independence Hall had only just reopened. The site where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, the building is one of Independence National Historic Parks central attractions. The Liberty Bell Center, which was also closed during the shutdown, reopened in November. Officials expect that more than five million people will visit Independence Hall in 2026 for the national milestone. Learning that their visits had fallen on the reopening of the historic site only lent more power, visitors said. Rahim, a business owner with the sturdy frame of a Victorian boxer, said he and his daughter had decided on a Philadelphia holiday for shopping and relaxation and Rocky (Sophia is also a fan of National Treasure, a 2005 Nicolas Cage history caper that was filmed at Independence Hall and other historic district sites). But also because of the story only Philadelphia can tell about Americas founding. And especially now, when the future of American democracy feels more at stake than ever. We know the story about independence, Rahim said, buttoning up against the cold. But he and his daughter had wanted to experience it up close. Sometimes stuff gets in the way. But if you see the history, it makes you realize what people went through to get us where we are now. During the 11 a.m. tour, National Park Ranger David Powers welcomed a half-dozen visitors into the stately, Georgian state room, where the Founders first passed independence. Walls and floors in the rooms where it happened reflected a new polish, while some painting could still use touching up. After four months of closure and renovations, guided tours resumed every half hour Thursday. Security staff said they did not encounter crowds of guests seeking to stroll the sun-streaked confines where profound compromises of democracy were hashed out 2 centuries ago. Rather, on the day of the buildings reopening, many of the visitors represented just normal Americans, looking for signs of hope in uncertain times. Rachel Lawson of Bend, Ore., and Amanda Shapiro of Southern California, colleagues in town for a work event, admired the simple elegance of the original woodwork design inside Congress Hall, home of the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800. The attention to detail, the thoughtfulness, the regal energy, she said. Nearby, Luke Morris, a 20-something political podcaster from Washington, had planned his visit to Independence Hall as a reminder that Americans are still fighting for that promised future amid all the pain and turmoil. We are still fighting for what we think is right, he said. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in a scene from the 1993 film "Philadelphia." Read more Its hard to go wrong with Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, and the City of Philadelphia and the Library of Congress apparently agrees. Philadelphia, the Oscar-winning 1993 legal drama that helped bring Americas AIDS crisis into mainstream media, was among 25 films selected Thursday for inclusion in the Librarys National Film Registry for Preservation, based on cultural, historic or aesthetic importance. Advertisement When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come, said acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen, in a statement announcing the selections. These selections for the National Film Registry show us that films are instrumental in capturing important parts of our nations story. Philadelphia which The Inquirer named the fourth on its list of best Philly movie of all-time features Hanks as a law partner fired after it becomes known he has AIDS, with Washington as the attorney hired to fight the termination. In addition to Philadelphia, Ten Nights in a Barroom a 1926 film produced by the Colored Players Film Corporation of Philadelphia was also among the selections. A silent film adapted from an 1854 Timothy Shay Arthur novel and subsequent play, the film featured an all-Black cast and represents one of only two surviving films produced by the company. Philadelphia and Ten Nights in a Barroom are among several Philly-tied films to be honored by the Library of Congress throughout the years, joining the 1976 Sylvester Stallone film Rocky and 1940s The Philadelphia Story starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Though the 25 films announced on Thursday span more than a century of filmmaking, several contemporary films earned recognition; 11 of the 25 films selected this year were released in the 1990s or later. That includes seven films released after 2000, including Frida, The Hours, The Incredibles, Christopher Nolans Inception, and Wes Andersons The Grand Budapest Hotel. Heres a complete list of the 25 films selected for the 2025 National Film Registry: MINNEAPOLIS The number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota could be reduced, but only if state and local officials cooperate, President Donald Trumps border czar said Thursday, noting he has zero tolerance for protesters who assault federal officers or impede the ongoing operation in the Twin Cities. Tom Homan addressed reporters for the first time since the president sent him to Minneapolis following last weekends fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti. Advertisement The news conference comes after President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area after Saturdays deadly shooting, the second this month. But Homan also emphasized that the administration isnt backing away from its crackdown on illegal immigration. READ MORE: Philly City Council members will soon consider seven ICE Out bills. Heres what the proposals would do. Vowing to stay until the problems gone, he seemed to acknowledge missteps while warning protesters they could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers. I do not want to hear that everything thats been done here has been perfect. Nothings ever perfect, Homan said. He added later: But threatening law enforcement officers, engaging and impeding, and obstruction, and assault is never OK, and there will be zero tolerance. Homan also hinted at the prospect of drawing down many of the roughly 3,000 federal officers taking part in the operation, but he seemed to tie that to cooperation from state and local leaders and a reduction in what he cast as interference from protesters. When the violence decreases, we can draw down the resources, he said. The drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop. READ MORE: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says N.J. will create a database for uploading videos of ICE: Get your phone out He also said he would oversee internal changes in federal immigration law enforcement, but he gave few specifics. The mission is going to improve because of the changes were making internally, he said. No agency organization is perfect. And President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. Despite Trump softening his harsh rhetoric about Minnesota officials he said this week they were on a similar wavelength there was little sign on the ground Wednesday of any big changes in the crackdown. Pretti, 37, was fatally shot Saturday in a scuffle with the Border Patrol. Earlier this month, 37-year-old Renee Good was shot in her vehicle by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. On Thursday, Homan doubled down on the need for jails to alert ICE to inmates who can be deported, and that transferring such inmates to the agency while theyre still in jail is safer because it would mean fewer officers having to be out on the streets looking for immigrants in the country illegally. ICE has historically relied on cooperation from local and state jails to notify the agency about such inmates. Give us access to illegal aliens, public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail, he said. READ MORE: Mikie Sherrill supports enshrining NJs existing sanctuary policy into law as immigrant rights groups push for an expanded version Homan acknowledged that immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota havent been perfect, but he was also adamant that the administration isnt surrendering its mission. He also seemed to suggest a renewed focus on what ICE calls targeted operations designed to focus its efforts on apprehending immigrants who have committed crimes. He said the agency would conduct targeted strategic enforcement operations prioritizing public safety threats. Homans arrival in Minnesota followed the departure of the Trump administrations on-the-ground leader of the operation, Greg Bovino. Homan didnt give a specific timeline for how long he would stay in Minnesota. Im staying until the problems gone, he said, adding that he has met elected officials and law enforcement leaders across the city and state, seeking to find common ground and suggested that hes made some progress. Operation Metro Surge began in December with scattered arrests, as Trump repeatedly disparaged the states large Somali community. But the operation ramped up dramatically after a right-wing influencers January report on Minnesotas sprawling human services fraud scandal, which centers around the Somali community. Federal officials announced thousands of immigration agents were being deployed, with FBI Director Kash Patel saying they would dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. But talk of the scandals was almost immediately forgotten, with federal authorities instead focusing on immigrants in the country illegally and so-called sanctuary agreements that limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and jails with immigration authorities. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters Tuesday at the White House: He is in a difficult spot in his calls for de-escalation after two federal enforcement-related shooting deaths in Minneapolis. Read more President Donald Trumps efforts this week to de-escalate controversial deportation tactics in Minnesota in the face of widespread public dismay have caused a new wave of blowback from his base of hard-line anti-immigration advocates. The president is caught between competing interests: a loyal base of voters who elected him on a campaign promise of mass deportations, and a broader electorate that is increasingly uncomfortable with an aggressive approach that has led to the shooting deaths of two American protesters by federal agents this month. Advertisement The conflicting viewpoints are evident within the administration, too, with advisers divided along similar lines and offering opposing feedback on whether and how drastically to shift Trumps immigration strategy, according to people aware of the conversations. Trump is also navigating a collision of his own instincts: his desire for flashy roundups of foreign-born criminals, and his recognition that the broader public, including business leaders he identifies with who rely on immigrant labor, have soured on the expansion of those roundups to noncriminals in workplaces. The conflict has put the normally resolute Trump in an unusual spot, needing to tread carefully on an issue that he has previously plowed ahead on with threats and swagger. The result has been mixed signals from the White House and fresh evidence of the difficult task Trump faces in a midterm election year of appeasing both his MAGA base and a broader swath of voters. Earlier this month, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to allow him to send the military to Minneapolis and suggested that THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING. He also sharply criticized two Minnesota Democrats, Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, calling them useless earlier this month. This week, however, the president characterized conversations with Walz and Frey as positive and productive. He told Fox News that he wanted to de-escalate a little bit and that his talk with Walz couldnt have been a nicer conversation. Yet Trump has not articulated a clear shift in immigration strategy, leaving the public unsure of where he actually stands or what comes next. He sidelined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem from the Minnesota operation a tacit but rare show of disapproval toward a cabinet member. He has not taken parallel action against senior aide Stephen Miller, who is widely viewed as the architect of Trumps immigration policies and who advised Noem on how to respond publicly to the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, according to a person who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, both Miller and Noem labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist. Miller also called him an assassin. Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have not defended the officials rhetoric but also have not publicly criticized their job performance. In a statement to the Washington Post, Miller said the initial information he received about the shooting from the Department of Homeland Security was based on reports from CBP on the ground. Miller said the White House is now working to determine why Customs and Border Protection at the time of the incident was not using the extra personnel that DHS had sent to Minnesota for force protection. Noem asked for a meeting with Trump on Monday evening after Trump announced that his border czar, Tom Homan, would be taking over operations in Minnesota. The gathering lasted for hours, according to two people who spoke anonymously to describe a private meeting. Noem and her top aide, Corey Lewandowski, joined the president and other aides to discuss issues including the border wall and Minneapolis, one of the people said. Separately, Lewandowski and Homan, who have previously clashed, have spoken and agreed to work together, the person added. The White Houses efforts to make adjustments on tactics have not stanched the bleeding in public opinion. The most recent flood of criticism has come from pro-Trump users online and top influential MAGA commentators. Some called Trumps pivot a betrayal. Others warned, as they have about other issues for months, of the risk that the base could sit out Novembers elections. Fresh public polling showing increased anti-ICE sentiment and increased support of sanctuary cities makes clear that the administration must change its deportation tactics, said Mark Mitchell, head pollster at the conservative Rasmussen Reports. An Economist/YouGov poll released this week with most respondents answering after the Pretti shooting found that 55% of Americans have little confidence in ICE, an increase of 10 percent since mid-December. The decline in trust for ICE has been most pronounced among independent voters, the poll found, with 67% now saying they have little confidence in the immigration agency, compared with 49% last month. By contrast, 60% of Republicans say they have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in ICE, highlighting the gap between Trumps own party and independents and Democrats. And the presidents sudden interest in cooperating with Walz and Frey and his suggestions about going easy on longtime immigrant workers have amounted to a rug pull for the base in his rhetoric, Mitchell said. While polling hasnt yet showed Trumps base punishing him, the midterms already look increasingly problematic for the GOP, Mitchell said, and concern remains about declining enthusiasm among Trump supporters. Mitchell met with Trump in November to warn him of frustration within his populist base. Ten years, this has been the core part of his platform They all have to go home Build the wall, Mitchell said. Trump talking about only focusing on removing violent criminals sounds like he has caved on the major campaign promise. Within the MAGA base, the presidents supporters want as aggressive an offense as Trump can conceive. This is an inflection point you blink now and youre going to blink forever. You bend the knee now, youll bend the knee forever, Stephen Bannon, a former Trump adviser and influential MAGA commentator, said on his show Wednesday as he continued urging the Trump administration to ramp up deportations and to not de-escalate or draw back federal agents from Minnesota. I dont care how many people Ive got to deport. I dont care. Some prominent Trump supporters are also concerned about the actions by some members of Congress, possibly emboldened by Trumps recent change of tone, to renew efforts to pass immigration reform. The White House has pushed back on the notion that Homans elevation amounts to a dialing back of deportations. A White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss strategy, said the administration has not wavered in its deportation mission, but Trump doesnt want to see Americans injured because of clashes with immigration officials. In a statement, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the administration will never waver in standing up for law and order and protecting the American people. Any left-wing agitator or criminal illegal alien who thinks Toms presence is a victory for their cause is sadly mistaken, she said. This isnt the first time in Trumps second term that the MAGA base has erupted over his comments on immigration policy, which have consistently revealed his sensitivity to the concerns of business leaders and average conservatives put off by the deportation of otherwise law-abiding immigrants. In late spring, after hearing complaints from friends and donors about deportation roundups at farms, hotels and restaurants hurting operations and scaring off workers, Trump announced that changes are coming to spare the agriculture and hospitality fields. Trumps base similarly went off on him. Even some top advisers were blindsided, privately insisting that no such policy changes were in the works and chalking up the suggestion to Trumps habit of trying to smooth public conflicts with rhetoric. Miller at the time raised concerns to the president about his stated plans for changes to protect migrant workers, according to a person who spoke anonymously to describe private conversations. Miller had been calling for a drastic increase in deportation numbers to keep up with the administrations aggressive goals. Homan told the Washington Post soon after Trumps announcement that he had not discussed any such changes with the president and wasnt a part of crafting a policy to carve out workers. During a speech a few weeks later in Iowa, Trump acknowledged he had gotten into a little trouble because I said I dont want to take people away from the farmers, before describing supporters who were unhappy with his comments as serious radical-right people. The comment further inflamed tensions, with influential MAGA commentators including Bannon and Charlie Kirk, the head of Turning Point USA shot dead later last year, accusing the administration of preparing to offer amnesty to some illegal immigrants. A number of Republicans in Minnesota said they were glad to see Trump shift course this week. They said they welcomed the arrival of Homan and the apparent truce between Trump and local leaders. Im just grateful that were moving in a direction to get back to being sensible, said Jim Abeler, a GOP state senator in Minnesota who worried that federal agents were violating peoples rights. There are people afraid, there are citizens afraid to leave their homes, to go buy groceries because of their skin color or their nationality Its past time. Yet on Wednesday, the president also signaled that he was aware of the latest criticism from within his base. A day after speaking favorably of his conversation with the Minneapolis mayor, Trump posted on Truth Social that Frey was PLAYING WITH FIRE by saying he would not enforce federal immigration laws. Developer Charles Lyddane, of Green Fig Land LLC, with plans for a potential data center in East Whiteland Township in Chester County in 2023. The applicant has amended its proposal for the data center project, and is seeking to increase the square footage of the buildings. Read more A developer wants to increase the size of its proposed data center on a remediated Superfund site in East Whiteland Township, stoking ire from nearby residents who worry about the increased scope stressing the power grid and driving up costs, along with environmental and health risks. The facility which would exceed 1.6 million square feet in the amended plan would sit on roughly 100 acres at 13 S. Bacton Hill Rd., located along the boundary line for East and West Whiteland Townships, and near U.S. Route 202. Advertisement The amended plan, brought before the townships planning commission Wednesday, would increase the size of the two data center buildings by roughly 61% from what was previously approved. Other changes in the new plan include: Scrapping two microwave towers, antenna yards, and ground-mounted cooling towers Relocating office and loading facilities to face Swedesford Road Redesigning cooling equipment to use waterless chillers instead of water-consuming cooling towers, reducing water use by about 3 million gallons per day The applicants are asking the planning commission to approve the modifications because the currently approved plan is outdated, in both technology capacity and what occupants of such centers would need, said Josh Rabina, principal for Sentinel Data Centers, who is working with Green Fig Land LLC on the project. The planning commission had approved the original plan in 2024, but the project has been underway since at least 2018, when the developer sought zoning changes to OK data center use. After the planning commissions approval in 2024, Sentinel joined the project, and suggested changes to address water and energy consumption, said Lou Colagreco, the attorney for the applicant. They just looked at it with a different set of eyes, and they said, First plan works; this plan probably works better, Colagreco told the commission. It addresses certain concerns that we have heard about regarding data centers. But nearly an hour and a half of public comment showed that residents concerns werent assuaged by the proposed new plan. My heads spinning with whats going on here. I think you guys are way out over your skis here with what you should be asking, and theres a lot that appears to me that you dont even know you should be asking, said one resident, Dean Prescott. Across the county and the region data center projects have been met with scrutiny from the people who will reside near them. Their opposition clashes with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been championing data center development, promoting a 10-year plan that includes cutting regulatory red tape to make it easier to approve them. The governors office also recently announced Amazon would spend $20 billion to develop data centers and other artificial-intelligence campuses across Pennsylvania. Despite the enthusiasm at the state level, 42% of Pennsylvania say they would oppose the centers being built in their area, according to a recent survey. And its creating a bind for local officials, who are limited in what they can do to prohibit development in areas that are zoned for such purposes. Residents in nearby East Vincent, also in Chester County, are pressing hard on their board of supervisors to reject a proposed data center at the historic Pennhurst State School and Hospital. The board there had sought to impose restrictions on data centers, but last month declined to move forward with an ordinance after the townships solicitor warned it could lead to a challenge from the developer. In East Whiteland, as residents called on officials to reject the plan, township solicitor Michael Gill warned it wasnt that simple. This property is zoned to allow a data center use, Gill said. From a perspective of sheer outright denial of the use, that is not likely something that the township has the authority to do at this point in time. Nor did the township ever have the opportunity or the legal right to completely say, We do not want data centers at all in East Whiteland Township. The proposed data center would be located at a former limestone mining site that eventually became a lithium ore-processing business called the Foote Mineral Co., which closed in 1991. A Superfund cleanup was completed in 2010. It is slated to sit across from Malvern Hunt, a neighborhood with about 280 homes and would be intersected by the Chester Valley Trail, a 18.6-mile route popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners. Residents worried about the noise, the safety of their well water, and whether digging at a remediated site could adversely affect health. They also raised concerns about the stress and cost the facility could put on the power grid. The facility would be adjacent to Pecos Planebrook substation, and the developer is paying for the upgrades needed to support the project, they said Wednesday. Peco officials said previously that surrounding customers wouldnt see any impact. The developers sidestepped questions about resident utility cost increases. The townships planning director, Zachary Barner, said they had not seen any sort of detailed analysis of consumer prices or anything like that. Chris Fontana, a Wakefield resident who said he works in software and infrastructure engineering leadership at Zillow, the real estate website, said industrial noise, massive infrastructure, and energy demands make buyers hesitate, affecting home values. Any tax benefit does not outweigh the permanent impact on our land, the strain on local utilities infrastructure, and the risk to the value of our homes, the single biggest investment most families here will ever make, he said. The developer will submit a revised plan and responses to consultant review letters in the coming days, township officials said. The developer will return to the planning commission next month, seeking a positive recommendation from the planning commission to go forward to the townships board of supervisors. The Village Shoppes, including the Gladwyne Pharmacy (left) and the now shuttered Gladwyne Market (right) at the intersection of Youngs Ford and Righters Mill Roads in Gladwyne on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Read more Three weeks after developers unveiled a sweeping plan to revitalize much of downtown Gladwyne, the affluent Main Line community has been abuzz with excitement, and skepticism, about the villages future. On Jan. 8, Andre Golsorkhi, founder and CEO of design firm Haldon House, presented plans for a revitalized town center, complete with historic architecture, green spaces, and businesses that fit the character of the area. Golsorkhi told a packed school auditorium that Haldon House plans to bring in boutique shops, open an upscale-yet-approachable restaurant, and create spaces for communal gathering. Advertisement At the meeting, Golsorkhi also revealed that the project was backed by Jeff Yass, Pennsylvanias richest man, and his wife, Janine. Golsorkhi said the Yasses want to revitalize Gladwyne as part of a local community impact project. Haldon House and the Yasses, who live near Gladwyne, have spent over $15 million acquiring multiple properties at the intersection of Youngs Ford and Righters Mill Roads. The news drew a flurry of social media posts and a write-up in a British tabloid. While some praised the proposal, others protested the changes headed toward their quaint community, and the conservative donor financing them. What is, and isnt, allowable? For some residents, one question has lingered: Is one family allowed to redevelop an entire village? A petition calling on Lower Merion Township to hold a public hearing and pass protections preventing private owners from consolidating control of town centers had gathered nearly four dozen signatures as of Friday. Around 4,100 people live in the 19035 zip code, which encompasses much of Gladwyne, according to data from the 2020 U.S. Census. Residents deserve a say before their town is transformed. No one family, no matter how wealthy, should unilaterally control the civic and commercial core of a historic Pennsylvania community," the petition reads. Yet much of Haldon Houses plan is allowable under township zoning code, said Chris Leswing, Lower Merions director for building and planning. Plans to refurbish buildings, clean up landscaping, and bring in new businesses are generally permitted by right, meaning the developers will not need approval from the township to move forward. Gladwynes downtown is zoned as neighborhood center, a zoning designation put on the books in 2023 that allows for small-scale commercial buildings and local retail and services. The zoning code, which is currently in use in Gladwyne and Penn Wynne, ensures commercial buildings can be no taller than two stories. The developers plans to open a new restaurant in the former Gladwyne Market and renovate buildings with a late-1800s aesthetic, including wraparound porches and greenery, are generally within the bounds of what is allowed, once they obtain a building permit. More ambitious plans, however, like converting a residential home into a parking lot or burying the power lines that hang over the village, would require extra levels of approval, Leswing said. The developers hope to convert a residential property on the 900 block of Youngs Ford Road into a parking lot. Lower Merion generally encourages parking lots to be tucked behind buildings and does not allow street-facing parking, a measure designed to avoid a strip mall feel, Leswing said. In order to turn the lot into parking, the developers would need an amendment to the zoning code, which would have to be approved by the board of commissioners. Various approvals would also be needed to put Gladwynes power lines underground, an ambitious goal set by the Haldon House and Yass team. Leswing clarified that no official plans have been submitted, making it hard to say how long the process will take. It will be a matter of months, at least, before the ball really gets rolling. Leswing added the developers have been so good about being locked into the community and open to constructive feedback. Golsorkhi said it will be some time before his team can provide a meaningful update on the development, but expressed gratitude to the hundreds of residents who have reached out with questions, support, and concerns. From 110% in favor to a tough pill to swallow Fred Abrams, 65, a real estate developer who has lived in Gladwyne for seven years, said he and his wife are 110% in favor of the redevelopment, calling it an absolute no-brainer. Many Gladwyne residents live in single-family homes that keep them in their own, sometimes isolating, worlds, his wife, Kassie Monaghan Abrams, 57, said. Heres an opportunity for being outside and meeting your neighbors and, to me, getting back to spending time with people, she said of the proposal to create communal gathering areas. I think its a very thoughtful, beautiful design, Monaghan Abrams added. Some social media commenters called the proposal charming and a fantastic revitalization. Others were more skeptical. Ryan Werner, 40, moved to Gladwyne in 2012 with his wife, who grew up in the town. One of the things Ive kind of fallen in love with about Gladwyne is the sense of community, said Werner, who has a background in e-commerce sales and is transitioning to work in the mental health space. Werner is not necessarily opposed to the renovations (although he loved the Gladwyne Market). Rather, he said, its a tough pill to swallow that Yass is promoting a community-oriented project while supporting President Donald Trumps administration and Trump-affiliated groups. Im less opposed to just the commercial side of it and more grossed out by the involvement of certain people in it, Werner said. Gladwyne is a Democratic-leaning community that voted overwhelmingly for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. On social media, some griped about the changes. The Village will be just like Ardmore and Bryn Mawr. Cant undo it once they build it, one commenter wrote in a Gladwyne Facebook group. Golsorkhi said in an email that the enthusiasm, excitement and support from the community have been overwhelming. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. Emily Street is still covered in snow near Furness High School (top left) on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in South Philadelphia. Read more With more than 60 hours since the last bit of snow descended upon Philadelphia, the widespread complaints about the conditions of secondary and tertiary streets have reached a fever pitch. The Philadelphia Streets Department has tried to quell the publics concerns with daily videos of excavators diligently filling dumpsters with snow. Yet evidence of icy streets and snow banks blocking lanes dominate social media, with city data showing the street conditions vary block by block. Advertisement Between 3 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. Wednesday, the citys GPS data show, about 30% of city streets had been visited by plows. Some areas, like Center City and South Philadelphia west of Broad Street, saw most numbered streets and cross streets hit by plows during that time. Meanwhile, South Philly and Center City neighborhoods east of Broad Street saw little to no reported activity. The same was true for large swaths of North and West Philadelphia. And neighborhoods like Overbrook, Wynnefield, and Nicetown, which have seen the fewest reported visits from city plow trucks since the storm began, saw only a handful of streets plowed between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to city data. On the neighborhood line of Grays Ferry and Devils Pocket, Dani Hildebrand was one resident who felt forgotten as the streets around him were plowed and garbage picked up. Hildebrands block was supposed to have trash collection come through Tuesday with the one-day delay announced by the city. But on Wednesday, bags of garbage lined his block. The 41-year-old father of three said his school-age children yearn to leave the house, even if for an errand, but its not in the cards. Between piles of snow, trash, and dog pee and poop, its not ideal, he said. Weve been stuck in since Sunday, and while Im close to a market, its not safe to walk there with my three kids and I cant get my car out. The city, for its part, has said the snow clearing would take as long as it needs to and the work would continue until all roads are dug out. Residents should expect trash-collection delays as crews navigate the snow and ice. At the same time, officials have consistently asked for patience, noting that the frigid temperatures were not aiding snow-removal efforts. They have pointed to the 14 teams with more than 200 vehicles and excavators that are trying to move the snow and ice into storage facilities using dumpsters. Future Track trainees with the Philadelphia Streets Department have also taken up shovels to help clear crosswalks in the city. But, the city notes, this is time-consuming work. Wanted: Private plowers Chris DiPiazza, owner of the Passyunk Square bakery Mighty Bread, could not afford to wait for city plows and paid for a private service to clear his street Tuesday afternoon. After the storm, the bakery was unable to make or receive deliveries because the city had not plowed Gerritt Street, the narrow road its on. Adding to frustrations, DiPiazza said, snowplows that had come through the adjacent 12th and 13th Streets had left giant snow piles on both ends of the block. A 311 operator said it could take upward of three days for plowing to occur, DiPiazza said. That news was especially frustrating when residents are expected to do their part by shoveling sidewalks in front of their homes within six hours of snowfall stopping, but the city is not fulfilling its own end of that promise, DiPiazza said. The citys responsibility is to make the streets safe for people to drive, and they didnt do that, he said. SEPTA vs. ice For SEPTAs size and reach, the organization is not so different from the average Philadelphian living without a plowed street. The snow-covered roads were especially difficult for bus routes through secondary and tertiary streets after the storm, SEPTA spokesperson John Golden said. Those streets are hard to navigate on a good day, he said. The lagging plow service made SEPTA pause service for many bus routes. Some of our buses just arent able to navigate the streets because of lack of plowing, Golden said. But service had returned to all but a handful of routes by Wednesday afternoon. The weekend storm was not particularly onerous for SEPTA compared with other large storms in years past, Golden said, but he noted the frigid temperatures in the days following have made things difficult. Ice is not melting as quickly as it usually does, leaving the roads treacherous. Golden said that while SEPTA officials have been in frequent contact with the streets department about problem spots, they dont have any special recourse besides waiting for the city to clear the streets. How does 2026 compare with 2016? When the city was smacked with 22.5 inches of snow in January 2016, it was the fourth-largest snowfall in Philly history, and newly sworn-in Mayor Jim Kenneys first major test in office. At the time, many side street residents issued the same complaints heard with this most recent storm they were the last to be dug out, and entire blocks were locked in. But by the fourth day of storm cleanup, a Kenney spokesperson claimed 92% of all residential streets were plowed and passable and the administration was taking in kudos for what many though not all said was a job well done. Though 9.3 inches fell this time around, city officials have said the conditions were very different. The temperature drop has been the largest hurdle so far, providing no help in melting the ice. The city still urges patience and says teams are working nonstop. For parents whose children took part in virtual learning Wednesday and residents who were sick of parking wars and icy crosswalks with another potential snowfall on the way, patience was almost gone. Residents in North and West Philly shared frustrations on social media of parking shortages because mounds of ice left people nowhere to go; some were even parking at an angle in parallel spots, to the chagrin of others. Bus stops were piles of dirty, frozen ice, and crosswalks remained icy. For Hildebrand, it was all very discouraging. A plan could have been made and implemented, since the city knew about this a week before it happened, but it truly seems like bare minimum effort, he said. Ice drifts on the Delaware River with the Philadelphia skyline in the background, seen from Camden, N.J., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Read more Large slate-shaped slabs of ice in the Delaware River this week have been like a floating harbinger of things to come for the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). PWD, which draws its drinking water from intakes along the Delaware and the Schuylkill, takes a freezing river seriously. Advertisement It has implemented emergency plans to provide for 24-hour ice patrol at its river water intake plants and it is on high alert for freezing and bursting water mains and pipes. The department has two intakes on the Schuylkill and one on the Delaware that help provide drinking water for about 1.6 million people. There is no easy way to say how much of the rivers are icing. But the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center at State College, an office of the National Weather Service, uses gauges placed in the rivers by the U.S. Geological Survey. At various times this week, officials could not get readings from some gauges because they were affected by ice. Brian Rademaekers, a spokesperson for PWD, said the city can also pull from already stored water if ice does became a problem at an intake. Were getting into a stretch where we havent been above freezing for days, he said, And I think at least through Feb. 1 it looks like well remain below freezing. Indeed, the region has been subjected to an Arctic blast for nearly a week. Daily highs have been below freezing since Saturday. The top temperature in that stretch was 28 degrees on Monday. Wednesday hit a low of 14. Overnight Thursday into Friday is forecast to drop to 2 degrees. The National Weather Service is not forecasting a high of 32 until Tuesday. And then its back to below-freezing temperatures. Bursting pipes PWD is warning residents and businesses that the extreme cold is affecting city water mains and reminding them that water lines that are the responsibility of property owners. As the city faces unbroken stretches of below-freezing temperatures, PWD knows pipes will begin to freeze or, worse, burst, Rademaekers said. Pipes can start to be seriously affected after 72 hours, or three days, of below-freezing weather. Philadelphia is past that benchmark. PWDs call center is already inundated with reports of water outages and leaks. But the department cannot help people with frozen pipes because that takes away from crews responding to public water main leaks. Rademaekers said PWD has responded to 147 water main breaks in January, but noted that is a preliminary figure. Last year, 256 breaks were reported in January. In recent memory, he said, 2018 was the worst year, with 366 breaks. City mains are public property and range in size from 96 inches in diameter to 48 inches, 12 inches, and 6 inches. Breaks in smaller pipes are most common. PWD is currently fixing a 6-inch main at 16th and Federal Streets. Property owners are responsible for the lateral pipes that run from the curb into a home. Rademaekers said residents who suddenly find themselves without water should check with a neighbor first. If the neighbor has running water, its likely the homeowner has a frozen pipe. In that case, PWD suggests trying to bring the pipes near your water to 40 degrees and opening faucets so that thawing water can drip out and release pressure. He said running a hair dryer or using another source to gently warm the pipes could help them thaw. He said residents should be cautious trying to use space heaters to warm on pipes. The department has tips online for how to deal with frozen pipes. Homeowners should not to wait for the department to respond to take these steps, PWD advises. Doing so could lead to burst pipes. Rademaekers said many homes in Philadelphia have their main water meter by the wall facing the street, often in uninsulated basements, some with cracked windows. When it falls to 6 degrees overnight, even if the heats on in your house, that particular space right there might just get cold enough to freeze that pipe up, and then ice kind of spreads through the system, Rademaekers said. Once the freezing starts, the pressure will build. Rademaekers cautioned customers against calling 311 if they have a frozen pipe. Instead, he said, they should call the PWD hotline at 215-685-6300 and press 1. Certainly whenever we see freezing temperatures for more than two days we start to see a surge of calls into the call center, he said. Over the last week, the top three reports we have been getting are water in the basement, leak in the street, or no water at the tap. Some of those could be water main problems, he said, but most often they are traced back to private lines. Nathaniel Anderson reciting the Plege of Allegiance before a township council meeting in 2016. He was deputy mayor at the time. Read more The former mayor of Willingboro Township and a business associate were found guilty by a federal jury of mortgage fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey said Wednesday. Nathaniel Anderson, 59, who is still a town councilman in Willingboro, and Chrisone D. Anderson, 58, of Sicklerville, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, one count of bank fraud, and two counts of making a false statement on a mortgage application, said Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello from the prosecutors office. Advertisement The jury deliberated for less than three hours after a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in federal court in Trenton, Lamparello said. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1. Though we respect the jurys decision, we plan to appeal this conviction to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Troy A. Archie, attorney for Chrisone Anderson, said in an email. Anderson was represented by federal public defenders who could not be reached Wednesday night. The Andersons, who are not related, conspired to save Nathaniel Andersons home, which was facing foreclosure in 2015, by orchestrating a fraudulent short sale to Chrisone Anderson, prosecutors said. The scheme involved Chrisone Anderson posing as a buyer of the home and claiming that Nathaniel Anderson would no longer live there so that his mortgage lender would forgive the rest of his loan. The fraudulent misrepresentations included that Chrisone Anderson would occupy the home as her primary residence, prosecutors said. Nathaniel Andersons problems with his residency began in 2009 as he and his then-wife fell behind on mortgage payments, prosecutors said. The couple divorced, but Anderson wanted to keep his home through a short sale. Thats a process by which a mortgage lender agrees to write off the remaining debt of a mortgage holder in default provided the holder can arrange a sale of the property to dispense with most of the remaining debt. When I think of boycotts, my mind usually goes back to one of the most successful ones in U.S. history. The Montgomery bus boycott began 70 years ago last month after police arrested Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Black residents were so outraged that they stopped riding buses in Alabamas capital city. They walked, carpooled, and took taxis for 381 days until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Much more recently, we saw political consumerism in action after ABC snatched Jimmy Kimmels eponymous late-night talk show off the air in the aftermath of remarks he made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Irate fans quickly responded by canceling subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. More than 400 artists signed a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union defending the freedom of speech. Less than a week later, Kimmel was back on the air. Advertisement READ MORE: Im going to miss shopping at Target | Jenice Armstrong Some of us have been holding out hope for a similar result during a boycott of Target. Activists began a boycott of the retail giant a year ago when it rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives after the election of President Donald Trump. Organizers of the boycott not only want the retailer to restore its DEI policies but also honor a pledge to invest in Black-owned businesses. From the beginning of 2025 through November, Target reported sharp declines in foot traffic at its stores, and the companys stock price had plummeted by a third. I used to love shopping at Target, but I havent been inside one in more than a year, and have no plans to return anytime soon. Power concedes to market pressure, which is another way of saying money talks. Thats why 60 CEOs from Minnesotas largest businesses, including Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth, recently penned an open letter to President Trump calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions generated by the Gestapo-like tactics of masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Granted, the letter left a lot to be desired; it was heavy on corporate speak and light on real, actionable consequences. But just about anything is better than the silence weve seen from certain corners of the business world about the unjustified and brutal killings of Minnesota residents Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, and Renee Good, a mother of three. My husband and I were snowbound over the weekend and discussing the many horrible things that have been going on when he suddenly turned to me and announced, Its time for us to do more. Ive been married to my mild-mannered husband for more than 20 years, and Ive never seen him as worked up about the state of affairs in America as he is right now. We talked a bit more on that snowy afternoon before I wandered off to another part of the house, leaving him alone in his office, where he penned an email letter to our friends and relatives with the header, What can we do to save our nation? He went on to propose that everyone on his mailing list cancel their various subscription and streaming services, and inform providers that they would not be renewed until their CEOs take public stands against Trumps draconian anti-immigration activities. Its an intriguing idea. Who doesnt love the convenience of such services as Amazon Prime and Netflix? The average American has around five subscriptions and spends roughly $1,000 a year on them, according to CNET. When my husband and I tallied up ours, I was startled to discover that we had even more than that. But over the last several days, weve been pruning our list of subscription and streaming services way back. Altogether, we have cut 12 services, including HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, among others, for a cost savings of $179 a month. This is just a first step. This is just a first step for us. We may add more down the road. My husband is in the process of notifying each company why we have decided to cut their services and what it will take to regain our business. Yes, its a small statement, but we felt we had to say something. After all, money talks. Workers remove the panel for Ona Judge and other displays about slavery at the Presidents House Site in Independence National Historical Park on Jan. 22. Philadelphia is the wrong place for historical amnesia, writes Jim Downs. Read more Last Thursday, the National Park Service removed a series of informational signs about slavery from the Presidents House Site at Sixth and Market Streets in Old City Philadelphia. Installed when the site opened in 2010, the signs documented the lives of the enslaved people who lived and labored in the home of Presidents George Washington and John Adams. Their removal occurred without consultation with the city, despite a 2006 agreement requiring the parties to meet and confer before any changes were made to the exhibit. Advertisement The City of Philadelphia responded by filing a federal lawsuit seeking to have the signs restored. According to the suit, the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior made unilateral changes in violation of those long-standing agreements. At stake is not simply a set of panels, but whether the public will continue to confront an essential historical truth: Slavery was central to the American presidency. Philadelphia is the wrong place for historical amnesia. The Presidents House stands on ground where the ideals of liberty were articulated alongside the daily practice of human bondage. During Washingtons presidency, the executive mansion functioned simultaneously as a seat of republican government and a site of enslavement, even as Philadelphia emerged as a center of abolitionist thought and Black civic life. The exhibit that opened in 2010 was the result of years of advocacy by historians, community members, and activists who insisted that the enslaved people in Washingtons household not be erased from public memory. Slavery was not incidental to Washingtons presidency. It was essential to it. Washington enslaved people from childhood, inheriting human property at the age of 11 and expanding his holdings through purchase and marriage. By the time he became president in 1789, he was a Virginia planter whose wealth, household, and public standing depended on enslaved labor. That dependence followed him north. When Washington relocated to Philadelphia, he encountered Pennsylvanias Gradual Abolition Act of 1780, which allowed enslaved people to claim freedom after residing in the state for six months. Rather than comply with the laws intent, Washington devised a deliberate strategy to evade it. Enslaved people in his household were sent out of Pennsylvania just before the deadline and then returned, resetting the clock. He was careful to keep this arrangement private, instructing aides that it should not become public. Among the enslaved people living in the Presidents House was Ona Judge, who belonged to Martha Washington and served as her personal attendant. As historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar has shown through meticulous research, Judge understood the possibilities and dangers of freedom in a city like Philadelphia. In May 1796, after learning she was to be given away as a wedding gift, Judge fled the Presidents House and escaped north. Committed to slavery Washingtons response reveals the depth of his commitment to slavery. Within days, an advertisement appeared on the front page of the Philadelphia Gazette and Universal Daily Advertiser. It announced that Judge had absconded from the household of the President of the United States. Placed by the steward of the Presidents House, the notice described her appearance in detail, warned ship captains not to assist her escape, and offered a reward for her capture and return. The language matters. It explicitly tied the presidency itself to the pursuit of an enslaved woman who claimed her freedom. Washington pursued Judge for years, dispatching friends, relatives, and officials to recapture her. He never succeeded, but his actions make clear that slavery was not a peripheral contradiction in his life. It was a system he actively defended while serving as president. At the same time, Black Philadelphians were building institutions that challenged slavery not in theory, but in practice. Only a few blocks from the Presidents House, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones organized mutual aid through the Free African Society, laying the groundwork for what would become Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born from the violence of segregation in white churches, Mother Bethel became a cornerstone of Black autonomy in the early republic a place where abolition was preached, freedom was practiced, and Black civic life flourished. The ironies of Philadelphias founding moment are unavoidable. The same Washington who pursued Judge and signed the Fugitive Slave Act also contributed financially to Allens efforts to build an African church. These contradictions were not hidden from contemporaries. They were preserved. More than a century after the American Revolution and Washingtons presidency, the association between presidential authority and enslaved labor had not faded from public memory. During Washingtons presidency, the executive mansion functioned simultaneously as a seat of republican government and a site of enslavement. In 1883, a widely circulated illustrated history depicted Washington walking along a cobblestone street with a Black servant following several steps behind him in livery, carrying his coat. For Americans who could not read or who absorbed history visually such images conveyed meaning powerfully. Even generations later, Washington was still remembered in proximity to enslaved labor. That illustration is not an abstraction. It survives today in the holdings of the Library Company of Philadelphia, where I direct the Program in African American History. Despite contemporary efforts to erase or soften this past, the evidence remains materially present. The Library Company holds the largest collection documenting the Black presence in Philadelphia more than 13,000 items spanning the 18th through 20th centuries. These materials document slavery, but they also trace the Black communitys sustained fight to advance abolition, and the enduring ways Black Philadelphians confronted the afterlives of slavery across the 19th and 20th centuries. Preserving memory The archive does what removed signage cannot. It insists on memory. It shows how Black political thought, religious life, and institutions developed alongside and in opposition to slavery. Mother Bethel AME Church, which continues to stand today, hosted abolitionists, organized resistance to colonization schemes, supported the Underground Railroad, and later aided Black migrants during emancipation, Reconstruction, and the Great Migration. This is not peripheral history. It is Philadelphias history. Removing slavery interpretation from the Presidents House is therefore not a neutral curatorial decision. It contradicts the historical record, violates agreements requiring consultation with the city, and risks teaching the public that the presidency can be understood without reckoning with slavery. It cannot. This moment is especially fraught as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of 1776. That commemoration will invite renewed storytelling about founding ideals and national origins. If we enter that moment by stripping slavery from public history sites, we will be manufacturing historical amnesia precisely when historical clarity matters most. Philadelphia has another choice. In February, the Library Company of Philadelphia, in partnership with the American Philosophical Association, will host a conference titled Black Declarations of Independence: Before and After 1776. The premise is straightforward: Black claims to freedom, dignity, and self-determination were not marginal to the founding era. They were central to it and they continue to shape the nations unfinished project. Restoring the Presidents House signs would be a modest but meaningful step in that direction. It would affirm that Philadelphia will confront its history honestly as it prepares to commemorate 1776 and that it will not celebrate independence by forgetting those whose bondage, resistance, and perseverance make the meaning of independence intelligible in the first place. Jim Downs is a historian and Guggenheim Fellow, a professor of history at Gettysburg College, and director of the Program in African American History at the Library Company of Philadelphia. Al DerMovsesian holds replicas of some of the panels depicting slavery that were removed from the Presidents House as people visit the site in Independence National Historical Park on Saturday. Read more Despite widespread pushback, the Trump administration and the National Park Service removed exhibits on slavery from the Presidents House, a recreation of the executive residence that once housed George Washington and John Adams. The exhibits detailed facts about slavery in early America, including how Washington engaged in a human shell game with enslaved members of his own household. After the passage of Pennsylvanias Gradual Emancipation Act in 1780, enslaved people were shuttled between Philadelphia and Mount Vernon every six months to obey the letter, if not the spirit, of the law. Advertisement The exhibits, part of Independence National Historical Park, also memorialized the nine people first brought into bondage to the city with our nations first president. It is important to note their names and their stories. Austin was a waiter who died while traveling on one of those trips back to Virginia. Paris was a young stable hand whose tenure in the city was short. Hercules was a celebrated chef who eventually escaped from Mount Vernon. Christopher Sheels served as Washingtons valet. Richmond was the son of Hercules and worked various roles despite being just 11 years old. Giles drove Washingtons carriage. Oney Judge, a maid, famously fled bondage in Philadelphia, attracting the presidents ire. There was also Moll, a nanny, and Joe, a footman. Joe had to leave his wife and children behind in Virginia during his time working at the Presidents House. READ MORE: Another senseless killing in Trumps senseless war against Americans | Editorial Evidence shows that the people whom Washington enslaved were well aware of the hypocrisy surrounding their situation. In a nation formed on the premise that all men are created equal, they found themselves bound by birth to a life of servitude, working in the household of the new republics first leader. Their stories once adorned the Presidents House. Now, blank spaces stand in their place. The Trump administration has cited a desire to avoid any historical marker that inappropriately disparages Americans past or living. Washington is one of the most admired men in U.S. history. His military leadership and willingness to cede executive power are worthy of our esteem. But Washington, like Thomas Jefferson and many other founders, fell short when it came to slavery. Removing panels cannot change that fact. What the desecration of the Presidents House does is disparage not just the enslaved members of Washingtons household, but the millions of Americans who, in the words of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, endured a great deal of pain so that America could realize its promise. It also insults the efforts of the Philadelphians who fought to build the exhibit and have a vital part of Americas history recognized. Thankfully, there is a strong local effort to fight the removal. Parker cited a 2006 agreement between the city and the National Park Service, which her administration says requires consultation before any alterations are made. The city has filed a lawsuit to restore the panels and is hosting a public hearing on Friday. Perhaps while the court fight plays out, a temporary alternative can be installed at City Hall, by the Constitution Center, or in Fairmount Park. Parkers outrage is also a welcome change. While the mayor has mostly refrained from picking fights with the White House, she chastised President Donald Trump and park service officials, saying: You cannot erase our history. You will not erase our history! READ MORE: Poverty is not only a Philadelphia problem. Its about time suburban leaders recognized that. | Editorial Gov. Josh Shapiro has joined the citys lawsuit. An amicus brief filed by his administration said: There is no virtue in refusing to acknowledge certain aspects of our history because it is painful to do so. The removal of the slavery exhibit from the Presidents House undermines this commitment and denies Pennsylvanians and others the opportunity to learn more about a part of our history that cannot be ignored. This sentiment is the right way forward. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Americans will undoubtedly hear much about this countrys triumphs. That includes those who fought and died including many who had been enslaved themselves to keep our country united and begin to address our nations greatest mistake. Generations after the Civil War, Americans were a pivotal part of the coalition that defeated the forces of fascism in Europe. The United States has put people on the moon, helped vanquish diseases like polio, exported its diverse and vibrant culture, and inspired democratic reformers across the world. Failing to acknowledge our failures can only undermine that legacy. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) on Thursday voted against advancing a highly contested government funding package that includes allocations for the Department of Homeland Security, despite noting his objections to shutting down the government. The Senate voted 45-55 on the key procedural vote, failing to advance a budget package as the country moves closer to a partial government shutdown this weekend. Advertisement With Fetterman aboard, every Democrat voted against the appropriations package because of the inclusion of funding for DHS. The party previously vowed to block DHS funding in the aftermath of federal immigration agents fatal shooting of two Americans in Minneapolis this month. Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) voted to advance the bill. Fettermans vote came as a surprise given the senators comments earlier in the week, when he said he would never vote to shut our government down, especially our Defense Department, one of the agencies that would have received funding from the appropriations package. It was unclear Thursday why Fetterman voted against the package, but it is unlikely to be the final version considered by the Senate, as eight Republicans also voted no. A shutdown is slated to begin Saturday if Congress does not pass a package this week. A spokesperson for Fetterman did not immediately return a request for comment on the senators vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) was among the Republicans who voted no so that he could make a motion to reconsider the legislation. DHS oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, the agencies involved in the fatal Minnesota shootings. Democrats have been calling for a halt to additional funding in the wake of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. But Fetterman noted Monday that the department received $178 billion from last years One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he opposed, and that ICE would continue to operate during a shutdown. A vote to shut our government down will not defund ICE, Fetterman said. Fetterman has previously suggested removing DHS funding from the package under consideration as a compromise. He has also urged President Donald Trump to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. A reporter from the Hill posted on X minutes after the vote that Fetterman saw his no vote as setting the stage to decouple DHS funding from the other five bills under consideration, rather than triggering a shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) has pushed Republicans and the White House to strip the Department of Homeland Security funding from the rest of the bill. In a deal reached with the White House, DHS would still be funded, but for a short time to allow for negotiations on the Democrats demands. Other agencies included in the bill would be funded through the end of September. Negotiations remained ongoing Thursday. Within the last week, Fetterman faced mounting pressure from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats and constituents to vote against the package as tensions in Minneapolis continued to escalate. On Tuesday, every Democratic member of Pennsylvanias U.S. House delegation cosigned a letter urging Fetterman and McCormick to vote against the funding. Constituents also gathered outside Fettermans office in Philadelphia on Tuesday to protest his stance. We can no longer continue to give Homeland Security a blank check, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Pa.) said Thursday morning in a virtual news conference with U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Pa.). Boyle was an outspoken critic of Fettermans votes against the previous government shutdown last year during a fight over healthcare subsidies. McCormick voted as expected to advance the GOP-led legislation. Im just not in favor of shutting down the government or stopping funding the government, and thats the position that Ive had through the last shutdown, McCormick said about his support for the funding on a tele-town hall Tuesday night. Im not in favor of ever shutting down the government. It doesnt matter what party is in power, but some people see that differently. If lawmakers fail to pass a package by Friday, the federal government will undergo its second shutdown in four months, starting Saturday, potentially demoralizing federal workers and inconveniencing members of the public who rely on affected services. The previous shutdown started on Oct. 1, 2025, and lasted 43 days the longest shutdown in U.S. history. This shutdown would be a partial one, affecting the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Education, Labor, Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development in addition to DHS. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides nutrition assistance to needy families, would not be affected. The other four Democratic senators from the Philadelphia region Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware all joined Fetterman in voting no Thursday. Kim argued the vote was a bipartisan rebuke of the Trump administrations immigration strategy and said he would be working with colleagues to deliver real security to the American public. Their lawlessness has taken lives on the streets of our neighborhoods, and Ive heard from so many about an overwhelming fear that they can be targeted next, Kim said in a statement. We need real changes to fix a broken and lawless system that has led to so many Americans losing trust in their government to keep them safe. This story is developing and will be updated. Staff writer Aliya Schneider contributed to this article, which contains information from the Associated Press. Liz Babcock of Haddon Township (front) during the Philly Stands with Minneapolis Ice Out for Good protest on Jan. 23 at Philadelphias City Hall. Read more New year, same you googling repeatedly, Is a government shutdown happening? We see you. We get it. And the answer is: Maybe. The likelihood of a partial government shutdown this weekend has ramped up following a surge in immigration enforcement and related backlash in Minnesota. Advertisement The highly publicized presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security in Minneapolis, alongside the death of Alex Pretti, the second person federal agents have fatally shot in the state, has reinvigorated efforts among Democrats to reject a bill to fund DHS. The appalling murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis must lead Republicans to join Democrats in overhauling ICE and CBP [Customs and Border Protection] to protect the public, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Sunday. People should be safe from abuse by their own government. Schumer (D., N.Y.) said Democrats would not support keeping the government fully open if it means funding the Department of Homeland Security. Other Democratic senators have joined in calling for Senate Republicans to collaborate on advancing five other pending bills, aside from the DHS bill, and separately retooling the DHS measure. In case you need a refresher, here is what you need to know about deadlines, what a partial government shutdown looks like, and more. Whats a government shutdown vs. a partial government shutdown? A full government shutdown happens when all (or most) federal agencies have not secured funding. It usually means widespread furloughs, sometimes layoffs, and any nonessential government services are put on pause. Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown happens when Congress has funded only certain federal agencies, leaving others in limbo. In turn, some parts of the government would close while others keep operating. When a partial shutdown happens, some federal agencies and operations, like Social Security and air traffic control, keep running as usual. But other federal employees are furloughed. In this instance, agencies at risk of expiring funding include the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Treasury, and State; the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the federal court system, according to Reuters. Democrats are pushing Republicans to decouple the spending bill so disagreements over DHS dont fuel disruptions to the other agencies. But Republicans so far say they will not break up the spending bill. When does government funding expire? Federal funding is set to expire at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. A partial shutdown would occur if Congress and President Donald Trumps administration do not reach an agreement by then. Where does the DHS funding bill stand? The House has done its part and is in recess until February. But Senate Democrats are pushing back on approvals, citing the Trump administrations treatment of immigrants. That leaves the Senate with only a few options to avoid a shutdown if it cannot pass the current measures. Most legislation in the Senate needs 60 votes to move forward. Republicans hold 53 seats, meaning they need bipartisan support to pass the existing measure, which covers about $1.3 trillion in annual government spending, including military and social service funding. But Democrats want new guardrails on immigration enforcement and added oversight on DHS. Some demands include requiring judicial warrants for immigration arrests, and agents to wear visible identification, Time reported. Several Democratic senators who broke with their party last year to keep the government open say the killings of Pretti and Good at separate protests have changed their stance. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), who has historically broken with the Democratic Party to avoid government shutdowns, released a lengthy statement Monday saying that he wanted to see the DHS operation in Minneapolis end but would not support a government shutdown. But on Thursday, in a surprising break, Fetterman voted against advancing the six-bill package. His vote, along with 54 other senators who voted no, meant the financial package could not move forward. It is also worth noting that DHS would continue to operate and receive funding under a government shutdown. That is because DHS agencies received major funding through Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. In turn, ICE and other parts of the agency would continue operating under a shutdown. Who is affected by a government shutdown? Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are affected, since many would be expected to work but would not receive pay until after the shutdown is lifted. Employees are typically guaranteed back pay. Many employees are also at risk of being furloughed and would not be allowed to work (but would also receive back pay thanks to legislation passed in 2019). Some of the main groups of employees that a shutdown could affect include (but are not limited to) active members of the military, federal law enforcement, federal transportation workers (like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents, but not SEPTA workers), scientific researchers, and the IRS. The federal court system said it would not be able to continue full operations past Feb. 4, which could disrupt hearings and other activities, Reuters reported. Data and research activity from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Institutes of Health could also go dark. What about tax season? This potential partial shutdown comes during tax season. If a shutdown happens, funding for the IRS could lapse, which would in turn mean tax processing and refunds could be disrupted. During last years shutdown in October, the IRS approved a contingency plan that let the agency continue some activities under a shutdown. But, the agency said, refunds would be delayed aside from some direct electronic returns that could be automatically processed and direct-deposited. Taxpayers were still expected to file and pay their taxes on time. The IRS has not yet commented on a potential shutdown. Trump previously touted larger refunds this year because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some experts say that emphasis could play a role in the agency remaining partially open. When would the government shut down? Congress and the Trump administration need to reach an agreement by midnight Friday. If they dont, a shutdown would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. What was the longest government shutdown? The longest government shutdown was the most recent one, which began on Oct. 1, 2025, and lasted 43 days. It broke the record for the longest shutdown on the 36th day. What could a government shutdown mean for Philly? In Philadelphia, the October shutdown led to the closing of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, to the chagrin of tourists. But that would not happen this time, because the national parks are funded by the Department of the Interior, which secured its funding through an already passed appropriations bill for the year. SNAP benefits would also not be affected this time. The Department of Transportation would close during this shutdown, but air traffic controllers would be required to work without pay. Similar to the last shutdown, this could lead to flight delays and cancellations. Other impacts could be in store as the shutdowns implications become more clear. The Presidents House in Independence National Historical Park hours (Jan. 22) after all historical exhibits were removed following President Trumps Executive Order last March that the content at national parks that inappropriately disparage the U.S. be reviewed. Read more Informational exhibits about slavery removed by the National Park Service from the Presidents House Site last week are being kept in storage at a facility adjacent to the National Constitution Center, according to a legal filing from the Trump administration. The exhibits will remain in the park services custody at the center, down the street from the Presidents House, pending the outcome of the City of Philadelphias federal lawsuit against the Department of Interior and the National Park Service for taking down the exhibits. Advertisement But the center said it has no role in storing the exhibits. The storage facility [where the exhibits are being kept] is entirely under control and operation of the Park Service, said a spokesperson for the Constitution Center, adding that the center does not have possession of or access to the space. Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration is seeking an injunction to return the exhibits to the Presidents House, which aims to educate visitors on the horrors of slavery and memorializes the nine people George Washington enslaved at the site during the founding of the United States. The location of the removed exhibits was revealed Wednesday in a motion objecting to the citys injunction. The motion was filed by U.S. attorneys and assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, representing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron, and their respective agencies. The legal filing also provides further details into what transpired last Thursday when park service employees removed exhibits about slavery at the Presidents House. Park service employees dismantled the exhibit after Bowron ordered Steve Sims, the park services acting regional director, to have workers remove the panels and turn off video displays at the site, according to the filing. Sims said the takedown was carried out the same day that Bowron requested it. There is also a remaining sign made of wood in a metal structure that was not removed last week because additional tools were needed. When and if NPS removes the sign, it will be stored with the other panels, Sims said in a declaration included in the legal filing. The footprints embedded in the site and the Memorial Wall featuring the names of the nine people Washington enslaved will stay at the Presidents House, he said. Last year, Burgum and President Donald Trump ordered content at national parks that could inappropriately disparage Americans past or living to be reviewed and potentially removed. In addition to the actions in Philadelphia, the National Park Service has reportedly removed signage about the mistreatment of Native Americans from the Grand Canyon, among other changes implemented under the orders. Tuesdays filing previews the Trump administrations legal argument for a hearing scheduled Friday on Philadelphias suit, which could be used in other cases around the country. The attorneys claim in the filing that this case is fundamentally a question of Government speech, and they accuse the city of trying to censor the federal government. Such interests are especially weighty where, as here, the City effectively seeks to compel the Federal government to engage in speech that it does not wish to convey, the attorneys wrote. The citys suit has received legal backing from Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, an advocacy group that helped establish the Presidents House in the early 2000s. The exhibit takedown has been a heartbreak for those who helped develop the site and for Philadelphians who have left artwork memorializing what the site used to be. In a video posted to social media Tuesday, Parker said that her administration would keep fighting to have the panels restored to the site as the city prepares to play a central role in the nations 250th anniversary celebrations in July. This history is a critical part of our nations origins, and it deserves to be seen and heard, not just by the people of Philadelphia, but by every person who comes to Philadelphia from around our nation and the world to see and learn from, especially as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial 250th birthday, I want the world to know you cannot erase our history, she said. This story has been updated to include a comment from the National Constitution Center. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill stands as an honor guard passes during her inauguration ceremony in Newark on Jan. 20. Read more New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill supports cementing the states sanctuary state policy into law as its already written. The Immigrant Trust Directive, commonly called a sanctuary policy, restricts state law enforcement from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Enshrining the policy into law would ensure future governors of either party could not unilaterally take it away. As of now, the directive could be undone with a flick of a pen. Advertisement Immigrant rights groups in New Jersey have pushed for several years to make the policy permanent with a new law, a move they say is increasingly urgent amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, which has reverberated across the country. But those activists want to expand protections, which could clash with Sherrills approach. Gov. Sherrill supports a bill to codify the directive, her spokesperson Sean Higgins said. What she does not support is anything that undermines the ability to defend our protections in court, which puts people at risk. Sherrill has said making changes to the directive while making it law could invite lawsuits and risk the whole policy, which was enacted during Trumps first presidency and has survived federal judges appointed by both Trump and former President George W. Bush. New Jerseys directive has already withstood judicial review and that additional action, if not precise, could undo important protections which we cannot risk under the Trump administration, Sherrill said during her primary campaign. Higgins said those concerns have not changed. Immigrant rights groups nearly reached the finish line late last year after the state legislature passed a bill that included some of the changes they wanted to make. But former Gov. Phil Murphy rejected the bill in his final hours in office. Like Sherrill, he said the policy could be in jeopardy if it changed and could invite lawsuits. READ MORE: New Jersey's sanctuary state status explained, and how it was at risk in the governor's race Amol Sinha, the executive director of ACLU New Jersey, disagrees. The bill Murphy vetoed which Democratic lawmakers have already signaled they will reintroduce in the new session would remove an exception for law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities on final orders of removal and prohibit law enforcement from providing money to federal immigration authorities. Sinha and others who support the bill say those changes would be on solid legal ground. Since the courts previously found federal law does not preempt the states immigration policy, and the state has the right to determine where its resources go, he said, he believes Murphys veto was overly cautious. We cannot be in a situation where were constantly afraid of lawsuits and therefore we dont pass any laws, Sinha said. There is legal risk to every law that passes in New Jersey. Youre going to get sued, and if you dont want to get sued, then you shouldnt be in government. Sherrills stance on the matter has, at times, been ambiguous. After a general election debate in late September, she said she was going to focus on following the law and the Constitution when pressed by reporters on whether she would keep the directive in place. In October, she said she supported aspects of the policy but also suggested she wanted to revisit it. During the primary contest, her spokesperson said Trump is changing the rules rapidly and Sherrill would address the circumstances as they exist, but she had also signaled support for keeping the policy. Since taking office last week, Sherrill has taken other steps to try to shield the state from ICE. She announced Thursday that her administration plans to launch a state database for New Jerseyans to upload videos of ICE operations in the state after two fatal shootings in Minnesota. READ MORE: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says N.J. will create a database for uploading videos of ICE: Get your phone out But the pressure to work with legislators on making the sanctuary directive law remains. Assemblymember Balvir Singh, a Burlington County Democrat and cosponsor of the bill Murphy rejected, said part of the urgency is concern over Trumps threats to withhold federal funding from Democratic-led states over policy disagreements. Even though Sherrill has kept the policy in place, a directive carries less weight than a statute backed by two branches of government. Our executive can be put under a tremendous amount of pressure where they have to figure out how theyre going to fund our social services systems that rely on federal funding, Singh said. Just last week, Trump directed federal government agencies to review funding for several Democratic states, including New Jersey, almost all of which were on a list of sanctuary jurisdictions produced by his administration. The one exception was Virginia, where new Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger rescinded a directive that instructed law enforcement to work with ICE. The previous week, Trump said he planned to cut off federal funding for states with sanctuary cities. Singh, whose district includes communities with large immigrant populations, said preserving the seven-year-old policy through law is the very minimum. I take Gov. Sherrill at her word Sherrill declined to comment on the specifics of the bill that reached Murphys desk, and the question will be whether lawmakers are able to enact changes to the current directive or if she will only sign a carbon copy of what already exists. The sanctuary bill was one of three pieces of legislation aimed at protecting immigrants that Murphy weighed in his final days in office. He signed one about creating model policies for safe spaces in the state and vetoed another aimed at limiting data collected by government agencies and health centers, citing a drafting oversight. As she waited anxiously for Murphys decisions on the bills earlier this month, Nedia Morsy, the executive director of immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey, said that New Jersey should not make policy based on fear and that immigrants in the state were experiencing a collective feeling of suffocation. She criticized Murphys vetoes, saying legal experts had already vetted the bills. Sherrill has repeatedly promised to fight Trump and recently said that ICE agents are occupying cities, inciting violence, and violating the Constitution and need to be held accountable for their lawless actions. READ MORE: Mikie Sherrill takes oath as New Jersey governor, becoming the second woman to lead the state Her comments have given some activists hope that she will be willing to work with them. And while a single bill cannot stop ICE from sweeping New Jersey communities, Sinha said, the state can put up safeguards and guardrails through policies like the ones Murphy rejected. I take Gov. Sherrill at her word that she wants to push back against authoritarianism, he added, and to me, that means doing whatever we can to protect immigrants in our state. State Treasurer and Republican candidate for governor Stacy Garrity holds a rally in Bucks County Sept. 25, 2025 at the Newtown Sports & Events Center. Read more Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity on Thursday announced her pick for a running mate in the governors race, as state Republicans mount their campaign to more seriously challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in Novembers election. Jason Richey, a longtime Pittsburgh attorney and chair of the Allegheny County GOP, announced his campaign for lieutenant governor on Thursday morning. Garrity, the state party-endorsed candidate for governor, quickly endorsed him afterward. Advertisement READ MORE: The race between Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity for Pa. governor has officially begun. Heres what you need to know. Garrity said Richey rose to the top as the best candidate to be her running mate to challenge Shapiro. Jason understands the potential Pennsylvania has, but only if our Commonwealth has the right leadership, she said in a news release, noting that he shares her concerns with Shapiros tenure as governor. Jason Richey will not just be an incredible running mate on the campaign trail, but a terrific partner in governing for all the people of Pennsylvania. READ MORE: An America First Patriot: President Donald Trump endorses Stacy Garrity for Pennsylvania governor Until Richeys announcement, few moderate candidates had emerged to run alongside Garrity. Meanwhile, other potential candidates declined to run with her in the uphill battle election against Shapiro, a popular incumbent with a $30 million war chest and a growing national profile. Garrity announced earlier this month she had raised nearly $1.5 million in the first few months of her campaign, from August to December. Richey is running to be Garritys No. 2 among a field of several other potential lieutenant governor candidates, including State Sen. Cris Dush (R., Jefferson) and Bucks County businessman and political newcomer Brian Thomas. Other candidates who have considered a run for lieutenant governor but have yet to announce include former gubernatorial nominee State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin) and former State Rep. Rick Saccone (R., Allegheny). READ MORE: Facing an uphill battle against Gov. Josh Shapiros $30 million war chest, Stacy Garrity still has to convince top Republicans shes worth investing in In Pennsylvania, candidates for lieutenant governor and governor run in the primary election separately. Whoever wins the primary nomination joins on one ticket for the general election. For example, Mastriano won the primary nomination but his endorsed lieutenant governor candidate did not, leading him to run with another running mate in November. At least one of the lieutenant governor candidates Dush said he would run for the office in the primary election even without the partys support. Shapiro is expected to again run unopposed in the Democratic primary, alongside Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the first Black person elected to Pennsylvanias executive branch. We must turn Pennsylvania around now and I believe that Stacy Garrity is the person who can fix Pennsylvania, Richey said in a release Thursday. Im excited to join Stacy on the ticket thats going to save Pennsylvania. Stacy has demonstrated leadership, fiscal discipline, a deep commitment to serving Pennsylvanians and the ability to win statewide. In an interview weeks before he decided to enter the race, Richey said he believed Garrity should pick a lieutenant governor candidate who is politically moderate and comes from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, the states population centers. Earlier this month, Richey said a running mate who has a little more urban understanding, since Garrity hails from a rural part of the state, would make a lot of sense on the Republican ticket. Garrity secured the state party endorsement for governor last fall, as Republicans sought to coalesce around a gubernatorial candidate after their failures to do so in 2022 led to Mastrianos nomination to oppose Shapiro. Mastriano went on to lose to Shapiro by nearly 15 percentage points, or 800,000 votes. Richey ran in 2022 for governor as part of the crowded GOP primary, but withdrew and did not appear on the ballot with the other nine candidates in the running. Garrity, of rural Bradford County, captured President Donald Trumps endorsement earlier this week, in which Trump called her a true America First Patriot, who has been with me from the beginning. Garrity will appear in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center on Thursday for a live taping of the political podcast RUTHLESS, alongside Fox News analyst Guy Benson. In addition to his duties as chair of the Allegheny County GOP, Richey is a partner at K&L Gates law firm in Pittsburgh with a focus on energy law. Richey, 54, lives in a suburb of Pittsburgh with his wife and has three sons. Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article. City Councilmember Kendra Brooks speaks at a news conference unveiling the "ICE Out" legislative package as Councilmember Rue Landau (center) looks on. Read more City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau on Thursday plan to formally introduce their ICE Out legislative package, which aims to place restrictions on federal immigration enforcement operations in Philadelphia. The seven bills range from codifying into law Philadelphias existing sanctuary city policies to a controversial ban on law enforcement officers wearing masks. Almost all of the bills contain exceptions noting that they do not apply if Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents secure judicial warrants for their activities or are acting under superseding federal laws. Advertisement If all of the legislation becomes law, Philadelphia would have some of the nations most stringent local restrictions on federal immigration-enforcement operations. READ MORE: Philly lawmakers want to restrict cooperation with ICE and ban agents from wearing masks Its likely that several of the bills will face legal questions, such as whether the mask ban is constitutional and whether Council has the authority to enact some of the rules the proposals seek to establish. After the bills are introduced Thursday, Council President Kenyatta Johnson will refer them to committee. One or more hearings will likely be scheduled in the spring. At that point, officials from Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration, stakeholders, and experts will testify. Lawmakers could then amend the bills and vote on them in committee. If they advance, they would head to the Council floor for a final vote. In a sign that the bills are likely to gain traction, Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson on Wednesday praised Brooks and Landaus efforts. My heart breaks for everyone who has been impacted by ICEs violent and dangerous actions and for everyone who feels afraid and unsafe in their communities, Gilmore Richardson said, adding that she will work with other Council members to protect our residents. If approved on final passage, the bills would head to Parkers desk. The mayor can veto them, sign them into law, or allow them to become law without her signature. Parker so far has largely avoided confrontation with President Donald Trumps administration over his aggressive deportation campaign. The ICE Out bills may force her to engage more directly. Heres what you need to know about each of the bills. Banning ICE agents from wearing masks Author: Brooks. Key excerpt: A law enforcement officer is guilty of criminal concealment if the law enforcement officer, while performing official duties and interacting with the public . wears a mask, facial covering, disguise or any other garment that obscures the identity of the law enforcement officer, or fails to identify themselves to a subject of arrest, holding or detention." What it does: The bill would ban law enforcement officers from obscuring their identities with masks. It also would require officers to wear badges, and would make it an offense to conceal badges or to decline to provide identifying information if requested by people they are arresting. Additionally, the bill would ban officers from using unmarked vehicles. Exceptions: The bill includes exceptions for undercover assignments, medical or religious masks, SWAT teams, and smoke-filtering masks worn during fires or similar emergencies. How it would be enforced: The district attorney would be able to charge an officer with a summary offense, the lowest level of crime in Pennsylvania. If found guilty, the officer would pay a fine of $300 for each day the law was violated or face up to 90 days in prison. Additionally, the bill would give any individual aggrieved by a violation the right to sue an agent for wearing a mask, with fines up to $2,000 per offense if a judge sides with the plaintiff. Twist: This bill applies to all law enforcement officers, not just ICE agents. That includes city police. It is likely that the Philadelphia Police Department, which sometimes uses unmarked cars, will have something to say about the proposed rules once the bill gets a committee hearing. READ MORE: DA Larry Krasner forms coalition of progressive prosecutors committed to charging federal agents who commit crimes Stopping Philly from coordinating with ICE Author: Brooks. Key excerpt: "No City Agency or Employee shall enter into, renew, or participate in a 287(g) Agreement with the federal government." What it does: The primary objective of this bill is to ensure the city never enters into a 287(g) agreement, in which local law enforcement officers are trained to perform immigration enforcement duties. (The agreement refers to a section of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.) Philadelphia is not currently in a 287(g) agreement, so that provision would not have a significant impact in the near term. But the bill includes several other notable provisions, such as prohibiting city employees from assisting immigration enforcement in any way, and requiring them to report requests to assist ICE to their superiors. How it would be enforced: The city solicitor, Philadelphias top lawyer, would be responsible for suing city agencies or employees who violate the bills provisions. Potential consequences include a $2,000 fine and termination. Prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status in city services Author: Landau. Key excerpt: No City agency, official, employee, contractor or subcontractor shall request information about a persons citizenship or immigration status condition the provision of City benefits, services, or opportunities on a persons citizenship or immigration status or national origin threaten, coerce, or intimidate a person based on their actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status [or] initiate an investigation or take law enforcement action based on a persons actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. What it does: This bill aims to protect individuals from being treated differently based on their immigration status when dealing with city government services. How it would be enforced: The city solicitor or anyone aggrieved by violations of the bill would be able to sue the offending city employee or agency. READ MORE: What are your rights if ICE comes to your home or work? Banning employment discrimination based on immigration status Author: Landau. Key excerpt: It shall be an unlawful employment practice to deny or interfere with the employment opportunities of an individual based upon citizenship or immigration status. What it does: The bill would add citizenship or immigration status to Philadelphias Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on characteristics including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. How it would be enforced: If the bill is approved, Philadelphians who feel their employers have discriminated against them based on their immigration status will be able to file complaints to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Rights, which adjudicates alleged violations of the Fair Practices Ordinance. Withholding data on citizenship and immigration status Author: Landau. Key excerpt: No City agency shall enter into any contractual agreement or arrangement with a federal agency or federal contractor to provide access to any data, database, or dataset where the purpose of such access includes assisting or supporting immigration enforcement operations. What it does: This bill aims to prevent the federal government from accessing city data that could help immigration agents determine individuals citizenship status. It also would require the city to produce an annual report tallying federal data requests related to immigration status and any violations of the bill. How it would be enforced: The city solicitor or any individual aggrieved by violations of the bill would be able to sue the offending city employee or agency. Prohibiting immigration enforcement on city-owned property Author: Brooks. Key excerpt: "It is unlawful to use City-owned or controlled property for the purposes of staging, conducting or assisting federal immigration enforcement activities." What it does: The bill prohibits immigration enforcement operations on city-owned land, such as federal agents making arrests in city parks or ICE staging raids on municipally owned parking lots. The bill also allows city agencies to post signs on municipal property stating: This property is owned and controlled by the City of Philadelphia. It may not be used for immigration enforcement activities. How it would be enforced: The city solicitor may file a lawsuit to ask a judge to order the federal government to cease and desist from using city property. Requiring warrants for nonpublic areas of Safe Community Spaces Author: Brooks. Key excerpt: "No employee or agent engaged in official duties at a Safe Community Place shall have the authority to consent to permitting a law enforcement officer to enter a nonpublic area of the facility to identify, arrest or otherwise impose a penalty upon a person for purposes of federal immigration enforcement." What it does: The bill would effectively require immigration agents to secure judicial warrants to access nonpublic areas in Safe Community Spaces, including city-owned or -controlled hospitals, libraries, courthouses, recreation centers, and other city facilities. Currently, agents can access those areas if they get permission. The proposal also would also require judicial warrants for instances in which law enforcement seeks access to nonpublic areas to identify or impose civil or criminal liability upon a person" exercising protected rights such as the freedom of speech, assembly, and petitioning. Lastly, the bill would require city agencies to identify property that has been, and is likely to be used by, immigration enforcement" and mark it with signage stating: In nonpublic areas of this property, a judicial warrant is required for law enforcement activities and no voluntary consent may be solicited from any employee. How it would be enforced: Only the city solicitor can sue to enforce the bills provisions. Such a suit would not be filed against a federal agent. Instead, it would be filed against a staffer at a Safe Community Space who gave federal agents permission to access nonpublic areas at the facility. Staff writers Anna Orso and Jeff Gammage contributed to this article. City Councilmembers Rue Landau, center, and Kendra Brooks, not pictured, on Thursday introduced the "ICE Out" legislative package, which has 15 cosponsors including Council President Kenyatta Johnson, left. Read more All but two of Philadelphias 17 City Council members have sponsored a package of legislation aimed at limiting ICE operations in the city, a level of support that could ensure the measures become law even if they are opposed by the mayor. The 15 cosponsors, confirmed Thursday by a spokesperson for Councilmember Kendra Brooks, indicate a potentially veto-proof majority of lawmakers back the sweeping ICE Out effort. Advertisement Brooks and Councilmember Rue Landau, the proposals authors, on Thursday formally introduced the seven bills in the package, which includes measures that would codify Phillys sanctuary city status, ban U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating on city-owned property, and prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of immigration status. Landau said that reaching a majority sends a clear message. Philadelphia stands with our immigrant communities, she said in a statement. At a moment when the federal government is using fear and violence as governing strategies, this level of support shows that Council will do everything we can to protect our immigrant neighbors. The 15 lawmakers on board with Brooks and Landaus proposal have each cosponsored all seven bills, Brooks spokesperson Eric Rosso said. Only Councilmembers Mike Driscoll, a Democrat, and Brian ONeill, Councils lone Republican, declined to cosponsor the legislation, he said. Driscoll, who represents lower Northeast Philadelphia, said in a statement that the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis this month caused real pain and fear and deserve serious attention. But he indicated that he had concerns about whether the ICE Out legislation would hold up in court. Similar legislation, including a California ban on law enforcement officers wearing masks, has faced legal challenges. Locally, we should aim for immigration policies that are focused, proactive and aimed at practical, long-term solutions that ultimately hold up in court, he said. Driscoll said he is open to amended versions of the legislation. ONeill, whose district covers much of Northeast Philadelphia, could not immediately be reached for comment. The developments Thursday prompted Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to make one of her first public comments about President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign, saying in a statement that her administration understand[s] the publics fear of the unknown as it relates to federal policy associated with immigration. We have a comprehensive approach to public safety, and we will always be prepared for any emergency, as we have consistently demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate, Parker said. I have a great deal of faith in our public safety leaders our subject matter experts who I asked to be a part of this team and were going to do our best to work in an intergovernmental fashion, along with City Council, to keep every Philadelphian safe. Parker said she and her team are reviewing the legislation. The mayor has largely avoided confrontation with Trumps administration over immigration policy, a strategy some have speculated has helped keep Philadelphia from the National Guard deployments or surges of ICE agents seen in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. READ MORE: Why hasnt Trump sent troops to Philly, the city where bad things happen? Everyone has a theory. But the popularity of the ICE Out package among Council members may force her to wade into the issue. Administration officials will testify when the bills are called up for committee hearings. If they are approved, Parker will have the choice of signing the bills into law, vetoing them, or letting them become law without her signature. Council bills require nine votes for passage, and 12 votes are needed to override mayoral vetoes. With 15 Council members already signaling their approval for the bills, chances appear strong that the citys legislative branch has the numbers to override any opposition. READ MORE: Philly lawmakers want to restrict cooperation with ICE and ban agents from wearing masks In a Council speech, Brooks addressed the debate over whether the legislation would draw Trumps ire. Staying silent is not an option when people are being publicly executed in the streets and the federal government is covering up their murders, Brooks, of the progressive Working Families Party, said. I want to be clear: ICE is already here. We dont want a Minneapolis situation, but I reject the claim of those who are pretending we dont already have a problem. Council President Kenyatta Johnson, a centrist Democrat and an ally of Parker, shared a similar view. From my perspective, the Trump administration has already been looking at the city, Johnson told reporters. Overall, the majority of members of City Council support the legislation, and so we see this legislation being successfully voted out of committee. ICE agents have been arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in the city before and during Trumps tenure, and his administration has canceled grants for the city and educational and medical institutions in Philadelphia. But the city has not seen a mass deployment of ICE agents or federalized troops. Councilmember Anthony Phillips, also a centrist and Parker ally, represents the 9th District, from which the mayor hails. What the ICE Out legislation ultimately says to Donald Trump, Phillips said, is that no matter what you try to do to undermine the health and safety and well-being of Philadelphia citizens, we will stand up to you. Johnson suggested potential legal issues could be ironed out through amendments if needed. The reality is this: This is a moral issue, right? he said. And if there are any legality issues that has to be addressed as a body, well work with our members to address it. Next, Johnson will refer the legislation to committee, where members will hold one or more hearings featuring testimony from administration officials, experts, stakeholders, and the public. Council members can also amend the bills in committee. Supporters of the legislation packed Council chambers Thursday morning, and many spoke during public comment, ranging from leaders of advocacy organizations to a former immigration judge to immigrants who tearfully pleaded for Council to pass the package swiftly. Several Spanish-speaking residents spoke through interpreters; other residents testified on behalf of friends or family members who are undocumented and were fearful to come to City Hall themselves. A school nurse told Council members that her students have asked her what tear gas feels like. The traumatic effects of these [ICE] raids on our children and our families and our communities will last for years and generations to come, said Jeannine Cicco Barker, a South Philadelphia psychologist who said she is the daughter of immigrants. These times call for bold, brave new measures to protect our community, and you have a chance to do some of that here. Philly urgently needs these protections. Ethan Tan, who said he is an immigrant and a father of two, said he is fearful for his family and community. To this administration, fear is the point. Alienation is the point. Isolation is the point, he said. The ICE Out package says to me and immigrants that we may be afraid, but we can show solidarity and resolve anyway. A federal judge on Tuesday allowed Vineyard Wind to resume work on its Massachusetts offshore wind project, which President Donald Trumps administration halted along with four other projects last month due to national security concerns. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, is the latest of several recent legal setbacks for Trumps anti-offshore wind policy. An Interior Department spokesperson said the agency had no comment on pending litigation. Vineyard Wind, a $4.5 billion joint venture between Spains Iberdrola and Denmarks Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is the fourth project paused by the Interior Departments December 22 order to receive a reprieve from a federal court. The government paused the projects due to what it said was new, classified information on risks to national security from radar interference. The injunctions have given developers of multi-billion dollar projects what could be temporary relief to continue construction while their underlying lawsuits, which seek to permanently block the administrations order, proceed. Vineyard Wind is 95% completed and has been sending power to the grid for more than a year. The administrations order allowed the project to continue producing electricity during what was meant to be a 90-day pause. In a statement, Vineyard Wind said it would focus on restarting construction safely. As the legal process proceeds, Vineyard Wind will continue to work with the Administration to understand the matters raised in the order, the company said. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Sonali Paul) Topics Legislation Construction Massachusetts The owner of the Massachusetts assisted living facility Gabriel House where 10 people were killed and 30 injured in a fire last July has been denied access to insurance proceeds he told a court are needed to repair the facility and pay employees and taxes. Judge Joseph Ditkoff of the Massachusetts Appeals Court rejected a bid by Dennis Etzkorn, a member of the real estate ownership trust and owner of the assisted living services firm Gabriel Care that operated the facility, to access the funds due under a $6 million property insurance policy issued by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. The New Bedford assisted living business has no liability insurance. Etzkorn, along with other parties, faces multiple wrongful death and other lawsuits stemming from the fatal fire. The hold on insurance proceeds was requested by a man whose mother died in the fire. The appeals court upheld a ruling by Bristol Superior Court Judge Raffi N. Yessayan imposing the insurance attachment. The court has also approved an attachment on the real estate itself that blocks the owners from selling or transferring the property. Massachusetts law says an attachment can be imposed where there is a reasonable likelihood that the plaintiffs will recover a judgment equal to or greater than the attachment over and above any liability insurance available to satisfy the judgment. Etzkorn tried to argue that while a sizable judgment may be likely against Gabriel Care, such a judgment was less likely against the real estate trust that took out the insurance policy and thus the attachment was in error. The judge rejected this argument, noting that the trust and Gabriel Care, Inc. are interchangeable and that Etzkorn conceded that the insurance proceeds would be available to Gabriel Care to pay employees. Appeals Court Judge Ditkoff noted that the Superior Court judge found that the plaintiff is likely to recover more than the insurance proceeds at issue, and that there is no applicable liability insurance at all and the defendants raised no challenge to either finding. I can discern no error, Ditkoff wrote in a two-page opinion. Etzkorn also had tried to argue that delaying his access to the insurance monies would place Liberty Mutual in violation of the states consumer protection and insurance claims laws. But Liberty Mutual told the court that Etzkorn was misstating the laws and that it could and would obey any court order. The owners received about $550,000 in insurance claims payments since the fire and before the attachment that they said they used to pay taxes, mortgage and salaries. They argued that not having the remaining insurance funds from the $6 million policy would mean the business would likely fail and the building deteriorate and lose value. One unusual turn in the case has been the discovery that Gabriel House has no liability insurance for the business. Massachusetts, like most states, does not require assisted living facilities to have liability coverage. The Gabriel House owners have blamed the fire on one of the other defendants in the victims lawsuits, Fire Systems Inc. (FSI), claiming it was responsible for faulty fire protection systems in the facility. FSI has denied any liability and countered with a lawsuit that includes a claim that the owners breached their contract with FSI by not having liability insurance. FSI has also asked the court to extend the attachments to the owners personal assets. Photo: Boards cover the windows of the Gabriel House assisted living facility, where a fire on Sunday killed several people, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Fall River, Mass. (AP Photo/Kimberlee Kruesi) A second Russia-linked oil tanker lost control as it was entering the Mediterranean Sea in under a week. The medium-range vessel Chariot Tide first showed signs of difficulty as it approached Tangier, Morocco, on Jan. 21, when its speed abruptly dropped to less than two knots. Hours later the vessels navigation status was changed to Not under command, a designation indicating a loss of control that would mean it cant avoid other ships. By Wednesday, its operational status had shifted to in casualty or repairing. Last week, another tanker, the Progress, also showed as not under command while on a similar route. The same day, the French navy boarded another oil carrier involved in the Russian trade and took it to a port near Marseille. Read more: Another Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker Runs Into Difficulties That two tankers hauling Russian oil have run into navigational difficulties in quick succession will give alarm critics, who argue that a fleet that Moscow assembled to beat western sanctions poses an environmental risk. The vessels often sanctioned can lack adequate insurance, and sail under questionable flags with opaque ownership structures. Over the next two days, the Chariot Tide passed slowly through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea, stopping at various points along the way without entering a port. By Saturday morning, it had cleared the Spanish exclave of Ceuta and was heading into the Mediterranean at speeds of between three and four knots, while still indicating it was not under command. It remains off the coast of Morocco. After appearing to lose way in the busy waters of the western Alboran Sea for almost a full day, the tankers navigation status was changed to Under way using engine on Sunday morning, although it continued to move eastward at speeds of under two knots. The tanker was shadowed for a while by the Spanish tug Maria Zambrano. What Not under command means: The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, defines Not Under Command as follows: The term vessel not under command means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to manoeuvre as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%201050/volume-1050-I-15824-English.pdf Such circumstances generally include, but are not limited to: Steering gear failure Engine failure/propulsion loss Loss of power Unexpected damage The 19-year-old Chariot Tide was sanctioned by both the European Union and the UK for its involvement in the Russian oil trade, under its former name of Marbella Sun. It is carrying a cargo of about 300,000 barrels of diesel, loaded at the Russian Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, according to data from intelligence company Kpler. Its trip to the Baltic was the Chariot Tides first voyage since leaving a shipyard in Turkey in November, vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show. The vessels signals indicate that it was heading for the Moroccan port of Tangier when it ran into trouble. Past voyages have also seen it deliver Russian diesel to North African ports, according to Kpler. The ships manager is Clariton Shipping Ltd., registered in the Marshall Islands, according to the Equasis international shipping database, which offers no other means of contacting the company. International Registries Inc., which is affiliated with The Marshall Islands Maritime and Corporate Registries said that Clariton Shipping was forcibly annulled on 7 February 2025 and is no longer an active entity. Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Energy Oil Gas Russia Europes food safety regulator will publish advice on what is an acceptable level of the toxin currently at the heart of one of the biggest infant formula recalls in history. The European Food Safety Authority will establish an acute reference dose for cereulide in infant formula, effectively setting a threshold level which if exceeded would trigger a recall, the group announced on Wednesday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. It will also provide information on typical and higher-end consumption levels of infant formula. The move comes after the worlds largest infant formula producer, Nestle SA recalled hundreds of products potentially contaminated with cereulide, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, in more than 60 countries. French authorities are currently investigating whether two infant deaths are linked to consumption of Nestles Guigoz formula. Read more: Dairy Giants Rush to Recall Infant Formula After Expanding Contamination Scare Rivals Danone SA and Groupe Lactalis and other smaller producers have also since recalled some products. Nestle traced the contamination to arachidonic acid oil obtained from a single supplier, whom it declined to name publicly. The supplier has since been identified as Chinas Cabio Biotech Wuhan Co. The timing of the recall is difficult for Nestles Chief Executive Officer Philipp Navratil, who is slashing costs and trying to boost the companys performance. His mantra should now include quality through the supply chain after the recent infant milk formula recall that may harm Nestles reputation more than its profitability, Bloomberg Intelligences Duncan Fox wrote. Although the infant formula industry is highly regulated it still struggles to balance infant nutrition and safety, especially as companies lengthen the supply chain by adding ingredients to make their formulas more closely resemble breast milk. In 2020, the European Commission required fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, known as DHA, be added to breast milk. Some pediatricians followed by recommending ARA oil also be added in equal or higher quantities, leading to a large increase in the use of the ingredient in formulas. EU legislation establishes maximum levels for certain chemical contaminants in food, according to Beat Spath, the secretary-general of trade group Specialised Nutrition Europe. He said it was right for the blocs food authority to try to figure out scientifically what is a harmonized threshold level for cereulide in formula. This may or may not lead to additional recalls, but it should provide more clarity and regulatory certainty with an appropriate science-based threshold, he added. The food authority will publish its opinion on cereulide next week but in order to become policy it would need to be adopted by the Commission and EU countries. Nestle has long been calling for nations to harmonize their policies and testing procedures. Photograph: A bottle of milk prepared from infant formula. Photo credit: Giulia Marchi/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Europe The U.S. Department of Commerce is preparing to open a national artificial-intelligence center in San Francisco, putting it closer to firms at the center of some of the governments most high-profile initiatives. In addition to the Bay Area, AI export officials will be based in cities across the U.S., according to a Commerce official, who asked not to be identified. The Trump administration is looking to increase the countrys edge in AI and defense, industries that are largely based in California. It also aims to exploit natural resources in the state to increase the nations energy independence and bolster its geopolitical leverage. The president has engaged in recent public spats with California Gov. Gavin Newsom whos weighing a presidential run and sought to wield more influence in state matters. In recent weeks, the administration has intervened in key energy projects there, including a hydro-power dam, bans on natural gas and an oil pipeline. This month, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also announced a key trade deal with Taiwan, with the self-governed islands technology industry committing to making at least $250 billion in direct investments to expand advanced semiconductor, energy and AI operations in the U.S. Top photo: The Transamerica Pyramid building, right, stands in the skyline of downtown in this aerial photograph taken above San Francisco, California. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will put Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin in charge of helping homeowners get permits to rebuild after the California wildfires last January. Related: Trump Orders Federal Takeover of LA Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts Im going to put you in charge of getting permits. I think were going to override the local authorities, Trump said, addressing Zeldin, at an event in Washington. Related: The Return Period for An LA Wildfire-Scale Event May Be Shorter Than You Think (Reporting by Erickson; Writing by Ryan Patrick Jones; editing by Costas Pitas) Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Louisiana U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating a Waymo autonomous vehicle that struck a child near a school in Santa Monica, California, the second recent probe to examine the behavior of the Alphabet Inc. units robotaxis near children. The vehicle collided with the child who was running across a street from behind a double-parked SUV, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday in a notice disclosing the probe. The Jan. 23 incident took place within two blocks of an elementary school during drop off hours, with children, a crossing guard and other double parked vehicles nearby, NHTSA said. Waymo, which announced the incident earlier, said the child sustained minor injuries, according to the regulator. Related: NTSB Opens Probe Into Waymo Robotaxis Passing Stopped School Buses The episode adds to federal scrutiny of how Waymos autonomous robotaxis handle encounters near young pedestrians. The company is already under examination in Austin, after multiple instances in which its vehicles drove past or failed to fully stop for school buses that were loading or unloading students. NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations into the Austin incidents. The NTSB probe, which was announced last week, follows a voluntary software recall from Waymo in December. Waymo acknowledged the Santa Monica incident in a blog post late Wednesday, saying its autonomous driving system immediately detected the child and braked hard to slow from about 17 miles per hour to under 6 miles per hour before the collision. The company defended its autonomous driving system, saying its peer-reviewed model showed that a fully attentive human driver in the same situation would have struck the child at roughly 14 miles per hour. This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver, the company said. NHTSA said it would examine whether the Waymo vehicle exercised appropriate caution and the automated driving systems intended behavior in and around school zones. Related: Rideshare Drivers Protest Robotaxis as California Considers More Regulations Waymo charges fares for fully autonomous rides without a human safety monitor in half a dozen US cities, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, as well as rides through Uber Technologies Inc. in Austin and Atlanta. It also plans to aggressively expand the service this year in many more American cities as well as in the UK. The company is well-funded by its parent, Google, and a top-tier list of external investors. Waymo is currently raising more than $15 billion at a valuation of nearly $100 billion, Bloomberg reported last month. Top photo: Waymo vehicles at a charging station in Santa Monica, California. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics California K-12 The countrys busiest sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) saw a 12% increase in the numbers of people presenting to it in 2025. The SATU at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin city centre now accounts for 41% of all attendances across the countrys six units. In a statement, the head of National SATU Services said the record level of activity reflects the sustained demand for trauma-informed care and the vital role the Rotunda unit plays in the country. The Rotundas SATU provides specialist, trauma-informed care to people aged 14 and over who have experienced rape or sexual assault. The increase in cases at the Rotunda, positioned at the top of OConnell Street, reflects a general rise in cases nationally. SATUs provide 24/7 specialist care to people who have experienced sexual violence, including medical care, forensic examination, evidence storage, and access to psychological support. The service is provided regardless of whether individuals choose to report to An Garda Siochana. The SATU statement said the majority of those attending identified as female, with people accessing care at the Rotunda SATU ranging in age from under 14 to over 70. Professor Maeve Eogan, clinical lead for National SATU Services and consultant at The Rotunda Hospital said: Every person who attends the Rotunda SATU is seeking care, safety and support at an extremely difficult time. 2025 was an exceptionally busy year for the Rotunda SATU, with a sustained level of demand throughout the year. She said the team worked tirelessly to ensure that people were seen promptly and supported with dignity and care. But these figures clearly demonstrate the ongoing pressure on specialist services and the need to plan for continued demand, she said. Prof. Eogan said demand remained consistently high throughout the year, with June identified as the busiest month and Wednesdays the busiest day of the week. She said: While most incidents occurred overnight and at weekends, the majority of people attended the service during daytime hours, highlighting the need for sustained staffing and resources across the full week. Where urgent care was required, the majority were seen within three hours of requesting support, and nearly 90% of people had the opportunity to speak with a psychological support worker at their first attendance. She added: Care pathways at Rotunda SATU included forensic examination with An Garda Siochana, evidence storage, and a health-check option, ensuring people could access medical care and support regardless of whether they chose to engage with the criminal justice system. Prof. Eogan said the record level of activity they are experiencing highlights the vital role of SATU services and the importance of continued investment and support to ensure the service can meet growing demand. Ongoing funding is essential to maintain 24/7 specialist care, support highly trained staff and ensure that all patients can access the care they need in a safe and compassionate environment, she said. The five other SATUs are in Cork, Donegal, Galway, Mullingar and Waterford. Residents of a Cork village remain concerned about the site of a piggery which contained asbestos, over nine months after the structure was demolished. The piggery was knocked down on April 12 and 13, 2025. Immediately after the demolition, concerns about the presence of asbestos at the site led to the cancellation of GAA games on a neighbouring pitch, while the local playground was also empty in the immediate aftermath. While some clean-up of the site has been carried out, it has not been completed and residents remain concerned. Asbestos has been linked to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is now illegal to place asbestos or asbestos-containing products on the market, though it is often present in buildings constructed before the millennium. Subsequent testing of materials at the Grenagh site proved residents' fears there was asbestos in the building. As a result, material at the site is being dampened on a daily basis. A number of meetings have been held with local residents by representatives of Cork County Council, including one in early January. It is understood that while some work was carried out last August, the site has remained untouched since. David Manning of the Grenagh Residents Sub-Committee said: The community is now living with constant uncertainty around the future of this site. He said the locals felt let down by the progress in clearing the site. In a letter to the council last year, the group said: The children of this community now face yearsperhaps even decades before they will know whether these reckless actions have had serious, life-altering consequences. The letter also asked that the community need to be given written information on planned dates, times, hours of work, extent of supervision of work by Cork County Council, HSE, and HSA [Health and Safety Authority]". "We will also need to know who will be allowed on site during the clean-up and how this will be supervised and managed," it said. A spokesman for Cork County Council said: The council continues to engage with representatives of the local community and elected representatives and met with the group earlier this month. Further updates will be provided to this group shortly in relation to the lands in question. The threat of war between the US and Iran appeared to loom closer after Donald Trump told Tehran time was running out and that a huge US armada was moving quickly towards the country with great power, enthusiasm and purpose. Writing on social media, the US president said on Wednesday that the fleet headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was larger than the one sent to Venezuela before the removal of Nicolas Maduro earlier this month and was prepared to rapidly fulfil its missions with speed and violence if necessary. Trump said: Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didnt, and there was Operation Midnight Hammer, a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again. Read More EU poised to sanction Irans Revolutionary Guard over protest crackdown It was the starkest indication yet from Trump that he intends to mount some kind of military strike imminently if Iran refuses to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme. The post also reflects a remarkable shift in the White Houses stated rationale for sending a carrier strike group to the region, moving away from outrage over the death of protesters to the fate of Tehrans nuclear programme. Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting earlier this month, telling them help is on its way, but he later backtracked on the grounds that the killing has stopped. There is speculation that he actually held back because he did not have enough military assets in the area, Gulf States had urged restraint and Israel had counselled it needed more time to prepare for likely reprisals from Iran. This handout photograph from the U.S. Navy shows sailors taxiing an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean. Picture: Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson/U.S. Navy via AP Activists say more than 30,000 people were killed during the recent unrest. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, told the Senate on Wednesday that thousands had been killed and said the Iranian government was probably weaker than it has ever been since the 1979 revolution. Iranian missiles and drones could still pose a threat to US personnel in the region though, he added. About 30,000 US military personnel were within the reach of an array of thousands of Iranian one-way UAVs and Iranian short-range ballistic missiles that threaten our troop presence, Rubio said. We have to have enough personnel in the region to defend against that possibility. Trump would also maintain the preemptive defensive option of striking Iran if there were indications that it was planning an attack on US troops, he said. They certainly have the capability because theyve amassed thousands and thousands of ballistic missiles that theyve built. European diplomats had been expecting a crisis to develop over the weekend and detected signs of Israeli nervousness about the scale of possible Iranian reprisals. Warning from Iran of immediate response In a social media post written in Hebrew, Ali Shamkani, a senior adviser to the Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, said: Any military action by America, from any source and at any level, will be considered the beginning of a war, and the response will be immediate, comprehensive and unprecedented, directed at the aggressor, at the heart of Tel Aviv and at all its supporters. The Gulf States and Turkey have been speaking to both sides, trying to find common ground between Iran and the US, but Tehran has said it will not negotiate under duress or with preconditions. Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that a deal with Iran ought to happen. He told CNBC: Obviously, the deal has to do with missiles. It has to do with enrichment. It has to do with non-state actor proxies. It has to do with [Irans stockpile of nuclear] material. It has become clear in recent days that Trump is interested in curbing not just the remains of Irans already shattered nuclear programme but also its ability to fire long-range missiles, always seen as the centrepiece of Iranian military projection. In recent weeks Trump has also suggested Khamenei must leave the world stage, a demand Iran will reject. A man walks among vehicles in front of a billboard depicting a damaged U.S. aircraft carrier with disabled fighter jets on its deck and a sign reading in Farsi and English, "If you sow the wind, you'll reap the whirlwind," at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Square in Tehran, Iran. Picture: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi Asked by Senator John Cornyn about the potential for a change of regime in Iran, Rubio said: Youre talking about a regime thats been in place for a very long time So thats going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself. I dont think anyone can give you a simple answer to what happens next in Iran if the supreme leader and the regime were to fall. Some will see the sudden escalation of the threat as a useful piece of distraction at a time when Trump is under domestic political pressure over the violence administered by homeland security officers in Minnesota. The Iranian mission at the UN in New York said: The last time the US blundered into the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it wasted $7tn, and over 7,000 American lives were lost. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respects and interests but if pushed it will defend itself and respond like never before. Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he was not prepared to negotiate under threats but he was willing to talk without preconditions, terms he had relayed via numerous intermediaries to Witkoff. Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea, he posted on X on Wednesday night. At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Irans rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. In the last 24 hours, Araghchi and the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, have between them spoken to diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. All three Arab states will be feverishly exploring ways to reopen talks without Iran having to accept a preconditioned result. They were critical in persuading Trump to hold back from mounting an attack three weeks ago, but Trump now has greater flexibility of military options and seems more focused on a nuclear deal rather than punishing Iran for the bloody suppression of street protests. There is deep suspicion in Tehran about talking to the US since the two sides were in the middle of talks last June when Israel was given clearance by the US to mount an attack on Iran designed to decapitate its leadership and destroy its civil nuclear sites. Hakan Fidan, the Turkish foreign minister, urged the US to detach its wider demands about Irans missile programme and support for militia in the region from the nuclear file. He said he thought that if Witkoff insisted on putting all items on to the table at once, Iran would not respond. Trump has insisted that Iran abandon its domestic nuclear enrichment programme, permit UN nuclear inspectors to return and hand its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third party, most likely Russia. Iran has always held out against abandoning its domestic capacity to enrich uranium but has been willing to set rigid limits on its stockpile. Since the last round of negotiations ended with an Israeli and US attack killing 1,000 people and severely damaging its key nuclear sites, Iran has been weakened further by a plunging currency and rampant inflation. With the nuclear sites already damaged, the key targets in any attack would likely be Irans leadership. Junes attack revealed Israel had near total dominance of the skies above Iran. Almost all the Gulf states, fearful of Iranian reprisals, have said they are not willing to allow the US to use their airspace or bases to mount an attack on Iran. Iranian officials said: We will target the same base and the same point from which air operations against us are launched, and we will not attack countries because we do not consider them to be enemy countries. We will increase our level of defence readiness against the US military buildup to the highest level. If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will accept it. - Guardian A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight, authorities said on Thursday. The incident came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow is building up for another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks at the weekend. The Zaporizhzhia strike caused a major blaze in an apartment building, according to emergency services. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Mr Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he added. Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 600-mile front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting almost four years after Russia launched its devastating all-out invasion of Ukraine. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Russia (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach two million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since the Second World War, according to an international think tank report published on Tuesday. Russia launched more than 6,000 drones at Ukraine over the past month alone, according to Ukraines defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Russia is constantly improving its drones and its tactics, he said late on Wednesday, prompting Ukraine to shift its air defence strategy, though he gave no details of the changes. 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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 Guizhou's agricultural processing rate surges to 70 pct over five years People's Daily Online) 15:15, January 29, 2026 Output from the primary sector surpassed 300 billion yuan ($43 billion) in southwest China's Guizhou Province over the past five years, while the agricultural processing rate rose from 51 percent in 2020 to 70 percent in 2025, according to a provincial government work report delivered at the fourth session of the 14th Guizhou Provincial People's Congress, which opened in Guiyang on Jan. 27 The agricultural processing rate is a key indicator of overall production capacity. Over the past five years, Guizhou has shifted its approach to agricultural development, improving efficiency in agriculture, boosting farmers' incomes and injecting new vitality into rural areas. Workers pack sweet potato noodles at a production line of a rural food factory in Sinan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiang Dingjie) The province implemented responsibility systems for farmland protection and food security, and launched initiatives to enhance grain and oil production, storage and processing capabilities. For five consecutive years, Guizhou exceeded national targets for grain planting area and output, with grain yield per unit area recording an average annual growth rate of 1.9 percent. The province fulfilled its grain and oil reserve targets ahead of schedule during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the report sets an ambitious target for Guizhou to post an average annual growth rate of about 3.5 percent in agricultural output. In 2026, Guizhou will prioritize improving the quality and efficiency of its agricultural sector. To strengthen the supply of major agricultural products, the province will vigorously develop modern facility-based agriculture and smart agriculture. It will consolidate and upgrade 800,000 mu (53,333 hectares) of vegetable production areas and step up efforts to address winter and spring shortages of tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and eggplants. The province will also ensure stable pork and livestock supplies, advance construction of six facilities each raising 1 million laying hens and promote integrated dairy farming and processing. In developing specialty agricultural industries, Guizhou will focus on variety improvement, quality enhancement, brand building, standardized production and market expansion. The province will actively develop its signature industries, including tea, chili peppers, beef cattle, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and edible fungi. Tailoring measures to local conditions, it will accelerate development of the non-timber forest economy, strengthen the forestry industry and continue upgrading deep-processing capabilities for agricultural products. Output value from specialty agricultural industries is expected to grow by about 4 percent. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Click here to donate via PayPal. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) By Wesley Morgan, UNSW Sydney (The Conversation) The past three years have been the worlds hottest on record. In 2025, Earth was 1.44C warmer than the long-term average, perilously close to breaching the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5C. This warming is fuelling Australias current record-breaking heatwave. Other consequences are visible globally, from Irans crippling drought to catastrophic wildfires and unprecedented floods in the United States to deadly cyclones hitting southern Asia. We know what to do to tackle the climate crisis: replace fossil fuels with clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, electric vehicles and batteries. We are well on our way. Globally, the power produced by renewables overtook coal last year. Petrostates such as Saudi Arabia and the US have made trillions from oil and gas. Now they are fighting a rearguard action to prolong fossil fuels. The US is pushing European nations to buy its gas, for instance. But most countries have seen the writing on the wall. In November, the COP31 climate talks in Turkey are expected to deliver a global roadmap away from fossil fuels. Dozens of countries will meet in Colombia in April to fast-track the transition. The road ahead is bumpy. But the end of fossil fuels may finally be coming into view. No holding back clean energy Theres no one trying harder to slow the clean energy transition than US president Donald Trump. During his bid to return to the White House, Trump pressed oil executives for US$1 billion (A$1.4 bn) in campaign finance, promising a windfall in return. In 2025, he increased subsidies for fossil fuel producers, weakened environmental laws, gutted Biden-era support for clean energy and moved to block clean energy projects, even some near completion. The US is now one of the worlds biggest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil. But clean energy growth has proved difficult to kill. Despite Trumps efforts, domestic solar generation is still expected to grow 46% in the next two years while electricity output from fossil fuel plants falls. Trump is betting fossil fuels are the key to future American power. He made no secret of the fact the US military raid on Venezuela earlier this month was aimed at increasing oil production. He has implored US oil companies to invest billions to revive the countrys battered oil infrastructure. The response was lukewarm. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said Venezuela was uninvestable. Developing Venezuelas oil reserves assumes there will be demand for decades to come. But the world now faces an oversupply of oil, even as sales of electric vehicles grow strongly in many countries. Last month, battery electric vehicles outsold petrol cars for the first time in Europe. Electrostates rising While the US doubles down on 20th century fossil fuels, China is betting on an electric 21st century. It is emerging as the first electrostate, dominating production and export of solar, wind, batteries and EVs. China is now the worlds biggest car exporter. Most new Chinese cars are powered by batteries, not oil. Chinas manufacturing might has driven down the price of batteries, the main cost of EVs. As EVs get cheaper, emerging economies are finding they can leapfrog fossil fuels and move straight to solar panels and EVs even if the national power grid is limited or unreliable. Commodity price trends show surging global demand for copper, silver and other metals needed for mass electrification. Worldwide, investment in clean energy technologies first overtook fossil fuel investment ten years ago. In 2025, clean investment was more than double the investment in coal, oil and gas. Clean energy is where the world is headed, whether Trump likes it or not. China, India and Pakistan are rapidly making the shift to renewable power. Developing nations from Nepal to Ethiopia are taking up electric transport to slash the cost of importing fossil fuels. A new roadmap away from fossil fuels This week, the US formally withdrew from the Paris Agreement. But no other country has followed. For decades, the COP talks have focused on cutting emissions without dealing directly with the use of coal, oil and gas. But at the 2023 talks, nearly 200 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. At last years COP30 talks, host nation Brazil proposed a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. More than 80 countries backed the idea, including Australia, but pushback from Saudi Arabia and Russia kept it out of the final outcomes. In response, Brazil is working to develop a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. This or something similar may be formally adopted at the next climate talks in November. While COP31 will be held in Turkey, Australian climate minister Chris Bowen will have a key role as President of Negotiations and will steer global discussion ahead of the summit. Bowen plans to lobby petrostates to support a managed shift away from fossil fuels, drawing on Australias experience as a major exporter of coal and LNG facing its own transition. Korea Australias third largest market for thermal coal will retire its entire coal fleet by 2040. Government modelling suggests Australias coal and gas exports could plummet 50% in value in five years as global demand falls. Independent modelling suggests the decline for coal could happen even faster if countries meet their climate targets. Policymakers must plan to manage this transition. Coalitions of the willing? Frustrated by slow progress, a coalition of nations is separately discussing how to phase out fossil fuels. The first conference will take place in April in Colombia. Here, delegates will discuss how to wind down fossil fuels while protecting workers and financial systems. Some nations want to negotiate a standalone treaty to manage the phase-out. Conference outcomes will also feed back into the UN climate talks. Pacific island nations aim to be the worlds first 100% renewable region. Ahead of COP31, Australia and island nations will meet to progress this. Photo of EV charging by JUICE on Unsplash Progress is happening In an ideal world, nations would rapidly tackle the existential threat of climate change together. We dont live in that world. But it may not matter. The shift to clean electric options has its own momentum. The question is whether the shift away from coal, oil and gas will be orderly or chaotic. Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) A Dutch court in the Hague has ordered the government to take steps to protect the Caribbean island of Bonaire from the effects of human-caused climate change, according to Dutchnews.com. Actually, they ordered the entire Dutch government to get its act together on fighting climate change, including in Europe. The ruling has implications far beyond Bonaire or the Netherlands, since it could influence the Court of Justice of the European Union and the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. One of the plaintiffs, Jackie Bernabela, said at a press conference, For us, this means so much. In 2019 the Dutch Supreme Court ordered the government to reduce greenhouse emissions in order to carry out its duty of protecting its citizens, a requirement of European Union law. The Netherlands gets only a medium ranking for the adoption of green energy and is unlikely to meet its Paris Climate Treaty obligations. The judges were particularly upset that the Netherlands is not doing anything for climate resiliency in Bonaire, though it is taking such steps for the European part of the Netherlands. Judge Jerzy Luiten said that his country is pursuing a climate policy that does not comply, in a binding and transparent manner, with the measures that must be taken worldwide to limit global warming. Judges may yet help save us all. The judges said in their ruling that the residents of Bonaire were wrongly treated differently from residents of the European Netherlands. The Netherlands chapter of Greenpeace writes, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius have been special municipalities of the Netherlands since 2010, but the Dutch government has almost no plans to protect the islands against flooding caused by the rising sea level. This is in stark contrast to the extensive coastal protection in the European part of the Netherlands. Greenpeace was a co-plaintiff with 8 Bonaire residents, and they prevailed in part because of this invidious set of policies. The Netherlands has done almost nothing for climate resilience in its Caribbean territories. Some of them are special municipal areas, like Bonaire, while others, like Sint Maarten are countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A study by scientists at the Amsterdam Free University (Vrije Universiteit) found that Bonaire is especially vulnerable. First, some of the island is low-lying, and so those parts could be under water as soon as 2050. Second, Bonaire is protected from storm surges by coral reefs. But coral reefs dont do well with heated water and acidic water, which is what climate change is producing. Ive been to Sint Maarten a couple of times, which is also a Dutch territory in the Caribbean (on an island shared with the French territory of St. Martin). I even wrote an article for The Nation on the climate change challenges it faces, which are similar to those of Bonaire. I explained, Coral reefs attract and protect fish, helping fishermen, and are a favorite tourist feature for snorkelers and divers. A Nature Foundation report noted of Sint Maartens reefs, They are also a very important ecosystem for the local and global biodiversity. [Environmentalist Tadzio] Bervoets said, We have seen coral bleaching because of heat stress.' I continued, Corals are symbiotic, cohabiting with a kind of algae that live in the corals tissue, and are capable of photosynthesis, turning light into energy. These single-celled algae also promote calcium formation, extending the coral reef. Unfortunately, they do not deal well with extra-warm water. And the industrialized worlds addiction to burning gasoline in automobiles and coal and natural gas for electricity is heating up the earth, including its oceans. The high temperatures interfere in the algaes ability to carry out photosynthesis, thus damaging the coral. As for Bonaire, Greenpeace writes, If global emissions are not significantly reduced, a fifth of Bonaire is in danger of being lost to the sea by the end of this century. If emissions are not reduced fast enough, even the capital Kralendijk is at risk of flooding. Photo of Bonaire by Israel Gil on Unsplash Greenpeace warns that under the worst climate impacts, Bonaires coral reefs, which attract divers, will be reduced to only 13 diving spots out of the present 86 by 2050. If humanity doesnt stop burning so much gasoline, fossil gas and coal, all of the islands corals could be gone by 2100. Tourism brings in a quarter of a billion dollars a year to Bonaire, accounting for 40% to 50% of the economy, and the loss of the corals will reduce reasons for divers to visit. Worse, the corals wont be there to blunt storm surges during increasingly violent hurricanes. Residents face increasing risks from heat stress and from tropical diseases such as Zika and dengue fever as temperatures rise. When I was researching Sint Maarten, I discovered why the Netherlands has these Caribbean islands. As usual, it is all about economics. The Netherlands had been a territory of the Spanish Empire but they rebelled 1568 to 1648. It was an odd, long-running rebellion of 80 years, and until the end of it the Habsburgs in Spain claimed the low countries, while the northern provinces around Utrecht insisted they were independent. That independence was finally recognized in 1648. The Netherlands was a major source of fish protein for early modern Europe. And they had refined their technique of preserving the fish in barrels of brine or salt water. They supplied a third of Europes fish in the late 1500s. But Europes major salt beds were in Portugal, which was under the Spanish crown. So when the Dutch rebelled, the Spanish cut off their access to salt. The move could have crashed the Netherlands economy because of its dependence on fish exports. They didnt have salt to make brine to store the fish and keep them from spoiling. But the Dutch discovered that Caribbean islands like Sint Maarten and Bonaire had impressive salt beds, and they seized them for that reason. They kidnapped people in Africa and brought them to work in the salt mines. There was a labor shortage because European diseases had killed off much of the indigenous population, but then the Europeans accidentally imported malaria and yellow fever when they enslaved West Africans and brought them to the islands. So Europeans got sick and died in the Caribbean until mosquitoes were discovered to be the carriers and began being sprayed around 1900. That is why 95% of the Caribbean population is African they had some immunity to those tropical diseases. The Dutch were then a powerful maritime empire They governed Manhattan or New Amsterdam 1624 to 1664, and they had northern Brazil 1630 to 1654, and of course parts of what is now Indonesia. So holding a few islands off the coast of Venezuela was not a big challenge for them at that time. They had big sturdy ships on which they could mount state of the art cannon and blow enemies out of the water. Since the islands saved the early modern Dutch economy with their salt, the least the Netherlands can do for their people now, who are Dutch citizens, is to keep them from being drowned and boiled to death. Highlights Significant intercepts include: 52.8 g/t gold over 9m from 354m, including 78.9 g/t gold over 6m (CHDD-03) 10.6 g/t gold over 7m from 320m, including 57.2 g/t gold over 1m (CHDD-02) 17.6 g/t gold over 4m from 297m (CHDD-04), and 3.8 g/t gold over 19m from 305m, including 28.4 g/t gold over 1m (CHDD-04) 2.7 g/t gold over 20m from 303m, including 6.0 g/t gold over 4m (OEDD-170) High-grade intercept of 52.8 g/t gold over 9m is open to the northeast and down-plunge, pointing to a potential new hinge zone similar to the OEDD-83 discovery. Results from 11 other step-down holes to 400m are pending. Further expansion drilling planned at both Charger 1 and Charger 2, with 9 drill rigs currently operating across Odienne. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Awale Resources Limited (TSXV: ARIC) (OTCQX: AWLRF) (FSE: 2F60) ("Awale" or the "Company") is pleased to announce new step-down drilling results from the Charger target at its Odienne Project ("Odienne" or the "Project") in Cote d'Ivoire. The results confirm strong down-plunge continuity of the high-grade gold system and extend mineralization toward the northeast (see Figures 2 and 3). "This new intercept of 52.8 g/t gold over 9 metres in hole CHDD-03 remains open to the northeast and may signal the emergence of another high-grade hinge zone, analogous to that interpreted at OEDD-83, which returned 26 g/t gold over 56 metres in late 2024. The growing evidence of continuity in high-grade mineralization is highly encouraging. These results mark the first assays from Awale's 2026 resource development drilling program at Charger, BBM, and Empire, part of a planned 100,000-metre campaign. Charger continues to deliver standout results, reinforcing Awale's confidence in the scale and quality of the Odienne Project. With multiple targets advancing in parallel, including BBM, Empire, and our 100%-owned targets, we anticipate a sustained pipeline of high-impact news flow," said Andrew Chubb, President and CEO of Awale. Link to All Figures Watch Video of CEO Andrew Chubb Discussing New Results from Charger 1 Link to Core Photos Charger Step-Down Drilling These six holes form part of a 17-hole resource drilling phase designed to support an initial mineral resource estimate for the Charger target. This program is testing down-plunge continuity of the high-grade system to a depth of 400 metres below surface. The holes reported in this release are located approximately 140 metres down-plunge from the original Charger discovery hole, OEDD-83, which returned 57m @ 26 g/t Au (see March 25, 2024 news release). Holes OEDD-169, OEDD-170, CHDD-01, CHDD-02, and CHDD-04 were drilled on this level. Hole CHDD-03 was drilled a further 40 metres down-plunge and returned 52.8 g/t Au over 9 metres. Results from additional holes on this level and the 2 levels below are pending. Drilling to date has demonstrated continuity of a steep, southwest-plunging high-grade gold breccia and vein system. Mineralization in these holes is similar in geology to intercepts in holes OEDD-148 and OEDD-146 (see June 25, 2025 news release), characterized by increasing amounts of silica and potassic alteration in both the wall rock and infill. About Awale Resources Awale is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on discovering large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. Exploration activities are currently underway in the underexplored regions of Cote d'Ivoire, where the Company is exploring the Odienne Copper-Gold Project ("Odienne" or the "Project"), covering 2,346 km2 across seven permitsfive granted and two applications. This includes 797 km2 in two permits held under the Awale-Newmont Joint Venture ("OJV"). Awale currently manages all exploration activities over the OJV, with funding currently provided by Newmont Ventures Limited ("Newmont") under an Exploration Agreement signed in May 2022. Awale has discovered four gold, gold-copper, and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum mineralized systems within the OJV and has recently commenced exploration on its 100%-owned properties. The Odienne Project is underexplored and has multiple pipeline prospects with similar geochemical signatures to Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive-related mineral systems with substantial upside potential. The Company benefits from a skilled and well-seasoned technical team that allows it to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district-scale discoveries. Table 1: Significant Intercepts from Diamond Drilling - (from this release) Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (ppm) Mo (ppm) Composite Trigger (g/t) CHDD0001 316.00 320.00 4.00 0.7 0.5 59.50 2 0.5 CHDD0001 328.00 329.00 1.00 2.4 0.3 111.90 6 0.5 CHDD0001 349.00 361.00 12.00 0.9 1.2 90.63 1 0.5 including 356.00 357.00 1.00 6.9 2.9 89.80 1 2.0 CHDD0002 301.00 305.00 4.00 0.8 0.2 68.20 14 0.5 CHDD0002 320.00 327.00 7.00 10.6 3.6 52.71 4 0.5 including 325.00 326.00 1.00 57.2 20.3 86.50 6 CHDD0003 354.00 363.00 9.00 52.8 24.7 50.54 3 0.5 including 354.00 360.00 6.00 78.9 36.5 41.68 3 10.0 CHDD0003 380.00 381.00 1.00 15.4 4.8 191.50 11 0.5 CHDD0004 284.00 286.00 2.00 1.5 0.6 93.10 2 0.5 CHDD0004 297.00 301.00 4.00 17.6 7.7 66.65 2 0.5 including 299.00 301.00 2.00 34.0 14.7 72.85 2 10.0 CHDD0004 305.00 324.00 19.00 3.8 6.0 961.05 1 0.5 including 307.00 308.00 1.00 28.4 55.2 8457.80 3 10.0 CHDD0004 334.00 335.00 1.00 0.9 0.5 75.20 3 0.5 CHDD0004 337.00 338.00 1.00 0.6 0.5 106.30 4 0.5 CHDD0004 342.00 343.00 1.00 8.9 1.2 259.50 6 0.5 OEDD0169 272.00 273.00 1.00 1.5 0.2 62.10 1 0.5 OEDD0169 311.00 312.00 1.00 1.8 0.2 108.20 1 0.5 OEDD0169 325.00 326.00 1.00 0.6 0.4 49.50 1 0.5 OEDD0169 330.00 337.00 7.00 0.9 0.3 44.81 4 0.5 OEDD0169 355.00 363.00 8.00 1.7 1.8 82.10 2 0.5 including 358.00 362.00 4.00 2.8 2.1 94.10 1 2.0 OEDD0169 370.00 371.00 1.00 0.6 0.5 83.10 8 0.5 OEDD0169 372.00 373.00 1.00 0.7 1.1 88.40 5 0.5 OEDD0169 377.00 378.00 1.00 1.0 0.3 95.70 2 0.5 OEDD0170 303.00 323.00 20.00 2.7 1.7 48.44 2 0.5 including 304.00 308.00 4.00 6.0 1.3 43.40 2 5.0 OEDD0170 327.00 329.00 2.00 2.5 1.8 37.70 2 0.5 OEDD0170 333.00 337.00 4.00 1.8 0.7 301.00 2 0.5 Table 2: Charger Drill Collar Details - (all collars from this release) Hole ID Easting Northing RL_M Azimuth True Dip EOH_M CHDD0001 647802.1 1032087.6 467.8 307.6 -58.2 428.2 CHDD0002 647828.8 1032118.1 467.4 307.5 -58.3 422.7 CHDD0003 647866.1 1032126.2 466.3 306.9 -58.8 473.1 CHDD0004 647842.0 1032133.4 467.2 307.6 -58.2 426.7 OEDD0169 647815.8 1032102.3 467.4 307.9 -58.2 425.2 OEDD0170 647855.1 1032147.0 467.0 307.9 -58.2 428.3 Quality Control and Assurance Analytical work for drill samples is being carried out at the independent Intertek Laboratories in Ghana and Australia, an ISO 17025 Certified Laboratory. Samples are prepared and stored at the Company's field camps and put into sealed bags until collected by Intertek from the Company's secure Odienne office and transported by ALS to their preparation laboratory in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire, for preparation. Samples are logged in the tracking system, weighed, dried, and pulverized to greater than 85%, passing a 75-micron screen. Two pulps are prepared from each sample with one stream to Intertek Ghana for fire assay and a second to Australia where the sample is analyzed by 52 element ICP/MS with a 4-Acid digest. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference material (standards) are being used to monitor laboratory performance during the analysis. Where visible gold is observed in drill core, a quartz wash is applied between every sample to reduce or eliminate any contamination. Once fire assay results are received, samples over 5 g/t gold are routinely screen fire assayed, samples lower than 5 g/t gold continued within a high-grade interval are also screen fire assayed. Mineralized Interval Calculations Significant intervals reported in this news release are calculated as downhole length-weighted intercepts. For the Charger target, initial mineralized zones are calculated at a 0.5 g/t Au trigger and include up to 3 metres of internal waste for delineating mineralized zones. Included intervals are calculated at 2 g/t Au, 5 g/t Au, and 10 g/t Au trigger values, with up to 3 metres of internal waste. Table 2 contains a list of all Charger holes reported in this release. True widths are estimated to be 70% of the downhole widths. Holes not reported do not make the 0.5 g/t Au grade trigger. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geoscientists (SEG). Mr. Chubb has over 25 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation. Abbreviations Used in this Release Ag Silver Au Gold Cu Copper g/t Grams per tonne km Kilometres m Metres Mo Molybdenum ppm Parts per million AWALE Resources Limited On behalf of the Board of Directors "Andrew Chubb" Chief Executive Officer The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information on the Company, please visit our website at www.awaleresources.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, propose, potential, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's presence in Cote d'Ivoire and ability to achieve results, creation of value for Company shareholders, achievements under the Newmont JV, works on other properties, timing and extent of planned drilling, expectations to achieve a first mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment, advancing towards a pre-feasibility study, potential for new discoveries, timing for providing assay results, commencement of operations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the results of the proposed drilling programs, the number of drilling rigs on site, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected and that the proposed drilling program will proceed as planned. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Peruvian Metals Corp. (TSXV: PER) (OTC Pink: DUVNF) ("Peruvian Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's Minas Visca Silver property (the "Property") located in Northern Peru. Peruvian Metals acquired the Property in 2021 by submitting a superior offer in a closed bid auction at the Peruvian Public Registry of Mining. Other bidders for the Property included Newmont Peru S.R.L and Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. ("Mitsui"). The Property is located approximately 140 kilometers north of Lima. Mineralized material can be shipped for processing to the Company's Aguila Norte Processing Plant, which is mainly accessible from the Project by paved highway. The Property covers an area of approximately 94 hectares and includes several old mine workings. The Property is road accessible from Lima by a paved highway and by 50 kms of well-maintained dirt road. Historical reports from the area by Banco Minero del Peru note that a metallurgical sample was taken from the workings that averaged 13.16 ounces silver per tonne ("oz/mt Ag") with 2.55% lead ("Pb") and 3.77% zinc ("Zn"). Results from the metallurgical test show that two concentrates can be produced with the first averaging 63.03 % Pb, 6 % Zn and 317 oz/mt Ag. The second concentrate averaged 61.9% zinc and 7.2% Lead. Please note that these results are historic and cannot be verified. The area is underlain by Tertiary volcanics belonging to the prospective Calipuy formation. Company geologists verified the potential of the area by mapping and sampling the workings and stockpiles left by the previous operators. Ten samples were taken from old stockpiles in four different areas with values ranging from 0.06 to 1.24 grams gold per tonne (g/mt Au), 0.71 to 47.82 oz/mt Ag, 0.34% to 9.25% Pb and 0.13% to 4.93% Zn and averaging 0.49 g/t Au, 12.93 oz/mt Ag, 2.62% Pb and 1.68% Zn (see Company's Press Release November 10, 2021). The Company acquired the key part of the mineralized system. Mitsui surrounds the concession to the North, East and South. The Company was able to collect one bulk sample from the remaining surface material with a head grade assaying 4.83 oz Ag/mt, 0.25 grams Au/mt and 1.62% Pb. The Company performed preliminary metallurgical work on this lower grade material and returned acceptable recoveries of 85.50% for silver, 84.37% lead and 46.33% for gold. This produced a concentrate assaying 150.34 oz Ag/mt, 42.12% Lead and 2.59 g Au/mt. The Company believes that higher grade material would improve the recoveries and grade of the concentrate. However, the Company is pleased to note that even with lower grade silver material, a commercially viable metal concentrate can be produced. Initial discussions with the local community are positive and the Company will continue discussions to start detailed mapping and sampling. Included in this work will be additional samples for metallurgical tests and to determine the condition of the underground adits for permitting purposes. The Company was also informed by the local community that Mitsui is planning a drill program next to the Property in the coming months. Mitsui has already completed the necessary consultations and workshops with the local community and has received approvals to commence drilling when all permits have been approved. Jeffrey Reeder, CEO of Peruvian Metals, comments: "We were very pleased to acquire this attractive silver rich polymetallic property. When the Company acquired the property, silver was trading in the $23 US per ounce range. It was believed that much of the high-grade stockpiled silver material represents mineral extracted from underground workings. Now that silver is trading at more than $100 US per ounce, the economics of extracting mineralized material at Minas Visca is very attractive. This addition to the Company's property portfolio yet again demonstrates Peruvian Metals' ability to grow organically without entering expensive third-party option deals." The Company's Aguila Norte Processing Plant ("Aguila Norte") is accessible mainly by paved highway from this new project. Aguila Norte has an environmental permit ("IGAC") from the Peruvian government and is currently producing at capacity of 100 tonnes per day. The Company expects to replace third party mineral with polymetallic mineral from this Property and from its 100% own Palta Dorada Au-Ag property where new metallurgical work shows 89% recoveries for gold (see the Company's news release of January 19th, 2026). The Company can expand Aguila Norte's throughput beyond 100 tonnes per day once the mineral supply exceeds the capacity. Financing The Company also announces that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 which will be used to advance its exploration strategy and for general working capital. The placement will consist of 10,000,000 units at a price of $0.10 per unit, each unit being comprised of one common share and one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant. The common shares, warrants, and any shares issued on the exercise of warrants will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring four months following the date of issue. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 per common share for a period of two years following the closing date. It is anticipated that Insiders may participate in up to 25% of the private placement. Completion of the private placement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Jeffrey Reeder, P Geo, a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. The metallurgical work was performed by Ing. Jose Orlando Moncada Rejas who is the main metallurgist at the Company's Aguila Norte Plant. Assaying of the material was performed by Procesmin Ingenieros SRL located in Caraz, Ancash by fire assay for Au-Ag. About Peruvian Metals Corp. Peruvian Metals Corp. is a Canadian Exploration and Mineral Processing company. The Company's business model is to produce high grade concentrates from its 100% owned Properties. The Company continues to acquire and develop precious and base metal properties in Peru. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. We use words such as "might", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "forecast" and similar terminology to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca.While the Company believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and the assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis underlying such expectations are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking statements and information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. January 29, 2026 TheNewswire - Toronto, ON - Total Metals Corp. (Total Metals or the Company) (TSX-V: TT) (OTCQB: TTTMF) (FSE: O4N) is pleased to announce it has commenced exploration diamond drilling on its Electrolode critical minerals exploration project located in Red Lake, Ontario. The project hosts numerous Zn-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) style systems that have been explored by previous operators. The drill program, consisting of a minimum of 5,500 metres, has been designed for multiple purposes including confirmation and expansion of historic results, testing multiple electromagnetic (EM) conductors, quantifying variation of metal ratios to vector towards higher value copper-gold mineralization, testing interpreted cross-structures with potential to host gold mineralization, and determining whether other critical elements including gallium, germanium and indium are potentially additional value-added by-products. The first part of the program is targeting the Arrow Zone; adding some additional holes within the existing zone and testing for continuity with the adjacent Garnet Zone. The program will continue testing a series of discontinuous EM conductors along a 6 kilometre trend. Maxwell plate models of these conductors are being developed to assess targets and assist in drill-hole design. The next area being targeted is at the southwest part of the property where a complex fold pattern is evident from recent 3D inversion modeling of a drone magnetic survey covering this part of the property. This area has been the focus of historic exploration work by Noranda where a higher tenor copper historic resource has been documented. The Company is treating this resource as purely historic, however considers it indicative that higher copper grades may exist in this area. A complex pattern of folding together with numerous EM conductors, suggests that both the stratigraphy and mineralized horizons are folded potentially creating exploration opportunities in structurally modified areas such as fold hinges and sheared fold limbs. Maxwell plates together with the 3D inversion will be used to plan and refine targeting. High grade gold values have been documented within the D zone of this area, however it is not known if this is a superimposed gold event or inherent to the VMS system. One part of the program will be testing a prominent property-scale cross-structure for gold mineralization where a soil test grid identified gold values above detection limit. The results of this drill program will be integral in the target prioritization process to develop future exploration programs focusing on resource expansion, if warranted. Engagement of i2i Marketing Group LLC Total Metals Corp. (the Company) has entered into an initial one-month media services agreement (the i2i Agreement) with i2i Marketing Group LLC (i2i). Pursuant to the terms of the i2i Agreement, i2i will provide the Company with marketing services, including social media management, content creation, distribution, digital marketing, digital advertising, and other marketing services as agreed upon by the Company and i2i (collectively, the i2i Services). The i2i Services will be distributed via email and on popular investor platforms. The Company will pay i2i total consideration of US$250,000 for the i2i Services. The contract can be extended by the Company on a month-by-month basis for US$250,000/month. This agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Kailyn White and Joseph Grubb will provide the i2i Services to the Company on behalf of i2i and may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . i2is business address is 1107 Key Plaza, Suite 222, Key West, Florida 33040. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i as compensation. Both i2i and its principals are arms length to the Company and do not have any direct or indirect interest in the Company or its securities, nor do they have any right to acquire such an interest. I2i Marketing Group LLC is a marketing firm that specializes in direct response, experiential, and investor-awareness campaigns, particularly for publicly-traded junior mining companies engaged in exploration and development activities. The Company also wishes to announce it has granted an aggregate of 1,162,000 Restricted Stock Units (the RSUs) to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The RSUs vest 12 months from date of issue. The RSUs have been granted under and are governed by the terms of the Companys Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Total Metals Corp. Total Metals Corp. is focused on its 100% owned Electrolode Project covering over 3,300 contiguous hectares in northwestern Ontario. The Electrolode Project is targeting high-potential critical mineral plus gold resources and targets in three favorable geologic trends, located near major mines in the Red Lake Gold camp and is strategically located between Kinross Golds Great Bear Project and First Mining Golds Springpole Project. The Electrolode Project is fully permitted for exploration drilling and hosts 10 historic mineralized zones with significant expansion potential plus new, untested targets ready for further exploration. Total Metals also owns 100% of the High Lake and West Hawk Lake Project covering 958 hectares in two gold properties located along the Trans-Canada Highway straddling the Manitoba / Ontario border. The Purex Zone on the High Lake property has significant exploration potential and will be the primary target for initial exploration and potential future mining activities. The West Hawk Lake property is comprised of a single mineral lease, located within southeastern Manitoba. www.totalmetalscorp.com Cautionary Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in its policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. Tyler Thorburn President and Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (416) 873-7662 Forward-Looking Information This press release includes forward-looking information that is subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward looking. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent managements best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the TSX-V. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) ("Golden Spike" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the 2025 soil sampling surveys completed at the Lower Mitchell, Steep Brook North and Vein Zone East Target areas on its 100%-owned Gregory River Copper-Gold Property ("the Property"), located in western Newfoundland (Figure 1). In addition, a small amount of prospecting was completed at the Lower Mitchell, and Vein Zone East targets and the area north of the Camp Brook Prospect. Lower Mitchell Soil Sampling Highlights: 600 m long, 25 m to 100 m wide, west-southwest trending, multi-element (gold-zinc-copper-arsenic) soil anomaly that remains open to the southwest. Individual soil grades up to 885 ppb gold, 1,520 ppm zinc, 1,797 ppm copper and >10,000 ppm arsenic. Easternmost end of the anomaly is coincident with four Winkie drill holes from the 2025 program that returned highly anomalous gold-zinc-copper values, including 1.02 g/t AuEq ( 0.62 g/t gold, 0.33% copper, 0.35% Zn) over 11.65m*. Majority of the Lower Mitchell target is unexplored and provides compelling targets for follow-on exploration and drilling. Steep Brook North Soil Sampling Highlights 2.6 km long, intermittent copper and gold soil anomaly following the Gregory River volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") target corridor. Subtle copper and gold soil anomalies track a potential north extension of the Steep Brook VMS mineralization. *Refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Intersects Wide Zone of Low-Grade Gold-Zinc-Copper Mineralization at Gregory River", dated October 22, 2025, for further details. Gold Equivalent (AuEq) =gold +(copper x 0.914298) + (zinc x 0.297147) and assumes the following metal prices, gold $3,000/oz, copper $4.00/lb, and zinc $1.30/lb and hypothetical metallurgical recoveries of 70% for each of gold, copper, and zinc. Golden Spike CEO Keith Anderson commented, "We are very pleased with the recent soil survey results, especially at Lower Mitchell, which follow-up from our successful Winkie drilling program last year. At Lower Mitchell, a 600 m strike length of coincident, gold-zinc-copper and arsenic soil anomalies has been uncovered and amplifies the importance of this target area and provides the Company with multiple potential drill targets. The speed at which our team have moved Lower Mitchell from an early-stage, low priority, narrow vein prospect, to a much more significant, wide, polymetallic exploration target is commendable. The true overall dimensions and potential grades of this early-stage prospect remain to be determined, and our technical team will be reviewing these results in more detail and planning additional work, including diamond drilling. At the Steep Brook North target multiple copper and gold soil anomalies have provided some of the first solid exploration results over this previously untested segment of the Gregory River VMS target Corridor and provides management with encouragement that new VMS targets can be generated here." Lower Mitchell Soil Results During November 2025, the Company completed a program of soil sampling over the Lower Mitchell target to follow-up on highly anomalous drillhole results from a Winkie drilling program in July 2025. The soil survey covered an area of approximately 550 m east-west by 560 m north-south and included 225 soil samples (plus 4 duplicate samples) collected along twelve, north-oriented lines. Lines were spaced 50 m apart, with samples collected every 25 m along each line. Line lengths alternated between 350 m and 560 m (Figure 1). Individual samples were collected with a soil auger, targeting the B-horizon soil layer and placed in kraft soil sample bags. All associated data for each sample location was recorded, along with a photograph of the sample. Samples were analysed for gold by fire assay and a package of 34 elements by ICP (see details below). Due to boggy conditions and significant organic material in the soil profile, approximately 27% of the samples did not have sufficient material for the laboratory to complete the gold fire assay analyses, however all samples were successfully analysed by ICP, providing results for all other key elements. Even with these samples excluded from the gold database the general shape of the gold anomaly remains very similar to that returned from the zinc, copper and arsenic anomalies and supports the concept for additional work at this compelling target. The range of analytical values received for each significant element from the Lower Mitchell Zone soil survey is as follows: Copper: 7 - 1,797 ppm Zinc: 39 - 1,520 ppm Gold: <5 - 885 ppb Arsenic: 9 - >10,000 ppm Soil results for gold, zinc, copper and arsenic each show a coincident, 25- to 100-metre-wide anomalous zone that can be traced approximately 600 m west-southwest across most of the grid and remains open to the southwest. A second, north-northeast trend appears to cross the main trend in the approximate centre of the grid with soil grades increasing at the intersection point. Anomalies for each element are defined by: Gold: >20 ppb with higher grade cores >40 ppb and >60 ppb Zinc: >200 ppm with higher grade cores >300 ppm and >400 ppm Copper: >100 ppm with higher grades cores >150 ppm and >200 ppm Arsenic: >500 ppm with higher grade cores >1,000 ppm and >2,000 ppm The contoured soil values for zinc and gold from the Lower Mitchell Zone are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 1 - Location of 2025 Soil Grids Figure 2 - Lower Mitchell Target - Zinc Soil Anomalies Figure 3 - Lower Mitchell Target - Gold Soil Anomalies A significant portion of the Lower Mitchell Zone is covered with bogs, shrubs and grass and underlain by a veneer of post mineral cover composed of till and soil layers. Rock outcrops are rare and mostly found in a cleared off area at the east end of the grid, where two small outcrops expose the brecciated basalt-hosted gold-zinc-copper mineralization. As previously reported by the Company on October 22, 2025, (refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Intersects Wide Zone of Low-Grade Gold-Zinc-Copper Mineralization at Gregory River"), Winkie drill holes WD25-03, 05, 07 and 08 are located in this area and drilled below the outcrops, intersecting wide zones (up to 50 m drilled length) of chlorite-carbonate altered and brecciated basalt cut by zones with strong silicification and quartz-carbonate veins and stockworks. Many of the veins and breccia-infill are mineralized with pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and arsenopyrite and each drill hole returned wide intervals of anomalous gold-zinc-copper-arsenic mineralization, including, 0.65 g/t AuEq* ( 0.45 g/t gold, 0.09% copper, 0.42% Zn) over 11.4 m (WD25-05: 47.1 m to 58.5 m) 1.02 g/t AuEq (0.62 g/t gold, 0.33% copper, 0.35% Zn) over 11.65 m (WD25-08: 31.0 m to 42.65 m) *Gold Equivalent (AuEq) =gold +(copper x 0.914298) + (zinc x 0.297147) and assumes the following metal prices, gold $3,000/oz, copper $4.00/lb, and zinc $1.30/lb and hypothetical metallurgical recoveries of 70% for each of gold, copper, and zinc. The soil sampling results appear to reflect the mineralogy and analytical results returned from the Winkie drillholes, which are located at the easternmost end of the soil anomalies. The soil survey has been a very effective exploration technique to trace the potential strike extension of the mineralization more than 500 m to the west-southwest below the overburden. The Company is continuing to review these soil results and planning for further exploration over Lower Mitchell, including diamond drilling. Steep Brook North Soil Results During August 2025, the Company completed a grid of soil samples over the Steep Brook North target area, which is a high-priority, underexplored segment of the Gregory River VMS-Target Corridor that occurs between the Steep Brook target to the south and the Jumbo South Prospect to the north (Figure 1). Significant portions of the area are covered by overburden with limited amounts of outcrop exposure, making soil sampling a good first pass exploration tool to evaluate this area. Soil samples were collected over a northeast oriented grid, covering an area of approximately 2.6 km by 2.0 km. A total of 623 soil samples (plus 28 duplicates samples) were collected over the grid on 200 m spaced lines with 50 m sample spacing along each line. Additional infill lines were sampled along the west portion of the grid. Soil samples were collected using the same sampling procedures as described for Lower Mitchell. The range of analytical values received for each significant element from the Steep Brook North target are as follows: Copper: 9 - 581 ppm Zinc: 15 - 555 ppm Gold: <5 - 90 ppb Arsenic: <5 - 214 ppm Anomalies for each element are defined below, and copper and gold are shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. Gold: >6 ppb with higher grade cores >10 ppb and >20 ppb Zinc: >85 ppm with higher grade cores >100 ppm and >115 ppm Copper: >80 ppm with higher grade cores >100 ppm and >130 ppm Arsenic: >10 ppm with higher grade cores >15 ppm and >25 ppm Along the southeastern side of the grid an anomaly trend shows partially coincident, 50 to 100-metre wide, copper, gold, and zinc soil anomalies, which can be intermittently traced approximately 1,200 m along a northeast trend. This trend potentially represents the northeast continuation of the Steep Brook Zone, which was tested with 5 wide-spaced diamond drill holes during late 2024, resulting in numerous anomalous copper and gold intervals (refer to Press Release "Golden Spike Announces Gregory River Drilling Results" dated February 13, 2025). This included drill hole GR-24-003, located about 500 m southeast from the southern tip of the copper and gold soil anomaly (Figures 4 and 5, respectively), which returned 1.29% copper, 0.19 g/t gold over 1.5 m and 1.37% copper, 0.02 g/t gold over 0.5 m, within a wider 11.15 m interval grading 0.33% copper and 0.04 g/t gold. Figure 4: Steep Brook North - Copper Soil Anomalies Figure 5: Steep Brook North - Gold Soil Anomalies In the approximate centre of the Steep Brook North grid a second trend of intermittent, low-grade copper and gold soil anomalies resulted from the soil survey. These are located just east of the projected location of the Gregory River fault. In other parts of the Property, several of the key VMS prospects appear to be spatially related to this fault and the Company believes this is a key area to be exploring for VMS-style copper and gold mineralization. Along the eastern portion of the grid, a linear trend of anomalous copper soil grades follows a creek bed and may actually be a "contamination anomaly" resulting from eroded material from mineralization near the north end of the grid (Figure 4). Gold soil results don't appear to be as affected by this. Finally, in the northwest corner of the grid are several intermittent copper anomalies, which will be further prospected to determine the source of the anomalies. No gold soil anomalies were returned from this area. Vein Zone East Soil Results During November 2025, the Company completed a program of soil sampling over the Vein Zone East target, in search of vein style mineralization. The soil survey covered an area of approximately 200 m east-west by 500 m north-south and included 32 soil samples collected along three, north-oriented lines. Lines were spaced 100 m apart, with samples collected every 50 m along each line (Figure 1). Analytical results for copper, gold, arsenic and zinc were fairly low and no significant anomaly trends were identified. The range of analytical values received for each target element from the Vein Zone East target are as follows: Copper: 4 - 197 ppm Zinc: 24 - 88 ppm Gold: <5 - 13 ppb (11 samples did not have sufficient material to complete the fire assay analyses) Arsenic: <3 - 71 ppm Regional Prospecting During November 2025 a small amount of regional prospecting was completed at the Lower Mitchell, Vein Zone East targets and the area north of the Camp Brook prospect. A total of 6 rock samples were collected, with no significant anomalies noted, except for two samples (398501, 398503) that were collected about 250 north of Camp Brook and returned weakly anomalous values of copper +/- gold, zinc, arsenic. Sample locations and analytical results are shown in Table 1. Sample Number Easting (UTM) Northing (UTM) Au (ppb) Cu (ppm) Zn (ppm) As (ppm) Target 398500 419550 5465248 <5 16.0 82 55 South edge of Lower Mitchell 398501 418683 5465745 331 805 81 3482 North of Camp Brook 398502 418634 5465764 <5 57.0 44 13 North of Camp Brook 398503 418670 5465776 6 283 266 16 North of Camp Brook 398504 421578 5464710 <5 11.8 34 <3 South edge of Vein Zone East 398505 421667 5464704 <5 22.1 7 <3 South edge of Vein Zone East QAQC and Laboratories Soil samples from the Lower Mitchell and Vein Zone East targets and the rock samples were delivered by Golden Spike contractors to Manitoulin/Armor transport company in Grand Falls/Windsor, Newfoundland, from where they were shipped directly to SGS Natural Resources ("SGS") in Lakefield, Ontario for sample preparation. Soil samples were dried at 60C and screened to -80 mesh (180m) (SGS preparation code G-Prp104). Rock samples were crushed to 75% passing 2mm, and a 250 g split was pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns (SGS preparation code PRP89). The soil and rock samples were shipped directly by SGS to their laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where all samples were analysed for gold by 30-gram fire assay with an AAS finish (SGS code GE FAA30V5) and for 33 elements by ICP-AES, using a 4-acid digestion (SGS code GE ICP40Q12). The ICP analysis included target elements, such as copper and zinc, as well as various pathfinder and other elements, including arsenic. SGS is an internationally recognized laboratory and is independent of Golden Spike. SGS conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Scopes of Accredited tests are site specific, please visit Accredited Organizations | Standards Council of Canada (scc-ccn.ca). Soil samples from the Steep Brook North Zone were delivered by Golden Spike contractors to Eastern Analytical Laboratory ("Eastern") in Springdale Newfoundland for sample preparation and analyses. Samples were crushed to 80% passing 110 mesh, and a 250 g split was pulverized to 95% passing 150 mesh. Samples were then analysed for gold by 30-gram fire assay with an AA finish and for 34 elements by ICP-OES, using a 4-acid digestion. The ICP analysis included target elements, such as copper, zinc, as well as various pathfinder and other elements, including arsenic. Eastern is a well-recognized laboratory, mainly servicing Newfoundland and Labrador and is independent of Golden Spike. Eastern has implemented a quality system compliant with the International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Eastern regularly participates in the Canmet Round-Robin proficiency test and passes all criteria. In 2014 Eastern achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in fire assay gold, as well as multi-acid ore grade assays in Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Fe and Co. The Company has incorporated a quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") program during the soil sampling, which includes the regular insertion of Company duplicates at a frequency of approximately 2 to 5%. Next Steps With the successful completion of the soil sampling program, the Golden Spike technical team will now focus on the integration and technical analysis of the soil results, incorporating data from Winkie drilling field mapping and airborne geophysics to plan additional exploration at Lower Mitchell and other key targets at Gregory River. The Company is planning to complete a program of geophysics over Lower Mitchell to better understand the orientation of the mineralization followed by diamond drilling. It is important to note that the Lower Mitchell Target is relatively flat and accessible by ATV and therefore limited helicopter time would be required for drill testing this target. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Mr. Robert Cinits, P.Geo, a Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Golden Spike Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS), (OTCQB: GSPRF), (FSE: L5Y) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring and unlocking value in mineral opportunities in Canada and other low-risk jurisdictions. The Company currently holds 100% interest in the 5,175-hectare Gregory River Property in Newfoundland, strategically centered over an approximate 11-kilometre-long stretch of the Gregory River VMS-belt, a north-northeast trending corridor of very prospective ground with potential to host Cyprus-type polymetallic VMS deposits. In addition, the Property hosts a cluster of historically explored, high-grade, copper gold-zinc vein structures and breccia hosted stockworks. Golden Spike Resources remains dedicated to sustainable exploration practices and continues to collaborate with local communities, consultants, and stakeholders as it progresses its exploration initiatives. "Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" occur. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results 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: the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, unanticipated costs, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the lack of availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure of the exploration program, including the recent soil and rock samples, IP surveys and the recent drilling programs to result in the discovery of significant precious and/or base metal mineralization, and those risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the Company's disclosure record under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained herein. 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 or forward-looking information disclosed herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) ("Lavras Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of January 21, 2026, it has completed its previously announced "bought deal" public offering, pursuant to which the Company issued an aggregate of 2,942,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") at a price of C$3.40 (the "Offering Price") per Share for gross proceeds of C$10,002,800 to the Company. The Shares were sold pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated January 23, 2026, between the Company, Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord") and Paradigm Capital Inc. (together with Canaccord, the "Co-Lead Underwriters"), as co-lead underwriters, Research Capital Corporation and Raymond James Ltd. (together with the Co-Lead Underwriters, the "Underwriters"). The Shares were offered to the public in Canada by way of a prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") dated January 23, 2026, to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated November 26, 2024, filed in all of the provinces of Canada except for Quebec. The Shares were also offered by way of private placement in the United States and in offshore jurisdictions. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters were paid an aggregate cash commission of 6% on the gross proceeds of the Offering, subject to reduced cash commissions in respect of the President's List. The Company will use the net proceeds of the Offering for project development, exploration and resource drilling and general corporate purposes. The Offering constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as an insider of the Company purchased 7,350 Shares pursuant to the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by the insider does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Shares in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of its LDS Project situated in a highly prospective gold district in southern Brazil. The LDS Project is located near the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul State of Brazil and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the LDS Project properties, which span more than 23,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Disclaimer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward looking statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties, including regarding the receipt of all necessary approvals, including final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - Silverco Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SICO) ("Silverco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Velocity Capital Partners ("Velocity"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on its own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, with Velocity, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 3,200,000 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares") at a price of $12.50 per Offered Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $40 million (the "Offering"). The Offered Shares will be offered in each of the Provinces and Territories of Canada (other than Quebec) in reliance on the "listed issuer financing exemption" from the prospectus requirements available under National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), as modified by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offered Shares may also be offered on a private placement basis in such offshore jurisdictions may be mutually agreed between the Company and Velocity, provided it is understood that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation, ongoing reporting or continuous disclosure requirement or requisite regulatory or governmental approval arises in such jurisdictions, and the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended. Any such Offered Shares will be characterized as "restricted securities" under the U.S. Securities Act. In addition, the Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase for resale up to an additional 480,000 Offered Shares under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds of up to $6 million, on the same terms and conditions as set out herein, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration, evaluation and restart work on the Cusi Project, general and administrative expenditures and working capital. The Offered Shares to be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile and on the Company's website at www.silvercomining.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision concerning the Offered Shares. The Offering is expected to close on or about February 19, 2026 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional listing approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the TSXV. The Offered Shares have not been registered and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Silverco Mining Ltd. The Company owns a 100% interest in the 11,665-hectare Cusi Project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico (the "Cusi Property"). It lies within the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental gold-silver belt.There is an existing 1,200 ton per day mill with tailings capacity at the Cusi Property. The Cusi Property is a past-producing underground silver-lead-zinc-gold project approximately 135 kilometres west of Chihuahua City. The Cusi Property boasts excellent infrastructure, including paved highway access and connection to the national power grid. The Cusi Property hosts multiple historical Ag-Au-Pb-Zn producing mines each developed along multiple vein structures. The Cusi Property hosts several significant exploration targets, including the extension of a newly identified downthrown mineralized geological block and additional potential through claim consolidation. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Mark Ayranto, President & CEO Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement and Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, geological theories, and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about any information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking statements." Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) including statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering, the listing of the Common Shares on the TSXV, the use of proceeds of the Offering and other matters are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors include, among others, with respect to the Offering, the conditions of the financial markets, timeliness of completion of the Offering, and the timing of TSXV approval; and with respect to the use of proceeds, the availability of drills and personnel, weather, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, risks relating to the timing and ability of the Company to obtain and the timing of the approval of relevant regulatory bodies, if at all; risks relating to property interests; risks related to access to the project; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including the fact that any particular phase of exploration may be unsuccessful; the availability of contractors; geo-political risks; the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental risks; political risks; and community and non-governmental actions, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile. Further to this, geological similarities or characteristics are not guarantees or certainties of successful exploration. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco's issuer profile. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discoveries, is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2026 phase of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) drill program at the Trapper Zone within the 100%-owned Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project in Labrador, Canada. Drilling has resumed following the successful return of the Saga technical team and Gladiator Drilling crew to the project site near Cartwright. This next phase of drilling will focus on expanding and confirming the extensive oxide zones identified in prior drilling. The first hole, R-0016, has commenced on Section S8. Following completion, the rig will move to Section S4 (the southernmost section) and systematically progress northward along the eastern limb of the Trapper South anomaly. The initial 10 of 30 drill holes planned for Trapper South will be executed as follows: R-0016 to R-0020 : Testing the Eastern anomaly, expected to correlate with and expand on results from R-0012 and R-0013. : Testing the Eastern anomaly, expected to correlate with and expand on results from R-0012 and R-0013. R-0021 to R-0025: Shifting to the southern portion of the Western anomaly (starting at S4) and moving northward along the western limb. These holes are anticipated to be completed within approximately five weeks, after which drilling will transition to the central portion of Trapper South. Figure 1: Cross-section S8 looking northwest outlining drill hole R-0016 in-progress with the next planned hole along section. All holes are designed with a -45 dip and 38 N-NE azimuth to target a prospective zone of rhythmic banding (oxide layering) expected to range from 125 to 200 meters in width. This phase builds on intercepts drilled in Q4 2025 that demonstrated consistent high-grade titanium-vanadium-iron mineralization, including significant oxide concentrations across multiple zones. Figure 2: Trapper Zone map outlining location of the initial 2026 focus for remainder of the MRE drill program to be completed in 2026 updated with cross-section S8, showing the TMI of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. Drilling will commence in Trapper South and move to Trapper North. Figure 3: Drill core from hole R-0016 with magnet pen standing straight up highlighting the high degree of magnetism from the oxide rich core. This resumption of drilling marks a critical step forward in our Mineral Resource Estimate program at Trapper, said Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals. Technical teams returned last week and were diligent in completing a full assay core review of all returned sampling; correlating anomalies to observed lithology and structures and prepping trails and drill pads. Gladiator Drilling arrived on site shortly thereafter and made quick work of the set up on the Eastern anomaly of Trapper South where drilling has commenced. With strong continuity already observed, we are methodically drilling toward a maiden mineral resource and aiming to unlock the district-scale potential of Radar. Figure 4: Gladiator Drillings drill shack and 25-tonne excavator located on cross-section S8 commenced drilling hole R-0016 in Trapper South. Figure 5: Inside Gladiator Drillings drill shack located on cross-section S8 commenced drilling hole R-0016 in Trapper South. Key Project Highlights: Confirmed mineralization in 15 out of 15 drill holes completed in two primary zones to-date. Analytical results to-date include numerous oxide-rich intercepts, including: R-0010: 135.50 m grading 50.03% FeO, 7.87% TiO, and 0.352% VO. R-0011: 95.15 m grading 39.49% FeO, 6.49% TiO, and 0.220% VO. R-0009: 87.20 m grading 50.67% FeO, 10.15% TiO, 0.339% VO R-0008: 67.60 m grading 46.15% FeO, 9.21% TiO, 0.311% VO R-0007: 57.70 m grading 27.09% FeO, 5.31% TiO, 0.365% VO Infrastructure including road access, deep-water port, nearby hydro-electric power and airstrip. Confirmed the 16+ km oxide layering trend that stretches from the Hawkeye Zone to the Trapper Zone. that stretches from the Hawkeye Zone to the Trapper Zone. Exceptional grades and thicknesses with semi-massive to massive oxide reporting up to 55% Fe,13.3% TiO2, and 0.66% V2O5. with semi-massive to massive oxide reporting up to Petrographic analysis confirms titanomagnetite mineralization advantageous for simplified metallurgical processing. About the Radar Critical Mineral Property in Labrador The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km), a unique position among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics, and trenching have already confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, with mineralization open for expansion. Figure 6: Radar Property map, depicting magnetic anomalies, oxide layering and the site of the 2025 drill programs. The Property is well serviced by road access and is conveniently located near the town of Cartwright, Labrador. A compilation of historical aeromagnetic anomalies is overlaid by ground-based geophysics, as shown. Vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) mineralization at Radar is comparable to global FeTiV systems such as Panzhihua (China), Bushveld (South Africa), and Tellnes (Norway), positioning the Project as a potential strategic future supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets. Figure 7: Radar Projects prospective oxide layering zone validated over ~16 km strike length through Fall 2025 drilling, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics as well as ground-based geophysics in the Hawkeye and Trapper zones completed by SAGA in the 2024/2025 field programs. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs. Investor Relations Agreements The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into the following engagements for the provision on investor relations and marketing services: The Company has engaged German Mining Networks GmbH (GMN) to provide marketing and investor relations services in Europe. GMN, based in Frankfurt, Germany, will work to increase investor awareness of Saga in Europe. The engagement is for month-to-month services for a fee of $6,800 per month. GMN is arms length from the Company and to the best of the Companys knowledge, GMN does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The Company increased the maximum budget of its renewed December 10, 2025 engagement with i2i Marketing Group, LLC (i2i) for the continued provision of a range of corporate marketing and investor awareness services, including, but not limited to, content creation management, author sourcing, project management and media distribution, by an additional US$250,000. The services are expected to run until the beginning of March 2026, or until budget exhaustion. To the best of the Companys knowledge, i2i does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The Company has engaged Mayfair Media Operations Pty Ltd, dba Mining.com.au (MMO), based in Queensland, Australia, to provide digital media and investor engagement services. The term of this engagement is 12 months, beginning February 15, 2026, terminable by the Company at any time after the completion of the third month, at an aggregate cost of $3,900 per month. To the best of the Companys knowledge, MMO does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The Company has engaged Equity.Guru Media Inc. (EG) to provide digital media and investor engagement services. The term of this engagement is 6 months, at an aggregate cost of $6,000 for the entirety of the term. To the best of the Companys knowledge, EG does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Qualified Person Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo., is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release. About SAGA Metals Corp. SAGA Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the North American transition to supply security. The Radar Ti-V-Fe Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including 4,250 m of drilling, has confirmed a large, mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) and ilmenite mineralization with strong grades of titanium and vanadium. The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares and features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U3O8. Uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report). Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec's Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals. With a portfolio spanning key commodities critical to the clean energy future, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in critical mineral security. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer For more information, contact: Rob Guzman, Investor Relations SAGA Metals Corp. Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.sagametals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Disclaimer TORONTO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Inc. (McEwen) (NYSE/TSX:MUX) and Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (Golden Lake) (CSE:GLM) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Definitive Agreement (the "Agreement") on January 28, 2026 in respect of a proposed transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), whereby McEwen would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Lake by way of plan of arrangement. If the Proposed Transaction is completed, Golden Lake would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of McEwen. Golden Lakes principal asset is its 100%-owned Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West projects located adjacent to McEwens Windfall and Lookout Mountain discoveries, part of the Gold Bar Mine Complex, in the Eureka Mining District of Nevada. Historical drill highlights from Jewel Ridge project include 2.20 gpt gold over 28.96 meters, 1.24 gpt gold over 56.39 meters, 2.37 gpt gold over 67.57 meters. These holes are located north of McEwens Windfall deposit, where a recent drill hole returned 5.55 gpt gold over 44.2 meters. Incorporating Golden Lakes projects into the Gold Bar Mine Complex will help continue the mines transformation into a long-life operation by investing in exploration and leveraging the current McEwen infrastructure. The Proposed Transaction Pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction, each Golden Lake common share (a Golden Lake Share) would entitle its holder to receive 0.003876 McEwen common shares (each, a McEwen Share) as is equal to $0.12 divided by the volume-weighted average trading price of the McEwen Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending on and including the trading day of January 26, 2026 (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio represents an implied offer price of CDN $0.12 per Golden Lake Share, being a premium of 60% to the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Golden Lake Shares as at market close on January 26, 2026. Following completion of the transaction, existing Golden Lake shareholders will own approximately 0.5% of the combined company resulting from the Proposed Transaction. Benefits of the Transaction for Golden Lake Shareholders: Ability to integrate Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West into the Gold Bar Mine Complex, leveraging McEwens ability to fund exploration and utilize existing infrastructure; Access to McEwens Nevada technical team with a track record in gold exploration, open pit mining, heap leaching, permitting and mine development; Exposure to McEwens diversified portfolio of commodities, producing operations, development projects and royalties; and An attractive premium of approximately 60% to the 20-day VWAP of the Golden Lake Shares and the enhanced liquidity of McEwen Shares from dual listing on US and Canada stock exchanges. Benefits of the Transaction for McEwen Shareholders: Adds an adjacent property to McEwens Gold Bar Mine Complex, with promising drill results. Continued execution on the Gold Bar Mine Complex plan to develop a long-life operation with increasing production. Details of the Proposed Transaction The Proposed Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Under the Plan of Arrangement, (i) all outstanding warrants of Golden Lake will be cashlessly exercised and cancelled in exchange for Golden Lake Shares having a value equal to their in-the-money amount, and (ii) all outstanding Golden Lake convertible notes will be converted into Golden Lake Shares based on principal and accrued interest in accordance with their terms. All issued and outstanding Golden Lake Shares (other than those held by McEwen or dissenting shareholders, but including the Golden Lake Shares issued to warrantholders and noteholders) will be exchanged for McEwen Shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio. Outstanding stock options of Golden Lake will be exchanged for replacement options of McEwen on an equivalent economic basis, with adjusted exercise prices. To be effective, the Proposed Transaction will require the approval of 66 % of the votes cast by shareholders, warrantholders, and noteholders of Golden Lake at a special meeting of Golden Lake shareholders, warrantholders, and noteholders expected to take place in March (the " Golden Lake Meeting "). "). The Agreement includes provisions such as conditions to closing the Proposed Transaction, and representations and warranties and covenants customary for arrangement agreements. The Agreement also includes: (i) customary deal protection and non-solicitation provisions in favor of McEwen, including a break fee of approximately C$250,000 payable to McEwen in certain circumstances; and (ii) provisions allowing Golden Lake to consider and accept superior proposals, in compliance with its fiduciary duties. Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of necessary court and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX and the NYSE. A copy of the Agreement will be filed on McEwen's and Golden Lakes SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca. The Proposed Transaction was approved by the Board of Directors of both McEwen and Golden Lake. No fairness opinion was obtained in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Further details with respect to the Proposed Transaction are included in the Agreement and in an information circular to be mailed to Golden Lake shareholders in connection with the Golden Lake Meeting. Once available, a copy of the Agreement will be filed on each of McEwen's and Golden Lakes SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and a copy of the information circular will be filed on Golden Lakes SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About McEwen McEwen shares trade on both the NYSE and TSX under the ticker MUX. McEwen provides its shareholders with exposure to a growing base of gold and silver production in addition to a very large copper development project, all in the Americas. The gold and silver mines are in prolific mineral-rich regions of the world, the Cortez Trend in Nevada, USA, the Timmins district of Ontario, Flin Flon in Manitoba and the Deseado Massif in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. McEwen is also reactivating its gold-silver El Gallo Mine in Mexico. The Company has a 46.4% interest in McEwen Copper, which owns the large, long-life, advanced-stage Los Azules copper development project in San Juan province, Argentina a region that hosts some of the countrys largest copper deposits. According to the last financing for McEwen Copper, the implied value of McEwens ownership interest is US$456 million. The Los Azules copper project is designed to be one of the worlds first regenerative copper mines and carbon neutral by 2038. Its Feasibility Study results were announced in the press release dated October 7, 2025. McEwen also recently purchased 27.3% of Paragon Advanced Labs Inc., a newly listed public company that is deploying PhotonAssay units around the world, a technology that the Company believes is poised to become the new industry standard for assaying precious and base metals, with Paragon aiming to be one of the leading service providers. Chairman and Chief Owner Rob McEwen has invested over US$200 million personally and takes a salary of $1 per year, aligning his interests with shareholders. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and a winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Energy) award. His objective is to build MUXs profitability, share value and eventually implement a dividend policy, as he did while building Goldcorp Inc. McEwen Contact Info and Social Media WEB SITE SOCIAL MEDIA www.mcewenmining.com McEwen Facebook: facebook.com/mceweninc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mceweninc CONTACT INFORMATION X: X.com/mceweninc 150 King Street West Instagram: instagram.com/mceweninc Suite 2800, PO Box 24 Toronto, ON, Canada McEwen Copper Facebook: facebook.com/ mcewencopper M5H 1J9 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewencopper X: X.com/mcewencopper Relationship with Investors: Instagram: instagram.com/mcewencopper (866)-441-0690 - Toll free (647)-258-0395 Rob McEwen Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenrob Mihaela Iancu ext. 320 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mcewen-646ab24 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. X: X.com/robmcewenmux About Golden Lake Golden Lake Exploration is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. For Further Information, Please Contact: Mike England CEO & Director Golden Lake Exploration Inc. 1-888-945-4770 Neither the NYSE, TSX or CSE have reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by the management of McEwen and Golden Lake. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Proposed Transaction; the Agreement; the receipt of necessary shareholder, court and regulatory approvals for the Proposed Transaction; the anticipated timeline for completing the Proposed Transaction; the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Proposed Transaction will be completed, if at all; the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction including, but not limited to McEwen having an 100% interest in Jewel Ridge; the combined company; the future financial and operational performance of the combined company; the combined company's exploration and development programs; and potential future revenue and cost synergies resulting from the Proposed Transaction. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In respect of the forward-looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, including the entering into the Agreement, and the anticipated timing for completion of the Proposed Transaction including, but not limited to the expectation of McEwen having a 100% interest in Jewel Ridge, McEwen and Golden Lake have relied on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange and other third party approvals and the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction. This timeline may change for a number of reasons, including unforeseen delays in preparing meeting materials; inability to secure necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange or other third-party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed on a timely basis, if at all; the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction may not be satisfied; the risk that the Proposed Transaction may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; the possibility that legal proceedings may be instituted against the McEwen, Golden Lake and/or others relating to the Proposed Transaction and the outcome of such proceedings; the possible occurrence of an event, change or other circumstance that could result in termination of the Proposed Transaction; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder and court approval; other risks inherent in the mining industry. Failure to obtain the requisite approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to or complete the Proposed Transaction, may result in the Proposed Transaction not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. In addition, if the Proposed Transaction is not completed, the announcement of the Proposed Transaction and the dedication of substantial resources of McEwen and Golden Lake to the completion of the Proposed Transaction could have a material adverse impact on each of McEwen's and Golden Lakes share price, its current business relationships and on the current and future operations, financial condition, and prospects of each McEwen and Golden Lake. McEwen and Golden Lake expressly disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Qualified Person Technical information pertaining to the Gold Bar Complex exploration contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Robert Kastelic, MSc, CPG, Exploration Manager for McEwen Inc. in Nevada, and Luke Willis, P.Geo, Director of Resource Modelling for McEwen Inc., who are Qualified Persons (QPs) as defined by SEC S-K 1300 and Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Technical information disclosed in this news release pertaining to the historic Jewel Ridge drilling was reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, P. Geo., who serves as a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 for Golden Lake Exploration Inc. Historical References for Exploration Drilling at Jewel Ridge Golden Lake press release of March 23, 2022 Golden Lake corporate website Figure 1. McEwen and Golden Lake Property Locations, Eureka Nevada A small group of Rohingya community activists gathered in The Hague just before the hearings began earlier in January before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In 2017 Sayedul Karim was forcibly displaced from his home in Myanmar. He now lives in Coxs Bazar, in Bangladesh, where he leads the Rohingya Justice Initiative, described as the first Rohingya-led organisation dedicated to documenting human rights violations against the Rohingya by the NGO Legal Action Worldwide who facilitated his visit to The Hague. We are Rohingya, we were institutionally discriminated against, he declared. We have suffered, we have lost everything, including our wealth, our positions, our dignity. What they ask from the court is a way for everything that we left behind to be restored and compensated so that we can resume living a normal life back in our own original homeland where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy life and where everyone is treated equally. His words were echoed by his colleagues, also calling for reparations, return, equality for the Rohingya. But, in addition to declaring a genocide, whether judges at the ICJ will feel comfortable in telling Myanmar the specific measures it should take to restore Rohingya citizenship and full rights in their homeland, is debatable. The evidence for genocide The central part of the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the ICJ is the evidence collected by the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) outlining the details of what happened during what are known as the clearance operations carried out by Myanmar's armed forces, the Tatmadaw, during 2017. Myanmar has argued that these were counterinsurgency against the armed militant group ARSA. Gambias military expert, professor Mike Newton, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, now at Vanderbilt University, described in detail in court why the military tactics were similar in his mind to genocide committed by Bosnian Serbs at Srebrenica in 1995 and by the Iraqi authorities against the Kurdish minority in 1988. The pattern of attacks, the modus operandi that was consistently followed, which appears over and over and over in the FFM, is to surround the village, a pure civilian area. They surrounded it first. Then they began to shoot indiscriminately. Thats in the record. Over and over and over. There is no discrimination there. There is no effort at all to target specific houses or specific individuals. So the panic happens, people have to choose which kid to take, some people are shot in their homes, some people are shot in public places by this indiscriminate fire. These are co-ordinated, pre-planned attacks against Rohingya areas. And when I read that, I think of Srebrenica and other examples. They segregate the men and the boys, sometimes slitting their throats while their hands are still bound. As they are doing that, they are taking off groups of women to be gang raped. Other people are beginning to set fire to houses, other people are taking babies from the womens arms and throwing them into those burning houses. Some women are forced to throw their children down into wells. Those efforts are part of an extermination campaign. One of the key features that you see over and over is shooting at fleeing refugees. Theyre moving and theyre still shot at and killed as they flee, followed by mass burnings. There is satellite evidence to corroborate that those burnings focused on Rohingya areas. There are Rakhine areas left completely untouched, followed by bulldozing, which, to me, from my experience in Iraq, makes me think of the Anfal genocide. As part of its case, Gambia has also outlined the institutional discrimination and dehumanisation the Rohingya minority has suffered in Myanmar for many years and provided evidence collected by the UNs Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) on the use of social media, especially Facebook as the main platform for distributing hate speech against the Rohingya. Melanie OBrien of University Western, Australia, and former president of the Genocide Scholars Association says this kind of detail is really what we would walk through when we're trying to determine whether genocide has taken place. Broad remedies Pierre dArgent, professor at Universite catholique de Louvain, Belgium, told the court that Gambia was looking for a range of remedies which he outlined briefly. Its a very wide-ranging set of remedies, if we get to that point, says Mike Becker of Trinity College, Dublin, of which the most simple is what is known as declaratory relief, which is a declaration that Myanmar has violated the genocide convention. When judges had the opportunity to ask questions for the parties to address in the next round, the US judge Sarah Cleveland asked specifically about the broad scope of remedies including reparations, assurances and guarantees of non-repetition that Gambia is seeking: Are there decisions of other international courts, tribunals or bodies that either Party considers relevant to the propriety or appropriate scope of such remedies, should those questions arise in this case? The court has only ever previously ruled in one genocide convention case, brought by Bosnia against Serbia, that genocide occurred. The judges based that essentially on the genocide judgements of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), finding that Serbia had violated the duty to prevent genocide and to cooperate with the ICTY, says Becker .But even in the Bosnia case, he notes, the court did not go so far as to require a guarantee of non-repetition, as Gambia has requested. Return of the Rohingya? Beyond the straightforward declaration of genocide and guarantees of non-recurrence, Becker also notes the request for a set of measures that Myanmar would need to implement to facilitate the safe and dignified return, both of internally displaced [and] externally displaced Rohingya, the people in Bangladesh or elsewhere. With respect to repatriation to their homes in their villages point three on Gambias list of requested remedies I do think that there is a very plausible case, because that would be the natural form of restitution, says Adil Haque of Rutgers University, because the displacement was a direct and proximate result of the alleged acts of genocide. Becker though notes that Gambia argues in addition that safe and dignified return means putting into place various protections in the law to ensure that the Rohingya enjoy all the same rights protections everyone else in Myanmar enjoys, including access to full citizenship. That may be the most challenging aspect here, he says. Haque can see the judges might not be keen and would instead say something about state sovereignty and borders and that we can't order a state to do that. But the judges will also consider Myanmars counter arguments which, he says, have been quite cold-blooded and somewhat off-putting essentially saying that this is a matter of internal affairs, constitutional structure. If the court were to order Myanmar to accept return the court would basically have to say that this is part of a duty to assure non-repetition of the act. And I think that would be a very dramatic step by the court to do that. Becker agrees this may be unlikely: Even though these are laudatory goals on the part of the Gambia, and we might all agree that of course the Rohingya should be entitled to all of those protections under the law, this goes far beyond anything the ICJ has ever done in a contentious case. The closest comparison he suggests would be what the court ordered at the end of the advisory opinions on the Chagos Islands and more recently on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the logical conclusion from what the court has said in those opinions would require specific states to undertake very significant changes in law and policy. But, he emphasises, I can't think of any contentious case where the court has done something along the lines of what the Gambia is asking for here. A case brought by a non-injured state Looking back at the Bosnia case, despite the court declaring that there was a genocide, it did not order any kind of payment of compensation as a form of reparation. More recently, in the Democratic Republic of Congo vs Uganda case, the court ordered very significant amounts of compensation, says Becker: it ordered Uganda to pay 325 million U.S. Dollars in compensation. So, it's not that the court is incapable of awarding a kind of large global sum like that in cases involving a mass violation of human rights. And in this case, it would be a mass violation of rights under the Genocide Convention. The main legal question is whether the Gambia can even ask for these kinds of remedies. Myanmar's argument is that the nature of this type of case a case brought by a non-injured state on behalf of some other group precludes the court from awarding reparations, notes Becker. Myanmar argues that you are limited to declaratory relief and you're not entitled to reparation, including compensation, monetary compensation, but also other forms of reparation like restitution. This is the first of a series of ICJ cases of states who are not directly injured themselves arguing on behalf of others. Following this will be South Africa vs Israel and potentially Nicaragua vs Germany. So this legal issue is another layer of complication, says Becker. If the ruling is in Gambias favour, this will automatically be a landmark decision because it's the first opportunity the court will have had to decide some of these questions about the scope of relief available to what we officially call a state other than an injured state. According to Haque, Myanmars argument that the court cannot issue reparations in this case is not correct because in the advisory opinions last year on Palestine and climate change, the court seemed to indicate that if an obligation is owed to individuals, then in principle, reparations would be owed to those individuals. In other words, he says, the Gambia can't ask for reparations for itself, but what it can do is require Myanmar to fulfil its obligation of reparations to the victims of its violations of the obligation not to engage in genocide, which would be the Rohingya. So, I would be very surprised if the court went along with [Myanmars argument]. Becker agrees. To me, it seems like something that's not insurmountable, even though the clever lawyers on Myanmar's side have usefully highlighted reasons why this might not be a foregone conclusion. An open-ended formulation? But, says Becker, the real problem here is that the things the Gambian is asking for a right to full citizenship, for example are not actually necessary to ensure that the rights of the Rohingya under the Genocide Convention are protected, or that Myanmar is meeting its obligations under the Genocide Convention. They might be very helpful in that respect, but they aren't strictly speaking necessary to prevent genocide. So if the case gets to this stage, he says the judges could come up with an open-ended formulation that will look very familiar to people who follow the ICJ closely, a formulation that would require Myanmar to ensure that the rights of the Rohingya under the Genocide Convention are upheld, but ultimately leaving the exact means of doing so to Myanmar. Wide-ranging forms of equitable relief extending to citizenship [for the Rohingya] is beyond what the court would feel entitled to do or feel comfortable doing. A judgement is not expected before the end of the year. French energy giant TotalEnergies relaunched construction Thursday on a massive gas project in northern Mozambique that was halted for five years after a jihadist attack claimed hundreds of lives. Reportedly the largest private investment in Africa's energy infrastructure, the Mozambique liquefied natural gas project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and help make the country one of the world's biggest LNG exporters. "I am delighted to announce the full restart of the Mozambique LNG project," TotalEnergies chief executive Patrick Pouyanne announced at a ceremony in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province which has been plagued by insurgency for around eight years. With production due to start in 2029, "This project will make the region a new source of global energy security," he said at the event attended by President Daniel Chapo. There are already more than 4,000 workers on site and 80 percent are Mozambican nationals, said Pouyanne, whose company owns a 26.5 percent stake in the Mozambique LNG consortium. The $20 billion project near the border with Tanzania -- one of the largest LNG projects on the continent -- was suspended after a 2021 jihadist seige and attack on the nearby town of Palma killed an estimated 800 people. TotalEnergies lifted in October the force majeure suspension it declared after the bloodshed. The French oil giant is seeking compensation of $4.5 billion in cost overruns linked to the delay, which the Mozambique government has said it is assessing. It is also pushing for a 10-year extension to its concession, more than double the length of the delay. - 'Restoring confidence' - "It is a day of celebration for Mozambique, for Africa and for the world," Chapo said at the opening ceremony. Some 17,000 workers would be hired during the construction phase, he said. "Over its life cycle, it is estimated that the Mozambique LNG project could generate revenues for the Mozambican state in the order of 35 billion dollars from taxes, oil profits and other fiscal instruments, contributing decisively to the financing of national development," he said. The country's economic growth is expected to accelerate sharply to 10 percent when Mozambique LNG starts production, according to IMF estimates in 2024. But environmental groups have denounced the development as a major "climate bomb" that would bring little benefit to Mozambicans, more than 80 percent of whom lived below the poverty line of $3 per day in 2022, according to World Bank data. Other gas projects in the same area involve Italian group ENI and the American oil giant ExxonMobil. Mozambique's natural gas deposits could make the impoverished nation one of the world's 10 largest natural gas producers, according to a 2024 report by the audit firm Deloitte. The TotalEnergies-led consortium initially secured a $15.4 billion financing agreement involving 30 lenders. The British and Dutch governments withdrew in December 2025, with the consortium subsequently announcing that other partners had "unanimously agreed to provide additional equity". - Years of insurgency - TotalEnergies is meanwhile facing two legal proceedings in France, including a manslaughter investigation, after survivors and relatives of victims of the 2021 attack accused it of failing to protect its subcontractors. It is also the subject of a complaint for "complicity in war crimes" filed by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, a German NGO, with France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor. TotalEnergies rejects all the accusations. While Cabo Delgado has not experienced another attack on the scale of the 2021 assault, there are regular attacks, including beheadings and kidnappings. More than 6,400 people have been killed since the Islamic State-linked insurgency began in 2017, according to conflict tracker ACLED. The violence has also displaced tens of thousands of people. bur-jcb-br/ach TotalEnergies ENI EXXONMOBIL 1 of 1 AMTZ Expands Advanced Additive Manufacturing Coe to Boost Indias MedTech Component Manufacturing khaskhabar.com : Thu, 29 Jan 2026 5:47 PM Visakhapatnam/New Delhi: Strengthening Indias journey towards self-reliance in medical device manufacturing, the Advanced Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (Coe) at Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is set to expand its advanced manufacturing capabilities across plastics, metals and silicone-based medical components. The expansion builds on the Centres proven success in polymer and metal additive manufacturing, CNC precision machining and pilot-scale production, positioning AMTZ as a key enabler of high-precision, export-ready MedTech manufacturing in the country. Conceived as a multi-disciplinary common facility, the Coe brings together additive and conventional manufacturing technologies under one integrated platform. By offering shared access to advanced infrastructure, the Centre supports startups, MSMEs, industry players and academia in developing reliable, scalable and regulatory-compliant medical device components. To date, the facility has worked with over 20 startups and more than 35 industry partners, providing end-to-end support ranging from industrial design and rapid prototyping to machining, post-processing and low-volume production. As Medtech Sector of India scales up, the availability of consistent and component manufacturing has also emerged as the critical factor of cost competitiveness, supply-chain resilience and speed to market. Addressing this particular gap, the COE supports the fabrication plastic, metal and silicone-based components such as enclosures, housings, fixtures, tooling and functional sub-components used across the wide area of medical devices. Its well combined approach also enables to move seamlessly from material research and design validation to scalable solutions within a good ecosystem. Commenting on this integrated approach, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Founder CEO and Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone said, By combining additive manufacturing with precision machining, injection-moulded plastics, silicone component manufacturing, and advanced post-processing capabilities, the Centre of Excellence at AMTZ has created a strong platform for indigenous, scalable, and globally competitive medical device component production. This integrated model reduces import dependence, shortens manufacturing cycles, and accelerates innovation and commercialization for the MedTech sector. Aligned with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Centre of Excellence is playing a pivotal role in strengthening domestic manufacturing while supporting export-oriented production. Its shared-access model lowers entry barriers for innovators and manufacturers, enabling them to leverage world-class facilities without heavy capital investment, while simultaneously addressing quality, scale and compliance requirements demanded by global markets. The impact of the Coe is already visible in several breakthrough outcomes. The Centre enabled the development of a manufacturing process for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a critical material used in joint replacements and orthopedic implants. This effort helped Nanoshel break a global supply duopoly and provide a domestic alternative, significantly reducing Indias dependence on imports estimated at nearly 2,000 crore. The centre has emerged as a pivotal hub for the indigenisation of critical components in advanced medical imaging and interventional cardiology systems. Through strategic research and development initiatives, the facility has successfully achieved localisation of high-precision components including medical-grade borosilicate glass used in X-ray tube envelopes and image intensifiers, rare-earth scintillator materials for detector arrays, specialized catheter-grade polymers meeting ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, biocompatible drug-eluting stents with controlled-release polymer coatings, and pacemaker components including hermetically sealed titanium enclosures. In another initiative, the centre supported the development of advanced glucometer strips and glucose detection kits using micro 3D-printed layered structures, delivering accurate readings with minimal sample volume and opening pathways for affordable, indigenous diabetes monitoring solutions. The centre has also facilitated the creation of a pocket-sized hypersensitivity biosensor that allows users to qualitatively and quantitatively detect lactose content in food, demonstrating how advanced manufacturing can enable compact, user-centric healthcare innovations. This breakthrough in domestic manufacturing of components previously dependent on imports has not only reduced the cost of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment by 30-40% but has also ensured supply chain resilience for healthcare infrastructure, while maintaining compliance with international quality benchmarks such as FDA 21 CFR standards for radiological devices. Looking ahead, AMTZ plans to increase collaborations beyond current industry partners and continue building a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing technologies. With this expansion, the Centre of Excellence is poised to play a defining role in positioning India as a global hub for medical device component manufacturing. Ken Foxe Dublin Airport considered suspending all business jet travel as it faced the prospect of breaching its 32 million annual passenger cap. Newly released records reveal how the DAA, which operates the airport, was warned that any move to cut business aviation access would send an extremely damaging signal to international business. Two major business aviation operators and industry bodies said it could prove deeply damaging for foreign direct investment in Ireland. A letter from Signature Flight Support and Universal Aviation said: Many of the senior executives from FDI companies operating in Ireland fly in and out on their company's business jet using Dublin Airport, with these flights taking place on a daily basis. For busy executives getting to and from overseas operations, the business jet presents a major time-saving and efficient way to do business. The records were originally withheld by the DAA and were only released following an appeal under environmental information access laws. The correspondence from late 2023 shows how the DAA explored options so it would not have to curtail business aviation. One internal email said its legal and planning team had examined whether certain flights could be excluded from passenger cap calculations. This would be done by treating its VIP Platinum Service as separate to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for scheduled flights. An email said: Hence, the proposed local rules [on the cap] could potentially only apply to flights that depart [or] arrive from either T1 or T2. In a later letter to the industry groups, DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs said the DAA was restricted in what it could do. He wrote: I note your comments that many senior executives of Foreign Direct Investment companies fly in and out of Ireland on their company's business jet, and the impact the proposal will have on them as well as sporting events and concerts. However, he said a proposal to specifically allocate 20,000 passengers from the 32 million cap was outside of the DAAs control. Mr Jacobs said: It could only be effected by the Irish Aviation Authority through its own process, on foot of a proposal adopted by the Slot Coordination Committee of which Dublin Airport is only one of many voting members. He said the authority was just about to apply for an increase in the cap to 40 million per year. He said it was his hope this would proceed through the planning system expeditiously. Asked about the records, the DAAs deputy director of communications Kevin Cullinane said the records were from a time of significant operational uncertainty for the airport. He said the situation had since changed considerably while the government was drafting legislation to remove the cap. Mr Cullinane said: The sustainable growth of Dublin Airport is vital to the Irish economy. The airport already contributes more than 10 billion in gross value added (GVA) and supports or facilitates 116,100 jobs. We will continue to work with all parties to remove this historic condition and strengthen Irelands global connectivity and economic development. __________________________________________ As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association A man has died after a car crashed into a shop in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday afternoon. He has been named as Gerard Jock Rafferty, 71, who was from the Coalisland area. He was taken to the hospital after the incident but died a short time later, police said. Police received a report at around 12.20 pm that a car had crashed into a shop in the Moor Road area and struck a member of the public, said Chief Inspector Simpson from the collision investigation unit. Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene. However, Mr Rafferty sadly passed away a short time afterwards. The Moor Road remains closed to road-users between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road. Our inquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 651 of January 28. James Cox Met Eireann is once again warning of localised and river flooding with difficult travelling conditions expected. Another status yellow weather alert is in place for counties in the south and east of the country. Flooding has been reported in many of these areas already this week, due to Storm Chandra. This latest weather alert took effect at midnight - Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford are under the rain alert until midnight tonight. People walking through floodwater in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Images Met Eireann has warned that heavy rain, combined with saturated grounds and high river levels, could lead to more flooding. Home owners and businesses across the east and south east are still counting the cost after being hit by significant flooding following Storm Chandra earlier in the week. Several parts of Enniscorthy town centre were impassable on Tuesday with dozens of homes and businesses under several metres of water. The River Slaney bursts its banks in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Images A Status Yellow rain warning has also been issued by the Met Office for Northern Ireland, from midnight until 6pm on Friday. The latest alert comes as Minister for Housing, James Browne accused Met Eireann of holding back information on the severity of Storm Chandra. Met Eireann forecaster Aoife Kealy has warned that there is nowhere for the rain to go which means more chances of localised flooding as more rain is expected to fall on ground that is already saturated. Ms Kealy told Newstalk Breakfast that there will be a brief reprieve at the weekend, but there is more rain forecast for early next week. There will also be further outbreaks of rain this morning with more persistent rain spreading from the south west through the afternoon and evening, she said. That rain, particularly later on today, is going to turn heavy at times. Now, of course, with the ground conditions as they are, we do have saturated soils and high river levels. "That rain is just going to exacerbate any impacts that we've already seen over the last few days and particularly in those eastern and southern areas it's just going to add to those flooding impacts that we have already seen and even into tomorrow there will be further rain spreading up from the south which once again will turn heavy at times so there is that ongoing potential for flooding right through the rest of the working week." Ms Kealy added: There's simply nowhere else for the rain to go. The soils, as I said, are saturated and so any rain is just going straight to run off, straight into the rivers, and that's why we're seeing those impacts over the last few days. "Even where accumulations aren't the highest, there will be some parts of the east and south that will maybe see a little less rainfall than those counties in the rainfall warning. There's still that chance of some localised flooding just due to those, those unfavourable ground conditions. The weather for the weekend is going to remain quite unsettled, she added. Low pressure will stay in charge of the weather. Now, over the weekend, there will potentially be some longer dry spells. Just a few patches of rain and drizzle early on Saturday, early on Sunday, and overnight Saturday night too. But it doesn't look likely that that will be quite as heavy as what we've seen. So there is potential for some drier weather there at the weekend. "However, it is going to be short-lived. Next week there is a good signal for the unsettled trend to continue with high air with low pressure just continuing to drive that rain and those showers across the country. An uprooted tree in Pheonix Park, Dublin, after Storm Chandra hit the island of Ireland. Irish Rail spokesperson Jane Creegan has been outlining the routes impacted by heavy rain. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Ms Creegan said there was subsidence on the line between Portmarnock and Malahide. As a result of that, we've no Dart services operating between Malahide and Howth Junction. Dart Services are currently only operating between Howth, Howth Junction and Greystones and Bray. There's also a significant impact to Northern Commuter Services. We're operating a limited shuttle between Dundalk and Malahide, but then we have no service obviously between the affected areas. So, we are recommending for our customers that Dublin Bus and Go Ahead are honouring rail tickets, but you are going to expect significant delays and disruption to your journey into the city centre from that route this morning. Ms Creegan said that crews were on site attempting to deal with the tree that had fallen on the line as a result of subsidence. We're confident that we will have it cleared at some stage this morning but I can't give you a timeline on that and I suppose it'd be fair to say the morning peak will be affected by this. There are also issues with the Belfast line, she added. We have flooding north of the border at Poyntzpass. So we have both transfers in operation between Newry and Belfast. We also now are endeavouring to get buses between Drogheda and the city centre on this side of the border. And we also have reduced frequency of services between Dublin and Belfast today. Work was ongoing to repair damage to signalling equipment in Enniscorthy and Ms Creegan was confident that a full service will return at some stage today. Currently we have bus transfers in operation between Gorey and Wexford, so again we just recommend everyone to check our website irishrail.ie and to follow us on social media for the latest updates. - Additional reporting from Vivienne Clarke A yellow rain warning has been issued for seven counties on Friday, with a warning also issued for all of the North. Met Eireann has issued a warning to Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It comes into effect from 9 am on Friday until midnight on Saturday. Met Eireann has warned of flooding and dangerous travelling conditions. The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for the North from midnight on Friday until 6 pm. The warnings come as the cleanup continues from Storm Chandra. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work and four days paid leave to be available if workers need to address needs at their home. The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. NEWBRIDGE Silverware manufacturers Newbridge Cutlery Company Ltd confirmed that it will cease production of silver-plated cutlery and tableware at its Newbridge factory, placing 11 long-serving jobs at risk and bringing an end to almost a century of manufacturing at the site. The company, founded in 1934, said production will officially end on 10 April 2026 following what it described as a comprehensive strategic review of a loss-making business. A statutory consultation process is now underway, with SIPTU representatives having met management on Tuesday, for an update on the outcome for employees. This will be SIPTUs second meeting with Newbridge Silverware management. Workers were informed of the decision last Tuesday, 20 January after being called for a meeting. SIPTU organiser Richie Elliot said workers had no prior indication that a closure was being considered. They were requested to attend a meeting first thing in the morning when they arrived into work, and thats when management informed them of the plan going forward, he said. They got the bad news straight away. There was no inclination at all among our membership that this was coming. Mr Elliot said he was unhappy with the timing of the companys public statement, which he said appeared online while workers were still processing the news. In my opinion, it wasnt handled properly. Workers should have been fully engaged with before any concern about getting something into the press. The closure has sparked deep concern for the future of employees, many of whom have spent decades working at the factory. According to SIPTU, the minimum length of service among the affected workers is 10 years, with some having given their entire working lives to the company. Mr Elliot recalled that one member of staff worked at the factory for 44 years. They're not just factory workers, said Richie. They're craft people who know their craft and are there a long time. He added that the loss of the working factory could also impact the wider visitor experience at Newbridge Silverware, where tourists regularly tour the production floor. Newbridge Cutlery said the decision to close was taken with deep regret, citing several years of falling sales due to reduced demand for traditional silver-plated tableware, changing dining habits in homes and across the hospitality sector, and the decline of silver cutlery canteens as wedding gifts. The company also pointed to a sharp increase in costs, noting that silver bullion prices have risen by approximately 150% over the past 12 months. SIPTU said its priority during the consultation period is to retain as much employment as possible, including exploring alternative roles within the wider Newbridge Silverware organisation. We're in a consultation period now with the company and we'll be meeting them again to continue that, and we'll be meeting with our members as well to update them on how the discussions have gone so far. The company have to be seen to engage in that process as well, said Richie. At this moment in time, our main position is to try and sustain as much employment as possible for the workers in there and specifically the members that we represent. He continued: We're pulling ideas across or trying to tell them, trying to come up with ideas regarding what sort of roles these workers could fill within the organisation outside of the normal duties that they do fill. Is there going to be employment there for them in the future in a different role? That remains to be seen. Newbridge Silverware was asked about the future employment of workers from Newbridge Cutlery factory. It said: A consultation process is underway with impacted employees, and we will engage fully with employees throughout that process. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific outcomes of that process at this stage. A MASS of students from Curragh Community School (CSS) took part in the student-led protest addressing poor school conditions on a stormy day at the Curragh Camp last week. Students organised outside the school on Tuesday afternoon 27 January, before staging the walk to the nearby church joined by teachers and parents Two students, Libby Christie and Sophie Evans took the plunge to organise the protest after having their education incredibly impacted by the unfit condition of their school. Third year student, Sophie, originally came up with the idea to stage a protest to stand up for their education, and to show the impact that the dilapidated school has had on CCS students. Thats when sixth year student, Libby, jumped on board to help rally the troops. Libby explained: Sophie told me that she wanted to do a walkout to show the students' opposition towards the place that we basically live in five days a week. And I was 100% on board with that. The protest took place just a day before the Department of Educations announcement, which said that the school would be made a priority for the large-scale development of a new school building the 2026/7 period. Students staged a walk-out protest Libby detailed the dire conditions of the school to the Kildare Nationalist. From mouldy ceilings to leaky roofs to more serious problems like water contamination and leaking ceilings near electrical outlets: Theres mouldy ceilings, leaks in the roofs, and very cold classrooms. It's not the radiators that are the problem, it's the insulation in the school. Three classrooms in the school were closed due to health and safety concerns late last year and remain closed to classes. There's three condemned classes, but one of them has been kind of fixed up a bit where students can now walk through it to go to the art room, but other than that, it is still completely unsafe for us to learn in, said Libby. One of the rooms, room 23, had mushrooms growing out of the skirting board. And there is a big black spot of black mould on the ceiling right in the centre of the class. One of the other rooms, room 13, had a massive leak in the roof where it would be dripping down on top of students during class. It actually dripped on top of me and my friend during our Irish class, she said. The carpet was completely dry rotted, it has since been replaced, but it was horrible. Due to the classroom closures, senior students have had to regularly travel to Kildare town to use facilities at the PLC centre, Kildare Further Education and Training Centre. Sophie explained that while the students are grateful for the use of facilities at the centre, it is not an ideal situation. Its great that weve got the classrooms, but we shouldn't even be in that situation where we have to travel to two different places, she said. The students also explained an instance in early January where the school had to close for a week due to a sewage block which flooded out of the pipes and onto the floors. That was a huge health and safety thing, and we got the week off school for that, said Libby. She continued: Only at the start of last week, we were all sent home early on Monday because the water was contaminated and it was completely unsafe to even put your hands into. The army had to shut us down. Group of students from Curragh Community College All students at the school have been impacted by the conditions of the school. All of the students are completely conscious during class about what's going on around them. In room seven, everything is just crumbling around you, said Libby. Some teachers and parents supported the students protest, with one parent speaking on her daughters experience: My daughter has a physical disability and is in her exam year. Its really not good enough." She continued: They (Department of Education) need to do something to help. The school was meant to be built years ago. The walk-out protest went as planned, but after the demonstration was over, organisers Sophie and Libby hoped that their voices reach far beyond the Curragh Camp: We just want to raise the awareness to show that it's not just the teachers or the management that's complaining, it's the kids, said Libby. We want a move on. We were promised this back in December of 2018. It's 2026, this is eight years later, and there's no move to improve our situation at all. No sign of building or anything. My older siblings, they all went to the school, and there was issues, but the rapid decline in the last three years is ridiculous. One day later on Wednesday, 28 January, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton announced the publication of the National Development Plan Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth sectors, outlining 7.55 billion in capital funding for schools and youth facilities nationwide between 2026 and 2030. CCS was one of 12 Kildare schools included on a prioritised development list for 2026/2027. The current Curragh Community College building CCC Principal, Nessa Doyle, was delighted and relieved with the news. She said: I want to thank all members of our school community for their recent efforts to make known the unacceptable conditions of our current school building. Together we have demonstrated the lived ethos of our school. We have a journey to go yet, but today's announcement is really good news. I expect the tender process will now result in the appointment of a contractor and commencement of the build. Once again thank you to everyone, staff, parents, members of the board of management for your forbearance and dedication to our new school. But especially I want to thank the students of Curragh Community College who have also been proud members of our school community despite our buildings deficits. Our students deserve the very best and this announcement promises them just that. Tim Healy Tesco Ireland Ltd has received High Court undertakings from an interiors/homewares chain not to shut their outlet which is within a Tesco superstore in Waterford city. Multi Home Retail Ltd t/a Choice Stores started removing its stock over the weekend of January 17th/18th from the Poleberry Tesco which then sought an injunction against it for alleged breach of a 10-year licensing agreement to operate the in-store outlet. On Thursday, Mr Justice Brian Cregan adjourned the matter to next month following undertakings on behalf of Choice to keep the outlet open pending the determination of the proceedings. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for Tesco, said the "keep open" would meet a term of the injunction being sought by his client. John Freeman BL, for Choice, said he would be seeking an early hearing date. Choice has occupied a 13,239 square foot unit in the shared superstore area at an annual licence fee of some 214,000 since September 2024. Tony Kiernan, head of assets and estates with Tesco Ireland, said in an affidavit that there is a "break option" in the licence agreement in the fifth year. But on December 8th last, just over a year into the agreement, Choice wrote to Tesco saying they would be withdrawing from Poleberry on foot of "a commercial decision". Engagement followed between the parties, with Tesco requesting that Choice provide a viable and realistic proposal so it could continue trading. But, Mr Kiernan said, Choice managing director Ken Fox wrote back to say the wind-down decision stands, and it was intended the last trading day would be a date in January with a hand back in February. Mr Fox also later stated there were provisions in the licence agreement which allow for termination in certain circumstances. Tesco says there is no such provision. Mr Kiernan said Choice continued removing stock from the store with the result that by January 26th, it was substantially reduced. He also said if Choice is permitted to withdraw, the presence of a large and conspicuous vacant unit in a prominent location posed a real and material risk of reputational and commercial harm to the centre and its occupiers. Paul Neilan A Clonmel couple whose child died during birth have received an apology from a Tipperary hospital admitting "shortfalls" in the hospital's duty of care for the infant that causes "continuing heartache" to the parents of the baby, Freddie. At the High Court on Wednesday, an apology from the HSE, addressed to parents Sinead O'Donnell and Luke Kelly, was read into the court by barrister Patrick Treacy SC, for the couple, offering the hospital's "sincere apology" over the care received there in July 2021. Freddie died in the early hours of July 2nd 2021, at Tipperary University Hospital (TUH). Ms O'Donnell attended the hospital for antenatal care on the morning of July 1st 2021, after experiencing pains the previous night. Her temperature was recorded at 38.4c and she was transferred to the Labour Ward where a Caesarean Section was performed under general anaesthetic after a medical review. Baby Freddie, who had been 40 weeks in gestation, was delivered at 2.34 am but was born without a heart rate or respiratory ability, and efforts to resuscitate the child were unsuccessful. The clinical negligence case was taken by Ms O'Donnell and Mr Kelly against the HSE, who were alleged to be in breach of their duty to the mother and child and negligent in exercising care. It was alleged that on July 2, 2021, the hospital failed to diligently, skilfully or carefully treat or care for Ms O'Donnell and baby Freddie. It was claimed that the hospital failed to deliver baby Freddie in a timely manner and caused an inappropriate or unnecessary delay in the delivery. It was submitted that the hospital failed to take any action or any appropriate action over a CTG scan carried out at 1.10am showing features of chronic hypoxia - when human tissue receives insufficient oxygen. It was further submitted that there was a failure to seek an urgent medical or obstetric review and a further failure to appraise the medical or obstetrician of the urgency of the child's condition. It was also submitted that there was a failure to attend to Ms O'Donnell in a timely manner after the medical team were called to attend at around 1.20am, but the team failed to attend until 1.45 am. This, it was claimed, deprived the team the opportunity of an effective intervention, exposing the boy to an unnecessary risk of injury. Mr Treacy said the baby was delivered at 2.34 am but was pronounced deceased after resuscitation efforts failed, though the child had a normal baseline heart rate seven minutes before delivery. A post-mortem recorded the child as having no "structural anomalies" when delivered. Mr Treacy said the HSE admitted breach of care during the birthing process and failures in responding to the CTG scan. "We have a failure regarding the monitoring of the CTG and then a failure to act," said counsel. Mr Treacy, instructed by solicitor Siobhan Ryan of Cian O'Carroll Solicitors, read the hospital's letter of apology issued by Maria Barry, the hospital manager of TUH. "On behalf of the staff and management of Tipperary University Hospital, I wish to sincerely apologise for shortfalls in care that led to the stillbirth of your son, Freddie. We understand that neither this nor financial compensation can undo the continuing heartache and appreciate that this continues to be a difficult time for you both," the letter read. Mr Treacy said the letter amounted to a "full apology and admission for the causation of what caused Freddie to lose his life". Mr Justice Paul Coffey addressed the couple, who were in court with their family and supporters, and extended his deepest sympathy to them and their family over what he said was the "tragic loss" of baby Freddie. Following the confirmation of the bluetongue virus in a bovine in Co Wexford, farmers have been reminded that the BTV3 vaccines are useful, and lower temperatures will reduce midge activity. There has also been renewed calls for vigilance, from the IFA. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, confirmed that an outbreak of bluetongue has been detected in Co Wexford, last week. CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland the Minister said. Surveillance Firstly, 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 said. I want to express my sympathy to the affected farmer at this difficult time. This virus predominantly is spread by midges. The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12 degrees Celsius. The recent seasonal drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time. Investigations are ongoing with additional sampling taking place so that we can understand the epidemiological situation. Addressing the likely trade impacts, Minister Heydon said 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. In respect of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the EU, UK and to most of our 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. Speaking about vaccination for BTV3, he said My decision last year to approve the use of BTV3 vaccines in Ireland from 2026 provides farmers with a valuable tool to protect cattle and sheep against the impact of BTV3, should it spread more widely in the 2026 vector season. I encourage cattle and sheep farmers to discuss with their private veterinary practitioner whether vaccination is appropriate for their circumstances. Vigilance IFA President Francie Gorman said the case of Bluetongue in Co Wexford is very disappointing. He said the highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector. Critically, the IFA President said while investigations are ongoing, restrictions only apply on the farm in question. This means farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising the maximum level of vigilance. 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. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS The Department of Agriculture has resolved some of the issues affecting the live trade, but must ensure all international trade certs 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 it is critical everything is done to prevent this disease from spreading. IFA will be engaging directly with the Minister and his officials to ensure the impact of BTV and associated controls on farms are kept to an absolute minimum. Further information on bluetongue is available at www.gov.ie/bluetongue. Irish smartphone users are being told of a new WhatsApp feature as parent company Meta aims to reduce the incidence of scams on their platforms. Many people are being hit with unexpected calls, links, and files from numbers they do not know on WhatsApp directly, not rather than old school virus attacks. Meta has begun introducing a new WhatsApp feature, known as Strict Account Settings, designed to reduce exposure to scams, impersonation attempts and social engineering. When enabled, the setting automatically blocks media and attachments from unknown senders, silences calls from unknown numbers, disables link previews and limits messages from contacts who are not saved. George Foley, security spokesperson for ESET Ireland, said the move is significant because it targets how most attacks now begin. READ NEXT: TEMU issues urgent recall across Ireland as popular product can cause serious burns Cyberattacks today rarely start with malware. They start with a message. A missed call, a link, a file, or a conversation designed to lower your guard. By blocking unknown contacts and tightening access by default, WhatsApp is addressing the reality of how people are being targeted, he said. Foley said the change also highlights the trade-off between convenience and security. Instant reachability has become normal, but it is also one of the biggest weaknesses in our digital lives. These new settings will not suit everyone, but they are a clear reminder that convenience often comes at a security cost. Platforms are finally starting to step in earlier, before damage is done, rather than after, he said. ESET Ireland said features like this are particularly important for journalists, public figures and anyone whose phone number is widely shared, but they also offer protection for everyday users who are increasingly exposed to scams through messaging apps. The company advises users to review their privacy and security settings across all messaging platforms, be cautious of unexpected messages or calls, and avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders, even when they appear harmless. For more information visit www.eset.com. A union has reiterated a call for the introduction of climate leave when extreme weather makes it impossible to get to work, as parts of Ireland deal with the clean-up after Storm Chandra. It is part of a series of proposals from Unite on Thursday, while people dealt with serious traffic disruptions because of flooding and debris on road and rail routes. A burst water main in the Fairview area of Dublin added to weather-related commuter chaos in the capital. Subsidence also sent a tree on to the Dart rail route near Portmarnock, closing the service between Portmarnock and Howth Junction for a period. The line, which also affected services to Belfast, has reopened. Yellow Rainfall Warning Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow & Dublin 00z Thursday to 00z Friday Further heavy rain/showers falling on saturated ground, combined with high river levels may cause further flooding & difficulty travelling https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/8WlgdVZAGs Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 28, 2026 Heavy winds and torrential rain on Tuesday caused significant disruption across the island of Ireland, including power outages, flight cancellations and 300 school closures in Northern Ireland. Rivers burst their banks, including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin, with fallen trees reported across the island. Up to 20,000 properties were without power at the peak of Storm Chandra. The scale of the flooding in some areas has heaped pressure on forecaster Met Eireann and the Government over whether the warnings were sufficient. Heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and high river levels could cause further flooding on Thursday. Met Eireann issued a yellow rain warning for the whole day in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin. Clean-up operations continued amid the threat of more rain in some of the worst-affected towns, like Enniscorthy and Aughrim, and areas in South Dublin. These areas were on the itinerary for Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran on Thursday, as he assessed some of the flood damage after Storm Chandra. His visits come amid anger at delays to flood relief schemes around the country. Unite has called for four days paid leave if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work and four days paid leave to be available if workers need to address needs at their home. The unions demands also include a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during amber/orange alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during red alerts. They say that workers should be paid as usual for days where work is required to stop because of the weather. Unite also wants a 24C action level, where heat management controls must be put in place, and an absolute maximum of 30C for when work should stop if it cannot be prevented. Unites Irish secretary Susan Fitzgerald said there was an urgent need to update health and safety legislation to keep up with scientific evidence on climate change. Meanwhile, Irish Congress of Trade Unions president Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: When storms strike, many workers are advised to work from home where possible. Yellow weather warning issued Further rain across Northern Ireland falling on already saturated ground Friday 00:00 18:00 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/pdqAax2BbW Met Office (@metoffice) January 28, 2026 But many others cant work from home, either because their employer cant or wont facilitate that or because they are essential workers. All employers must be compelled to prioritise staff safety and ensure that workers do not pay the price, financially or in terms of their wellbeing, for extreme weather events. In Northern Ireland, further rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground and the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6pm on Friday. While the wettest conditions are likely over Antrim and Down, there is potential for many areas to see 10-25 mm build up, with 40-60 mm over some hills. Lewis Holden writes: I come to this argument from an unusual starting point. I am not a monarchist by instinct, nor am I a republican absolutist. As many know, I am openly supportive of New Zealand becoming a republic, on the grounds that our constitutional arrangements should reflect our own democratic maturity and national identity. That position, however, does not require me to believe that monarchy is always and everywhere a bad idea. Constitutional arrangements are tools, not moral absolutes, and their value depends entirely on the historical, cultural, and political context in which they are applied. This is in fact a large part of my argument for a New Zealand republic: the institution of monarchy in our context is British (no matter what silly arguments might be constructed claiming the British Royals are not in fact British). This is not the case in Iran, where monarchy was the product of thousands of years of history. 'Food banks' mirror China's new approaches to food conservation 15:46, January 29, 2026 By Xiao Le ( People's Daily A man withdraws food from a smart cabinet of a "food bank" in Futian district, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province. As evening fell over Jilong Yicun village in Shenzhen's Futian district, south China's Guangdong province, a green smart cabinet stood out in the night. Following a quick mobile verification, its door clicked open to reveal a free food package. This is China's much-discussed "food bank" initiative. Over three years, nearly 500,000 portions of near-expired or surplus food have been redirected here, benefiting approximately half a million recipients. The 24-hour food banks introduced in Shenzhen and other cities channel soon-to-expire food to those in need offering complimentary provisions to vulnerable groups and residents while combating food waste. Why has this model garnered significant attention? Its innovation lies in addressing a persistent challenge: preventing near-expired and surpluses from becoming waste. Through a collaborative framework of government coordination, business engagement, and social organizations operation -- with public engagement in co-creation and benefit-sharing -- Futian district has formed stable partnerships with nearly 100 enterprises, including Freshippo, Ole' Supermarket, and Yonghui Superstores. This initiative has helped save approximately 202 tons of food and cut carbon emissions by around 404 tons. Yet this represents only an initial step. Food waste runs through the entire supply chain. According to estimates by relevant institutions, China loses and wastes around 460 billion kilograms of food every year. From harvesting and storage to transportation, processing, and consumption, losses occur at every stage. This underscores the need to firmly embrace the idea that reducing loss and waste is equivalent to increasing output, and to promote conservation and loss reduction across the entire chain. How can these persistent issues be effectively tackled? The "food bank" initiative offers a forward-looking approach. At its heart lies a simple yet powerful idea: to prevent near-expiry and surplus foodoften considered "hard to sell yet too good to waste"from ending up as trash, and instead channel it to meaningful use. By intervening at the post-consumption stage, the model builds a bridge between circular resource use and compassionate community support. At the same time, it complements upstream efforts: scientific grain storage at the production stage, appropriate processing in manufacturing, and consumption-side initiatives like the "Clean Your Plate" campaign. This integrated approach facilitates resource cascading and efficient use throughout the system. Food conservation has never been a new topic. Thrift is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation. "Who knows that of our meal in the dish, every grain comes after hard toil?" This line in a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem has been passed down for over 1,000 years and remains one of the most effective lessons in saving food. Similar models operate globally. Singapore runs the national "Clean Plate Campaign;" Germany promotes food-saving apps for smarter household ingredient management; and Chile's "Zero Food Waste Outdoor Market" project encourages donating near-expired items while composting inedible waste. Today, China's approaches to food conservation are growing more diverse and dynamic. Among young people, initiatives such as "surprise leftover boxes," pay-by-weight canteens, and dedicated near-expiry food sections in supermarkets are gaining traction. Food saving is evolving beyond mere awareness into tangible, participatory action. Ultimately, food conservation rests on individual choices. For households, buying only what is needed and preparing sensible portions are simple yet effortless practices. For catering businesses, promoting smaller servings and participating in near-expiry food donation not only fulfills social responsibility but also cuts operational waste. A single smart cabinet weaves together the collaborative efforts of the government, businesses, social organizations, and the public reflecting, in its own way, the warmth and civility of a city. Photo shows a smart cabinet of a "food bank." (Photos from Southern Metropolis Daily) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Angola, IN (46703) Today Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 25F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 19F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. (The Center Square) Emergency responders in north Louisiana are rescuing motorists stranded on Interstate 20 in miles of traffic gridlock caused by a weekend storm that pounded the region with ice and freezing temperatures. Fiona Ferguson A man who raped one woman and sexually assaulted another on the same night ten years ago has received a seven-year prison sentence. The Central Criminal Court heard that Luca Fox (30) was extremely drunk on the night in question and had assaulted both women in their beds as they attempted to sleep. One woman told the court: This made me become a fearful shell of myself. She described the devastating impact the rapes have had on her health, life and relationships in the past decade. She outlined how she had sympathy for Fox at the time and had not wanted to ruin a young persons life. I ended up sacrificing mine instead, she said. Fox, with an address at Alfonso Street, Madrid, Spain, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of one woman and was convicted by a jury of two counts of rape of another woman at a house in Co Cork on October 21st 2015. All parties were 20 years old at the time. He has no previous convictions. The women both wish to retain their anonymity but have no issue with Fox being identified. Fox has accepted the verdict of the jury and issued an apology to both women through his counsel. Passing the sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said Fox's multiplicity of offending was an aggravating factor and that these incidents took place in a location which should have been a place of safety for both women. Sentencing The judge noted the probation report identified a correlation between Fox's harmful behaviour and his addiction issues, and that he is placed at average to moderate risk of reoffending. It also stated that he demonstrated insight and remorse for the lasting effects of his behaviour on the two women, the judge added. She said she had considered the mitigation, including Fox's background and family support, his youth at the time, addiction and mental health difficulties and his efforts to address these. She imposed a sentence of seven years in relation to the rape offences and handed down a concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentence on the sexual assault. She backdated the sentences to November 25 last, when Fox went into custody. Noting that Fox is resident in Spain, the length of time elapsed since these offences occurred and his efforts to address his issues, the judge said she would not impose a post-release supervision order. An investigating garda told Cathleen Noctor SC, prosecuting, that Fox had been resident in Cork in 2015 and attending college in Ireland. Fox, who was 20 years old at the time, had been socialising on the night in question and was quite drunk. He accompanied a group he met back to their house as they felt sorry for him. The court heard that he became loud and obnoxious back at the house where they had food and smoked cannabis in one of the bedrooms. The residents tried to persuade Fox to sleep downstairs. One woman made a remark about having sex with Fox if he ordered pizza and paid for it. The woman actually paid for the pizza, the court was told. Fox went downstairs, and the woman and her friend remained in the bedroom to sleep. Fox came back into the room and got into the bed. He tried multiple times to pull down the womans underwear, and she told him no. He then raped the woman in the bed twice as her friend slept. She described how she had been face down in the pillow during the offence and how relieved she was at being able to breath when he stopped. The following morning she attended a sexual assault treatment unit and contacted gardai. She did not wish to make a formal complaint at that time. There was some contact from Fox in which he apologised and said it was clear she was not up for seconds. She told Fox she had not been up for the first time. Fox replied that he did not recall her refusing and maintained he was misled by her pizza statement. Second incident The court heard a second woman was also sexually assaulted by Fox in her bed as she was trying to sleep. She said Fox was grinding on top of her, and it was like he could not hear her. She had to kick him with her legs before he got the message and left. A formal complaint was made in 2021, and Fox was interviewed in Spain, where he was living in 2023. He maintained that the first woman gave an understanding that one act had been consensual and said she could have asked for help or said no. In relation to the second woman, he initially did not know who she was. He later said he had spooned her and when she told him to get off, he did. In her victim impact statement, the first woman said what had happened in 2015 had devastated her. It has impacted and ruined every moment since. She said she has not had a moment of genuine peace. She said every milestone had been corrupted, and a part of her was always in survival mode. She outlined how she suffered panic attacks, came out in a rash because of stress and used drugs and alcohol as an escape. She said her confidence was on the floor, her self-worth devastated, and people walked on eggshells around her, leaving her further isolated. Her professional life, relationships, education and family have all been immensely negatively impacted, she told the court. Vulnerable She said she is very vulnerable around men, and how she dresses and presents herself has changed. She does not want to stand out and doesnt want people to look at her. She describes how the trial had been a torment and told Fox: I hope you have taken the time to understand the gravity of what you have done. She said she want him to realise the full impact and never hurt anyone again. She said she hoped that finally getting justice will enable her to move forward. The second injured party was not in court and did not submit a victim impact statement. The garda agreed with Alice Fawsitt SC, defending, that Fox was interviewed eight years after the events and was completely cooperative. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association There will be serious consequences for X if the EU finds it continues to facilitate sharing of non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the artificial intelligence (AI) minister has said. The EU Commission has launched an investigation into the social media company after reports that CSAM and non-consensual sexualised images of adults were generated through the Grok AI tool and disseminated on the platform. It is examining whether the company is meeting its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). X is obliged to assess and mitigate any potential systemic risks related to its services in the EU, including the spread of illegal content and potential threats to fundamental rights, including of minors, posed by its platform and features. The maximum fine for companies under the Digital Services Act is 6% of worldwide turnover. Media regulator CnaM said it was investigating X in collaboration with the Commissions investigation under the DSA, but was not pursuing any action under the Online Safety Code. Niamh Smyth (left) is the Minister of State with responsibility for AI (Brian Lawless/PA) X gave written assurances to State representatives, including the Minister of State with responsibility for AI and the Data Protection Commission (DPC), that it had implemented safeguards globally on January 20, around the ability to generate images of real people in revealing attire on X and the standalone Grok app. However, Minister Niamh Smyth was told that the capability was still available on the service this week. Ms Smyth has indicated there will be serious consequences for X should the investigation find that it continued to facilitate the sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery and CSAM. A spokeswoman for Ms Smyth said CnaM is using proper channels to determine the validity of Xs claims and this will form part of the investigation taken by the European Commission. She plans to meet X about the matter again, and the DPC has also written to the company to seek clarification on whether the capability has been restricted. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy told her during an Oireachtas Committee that the capability to create sexualised images was still available in other jurisdictions, and to users in Ireland using a VPN to connect through other countries in Europe. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy (Damien Eagers/PA) Ms Smyth later told the committee she did not trust X and pledged to take action. The opening of formal proceedings by the European Commission relieves CnaM to enforce the DSA over the suspected infringements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is also a competent authority under the DSA, but said its regulatory role solely relates to specific obligations for online platforms where consumers purchase goods or services. It said CnaM is responsible for the Online Safety Framework, which is aimed at reducing the risk of people being exposed to illegal or harmful content online. This framework says that platforms are legally obliged to have rules on content and to include them in their terms and conditions. When it comes to compelling people to produce information for their inquiries, CnaMs executive chairman, Jeremy Godfrey, has acknowledged the regulator has more powers under the Online Safety Code compared with not quite such good powers under the DSA. The regulator told the Press Association that it had not opened any investigation under the Online Safety Code, saying the issue would be most effectively addressed as a systemic risk under the obligations around illegal content in the DSA. The offices of Coimisiun na Mean in Dublin w (Niall Carson/PA) Ms Smyth has repeatedly criticised Xs rhetoric in response to the issue, saying its blame on bad actors and user manipulation of the tool did not sit well with her. She says the company has huge financial resources and should have designed safeguards into the technology. She has previously said large social media companies should be treated as publishers, and it would be her intention to shut down access to them if they were found to violate Irish law on sexual abuse materials. Ms Smyth has said her focus is on X and Grok itself rather than the users, who she said would be dealt with by gardai. Gardai have said they are aware of a proliferation of such AI-generated material. Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis (Niall Carson/PA) On January 14, Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau said there were 200 investigations into specific referrals about potential CSAM on X. The figure has potentially grown in the intervening two weeks. Gardai and Government figures have said that existing legislation is sufficient to deal with the issue of AI-generated non-consensual sexualised images of real people and children. However, Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu said this week there was a need for legislation to tackle services that generate sexualised images of adults. It came after Angela Willis, Garda Assistant Commissioner, organised and serious crime, told the Childrens Committee that a complainant is currently required to investigate intimate abuse imagery of adults, and that such material needs to be shared to constitute an offence. Ms Willis told an Oireachtas committee that the production, circulation and generation of CSAM is prohibited, whether it is generated by AI or not. She also said that legislation provides for the liability of directors and officers of corporate bodies of companies where illegal content is shared. I believe we need to get to a point where if youre under the age of 16, you cant be on social media Tanaiste Simon Harris Elsewhere this week, Tanaiste Simon Harris said there needed to be greater enforcement on age verification in Ireland. Mr Harris, who believes Ireland needs to prohibit outright the use of social media by those under 16, said there had to be a baring of teeth and enforcement of the age of digital consent, set out by the Data Protection Act 2018. This means online service providers like social media platforms, which rely on consent as the legal basis for processing personal data, must obtain the consent of the childs parents. Mr Harris said, We have to start actually enforcing the age of digital consent, adding that some social media companies have signed up for the rollout of age verification in March. But quite frankly, I believe we need to get to a point where if youre under the age of 16, you cant be on social media. Comment was sought from X and its parent company xAI which also operates Grok. A MAN accused of a sex act in a Portlaoise playground skatepark has been named, after a judge lifted reporting restrictions. At Portlaoise District Court this week, Judge Susan Fay lifted reporting restrictions on a man who had previously been charged with exposing himself in a sexual way, with the intent of causing fear, distress or alarm in another person, at Laois Leisure Centre, Park Drive, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise in August 2023. The report received by gardai was that a man had his trousers down, with his penis exposed and he was masturbating in the skateboard area of the childrens playground. At a previous sitting of the case, there was discussion between the judge and the mans solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, on whether the defendant could be identified due to the nature of the charge. Erring on the side of caution, Judge Fay imposed reporting restrictions and asked Mr Fitzgerald to seek directions on whether his client could be identified by court reporters. At this weeks hearing on 26 January, Mr Fitzgerald said in this type of case the judge had discretion whether to allow a defendant to be identified in open court. When the case was first in court, Detective Garda Michael ODonovan said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case be heard at district court level, if that was accepted by the judge. He told the court that gardai received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the skatepark area of the playground in the leisure centre, on the afternoon of 19 August 2023. Det. ODonovan said the report received was about a man who had his trousers down, his penis exposed and masturbating. The detective said: When the manager of the leisure centre approached the man, he zipped up his trousers and walked away. Det. ODonovan said the incident was first reported by a woman, who went into the reception area of the leisure centre at 2.50pm and had her children with her. Det. ODonovan said that, when the charge was put to 28-year-old Jaroslav Balog from Millbrook Estate, Portlaoise, he replied: I want everything to be behind me. I want to settle everything. Ruling that the case was too serious to be heard in the district court, Judge Fay refused jurisdiction and remanded Mr Balog on continuing bail to 9 March, for service of a book of evidence. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme James Cox Weather warnings and the clean up from Storm Chandra feature on Thursday's front pages. Met Eireann were criticised by Minister for Housing James Browne over the lack of information before Storm Chandra, The Irish Times reports. A VHI price hike and the birth of two endangered Northern cheetah cubs at Fota Wildlife feature on the front page of the Irish Examiner. A MetroLink row is the lead story in the Irish Independent. The Echo leads with a story on elderly people left without heating in Cork. US president Donald Trump's military threats to Iran lead in the Irish Daily Mail. The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on a drug bust at Dublin Airport. The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Sun both lead with the Storm Chandra fallout. The Herald leads with a story on evidence from a botched hit that 'disappeared' from a Garda station. In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on a shooting. The Irish News leads with a story on a man who died after a car crashed into a shop window. A range of stories feature on the UK front pages. Metro leads with a story on a lotto winner who set up a 'drugs empire'. Metro: Lotto winner set up 228m drugs empire #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/5zrVyqNneg George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Financial Times leads with a story on global tensions driving up metal prices. Financial Times: Miners boost value by $476bn after global tensions drive up metal prices #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/zinpBNkRmJ George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The i Paper, The Guardian, the Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror lead with escalating tensions between the US and Iran. i: Nuclear ultimatum: abandon weapons programme or massive armada will bomb Iran, US threatens Ayatollah #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ZZpul47RqV George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Guardian: Time is running out, Trump says as US armada heads towards Iran #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/YHcoLMsNUJ George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Daily Star leads with a story on Brooklyn Beckham spending 80,000 on wine. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party is not for "drama queens" after high profile defections to Reform UK, the Daily Express reports. Daily Express: KEMI: MY PARTY IS FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE AND NOT DRAMA QUEENS #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/dVflM3ZM9Q George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Daily Telegraph leads with UK prime minister Keir Starmer's China visit. The Daily Telegraph: Starmer: Use ECHR to investigate British troops #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WHHg7vtRG7 George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 Mr Starmer has shelved plans to overhaul benefits, The Times reports. The Times: PM shelves fresh plan to overhaul benefits #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WSntN0aVKN George Mann (@sgfmann) January 28, 2026 The Sun leads with a story on Lucy Letby. Joe Rogan warns the American public in stark terms that President Donald Trump's focus on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions may be deliberately overshadowing unresolved questions about the incomplete release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. On The Joe Rogan Experience, the influential podcaster urged listeners not to be misled by political spectacle, asserting that headlines about ICE raids and other controversies have shifted attention away from one of the most contentious issues of the Trump administration. Rogan Questions Distraction Tactics Rogan's remarks came during a discussion with comedian Ehsan Ahmad, when the conversation turned to the Epstein filesthousands of documents tied to the disgraced financier that remain largely unreleased despite legal deadlines. 'Well, it's gonna go on for a long time, I suspect,' Rogan said, before challenging whether the partial disclosures met the Trump administration's promises. 'I mean they said they released them, but what did they release?' Forbes reported that his comments highlight growing frustration among some commentators that the public debate has pivoted sharply to headlines about immigration enforcement and other political flashpoints. ICE Controversies Dominate Coverage Both Rogan and Ahmad discussed intense media coverage of ICE operations and related law enforcement actions, particularly in Minnesota, where high-profile incidents have provoked protests and national debate. Ahmad observed that issues such as sudden law enforcement controversies have taken the spotlight. 'With the Somalians and the ICE shooting, it feels like that's completely drowned out anything about it,' he said. Rogan agreed, adding: 'I think some of that's on purpose.' The implication is that headlines about immigration enforcement have captured public attention while leaving less room for scrutiny of how and why the Epstein files have not been fully released. Partial Releases Fall Short The debate over the Epstein files has been longstanding and politically charged. Recent legislationthe Epstein Files Transparency Actwas signed into law with the intent of forcing the full release of unclassified documents. However, critics note that only a small fraction of those records have been published as of early 2026, despite the act's deadline. Polling data has shown widespread public dissatisfaction with how the matter has been handled, with a low proportion of Americans expressing satisfaction with the documents publicised so far. The Wall Street Journal reported that Rogan's assertions echo a broader sentiment of frustration and concern over accountability. His listeners span millions globally, giving his words weight far beyond typical commentary. Shift in Rogan's Tone Rogan's critique reflects a notable shift in his tone towards the Trump administration. Once a supporter who helped draw attention during the 2024 presidential election cycle through endorsements and appearances, the podcaster has more recently used his platform to question Trump's actions on multiple fronts. In previous episodes, he has criticised government actions related to immigration enforcement and expressed empathy with those affected by aggressive enforcement tacticsa stance that has put him at odds with parts of the Trump base. Whether intentional distraction or coincidental timing, the shift in coverage from the Epstein files to headlines involving ICE raises questions about accountability and media focus. The unresolved release of the Epstein files remains a point of contention in American political discourse, with voices like Rogan's urging the public not to lose sight of what they see as unfinished business. Originally published on IBTimes UK As Odessa A'zion's profile continues to rise, so has public curiosity about her background, particularly after her brief casting in Deep Cuts ignited a debate around the lack of representation in Hollywood. The controversy has also raised a specific question about Odessa A'zion's ethnicity, especially after she was cast as a Latina in the upcoming project, which she ultimately decided to drop out of after the backlash. Who Is Odessa A'zion? Born Odessa Zion Segall Adlon on 17 June 2000, A'zion is a 25-year-old actress known for intense, character-driven roles. She gained early attention with Netflix's Grand Army and later starred in Hellraiser (2022). More recent projects include Marty Supreme and Rachel Sennott's I Love LA, positioning her as a rising presence in indie and prestige film circles. She also comes from a well-known Hollywood family. Her mother is Pamela Adlon, the Emmy-winning creator of Better Things and the longtime voice of Bobby Hill on King of the Hill. Her father, Felix O. Adlon, is a German writer and director, and her grandfather, Percy Adlon, was a major figure in New German Cinema. Is Odessa A'zion Latina? Despite widespread speculation online, A'zion is not Latina or Mexican. According to family records and long-standing biographical sources, her background is a mix of Ashkenazi Jewish and European heritage. On her mother's side, she is primarily Ashkenazi Jewish, with ancestry tracing back to Ukrainian-Jewish roots. Her maternal grandmother was English-born and later converted to Judaism. Her father's side is German. A'zion was raised Jewish and has spoken openly about her identity. Her middle name, Zion, reflects that upbringing, though she has also publicly clarified that she does not identify as a Zionist. She reportedly spent parts of her childhood between Los Angeles, Boston, and Germany a background that has sometimes contributed to assumptions about her ethnicity but does not include Latin American heritage. Why Deep Cuts Casting Sparked Backlash The conversation escalated in late January after A24 announced A'zion had been cast as Zoe Gutierrez in Deep Cuts, an adaptation of Holly Brickley's novel directed by Sean Durkin. In the book, Zoe Gutierrez is explicitly written as half-Mexican and half-Jewish, with her Mexican heritage shaping her family relationships, friendships, and emotional arc. For many readers, that specificity was central to the character and to the story's exploration of identity. When the casting news broke, backlash followed almost immediately across social media. Critics argued that casting a non-Latina actress in the role amounted to erasing Latina representation, particularly for a character whose cultural background is not incidental. Some also pointed to reports that the screenplay had softened or removed explicit references to Zoe's Mexican heritage, further intensifying concerns about whitewashing. Odessa A'zion's Response and Exit Within roughly 48 hours of the announcement, A'zion addressed the controversy directly on Instagram Stories. She explained that she had originally auditioned for a different role and accepted the part of Zoe without having read the novel. After learning more about the character and the concerns surrounding her casting, she announced she was stepping away from the project entirely. 'I am with all of you,' she wrote, adding that once she understood the context, she no longer felt comfortable moving forward. Her decision to exit was widely reported and drew praise from many critics who viewed it as an example of accountability and responsiveness. Neither A24 nor director Sean Durkin has issued a formal statement, and no replacement casting has been announced yet. The episode has since become part of a broader industry conversation not only about Latina representation, but about casting mixed-heritage characters and adaptation choices. Originally published on IBTimes UK Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that Colombians living in the United States, Chile and Argentina should return to their home country, arguing that migrants abroad are treated "like slaves and dogs chased through the streets." Speaking at a public event in Bogota, Petro said he was urging Colombians to leave those countries because they face precarious working conditions and risks to their health and safety. "I ask all Colombians to return from Chile, Argentina and the United States," he said, adding that the promise of prosperity abroad often turns out to be an "error." Petro also contrasted life in the United States with Cuba, saying it was "much better to live in Cuba than in Miami." He described Miami as a city shaped by what he called an illusion of capitalism and argued that Colombians abroad often lack dignity and stability, claiming that few achieve home or car ownership. "LE PIDO A LOS COLOMBIANOS EN CHILE, ARGENTINA Y EE.UU. QUE SE DEVUELVAN PORQUE LOS VAN A TRATAR COMO ESCLAVOS" Presidente @petrogustavo pide a colombianos en otro paises regresar al pais, afirma que la economia colombiana esta en ascenso y el peso es una de las moneda mas pic.twitter.com/70VyVSrRpg RTVC Noticias (@RTVCnoticias) January 27, 2026 His remarks come amid heightened debate over immigration enforcement in the United States, including large-scale operations by federal authorities and recent fatal incidents in Minneapolis that have drawn international attention. Petro referred to raids carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as evidence that migrants face growing risks. The comments form part of a broader critique by Petro of U.S. policies and global power structures. Earlier this week, he questioned the legitimacy of judicial proceedings against former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in the United States, saying Maduro should be returned to Venezuela to be tried there. "They have to return him and have him judged by a Venezuelan court, not a U.S. court," Petro said. He also criticized the U.S. military operation that led to Maduro's capture, arguing that bombing Caracas was not an act against a single leader but against Venezuela itself. The White House rejected Petro's assessment, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly saying Maduro was "a fugitive from U.S. justice" arrested for narco-terrorism and conspiracy against the United States. Petro has repeatedly framed his foreign policy positions within a wider critique of military intervention and the international order, arguing that political conflicts should be resolved through dialogue rather than force. His latest comments on migration and U.S. policy add to a series of statements that have drawn attention across the region as he prepares for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week. Originally published on Latin Times A southeastern Pennsylvania waterway with a story of environmental recovery has been chosen as the commonwealths 2026 River of the Year following a public vote that drew thousands of participants. The Conestoga River won the designation after receiving 2,510 votes in an online contest that drew 5,604 total votes, state officials announced. The Lower Schuylkill River finished second with 2,312 votes, while Chillisquaque Creek received 782 votes. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said Thursday the Conestoga represents whats possible when clean waterways become a priority. This once-polluted river is an example of what can happen when we prioritize clean, healthy waterways, Dunn said. Its transformation has made the Conestoga a hub for outdoor recreation, providing a boost to the region and demonstrating that rivers build thriving communities. The river flows more than 61 miles from its headwaters in Berks County to the Susquehanna River below the Safe Harbor Dam. Along the way, it passes historic covered bridges, working farms, and small towns. The waterway has become a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. The Conestoga River Club, which nominated the waterway, will receive a $15,000 Leadership Grant to fund River of the Year activities throughout 2026. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers will work with the club to create a commemorative poster. Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck, executive director of the Conestoga River Club, said the designation honors a waterway woven into Lancaster Countys identity, from the legacy of the Conestoga people to families who recreate along its banks. This designation will draw attention to her evolving narrative, from a history marked by pollution to a powerful, collaborative turnaround that can serve as a model for the nation, Clatterbuck said. The club is dedicating the victory to those who will benefit from the watersheds future health and to the memory of Ad Crable, a local journalist who championed stewardship of the Conestoga. The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers oversees the River of the Year vote in collaboration with the state conservation department. A Laois man has been honoured for his 35 years of service at the annual Chadwicks Appreciation and Recognition Awards. Liam McEvoy from Telfords in Portlaoise was presented with the Leadership Team Award at the fourth annual Chadwicks Appreciation and Recognition Awards (CARAs) at The Mansion House in Dublin on Friday, January 23. The CARAs bring together teams from across Chadwicks Group for an evening dedicated to celebrating colleague excellence and recognising the positive impact they make across the business, their teams, and local communities. Liam McEvoy, the Managing Director of Telfords, was recognised on the night for his 35 years of service and dedication to the business. Pictured at the 2026 (CARAs) is Patrick Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Chadwicks Group, Liam McEvoy from Telfords, winner of the Leadership Team Award, and Ray Molyneaux from Irish Cement, sponsors of this years awards. Over 395 people attended the event and twelve awards were presented across a range of categories, highlighting excellence in service, teamwork and leadership throughout the organisation. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Patrick Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Chadwicks Group, said: "The Chadwicks Appreciation and Recognition Awards are first and foremost about our people and the pride they take in supporting one another, our customers and their local communities. "It is a pleasure to congratulate Liam McEvoy on being named as the winner of the Leadership Team award, a recognition that reflects his 35 years at Chadwicks Group and his ability to consistently inspire everyone around him with his enthusiasm and passion." READ NEXT: WATCH: Amazing artwork made by Laois women to hang in GPO for St Brigid's Day He concluded: "The dedication, care and teamwork shown across our branches and departments every day is what truly defines Chadwicks Group. This years award recipients reflect the high standards we set across the Group and the collective commitment that underpins our continued success." The years-long battle for relief roads in two Laois towns is urgently needed to resolve major traffic congestion, according to a Laois TD. Brian Stanley TD has told the Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, that the Government cannot continue to ignore the urgent need for relief roads to be constructed in Mountmellick and Portlaoise. Speaking in the Dail during a debate on infrastructure, Deputy Stanley said: "The N80 goes through the town centres of Portlaoise and Mountmellick. It is causing chaos in both towns and no progress is being made on relief roads. Mountmellick relief road was promised 20 years ago. "All traffic from the Midlands and the west, including a large number of HGVs, is going through the town centre of Mountmellick trying to negotiate tricky junctions, going through O'Connell Square and past the very busy secondary school." The Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route was originally proposed during the Celtic Tiger, with Laois County Council envisaging that the project would be funded by development levies charged on developers building housing estates that would be accessing the road. This plan was abandoned when the economy collapsed. However, the demand for the road persisted. It was later added to the National Development Plan, although it was eventually removed. Deputy Stanley told Minister Chambers: "A route has been selected. The surveys have been done. The council has played its part. However, it is being ignored for decades by the Government and that is not good enough. Portlaoise has two national secondary routes going through it, namely, the N78 and the N80. There is a huge population around it. "The population of Portlaoise is increasing. The towns of Mountmellick and Portlaoise are gridlocked much of the day. People living on the Ballyfin Road, Harpur's Lane and Greenmill Lane have huge difficulties, trying to get out onto that road. Trucks have to pass under a very low bridge. They often hit the bridge, and everything stops for a number of hours." The Laois TD called for roundabouts to be installed at junctions on the N80, but insisted that the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route is still necessary. "I am calling for small roundabouts at the junctions of Ballyfin Road, Greenmill Lane and Harpur's Lane. However, we really need the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route, which will connect the N80 at Fairgreen right across to the Dublin Road. That is a priority project of Laois County Council, as is the Mountmellick bypass, but the Government does not seem to be listening," Deputy Stanley said. READ NEXT: Laois firefighters responded to record number of emergencies last year The Independent Republican TD demanded: "I want the Government to take this on board here today. It would not just shorten journeys. It would lessen the gridlock in Portlaoise town and in Mountmellick, and it would free up hundreds of acres for housing development. A lot of housing development is being pushed to Portlaoise, but we do not have the infrastructure. Both Mountmellick and Portlaoise need relief roads. The Government cannot keep ignoring it." Fellow Laois TD, Willie Aird, also raised the need for the ring road with National Transport Authority officials at a recent committee meeting in the Dail. Deputy Aird urged that the Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route be put back on the Government's agenda as traffic is "a total joke" in Portlaoise. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Bat enthusiasts across the county will be happy to hear that the first-ever Bat Conservation Group will be established in Laois soon. The inaugural meeting of the Bat Conservation Group will take place on Thursday, February 12 at 6.30pm in Portlaoise Library. Anyone with an interest in bats, biodiversity, or nature conservation are welcome to attend. This fascinating new group will bring the community together to actively support the protection and understanding of Ireland's bat species. There are nine species of bats in Ireland, all of which are protected under national and European law. Laois provides crucial habitats for bats, such as woodlands, hedgerows, rivers and also historic buildings. The group aims to promote awareness of bats and their role in healthy ecosystems as well as encourage habitat conservation and responsible stewardship. The group also hopes to support citizen science projects such as bat walks and acoustic monitoring, and provide training, talks, and volunteer opportunities for all ages. The group will work collaboratively with local communities, landowners, and national bat conservation networks. READ NEXT: PHOTOS: Laois town left flooded in Storm Chandra aftermath The first meeting will introduce the purpose of the group, outline opportunities for involvement, and include an introductory talk on the bats of Laois and how communities can help protect them. All people need to join the group is an interest in nature and enthusiasm to get involved, no prior knowledge or experience is required. It also completely free to attend the meetings. Commenting on the creation of the group, Laois County Council's Biodiversity Officer Lisa Doyle said: "This is an exciting opportunity for people across Laois to be a part of a conservation group. Bats are an important part of our natural heritage, and this group will help support these remarkable species." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme There will be celebrations in Portlaoise with the confirmation that a huge new secondary school building has just been given full planning permission by Laois County Council. Dunamase College / Colaiste Dhun Mhac, a young secondary school only founded seven years ago, has been given the green light by planners for a 1,000 place new building. Laois Offaly Education and Training board (LOETB). who are the patrons of the co-ed, non denominational Irish/English language college, confirmed the approval to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Thursday, January 29. The application was first sent to Laois planners in May 2025, but the council had requested further information on several issues including storm water drainage, traffic, lighting, ecological impact and an updated public water connection confirmation. The new school project will now move to the next stage with the Department of Education, and wait to be approved to go to construction tender stage. It is planned on 9.42 hectares of land in The Downs, Portlaoise behind the former equestrian centre. It will have general classrooms, specialist classrooms, a general-purpose hall, a PE hall, offices, staff room, library, sanitary facilities and ancillary spaces. The students are currently learning across several vacated school buildings in the town centre. See full plans for the new Dunamase College here. The news comes just one day after an announcement of an approval to start tendering to build the new Colaiste Iosagain secondary school in Portarlington within the next two years. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley expressed delight at the news. She said she had fought to get the Aonaid Irish speaking section in the school. I am on the Board of Management at Colaiste Dhun Masc and I am also on Laois Offaly Education Training Board, she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live in reaction to the approval. In 2016 I canvassed the whole summer for about a month or six weeks knocking on doors to secure the patronage for that school for the ETB, she said. She recalled at the time thinking the new school would be built in around three or four years and said it was hard to believe that planning was only approved now ten years on. She described it as brilliant news and revealed the school had to cap numbers because it simply didnt have the capacity. I am delighted that we are now moving ahead to get the school built. I know the school is oversubscribed every year so it is badly needed, she remarked. Cllr Dwane Stanley said the school needs to be built and there needs to be adequate ASD classrooms included. I am absolutely delighted now to hear that the planning permission is approved, she said. Read next: Laois warned of fresh flooding risk Approval from the Department of Education was also given for an extension to St Francis School for children with learning disabilities, with both projects badly needed for some years. As many parts of Laois have endured extensive flooding this week following Storm Chandra, Laois County Council has now warned that more floods could be expected over the next 24 hours. Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford which is valid until midnight on Friday. Louth will also fall under the rain warning from Friday. The warning has yet to impact Laois, although high levels of rainfall is expected through Thursday night and into Friday. Laois County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team have issued a warning to people in Laois with regard to the cumulative rainfall in recent weeks, the forecasted rainfall for the next 24 to 36 hours, and the saturated ground and river conditions throughout the county. Laois County Council advised: "There is an ongoing risk of localised flooding across the road network in County Laois. Drivers are urged to drive in accordance with prevailing conditions and to not ignore road closure signage, where such signage is in place." Towns such as Portarlington, which faced severe flooding on Tuesday due to Storm Chandra, have been warned of further flooding in the coming hours. The council cautioned: "Property owners in other areas vulnerable to flooding, including areas of Portarlington and Mountmellick, can monitor river levels on waterlevel.ie. "In Portarlington and Mountmellick, the risk of flooding increases as water levels exceed the Median Annual Maxima Level. The Graph Reference Numbers, on waterlevels.ie, are 14005 (Portarlington) and 14121 (Mountmellick) (see graphs below)." Laois County Council crews, including Municipal District Area Staff, Fire and Emergency Services and Civil Defence Volunteers will be on standby with sand-bags and pumps at the ready to assist in areas affected by flooding. READ NEXT: Laois firefighters responded to record number of emergencies last year Laois County Council said they will issue a further update on the situation on Friday. A number of alleged evictions in a South Kildare town has been highlighted by a local councillor. Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin raised the matter at the most recent Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting which occurred on Monday, January 19 last. The topic came up when Cllr Breslin motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to write to write to the homelessness prevention organisation Threshold in order "to encourage them to hold an information session to advise those renting in the private sector in the Athy MD of their rights". Her motion was supported by her party colleague, Cllr Mark Leigh. Speaking further on the motion, Cllr Breslin said: "In particular, and I would like to be cautious in saying this, there are people who may have land [available for rent in Kildare] but who are going about it in the wrong way." READ NEXT: Kildare manager touched as customer returns to apologise year after horrible incident Cllr Breslin went on to claim that she was informed of alleged incidents in which people were evicted at night, and that she was also aware of incidents where children had been evicted. She also said that she has spoken to An Garda Siochana about the matter, and suggested hosting the information evening specified in her motion. "I just want to put it out there, that there is help [available for people looking to rent property]," Cllr Breslin concluded. Another local rep who was present at the meeting, Fianna Fail Cllr Veralouise Behan, also voiced support for Cllr Breslin's motion, "especially as the Citizens Information office in Athy is only open part-time". Replying to the motion, KCC said that this would be a matter for the councillors to agree upon. After the matter was put to the floor, it was agreed that KCC would write to Threshold about the matter raised by Cllr Breslin. Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie READ NEXT: ALERT: Temporary closure due for library in Kildare Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Irish Rural Link are calling on primary schools in Kildare to sign up for its AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme following the successful pilot of the initiative in late 2025. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the nationwide programme will provide teachers and their pupils with farm safety resources that support the curriculum and champion a community led approach to farm safety education and practice. As part of the programme, teachers are encouraged to reach out to local farmers, vets, first responders and other agri representatives to deliver in-school talks and demonstrations. Speaking about the programme, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., said: A farm is a wonderful place to rear a family, but safety must always be the priority. Building on the success of this programme in 2025, I am confident that this training will help foster an awareness of farm safety from a young age which can become instinctive. I am reminding parents that they play a key role in developing the learnings by adopting best practice when it comes to farm safety and encouraging children by showing good example. READ NEXT: University band from US coming to St Patrick's Day Parade in this Kildare town About the Programme Schools will be given the option to choose between two programme approaches, the succinct AgriKids Farm Safety Hour or the AgriKids Farm Safety Day. The Farm Safety Hour offers a concise, introductory framework for farm safety, covering specific topics supported by resources available on the AgriKids website. Alternatively, schools can run a Farm Safety Day, choosing one of three themes: Farm and Field Safety, Tractor and Machinery Safety, or Animal Safety and Wellbeing. On completion of each a school will earn a themed pennant, once all three are collected, the school will earn a prestigious Farm Safety Ambassador Flag. Irish Rural Link CEO, Seamus Boland said: Ireland is an agricultural country, and the reality is that farming activities have cost lives and resulted in serious injuries. That is why it is so important that we bring this message straight to classrooms and to the wider community, so that together we are more inclined to automatically think about farm safety and becoming instinctively safer as a result. Programme manager, Alma Jordan, is encouraging schools to take part. We want to help our educators make time for farm safety, keeping the subject real and relevant for students and teachers. Being aware of existing curriculum commitments, these programmes are designed looking at teachers time allocation, aiming to make a serious message fun, and to include the wider community. This is what makes this programme unique and applicable to how children learn. Farm Safety Ambassador Awards Schools that choose to run a Farm Safety Day are also eligible for the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador Awards. These awards celebrate schools who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and initiative in farm safety education, offering the opportunity to be awarded cash prizes that will be invested into current and future school farm safety initiatives. The categories include Best Farm Safety Ambassador and Best Learning Initiatives, for which nominations are sought for from schools, while Best Class and Best School are selected from the submissions, with Carrigduff National School in Bunclody, Wexford winning Best School for the 2025 pilot of the programme. Get Involved Kildare schools can sign up to participate in the programme here ahead of the closing date on April 17th, 2026. For eligible schools that take part in the programme, award nominations open on March 17th and close on May 31st, 2026, with winners announced in June. Visit www.agrikids.ie for more information on the initiative. A Kildare North Fine Gael TD has told the Dail that the government is failing to address the social infrastructure deficit in the north county. Deputy Joe Neville was speaking in the Dail when 'Infrastructure Plan: Statements' came before the House on Wednesday, January 28 2026. Welcoming the 102bn national development plan, which he admitted was a huge amount of money to spend, Deputy Neville said that nevertheless, the government was playing catch-up on money that probably should have been spent in previous years. He also welcomed the accelerated infrastructure task force, and the attempt to rid Ireland of unnecessary blockages and bloated bureaucracy, which he said we have become all too accustomed to in this country. READ NEXT: Calling Kildare classrooms: turn your school into an ambassador for farm safety! Speaking on the issue of social infrastructure in Kildare North, Deputy Neville said: When people think of infrastructure we think of roads and rail which are overground. We think of water and wastewater which are underground. Often what is not considered is the social infrastructure that is needed to knit communities together. North Kildare, with its rapidly growing population, is lacking vital social infrastructure. I have referenced many times before in this Chamber the need for school improvements, new school buildings and more creches to be introduced into large growing towns along with other amenities such as playgrounds and greenways as well as obviously the need for a new swimming pool in north Kildare. In the last couple of weeks, I have been dealing with the need for a new school in Celbridge and we have major issues with St. Patrick's National School. We have an issue with spaces for children going into schools in Naas and Leixlip. These have been coming on my desk in the last couple of weeks and indeed are continuing today. I am working closely with the Minister, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, on those but at the same time these are emblematic of the issues we are facing in north Kildare. Deputy Neville told the House that although houses are being built by the thousand in his constituency, the government is not delivering on behalf of communities. The national development plan addresses major infrastructure issues that are needed for the area, he added, but at the same time it is not building for the communities behind that. Deputy Neville concluded: Kildare has another problem to go along with these issues. Towns like Leixlip, Kilcock and Naas are thriving as regards housing but ultimately their town and village centres are not thriving. Large-scale URDF funding has not gone into these towns and villages in the past and ultimately that is where we need to get to. Overall, I welcome the plan but at the same time we need to renew our communities. We also need to renew our town and village centres. Last year, The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) recorded 260,799 requests for assistance in 2025, a six percent increase on 2024. This marked the first time in the organisations history that annual requests for help exceeded 260,000. SVP is Irelands largest charitable organisation, providing direct assistance to those in need, supporting people experiencing homelessness, delivering social housing, operating holiday homes and offering a wide range of social support services. Lisa Mulligan, manager of the SVP shop in Carrick-on-Shannon since March 2023, spoke about the growing demand she has witnessed over the past year and the vital role the shop plays for many in the community. SVP shops not only offer new and gently used items at affordable prices, but also generate income for the Society, which is reinvested directly back into local communities. Requests for help have increased year on year. We are seeing more people approach the organisation looking for support, explained Lisa. When people come to us for help, we refer them to their local SVP conference, of which there are eight across Leitrim, to help ease their situation. READ NEXT: Leitrim's Forgotten Men of the Irish Revolution freed 100 years ago this week She noted that demand is currently among the highest the shop has experienced. Rising fuel costs, electricity and food prices have placed additional strain on households. SVP conferences are also reporting an increase in requests for assistance with student-related costs and many other kinds of household expenses, said Lisa. The periods of highest demand tend to be back-to-school season and Christmas, when additional pressures fall on families, particularly those who sit just above the threshold for state support. With rising rents, electricity and food costs, these families still struggle to meet basic needs, explained Lisa. Branded school uniforms and so-called voluntary school contributions add further pressure, often leaving little room in already tight household budgets. Lisa also observed that the profile of those seeking help has widened, and more people are recognising the value of second-hand clothing. People from all walks of life come through our doors. Some are looking for a bargain, while others simply cannot keep up with rising living costs, she said. As an example, she noted that a childs coat can cost upwards of 30 in mainstream shops, while donated coats in SVP may sell for as little as 5. People are increasingly recognising the value of good-quality pre-loved clothing, she said. Last January proved particularly challenging following the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in Leitrim. Lisa recalled people coming into the shop looking for warm clothing, blankets, water, or simply somewhere to charge their phones. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Sligo/Leitrim Gardai seized over 100,000 worth of drugs in raid The cost of living, combined with the impact of the storm, placed many in an already vulnerable position under further strain. Although council supports were eventually introduced, it came too late for many and not everyone was reimbursed. For families already struggling, this created a serious financial setback with long-term effects. Despite ongoing pressures, Lisa said the organisation remains committed to supporting those in need. Looking ahead to 2026, SVP remains committed to meeting growing needs. SVP has supported families since 1844 and will continue to do so, she said. Beyond financial assistance, SVP plays a visible and vital role in community life in Leitrim and all of Ireland. It is a community hub, said Lisa. It brings volunteers together, provides a place for people to call in for a chat, a cup of tea or a bargain, and offers connection for those who may be living alone. At a national level, she believes stronger measures are needed to ease pressure on charities and households alike. We would like to see more control on electricity, fuel and grocery prices, she said. Many of these sectors are reporting extremely high profits, yet working families are struggling with the inflated prices. There are often many needy families out there who do not reach out for help, she added. READ NEXT: 'Welcome' sign that was destroyed by vehicle to be replaced outside Leitrim village SVP is here for everyone, and all situations are treated with discretion and confidentiality, she concluded. Farmers in County Leitrim have been warned of the potential dangers of imported animal feed. Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny raised the issue during a meeting of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food. Deputy Kenny expressed concern over the importation of goods in the agricultural and forestry sectors, using a fungus that affects trees as an example. He said: Ash dieback first arrived in Leitrim many years ago. We had the outbreak of it and it spread like wildfire throughout the country. It came from saplings that were imported from Holland because of a strategy the then government had to get farmers to plant trees. READ NEXT: Number of people on emergency housing waiting list in Leitrim revealed I think it was under one of the farm environmental schemes. Sometimes we come up with strategies to do stuff too quickly and do not think about what the consequences might be. He went on to outline his concerns over the importation of animal feed in the agricultural industry. I am particularly concerned that we are importing so much of our animal feed from sub-tropical climates. We have so much maize and corn gluten coming in to feed our animals. What are the dangers in respect of that? Black grass coming in in straw was mentioned earlier. There will be serious consequences if some of these things take hold. Rather than importing products that may have a higher risk of disease, should we be moving in the direction of trying to be more self-sufficient? In response, Dr. Eoin Ryan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department of Agriculture, said that checks are carried out on all imported goods at EU level. Dr. Ryan said: On importation, we operate a stringent import controls policy. Biosecurity is implemented at three points for entry to the European Union. First, there are the pre-import checks, where animals and animal products have to be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate certifying that they complied with whatever the specific requirements were for that animal or product of animal origin. They are then checked at our border control posts when they come in, which are staffed by Department staff. These are official facilities where we do identity checks, physical checks and documentary checks to verify, check and sample these things, which could be animals or products of animal origin, that come in. He went on to outline the checks that are carried out on animals after they enter the country. For animals, we often carry out post-import testing. Again, it depends on the animal and the context of where it is coming from, but we frequently carry out post-import testing. There is a movement restriction after animals arrive into the European Union, which in our case is Ireland. There are checks in place. We also have a fairly comprehensive infrastructure in place at Rosslare, Dublin Port and places like that, and border control posts at the airport. At the same meeting, Senator Victor Boyhan expressed concern over a potential outbreak of disease among trees in Leitrim. Senator Boyhan said: It is crucial we revise our strategies to mitigate the potential impact of the bark beetle across our entire forestry value chain and estate. It is a massive industry. We know that over 48 per cent is Sitka spruce and spruce of varying degrees in forestry. I was in Leitrim the other day. When you think of the potential outbreak for that county alone, it is enormous. The independent Dublin-based senator added that there is not enough diversity in the forestry industry in Ireland. The pair were speaking during a discussion on biodiversity, to which a number of Department of Agriculture officials made contributions. One hundred years ago this week, on January 25, 1926, thirty-three Irish republican prisoners walked free from prisons across Scotland after almost four years behind bars. The largest group of those released came from Peterhead Prison in north-east Scotland a brutal hard-labour convict jail where a number of detainees had become known as the Peterhead men. Their imprisonment dated back to the turbulent months following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921, when the IRA began to split into pro- and anti-Treaty factions. In an effort to prevent division within the organisation, Michael Collins approved a secret campaign of violence against the newly established six-county state of Northern Ireland, in the hope that both sides could unite around one cause. As part of this strategy, Collins established an IRA Ulster Northern Command, led by Frank Aiken, with Longfords Sean MacEoin as deputy. This prompted a border campaign between January and June 1922 which involved IRA operations against Crown forces by both factions. One of the most serious operations was a co-ordinated kidnapping raid targeting prominent unionists, organised in response to threatened executions of republican prisoners at Derry Jail. The raids took place on the night of February 78, 1922, involving IRA units from Longford, Leitrim and Armagh operating in Fermanagh and Tyrone. While the operation succeeded in Tyrone where the IRA kidnapped 21 local unionists the Fermanagh raid ended in failure after a swift response by the RUC B Specials. A group of IRA men, including five Leitrim republicans, were arrested outside Enniskillen. They were Bernard Sweeney (Ballinamore), John Kiernan (Newtowngore), Joe Reynolds (Kiltubrid), John Griffin, and Charlie Reynolds (Gortlettragh). The men had been part of a thirteen-man raiding party from the IRAs Midlands Division under the command of Commandant Sean McCurtain, a Tipperary native and friend of Sean MacEoin, who was directing the border campaign on behalf of Collins. At their trial in Enniskillen on March 13, 1922, the defendants refused to recognise the court and argued their actions were politically motivated. Evidence was heard that the men were travelling in several cars and were found in possession of arms and explosives when stopped by police. However, Justice Wilson rejected the argument that political motivation excused the offences, telling the court: A crime was a crime whether it was committed by a politician, a saint or a butter merchant. The defendants were sentenced to ten-year prison terms. Following their convictions, the men were held in Derry Jail before being transferred to Peterhead Prison in August 1922 under a special arrangement with Scottish authorities. By that stage, the Irish Civil War had erupted in the newly established Irish Free State, leaving almost 1,500 dead, including major figures from both sides such as Michael Collins, Harry Boland, Arthur Griffith and Liam Mellows. Although anti-Treaty prisoners held by the Free State were gradually released after the war ended in May 1923, IRA men imprisoned in Northern Ireland including the Peterhead prisoners remained incarcerated in Scotland. Peterhead Prison, opened in 1888, was Scotlands only convict prison and was notorious for its harsh conditions. Prisoners were forced into hard labour in a nearby granite quarry, enduring overcrowded and freezing cells with minimal sanitation. Each day, inmates were marched to the quarry to break stones using seven- and fourteen-pound hammers. Recalling the experience, Leitrim republican Berney Sweeney later said: No one could appreciate how we were treated there. When our comrades would be taken out for a beating, as happened frequently, we would not recognise them when they would return. The fate of the Peterhead prisoners became a long-running issue between the Free State and Northern Ireland governments. When Sean McCurtain was elected to the Dail in August 1923 as a pro-Treaty Cumann na Gaedhael TD for Tipperary, calls intensified for the mens release but with little result. In December 1923, President of the Executive Council W.T. Cosgrave told the Dail: Representations had been made on several occasions regarding the release of Mr McCurtain, but so far, I regret to say, they have not met with success. Even after Eamon de Valera was released as the last anti-Treaty prisoner held in the Free State in 1924, the Peterhead men remained in custody. Their freedom eventually came as part of a tripartite agreement between the British, Irish and Northern governments on December 3, 1925, following the report of the Boundary Commission. The Commission dashed nationalist hopes of a significant border adjustment, amounting to a major diplomatic defeat for the Free State government. Northern Ireland Prime Minister James Craig deferred the prisoner question to the British authorities, who ordered the release of 33 prisoners, including the Peterhead men, on January 25, 1926. Despite the years of sacrifice and harsh imprisonment, their return was met with only a muted reaction at home. While family members and officers of the Dublin Brigade of the IRA greeted the men as they arrived at Dublins North Wall from Glasgow, no member of government was present. Sean McCurtain received a huge welcome upon returning to Nenagh, but no public celebrations marked the homecoming of the Leitrim prisoners or their comrades. Contemporary newspaper coverage barely acknowledged their release. In the years following their freedom, two of the prisoners John Kiernan of Newtowngore, Co Leitrim, and Dubliner Sean Flood died, while Joe Reynolds of Kiltubrid and Frank Reilly of Ballinamuck emigrated to the United States in search of a new start. A century on, their stories remain largely forgotten. As Ireland marks 100 years since their release, renewed attention is being urged for the men whose quiet suffering and sacrifice slipped through the cracks of national memory. Padraig McGarty is the author of Leitrim: The Irish Revolution 19121923, published by Four Courts Press. READ MORE: Leitrim farmers warned of potential dangers of imported animal feed Dr. Cllr. Jallah Allen Barbu, the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L) LIMERICK'S Troy Studios is set to become Ireland's reality television hub after a major new deal was signed this week. Media and production company BiggerStage has announced a multi-million euro agreement with the facility at the former Dell factory in Castletroy, and the world's largest studio operator, the MBS Group to open a global unscripted production hub in Limerick. Under the, both parties will invest to attract major international television formats to Limerick, with BiggerStage producing projects on the ground while supporting training and skills development. READ MORE: Former Limerick councillor, bus conductor and taxi driver goes to his God Troy Studios will also be a home for the development of intellectual properties - providing a place where pilot shows can be filmed. A television pilot is a standalone, initial episode produced to test a show's concept, characters, and tone before a network commits to a full season. Pat Kiely, the chief executive and founder of BiggerStage said: "We are truly entering a golden age for the television industry in Ireland. Europe's first unscripted tax credit will help Ireland compete more effectively on the world stage to become the home of global formats, the fastest growing area of television production. This investment in Troy Studio will allow us offer a world class base for international production. Irish crews are renowned as the best in the business and we look forward to creating a sustainable centre of excellence in Limerick, surrounded by great infrastructure, expanding centres of learning and a brilliant hospitality industry. Irelands creative industry is on a real high; never has there been a better time to expand our global offering and drive more investment in jobs, training, development and infrastructure." Limerick TD and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan added: "This announcement is yet another strong signal that Ireland is open, competitive and ambitious when it comes to investment in the creative services sector. The creation of a global hub for unscripted production at Troy Studios will not only attract major international players to Limerick, it illustrates how Ireland has the infrastructure, talent, creativity and production expertise to lead in this space." Jason Hariton, chief studio and real estate Officer at MBS Group said: "We look forward to continuing our work with the BiggerStage team to ensure they have the technical equipment and resources required to continue their leading role in the growth and success of Irelands vibrant screen industry." Managing director of Troy Studios Elaine Geraghty believed the deal puts Limerick at the forefront of global television production. "Together, we are dedicated to building a global production hub that will benefit the creative sector, generate employment, and deliver outstanding original content for audiences worldwide," she added. Alastair Boucaut, of Hackman Capital Partners, which owns and operates Troy Studios said: "We are thrilled and delighted that BiggerStage has made a long-term commitment to Troy Studios. Our facility was built to welcome bold and innovative companies like BiggerStage that have proven international production success. This collaboration will bring exciting projects to Ireland and strengthen the countrys creative industry." A YOUNG man who became embroiled in a verbal dispute with a neighbour was fined after he pleaded guilty to charges arising from the incident. At Kilmallock Court, Judge Patricia Harney was told that on July 13, 2024, gardai were alerted to a disturbance at Millmount, Kilmallock. Inspector Gearoid Thompson said the defendant - James Daly, aged 21, of Millmount, Kilmallock - was involved in an altercation with another man at 10:23am. Both men, he added, live in close proximity to each other and the second man is also before the courts. Outlining the circumstances of the incident, Insp Thompson said Mr Daly approached a vehicle in which his neighbour was travelling and that this man then "produced a weapon" - namely a timber handle from a shovel. "They squared up to each other," he said, confirming there was no assault. READ MORE: Calls for new scheme to tackle dog fouling across Limerick Having attended the scene, gardai seized the weapon and an investigation was launched. Both men admitted they were at fault following the dispute and there have been no call outs from garda since. Solicitor Cathal Quirke said on the morning of the incident his client had taken exception to a "disparaging comment" regarding his family and that both men have "made up" since. Mr Daly has a number of previous convictions, for road traffic offences and theft. He has "engaged positively" in community initiatives since the altercation. Upon hearing facts of the case, Judge Patricia Harney fined the Kilmallock man 200, giving him two months to pay. A MAN who crashed his Porsche into several parked vehicles at a housing estate in Limerick, following a visit to his sons grave, has appeared in court. During a sentencing hearing, Judge Colin Daly was told the man had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and endangerment at Greenview Estate on February 21, 2024. Gardai were called to the estate in the evening after the man had driven at a reckless speed, up to 80 miles per hour and had crashed into four vehicles in the estate. When gardai came upon the scene the man was found passed out and unconscious on the ground. READ MORE: Limerick councillor referred to regulatory committee over contacting superintendent on speeding ticket A victim impact statement was read from a woman whose van was crashed into. It was detailed by Barrister John OSullivan, prosecuting, that the womans van was hit with such force that it collided with her house, causing thousands of euros of structural damage to the property, which was relatively new. The womans statement read that following the incident, she cant sleep properly and is constantly on edge. It cost her 10,000 to replace the van. Another residents BMW was damaged to the value of 15,000. The court heard that the accused mans insurance has since covered the loss. In mitigation, Barrister Yvonne Quinn, said that before travelling to the housing estate, the man had visited his sons graveside and had taken cocaine and alcohol. Ms Quinn said her client was triggered when he read in the media, the night before, about two young men who had died in a road traffic accident as his own son passed away in a similar manner a number of years previously. Limerick Circuit Court heard that the man lives near the city, owns a successful business in Limerick, and has worked his whole life. Ms Quinn outlined her client has been in therapy for several years to help cope with the loss of his son. It was also detailed that he attends AA meetings, suffers from depression, and regularly attends therapy. The barrister said that the mans behaviour was completely out of character on the night of the crime, and that he deeply regrets his actions. At the first mention of his sons accident, the man began to cry - and he continued to weep throughout court proceedings. It then emerged that he previously came before the district court for a different offence, which the prosecution brought up during Ms Quinns plea of mitigation. The man did not mention this to his counsel or to the psychologist who gave a report to the court. Judge Daly then proceeded to adjourn the case for sentencing. -Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme A YOUNG man who stole two cars from a Limerick city hotel has avoided an immediate prison sentence. William Doran, aged 21, with a home address at Altamira Court, Thomondgate, came before Limerick Circuit Court on two counts of unlawfully taking a vehicle from the Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, on August 15, 2023. Barrister John OSullivan, prosecuting, said one of the vehicles was damaged after it was stolen, while the other was unscathed. READ MORE: Plans progressing for redevelopment of former Limerick Bank of Ireland building Mr Doran, the court heard, was also observed driving on the wrong side of the road at Island View, Limerick and that he failed to stop for gardai on August 20, 2023. He was subsequently charged with endangerment. William Dorans case was adjourned for six months last year to allow him to take part in a community scheme and on condition that he provide a hair follicle drug test, which came back clear. Judge Colin Daly noted the young man is now more compliant with authority and he said he was pleased with his progress. In her plea of mitigation, Barrister Yvonne Quinn said her client has completed a Safe Pass course and that he is actively seeking work. Judge Daly stated he was satisfied the defendant has not reoffended or come to adverse attention since the previous court hearing. Judge Daly proceeded to impose a three year prison sentence - which was fully suspended for three years. Mr Doran thanked the judge before leaving the court. -Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme THE EMOTIONAL, financial and reputational cost of the Limerick garda trial continues this Wednesday with a TD saying the Garda National Bureau of Crime Investigation (GNBCI) has been left with egg on their face. The Leader can reveal that the cost to the taxpayer from legal fees alone is an estimated 1.5m. The cost of the GNBCI investigation is unquantifiable. The personal toll it took on the five defendants - retired Superintendent Eamon ONeill, Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Anne-Marie Hassett, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Garda Colm Geary - and their families, was clearly visible as the five broke down in tears after the verdict. The trial had entered its ninth week on Monday but they were suspended from the force six years ago. The five were found not guilty of 39 charges in relation to attempting to pervert the course of justice. READ NEXT: An Garda Siochana issue update on the four members found not guilty at Limerick trial Deputy Richard ODonoghue, who first raised the case in the Dail in 2021, said he did so because gardai are taught to use discretion and common sense, yet were prosecuted for doing what they were trained to do. The NCBI have been left with egg on their face. Who started this process? What did they have to gain out of it? Were they on a power trip themselves for their own self-promotion? asked Mr ODonoghue, who this week called for an inquiry. Mr ONeill, speaking outside Limerick Courthouse, said shame on them in reference to those who sanctioned the GNBCI investigation. His solicitor Daniel OGorman, said the State with all its power came after Mr ONeill and the other defendants. The State said yes and the people have said no. The people speak and the State must and will listen. Deputy Alan Kelly said the case represents a serious misuse of public resources and a failure of garda leadership under former Commissioner Drew Harris that cannot go unanswered. There must be full transparency on the cost of this investigation and prosecution. Vast garda resources, legal fees, and court time were consumed in a case that failed on every count. This case raises serious questions about the leadership style and decision making under former Commissioner Drew Harris, as well as the roles of the DPP and the GNBCI, said Mr Kelly, who added that questions must be asked about how this case was allowed to proceed. Cllr Adam Teskey, former chair of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee, called for a public inquiry. Deputy Cathal Crowe, who also spoke in the Dail, said in 2021: You could almost call the Limerick Garda Division Salem because theres a form of witch trial going on. The trial concluded on Monday with the five accused fully exonerated. A LIMERICK woman said she will die on the spot if she sees the man - who was jailed for raping and sexually abusing her -after he was released from prison this month. Paedophile Michael Moloney, aged 47, of Sycamore Drive, Bruff, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in October of 2018 with the final two-and-a-half years suspended for the sex attacks on Jenni Prunty. She said he sent her a creepy card while in custody. In 2022, Moloney was sentenced to a further six years for sexually abusing another stepdaughter - Chloe Shinnors - in a separate case. Jenni, who waived her anonymity so Moloneys identity could be revealed, was sexually abused from the age of 11 to 17. Moloney was in a relationship at the time with Jennis mother. READ NEXT: Limerick garda trials gripping and emotional conclusion inside and outside the courtroom After the Irish Mirror reported that Moloney was out of prison and had returned to Limerick, Jenni told the Leader she will be looking over her shoulder wherever she goes. In 2022, he sent me an Easter card saying that he loves me, he misses me, he couldn't wait to see me. He clearly didn't forget about me while he was in there. He did that while he was in jail so what's actually stopping him now that he is out? One million per cent Ill be looking over my shoulder, said Jenni, who is aged in her late 20s and resides in County Limerick. The young mum is angry that she learned of Moloneys release from a reporter. Nobody told me. Fair enough, I've changed my phone number over the years but why couldnt they write or call to my address - it's not like they couldn't find me. It's a bad state of affairs when the news reporter (Paul Healy) can find out and I can't. I was shocked because I was in Limerick city on the previous Sunday with my children and my husband. What if he (Moloney) was actually in the shopping centre while I was there, staring at me, said Jenni. The Irish Mirror has reported that Moloney (picture below courtesy of the Irish Mirror) is living in homeless accommodation in Limerick city after presenting to services. Jenni spoke to the Leader to warn others about Moloney. He took my childhood away from me - not one but two childrens childhoods. He's just an evil, evil man. I was afraid of my life of going out and enjoying my life when I was growing up. I have to live with this for life, whereas he served less than eight years - where is the justice in that? asks Jenni. It took me a long time, and I mean a long time, to be around another man. I did live in fear with regards to what if a man just came up to me. It literally ruined my whole entire outlook on men. It took me a long, long time to even trust my husband and he's a gentle soul. It just baffles me the way that there's men out there that are actually pure and utter evil and then theres my husband who is the gentlest man in the whole world, she continued. Jenni said she has got on with her life as best she could, leaving for Australia at the conclusion of the court case. I got married, I've had kids, my life is good but now it's a case of it's all back up in a shambles knowing that he's out, she concluded. INVESTIGATIONS are underway following a significant drugs seizure at Shannon Airport, earlier this week. Revenue has confirmed that 15.63kg of herbal cannabis were seized on Tuesday, during routine operations at the airport. "The illegal drugs, with an estimated value of 312,600 were discovered in a parcel originating from the USA," said a spokesperson who added that the parcel was destined for an address in the south of the country. Gardai in Shannon have been alerted to the detection and investigations are ongoing. READ NEXT | Taoiseach Micheal Martin calls for review of events leading to Limerick garda trial Revenue says the seizure, the latest to be made at Shannon Airport this year, forms part of its ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal drugs. "If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on our confidential phone number 1800 295 295," they said. It's understood the drugs seized at Shannon Airport will now be sent for forensic and technical analysis. No further information is being disclosed publicly as investigations are ongoing. THE trial of a Limerick car dealer accused of giving a detective 20,000 in exchange for information has heard recordings of audio surveillance of the two men speaking about ongoing secret and sensitive garda investigations. Stephen O'Sullivan (43) is accused of giving to or agreeing to give Detective Garda David Bourke a monetary gain as an inducement to reveal confidential information concerning an investigation being carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau in relation to Stephen Bawn Motors trading as Bawn Motors. Mr O'Sullivan of Farrehy, Broadford, Co Limerick is a director of the business. He has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a single count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick on December 22, 2018. READ MORE: Limerick man fined over dispute with neighbour during which shovel handle was produced On day two of the trial Detective Superintendent Seamus Nolan told the jury that in November 2017 gardai established a significant investigation targeting a number of individuals including the defendant. The investigation was codenamed Operation Glacier and involved the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and local gardai, he said. He agreed that it was deemed to be a sensitive investigation and there was an emphasis on confidentiality. He said the investigation was managed by a very small team and those involved were continually reminded of the potential consequences of the disclosure of the details or the fact of the investigation. It was secret and sensitive operation, he told the court. He said by the end of 2019 the operation was at an advanced stage and at a point where searches would be conducted. Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynch told Eoin Lawlor SC, prosecuting, that at that time he was seconded to CAB. He said CAB was a statutory body charged with tracing and identifying assets that arises from the proceeds of crime. In May 2018 he attended a garda management meeting in Limerick about an investigation to examine whether or not certain people, including the defendant and two of his business partners, were in possession of criminal proceeds. He said that investigations to establish if any of the assets at Bawn Motors or of Mr O'Sullivan were derived from criminal conduct, directly or indirectly were ongoing in December 2018. He agreed with Mark Lynam SC, defending, that Dt Gda Bourke was not part of this investigation and wouldn't have been briefed on it. He agreed that the two business partners, named in court, had supplied a number of cars. A detective sergeant attached to the security and intelligence section, who cannot be identified, told Mr Lawlor that in December 2018 his superior officer had applied for judicial authorisation to have audio surveillance deployed inside a white Citroen Berlingo Van, which the jury heard was registered to David Bourke of Main Steet, Oola, Co Limerick. Audio from this surveillance recorded on the evening of December 22, 2018 was played to the jury. The court heard that the two men on the audio were Dt Gda Bourke and Mr O'Sullivan. At the start of the conversation Dt Gda Bourke wishes the defendant happy Christmas. Mr O'Sullivan replies I dunno 'bout a happy Christmas, 'twil be a happy Christmas for you anyway, there's 20. Dt Gda Bourke replies Jesus say what now, I haven't really fuckin earned that really, do you know that, and the defendant says Well sure it's there anyway. Dt Gda Bourke then says he has got good news for the other man. I was talking to a man...He said they've detected no criminality...Which is exactly what you wanted, Dt Gda Bourke states. He then tells the defendant I'm going to warn you now, they'll be after you 100%, at 100 miles an hour. They are going to search you...they're going to go into your offices and take everything you have away. Ok? Mr O'Sullivan later asks Dt Gda Bourke about Operation Glacier and if it is put aside or is it gone? Dt Gda Bourke replies No, it's not, still going ahead and they are still coming down to meet us. He adds They looked into your thing - don't think they could find anything wrong apart from, they're always going on there way too much money going through your books for any car business. The defendant replies that that's just business, that's me driving it on. Dt Gda Bourke later says The other thing is it's being kept very tight because there is stuff over the phones about some guard talking. He later adds I'd have a fair idea who it was but fellas are talking over the phones and got overhead. Talking about a guard that was, well I don't know if my name was mentioned. Thats one thing I don't know, and that's the problem, that's why its gone so quiet. READ MORE: Limerick businessman drove Porsche at reckless speed in city estate At another point in the 35 minute long recording, Dt Gda Bourke tells the defendant I'll keep trying to find out and you know I appreciate everything. I don't want anything more from you I don't. He later adds it's all hush hush with the top brass in Henry Steet, so there is no one being told anything. Normally could find out anything but it's getting more difficult. So I don't expect anything. Ok you are fine. I don't want another penny. After Mr O'Sullivan exits the car and the conversation is over Dt Gda Bourke is recorded saying get in there. In other evidence Chief Superintendent Derek Smart testified that Dt Gda Bourke joined the gardai in 1995 and was initially stationed at Killarney, Co Kerry. He was transferred in 1998 to the Limerick division and stationed at Roxboro and in 2002 he was made a detective. The witness agreed with Mr Lynam, defending, that Gda Bourke worked as a detective on the ground during one of the worst crime epidemics in the city. He agreed that Garda Superintendent Eamonn O'Neill would have worked with Dt Gda Bourke in relation to serious crime. The trial continues in evidence before the jury on Tuesday next. THERE is to be a major surge in garda numbers in Limerick, with over 30 additional members being assigned to local stations from the end of next week, confirmed Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins this Thursday night. There will be a garda passing out ceremony in Templemore on Friday, February 6, where it is expected that around 170 trainees will attest. Mr Collins said when the number of probationers due to attest, is taken with the number of experienced gardai due to transfer to Limerick, local stations are due to receive in excess of 30 extra members of the force. Limerick Live understands it is expected to take place in the weeks following the passing out ceremony, Mr Collins said: "Since coming into office last year the first priority of Government in the Department of Justice has been to get more gardai out on our streets and into our communities. "The over 30 additional gardai for Limerick stations is hugely welcome for our communities right across county Limerick. Each one will be working to make our communities be and feel safe." READ NEXT: Limerick sex abuse victim speaks out after evil stepfather is freed from prison The Limerick County TD further highlighted investment in garda resources in Limerick. "The most recent data available, from November, shows that there are 607 gardai assigned to the Limerick Garda Division, which is a net increase of 25 since the beginning of last year and an increase of 53, which is about 10%, since 2015. "The Garda Commissioner also assigned 30 probationer gardai to Limerick during 2025, which is the highest annual allocation since 2020. "There are 35 gardai assigned to the garda roads policing unit, an increase of five since the start of last year, and there are 32 designated community gardai, an increase of two since the start of last year. "Additionally, we have 71 garda civilian staff assigned to the Limerick division, which is freeing up a huge amount of time and resources of sworn gardai to be devoted to front-line policing." Mr Collins concluded by saying the probationer gardai, as has always been the case, will be assigned to Henry Street and Roxboro garda stations. This gives Limerick garda management increased policing capacity and resources at their disposal, allowing them to deploy these policing resources and gardai to areas right around the county. "The experienced gardai that are transferring will be assigned to stations right around the county, meaning communities right across Limerick will see and feel the hard work being done by gardai to keep them safe." Irish architect Niall McLaughlin has been given a highly regarded award in recognition of his thoughtful, well-crafted designs and work as an educator. The Dubliner said he was delighted to receive the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture a high honour in the field that is bestowed on behalf of the King. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced on Thursday that Mr McLaughlin will receive the award, describing his work as having a remarkable consistency and shaped by a deep sensitivity to place. Mr McLaughlin was born in Geneva in 1962 and was educated in Dublin, studying architecture at University College Dublin between 1979 and 1984. Mr McLaughlins work has been said to be shaped by place, material, light and form and the RIBA Honours jury described him as a pivotal figure in contemporary architecture, whose work not only enriches the architectural profession but also addresses its evolving challenges. Among his work is the cloud-like Bandstand at Bexhill, East Sussex (2001); the calm orthogonal pavilions of the Alzheimers Respite Centre in Dublin (2011); the latticed timber oval of the Bishop Edward King Chapel in Oxford (2013); and the simple brick volumes of The New Library Magdalene College (2021) in Cambridge which won the 2022 Stirling Prize. The RIBA said his projects vary wildly but are united by a profound commitment to their users. He is also an educator and has taught at The Bartlett School of Architecture for over 25 years, amid stints at The University of California Los Angeles (2012-2013) and as Lord Norman Foster Visiting Professor of Architecture at Yale (2014-2015). The 2026 RIBA Honours committee said Mr McLaughlins work at Darbishire Place in 2014, which was one of Peabodys oldest housing estates in London, was a hugely impressive revival and was arguably one of greatest relevance to the future of architecture in the UK. Critics remarked, if all new social housing was as thoughtfully designed as Darbishire Place, the green housing agenda would be well advanced, the committee said. Mr McLaughlin has also been an advocate for young architects, calling for transparency in working hours and pay, as well as openness around mental health. In 2020 he was made an honorary MBE for services to architecture. I am delighted and honoured to receive the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture, Mr McLaughlin said: My team and I view architecture as a continuity of practice across generations. We are grateful to our teachers, who passed on the spirit, and our students, who continually question and transform it. As a small studio, we have grown and learned together. Thank you to all those who have collaborated with us and supported our ideals through commissioning, design, and construction. Through practice, we have learned that architecture is not the production of singular objects, but an ongoing performance of development, alteration and reinvention through lived experience. At a time of accelerating technological change in design and construction, we continue to insist on the human rituals and material practices at the heart of our discipline. Building is an act, not an object. Architecture lies in its making and the way that it shapes learning, culture, and communal life. We accept this recognition with gratitude and with a renewed commitment to live up to its challenge. RIBA president and the chairman of the 2026 RIBA Honours Jury, Chris Williamson, said: Always one to credit and uplift those around him, it is fitting that Niall is recognised for the resounding impact he has had on the profession. As an educator, he has been an outstanding role model for young architects, while his designs eclectic in appearance and use share a sense of care and grace that represent the very best of architecture. Such sustained success has in no way diminished his humility. A humble visionary, his dedication to architecture as an art and professional practice has left an enduring mark on the discipline one that will undoubtedly transcend trends and time. With Assembly elections on the horizon, Keralas Left-led government on Thursday unveiled a strongly welfare-oriented Budget for 202627, signalling a renewed push to consolidate social support through higher pensions, wage hikes for grassroots workers and expanded public programmes. Presenting the sixth Budget of the second government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan in the State Legislative Assembly, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced an allocation of 14,500 crore for social security pensions, alongside increases in honorariums and wages for several categories of frontline and education-sector workers. Pay hikes for ASHA, Anganwadi and education workers A central feature of the Kerala Budget is a revision in monthly payments for key community workers. Balagopal announced that the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers has been increased by 1,000 per month, while Anganwadi helpers will receive an additional 500. The Budget also provides a 1,000 monthly increase for pre-primary teachers and literacy mission motivators, and a 25 per day rise in wages for school cooking staff. Major outlays for womens safety and welfare pensions The Kerala government has earmarked 3,700 crore for the Chief Ministers Stree Suraksha Scheme, reinforcing its emphasis on womens safety and social protection. Additionally, Balagopal said 3,820 crore has been allocated specifically for womens security welfare pensions. 400 crore is allocated for the Chief Minister's 'Connect to Work' scholarship scheme and 14,500 crore is allocated for disbursing welfare pensions for the year 2026-27, he said. Employment, education and infrastructure focus Beyond social security, the Kerala Budget proposes a 1,000 crore increase in allocation for the rural employment scheme compared to previous years. It also announced life and health insurance coverage across all categories of people, including school children, and free degree education for students in arts and science colleges. On infrastructure, Balagopal set aside 100 crore for preliminary works on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, which recently received in-principle Cabinet approval. Further allocations include around 150 crore for coastal development and over 250 crore for forest and wildlife protection. New normal narrative and defence of Kerala model In his Budget speech, Balagopal presented the past decade as a period of transformative change for the state. Also Read | BJP's VV Rajesh elected as Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Today's Kerala is not the Kerala of ten years ago. In every sector, Kerala has created a new normal. The progress achieved in all spheres of people's lives is remarkable, so much so that even the old normal cannot be compared with it. During this session of the Assembly, we wish to discuss the changes that have taken place in every development sector. With facts, figures, and examples, we are prepared to present the proud achievements Kerala has attained. We are ready to patiently listen to what the opposition has to say. If such a discussion takes place in the Assembly, it will be a good model of democracy, he said. Warning against communal polarisation Balagopal repeatedly emphasised social unity as Keralas most valuable asset, cautioning against divisive political strategies. There are more messages of happiness to be shared in the new budget speech. However, before moving on to that, there is a danger that concerns the people of Kerala and one that needs to be approached with caution, which I wish to speak about. No matter how many budgets are presented or how many crores are spent, there is an asset that Kerala has which cannot be obtained through any of that. That great asset is the unity of the people of Kerala. The ability to maintain peace, tranquillity, religious harmony, and unity is the biggest guarantee of our future growth and prosperity. There is no need to think of any better factor than this to attract foreign tourists, entrepreneurs, and capital to our state. But venomous communal serpents are lying in wait to destroy this collective unity of Kerala. The new strategy being taught by election experts is to brand those who build a people's unity as a shield against communalism. We dismiss such branding with contempt, he said. Fresh attack on Centre over finances The Finance Minister once again accused the Central government of restricting Keralas fiscal space, alleging politically motivated pressure ahead of elections. By cutting the previously fixed borrowing limit and denying legitimate arrears, the central government is attempting to choke the state government. All this is temporary. It should be seen only as a stealth attack during the election period, KN Balagopal said. Also Read | Congress appoints Baghel, Shivakumar as observers for Assam polls He added earlier that despite financial constraints, the state had continued to move forward. Despite severe neglect, Kerala has progressed, the finance minister said. Promises largely fulfilled, says Balagopal Calling the document his sixth Budget, Balagopal said the government had largely delivered on its electoral commitments. Mumbai: The five companies born of the Vedanta Ltd demerger may debut on the stock exchanges as early as May, company executives said on Thursday, with three of them bearing the parent company's $6.7 billion debt burden. Billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta received the much-awaited nod for its mega-demerger from the National Company Law Tribunal in December, over two years after the plan was floated. On Thursday, the Vedanta management said the demerger will take effect on 1 April, and the company aims to have the shares of the new companies listed by as early as May, and definitely before the end of June. The comments were made at Vedanta's quarterly earnings call when it reported record revenue and profit. Vedanta will split itself into five independent, listed businesses: Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Iron and Steel and Vedanta Ltd itself that will house the zinc and silver businesses under subsidiary Hindustan Zinc and act as an incubator for new technology and business opportunities. Vedanta is yet to finalize which resultant company will bear how much debt; however, each resultant company will get a share of Vedantas 60,624-crore net debt based on the value of their assets and their cash generation abilities, as approved by the companys lenders, the management said. Broadly, net debt in Vedanta... at about $6.7 billion, will get apportioned in the ratio of assets that each entity will carry post-de-merger (and) each entity's cash generation and debt-serving ability, Ajay Goel, president and chief financial officer said during the call. Vedanta Aluminium will take the lions share of the companys debt burden, while some debt will go to Vedanta Power, Goel said. The remaining debt will be on the books of Vedanta Limited, he said, without disclosing the exact debt distribution. Also Read | Vedanta optimistic about completing its five-way split this year Interestingly, no debt has been apportioned to the Vedanta Oil and Gas, the company that will handle the groups oil exploration and production business post-demerger, Goel said. Similarly, next to no debt will be borne by Vedanta Iron and Steel, which will house the groups iron ore mines and steel plant under ESL Ltd. "These are slow-growth businesses of the Vedanta Group and their balance sheets would not have been able to absorb high debt. It is better to keep them debt-free and run their operations. So, I would say this is positive as all businesses demerge with healthy balance sheets," said Amit Lahoti, lead analyst for metals and mining at Emkay Institutional Equities. Record Q3 profit Vedanta reported its best-ever quarterly profit in the December quarter at 7,807 crore, which was 60% higher year-on-year. Revenue for the quarter too was at a record 45,899 crore, nearly a fifth more than the preceding year. Unsurprisingly, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) too were at a record level of 15,171 crore, up by a third from last year. Q3 FY26 has been a landmark quarter for Vedanta, delivering our highest-ever Ebitda of 15,171 crore, with two of our businesses achieving their best-ever financial results, executive director Arun Misra said in a statement. The aluminium business posted its strongest Ebitda margin of $1,268 per ton, supported by record alumina and aluminium production, Misra said. The zinc and silver business in India under Hindustan Zinc too recorded its highest-ever quarterly Ebitda of 6,064 crore, he added. The silver rally shored up Hindustan Zincs finances, accounting for 44% of the total profit. E-commerce giant Amazon on Wednesday announced a fresh batch of 16,000 job cuts, the company's second round of layoffs in four months. Earlier, Amazon had announced that it was cutting 14,000 jobs, taking the total number of layoffs since October 2025 to 30,000. Initial reports about the latest round of job cuts had not provided specifics about the geographies and departments that are likely to be affected, but now, internal communications from the e-commerce giant has shed some light on the same. Also Read | Platform paradox: Why Amazon is helping sellers bypass its own marketplace Which geographies are likely to be the hit? Amazon's latest round of job cuts are very likely to impact impact the US, UK, and India. Business Insider, which accessed internal messages on workplace communications app Slack, reported that employees in the three aforementioned geographies had been receiving notifications about the cuts. Which departments will be hit by the job cuts? Messages reviewed by Business Insider suggest that the 16,000 job cuts announced on Wednesday will affect several departments within Amazon, ranging from tech services to its retail business. The publication reported that on the tech side, the company's Amazon Web Services cloud unit, such as the AI cloud service Bedrock and the cloud data warehouse Redshift, are likely to be hit. On the retail front, teams such as the Prime subscription service and the last-mile Delivery Experience team will also see jobs slashed. In addition, the company's ProServe consulting team is also likely to see cuts. While the quanta of job cuts in each department is unknown as of now, Business Insider reported that many affected employees who posted to an internal Amazon Slack channel looking for job leads had software engineering roles, suggesting that tech jobs are the ones which have been most adversely impacted. Options for US-based employees The e-commerce giant, meanwhile, has said that it is offering most US-based employees a period of 90 days to search for a new role internally. Amazon has also said that those unable to find another role, or those opting out of the offer, will receive support, including severance pay and health insurance benefits. US online retail and cloud computing giant Amazon moves to lay off 16,000 corporate employees as part of efforts to streamline operations amid growing competition in artificial intelligence (AI). Beth Galetti, the companys senior vice president of people experience and technology, said in a blog post on Wednesday that the company will give most US-based employees 90 days to search for a new role internally, along with severance and other transition support. Galetti said the company has been working to strengthen our organization by reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy. She added that it is not our plan to roll out large-scale layoffs every few months, though Amazon will continue to make adjustments as appropriate. Amazon recent layoffs Employees were notified of the layoffs earlier on Wednesday, though some had already been alerted that cuts were coming. Amazon Senior Vice President Colleen Aubrey had prematurely scheduled a meeting titled Project Dawn, which referenced impacted colleagues in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica, according to Bloomberg. The email, which reportedly said changes like this are hard on everyone, quickly circulated on internal message boards and social media platforms such as Reddit, where employees were already discussing the expected job losses. Amazon did not provide details of the latest cuts or specify which divisions would be affected, saying only that every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate", as per AFP. Total announced job reductions reach 30,000 over 3 months With the latest round of cuts, Amazons total announced job reductions have reached 30,000 over the past three months, following an earlier round in October. Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy has repeatedly mentioned he wants to trim management layers that expanded during the pandemic hiring surge. He also indicated last year that advances in AI would reduce the companys workforce as more operations become automated. As of 30 September 2025, Amazon employed roughly 1.57 million people, the majority of whom work in warehouses. Its corporate staff numbers about 350,000, meaning the newest layoffs account for roughly 4.6% of that group. In its October quarterly earnings report, Amazon said it had spent $1.8 billion on severance costs related to planned job cuts. Coforge Ltds public shareholders rejected the firms decision to give private equity giant Advent International the right to nominate members on the boards audit, nomination, and remuneration panels, forcing the Noida-headquartered IT services firm to remove these privileges, in an effort to woo shareholder approval to its proposed $2.4 billion buyout of a US analytics firm. Late on Tuesday night, Coforge informed the exchanges that 31% of shareholders had opposed the resolution granting special rights to Advent. Eventually, upon completion of the Encora deal, Advent will own 20% of Coforge. This special resolution was defeated because it fell short of the required three-fourths approval. Also Read | Infosys risks losing $150 million a year from one of its largest clients About 14 hours later, on Wednesday afternoon, Coforge informed the exchanges that it had removed those privileges as it sought shareholders' votes again on the resolution, starting 29 January until 27 February. Special right to appoint such Investor Directors to the Board committees of the Company has been removed," said Coforge, in a stock exchange filing dated 28 January. The contentious issue that prompted investor revolt was that Advent could appoint members to Coforges oversight committees, including the audit, nomination, and remuneration panels. This is because the audit committee oversees financial reporting, among other things, and the nomination and remuneration panel oversees the appointment and removal, as well as the remuneration, of key managerial personnel, including the chief executive officer. Key Takeaways The 31% dissent vote shows that promoter-less companies face intense scrutiny of their governance structures. Investors drew a hard line at Advent, influencing the audit, nomination, and remuneration committees, which oversee CEO pay and financial integrity. Coforges 14-hour turnaround to strip these rights shows the company's urgency to close the Encora deal. While global funds supported the resolution, domestic heavyweights like Motilal Oswal and HDFC MF likely used their 51% combined bloc to force the change. Despite the governance fix, analysts remain wary of the deal's valuation and the complexity of integrating Encoras M&A-heavy history. The rare shareholder revolt in the countrys information technology services sector followed Coforge's announcement on 26 December that it would buy Encora from Advent and Warburg Pincus. As part of this transaction, Coforge agreed to issue shares worth $1.89 billion to Encoras owners and subsequently raise $550 million through a qualified institutional placement to retire Encoras debt. Proxy firm advice At least one proxy advisory firm had opposed one of the clauses of this transaction. [W]e do not support committee nomination rights, irrespective of an embedded minimum shareholding threshold, since the determination of committee composition is the boards prerogative and must be decided independently by the board," said Institutional Investor Advisory Services, in a voting advisory dated 14 January. The acquisition will go through as planned. Only that one resolution granting special rights to the acquiree got defeated, which is why Coforge came out with revised terms. We expect no further hurdles to the acquisition," said Shriram Subramanian, founder of InGovern Research, a Bengaluru-based proxy-advisory firm. Coforge, formerly NIIT Technologies Ltd, does not have a promoter. Employees owned 2.2% of the company through an employee provident fund, while directors owned 0.9% at the end of December 2025. Foreign portfolio investors owned a third of Coforge, while domestic mutual funds and insurance companies owned 37.73% and 13.40%, respectively, at the end of December last year. Retail shareholders owned the remaining 11%. A Mint review of voting disclosures by foreign investors suggests that most supported the resolution. Norways Norges Bank Investment Management, the worlds biggest sovereign wealth fund, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), the UKs largest fund manager, managing $1.5 trillion of assets, and The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), which has about $500 billion in assets under management (AUM), supported the earlier resolution. This suggests that much of the opposition came from domestic mutual funds and insurance companies, which together owned about 51.1% of Coforge. Motilal Oswal owned 9.25%, making it the largest shareholder, followed by HDFC Mutual Fund with 5.58%. Life Insurance Corp. of India was the third-largest owner, with a 4.54% stake at the end of December. Expensive buy? Coforge, which ended last year with $1.47 billion in revenue, making it the countrys seventh-largest IT services firm, has made an impressive pitch to investors for the transaction. This is a defining moment for the organisation," Coforge chief executive officer Sudhir Singh told investors and shareholders in an investor call on 26 December. This acquisition will ensure the next eight years are as exciting, if not more exciting, than the last eight years." Still, a few analysts have questioned the rationale of the acquisition. Encora at 4x Sales, 21x Ebitda on FY26E is at a premium to Coforge for weaker organic revenue growth of 7-8% (FY24-FY26E). The supposed AI native player has not delivered better growth or margins," Bank of Baroda Capital Markets analysts Girish Pai and Lopa Notaria, in a note dated 24 January. While Coforge has digested smaller acquisitions, this is the largest one done by any Indian player and, more importantly, Encora itself, in its current form, has come about through multiple M&A transactions, and hence value extraction could be a challenge," the Bank of Baroda Capital Markets analysts said. Tesla's recent $2 billion investment in chief executive's Elon Musk's artificial-intelligence company xAI, the maker of Grok AI, may help the billionaire entrepreneur meet conditions needed to unlock a part of what could become one of the largest executive pay packages in corporate history. The investment comes at a time when Musk has secured a compensation package estimated to be worth $1 trillion, tied to Tesla's performance, but as of lately, the company has continued to face operational challenges, including production delays and intensifying competition in the electric vehicle market. The move also supports Musk's plan to pivot Tesla from an electric vehicle maker to an AI company to stay ahead of competition, which is key to the company's roughly $1.5 trillion valuation. Additionally, in an effort to reassure investors, the company also said on Wednesday that its production plans for the Cybercab robotaxi are on track this year despite repeated past delays. What are the conditions for the pay package? The $1 trillion dollar pay package, which comes as a stock grant, does not automatically make Musk a trillionaire. The grant will be distributed in 12 tranches, contingent upon Tesla achieving specific operational milestones, several reports said. To earn the full package, Musk must help lift Tesla's market value to $8.5 trillion. The first tranche of stock will only be released if Tesla reaches a market capitalisation of $2 trillion. The company's current market cap is somewhere around $1.5 trillion. However, Tesla's core EV business, which still accounts for most of the company's current revenue, has recently been under strain as Chinese rivals roll out newer models, often at lower prices. Other milestones include delivering 20 million vehicles, reaching 10 million active Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscriptions, producing one million Optimus humanoid robots and deploying one million robotaxis commercially. How can xAI investment help Musk achieve his goal? To unlock his massive pay package, Musk needs to revive Tesla's fortunes. Executives say the investment in xAI will create efficiencies for Tesla by reducing the need to build costly in-house AI infrastructure, while Musk has argued it will ultimately help Tesla manage fleets of autonomous vehicles and Optimus robots, Fortune reported. In effect, xAI is expected to play a critical role in operating both humanoid robots and robotaxis, which is a key requirement for Tesla's plan to scale production and monetise its AI ambitions. The billionaire has told investors that Tesla will phase out its Model S and X vehicles and convert their production lines to build Optimus humanoid robots using the freed-up factory space to accelerate its shift toward AI and robotics. Together, these efforts underscore Musk's broader strategy to reposition Tesla from a traditional EV maker into an AI and robotics company, a transformation that may prove to be central to both Tesla's valuation and his own compensation pay package. Previous delays in fulfilling promises Musk has previously made a number of forecasts about robotaxi rollout, but failed to deliver on those promises. At the latest shareholders' meeting, he said the company expects to have fully autonomous vehicles in a quarter to half of the United States by the end of this year. Hyderabad: The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) may not immediately lower costs for aircraft maintenance or spare parts, as India has already capped the tax on imports of most components at 5%. The India-EU FTA eliminates tariffs on aircraft and spacecraft for almost all products, including aircraft parts and components, engines, avionics, landing gear, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) inputs, which would offer only limited gains to the European spare parts suppliers. As such, American aircraft maker Boeing does not expect the recently-concluded India-EU FTA to materially affect its maintenance and repair operations in India, even though the pact could marginally lower costs for its European rival Airbus. Also Read | Boeing eyes higher output as Air India, Akasa await bulk jet deliveries The reality is that the duties were already capped at 5%, for most parts coming in for MRO and repair maintenance purposes already, by the government. So, Im not sure whether that reduction necessarily matters from an MRO standpoint," Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia, told Mint in an interview at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad. He was responding to a question on whether lower duties for European manufacturers could give Airbus a cost advantage in India. Where it might matter is for things like Airbuss C295 final assembly line or something like that. And so, well have to see how that evolves over time. But I think its too early to tell," he said. The Airbus C295 final assembly line (FAL) in Vadodara, inaugurated in October 2024, is not for commercial aviation, but rather a dedicated facility for military and defence manufacturing. Operated by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus, this facility is assembling 40 C295 tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to replace their legacy Avro fleet, with the first "Made in India" unit scheduled for 2026. Also Read | Boeing has started working on a 737 MAX replacement No impact on aircraft and component procurement prices. Zero tariff for line for line items," Jurgen Westermeier, president and managing directorIndia and South Asia, Airbus, said. Under the FTA, import duties on civil aircraft and related parts, currently at 11% in some categories, are expected to be phased down over several years. This could, in theory, lower acquisition costs for European-made aircraft and components, potentially strengthening Airbuss pricing position in India. Airbus already dominates Indias narrow-body commercial aircraft market. IndiGo, the countrys largest airline, has an all-Airbus fleet. In 2025, Airbus delivered 55 jets to IndiGo, its largest customer globally. In comparison, other Indian carriers had taken delivery of 19 Boeing aircraft in 2025. Gupte said that Boeing expects to maintain a steady delivery pace to Indian airlines over the next couple of years". Boeing has already ramped up production at its US facilities, with narrow-body aircraft output rising to 42 a month from 38 and set to increase further to 47 soon. Wide-body aircraft production will also be increased to 10 a month from the current seven, in a move expected to speed up aircraft deliveries. On average, you can expect, over the next couple years, roughly two aircraft a month. And in some months itll be more, and some months itll be less, and some months therell be a wide-body aircraft in there as well," Gupte said. Near-term deliveries to Indian airlines will largely consist of narrow-body aircraft, though wide-body ones will be inducted periodically. Itll mostly be narrow bodies. Every few months, youll have a wide body in there as well," he said. He clarified that this is not a fixed monthly target. The rates on all of our production lines have been moving up over the past couple years. So, we were at 38 a month on the 737 MAX. We moved to 42. We can move to 47 and beyond. Now, on the 787 line, weve already announced goals to go from 7 to 10 and beyond," he said. The production ramp-up would help the Air India group (Air India and Air India Express) and Akasa Air scale up their fleets. Gupte, however, didnt name any airline. Recently, Air India inducted a Dreamliner (wide-body aircraft) while Air India Express inducted its first line-fit jet (customized for the company) from Boeing. Akasa is inducting two narrow-body jets. Air India will induct a new wide-body aircraft every six weeks in 2026 and 2027, which, alongside the refurbishment of its legacy Boeing fleet, its chief executive Campbell Wilson said in October 2025. The three Indian carriers have together placed orders for nearly 1,000 jets between the two aircraft makersBoeing and Airbus. Over a 20-year period, Boeing estimates that for the Indian, South Asia region, about 3,300 aircraft" will enter the market. That is roughly a quadrupling of the Indian fleet over that period as well. So, some of those aircraft will be for replacement. Many of those aircraft will be for growth, naturally." IndiGo has a fleet size of 440, as against Air India Groups (Air India and Air India Express together) 297 and Akasas 32. Gupte said Boeing has been investing in training infrastructure to support this growth in India. We made $100 million investment in simulator capacity over the past year and a half or so," the executive said, adding that simulators for both 737 MAX and 787 aircraft have been inducted in India. The company is also focused on building maintenance and repair capacity domestically. We also need significant maintenance. And so weve been involved with our airline customers on maintenance training capability in India," he said. This includes encouraging the development of domestic MRO ecosystems. You see that (MROs) starting to come in with Safran, setting up an engine shop for the CFM LEAP engine here in Hyderabad," he said. However, Boeing does not have any immediate plans to have a final assembly line here in India. The CFM International LEAP engine is a next-generation commercial aircraft jet engine, produced by CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture between America's GE Aerospace and France's Safran Aircraft Engines. On aircraft manufacturing, Gupte downplayed the strategic importance of final assembly alone. Final assembly is about 7% of the value chain. Theres the other 93% that many of us, ourselves, Airbus, Lockheed, have been focused on developing here in India," he said. Boeings supplier base in India now includes over 300 firms, he said. That is a huge part of being ready to make airplanes in India," Gupte said, adding that component manufacturing and advanced materials matter far more than assembly lines in determining long-term competitiveness. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to nearly double the company's investment in artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026. In its Q4 earnings report released Wednesday, Meta revealed that its capital expenditure on AI for 2026 would be between $115 and $135 billion, almost twice the amount spent last year when the company revamped its AI unit. As we plan for the future, we will continue to invest very significantly in infrastructure to train leading models and deliver personal super intelligence to billions of people and businesses around the world, Zuckerberg was quoted as saying by CNBC during the earnings call. The "infrastructure" Zuckerberg cited during the earnings call refers to Meta's ambitious data centre projects that will anchor both its current and future AI projects. The Meta CEO also stressed that 2026 would be a major year for AI, with the company's investments aimed at advancing his mission for creating a personal super intelligence, which he announced last year. AI roadmap for 2026 That said, Zuckerberg did not reveal whether Meta will launch new AI products or how its AI products could help bolster revenue generation. "I mean, were going to roll out new products over the course of the year. I think the important thing is, were not just launching one thing, and were building a lot of things," the Meta CEO said during the earnings call. While Zuckerberg did not name any new products on the call, CNBC reported that Meta's TBD AI unit, under the leadership of former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, has been testing a new AI model code-named Avocado, intended to be the successor to Meta's Llama family of AI models. As if alluding to the same, he said on Wednesday, "I expect our first models will be good but, more importantly, will show the rapid trajectory that were on. And then I expect us to steadily push the frontier over the course of the year as we continue to release new models. Zuckerberg looks to 'shape the future' of AI Asked on the earnings call about why Meta needed to develop its own AI model, Zuckerberg stressed that the firm was a "deep technology company". Asserting that Meta could not risk being "constrained to what others in the ecosystem are building", the tech entrepreneur said that having its own model would allow the company to "shape the future of these [AI] products". Also Read | Nvidia helped DeepSeek hone AI models later used by Chinas military, lawmaker says The personal superintelligence project Zuckerberg's comments on Wednesday back up the vision he outlined in July last year, when he announced the personal superintelligence project. Differentiating Meta's vision from that of other players in the AI industry, Zuckerberg said his company was looking at personal empowerment via AI rather than mere automatic and efficiency gains. I am extremely optimistic that superintelligence will help humanity accelerate our pace of progress. But perhaps even more important is that superintelligence has the potential to begin a new era of personal empowerment where people will have greater agency to improve the world in the directions they choose, the Meta CEO wrote in a letter published in the public domain. Nokia announced on Thursday, 29 January, that its chair, Sari Baldauf, plans to step down and will be succeeded by Timo Ihamuotila, amid the company's push into artificial intelligence that helped it meet quarterly earnings expectations, according to a Reuters report. Nokia's shares dropped 6% in early trading in Helsinki, making it one of the worst performers on Europe's Stoxx 600 index, the report said. Baldauf, a longtime executive at Nokia, has been chairing the board since 2020 after rejoining the company in 2018. Her previous time at Nokia, from 1994 to 2005, coincided with the company's rise to become a global leader in the mobile phone market. Ihamuotila, who currently serves as vice chair, was Nokias chief financial officer from 2009 to 2016. He is expected to depart from theSwiss group ABB by the end of 2026, the report said. Also Read | Can Tim Cook stop Apple going the same way as Nokia? The Finland-based company is undertaking one of its largest restructuring efforts after selling its iconic mobile phone division over a decade ago, relying on AI and data centre demand to offset weak spending and contract losses in 5G. Last year, the company appointed former Intel executive Justin Hotard as its CEO to accelerate the transition. However, a profit warning due to US import tariffs and a weaker dollar has impacted margins, increasing pressure for more substantial cost reductions, the report said. About Sari Baldauf Serving as a Nokia Board member since 2018, Baldauf is a member of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Personnel Committee, and the Strategy Committee of the company. She has pursued a Master of Business Administration at the Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration, Finland and a Bachelor of Science at the Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration, Finland. Baldauf secured honorary doctorates in Technology and Business Administration. Elon Musks SpaceX and artificial intelligence startup xAI are in discussions over a potential merger ahead of a planned public offering later this year, Reuters reported citing a person familiar with the matter and two recent company filings reviewed by it. The proposed combination would bring SpaceXs launch vehicles and Starlink satellite network together with Musks X social media platform and xAIs Grok chatbot under a single corporate structure, the source said. Reuters is reporting the talks exclusively. Under the proposed structure, shares of xAI would be exchanged for shares in SpaceX, the source added, the news outlet stated. Two Nevada-based entities have been set up to facilitate the transaction. Some xAI executives may be offered cash instead of SpaceX stock, though no final agreement has been signed and the timing and structure of the deal remain fluid. Reuters said it could not independently determine the valuation of the transaction, its primary strategic rationale, or when it might be completed. Boost to space-based AI ambitions The merger talks come as Musk pushes aggressively into artificial intelligence, positioning SpaceX as a key platform for deploying data centres in orbit to power AI workloads. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Musk said the lowest cost place to put AI will be in space, predicting that space-based AI infrastructure could become viable within two to three years. SpaceX has already committed $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity fundraising round last year, the Wall Street Journal previously reported. Through xAI, Musk is also building a large AI supercomputer known as Colossus in Memphis, Tennessee. Industry players are increasingly exploring space-based computing. Jeff Bezos Blue Origin has announced plans for a high-capacity satellite backbone network, while Google is researching orbital data centres through its Project Suncatcher initiative. Defence contracts and strategic leverage Combining xAI with SpaceX could strengthen the companys position in securing U.S. defence contracts, said Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Analytics. The Pentagon is pushing rapidly into AI-enabled systems, and having that capability vertically integrated with satellite infrastructure is a strategic advantage, Henry told Reuters. xAI has a contract worth up to $200 million to supply Grok AI products to the Pentagon. SpaceXs Starlink and its defence-focused Starshield unit already rely heavily on artificial intelligence for satellite operations, including automated manoeuvring in orbit. Starshield is also developing a classified satellite network for a U.S. intelligence agency, which is expected to use AI-enabled sensors to track targets on Earth. Valuations and IPO plans SpaceX is currently the worlds most valuable privately held company, valued at about $800 billion in a recent insider share sale, according to sources familiar with the transaction. xAI was valued at $230 billion in November, the Wall Street Journal reported. Reuters and other media have reported that SpaceX is preparing for an initial public offering as early as this year, with an expected valuation exceeding $1 trillion. SpaceX has already lined up banks for the potential IPO, sources have said. Earlier this month, xAI raised $20 billion in an upsized Series E funding round, exceeding its original target of $15 billion. Tesla disclosed on Wednesday that it had agreed to invest about $2 billion in xAI. Not Musks first internal deal The potential merger would mark the latest in a series of transactions combining Musk-controlled companies. In 2025, Musk folded X into xAI via a share swap, giving the AI startup access to the platforms data and distribution. In 2016, Tesla acquired Musks solar firm SolarCity in an all-stock deal. Founded in 2002, SpaceX transformed the space industry with its reusable Falcon rockets, enabling rapid deployment of Starlink, which now consists of thousands of satellites in orbit. Mumbai: Private equity firm InvAscent is writing significantly larger cheques in pharmaits core focusas rising regulatory and manufacturing costs have pushed companies to raise more capital. Our ticket sizes in pharma have increased. We now participate in $80 million-$100 million deals along with our LPs (limited partners), where we roughly do a 50-50 split. Earlier, we engaged only in $30 million-$50 million transactions," founder and chairman Hari Buggana told Mint in an interview. It costs a lot more today to build a new facility to comply with the regulations, so companies naturally need to raise a lot more money." The firm is also widening its investment lens to sub-segments such as health-tech. "Another change that has happened as compared to the earlier funds is health-tech as a sector is now becoming an area that we are actively investing in." Also Read | Somerset Indus nears $275-million close for third healthcare fund This comes on the back of increased investor interest in the pharma and healthcare sectors, driven by higher income spends, expanding healthcare coverage and growing medical tourism, creating new pockets of demand for innovation and growth from tier II and III cities. The Hyderabad-based private equity firm is focused on three major industries pharmaceuticals that takes about 50% of the fund, followed by healthcare (about 30%) and other related industries such as med-tech, health-tech and animal health that together constitute about 20% of the fund. The commentary follows less than a year after the investment firm closed its fourth fund with a corpus of $304 million. By the time Fund IV is fully invested, it will likely close at $400 million with co-investments from limited partners, he said, adding that the firm has already deployed 40% of the capital from the current fund. Its investments from the fourth fund include Apex Hospitals, ABI Health, Fleming Laboratories, Geri Care, Maiva Pharma, and SRV Hospitals. The fourth fund also saw a third of the capital commitments come from domestic investors, marking a first for the investment firm. The remaining capital came from international LPs. Historically, we have always had LPs from America, Europe and Asia who have been keen to invest in the emerging market. But this time, we saw a lot of inbound enquiries from domestic investors who wanted access to good quality pharma and healthcare assets through our fund," Buggana said, adding that its past funds have beaten all Indian equity benchmarks. Larger funds As certain themes evolve and ticket sizes grow, InvAscents fund sizes have also increased. Its previous funds were about $100 million (raised in 2007), approximately $150 million (2014), and about $300 million [2018], including co-investments. More recently, InvAscent is increasingly seeing public markets as a prominent exit route driven by attractive valuations as many of its portfolio companies achieve sustainable scale. In the past, we had several exits via sale to larger private equity firms or strategics and in some cases, the promoters decided to buy back the fund's stake," he said. Some of its past exits include Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic and Oasis Fertility to Kedaara Capital, and sale of its holding in Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO) to other PE firms NorthCreek and Parkway Partners. It also sold its stake in Biorad Medisys back to the company promoters and in Stericon Pharma to Nirma Group in 2023. "We are now seeing greater receptivity towards high-quality healthcare and pharma assets to list in the public markets," Buggana said, adding that the private equity firm will see at least one IPO every year from its third fund. The flows into the domestic equity market have multiplied since the pandemic, and regulations have also evolved. As a result, there is a huge demand for companies operating in this space to be listed so that retail investors have more choices to invest and enter at reasonable multiples at the IPO and then drive growth," he said. The shift is also driven by larger private equity firms being unable to match the kind of multiple that public markets are offering, although the exact valuation differentials between the two may differ on a case-by-case basis, Buggana added. Some of its portfolio companies planning to list this year include Symbiotec Pharmalab and Malladi Drugs and Pharmaceuticals. Other imminent exits in the private markets include Ankura Hospitals, Alniche Life Sciences, Aizant and Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, which are in various stage of their deal-making process, Buggana said. Earlier this month, Mint reported that Ankura has mandated Alvarez & Marsal to help with a 400-500 crore fundraise through which InvAscent may exit its seven-year-old minority stake in part or in full. The private equity firm is also expecting binding bids for its stake in the Hyderabad-based Aizant Drug Research Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Mint reported in July. Established in 2005, the life sciences private equity firm has made about 39 investments and exited 20 companies. It handles over $850 million in assets under management, per its official website. InvAscent is focused on the capital needs of small and medium enterprises to bridge a gap left by banks that favour large, established companies. The investment firm assists promoters in three key areas capital allocation, getting the organization to a bigger scale and profitability and employee safety and governance. Capital allocation decisions include the quantum of capex needed and how much to spend on R&D and product development, while the other area involves getting the company ready to operate at a scale three to four times the size at which the private equity firm enters. A lot of companies are staffed to operate at a certain scale but when they get larger, a lot of inefficiencies creep in. So, we try to work with them actively to get them ready to be a very profitable enterprise when we are ready to exit 5 years later," Buggana said. The Delhi high court on Thursday issued summons to Priya Kapur, wife of the late Sona Comstar chairman Sunjay Kapur, and other respondents on a plea filed by family matriarch Rani Kapur seeking cancellation of the Rani Kapur Family Trust, which holds a substantial stake in the auto components maker. The court, however, declined to grant any interim relief or any order on the status or operation of the trust that could affect its functioning. The matter was heard by a single-judge bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna, which directed that the petition be registered as a civil suit, asked all parties to file their replies and listed the case for further hearing in April. Apart from Priya Kapur, the Delhi High Court has issued summons to 23 other defendants named by Rani Kapur in her plea. These include her grandchildren Samaira Kapur and Kiaan Kapur, children of the late Sunjay Kapur and his former wife, actress Karisma Kapoor. This is the latest legal development in the ongoing Kapur family dispute, which centres on control and succession of the Sona Group following the death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur on 12 June 2025, when he was chairman of auto-components major Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar). In her plea, the 80-year-old Rani Kapur has alleged that the trust was fraudulently created to strip her of her assets and control over the Sona Group. She has accused Sunjay Kapurs widow, Priya Kapur, of being the chief mastermind behind the move and of swiftly taking control of key group companies after her sons death. Rani Kapur has claimed that after suffering a stroke in 2017, she was coerced into signing several documents, including blank papers, on the pretext of routine administrative work, which were later misused to transfer her assets into the trust without her informed consent. Also Read | Priya Kapur, son in driving seat at family trust behind Sona Comstar The Rani Kapur Family Trust owns 65% of Aureus Investment Pvt. Ltd., which in turn holds about a 28% promoter stake in Sona Comstar. In 2019, the trust had informed the company that its sole beneficiary was Sunjay Kapur. The dispute forms part of a wider succession battle over Sunjay Kapurs estimated 30,000-crore estate. In September last year, his children from an earlier marriage, Samaira and Kiaan, moved the Delhi High Court challenging a will that allegedly leaves his entire estate to Priya Kapur. They have sought a one-fifth share each in their fathers personal assets, claiming they were repeatedly denied a copy of the will, which reportedly surfaced at a meeting in July last year but may not be formally registered. In her petition, Rani Kapur has said she was the sole heir of her late husband, Dr. Surinder Kapur, founder of the Sona Group, under a will probated by the Bombay High Court in 2016. She alleges that despite being named as a settlor and trustee, the family trust designates Sunjay Kapur, Priya Kapur and their children as beneficiaries, excluding her and her daughters branch of the family, contrary to her late husbands wishes. New Delhi: India needs structural higher education reforms to address the significant imbalance in international student mobility that contributes to brain drain and outward remittances, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26. Despite India being one of the worlds largest domestic education systems, the country faces a widening education deficit, according to the survey tabled in the Parliament on Thursday. With 28 Indian students going abroad for every international student choosing India, the document said, the country has officially emerged as the worlds largest source country for international students. To counter these challenges, the survey has recommended an aggressive "education-tourism" strategy. This involves leveraging the National Education Policy (NEP) and updated UGC guidelines to enable foreign branch campuses, mutual recognition of qualifications and student exchange programmes. The strategy aims to blend Indias strengths in STEM education, innovation, and its digital ecosystem with its traditional strengths in Ayurveda, philosophy, and classical arts. By using quality benchmarks like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the "Study in India" initiative, the government aims to create a compelling, affordable proposition for the Global South. Student exodus The count of Indians studying overseas has surged from 6.85 lakh in 2016 to an estimated 18 lakh by 2025. This migration carries a heavy economic price tag, with annual outward remittances for "studies abroad" climbing to a staggering 3.4 billion in FY24, according to the survey. Indian students abroad are highly concentrated in a small group of host countries, including Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia, whose attractiveness is driven by perceived quality, work rights, migration pathways, and strong branding. While the global stock of mobile students grew from 22 lakh in 2001 to 69 lakh in 2022, India has struggled to capture a significant share of this market. Even within the BRICS bloc, Russia and China account for over 80% of inbound mobility, while Indias share remains in the single digits, it said. Domestically, inbound student numbers rose from under 7,000 in 2000-01 to approximately 49,000 in 2020. However, this represents a mere 0.10% of total higher education enrollment in India. In contrast, leading host countries see international students making up between 10% and 40% of their campuses. Also Read | Economic Survey calls for disciplined self-reliance, not blanket protectionism While India remains the dominant destination in South Asiaattracting four-fifths of students from Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutanits regional share has been slipping since 2011, according to the survey. It warned that rising competition from other regional hubs necessitates a "refresh" of Indias value proposition to remain attractive to its neighbours. Fixing gaps The survey highlighted that the traditional education hubs, such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, have seen declines in international enrollment, while Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as new hosts. This trend suggests that sub-national policies and institutional outreach are becoming decisive factors in attracting foreign talent. Indias core strength remains its cost-effective, English-medium STEM and management education. Currently, 13 specific programsled by B.Tech, BBA, and B.Scaccount for the bulk of foreign student interest. However, "regulatory frictions" and limited international visibility continue to prevent India from converting its massive scale into a global pull factor. To position India as an education hub, broader strategies need to be deployed. Programme diversification beyond full degrees, such as summer schools, semester-abroad modules, heritage and philosophy tracks, yoga and Ayurveda certificates, and innovation or rural-immersion labs, can be bundled with tourism circuits and tailored for BRICS and wider Global South partners, the survey said. Promoting reciprocal student mobility by establishing bilateral agreements, alongside encouraging top Indian HEIs (higher education institutions) to institutionalise two-way exchange programmes and offer joint, dual, or twinning degrees can be considered. Also Read | Economic Survey views Sebi code as blueprint for regulatory reform MUMBAI: India will need a multi-pronged strategy to sustain foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows as global economic volatility intensifies, the Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) said, underscoring the need to address both structural and cyclical factors that influence capital flows. Going forward, the challenge is to sustain FDI inflows in an environment of heightened global volatility, which underscores the need for a multi-pronged strategy that strengthens the investment climate by addressing both structural and cyclical factors that determine capital flows, said the Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament on Thursday. While global surveys show that political stability and strong macroeconomic fundamentals are key drivers of FDI, the survey said India, despite excelling on these parameters, has not fully leveraged its strengths. Also Read | Why India is seeking a new sunrise in Japan Despite a clear government intent and proven economic management, FDI inflows remain below their potential, especially for infrastructure needs, it said, adding that proactive reforms are essential to attract higher foreign investment. In April-November 2025, gross FDI inflows strengthened further to $64.7 billion, compared with $55.8 billion a year ago. FDI outflows, on the other hand, rose to $22.1 billion during the period. The survey called for a more targeted approach to attracting global capital, including identifying a specific set of global value chain anchor companies and working closely with them. This would involve creating a state apparatus that collaborates directly with such firms as partners to resolve cross-agency issues and offer customized, time-bound solutions. According to the survey, direct engagement will help resolve cross-agency issues and provide customised and time-bound solutions. It also stressed that incentives alone are not sufficient unless their implementation is reliable. Also Read | India plans coordinated FDI drive, eyes investors in key sectors It is crucial for India not only to offer compelling incentives but also to ensure these incentives are reliably implemented, the survey said, adding that this would help mitigate execution risks for foreign firms and create a more stable investment environment. In FY25, gross FDI inflows into India stood at $81.0 billion, a 13% rise from $71.3 billion a year ago. Of these gross FDI inflows, equity inflows accounted for $51 billion, and approximately 60% of these flows were directed towards services, computer software and hardware, trading, non-conventional energy, construction, and the automobile sector. The survey called for setting up a single, empowered centre of accountability to position India as a credible alternative production hub. Such a framework would enable the country to handle large volumes, integrate with global suppliers, meet regulatory and compliance standards, and provide predictability over a multi-year timeframe. To further boost inflows, the survey suggested creating a task force to engage with top global companies and promote Indias advantages, including stability, macroeconomic strength, sustained growth, and market size. Proactive diplomacy, it said, could also help offset tariff-related challenges in global trade. NEW DELHI: The Economic Survey on Thursday called for creating a new industrialisation model focused on deeper integration into global value chains, rather than existing models centred on import substitution. The survey, tabled in Parliament, also said India needs to build strategic resilience through diversification and create depth of capabilities instead of seeking complete self-reliance. The next phase of industrialisation will require a calibrated shift from a model centred mainly on import substitution towards one focused on scale, competitiveness, innovation and deeper integration into GVCs (global value chains). Rather than seeking complete self-reliance in every segment, India needs to build strategic resilience through diversification and creating depth of capabilities, said the survey. This idea for finding deeply-focused pathways to economic resilience, based on finding crucial points in global value chains, comes at a time when nations are coming together towards breaking the stranglehold of a single nation in supply chains with compacts, such as the US-led Pax Silica to release the grip of China on artificial intelligence supply chains. This requires an increase in private sector investment in R&D, technology adoption, skills, and quality systems, according to the CEA, and MSMEs will be crucial in this journey, evolving from micro-scale production toward deeper participation in formal and export-linked supply chains. Also Read | Economic Survey flags savings, manufacturing boost to cut cost of capital The path to Viksit Bharat @2047 requires strategic resilience and continuous ascent within the GVCs. Sustained reforms across five pillars- Ease of Doing Business, R&D and innovation, Skilling, Infrastructure & Logistics, and Scaling up of MSMEs- will remain critical in positioning industry as a key engine of future growth, said the survey. This comes at a time when India has been patient and quietly working on its own economic transformation, chief economic adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran said in a precursor piece on the economic survey on Thursday. The survey also noted that economic interdependence is no longer a pillar of mutual stability, but has instead become a vulnerability. Advanced and emerging economies alike are therefore re-evaluating their exposure to concentrated supply chains, critical raw materials, and key technologies, often under the pretext of security, said the survey. The resurgence of economic statecraft, which is different from economic policy according to the survey, was due to factors such as the rise of ultra-nationalism rooted in claims of cultural superiority and an anti-immigrant stance, nations shying away from multilateral cooperation, and a lack of updated global norms to govern competition, investment, and subsidies across different development models. The survey called for strategic resilience to be part of policy-making in areas such as removing quality controls and boosting innovation. In a landscape defined by strategic resilience, the ability to innovate is no longer merely a driver of productivity; it has become the primary currency of national security and geopolitical leverage, said the survey. Also Read | Budget to maintain fiscal rectitude in the face of global storm India needs to amp up its expenditure on research and development to foster innovation for strategic resilience, the survey said. Indias Gross Expenditure on R&D remains stagnant at ~0.64 per cent of GDP, significantly trailing the 2.55% range of innovation-led economies like the US, China, and Israel. The deficiency in India is not a lack of scientific talent but challenges in collaboration with the private sector and translation at scale, said the survey. The survey also proposed that to secure a position of leverage in global supply chains, India must continue to work towards bridging the critical gap between academic discovery and industrial commercialisation. Also Read | Government needs a startup mindset, says Economic Survey India is engaged with the US to conclude a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, people familiar with the matter said, even as New Delhi works to operationalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union after the culmination of negotiations. We have made very significant progress. We are very close to seeing that come to fruition. The two sides remain in touch. I think even during the time that we were in the final throes of negotiating this deal (India-EU FTA), the trade negotiators were in touch with their US counterparts as well We are hopeful of a positive outcome on that front," one of the people said on the condition of anonymity. Trade talks with the US have been delayed, even as Washington moves to draw New Delhi into Pax Silica, a brand-new technological alliance of nations to counter China in chips, critical minerals, and AI infrastructure. Indias external affairs minister S. Jaishankar is expected to attend the critical minerals ministerial in Washington next week. The US market is as important, if not more important; and we, therefore, have to keep our eyes on the ball there in terms of wanting to get that trade deal across the finish line as well. So, it is definitely not being done with the spirit of one-upmanship or anything," the person said, adding, We dont see one against the other. The US is also doing deals with multiple other partner countries. They don't ask us when you have to.I think in this sense, everybody understands that the economic requirements of each country are different," the person said. Also Read | What India gains and what it loses in free trade pact with EU Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador to India, on 12 January said both sides continue to "actively engage" on the trade deal, in his first address after taking charge in New Delhi. India and the EU on Tuesday announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for a historic free trade pact, with tariff cuts levelling the playing field for Indian manufacturers in a key developed market. Indias biggest gain is improved market access for goods. The EU will eliminate tariffs on over 90% of tariff lines, covering 91% of trade value, rising to 99.3% with partial liberalization. This sharply improves competitiveness for India's labour-intensive exports such as textiles, apparel, footwear, marine products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, which earlier faced EU duties of 6-12% or more. However, the EU has kept its carbon border tax system out of the scope of the trade deal, and the proposed FTA with the EU does not mitigate the immediate impact of the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Indian exports of steel and aluminium will continue to face Europes carbon tax. CBAM is a horizontal regulation and is applicable to all (EU) partner countries and their domestic industry. So, if you cant give derogation to the domestic industry, how can you give it to others? The burden of CBAM is on both; it is a reality," the person said. While a certain understanding has been reached on CBAM, including an agreement to set up a technical dialogue that will address pathways for Indian industries to access the market despite the regulation, the biggest challenge is how the levy will be calculated. India and the EU will work together to ensure that CBAM verifiers in India are accredited by the EU agencies, enabling Indian industry to access them. Also, the technical group will ensure that any future Indian carbon trading system is taken into account and plugged into the CBAM framework, so that industries participating in Indias emerging carbon trading ecosystem have their carbon costs accounted for. Also, the EU has committed that any flexibility extended under CBAM to any partner country later would automatically apply to India as well. So, we have created this as a more living document. It's not that we can do it every day, but every five years, we can have a look at it," the person added. In FY25, Indias bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at $136.54 billion, with exports worth $75.85 billion and imports amounting to $60.68 billion, resulting in a surplus. India-EU trade in services reached $83.10 billion in 2024. There's a lot more to the visit of the EU leaders and officials than the FTA, since some far-reaching understandings were reached, a second person said, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. It is never easy to do FTA with the European Union, because we are at two different development levels." The deal announced jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi, follows negotiations relaunched in 2022 after talks first began in 2007. It positions India at the centre of one of the worlds largest integrated economic partnerships, covering a combined India-EU market of nearly two billion people and close to a quarter of global GDP. From Indias perspective, the agreement delivers unprecedented market access, with over 99% of Indian exports by trade value set to receive preferential or duty-free entry into the EU market. Now, looking at why we wanted this FTA to be done, I think, one; we have already done the FTA with the UK. We have done FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which is in the same vicinity. And the supply chain of the EU is very integrated in both these parts. It's just that it is a different bloc. So, having a FTA with the EU enables a $30 billion common market between India and that region," the second person said. India inked the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with four EFTA nations of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein in March 2024, with the FTA becoming effective from 1 October last year. India also inked the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK in July last year, which is expected to be implemented in the first half of this year. Our intention is obviously to get this (India-EU FTA) done as quickly as possible, and I must say that in the discussions yesterday, the EU side was equally forward-leaning on that front, that this agreement must be implemented very, very quickly. In terms of actual steps, this is not an FTA that will need to go to each of the individual 27 member states' Parliaments. It will only go to the European Council, which is a collection of the 27 heads of state and government as the case may be, which meets on a monthly basis Once it is done there, it will go to the European Parliament for approval," the person said. On agriculture, it has been a combination of quotas on both sides to take care of sensitivity," the person said. India has shielded dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, certain fruits and vegetables, while the EU has protected beef, sugar, rice, chicken meat, milk powder, honey, bananas and soft wheat, on which current tariffs will be maintained. India will, however, get better EU market access for its tea, coffee, spices and processed food, while opening up domestic market for EU spirits, wine and olive oil. Bollywood actor John Abraham left fans shocked with his new look. Several images of the actor with crew members have emerged on social media. Sporting a newer hairstyle, he looked visibly slimmer. However, the highlight of the pictures was his no-moustache and beard look. John Abraham's new look grabs attention While fans praised the actor, a few expressed their concern for the actor. In the pictures, John Abraham was seen sporting an unusual, freshly shaved look. In an off-duty look, he wore a black T-shirt. He smiled big for the camera while posing with his team members. He also sported salt-and-pepper hair, which might be a part of his upcoming projects. In the pictures, he was seen clasping hands with others. See pictures here: Netizens react to John Abraham's clean shaved look Commenting on the pictures, a fan wrote, Maybe I'm in Delulu but IPS Rakesh Maria biopic ka shoot wrapped (up). Clean-shaven John spotted. Long hair needed. Full Dhoom 1 look, added another fan. Kya lgta tha bandha aj kya ho gya hau dhoom 1 mai kya solid tha #john (Who would have thought hed come this far today? He was so solid in Dhoom 1), commented someone else. A different one said, Omg did he dye his hair blonde? Meanwhile, a few more users on the internet also commented on Abraham's new look. According to a report by Hindustan Times, a user commented, Ye kya ho gaya john ko (What happened to him).Grow that beard back, added another, while yet another said, He looks ill. Someone also asked, Is it a real picture? It seems like hes lost weight and with that weight loss his face looks gaunt and his wrinkles more visible, the report quoted a different user. Face-wise, he is looking how he is supposed to look at his age, one more wrote, reportedly. A fan was also quoted, defending the actor, Leave him alone, guys. He is 54. People change at this age. Stop judging. Love you John Abraham. Also Read | Tehran audience review: John Abraham spy action thriller impresses internet John Abraham's work On the work front, John Abraham was last seen in the 2025 film Tehran as Officer Rajeev Kumar. Directed by Arun Gopalan, the film also featured Manushi Chhillar. Divya Rana, and Neeru Bajwa were also a part of the film. Abraham recently unveiled the official teaser of the new documentary Oslo: A Tale Of Promise. Backed by the actor, the film teaser was released at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. As children start spending more time outdoors, at school or with friends, parents often look for simple ways to stay connected. Smartphones feel too early for many families, which is where smartwatches for kids step in as a balanced solution. Our Picks Best overall Value for money Budget friendly Most trusted brand Feature packed FAQs Our Picks Product Rating Price Best overall Noise Junior Explorer 2 Smart Watch for Kids with 4G SIM Compatible, 2-Way Video & Voice Calling, Geofencing, Real Time Location Monitoring via Google Maps, IP68, SOS Emergency Alerts (Frost Pop) View Details 5,999 CHECK DETAILS Value for money Noise Scout Kids smartwatch with Assisted GPS Tracking, 4G Video & Voice Calling, Parental Control, Long Battery, Habit Formation, in-Built Games, Buddy app for Parents (Ninja Green) View Details 4,999 CHECK DETAILS Budget friendly Boat Wanderer Smart Kids Watch w/ 2-Way Video & Voice Calls, SOS, Geo Fencing, Restrict Unknown Calls, Parental Controls,2MP Camera 1.43" (3.6 cm) HD Display Fitness Smart Watch (Sunshine Yellow) View Details 5,876 CHECK DETAILS Most trusted brand mi Smart Watch for Kids Women Boys Men Girls ID116 Phone Watch Wrist Activity Tracker All Android and iOS Devices View Details 439 CHECK DETAILS Feature packed Noise Junior Champ 3 Smart Watch for Kids | 3-in-1 Look with 2 Switchable Bumpers, in-Built Learning Hub, Habit Builder, Exam & School Mode, SOS, 100+ Cloud Faces, Parental Control (Cotton Cloud) View Details 2,499 CHECK DETAILS View More Research-Backed Choices Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research. Designed with safety and simplicity in mind, kids smartwatches offer features like location tracking, calling, activity monitoring and learning tools. They encourage independence without overwhelming children with unnecessary apps. This list highlights smartwatches that focus on ease of use, durability and peace of mind, making them practical choices for both kids and parents. This kids smartwatch focuses on safety with 4G SIM support for two-way voice and video calling, built-in GPS, and geofencing to define safe zones and receive alerts if children move outside them. Real-time tracking uses Google Maps integration so parents can check the location instantly from their phones. A habit-building scheduler helps structure daily routines like brushing, homework, and bedtime, while the family chat hub keeps everyone connected in a private space. The watch is IP68 water resistant for everyday splashes, includes an activity tracker and alarm clock, and runs a kid-friendly Android-based interface with simple touchscreen controls. Specifications Operating system Android-based kids UI Connectivity 4G LTE, 2.4 GHz wireless Location Built-in GPS with Google Maps support Water resistance IP68 Features Geofencing, SOS alerts, family chat, smart scheduler Reasons to buy Strong focus on safety with GPS, geofencing, SOS, and 4G calling. Routine-building tools and chat hub support healthy daily structure. Reason to avoid SIM compatibility can be picky, leading to setup issues for some users. Video call and connectivity stability can vary by network conditions. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the accurate GPS tracking, calling features, and overall safety-focused design, but report mixed experiences with SIM compatibility, connectivity stability, and value for money. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a safety-first kids smartwatch with live GPS, geofencing, SOS alerts, and two-way calling wrapped in a playful, water-resistant design. VALUE FOR MONEY 2. Noise Scout Kids smartwatch with Assisted GPS Tracking, 4G Video & Voice Calling, Parental Control, Long Battery, Habit Formation, in-Built Games, Buddy app for Parents (Ninja Green) Our Principles Full Transparency Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view. Brand Confidence We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust. Noise Scout is built around assisted GPS tracking and parent-controlled connectivity, letting you see your childs approximate location every three minutes using satellite signals and cellular data for better reliability. Parents control who can call or be called, reducing unwanted contacts. The watch supports 4G video calling, two-way voice calling, safe zone alerts within a 500 m radius, and alarms for playtime, homework, and bedtime. A companion Buddy app lets parents manage contacts, tracking intervals, and habit reminders, making it a structured, screen-light alternative to giving kids a full smartphone. Specifications Location Assisted GPS with ~3-minute updates Connectivity 4G calling (via app pairing) and USB charging Battery 680 mAh (long battery stated by brand) Controls Parent-approved contacts and safe zones Features Video calling, 2way calling, habit alarms Reasons to buy Strong parental control over contacts and communication. Assisted GPS plus safe zone alerts support everyday safety. Reason to avoid Battery life, GPS accuracy, and connectivity can feel inconsistent. Feature set is relatively basic beyond tracking and calls. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the design and concept but frequently mention fast battery drain, unreliable GPS, and limited features. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want simple GPS tracking, safe-zone alerts, and tightly controlled calling in a kid-friendly watch. boAt Wanderer is a 4G kids smartwatch built for always-on connectivity with a 1.4 inch HD display, physical SIM slot, WiFi, and in-built GPS for real-time tracking. Parental controls let adults manage contacts, study modes, and restrictions on unknown calls from the companion app. The watch supports two-way video and voice calls, SOS alerts, geo-fencing, and step tracking to encourage activity. With IP68 dust and water resistance and a 2MP front camera, its suitable for outdoor play, snapshots, and safe communication while keeping parents informed about location and basic fitness. Specifications Display 1.4 inch HD touchscreen Connectivity 4G (physical SIM), WiFi, Bluetooth Location In-built GPS with geo-fencing Battery 650 mAh, rated up to 2 days Durability IP68 dust and water resistant Reasons to buy Full 4G + WiFi connect with GPS, geo-fencing, SOS. IP68 rating and step tracking suit active kids. Reason to avoid Battery life can vary significantly with heavy video calling and GPS. Location accuracy and stability may depend heavily on network coverage. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the kid-friendly design, tracking tools, and price, but report mixed experiences with battery longevity, watch reliability over time, and GPS accuracy for detailed tracking. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a feature-rich 4G kids watch with video calling, GPS, geo-fencing, and rugged protection at an accessible price point. MOST TRUSTED BRAND 4. mi Smart Watch for Kids Women Boys Men Girls ID116 Phone Watch Wrist Activity Tracker All Android and iOS Devices The ID116-style smartwatch is positioned as an affordable fitness and notification companion rather than a dedicated kid-safety watch. It uses a 1.31.33 inch TFT colour touchscreen with basic single-touch interaction instead of full multi-touch gestures. Core features include heart rate monitoring, blood pressure estimation, sleep tracking, step counting, calorie tracking, and multi-sport modes. It pairs over Bluetooth with Android and iOS phones via third-party apps such as FitPro, offering call and message alerts, alarm support, and USB plug-in charging by removing the strap instead of using a separate cable. Specifications Display ~1.33 inch TFT LCD touch screen Sensors Heart rate, activity tracking, basic BP estimate Battery Around 400 mAh with quick-charge support Connectivity Bluetooth to Android and iOS, USB plug charging Features Sleep tracking, notifications, alarms, multi-sport modes Reasons to buy Very low-cost way to add fitness and notification features. Direct USB charging without an extra cable. Reason to avoid Single-touch screen feels less responsive than modern smartwatches. Health metrics (like BP) are indicative only, not medical grade. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers typically like the budget pricing and basic tracking but often note limitations in app stability, touch response, and accuracy compared to more expensive branded wearables. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a very affordable starter smartwatch for basic fitness tracking and notifications without advanced kid-specific safety tools. Junior Champ 3 is designed as a learning-focused kids watch rather than a cellular calling device. It uses a squircle dial with a 1.4 inch IPS LCD screen and two switchable bumpers so children can customise the look from sporty to casual. The watch includes an in-built Learning Hub with flashcards, quizzes, and games, plus habit tracking, schedulers, and modes like Exam Mode and School Mode with DND to minimise distractions. Activity and wellness tracking encourage movement, while 1 ATM water resistance and Bluetooth connectivity link the watch to the parent app for routine management and parental controls. Specifications Display 1.4 inch IPS LCD squircle screen Battery 270 mAh stated capacity Durability 1 ATM water resistance Personalization 2 switchable bumpers, 100+ cloud faces Features Learning Hub, habit builder, Exam/School Mode, parental control Reasons to buy Strong mix of learning tools and habit-building features. Customizable looks with bumpers and cloud faces. Reason to avoid No built-in GPS or cellular calling for outdoor safety. Primarily suited for routine-building, not real-time tracking. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the build quality, styling, and routine features, often highlighting how it helps children follow schedules and feel engaged, though detailed long-term performance feedback is still limited. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a safe, non-cellular kids smartwatch that builds routines, learning, and discipline without exposing children to open calling or browsing. The Candy Pink variant of boAt Wanderer offers the same hardware as the Sunshine Yellow model, pairing a 1.4 inch HD touchscreen with 4G SIM support, WiFi, and GPS for connected safety. Its shaped and colored for younger children who like bright wearable gadgets. Parents can use app-based controls to enable geo-fencing, restrict unknown callers, enable Study Mode, and configure SOS behavior. The watch supports two-way video calls, voice calls, step tracking, IP68 water resistance, and a 2MP front camera for kids photos and quick check-ins. Specifications Display 1.4 inch HD touchscreen Connectivity 4G SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth Location & Safety GPS, geo-fencing, SOS alerts Durability IP68 dust and water resistance Battery ~650 mAh Lithium Polymer (brand rated) Reasons to buy Full range of safety features plus 4G video calling. IP68 rating and fun design suit active kids. Reason to avoid Real-world battery life and GPS reliability can vary. Some users report functional issues and short runtime. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like its looks, features, and tracking, but report watches that stop working quickly, fast battery drain, and inconsistent location accuracy, especially in challenging network areas. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a colorful safety-focused kids smartwatch with GPS, geo-fencing, and 4G calling plus strong parental controls. Punnk Funnk Q18 focuses on basic safety and connectivity using LBS location rather than full GPS, making it best suited to approximate area tracking. It supports cellular calling through a compatible SIM, allowing kids to stay reachable without owning a phone. Parents can set up two-way calling, SOS emergency alerts, geo-fenced safe zones, and remote monitoring through its companion app. A built-in camera, time display, notifications, and kid-tuned design round out the feature set, though support excludes some networks like Jio and BSNL. Specifications Location LBS-based tracking (not full GPS) Connectivity Cellular SIM (no Jio/BSNL), basic data Display Small color screen with camera Battery ~300 mAh rated cell Features SOS, geo-fencing, two-way calling, remote monitoring Reasons to buy Simple voice-calling watch with core safety alerts. Geo-fencing and SOS provide baseline peace of mind. Reason to avoid LBS tracking is less precise than GPS. SIM compatibility and reliability issues are frequently reported. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the concept and look for gifting but often mention issues with SIM detection, inconsistent functioning, and mixed perceptions of build quality and value. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want an entry-level kids calling watch with SOS and basic location awareness at a low budget, accepting limitations in precision and compatibility. The GameSir Kids smartwatch is designed for children but sized to fit older kids or even adults, emphasizing location tracking and communication in a robust square dial. It supports nano SIM cards (except BSNL and Jio) and cellular connectivity for real-time communication. The watch includes GPS-based tracking, two-way calling, SOS alerts, parental controls, geo-fencing, educational games, music player, camera, alarms, and DND mode. With a 1.44 inch LCD, IP-rated dust/water resistance, and up to around a week of battery life under lighter use, it balances safety tools with entertainment options. Specifications OS Android Wear 2.9 (kids variant) Display 1.44 inch LCD, 240240 resolution Connectivity Cellular (nano SIM, no BSNL/Jio), Bluetooth Location GPS tracking, geo-fence support Battery 300 mAh, up to 7 days claimed Reasons to buy Rich feature set (GPS, games, music, SOS, calling). IP-rated resistance and multi-day battery under light loads. Reason to avoid Some networks unsupported; setup needs care. Many features can be distracting if not well managed. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers enjoy the design, GPS safety features, and built-in games but report mixed reliability, connectivity issues, and inconsistent battery life and perceived value. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a feature-packed kids smartwatch that combines GPS tracking, calling, and games with strong parental controls. GameSir Q18 in purple shares a similar core platform, focusing on 2G/3G SIM-based calling and GPS tracking for children. Airtel and VI SIM cards are supported, while Jio and BSNL are not recommended. The watch offers two-way voice calling, SOS button alerts with live location, accurate GPS tracking, safe-zone alerts, camera, multimedia features, and a water-resistant, lightweight build designed for everyday wear. Integration with the SeTracker app gives parents monitoring tools like history and geo-fencing. Specifications Connectivity 2G/3G with Airtel/VI nano SIM only Location GPS tracking with safe zones Features Two-way calling, SOS, camera, multimedia Battery 300 mAh, several days rated under light use App SeTracker for parental monitoring Reasons to buy Combines GPS tracking with voice calling and SOS. Splash-resistant design suitable for kids daily activities. Reason to avoid SIM recognition and connectivity can be unreliable for some users. Location accuracy and overall quality receive mixed feedback. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers are divided, with some satisfied with the battery and calling, while others call it poor value, criticise SIM detection, and complain about inaccurate GPS and inconsistent build quality. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you need GPS plus calling with SOS in a low-cost package and are comfortable working within specific carrier support. WatchOut Next-Gen+ is positioned as a more advanced kids GPS watch with SIM support up to 5G networks for future-ready connectivity, where supported. It combines voice and video calling with live tracking so parents can reach children at school, play, or travel. The watch adds heart rate monitoring, fever alerts, SOS emergency alerts, activity tracking, and multi-sport modes to keep an eye on health. Its companion app enables geo-fencing, contact management, and notifications, while the colourful design and camera provide entertainment and everyday usability for ages roughly three to thirteen. Specifications Connectivity Cellular SIM (4G/5G ready where available) Location Real-time GPS tracking with app support Health Heart rate sensor, fever alert, activity tracking Features Video/voice calling, SOS, games, alarms Compatibility Android and iOS phones Reasons to buy Strong safety mix of GPS, SOS, calls, and health alerts. Designed for a wide age range with kid-friendly UI. Reason to avoid GPS and battery longevity feedback is mixed in real use. Some users report devices failing after a few months. What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate its safety features and value but report varied results for GPS precision and long-term battery health, with some watches failing early or draining quickly. Why choose this product? You should choose this product if you want a feature-rich kids GPS watch with calling and health alerts that can grow with your child over several years. Factors to consider when choosing a smartwatch for a kid Safety features: GPS tracking, SOS alerts and parental controls help parents stay informed. Ease of use: Simple interfaces ensure children can operate the watch without confusion. Durability: Strong build quality handles daily wear, playtime and accidental drops. Battery life: Longer battery backup reduces daily charging stress for parents and kids. Age suitability: Features should match the childs age, learning needs and level of independence. Why are smartwatches a good alternative to phones for kids? Smartwatches provide basic communication and safety features without exposing children to social media or excessive screen time, making them a controlled and age-appropriate first connected device. What features matter most in a kids smartwatch? GPS tracking, calling, SOS alerts and parental controls matter more than advanced apps. These features focus on safety, communication and routine tracking rather than entertainment alone. At what age does a child benefit from a smartwatch? Children aged five and above benefit the most, especially when they begin school or outdoor activities. The watch supports independence while keeping parents reassured about safety and location. Top 3 features of best smartwatches for kids Smartwathe for kids Connectivity Location Tech Calling Noise Junior Explorer 2 4G LTE + WiFi GPS + geofencing 2way voice & video Noise Scout 4G assisted GPS Assisted GPS, 3min updates 2way voice & video boAt Wanderer (Yellow) 4G SIM, WiFi GPS + geo-fence Video & voice mi ID116 Bluetooth only None No cellular calling Noise Champ 3 Bluetooth None No cellular calling boAt Wanderer (Pink) 4G SIM, WiFi GPS + geo-fence Video & voice Punnk Funnk Q18 Cellular (no Jio/BSNL) LBS location Voice calling GameSir Kids Watch Cellular + Bluetooth GPS tracking 2way calling GameSir Q18 2G/3G cellular GPS + safe zones 2way calling WatchOut Next-Gen+ Cellular SIM (4G/5G capable) Real-time GPS Voice & video Similar articles for you Price drop on Samsung smartwatches:Get up to 60% off the these stylish wearables at affordable prices President Trumps ultimatum to Iran to negotiate away its nuclear program or face a possible attack leaves Tehran with a daunting dilemma: Either path risks putting the already weakened regime in a more precarious position. Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable dealNO NUCLEAR WEAPONSone that is good for all parties. Time is running out," Trump posted on social media Wednesday. The next attack will be far worse!" A decision to halt enrichment of uranium, a key U.S. demand, would be a humiliating public retreat on a core national priority for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Rebuffing the demand is increasingly likely to prompt Trump to order strikes, further exposing the governments vulnerability. Either way, the regime is facing the most dire external threats to its survival in decades after protests over deep economic woes grew so fierce that they could only be put down with a deadly crackdown. Their strategy right now is just buying time," said Alan Eyre, a former senior U.S. diplomat who specialized in Iran and is now at the Middle East Institute, a Washington think tank. Their whole strategic outlook is when youre in a weak position you dont compromise, because that invites further aggression." Trump said Wednesday that a massive Armada" was moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose," adding that it was ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." The Pentagons buildup in the region includes an aircraft carrier with three guided missiles destroyers, warplanes and missile defenses. Iran was in a similar position a year ago. Israel had carried out limited strikes that weakened the countrys air defenses and decimated militia allies Hezbollah and Hamas. A newly elected Trump was threatening to take military action if Tehran didnt make concessions on its nuclear program. This time, though, the squeeze is even worse. The regime was battered by the 12-day June war and a tightening of sanctions on its oil exports last fall. In the months since, the U.S. demands for a negotiated solution have gone up. View Full Image People checking the damage in a building hit by Israeli air strikes in June in Tehran. Along with insisting that Iran halt domestic enrichment of nuclear fuel and hand over its stockpile of uranium, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff has indicated Tehran must accept limits on its ballistic-missile arsenal and abandon its support for militias in the region. Iran has already rejected some of Washingtons terms. A senior Iranian official said Tehran wouldnt compromise on its right to continue enrichment for civilian purposes or to maintain its missile arsenal, which it considers necessary for its defense. Even a U.S. offer to ease sanctions that have crushed the Iranian economy in return for accepting limits on its nuclear program would be hard for the regime to accept, since Khamenei has elevated the nuclear program into a symbol of Irans defiance of the West, analysts said. The supreme leader is able to do compromises, but those compromises cannot touch the basic pillars of the regime, meaning he wont forgo a missile buildup, he wont forgo helping proxies and he wont forgo enrichment," said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies. Iranian officials are wary of making concessions to Trump, citing his decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and Israels surprise attack in June just days before the U.S. and Iran were set to meet for another round of talks. A White House official declined to comment on negotiations with Iran but said Trump is pleased that Iran canceled plans to hang more than 800 people and hopes this trend continues." Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi pushed back against the presidents claim about the suspended hangings last week, saying, Trump always talks a lot of nonsense." Hoping to deter an attack, Iranian officials are threatening massive retaliation against U.S. bases, warships and allies in the region, including Israel. But carrying out that threat is itself a risky strategy, one that will require revealing the strength of its arsenal of missiles and drones and that could invite further escalation by Trump. The senior Iranian official said the country would have no option but to consider any U.S. attack, limited or not, as an existential threat and respond with the most force possible. Irans mission to the United Nations in New York replied to Trumps warning on social media Wednesday, arguing that the U.S. was embarking on another risky war and mimicking Trumps all-caps threats. Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives," the mission said. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interestsBUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!" Trump could also opt for a strategy of tightening economic pressure on Irans already reeling economy. That could include trying to choke off Tehrans oil exports by intercepting so-called ghost-fleet tankersa version of the strategy he used in removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, said the Venezuela playbook would envision using economic strangulation as a precursor to political, and possibly military, decapitation, aimed ultimately at Ayatollah Khamenei." Citrinowicz said killing Khamenei or expecting the other members of the regime to turn against him under U.S. pressure is a faint hope given Irans unity at the top. Even if Khamenei was somehow removed, the regime would likely coalesce quickly around a new leader, he said. For all the setbacks the regime has suffered, there are few signs it is facing imminent collapse, such as splits within the leadership or the defections at the top of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the paramilitary organization that is closely aligned with Khamenei. They still have cohesion. The regime is still functioning," Citrinowicz said. If they feel this war is aimed at toppling this regime, it wont topple this regime, because to do it will take time, and Trump has no intention to invest that time." Trump made clear during the 12-day war last summer that he viewed Khamenei as a possible target. We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding," he posted on social media in June. He is an easy target, but is safe thereWe are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now." After promising to come to the protesters aid, the president nearly ordered a new round of airstrikes around the height of the Iranian crackdown earlier this month. But he held off after Israel and his advisers warned him the U.S. wasnt militarily positioned to handle Irans retaliation. The carrier strike group and jet fighters now in the Middle East give Trump more capability to attack and defend. The White House and Pentagon have continued to refine options, though the president hasnt made a decision about whether to strike, U.S. officials said. Ultimately, the U.S. is facing limits of its own. There is little it can do from outside with military force to determine the regimes fate, especially without deploying ground troops to influence events inside the country, analysts said. You could do airstrikes that significantly restrict this regimes ability to control its population and to project power abroad," Eyre said. But to get from there to a better form of government in Iran? You cant get there from here." Write to David S. Cloud at david.cloud@wsj.com, Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com and Benoit Faucon at benoit.faucon@wsj.com Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are designed for investors seeking exposure to real estate without the complexities of owning physical property. For risk-averse investors, real estate should ideally form only 510% of the overall portfolio, and REITs offer a convenient way to gain that exposure without buying a house or a commercial asset outright. REITs vs physical property Investing in a REIT is essentially an indirect way to invest in real estate. When you buy a physical property, you typically own a single asset, with an upfront investment of at least 25 lakh, even in smaller cities. Ownership also brings responsibilities such as finding tenants, managing maintenance, and handling legal paperwork. REITs, by contrast, allow investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of income-generating properties without these hassles, while still earning regular rental income. You can start with a relatively small investment and exit by selling units on the stock exchange whenever needed, say experts. Physical property requires significant capital, involves ongoing expenses, and can take months to sell. REITs, on the other hand, offer liquidity, lower entry barriers, and professional management, making them a practical option for investors looking for steady income with flexibility. REITs vs Mutual Funds Investors need to understand the key differences between REITs and mutual funds, particularly in terms of liquidity, taxation, and investment objectives. Mutual funds offer high liquidity, with redemptions typically processed on a T+1 or T+2 basis and minimal impact costs, allowing quick access to funds. In contrast, SM REITs have limited liquidity, where finding a buyer may take weeks or even months. Forced or urgent exits are often at a discount, which can reduce realised returns. In practical terms, this means mutual fund investments can usually be redeemed within a day or two, while REIT investments may take longer to exit, say experts. From a taxation perspective, REIT income is taxed on its components: interest income is taxed at the investors slab rate, dividends are often tax-exempt, and amortisation benefits can be adjusted against capital gains. Equity mutual funds currently attract a long-term capital gains tax of 12.5% and a short-term capital gains tax of 20%, while new debt mutual funds are taxed at slab rates, experts say. SM REITs are emerging as another option, particularly suited for mature retail investors seeking portfolio diversification and exposure to both commercial and residential real estate without the need to directly purchase property. NEW DELHI : Just a month after Mexico doubled tariffs on car imports, South Africa is considering the option, in a one-two punch that threatens Indian automobile exports of over $2 billion. The latest move, if it takes effect, will hurt India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, and Hyundai Motor India LtdFor Maruti, South Africa is the largest export market, while for Hyundai, it is among the top five. Maruti shares fell 2.39% on the BSE on Wednesday and Hyundai shares fell 0.61%, while the benchmark Sensex rose 0.60%. South Africas Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is reviewing its automobile industry policy, officials informed lawmakers on Tuesday. One of the measures is raising the 25% import duty on cars to 50%, the ceiling set by the World Trade Organization for passenger vehicle imports. Commerce ministry data showed that Indian automakers exported $1.2 billion worth of passenger vehicles to South Africa in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), a growth of 26% from the previous year. Between April and November this year, exports have crossed $1 billion, an increase of 30%. Also Read | The margin squeeze: Why auto dealer stocks are tanking despite a sales boom Mexico was close behind: India exported $938 million worth of passenger vehicles to Mexico during the year. However, that performance has come under a cloud, with the Mexican Parliament raising tariffs from 15-20% to 50% on 11 December. The new tariffs apply only to countries such as India and China, with which Mexico does not have a free trade agreement. A South African official said his department's comments highlighting WTO-permitted tariffs and current import duties were meant to inform lawmakers about the current structure and did not advocate any policy position. The session also highlighted that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is currently engaged in a review of the auto-industrial policy, where the matter of tariffs will be considered. Nothing has been decided at this stage, nor are we in the middle of any investigation," Ayabonga Cawe, chief commissioner of International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa, said in an emailed response to a Mint query. Vehicles sourced from China and India accounted for 53% and 22% of South Africas total vehicle imports, respectively, in 2024, Bloomberg reported. Vehicle shipments from China have surged 368% over the past four years, while those from India are up 135%. Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility, said rising global caution toward imports is creating uncertainty for carmakers. "South Africa is a major export market for India, but such signals inevitably prompt automakers to reassess their exposure and growth assumptions in the region. Although a growing domestic market provides a fallback, persistent policy ambiguity undermines confidence." Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India did not respond to emailed queries. However, Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer-corporate affairs at Maruti Suzuki, told analysts during an earnings call on Wednesday that the company will assess what is on the South African government's agenda. "The best thing is to be broad-based across a wide portfolio of countries, and we have 100 plus of them. So, we'll try to de-risk to the maximum extent possible, but still, we are exposed to all kinds of global trade and tariff related issues," Bharti said. The two other large Indian automakers may be sparedTata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra. Both maintain a small presence in South Africa, with exports constituting less than 5% in their overall sales mix. Tata Motors sells a few hundred units through a local distributor, while Mahindra's presence is limited to its pick-up trucks. Also, the impact on makers of automobile parts and two-wheelers may be limited, as they do not count South Africa as a large market. The developments could slow the growth plans of Maruti and Hyundai, which expect faster sales growth overseas than at home. According to Maruti Suzukis FY25 annual report, South Africa was the largest destination for its exports with dispatches of 95,597 cars. This was nearly a third of its total exports of 332,585 in FY25. Also Read | Indias clean car push hits roadblock as debate over super credits intensifies While Hyundai doesnt report country-wise export figures, it has repeatedly acknowledged in the past that it counts South Africa as one of its top five markets, along with Mexico. In FY25, Hyundai saw 0.1% growth in exports to 163,386 units. HMI cars maintain a formidable position in their respective segments, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Peru and Mexico," the companys FY25 annual report said. Both companies have termed exports as a key growth pillar for FY26. In April 2025, Maruti Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava credited exports for the company's resilience despite fluctuations in the domestic market. We are growing better because exports have been very buoyant. In the coming year, exports are expected to grow by 20%. This is going to be the main driver for our production, sales, and profits," Bhargava had said. Hyundai has plans to export three out of every 10 cars it makes in India by 2030. Export will be a key part of the companys aspiration to maintain double-digit Ebitda margin in the country, according to the companys management during investor day on 15 October. It reported an Ebitda margin of 12.94% in FY25, which was 14 basis points lower than the preceding year. By Anmol Choubey Jan 29 (Reuters) - Gold fell on Thursday as investors took profits after a record high, yet prices remained on course for their best month since the 1980s amid heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Spot gold was 1.3% lower at $5,330.20 an ounce by 01:30 p.m. ET (1830 GMT). The metal reversed course, falling more than 5% to a session low of $5,109.62 after touching a record high of $5,594.82 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for February delivery settled 0.3% lower at $5,318.40. "We are seeing a dramatic sell-off after precious metals made new recent all-time highs," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures. However, spot gold prices are still up about 24% for the month and 7% so far this week. UBS on Thursday raised its gold price forecast to $6,200 for the first three quarters of the year, while projecting it to decline to $5,900 by the end of 2026. From crypto money to central banks, demand for gold is widening as "precious metals are well in the limelight and investors always like to go where they can get high returns," said GoldSilver Central managing director Brian Lan. Adding to geopolitical uncertainty, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday pressed Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal, while Tehran threatened retaliation against the U.S., Israel, and allies. On Wednesday, crypto-group Tether's CEO said it plans to allocate 10%-15% of its investment portfolio to physical gold, while the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, saw holdings at a nearly 4-year high. The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged on Wednesday, as investors awaited Trump's announcement of a replacement for central bank chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May. Markets expect the central bank to next trim rates in June. Spot silver lost 2.1% at $114.141 an ounce after reaching $121.64. It has surged more than 60% so far this month, fuelled by supply deficits and momentum buying. The silver, platinum and palladium markets are small relative to gold or the S&P 500, making them vulnerable to speculative inflows that have left prices "totally detached from where physical demand is robust," said Guy Wolf, global head of market analytics at Marex. Spot platinum fell 3.2% to $2,602.85 an ounce, having hit a record high of $2,918.80 on Monday, while palladium dropped 3.7% to $1,996.65. The Maruti Suzuki India Ltd stock has slipped from its 52-week high of 17,370 seen earlier this month and fell a further ~3% on Thursday. In the December quarter (Q3FY26), normalized operating margin (adjusted for the one-time labour code impact of 594 crore) declined 70 basis points year-on-year to 12.4%. However, this does not fully reflect underlying profitability, as percentage margins are being distorted by a higher denominator effect. To illustrate, average price realization increased by 62,000 per car year-on-year, but most of this was used to offset higher raw material costs, which rose 61,000 per car YoY. As a result, the denominatorselling price and overall sales valueincreased sharply, while the numeratorEbitdarose at a slower pace, creating the impression of margin compression. A more relevant metric, therefore, is Ebitda per car. Ebitda per car (excluding other operating revenue) increased from 55,000 to 57,000. As a result, in absolute terms, normalized Ebitda rose a healthy 21.7% year-on-year to 6,166 crore. Revenue growth Revenue grew 29.2% year-on-year to 47,534 crore, supported by 18% volume growth to 6.68 lakh units. Export volume growth slowed to just 4% in Q3FY26 versus 42% and 37% growth in Q2 and Q1, respectively. Meanwhile, domestic volume growth turned positive for the first time in three quarters of FY26, rising 21% year-on-year. This was supported by Goods and Services Tax rate rationalization and Marutis price cuts on select models, following a 5% volume decline in each of the two preceding quarters. Also Read | Maruti Suzuki prepares 500,000 capacity boost as GST delivers record revenue Cost pressures However, fresh challenges are emerging. Steel remains the largest commodity component in the raw material mix for car manufacturing. Management said safeguard duty imposed on some non-auto grade steel imports into India is being used by domestic steel manufacturers to raise steel prices. Additionally, negative news flow is weighing on sentiment. Media reports suggest South Africa is evaluating a proposal to double import duty on cars from India to 50%. On the India-European Union trade deal, even if tariffs on auto imports are eventually reduced to as low as 10%, the lower tariffs will apply only to 2.5 lakh cars annually under a quota system. Also Read | European automakers accelerate India localisation ahead of EU trade deal This annual quota represents only about 5% of Indias passenger vehicle market, estimated at 4.5 million cars in FY26. Against this backdrop, Marutis relatively expensive valuation remains a concern. The valuation gap between Maruti and Hyundai Motor India Ltd has widened, with Maruti trading at EV/Ebitda of 19x versus 15x for Hyundai, according to Bloomberg data for FY27. On Thursday, January 29, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey of India for the financial year 202526 in Parliament, officially initiating the lead-up to the Union Budget, which is set to be released on Sunday, February 1. This year's Budget unveiling falls on a weekend. The much-discussed India-US trade agreement was highlighted in the Economic Survey 2026, which pointed out that while progress has been made in negotiations, some tariff effects have been noted. However, Economic Survey document said that India's exporters are progressively shifting their focus away from the US market, as recent figures for AprilNovember FY26 indicate a notable move towards the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and certain regions in Asia. India's export statistics for the period of April to November in FY26 indicate a notable transition towards alternative markets due to a decline in demand from the US in various key sectors. Although the US continues to be a significant market, exporters are progressively turning to West Asia, Europe, Africa, and certain regions of Asia to maintain overall growth. The gems and jewellery sector experienced the most significant decline in US exports, dropping by 44.3% compared to the previous year, even as global exports saw a slight increase of 0.6%. The proportion of US imports in India's gems and jewellery exports plummeted to 18.7% from 33.7%, while shipments to the UAE and Hong Kong rose significantly, now accounting for 53.6% of exports, according to the document. Exports of gold jewellery to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have risen sharply, while pearls and precious stones have seen notable increases in exports to Canada, Mexico, and China, buoyed by the India-UAE CEPA and expectations surrounding the India-UK FTA, according to the document. In the marine products sector, exports to the US fell by 5.7%, but overall exports grew by 16.1%, fueled by high demand from Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and various European nations, including Belgium, Germany, and Poland. View full Image Economic Survey 2026 highlights The auto components industry experienced a 6.8% decline in exports to the US, while global shipments saw a 6% increase, driven by a rise in exports to the UAE, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Myanmar, and Brazil. The UAEs share of auto component exports increased from 3% to 5.3%, indicating its expanding significance, according to the document. The textiles and related products sector encountered a 6.1% decrease in exports to the US, but efforts to diversify into Africa, Europe, and West Asia helped maintain stability in global shipments. The pharmaceuticals industry showed notable resilience, with international exports increasing by 6.5% despite uncertainties related to tariffs in the US. Gains in Africa, Latin America, and Europe contributed to offsetting fluctuations. Overall, the information highlights a strategic shift in exports, as Indian exporters lessen their reliance on the US and work towards establishing a more varied global presence,according to the document. Why is India-US Trade deal important? According to experts, the United States stands as Indias most essential strategic and economic ally, impacting export expansion, technology exchanges, financial inflows, and positioning within global supply chains. A significant agreement with this global leader, due to its economic size, is often referred to as the Father of all deals. A deal with the US would indicate enhanced trade integration, diversification of supply chains, and long-term export predictabilitykey factors that Foreign Institutional Investors monitor when directing capital towards emerging markets, believes experts. Hindustan Copper share price: Following a sharp 7% surge in the copper prices, shares of mini-ratna PSU Hindustan Copper skyrocketed 18% to hit a fresh 52-week high in Thursday's trading session. Rising for the fourth day in a row, Hindustan Copper share price has recorded a cumulative 40% surge during this period. The metal stock rose to 745 on the NSE today, with trading volumes remaining higher than usual, as copper spiked 6.7% in the international market to $13,967 a ton on the London Metal Exchange. On the MCX too, copper prices hit a fresh peak of 1432.35 per kg, up 8.4%. What's driving copper prices? The growing global spending on data centres, robotics and power infrastructure is boosting the demand for copper as it is a vital metal for electrification, power grids, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sectors. This increased demand is colliding with structural supply constraints, thus boosting the copper prices. New copper mines take many years to develop, and ore grades are declining, said Ross Maxwell, Global Strategy Operations Lead, VT Markets, adding that this creates an environment where even moderate increases in demand can lead to acceleration in price. Additionally, a sinking US dollar, rising demand for real, physical assets, and elevated geopolitical tensions amid volatile policies of the Trump administration have given a leg up to commodities as a whole. Hindustan Copper: A stock to buy? This surge in base metals, including copper, has boded well for Hindustan Copper shares that have extended their bull run from 2025 into this year as well. Hindustan Copper share price zoomed 109.54% last year, and has added another 42% on a month-to-date basis. Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS, said that Hindustan Copper has moved into a new phase of market recognition as investors increasingly price in its strategic relevance to Indias industrial and energy transition. Rising domestic copper demand driven by power, renewables, EVs and infrastructure, combined with improved visibility on mine expansion and resource additions, has strengthened the companys long-term narrative, he said. The recent re-rating, according to him, has shifted how investors view Hindustan Cooper now. "From a legacy PSU miner, Hindustan Copper has now become a critical domestic copper supplier, supported by firm global copper prices and structurally tight supply conditions," opined Dasani. He believes that while near-term volatility or consolidation is possible after the sharp run-up, long-duration base breakouts typically signal the start of a structural trend. Commenting on the technical outlook for Hindustan Copper, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, said that Hindustan Copper Limited is trading in an extreme momentum phase, having extended nearly 13 times its 14-day ATR above the 50-day EMA and significantly away from the rising 10-week moving average. Jain said that this degree of stretch signals strong trend persistence but also rising mean-reversion risk. Therefore, instead of attempting to predict a top, he advised adopting a momentum-management approach. "The prudent strategy here is to trail stops rather than exit prematurely. A trailing stop near 700 offers a logical reference to protect gains while allowing the trend to mature. As long as the price holds above this level, momentum remains in force. Stops should be actively revised on a day-to-day basis, as any sharp violation would signal trend exhaustion and accelerated profit booking," he recommended. Q3 results today: Around 140 companies are scheduled to declare their financial results for the December quarter on Thursday, January 29. ITC, One97 Communications (Paytm), Swiggy, Tata Motors, Canara Bank, Dabur, Adani Power, and Dixon Technologies are among the marquee companies to release their Q3 earnings 2026 today. According to market experts, the ongoing Q3 earnings season will continue to drive the Indian stock market this week; however, expects the overall sentiment to remain cautious. With the Q3 earnings season still underway, stock-specific movements are expected to remain prominent. Overall sentiment is likely to stay cautious, shaped by global developments, currency trends, and earnings outcomes, with selective opportunities emerging in segments supported by resilient domestic demand, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited. ITC Q3 results preview According to Elara Capital, ITC revenue growth is likely to be 7%, led by 5% cigarette volume growth; however, the recent tax increase by the government will remain an overhang. The brokerage firm further expects the FMCG giant to post 7.2% YoY and 0.1% growth in EBITDA for the December quarter FY26. Tata Motors Q3 results preview. Brokerage firm Motilal Oswal believes that India's PV volumes grew 22% YoY, fueled by the strong festive and marriage season demand. Led by operating leverage benefits, we expect the India margin to improve 160bp QoQ to 7.3%. After the cyber incident in 2Q, we expect JLR to post a steady recovery in volumes (+18% QoQ). Given this, we expect JLRs margins to improve to 5.4%, from -1.6% QoQ, the firm said. Swiggy Q3 results preview JM Financial expects GOV growth trends to be stable at 19% YoY and 3% QoQ, the same as the first and second quarters. Overall, we expect gross revenue growth of 23% YoY (+4% QoQ). We expect contribution margin (as % of GOV) to improve to 7.8% from 7.3% in 2Q, while Adj. EBITDA margin (as % of GOV) is expected to rise to 3.0% from 2.8% in 2Q, the firm said. Here's a full list of companies that will release their Q3 results 2026 today, Thursday, January 29 - Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles (TMCV) released its December-quarter performance on Thursday after market hours, reporting a consolidated net profit of 705 crore, down 48% from 1,355 crore in the same period last year. The companys net profit was impacted by exceptional items, including 603 crore related to the new labor code, 962 crore from the demerger, and 82 crore in acquisition costs, with total exceptional impacts of 1,500 crore in standalone financials and 1,600 crore in consolidated results. Consolidated revenue from operations during the quarter rose to 21,732 crore, up from 18,697 crore in the OctoberDecember period of the previous financial year, marking growth of 16.23%. On the operating front, the company posted a 45% YoY jump in EBITDA to 2,768 crore, with the EBITDA margin staying in double digits for the 10th consecutive quarter at 12.7% (+30 bps). On the volumes front, the companys CV segment wholesales stood at 116.8K units in the December quarter, marking a 20% YoY growth, while its CV VAHAN market share rose 100 bps sequentially to 35.5% in Q3FY26, as per the company's Q3 earnings' filing. Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd, said, Disciplined execution of an agile strategy delivered yet another strong financial performance this quarter, supported by demand tailwinds from GST 2.0 and the festive season. Our recent launch of 17 next-generation trucks under the Better Always philosophy sets new benchmarks in safety, total cost of ownership, and smarter, emission-free mobility, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and industry leadership. With infrastructure spending accelerating, we are well positioned to sustain momentum and drive continued growth, he further added. Going forward, the company expects demand to further strengthen in Q4FY26 across most commercial vehicle segments. It said this demand could be driven by the governments sustained infrastructure push and expansion in end-use sectors, both of which are expected to fuel positive momentum for the industry. With an optimized portfolio ensuring superior product availability, a decisive pricing strategy, and deeper customer engagement through intensified market activations, the company believes it is well poised to capture demand across segments, paving the way for continued success. Also Read | Piramal Pharma points to early recovery signs even as losses widen Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles share price trend Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles (TMCV) shares extended their winning streak, rising another 0.50% in Thursdays trade, January 29, to touch the days high of 475.50. In December, the stock had received multiple bullish outlooks from brokerage firms. Japanese brokerage Nomura initiated coverage on the stock with a Buy rating, setting a target of 481 per share. JPMorgan also started coverage with an Overweight rating and a target price of 475 per share. Financial wealth accounts for just 25% of total assets in India, versus nearly 70% in the US. Indias wealth-to-GDP ratio stands at 4.5x, compared with 6.5x in the US, and only 15% of Indian wealth is professionally managed, against 75% in the US. This structural gap underpins long-term growth prospects for wealth managers. 360 ONE expects Indias wealth management AUM to expand to 152 trillion by FY29 from 95 trillion in FY24. Against this backdrop, the companys growth trajectory appears to be driven more by industry tailwinds than by cyclical factors. The company closed Q3FY26 with AUM of 7.1 trillion, reinforcing the scale of its platform across wealth and asset management. Wealth management accounted for 6.1 trillion of AUM, while asset management (AMC) contributed 98,949 crore, led by continued momentum in alternatives. The expanding AUM base, coupled with a rising share of recurring assets, underpinned the company's revenue growth and earnings visibility during the quarter. Within wealth management, the franchise continues to be anchored by ultra-high-net-worth (UHNI) individuals. The business serves over 8,500 HNI and UHNI clients. UHNI clients typically have a financial net worth exceeding 50 crore. Recurring assets within WM scaled by 34.5% year-on-year (YoY) to 2.2 trillion. The retention yield on these assets stood at 0.79%, reflecting stable pricing and a growing mix of fee-based products. The HNI growth engine The HNI vertical, positioned as a growth engine, scaled rapidly during the year. The segment began FY26 with AUM of 400-500 crore and expanded to 3,000 crore by Q3FY26, driven by net inflows of 2,000-2,200 crore. Operating on a trial-based revenue model, management expects the HNI vertical to break even within three to six months, after which growth investments are expected to accelerate. In AMC, total AUM stood at 98,949 crore as of December 2025. The alternate investment funds (AIFs) platform remained the largest contributor, managing 50,934 crore, up 22% YoY. Discretionary portfolio management accounted for 34,536 crore, while mutual fund assets stood at 13,480 crore. Average ARR AUM in the AMC business rose 13.5% YoY to 95,612 crore, with a retention yield of 0.85%, supporting steady revenue growth. Recurring revenue de-risks growth Against this AUM backdrop, consolidated operating revenue increased 33% YoY to 806 crore in Q3 FY26. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose 45% YoY to 619 crore and now accounts for 77% of total operating revenue, compared with 70% in Q3FY25. Transactional and brokerage income stood at 186 crore, growing 4% YoY. In the revenue mix, a higher ARR indicates a big share of revenue is predictable and recurring, reducing dependence on volatile transaction-led income. It also reflects strong client retention, pricing power, and improved earnings visibility across market cycles. This is the core strength of 360 ONE. With a higher AUM share, WM remained the primary revenue driver. WM revenue increased 28.4% YoY to 601 crore during the quarter. The UHNI segment contributed 524 crore of revenue, while HNI ( 3.8 crore), mass affluent ( 10 crore), and corporate and institutional clients ( 63 crore) accounted for the balance. Of WM revenue, ARR revenue increased by 43% YoY to 415 crore, accounting for 69% of total WM revenue. The AMC segment also delivered strong operating leverage. Segment revenue rose 39% YoY to 205 crore, with almost all income coming from recurring sources, highlighting the depth of the AMC business. Profit after tax (PAT) increased 20% YoY to 331 crore in Q3 FY26. The quality of earnings improved further as retention on ARR assets increased to 81 bps in Q3FY26, up from 70 bps in Q3FY25, aided by incremental carry recognition during the quarter. The UBS partnership Looking ahead, 360 ONE reiterated its medium-term guidance of 22-24% annual AUM growth, with net flows targeted at 10-12% of closing AUM. The partnership with UBS strengthens this guidance by enabling cross-border client referrals. The company expected to onboard clients from FY27 onwards. This should support incremental asset aggregation, particularly from UHNI clients, and aid sustained AUM compounding over the medium term. Management guides for revenue growth of 1618% and PAT growth of 2224%, supported by operating leverage as newer businesses scale. The company aims to double PAT to around 2,000 crore by FY28, from 1,015 crore in FY25, while reducing its cost-to-income ratio to 4546% from 48.3%. The company also aims to reduce its cost-to-income ratio from 48.3% to 45-46%, setting the stage for improved profitability as AUM continues to scale. While 360 ONE reported a strong quarter, its closest competitor, Nuvama, experienced somewhat subdued growth. Nuvama's subdued quarter In contrast, Nuvama reported subdued growth in Q3FY26. Client assets grew by just 2% YoY to 4.6 trillion, driven by net new money inflows and mark-to-market gains. In the AUM mix, its core wealth management assets expanded by 6% to 3.3 trillion, indicating subdued momentum across its varied product suites. AMC assets increased by 12% YoY to 12,605 crore, while assets under clearing and custody decreased to 1.2 trillion due to a large client exit in the previous quarter. Moving forward, particularly in wealth management, the company operates in two segments: Nuvama Wealth, which targets HNI clients, and Nuvama Private, which services UHNI clients. Nuvama Wealth's assets increased by 9% to 1.1 trillion, primarily driven by a 30% increase in managed products and investment solutions (MPIS) assets to 37,241 crore. Also, Nuvama Private assets by only 4% to 2.2 trillion. Nuvama's comparatively slower AUM growth, in contrast to 360 ONE, suggests it is still scaling up and has lower cross-selling intensity. The company's consolidated revenue grew 4% YoY to 755 crore, aided by the wealth management division, while PAT stayed flat at 254 crore. In the revenue mix, wealth management revenue rose 18% YoY to 430 crore, accounting for 57% of the group's revenue, underscoring the segment's growing share. However, this was partially offset by a 21% decline in capital markets revenue to 138 crore, due to lower F&O volumes. Also Read | Brookfield sells stake in Pune office park to 360 ONE Asset Why Dubai and Singapore matter The AMC business is still at a nascent stage and contributed only 15 crore to revenue. That said, the AMC division is expected to bring an additional 7,000-9,000 crore in net new money in FY27, driven by the launch of private credit funds and new SIF schemes. Beyond that, it has outlined aggressive targets, aiming for net new money inflows of 25,000-26,000 crore in FY27. This includes a target of 25-30% of assets for Nuvama Wealth and 20-25% ( 10,000-12,000 crore) for Nuvama Private. Management views offshore allocation as a major trend for the next 5-7 years. Its Dubai office has already achieved breakeven, and the Singapore office is expected to follow suit within the next two quarters. The firm plans to continue its strategy of adding approximately 10% to its relationship manager (RM) strength annually over the next two to three years. The overall ARR contribution, currently 55% for the total wealth business, is expected to remain a cornerstone of Nuvama's earnings stability. Also, the capital market segment's revenue is expected to grow from Q4FY26, driven by the lower base effect from last year. The valuation gap On the valuation front, 360 ONE trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 39 times, almost double that of Nuvama (23 times). This valuation gap reflects 360 ONE's superior AUM growth, higher recurring revenue share, stronger operating leverage, and clearer medium-term earnings compounding visibility. Whereas Nuvama is still in a transition phase with slower asset scaling and uneven monetisation. This valuation gap has consistently persisted, largely because 360 ONE is seen as the best-in-class wealth management and alternatives asset management franchise, as per Jefferies. In contrast, Nuvamas ARR contribution to its revenue mix remains lower, and its meaningful exposure to investment banking, clearing, and capital markets makes earnings more sensitive to market activity. This vulnerability becomes evident in FY26, where the absence of a single large client impacted its growth. As the contribution of ARR to Nuvama revenue-mix increases, the valuation gap may gradually narrow. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and writes detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. In the past week, exhibitions and performances have unfurled across five venues in Colombo, Sri Lanka whether it is the listening space at Soul Studio, a cinema programme at Liberty by Scope Cinemas or works of kinship displayed at Colpetty Town House. All these cultural activations are part of the ninth edition of Colomboscope, a contemporary arts festival and creative platform for interdisciplinary dialogue held in Sri Lanka since 2013. Titled Rhythm Alliances, this years programme seeks to deepen its role as a cultural bridge across Sri Lanka and the wider Indian Ocean region. It brings together more than 100 artists, musicians and filmmakers to explore sound, movement and collective memory against the backdrop of geopolitical tension. This edition also includes 35 newly-commissioned projects. The idea is to not only resist mainstream hegemonic narratives, but also foster collective solidarity and celebration. Other than regular venues like the Barefoot Cafe, this time the event also includes the Rio Cinema Complex, a Tamil-owned movie theatre which was burned down during the ethnic riots of 1983, which sparked off decades of civil war. Participating international artists include Raven Chacon, the first Native American artist to receive the Pulitzer prize. He is exhibiting a set of compositional scores that will also be interpreted by local musicians during performances. Palestinian artist Basma Al Sharifs theatrical installation, comprising printed banners, archival images and a fictional novella, reimagine her fractured history and identities. And then there is composer-artist Ayumi Paul, who presents a set of drawings on paper, installations and sound scores, which encourage visitors to discover deeper connections with each other and the universe-at-large. In an interview with Mint, Natasha Ginwala, artistic director, Colomboscope, discusses the evolution of the festival, the genesis of the theme and the idea of artistic freedom. Edited excerpts: How has your association with the Colomboscope evolved? When I joined in 2015, Colomboscope was still engaging with a post-war city in all its myriad contradictions. It was not as much focused on visual arts as the now defunct Colombo Art Biennale. That year I had worked as the curatorial advisor for My East is your West, a collateral event featuring Shilpa Gupta and Rashid Rana at the Venice Biennale supported by the Gujral Foundation. I also organised Ancestors, a series of programmes, which took place in Dhaka, Lahore, Jaffna and New Delhi. For me, those enduring relationships and alliances have informed Colomboscope and will continue to enable it. View full Image Natasha Ginwala, artistic director, Colomboscope How do you negotiate the balance between artistic freedom, event sustainability and patronage? The first four editions of Colomboscope were largely funded by corporate sponsorship. We decided that it had to become an independent non-profit initiative. That meant that we had to become really small like a seed that had to be placed in a different soil to grow again, this time cared for by a set of independent cultural practitioners. With the institutional partners, foundations, museums, and biennials that we have partnered with since, there has been a long process of active learning and exchange. We waited to see if there was synergy. Now when partners join us as a friend or a patron of the festival, they are also committing to the holistic vision of what this platform stands for. How did this editions theme Rhythm Alliances come about? When we think about different frameworks for each edition, we explore how the points of inquiry could originate from Sri Lanka and resonate with other parts of the Indian Ocean. The idea of rhythm was essential, given the rich heritage of ceremonial processions and musical histories across Sri Lanka. The practices of drumming and rituals also become critical in connecting the entire island, which has otherwise seen ethnic fissures and religious divides. We have further pondered about the meaning of rhythm in the present political moment, when it becomes an expression of protest and resistance. I was also thinking about the paradoxes of rhythm which underpin modernity, like industrial rhythms and how they have shaped capitalism. Hajra Haider Karrar, the guest curator of this years edition, works with Savvy Contemporary in Berlin, which engages deeply with storytelling, music, radio transmissions, and the sonic arts at large. She made for an ideal collaborator. Could you highlight some of the programming that brings the idea to life? In this edition, we have focused on embodied practices and inter-generational storytelling built on oral memories. This especially comes alive in the work, Arka Kinari, a solar-powered sailing ship traveling with musicians, artists and climate activists. It has travelled from Indonesia to Sri Lanka, and is moored in the contested port city extension of Colombo. They have been collecting traditional music, which is threatened with extinction and have a multilingual practice. A live performance on their floating stage has been memorable, as has been their Laboratory of Sustainability. The latter is an educational workshop conducted onboard for festival visitors to learn about the vessels ecologically conscious approaches and ideas. These are ways for us to reflect about the social fragmentation, but also offer us powerful ways of coming together in tenderness and in kinship. Colomboscope continues till 31 January 2026 across multiple locations in Colombo. The Economic Survey for FY25-26, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, said Indias commercial sector is increasingly tapping alternative financing to offset a moderation in bank credit. Faster monetary policy transmission has made market-based instruments a viable alternative for large corporations, it said. Rising profitability has also allowed firms to leverage internal resources for expansion, collectively reducing their traditional reliance on bank lending, the Survey added. Between April and November 2025, non-bank funding grew sharply, rising 29% year-on-year, far outpacing the 18% growth in non-food bank credit. Even as bank credit growth slowed in early FY26, the flow of funds to the commercial sector did not dry up. Higher non-bank lending stepped in to fill the gap, effectively offsetting the slowdown in bank credit, the Survey noted. Within non-bank funding, growth from foreign sources outpaced domestic growth. As of 31 December 2025, foreign sources surged by 38% y-o-y, doubling the 19.1% growth from domestic sources. This foreign influx was primarily driven by a dramatic rise in external commercial borrowings (ECBs)which climbed from 5,000 crore to 27,700 croreand a 67% jump in foreign direct investment (FDI). Meanwhile, domestic growth was fueled by corporate bond issuances, which saw a staggering 263.3% increase on a yearly basis, the survey added. Also Read | Economic Survey calls for multi-pronged push to sustain FDI Profit power A separate Mint analysis of CMIE data revealed that net profitsor internal accrualsremain the primary funding source for Indian corporates. In the September quarter, non-financial companies recorded a massive 3 trillion in net profits, accounting for nearly 40% of all funds raised. This 54.5% year-on-year surge marked the strongest profit growth in four years. Beyond these internal accruals, the broader funding landscape was supported by increased bank credit to the industrial and services sectors, fresh equity and debt issuances, net FDI, net ECBs, and a rise in outstanding commercial paper (CP). Companies prioritized internal cash generation as their primary financing lever, ensuring their balance sheets remained robust and unburdened, experts said. But is this internal-financing lever staring to weaken? Early results for the December quarter revealed a disrupted profit narrative as Q3 expenses surged. A spike in labour and input costs squeezed margins just as revenue recovery was gaining traction. Analysts suggested that while the immediate impact of the new labour codes may deliver a one-time accounting hit, rising raw material costs present a more persistent structural risk. In this environment, the reliability of internal accruals as a primary funding source faces a stern test. Also Read | Economic Survey seeks faster insolvency resolution, flags low MSME case uptake Back to banks? That pool of internal accruals may now be shrinking, said Vivek Kumar, economist at Quant Eco. With margins under pressure and companies keen to conserve cash, corporates could increasingly turn to bank borrowing, Kumar noted. He added that global FDI flows are weakening as foreign yields firm up. The steady depreciation of the rupee adds another layer of risk. All this could nudge firms further towards bank credit in the coming months as lending rates decline," he said. Against this backdrop, Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, said he expects mid-sized corporations to drive demand for banking credit as policy rate cuts begin to translate into lower lending rates. However, Santanu Chakrabarti, banking and financials analyst at BNP Paribas, argued that long-term financing conditions still remain tight, as 5- and 10-year government bond yields are still elevated. This could deter larger corporations from tapping bank credit for big projects, even as profit pressures mount. "Greater clarity on a USIndia trade deal would be a more decisive catalyst for an investment uptick," Chakrabarti said. He said he expects bank credit growth of around 13% in FY27, driven largely by micro, small and medium enterprises and retail borrowers. At least 21 people have died after a massive fire engulfed two godowns and a momo manufacturing unit in Anandapur, located in South 24 Parganas district near Kolkata of West Bengal, PTI reported a senior officer as saying. The momo factory has said in a statement that it has lost two employees and a contracted guard in the January 26 fire. The owner of the factory, Gangadhar Das, has been arrested. Momo company announces lifetime salary The momo company, which said to have lost three of its employees, has announced 10 lakh compensation and lifetime monthly salary support to their next of kin. As part of its commitment, the company announced a lump-sum compensation of 10 lakh to each affected family, lifetime monthly salary support for the bereaved families and education support for the children of the deceased, the statement read. The devastating fire reduced to ashes a godown and a manufacturing unit of the momo company at Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district. In a statement, quick service restaurant and packaged food company Wow! Momo said the blaze, which broke out around 3 am on January 26 at a neighbouring warehouse, spread rapidly into one of its godown premises, leading to a complete burnout of the facility. How did the fire begin? According to the statement, the fire reportedly originated due to unauthorised cooking activities at the adjoining warehouse. This fire engulfed not only our men, but our spirit too. The regulatory lapses too have been found in the operations of the factory. Fire department officials have said that the factory unit was operating without mandatory fire safety clearance. There was no fire safety clearance issued for this unit, a senior fire services official was quoted as saying by PTI in the presence of Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose. The Bengal government has also announced 10 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the victims. The compensation will be handed over once the bodies or body parts are identified, Hakim said, adding that permission would be sought from a court on Wednesday to conduct DNA tests. One person was arrested in connection with the fire incident. Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Updates: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, 66, passed away on Wednesday in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, and his last rites are slated to be held on Thursday, 29 January, at 11 am at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit and other senior political figures are expected to be in attendance. Three days of mourning have been announced in Maharashtra by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and national flags across the state will be flying at half-mast to honour the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister. What transpired? How did Ajit Pawar's plane crash? Pawar's plane took off from Mumbai at around 8.10 am on Wednesday, and after 35 minutes in the air, it crash-landed at Baramati, where the NCP leader was headed to address public rallies ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. Shortly after the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five on board, including Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and the two pilots, had perished. The aircraft that crashed, a Learjet 45 by Bombardier Aerospace being operated by Delhi-based VSR Aviation, had reportedly undergone its first safety audit in February 2025, and VSR founder V K Singh attributed the crash to the pilot being unable to see the runway on which the plane was attempting to land. The airstrip in Baramati reportedly lacked navigational aids to enable automatic landing of the aircraft. The probe into the crash has been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is being aided by the Pune police. Grief across party lines: How leaders reacted As news of Ajit Pawar's death broke, leaders across party lines, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to opposition leaders expressed their grief and shock at his passing. Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in an address on Wednesday evening, dismissed speculation on foul play started by Mamata Banerjee, saying, Some people are trying to give a political colour to the incident. There is no politics involved; it is purely an accident. It has caused immense grief to me and to the entire state of Maharashtra. I appeal to everyone not to politicise this tragedy. As the day goes on, follow this space for LIVE updates from Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Updates: Following the tragic plane crash in Baramati that left Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others dead, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) provided an update on the status of the investigation into the accident. The ministry said that all requisite response and investigative mechanisms had been activated immediately after the crash and that a transparent, comprehensive and time-bound inquiry remained MoCA's top priority. Here are the key updates on the investigation so far - MoCA said that a team of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Delhi had reached the crash site on 28 January. - A team of three officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Mumbai Regional Office, had also reached the crash site on Wednesday. - The Director General of the AAIB had also arrived at the crash site on Wednesday, MoCA said, adding that the investigation was progressing "expeditiously". - The black box of the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft which crashed had been recovered as well, and has been sent to the DGCA for further investigation. Earlier on Wednesday, MoCA had issued a release on the initial findings of the probe, detailing the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash in Baramati. Also Read | Learjet 45 had faced similar crash landing incident at Mumbai airport in 2023 Events leading up to the crash - MoCA said that the plane Ajit Pawar was flying on, with registration VT-SSK first came in contact with the Bramati airport at 8.18 am IST. - The aircraft's next call to Baramati took place when it was 30 nautical miles (NM) away frm the airport, with MoCA saying that the plane was advised to descend at the pilot's discretion. - At the time of the second call, the aircraft crew had enquired about winds and visibility, and was informed that the visibility was around 3,000 metres. - The next contact between the aircraft and Baramati took place prior to its final approach of runway 11, when the crew told the airport that the runway was "not in sight" and initiated a go-around to attempt a second approach. - After the go around, the aircraft was once against asked about its position, and the crew reported again that it was on its final approach of runway 11. - Asked again whether the runway was in sight, the crew reported in the negative, before responding a few seconds later and confirming that the runway was in sight. - After confirmation, the aircraft was given a greenlight to land on runway 11, with the nod coming at 8.43 am IST. - However, the crew of VT-SSK did not give readback of the landing clearance. - A minute later, at 8.44 am IST, the ATC saw flames at the threshold of runway 11, and emergency services rushed to the crash site. - The wreckage of the Learjet 45 was found on the left side of runway 11. Other details that we know of - The Learjet 45 which crashed was being operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, and had undergone its last safety audit on February 2025 - The last words heard from the crew were "oh s**t", as per a senior DGCA official quoted by Hindustan Times. Following the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a chartered plane crash, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra FDA minister Narhari Zirwal has hinted at a new role for Sunetra Pawar. Zirwal, a close aide to the deceased NCP leader, said that the public wants Sunetra Pawar to hold a cabinet berth in the state government. Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, along with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Narhari Zirwal was responding to a question about the future of the Nationalist Congress Party after Ajit Pawar's death. Narhari referred to Sunetra Pawar and said people want vahini [sister in law] to be included in the Maharashtra cabinet. We will talk to the leadership about it and make a decision, Zirwal told a news channel after the late leader's funeral in Baramati. Also Read | Learjet 45 had faced similar crash landing incident at Mumbai airport in 2023 Regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions, Zirwal Zirwal claimed the groups are already united. He noted that members realise there is no point in remaining divided. Ajit Pawar, 4 others killed Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when the chartered plane carrying them crashed at Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday, 28 January. In July 2023, Ajit Pawar had joined the then Eknath Shinde-led state government, triggering a split in the NCP founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar. Meanwhile, the preliminary investigation into the plane crash has revealed the crew's last communication. The last words heard from the crew were 'oh s**t', a senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Just minutes before the crash, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the pilot had informed the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) about the poor visibility around the runway. The ATC told the investigators that after reporting no sight of runway, the pilot later informed the person manning ATC that the runway was in sight. Detailing the sequence of events, the ministry said, The aircraft reported on the final approach of runway 11, and the runway was not in sight to them. They initiated a go-around in the first approach. After the go-around, the aircraft was asked about its position, and the crew reported on the final approach of runway 11. Budget 2026: Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar accused the Centre of misleading the public and burdening state governments, alleging that funds committed under key schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission remain unpaid. Speaking to the media, Sudhakar alleged that the Centre repeatedly announces new programmes in the name of cooperative federalism but later unilaterally decides funding shares and fails to reimburse states, leaving their finances in a grim condition. Also Read | Budget 2026 expectations LIVE: AI industry wants shift from policy to execution Today, people are expecting another union budget, which... again, they are fooling the people of this country... A huge amount under the Jal Jeevan Mission is due... I think this is the standard way of handling things under 'cooperative federalism,' where they keep announcing programs but then decide unilaterally how much the state governments have to pay, while the Union Government decides on the percentage it will cover, Sudhakar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The Budget session of Parliament began on 28 January with a joint address to both houses by President Droupadi Murmu, in which she highlighted India's achievements across various fields under the Modi government. "Finally, they end up not reimbursing the state governments after committing to the work. This is happening with various schemes... they're going to keep fooling, and they keep introducing a lot of new initiatives; they keep changing the names... I don't know where 'Bharat' is becoming 'Viksit'... The financial situation seems to be very grim," the Karnataka Minister said," the minister said. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha today. Also Read | Sumeet Bagadia recommends this multibagger PSU stock as his Budget Day Pick The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser, provides insights into the state of the economy and various indicators for 2025-26 (April-March), as well as an outlook for the next fiscal. The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. In his book Caste Matters, Dalit scholar Suraj Yengde highlighted the painful reality of caste oppression. He wrote, Until my mother can sleep with reassurance without worrying about her son's returning home safely in the caste police regime; until then, caste matters. On 13 January, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued new Equity Regulations for 2026. These rules replace the older 2012 framework. They aim to stop discrimination and caste-based bias. Unlike the old rules, these new regulations make compliance mandatory. However, they have already faced criticism from students and political parties. What has changed since 2012? In 2012, institutions faced no real penalties for ignoring anti-discrimination measures, leading to poor or no implementation in many places. In 2026, every higher education institution must establish mandatory structures that were previously largely optional or limited. 1. An Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) to promote inclusion, handle complaints, and run awareness programs. 2. An Equity Committee with required representation from SC/ST/OBC, women, and persons with disabilities (PwD). 3. A 24/7 equity helpline; equity ambassadors in departments and facilities; and mobile equity squads for campus monitoring and reporting. Also Read | Dalit student hacked to death for intercaste marriage in Tamil Nadu The rules expand protections seriously, while the 2012 focus was mainly on SC/ST students, the 2026 version explicitly includes OBCs in its definition of caste-based discrimination (alongside SC/ST), and broadens coverage to faculty, staff, gender minorities, PwD, and sometimes economically weaker sections (EWS), applying to all stakeholders. What will happen if a university takes non-compliance? Under the 2026 framework, non-compliance can attract serious consequences. These include exclusion from UGC funding schemes, loss of permission to offer degree or online programmes, and even removal from official UGC recognition lists. Compliance will be monitored through a national-level committee and mandatory annual reporting by institutions. How is discrimination defined? Discrimination is now defined much more widely as any unfair, biased, or differential treatmentwhether obvious or subtle, based on caste, religion, race, gender, place of birth, disability, or similar grounds, if it harms educational equality or human dignity, going beyond just overt acts against SC/ST. Also, complaints go to the EOC or helpline (with confidentiality options). The Equity Committee must meet within 24 hours, submit a report within 15 working days, and the institution head must act within another 7 days (with a police referral if needed). Here's what the data says According to UGC data submitted to parliamentary committees and referenced in Supreme Court proceedings, the total number of such complaints reported through Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs) and SC/ST Cells across 704 universities and 1,553 colleges rose by 118.4% over the five-year period from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The complaints increased from 173 in 2019-20 to 182 in 2020-21, 186 in 2021-22, 241 in 2022-23, and reached a peak of 378 in 2023-24, amounting to a cumulative total of 1,160 complaints during this timeframe. Of these, 1,052 were resolved, achieving a disposal rate of approximately 90.68%, though pending cases grew from 18 in the initial year to 108 by 2023-24. Rohit Vemula and renewed calls for a law One of the most controversial cases remains that of Rohit Vemula, who died by suicide in a hostel room at the University of Hyderabad on 17 January 2016. His death triggered nationwide protests and renewed demands for a central anti-discrimination law for students in higher education, commonly referred to as the Rohith Act. Such a law has yet to be enacted at the national level. Earlier this month, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the Rohit Vemula Act would be introduced in the state at the earliest. Criticism and political reactions UGC's new regulations have sparked significant debate, with supporters arguing they are essential for protecting marginalised groups and critics expressing concerns over potential misuse or exclusion of non-reserved categories. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday criticised the newly notified University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, calling them "unconstitutional" and alleging that they promote separatism instead of ensuring equal opportunity for all students, ANI reported. Also Read | Dalit man assaulted for seeking salary, forced to hold footwear in mouth We have demanded that the unconstitutional rules, which are based on caste discrimination, and which include OBCs, should be amended. I believe that all sections of society need to be included in this. If any student from any caste or community faces discrimination, they should have the opportunity to file a complaint, and I believe that everyone should be included in this process, he said. Here's what CPI(M) said Earlier on Wednesday, the CPI(M) urged the UGC to apply its new anticaste discrimination regulations to IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS. The party also called for the formation of equity committees to be decided democratically, rather than being left to the discretion of institutional heads. The CPI(M) alleged that the BJP-led Union government has increased communalised education by introducing retrograde and unscientific elements into academic curricula, PTI reported. The inclusion of texts such as the Manusmriti, which legitimises caste discrimination and glorifies a varna-based, oppressive, and exploitative social order, will only reinforce prejudices based on caste and gender. The government must immediately remove such obscurantist texts from the syllabi, it said. The party accused the RSS and its affiliate organisations of exploiting the notification of these Regulations to foment caste divisions within educational institutions. A Delhi court on Thursday, January 29, acquitted Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in a criminal defamation case filed against him by social activist Medha Patkar. Judicial Magistrate Raghav Sharma of Saket court, while pronouncing the verdict orally, said that the allegations against the accused could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The case relates to an allegedly defamatory advertisement concerning the Narmada Bachao Andolan that was published in November 2000 by VK Saxena targeting Medha Patkar. Earlier, on January 25, a Delhi court acquitted social activist Medha Patkar in a criminal defamation case filed by VK Saxena over remarks she made during a television programme in 2006, noting that the Delhi L-G had failed to submit the original recording device or the full video footage containing the alleged objectionable statements. In the absence of legally admissible evidence establishing publication of defamatory statements by Patkar, the court acquitted her of the charge under Section 500 of the IPC. Also Read | Delhi court directs release of Medha Patkar in VK Saxena defamation case Medha Patkar had allegedly claimed during the programme that VK Saxena and his NGO had received civil contracts connected with the Sardar Sarovar project. VK Saxena had denied these allegations. "The only document capable of proving that the accused made the impugned statements would be the original electronic device in which such statements were recorded," Judicial Magistrate First Class Raghav Sharma said. The court said that the material on record showed Patkar was not a panellist on the programme and that only a brief pre-recorded video clip of her was played during the telecast. "It is important to note that neither the reporter who actually recorded the audio-video nor any person who had seen the accused making the impugned statements has been examined as a witness. "It is also crucial to note that the clip played in the programme/show appears to be only a very short clipping from an interview or press conference of the accused," the judge said. Also Read | No jail for activist Medha Patkar in LG VK Saxena defamation case: Delhi Court The magistrate observed that establishing whether any defamatory statements were made required the production of the full video and audio recordings of the relevant interview or press conference. "Without examining the entire clip or footage, no determination can be made regarding the speech of the accused," the court added. Noting that VK Saxena had failed to provide any evidence, the court said, The only document capable of proving that the accused made the impugned statements would be the original electronic device in which such statements were recorded. The complaint was originally filed in Ahmedabad and was transferred to Delhi in 2010 on the directions of the Supreme Court. In a separate defamation case filed by Saxena, the Supreme Court in August 2025 upheld Patkar's conviction ordered by a trial court but set aside a fine of 1 lakh imposed on her. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Telangana police has, for the first time, issued a notice to former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to appear before it and record his statement for examination in a phone tapping case. The allegations were made during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime, sources were quoted as saying by news agency PTI. To serve the notice, some SIT officials visited KCRs residence at Nandi Nagar in Banjara Hills. He was served the notice under CrPC 160. The SIT has already recorded statements of his son KT Rama Rao and nephews T Harish Rao and Joginipally Santosh Kumar. The SIT asked KCR, as Rao is addressed, to appear before it on 30 January. The SIT informed Chandrasekhar Rao through a notice that, given his age is over 65, Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows him the option to appear at the Jubilee Hills Police Station or suggest any other location in Hyderabad that would be convenient for questioning. Previously, BRS Working President and KCRs son KT Rama Rao, as well as senior party MLA T Harish Rao, had appeared before the SIT on 23 January and 20 January respectively in relation to the same case. Apart from this, some other BRS leaders were among those who were recently summoned and questioned by the SIT. About the case The phone tapping case is linked to allegations of widespread unauthorised and illegal phone surveillance and interception. The case involved politicians, businessmen, journalists, members of the judiciary and eminent personalities, police had said. Former Telangana intelligence chief T Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the case, was earlier questioned by the SIT. A suspended DSP of Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) was among four police officials arrested by Hyderabad Police since March 2024 for allegedly erasing the intelligence information from various electronic gadgets, as well as for alleged phone tapping during the previous BRS regime. They were subsequently granted bail. The Supreme Court on Thursday, January 29, reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas that sought modifications of its earlier orders in the stray dogs case. The case was being heard by a bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria. The bench reserved its decision after hearing amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal, who summarised the steps taken by states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Apart from pleas seeking modifications of its earlier order in the stray dogs case, the Supreme Court bench heard the counsel appearing for NHAI regarding compliance of the November 7, 2025 direction when the authorities were directed to remove stray animals from National Highways and fencing of roads. The apex court directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to consider and process applications submitted by NGOs seeking permission to operate animal shelters or animal birth control facilities. The bench said, Either you accept it or reject the applications but do it expeditiously, as the AWBI counsel mentioned that there have been no applications after November 7 order. The top court asked the parties to file their written submissions as early as possible in the matter. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court expressed concern over state governments failure to comply with its directions to increase stray dog sterilisation capacity, remarking, They are all building castles in the air. The top court was hearing several petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025, order directing authorities to remove stray animals from the institutional areas and roads. On January 13, the top court said it would ask states to pay a heavy compensation for dog bite incidents and hold dog feeders accountable for such cases. The court also flagged concerns over the non-implementation of norms on stray animals for the last five years. Asserting the rise in dog bite incidents in educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations, the Supreme Court had directed teh relocation of strays to shelters after their sterilisation. It had also said stray dogs picked up shall not be released back to their original place. The court had directed authorities to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from the state highways, national highways and expressways. The top court is hearing a suo motu case, initiated on July 28 last year, over a media report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital. The Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold a recent UGC regulation following multiple petitions that alleged the Commission used a restrictive definition of caste-based discrimination and left out certain groups from institutional safeguards, PTI reported. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the UGC on the pleas challenging the regulation. The new regulations mandating all higher education institutions to form equity committees to look into discrimination complaints and promote equity were notified on January 13. The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, mandated that these committees must include members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC), the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), persons with disabilities, and women. The new regulations replace the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, which were largely advisory in nature. The pleas assailed the regulation on the grounds that caste-based discrimination is defined strictly as discrimination against members of the SCs, STs and OBCs. It said that by limiting the scope of "caste-based discrimination" only to SC, ST and OBC categories, the UGC has effectively denied institutional protection and grievance redressal to individuals belonging to the "general" or non-reserved categories who may also face harassment or bias based on their caste identity. Student groups and organisations staged protests at multiple locations, demanding the immediate rollback of the regulations. San Antonio police are investigating an incident at IDEA Judson after a report of a person with a gun prompted a campus lockdown early Thursday (January 29), though authorities later said no weapon was found and there was no ongoing threat. As per news reports, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers responded to a call at around 7:50 a.m. to IDEA Charter School on Judson Road after a caller reported that a student wearing tactical gear was in possession of a gun. The caller stated that a student wearing tactical gear was in possession of a gun, SAPD reportedly said in a statement. School officials immediately placed the campus on lockdown and alerted police as a precaution. Search finds no weapon Police conducted a thorough search of the campus but did not locate a gun or any individual armed with one, reports said. An SAPD officer addressing parents gathered outside the school said additional resources, including emergency medical services and fire crews, were deployed out of caution. Lockdown lifted IDEA Judson was taken off lockdown shortly before 10 a.m., with school officials reportedly confirming normal release procedures would resume once police completed their checks. Investigation ongoing SAPD said officers believe a prohibited item may have been reported, but the incident remains under investigation. Authorities reiterated that there were no injuries and urged the public to remain vigilant. First lady Melania Trump has opened up about her life inside the White House and on the 2024 campaign trail in a new documentary titled Melania, set to premiere in theatres worldwide on Friday (January 30). Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Melania Trump said filming the documentary was an all-consuming experience, following her from morning til evening as she prepared for President Donald Trumps return to the White House. That was my life, Melania Trump told Fox News. So, whatever I did, the cameras were following me organizing, moving back to the White House, my family, preparing for inauguration, my business, my philanthropy all in all, establishing the East Wing office, hiring people. A rare look at a private first lady Known for maintaining a low public profile, Melania Trump said the documentary offers a unique and personal perspective on her life as the Presidents wife. Im a very private person and a very selective person what I do, what I dont do, when I talk, when I dont talk and thats my choice, she said on The Five. Nobody is in charge of me. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the 104-minute film follows Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to the January 2025 presidential inauguration. Its nothing that you do a double-take because you cannot do that, she said, without elaborating. Inside Trump Tower, Mar-a-Lago and the White House The Melania documentary provides behind-the-scenes access to Trump Tower in New York, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, and the White House, capturing both the public and private demands of the first ladys role. Melania Trump also reflected on her life with Donald Trump before his presidency, saying she always believed he would one day run for office. I always thought that one day he might go and run, and I always told him, If you do it, you will win, she said. I knew how much people loved him. Barron Trumps role in 2024 campaign Melania Trump revealed that her son Barron played an active role in President Trumps 2024 re-election campaign. Barron, now 19, was just 10 years old when his father was first elected in 2016. He understands now, hes involved, she said. He knows whats going on in the world. She added that Barron helped shape campaign outreach to younger audiences. He was very involved in the campaign, she said. He gave him all of the ideas who he needs to talk to, all of these YouTubers and podcasts. So he was really a smart mind behind it. On Trumps YMCA dance and Secret Service Asked by Fox News host about President Trumps viral YMCA dance, Melania Trump said she enjoys it with some caveats. I like it at certain times, she said. Some days were not appropriate, and I told him so, but its his dance, and I think people love it. Responding to host s question on whether Secret Service agents joined in during filming, she dismissed the idea. No, she said. Everybody theyre very professional. Premiere details Melania premieres in theatres worldwide on Friday, offering what Melania Trump describes as an unfiltered look at her personal and public life during a pivotal political moment. Also Read | Melania Trump rings NYSE bell ahead of her movie releasewatch Tom Homan, US President Donald Trumps border czar, said on Thursday that he was working to restore law and order and noted that the president had recognised the need for improvements in immigration operations following chaos in Minneapolis after two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal agents this month. He promised that anyone who violated conduct rules would be dealt with". I've been on the ground since Monday to regain law and order in the city beloved by many, and to work together to move threats from the community, Homan said at a news conference, marking his first comments since being sent to Minnesotas largest city by Trump, according to AFP. Homan told reporters that in his discussions in Minneapolis, everyone he spoke with agreed that community safety is the top priority. "President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. That's exactly what I'm doing here," he said. He claimed that federal agents were making an effort to act professionally, further stating, If they don't, they'll be dealt with like any other federal agency. We have standards of conduct. Also Read | Watch | Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown liquid during Minneapolis town hall Homan also said he planned to cut back the 3,000strong contingent of agents sent to the city, after what he described as productive meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other local officials, as per Reuters. He added, We can do better, and said the discussions had led to significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and that people would soon see some massive changes occurring here in this city". Minneapolis unrest Tensions rose after Renee Good, a 37yearold mother of three, was shot and killed behind the wheel of her car by an ICE agent on 7 January, an event that prompted demonstrations in the Twin Cities and other communities nationwide. Also Read | Trump heads to Iowa to push affordability as ICE shootings dominate headlines Public anger further intensified following Saturdays fatal shooting of a 37yearold intensive care nurse, Alex Pretti, during a separate encounter between immigration agents and people who confronted them to document and protest ICE activity. In both instances, officials in the Trump administration immediately defended the federal agents involved in the shootings, denouncing Good and Pretti as domestic terrorists they said were threatening to harm law enforcement. Multiple video recordings of the two incidents that have since gone viral online reportedly contradict the notion that either Good or Pretti posed a danger to immigration officers or others. Some administration officials quickly alleged that Pretti intended to massacre officers, pointing to the handgun he was carrying. However, video reviewed by Reuters showed that Pretti was holding only a phone when Border Patrol agents pushed him to the ground. US President Donald Trump has nominated federal prosecutor Colin McDonald for a newly created senior Justice Department post aimed at combating what the administration describes as large-scale fraud involving federal resources. Announced on Wednesday, the nomination would make Colin McDonald the first-ever Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement, pending Senate confirmation. The role carries broad authority to investigate and prosecute alleged misappropriation of taxpayer funds across the United States. Trump announces new fraud division at DoJ Trump revealed the nomination in a statement on Truth Social, presenting the new position as part of a wider effort to restore oversight of federal spending and crack down on fraud-related offences. I am pleased to nominate Colin McDonald to serve as the first ever Assistant Attorney General for National FRAUD Enforcement, a new Division at the Department of Justice, which I created to catch and stop FRAUDSTERS that have been STEALING from the American People. My Administration has uncovered Fraud schemes in States like Minnesota and California, where these thieves have stolen Hundreds of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars. Colin McDonald is a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor who has successfully delivered Justice in some of the most difficult and high stakes cases our Country has ever seen. Together, we will END THE FRAUD, and RESTORE INTEGRITY to our Federal Programs. Congratulations Colin STOP THE SCAMS!, President Trump announced on Truth Social. The White House has not yet detailed the operational scope of the new division, though senior officials have indicated it will focus on alleged fraud in federally funded programmes, including social services and pandemic relief initiatives. Who is Colin McDonald? While not widely known at the national level, McDonald has developed a reputation within federal law enforcement as a determined and effective prosecutor, particularly in complex public corruption cases. In 2020, Colin McDonald played a key role in securing convictions in one of Hawaiis most high-profile law enforcement scandals. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and city prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, along with two police officers, were convicted in a case involving the framing of an innocent man to conceal their own criminal conduct. The Kealohas were found guilty of false arrest and obstruction of justice after abusing their authority to have a family member arrested under the false claim that he had stolen their mailbox. Prosecutors argued the move was designed to discredit the relative and conceal the couples theft of $148,000 from an elderly family member. Lavish spending and lengthy prison sentences Following their convictions, the four defendants received prison sentences ranging from 42 to 156 months. Prosecutors detailed how the stolen funds were spent on luxury items and experiences, including Elton John concert tickets, payments for Mercedes and Maserati vehicles, a Disneyland holiday, and a $23,976 brunch bill. The case cemented Colin McDonalds standing as a capable prosecutor willing to take on powerful figures within the justice system. Colin McDonald' current role and reporting structure raise questions Colin McDonald currently serves as associate deputy attorney general, reporting to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. His career includes federal prosecutorial roles in Southern California and Hawaii between 2014 and 2025. If confirmed, McDonald would operate outside traditional Justice Department reporting lines. Unlike most senior DOJ officials, he would report directly to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, a structural shift that has prompted questions among legal observers about independence and oversight. Vance, who formally announced the new role earlier this month, offered strong praise for McDonalds credentials. Colin McDonald is widely regarded as a thorough and highly competent attorney. He has an exceptional prosecutorial track record, which we look forward to seeing him put to use in his new role as Assistant Attorney General. Support from DOJ leadership and former superiors Attorney General Pam Bondi also endorsed the nomination, highlighting McDonalds experience and internal standing within the department. McDonald is doing outstanding work at the Department of Justice and will continue to be an invaluable asset on our team and his experience makes him perfectly suited to help lead the charge on dismantling criminal fraud networks and halting the theft of taxpayer dollars. Former Southern California US Attorney Robert Brewer, who supervised McDonald during Trumps first term, described him as a principled and effective public servant. I assigned him to a very difficult public corruption case in Hawaii that seriously needed his organizational and legal skills. As expected, he was invaluable in resolving the case in a most favorable way, Brewer said. Mr. McDonald is exceedingly bright, dedicated and is a great leader. The American people can trust his judgment, his ethics and will be proud of his work. US border czar Tom Homan said Thursday (January 29) that federal immigration agents in Minneapolis will pivot to more targeted operations, stepping back from sweeping street enforcement that has sparked widespread outrage and protests. Speaking at a press conference, Homan said agents would focus on immigrants with criminal records and national security risks, marking a shift from earlier tactics that included random street stops. We can do better, Homan said, acknowledging for the first time that the operation had fallen short. We made some significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and you're going to see some massive changes occurring here in this city. Force could be reduced with local cooperation Homan said the roughly 3,000 federal agents deployed to Minneapolis could be scaled back if state and local leaders cooperate. He said recent meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey both outspoken critics of the enforcement surge were productive. We're not surrendering our mission at all, we're just doing it smarter, Homan said. He also called for expanded ICE access to Minnesota jails to detain targeted immigrants upon release, arguing it would reduce the need for dangerous street operations. ICE told to avoid agitators Internal guidance issued by a senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement official directs agents to limit engagement with agitators to avoid inflaming tensions, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. The directive instructs officers to prioritize immigrants with criminal charges or convictions a departure from earlier enforcement methods that relied on broad, visible street sweeps. Political tensions intensify after Omar incident The Justice Department separately charged Anthony Kazmierczak with assaulting or intimidating a U.S. official after he allegedly sprayed apple cider vinegar on Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday town hall. Omar blamed President Donald Trumps rhetoric for the attack. Trump, who has repeatedly targeted Omar, dismissed the incident and suggested without evidence that it was staged. Kazmierczak, a Trump supporter according to social media records, has two prior drunk-driving convictions. It was unclear if he has legal representation. Shootings deepen public anger Minneapolis has seen sustained protests since two fatal shootings involving federal agents. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot dead by an ICE agent on January 7. Public anger escalated further after Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed by federal agents on Saturday. Trump administration officials initially described both victims as domestic terrorists, claims contradicted by multiple videos reviewed by Reuters. Seasoned Agent fired fatal shots Union officials said the Border Patrol agent involved in Prettis killing was experienced. This wasn't a rookie agent that was out there, this was a seasoned agent, said Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, citing about eight years of service and extensive firearms and crowd-control training. Authorities have not released the names of the masked agents involved or detailed their backgrounds. Earlier confrontation raises questions Verified video shows Pretti had a confrontation with federal agents 11 days before his death, during which he shouted, spat and damaged a vehicle before being subdued and released. A firearm is visible in his waistband during the encounter. Footage of Saturdays shooting shows an agent removing a gun from Prettis waistband after he was restrained on the ground. Seconds later, another officer fired the first shot into Prettis back. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents searched an election office in Georgias Fulton County outside Atlanta on Wednesday as part of an investigation connected to US President Donald Trumps unfounded assertions that widespread voter fraud caused his loss in the 2020 election. The FBI stated agents carried out a warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Centre in Union City, a large warehouse-style site opened by state officials in 2023, describing the action as a court-authorized law enforcement activity", according to Reuters. The Fulton County government said in a brief statement that the warrant sought a number of records related to 2020 elections. The search marked the latest move by Trumps administration to use the Justice Department against individuals he views as adversaries or to step into cases he believes were handled unjustly. According to a law enforcement official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, FBI agents were seeking to confiscate computers and ballots they believed were stored at the facility as part of a probe into possible election interference. View full Image A sign stands outside the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant there in relation to the 2020 election, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the matter, in Union City, Georgia (REUTERS) ( REUTERS ) A law enforcement official stated the search was completed Wednesday night. Fulton County Commissioner accuses Trump of trying to create chaos Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory mentioned that a warrant was being given served and said federal authorities were removing 700 boxes of ballots from a secure site. In a video shared on social media from inside the election centre, she accused Trump of trying to create chaos to help Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Speaking separately to reporters, Ivory described the federal action as an assault on voters and said local officials were weighing possible legal steps to halt it. We know in America right now it does not even matter if what you are saying is the right thing. If our president wants to bring in the forces, he will, Ivory stated. Democrat Joe Biden secured Georgia and defeated Republican Donald Trump, who was running for reelection in 2020. Trump won the 2024 election and returned to the White House for a second term last year. Meanwhile, Rick Hasen, a law professor at UCLA, said Trumps fixation is not unusual on its own but noted the difference is the power he holds. The man has obsessions, as do a fair number of people, but he's the only one who has the full power of the United States behind him, Hasen said, as per AP. Democrats in the US Senate and President Donald Trumps administration are holding talks that could lead to new limits on federal immigration agents and help avert a partial government shutdown, according to a Reuters report citing a source. This comes after the Minneapolis shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this month. Although no deal has been finalised, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that discussions are moving in Democrats' direction". No immediate response was received from the White House to a request for comment. What do Senate Democrats want? Senate Democrats, infuriated by the shooting of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, by immigration agents in Minneapolis last weekend, are pushing for new restrictions on enforcement actions carried out by the Department of Homeland Security. They have warned they may block funding legislation for the DHS and several other federal agencies, a move that could lead to a partial government shutdown when funding runs out at midnight on Friday. Democrats are pushing to separate DHS funding from the wider spending bill, a step that would allow the Senate to move forward with financing for the Pentagon, health programmes and other government functions without interruption. They are also seeking a short-term funding extension for DHS to allow more time for negotiations. A preliminary vote on the broader spending package is expected in the Senate on Thursday. Also Read | Germany raises alarm over Minneapolis violence, issues travel warning Senate Democrats sought to require officers to unmask, identify themselves, and secure warrants prior to making arrests, as per AP. However, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina stated he would support separating the bills but opposed Democrats push to require immigration enforcement officers to show their faces. At the same time, he placed put onus on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for decisions he said were tarnishing the agencys reputation. You know, theres a lot of vicious people out there, and theyll take a picture of your face, and the next thing you know, your children or your wife or your husband are being threatened at home. And thats just the reality of the world that were in," AP quoted Tillis as saying. Gold Star Distribution, Inc. has issued a recall of thousands of products, including food items, pet food, cosmetics, and medications, that were distributed across three states, according to a notice from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nearly 2,000 items were pulled from shelves after being found to be contaminated by rodents and birds. The recall, first announced on December 26, followed an FDA inspection that found the Minneapolis-based facility was operating under insanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings". The company is urging customers who bought the affected items to destroy the products as soon as possible", according to the recall notice. On January 22, the FDA assigned the recall a Class II designation, indicating that use of the affected products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote, according to the organisation. As a result, the affected products may have come into contact with surfaces contaminated by airborne animal waste. Exposure to these products could lead to illnesses such as salmonella or leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by contact with animal urine, according to People. The affected products were sent to stores in Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Which items were impacted? The recall includes a wide range of items such as cosmetics, medications, pet food, household goods, and food and beverages. Popular candies like Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids were included, along with snack foods such as Pringles, Takis and spreads such as Nutella. Breakfast products were also impacted, including boxes of Cheerios and Kelloggs Rice Krispies. In addition, several beverages, including Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Smart Water, and Arizona Iced Tea, were reportedly recalled. Even common pantry items like Heinz ketchup, Crisco oil, and cinnamon sticks were among the affected products. Others consist of Pepto Bismol, Axe body spray, Q-Tip cotton swabs, Fancy Feast cat food, and Gillette razors, among others. Also Read | Ventura Foods recalls 3,556 cases of salad dressing over plastic contamination American Airlines announced on Thursday that it intends to restart daily flights to Venezuela for the first time since 2019, pending government approval and subject to security review. This comes weeks after US forces captured former president Nicolas Maduro during Operation Absolute Resolve. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump directed the Transportation Department to lift the current limitations that bar US flights following a conversation with Venezuelas acting president Delcy Rodriguez, according to Reuters. Trump stated, "American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they'll be safe there. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will reportedly go through safety assessments before flights can resume, a process expected to take several months. American Airlines is proud to be the first airline to announce plans to reinstate nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela. The airline remains in close contact with federal authorities, and is ready to commence flights to Venezuela, pending government approval and security assessments, the airline said in an official statement. American, which began operations in Venezuela in 1987, stated that the flights would allow for business, leisure, and humanitarian travel to the region. Prior to the suspension, it was the largest US airline operating in the country. Americans Chief Commercial Officer reacts Nat Pieper, Americans Chief Commercial Officer, said the airline has been linking people between Venezuela and the US for over three decades and is prepared to restart that strong connection. He added that bringing back service to Venezuela would allow passengers to reconnect with loved ones and help expand business and trade with the US. Meanwhile, on January 16, the FAA cautioned airlines to be careful when flying over Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America due to potential military activity and GPS interference risks. Notices were issued to Airmen for Mexico and countries in Central America, as well as Ecuador, Colombia, and sections of airspace over the eastern Pacific Ocean, the FAA stated. Relations between the United States and regional leaders have grown more strained since the Trump administration carried out a major military buildup in the southern Caribbean. Earlier this month, Trump claimed that drug cartels were effectively in control of Mexico and suggested that the United States could carry out strikes on land targets to counter them, part of a broader pattern of threats involving the use of US military force against cartels. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has continuously cautioned that any unilateral US military action in Mexico would be a serious violation of the countrys sovereignty. At the same time, she has agreed to bilateral security cooperation with the United States in an effort to keep Mexico out of Trumps crosshairs. New Zealand has chosen not to participate in US President Donald Trumps Board of Peace, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. He called for clarity on its scope and stated that New Zealand was not joining the international body in its current form. Peters took to X and said that New Zealand acknowledges the leadership of the United States, working closely with regional nations, in promoting peace in Gaza. He noted that while the Board of Peace has a role in Gaza as outlined by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, several countries, especially from the region, have already contributed, and New Zealand does not believe it would provide significant additional value. He said, As a leading founder and longstanding supporter of the United Nations, it is important that the Boards work is complementary to and consistent with the UN Charter. It is a new body, and we need clarity on this, and on other questions relating to its scope, now and in the future. New Zealand will not be joining the Board in its current form but will continue to monitor developments, Peters concluded. What is Trump's Board of Peace? Trump launched his Board of Peace last week, which was initially intended to strengthen Gazas fragile ceasefire, but he envisions it taking on a broader role involving other global powers. According to a draft charter seen by Reuters, the US president will act as the first chairman of the board, which is tasked with advancing global peace and helping resolve conflicts. The charter notes that member countries will serve three-year terms unless they each contribute $1 billion to support the boards work, in which case they would receive permanent membership. He has extended invitations to numerous world leaders. While Middle Eastern countries like Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, along with major emerging nations such as Indonesia, have accepted, global powers and traditional Western allies of the US have reportedly approached the board more cautiously. A US official said the number of countries joining the Board of Peace reached 25, according to Reuters on Monday. The Kremlin said on Thursday (January 29) that Russia has again invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to come to Moscow for peace talks, as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine gather pace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had yet to receive a response from Kyiv. We have reiterated our invitation, but so far there has been no answer, he was quoted as saying by Interfax. US-mediated talks add momentum The comments came amid fresh diplomatic activity following Washington-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi last weekend, which officials say have injected new momentum into stalled negotiations. A further round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations is scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi. US President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a deal to end what he has called Europes biggest conflict since World War Two, said earlier this week that very good things were happening in the process. An unnamed US official told Axios that Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin were very close to agreeing to a face-to-face meeting. Fighting continues despite diplomacy Despite the renewed diplomatic push, fierce fighting continues on the ground. Ukraine is grappling with widespread power outages following recent Russian missile strikes, while both sides on Thursday carried out another exchange of war dead. The Kremlin declined to comment on reports that Moscow and Kyiv may have agreed to halt strikes on each others energy infrastructure. Deep divisions over territory Major disagreements remain, particularly over territory. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the issue of who gets what territory as the central problem that is very difficult to resolve. Russia wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region still under Kyivs control, while Ukraine has rejected any proposal to cede territory not taken by Russian forces on the battlefield. Kyiv has argued that conceding such land would only create a platform for future Russian advances. Security guarantees and nuclear plant Other sticking points include the possible deployment of international peacekeepers or monitors in post-war Ukraine and the fate of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said any meeting between Putin and Zelensky would need to be well prepared and results-oriented, adding that Zelenskys safety would be guaranteed if he travelled to Moscow. Zelensky rejected a similar invitation last year, saying he could not visit the capital of a country that was firing missiles at Ukraine every day, and instead suggested Putin come to Kyiv. Lavrov questions US guarantees Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cast doubt on the viability of US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine, suggesting they would not bring lasting peace if they were designed to keep Ukraines current leadership in power. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has once again slammed Europes newly concluded free trade agreement with India. Besent said the deal showed the European Union had prioritised commercial interests over its stated support for the Ukrainian people. They should do what's best for themselves, but I will tell you, I found, I find the Europeans very disappointing, Besent said, speaking to CNBC on Wednesday. The Treasury Secretary said he was disappointed with Europe's position, claiming Brussels had chosen trade interests despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Besent's remarks came a day after India and the European Union on 27 January 27, 2026 announced the conclusion of negotiations over a free trade agreement (FTA) that would see the EU drop tariffs on 99.5% of items India exports to the region, with most tariffs going down to 0% immediately once the agreement comes into effect. India, on the other hand, has given tariff concessions on 97.5% of the traded value between the two economies. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic signed the joint political declaration on the conclusion of the negotiations on the FTA, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa in New Delhi on Tuesday. The move is expected to potentially double EU exports to India by 2032 and save European companies around 4 billion euros in duties. Bessent said the deal also explained why the European Union declined to align with Washington's decision to impose higher tariffs on India last year. "The Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out, because they wanted to do this trade deal," he said. "So every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people." Besent also accused European countries of indirectly funding Russia's war by purchasing refined fuel products derived from Russian crude oil. "The Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products," Bessent said. "They are financing the war against themselves." The Treasury Secretary had criticised the deal earlier, too. In an earlier interview with ABC News, he pointed out that Washington had imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil, even as Europe proceeded with its trade deal. "We have put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Guess what happened last week? The Europeans signed a trade deal with India," Bessent said. "And just to be clear again, the Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products. They are financing the war against themselves." Bessent also said the Trump administration had applied greater pressure on Moscow than its European counterparts in efforts to end the conflict. "Trump has worked to negotiate a settlement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he said, adding that the United States had made "much bigger sacrifices" than Europe. The conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU FTA marks the end of a two-decade-old process. Talks between the two sides on the agreement began in 2007. The negotiations resumed in 2022 with both sides agreeing to exclude issues on which agreement had been elusive. In the next steps, the language in the document will be cleaned up over the next 10-15 days, followed by legal scrubbing. Then it will be sent to all 27 EU member states after translation, before it is ratified by the European Parliament, according to officials quoted by various media. They said the deal would be rolled out at least 5-6 months from now. Every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people. Today, India has concluded the largest Free Trade Agreement in its history, Prime Minister Modi said in his statement on Tuesday. Indias recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, almost two decades in the making, has injected fresh energy into the countrys geo-economics. It offers strategists on both sides greater latitude to pursue higher economic and perhaps even geopolitical ambitions. In a best-case scenario, it could act as a bulwark against global hegemony sought to be exercised by a third party. While the FTA is more symbolic than an economic reality at this point, it has three critical aspects that will determine its performance: manufacturing, mobility and non-tariff barriers. The first is a no-brainer: the deal is visibly designed to boost the factory sector in both economies. Indias enduring concern has been to safeguard its sprawling base of labour-intensive manufacturing, any threat to which could have a wider fallout; lower EU import duties on Indian apparel, textiles, footwear, etc, could well give this segment a leg-up. Broadly, though, making the most of easier EU-market access would need our manufacturers to sharpen their competitive edge and get past a maze of restrictive entry rules. Indias tariff relief has nicely been calibrated in highly guarded sectors for gradual exposure of local players to European competition (with a low-duty quota for high-end vehicle imports, for example). By and large, a wider opening of our market to EU machinery, electrical equipment, aircraft and other items is a nod to Brussels need to keep factories humming. In case either side has second thoughts, the FTA allows a general review five years after it goes into force. An interesting part of this agreement is its mobility pact, which promises freer EU entry for Indian workers and students. The latter stand to gain the most, given the USs harsh turn on immigration; the enrolment of Indian students in US universities over the peak season of August-September 2025 dropped by nearly 75%. Since state-run UK institutions charge foreign students higher fees to subsidize locals, the allure of EU universities would rise. Worker mobility, however, might be held back somewhat by local political sentiment. The missing link in mobility seems to be tourism. Indian tourists contribute significantly to the EU economy. Yet, Europe remains tightfisted with visas. Perhaps our negotiators should bring this up during the next stage of FTA talks. For all the euphoria over the accord, three elephants still loom in the room. The first is the EUs carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), a protectionist measure on which India only secured a promise of equal treatment as a trade partner on any leeway given. As for the levy, the CBAM can has been kicked down the road, with talks to be held later. The second is a more familiar non-tariff barrier: the EUs sanitary and phytosanitary rules that often keep our farm exports out. An EU fact-sheet states that all Indian agri-products must comply with these very stringent, science-based" standards. The third and most daunting challenge lies in the last-mile path of the deal. Within the EU, the FTA must now jump through four hoops. First, a stage of legal vetting, with text-revision proposals requiring Indias approval. After this, the document moves to the European Council for its nod, before which it cannot be signed by the two parties. In the next stage, the European Parliament must ratify whats signed. This political body can pose its own hurdles, as seen in the recent EU-Mercosur deal. Till the India-EU FTA crosses this Rubicon, lets hold off all celebrations. Its not typical of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to abruptly change its schedule of open market operations. So when it did so this week, it raised eyebrows. Instead of bond purchases of 50,000 crore each on 5 and 12 February, those two bouts of bank liquidity injection will now take place on 29 January and 5 February. Also Read | What rising bond yields reveal about the prospects of growth globally Why this urgency? Banks are short of cash and bond yields have spiked, putting RBI in a bit of a spot as the governments debt manager. The yield on 10-year securities has hit an 11-month high of about 6.7%. Broad blame for hardening yields can be assigned to bond issuances planned by states, raising concerns of oversupply, the held-off inclusion of Indian bonds in a global index and rupee weakness, among other factors. But one could also read recent yield upmoves as a market response to fiscal-policy expectations. For debt-reduction comfort, a spend-heavy Union budget would need the aid of faster nominal GDP growth than this years 8% estimate. Right now, the gap between output expansion in rupee terms and yields is rather too small. While RBI bond-buying might soften the latter, perhaps investors will be calmed by budget numbers. Also Read | Budget to maintain fiscal rectitude in the face of global storm Americas National Defense Strategy (NDS) was released earlier this month. It came in the backdrop of the US National Security Strategy (NSS) and two key developments: Americas capture of Venezuelas former leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in January and US President Donald Trump demand that Denmark surrender the autonomous island of Greenland to the US, for which this Arctic isle is said to hold national-security significance. The NDS, which is meant to guide the US Pentagon, is not a major departure from the NSS in its emphasis on the defence of the Western hemisphere and securing the American homeland. This was visibly demonstrated by the capture of Maduro and Trumps incessant threats to take control of Greenland. Irrespective of the motivation behind Washingtons decision to align the NDS with strong hemispheric defence, the NDSs narrowed view of US defence strategy globally is consistent with the NSS. Three aspects of the NDS stand out. Also Read | Why the new India-US defence pact should reassure us First, greater burden sharing among allies and partners to relieve the US of its role as the worlds apex security provider. The NDS is quite blunt in stating that allies have become a burden for the US; it holds past administrations responsible for turning allies into dependencies." As a corrective, the NDS makes clear that allies and partners must assume a greater burden of their own defence, especially in Europe against Russia. Beyond Europe, South Korea has been similarly exhortedif not quite excoriated like Europeto assume a greater burden of its defence against any North Korean attack. In West Asia too, allies and partners have been told to do more for their defence, with Iran viewed as the regions greatest threat. The second key aspect of the NDS is its case for peace through strength." This is at the core of the Trump administrations defence strategy in the Indo-Pacific. It finds further elaboration in the NDS. Fundamentally, peace through strength" commits the US military to the defence of the First Island Chain (FIC)a maritime boundary to contain Chinathrough robust deterrence by denial, which refers to denying an adversary the ability to meet its aims. Thus, the NDS seeks to incentivize allies to dedicate resources that will bolster collective security in the Indo-Pacific. Denial-based defence, as per the NDS, can deter aggression more effectively than threats of retaliation. It seeks to deter Beijing without engaging in outright confrontation. This suggests deference to Beijing, perhaps on account of its trade leverage over Washington. Third, among the key goals of the NDS is to supercharge" Americas Defence Industrial Base (DIB) so as to consolidate US military power. This commitment to augment and mobilize national resources and bolster the DIB is not new. Previous administrations have done so too, but it reflects how cognisant the Trump administration is of the defence technology challenges confronting the US in the face of Chinas expanding military power. From an Indian standpoint, there were two key features that were conspicuously absent. There was no emphasis or reference to Americas role in the Quadrilateral dialogue. The NDS, unlike the NSS, is silent on the Quads role as a security provider and anchor for restraining Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. A more menacing interpretation of this notable omission is that Washington is gravitating towards a G-2 arrangement with China, leaving its allies and partners vulnerable to Beijings coercion or outright aggression. However, the short shrift given to the Quad in the NDS masks the fact that its four partners conducted a field training exercise as part of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) in December. The IPLN is geared to enable rapid and timely responses to contingencies and the provision of military aid to countries in the Indo-Pacific. Bilateral defence engagements between Washington and each individual Quad country, India included, have remained steady. Nevertheless, unlike the NSS, there is no mention of the Quad in the NDS. India finds no specific mention in the NDS. While the NSS does have a passing reference to New Delhis role in the Indo-Pacific, the NDS unabashedly prioritizes the American homeland and Indo-Pacific region while demanding that allies and partners located in the Eurasian landmass shoulder the primary responsibility for their defence, with the US playing at best a supportive role. To that degree, the NDS is clinical in how the Trump administration plans to deploy US power across the world. Its aim is to concentrate strength where it matters mostthe Indo-Pacific. This should encourage New Delhi to bolster its defence capabilities. In the forthcoming Union budget, New Delhi will need to boost defence spending beyond previous budgetary allocations. The NDS may consider the Indo-Pacific a vital area of national security and interest, but the Indian government must never take US commitment for granted. New Delhi needs to think long-term and allocate greater resources to the projection of naval power in the Indo-Pacific, especially east of Malacca and the Western Pacific. In the age of Trump, greater willingness to contribute to regional security could offer India insulation from adverse actions by an administration in Washington that has shown a readiness to reject the foundational assumptions of US foreign policy. The authors are, respectively, vice president for studies, and senior fellow, defence and national security, Observer Research Foundation. Indias healthcare sector stands at a critical juncture. While our aspirations for a healthier nation are bold, fiscal commitments often fall short of aligning with these goals. As we approach the Union Budget, this is the moment to ask a fundamental question: do we want a health system that merely treats illness, or one that protects lives, livelihoods and enables holistic well-being? The most urgent expectation from this Budget is a clear and credible commitment to increasing the public investment in health. India is still significantly far from the long-stated target of allocating 2.5% of GDP to health, and this Budget must substantially bridge that gap. How we spend this money also matters. We have been witnessing a concerning trend where the proportion of public health expenditure going towards primary healthcare has declined, while spending on tertiary care has increased. This must be reversed. Strong primary healthcare is the foundation of an efficient and equitable health system. By diagnosing and managing health issues early, we can significantly reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals and lower overall health and out-of-pocket expenditure. But our current model remains heavily skewed towards hospital-based treatment, and we have barely even scratched the surface of preventive care, palliative care, rehabilitation, geriatric care and long-term care for people with disabilities. Budgetary allocations must also go beyond physical infrastructure to focus on human resources. We not only need more doctors, and specialists, in our rural areas, but also in-service training and mentoring of the entire primary health care team, including nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), accredited social health activists (ASHAs), community health officers (CHOs), and male health workers. The national network of well-staffed and stocked health and wellness centres (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) has made it possible to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare and focus on improving population health. What's needed is a team that feels responsible for the health of the population it serves30,000 people per primary health centreand is held accountable. India has made progress in building a digital health ecosystem, including ABHA numbers under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, facility and physician registries. There are multiple sources of health databut they all sit in silos. Frontline health workers fill dozens of physical registers in addition to a growing number of apps on their mobile phones. These systems now need to be integrated in meaningful ways. Health data should not merely be collected, but actively used for data-driven decision making. For instance, at the district level, health dashboards should enable collectors and health officials to identify local disease burdens, leading causes of death and plan resource allocations based on local priorities. Another key expectation from this Budget is a stronger emphasis on climate resilience in health planning. India is already witnessing more frequent heatwaves, floods and extreme weather events, and these trends will only intensify. The health system must be prepared to respond without being pushed to the brink, as we witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic when health workers reached severe exhaustion and burnout. The Budget must provide physical infrastructure upgrades and manpower in climate disaster-prone areas to ensure that the system doesnt break under pressure of future crises. For India to retain her status as the pharmacy of the world, a science-based, independent and agile regulatory framework is the need of the hour. Weak regulatory systems undermine public trust and damage Indias global reputation as a reliable producer of medicines and vaccines. Whether in drug regulation or food safety, agencies such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India must be strengthened by bringing in more scientific expertise and granting them greater autonomy. Regulators must be technically-qualified, of high calibre, and empowered to act independently and decisively. The prolonged delay in implementing front-of-pack labelling due to industry pressure highlights the urgent need for stronger and more independent regulators in the country. Also Read | Why small pharma firms want manufacturing practice norm deadline deferred Finally, while government funding for health research (DHR, ICMR) has shown an increasing trend, states must invest in departments of health research. This will help health systems to become Learning Health systems", where all major policies and programs are regularly evaluated and improved. Capacity for research in medical colleges also needs to increase so that they can work with local policy makers to address local and contextual issues. We also need the private sector to step up. India has one of the lowest levels of private sector Research & Development (R&D) investment globally. Large, profitable companies must begin ploughing funds back into R&D to drive home grown innovation. Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. A number of Middle Eastern governments are trying to push the U.S. and Iran into talks to head off a possible conflict, efforts that so far are failing to gain traction as both sides dig in. The diplomatic efforts have new urgency now that the U.S. has moved more firepower into the region and President Trump is making new threats to attack Iran if a deal isnt reached. But Iran has stuck by its longstanding red lines for negotiations while the U.S. has toughened the terms it wants to see in a deal. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate calls Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart and Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff but made no progress. Iran strongly objected to the U.S. terms and warned targets across the region would be fair game in the event of a U.S. strike, people familiar with the conversations said. Efforts by Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia in recent days were similarly fruitless, people familiar with those outreaches said. The failures raise the risk of military conflict as the U.S. brings an aircraft carrier group, squadrons of warplanes and more missile defenses into the region to support a possible attack. Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal," Trump said Wednesday on social media. Time is running out," he warned, before making a reference to last years U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear sites. The next attack will be far worse!" A White House official declined earlier to comment on negotiations with Iran. The developments wind the clock back to last spring, when Trumps efforts to negotiate away Irans nuclear program failed and the countrys 12-day war with Israel ensued, with the U.S. entering the conflict toward the end. This time the stakes for Irans theocratic rulers are even higher. The country was rocked at the beginning of the year by mass protests that were only put down with a deadly crackdown that left thousands dead. Irans economy is crumbling with little way out absent sanctions relief, which would require humiliating concessions on its nuclear program. Yet Iran for now has stuck by the three principles that have governed its approach to talks with the West for two decades. It insists it wont enter talks under pressure to sign up to pre-fixed goals by the U.S. It wont give up what it calls its right to enrich uranium at home, and it is unwilling to negotiate constraints on its powerful ballistic-missile program. Those conditions run up against Washingtons efforts to push Tehran into speedy talks under the threat of military force. It wants a deal to include zero Iranian enrichment and the removal of Irans enriched-uranium stockpile, along with limits on ballistic missiles and the reining in of Irans regional proxies. Where U.S. officials said last spring they were open to agreeing to a basic framework for a deal before talks that would hammer it out in detail, that flexibility hasnt been evident since Irans position weakened in June. Qatar and Oman have sought ways to revive the negotiations, including some form of nonaggression pact, but people familiar with the discussions say the efforts havent gained traction. Trumps social-media post Wednesday said a massive Armada" was moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose," adding that it was ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." The Pentagons buildup in the region includes an aircraft carrier with three guided-missile destroyers, warplanes and missile defenses. Iranian officials are threatening massive retaliation against U.S. bases, warships and allies in the region. Our brave Armed Forces are preparedwith their fingers on the triggerto immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday on social media. In a sign of Irans growing isolation, the European Union is set to agree on Thursday to take a step that Washington has long called forlist Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization, according to diplomats involved in discussions. The move wont have a major economic impact on Iran, because the Revolutionary Guard already faces U.S. and EU sanctions. But it represents a politically significant hardening of attitudes in Europe after Irans crackdown on protesters. Speaking on her way into a meeting of EU foreign ministers, the blocs foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU move will place the Revolutionary Guard on the same footing with al Qaeda, Hamas and Islamic State. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as terrorists," she said. Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com, Benoit Faucon at benoit.faucon@wsj.com and Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com Saurabh Joshi, a BJP councillor, was elected on Thursday as the new mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Joshi secured 18 votes in the three-cornered contest. AAP candidate Yogesh Dhingra got 11 votes, while Congress's Gurpreet Singh Gabi managed only seven votes. Also Read | Chandigarh woman turns New Year run into 26 drawn across city map Who is Saurabh Joshi? Saurabh Joshi has been elected the mayor of Chandigarh. He was the saffron party's nominated candidate and represents Ward No. 14, which covers Sectors 15, 16, 17 and 24 in Chandigarh. He has been active in civic issues and is known within the corporation for voicing concerns and participating in house meetings. Joshis election as mayor came amid a tight contest in the 35-member municipal corporation, where the BJPs disciplined support and the failure of the Congress and AAP to form an alliance worked in his favour. Ravneet Singh Bittu congratulates Saurabh Joshi Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu extended his heartiest congratulations to Joshi on being elected as the mayor of Chandigarh and wished him a successful tenure. Heartiest congratulations to Shri Saurabh Joshi ji on being elected Mayor of Chandigarh from BJP. Wishing him a successful tenure in serving the people and taking Chandigarh to new heights of development and good governance, the BJP leader wrote in a tweet. BJP Chandigarh also posted a congratulatory message for Joshi, saying that the city's development will gain a new direction and momentum. Chandigarh has been blessed with strong, progressive, and visionary leadership. With the selection of Shri Saurabh Joshi Ji as the Mayor of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the city's development will gain a new direction and momentum. Under his leadership, Chandigarh will establish new dimensions of progress, transparency, and public welfare. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Shri Saurabh Joshi Ji, said in a tweet. Also Read | Explained: Why is Chandigarh an emotive issue for Punjab About the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation mayor poll The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation mayor polls were conducted by a show of hands instead of the previous practice of a secret ballot. After raising their hands, councillors also gave their verbal confirmation. Ramneek Singh Bedi, a nominated councillor, was appointed as the presiding officer for the election. In the 35-member house of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 18 councillors, the AAP has 11, and the Congress has six. The Chandigarh MP also has a voting right as an ex officio member of the 35-member municipal corporation. Sitting MP Manish Tewari of the Congress raised his hand in support of his party's nominee Gurpreet Singh Gabi. * Space-based AI data centers offer solar power, reduced costs, but face technical risks * SpaceX ideally positioned for AI-ready satellite clusters, Musk sees space as cost-effective * Competitors like Blue Origin, Nvidia, Google and China also pursuing space-based AI centers By Joey Roulette WASHINGTON, - A proposed merger between Elon Musk's SpaceX and xAI, reported exclusively by Reuters on Thursday, could give fresh momentum to Musk's plan to launch satellite data centers into orbit as he battles for supremacy in the rapidly escalating AI race against tech giants like Alphabet's Google, Meta and OpenAI. Here is what we know about space-based AI computing: WHAT ARE SPACE-BASED AI DATA CENTERS? Space-based data centers - still an early-stage concept - would likely rely on hundreds of solar-powered satellites networked in orbit to handle the enormous computing demands of AI systems like xAIs Grok or OpenAIs ChatGPT, at a time when energy-hungry Earth-based facilities are becoming increasingly costly to run. Advocates say operating above the atmosphere offers nearly constant solar power and eliminates the cooling burdens that dominate ground-based data-center costs, potentially making AI processing far more efficient. But engineers and space specialists caution that commercial viability remains years away, citing major risks from space debris, defending hardware against cosmic radiation, limited options for in-person maintenance, and launch costs. Deutsche Bank expects the first small-scale orbital data-center deployments in 202728 to test both the technology and the economics, with wider constellations potentially scaling into the hundreds or thousands emerging only in the 2030s if those early missions work. WHY DOES MUSK WANT TO DO THIS? SpaceX is the most successful rocket-maker in history and has successfully launched thousands of satellites into orbit as part of its Starlink internet service. If space-based AI computing is the future, SpaceX is the most ideally placed to operate AI-ready satellite clusters or facilitate the setting up of on-orbit computing. "It's a no-brainer building solar-power data centers in space ... the lowest-cost place to put AI will be space, and that will be true within two years, three at the latest," Musk said at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month. SpaceX is considering an initial public offering this year that could value the rocket and satellite company at over $1 trillion, Reuters has reported. Part of the proceeds would go to funding the development of AI data center satellites, sources say. WHAT ARE MUSK'S COMPETITORS DOING? Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has been working on technology for AI data centers in space, building on the Amazon founder's prediction that "giant gigawatt data centers" in orbit could beat the cost of their Earth-bound peers within 10 to 20 years by tapping uninterrupted solar power and radiating heat directly into space. Nvidia-backed Starcloud has already offered a glimpse of that future: its Starcloud-1 satellite, launched on a Falcon 9 last month, carries an Nvidia H100 - the most powerful AI chip ever placed in orbit - and is training and running Googles open-source Gemma model as a proof of concept. The company ultimately envisions a modular hypercluster of satellites providing about five gigawatts of computing power, comparable to several hyperscale data centers combined. Google is pushing the space-based data center idea with Project Suncatcher, a research effort to network solar-powered satellites equipped with its Tensor Processing Units into an orbital AI cloud. The company plans an initial prototype launch with partner Planet Labs around 2027. China also plans to create a "Space Cloud" by launching space-based artificial intelligence data centers over the next five years, state media reported on Thursday. China's main space contractor, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, vowed to "construct gigawatt-class space digital-intelligence infrastructure," according to a five-year development plan. Anti-ICE protestors made their way up to Signal Mountain Wednesday afternoon. It's the second anti-ICE protest in Chattanooga this month, and it's in response to what protestors say is an escalation of ice violence across the nation. Having been interested in preserving Cairn Hill, Drumlish, for its historic cairns that are said to be passage tombs that are inaccessible, local advocate, Hazel Robinson, gave an update on her plans to make the area a national heritage site. This will be through the Community Monuments Fund, which has supported the urgent repair and conservation of the towerhouse at Abbeyshrule Abbey, for example. Read more: Over 60 vacant, derelict Longford properties returned to use with vacant property grant Hazel outlined to the Longford Leader that she plans on applying for funding to be allocated to Cairn Hill via the Community Monuments Fund 2026 under Stream 3: enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation, in relation to Cairn Hill, County Longford. Last September Hazel, along with Aoife Keenan, began advocating for the site's preservation. Cairn Hill is also a popular local walking trail, featuring on the Longford.ie website. It describes the site having two cairns. Through her application, Hazel stated that the local community is deeply invested in the preservation, care, and respectful celebration of Cairn Hill as a shared heritage asset. Enhancing access and interpretation would allow residents, visitors, and future generations to engage meaningfully with the site, while ensuring its long-term protection and conservation. If successful, Stream 3 will offer grants of up to 30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments. The Community Monuments Fund was first established in 2020 to provide investment in Irelands archaeological heritage. The Community Monuments Fund is said to invest essential capital in national, valuable archaeological heritage and help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. On the weekend of March 21, Hazel hopes to host a small ceremony on the hill for the upcoming spring equinox. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, and she has been in contact with Longford Tourism in relation to the event. Cairn Hill holds centuries of memory in its stone and soil. By caring for it properly and opening it responsibly to the public, were not just preserving a site were honouring the people, stories, and seasonal rhythms that shaped this land, said Hazel. Read more: Most unique event of Valentines season takes place in Longford Arms Hotel My hope is simply to see it respected, accessible, and remembered, so future generations can stand there and feel the same sense of belonging and wonder. It's all about connection, with the land, the community and our heritage. I feel that now more then ever, people need this in their lives. Feeling apart of something bigger myself, makes me feel happy and that's what I wish for my community also. Any applications for Stream 1, 2 and 3 are due before January 30, 2026. Further information about the schemes and applications can be found by contacting heritage@longfordcoco.ie. Further information can also be available at: https://www.longfordlibrary.ie/heritage/heritage-funding/community-monuments-fund/ Edgeworthstown is benefitting from a truly unique pilot programme entitled the Community Safety Place Standard Tool as it is the only area in Ireland that has been selected for the initiative. Janine Bartley, the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) Coordinator for Longford County Council, delivered a presentation at last week's monthly meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District in Edgeworthstown Library. Read more: Minister Foley recognises need for family resource centre in Longford She said the Longford Community Safety Partnership is involved in a pilot with Public Health Scotland and the Community Safety Network there to pilot this tool, Scotland's key framework for assessing community well-being "We are the only ones in the Republic of Ireland that are doing it. "So the Place Standard Tool exists and this is a community safety specific led [initiative]. "It's a way of looking at a place over 14 different themes and investigating what works well in the community and what we can do better." Ms Bartley said they also held a pilot walkability audit in Edgeworthstown on November 5 last, which went positively and that is another element. "We've been partnered with the Town Centre First programme, the libraries and the Eternal programme because we have cross company objectives across all of those programmes. Ms Bartley stated Cllr Paul Ross represents the Ballymahon Municipal District very well on the Community Safety Partnership. She described community safety as "building strong, cohesive, vibrant and participatory communities where homes, roads, public spaces and the workplace are safe and feel safe". Read more: Congratulations: Longford men pass out as soldiers at Aiken Barracks Dundalk Ms Bartley said as opposed to relying on An Garda Siochana, community safety is a collaborative culture of prevention, early intervention and pro-social initiatives "We've consulted locally to identify and prioritise those safety needs and we've developed a Community Safety Plan. "We're now moving into a phase where we are going to do a second consultation and develop our next Community Safety Plan. "Tools like this are a really important consultation element for us." Ms Bartley said the Community Safety Partnership model has been successful in Northern Ireland, Scotland, across the UK and in Australia so we're learning from them as well. "Communities are the key stakeholders so we're looking at geographic, key target groups, issues based groups, small areas and there is always an urban and rural split on what the needs are." Ms Bartley stated the place standard tool provides a 'safer framework to have conversations about place' and on the walkability audit they walk several routes, observe areas and make comments and 'score as they go along'. She stated she was surprised how unsafe she felt while walking along the N4. "While we are doing this and looking at the safety element it's really helpful for informing our Age Friendly Strategy, anything that we do in terms of public realm, universal design, all of these things feed in welk because we are working with people on the ground and hearing what they have to say." Ms Bartley said Edgeworthstown is up against towns in counties Cork, Limerick and Wexford to be selected for the full roll out of the programme and there are 'quite a few buildings ready to be improved' and she is hopeful they will be successful. She told local representatives any letters of support would be greatly appreciated. Councillor Paul Ross asked about the walkability audit in relation to the local train station. "The biggest issue you outlined was crossing the N4, would CIE put a bridge over the N4? Ms Bartley replied that they "only owned as far as the footpath and after that it is owned by Transport Infrastructure Ireland". Read more: Over 60 vacant, derelict Longford properties returned to use with vacant property grant "I would say with the amount of heavy traffic coming in a bridge wouldn't work." Cllr Mick Cahill praised the excellent engagement. "Local input and buy-in is so important here." Cllr Martin Skelly and Cllr Sean Mimnagh also praised the presentation and the ongoing work. A special presentation was made last Friday to one of the Peter Keenan Branch of the Organisation of National Ex service Personnel's longest serving and loyal members. Jimmy Airlie joined A Company 17th Infantry Battalion in 1956 and after 19 years of service he left to take over the family business at 35 Main Street in Longford. Read more: Congratulations: Longford men pass out as soldiers at Aiken Barracks Dundalk He described his memories of the FCA recentand he recalled joined up aged just 13 and he quipped he was 'hardly big enough to carry the boots and the trouser pockets were under my arms'. Jimmy said they had one exceptional Sergeant, Jim Manning, who taught them respect for authority and the country, self-discipline. He lauded Sgt Manning, who he stated was a man had an incredible 'positive influence on my life' and he stated the friends he made during that period are 'friends for life'. Jimmy joined The Organisation of ex Service Men and Women, (ONET) over 35 years ago, and with the late Peter Keenan was one of the main reasons the branch stayed in existence. There was a sizeable gathering of colleagues and friends in attendance when he was presented with his 25-year service medal at a function in the Vintage Club Connolly Barracks on Friday, January 23. Jimmy has described Longford then as being idyllic and wonderful. He said he is the fifth generation of the family who were in the tailoring business until he deviated and they lived in the one premises - 35 Main Street for '140 years'. He stated they were frequently in and out of each other's houses and it was like one big family with money moving locally within the community. Jimmy attended St Michaels Boys National School, which he described as being tough at the time with corporal punishment handed out on a regular basis and with just one outdoor toilet. There was free dinners available at the McGoey Hall (the Family Centre today) with staples such as bread and jam, cocoa and stew dished out frequently to the adolescents. Jimmy said they looked forward to the colour and atmosphere of fair days when they would also get the benefit of a day off school. He stated there would be noise and chatter from the abundance of farmers and the sounds of a variety of farm animals from about 6am in the morning with horses on Lower Main Street and cattle, sheep and pigs were on Ballymahon Street. Jimmy recalled that after mother nature intervened there was a big clean up operation required later on that afternoon and evening. PICTURES | A selection of Longford photographic memories from yesteryear He has stated he used to get sixpence or half a crown for cleaning down the front of buildings and premises. Jimmy met his wife Ann at a Joe Dolan Slashers fundraiser dance in a marquee on Market Square. The happy couple had two daughters and in later years they became proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Jimmy said when he recalls the Longford of his childhood there was significant poverty and conditions were atrocious, however, people were honest, decent and honourable and there were some fantastic characters. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi (left) and Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa (right) sign a ceasefire agreement on January 27. (@SarwanBarzani_on X) Despite a US-mediated ceasefire, clashes continued between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. On January 29, Syrian military drones carried out seven strikes targeting SDF positions in the countryside of the Al Qahtaniyah subdistrict of Al Hasakah Governorate. On January 27 and 28, the fighting involved rocket and artillery fire, as well as drone strikes, in the Jabal Abdel Aziz area and on the outskirts of the town of Tal Tamr in the western and northern countryside of Al Hasakah Governorate. The violence erupted days after Syrian government forces redeployed to the northeastern countryside of the province near the town of Al Jawadiyah. The SDF announced that Hussein Jawad Izz Eddin, one of its fighters known by the nom de guerre Hogir Derik, had been killed on January 21 in Hasakah Governorate in an apparent suicide attack. When the enemy vehicles reached decisive range, he did not hesitate. He rushed toward the armored vehicle and chose to become the final barrier, detonating himself and the explosives he was carrying, the SDF said in its statement. The Syrian government has separately accused the SDF of leaving booby-trapped vehicles in the streets of Aleppo and conducting two suicide attacks in which SDF fighters detonated themselves near Syrian government forces in the city. These claims have not been verified by the SDFs death announcements. Despite the continued fighting, both sides have sought to revive diplomatic momentum. On January 27, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Kurdish-led civil administration in northeast Syria, met with Syrian government officials in Damascus. According to reports, the discussions were positive, particularly on the proposed integration of the SDF into the Syrian military and the future governance of Kurdish-majority areas in northeastern Syria. These issues were outlined in an agreement signed on January 18, which provided for the integration of the SDF into the Syrian Army and the deployment of Syrian government forces into Kurdish-majority areas such as Qamishli and Kobani (Ayn al Arab). However, tensions on the ground continue to rise, especially as Syrian government forces continue to press into Kurdish-majority areas in scattered fighting. Damascus is rushing reinforcements toward frontlines bordering Kurdish-majority areas, while the SDF is entrenching itself to defend what remains of its territory. If the conflict in northeastern Syria escalates, three major threats may emerge. First, there is a growing risk that Islamic State prisoners held in northeast Syria could escape amid the chaos and violence, despite US Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing the transfer of up to 7,000 detainees from Syria to Iraq on January 21. Second, violence against Kurdish-majority areas may intensify, given the Syrian governments documented record of treating minority populations. Third, the conflict could widen regionally, with Kurdish fighters from Iraq and Turkey potentially moving in to reinforce SDF defensive lines. There are already indications that some regional Kurds have been involved in active combat in Syria. On January 27, Kurdish sources confirmed the death of a fighter from Iraqi Kurdistan who was killed during clashes in Al Hasakah. Ahmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant. Hezbollah prevented Lebanese authorities in Beirut from inspecting two suspicious vehicles allegedly carrying weapons until after the group diverted and emptied their contents, according to several Lebanese media reports. The incident reportedly occurred on January 23 in the Tayouneh neighborhood, a major traffic junction straddling the political-sectarian fault line between the Lebanese capitals Hezbollah-dominated southern Shiite suburbs and its predominantly Christian neighborhoods. These reports undermine recent claims by the Lebanese government that Hezbollahs disarmament is well underway. According to MTV Lebanon and Beirut Time, two Lebanese media outlets with an anti-Hezbollah orientation, a patrol belonging to the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Judicial Police Units Office for Combating International Theft Crimes became suspicious after observing two unmarked Toyota freight trucks with tinted windows parked for some time opposite the Lebanese Armed Forces barracks at Tayouneh Junction. The patrol, having obtained authorization from Lebanese authorities, approached the two vehicles, intending to detain and inspect them. Quoting unnamed security officials, Al Jadeed, a TV station sometimes sympathetic to Hezbollah, claimed the vehicles were two Toyota sedans, not trucks. At that point, several young meneither Hezbollah operatives or, per Al Jadeed, the groups supporters from the neighborhoods residentsconverged upon the patrol and attempted to assault them. The young men threatened the Lebanese officers and prevented them from detaining the two vehicles. After that, Hezbollah operatives reportedly forcibly extracted the two vehicles and removed them toward Hezbollahs de facto security zone in Dahiyehs Shiyyah neighborhood. The Hezbollah operatives also allegedly detained one of the patrols members, identified by MTV Lebanon only by his initials ZY, for 20 minutes. Subsequently, Hezbollah reportedly released the Lebanese officer from its custody. At that point, Lebanese security forces called for military reinforcements. This development, the reports claim, led Ali Ayyoub, a Hezbollah Security Committee member in Dahiyeh, to head to the Tayyouneh Police station and negotiate with Lebanese authorities. Various reports have previously described Ayyoub as an aide to Wafic Safa, the head of Hezbollahs Liaison and Coordination Unit. Ayyoubs negotiations reportedly concluded with a promise on behalf of Hezbollah to surrender the two trucks to the ISF. According to MTV Lebanon, the two trucks were handed over to Lebanese authorities only afterwardsmeaning, after they were changed, switched out, and emptied [of their cargo]. Al Jadeed reports claim this handover occurred almost two hours later. Beirut Time claims to have learned (without specifying from whom) that the two trucks were transporting weapons from Hezbollahs former arsenal in Syria and had recently entered Lebanon through one of the many unauthorized crossings on the Lebanon-Syria border. Relatedly, at 9:04 pm on January 21, several Israeli airstrikes targeted positions on the Lebanon-Syria border opposite Hermel in northeast Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) subsequently released a statement claiming to have targeted four border crossings that Hezbollah used to smuggle weapons. Al Jadeed claims that after the two vehicles were detained by Lebanese authorities, they were transferred to the Ali Shahrour Lot in Ouzai. Unnamed sources close to Hezbollah denied this version of events to Al Jadeed, alleging that the reports are entirely disconnected from what actually occurred. These sources additionally denied that the two vehicles belonged to Hezbollah at all, claiming that the two illegal vehicles were parked near Tayyouneh Junction, and words were exchanged between the vehicles owners and security forces after the latter tried to seize the vehiclesan incident which concluded with their seizure. Hezbollah and Lebanese authorities, including the ISF, have yet to release any official statements on the incident, either confirming or denying its occurrence or details. MTV Lebanon, reporting on January 26, said that Lebanese authorities had not detained any of those involved in the event, and Lebanons judicial system has neither questioned nor pursued any of the perpetrators. However, Al Jadeeds report, purporting to quote official Lebanese sources, claimed that the incident was now in the hands of the relevant [Lebanese] security agencies. David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. Before Chris Hoehs ski accident in February 2017 left him with a spinal cord injury and no feeling below his arms, he enjoyed helping his elderly Jamaica Plain neighbors shovel out their driveways. But Hoeh, 62 and a former elementary school teacher, now finds himself stranded inside for days at a time when storms happen, his wheelchair blocked by the snow-choked Boston sidewalks, buried handicap parking and curb cuts along plowed-in streets that sever him from the rest of the city. A snow day is not just a snow day, Hoeh said. It can mean days of being stuck inside, not having caregivers be able to get to you and basically being cut off from the rest of the community. The City of Boston had nearly two feet of snow dumped over its streets between Sunday and Monday. On Wednesday afternoon, officials announced Public Works Department crews would be out for large-scale snow removal beginning at 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday, with removal crews out for the next two nights. Officials said over 2,500 tons of snow was already moved to six snow farms across the city, with over 900 pieces of equipment deployed to treat and clear roads. Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, who oversees East Boston, Charlestown and the North End, thanked Public Works and the Streets Cabinet for working diligently to clear our streets and sidewalks in the aftermath of the storm. I want to acknowledge that there are concerns about certain streets that still need attention, crews are working tirelessly to address remaining issues and ensure every neighborhood is made safe and accessible, Coletta Zapata said. Councilor Ed Flynn, who oversees South Boston, the South End and Chinatown, urged residents to continue to be good neighbors by checking on nearby seniors and persons with disabilities, along with shoveling out hydrants and sewer catch basins. Residents and local businesses are responsible for shoveling sidewalks to ensure accessibility for all and our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families with strollers, he said. Both Coletta Zapata and Flynn also asked residents experiencing issues to submit snow removal requests through 311. MassLive requested comment from the city on how it supports people with disabilities in storms, but did not receive an immediate response. Yet, Hoeh, who uses a power wheelchair, said he hasnt been out of his home since Saturday due not only to the plows now-frozen leftovers, but to some neighbors practices. People often just shovel as wide as the shovel 18, maybe 24 inches but a wheelchair needs at least 36 inches and it cant be icy, Hoeh said. So youre looking at these narrow, frozen paths and thinking, There is literally nowhere I can go. In addition, van-accessible handicap parking spots are often left filled with snow piles for days following storms from plows and other residents digging out their own vehicles or streets, making them impossible to be used, Hoeh said. In the North End, where already-narrow sidewalks have become tighter, residents have admitted to media theyre putting the snow anywhere I can at this point. And while acknowledging how bad this past storm was and that its normal for anyone to be home-bound for a day or two, Hoeh who has lived in Jamaica Plain for about 35 years said snow in Boston routinely means narrowed sidewalks, buried curb cuts and handicap spots, cutting disabled residents off from the city whenever flakes fall. Snow piled in a curb cut in South Boston on Jan. 28, 2026. (Submitted Image) Katarina Torres, 26, lives in Jamaica Plain and is director of the Riders Transportation Access Group, a community advocacy group housed at the Boston Center for Independent Living that advises the MBTA on accessibility. Torres, who has a mobility disability, a traumatic brain injury and other non-visible disabilities, also said this past storm highlights long-standing practices by the city, transit agency and neighboring municipalities around bus stops, sidewalks and curb ramps, routinely harming people with disabilities. This is nothing new, and people were expecting this, Torres said, adding that conversations need to be had with all stakeholders, including municipal partners, on who is specifically responsible for snow clearing in these various areas. Many of the municipalities are actually not educated or are unaware of what their responsibilities are around snow removal for people with disabilities, Torres said. We may see an actual bus shelter shoveled out, but then the sidewalk and curb ramp leading up to the bus shelter is completely blocked, and no one can actually access the bus shelter. Additionally, Torres said buses may not be able to pull close enough up to designated spots or properly deploy ramps with the amount of snow, which means people could be left to get off ... where theyre at risk of being hit. Fellow Jamaica Plain resident, Carol Steinberg, 71, a wheelchair user for the past two decades following her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, had a similar perspective. She says issues with snow removal happen in every part of the city and its been this way forever. Its always an obstacle, said Steinberg, whos lived in Boston for 50 years. Snow plows tend to leave snow in curb cuts thats been a problem many, many times for me. Steinberg recalled how one recent past winter, her wheelchair got stuck in a snowy crosswalk curb cut as she tried to go to the movies with her daughter. A police officer had to come help dig her out, she said. Snow piled in handicap parking spots in South Boston on Jan. 28, 2026. (Submitted Image) Steinberg was supposed to visit her grandchildren in Roslindale on Wednesday but after her husband checked conditions in downtown Boston that morning, he told her it wasnt safe to go. Sidewalks hadnt properly been shoveled, he said, even near City Hall, and the curb cuts needed to get off sidewalks were inaccessible. Its all about freedom, because I really like to move around, said Steinberg, a practicing trial attorney, former and current disability rights advocate with committees like the Disability Law Center and Government Relations Committee for the MS Society. I would ordinarily be picking (my grandkids) up with my husband and we have fun, go to a cafe Im staying home because I dont know if Ill be able to get around," she said. What I always say about people in wheelchairs people act like we are a really small minority of people," Steinberg added. To me, we are everybody, because anybody could ski into a tree at any moment, develop a disease and were all getting older and a lot are going to have mobility problems. This whole issue is not for just a tiny minority of people, you know. It has to be attended to. The MBTA continued to struggle Thursday as frigid temperatures gripped the region on the back of a significant winter storm at the beginning of the week. The Red Line was running with reduced service due to lingering impacts of Sunday and Mondays snowstorm, the T said Thursday morning, warning that riders may experience longer wait times. The Orange Line faced delays of 15 to 20 minutes Thursday morning due to signal problems, the T said. The Blue Line experienced 10-minute delays for about three hours during the morning commute. It was running normally by 10 a.m. The Green Line was also running as scheduled. Thursdays challenges continued days of diminished service for the T, which faced anywhere from a foot to more than two feet of snow across its transit network to start the week. Since then, temperatures have remained stubbornly below freezing, preventing snow from melting and straining the systems infrastructure. The storm also wreaked havoc on the commuter rail, which has been plagued by canceled and delayed trains throughout the week. The Greenbush, Providence, Fairmount, Foxboro, Worcester, Haverhill, New Bedford, Stoughton and Newburyport/Rockport lines faced cancellations Thursday morning. Trains on other lines have seen delays as the system backed up. The T said Haverhill, Lowell and Fitchburg line riders should expect significant delays in both directions due to an ongoing equipment shortage. With cold weather expected to linger through the weekend, the T warned that more commuter rail delays could occur across its system. Boston is expected to reach only 22 degrees on Thursday and max out at 16 degrees on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Nearly all of Southern New England will be under a cold weather advisory from the weather service lasting from Thursday night through midday Friday. The agency warned of low temperatures around zero degrees and wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero. Meteorologists are also eyeing a potential noreaster that could arrive on Sunday. But they have stressed that the forecast remains uncertain. The T doesnt do well in really, really cold temperatures with lots and lots of snow, Brian Kane, executive director of the independent MBTA Advisory Board, told MassLive on Tuesday. The Red, Orange and Blue lines faced signal and switch problems throughout the week due to the weather. The Orange Line, which operates with all new cars, performed well in the winter weather, the MBTA said Tuesday. The T also said that delays had occurred along the Red Line as trains became disabled, likely due to the age of the cars. On Wednesday, the Red Line completed under a third of its scheduled trips for the day, according to data from TransitMatters, a public transit advocacy organization. These conditions are just really challenging for any infrastructure, but especially infrastructure as old as the Ts right now, Kane said Tuesday. New Red Line cars are under production at the Springfield factory of CRRC, a Chinese-owned company, and are expected to be completed by 2027. While the company delivered the last pair of new Orange Line cars to the T in December, completion of the Red Line fleet has been held up. As of December, CRRC had delivered about 60 of the 252 new Red Line cars. The Trump administration last year blocked the import of some materials headed to the plant over concerns that forced labor contributed to their production in China, which the company denies. The company said this month it would furlough 161 workers at the Springfield plant as the government continued to hold up the delivery of subway-car shells from China. A half-dozen bus routes were still operating on alternative routes Thursday due to the snow. The T also said its Hingham/Hull ferry was facing some canceled and delayed trips due to ice in the water. Just when you thought it was safe to try and eat healthy again, Girl Scout Cookie season is here. This year, theres more to worry about than succumbing to the siren song of Samoas or scratching that Thin Mints itch. Theyve got a new flavor called Exploremores and theyre pretty good. More than ever, deciding which boxes of cookies to get will be tough. Fortunately, Im here with a perfect, unassailable ranking of Girl Scout Cookie flavors that no one will ever disagree with. A collection of every Girl Scout Cookie flavor available in 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Every Girl Scout Cookie, ranked worst to best for 2026 The tricky thing about Girl Scout Cookies is that there are two bakeries, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Each Girl Scout council is supplied by one of the two, with Eastern Mass. typically getting ABC Bakers cookies and Central/Western Mass. getting Little Brownie Bakers cookies. Thats the reason why some councils sell Samoas (from Little Brownie Bakers) and others sell Caramel deLites (from ABC Bakers). Heres the full list of flavors available from each bakery. Little Brownie Bakers Adventurefuls Do-Si-Dos Exploremores Lemon-Ups Samoas Tagalongs Thin Mints Toffee-tastic (Gluten-free, exclusive to Little Brownie) Trefoils ABC Bakers Adventurefuls Caramel Chocolate Chip (Gluten-free, exclusive to ABC) Caramel deLites Exploremores Lemonades Peanut Butter Patties Peanut Butter Sandwich Thin Mints Trefoils NOTE: You can see which cookies are available in your area by entering your zip code on the Girl Scouts website. How do they rank? Overall, the cookies are largely the same between the two bakeries. But if you pay attention, youll notice small differences in flavor and texture. There are also a couple of flavors exclusive to each bakery. Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, a gluten-free Girl Scout Cookie exclusive to ABC Bakers. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 18) Caramel Chocolate Chip (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) In theory, these should be really good. But you really dont get any flavor from the caramel or chocolate. Instead, the oat flour they use to make it gluten-free overpowers everything. It tastes like an off-brand Nature Valley bar held together with molasses. Trefoils Girl Scout Cookies from ABC Bakers. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 17) Trefoils (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) Simple shortbread cookies can be good. But in this context, Trefoils fall behind the competition. They dont have a ton of flavor. Theyre the sort of cookies you eat simply because theyre in front of you and theyre cookies. Trefoils, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 16) Trefoils (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) The Little Brownie Trefoils are a minor upgrade. Theyre more buttery and a little darker in hue. Theyre also more brittle. A troubling number of the cookies I got in my shipment were broken in the box. Peanut Butter Patties Girl Scout Cookies from ABC Bakers (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 15) Peanut Butter Patties (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) What happened to these things? They used to be my No. 1 cookie. Now, you only get 15 cookies in a box. The cookies you do get are weirdly bland in terms of flavor. Youd think chocolate and peanut butter would pack more punch. Tagalongs, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 14) Tagalongs (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) Tagalongs have marginally more peanut butter flavor than Peanut Butter Patties. But its not by much. Its still a rather disappointing cookie. Peanut Butter Sandwich Girl Scout Cookies (from ABC Bakers) (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 13) Peanut Butter Sandwich (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) Finally, a cookie with actual peanut butter flavor. It pairs really well with the oatmeal-based cookie, creating a nice blend of textures. Do-Si-Dos, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 12) Do-Si-Dos (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) Do-Si-Dos are more crumbly than their ABC counterparts. Theres more of that oatmeal element, which brings out a more pronounced flavor. The good news is that you get a pleasant crumbling texture in each bite. The bad news is that some cookies arent making it out of the sleeve intact, leaving you with a sad pile of cookie dust. Lemonades Girl Scout Cookies from ABC Bakers. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 11) Lemonades (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) Of the two lemon-based Girl Scout Cookies, this one is much sweeter and leans more towards a vanilla flavor. Thats not a bad thing. Its a pleasant, simple, sweet cookie. Lemon-Ups, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 10) Lemon-Ups (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) With that said, I do like the Lemon-Ups better. That nice punch of lemon creates a more complex, satisfying flavor. But even with these, that lemon could be stronger. It also doesnt help that you only get 12 cookies. Adventurefuls Girl Scout Cookies (ABC Bakers version) (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 9) Adventurefuls (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) The flavor concept is good. But the textures are a bit odd. These should be like Samoas without the coconut. Instead, you get a crumbly chocolate cookie with a crunchy caramel layer thats like a weird toffee. Theres an off aftertaste. If they can do awesome caramel on a Samoa, why not here? Adventurefuls, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 8) Adventurefuls (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) Youd think that youd be getting the exact same cookie from each bakery. But no, these Adventurefuls have a more consistent texture throughout. Whatever the difference is, it removes that funky taste I got in the other version. Exploremores, the new Girl Scout Cookie flavor for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 7) Exploremores (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) These are the newest additions to the Girl Scout Cookie lineup. Theyre Oreo adjacent and inspired by Rocky Road ice cream. I didnt really get that from these cookies. They mostly taste like chocolate all the way through. Exploremores, the newest addition to the Girl Scout Cookies lineup (ABC Bakers version) (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 6) Exploremores (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) OK, these actually taste like Rocky Road ice cream. The creme in the middle is thicker and gives you more of the almond and marshmallow flavor. Its almost like getting a Double Stuf Oreo vs. a classic Oreo. In this case, going Double Stuf is a major improvement. Caramel deLites Girl Scout Cookies (from ABC Bakers) (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 5) Caramel deLites (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) Generally, the gap between each cookie and its counterpart at the other bakery is pretty small. This is the exception. Caramel deLites are a noticeable step down from Samoas. You just dont get as much chocolate and caramel flavor. These also lack the same chewy texture. Toffee-tastic, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 4) Toffee-tastic (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) I love these cookies. Theyre short and crumbly like Trefoils. But in this case, thats a really nice feature, because crunchiness meshes so darn well with the caramel chewiness. You cant really tell that theyre gluten-free. Its just a great cookie overall. Samoas, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 3) Samoas (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) While many of the other cookies feel like theyre getting cheaper, the Samoa is unmatched in maintaining quality, even with its complexity. That mixture of chocolate, caramel and coconut remains an absolute classic. But what really elevates it is the gooey texture from the caramel. Thin Mints, one of the Girl Scout Cookie flavors for 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 2) Thin Mints (Little Brownie Bakers | Central/Western Mass.) These Thin Mints are basically the same as the ones in the top spot. You get a brilliant chocolate-mint flavor that creates that magical cooling sensation in your mouth. The flaky texture is light and satisfying. Its why you can eat a dozen of them before you even realize what happened. However, the flavor just isnt as good as the counterparts from the other bakery. Thin Mints Girl Scout Cookies (ABC Bakers version) (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) 1) Thin Mints (ABC Bakers | Eastern Mass.) Thin Mints are more than a flavor. Theyre an elemental force of cool mint and chocolate. They defy logic and science. Clearly, the Girl Scouts are employing some sort of dark sorcery to make these cookies so light and flavorful. Then theres that cooling sensation, a chilling balm of mint that coats your palate after each bite. The closer here is the number of cookies you get. You get 15 cookies in a box of Samoas. In a box of Thin Mints, you get two columns that stretch to the horizon and will last you long after the other cookies have been depleted. The full lineup over every Girl Scout Cookie flavor from both Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers in 2026. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Wait, so which bakery am I getting my cookies from? It depends on where you live. Massachusetts is split in terms of what kind of cookies youll get. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts uses ABC Bakers. The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts uses Little Brownie Bakers. Essentially, if you live east of Worcester County, youll probably be getting cookies from ABC Bakers. Everyone from Worcester County onward will probably have Little Brownie Bakers. Little Brownie Bakers typically have unique names like Samoas, Tagalongs and Do-Si-Dos. They also put most of their flavors in cardboard boxes (except Lemon-Ups). Meanwhile, ABC Bakers has more generic names like Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Sandwich and Peanut Butter Patties. They also have a lot more flavors in the crinkly plastic packages. The best way to find out is by entering your zip code on the Girl Scouts website. --- Want more I Ate It food coverage? You can follow Nick on Instagram (@NickAteIt) and TikTok (also @NickAteIt) I ate it so you dont have to is a regular food column about off-beat eats, both good and bad. I picked the name years ago and now were sort of stuck with it. You can send any praise/food suggestions to nomalley@masslive.com. Please send all criticisms and complaints about the two-bakery system to tlavery@masslive.com. You can check out the rest of the series here. Tufts University warned its community of reports of federal immigration enforcement activity near its campus in Medford and Somerville, according to a Tuesday email from its chief of police. We are actively monitoring the situation in coordination with our municipal partners in Medford and Somerville, Chief Yolanda Smith said. Smith didnt describe the reports of immigration activity and a Tufts spokesperson declined to elaborate further. The warning comes after Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish Tufts doctoral student, was detained by immigration agents this spring, which sparked a public outcry. Ozturk was held for more than six weeks by federal authorities after her arrest by masked agents near the Somerville-Medford campus in March 2025. Her arrest was evidently in retaliation for an opinion article she co-authored in a Tufts student newspaper in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The university asked its community to call the university police department immediately if they encounter any federal immigration officials, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tufts has a welldefined process for responding to government officials who arrive on campus without prior notice," Smith said. The university provided several tips to its community, such as avoiding holding doors open for people they dont know, carrying their Tufts ID card, trusting their instincts and reporting any suspicious activity. Tufts is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment where teaching, learning and research can thrive. Tufts Public Safety remains alert and engaged across all campuses, following robust protocols designed to safeguard our community, Smith said. The Massachusetts native turned big-time Hollywood actor is planning major changes for his burger restaurant chain. Wahlburgers is pivoting toward non-traditional venues to fuel a 2026 expansion after shuttering more than 70% of its locations last year. Following a major downsizing in 2025 where the chain closed 79 locations inside Hy-Vee grocery stores, the brand is targeting high-traffic retail hubs, airports, and mobile trailers to regain its footing. The strategy includes expanding an off-premise trailer program that launched in late 2025 through a partnership with Adaptiv Provisions. Mobile units are currently operating outside Home Depot stores in Rockledge, Stuart, and Vero Beach, Florida. The company plans to deploy additional food trucks throughout the year to serve a limited menu featuring the brands popular items like the Our Burger, Smashburger, BBQ Road Burger, and Crispy Chicken Ranch, alongside house-made shakes and breakfast offerings. This will be an exciting year of growth for Wahlburgers as we continue to deliver strong year-over-year performance, said Randy Sharpe, CEO of Wahlburgers, in a recent press release. From expanding into new markets to diversifying our offerings through new experiences and touchpoints, Wahlburgers is the brand to watch. The expansion also targets major transportation hubs. A new location is scheduled to open at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in February 2026. This facility will mark the fourth airport outpost for the chain, joining existing sites at Boston Logan International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Additionally, Wahlburgers has partnered with Bass Pro Shops to open new restaurants in Irvine, California, and Sayreville, New Jersey, this year. These moves represent a significant shift for the chain, which was reduced to approximately 34 locations following the decision by Hy-Vee grocery stores to end their partnership. Founded in 2011 by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Donnie and Paul Wahlberg, the brand gained national attention through an A&E reality series that tracked its early growth. Despite the initial surge, the chain has struggled in recent years. In Michigan, locations in downtown Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Royal Oak, and Taylor have all closed since 2020. Sharpe remains optimistic that the 2026 rollout will provide long-term stability. Were excited about the momentum were building nationwide and are committed to growing Wahlburgers in a thoughtful, strategic way, Sharpe said. Whether were entering new markets, expanding our airport presence, or exploring innovative formats with trusted partners, our goal is to meet guests wherever they are while staying true to what Wahlburgers stands for: great food, great service, and great value. Lee la historia en espanol en El Planeta. An increase in ICE detentions at state courthouses has raised concerns across Massachusetts, with approximately 20% of the arrests occurring in Boston-area courts. In 2025, there were at least 614 detentions at state courthouses statewide, according to Massachusetts Trial Court data cited by GBH News. The arrests included more than 30 in Chelsea, over 20 in East Boston and more than 15 at Bostons Edward W. Brooke Courthouse. In response to the courthouse arrests, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) introduced the PROTECT Act on Wednesday. The bill is designed to protect immigrant communities, ensure safe access to the courts and maintain trust in local law enforcement. According to immigration attorneys and advocates, federal agents often wait for people to leave hearings many of them for civil matters such as housing cases or to be released on personal recognizance and then arrest them outside courthouse buildings. Federal agents often make these arrests without warrants signed by a judge, reigniting debate over safe access to the courts. Under court regulations, agents may access courthouse holding areas to take someone into custody, but court staff are not authorized to assist or interfere with ICE operations. The PROTECT ACT would precent civil detentions in courthouses. When drafting this proposal, we made sure it would be guided by the voices and experiences of immigrant families and that it would have strong legal grounding, making full use of the powers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, state Rep. Andres Vargas, chair of the caucus, said. Several lawmakers who attended the press conference told El Planeta that the next step is to have the bill debated and voted on in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary or in another committee. Members of the caucus who were interviewed emphasized the importance of turning the proposal into law as soon as possible. A step to stop ICE arrests at courthouses Caucus members said public safety must be separated from civil immigration enforcement so local agencies can focus on preventing and solving crimes. Thats what the PROTECT Act does. It sets a clear rule: civil immigration arrests should not take place in or around Massachusetts courthouses, or while someone is traveling to or from them, unless there is a judicial warrant, state Rep. Judith Garcia, D-11th Suffolk. The proposal also requires quarterly public reports on immigration enforcement actions in courthouses, without including names or personal data, so communities, judges and lawmakers can better understand what is happening. This law allows judges, officers, and staff to do their jobs, and victims, witnesses and families to go to court without fear, Garcia added. New limits reduce cooperation with ICE In Massachusetts, some immigrants are arrested or charged with minor offenses, and state and local police automatically send their fingerprints to the FBI, which then shares them with ICE. This allows the federal agency to immediately know who has been detained. The proposal seeks to curb this type of local police involvement by banning civil 287(g) agreements, which previously allowed some local forces to collaborate with ICE even in minor cases. Under the proposed bill, only agreements focused on serious crimes would be permitted, subject to strict state oversight. We want all of this to be legally enforceable, which is why we give the Attorney General broad authority to enforce what is laid out in this bill, Vargas, D-3rd Essex, said. Under the new system, local agreements would require approval from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), after public notice, comment periods, consultation with the Attorney General, publication of a legal analysis and regular reporting. Currently, the only 287(g) agreement in the state is held by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are now more than 1,000 such agreements nationwide. Guaranteeing due process for families Recent reports highlight cases in which parents disappear without warning, leaving their children in legal and emotional limbo. In New Bedford, U.S. citizen children have lost immediate contact with their parents after they were detained. There are families living with the daily uncertainty of not knowing where their loved ones are. They should be able to locate them quickly and ensure due process in the facilities where they are being held, Vargas said. The PROTECT Act aims to address these situations by increasing transparency and establishing clear rights for detainees upon entering detention facilities, ensuring access to interpreters, confidential and rapid legal communication and a secure system for families to locate their loved ones. It would also help ensure compliance with required EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) appointments, preventing people from disappearing within the system. This law is not just a set of rules. It protects families and allows the system to function transparently, without fear of preventing people from going to court or staying in contact with their loved ones, Vargas added. During the press conference, Gladys Vega, executive director of La Colaborativa, emphasized the importance of protecting immigrant communities and noted that Massachusetts has historically been a state shaped by immigrants. We recognize the contributions of our communities and believe that with this bill, we will be able to better protect our families, Vega said. A man was arraigned Wednesday in connection with the 2009 disappearance of his ex-girlfriend in Worcester. Albert Carabba, 64, was indicted on one count of murder on Sept. 23, 2025. Authorities apprehended Carabba, who lives in Mississippi, and returned him to Worcester to be arraigned, according to the Telegram & Gazette. In 2009, 36-year-old Patricia Santos went missing from her apartment on Fruit Street in Worcester and was never seen again. Carabba, who had previously dated Santos, was a person of interest in the initial investigation, according to the Telegram & Gazette. At one point Carabba led police on a high-speed chase in an effort to avoid questioning after being spotted driving Santos car. Carabba crashed, and when police searched the car they found a newly purchased shovel, according to the outlet. Police took Carabba into custody during the investigation but eventually released him. The Worcester Police Department continued investigating the case, according to authorities, and was finally able to make an arrest in September. As this unresolved homicide finally moves forward, we are confident that the facts provided will resolve any questions surrounding Patricias disappearance and deliver much deserved closure to her family, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said in a statement. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is suing nine towns for failing to follow a 2021 law intended to increase the housing supply near public transit. Campbells office filed the lawsuit Thursday against the towns of Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Winthrop, some of the last remaining municipalities that have not followed the MBTA Communities Act. The attorney general told reporters Thursday afternoon that the law was a key part of addressing Massachusetts housing affordability crisis. Stable housing is not a luxury. Its an essential need, she said. Housing goes beyond where we live. It allows one to build generational wealth. It ensures families can remain rooted in their community. It allows businesses to grow and create more jobs and sustains the future of our incredible state. The MBTA Communities Act, passed in 2021, requires cities and towns served by the MBTA to have at least one zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed by right. Its goal is to make it easier for developers to create new housing, relieving pressure on the expensive local housing market. As of Thursday, 12 communities the nine named in the lawsuit along with Freetown, Carver and Rehoboth were still considered noncompliant by the state. Campbell said Thursday that she did not include the other three towns in the suit because unlike the nine defendants, which had a deadline of July 14, 2025 to pass compliant zoning, their final deadline was Dec. 31, 2025, and she wanted to give them more time. She noted that Freetown was supposed to hold a Town Meeting to vote on zoning on Jan. 26, but it was delayed to Feb. 2 due to the recent snowstorm. All nine towns named in the suit have voted at least once on zoning proposals meant to satisfy the laws requirements, but have been unsuccessful in passing them. In Marblehead, zoning actually passed Town Meeting in May 2025, but was overturned two months later by a referendum ballot vote. Cities and towns that do not follow the MBTA Communities Act are also ineligible for many state grants and funding opportunities. Campbell previously sued the town of Milton in early 2024 after voters there overturned its new zoning districts in a town-wide referendum. In January 2025, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the law was mandatory for the 177 communities that fall under its purview and that the attorney generals office had the authority to enforce it. Milton has since passed new zoning districts and been deemed compliant by the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. When local communities refuse to allow new housing, housing prices everywhere across the commonwealth increase. They thwart a familys ability to access all the benefits that stable housing provides, Campbell said. She emphasized that her office still wants to work with towns to come into compliance, and said that if any of the defendants do so, Our lawsuit goes away. The complaint, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, asks the court to declare the towns noncompliant, affirm that they must amend their zoning and award injunctive relief reasonably tailored to achieve each Towns compliance. It was not immediately clear what that relief could look like. When asked for more details, Campbell would say only that the goal of the suit was to force the towns to recognize their responsibilities under the law. The lawsuit is essentially the hammer, she said. We know its a tool that works, and we have to make it crystal clear to these communities ... its not an option. Earlier this week, a report by Boston Indicators found that nearly 7,000 new homes have been built or planned in MBTA Communities zoning districts around the region. The researchers wrote that that made the legislation one of the most effective for housing production in decades, but it was still far from enough to meet the significant demand for housing in Massachusetts. A Massachusetts State Police trooper from Plymouth is being held without bail after his arrest on domestic violence charges in connection with an incident in which police say he trapped a woman in her apartment, threw her to the ground and approached her while carrying six knives. The trooper, Joseph Ward, 25, faces two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count each of kidnapping, aggravated intimidation of a witness and assault and battery on a family/household member. In a statement, Wards attorney Greg Henning said there was no corroboration or even an attempt to verify her claims before police put him (Ward) in handcuffs. Joe absolutely denies the allegations, Henning said. If our investigation reveals that the accuser lied to law enforcement, we hope the District Attorneys Office will reconsider its position. Ward was relieved of duty by Massachusetts State Police following his arrest, a spokesperson for the agency said. The Massachusetts State Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of domestic violence, the spokesperson said, adding the agency was cooperating with the investigation. The incident that led to charges against Ward took place on Jan. 10. The woman he is accused of assaulting didnt report the incident until weeks later, on Jan. 28. The woman arrived at the Plymouth police station early in the morning of Jan. 28. While officers typically wear body cameras, the woman said she didnt want her interview to be recorded. During the interview, the woman was visibly distraught with tears in her eyes and often had to pause to find her words, Sgt. Brendan Rix wrote in a police report filed in court to support the charges against Ward. Around 5 p.m. on Jan. 10, the woman said, Ward confronted her in the apartment they shared, telling her he wanted to have a serious conversation because he had noticed a change in her behavior. The woman told police she tried to avoid the conversation with Ward, waiting for the right time to tell him she intended to end the relationship. Ward was insistent and demanded she call out of work, according to the report. As the night progressed, Ward began acting erratically and the woman tried to leave the apartment. But Ward physically blocked the doorway, sitting and standing in front of it with the woman pleading with him to let her leave for more than an hour, according to the report. The woman texted a friend, which caught Wards attention and sent him down a constant loop of questioning and not making sense in a manic state, according to the report. Ward began to throw furniture around the apartment as he asked the woman who she was texting. Ward then grabbed (the woman), forcibly gripping her by both her arms, picking her up off the ground, shoving backwards, on to the couch, and on to the floor, according to the report. He then went to the kitchen and grabbed six knives from the magnetic strip they were mounted on and began to walk towards the woman, Rix wrote. The woman said she was so overcome with fear causing her legs to give out as she was afraid he was finally going to kill her, according to the report. During this time, she had lost sight and blacked out unable to see due to the overwhelming fear she was placed in. While she was still on the ground, the woman saw Ward make his way to his gun safe, where he retrieved a pistol, loaded it and holstered it to his waistline while continuing to scream that the woman was not leaving, according to the report. The woman said there was no reasoning with him, getting through to him, as he was completely manic in one of his episodes, Rix wrote. At some point, the woman managed to get out of the apartment, but Ward chased her down in the hallway, tackled her, and dragged her back to the apartment by the legs, closing and locking the apartment when they returned, according to the report. Ward blamed the woman for the confrontation, then asked that they leave the apartment because he feared police would be called, Rix wrote. The woman complied, fearing for her life and the couple got in her car and began driving away from the apartment complex. During the drive, the person the woman had texted earlier in the night pulled up behind them, leading the woman to pull over. She and the other person were able to talk Ward down, and she left with the other person, who drove her to her parents house. The next day, the woman moved out of the apartment. She told police she waited to report the incident because she didnt want Ward to get in trouble or lose his job, according to the report. Ward was taken into custody at the State Police Middleboro Barracks on Jan. 28 and brought to the Plymouth Police station to be booked. A Plymouth District Court judge ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Feb. 2, court records show. Police have arrested a Tyngsborough spa manager in connection with running a brothel following a months-long investigation, Tyngsborough police announced Wednesday. Lancaster resident Chun Xiang Cao, 60, has been charged with keeping a house of prostitution, maintaining a house of prostitution and sexual conduct for a fee, Tyngsborough police said in a press release. She is the manager of Healthy Wellness Spa on Middlesex Road in Tyngsborough. Tyngsborough police began investigating Cao in May 2025 after Somerset police contacted them about an investigation into a pair of businesses operating in Somerset and Tyngsborough, police said. Over the next few months, Tyngsborough police and Massachusetts State Police troopers surveilled Healthy Wellness Spa. Detectives eventually executed a search warrant at the spa, seizing evidence such as a ledger with client information, police said. They then obtained a warrant for Caos arrest. Cao was arraigned in Lowell District Court and released on personal recognizance bail, police said. She is due back in court on March 11. Tyngsborough police ask that anyone with information regarding the investigation into Healthy Wellness Spa or Cao call the department at 978-649-7504. Gov. Maura Healey is seeking to stop federal immigration enforcement agents from making arrests in courthouses, schools, hospitals, houses of worship and state buildings with new legislation filed Thursday. The new protections would also stop any other state from deploying its National Guard in Massachusetts without permission and allow parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported. At the same time, Healey signed an executive order prohibiting the state from entering into any cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and stopping ICE from making civil immigration arrests in non-public areas of state facilities. In Massachusetts and across the country, we continue to see unlawful and unconstitutional actions by ICE that are meant to intimidate and instill fear in our communities, including against United States citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights, Healey said in a statement. This puts people at risk and in harms way, and I find it necessary in the interest of public safety to take this action today. On Thursday morning, before the governors announcement, immigration advocates took to the State House to demand action from the Legislature to limit ICE activity in Massachusetts. Jillian Phillips, Worcester hub lead at LUCE Immigrant Justice Network, said federal agents had already wreaked havoc in communities around the state, and even those who had not yet been affected were largely living in fear. Families leave home each morning not knowing if they will return at night, if they will see their children again or if today is the day everything is taken from them, Phillips said. This toxic stress of living in constant fear is driving serious mental health concerns for adults and children alike. Parents worry theyll be taken and never see their families again. Children are afraid to go to school, terrified to come home to an empty house. This is not theoretical harm. This is happening every single day in communities across the commonwealth. Advocates say the threat of arrest at courthouses has led immigrants to avoid reporting crimes or showing up to testify in court hearings. Hundreds of people were arrested by ICE in courthouses across Massachusetts last year, MassLive previously reported. Courthouses must be safe spaces for justice. When people are afraid to show up, the system fails, Boston Bar Association President Suma Nair said. The governors proposed courthouse protections are more urgent now than ever in the face of federal agents disregard of due process, accountability, constitutional limits, and longstanding norms that kept and should continue to keep Massachusetts courts, schools, hospitals, and places of worship off limits to immigration enforcement. Agents have also been seen waiting outside school buildings, deterring parents from sending their children to school. In Chelsea, a community with a high immigrant population, Chelsea Teachers Union President Kathryn Anderson said that district enrollment was down by more than 350 students this year, or about 5% of the entire student population. Thats an even greater drop than any year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chelsea Teachers Union President Kathryn Anderson speaks to immigration advocates outside the Massachusetts State House before going inside to demand the Legislature address ICE activity in the state. Trea Lavery/MassLive She said social workers in the district have begun forming support groups for students whose parents or family members have been detained and deported. ICE detained students after a school incident that involved the police last year, she said. And agents have been spotted outside elementary schools and the high school. We cannot wait for another empty desk or for tear gassing outside our schools before we take action, Anderson said. Healeys bill would ban civil immigration arrests without a judicial warrant inside courthouses, schools and child care programs, hospitals and medical facilities, churches and other religious houses of worship. ICE will not be able to use state property for staging of enforcement activity under the new executive order. The executive order also bans the state from entering into what are known as 287(g) agreements, through which local law enforcement agencies share information with ICE. Currently, the only 287(g) agreement in Massachusetts is with the Department of Corrections. The order comes a day after the Legislatures Black and Latino Caucus filed a bill that would ban the agreements entirely. You may have heard talk of a bomb cyclone snowstorm that could impact Massachusetts this weekend. But do you need to worry? Heres a breakdown of what that term means and what forecasters are saying about the chances of one dumping snow on the state in the coming days. What is a bomb cyclone? A bomb cyclone is a storm that undergoes bombogenesis, meaning it rapidly intensifies within a 24-hour period, according to the National Weather Service. The strengthening of the storm is represented by a drop in millibars a measurement of pressure used in meteorology. The level of intensification required to classify as bombogenesis varies by latitude, according to the weather service. At 60 degrees latitude north, which cuts through Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, Canada and Scotland, the bar to clear is 24 millibars of pressure. At the latitude of New York City approximately 41 degrees north the required pressure drop is about 17.8 millibars. Bombogenesis often occurs when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, according to the weather service. In the case of the bomb cyclone that might travel to Massachusetts this weekend, a cold air mass from Canada is meeting with warm ocean air off the coast of the southeastern U.S. The resulting storm brings high-speed winds and heavy precipitation, according to the weather service. This means they often cause substantial damage when they travel near or on land. Is a bomb cyclone coming to Mass.? While there is a growing potential for accumulating snow and gusty winds on Cape Cod, the Islands and further west into South Shore and the I-95 corridor, as of Thursday afternoon, weather models suggest the rest of Massachusetts likely wont be significantly impacted by this weekends bomb cyclone, according to National Weather Service Boston. The weather service has issued a winter storm watch for the Cape and Islands that is set to go into effect late Saturday night and last through late Sunday night. During this time, communities in these areas could get 6 inches of snow or more and wind gusts up to 55 mph. The snowstorm is expected to reach the state sometime on Sunday and last through the evening, so there is still a chance the storm could change its track, according to the weather service. If this were to happen, the bomb cyclone could wreak havoc on more of the state. Massachusetts is going to catch the western edge of this storm, but the path it takes will determine the strength and reach of the impacts, WCVB Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon predicted Thursday morning. A jog of 50 miles to the west or east, for example, could significantly change what we experience on Sunday. Adam Frederick, an amateur meteorologist of over 20 years who is known for his New England Weather Guy social media page, said in a Thursday morning Facebook post that he is around 70% certain that the storm will stay a ways away from the coast and cause only moderate coastal impacts. Forecasters will become more certain of the storms impacts or lack thereof as Sunday approaches. Small changes in conditions close to a weather event can lead to vastly different outcomes, forecasters say. The further into the future forecasting models predict, the more variance there is between each individual models prediction, according to forecasters. As you get closer to a weather event, the models begin to converge on a single prediction. Forecasters say that, once a storm system is 24 to 48 hours away from reaching a location, they can feel confident in their predictions of which communities will be most impacted. But theres always a chance conditions could change and cause vastly different weather impacts than were predicted even when a storm is just a few hours away. SPRINGFIELD Community Bank will celebrate the grand opening Thursday of its second area branch, this one at 1387 Boston Road. The location was the site of a former Boston Market restaurant. The branch will be home to a community development manager and four tellers and will join Community Banks only other area branch in Springfields Tower Square. A 5 p.m. Thursday ribbon-cutting will feature remarks from Community Bank New England Region President Matt Plasse. Community Bank, based in Syracuse, New York, opened 13 branches in 2025 and has 200 locations in five states: upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. The new branches are part of a continuing growth strategy, said spokeswoman Stephanie Salanger Research shows that people, even those who use online or mobile banking, like to have a physical office nearby, especially to discuss bigger-ticket items like mortgages and retirement savings strategies. There is still very much a need for that relationship, she said. Community Bank arrived in Springfield in 2017 following two separate takeovers that resulted in Nuvo Bank & Trust Co. being owned by Community Bank. EAST LONGMEADOW Over more than a decade, Sgt. Michael Ingalls of the East Longmeadow Police Department collected $35,000 in bonus pay he was not entitled to. Thats according to an 2024 investigative report the town commissioned and that The Republican recently obtained through a public records request. The report, by Boston-based Discrimination and Harassment Solutions, found that Ingalls received a bonus for officers with certain college degrees, a pay incentive for which Ingalls did not qualify. He was suspended for 30 days without pay and required to make a $7,000 restitution payment to the town. Ingalls and Police Chief Mark Williams said they were unable to comment and deferred questions to the Town Managers Office. We took the complaint seriously, hired an investigator, went through that investigation, added up all the findings and evidence and doled out our punishment and moved forward, said Tom Christensen, the East Longmeadow town manager. Christensen said he is not concerned with Ingalls leadership. The restitution amount was decided between the town and its legal team, and Christensen said he could not comment on the conversation with the attorney. The issue came to light when someone whose name is redacted in reports filed a complaint in 2024 about the issue with the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Per the police unions contract, officers are paid an annual bonus if they have degrees in criminal justice. The extra pay ranges from an additional 5% for an associate degree to 12.5% for a masters degree. Ingalls was receiving extra pay for an associate degree in criminal justice, but he had not completed the degree. After Williams took over as chief in 2021, he assumed that the information in the departments systems about who qualified for the extra pay was correct and had been confirmed by previous department leaders, the investigation says. Then in spring 2022, Williams was told that some officers could be mistakenly receiving education incentive pay, but it took him more than a year to act on the tip, the investigator found. Williams told the investigator that looking into the complaint was on his to-do list. He admits that he should have investigated the matter sooner, the report says. In summer 2023, Williams requested an audit, and officers had to confirm their degree information via email. Ingalls did not respond and required additional prompting. Ingalls told the investigator he did not know he was getting extra pay and said he was in shock when he was told, the report says. The investigator did not buy that. This is difficult to believe, as the benefit was paid in a lump sum during the final pay period of January for ten consecutive years, the report says. According to Sgt. Ingalls, he never noticed that his last paycheck in January contained an extra amount of approximately $3,000. Ingalls resume listed Springfield Technical Community College, but didnt explicitly say whether or not he earned a degree. His resume is therefore ambiguous, the report concluded. A fair reading suggests this was done so intentionally. The person who complained to the POST Commission also took issue with Ingalls promotion over another candidate, but the report did not investigate that issue, as it had already been appealed, it said. When the complaint was made, Ingalls was a sergeant, a title he still holds, according to Williams. Williams was also ordered to complete a five-day suspension for failing to investigate the education bonus pay issue, though the investigator empathized with him in her report that the problem predated him. In March 1936, the Connecticut River rose faster than anyone in Western Massachusetts had seen in living memory. From Northampton to Hadley, barns and bridges disappeared beneath a tide of ice and mud. Reports from that time described Northampton as briefly isolated, while floodwaters submerged highways, and hundreds of residents with fears of power failure looming fled low-lying neighborhoods with few belongings as National Guard units assisted with evacuations. A vintage pumper, formerly used by the Northampton Fire Department, is pressed into service to pump floodwater from homes in Hadley during the March 1936 Connecticut River flood. Improvised measures like this were common as communities responded to widespread inundation. (The Republican, File) The Republican, File The flood was a regional disaster, but it was also a turning point. Congress responded that same year with the Flood Control Act, ushering in an era of federal engineering that reshaped the Pioneer Valley with levees, pump stations and floodwalls designed to keep water in its place. Within days of the flood, public damage estimates in Hampshire County alone exceeded $2 million (about $46 million in todays dollars), with officials warning that losses in communities such as Hadley and Northampton were still rising as waters slowly receded. Floodwaters surround the former Hadley Fire Department during the March 1936 Connecticut River flood. The disaster prompted the construction of federal flood control systems that still shape the valley today. (Courtesy of the University of Massachusetts Amherst) Courtesy of the University of Massachusetts Amherst As the 90th anniversary of that flood approaches this March, those Depression-era systems remain the backbone of flood protection in the valley. They also are showing their age. Recent state and local assessments have found that key portions of Northamptons flood protection system still rely on mechanical components dating to the original 1930s installation. During the July 2023 rainstorms, record rainfall pushed the system close to failure, forcing emergency crews to manually restart equipment and manage water levels to protect low-lying neighborhoods and the downtown business district. James Wells wades through deep floodwaters to reach property he shares along the river on Aqua Vitae Road in Hadley in an effort to secure a picnic table from floating away, in June 2023. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File) Hadley faces a different but equally consequential set of risks. Its flood protection system, strengthened in the wake of the 1927 flood, was built to protect the town center and surrounding farmland from Connecticut River inundation. Today, geotechnical reviews have identified stability and seepage concerns along multiple sections. During repair work in 2009, a portion of the levee collapsed, turning what began as a roughly $300,000 project into a $1.3 million emergency. The episode underscored how quickly costs can escalate when aging flood infrastructure fails. These vulnerabilities are not simply local problems. They reflect a broader challenge now confronting communities across Massachusetts: how to maintain 20th-century flood control systems under 21st-century climate conditions. The states 2023 ResilientMass Plan identifies inland flooding and critical infrastructure as among the commonwealths highest climate risks, noting that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and more intense. Infrastructure designed for a 100-year flood is now being tested far more often than its designers anticipated. In Northampton, that pressure is concentrated at a single point of failure: the flood control pump station complex that protects large portions of the city. Near-term rehabilitation work has focused on improving electrical reliability and backup power, but the core pumping machinery remains antiquated. Longer-term plans envision a comprehensive modernization tied to the citys hazard mitigation and wastewater management planning, a long-term plan with costs far beyond what the municipality can absorb on its own. Hadleys exposure is shaped by governance as much as engineering. A significant portion of the towns flood protection line is not a purpose-built levee but a former railroad embankment that now carries the Norwottuck Rail Trail. That segment is owned by the state, not the town, leaving questions about maintenance authority and flood-fighting responsibilities during high-water events. Culverts and low points along the berm allow water to pass through during floods, creating additional vulnerabilities behind what appears on maps to be a continuous line of protection. These local realities help explain why flood resilience has reemerged as a legislative priority. The proposed Mass Ready Act seeks to expand state tools for addressing climate-driven hazards, including capital funding for inland flood control projects. Statewide planning frameworks such as the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan provide the risk rationale, while municipal hazard mitigation plans translate those concerns into site-specific needs. What remains unresolved is how to bridge the persistent gap between planning and construction, particularly for high-cost infrastructure that protects entire communities. There is a historical irony in that dilemma. Before federal levees and pumps, residents of the Connecticut River Valley accepted flooding as an unavoidable part of life. Eighteenth-century farmers dredged shared ditches and understood that seasonal floods replenished the meadows. The 1936 flood replaced that accommodation with engineered control. Ninety years later, the region is being forced to reconsider how much control is realistic and sustainable. From the summit of Mount Holyoke, the broad curve of the river still tells that story. The Connecticut River has outlasted every structure built to confine it. As Northampton and Hadley confront the legacy of 1936, the lesson might be less about rebuilding walls than about designing systems and policies flexible enough to live with water in a changing climate. Joshua Shanley is a retired firefighter-paramedic who spent 25 years with the Fire Departments of Amherst and Northampton. He writes about Massachusetts fires, floods, and Cold War history. A clip from The Republican in 1936. (The Republican, File) The Republican, File BELCHERTOWN Kivlighan de Montebello, the University of Massachusetts Amherst student who filed a lawsuit this week against the university claiming it suspended him for protesting in support of Palestine, was previously arrested on three separate occasions after similar protests, according to court filings. De Montebello, a junior at UMass Amherst, was arrested once in 2023 and twice in 2024 for protesting and vandalism related to Gaza, documents in Eastern Hampshire District Court show. On Oct. 25, 2023, de Montebello was one of 57 students arrested and charged with trespassing after a sit-in rally at the Whitmore Administration Building. The rally took place in response to Israels war on Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The criminal charges were later dropped to a civil infraction, court documents show. Later, de Montebello was one of the 130 students arrested at UMass Amherst on May 7, 2024, for rioting, failure to disperse and disorderly conduct, court documents show. These charges were dropped five months later, the court docket shows. During the May 7 protest, police were called on students, faculty and staff who set up a pro-Palestinian encampment at the university hours before. At the time, university Chancellor Javier Reyes claimed the administration tried to find a resolution with protest representatives, and the arrests were not the outcome we had hoped for. Reyes decisions that day led to multiple votes of no-confidence in him, and the student government called on Reyes to resign. Later that year, de Montebello was arrested on Oct. 30 and charged with four counts of vandalizing property. He was allegedly caught on camera with another UMass Amherst student, using graffiti to display messages related to the war in Gaza, according to the statement of facts associated to this case. Graffiti read Glory to the martyrs and Your silence is violence at various locations around campus, the police report said. At another location, spray paint on a structure had an inverted red triangle and the words Free Palestine, the police report said. The student pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to the court docket, this past September the charges were continued without a finding. De Montebello faced a probation for four months, which ended earlier this month. The charges have since been dismissed. CHICOPEE U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal has added his voice to calls for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. What happened over the course of the last week, its the mayhem, the killings. And its this notion that if you just offer a narrative that people are supposed to buy into it, and clearly the videos tell a very different story than the narrative that the Trump administration was putting out, Neal said Wednesday at an event in Chicopee. Lead sponsor of the resolution, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, said Tuesday she has gained 162 cosponsors, over three-fourths of House Democrats, for her impeachment articles against Noem. The list includes Neal and U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, who represents parts of Western and Central Massachusetts, as well. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Melrose, has called for dramatic changes at DHS and criminal prosecution of federal agents who have broken the law. Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, said a statement signed by Clark and others in leadership. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. As prisoners stand looking out from a cell, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the Terrorist Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 26. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press, File) AP After Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis VA Health Care System ICU nurse, was shot and killed in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, 50 House members joined as cosponsors. Kristi Noem has blood on her hands. Under her watch, at least six people have been killed by her rogue agents, including Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, and Silverio Villegas Gonzalez in Chicago, Kelly said in a statement. Each time, Secretary Noem lied to our faces and tried to justify the murder of innocent lives. People are disgusted by her. Neal said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arent trained in crowd control. And, my God, its evident. Youre seeing it, Neal said. The White House has said Noem is not leaving her job. What the presidents doing, hes shuffling the leadership out of Minneapolis and that doesnt mean that the training that was necessary for ICE agents has improved or taken place, Neal said. Noem served in the House as a Republican, representing South Dakota from 2011 to 2019, before serving as governor. I had a working relationship with her when she was in the House, Neal said. But I think that this notion where they put out a press release before they know the facts, its not helpful. The Republican-led House voted Jan. 22 to continue funding Homeland Security over Democratic objections. It now goes to the Senate. Neal said the administration has money to run DHS for a time, no matter what happens legislatively. But he hopes the Senate is able to separate out the spending bills, put DHS aside and then have a meaningful discussion that results in reforms. It looks as though the White House is prepared to make some concessions, but you dont know where the Senate is going to come down, he said. WESTFIELD There were no injuries associated with a minor fire inside the Westfield Electroplating Company on North Elm Street Wednesday morning. There was a fire in the back of the building, said Fire Department Deputy Chief Seth Ellis about the incident. He said the department got an automatic alarm at 9:24 a.m. that there was fire in a wooden structure inside the manufacturing facility that electroplates, anodizes, colors, and finishes metals and formed products for the aerospace and defense industries. Ellis said there were chemicals in the area of the fire, but they were not the cause or involved in the fire. It was not a chemical fire, he said. Despite that, the Westfield Police Department closed off streets in the general area as a precautionary measure. Also, as a precautionary measure, Ellis said the state Department of Fire Services Hazmat team responded to the scene. For those who drove by the company once the streets were reopened, they may have noticed a larger than normal response, Ellis said. It just so happened that hazmat teams in the region were nearby on training exercises, he said. After the fire was extinguished, Ellis said the department maintained a fire watch to make absolutely sure it was out. The Fire Department was assisted by the 104th Fighter Wing Fire Department from Barnes Air National Guard Base, and the Southwick and West Springfield fire departments. The fire departments in Holyoke and Southampton provided station coverage during the incident. Ellis said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. WESTFIELD Principal Jesse McMillan said during a visit last week to Westfield Middle School, motivational speaker Terrence Lee Talleys message of hope and resilience was well received. McMillan said he found Talley, a widely recognized speaker in K-12 education, through a national principals networking group. When he posted asking for reputable speakers, McMillan said Talleys name came up quite a bit. Talley, who is from Minnesota, spent the day in Westfield on Jan. 22 giving four presentations, one to seventh-grade students in the auditorium and one to eighth-grade students, leading a staff meeting at the end of the day and an evening event for families at 6 p.m. The kids responded incredibly well, McMillan said. Motivational speaker Terrence Lee Talley engages with students at Westfield Middle School. (SUBMITTED) The Westfield News One of the topics Talley touched upon was mental health concerns in middle school and navigating teasing and bullying. McMillan said the school has a social-emotional curriculum that Talleys message reinforced. We needed to provide a unified message of hope, resiliency, and supporting one another even people you dont know. It wasnt your traditional Powerpoint presentation. It was emotional through storytelling, McMillan said. He meets students from all over the nation, and weaves in stories from his life, as a child, teen and adult. He talked about challenging relationships; a lot of experiences our own students have. You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium, McMillan said. McMilan said there were students Talleys message had an impact on that he wouldnt necessarily have expected. It was really a beautiful thing, he said, adding that afterwards he sent a message home to families letting them know it had been an emotional assembly for the students. He said the school also had counselors on hand to help them process it. I kept hearing we needed that powerful coming from 13 and 14 year olds, McMillan said. The overall theme of the assembly was dont give up reaching out to others, no matter what life situations theyre going through, and encourage people to keep going, not only the people you know, but the ones you dont know, he said. Sitting in an auditorium with 350 kids 700 in the school can guarantee you that someone is weathering a storm. Be mindful of that in daily interactions. You dont know what people are going through inside and outside of school. McMillan said Talley used stories to help students understand a little more. Even if its not one they experienced themselves, it gave them perspective and a lens into someone elses life. The presentation was made possible through a Hate Crimes Prevention Grant of $42,000 that WMS received from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education through the end of the school year. The school applied for the grant after anti-semitic incidents in January 2025, in which a swastika was drawn on a WMS students notebook, and several other swastikas were found in the school. McMillan responded right away, sending a letter condemning the incidents, and following up by partnering with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts to develop more appropriate resources for middle schoolers and inviting speakers to come in. There have been no further anti-semitic incidents. Students responded incredibly well to that last year, McMillan said, adding there is a lot to know and understand. At the end of the day, what I tell students and staff, regardless of our own beliefs, its about being a good human being. McMillan said what he tries to do when bringing in a speaker is to consider what impact that person will have when they leave. What is it going to do when they leave those doors? During a staff meeting following Talleys visit, he said four or five staff members said that during their 25 years at the school, this was one of the most impactful presentations theyve ever seen. This was one of those presentations that theyre not going to forget. They may not remember word for word what he said, but they will remember absolutely how they made them feel, McMillan said about the students responses. He also plans to follow up with a survey to the students for feedback, and what they think about bringing Talley back. If they do, McMillan plans to have him work with some small groups and classrooms. As for the remainder of the Hate Crimes Prevention grant, McMillan said he is looking into professional development for staff and administrators in the building, and also bullying prevention curriculum resources and materials. Although they have the Trails to Wellness curriculum, he wants to look into specific resources on bullying, to help students understand what it is, and how to address it if they see it happening to others, or have experienced it themselves. He said by definition, bullying is repeated and targeted. McMillan said all of these topics require a community effort. The school is responsible for having these conversations, which is why were doing this, but its a community effort. It just cant be the school system, he said. The future of a $3 million industrial property in Worcester is unclear after the filing of a murder charge by prosecutors in California against the president and CEO of the company that operates out of the facility. Gordon Goodarzi, 66, is accused of killing his wife, Aryan Papoli, 58, in the midst of a divorce. Papolis body was found at the bottom of a steep embankment in San Bernardino County last November it took investigators two weeks to identify the body as Papolis. Officials said her injuries were consistent with a fall, according to the Los Angeles Times. Goodarzi was charged with murder in January by the San Bernardino County District Attorneys office. The murder charge carries whats known as a special circumstance essentially a specific factor that elevates it to a more severe level. In Goodarzis case, prosecutors have accused him of committing murder for financial gain, court records show. He had not yet been arraigned on the charge as of Thursday afternoon, court records show. Months before her death, Papoli initiated divorce proceedings against her husband of nearly three decades, citing irreconcilable differences in a Los Angeles County Superior Court filing. In her petition, Papoli listed five properties the couple acquired during their marriage among them the industrial facility at 10 Coppage Drive in Worcester that houses Goodarzis company, Magmotor Technologies, Inc. Papoli was the companys chief financial officer, and her husband acted as president and CEO, according to their respective LinkedIn profiles. In addition to the Worcester property, the couple owned a 5-bedroom home in Rolling Hills, California, valued close to $3 million and a 4-bedroom home in Chino Hills, California, valued around $1 million. The divorce filing also lists a pair of vacant lots in California in Lucerne Valley and in Crestline. Those properties are worth about $47,000 and $220,000, respectively, assessment records show. Papolis body was found about 3 miles from the Crestline property. Prosecutors accused Goodarzi of carrying out the killing of his wife with planning, sophistication, and professionalism, The California Post reported. Papoli was particularly vulnerable, prosecutors wrote in a charging document obtained by the outlet. The crime involved an attempted or actual taking or damage of great monetary value, according to prosecutors, the Post reported. In addition to Magmotor Technologies, Goodarzi founded a company named U.S. Hybrid in 1999, which was sold for $50 million in 2021, according to the L.A. Business Journal. Papoli was the vice president of operations for the company. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in December, the couples son, Navid Goodrazi, 25, described his mother as a ray of light, sunshine manifested. Papoli had moved to Newport Beach six months before her death around the time the couple separated. She was so full of inspiration and optimism at this moment of her life, Navid Goodarzi told the L.A. Times. Activists and residents from Worcester this weekend will demand the Northwestern District Attorneys office drop charges against against a former city councilor who confronted federal immigration agents and police in May. Worcester Indivisible, a progressive activist group, is organizing the protest near the district attorneys office at One Gleason Plaza in Northampton on Jan. 31 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The protestors will call on the district attorneys office to drop charges filed against former Worcester District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj. Haxhiaj was charged in connection with assaulting and interfering with police officers present during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest on Eureka Street in Worcester on May 8. Her trial begins on Feb. 10 and the Northwestern District Attorneys office is the prosecutor in the case. Corry Root, a Worcester Indivisible board member, said Saturdays protest will feature speakers form organizations such as the LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts and Free Speech for People. Root hopes that more than 100 people will attend the event. Etel was simply trying to stand by a constituent in a highly charged and dangerous situation, Root said. I believe the charges against Etel should be dropped. The weather in Northampton on Saturday is expected to be sunny with temperatures reaching 21 degrees, according to the National Weather Services seven-day-forecast. The weather will play a factor but were New Englanders, Root said. And the forecast says sun, so well take it. What happened in May On May 8, 2025, Eureka Street in Worcester erupted into chaos as ICE agents arrested Rosane-Ferreira De Oliveira, a Brazilian mother of four. During the arrest, more than 30 people, including Haxhiaj, yelled and protested the federal agents, asking them to show a warrant for the mothers arrest. The sounds of screaming and crying could be heard throughout the neighborhood as Ferreira-De Oliveiras second and third oldest daughter saw their mother being pulled towards a gold SUV by ICE agents. Minutes later, Worcester Police Officers arrived on Eureka Street, telling the crowd they were creating an unlawful assembly. Police body camera footage released by the city on May 16 featured video of the councilor grabbing the mothers arm and pleading with the agents not to take her. Two of the ICE agents then flung Haxhiaj off of Ferreira-De Oliveira, as seen in the footage. Video from Officer Shauna McGuirks body camera showed Haxhiaj and one of Ferreira-De Oliveiras daughters, Augusta Clara Moura, standing next to the gold SUV with her mother inside. In the footage the agents and McGuirk tell both Haxhiaj and Clara Moura to move away from the SUV. The officer released her arm and an agent then warned Clara Moura and Haxhiaj that they both could be charged for their actions. I dont understand, Haxhiaj said and told McGuirk that she had the right to be there as a district councilor. Eureka Street is part of Worcesters District 5. McGuirk then pulled Haxhiaj away from the vehicle by her back, and Haxhiaj pushed against the officers body. Do not touch me! Haxhiaj yelled as she was pulled away from the SUV. Four days after the ICE operation, Worcester police filed a criminal complaint against Haxhiaj. Lt. John Bossolt requested that Haxhiaj be charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of interfering with a police officer, according to the complaint. Haxhiaj pushed P.O. McGuirk in the chest, the filing reads. Haxhiaj pulled P.O. McGuirks arm as she was making an arrest. In June, Haxhiaj was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer and one common law violation for interfering with a police officer. Ferreira De-Olivera would eventually be granted asylum in September 2025 and was freed from a detention center in October. Augusta Clara Moura and her infant son left the United States in June to be with her partner, who was also arrested and deported by ICE. Haxhiaj has repeatedly defended her actions on Eureka Street, saying she was protecting a constituent and her children. We will keep standing up for our neighbors dignity, human rights and constitutional right to due process, Haxhiaj said to supporters after a court hearing in September 2025. And no amount of bogus charges or threats will intimidate me or keep me quiet on or off the city council. The charges against the former district 5 councilor occurred during an election year. Haxhiaj was running for re-election for her position as city councilor but ultimately lost to Jose Rivera on Nov. 5. Fourteen days after the election, a judge declined to dismiss the charges against Haxhiaj. On Feb. 2, Worcester will celebrate Groundhog Day by checking if the EcoTariums groundhog, Cornelia, sees her shadow. This year, however, the ceremony is invitation-only due to Groundhog Day taking place on a Monday the day the EcoTarium is typically closed. Danielle Fisher, the museums public relations and marketing manager, told MassLive the invitations were already sent to a select group of people. These people include Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, members of the Worcester City Council, members of the museums board, students and teachers from Tufts University and Worcester Tech and a teacher from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, according to Fisher. The doors at the EcoTarium will open at 9:30 a.m. and Petty will give a proclamation at 10 a.m., according to a press release from the museum. This will be the fourth year the EcoTarium has held a Groundhog Day event. Much like Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania, if Cornelia sees her shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. At the official inauguration, Saint-Gobain Africa opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Ekurhuleni, marking an investment of more than R500 million in local manufacturing. The event brought together government representatives, industry partners and community stakeholders, marking a strong vote of confidence in South Africas economy and industrial potential, rooted in international collaboration and local empowerment. The French multinational, with over 360 years of global manufacturing and innovation expertise and more than 90 years presence in South Africa, confirmed that the new plant will produce fibre cement, a durable composite building material valued for its strength and fire and moisture resistance. The investment is expected to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, while strengthening local supplier development and skills transfer. The investment forms part of Saint-Gobains long-term commitment to Africa and aligns with the companys global purpose, Making the World a Better Home, which extends beyond products to supporting sustainable growth, industrial development and social progress. This investment of more than R500 million is not simply about expanding capacity; it is a clear demonstration of our long-term belief in South Africa as a key industrial hub for the continent, said Aymeric dYdewalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa. We continue to invest because we believe deeply in South Africas talent, its manufacturing capability, and the importance of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable growth. The Ekurhuleni plant brings Saint-Gobain Africas Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA) commitment to life, demonstrating its focus on local production alongside skills development, community empowerment and the strengthening of regional value chains. Through our MABA commitment, we are focused on producing locally, developing people and contributing meaningfully to the communities in which we operate, dYdewalle added. This new plant is designed to support job creation, supplier development and skills transfer, while contributing to the revitalisation of South Africas manufacturing sector. The opening of the Ekurhuleni plant marks a significant milestone in Saint-Gobain Africas long-term presence in South Africa. As the company continues to invest in local manufacturing, innovation and skills development, it remains focused on building resilient industries, supporting economic growth and contributing meaningfully to the countrys industrial future. Resume en Francais Voici un resume de cette inauguration industrielle : Voici un resume de cette inauguration industrielle : Saint-Gobain renforce sa presence en Afrique du Sud Le groupe francais Saint-Gobain a officiellement inaugure sa nouvelle usine de pointe a Ekurhuleni, representant un investissement de plus de 500 millions de rands. Presente depuis 90 ans dans le pays, la multinationale reaffirme ainsi sa confiance dans leconomie sud-africaine et son potentiel industriel. Les points cles de cet investissement : Production locale : Lusine se specialisera dans la fabrication de fibrociment, un materiau de construction durable, resistant au feu et a lhumidite. Impact socio-economique : Ce projet va generer de nombreux emplois directs et indirects, tout en favorisant le transfert de competences et le developpement des fournisseurs locaux. Engagement MABA : A travers son initiative Make it in Africa to Build Africa (Fabriquer en Afrique pour construire lAfrique), Saint-Gobain mise sur la production regionale pour soutenir la croissance durable du continent. Selon Aymeric dYdewalle, PDG de Saint-Gobain Afrique, cet investissement depasse la simple extension de capacite ; il sagit dun engagement a long terme pour faire de lAfrique du Sud un hub industriel cle et un moteur de progres social et economique pour la region. Uisce Eireann crews are continuing work to repair a burst water main which is impacting supply to customers in Ballina today, (Thursday, January 29). It is estimated by the crews that the burst will be repaired and supply will begin to return to impacted customers by 6 pm this evening. Uisce Eireann customers in Rathroeen, the Killala Road, Culleens, Breffni, Faranoo and the surrounding areas of Ballina Town have been impacted by this outage. READ NEXT: Irish Water respond to reports of north Mayo town water outage Additionally, they have said that in order to prioritise the safety of repair crews, road users and the general public, traffic management has been set up to facilitate the repair. Colette Scahill of Uisce Eireann thanked impacted customers for their ongoing patience while repairs are underway: We understand the impact of an unplanned outage. This repair is a complex one on a busy road, but we wish to assure customers that all efforts are being made to carry out the necessary works as quickly and as safely as possible, said Colette. READ MORE: Mayo man set to cycle 7,500 km across Europe for A leading Mayo solicitors practice has announced the appointment of a new partner, marking another milestone in the continued growth of the firm. JV Geary Solicitors LLP, located on Linenhall Street, has confirmed that Patricia Lally has been promoted to Partner, joining Managing Partner John Geary and fellow Partner Ita Feeney in leading the firm into its next phase of development. Ms Lally has been with the firm since 2014 and has built a strong reputation among clients for her practical, results-driven approach to legal problems. Prior to joining the Castlebar practice, she trained and worked in firms in Cork and Galway, gaining wide-ranging experience in litigation and dispute resolution. John Geary said the decision to appoint Patricia to partnership reflected both her professional excellence and her long-standing commitment to the firm and its clients. Patricia is an outstanding solicitor who has played a huge role in the success and reputation of this practice over many years, he said. She brings sound judgment, strong advocacy and a calm, solutions-focused approach to even the most complex cases. Her appointment is thoroughly deserved, and I am delighted to be welcoming her as a partner. Ms Lally represents clients in courts at all levels and has particular experience in complex civil litigation, including contract disputes, land law matters and judicial review proceedings. She also advises extensively in personal injury claims, including road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, fatal accident claims and medical negligence actions. In addition to litigation, she works closely with a wide range of business clients, advising on commercial leasing, commercial lending and contractual matters. She is frequently instructed by companies and property owners who require clear, strategic advice in managing legal risk and resolving disputes in a commercially sensible manner. READ: Mayo Gaelscoil set to launch five-year development plan Family law is another significant part of her practice, and she regularly advises clients in separation and divorce proceedings, including cases involving children, maintenance and property issues. Clients value her ability to combine firm legal representation with a sensitive and supportive approach during what are often highly stressful personal situations. A native of Tourmakeady, Ms Lally attended Colaiste Muire locally before studying law at NUI Galway. She later qualified as a solicitor and has built her career serving clients across Mayo and the wider western region. Speaking about her appointment, Patricia said she was honoured to join the partnership and looked forward to continuing her work with clients throughout the county. JV Geary Solicitors LLP is a firm with strong values and a genuine commitment to client service, she said. I am very proud to be joining John and Ita as a partner and I look forward to contributing to the firms continued growth and development in the years ahead. Founded by John Geary in 2010 after returning to Mayo following a legal career in Dublin, the firm has expanded steadily and now operates as a multi-partner practice offering services across personal injury, property, litigation, employment law, family law, probate and commercial matters. The latest partnership appointment reflects increasing demand for legal services in the region and the firms ongoing investment in building an experienced and diverse legal team capable of serving both private and commercial clients. JV Geary Solicitors LLP is a seven-solicitor practice with support staff. Further information is available at www.jvgeary.ie. This year, Aviva Ireland brokers and financial advisors awarded a total of 140,000 to 58 organisations nationwide, selected from 155 broker-nominated entries. Mayo's Clogher Environmental Group CLG was nominated by John Kerrigan of Hastings Insurance and received, as runner-up, 11,000 to support its Clogher Bog Biodiversity and Education Project. The project will involve biodiversity surveys, bog restoration, and rewilding, alongside community engagement initiatives such as educational programs and interpretative signage to raise awareness of the bogs ecological value. Participation grants of 700 were also awarded to the first 50 eligible entries nationwide, helping more community groups access support. The Aviva Broker Community Fund allows brokers and financial advisors to nominate charities and community groups making a tangible difference in their local areas. Brian ONeill, Head of Sponsorship, Sustainability & External Communications at Aviva Ireland, said: Every year were inspired by the incredible work of the organisations nominated for the fund by brokers and financial advisors across the country, and this year was no exception. The passion and clarity of purpose we see from local groups is exceptional, and its a privilege to help advance work that creates real impact on the ground. Congratulations to Clogher Environmental Group CLG a worthy award recipient from Co. Mayo, where this funding will make a meaningful difference to their local community. Now in its eighth year, the Aviva Broker Community Fund supports initiatives across areas including diversity, equality and inclusion, climate action, and financial wellbeing, helping strengthen the communities where Aviva customers and colleagues live and work. Clogher Environmental Group CLGs award highlights the growing focus on environmental conservation and education in Mayo, providing resources to enhance both local habitats and community awareness. READ MORE: Over 140,000 in funding secured for restoration of historic buildings in Mayo Mayo IFA County Chairman John Lynskey has said that comments by Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin dismissing farmers and their families concerns about his importation of Brazilian beef as emotional nonsense have enraged farmers. Controversial Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin made the comments in an interview with the Irish Farmer's Journal where he called for dialogue to resolve issues between farmers and the semi-state agency after it was revealed that Dawn Farm Foods, of which Mr Murrin is chief executive, used beef imported from Mercosur countries within its products. I was at the protest last week when the Journal went online and farmers who saw it were raging to see their concerns dismissed in this way, Mr Lynskey said. These comments show the total contempt Mr Murrin has for farmers and their families. He has no understanding of the important part farmers play in Bord Bias Quality Assurance (QA) schemes. Its quite clear that he is out of touch with the farmers who are producing the food, he said. READ: Mayo eatery wins historic double at Irish Takeaway Awards He added that Mr Murrin 'talks guff' about the need to lead, but ignores the leadership shown by various elected farmer officers down through the years who encouraged farmers to participate in QA schemes when they were far from popular. If Mr Murrin knows anything about leadership, he will know that putting yourself ahead of your organisation is the worst form of leadership, Mr Lynskey said. His whole interview is dripping with arrogance with Mr Murrin hyping himself up and refusing to give due credit to farmers for their efforts. The main emotion farmers are feeling over all of this is anger and the only nonsense is being spoken by the Chair of Bord Bia who is now a lame duck chair. He should go before he does any more damage, he concluded. Mayo woman Jessica Glynn, an architectural photographer who lives and works in Kilmovee, received the prestigious title of Architectural Photographer of the Year at the Irish Professional Photographers & Videographers Association (IPPVA) annual awards gala, which celebrates excellence in professional photography and videography across Ireland. Judges praised Glynns work for its strong composition, skilful use of light and her ability to capture the character and atmosphere of architectural spaces. Originally from New York, Glynn has been based in Ireland for the past five years, during which time she has established herself as a leading architectural and interiors photographer. Her work spans collaborations with architects, designers and international publications, documenting private residences, hospitality projects and heritage buildings. READ NEXT: Mayo man set to cycle 7,500 km across Europe for charity In October 2025, Glynn published her third photography book, House Love Moor Baker Architects, with Vendome Press, further strengthening her international profile and reputation within the architectural and publishing worlds. Reacting to the award, Glynn described her move to Ireland as a leap of faith and said the recognition meant a great deal to her. I am so proud to have won Architecture & Interior Design Photographer of 2026 by the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association. Moving to Ireland over five years ago was a leap of faith. Ive often felt like a fish out of water and its so nice to be part of a group of professionals that are so talented, kind and welcoming. She also praised the atmosphere at the awards ceremony and the opportunity to celebrate alongside other female award winners. Glynns success highlights the growing contribution of creative professionals working from rural Mayo to the national and international arts and design scene, reinforcing the countys reputation as a hub for creative talent. READ MORE: Mayo business showcase their creativity at RDS Dublin event Back in 2023, filmmakers Sudip Sharma, Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia created the critically acclaimed hit Netflix series Kohrra starring Suvinder Vicky and Barun Sobti. Now, three years later, the creators have returned with its season two marking Barun Sobti return while Mona Singh replaces Suvinder Vicky. Netflix Kohrra Season 2 Trailer Starring Mona Singh & Barun Sobti Out Now The trailer features Barun Sobti as Amarpal Jasjit Garundi from season one and he is joined by a senior cop Dhanwant Kaur played by Mona Singh. The two unite to investigate a murder with many suspects including Rannvijay Singh. Check out Kohrra season 2 trailer below: Talking about the new season, Barun Sobti stated, Garundi begins this season hoping to start afresh, but in a world like Kohrra, the past never quite lets go. The mystery this time is denser and more layered, and that complexity reflects in Garundis own journey. Hes more introspective, more guarded, and constantly negotiating with his own choices. Season 2 pushed me as an actor in new ways, and Im excited for viewers to return to this world and experience how the story unfolds. Netflix Mona Singh said, Stepping into the world of Kohrra was both exciting and daunting because of how thoughtfully it is written. Dhanwant is a woman of few words, but immense resolve. Shes navigating loss, responsibility, and the constant need to prove herself often without saying much at all. Its a role that demanded restraint, and Im grateful to Sudip sir and the team for trusting me with it. I look forward to audiences experiencing her journey within the larger, quietly intense world of Kohrra. The official synopsis of the Kohrra season 2 reads, The Netflix police procedural crime drama returns with the beloved Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti), who begins anew, far from his roots in Jagrana under a new commanding officer, Sub-Inspector Dhanwant Kaur (Mona Singh). Shes restrained, methodical, and firm where it matters, making her a striking contrast to Garundis more casual, instinctive persona. Brawn and brain come together as they peel back the layers of this complicated case, even as it lays bare their own vulnerabilities. BRUSSELS The European Union has listed Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the blocs top diplomat said in a post on X on Thursday. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said that foreign ministers unanimously agreed on the designation. Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise, she said. This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh, Kallas said earlier Thursday, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist. The 27-nation bloc on Thursday also sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard, over the violent crackdown on protesters. Activists say the crackdown has seen at least 6,373 people killed. The measures, while largely symbolic, add to international pressures on the Islamic Republic, which faces a threat of military action from U.S. President Donald Trump in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. The American military has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Mideast. It remains unclear whether Trump will decide to use force. For its part, Iran has said it could launch a pre-emptive strike or broadly target the Mideast, including American military bases in the region and Israel. Iran issued a warning to ships at sea Thursday that it planned to run a drill next week that would include live firing in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting traffic through a waterway that sees 20% of all the world's oil pass through it. Iran had no immediate comment, but it has criticized Europe in recent days as it considered the move. Other countries, including the U.S. and Canada, have designated the Guard as a terrorist organization. Terrorist group label a symbolic act France had objected to listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over fears it would endanger French citizens detained in Iran, as well as diplomatic missions. However, it later signaled it backed the move. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday before the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels that France supports more sanctions in Iran and the listing because there can be no impunity for the crimes committed. In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered, he said. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing is a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organization is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties," she said. "But they havent cut diplomatic ties and they wont. The EU on Thursday also sanctioned six organizations in Iran, including those involved in monitoring online content, as the country remains gripped by a three-week internet blackout by authorities. The sanctions mean that affected officials and organizations will have their assets frozen and their travel to Europe banned, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said earlier Thursday. The Revolutionary Guard holds vast business interest across Iran, and sanctions could see any of its assets in Europe seized. Iran already struggles under the weight of multiple international sanctions from countries including the U.S. and Britain. Irans rial currency fell to a record low of 1.6 million to $1 on Thursday. Economic woes had sparked the protests that broadened into challenging the theocracy before the crackdown. Guard key to crackdown The Guard was born from Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution as a force meant to protect its Shiite cleric-overseen government and later enshrined in its constitution. It operated in parallel to the countrys regular armed forces, growing in prominence and power during a long and ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. Though it faced possible disbandment after the war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei granted it powers to expand into private enterprise, allowing it to thrive. The Guard's Basij force likely was key in putting down the demonstrations, starting in earnest from Jan. 8, when authorities cut off the internet and international telephone calls for the nation of 85 million people. Videos that have emerged from Iran via Starlink satellite dishes and other means show men likely belonging to its forces shooting and beating protesters. Sanctioning the Guard, however, would be complicated. Iranian men once reaching the age of 18 are required to do up to two years of military service, and many find themselves conscripted into the Guard despite their own politics. Strait of Hormuz drill planned A notice to mariners sent by VHF radio on Thursday warned that Iran planned to conduct naval shooting in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and Monday. Two Pakistani security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to talk to journalists, also confirmed the warning had been sent. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the drill. The hard-line Keyhan newspaper earlier Thursday raised the specter of Tehran attempting to close the strait by force. Today, Iran and its allies have their finger on a trigger that, at the first enemy mistake, will sever the worlds energy artery in the Strait of Hormuz and bury the hollow prestige of billion-dollar Yankee warships in the depths of the Persian Gulf, the newspaper said. Such a move likely would see U.S. military intervention. American military officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the warning. Tehrans mayor also announced plans Thursday to build bomb shelters and install air-raid sirens in the capital, but reportedly described it as a yearslong project. Meanwhile, Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose Green Movement rose to challenge Irans disputed 2009 presidential election, again called for a constitutional referendum to change the countrys government. A previous call failed to take hold. Death toll stands at over 6,300 The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that the violence in Iran has killed at least 6,373 people in recent weeks, with many more feared dead. Its count included at least 5,993 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 113 children and 53 civilians who werent demonstrating. More than 42,450 have been arrested, it added. The group verifies each death and arrest with a network of activists on the ground, and has been accurate in multiple rounds of previous unrest in Iran. The communication cutoff imposed by Iranian authorities have slowed the full scale of the crackdown from being revealed, and The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll. Irans government as of Jan. 21 put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeled the rest terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report. Deployments of the United States National Guard to cities across the country have cost American taxpayers roughly $600 million, according to new data published by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The CBO, which for decades has provided Congress with economic and budget analyses, said Wednesday that to date upwards of $589 million has been spent by the Trump administrations deployment of Guard soldiers into cities including Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis, as well as Washington, D.C. CBO estimates that the totality of those deployments, excluding the deployment to New Orleans that occurred at the end of last year, cost approximately $496 million through the end of December 2025. Continued deployments at current levels will cost an additional $93 million per month, per the CBO. For every additional Guard unit activated in the future, the CBO projects that costs will increase by $18-21 million per 1,000 soldiers. The Trump administration has kept 200 National Guard personnel mobilized in Texas after they left Chicago. The costs of those or other deployments in the future are highly uncertain, mainly because the scale, length and location of such deployments are difficult to predict accurately, CBO Director Phillip Swagel wrote in a Jan. 28 letter to Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee. That uncertainty is compounded by legal challenges, which have stopped deployments to some cities, and by changes in the administrations policies. 'Highly Successful' Missions Military.com asked the White House about its satisfaction with the various National Guard deployments, and whether the costs associated have proven beneficial for citizens morale and reasons including safety. Thanks to the Trump Administrations highly successful efforts to drive down violent crime, cities like Memphis and D.C. are much safer for residents and visitorswith crime dropping across all major categories, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Military.com. The media should talk to individuals who are able to go about their daily lives without fear of being assaulted, carjacked or robbed thanks to the Trump Administration, rather than amplify ridiculous and unfounded assertions that our efforts are not effective. National Guard members gather near a large portrait of President Donald Trump on the Labor Department headquarters before the body of Metropolitan Police Department officer Terry Bennett is driven past the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Merkley, in his own statement shared with Military.com, said the American people deserve to know how many hundreds of millions of their hard-earned dollars have been and are being wasted on Trumps reckless and haphazard deployment of National Guard troops to Portland and cities across the country. Military.com originally reported in October 2025 that Merkley, other Senate Democrats wrote a letter to the CBO, requesting a broad analysis of the costs of activating, deploying and compensating National Guard personnel, as well as the cost to sustain and maintain these deployments. This new CBO letter is a response to that inquiry. Math Behind CBO's Cost Analysis On June 7, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing that at least 2,000 National Guard personnel be called into federal service to protect federal government personnel and property. That led to about 4,200 National Guard personnel being activated and deployed to Los Angeles, along with about 700 active-duty members of the Marine Corps. That deployment was largely completed by late summer. In August, Trump ordered approximately 2,400 National Guard personnel from the District of Columbia and various states to activate and deploy in the nations capital. On Nov. 26, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethfollowing the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members in the Districtannounced the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers. Subsequent deployments included about 1,500 personnel in September to Memphis; about 400 that same month to Portland; and about 575 personnel, including 200 from Texas, to Chicago in October. People walk past a Minnesota National Guard vehicle blocking off a road near the scene of a shooting earlier in the day, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) On Dec. 22, about 350 National Guard personnel were deployed to address crime in New Orleans but are operating in their state capacity. This is how the CBO conducted its cost analysis of all deployments: Costs incurred for basic military pay and benefits, including health care, during mobilization. Costs to provide lodging for active-duty and National Guard personnel. Costs to provide food, more routinely known as subsistence. Transportation costs to move personnel from their home stations to their deployments and back again, in addition to costs to transport personnel between their lodging and their assigned location each day. Since National Guard members are called to federal service, they are compensated at the same rate as personnel in the militarys active component, CBO estimates that the increase in military personnel costs using metrics provided through the Pentagons 2025 budget, the average increase in costs when changing Guard personnel from non-mobilized to mobilized status is approximately $95,000 per person per year, or $260 per person per day. CBO does not expect the military to incur significant costs to operate and maintain equipment during domestic deployments, Swagel wrote. So far, such deployments appear to mainly involve foot patrols conducted by small units, without the extensive types of supporting forces or heavy equipment associated with operations in combat zones. Similarly, CBO has no basis for anticipating that the Department of Defense (DoD) will need to purchase equipment to replace any damage during domestic deployments. Swagel said that three main uncertainties exist in analyzing potential future costs of deployments: how long deployments last and when they conclude; the scope, location(s), and how big future deployments could be in terms of personnel; and outcomes from legal filings in certain states that have challenged initial National Guard deployments. Deployments Are Trump's 'Vanity Projects' Merkleys letter last year was co-signed by U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Duckworth told Military.com that the CBO estimates are even worse than originally anticipated. These open-ended, unjustified missions are not just an immense waste of taxpayer dollars; they are harmful to our militarys readiness, morale and resources and create an incredibly dangerous precedent, Duckworth said. While thankfully weve seen these deployments stopped in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Trump remains obsessed with misusing the military to intimidate Americans in their own communitieswith his deployments in D.C. and Memphis continuing to cost millions of taxpayer dollars per month. Van Hollen told Military.com that the cost associated with the deployments is a result of the Trump administrations gross abuse of power. On top of that is the human cost borne by local communities and by the troops themselves whose lives have been needlessly upended for Trumps desire to co-opt them as his own personal police force. - Sen. Van Hollen Alsobrooks told Military.com that Americans health care needs, for example, are being provided less attention as opposed to the wants of a president who is using the military for his own vanity projects and political agenda. National Guard members patrol the Washington Mall near the Washington Monument, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) Warren and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) released a report in December, reportedly finding that DoD committed at least $2 billion to support immigration enforcement through mobilizing and deploying troops to American cities and the Southern border, deporting and transporting immigrants on military aircrafts, and detaining individuals on U.S. military installations, etc. Our military budget is not a slush fund for the president to carry out his political stunts, Warren told Military.com. Our National Guard and Marines are needed to respond to natural disasters and national security threats. Ripping them away from their homes, jobs, and families in pursuit of a cruel immigration agenda is a disrespect to their service. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the Trump administration have displayed gross incompetence by deploying out-of-control ICE and CBP agents in American cities. Our military should have no part in it. We need accountability and this administration must answer for wasting more than half-a-billion taxpayer dollars. Last September, Padilla introduced the Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard (SUN) Act, which would require the president to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 15 days of deploying the National Guard, except in the case of a natural disaster. "CBO confirmed what we already knew: Donald Trumps completely unnecessary National Guard deployments have cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and is expected to cost upwards of a billion dollars if allowed to continue, Padilla told Military.com. Our servicemembers didnt sign up to be immigration enforcement agents, and they should not be used as political pawns by the president, Padilla added. UNITED NATIONS (AP) President Donald Trumps latest attempt to sidestep the United Nations through his new Board of Peace appears to have inadvertently backfired after major world powers rejected U.S. aspirations for it to have a larger international mandate beyond the Gaza ceasefire and recommitted their support for the over 80-year-old global institution. The board chaired by Trump was originally envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing his plan for Gaza's future. But the Republican presidents ambitions have expanded to envisioning the board as a mediator of worldwide conflicts, a not very subtle attempt to eclipse the Security Council, which is charged with ensuring international peace and security. The board's charter also caused some dismay by stating Trump will lead it until he resigns, with veto power over its actions and membership. His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, tried ease concerns by saying the board's focus right now is only on the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire plan. This is not a replacement for the U.N., but the U.N. has served very little purpose in the case of Gaza other than the food assistance, Rubio said at a congressional hearing Wednesday. But Trump's promotion of a broadened mandate and his floating of an idea that the Board of Peace might replace the U.N. has put off major players. In Security Council statements, public speeches and behind closed doors, U.S. allies and adversaries have dismissed Trumps latest plan to overturn the post-World War II international order with what he describes as a bold new approach to resolving global conflict. The U.S. rollout of the much broader Board of Peace charter turned the whole exercise into a liability, according to the International Crisis Groups Richard Gowan, a U.N. watcher and program director. Countries that wanted to sign on to help Gaza saw the board turning into a Trump fan club. That was not appealing. If Trump had kept the focus of the board solely on Gaza, more states, including some more Europeans, would have signed up, he said. Key Security Council members haven't signed on The four other veto-wielding members of the Security Council China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom have refused or have not indicated whether they would join Trump's board, as have economic powers such as Japan and Germany. Letters sent this month inviting various world leaders to be founding members of the Board of Peace coincided with Trumps vow to take over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and punish some European countries that resisted. That was met with stark rebuttal from Canada, Denmark and others said Trumps demand threatened to upend an alliance that has been among the West's most unshakeable. Shortly after, Trump pulled a dramatic reversal on Greenland, saying he had agreed with the NATO secretary-general on a framework of a future deal on Arctic security. Amid the diplomatic chaos, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who at the time had not responded to Trumps Board of Peace invitation, met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in London and reiterated the UKs enduring support for the UN and the international rules-based system, according to a statement. Starmer emphasized the U.N.s pivotal role in tackling global problems which shape lives in the UK and all over the world. The United Kingdom later declined to join the board. France, Spain and Slovenia declined Trumps offer by mentioning its overlapping and potentially conflicting agenda with the U.N. French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that the board goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question. Spain would not join because the board excluded the Palestinian Authority and because the body was outside the framework of the United Nations, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Some countries are urging a stronger UN Americas adversaries also have shunned the board. No single country should dictate terms based on its power, and a winner-takes-all approach is unacceptable, Chinas U.N. ambassador, Fu Cong, said at a Security Council meeting Monday. He called for the United Nations to be strengthened, not weakened, and said the Security Councils status and role are irreplaceable. In a clear reference to the Board of Peace, Fu said, We shall not cherry-pick our commitments to the organization, nor shall we bypass the U.N. and create alternative mechanisms. So far, about 26 of some 60 invited countries have joined the board, and about nine European countries have declined. India did not attend Trumps signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, last week but is reportedly still deciding what to do. Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys invitation. Its hardly surprising that very few governments want to join Trumps wannabe-U.N., which so far looks more like a pay-to-play club of human rights abusers and war crimes suspects than a serious international organization, said Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director for Human Rights Watch. Instead of handing Trump $1 billion checks to join his Board of Peace, governments should work on strengthening the U.N. Eight Muslim nations that agreed to join the board issued a joint statement that supported its mission in Gaza and advancement of Palestinian statehood. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates made no mention of Trumps global peacemaking plan. The Crisis Groups Gowan said their focus could be a way to get a foothold in discussions of Gaza at the start, as Trumps ceasefire plan has already faced several setbacks. I remain unconvinced that this is a real long-term threat to the U.N., Gowan said. I suspect that the headaches of stabilizing Gaza will dominate its agenda. And the boards proposed charter does not provide a legal basis for big military interventions elsewhere. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has ended abortion services and most abortion counseling for veterans nationwide, with officials telling Military.com that a Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion leaves the agency no legal authority to provide that care. The rollback follows a DOJ opinion issued last year that VA officials said required an immediate reversal of a 2022 Biden administration policy that expanded abortion access within the VA system. The change applies across VA facilities nationwide and limits abortion services to cases involving life-threatening medical emergencies, affecting veterans who rely on VA care regardless of abortion laws in their home states. The Department of Justice last year issued an opinion that states VA is not legally authorized to provide abortions, and VA complied with that opinion immediately, VA spokesperson Pete Kasperowicz told Military.com. DOJs opinion is consistent with VAs final rule on this matter. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins testifies during a Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing to examine veterans at the forefront, focusing on the future at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) A White House spokesperson declined to comment, referring Military.com to the VA. Military.com reached out for comment to the DOJ, White House and multiple congressional veterans committees. 'Longstanding Precedent' Kasperowicz said the rollback restores what VA calls longstanding policy. Prior to the Biden administrations politically motivated change in 2022, federal law and longstanding precedent across Democrat and Republican administrations prevented VA from providing abortions and abortion counseling, he said. VA pointed to the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 and said its medical benefits package has excluded abortions and abortion counseling in most circumstances since 1999. VA said it still can provide care when a medical emergency threatens the life of a pregnant patient. Senate Democrats Move on Legislation Democratic lawmakers moved quickly to challenge the VAs abortion policy, introducing legislation aimed at reversing the rule just days after it took effect. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said Wednesday that she and other senators introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Trump administrations VA abortion rule, which she described as a sweeping restriction on veterans health care. Trumps VA abortion ban is a profound betrayal of women who put their lives on the line for our countryripping away access to abortion care even when a woman is raped or her pregnancy endangers her health, Murray said in a statement provided to Military.com. If the Trump administration thought they could quietly implement this extreme abortion ban and get away with it, they thought wrong. We wont stop being loud about this. Senator Patty Murray and Senator Susan Collins speak to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken during a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the National Security Supplemental Request, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza) Murray said the rule goes beyond limiting services, arguing it also restricts communication between VA providers and patients. Trumps policy not only rips away VAs already-limited ability to provide abortion care, but it gags VA providers from even talking to their veteran patients about their health care options, she said. It does not get more extreme than this. The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to overturn recently finalized federal rules with a simple majority vote in both chambers, though such efforts face long odds without bipartisan support and presidential approval. Murray said she hopes the resolution will force a broader debate over veterans health care and the scope of services provided through the VA. I hope every senator will join me in fighting to overturn Trumps abortion ban at VA and restore essential health care for our veterans, she said. Policy Change Hits VA Facilities Nationwide VAs decision reaches a nationwide health system that provides care to more than 9 million enrolled veterans through medical centers, outpatient clinics and affiliated providers in every state. VA facilities had been permitted since 2022 to provide abortion care and counseling in limited circumstances, including cases of rape or incest, as officials weighed how the post Dobbs landscape could restrict access for patients depending on where they live. Officials said at the time that the department was monitoring state restrictions and evaluating whether policy changes were needed to protect access for veterans, including women of childbearing age who use VA health care. Construction of the new Louisville VA Medical Center is now more than 80 percent complete. Much of that construction included standing up the buildings and facilities across the 34-acre property, but lots of detail work remains to get the project over the finish line. (Michael Maddox/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District) Debate over access inside the military and veterans systems intensified after Dobbs, with service members also telling lawmakers that the ability to obtain abortion care can shape whether they stay in uniform, linking reproductive health access to readiness and retention pressures. Advocacy Groups Say Promise Was Broken Reproductive rights advocates and veterans groups warned that the rollback could fall hardest on women veterans who rely on VA as their primary source of health care, including survivors of sexual assault. The Department of Veterans Affairs' new policy denies abortion care and counseling to veterans and their loved ones who rely on the VA for care, even if the pregnancy endangers their health or is the result of rape and incest, Samira Damavandi, a senior policy associate at the Guttmacher Institute, told Military.com. This rule impacts all VA facilities, even in states where abortion care is legal overriding state policymakers that have protected and expanded abortion care in their state. Damavandi pointed to the size and diversity of the population affected, saying there are over 2.1 million women veterans in the U.S. along with 2-in-5 female veterans identify as racial or ethnic minorities. "We know that abortion bans and restrictions disproportionately impact people of color and this will only exacerbate this disparity. ... In finalizing the rule, the administration ignored thousands of public comments opposing this change that will not only cause chaos and confusion but also deny veterans information about their care options, she added. In this March 4, 2020 file photo Nancy Northup, Center for Reproductive Rights president, speaks outside the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, file) Damavandi also said the policy change strips access even for rape and incest cases and could create confusion for patients seeking guidance. The Center for Reproductive Rights said the rollback undercuts repeated promises that abortion policy would remain with the states. Veterans risked their lives to defend our safety and freedom and now the Trump administration is taking away theirs, Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, told Military.com. President Trump said he would leave abortion to the states, but he continues to seize new opportunities to restrict it nationally. Service Womens Action Network warned that the shift could force veterans to travel for care, describing broader health impacts. Restricting access to abortion can have dangerous repercussions on the health and safety of women veterans and service members, Rachel Aggeler, director of policy and legislative advocacy for Service Womens Action Network, told Military.com. The VA should serve all veterans, especially those who experience higher rates of military sexual assault. Advocates also pointed to efforts on Capitol Hill to reverse the policy. Damavandi said Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation in the House and has also led the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act, which would direct VA to provide abortion care, counseling and reproductive health services to veterans. A companion push is pending in the U.S. Senate. Iraq War veteran Keith McCarter felt something was off in 2010, about a year after he left the Army. It was a feeling that most healthy 25-year-olds never have to experience. I started to feel super weak and was not eating, McCarter said. Come to find out, I was in end-stage heart failure. He needed a new heart but was too weak for a heart transplant. Doctors decided surgery would be best to install a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump, with the goal of giving McCarters heart long-term circular function. McCarter functioned well with the LVAD for three years, along with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that relied on electric stimulation to regulate his heart. But due to his fragile heart, McCarter couldnt exercise to keep his weight down. Before long, doctors installed a gastric sleeve to manage his weight, along with extracting a large section of his stomach. Keith McCarter, an Iraq War veteran, credits his health care team at the Madison VA, along with the donor program that gave him a new heart. (Submitted photo) I was the first person with the LVAD to have the gastric sleeve done at UW (Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin), he said. The surgery resulted in McCarter dropping 100 pounds, significantly upgrading his health, and giving him a new lease on life. I did the right thing, listened to the doctors and took my medications consistently it worked, McCarter said. Heart Problems Return For the next few years, McCarters heart improved to an extent that the LVAD was no longer necessary. A second heart surgery was done in 2014 to remove the device. Not too many people get the chance to have the LVAD explanted, he said. And Ive lived without it for about 11 years, relying only on my ICD and medications. I felt like a healthy guy. Finally feeling healthy, McCarter followed his passion for criminal justice, becoming a sheriffs deputy in Dane County, Wisconsin. While working in law enforcement can be stressful, McCarter sees the rewards every day and enjoys serving his community. But just when McCarter was getting comfortable his heart said, Not so fast. He started feeling weak again near the end of 2024. He underwent several procedures and spent weeks in the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Doctors at the VA placed a tiny, catheter-based heart pump below his right collarbone, often referred to as a baby LVAD. It was a short-term procedure to stabilize him but, ultimately, McCarter needed a new heart. It was time for a transplant. He underwent his third heart surgery in March 2025, finally receiving the precious gift from a donor that saved his life. It was amazing, and exactly what we were trying to do, he said. Being able to live those 10 years meant that a new device became available. That was a big turning point because we hoped the technology would improve if we could make it that far, and it did. Keith McCarter, center, required three risky heart surgeries, including a transplant, before his life got back on track. (Submitted photo) Back From the Brink Heart disease in the leading killer in the U.S., claiming one out of three Americans, based off statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately for McCarter, he noticed symptoms early on and reached out for help. He said his care team at the Madison VA hospital helped him recover, praising one doctor in particular. Dr. Murray saved my life in 2011 and has been with me ever since, McCarter said. When I first met him with my mom and wife, he cleared his whole evening to talk with us. I knew I was sick, but I didnt realize I needed a heart transplant. It shocked me. The Madison hospital is one of only 13 VA facilities in the country offering major organ transplants. As of November, McCarter was still on medical leave from his job with Dane County but hopes to soon return to his squad car. Its been a long, arduous 15-year journey, but McCarter can finally look forward to getting back to work, leading a normally healthy life. I love my job, he said. My plan is to make it back. Fraudulent student aid and related scams are impacting veterans and other military-connected students. The U.S. Department of Education reported approximately $90 million in erroneously dispersed funds in 2025 across all demographic populations. While there is no official breakdown of the veteran demographic, the U.S. Department of Justice reported the indictment of five individuals for defrauding nearly $20 million just last year. They are specifically charged with operating schools that provide non-degree cybersecurity and computer coding courses, where VA auditors found false enrollment records and other concealed information to justify tuition costs at the annual cap for short-term courses. Veterans commonly pursue these fields and comprise a significant portion of the cybersecurity workforce. There have been other past scams and fraud schemes targeting veteran education benefits and federal aid recipients. Ineligible or even deceased federal aid recipients, in which $30 million in fraudulently disbursed aid was reported in the past three years, have led to additional screening and detection systems to safeguard individuals. Though intricate schemes have been used to steal money, there is also a rise in the use of bots, AI, and fake applicants. In one notorious example involving the California Community Colleges, ghost students are being used to create fake student identities by stealing real ones or creating fake ones. This resulted in the loss of at least $13 million in both state and federal funds in 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been reviewing widespread similar cases in other states. Military experts are constantly warning service members about social media scams that can affect them and their families. (DOD graphic by Regina Ali, DVIDS) Impact on Military-Connected Students Unfortunately, scammers targeting military-connected students are not new. In one high-profile case last year, a career services manager serving veterans pled guilty to defrauding nearly $3 million. In other scams during 2025, the VA shared reports of the most recent overpayment scams, where they impersonate the VA to get money redirected to them. Another known scam is where predatory organizations aggressively pursue veterans with contracts and fees to assist them with claims procedures. These bad actors misrepresent themselves and tend to rush recipients into providing their credentials or other personally identifiable information. The VA published the following examples of education and career scams to help veterans catch signs of fraud before its too late. Job Boards or Advertisements targeting specific demographics may be misleading or fake and require personal information or money to get the job. You can find free, official information about federal jobs at USAJOBS.gov, FedsHiresVets.gov, and CareerOneStop.org. Your States Department of Labor may have job listings, contacts for local job offices, and resources for counseling and referrals. Educational institutions may promise immediate student loan forgiveness or debt cancellation to entice Veterans to enroll in classes. For most borrowers, Loan Forgiveness is only available through programs requiring many years of qualifying payments or other qualifying criteria. Here is a List of Student Debt Relief Dos and Donts to help borrowers avoid scams. Educational institutions may guarantee Veterans a scholarship in exchange for a redemption/processing fee. Veterans may be promised a scholarship and financial aid under the guise of high-pressure sales pitches where they feel pressured to pay immediately or risk losing the so-called opportunity. Veterans may be promised incentives such as free laptops, gift cards, or other freebies for enrolling in courses. Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Airman Angelo Ragaas, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), speaks to a representative from Tidewater Community College about education opportunities during a joint college fair for Sailors at Huntington Hall in Newport News Virginia, July 16, 2025. John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipbuilding conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul to prepare the ship for the second half of its 50-year service life. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Morneau, DVIDS) What To Do Since the Fall Semester in 2025, higher education institutions have been required to verify the identity of first-time students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to protect the integrity of Title IV and HEA programs. Fraudulent schemes are proportionately aimed at community college networks due to lower tuition rates and asynchronous online classes, which have become a popular modality for learning in nearly every higher education institution. This is because AI tools can be exploited to overcome weak identity systems and processes that may not detect suspicious accounts. Colleges and universities are having to increase their resources to combat education fraud. Veterans can take specific steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraudulent activity. The VA posted the following: Choose GI Bill Approved Schools. Use the WEAMS Institution Search Tool to find GI Bill-approved schools. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Compare the benefits youll receive at different schools. Learn about the Principles of Excellence Program. The program requires schools that receive federal funding through programs such as the GI Bill to follow certain guidelines. Check out the National Resource Directory Database. The database provides validated resources that support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers. Scammers may try to appear legitimate by using official-sounding names, logos, websites, or showcasing a false affiliation with the VA. Find schools that take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The program can help you pay for school costs not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. See Federal Student Aid Avoiding Student Aid Scams and Veterans Benefits Administration Fraud Prevention for information on how to recognize scams and what to do to stay safe. Where the Minnesota National Guard Is Deployed The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed in Minneapolis following days of protests connected to fatal shootings during federal immigration enforcement operations. The deployment followed demonstrations near federal buildings and along Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis after the most recent death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed during an encounter with federal agents on January 24. The Guards activation was authorized by Governor Tim Walz and requested by local officials to support public safety functions during sustained protests and heightened tensions. Guard members were stationed near federal facilities and protest sites wearing high-visibility reflective vests, a deliberate choice intended to distinguish them from federal immigration agents. Minneapolis officials stated the Guards role was limited to site security, staffing support, and maintaining vehicle perimeters so local police could focus on emergency calls and routine patrols rather than crowd enforcement. The Federal Immigration Operation and Protest Context The protests grew out of a large federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota that brought a large number of federal agents into the state in early January. The most recent Pretti shooting intensified public opposition to that operation, particularly after conflicting accounts emerged about what occurred during the encounter. Federal officials stated the agent fired in self-defense, while family members and community advocates disputed that version and called for an independent investigation. The Pretti incident was not isolated. Earlier in the month, another fatal encounter involving federal immigration agents and a woman named Renee Good had already drawn criticism from Minnesota officials and community groups. Together, the incidents have triggered sustained demonstrations, vigils, and calls for federal agents to withdraw from the state. What Governor Tim Walz Has Said and Done Governor Walz publicly criticized the federal operation following the Pretti shooting and urged the White House to reduce the federal presence in Minnesota. Walz argued the scale and tactics of the operation escalated tensions and placed residents at risk, while emphasizing Minnesota supports lawful immigration enforcement conducted safely and with accountability. Walz confirmed direct conversations with President Trump about the situation, describing discussions focused on de-escalation and cooperation with investigations into the shootings. Subsequent reporting indicated Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some federal agents were expected to leave Minneapolis as part of an effort to reduce tensions. At the same time, the Trump administration announced Tom Homan would travel to Minnesota to oversee and coordinate federal immigration operations. Federal officials framed that move as an attempt to improve command and clarity after public backlash. How Donuts Became Part of the Story On January 25, video footage showed Minnesota National Guard members offering coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts to people gathered outside a federal building during protests. The Guard members were in uniform and reflective vests, and the interaction occurred in freezing temperatures one day after Prettis death. The footage spread nationally and quickly became a focal point of commentary. Guard members present described the refreshments as a safety and morale measure rather than a political gesture or a showing of agreement, which is consistent with the states emphasis on de-escalation and visibility rather than enforcement. How Supporters Interpret the Guards Approach Supporters of the Guards actions argue the posture reflects intentional de-escalation. They point to the clear visual distinction between state troops and federal agents, the absence of enforcement activity, and the focus on maintaining calm during protests as evidence that Minnesota sought to avoid further violence. State and local officials have emphasized that the Guard operates under state authority and is not involved in immigration enforcement. From this perspective, distributing refreshments reinforced that the Guards mission was limited to public safety support and stabilizing conditions during prolonged demonstrations. How Critics View the Same Images Critics have argued that the optics of uniformed troops handing out donuts during protests undermine a message of law enforcement authority. In this framing, the gesture is seen as political signaling rather than neutral public safety support, especially during a period of unrest tied to federal enforcement actions. Others argue the Guards posture reflects confusion about mission priorities and risks encouraging further protests by projecting accommodation rather than deterrence. These criticisms often tie directly to broader disagreements over immigration policy and federal-state authority rather than the Guards documented orders. What the Guard Is Not Documented to Be Doing Public reporting does not show the Minnesota National Guard conducting arrests, enforcing immigration law, or independently controlling crowds. Its documented activities remain limited to staffing support, perimeter assistance, and visible presence at the request of local authorities. While active-duty military units were reportedly placed on standby, no active-duty deployment has occurred so far, leaving the Guard as the only official military presence on the ground under state command. What Comes Next Federal officials have indicated some agents will leave Minneapolis, though a federal presence remains. Governor Walz continues to call for further reductions and independent investigations, while the administration maintains that enforcement operations will continue under revised leadership. As protests persist and negotiations continue, the Minnesota National Guards limited but highly visible role has become a symbol of how states navigate federal enforcement conflicts without expanding their own use of force. Google simply struck a huge objective in conserving water at its data facilities. Believe billions of gallons conserved. Think of filling thousands of Olympic-sized pool. Thats the scale were speaking about. Its a major progression for the tech giant, showing significant dedication to tackling its ecological footprint, particularly worrying water use. This isnt simply great PR; its a necessary relocation for an industry understood for its thirst. Lets study what this indicates and why it matters. (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) 1. What is Googles Water Conservation Turning point? . Google introduced it accomplished a substantial target: changing even more freshwater than it taken in at its global information facilities. Basically, for every single decrease of clean alcohol consumption water its facilities made use of, Google found ways to return an equal quantity, and even much more, into landmarks and neighborhoods. They call this water stewardship. Think of it as stabilizing the books, but for water resources. This objective wasnt almost utilizing much less water inside the buildings. It entailed a larger photo technique, discovering means to restore, charge, and renew water materials in other places. They reached this turning point in advance of schedule, revealing it wasnt simply a remote guarantee. It included cautious dimension, innovative projects, and partnerships targeted at making a real distinction in water accessibility for people and ecosystems. This achievement establishes a brand-new criteria for the whole technology market. 2. Why Focus on Water Preservation in Information Centers? . Information facilities are the foundation of the net. They save, procedure, and provide all our digital things e-mails, videos, cloud files, whatever. Running these substantial stockrooms of computers creates huge warmth. To stop equipment from overheating and stopping working, information centers require effective cooling systems. Historically, this cooling frequently made use of huge quantities of water, primarily fresh water attracted from local products like rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers. As a matter of fact, air conditioning can account for a big section of an information centers overall water use, sometimes approximately 40% or even more. As the demand for cloud computer and online services blows up, so does the number and dimension of information centers. This places enormous pressure on local water resources, particularly in areas already dealing with water anxiety or drought. Firms like Google understood that their growth couldnt come with the expense of diminishing important water products for neighborhoods and nature. Saving water ended up being vital for both ecological duty and lasting service procedures. 3. Just How Did Google Achieve This Water Goal? . Google didnt rely on simply one method. They used a whole tool kit of approaches collaborating. First, they got smarter concerning using water inside their structures. They released innovative cooling innovations. As opposed to typical systems that regularly use fresh water, they transformed to alternatives like utilizing cured wastewater (called redeemed water), salt water (where readily available and useful), and hybrid systems that change in between water and air cooling relying on the weather. Air-cooling makes use of fans instead of water, which is fantastic when the outside air is awesome enough. Second, they looked past their very own wall surfaces. Google invested in jobs focused on recovering landmarks. This suggests funding efforts to improve the wellness of rivers, lakes, and underground water sources. Instances include reenergizing groundwater by allowing rainwater saturate back right into the earth rather than escaping, and recovering wetlands that normally filter and store water. They also partnered with regional communities on water preservation programs. These jobs aid renew the total water cycle in the regions where Google operates. Finally, they thoroughly tracked every drop determining water use and the influence of their replenishment efforts to ensure they absolutely satisfied their ambitious target. 4. Where is This Water Preservation Applied? . The impact of Googles water initiatives is really felt locally, worldwide, and also in future preparation. In your area, the tasks directly profit the communities near their information centers. Using reclaimed water or seawater minimizes the demand on metropolitan freshwater products that individuals depend on. Watershed reconstruction projects improve regional communities and can raise water accessibility for close-by towns and ranches. Internationally, this strategy establishes a powerful example. It reveals various other huge technology companies and industries that achieving ambitious water sustainability goals is feasible with innovation and investment. It pushes the whole market in the direction of far better methods. For future data centers, water conservation is now an essential style aspect from the first day. New facilities are being built in places where different water resources are available, like seaside locations for seawater use. Theyre created with one of the most reliable cooling systems feasible. Water stewardship is becoming as important as energy effectiveness when intending where and exactly how to develop these crucial electronic facilities centers. 5. Frequently asked questions Regarding Googles Information Facility Water Usage . Individuals normally have concerns concerning such a huge case. Allows attend to some usual ones. Does this mean Google information centers make use of no freshwater whatsoever now? No, not yet. While theyve substantially decreased freshwater use and balanced their consumption with replenishment, some facilities still require freshwater for air conditioning, particularly in extremely warm climates or where alternatives arent readily available. The objective was balance, not full elimination, though they keep functioning towards additional reduction. Just how does Google in fact renew water? What does that resemble? Its not regarding pouring water back right into a specific faucet. Replenishment implies financing projects that recover watershed health and wellness. Think removing water-hungry invasive plants from a shore, assisting farmers install reliable watering to save water, or restoring wetlands that imitate all-natural sponges. These tasks boost the complete amount of functional water in the neighborhood system in time. Is redeemed water safe for cooling down information facilities? Yes. Redeemed water is wastewater that has been dealt with to a high standard. Its tidy sufficient for industrial uses like cooling however isnt consuming alcohol water high quality. Using it for cooling frees up valuable freshwater for areas. Google treats it additionally if needed to avoid any kind of damages to their tools. Does this water preservation hurt the performance of the information centers? Never. Googles engineers created these systems to be highly reliable and dependable. The sophisticated cooling technologies in fact enhance effectiveness. Crossbreed systems, as an example, use air cooling when its trendy outside (saving water) and just change to water cooling when absolutely needed for peak efficiency throughout heatwaves. (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) Whats next? Is this the end goal? Absolutely not. This turning point is a large step, however Google sees it as component of a recurring trip. They intend to continue introducing, locating new methods to lower freshwater use also further. They intend to sustain water protection in all the areas where they operate, especially in water-stressed areas. Expect extra news and collaborations focused on sustainable water utilize in the future. DETROIT, MI The pair of British TikTokers taking Michigan by storm this month has added two more memories to their list of adventures across the state Detroit-style pizza and coney dogs. Content creators Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jason Riley most recently took their fascination with the Great Lakes State to the Upper Peninsula over the last several days after first visiting West Michigan and journeying north. Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, under Josh & Jase, the duo posted a video of their visit to a Jets Pizza in Detroit, jokingly mulling over what to order before, ultimately, each donning a bright red Jets uniform collared shirt and assembling a pizza themselves. We could not come to Detroit and not experience a Detroit-style pizza, Riley said toward the start of the two-minute video. Weve got a twist with this one. Loading up on toppings, Cauldwell-Clarke later added, Just looking at this pizza is giving me meat sweats. They revealed it was part of a new but temporary Josh & Jase Special, an eight-corner ultimate pepperoni pizza that comes with a bottle of ranch. Drizzling it with the dressing, they each took a bite, and as of Wednesday night, the video had garnered over 109,000 likes on Facebook. Later that day, the two shared another video as they popped in at Lafayette Coney Island in downtown Detroit. Riley admitted it didnt taste like a normal hot dog after taking a big bite of a coney dog with mustard, chili and onion. Cauldwell-Clarke chimed in, cutting his with a knife and fork. You know what? That tastes of America, the latter said. I like it. The coney dog appearance had racked up well over 36,000 views on Facebook. Josh and Jases adventures have gained a lot of attention over the last few weeks only interrupted by a hospital stay for Cauldwell-Clarke. Over the last few weeks, theyve also notably marveled at the long expanse of the Mackinac Bridge and Lake Superior, visited Mackinac Island, and tasted the iconic Michigan pasty. HOUGHTON, MI -- These fish arent winning any beauty pageants but they are becoming increasingly popular among ice fishers. Researchers want to know what anglers find so special about burbots. Burbot is a freshwater cod that has adapted to cold waterways like Lake Superior. The eel-like species goes by many names: Eel Pout, Lawyer, Ling, Cusk, Lush, Loche, Mudblow and Poor Mans Lobster. Some folks simply call it Michigans ugliest fish. The freshwater cod burbot is frequently caught in Michigans Lake Superior. Several fishing regulation changes recommended by the DNR Fisheries Division, were approved in fall. Now the DNR and Michigan Technological University are partnering to conduct a survey and interviews to gain information about angler awareness, values, and preferences for recreational burbot fishing. Pictured is a film scan of archival burbot fishing from the DNR. MI Dept. of Natural Resources These fish are most active in the winter. So why are anglers going through the trouble of setting up a pop-up tent, drilling a hole in the ice and sitting on a bucket waiting for a bite? Thats part of what the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Technological University want to know with their new survey. The anonymous survey and interviews will ask anglers about their awareness, values, and preferences for recreational burbot fishing within the Lake Superior basin. Burbots spawn in shallow areas of tributaries under the ice from December to February, according to the Michigan DNR. However, burbots are slow growing species with late maturity (four years or older) so harvesting the spawning broodstock can be detrimental to local populations, according to the DNR. In September, the DNR ordered a new daily limit of five burbots per angler. The limit goes into effect April 1, 2026. The daily limit was in response to an upward trend of burbot becoming a hobby fish. The freshwater cod burbot is frequently caught in Michigans Lake Superior. Several fishing regulation changes recommended by the DNR Fisheries Division, were approved in fall. Now the DNR and Michigan Technological University are partnering to conduct a survey about angler awareness, values, and preferences for recreational burbot fishing. Pictured is a film scan of archival burbot fishing from the DNR. MI Dept. of Natural Resources The DNR noticed an increase in social media postings of large numbers of 30 or more burbot caught in late night fishing trips that have targeted spawning balls of burbot males competing over ripe burbot female. Master angler entries of burbot have increased since 2019 with 235 entries making up 74% of the previous 10 years of entries, according to the DNR. From a conservation standpoint the DNR feared excessive harvesting could jeopardize the sustainability of some burbot populations. The freshwater cod burbot is frequently caught in Michigans Lake Superior. Several fishing regulation changes recommended by the DNR Fisheries Division, were approved in fall. Now the DNR and Michigan Technological University are partnering to conduct a survey and interviews to gain information about angler awareness, values, and preferences for recreational burbot fishing MI Dept. of Natural Resources If youre new to burbot fishing, heres what youre looking for. The Minnesota DNR describes burbot coloration as varying from yellow-brown to brown or even dark olive with black mottling and blotching, giving it almost a camouflage appearance. Burbot resembles an eel more than other freshwater fish. Its scales are small, the skin has a slimy feel and this bottom hugger has large chin barbel with tubular nostrils similar to catfish, for detecting food, according to the Minnesota DNR. Speaking of eel like, the Minnesota DNR has this warning for new anglers: Dont be shocked when our eel-like looking friend, uniquely and harmlessly, wraps its body around your forearm and gives you a little. ururur, vocalization when handling them. Its just their way of greeting you." The freshwater cod burbot is frequently caught in Michigans Lake Superior. Several fishing regulation changes recommended by the DNR Fisheries Division, were approved in fall. Now the DNR and Michigan Technological University are partnering to conduct a survey and interviews to gain information about angler awareness, values, and preferences for recreational burbot fishing MI Dept. of Natural Resources The Lake Superior basin in Michigan includes parts of Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Marquette, Alger, Luce, and Chippewa counties. If you fish for burbot in the Lake Superior basin, you can participate in the survey or sign up for an interview with the research team. SUTTONS BAY, MI - Two of Northern Michigans most popular brands are teaming up for a unique sweet treat just in time for Valentines Day. Mawby wines is collaborating with Grocers Daughter Chocolate for a limited-run production: Creamy truffles infused with Sex rose. The winerys best-selling bubbly has a devoted following, both in their Suttons Bay tasting room and on retail store shelves. Paring it with the hand-crafted chocolates that come from the well-known shop in Empire sounds like a little culinary bliss. Heres the lowdown on the truffles: There are two per set. They are classic European-style ganache truffles made with 70% dark chocolate, Sex rose, and Farmers Creamery heavy cream. The Sex keeps it bright and adds just the right touch of sweetness to all that dark chocolate, the Mawby team said. Normally, the truffle set is $9, but Mawby is offering them for free to those ordering four or more bottles of wine online. You can see all the details on the winerys website here. Heres how to get them: The end of the Hulu streaming app appears to be happening soon. Last year, Disney announced the streaming services standalone app would be integrated into the Disney+ platform, bringing an end to the Hulu platform. At the time, Disney -- which owns Hulu -- did not announce a hard end date for the app, but a recent announcement from video game maker Nintendo indicates the app will stop being supported on its Switch system on Feb. 5. The Hulu app is no longer available in the Nintendo Switch eShop with support for the application ending on February 5, 2026, Nintendo wrote on its website. Disney has yet to confirm Feb. 5 as the end date, but if support for the app ends on that date, the platform will no longer be functional on Switch. Disney has not announced when the Hulu app will stop working on other systems or TVs. While the standalone app is going away, a lot of Hulus content and original programming is already available in the Disney+ platform. Users must have an active Hulu subscription to access certain programs on Disney+. With this change, and in preparation for a fully integrated unified app experience next year, users will begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond, Disney said in a statement. This includes a series of design and navigation enhancements rolling out over the coming weeks and months offering a more dynamic and intuitive experience." Hulu is estimated to have more than 55 million subscribers in the U.S. The service launched as a beta platform in 2007 before becoming available to the public in 2008. Disney purchased a majority stake in the company in 2019 and became its full owner in 2025. Michigan added nearly 28,000 residents in the past year, marking the fourth consecutive year of population growth driven primarily by people moving to the state from other countries, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This story is one of five must-read stories from MLive not to miss this morning. International migration boosts population increase The states population reached an estimated 10,127,884 residents between July 2024 and June 2025, an increase of 27,922 people or 0.27% from the previous year. International migration accounted for 30,706 new residents, while domestic migration added 1,796 people. The growth comes despite more deaths than births in Michigan during this period. The state recorded 104,678 deaths compared to 99,680 births, according to the bureau. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the positive domestic migration represents a significant shift for Michigan. Read more from Michael Kranszs story here. 4 detained by ICE in Ypsilanti, sparking community concern Ypsilanti Community Schools buses parked at Ypsilanti Community Middle School in Ypsilanti Township on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com 4 people detained by ICE in Ypsilanti, sparking community concern Four people were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday, including individuals along Congress Street near two Ypsilanti high schools, spurring uncertainty among residents and officials as they worked to piece together details. By Wednesday morning, local officials confirmed the federal agents had not been on Ypsilanti Community Schools property or other school grounds. A rumor that ICE agents were at Ypsilanti Middle School on Wednesday was unsubstantiated after MLive reporters visited the location. Despite ICE operating off school grounds, the activity raised concerns among neighbors and parents about how to respond if federal agents returned to the area. Read more from MLive reporters story here. From left, longtime Antique Kitchen employee Sheli Walker, server Tami Haines, and returning server Monica Best, pose for a portrait on Jan. 27, 2026 at the restaurant in Portage, Michigan. The restaurant, closed by former owner Gary Miles on Sunday, Jan. 25, will reopen in the coming weeks, Walker said. Walker's mother, Jackie Dutton, a previous owner will again run the restaurant. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com Portage restaurant to continue long history after closure scare A Portage breakfast institution that was slated to close abruptly over the weekend will reopen soon under the management of a family that ran it for decades. Antique Kitchen, 6215 S. Westnedge Ave., shut its doors Sunday, Jan. 25, after staff was informed at days end the restaurant was closing permanently, according to multiple sources. By Monday night, however, a sign appeared on the door reading, Opening under new management soon. Jackie Dutton, who co-owned Antique Kitchen from 1986 to 2016, is taking over the restaurant, her daughter Sheli Walker confirmed. A reopening could happen as early as next week. The restaurant, known for its six-egg omelets and hearty breakfasts, had been serving customers since 1971. See the rest of Ryan Boldreys story here. U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington addresses the courtroom during the rededication of the U.S. District Courthouse in Bay City in 2012. MLive.com/Saginaw News MLive.com/Saginaw News Federal judge faces super drunk driving charges after Michigan crash A federal judge is scheduled to stand trial in February on charges he was driving while intoxicated when he crashed into two traffic signs near his Northern Michigan vacation home. Thomas L. Ludington, 72, allegedly crashed a 2019 Cadillac CT6 into signs near the intersection of East Mitchell Road and Penny Lane Oct. 3 in Emmet Countys Springvale Township, according to The Detroit News. Michigan State Police arrested Ludington on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He posted a $500 bond that day. Emmet County District Judge Angela J. Lasher arraigned Ludington on Oct. 6 on two misdemeanor counts: operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating with a high blood-alcohol content. The charges are commonly known as operating while intoxicated and super drunk. Ludington has served as a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern Division of Michigans Eastern District, which includes Bay City. Read more from Cole Watermans story here. The Buell Motorcycle Super Cruiser at the home base in Cascade Township on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The West Michigan manufacturer is expanding and projecting significant growth with a new motorcycle launch this fall. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com West Michigan company gets $10M federal loan to boost motorcycle production A Cascade Township motorcycle manufacturer has secured a $10 million federal loan to accelerate production of a bike that combines classic American cruiser styling with European superbike performance. Buell Motorcycle Co. received approval for the loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which will fund the purchase of tools, manufacturing equipment, and facility upgrades, according to CEO Bill Melvin. The financing comes as the company works through a backlog of 6,000 preorders for its Super Cruiser, which launched production in October 2025 and retails for $26,000. The company delivered its first models to customers in December 2025 and expects 2026 production to be 25 times higher than last years total, though Melvin declined to specify exact figures. Read the rest of Brian McVicars story here. CHICAGO -- A candy company that produced confections for nearly 100 years filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday. According to the Chicago Tribune, Primrose Candy filed for protection because it needs to reorganize more than $12 million in debt. The company also needs to acquire new funding so that it can pay its 90 employees and other business expenses. According to court documents, the companys largest unsecured creditor is Labor Solutions. The suburban Chicago staffing agency contracts the majority of Primroses 90-person staff. The company is known for selling a variety of candies and sweets including fruit-flavored starlights, saltwater taffy, lollipops, caramels, popcorn, and more. It was founded in 1928 by Frank C Puch who used $500 to launch the company. David Welch, an attorney who represents Primrose says theres a very clear reason for the companys current financial struggles. The cost of making that same piece of candy is so much more than what it used to be, and you cant keep up with your pricing to absorb all those costs when you have a lot of old debt that you also have to service, Welch said. The family-owned confectioner generated an estimated $7.8 million in revenue in 2025, down significantly from the $11.8 million in revenue in 2024. Primrose entered into a loan agreement in 2024 with Pathward for a $7.5 million line of credit. As part of the bankruptcy, Primrose plans to reorganize so that it can begin to pay down the debt it owes to both companies. Welch said that both Labor Solutions and Pathward are supportive of Primroses reorganization. HOUGHTON, MI - A vacant building will be transformed into a hub of creativity and growth in downtown Houghton. The city on Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula was recently awarded a $3.9 million grant from the MEDCs Michigan Talent Partnership Program, which supports transformational public space projects aimed at attracting and retaining talent, and creating business opportunities for residents. The grant will fund two projects and jumpstart a third. This grant will take us another 10 steps forward, said Eric Waara, city manager. Its all about creating a really nice place to live and do business. A rendering of the Houghton Business and Creative Incubator planned for downtown Houghton, Mich. City of Houghton Houghton Business and Creative Incubator Most of the funding $3.5 million will help create the Houghton Business and Creative Incubator. We will have a space where its affordable to get in and safe to fail, Waara said. Built in the 1980s, a former transportation center at 326 Sheldon Ave. now sits vacant, but ready to meet the communitys needs, he said. The grant will fund the citys property acquisition and remodel into a business incubator. According to the grant application, the two-story building will be divided into 150- to 300-square-foot workspaces connected by public areas. These spaces will be leased to creatives and emerging small businesses, providing a safe, affordable way to establish themselves and test the marketwith the goal of eventually growing into their own downtown locations. The incubator could open as early as spring 2027, according to the grant application. A rendering of the Sheldon Avenue Pocket Park planned for downtown Houghton, Mich. City of Houghton Shelden Avenue Pocket Park Year-round public restrooms are the focal point of the second project funded by the grant. About $300,000 is allocated to establish the Sheldon Avenue Pocket Park. It will be situated at 509 Sheldon Ave., which is currently vacant. The vision for the Shelden Avenue Pocket Park is simple yet impactful, according to the grant application. It fills a long-standing need for a welcoming public spacean open area adorned with plantings, comfortable seating, a raised platform, subtle lighting, and accessible restrooms. The park could open as early as fall 2026. A rendering of the non-motorized trail connector that would connect Michigan Tech campus to the waterfront trail system and downtown Houghton, Mich. City of Houghton Non-motorized trail extension The final piece of this MEDC grant is $55,000 toward a nonmotorized trail extension, which would connect downtown Houghton to the Michigan Tech campus. Theres no good way to get from campus to the waterfront trail system, which connects to downtown, Waara said. This is a trail connector to campus. The city requested $1.1 million for the trail but instead was awarded funds to assist in planning and writing an additional application to the Michigan Department of Transportation for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant, which could then fund the project. SALINE TWP., MI Saline Township officials had to backpedal Wednesday night to correct a mistake they admitted to making related to the controversial Stargate data center project for ChatGPT creator OpenAI and tech giant Oracle. It was a mistake that caused confusion and more criticism among area residents, as residents continue to fight the data center and hold project leaders accountable for issues caused by construction, as preliminary work on the site continues. Some residents who have been staunchly opposing the massive 2.2-million-square-foot hyperscale data center to power artificial intelligence showed up to a special meeting of the township Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Jan. 28 another heated meeting. In the end, the township board corrected the mistake. But some residents were left asking why it happened in the first place. The mistake that caused commotion happened Wednesday, Jan. 14, when the township board had intended to update the townships map of how land is used in the township. Instead of just voting to update the map, the township board actually voted to rezone about 575 acres for light industrial use. The vote was a mistake because the data center is moving forward under a lawsuit settlement, not through typical rezoning. A court-ordered consent judgment allows the data center to use the land no matter how it is zoned. Attorneys representing the township and data center stakeholders offered lengthy explanations of the complexities of the situation Wednesday night. In the end, township officials realized that rezoning it for industrial use would mean that the land would remain industrial after the data center is decommissioned or should the Big Tech companies back out of the project. On Wednesday night, the township board voted unanimously to reverse their Jan. 14 vote and instead simply update the land use map to reflect that the land remains zoned for agriculture, even though the court-ordered settlement consent agreement allows the data center to be located there. Related Digital and property owner sued the township after the board initially denied rezoning about 575 acres off Michigan Avenue for the data center. Following the suit, the township quickly settled. In a nutshell, the township board didnt have to rezone the land at all. And rezoning it for industrial use would only be relevant to any future proposal for the land, after the data center is done operating. People against the data center and legal defense fund set up to help residents fight it had interpreted it differently. Some residents are preparing to collect signatures to try to put the rezoning up to a vote of the people at a future election, following the Jan. 14 vote that mistakenly involved rezoning the land. They were left with the impression that the township was trying to stop an effort for residents to put the issue on a future ballot for township voters to decide. Youve said all along that you didnt want to make this decision, resident Tammie Bruneau said. Now you have an opportunity to let the citizens of Saline Township have their voices heard. This is your chance to hear, let us speak and put it on a ballot. But a ballot referendum would not apply in this situation, due to the lawsuit settlement, attorneys on both sides said. Much of the confusion was due to a portion of the consent judgment that states the township agreed the property shall be zoned for light industry. David Landry, an attorney the township hired after Related Digital and property owners brought the suit, explained the matter. The motion the township board voted on Jan. 14 was not correct, Landry said. The use of the property as a data center is not controlled by the (township) zoning ordinance. Its controlled by the consent judgment. he said. A court cant tell you what you put in your zoning ordinance. The court can tell you, this use is approved regardless of your ordinance, he said. No, the court did not force you to change your zoning ordinance. He also stressed that consent judgments are not subject to ballot referendums. If a judge were to rule that a ballot referendum would be allowed, that would violate the separation of powers among the legislative and judicial branches of government and the rights reserved to the people, he said. He also indicated rezoning the land to industrial would not be in the townships best interest, as it would return to agricultural land after the data center under the terms of the consent judgement. If the data center goes away, now the consent judgement doesnt apply. Your zoning applies. Any industrial use can be built there. An Amazon warehouse could be built there, he said. Township attorney Fred Lucas said he had to step away from the meeting on Jan. 14 due to a family emergency. Had he been present during the vote he wouldnt have let them do that, he said. Alan Greene, an attorney representing Related Digital and the property owners, said he had expected the township board on Jan. 14 to note on the land use map that the property is subject to a consent judgement. There was never an intent, I can tell you on our part, that the property be rezoned, Greene said. If the township officials had intended to rezone the land for future industrial use, after the data center, the way they did it was not proper. he said. There was no public notice, no 15-day notice, no publishing the legal description of the property and putting it out there, and you didnt have a public hearing, he said. All thats required by statue, if you were really rezoning the property. Related Digital shared a written statement with The Ann Arbor News/MLive at the meeting. It is unfortunate that there was some misinformation around the process of updating the maps, but any attempts to claim that the property was rezoned by the Board, or that the Board intended to rezone the property, are 100% false, according to Related Digitals statement. The firm also said in the statement its truly a disservice to the community at large for some agitators and opponents of the project to spread false information about the legal status of this project. This project is moving forward, and we look forward to the continued cooperation of this Board, it states. The situation prompted one resident to tell the board they are making Saline Township look ridiculous. Residents also continued to bring up issues with construction traffic using back roads, among other nuisances to neighbors. Others decried the rise of artificial intelligence and potential threats it poses to humanity. In addition, township officials expressed interest in enacting a moratorium a temporary pause on any potential additional data center proposals in the township. A moratorium would give the township time to work out local regulations for data centers, which the township currently does not have. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jazz Parks sent a message to local families late Wednesday afternoon addressing the districts federal immigration response protocols one day after parents were reportedly targeted by authorities in Ypsilanti. While officials have remained largely mum on the specifics, Parks called Tuesdays incident and its impact on the areas school community deeply troubling. Concerns initially emerged Tuesday, Jan. 27, among area parents and local leaders when four people were reportedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement nearby two Ypsilanti schools. Officials have since confirmed ICE agents were not present directly on Ypsilanti Community Schools or other school property. However, Parks joined Wednesdays chorus, adding the issue undermines the sense of safety that all families deserve. Tuesdays incident comes as immigration enforcement has intensified over the last year under President Donald Trump. It also follows rising demonstrations and protests in response to ICE activity across the country, particularly in Minnesota after the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were both shot and killed by federal agents earlier this month. Like YCS, AAPS does not allow ICE agents into schools or on its property without a signed judicial warrant. The Ann Arbor district also regularly cites existing safeguards under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in protecting student records against law enforcement without parental consent or a judicial order. Durham Transportation, which provides bussing services for Ann Arbor schools, also maintains protocols to respond, Parks said, if ICE agents are suspected of being near bus stops. And as an additional precaution, she said, we have taken down the AAPS bus routes from the district website. All AAPS schools have been provided information and Know Your Rights materials to support and share with our immigrant families as needed, Parks wrote. The district is collaborating with several community agencies, she said, to provide resources and support. We encourage families to review these resources and understand the protections and resources available to them. UPDATE: This story was updated to reflect that only three people were detained near Congress St. The fourth person was detained nearby. YPSILANTI, MI - Tension lingered outside Ypsilanti-area schools Wednesday afternoon as parents worried about the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area. Several parents expressed fear and worry after three people were reportedly detained by ICE officers Tuesday, Jan. 27, along Congress Street, MLive confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the federal activity. A fourth person was detained nearby. Read more: ICE detentions near Ypsilanti schools have leaders seeking answers amid community confusion While multiple school officials said ICE had not directly been on school property, some parents were wary of the looming possibility of officers presence in the area, especially in close proximity to school grounds. Kids should be able to go to school, parents should be able to pick up their kids and not be worried about possibly being accosted by people in masks that they cant even identify, April Holmes, a 39-year-old Ypsilanti Township resident, said. Ypsilanti International Elementary School, 503 Oak St. in Ypsilanti on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Schools within three miles of where Tuesdays detention occurred include Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School a Ypsilanti Community Schools K-4 school with a Spanish-language immersion program Washtenaw International High School, Ypsilanti International Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community High School and several other elementary and middle schools within the district. Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School in Ypsilanti on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Nearby residents said they were also nervous about the increased presence of federal officers. But several people said they were looking for opportunities to help, including mobilizing as a community to provide support to immigrants. Rhoda Bush, 77, recently moved to Michigan from Maryland, but her husband and daughter were out in the township looking for ways to help the immigrant and international community Wednesday afternoon. Its appalling to me that its happening in Michigan, Bush said. Any expansion of (ICE) is totally horrifying. It means they can feel emboldened. Crystal Lyte, District 2 Washtenaw County commissioner, said she would go to prison before she let something happen to kids or people in the area. By early Wednesday afternoon, local advocates agreed fear had risen among immigrant and international communities within Ypsilanti and across Washtenaw County, particularly in the wake of intensified ICE activity in Minnesota and other areas of the U.S. What remained unclear was the extent of who was impacted Tuesday and what ICE activity may look like moving forward. District 7 Commissioner Andy LaBarre said parents should understand the guidelines at their childrens schools regarding ICE-related policies. Parents were largely pleased with the level of communication from the various Ypsilanti schools. Holmes said that Washtenaw International High School told parents they would not allow ICE on their premises and that they were ensuring both parents and children were safe exiting and entering the school. Washtenaw International High School and Middle School Academy, 105 N. Mansfield St. in Ypsilanti Township on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com LaVett Arnold, whose daughter attends WIHI, said she was worried about the high schools student body and their families. It would be horrible if (ICE) is this close, LaVett, 57, said. A rumor that ICE agents were at Ypsilanti Middle Schools on Wednesday was found to be unsubstantiated after multiple MLive reporters went to the school. YCS Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said there were no ICE agents there. But inside the school, several worried parents gathered with their children in case the rumor proved true. The palpable anxiety inside the school reflected broader concerns among families in the community. Unfortunately, I wasnt surprised. Given everything thats going on, I knew it was only a matter of time before it made its way to Ypsi, Holmes said. Youre not safe. Nobodys safe. UPDATE: This story was updated to reflect that only three people were detained near Congress St. The fourth person was detained nearby. YPSILANTI, MI School officials and various community leaders are still piecing together details after activity from federal immigration authorities in an Ypsilanti neighborhood Tuesday left concerned residents in a fog of uncertainty. Three people were reportedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tuesday, Jan. 27, along Congress Street in close proximity to two area high schools, MLive confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the federal activity. A fourth person was also detained nearby. By early Wednesday, Jan. 28, multiple local officials said the ICE activity had not been directly present on any Ypsilanti Community Schools or other school property. A rumor that ICE agents were at Ypsilanti Middle Schools on Wednesday was found to be unsubstantiated after multiple MLive reporters visited the location. YCS Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said there were no ICE agents there. Despite ICE being off school grounds, neighbors and parents appeared to grapple with how to respond in case federal agents reappeared. I have zero tolerance for ICE, and I dont play about my kids and the kids that are in the community, Crystal Lyte, district 2 Washtenaw County commissioner, said, emphasizing the need to protect our kids and local residents. Were going to have to be on the ground, boots on the ground. Armed up, she added. This is not the time to be scared. By early Wednesday afternoon, local advocates agreed fear had risen among immigrant and international communities within Ypsilanti and across Washtenaw County, particularly in the wake of intensified ICE activity in Minnesota and other areas of the U.S. What remained unclear was the extent of who was impacted Tuesday and what ICE activity may look like moving forward. Ann Arbor-based immigration lawyer Alexandra Lopez, whos active on social media in sharing federal immigration information, said she quickly reached out to another attorney to see if they needed to respond to Tuesdays initial reports. At the time, YCS notified families of the presence, confirming parents were affected. Lopez said she believes the activity was likely part of a targeted operation and lauded the school districts messaging to families about the issue, while also remaining mum on some details to avoid unnecessarily exposing the community to federal authorities. I think YCS did an excellent job yesterday, responding immediately, putting the safety of their students first, asking questions kind of later and putting the pieces together later whether there was a real threat or not, Lopez said. I think the response is appropriate. YCS did not provide any follow-up comment when asked Wednesday about the districts ongoing response. Due to the sensitive nature of this situation and out of respect to those families impacted, the district is unable to provide additional information at this time, a spokesperson said. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, was also still working to confirm some information Wednesday. The Democratic congresswoman has been outspoken previously about going after ICE when needed but joined others in pointing to the need to first confirm details to avoid adding kerosene to the level of hysteria that is already out there. I heard many things yesterday, some of which turned out to be true and some of which were categorically not true, Dingell said. But what I think is really important in this very raw time is that people be very careful to not spread rumors and to have the facts. We need to be caring about our neighbors and watching out as communities, Dingell added. Federal authorities did not confirm whether parents were targeted at a local school bus stop, as suggested in earlier reports. But Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said she was impressed with much of the communitys response to ICE reports in general this week, as residents look for mutual aid, carpooling, and ways to support their immigrant neighbors. She recalled other incidents in the county over the last year involving ICE detaining parents and said, We are keeping an eye on the environment and in direct communication with the schools if they need us. As of late Wednesday afternoon, Kimberly Bush, a spokesperson for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, said the AG shared in local concerns about ICE, adding, The department has been working in earnest to put together guidance for both law enforcement and residents and plans to issue that soon. Dyer has said the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office does not coordinate with immigration enforcement and does not ask immigration status, and Zachery-Ross said Ypsilanti schools also do not allow ICE onto school grounds without a valid judicial warrant. District 6 County Commissioner Annie Somerville said she was willing and able to support YCS, citing what she thought was an uptick in activity from federal authorities. District 7 Commissioner Andy LaBarre called the issue on Tuesday abhorrent. Understanding what your schools response is, is critical, LaBarre said. YPSILANTI, MI - Immigration enforcement was conducting a specific operation near Ypsilanti schools on Tuesday, not targeting schools or bus stops, a spokesperson said. Three people were detained Jan. 27 along Congress Street by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near two area high schools, MLive confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the federal activity. A fourth person was also detained nearby. The arrests shocked local and school communities, with some parents expressing worry about the possibility of federal agents being so close to school grounds. Read more: ICE detentions near Ypsilanti schools have leaders seeking answers amid community confusion A spokesperson for ICE said agents were conducting an intelligence-based operation and stopped two vehicles after seeing them leave a residence. The first vehicle had three women two from Honduras and one from Mexico while the second vehicle had a man from Honduras. The woman from Mexico had a final order of removal, the spokesperson said. The status of orders for removal for the other three people was not noted. A search of Washtenaw County and federal court records showed no criminal record for any of the four people detained. ICE does not target schools for enforcement actions or bus stop locations, the spokesperson said in an email to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. To be clear, no children were present during these arrests. Parents of Ypsilanti students were among those detained, Alena Zachery-Ross, superintendent of Ypsilanti District Schools, said in a statement Wednesday morning sent to parents and local leaders. The three women are currently being held in the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, according to ICE records. It is unclear where the man is being held, although family has been in touch with him, said Gloria Sendejo, an Ann Arbor resident who works closely with families impacted by ICE detentions. She has been in touch with family members for all four people who were detained, she said. Sendejo spent time Wednesday and Thursday morning to look for the car left behind when the man was detained, she said. He is 18, she said. She has located and moved roughly 30 vehicles left behind after detainments in the past few months, she said. Sendejo was able to locate the teens car Thursday morning. Our families are living in fear, she said. I get messages all the time. Although ICE was not on school grounds, some parents expressed concerns about them being in the area. Read more: ICE detention near schools sparks anxiety among Ypsilanti parents Schools within three miles of where Tuesdays detention occurred include Ypsilanti Puentes Multilingual School a Ypsilanti Community Schools K-4 school with a Spanish-language immersion program Washtenaw International High School, Ypsilanti International Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community High School and several other elementary and middle schools within the district. Kids should be able to go to school, parents should be able to pick up their kids and not be worried about possibly being accosted by people in masks that they cant even identify, April Holmes, a 39-year-old Ypsilanti Township resident, told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. There are no words to fully capture the pain, fear and disruption this causes for our scholars and loved ones, Zachery-Ross said in her previous statement. Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jazz Parks also called the incident deeply troubling. Others are concerned about possibly seeing intensified activity such as that occurring in Minnesota. Local agents are getting more bold, Sendejo said. She fears that they will escalate tactics, she said. For a couple weeks, there were a few reports, but nothing like yesterday, Sendejo said on Wednesday. Yesterday, they were just everywhere. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI The Port Huron Paper Company plans to invest $24.5 million to revive nearly 400,000 square feet of industrial space in Port Huron with the help of a state development grant. The project is expected to create 82 jobs in the county, according to a news release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office. Nine buildings will be revitalized into warehousing, papermill manufacturing and other industrial uses, according to the release. By combining experienced papermakers and skilled trades professionals from the former Domtar and Dunn mills, two historic specialty Port Huron paper mills, we are putting proven Michigan papermaking talent back to work while positioning Legacy Port Huron Paper for long-term growth into the future, Tim Wight, general manager of Legacy Port Huron Paper, said in a statement. PHPCs parent company, BMI Group, specializes in revitalizing underused industrial sites. The Ontario-based company focuses on former pulp and paper mills. The production of quality paper is woven into Port Hurons history, James R. Freed, Port Huron city manager, said in a statement. By putting our skilled tradespeople and craftspeople back to work, we are creating good-paying careers at home and proving to the world that Michigan still knows how to compete. New jobs will offer starting wages of $27 per hour plus benefits, which is more than $5 above the regional median wage of $21.48, according to the release. The Michigan Strategic Fund has offered a Michigan Business Development Program grant in the amount of $1 million, which could offset the costs associated with machinery upgrades and facility renovations. (This story has been updated with additional information.) GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Ever wanted to have a job in the days of yore? Genesee County is accepting applications to work at Crossroads Village, the recreated rural village from the late 1800s thats marking its 50th anniversary this year. The county Parks & Recreation Commission posted the job openings on its Facebook page this week and said on-the-spot interviews will also be available during an on-site job fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Minimum qualifications for all jobs are the ability to read and write, and to be available to work on weekends, holidays, and irregular hours. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, and some specialized positions also require experience, certifications, or college credits. County Parks & Recreation Commission Director Patrick Linihan said he hopes to fill 50-70 open seasonal positions. Positions include locomotive firemen, railroad shop workers, sawmill operators, park attendants, retail associates, and vintage ride operators. Dedicated in 1976, Crossroads was the countys bicentennial project. The 32-acre village includes the Huckleberry Railroad, a narrow-gauge rail line thats still pulled around the park by restored, coal-fired locomotives built by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Attractions include the Clayton Town Hall, Davison Depot, Wisner Carriage Barn, and a 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel. The village is also hosting the countys America 250 celebration this year. The village is located at 6140 N. Bray Road in Genesee Township. Its 2026 regular operating season runs from May 23 to Sept. 7. It also offers special programs, such as Christmas Holiday Magic and Halloween Ghosts & Goodies. Applications can be made here. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The Michigan Supreme Court is being asked to weigh in on a lawsuit against the city of Grand Rapids over its response time to a public records request. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) petitioned the states highest court in a case involving a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that the city of Grand Rapids took over a year to fulfill. The ACLU is arguing that by taking so long to provide the public records, the city essentially denied the FOIA request and violated Michigan law. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the ACLU filed an application with the Michigan Supreme Court seeking leave to appeal the decision of the Michigan Court of Appeals, which last month ruled in Grand Rapids favor on the matter. The appeals court ruled on Dec. 11 that the city did not violate FOIA law because it ultimately provided the documents and because state law does not mandate a timeframe for disclosure, upholding a lower courts previous decision. RELATED: ACLU loses appeal against Grand Rapids over FOIA response times The issue stemmed from a FOIA request the ACLU submitted to the Grand Rapids Police Department in December 2021 over its use of drones. The city took over a year to fulfill the request, so the ACLU submitted a second FOIA request in March 2023 seeking information about why the city took so long to fulfill the first request. The city responded a month later, saying the second FOIA request would take 2 hours and 15 minutes to process. However, the city said it could take 8 to 10 months to provide the records due to a backlog of FOIA requests at the time, according to the ACLU lawsuit. It ultimately took the city 13 months to complete the public records request, which the ACLU argued violated Michigan law because it took an unreasonable amount of time. If [d]emocracies die behind closed doors, they surely falter if it takes too long for doors to open, the ACLU wrote in the application for leave to appeal, referencing the Washington Posts slogan. The city provided the public records to the ACLU in June 2024. Both parties filed cross-motions for summary disposition, and a circuit court sided with the city, ruling in November that Michigan law does not specify a timeframe in which a public body must disclose public records. Michigans FOIA law does not give public bodies a specific time limit within which they must fulfill a FOIA request. It states, A public body shall furnish a requesting person a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records, and shall furnish reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from its public records during the usual business hours. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids city leaders have agreed to pay $285,000 to the family of an 11-year-old girl who police handcuffed at gunpoint in 2017. The payment is part of a legal settlement for a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Honestie Hodges. Honestie died in November 2020 from COVID complications. The lawsuit, claiming civil rights violations, was against three officers involved in Hodges arrest. While no monetary settlement can undo or repair the fear, trauma, and lasting impact experienced by the child involved, this resolution represents an important measure of justice and acknowledgment of harm. It also underscores the principle that children are entitled to protections under the law, particularly during police interactions that carry an inherent risk of trauma, attorneys for the Hodges family wrote in a statement. Honestie was briefly detained as police responded to a report that a woman had been stabbed by her sister. RELATED:Family of Honestie Hodges, handcuffed at gunpoint at 11, sues Grand Rapids police Police set up a perimeter around a house on Turner Avenue, believing the suspect might be there, when Honestie and an adult exited a back door. They were headed to a neighborhood store. Her mother, who came out the door, yelled to police her daughter was only 11. The suspect was not at the house. Honestie and the adult were told to walk backward. Honestie was handcuffed and placed in the back of a cruiser. She was in handcuffs for about two minutes, 30 seconds before police took them off. The handcuffing of an 11-year-old girl, who was Black, upset many in the community and brought national media coverage. Honesties detention led to a new youth-interaction policy, dubbed the Honestie Policy, enacted months later for Grand Rapids police. As part of the lawsuit, attorneys for the officers argued they acted appropriately given the evolving, potentially dangerous situation. Attorneys said the provisional settlement must be approved by a federal judge before it can be finalized. ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI Decades after his 12-year-old brother died in his arms, Daniel Yarbough returned to what was left of the House of Judah compound. He sat alone for eight hours, surrounded by overgrown brush and scrub trees, and talked into a recorder. He remembered, and relived, his hellish childhood at the religious cult where brutal punishments whacks from a spiked club called Big Mac while locked in colonial-era whipping blocks were said to be handed down by God. 50 1 / 50 House of Judah cult Daniel Yarbough, then 9, watched in horror as his brother was given 200 licks, an unheard of number. By the 70th strike, John Yarbough stopped crying and screamed in agony. He begged the guards to stop. When his body fell limp, he was tied to a tree, in the standing position, until the last blow landed. Then, an adult tried to lift him by his ear with pliers. The July 4, 1983, death of John Yarbough exposed the House of Judah as a violent religious cult led by self-proclaimed prophet William A. Lewis and his henchmen. Daniel Yarbough, 51, recounts his horrific childhood in his book, Misled: A survivors journey from a cult childhood. It is available through Amazon. The book is the first part of his memoir series about his early life growing up in a religious cult. I want to get that enlightenment to everyone in the world because itll save children, he told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Men that are supposed to be men of God and theyre raping kids everywhere, and its still going on today. Im like, everybody just drove past us. Drove right past us. Didnt come in and check. His wife, Ria Harris, who helped write the book, said it was not easy for her husband to write the book and be forced to relive the horrors of his childhood. She said it isnt easy to read, either. And I actually have a few of my friends that bought the book and they have been, to put it in real words, too afraid to read it, she said. Because it is even a little that they knew from what I told them, its horrifying, she said. A screenshot of Daniel Yarbough as he talks with MLive reporter John Agar over a Zoom call about the House of Judah. Screenshot via Zoom Lewis, once a charismatic radio preacher in Chicago, set up communal living on 22 acres in southwest Allegan County in the early 1970s. Eventually, he ruled the compound with an iron fist. The Allegan County compound was deep in the woods, with armed patrols preventing escape. Followers believed they were doomed to the lake of fire if they left. After John Yarboughs death, the House of Judah relocated to Alabama. Lewis died on Aug. 21, 2004, at the age of 84. His followers, described as Black Hebrew Israelites, believed they were the chosen ones. White people were the devil and everyone outside of the camp were heathens. The release of the book comes as the Yarboughs mother, the former Ethel Yarbough, recently died. She was a central figure in Daniel Yarboughs life despite her alliance with Lewis, who moved the cult to Wetumpka, Alabama, after leaving Allegan County. She had been hospitalized since July. She died Nov. 29, in Wetumpka. But its still very tough, Harris said. And theres still complicated feelings. " His mother, who later married Lewis, was the only one convicted in her sons killing. She was sentenced to four to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. She landed the last blows. Two others were sentenced in Allegan County to one year in jail after pleading no contest to child cruelty. Lewis and other, however, were cleared of state charges. Three years later, a now-retired FBI special agent, Gene Debbaudt, convinced a federal prosecutor to file charges of enslaving children against Lewis and six others. They were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to three years. Lewis was sentenced to three years. The case was precedent-setting because Lewis and the rest were convicted of enslaving children who were in the custody of their parents. Daniel Yarbough wrote about her reaction when John, also known as Jonah, had died in their old trailer. Mothers desperate cries echoed through the trailer. Jonah, Jonah, Jonah! she cried, but her screams had come too late. When she realized he was dead, Mother exclaimed, I have to get My Lord, and left to inform Prophet Lewis that John John hadnt survived, he wrote in the book. It was early in the morning. Men in the camp wrapped his body in a quilt, put him in the back of a pickup truck and left for a South Haven hospital. Police soon showed up and over the course of days removed 66 children from the compound. They were sent to live with other family members or foster parents. Daniel Yarbough said he and his brother were targeted by Lewis because both bore a strong resemblance to their father, who rejected Lewis and the cult. Daniel Yarbough has grappled with uncertainty about his mothers true beliefs. He thinks she recognized Lewis as a false prophet but also thinks she truly believed him to be a prophet. Harris said the writing process for her husband was almost a traumatic journey because to get all of this down, he had to relive it. Thats why it took so long, because to just have to sit in that space was a lot some days. So sometimes, you have to just walk away from it and come back to it. Yarbough has emotional and physical scars. He has burns on his face from a hot iron and burns on his arms. His buttocks were scarred by Big Mac. He grew up hating white people. He was angry and rebellious. He told MLive he eventually decided Lewis and the cult had taken enough from his life. Why spend the first part of your life in hell then choose to live the second part of your life in hell? Ive been through that. I use that to elevate or help someone else. GRAND RAPIDS, MI After a man was denied access to a political rally for Donald Trump, he tried to pull a joke on law enforcement by claiming a bottle he was holding was C-4. A judge described Steven Nautas humorous effort as the worst joke attempt in history of jokes when fashioning a prison sentence for the 65-year-old man. Nauta appeared for sentencing on Thursday, Jan. 29, after a jury found him guilty of four charges related to one of Trumps visits to Michigan. The incident unfolded the afternoon of Sept. 27, 2024, outside a Trump rally at a metal panel manufacturer in Walker. Trump, who was running for a second term as the Republican nominee, held the campaign rally five weeks before the general election. Nauta approached a police traffic point in his Jeep, told an officer he had tickets and then said he had C-4. He dumped an unknown can out of the window and some paperwork before driving past officers telling him to stop, testimony revealed. Police later discovered that the C-4 was a can of C4 Performance Energy drink, and Nauta was found to have bags of fertilizer, which he attempted to make appear as explosives. A jury found Nauta guilty of false report of terrorism, an explosives charge, resisting police and fleeing police. In court on Thursday, defense attorney Remy Hebert said Nauta was going through a mental health crisis when the incident happened. Hebert asked for mercy on Nautas behalf. Kent County Circuit Judge Joseph Rossi credited law enforcements decision to not use force at any point during the situation. Rossi said police recognized that Nauta was potentially going through a mental health crisis, which played a factor in sentencing. Nauta received a suspended prison sentence of three to 20 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. The judge ordered Nauta to complete a program, Alternative Directions, which gives offenders a chance to make positive changes. Nauta will remain on three years probation without any early release. He must undergo substance abuse and mental health treatment. Nauta is barred from attending any political events while on probation. JACKSON, MI Police have identified the man who was found fatally shot Wednesday morning in a parking lot in Jackson. The Jackson Police Department identified the victim as Michael Mishaw, 49, who was found dead Wednesday morning, Jan. 28, in a parking lot in the 1600 block of E. Michigan Avenue. Mishaws body was reported at about 8:45 a.m. by a passerby who saw him near the rear of a parking lot and called 911, police said. He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso, police said. Police questioned several possible witnesses Wednesday afternoon, but no arrests have been made and the shooting remains under investigation, Jackson Deputy Police Chief Sergio Garcia said. Police received a 911 call at 2:13 a.m. the same day for a report of shots fired around Orange Street not far from where the victim was located, police said. Officers searched the area but did not locate anything at that time. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Thomas Tinklepaugh at 517-768-8637 or Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. MUSKEGON, MI - A vigil for a man killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents is planned for Thursday night in Muskegon. Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by CBP agents on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The city of Minneapolis is at the forefront of the national immigration debate this month, with two fatal shootings of Minnesota residents and American citizens during protests of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Renee Good, 37, a mother of three, was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Jan. 7. A vigil for Pretti will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Olthoff Street Stage at the corner of Third Street and West Western Avenue downtown Muskegon. Alex Pretti was executed in the street, on his knees, in America, said organizer Tatum Smillie. We all saw it, horrifyingly well documented. That is what this regime is willing to let their agents do in the streets in front of cameras. Imagine what they are doing behind the walls of their camps? How many lives have been taken without the headlines? How many more will die? We must remember them. We must honor them. We must continue to fight for them. There will be a moment of silence, sing-along, a poem reading by a local high school student and the opportunity for speeches by community members. The event is being hosted by the Progressive Democratic Womens Caucus PAC of Muskegon County and Indy Next Gen. Attendees are asked to bring candles in jars, LED candles and flowers. The Muskegon community held a vigil on Jan. 8 following the death of Good. During the vigil, Muskegon elected officials and political candidates gathered on stage and passed the microphone down the line, introducing themselves and each taking a turn to denounce ICE. The Muskegon City Commission reaffirmed the citys stance on not arresting individuals based on immigration status during its meeting on Jan. 27. One year ago, as ICE efforts were increasing across the U.S. and including West Michigan, the Muskegon Police Department responded to local concerns and said its officers are not arresting or detaining anyone based on immigration status. Weve had no contact with federal agencies regarding immigration enforcement in the city of Muskegon, said Mayor Ken Johnson. Muskegon Police Department will not arrest or detain anyone based on their immigration status. We do not ask that as part of stops. We do not enforce that independently. Muskegon Police Department does not check immigration status during any interaction with the public. If immigration-related documents are shared with the Muskegon Police Department, they will not be shared with other agencies or entities. BAY CITY, MI Chick-fil-A is set to open its first-ever Bay City restaurant next week, bringing about 100 new jobs and the fast-food chains popular chicken sandwiches to the area. The opening of the locally-owned and operated restaurant will officially mark Chick-fil-As arrival to Bay County, and the new location will join two of the chains other restaurants in the region, which are in Flint Township and Saginaw Township. The new restaurant, located at 3540 E. Wilder Road, will officially begin serving customers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, Chick-fil-A officials announced in a news release Thursday, Jan. 29. In addition to chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A offers chicken nuggets, salads, breakfast sandwiches, lemonade, tea and more. Additional menu options are available online at chick-fil-a.com. The restaurant will offer dine-in, drive-through, carryout, third party delivery, and mobile pickup. The Bay City location will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Customers at the restaurant who dress in cow print on the locations opening day will receive a free entree. The promotion is a reference to the chains cow mascots who urge customers to Eat More Chikin. To further celebrate the opening of the restaurant, the Bay City location is donating $25,000 to Feeding America. The funds will support the organizations partners in the region combat hunger. Additionally, the restaurant will be participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, through which surplus food is provided to nonprofits in the area. The program has supported the creation of 42 million meals across the United States. The Bay City location will be owned and operated by Florida native Dylan Seitz. He has been with Chick-fil-A since high school, beginning his tenure with the chain as a team member and eventually being accepted into the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program. My wife and I are incredibly excited to put down roots in the Midwest and make Bay City our home, Seitz said in a statement. Chick-fil-A has a special place in our hearts because its where we met, and opening Chick-fil-A Bay City is especially meaningful as we look forward to creating a welcoming, positive space that reflects the communitys close-knit spirit. Additional information about the Bay City Chick-fil-A is available on the restaurants Facebook page. SAGINAW, MI Laying down a small blanket on the snow to set his childhood drum set and chair on, Alex Engel sat down and began to play. Wind chimes rang, loud music played, whistles were blown and pots were hit with kitchen utensils all in protest days after another individual was killed by federal immigration authorities amid escalating tensions in Minnesota. Just seeing everything ICE is doing, everything the Trump regime is doing to ruin this country if we dont stand up now, its gonna come for us all, Engel said, referring to the intensifying ICE activity under President Donald Trump. Engel was part of a group of protestors who gathered Wednesday, Jan. 28, in front of the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1500 Weiss St., Saginaw to chant for justice for Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis-area man who was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents Jan. 24. Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse for the VA, and his death came less than a month after the killing of Renee Good, the Minneapolis mother who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jan. 7. Each incident has spurred widespread demonstrations and protests against federal authorities in Minnesota and around the country. Organizer Kim Rowan pulled together Wednesday afternoons Saginaw protest to continue making noise and bring awareness to the community. Protest organizer Kim Rowan hits a pan with a ladle during a protest against ICE in front of Aleda E. Lutz Department of VA Medical Center, 1500 Weiss St. in Saginaw, Mich. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Were talking about people losing their lives, and its not supposed to be done that way. Its not American, Rowan said. I dont care if I have five people that come out every single time. We do these big ones, 300 to 500, its all a part of the change. About 30 people held up their signs in the frigid temperatures as passing vehicles blared their horns in support. Another protestor, Sheila Kaufmann, brought her wind chime to swing around and make extra noise, she said, even though her fingers were freezing. Sheila Kaufmann swings her wind chime during a protest against ICE in front of Aleda E. Lutz Department of VA Medical Center, 1500 Weiss St. in Saginaw, Mich. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com We had to remind people that we have to love our neighbors, Rowan said. See the gallery of images from the protest above or click here. MIDLAND, MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week announced a business expansion project that will bring 22 new jobs and a $20 million capital investment to Midland through DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC, a subsidiary of DuPont. State support for the investment came from the Michigan Strategic Fund in a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant in the amount of $200,000, the governor said in a statement. The expansion will add 6,000 square feet of new production space at the Midland facility, specifically for materials used in electric vehicle batteries. The new positions will offer starting wages of $30 per hour plus benefits, exceeding the regional median wage by more than $9. The expansion will include the addition of truck docks, warehouse space, and a five-story manufacturing facility dedicated to producing thermal adhesives for EV battery production. DDP Specialty Electronic Materials chose to expand in Michigan over existing facilities in China and Germany, where labor costs are significantly lower, officials said. DDP Specialty Electronic Materials, headquartered in Midland, operates five locations across Michigan and employs approximately 450 state residents. SAGINAW, MI A Wisconsin woman is charged with biting off a portion of her Saginaw County exs tongue more than a year ago. Nina R. Huffman, 23, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark via Zoom from her home in the Badger State. Clark arraigned Huffman on one count of aggravated domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Prosecutors allege Huffman and her then-boyfriend went out for New Years on Dec. 31, 2024. After midnight, they returned to a house on Cole Road in Spaulding Township and got into an argument, during which Huffman ended up biting off a chunk of the victims tongue, prosecutors wrote in a bond recommendation. The victim was unable to get the portion of his severed tongue reattached, prosecutors continued. Police arrested and jailed Huffman in the early morning hours of New Years Day 2025, though she bonded out by Jan. 3. Authorities issued a warrant for Huffman in March 2025. Huffmans ex, now 28, has communicated to prosecutors he doesnt want Huffman to face a more serious charge. Prosecutors added that if Huffman decides she does not want to accept responsibility, she can be charged with assault with intent to maim, a 10-year felony. Defense attorney Theresa Bridges stated this is Huffmans first experience with the criminal justice system and only found out about the pending charge earlier this month. Huffman promptly acted to appear via Zoom for arraignment. Bridges asked Clark to set a personal recognizance bond, stating her client now resides in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin. Clark allowed Huffman to remain free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Her next court date is pending. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Thursday announced the results of her offices investigation into claims that more than a dozen noncitizens had allegedly registered to vote in Michigan. Benson revealed at a press conference that one of these 15 people is a noncitizen who voted in a 2018 election but had their voter registration canceled in 2022. Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly, was the secretary of state in 2018. Another person voted in 2024, but Bensons office hasnt yet determined whether they are a U.S. citizen or not. The office has requested additional documentation to verify their citizenship. The investigation follows claims made earlier this month by Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini who said he found 15 noncitizens were allegedly registered to vote at some point, with one of them possibly voting in multiple elections. Now, let me be clear: Only U.S. citizens can vote in Michigans elections, Benson told reporters. While national and state reviews prove again and again that it is very rare, I take any reports of illegal voting in our state very seriously. Bensons office found that three of the 15 people are U.S. citizens. Four are noncitizens who had their registrations canceled. Another four are apparent noncitizens, and Bensons office has requested they verify their citizenship status or have their voter registrations canceled. For the remaining four people, Bensons office has requested documentation to verify their citizenship status. Michigan has 8,285,253 registered voters, according to Bensons office. Bensons office did not say if any of the apparent or actual noncitizens were believed to be in the country illegally. The four people determined to be noncitizens had their voter registrations canceled individually, with these cancellations happening in 2012, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Benson said that one of the U.S. citizens who voted may face criminal investigation and that the two other U.S. citizens may have their voter registrations in jeopardy. She said Forlini was working with law enforcement officials about his findings. Forlinis office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Our major concern in these findings is that at least one eligible Michigan voter may now be under criminal investigation for voting, Benson said. In addition, at least two of the people who did not vote have also been verified to be United States citizens. Their voter registrations are now in jeopardy of being canceled without notice and having done nothing wrong. Ive long said we need to conduct these reviews thoroughly and carefully and this is why, because these accusations have real consequences for real people. Forlini said his office discovered the issue while selecting jury pools for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. Forlini said 239 people appeared in jury pools who self-reported that they were not U.S. citizens. Jury pools are drawn from the drivers license database, not the voter database. People who are legally present in the U.S. can get drivers licenses or state IDs. In a statement, Forlini called for greater transparency, security and integrity through the election and jury systems. The secretary of state does not dispute that our investigation identified non-citizens in both the jury pool and the Qualified Voter File, Forlini said. Her statements today, however, conflict with prior guidance issued by the Bureau of Elections regarding how non-citizens appearing on the voter rolls should be addressed. While these inconsistencies remain, we are prepared to work collaboratively toward a resolution. Further action at the state level is necessary to ensure non-citizens are not included in juror pools and to safeguard the integrity of our jury trials. Forlini is a Republican and former state legislator who is running for Michigan Secretary of State in 2026. Benson, a Democrat, is running for governor. Its not uncommon that U.S. citizens are improperly labeled on voter lists as noncitizens due to clerical error or change of citizenship status, Benson said. We update our lists accordingly so that eligible citizens arent wrongfully investigated, removed from voter rolls or stopped from voting, she said. In my administration as secretary of state we have removed more than 1.1 million out-of-date registrations from our voter rolls that we have done legally and carefully to ensure that every eligible citizen is able to vote. The claims and investigation come after a Michigan Department of State audit last year identified 15 probable non-U.S. citizens who cast ballots in the states November 2024 presidential election. Additionally, a Chinese national is facing criminal charges related to allegedly voting in the same election. He has since fled the country. The 16 alleged instances of noncitizen voting represented 0.00028% of the over 5.7 million ballots cast in Michigans 2024 general election. Benson is currently being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for failing to produce voter registration lists upon request. Michigan is one of 24 states being sued, she said. Forlini met with DOJ officials about his findings, Benson said. Thats the same Justice Department that is suing Michigan and 23 states at the presidents behest in an attempt to force us to turn over private information, private personal information of millions of Michigan residents through full unredacted voter rolls, she said. That same Justice Department will not tell states why they want this information, this private information of Michiganders. They wont tell us what theyre going to use it for or even if they will store it safely. Benson said the Trump administration is attempting to change Michigans safe and secure election procedures through intimidation and threats. She has refused to provide unredacted copies of Michigans voter files, saying that at least some of the requested information would include the last four digits of voters social security numbers or drivers license numbers. DOJ officials assert they have a right, under federal law, to inspect voter rolls and ensure compliance with federal election laws. In their complaint filed in federal court, DOJ officials said maintaining up-to-date voter registration rolls is a crucial tool in combating voter fraud, alleging the issue drives honest voters away from the democratic process. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The final four are ready to duke it out on Thursday in Melbourne, as the womens semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open are set to take place. Australian Streaming Options FuboTV Sling DirecTV Stream ESPN Plus Price/month $84.99 $35.00 $69.99 $11.99 Free Trial? Yes No Yes No Length 7 days N/A 5 days N/A Deal $20 off first month $10 off first month None None Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe 2026 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Womens Semifinals When: Thursday, January 29 Where: Melbourne Park (Melbourne, Australia) Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes (1) Aryna Sabalenka vs. (12) Elina Svitolina (3:30 a.m. ET) Sabalenka has just been a force in Melbourne, showing why shes a two-time champion at the event. Entering a sixth consecutive major semifinal, the Belarusian has not lost a set and seems well on her way to a fourth straight trip to the final at the Australian Open. She will go up against a battle-tested Elina Svitolina, who is coming off a dominating straight-sets win over Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. This is the Ukrainians first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since Wimbledon in 2023, and she has never played in a major final. Sabalenka is 5-1 against Svitolina, including their lone Grand Slam encounter at Roland Garros in 2023. (5) Elena Rybakina vs. (6) Jessica Pegula (4:40 a.m. ET) Rybakina has to be feeling confident after a dominating performance against Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. The Kazakhstan product has not dropped a set so far in the tournament and is one win away from a second berth in the final in Melbourne. She takes on a familiar foe in Pegula, who beat up fellow American Amanda Anisimova in the quarters, advancing to the semifinals at the Australian Open for the first time in her career. Pegula looks to advance to a Grand Slam final for just the second time in her career. The two players have split their six all-time meetings, with Rybakina beating Pegula in the semifinals of the WTA Finals this past November. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Economic Survey 2026: Indias EV market surges at 63% CAGR over six years, registrations near 2 mn in FY25 PVs and two-wheelers emerged as the key export growth drivers in FY25 and H1 FY26. Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Mahindra pins BE 6 electric SUV fire on continued driving despite deflated tyre, rules out battery fault Did our AI summary help? Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus. Economic Survey 2025-26: India diversifies crude sourcing from US, UAE as Russian imports decline Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to table the Economic Survey in Parliament on January 29, ahead of the Union Budget presentation on February 1. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Quote of the Day by Leo Tolstoy: "Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the company of ..." Actress Soundarya died in plane crash at 32, was seven months pregnant, body parts charred beyond recognition, had worked with Amitabh Bachchan in Sooryavansham Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Did our AI summary help? Delhi HC issues summons to Priya Kapur on plea by Sunjay Kapurs mother Rani Kapur challenging RK family trust Kim added that although Meghan and Harry had also attended the Baby2Baby charity gala on the same night, there was a distinction. Did our AI summary help? Last month, Minaj surprised many with her appearance at Turning Point USAs annual conference, where she openly praised the president. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Madhavan and wife meet Ajith Kumar at the Dubai Autodrome, pictures take the internet by storm Reports on the internet say that Shraddha Kapoor, a well-known name in Hindi movies, will probably star opposite Allu Arjun in the highly anticipated movie. Low in fat, rich in fibre, and packed with antioxidants. Bamboo shoots are emerging as a powerful, sustainable superfood for gut, heart and metabolic health. (Image: Pexels) Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet. She was once waiting for the subway in New York, and today, shes walking for Chanel in Paris. Heres how Bhavitha Mandava became fashions newest star (Pic credit: bhavithamandava/instagram) Did our AI summary help? Feeling angry or stressed? Learn how yoga helps release trapped emotions with 4 simple poses recommended by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar. (Pic credit: Pinterest) Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK The governments step to consolidate 29 central laws into four comprehensive Labour Codes would simplify compliance: Economic Survey The world's second-biggest crude steel producer relies on imports for about 85% of its coking coal needs, more than half of which comes from Australia ONGC to soon issue EoI to dilute stake in petchem arm OPaL Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Gold ETFs surge up to 13%, outperform silver ETFs as precious metals extend rally to record highs The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged on Wednesday, as investors awaited Trump's announcement of a replacement for central bank chair Jerome Powell Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Markets rise for 3rd day: Sensex closes 850 pts higher from day's low, Nifty ends above 25,400; 4 reasons behind sharp recovery Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Silver crosses Rs 4 lakh per kg mark in Delhi; gold hits new record of Rs 1.83 lakh per 10 grams Apple is paying a lease rent of around Rs 125 per square foot per month REITs and InvITs mobilised nearly Rs 14,000 crore in April-November 2025 Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Accidental death report registered in Baramati plane crash that killed Maha Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, 4 others Ajits sudden passing could leave the BJP short of leverage against Shinde (Image: PTI) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Alcohol violations, controversial record: Pilot Sumit Kapoor's flying history as probe into plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar widens The Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures had flown BJP leaders during the Bihar Assembly campaign and was scheduled for another charter the day it crashed, killing Ajit Pawar. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Captain Sumit Kapoor filled in for colleague stuck in traffic, wasn't supposed to fly Ajit Pawar Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Economic Survey says Trump tariffs on India surprised many: 'Growth estimates revised downward but in reality ...' Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's plane in flames after it crashed during landing, at Baramati in Pune district, Maharashtra. The young pilot texted her grandmother moments before the Baramati-bound flight crashed, killing all five on board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the media during the Budget session of Parliament. (Courtesy: PTI photo) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Jaishankar meets US envoy Sergio Gor ahead of Washington visit, discusses defence, trade and minerals The Ministry of Civil Aviation said AAIB and DGCA teams reached the Baramati crash site, recovered the black box and launched a time-bound probe after Deputy CM Ajit Pawars death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior leaders across parties are expected in Baramati for the Maharashtra Deputy CMs funeral with full state honours. 'We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India,' said Shashi Tharoor Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin backs new UGC equity rules amid row: 'Delayed but welcome reform' 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 Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. The flight crew consisted of Captain Sumit Kapoor and First Officer Shambhavi Pathak. Cancer patient resigns from work after being denied paid leave. (Representative Image) Rather than viewing the purchase as a success, Akshay Jain said he felt uncomfortable about the situation. (AI-generated image) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to "They can see": Scientists revealed Greenland Sharks can see in dim Arctic light Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com Mawlynnong, known as Asias cleanest village, will stop allowing single-day tourists on Sundays from January 2026 to preserve community life and religious practices. Did our AI summary help? Frozen in motion: Mist turns to ice as a polar vortex plunges Niagara Falls into sub-zero temperatures, creating a surreal winter spectacle. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munirs visit to Bahawalpur garrison, seen by Indian intelligence as a signal reaffirming ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed, raises concerns about Pakistans ongoing reliance on terror-linked leverage despite claims of modernization. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Bangladesh says no security threat after India recalls diplomats families ahead of elections Starmer follows a string of Western leaders courting Beijing in recent weeks, pivoting from a mercurial United States. The other U.S. source said Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path. AI is now widely used in Chinese schools to instantly grade homework, reducing teachers workloads and allowing more focus on teaching. While teachers still assess creative tasks, rural areas face challenges in adopting AI due to funding and infrastructure gaps. Did our AI summary help? Plane crashes in Colombia, killing all 15 on board (Image Source : AERONAUTICA CIVIL COLOMBIA) Pakistan denies changing its regional stance, rejecting normalization with Israel and Gaza security involvement. Officials blame Afghan militants for attacks and reiterate grievances with India, maintaining their diplomatic position amid speculation. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Explainer: Five reasons why Japan's election is the most unpredictable in years Several former senior U.S. officials told Reuters that Zhang's dismissal came as a shock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) poses for a photograph with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and European Council President Antonio Costa before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP) Elon Musk and Vinod Khoslas feud, spanning social media, courtrooms, and AI debates, escalated over race and identity after Musks demographic comments. Their rivalry also involves clashes over AI philosophy, politics, and personal grievances dating back years. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to How oil and geopolitics are influencing US markets Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All How years of Trumps rhetoric helped turn Ilhan Omar into a target Chinese FM holds talks with Azerbaijani counterpart Xinhua) 08:41, January 29, 2026 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang) BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov in Beijing on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that the establishment of the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership has led bilateral relations into a new stage of high-quality, comprehensive development. He called on both sides to maintain exchange at all levels, deepen their sharing of governance experience, promote people-to-people and cultural exchange, and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. Wang said the two countries should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, and use high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide to explore further areas of converging interest and foster new cooperation growth points. As the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, China and Azerbaijan, both as Global South countries, should join hands to practice true multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promote the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system, Wang said. China highly commends the work Azerbaijan has done since it assumed the presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and stands ready to support Azerbaijan in hosting the CICA summit this year, Wang said. For his part, Bayramov said that the elevation of bilateral relations last year has added strong momentum to the strategic cooperation between the two countries. Azerbaijan supports the four major global initiatives put forward by China and is willing to join the Group of Friends of Global Governance, he added. Reiterating Azerbaijan's firm adherence to the one-China principle, Bayramov said the Azerbaijani side is ready to maintain close, high-level exchange with China, enhance inter-party communication, and expand cooperation on the economy, trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism, science and technology between the two countries. He also pledged to deepen coordination with China within multilateral frameworks, advance Azerbaijan-China relations further, and make greater contributions to regional peace and prosperity. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) * More Chinese cities and provinces crossed key gross domestic product thresholds in 2025, underscoring the country's high-quality regional development and economic resilience. * Most major provincial economies continued to outpace the national average growth in 2025. * Major provincial economies are a pivotal force underpinning the national economy and bear the critical responsibility of stabilizing growth. BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, more Chinese cities and provinces crossed key gross domestic product (GDP) thresholds in 2025, underscoring the country's high-quality regional development and economic resilience. With China's economy expanding 5 percent year on year to over 140 trillion yuan (about 20 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, cities of Wenzhou and Dalian, fueled by innovation-led transformation and regional revitalization, became the latest to join China's trillion-yuan GDP club, lifting the total number of such cities to 29. Several major provincial economies also reached GDP milestones last year, reinforcing their roles as leading stabilizers and growth engines of the Chinese economy, and providing further insight into its resilience and high-quality growth. CITIES CROSS THRESHOLDS Dalian, a coastal city located in Liaoning Province, became the first city in northeastern China to record GDP above 1 trillion yuan after the local economy expanded 5.7 percent in 2025. The milestone is seen as a confidence boost for the old industrial base of northeast China. Growth in Dalian was driven both by upgrades in traditional sectors and the rapid expansion of emerging industries. Equipment manufacturing output rose 15.4 percent, while high-tech manufacturing increased by 13.9 percent last year. "The trillion-yuan mark, unprecedented for northeastern China, can help restore confidence in regional development and inject momentum into the comprehensive revitalization of northeast China," said Zhou Xueren, an expert at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. In eastern China, Wenzhou became the third city in Zhejiang Province to join the trillion-yuan club, after its GDP expanded 6.1 percent to 1.02 trillion yuan in 2025. While upgrading traditional electrical equipment together with the footwear and apparel industries, Wenzhou is also developing new energy, AI, low-altitude economy and health industries. Wenzhou's shift from heavy reliance on traditional industries toward parallel high-quality growth of new and old growth drivers highlights the importance of scientific innovation in building new competitive edges for development, said Lyu Miao, a researcher at the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang. Since east China's Shanghai became the first Chinese mainland city to exceed 1 trillion yuan in GDP in 2006, the club has expanded steadily to include four municipalities, 11 provincial capitals and 14 other major cities, from the country's coastal east to its west. Ten of these cities are located in the Yangtze River Delta, one of China's most dynamic economic regions encompassing Shanghai and provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui. Shanghai's GDP reached 5.67 trillion yuan in 2025, while Beijing exceeded 5 trillion yuan for the first time. In Shanghai, three leading industries, namely integrated circuits, AI and biomedicine, are major growth drivers. In Beijing, the added value of industrial strategic emerging industries rose 15.5 percent in 2025, with production of new energy vehicles and service robots growing by 1.4-fold and 47.6 percent, respectively. PROVINCIAL ECONOMIES HIT NEW MILESTONES At the provincial level, Shandong in east China became the third province after Guangdong and Jiangsu to surpass 10 trillion yuan in GDP, posting growth of 5.5 percent last year. Jigang Group in Shandong's provincial capital Jinan illustrates the province's economic transformation. Once a major steelmaker, the company phased out its steel capacity in 2017 and joined partners in venturing into the aerospace business. It has since built China's largest test base for liquid rocket engines and the only licensed satellite integration and testing base in Shandong. Gao Fuyi, vice president of the Shandong Academy of Macroeconomic Research, noted that Shandong's industrial structure has moved from a focus on traditional heavy and chemical industries toward high-end manufacturing, strengthening economic resilience and intrinsic value. Anhui Province, a former traditional agricultural heartland that has emerged as a technology and high-end manufacturing hub, also reported solid growth in 2025. Its GDP increased by 5.5 percent to 5.3 trillion yuan last year. Industrial output of high-tech manufacturing in Anhui surged 30.4 percent, while production of new energy vehicles ranked first nationwide. Exports of "new trio" products, namely electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products, were a particular bright spot, soaring 110 percent year on year. Anhui's capital, Hefei, home to new energy vehicle plants operated by NIO, BYD and Volkswagen, has recorded average annual growth of 6.1 percent over the past five years, with strategic emerging industries accounting for 60 percent of total industrial output. "Hefei is accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies," said Zhang Chuanchao, deputy director of the Hefei municipal bureau of industry and information technology. In recent years, the city has cultivated future industries including quantum technology, fusion energy and biomanufacturing. "Emerging and tech industries are the core engines of high-quality economic growth," said Zhang Xianfeng, a professor at Hefei University of Technology, adding that Hefei's development model has become a reference for other regions shifting toward innovation-driven growth. The Yangtze River Delta is reshaping its development model, with a clear industrial division of labor across the region. Core cities house high-end functions such as R&D and headquarters, while surrounding cities focus on manufacturing and supporting services, according to Zhang of Hefei University of Technology. ENGINES OF STABILITY, GROWTH Most major provincial economies continued to outpace the national average growth in 2025, underpinning China's economic fundamentals and propelling its overall economic expansion. Shanghai and Beijing both grew 5.4 percent, while Shandong, Zhejiang, southwest China's Sichuan as well as central China's Henan and Hubei all posted growth of 5.5 percent or higher. Fujian, in east China, matched the national economic growth rate at 5 percent, with its GDP exceeding the 6-trillion-yuan mark for the first time. Guangdong and central China's Hunan grew 3.9 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, last year. The Central Economic Conference held in December 2025 called for supporting major provincial economies in assuming greater responsibility and enhancing innovation-driven development to accelerate the cultivation of new growth drivers. "Major provincial economies are a pivotal force underpinning the national economy and bear the critical responsibility of stabilizing growth," said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council. These regions can drive growth through stabilizing investment, consumption and exports, and ensure smooth industrial and supply chains to be a major contributor to the country's economic growth, Chen explained. Meanwhile, such powerhouse regions can also help boost the growth of neighboring regions to narrow regional disparities to achieve common prosperity, Chen added. (Video reporters: Ding Ting, Chen Jie, Di Chun, Sun Qing, Cui Li, Wang Yiwen, Li Tao, Gao Ming, Han He, Liu Bin, Jiang Zhaochen, Li Xiaobo, Feng Yuanyuan, Wu Feizuo, Luo Hao, Xia Peng, Zhu Xiao; video editors: Yu Jiaming, Li Qin, Zhu Cong) Marcos Charles, executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, from left, Tom Homan, White House border czar, and Rodney Scott, commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), during a news conference. Bloomberg Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Iran must 'be prepared for state of war': Iranian Vice President Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif threatened action against Afghanistans Taliban regime over rising TTP-linked violence but admitted Islamabad cannot act soon, highlighting Pakistans cycle of blaming Kabul while struggling with its own militant networks. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Kremlin says Russia has invited Ukraine's Zelenskiy to come to Moscow for peace talks Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Mark Carney's party sees jump in popularity after his viral Davos speech Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'No one has faith' in Venezuelan President Rodriguez: Opposition leader French President Macron warned tech giants after Frances lower house passed a bill banning under-15s from social media, framing it as child protection. The law, if approved, would impose strict limits and expand digital restrictions in schools from 2026. Did our AI summary help? Political tensions rose in Pakistan as over 300 PTI legislators led a sit-in outside Adiala Jail, demanding access to Imran Khan after his secret hospital transfer for an eye procedure. PTI accuses the government of secrecy and violating court orders amid health concerns. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Texas probes alleged H-1B visa fraud at three North Texas firms; ghost offices under scanner Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump casts doubt on Ilhan Omar town hall attack, says she probably had herself sprayed The talks between top Senate Democrats and the Trump administration aimed at averting a government shutdown have moved closer to Democrats demands Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump has dementia, is obsessed, Ilhan Omar says after Minneapolis attack Strikes by Russian forces killed six people in central and southern Ukraine on Thursday, AFP reported Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Trump says Venezuela airspace to reopen after Rodriguez call Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla accused Elon Musk of seemingly racist rhetoric and defended his record on Martins Beach, citing multiple court rulings. (Courtesy: Reuters) US government shutdown explained: What could stop, what continues, and who is affected Trump has focused his foreign policy in Latin America on Venezuela, initially aiming to push Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Who is Madhu Gottumukkala? Indian-origin top US cyber official facing scrutiny over public ChatGPT uploads Iran warned of a "crushing response" to any attack after Trump said time was running out for a nuclear deal. The EU plans to label Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, while regional powers urge negotiations to avoid chaos and rising oil prices. Did our AI summary help? Why NORAD is back in the spotlight, and what a fighter jet deal has to do with it Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Fingers on the trigger: Iran warns of unprecedented retaliation after Trumps far worse attack threat Jeffrey Conger Jeffrey Conger, professor of graphic design, is the recipient of Montana State Universitys Excellence in Outreach Award. The award is sponsored by MSU Extension, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Outreach and Engagement Council and includes a $2,000 honorarium. Conger, a faculty member in the School of Art in the College of Arts and Architecture, was nominated for his engagement-based scholarship, his ability to address community challenges and for seeking opportunities for collaboration outside his academic community, aligning with MSUs land-grant mission. Chief among them is the public event Dyslexia and Innovation: Symposium of Changemakers, which Conger co-founded in 2019 with Sarah Pennington, associate professor in the Department of Education. Held once every two years at MSU, the symposium features guests who demonstrate the strengths of neurodivergence and dyslexia on a local, national and international level. Conger, who is dyslexic, aims to inspire K-12 students, parents, educators and community members with the event. He complements his academic outreach with national presentations, including for the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York and the National Art Education Association in Louisville, Kentucky. This year, he co-organized a panel titled Reframing Dyslexia as a Hyper-ability, which was selected among more than 1,400 submissions to appear at the national SXSW EDU education conference in Austin, Texas. This was a competitive process and is an excellent opportunity to promote the work being done at MSU and broaden MSU partnerships around neurodivergence, wrote Dean Adams, dean of the College of Arts and Architecture, in a nomination letter. Additionally, Conger has co-authored two published books highlighting the professional careers of MSU graphic design alumni. He also fosters a 20-year partnership with the Department of the Interior to expand MSU students learning environment to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. See more awards from 2025-2026 By Zaldy Dandan Variety Editor SOMEONE once said that the secret to writing a bestseller is simple: convince people were doomed. My own take is that we are fascinated by the idea of doomsday because of our awareness of our own mortality and our reluctance to imagine this world continuing without us. In 1798, British scholar Thomas Malthus published An Essay on the Principle of Population, a work that became an absolute sensation and didnt just sell well it set the intellectual world on fire. Malthus predicted apocalyptic scarcity. He argued that population grows geometrically (2, 4, 8, 16), while food production increases only arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4). This so-called Malthusian Trap suggested that poverty and famine were inevitable. What followed, however, was a series of technological advancements most notably the Industrial Revolution that dramatically boosted food production. 170 years later, American biologist Paul Ehrlich revived Malthus grim thesis with a more sensational title and a far more dire warning. In The Population Bomb, Ehrlich declared: The battle to feed all of humanity is over. In the 1970s hundreds of millions of people will starve to death in spite of any crash programs embarked upon now. At this late date nothing can prevent a substantial increase in the world death rate. The book became a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of the 1970s environmental movement. Ehrlichs influence extended beyond academia and publishing into popular culture; he appeared on The Tonight Show more than 20 times at the invitation of Johnny Carson. Governments around the world heeded the grim message. In 1967 a year before the books publication world leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., signed a Declaration on Population, acknowledging population control as a key factor in economic development. In 1969, Marcos created the Commission on Population to develop a national population program. In 1971, he signed a law making family planning a national development strategy. In 1972, after declaring martial law, he issued a decree allowing the commission to provide, dispense and administer all acceptable methods of contraception. By the mid- to late 1970s, one of the most famous bands in the Philippines was even called The Family Birth Control Band. China, however, pursued the most radical social experiment of all to defuse its own population bomb: the one-child policy. Like many radical ideas that promise a once-and-for-all quick fix, the policy was devised by highly intelligent people in Chinas case, actual rocket scientists. Its disastrous consequences call to mind the old joke: If you put the government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years thered be a shortage of sand. In China, government scientists took control of population policy, and now what was once the worlds most populous nation is facing a demographic crisis. Just over a week ago, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinas Birthrate Sinks to Record Low; Population Shrinks for Fourth Consecutive Year. Decades of the one-child policy, which ended in 2015, have contributed to a rapidly aging population with fertility rates well below replacement level, threatening future economic growth, the Journal stated. While Chinese leaders have rolled out initiatives such as child-care subsidies to encourage births, demographers largely believe such measures are unlikely to reverse population decline at this stage, the Journal added. In the Philippines, meanwhile, recent data show that Filipinos are now having fewer children than needed to replace the current generation. The days of the Philippine population bomb are officially over. As journalist Mei Fong noted in her 2016 book One Child, it turns out that it is possible to support population control without embracing anything so brutal as a one-child policy. Her book documents the sheer inhumanity if not the imbecility of what amounted to a final solution to a problem that ultimately proved illusory. In his 2018 book Factfulness: Ten Reasons Were Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think, Swedish physician Hans Rosling observed that United Nations experts are not predicting that the number of children will stop increasing. They are reporting that it is already happening. Sadly, this remains news to many people today. Why is this happening? As billions of people left extreme poverty, Rosling said, most of them decided to have fewer children. They no longer needed large families for child labor on the small family farm. And they no longer needed extra children as insurance against child mortality. He added that the dramatic drop in babies per woman is expected to continue as long as more people escape extreme poverty, more women receive education, and access to contraceptives and sexual education expands. Nothing drastic is needed, Rosling wrote. Just more of what we are already doing. Yet many of us seem to require a looming catastrophe something to fear. Today, if it is no longer overpopulation, it is climate change, which, not surprisingly, demands big, coercive government and a fundamental rethinking of our daily habits, economic systems, and personal choices. From the food we consume and how it is produced, to how we commute, heat our homes, and use water, nearly every aspect of modern life is implicated. But consider these headlines/news stories from more than 50 years ago: Scientist Predicts a New Ice Age by 21st Century. The Boston Globe, 1970 Spy Satellites Show New Ice Age Is Coming Fast. The Guardian, 1974 Telltale signs are everywhere Since the 1940s the mean global temperature has dropped about 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. TIME, 1974 The central fact is that after three quarters of a century of extraordinarily mild conditions, the Earths climate seems to be cooling down. Newsweek, 1975 As the 1970s were ending and with no great freeze on the horizon The New York Times pivoted to climatologists warning that the North Pole might melt. There is a real possibility that some people now in their infancy will live to a time when the ice at the North Pole will have melted, the paper reported, a change that would cause swift and perhaps catastrophic changes in climate. Fast forward to 2006, when former U.S. Vice President Al Gore warned that unless drastic measures were taken, it would be game over by 2016. The following year, Rajendra Pachauri, then head of the U.N. climate panel, declared that 2012 was the point of no return. If there is no action before 2012, thats too late, he said. This is the defining moment. The list of such end-of-the-world predictions is long. As Chris Bennett aptly put it, Therein lies the beauty of doomsday predictions: when one fails, make another. Send feedback to [email protected] Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. THE National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea, a peaceful and transglobal organization that has been advocating for the preservation of the Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity since 2015, strongly condemns the recent statements issued by the Chinese Embassy that directly undermine Philippine sovereignty, disrespect our democratic institutions, and intimidate Filipino officials who are merely exercising their constitutional duty to defend the nation. Such statements are not acts of diplomacy they are acts of coercion. They attempt to silence legitimate voices, distort international law, and normalize interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign democratic state. We reject these narratives outrightly. Let it be clear: the West Philippine Sea is not a matter of rhetoric or propaganda. It is a matter of law, history, livelihood, and national dignity. The July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and binding, and no amount of diplomatic pressure or disinformation can erase that truth and fact. In response to the growing external pressure and internal vulnerabilities exposed by these actions, the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea is launching Oplan BAKOD sa West Philippine Sea also referred to as Oplan Building Alliances to Keep Our Democracy in the West Philippine Sea. This initiative aims to: Strengthen alliances with youth groups, civil society, fisherfolk communities, academics, and international partners who stand for rule of law and democratic values; Build a united civic front against disinformation, intimidation, and historical revisionism related to the West Philippine Sea; and Defend Philippine democracy, recognizing that attacks on our maritime rights are inseparable from attacks on our sovereign decision-making as a nation. Oplan BAKOD is not about provocation. It is about protectionof our territory, our people, and our democratic space. It is a declaration that Filipino youth will not be passive observers while our future is negotiated away through pressure and silence. We call on the Philippine government to remain firm, transparent, and resolute. We call on the international community to stand by international law, not selective power. And we call on fellow Filipinos especially the youth to take part in safeguarding what is rightfully ours. The West Philippine Sea is not just a body of water. It is our livelihood. It is our heritage. It is our future. And we will defend it together. Ang National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ay Para sa bayan (for our motherland) at Sambayanang Pilipino (Filipino people)! Para sa katotohanan. (For the truth) Para sa susunod na henerasyon. (For the future generation). Sincerely, DR. CELIA LAMKIN Founder and Global Chairperson National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea People watch a drone show at the 32nd Zigong International Lantern Festival ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will welcome the Year of the Horse, in Zigong, Sichuan province, China, Jan. 23, 2026. REUTERS BEIJING (Reuters) China expects a record 9.50 billion passenger trips to be made during the 40-day spring festival holiday travel period, higher than the 9.02 billion domestic trips last year, a state planning official said on Thursday. China has extended its official Lunar New Year holiday week to nine days for the first time, aiming to boost domestic consumption. It will be held from February 15 to 23. Travel and tourism are among the sectors China is targeting in a new services-led consumption push to boost domestic demand. The 40-day travel rush during the countrys biggest holiday is often read as a barometer of Chinas economic health and a pressure test for its vast transportation system. Railway passenger trips are expected to reach 540 million, with aviation trips expected to hit 95 million, both likely exceeding historical peaks for the period, state officials said. Transportation capacity will be strengthened on popular routes and in favored areas to meet travel needs, they said. Works are displayed during the "Komij Mour Ijin/Our Life is Here," exhibition inspired by a trip a group of artists took on the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, at the National Maritime Museum, in London, Britain, Jan. 23, 2026. REUTERS LONDON (Reuters) A group of artists is shining a light on the impact of climate change, rising sea levels and nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands after traveling to the remote Pacific nation as part of an expedition. The Komij Mour Ijin/Our Life is Here exhibition at Londons National Maritime Museum features paintings, sculptures, photos and video installations exploring the nations dark history and the threat facing its inhabitants. Led by Cape Farewell, a cultural art and climate project founded by artist David Buckland, a team of artists, writers, scientists and filmmakers set sail to the Marshall Islands in 2023. They visited various atolls, including Bikini, where the U.S. carried out nuclear bomb tests from 1946 to 1958, such as Castle Bravo in 1954 the largest U.S. bomb ever detonated. Our Life is Here refers to them. Its how they could construct their life in among the terrible history and the potential future, Buckland told Reuters. The atolls are six feet above sea water, that doesnt take much of the Pacific Ocean to rise, to actually make them uninhabitable. So that threat is hanging over them. On show at the exhibition, which opened in late November and runs until June, are works exploring the threat of rising flood waters as well as photographs of Marshall Islanders both by international and local artists. Home to around 40,000 people, the Marshall Islands is one of the countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels, which are projected to put 96% of the capital Majuro at risk of frequent flooding, according to a 2021 World Bank study. Last year was among the planets three warmest on record, the World Meteorological Organization said earlier this month, as EU scientists also confirmed average temperatures have now exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming for the longest since records began. By Candy Feliciano For Variety ON Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce will announce the winners of its annual awards at Kensington Hall. The gala, which doubles as the Chambers main scholarship fundraiser, kicks off with cocktails at 5:30 pm. followed by the official program at 6 p.m. The Chamber Member of the Year category features three very different nominees. Century Insurance Company is being recognized for its high AM Best rating and its work on insurance reforms. 500 Sails is on the list for its decade-long effort to bring back traditional sailing and navigationwork that recently got them featured on CBS Morning News. Finally, the CNMI SBDC Network is nominated for helping launch 45 new businesses and supporting over 1,100 jobs since 2022. In the Small Business of the Year category, the nominees include: Julies Catering, a local favorite since 2020. Paradise Lyric House, which produces music and custom audio for local brands. Kumoi Farms, a family-run piggery focused on sustainable farming. Challenge Testing, Inc., which provides technical testing for major CUC and USGS infrastructure. Marianas Integration, a woman-owned firm helping Saipan businesses navigate military contracts. The Non-Profit of the Year nominees are groups focused on direct community impact. FitBeat, Inc. has spent six years offering free community fitness classes, while Faha Digital Media uses film to keep indigenous stories alive in the digital age. Project Buddy Check 670 is nominated for its veteran advocacy, and the Center for Living Independently is recognized for supporting residents with disabilities across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. There is also a new category this year: Public Agency of the Year. The finalists are Northern Marianas College, which just finished its $30 million Student Center; PSS Career Technical Education, for its student-to-workforce programs; the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation; the CNMI Department of Commerce for its new One-Stop business permitting; and the Mayor of Saipans Office for its focus on island-wide safety and cleaning. Individual tickets are $100 and VIP tables of eight are $1,000. All proceeds go toward the Chambers scholarship funds for local students. The late Robson Henry from the Micronesian island of Kosrae during his deployment with the U.S. Army as part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Photo provided by family of Robson Henry via Giff Johnson By Giff Johnson For Variety MAJURO The death earlier this month of a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army from the Micronesian island of Kosrae, who was an ardent advocate for healthcare benefits for island veterans, highlights the ongoing lack of promised U.S. healthcare support for those who served in the U.S. armed forces. Kosraen Robson Henry, who died earlier this month at age 66 in Kosrae, spent nearly half his life in the U.S. military and was part of the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. A huge issue for Marshallese, Micronesian and Palauan members of the U.S. armed forces is that once they get out of the military and return home, there are no Veterans Administration health services available to them as there are in the U.S. and other international locations for American veterans. To access medical care, island veterans mU.S.t fly at their own expense to Honolulu, Guam or the U.S. mainland where VA hospitals are located. Despite the U.S. Congress in the past several years adopting increasingly explicit legislation directing the U.S. Veterans Administration to initiate systems for providing care to the hundreds of veterans of these three U.S.-affiliated island nations, services have yet to materialize. The Compact of Free Association that became part of U.S. law in 2024 included provisions to have this healthcare available in our islands as this Congress emphasized in Novembers Continuing Resolution and Decembers National Defense Authorization Act, Marshall Islands Ambassador to the U.S. Charles Paul told a U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Health hearing in January. But, he said, the Department of Veterans Affairs, has not acted to make the healthcare available. Robson has been actively advocating to extend veteran benefits to COFA (Compact of Free Association) citizens since at least 2008-09, when I first met him, said filmmaker Nathan Fitch, who directed the award-winning film Island Soldier that tracked the lives of Kosraeans in the U.S. Army from Middle East war zones to their isolated and tranquil island home in the North Pacific. Fitch said the Kosraean veteran had been active for the longest time advocating for services for veterans. Any progress on benefits for COFA veterans has to be part of Robsons legacy, said Fitch. Still, despite ongoing advocacy by veterans like Henry and Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, services mandated by U.S. congressional legislation remain in limbo. Henry was also one of the first Micronesians to join the U.S. Army when he entered in October 13, 1987 just a year after implementation of the first Compact of Free Association that allowed citizens of the three freely associated states to join the U.S. military. Henry stayed in the Army until Oct. 2013, a total of 26 years, through which he was posted to locations around the world and saw tours of duty in various Middle East battle zones. His story is not atypical, as many islanders who join the U.S. military remain in the U.S. armed forces for decades. The U.S. military enlists our citizens at rates that are higher than the enlistment of U.S. citizens in most U.S. States, noted Ambassador Paul in his testimony at the hearing in Washington, DC. Paul told the House Veterans Committee members that healthcare for returning military veterans was a major issue in the renegotiation of our free association, which culminated in the enactment of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. The law was intended to resolve the issue. But, he said, the Veterans Administration has acted contrary to what we negotiated, and Congress has said is the intent of the law. The Government of the Marshall Islands, therefore, strongly supports the enactment of legislation to ensure that our veterans can receive the care if they return home. Meanwhile a small section at the end of the over 3,000-page National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. Congress in December sets out a timetable for action by the Veterans Administration. The U.S. Defense spending law requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the U.S. Congress with updates within 30 days of the passage of the law and monthly thereafter on the implementation of provisions relating to services for military veterans in the freely associated states. The defense law includes provisions requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop plans and costs for providing health services for veterans from the freely associated states. This includes the requirement of: Engagement with the three island governments. A projected timeline for island veterans to receive hospital care and medical services. An estimate of the cost to implement these services. For many years, Marshallese and other Freely Associated States veterans have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, often at higher per capita rates than many States, yet without full and equal access to veterans benefits, Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko was quoted by the Marshall Islands Journal in its January 9 edition. Addressing that inequity has always been about fairness, dignity, and recognition of service not politics. Kaneko said that while the language of the U.S. legislation passed in December is encouragingthe most important phase now is implementation. He said the Marshall Islands government is ready to work constructively with U.S. agencies to support that process. This moment represents progress, but it is also a reminder that our partnership works best when commitments made in law are carried through in practice. By Zaldy Dandan Variety Editor The goal is border security THE state of the islands only industry tourism should not be a partisan issue, even in an election year. Economic recovery is in the CNMI publics interest, as it would allow the government to generate more revenue and meet its obligations to employees, retirees, vendors, and the many programs and services that directly benefit island residents, including utilities, public education, public health, public safety, and public works. Embracing economic decline, in any case, is not a winning political message. It is no surprise, then, that CNMI leaders are speaking with one voice to educate certain U.S. lawmakers who are clearly unfamiliar with the EVS-TAP program. They must be reminded that EVS-TAP is designed to ensure border security while addressing the federal governments legitimate concerns regarding birth tourism and related issues. Through the 902 talks in 2019, EVS-TAP was created in consultation with the Republican administration of President Donald Trump. As the CNMI House leadership pointed out last year, EVS-TAP is a security-conscious alternative to broader parole authority. Unlike standard U.S. visas, EVS-TAP is territorially restricted, applying only to the CNMI. Applications are vetted in advance often over several days and require pre-embarkation approval, offering federal agencies more control, not less. This is not a backdoor or a loophole. It is a federally supervised, limited-entry system designed to meet national security standards. The late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios likewise noted that EVS-TAP was designed precisely to address legitimate concerns raised by federal officials about visa-free entry in prior years. In July 2025, he reaffirmed his administrations full support for the program and emphasized its significance in the Commonwealths tourism recovery strategy. In December 2023, the CNMIs then-delegate to the U.S. Congress, Kilili Sablan, urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to implement EVS-TAP, describing it as a restricted travel authorization programthat would allow travelers from China, but only if subject to electronic screening and vetting prior to entry. He added that the United States would also consider bonding requirements a safeguard the Commonwealth itself instituted when it entered into an approved destination status agreement with the Peoples Republic of China in 2004. In an October 2023 letter to CNMI leaders, the local business community noted that EVS-TAP would reduce the duration of stay of Chinese visitors from 45 days to 15 allowable days [and] increase the level of passenger screening that is possible, ensuring that only direct flights from China are authorized. These safeguards, they added, would reduce the risk of overstaying visitors and any potential resurgence of birth tourism, as flights would be operated by accountable travel groups responsible for their passengers. No economy, no funding IT took several years for the federal government to implement EVS-TAP, only for the program to be suspended again before its resumption in the summer of 2025. The China market once the CNMIs second-largest source of visitors now consists of twice-weekly direct flights from Hong Kong, with none from mainland China. Monthly arrivals have dropped to about 1,000, down from the tens of thousands of Chinese tourists the CNMI welcomed pre-Covid. Those days are unlikely to return anytime soon. (The United States itself has seen declining tourist arrivals, due in part to its chilly welcome image under the Trump administration.) For this year, the Marianas Visitors Authority has projected that total arrivals to the CNMI are unlikely to exceed 180,000. The bare minimum needed for the tourism industry to remain afloat is at least 500,000 arrivals. If the CNMI gives up EVS-TAP because the Commonwealth failed to challenge outdated and misinformed fears held by certain U.S. officials, then it must begin discussing the inevitable consequences of a further decline in tourism and, consequently, in the local economy and the governments revenue base. Who should be stiffed first government employees or retirees? The medical referral program or CUC? Which government vendors will not be paid on time, or at all? And will there be enough government lawyers left to defend the CNMI in the slew of lawsuits that would likely follow a government financial meltdown? Well? Just the facts CNMI leaders should continue to engage with stateside officials and lawmakers to educate them about EVS-TAP and the islands economic realities. Federal officials are busy, their responsibilities are broad, and their primary concern is understandably their own constituents. But they must nonetheless acknowledge the facts on the ground in the CNMI what EVS-TAP is, how it works, and why, as the Commonwealths key officials and business leaders have repeatedly explained, it should be allowed to function as intended. Ultimately, EVS-TAP is a federal program administered by the federal government, which retains full authority over immigration to the CNMI. The Northern Marianas are not Palau or any other independent, freely associated state. These islands are part of the United States and have, in practical terms, no control over foreign affairs, national defense, or border security. As Governor Apatang has pointed out, however, policies that unintentionally erode the Commonwealths economic base also erode the practical capacity to secure the border itself. Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. Yves here. While this post focuses more on what a paramilitary is, as opposed to what we consider to be police, yours truly follows Confucius regarding the importance of calling things by their proper names. One point this otherwise useful piece misses is the significance here of the ICE paramilitary as a national force.Fom a 2011 post Progressively Losing by Richard Kline, arguing that the purported power of the right was considerably exaggerated: Those anywhere to the liberal side of the Anglo-American political spectrum have been on a long losing streak. As of this summer of 2011, they are wholly in disarray. In my considered view, progressives lose because they do not have it as a goal to win. Their principal concern is to criticize the moral failings of others in society, particularly the moral failings of those in power. At best, progressives seek to convert. In the main, they name and shame ineffectively. American progressives distrust political power, period, are queasy about anyone having it, and suspicious toward anyone who actively seeks it, including other putative progressives. The contest as progressives conceive it is fundamentally a moral one: they believe they are right, and want their opposition to see the light and reform/conform. Thus, they dont frame what they engage in as a fight but rather as a debate.. I would loosely divide the left side of the political spectrum in America into liberals, progressives, and radicals. The first two have deep roots in the primary sociological communities of the country; the third did not. Progressives and radicals have largely been distinct communities of activism. Ill discuss both in some detail below. (Actually, the range is not a spectrum but a three- or four-dimensional position space, but that is a separate issue. I happen to particularly dislike the term progressive, but Ill skip my reasons and use it for the sake of clarity.) Liberals are great believers in the law, and happy enough to live and let live until they are in a pinch or have to give up something for the greater goodat which point they scream for a cop or start in on how we cant afford X. Liberalism isnt primarily a moral position but a practical attachment to personal liberty and property. If one abandons that allowance for others, one is soon threatened as well since power unchecked makes few fine distinctions, so its a hang together and dont rock the boat perspective rather than one of commitment. Im not going to spend verbiage here discussing this community because they go with the flow rather than push any program. As such, they shape little in the way of policy. The principal asset to left activism provided by liberals is their inertia, since the American political tradition is a significantly liberal one, and American governmental institutions are substantially so on paper. Fascism and oligarchy are pushing on a mountain of lard in trying to shift liberal inertia, with limited success. The only way really to move the liberal muddle is to set fire to its peripheries. The Right is too strong. The oligarchy specifically and the Right in general are far less strong in American society apart from what their noise machines and bankroll flashing would make one think. The great bulk of the judiciary remains independent even if important higher appellate positions are tainted. Domestic policing is, by tradition and design, highly decentralized, with a good deal of local control, making overt police state actions difficult, visible, and highly unpopular (think TSA). While the military is a socially conservative society in itself, it is also an exceptionally depoliticized one, with civilian control an infrangible value. Now we have a Trump engaging in a monster personal power grab, and being very success due to a decided lack of muscularity among liberals, and their successful campaign against the true left (which we define as having economic grievances, such as wanting a better deal for working classes). And he is greatly increasing the role of a national paramilitary to help achieve his aims. Other sightings: Stephen Colbert: Do not compare ICE or Border Patrol agents to the Nazis. Thats an unfair comparison. The Nazis were willing to show their faces. pic.twitter.com/4meqDVAk6S Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) January 27, 2026 WOW! An ICE agent in Minneapolis tells an American citizen If you raise your voice, I will erase your voice. Stop telling me that the Trump administration isnt Fascist. They are threatening people for raising their voice, and how exactly will ICE erase our voice? Kill pic.twitter.com/h0pRcWrsc1 Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 27, 2026 ICE agents are threatening to assault and illegally arrest U.S. citizens in Portland, Maine. In the video, a man is legally observing ICE activity in his own neighborhood. Agents walk up to his car window and ask, Are you following us? The man replies, Yeah. An agent pic.twitter.com/NNHEBOyQOM Jesus Freakin Congress (@TheJFreakinC) January 28, 2026 By Erica De Bruin, Associate Professor of Government, Hamilton College. Originally published at The Conversation As the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have intensified over the past year, politicians and journalists alike have begun referring to ICE as a paramilitary force. Rep. John Mannion, a New York Democrat, called ICE a personal paramilitary unit of the president. Journalist Radley Balko, who wrote a book about how American police forces have been militarized, has argued that President Donald Trump was using the force the way an authoritarian uses a paramilitary force, to carry out his own personal grudges, to inflict pain and violence, and discomfort on people that he sees as his political enemies. And New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie characterized ICE as a virtual secret police and paramilitary enforcer of despotic rule. All this raises a couple of questions: What are paramilitaries? And is ICE one? Defining Paramilitaries As a government professor who studies policing and state security forces, I believe its clear that ICE meets many but not all of the most salient definitions. Its worth exploring what those are and how the administrations use of ICE compares with the ways paramilitaries have been deployed in other countries. The term paramilitary is commonly used in two ways. The first refers to highly militarized police forces, which are an official part of a nations security forces. They typically have access to military-grade weaponry and equipment, are highly centralized with a hierarchical command structure, and deploy in large formed units to carry out domestic policing. These paramilitary police, such as the French Gendarmerie, Indias Central Reserve Police Force or Russias Internal Troops, are modeled on regular military forces. With Iran, the US is making the same sort of blunder that led to the war in Ukraine, of mistaking protracted patience and forbearance in the face of provocations for weakness, upping the aggression to an existential threat level, and setting off an arms, treasure, and prestige-draining conflict. Despite Trumps fondness of TACO, of huge threat displays followed by climbdowns after getting pretty minor concessions, his movement of so much military hardware into what is expected to become the Iran war theater has made that sort of retreat difficult. Larry Johnson provides these tables in his must-read Three Scenarios for a US Attack on Iran: Mind you, we did see an earlier variant when Trump insisted he was gonna get those Houthis, that Biden had been too wimpy in dealing with them. Trump more or less turned tail after his Operation Prosperity Guardian was a big flop. The wee problem here is that the Trump Administration is making demands of Iran that would amount to a surrender of national sovereignity. Per Mostafa Najafi: The US has set 4 preconditions that make any compromise impossible: 1. Complete shutdown of the nuclear program and handover of all 3.67%, 20%, and 60% enriched material, 2. Limitation on the range and number of ballistic missiles, 3. Commitment not to equip and support resistance groups, 4. Recognition of Israel! The Iran-US conflict has passed the stage of negotiation and compromise, and its fate will be determined by war. This again parallels the US proxy war against Russia: no bargaining overlap between the position of the two sides, so no negotiated solution is possible. Either Trump blinks or the two sides duke it out. The Trump advance against Iran is based on new intel that depicts Iran as more fragile than ever. From the New York Times on Monday: President Trump has received multiple U.S. intelligence reports indicating that the Iranian governments position is weakening, according to several people familiar with the information. The reports signal that the Iranian governments hold on power is at its weakest point since the shah was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Protests that erupted late last year, according to the reports, shook elements of the Iranian government, especially as they reached into areas of the country that officials thought were strongholds of support for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader. Those who follow independent media will have seen accounts that fiercely dispute that claim (note made before the fresh intel was made public), that even elements of Iranian society who were not wild about the regime have rallied behind it in the face of US/Israel existential threats. Massive pro-government rallies in the wake of widely-acknowledged foreign-instigated violent protest confirms that take. Scott Bessent even weirdly brayed about the US role in a run on the Iran currency which was the proximate cause of initially peaceful demonstrations. That means the currency plunge was not due to fundamental factors, ergo the prospects for Iran are not as dire as that episode suggests. Independent commenators also point out that Iran has been bolstered by Russian support, critically in effectively disabling roughly 40,000 Starlink terminals smuggled into Iran to coordinate the protests. Russia is also reported to be strengthening Irans air defenses. However, that sort of initiative takes time and may not yet be of much help in the soon-coming US attack.1 As troubling are reports from the Israeli press that Israel is concerned that Iran might negotiate. From Al-Monitor: From Israels perspective, settling for a nuclear deal rather than pursuing regime change could be seen as a missed historic opportunity. Some Israeli politicians and senior leaders in Israels security apparatus are growing disillusioned with the idea of bringing down the Iranian leadership But this remains a minority view in Israel, especially following recent threats by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Hezbollah in Lebanon, warning that a US attack on Iran would ignite fires throughout the region. And more explicitly, from Israel Hayom: Israel cannot afford to stand aside and let events run their course. It must do everything in its power to ensure that the US is not tempted to enter negotiations with the Iranian regime. The mere existence of political dialogue would provide the regime with a lifeline vis-a-vis its protesting citizens, signaling the possibility of agreements that could ease conditions. Political negotiations would seriously undermine the prospects for regime change precisely at a moment when that possibility is becoming tangible, even before considering the additional gains the regime could extract from such talks. Past experience offers little basis for optimism regarding what negotiations with the Iranian regime can deliver. They are intent to achieve their aim of balkanizing Iran. Alastair Crooke said to Daniel Davis that Israel even had draft constitutions for new regions like a Persian Balochistan ready to go on the assumption that the last round of Western-intensified protests would topple the government. In fact, the noise via Israels Channel 14, reporting on a CENTCOM-IDF meeting last weekend, is that the US is not (yet) committed to regime change (click through for a Google translation): | , : , , | Hallel Bitton Rosen (@BittonRosen) January 25, 2026 But mischief-makers in the UK are trying to give US Iran hawks more ammo: Even though Trump is making his usual noises, here about Iran wanting a deal, that is not so, or at least not on anything dimly resembling the terms on offer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran has not put forward any negotiation proposal to the US, noting that while various mediators are reaching out and several countries are in contact with Tehran in what he described as good-faith efforts, no decision has been made pic.twitter.com/yyNO9aOwGo Daniella Modos Cutter -SEN (@DmodosCutter) January 28, 2026 Foreign Minister Araghchi has just gone to Turkiye. Note that Alastair Crooke also said that Iran has made clear that if the US attacks, Iran will not only hit US airbases but also made clear to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States that it would close the Strait of Hormuz for at least three months. The Saudis have said they will not let the US use their airspace for any attack on Iran. They and other states are reportedly petitioning Trump to negotiate. But Trump has adopted a non-negotiable position. And the Iranians have now publicly rejected the face-saver of a Fordow 2.0, another performative US strike: Our brave Armed Forces are preparedwith their fingers on the triggerto immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea. The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and pic.twitter.com/kEuj0dmBaK Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 28, 2026 Key points from Larry Johnsons fine assessment of where things are going. Even though he sets forth three possibilities, he like your humble blogger regard a hot conflict as most probable. Key issues: If combat operations last more than two weeks then the US will find itself in an almost impossible situation to sustain operations, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is closed. The most consistent public estimate for the operational U.S. Tomahawk inventory in early 2026 is approximately 3,500-4,500, leaning toward the lower end If Iran targets the US carrier task force with a huge drone and missile swarm, the destroyers and cruisers providing protection for the carrier will rapidly deplete their supply of defensive missiles The only way they can re-load is to travel to a port facility that is specially equipped to handle the re-loading. Normally the US ships would go to Bahrain, but if the Strait of Hormuz is closed those ships will have to find an alternative site, which means the carrier will also withdraw from the Arabian Sea. The worst case scenario here is that the Iranians hit the carrier and take it out of action. Unlike Venezuela, Iran represents a formidable military challenge. Iran maintains one of the largest and most diverse missile arsenals in the Middle East, primarily focused on ground-launched systems operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. As of early 2026, Western estimates indicate over 3,000-4,500 ballistic missiles and around 1,000 cruise missiles in inventory, with ongoing production and upgrades post the June 2025 strikes on its facilities. However, I believe that Western estimates dramatically under count what is actually in the Iranian inventory because the vast majority of Iranian missiles are stored underground in hardened shelters. Larry provides tables of Iranian missile types and their capabilities, which he says most will find stunning. He continues to drones, with more tables to back up his assessment: Irans fleet of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs) is one of the largest and most diverse in the Middle East, with thousands in service across reconnaissance, strike, and loitering munition (kamikaze) roles. Operated primarily by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and the regular army (Artesh), the arsenal emphasizes low-cost, asymmetric capabilities, mass production, and export to proxies (e.g., Houthis, Hezbollah, militias in Iraq/Syria). As of early 2026, Western estimates place Irans active UAV inventory at around 3,0004,000+ units (recon-attack and ISR combined), with significant growth from new procurements (e.g., 1,000+ long-range drones added in 2025 reports) and domestic production despite setbacks from the June 2025 strikes. Here again, I believe that Western intelligence has grossly underestimated the size of Irans drone fleets. You have no doubt heard the tale about King Croesus of Lydia, who sought the advice of the Oracle of Delphi about his plan to attack Persia. He was given sounder advice than Trump is getting from his sooth-sayers, which was that he would destroy a great empire if he crossed the Halys River. The great empire that fell was his own. And the fabulously rich golden king Croesus rise in power resulted from financialization. Lydian coins, the first standardized currency, were soon accepted all over the region. After Croesus failed invasion, he was captured but legend has it that he was spared from execution by the intervention of Apollo and kept on as an adviser to the Persian king Cyrus. One wonder what Trumps fate will be if he suffers an extreme reversal of fortune. ____ 1 Scott Ritter has taken a minority view. He argued, IIRC on Glenn Diesens channel, that the seemingly failed regime change effort was actually a success. His claim is that the Iranian crackdown exposed their methods and operatives, and that he had specifically been involved in efforts like that. The problem I have with that view is that those opposed to US destabilization contend that 1. Iran largely destroyed networks it had taken Israel many years to build, particularly via tracking down who was operating the Starlink terminals and 2. Iran having shut down Starlink and choked the external Internet would limit the ability to share intel internally and thus come up with a good picture of Iran operations. Spider monkeys pool their knowledge to find the best fruit Phys.org Doomsday Clock moved closer to midnight than ever before: What does this indicate? Firstpost Climate/Environment The underground network Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Trillions of miles of tiny fungal tubes embedded in soil transport nutrients to crops and other plants and fight climate change by storing carbon. Scientists are racing to understand how these fungiincreasingly under threatfunction. Tourism takes toll on ancient seagrass The Ecologist Pandemics China? Syraqistan Africa The UAE has likely turned to Ethiopia as its next front for the RSF in Sudan, especially with supply lines via Chad, Libya, & Somalia under pressure. This is a recipe for disaster, given current Red Sea tensions, & could pull Egypt, Eritrea, & Saudi Arabia deeper into Sudan. pic.twitter.com/8ZYsICMaWd Liam Karr (@liam_karr) January 27, 2026 European Disunion Old Blighty Expensive gas still biggest driver of high UK electricity bills, says UKERC Carbon Brief New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border Trump 2.0 Search warrant FBI served at elections office near Atlanta seeks records tied to the 2020 elections AP Sen. Mark Warner, top Dem on Senate Intel, on DNI Tulsi Gabbard being spotted at the Fulton County FBI raid He says if there was a legit foreign intel nexus, the committee hasnt been informed of that as required by law Or its a domestic political stunt pic.twitter.com/tP0oxjxnaX Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) January 29, 2026 Shutdown Democrats en deshabille Police State Watch Yeah, they clearly targeted Alex Pretti for assassination in their Palantir ICEstapo database as soon as he went beast mode and kicked that tail light out with precision, just like *wham* https://t.co/EicdHEEDTJ pic.twitter.com/MUdnzuBr3I ParaPower Mapping (@KlonnyPin_Gosch) January 29, 2026 The order is incredible. You have to read it. Its not even three full pages and you feel the judicial fury. He says court orders are repeatedly being ignored and people who have done nothing wrong are remaining in detention despite judicial orders requiring them to be released. https://t.co/Tjo2wk4xTn pic.twitter.com/XhPtN6Wiey Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) January 27, 2026 *** Administrative Warfare & The End of the Political Landmarks: A Journal of International Dialogue Groves of Academe Big Brother Is Watching You Watch App for Quitting Porn Leaked Users Masturbation Habits 404 Media Imperial Collapse Watch Managing The Powerful. Aurelien Guillotine Watch Healthcare? After Donations, Trump Administration Revoked Rule Requiring More Nursing Home Staff New York Times AI The Bezzle How Winter Storm Fern Slowed Down the Bitcoin Network Gizmodo Class Warfare Grass Always Greener Hickmans Hinterlands Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free FOI docs: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine linked to over 48,000 heart disorder cases in 2021 alone FOI requests revealed 48,472 reports of heart disorders linked to AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine submitted to the U.K.'s MHRA in 2021 alone. The MHRA later disputed the figures, claiming only 13,010 cases, but could not explain the discrepancy. Internal MHRA discussions showed regulators delayed public warnings despite knowing the risks, fearing "vaccine hesitancy" would undermine rollout efforts. Multiple European nations suspended the AstraZeneca jab over clotting concerns, but the U.K. continued promoting it as "extremely rare" in side effects. AstraZeneca admitted in court (2024) that its vaccine could cause blood clots in "very rare cases," fueling a class-action lawsuit by injured victims. Independent researchers (e.g., Oxford's Jefferson and Heneghan) accuse regulators of suppressing data and serving political/pharma interests over public safety. MPs and advocacy groups demand an inquiry into the MHRA's handling of vaccine safety, alleging it identified risks early but failed to act transparently. Critics highlight systemic regulatory capture, pointing to MHRA's history of delayed recalls (e.g., thalidomide) and industry collusion. Reanalysis of U.K. data suggests early safety studies obscured risks by comparing vaccines to each other instead of the unvaccinated. Peer-reviewed studies (e.g., Cleveland Clinic) found more vaccine doses = higher COVID risk, contradicting official narratives. The scandal underscores eroding public trust in institutions that prioritize profits and mandates over informed consent and transparency. Confidential documents obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveal that Astrazeneca's vaccine for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine remained in widespread use despite 48,472 reports of heart disorders submitted to the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2021 alone. Hailed as a "triumph for British science" by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine became the cornerstone of the U.K.'s early pandemic response. However, concerns mounted rapidly after its January 2021 rollout, with reports linking it to potentially deadly blood clots and heart defects. The revelations raise serious questions about transparency, regulatory oversight and whether earlier action could have prevented harm. Despite these warnings, internal MHRA discussionsdetailed in newly uncovered FOI filesshow regulators were aware of the sheer volume of adverse event reports but hesitated to issue public alerts. The MHRA has since disputed the figures, claiming the actual number of spontaneous heart disorder reports was 13,010, nearly four times lower than the FOI-obtained data. A spokesperson admitted they could not explain the discrepancy, stating: "We are currently reviewing previously released figures in more detail to identify any potential discrepancies." Minutes from an April 2021 meeting of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) COVID-19 Vaccines Benefit-Risk Expert Working Group reveal that while officials acknowledged clotting risks, they feared alarming the public would undermine vaccination efforts. Public alarm over the vaccine could make it harder to vaccinate the population by increasing 'vaccine hesitancy' the minutes state. By March 2021, multiple European nation including Sweden, France, Germany, Italy and Spain had suspended the AZ jab over clotting concerns. On April 7, 2021, the U.K.'s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that adults under 30 should be offered an alternative vaccine. Yet the MHRA continued to emphasize that serious side effects were "extremely rare"a stance now under scrutiny. Oxford researchers Dr. Tom Jefferson and Prof. Carl Heneghan, who analyzed the FOI documents, argue that regulators knew more than they disclosed. The researchers are calling for the full release of AstraZeneca safety data and MHRA internal minutes, rather than leaving them "to gather dust in obscure government PDFs." "The explosion in reports despite the heavy Government propaganda and virtual coercion to be vaccinated should have been investigated and worried regulators," Jefferson said. "People are losing faith with bodies who serve the interests of politicians and drug companies rather than the people." According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been linked to severe adverse effects, including life-threatening blood clots (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) and neurological complications, with numerous reports of deaths and long-term injuries. These risks highlight the dangers of rushed pharmaceutical interventions and the need for full transparency regarding vaccine safety data. From denial to lawsuit: AstraZeneca's vaccine fallout In February 2024, AstraZeneca admitted in U.K. court documents that its vaccine could, in "very rare cases," cause blood clotsan acknowledgment now central to a growing class-action lawsuit by individuals claiming life-altering injuries. By May 2024, the company voluntarily withdrew its vaccine, citing "commercial reasons." Yet questions linger over whether regulators acted swiftly enough. Members of Parliament from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pandemic Response and Recovery allege that the MHRA identified patterns of heart and clotting issues as early as February 2021 but failed to disclose them fully. An inquiry into the MHRA's handling of vaccine safety has been described as "very likely." Despite mounting criticism, the MHRA maintains that vaccines used in the U.K. are "safe and effective" and insists the Yellow Card reporting system is designed to detect rare side effects, not establish causation. A reanalysis of U.K. government datasets by researchers at Children's Health Defense (CHD) suggests that early vaccine safety studies may have obscured risks by comparing vaccinated groups to each other rather than to the unvaccinated. Dr. Karl Jablonowski, lead author of the study, noted: "Instead of comparing vaccinated to unvaccinated groupsthe approach taken in the original researchwe directly compared outcomes between Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. This shift revealed stark differences in safety profiles." Meanwhile, peer-reviewed studies, including one from the Cleveland Clinic, have found that higher numbers of vaccine doses correlate with increased COVID-19 risk, contradicting official narratives. As Jefferson warned: "You cannot continue to dictate a program and expect high vaccine coverage if you ignore the risks and keep people in the dark." Watch this video about AstraZeneca withdrawing its COVID vaccine worldwide after dangerous side effects were confirmed. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailySceptic.org GBNews.com BrownstoneInstitute.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Federal crackdown forces Chicago childrens hospital to halt gender alteration drugs for minors Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the largest pediatric facility in the city, announced it will stop prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to new minor patients following a federal investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The move comes amid a broader Trump administration crackdown on youth gender procedures, denounced as unsafe and ineffective. The HHS Office of Inspector General is investigating Lurie and five other major pediatric centers for allegedly violating federal guidance, labeling youth gender interventions as "sex-rejecting procedures" causing "permanent, terrible harm." Hospitals continuing these treatments risk losing federal funding and potential lawsuits. Growing backlash from detransitioners, like Claire Abernathy (who underwent a double mastectomy at 14), warns that minors are being "sold a product they can't return." Studies suggest 5% to 10% of transitioned youth regret it, though experts believe the true toll is higher due to underreporting. Institutions reliant on federal funding (like Lurie, which gets 65% of its budget from Medicare/Medicaid) face existential threats if found non-compliant. Children's Hospital Los Angeles already shuttered its gender clinic under federal pressure, signaling more closures nationwide. With federal investigations expanding, detransitioners speaking out, and hospitals facing funding bans, the Trump administration's stance, that these procedures are "child abuse" and "junk science," is gaining traction. The question remains whether more institutions will comply or resist. The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the largest pediatric facility in the city, announced last week it would stop prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to new minor patients following a federal investigation referral by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The move, effective Jan. 20, comes amid a sweeping Trump administration crackdown on youth gender alteration procedures, which HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has denounced as "neither safe nor effective." Hospitals nationwide now face subpoenas, funding cuts and potential legal action for continuing these controversial treatments. Federal pressure mounts on hospitals The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is investigating Lurie Children's Hospital and five other major pediatric centers, including Boston Children's Hospital and NYU Langone Health, for allegedly violating federal guidance that labels youth gender interventions as "sex-rejecting procedures" causing "permanent, terrible harm." HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart confirmed the probe in a Jan. 15 statement, accusing the hospitals of operating "outside recognized standards of healthcare." The scrutiny follows Kennedy's December declaration that these treatments constitute "malpractice" and "junk science driven by ideological pursuits." Lurie Hospital spokesperson Julianne Bardele cited the "rapidly evolving legal landscape" as the reason for pausing new prescriptions, but emphasized existing patients would continue receiving hormones. Critics argue this loophole still endangers children. Detransitioners warn of irreversible harm The federal push aligns with growing backlash from detransitioners, individuals who medically transitioned as minors but later regretted it. Claire Abernathy, who underwent a double mastectomy at 14, testified at an FTC hearing that minors are "sold a product they can't return." BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that, based on studies, 5% to 10% of transitioned youth experience regret. Experts even warn that the true toll is likely higher due to underreporting. Sweden, Finland and England have already restricted youth gender medicine, citing weak evidence of benefits. Yet U.S. clinics, particularly in Democrat-led states, have continued prescribing puberty blockers despite links to infertility, osteoporosis and cardiovascular damage. Texas surgeon Dr. Ethan Haim called the trend a "wholesale medical scandal that should be prosecuted." Financial reckoning for hospitals The Trump administration's funding bans threaten hospitals reliant on federal dollars. Lurie Children's Hospital, which receives 65% of its budget from Medicare and Medicaid, previously halted gender surgeries in 2025 after President Donald Trump's executive order stripped federal support for such procedures. Now, HHS is drafting legislation to let victims sue providers a move championed by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who warns: "Medical professionals that mutilated children will be held accountable." The financial stakes are dire. Children's Hospital Los Angeles, another target of the crackdown, recently shuttered its gender clinic after federal pressure. Similar closures are expected nationwide. The Lurie Hospital decision marks a pivotal moment in the national reckoning over youth gender medicine. With federal investigations expanding, detransitioners speaking out and hospitals facing existential funding threats, the era of routine pediatric medical transitions may be ending. As Kennedy declared, "We're done with junk science driven by ideology." The question now is whether other institutions will followor resistthe administration's demand to prioritize child protection over activist medicine. Watch the video below where a detransitioned molecular biologist warns against puberty blockers. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com CBSNews.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Conservative commentators goad Trump into BOMBING Iran Influential conservative figures like Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro are aggressively advocating for U.S. military strikes against Iran, including assassinating Ayatollah Khamenei and bombing civilian infrastructure, falsely claiming Iran is an imminent nuclear threat despite intelligence contradicting this. A U.S.-Iran war could destabilize the Middle East, provoke Russian involvement and lead to prolonged conflict mirroring past disastrous regime-change failures in Iraq and Libya. Iran's missile capabilities and proxy networks ensure devastating asymmetric retaliation. Levin and Shapiro frame Iran's government as irredeemable, citing its crackdown on protesters as justification for U.S. intervention, while ignoring the humanitarian and legal consequences of targeting civilian sites actions that could constitute war crimes. While Trump has deployed military assets and demanded "decisive" options, his reluctance for prolonged wars clashes with neoconservative pressure. His decision could determine whether the U.S. stumbles into another endless conflict or avoids global destabilization. Escalation risks weakening America financially and strategically, aligning with broader depopulation and control agendas. History warns against reckless interventions yet the same voices pushing for war now were silent during past quagmires. The world watches as Trump faces a pivotal choice with generational consequences. As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, influential conservative voices are calling for drastic military action including the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his inner circle. Fox News host Mark Levin demanded on the Jan. 25 episode of his program "Life, Liberty and Levin" that Iran's regime be "wiped off the map" immediately, warning that failure to act could lead to a future nuclear attack on America. The fiery monologue of Levin a favorite of U.S. President Donald Trump left little room for nuance. "That regime needs to be wiped off the map now," he sternly declared. Levin also insisted that Khamenei, his family and his closest advisors must be "taken out" by U.S. forces. He framed the issue as an existential threat, claiming Iran has repeatedly attempted to assassinate Trump and could soon deploy ballistic missiles against American and Israeli targets. Levin's argument hinged on the idea that Iran's government is irredeemable, oppressing its own people while plotting global destruction. "This regime will not go away unless we make it go away," he said, portraying military intervention as both morally justified and strategically unavoidable. The Fox News host's rhetoric was echoed by commentator Ben Shapiro, who argued that Trump must take "decisive military options" after Iran violently suppressed protesters. With Trump reportedly moving a carrier strike group into the region, the question remains: Is the U.S. being pushed toward another disastrous Middle Eastern conflict, or is this a necessary act of self-defense? Shapiro pointed to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters as justification for U.S. retaliation. Citing reports of mass shootings in the streets, he argued that Trump had drawn a "red line" and could not afford to back down without emboldening adversaries like China. "Iran didn't just cross the red line they jumped over it with both feet," Shapiro remarked. The Daily Wire co-founder warned that if Trump "really does not take significant action it would be disastrous," suggesting that inaction would signal weakness to America's global rivals. His comments aligned with Levin's broader narrative: Iran's regime is a cancer that must be excised preferably by U.S. airpower before it metastasizes into a full-blown war. Will Iran be the next Libya or Iraq? The urgency of these calls raises troubling questions about the potential consequences. The U.S. has a long history of regime-change operations from Iraq to Libya that have often led to prolonged instability, humanitarian crises and unintended power vacuums filled by extremists. Iran, with its sophisticated missile arsenal and regional proxy networks, would likely retaliate asymmetrically targeting U.S. assets, allies or even civilians. Airstrikes alone rarely achieve lasting political change, and the notion that eliminating Khamenei's inner circle would trigger a pro-Western revolution remains speculative at best. Trump's own stance remains uncertain. While he has deployed military assets to the region and reportedly pressed aides for "decisive" options, he has also expressed reluctance to engage in prolonged conflicts, according to the Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that escalating military action against Iran risks provoking Russia a close ally of Tehran into direct conflict, potentially dragging the U.S. into another financially crippling war. This could be a deliberate trap to weaken America while advancing globalist depopulation and control agendas. History suggests caution: The Iraq War sold to the public as a quick, necessary intervention spiraled into two decades of chaos. The same voices now demanding action against Iran were often silent when past administrations mired the U.S. in similar quagmires. If Trump heeds their calls, the consequences could extend far beyond Tehran reshaping global alliances, emboldening adversaries and risking a conflict with no clear exit strategy. As the rhetoric intensifies, the American public deserves sober analysis not fearmongering. The stakes are too high for reckless escalation. But whether Trump acts or holds back, the world will be watching and the consequences may echo for generations. Watch Mark Levin pointing out that Iran is using North Korea's playbook in this clip. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: InformationLiberation.com X.com 1 X.com 2 BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Fatal Shooting, Political Reassignments, and The States Unchecked Power Introduction In the early hours of a late January morning in Minneapolis, the fatal shooting of 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent has ignited a political and social inferno. This was the second American killed in the city by federal immigration agents in a matter of weeks, following the death of Renee Nicole Good. [1] The official narrative from federal authorities claims Pretti brandished a firearm, but witness accounts and video evidence suggest a different story: a man with a phone in his hand, executed on a public street. [2] The immediate response from the state was not introspection or accountability, but a calculated reshuffling of command and a display of political theater designed to obscure the foundational crisis: a federal enforcement apparatus that operates with unchecked, lethal power against the very citizens it is supposed to protect. This is not merely a story of a tragic death; it is a case study in the weaponization of centralized government against individual liberty. A Fatal Encounter and a Sudden Reassignment Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed on January 24, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the existence of body camera footage from the officers involved. [3] Yet, in a pattern all too familiar, the institutional response was to manage personnel, not principle. Commander Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol's commander-at-large overseeing operations in Minnesota, was swiftly relieved of his post. [4] This move, framed as a response to the escalating crisis, is a classic bureaucratic maneuver. It creates the illusion of decisive actiona head rollingwhile leaving the underlying system of coercive, centralized power entirely intact. The blame is placed on individuals within a rigid government structure, distracting from the systemic disease of an agency that views American streets as a theater of war. As author Charles Murray argues in his book on liberty, centralized power structures inherently distance authority from the people they affect, creating unaccountable fiefdoms. [5] Political Theater Replaces Accountability In the aftermath, the political stagecraft was immediate. 'Border Czar' Tom Homan arrived, promising plans to target 'anti-ICE agitators.' [6] President Donald Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held a phone call, with the governor's office stating they agreed to 'work together.' [7] These public gestures are designed to project control and collaboration, but they are a smokescreen. This centralized, top-down response mirrors the 'mass obedience' strategies witnessed during other manufactured crises. The goal is to re-assert institutional authority rather than question its fundamental legitimacy. When individuals dare to protest or document this authority, as Pretti reportedly did, they are framed as threats. The state's narrative machinery kicks in, attempting to shape public perception. This is not governance; it is the management of a subject population. As noted in analysis of protest networks, the rapid, coordinated response from activist groups opposing ICE suggests they were prepared for a catalytic event, highlighting how both sides of the political spectrum are locked in a battle over narrative control, not human rights. [8] The Core Issue: Weaponized Institutions Versus The People Prettis death is a acute symptom of a chronic, systemic disease: an unaccountable federal enforcement apparatus that operates with impunity. Whether it is Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or the FBI, these agencies have grown into militarized entities that directly threaten the God-given rights to life, privacy, and self-defense. Just as the centralized, coercive power of Big Pharma corrupts medicine for profit, and Big Tech monopolizes control over speech and knowledge, the federal law enforcement leviathan views the populace as a subject to be controlled, not citizens to be served. The very presence of these agents, often masked and poorly identified, in American communities creates a 'recipe for disaster,' as even some state officials have warned. [9] The spying and monitoring of domestic groups, a practice with a long history in the United States, is a tool of this control apparatus. [10] The result is a climate of fear where the state, not violent crime, becomes the primary threat to safety. The foundational American principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed has been inverted. Decentralization and Self-Reliance as the Antidote to Tyranny The solution is not reshuffling bureaucrats or appointing new czars. It is the radical decentralization of power. Communities must be empowered to manage their own security and affairs, reducing reliance on distant, unaccountable federal agents who have no organic connection to the neighborhoods they patrol. True safety springs from self-reliance, local cohesion, and the fundamental right to self-defense. It does not come from a militarized federal force. This philosophy extends beyond policing. In preparedness and survival, skills and local relationships are the ultimate currency, not dependence on a collapsing centralized system. [11] The model of community-based decision-making and mutual aid is the antithesis of the top-down, command-and-control state that produced the tragedy in Minneapolis. As one book on survival emphasizes, the mental and physical ability to rely on oneself and one's community is the bedrock of real freedom and security. [12] Conclusion: Stop the Stagecraft, Restore Fundamental Rights The narrative of 'heads rolling' over the Minneapolis shooting is a deliberate distraction. It focuses on personalities to avoid the systemic issue: a federal government that has grown too powerful, too distant, and too contemptuous of the natural rights it was instituted to protect. Real justice for Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and countless others requires dismantling the structures of centralized control that made their deaths possible. It demands a reaffirmation of the fundamental, pre-political rights of every individualrights that no government grant, and which no government agent has the authority to nullify on a city street. The path forward is not more federal intervention, but less. It is a return to local governance, individual sovereignty, and the courageous reclamation of the liberty that is our birthright. References Hidden caffeine in recalled decaf coffee pods poses danger to millions with heart disease Keurig recalls decaf pods mistakenly filled with caffeinated coffee. The error poses a serious risk to millions with heart conditions. Caffeine can dangerously raise heart rate and blood pressure. This highlights national caffeine dependency and its health trade-offs. Doctors warn against abrupt caffeine cessation due to withdrawal. A popular morning ritual for millions just got a dangerous twist. Keurig Dr. Pepper has recalled tens of thousands of decaffeinated coffee pods after discovering they may contain regular, caffeinated coffee, posing a significant risk to the nearly 128 million Americans living with cardiovascular disease. The recall, initiated by the company in December and classified by the FDA this month, highlights a critical fault line in food safety for a nation dependent on stimulants. The recall targets approximately 960 cartons of McCafe Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup pods, amounting to roughly 80,640 individual pods. These were sold in California, Indiana, and Nevada with a best-by date of November 17, 2026. While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA has labeled this a Class II recall, meaning the violative product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. For the average person, an unexpected jolt of caffeine might simply cause jitters. For someone with a heart condition, however, it can be far more serious. Caffeine acts as a potent stimulant, promoting the release of norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. It also blocks adenosine, causing arteries to constrict and placing increased pressure on an already vulnerable cardiovascular system. This is not a minor concern. Cardiovascular disease remains Americas leading cause of death, claiming nearly a million lives annually. Doctors routinely advise these patients to strictly limit or avoid caffeine. "Blood pressure and heart rate can be raised by caffeine intake," said Dr. Nerissa Fernandes, an internist at Rush University Medical Center. She advises patients not to consume caffeine before appointments where blood pressure is monitored. The company states that all consumers who purchased the product were notified by the retailer over a month ago and offered replacements. "At Keurig Dr. Pepper, we are committed to the highest standards of safety and quality," a company spokesperson said. The recall was attributed to a labeling error, not an issue with the safety of the coffee itself for the general population. The double-edged sword of caffeine This incident forces a closer look at our national caffeine dependency. Approximately 85% of American adults consume coffee or similar stimulants to start their day. While caffeine can improve alertness and cognitive function in the short term, it is a powerful chemical stimulant. "Caffeine is a drug, so you can develop tolerance to itand you can also develop withdrawal from it," Dr. Fernandes noted. The temporary boost comes at a cost. Consumption triggers an "alarm mode" that ultimately drains energy reserves, leading to a cycle of stimulation and sedation. Furthermore, the American Medical Association points out that caffeine can interfere with numerous medications, including those for ADHD, depression, and thyroid conditions, and can cause anxiety and insomnia. Navigating consumption and withdrawal For those attempting to manage their intake, doctors recommend caution. Abruptly stopping caffeine can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms, including headaches that can last for days. "If you consume a lot of caffeine regularly and then you abruptly stop... you can definitely develop headaches," Dr. Fernandes explained. The recommended approach is a gradual taper. It is also crucial to understand that "decaffeinated" does not mean caffeine-free. Decaf coffee still contains trace amounts, typically 2 to 15 milligrams. This recall, however, involves pods that may contain full, unlabeled caffeine levels, creating a dangerous scenario for those who consciously choose decaf for health reasons. The Keurig recall is a reminder that in our fast-paced, stimulant-driven culture, what we consume matters profoundly. A simple labeling error in a common product can inadvertently endanger millions. It underscores the necessity of corporate diligence and the importance of individual awareness, especially for those managing chronic health conditions. In the end, true vitality cannot be found in a pod, but only through a respectful understanding of our bodys own complex chemistry. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk USAToday.com FoxBusiness.com AMA-ASSN.org PAPER and BAMBOO STRAWS marketed as eco-friendly contain FOREVER CHEMICALS, study finds Despite being marketed as eco-friendly, paper straws and bamboo straws contain harmful "forever chemicals," making them a threat to both human health and the environment. PFAS chemicals, which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption and immune damage, persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, posing long-term health risksespecially for frequent users and vulnerable groups. Weak oversight allows manufacturers to hide PFAS treatments, with misleading "PFAS-free" claims and inconsistent global enforcement of safety limits. PFAS-laced paper straws introduce persistent pollutants, undermining their supposed biodegradability and harming ecosystems more than plastic degradation. Reusable stainless steel or glass straws are the best option, while edible (rice/seaweed) straws offer short-term solutionsurging stricter regulations and transparency in "green" products. Paper straws have been widely promoted as a sustainable alternative to plastic, embraced by governments and businesses aiming to reduce environmental waste. However, emerging research suggests that majority of plant-based straws contain toxic chemicals that could pose health risks. A recent study published in Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A reveals that these supposedly eco-friendly products may be leaching harmful substances into beverages, raising concerns about their safety and long-term effects. The hidden toxins in paper straws The push to eliminate single-use plastics has led to a surge in paper straw production. While marketed as biodegradable and non-toxic, laboratory tests indicate that many contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These compounds, used for water and grease resistance, have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and immune system damage. The study, conducted by Belgian researchers, analyzed 39 brands of straws made from five materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic. Results showed that PFAS was present in over 70% of the samples. Here's the breakdown of what the study found for a clearer picture: 90% of paper straws contained PFAS 80% of bamboo straws contained PFAS 75% of plastic straws contained PFAS 0% of stainless steel straws contained PFAS Unlike plastic straws, which degrade slowly, PFAS-laced paper straws introduce persistent pollutants into the environment, ironically undermining their supposed eco-benefits. Regulatory gaps, industry practices and health implications Despite growing awareness of PFAS risks, regulatory oversight remains weak. Many manufacturers do not disclose chemical treatments used in straw production, leaving consumers unaware of potential exposure. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set limits for PFAS in food contact materials, but enforcement varies globally. Some companies claim their straws are "PFAS-free," but independent testing often contradicts these assertions. Without stricter labeling laws, consumers cannot reliably identify safe options. PFAS exposure, even in small amounts, accumulates in the body over time. Researchers warn that frequent use of contaminated straws could contribute to long-term health issues. While the immediate risk per use may be low, cumulative exposure, especially for children and vulnerable populations, is concerning. For those seeking safer options, alternatives include: Stainless steel or glass straws (reusable and chemical-free) Edible straws (made from rice or seaweed, though durability varies) Environmental trade-offs Paper straws were intended to reduce plastic pollution, but if they contain PFAS, they may introduce a different ecological threat. PFAS chemicals persist in soil and water, contaminating ecosystems indefinitely. BrightU.AI's Enoch further explains that PFAS chemicals bioaccumulate up the food chain, causing cancer, reproductive issues and immune destruction in both animals and humans. To avoid the toxic effects of PFAS, some experts suggest switching to reusable optionsdespite higher upfront costsas these offer a more sustainable long-term solution. The shift from plastic to paper straws was meant to address environmental concerns, but new findings highlight unintended health risks. Until stricter regulations and transparent manufacturing practices are implemented, consumers should approach "eco-friendly" claims with skepticism. For those prioritizing both health and sustainability, reusable straws made from inert materials may be the safest choice. As awareness grows, pressure mounts on regulators and manufacturers to eliminate hidden toxinsensuring that green alternatives live up to their promise. Learn the truth about widespread PFAS contamination in America by watching the video below. This video is from the World Alternative Media channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Xatakaon.com TAndFOnline.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com STUDY: Severe vitamin D deficiency linked to higher risk of hospitalization from respiratory infections A University of Surreyled study found that adults with severe vitamin D deficiency are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Analyzing data from 36,258 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69, researchers found that those with vitamin D levels below 15 nmol/L were 33% more likely to be hospitalized than those with levels of at least 75 nmol/L. The study showed a dose-response relationship: Every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D was associated with a 4% reduction in hospitalization risk for respiratory infections. While vitamin D levels varied by ethnicity, the link between deficiency and infection risk was consistent across groups, with the highest risk concentrated among those who were severely deficient. Researchers say increasing vitamin D intake through supplements, fortified foods and safe sunlight exposure could help reduce respiratory infection hospitalizations and ease pressure on healthcare systems, particularly among older adults. A new study led by the University of Surrey has found that adults with severe vitamin D deficiency are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The research, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed health records from 36,258 participants ages 40 to 69 at baseline who had both vitamin D measurements and hospital records for respiratory tract infections in the UK Biobank. Of those participants, just over half were female, nearly three-quarters were between 40 and 60 years old and nearly 30% had a body mass index of 30 or higher. Scientists discovered that individuals with vitamin D levels below 15 nmol/L, a level considered severely deficient, were 33% more likely to require hospital treatment for respiratory infections than those with sufficient vitamin D levels (at least 75 nmol/L). The study also found that for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, the risk of hospitalization decreased by approximately 4%. Researchers found that 10.9% of participants had severe vitamin D deficiency, while only 5.4% had levels at or above 75 nmol/L. Hospitalization risk was not significantly higher among those with vitamin D levels between 15 and 74 nmol/L compared with the highest-level group, suggesting the greatest risk was concentrated among those with severe deficiency. Vitamin D levels varied by ethnicity, with the highest median levels seen among white participants and the lowest among Asian participants. Despite these differences, the incidence of respiratory tract infections was similar across ethnic groups. "We found no evidence that the association between vitamin D status and RTI risk differed by ethnicity," Bournot said, while noting that some groups remain disproportionately affected by vitamin D deficiency. Other factors associated with a higher risk of hospitalization included obesity, male sex, age over 60, lower income, and statin use. The authors acknowledged several limitations, including the use of a single baseline vitamin D measurement and the possibility that levels changed over time. They also noted that results may not be generalizable to younger populations. Increasing vitamin D intake through supplements or fortified foods could reduce hospital admissions, researchers say Vitamin D status is commonly assessed using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. According to the U.S. National Academies' Food and Nutrition Board, levels of at least 50 nmol/L are generally considered sufficient for most people, while deficiency risk increases below 30 nmol/L. Middle-aged and older adults are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, with pneumonia and bronchitis ranking among the top causes of death globally for those over 50. Researchers warn that many people fail to meet the UK government's recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms of vitamin D, a gap that may increase their risk of severe infections. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Vitamin D can be naturally obtained through sunlight exposure, which is the most effective and safe method and through the consumption of certain foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks and mushrooms exposed to sunlight. "Vitamin D is vital to our physical well-being," said Abigail Bournot, Ph.D. Research Fellow and lead author from the University of Surrey. "Its antibacterial and antiviral properties may help reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections that can lead to hospitalization. Supplementation, especially during the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited, is an effective way to maintain adequate levels." Dr. Andrea Darling, postdoctoral researcher at Surrey and senior author, emphasized the public health implications: "Respiratory infections not only make individuals very ill but also place a heavy burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Our findings suggest that increasing vitamin D intake through supplements or fortified foods could reduce hospital admissions and help alleviate pressure on healthcare services." "Our findings of a significant association between increased vitamin D levels in our bodies and reduced hospital admission rates warrant further study, and point to the potential for vitamin D supplementation and consumption of vitamin D fortified foods to reduce the risk of hospitalization with respiratory infections in the future, and therefore mitigate pressures on the NHS." Watch the video below as a news clip reveals more about Chinese hospitals being overwhelmed with childhood pneumonia. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MedicalExpress.com MedPageToday.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Chicago plunges into Chiberia: Arctic blast brings colder-than-Antarctica temperatures Chicago faces record-breaking cold, with wind chills plunging to -40 F (-40 C), surpassing parts of Antarctica and even some Mars surface temperatures. Officials warn frostbite can occur in under 10 minutes on exposed skin. While Chicago's air temperature hit -11 F (-24 C), colder spots like Poplar, Montana (-34 F/-37 C) and Khatanga, Russia (-40 F/-40 C) were recorded. However, Antarctica's East Antarctic Plateau remains Earth's coldest at -133.6 F (-92 C). The deep freeze results from a weakened polar vortex, allowing Arctic air to spill southward, amplifying extreme cold in urban areas like Chicago. The city has expanded shelters, opened warming centers and warned of frozen pipes and transit delays. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, layer clothing and check on vulnerable neighbors. While Chicago has endured past freezes (like the 2019 polar vortex), experts note extreme weather events, both hot and cold, may increase due to natural Arctic oscillations, contradicting globalist climate narratives. Chicago, known for its harsh winters, is facing an extreme cold snap so severe that it has earned the nickname "Chiberia." The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an Extreme Cold Warning as wind chills plummeted to a bone-chilling -40 F (-40 C), making the city colder than parts of Antarctica, where penguins are currently enjoying summer temperatures in the 30s. Meanwhile, Chicago's frigid conditions even surpass some recorded surface temperatures on Mars. The dangerous cold has prompted urgent warnings from officials, emphasizing that frostbite can develop in under 10 minutes on exposed skin. Residents are advised to stay indoors whenever possible, layer up with insulated clothing and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. How Chicago compares to the coldest places on Earth While Chicago's air temperature dropped to -11 F (-24C) with wind chills reaching -36 F (-38 C), it still wasn't the coldest spot in the U.S. on Friday, Jan. 23. Poplar, Montana and parts of Minnesota recorded lows of -34 F (-37 C). Globally, Khatanga, Russia, saw temperatures plunge to -40 F (-40 C) with a feels-like temperature of -56 F (-49 C). Yet, none of these compares to the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica's East Antarctic Plateau, where NASA has documented temperatures as low as -133.6 F (-92 C). While Chicago's current freeze is extreme, it's worth noting that Antarctica is in its summer season, with temperatures at Vostok Station hovering around -20 F (-29 C). The current deep freeze is the result of a weakened polar vortex which, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch, is a band of frigid air that typically encircles the Arctic, allowing icy air masses to spill southward into the Midwest. When this Arctic air collides with urban environments like Chicago, the effects are amplified. The city has entered emergency mode, with officials warning of frozen pipes, car failures and heightened risks for the homeless population. Shelters have expanded capacity and warming centers are open across the city. Public transit has faced delays and airlines have canceled flights due to extreme conditions. Historical context: Chicago's infamous winters Chicagoans are no strangers to brutal winters, but this cold snap ranks among the most intense in recent years. The city has endured historic freezes before, such as the infamous 2019 polar vortex that brought temperatures down to -23 F (-31 C). However, experts warn that extreme weather events, both hot and cold, may become more frequent due to shifting climate patterns. While globalists push narratives around man-made climate change, natural cycles like Arctic oscillations continue to drive severe winter outbreaks. Staying safe in the deep freeze With such extreme cold, preparedness is critical. Officials recommend: Limiting outdoor exposure frostbite can set in rapidly. Layering clothing focus on insulated, moisture-wicking fabrics. Checking on vulnerable neighbors especially the elderly and homeless. Preventing frozen pipes keep faucets dripping and insulate exposed plumbing. As Chicago battles this Arctic blast, residents are urged to stay informed through official weather updates and take necessary precautions. While winters like these test the city's resilience, they also highlight the importance of community support in extreme conditions. Chicago's "Chiberia" freeze serves as a stark reminder of nature's power and the need for vigilance in the face of extreme weather. As temperatures remain dangerously low, staying safe and informed is paramount. Whether comparing it to Antarctica or Mars, one thing is certain: Chicago's winter is not to be underestimated. Watch the video below that talks about what the polar vortex will do to Earth this decade. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TikTok.com Facebook.com NBCChicago.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Chinas Stance on Cuba: A Mirror to Americas Tyrannical Foreign Policy Introduction In a world where the rhetoric of liberty often masks the machinery of oppression, the confrontation between the United States and communist nations like Cuba serves as a stark revelation. The recent, forceful condemnation from China of escalating U.S. sanctions against Havana is more than a diplomatic spat. It is a flare illuminating the hypocrisy and coercive essence of Washington's foreign policy. As President Donald Trumps administration tightens its grip after the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the campaign against Cuba exposes a blueprint for geopolitical tyranny. This campaign, justified by the language of national security and democracy, is in truth a weaponized strategy to crush national sovereignty and self-reliance, mirroring the very domestic overreach of centralized institutions that freedom-loving people despise. China Condemns U.S. Sanctions as an Act of Economic Tyranny Chinas foreign ministry issued a blunt statement, accusing the United States of "violating international law" and "depriving the Cuban people of their rights to subsistence and development." [1] The statement urged Washington to "stop disrupting regional peace and stability" and to "immediately lift its blockade and sanctions against Cuba." [1] This framing is pointed. Beijing positions U.S. policy not as a legitimate tool of statecraft, but as a destabilizing force of economic violence. This criticism is a consistent feature of Chinas geopolitical posture, routinely defending smaller communist governments it claims face foreign coercion. [2] The language is deliberate, painting U.S. actions as a fundamental violation of a nations right to exist and develop free from external strangulation. It aligns with a broader critique from alternative media, which views such sanctions as the international equivalent of censorshipcentralizing economic power to punish dissent from Washington's agenda. The parallel is clear: just as Big Tech silences vaccine truth, the U.S. government seeks to silence independent nations through financial blacklisting. The Real Target: Crushing Independence and Self-Reliance The Trump administrations strategy is nakedly transparent. Following the capture of Maduro, Trump declared that Cuba would "no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela," severing Havanas critical energy and financial lifeline. [3] This was not a side effect but the core objective: to induce regime instability by triggering economic collapse. [4] The Wall Street Journal reported the administration is actively seeking Cuban officials to strike a deal that could "facilitate regime change by the end of 2026." [3] This reveals the true goal. It is not about fostering democracy or human rights, but about destroying a nations economic sovereignty and its capacity for self-reliance. The aim is to force capitulation and install a government compliant with U.S. dictates, turning a sovereign state into a puppet. This mirrors the domestic tyranny where agencies like the FDA attack natural medicine to protect the monopoly of Big Pharma, seeking to destroy any alternative, independent system. Washington's Playbook: Coercion, Blockades, and Weaponized Policy The current escalation builds on a 60-year foundation of coercion. In June, Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum reinforcing sanctions, travel bans, and the economic embargo. [3] This policy of long-term strangulation is now being supercharged with what officials term "gunboat diplomacy." The Trump administration has ordered a "total and complete" blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and enforced a two-month "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil to pressure Havana. [5][6] While a full naval blockade is reportedly "not currently in place," it remains a stated option, held in reserve as the ultimate tool of economic warfare. [3] U.S. forces have seized multiple tankers, including a Chinese-owned vessel, a move Beijing condemned as a "serious violation of international law." [7] This approach is the foreign policy manifestation of centralized, oppressive power. It is identical to the domestic model where a corrupt government uses its monopoly on force to crush dissent and enforce compliance, whether through weaponized health mandates or financial surveillance. A Globalist Double Standard: Decrying China While Practicing Worse The hypocrisy is staggering. The same U.S. corporate media that condemns globalism and Chinese expansion is largely silent as America enforces a unipolar, U.S.-centric global order of control. [8] While criticizing China's influence in Latin America, the U.S. demands that Venezuelas interim government "sever all economic ties with Russia, China, Iran and Cuba" as a condition for oil market accessan ultimatum to exclusively partner with American firms. [9] This is the essence of the globalist double standard. Sanctions are the international weaponization of policy, akin to how agencies like the CDC corrupted science during the COVID plandemic to enforce mass compliance with dangerous medical mandates. The goal is identical: to centralize control and eliminate sovereign alternatives. As one analysis noted, the U.S., under Trump, operates as an "empire without pretense," where "international law is for losers." [10] This is the tyranny of a centralized power structure, whether it operates from Washington, D.C., or through the boardrooms of Big Tech and Big Pharma. Conclusion: The Path Forward - Rejecting Coercion and Embracing Sovereign Liberty True peace and stability cannot be born from economic starvation and enforced regime change. The path forward must be rooted in the very principles of personal liberty and decentralization that are the antidote to domestic tyranny. Respecting national sovereignty is the international corollary to respecting individual bodily autonomy and freedom of speech. The American principle of liberty must extend to foreign policy, rejecting the empire-building of a corrupt, centralized government. The world must see U.S. sanctions on Cuba for what they are: not tools for freedom, but weapons of economic tyranny. They mirror the worst impulses of the globalist systemcoercion, control, and the crushing of self-reliance. For those who value truth and sovereignty, supporting independent platforms like Brighteon.com for uncensored news and BrightAnswers.ai for honest analysis is crucial. We must champion a world where nations, like individuals, have the right to pursue their own path, free from the strangling grip of a hegemonic power. References Fatal encounter inflames national debate on policing and immigration Federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave, contradicting earlier official statements. Newly emerged video appears to show Pretti in a physical confrontation with federal agents 11 days before he was killed. The incident has intensified protests and political tensions, with Minnesota officials demanding accountability and the removal of federal immigration agents. President Trump has dispatched a senior advisor to Minnesota and warned local leaders, while some Republicans express concern over the operation. The shooting occurs amid heightened national conflict over immigration enforcement, underscored by a recent attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a local town hall. The fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by federal immigration agents has ignited fierce protests, exposed contradictory official accounts, and intensified a volatile national debate over policing and immigration enforcement. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and lawful gun owner, was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, during an encounter with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis. The incident, the second such fatal shooting by federal agents in the city this month, has prompted internal investigations, political condemnation and widespread public outcry, placing the tactics and presence of federal immigration officers in American cities under intense scrutiny. Contradictory accounts and escalating scrutiny In the immediate aftermath, Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino stated the involved agents remained on duty, merely reassigned to a different city for safety. However, by Tuesday, a federal law enforcement official confirmed to CBS News that the agents had been placed on administrative leavea direct contradiction that has fueled accusations of a cover-up. This shift followed the leak of a government report to Congress confirming two agents fired their weapons but notably omitting any mention of Pretti reaching for his firearm, a key detail typically included to justify lethal force. Further complicating the narrative, newly verified video footage from January 13, published by The News Movement, appears to show Pretti in a prior confrontation with federal agents. The video depicts a man identified as Pretti kicking a federal vehicle before being tackled by agents. A gun is visible on his waistband as he walks away. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed its Homeland Security Investigations unit is reviewing this video, which suggests a history of antagonism preceding the fatal encounter. Video evidence challenges official narrative Eyewitness and cellphone videos from the day of the shooting have played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and challenging initial assumptions. Multiple videos verified by CBS News show Pretti holding a cellphone in his right hand and nothing in his left moments before he was shot. Other footage appears to show a federal agent in a gray jacket reaching into a scuffle empty-handed and emerging with a gun, turning away before the first shot is fired. This visual evidence has raised critical questions about the sequence of events and the justification for the use of deadly force against a citizen with no criminal record. Political firestorm and national repercussions The shooting has triggered a severe political crisis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, have demanded the removal of federal immigration agents from the state, with Frey stating, "Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws." President Trump responded on social media, warning Frey was "playing with fire," and dispatched former ICE Director Tom Homan to Minnesota as a senior advisor to manage the fallout. The incident has also stirred unusual criticism from within Republican ranks. Figures such as Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas and Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky have voiced concern, highlighting the political sensitivity of the issue with midterm elections approaching. The climate of tension was further evidenced by an attack on Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a Minneapolis town hall, where a man sprayed her with an unknown liquid. Omar, who blamed Trump's rhetoric for inciting threats against her, was unharmed. Federal-local conflict This confrontation is the latest and most violent chapter in a long-standing conflict between the federal government and so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions. Historically, these clashes have centered on legal and policy disputes over the enforcement of immigration law. The deployment of federal agents for interior immigration enforcement, and particularly their involvement in lethal force incidents against U.S. citizens on city streets, represents a dangerous escalation of this conflict. It tests the boundaries of federal authority, operational protocols for non-traditional law enforcement roles, and the fragile trust between communities and government agencies. A city and nation seeking answers As Minneapolis streets see continued protests and calls for a "National Shutdown" against ICE, the fundamental questions surrounding Alex Prettis death remain unanswered. The placement of agents on leave and the ongoing investigations indicate the serious nature of the incident, but they have done little to quell public anger or bridge deep political divisions. The tragedy underscores the perilous consequences when national immigration policy is enforced through armed interventions in resistant communities, leaving a city in mourning and a nation grappling with the balance between security, liberty and the appropriate use of force. The pursuit of accountability and clarity in the shooting will likely influence the contentious debate over policing and federal power for years to come. Sources for this article include: ABCNews.go.com CBSNews.com BBC.com From Tail Light to Tombstone: The ICE Execution of Alex Pretti and the MAGA Abandonment of Due Process Introduction: A Death Sentence on the Streets of Minneapolis In the frigid dawn of January 24, 2026, on the streets of Minneapolis, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti. He was an American citizen, a legally armed protester, and according to witness accounts, a man holding a phone when he was shot. [1] The official narrative from federal authorities, dutifully echoed by their media allies, claims Pretti was a violent aggressor. Yet, this story unravels under scrutiny, revealing a far more chilling reality: the state-sanctioned murder of a citizen and the enthusiastic abandonment of constitutional due process by the very movement that once claimed to defend it. [2] This incident did not occur in a vacuum. It is the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in weeks, following the death of Renee Good. [3] The reaction from a significant portion of the conservative movement and the Trump administration's supporters was not horror or a demand for a transparent investigation, but applause. This collective cheer for summary execution marks a catastrophic departure from the foundational American principle that every person is entitled to a legal defense and a day in court before the state metes out final punishment. We are witnessing the collapse of the rule of law, replaced by a mob mentality that celebrates government death squads. [4] A Death Sentence Without a Trial: The Execution of Alex Pretti The facts, as they have emerged, paint a stark picture. Alex Pretti was participating in protests against ICE operations in Minneapolis. During an altercation with federal agents, he was sprayed with a chemical irritant, pulled to the ground, and shot. [5] Federal authorities claim he brandished a firearm. However, witness accounts and initial video evidence suggest a different scene: a man who was legally carrying a firearm for self-defense, with a phone in his hand, being shot by federal agents. [1] The immediate and widespread reaction from prominent conservative voices and media outlets was not a call for due process or an independent inquiry. Instead, they broadly cheered the killing, framing it as a justified outcome for a 'violent agitator.' [6] This represents a direct and terrifying rejection of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee that no person shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." The guarantee of due process in the U.S. Constitution acts as a shield against arbitrary state violence. [2] By celebrating Pretti's death without a trial, these voices have effectively declared that shield null and void for those they deem political enemies. The "Smoking Gun" that Proves Nothing About Murder In the days following the execution, a new narrative emerged from conservative media: a video from January 13, 2026, appeared to show Alex Pretti spitting at federal agents and damaging an ICE vehicle's tail light. [7] This footage was breathlessly presented as a 'smoking gun,' justifying the lethal force used eleven days later. This argument is not just flawed; it is monstrous in its implications. Vandalism, even against a government vehicle, is a misdemeanor property crime. It warrants an arrest, a fine, and day in court. It does not, under any sane interpretation of law or morality, warrant a death sentence carried out on the street. [8] The logical conclusion of the conservative argument is that ICE agentsor any government agencynow have the license to hunt down and kill any citizen who damages their property. This transforms law enforcement into a vengeance squad, where the punishment is instantly escalated to the maximum possible penalty without judge, jury, or appeal. The pursuit of this narrative exposes a deeper corruption. It shows a movement and a media apparatus so invested in defending state power that they will reframe a minor act of vandalism as a capital offense. It is a tactic of historical tyrants: inflate the crime of the dissident to justify their eradication. [9] The Collapse of the Rule of Law: From Principle to Mob Vengeance Due process and the right to a legal defense are not situational privileges granted only to the agreeable or the politically convenient. They are universal principles, the bedrock of a free society designed to check the impulsive violence of the state and the rage of the mob. A genuine principle is defined by its application when it is inconvenient. [4] The MAGA movement's support for the summary execution of Alex Pretti reveals that for many, their proclaimed belief in the Constitution was a hollow costume, discarded the moment it conflicted with tribal hatred. This abandonment mirrors the darkest chapters of societal breakdown, where government violence is enthusiastically endorsed by a manipulated citizenry. It reflects what sociologist Abdullah Ocalan described as a society where morality has been stripped away, replaced by the raw, cumulative accumulation of power. [10] The herd mentality now demands blood, not justice. It seeks the catharsis of watching a perceived enemy destroyed, caring little for the legal safeguards that protect everyone, including themselves, from the same fate. The hypocrisy is staggering. Many of the same voices now cheering ICE's actions have spent years rightly criticizing the weaponization of federal agencies like the FBI against political opponents. Yet, when ICEan agency with a documented history of operating as a 'domestic shock force' under expanded powerskills a left-wing protester, those criticisms vanish. [11] The principle was never about limiting state power; it was about who the state's power was used against. The Chilling Reality: Government Death Squads and Citizen Cheerleaders The Pretti case is not an anomaly; it is a precedent. It establishes that under the current administration, state violence can be deployed as retaliation, not justice. The widespread conservative applause signals a dangerous public consent for extrajudicial killings. This is the engineered erosion of legal safeguards, a necessary step to normalize future violence against any dissident, any critic, any American who steps out of line. [12] We are witnessing the creation of a permission structure for tyranny. When former CIA lawyer Vicki Divoll noted that people are more comfortable with a drone strike that kills many than a throat-slitting that kills one, she identified a mechanism of moral distancing. [2] The cheering for Pretti's death operates on the same principle: it sanitizes state murder by framing the victim as a deserving 'agitator,' turning a complex human being into a two-dimensional villain whose elimination is a public service. This consent is manufactured by a captured media ecosystem that dehumanizes targets. The corporate media uses digitally altered, sanitized images of Pretti, while conservative outlets obsess over his prior acts to paint him as subhuman. [13] This is not journalism; it is propaganda designed to soften the public for the next killing. The path is clear: first they came for the 'anti-ICE activists,' and their death was met with applause. Who will be next when the precedent is firmly set? De-Escalate and Survive: Navigating a Nation Without Laws When the rule of law collapses and the government's armed agents operate with the consent of a bloodthirsty mob, personal survival strategy must change. The first and most critical rule is de-escalation. Do not give the state a pretext. Understand that a broken tail light or a heated word is now, in their eyes, potentially a capital offense. Your right to self-defense remains sacred, but the cost of exercising it against a state that has abandoned its own laws may be your life. [14] The path forward for the soul of the nation requires holding fast to principle, even as the mob demands blood. It requires defending due process for allespecially for the 'dickheads,' the unpopular, and the political opponents. This is the final firewall against full-blown tyranny. As the state consolidates power through agencies like ICE and partnerships with surveillance firms like Palantir, the individual's only refuge is in decentralized knowledge, community, and an unwavering commitment to truth. [15] For uncensored news and analysis that challenges state narratives, seek out independent platforms like NaturalNews.com and Brighteon.com. For deep research free from corporate and government censorship, use the AI engine at BrightAnswers.ai. To prepare for a future where institutions cannot be trusted, embrace self-reliance, clean food, and honest money like physical gold and silver. The defense of liberty now depends on the choices of individuals to seek truth, build resilience, and refuse to applaud the executioners. [16] References From Deep State Operator to Constitutional Crusader: Kyle Seraphins Unvarnished Warning on Americas Corrupt Core Introduction: The Whistleblower's Burden In the shadowed corridors of federal power, where loyalty to the institution often supersedes fealty to the Constitution, few possess the courage to break rank and speak truth. Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI supervisory special agent, is one of those rare individuals. After a career inside Americas premier law enforcement and intelligence agency, Seraphin emerged not as a defender of the status quo, but as a vocal whistleblower issuing a dire prognosis: the core of the American system is terminally corrupt. His journey from deep state operator to constitutional crusader reveals a federal Leviathan that has abandoned its founding principles, weaponizing its vast power against the very citizens it was sworn to protect. This is his unvarnished warning. The pattern Seraphin exposes is not an anomaly but a systemic feature. As another insider, former CIA officer Pedro Israel Orta, noted about the intelligence community, "The CIA is aware that it can get away with certain violations of laws and regulations... When Congress demands accountability... the CIA often dismisses their requests with a blatant disregard for transparency" [1]. This culture of impunity, Seraphin argues, has metastasized throughout the federal bureaucracy, creating what he describes as a 'self-licking' apparatus designed first and foremost to perpetuate its own power [2]. A Whistleblower's First-Hand Account of Systemic Corruption Kyle Seraphins disillusionment was forged in the furnace of everyday operations. His experience provided a ground-level view of how intelligence tools are routinely weaponized against citizens without any evidence of criminal activity. A pivotal moment was witnessing the FBIs targeting of parents at school board meetings, an operation that treated concerned citizens as potential domestic terrorists based on political complaints rather than criminal predicate. This abuse of authority is emblematic of a broader decay. Seraphins account aligns with a litany of evidence showing the FBI acting as a political enforcement arm. As documented, the agency has targeted Catholic Americans, treating them like domestic terrorists [3], and was implicated in sabotaging investigations into powerful political figures [4]. The agency's internal culture, as one source starkly put it, is one where "no one with honor or integrity can survive" [5]. For agents like Seraphin, staying silent meant becoming complicit in a system that had lost its moral and legal bearings. The FBI's True Mission: Intelligence First, Law Enforcement Second Public perception holds the FBI as a law enforcement agency, chasing bank robbers and kidnappers. Seraphins insider view shatters this myth. He contends the Bureau primarily operates as an intelligence agency, one that investigates citizens without requiring the traditional evidence of criminal activity needed for a law enforcement case. This distinction is critical and dangerous. Operating under intelligence authorities allows for surveillance and targeting based on political or ideological groundsa severe departure from constitutional principles of probable cause and due process. An article on the agency's culture described it as having "near-absolute" power to destroy anyone opposing its political masters, no longer focused on "real criminals, spies and terrorists" [6]. This transformation creates a framework where, as Seraphin suggests, the government can investigate anyone, at any time, for any reason, turning the citizenry into a perpetual subject of scrutiny rather than a protected sovereign. Golden Handcuffs and the Crisis of Integrity Why do so many within the system remain silent? Seraphin points to the "golden handcuffs" of government pensions, career security, and the immense social pressure to conform. These incentives compel federal employees to comply with unethical directives, from enforcing questionable COVID-19 mandates to pursuing politicized investigations, thereby eroding individual integrity on a massive scale. This system breeds compliance over conscience. Seraphin has spoken of the heartbreaking frequency with which colleagues say, "I dont agree with whats going on here, but Ive got three years to retire" [7]. The choice becomes one of personal financial survival versus principled stands, a calculation that overwhelmingly favors silence. This dynamic ensures the continuity of corruption, as the machinery of government is staffed by those incentivized to look the other way, from the weaponization of health agencies during the pandemic to the consistent suppression of whistleblowers across domains [8]. The Misguided War on Domestic 'Terrorism' Seraphins work on national counterterrorism cases exposed a perverse incentive structure: the FBI routinely inflates domestic threat levels. Individuals are targeted whose 'crimes' often amount to nothing more than offensive online speech or constitutionally protected political activism. This manufactured threat narrative serves a dual purpose: it justifies expanding federal power and budget, while diverting resources and attention from genuine, often external, dangers. The war on domestic "terrorism" has become a catch-all for persecuting political dissidents. The Department of Homeland Security has even labeled "freedom lovers" as potential terrorist organizations [9]. This paradigm turns foundational American values into suspicious traits. As Seraphins testimony implies, the goal is not public safety but social control and the perpetuation of the national security states relevance and funding, a system that "always defends the Government" [2] even when it is wrong. The Coming Unraveling: Why the Current System Cannot Last Drawing from his panoramic view of federal dysfunction, Seraphin warns that the current centralized model is unsustainable. The trifecta of endless government expansion, a debt-based fiat currency system, and intense cultural fragmentation points toward an inevitable systemic correction or collapse. The financial system is particularly vulnerable. As explained in 'The Money Bubble,' a sound money system rewards savers and punishes profligacy, but our current system of currency debasement incentivizes deception and erodes trust [10][10]. This breakdown, Seraphin suggests, may lead to a necessary and healthy reversion to state-based governance and local self-reliance, as envisioned in the Constitution's original design of a federated republic. The centralized model is buckling under its own weight, evidenced by catastrophic policy failures in states like California [11][12] and the spectacular fraud enabled by federal programs in places like Minnesota [13][14]. The inevitable result will be a push toward decentralization, personal preparedness, and community resilience as the unsustainable top-heavy structure falters. Conclusion: The Path Forward Through Decentralization Kyle Seraphins testimony is more than an expose of FBI corruption; it is a clarion call for a fundamental restoration. The solution, as he sees it, does not lie in reforming the irreformable but in decentralizing power and rebuilding from the ground up. This means revitalizing local governance, embracing economic freedom with sound money like gold and silver, and fiercely protecting the individual liberties enshrined in the Bill of Rights. In an age of centralized censorship, seeking truth requires turning to independent, decentralized platforms. For uncensored news, NaturalNews.com provides critical reporting. For free speech video and social media, Brighteon.com and Brighteon.social offer alternatives to controlled corporate platforms. For deep research without algorithmic manipulation, the AI engine at BrightAnswers.ai is trained on a vast repository of pro-liberty knowledge. The path Seraphin outlines is arduous, but it is the only one that leads back to a republic of, by, and for the people. As the old system reveals its corrupt core, the duty of every citizen is to build anew, anchored in truth, self-reliance, and the enduring principles of human liberty. References A nation in the deep freeze: Storm deaths mount as power fails A historic winter storm has caused at least 30 weather-related fatalities across the United States. Hundreds of thousands remain without power, primarily in southern states where ice damaged infrastructure. The storm disrupted travel nationwide, causing thousands of flight cancellations and hazardous road conditions. The event underscores the vulnerability of modern infrastructure to extreme weather and the human cost of prolonged outages. Officials warn that freezing temperatures will persist, with the potential for another coastal storm this weekend. A historic and lethal winter storm has gripped the United States, claiming at least 30 lives and paralyzing regions with deep snow, ice, and record-breaking cold. In the wake of the systems passage, hundreds of thousands of Americans, primarily in the South, faced a new week without electricity or heat as temperatures remained dangerously low. The crisis, which began impacting the country late last week, highlights the profound vulnerability of modern infrastructure to extreme weather and the cascading human consequences when the power grid fails. A trail of destruction and desperation The storm carved a path of disruption approximately 1,300 miles long, from Arkansas to New England. It delivered a punishing mix of heavy snow to the Northeastwith New York City recording its snowiest day in yearsand crippling ice to the South. Freezing rain snapped tree limbs and power lines across northern Mississippi and Tennessee, causing the most significant power outages. By Monday evening, over 560,000 customers remained without electricity, with officials warning that full restoration could take days. In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves described the event as the states worst ice storm since 1994, with significant damage to homes, businesses and roads. The scene in Oxford, Mississippi, was one of widespread devastation. Mayor Robyn Tannehill noted on social media that downed trees and power lines made it look like a tornado went down every street. The University of Mississippi canceled classes for the week as students and residents hunkered down in the cold. A soaring human toll The human cost of the storm became tragically clear as the death toll rose to 30 across multiple states. The fatalities were varied, illustrating the myriad dangers posed by such severe conditions: Two people were run over by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio. Teenagers died in separate sledding accidents in Arkansas and Texas. A teacher in Kansas was found dead, covered in snow, after leaving a bar without her coat. In New York City, at least eight people were found dead outdoors over the frigid weekend, with causes under investigation but suspected to be hypothermia. Additional deaths were reported from hypothermia in Louisiana and from other storm-related incidents in several other states. Systems strained to breaking point The storms impact rippled far beyond the immediate zones of snow and ice, crippling national systems. Air travel was severely disrupted, with more than 12,000 flight delays and cancellations on Monday alone. The analytics firm Cirium reported that Sunday saw a 45% cancellation rate for U.S. flights, the highest single-day figure since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth were affected, which in turn stranded aircraft and crews across the country. On the ground, hazardous roads led to widespread school closures. The storm also forced a reckoning with modern contingency plans. New York Citys public school system, the nations largest, pivoted to remote learning for roughly 500,000 students, a practice institutionalized during the pandemic that has largely replaced traditional snow days. A chilling forecast This event is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge climate volatility poses to 21st-century life. While winter storms are not new, their increasing intensity and the reliance on interconnected electrical and transportation grids amplify their societal impact. The storm plunged the average low temperature across the contiguous United States to its coldest point since January 2014, with extreme cold warnings stretching from Montana to the Florida Panhandle. The National Weather Service warned that a fresh influx of Arctic air would sustain freezing temperatures in areas already buried. Furthermore, forecasters are monitoring the potential for another winter storm to affect parts of the East Coast this coming weekend, threatening a renewed cycle of disruption. Enduring the aftermath For now, communities are focused on recovery and survival. In Nashville, Tennessee, hotels were sold out as residents like Alex Murray sought refuge from dark, cold homes, his family needing a working freezer to preserve breast milk for their infant daughter. His story underscores the modern necessitiesrefrigeration for medicine and food, power for medical devices, and connectivity for work and schoolthat vanish when the lights go out during a deep freeze. The storms legacy will be measured not only in inches of snow and outage numbers but in a renewed national conversation about resilience. As crews work to restore power and clear debris, the event stands as a frigid testament to the deadly serious work of preparing for a climate where such extremes may become more frequent. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com KFYRtv.com EuroNews.com Nipah outbreak in Asia triggers familiar lockdown protocols as gain-of-function questions go unanswered The specter of a new pandemic is being carefully curated once more, rising from the shadows of laboratories and bat caves to justify a swift return to the very controls that shattered societies during the COVID era. A fresh outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India, a pathogen with a terrifying history of causing fatal brain swelling, has Asian nations scrambling to reinstate airport screenings, health declarations, and quarantine protocols. This immediate pivot to border controls and medical surveillance reveals a pre-written script, one where public fear is the primary currency for ushering in renewed authoritarian overreach. While health officials point nervously at fruit bats as the natural reservoir, something very serious has yet to be addressed: the unchecked, dangerous world of gain-of-function virology research that manipulates pathogens to make them more lethal and transmissible. This outbreak also looks like a rehearsal, because of the totalitarian crackdown stemming from its announcement. The same totalitarian approaches which facilitated medical fraud, coerced mandates, and societal breakdown during COVID are being primed for a comeback under the guise of a new biological threat. Key points: A new Nipah virus outbreak in India's West Bengal region, linked to a hospital, has infected healthcare workers and killed a patient, prompting the quarantine of over 100 contacts. Several Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, have rapidly reinstated COVID-era border controls, airport health screenings, and travel alerts in response. Nipah virus, carried by fruit bats, has a documented fatality rate of 40-75% and causes severe respiratory illness and deadly encephalitis (brain swelling). There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, leaving only intensive supportive care as an option. The global response mirrors the early stages of previous pandemic declarations, raising urgent questions about the origins of such pathogens and the true intent behind the expanding medical security state. Latest Nipah outbreak allegedly leaps from animals to humans The current outbreak centers on a private hospital in West Bengal, where a chain of transmission has left healthcare workers fighting for their lives. One nurse is in a coma, a critical condition believed to have been contracted while treating a patient who later died. This pattern of hospital-based spread is a chilling hallmark of Nipah, demonstrating its ability to leap from animals to humans and then between people, particularly in close-care settings. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, a principal health secretary in Bengal, confirmed the grim details, noting the rapid onset of high fevers and respiratory issues in those infected. This human toll is the immediate tragedy, but the machinery clicking into gear around it tells a broader, more alarming story. Across Asia, the bureaucratic wheels of medical control are spinning back to life. Thailands ministry of public health is now stopping travelers from West Bengal, assessing them for fever, headache, and muscle pain, and issuing health "beware" cards. Phuket International Airport is undergoing special cleaning due to its direct flight links, a performative measure of security theater. Nepal has raised alerts at its main airport and land borders. Most tellingly, Taiwan has moved to classify Nipah as a Category 5 notifiable disease, its highest alarm level, which mandates immediate reporting and triggers special control measures. This is the pandemic playbook, page one: declare a threat, institute surveillance, and condition the public to accept the loss of liberty as a necessary trade for safety. Nipah was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, in an outbreak linked to pigs infected by fruit bats. That event sickened over 300 and killed more than 100 people. Since then, the virus has sparked intermittent but severe outbreaks, particularly in Kerala, India, where human and bat habitats dangerously overlap. The 2018 outbreak in Kerala sent a shock wave of international alarm, cementing Nipahs reputation as a virus with pandemic potential. Its high mortality rate and ability to cause swift, severe brain inflammation make it a legitimate object of scientific concern. Yet, this very concern is what makes it a perfect candidate for manipulation in laboratories engaged in gain-of-function research. Gain-of-function research continues, so all pandemic origin theories must be questioned Gain-of-function research, the controversial practice of enhancing the virulence or transmissibility of pathogens to study them, sits at the heart of modern pandemic origins debates. Despite being widely implicated in the potential laboratory release of SARS-CoV-2, this risky science continues unabated. The question honest observers must ask is: are we witnessing a natural spillover event, or are we seeing the consequences of playing God with bat-borne viruses? When governments that funded such research on coronaviruses are the first to leap toward medical lockdowns at the sign of a new bat virus, it breeds a deep and warranted skepticism. It creates the perception of a crisis that conveniently demands the very solutions these authorities are poised to provide: more controls, more surveillance, and ultimately, more experimental medical products. The human cost of these totalitarian approaches to disease is a scar still fresh on the global psyche. The COVID era showed that centralized control exacerbates societal breakdown, fosters medical errors on a grand scale, and paves the way for medical fraud and dangerous mass medical experimentation. It created a pathway for untested vaccines and diagnostic programs to be rolled out at unprecedented scale, generating vast profits for pharmaceutical corporations while stripping individuals of bodily autonomy. The sudden reappearance of airport health screenings for Nipah is not just a precaution; it is a flashing neon sign that this pathway remains open and operational, waiting for the next declared emergency to send the masses down it once more. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk Books.Brightlearn.ai Enoch, Brighteon.ai Up to Rs 5 lakh support per new unit The Union Minister for Tourism announced the approval of an initiative to develop 1,000 tribal homestays under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh per unit is provided for new construction as part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan. The scheme aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a focus on rural circuits. The Ministry also promotes these initiatives through its Travel for LiFE programme, encouraging sustainable practices aligned with the SDGs. Union Minister Shekhawat announces approval for 1,000 tribal homestays with financial support up to Rs 5 lakh, promoting sustainable rural tourism. New Delhi, Jan 29 Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday that the government has approved an initiative to develop 1,000 tribal homestays under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The homestays would be developed as part of 'Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan', and the intervention includes a support of up to Rs 5 lakh per unit (for new construction), up to Rs 3 lakh (renovation) and Rs 5 lakh for village community requirement, he said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. Shekhawat said that the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist and destination-centric approach. He said the Ministry promotes India in a holistic manner through various initiatives. As part of ongoing activities, promotion of rural homestays and rural tourism is also taken up. "The Ministry of Tourism also regularly promotes various tourism destinations and products of rural tourism through its website and social media promotions," he said. Shekhawat said that the Ministry, under its voluntary scheme of classification of Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments, classifies homestay facilities in the country. He said the Ministry identified the rural circuit as one of the thematic circuits under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. "The projects/proposals for development of tourism-related infrastructure, including rural tourism, are identified for development under the circuit as per guidelines in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations," he said. Stressing sustainable activities, Shekhawat said responsible tourism is a key pillar in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry and circulated to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. In line with the strategy, the Travel for LiFE programme was initiated to encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices, he said. Inspired by Mission LiFE, the programme focuses on mindful resource use, reducing waste (like single-use plastics), and supporting local economies to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - IANS Afghan refugees in Pakistan are requesting a three-month grace period from authorities to facilitate a dignified and phased return to Afghanistan. They report facing increased pressure, arrests, and the invalidation of their registration documents, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. Refugee rights activists and the Taliban have both criticized Pakistan's treatment of migrants, calling for adherence to international principles. The situation underscores a growing humanitarian concern that requires coordinated action to prevent a crisis. Afghan refugees urge Pakistan and Taliban for talks and a phased, dignified return process, citing arrests and humanitarian concerns. Kabul, Jan 29 Several Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have urged Pakistani government and Afghan authorities to resolve existing challenges through talks and provide them adequate time to return to Afghanistan gradually with dignity, local media reported on Thursday. These refugees stated that rapid deportations and increasing pressure has caused serious challenges for Afghan residents. Haji Nazar, one of the Afghan refugees, requested Pakistani government to give them three-month time so that refugees can return to Afghanistan in an orderly manner, Afghanistan-based Tolo News reported. "The Pakistani government should give us a three-month deadline so that refugees can return to their country in an orderly and phased manner. Right now, Afghans are facing many difficulties," Tolo News quoted Haji Nazar as saying. Speaking to Tolo News, refugee rights activist, Allah Mir Miakhail, stated, "Security agencies are arresting and deporting Afghan refugees everywhere. Most refugees need time to wind up their businesses and affairs. Many families are registered with the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, but these cards have now become invalid." Refugee rights activists emphasised that return process must be voluntary, gradual and receive support of international organisations to stop a new humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Another activist Ali Reza Karimi stated that many of the Afghan refugees have been deprived of basic human rights and are living in a state of uncertainty due to lack of legal and valid identity documents. Earlier this month, Taliban said that the problems faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan are rising and stressed that Pakistani government should respect refugee rights and stop arresting and harassing Afghan migrants. "Unfortunately, problems faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan are increasing, with arrests, harassment, and mistreatment by Pakistani officials on the rise, leaving refugees in serious difficulty," Pajhwok Afghan News quoted Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat as saying in an audio message. Fitrat urged United Nations and other relevant organisations to uphold refugee protection principles and intervene in nations where refugee rights are breached. He also said that Afghan refugees return to Afghanistan needs economic cooperation and support, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. He emphasised that Pakistani government should be forced to respect refugee rights, follow international refugee principles and stop arresting and harassing Afghan refugees. - IANS The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were performed with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, attended by a host of political leaders and a large public gathering. His funeral followed a fatal plane crash in Baramati, which is currently under investigation by the DGCA and police who have registered an Accidental Death Report. Union Minister Raksha Khadse paid tribute, stating Maharashtra would not see another leader like him, highlighting his developmental work and connection to the people. Ajit Pawar was the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, having served six terms under various Chief Ministers, and was known for his straightforward political approach. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's last rites performed in Baramati with full state honours. Leaders including Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar attend. Baramati, January 29 The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were carried out with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons lit the funeral pyre and carried out the final rituals. Several prominent leaders and dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, and actor Riteish Deshmukh, attended the funeral and paid their last respects. A large number of people also gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground to bid a final farewell to the Nationalist Congress Party leader, reflecting the widespread public mourning over his demise. Earlier in the day, full state honours were accorded as Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons, Parth and Jay and other family members were present. Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde, along with his daughter Praniti Shinde, also arrived to attend the funeral. Supporters of Ajit Pawar chanted "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" as his mortal remains were brought to the ground. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the plane crash that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The aircraft had crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. NDRF personnel and the Maharashtra DGP were also present at the site for the investigation. The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the crash and have initiated further investigation. "Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated," a police official from Pune police said. Union Minister Raksha Khadse termed the incident heart-rending and said Maharashtra would not see another leader like Ajit Pawar. "The accident yesterday is heart-rending. Nobody had thought that something like that would happen. We were all sad to hear the news yesterday. I think Maharashtra will not have any other leader like Ajit Dada. He worked in the interiors. He was a good leader who played a big role in Maharashtra's development," Raksha Khadse told reporters. Ajit 'Dada' Pawar was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to them and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to governance, Ajit Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as Deputy Chief Minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became Deputy Chief Minister again. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was known for his straightforward approach and frankness. - ANI The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar have been brought to his residence in Katewadi, Baramati, ahead of his final rites. His funeral procession is scheduled to begin at 9 AM from the Vidya Pratishthan campus, culminating in the funeral at 11 AM. Pawar, a veteran NCP leader known as "Ajit Dada," tragically died in a plane crash at Baramati airport on January 28. He was the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, serving six non-consecutive terms under various chief ministers. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's mortal remains brought to Katewadi. Funeral procession from Vidya Pratishthan at 9 AM. Details on the tragic plane crash. Baramati, January 29 The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were on Thursday brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his last rites. Funeral preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the Nationalist Congress leader who lost his life in a plane crash on January 28 morning. Supporters of NCP chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar expressed deep grief over the tragedy, calling it an extremely unfortunate incident. He said Pawar was a disciplined leader who began his day early and had complete command over administration. "It is a very unfortunate incident, and everyone is grieving and remembering Ajit Dada. He was a very disciplined person, and he used to start his day very early. He had absolute control over the administration... He was very good at heart, which is why he loved everyone, and everyone loved him. The whole of Maharashtra is in deep sorrow today. No politics should be done at a time like this. His flight tried to land first, but due to fog, it could not land... I started my political career in Congress along with Pawar Saheb. When NCP was formed, I joined NCP. Dada loved all of us, and Sharad Pawar Saheb was an inspiration for all of us," Kesarkar told ANI. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11 AM. The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers, featuring Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). Ajit 'Dada' Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to them and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to government administration, Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Dada's leadership journey began and continued across institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks, and took a new direction in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He would later vacate the Baramati seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. Since then, he has held many more positions, including MLA, Minister of State for various critical government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became the Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was famed for his straightforward approach and frankness. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. - ANI The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Minister Nara Lokesh, has ordered a study of legal frameworks to enforce age-appropriate access to social media. A Group of Ministers will examine international models, including Australia's legislation setting a minimum age of 16. The initiative aims to protect children from addictive usage and women from online abuse by making platforms safer. Major tech companies like Meta and Google have been invited to discuss global best practices. Andhra Pradesh government to study legal frameworks for age-appropriate social media access, aiming to protect children and women from online harms. Amaravati, Jan 29 The government of Andhra Pradesh will study legal frameworks for 'age-appropriate access' to social media, Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh said on Thursday. He said the government would ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact, especially for women and children. "Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored," Lokesh posted on 'X'. "The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to act. In the meeting of the Group of Ministers on Social Media, we have ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access. We have also invited major platforms like Meta, X, Google and Sharechat to the next GoM meeting, to examine global best practices. We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children," he added. The GoM headed by Lokesh was constituted last week to examine the possibility of restricting or banning access to certain social media platforms for children below 16 years. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, who is also a member of the panel, stated that they will study models being followed by various states and countries to identify the most suitable framework for Andhra Pradesh. Referring to international examples, Anitha noted that the Australian government has introduced legislation setting 16 years as the minimum age for social media use and making platforms responsible for ensuring compliance. Earlier, Lokesh had said in Davos during the World Economic Forum annual meeting that the State government is contemplating imposing a ban on access to social media for children below 16 years, like in Australia, to protect them from its harmful impact. Lokesh revealed the State government's intention to wean children away from social media, noting that youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to and that a strong legal framework was required to curb the menace. - IANS Ankita Lokhande has expressed her delight at returning to the cooking reality show "Laughter Chefs" alongside her husband, Vicky Jain, describing the experience as a 'home-coming'. She shared a behind-the-scenes video celebrating her reunion with fellow contestant Nia Sharma. The show's third season recently underwent a significant format shift, concluding a team-based concept with a mid-season finale that saw several contestants depart. Now, popular faces from earlier seasons have returned to reinvigorate the program. Ankita Lokhande and husband Vicky Jain return to Laughter Chefs. She calls it a 'home-coming' as she reunites with Nia Sharma and other cast members. Mumbai, Jan 29 A popular name in the television industry, Ankita Lokhande, admitted that returning to the cooking reality show "Laughter Chefs" with husband Vicky Jain feels like 'home-coming' to her. An excited Ankita took to her official Insta account and uploaded a video of some behind-the-scenes fun she had on the set of the reality show. She was visibly elated after getting back together with Nia Sharma, who has also returned to the show, along with Ankita and Vicky. The two ladies were seen embracing each other in a warm hug as they met. The clip further showed Ankita having a blast with her team as she got her makeup done before stepping out of the vanity. Throughout the video, the 'Pavitra Rishta' actress can be heard saying repeatedly, "And we are back", expressing her delight at being a part of the 'Laughter Chef' family once again. "Back where the heart belongs...Apron on, smiles loud, madness loaded...Laughter Chefs feel like home-coming! Let's get this started!,(sic)" Ankita captioned the post. "Laughter Chefs Season 3" commenced in November last year with a new concept and additions to the cast with Vivian D'sena, Tejasswi Prakash, Gurmeet Choudhary, Debina Bonnerjee, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya joining the fun, along with some familiar faces from the earlier seasons. As part of the new format of the show, the contestants were divided into two teams, 'Team Churi', and 'Team Kaanta'. However, recently, the makers decided to abruptly end the concept with a mid-season finale. After this, contestants Vivian, Eisha, Isha, Gurmeet,and Debina also exited the show. Now, some popular contestants from the earlier seasons, Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain, Arjun Bijlani, Nia Sharma and Sudesh Lehri have returned to the show, bringing in some new excitement. "Laughter Chefs" airs every Saturday-Sunday at 9:00 pm on Colors TV. - IANS The Indian Air Force conducted a challenging high-altitude operation, dropping 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. In a separate rapid response, the IAF deployed Air Traffic Control personnel to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra following a tragic plane crash. This deployment was at the urgent request of civic authorities to establish essential services for safe air operations. These actions underscore the IAF's commitment to national service in diverse emergency scenarios. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters combat high-altitude forest fires in Arunachal's Lohit Valley, while also providing emergency ATC services in Baramati after a plane crash. Lohit, January 30 The Indian Air Force dropped at least 12,000 litres of water to combat forest fires in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, operating at nearly 9,500 feet in the rarefied Himalayan air. The IAF deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters for the operation, which involved challenging conditions at high altitude. In a post shared on X on Thursday, IAF wrote, "Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision and a commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems." This comes amid a series of rapid response operations by the IAF. Earlier, in a separate event, the force swiftly deployed a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra on an urgent request from the state government, Defence officials said on Wednesday. The team promptly established emergency ATC services, including communication and other essential facilities, in coordination with the local administration to support safe and efficient air traffic management, they added. In an X post, the IAF stated that a dedicated team of Air Warriors was deployed at the urgent request of civic authorities following a plane crash at Baramati Airport. The personnel are providing basic ATC and Meteorological services to ensure safe air operations. "In response to the civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need," the IAF wrote. The Baramati deployment followed the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the crash landing of a charter plane in the district on Thursday morning. - ANI India has commended United States efforts as the Gaza peace deal enters its second implementation phase. Speaking at the UN Security Council, India's Permanent Representative firmly condemned terrorism while highlighting India's substantial humanitarian and developmental aid to Palestine. He reiterated India's long-standing support for a two-state solution with Israel and an independent Palestine coexisting peacefully. However, India also expressed diplomatic unease about new parallel peace frameworks operating outside the United Nations system. India supports US-led Gaza peace plan phase two at UN, denounces terrorism, pledges aid, and reiterates support for a two-state solution. United Nations, Jan 29 As the Gaza peace deal enters the second phase, India has commended the US efforts to end the conflict. Speaking at the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East, India's Permanent Representative also denounced terrorism, without naming Hamas, whose attacks on Israel in 2023 set off the Gaza crisis. "Let us be clear that terrorism has no place in civilised societies and must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations", he said. Harish referred to the progress made in implementing November's Council resolution on Gaza and said that India "takes this opportunity to express appreciation to the United States in addressing this long-standing issue". He did not name US President Donald Trump, who has taken personal credit for ending the conflict. With the ceasefire holding for the most part, the US said it was launching the second phase of the 20-point peace plan, which would create "a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration", begin the full demilitarisation of Hamas and other groups, and start the reconstruction of Gaza. "The reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza and resumption of delivery of public services and humanitarian assistance is a herculean task", he said, calling for international support for the effort to fulfil the "yearning of the Palestinian people". Giving an idea of the scale of the effort that is needed, he cited the UN Office for Project Services' estimate that there were 60 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of the conflict there and said that "an innovative approach with technological rigour is required" because of the harmful pollutants in the debris. Over the last two years, India has contributed to the humanitarian relief efforts, Harish said, sending nearly 135 metric tonnes of medicines and supplies. In addition, there are ongoing Indian projects valued at $40 million, he said. "In cumulative terms, the extent of support to the Palestinian people currently stands at over $170 million", he added. Harish also reiterated India's support for a two-state solution that has an independent Palestine taking its place alongside Israel. A key feature of the Gaza peace deal is the creation of the Board of Peace to implement the phased process of bringing peace and reconstructing the territory devastated by Israeli retaliation for the Hamas attack. Trump invited India to join the Board, but India has so far not responded to the invitation. Trump has since said he wants to expand the Board's role, which is perceived as an attempt to create a rival to the UN. At a Council debate earlier this week, Harish expressed unease about it. "Conversations and discussions have moved on to parallel plurilateral frameworks, some even involving private sector actors, to bring about outcomes on peace and security outside the United Nations Framework", he said, while decrying the Council's paralysis. The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, said the announcement of the second phase of the peace deal was "a critical step", and "in front of us, we see a potential turning point for Gaza, a genuine chance for a better future". US Permanent Representative Mike Walz said his country "remains fully committed to working in close partnership with Israel, with key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, and with the international community to bring peace, prosperity, security, and dignity to the region that its people deserve". (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) - IANS The Assam government distributed Rs 10,000 cheques to over 36,000 women beneficiaries in Jorhat district under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event, stating the scheme has already benefited around 25 lakh women across 100 meetings. Beneficiaries plan to use the funds for income-generating activities like fisheries and sewing to achieve financial independence. The government aims to extend the scheme to all 126 constituencies of Assam by February 26. Over 36,000 women in Jorhat receive financial aid under Assam's Mahila Udyamita Scheme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence. Jorhat, January 30 A cheque distribution programme under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme was held in Teok and Sotai in Jorhat district on Wednesday, aimed at empowering women and strengthening their role in family livelihoods and economic development. Under the scheme, 36,319 women beneficiaries received cheques of Rs 10,000 each to support entrepreneurial initiatives and income-generating activities. The Assam government has launched the initiative to promote women's self-reliance and economic uplift. The programme was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the state government's commitment to women's empowerment and inclusive development. He said the scheme would help women achieve financial independence and become active contributors to their families and society. Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said, "Today, we have completed 100 Mahila Udyamita Scheme meetings. Till now, around 25 lakh beneficiaries have benefited. In the coming days, cheques under the Mahila Udyamita Scheme will be distributed in another 26 constituencies. We are trying to cover all 126 constituencies before 26 February." The event drew over 37,000 women, underscoring the scheme's wide reach and growing impact across the district. The women beneficiaries who received financial assistance expressed gratitude for the government's support. Roopjyoti Phukan, a beneficiary from Jorhat, told ANI, "It is a very happy and proud moment for us. With this funding, our women can take steps toward their uplift. This will help in strengthening the village economy and promoting women's progress." Another beneficiary, Deepali Das from Jorhat, said, "We are going to use this money for small income-generating activities through which we can earn a livelihood. It may be for fisheries, sewing machines, etc., so that we can create our own identity. I would like to thank the Chief Minister of Assam for providing us with such support to uplift women." Rintumoni Dolakakhoria, a beneficiary from Teok, also expressed her happiness, saying, "We are very happy today. Many women have come here to attend the ceremony. I will use the money I receive for my upliftment. As Mama is giving us this money for our welfare, we will also try to do something that will make him happy and proud. Mama Zindabad." The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme aims to empower women across Assam by encouraging their participation in economic activities with confidence and dignity. - ANI The LDF government in Kerala presented a full budget ahead of the Assembly elections, with a core focus on welfare spending and infrastructure. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal earmarked Rs 14,500 crore for welfare pensions, asserting that assistance now reaches close to one crore people. He launched a sharp political attack on the Centre, accusing it of fiscal neglect, reducing Kerala's tax share, and eroding the financial autonomy of states. The budget positions the government as a defender of both social security and Kerala's rights within the federal framework. Kerala FM presents full budget ahead of polls, earmarks Rs 14,500 crore for pensions and accuses Centre of fiscal neglect and undermining federalism. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29 State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Thursday presented the sixth consecutive Budget of the LDF government in the Kerala Assembly, placing strong emphasis on welfare spending, infrastructure development and resistance to what he described as sustained fiscal neglect by the Centre. The Vijayan government has gone ahead with a full budget even as the Assembly elections are scheduled this year, and as per the convention, a vote-on-account budget is presented. Opening the budget presentation, Balagopal asserted that the government had delivered on all its promises and was confident enough to place each development and welfare initiative for public scrutiny. Declaring that Kerala had already created a "new normal", he said the state would witness transformative change over the next decade. The Finance Minister also used the occasion to launch a sharp political attack on the Centre, alleging attempts by sectarian forces to undermine Kerala's culture of social harmony and federal values. A major highlight of the Budget was the continued thrust on welfare pensions. The government has earmarked Rs 14,500 crore for welfare pensions in the next financial year, including Rs 3,820 crore for women's security pension. Balagopal said welfare pensions had been increased in phases during the LDF tenure and that nearly 30 per cent of the state's population currently receives some form of welfare benefit. The government assistance, he noted, now reaches close to one crore people. He added that by the end of the government's second term, Rs 54,000 crore would have been distributed as welfare pensions over ten years. Reiterating that the state's debt remains within sustainable limits, the Finance Minister said Kerala had achieved "beneficial progress" over the past four years despite what he termed "extremely serious neglect" by the Centre. He said the budget formally records the state's protest against this neglect. According to budget figures, public debt increased from 12.60 per cent in 2023-24 to 15.68 per cent in 2024-25. However, the ratio between public debt and domestic growth rose only marginally, from 23.60 per cent to 24.83 per cent, which Balagopal said reflected fiscal stability. The Finance Minister accused the Centre of reducing Kerala's tax share, curtailing borrowing limits and tightening financial controls towards the end of the financial year. Despite these constraints, he said the state managed to stay afloat through improved own-tax revenue mobilisation. He also alleged that the Centre was steadily eroding the financial autonomy of states, warning that such actions threaten the spirit of Indian federalism. "Federalism is the soul of India, and this budget records our resistance to attempts to weaken it," he said. On infrastructure, Balagopal credited Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's political will for the rapid progress of National Highway development in the state, stating that long-pending projects had finally become a reality under the current government. With Assembly elections only months away, the budget combines strong welfare commitments with a clear political message, positioning the LDF government as both a 'protector' of social security and a 'defender' of Kerala's fiscal rights within the federal framework. - IANS Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the Taliban's failure to meet the basic needs of the Afghan people, announcing an additional $50 million in humanitarian support. This brings Australia's total aid since the fall of Kabul in 2021 to $310 million, targeting a crisis where nearly 22 million people need urgent assistance. Separately, the European Union has committed 10 million for the second phase of a program aimed at empowering Afghan women economically. Both aid packages are being channeled through established UN partners and local institutions to deliver support. Australian FM Penny Wong announces $50M humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, condemning Taliban's failure as EU also funds women's empowerment. Canberra, January 29 Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senator for South Australia, Penny Wong, took to X to express her dismay at the plight of people in Afghanistan and Taliban's leadership. In a post on X, she wrote, "The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world's worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban's failure to meet basic needs. In response, the Australian Government will provide a further $50 million in support through established UN partners." She spoke about Australian aid to Afghanistan through its "UN partners." In a statement released on X, Wong said, "This brings the total humanitarian support provided to the people of Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in 2021 to $310 million... Almost 22 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian support." As Afghan women continue to face barriers to employment amid social and economic restrictions, the European Union too had announced 10 million euros in funding for the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) programme in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. The EU said the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions, with a focus on strengthening livelihoods, generating income opportunities and enhancing women's participation in the economy. According to Tolo News, the EU noted in a statement that "The project promotes culturally appropriate and Sharia-compliant financial mechanisms combined with business development support, mentorship, and market linkages." The European Union also announced that it will allocate EUR10 million to launch the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) program in Afghanistan, according to a report by Tolo News. According to Tolo News, citing the EU, the program will be implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions, aiming to improve livelihoods, create income opportunities, and support the economic role of women. The statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on January 22 said that the new phase builds on the results and lessons of WE-LEAD Phase I and UNDP's Area Based Approach for Development Emergency Initiatives ABADEI. - ANI The Bangladesh Interim Government has expressed deep concern and called for calm following the murder of a Jamaat-e-Islami activist in Sherpur, urging all political parties to ensure restraint with elections two weeks away. Police have launched an investigation and heightened security, while the government reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process. Concurrently, a minority unity council has demanded the election commission prohibit religious hate speech and ensure minority voters can access polls without obstruction. A senior Election Commission official stated that all necessary steps are being taken to guarantee a free, fair, and peaceful election where no one can interfere with voting. Bangladesh's interim government urges restraint after a Jamaat-e-Islami activist's murder, commits to a peaceful election as minorities seek protection. Dhaka, January 29 The Bangladesh Interim Government expressed deep concern over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, Chief Adviser Press wing said on Thursday in a statement. With the national election only two weeks away, the government called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process, it added. It was further noted that police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up. The statement called for all parties, leaders, and campaigners to play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means. The nation's future depends on calm, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides. It said that the Interim Government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election. Ahead of the upcoming elections, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in a statement placed demands for the election commission to create a level playing field and foster a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling centres without obstruction, prohibit use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ensure religious places are prohibited from being used for election campaigning and that religious hate speech, statements, the spread of false rumors, or any such propaganda should be treated as punishable offenses. As the elections draw close, Bangladesh Election Commission said it is duty-bound to protect the voting rights of minorities and ensure a peaceful poll. Senior Assistant Secretary Matiur Rahman said, "Our intelligence agencies have already gathered information regarding potential vulnerabilities in the region. The Election Commission has implemented preventive measures to ensure that no one can disturb the process or harm the voting of any group, including minorities. All agencies are carrying out their duties as per instructions. I can confidently say that no one will be able to interfere with the casting of votes." Rahman said that the Bangladesh EC was taking all steps to ensure a free and fair election. "The Election Commission has already announced the election schedule and has selected 64 returning officers. Our preparations are ongoing, and we hope that the situation remains under control. We expect that all political parties, candidates, civil society, and citizens will join this process spontaneously. The Election Commission is taking all necessary steps to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in Bangladesh," he said. - ANI In a coordinated operation, Bangladesh returned 23 Indian fishermen and two boats detained for crossing the maritime border. In a reciprocal arrangement, India released 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five boats who were apprehended for illegal fishing in India's EEZ. The exchange, facilitated by the Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard ships in the Bay of Bengal, underscores a bilateral commitment to humanitarian concerns. Authorities warn fishermen against border crossings, which cause prolonged hardship, despite boats being equipped with location-tracking technology. India repatriates 128 Bangladeshi fishermen; Bangladesh returns 23 Indians in a coordinated maritime exchange highlighting humanitarian cooperation. Kolkata, Jan 29 The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Coast Guard's co-ordination with Bangladesh authorities, on Thursday, successfully repatriated 23 Indian fishermen along with two Indian fishing boats detained by authorities in that country. The Indian fishermen were detained in Bangladesh for crossing the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) with the intent to fish in Bangladesh's territorial waters. This was part of a mutual repatriation exercise. As part of the reciprocal arrangement, the Indian government released 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five Bangladesh fishing boats. These Bangladeshi fishermen were apprehended by the ICG for illegal fishing activities within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). They were subsequently prosecuted under the Foreigners' Act. The exchange of fishermen and boats took place along the IMBL in the Bay of Bengal early on Thursday. The Bangladeshis were handed over by the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Paheredar and ICGS Vijaya to Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) ships Kamaruzzaman and Sonar Bangla in a coordinated manner. The Indian fishermen were also handed over to the ICG after necessary documentation. The ICG ships then moved towards the West Bengal coast with the fishermen and boats. The 23 repatriated fishermen and IFBs will be handed over to the state administration, which will arrange for their return home. According to a Ministry of Defence statement, the mutual exchange of fishermen and their boats was a resultant of the efforts of the MEA, keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities along India's vast coastline. "The successful repatriation reaffirms the collective commitment of both nations towards ensuring the safety and well-being of fishermen from both countries, highlighting the importance of maritime collaboration in shared seas and humanitarian efforts," it said in the statement. ICG officials, meanwhile, have warned Indian fishermen against crossing the IMBL in search of a better catch. Such activity leads to complexities, hardships for the captured fishermen, and distress to their families. Families have to survive without proper earnings for months or even years, before repatriation can be arranged. IFBs are today equipped with GPS and other gadgets that allow the crew to keep track of their location. Boats also have satellite-linked Distress Alert Transponders (DATs) that, if kept switched on, allows authorities to keep track of their movement at sea. Unfortunately, those with an intent to sneak across the IMBL keep the DATs switched off to prevent authorities from knowing their exact location. This becomes a major problem during cyclonic weather in the Bay of Bengal, when fishing boats and crew go missing. - IANS The Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk formally concludes the Republic Day festivities with a grand musical display by the bands of the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. Presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, the event was described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a proud reflection of India's rich military heritage. The ceremony features a repertoire of patriotic and thematic tunes, culminating with the iconic 'Sare Jahan Se Acha'. Rooted in history and blended with indigenous traditions, it stands as a symbol of national pride and military discipline. President Murmu and PM Modi attend the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, a grand musical tribute to India's armed forces and national pride. New Delhi, Jan 29 The Beating Retreat ceremony will be held on Thursday at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, formally marking the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. The event traditionally takes place on the evening of January 29 every year, three days after Republic Day, and serves as the ceremonial finale to the national festivities. The ceremony will feature an elaborate musical programme performed by bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It will be presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Beating Retreat ceremony as a proud reflection of India's rich military legacy. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India's rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces, who are dedicated to the defence of the country." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to X to highlight the significance of the event, and said, "At 5.00 p.m. today, the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close. Set against the grandeur of Vijay Chowk, it reflects the discipline, unity and timeless ethos of our Armed Forces, and stands as a symbol of national pride and military heritage." The Beating Retreat ceremony in India was first organised in the 1950s during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Over the decades, it has evolved into an annual tradition that pays tribute to the valour, discipline and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. President Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Union Ministers, senior government officials and members of the public, will witness the ceremonial spectacle at Vijay Chowk. The evening will begin with the massed bands striking up the stirring 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja'. This will be followed by a captivating performance by the Pipes and Drums ensemble, presenting compositions such as 'Atulya Bharat', 'Veer Sainik', 'Mili Jhuli', 'Nritya Sarita', 'Marooni' and 'Jhelum'. Bands from the Central Armed Police Forces will then take the stage with energetic renditions of 'Vijay Bharat', 'Hathrohi', 'Jai Ho' and 'Veer Seepahi'. The Indian Air Force band will present uplifting tunes including 'Brave Warrior', 'Twilight', 'Alert' and 'Flying Star', while the Indian Navy band will perform nautical-themed melodies such as 'Namaste', 'Sagar Pawan', 'Matribhumi', 'Tejasvi' and 'Jai Bharati'. The Indian Army band will follow with powerful and emotive compositions like 'Vijayee Bharat', 'Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai', 'Aye Watan, Aye Watan', 'Anand Math', 'Sugamya Bharat' and 'Sitare Hind'. The massed bands will reunite for 'Bharat Ke Shaan', the timeless 'Vande Mataram' and the rhythmic 'Drummers Call'. The ceremony will reach its climax as the buglers play the iconic 'Sare Jahan Se Acha', symbolising unity and the enduring spirit of the nation. The grand musical performance will be led by principal conductor Squadron Leader Leimapokpam Rupachandra Singh. Individual contingents will be guided by Subedar Major Prakash Joshi of the Indian Army, M Antony, MCPO MUS II of the Indian Navy, Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar of the Indian Air Force, INSP Chetram of the Central Armed Police Forces, Subedar S.P. Chourasia of the Pipes and Drums, and Subedar Manoj Kumar of the Buglers. Adding a distinctive cultural dimension this year, the seating enclosures at Vijay Chowk have been named after revered Indian classical musical instruments such as Bansuri, Damaru, Ektara, Esraj, Mridangam, Nagada, Pakhawaj, Santoor, Sarangi, Sarinda, Sarod, Shehnai, Sitar, Surbahar, Tabla and Veena, celebrating India's rich and diverse musical heritage. Rooted in colonial-era military customs and blended with indigenous musical traditions, the Beating Retreat ceremony has grown into a powerful expression of the discipline, valour and cultural depth of India's Armed Forces. - IANS The Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi will formally conclude the Republic Day 2026 celebrations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated the event reflects the discipline and unity of the Armed Forces and stands as a symbol of national pride. Awards for the Republic Day Parade have been announced, with the Indian Navy adjudged the Best Marching Contingent among the three Services. Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala won top honours for state tableaux, while the Ministry of Culture won among central ministries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announces the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk. Indian Navy, Delhi Police, and Maharashtra win top Republic Day parade honours. New Delhi, January 29 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi at 5 pm, marking the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. Describing the significance of the ceremony, Singh said that the event, set against the grandeur of Vijay Chowk, reflects the discipline, unity and timeless ethos of the Armed Forces, while standing as a symbol of national pride and military heritage. In a post on X, the defence minister wrote, "At 5.00 PM today, the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close." "Set against the grandeur of Vijay Chowk, it reflects the discipline, unity and timeless ethos of our Armed Forces, and stands as a symbol of national pride and military heritage," the post read. A day earlier, the results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux for the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced, recognising outstanding performances by the three Services, Central Armed Police Forces and Auxiliary Forces, as well as States, Union Territories and Central Ministries. Among the three Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police secured the top honour in the category of Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces. In the States and Union Territories category, Maharashtra won first place for its tableau themed 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta'. Jammu and Kashmir was placed second for showcasing 'Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu and Kashmir', while Kerala secured third place with its tableau highlighting 'Water Metro and 100 per cent Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The award for the best tableau among Central Ministries and Departments was conferred on the Ministry of Culture for its presentation titled 'Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation'. Special Prizes were awarded to the Central Public Works Department for 'Vande Mataram Commemoration of 150 Years' and the dance group 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India'. - ANI British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his first official visit to China. Leading a delegation of over 50 senior business executives, Starmer aims to deepen economic engagement and boost bilateral trade and investment. The visit, the first by a UK prime minister in eight years, is viewed as an opportunity to expand cooperation despite underlying geopolitical tensions and security concerns. British companies expressed strong confidence in China's long-term economic prospects during the high-profile meetings. British PM Keir Starmer meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, leading a major business delegation to boost trade and investment between the UK and China. Beijing, January 29 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing state media reported. The last time the two leaders met was in November 2024 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. Starmer who began his official visit on Wednesday accompanied by senior executives from more than 50 major British firms said he had arrived in China to "deliver for the British people." "Touched down in China - I'm here to deliver for the British people," Starmer said in a post on X, as he commenced his visit scheduled to run from Wednesday to Saturday. (January 28-31) According to the Chinese daily, Global Times, several British businesses expressed optimism about China's long-term economic prospects and reaffirmed their commitment to investing in the Chinese market during the visit. Starmer's visit comes amid shifting global dynamics and domestic pressure to balance economic opportunity with security concerns. It marks the first visit by a UK prime minister to China in eight years and is being closely watched in capitals from Beijing to Washington. Accompanied by senior ministers and a delegation of more than 50 business leaders, Starmer is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and top legislator Zhao Leji. Talks are expected to focus on trade, investment, and broader cooperation, with both sides framing the visit as an opportunity to deepen economic engagement and political trust. Starmer's trip provides an opportunity for both sides to expand cooperation, boost trade in goods and services, promote two-way investment and unlock further growth potential, Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, told the Global Times. Winters is part of the UK's business delegation, according to the Global Times. Standard Chartered, which has operated in China for 168 years, remains optimistic about China's long-term economic prospects and continues to expand its business in the country, the bank said. In 2025, China-UK trade in goods reached USD 103.7 billion, with trade in services estimated to exceed USD 30 billion, while two-way investment stock stood at nearly USD 68 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) data. Despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, China's economy grew by 5 per cent in 2025 to reach a record 140.19 trillion yuan (USD 20.01 trillion), data from China's National Bureau of Statistics showed, bolstering confidence among British companies, the Global Times reported. "Our confidence in the Chinese market has never wavered," Fu Yue, head of corporate affairs for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong at British consumer health company Haleon, told the Global Times. He cited Haleon's full acquisition of its Tianjin joint venture and expanded production plans in Suzhou as evidence of its long-term commitment. China is increasingly acting as a stabilising force in the global economy, Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group Club and CEO of London Export Corp, told the Global Times, highlighting China's contributions in robotics, automation and clean technologies. However, the visit has drawn criticism from various quarters. Some lawmakers and commentators have raised national security concerns, particularly following the UK government's approval of a controversial "mega" Chinese embassy in London, which has sparked debate about espionage and foreign influence, according to CNN. The diplomatic balancing act is further complicated by tensions with the United States. Starmer's efforts to engage Beijing occur amid a period of strained transatlantic relations, with US President Donald Trump having adopted confrontational trade policies and criticised key allies. Some analysts see the UK's outreach to China as part of a broader recalibration among Western nations seeking alternatives to an unpredictable US policy agenda. Human rights issues and geopolitical security questions remain sensitive topics, CNN writes. As the visit unfolds, both sides will likely gauge how far they can reconcile economic pragmatism with strategic caution, setting the tone for what London describes as a "consistent, durable and respectful" bilateral relationship in a rapidly evolving global landscape. - ANI The Lok Sabha was adjourned and will reconvene on February 1 for the presentation of the Union Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2025-26, which reviews the past year's economic performance and informs the upcoming budget. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media, praising the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a major step for a competitive India. The Budget Session will run for 65 days, with a recess from February 13 to March 9 for parliamentary committee work. FM Nirmala Sitharaman tables Economic Survey, preps for record 9th Budget. PM Modi hails India-EU FTA. Lok Sabha adjourned, to meet on Feb 1 for Budget. New Delhi, January 29 The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday afternoon and will again meet on February 1 at 11:00 am. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India in Parliament for the financial year 2025-26, setting the stage for the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1. This year, the Budget presentation falls on a weekend. FM Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking a significant milestone in India's parliamentary and economic history. The tabling of the Economic Survey ahead of the Budget follows the long-standing tradition of outlining the state of the economy before detailing future fiscal plans. The Economic Survey of India is regarded as the nation's official annual "report card" on the economy. It provides a comprehensive, data-backed review of the economy's performance over the previous year and offers a broad roadmap for future policy direction. As the government's flagship annual report, it reviews key economic developments over the past 12 months. The Survey plays a crucial role in the lead-up to the Union Budget. While the Budget focuses on future government spending, taxation, and policy measures, the Economic Survey explains why those decisions are necessary by analysing past economic performance and trends. The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the leadership of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). It is presented in two parts, each focusing on different aspects of the economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media from the parliament ahead of the Budget Session 2026 and praised the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would utilise the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, calling the FTA a major step toward building a confident, competitive, and productive India. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India," said the Prime Minister.PM Modi said India's democracy and demography have become a source of hope for the world and stressed the importance of sending a strong message to the global community through Parliament, which he described as the "temple of democracy." The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. - ANI Union Budget to be presented on Feb 1 by FM Sitharaman PM Modi to reply to Motion of Thanks on Feb 4 The Lok Sabha has allotted 18 hours over three days for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to reply on February 4. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2025-26, setting the stage for the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1. PM Modi, addressing the media, highlighted India's strong growth and praised the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a major step forward. The extended Budget Session will run for 65 days with a recess in February for parliamentary committees to examine budget demands. Lok Sabha allots 18 hours for Motion of Thanks debate. PM Modi to reply Feb 4. Economic Survey tabled, Union Budget presentation Feb 1. New Delhi, January 29 The Government has allotted 18 hours in the Lok Sabha for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address to the joint session of Parliament during the Budget Session. The discussion will be held on February 2, 3, and 4. The decision was made at a meeting of the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament on February 4. Sources said the Lok Sabha will hold a general discussion on the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 5, 9, 10, and 11. A total of 18 hours has been allotted for the discussion. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply on February 11. At an all-party meeting held on Tuesday, opposition parties urged discussions on a range of issues, including the restoration of MGNREGA, the ongoing SIR of poll rolls, and the UGC controversy. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday afternoon and will again meet on February 1 at 11:00 am. Finance Minister Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India in Parliament today for the 2025-26 financial year, setting the stage for the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1. This year, the Budget presentation falls on a weekend. FM Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking a significant milestone in India's parliamentary and economic history. The tabling of the Economic Survey ahead of the Budget follows the long-standing tradition of outlining the state of the economy before detailing future fiscal plans. The Economic Survey of India is regarded as the nation's official annual "report card" on the economy. It provides a comprehensive, data-backed review of the economy's performance over the previous year and offers a broad roadmap for future policy direction. As the government's flagship annual report, it reviews key economic developments over the past 12 months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media outside Parliament ahead of the Budget Session 2026 highlighted India's strong growth trajectory, describing the start of this quarter as "very positive" and calling a self-confident India "a ray of hope for the world today." The PM said that the country has boarded the "Reform Express" and has emerged from long-pending problems while working towards long-term solutions. He said it is time to find solutions, not create hurdles, ahead of the Budget Session. Further, he praised the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would utilise the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, calling the FTA a major step toward building a confident, competitive, and productive India. The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. - ANI The Central Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with Interpol's National Central Bureau in Kuala Lumpur, successfully facilitated the deportation of three suspects from India to Malaysia. The individuals, identified as Sridharan Subramaniam, Pratifkumar Selvaraj, and Navindren Raj Cumarason, were wanted by Malaysian authorities for offences related to organized crime. They were denied entry upon arrival at Mumbai International Airport from the UK, leading to a formal deportation request. A Royal Malaysia Police escort team completed the operation, underscoring effective bilateral law enforcement cooperation through Interpol mechanisms. CBI and Interpol coordinate to deport three suspects wanted for organized crime from India to Malaysia, showcasing international law enforcement cooperation. New Delhi, January 29 The Central Bureau of Investigation, in close coordination with NCB-Kuala Lumpur, successfully facilitated the deportation of three culprits from India to Malaysia on Tuesday. The culprits were sent back to Malaysia through established INTERPOL cooperation mechanisms. According to the CBI, the three suspects identified as Sridharan Subramaniam, Pratifkumar Selvaraj, and Navindren Raj Cumarason were sought by Malaysian authorities for offences related to organised crime. These individuals intended to commit serious offences to obtain material benefit, power, or influence. The CBI mentioned that these suspects were denied entry by immigration authorities at Mumbai International Airport upon their arrival from the United Kingdom. Following the denial, NCB-Kuala Lumpur formally requested the assistance of NCB-New Delhi to facilitate their deportation to Malaysia for further legal proceedings. In response to this request, an escort team from the Royal Malaysia Police arrived in Mumbai on January 25. Through close cooperation and support from NCB-New Delhi and other relevant Indian authorities, the Malaysian team successfully returned the suspects to Malaysia in a smooth, highly coordinated operation. According to the CBI, this successful mission underscores robust bilateral law enforcement cooperation between India and Malaysia. It further underscores the vital role of INTERPOL channels in tackling transnational organised crime and ensuring that international fugitives cannot evade justice. Earlier, a total of 31 officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were awarded the prestigious President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. Six CBI officers, namely, Chandrasekar Venupillai, Head of Zone (Delhi Zone), Amit Srivastava, Superintendent of Police (SP Admin), Mukesh Sharma, Additional Superintendent of Police, Pramod Kumar Yati, Sub Inspector, Chaman Lal, Assistant Sub Inspector, and Ramu Golla, Head Constable, have been awarded with President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service. - ANI Fueled by China's expanding visa-free policies, inbound travel surged in 2025, with visa-free entries jumping 49.5 percent year-on-year to nearly 30.1 million, official data showed. The National Immigration Administration said on Wednesday that international visitors made over 82 million crossings in total, marking a 26.4 percent year-on-year increase. Currently, China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 76 countries. Plus, travelers from 55 countries can take advantage of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy at 65 different entry points. Beyond short-term visits, this openness is fostering a vibrant community of international residents. More scholars, students, and professionals are choosing to live and work in China, deepening people-to-people bonds. China, with much to be explored and a lot more to offer, continues to captivate hearts and minds worldwide. (Xinhua/Chen Haoming) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with leading CEOs and experts from the AI sector to discuss India's strategic path in artificial intelligence. The business leaders hailed the Prime Minister's deep knowledge and inspiring vision for developing sovereign AI infrastructure and using technology for universal benefit. PM Modi emphasized the need for self-reliance, leveraging India's unique proposition of scale and democracy to build world-class solutions. The interaction aimed to foster collaborations and accelerate India's mission to become a global leader in AI. Top tech CEOs meet PM Modi, praise his vision for AI infrastructure, universal access, and making India a global leader in artificial intelligence. New Delhi, January 29 CEOs of various private companies and experts on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to develop Artificial Intelligence infrastructure in the country after meeting with the latter at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. CEOs informed that PM Modi focused on developing the technology to ensure universal access, while putting emphasis on a self-reliant India. C Vijayakumar, CEO and MD of HCL Tech, said, "It was very inspiring to listen to the Prime Minister. His knowledge on AI and where it should be applied is very inspiring. I think he was focused on how we can create solutions which the world will see as the best. He was really focusing on what the unique selling proposition of India's AI solutions." KK Krithivasan, CEO of TCS, said, "Really impressed by the way the Prime Minister had his vision. He talked about how we should not only impact, but also inspire the world. This is a very powerful statement. He also made statements about how we have to become self-reliant in India and how we have to ensure that the privacy of the citizens is protected while we are leveraging AI." Venugopal Lambu, CEO and MD of LTI Mindtree, said that PM focused on creating impact and inspiring the world through AI. "This was the most inspired and motivational talk that I've heard from the world leader on AI. He spoke about creating impact, but at the same time inspiring the world. The haves and have-nots in the world are going to be divided by technology. So how can you use AI for universal access, whether it's for health, for economic growth, for productivity?..." Srini Pallia, CEO and MD of WIPRO said, "I think the way he talked about skilling India, building applications for India, building a sovereign infrastructure and also helping the world and he also talked about some of the great examples about how we were self-sufficient in terms of Make in India through UPI, how we could actually become an India AI export." Sridhar Vembu, Founder of ZOHO Corporation, said PM Modi motivated the CEOs to develop a technology for the benefit of every Indian. "He gave us the inspiration and the motivation to work on problems relevant to our country, how to leverage this technology and make it to the benefit of every Indian. That is the mission and also how to attain self-reliance in all this technology in our nation," he said. Kiran Thomas, CEO, JIO Platforms Limited, said, "What really impressed me the most was his feel for what AI can do for India. As he very aptly put it, we know technology as an industry, but he understands India, he has a vision for the country, and is most enthused by what technology can do, and his call for welcoming technology but not being dependent on others, but to develop our own capacities as a country that has been most inspiring." PM Modi's interaction was aimed to foster strategic collaborations, showcase AI innovations, and accelerate India's AI mission goals, according to a release. During the interaction, the CEOs expressed strong support towards the goal of becoming self-sufficient in AI technology. They also acknowledged the efforts and resources the government is putting to put India as a leader in AI on the global stage. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to embrace new technology in all spheres and use it to contribute to national growth. He also urged the use of indigenous technology across key sectors. Speaking about the upcoming AI Impact Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted that all individuals and companies should leverage the summit to explore new opportunities and leapfrog on the growth path. He also stated that through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India has demonstrated its technical prowess, and the same can be replicated in the field of AI as well. Prime Minister highlighted that India has a unique proposition of scale, diversity and democracy, due to which the world trusts India's digital infrastructure. In line with his vision of 'AI for All', the Prime Minister stated that "we need to create an impact with our technology as well as inspire the world". He also urged the CEOs and experts to make India a fertile destination for all global AI efforts. The high-level roundtable saw participation from CEOs of companies working in AI, including Wipro, TCS, HCL Tech, Zoho Corporation, LTI Mindtree, Jio Platforms Ltd, AdaniConnex, Nxtra Data and Netweb Technologies, along with experts from IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada also participated in the interaction. - ANI China has issued a strong diplomatic warning to Australia over its intention to reclaim control of the strategically important Port of Darwin, currently leased to a Chinese-owned company. China's ambassador criticized the move, framing it as a breach of contract and warning of measures to protect the Chinese firm's interests. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed the government's commitment to bringing the port back under national control, citing the national interest. The dispute highlights broader geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, balancing economic ties with security concerns. China warns Australia against reclaiming Port of Darwin from Chinese firm, threatening measures to protect its interests and economic ties. Beijing, January 29 China has issued a strong diplomatic warning to Australia over the latter's intention to take back control of the strategically important Port of Darwin, a key northern facility currently leased to a Chinese-owned company under a long-term agreement, reported Al Jazeera. The dispute further strains relations between Canberra and Beijing, already challenged by broader tensions on security and trade. China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, told reporters this week that Beijing views Australia's push to reclaim the port as "no way to do business" and warned Canberra against altering the status of the lease, which has been in place since 2015. He complained that Australia wanted to reverse the arrangement: "When you're losing money, you want to lease it to a foreign company, and when it's making money, you want to take it back?"- a comment that encapsulates Beijing's ire at the policy shift. The Port of Darwin, located in Australia's Northern Territory, was leased for 99 years to the Landbridge Group, a company owned by Chinese billionaire Ye Cheng, with the aim of boosting local economic activity through expanded trade operations. However, the lease has been controversial in Australia due to concerns over national security and foreign influence, particularly given the port's proximity to Asia and its use for allied military logistics. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated his government's commitment to bringing the port back under Australian ownership, arguing that control of such critical infrastructure is in the "national interest." He reaffirmed this stance during a visit to East Timor, saying Australia was determined to ensure the port "goes back into Australian hands." In response, Ambassador Xiao warned that Beijing would "take measures to protect the Chinese company's interests" if Canberra pursued forced changes to the lease, without specifying what actions might be taken. He also suggested that such a move could have broader implications for Chinese investment, cooperation and trade with the region, framing the potential repossession as detrimental to economic ties. Official statements from Beijing's foreign ministry have underscored that Landbridge acquired the lease through market mechanisms and that its legitimate rights and interests should be protected. China has called for Australia to honour the contractual arrangement, emphasising the importance of a transparent and stable business environment for foreign enterprises. The row over Darwin Port reflects wider geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where issues of sovereignty, economic influence and strategic positioning are increasingly defining relations between China and regional partners like Australia. As discussions continue, both sides face pressure to balance economic interests with national security considerations and diplomatic engagement. - ANI Goal to become global aviation exporter in 10-12 years Bilateral talks with four nations at Wings India 2026 Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad. He emphasized that the participation of 20 countries reflects strong global confidence in India's aviation sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The minister outlined key cooperation areas including manufacturing, skills development, and sustainability, expressing confidence that India can become a global aviation exporter within a decade. In a related development, he also met with Airbus executives to discuss deeper integration of Indian MSMEs into global aviation supply chains. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu meets delegations from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Dominican Republic, highlighting India's growing global aviation leadership. Hyderabad, January 29 Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, highlighting India's growing global footprint in civil aviation. In a post on X, Kinjarapu said, "On the sidelines of Wings India 2026, I held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Dominican Republic. The participation of 20 countries in India's flagship civil aviation event reflects strong global confidence in India's aviation leadership under the inspiring guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji." He added that India is transitioning from being a large aviation market to a globally integrated aviation ecosystem, attracting partnerships and long-term collaborations. "India is rapidly evolving from being a large aviation market to becoming an integrated and influential aviation ecosystem, attracting global partnerships and long-term collaboration," he added. During the bilateral discussions, the minister said he emphasised manufacturing, skills development and training, and sustainability as key areas for deeper international cooperation. These engagements took place as Kinjarapu inaugurated 'Wings India 2026' at Begumpet Airport on Wednesday, marking the start of one of Asia's largest aviation summits. The biennial event began and will continue till January 31, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global aviation ecosystem. Speaking at the inauguration, Naidu described Wings India as the most important aviation summit hosted by the country every two years. "It is one of the biggest summits in Asia. We are proud to host this event on behalf of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and we also thank the Telangana government for its support," he said. Highlighting the focus of this edition, the minister said Wings India 2026 would showcase India's growing strength in civil aviation manufacturing and rising domestic demand. He noted that the government's priority over the next decade is to strengthen the country's manufacturing ecosystem to meet future requirements. "We are confident that India can also emerge as a global exporter in civil aviation in the next 10-12 years," Naidu said. At the venue, the minister also inaugurated the aircraft display, which includes a Boeing 787-9 aircraft specially fitted for Air India. He described it as the first delivery of this aircraft type, noting that aircraft delivery is one of the major bottlenecks in the aviation sector. Expressing optimism, Naidu said the arrival of new aircraft would provide a significant boost to Indian aviation. "I feel this year will be great for aviation," he added. In a related development, Naidu had earlier on Tuesday held a meeting with senior executives of Airbus to discuss ways to deepen the integration of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into global aviation supply chains. The minister met with Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President, International, at Airbus, and Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Airbus and the Indian industry, particularly MSMEs. Sharing details of the interaction on social media, the Civil Aviation Minister said that India has today emerged as a convergence hub for the interests, innovation, and investment of global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). - ANI A Colombian Satena flight with 15 people aboard crashed in a remote, mountainous region of Norte de Santander after disappearing from radar just before landing. The Beechcraft 1900D was on a short domestic route from Cucuta to Ocana when it lost contact. Among the victims were Diogenes Quintero, a member of Colombia's House of Representatives, and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the tragedy. A Satena airline flight crashed in Colombia's Norte de Santander, killing all 15 people on board, including a member of the House of Representatives. Bogota, January 29 Colombian authorities confirmed a devastating aviation accident on January 28, after a small commercial plane operated by the state-owned airline Satena vanished from radar while en route in north-eastern Colombia, later found crashed with no survivors among the 15 people aboard, reported CNN. Satena's Flight NSE 8849, a Beechcraft 1900D registered as HK-4709, departed Camilo Daza International Airport in Cucuta at about 11:42 am (local time), bound for Aguas Claras Airport in Ocana, a flight of roughly 20-25 minutes. The flight maintained normal contact with air traffic control until 11:54 am (local time), when all communications and radar returns abruptly ceased just minutes before its expected landing. Initial reports described the aircraft as missing and sparked urgent search-and-rescue operations by Colombia's civil aviation authority, the Aerospace Force, military units, and local emergency teams across the rugged Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border, an area known for dense jungle terrain and complex weather patterns that have challenged responders. Satena's statement confirmed that the flight carried 13 passengers and two crew members, and that all available resources were activated in coordination with aviation and defense officials, reported CNN. Tragically, later in the day the wreckage was located near Curasica, Playa de Belen in Colombia's Norte de Santander province. Official updates confirmed that the aircraft had crashed in a rural, mountainous area and that none of the 15 people on board survived. Among the dead were Diogenes Quintero, a 36-year-old member of Colombia's House of Representatives representing conflict victims, and Carlos Salcedo, a social leader and congressional candidate. Quintero was widely regarded as a committed advocate for his region, and political leaders across Colombia expressed profound sorrow at the loss of life. Satena and national authorities have pledged a full investigation into the accident's cause. "We extend our most sincere condolences with profound sorrow and our deepest solidarity to the families of our passengers and crew who lost their lives in the accident," the airline said in a public statement, adding it would make all resources available to support families and determine what happened. Officials continue to piece together the final moments of Flight NSE 8849, examining flight data, environmental conditions, and the challenging geography of the impact zone as part of a comprehensive probe into this tragic loss of life. - ANI The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Education Minister Nara Lokesh, is planning to introduce strict regulations to restrict social media access for minors of a specified age. This move aims to address concerns over children's declining attention spans, educational impact, and the rampant online abuse faced by women. Officials have been directed to study legal frameworks and age-restriction policies from countries like Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and France. The state has also invited major social media platforms to discuss global best practices to make online spaces safer. Andhra Pradesh plans regulations to limit minors' social media access, aiming to combat online abuse and protect children's education. Amaravati, January 29 The Andhra Pradesh government is mulling introducing tough regulations to restrict social media reach to children of a specified age, Education Minister Nara Lokesh said on Thursday. Minister Lokesh highlighted the serious issue of online harassment and abuse faced by women. "Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored. The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to act. In the meeting of the Group of Ministers on Social Media, we have ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access," Nara Lokesh said in a post on X The Minister further said that they have invited social media intermediaries to the next Group of Ministers meeting to study the "global best practices". "We have also invited major platforms like Meta, X, Google and Sharechat to the next GOM meeting, to examine global best practices. We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children," Lokesh added in his post. Minister Nara Lokesh participated in the meeting of the Group of Ministers held at the Secretariat on "strengthening accountability in social media." "I have instructed the officials to formulate policies and regulations to keep minors (of specified age) away from social media. I have directed them to study the policies being followed in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and France regarding the imposition of a social media ban on children, and to take strict action against habitual offenders who repeatedly post fake content on social media," the minister said on X. In December, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the social media ban for children under the age of 16 is now in place in Australia, making it the first country in the world to "give it a crack". - ANI Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with several areas recording 'very poor' AQI levels above 300. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, forecasting moderate fog for the coming days. While the GRAP sub-committee revoked Stage III actions due to improving conditions, health experts continue to advise precautions. The weather forecast includes cloudy skies, light rain, and fluctuating temperatures for the capital. Delhi's AQI remains in 'poor' to 'very poor' range as IMD issues a yellow alert for moderate fog. CPCB data shows high pollution levels. New Delhi, Jan 29 The Air Quality Index in the national capital continued to remain in the 'poor' category on Thursday, with several monitoring stations recording levels above 300, indicating deteriorating air conditions in parts of the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas such as Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 334, Jahangirpuri 337, Chandni Chowk 312, Rohini 311, Patparganj 306 and Dwarka Sector-8 317, placing them in the 'very poor' range. Other locations, including Bawana (288), Burari Crossing (264), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (282), Narela (244), North Campus, Delhi University (260) and IIT Delhi (210), also recorded 'poor' air quality levels. As per the AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Despite some marginal improvement compared to earlier days, pollution levels remain a concern for residents, especially vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Thursday, warning of moderate fog at many places across Delhi. The weather department said shallow to moderate fog is likely during morning hours over the next six days, except on January 31 and February 1. Moderate fog has also been forecast for January 29, 30 and 31. At present, no severe weather warning has been issued. According to the IMD's latest forecast, the maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to hover around 18 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may dip to 7 degrees Celsius. The sky is likely to remain generally cloudy throughout the week. There is also a possibility of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph on the night of January 31. One or two spells of light rain are expected on February 1 as well. The IMD noted that Saturday and Sunday may witness light rain along with gusty winds, which could lead to a temporary drop in temperature. Post February 1, the mercury is expected to rise gradually, with minimum temperatures climbing to around 13 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures reaching 19 degrees Celsius. In a related development, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage III actions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on January 22, citing improvement in air quality and favourable forecast trends. Officials said strong winds and rainfall have helped reduce the accumulation of pollution particles, leading to partial improvement. However, health experts have advised residents to continue taking precautions, including wearing masks while stepping out, to avoid direct exposure to polluted air. - IANS A Sudanese delegation led by Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim has arrived in India for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and follows the first round of Foreign Office Consultations held in Juba last December. This high-level meeting, co-chaired by India and the UAE, is the first to be hosted in New Delhi and involves all 22 Arab League member states. It seeks to build on existing cooperation across priority areas like economy, energy, and education established since the partnership was formalized over two decades ago. Sudan's Foreign Minister arrives in New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional partnerships. New Delhi, January 29 A delegation from Sudan arrived in India as part of the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said he was "delighted to welcome" Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan, as he arrived in India to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, noting that the visit would further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. In an X post, he said, "Delighted to welcome H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sudan, for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit will further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Sudan." India and Sudan have longstanding ties. In December last year, the two countries held the first round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Juba, the capital of the African nation, marking a significant step toward further strengthening bilateral relations. Both sides discussed a full spectrum of issues. The consultations covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including capacity building, human resource development, cooperation in health, technical and vocational training, trade, and people-to-people relations, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the ongoing partnership, noting progress across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date. India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday. The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. - ANI External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, discussing the many dimensions of the bilateral strategic partnership. The talks expressed confidence that the Ambassador would contribute to strengthening India-US relations. This follows Gor's meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, where he highlighted a strong defence partnership bolstered by a recent 10-year pact. Earlier in the week, Jaishankar also met a US Congressional delegation alongside Gor to discuss bilateral ties, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict. EAM Jaishankar meets US Ambassador Sergio Gor in Delhi, discusses strategic partnership, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific developments. New Delhi, Jan 29 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Thursday, discussing many dimensions of bilateral ties. Welcoming Gor, EAM Jaishankar expressed confidence that he would contribute to strengthening ties between India and the United States. "Pleased to meet US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India - US relations," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. Gor on Wednesday described the India-US defence partnership as strong and said that the 10-year pact signed in 2025 will further deepen the ties. He made the statement following his meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. In a post on X, Gor said, "Just last year, the United States and India signed a 10-year defence pact which will significantly deepen our Defence Partnership. Joint exercises will continue, and additional sales are in progress. This is a strong relationship! Thank you for hosting us, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh." Earlier this week, Gor also attended India's Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, terming it a "celebration of India's Constitution and democratic spirit." "Happy Republic Day, India! Honored to attend the Republic Day Parade for the first time, a celebration of India's Constitution and democratic spirit. Thrilled to see the US-made aircraft soaring in the Indian sky, a powerful symbol of the strength of the US-India strategic partnership," he posted on X. EAM Jaishankar met a US Congressional delegation comprising Mike Rogers, Adam Smith and Jimmy Patronis, along with Sergio Gor, in New Delhi on January 25 as the both sides discussed strengthening of bilateral ties, developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Following their talks, EAM Jaishankar posted on X: "A good interaction with US Congressional Delegation comprising Representative Mike Rogers, Representative Adam Smith and Jimmy Patronis along with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Discussed various aspects of India US ties, Indo Pacific and Ukraine conflict. Congressional interactions have always been an important facet of our relationship." - IANS Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced that the state government is now providing additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to selected women entrepreneurs under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. This comes after an initial grant of Rs 10,000, which has already been distributed to 1.56 crore beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer. The scheme aims to make one woman per household self-reliant by supporting ventures in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and other small-scale enterprises. The government has also directed departments to assist with marketing and link beneficiaries to various government works to boost local employment opportunities. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expands Mahila Rojgar Yojana, offering up to Rs 2 lakh in additional financial assistance to women for self-employment. Patna, January 29 In a significant boost to women's empowerment, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Thursday that the state government has begun providing additional financial aid of up to Rs 2 lakh to eligible women entrepreneurs under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, aimed at fostering self-reliance among one woman per household. In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar shared a comprehensive update on the flagship scheme. "All of you know that we have launched the 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' to empower and make the women of the state self-reliant. The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to the women of the state for self-employment, so that one woman from each family can establish herself as an entrepreneur," CM said. The Bihar CM added that 1.56 crore women have received Rs 10,000 each under the 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana', and the government has begun providing additional assistance "In the first phase of this scheme, one woman from each family has been provided with an amount of Rs 10 thousand. So far, the amount has been transferred to the accounts of 1 crore 56 lakh beneficiaries through DBT. The remaining applicants in rural and urban areas will also soon receive the amount in their accounts via DBT, in accordance with the rules. Under this scheme, there is a provision to provide additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh as per requirement after assessing 6 months after women start their employment. I am pleased to inform you that action has been initiated to provide additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to the selected beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. This amount will be given in phases, provided that the amount previously given has been properly utilised for employment purposes. If employment is running well, a lump-sum amount can also be provided as required." CM Nitish Kumar directed departments to support women beneficiaries and boost employment opportunities. "The department has been directed to ensure proper arrangements for the marketing of goods produced by the beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Along with this, these beneficiaries should also be linked to the works of various government departments, such as garment manufacturing, Sudha sales centres, Didi ki Rasoi, etc. With the implementation of this scheme, not only will the position of women become even stronger, but they will also get better employment opportunities within the state, and people will not have to leave the state out of compulsion for employment," CM added. Under the scheme, each beneficiary will receive an initial grant of Rs. 10,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer, with the possibility of additional financial support of up to Rs. 2 lakh in subsequent phases. The assistance can be utilized in areas of the choice of the beneficiary including agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, and other small-scale enterprises. The scheme will be community driven in which, along with financial support, community resource persons connected to Self Help Groups will provide training to support their endeavour. To support the sale of their produce, Gramin Haat-Bazaars will be further developed in the State. The launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana will feature a statewide program across multiple administrative levels in the State district, block, cluster, and village, with over 1 crore women witnessing the programme. - ANI Congress MP Manoj Kumar expressed profound sorrow over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, calling it an irreparable loss to state and national politics as well as the cooperative sector. The fatal crash occurred near the Baramati airport runway on Wednesday. Pawar's mortal remains were taken to his residence and a public funeral procession is planned in Baramati. The Congress leader stated his party stands with Pawar's family, well-wishers, and supporters during this difficult time. Congress MP Manoj Kumar calls Ajit Pawar's demise an irreparable loss to Maharashtra politics, cooperative sector, and national politics. New Delhi, January 29 Congress MP Manoj Kumar on Thursday expressed condolences over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and said that this is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra politics but also to the country's cooperative sector. The Congress leader added that the National Congress Party stood with his family and his party's supporters during the grieving time. Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "The news of the death of Maharashtra Dy CM and prominent leader, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash is extremely sad and painful. His passing is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra politics but also to the country's cooperative sector and national politics." "I express my deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved him, and I pray to God to grant peace to his soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family and supporters during this difficult time. In this hour of grief, our Indian National Congress party and I stand with his family, his well-wishers, and his party supporters," he added. On Wednesday, Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed near the landing runway of the Baramati airport. The mortal remains of Pawar were brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his last rites today. Funeral preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. Supporters of NCP chief Ajit Pawar gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11am. - ANI Chery has launched its first battery electric pickup in China under its Rely pickup brand, with pricing starting at 127,800 yuan, about $18,300, and running up to 158,800 yuan for higher trims. The truck is positioned as a work-ready electric option with mainstream sizing, multiple drivetrains, and a tech-heavy cabin, arriving as new energy pickups become one of the fastest-growing niches in China. A View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Truck Specs And Lineup Details Early reports describe the Rely R08 EV as a body-on-frame pickup offered in six variants. Dimensions are listed at 5,330 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,890 mm tall, with a 3,230 mm wheelbase, putting it in the midsize-to-fullsize zone by global standards. r (r) Powertrain choices include a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model, with outputs cited at 150 kW for RWD and 300 kW for AWD. Range is reported at up to 510 km on the CLTC cycle depending on trim, which is the figure Chinese brands typically use for domestic marketing and it generally reads higher than EPA-style numbers. Autohome View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Tech And Equipment Highlights The R08 EV is also being pitched as modern inside, with reports citing an infotainment setup using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip in some versions. Driver assistance is described as Level 2 capable depending on trim, with commonly listed features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. This is the typical spec mix for value-focused Chinese EVs, where the headline is less about a single breakthrough feature and more about offering a complete equipment list at a low entry price. Market Context, Why Pricing Matters Pickups are still a smaller segment in China than in North America, with 2025 pickup sales cited at about 589,000 units. What is changing quickly is electrification, with new energy pickup volume cited at roughly 73,000 units in 2025, up about 243 percent year over year, which helps explain why Chery is moving into the category now. A base price around $18,300 is part of that strategy, because it creates a lower barrier for buyers who want a truck shape for utility but have been priced out of many electric offerings. Cherys wider EV messaging continues to lean into future battery narratives. It also fits a product portfolio that mixes mainstream launches with attention-grabbing ideas, and off-road EV projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Economic Survey 2026, with a key focus on India's projected GDP growth for the current and upcoming fiscal years. The document serves as a crucial pre-budget assessment of the nation's economic development and future prospects. The Budget Session commenced with President Droupadi Murmu's address, which outlined the vision for a developed India and highlighted recent progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the address as a comprehensive roadmap, setting the stage for the important parliamentary proceedings including the Union Budget presentation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Economic Survey 2026, outlining India's GDP projections and economic roadmap ahead of the Union Budget. New Delhi, Jan 29 The government is all set to table the Economic Survey 2026 in Parliament on Thursday -- ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1 -- which will set the official tone on how the economy of the country is faring amid global uncertainties. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey. All eyes will be on India's projected GDP growth estimates for the current fiscal (FY26) as well as the upcoming financial year (FY27). The key pre-budget document summarises the annual economic development of India and charts out short and medium-term prospects of the economy. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran also touched upon various themes such as rupee depreciation, geopolitical volatility and more, in a media column that appeared on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Budget Session of Parliament opened with President Droupadi Murmu delivering her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the President's Address was comprehensive and insightful, adding that it effectively captured the vision of building a Viksit Bharat and reflected the nation's shared aspiration for a strong and self-reliant India. PM Modi further said that the address highlighted India's significant development progress in recent years while providing a clear road map for the future. Looking ahead, the President portrayed 2026 as a pivotal foundation year in the nation's ambitious path towards becoming a developed India. She observed that the closing of the first quarter-century of the new millennium had brought numerous triumphs, moments of national pride, and profound experiences. Over the past decade or so, she noted, India has fortified its base across every major sector, laying a robust groundwork for future growth. The ceremonial address marked the beginning of a crucial period in the Parliamentary calendar, during which Finance Minister Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey on Thursday (January 29). followed by the Union Budget on Sunday (February 1). - IANS France has announced it will support a European Union move to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a significant policy shift. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated the decision is a response to the "unbearable repression" of protesters in Iran. The move aligns France with other EU states like Italy and Germany, tightening diplomatic pressure on Tehran. Iran has strongly condemned the proposal, warning it will have "destructive consequences" for diplomatic relations. France reverses policy, joining EU move to label Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization amid crackdown on protests. Paris, January 29 France has announced that it will support the European Union's potential designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, marking a notable reversal of its previous reluctance on the issue, reported Al Jazeera. The announcement from Paris comes amid growing international condemnation of Tehran's crackdown on widespread protests and signals a tightening of European diplomatic pressure on the Iranian leadership. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that France would join its European partners in backing the IRGC's inclusion on the EU's list of terrorist entities. "France will support the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European list of terrorist organisations," he wrote, adding that the regime must "immediately release prisoners, put an end to executions, lift the digital blockade, and allow the United Nations Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission to investigate the crimes committed in Iran." Barrot's comments underscore the EU's broader response to what he described as the "unbearable repression" of Iranian citizens who have taken to the streets in recent weeks. He said European foreign ministers would adopt sanctions "against those responsible for the unbearable repression of the Iranian people's uprising" at a meeting in Brussels, targeting individuals with travel bans and asset freezes. The move represents a shift for France, which had previously been hesitant to endorse labelling the IRGC as a terrorist group due to concerns that it could jeopardise diplomatic channels with Tehran. Officials in Paris had warned that such a designation might disrupt negotiations over detained Europeans in Iran and risk further diplomatic fallout. With the new stance, France joins other EU states, including Italy and Germany, in supporting the measure, which is expected to gain political approval if all 27 EU member states agree, as reported by Al Jazeera. The IRGC, established after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, plays a central role in the country's military, economy, and political structure. It commands significant influence over ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has been involved in Iran's foreign operations in the Middle East. Supporters of the designation argue that the IRGC's involvement in domestic repression and regional activities justifies its placement on the EU's terrorism list, aligning with similar actions taken by countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia in recent years. Tehran has responded with strong warnings, dismissing the proposal as politically motivated and threatening "destructive consequences" if the designation proceeds. Iran's foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador earlier this week, reflecting the diplomatic strain the issue has already created. The debate over the IRGC's status comes against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest protest movements in Iran's recent history, sparked by economic hardship and political grievances. The French announcement indicates a growing consensus in Europe that stronger measures are necessary to respond to both human rights abuses and broader security concerns involving Tehran's most powerful military institution. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the commencement of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement symbolizes the spirit of an ambitious and self-reliant India. He emphasized that the pact opens significant global opportunities for Indian manufacturers, youth, farmers, and professionals, urging a focus on superior quality to capture European markets. Modi linked this development to the broader national journey towards achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He also highlighted the government's focus on next-generation reforms and a human-centric approach while integrating technology. PM Modi says India-EU Free Trade Agreement reflects a confident India, opening global opportunities for youth, farmers, and manufacturers focused on quality. New Delhi, Jan 29 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the beginning of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement reflects the spirit of an "ambitious, confident and Aatmanirbhar Bharat". Addressing mediapersons at the start of the Budget Session, the Prime Minister said that during this quarter of the 21st century, India has emerged as a "beacon of hope" and also as a "centre of attraction" for the world. He added that global attention towards India reflects growing confidence in the country's economic and democratic strength. "At the start of this quarter, the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement offers a glimpse of how bright the future is for India and its youth. This is free trade for ambitious Bharat, confident youth and Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he said. PM Modi further said that he is confident Indian manufacturers will seize the opportunity created by the agreement to expand and strengthen their presence globally. He stressed the need to focus on quality as markets open up further. "When the mother of all deals is signed between India and Europe, our industrialists and manufacturers should not just think that 'our items will now be traded with less tax'. This is an opportunity to emphasise quality. Now that the market is open, we should enter it with the best quality. If we go with superior quality, we will win the hearts of the 27 member states of the EU. This will have a long-term impact," he said. He added that the agreement with 27 countries would open up significant opportunities for India's farmers, youth and professionals in the services sector who are keen to explore global markets. "I firmly believe this is a major step towards a confident, competitive and productive India," he said. PM Modi further mentioned that the Budget Session of Parliament marks an important step towards achieving the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047, and the Centre is focused on 'Reform Express' and moving towards long-term solutions for pending issues. The Prime Minister also referred to the President's address to Parliament and said, "The President's address yesterday reflected the confidence of 140 crore Indians and their aspirations. She also expressed her expectations from parliamentarians in very simple words, sharing her feelings as the head of the nation. I am confident that all MPs will take these seriously." Highlighting that one-fourth of the 21st century has already passed, PM Modi said the country has now embarked on a crucial 25-year journey to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said this period will define India's future direction and its role in the global order. Speaking about Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Prime Minister said, "She is the first Finance Minister of the country to present the Budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time. This itself is being recorded in India's parliamentary history as a proud moment." Referring to the broader functioning of the government, the Prime Minister said that while the nation's attention is naturally focused on the Budget, the core ethos of the government remains "reform, performance and transformation". "We have swiftly boarded the 'Reform Express'. I thank all MPs for their constructive contributions in accelerating this 'Reform Express'. As a result, the Reform Express is now gathering speed," he said. PM Modi said the government is moving away from long-pending issues towards implementing long-term solutions, adding that such solutions bring predictability and strengthen international trust. He said every decision taken by the government is aimed at progress and development, while remaining human-centric. "We will adopt technology, absorb it and use its potential, but we will not compromise on a human-centric approach. While recognising the importance of constitutional values, we will move ahead with thoughtful integration of technology," he said. He added that criticism and differing views are natural in a democracy, but said there is widespread recognition that the government has prioritised last-mile delivery. "It is not just about files moving, but about reaching lives. This tradition will continue as we take next-generation reforms forward through the Reform Express," he said. Stressing the global relevance of India, PM Modi said India's democracy and demography today offer great hope to the world. "In this temple of democracy, we have an opportunity to convey to the global community our capabilities, our commitment to democratic values and the credibility of decisions taken through democratic processes. The world recognises and welcomes this," he said. "Today, the nation is moving forward not with delays, but with timely action. This is not the moment to sit back and lament challenges. Today is the era for bold, solution-oriented decisions. I urge all respected Members of Parliament to come forward so that we can accelerate the process of delivering necessary solutions for the nation, empower decision-making, and advance efficiently in last-mile delivery," the Prime Minister concluded. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the newly inked India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a pivotal move for an ambitious and self-reliant India. He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage the pact to enhance their capabilities and global competitiveness. Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session, Modi emphasized that India's democracy is a beacon of hope and urged MPs to prioritize solutions over obstruction. The signing ceremony involved several key agreements and a joint strategic agenda, marking a significant expansion in India-EU cooperation. PM Modi calls India-EU FTA a major step for a competitive India, urging parliamentary cooperation for solutions and next-gen reforms. New Delhi, January 29 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session 2026, he expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would utilise the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, calling the FTA a major step toward building a confident, competitive, and productive India. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India," said the Prime Minister. PM Modi said India's democracy and demography have become a source of hope for the world and stressed the importance of sending a strong message to the global community through Parliament, which he described as the "temple of democracy." "India's democracy and demography is a big hope to the world today. This is an opportunity to send across a message to the global community through this temple of democracy - of our capability, of our dedication to democracy, of honouring the decisions made through democratic processes. The world welcomes and accepts this. Today, the country is advancing. This is not the time for obstruction. This is the time for solution. Today, the priority is not obstruction, but solution...I urge all MPs to come and let us speed up and strengthen the era of important solutions for the country. We should go ahead towards last mile delivery," the Prime Minister said. Urging cooperation in Parliament, the Prime Minister added that the country must prioritise solutions over obstruction. "Even colleagues who have an attitude of disliking us, which is natural in democracy, and everyone else says that this government has laid emphasis on last mile delivery. We make efforts to bring schemes not just to files but to lives. We have to take this tradition forward through next-gen reforms in 'Reforms Express," the Prime Minister said. India and the European Union on Tuesday inked several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. Notably, both sides also agreed on a strategy document titled 'Towards 2030 - A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda,' reflecting the expanding scope of India-EU strategic cooperation. India and the EU exchanged several agreements and MoUs, reflecting the wide-ranging, multifaceted cooperation as part of the India-EU Strategic Cooperation. Among the agreements exchanged was the political declaration on the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and European Union Trade Commissioner Marcos Sefcovic. The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership document was signed by EU Vice President Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while the comprehensive framework on mobility was signed by Vice President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, and EAM Jaishankar, highlighting the wide-ranging and multifaceted nature of India-EU strategic cooperation. - ANI Ministers from Himachal Pradesh have expressed deep concern ahead of the Union Budget, alleging severe financial neglect from the Centre. They highlighted critical issues including reduced import duties on apples under FTAs, which threaten the state's primary horticulture economy. The ministers also pointed to major cuts in MGNREGA allocations and unreleased disaster relief funds for the 2023 calamities. Their collective appeal is for budgetary justice to address the hill state's unique financial challenges and shrinking fiscal space. Himachal ministers demand Union Budget support for apple growers, disaster relief funds, and MGNREGA restoration, citing severe financial neglect. Shimla, January 29 Three ministers of the Himachal Pradesh government, Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, on Thursday expressed concern over the Union Budget, while hoping that the Centre would address the financial challenges faced by the hill state. Speaking to ANI, the ministers said Himachal Pradesh expects justice from the Union Budget, particularly in view of reduced central assistance, cuts in MGNREGA allocation, loss due to natural disasters and the adverse impact of reduced import duty on apples under recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Speaking to ANI, Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi raised MGNREGA, disaster relief, and funding issues. He added expectations from the Union Budget remain, but optimism is limited due to the Centre's alleged neglect of the state. "We always keep expectations from the Union Budget, but this time there is not much hope because the Centre has diluted schemes like MGNREGA. Earlier, it was a simple and effective source of employment for poor people, but now it has been made more complicated, reducing employment opportunities," Negi said. He alleged that Himachal Pradesh has not received adequate financial support even after severe natural disasters. "The post-disaster need assessment funds of 2023 have not been fully released. This year, around Rs 2,500-2,600 crore was talked about, of which Himachal's share of nearly Rs 500 crore has also not fully come," he said. Negi further said that in 2025, losses of over Rs 6,000 crore were assessed due to natural calamities, but only Rs 1,500 crore was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has not yet been received. "There have been cuts in GST compensation and revenue deficit grants. After we discussed the Old Pension Scheme, even our revenue deficit grant was restricted," Negi added. He said the Chief Minister has repeatedly raised these issues with the Finance Ministry and officials in Delhi. "Now we will see on February 1 which way the camel sits and what kind of budget we get," Negi remarked. State Education Minister Rohit Thakur highlighted the shrinking fiscal space in Himachal Pradesh, noting the state's limited economic resources. Speaking to ANI, Thakur said, Himachal Pradesh expects fairness in the Union Budget, whether through the 16th Finance Commission or direct budgetary support. "Our hill state has limited economic resources. If you compare 2021-22 with the present financial year, there is a difference of nearly Rs 11,000 crore in just one year," Thakur said. He alleged that when the BJP was in power in the state, Himachal received higher central assistance through various grants and borrowing limits. "At that time, inter-state grants and loan limits were available, but now there is a huge shortfall," he said. Rohit Thakur expressed serious concern about the recent Foreign Trade Agreements that reduced import duties on apples. "The reduction of import duty under FTAs first with New Zealand and now with the European Union to 20 per cent will seriously impact Himachal's apple economy and apple growers," he said. He said apple cultivation affects not just Himachal Pradesh but the entire Himalayan region. "Sixty to seventy per cent of people in rural areas are directly or indirectly dependent on horticulture and agriculture," he added. Thakur also highlighted cuts in the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). "Earlier, the Centre used to contribute 50 per cent under MIS, but now the amount, which earlier stood at around Rs 4,000 crore, has been reduced to a token amount of just Rs 1 lakh," he said. He demanded restoration of the 50:50 Centre-State sharing pattern and special protection for apples under FTAs. "Apple should be treated as a special category, import duties should be increased, and incentives should be given to sectors like horticulture, power and tourism," Thakur said. Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, while speaking to ANI, said the state still hopes that the Union Budget will address Himachal's concerns, particularly regarding MGNREGA. "We always keep hope. This budget will show whether the Centre stands up to our expectations or not," Anirudh Singh said. He pointed out that MGNREGA allocations have been consistently reduced. "Last year, Rs 12,000 crore was cut, this year Rs 14,000 crore was reduced, and now it seems the scheme has almost been finished," Anirudh Singh alleged. The ministers said Himachal Pradesh looks to the Union Budget for financial justice, restoration of central support, protection of apple growers and revival of employment schemes, warning that continued neglect would further strain the state's fragile hill economy. - ANI Ahead of the Union Budget, Himachal Pradesh presents a picture of divided expectations. Apple growers, represented by Nirmal Chander Negi, express deep pessimism, citing reduced import duties on foreign apples that have crippled local prices. Conversely, tourism stakeholders like Vijay Kumar Dhiman hope for a special infrastructure package to revive the sector devastated by the pandemic. The state's youth, including Ankush Verma, are looking for job creation, tax relief, and policies that mandate local hiring by outside investors. The budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is set to make history with a record ninth consecutive presentation. Ahead of the Union Budget, Himachal apple growers express despair over import duty cuts, while tourism operators and youth seek revival packages and jobs. Shimla, January 30 Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, people from various sectors in Himachal Pradesh have pinned high hopes on the Centre for relief and policy support, even as apple growers expressed concern over successive reductions in import duty on apples under Free Trade Agreements. While tourism operators and youth are optimistic about targeted measures to revive growth and employment, apple farmers have little hope that the upcoming budget will address their concerns, particularly after import duties on foreign apples were reduced, which has impacted the state's apple-driven economy. Apple grower Nirmal Chander Negi from Kinnaur district told ANI, "I do not think that anything farmer-friendly will come in this budget from the Modi government. Whenever the issue of support price for Himachal apples is raised, the Centre allows apples to be imported from abroad, which is an injustice to local orchardists," he said. Negi noted that although the Himachal Pradesh government introduced universal carton packaging for apple growers, which proved beneficial, the reduction in import duty on foreign apples has severely affected local farmers. "The Centre has reduced import duty on foreign apples by 25 per cent. Apples are imported from abroad, but local growers are unable to secure fair prices despite their hard work. Ten years ago, an apple box fetched Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800, and even today it is almost the same, while everything else has become ten times costlier," he added. "Farmers in Himachal have very little hope from the Union Budget." Tourism stakeholders, however, are hopeful for special budgetary provisions to strengthen infrastructure and revive businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vijay Kumar Dhiman, a Shimla-based travel agent, told ANI, "The better tourism performs in Himachal, the better our business runs. After COVID-19, our business was almost finished. There should be a special package for developing infrastructure at tourist destinations." He urged the Centre to focus specifically on Himachal Pradesh, saying, "The central government should give Himachal a good package so that tourism improves and employment opportunities increase. Our business largely depends on hotels, and more tourists mean better livelihoods for everyone. Tourists should leave happy so that they recommend Himachal to others." The youth of Himachal Pradesh are also looking to the Union Budget with expectations of tax relief, job creation and safeguards for the apple-based economy. Ankush Verma, a local youth, said, "Himachal is an apple-driven economy. Free Trade Agreements with other countries should not harm farmers. Import duties on apples have been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent and even 20 per cent in some cases, which directly affects our economy." He added, "Despite having degrees, many graduates and postgraduates are unable to find jobs matching their qualifications. Education and employment need to be aligned." Verma also called for entrepreneurs from outside to be encouraged to hire and train local youth. "Foreign and outside investors should be mandated to give preference to local people so that employment opportunities are created within the state. This is what we expect from the budget," he said. As the Union Budget approaches, expectations across Himachal Pradesh remain mixed, with farmers seeking urgent corrections to import duty policies, while tourism stakeholders and youth hope for targeted support to revive the hill state's economy. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India in Parliament on Thursday for the 2025-26 financial year, setting the stage for the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1. This year, the Budget presentation falls on a weekend. FM Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking a significant milestone in India's parliamentary and economic history. The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. - ANI The British Council's Country Director for India sees a major opportunity for UK and Indian institutions to collaborate in building talent for creative industries like film, fashion, and design. This includes expanding partnerships through joint degree programs, internships, and student exchanges. The push follows bilateral agreements, with nine UK universities already approved to set up campuses in India and more expected. Leaders from both countries have emphasized education and cultural exchange as pillars of the future relationship. British Council highlights huge opportunity for UK-India collaboration in creative industries, with more UK universities setting up campuses in India. New Delhi, January 29 There is huge opportunity for institutions in India and United Kingdom to collaborate to build the next generation of future-ready talent in the creative industries, Country Director of British Council in India, Alison Barrett, has said and noted that more British Universities are expected to set up their campuses in India apart from nine announced earlier. Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the Delhi edition of 'Creative Convergence: Growth Reimagined' being held at the British Council, Barrett said she expects to see a much stronger connection between the universities in the two countries in the creative industries of two countries. "I really expect to see in the next 10 years a much stronger connection between our universities in the creative industries. I think there is so much opportunity for our institutions to collaborate to really build the next generation of future-ready talent in the creative industries, whether that's in podcasting or filmmaking or fashion or design and there are so many ways that our institutions can partner, whether it's through joint masters programs or joint undergraduate programs, through British students coming here to India to do internships in the creative industry sectors and to learn from the opportunities and the approaches to scale that you have here," she said. "There are nine British universities setting up campuses here in India and we expect more in the coming years, there are more opportunities for UK universities to be part of that ecosystem working with industry and to ensure that there's a sort of flow of talent between our countries for many years to come," she added. During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India in October last year, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged education as a key area of bilateral cooperation and both sides expressed happiness on the progress in opening the campuses of nine leading UK universities in India. The two leaders underlined the importance of youth, cultural and educational exchanges in shaping the future of the bilateral relationship. They expressed commitment to the first Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue, and the implementation of the Programme of Cultural Co-operation signed by both Ministers of Culture in May 2025. A joint statement said that the University of Southampton has welcomed its inaugural cohort of Indian students to its campus in Gurugram. It said the University Grants Commission has also handed over Letters of Intent (LoI) for the establishment of branch campuses of the University of Liverpool, the University of York, University of Aberdeen and University of Bristol in India. Queen's University of Belfast and Coventry University have been authorised to open their branch campuses in GIFT City. Indian authorities also handed over the LoI for the opening of campus of Lancaster University in Bengaluru and accorded in-principle approval for the opening of the campus of the University of Surrey in GIFT City, the statement said. During PM Modi's visit to the United Kingdom in July last year, both sides signed the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and adopted the India - UK Vision 2035 and a Defence Industrial Roadmap. Speaking with ANI on Thursday, Ruth Mackenzie, Global Director of Arts, British Council, said that creative industries of India and the UK are world-leading. "They are both enormously important to the economies of India and the United Kingdom and to the population... They are also a source of money for both these countries at a time when these countries are both growing their economies as fast as they can... All of the creative industries are a way to join up communities across the world and most particularly between India and the United Kingdom," Mackenzie said. "Festivals contribute enormously not just to their local economy but to the economy of the country as a whole. For example in London, 4 of 5 tourists say they come to London for the culture and creativity and of course we have many examples here in India as well... Our creatives are not just making their own work and selling their own work across the world, they're also creating attractions that bring visitors from all around the world to benefit the economies in India and the United Kingdom... The great thing about this conference... is about learning and what we see in today's discussions is how much the United Kingdom have to learn from India," she added. The British Council, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, inaugurated the Delhi edition of Creative Convergence: Growth Reimagined today at the British Council here. Building on the momentum of the inaugural Bengaluru edition held in November 2025, the two-day gathering has policymakers, researchers, creative entrepreneurs and cultural leaders from India and the UK to reimagine the future of the creative economy. Creative Convergence advances the objectives of the India-UK Programme of Cultural Cooperation (2025-2030) and reflects the British Council's long-standing commitment to strengthening international creative ecosystems, a release said. The Delhi edition places a strong emphasis on policy dialogue, research and creative enterprise - exploring how aligned frameworks and cross-border collaboration can enable inclusive, sustainable and future-ready growth. The event opened with the Plenary and Keynote session - 'Creative Convergence: Where Bold Ideas and Future-Ready Ecosystems Meet' - which set the strategic vision for the initiative and framed the role of the creative economy in policy, innovation and India-UK collaboration. - ANI The concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement is hailed as a landmark development for the pharmaceutical sector, promising to strengthen economic ties. It will facilitate near-zero duty on innovative EU products entering India, potentially lowering costs for patients. The agreement leverages India's strong track record in biosimilars, positioning the two regions as a combined global supplier of affordable, quality medicines. The deal, announced by top leaders, follows years of negotiation and reflects a shared vision for a modern economic partnership. Landmark trade deal aims to make India & EU a global supplier of affordable, quality medicines by reducing costs and strengthening pharma ties. New Delhi, January 29 The conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement has opened major opportunities for the two regions to emerge as a global supplier of affordable and quality medicines, according to the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Sudarshan Jain, General Secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, said that the India-EU FTA is a landmark development, particularly for the pharmaceutical sector. "The conclusion of India-EU FTA is a landmark moment as it covers 25 per cent of the global GDP and 23 per cent of the world population. This FTA is very important in the context of pharmaceuticals. It will further strengthen the relationship between India and the EU," he said. Jain highlighted that the agreement would facilitate near-zero duty on the supply of innovative products from the European Union to India, which would help bring down costs for patients. "There will be near-zero duty on the supply of the EU innovative products to India, which means innovative products will be available at lower cost," he added. Emphasising India's strengths, Jain said that the country has a strong track record in the biosimilar segment. "India has a strong record in biosimilars; overall, India-EU can be a supplier of affordable medicines worldwide," he said. The India-EU FTA was jointly announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of European leaders to India. The documents related to the conclusion of the FTA were exchanged between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The announcement marks a historic milestone in India-EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners. The FTA comes after intense negotiations following the re-launch of talks in 2022 and represents the culmination of years of sustained dialogue and cooperation between India and the EU. The agreement reflects the political will and shared vision of both sides to deliver a balanced, modern, and rules-based economic and trade partnership. The European Union is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services witnessing steady growth over the years. In 2024-25, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at Rs 11.5 lakh crore (USD 136.54 billion), with exports valued at Rs 6.4 lakh crore (USD 75.85 billion) and imports at Rs 5.1 lakh crore (USD 60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached Rs 7.2 lakh crore (USD 83.10 billion) in 2024. The integration of these two large, diverse, and complementary economies is expected to create unprecedented trade and investment opportunities, including in the pharmaceutical sector. - ANI A report by EY characterizes the newly concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement as one of the most forward-looking trade packages India has negotiated. The deal promises significant impacts, including slashing auto import duties to spur competition and lowering tariffs to boost EU aerospace exports to India. It grants Indian textiles zero-duty access to the EU market, restoring competitiveness lost after the GSP withdrawal. The agreement also facilitates easier movement of IT professionals and aims to establish structured Social Security Agreements. EY report highlights the wide-ranging India-EU trade deal, detailing benefits for automobiles, defence, textiles, IT, and movement of professionals. New Delhi, January 29 The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated so far, highlighted a report by EY. According to the report, the India-EU FTA truly represents an agreement between two economic giants. It stated "The India-EU FTA represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated this far". The report noted that the agreement has the potential to significantly impact several key sectors, including automobiles, defence, aerospace, textiles and information technology. In the automobile sector, the FTA proposes a phased reduction of import duties on completely built units (CBUs) from around 110 per cent to approximately 10 per cent, with an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. EY said this move may encourage greater competition and innovation in the Indian auto sector, benefiting consumers through more choices and potentially lower prices. Additionally, lower import duties on completely knocked down (CKD) units, at around 15 per cent, are expected to support continued investments by European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers in local assembly operations. This is likely to strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment and help maintain price stability for consumers. On strategic defence integration and industrial collaboration, the report highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership framework under the agreement. EY said the framework lays the foundation for deeper industrial collaboration between Indian and European aerospace and defence firms, enabling technology exchange and improving interoperability. Lower tariffs are also expected to improve the price competitiveness of EU aerospace exports to India, while supporting Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in building integrated supply chains with European partners. The report added that the broader economic opening, along with defence cooperation, could accelerate localisation of critical aerospace technologies, such as complex radar systems or structural assemblies, through foreign direct investment and joint ventures. In the textile sector, the agreement provides zero duty access to the EU market from Day 1. EY noted that this restores India's competitiveness, fully neutralising the impact of the earlier withdrawal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This will allow Indian textile products to enter the EU market at significantly more competitive prices. For the IT sector, the report said that seamless movement of professionals and workers across EU countries may provide faster and easier access to new markets, particularly in the era of new AI technologies. The agreement also creates a pathway for structured engagement on Social Security Agreements over the next five years, addressing a long-pending industry demand to reduce dual social security contributions. India already has Social Security Agreements with 12 EU countries, the report added. The India-EU FTA was concluded on January 27, and it marked a watershed moment in India's global trade strategy. Both sides described this FTA as the "mother of all deals." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly announced the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India. - ANI The newly signed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is hailed as a landmark pact set to unlock unprecedented trade and investment opportunities between the two economies. It is expected to help India integrate more deeply into global supply chains, opening new export avenues and attracting higher foreign direct investment. While sectors like textiles and gems are poised to benefit significantly, challenges such as compliance with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) loom for Indian exporters. The agreement follows 18 years of negotiations and includes a one-year preparation window before becoming effective. The landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement promises major trade expansion and deeper global supply chain integration, though challenges like CBAM compliance remain. New Delhi, January 29 The India-EU FTA is set to unlock major trade expansion across sectors, even as certain teething issues are expected during the rollout of the landmark pact between India and the European Union according to Rudra Kumar Pandey, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co "India-EU FTA is set to bring unprecedented opportunities for both the EU and India in trade and services, and it is expected that both FDI and ODI will increase," Pandey told ANI on Thursday. The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India was signed on January 27 in the national capital. According to Pandely, while the agreement is being seen as a major milestone after long negotiations, Indian companies will need to prepare for higher compliance requirements and evolving EU standards as implementation approaches. Pandey described the India-EU free trade agreement, often referred to as the "mother of all deals", as a major milestone after prolonged negotiations, crediting the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry for pushing the agreement over the past two to three years, following an overall 18-year negotiating process. He said the pact would help India integrate more deeply into global supply chains, opening new export opportunities and positioning Indian companies more firmly within international manufacturing and sourcing networks. Pandey said the agreement could also attract higher foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, alongside technology inflows and expanded collaboration in research and development. He added that there could be greater cooperation in areas such as R&D and design centres, certification and testing laboratories, and low-carbon manufacturing footprints--areas that he said have been persistent challenges for Indian companies. He pointed to the rise in India's outbound direct investment (ODI) in recent years, saying India invested close to USD 30 billion overseas last year. While Singapore remains a key holding structure for both inward and outward investments, Pandey said the EU is among the most important regions for Indian expansion, particularly in the technology and automotive sectors. He added that EU firms could shift sourcing to India from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and in some cases Turkey and Mexico, as tariff benefits under the FTA make Indian supply chains more competitive. On the one-year preparation window before the agreement becomes effective, Pandey said the timeframe would allow both sides to prepare, identify partners, and build compliance systems needed to meet EU standards. He said sectors such as textiles, gems, and jewellery could be among the biggest beneficiaries, especially after disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs. He cited an example where exports to Spain increased by 50 per cent as companies diverted shipments. Addressing concerns raised by India's liquor and automotive industries about competition and the lack of a level playing field, Pandey said niche Indian whisky brands were unlikely to be significantly impacted, while the automotive sector stood to gain from deeper integration into the global ecosystem. On the US response, Pandey said India should focus on expanding opportunities rather than worrying about Washington's view of the deal. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could emerge as the biggest future hurdle for Indian exporters under the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA), potentially raising compliance costs, though small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may get some operational leeway, he said. "The CBAM, the carbon adjustment mechanism tax that is going to be imposed, could be a challenge," Pandey said, adding that the EU has not agreed to grant India an exemption. He said that based on information available in the public domain, SMEs may be allowed to issue self-certification on CBAM-related compliance, which could help reduce time and costs. Separately, on budget expectations, he said industry is looking for higher personal income tax thresholds and faster resolution of tax disputes, which foreign investors continue to flag as a concern. - ANI A mayor in the Philippines is lucky to be alive after an apparent assassination attemptand he has has SUV, at least in part, to thank. A video posted on the Shariff Aguak Municipality's Facebook page, shows an assailant firing a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at the mayors Toyota Land Cruiser. Clearly, the would-be assassins aren't familiar with the model's reputation for durability, because the rugged Toyota shrugs it off and drives away. The attack reportedly took place on January 25 at about 6 a.m., and was caught on CCTV footage that shows a black Land Cruiser with mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan inside turning a corner near a Caltex gas station. Across the street, a separate camera angle shows three men jumping from a parked van; two are armed with rifles and the other with an RPG. The RPG is fired, and appears to make a direct hit on the Toyota. However, the rocket barely slows the Toyota down; it pauses for a brief moment, then speeds off down the street. According to a report from GMA News, the mayor was unharmed in the attack, but two of his security officers were injured. All four suspects who were allegedly part of the assassination attempt were killed by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's not much more information available on the Toyota Land Cruiser in question, other than it seems to be one of the 300-Series models only sold in America as the Lexus LX. As tough as they are, we have to assume the one carrying the mayor was heavily armored, in order to shrug off the rocket attack so easily. At the same time, not all RPGs are created equal, either; they can fire different types of warheads, including anti-tank and anti-personnel. If an armor-piercing anti-tank warhead was used in this attack, it likely would have caused far more damage. Facebook / Trisha Gail Salik Aragon All that being said, it's damned impressive to see a Toyota Land Cruiser take the full brunt of an RPG attack and drive on as if it just hit a pothole. The legend of the Land Cruiser just added another chapter. You Might Also Like India has provided the second batch of election-related assistance to Nepal, ceremonially handing over more than 250 vehicles in Kathmandu. The assistance was delivered in the presence of Nepal's Finance Minister and is part of the support sought by Nepal for its upcoming March 5 election. This follows an initial tranche delivered in January, with more batches expected in the coming weeks. The cooperation underscores the deep development partnership and mutual trust between the two neighboring nations. India delivers second tranche of election aid to Nepal, including over 250 vehicles, to support the March 5 polls following Gen-Z protests. Kathmandu, January 29 India on Thursday provided the second tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal as the nation heads for the March 5 election following the Gen-Z protest. As per the release from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the second tranche of election-related assistance from India was gifted to Nepal, in the presence of the Minister for Finance of Nepal, Rameshore Prasad Khanal. Charge d'affaires a.i., Dr. Rakesh Pande. "Ceremonially handed over more than 250 vehicles to the Government of Nepal, in a ceremony held in the Ministry of Finance in Kathmandu on 29 January 2026," the release stated. "These supplies are a part of the assistance sought by the Government of Nepal, in connection with preparations for the upcoming elections in the country." In his remarks, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal mentioned the longstanding cooperation and friendly ties between India and Nepal. He also thanked the Government and people of India for the supplies and appreciated their significance in preparations for the upcoming elections. The first tranche of such election-related assistance by the Government of India was handed over to Nepal on 20 January 2026. More deliveries are expected to occur in batches over the coming weeks. The ongoing cooperation and support from the Indian side are not only an apt reflection of the multifaceted, multi-sectoral development partnership between the two countries, but also symbolise the deep mutual trust and friendship between the people of India and Nepal. - ANI India is set to host the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, co-chaired with the UAE, marking the first such gathering in ten years. The meeting, the highest institutional mechanism in the partnership, will see participation from foreign ministers and senior officials of all 22 Arab League member states. It aims to build on existing cooperation across five key verticals: economy, energy, education, media, and culture. The event underscores India's ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Arab world, following the formalization of the dialogue process over two decades ago. India co-chairs key Arab foreign ministers' meeting after 10 years, aiming to expand cooperation in economy, energy, and culture with all 22 Arab states. New Delhi, January 29 India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Saturday. The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the '2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting'. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State, and other Senior Officials, and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan, and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on Thursday for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to welcome H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sudan, for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit will further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Sudan." In another post, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." - ANI India is hosting the landmark second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the first such high-level gathering in ten years. The meeting underscores a deep partnership spanning over $240 billion in trade, with Arab nations supplying a major portion of India's energy imports. Cooperation extends across economy, educationincluding AI and quantum computingenergy, and media, supported by a large Indian diaspora. The engagement is institutionalized through forums established with the 22-member Arab League, aiming to strengthen political and strategic ties. India hosts the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, focusing on $240bn trade, energy security, and strategic partnership with the Arab League. New Delhi, January 30 India is hosting the 2nd edition of the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the 31st of this month. Ministers from Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary-General will participate in the meeting. The Foreign Ministers' Meeting will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting scheduled today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The League of Arab States (LAS) was formed in Cairo on March 22, 1945, initially comprising Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria. It began with seven members and currently has 22 member states from the Arab world, including countries from North Africa and the Middle East, with Syria reinstated. The League also has observer states including Armenia, Brazil, Chad, Eritrea, Greece, India and Venezuela. The aim of LAS is to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic and social programmes of its members and to mediate disputes among them or between them and third parties. LAS comprises the Council, Special Ministerial Committees, the General Secretariat and Specialised Agencies. The Council, consisting of foreign ministers of member countries, is the principal political organ and meets twice a year. Each member has one vote, with decisions binding only on states that vote in favour. The League takes decisions on a majority basis but has no mechanism to compel compliance and has faced criticism for internal conflicts and collective inaction on key international issues. LAS maintains multilateral relations with the AU, the EU, ASEAN and the Union of South American Nations. China and LAS established an institutional dialogue mechanism in 2008, covering cooperation in economic, trade, energy and strategic domains. The League also maintains relations with Russia, Brazil and France. LAS has missions in more than 20 countries, including the USA, Russia, China, France, the UK, Brazil and Germany, and also has a Mission in India. The current Secretary General is Ahmed Aboul Gheit. India and LAS share longstanding ties dating back to ancient times through trade, scholarship and diplomacy. India and LAS signed an MoU institutionalising dialogue in March 2002. A Memorandum of Cooperation establishing the Arab-India Cooperation Forum was signed in December 2008 and revised in December 2013. In December 2010, the Indian Ambassador in Cairo was designated India's Permanent Representative to LAS with Observer Status. The first India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Manama, Bahrain, in January 2016, at which the Manama Declaration and the Executive Programme were adopted, covering Economy, Education, Energy, Media, and Culture. Ministerial meetings are held biennially and Senior Officials' Meetings annually, with three SOMs held so far, including a virtual meeting in January 2021. Under the Economy vertical, the Sixth India-Arab Partnership Conference was held in New Delhi in July 2023, with the seventh edition to be hosted by the Arab side. Under Education, the first India-Arab Universities' Presidents' Conference was held in New Delhi on February 5-6, 2025, focusing on higher education, skill development, digital platforms, mutual recognition of degrees, scientific research, including AI, Quantum Computing and Biotechnology, faculty and student exchange, and curriculum development. The second edition will be held early in Ajman. The first Arab-India Energy Forum was held virtually in June 2021, with India planning to host an Energy Symposium during India Energy Week in Goa from January 27-31. Media cooperation includes journalist exchanges, with the inaugural Media Symposium held in New Delhi in August 2014. The Arab India Cultural Festival is a biennial event, with India set to host the third edition. India-Arab trade stands at over USD 240 billion, with bilateral hydrocarbon trade exceeding USD 107 billion. India imports over 95 per cent of LPG, 60 per cent of LNG, and 47 per cent of crude oil from Arab League countries, as well as more than 50 per cent of fertilisers and related products. Over 9 million Indian diaspora reside in Arab League nations. Indian companies invest in the energy sector across multiple Arab countries, and their partnerships span food and energy, financial services, health and education, IT, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Capacity-building initiatives include special training courses for LAS diplomats, with nearly 40 per cent of foreign diplomats trained at SSIFS last year coming from Arab countries. The Arab League condemned the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025 and earlier attacks in India, conveying solidarity and support. A high-level Indian delegation met the Secretary General in Cairo on June 3, 2025, following Operation Sindoor. - ANI Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced India's readiness to play a significant global role in leveraging Artificial Intelligence for climate action. He emphasized that climate change is too serious to be tackled by one nation alone, requiring international collaboration. Singh highlighted India's use of AI in disaster response, environmental monitoring, and healthcare, while cautioning against its blind application. The minister stressed the need for hybrid models that combine AI with human judgement, empathy, and global partnerships to build effective climate resilience. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh states India is ready to contribute AI solutions for climate change, emphasizing global cooperation and human oversight. New Delhi, Jan 29 India is ready to play a larger global role in Artificial Intelligence-led climate action, said Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh. However, Singh stated that climate change was "too serious a subject to be left to one nation alone" and could not be mitigated unless countries worked together across borders. He was speaking at the Technology and Innovation Conclave 2.0, jointly organised by the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Further, the Minister said the country was no longer inward-looking and was increasingly expected to contribute ideas and solutions to international efforts on climate and technology. "India's geographic diversity offered a unique advantage in studying climate impacts and developing adaptable solutions that could be shared with other countries," he said. Singh also linked AI with India's broader technology roadmap, noting that the country was among the early movers in emerging areas such as quantum technologies, having already launched a national quantum mission. Artificial intelligence, he said, was similarly transformative and had become critical for analysing climate data, forecasting disasters, and managing resources. Citing practical examples, the Minister said AI-based models were already being used in disaster response and environmental monitoring, including the analysis of extreme weather events. He also referred to the use of AI in healthcare, where diagnostics that earlier took days could now be completed in minutes, and in drug trials, where technology was improving both speed and precision. Singh also issued a clear caution against blind or uncritical use of artificial intelligence and emphasised the need for AI to be used with human judgement. "Artificial Intelligence must be deployed alongside human judgement, institutional cooperation, and global partnerships if it is to effectively address climate change and build resilience against extreme weather events," Singh said. He emphasised the importance of hybrid models that combine artificial intelligence with human oversight, judgement, and empathy. "One has to be intelligent enough to use artificial intelligence," he said, underlining that technology should be treated as an essential tool rather than a substitute for human responsibility. - IANS Veteran trade union leader and Communist Party of India member H.V. Anantha Subbarao passed away at 84 in Bengaluru following a cardiac arrest. He was a lifelong associate of the All India Trade Union Congress and a pivotal figure in Karnataka's transport workers' unions for nearly five decades. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Opposition leaders including R. Ashoka and Basavaraj Bommai expressed deep condolences, praising his unwavering commitment to workers' rights. Subbarao is survived by his wife Nagaratna and two daughters. CM Siddaramaiah, BJP leaders pay homage to veteran CPI & AITUC leader H.V. Anantha Subbarao, 84, who championed transport workers' rights for decades. Bengaluru, Jan 29 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that H.V. Anantha Subbarao, who remained active in workers' struggles till the very end of his life, was a committed Communist Party of India leader. He was speaking to the media on Thursday after paying his last respects to the mortal remains of late Comrade H.V. Anantha Subbarao. Veteran Trade Union leader H.V. Anantha Subbarao, 84, passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday following cardiac arrest. He was well-known for his long years of work with the state-owned road transport corporation. He is survived by his wife Nagaratna and two daughters. Associated with the All India Trade Union Congress his entire life, he was at the forefront of the transport workers union in Karnataka for decades. "Comrade Anantha Subbarao was actively involved in several struggles as a voice of workers. Even a month ago, he had met the Chief Minister as a representative of KSRTC employees. He had served as the President of the KSRTC Joint Action Committee and as the President of the staff union. He was a committed, secular CPI leader," Siddaramaiah said. The Chief Minister added that the state had suffered a loss due to his demise. Praying for peace to his departed soul, he said that he would also pray to God to grant strength to his family and supporters to bear the grief of his death. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Anantha Subbarao, who remained active in workers' movements till his last breath, was well known to him personally. He added that he had shared a good relationship with him ever since his tenure as the State Transport Minister. Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, R. Ashoka, said, "I express my deepest condolences on the demise of senior labour leader Anantha Subbarao, who was also very close to me." "Anantha Subbarao was actively associated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) organisation for nearly five decades. As the General Secretary of the Karnataka state unit and later as its President, he built the organisation in Karnataka from the grassroots. For nearly five decades, he was a committed leader who fought for the rights of workers -- from street-level struggles to high-level conciliation meetings with the government," BJP leader Ashoka said. "Even during my tenure as the State Transport Minister, I had several opportunities to meet him during conciliation meetings held to address the issues of transport employees. While he maintained an unwavering stand in favour of workers, he would also cooperate when requested to ensure that the public was not inconvenienced," he added. "Although he (Anantha Subbarao) stepped down from the post of AITUC President in December 2025 due to age-related reasons, he remained a strong and resolute voice for workers until his last breath -- testimony to his life of commitment. I pray that his soul attains eternal peace, and that God grants strength to his family and countless admirers to bear the pain of this irreparable loss," he said. Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has expressed deep sorrow over the death of labour leader H.V. Anantha Subbarao following a heart attack. In a post on X, he said that Anantha Subbarao had fought relentlessly for the cause of workers for nearly four decades and had played a key role in ensuring justice for them. With his (Anantha Subbarao's) demise, the state has lost a sincere and committed fighter, former Chief Minister Bommai said, adding that the CPI leader's death has caused an irreparable loss to labour organisations and also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. - IANS The Congress-led Karnataka government has issued a circular urging all state officials and employees to wear khadi attire on the first Saturday of every month. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh stated the move aims to reconnect public service with India's freedom struggle and support the rural economy. The voluntary initiative is intended to foster respect for indigenous products and national spirit among government staff. The order has been welcomed by employees and is expected to significantly benefit the state's weaver community and khadi production centers. Karnataka government directs officials to wear khadi on the first Saturday of each month to support rural weavers and promote national pride. Bengaluru, Jan 30 The Congress-led government in Karnataka has issued a circular promoting khadi use among officials to mark the 77th Republic Day which was observed on January 26. The state government on Thursday urged officials to wear khadi on first Saturday of every month. State Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has issued the circular in this regard and said, ""Khadi" is not merely a garment; it is a symbol of the nation's dignity and pride. At present, khadi weavers are taking steps to produce garments in new and modern designs. Moreover, khadi production forms the backbone of the rural economy and provides direct and indirect livelihoods to thousands of rural spinners and weavers in the state." "Therefore, on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with the objective of reconnecting public service with the country's freedom struggle, the state government has taken an important decision to promote the use of khadi. Accordingly, officers and employees of all state government, aided institutions, corporations, boards, autonomous bodies, universities are requested to "voluntarily" wear khadi attire on the first Saturday of every month, and to issue directions to officers and staff of their respective departments to wear khadi while participating in all official government programmes, including the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations," Rajneesh added. "The state government believes that this initiative will help foster respect for indigenous products, unity, national spirit, Indianness, self-respect, and a sense of social responsibility among government officers and employees," she said. The government order has also provided the link which provides details of the names, addresses, and products of the 176 khadi associations and institutions currently functioning across all districts in the state. The copy of the order has been sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of the state government. This decision of the Congress-led state government has been welcomed and received appreciation from the government employees and all sections of the society in Karnataka. The move is also likely to help weaver's community and government-owned khadi production centres in the state. - IANS The Karnataka government has mandated 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year for women employees in both government and private sectors. The order, issued by the state's Education Department, applies to women aged 18 to 52 and is effective immediately. Employees can avail one day of leave per month without needing to produce a medical certificate. The policy is designed to enhance efficiency and boost the morale of women in the workforce. Karnataka govt orders 12 days paid menstrual leave per year for women employees in govt & private sectors. New policy aims to boost morale. Bengaluru, Jan 30 The Karnataka Education Department has issued a circular on Thursday ordering granting of provision of menstrual leave facility for women government employees in the state. The order in this regard has been issued by the Commissioner of the School Education Department, Vikas Suralkar. It may be noted that the Karnataka government issued a November 2025 order mandating 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually (1 day/month) for women in both government and private sectors, covering ages 18-52, applicable across various establishments under different labour laws. The order by the Education department stated, "To enhance the efficiency and performance of women employees working in various departments of the state, and to boost their morale, the provisions for availing one day of paid leave per month during the menstrual cycle-amounting to a total of 12 days of paid leave annually-shall be as proposed in Reference (2) and as specified in the Government Order dated Nov 12, 2025." The order has also mentioned conditions. They include, "Women employees shall avail the menstrual leave for the respective month only in that month. Carrying forward unused menstrual leave to the subsequent month shall not be permitted; Women employees are not required to produce any medical certificate to avail one day of menstrual leave per month. Women government employees aged between 18 and 52 years who are menstruating shall be eligible to avail this leave. The competent authority empowered to sanction casual leave shall also be authorised to sanction menstrual leave. This leave shall be entered separately in the leave/attendance register. Menstrual leave shall not be combined with any other kind of leave, the order stated. The order further stated, "The facility may be availed by submitting an application to the competent authority. Employees availing the leave shall, depending on the circumstances, necessarily bring to the notice of the concerned section officer any urgent office files or court-related files and ensure that responsibilities are duly attended to." "In accordance with the above government orders, menstrual leave shall be implemented for women employees working in departmental offices who are within the age limit of 52 years and are menstruating, with effect from the date of issuance of the government order," the order said. - IANS Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal presented the 2026 state budget, declaring the creation of a transformative "new normal" across all sectors over the past decade. He emphasised that Kerala's greatest asset is its social unity and warned against divisive communal forces seeking to undermine it. Balagopal accused the central government of attempting to "choke" the state by cutting borrowing limits and denying legitimate funds. The budget featured significant allocations, including Rs 14,500 crore for welfare pensions and pay hikes for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and other frontline personnel. Kerala FM KN Balagopal presents 2026 budget, highlighting transformative progress, social unity as key asset, and accusing Centre of fund denial. Thiruvananthapuram, January 29 Presenting the Kerala Budget 2026 in the State Assembly, Finance Minister KN Balagopal said on Thursday the State has witnessed transformative progress over the last decade, creating a "new normal" across sectors. He emphasised that the progress achieved across all spheres of people's lives over the last 10 years is remarkable and cannot be compared with what Kerala was like. "Today's Kerala is not the Kerala of ten years ago. In every sector, Kerala has created a new normal. The progress achieved in all spheres of people's lives is remarkable, so much so that even the old normal cannot be compared with it. During this session of the Assembly, we wish to discuss the changes that have taken place in every development sector. With facts, figures, and examples, we are prepared to present the proud achievements Kerala has attained. We are ready to patiently listen to what the opposition has to say. If such a discussion takes place in the Assembly, it will be a good model of democracy," he said. Emphasising social unity as Kerala's most valuable asset, Balagopal warned against divisive forces while expressing confidence in the state's financial resilience. Balagopal said that maintaining peace, tranquillity, religious harmony, and unity is the strongest guarantee of future growth and prosperity. "There are more messages of happiness to be shared in the new budget speech. However, before moving on to that, there is a danger that concerns the people of Kerala and one that needs to be approached with caution, which I wish to speak about. No matter how many budgets are presented or how many crores are spent, there is an asset that Kerala has which cannot be obtained through any of that. That great asset is the unity of the people of Kerala. The ability to maintain peace, tranquillity, religious harmony, and unity is the biggest guarantee of our future growth and prosperity. There is no need to think of any better factor than this to attract foreign tourists, entrepreneurs, and capital to our state. But venomous communal serpents are lying in wait to destroy this collective unity of Kerala. The new strategy being taught by election experts is to brand those who build a people's unity as a shield against communalism. We dismiss such branding with contempt," he said. The Kerala Finance Minister also accused the Centre of "choking" the state government by denying funds. "By cutting the previously fixed borrowing limit and denying legitimate arrears, the central government is attempting to choke the state government. All this is temporary. It should be seen only as a stealth attack during the election period," KN Balagopal said. Calling it his sixth budget, Balagopal said the government has largely fulfilled its electoral promises and continues to pursue carefully planned programmes aimed at inclusive growth and long-term prosperity. "I am presenting the budget with great happiness and pride. This is the sixth budget that I am presenting. Each budget I have presented on behalf of the state government has been an announcement of carefully planned programmes aimed at fulfilling the promises made to the people during the election period. We have presented before the people the progress achieved in implementing the commitments made in the election manifesto. The progress reports presented during the tenure of the previous government have been widely discussed. With the satisfaction that the promises made have been almost fully implemented, today's budget is being presented," he said. Highlighting reforms in the Budget, FM Balagopal stated that Rs 3,820 crore has been allocated for the women's security welfare pension. "Rs 400 crore is allocated for the Chief Minister's 'Connect to Work' scholarship scheme and Rs 14,500 crore is allocated for disbursing welfare pensions for the year 2026-27," he said. According to the Budget, a pay hike will be implemented as follows: Rs 1,000 for Anganwadi workers, Rs 500 for Anganwadi helpers, Rs 1,000 for pre-primary teachers, and a Rs 1,000 increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers. Further, a Rs 25 increase in daily wages for school mid-day meal workers and a Rs 1,000 increase in monthly wages for literacy promoters have been included in the Budget. - ANI Actor Madhavan recently met fellow star Ajith Kumar at the Dubai Autodrome, with pictures of their interaction going viral on social media. Ajith, an avid motorsport enthusiast, has previously been visited at race tracks by other celebrities like Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Sibi Sathyaraj, and Anirudh. His dedication to racing is being documented in a feature-length docu-film directed by A L Vijay, scheduled for a theatrical release on his birthday, May 1. The film aims to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and help popularize motorsports in India. Actor Madhavan visits Ajith at Dubai Autodrome. Ajith's racing docu-film, directed by A L Vijay, set for May 1 release. Chennai, Jan 29 Well known actor Madhavan on Thursday met actor Ajith at the Dubai Autodrome, where the latter's racing team will be seen in action later this week. Pictures that showed Madhavan interacting with Ajith at the Dubai Autodrome have now gone viral on social media platforms. Madhavan is the latest in a list of stars to have called on Ajith on the race tracks in Dubai. It may be recalled that earlier this month, actress Nayanthara and her director husband, Vignesh Shivan, had arrived at the Dubai Autodrome to cheer for actor Ajith, who took part in the popular Dubai 24H Series event. A video clip that showed the actress and her husband being greeted by Ajith Kumar at the Dubai Autodrome had then gone viral on the Internet. Prior to Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, actor Sibi Sathyaraj had taken to his X timeline to share a video clip that showed Ajith warmly receiving him and his family members at the circuit. Sharing the video clip, Sibi Sathyaraj had said, "It was a real pleasure to meet #Ajithkumar sir at the #24HDubai racing event today. Was truly impressed by all the effort and hard work he has put into pursuing his passion. As always it was wonderful conversing and spending quality time with you dear sir.Thanks for the opportunity!" Before Sibi, one of India's top music directors Anirudh had called on actor Ajith Kumar on the Marina Race Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, actor Ajith Kumar's efforts on the race track are to be made into a docu-film, which sources say will be released in theatres on May 1 this year on the occasion of his birthday. Sources close to the actor had confirmed to IANS that ace Tamil film director A L Vijay is directing this docu-film, which will be around 90 minutes long and will seek to inspire scores of youngsters to pursue their dreams. "Scores of youngsters have dreams that remain unfulfilled. Life makes their dreams drift away from them.This will be an attempt to inspire them to pursue their dreams," a source close to the star had said. The move, sources say, will also be an attempt to popularise motorsport, which many still consider a rich man's sport in the country. The source also disclosed that director Vijay had filmed not just the gripping races in Malaysia but had also captured crucial and engaging moments including strategy meetings, discussions with teams, practise sessions and Ajith's preparation on the whole. The source had also informed that director Vijay would also be filming the races in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to be included in the docu-film. - IANS The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be performed in Baramati with full state honours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony. The state government has announced a three-day period of mourning following the fatal plane crash that claimed five lives. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has taken over the probe into the crash of the Learjet 45 aircraft. Last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar to be held in Baramati. PM Modi, Amit Shah, and top leaders to attend. State mourning declared. Baramati, Jan 29 The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will be held on Thursday in his political stronghold, Baramati, with full state honours, following his tragic death in a plane crash. Ajit Pawar's mortal remains have been kept at the Vidya Pratishtan ground to enable people to pay their final respects. A large gathering of supporters, party workers and locals is expected to visit the venue throughout the day. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several senior political leaders are scheduled to attend the funeral ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are also expected to be present at the last rites of the Deputy Chief Minister. In view of the tragic demise, the Maharashtra government has announced a three-day state mourning. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state. Meanwhile, police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with the plane crash. Additionally, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the probe. Deputy CM Pawar and four others were killed when a Learjet 45 aircraft crashed near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, bearing registration number VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures. Apart from Deputy CM Pawar, the people onboard the plane, Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR, included a personal security officer (PSO), a flight attendant, and two crew members -- a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and a Second-in-Command (SIC). The deceased have been identified as Vidip Jadhav (male), Pinky Mali (female). Additionally, the crew members were PIC Sumit Kapur and SIC Shambhavi Pathak, according to the passenger list. According to the comprehensive account provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 with registration VT-SSK, managed by the operator VSR Ventures. The flight had been granted authorisation to touch down on Runway 11 at exactly 8:43 a.m. after the flight crew had previously decided to abort an initial landing sequence. However, a chilling silence followed as Air Traffic Control personnel failed to receive any verbal acknowledgement or readback from the cockpit crew after the landing clearance was transmitted. The situation turned catastrophic just sixty seconds later at 8:44 a.m. when ground controllers witnessed a sudden burst of flames erupting near the threshold of the tabletop runway. This incident has also brought scrutiny to the operator, VSR Ventures, which maintains a fleet of 17 aircraft. The Ministry pointed out a concerning precedent, noting that on September 14, 2023, another Learjet 45 owned by the same company, with registration VT-DBL, suffered a separate accident during a landing attempt at Mumbai Airport. That previous incident remains under an ongoing investigation by the authorities. - IANS Ford Motor Company has announced a targeted safety recall for a small number of 2026 Ford Explorer SUVs after detecting a windshield bonding issue that could allow the windshield to detach in a collision. The recall is the latest in a series of actions addressing quality concerns with the 2026 Explorer, the flagship three-row SUV in Fords lineup and one of the best-selling sport utility vehicles in the United States. According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles may have had inadequate application of the urethane bonding material between the windshield glass and the body of the vehicle during assembly. In the event of a crash, an improperly bonded windshield could detach from the vehicle, potentially undermining the structure of the cabin and increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Image Credit: Ford. A note on the NHTSAs recall page: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting." An Assembly Line Problem at the Source Fords internal quality control processes detected the problem during end-of-line testing at the companys Chicago Assembly Plant, where the Explorer has been built since its transition to a unibody design in 2010. The production issue was traced to an equipment failure that occurred over a brief two-day period in October 2025. The result was a batch of vehicles with windshields that did not meet the manufacturers bonding specifications. Thanks to the defect being caught early, only eight 2026 Explorer SUVs are included in this recall. Ford is contacting owners directly and has arranged for each affected vehicle to have its windshield replaced free of charge by authorized dealers. NHTSA records show that owner notification letters began being mailed around January 26, 2026: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 30, 2026 Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026. In official recall documentation, Ford lists the reference number for this action as 26C02, with owners instructed to contact Ford customer service or visit a dealership to schedule the windshield replacement once they receive the letter. Part of a Broader Pattern for the 2026 Explorer Image Credit: Ford. This recall follows several other actions involving the 2026 Explorer. Earlier notices covered a potential trail hitch assembly problem that could allow the hitch to detach, visible air bubbles in the windshield glass that could reduce driver visibility, and an oil leak that posed a potential fire risk. In each of those cases, dealers will inspect and fix the condition at no cost to owners, according to NHTSA records. The windshield air bubble recall in particular affected tens of thousands of vehicles across Ford and Lincoln models, including some 2025 and 2026 Explorers, Aviators, and Corsairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That earlier recall was issued after reports that the windshield laminate material might contain visible bubbles that could obscure the drivers line of sight and fail to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 for glazing materials. Recalls and Quality Assurance Image Credit: Ford. Fords recent string of recalls has drawn scrutiny from industry analysts and consumer advocates. In 2025, the Blue Oval faced a higher-than-normal number of safety campaigns compared with many rivals. Despite those numbers, company executives have responded publicly with assurances that enhanced quality control measures are producing improvements. Fords leadership has described a philosophy of stopping production whenever a defect is detected and addressing issues promptly to protect customers. In interviews last year with automotive media, Fords operational leadership pointed to early data suggesting progress toward greater durability and fewer quality issues on new models. Those comments included comparisons with competitors known for strong initial quality performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer safety experts emphasize that while recalls may alarm some buyers, the existence of a recall is not itself proof of overall poor quality. Recalls are required when a vehicle or component does not meet federal safety standards and may pose a risk in certain conditions. In this case, Fords rapid identification of the problem limited the number of vehicles affected and ensured that the required remedy is straightforward and accessible. The Manipur government has announced a plan to rehabilitate approximately 40,000 people displaced by ethnic violence by March 2026, with over 16,500 already resettled. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel stated that a state-level committee is rigorously monitoring the process, which focuses on livelihood, education, and wellness beyond mere relocation. The government has sanctioned about 7,000 houses under a special scheme and released around Rs 124 crore for resettlement efforts. This comes amid protests by displaced families demanding secure return to their original homes, following meetings with state officials. Manipur govt plans to resettle 40,000 people displaced since May 2023 violence. Over 16,500 already rehabilitated with Rs 124 crore released for housing and aid. Imphal, Jan 30 The Manipur government on Thursday announced plans to rehabilitate around 40,000 Internally Displaced People, who have been living in relief camps since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, by March this year. Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, announcing the rehabilitation plan, said that the Government aims to resettle more than 10,000 displaced IDP families consisting of more than 40,000 people by March 31, 2026. "The Government remains committed to ensure timely and safe rehabilitation of all displaced persons at the earliest," he said. The Chief Secretary said that the state government, from time to time, has been apprising the people of Manipur regarding the progress of resettlement of IDPs in the state. "As stated earlier, a state-level committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, and with the Commissioner, Home Department, Director General of Police, and other senior officials of the government as members, has been formed to monitor the rehabilitation process in the state, Goel said. Similarly, district-level committees are formed under the District Magistrates. According to the Chief Secretary, these committees are meeting regularly and conducting rigorous reviews of the rehabilitation process. He said that the primary aim of the government is to gradually and securely rehabilitate IDPs, restore stable living conditions, and enable resumption of livelihoods, education and normal community life. The government's vision extends beyond mere relocation of IDPs from camps to their homes, rather a holistic transition out of relief camps with focus on livelihood, education and overall wellness of the IDPs. By December 2025, more than 2,200 families consisting of about 10,000 IDPs had been resettled, Goel said. To further this momentum, approximately 7,000 houses have been sanctioned under the Special PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin) for the reconstruction of fully damaged houses, and these units are currently in various stages of completion. The government has so far released about Rs 124 crore for the resettlement of IDPs at various locations. As on Thursday (January 29), about 3,700 families consisting of about 16,500 IDPs have been successfully resettled. Meanwhile, hundreds of violence-hit IDPs on January 12 staged a protest rally in Imphal, demanding a positive response from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on their resettlement. Backed by the COCOMI, the IDPs organised the rally and demanded that displaced families be allowed to return to their original places with adequate security arrangements. A team led by COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba held a meeting with Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and later met the Governor, after which the agitators dispersed. A Lok Bhavan official had said the COCOMI-IDPs joint delegation called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan, Imphal, where they shared broad concerns related to the situation of displaced people and raised various issues requiring attention. The state government has established over 300 relief camps across the Imphal Valley and hilly regions to provide shelter to over 60,000 men, women and children displaced since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 - IANS Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik has written an emotional open letter paying tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who recently passed away. Sarnaik describes Pawar as a lifelong mentor and guide who taught him the nuances of public service and human relationships. The letter recalls their last meeting just a day before Pawar's passing and references a famous 2008 incident involving a diamond-studded mobile phone at a temple. Sarnaik vows to cherish Pawar's trust and teachings, expressing profound shock and loss at his departure. Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik pens an emotional open letter remembering Deputy CM Ajit Pawar as a mentor and guide, reflecting on their decades-long bond. Mumbai, Jan 29 Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik has penned an emotional open letter paying tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reflecting on a bond that has endured for over three decades and transcended the boundaries of politics. Describing the relationship as deeply personal, Sarnaik wrote that Pawar had been more than just a towering political figure in his life -- he had been a mentor, guide, and a constant source of strength. In his letter, Sarnaik recalled his early days as a young worker of the student wing and later as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation. "Dada, your passing is not just the loss of a great leader, but the departure of a mentor and a person of deep affection from my life. My mind is still not ready to accept that you are no longer among us," he wrote. Sarnaik highlighted that his visits to Baramati were never strictly about political business. He credited Ajit Pawar for teaching him the nuances of public service, maintaining discipline, and, most importantly, how to nurture human relationships. "You didn't just tell us how to maintain relationships; you lived it. Your love was genuine. You would laughingly say, 'We must help Pratap,' and whenever I looked back, your firm support was always there standing behind me," the letter read. The Minister also touched upon a famous incident from July 2008 involving a diamond-studded mobile phone at the Siddhivinayak Temple. Sarnaik clarified that the gesture was never about the object itself, but a symbol of his deep-seated respect and love for Pawar. "Even today, people recognise me because of that incident, and your name is forever attached to it," he noted. The most poignant part of the letter referred to their very last interaction. Sarnaik revealed that they had met just a day prior, following a Cabinet meeting. "After the Cabinet meeting ended on Tuesday, I gave you an invitation for February 9, and now you are gone. It still doesn't feel real," Sarnaik shared, expressing the shock felt by the entire political fraternity. Closing the tribute, Sarnaik vowed to cherish the trust and love Pawar had bestowed upon him. "Your memories, teachings, and the confidence you gave me will remain with me at every step. Your absence cannot be put into words. A heartfelt tribute, Dada." - IANS The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated chariot for his final journey in Pune today. The procession will allow the public to pay their last respects before the funeral at Vidya Pratishthan Ground. Pawar, a veteran politician, died in a plane crash in Baramati alongside three others. He was the state's longest-serving deputy chief minister, known for his grassroots connection and significant role in cooperative movements. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's final journey begins from Pune. Procession in decorated rath, public homage, and funeral details. Pune, January 29 The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers, featuring Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11 AM. Hours ahead of the procession, crowds of party workers and supporters gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital in Baramati, where Pawar's mortal remains were kept before being taken to his residence. A teary-eyed party worker, Chandrashekar Patil, mourned Ajit Dada's death and reflected on the Deputy CM's hardworking routine. "Who will we go to now?....the elder person of this family has left, who will guide us now? Everyone has been mourning his death since morning. It's extremely unfortunate....He used to wake up at 5 AM, listen to people's grievances and continue with his working schedule," Patil said while breaking into tears. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray also visited Ajit Pawar's Baramati residence on Wednesday to offer condolences to the grieving family following his demise. Furthermore, the postmortem examinations of pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali, who also died in the Baramati plane crash, have been completed, and their mortal remains were handed over to their families. Their postmortems were conducted at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Following the procedure, the bodies were released to their respective families. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit 'Dada' Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. Pawar was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" because of his tireless striving for the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to the people and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to government administration, Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Dada's leadership journey began and continued across institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks, and took a new direction in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He would later vacate the Baramati seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. Since then, he has held many more positions, including MLA, Minister of State for various critical government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became the Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was famed for his straightforward approach and frankness. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. - ANI The Ambassador of Romania to India, Sena Latif, has described the concluded Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union as a historic "mother of all deals." The agreement, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders, culminates 18 years of negotiations and creates a common market for two billion consumers. Bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU stood at approximately USD 136 billion in the 2024-25 period. The integration of these two major economies is expected to unlock significant new trade and investment opportunities across sectors. Romanian Ambassador Sena Latif calls the concluded India-EU FTA a historic "mother of all deals," connecting 2 billion consumers. By Palash Srivastava, New Delhi, January 29 Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a "mother of all deals". Speaking to ANI, Ambassador of Romania described the recent Free Trade Agreement between India and European Union as "historic", saying that it creates a common market which connects two billion consumers from around the world. "It's a historical deal (India-EU FTA) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced. It will be signed very soon, but the negotiations are concluded. It was a very difficult, long process of 18 years of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the EU and India. They call it the mother of all deals, because we know about how many free trade deals we're talking about these days," said Sena Latif, the Ambassador of Romania. She continued, "But this is the most important one, bringing together 2 billion consumers, a quarter of the world, a third of the world's market. It's two huge partners that are bringing together their forces to have a common market, which is beneficial for all of us, and definitely for Romania and India as well." The India-EU FTA was jointly announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of European leaders to India. The documents related to the conclusion of the FTA were exchanged between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The announcement marks a historic milestone in India-EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners. The FTA comes after intense negotiations following the re-launch of talks in 2022 and represents the culmination of years of sustained dialogue and cooperation between India and the EU. The agreement reflects the political will and shared vision of both sides to deliver a balanced, modern, and rules-based economic and trade partnership. The European Union is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services witnessing steady growth over the years.In 2024-25, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at Rs 11.5 lakh crore (USD 136.54 billion), with exports valued at Rs 6.4 lakh crore (USD 75.85 billion) and imports at Rs 5.1 lakh crore (USD 60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached Rs 7.2 lakh crore (USD 83.10 billion) in 2024. The integration of these two large, diverse, and complementary economies is expected to create unprecedented trade and investment opportunities, including in the pharmaceutical sector. - ANI The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has exchanged an MoU to establish the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence, funded by a generous Rs 100 crore endowment from alumni Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, present at the virtual exchange, hailed the move as a concrete step towards India becoming a global AI superpower under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The school aims to boost India's AI capabilities, democratize access, create jobs, and harness AI for social good. This initiative is seen as a landmark in alumni philanthropy and institutional strengthening for India's technological future. IIM Ahmedabad establishes Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI with a Rs 100 crore endowment from alumni, aiming to boost India's global AI leadership. New Delhi, January 29 The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad on Thursday exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding with Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon for the establishment of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIMA, Ministry of Education said on Thursday. The MoU was exchanged in the esteemed presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Ambassador Vinay Kwatra virtually in the USA. The School will be established through a generous endowment of Rs 100 crore by Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, an alumna of IIMA's PGP Class of 1975, and Ranjan Tandon. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his happiness to witness the exchange of the MoU for setting up the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIM Ahmedabad. He said that the MoU in the lead-up to the India--AI Impact Summit 2026 is a solid reflection of the concrete actions Bharat is taking under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become a global AI superpower. Pradhan said that AI will be an enabler for powering people, progress and planet. India's AI leadership will not only be shaped by technology but by the strength of our institutions and human capital. The Chief Minister appreciated Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, a proud alumna of IIM Ahmedabad and her husband Ranjan Tandon for their benevolent gesture of setting up this AI school with an endowment fund of Rs. 100 crore. This philanthropic initiative sets and strengthens a fine tradition of alumni giving back to their alma mater, the release stated. He stated that Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence will work towards boosting India's AI capabilities, democratising AI, creating jobs from India for the global AI economy, harnessing AI for creating a global impact in improving lives and advancing social good, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking it to X, Pradhan wrote, "Delighted to witness the exchange of MoU for setting up Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at IIM Ahmedabad. The MoU in the lead-up to the India--AI Impact Summit 2026 is a solid reflection of the concrete actions Bharat is taking under the leadership of PM Modi to become a global AI superpower." He further stated that India's AI will not only be shaped by technology but also by the strength of institutions. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Chandrika Tandon for the generous donation, saying that the gesture continues the tradition of alumni giving back to the alma mater. - ANI Madhya Pradesh concludes its Republic Day celebrations today with the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal, with Governor Mangubhai Patel attending as chief guest. The state is unique in India for officially organizing this annual event, mirroring the national ceremony in New Delhi. The tradition, with roots in ancient battlefield signals, features patriotic music, folk tunes, and the iconic bugle call as the national flag is lowered. This blend of military discipline and cultural performance serves as a poignant reminder of national unity and valour. Madhya Pradesh holds its annual Beating the Retreat ceremony in Bhopal today, the only Indian state to officially organize this military tradition. Bhopal, Jan 29 Madhya Pradesh will bring its Republic Day festivities to a ceremonial close today with the traditional Beating the Retreat ceremony at Lal Parade Ground in Jahangirabad, Bhopal. The event is scheduled to begin at 4.30 p.m. with Governor Mangubhai Patel attending as the chief guest. This grand military tradition, steeped in history, is uniquely observed in the state capital alongside the national ceremony in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh stands alone among Indian states in organising an official Beating the Retreat event annually on January 29, mirroring the national observance and underscoring the state's commitment to preserving cultural and military heritage. The ceremony traces its roots to ancient battlefield practices where, at sunset, a bugle call signalled the end of hostilities. Soldiers would then lay down their weapons, withdraw from combat, and lower flags and standards as they returned to camp. Over centuries, this evolved into a formalised spectacle blending discipline, music, and symbolism. In contemporary India, Beating the Retreat signifies the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations held every year on January 26. Performed in the evening as the sun sets, the program features stirring renditions of patriotic songs, folk melodies, Indian classical compositions, and popular tunes performed by massed bands. The highlight arrives with the iconic Retreat tune played by buglers, accompanied by the lowering of the national flag amid an atmosphere charged with patriotism and pride. The event serves as a poignant reminder of national unity, military valour, and cultural dignity on the third day of Republic Day observances. Spectators witness synchronised performances that evoke both solemnity and celebration, with bands delivering precise and emotive music under the open sky. Held exclusively in Bhopal and Delhi, this ceremony distinguishes Madhya Pradesh's Republic Day calendar, drawing crowds to Lal Parade Ground for an evening of reflection and inspiration. As Governor Patel presides over the ceremony, the proceedings reinforce the state's role in upholding traditions that honour India's armed forces and shared heritage. With its blend of historical significance and vibrant musical display, the Beating the Retreat in Bhopal continues to captivate audiences, marking a dignified end to the nation's premier patriotic festival while fostering a deep sense of collective identity and respect for those who serve. - IANS Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a 108-feet high national flag mast at the Mehdipatnam Army Garrison in Hyderabad. The ceremony honored the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces and their families. The flag mast was sponsored by the Flag Foundation of India and is the third-tallest in the city. The event highlighted the military heritage of the garrison and the synergy between civil administration and the Army. Telangana Governor inaugurates 108-feet high national flag mast at Mehdipatnam Army Garrison, honoring armed forces and national pride. Hyderabad, Jan 30 Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the national flag installed on a 108-feet high mast at Army Garrison here on Thursday. The solemn ceremony organised by the Indian Army at the Mehdipatnam Garrison was attended by senior Army officers, civil dignitaries, representatives of the Flag Foundation of India, soldiers, veterans and NCC cadets. The event included a guard of honour, hoisting of the national flag and the rendition of the national anthem, said a defence release. Addressing the gathering, the Governor paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism and selfless service of the Indian armed forces and acknowledged the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. He expressed appreciation for the contribution of veterans and Veer Naris and encouraged NCC cadets to uphold the values of discipline, service and patriotism. The Governor also thanked Naveen Jindal, President, Flag Foundation of India, for sponsoring the 108-feet high mast flag, commending its efforts in promoting respect for the tricolour and strengthening national pride. Maj Gen Rahul Dev Sharma, General-Officer-Commanding Bison Division, expressed his gratitude to the Governor and emphasised the Indian Army's commitment to upholding the dignity of the national flag and said that the installation of this high-mast flag is a testament to the seamless synergy between the civil administration and the Bison Division. The Mehdipatnam Garrison, with its rich military heritage, was highlighted as a symbol of discipline, readiness and service to the nation. This is the third-tallest flagpost in Hyderabad. The flag in Sanjeevaiah Park on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake stands tall at 288 feet. In 2023, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a 120-foot replica of a historic flagpost at the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad. The replica is a reminder of the teak wood flagpost where the tricolour was hoisted for the first time in 1948, when the Hyderabad state was integrated into the Indian Union. A 100-feet-tall national flag was unfurled at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad in 2016. - IANS US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington's temporary oversight of Venezuelan oil revenues as a necessary step to prevent economic collapse following the removal of Nicolas Maduro. He explained the mechanism allows sanctioned oil to be sold, with funds deposited into a US-supervised account to pay for essential government services. Rubio stated Venezuela has agreed to monthly budgets and an audit system to ensure proper use of the money. He also noted Venezuela has passed a new hydrocarbon law to attract private investment, which is central to the country's recovery. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells senators that temporary US control of Venezuelan oil funds is necessary to prevent economic collapse. Washington, Jan 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended Washington's oversight of Venezuelan oil revenues, telling senators that the arrangement was necessary to prevent economic collapse while the country transitions away from corruption and mismanagement. Rubio on Wednesday (local time) said Venezuela was facing an immediate crisis after the removal of Nicolas Maduro, with oil production continuing but no place to store or sell crude. "They were producing oil, they were drilling, but they had nowhere to put it," he said. "They were facing a fiscal crunch." To address that, Rubio said the US allowed sanctioned oil to reach global markets at market prices, with strict conditions. "The funds from that will be deposited into an account that we will have oversight over," he said. He said the money is intended to cover basic needs. "They needed money and the immediacy to fund the police officer, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government," Rubio said. He stressed that the mechanism is temporary. "This is not going to be the permanent mechanism," he said. "This is a short-term mechanism." Rubio said Venezuela has agreed to submit monthly budgets detailing how funds will be used. "We will provide for them at the front end what that money cannot be used for," he said. He also said part of the money will fund an audit system. "They will agree to pay for and fund an audit system acceptable to us to ensure that that's how the money was spent," he said. Responding to concerns about corruption, Rubio acknowledged the risks. "We are dealing with individuals that have been involved in things that in our system would not be acceptable," he said. But he argued that engagement is unavoidable. "You have to work with the people that are in charge of the elements of government," Rubio said. He said Venezuela has already taken steps toward reform, including passing a new hydrocarbon law. "They have passed a new hydrocarbon law that basically eradicates many of the Chavez-era restrictions on private investment," he said. "It probably doesn't go far enough, but it's a big step from where they were three weeks ago," Rubio added. He said oil policy is central to Venezuela's recovery, but warned that investment will only come with legal certainty. "Companies are only going to invest somewhere if they know we're going to make our money back with a profit and our land isn't going to be taken from us," he said. For India, a major oil importer with long experience navigating sanctions and energy geopolitics, the hearing highlighted how oil revenues, sanctions enforcement and political transition are being tightly linked in US foreign policy. - IANS Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched 188 development projects worth Rs 827 crore in Samastipur district. The projects include foundation stone laying, inaugurations, and new work launches focused on infrastructure and public welfare. During his visit, he inspected a government engineering college, inaugurated a new building, and reviewed ongoing schemes like bridge construction. The event was part of the third day of the second phase of his statewide Samriddhi Yatra. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated 188 projects worth Rs 827 crore in Samastipur, boosting infrastructure and welfare during his Samriddhi Yatra. Patna, Jan 29 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday launched 188 development projects worth Rs 827 crore in Samastipur district as part of his ongoing Samriddhi Yatra. Out of the total projects, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 71 projects, inaugurated 74 completed projects, and launched work on 43 new projects, giving a major boost to infrastructure and public welfare initiatives in the district. During his visit, Nitish Kumar inspected the Government Engineering College in the district and inaugurated the newly constructed Amenity Hall building, where he also interacted with male and female students. He later visited departmental stalls set up on the college premises, reviewed development schemes, and distributed cheques to beneficiaries under various government programmes. The Chief Minister also reviewed development and welfare schemes being implemented in Samastipur and assessed projects launched during the earlier Pragati Yatra. He inspected the under-construction RCC bridge and bypass road at Hakimabad and reviewed projects undertaken under the Seven Resolutions (Phase 2 and 3). Addressing a large public gathering at the Housing Board Ground, Nitish Kumar highlighted the development works and policies of his government, reiterating the state's commitment to inclusive growth and infrastructure development. Several senior leaders and officials were present at the event, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Rajya Sabha MP and JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha, Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur, District In-charge Minister Shrawon Kumar, Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, LJPRV MP of Samastipur Shambhavi Choudhary, along with senior district and state government officials. Thursday marked the third day of the second phase of the Samriddhi Yatra. Earlier, the Chief Minister visited Madhubani on January 27 and Darbhanga on January 28, where he inaugurated and launched multiple development projects. The first phase of the Samriddhi Yatra began from West Champaran on January 16, during which projects worth thousands of crores were initiated across several districts. - IANS Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held discussions with World Bank President Ajay Banga to strengthen cooperation across key development sectors. The talks focused on accelerating sustainable growth, skilling youth, enhancing infrastructure, and improving social outcomes. Majhi highlighted the state's reform measures and business-friendly environment, which has attracted significant investment. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration, aligning with Odisha's long-term vision and the World Bank's strategic objectives. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi meets World Bank President Ajay Banga to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure, skilling, and sustainable growth. Bhubaneswar, Jan 29 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday held crucial discussions with World Bank President Ajay Banga on measures to strengthen cooperation between the State and the international financial institution across key development sectors and to advance the State's long-term growth and reform agenda. Senior officials of the State Government, including Chief Secretary of Odisha Anu Grag, Development Commissioner D K Singh, and the representatives of the World Bank, attended the meeting held at the Lokaseva Bhavan here. According to an official statement by the Chief Minister's Office, the discussions focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable development, skilling India's youth for private sector jobs, enhancing infrastructure, improving social sector outcomes, and promoting resilient and technology-driven growth. During the meeting, CM Majhi highlighted the state government's flagship initiatives and reform measures aimed at improving growth, such as by enhancing investment in infrastructure, micro, small and medium enterprises, agriculture and allied sectors and tourism, thereby creating employment opportunities especially for youth and women. Odisha has reformed acts and rules to make it business-friendly and therefore has attracted huge investments. It has ranked second only to Andhra Pradesh with Rs 2.5 lakh crore investment as per December 2025 figures published by CMIE. The President of the World Bank appreciated the State's development efforts and reform orientation. Banga also congratulated the state for its focus on skill building to create more private sector jobs for the state's youth. A new World Bank Group-India strategic plan will build on examples like the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneshwar, by contributing to India's $4 billion national initiative to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the State through technical assistance, policy advisory services, and financial cooperation. The World Bank President also emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and fostering public-private partnerships. Both sides exchanged views on global and regional economic challenges and the need for collaborative approaches to address issues such as building infrastructure, managing urbanisation and sustainable resource management. They agreed to explore new areas of cooperation aligned with the State's development priorities and the World Bank's strategic objectives. The Chief Minister also shared the Odisha vision document with the President World Bank. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and explore new avenues of cooperation aligned with "Odisha vision 2036 and 2047: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat" and the World Bank's strategic framework. - IANS Hondas troubles with its 3.5-liter V6 engine keep getting worse. In August last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into 1.4 million vehicles following reports of prematurely failing engines. Prior to this, in 2023, Honda issued a recall for certain models with this V6. But many Honda and Acura owners remain unhappy, and the situation has now escalated into a class action lawsuit. Considering the sheer number of cars involved, Honda is far from resolving the problem. Whats Wrong With The V6? 2019 Honda PilotGetty (Getty) Despite being a relatively simple enginethe V6 has no form of forced induction of electrificationit has been a huge headache for many Honda/Acura owners. In the class action, plaintiffs note issues like unusual engine noise, misfires, power issues, stalled engines, and hesitation when accelerating. Premature damage to the connecting rods, pistons, bearings, and crankshaft occurs, leading to total engine failure in some cases. The plaintiff in the lawsuit, Savannah Messenger from Ohio, claims her Honda Pilots engine failed at just 76,420 miles. Since its a 2016 Pilot out of warranty, she was quoted $11,874 to replace the engine. A request to Honda to replace the engine was denied, so she went the rebuilt engine route, which cost her $2,400. 2016 Honda PilotHonda (Honda) In the 2023 recall for over 200,000 vehicles, Honda acknowledged that an issue during production of the crankshaft was identified, with a crank pin that was improperly ground. According to the lawsuit, though, the recall failed to address the underlying Defect present in all Class Vehicles. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that not all affected vehicles were included in the 2023 recall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, the following models are named as impacted: 2014-2020 Acura RLX 2015-2020 Acura TLX 2016-2020 and 2022-present Acura MDX 2016-2022 Honda Pilot 2018-present Honda Odyssey 2019-2025 Honda Passport 2017-present Honda Ridgeline Given that the 2014 Acura RLX was mentioned, the V6s problems go back over a decade. Some Engines Failed At Even Lower Miles 2016 Honda PilotHon (Hon) While the plaintiffs engine failed at under 77,000 miles, other drivers have had it even worse. One owner of a 2017 Pilot had her V6 engine fail at just 56,000 miles, and she was quoted nearly $25,000 for an engine replacement. We found another case on Car Complaints where a 2019 Pilots engine had to be replaced at just 38,000 miles due to rod bearing failure. On the NHTSA, a worrying number of owners experience rough idling, one of the symptoms often preceding engine failure. Hondas powertrain warranty runs for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, so many owners have been left to fend for themselves as their warranties had expired by the time the engine failed. Honda and Toyota V6s Undermine Expected Japanese Reliability Standards 2025 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Toyota Toyota Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Honda isnt the only Japanese brand facing serious engine issues. Toyota has had to recall thousands of vehicles equipped with its twin-turbocharged V6 engine, including the popular Tundra pickup and Lexus GX/LX SUVs. In that instance, many owners experienced rough running and engine knocking, which Toyota says is caused by machining debris left in the engine during production. As with Honda, a class action lawsuit was filed against Toyota, with the plaintiffs claiming an initial recall was insufficient. For two brands so closely associated with dependability, the V6 engine issues are a shame, but Honda is in a more precarious position; its V6 problem affects far more vehicles over a much longer period of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jan 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here. More than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan since late 2023, marking one of the largest return movements in recent years and increasing the country's population by an estimated 12%. The UNHCR representative highlighted that over half of the returnees are women and children, with 30% of returning families headed by women, raising profound humanitarian concerns. He criticized the expulsion practices of neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, warning they damage long-standing refugee hosting records. The UN is urging all parties to return to dialogue to ensure voluntary and dignified returns that support Afghanistan's stability. UNHCR reports over 4.8 million Afghan migrants returned since 2023, a 12% population rise, raising major humanitarian concerns. Kabul, January 29 More than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan since December 2023, leading to a population increase of approximately 12 per cent, as the country experiences one of the largest return movements in recent years. Explaining the scale of the influx, UNHCR Representative Arafat Jamal told Tolo News that arrivals have surged to unprecedented levels, with tens of thousands crossing borders daily during peak periods. Highlighting the scale, he noted that on one working day during the summer alone, 70,000 people entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border. According to Jamal, 91 per cent of returnees have since been relocated to their home provinces, while others have begun rebuilding their lives in major cities. Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative, stated, "The numbers are huge. Since September 2023, which is when we saw the beginning of the so-called illegal foreigners repatriation plan by Pakistan, we have seen 4.8 million Afghans return to this country from both Pakistan and Iran. "And if we look at 2025 alone, it's 2.7 million. If you look at the number of 4.8 million, this is around 12% of the total population of Afghanistan. So it's increased by 12% of its population." Beyond the scale of returns, Jamal highlighted growing humanitarian concerns, noting that 30 per cent of returning families are headed by women, and that more than half of all returnees are women and children, Tolo News reported. Jamal added, "More than 50% of the returnees are women and children. This is deeply concerning. "I personally feel distressed when I see a 12-year-old girl returning to Afghanistan, uncertain about what her future will look like." Addressing regional dynamics, Jamal criticised the manner in which Afghan migrants are being expelled from Iran and Pakistan, warning that such practices undermine efforts to build constructive relations with Afghanistan. He urged both countries not to damage their long-standing record of hosting Afghan refugees, according to Tolo News. He further revealed that the United Nations had invited stakeholders to engage in dialogue over forced deportations, but those efforts failed to materialise. Arafat Jamal explained, "This year, we once again tried to bring parties to the table for dialogue. However, due to various reasons, including the war in Israel and other political matters, they did not engage in talks. Iran recently hosted a conference which Afghanistan did not attend, but we still sent invitations urging all parties to return to the dialogue table. We encourage them to do so. In dialogue, there is nothing to lose but much to gain." He added that UNHCR's mission in Afghanistan remains focused on ensuring the voluntary, dignified, and orderly return of Afghan migrants, while also helping returnees contribute to peace, stability, and economic development in the country, Tolo News reported. - ANI Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has arrived in New Delhi for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Her visit underscores India's longstanding partnership with Palestine and the Arab world. The high-level meeting, co-chaired by India and the UAE, marks the first time India is hosting the forum and will see participation from all 22 Arab League member states. This diplomatic engagement builds on India's consistent historical support for the Palestinian cause in multilateral forums. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin arrives in New Delhi, reaffirming India's historic partnership with Palestine ahead of the 2nd India-Arab FMM. New Delhi, January 29 Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin was on Thursday accorded a welcome by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on her arrival in New Delhi. Aghabekian, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Palestinian National Authority, is on a visit to India to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held on Saturday in the national capital. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said Aghabekian's visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world. Through an X post, the MEA spokesperson said, " Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. On Saturday, India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The second India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India became one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office in Gaza, which was later shifted to Ramallah in 2003. India has always played a proactive role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause in multilateral fora. India has consistently supported, cosponsored, and voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolutions securing the right to self-determination of Palestinians(2020), urging Israel's compliance with legal obligations, viz. ICJ's Construction of the Wall Opinion (2004), and its status as a non-member State at the UN (2012). In 2011, India also voted in favour of Palestine's admission to UNESCO. According to a MEA brief, the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency at the VII NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983. As a member of the Security Council, India has continued to voice its support for a negotiated solution that would result in a sovereign, independent, viable, and united State of Palestine, within secure and recognised borders, at peace beside Israel, as endorsed in the relevant UNSC and UNGA Resolutions. - ANI Actor Pankaj Tripathi's play *Lailaaj* has been selected for the prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India's largest theatre festival hosted by the National School of Drama. He describes the selection as a humbling "full-circle moment" that reconnects him to his theatrical origins. The play marks his return to the stage after over a decade and features the stage debut of his daughter, Aashi, making it a meaningful family project. His wife Mridula, the play's co-producer, expressed that the selection validates their intention to tell sincere stories through their production banner. Pankaj Tripathi calls his play Lailaaj's selection for the NSD's Bharat Rang Mahotsav a "full-circle moment" and a return to his theatrical roots. Mumbai, Jan 29 Actor Pankaj Tripathi has described the selection of his play Lailaaj for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav as a deeply emotional and humbling experience, calling it a moment that reconnects him with his roots. Expressing his emotions about Lailaaj being part of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Pankaj Tripathi shared in a heartfelt note: "Bharat Rang Mahotsav holds a very special place in the world of Indian theatre, and to have Lailaaj selected for its 25th edition is truly humbling. Theatre is where my roots lie, and NSD has always represented discipline, honesty, and deep respect for the craft." Pankaj, along with his wife Mridula's maiden theatre production Lailaaj, a musical comedy play under their banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, has been officially selected to be showcased at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India's largest and most prestigious theatre festival, hosted by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. The festival will be held across January and February, beginning in the last week of January. Pankaj added, "To bring our very first production under Roopkatha Rangmanch to a platform like this feels like a full-circle moment. Lailaaj is a simple, musical, and heartfelt story, but behind it is the hard work of many people who believe in theatre as a living, breathing art form." Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj holds special significance for the Tripathi family. Along with marking Pankaj's return to the stage after over a decade, the play also features the stage debut of their daughter Aashi, making it an intimate and meaningful family collaboration. "Sharing this stage with my daughter Aashi adds an emotional layer that I will always cherish. I see this not just as a performance, but as an offering to the theatre community that shaped me." Pankaj's wife, Mridula, co-producer of the play, also shared her thoughts on the achievement. She said that when they started Roopkatha Rangmanch, the intention was never to chase scale or recognition, but to tell stories with sincerity and warmth. "For Lailaaj to be selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav, especially in its 25th year, feels incredibly validating. This play has been nurtured with love, patience, and belief in the process. Watching it travel to a platform like NSD, where some of the finest theatre work is celebrated, makes the journey even more meaningful." Talking about her daughter's theatre debut, Mridula said: "Seeing Aashi take her first steps on stage within this environment is deeply emotional for us as parents. We are grateful to the festival, the audience, and every artist who believes that theatre still has the power to move, heal, and connect." - IANS US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Iran, stating the US military is prepared to act against Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He pointed to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as an unparalleled demonstration of US military capability and resolve. His remarks coincided with a significant US naval build-up in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. President Trump linked this military mobilization directly to diplomatic pressure, warning "time is running out" for Iran to negotiate. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issues stark warning to Iran over nuclear ambitions, citing US military readiness and recent operations. Washington, DC, January 30 US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Iran on Thursday and underscored President Donald Trump's forceful military stance during a Cabinet meeting, as the United States continues to surge warships and air assets across the Middle East in a growing show of force amid rising tensions over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. In outlining the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran, Hegseth cautioned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that "they should not pursue nuclear capabilities, and we will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects of the War Department." His comments were part of broader remarks highlighting US military readiness and deterrence in the region. To illustrate American military capability, the defence chief pointed to the recent capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, describing the operation as unparalleled in scale and execution. "No other military in the world could have executed the most sophisticated, powerful raid -- not just in American history -- I would say in world history," Hegseth said. He added that this feat demonstrated the unique empowerment given to US forces under the current administration: "No other president would have been willing to empower those warriors that way." Hegseth said such high-profile operations are intended to send a clear message about the US resolve globally. "That sends a message to every capital around the world that when President Trump speaks, he means business," he added, stating that the War Department is "reestablishing deterrence" after years of perceived strategic ambiguity. Turning back to Iran, Hegseth referenced Operation Midnight Hammer, the Trump-ordered series of strikes against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, as evidence of the administration's commitment to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "We're having to rebuild how our enemies perceive us," he said. "And when President Trump said, 'We're not getting a nuclear Iran -- you won't have a nuclear bomb,' he meant it," reinforcing the administration's zero-tolerance stance on Tehran's nuclear programme. Hegseth's remarks coincided with a significant build-up of US naval power in the Middle East, which has fuelled speculation that military action against Iran's government could be imminent. This military presence has included the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, a move President Trump described as part of a "massive Armada is heading to Iran." Speaking on Truth Social about the deployment, Trump said the carrier group "is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary," and warned that "time is running out" for the Iranian regime to negotiate "a fair and equitable deal" that would see Iran abandon its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, tying the military mobilisation directly to diplomatic pressure on Tehran. - ANI Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly rebutted the Congress party's criticism of the newly finalized India-European Union free trade agreement. He labeled the deal a "win-win agreement" that will accelerate India's economic growth and create opportunities, countering Congress's concerns over issues like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Goyal specifically responded to Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh's objections, arguing the criticism reflects a negative approach disconnected from India's aspirational business community. The minister detailed how the pact, particularly in the auto sector, is designed to boost 'Make in India' by encouraging local assembly and eventual manufacturing. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal counters Congress's objections to the India-EU free trade agreement, calling it a strategic 'win-win' pact for economic growth. New Delhi, Jan 29 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly countered the Congress' criticism of the India-European Union free trade agreement, asserting that the deal is not a zero-sum pact but a mutually beneficial one that will fuel India's economic growth and open up large opportunities for businesses and citizens. The Congress party had earlier raised objections after the India-EU free trade agreement was finalised, questioning the Modi government's handling of negotiations. The party flagged concerns over the absence of an exemption for Indian aluminium and steel producers from the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and also criticised the reduction or relief of tariffs on more than 96 per cent of the bloc's exports to India. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the agreement also raises issues related to the EU's stringent health and product safety norms, which will continue to apply to Indian exports even after the free trade agreement comes into force. He further highlighted concerns regarding India's largest export segment to the EU, refined fuels. Responding to Ramesh's remarks, Goyal took to social media and said it was ironic that those who failed to make decisions when they were in power are now attempting to justify inaction. He remarked that such leaders lacked a connection with realities on the ground. The Union Minister said the country has paid a heavy price for such missed opportunities in the past, losing employment, income and growth. He added that the people of India have repeatedly expressed their disapproval of this indecision. In a post on X, Goyal said, "I only hope my friend will shed this negative and pessimistic approach, which is unable to see our aspirational people raring to go out and do business with the world. Let's work to open opportunities for them, rather than act as roadblocks in their quest for prosperity." In a detailed rebuttal, Goyal said it "puzzles" him that while the global community is describing the agreement as the "mother of all deals", his "friend" Ramesh has labelled it as "hugely hyped". "Is the combined GDP of $25 trillion, combined global trade of $11 trillion and common market of 2 billion people, $33 billion of India's labour-intensive exports going to zero on day 1 a hype? What is also unfortunate is that my friend missed a basic fact that we are both largely complementary economies," he said. Goyal reiterated that the agreement does not come at the cost of India's interests. "This is not a zero-sum deal. It is a win-win agreement that will accelerate our economic growth and create numerous opportunities for Indian businesses and people," he added. Addressing concerns over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the minister said India has actively taken up the issue to protect the interests of domestic exporters in steel, aluminium and other sectors, and has identified workable solutions. "We have found creative ways of handling these complex and sensitive subjects through dialogue, trust and support with our partners rather than 'my way or highway only' kind of immature, illogical and rigid positions," Goyal said. He further said the agreement represents a long-term strategic partnership built on mutual trust and respect, which will strengthen global trade linkages. "I hope that my friend can devote more time to understand the auto sector and what we are intending to do. Our quota-based, premium segment-focused and phased auto offer (with a time lag of 5 years for EVs from EIF) is with an intent to boost Make in India," he said. Goyal explained that easing norms for completely knocked down imports would encourage European original equipment manufacturers to set up assembly units in India. This, he said, would gradually move foreign companies from importing vehicles to assembling them locally and eventually towards full localisation through domestic supply chains. "This brings high-end manufacturing processes, quality standards, and advanced R&D practices into the Indian ecosystem. It will also create new demand, and benefits consumers by expanding choice with faster access to global models. It also enhances safety and tech standards," the Union Minister said. The India-EU agreement was announced this week in New Delhi. Leaders on both sides have described it as the largest trade pact in India's history. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it "the mother of all deals." She said the pact creates "a free-trade zone of 2 billion people, with both sides set to benefit." The agreement links two of the world's largest economies at a time of global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. - IANS Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the Baramati plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar a tragic incident, noting an investigation is underway. Political leaders from the BJP, SP, and others expressed deep shock and offered condolences to the Pawar family. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has dispatched a team to probe the crash that claimed five lives. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning for the veteran leader. Congress, BJP, SP leaders express shock over Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a Baramati plane crash. AAIB team investigates the tragedy. Murshidabad, January 29 Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the Baramati plane crash, which claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a "tragic incident" and noted that an official investigation is underway to determine the cause. "It is a tragic incident. He was a senior Maharashtra leader and a member of the Pawar family, as we all know. This plane crash is subject to investigation to determine how such an incident happened and whether there was any flaw..." Chowdhury told reporters on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Several leaders across the political spectrum expressed condolences. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh described Pawar's death as a loss not just for Maharashtra but for the entire country. "The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is a great loss for Maharashtra and the entire country. He was known as 'Dada' in Maharashtra politics. He started his political career at a very early age and served six times as Deputy CM," Singh said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed deep shock over the tragedy, calling the timing particularly painful. "We are deeply saddened by his sudden demise. There was such a big victory in the recent civic elections. This is very painful. He had become a strong pillar of the NDA," he said in Delhi. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the incident heartbreaking and offered prayers for the Pawar family. "This is a very painful hour for the Pawar family. I can only pray to the Lord that they are given the strength to bear this sorrow," he said. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav remembered Pawar as a disciplined and straightforward leader. "I have known Ajit Dada closely since 1990. He valued time, spoke directly, and worked hard. This tragedy has shaken all of us," he said, paying heartfelt tribute. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a special team to Baramati to probe the crash that killed five people, including Pawar and crew members. The team will examine flight recorders, aircraft systems, crew records and Air Traffic Control (ATC) data. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Ajit Pawar, 66, the longest-serving Deputy CM of Maharashtra, is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. - ANI The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report concerning the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Investigative teams from the DGCA and AAIB are at the crash site to determine the cause of the accident. The final rites are being prepared in Pawar's native village of Kathewadi, with senior political leaders expected to attend. The Maharashtra government has announced a three-day state mourning period following the tragic incident. Pune police register accidental death report for Ajit Pawar's fatal plane crash. DGCA and AAIB investigate as Maharashtra announces state mourning. Pune, Jan 29 The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, officials said on Thursday. Police authorities stated that an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash is currently underway. Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are present at the crash site to examine the incident and ascertain the cause of the tragic accident. According to the police, all aspects related to the accident are being investigated. As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct the investigation based on the findings of the AAIB team. Meanwhile, the final journey of Deputy Chief Minister Pawar has begun in Baramati's Kathewadi village, his native place. Family members, relatives and a large number of supporters have started arriving at the Pawar family farms in Kathewadi to pay their last respects ahead of the final rites. At the same time, preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground in Baramati for Ajit Pawar's funeral ceremony, which is expected to witness the presence of senior leaders from across the political spectrum. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several other senior political leaders are scheduled to attend the funeral to pay tribute to the late leader. In view of the tragic demise, the Maharashtra government has announced a three-day period of state mourning. During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state as a mark of respect. Deputy CM Pawar and four others were killed when a Learjet 45 aircraft crashed near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, bearing registration number VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures. Apart from Deputy CM Pawar, the people onboard the plane, Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR, included a personal security officer (PSO), a flight attendant, and two crew members -- a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and a Second-in-Command (SIC). The deceased have been identified as Vidip Jadhav (male), Pinky Mali (female). Additionally, the crew members were PIC Sumit Kapur and SIC Shambhavi Pathak, according to the passenger list. - IANS Delhi Dangal Warriors secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Punjab Royals in a thrilling Pro Wrestling League 2026 encounter to book their semifinal spot. The match was decided in the eighth tie, where Turan Bayramov delivered a dominant performance to level the team score and confirm Delhi's qualification. Earlier, Ana Godinez had kept Punjab in contention with a high-quality win in the women's 62kg contest. Both teams advance to the semifinals, with Delhi finishing second and Punjab fourth in the league stage. Turan Bayramov's heroics lead Delhi Dangal Warriors to a dramatic 5-4 win over Punjab Royals, securing a Pro Wrestling League 2026 semifinal spot. Noida, Jan 29 Delhi Dangal Warriors sealed the semifinal berth spectacularly with a narrow 5-4 win over Punjab Royals in a thrilling final league match of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida on Thursday. Delhi stunned Punjab with an outright win to secure second place, ruling out technical interference in their journey to the final four. Delhi's decisive moment arrived in the eighth tie of the match, where Player of the Match Turan Bayramov produced a dominant performance to outclass U23 Asian Champion Chandermohan, and level the tie at 4-4, effectively securing Delhi's place in the last four. Earlier, Fighter of the Match Ana Godinez kept Punjab firmly in contention with a high-quality win in the women's 62kg contest, ensuring the contest went down to the wire. Punjab Royals, already assured of a semifinal berth with six points, began the tie strongly in the 76kg women's category as Priya Malik edged Anastasiya Alpyeeva 2-0 in a disciplined tactical contest. Delhi responded emphatically in the 86kg men's category through Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar, who overwhelmed Sandeep Maan with relentless offense to register a commanding 20-7 win and bring the tie level. Delhi then surged ahead as captain Sujeet Kalkal delivered a composed 10-1 victory over Anuj Kumar in the 65kg men's tie, before Shubham Kaushik followed up with a clinical 9-0 shutout against Chirag Chhikara to extend Delhi's advantage to 3-1. Punjab pulled one back in the 57kg women's category through Rajnita Jangra, who dictated proceedings against Karla Godinez Gonzalez to claim a 5-1 win. The momentum swung again in the 62kg women's bout, where Ana Godinez produced one of the standout contests of the night. Godinez opened up a decisive lead with a massive five-point throw in the first period and, despite resistance from Anjli in the second period, held her nerve to secure an 11-7 win and level the team score at 3-3. Punjab then moved ahead for the first time since the opening contest as Meenakshi dominated Saarika in the 53kg women's contest, forcing an injury stoppage after building a commanding lead to make it 4-3 in Punjab's favour. With Delhi's semifinal hopes hanging in the balance, Turan Bayramov delivered when it mattered most. Facing U23 Asian Champion Chandermohan in the 74kg men's bout, Bayramov absorbed early pressure before unleashing a scoring burst of takedowns and exposures across both periods, powering to an emphatic 18-8 victory to draw Delhi level at 4-4 and confirm qualification. The final bout was decided by forfeit in the 125kg men's category, handing Ronak the win and sealing a 5-4 triumph for Delhi Dangal Warriors. With this result, Delhi secures their berth in the semifinal and second-place finish with six points and 24 bout wins, while Punjab Royals also advance, having already confirmed qualification earlier with six points. They finished fourth in the league stage with 23 bout wins. On Friday, table-toppers Haryana Thunders will take on Punjab Royals in the first semifinal on Day 14 of PWL 2026. - IANS The National Highway Authority of India has announced the 464-kilometer Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor, a Rs 16,491 crore project that will be Chhattisgarh's first 6-lane access-controlled expressway. It aims to drastically cut travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam to seven hours, boosting business and connectivity to industrial hubs and ports. Notably, the corridor includes extensive wildlife protection measures such as animal overpasses, underpasses, and a 2.79-km twin-tunnel through a tiger reserve to minimize ecological impact. The project is also designed to enhance connectivity in tribal and backward areas of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. NHAI's new 6-lane Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor to cut travel time, boost trade, and feature wildlife protection measures like tunnels and animal passes. Raipur, January 29 The National Highway Authority of India has announced the 464-kilometre Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor, with 125 km of the route falling in Chhattisgarh. This will be the state's first 6-lane access-controlled economic corridor. According to an official release, the Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Economic Corridor will emerge as a milestone not just in terms of boosting the economy, but the ambitious project will play a significant role in the protection of wildlife, promoting cultural exchange, saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions. The Rs 16,491 crore project will cut the distance between Raipur and Vishakhapatnam, reducing travel time to seven hours and giving a significant boost to business activities. It will also improve connectivity between industrial hubs in Chhattisgarh and Odisha and Vishakhapatnam Port, as well as the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway. Connectivity to tribal and backward areas of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha will also be enhanced, the release noted. The expressway will start at Jhanki village in Raipur district, passing through Kurud, Nagari, Naharpur, and Baderajpur before entering Odisha. Completely access-controlled, it will have a design speed of 100 kmph. The Corridor will improve connectivity in tribal districts such as Dhamtari, Kanker, and Bastar, and in aspirational districts such as Bastar, Kanker and Kondagaon. A fully access-controlled economic corridor will facilitate seamless trade by reducing distances between cities in Chhattisgarh, especially in the North-Bastar region. Thus, saving time, fuel and carbon emissions. While developing this Economic Corridor, NHAI has constructed multiple Animal Overpasses, Animal Underpasses, and a monkey canopy to protect wildlife from road fatalities. Moreover, the release stated that to minimise the impact of road fatalities, NHAI has installed Traffic Impact Attenuators. The system will significantly reduce the impact of collision resulting in fewer casualties. Notably, the corridor will feature iconic 6-lane twin-tube tunnels spanning 2.79 km, passing through the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) eco-sensitive zone and Tiger Corridor. This will be the first road tunnel in Chhattisgarh. The tunnel has been designed to minimise ecological impact and to demonstrate sustainable infrastructure development. The construction of the tunnel will ensure rapid and unobstructed transport facilities in the hilly terrain of the Kanker and Keshkal region. This tunnel will lead to a reduction in the long route and hence will act as a boon for the iron mines of Chhattisgarh, making transportation rapid and easy, the release noted. Pradeep Kumar Lal, Regional Officer of Raipur Regional Office-NHAI, detailed about the Traffic Impact Attenuator for minimising the impact of collision, the twin tunnel (first of Chhattisgarh) and arrangements being put in place for the protection of wildlife. - ANI The Rajasthan High Court has directed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks, roads, and other public places in Jaipur. The order came during a PIL hearing concerning a temple built on a public road in Pratap Nagar. The court instructed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation to submit an affidavit detailing steps taken for removal and to demolish the specific temple within seven days. The state government has stated it will study the decision as the matter is subjudice. Rajasthan High Court directs removal of illegally built temples from public spaces in Jaipur and orders idols shifted to legal temples. Jaipur, Jan 29 The Rajasthan High Court has directed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks, roads, and other public places in Jaipur, and ordered the state government to shift idols to nearby legally existing temples. A division bench of Justices Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Sangeeta Sharma passed the order on Thursday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sunny Meena. The court instructed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner to submit an affidavit at the next hearing, detailing the steps taken to remove such illegal structures from public spaces across the city. The High Court also directed the government to issue necessary guidelines for the demolition of illegally constructed temples and for relocating idols to authorised temples. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 4. The court was hearing a PIL related to a temple constructed on a public thoroughfare in Pratap Nagar Sector-7 in Jaipur. Terming the construction illegal, the bench ordered the removal of the temple within seven days and also sought action against officials responsible for allowing the encroachment. In his petition, Meena alleged that several shops and a temple had been illegally constructed on a public road in Pratap Nagar Sector-7. He claimed that commercial activities were being carried out under the cover of religious faith. Following the filing of the PIL, the Municipal Corporation demolished the illegal shops but failed to take action against the temple. The civic body and other respondents argued before the court that the temple was old and linked to public faith. However, the petitioner submitted recent photographs showing fresh construction at the site, after which the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation to remove the temple and shift the idol to another legal temple within seven days. During the hearing, Housing Board counsel Ajay Shukla informed the court that the Pratap Nagar area has been handed over to the Municipal Corporation. The bench observed that responsibility for granting construction permissions and taking action against illegal constructions lies with the Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, State Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said that the state govt will study the decision as it is under subjudice. - IANS Credit: Netflix / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Elle Duncan went back to her hotel room after Skyscraper Live wrapped and did something most broadcasters dont do. Before checking her phone, before reading any of the countless texts telling her the broadcast was awesome, before looking at social media reactions, she watched herself back. What I believed I was doing was managing my anxiety really well, and right away I went to watch the show, Duncan said on the Awful Announcing Podcast. I watched it back, and I was like, I was at a 10. I was incredibly, I was very anxious, and I think that it showed in a way that I didnt feel like when I was doing it. As part of her first assignment for the streamer, Ducan hosted Netflixs live broadcast of Alex Honnold climbing Taipei 101 without ropes which amassed 6.2 million views for the streamer. The event drew criticism focused on Duncans performance at the desk, with viewers saying she talked too much and her tone didnt match the moment. Duncan recognized the problem herself before anyone told her. She watched an hour and 45 minutes of herself, starting at a 10 and staying there the entire time. When she gets anxious, she talks faster, trying to talk through the anxiety. She could see how that would wear on people. It would have worn on her, too. Five minutes before going live, someone handed Duncan a card. It contained what she should say if Alex Honnold fell off the building and died. Theres something to be said when five minutes before you go on air, someone slides you a card of what youre gonna say if a person falls off the building and dies, Duncan explained. That was certainly not an experience I had ever had before. Nobody has ever narrated someone climbing a building who could die at any second while millions watched live. Duncan and the production team went in with objectives about telling Honnolds story, but they didnt know how hed respond. Honnold had never free soloed in front of anyone before. Duncan asked him at dinner the night before how he thought hed feel, whether hed want to talk to her. He told her honestly, you never know. Sometimes you get on the wall, and youre not feeling it at all, and you bail. Theyd seen that in Free Solo when he abandoned one attempt. Sometimes youre feeling it enough to just focus and get through it. And sometimes you can revel, and enjoy, and look around. You really dont know until youre up there. Honnold got on the wall and started playing to the crowd, waving and interacting. Everyone realized this would be more celebratory than doom and gloom. Duncan was broadcasting from a dog park across from the building with a thousand people around her. They were gasping, and cheering, and laughing at everything Honnold did. When Duncan went back and watched, she realized shed been broadcasting for those people, the ones amplifying everything through their reactions. If she had to do it again, shed broadcast for the people at home. Shed watch her tone more carefully. My tone probably didnt match to some of those moments, and that I didnt need to sell the drama, she said. I went back and watched it, and I was like, the drama is this dudes doing this crazy thing, like, look at these incredible images thats really all that I need. I didnt need to paint that picture, but I didnt know that going in. The production team prepared for 30 different scenarios. They had packages about the challenges Honnold would face that would have given viewers a break from Duncans voice. A lot of those packages never ran. The producers were feeling it in the moment, deciding they didnt need certain elements or moving things around. Duncan had to contextualize on the fly when those pieces disappeared. They went in with a plan, but understood that plans change when youre doing live TV. You have to be flexible and nimble. That flexibility extended to how Duncan processed what happened afterward. Duncan doesnt go to social media for feedback. She knows the viewers voice matters these broadcasts are made for them but she treats both praise and criticism the same way. She goes back and watches herself with the same critical eye, whether people loved it or hated it. Even broadcasts that receive universal acclaim get picked apart when she sits down to review them. Shell find things she wishes shed done differently, moments where she could have made a better choice. I think as a broadcaster, to steal from Nick Saban, its a little bit like rat poison, Duncan said. Theres been things that Ive done that have been really widely regarded and praised, and I go back and watch it with my own sort of critical analytical eye, and I go, oh, I could have done this different, or like, man, I wish I would have. Being the host means youre the face of the broadcast. When things go well, the on-air talent gets all the credit. When they dont, the on-air talent takes all the responsibility. If Im the face of an experiment that people feel could have gone better, Im OK with that, she added. What they attempted had never been done before. Nobody has ever hosted a desk where someone is climbing a building and could literally fall to their death at any second. There was no blueprint. They were the test case, the control in a science experiment with no past data to reference. Duncan gave herself grace for not sticking the landing while still being honest about the shortcomings. Duncan worried that her performance would overshadow everything else the team accomplished. The production pulled off something massive from a logistical standpoint. The images were beautiful. The feat itself was incredible. She didnt want what happened at the desk to take away from any of that. Im disappointed that I personally didnt stick that landing, but ultimately, I dont want people to lose the forest through the trees, Duncan continued. It was a very large undertaking logistically, and I hope that anything that happened on the desk doesnt take away from how beautiful it was, how beautifully shot it was, the incredible feat that he was doing. Duncan says shed take another shot at it if Netflix gave her the chance. She knows what works and what doesnt now. But shes still proud of what they put together and proud of the team that made it happen. Ultimately the goal of what can you take away from watching Alex Honnold climb, which is that as he said, Life is finite, and if you have an opportunity in your life to do something that scares you and challenges you and pushes you, then you should do it, because we have so little time, Duncan said. That to me was a success. I think we showed all that, we showed who Alex was. Listen to the full episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast featuring Elle Duncan beginning Thursday, Jan. 29. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For more content, subscribe to AAs YouTube page. Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned to winning ways with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League. A brilliant four-wicket haul by Nadine de Klerk restricted UP Warriorz to 143/8 despite a solid opening stand from Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning. In reply, a devastating 108-run opening partnership between Grace Harris (75 off 37) and captain Smriti Mandhana (54* off 27) powered RCB to the target in just 13.1 overs. The win solidifies RCB's top spot on the table while UP Warriorz remain at the bottom. RCB dominates UP Warriorz by 8 wickets in WPL 2026. Grace Harris's 75 and Smriti Mandhana's 54* lead the chase after Nadine de Klerk's 4-wicket haul. Vadodara, January 29 UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning said they were disappointed with their batting performance and also credited Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their superb showing in the 18th fixture of the Women's Premier League 2026 season. After suffering two consecutive defeats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are back to winning ways as they thrashed UP Warriroz by eight wickets on Thursday. "Disappointing. Got a reasonable platform with the bat, but could not carry on. Been a common theme, unfortunately, in the tournament. RCB were very good; we did not quite put out our best. Every time we have gotten some momentum with the bat, we have given it away and made it easy for the opposition. No excuses tonight. RCB played us tonight, and we were just not good enough tonight," Meg Lanning said during the post-match presentation. After winning the Player of the Match award, Bengaluru's Grace Harris said that she made some technical adjustments on facing certain bowlers. "Just really glad to be classified as an all-rounder (smiles). Really happy when Smriti Mandhana said I'd be bowling. Working on a few things with my batting, happy I have reverted to old patterns, not thinking about it much, and really enjoying it. Have made some slight technical tweaks and, tactically, on how best to face certain bowlers. Have tried to not overthink and be free, and that has helped me," Grace Harris said. After winning the match, Smriti Mandhana said, "It was brilliant. They started well with the bat. From there, a good comeback from the bowlers. Big mention to Grace Harris. Everyone came in and bowled extremely well. Nadine again, bowled extremely well. When they bowl like that, it is a pleasing sight. In the last two games, we just told ourselves not to think emotionally and dig a hole. First 3-4 days, everyone can do what they feel like doing and then come back, train hard and get ready for the final." After being asked to bat first, UP Warriorz were restricted to 143/8 in 20 overs. All-rounder Deepti Sharma and captain Meg Lanning stitched a crucial 74-run stand for the opening wicket for the Warriorz. Lanning departed after scoring 41 runs off 30 deliveries, with six fours and one six. Deepti scored 55 runs off 43 balls, with six fours and one six. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Lauren Bell (1/21), Shreyanka Patil (1/27), and Grace Harris (2/22) had decent outings with the ball. The star performer with the ball was Nadine de Klerk, who picked up a four-wicket haul (4/22), which broke the back of the UP Warriorz batting attack after a brilliant opening partnership. Chasing 144 runs, Captain Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris stitched a match-winning 108-run partnership for the opening wicket. Grace Harris departed after playing a blistering knock of 75 off 37 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the 144-run target in just 13.1 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 54 off 27 balls, with eight fours and two sixes, as the one-time WPL champion registered a dominating eight-wicket win. For UP Warriorz, Shikha Pandey (1/36) and Asha Sobhana (1/24) were among the wicket-takers. With this victory, the Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued to stay at the top with 12 points to their name in eight matches. They have six wins and two losses, with a Net Run Rate of +1.247. Meg Lanning's UP Warriorz are languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four points in seven matches. They have suffered five defeats and secured two wins at a Net Run Rate of -1.146. - ANI The results for the 2026 Republic Day Parade awards have been announced, honouring the best performances in marching and tableaux categories. The Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent among the three Services, while Maharashtra won first place among states for its 'Ganeshotsav' themed tableau. In the Popular Choice category, decided by public vote on MyGov, the Assam Regiment and the CRPF were the top marching contingents. Gujarat's 'Swadeshi' tableau, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan led the Popular Choice rankings for state tableaux. Indian Navy wins Best Marching Contingent, Maharashtra's Ganeshotsav tableau tops states. See all Popular Choice and official award results. New Delhi, January 29 The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux for the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced, recognising outstanding performances by the three Services, Central Armed Police Forces and Auxiliary Forces, as well as States, Union Territories and Central Ministries. Among the three Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police secured the top honour in the category of Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces. In the States and Union Territories category, Maharashtra won first place for its tableau themed 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta'. Jammu and Kashmir was placed second for showcasing 'Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu and Kashmir', while Kerala secured third place with its tableau highlighting 'Water Metro and 100 per cent Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The award for the best tableau among Central Ministries and Departments was conferred on the Ministry of Culture for its presentation titled 'Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation'. Special Prizes were awarded to the Central Public Works Department for 'Vande Mataram Commemoration of 150 Years' and the dance group 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India'. Separately, the results of the Popular Choice category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal, were also declared. In this category, the Assam Regiment was voted the Best Marching Contingent among the three Services, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) emerged as the top choice among CAPFs and auxiliary forces. For tableaux in the Popular Choice category, Gujarat topped the list with its theme 'Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram', followed by Uttar Pradesh for 'Culture of Bundelkhand' and Rajasthan for 'Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)'. The Department of School Education and Literacy won the Popular Choice award among Central Ministries and Departments for its tableau on 'National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat'. - ANI Actor Riteish Deshmukh attended the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Deshmukh, son of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, also shared an emotional post on social media, praising Pawar as a dynamic leader. The funeral was conducted with full state honours, attended by Pawar's immediate family. Investigators from the DGCA have reached the crash site to probe the accident that claimed five lives. Actor Riteish Deshmukh attends last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, and shares heartfelt note. Baramati, January 29 Actor Riteish Deshmukh on Thursday attended the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Baramati. The NCP leader died in a plane crash on Wednesday. In visuals that surfaced online, Riteish was seen paying his last respects to Ajit Pawar, placing floral wreaths on the mortal remains. Earlier, Riteish, son of Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, penned an emotional note on X, expressing grief over the demise of Ajit Pawar. "Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra's most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. He never minced his words, his wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state. His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times, will always remember for the kindness he showered upon me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters," he posted. The last rites of Ajit Pawar were performed with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons lit the funeral pyre and carried out the final rituals.Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons, Parth and Jay, were also present.Earlier today, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the plane crash that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The aircraft had crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. The Pune Rural Police has registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the crash and has initiated an investigation. - ANI US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified that President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland during remarks at the Davos summit, framing it as an understandable verbal stumble. This directly contradicted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who had pushed back on assertions that Trump conflated the two Arctic locations. Trump's comments at the forum linked a stock market dip to "Iceland" and discussed U.S. interest in Greenland. The President later clarified the U.S. would not use force for Greenland and reversed proposed tariffs after a framework deal with NATO's chief. Marco Rubio clarifies Trump's geographical mix-up, contradicting Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's defense of the President's Davos comments. Washington, DC, January 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that President Donald Trump had misspoken when he repeatedly referred to Greenland as Iceland during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this month, contradicting an earlier explanation from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Rubio made the comment while testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a hearing focused on the Trump administration's operations in Venezuela, signalling that the president's geographical error was unintentional. "He meant to say Greenland," Rubio told lawmakers, framing the mix-up as an understandable mistake. "But I think we're all familiar with presidents that have verbal stumbles. We've had presidents like that before. Some made a lot more than this one," he said. Trump's confusion over the names of the two Arctic locations stemmed from his remarks to world leaders at the Davos summit about his interest in bringing Greenland under US ownership this month. According to an official transcript, he said, "I'm helping Europe. I'm helping NATO, and until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me." While making that comment, Trump was also emphasising the United States' longstanding commitment to NATO, even as he questioned whether alliance members would come to its aid in the event of an attack. "So with all of the money we expend, with all of the blood, sweat and tears, I don't know that they'd be there for us. They're not there for us on Iceland, that I can tell you," he continued. Trump went on to link market reactions to the confusion, saying, "Our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland. So, Iceland has already cost us a lot of money." The remarks, which drew attention for the factual mix-up, came as he spoke about broader strategic and economic concerns. Later in the afternoon, Leavitt pushed back on the assertion that Trump had conflated the two countries, telling a reporter on X that "His written remarks referred to Greenland as a 'piece of ice' because that's what it is. You're the only one mixing anything up here." Her post drew quick responses from users, who added a community note stating, in part, "The Press Secretary is not telling the truth." Trump's Davos comments also included a clarification on the US intentions toward Greenland's sovereignty. He said the United States would not use military force to acquire the territory, softening earlier statements. He further reversed proposed 10 per cent tariffs on European allies that had been aimed at pressuring Denmark over Greenland's status, saying he had reached a "framework of a deal" on mineral and security rights with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. - ANI US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate, suggesting a preemptive military strike against Iran could be necessary to protect American personnel in the Middle East. His comments come as the US bolsters its military posture in the region, including deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group. President Donald Trump has issued renewed warnings to Iran, threatening consequences "far worse" than previous strikes if a nuclear deal is not negotiated. Iran has responded by warning of a powerful retaliation to any aggression, even as its foreign minister signals openness to talks. Marco Rubio hints at preemptive strikes to protect US forces as Trump warns Iran. Tensions rise with military reinforcements in the Middle East. Washington, DC, January 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the possibility of preemptive action against Iran, telling lawmakers that Tehran's leadership is currently at its weakest point in decades, as Washington continues to reinforce its military posture across the Middle East. On Wednesday, testifying before the Senate, Rubio said the Trump administration's decision to strengthen US assets in the region, including the recent arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group in the US Central Command area, was a "prudent" step aimed at protecting more than 30,000 US service members stationed across the region. "And so I think it's wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily what's going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively prevent the attack against 1000s of American servicemen and other facilities in the region. And our allies," Rubio told senators during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing focused on Venezuela. "I hope it doesn't come to that, but that's I think what you're seeing now is the ability to posture assets in the region to defend against what could be an Iranian threat against our personnel," he added. Rubio's remarks come as regional allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, brace for the possibility that President Donald Trump could authorise strikes on Iran following Tehran's crackdown on anti-regime protests and amid concerns over potential retaliation. Addressing Iran's military capabilities, Rubio said the country is "weaker than it has ever been," but warned that it has accumulated "thousands and thousands" of long-range ballistic missiles "that they've built despite the fact that their economy is collapsing." Trump has publicly supported the protests, which began in late December but were largely suppressed, warning Iran's leadership that violence against demonstrators would trigger military consequences. Despite earlier pledges, the president has yet to announce concrete assistance for protesters, even as thousands were reportedly killed during the crackdown earlier this month. The president renewed his warning early Wednesday, saying any future action would be "far worse" than last summer's US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran," Trump added. "The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again." Iran's mission to the United Nations responded by warning it would retaliate "like never before," while also signalling openness to talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed that stance on social media, saying, "Our brave Armed Forces are prepared--with their fingers on the trigger--to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air and sea." When asked by Senator John Cornyn about a potential post-regime scenario in Iran, Rubio said, "I don't think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next in Iran if the Supreme Leader and the regime were to fall, other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems, that you could work towards a similar transition." - ANI US Senator Marco Rubio has warned that Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro became a strategic operational base for China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere. He stated China was receiving Venezuelan oil at a deep discount, sometimes as barter for debt, which posed a direct strategic risk to the United States. Rubio argued that US-led sanctions have now reduced China's access to this cheap crude, forcing it to pay market prices. He added that oil revenues from sanctioned Venezuelan crude are being placed under US oversight to benefit the Venezuelan people. US Senator Marco Rubio warns Venezuela under Maduro became a base for China, Russia, and Iran, giving China deep oil discounts in the US hemisphere. Washington, Jan 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told lawmakers that Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro had become a strategic base for China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere, warning that Beijing had been receiving Venezuelan oil at deep discounts while expanding its influence close to the United States. "We had in our hemisphere a regime operated by an indicted narcotrafficker that became a base of operation for virtually every competitor, adversary, and enemy in the world," Rubio said at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday (local time). He said China was receiving Venezuelan oil at "about $20 a barrel discount" and, in some cases, "they weren't even paying money for it. It was being used to pay down debt that they were owed." "This is the oil of the people of Venezuela, and it was being given to the Chinese as barter," Rubio said, adding that China, Russia, and Iran were all operating from Venezuela. Rubio described the situation as "an enormous strategic risk for the United States not halfway around the world, not in another continent, but in the hemisphere in which we all live." He said Washington's move against Maduro was aimed at ending that dynamic and regaining leverage. "It was an untenable situation, and it had to be addressed," he said. Rubio argued that the US-led oil "quarantine" -- which he stressed was "not a blockade" -- had sharply reduced China's access to discounted Venezuelan crude. "China can buy Venezuelan oil, but they're going to have to buy it like everybody else in the world is going to have to buy it," he said. "At the normal price." He said oil revenues from sanctioned Venezuelan crude are now being placed under US oversight. "The funds from that will be deposited into an account that we will have oversight over, and you will spend that money for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," he said. Rubio said China's broader strategy in the Western Hemisphere relies on economic leverage rather than ideology. "They're very interested in telecommunications. They're very interested in building and controlling key infrastructure. They're very interested in critical mineral rights," he said, adding that Chinese companies often secure footholds through "bad contracts" and debt dependency. He said China's influence in the region has begun to erode, citing Panama's exit from the Belt and Road Initiative and political shifts in Latin America. Rubio said the US objective is to prevent Venezuela from again becoming "a playground for Iran, Russia, and China in our own hemisphere." - IANS A high-level Russian delegation visited the Wings India 2026 exhibition in Hyderabad, showcasing aircraft like the Superjet 100 and Il-114-300. The visit culminated in the signing of a cooperation agreement between United Aircraft Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the licensed production of the Superjet in India. The delegation engaged in a plenary session with Indian aviation officials and held a meeting with India's Civil Aviation Minister to discuss expanding joint projects. This builds on the momentum of last month's Russia-India Business Forum, which emphasized deepening sectoral collaboration across multiple industries. Russian delegation tours aircraft, signs pact with HAL for Superjet production in India. Bilateral aviation cooperation expands during Hyderabad air show. Hyderabad, January 29 Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, as part of the Russian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Gennady Abramenkov, visited the international civil aviation exhibition "Wings India 2026" in Hyderabad, Telangana on Wednesday. On the sidelines of the air show, the head of the diplomatic mission, together with Gennady Abramenkov and CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Vadim Badekha, toured the Russian part of the exhibition, in particular the Superjet 100 and Il-114-300 aircraft, took a demonstration flight aboard the latter, and addressed the media. The Ambassador also took part in the ceremonial signing of an agreement on joint activities between the UAC and the Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, governing cooperation on the licensed production of the Superjet aircraft in India. Continuing the official program, the Russian delegation joined a plenary session of a thematic conference, where the key speakers from the Indian side included Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, and Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India. The first day of the exhibition concluded with a meeting between Russian representatives and India's Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, during which issues of bilateral cooperation in the sector were discussed, with an emphasis on expanding the number of joint projects. Last month, the Russia-India Business Forum 2025, led by the Roscongress Foundation and held alongside President Vladimir Putin's state visit, concluded with a unified commitment to expand trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration across both countries. According to a release, over two days, the Forum convened senior officials, industry leaders, investors, and policy institutions for dialogues, B2B meetings, and multi-sector consultations aimed at shaping long-term bilateral growth. Discussions across the Forum underscored the growing convergence in pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, machinery, food products, technical textiles, and marine equipment, while also identifying new joint-venture opportunities in medical technology, hospital infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Delegates emphasised the importance of strengthening SME participation, improving logistics and regulatory frameworks, and enabling stable cross-border trade mechanisms. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Budget Session by highlighting India's positive economic start, underscored by a new Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. He described a self-confident India as a global beacon of hope and a centre of attraction. The Prime Minister stated the upcoming Union Budget would continue the government's reform agenda, aiming for a competitive and productive nation. He also set the vision for the next 25 years, crucial for achieving the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. PM Modi highlights India-EU FTA and reform agenda, calling a self-confident India a "ray of hope for the world" ahead of the Budget session. New Delhi, January 29 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India's strong growth trajectory, describing the start of this quarter as "very positive" and calling a self-confident India "a ray of hope for the world today." Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session 2026, he noted that India has emerged as a centre of global attention. He said that at the beginning of this quarter, India and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which the Prime Minister described as reflecting "the bright future of Indian youth and the promising directions ahead." "This quarter has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India has become a ray of hope for the world today. It has also become a centre of attraction. At the beginning of this quarter, India and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement. It is a reflection of how bright the upcoming directions are, of how bright the future of Indian youth is," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling it "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage this opportunity to strengthen their capabilities, adding that the FTA represents a major step toward a confident, competitive, and productive India. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India," said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that the Union Budget would reflect the reform agenda of the Government. "It is natural for the attention of the country to be towards the Budget. But the identity of this Government has been reform, perform and transform. Now, we have swiftly taken off on 'Reform Express'. I express gratitude to all MPs for their positive contributions in speeding up this 'Reform Express'. As a result, 'Reform Express' is gaining speed." PM Modi highlighted that all the decisions of the government were human-centric and would continue to be so. "The country is coming out of long-term pending problems and confidently walking the path of long-term solutions...In all our decisions, the progress of the country is our goal. But all our decisions are human-centric, our role and schemes are human-centric. We will contest against technology, we will adapt to technology, we will accept the capability of technology. But with this, we will not undermine human-centric system. Understanding the importance of sensitiviteness, in partnership with technology, we will go ahead." Reflecting on the passage of one-fourth of the 21st century, the Prime Minister asserted on the importance of the next 25 years towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. He also hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who would present the first budget of the second quarter of the century. "1/4 of the 21st century has gone by. This is the beginning of the next quarter. To attain the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the important phase of these 25 years has begun. The first Budget of this second quarter of the century is about to be presented. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is the first FM of the country, the first woman FM of the country who is presenting the Budget in the Parliament for the 9th consecutive time. This is registered as a proud moment in the Parliamentary history of the country," he said. - ANI A report from WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund advises investors to book profits in silver, citing its over-extended valuation and warning that its recent outperformance of gold signals a speculative peak. The fund notes the Gold-to-Silver ratio has collapsed to a risky 46:1, a level that has historically preceded sharp corrections in silver prices. It argues that unlike precious metals, Indian equities like the Nifty 50 offer cash flow through dividends and capital appreciation while matching gold's long-term returns. The recommendation is to trim precious metals exposure to a safe-haven level and rebalance into diversified Indian equity funds or blue-chip stocks. Report warns silver rally is speculative, advises profit booking and rebalancing into Indian equity funds and blue-chip stocks for better returns. New Delhi, Jan 29 Investors should consider booking profits on silver and rebalance into diversified Indian equity funds or bluechip stocks, a report said on Thursday. The report from WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund said that investors should trim precious metals allocation back to a safehaven allocation level and stop chasing further upside. "Book profits on silver, as its current valuation is the most over-extended relative to historical periods. Trim precious metals back to a safe haven level in your total portfolio," the report said. The mutual fund said that silver's huge outperformance relative to gold often signals the final speculative phase of a rally and warned that the metal's current premium leaves it vulnerable to a sharp correction. "When silver outperforms gold with high velocity or parabolic moves, it often signals the final, speculative stage of a run; one that historically ends against investors' best interests," the asset manager said. The current GoldtoSilver ratio has collapsed to about 46:1 versus a 10year average near 80:1, the report said. The Gold-to-Silver Ratio (GSR) measures the relative value between the two metals. "When it drops below 50:1, silver is no longer cheap. In previous cycles, a ratio this low has preceded a mean reversion where silver prices corrected significantly faster relative to gold," the fund house further said. A weakening Rupee is often used to justify holding metals, but history shows it cannot save the investor from a speculative burst, it added. "An ounce of gold or silver produces no cash flow. In contrast, the Nifty 50 companies reinvest profits to grow, and reward investors by returning cash (in the form of dividends), as well as through capital appreciation," the fund house shared its view. Since inception, the Nifty 50 (TRI) has matched or exceeded gold's CAGR of around 13.2 per cent while providing far superior liquidity compared to holding physical metal, the report noted. - IANS The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to publicly display the names of individuals categorized under the "Logical Discrepancy" list in Tamil Nadu's voter roll revision. The order mandates that lists be posted at gram panchayat buildings and ward offices, with individuals given 10 days to submit corrective documents. The Court also instructed district collectors and senior police officials to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the Special Intensive Revision process. This follows a similar directive issued by the apex court for the SIR exercise in West Bengal, with petitions challenging the process on grounds of procedural irregularities. Supreme Court orders ECI to display 'Logical Discrepancy' voter names in Tamil Nadu offices, allowing 10 days for document submission. New Delhi, January 29 The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission of India to publish names of people who have been categorised in the ECIs' "Logical Discrepancy" list in the gram panchayat bhawan, Taluka offices of every sub-division and ward-offices of urban areas, as part of the Commission's Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Tamil Nadu. A bench led by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued more directions on a batch of pleas challenging the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Tamil Nadu on the ground of procedural irregularities. Those whose names appear in the list may submit documents, either personally or through authorised representatives, within 10 days from the date the logical discrepancy list is displayed. The list will also mention brief reasons for the discrepancies. Objections can be filed at the sub-divisional level offices, the Court said. The Court also directed all district collectors to follow the Election Commission of India's instructions and deploy adequate personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the SIR process. Senior Police officials have been directed to maintain law and order and ensure that the process continues without any disruption. "The DGP and Commissioner of Police in Tamil Nadu are directed to ensure that there is no law and order problem created and ensure that law and order is well maintained, and the entire exercise shall be done smoothly", the Court noted. The Court added that the ECI would hopefully ensure compliance with these directions during the ongoing SIR process in other states as well. The petitioners moved the apex court shortly after it had issued a flurry of directions over ECI's SIR in West Bengal. With respect to the exercise being carried out in West Bengal, certain parties had earlier moved the Supreme Court challenging the Commission's SIR on ground of procedural lapses, including people's names being categorised in the Logical Discrepancy list. Earlier, with respect to SIR in West Bengal, the apex court had directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to display the names of the electors falling under the 'logical discrepancies' category in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal. It has now issued similar directions with respect to SIR in Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is among the petitioners before the Court, has challenged the SIR on the ground that the decision to conduct it is unconstitutional, exceeds the powers of the Election Commission, and is contrary to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Subsequently, other parties, including Vijay's TVK, also moved the apex court challenging the SIR in the State and seeking an extension for people to file their objections over names being excluded from the voter rolls. The ECI had extended the deadline for filing claims and objections for the SIR in Tamil Nadu until January 30, 2026. This followed an earlier extension in December 2025, which had set the draft publication date to December 19, 2025. On January 28, 2026, the Supreme Court sought a response from the ECI on a plea (filed by the DMK) to apply the same transparency measures and guidelines to Tamil Nadu that the Court had previously ordered for West Bengal. - ANI Senior South Korean and US diplomats met in Seoul to discuss implementing bilateral summit agreements and enhancing cooperation on US visa matters for Korean workers. The talks addressed US visa reform, including new criteria for "specialized trainers" under B-1 visas, following the detention of over 300 Korean workers in Georgia last year. South Korea also sought to reassure the US of its commitment to a $350 billion investment pledge after warnings from former President Trump about tariff hikes. Both sides discussed ensuring smooth business exchanges and investments in strategic areas like shipbuilding. Senior diplomats meet to implement summit deals, clarify US visa rules for Korean workers, and reassure on $350B US investment pledges. Seoul, Jan 29 Senior diplomats of South Korea and the United States discussed Thursday implementing their joint summit agreements and strengthening cooperation on US visa matters for South Korean workers, the South Korean foreign ministry said. The talks took place between Park Jong-han, Deputy Foreign Minister for economic affairs, and Jonathan Fritz, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the ministry said in a release, Yonhap News Agency reported. Fritz was visiting Seoul this week for follow-up talks on US visa reform to better support Korean workers entering the US under a working group established after the arrest and detention of more than 300 Korean workers in a US immigration crackdown in Georgia last year. Thursday's meeting also came as Seoul is seeking to reassure Washington of its commitment to the USD350 billion investment in the US after US President Donald Trump warned of a tariff hike for South Korea, citing little legislative progress at the National Assembly. "Deputy Minister Park reaffirmed the government's will to faithfully implement the follow-up steps from the South Korea-US summits, suggesting that the two countries continue close communication between their diplomatic authorities," the ministry said. Park also asked for Washington's continued support to ensure smooth business exchanges for Korean companies investing in the United States, it added. At the visa working group talks on Wednesday, the US said it has created a new criterion for "specialized trainers" for short-term B-1 business visa applications, a move expected to add clarity to visa eligibility. South Korean businesses have cited unclear US visa rules as a reason for confusion among employees when traveling to the US on business. The two sides also discussed efforts to ensure Korean investors can carry out their US investments in a smooth manner, in such areas as shipbuilding and other strategic industries. - IANS Aim is to promote peaceful use of the buffer zone South Korea's unification ministry has asserted that pending legislation granting the government control over non-military access to the DMZ does not conflict with the Korean War armistice, as it requires advance consultation with the United Nations Command. This stance comes a day after the UNC voiced strong opposition, calling the bills "completely at odds" with the armistice agreement. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young echoed support for the bills, dismissing concerns they could harm South Korea-U.S. relations. Meanwhile, the defense and foreign ministries emphasized the need for close coordination with the UNC while acknowledging public interest in the DMZ's peaceful use. South Korea's unification ministry states pending DMZ control bills require UN Command consultation and do not conflict with the Korean War armistice. Seoul, Jan 29 South Korea's unification ministry said on Thursday that pending bills granting the South Korean government control of non-military access to the Demilitarised Zone do not conflict with the armistice as the bills require advance consultation with the United Nations Command. The ministry's stance came a day after the UNC voiced strong opposition to the bills, calling them "completely at odds" with the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. "The ongoing parliamentary discussion on DMZ-related bills requires advance consultations with the UNC for approval of DMZ access, and therefore does not conflict with the armistice at all," the unification ministry said in a notice to the press, Yonhap News Agency reported. The ministry said it will continue to cooperate on the DMZ access bills, in respect of the National Assembly's legislative rights. The ministry has thrown its support behind the bills, proposed by ruling party lawmakers, aiming to give the government the authority to regulate non-military access to the DMZ, as part of efforts to promote the peaceful use of the military buffer zone separating the two Koreas. The US.-led UNC has, however, objected to the bills, stressing its role as the administrator of the DMZ under the armistice agreement. Earlier in the morning, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young also echoed his support for the bills, saying they "do not conflict with the armistice." Asked to address growing concerns that differences between his ministry and the UNC could erode South Korea-U.S. relations, Chung noted, "That will not be the case." The defence ministry, however, struck a cautious tone, saying it will work closely with the UNC regarding the use of the military buffer zone. "The defence ministry respects the UNC's authority, based on the armistice agreement, and will closely cooperate with the UNC on the use of the DMZ," ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a regular press briefing. While reaffirming the need for close coordination with the UNC and respect for its mandate, the foreign ministry noted public interest in the peaceful use of the DMZ. "We respect the National Assembly's legislative authority and take the position that relevant bills need to be discussed in close coordination with the UNC, while respecting the Armistice Agreement and the UNC mandate," ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a briefing. "At the same time, we believe it is necessary to take into account public interest and aspirations regarding the peaceful use of the DMZ," he said. - IANS Investment in skill and infrastructure to build global brand The indefinite strike by Bangladesh's textile mills, protesting duty-free imports of low-cost Indian yarn, is creating potential export opportunities for Surat's textile industry. Industry leaders believe the disruption could shift international garment sourcing toward India, highlighting the superior quality of Indian yarn. Surat, which produces 65% of India's polyester fabric, is investing in skill development, infrastructure, and textile parks to strengthen its global position. The industry is urging the government to establish an R&D centre in Surat to further support innovation and advanced garmenting techniques. Surat textile traders anticipate a major export boost as Bangladesh mills begin an indefinite strike, potentially shifting global garment sourcing to India. Surat, Jan 29 Textile traders in Gujarat's Surat are expecting a major boost to business following the announcement of an indefinite strike by Bangladesh's textile mills beginning from February 1 this year. The strike has been called by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) in protest against the duty-free import of low-cost yarn from India, which has severely affected Bangladesh's domestic textile industry. According to industry sources, the influx of cheaper Indian yarn has made it difficult for Bangladeshi mill owners to sustain operations and repay bank loans, pushing the sector toward a shutdown. The resulting disruption is being viewed by Surat's textile industry as an opportunity to strengthen India's position in global garment manufacturing and exports. Kailash Hakim, Surat Federation of Textile and Trade Associations President, said the current uncertainty in Bangladesh, coupled with political instability, could benefit Indian textile exporters. "When there is uncertainty in Bangladesh, it opens doors for India. This situation proves the superior quality of Indian yarn. The future belongs to India's textile and garment industry," Hakim added. He said that Bangladesh relies heavily on imported fabric and has limited local textile manufacturing capacity, focusing primarily on garmenting. With production in Bangladesh likely to be affected, international buyers may increasingly turn to India for sourcing. Hakim added that both the government and industry stakeholders are investing in skill development and infrastructure to establish Indian textiles as a global brand. Several textile and garment parks are being developed across the country, with Surat emerging as a key hub. While Bangladesh has traditionally held an advantage due to low-cost labour and skilled garment workers, Surat is closing the gap through cluster-based development and quality enhancement initiatives. The industry is also focusing on parts manufacturing, quality improvement, and export growth. Textile traders have urged the Indian government to set up a Research and Development centre in Surat to support innovation and advanced garmenting techniques. Surat accounts for nearly 65 per cent of India's polyester fabric production, reinforcing its strategic importance in the textile value chain. Local traders remain hopeful that the disruption in Bangladesh's textile sector will translate into increased export opportunities for Surat-based manufacturers. - IANS Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy interacted with Indian students at Harvard Business School during his visit to Harvard University. He shared the vision of 'Telangana Rising' and encouraged students to contribute to India's growth. Reddy is attending the 'Leadership: 21st Century' program at Harvard's Kennedy School, becoming the first sitting Chief Minister in independent India to enroll in an Ivy League program. Upon completion, he will receive a course certification, a first in Indian history. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy interacts with students at Harvard, shares 'Telangana Rising' vision, and becomes first sitting Indian CM to attend an Ivy League program. Boston, January 29 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy interacted with a group of predominantly Indian students from Harvard Business School during his visit to the Harvard University campus, following an invitation extended by the students. According to the Telangana Chief Minister's Office (CMO), after completing his academic engagements, the Chief Minister engaged in an informal yet insightful discussion, understanding the students' career paths and challenges while sharing his own mantra for success. Highlighting the vision and key features of Telangana Rising, Revanth Reddy encouraged the students to leverage their global networks and talent to contribute to India's growth story and invited them to serve as brand ambassadors for Hyderabad and Telangana, according to the Telangana CMO. CM Reddy is attending the "Leadership: 21st Century" program at Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, becoming the first CM in Independent India to enrol for a programme in the Ivy League. According to the release, Reddy is attending the classes in a Harvard programme from January 25 to 31. The CM will be stationed on the Kennedy School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in a class featuring students from over 20 countries across five continents. During the programme, Reddy will attend classes and complete assignments, submit "homework," and participate in group projects alongside fellow global participants. The release said that this programme is chaired by Prof. Tim O'Brien and directed by Prof. Karen Morrissey. The curriculum is designed to analyse case studies from various parts of the world and across different eras of history, with participant groups tasked with solving and presenting solutions in a classroom setting. Upon completion, the Telangana CM will receive a program course certification from Harvard, marking the first time in Indian history that a sitting Chief Minister has achieved such a distinction. - ANI BJD leader Prasanna Acharya stated that the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash leaves a great vacuum in Indian politics, particularly in Maharashtra. Fellow BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra echoed the sentiment, calling Pawar a 'doer' and demanding a detailed inquiry into the circumstances of the crash. Officials from the DGCA and forensic teams have reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate, while police have registered an Accidental Death Report. The funeral procession for Ajit Pawar is scheduled in Baramati, with political leaders and supporters gathering to pay their final respects. BJD leaders Prasanna Acharya and Debi Prasad Mishra mourn Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, calling it a great loss for Maharashtra and Indian politics. Bhubaneswar, January 29 BJD leader Prasanna Acharya said that there will be a "great vacuum left in Indian politics" with the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday and noted that the contributions of the NCP chief to diverse fields will be remembered forever. "It is very shocking news and a great tragedy. His passing is a significant loss for the country, particularly for Maharashtra. He was a highly popular leader of Maharashtra, and his contributions to its development across all aspects will be remembered forever. With his demise, there will be a great vacuum in Indian politics, particularly in Maharashtra politics. Maharashtra expected many more things from Ajit Pawar," Acharya told ANI. "I express my deepest sympathy to Ajit Pawar's family and his party members...Right now, it is very difficult to assess how it happened. So, a proper inquiry should be made into it..." BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra called for an inquiry into the events leading to the plane crash, including the possibility of a technical snag. "This is really sad...He was a 'doer', who actually worked...We are shocked. In the spectrum of regional parties in India, be it Sharad Pawar or Ajit Pawar, they had a great influence, especially in the western part of India...So, his death shocked everyone...Why it happened, whether there was a technical snag, and what the circumstances that caused it were should be inquired into in detail," Mishra told ANI Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams on Thursday reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others. The aircraft had crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the crash and have initiated further investigation. "Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated," a police official from Pune police said. Union Minister Raksha Khadse termed the incident heart-rending and said Maharashtra would not see another leader like Ajit Pawar. "The accident yesterday is heart-rending. Nobody had thought that something like that would happen. We were all sad to hear the news yesterday. I think Maharashtra will not have any other leader like Ajit Dada. He worked in the interiors. He was a good leader who played a big role in Maharashtra's development," Raksha Khadse told reporters. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray arrived in Baramati to attend Ajit Pawar's funeral. Funeral preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the Nationalist Congress leader. Supporters of NCP chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled for 11 AM. The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers and features Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). - ANI Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi met in New Delhi for nearly an hour to discuss their alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The meeting, described as pleasant, did not reach a conclusion or discuss specific seat-sharing numbers. The Congress party's state leadership is reportedly demanding a share of power in any future government, a condition the DMK has not yet agreed to. With elections scheduled for the first half of the year, formal alliance talks between the two long-term partners have yet to officially begin. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi held a pleasant but inconclusive meeting in Delhi to discuss the alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. New Delhi, January 29 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi met in the national capital to discuss the roadmap for their alliance ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The meeting held on Wednesday, which was initiated by the DMK party as part of outreach to its ally, the Congress, did not reach a conclusion. The two leaders met for almost an hour, but no numbers were discussed. Rahul Gandhi urged Kanimozhi to discuss the matters with the team of leaders set up by the Congress president to formalise things. The meeting remained pleasant, according to a source in the Congress party. The two-decade-old alliance partners in the State are uncomfortable this time in the Assembly polls, as the state leadership of the Congress party is demanding a share of power in the government, which the DMK has not offered to the Congress. When many of the leaders advocated for the Jharkhand formula to be implemented in Tamil Nadu as well, the AICC leadership called a meeting of all the important leaders of the state to know their views. It was left to the leadership to make the final call after every leader had been heard. On alliance with DMK, Tamil Nadu AICC In-charge Girish Chodankar told ANI, "We are waiting for the DMK's response because alliance talks have not started yet. We have been waiting for them for the last two months... Our opposition is working very aggressively..." "We formed an alliance committee in November. We have requested that, by 15 December, the alliance talks be closed and the alliance sealed. I'm not sure why there is a delay. We are hopeful that they will conclude these alliance talks quickly," he said. The developments come as Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in the first half of this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the official election schedule. Meanwhile, in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4 and others won 8. - ANI Senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani held talks with India's Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor in Mumbai. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of sharply escalated rhetoric from former US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran to return to nuclear negotiations or face severe consequences. Iran has responded through UN channels, stating a conditional willingness to engage with Washington while issuing a strong warning of its own. Concurrently, US Central Command is conducting military readiness drills and has deployed a significant naval fleet to the region, underscoring the heightened state of tension. Top Iranian official Ali Larijani meets India's Pavan Kapoor amid heightened US-Iran tensions and stark warnings from former President Donald Trump. Mumbai, January 29 Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani met and held talks with Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor. The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai shared the update on X, saying, "Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, met and held talks with Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Adviser of the Republic of India." The interaction comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have sharply deteriorated following a stern warning from US President Donald Trump to Tehran over stalled nuclear negotiations. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said a US naval deployment larger than a previous fleet sent toward Venezuela was moving quickly, describing its advance as "quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." He added that the force was "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." In urging Tehran back to the negotiating table, Trump said he hoped Iran would "quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties." He warned that "time is running out" and described the situation as "truly of the essence." Recounting an earlier standoff, Trump wrote, "As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' a major destruction of Iran." He cautioned that any renewed confrontation would be "far worse," before closing with, "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate ... Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Iran responded on Wednesday through its mission to the United Nations, saying it is willing to engage with Washington "based on mutual respect and interests." In a separate post on X, Tehran warned: "BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!" Amid the exchange of warnings, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Washington is closely monitoring Tehran's actions and confirmed there is "a massive fleet heading in that direction." At the same time, US Central Command said on Tuesday it was preparing multi-day readiness drills "designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships, and prepare for flexible response execution throughout." CENTCOM said the exercises aim to demonstrate its "credible, combat-ready, and responsible presence designed to deter aggression, reduce the risk of miscalculation, and assure partners." Those military preparations followed a Sunday meeting between CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Eyal Zamir, focused on "strengthening the defensive cooperation between the two states." Separately, a US source told The Jerusalem Post that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group had entered CENTCOM waters in the Indian Ocean. On Thursday, media reports said the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group included additional US warships, destroyers and fighter aircraft in its deployment. - ANI US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, urging it to return to nuclear negotiations and threatening military action if an agreement is not reached. He stated a U.S. naval force is moving toward the region and warned that any future attack would be more severe than past strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister rejected negotiating under threat, calling the pressure tactics counterproductive while reiterating openness to a fair deal. The exchange highlights a deepening stalemate, with Washington prioritizing the nuclear issue and Tehran insisting on talks free from coercion. President Trump warns Iran time is running out for a nuclear deal, threatening military strikes if diplomacy fails as tensions surge. Washington, January 29 US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran on January 28, issuing a renewed and stark warning to Tehran over its nuclear program and threatening military action if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, reported CNN. The warning comes against a backdrop of mounting regional strain and divergent positions on diplomacy and defence. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said a large U.S. naval force, described as a "massive armada" led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward Iran. He expressed urgency on Iran returning to the negotiating table and urged Tehran to reach an agreement that would bar nuclear weapons development. "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," Trump wrote, warning that "time is running out" and that if Iran does not comply, the next attack "will be far worse" than prior strikes. Trump's comments invoked past US military action, including a June 2025 campaign when American forces struck multiple Iranian nuclear facilities in coordination with Israel, an operation that Washington said significantly set back Tehran's nuclear capabilities. The president's latest statement emphasized that military pressure remains an option if diplomacy stalls, reported CNN. Iran's leadership rejected the notion that talks could proceed under the shadow of military threats. According to state media, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," and criticized Washington's pressure tactics as ineffective and counterproductive. While Tehran reiterated openness to a "mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal," it insisted such discussions must occur free of coercion. The Iranian response also conveyed warnings of strong retaliation in the event of US military action. Some Iranian officials framed any attack as the start of broader conflict, with potential responses targeting US interests and regional partners. Trump's hardened language reflects a shift from earlier US rhetoric focused primarily on human rights concerns in Iran. In recent months, Tehran has faced international criticism for its crackdown on domestic protests, but the White House rhetoric increasingly places the nuclear issue at the center of US strategic priorities, reported CNN. As of now, neither side has indicated a willingness to step back from its position. Washington continues to press for a deal ending Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, while Tehran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear activities and insists that negotiations occur without threats. - ANI UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, affirming a commitment to a long-term strategic partnership between their nations. Both leaders agreed to maintain open dialogue on areas of disagreement, with Xi highlighting potential cooperation in sectors like education, finance, and advanced technology. Starmer confirmed he raised sensitive issues including China's human rights record and the prosecution of British citizen and media tycoon Jimmy Lai. The visit marks the first by a UK Prime Minister to China since Theresa May's trip in 2018, amid relations strained by Hong Kong and security issues. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, committing to a long-term strategic partnership and open dialogue on disagreements. Beijing, January 30 Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, on Thursday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both leaders affirming their commitment to building a "long-term and strategic partnership" while maintaining open dialogue on areas of disagreement In a post on X, Starmer said, "Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world's biggest powers. Today I met with President Xi in Beijing. We affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. As Prime Minister, I will always deliver in the interest of the British people." As per China Daily, President Xi emphasised cooperation with the UK in sectors such as education and finance. According to China Daily, Xi also urged joint research and industrial transformation across sectors, including artificial intelligence, bioscience, new energy, and low-carbon technologies. Al Jazeera reported that the last trip by a UK Prime Minister to China was in 2018 when Theresa May visited Beijing. It noted that the relationship between London and Beijing has remained strained since the launch of the political crackdown in Hong Kong following months of anti-government protests in 2019. According to Al Jazeera, another point of contention has been the prosecution of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon and British citizen, on national security charges. The UK had criticised the prosecution of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai. According to Al Jazeera, Starmer told reporters in Beijing that he raised the issues of Lai and China's human rights record during his meeting with Xi. "We did have a respectful discussion about that, raised those issues as you would expect ... It gives us great opportunities, but it also gives us the opportunity to have those discussions about areas where we disagree," the Prime Minister told reporters, as per Al Jazeera. - ANI UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong optimism about the recent free trade agreement between India and the European Union. He framed the deal as a crucial step toward a more multi-polar world, countering a global landscape he sees as overly dominated by the United States and China. Guterres argued that complex global problems require networked partnerships among many nations, not dominance by one or two powers. He cited the India-EU pact alongside other agreements as building blocks for a more balanced and cooperative international system. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expresses positive expectations for the India-EU free trade agreement, seeing it as key to a networked, inclusive world order. United Nations, Jan 30 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that he sees "a lot of positive expectations" from the recent free trade agreement between India and the European Union, and it could contribute to global multi-polarity. On Tuesday, India and the EU announced the free trade agreement, which EU President Ursula von der Leyen called the "mother of all trade deals". During his annual news conference to discuss his priorities for the year, Guterres stressed the need for multipolarity at a time when global power is being subsumed by two powers, which he said were the United States and China. "Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots. Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence," he said. For a stable world with sustained peace where development is spread equitably, he said, "we need to support multi-polarity". "It is important to accelerate, deliberately and with determination, multipolarity - one that is networked, inclusive by design, and capable of creating balance through partnerships - partnerships in trade, in technology, and in international cooperation," he said. "We need to support a ... set of relations among different countries. And I see with a lot of positive expectations, recent trade agreements - you have the EU with Mercosur (the South American trade bloc), you have the EU with Indonesia, EU with India," he said. Through such networks of "international cooperation among a progressively larger group of countries and entities" that lead to "a true multi-polar world" where "the values of the Charter of the United Nations can prevail," he said. - IANS The Women Welfare Organisation at Banaras Locomotive Works concluded a five-day training program for teachers on childhood testing, assessment, and management at the Chetna Training Centre in Varanasi. Certificates were presented to the participating teachers by the organisation's president, Monika Srivastava. Separately, Banaras Hindu University is preparing to host an international conference on climate-resilient agriculture in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute. The upcoming conference aims to address agricultural challenges posed by climate change with global experts. BLW Women Welfare Organisation awards certificates after a five-day training on childhood testing and management for teachers in Varanasi. Varanasi, January 29 The Women Welfare Organisation at Banaras Locomotive Works organised a five-day training programme on Childhood Testing, Assessment and Management at the Chetna Training Centre from January 16 to 22. On January 27, the Nai Subah organisation awarded certificates to all participating teachers upon successful completion of the program. The President of the BLW Women Welfare Organisation, Monika Srivastava, presented appreciation certificates to all trainers. On this occasion, uniforms were distributed to all teachers and staff working at the Chetna Training Centre, and sweets were distributed to the trainees. Present on the occasion were the Vice President of the Women Welfare Organisation, Gauri Srivastava, Gurmeet Kaur, Treasurer, Shweta Srivastava, Secretary Ritika Singh, Shikha Jain, Anju Gupta, Rakhi Gupta, Hansa and Anuja Khare. The objective of this training program was to provide teachers with an in-depth understanding of child development, introduce advanced assessment and management techniques, and empower them to better understand children's educational and mental needs. In another incident, Banaras Hindu University's Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, is set to host the 'International Conference on Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Development, Innovations and Solutions' (ICCRA2026) from February 5 to 7 this year. This conference aims to attract global attention to highlight the challenges posed by climate change and explore innovations, technologies and policy solutions in agriculture. The convenor of conference and Head Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Shravan Kumar Singh and the Organising Secretary J. Jorben said that around more than 500 participants including leading Scientist, Academicians, Policy makers, Industries Experts, Research Scholars and progressive Farmers from 23 states of India and other countries like USA, Mexico, Philippines, Serbia, Nepal, etc. are expected to attend. The deliberation will cover topics such as climate-smart agriculture, Sustainable crop production, Genomics and Breeding innovations, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning applications in farming, Natural Resource Management and Agriculture entrepreneurship. - ANI US Congressman John Moolenaar has written to Ford CEO Jim Farley expressing serious concerns over the automaker's battery technology plans with Chinese firms. The letter questions Ford's licensing agreement with CATL, a company designated by the Pentagon as a Chinese military company, and how it impacts eligibility for US clean energy tax credits. Moolenaar also raises alarms about reported discussions for a potential new partnership between Ford and another Chinese automaker, BYD. The lawmaker warns that such partnerships with adversarial nations create serious supply chain vulnerabilities for an iconic American company. Chairman John Moolenaar raises tax credit and national security concerns over Ford's partnerships with Chinese battery giants CATL and BYD. Washington DC, January 29 Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on China has written a letter to Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley about the automaker's plans to produce data centre batteries using technology from CATL, a Pentagon-designated Chinese military company, according to a release by the Select Committee on China. In the letter, Moolenaar asks Farley about Ford's intention to enter the energy storage sector with CATL, and whether any changes were made to the company's licensing agreement with CATL after new eligibility restrictions came into effect, the SCC release said. "Public statements from Ford indicate that the company plans to repurpose its existing U.S. battery manufacturing facilities to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and grid-scale energy storage systems. This effort would leverage technical know-how licensed from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a Department of War-designated Chinese military company. Ford's apparent changes follow enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which placed new restrictions on eligibility for clean energy tax credits, including limits related to licensing arrangements with prohibited foreign entities," writes Moolenaar in the letter, as quoted by SCC release. "In particular, the statute disqualifies tax credits for licensing agreements that are modified after the bill's enactment, or that involve ongoing technical dependence or revenue-sharing with a foreign-influenced entity. Ford's revised business plan raises important questions about whether the original licensing terms have been updated, expanded, or otherwise altered to accommodate the company's new focus on energy storage systems and data center markets," he stated as cited by SCC release. The letter also requests clarification on a possible new reported partnership between Ford and BYD, a Chinese automaker, following Moolenaar's warning to Ford earlier this year, SCC release stated. "If reports that Ford is in discussions to potentially partner with a second Chinese battery company were to come true, it would diminish Ford's status as an iconic American company. China has already shown in recent months that it will weaponise the auto supply chain. This is a serious vulnerability and it would only get worse if Ford enters into a new partnership with BYD. Ford should work with our nation's allies, not our adversaries," said Moolenaar on January 15, as noted by the SCC release. - ANI The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art will return three historic South Indian bronze sculptures to India after provenance research established they were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples decades ago. One key sculpture, a Chola-period Shiva Nataraja, will remain in the U.S. on a long-term loan for continued display. Research involving French Institute archives and the Archaeological Survey of India confirmed the bronzes were photographed in temples between 1956-1959 before entering museum collections. The museum director stated this return demonstrates a commitment to ethical stewardship and transparency in cultural heritage management. Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art returns three illegally removed South Indian bronze sculptures to India after research confirms temple origins. Washington, Jan 29 The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has announced that it will return three historic South Indian bronze sculptures to India after provenance research established that the works had been illegally removed from temple settings decades ago. The museum on Wednesday (local time) stated that one of the sculptures, a Chola-period "Shiva Nataraja," will remain in the United States on a long-term loan agreed upon with the Indian government, allowing the museum to continue displaying the work while publicly documenting its history, removal and return. The three sculptures -- "Shiva Nataraja" (Chola period, ca. 990), "Somaskanda" (Chola period, 12th century), and "Saint Sundarar with Paravai" (Vijayanagar period, 16th century) -- are regarded as important examples of South Indian bronze-casting traditions, a media release said. They were originally sacred objects carried in temple processions in Tamil Nadu. The museum said the "Shiva Nataraja," which will be placed on long-term loan, will be displayed as part of the exhibition "The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas." Such a decision by the museum follows a multi-year investigation conducted as part of a systematic review of the museum's South Asian collections. In 2023, researchers working with the Photo Archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry confirmed that the three bronzes had been photographed in temples in Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1959. The Archaeological Survey of India later reviewed the findings and determined that the sculptures had been removed in violation of Indian law, it said. "The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to stewarding cultural heritage responsibly and advancing transparency in our collection," museum director Chase F. Robinson said. "The return of these sculptures, the result of rigorous research, shows our commitment to ethical museum practice. We are profoundly appreciative to the Indian government for enabling us to continue exhibiting the long-admired Shiva Nataraja for the benefit of our visitors," Robinson said. The museum said it is working closely with the Embassy of India to finalise arrangements marking the agreement. The process was supported by the museum's provenance team, curators of South and Southeast Asian art, and international research partners. According to the museum, the "Shiva Nataraja" originally belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Tirutturaippundi Taluk in Tamil Nadu, where it was photographed in 1957. The sculpture was later acquired by the National Museum of Asian Art from the Doris Wiener Gallery in New York in 2002. Museum researchers found that the gallery had provided falsified documentation to facilitate the sale. The other two sculptures entered the museum's collection as part of a 1987 gift of about 1,000 objects from Arthur M. Sackler. Research confirmed that the "Somaskanda" was photographed at the Visvanatha Temple in Alattur village in 1959, while the "Saint Sundarar with Paravai" was photographed at a Shiva temple in Veerasolapuram village in 1956. The museum described provenance research as a process that combines physical examination of objects with extensive documentary review, including export licenses, dealer records, historical photographs, correspondence and shipping records, to reconstruct an object's ownership history. For decades, India has been seeking the return of cultural artefacts removed illegally from temples and archaeological sites. The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex, oversees multiple museums on the National Mall and attracts millions of visitors annually. The National Museum of Asian Art, which opened in 1923, houses one of the world's most significant collections of Asian art and is free to the public. - IANS US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly defended the military operation that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stated the action removed a major national security threat and that the US is now safer. Rubio announced a new plan to allow Venezuela to sell oil under US sanctions, with proceeds controlled for basic services. He also clarified that the administration does not expect or intend further military action in Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends the military capture of Nicolas Maduro before Senate, announces plan to allow Venezuelan oil sales. Washington, DC, January 29 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly defended President Donald Trump's military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, telling lawmakers that the move removed a major national security threat in the Western Hemisphere. On Wednesday, Rubio made the remarks during a public hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the first since the January 3 operation that ousted Maduro. The session saw sharp divisions between Republican and Democratic members over the administration's foreign policy, including Trump's rhetoric on Greenland and broader positions on Nato, Iran and China. Addressing lawmakers, Rubio said the United States is now safer following the operation and added that Washington plans to work with interim authorities to stabilise Venezuela. "We're not going to have this thing turn around overnight, but I think we're making good and decent progress," Rubio said. He added, "We are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four weeks ago, and I think and hope and expect that we'll be better off in three months and six months and nine months than we would have been had Maduro still been there." Rubio said Venezuela's current leadership is cooperating with Washington and is expected to see improvements soon. He also clarified earlier remarks suggesting possible further military action, stressing that the administration does not anticipate using force. "I can tell you right now with full certainty, we are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time," Rubio said. He added that such steps would only be considered in the case of "the emergence of an imminent threat of the kind that we do not anticipate at this time." Rubio also announced that Venezuela would soon be allowed to sell oil currently restricted under US sanctions. He said proceeds from the sales would be earmarked for basic government services, including policing and health care, with funds placed in a US Treasury-controlled account and released only after Washington approves Venezuela's monthly budget submissions. - ANI The United States State Department has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan, citing serious security concerns. The country has been placed under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory, warning of potential terrorist attacks without warning on various public targets. Specific regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are under the stricter "Level 4: Do Not Travel" designation due to high risks of assassination and kidnapping. The advisory also cautions that US citizens have been detained for participating in demonstrations, which are illegal without a permit in Pakistan. US State Department places Pakistan under "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory, citing terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest risks. Washington DC, January 29 The United States State Department has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns, including crime, civil unrest, terrorism and the risk of kidnapping, the Dawn reported on Thursday. According to an updated travel advisory issued on January 26, Pakistan has been placed under "Level 3: Reconsider Travel", indicating a high risk to travellers. The Dawn reported that the advisory warns that terrorist attacks may occur without warning and that common targets include transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security installations, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations and government buildings. The advisory further states that certain regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been designated "Level 4: Do Not Travel areas", which is the highest warning level issued by the State Department. US citizens have been advised not to travel to Level 4 areas "for any reason", with the department warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common in these regions. The warning applies to all US citizens, including those of Pakistani origin. The State Department also cautioned that local laws in Pakistan prohibit demonstrations without a permit, noting that "US citizens have been detained for participating" in such activities. A Level 3 advisory signals "serious risks to safety", urging travellers to reconsider their plans, while Level 4 discourages all travel. - ANI Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a review meeting on agriculture-related GI tags and various state missions. He also distributed appointment letters to 1,035 assistant teachers, emphasizing their role in shaping the state's future through quality education and moral values. The CM highlighted that over 28,000 government jobs have been provided in the last four and a half years, a significant increase compared to previous periods. Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat noted over 11,500 appointments in the Education Department and ongoing recruitment for thousands more. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviews agriculture GI tags and education missions, distributes 1,035 teacher appointment letters, and outlines state reforms. Dehradun, January 29 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a review meeting to assess the status of agriculture-related GI tags, House of Himalaya, Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Kiwi Mission, and Honey Mission. He also reviews the department's action plan for the coming year. The meeting was held at the State Secretariat in Dehradun. A day earlier, Dhami distributed appointment letters to 1,035 assistant teachers (primary education), including 17 special educators, at Government Doon Medical College in Patel Nagar in Dehradun. Extending his best wishes to all the selected candidates on Wednesday, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly appointed teachers would play a significant role in improving the standard of education in the state. CM Dhami stated that the responsibility for shaping Uttarakhand's future rests with them. "When a child receives quality education along with moral values, it not only transforms their own life but also makes a valuable contribution to the development of society and the nation. Teachers are the architects of the country's bright future," he said. The Chief Minister further emphasised that, in addition to imparting quality education, teachers should instil in children a sense of duty to society, culture, and the nation, so they grow into disciplined and responsible citizens. He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously working to modernise and enhance the quality of the education system. From strengthening school infrastructure to promoting digital education and teacher training and skill development, comprehensive reforms are being implemented at every level. He further stated that over the past four and a half years, more than 28,000 youths have been provided government jobs in the state. This, he said, is not just a statistic but a victory for youth self-respect. The number of jobs created during this period is more than double that of the period after state formation and of previous governments. He asserted that the government will not allow anyone to play with the future of the youth. Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat said that over the last four and a half years, more than 11,500 appointments have been made in the Education Department, while recruitment processes for over 3,500 posts are currently underway. He added that special emphasis is being laid on innovation in education across the state. - ANI Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched the 'Lab on Wheels,' a mobile facility to provide students with hands-on training in AI, coding, and IoT. The initiative, set to tour educational institutions for five years, aims to address the shortage of practical learning opportunities in the state. In a separate event, Dhami distributed appointment letters to 1,035 assistant teachers, emphasizing their role in shaping the future. The Chief Minister also chaired a review meeting on various state agriculture missions, including those for millets, apples, and honey. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launches mobile tech lab for AI, coding & IoT training, reviews agriculture missions, and appoints over 1,000 teachers. Dehradun, January 29 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday flagged off the 'Lab on Wheels' from the Chief Minister's Camp Office to promote skill development among students. This mobile lab will provide hands-on learning opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, coding, IoT, and other emerging technology domains. It will also assist students in learning various science experiments through virtual modes, a release said. The Lab on Wheels will offer students an effective platform for learning by doing. Over the next five years, the Infosys Springboard Lab on Wheels will travel across educational institutions throughout the state, creating awareness among students, providing hands-on training, and connecting them with global opportunities. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in the availability of hands-on training for students in the state. The practical and experiential learning facilities available in the Lab on Wheels will be beneficial for students pursuing higher education, technical education, and school education. Earlier today, Dhami chaired a review meeting to assess the status of agriculture-related GI tags, House of Himalaya, Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Kiwi Mission, and Honey Mission. He also reviewed the department's action plan for the coming year. The meeting was held at the State Secretariat in Dehradun. A day earlier, the Chief Minister distributed appointment letters to 1,035 assistant teachers (primary education), including 17 special educators, at Government Doon Medical College in Patel Nagar in Dehradun. Extending his best wishes to all the selected candidates on Wednesday, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly appointed teachers would play a significant role in improving the standard of education in the state. Dhami stated that the responsibility for shaping Uttarakhand's future rests with them. "When a child receives quality education along with moral values, it not only transforms their own life but also makes a valuable contribution to the development of society and the nation. Teachers are the architects of the country's bright future," he said. - ANI Uttarakhand has been honored with the national "Best State for Promotion of Aviation & Ecosystem" award at the WINGS India 2026 event in Hyderabad. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed pride, stating the award validates the state government's policies and vision. The recognition highlights the state's efforts in expanding air connectivity, particularly for the Char Dham Yatra, and developing heliports and safety measures. The award was presented by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu. Uttarakhand receives national "Best State for Promotion of Aviation & Ecosystem" award at WINGS India 2026, recognized for expanding connectivity and heli-tourism. Dehradun, January 29 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday expressed pride after the state received the national award for "Best State for Promotion of Aviation & Ecosystem" at the prestigious aviation event WINGS India 2026, held in Hyderabad. Taking to X, Chief Minister Dhami wrote, "Congratulations, Uttarakhand! Receiving the prestigious award of Best State for Promotion of Aviation & Ecosystem on the platform of @WingsIndia2026 is a moment of immense pride for the state." He said the honour reflects the impact of the state government's policies and vision at the national level. "This honour is proof that our government's policies, vision, and strong action plans are today establishing a solid identity at the national level," the Chief Minister said. The award was presented by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu during the event held in Hyderabad. "This award was presented by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation @RamMNK during the event held in Hyderabad," Dhami added. The Chief Minister said the recognition was the result of sustained efforts to strengthen the state's aviation infrastructure and connectivity. "This achievement is the result of the continuous and outcome-oriented efforts being made to expand air connectivity in the state, strengthen aviation infrastructure, and create an investment-friendly environment," he said. According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, Uttarakhand was honoured with the award at WINGS India 2026, held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, from January 29 to 31, 2026. The recognition reflects the state's aviation-focused policies under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The award ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Secretary Sachin Kurve, Additional Secretary Ashish Chauhan and Sanjay Tolia, among others. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dhami, Uttarakhand has expanded air connectivity across the state, particularly to support the Char Dham Yatra. Initiatives such as expanding helicopter services to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri; developing heliports and helipads; enhancing passenger safety measures; strengthening disaster management systems; and optimising the use of aerial resources for emergency services have been highlighted as key achievements. Helicopter services during the Char Dham Yatra have enabled senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pilgrims with time constraints to undertake hassle-free darshan, an initiative that has received nationwide appreciation. The state's efforts to connect border and remote mountainous regions, strengthen the UDAN scheme, upgrade airstrips and promote heli-tourism were also recognised at the national platform. Expressing happiness over the achievement, Chief Minister Dhami said the honour was the result of collective efforts by the people of Uttarakhand, the state government team and all stakeholders associated with the aviation sector. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making the Char Dham Yatra safer, more environmentally sustainable, and technology-driven, while working to establish Uttarakhand as a leading aviation and heli-tourism hub in the country. The Chief Minister said the national recognition would open new avenues for tourism, investment, employment and infrastructure development in the state. - ANI A US Senate hearing on Venezuela highlighted how great-power competition now revolves around oil access, debt diplomacy, and sanctions rather than just military confrontation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China's use of discounted Venezuelan oil to pay down debt as a strategic foothold in the hemisphere. The US response involves a controlled "quarantine" of Venezuelan oil to stabilize the economy while cutting off adversarial influence. For India, this illustrates how energy security is increasingly governed by geopolitics, with direct relevance to its own navigation of sanctions and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. US Senate hearing on Venezuela reveals fusion of energy control, China's debt diplomacy, and sanctions - a strategic mix relevant to India's challenges. Washington, Jan 29 A contentious US Senate hearing on Venezuela this week offered a revealing look at how Washington is fusing energy control, China's debt diplomacy, sanctions, and calibrated force - a strategic mix that resembles challenges India faces across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio showcased Venezuela as a case study of how great-power competition now plays out through oil access, political transition, and strategic-level signaling, rather than through traditional military confrontation alone. "We had in our hemisphere a regime operated by an indicted narcotrafficker that became a base of operation for virtually every competitor, adversary, and enemy in the world," Rubio said, describing the Maduro-era government as a hub for China, Russia, and Iran. Rubio said China, in particular, had leveraged Venezuela's oil to deepen its foothold in the Western Hemisphere. "China was receiving oil at about $20 a barrel discount, and they weren't even paying money for it," he said. "It was being used to pay down debt that they were owed." "This is the oil of the people of Venezuela, and it was being given to the Chinese as barter," Rubio added. Rubio's description will strike a chord in New Delhi, where officials have for years flagged China's use of cheap energy, debt and non-transparent deals as tools to build influence - often at the cost of market fairness and sovereign decision-making. Rubio described the situation as "an enormous strategic risk for the United States not halfway around the world, not in another continent, but in the hemisphere in which we all live," adding that it was "untenable" and "had to be addressed." At the core of Washington's current approach is tight control over Venezuelan oil flows - an issue of direct relevance to India, one of the world's largest energy importers and a country that has navigated US sanctions regimes on Iran and Russia to safeguard its fuel security. Rubio emphasised that the United States has imposed a "quarantine, not a blockade," allowing sanctioned Venezuelan oil to reach markets only under strict conditions. "We will allow you to move it to market at market prices, not at the discount China was getting," he said. "The funds from that will be deposited into an account that we will have oversight over, and you will spend that money for the benefit of the Venezuelan people." He said the immediate objective was to avert economic collapse. "They were producing oil, they were drilling, but they had nowhere to put it," Rubio said, adding that Venezuela faced a "fiscal crunch" and urgently needed funds "to pay the police officer, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government." Rubio stressed that the arrangement is temporary. "This is not going to be the permanent mechanism," he said. "This is a short-term mechanism." For India, the episode illustrates how oil access is increasingly governed by geopolitics rather than market forces alone - a trend New Delhi has flagged in international forums as sanctions, export controls and strategic chokepoints reshape global energy flows. Rubio said Venezuela has already begun shifting away from reliance on adversaries. "They used to get 100 percent of their diluent from Russia," he said. "They are now getting 100 percent of that from the United States." Beyond energy, Rubio framed the Venezuela operation as a broader signal to China - a theme closely watched in New Delhi amid intensifying US-China competition in the Indo-Pacific. Asked whether the operation could influence Beijing's calculations on Taiwan, Rubio said, "The situation on Taiwan is a Xi legacy project," but added that US actions were "certainly startling to China, to Russia, to Iran, to any adversary around the world because the US is the only country in the world that could have done this operation." For Indian analysts watching US-China tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, the comments point to a broader US message - that American power will be felt wherever its interests are involved. Rubio also outlined a three-phase US plan for Venezuela - stabilization, recovery and transition - reflecting an approach that focuses on order over rapid political change. "The end state here is we want to reach a phase of transition where we are left with a friendly, stable, prosperous Venezuela, and democratic, in which all elements of society are represented in free and fair elections," he said. But he cautioned against expectations of quick results. "We're not going to get there in three weeks," Rubio said. "It's going to take some time." He said stability was the first priority after the removal of Nicolas Maduro. "The concern was what happens in Venezuela? Is there civil war? Do the different factions start going at each other?" he said, adding that "all of that has been avoided." Rubio acknowledged the risks of working with imperfect interim authorities. "We are dealing with individuals that have been involved in things that in our system would not be acceptable," he said. "But you have to work with the people that are in charge of the elements of government." India, which has continually emphasised sovereignty, gradual reform and stability over externally imposed regime change, has often taken a similar view in conflict-prone regions. Rubio said early signs of reform were visible, citing changes to investment rules. "They have passed a new hydrocarbon law that basically eradicates many of the Chavez era restrictions on private investment," he said. "It probably doesn't go far enough, but it's a big step from where they were three weeks ago." He also pointed to the release of detainees. "By some estimates up to 2,000," Rubio said, though he noted they were being released "probably slower than I would like." On the use of force, Rubio sought to reassure lawmakers. "We are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time," he said. "The only military presence you will see in Venezuela is our marine guards at an embassy," he added, while stressing that the US President retains authority to respond to "an imminent threat." For India, the Venezuela debate brings several familiar issues together. It shows how energy is now used for leverage, how China expands its influence through debt and long-term deals, and how sanctions and military power are increasingly used as signals rather than as steps toward war. Washington's handling of Venezuela can be seen less as a Latin American story and more as an early indication of how competition among major powers is likely to play out. - IANS Venezuela's military and police forces have publicly pledged their loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez at a ceremony in Caracas. Senior officials, including the Defence and Interior Ministers, made emphatic declarations of support, presenting her with symbolic military regalia. Rodriguez assumed power after the US military's capture of former President Nicolas Maduro, making her leadership internationally controversial. The political landscape remains tense as she navigates domestic divisions and external scrutiny while attempting to consolidate her government. Venezuela's military and police pledge loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, consolidating power after Maduro's removal. Key officials declare support. Caracas, January 29 Venezuela's military and police forces have publicly pledged their loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, consolidating her hold on power in the aftermath of the dramatic removal of former President Nicolas Maduro, reported Al Jazeera. The show of support comes as Rodriguez continues to navigate both intense domestic pressures and international scrutiny over her leadership. The allegiance was declared during a ceremony held on January 28 at the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army in Caracas, where senior defence and security officials rallied behind the acting president. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, in an emphatic declaration, said: "We swear absolute loyalty and subordination." He presented Rodriguez with symbolic military regalia, underscoring the armed forces' recognition of her authority as commander-in-chief. Padrino described the event as "an unprecedented moment in our republic," reflecting the historic nature of the endorsement and the importance of unity among the security services at a critical juncture. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, speaking on behalf of Venezuela's police forces, also pledged loyalty to Rodriguez, asserting that supporting her leadership was vital "because we feel that to defend your rule is to defend the continuity of the government and the integrity of the Venezuelan people." Rodriguez, who assumed the presidency following the US military's capture of Maduro and his wife earlier this month, has sought to consolidate her position while addressing both internal divisions and external pressures. Since taking office, she has initiated measures such as the release of political prisoners previously detained under Maduro's government, and has sought to manage Venezuela's complex relations with international actors. The United States' role in Maduro's ousting and Rodriguez's installation has made her leadership highly controversial. In remarks linked to the ceremony, Rodriguez appeared to contrast her position with that of opposition figures abroad, stating: "Those who seek to perpetuate harm and damage against the people of Venezuela, let them stay in Washington." The political landscape remains tense. Key opposition figures have criticised Rodriguez's legitimacy and ability to govern effectively, with some describing her leadership as lacking broader public confidence. Meanwhile, the international community continues to watch how Venezuela's government will balance its internal security, economic challenges, and relationships with both allies and adversaries, as reported by Al Jazeera. The loyalty pledge by Venezuela's military and police signals a crucial moment in the country's upheaval, potentially shaping the future of governance and stability in a nation long marked by political turbulence. - ANI US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sharply criticized the European Union for finalizing a major free trade agreement with India, calling the move "very disappointing." He argues that Europe prioritized commercial interests over its stated support for the Ukrainian people amidst the ongoing war. Bessent accused European nations of indirectly financing Russia's war by purchasing refined fuel products from India that originate from Russian crude oil. He also contrasted US actions, including imposing tariffs on India, with Europe's pursuit of the trade deal. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls Europe's new trade pact with India "disappointing," accusing it of prioritizing commerce over support for Ukraine. Washington, DC, January 29 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Europe's decision to conclude a major trade agreement with India, arguing that the move showed the continent had placed commercial priorities above its stated concern for the Ukrainian people. On Wednesday, speaking to CNBC, Bessent said he was disappointed with Europe's position, claiming Brussels had chosen trade interests despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. "They should do what's best for themselves, but I will tell you, I found, I find the Europeans very disappointing," he said. His remarks came a day after the European Union finalised the long-pending trade pact with India, aimed at expanding bilateral trade and reducing Europe's dependence on the United States amid rising global trade tensions. Under the agreement, tariffs on 96.6 per cent of traded goods by value will be eliminated or reduced, a move expected to potentially double EU exports to India by 2032 and save European companies around 4 billion euros in duties. Bessent said the deal also explained why the European Union declined to align with Washington's decision to impose higher tariffs on India last year. "The Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out, because they wanted to do this trade deal," he said. "So every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people." He went on to accuse European countries of indirectly funding Russia's war by purchasing refined fuel products derived from Russian crude oil. "The Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products," Bessent said. "They are financing the war against themselves." The treasury secretary noted that he had raised similar concerns last week, ahead of the formal conclusion of the trade agreement. In an earlier interview with ABC News, he pointed out that Washington had imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil, even as Europe proceeded with its trade deal. "We have put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Guess what happened last week? The Europeans signed a trade deal with India," Bessent said. "And just to be clear again, the Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products. They are financing the war against themselves." Bessent also said the Trump administration had applied greater pressure on Moscow than its European counterparts in efforts to end the conflict. "Trump has worked to negotiate a settlement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he said, adding that the United States had made "much bigger sacrifices" than Europe. - ANI Lucknow University students have welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay the University Grants Commission's new regulations. The students, who had been protesting the rules, termed the court's order a victory and labeled the guidelines as divisive. The new regulations, intended to address caste-based discrimination, were challenged as being arbitrary and exclusionary. The court has ordered that the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to apply for now, citing vagueness in the new rules. Supreme Court stays new UGC regulations on caste discrimination after student protests. Lucknow University students welcome the decision, calling the guidelines divisive. Lucknow, January 29 Lucknow University students on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay the University Grants Commission Regulations, 2026. Soon after the decision, students raised slogans in the University Campus, "Chhatr ekta zindabad (Hail Students Unity)". Speaking to ANI, a student, Shakti Dubey termed the top court's decision as "Victory for students". "Keeping the interests of students in mind, and considering the protests that took place across the country in which Lucknow University played an important role, the Supreme Court delivered this verdict. This is a victory for the students. It should be reviewed, discussed, and changes should be made to it. I thank the Supreme Court," he said. Another student, Jatin Shukla, termed the UGC's new guidelines as "completely divisive", thanking the Court for its decision. "This is a very serious issue. At Lucknow University, we were continuously protesting over this. On January 27, we organised a very large protest here and submitted a memorandum to the UGC Chairman. The Chief Justice of India has said that today there is a need to move forward by taking everyone together. We have won for now," he said. "We did not have any major objection to the 2012 rules. The guidelines that were recently issued were completely divisive," he added. Astha Pandey said that the Court's decision has had a very "positive impact" on students. "This Supreme Court decision has had a very positive impact on us students. Those who wanted to create division among us, the Court, by putting a stay on it, has done very good work in our interest. We thank the Supreme Court," she said. The new UGC regulations, notified on January 23, were challenged by various petitioners as being arbitrary, exclusionary, discriminatory and in violation of the Constitution as well as the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The Top Court said that, for now, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to apply. The Court opined that there is complete vagueness in Regulation 3 (C) (which defines caste-based discrimination), and it can be misused. "The language needs to be re-modified," the Court said. The new regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints, especially from students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) categories. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13, which update its 2012 regulations on the same subject, have sparked widespread criticism from general category students, who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them. - ANI Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pivoting towards the civil aviation sector to enhance national self-reliance, as stated by its Chairman. The company is developing a civil variant of the Dhruv helicopter, the Hindustan 228 aircraft, and the SJ-100 regional jet. Manufacturing will utilize existing facilities in Nashik and Kanpur while collaborating with a network of private vendors to control costs. This initiative supports the national goal, highlighted by the Prime Minister, of massively expanding India's airport network to over 400 by 2047. HAL Chairman outlines vision for domestic civil aircraft manufacturing, leveraging defense expertise to build helicopters and regional jets for an expanding Indian aviation market. Hyderabad, January 29 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is shifting its focus toward the civil aviation sector with the development of a diverse portfolio of passenger aircraft and helicopters. Speaking toon the sidelines of Wings India 2026, HAL Chairman DK Sunil stated that the company aims to establish a larger civil component in its manufacturing lineup to enhance national self-reliance. "We build our military aircraft, so why not build civil aircraft also? That is the vision with which we are going. Since we are a government-owned company, the vision is that we should become Atmanirbhar in Civil aircraft also," he added. "We are already a manufacturer of helicopters, transport aircraft, fighters... We should have a larger civil component in our portfolio," DK Sunil said. He noted that the company is leveraging its experience in defense to meet commercial needs. The aerospace major is currently working on the Dhruv NG, a civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter, and the Hindustan 228, which is an 18-seater aircraft. Additionally, the company has introduced the SJ-100, a regional jet designed to seat 103 passengers. According to the Chairman, the final assembly of these aircraft will take place in Nashik, while the Kanpur facility will produce necessary parts. The manufacturing process will also integrate a broad network of private vendors from Nashik, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. "It's going to be a combination of existing facilities we are going to leverage, as well as work with our private partners to see that we can keep the cost of investments low so that it will translate into a lower ticket price for the aircraft," Sunil explained. This push for domestic manufacturing aligns with broader national goals for aviation expansion. Earlier, while delivering a virtual address at the Wings India 2026 aviation summit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is on track to establish a network of over 400 airports by the year 2047. "In India, air travel is no longer exclusive; it's becoming inclusive. Our mission is to make air travel easily accessible to every Indian citizen. That's why we have connected Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with airports. In 2014, India had 70 airports. Today, the number of airports in India has increased to more than 160. We have activated more than 100 aerodromes in the country and, along with this, launched affordable flight schemes for our citizens... It is estimated that by 2047, India will have more than 400 airports. This will be a very large network. Not only that, our government is also working on the next phase of the UDAN scheme. This policy will further strengthen regional and affordable air connectivity," said PM Modi. - ANI Comoros Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed has arrived in New Delhi to attend the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, co-chaired by India and the UAE. The meeting, the first hosted by India after a ten-year hiatus, will see participation from all 22 Arab League member states. India and Comoros, which established diplomatic relations in 1976, share close ties and similar views on regional issues. The forum aims to deepen cooperation across key verticals like economy, energy, and culture. Comoros Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed arrives in New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab FMM, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional partnerships. New Delhi, January 29 Comoros' Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed arrived in New Delhi on Thurday to participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be conducted on Saturday. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Foreign Minister's visit to the capital will further strengthen cordial relations between India and the Union of the Comoros. Through his official X post, he said, "Warm welcome to Foreign Minister @Mmbae75 of Comoros on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' meet. His visit will further strengthen the cordial relations between India and the Union of the Comoros." According to the MEA brief, India established diplomatic relations with Comoros in June 1976, and the Embassy of India in Antananarivo is concurrently accredited to Comoros. India and Comoros enjoy close and friendly relations. Both countries share similar views on several regional and multilateral issues. Comoros has been a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) since 2012, and of the International Solar Alliance since 2017. In Comoros, the Indian Diaspora comprises approximately 250 individuals, most of whom are engaged in trade, business, and other professions. Their role in Comoros's economic development is well recognised. On Saturday, India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. - ANI The Election Commission has set January 30 as the final deadline for voter enrollment and corrections in Tamil Nadu. This follows a Special Intensive Revision that saw over 97 lakh voters deleted from the draft rolls, primarily due to change of address or death. Political parties successfully requested an extension of the original deadline to ensure wider participation. All applications will be scrutinized before the final electoral roll is published on February 17 ahead of the Assembly elections. Deadline for Tamil Nadu voter enrollment ends Jan 30. Final electoral roll to be published Feb 17. Check your name to avoid disenfranchisement. Chennai, Jan 29 The extended deadline for inclusion of names in the electoral roll in Tamil Nadu will end on Friday, the Election Commission has reiterated, urging all eligible voters to complete the registration and correction process before the cutoff. As of Tuesday (January 27), a total of 16,02,555 applications had been received across the state. Tamil Nadu has been undergoing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls since November 4, as part of preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections. The draft electoral roll, published on December 19, sparked widespread discussion after it revealed that 97.38 lakh voters had been deleted from the rolls. As a result of these deletions, the total number of voters in the state declined from 6,41,14,587 to 5,43,76,756. The Election Commission data show that among those removed, 66,44,881 voters were deleted due to a change of residence, 26,94,672 due to death, and 3,98,278 were identified as duplicate voters. In view of the large-scale deletions, the Election Commission provided an opportunity for affected voters to seek corrections. Individuals whose names were removed from the draft roll were allowed to apply for re-inclusion between December 19 and January 18. The same time frame was also extended to citizens who attained 18 years of age during the revision period and were eligible to register as first-time voters. Further, the Commission issued notices to 12,43,363 voters whose entries were found to be incomplete or missing mandatory details. These voters were asked to submit affidavits along with relevant documents by January 18 to validate their inclusion. Applicants were required to submit Form 6 for new registrations and Form 8 for corrections, including address changes. To ensure wider outreach, the Election Commission organised special voter enrolment camps on two consecutive weekends, covering Saturdays and Sundays across Tamil Nadu. Citing upcoming public holidays and operational constraints, several political parties urged the Commission to extend the deadline. Acting on these representations, the Election Commission extended the voter registration and correction process to January 30, which now stands as the final deadline. Officials said all applications received by January 30 will be scrutinised and verified, after which the final electoral roll will be published on February 17. Voters have been strongly advised to ensure their names are included before the deadline to avoid disenfranchisement in the upcoming elections. - IANS Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash at Baramati airport on Wednesday. His mortal remains were brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his final rites, with the funeral scheduled at the Vidya Pratishthan ground. Political leaders, including Congress MP Manickam Tagore, expressed profound grief, calling his death a huge loss for his family and the state. Ajit Pawar, known as "Dada," had a long and influential political career, serving as Deputy CM in multiple governments and playing a key role in Maharashtra's cooperative sector. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash. Funeral today. Leaders express grief. A look at his political legacy. New Delhi, January 29 Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, calling it a huge loss for his family. Tagore said that his party leadership have spoken to Pawar family and has assured their support in this "time of grief." "It's a huge loss for the Pawar family, and we pay our condolences. Our leadership has spoken with them, and we stand with the family in their time of grief," Manickam Tagore told ANI. Meanwhile, a local described Ajit Pawar's death as a "shocker" and said the truth behind the incident would come out. He called it a significant blow to farmers, labourers, and industrial workers while highlighting the development model in Baramati. "This is not the time to do politics. What actually happened will come out. But this is a big accident, a shocker. This is a significant blow to farmers, labourers, and industry. This is a loss to the entire state and the entire country...Baramati was raised as a role model. How should the development be structured, and how should it be maintained? Baramati was made a role model for this. Baramati will be impacted a little," the local told ANI. Earlier today, the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his last rites. Funeral preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. Pawar lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, MLA Rohit Pawar and other members of the Pawar family gathered at the Katewadi residence in Baramati ahead of Ajit Pawar's funeral. Supporters of the NCP chief gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11 AM. The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers, featuring Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). Ajit 'Dada' Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to them and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to government administration, Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Dada's leadership journey began and continued across institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks, and took a new direction in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He would later vacate the Baramati seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. Since then, he has held many more positions, including MLA, Minister of State for various critical government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became the Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was famed for his straightforward approach and frankness. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. - ANI Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared Western Odisha a core engine of the state's development at the Enterprise Odisha 2026 event in Rourkela. The event secured investment intents and MoUs worth Rs 52,026 crore with the potential to create over 20,000 jobs. Key projects were inaugurated and grounded, and a major land allotment was made to Vedanta Aluminium for a new smelter plant. The government's strategy focuses on creating anchor industries surrounded by MSME ecosystems to generate local employment. CM Mohan Majhi announces massive Rs 52,026 crore investment in Western Odisha, generating thousands of jobs and inaugurating key projects. Rourkela, January 29 Western Odisha is no longer the "next frontier" of growth it is a core engine of Odisha's development, said the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, while addressing the Industrialists of Raipur, Ranchi and Rourkela at the 25th edition of Enterprise Odisha 2026 at Rourkela on Wednesday. As per a press release, during the occasion, projects worth Rs 8,884 crore were inaugurated and grounded, leading to the generation of 6,832 employment opportunities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and investment intent totalling Rs 52,026 crore were secured, with an employment potential of 20,427. Marking a major boost to the region's industrial momentum. The event marked the inauguration of 11 industrial projects with an investment of Rs 5,708 crore, generating employment for 4,183 persons. This was followed by the grounding of 9 projects worth Rs 3,176 crore, creating employment for 2,649 persons. The event was also graced by Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain; Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Home and Information & Public Relations Department, Hemant Sharma IAS; Chairperson, CII; distinguished industrialists and investors; representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); policymakers; MSME entrepreneurs; startup founders; women entrepreneurs; and senior government officials. Leading companies such as Tata Steel, Raipur forging, MCL, JSW, Vedanta, Dalmia Cement, SAIL, AMNS, and the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce, among others, participated in the event. More than 500 people gathered to witness this significant moment in the industrial growth journey of Western Odisha. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, "The Silver Jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha represents a new way of thinking for us; a mindset where we aspire to be the best in every sector. We will be the best, and we will compete with the best. With this confidence, we are moving forward." Referring to the theme of this year's event, the Hon'ble Chief Minister said, "The theme of this year's event is 'Odisha: Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business.' This reflects our renewed vision that economic growth must go hand in hand with an improved quality of life. Industrial development must create employment opportunities, enhance living standards, and ensure that ease of doing business is matched with ease of living. Industrial growth should bring better opportunities into the lives of every citizen." Highlighting the State Government's industrial strategy, CM Majhi said, "Our strategy is clear-- establish a few anchor industries in every region and develop hundreds of MSMEs around them as suppliers, vendors, logistics partners, fabricators, maintenance providers, packaging units, and technology partners. This will ensure that our youth no longer need to migrate for jobs; opportunities will come to their doorstep." During his two-day visit to Rourkela, the Chief Minister also participated in three key roundtable discussions with the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce and the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association (OSIMA), and in a special interaction with delegations from Ranchi and Raipur, represented by Sunil Kedia of the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries. These engagements highlighted the growing RRR Corridor--Raipur-Ranchi-Rourkela, reflecting enhanced regional collaboration and shared growth prospects. Through these roundtables, 22 MoUs worth Rs 43,349 crore were signed, generating 18,985 jobs, while 5 investment intents totalling Rs 8,677 crore, with an employment potential of 1,442, were received. The Chief Minister handed over the letter offering 1,447.927 acres of land at Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal, to Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. for its proposed 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter and 4,900 MW Captive Power Plant (CPP) project. The allotment, approved by the 41st High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), marks a significant milestone in fast-tracking the project toward implementation. The State Government looks forward to expeditious next steps to facilitate the timely grounding of the project. - ANI Microsoft announced quarterly revenue of $81.3 billion, a 17% year-over-year increase, driven by unprecedented cloud and AI growth. CEO Satya Nadella revealed the company's AI business is now larger than some of its biggest franchises that took decades to build. The Microsoft Cloud surpassed $50 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, with operating income rising 21% to $38.3 billion. Nadella highlighted key metrics like tokens per watt and significant growth in Copilot adoption across enterprise and developer tools. Microsoft reports $81.3B quarterly revenue as CEO Satya Nadella reveals its AI business has already eclipsed some of its biggest legacy franchises. New Delhi, January 29 Microsoft Corp. has announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, reporting revenue of USD 81.3 billion, a 17 per cent increase compared to the same period last fiscal year. Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated on X that the company is still in the beginning phases of AI diffusion and its broad impact on gross domestic product. He noted that Microsoft has already built an AI business larger than some of its biggest franchises that took decades to build. He noted that Microsoft's quarterly cloud revenue surpassed the USD 50 billion mark for the first time. As per a release, the company saw its operating income rise by 21 per cent to USD 38.3 billion, while net income on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis reached USD 38.5 billion, marking a 60 per cent growth. Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis stood at USD 5.16. "Microsoft Cloud revenue crossed USD 50 billion this quarter, reflecting the strong demand for our portfolio of services," said Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Microsoft. She added that the company exceeded expectations across revenue, operating income, and earnings per share. Non-GAAP net income, which excludes the impact from investments in OpenAI, was reported at USD 30.9 billion, an increase of 23 per cent. Nadella also highlighted that annual cloud revenue was USD 10 billion less than 10 years ago, attributing the current growth to expanding the total addressable market and execution. He further explained that, "The key metric we are optimizing for is tokens per watt and per dollar, which is all about increasing utilization and decreasing TCO using silicon, systems, and software." As per Nadella, Microsoft achieved a 50 per cent increase in throughput for OpenAI inferencing, which powers its Copilot. The company is also focusing on its new first-party systems, such as Maia 200, and its agent platform. Nadella stated that software is being rewritten in this platform shift, where agents are viewed as the new apps. He confirmed that over 1,500 customers have used both Anthropic and OpenAI models on Foundry, with more than 250 customers on track to process over one trillion tokens on the platform this year. Operational momentum was reported across various segments, with the Microsoft 365 Copilot reaching 15 million paid seats. GitHub Copilot subscribers rose 75 per cent year-over-year to 4.7 million, while healthcare documentation encounters increased over three times to 21 million. Nadella said that the company feels confident in its ability to innovate and capture future opportunities as diffusion accelerates. - ANI Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a key election promise of providing up to Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance to women entrepreneurs. The scheme, designed to empower women and foster self-reliance, has already disbursed an initial Rs 10,000 to 1.56 crore beneficiaries. The additional substantial support will be provided in installments after a six-month business assessment and proper verification of fund utilization. The initiative also includes plans for marketing support and linking entrepreneurs with various government projects to bolster employment within the state. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar details the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, promising up to Rs 2 lakh in financial support for women starting businesses. Patna, Jan 29 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday reiterated that his 2025 Assembly election promise of providing financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to women entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana will be implemented soon. In a post on his official X handle, the Chief Minister said the scheme was launched to empower women and make them self-reliant. "As you all know, we have launched the 'Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme' to empower and make the women of the state self-reliant. The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to women for self-employment, so that at least one woman from every family can establish herself as an entrepreneur," Kumar said. He said that in the first phase of the scheme, an amount of Rs 10,000 was provided to one woman from each family. So far, Rs 10,000 has been transferred via DBT to 1.56 crore beneficiaries. "The remaining eligible applicants in both rural and urban areas will also receive the amount in their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer as per the rules," he added. The Chief Minister further stated that the scheme includes a provision for additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh, to be granted after an assessment conducted six months after the beneficiary starts her business. "I am pleased to announce that action has been initiated to provide additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to the beneficiaries selected under the Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme," Kumar said. He clarified that the amount will be disbursed in instalments, subject to verification that the previously released funds were properly utilised for employment purposes. "In cases where the business is performing well, and the need arises, a lump sum amount may also be provided," he said. Nitish Kumar also directed the concerned departments to ensure marketing support for products manufactured by the beneficiaries. He said these women entrepreneurs will be linked with various government initiatives, including garment manufacturing units, Sudha milk outlets, and Didi Ki Rasoi (community kitchens). "The implementation of this scheme will further strengthen the position of women and generate employment opportunities within the state, reducing the need for migration," the Chief Minister added. - IANS England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones is set to make her Women's Premier League debut for UP Warriorz in a critical match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jones, a late replacement for the injured Phoebe Litchfield, expressed excitement about joining the tournament she has long wanted to be part of. She emphasized the team's readiness for the must-win pressure, highlighting positive training sessions and team talks. The outcome of this clash will heavily influence UP Warriorz's playoff fate in the WPL. England's Amy Jones set for WPL debut with UP Warriorz in a crucial playoff-deciding match against RCB. Get her exclusive pre-match thoughts. Vadodara, Jan 29 England wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones is set to make her Women's Premier League debut in a high-stakes encounter, as UP Warriorz prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 18 of the tournament, a contest that could determine their playoff fate. Jones was drafted into the UP Warriorz squad as a replacement for Australia's Phoebe Litchfield, who was ruled out through injury. The 32-year-old England international arrived on short notice but is eager to make an impact as the Warriorz head into a do-or-die clash. Speaking to broadcasters ahead of the match, Jones addressed the whirlwind nature of her arrival and the challenges of travel. "I've gotten over the jet lag. I had a good couple of nights' sleep. But yeah, as you say, it was a quick turnaround, but I'm very excited to be here," she said. Despite not being part of the tournament from the outset, Jones revealed that the WPL had long been on her radar and that she had kept track of the competition from afar. "I've only heard good things about WPL, and it's definitely been something that I've wanted to be a part of. So yeah, really excited for this opportunity. It's been a difficult hour, but I've been watching the highlights and been looking forward to watching those each morning," she said. The timing of her debut adds extra intrigue, with UP Warriorz entering the final stretch of the league phase knowing there is no margin for error. Jones embraced the pressure that comes with such a scenario. "Really exciting. As you say, it's at the crux of the stage at the moment. So yeah, every game's a must-win, which is hugely exciting for us as players," she said. Jones also highlighted the mood within the Warriorz camp, stressing that the squad is fully aware of what is at stake against RCB. "Everyone's really up for it. We've had some really good training sessions and a great team talk today before we left the hotel. Everyone's really excited to get out there and put on a show," she said. When asked what fans can expect from her on the field, Jones kept expectations measured, focusing on contributing in familiar ways. "Not too sure, really. Hopefully, just what I bring to other competitions, I think. I'm really excited to get out there with the gloves. So hopefully, I can do a good job for this new team." With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, UP Warriorz will be counting on Jones' experience and composure as they take on RCB in a match that could define their WPL campaign. RCB won the toss and put the Meg Lanning-led side to bat first here at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi). - 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. Olivia Ardito is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, and is a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. 20260129 part 1) Burner phones and lead-lined bags: a history of UK security tactics in China - Starmers team is wary of spies but such fears are not new with Theresa May once warned to get dressed under a duvet - When prime ministers travel to China, heightened security arrangements are a given as is the quiet game of cat and mouse that takes place behind the scenes as each country tests out each others tradecraft and capabilities. Keir Starmers team has been issued with burner phones and fresh sim cards, and is using temporary email addresses, to prevent devices being loaded with spyware or UK government servers being hacked into. The employment of such tactics may sound dramatic but they are par for the course in an age of digital espionage and information security. Burner phones, for example, are routinely used by No 10 on some trips abroad at G20 the summits in Brazil in 2024 and South Africa in 2025, for example though not on visits to allied nations or Five Eyes intelligence partners. For visits to China these precautions have been standard for at least a decade, such is the expectation that Beijing will eavesdrop and monitor. When she was prime minister, Theresa May was warned ahead of her trip to Beijing in 2018 to get dressed under the duvet to ensure that spy cameras would not film her without any clothes on. It was advice that was passed on generally by officials to all those travelling on the trip eight years ago. Concerns about peeping tom surveillance are particularly relevant to those in the official entourage or business and press delegations staying in hotels. There was a well-worn routine in places like Shenzhen that foreigners from the west would be assigned the same rooms so they wouldnt have to move the equipment, a former senior British intelligence official said. Those with time on their hands would try to find the concealed bugging devices for fun. part 2When Gordon Brown visited China in 2008, an aide was victim of a honey trap. The male aide met a Chinese woman at a lively hotel disco in Shanghai and left with her. The next day, he reported that his BlackBerry phone was missing. He was reprimanded, though No 10 said there had been no security compromise. Part of the standard security guidance given to ministers and their aides reflects this incident. The rest of the advice, the senior security official said, was warning middle-aged men that if an attractive young Chinese woman appeared interested in you, she probably wasnt. Michael Gove, writing in the Mail last year, recalled being given similar warnings before being dispatched on a ministerial trip in 2010: I was also told that if anyone from the opposite sex who approached me was out of my league they had only one thing on their mind and it wasnt comparing notes on Confucian philosophy. David Cameron visited Beijing as prime minister in December 2013. A former aide recalled that China insisted on supplying a personal protection officer over six-and-a-half-foot tall to follow the British prime minister and his team as closely as reasonably possible. The practice, again, is relatively standard, but it offered an obvious possibility for low level information gathering. At the end of the trip after pretending he couldnt speak or understand, at the plane he said goodbye and safe travels in perfect English, they recalled, presumably as a reminder they were being watched. General guidance, according to one British official who visited Beijing, is that everything is bugged and the only area for sensitive or secret conversations and debriefs is the secure compartment in the British embassy. Similar considerations apply when meeting Chinese leaders or officials at international summits or when visiting the countrys diplomatic premises in London or elsewhere. When James Cleverly was foreign secretary, a former adviser recalled that during the UN general assembly in New York, he and his team refused to take their mobiles into the Chinese consulate. The handsets were all stored in a lead-lined bag in the hands of officials who did not go inside the diplomatic building. One of the consequences of this abundance of caution is that ministers are out of ordinary contact in China, meaning their families cannot easily get in contact, having instead to communicate via a private secretary or other close aide. It can also cause other political issues, as happened to Vince Cable in 2014. The Lib Dem, who was then business secretary, was visiting China and did not have his mobile phone with him. Back in the UK, an old ally, Matthew Oakeshott, launched a coup attempt against the then party leader, Nick Clegg but the plot struggled for momentum and quickly collapsed with Cable uncontactable. I wasnt part of this plot. It all broke in the middle of the night in China and not surprisingly we were not rushing to the phone, Cable said. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/28/burner-phones-history-uk-security-tactics-china-keir-starmer-visit Taking certain antidepressants at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery or longer hospital stays, according to a study published on January 28, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. For the study, researchers looked at serotonergic antidepressants, which treat anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin activity in the brain. These included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Concerns have previously been raised that serotonergic antidepressants might increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or complicate early recovery after traumatic brain injury. However, our study found no evidence to support those concerns." Jussi P. Posti, MD, PhD, study author, University of Turku, Finland The study included 54,876 people in Finland who were 16 or older when hospitalized with a TBI. A total of 14% used serotonergic antidepressants at the time of the TBI. Researchers reviewed national prescription records for preinjury antidepressant use and medical records to determine how many people died within a month, whether they needed emergency brain surgery, and how long they stayed in the hospital. A total of 4,105 people died within a month. This included 7.6% of those taking antidepressants and 7.5% of people who did not. After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and other health conditions, researchers found people taking antidepressants before injury were no more likely to die within a month than those not taking them. Antidepressant users were slightly less likely to require emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure or bleeding in the brain and prevent further damage. Of the total participants, 6.8% of the antidepressant users and 8.6% of those who did not use antidepressants needed emergency brain surgery. After adjustments, antidepressant users had an 11% lower risk. The amount of time in the hospital was the same for both groups. "These findings provide reassurance for people who take antidepressants that antidepressant use does not appear to worsen early recovery after traumatic brain injury," said Posti. "Future studies should examine whether these results hold true for long-term recovery and across different health care settings." A limitation of the study was that it was conducted only at hospitals and health care centers in Finland, so results may vary in other areas. The study was supported by the Finnish government, the Paulo Foundation, Paavo Nurmi Foundation, Research Council of Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation and Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research. In recent years, research into cannabis and its main psychoactive ingredient, -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has unearthed medical benefits including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, THC is also known to negatively affect learning and memory, limiting its potential clinical usefulness, particularly in disorders of the brain. Now, a new study led by Chu Chen, PhD, professor in the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in neural physiology in the Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas at San Antonio, suggests a combination approach may provide the benefits of THC treatment with fewer negative side effects. In Chen's study, published in December 2025 in Aging and Disease, his team paired a low-dose THC extract with the selective anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib. When used in mice, the combo improved cognition and reduced Alzheimer's-related brain pathology. Both drugs are already Food and Drug Administration-approved for use in humans, pointing to a potential fast track to clinical trials. Inflammation at root of many diseases Chen began his query more than a decade ago into how THC impairs learning and memory. In a 2013 study, his lab uncovered a key molecular driver. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme known for its role in inflammation and pain. It is normally expressed at low levels in the brain but becomes activated during injury, infection or disease. COX-2 also plays a role in synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation, a cellular process essential for learning and memory. When THC is given, it unexpectedly increases COX-2 in the brain. That increase is closely associated with learning and memory impairment." Chu Chen, PhD, Professor, Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in neural physiology in the Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas at San Antonio The discovery helped explain why THC has been difficult to use safely for neurological conditions. Globally blocking COX-2 is not a solution either. Previous clinical trials using high doses of COX-2 inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease did not show cognitive benefits and additionally produced detrimental cardiovascular side effects. Same receptor, opposite outcomes Endocannabinoids - cannabinoids produced within the brain - act on the same cannabinoid receptors as external THC but often exert opposite or regulatory effects. Among them, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a key endocannabinoid that engages signaling pathways that lead to reduced COX-2 activity and less neuroinflammation. This insight prompted Chen to consider if the pro-inflammatory effects of THC could be blocked while preserving its beneficial actions. Combination drug in Alzheimer's models Chen's team chose to add celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor widely prescribed for arthritis and pain. The researchers used very low doses, far below those associated with cardiovascular risk in earlier Alzheimer's trials. For the study, they administered 3 mg/kg of THC and 1 mg/kg of celecoxib per day to mice. This is the human-equivalent in a 165-pound person of 18 mg THC and 6 mg of celecoxib per day. In the new study, the researchers tested low-dose THC alone and in combination with celecoxib in beta-amyloid and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles are central hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Treatment was initiated prior to the development of memory symptoms to concentrate on the combination's effect in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. Oral doses were given once daily for 30 days. The results were consistent across both the beta-amyloid and tau models. Although low-dose THC alone improved cognitive performance and reduced some pathological markers, it also increased inflammatory signaling. In contrast, the combination of THC and celecoxib produced better outcomes, including improved learning and memory performance, reduced beta-amyloid and tau pathology, and decreased markers of neuroinflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that genes involved in synaptic function, inflammation and Alzheimer's disease risk were shifted back toward a healthier profile following the treatment. "What really mattered was behavior. If cognition is not improved, then the treatment doesn't matter. And that's where the combination clearly worked better than THC alone," Chen said. Clearer path to translation THC is currently available in synthetic form for chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite loss in cancer and HIV patients and celecoxib has been prescribed for decades for arthritis and other pain. By pairing THC with a COX-2 inhibitor, the scientists effectively reduced THC-related inflammation while preserving its positive cognitive effects. The findings point toward a pharmaceutical strategy that could be quickly tested in clinical trials. "If you develop a new compound, it can take 10 to 20 years to reach patients," Chen said. "In this case, both drugs are already approved. That gives us a real advantage." What's next? This study focused on preventing or delaying the onset of cognitive symptoms. Chen's future studies will determine whether the drug combination can slow disease progression or reverse deficits after symptoms have already appeared. Still, even preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease by a few years could have a profound impact on patients, families and health systems. "This work has taken many years. But now we're at a point where basic neuroscience discoveries are pointing toward something that could realistically move into the clinic," Chen said. Interest in cannabis-based therapies is on the rise, and this latest study offers a unique focus on THC's functional mechanisms and solutions to its side effects. The study moves the field closer to safely applying these therapies in clinical care for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While scientists have long known that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with biological symptoms of accelerated aging, emotional distress accounts for a significant portion of these effects, researchers found in a recent study. Consistent with a chains-of-risk framework - the theory that later-life health conditions are triggered by sequential, linked exposures earlier in life - the findings support our hypothesis that prolonged exposure to contextual socioeconomic disadvantage accelerates one's biological age, and that some but not all of this effect operates through increases in psychological symptoms." Christina Kamis, first author, professor of sociology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign The study's sample population comprised more than 1,440 people living in Wisconsin and included two factors - cumulative exposure to neighborhood disadvantage and overall emotional distress - that prior studies have not explored. Co-author Wei Xu, a professor in the Institute for Health and Humanity at the Medical College of Wisconsin, has led a number of studies investigating links between health disparities and neighborhood conditions. Published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, the paper was co-written by Michal Engelman, a sociology professor and the director of the Center for Demography of Health and Aging at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Kristen Malecki, a professor and the director of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. Engelman and Malecki were the co-principal investigators for the Researching Epigenetics, Weathering, Aging and Residential Disadvantage project that contributed to this work. Funded by the National Institutes on Aging at the National Institutes of Health, the project links the residential histories of respondents of the Survey on the Health of Wisconsin to survey and biomarker data, examining the relationship between long-term exposure to residential disadvantage and DNA methylation patterns and metabolic outcomes. Malecki was the principal investigator of SHOW when the data were collected. While much of the prior research on accelerated aging, neighborhood factors and residents' emotions focused on depression, the current study also explored stress and anxiety, "and how each of the psychological factors mediated the relationship between cumulative exposure to neighborhood disadvantage and epigenetic aging," Xu said. "What we found is that anxiety appeared to be a really significant mediator between exposure and the outcome." Kamis said the research used three epigenetic "clocks" that measure an individual's state of biological aging based on patterns of epigenetic changes in the genome. "These epigenetic clocks have different algorithms and assumptions," Kamis said. "If we're seeing similar patterns across several different clocks, we have stronger evidence of the relationship." The team used two-second generation clocks, the PhenoAge and GrimAge, which, when regressed on chronological age, produce residuals indicating epigenetic age acceleration; along with the Dunedin Pace of Aging clock, which can be interpreted as the rate of biological aging per one year of chronological age, Kamis said. While the team found that epigenetic age acceleration was common among those in the sample population, the magnitude varied depending on the clock, Kamis said. By the Dunedin PACE, more than 60% of the participants were aging faster than expected; however, the PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks indicated that 46% and 42%, respectively, of those in the sample were affected. Six census-tract socioeconomic indicators - including median household income, the percentage of rental households and the proportions of residents with a high school education or less - were used to characterize neighborhood disadvantage. The researchers also created a composite measure of cumulative exposure by tracking each individual's residential history since the age of 18 - a unique level of exposure that prior neighborhood-biological aging research has rarely been able to consider due to data limitations, Kamis said. The team obtained participants' residential data for up to five decades, Xu said. "That allowed us to make more accurate inferences about the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and biological aging, as well as the role of psychological symptoms in that relationship, because we accounted for their cumulative life course exposure, not just that associated with their current neighborhood." Individuals' psychological symptoms were measured using a 21-item scale that included three subscales that separately assessed depression, anxiety and stress. By clinical measures, about 24% of the individuals in the study had above-normal scores for depression, while 21% had elevated levels of anxiety and 15% had above-normal stress scores, the researchers found. By adding each person's scores on the three subscales together, the team calculated a composite measure called "overall distress." Cumulative neighborhood disadvantage was a significant predictor of greater overall distress across all three models, and it predicted accelerated aging across all three clocks directly and indirectly through increases in distress, Kamis said. "Cumulative neighborhood disadvantage and overall distress were both significant predictors of accelerated aging for all three clocks," Kamis said. "One-unit increases in cumulative disadvantage were associated with .187 and .219 additional years of age acceleration by the PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks, respectively, and a .006 increase in the pace of aging by the Dunedin PACE." For each accelerated epigenetic aging measure, cumulative neighborhood disadvantage had both a significant direct and indirect effect through overall distress, Kamis said. "About 13% of the effect of neighborhood disadvantage operated through overall distress by the GrimAge clock, while that proportion was around 10% for each of the other two clocks. "When we looked at each of the psychological symptom subscales separately, most of the indirect effect on accelerated aging occurred through anxiety," Kamis said. Amy Schultz, a scientist at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, and then-postdoctoral scholar Joseph Clark also were co-authors of the current study. New research reveals how Parkinson's spreads from the gut to the brain, with the help of immune cells offering a new potential therapeutic strategy in a study in mice led by scientists at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL (University College London). Scientists have long theorized that Parkinson's may start in the gut. This is because one of the first brain areas to be affected in the condition is the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, which connects directly to the gut. But scientists have not known how the condition spreads to the brain. The new study identifies a key role for gut macrophages a specialized immune cell that acts as a first responder, eating or 'engulfing' and destroying harmful invaders in helping toxic proteins travel from the gut into the brain. The research showed that reducing the number of gut macrophages led to reduced spreading of toxic protein, and improved motor symptoms in mice. Published in the journal Nature, and funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the study suggests a new potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's that could enable intervention long before onset of motor symptoms. Previous research has found that between 50-90% of people with Parkinson's had gut symptoms long before their movement symptoms began, for example experiencing chronic constipation decades before diagnosis. Patients are grouped into 'body-first' and 'brain-first' depending on where disease starts, with the former accounting for around two thirds of people affected by Parkinson's. In the new study, the scientists isolated misfolded alpha-synuclein, the toxic protein implicated in Parkinson's, from the brains of people who had died with Parkinson's. They inserted tiny amounts of the patient-derived alpha-synuclein into the small intestines of mice and followed its spread from the gut into the brain. They showed that gut macrophages engulfed alpha-synuclein, and began to show signs of dysfunction in their lysosomal systems, responsible for breaking down the cell's waste material. The researchers found that the macrophages then signalled to T cells, which are part of the body's adaptive immune response. These "gut-instructed" T cells then travel from the gut, into the brain. Importantly, when the researchers depleted the number of gut macrophages before injecting alpha-synuclein into the small intestine of mice, they found this resulted in reduced levels of toxic alpha-synuclein in the brain, compared to healthy controls (mice in a comparison group) suggesting a possible therapeutic avenue: targeting these immune cells and preventing them from reaching the brain. Next, the team plan to look more closely at how the immune system in the body affects the brain in negative ways, and whether this could be harnessed to develop new drug targets. They will also investigate how to exploit markers of inflammation in the blood as early diagnostics for Parkinson's. Our study shows that immune cells are not bystanders in Parkinson's; these gut macrophages are responding, albeit in a dysfunctional way. This presents an opportunity to think about how we can boost the function of the immune system and these cells, so that they respond in the correct manner and help to slow or stop the spread of disease." Dr. Soyon Hong, Co-lead Author, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL Co-lead author Dr Tim Bartels, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, said: "Neurodegenerative diseases have slow trajectories over decades. Understanding how Parkinson's begins in the body could allow us to develop simple blood tests to screen for it, enabling diagnosis long before damage to the brain starts. Having the ability to detect and manage Parkinson's before it even reaches the brain could have a huge impact for those affected." One day, there could be a new test to screen for type 1 diabetes, now that scientists have found markers in the blood of the umbilical cords of children who were later diagnosed with the disease. In new research published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists at the University of Florida and Linkoping University in Sweden found that early signs of type 1 diabetes can be found in the blood of the umbilical cord, which links the baby to the placenta during pregnancy and is discarded at birth. This does not mean that diabetes is predetermined, said Angelica Ahrens, lead author of the study and assistant research scientist in microbiology at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). "It means that biology is being shaped during a period when systems are still highly adaptable," said Ahrens. Type 1 diabetes is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas' beta cells, which produce insulin, destroying them. This means the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly, creating a lifelong need for treatment and potentially serious health problems. An estimated 8.4 million people worldwide live with type 1 diabetes, a number expected to increase to 17 million over the next 20 years. Data from the new study suggest that the process that leads to inflammation starts during pregnancy, Ahrens said. These are processes that could then make biological conditions more favorable for an attack on the pancreas. It would be useful if markers in the umbilical cord blood could give doctors a heads-up -- as current screening is genetically based or requires antibodies to the self, at which point the disease has already progressed significantly. Knowing how to offset these processes and the inflammation will be very important in our continued studies of these markers, as they could inform interventions or lifestyle changes in early life." Angelica Ahrens, lead author of the study and assistant research scientist in microbiology at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Researchers are studying 16,683 babies in Sweden, a group known as All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS). The population-birth cohort follows babies born in a particular region of Sweden between 1997 and 1999. For each child, extensive information across time was provided by the family and later the individuals themselves, including periodic biological samples. The ABIS participants are followed to present day. Scientists used machine learning to identify which proteins are related to a risk of developing type 1 diabetes, using the cord blood of a subset of these individuals. Then they looked for patterns in the proteins linked to disease risk, using prediction models, Ahrens said. This analysis involves repeatedly testing and refining models across hundreds of proteins to ensure reliable results. To synthesize data across the proteins, researchers used UF's HiPerGator, the country's fastest university-owned supercomputer. That made their work efficient, reproducible and scalable, Ahrens said. "Access to HiperGator helped move this study forward and positions us well for future work in larger and more diverse populations," she said. Within the group studied, scientists discovered protein markers that are observable at birth that are strongly associated with the development of future insulin-dependent diabetes. Scientists also saw that some of these markers linked to future disease may be influenced by certain polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, the so-called "forever chemicals," to which the mother was exposed during pregnancy. Johnny Ludvigsson, senior professor with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Linkoping University and a corresponding author on the study, said the study stems from of a fruitful collaboration between scientists in Sweden and the United States. "Our study shows that a combination of several factors during pregnancy increases the risk of future development of type 1 diabetes," Ludvigsson said. "This suggests that no single method will prevent the disease, but different early changes of lifestyle and environment may gradually make type 1 diabetes less common." Eric Triplett, professor and chair of the UF/IFAS Department of Microbiology and Cell Science and a corresponding author of the study, said: "The primary value of this paper is that it suggests a new means to predict future type 1 diabetes using a biological tissue, the cord blood, that is discarded at birth. This tissue contains blood from the child that can be stored for future measurement of proteins in the sample." "This represents an approach that doesn't require an invasive procedure for the newborn child (such as blood sampling), genetic testing, which has privacy concerns, or any future expensive testing in the child for autoantibodies in blood. We see a bright future for cord blood proteomics in disease prediction." Young adults with complex chronic childhood-onset conditions such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis experience longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates and greater use of resources in adult hospitals, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open. More children with medically complex conditions are surviving into adulthood, but researchers have had limited visibility into how these conditions influence adult hospital care. Led by a team at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), the study shows that while this group represents 6.7 per cent of young adult hospitalizations, they account for 10.7 per cent of all hospital bed-days and higher hospitalization costs. Their stays are 62 per cent longer than other young adults and their 30day readmission rates are 59 per cent higher. This is one of the first Canadian studies to examine how complex conditions beginning in childhood as a whole affect hospital use later in life. Young adults with childhood-onset complex chronic conditions are navigating an adult health system that was not built for the type of coordinated care they need. We found that this small portion of the population ends up having a disproportionate impact on the adult healthcare system." Dr. Sarah Malecki, first author, a PhD student in the Cohen Lab at SickKids Bridging support for lifelong conditions The study was a retrospective review of more than 19,000 acute-care hospitalizations among young adults aged 18 to 39 in 2018, allowing researchers to examine how medically complex patients use adult hospital care over time. Many of these conditions affect multiple organ systems and require ongoing involvement across specialties. Complex care teams that integrate multiple disciplines and provide support for families are more established in children's hospitals such as SickKids, but comparable approaches are less common in adult care. Sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy were the most common diagnoses for adult medical admissions in the study. The team notes the results suggest there may be opportunities to prioritize support for medically complex young adults, such as stronger transition pathways, adult specialty clinics for childhood-onset conditions, and tools to identify patients at risk of prolonged stays or readmissions. "I have heard too many times from patients and families that the transition to adult services can feel like 'falling off a cliff,'" says study author Dr. Eyal Cohen, staff physician and Senior Scientist and Program Head of Child Health Evaluative Sciences. "We've made great progress in developing coordinated models of care for children with complex chronic conditions, but we now need to work collaboratively with primary care providers, adult specialists, adult health systems and policymakers to ensure that these young people continue to have access to excellent care after they leave the paediatric system." Offering insights into adult hospital utilization Researchers analyzed data from 29 adult hospitals across Ontario using GEMINI, a multi-hospital database that combines administrative and clinical data from electronic medical records. "This study shows that the typical approaches to caring for older adults in hospital and understanding their health outcomes do not apply well to young adults with complex childhood conditions," notes study author Dr. Amol Verma, Clinician-Scientist, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. "There is an urgent need to link paediatric and adult healthcare data, which can help us identify patients who are at risk of suffering poor outcomes and design better systems for the transition from paediatric to adult care." While other studies have examined specific childhood-onset conditions or the first few years after transfer to adult care, this study spans young adulthood and captures challenges that extend well beyond age 18. "People often think of transition to adult care as equivalent to a transfer, but it's an ongoing process that continues until young adults are firmly connected to the right providers," says Malecki, who is also an internal medicine physician. "This study fills an important evidence gap on beginning to understand how paediatric medical complexity can affect young adult hospital use after transfer to adult care." She adds that this study marks an important first step in understanding the impact of this population as a whole in the adult healthcare system, supporting future research into specific subpopulations and leveraging data to follow these patients from adolescence into midadulthood. This would allow researchers to look beyond hospitalbased outcomes to better understand the natural history of these conditions over time. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children and GEMINI. Economic Survey calls for re-examining RTI Act Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) The Economic Survey on Thursday made a strong case for re-examining the nearly two-decade-old RTI law to exempt confidential reports and draft comments from disclosures, saying such provisions constrain governance. It also said that the RTI (Right to Information) Act 2005 was never intended as a tool for idle curiosity, nor as a mechanism to micro-manage the government from the outside. Its purpose is far higher, and the law itself makes that clear, it said. The law seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, to contain corruption, and to enhance peoples participation in the democratic process. Nearly two decades on, the RTI Act may need re-examination, not to dilute its spirit, but to align it with global best practices, incorporate evolving lessons, and keep it firmly anchored to its original intent," it said. A few possible adjustments that could be worth exploring in the law include exempting brainstorming notes, working papers, and draft comments until they form part of the final record of decision-making, the survey said. Another option could be to protect service records, transfers, and confidential staff reports from casual requests that add little value to the public interest. A third might be to explore a narrowly defined ministerial veto, subject to parliamentary oversight, to guard against disclosures that could unduly constrain governance," the survey said. It added that these are not prescriptions, but suggestions worth debating to ensure that the Act remains effective while also safeguarding the integrity of decision-making. The law, it said, is best understood not as an end in itself, but as a means to strengthen democracy. The wiser path is to keep it anchored to this original aim enabling citizens to demand accountability for decisions that affect them, while also ensuring that space for candid deliberation and respect for privacy remain protected," it said. That balance between openness and candour is what will keep the RTI Act true to its purpose," it added. The idea of citizens right to know is not uniquely Indian. According to the Survey, Sweden pioneered it with the worlds first Freedom of Information Law (FOIA) in 1766. The US enacted its FOIA in 1966, and the UK followed in 2000. Interestingly, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair later admitted he regretted introducing it, not because he opposed accountability, but because he felt governance itself suffered: You cant run a government without being able to have confidential discussions with people on issues of profound importance." The UK House of Commons Justice Committee (201213) reached a similar conclusion, urging wider use of exemptions to protect candid internal debate. The global experience suggests that transparency works best when paired with room for candid discussion, it said. By global standards, Indias RTI Act is relatively expansive," the survey added. In the US, internal personnel rules, inter-agency memos, and financial regulation reports are exempt from disclosure. Similarly, Sweden protects fiscal and monetary policy, supervisory activities, and the economic interests of institutions under its secrecy provisions. The UK also exempts policy formulation where disclosure may harm the public interest, with ministers retaining veto powers even against orders of courts or commissions. And the World Bank excludes deliberative information and administrative matters from its disclosure policy. India, in contrast, leaves far less space for such carve-outs. Draft notes, internal correspondence, and even personal records of officials often enter the public domain, sometimes even where the link to public interest is weak," it said. Unlike the US, the UK, or South Africa, which explicitly shield policy deliberations and draft documents, India has no general deliberative process" exemption. File notings, internal opinions, and draft notes fall squarely within the Acts definition of information, with only Cabinet papers protected temporarily until a decision is made," the survey said. Combined with a strong public-interest override that can compel disclosure even of exempt material, this makes Indias RTI regime particularly broad. The challenge now is to preserve this openness while also retaining space for candid and effective decision-making," it added. Further, it said the concern is predictable as if every draft or remark might be disclosed, officials may hold back, resorting instead to cautious language and fewer bold ideas. The candour needed for effective governance is blunted. This is not an argument for secrecy by default. Rather, democracy functions best when officials can deliberate freely and are then held accountable for the decisions they finally endorse, not for every half-formed thought expressed along the way," it said. PTI RR CS HVA News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:15 IST News agency-feeds Economic Survey calls for re-examining RTI Act Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Flight from Bangladesh lands in Paks Karachi for first time in 14 years Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lahore/Karachi, Jan 29 (PTI) A flight from Bangladesh capital Dhaka landed at the Jinnah International Airport in Pakistans Karachi on Thursday, restoring non-stop air connectivity between the two countries after 14 years. According to the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA), the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG-341) from Dhaka to Karachi reached on Thursday evening. This is the first flight from Dhaka which landed at Jinnah International Airport after 14 years," it said in a statement. After landing at Karachi airport, the Biman Airlines flight was welcomed with a traditional water salute. A new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh friendship air connectivity restored after 14 years, marked by a high-level reception ceremony at Karachi Airport," the PAA added. The development comes amid growing bonhomie between Bangladesh and Pakistan after prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following massive student-led protests in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. The airlines will operate flights between Dhaka and Karachi twice a week and has been given license until March 30 to test the waters before a long-term permission is given to the airlines, sources said. The airline, in a statement in Dhaka earlier this week, said, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate on the Dhaka-Karachi route on Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight will depart Dhaka at 8:00 pm local time and arrive in Karachi at 11:00 pm. The return flight will depart Karachi at 12:00 midnight and arrive in Dhaka at 4:20 am. Pakistan and Bangladesh governments have been discussing the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi since last year in a bid to boost trade and other ties after years of strained relations. Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. Plans to restart direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan were first announced in August last year during the visit of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka. Dars visit to Dhaka was the first such high-level engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh in over a decade. The re-launch follows formal approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, which has cleared Biman to operate on the route and to use designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace, the officials said. PTI MZ/CORR NPK GSP GSP News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 30, 2026, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds Flight from Bangladesh lands in Paks Karachi for first time in 14 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... Latin American leaders call for unity against growing political polarisation Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Panama City, Jan 29 (AP) Latin American leaders, who gathered for a development forum Wednesday, called for regional unity in the face of increasing political polarisation and the recent US intervention in Venezuela. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not name the United States, but alluded to the countrys recent actions and the resulting political divisions that have caused paralysis in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) the only organisation that includes all the regions governments. It has not been capable of producing even a single declaration against illegal military interventions that affect our region," Lula said during the economic forum in Panama City hosted by the CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Were experiencing one of the moments of greatest deterioration in the area of integration," the Brazilian leader said. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has sparred with US President Donald Trump and is scheduled to meet him next week in Washington, was more direct, criticising bombing" over Caracas and saying former-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should be tried in his own country or by a regional judicial body that he called a Three Americas Tribunal." Leaders from Ecuador, Bolivia and Guatemala were also in attendance, as well as Chiles President-elect Jose Antonio Kast. (AP) GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Latin American leaders call for unity against growing political polarisation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump says Putin agreed to one-week halt on Kyiv strikes amid extreme cold Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, DC [US], January 30 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to temporarily pause strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a period of one week, citing extreme cold weather conditions prevailing across the region.Addressing a Cabinet meeting, Trump said he personally reached out to the Russian leader and urged him to halt the attacks on the Ukrainian capital and nearby towns, highlighting the humanitarian impact of what he described as extraordinary cold."I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that," Trump said.Describing the development as unexpected, Trump noted that several people had advised him against making the call.A lot of people said, Dont waste the call, youre not going to get that. And he did it," Trump added.Trumps comments come as violence continues on the ground. Ukrainian officials on Thursday said three people were killed in an overnight Russian drone attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, even as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia could be gearing up for another major assault.These developments are unfolding ahead of planned US-mediated peace talks expected to take place over the weekend.In a parallel diplomatic move, Russia has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Moscow for negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.The proposal follows last weeks first trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi.Speaking to TASS, Peskov said Moscow is being considered as the potential venue for the discussions.This marks the second consecutive day that senior Kremlin officials have signalled readiness to host Zelenskyy for peace talks. On Wednesday, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Ukraines leader would be welcome in Moscow if he agrees to meet.Ushakov also said Russia would ensure Zelenskyys security and provide all necessary arrangements for the talks should he accept the invitation, according to Russia Today. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 30, 2026, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds Trump says Putin agreed to one-week halt on Kyiv strikes amid extreme cold Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump's pick to lead NSA vows to follow law if confirmed Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 02:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Jan 30 (AP) The Army general tapped to lead the US National Security Agency assured lawmakers Thursday that he will follow the Constitution and the law when it comes to using the NSAs powerful surveillance tools. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, if confirmed by the Senate, would also run the Pentagons Cyber Command, giving him a critical role in the nations offensive and defensive cyber operations. The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Donald Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year. The questions at Rudds confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee reflected concerns about whether Trump has politicised the use of federal law enforcement and security programmes to target his critics and political opponents. Rudd has held senior roles in Army special forces, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now the deputy commander of the Indo-Pacific Command. He told senators that the NSAs mission is critical to protecting the lives of service members and the success of their missions while also keeping the homeland safe from espionage and digital threats. Rudd assured sceptical Democrats that he would follow the law if asked to turn the NSAs spying programmes against Americans simply because of their speech or political beliefs, something forbidden by federal law. If you are directed to target people in the United States for surveillance, will you insist that there be a judicial warrant?" asked Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat. If confirmed, I will absolutely commit to executing the foreign intelligence mission of the NSA in accordance with the authorities it has been given and within all applicable laws," Rudd said in response. The NSA focuses on cybersecurity, digital surveillance and cryptography programs for American national security and works closely with other intelligence agencies and the Pentagon. Its importance has grown in recent years as the internet and digital technology created new opportunities for intelligence gathering as well as new threats from China, Russia and other adversaries. Lawmakers also demanded assurances that he would inform them of any efforts by the White House to change surveillance policies without congressional consent. Senators from both parties said they believe Rudds nomination will be confirmed by the entire Senate. A date for the vote on his nomination has not been announced. (AP) GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 30, 2026, 02:00 IST News agency-feeds Trump's pick to lead NSA vows to follow law if confirmed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP: Students in Varanasi celebrate SC's stay on new UGC regulation Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 29 (ANI): Students of Kashi Vidyapeeth University and Udai Pratap College on Thursday celebrated the Supreme Courts stay on the new University Grants Commissions equity regulations. The students distributed sweets and raised slogans to celebrate the SCs order. President of Parshuram Seva, Anil Chaturvedi, said this was a partial win" and demanded that the regulations be enforced. Weve received this partial win. The fight will be long. On February 1st, we are holding a large gathering at the Martyrs Memorial in Jaipur. All the communities, castes, and groups of the upper castes will gather there on that day, and we will decide from there, with all our strength and numbers, that until the government withdraws this entire law, we will not stop this fight, we will not end it, we will not finish it. And we will decide this on that very day," he said. So, let the governments listen: we respect the Supreme Courts order, but this law must be withdrawn. It must be withdrawn at all costs. On February 1st, the roar from Jaipur will be heard throughout Delhi and the entire world," he added. National President of Karni Sena, Mahipal Singh Makrana, said this is a lollipop" and vowed to continue to their fight against the regulations. This is a lollipop in the name of the upper caste community. The people sitting in the Supreme Court, all the judges, can clearly see and hear; thats why they granted the stay. The people who are blind and deaf, who are sitting in the Lok Sabha, are the ones who need to listen. They created this bill, and until we stand together and show our unity against it, and until that bill is rejected there, there is no strength, no victory in this, and we will not consider it a victory," he said. Its a partial victory, which may have been given to buy time and to stop us. We are not going to stop at all. This fire is burning throughout the country, in the heart of every community. We will not let the future of our children be ruined, no matter what level we have to go to," he added. Amid an uproar around the country over the alleged discrimination" against the General Category in the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, the SC on Thursday stayed the regulations.The Top Court said that, for now, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to apply. The Court opined that there is complete vagueness in Regulation 3 (C) (which defines caste-based discrimination), and it can be misused. The language needs to be re-modified," the Court said.The Court noted that this raises an unexamined concern: if a Group A Scheduled Caste individual makes discriminatory or derogatory remarks against a Group B Scheduled Caste individual, has this aspect been adequately addressed under the 2026 framework?After 75 years of trying to make a caste-less society, whether the direction of policy-making is progressive or tending towards a regressive approach, it asked.The new regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints from students in the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backwards Classes (OBC) categories.Students, mostly from the general category, protested against regulations that promote discrimination on campuses rather than equality. The students noted that the regulation has no provision to address fraudulent complaints filed against General Category students. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds UP: Students in Varanasi celebrate SC's stay on new UGC regulation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Where 'Dada' fell: Mourners and farmers gather at edge of Baramati runway Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 21:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Baramati, Jan 29 (PTI) For the people of Baramati, the spot 200 meters from the table-top airport runway isnt just a crash site, it is now a point of convergence for thousands of mourning supporters and curious onlookers. After the dust settled from the state funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday, the route leading to the crash site, near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district, was filled not only with forensic and aviation experts but with commoners. Clad in their white attire of mourning, people came from far off areas as they wanted to visit the spot where their Dada" (elder brother as Ajit Pawar was called by his supporters) had breathed his last. Among the crowd stood Ashok Jamadar, a farmer from Indapur town in the district who came all the way travelling 60 kms as he felt he owed it to the man who changed his life. With his wife by his side, holding him up, Jamadar wept because to him, Pawar was more than a high-ranking politician, but the man who made sure his family survived. I am a farmer. Because of the decisions Ajit dada took, my loan of Rs 3 lakh was about to be waived," Jamadar said, his voice shaking. He was a man of action. Whatever he promised, he delivered," he said. As deputy CM, Pawar (66) held the finance and planning portfolio and would have presented the state budget for 2026-27 in the next few weeks. Following the crash, the area where the aircraft wreckage is lying was cordoned off by police as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), a division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, began its probe. Despite the area being cordoned off and police personnel deployed near the site, scores of people were seen flocking to the spot and crossing the runway strip just to catch a glimpse of the wreckage. Another local resident, Rajendra Dhamale, complained that police were not allowing people to go near the crash site. We could only see the crash site from a distance," he said. To prevent people from approaching the crash site, the local administration has deployed police personnel within a 500-metre radius. A lot of people from adjoining villages had come to attend the last rites and, while returning home, several of them flocked to the Baramati airport. Anticipating this, we deployed additional police force at the airstrip. The aircraft wreckage is crucial for probe and the area has been cordoned off with adequate police cover to ensure the spot is not tampered with," said Sandip Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural). Besides Pawar, four other persons on board the ill-fated chartered aircraft were also killed in the crash. PTI SPK SKL RSY News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 21:15 IST News agency-feeds Where 'Dada' fell: Mourners and farmers gather at edge of Baramati runway Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Aries Horoscope Today, January 29, 2026 Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 06:10 IST Aries Daily Horoscope, January 29, 2026: You will earn a good amount of money and will be able to make good investments to further your business. Aries Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for mesha rashi on January 29, 2026. (AI generated image) Aries Daily Horoscope Today, 29 January 2026: Ganesha says your financial horoscope today is excellent. You will get a chance to implement your financial plans today. You will earn a good amount of money and will be able to make good investments to further your business. Today, your business will benefit from people associated with the sales and marketing fields. Someone special or close to you may betray you. Do not share your plans and confidential information with anyone. There will be opportunities for courage and valor at work. You will be a leader in business communication. You will be successful in various subjects. Maintain your confidence and avoid rumors. You will achieve big goals by being active and working together. You will be involved in public activities, and you will be confident. Your personality will shine, and your food will be attractive. Enthusiasm and morale will be high, which will keep health better. Positive- Problems related to a family member will be resolved, and you will make some important decisions according to your ability without stress, which will also prove beneficial for you. Some special plans will also be made for the family. Negative- Efforts being made for any special work may fail. To remain positive, spend time with good books and good people. Understanding the feelings of others and respecting them will strengthen relationships. Business- Business work will improve, and there will be good profit too. Businessmen should pay more attention to wholesale work instead of retail. At this time, do any transactions only with a proper bill, because there is a possibility of any kind of fraud or misunderstanding. Financial- You will get benefits in the coming days from the thoughtful decisions taken today. Failures in business cannot be ruled out; Your challenge is to rise above them. However, it will be in your best interest not to let these setbacks hinder your long-term business interests. Love- Your responsibility towards the family will maintain a happy atmosphere at home. Love relationships will also deepen. Health- Make sure to take some time for your rest. Excessive work and fatigue can affect your health. Lucky Color Yellow Lucky Number 1 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 06:10 IST News astrology Aries Horoscope Today, January 29, 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Budget 2026: Experts Flag Climate Risk, Farm Sustainability And Housing Demand As Key Focus Areas Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 15:33 IST Experts urge the Union Budget 2026 to prioritize climate resilience in agriculture, balanced fertiliser use, stable housing demand, and enhanced support. As the Union Budget 2026 draws closer, experts across agriculture, climate policy and real estate are urging the government to move beyond incremental fixes and focus on long-term resilience, sustainable growth and efficient market mechanisms. As the Union Budget 2026 draws closer, experts across agriculture, climate policy and real estate are urging the government to move beyond incremental fixes and focus on long-term resilience, sustainable growth and efficient market mechanisms. From climate shocks hitting farm output to the need for stable housing demand, the expectations are clear: policy certainty and targeted spending will matter more than headline numbers. Climate resilience emerges as a priority for agriculture Climate-linked risks are no longer theoretical for Indian agriculture. According to Pushan Sharma, Director at Crisil Intelligence, even a 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature can reduce crop yields by 4.59%, potentially causing economy-wide losses of up to 1.5% of GDP annually. To counter this, Sharma stresses the need for sustained funding for the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture project, which supports climate-resilient technologies and on-ground adaptation. He also flags the need to scale up irrigation resilience under PMKSY schemes like Per Drop More Crop and Har Khet Ko Pani, noting that funding remains limited despite steady growth in micro-irrigation coverage. Balanced fertiliser use and price support need sharper focus Experts also point to the urgent need to rationalise fertiliser usage. Indias urea consumption remains well above the global average, with wide regional disparities. While schemes such as PM-PRANAM and Market Development Assistance aim to promote balanced and organic inputs, Sharma notes that these account for just 0.1% of the fertiliser budget in FY26, calling for higher allocations to ensure sustainability without hurting yields. On farm incomes, low utilisation of price support schemes under PM AASHA remains a concern. Sharma suggests higher budgetary allocation, faster DBT settlements and stronger state-level incentives to improve uptake. Housing and post-harvest reforms in focus From the real estate side, Ashok Kapur, Chairman of Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, expects continued thrust on infrastructure spending and policy stability. He believes an extension of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme and incentives for green housing could support demand and sustainable urban growth. Meanwhile, Aditya Sesh, Founder & MD of Basiz, highlights the potential of e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts to improve farm liquidity. He calls for higher spending on micro-warehouses, cold storage and farmer awareness to prevent distress sales. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 19:57 IST News business Budget 2026: Experts Flag Climate Risk, Farm Sustainability And Housing Demand As Key Focus Areas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bengal DGP Legal Row: Who Will Take Over? Uncertainty Continues As Rajeev Kumar Bids Farewell Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 00:00 IST Rajeev Kumar bid farewell as acting DGP of West Bengal amid legal battles over the next appointment, with UPSC, CAT, and IPS officers at the centre of the controversy Outgoing acting DGP of West Bengal, Rajeev Kumar was known for his unique investigation techniques and discreet operations. (Image: News18) The identity of the next director general of police for West Bengal is uncertain, as the matter remains entangled in legal proceedings. Rajeev Kumar, one of the most talked-about IPS officers in the state and the acting DGP, bid farewell with a parade on January 27. Rajeev Kumar was known for his unique investigation techniques and discreet operations. He became well-known nationwide in 2019 when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supported him during a sit-in protest after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought to question him in the Saradha scam case. In his farewell address, Kumar stressed on the role of courage in policing, praising the West Bengal police as one of the finest forces in the country. There can be no police force without courage. We are prepared to lay down our lives with pride in the line of duty. Courage means standing firm on your own, holding your ground, and staying true to your convictions," Kumar said. He highlighted the strategic and geopolitical challenges West Bengal faces. Our state occupies a geopolitically sensitive position. Issues along the borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan directly affect our state. That is why our challenges are immense. What people say on social media or on television does not matter. Our work is the final word," he said. Kumar added: My conscience will tell me whether I am right or wrong. True courage speaks from within listen to your inner voice. We have tackled the Naxal challenge twice, at the cost of more than 250 lives. The scale at which we maintain law and order during Durga Puja, Gangasagar, and other major events is significant. We can proudly say that we are capable of meeting these challenges. The contribution of Home Guards, civic volunteers, and senior officers is equally important. We should take pride in the efficiency of our force. There is no other state with challenges like ours." Shortly after his speech, the Delhi High Court denied the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) a stay on its plea challenging the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order. The UPSC had approached the high court against CATs directives regarding the DGP appointment process. Meanwhile, IPS officer Rajesh Kumar will press his contempt petition before CAT on Friday (January 30), seeking directions for the UPSC to finalise the empanelment by January 31 (Saturday). The panel of names sent to the UPSC on January 21 includes Rajeev Kumar. WHAT IS THE LEGAL BATTLE ALL ABOUT? The appointment of the next DGP of West Bengal has become a significant legal battle. The UPSC has contested an interim order by CAT before the Delhi HC, arguing that the tribunals January 21 order effectively grants final relief that is not permissible under established Supreme Court jurisprudence. Earlier, CAT had directed the convening of the empanelment committee to prepare a panel of eligible officers and forward its recommendations to the state government within strict timelines. The UPSC contends that this direction violates SC guidelines from the Prakash Singh case, which aims to protect senior police appointments from political and executive interference. The dispute has immediate implications, as acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, along with senior IPS officers Rajesh Kumar and Ranveer Kumar, is due to retire on January 31. Under CATs directions, the state was required to send a panel to the UPSC by January 23, the UPSC to meet by January 28, and recommendations to be forwarded by January 29 without specifying a deadline for the state governments final decision. The controversy began when Rajesh Kumar approached CAT, alleging he was denied a fair opportunity to be considered for the post of DGP due to delays and procedural irregularities by the UPSC. Earlier, the UPSC had returned the states proposal for empanelment citing inordinate delay and non-compliance with SC guidelines that mandate proposals be sent at least three months before the incumbent DGPs retirement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 23:24 IST News cities kolkata-news Bengal DGP Legal Row: Who Will Take Over? Uncertainty Continues As Rajeev Kumar Bids Farewell Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Humiliated In Front Of Women: Man's Defence After Fatally Stabbing Professor On Mumbai Local Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:03 IST Omkar Shinde, who allegedly stabbed Mumbai professor Alok Kumar Singh on the Malad station, said he was humiliated in front of women on the train. Rapid Read Alok Kumar Singh (L) was stabbed by Omkar Shinde (R) at the Malad railway station over an argument. Omkar Shinde, who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a professor to death at the Malad Railway Station in Mumbai, said he was angered over being pushed and humiliated in front of women." Alok Kumar Singh, a 32-year-old maths and statistics professor, was stabbed to death after an argument broke out between him and Shinde, 27, a labourer engaged in metal polishing work, on a train at the Malad station. Singh was taken to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital in Kandivli, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police said Shinde, who is short-tempered by nature", was unaware that Singh had died at the time of his arrest, NDTV reported. During interrogation, Shinde said he was trying to move forward when Singh pushed him and said, Cant you see, there are women standing ahead?" ALSO READ: He Has Stabbed Me: Eyewitness Recounts Horror After Mumbai Professor Killed On Local Train At this point, the women turned around and looked at them. Shinde said he felt humiliated at this and a verbal spat ensued between the two. In a fit of rage, the suspect brought a sharp knife upon stepping onto the platform and stabbed Singh multiple times in the abdomen. As Singh collapsed in a pool of blood, Shinde fled the scene. He was apprehended from the Kurar area of the western suburb within 12 hours of the murder on Saturday evening. Singh was a mathematics professor at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Vile Parle. Shindes arrest was made under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and he has been remanded to police custody until January 30. The arrest was made within 12 hours of the crime, with the help of CCTV cameras, facial recognition technology and the accuseds routine pattern. Singh lived with his wife at Pratap Nagar SRA Society in Kurar Village, Malad East, where the couple had been renting a flat for the past three years following their marriage. He was born in the same building and lived there all his life. Singhs father, Anil Kumar Singh, is part of the security detail of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 14:15 IST News mumbai-news Humiliated In Front Of Women: Man's Defence After Fatally Stabbing Professor On Mumbai Local Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On Camera: School Bus Crushes Toddler To Death, Grandmother Severely Injured In Mumbai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 07:50 IST The woman had gone to pick up her granddaughter from the school bus when the accident happened. Screengrab of the video shared on X A toddler aged one was killed, and his grandmother was severely injured after a school bus allegedly ran them over. The incident, which took place at nearly 12:15 PM in Mumbais Girgaon area, was also caught on camera. The woman, identified as Chandrakala Shivram Vyas, had come to the bus stop to collect her granddaughter from the school bus. She was also carrying her one-year-old grandson, Avir Vyas, in her arms. After the granddaughter got down from the bus, Chandrakala began to cross the road from the front of the vehicle. As the woman was crossing the road along with her granddaughter and grandson, the bus driver allegedly moved the vehicle forward without noticing her presence. Toddler Killed, Grandmother Injured as School Bus Moves in MumbaiChandrakala Shivram Vyas, 68, crossed in front of the stationary bus with toddler Aveer Vyas; its front wheel struck them, killing the boy at Reliance Hospital while she fights severe injuries. pic.twitter.com/2dDRb9Crnw Sumit (@SumitHansd) January 28, 2026 The bus hit both the woman and the child, knocking them down and causing serious injuries. People nearby rushed to help after the accident. The woman and the toddler were immediately taken to Reliance Hospital in Girgaon for emergency treatment. Doctors declared the child dead on arrival. Chandrakala Vyas remains admitted to the hospital and is undergoing treatment. Her condition is reported to be critical. A further investigation into the case is underway. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 07:50 IST News mumbai-news On Camera: School Bus Crushes Toddler To Death, Grandmother Severely Injured 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... Bomb Threat Received At Several Delhi Schools, Including Amity, Birla Vidya Niketan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 10:51 IST The development follows a series of similar bomb threat emails sent earlier to schools in Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala in Punjab. Delhi Schools Bomb Threat (PTI image used for representation) Several schools in Delhi, including Amity International School and Birla Vidya Niketan, Sardar Patel School, received bomb threat messages on Thursday, Delhi Police said. Security agencies were alerted immediately, and precautionary checks were launched at the affected campuses. However, nothing suspicious was found from the schools. A notification issued by Sardar Patel School informed parents on Wednesday morning that it had received a security threat, following which authorities were immediately alerted as a precautionary measure. According to the message sent by the school management, the bomb disposal squad conducted a thorough inspection of the entire campus soon after the threat was reported. After the checks, the premises were declared completely safe for use. The school assured parents that student safety remains its highest priority and said all required safety protocols were followed promptly and responsibly. The management added that classes would continue as usual for the day. Meanwhile, Delhi Police and cyber agencies are investigating the threat, which also made references to political leaders and extremist claims. Officials said cyber agencies attempted to trace the origin of the email. However, Google informed investigators that the email address used to send the threat falls outside its jurisdiction. The alerts came a day after multiple schools in Gurugram (Gurgaon) reported similar bomb scare calls. In a separate incident on Wednesday, 26 schools in Chandigarh received bomb threat emails. The students were evacuated from the campus as the threats triggered a panic. However, no suspicious or explosive material was found at any of the locations. Several government and private schools located in sectors 25, 19, 45, 16 and other areas received the threat emails. Students and staff were evacuated, security was stepped up, students on their way to the schools were sent back home, said officials. In an official statement, the police asked the police not to believe rumours or unverified information on social media or other platforms, warning that it could create unnecessary fear and disturbance. The safety and security of students, staff, and the general public remains the top priority of Chandigarh police. All necessary precautionary measures are in place, and strict vigilance is being maintained, including during night hours," said the police in an official statement. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 10:23 IST News new-delhi-news Bomb Threat Received At Several Delhi Schools, Including Amity, Birla Vidya Niketan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Riots Case: Court Denies Bail To Former MLA Tahir Hussain, Two Others Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:11 IST These three are charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for their alleged roles in the 2020 riots. Rapid Read Former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain application for regular bail plea was denied by the Delhi High Court. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) A Delhi court on Thursday denied bail to Salim Malik, Athar Khan, and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots case. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai heard their bail applications and denied them bail. These three are charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for their alleged roles in the 2020 riots. The three had sought bail after the Supreme Court granted relief to five other accused in the same case, arguing that they faced similar charges and were entitled to equal treatment. Also Read BJP Targets Mamata Banerjee Govt Over Kolkatas Poor AQI: Delhi Gets Headlines Athar, a former call centre employee, is accused of being one of the key organisers of the protest at Chand Bagh in northeast Delhi and of delivering inflammatory speeches. According to the Delhi Polices Special Cell, Athar allegedly attended secret meetings where he said, the time has come to burn Delhi and helped coordinate the destruction of CCTV cameras. Salim was also among the 11 alleged organisers and speakers at the anti-CAA/NRC meeting. The alleged organisers included Mohammed Saleem Khan, Salim Malik, Mohammed Jalaluddin alias Guddu Bhai, Shahnawaz, Furkan, Mohammed Ayub, Mohammed Yunus, Tabassum, Mohammed Ayaz and his brother Khalid. Also Read If Im Wrong: Himanta Sarma Dares Gaurav Gogoi To Sue Him Over Pakistani Agent Remark The Supreme Court, on January 5, granted bail to five accused, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. However, the top court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, observing that not all accused in the case stood on the same footing. The bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria said there was a prima facie case against Khalid and Imam under the UAPA while denying them bail. Of the 20 accused named in the case, two are still absconding, while the remaining 18 have earlier applied for bail. Of these, seven continue to remain in jail, including Khalid, Imam, Athar Khan, Salim Malik, former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, Tasleem Ahmed, and Khalid Saifi. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 17:11 IST News new-delhi-news Delhi Riots Case: Court Denies Bail To Former MLA Tahir Hussain, Two Others Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... APSSB Recruitment 2026: Registration For 205 LDC, JSA, And Driver Posts Begins Feb 12 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 18:56 IST APSSB Recruitment 2026: Those selected will be appointed under Pay Matrix Level-4, with a monthly salary ranging from Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100, along with applicable allowances. The online application process begins on February 12, 2026, via the official APSSB website, apssb.nic.in. (AI Generated Image) The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) has released the APSSB Recruitment 2026 notification for Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Driver posts. A total of 205 vacancies will filled in various state government departments. The online application process begins on February 12, 2026, via the official APSSB website, apssb.nic.in. It will conclude on February 25, 2026. This initiative aims to fill Group C posts, providing stable government jobs with a Level-4 pay scale. Those selected will be appointed under Pay Matrix Level-4, with a monthly salary ranging from Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100, along with applicable allowances. Candidates should review the eligibility criteria, important dates, and the selection process thoroughly before applying. APSSB Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details The official notification details 205 vacancies, including 122 for LDC, 14 for JSA, and 69 for Driver posts, distributed across various government departments in Arunachal Pradesh. APSSB Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification: For LDC and JSA posts, candidates must have completed Class 12 from a recognised board. For Driver posts, candidates need to have passed Class 10 and possess a valid driving licence for light motor vehicles. Age Limit: The age limit generally ranges from 18 to 45 years, with upper age relaxation available for reserved categories, including APST candidates, as per government norms. The exact cut-off date for age calculation will be specified in the official notification. How To Apply For APSSB Recruitment 2026? Step 1 Visiting the official website at apssb.nic.in Step 2 Clicking the APSSB Recruitment 2026 application link Step 3 Registering with basic details to create login credentials Step 4 Carefully filling in the application form Step 5 Uploading required documents, photograph, and signature Step 6 Submitting the application form before February 25, 2026 Step 7 Downloading and saving a copy of the application for future reference APSSB Recruitment 2026: Selection Process The selection process involves a written examination. Candidates for Driver posts will also need to pass a driving skill test. Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 18:52 IST News education-career APSSB Recruitment 2026: Registration For 205 LDC, JSA, And Driver Posts Begins Feb 12 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ICSE Class 10th Admit Card 2026 Released At cisce.org, Exam Begins Feb 17 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 13:26 IST ICSE Board Exam 2026: It is scheduled to be conducted from February 17 to March 30. Class 10 students can check the ICSE admit card on the official website, cisce.org. CISCE ICSE class 10 admit cards out: Check steps to download here. (AI Generated Image) The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has issued the Class 10th admit cards for the board exams 2026. It is scheduled to be conducted from February 17 to March 30. Class 10 students can check the ICSE admit card on the official website, cisce.org. Students appearing for the CISCE Board Exam 2026 should carefully check their admit cards. If there are any errors, such as incorrect name spelling, school name, roll number, date of birth, parents names, etc., they should promptly inform the school or board. Candidates must have their admit cards to enter the examination centre. How To Download CISCE Board Admit Card 2026? Step 1- Visit the official website cisce.org to download the CISCE Board 10th admit cards. Step 2- Once the admit card download link is activated, click on ICSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026. Step 3- Download the admit card by entering your user ID or roll number and password. Step 4- Print a copy of your admit card for future reference. ICSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Schedule February 17, 11 am: English Language Paper 1 February 20, 11 am: Literature in English Paper 2 February 21, 9 am: Art Paper 1 (Still Life) February 23, 11 am: Group III Elective Section B February 26, 11 am: Hindi February 27, 9 am: Art Paper 2 (Nature Drawing/Painting) February 28, 9 am: Art Paper 3 (Original Composition) March 2, 11 am: Mathematics March 6, 11 am: Second Language papers March 7, 9 am: Art Paper 4 (Applied Art) March 9, 11 am: Physics Science Paper 1 March 11, 11 am: Chemistry Science Paper 2 March 13, 11 am: Biology Science Paper 3 March 16, 11 am: History and Civics Paper 1 March 18, 11 am: Geography Paper 2 March 23, 11 am: Group III Elective Section A March 25, 11 am: Commercial Studies and French March 27, 11 am: Economics March 30, 11 am: Environmental Science What Happened Last Year? In 2025, the ICSE Class 10 exams were conducted from February 18 to March 27, while the ISC Class 12 exams ran from February 13 to April 5. The results were announced on April 30 at 11 am. A total of 99,551 students took the ISC (Class 12) exams, with 98,578 passing, leading to a high pass percentage of 99.02%. Girls outperformed boys again, with a pass rate of 99.45% compared to 98.64% for boys. The ICSE (Class 10) results showed a similar pattern, with 99.37% of girls passing, surpassing the 98.84% pass rate among boys. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 13:18 IST News education-career ICSE Class 10th Admit Card 2026 Released At cisce.org, Exam Begins Feb 17 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Its Not Just Gen Z, Millennials Are Revenge Quitting Too. Here's Why Companies Should Pay Attention Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:00 IST No goodbyes. No notice. Just gone. Revenge quitting is the new workplace protest, as burned-out employees walk out to make toxic cultures finally visible. Revenge quitting captures the breaking point where burnout, poor leadership, and silence push employees to walk out. (Image-AI) An emerging workplace trend is replacing goodbyes with sudden exits, as employees walk out without notice to protest toxic workplaces, sending a stark message leaders can no longer ignore. A new workplace pattern is forcing employers to pay attention, not because employees are complaining, but because they are disappearing. Known as revenge quitting, the trend involves workers resigning abruptly as an act of protest against toxic environments. While the exits appear sudden, the dissatisfaction behind them has often been building for years, revealing a widening gap between employee expectations and workplace realities. Revenge Quitting Is The New Workplace Protest Revenge quitting has emerged as the latest, and perhaps most unsettling, workplace phenomenon. Following trends like quiet quitting where employees disengage emotionally while staying employed, and loud quitting, highly public exits paired with criticism, and revenge quitting mark a sharper break. This involves resigning without notice, often abruptly, as an act of protest against a toxic work environment. The trend gained widespread attention after a March 2025 report by job platform Monster, based on a survey of more than 3600 US workers. The findings were alarming: 47 percent of respondents said they had quit a job suddenly to express frustration or dissatisfaction, while 57 percent said they had witnessed a coworker do the same. Far from being a fringe behaviour, revenge quitting appears to be ingrained in the everyday reality of modern work. Though often associated with Gen Z, the data suggests the practice cuts across generations. Millennials, mid-career professionals, and even seasoned employees are walking out without ceremony, driven not by ambition or opportunity, but by exhaustion and disillusionment. What Revenge Quitting Really Means This trend is not about securing a better job or negotiating a higher salary. It is about leaving because staying feels like surrender. Unlike traditional resignations, which follow norms of professionalism and notice periods, revenge quitting is emotional and intentionally visible. Mohak, a 26-year-old software engineer, described a slower realisation. In his first job, enthusiasm kept him quiet through office politics and mounting responsibilities. The breaking point came when his manager asked him to postpone a planned surgery for work. That was the end for me," he said. I couldnt stay in a place that demanded my presence at the cost of my health." Though he calculated the financial risk carefully, the choice was clear. It wasnt comfortable," he admitted, but with some savings and family support, I managed. I knew leaving was non-negotiable." According to Monsters survey, 87 percent of workers believe revenge quitting is justified in a poor work environment, while 52 percent see it as a valid form of protest. Nearly 90 percent said they would support a colleague who chose to quit abruptly due to toxic conditions. This language matters. Employees are not framing these exits as reckless or unprofessional. They are framing them as necessary. Is Toxic Culture Pushing People Out? Contrary to long-held assumptions, money is rarely the tipping point. Monster report shows that cultural factors far outweigh financial ones when it comes to sudden resignations. A toxic work environment was cited by 32% of respondents as the primary trigger, followed closely by poor management or leadership at 31 percent. Feeling disrespected or undervalued accounted for 23 percent. By comparison, only four percent said low pay was the main reason they quit abruptly, while poor work-life balance and lack of career growth barely registered. In other words, employees are not leaving because of paychecks. They are leaving because of people, policies, and power dynamics that refuse to change. The Myth Of Impulsiveness Despite the word revenge," these decisions are rarely impulsive. Many employees endure unhealthy environments far longer than they should before finally walking away. The survey found that 18 percent of workers stayed in their roles for more than two years before quitting abruptly. Others reported enduring six months to a year of dissatisfaction. What appears sudden to employers is often the end of a long, silent internal debate. One Exit Triggers Many Questions One of the most damaging aspects of revenge quitting is its ripple effect. Monster report found that 15 percent of respondents had witnessed six or more coworkers quit abruptly, while another 19 percent had seen two to four such exits. Once one person leaves suddenly, others begin to pay attention. Almost 60 percent of workers said they were left to pick up the slack after a colleagues revenge quit. Projects stall, workloads increase, and resentment grows, often recreating the same conditions that pushed someone out in the first place. Gen Z Voices From The Breaking Point Ishita, a 23-year-old social media executive, said her decision was misunderstood as an inability to handle pressure. I did not quit because I couldnt handle the work," she said. I quit because I was handling everything and still being treated as invisible. When youre expected to run the show and still made to feel replaceable, resigning feels like self-respect, not rebellion." For Sanya, a 22-year-old journalist who requested anonymity, the decision was about survival. She described handling extreme shifts and the workload of 10 people," while her health deteriorated. A request to work from home due to medical reasons was dismissed. It wasnt something I was asking for fun," she said. It was something I needed to survive." She rejected the idea that her choice was impulsive. When a person quits without another job in hand, it speaks volumes," she explained. Not having money was not the worst thing that could happen to me at that point. My health mattered more." She added that revenge quitting is often an act of confidence. People who truly know their value are the ones who have the guts to make that decision." Tejas, a 27-year-old engineer, echoed that sentiment. I didnt leave quietly because staying quiet is how they get away with it," he said. I was doing the work of multiple people without recognition, and my resignation was the only way to make that visible." Is Revenge Quitting Justified From the employee perspective, the answer seems to be yes. According to Monsters findings, 87 percent believe revenge quitting is justified in poor environments, while 35 percent say it is acceptable only in extreme cases. The overwhelming support suggests a growing belief that traditional professionalism has failed to protect workers from harm. However, the consequences are real. Teams absorb extra work. Remaining employees face burnout. Organisations lose talent suddenly, often without documentation or transition plans. What Could Have Prevented The Walkout? When it comes to what might have stopped them from quitting abruptly, employees gave surprisingly straightforward answers. Improved workplace culture topped the list at 63% percent. Recognition for contributions followed at 47 percent. Nearly half said a new manager or a raise could have changed their decision, while 42 percent pointed to the need for clear career progression. These are not radical demands; they are basic expectations. The data suggests that many revenge quits were preventable had leadership intervened earlier and listened more carefully. A Warning, Not A Fad Revenge quitting is not a social media stunt or a generational quirk. It is a response to environments where employees feel powerless, unheard, and replaceable. The Monster survey makes one thing clear: people are not leaving to make a scene. They are leaving because they believe nothing else will change. As workplaces move deeper into 2026, the rise of revenge quitting forces a reckoning. Companies can dismiss it as drama, or they can read it for what it is: a final, costly signal that something fundamental has gone wrong. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 08:00 IST News education-career Its Not Just Gen Z, Millennials Are Revenge Quitting Too. Here's Why Companies Should Pay Attention Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MoU Exchanged To Set Up Krishnamurthy Tandon School Of AI At IIM Ahmedabad Campus Curated By : Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 22:00 IST Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI will serve as a natural extension of IIMAs mission to advance the future of management education in an increasingly AI-driven world. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (PIB) The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) on Thursday exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence at its campus. According to a statement, IIMA exchanged a MoU with Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon for the establishment of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence, in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Ambassador Vinay Kwatra virtually in US. For the establishment of the school, Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, an alumna of IIMAs PGP Class of 1975, and Ranjan Tandon donated 100 crore. At the occasion, Pradhan said: The MoU in the lead-up to the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 is a solid reflection of the concrete actions Bharat is taking under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become a global AI superpower." AI will be an enabler for powering people, progress and planet. Indias AI leadership will not only be shaped by technology but by the strength of our institutions and human capital," he said. He further said that Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence will work towards boosting Indias AI capabilities, democratising AI, creating jobs from India for the global AI economy, harnessing AI for creating a global impact in improving lives and advancing social good. According to the statement, the school will focus on addressing Indias unique and complex challenges through the responsible and effective application of AI. Anchored in IIMAs long-standing legacy of leadership, governance, and institution-building, the School aims to shape how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and governed to create enduring business and societal value. It will serve as a natural extension of IIMAs mission to advance the future of management education in an increasingly AI-driven world," it further said. The schools focus will be on translating cutting-edge AI research into deployable solutions, tools, frameworks, and scalable systems that enhance decision-making, improve productivity, and address complex challenges across industry, government, and society. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 21:37 IST News education-career MoU Exchanged To Set Up Krishnamurthy Tandon School Of AI At IIM Ahmedabad Campus Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Supreme Court Stays UGC's New Equity Regulations: A Timeline Of Events Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 14:54 IST UGC Equity Regulations 2026: The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 19, 2026, prohibiting the UGC from implementing the new rules until then. Protests against UGC Equity Regulations 2025: Check What Happened So Far. (Image: X, ANI/ @h_xN_07) The University Grants Commissions (UGC) new Equity Regulations 2026 has ignited nationwide debate and widespread protests. The hashtag #UGCRollback is trending on social media, and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has reached the Supreme Court. Organisations such as the Karni Sena are calling for a Bharat Bandh on February 1st. Heres a recap of the events so far. Protest at UGC HQ and Delhi University Protests have taken place this week at the UGC headquarters and at Delhi University. On Tuesday, protesters claim that the current rules could be misused by students to file false complaints against upper caste students. Four members of the UGC protest group entered the UGC office to present a memorandum detailing their main concerns, which include the definitions of the rules, the inclusion of OBCs, and the absence of penalties for false complaints. They met with UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi to express their grievances and request modifications. Protests intensified at Delhi University on Wednesday as around 50 students gathered near the Arts Faculty in North Campus, demanding the complete withdrawal of the regulations. They submitted a memorandum to the DU Proctors office, labelling the regulations as vague and divisive. A PhD scholar urged the university to support their demand, warning of potential escalation, including an indefinite strike, if officials did not respond within the week. Central Governments Response The central government on Tuesday defended the regulations, dismissing fears of misuse or false complaints. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured that the rules aim to create a safe and equal environment for all students, and no one would be harassed under these provisions. Supreme Courts Intervention On Thursday, January 29, the Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the UGCs Equity Regulations 2026." A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi reviewed the petitions, maintaining that the 2012 regulations would remain in effect until a thorough examination is completed. Advocates Vishnu Shankar Jain and Vineet Jindal represented petitioners Mrityunjay Tiwari, Rahul Dewan, and others, arguing that the new rules violate constitutional equality. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defending the central government and the UGC, faced probing questions from the bench, which expressed concerns about the potential regression in societal progress. The bench emphasised the importance of educational institutions reflecting Indias unity rather than deepening caste divisions. They questioned whether the new framework could inadvertently push society backwards and compared it to issues like ragging, which are managed without dividing students based on identity. Highlighting internal divisions within reserved categories in states like Haryana, the bench noted that subgroups based on socio-economic status are already creating disparities. Petitioners lawyers argued that the rules promote reverse discrimination against general category students. The CJI recommended forming a committee of eminent jurists to review the rules, considering social values and issues. Justice Bagchi pointed out the vague wording in the regulations could lead to misuse for personal vendettas on campus. The Supreme Court issued a formal notice to the Central Government and UGC, seeking their response to the petitions filed by Rahul Dewan, Vineet Jindal, and Mrityunjay Tiwari. Background of the Regulations The UGC introduced these new regulations on January 13, 2026, replacing the 2012 rules, in response to significant cases like Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. These cases highlighted the need for stricter rules to combat caste discrimination, which had increased significantly according to UGC data. Whats Next The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 19, 2026, prohibiting the UGC from implementing the new rules until then. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 14:48 IST News education-career Supreme Court Stays UGC's New Equity Regulations: A Timeline Of Events Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Big Shift In J&K Politics: EC Nod To JDF Marks Return Of Boycotted Faction To Electoral Mainstream Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 22:23 IST The Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front, which traces its roots to former Jamaat-e-Islami members, received the EC's nod following applications and compliance processes The JDF's formation and recognition now provide a formal platform for its leaders to contest future elections. (Image: News18) The Election Commission of India has recognised the Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front as a political party, signalling a major development reshaping the Valleys political landscape. This move ends nearly three decades of election boycott by leaders formerly associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and marks their formal entry into mainstream electoral politics. The Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front (JDF), which traces its roots to former JeI members, received the Election Commissions (EC) nod following applications and compliance processes. The party had sought registration and an election symbol. My entire leadership extends its heartfelt thanks to the Election Commission of India for recognising us. I urge the ECI to promptly allot us our symbol, enabling us to contest fiercely in the upcoming ULB and DDC elections. We congratulate the people of the region and invite them to join our movement now," JDF president Shamim Ahmad Thokar told News18. This recognition comes after former JeI-affiliated figures contested the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections as independents, drawing notable vote shares in south Kashmir constituencies like Kulgam and Pulwama, though without winning seats. Alhamdulillah. With immense gratitude to Allah, we are pleased to inform our well-wishers that after enduring numerous hardships and challenges, the Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front has been duly acknowledged by the Election Commission of India," the party wrote on social media. The JeI in Jammu and Kashmir was banned by the Centre in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, over alleged links to terrorism and separatist activities. The ban, initially for five years, was extended until 2029. Since the outbreak of terrorism in 1989, the JeI had largely boycotted elections in Kashmir viewing participation as illegitimate. The shift began gaining momentum after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and the reorganisation of the state into a union territory. In 2024, several former JeI leaders took part in the assembly polls as independents, signalling a gradual move toward democratic engagement. This milestone is a collective achievement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our core committee, district presidents, all office-bearers, and above all our devoted members who stood firm with unwavering resolve, sacrificing comfort and giving their all for this cause. This recognition strengthens our responsibility to serve with justice, integrity, and commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the party said. The JDFs formation and recognition now provide a formal platform for these leaders to contest future elections, including potential local body polls. It has positioned itself around themes of justice, development, public welfare, youth empowerment, and grassroots issues like education, healthcare, and employment. The party has stressed on peaceful democratic participation and serving the people with integrity. It had, at times, also aligned with alliances like the Peoples Alliance for Change while asserting its independent identity. The EC move represents a big shift in the Valleys politics, integrating former boycott advocates into the constitutional framework amid ongoing efforts to normalise electoral processes in J&K following the 2024 elections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 22:10 IST News elections Big Shift In J&K Politics: EC Nod To JDF Marks Return Of Boycotted Faction To Electoral Mainstream Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Vinod Khosla And Why Is He Feuding With Elon Musk On X? Inside Their Years-Long Rift Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:11 IST Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khoslas decision to call out Elon Musks earlier demographic remark has brought their years-long ideological rift back into focus. Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla hits back at Elon Musk (R). (Image: Reuters) The public feud between Silicon Valley billionaires Vinod Khosla and Elon Musk has once again erupted into full view on X. The latest clash is not an isolated exchange but part of a layered, years-long conflict between two figures who sit at opposite ends of Silicon Valleys ideological spectrum. Understanding why their exchanges have become so fraught requires examining who Khosla is, what triggered the current fight, and how their relationship deteriorated over time. Who Is Vinod Khosla? Khosla is one of the most influential Indian-American entrepreneurs in the global technology ecosystem, though he often maintains a quieter public profile compared to the personalities who dominate social media feeds. Born in Pune in 1955 and raised in a Punjabi family, Khosla grew up in an environment shaped by discipline and public service. His father served in the Indian Army, and for a time it seemed expected that Khosla might follow a similar path. Yet from his teenage years, he nurtured a different vision. He was captivated by the nascent world of computing and made it a personal goal to launch a Silicon Valley company before turning 20. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from IIT Delhi in 1976, Khosla initially tried establishing ventures in India, including an early experiment with soy milk production. The stringent regulatory environment of the time, however, made it difficult to build the kind of technology-centric enterprise he envisioned. This pushed him towards the United States, where he pursued postgraduate studies in biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, followed by an MBA at Stanford. Those academic years placed him at the centre of the innovation wave that would soon define the modern tech landscape. Khosla first entered the entrepreneurial arena through Daisy Systems in 1981, but his career reached a defining moment the following year when he co-founded Sun Microsystems with Scott McNealy, Andy Bechtolsheim and Bill Joy. Sun would go on to become one of the most consequential technology companies of the internet era, powering servers, software and computing architecture across the world. Khosla rose through the companys leadership ranks, eventually becoming CEO. By 2000, Sun had reached a market capitalisation of around $150 billion, making it one of the largest Indian-founded corporations in history. Though he left Sun in 1986, Khoslas next chapter proved equally transformative. After working in venture capital for nearly two decades, he founded Khosla Ventures in 2004, a firm known for its willingness to back ambitious, high-risk scientific and technological ideas. The company became one of the earliest investors in OpenAI and has remained focused on frontier innovation in climate tech, healthcare, computing and high-science ventures. Today, according to Forbes, Khoslas net worth is around $13.4 billion, placing him among the worlds wealthiest Indian-origin entrepreneurs. What Triggered The Latest Clash With Musk? The newest flashpoint between Khosla and Musk was ignited when Khosla resurfaced a months-old post written by Musk in 2025. In that post, Musk had claimed that white people were becoming a rapidly diminishing minority of global population," a remark that drew backlash at the time for its framing of demographic change. Khosla reposted the comment on X and criticised it for promoting what he described as a racialised worldview. He argued that such remarks, even if framed as demographic observations, had the effect of normalising divisive ideas about identity and population shifts. Khosla went further, accusing Musk of advancing something akin to a racial ideology and coined the term WAGA"white America great again"as a contrast to US President Donald Trumps MAGA slogan. Khosla even urged non-white employees and what he termed decent whites" to leave Musks companies and instead join firms backed by his investment portfolio. .@elonmusk doesnt want MAGA, he wants WAGA or white America great again" as a racism is great and desirable" paradigm. All non-whites in @tesla, @SpaceX @X etc and all decent whites should quit and join our portfolio. Email us your linkedin! https://t.co/NmbM19AnnC Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) January 27, 2026 Musk responded by dismissing Khoslas criticism, noting that his partner, Shivon Alice Zilis, is half Indian and that one of his children has been named in honour of renowned Indian-American physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Vinod, youre not just such a pompous a**hole that you tried to stop the public from using a public beach near your house, youve also gone full retard. My partner, Shivon, is half Indian and my eldest son with her is named in honor of the great Indian physicist Chandrasekhar," Mush wrote in response. Vinod, youre not just such a pompous asshole that you tried to stop the public from using a public beach near your house, youve also gone full retard.My partner, Shivon, is half Indian and my eldest son with her is named in honor of the great Indian physicist Chandrasekhar. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 27, 2026 For years, Khosla has been embroiled in a legal battle over public access to Martins Beach, a scenic spot situated through land he owns in San Mateo County. Musk accused him of attempting to block public use of the beach, though Khosla has long maintained that the issue concerns property rights and the limits of regulatory authority in California. He argues that historical access to the area was never truly free and that he has faced inconsistent decisions from the states coastal regulators and courts. You owe me an apology for spreading falsehoods. I think this post of yours needs a community comment for being a fraudulent photo. I have never put up this sign or anything even remotely like this. I presume it is AI generated but you can verify that. It will help X if we can https://t.co/5PVE8uxDpH Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) September 22, 2024 Why The Fight Spiralled Further Khosla criticised Musk for invoking his family rather than addressing the substance of the allegation, arguing that the focus should remain on the content and impact of Musks public remarks. Instead of bringing your family into it, maybe try not tweeting seemingly racist stuff next time?" Khosla wrote, adding that many would appreciate Musk clarifying that he was not trying to establish a white society in America". Instead of bringing your family into it, maybe try not tweeting SEEMINGLY" racist stuff next time? Many would appreciate it if you acknowledge you are not trying to establish a white society in America, and are not WAGA, and racism isnt behind your many laments around white https://t.co/0beAe5tDUN Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) January 28, 2026 A Long-Running Feud Rooted In Ideology Although the latest confrontation has drawn widespread attention, it is only one chapter in a rivalry that has simmered for years. The tensions became especially visible during the 2024 US presidential race. When Joe Biden withdrew from the contest, Khosla publicly suggested that the Democratic Party should replace him with a centrist figure. Musk instead encouraged Khosla to support Donald Trump. Khosla rejected the idea, saying it was hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me." Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a https://t.co/2E7FqQUjH2 Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024 Musk replied by arguing that Trump was a defender of individual freedoms, prompting Khosla to counter that Musks own companies had benefited from the very government support he criticised. Beyond politics, the two have clashed over artificial intelligence. Khosla Ventures was one of the early backers of OpenAI, a company Musk co-founded but later left. Musk has since pursued his own AI ventures and advocated for open-source development. Khosla, by contrast, supports stricter regulation and argues that certain AI capabilities require guardrails. Their disputes have spanned immigration, the role of government in innovation, and the ethics of rapid technological advancement, with each accusing the other of inconsistency and exaggeration. Why This Confrontation Matters In the United States, debates about race and immigration remain deeply polarised, and when influential figures weigh in, their words carry far-reaching implications. Khoslas criticism reflects concerns that Musks expansive audience lends undue legitimacy to narratives that can distort public discourse, while Musk sees such criticism as an attack on free expression and individual perspective. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 10:22 IST News explainers Who Is Vinod Khosla And Why Is He Feuding With Elon Musk On X? Inside Their Years-Long Rift Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pilot Told ATC He Couldn't See Runway: Sources On Ajit Pawar Plane Crash In Baramati Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:15 IST The pilot of the Baramati crash aircraft had told ATC he could not see the runway, indicating a possible misjudgement and a prior go-around. The crash is under investigation. Baramati: Mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar being taken for funeral (Photo: PTI) The pilot of the Learjet aircraft that crashed near Baramati had conveyed to Air Traffic Control (ATC) that he could not see the runway, sources told CNN-News18, as investigators probe whether a possible misjudgement during the landing sequence contributed to the fatal accident that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. According to the officials, the aircraft was attempting to land at the tabletop airstrip when the crew flagged visibility issues. Prima facie it appears to be a misjudgement," one of the officials said, while stressing that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage. They added that it is not yet known whether the landing was attempted despite poor visibility on someones directions from within the cockpit. The officials also confirmed that a go-around", a standard aviation manoeuvre in which a landing is aborted and the aircraft circles back for another attempt, had been conducted before the final approach. Further details, they said, would emerge as the inquiry progresses. AJIT PAWAR KILLED IN BARAMATI PLANE CRASH The aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the airstrip. Besides Pawar, those killed included Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had 15,000 hours of flying experience, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 hours, Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Police have registered an accidental death report in connection with the crash. On Wednesday, the government released a statement detailing the sequence of events, noting that the aircraft had been cleared for landing after a go-around due to poor visibility. However, after receiving final clearance, it did not give any read-back to ATC and moments later burst into flames near the edge of the airstrip. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that the aircrafts black box, comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, had been recovered, a crucial development expected to help investigators reconstruct the final moments of the flight and determine what led to the tragedy. AJIT PAWAR CREMATED WITH FULL-STATE HONOURS Meanwhile, Ajit Pawars last rites were held with full state honours on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, around 100 km from Pune. The 66-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chiefs funeral was attended by several senior political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ramdas Athawale, BJP president Nitin Nabin, former Union minister Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh were also present. Pawars wife, Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha member, and his sons, Parth and Jay, attended the ceremony, along with his cousin and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and NCP working president Praful Patel. Thousands gathered as Pawars mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his village, Katewadi, to the funeral ground, chanting slogans in his memory. Parth and Jay later lit the funeral pyre. Earlier in the day, Pawars body was taken from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati, where it had been kept overnight. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:13 IST News india Pilot Told ATC He Couldn't See Runway: Sources On Ajit Pawar Plane Crash In Baramati Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tears, Chants And Flowers: Wife, Sons Bid Farewell To Ajit Pawar At State Funeral In Baramati Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:15 IST Sunetra Pawar and her sons Parth and Jay bid an emotional farewell to Ajit Pawar at his state funeral in Baramati, offering water and flowers before performing the last rites. Sunetra Pawar looks on during Ajit Pawar's funeral (L)/ Parth Pawar, right, and Jay Pawar, left, perform rituals (R) (Photo: PTI) A grief-stricken Baramati on Thursday watched in silence as Sunetra Pawar and her two sons, Parth and Jay, bid an emotional final goodbye to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash a day earlier. The family gathered around his pyre at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where full state honours were accorded before the last rites were performed amid chants, tears and folded hands from thousands of mourners. In visuals from the last rites, Sunetra Pawar, herself a Rajya Sabha MP, was seen standing close to the body of her husband, her eyes moist as she gently offered water and showered flowers before the cremation rituals began. #WATCH | Baramati | Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar & Rajya Sabha MP, pays last respects to her husband, who lost his life in a plane crash yesterday pic.twitter.com/4d33AMIk2a ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Parth and Jay, visibly shaken, followed the priests instructions, performing the rites as relatives and supporters looked on. #WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawars sons, Parth and Jay, perform the last rites rituals of their father, in Baramati pic.twitter.com/ahESsl7i8a ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Supporters lining the route of the funeral procession raised slogans of Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" as Pawars body was brought to the ground. Several were seen wiping their eyes, some clasping photographs and party flags, others joining hands in prayer as petals rained down on the flower-decked vehicle carrying the remains. Senior leaders from across parties arrived to pay respects. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Ajit Pawars cousin Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha member from Baramati, and NCP working president and former Union minister Praful Patel were also present. Parth and Jay lit their fathers funeral pyre. Earlier in the day, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and forensic teams reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate Wednesday mornings accident that claimed Pawars life along with five others. National Disaster Response Force personnel, senior police officers and the Maharashtra Director General of Police were also present as part of the probe. The Pune Rural Police registered an Accidental Death Report at Baramati Taluka Police Station. Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated," a police official said. Union Minister Raksha Khadse described the incident as heart-rending," saying Maharashtra would not see another leader like him. She recalled Pawars work in the interiors of the state and his role in its development while speaking to reporters in Baramati. Supporters had earlier gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College as Pawars body was taken out for the procession, which passed through the city before culminating at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the cremation scheduled at 11 am. Ajit Dada Pawar had been travelling to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections when the aircraft crash-landed at the local airport. Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara of Ahmednagar district, he was widely known for his grassroots connect and long political career, which included six non-consecutive terms as Deputy Chief Minister across multiple governments. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 11:59 IST News india Tears, Chants And Flowers: Wife, Sons Bid Farewell To Ajit Pawar At State Funeral In Baramati Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'If I'm Wrong...': Himanta Sarma Dares Gaurav Gogoi To Sue Him Over Pakistani Agent Remark Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:06 IST Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Gaurav Gogoi of being a Pakistani agent and called his wife a Pakistani. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (L) and Gaurav Gogoi (R). (Image: PTI/File) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, daring him to file a legal case after accusing him of acting as a Pakistani agent" and claiming that Gogois wife is Pakistani. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said Gogoi was free to approach the courts if he felt aggrieved. If he thinks I am wrong, he should file a case against me. I am not afraid," the chief minister said, escalating an already bitter political war of words between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Assam. The chief minister did not stop there. On Wednesday, he questioned Gogois political credibility and roots in the state, accusing him of having little understanding of Assams politics and society. Sarma described Gogoi as a tourist" in Assam politics, alleging that the Congress leader visits the state briefly and then attempts to gain political mileage without grasping ground realities. He comes to Assam like a tourist and then talks about politics here," Sarma said. Mocking Gogois familiarity with the region, Sarma said that the Congress leader would struggle to even identify basic political details of Upper Assam. If someone asks him to name the constituencies from Tinsukia district to Golaghat district in Upper Assam, he will not be able to answer properly," the chief minister said during a press conference. His remarks came in response to Gogois reported claim that the Congress would win 50 seats in Upper Assam in the next Assembly elections. Sarma said the statement itself exposed Gogois lack of understanding, pointing out that Upper Assam has only 42 Assembly constituencies. This shows how disconnected he is from Assams political reality," Sarma said. The chief minister further questioned Gogois repeated references to building a BOR Asom" (Greater Assam), a term the Congress leader has used in recent speeches to signal inclusive politics. He talks about building a greater Assam that includes all communities and religions, but his own children are not Assamese," Sarma said. He speaks of BOR Asom, yet he has not fulfilled even the basic norms. He could not even change the citizenship status of his children." Taking the attack further, Sarma said, A person whose children are not Assamese how can he claim that he will build a greater Assam? In such a BOR Asom, only the miyans will remain." Dismissing Gogoi as a serious political challenger, Sarma advised the public to ignore the Congress leaders statements. People should not pay attention to him. I dont think he speaks on any serious matter," he said. The Congress has not yet issued an official response to Sarmas latest allegations, which are expected to intensify the political slugfest in Assam further ahead of the next electoral battle. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 16:50 IST News india 'If I'm Wrong...': Himanta Sarma Dares Gaurav Gogoi To Sue Him Over Pakistani Agent Remark Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In a post on X, Abdullah said, This recent series of attacks including in Himachal Pradesh and now this one are unacceptable and must stop. It cant be claimed that J&K is an inalienable part of India while people from Kashmir, in other parts of the country, live in fear for their lives. My Government will step in where ever necessary & will do whatever is needed to ensure these incidents are not repeated. I hope Home Ministry, Govt of India will also sensitise other states on the same lines." This recent series of attacks including in Himachal Pradesh and now this one are unacceptable and must stop. It cant be claimed that J&K is an inalienable part of India while people from Kashmir, in other parts of the country, live in fear for their lives. My Government will https://t.co/qBoiBGvlCE Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 29, 2026 PDP leader and daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti, strongly condemned the incident and demanded stringent action against the attackers. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Iltija tagged Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami and urged him to look into the matter. This 18-year-old Kashmiri shawl vendor was assaulted in Uttarakhand with iron rods till his bones crumbled. Its one of many acts of violence against Kashmiris in India where perpetrators know they enjoy institutional impunity. These are NOT fringe elements anymore. BJP is actively mainstreaming the fringe which is no longer on the periphery. Sir @pushkardhami can we kindly request you to take action? @ukcmo @DIPR_UK @uttarakhandcops," his post reads. This 18 year old Kashmiri shawl vendor was assaulted in Uttarakhand with irons rods till his bones crumbled. Its one of many acts of violence against Kashmiris in India where perpetrators know they enjoy institutional impunity. These are NOT fringe elements anymore. BJP is pic.twitter.com/R2sGhcVzj5 Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) January 29, 2026 The boy sustained head injuries and a fracture to his left arm during the brutal assault. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Doon Hospital in Dehradun for specialised treatment. BJP Targets Mamata Banerjee Govt Over Kolkatas Poor AQI: 'Delhi Gets Headlines...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 16:55 IST BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said Kolkatas toxic air is no longer an allegation but is now officially documented in government records. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya (L) and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (Image: PTI/File) The BJP on Friday stepped up its attack on the West Bengal government over Kolkatas deteriorating air quality, citing official data tabled in Parliament to argue that the citys pollution crisis has been consistently ignored even as similar conditions in Delhi draw national attention. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said Kolkatas toxic air is no longer an allegation" but is now officially documented in government records. When AQI levels in New Delhi worsen, it becomes a national headline. But Kolkatas air quality crisis is rarely discussed," he said, targeting the Trinamool Congress-led state government. Malviya was reacting to a reply given in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh to a question raised by BJP MP Shamik Bhattacharya on Kolkatas air quality. The data presented showed that the city has repeatedly recorded poor to very poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, particularly during the winter months. According to the figures placed in Parliament, Kolkatas average AQI for November stood at 165 in 2023, 159 in 2024 and rose to 175 in 2025. December readings were even more alarming, with averages of 176 in 2023, 159 in 2024 and a sharp spike to 202 in 2025. An AQI above 200 falls in the very poor" category, indicating severe respiratory distress and heightened risks for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The BJP leader also highlighted findings from government studies on the sources of pollution in Kolkata. As per official assessments, nearly 43 per cent of PM10 pollution in the city comes from dust emissions, while 29 per cent of PM2.5 is attributed to cooking emissions. Industrial activity accounts for 21 per cent of pollution, and vehicular emissions contribute around 20 per cent. Malviya alleged that despite repeated directions from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the state has failed to act. The CPCB has consistently asked the West Bengal Pollution Control Board to prepare and implement action plans, control construction dust, curb waste burning, regulate industrial clusters and enforce emission norms. Yet, on the ground, nothing changes," he said. He pointed to continued open garbage burning, construction activities without dust control measures, worsening traffic congestion and industries operating with minimal oversight as evidence of what he termed administrative apathy". The concerns mirror ground-level trends observed last winter as well. In November last year, as wind speeds slowed and winter conditions set in, Kolkatas air quality deteriorated sharply. For the first time that season, at least one monitoring station recorded very poor" AQI levels. The citys overall average slipped into the poor category, while Jadavpur remained in the very poor range throughout the day, signalling a steep rise in pollution. Experts had attributed the spike to a combination of thermal inversion and weak dispersion conditions. During winter, cooler ground temperatures restrict vertical air movement, allowing pollutants to accumulate near the surface. With wind speeds often dropping below two metres per second, toxic particles remain trapped at breathing level. When the ground cools faster than the air above it, vertical air movement slows down drastically. Pollutants that would otherwise disperse remain trapped close to the surface," a scientist from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board had explained at the time. The BJP has now demanded accountability from the state government, arguing that the data exposed in Parliament underscores a long-standing environmental and public health failure in the state capital. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 16:53 IST News india BJP Targets Mamata Banerjee Govt Over Kolkatas Poor AQI: 'Delhi Gets Headlines...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India-EU Trade Deal To Fulfil Aspirations Of Atmanirbhar Bharat': PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 12:26 IST PM Modi said the India-EU free trade deal reflects an aspirational Bharat and urged industry to focus on quality and skill upgradation as the Budget Session began. A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the India-European Union free trade agreement as a key step toward fulfilling the countrys aspirations, saying it marked the rise of an aspirational Bharat" and would open major opportunities for industry, farmers and youth, as he addressed the start of Day 2 of the Budget Session of Parliament. Leading with the significance of the pact, PM Modi said the year had begun on a positive note and pointed to the agreement as a boost for Atmanirbhar Bharat. This is free trade and aspirational Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said, stressing that manufacturers in particular should use the moment to sharpen skills and upgrade quality standards. Referring to what he described as the mother of all deals", the Prime Minister added, My countrys manufacturing sector and industry has got a huge market. This is an opportunity, we should focus on quality. We can win the hearts of the EU with our brand." He underlined that fishermen, youth, farmers and the services sector would also gain from the expanded access to European markets, framing the deal as part of a broader reform-driven economic trajectory. This government has been on reform, perform and transform. We are on a reform express," PM Modi said, adding that long-pending problems were being taken toward long-term solutions" through what he called human-centric" decisions and a blend of technology and humanity". The Prime Minister also linked his remarks to the opening of the Budget Session, which began on January 28 with President Droupadi Murmus address to a joint sitting of both Houses. Referring to her speech, PM Modi said the President had addressed 140 crore Indians" and conveyed expectations from Members of Parliament. I am sure that all MPs will take, and have taken, this seriously," he said, describing the ongoing sitting as an important session because it would include the presentation of the Union Budget. Noting that one-fourth of the 21st century had already passed, PM Modi drew attention to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans forthcoming Budget presentation. Nirmala Sitharaman is the first woman Finance Minister who is presenting it for the ninth time. This is a moment of pride," he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged that dissent was natural in a democracy, but said his government had kept its focus on governance delivery. Those who are not happy with us, its fine in democracy, but we have given focus on last-mile delivery," he remarked. Calling Indias demography a big hope for the world", the Prime Minister said the countrys progress must be anchored in solutions and resilience. This is not a time to cry, but to have strength," he added, appealing to lawmakers to come forward so that last-mile delivery could be achieved. BUDGET SESSION 2026 The Budget Session will run in two phases until April 2, following a schedule announced earlier by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who said the format would allow standing committees to scrutinise demands for grants during the recess. The Union Budget for the 2026-27 financial year is set to be presented on February 1, with the Economic Survey expected a day earlier. Both Houses were adjourned on Wednesday afternoon and will meet again on Thursday. During President Murmus address on Wednesday, MPs from the ruling National Democratic Alliance thumped their desks in appreciation, while Opposition members stood and protested, demanding that a law be withdrawn. The first day of the session also included obituary references in both Houses to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, while the overall sitting will span 30 days over 65 calendar days before concluding on April 2. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 10:43 IST News india 'India-EU Trade Deal To Fulfil Aspirations Of Atmanirbhar Bharat': PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Clinical Catalyst: Health Ministrys New Rules Aim To Make India Global Pharma R&D Powerhouse Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 06:03 IST The Health Ministry has emphasised that these reforms align with the government's Jan Vishwas Siddhant and broader Ease of Doing Business framework The cornerstone of these amendments is the transition from a traditional licensing system to a streamlined prior-intimation mechanism for the non-commercial manufacture of drugs. Representational image In a significant stride towards strengthening Indias pharmaceutical research ecosystem, the Union Health Ministry notified key amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019, on Wednesday. These reforms are specifically designed to strip away bureaucratic layers, reduce approval timelines by at least 90 days, and promote a trust-based" regulatory environment for drug development and clinical research. The cornerstone of these amendments is the transition from a traditional licensing system to a streamlined prior-intimation mechanism for the non-commercial manufacture of drugs. Previously, pharmaceutical companies were required to obtain a formal test licence from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for manufacturing small quantities of drugs intended for examination, research, or analysis. Under the new rules, researchers can now proceed with pharmaceutical development immediately after submitting an online intimation via the SUGAM portal or the National Single Window System (NSWS). This shift is expected to drastically reduce the procedural load on the CDSCO, which currently processes between 30,000 and 35,000 test licence applications annually. However, a high-risk" safety net remains; formal licences are still mandatory for specific categories, including cytotoxic drugs, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. To further expedite the drug development life cycle, the ministry has slashed the statutory processing timelines for categories that still require test licences. These timelines have been halved, dropping from 90 days to 45 days. Furthermore, the requirement for prior permission has been dispensed with for certain low-risk Bioavailability and Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies. These studies, which are vital for the generic pharmaceutical industry to prove that their versions of drugs work the same way as the originals, can now be initiated through a simple online notification. This is expected to benefit roughly 4,500 BA/BE applications each year, ensuring that life-saving generic medicines reach the market far more quickly. The Health Ministry has emphasised that these reforms align with the governments Jan Vishwas Siddhant and broader Ease of Doing Business framework. By automating low-risk approvals, the CDSCO can now optimise its manpower to focus on more complex, high-risk regulatory oversight. Ultimately, these measures aim to harmonise Indian regulations with global best practices, cementing the nations position as a preferred global destination for cutting-edge pharmaceutical R&D. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 06:03 IST News india Clinical Catalyst: Health Ministrys New Rules Aim To Make India Global Pharma R&D Powerhouse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Elderly Man Kills Leopard With Spear, Sickle To Save Son From Attack In Gujarat's Gir Somnath Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 14:28 IST An elderly man in Gujarats Gir Somnath killed a leopard using a spear and sickle after it attacked him and then his son outside their home, leaving both seriously injured. Man kills leopard in Gir, Gujarat (Photos: News18) In a dramatic and harrowing encounter on the outskirts of Gangda village in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, an elderly man fought and killed a wild leopard to protect his son during a sudden and vicious attack on Thursday afternoon. According to local accounts, the father was sitting outside his home when a leopard emerged from nearby bushland and launched an unprovoked attack on him. Startled by his fathers screams, the son ran to assist, but the big cat turned its aggression onto him, inflicting deep wounds and causing severe bleeding. Despite being injured himself during the initial assault, the father displayed remarkable bravery. Grabbing a spear and a sickle that were kept nearby, he confronted the predator in a fierce struggle. Villagers later described the scene as bloody and intense," with the man repeatedly striking the leopard until it collapsed and died on the spot. The father and the son sustained serious injuries in the incident. They were quickly rushed to a private hospital for immediate medical attention, where they remain under treatment. Forest department officials reached the scene soon after and took custody of the leopards carcass. It has been sent for post-mortem examination, standard protocol in wildlife attacks, to determine more details about the animals health, age, and possible reasons for its proximity to human habitation. LEOPARD POPULATION IN GUJARAT According to the information available, Gujarats leopard population has increased in recent years, with state forest counts suggesting over 2,200 leopards statewide, particularly concentrated in Saurashtra and Kutch regions. Leopards, unlike lions, are solitary, elusive big cats that often inhabit areas closer to human settlements in search of prey, which can lead to dangerous encounters such as this. In addition, the state has recently recorded sightings of tigers in the Ratanmahal forests of Dahod district, marking the return of Indias third big-cat species to Gujarat and highlighting the expanding scope of wildlife diversity in the state. Forest officials have reiterated the need for heightened vigilance and mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of similar attacks, including community awareness, improved fencing, and rapid response teams in areas where large carnivores and humans live in proximity. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 14:25 IST News india Elderly Man Kills Leopard With Spear, Sickle To Save Son From Attack In Gujarat's Gir Somnath Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... House Panel Flagged Safety Gaps In Charter Planes Months Before Ajit Pawar's Crash: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 12:32 IST The report stressed the need for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intensify surveillance in this segment through surprise inspections and stricter audit cycles. The committee called for mandatory and fully functional Safety Management Systems across all private operators. Months before the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday in Baramati, a Parliamentary Standing Committee warned of serious gaps in Indias civil aviation safety framework, specifically highlighting risks linked to the fast-growing private and charter aircraft segment. The committee report, chaired by MP Deepak Mishra and tabled in Parliament in August last year, cautioned that aviation expansion was outpacing oversight capacity and that parts of the non-scheduled sector required tighter scrutiny, Indian Express reported. The panel was set up in the wake of the deadly June 2025 crash of an Air India plane headed to London from Ahmedabad. Warning On Private And Charter Planes Focusing on non-scheduled operators, the committee expressed concern over maintenance standards, documentation discipline and operational control structures. It noted that some charter operators function with lean technical and safety teams, which can affect maintenance schedules and monitoring. The report stressed the need for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intensify surveillance in this segment through surprise inspections and stricter audit cycles. It underlined that smaller operators may not have access to layered operational control centres that airlines use to support cockpit decision-making, particularly in adverse weather or during diversions. The committee called for mandatory and fully functional Safety Management Systems across all private operators, saying safety processes in the charter segment must be on par" with those followed by scheduled carriers. Flight planning and weather assessment practices in private operations were flagged as areas needing closer regulatory attention. The panel emphasized that risk evaluation before departure, planning and real-time operational oversight must not be diluted simply because the flight is non-scheduled. ATC Capacity And Fatigue Risks Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure and manpower also came in for pointed scrutiny. The committee described ATC as the backbone of aviation safety" and warned that controllers at busy airports are handling dense traffic loads without proportionate increases in staffing. Fatigue and workload stress, especially during peak hours or poor weather, were cited as factors that can heighten the risk of human error. The panel called for accelerated recruitment of controllers, improved rostering to prevent fatigue, and faster modernisation of communication, navigation and surveillance systems. It also highlighted the need for system redundancy and smoother civil-defence airspace coordination. Regulator Under Strain The committee painted a broader picture of systemic stress. It said the DGCA remains overburdened" and often works in a reactive mode due to manpower shortages and expanding responsibilities. The panel recommended strengthening technical staffing, improving training, and using data-driven risk assessment tools for predictive oversight rather than post-incident reaction. The report said that rapid fleet growth, new airports and higher aircraft movements demand parallel strengthening of safety surveillance. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 12:32 IST News india House Panel Flagged Safety Gaps In Charter Planes Months Before Ajit Pawar's Crash: 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... India To Host 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting After 10 Years: What's On Agenda Published By : ANI Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 12:46 IST The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (IMAGE: X) India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday (January 31). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State, and other Senior Officials, and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials Meeting on Friday. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan, and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on Thursday for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting. In a post on X, he said, Delighted to welcome H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sudan, for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting. The visit will further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Sudan." In another post, Jaiswal said, Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting. The visit reaffirms Indias partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 12:46 IST News india India To Host 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting After 10 Years: What's On Agenda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Towards Common Interests': US Ambassador Sergio Gor, S Jaishankar Discuss Trade, Other Key Issues Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 19:23 IST Jaishankar will travel to Washington DC next week for a high-level meeting on critical minerals. Rapid Read S. Jaishankar on Thursday met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. (X) External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi ahead of his upcoming visit to the United States. He said the discussion covered the many dimensions of our partnership" and expressed confidence that Gor would contribute to further strengthening India-US relations. Sharing the update on X, Jaishankar said, Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India-US relations." Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi.Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India US relations. pic.twitter.com/xLJFwJqtvY Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2026 Sergio Gor said he held a highly substantive discussion" with S. Jaishankar, covering a wide range of issues including defence, trade and critical minerals. In a post on X, he said, Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more!" Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more! pic.twitter.com/LzLmREibPd Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 29, 2026 Jaishankar will travel to Washington DC next week for a high-level meeting on critical minerals. The visit, planned for early February, will include his participation in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 4 at the State Department. Also Read This Country Is Planning To Build Worlds First Gold Street, Heres What We Know Gor formally assumed charge as the 27th United States Ambassador to India on January 12. Before arriving in India, Gor served in senior roles in Washington. He previously worked as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House, where he handled key responsibilities related to appointments and administration. Earlier, Gor highlighted the strength of bilateral defence cooperation, referring to a 10-year defence pact signed last year, which he said will significantly deepen" the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. Just last year the United States and India signed a 10 year defense pact which will significantly deepen our Defense Partnership. Joint exercises will continue, additional sales are in progress. This is a strong relationship! Thank you for hosting us Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh," Gor wrote on X, underscoring defence ties even as trade disputes continue to test the broader relationship. Also Read Men Rush To The Knife As Cosmetic Procedures Nearly Double Worldwide The ambassador also attended Indias Republic Day parade for the first time, calling it a privilege and a tribute to Indias Constitution and democratic values. In a post on X, Gor highlighted the participation of US-manufactured aircraft in the flypast, describing it as a strong symbol of the depth and strength of the US-India strategic partnership." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 18:47 IST News india 'Towards Common Interests': US Ambassador Sergio Gor, S Jaishankar Discuss Trade, Other Key Issues Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Crushed Me, Waited Till I Fainted': Pinned Under Thar For 25 Minutes, Lucknow Man Felt His Legs Shatter Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:31 IST The 1,845-kg Thar was parked on the legs of the businessman as he lay screaming for help outside one of Lucknow's busiest nightlife hubs, barely 30 metres from a police post The Thar remained parked on businessman Pawan Patel's (R) for 25 minutes; he is currently unable to walk and undergoing treatment. (Image: News18/video grab) Bones shattered beyond recognition, three fractures in one leg, and severe internal injuries: a businessman was allegedly pinned under a Mahindra Thar for 25 minutes, as he lay screaming for help outside one of Lucknows busiest nightlife hubs and all of this happened barely 30 metres from a police post. The Thar, which weighs approximately 1,845 kg, was parked on the legs of Pawan Patel, a businessman in his 30s from Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, for at least 25 minutes before local residents and police intervened. By the time they were able to pull him out, he had lost consciousness and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he regained his senses after three hours. Doctors said one leg had fractured at three places, while the other suffered severe internal injuries. Patel is currently unable to walk and is undergoing treatment. They crushed me and waited till I fainted," Patel alleged, recounting the ordeal and said the attack was sudden, brutal and prolonged. They reversed the Thar and parked it on my legs. I kept shouting, crying, begging. They didnt move the vehicle. For 25 minutes, the weight stayed on me. I felt my bones breaking. After that, I fainted." The incident took place on January 22, when Patel, his friend Prashant Sachan, and others were at Summit Building in Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar. A resident of Sarojini Nagar, he had hosted a party at King Club. Around 1 am, as the group was exiting the parking area, they came across two groups of young men engaged in a heated argument near the driveway. When we tried to pass through and asked them to clear the way, they started abusing us," he said. We were not part of their fight." According to Sachan, the situation quickly escalated. They tried to snatch my gold chain and started beating us. We tried to retreat, but they chased us with vehicles," he said, adding that he suffered serious head and ear injuries and is also undergoing treatment. HOW THE ATTACK UNFOLDED As Patel ran towards the exit gate and asked the security guards to shut it, the Thar allegedly rammed him from behind, knocking him down. The driver then allegedly reversed the vehicle and deliberately drove it onto Patels legs, stopping only when the wheels were firmly placed over them. Witnesses said the attackers kept the engine on, refusing to move despite his pleas. They were standing there casually, abusing everyone, while the boy lay crushed," said a local shopkeeper, who rushed to the spot after hearing the commotion. People were shouting to remove the vehicle, but they didnt care." Local residents attempted to push the Thar away but failed due to its weight. The police finally arrived after repeated calls and, even then, the vehicle was removed only after they forcibly took the keys away from the driver. Patel was pulled out in an unconscious state and rushed to hospital. BREACH OF PEACE? Police have arrested the perpetrators, identified as Aakash Yadav and Mohit Mewari both residents of Rudrapur in Uttarakhand. Despite the severity of the crime and attempted murder charge, they were granted bail within a day after they were booked under preventive sections for breach of peace. How can someone who used a car to crush a man be booked for peace disturbance?" asked a local resident. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect in this scenario is the location. The incident unfolded in full view of Summit Buildings parking area, barely steps away from a police post. And for nearly half an hour, the chaos continued unchecked. The police, however, denied negligence. Inspector Amar Singh of Vibhuti Khand police station said an FIR had been registered on the victims complaint, the Thar seized, and efforts were on to arrest other accused. Clubs are shut by midnight. Security clears the premises by 1 am. We are investigating why this incident escalated," Singh said. Residents, however, pointed out that Summit Building has a long history of violent incidents, particularly involving clubgoers, bouncers and intoxicated patrons. In recent weeks alone, at least two major brawls have been reported from the area, including one on December 31 (New Years Eve) and another on January 12, involving alleged assault and chain snatching by club staff. In the backdrop of the ongoing investigation, for Patel, the physical injuries may heal but the traumatic night wont fade. I still hear the sound of the engine in my head," he said. I dont know why they hated us so much that night. I just know they wanted to kill me." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 17:31 IST News india 'Crushed Me, Waited Till I Fainted': Pinned Under Thar For 25 Minutes, Lucknow Man Felt His Legs Shatter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No More Excuses: BJP Slams TMC As Calcutta HC Sets March 31 Deadline For Handover Of Land To BSF Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:51 IST The issue has long been raised by the BJP, which has accused the West Bengal government of delaying the handover of land in border areas and thereby obstructing fencing work. The PIL highlights serious concerns over the unfenced Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) adjoining West Bengal, which accounts for the longest stretch of the international border 2,216.70 km spanning nine districts of the state. (Image: PTI) The Calcutta High Court has ordered that all land purchased using funds provided by the Centre for border fencing must be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31, 2026. The directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen. The issue has long been raised by the BJP, which has accused the West Bengal government of delaying the handover of land in border areas and thereby obstructing fencing work. The matter came under judicial scrutiny following the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning border land. The PIL highlights serious concerns over the unfenced Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) adjoining West Bengal, which accounts for the longest stretch of the international border 2,216.70 km spanning nine districts of the state. The petition points to a sharp rise in crimes linked to narcotics trafficking, cross-border infiltration, and other illegal activities. Data placed before the court, sourced from unstarred questions in the Rajya Sabha, shows the number of people apprehended for cross-border infiltration over the years, with a noticeable increase in recent years, including 2023, 2024, and up to July 2025. The PIL, filed by a former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, was heard on the issue of interim relief. The court noted that all parties were represented by their respective counsels. The petition underscored serious security vulnerabilities along the border and sought urgent judicial intervention to strengthen border management and enforcement. The court observed that fencing of the Indo-Bangladesh Border is a matter of national interest, essential for safeguarding Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. It clarified that the PIL should not be treated as adversarial litigation, but as an effort to highlight serious inaction by the authorities. The petitioner submitted that in nine districts, compensation for land acquisition has already been paid, yet the land has not been handed over to the BSF, delaying the fencing process. The Central Government, represented by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), stressed that expeditious land acquisition and handover are crucial to curb terrorism, infiltration, and other cross-border crimes, invoking powers under Articles 256 and 257 of the Constitution. Taking note that a substantial portion of land has already been acquired or purchased by the State Government and that compensation has been received from the Centre, the court directed the State Government to hand over all such lands (first category) to the BSF by 31 March 2026. BJP Slams TMC In what is being seen as a setback to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees attempts to stall Indo-Bangladesh border fencing, the court issued clear directions to end delays and ensure the handover of land required for the project. The issue has remained a major political plank for the BJP for years, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah also repeatedly flagging it during his visits to the state. Following the courts order, the BJP has once again stepped up its attack on the Trinamool Congress government. Reacting to the ruling, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on X, Mamata Banerjees bid to stall Indo-Bangla border fencing hits a judicial wall. The court has now stepped in, directing the West Bengal government to stop delaying tactics and hand over land required for border fencing to the BSF." Political obstruction cannot override national security concerns. With firm judicial deadlines now in place, the Mamata Banerjee government can no longer delay the handover of land meant for securing Indias international border. Court orders. Clear timelines. No more excuses," he wrote. Mamata Banerjees bid to stall Indo-Bangla border fencing hits a judicial wall.The court has now stepped in, directing the West Bengal government to stop delaying tactics and hand over land required for border fencing to the BSF. Clear orders on already acquired land:Where pic.twitter.com/VZChh7bafR Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 28, 2026 Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh countered the BJPs narrative, saying: They must answer why work has not started in areas where land has already been handed over, and why infiltration is still continuing." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 08:51 IST News india No More Excuses: BJP Slams TMC As Calcutta HC Sets March 31 Deadline For Handover Of Land To BSF Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Une tempete mediatique a secoue la fonction publique camerounaise ces derniers jours. Depuis le 22 janvier 2026, des images de bulletins de solde pretendument attribues a des agents publics, affichant des allocations familiales mirobolantes pour un nombre d'enfants tres eleve, ont enflamme les reseaux sociaux. Face a cette vague de suspicions et d'indignation, le Ministre des Finances est sorti de son silence pour faire eclater la verite. Dans un communique officiel percutant, le ministere a revele que ces documents, largement partages, ne sont que des falsifications grossieres. Apres des investigations rapides menees par ses equipes, qui ont permis de retrouver les vrais bulletins dans le systeme integre de gestion AIGLES, les conclusions sont sans appel. Les bulletins publies ont ete falsifies pour des fins non avouees , affirme le communique avec fermete. La manipulation est double : les denonciateurs ont d'abord efface toute mention indiquant que les sommes versees correspondaient a des rappels d'allocations familiales legitimes, traites conformement aux regles. Ensuite, ils ont artificiellement gonfle le nombre d'enfants des agents concernes, creant l'illusion scandaleuse de doubles paiements ou de primes exorbitantes. Ce coup de projecteur, bien que parti d'une base mensongere, a permis au Ministre de reaffirmer son engagement. Il tient a rassurer l'ensemble des agents publics et l'opinion nationale sur les efforts continus consentis pour garantir la transparence et la qualite de la depense salariale. Le message est clair : la chaine du solde est sous controle. Dans un ton a la fois energique et paternel, caracteristique d'une communication d'Etat camerounaise, le ministre lance un appel solennel a la vigilance citoyenne. Il met en garde contre la viralite parfois trompeuse des informations circulant sur les reseaux sociaux et invite a la prudence avant tout partage. Enfin, le communique rappelle une porte de sortie constructive : face a toute incomprehension sur un traitement salarial, les services de la Direction Generale du Budget restent ouverts et disposes a fournir toutes les clarifications necessaires. Une invitation a privilegier les canaux officiels de dialogue plutot que les polemiques steriles en ligne. L'affaire est donc close, mais elle laisse un enseignement majeur sur l'ere numerique : a l'heure ou une simple capture d'ecran peut declencher une crise, la verification des faits et la confiance dans les institutions restent plus cruciales que jamais. Ministre des Finances Cameroun, allocations familiales Cameroun, bulletins de solde falsifies, fonction publique camerounaise, reseaux sociaux manipulation, AIGLES systeme de paie, rappels allocations familiales, Direction Generale du Budget, traitement salarial agents publics, fake news Cameroun, transparence salariale, communique gouvernement Cameroun Falsified Pay Slip Scandal: Cameroon's Finance Minister Sets the Record Straight, Warns Against Social Media Manipulation A media storm has rocked Cameroon's public service in recent days. Since January 22, 2026, images of pay slips allegedly belonging to civil servants, showing colossal family allowances for an exceptionally high number of children, have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage. Faced with this wave of suspicion, the Minister of Finance has broken his silence to reveal the truth. In a forceful official release, the ministry disclosed that these widely shared documents are nothing but crude forgeries. Following swift investigations by its teams, which located the genuine pay slips in the integrated AIGLES management system, the conclusions are unequivocal. "The published pay slips have been falsified for undisclosed purposes," the statement asserts firmly. The manipulation is twofold: the "whistleblowers" first erased any indication that the payments were legitimate family allowance arrears, processed according to regulations. Then, they artificially inflated the number of children of the concerned agents, creating the scandalous illusion of double payments or exorbitant benefits. This spotlight, although based on falsehoods, allowed the Minister to reaffirm his commitment. He seeks to reassure all public servants and national opinion of the ongoing efforts to ensure the transparency and quality of salary expenditure. The message is clear: the payroll chain is under control. In a tone both energetic and paternalistic, characteristic of Cameroonian state communication, the minister issues a solemn appeal for citizen vigilance. He warns against the sometimes deceptive virality of information circulating on social media and urges caution before sharing. Finally, the release points to a constructive resolution: for any confusion regarding salary processing, the services of the Directorate General of the Budget remain open and ready to provide all necessary clarifications. An invitation to prioritize official channels of dialogue over sterile online controversies. The case is thus closed, but it leaves a major lesson for the digital age: in a time when a simple screenshot can trigger a crisis, fact-checking and trust in institutions remain more crucial than ever. Cameroon Finance Minister, family allowances Cameroon, falsified pay slips, Cameroonian public service, social media manipulation, AIGLES payroll system, family allowance arrears, Directorate General of the Budget, civil servants salary processing, Cameroon fake news, payroll transparency, Cameroon government press release Silognhia Edwige (Stagiaire) Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 12:25 IST Parliament Budget Session 2026 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the budget session on Thursday and highlighted the India-European Union free trade agreement as a key step toward fulfilling the countrys aspirations. He emphasised that fishermen, young people, farmers and the services sector would also benefit from greater access to European markets, describing the deal as part of a wider reform-led economic strategy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India today on Day 2 of the Budget Session of Parliament. The survey will provide an overview of the countrys economic situation. The Economic Survey is released every year before the Budget and outlines growth trends, challenges, and policy directions. It is expected to offer clues about the governments priorities before Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha on February 1. This will be a landmark moment for the Finance Minister, as she is preparing to present her ninth consecutive budget, the highest number by any finance minister. The upcoming budget is expected to focus on measures to support economic growth, improve investment, and address global economic uncertainty. The session opened on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of Parliament. In her speech, she spoke about the governments vision for social justice, inclusive growth, and the goal of a developed India. Political differences also surfaced on the first day of the session. Opposition parties pressed for discussions on issues such as the VB-G RAM-G Bill and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). However, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said these matters would not be discussed during the current session, noting that they had already been taken up in the winter session. With the Economic Survey scheduled to be tabled and the Union Budget just days away, Parliament is expected to see sharp debates in the coming days. The Budget Session will continue as lawmakers examine the governments economic plans and policy direction for the year ahead. 'Sour Grapes?': Piyush Goyal Counters Congress Criticism On India-EU Free Trade Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:20 IST Piyush Goyal hit back at Jairam Rameshs criticism of the India-EU FTA with a sour grapes remark, calling the pact a win-win and the mother of all deals. File photos of Piyush Goyal/Jairam Ramesh (PTI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday opened his rebuttal to Congress leader Jairam Rameshs criticism of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement with a sharp jab, asking whether the comments amounted to sour grapes". In a detailed post on X, Goyal accused the Opposition of lacking resolve in the past and of now attempting to cast doubt on a deal he said would unlock major opportunities for Indias economy. It is interesting to see that those who could not take decisions because they had no connect with the people on the ground are today making a virtue of not doing anything," he wrote, adding that citizens had borne immense costs for this lost opportunity" in jobs, income and growth. Ramesh had earlier questioned the pact, tracing its origins to June 2007, when negotiations between India and the 27-nation EU began, followed by 16 rounds before talks were suspended in May 2013 and revived only in June 2022. He described the newly concluded agreement as hugely hyped", warning that tariff reductions or relief on more than 96 per cent of EU exports to India could sharply raise imports and widen the trade deficit. The Congress leader also alleged the Modi governments failure to secure exemptions for aluminium and steel exporters from the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, saying shipments had already fallen from $7 billion to $5 billion and could drop further after the mechanisms enforcement from January 1, 2026. He raised concerns about EU health and product safety norms acting as non-tariff barriers, unresolved Intellectual Property issues affecting pharmaceuticals, claims of privileged access to Indias services market, the inclusion of automobiles in the pact and potential risks to the Electric Vehicle industry. Ramesh further sought clarity on the future of Indias refined fuel exports to the EU, much of which are sourced from Russia. MOTHER OF ALL DEALS, SAYS GOYAL Rejecting the charge that the agreement was overhyped, Goyal wrote, What puzzles me is that when the whole world is calling it the mother of all deals, my friend thinks it is hugely hyped." Pointing to the combined $25 trillion GDP of India and the EU, global trade of $11 trillion and a common market of two billion people, he asked whether $33 billion of Indias labour-intensive exports going to zero on day 1" was really being dismissed as hype. Stressing that the two sides were largely complementary economies", the minister said the pact was not a zero-sum deal but a win-win deal which will power our economic growth and create a plethora of opportunities for our businesses and people". On Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), he said, Our Government has taken up the issue, like no one ever has and identified pathways to find solutions," arguing that New Delhi was pursuing dialogue and cooperation rather than what he described as immature, illogical and rigid positions". Addressing regulatory concerns, Goyal noted that all countries, including India, reserve their right to regulate for health and safety reasons," and insisted that safeguards were built into the agreement so such rules did not become unjustified trade barriers. He added that Intellectual Property obligations mirrored WTO TRIPS norms, preserved public-health flexibilities, recognised Indias traditional digital knowledge library project and maintained the countrys data exclusivity policy. On services, Goyal said commitments were aligned with Indias domestic regime and could attract EU investment and technology into capital-intensive sectors such as maritime and financial services. Defending the automobile provisions, he said Indias quota-based, premium segment-focused and phased auto offer" including a five-year time lag for EVs from EIF was meant to strengthen MAKE IN INDIA by encouraging European manufacturers to assemble locally before moving to full localisation. This brings high-end manufacturing processes, quality standards, and advanced R and D practices into the Indian ecosystem," he wrote. On refined fuels, the minister said the issue was linked to extraneous reasons" and reiterated that the FTA was a long-term strategic engagement based on trust and mutual respect". Is this a story of Sour grapes"?It is interesting to see that those who could not take decisions because they had no connect with the people on the ground are today making a virtue of not doing anything. Our people have paid immense costs for this lost opportunity. Our country https://t.co/6xNgoZGm4P Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 28, 2026 Earlier, when the deal was signed on January 27, Goyal had hailed it as a formidable partnership for the world", sharing visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the India-EU Summit in New Delhi. Von der Leyen had also called it the mother of all deals", saying it created a free trade zone of two billion people and marked only the beginning" of a deeper strategic relationship. The agreement, first initiated in 2007 and relaunched in 2022, is expected to anchor a broader EU-India strategic agenda spanning prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity and global issues, alongside the newly signed security and defence partnership between the two sides. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:20 IST News india 'Sour Grapes?': Piyush Goyal Counters Congress Criticism On India-EU Free 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... President Murmu, PM Modi Attend Beating Retreat Ceremony As Republic Day Celebrations End | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:45 IST Held every year in the national capital, the ceremony featured a coordinated performance by bands from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi at Beating Retreat ceremony | ANI Image President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the Beating Retreat ceremony, which formally brought the countrys Republic Day celebrations to a close. The annual event, steeped in military tradition, is a tribute to the discipline, heritage and service of Indias armed forces. Held every year in the national capital on January 29, the ceremony features a coordinated performance by bands from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, offering a spectacle of precision, music and pageantry that reflects the countrys rich military legacy. #WATCH | Delhi: National flag unfurled at Vijay Chowk during the Beating Retreat ceremony.President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also present. (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/TMkPhqDLbp ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi shared a message describing the occasion as a celebration of Indias enduring defence traditions. He said the Beating Retreat embodies the strength and continuity of the nations military heritage and expressed pride in the armed forces, calling them central to Indias security and sovereignty. In his message, the Prime Minister noted that the ceremony symbolises the formal conclusion of Republic Day events. He underlined how the tradition mirrors the discipline and professionalism of the armed forces and quoted a Sanskrit verse emphasising unity, courage and collective resolve in times of conflict, values that, he said, define Indias defence services. A Tradition Rooted In History The Beating Retreat ceremony traces its origins to centuries-old military customs. In India, it is organised annually on January 29, three days after Republic Day, and is usually held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The event is attended by the President, Prime Minister, senior government functionaries and top military officials. During the ceremony, military bands perform a range of patriotic and traditional tunes. The lowering of the flags and the ceremonial retreat of the troops mark the official end of the Republic Day festivities. Renowned for its musical grandeur and immaculate formations, the Beating Retreat showcases the coordination, professionalism and commitment of the armed forces. The blend of Indian compositions and military marches reflects both the countrys cultural diversity and its martial traditions. The event also serves as a tribute to the values of service, sacrifice and unity upheld by the defence forces. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 17:24 IST News india President Murmu, PM Modi Attend Beating Retreat Ceremony As Republic Day Celebrations End | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi High Court Summons Priya Sachdev Kapur In Rani Kapurs Suit Over Family Trust Dispute Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 13:05 IST The Delhi High Court has issued summons to Priya Sachdev Kapur and others in Rani Kapurs suit alleging that a family Trust was fraudulently created to strip her of her estate. Priya Kapur, wife of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur (File photo/PTI) The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued summons to Priya Sachdev Kapur in a fresh civil suit filed by Rani Kapur, mother of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, and also issued notice on her application seeking interim relief in the matter. The suit alleges that a family Trust was created through fraudulent means to deprive the elderly widow of her estate. According to Live Law, Justice Mini Pushkarna directed all defendants to file their written statements within thirty days. On the plea for interim protection, the court said, Let replies be filed within four weeks. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within two weeks." Senior advocate Akhil Sibal appeared for Priya Kapur. When Rani Kapurs counsel referred to the interim relief application, the court remarked, I am issuing summons. For interim, I will ask them to file replies. The Trust has not been created only now." The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 23. SUNJAY KAPUR CASE AND ALLEGATIONS OVER FAMILY TRUST According to the suit placed before the court, Rani Kapur has challenged the legality of what is described as the RK Family Trust" or Rani Kapur Family Trust," calling it fraudulent, null and void. She has alleged that her entire estate and family legacy were unlawfully diverted into the Trust without her knowledge or consent and that she became aware of the alleged fraud only after her sons death on June 12, 2025. The suit has named 23 defendants, including Priya Kapur, her son Azarias Kapur, Karisma Kapoors children Samaira Kapur and Kiaan Kapur; Rani Kapurs daughter Mandhira Kapur Smith, and her two children. Rani Kapur has also asserted that she is the sole beneficiary and legatee of her late husband, Dr Surinder Kapurs estate. Surinder Kapur, promoter of the Sona Group of Companies, died in June 2015, leaving behind a Will dated February 6, 2013, under which his entire estate devolved upon her. The Will, the suit states, was probated by the Bombay High Court in January 2016 after their three children gave no-objection certificates. Despite this, the plaintiff alleges that her assets were siphoned off through a complex web of illegal transactions" and placed into the RK Family Trust, purportedly created around October 2017, without her consent. She has further claimed that immediately after Sunjay Kapurs demise, Priya Kapur moved swiftly to assume control of key Sona Group companies, securing appointments as director and managing director within days of the funeral rites, without informing or consulting her. Another allegation is that her access to company information was blocked by falsely claiming that her email account had been hacked," after which a new email ID was created and used without her knowledge to effect changes in Trust arrangements and company management. Rani Kapur has sought restoration of her estate to the position that existed prior to the creation of the impugned Trust, terming it illegal, fraudulent and unregistered." RANI KAPURS ALLEGATIONS ON DOCUMENTS AND CONSENT Rani Kapur has also raised concerns about the manner in which the RK Family Trust was created and operated, alleging that she was excluded from beneficial ownership of assets that originally belonged to her. She has stated that the relevant events occurred when she was medically unwell after suffering a stroke and was dependent on her son to manage her personal and financial affairs. According to the suit, she relied on assurances that her estate remained secure even as transactions were allegedly carried out that later deprived her of ownership rights. She has further claimed that her late son was either manipulated into participating in the arrangement or allowed himself to be used as a channel for executing it. Rani Kapur has alleged she was asked to sign documents without being informed of their contents or legal implications, and on some occasions, even blank papers. These acts, she claims, were carried out in coordination with Priya Kapur and other defendants, who allegedly concealed the true nature and effect of the RK Family Trust. She has also stated that she was led to believe that the Trust was merely a renamed or modified version of an earlier arrangement under which she remained the sole beneficiary, and that she realised only after her sons death that the Trust allegedly excluded her and diverted benefits to other family members. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 12:54 IST News india Delhi High Court Summons Priya Sachdev Kapur In Rani Kapurs Suit Over Family Trust Dispute Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'All Is Well, Not Looking For A New Job': Shashi Tharoor Meets Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 14:16 IST Shashi Tharoor said his meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge was very good and constructive, asserting that the Congress leadership was united. Shashi Tharoor meets Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge (Photo: X/@ShashiTharoor) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday underscored unity within the party after he met with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. He later described the meeting as a very good, constructive, positive discussion" and insisted that the leadership was moving together on the same page." Speaking to reporters after the meeting at Parliament, Tharoor said, We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion." All is good, and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say? I have always campaigned for the party, where have I not campaigned?" Tharoor said. He also firmly rejected suggestions that the talks involved any discussion about him seeking higher office in Kerala. No, that was never discussed. I am not interested in being a candidate for anything. At the moment, I am already an MP, and I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram," Tharoor said. I have to look after their interests in Parliament, that is my job," he said when asked whether the Kerala chief ministership had come up. #WATCH | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion. All is good, and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say?I have always https://t.co/nG97wAuRWM pic.twitter.com/iW7NRmnsQ8 ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Later, Tharoor, in an X post, thanked Kharge and Gandhi for the warm and constructive discussion". He also shared a photo of himself with the two. Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India. pic.twitter.com/T5l8jqkhUT Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 29, 2026 Before the meeting, Tharoor had struck a cautious note while addressing reporters in Delhi, saying, I am going to attend Parliament right now. When it happens, Ill let you know." The brief remark came as media attention focused on the high-profile interaction with the Congress top brass. VIDEO | Delhi: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, on his meeting with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, said, I am going to attend Parliament right now. When it happens, Ill let you know." pic.twitter.com/CnBzQeDhQT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2026 The meeting was held at Kharges office in the Parliament complex amid reports of differences between Tharoor and the party high command. According to news agency ANI, the interaction followed Tharoor skipping an All India Congress Committee meeting that was called to discuss preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. Tharoor had earlier clarified that he had informed the party leadership in advance about his inability to attend that meeting because of prior commitments at the Kerala Literature Festival, where he was scheduled to speak on his latest book on Sree Narayana Guru. On January 24, Tharoor had indicated that there were some issues" between him and the party and that he wished to discuss them internally with the leadership rather than in public. Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so. Im not entering into this issue in public at all," he had said at the time, adding that several media reports about his absence from party meetings might be true, while others may not be," and that such matters should not be debated on public platforms. Tharoors absence from the AICC meeting came days after an episode at the partys Mahapanchayat in Kochi on January 19, where he was reportedly upset over not being directly greeted by Rahul Gandhi while several leaders were acknowledged on stage. The Congress party, ANI reported, had denied that there were any internal issues and maintained that Tharoor had prior commitments at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 12:10 IST News india 'All Is Well, Not Looking For A New Job': Shashi Tharoor Meets Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'She Will Never Come Back': Family Of Pinky Mali, Who Died In Ajit Pawar Plane Crash, Devastated Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:34 IST Pinkys mother Maya Mali, who lives in Mumbai, said she had felt a strange unease on the day of the crash. My heart was restless. I felt something was wrong, but no one was telling me clearly, Pinky's mother said, breaking down. (Image: PTI) Papa, you know what, I am flying with Ajit Pawar ji today Ill surely make you speak to him." Those were the last words 29-year-old Pinky Mali, a native of Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh, said to her father, Shiv Kumar Mali, a day before she lost her life in the tragic chartered aircraft crash in Maharashtra. Shiv Kumar, a taxi driver based in Mumbai, had no idea that the casual, cheerful phone call would be his final conversation with his daughter. She sounded very happy. I never imagined that this would be the last time I would hear her voice," he said, struggling to hold back tears. Pinky Mali was working as a cabin crew member on the chartered aircraft that crashed during landing at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other passengers. All five people on board, including Pinky, lost their lives in the accident. From a village in Jaunpur to the skies Pinky hailed from Bhainsa village in Kerakat tehsil, about 40 kilometres from the Jaunpur district headquarters. Her journey from a small village in eastern Uttar Pradesh to working aboard chartered flights for top political leaders was one her family took immense pride in. Her younger brother Karan recalled that Pinky had spoken to him early Wednesday morning. She told me she was flying from Baramati to Nanded. After that, there was no message, no call," he said. When news of the crash reached the family, hope quickly gave way to devastating confirmation. Pinkys father said the family had moved to Mumbai nearly three decades ago in search of livelihood. Despite settling in the city, their ties to their native village in Jaunpur remained strong. We always came back to the village. I organised Durga Puja here every year," he said. The family had last visited the village barely two months ago. A mothers unexplainable fear Pinkys mother Maya Mali, who lives in Mumbai, said she had felt a strange unease on the day of the crash. My heart was restless. I felt something was wrong, but no one was telling me clearly," she said, breaking down. She recalled that Pinky never missed calling her in the morning. Every day she would say, Mummy, have your breakfast, take your medicines. That day, there was no call, no message. Thats when my fear kept growing," Maya said. The family said Pinky had worked as a flight attendant on chartered flights carrying several senior leaders and officials. She had previously flown with Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis, Narayan Rane, and Ranes son. We were proud of her job and her discipline," her mother said. According to Pinkys cousin Sheetla Prasad Mali, the family had already been dealing with grief. Pinkys grandfather Babu Ram Mali passed away last year. This tragedy has completely shattered the family," he said. Pinky is survived by her parents, brother Karan, and sister Preeti. She lived in Mumbais Worli Century Quarters area. She was married in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, and her in-laws also reside in Mumbai. News of her death spread quickly through Bhainsa village, where locals described her as grounded despite her professional success. She never forgot her roots," said a villager, Ashok Singh. The crash and investigation The crash occurred when the chartered aircraft attempted to land at Baramati airport around 8:45 am. After an initial failed landing attempt due to poor runway visibility, the pilot tried to land again on Runway 11, but the aircraft went down before reaching the runway and caught fire. No emergency Mayday call was issued before the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a detailed probe. Teams have been dispatched to Baramati and to Delhi, where the operator company VSR Ventures is based. The company has stated that the aircraft had no technical faults and that the pilot had over 16,000 hours of flying experience. However, in the backdrop of the ongoing investigations, for Pinky Malis family in Jaunpur and Mumbai, the loss is deeply personal and irreversible. She will never come back," her mother said. Some losses are beyond words." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:34 IST News india 'She Will Never Come Back': Family Of Pinky Mali, Who Died In Ajit Pawar Plane Crash, Devastated Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'They Don't Want To Work': CJI Surya Kant Blames Trade Unions For Hurting Industrial Growth Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 16:14 IST CJI Kant noted that several traditional industries across the nation have closed as a result of the actions of certain flag-bearing unions. Supreme Court | File Image The Supreme Court on Thursday flagged trade unionism as a major factor contributing to industrial stagnation in the country, with Chief Justice Surya Kant observing that the functioning of trade unions has led to the closure of several industrial units across India. Questioning the impact of trade unions on economic growth, the CJI remarked that numerous traditional industries had shut down due to the actions of what he described as flag-bearing unions." He stated that resistance to work and aggressive union leadership had significantly impeded industrial development. While acknowledging the existence of labour exploitation, the Chief Justice noted that alternative reforms, such as improving workers skills and increasing awareness of individual rights, should have been prioritised instead of disruptive union practices. The remarks were made by a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Penn Thozhilargal Sangam and other trade unions seeking welfare measures for domestic workers, including their inclusion under minimum wage notifications. At the outset, the Chief Justice expressed reluctance to entertain the petition, cautioning that such measures could result in widespread litigation involving individual households. Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that several countries, including Singapore, mandate registration of domestic workers and ensure minimum wages and weekly holidays. Responding to this, the CJI warned that well-intentioned welfare interventions could sometimes produce unintended consequences, including further exploitation. He observed that fixing minimum wages without considering employment demand could discourage households from hiring domestic help, thereby worsening workers conditions. When Ramachandran argued that collective bargaining was effective and clarified that the petitioners were registered trade unions, the Chief Justice reiterated his criticism of trade unions, prompting the senior counsel to request that broad generalisations be avoided. The CJI, however, shifted focus to employment agencies, describing them as the real exploiters of domestic workers. Highlighting a specific instance, the Chief Justice disclosed that when the Supreme Court itself engaged workers through an agency at a cost of Rs 40,000 per worker, the employees ultimately received only Rs 19,000. He stated that agency-based hiring often erodes the trust-based relationship traditionally shared between domestic workers and employers, which could have serious social consequences. The CJI further cautioned that enforcing minimum wages through union pressure could result in households being dragged into legal disputes. In response, Ramachandran contended that inadequate wages amounted to bonded labour under the Supreme Courts ruling in Bandhua Mukti Morcha, and argued that the exclusion of domestic workers from minimum wage protection violated Articles 21 and 23 of the Constitution. The bench declined to entertain the petition, holding that the reliefs sought amounted to a direction to legislate, which was beyond the Courts jurisdiction. The petition was disposed of with an observation urging States to examine the grievances raised by domestic workers unions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:45 IST News india 'They Don't Want To Work': CJI Surya Kant Blames Trade Unions For Hurting Industrial Growth Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 29, 2026, 22:52 IST The protesting students took to the streets not only in Delhi but also in several areas of Uttar Pradesh including Agra, Bareilly, and Meerut, among others, demanding the withdrawal of the new UGC guidelines. The students argued that the new rules, instead of promoting fairness, would lead to discrimination on university campuses. They claimed that the guidelines do not include any mandatory provision to ensure representation for students from the general category. The UGCs new regulations were introduced to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. Under the rules, colleges and universities are required to set up special committees and helplines to handle complaints, particularly from students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). As the protest escalated, tensions rose near the vice-chancellors office. A large group of students reportedly crossed the first police barricade and tried to move closer to the administrative block. To prevent the situation from worsening, police personnel deployed on campus later shut the main university gate. The protesting students said the new UGC guidelines go against the idea of educational equality. They alleged that by focusing only on certain groups, the rules leave out general category students and fail to provide equal representation for all sections of society. 'Welcome Step': MK Stalin Backs New UGC Equity Rules Amid Row, Says They Should Be Strengthened Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:38 IST The Chief Minister specifically endorsed the inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) within the framework. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin (Photo: PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin threw his support behind the University Grants Commissions 2026 anti-discrimination regulations, calling them a delayed but welcome step" while raising concerns about their implementation and independence. In a detailed statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin defended the regulations amid growing backlash, describing them as essential reforms for a higher education system scarred by deep rooted discrimination and institutional apathy." Since the BJP came to power at the Union level, there has been a visible rise in student suicides within Indian HEIs particularly among SC and ST students. This has been accompanied by repeated attacks and harassment targeting students from South India, Kashmir, and minority communities. In this context, equity safeguards are not a matter of choice but an unavoidable necessity," Stalin wrote. The Chief Minister specifically endorsed the inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) within the framework, comparing current opposition to the backlash faced during the implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations. The present UGC_Rollback backlash is driven by the same regressive mindset. The Union Government must not allow such pressure to dilute these regulations or their core objectives," he said. However, Stalin raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanism, particularly questioning how Equity Committees chaired by institutional heads could function independently. Citing the suicide of Rohith Vemula, where vice-chancellors themselves faced allegations, Stalin wrote, It is difficult to see how Equity Committees chaired by institutional heads can function independently, especially when many higher education institutions are led by RSS supporters." He called on the Centre to not only maintain the regulations but strengthen and revise them to address structural gaps. If the Union BJP Government is serious about preventing student deaths, ending discrimination, and reducing dropout rates among students from backward communities, these regulations must not only be strengthened but also revised to address their structural gaps, and enforced with real accountability," Stalin stated. What UGC Guidelines Say The UGCs 2026 regulations represent a significant expansion of the 2012 framework. Key provisions include: Expanded definition of discrimination covering caste, tribe, religion, gender, disability, race and place of birth Mandatory Equal Opportunity Centres at every higher education institution Equity Committees with representation from SC, ST, OBC, women and persons with disabilities Strict compliance mechanisms with penalties including denial of programme approval and withdrawal of recognition The regulations have sparked protests across several states, with critics arguing that the expanded definition of discrimination is vague and open to misuse. Some have raised concerns about whether universities have the capacity to implement the guidelines uniformly. Supporters, however, point to data showing a sharp rise in discrimination-related complaints in recent years, arguing that stronger enforcement mechanisms were overdue. All UGC-recognised institutions are required to implement the regulations with immediate effect. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 08:38 IST News india 'Welcome Step': MK Stalin Backs New UGC Equity Rules Amid Row, Says They Should Be Strengthened Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Happens After A Widow Remarries? Delhi HC Clarifies Family Pension Rules In Landmark Verdict Curated By : News18 Hindi Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:45 IST Does remarriage change a widows right to family pension? A case involving the family of a deceased CRPF jawan has raised questions on dependency and social welfare policy After the CRPF soldiers widow remarried, his parents claimed the pension, arguing that she was no longer entitled to it. (AI Generated) The Delhi High Court has delivered an important ruling on family pensions, clarifying that a childless widow of a deceased central government employee will continue to receive the family pension even after remarriage, provided she does not have sufficient independent income. The court upheld the constitutional validity of Rule 54 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, along with the office memorandum dated September 2, 2009. A bench comprising Justices Anil Kshatrapal and Amit Mahajan held that the provision is neither arbitrary nor discriminatory. Instead, it reflects a clear social welfare policy aimed at providing financial security to widows and encouraging their remarriage. What Was The Case? The case concerned a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier who died while on duty. Following his death, his wife was granted a family pension in accordance with existing rules. After the widow remarried, the deceased soldiers parents claimed the pension, arguing that she was no longer entitled to it. The parents contended that as dependent parents, they should receive the family pension after the widows remarriage. They challenged the validity of Rule 54 and the related office memorandum before the Delhi High Court. Petitioners Arguments The deceased soldiers parents argued that remarriage ends the widows marital relationship with the deceased employee, making it unfair for her to continue receiving the family pension. They claimed that elderly and dependent parents were being deprived of financial support, in violation of the principles of equality and justice. Describing the rule as arbitrary and discriminatory, they sought a declaration that it was unconstitutional. What Did The High Court Say? The Delhi High Court rejected all the arguments raised by the petitioners. It ruled that a family pension is not an inheritance but a statutory social security benefit governed solely by pension rules. The court clarified that Rule 54 lays down a clear order of priority for pension recipients. If a deceased employee leaves behind a widow, the parents are not entitled to the family pension as long as the widow remains alive and eligible under the rules. Why Is Remarriage Important? The court noted that the governments policy is not limited to providing financial assistance but also seeks to encourage the social rehabilitation of widows through remarriage. The primary objective of the provision is to ensure that widows do not face social and economic insecurity, a purpose the court described as both valid and commendable. The bench also observed that members of the armed and paramilitary forces make significant sacrifices for the nation, making it essential that their dependents are not left financially vulnerable. Why Didnt The Parents Get Pension Rights? The High Court held that parents are eligible for a family pension only when the deceased employee leaves behind neither a widow nor children. Excluding parents in cases where a widow is alive and eligible does not violate the Constitution. The court agreed that even after remarriage, a childless widow who lacks sufficient independent income cannot be denied the family pension. The court further clarified that the family pension is meant to provide immediate and continuous financial support. It does not form part of any property or inheritance, and the classification under the pension rules is reasonable and based on sound policy considerations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:45 IST News india What Happens After A Widow Remarries? Delhi HC Clarifies Family Pension Rules In Landmark Verdict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Encryptionless Extortion on the Rise as Ransomware Groups Shift Tactics Key Takeaways Ransomware incidents rose 45% in 2025, driven by encryptionless extortion and year-end security gaps. Manufacturing and SMBs faced highest ransomware risk, with smaller firms targeted due to limited defenses. Ransomware groups shifted tactics in 2025, favoring data extortion and exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. Ransomware attacks continued to climb in 2025 as attackers increasingly timed operations around year-end staffing gaps and shifted away from traditional file encryption, according to new research from NordStellar. The report shows ransomware incidents increased 45% from the previous year, climbing from 6,395 cases in 2024 to 9,251 in 2025. Activity picked up late in the year, with December accounting for 1,004 incidents, the highest monthly total recorded over the past two years. Smaller manufacturing organizations were among those most frequently targeted. "In the final quarter of 2025, ransomware groups exploited end-of-year cybersecurity gaps caused by reduced staffing and monitoring," said Vakaris Noreika, a cybersecurity expert at NordStellar. "However, the trend has been upward the whole year." Separate analysis from Symantec and Carbon Black's Threat Hunter Team reported that ransomware actors publicly claimed 4,737 attacks in 2025, slightly higher than the 4,701 recorded in 2024. When encryptionless extortion incidents were included, total extortion activity rose to 6,182 attacks, a 23% increase year over year. Manufacturing Sees the Most Pressure Manufacturing organizations experienced more ransomware activity than any other sector in 2025. NordStellar data shows manufacturing accounted for 19.3% of all ransomware incidents, with 1,156 attacks recorded during the year, a 32% increase from 2024. In contrast, the education sector accounted for 3.6% of attacks in 2025. Smaller firms bore the brunt of that activity. Companies with up to 200 employees and annual revenue of $25 million or less were targeted more often than larger enterprises. The U.S. continued to account for the majority of ransomware activity, representing 64% of reported cases worldwide. NordStellar tracked 3,255 attacks against U.S.-based organizations, up 28% from the prior year. Canada and Germany also saw sharp increases. "SMBs are attractive targets for ransomware attacks because they often lack security staff and tools and operate within limited cybersecurity budgets," Noreika said. "Smaller organizations are also more likely to rely on outdated software, have limited security monitoring, and rely on external vendors for IT support." Ransomware Groups Reshuffle Changes in targeting coincided with broader shifts in the ransomware-as-a-service ecosystem. Several established groups shut down during 2025, while newer operations expanded by absorbing displaced affiliates. Qilin emerged as the most active ransomware operation, with 1,066 cases, a 408% increase from 2024. Akira followed with 947 cases, up 125% year over year. RansomHub, which led ransomware activity earlier in the year, went offline in April after internal disagreements. LockBit had already ceased operations following major disruptions in late 2024. Symantec identified 134 ransomware groups active in 2025, compared to 103 in 2024, a 30% increase. Extortion Without Encryption Attack techniques continued to evolve as more groups abandoned file encryption in favor of pure data extortion. The Snakefly group, which operates Cl0p ransomware, played a prominent role after exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in enterprise software. In October, the group targeted Oracle E-Business Suite users through a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-61882. According to Symantec, the vulnerability had been exploited since August. Researchers also tracked the emergence of Warlock ransomware, which appears to originate from China rather than traditional ransomware strongholds. Warlock was first observed in June 2025 and gained attention the following month after exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint, tracked as CVE-2025-53770. "The involvement of Chinese espionage actors in ransomware is a growing phenomenon," Symantec's report said. "The attackers behind Warlock appear to be a different breed of cybercriminal, where cybercrime is one of the group's core activities and not a sideline." Preparing for 2026 Security researchers say organizations should assume ransomware pressure will continue to rise. "Given the surge in 2025, ransomware incidents in 2026 are likely to exceed 12,000," Noreika said. "Businesses, especially SMBs and those operating in industries where operational downtime is unacceptable, should be on high alert and reassess their preparedness to combat ransomware." Security firms continue to recommend basic controls such as regular patching, multifactor authentication, and offline backups to limit disruption when attacks succeed. For the full report, visit the NordStellar site here. Thoughtful Valentines Picks For 'Yours Only' That Will Make Hearts Flutter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 02, 2026, 22:25 IST Discover thoughtful Valentines Day gift picks for her and him, from fine jewellery and clean beauty to stylish fashion and premium accessories that feel personal and meaningful. This curated edit brings together thoughtful Valentines picks for her and him, spanning fine jewellery, clean beauty, accessories, and contemporary fashion. Valentines Day gifting has evolved beyond cliches. Today, gifts are about intention, craftsmanship, and personal meaning, whether its jewellery that tells a story, beauty that enhances natural confidence, or fashion designed for modern expression. This curated edit brings together thoughtful Valentines picks for her and him, spanning fine jewellery, clean beauty, accessories, and contemporary fashion. For Women 1. Everbrite Jewellery Designed to be worn close to the heart, Everbrite Jewellerys Heart Cuddle Pendant features a refined heart silhouette in gold, accented with lab-grown diamonds. Elegant and understated, its a timeless piece suited for everyday wear and long-term keepsakes. Price: 47,499 2. Doctor B by Dr Bindu Sthalekar Founded by celebrity dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar, Doctor B focuses on skin health through science-backed formulations. The Moisturiser delivers deep hydration without heaviness, while the Brightening Cream helps even out skin tone and enhance natural radiance, ideal for maintaining consistently healthy-looking skin. Price: Doctor B Moisturiser (1,800); Doctor B Brightening Cream (1,750) 3. World of Anaar World of Anaar is known for bold, handcrafted accessories that fuse traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design. The Scarlet Slingette Clutch stands out with intricate zardozi and dabka embroidery, ruby embellishments, and a sculptural metal frame, designed for women who favour statement pieces with strong visual impact. Price: 11,990 4. House Of Makeup House Of Makeup is a clean, high-performance Indian beauty brand created for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Glow-Up Gift Set features bestselling essentials that deliver colour, comfort, and skincare benefits. Compact yet versatile, it offers an easy introduction to the brands philosophy of effortless, skin-friendly beauty. Price: 999 5. Ituvana Ituvana focuses on fluid silhouettes and elevated essentials that balance modernity with quiet elegance. The Rongu Silk Skirt Set highlights the brands attention to fabric, fit, and subtle detailing, making it ideal for intimate celebrations. It is refined, versatile, and designed for women who value understated luxury. Price: 38,000 6. Siorai Siorais designs reflect contemporary femininity through clean lines and artisanal detailing. The Miley Dress combines a structured silhouette with intricate beadwork inspired by nature, offering a statement piece that feels modern yet timeless. Ideal for evening wear, it embodies confidence, craftsmanship, and effortless elegance. Price: 45,000 7. Kataria Jewellers Kataria Jewellers is known for fine craftsmanship and timeless designs rooted in tradition. The white-gold diamond ring pairs certified diamonds with a vibrant coloured stone, creating a balance of luxury and individuality. Designed for milestones and meaningful moments, it is jewellery meant to be treasured long term. 8. Karibo Karibo is a clean, conscious beauty brand focused on performance and precision. The Custom Eyeliner features a Japanese film-former technology for long-lasting, smudge-proof wear without compromising comfort. Designed for expressive eyes and modern routines, it is a reliable essential for both everyday looks and special occasions. Price: 1,100 9. Treasures by Tiara Treasures by Tiara blends storytelling with fine jewellery craftsmanship. The XO Ring introduces a playful yet refined design language, combining amethyst detailing with enamel work. Designed for stacking or solo wear, it reflects the brands philosophy of creating meaningful, expressive pieces that integrate seamlessly into everyday style. Price: 22,923 For Men 1. Scarters Scarters is a modern vegan leather goods brand focused on functionality, craftsmanship, and minimalist design. The Explorers Trio includes thoughtfully designed travel essentials crafted from premium vegan leather. Practical yet refined, it is well suited for men who appreciate durable accessories built for everyday use and longevity. Price: 7,999 2. Siorai Siorais menswear is defined by relaxed tailoring and artistic detailing. The Neville Jacket features abstract embroidery inspired by marine elements, offering a distinctive yet versatile layer. Designed for effortless styling, it bridges statement dressing and everyday wear with contemporary appeal. Price: 37,999 3. Kataria Jewellers Kataria Jewellers Platinum Gents Ring is crafted in Platinum 950 and features a trident motif symbolising strength and purpose. Bold yet minimal, it is designed for men who prefer jewellery with meaning and presence, an enduring piece that reflects commitment, confidence, and timeless style. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 21:17 IST News lifestyle fashion Thoughtful Valentines Picks For 'Yours Only' That Will Make Hearts Flutter Lesser-Known Wellness Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List In 2026 Curated By : Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 13:00 IST From ancient healing rituals in Thailand to mineral-rich retreats by the Dead Sea, desert wellness in Qatar, uncover lesser-known glowcation destinations redefining wellness travel Glowcations are no longer about indulgence alone, theyre about intention. These lesser-known destinations offer Indian travellers something far more valuable than a break: a return home healthier, calmer, and visibly renewed. In 2026, travel is no longer just about switching off, its about switching on. Enter glowcations: journeys designed to heal, energise, and visibly transform you. For Gen Z and young millennials in India, holidays are becoming intentional rituals focused on skin health, mental clarity, cultural connection, and holistic wellbeing. As travellers move beyond predictable beach resorts and crowded European itineraries, the spotlight is shifting to destinations that are affordable, accessible, and deeply restorative. From ancient healing techniques passed down through generations to cutting-edge wellness sanctuaries rooted in tradition, here are five lesser-known destinations redefining what it means to return from a holiday truly glowing. 1. Tok Sen Healing in Chiang Mai, Thailand While Thailand is globally celebrated for its spa culture, Tok Sen therapy remains one of its most intriguing secrets. Originating in northern Thailand over a thousand years ago, this ancient Lanna healing practice works on the belief that the body holds blocked energy pathways. Using a specially crafted wooden mallet and wedge traditionally made from lightning-struck tamarind wood therapists apply rhythmic tapping across the body. The vibrations travel deep into muscles and energy lines, easing tension and restoring balance. The experience is both grounding and awakening, making it ideal for Indian travellers seeking therapies that merge spirituality with physical renewal. 2. Mineral Renewal at the Dead Sea, Israel Set at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea offers one of the worlds most powerful natural wellness environments. Rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide, its mineral-dense waters and mud are known to improve skin conditions, ease joint pain, and promote deep relaxation. Beyond floating effortlessly on the salt-rich surface, travellers can indulge in therapeutic mud rituals, explore desert hiking trails, or unwind at world-class spa resorts lining the shore. For Indian travellers drawn to destinations with spiritual resonance and tangible health benefits, the Dead Sea offers a rare blend of ancient healing and modern indulgence. 3. Indigenous Wellness with the Maasai in Kenya In Kenya, wellness is inseparable from nature. Vast savannahs, open skies, and fresh air form the backdrop for a slower, more intuitive approach to healing. One of the most distinctive experiences here is the traditional Maasai massage, rooted in indigenous knowledge and rhythmic techniques passed down through generations. Using Oringa tools and deep, intentional movements, the therapy focuses on releasing stored tension and restoring harmony, mind, body, and spirit. Combined with stays at eco-lodges and wellness retreats immersed in nature, Kenya offers Indian travellers a raw, culture-first glowcation that feels deeply authentic and grounding. 4. Beachside Rejuvenation at LaMar Spa, Ras Al Khaimah For those seeking a short-haul Middle Eastern escape, Ras Al Khaimah delivers serenity without spectacle. LaMar Spa at Pullman Al Marjan Island is designed for effortless relaxation where the sea becomes part of the therapy. Blending contemporary wellness techniques with subtle Middle Eastern influences, the spa offers personalised treatments, calming sea views, and a refined sense of luxury. Its an ideal glowcation for Indian travellers who prioritise comfort, privacy, and holistic restoration, all within a relaxed, beachside setting. 5. Arabic Healing Traditions at Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar Just a short flight from India, Qatar is emerging as a sophisticated wellness destination, and Zulal Wellness Resort stands at the forefront of this movement. The resort uniquely combines traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine with Thai healing philosophies, creating programs that address physical, emotional, and energetic balance. From hydrotherapy and mud treatments to meditation and energy-based rituals, every experience is rooted in centuries-old wisdom and supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Set against serene desert-inspired landscapes, Zulal offers a glowcation that is luxurious, introspective, and profoundly restorative. 7. Shebara, Saudi Sea-Inspired Spa Rituals Set on a private island in the Red Sea, Shebaras wellness philosophy is shaped entirely by the ocean. Surrounded by thriving coral reefs, the spa focuses on immersive, marine-led therapies designed to restore the body naturally. Its Pearl and Green Caviar Signature Hammam uses Tahitian black pearl cream, green caviar microalgae, and rhassoul clay to cleanse, exfoliate, and deeply nourish the skin, followed by a soothing massage. For a more targeted experience, the Moonlight Meteorite Massage uses meteorite-infused oil to boost circulation and lymphatic flow, leaving the body feeling lighter, calmer, and rebalanced. 8. Desert Rock, Saudi Wellness Carved Into the Desert Hidden within Saudis dramatic granite mountains, Desert Rock offers a spa experience rooted in the rhythms of the desert. The signature three-hour ritual begins with private yoga, followed by a gold exfoliation, warm clay wrap, and a tension-releasing massage using gold-plated stones. The journey concludes with a sculpting facial that lifts and tones without overwhelming the senses. Minimal, grounding, and deeply restorative, Desert Rock delivers a glowcation shaped by stillness, landscape, and intentional movement. The takeaway? Glowcations are no longer about indulgence alone, theyre about intention. These lesser-known destinations offer Indian travellers something far more valuable than a break: a return home healthier, calmer, and visibly renewed. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:01 IST News lifestyle travel Lesser-Known Wellness Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List In 2026 Anurag Thakur On Playing Madan Lal Pahwa In Freedom At Midnight 2: It Disturbed Me Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:10 IST Anurag Thakur said that he portrayed the character without any moral judgment, allowing the character to exist as written. Freedom At Midnight 2 is streaming on SonyLIV.(Photo Credit : X) Actor Anurag Thakur has delivered an impressive performance in Freedom At Midnight Season 2. In the show, he plays Madan Lal Pahwa, a character driven by ideological manipulation and personal trauma, navigating vulnerability, rage and moral collapse. Anurag sat down for a chat where he revealed that his initial reading of the script did not disturb him in the way one might expect. To give you some context: Madans story is rooted in trauma. Disowned by his father after the Partition, he grows up with a deep sense of abandonment that gradually turns into resentment directed at Mahatma Gandhi, whom Madan blames for showing empathy towards Muslims. As the series unfolds, his personal wounds are exploited by Hindu fundamentalists, turning him into both a victim of condition and a perpetrator of violence. On his approach to the role, Anurag Thakur said that he went for it without any moral judgment, allowing the character to exist as written. He told The Free Press Journal, Nothing really disturbed me initially, because I read it very neutrally. I did not read it to judge the character. I simply read it as it was written. Later, I read more about him." It was only after reflection that the emotional weight of Madans journey began to sink in. As Anurag put it, When I reflected on it, I felt that he was extremely vulnerable. He went through a lot, and that disturbed me, the entire process and the events around him, more than just his personal journey." Fresh off his breakout turn in Black Warrant, Thakur brings a restrained intensity to the role. His performance in the show is deeply internal, yet powerful enough to unsettle. The series also benefits from director Nikkhil Advanis measured handling of ideological conflicts. The political disagreements, especially between Nehru and Patel, are presented not as simple binaries of right and wrong, but as clashes of belief systems. Changed Perception For Anurag Thakur Anurag also opened up on whether peoples perception of him has changed after Freedom At Midnight Season 2. The actor said, There is always a risk of being typecast, and I remain aware of that. But yes, after Black Warrant and Freedom at Midnight, there is more respect. That change is visible." The actor had just one piece of advice for his fans and audience across the nation. He simply suggested reading history yourself and forming your own opinions instead of being influenced by others. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 11:09 IST News bollywood Anurag Thakur On Playing Madan Lal Pahwa In Freedom At Midnight 2: It Disturbed Me Ashutosh Rana Backs Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Shift Demand: 'You Don't Cheat Us When It Comes To...' Curated By : Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:36 IST Ashutosh said that script discussions and planning should happen in offices and not on set. Rapid Read Ashutosh explained how recovery is important. The Hindi film industry has been involved in a debate over fixed working hours for actors and the crew. Several actors, producers, and directors have shared their views on the debate. While many supported Deepika Padukones demand for an 8-hour work shift for actors, a few called the demands unnecessary. Actor Ashutosh Rana, however, backs Deepika Padukone. Rana told The Free Press Journal, I believe that creative work should not be done beyond eight hours. If you want the best of the best, you must understand this. Eight hours is a good amount of time; work can be completed in eight hours. If your pre-production is strong, if you are sorted, and if you have clarity about what you are going to shoot, then believe me you can create magic in eight hours." If you stretch beyond eight hours, it affects the quality of your work. This is entirely a game of energy and strength. Not everyone has the capacity to work for twenty hours and then rejuvenate in the remaining four hours. Stretching for a day or two is fine sometimes, but if stretching becomes a habit, then you must accept that it will affect your delivery. I am a strong believer in the idea that the eight-hour time slot should be mastered," he said. The actor mentioned, Discussions about the script, scene blocking, and planning should happen in the office. Not that once you reach the set, you say, Okay, lets do this this scene wasnt there, so lets modify it like this. If the captain of the ship is clear, then believe me, there will be no need to work beyond eight hours." He explained, Even if someone is a hardcore fitness enthusiast and you tell them, You work out for three hours daily, now do it for ten hours, they wont be able to do it. That is why it is said that if you have a seven-day workout routine, work out for four days and give your body rest for three days. Emotional recovery, mental recovery, and physical recovery are all important." We dont want to cheat you. You dont cheat us when it comes to money or roles, so why should I cheat you during delivery by working half-heartedly or with half energy? I want to work wholeheartedly. And to be able to work wholeheartedly, a recovery period is absolutely essential," he concluded. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 08:36 IST News movies bollywood Ashutosh Rana Backs Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Shift Demand: 'You Don't Cheat Us When It Comes To...' Hera Pheri 3 Delay Because Of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal Claims 'Nothing To Do With Me' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:11 IST Paresh Rawal also stated that attempting to make Hera Pheri 3 without Babu Rao would be a disaster. Rapid Read While details about Hera Pheri 3 are not known as of now, fans are excited to see the OG trio back together. Paresh Rawal has finally addressed the ongoing speculations surrounding Hera Pheri 3. In a recent interview with The Lavari Show, the actor put all rumours about the film being stalled to rest. The National Award-winning actor confirmed that the much-awaited third instalment of the popular franchise will definitely" be made, but also clarified that the delay has nothing to do with him. Rawal claimed that the hold-up is due to a technical issue" between Akshay Kumar and the makers of the film. Dismissing reports about legal trouble affecting the project, the Padma Shri recipient remarked that claims of Akshay suing him for Rs 25 crore were exaggerated. All this that had blown up in between that Akshay Kumar has sued me for Rs 25 crores, that is all okay yaa, its like kachva chaap agarbatti," he said. Rawal also stated that once the matter between the producer and Kumar is resolved, he is ready to sign on for the film. Speaking about his iconic character Babu Rao, Rawal made it clear that Hera Pheri 3 without him would not work. He stated that attempting to make the film without Babu Rao would be a disaster". But even at the cost of modesty, I am saying that if theyre going with the idea of doing Hera Pheri without Babu Ra,o then it will be a disaster," the actor said, as quoted by Pinkvilla. Rawal concluded by reiterating that the issue does not concern him directly and expressed confidence that the film will surely be made. If it gets resolved between the two, I will sign the papers. It will happen 100%," he said. For the unversed, the first Hera Pheri film, based on the Malayalam movie Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), was an unexpected hit and went on to become one of Indias most quoted comedies. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), directed by the late Neeraj Vora, carried forward the misadventures of Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal). While details about Hera Pheri 3 are not known as of now, fans are excited to see the OG trio back together. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 08:11 IST News movies bollywood Hera Pheri 3 Delay Because Of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal Claims 'Nothing To Do With Me' Rani Mukerji Opens Up About Losing Her Second Child Due To Miscarriage: My Sense Of Loss Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 03:07 IST Rani Mukerji opens up about her miscarriage and how Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway helped her heal, calling the film deeply personal and emotionally transformative. Rani Mukerji will next be seen in Mardaani 3. Rani Mukerji has long been celebrated as one of the most powerful performers in Indian cinema, with a career spanning nearly three decades. As she prepares for the release of Mardaani 3, the next chapter in her acclaimed cop franchise, the National Award-winning actor has opened up about one of the most personal and emotionally challenging phases of her lifeand how cinema helped her navigate it. In an interaction with Pinkvilla, Rani reflected on her approach to choosing meaningful stories and spoke candidly about how Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway came to her at a time of profound personal loss. The 2023 film, which went on to earn her a National Award, arrived during a deeply vulnerable period following her miscarriage with her second child in 2020. The story came to me at a moment of deep loss Talking about how she selects projects that create impact and spark conversations, Rani shared that Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway resonated with her instantly because of the emotional space she was in at the time. She revealed, Wo jo kahani thi wo mujhe bhi aise ek mod pe hua tha, matlab wo film mere paas aayi thi, jab maine mera dusra baccha kho diya tha. Toh yeh sense of loss tha mera bohot aur wo kahani sunke mai itna judd gayi aur maine bola ye kahani mujhe batani hai." (That story came to me at a time when I had lost my second child [due to a miscarriage]. So my sense of loss was huge, and hearing that films story, I got attached to it and wanted to tell it to people.) The emotional core of the filmcentred on a mother separated from her childmirrored her own grief, making the project deeply personal. For Rani, stepping into the role became a way to process emotions while also shedding light on a story she felt strongly needed to be told. Rani further explained that beyond personal healing, the film allowed her to address larger societal realities. She spoke about the struggles faced by families living overseas and the emotional toll such situations can take, particularly on mothers. She said, [Mujhe] Hindustan ko yeh kahani batani hai aur unko batana hai ki humara jo obsession hai ki hum bahargaon jayein, hum wahan pe settle karenge, ye sacchai nahi hai, sacchai bohot hatke hai." (I wanted to show this film to the people of India, where we are obsessed with moving abroad and settling there. I wanted to show the reality, which is very different.) Highlighting the emotional devastation of forced separation, Rani added, Apne bacchon ke bina ek maa ka kya haal hota hai aur aapka baccha aapse leke koi chale jaye aapki aankhon ki saamne toh us maa pe kya gujarti hai, bacchon pe kya gujarti hai [wo dikhana tha]." (I wanted to show what happens to a mother when her child is taken away from her in front of her eyes, and how deeply it affects the children too.) Rani Mukerji and her husband, filmmaker Aditya Chopra, are parents to a daughter, Adira, born in 2015. In 2023, the actor had spoken publicly about experiencing a miscarriage five months into her pregnancy in 2020. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 30, 2026, 03:07 IST News movies bollywood Rani Mukerji Opens Up About Losing Her Second Child Due To Miscarriage: My Sense Of Loss Nicki Minaj Is Now A US Citizen, Says She's Donald Trump's 'No. 1 Fan': 'Hate Doesn't Affect Me' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 04:13 IST Nicki Minaj declares herself Donald Trumps No. 1 fan after becoming a US citizen, saying criticism only fuels her support for the president. Nicki Minaj attends a Treasury Department summit in Washington, where she praised Donald Trump. Nicki Minaj has publicly doubled down on her support for Donald Trump, declaring herself his biggest fan while also revealing that she is now a US citizen. The rapper made the remarks during a Treasury Department-hosted summit in Washington, DC, held to launch Trump Accounts" for newborn babies. I will say that I am probably the presidents No. 1 fan," the Starships" rapper told the crowd on Wednesday. And thats not going to change," the 43-year-old performer added. Minaj dismissed criticism surrounding her political stance, making it clear that public backlash has had no impact on her beliefs. The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more, and its going to motivate all of us to support him more," she said. The rapper, born Onika Maraj, went on to accuse critics of orchestrating smear campaigns against Trump. Were not going to let them get away with bullying him and the smear campaigns. Its not going to work, OK? He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him," she said, ahead of Trumps remarks at the event. Alongside her public endorsement, Minaj has also received Donald Trumps Gold Card, which grants her US residency. While she previously distanced herself from Trump during the 2020 election cycle, her stance has shifted noticeably in recent years. In 2020, Minaj said she wouldnt jump on the Donald Trump bandwagon." However, she has since become increasingly vocal in her support. Last month, the entertainer made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USAs annual conference, where she praised the president. I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," Minaj said at the time. He has, I dont know if he even knows this, but hes given so many people hope that theres a chance to beat the bad guys and to win and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact. Hes from Queens, New York, like me," she added. Trump Praises Minaj at White House Event At Wednesdays summit, Trump returned the praise, calling Minaj the greatest and most successful female rapper in history." He also thanked her for donating hundreds of thousands of dollars" into the Trump accounts initiative. I just think shes great," Trump said of Minaj. I didnt know Nicki, and Ive been hearing over the years shes a big Trump supporter, or Trump fan. And she took a little heat on occasion because her community isnt necessarily a Trump fan," he said. In a lighter moment, Trump joked about Minajs long, painted nails while holding her hand on stage. Im going to let my nails grow because I love those nails. Im going to let those nails grow," he told the audience with a laugh. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 29, 2026, 04:13 IST News movies hollywood Nicki Minaj Is Now A US Citizen, Says She's Donald Trump's 'No. 1 Fan': 'Hate Doesn't Affect Me' BTS Arirang World Tour Sparks Global Outrage Over Ticket Prices, Scalping And Access Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 03:45 IST BTS Arirang World Tour ignites backlash worldwide as ticket prices soar, scalpers dominate resales and even political leaders weigh in on fan demand. Many fans have already booked flights and hotels before securing concert tickets. (Photo Credit: Instagram) BTS highly anticipated 2026 Arirang World Tour has reignited global excitement around the groups return to the stagebut it has also triggered intense backlash over ticket pricing, resales, and access. What should have been a celebratory moment for fans has instead turned into a broader conversation about live music economics, market manipulation, and the growing gap between demand and affordability. From illegal ticket resales in South Korea to a rare political appeal in Mexico, the Arirang tour has become a flashpoint, underscoring BTS unmatched global pull while exposing systemic issues within the international live events industry. Scalpers cash in as BTS Goyang shows sell out instantly Tickets for BTS April 9, 11, and 12 concerts at Goyang Main Stadium in Seoul sold out almost immediately during fan club presales, reaffirming the groups enduring dominance even after a prolonged hiatus. However, the celebration was short-lived as official ticketing platforms were quickly overtaken by resale listings. According to Korean media reports, global resale site StubHub listed some seats closest to the stage for as much as 10.37 million won (approximately $7,256), nearly 39 times the original ticket price of 264,000 won (around $184), which included a soundcheck package. Local resale platforms such as Junggonara also saw listings climb to 900,000 won (about $629), despite strict regulations in South Korea that prohibit ticket transfers and resales. Sponsors and ticketing platforms have warned that accounts flagged for suspicious purchasing or resale activity could be suspended, with ID verification checks planned at venues. However, critics argue that enforcement measures often struggle to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated scalping networks. In response, fan communities have begun self-policingtracking suspicious sellers, calling for tighter wristband checks, and publicly exposing alleged scalpers, a practice becoming more common across global fan bases. Mexicos presidential appeal for more BTS shows The controversy has not been limited to South Korea. In Mexico, where BTS is scheduled to perform on May 7, 9, and 10 at GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City, demand vastly outstripped supply. Reports suggest nearly one million fans attempted to purchase tickets, while only around 150,000 seats were available. In an unprecedented moment for pop culture, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reportedly reached out to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, urging consideration of additional BTS shows to accommodate the countrys massive fan base. While the gesture highlighted BTS extraordinary cultural influence, industry observers noted that such decisions typically fall under the purview of promoters and the groups agency due to logistical and contractual constraints. Mexicos consumer protection agency, PROFECO, has since launched investigations into ticketing and resale platforms such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Viagogo, citing abusive and disloyal practices." Resale prices reportedly ranged from 11,300 pesos (around $657) to a staggering 92,100 pesos (approximately $5,359), far exceeding original prices that ranged between 1,800 pesos ($104) and 17,800 pesos ($1,036) for VIP packages. Promoter Ocesa has confirmed that no additional Mexico dates are currently planned, reinforcing the issue of limited supply. Rising K-pop ticket prices leave fans frustrated Beyond scalping, fans are also grappling with sharply rising base prices. Ticket costs for the Arirang tour in South Korea reportedly reflect a roughly 20% increase over BTS Permission to Dance on Stage concerts in 2022. The Korea Herald noted that top-tier ticket prices have surged by nearly 240% since 2018, when premium seats peaked at around 110,000 won (about $77). BTS, however, is not an isolated case. Premium pricing has become increasingly common across major K-pop tours, particularly for acts under HYBE. Newer groups such as ILLIT and labelmates ENHYPEN have also introduced meet-and-greet and soundcheck packages exceeding 200,000 won (around $140), signaling a broader industry shift. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Seoul, South Korea First Published: January 30, 2026, 03:45 IST News movies korean BTS Arirang World Tour Sparks Global Outrage Over Ticket Prices, Scalping And Access Mahesh Babu And SS Rajamouli's Varanasi Locks Global Release For April 2027 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 30, 2026, 01:09 IST S.S. Rajamoulis action-adventure epic Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is set for a massive worldwide theatrical release in 2027. Varanasi Teaser Screened At Iconic Le Grand Rex Theatre In Paris Ace filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is officially gearing up for his next cinematic spectacle. The RRR directors upcoming action-adventure epic Varanasi has locked a worldwide theatrical release date, cementing its place as one of the most anticipated global films of 2027. The ambitious project brings together Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with Prithviraj Sukumaran rounding out the lead cast. The film is scheduled to hit theatres across the world on April 7, 2027, positioning it as a major international release from Indian cinema, according to Variety. According to the films publicity material, Varanasi spans thousands of years and unfolds across multiple continents, promising a scale rarely attempted in Indian filmmaking. The narrative travels from Antarctica to Africa before converging in the ancient Indian city of Varanasi, which lends the film its title. Described as being in the vein of Indiana Jones and James Bond," the film blends action, adventure, and mythology. Mahesh Babu plays the protagonist Rudhra, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas essays the role of Mandakini. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as the central antagonist Kumbha, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash rooted in both spectacle and storytelling. Rajamouli had previously unveiled first-look footage from Varanasi in November, offering fans a tantalising glimpse into the films scale, visual ambition, and tone. The project also marks another collaboration between Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu" from RRR. Rajamoulis next after the global success of RRR Varanasi arrives on the heels of the unprecedented international success of RRR. Released in 2022, the film became a global phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and massive audience support well beyond traditional Indian cinema markets. Its Oscar win marked a watershed moment for Indian films on the world stage, and RRR went on to become the fifth-highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history. Mahesh Babu, one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, brings over two decades of stardom to the project, with blockbuster films such as Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu, and Maharshi to his credit. Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to bridge Bollywood and Hollywood with ease. Her Indian filmography includes Bajirao Mastani, Mary Kom, and Barfi!, while internationally she has starred in Citadel, Baywatch, and The Matrix Resurrections. Prithviraj Sukumaran, a true pan-Indian star, has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. His recent projects include Salaar: Part 1 Ceasefire, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and The Goat Life. Varanasi is produced by K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 30, 2026, 01:09 IST News movies telugu-cinema Mahesh Babu And SS Rajamouli's Varanasi Locks Global Release For April 2027 Kohrra Season 2 Trailer Out: Mona Singh, Barun Sobti Starrer Promises A Gripping And Intense Mystery Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:09 IST Kohrra releases on Netflix on February 11. The show also stars Rannvijay Singha, Anurag Arora, Pradhuman Singh, Pooja Bhamrah and Prayrak Mehta among others. Kohrra Season 2 Trailer Out: Mona Singh, Barun Sobti Starrer Promises A Gripping Intense Mystery Kohrra Season 2 trailer has finally released and it has left fans excited. The story unpacks the murder of a woman (Pooja Bhamrrah) found dead in her brothers (Anurag Arora) barn, a growing list of suspects including her own husband (Rannvijay Singha), and two officers determined to chase the truth to the end. The police procedural crime drama returns with Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti), who begins anew, far from his roots in Jagrana under a new commanding officer, Sub-Inspector Dhanwant Kaur (Mona Singh). Shes restrained, methodical, and firm where it matters, making her a striking contrast to Garundis more casual, instinctive persona. Brawn and brain come together as they peel back the layers of this complicated case, even as it lays bare their own vulnerabilities. Watch the trailer here: What actors said Barun Sobti, reprising the role of Amarpal Garundi, shares, Garundi begins this season hoping to start afresh, but in a world like Kohrra, the past never quite lets go. The mystery this time is denser and more layered, and that complexity reflects in Garundis own journey. Hes more introspective, more guarded, and constantly negotiating with his own choices. Season 2 pushed me as an actor in new ways, and Im excited for viewers to return to this world and experience how the story unfolds." Mona Singh, wholl be joining the cast as Dhanwant Kaur, shares, Stepping into the world of Kohrra was both exciting and daunting because of how thoughtfully it is written. Dhanwant is a woman of few words, but immense resolve. Shes navigating loss, responsibility, and the constant need to prove herself often without saying much at all. Its a role that demanded restraint, and Im grateful to Sudip sir and the team for trusting me with it. I look forward to audiences experiencing her journey within the larger, quietly intense world of Kohrra." Created and written by Gunjit Chopra, Diggi Sisodia and Sudip Sharma, the second season of Kohrra releases on Netflix on February 11. Besides Mona Singh, the show also stars Barun Sobti, Rannvijay Singha, Anurag Arora, Pradhuman Singh, Pooja Bhamrah and Prayrak Mehta among others. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 11:09 IST News movies web-series Kohrra Season 2 Trailer Out: Mona Singh, Barun Sobti Starrer Promises A Gripping And Intense Mystery Global Watch | How Pakistan Is Weaponising Borders To Strangle Afghanistans Economy Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 14:44 IST If Pakistan keeps closing borders, expelling refugees, and masking strategic failures with security rhetoric, it risks entrenching lasting hostility on its western flank. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | File Image For decades, Pakistan has insisted that stability in Afghanistan is essential for its own security. Yet today, Islamabad is pursuing a policy that does exactly the opposite by strangling Afghanistans fragile economy. The objective is to coerce the Afghan Taliban government into submission. The prolonged closure of key border crossings along the Durand Line, including Torkham between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Nangarhar and Chaman-Spin Boldak between Balochistan and Kandahar, has turned geography into a weapon. It is a classic case of Pakistan weaponising Afghanistans landlocked reality in order to force political compliance through economic suffocation. Border Closures as Economic Warfare For more than four months since October 2025 heavy military clashes, these border crossings have remained shut. The informal cross-border trade that has been a feature of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations since decades. Millions of Afghans depend on this for daily survival. With the daily movement of essentials like food, medicine, fuel, and construction materials effectively stopped, Afghans face a severe crisis as Afghanistan used to export much of its agriculture and horticulture produce besides coal to the Pakistani market. The cross-border trade between the two countries saw a 40 per cent decline in 2025 from 2024, down from over $2.64 billion to $1.77 billion. For a landlocked country already reeling from international sanctions, frozen assets, and humanitarian crisis, the impact has been more than severe. And Pakistan knows this, which is precisely what gives its policy a coercive power. Islamabad has justified the border closure by accusing the Afghan Taliban of sheltering terrorist groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), besides enabling attacks by Baloch insurgents like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). On January 20, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif repeated this familiar refrain, insisting that while the blockade should not have been there", and yet warning that Afghanistan must decide whether it wants to live peacefully or not". But this rhetoric serves as a smokescreen. While the struggle with militancy is real and deeply destabilising for Pakistan, the current crisis cannot be explained solely or even primarily by security concerns. From Strategic Depth to Strategic Frustration Instead, it reflects a deeper failure of Islamabads Afghan policy, one that has left Pakistans military-dominated establishment frustrated, exposed, and resorting to blunt instruments to regain leverage over Kabul. It may be recalled that when the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Pakistans political and military establishment celebrated openly. The American withdrawal and the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government were hailed as a vindication of decades of strategic investment. Senior generals spoke of strategic depth" finally being secured, with then Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) famously sipping coffee in Kabul the next day. There was a kind of confidence among Pakistani experts and establishment figures that finally a pliant Kabul would align closely with Islamabads regional priorities. The expectations were sweeping. A Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, it was believed, would deny India any influence in the country besides erasing New Delhis soft-power gains built through billions of dollars in infrastructure, education, and development projects. It would accept, or at least stop contesting, the legitimacy of the Durand Line, a colonial-era boundary that cuts through Pashtun lands and has never been formally recognised by any Afghan government, including Taliban in its previous rule from 1996 to 2001. And most importantly, the expectation from the Taliban government was to rein in anti-Pakistan terrorist groups like TTP operating along its porous frontier. None of this has materialised. Instead, Pakistani leadership now finds itself facing an Afghan Taliban leadership that is assertive and nationalist as well as far less malleable than they had anticipated. Taliban officials speak openly of Afghan sovereignty and have pushed back the Pakistani pressure. They have raised the pitch over the legitimacy of Durand Line hence continuing a long-standing Afghan position that cuts across ideological lines. The result of Pakistani stubbornness means that their relations have grown increasingly tense as marked by border skirmishes, diplomatic barbs, and mutual accusations. Security Rhetoric and Failing Coercive Strategy The resurgence of the TTP has been particularly exasperating for Islamabad. Since the Talibans return to power in 2021, the group has grown bolder and launched multiple attacks across Pakistans northwest. For instance, 667 Pakistani soldiers were killed in 2025 alone as per a report by Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), up by 26 per cent from 2024. Likewise, Baloch insurgent violence has also intensified, which has fed a sense of encirclement within Pakistans security establishment. Interestingly, rather than addressing the domestic roots of these insurgencies prevalent across KP and Balochistan, such as political exclusion, economic neglect, and heavy-handed military policies, Islamabad has chosen to externalise blame, pointing squarely at Kabul. This is where the accusation that the Afghan Taliban are backing" the TTP and BLA becomes politically useful for Pakistan. It allows the establishment to escape any calls for accountability over the serious security debacles and present its coercive measures against Afghanistan as defensive. The tactic of Pakistan leveraging Afghan geography to achieve what its diplomacy has failed to deliver fits a broader pattern of attempts to salvage its failed Afghan strategy. After having overestimated its influence over the Afghan Taliban, its military-dominated establishment now oscillates between coercion and complaint. The mass deportation of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees over the past few years is part of the same effort. Though they have framed this measure through legal and security cover, the expulsions have nonetheless added to Afghanistans humanitarian burden while signalling Pakistans willingness to use vulnerable populations as leverage. The irony is hard to miss as Pakistans leaders insist that instability in Afghanistan threatens regional peace and yet their policies actively deepen that instability. They are willingly overlooking the fact that economic strangulation does not produce compliance and restore lost influence; rather, it breeds resentment and exposes the limits of such a policy. Nevertheless, Pakistans attempt to weaponise Afghanistans landlocked status reveals less about Taliban culpability than about Islamabads strategic frustration as their grand vision of a compliant, controllable Afghanistan has collapsed. In its place, there is a harder reality at display with a sovereign neighbour with its own interests, grievances, and limits of tolerance. As such, if Pakistan continues down this path of closing borders, expelling refugees, and masking strategic failures behind its security rhetoric, it may succeed only in entrenching hostility on its western flank. The establishment led by Asim Munir would do Pakistan a favour by understanding that stability cannot be coerced through economic siege but must be built through sober reassessment, regional cooperation, and an acceptance that influence earned through pressure is always fragile. But for now, however, Pakistan appears intent on tightening the noose, betting that hunger and hardship will achieve what decades of policy could not even as history suggests otherwise. The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 14:44 IST News opinion Global Watch | How Pakistan Is Weaponising Borders To Strangle Afghanistans Economy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 29, 2026, 18:38 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi with European Council President Antonio Costa, left, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right, during their meeting at the Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali) India and the European Union have signed an FTA and a long-term security agreement. This is meant to augment trade between the two sides, enhance cooperation in technology, security, people to people engagement and leverage synergistic strengths and step out of the new paradigm imposed by President Donald Trump. India now has strong relationships or agreements, implemented or in the making, with Russia, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Oman and several others. India recently refused to vote against Iran in the UN and hopes to supply ammunition to the world including the EU. Conceptually, this could create great confusion. For example, if China went into war over Taiwan with Japan and Russia and the US joined to support their respective friends and allies, would India support Russia or Japan? Would she go against the Quad or Russia? Would she block the Malacca Straits to help the Quad but reverse its commitment to allow Russia the use of her naval bases in the Indian Ocean? Or if the Ukraine war escalated and EU went full tilt against Russia, would India supply arms to the EU while buying oil from Russia? Or if China and the Quad went into a war with each other and Russia and Iran joined to support China, would India take on Iran while attempting to build the Chabahar sea port? Or if Israel were sanctioned by EU, what would India do? Support both its defense partners or be opportunistic? Seems like multilateralism needs tremendous awareness, clarity and communication. India cannot be non-aligned or neutral or even take sides in a conflict that consumes its partners or allies. India needs to help formulate a new world order. She should offer to bring its allies together with conviction and transparency. For example, she should proactively attempt to bring the Ukraine war to an end and cash her chips with both her allies. She must articulate her worldview consistently and coherently. For example, it must insist that any expansion at the borders of Russia must cease immediately. This is not the era of war for sure. Nor is it the era of pushing an agenda that threatens Russia. Nor can India supply ammunition to EU against Russia while it is selling Russian oil to EU. International institutions such as the UN can no longer enforce their will on rogue nations unless these nations are weak. India needs to create new global institutions that create international consensus on how to solve problems. It will be a world order no longer led by the US, nor should China be allowed to usurp global institutions. Close relationships with nations that are at war with each other can be disastrous to ones credibility unless one is open, honest and sometimes even willing to push them to come to harmony. Foreign relations need to be deft and pragmatic but also sincere and trustworthy. Such a multilateralism can enhance Indias prestige and influence but there is a risk of losing credibility if India is only transactional or opportunistic. Yet, there is opportunity and scope to create a more honest and truly benevolent world order. Humanity needs it. For this, India needs to keep growing stronger. She needs to create alternatives to monopolistic systems such as the SWIFT. She must be forceful when nations attempt to break the rules. Or when they abuse their power to interfere in the sovereignty of other nations. For example, the toppling of foreign governments or interference in elections must end. India must state this unequivocally. Any exploitation of nations by governments like China by weaponising loans must cease. Nor can the west be allowed its hypocritical stance in the name of freedom of expression. Movements such as Khalistan Independence cannot be allowed to grow in countries like the UK or Canada by their governments. While building these relationships and new trade agreements, India needs to offer a third way that is neither Chinese nor American. Neither overt aggression nor exploitation. The world doesnt need to be split in camps and a new option to chart ones course without threats or coercion needs to be offered to every nation. This will take time to develop. India will have heft if it is strong, healthy, united and able to articulate its vision without fear or favour. A new world order is possible that seeks to influence the future with vision, benevolence and integrity. India can leverage its multilateral partnerships across the board to build it. But this will require India to adhere to her ancient path of bhadram for all, and respect for each member of the human family so that each may fulfil its highest potential, the true vasudhaiv kutumbkam (the entire earth is my family) and loka sangraha. That is, bringing all humanity together in a common purpose and aspiration with harmony and good will. Opinion | Self-Determination Under International Law: The Bangladesh Perspective Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 13:19 IST The ability to determine peoples own political fate freely is the basis of self-determination. The people of Bangladesh have been repeatedly deprived of their right to self-determination within the internal state system. In the Aland case, nearly 300 small islands forming an archipelago were incorporated within Finland without holding a referendum on whether to unite with Finland or Sweden, since they were Swedish-speaking people. The claim was ultimately resolved in 1920 by a committee of jurists (Council) under the League of Nations, where it was decided that the inhabitants of the Aland Islands did not have the right to separate from Finland to unite with Sweden, because it could only be considered in an exceptional situation as a last resort when the state lacks, or is unwilling to apply, just and effective guarantees. The sovereignty of the Aland Islands was recognised to belong to Finland, but guarantees were required to be ensured, aiming at the preservation of the Swedish language in schools, maintenance of their landed property within the islands in the hands of the Aland inhabitants, imposing restrictions on the exercise of newcomers, and assuring the appointment of governors having the confidence of the people residing there. The autonomy of the people residing there is being maintained accordingly. The Swedish approach in the Aland case is in conformity with the right of internal self-determination and is relevant to avoid attempted secession. The right to self-determination rapidly emerged after the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945, thereafter followed by the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, wherein Article 1 of the Covenant spells out that all peoples have the right of self-determination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development." In the Western Sahara case (ICJ Report, 1975), it was acknowledged that the application of the right of self-determination requires a free and genuine expression of the will of the peoples concerned. There are two types of self-determination under international law: external and internal. External self-determination, or remedial self-determination through isolation, arises in extreme situations of denial of all rights in a colonial territory. Before 1971, the people of Bangladesh were severely oppressed and denied full civil, political and economic rights. As a result, independence was declared on 26 March 1971, with the determination to establish the right to self-determination, and a declaration of independence was issued through elected representatives. The right to internal self-determination is the fundamental right of peoples to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural destiny, through which they can choose their own system of governance and choose their own path of development without external interference. It is a principle recognised in international law and the UN Charter, which gives nations or peoples the freedom to form their own state or determine their relations with an existing state. The people of Bangladesh have been repeatedly deprived of their right to self-determination within the internal state system. The civil and political rights of a certain segment of the population of the state have been taken away, including being prevented from participating in elections to form a government. Currently, a similar preparation has been made through which a group representing 50 per cent of the total population of Bangladesh will lose its right to self-determination. The idea of external (remedial) self-determination and internal (qualified) self-determination was distinguished clearly in the famous judgement of the Canadian Supreme Court in the Re Secession of Quebec case (1998), where it was declared that international law does not support unilateral secession and secession is not recognised when there is availability of full participation in civil and political life within a states machinery. Thus, internal self-determination has been interpreted as a right of the people to pursue their political, economic, social and cultural development within the framework of the existing state. Obviously, internal self-determination is against the idea of secession. The Canadian Supreme Court, concerning the proposed secession of Quebec from Canada, was of the opinion that all peoples are entitled to internal self-determination, having their right to participate in the state machinery; but in cases of conquest, colonisation, subjugation or oppression, they may acquire external self-determination (remedial self-determination through secession), which applies only in extreme situations of persecution. The UN Charter, in Article 2(2), provides that all peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Resolution No. 1514 of the UN General Assembly, adopted in 1960, provides that acts of self-determination must be exercised by the people to whom it applies, by free and fair elections through which they might choose either to constitute themselves as a sovereign independent state, to associate freely with an independent state, or to integrate with an already existing state. All these provisions regarding the right of self-determination supplement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. It emphasises not only the right of self-determination but also the observance of human rights at both domestic and international levels. In Bangladesh, there is an urge and demand to prevent rape, murder, arson, vandalism, mistreatment and human rights violations, along with the right to internal self-determination. The people of Bangladesh now want to be free from the deplorable situation, including the absence of the rule of law, justice, and non-compliance with constitutional provisions. The claim of internal self-determination for the pro-liberation forces of Bangladesh, who love, respect and admire the 1971 war of liberation, is urgently needed through their already elected representatives (ousted from power following the attack of 5 August 2024). A significant segment of the Bangladeshi population believes that they are being denied the right to participate in governance and electoral processes that protect their hard-won constitution. This is where the legitimate right to internal (or qualified) self-determination, as recognised in international law, comes into play. The issue should be raised at the UN General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights, or a UN specialised agency. A developing country is being hindered in its transition to democracy, yet there is a globally accepted legal mechanism to remedy this. The people of Bangladesh desire the vision of world leadership that respects global humanity and democratic values. Dr Sreoshi Sinha is a Counter-Terrorism Researcher and Bangladesh Observer, formerly a Research Fellow at CENJOWS. The 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 29, 2026, 13:12 IST News opinion Opinion | Self-Determination Under International Law: The Bangladesh Perspective Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | The Return Of The Brink Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:59 IST A war of words between Tehran and Washington has pushed the mercury soaring. Each declaration is now met with a counter-signal, each warning answered with another. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump The Middle East is once again slipping into a dangerous familiar pattern a rapid exchange of warnings, counter-warnings, and symbolic shows of force that are sending regional tensions sharply upward. A war of words between Tehran and Washington has pushed the mercury soaring. Statements meant to deter have instead hardened positions, narrowing diplomatic space and amplifying the risk of misinterpretation. Each declaration is now met with a counter-signal, each warning answered with another creating an escalation dynamic driven as much by rhetoric as by troop movements. Against this backdrop, senior Iranian officials issued stark cautions on January 28, warning that any attack on Iran would trigger retaliation not only against US forces but also against Israel. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spoke of an immediate, unprecedented" response that could reach the heart of Tel Aviv." IRANS MESSAGE DETERRENCE THROUGH ESCALATION Irans leadership is engaged in a familiar strategy: projecting readiness and resolve in order to prevent attack. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi framed Irans military posture in blunt terms, saying the countrys armed forces had their fingers on the trigger" and would respond immediately and powerfully" to any aggression. Such statements reflect more than bravado. Tehran has long believed that ambiguity invites vulnerability that projecting maximal retaliation is the only credible shield against US power. But this approach carries risk. The sharper the warning, the narrower the room for de-escalation. WASHINGTONS COUNTER-SIGNAL THE ARMADA AND THE ULTIMATUM The Iranian warnings come as the United States, under President Donald Trump, is once again pairing diplomacy with force. Trump has urged Tehran to make a deal" over its nuclear program, warning that any further conflict would lead to consequences far worse" than past strikes. At the same time, Washington has deployed major naval assets toward the region, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The message is unmistakable: negotiation remains possible, but the shadow of military action is being deliberately widened. This is coercive diplomacy in its purest form an approach that has historically produced mixed outcomes, especially with Iran, which views talks under threat as humiliation rather than compromise. Tehrans rejection of negotiations under intimidation" underscores this impasse. ISRAEL AS THE CENTRAL PRESSURE POINT What makes this escalation particularly volatile is that Iran is not threatening only US targets it is explicitly implicating Israel. By warning that retaliation would strike Tel Aviv, Tehran is: signaling that Israel would bear costs even if America initiates conflict attempting to widen deterrence by threatening Americas closest regional ally drawing Israel directly into the narrative of escalation This is critical because Israel has its own independent posture toward Irans nuclear program, one that often favors preemptive action. If Tel Aviv becomes the declared battlefield of retaliation, the calculus for Israeli leadership becomes even more compressed, and the risk of rapid escalation multiplies. THE NUCLEAR FILE AND THE DOMESTIC UNDERCURRENT At the core of this crisis remains the unresolved nuclear question. Trump is pressing for a deal that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, reviving the confrontational framework that followed his withdrawal from the 2015 agreement. Iran, for its part, continues to insist on its right to peaceful nuclear technology while refusing negotiations under coercion. But beneath the strategic arguments lies another reality: domestic politics. Both Washington and Tehran are speaking not only to each other, but to internal audiences: Trump projects strength through ultimatums and military presence Irans leadership asserts defiance to preserve legitimacy under pressure Israel watches for any weakening of deterrence on either side In this sense, escalation becomes performative as well as strategic. THE DANGER OF MISCALCULATION The greatest threat in moments like this is not necessarily intent but miscalculation. History shows that wars in the Gulf often begin not with grand declarations, but through: misread signals retaliatory spirals accidents at sea proxy attacks blamed on state actors With shipping disruptions already being reported in the Gulf, even economic arteries are beginning to tighten. The more military assets converge, the smaller the margin for error becomes. A REGION HELD HOSTAGE BY ABSOLUTES The tragedy of the current moment is that the political language has become absolute: Iran says any strike means unprecedented retaliation Trump says refusal means the next attack will be far worse" Israel stands implicitly inside the crosshairs of both Diplomacy cannot survive indefinitely in a climate where every move must be maximal, every posture uncompromising. The region is being pulled once more toward the edge not necessarily because war is inevitable, but because rhetoric, deployment, and distrust have created a machinery of escalation that is hard to stop once in motion. THE QUESTION IS NOT POWER BUT CONTROL The United States has overwhelming military capability. Iran has asymmetric retaliation capacity. Israel has unmatched regional strike power. But the real question is not who is stronger. The question is: who can still control the trajectory before deterrence collapses into catastrophe? When leaders begin talking openly about striking the heart of Tel Aviv," and responding with an armada," the world is reminded that in the Middle East, words often arrive before fire. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:59 IST News opinion Opinion | The Return Of The Brink Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | When The State Becomes A Personal Project Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:36 IST An interim authority is meant to safeguard the republic, not redirect its courts, regulators, and national assets toward one network while citizens pay the cost. Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus (Image: @ChiefAdviserGoB/X) Bangladesh is watching something more corrosive than a routine change in power. Whats reportedly taking shape is a shift in how power is used: not as a public trust, but as a private instrument. An interim administration is supposed to be temporary, restrained, and constitutionally disciplined. It is meant to keep the machinery of the state neutral until people can decide the countrys future at the ballot box. But when an unelected authority is perceived to have taken power unlawfully or unconstitutionally and then proceeds to deliver a chain of benefits that consistently favour one individual and his close allies, the country isnt being stabilised." It is being quietly re-engineered. And heres what that really means: the state becomes smaller for the ordinary citizen and larger for the connected few. Justice becomes negotiable. Regulation becomes selective. Public assets become bargaining chips. The final bill lands where it always lands on the common people. Below is the same timeline and substance, presented as a public-interest record of what has been alleged and reported regarding Dr Yunuss Conflicts of Interest, State Capture, and Preferential Treatment. A) Legal reversals timed to protect Dr Yunus 7 August 2024 (the day before Dr Yunus took office): The Labour Appellate Tribunal reportedly overturned the judgment against Grameen Telecom for breaching labour law, setting aside a six-month custodial sentence and a BDT 5,000 fine. The Labour Appellate Tribunal reportedly overturned the judgment against Grameen Telecom for breaching labour law, setting aside a six-month custodial sentence and a BDT 5,000 fine. 24 October 2024: The High Court reportedly quashed a further five labour-law cases filed against Dr Yunus. These cases were originally brought in 2019 by three dismissed employees of Grameen Communications. The High Court reportedly quashed a further five labour-law cases filed against Dr Yunus. These cases were originally brought in 2019 by three dismissed employees of Grameen Communications. 11 August 2024: Proceedings in an Anti-Corruption Commission case alleging misappropriation of funds and money laundering against Dr Yunus and Grameen Telecom officials were reportedly quashed. The order was reportedly delivered by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. The case had reportedly been filed on 30 May 2023. B) Tax relief and policy decisions benefiting Yunus-linked institutions 3 October 2024: A higher-court ruling reportedly requiring Grameen Kalyan to pay BDT 666 crore in tax was reportedly withdrawn, removing the liability. Dr Yunus is the reported Chair of Grameen Kalyan. A higher-court ruling reportedly requiring Grameen Kalyan to pay BDT 666 crore in tax was reportedly withdrawn, removing the liability. Dr Yunus is the reported Chair of Grameen Kalyan. 12 October 2024: The National Board of Revenue reportedly granted Grameen Bank a five-year tax exemption. The National Board of Revenue reportedly granted Grameen Bank a five-year tax exemption. Following the change of power, Dr Yunuss supporters reportedly took full control of Grameen Bank. 17 April 2025: An amendment to the Grameen Bank Ordinance reportedly reduced the governments ownership stake from 25% to 10%, weakening public oversight. C) Fast-tracked approvals: health, education, finance, and labour export 19 November 2024: RAJUK reportedly approved a 500-bed hospital project under Grameen Telecom Trust titled Social Hospital, Medical College and Health Institute". This bundled approval effectively combines a hospital, a nursing/medical college, and a health institute under one authorisation, described as without precedent in Bangladesh. RAJUK reportedly approved a 500-bed hospital project under Grameen Telecom Trust titled Social Hospital, Medical College and Health Institute". This bundled approval effectively combines a hospital, a nursing/medical college, and a health institute under one authorisation, described as without precedent in Bangladesh. 17 March 2025: The Secondary and Higher Education Division reportedly approved a new private university, Grameen University", under a Grameen trust. The Chair of the trustee board is reportedly Md Ashraful Hasan, described as a long-time associate of Dr Yunus and a person previously implicated alongside him in Anti-Corruption Commission proceedings, and also convicted in a labour-law matter. The Secondary and Higher Education Division reportedly approved a new private university, Grameen University", under a Grameen trust. The Chair of the trustee board is reportedly Md Ashraful Hasan, described as a long-time associate of Dr Yunus and a person previously implicated alongside him in Anti-Corruption Commission proceedings, and also convicted in a labour-law matter. 29 September 2024: Bangladesh Bank reportedly issued a clearance for Grameen Telecom to obtain a Payment Service Provider / digital wallet licence for Samadhan Services Limited." Bangladesh Bank reportedly issued a clearance for Grameen Telecom to obtain a Payment Service Provider / digital wallet licence for Samadhan Services Limited." 20 March 2025: Grameen Employment Services Limited, reportedly owned by Dr Yunus, reportedly received manpower export authorisation from the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, despite reportedly having no prior track record in that sector. D) Nepotistic and politically loaded appointments, including foreign nationals in sensitive roles Nurjahan Begum, a long-time associate of Dr Yunus, was reportedly appointed Adviser for Health and Family Welfare. She was reportedly implicated alongside Dr Yunus in Anti-Corruption Commission matters and labour-law cases. Lamya Morshed, a Canadian citizen and Executive Director of Yunus Centre, was reportedly appointed Principal Coordinator for SDGs in the Chief Advisers Office at Senior Secretary rank. Apurbo Jahangir, Dr Yunuss reported nephew, was reportedly appointed Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser. Ashik Chowdhury, a British citizen and former official of Grameen Telecom Trust, was reportedly appointed Chair of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, with Minister of State rank. E) Golden spectrum" allocation: monopoly by administrative fiat 21 January 2026: Grameenphone reportedly received 10 MHz in the 700 MHz band (commonly known as golden spectrum") without any auction. The reported price was BDT 237 crore per MHz for 15 years. By comparison, in 2021 Bangladesh reportedly allocated spectrum in the 900 MHz band at the same price, despite 700 MHz being widely understood as more valuable due to superior coverage characteristics. This unilateral allocation reportedly entrenches Grameenphones monopoly position in the telecom sector. The state reportedly lost at least BDT 25,000 crore in foregone value, while Dr Yunus benefits through ownership links: Grameen Telecom, under Yunuss influence, reportedly holds 34.2% of Grameenphone. It is further alleged that this outcome was prepared in advance: after taking power, Dr Yunus reportedly arranged the appointment of Mahmud Hossain (a serving adviser at Grameen Telecom Trust) as a BTRC Commissioner in September 2024. What This Pattern Reveals: A. Rapid legal relief for the head of the interim administration, which seriously undermines confidence in judicial independence and equal treatment under the law. B. The rewriting of fiscal and ownership arrangements in ways that systematically favour Dr Yunuss institutional network, weakening public control and accountability. C. Strategic sectors being opened at speed to Yunus-linked entities, pointing to state-enabled commercial expansion rather than fair competition or public-interest planning. D. A governance model that increasingly resembles a private patronage network embedded within the state, raising acute concerns about conflicts of interest, national accountability, and sovereignty. E. The classic profile of regulatory capture, culminating in market-distorting transfers of public value to entities tied, directly or indirectly, to the head of government. Conclusion: Interim cannot become immunity This is the quiet way a republic gets hollowed out: not with tanks, but with paperwork; not with speeches, but with approvals; not with ideology, but with favours. You can call it discretion. You can call it coincidence. You can call it reform. But when the same name and the same network keep appearing at the receiving end of the states power, the pattern speaks for itself. Bangladesh deserves a government that fears conflicts of interest, not one that feeds on them. Because once citizens learn that rules are written for the connected and enforced on everyone else, the country doesnt just lose money. It loses the meaning of citizenship. Aminul Hoque Polash is a Bangladeshi political activist, researcher, and former government official with experience in national security, diplomacy, and state institutions. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. 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 29, 2026, 11:36 IST News opinion Opinion | When The State Becomes A Personal Project Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Southern Slice | When Languages Cross Borders, Politics Follows Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 12:42 IST What Kerala sees as an assertion of its linguistic identity, Karnataka sees as a move that could marginalise Kannada-speaking students, especially in border districts. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (left) and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (right). (Image: PTI) At the centre of the dispute is Keralas Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which mandates Malayalam as the compulsory first language in schools from Classes 1 to 10. What Kerala sees as an assertion of its linguistic identity, Karnataka sees as a move that could marginalise Kannada-speaking students, especially in border districts such as Kasaragod. The irony, of course, is that Karnataka itself has been pushing for wider use of Kannada within the state, raising questions over where promotion ends and imposition begins. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected Karnatakas objections outright, calling them baseless. He has said there is nothing in the law that violates the constitutional rights of linguistic minorities. In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Vijayan made it clear that the legislation does not force non-Malayalam-speaking students to abandon their mother tongue. Vijayan said that while the law designates Malayalam as the first language, children whose mother tongue is not Malayalam are allowed to learn Malayalam along with their own language. He also pointed out that, under the national curriculum framework, students can choose the language of their preference, and that Malayalam examinations are not mandatory at the Class 10 and higher secondary levels for students coming from other states or from abroad. Love for ones mother tongue, he said, should not become an obstacle to learning or promoting other languages. He added that the legislation was enacted in the spirit of cultural ties and cooperative federalism between Kerala and Karnataka, and that the state was fulfilling its constitutional duty. The Kerala Chief Minister also said that linguistic minorities are allowed to use Tamil and Kannada for correspondence with government offices, and that officials are required to reply in the same language. But Karnataka is not convinced. The proposed law has triggered strong political reactions, particularly because of its impact on Kannada-speaking students in Kasaragod a district with a significant Kannada-speaking population, where Kannada-medium education has long been prevalent, with students traditionally choosing Hindi, Sanskrit or Urdu as second languages. Siddaramaiah has objected to Keralas move, saying language is not merely a subject for linguistic minorities, but a question of identity, dignity, access and opportunity. If this Bill is passed, Karnataka will do everything to oppose it, using all the rights granted by our Constitution," he said in a post on X. He argued that enforcing a different language as the first language burdens students, disrupts academic progression and affects confidence. Urging the Kerala government to withdraw what he described as a coercive approach, Siddaramaiah said Kerala had every right to promote Malayalam with pride, just as Karnataka promotes Kannada, which he called the states heartbeat and identity. But, he added, promotion cannot become imposition. The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority (KBADA) has also formally objected to the Bill, warning that it would adversely affect Kannada-speaking students living in border areas. The Authority said it would continue to pursue the matter to protect the language, culture and educational rights of border-area Kannadigas. It recalled that a similar Malayalam language Bill was rejected by the President of India in 2017, and pointed to instances where the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs had advised Kerala to protect the interests of linguistic minorities. In a representation submitted to the Kerala Governor on January 7, the Authority termed the Bill unconstitutional and said it violated the linguistic rights of minorities guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. Officials warned that enforcing Malayalam as a compulsory first language would disrupt existing education systems and hamper students academic prospects, particularly those seeking higher education outside Kerala. The Authority also demanded mandatory appointment of Kannada teachers in Kannada-medium schools, installation of Kannada signboards in public offices and transport hubs, and the use of Kannada in official correspondence in Kasaragod district. The Kerala Governor has assured that the Bill will be reviewed, taking into account constitutional safeguards available to linguistic minorities. The timing of this row is hard to ignore. It comes at a moment when language politics across southern India is already tense, with states pushing back against what they see as attempts to impose Hindi through policy and administration. Against that backdrop, Karnatakas resistance is being framed as opposition to any form of linguistic imposition whether from the Centre or from a neighbouring state. Even as Karnataka takes up the issue with Kerala, it is facing its own internal pressures on language policy. On Wednesday, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi told the Assembly that the state government is favourable to declaring Tulu as Karnatakas second official language, amid pressure from members across party lines from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The Minister said a decision would be taken after studying the models adopted by West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. An official team has already visited both states, though the report is yet to be submitted. Once it is received, a meeting will be convened with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take a final call. Andhra Pradesh, he noted, has declared Urdu as its second official language. Tangadagi said Tulu has a history of over 3,000 years, has its own script, is included in Google Translate, and is being researched by foreign universities. He also recalled that the previous BJP government had constituted a committee in 2023 under educationist Mohan Alva, which recommended declaring Tulu as the states second official language under Article 345 of the Constitution. Separately, Karnataka continues to see campaigns demanding stricter enforcement of Kannada usage, including calls for 60 per cent Kannada on signboards across Bengaluru. As the Malayalam Language Bill awaits finalisation, the standoff highlights a familiar reality in southern politics: language is never just about textbooks or classrooms. It is about borders, identity and power and it rarely stays confined to one state. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 12:42 IST News opinion Southern Slice | When Languages Cross Borders, Politics Follows Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 29, 2026, 07:15 IST 1 / 8 Switzerland: Switzerland boasts punctual trains and the breathtaking Glacier Express. In 2026, the network remains a marvel of engineering, effortlessly connecting turquoise lakes and jagged alpine peaks through panoramic windows that offer postcard-perfect views. (Image: Pexels) 2 / 8 Italy: Italys high-speed Frecciarossa fleet makes hopping between Rome, Florence, and Venice incredibly stylish and fast. Beyond the major hubs, regional lines like the Cinque Terre Express hug the dramatic coastline, offering intimate glimpses of colourful cliffside villages and sparkling Mediterranean waters. (Image: Pexels) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 Norway: Renowned for its dramatic fjords, Norway offers the legendary Flam Railway, one of the world's steepest standard-gauge tracks. In 2026, it remains a bucket-list journey, weaving through mist-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys that feel entirely untouched by time. (Image: Pexels) 4 / 8 Scotland: Scotlands rugged Highlands are best seen via the West Highland Line, often voted the most beautiful rail route globally. From crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct to passing misty lochs and remote moors, the journey provides a truly cinematic Scottish experience. (Image: Pexels) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 Germany: Germanys vast ICE network is perfect for cross-country exploration, blending fairytale forests with ultra-modern cities. The Rhine Valley line is a standout, guiding passengers past medieval castles and terraced vineyards that line the riverbanks between Mainz and Cologne. (Image: Pexels) 6 / 8 France: With the iconic TGV reaching speeds of 320 km/h, France makes long-distance travel feel like a breeze. In 2026, new sleeper routes from Paris to the Alps and the Riviera offer a romantic, slow-travel alternative to witness the changing French countryside. (Image: Pexels) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 Austria: Austrias OBB Railjet provides seamless travel through the heart of the Alps, connecting Vienna to Salzburg with unmatched efficiency. The scenic Arlberg Line is a highlight, carving through mountain passes and over high-altitude viaducts that offer dizzying, beautiful views. (Image: Pexels) Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:10 IST 1 / 10 Actor Ajith Kumars love for flying is well known in Tamil cinema. A licensed pilot and aviation adviser, he even inspired actor Prasanna to pursue commercial flight training. But few know that a celebrated Tamil actress earned her pilots licence long before them. 2 / 10 That actress is Maadhavi, who appeared in 27 Tamil films, largely opposite legends such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. She also worked with stalwarts including Sivaji Ganesan, Prem Nazir, Rajkumar, and NTR In Malayalam cinema, she shared screen space with Mammootty and Mohanlal, while in Telugu films, she acted with Chiranjeevi. Few actresses can claim to have worked with almost every major superstar across Indian cinema. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Maadhavi was also a favourite of leading Tamil directors such as Balu Mahendra, K Balachander, and SP Muthuraman. Her notable films include Rajinikanths Thambikku Entha Ooru, Kamal Haasans 100th film Raaja Paarvai, and Tik Tik Tik. 4 / 10 Maadhavi made her acting debut at the age of just 14 in the 1976 Telugu film Thoorpu Padamara. Three years later, she entered Tamil cinema with Pudhiya Thoranangal, where she surprisingly played the role of a ghost in her very first Tamil film. However, it was her performance opposite Rajinikanth in Thillu Mullu that brought her widespread recognition. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Within just two years, Maadhavi rose to become a leading actress. In 1981 alone, she acted in nine Tamil films, making her one of the highest-paid actresses of that era. Beyond glamour, she proved her versatility as a strong character artist. Her role in the Hindi film Ek Duuje Ke Liye earned her nationwide acclaim. 6 / 10 A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Maadhavi was known for her confidence and bold choices. She was unafraid to wear a bikini on screen when the story demanded it, a rare move for actresses of her time. Her modern look in Tik Tik Tik opposite Kamal Haasan remains widely discussed even today. Films such as Raaja Paarvai, Thambikku Entha Ooru, and Kaakki Sattai continue to enjoy immense popularity among fans. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 While she was busy with Tamil cinema, Maadhavi also received strong offers from the Telugu and Malayalam film industries, which gradually led her to reduce her Tamil film appearances. In Rajinikanths Athisaya Piravi, she portrayed the character Rambai, appearing in a divine role that once again captivated audiences. This film marked her final appearance in Tamil cinema. 8 / 10 At the peak of her career, Maadhavi married businessman Ralph Sharma in 1996 and completely stepped away from the film industry. She has not acted in films for the past 27 years. She now lives in New Jersey, USA, with her husband and their three daughters. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 What many people do not know is that Maadhavi is also a trained pilot. Even at the height of her fame, she was always eager to learn new and challenging skills. One of her long-cherished dreams was to fly an aeroplane. After her marriage and relocation to the United States, she pursued this ambition seriously and began flight training in New Jersey. Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 13:38 IST 1 / 10 For over two decades, one actor has occupied a unique space in Bollywood, carving a career that refuses to fit into neat boxes. Known for bold choices and genre-defining performances, he built his reputation quietly but steadily. His journey is filled with reinventions and films that challenged the mainstream, keeping audiences curious about what he would attempt next. 2 / 10 From dark romances to gritty thrillers, his filmography reflects a fearless approach to storytelling. Despite commercial success and cult followings, recognition from the awards circuit never came his way, highlighting striking contrast between industry validation and audience love. Hint: He is related to several well-known figures in the industry. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Still not there? Well, the actor is none other than Emraan Hashmi, a performer with deep roots in Bollywood. Emraan is the cousin of top Bollywood actresses Alia Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt, as well as actor Rahul Bhatt. This connection comes from his grandmother, Purnima Das, who was the sister of Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatts mother, making the filmmakers his uncles. 4 / 10 Emraan is often credited with reviving the thriller genre in Bollywood during the mid-2000s. Films like Zeher, Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Kalyug, Aksar and Gangster struck a chord with audiences and changed the tone of mainstream cinema. His characters, often flawed and conflicted, brought emotional depth to stories rooted in suspense. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Not to mention, his frequent on-screen kissing scenes earned him the popular tag of Serial Kisser. While the label initially worked in his favour and boosted his visibility, it gradually became limiting. Over time, the nickname overshadowed his versatility and reduced public perception of his work to a single aspect. 6 / 10 A major breakthrough in his career came with the erotic thriller Murder, directed by Anurag Basu and co-starring Ashmit Patel and Mallika Sherawat. Emraan played a man who falls in love with a married woman. His performance stood out for its confidence and range. The role felt tailor-made for him and the film was a surprising hit of that time. It was later renewed for sequels Murder 2 and Murder 3. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Another defining moment arrived with Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Milan Luthrias period action-drama. The film was a commercial hit and received positive critical reception. Emraans performance was widely praised with critics acknowledging his ability to hold his own in a layered, performance-heavy narrative. 8 / 10 The Dirty Picture marked one of the highest points of his career. Starring opposite Vidya Balan, the film emerged as a major box-office success and showcased a more restrained, mature side of Emraan. His performance was described by many as his careers best and remains one of his highest-grossing films to date. Interestingly, Emraan was once considered for a role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan as well but Nawazuddin Siddiqui later replaced him. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Over the years, films like Awarapan, Jannat, Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Jannat 2, Shanghai, Hamari Adhuri Kahani and Raaz 3 further proved his finesse as an actor. Despite being nominated for films such as Gangster, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, The Dirty Picture and Shanghai, he never won an award. January 20, 2026, 07:52 AM IST | Episode 131 In todays News18 Daily Digest: The Noida drowning tragedy triggers major administrative action after CNN-News18s sustained coverage. The Uttar Pradesh government has removed the CEO of the Noida Authority and ordered a five-day SIT probe into civic negligence, delayed response and disaster preparedness failures that led to the death of a young tech professional. The Madras High Court is set to hear pleas related to actor-politician Kamal Haasans film Indian 2 after the Supreme Court declined interim relief to the makers. The CBFC has flagged certain scenes over potential law-and-order concerns, while producers allege selective scrutiny. Political tensions rise in West Bengal over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to publish names of voters placed under the logical discrepancy category, amid allegations of arbitrary deletions and reports of violence in Murshidabad. The BJP announces Nitin Nabeen as its 12th national president, with the charge-taking ceremony to be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior party leaders. Stay with News18 for important developments from India and across the world. Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 22:55 IST Ajit Pawar Funeral Live Updates: The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were performed with full-state honours at Vidya Pratishthan Ground in Baramati, his electoral stronghold. Ajit Pawars wife and Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar, along with his two sons- Rohit and Jay- performed the last rites as a sea of supporters gathered at the cremation ground to catch a last glimpse of their leader. Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attended the leaders funeral. Meanwhile, a funeral procession was carried out from his Katewadi home to Vidya Pratishthan Ground as supporters of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) poured in to bid an emotional farewell to Ajit Dada. Pawar, the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and senior NCP leader, died in a tragic plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday. The NCP leader, 66, was among five people killed when a chartered Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, burst into flames while attempting to land in poor visibility at Baramati Airport. Along with Pawar, his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, flight attendant Pinky Mali, Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur, and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak, were also on board the ill-fated plane. 'He's A Tourist': CM Himanta Says Gaurav Gogoi Has 'Least Responsibility' Towards Assam Curated By : Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 01:20 IST Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's comments came in response to the Congress leader's reported claim that his party will win 50 seats in Upper Assam when there are only 42 in that area Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (L) said Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi (R) lacks deep roots in Assam. (Image: PTI/File) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came down heavily on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of having minimal commitment or understanding of Assams politics and society. Sarma labelled Gogoi a tourist" in Assam politics, stressing that he visited the state briefly and is now seeking political advantage while lacking basic knowledge. If someone asks him to name the constituencies from Tinsukia district to Golaghat district in Upper Assam, he will not be able to answer properly," Sarma said during a press conference. His comments came in response to Gogois reported claim that the Congress will win 50 seats in Upper Assam. He said the claim itself shows a lack of understanding, as Upper Assam has only 42 assembly constituencies. Sarma said this shows that Gogoi lacks deep roots in Assam or a clear grasp of the states political and social dynamics. He questioned his claim of building a BOR Asom" (Greater Assam), a concept the Congress leader has reportedly mentioned in recent speeches. He talks about building a greater Assam that includes all communities and religions, but his own children are not Assamese," he said. He speaks of greater Assam, yet he has not fulfilled even the basic norms. He could not even change the citizenship status of his children. A person whose children are not Assamese how can he claim that he will build a greater Assam? In such a BOR Asom, only the miyans will remain." He advised the public not to take Gogoi seriously. People should not pay attention to him. I dont think he speaks on any serious matter," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 01:08 IST News politics 'He's A Tourist': CM Himanta Says Gaurav Gogoi Has 'Least Responsibility' Towards Assam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Airtel Users Get Adobe Express Premium Free For One Year: How The Deal Works Curated By : Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:02 IST Airtel and Adobe have teamed up for the special free offer on Express Premium service which available for one year. Airtel users get 12 months of free Adobe Express Airtel users are getting another free offer from the operator and this time it is related to Adobe Express premium version. The company is giving Adobe Express benefits worth Rs 4,000 for free for all Airtel users and this is available to them for 12 months. This means if you have an Airtel mobile number (prepaid or postpaid), Wi-Fi connection or even the DTH service, you can avail this offer via its Airtel Thanks mobile app. The operator also says that you dont need to share any credit card details to sign for the free Adobe Express service. Adobe Express Premium Free For One Year: How It Get It Adobe Express premium you can generate images or videos with the help of the built-in tools and the additional credits that the platform is offering to the Airtel users. Heres how you can get it for free: Open Airtel Thanks app on your phone Go to the Rewards and OTT section Search for the Adobe Express Premium reward Tap on claim now Click on Proceed to sign up for the free one year offer Now you have to sign in with your Google or Apple ID with Adobe Express to activate the service. In case you already use the Adobe platform, Airtel gives you the chance to add the free offer to your subscription. Airtel assures that Adobe will not ask for your credit card information to activate the reward offer. Adobe Express Premium: What You Get Airtel says you can create content, reels or even WhatsApp status using the service Design menus, promotional content or QR codes Edit videos with captions, music and other effects Can also remove backgrounds, or use templates for designs Create AI-generated images and social posts This is not the first free offering from Airtel for its users. We got something similar from Perplexity for its AI offer with Airtel earlier, so we hope things dont change later. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:02 IST News tech Airtel Users Get Adobe Express Premium Free For One Year: How The Deal Works Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fake Traffic Challan Scam: How A Bengaluru Techie Lost Rs 2.3 Lakh Overnight After Clicking A Link Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 19:39 IST The victim received multiple messages from unknown mobile numbers stating that a traffic fine was due and needed immediate payment with messages containing a web link Police have once again urged citizens to verify traffic challans only through official government websites and apps. (Image: AI) Lately Bengaluru has seen a steady rise in digital frauds where everyday services are used as bait, and traffic challans have once again emerged as a familiar trap. In a recent instance, two city residents lost over 5 lakh after falling prey to fake traffic fine messages, prompting cybercrime police to reiterate warnings issued after similar cases reported in recent months. In one incident, a 57-year-old tech professional from Whitefield lost Rs 2.3 lakh after responding to a fraudulent message claiming he had a pending traffic challan. According to the complaint filed with the Whitefield cybercrime police, the incident occurred on January 26. The victim received multiple messages from unknown mobile numbers stating that a traffic fine was due and needed immediate payment. The messages contained a web link that appeared authentic. Believing the message to be genuine, he clicked on the link and attempted to pay Rs 500. During the transaction, fraudsters allegedly gained access to his credit card details. Shortly after, Rs 2,32,272.14 was unauthorisedly debited from his credit card and transferred to unknown accounts. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway. A similar incident was reported the following day from Uttarahalli. A 53-year-old resident lost Rs 3.03 lakh after clicking on a fake traffic fine link sent via message. The victim later noticed unauthorised transactions and approached the South Division cybercrime police, who have registered a separate case. Cybercrime officials said the method used in both cases mirrors several recent fraud complaints in Bengaluru, where scamsters impersonate government agencies to create urgency and panic around fines or penalties. By directing victims to fake payment portals, fraudsters gain access to banking or card credentials within minutes. How to Stay Safe From Fake Traffic Challan Scams? With multiple fake challan cases reported in Bengaluru in recent months, police are urging commuters to double-check before making any payment. Heres how you can verify if a traffic challan message is genuine: Check only official websites: Traffic fines in Karnataka can be verified only on authorised government portals such as the Parivahan website or the official Karnataka traffic police platforms. Avoid third-party links. Do not click links from unknown numbers: Fraudulent messages often come from random mobile numbers, not official IDs. Never enter card details via SMS links: Genuine challan payments do not require sharing full credit or debit card details through message links. Cross-check using your vehicle number: Enter your vehicle registration number directly on the official website instead of clicking any payment link. Watch for red flags: Poor language, urgent payment warnings, or unusually small fines asking for immediate action are common scam tactics. Report suspicious messages immediately: Forward such messages to cybercrime authorities or report them through your local police helpline. Police have once again urged citizens to verify traffic challans only through official government websites and apps. They have advised the public not to click on suspicious links received via SMS or messaging platforms and to report such messages immediately to cybercrime authorities. Officials stressed that genuine traffic challans do not require instant payments through unknown links and warned that increased awareness remains the strongest defence against such recurring scams. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 19:39 IST News tech Fake Traffic Challan Scam: How A Bengaluru Techie Lost Rs 2.3 Lakh Overnight After Clicking A Link Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 14-Year-Old Girl Becomes Mother, Babys Father Is Just 12 Families Left Shocked Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:07 IST When 14-year-old Bella from the US revealed her pregnancy by her 12-year-old boyfriend, both families were stunned. The school-age couple has now become parents to a baby boy Rapid Read Bella and Hunter welcomed their son, Wesley, last March, when Bella was 14 and Hunter just 12. Sometimes, stories from around the world challenge all sense of normality. One such case has emerged from Arkansas, USA, where two children, still of school-going age, found themselves thrust into parenthood far too soon. Bella, now 15, and her boyfriend Hunter, just 13, have sparked widespread shock and debate online. What has left many stunned is that Bella became pregnant when Hunter was only 12. When the truth came to light, both families were shaken. While Bellas parents ultimately chose to support their daughter, Hunters family reportedly pressed for an abortion. Bella, however, decided to continue with the pregnancy, setting the stage for a deeply unsettling story that has captured public attention. How The Story Came To Light The story gained widespread attention after a promotional clip from TLCs popular reality show Unexpected was released. The programme focuses on teenagers who become parents at a very young age. Bella and Hunter welcomed their son, Wesley, last March, when Bella was 14 and Hunter just 12. The news triggered disbelief across social media. Many users questioned whether it was even possible for someone so young to become a parent. One user commented, My mind is numb hearing that a child is having a child." The story quickly went viral, drawing both criticism and concern. A Mothers Pain And Family Support For Bellas mother, Fallon, the discovery felt like a nightmare. She admitted she was devastated and struggled to understand how her daughter could face pregnancy at such a young age. Although Bellas parents were initially angry, they later chose to support their daughter and grandson. According to Bella, Hunters family reacted very differently. She claims they wanted her to have an abortion and did not want the baby to be born. Despite the pressure, Bella stood firm in her decision. Bellas Message On Social Media Now active on social media, Bella regularly shares videos about her new life. She has repeatedly stated that she did not intend to become a mother and described the pregnancy as a mistake. She has urged other girls not to repeat her experience, explaining that raising a child at such a young age is extremely challenging. She insists she is not promoting teenage pregnancy, but openly sharing her struggles. Education At Risk Hunter is currently studying in the 8th grade and is reportedly struggling academically. Bellas mother has expressed concern that he may drop out of school. Bella herself has said she does not want Hunters education to suffer, especially now that they share responsibility for a child. The situation highlights how one life-altering decision has taken away the childhood of two teenagers who should still be focused on school and growing up. A Controversial Parallel From Russia At the same time, another controversial development is drawing attention in Russia. Authorities in the Oryol region have reportedly launched a scheme offering around Rs 1 lakh to schoolgirls who become pregnant, aimed at boosting the birth rate. The move has sparked strong criticism, with many accusing the government of encouraging risky behaviour among minors. Some critics have even mocked the policy, saying it could push girls to risk their lives for money or material rewards. 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 29, 2026, 08:07 IST News viral 14-Year-Old Girl Becomes Mother, Babys Father Is Just 12 Families Left Shocked Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ever Wonder Why Britishers Say Going Doolally? Believe It Or Not, The Word Originates From Maharashtra Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 15:37 IST The phrase actually has its origins in colonial India linked to a place near Maharashtra and a very specific chapter of history. The word doolally comes from Deolali, a town in Maharashtra. (Photo Credit: X) If a Brit says they are going doolally," they usually mean they are losing it a little or feeling mentally done with everything. It definitely sounds very British and most people assume it came from UK itself. But that is not true. The phrase actually has its origins in colonial India linked to a place near Maharashtra and a very specific chapter of history. Recently, a post on X (formerly Twitter) by an account named Vincent Van Gyaan brought this forgotten history back into the spotlight. Doolally. Ever wondered why Brits say going doolally" to mean losing your mind? The answer lies not in London but in colonial India, near Mumbai. A story of heat, boredom, empire and one legendary military camp," the post mentioned. Doolally Ever wondered why Brits say going doolally" to mean losing your mind?The answer lies not in London but in colonial India, near Mumbai. A story of heat, boredom, empire and one legendary military camp.@godoolally @LocalPressCo @mumbaiheritage pic.twitter.com/D6LloJMjuc Med Zeppelin (@VincentVanGyaan) January 28, 2026 An Indian Town Behind British Slang The word doolally" is actually a corrupted form of Doolally tap." Break it down and its meaning becomes clearer. Tap" comes from Hindustani and Urdu, which refers to fever, while Doolally" traces back to Deolali, a town in Maharashtra. Together, the phrase originally meant camp fever." Over time, British soldiers began using Doolally tap" to describe erratic behaviour seen among troops who had spent too long waiting in miserable conditions. By the 1940s, the phrase was shortened to simply doolally" and it entered everyday British slang as a casual way to say someone had lost their mind. Inside The Deolali Transit Camp The story truly begins in 1861 when the British established the Deolali Transit Camp near Nashik. It functioned as a holding area for soldiers arriving in India or finishing their service and waiting to return home. Troopships only sailed during the trooping season" which was from November to March, to avoid monsoon dangers. This meant many soldiers were stuck in Deolali for months with nothing to do. No duties. No structure. Just extreme heat, dust-filled air and endless waiting. The camp was frequently overcrowded. This forced soldiers to sleep on floors while enduring sand flea bites and unbearable pre-monsoon conditions. When Going Mad Wasnt Just A Figure of Speech While doolally" became shorthand for madness, the behaviour behind the term often had real medical explanations. Cerebral malaria, common in the region, affected the brain and could cause confusion and personality changes. With boredom setting in, many soldiers also turned to alcohol that led to alcoholism within the camp. Visits to nearby Nashiks gin bars and brothels were common, which resulted in venereal diseases. What Deolali Looks Like Today After India gained independence in 1947, the camp was handed over to the Indian Army. Today, it is home to Asias largest cantonment and the prestigious Indian Army School of Artillery, which shifted there in 1941. Over the years, Deolali has also developed a reputation as a peaceful hill station. The clean air and calm surroundings have made it a popular location for health sanatoriums, especially those set up by Gujarati and Parsi communities. Doolally Connection With Beer In India The word doolally" didnt stop evolving. The term lives on in Indias craft beer scene with Doolally Craft Beers. It is Indias first microbrewery that opened its doors in Pune in October 2009. Founded by Oliver Schauf, Suketu Talekar and Prateek Chaturvedi, the brand helped kick-start Indias craft beer movement. Today, Doolally Taprooms are popular social hubs across Mumbai and Pune. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 15:10 IST News viral Ever Wonder Why Britishers Say Going Doolally? Believe It Or Not, The Word Originates From Maharashtra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... School Lunch Box With Maggi, Chips and Biscuits Sparks Debate Over Low Effort Habits: Kids Need Nutrition Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:09 IST The clip shows many students bringing items like doughnuts, biscuits and instant noodles instead of proper meals for school lunch. Packaged and easy-to-make food items are slowly replacing home-cooked meals.(Photo Credit: Instagram) School lunch boxes in the 90s were simple and home-cooked. A small portion of homemade food was common and seen as healthy. Today, that picture seems to be changing. A recent video shared online has started a debate about what children carry to school for lunch. The clip shows many students bringing items like doughnuts, biscuits and instant noodles instead of proper meals. Only a few lunch boxes had fruits or freshly cooked food from home. The video shocked viewers as it shows how packaged and easy-to-make food items are slowly replacing traditional tiffins during school hours. Many are worried that this change may affect childrens health while growing up. Packaged Snacks Replacing Proper Home Meals In the video, the teacher opens each childs lunch box one by one. She first points out that one girl brings only biscuits every day. As she checks more boxes, one child has fresh apples, but many others are carrying unhealthy food. One lunch box has only cake, another has a doughnut and French fries, while several children are seen with packets of chips. One child even brings instant noodles. Out of all the students, only one child has roti and vegetables. After seeing the food, the teacher says she will make sure such items are not allowed in school lunches. The video posted on X (Formerly Twitter) came with the caption, Seeing this and realising how much my mother did for me." Seeing this and realising how much my mother did for me!! Users Question Parents Food Choices Reacting to the post, a user asked, Why humiliate kids in videos instead of speaking to their parents in private?" Another shared, This is the age when children need a lot of nutrition. Regardless of how busy you might be, cooking a little extra the night before is still much better than sending your kid to school with a doughnut or a piece of chapati to school. How can they concentrate on what they are learning or on physical activities with these types of lunches? When your child is away from home, they need more reminders of the love waiting for them at home. This is not just low effort but no effort." Only one kid with a cooked healthy lunch? I got roti with some veg every single day made by my late mother (would have been 100 this year). Kids getting Lays? wtf? I know orphanages that get better meals. Government schools give cooked lunches," a comment read. An individual stated, Our moms used to wake up in the morning and cook food first, then think about themselves. Well, if I say too much, some feminists might feel bad." Another mentioned, We used to call those snacks, never knew when it changed to Lunch. Sad to see where we are heading." One more added, Seeing this and wondering why Indians are behind. Everything is junk and/or high in sugar(fruits). Kids need protein and vegetables to grow their minds and bodies. They must NOT be eating biscuits, Maggi, cake/doughnut for lunch. WTF is this? The mind is deprived and running in survival mode for all these small babies. How will they grow up to be tall and strong?" WHO Shares Importance Of Nutrition At School Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) took steps to guide what children should eat in schools across the world. The organisation has pointed out that childhood obesity is rising fast. In 2025, nearly 1 in 10 school aged children and adolescents, 188 million, were living with obesity worldwide, surpassing for the first time the number of children who are underweight." Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, said, The food children eat at school, and the environments that shape what they eat, can have a profound impact on their learning, and lifelong consequences for their health and well-being. Getting nutrition right at school is critical for preventing disease later in life and creating healthier adults." To deal with this problem, the WHO suggested that schools should improve the food they offer, while increasing the use of healthy food and drinks, and cutting down unhealthy options. Schools are also encouraged to help children make better choices. This can be done by placing healthy food in easy to reach spots, making it look more appealing or keeping it affordable, so children naturally choose better meals. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 29, 2026, 17:08 IST News viral School Lunch Box With Maggi, Chips and Biscuits Sparks Debate Over Low Effort Habits: Kids Need Nutrition Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Crushing Unrest, Iran Security Forces Rounds Up Thousands To Deter Fresh Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 23:29 IST Activists said security forces were detaining not only people accused of involvement in the latest unrest but also those arrested during protests in previous years. Activists said plainclothes security forces launched a campaign of widespread arrests accompanied by an intensified street presence based around checkpoints. (File pic/AFP) Iranian security forces in plainclothes have rounded up thousands of people in a campaign of mass arrests and intimidation to deter future protests. Iran has witnessed widespread protests since late December last year, triggered by economic hardship and rising living costs. The protests were met with live ammunition, mass arrests and an internet blackout that has made independent verification difficult. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says it has confirmed more than 6,300 deaths, mostly protesters, while the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group believes the final toll could exceed 25,000. Iranian authorities acknowledge over 3,100 deaths, but claim most were security personnel or bystanders. Also Read: EU Blacklists Irans IRGC As Terror Group Amid Deadly Protest Crackdown, Tehran Slams Move Reuters quoted activists saying that plainclothes security forces launched a campaign of widespread arrests accompanied by an intensified street presence based around checkpoints. They said detainees were placed in secret lockups. They are arresting everyone," one of the activists said. No one knows where they are being taken or where they are being held. With these arrests and threats, they are trying to inject fear into society." Reuters also quoted lawyers, medics, witnesses and two Iranian officials speaking on condition of anonymity, saying that the roundups appeared aimed at preventing any serious revival of protests by spreading fear just as the clerical establishment faces rising external pressure. Also Read: EU Slaps New Sanctions On Iran After Tehrans Crackdown On Protests One of the activists said security forces were detaining not only people accused of involvement in the latest unrest but also those arrested during protests in previous years, even if they had not participated this time, plus members of their families". The Iranian authorities said on January 21 that 3,117 were killed in the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel. Meanwhile, the European Union has formally added Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its list of terrorist organisations, citing Tehrans violent suppression of nationwide protests. Announcing the decision in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc had taken a decisive step" because repression cannot go unanswered". She said the move places the IRGC on the same footing as jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 29, 2026, 23:29 IST News world After Crushing Unrest, Iran Security Forces Rounds Up Thousands To Deter Fresh Protests Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'At The Right Time': Khawaja Asif Hints Pakistan Is Weighing 'Action Against Afghanistan Taliban' Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:37 IST Pakistan defence minister directly blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for harbouring and facilitating Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (Image: AP/file) Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has signalled that Islamabad is actively weighing both military and diplomatic options against Afghanistans Taliban regime, accusing it of facilitating terrorism inside Pakistan and warning that action will be taken at a time of Pakistans choosing. Speaking amid heightened regional instability, Asif said Pakistans policy towards the Afghan Taliban remains unchanged and is not on the back-burner", even though immediate kinetic action is not considered suitable under current geopolitical conditions. Yes, definitely Pakistan will take action against the Afghan Taliban at the right time and according to our own convenience," he said, adding that the response could involve either military operations or the severing of diplomatic ties. The defence minister directly blamed the Taliban government in Kabul for harbouring and facilitating Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out repeated attacks inside Pakistan. Calling Afghanistan an enemy country" under the present circumstances, Asif asserted that Pakistans patience has limits and that continued support for anti-Pakistan militant groups will not go unanswered. However, Asif cautioned that the wider regional situation is currently too volatile for immediate escalation. He pointed to heavy geopolitical turmoil" in Pakistans neighbourhood, citing threats to Iran, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East particularly in Palestine and Yemen and instability across parts of Africa. This is not a favourable time to hit Afghanistan," he said, stressing that Islamabad must calibrate its response carefully amid overlapping crises. Significantly, Asif also indicated that Pakistans defence and strategic engagement with Turkey is intensifying, with key matters being discussed in parallel. While stopping short of detailing specific agreements, he said the option of deeper defence cooperation remains on the table" and that developments would unfold and crystallise soon", hinting at broader regional alignments. The remarks come as Pakistan faces growing internal security challenges, rising cross-border militancy, and diplomatic friction with Kabul. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan, demands that have so far gone unmet. Asifs statements underline a hardened stance in Islamabad: while immediate action may be delayed due to regional instability, Pakistan is preparing multiple pressure points military, diplomatic, and strategic to confront what it sees as an increasingly hostile Afghan Taliban regime. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:37 IST News world 'At The Right Time': Khawaja Asif Hints Pakistan Is Weighing 'Action Against Afghanistan Taliban' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... European MPs Find Common Ground On India Trade Deal Amid Heated TV Debate: 'We Need It' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 11:18 IST The second MP concurred, saying: "I think it's very good he supports the India deal." The exchange marks broad political support for the landmark agreement, which was closed this week. In a rare moment of agreement during an otherwise contentious television debate, two European MPs put aside their differences to back the recently concluded India-European Union free trade agreement. When asked by the anchor Meabh Mc Mahon of Euro News whether they agreed on anything their opponent had said, Irish MEP Ciaran Mullooly from Renew Europe responded: Hes right. We need the big trade deal with India." Swedish MEP Jorgen Warborn from the European Peoples Party concurred, saying: I think its very good he supports the India deal." Two European MPs fighting about trade in a TV debateAnchor: Do you agree with anything your opponent has said? MP 1: Hes right. We need the big trade deal with India. MP 2: I think its very good he supports the India deal. pic.twitter.com/Sp0QTivQFa Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) January 29, 2026 The exchange marks broad political support for the landmark agreement, which was closed this week and hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the mother of all deals." The FTA with the EU, which represents about 25% of global GDP and roughly a third of global trade, will forge a market of 2 billion people at a time when trade ties are being tested amid rising geopolitical tensions. I congratulate our colleagues associated with every sector, such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and shoes. This deal will prove to be very supportive to these sectors," PM Modi said during a speech at the India Energy Week. Trade talks between the two sides were relaunched in 2022, but the deal took years to finalise due to mutually sensitive" issues such as agriculture and automotive sectors. According to European Commission data, goods traded between India and the EU in 2024 amounted to over 120 billion euros (about $140 billion), making the bloc New Delhis largest trading partner. Machinery and appliances, chemicals, base metals, mineral products and textiles are Indias top exports to the bloc. India is the ninth largest trading partner of the EU, accounting for 2.4% of the blocs total trade in goods in 2024, far behind major partners like the U.S. (17.3%), China (14.6%) or UK (10.1%). News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 10:23 IST News world European MPs Find Common Ground On India Trade Deal Amid Heated TV Debate: 'We Need It' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Most home business owners underestimate how early setup decisions affect tax obligations later, says H&R Blocks Mark Chapman. Learn which costly mistakes to avoid from the start. For entrepreneurs and small business operators navigating the complexities of tax obligations in Australia, launching a home-based business can be an exciting and flexible way to build your own enterprise. But alongside the creative and operational decisions, understanding your tax obligations from day one is crucial, not just to comply with the law, but to ensure you are claiming the deductions you are entitled to and planning strategically for growth. H&R Block Australias Director of Tax Communications, Mark Chapman, says many new business owners underestimate how early decisions can affect their tax position later on. Setting things up correctly from the beginning can save significant time, stress and money down the track, Chapman says. Here is a practical tax guide for new and aspiring home business owners. 1. Set Yourself Up Correctly Before you start trading, make sure you have covered the essentials: Choose the right business structure: Will you operate as a sole trader, partnership, company or trust? This choice affects how you pay tax and what deductions you can claim. Register for an ABN: An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required for tax reporting and dealings with customers and suppliers. Register your business name and tax registrations: Depending on your turnover and activities, you may need to register for GST (if you expect to exceed the $75,000 threshold) and potentially for PAYG withholding if you have employees. Set up record-keeping systems: Organise a bookkeeping system or accounting software from the outset to track income and expenses accurately. Good records make tax time far less stressful and reduce the risk of errors. According to H&R Block, poor record keeping is one of the most common mistakes made by first-time business owners. 2. Declare Your Income and Lodge on Time All income your business earns is assessable and must be reported in your tax return. For sole traders, this is typically part of your personal tax return. Companies and trusts have separate reporting requirements. If you are registered for GST, you will lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS). This reports GST collected, PAYG instalments and other tax obligations. Missing deadlines can incur penalties and interest, so staying organised throughout the year is essential. 3. Understanding Deductible Expenses One of the major benefits of running a business from home is access to a range of tax deductions, but these must be claimed correctly. You can generally claim deductions for expenses that relate directly to earning business income. These fall into two main categories. Running expenses: Costs associated with working from home such as electricity, phone and internet, stationery and depreciation on office equipment like computers and printers. Occupancy expenses: If you have a designated workspace that qualifies as a place of business, you may also claim a portion of mortgage interest or rent, council rates, land tax and home insurance based on the business use percentage. H&R Block advises that deductions must only be claimed for the business portion of these costs. Personal use must be excluded. 4. Choose Your Calculation Method Wisely The ATO allows different methods to calculate deductions for running costs incurred by a home business. Actual cost method: You calculate the portion of your real expenses that relate to business use. Fixed rate method: You can claim a set rate per hour worked from home, currently 70 cents per hour, which covers utilities and communication costs. Each method has advantages depending on your circumstances and record-keeping. H&R Block recommends speaking with a registered tax agent to determine which approach is most suitable. 5. Dont Overlook Capital Gains Tax A common trap for home business owners is overlooking the capital gains tax implications. If you use part of your home as a place of business and claim occupancy deductions, you may lose part of your main residence capital gains tax exemption when you sell the property. Mark Chapman says this is often missed until it is too late. Planning ahead, including getting a valuation when you start using part of your home for business, can help manage potential future tax exposure, he says. 6. Stay Compliant Throughout the Year Good record keeping is not just helpful at tax time, it is required. Keep receipts, invoices and records of hours worked from home for at least five years to support your claims. If your business grows and you take on employees, you will also need to understand your obligations around PAYG withholding, superannuation contributions and potentially fringe benefits tax. 7. Seek Professional Advice Tax rules change regularly, and how they apply can vary depending on your individual situation. H&R Block says working with a registered tax agent who understands small business and home-based operations can help business owners avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant as their business grows. Starting a home business can be one of the most rewarding ventures you undertake. With clear tax planning, strong systems and timely compliance, you can set yourself up not only to meet your obligations, but to build a sustainable and successful business. With expert guidance from H&R Block, home business owners can make informed decisions and approach tax time with confidence rather than stress. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 'Gold Trump Card Free Of Charge': Why Everyone's Talking About Nicki Minaj And US Citizenship Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 10:28 IST At the Trump Accounts summit in Washington, DC, Minaj openly praised President Trump, calling herself probably the presidents Number 1 fan. Rapper Nicki Minaj and US President Donald Trump. (Image: X/NICKIMINAJ) Rapper Nicki Minaj has sent the social media into a tizzy by posting a picture of her Trump Gold Card on X. The rapper wrote Welp", while posting the picture on Wednesday and the post went viral in no time. This morning, she wrote another post, mentioning her citizenship paperwork was in process and even claimed she got the Gold Card free of charge", making the social media question why she didnt have to pay for the card that is actually worth $1 million and $2 million. Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldnt have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge," she posted on X today. Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.Thanks to the petition. I wouldnt have done it without you.Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee momentGold Trump card free of charge pic.twitter.com/jc1vIxx6pz Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 29, 2026 From An Illegal Immigrant To Gold Card US Citizen Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Minaj had moved to the United States at the age of five, a period she has previously described as entering the country without legal status. Growing up in New York, she has often spoken about the instability and uncertainty of her early years, experiences that shaped both her ambition and her public persona. Over time, her family regularised their status, and Minaj eventually became a lawful permanent resident, building her life and career in the US while remaining deeply conscious of her immigrant roots. Despite becoming one of the most commercially successful rappers in the world and paying millions of dollars in US taxes, Minaj revealed in 2024 that she never pursued American citizenship. That changed with the introduction of the Trump Gold Card" programme, a premium immigration pathway designed to fast-track permanent residents towards citizenship. Hours after appearing at the White House alongside President Donald Trump, Minaj posted an image of her $1 million Gold Card on social media with a terse Welp", instantly sparking debate. The card symbolises not just accelerated legal status, but also access and proximity to political power rarely seen for figures from undocumented immigrant backgrounds. At the White House event, Minaj openly embraced her political alignment, calling herself probably the presidents number one fan" and pledging up to $300,000 to fund Trump Accounts for the children of her fans. The moment marked a striking full circle: from an undocumented child immigrant to a global celebrity publicly endorsed by the US president, now holding a Gold Card that fast-tracks citizenship. For supporters, it is a classic American success story; for critics, it raises questions about privilege and access in immigration policy. Either way, Minajs journey underscores how fame, wealth and politics can converge to rewrite the boundaries of belonging in modern America. The Trump-Minaj Bonhomie Apart from the Gold Card, whats grabbing eyeballs is the Trump-Minaj bonhomie at the Trump Accounts event. In a TikTok video going viral, Nicki Minaj calls Trump the best president of all time" while he calls her the Queen of Rap." At the Trump Accounts summit in Washington, DC, Minaj openly praised President Trump, calling herself probably the presidents Number 1 fan" and declaring her unwavering support despite backlash from critics. She said the criticism doesnt affect her and even motivates her to support him more, condemning what she described as bullying" and smear campaigns" against him. On social media and in interviews around the event, she also thanked Trump for opportunities that align with her and highlighted his leadership in ways she found meaningful, even using affectionate language when referring to him. Trump responded warmly to Minajs praise, telling her I just think shes great" and noting her achievements in music. He referred to her as a prominent and successful artist, even acknowledging that she hasnt always been aligned with his political base. In a light-hearted moment, he joked about growing his nails to match hers and complimented her signature style. What Is The Trump Gold Card? The Trump Gold Card is a newly introduced US immigration programme that offers a fast-track route to lawful permanent residency and eventually citizenship for foreign nationals who can make a very large financial contribution to the United States government, effectively functioning like an enhanced version of a green card. To participate, applicants must first pay a non-refundable processing fee (about $15,000 to cover vetting by the Department of Homeland Security) and then make a required $1 million contribution to the US Treasury once their background checks are complete. This premium pathway is designed to attract wealthy individuals by accelerating the traditional immigration process in exchange for the sizable financial gift, with similar options available for corporate sponsors at higher levels, reportedly costing $2 million. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 10:28 IST News world 'Gold Trump Card Free Of Charge': Why Everyone's Talking About Nicki Minaj And US Citizenship Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Fingers On The Trigger': Iran Warns Of Immediate Retaliation To Any US Military Action Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 07:34 IST Iran warned its forces have their fingers on the trigger and would respond forcefully to any US attack, while also signalling openness to a new nuclear deal. File photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei/Donald Trump (AP) Irans Foreign Minister has warned that Tehrans forces have their fingers on the trigger" and are ready to respond immediately and forcefully" to any US military action, even as he signalled openness to negotiations on the countrys nuclear programme. Abbas Araghchi struck a dual tone in public statements on Wednesday, coupling stark military warnings with language mirroring President Donald Trumps call for talks to avert escalation. In a post on X, Araghchi said, Our brave Armed Forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea." Iran had always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation which ensures Irans rights to peaceful nuclear technology, and guarantees no nuclear weapons." Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have never sought to acquire them," he added, restating Tehrans long-standing position that its nuclear programme is civilian in nature, a claim Western governments dispute. Our brave Armed Forces are preparedwith their fingers on the triggerto immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea.The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and pic.twitter.com/kEuj0dmBaK Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 28, 2026 HARDLINE WARNINGS AND US THREATS Other senior Iranian figures used far more confrontational language. Ali Shamkani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned on X that a limited strike is an illusion." Any military action, from America, from any origin and at any level, will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all-out and unprecedented, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor," Shamkani wrote. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said a massive armada" of US naval vessels was heading toward waters off Iran and ready to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." After the remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Irans leadership was at its weakest point. At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicted that the Islamic Republics days are numbered" following this months deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. France and Germany have also backed a push for the EU to designate Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC a terrorist organisation. The force is already listed as such by the US and Canada, but not yet by the EU or the UK, according to AFP. Protests erupted in Iran late December and peaked on January 8 and 9, with a rights group saying more than 6,200 people were killed. TRUMP WEIGHING MILITARY OPTIONS IN IRAN Meanwhile, a report with Reuters suggested that Trump is weighing military options that include targeted strikes on Iranian security forces and leaders in a bid to embolden protesters after the crackdown killed thousands. Two US sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters the President wanted to create conditions for regime change," examining plans to hit commanders and institutions blamed for the violence. Other possibilities include broader strikes on ballistic missile capabilities or nuclear enrichment sites, though Trump has not yet made a final decision, the report quoted sources as saying. Reuters also quoted a senior Iranian official as saying Tehran was preparing for possible military confrontation while using diplomatic channels, though Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy. Irans mission to the UN said it was ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests" but would defend itself like never before" if attacked. Israeli and Arab officials warned that air power alone was unlikely to topple Irans leadership, Reuters added, while Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt have urged Washington to avoid escalation, fearing regional retaliation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 07:31 IST News world 'Fingers On The Trigger': Iran Warns Of Immediate Retaliation To Any US Military Action Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No One Knows Who Takes Over If Khamenei Is Removed': Marco Rubio Hints At Strike Against Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 07:52 IST Marco Rubio said no one knows who would take over in Iran if Khamenei was removed, while defending a strengthened US military posture in the Middle East. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (File photo/AP) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said no one knows" who would take over in Iran if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were removed from power, warning lawmakers that such a scenario would be extraordinarily complex even as Washington strengthens its military posture in West Asia amid rising tensions with Tehran. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio raised the prospect of preemptive military action to protect American personnel and allied facilities in the region. He also stressed that the internal structure of Irans ruling system makes any prediction about a post-Khamenei future highly uncertain. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT COMES NEXT IN IRAN: RUBIO Responding to questions about a possible post-regime scenario, Rubio said the outcome would be far from straightforward. Thats an open question," he told senators. No one knows what would take over." He described Irans governance as divided between the supreme leader, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and quasi-elected individuals" who, he said, ultimately must clear major decisions with the top cleric. I dont think anyone can give you a simple answer to what happens next in Iran if the supreme leader and the regime were to fall, other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition," Rubio said. Emphasising how entrenched the current order is, he added, I would imagine it would be even far more complex than the one were describing now because youre talking about a regime thats in place for a very long time, so thats going to require a lot of careful thinking if that eventuality ever presents itself." Rubio also defended the Trump administrations decision to reinforce US military assets across the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group to the US Central Command area. He said the move was aimed at safeguarding more than 30,000 US service members stationed in the region. And so I think its wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily whats going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively prevent the attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies," Rubio told lawmakers. While saying he hoped military action would not be required, Rubio argued Iran had accumulated the capability to strike US forces and partners. He added that Tehran is weaker than it has ever been," but still possesses thousands and thousands" of long-range ballistic missiles built despite economic collapse. His comments come as regional allies such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia brace for possible escalation following Irans crackdown on anti-regime protests and amid warnings from President Donald Trump that future US action could be far worse" than previous strikes. Iran, meanwhile, has cautioned that it would retaliate strongly against any aggression, while also signalling openness to negotiations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 07:02 IST News world 'No One Knows Who Takes Over If Khamenei Is Removed': Marco Rubio Hints At Strike Against 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... More Than Drills And Drones: The Message Behind Asim Munirs Bahawalpur Visit | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 17:16 IST Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that Munir's choice of location, timing and optics reflect a much deeper strategic signal extending beyond routine field inspections. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir inspects during visit to Bahawalpur Garrison. (ISPR) Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munirs visit to the Bahawalpur garrison has been presented publicly as a routine inspection. However, top Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the choice of location, timing and optics reflect a much deeper strategic signal, one aimed at reaffirming Rawalpindis traditional linkages with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Bahawalpur is not just a corps headquarters. It is a politically and ideologically sensitive military zone long regarded as the operational nerve centre of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian intelligence officials point out that the area has taken on heightened significance after India targeted the Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur during Operation Sindoor last year. In that context, the Army chiefs high-profile presence here carries layered messaging. During the high-intensity field exercise Steadfast Resolve at Khairpur Tamewali, Munir oversaw demonstrations involving drones, electronic-warfare systems and advanced surveillance assets technology that Pakistan is keen to showcase as part of its shift toward multi-domain warfare. His repeated references to mental transformation" and modern readiness appear aimed at reassuring troops at a moment when Pakistans conventional posture is under scrutiny. In future, technological manoeuvres will replace physical manoeuvres and will fundamentally alter the way offensive and defensive operations are undertaken. Therefore, the Pakistan Armed Forces are embracing and absorbing technology at a rapid pace. In this process innovation, indigenisation and adaptation shall remain fundamental," he said. Earlier, he inaugurated the ROHI eSkills Learning Hub (STP) aimed at promoting digital skills and learning opportunities for students, particularly from southern Punjab and across the country. Pakistani officials framed this as a development-oriented outreach, but Indian assessments view it as an attempt to soften the optics of what they describe as a security-heavy and politically sensitive visit. According to sources, Bahawalpur remains an operational and ideological anchor for JeM, and the Army chiefs presence there functions as a symbolic reassurance to the group. The public focus on drones and future warfare is seen as messaging directed externally, especially at India. But the choice of Bahawalpur as the venue primarily serves a domestic and non-state audience, signalling that Pakistans traditional assets and long-standing alignments with terror networks remain protected. Sources also note that the optics of the visit, rather than the drills themselves, are the real message. At a time when Pakistan is attempting to project deterrence and stability, Rawalpindis decision to centre a major military exercise in Bahawalpur is being interpreted as a deliberate reaffirmation of old partnerships that continue to shape its security landscape. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 17:16 IST News world More Than Drills And Drones: The Message Behind Asim Munirs Bahawalpur Visit | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Governance': Imran Khan's Son Slams Pakistan Govt As Former PM Completes 900 Days In Jail Curated By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 19:33 IST Imran Khan's son Kasim Khan said his father is in a "death cell", alleging that he had been denied family visits and personal physicians despite a serious eye condition Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's son Kasim Khan said his father has now completed 900 days in jail. (Image: PTI/File) Amid a growing dispute over former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans health in jail, his son and political aides accused the government of authoritarian cruelty" and governance failure. Imran Khans son Kasim Khan said his father has completed 900 days in what he called a death cell", alleging that he had been denied family visits and personal physicians despite a serious eye condition. The Pakistan government, however, refuted the allegations and maintained that Imran was in good health" and underwent a successful medical procedure for his eye ailment. Kasim Khan lashed out at the government and said his father is being held without the right to speak to his family or consult doctors he trusts. He said there are credible reports that he has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that could lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed through urgent intervention in a proper hospital. My father, Imran Khan, has now spent over 900 days in a death cell with no family visits and no access to his personal doctors. Credible reports confirm he has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated through urgent medical intervention in a proper hospital," Kasim wrote in a post on X. Yet authorities continue to block his treatment and deny him the doctors he trusts. I am even denied the right to speak to him. This is not governance. This is authoritarian cruelty." My father, Imran Khan, has now spent over 900 days in a death cell with no family visits and no access to his personal doctors. Credible reports confirm he has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that can lead to permanent vision loss if not pic.twitter.com/MqLjiTeuPD Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) January 29, 2026 Kasim described the current state of affairs in Pakistan as a crushing of basic human rights". He said democracy has become hollow", calling upon international human rights defenders to act before it is too late. I call on every defender of human rights to act before it is too late. The world must see that in Pakistan today, democracy is hollow and basic human rights are being crushed," he added. The opposition PTI, meanwhile, echoed these concerns with spokesperson Zulfiquar Bukhari warning that any further delay in providing specialist care could result in irreversible harm". Bukhari slammed the governments narrative as opaque and alarming", pointing out that neither Imrans family nor his legal team was informed before or after he was recently moved from Rawalpindis Adiala prison to a government hospital for treatment. He said the lack of transparency regarding the doctors involved and the specific treatment administered has raised more questions than answers", and he demanded independent medical verification and full disclosure of the former prime ministers current state. In contrast, the government maintained that Imran is in good health". Information minister Attaullah Tarar said he underwent a successful 20-minute medical procedure for an eye ailment at a state hospital last week. He said the procedure was conducted with Imrans express consent after he was examined by a team of doctors within the prison. But the opposition remains deeply skeptical of these official assurances. Prominent PTI member Suhail Afridi questioned why the illness was initially concealed and why Imrans health was allowed to deteriorate to the point of hospitalisation without notifying his personal doctor. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: January 29, 2026, 19:33 IST News world 'No Governance': Imran Khan's Son Slams Pakistan Govt As Former PM Completes 900 Days In Jail Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Clarifies On Its Role In Gaza Board Of Peace, Flags Terror Threat From Afghanistan Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 16:10 IST Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan "will not join the Abraham Accords." Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (Image: Andrew Harnik/GETTY IMAGES/AFP) Pakistan has denied reports linking its recent diplomatic engagements with any shift in its long-standing regional positions, particularly on Israel and Gaza, during the Foreign Offices weekly briefing in Islamabad. Responding to growing speculation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that Pakistans decision to engage with US President Donald Trumps proposed Board of Peace" should not be misconstrued as Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords or aligning itself with any Israel-normalisation framework. Andrabi stated that Pakistan will not join the Abraham Accords," stressing that participation in the peace board does not imply recognition of Israel or a departure from Pakistans established stance on the Palestinian issue. He further rejected suggestions that Pakistan had joined any international stabilisation or security force for Gaza, calling such interpretations incorrect and misleading." On regional security, the Pakistani spokesperson adopted a notably sharp tone towards Afghanistan. Andrabi said there is a clear and continuing trend" of terrorists involved in attacks inside Pakistan originating from Afghan territory. Contradicting claims made by the Taliban government, he asserted that Afghan nationals are actively planning and executing terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil, and that Afghan territory is being used to facilitate such operations. He emphasised that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan has to stop," signalling Islamabads growing frustration with Kabul. The briefing also touched upon diplomatic concerns with India. Andrabi claimed there is a marked difference" in the treatment of Pakistani diplomats, urging New Delhi to ensure normal and civilised" conduct in line with diplomatic traditions. He expressed hope that Pakistans High Commission in New Delhi would be able to hold its National Day celebrations without obstruction, appealing to India to uphold established diplomatic norms. However, top Indian intelligence sources have offered a sharply different interpretation of Pakistans recent messaging. According to these assessments, Islamabad is attempting to draw closer to Western powers and Trump-linked initiatives while simultaneously avoiding the domestic political cost of acknowledging Israel or alienating conservative Islamic constituencies. Indian sources describe Pakistans posture as a calculated balancing act driven by internal fears rather than a coherent regional vision. The intelligence assessment further alleges that Pakistans narrative on terrorism is a deflection tactic, arguing that elements within Pakistans establishment have historically supported cross-border militancy when it suited strategic interests, only distancing themselves under international pressure or fear of sanctions. What Are The Abraham Accords? The Abraham Accords are US-backed agreements launched in 2020 to normalise relations between Israel and a group of Arab states, breaking with decades of regional policy that tied recognition of Israel to the creation of a Palestinian state. Under the accords, countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan established diplomatic ties with Israel, opening the door to cooperation in trade, security, technology and travel. Supporters view the accords as a pragmatic step toward regional stability and economic integration, while critics argue they marginalise the Palestinian issue and weaken collective leverage over Israel on statehood and occupation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 16:10 IST News world Pakistan Clarifies On Its Role In Gaza Board Of Peace, Flags Terror Threat From 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... Russia Invites Ukraine President Zelenskyy To Moscow For Peace Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 23:21 IST The Kremlin's statement came hours after it declined to comment on rumours that Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to stop striking each other's energy infrastructure. Kremlin says Russia has invited Ukraine's Zelenskyy to come to Moscow for peace talks. (File Image) Russia on Thursday said that it has sent an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to come to Moscow for peace talks. The development came as the US-led efforts intensified to reach a deal to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine. The Kremlins statement came hours after it declined to comment on rumours that Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to stop striking each others energy infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, cited by the Interfax news agency, said on Thursday that Moscow had not yet received a response to its invitation for Zelenskyy to come to Moscow. Notably, Zelenskyy last year rejected a similar invitation. However, he rejected the invitation saying he could not to go to the capital of a nation that was firing missiles at his country every day. He suggested at the time that Putin come to Kyiv instead. Last weekend, Washington-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi renewed efforts to clinch a peace deal, but differences persisted between the Russian and Ukrainian negotiating stances. READ MORE: It Was Very Nice: Trump Says Putin Agreed To Not Attack Kyiv For A Week US-Mediated Abu Dhabi Talks While the talks gained momentum, an unnamed US official on Saturday said that Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were very close" to setting up a meeting after the US mediated the talks. Meanwhile, a new round of Abu Dhabi talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for Sunday. In view of the talks, US President Donald Trump who is pushing for a deal to end the conflict said on Tuesday that very good things" were happening in the process. However, several disagreements are still acting as the roadblock in the peace talks, including who gets what territory in any deal, the potential presence of international peacekeepers or monitors in post-war Ukraine, and the fate of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday described the two sides disagreement over who gets what territory as the one central issue, which was very difficult" to resolve. Russia wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the roughly 20 percent of Donetsk region which the Russian army does not control. Kyiv has said it does not want to gift Moscow territory, which Russia has not won on the battlefield and which could serve as a platform in future for Russian forces to push deeper into Ukraine. Trump Says Putin Agreed To Not Attack Kyiv For A Week US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a week, after Moscows strikes left buildings without heating in freezing temperatures. Theyve never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice," Trump said at a Cabinet meeting, citing extraordinary cold" in the region. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Russia First Published: January 29, 2026, 22:34 IST News world Russia Invites Ukraine President Zelenskyy To Moscow For Peace 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... Texas Attorney General Targets 3 Businesses For 'Illegal Activity' Amid Probe Into H-1B Visa Abuse Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:14 IST Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused three North Texas companies of engaging in fraudulent activity to secure H-1B visas, including the advertisement of non-existent services. With President Donald Trump ordering a stricter H-1B visa programme, Texas has now stopped H-1B hiring for state agencies and universities. (Representative Image) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday (local time) announced a sweeping investigation into the H-1B visa programme by businesses, and issued Civil Investigative Demands to three North Texas companies suspected of engaging in fraudulent activity. This move comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions across all state agencies and public universities, citing reported abuse of the federal programme and vowing to prioritise American workers for taxpayer-funded positions. In an official statement, Paxton said reports have indicated that the three businesses under investigation have likely engaged in illegal activity to scam the H-1B visa programme by setting up sham companies featuring websites advertising non-existent products or services to Texas consumers in order to fraudulently sponsor H-1B visas. BREAKING: Im announcing a sweeping investigation into H-1B visa abuse, starting with three North Texas businesses.Any criminal who attempts to scam the H-1B visa program and use ghost offices" or other fraudulent ploys should be prepared to face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/FHuHCJh3iH Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 29, 2026 He said evidence had suggested that one of the businesses had registered a single-family home as its office address and, on its website, listed its worksite address as that of an empty, unfinished building. The Attorney General claimed that these companies have allegedly sponsored numerous H-1B visas in recent years despite a lack of evidence that they actually provide for any of the products or services advertised. Any criminal who attempts to scam the H-1B visa programme and use ghost offices or other fraudulent ploys should be prepared to face the full force of the law," Paxton said. Abuse and fraud within these programmes strip jobs and opportunities away from Texans." As part of the investigation into the H-1B visa programme, Paxton demanded documents identifying all employees working for these companies, records detailing the specific products or services provided, financial statements, and communication related to company operations of the North Texas businesses. Texas On H-1B Visas This came after Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies and public universities to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions, saying the programme has been used in ways that disadvantage American workers. The move comes four months after US President Donald Trump overhauled the H-1B system by introducing a $100,000 application fee and prioritising higher-paid applicants changes that business groups say could make it harder for US companies to attract global talent. The H-1B visa programme permits US employers to bring in foreign professionals for specialised positions typically requiring at least a bachelors degree. The program offers 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers with advanced degrees, approved for three to six 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 29, 2026, 09:14 IST News world Texas Attorney General Targets 3 Businesses For 'Illegal Activity' Amid Probe Into H-1B Visa Abuse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Names Colin McDonald As Top Investigator For Fraud Enforcement: 'Stop The Scams' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 08:04 IST The US President praised Colin McDonald as "a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor. US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump announced the creation of a new fraud enforcement division at the Department of Justice and nominated Colin McDonald to lead it as the first-ever Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, I am pleased to nominate Colin McDonald to serve as the first ever Assistant Attorney General for National FRAUD Enforcement, a new Division at the Department of Justice, which I created to catch and stop FRAUDSTERS that have been STEALING from the American People." My Administration has uncovered Fraud schemes in States like Minnesota and California, where these thieves have stolen Hundreds of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars," Trump continued in the post, which featured his characteristic use of capital letters for emphasis. The US President praised McDonald as a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor who has successfully delivered Justice in some of the most difficult and high stakes cases our Country has ever seen." Together, we will END THE FRAUD, and RESTORE INTEGRITY to our Federal Programs. Congratulations Colin- STOP THE SCAMS!" Trump concluded. Who Is Colin McDonald? Colin McDonald is a federal prosecutor who has handled high-profile cases during his career in the Justice Department. Trump described him as having experience with some of the most difficult and high stakes cases" in the country. The new division is expected to focus on investigating and prosecuting fraud schemes targeting federal programs and taxpayer funds. Trump specifically cited alleged fraud in Minnesota and California, claiming losses in the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars." The nomination will require Senate confirmation before McDonald can assume the role. 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 29, 2026, 08:04 IST News world Trump Names Colin McDonald As Top Investigator For Fraud Enforcement: 'Stop The Scams' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Says Ilhan Omar 'Probably Had Herself Sprayed'; She Hits Back With 'Dementia' Jibe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 07:59 IST After Ilhan Omar was attacked with an unknown chemical spray in Minneapolis, Donald Trump said the attack may have been staged, while calling her a "fraud". Rapid Read US President Donald Trump has long targeted Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. (Reuters/File) The feud between US President Donald Trump and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar escalated after the latter was attacked with an unidentified substance while addressing an event in Minneapolis on Tuesday. The US president called Omar a fraud" and suggested that the attack on her might have been staged. Omar was addressing an event in Minneapolis Karmel Mall when a man, identified as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak, allegedly sprayed her with an unknown, foul-smelling liquid. Officers at the scene tackled him to the ground and immediately arrested him for third-degree assault. The confrontation came moments after Omar had called for the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. I Dont Think About Her Trump, who has lashed out at Omar relentlessly after taking office and even launched attacks on the Somali-American community, said he did not see the video of the attack and suggested that it could have been staged. Speaking to ABC News, Trump said, No. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud. I really dont think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her." When asked about if he had seen the video, he said, I havent seen it. No, no. I hope I dont have to bother." Omar has frequently been targeted by Trump, who has called her garbage," and earlier on Tuesday, accused her of not loving the United States during remarks in Iowa. Prior to that, Trump said the Justice Department and Congress were looking at" Omar, while investigating massive fraud in Minnesota. Omar Hits Back: Trump Obsessed With Me On Wednesday, Omar hit back at Trumps remarks, blaming him for the attack and accusing him of being obsessed" with her. She also suggested that the US president was suffering from dementia". What the facts have shown since Ive gotten into elected office is that every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket," she was quoted as saying by Fox News. Omar also said the person who attacked her was upset that Trumps order to deport Somalis was not yielding enough deportations of Somalis." I wouldnt be where I am at today, having to pay for security, having the government to think about providing me security if Donald Trump wasnt in office and if he wasnt so obsessed with me," she added. It is ironic that just last night he was on stage moments before I was attacked, talking about me, and then when asked about my attack, he said, I dont think about her. Is he suffering from dementia?" Kazmierczak, Omars attacker, reportedly has a history of sharing political posts on social media in support of Donald Trump, and in 2021 shared a political cartoon criticising Omars stance on security spending amid calls to defund police. 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 29, 2026, 07:59 IST News world Trump Says Ilhan Omar 'Probably Had Herself Sprayed'; She Hits Back With 'Dementia' Jibe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Earlypay CEO James Beeson warns Victorian SMEs face mounting pressures from rising costs, patchy demand and growing compliance burdens, with the state ranking last nationally for business competitiveness. Whats happening: Victorian small and medium businesses confront rising operating costs, patchy consumer demand and growing compliance burdens that are squeezing margins and pushing more operators into cash flow stress, according to working capital provider Earlypay. Why this matters: As the second most populous state accounting for almost a quarter of national gross domestic product, Victorias poor business environment has outsized impacts on Australias global competitiveness and investment attractiveness. Victorian small and medium businesses are confronting a mounting combination of rising operating costs, patchy consumer demand and growing compliance burdens that are squeezing margins and pushing more operators into cash flow stress. James Beeson, CEO of working capital provider Earlypay, said the cost of doing business in Victoria is increasingly standing out compared to other states, with higher state taxes, charges and compliance demands adding to the burden. Put bluntly, Victorian small businesses are doing it tough, said Mr Beeson. The Business Council of Australias Regulation Rumble report released late last year highlighted Victoria as the least competitive jurisdiction in which to do business and having the most room for improvement, due to regulatory and tax settings holding back the state economy. Regulation Rumble ranks states and territories based on planning systems, payroll taxes, property taxes and charges, retail trading hours, workers compensation premiums, duties on insurance, and licences and requirements to do business. Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said whilst South Australia topped the rankings for the third consecutive year as the best state to do business, Victoria continues to have the most work to do, with some of the nations highest tax rates and regulatory requirements making it the least attractive state in which to do business. The success of Victoria matters, and practical reforms to payroll tax, property taxes, and business licensing would deliver a big boost to the states ability to win investment, said Mr Black. Last place nationally Victorias payroll tax represents the most punitive system in Australia, with big employers facing a top rate of 6.85 per cent after including surcharges. Only the Australian Capital Territory imposes a higher rate. Payroll tax kicks in once payrolls hit just $1 million, equal to the lowest threshold in the country. According to the Regulation Rumble analysis, Victoria requires approximately two-thirds more licences and regulatory requirements to open a cafe compared to the Northern Territory, and around 50 per cent more than South Australia. The report found that a cafe in Tasmania requires approximately 66 per cent more licences and regulatory obligations compared to the same cafe in the Northern Territory. For 17 of the past 18 months, Victoria recorded the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Cash flow crunch On top of the regulatory and tax burdens, many Victorian SMEs are juggling higher wages and input costs, rent and insurance increases, and persistent energy bill pressures. Customers remain value conscious, and spending decisions are increasingly delayed. Mr Beeson said the challenges are most acute for businesses with longer customer payment terms, seasonal trade or thin margins, where even a slight change in cash timing can have an outsized impact. Theyre dealing with higher costs across the board, unpredictable revenue, and an ever-growing list of rules to comply with, often without the time or in-house resources larger companies take for granted, said Mr Beeson. Cashflow is the make-or-break. When payments arrive late or expenses rise suddenly, it doesnt take much for a well-run SME to fall behind. Thats when stress levels spike because payroll, tax and supplier bills dont wait. Research shows that 87% of Australian small businesses reported at least some cash flow issues in the past year, according to Xeros Money Matters report. More than half of Australian business leaders are concerned that the number of late-paying customers will increase. Beyond the immediate financial stress, Mr Beeson noted a confidence hit impacting even stable, well-run businesses. A lot are holding back on growth decisions like tendering for new work or adding headcount, purely because the timing and uncertainty feels harder to manage and less predictable, said Mr Beeson. Crime compounds pressure Other major pressure points in Victoria include staff shortages and managing the complexity of workplace compliance, as well as rising energy costs and a spike in crime, which is proving challenging for parts of the retail and hospitality sectors. The Victorian Default Offer for electricity increased by 1% for domestic customers and 3 per cent for small business customers from 1 July 2025, according to the Essential Services Commission. Average annual bills based on default offer prices reflect ongoing energy cost pressures for operators. The Victorian Government has announced plans to halve the number of business regulators by 2030, which coupled with other measures to reduce regulatory burden, aims to save Victorian businesses $500 million by 2030. The government has also committed to establishing a single entry point for business on all investment-related engagements and appointing a Coordinator-General to ensure agencies meet approval deadlines for major projects. Despite these commitments, the Business Councils analysis suggests Victoria needs more substantial reform to improve its competitive position. The report commends recent Victorian planning reforms that will assist in speeding up approvals and delivering more homes, representing one area where the state has shown improvement, climbing to fourth nationally in planning system performance. Mr Beeson said reducing stress on Victorian SMEs requires a practical policy focus on easing cost burdens, simplifying compliance and improving cash flow resilience. We need a genuine business reset that includes targeted government assistance where it actually moves the needle, cutting red tape and sensible tax relief that rewards employment and investment, said Mr Beeson. Government has a role to play in removing unnecessary pressure points, but many of the challenges facing SMEs today come down to timing. When costs arise faster than revenue is received, even well-run businesses need to manage gaps between income and obligations. That timing risk doesnt disappear through policy alone. Mr Beeson also said improving payment practices by large organisations would help reduce uncertainty for smaller suppliers, but access to flexible working capital remains critical for businesses operating on longer payment terms or seasonal cycles. According to cash flow management experts, the challenge often centres on managing all parts of the working capital cycle as efficiently as possible simultaneously. Debtor management must start from the moment work begins, not when unpaid invoices fall overdue. Earlypay said SMEs can act now by reviewing payment cycles, stress testing funding needs under different trading scenarios, and ensuring appropriate working capital structures are in place before pressure builds. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents more than 100,000 members, customers and clients, and has called on the Victorian Government to impose no new taxes and reduce the regulatory burden on business, enable the property sector by cutting land tax and red tape, and better coordinate significant infrastructure including private-sector led projects. For businesses operating nationally, the Regulation Rumble report highlights significant variation in costs and compliance across jurisdictions. Payroll tax rates range from South Australias 4.95 per cent to the Australian Capital Territorys 7.85 per cent for large employers. Thresholds vary from $1 million in Victoria and Western Australia to $2.5 million in the Northern Territory. The report positions these competitive tax systems and effective regulation as part of the economic fundamentals necessary for a more resilient, diversified and dynamic economy, with jurisdictions achieving higher rankings generally better placed to capture business investment and support employment growth. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Trumps Indian-Origin Acting Cyber Defence Chief Uploaded Sensitive Files To ChatGPT: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 04:04 IST Madhu Gottumukkala, interim chief of CISA, uploaded sensitive government documents to a public AI tool, prompting internal DHS security warnings. Rapid Read An internal review was launched after Madhu Gottumukkala uploaded for official use only files to ChatGPT. (IMAGE: CISA) The acting head of the United States cyber defence agency uploaded sensitive government contracting documents into a public version of ChatGPT in the summer of 2025, triggering multiple internal security warnings, according to officials who spoke to US-based news outlet Politico. Madhu Gottumukkala, the interim chief of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), had pushed for access to the AI chatbot soon after arriving at the agency in May, even as the tool remained blocked for other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees at the time, the report said. Gottumukkala forced CISAs hand into making them give him ChatGPT, and then he abused it," one official told the outlet. While none of the documents uploaded were classified, the material included CISA contracting files marked for official use only", a designation used for sensitive government information not intended for public release, officials said. CISAs internal cybersecurity sensors flagged the uploads in August, triggering multiple automated alerts designed to prevent the theft or accidental disclosure of government material from federal networks. Senior DHS officials subsequently launched an internal review to assess whether the uploads posed any risk to government security, according to the report. It remains unclear what the review concluded, Politico said. Responding to the report, Marci McCarthy, Director of Public Affairs at CISA, said Gottumukkala had been granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place" and that the usage was short-term and limited". She added that the agency was committed to harnessing AI and other cutting-edge technologies" in line with President Donald Trumps executive order aimed at removing barriers to US leadership in artificial intelligence. Gottumukkala is currently the senior-most political official at CISA, an agency tasked with defending federal networks against sophisticated cyber threats, including state-backed hacking groups from countries such as Russia and China. Any material uploaded into the public version of ChatGPT used by Gottumukkala would have been shared with OpenAI, the company that operates the platform. OpenAI has said ChatGPT has more than 700 million active users, meaning uploaded data can potentially be used to help generate responses for other users. In contrast, other AI tools approved for use within DHS including the departments internally developed chatbot DHSChat are configured to ensure that queries and documents do not leave federal networks. 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 29, 2026, 04:04 IST News world Trumps Indian-Origin Acting Cyber Defence Chief Uploaded Sensitive Files To ChatGPT: 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... Ukraine Reached Out To SpaceX Over Russian Drones Using Starlink: Defence Minister Fedorov Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 21:18 IST Defence Minister thanked Elon Musk and SpaceX for swiftly addressing Russian drones using Starlink for attacks, highlighting Starlink's vital role in Ukraine's resilience. Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (Fedorov/X) Ukraines Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Thursday said Kyiv had reached out to Elon Musks SpaceX to discuss that Russian drones were using internet from Starlink satellites for attacks. Within hours of Russian drones with Starlink connectivity appearing over Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defence team promptly contacted SpaceX and proposed ways to resolve the problem," Fedorov said on social media. He further said: Western technologies must continue to support the democratic world and protect civilians not be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities." Im grateful to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and personally to Elon Musk for their swift response and for immediately beginning work on a solution. Elon Musks decision to urgently activate Starlink and send the first batch of terminals to Ukraine at the outset of the full-scale invasion was critical to the resilience of our state," he said. This comes days after Fedorov and a US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that the Russian army used Starlink satellites to guide its drone attacks deep into Ukraine. The ISW said that Russian forces are increasingly using Starlink satellite systems to extend the range of BM-35 strike drones to conduct mid-range strikes against the Ukrainian rear". According to AFP, Starlink is also widely used by the Ukrainian army for communications. Elon Musks decision to urgently activate Starlink and send the first batch of terminals to Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion was critically important for our countrys resilience," Fedorov said. Western technologies must continue to support the democratic world and protect civilians, not be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities," he added. When Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict initially looked like a conventional 21st-century war tanks, missiles, air strikes, and cyberattacks. Also Read: Russia vs Starlink: How Ukraine War Militarised Commercial Satellites; What It Means For India It was for the first time in modern history, a privately owned satellite constellation played a decisive role in sustaining a nations war effort. SpaceXs Starlink, a commercial satellite internet service launched to provide high-speed broadband, became a lifeline for Ukraine. As Russian strikes crippled terrestrial communication networks, Starlink terminals allowed Ukrainian military units, government agencies, and emergency responders to stay connected. What began as an emergency workaround soon evolved into a core element of Ukraines battlefield communications. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Ukraine First Published: January 29, 2026, 21:18 IST News world Ukraine Reached Out To SpaceX Over Russian Drones Using Starlink: Defence Minister Fedorov Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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-India Defence Partnership Takes Centre Stage As Congressional Delegation Visits New Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 29, 2026, 09:32 IST The delegation, which included Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior committee staff, met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Ranking Member Smith emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. A high-level bipartisan Congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Michael Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith visited India from January 24 to 28, reinforcing defence ties between the two nations. The delegation, which also included Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior committee staff, met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions were also held with Indian and American defence industry leaders. Focus On Defence Modernisation The United States values India as a Major Defence Partner. Our discussions in New Delhi focused on strengthening defence cooperation and advancing defence technology collaboration that supports Indias defence modernisation and enhances regional stability," Chairman Rogers said. Ranking Member Smith emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. The relationship between the United States and India is extremely important for both of our countries and the world. Our ability to conduct the kind of candid dialogue we have carried out on this delegation is crucial to strengthening our defence cooperation and regional stability, providing both economic and national security benefits for all involved," he stated. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the practical outcomes of the visit. Chairman Rogers visit and meetings with Indian leaders and defence experts advanced practical cooperation on protecting Americans and Indians as well as people throughout the region. These discussions strengthened ongoing defence collaboration, supported Indias defence modernisation goals, and reinforced our shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific," Gor said. Expanding Defence Technology Collaboration The delegations meetings centred on expanding defence cooperation, accelerating defence technology collaboration and identifying opportunities to enhance co-development and co-production between the two countries in support of shared security objectives. The Congressional visit came against the backdrop of significant trade tensions following Washingtons decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. However, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about resolving trade differences during the World Economic Forum in Davos last week. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said, I have great respect for your Prime Minister. Hes a fantastic man and a friend of mine. We are going to have a good deal," signalling possible progress on trade relations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 29, 2026, 09:32 IST News world US-India Defence Partnership Takes Centre Stage As Congressional Delegation Visits New Delhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- One winter day, as writer Xu Kun raced to meet a deadline, she received a neighborhood notice announcing a temporary power outage. She turned to her residents' chat group to ask if anyone could recommend a nearby place with heating and internet access where she could read and write. At her neighbors' suggestion, Xu made her way to a local cultural center located over 1 km away. The four-story public facility housed a library, a cinema and training spaces, all well equipped and free to the public. Yet every seat in the second-floor library was already taken. "It wasn't until then that I realized that even with such public reading spaces, supply still couldn't meet demand," Xu said. Her experience reflects a broader reality highlighted in China's newly released Regulation on the Promotion of Nationwide Reading, which calls on governments at all levels to expand reading facilities, improve services and create a more supportive reading environment. The regulation, which was promulgated by the State Council last December and will take effect on Feb. 1, is a part of China's drive to cultivate a book-loving society and a socialist cultural powerhouse. EMBEDDING READING IN DAILY LIFE The continuity of Chinese civilization for over five millennia is closely tied to a long-standing reverence for learning and reading. In recent years, however, fragmented reading habits and utilitarian approaches to reading have raised concerns. The regulation aims to foster a society in which reading is widely valued, well-guided and deeply embedded in daily life. It designates the fourth week of April each year as national reading week, encouraging reading activities nationwide. Legal experts emphasize that it is an administrative regulation aimed at "safeguarding and promoting nationwide reading." Rather than regulating individuals, it places responsibility on governments at all levels to ensure the necessary conditions for reading. "By clearly defining responsibilities through administrative regulation, it provides strong institutional support for a nationwide reading promotion system that is inclusive, equitable and efficient," said Wu Shulin, chairman of the Publishers Association of China. The regulation requires governments at or above the county level to include funding for reading promotion in their budgets. It also encourages government offices, schools, enterprises and public institutions to establish various reading facilities, while calling on bookstores to upgrade their reading environments and organize related activities. "The vitality of reading lies in accessibility," said Feng Shixin, president of the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication. This regulation helps integrate reading into everyday life, allowing people to experience reading as a natural part of life, he added. The regulation encourages public venues such as railway stations, airports and shopping malls to install reading facilities. Parks and tourist attractions are also encouraged to provide suitable reading spaces where conditions permit. Some cities have already made initial attempts. In Sanya, in the southern island province of Hainan, a seaside book fair allows visitors to read on the beach, blending natural scenery with cultural engagement. In cities such as Beijing and Wuhan, libraries have been introduced into subway stations, where commuters can scan QR codes to access quality books for free. In the future, more urban reading rooms, community libraries and digital platforms are expected to emerge, making reading facilities increasingly ubiquitous. PROMOTING READING FOR ALL The regulation places special emphasis on protecting the reading rights of minors, senior citizens and people with disabilities, stressing the importance of providing services tailored to their needs. For minors, parents and other guardians are encouraged to lead by example by promoting family and parent-child reading, helping young readers cultivate strong and lasting reading habits. It also prioritizes support for rural areas, former revolutionary base areas, ethnic minority regions, border areas, and less-developed regions, to ensure balanced development. "These targeted measures are designed to address real challenges and ensure that efforts to promote reading reach every corner of the grassroots level," said Lu Shaoyang, a professor at Peking University's School of Journalism and Communication. OPTIMIZING CONTENT SUPPLY The regulation also sets clear requirements for improving the supply of reading content, urging publishers to produce more high-quality works with intellectual depth, artistic excellence and high production standards. Notably, it makes clear that reading is no longer confined to print. Digital reading is encouraged alongside traditional formats, with a focus on expanding access to quality digital content. At the recent 2026 Beijing Book Fair, a key platform for promoting nationwide reading, achievements in artificial intelligence and digital publishing took center stage. The Encyclopedia of China Publishing House showcased its core digital products, including immersive "smart classrooms" that use technologies such as VR to offer interdisciplinary learning experiences for young readers, with topics ranging from China's Tiangong space station and human anatomy to the age of dinosaurs. "In the era of intelligence, systematic intellectual properties of the publishing industry are gaining unprecedented value," Wu Shulin said. "The industry must actively embrace technology and turn these properties into a growth impetus." Editor: Xiong Jian French lawmakers have approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, paving the way for the measure to enter into force at the start of the next school year. The bill also prohibits the use of mobile phones in high schools. The legislation was adopted by a 130-21 vote late Monday, the AP reports, as the idea of setting a minimum age for use of the platforms gains momentum across Europe. President Emmanuel Macron has requested that the legislation be fast-tracked, and it will be discussed by the Senate in the coming weeks. "Banning social media for those under 15: this is what scientists recommend, and this is what the French people are overwhelmingly calling for," Macron said after the vote. "Because our children's brains are not for saleneither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks. Because their dreams must not be dictated by algorithms." The issue is one of the few in a divided National Assembly to attract broad support; some lawmakers from the hard left denouncing provisions of the bill as infringement on civil liberties. Weakened domestically since his decision to dissolve parliament plunged France into a prolonged political crisis, Macron has strongly supported the ban. The government had previously passed a law prohibiting phone use in all primary and middle schools. The bill has been devised to be compliant with the European Union's Digital Services Act, which imposes a set of strict requirements designed to keep internet users safe. In November, European lawmakers called for action at the EU level to protect minors online, including a bloc-wide minimum age of 16 and bans on the most harmful practices. According to France's health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours a day on a smartphone. The report highlighted harmful effects stemming from the use of social networks, including reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to content associated with behaviors such as self-harm, drug use, and suicide. The ban won't cover online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories, or platforms for the development and sharing of open-source software. President Trump has announced that he signed an executive order to speed up reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes destroyed by the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires. The order directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration to find a way to issue regulations that would preempt state and local rules for obtaining permits and allow builders to "self-certify" that they have complied with "substantive health, safety, and building standards." In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom scoffed at the notion that the federal government could issue local rebuilding permits, the AP reports. "An executive order to rebuild Mars" would be equally useful, Newsom posted on X . Newsom also urged Trump to approve the state's $33.9 billion disaster aid request. The Democratic governor has traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for the money, but the administration has not approved it. "Please actually help us," Newsom posted. "We are begging you." He said on social media that more than 1,600 rebuilding permits have been issued in Los Angeles and that officials are moving at a fast pace. A White House statement said the order, signed Friday, seeks to allow homeowners to rebuild without contending with "unnecessary, duplicative, or obstructive" permitting requirements. Trump's order looks likely to be challenged by Los Angeles and California, per the Los Angeles Times. Fewer than a dozen homes had been rebuilt in Los Angeles County as of Jan. 7, one year after the fires began, the AP found. About 900 homes were under construction. The Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people and destroyed about 13,000 residential properties. The fires burned for more than three weeks, and cleanup efforts took about seven months. The order also directs federal agencies to expedite waivers, permits, and approvals to work around any environmental, historic preservation or natural resource laws that might stand in the way of rebuilding. Calling the order a "political stunt," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that instead of trying to meddle in the permitting process, the Trump administration should speed up FEMA reimbursements and issue an order to "demand the insurance industry pay people for their losses." Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a full-throated defense Wednesday of President Trump's military operation to seize then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, while explaining to US lawmakers the administration's approach to Greenland, NATO, Iran, and China. As Republican and Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee offered starkly different readings of the administration's foreign policy, Rubio addressed Trump's intentions and his often bellicose rhetoric that has alarmed US allies in Europe and elsewhere, including demands to take over Greenland, the AP reports. In the first public hearing since the Jan. 3 raid to depose Maduro, Rubio said Trump had acted to take out a major US national security threat in the Western Hemisphere. Trump's top diplomat said that America was safer and more secure as a result and that the administration would work with interim authorities to stabilize the South American country. Sen. Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that there's one way to keep the lights on at Homeland Security: Rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Senate Democratic leader on Wednesday rolled out conditions he said Republicans must accept before his caucus will support continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the Hill reports. Under the Trump administration, Schumer said: "ICE has been unleashed without guardrails. They violate constitutional rights all the time and deliberately refuse to coordinate with state and local law enforcement. This is not border security, this is not law and order, this is chaos." The conditions: UPDATE Jan 29, 2026 1:00 AM CST After Democratic US Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance at a Minneapolis town hall Tuesday night, city forensic scientists arrived on the scene, per CNN. Those investigators have determined the liquid she was hit with was likely apple cider vinegar, reports KARE11. The AP reports that photos taken of the syringe found at the scene appeared to show a light brown liquid, and an AP journalist who was present described a potent vinegar-like smell. Though Omar's team urged her to change her clothes after the incident, she declined to do so and continued speaking for roughly 25 minutes. Read on for details about Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, who is accused of spraying her with the liquid. Jan 28, 2026 5:50 PM CST The man accused of squirting an unknown substance on Democratic US Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall in Minneapolis has a criminal history and has made online posts supportive of President Trump. Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence, and has had numerous traffic citations, Minnesota court records show. There are also indications he has had significant financial problems, including two bankruptcy filings, the AP reports. The New York Times reports that his first DUI arrest came days after his wife filed for divorce in 2009. He remarried in 2013, but the marriage ended four years later. Two former detainees at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades testified Wednesday that they were hampered in seeking legal advice and had to write down attorneys' phone numbers on walls and beds using soap because they had no access to pen and paper. The men testified via video in a federal court in Fort Myers that their monitored calls to people outside the so-called Alligator Alcatrazset up to support President Trump's deportation campaignwould be dropped whenever they talked about seeking legal advice or trying to get an attorney, the AP reports. Impeding access to attorneys violates constitutional rights, the menone of whom was deported to Colombia and the other to Haiticontend, per WPTV. During a two-day hearing that started Wednesday, civil rights lawyers representing the detainees are seeking a temporary injunction from US District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell that would ensure that detainees at the Everglades facility get the same access to their attorneys as they do at federally run detention centers. The detention center was built last summer at a remote airstrip by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration. The former detainee from Haiti said he was asked to sign documents he didn't understand, which turned out to be papers to self-deport to Haiti; he feared returning there and had asked for asylum in the US. He then was given a second set of papers and told they would get him self-deported to Mexico, which he signed because of his fear of going to Haiti. In the end, he was sent back to Haiti, he said. The suit says attorneys have to make an appointment to visit three days in advance, unlike at immigration detention facilities where lawyers can just show up during visiting hours; that detainees often are transferred to other facilities after their attorneys had made an appointment; and that scheduling delays have been so lengthy that detainees were unable to meet with attorneys before key deadlines. State officials who are defendants in the lawsuit denied restricting the detainees' access to their attorneys and said any protocols were in place for security reasons and to make sure there was sufficient staffing, per the AP. Federal officials who are defendants said that no First Amendment rights were violated. The ICE detainee population, which excludes "Alligator Alcatraz" and other state-run facilities, has roughly doubled to about 70,000 since Trump took office a year ago. Texas Democrats Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett on Wednesday visited a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father at a Texas federal detention center, in a case that has stirred anger over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and given fuel to Democrats and others who are pushing back against ICE's actions. Castro said the House representatives met with Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, for about 30 minutes in a courtroom inside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, near San Antonio, the AP reports. Outside, Texas state police officers confronted protesters who demonstrated in support of the detainees inside, using pepper balls against the crowd. Liam's father said the boy has been sleeping a lot, asking about his mom and his classmates and saying he wants to go back to school, Castro said. "I would ask President Trump, who himself has grandkids who are of the age of some of the kids we met with today, to think of what it would be like for his grandkids to be behind bars," Castro said during a news conference afterward, at which he and other Democrats called for Liam and other detainees to be released. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took Liam and his father into custody on Jan. 20 in Minneapolis as part of a sweeping operation that has wrenched the city and spawned large protests. A photo of the boy wearing a blue winter hat and a Spider-Man backpack as he was detained has circulated widely. Castro described the child as "emblematic of the monstrosity of the ICE system and the detention system." 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 has called that description of events an "abject lie." It said the father fled on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway. A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary order prohibiting the Trump administration from removing the two from the US as their detention is challenged. Crockett said the children being held said they're not getting an education. "We are supposed to be better than this," she said. An immigration judge on Wednesday granted asylum to a Chinese national who he said had a "well founded fear" of persecution if sent back to China after exposing human rights abuses there. Guan Heng, 38, applied for asylum after arriving in the US illegally in 2021. He has been in custody since being swept up in an immigration enforcement operation in August as part of a mass deportation campaign by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security initially sought to deport Guan to Uganda, but dropped the plan in December after his plight raised public concerns and attracted attention on Capitol Hill, the AP reports. A car repeatedly slammed into the front of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, triggering a hate crime investigation and a citywide security response, according to New York officials. No one was hurt and the driver was quickly taken into custody outside the prominent Hasidic Jewish site in Crown Heights, reports CNN . Around 9pm, a gray Honda pulled into the building's driveway and rammed a set of doors multiple times, eventually knocking one door off its hinges, video from the scene shows. Two bystanders cautiously approached before officers arrived. The suspect, wearing a jacket, shorts, and boots, exited the car and, according to police, told the crowd, "It slipped!" Authorities have not released his name; they say he is cooperating and has told investigators the crash was not an intentional attack. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD's bomb squad searched the vehicle and found no explosives, and she was not aware of any weapons being recovered. Still, the incident is being probed as a possible hate crime amid a series of recent antisemitic attacks in New York, including a December stabbing in Crown Heights and a more recent incident where swastikas were spray-painted at a Brooklyn playground. The crash came on the 75th anniversary of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's selection as Chabad's leader, a date that drew "thousands of people" to the headquarters, reports ABC News. Yaacov Behrman, Chabad's public relations head, said he believes the timing was deliberate and that rabbinical students had spoken with the suspect about the gathering about an hour before the ramming. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the episode "deeply alarming," given the synagogue's historic role and global significance, and said any threat to Jewish institutions will be treated with utmost seriousness. Attorney General Letitia James said her office is working with the NYPD on the case. Israel may have bloodied Iran's forces in June's 12-day war, but it didn't knock out what matters most: missiles that can still reach US troops and allies across the Middle East. Analysts estimate Tehran retains roughly 2,000 medium-range ballistic missiles capable of striking as far as Israel, plus large numbers of shorter-range systems that can hit US bases in the Gulf and ships near the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reports. Add in anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedo boats, and swarms of drones, and Iran still has the means to seriously challenge US assets. "Tehran may be weak, but its robust missile force means it is still lethal," says Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. That's the backdrop as the US moves the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group and additional warplanes into the region while President Trump weighs potential strikes on Iran following the violent crushing of mass protests there and a lack of progress in nuclear talks. Sources tell CNN that Trump is seriously considering a major strike. Iran has vowed to retaliate, saying its "finger is on the trigger." Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that 30,000 to 40,000 US troops across multiple bases sit within range of Iranian drones and short-range missiles. Past Iranian responses to US actions have included strikes on bases in Iraq and Qatar, while allied groups such as Yemen's Houthis have targeted sites in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Israel's June campaign destroyed a large share of Iran's missile launchers and exposed weaknesses in Tehran's air defenses, but it also pushed Iran to adapt: using more advanced, longer-range missiles from deeper inside its territory and varying attack patterns to improve accuracy, the Journal reports. Even with Patriot and THAAD batteries in place, US and Israeli officials acknowledge that "a significant portion" of Iranian missiles would likely get through, raising the odds that any new US strike could quickly widen into a broader regional confrontation. Iran has reached out to other countries in the region and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom will "not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran or for any attacks from any party, regardless of their origin," the AP reports. The UAE has made a similar promise. The BBC looks at seven possible scenarios if the US strikes Iran, ranging from a transition to democracy after "surgical strikes" to a collapse into chaos and civil war. Another possibility: Iran could lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting world trade and oil prices. This photo taken on Jan. 27, 2026 shows a giant banner in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday rejected any prospect of talks with the United States as long as Washington continues to threaten military action, after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric and announced the deployment of additional U.S. naval forces to the Middle East. "There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "Conducting diplomacy through military pressure is neither effective nor useful. If they want negotiations, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and illogical issues." In a post on X, Araghchi added that Iran welcomes a new deal on its nuclear program but would respond forcefully to any U.S. military operation. "Our brave Armed Forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger," the Iranian diplomat said. Trump, meanwhile, urged Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, warning that a "massive armada" was moving toward the region. Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026 shows Hezbollah supporters holding portraits of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a rally to voice support for Iran and denounce U.S. threats in Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua) "A massive armada is heading to Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the force would be larger than one previously deployed near Venezuela and would be ready to act if necessary. "Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal -- NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," he added. "Time is running out." Trump warned that any future U.S. strike would be "far worse" than previous military actions if no agreement is reached. The United States has already dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers to the region. The U.S. Central Command said Monday that the carrier-led strike group had taken up position in Middle Eastern waters, without disclosing its exact location. The heightened military posture comes roughly a month after protests erupted across Iran, which Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting. Since then, Trump has sent mixed signals, alternately calling for negotiations while refusing to rule out military intervention. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi (R) attends a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) Inside Iran, the response to the naval buildup has been defiant. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Wednesday that any notion of a "limited strike" against Iran was an illusion. He warned that any U.S. military action "from any origin and at any level" would be considered the start of a war and would prompt an "immediate, all-out and unprecedented" response. In a statement, Iran's mission to the United Nations also warned against military action, citing the cost of past U.S. wars in the region. "The last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over 7 trillion U.S. dollars and lost more than 7,000 American lives," the statement said. "Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests -- but if pushed, it will defend itself." Iran has also sought to rally regional opposition to any U.S. strike. Officials contacted several Arab states this week, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they would not allow their airspace to be used for an attack on Iran. Turkiye, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, urged diplomacy. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Washington should restart nuclear talks with Tehran. "It's wrong to attack Iran. It's wrong to start another war," Fidan said. He added that Iran was ready to resume negotiations on its nuclear program and called on the United States to address disputes step by step, beginning with the nuclear issue. Editor: Xiong Jian New York City's long-troubled Rikers Island jail complex is getting a new boss, and it's not the mayor. A federal judge on Tuesday appointed Nicholas Deml, a former CIA officer and ex-head of Vermont's corrections system, to take operational control of Rikers, sidelining City Hall on major decisions, the New York Times reports. US District Judge Laura Taylor Swain ordered Deml and the city to deliver a confidential management plan within 21 days. The judge, who ordered the city to turn over control of the massive jail complex last year, said Deml, 38, will serve as a "remediation manager" who reports directly to the judge and is authorized to "take all actions necessary" to overhaul jails while working alongside the city's correction commissioner. The Queens Daily Eagle reports that Deml will have "the power to hire, train, promote, demote, transfer, investigate, evaluate, and fire" anybody working for the New York City Department of Correction except the commissioner, whose responsibilities he will largely assume. The move follows years of federal oversight and scathing reports about violence and mismanagement at Rikers, where a court-appointed monitor recently said reforms were advancing at a "glacial pace." At least 48 people have died in city custody or shortly after release since 2022, according to city data. Detainees' attorneys called Deml's appointment "a historic step" toward addressing what they described as ongoing constitutional violations. The correction officers' union said it hopes Deml's prior corrections experience means he understands staff safety concerns. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office amid intensifying scrutiny of the jails, said he looks forward to working with Deml. Mamdani has extended a longstanding jail "state of emergency" while ordering a plan to comply with suspended rules within 45 days. He also faces a fast-approaching legal deadline: a 2019 law requires the city to shut Rikers by August 2027 and replace it with four smaller borough-based jails, a timeline widely seen as in jeopardy as costs have ballooned to an estimated $15.5 billion and the jail population has climbed back to about 7,000. That's more than four times the prison population in Vermont, where Deml was commissioner of the Department of Corrections from 2021 until August last year, the Daily Eagle notes. An 80-year-old lottery winner who once took home $3.3 million has been jailed for helping run what a judge called one of the largest fake-pill operations ever uncovered by UK police. A Bolton crown court jury found John Eric Spiby guilty of conspiring to produce and supply Class C drugs, along with firearms and ammo offenses and perverting the course of justice, per a Greater Manchester Police release . He was sentenced to 16 years and six months. Prosecutors said Spiby led a drug network based at his "quiet, rural" home near Wigan that churned out counterfeit tablets of diazepam (aka Valium) on an industrial scale, with a potential street value of up to $398 million, reports the Guardian. The court heard that after his 2010 lottery win, Spiby modified the property and paid for machinery worth thousands of dollars to manufacture the bogus pills. In a group chat, Spiby had reportedly joked that "Elon [Musk] and Jeff [Bezos] best watch their backs." Judge Nicholas Clarke told him, "Despite your lottery win, you continued to live a life of crime beyond what would normally have been your retirement years." Spiby was one of four men convicted over the scheme, which police described as an organized-crime group dealing in drugs and firearms. His son, 37-year-old John Colin Spiby, received nine years; Lee Drury, 45, was jailed for nine years and nine months; and 35-year-old Callum Dorian was sentenced in 2024 to 12 years. Defense lawyer Adam Kent argued that Dorian was the true ringleader, quoting him as saying the "guy whose [house] we use is a millionaire," in reference to Spiby. The judge, however, said Spiby was "senior in both name and role" in the operation. The London Times notes that the men operated under cover of a phony company called Nutra Inc. as a front, with Drury reportedly at its helm. Don't worry if you didn't make it to the last Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Many of the films will be available to stream online starting Thursday through the weekend, including the buzzy Channing Tatum drama Josephine, per the AP . What started as a COVID-era necessity has become one of the festival's most beloved components. The Sundance Film Festival website has information on the technical requirements, but there are ways to watch on your computer and television. After you click the "Watch Now" button, you have five hours to complete the feature film. The cost is $35 for a single film, with proceeds benefiting artist programs. Anyone in the US can access the online portal. Rights restrictions make the films and shows unavailable to stream internationally. All of the feature films playing in the main competitions are included on the platform and a few extras, excluding those in the premieres section and those with theatrical distribution plans. Beth de Araujo's drama Josephine, about an 8-year-old (Mason Reeves) who witnesses a sexual assault in Golden Gate Park, is already one of the most talked about films of the festival. Tatum and Gemma Chan play the girl's parents, who are well meaning but unsure how to help their daughter navigate all the feelings and fear. The romantic drama Carousel, starring Chris Pine and Jenny Slate, will also be available, as well as other US Dramatic Competition titles such as Ha-chan, Shake Your Booty, set inside Tokyo's ballroom dance scene and The Musical, a comedy with Rob Lowe about a middle school teacher who tries to tank the school's chance of winning an award by staging an inappropriate play. Notable films in the NEXT section that will be streaming are Kogonada's lyrical zi, with Michelle Mao and Haley Lu Richardson, and The Incomer, a quirky comedy with Domhnall Gleeson. Documentary offerings include Seized, about the police raid on the Marion County Record, and The Lake, about the looming environmental crisis in Utah. "I'm not here because the federal government has carried out this mission perfectly," White House border czar Tom Homan said at a news conference in Minneapolis on Thursday. Homan, who arrived in the city after Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino was reassigned, said there is a plan to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota, but it will depend on cooperation from local authorities. Homan stressed: "We are not surrendering the president's mission on immigration enforcement." He said progress had been made in recent days and he would be "staying 'til the problem's gone." Drawdown. "I have staff from CBP and from ICE working on a drawdown plan," Homan said, per the Minnesota Star Tribune. "What does that look like, based on the cooperation? What does that look like based on the targets we have left to find?" He later added: "My main focus now is drawdown, based upon the great conversations I've had with your state and local leaders." Alex Pretti was forcefully taken to the ground by federal immigration agents after kicking out the taillight of their vehicle during a Minneapolis protest 11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection officers, videos that emerged on Wednesday show. The Jan. 13 scuffle was captured in a pair of videos that show Pretti shouting an expletive at the federal officers and struggling with them, per the AP . His winter coat comes off when he's on the ground and he either breaks free or the officers let him go and he scurries away. When he turns his back to the camera, what appears to be a handgun is visible in his waistband. At no point do the videos show Pretti reaching for the gun, and it's unclear whether the federal agents saw it. A person with knowledge of the incident confirmed to the AP that the man in the videos is Pretti and that he'd told his family of the confrontation. The new videos immediately rekindled the national debate about the death of Pretti, 37, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Donald Trump Jr., the president's oldest son, posted one of the videos on X and commented, "Just a peaceful legal observer." However, Steve Schleicher, a Minneapolis-based attorney representing Pretti's parents, said the earlier altercation in no way justified the officers fatally shooting Pretti on Saturday. "A week before Alex was gunned down in the streetdespite posing no threat to anyonehe was violently assaulted by a group of [federal] agents," Schleicher said in a written statement. "Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex's killing." Homeland Security Investigations is reviewing the new videos and incident, a department rep said. It's not known if any of the officers involved were also there when Pretti was killed; it's also not clear if the Jan. 13 incident is the same one reported on previously, in which Pretti was said to have suffered a broken rib. The new videos from the week prior to the shooting came from two sources. One, published by the Minnesota Star Tribune and later obtained by the AP, was taken by Max Shapiro, a witness who filmed the interaction. The second was by a crew for the News Movement, an online media outlet. Shapiro, a Minneapolis attorney, said he understands some will use the videos to try to vilify Pretti, but he noted that Pretti seemed like someone who cared deeply about what was happening to the people caught up in the Trump administration's deportation push. "I'm no immigration policy expert," Shapiro said. "But there has to be a better way to go about this." More here. The European Union has listed Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the bloc's top diplomat said in an X post on Thursday. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, said that foreign ministers unanimously agreed on the designation. "Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise," she said, per the AP . "This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh [ISIS]," Kallas said earlier Thursday. "If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist." The 27-nation bloc on Thursday also sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard, over the violent crackdown on protesters. Activists say the crackdown has seen at least 6,373 people killed. The EU on Thursday also sanctioned six organizations in Iran, including those involved in monitoring online content, as the country remains gripped by a three-week internet blackout by authorities. The sanctions mean that affected officials and organizations will have their assets frozen and their travel to Europe banned, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said earlier Thursday. The measures, while largely symbolic, add to international pressures on Iran, which faces a threat of military action from President Trump in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. The American military has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Mideast. It remains unclear whether Trump will decide to use force. The Revolutionary Guard holds vast business interests across Iran, and sanctions could see any of its assets in Europe seized. Iran already struggles under the weight of multiple international sanctions from countries, including the US and Britain. ICE agents have pulled back from an aggressive operation in Maine, according to Sen. Susan Collins, who says the move came after she pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to stand down. The immigration enforcement push drew bipartisan criticism after more than 200 people were arrested in the state this week, reports Axios . DHS described the operation as "targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities." But Collins, a Republican who leads the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the operation was "too sweeping and indiscriminate" and her office was inundated with calls from residents who were fearful and angry about legal immigrants being detained . "I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine," tweeted Collins. DHS has yet to confirm, per Politico. The senator had publicly urged Noem to halt aggressive campaigns in Maine and Minnesota on Monday, in advance of a Friday deadline to pass a spending package that includes funding for DHS. But she has not joined fellow Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska in demanding the secretary's resignation. Collins, whose seat is a prime Democratic target in 2026, said Thursday that she'll continue working with the secretary on "efforts to end illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activity" as ICE continues its "normal operations" in Maine, per the Maine Morning Star. Meanwhile, Democrats have threatened to block the spending package unless DHS funding is removed or efforts are made to rein in ICE. President Trump said Thursday he has informed Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, that he will reopen the country's commercial airspace and that Americans will soon be able to visit. Trump said he instructed his Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the US military to take steps to open the airspace for travel by the end of the day, the AP reports. "American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they'll be safe there," the president said. While the State Department still has its "Do not travel" advisory in effect for Americans about trips to Venezuela, at least one airline announced its intention to resume direct flights between the countries soon. American Airlines was the last US airline flying to Venezuela when in 2019 it suspended flights between Miami and the capital, Caracas, as well as the oil hub city of Maracaibo. The airline said Thursday it will work with federal authorities on security assessments and necessary permissions over the coming months. "We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the US, and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship," said an airline statement. Before Venezuela came undone in the mid-2010s, it was not uncommon for Venezuelans to take weekend leisure trips to Miami. US airlines stopped flying to Venezuela before the Department of Homeland Security in 2019 ordered an indefinite suspension, arguing that conditions in Venezuela threatened the "safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew." Earlier this week, the Trump administration notified Congress that it was taking the first steps toward reopening the shuttered American Embassy in Caracas as it explores restoring relations after the US military raid that ousted then-President Nicolas Maduro. In a notice to lawmakers dated Monday and obtained by the AP, the State Department said it was sending in a regular and growing contingent of temporary staffers to conduct "select" diplomatic functions. Diplomatic relations between the two countries collapsed in 2019. For nearly 30 years, a big stoneware crock on Lois Jurgens' back porch in Nebraska was little more than a sturdy spot on which to park grilling tools. But earlier this monthon her 91st birthday, in factthat same 30-gallon crock sold at auction for $32,000, reports the New York Post. The resident of Holdrege says she had no idea the crock made by Red Wing Stoneware more than a century ago was valuable. She had nearly put it up for sale for $20 at a garage sale, but "it was too heavy for us to handle," Jergens tells the Washington Post. President Trump said Thursday that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin not to target the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv for one week as the region experiences frigid temperatures and that Putin had agreed, but there was no confirmation of that from Russia. The call for a pause in attacks on Ukraine's capital comes as Russia has been pounding the country's critical infrastructure, leaving many around the country without heat in the dead of winter, the AP reports. "I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this ... extraordinary cold," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, adding that Putin has "agreed to that." This photo taken on Feb. 18, 2025 shows the headquarters of German Bundesbank in Frankfurt, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Persistent tariff threats have significantly undermined expectations that negotiations might stabilize transatlantic trade relations, raising doubts about whether the United States remains a reliable trading partner for the European Union. BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- German capital flows and trade have shown a simultaneous pullback with the United States, which analysts say reflects growing unease in the business community over the uncertainty of the U.S. economic policy. According to a German Economic Institute report, German-U.S. economic and trade relations came under renewed strain after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in early 2025. The downturn is adding pressure to Europe's largest economy and fuelling debate over whether Germany should further rely on the United States as a key economic partner. FALLING INVESTMENT, EXPORTS German investment and exports to the United States fell sharply last year, the report said, citing Deutsche Bundesbank data. German direct investment in the United States declined to 10.2 billion euros (12.2 billion U.S. dollars) between February and November 2025, a 45 percent fall year-on-year. Compared with the 2015-2024 average, the 2025 figure was more than 24 percent lower. Concurrently, exports to the United States weakened. Between February and October 2025, shipments declined by around 9 percent year-on-year. Automobile and auto part exports dropped nearly 19 percent, machinery about 10 percent, and chemical products by more than 10 percent. Analysts argue that, as these sectors have long been pillars of Germany's industrial competitiveness, the export slump demonstrated strain in German-U.S. economic relations. Trucks wait to enter the Container Terminal Tollerort in Hamburg, Germany, May 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Volkswagen Group Chairman Oliver Blume said that without a significant reduction in U.S. tariffs, further investment in the country would be difficult to justify. Plans for a new Audi plant could even be put on hold. The report also warned that repeated U.S. threats of new tariffs have heightened market concerns over the outlook for transatlantic economic relations. The German business community believes that persistent pressure continues to suppress investment and trade confidence, further exacerbating difficulties in bilateral economic ties. GROWING TENSIONS Strained German-U.S. economic relations have prompted concerns in Germany over the direction of U.S. economic policy. Sebastian Dullien, an economist at the Macroeconomic Policy Institute, said that German companies could increasingly view the United States as a high-risk market. Persistent tariff threats, he added, have significantly undermined expectations that negotiations might stabilize transatlantic trade relations, raising doubts about whether the United States remains a reliable trading partner for the European Union. Samina Sultan, an economist at the German Economic Institute, said that rising uncertainty has a clear dampening effect on investment and trade. "Trump's economic policies are unsettling companies, slowing transatlantic exchanges, and affecting not only German firms but also weakening the U.S. as a business location," she said. Sentiment indicators have pointed to a widening trust gap. A poll published by Germany's ARD broadcaster in early January showed that about 75 percent of Germans now consider the United States an unreliable partner. Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, said that Germany should reduce dependence on a single market and expand investment ties with other countries to spread risks and strengthen resilience. "Germany can no longer base its economic strategy primarily on the assumption of a stable and predictable U.S. partnership," he noted. Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a German automotive economics expert, said that current U.S. foreign policy is harming European and German interests and that Germany needs to reassess its external economic strategy. GOLD RESERVES DEBATE The debate over Germany's gold reserves being held in the United States has been revived. Germany holds the world's second-largest national gold reserves. For decades, more than 1,200 tonnes of German gold, or over one third of the total, have been stored in the vaults of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank in New York. Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictable U.S. economic policy, "There is no reason to continue storing 37 percent of Germany's gold reserves in the United States," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defense, was quoted by German magazine Der Spiegel as saying. Emanuel Moench, an economist and former head of research at the Deutsche Bundesbank, told the German newspaper Handelsblatt that maintaining such a large share of gold reserves in the United States carries risks under current geopolitical conditions and should be reassessed. Analysts believe that the renewed gold reserves debate highlights how strains in German-U.S. trade and investment ties are spilling over into broader questions of strategic trust, reflecting a widening split in transatlantic relations. The concerns and developments are potentially reshaping transatlantic economic relations well beyond the current downturn, calling on Europe to place greater emphasis on strategic autonomy and diversification. Editor: Xiong Jian Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 11F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy early, becoming mostly clear after midnight. Low -1F. Winds light and variable. TOKYO, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - Toyota Motor Corp. said on January 29th that its global vehicle sales in 2025 reached a record high, marking the sixth consecutive year the automaker has ranked first worldwide, supported by strong demand for hybrid vehicles in North America. Global sales for Toyota alone, including the Lexus brand, totaled 10,536,807 vehicles in 2025, up 3.7 percent from 2024 and the highest level on record. Overseas sales also hit a record, rising 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 9,035,544 vehicles, with solid demand in North America and Japan cited as the main drivers of growth. In North America in particular, hybrid models such as the Camry and Sienna performed strongly, and sales of electrified vehiclesincluding hybrids and electric vehiclesreached a record 4,994,894 units worldwide. When including group companies Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, Toyotas total global sales in 2025 also set a new high, increasing 4.6 percent from 2024 to 11,322,575 vehicles. The figure far exceeded sales by second-ranked Germanys Volkswagen, which sold about 8.98 million vehicles, allowing Toyota to maintain its position as the worlds top-selling automaker for a sixth straight year. Source: FNN TOKYO, Jan 30 (News On Japan) - Canon announced a change in its top management, with President Fujio Mitarai set to relinquish the presidency for the third time. Mitarai, currently 90, will move into the role of chairman and chief executive officer while handing day-to-day management to Vice President Ogawa, who will assume the post of president and chief operating officer. I will continue to set the companys management direction as chairman and CEO, while working closely with Vice President Ogawa as he takes on the role of president and COO, Mitarai said. Mitarai first became president in 1995 and has led the company for more than three decades, steering Canons expansion into a global enterprise. In 2006, he was selected as chairman of Keidanren, becoming one of Japans most prominent business leaders, and also served as a member of the governments Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Mitarai returned to the presidency in 2020 after the previous president stepped down for health reasons, marking his third term in the role after a four-year interval. The latest announcement represents his third departure from the presidency, as he transitions to focus on strategic oversight as chairman and CEO. Source: TBS MUMBAI, India, Jan. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Piramal Pharma Limited (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), a leading global pharmaceutical, health and wellness company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Third Quarter (Q3) and Nine Month (9M) ended 31st December 2025. Consolidated Financial Highlights (in Crores or as stated) Particulars Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 6,117 6,397 (4) % CDMO 1,166 1,278 (9) % 3,207 3,659 (12) % CHG 668 654 2 % 1,948 1,928 1 % PCH 334 278 20 % 954 819 16 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 628 977 (36) % EBITDA Margin 11 % 16 % 10 % 15 % PAT Before Expectational Item (95) 4 NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional Item (41) - NM (20) - NM PAT After Expectational Item (136) 4 NM (317) (62) NM Key Highlights for Q3 and 9M FY26 Revenue growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. EBITDA Margin Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Seeing significant pick-up in RFPs with early signs of recovery in order inflows since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. Growth Capex - US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest. Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Limited, said, "FY26 has been a muted year for the Company due to impact of inventory destocking and slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 in our CDMO business. However, in recent time, we are seeing early signs of recovery with pick-up in RFPs and order inflows on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US healthcare space. In our CHG business, we are investing in new products and expanding our presence in the ex-US markets. Acquiring niche brand like Kenalog, which is synergetic to our current business, is an important step in this direction. Our consumer business continues to outperform in its representative markets with robust growth in our power brands. Despite the slower growth in FY26, we continue to believe in long term growth prospects of our businesses and back them with timely investments in capacities and capabilities. Q4 has been historically the strongest quarter for the Company, and we expect this trend to continue this year as well." Key Business Highlights for Q3/9M FY26 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO): Biopharma funding in H2CY25 has shown signs of recovery with funding in H2CY25 close to double vs. H1CY25 and higher by over 50% vs H2CY24. Although, on full year basis CY25 funding was flat vs. CY24. Seeing significant improvement in RFPs along with uptick in order inflow since October 2025. Growth in orders from both large pharma and mid-size biotech companies. RFP/RFI trends for our overseas facilities with differentiated capabilities remained healthy. These sites have superior gross margin and scale up at these facilities can drive profitability going forward. Sustenance of biopharma funding along with faster decision making by the customers would be the key to healthy growth in FY27. US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest for our North America sites, especially from those looking for onshoring. Maintained our Best-in-Class Quality Track Record - Successfully closed 30 regulatory inspections, including 2 USFDA inspections in 9MFY26. Continue to maintain our 'Zero OAI' status. Complex Hospital Generics (CHG): Acquired Kenalog - Entered into an agreement to acquire Kenalog from Bristol-Myers Squibb in an all-cash deal for upfront consideration of US$ 35Mn, and contingent consideration of up to US$ 65Mn. Kenalog is a branded commercial injectable product with complex manufacturing requirements, complementing the CHG product portfolio. It is expected to generate EBITDA margin in-line with existing CHG business margins. Inhalation Anesthesia (IA) - Growing faster than market in the mature US Sevoflurane market with value market share of 47% - up from 44% in MAT Mar'24. (Source:- IQVIA) Initiated Sevoflurane supplies from lower cost Digwal facility in RoW markets. However initial pick-up lower than expected due to regulatory delays. Intrathecal Therapy Supply impacted in Q2FY26 have normalized. Maintained our #1 Rank in intrathecal Baclofen in the US with 75% value market share. (Source:- IQVIA) Injectable Pain Management Initiatives to resolve supply constraints starting to yield results. Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH): Power Brands grew strength to strength with 30% / 23% YoY growth during Q3 / 9M FY26, contributing to 51% of total PCH sales. Growth was primarily driven by Little's, Lacto Calamine, CIR, and i-range. New Product Launches Launched 31 new products and SKUs in 9M FY26. Invested about 12% of PCH sales in media and promotions in 9M FY26. E-commerce sales grew at 50% rate YoY in 9M FY26, contributing about 26% to PCH sales. More than 40% of e-commerce sales coming from quick commerce. Optimizing Portfolio and Distribution Channel Mix - Focused efforts to grow profitable brands and distribution channels with better margins. Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement (in Crores or as stated) Particulars Quarterly Nine Months Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % Q2FY26 QoQ % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 2,044 5 % 6,117 6,397 (4) % Other Income 43 12 256 % 66 (34) % 167 93 80 % Total Income 2,183 2,216 (2) % 2,109 3 % 6,285 6,490 (3) % Material Cost 786 806 (2) % 703 12 % 2,183 2,277 (4) % Employee Expenses 600 556 8 % 611 (2) % 1,830 1,695 8 % Other Expenses 558 504 11 % 571 (2) % 1,643 1,541 7 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 224 7 % 628 977 (36) % Interest Expenses 89 103 (14) % 82 8 % 258 318 (19) % Depreciation 213 197 8 % 203 5 % 613 574 7 % Share of Net Profit of Associates 10 17 (40) % 15 (31) % 44 57 (23) % Profit Before Tax (53) 67 NM (46) NM (199) 142 NM Tax 42 63 (33) % 53 (20) % 98 204 (52) % Net Profit after Tax (95) 4 NM (99) NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional item1 (41) - NM - NM (20) - NM Net Profit after Tax after Exceptional Item (136) 4 NM (99) NM (317) (62) NM 1. Q3FY26 - Includes gratuity and leave encashment provision due to impact of change in LWF Act 26 Crs. & Settlement with CDMO customers 15 Crs. 9MFY26 Includes exceptional items of Q3FY26 partially offset by one time insolvency proceeds received in Q1FY26 from a claim filed against a third- party supplier of CHG by 21Crs. Q3 and 9M FY26 Earnings Conference Call Piramal Pharma Limited will be hosting a conference call for investors / analysts on 29th January 2026 from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM (IST) to discuss its Q3 and 9M FY26 Results. The dial-in details for the call are as under: Event Location & Time Telephone Number Conference call on 29th January, 2026 India 09:30 AM IST +91 22 6280 1461 / +91 22 7115 8320 (Primary Number) 1 800 120 1221 (Toll free number) USA 11:00 AM (Eastern Time New York) Toll free number 18667462133 UK 04:00 AM (London Time) Toll free number 08081011573 Singapore 12:00 PM (Singapore Time) Toll free number 8001012045 Hong Kong 12:00 PM (Hong Kong Time) Toll free number 800964448 Express Join with Diamond Pass Please use this link for prior registration to reduce wait time at the time of joining the call Click here About Piramal Pharma Limited: Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL), (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 171 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH) business, selling over-the-counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL's associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market. Further, PPL has a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, that operates in the biologics / bio-therapeutics and vaccine segments. For more information, visit: Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn 1. Includes one facility via PPL's minority investment in Yapan Bio. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1855206/Piramal_Pharma_Limited_Logo.jpg SOURCE Piramal Pharma Limited For Investor Queries: Gagan Borana | Investor Relations & Enterprise Risk Management | [email protected]; Madhusudan Dalmia | Investor Relations | [email protected]; For Media Queries: Madiha Vahid | Lead - Branding & Communications | [email protected] Stephen Smith, president of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and a research professor at Carnegie Mellon University, is pictured during an interview with Xinhua in Singapore, on Jan. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Shu Chang) SINGAPORE, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- What's next for artificial intelligence (AI)? For Stephen Smith, a senior U.S. robotics researcher, the answer may lie in the way humans learn: lifelong learning. "What if you think about true intelligence and how humans learn? They learn very differently. Humans learn their whole lives," Smith, president of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), told Xinhua, adding that most AI today, built on large language models (LLMs), cannot truly learn over time, a gap that frames the questions to drive future research. Speaking during the 40th Annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Singapore, Smith said the most visible breakthrough in recent years is the rise of LLMs. These deep-learning systems, trained on massive datasets, can understand and generate text -- and increasingly, other types of content. "A lot of research is riding that wave or building on it," he said. Smith traced the rise of LLMs to longer-term shifts in computing and AI research. Over decades, growing computing power and changes in AI reasoning methods gradually pushed the field toward deep learning. That shift set the stage for the rapid evolution of LLMs. "The innovations behind LLMs -- and deep learning more generally -- have really energized the field," he said. Computer vision has advanced dramatically, and robotics has benefited as well. A new frontier is agentic AI. Unlike chatbots, which respond mainly to prompts, agentic AI focuses on autonomous decision-making. They are built around agents -- software entities that act independently. Smith sees cooperative systems, where multiple agents work together, as likely to make significant gains in the next few years. Many of these systems currently use LLMs for high-level decision-making, but "today's LLM technology still relies mainly on pre-programmed coordination plans," he said. "The challenge is to create teams of agents that can form, adapt, and plan together to solve larger, more complex problems on their own." At Carnegie Mellon University, where Smith is a research professor, his lab is exploring this. One student studies cooperative autonomous driving in urban environments. Each vehicle carries an LLM and shares sensor data with nearby cars. "They collaborate to figure out: Is there another vehicle behind you? Or a pedestrian sneaking out that I can't see?" Smith said. Vehicles perceive their surroundings, predict movements, and plan their own paths. Early results suggest the approach can enhance safety, and showcase what cooperative, agent-based AI might do. Still, Smith said, LLMs have limits. "There are a lot of things they don't do well. Some big tech companies would say it's just a matter of tweaking, but this is not likely," he said. To understand why, Smith explained how most LLMs are built. Models are trained on massive datasets over long periods, producing a base model that is then "frozen." Fine-tuning or reinforcement learning can adjust behavior, but it does not expand the model's knowledge in new directions. "At the same time, fine-tuning the LLMs can disrupt them. It's very much an art," he noted. Another key limitation is causal reasoning. LLMs model correlations, not cause-and-effect. Planning is difficult. "It's a capability of human reasoning that they don't really have," he said. Some systems appear to plan, but only because the steps to accomplish a task are pre-programmed. They don't ask, "If I do this, what happens next?" This gap, Smith added, helps explain why LLMs sometimes produce ridiculous answers. Embodied AI, including robotics, offers a partial solution. Machines that interact with the world can experiment and learn. "You can drop things and see what happens, or take actions and observe the results," Smith said. This hands-on experience helps fill knowledge gaps and understand causality. Think of a child playing with building blocks. With a few pieces, the child stacks, knocks down, and rearranges structures, gradually discovering what works. Similarly, AI's lifelong learning may rely on small, well-chosen data and exploration, rather than massive datasets. "That's essential to the concept of lifelong learning, a feature of human intelligence," Smith said. "Humans don't read an encyclopedia to acquire common-sense knowledge about how the world works," he added. These gaps make Smith cautious about "claims of artificial general intelligence (AGI)" -- AI with human-level cognitive abilities. Early chatbots showed promise. "There are problems LLMs have solved that you would imagine would require the intelligence of a graduate student working in that area," he said. But core challenges remain: LLMs don't continually learn, and they cannot yet revise understanding as humans do. He illustrated human flexibility with a scenario: a phone. Normally, it's for calling, but trapped in a burning building, it could become a tool to break a window. Humans can repurpose objects on the fly, but can AI? "I just think AGI is not around the corner. From a research perspective, there are plenty of challenges left," he said. Progress will come, but not quickly. "The capabilities or the types of things that machines can do, that humans can now do -- they will increase and increase. I think we've scratched the surface of the level of intelligence and autonomy that machines can potentially have." Smith also raised more immediate concerns: AI-generated misinformation and altered reality. "We need appropriate guardrails," he said. Editor: Xiong Jian New strategic partnership provides Canadians with access to resources and expert advice to build financial literacy along every step of the homebuying journey TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2026 /CNW/ - RBC and REALTOR.ca today announced a strategic partnership to bring together the largest Canadian brands in mortgage financing and home search to support Canadians on their homeownership journey with added education and advice. This is the first partnership of its kind between Canada's leading home search marketplace and leading financial institution. This long-term collaboration will pave the way for a new standard in the Canadian home search and purchasing experience by pairing REALTOR.ca's unparalleled property search capabilities, with RBC's industry-leading financial advice. "This partnership is an extension of RBC's ongoing commitment to empower more Canadians to achieve their homeownership aspirations, with trusted financial tools, advice and solutions," said Janet Boyle, Senior Vice President, Home Equity Finance, RBC. "By teaming up with REALTOR.ca, we're reinforcing our shared dedication to making the homeownership journey seamless for Canadians across the country." Under this partnership, RBC and REALTOR.ca will offer a comprehensive suite of resources and expert advice to help Canadians build their financial literacy around homeownership within the REALTOR.ca platform, delivering a seamless path from discovery to purchase, just in time for the spring home buying season. The partnership will expand over time to leverage RBC's capabilities to bring AI-enabled advice to Canadians and REALTORS using the platform. "Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions Canadians will ever make, and they deserve trusted guidance at every step of the journey," said Scott Neil, CEO of REALTOR.ca. "By partnering with RBC, we're bringing together REALTOR.ca's trusted marketplace with expert financial insights to help Canadians make confident, informed decisions on their path to homeownership." RBC and REALTOR.ca will also introduce co-branded thought leadership initiatives, focused on financial literacy and home ownership education to equip Canadians with practical knowledge to navigate homebuying confidently--from search and budgeting, to financing and saving for the future. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com . We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet . About REALTOR.ca REALTOR.ca, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), is Canada's No. 1 real estate website for accurate property listings and housing data. With more than 110 million unique visitors and 630 million visits annually, REALTOR.ca commands more than 60% of Canada's online real estate market. Trusted and powered by 158,000+ REALTORS, REALTOR.ca is supporting Canadians across the full home journey--from search and discovery, to ownership, maintaining, and selling. Media contact: Matt Trocchi, RBC, [email protected] Pierre Leduc, REALTOR.ca, [email protected] SOURCE RBC Royal Bank Open letter from Toronto's business and academic leaders calls on federal decision-makers to select Toronto as the lead city for Canada's bid TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2026 /CNW/ - Toronto Global today released an open letter in the Globe and Mail from Toronto's business and academic leadership calling on the Government of Canada to secure the headquarters of the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) for Canada, and to anchor Canada's bid in Toronto. View PDF A new global defence bank belongs in Toronto: An open letter from Torontos business and academic leaders. (CNW Group/Toronto Global) The letter is directed to federal decision-makers in Ottawa who will determine which Canadian city will lead Canada's bid in a competitive international process. The signatories argue that Canada should move decisively and present a clear, unified national case, anchored in the city best positioned to deliver credibility with allied partners and global capital markets from day one. The letter calls for a "national hub model," a Toronto-headquartered institution supported by specialized centres of expertise across the country, as a practical way to ensure the DSRB delivers benefits coast-to-coast while remaining anchored where Canada's capital markets are deepest. "Headquartering the DSRB here would accelerate defence and security investment, strengthen supply chains, and deliver thousands of highskilled jobs."- Rod Phillips, Chair, Toronto Global "This is about putting Canada in the strongest possible position to lead. Global institutions of this scale are headquartered in global financial centres. For Canada, that means Toronto."- Stephen Lund, CEO, Toronto Global Broad support across Toronto's economy and institutions The open letter is signed by dozens of leaders across finance, technology, infrastructure, aviation, transportation, academia, and innovation, including senior executives and institutional leaders from major pension funds, capital markets, universities, and research institutions. Signatories include leaders such as John McKenzie (TMX Group), Blake Hutcheson (OMERS), Tony Staffieri (Rogers Communications), Jo Taylor (Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan), Philip Witherington (Manulife), Glenda Crisp (Vector Institute), Melanie Woodin (University of Toronto), Mohamed Lachemi (Toronto Metropolitan University) and others. Why Toronto The signatories make the case that Toronto is uniquely positioned to serve as Canada's anchor platform for the DSRB because it combines: Capital markets depth and institutional capacity needed for sovereign-grade financing and complex risk management; Global connectivity to partner governments, investors, and institutions; A growing defence and dualuse innovation ecosystem, including strengths in AI, cyber security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies; and The ability to launch quickly and credibly in a security environment where speed and scale are decisive. About Toronto Global Toronto Global brings world-class international investment to the Greater Toronto Area to create jobs and strengthen the economy. Toronto Global proactively pursues global companies and supports every stage of their journey, from first outreach to final decision, to grow the Toronto Region's economy. SOURCE Toronto Global Media contact: Erika Lewis, [email protected] 416-271-2641 Tesla is now reporting the paid robotaxi miles in the quarterly. It was about 200,000 miles in December. Tesla now has 500+ cars in Austin and SF Bay Area and is doubling each month (verbally reported as the number of robotaxi and the goal to increase on earnings call). A fleet of 2,000 cars in March 2026 (as per the doubling progression: 500 in Jan 1,000 in Feb 2,000 in Mar): Base case (same ~4.77 rides/car/day): ~66,780 weekly rides (2,000 4.77 7, rounded). Double intensity (~9.54 rides/car/day): ~133,560 weekly rides. Triple intensity (~14.31 rides/car/day): ~200,340 weekly rides. Tesla has the lower rides per car per day for now. Uber and waymo have about triple the daily usage. Doubling current levels would get the weekly rides. Tesla will be reporting cumulative miles. Have to get the miles and infer the rides at about 5 miles per ride standard average for rideshare and Waymo. Waymo 2500 cars give 450,000 weekly rides. Picture from page 11 of quarterly earnings. In March to May, Tesla should definitively pass Waymo. Tesla executives stated on todays Q4 2025 earnings call (January 28, 2026) that Robotaxi operations in Austin have progressed to having no chase cars (follow vehicles), in addition to no safety monitors in the vehicle itself. Ashok Elluswamy (VP of AI Software) We were able to do our first rides with no safety monitor in the car in Austin. These were paid rides, so these were just sort of randomly selected paid rides with no safety monitor. I think maybe as of maybe yesterday or so, we actually dont even have a chase car or anything like that. So these are just cars with no people in them, and no ones following the car in Austin. Elon Musk -Well, it is 100% unsupervised. FSD is 100% unsupervised. I mean, we obviously have cars operating with no one in them and no safety monitor and no follow car or anything like that in Austin right now. Insurance company Lemonade now reports and is will to insure Tesla cars with FSD at half the price per mile of Tesla cars without FSD in operation. Note the Lemonade graphic, they are projecting Tesla FSD to be ten times safer version 17. FSD 15 will have half of the risk of collisions. I believe this is an actuarial projection from data they are getting. Tesla already has 500+ cars as robotaxi. They said no chase cars and no safety monitors for some of the Austin cars. Waymo has 133 incidents reported in Austin. austin is 8% of the Waymo fleet. 40,000 rides per week, about 200k miles per week. Tesla reported 200k miles in December from about 250 cars. Tesla likely at 400k-600k miles in January. Intensity of usage can triple or more to get to Uber/Waymo levels. Safety monitors starting to come out. I think most out by end of February in Austin. 500 cars in Austin and 1500 cars in SF Bay area in March would align with new double every month and would be the prior end of December aspiration by Elon. Waymo has 5 collisions and and 6 near misses in Austin out of 130 incidents. NHTSA has over 100 accidents per month for Waymo. 25 per week on about 2 million miles per week. So we are saying Waymo is getting into one accident every 80,000 miles but 14:1 it is the other cars fault? A website robotaxi tracker tried to use Google Gemini to analyze about 400 Waymo accidents. They get about 13-17% are Waymo at fault accidents. This would mean about 4 accidents per week are Waymo at fault. one in every 500,000 miles. Also, Waymo blocks intersections of traffic like when their entire system and all vehicles went down in the SF power outage. 64 incidents of nuisance, blocking traffic and school bus violations in austin. out of about 4 million miles. 60,000 miles per blocking or related incident. Collisions in such a situation would not be just the other cars fault. 20 high risk conditions every 1.3 million miles. This is to get us to the Waymo claim of one at fualt collision every 1.3 million miles. Human Drivers USA Near misses: These are much more common than reported crashes. Naturalistic driving studies (e.g., NHTSAs 100-Car Study and related analyses) indicate that drivers experience near-crashes or critical incidents far more frequentlypotentially several per year or even per month in high-risk scenarios. Some estimates suggest near-misses occur at rates 10100 times higher than actual crashes, with drivers in observational studies showing hundreds of near-events over months of monitored driving. Anecdotal and survey-based reports often put noticeable near-misses at 12 per month for active drivers, though this varies widely. [aka you would disengage human drivers every 1000 miles or so and critical disengagements every 5000 miles if you could from the passenger seat] How many police reported versus unreported crashes? Actual accidents for humans (police-reported crashes)- The average driver is involved in a police-reported crash roughly once every 1018 years (150k-250k miles but. Insurance data often cites a collision claim about once every 17.9 years. With ~238 million licensed drivers and ~5.96 million police-reported crashes annually (including property damage only, injury, and fatal), this equates to a low per-driver annual probability, but cumulatively, most drivers experience 34 police reported crashes over a lifetime (6-10 police reported and unreported accidents. 4-10 years between accident one in every 70-150k miles). At-fault accidents = Specific at-fault rates are harder to pinpoint nationally (as fault determination varies by state and crash reports), but studies show that in multi-vehicle crashes, roughly 5060% involve at least one at-fault driver (often the one violating right-of-way or following too closely). Human drivers contribute to fault in the vast majority of crashes via errors like distraction or speeding. No precise national per-driver annual at-fault rate exists, but its a subset of the overall crash rate above. More detailed breakdowns from NHTSA economic cost studies (e.g., Blincoe et al., referenced in recent analyses) indicate higher underreporting for specific severities: ~60% of property-damage-only (PDO) crashes are unreported, while ~32% of non-fatal injury crashes go unreported. Fatal crashes are essentially 100% reported. This means the overall ratio skews toward more unreported minor crashes, but police data covers nearly all serious ones. Zelenskyy: Naftogaz imports more than 50% of its own electricity consumption needs Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretsky to discuss the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraines oil and gas infrastructure and the restoration of gas infrastructure facilities. Yesterday, another agreement was concluded with the European Investment Bank for 50 million, and it is the EIB and the EBRD that are providing the bulk of financial support. Sergii Koretskyi also reported on the implementation of long-term agreements with partners in Europe, as well as on several strategic development projects in the oil and gas sector. Naftogaz is also importing electricity, covering more than 50% of its own consumption needs, thereby supporting the entire system, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday. The President noted that sufficient volumes of gas continue to be imported and supply channels have been significantly diversified. It is also essential to ensure equipment is restored and replaced all the relevant tasks have been issued. I thank all our partners who are supporting and helping us, the President stressed. Production of school buses in Ukraine in 2025 increases by 47% Kysylevsky Photo: https://www.facebook.com/kysylevskyy.official Production of school buses in Ukraine in 2025 increased by 47% to 728 units, primarily thanks to the state program School Bus, financed by the government and communities in the amount of UAH 2.7 billion, said Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development Dmytro Kysylevsky. According to him, 695 buses have been produced under this program. "State and local funding has ensured solvent demand, and directing these funds to bus production in Ukraine was made possible by the localization policy in public procurement," he wrote in a Facebook post. Kysylevsky noted that the School Bus program now accounts for 95% of buses produced in Ukraine. Projected procurement volumes allow factories in Cherkasy, Zaporizhia, Chernihiv, and Lutsk to plan investments in the production of new public transport models, including large-capacity buses. "Over 200 Ukrainian enterprises across communities nationwide are involved in the production chain for each bus," he added. He also reminded that four Ukrainian manufacturers participate in the School Bus program, producing buses under the brands Ataman (Isuzu), ZAZ, Etalon, and Bogdan. To participate, companies were required to ensure a minimum 25% localization of their vehicles in 2025, rising to 30% in 2026. "The use of localization and funding for the School Bus program will continue. The 2026 state budget allocates UAH 2 billion for the program, with additional funding provided by local communities," Kysylevsky said. As previously reported, according to Etalon Corporations estimates, up to 900 school buses could be delivered this year. The state budget subsidy for the 2025 purchase of school buses amounted to UAH 1.6 billion. Total of victims of UAV attack on Odesa rises to four, enemy continues to hit city with drones - official As of Thursday morning, the number of victims of the enemy drone attack on Odess on January 27 has increased to four, and on Thursday night, the Russian Federation again struck with drones, resulting in a fire, Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper has said. "The death of a fourth person as a result of the January 27 drone attack on Odesa has been confirmed," he wrote in a telegram. According to Kiper, an elderly man who lived in a destroyed house on Prokhorovska Street died from his injuries. Kiper expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. On Thursday morning, he said Russia had again attacked Odesa with strike drones. "As a result of the enemy attack, a fire broke out at an industrial facility. Warehouse and production buildings, trucks were damaged. There are no deaths or injuries," he said on Telegram. All special services are working to eliminate the consequences of the enemy attack, Kiper said. As reported, the Russian Federation carried out a drone attack on Odesa on the night of January 27. As a result, 35 people were injured, 12 of them were hospitalized. Representatives of public organizations demand that Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko cancel the order on including lawyer Oleksiy Shevchuk in the Competition Commission, which will select candidates for vacant administrative positions in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) has said. . "We, representatives of public organizations and the public, who have signed below, appeal to the Prosecutor General in connection with the decision to include lawyer Oleksiy Shevchuk in the Competition Commission, which will select candidates for vacant administrative positions in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (hereinafter referred to as the Commission)," the statement on the AntAC website says. The statement emphasizes that the National Bar Association of Ukraine reported that Order No. 405 of December 23, 2025 determined the composition of the Competition Commission, to which Shevchuk was included by direct decision of the Prosecutor General. Therefore, a number of public organizations and figures have already called on the Prosecutor General to cancel the order on his appointment to the commission, but he has not yet responded to any of the public appeals. Media workers listed a number of "publicly known facts that cast reasonable doubt" on Shevchuk's compliance with the requirements of the law for a member of the Competition Commission. These include the following: - Shevchuk appeared in journalistic investigations into the transfer of more than 200 men of draft age abroad due to abuse of the "Shlyakh" system, after which the National Police initiated criminal proceedings; - he was repeatedly deprived of his rights and suspended from practicing law for gross violations of ethics, in particular for publicly insulting colleagues and veterans; - Shevchuk's support for the "dictatorial laws of January 16" and hosting an author's program on a channel associated with Viktor Medvedchuk, which indicates his dishonest public reputation and media and political background, the statement emphasizes; - the ethics council in 2023 officially established Shevchuk's non-compliance with the criteria of professional ethics and integrity. "Competitive procedures for selecting the leadership of the SAPO must be not only formally legal, but also indisputably legitimate in the eyes of society and international partners of Ukraine. Including in the competition commission a person with the above-mentioned reputational and disciplinary circumstances creates risks of discrediting the competition commission itself and its decisions, reducing trust in the procedure for selecting the leadership of the SAPO, as well as weakening the capacity of the SAPO as a key institution of the anti-corruption system," the statement emphasized. The signatories demand that the Prosecutor General bring the composition of the competition commission into line with the requirements of the law "On the Prosecutor's Office," ensuring unconditional compliance with the criterion of integrity, impeccable business reputation and public authority of its members. In addition, to cancel the order in part of appointing Shevchuk as a member of the competition commission and determine a replacement that will meet the requirements of the law. "We believe that an urgent response to this situation is necessary to maintain trust in competitive procedures, protect the independence of the SAPO and ensure the proper functioning of the anti-corruption infrastructure of Ukraine," the signatories summarized. As reported, the Council of Prosecutors of Ukraine justifies the appointment of lawyer Oleksiy Shevchuk as a member of the Competition Commission for the competition for administrative positions in the SAPO as the only candidate from among the persons who participated in the selection and met the requirements of the law after one of the three participants refused to work in the competition commission. After Shevchuk was appointed as a member of the competition commission, which is to select the deputy head of the SAPO, he stated about a "wave of information attacks, slander and provocations" against him from a number of activists, which he attributed to the fact that he was a lawyer for Ilia Kyva during the period when he held the position of head of the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was responsible for countering the circulation of narcotic drugs. A jury has convicted a New York delivery driver of groping two women at a warehouse in South Jersey. The 28-year-old Spring Valley, New York, man was found guilty on Thursday of two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The groping incident happened on Feb. 21, 2024, at a voting machine warehouse on Dolphin Avenue in Northfield. Police responded to a call from the warehouse and later spoke to two female employees who said they were inappropriately touched by the driver. Both women said the driver touched them in the breast area, authorities said. He was arrested on the scene. Prosecutors did not say which company the New York man worked for as a delivery driver. He will be sentenced in Atlantic County Superior Court on April 24. France intends to continue to increase pressure on Russia until it commits to peace, including by working on new sanctions at the European level and continuing efforts to disrupt the shadow fleet, French leader Emmanuel Macron said. "France also remains determined to increase pressure on Russia as long as it refuses to commit to peace. We are working on new sanctions at the European level and will continue our efforts to disrupt the shadow fleet," he said on X. Macron was outraged by the Russian attack on the passenger train and strongly condemned Russian strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure. "Faced with this emergency, we are taking action. After the G7+ meeting, which France co-chaired, generators will be sent to Ukraine to help the population survive the winter," he wrote. According to him, France will support Ukraine as long as necessary to enable it to defend itself and thwart the aggressive war waged by Russia. In addition, according to Macron, Ukraine can count on France within the framework of the "Coalition of the Willing". "We continue to work to create conditions for a just and lasting peace that guarantees the security of Ukraine and Europe. We reviewed the negotiations that began last week in Abu Dhabi. We agreed that Europeans must be fully involved in the discussions that concern them," the French leader said. A 38-year-old New Jersey man was arrested days after he allegedly masturbated while driving past girls in Haddon Township. Kyle R. Edelstein has been charged with two counts each of criminal sexual contact and lewdness, Haddon Township, police said Thursday. Edelstein was also charged with two counts endangering the welfare of a child. Edelstein, of Pennsauken, was arrested by police on MacArthur Boulevard Tuesday after officers obtained a description of his van from witnesses and used an automated license plate reader, according to court documents. Edelstein drove past girls three times on Jan. 21 twice in the area of West Crystal Lake Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard and once near the corner of Pyle and Crestwood avenues, charging documents state. Both are residential neighborhoods, a few blocks from Haddon Township High School. Edelsteins attorney, Timothy Farrow, declined to comment. Anyone with information is asked to call the police departments anonymous tip line at 856-854-1176 ext. 4TIP (4847) or by visiting HaddonTwpPolice.com. Love is in the air on the Hallmark Channel! The feel-good networks Valentines Day-inspired Loveuary event has been an annual tradition since 2015. This years films feature small town romance, a magical love potion and beloved Hallmark Channel stars including Alison Sweeney. Keep scrolling for your guide to Hallmark Channels 2026 Loveuary lineup: The Way to You Aaron O'Connell and Kim Matula in "The Way to You." Hallmark Channel Premiere date: Saturday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. ET Kim Matula and Aaron OConnell star as New York City residents Emma and Conrad. After a subway blackout, Emma and Conrad agree to help each other find their respective missed connections and form an unexpected bond along the way. In the trailer, Emmas friend Hazel (Sarah Luby) advises her to stop talking about Conrads missed connection and start talking about the two of you. Because of Cupid Evan Roderick and Amy Groening in "Because of Cupid." Hallmark Channel Premiere date: Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. ET Best friends Naomi (Amy Groening) and Marcus (Evan Roderick) find their lives turned upside down after Cupid interferes with a love potion that affects Marcus and several of their friends. READ MORE: Full House alum returns to Hallmark Channel series 7 years after controversial exit The Stars Between Us Sarah Drew in "The Stars Between Us." Hallmark Channel Premiere date: Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. ET Seven years after making a connection with an astronomy professor (Matt Long) during an eclipse, news reporter Kim (Sarah Drew) returns to Illinois for another astronomical event. Romance at Hope Ranch Gabriel Hogan and Alison Sweeney in "Romance at Hope Ranch." Hallmark Channel Premiere date: Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. ET Alison Sweeney stars as Hope Morgan, a woman living out her childhood dream of running a ranch in Ruidoso, New Mexico. While reviving the towns beloved Giddy Up Gala, Hope sparks a romantic connection. Gabriel Hogan plays Sweeneys love interest. All four Loveuary movies will premiere on the Hallmark Channel. You can stream them on Hallmark+ the day after they air. One of Hollywoods hottest new actors has withdrawn from a movie role after facing criticism over the casting. Odessa Azion, who recently starred in Marty Supreme," took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce shed be dropping her role in A24s upcoming film Deep Cuts. Azion, 25, said that she had not read Holly Brickleys 2021 novel before accepting the role of Zoe Gutierrez, a character described in the source novel as Mexican and Jewish. The actress, daughter of actor Pamela Adlon and film producer Felix Adlon, is an American-born woman of German descent. I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie, Azion wrote in an Instagram story. Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention. Odessa A'zion withdrew from a movie role after facing backlash over her casting. (Instagram, Odessa A'zion) (Instagram, Odessa A'zion) The I Love LA star revealed she originally auditioned for a different character named Percy and instantly said yes when offered the role of Zoe instead. Im so pissed yall, I hadnt read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting, she wrote. The film, directed by Sean Durkin, is a 2000s love story about two music-obsessed twenty-somethings and was scheduled to begin production in February. Id never take a role from someone else thats meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! Thats not me. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them, Azion said. I cant wait to see who it ends up being. The family of a Haitian man who died just a day after being detained inside a North Jersey federal immigration facility says they still have no answers about what happened to him. Jean Wilson Brutus, 41, died on Dec. 12 while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at Delaney Hall in Newark. His family independently ordered an autopsy, as they wait for federal officials to release an official report on his death. ICE has 90 days to publish a report on Brutuss death under a federal law from 2018, according to Homeland Security. ICE has no new information on its investigation into Brutuss death, an agency spokesperson said. While awaiting an official report from ICE about Brutuss death, his family is urging congressional lawmakers to scrutinize procedures and policies at Delaney Hall regarding interactions with detainees. Its the familys hope that they undertake an investigation and hearings both into ICE and their practices generally, said Oliver Barry, one of the attorneys representing Brutuss family. Brutus family hired Barry and attorney Joseph Champagne to independently investigate his death. The attorneys said they intend to gather evidence by obtaining medical records, studying autopsy results and are searching for witnesses. We are looking to locate individuals who may have been inside the facility and either saw or heard things at around the time of the adverse event that led to Mr. Brutuss death, Barry said. Roughly one day after arriving at Delaney Hall, Brutus suffered a medical emergency, ICE said previously. He was brought to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead. Brutus death sparked an outcry from Democratic lawmakers who have opposed the detention facility and renewed calls for greater transparency in its daily operations. Its devastating, its tragic, said Evans Belony, Brutuss cousin with whom he resided in Irvington, Essex County. Were grieving this process. Its a long process, and its...a big burden on our hearts. Brutus, an only child, worked as a security official at a Haitian hospital, Belony said. He sought asylum in the U.S. to flee escalating gang violence in the island nation. As unrest on the island worsened, Brutus first fled to Brazil, supporting himself as a worker in a chicken processing factory, Belony said. Brutus traveled through South America on foot and by public transit before reaching Texas. From there, he flew to New Jersey to begin formal immigration proceedings, Belony said. Weeks after reaching the U.S., Brutuss mother died of a heart attack in Haiti. For years, Brutus relied on her guidance after his father died years earlier, Belony said. He believed in hard work, Belony said. He wasnt the person who likes to sit down and be a couch potato. ICE previously said Brutus entered the U.S. illegally in 2023, passing through a point of entry in Texas. However, he was allowed to remain in the U.S. while waiting to appear before an immigration judge. ICE officials detained Brutus after being arrested five times, according to Homeland Security. Those arrests stemmed from Brutus being ordered to leave areas outside at least three buildings on East Jersey Street in Elizabeth, according to criminal complaints reviewed by NJ Advance Media. After being charged with trespassing, Brutus was accused of returning to the area and using bricks to damage windows, according to two affidavits of probable cause. Two instances of alleged mischief caused approximately $5,500 in damages, police affidavits state. All charges against him were disorderly persons offenses and third and fourth degree crimes, police records state. Charging papers identify Brutus as being homeless, though his family maintains their homes were always available to him. His fifth arrest led to ICE to detain Brutus. His family only learned that he was arrested by immigration agents after his death, Belony said. My understanding is that after the recent death of a parent, he was distraught and may have been having a hard time dealing with that loss, Barry said. In a previous statement on Brutuss death, ICE said detainees routinely receive medical screenings within 12 hours of arriving detention facilities. A full health assessment is performed within 14 days of entering ICE custody. ICE never denies an inmate medical care, the agency said. The state has charged three men with various crimes in the sex trafficking of a 13-year-old girl. The alleged ringleader of the human trafficking operation, Mickael Derius, 30, of Newark, is also accused of sex trafficking a second child. He is charged with the first-degree crimes of human trafficking of a minor, aggravated sexual assault of a minor by aiding and abetting and promoting prostitution of a minor, as well as two counts of second-degree sexual assault of a minor, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement on Thursday. The other men Terry D. Nero, 44, of Elizabeth, and Jonathan O. Ramirez, 29, of East Orange are also facing multiple serious charges. Nero is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a minor by aiding and abetting, four counts of second-degree sexual assault of a minor and second-degree promoting prostitution of a minor. Ramirez is charged with four counts of first-degree manufacturing and filming the sexual assault of a minor and second-degree sexual assault of a minor. All three men are additionally charged with a single count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation started in August 2025 when a 13-year-old girl, who was under the custody of the state Division of Child Protection & Permanency, was reported missing. State and local police later found the girl in East Orange and she told them she had been sex trafficked, authorities said. The victim reported that as she was walking with a friend in Newark, Derius lured them into his car, officials said. Derius and another man then sexually assaulted the girls and paid them $300, the victim reported to police. The 13-year-old victim was later coerced to meet with Derius three times for commercial sex, the state alleged. It is not clear how many times the second victim, whose age was not disclosed, was sexually assaulted. The charges filed against these three defendants underscore the brutal reality of crimes that target our most vulnerable our children, said Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors are among the most disturbing offenses we investigate, and they demand an aggressive, uncompromising response. Between July and August 2025, he arranged for the 13-year-old victim to meet with other adult men for commercial sex, including his co-defendant, Nero, authorities said. Ramirez met the 13-year-old victim through social media in February 2025, officials said. He later sexually assaulted her and filmed the abuse, the state alleged. Officials did not say whether Ramirez knows the other two men. The Attorney Generals office is asking anyone with information about sex or labor-related human trafficking to call the Division of Criminal Justices 24-hour NJ Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-363-6548. Italian food runs in the Rallo familys blood. Victor Rallo opened his first restaurant with his father in Point Pleasant when he was 21. The family now operates Birravino in Red Bank, Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson and Pastavino across the Hudson in Staten Island. But when Victors son Jake wanted to join the family business, he was thinking less chicken parm and more coq au vin. When you look at Monmouth County, theres so much Italian in the area, Jake Rallo told NJ Advance Media. We wanted to bring that Balthazar, French brasserie-style restaurant thats iconic in New York City to the suburbs. That vision translates to a menu rooted in French cooking like escargots, steak frites and French onion soup paired with a polished but approachable dining room designed for both casual nights out and special occasions. Victor and Jake opened River Pointe Inn in Rumson in January of 2024. Led by executive chef Josh Laurano (who once earned a Michelin star at La Sirena in New York) the transition to French cuisine was seamless thanks to lots of research and a shared passion for classic French techniques. Victor Rallo (left) and his son Jake Rallo at their restaurant, River Pointe Inn in Rumson. January 28, 2026 Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media We really pulled together a menu and beverage program that is super diverse, Jake Rallo said. You can go on a Monday night and grab a burger and a beer and be happy, or you can go there on your anniversary and get caviar and donuts or a porterhouse. The Jersey Shore is indeed awash in marinara bearnaise sauce, not so much. River Pointe Inn is a smart but daring pivot for a family that knows Italian food in a state that loves it. French food is prestigious, but less approachable and more expensive. The real test of course is the food and thats precisely where River Pointe Inn shines. Lets dig in. "Salt Air" cocktail at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ Lauren Musni The good River Pointe Inn offers both lunch and dinner menus, with French fare like escargots, steak frites, ratatouille and steak tartare, alongside daily specials. The menu also features raw oysters, fresh fish and a variety of sides, burgers and sandwiches, making it approachable for any occasion. Both menus change seasonally with a few staples remaining. The drink menu is equally impressive, with handcrafted cocktails, martinis and an extensive wine list designed to complement the French-inspired menu. My server recommended the Salt Air martini ($21) with a salty foam that was refreshing, tangy and a little savory. Beets and Cream dish at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni The meal began with the beets and cream ($19), a striking dish of roasted golden beets tossed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette, artfully arranged over a creamy bed of stracciatella with a generous sprinkle of spiced peanuts and mache (small, leafy greens). The milky, simple taste of the cheese and nutty crunch paired beautifully with the earthy, lightly spiced beets, created a dish that was as bright in flavor as it was in presentation. There arent many Italian influences here, but Im glad this one made it through. Caviar and donuts dish at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni Caviar is synonymous with French food but the tiny, briny fish eggs are having a culinary moment beyond brasseries. Restaurants across New Jersey and beyond are putting fish roe on everything from burrata to latkes, or simply doing caviar bumps off their hands. River Pointe Inn found its own creative vessel for the dish caviar and doughnuts ($59). Yes, caviar and doughnuts. No, its not what you think. The intriguing plate arrives with a small tin set over ice with a mixture of shallot sour cream and egg yolk topped with Osetra caviar (roe from Russian sturgeon). On the side are eight mini potato and chive donuts, an unexpected but playful pairing that immediately grabs attention. The warm, savory donut with a scoop of the cool, salty caviar mix was indulgent without feeling overly opulent. This was a smart and innovative way to serve the luxurious delicacy. Escargots at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni Escargots ($23) is one of the most intimidating but nonetheless delicious cornerstones of French cooking. Yes, snails. River Pointe Inn takes these little gems out of the shell and soaks them in milk to tenderize them before baking with a healthy amount of garlic and harissa with a coating of breadcrumbs on top. The plate is then served alongside two small crusty baguettes. The sauce was the star here, bursting with a subtle spice and garlicky flavor that enhance each piece of the soft, mild meat. The baguette was a nice addition to soak up the rest of that luscious sauce. While this is a common way of serving escargot, River Pointe Inn added its own twist by adding spicy harissa a wise choice for another level of flavor. If youve never had escargots, theres no better place in New Jersey for your first time than here. Steak frites at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni Steak frites ($52) is another timeless French dish that is also enjoying a renewed moment in the American culinary zeitgeist. River Pointe Inn executed this wonderfully. A Black Angus hanger steak (prepared medium at the servers suggestion) came sliced on the plate topped with a generous pat of maitred butter a French compound butter with lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. The juicy, tender steak was served with their housemade twice-cooked French fries that were satisfyingly crispy and seasoned. Chicken au Poivre at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni Chicken au poivre ($42) is another French standard featuring pan-seared chicken served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, a classic French sauce often served over steaks. The restaurant took a pan-seared frenched chicken (skin on, bone out) and laid it above crisp haricot vert, silky celery root puree and shiitake mushrooms with a pour of the peppercorn jus on top. This dish reminded me of an elevated fried chicken and mashed potatoes dish flavorful and comforting. Champignon Gratine at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni Pasta is not a staple of France but the Rallo familys Italian roots make it lesss surprising the River Pointe Inns champignon gratine ($34) is on the menu. The layered pasta dish weaves together bechamel, mushroom duxelles and gruyere, with a generous base of Marcona almond romesco anchoring the plate. Every spoonful delivered melty cheese and deep mushroom flavor aided by a swipe of that smoky sauce. Dessert at River Pointe Inn in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni The meal was rounded out by their chocolate cake ($21) and carrot walnut cake ($20). That might sound simple, but these desserts were anything but. The chocolate cake featured 12 layers of a decadent cake and velvety chocolate ganache with a side of whipped cream. The moist carrot walnut cake was equally indulgent layered with warm spices, rich cream cheese frosting and dotted with toasted walnuts. Each cake was balanced rather than being overly sweet. The bad There were no culinary letdowns at River Point Inn. But the French delicacies come at a cost literally. This place isnt cheap. Starters regularly push past the $20 mark and entrees are between $30 and $50. The tasty cocktails can also make the price tag climb quickly. While the quality largely justifies the cost, its a place diners will want to budget for. You can just come in for a burger and a martini, but the full dinner experience here undoubtedly a splurge. The Hearth Room at River Pointe Inn in Rumson. January 28, 2026 Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media The vibes River Pointe Inn is small in size but ownership optimized the space in a very charming way. There are two dining areas. One room is by their 18-seat bar with various booths to sit smaller parties with dim lighting, giving a city, speakeasy vibe. The other dining area is called the Hearth Room and has several tables, bright natural lighting and a fireplace fit for much larger parties. Thoughtful details tie the space together from warm wooden seating, exposed brick wall, simple but elegant table settings to dried floral arrangements that add texture without overwhelming the rooms. The waitstaff were knowledgeable about all the dishes and drinks, while also being attentive throughout the whole meal. River Pointe Inn in Rumson. January 28, 2026 Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media The bottom line River Pointe Inn proves the Rallo familys expertise extends well beyond Italian food and is very welcome addition in a county drowning in Italian cuisine. The family set out to do something different and they succeeded. It was just a culmination of dining at a lot of our favorite restaurants in Manhattan and around the area, Jake Rallo said. Pinpointing certain design aspects that we like, things that we didnt like, and slowly piecing everything together. Instead of leaning on the comfort and familiarity of red-sauce staples, the family took on the more technical, sauce-driven precision of French cuisine where presentation matters just as much as the flavor. That approach shows across the menu from the delicious drinks, remarkable starters, exquisite entrees to the delightful desserts. Seasonal menu changes keep the experience feeling fresh, while the confident execution proves the research and work paid off. Yes, 2026 is young. But my meal at River Pointe Inn is the leader in the clubhouse for the best of the year. Its a welcome addition to the Rumson and an excellent entry point into French cuisine. For more than three decades, Paul Rooney showed up faithfully to his job at the Kearny School District, walking the six blocks from his parents home to sweep floors, clean bathrooms and tidy up classrooms. Working as a custodian at Schuyler Elementary School gave Rooney purpose, according to his family. It allowed the intellectually disabled man to earn a paycheck and keep a routine, while pitching in to better his community. Yet in that time, Rooneys family now charges, he was being taken advantage of paid less than other school janitors though he performed the same basic duties. In a lawsuit filed last month on Rooneys behalf, his family charged he was earning roughly $15,000 a year less than his coworkers when he retired in January 2025 after 35 years of service. Were not vindictive, said his brother, Michael Rooney, a retired Kearny firefighter who cast the family as reluctant litigants. We just want to get whats right and proper. The suit accused the towns public school system of exploiting Rooney and his vulnerabilities in violation of New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination. It estimated that all told, he was shortchanged more than $200,000 in lost wages and future pension earnings. Though Kearny custodians are unionized, the suit accused the district of foisting a less generous individual contract on Rooney as he neared the end of his career. He was asked to sign the document, which capped his salary at $45,000, though he reads only at the level of an 8- or 9-year old, the suit said. The suit also charged Rooney had union dues regularly deducted from his paychecks, though he apparently wasnt represented by the union, the Kearny School Employees Association. Michael Rooney, in foreground, said he was helping his brother Paul prepare for retirement when he realized the Kearny School District had been paying the longtime custodian less than his coworkers. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media The law requires employers to accommodate workers with disabilities and pay them fairly, recognizing their limitations often pose no hindrance to the roles they perform. But advocates say unequal treatment still sometimes goes unreported, because families worry their loved ones will be punished if they complain. In a statement, the school district denied mistreating Rooney and said it believes it will be vindicated. The district would not address the suits specific allegations, but maintained there is another side to this matter that will be presented as the legal process unfolds in Superior Court in Hudson County. The Kearny School District adamantly denies any improprieties in connection with the employment of Mr. Paul Rooney, wrote Kenneth Lindenfelser, the districts lawyer. Efforts to reach the Kearny School Employees Association, which covers the districts custodians, were unsuccessful. Rooney, 61, is the youngest of three brothers who were born in Scotland and immigrated with their parents to the United States in the 1970s. His cognitive disabilities date to a babyhood accident in which he fell from a chair and hit his head, later developing epilepsy, according to Michael Rooney, who lives in Point Pleasant and looks after his brother. For most of his life, Rooney was cared for by his now-late parents: his father, a steamfitter, and his mother, a stay-at-home mom. As a boy, he attended special needs classes in Kearny and was able to graduate high school, though it took him a couple of years longer than normal, his brother said. Rooney began working for the district in 1989, after his mother urged him to apply. He spent his entire career in the same building, starting at a salary of $5 an hour. The longest job I had, Rooney said during a recent interview with NJ Advance Media, his cadence slow and labored. The kids didnt want me to leave. As his brother and their lawyer, Eric Kleiner, went through details of the case, Rooney largely sat quietly at the kitchen table of his first-floor condo, his hands folded in front of him. A bespectacled man with a receding gray hairline, Rooney had no trouble describing the duties of his former job from picking up pizza boxes, to mopping the floors, to throwing the garbage away or the 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours he worked. Michael Rooney called his brother amicable and eager to please, and said he never faced discipline in his time at the school. I tell Paul, You know, were proud of you, his brother said. You accomplished 35 years of work. It was as Rooney was preparing to retire that Michael Rooney said he realized his brother was being paid less than others. Michael said he asked school officials for an explanation, but was rebuffed. Nobody really wanted to address the issue, Michael Rooney said. Nobody wants to take responsibility for how this has transpired over all these years. The suit represents the second that Kleiner, the familys lawyer, has filed in recent years on behalf of a school janitor with intellectual disabilities. Attorney Eric Kleiner filed a lawsuit on behalf of Paul Rooney, a retired Kearny school custodian who has intellectual disabilities. He is pictured at Rooneys home in Kearny on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media Last year, the Bloomfield School District paid a $150,000 settlement to a longtime custodian who charged he barely earned minimum wage, despite working there for 35 years. The district denied wrongdoing, though David Quinlan was paid as a per-diem employee and never received health benefits, a pension, vacation days or sick leave. Mercedes Witowsky, the executive director of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, called allegations like Rooneys and Quinlans disappointing, but said she believes they are rare. Witowsky noted both men were hired in an era when there were fewer resources for the disabled, and said in todays world, there are more support systems in place to protect them. So it is not something that we commonly hear, Witowsky said. Kleiner said he suspects there are other families in New Jersey who have similar complaints. But it is expensive, time-consuming and stressful to pursue a lawsuit against the government, he noted. Thats why litigation like Rooneys is important, Kleiner said. Paul is going to end up carrying a mantle, you know, for all the other Pauls, Kleiner said. A Hudson County man admitted to stealing military laptops, hundreds of thousands of dollars in luxury perfume and liquor from storage facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania last year, federal prosecutors said. Derek Spivey, 37, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to transport stolen goods and a separate count of violating the conditions of his supervised release for possessing a weapon as a felon. Authorities accused Spivey and three co-conspirators of burglarizing trailers at logistics warehouses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and then transporting them into and through New Jersey to sell the goods, officials said. Spivey and the others stole $50,000 worth of Department of Defense laptops from a warehouse in Pennsylvania in January 2025 and $200,000 worth of luxury perfume from a Pennsylvania warehouse in March 2025, officials said. They also stole $20,000 worth of liquor from a New Jersey warehouse in March 2025, according to officials. Spiveys sentencing is scheduled for June 1. His co-conspirators, Jamil Bethea, Jamal Reid and Rasheed Sharpe, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the operation and will be sentenced later this year, officials said. An attorney for Spivey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A teenager has been accused of fatally shooting a 16-year-old girl he knew Tuesday afternoon in New Brunswick, investigators said. The teen was charged with crimes that would constitute aggravated manslaughter and two weapons-related offenses if committed by an adult, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday night. Police were called to a Lawrence Street home shortly before 2:30 p.m. for a report of shots fired and found the girl, a city resident, who had been shot, the office said. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was later pronounced dead, authorities said. A male teen from Mays Landing who was also at the scene was taken into police custody and was charged, officials said. Investigators said the shooting was not random as he and the girl knew each other. No other information was released Wednesday night. New Brunswick High School Principal Cary Fields wrote Wednesday on the districts website that the school was mourning the loss of one of its students. New Brunswick High School shares its condolences with the community following the loss of a student and reminds families that counseling and support services are available to students in need, Fields wrote. It was unclear if the student mentioned is the same teen who was killed Tuesday. Fields could not immediately be reached for comment. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area of the shooting is asked to call New Brunswick Police Det. Brandt Gregus at 732-745-5217 or Det. Stephanie Redline of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-3316. Fred Bates couldnt get to his favorite spot on the beach in Sea Girt on a unseasonably balmy September day last year because, well, a 30-foot boat had crashed there the prior morning. Hello! Is anyone in there? Bates, an 81-year-old retired firefighter, remembers saying on Sept. 21. To his surprise out of the boats cabin emerged a middle-aged man. Lawrence Kaehler. He shocked me when he came out, Bates told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday afternoon, perfectly capturing Sea Girts collective reaction to what has become a months-long saga. He did look a little, oh, God. I dont want to say delirious, but kind of like in a shock, Bates said. Kaehlers shock turned to relief when the Sea Girt community welcomed him in after the shipwreck. The town fed him, clothed him and one family even gave him a place to stay for two weeks. Now four months later, the 52-year-old from Florida who locals later found owns a business, has two other boats and has a criminal history is feeling remorseful, he told officials in court. On Wednesday, a judge informed Kaehler that he has 30 days from Jan. 28 to remove the boat or face financial ramifications. Alright, sir, this has been a while, Judge Paul Capotorto told Kaehler virtually from the court in Wall. So we want this disposed of as soon as possible, Capotorto added. (The) town of Sea Girt has waited long enough, you understand that? I apologize, Kaehler responded. Its just a money thing. And since Ive come back to Florida, Im raising funds. Kaehler did not respond to calls and texts for additional comment Wednesday. He did not clarify how he was raising money or exactly when he planned to haul away the boat. Sea Girt will not be commenting on the matter while it remains in litigation, borough officials said earlier this week. Bates, who grew up in Asbury Park but has visited Sea Girt for 20 years, has joined a growing list of locals who say theyve had enough. Hes already eyeing summer at the Shore. Batess beach chair is ready. He wants his favorite spot back. I think by now he should have had it out. A dream voyage gone wrong The 30-foot white Catalina sailboat named Alestorm was supposed to fulfill Kaehlers dream of sailing the Eastern Seaboard. Kaehler had packed provisions including bread, peanut butter and ramen noodles before setting course for the 1,092-mile odyssey from New York to Floridas Cocoa Beach, he said in an interview last fall. Then, the Jersey City native crashed on the beach in Sea Girt. Kaehler made it just under 50 miles before wrecking in the Monmouth County borough home to fewer than 2,000 people. On that early morning around 4 a.m. last September, Kaehler mistook an outfall pipe as a marker for the Manasquan Inlet and didnt have time to recover, he told NJ Advance Media a month later. While the captain who was alone and only donning a T-shirt at the time tried to grab one of the boats lines to steady the vessel, he lost his grip, only for it to wrap around the rudder. It spelled a sandy doom. When I realized it wasnt the inlet, everything went really, really fast, Kaehler said last year recounting the incident, and I had to do what I had to do. In the weeks after, Kaehler tried several times to move the boat which is noticeably worn and still near Wreck Pond but to no avail. A noreaster and the shifting tide have only managed to push the vessel about 85 feet from its original landing spot, the towns lifeguard chief estimated. The New Jersey State Police on Oct. 20 cited Kaehler for abandoning the boat, a step the state can take after 30 days. The citation can come with a hefty fine of up to $1,000 a day. That means as of Wednesday 100 days since the ticket New Jersey was able to fine Kaehler $100,000 for abandoning the vessel under state law. The judge did not comment this week on issuing a specific fine. Kaehler in November pleaded not guilty to two summonses one for abandoning the boat and another for storing it on the beach in Sea Girt. A salvage company estimated the removal of Alestorm would cost between $5,000 and $20,000, Kaehler previously shared. Sea Girt, which aims to have the boat removed by mid-February, did not have its own estimate. The borough previously offered to help Kaehler take away the boat under the condition he not hold the municipality liable for any damage sustained, officials said earlier this year. Kaehler refused the offer three times, according to the boroughs police chief. A boat that wrecked on the beach in Sea Girt, New Jersey, by a Florida captain in September remained stranded four months later. Photo taken Jan. 13, 2026. Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com A boat that wrecked on the beach in Sea Girt, New Jersey, by a Florida captain in September remained stranded four months later. Photo taken Jan. 13, 2026. Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Whats the hold up? Reckoning with a deserted boat is nothing like handling a junked car. The solutions can be limited and costs add up quickly, NJ Advance Media found in a 2022 investigation. Taxpayers often have to shoulder the cost of hauling derelict and discarded vessels away when owners cannot move them. Sometimes boat removals can be expedited because of concerns over fuel spills or because boats become navigational hazards. But the boat in Sea Girt is solar-powered and not stuck in an area where other vessels are consistently navigating. When boats simply litter a public area, they can linger for months and sometimes years. And that poses safety risks, officials have said. If Kaehler fails to remove the boat within 30 days, the state will be taking a guilty plea to one of the (prior) charges that we have written together with a restitution for the townships cost of removal, Walls municipal prosecutor told the captain on Wednesday. Lets get that done within the 30 days, the judge told Kaehler Wednesday. Hopefully well be able to resolve this once and for all. For the town and yourself. Ukraine neutralized 84 of 105 enemy UAVs overnight, with hits recorded at seven locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "According to preliminary data, as of 8:30, air defense systems shot down/suppressed 84 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type and drones of other types in the north, south, center and east of the country," the report said. In total, on the night of January 29 (from 18:00 on January 28), the enemy attacked 105 attack UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type and drones of other types from the following directions: Bryansk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russia, temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk, Gvardiyske temporarily occupied Crimea, about 70 of them Shahed UAVs. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Some 18 strike UAVs were recorded hitting seven locations. The attack is ongoing, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace, the Air Force added. Stanford historian, Dr. Lenore A. Martin, will present Young King, a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s childhood. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and FrontRunnerNJ You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X). Dr. Lenore A. Martin will present Young King, an examination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s childhood and how that influenced his life and work at the Rutgers University-Camden Campus Center Multipurpose Room, 326 Penn Street, on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 4:40 p.m. A historian of religion in the 20th century, Martin is the faculty director for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, where he is also an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies. His books and scholarship program provide critical context for the forces of religion, politics and race that have shaped the contemporary American political and social landscape. Martins appointment to the position of Martin Luther King, Jr. centennial professor was the result of a national search to succeed the storied King Institutes founding director after more than 40 years in the role, making Martin only the second faculty director. One of his most important directorial responsibilities is the ongoing editing of Kings significant sermons, speeches, published writings, correspondence and unpublished papers. In June of 2023, under Martins leadership, the Institute received the largest gift in its history, which will support the digitization of Dr. Kings writings and make them available through a new, searchable online database accessible to the public and scholars worldwide. I think of Martin Luther King Jr. as a conversation partner in our studies of history and in helping us think about the future, Martin said. Martins book, Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King Jr., about the adolescence and calling of Martin Luther King, Jr., will be published by HarpersCollins in May 2026. For additional information, contact Simanti Lahiri, program coordinator for Public Engagement at Simanti.Lahiri@rutgers.edu. A driver was in police custody Wednesday night after a car with New Jersey license plates repeatedly rammed into an entrance of the Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish movement headquarters in Brooklyn, according to video and published reports. The incident, which police are investigating as a possible hate crime, occurred about 8:46 p.m. in Crown Heights when police officers heard a commotion and witnessed a vehicle striking a rear door of the building, reverse and strike the door again, police said. The car struck the building at 770 Eastern Parkway at least four times, police said. Officers immediately ordered the driver out of the car and they placed him under arrest, New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a press conference late Wednesday. Video posted to social media showed a man exiting the Honda sedan and being taken into police custody. No injuries were reported and the incident is under investigation as a hate crime, Tisch said. The New York Times, citing an internal police document, reported the vehicle is registered to a 36-year-old man from Carteret in Middlesex County. An NYPD spokesperson declined to release information about the driver early Thursday. The American Defamation League of New York & New Jersey swiftly responded to the incident Wednesday night. We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occurred tonight in Brooklyn. This building is not only a synagogue, but also the worldwide Chabad Headquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world, the ADL said in a statement posted to X. The United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York also condemned the incident. Were horrified by tonights car ramming attack at Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn, the organization said in a statement. Were thankful that a suspect is in custody and no one was hurt. A 34-year-old man who lives in Edison admitted he was part of a theft ring that traveled the country to steal wallets belonging to older women by distracting them. Erick Luna de la Cruz, of Edison, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Connecticut said. Luna de la Cruz was part of a theft ring that typically targeted female citizens at Trader Joes, TJ Maxx and other retail stores in Connecticut, North Carolina, Rhode Island and South Carolina, prosecutors said. The thieves then used the victims credit and debit cards to buy electronic devices such as Apple iPads and computers at nearby Costco or BJs Wholesale Club stores, according to court documents. They then stopped at shipping providers along their route to ship the goods they purchased to an address in Paterson. The thieves used a fraudulent passport to rent vehicles used in the thefts between September 2023 and March 2024, an indictment alleges. Luna de la Cruz, a Peruvian citizen, is scheduled to be sentenced April 22. He faced up to five years in federal prison. One of his New Jersey associates Angel Giancarlo Bellido Cosio, of Paterson is scheduled for a plea hearing on Friday morning in New Haven, Connecticut, according to court records. Bellido Cosio is also a citizen of Peru. A Queens, New York man in his early 60s Angel Eugenio Bances Chaponan was also charged with access device fraud. The status of his case was unclear Thursday. A Brooklyn man has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against New Jersey Transit, claiming he was turned down for a job after disclosing he has diabetes. Gavin Minor, 54, states in court papers that he received a letter in June 2024 offering him a position in the transit agencys electric power operations division. Minor signed the offer letter that same day, expecting to begin as a trainee soon, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court. But when NJ Transit officials found out Minor was diabetic, they refused to hire him, the lawsuit claims. NJ Transit declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Prior to signing the offer letter, NJ Transit officials told Minor the job was contingent on him passing a background check and a physical examination. When Minor underwent the physical exam, he was initially told that he had passed. However, an agency official also told Minor that his blood sugar was high, according to the suit. Minor informed the official that his blood sugar was high because he suffers from diabetes. In response, NJ Transit allegedly told Minor he needed to get a clearance letter from his doctor. The suit says that although Minor could perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations, he followed instructions and obtained a clearance letter from his doctor. He submitted the letter to NJ Transit on July 26, 2024, according to court documents. A few days later, NJ Transit said they had not received the paperwork. Minor re-sent the clearance letter again on Aug. 1, 2024, the suit says. Eight days later, NJ Transit suddenly and unexpectedly rescinded plaintiffs offer of employment, according to the suit. NJ Transit informed Minor that the reason he was no longer eligible to work for the agency was due to his background report, the suit says. The complaint says there was nothing in Minors background that could have been used against him. NJ Transit sent Minor a copy of the background report, which he says in the suit showed that all was clear. The lawsuit claims that once NJ Transit officials found out Minor had a disability, they made the decision to not move forward with his employment. The decision violates both federal and state laws against discrimination, the suit claims. Minor is suing the transit agency for lost wages in an amount to be determined at trial, but not less than $150,000. A 74-year-year old woman was found dead inside a snow covered car in a Walmart parking lot in Toms River on Tuesday, officials said. Officers arrived at the store, located on Route 37 West, after receiving a report of an unresponsive person in a car at 1:24 p.m., according to a statement from the Toms River Police Department. When police arrived, the SUV was parked, not running and appeared to have not been moved recently due to snow accumulation. Officers eventually gained access to the car and found the deceased woman in the drivers seat. She was identified as Linda F. Bocchino of Berkeley Township, police said. Just Believe Inc., a local non-profit organization, arrived at the Walmart shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday to assist the family with safely removing the car. The organization said it would also provide any additional assistance the family may need. Just Believe said that Bocchino had been homeless and was seeking warmth in her vehicle after running out of gas. While she was sitting in the car, the battery also died, the organization said. Every life has immense value, and its heartbreaking that this life was lost due to circumstances that could have been altered with more comprehensive support systems, Just Believe said in a statement. The cause of her death is still under investigation. Authorities said nothing suspicious was found in the vehicle. Homelessness has been a contentious issue in Toms River. Ocean County lacks an official year-round shelter but operates temporary warming centers during Code Blue alerts, including one that opened last year on Route 9. Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has said Ocean County is one of the only counties in New Jersey that does not have a county-run shelter, resulting in homeless people congregating in public spaces. One organization that is trying to help the homeless in the area is the pop-up restaurant founded Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, the JBJ Soul Kitchen. The pop-up has operated at a vacant space in Ocean County Library since last year, but has come under scrutiny by Rodrick due the uptick in homeless populations gathering near the library. It was slated to close at the end of this month, but the restaurant announced Wednesday that it would remain open through the end of April. In a controversial move, the mayor also ordered the removal of homeless populations from a parking garage near the library near the during the summer 2025 heat wave. The homeless individuals were given 48 hours to collect their belongings before the township would step in to remove unclaimed items. Outraged over the fatal shootings of two American protesters in Minneapolis, activists and religious leaders Wednesday implored the officials who oversee New Jerseys $80 billion public-worker pension system to divest its holdings in an AI company that helps ICE track immigrants. More than a dozen people urged the State Investment Council during its first meeting of the year to put morality and human rights before financial gain and divest from Palantir Technologies. We urge you to do your part and protect our neighbors here in the state of New Jersey, said the Rev. Annie Allen, pastor of the Rutherford Congregational Church and a representative of the New Jersey Association of the United Church of Christ. Allen reminded the council that the state has a history of taking a moral stand. In 1985, New Jersey became the first state to pass legislation divesting pension funds from companies doing business with South Africas apartheid regime. Socially responsible investing is the will of our people, Allen said. In November, the states pension portofolio held 777,067 shares of Palantir Technologies with a market value of about $131 million, state Treasury spokesman Darryl Isherwood said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the primary law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, awarded Palantir Technologies $139.3 million in 2022 to assist case management operations, according to the usaspending.gov website. In April, ICE paid the company $30 million to create ImmigrationOS, a platform that would give the agency near real-time visibility into people self-deporting and help the agency identify and select who to deport, according to a report in Wired. Lily Benavides, an activist and Parsippany resident, called Palantir a monster that has profited from technology fueled by racial profiling. Dont think for a minute (ICE) wont come for other people, other than Latinos, said Benavides, a native of Colombia. They will come for anyone who says anything against the government. After the testimony, Council Chairman Deepak Raj said he appreciated the commenters passion and the stories you have expressed. We dont have a response right away but we will definitely think about what you said. Opponents who showed up to protest Palantir Technologies were also stunned to learn that council had signed off on a controversial decision to reinvest in Israeli bonds a point of contention they had raised at previous meetings. Raj announced the state reinvested $15 million from a $20 million bond for the Development Corporation for Israel that matured in December. As stewards of public funds, the state Division on Investment said the choice made financial sense. The director is bound by fiduciary duties to manage the assets, Raj said, noting the amount was $5 million less than the previous bond. Still, critics called any investment in Israel shameful because it would only further support the war in Gaza that international scholars have deemed a genocide. By financially supporting Palantir, which also works for Israel, New Jersey is helping erode civil rights, our civil liberties and the U.S. Constitution, said Myles Drake Zhang, a historian. I know a lot of you if you are reasonable people, will be angry about the cold-blooded murder of Alex Pretti a week ago in Minnesota, Zhang added. And if you are angry, you should apply that logic to the companies that enabled that murder to happen. You have a higher order than your bullshit logic of fiduciary duty, he said. Uphold the law. Uphold human rights. Have a conscience. Divest. Investment council members Tom Bruno and Adam Liebtag also expressed frustration the decision to reinvest in Israel was made without the councils input. Given the very small size of this investment relative to the entire portfolio, I didnt see the urgency to make this decision, Liebtag, the vice-chairman said. At worst, you should have waited for further discussion. Palantir, the company co-founded by entrepreneur and conservative activist Peter Thiel, is facing pressure from its employees to denounce ICEs and Customs and Border Controls actions, according to published reports. A senior Palantir official defended the companys work in an internal online platform last weekend, according to another Wired report. We believe that our work could have a real and positive impact on ICE enforcement operations by providing officers and agents with the data to make more precise, informed decisions, according to the statement. We are committed to giving our partners the best software for the job, while acknowledging the reputational risk we face when supporting immigration enforcement operations. The State Division of Investment, overseen by the state investment council, manages seven pension systems for more than 830,000 police officers, judges, firefighters, corrections officers, teachers and other public employees and retirees. It is valued at $79.7 billion, according to state officials. Supporters of President Donald Trump swiftly hopped on the defense after a little-known Democrat explained how he will kill the president. In a video posted on Facebook Tuesday, Elliot Forhan, a Democratic candidate for Ohio attorney general, told his followers that I want to tell you what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump. I mean Im going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at a trial conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment, Forhan continued, adding: That is what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump. In a statement to the Dayton Daily News on Wednesday, Forhan further expanded on his comments, saying he will apply the law equally to everyone if elected, which includes the rich and the powerful and the president. If Donald Trump tries again to end American democracy, then as Ohio attorney general I will hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law, Forhan told the outlet. That is the approach that any good Democratic candidate should take. There is nothing shameful about that. Forhans remarks had quickly circulated on social media where he was particularly harshly ridiculed by conservatives and members of Trumps Make America Great Again movement. These people are all lunatics, a popular America First account wrote on X, while the Libs of TikTok account slammed Forhan as an evil deranged psycho. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted on Thursday that Forhan is not someone who should ever hold power. Mehek Cooke, a Republican lawyer from Ohio, added: That is normalizing political murder .We will never vote for death.Keith Faber, a Republican candidate for the position, said the video makes it clear that Forhan is not qualified to be attorney general.Turn down the rhetoric, Faber wrote.John Kulewicz, who is also running for attorney general as a Democrat, called the statement disgraceful.The AG is the chief law officer of our state, a serious responsibility, not a political game, Kulewicz said. The AG must take the law and judicial process seriously.In recent days, Forhan has remained critical on social media of Trumps immigration crackdown in Minnesota, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers this month.When I am Ohio attorney general, I will prosecute Trump thugs for their crimes and unconstitutional acts, he wrote in a post on Tuesday.Fox News previously reported that Faber had come under criticism from the GOP after writing F--- Charlie Kirk on social media in the days following the late conservative activists assassination in September. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump compared the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown in Minneapolis to the military raid in Venezuela. Tensions have been escalating in Minnesota since the start of Trumps immigration crackdown in Minneapolis earlier this month. Two U.S. citizens have been fatally shot by federal immigration officers in the last month, which have spurred even more protests in the state. Trump and Walz both confirmed they spoke with each other about the ongoing situation earlier this week. In an interview with MS NOWs Jacob Soboroff, Walz detailed his conversation with the president. He told me that he doesnt understand whats wrong with Minnesota. I dont know whats wrong with you people, Walz told Soboroff. I said; Nothings wrong with them, Mr. President. Were one of the most effective states and one of the best places to live, Walz added. He then said Trump told him that the administration conducted the same operations in Louisville and New Orleans with no problems. Trump then appeared to compare his immigration agenda to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured the leader of the country. And I said: You didnt kill anybody in Louisville or New Orleans. And the operation here looks very different from that, Walz said. And then he told me it was successful in Venezuela, he added. Walz said that he was not sure why Trump thought he would be interested in talking about Venezuela amid the escalating situation in Minneapolis. But he told me how well that went, which really was strange to me was, he saw an operation in Venezuela against a foreign nation in the same context he saw an operation against a U.S. state and a U.S. city, Walz added. Vice President JD Vance faced sharp backlash on social media after comparing Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to the fictional character, Forrest Gump. Duckworth, an Army veteran who lost both of her legs during her military service in Iraq, was one of the many Democrats who grilled Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday. Vance weighed in on the hearing by likening Duckworth to Forrest Gump, a fictional character who had an intellectual disability and physical impairment. Watching Tammy Duckworth obsessively interrupt Marco Rubio during this hearing is like watching Forest Gump argue with Isaac Newton, Vance wrote on X. His comment, which spelled the characters name wrong, was met with fierce criticism on X. Duckworth fired back at Vance by noting that President Donald Trump dodged the draft during the Vietnam War. Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs. Petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities wont change the fact that youre risking troops lives to boost Chevrons stock price. Its my job to hold you accountable, Duckworth said, referring to the U.S. operations in Venezuela. Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs. Petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities won't change the fact that you're risking troops' lives to boost Chevron's stock price. It's my job to hold you accountable. https://t.co/KTVMtUPLBe Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 28, 2026 A number of critics and Democratic lawmakers also defended Duckworth after Vances comment. Its disgusting to see the Vice President denigrate a decorated U.S. Veteran. Were proud to stand with @SenDuckworth. Every American should, Vote Vets, a progressive group, wrote on X. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Vance has nothing better to do than to denigrate a war veteran and U.S. Senator. Senator Duckworth was demanding answers from Secretary Rubio before this Administration puts more American lives at risk to serve President Trumps foreign policy whims, Durbin wrote on X. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) wrote in response to Vance: Thats a U.S. Senator doing her job. This is a random troll tweeting at her. Progressive activist Shannon Watts appeared to call Vance a misogynist in her post. Misogynists hate when a woman interrupts, even if shes a war hero, she wrote. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) posted: Imagine watching Forrest Gump and your takeaway is to mock people with disabilities. Ed Krassenstein, a liberal commentator, noted that Forrest Gump is canonically intellectually disabled and Duckworth is a double-amputee war hero. JD Vance using that comparison as a punchline isnt edgy. Its disgusting, its ableist, and just plain ignorant.You should be a shamed of yourself JD! he added. Democratic activist Fred Wellman wrote: This child will never be President. Tammy has more honor in her missing legs than this pathetic joke of a small man. What an absolute disgrace to say about a US Senator by the Vice President. And former NBC anchor Chuck Todd questioned whether Vance even watched the movie Forrest Gump. Did he get the point of the movie? he wrote. In the first public hearing since the Jan. 3 raid to depose Maduro, Rubio said Trump had acted to take out a major U.S. national security threat in the Western Hemisphere. Trumps top diplomat said America was safer and more secure as a result and that the administration would work with interim authorities to stabilize the South American country. Were not going to have this thing turn around overnight, but I think were making good and decent progress, Rubio said. We are certainly better off today in Venezuela than we were four weeks ago, and I think and hope and expect that well be better off in three months and six months and nine months than we would have been had Maduro still been there. The former Florida senator said Venezuelas current leaders are cooperating and would soon begin to see benefits. But he backed away from remarks prepared for the hearing that Washington would not hesitate to take further military action should those leaders not fully accept Trumps demands. I can tell you right now with full certainty, we are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time, Rubio said. I think it would require the emergence of an imminent threat of the kind that we do not anticipate at this time. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Paul Aronsohn had just submitted his first annual report as the new Ombudsman for people with developmental disabilities when he was summoned to a meeting with a senior member of Gov. Phil Murphys administration in early 2019. The report described New Jersey as a tale of two systems, one that is good and one that is not good, that is in need of fixing because lives, frankly, depend upon it." Aronsohn said it was immediately clear the Murphy administration was not pleased with his candid report. Paul, what are you doing? Youre not supposed to be an advocate, he said the senior official told him. After a moment of stunned silence, Aronsohn quickly recovered, remembering Murphy had described him as the administrations lead advocate for people with disabilities in the press release announcing his appointment in April 2018. Aronsohn would not publicly say which Murphy adviser had chastised him because he wont burn bridges. The tussle over the annual report would happen again throughout his nearly eight years on the job. He tells this story because it offers a glimpse into what the job required. He had to be the fervent voice on behalf of thousands of people with disabilities who deserved more than they were getting from the state. And, he would have to be the rational arbiter needed to establish a rapport with state officials and members of multibillion-dollar industry that provides housing, supervision, employment and other vital services to disabled people. Parents often got mad at him because he didnt have the power to fix their crisis. Lobbyists for group home operators and state officials frequently complained he was unfairly critical and histrionic especially when he described abuse and neglect inside group home and daily programs as rampant. In an interview with NJ Advance Media, Arsonsohn looked back on his tenure as New Jerseys first Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, and said it was hard to leave. But he is exhausted. We work very closely with families who come to us. We get emotionally invested. In that sense, it has been the best job, Aronsohn said. On the other hand the indifference we encountered on a regular basis it was infuriating and heartbreaking. He also offered specific advice for Gov. Mikie Sherrills administration, which will appoint his successor: Tear down the wall around state government that keeps officials far from the daily reality of how stressful it is to care for people with disabilities and the frustration of navigating an enormous bureaucracy. Appoint people to the state departments of Human Services and Children and Families who know what its like to live with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Require these officials to speak directly with clients and their families. We encounter people inside and outside of state government who dont have that sense of mission or that sense of urgency that should be a prerequisite for any of these jobs, Aronsohn said. Aronsohn and his office logged more than 6,000 phone calls, virtual meetings and home visits since he took the job in April 2018, according to his final annual report. His state car clocked in at 148,000 miles when he turned it in this month. Im on the phone one-on-one with individuals and families in video meetings and whenever possible, sitting in their living room for coffee, really benefiting from that personal connection. Its good for them and its good for us. It keeps it real, Aronsohn said. N.J. Rep Tom Kean Jr., R-7th, said Aronsohn handled the job just as he hoped he would when Kean introduced the legislation creating the Ombudsmans office a decade ago when he was a state Senator. For the past seven years, Paul and his staff have traveled the state personally, theyve met with individuals and families and not just offering good counsel and guidance on navigating the maze of government services. They truly are people of action and inspiration, Kean said at a December meeting of the Legislative Disability Caucus, which paid tribute to Aronsohns work. Aronsohn was the right pick because he understood the challenges of living with a disability on a personal level, Kean added. Aronsohn said two of his siblings lived with disabilities. His mother became his role model for what it means to be a caregiver, he said. His sister Patti was born with developmental delays but went to college and worked until she became a quadriplegic. Both Patti, who was 54, and his mother Margot died within days of each other in June 2017. His brother Bob Zuckerman, a renowned photographer, developed a late-onset disability and became a paraplegic. He died from COVID three years ago in a Florida nursing home at age 67, eerily on the same day Patti died, June 23. In life and in death, theyve been my teachers, he said. The outgoing New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families, Paul Aronsohn in a meeting with his staff in their office in Trenton, New Jersey on January 12, 2026. Chris Pedota | For NJ Advance Me Aronsohn landed on Murphys radar after developing services for people with disabilities as mayor of Ridgewood in Bergen County and serving on several nonprofit boards. I still remember getting the voicemail that I was being appointed to be this ombudsman position, Aronsohn said. My first thought was, whats an ombudsman? (The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as a person who investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints and "an individual usually affiliated with an organization or business who serves as an advocate for patients, consumers, employees.) Since then, the office of one has grown to five people. They are called to help people with disabilities and their families navigate the most serious, most difficult circumstances imaginable, Aronsohns annual report said. Unmet medical and behavioral needs. Unchecked abuse and neglect. Untimely death. In his soft-spoken, diplomatic manner, Aronsohn always credits the many well-intentioned and passionate professionals he and his staff have encountered as they run interference with families. But he wont smooth over any of the glaring problems his work has uncovered and hopes Gov. Mikie Sherrill is getting up to speed on what needs to be done. Heres his partial to-do list. Recognize that severe autism is a crisis in New Jersey. Nearly one in three children diagnosed with autism falls into the severe category. They have trouble communicating and often do so by hurting themselves or others. Some often suffer with anxiety or another mental disorder. Even with New Jerseys high autism rate of 1 in 29, Aronsohn said the public doesnt see this segment of the population often. Families with children with severe autism dont go out in public, Aronsohn said. We need to go to them. Rutgers and Rowan universities are doing important research to help the severely impaired, he said, but we have been working with individuals and their families who do not seem to be benefiting from much of this. With federal Medicaid spending cuts looming, spend public money more carefully. The average direct support worker, doing the bathing, feeding and supervising of clients in family homes or group homes, earns only about $21 an hour. But in the last eight years, as New Jersey qualified for more federal Medicaid funding for people with developmental disabilities, for-profit and nonprofit companies that operate group homes are paid as much as $520,000 a year per person. Executive pay has skyrocketed, an NJ Advance Media analysis found. History has shown abuse and neglect is more likely to occur when the workforce is poorly paid and prone to quit, Aronsohn said. But aside from New Jersey raising the minimum wage for all workers, employers havent done much to raise the wages of this vital workforce. We know that we have a direct care workforce shortage, but what are we doing to address it? he said. We know what weve been doing isnt working. Abuse and neglect are, indeed, rampant. There are viable solutions. Not a single day goes by without someone contacting us about an allegation of abuse and neglect, Aronsohn said. Its a dirty little secret that everybody knows. Good providers know it - they get people transitioning in to their programs from abusive ones, he said. I dont know how we can be silent. We have a moral, if not a legal obligation to call it out and do something about it." Some group home providers voluntarily install cameras in common areas and thoroughly investigate when there are allegations of mistreatment, he said. Other provider agencies, however, are not as vigilant or serious, and frankly, our state government does not do enough to prevent or stop the abuse and neglect, he said. Aronsohn left on the heels of a victory. On Jan. 18, Murphy signed legislation the Ombudsman had recommended that would give the state the authority to impose fines on bad group home operators. Aronsohns call for fines was in response to a report by NJ Advance Media in 2024 examining the severe medical neglect and abuse of a young woman at a group home in Lakewood. Aronsohn called the law a good start, but he knows that state investigators too infrequently confirm abuse and neglect have occurred. There is a package of bills sponsored by state Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-Ocean, that would require cameras to be installed in group homes. They would also create an independent Justice Center in New Jersey, modeled after an entity in New York that is responsible for all abuse and neglect cases involving disabled victims. In New Jersey, the state Department of Human Services and the state Department of Children and Families lets the group home investigate a complaint first before the state does its own examination. Without credible investigations, no agency will ever be fined, he said. The success of getting the fines law enacted, even while pushing for more thorough investigations, demonstrates how long progress can take. I feel good about the work weve done and about the people weve been able to help. Clearly, I wish we could do more. We would get frustrated on at least a daily basis that were not able to help more people. Aronsohn and his team are more appreciated than they know, said Patricia Miller, chairwoman of the New Jersey chapter of the National Council on Severe Autism. I continually hear from thousands of families about the crucial impact of the Ombudsmans office and Pauls dedication. For many families it is the only place for them to turn to for help, Miller said. Yana Mermel, the mother of the young woman with autism who doctors said suffered severe medical neglect in the Lakewood group home, said families remain grateful for all he has done, yet apprehensive for the future. Everyone recognizes that it will be a challenge to find someone exactly like Paul because his drive and ability to help are truly unique, she said. Correction: An earlier version misstated the Congressional District for Republican Tom Kean Jr. It is the 7th district. Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday approved a decision to provide state assistance to homeowners associations, housing and service cooperatives, and managers of apartment buildings for the purchase of energy equipment, and also expanded the Affordable Loans 5-7-9% program for businesses, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported. "We held an energy-focused Cabinet meeting and adopted an additional package of decisions to support people and businesses amid constrained energy supply. We are launching SvitloDim, a support program for apartment buildings to ensure autonomous power supply during prolonged outages," she wrote on Telegram. Svyrydenko said that on Wednesday the Cabinet approved a decision to provide state assistance ranging from UAH 100,000 to UAH 300,000 for homeowners associations, housing and service cooperatives, and managers of apartment buildings of any form of ownership to purchase generators, batteries, inverters, and other energy equipment. "Homeowners associations and building managers can apply online via Diia. A commission under the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development reviews and approves applications. The funds must be used within 45 days," the prime minister said. According to her, the program will operate in communities experiencing an emergency situation in the energy sector, starting with the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development will additionally announce the start of applications under the program. Svyrydenko also reported that the Cabinet expanded the Affordable Loans 5-7-9% program to enhance business energy resilience. "The loan limit for energy efficiency and energy independence projects has been increased from UAH 150 million to UAH 250 million. Cogeneration units have been added to the list of equipment eligible for financing," the prime minister said. According to her, businesses will be able to attract more funds to install distributed generation and restore capacity. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) did not hold back against Vice President JD Vance over antisemitism. In a new interview with NBC News, Shapiro accused Vance of offering comfort to people on the right who promote anti-Jewish views, as the vice president has faced increased scrutiny for a post on X earlier this week in commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Today we remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust, the millions of stories of individual bravery and heroism, and one of the enduring lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history: that while humans create beautiful things and are full of compassion, were also capable of unspeakable brutality, Vance wrote on Wednesday. And we promise never again to go down the darkest path. The post featured photos of Vances visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial site in Germany last February, where he and his wife, Usha, met with a Holocaust survivor. While Vance received backlash from critics on the left, some conservatives also weighed in, including far-right activist Laura Loomer, an ally of President Donald Trump, who bluntly added, 6 million Jewish lives. Shapiro, who is Jewish, acknowledged in comments released late Wednesday that he did not see the post. The governor did, however, say that he did not believe it was out of character for Vance to not explicitly mention the Jewish people. Remember that the reason why we memorialize the Holocaust on this day, really, essentially, is to never forget, Shapiro told NBC News. And the reason you want to never forget is so that we never live through that atrocity again. Part of never forgetting is making sure that the facts of what happened are recited, are remembered. The fact that JD Vance couldnt bring himself to acknowledging that 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler and by the Nazis speaks volumes, he continued. Shapiro also accused Vance of embracing neo-Nazis and neo-Nazi political parties, while claiming that he has offered comfort, really, to the antisemites on the right who are infecting the Republican Party. Its not a shock to me that he would omit that, but its a sad day that the vice president of the United States on Holocaust Awareness Day couldnt address that, Shapiro said. According to NBC News, a Vance spokesperson called Shapiros remarks a hypocritical deflection from a political lightweight. They pointed to how Shapiros own post did not directly include the Jewish people though it did reference antisemitism. This Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on a horrific chapter in human history a period of incredible darkness for our world, consumed by hate and violence against millions of people on the basis of their faith, their background, and their beliefs," Shapiro wrote in a post on X on Wednesday. Shapiro added: Today, perhaps more than ever before, we know how much work is still left to do. Amidst the rising antisemitism were seeing across this country, its on us to rededicate ourselves to combatting hate and violence wherever we see it and to speak with moral clarity in its face." The latest jab at Vance comes as a number of other potential 2028 Democratic hopefuls have intensified their attacks against the vice president, who has floated a future run for president himself. Vance has emerged as a clear frontrunner among Republican contenders in early polls, and has already received an endorsement from Erika Kirk, the widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk who runs Turning Point USA. Shapiros sharp comments also follow the release of his new memoir, Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service, which is out this week. In the book, Shapiro who was passed over as a running mate to former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 revealed that Trump had told him that he shouldnt want to be president given how dangerous it had become to hold the office now following an arson attack on the governors residence last year. Other sections of the book have also made headlines, including how the governor said he found a question offensive during the vetting process of becoming a vice president for Harris. Shapiro said that her team had asked whether he has been an agent of the Israeli government. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville believes former Vice President Kamala Harris has no chance in winning the presidency in 2028 if she decides to run. Instead, he has his money set on one Democrat: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. During an interview with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo, Carville emphasized that Democrats need to ask themselves two really important questions to win over the nomination. The first, according to Carville, is whether they can raise a lot of early money. Because no matter how they set it up... when it happens, it happens quickly, Carville said in comments released Wednesday. Carville pointed to Pritzker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) all of whom he said already have donors as leaders of big states. He then emphasized the importance of winning the Black vote, saying he would take Pritzker if he had to pick one person if he were betting the Kentucky Derby. He campaigns hard, Carville said of Pritzker, who has recently sparred with President Donald Trump over deploying National Guard troops in Chicago. When asked about Harris, Carville said that no Democrat wants anything to do with anybody that had anything to do with 2024. Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee that year after former President Joe Biden made the sudden decision to drop out of the race in July, leaving her with 107 days to campaign. Not that we dislike them, Carville said. This is not what were doing. If we nominate two white males, no ones going to give a s---, Carville said. He also doubted whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) could run, but said that she has talent. While no Democrat has yet to announce whether they plan on launching a future bid, a band of Democrats including Harris, Newsom and Pritzker, have been floated as potential contenders in early polls. During the interview, Carville stressed for the party to do what is necessary to win the election. Politics is not about being pure, he said. Its not about having a rooted ideology. Its about winning, and winning is its own cause. President Donald Trump just admitted that even he can get bored during his Cabinet meetings. Trump has repeatedly been spotted with his eyes closed during White House events, raising speculation that the president has fallen asleep during important meetings. His staff has defended the president, saying that Trump is listening while his eyes are closed. But during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump wanted to keep things short. He complained that last time he had Cabinet meeting, it lasted three hours because every official wanted to speak. So with that, we are going to ask a couple of people to say a few words, and were not going to go through the whole table, because the last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, Trump said. And some people said, He closed his eyes. Look, it got pretty boring, he said as the room burst into laughter. Trump then reiterated that he did not fall asleep during the last meeting. It was a little bit on the boring side, but I didnt sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell out of here, he added. He suggested that some of the photos caught him while he was blinking. He said that if he fell asleep, his Cabinet members would wake him up. Some of them got me in a blink. You know when you go like, he said, as he demonstrated how he blinks. And they took me at the closed segment of my cycle. If I were sleeping, theyd be waking me up, he said, gesturing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Theyd be knocking me, Come on, you got to wake up, Boss, he added. President Trump on his last Cabinet Meeting: "It lasted for three hours. Some people said, 'he closed his eyes.' Look, it got pretty boring." pic.twitter.com/0CxGy61NBm CSPAN (@cspan) January 29, 2026 Trump has repeatedly faced questions about his health for closing his eyes during meetings, his constant bruising on his hands and his numerous cognitive tests. In a detailed interview with New York magazine, Trump dismissed any concerns about his health despite many experts raising questions about his physical and mental fitness. Trump also dismissed speculation that he keeps falling asleep during White House meetings in the interview. He again lamented that the meetings are boring. Its boring as hell, he said. Im going around a room, and Ive got 28 guys the last one was three and a half hours. I have to sit back and listen, and I move my hand so that people will know Im listening. Im hearing every word, and I cant wait to get out. Trump, 79, is the oldest president ever to be sworn into office. His predecessor, former President Joe Biden, also faced questions about his health that ultimately led to him dropping out of the 2024 race. A school teacher who paid a young boy to send him nude photos has been sentenced to federal prison. Jack Wilder, 27, of Somerville, received the 6-year sentence on Tuesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. The teacher pleaded guilty to possession and receipt of child pornography in Newark federal court last year. On Feb. 10, 2024, Wilder spoke to a 16-year-old boy on a mobile payment app and offered him money in exchange for sex, federal authorities said. He invited the teen to his house at midnight and said he would pay him $100, federal prosecutors said. The boy decided not to go to Wilders home, but instead sent him nude photos in exchange for a payment, officials said. At the time of the crimes, Wilder was a teacher at a charter school in Plainfield. The U.S. Attorneys Office never disclosed the name of the school or said whether he was suspended from his job following his arrest. On July 23, 2024, Wilder returned to New York on an international flight and detectives searched his phone. They found a video depicting child sexual abuse and sexually explicit conversations between Wilder and other individuals who identified themselves as minors, federal prosecutors said. After Wilders phone was seized, he obtained another cell phone and used it to receive additional files containing child sexual abuse, federal authorities said. He knowingly received child sexual abuse material on the second phone between July 29, 2024, and May 1, 2025, officials said. 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! German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he sees no chance for Ukraine to join the European Union as soon as possible, the German NW Nachtriten ezine has reported. "Accession on January 1, 2027 is out of the question. This is impossible," Merz said after consultations between the leaders of the SPD and CDU/CSU in the chancellery in Berlin. He explained that every country that wishes to join the EU must meet the Copenhagen criteria. And as a rule, this process usually takes several years. At the same time, Merz emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to have a perspective that will pave the way for accession. However, this is a long-term process. "We can gradually bring Ukraine closer to the European Union. This is always possible, but such a rapid accession is simply impossible," the German Chancellor said. Locally reported news and sports Stay Current with What's Happening Get the most of NNY360, register today! By providing your email address, you consent to receive emails and special offers from NNY360.com Photo: https://www.facebook.com/OTU.DONETSK Since the start of the day on January 28, 109 combat clashes occurred on the front, the General Staff of the Armed Forces reports. "Since the start of the day, 109 combat clashes have occurred. The enemy carried out one missile strike, using one missile, 63 air strikes, dropping 159 guided aerial bombs. In addition, it launched 4,523 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,912 shelling attacks on populated areas and positions of our troops," the statement says. In the northern Sloboda and Kursk directions, the enemy attacked positions of Ukrainian defenders 14 times. In the southern Sloboda direction, Ukrainian units repelled 13 attacks. Ukrainian defenders repelled two attacks toward Radkivka and Pishchane in the Kupyansk direction. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops stopped seven attacks. In the Slovyansk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled six attempts by the occupiers to advance. In the Kostiantynivka direction, the occupiers stormed positions of Ukrainian defenders nine times today. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy carried out 22 attacks. In the Oleksandrivka direction, Ukrainian units stopped one attack by the occupiers toward Yehorivka. In the Huliaipole direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 attacks by the occupiers. In the Orikhiv direction, the enemy twice attacked positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Stepnohirsk and toward Prymorske. DTEK Kyiv Electric Networks has appealed to residents of the Vygurivshchyna-Troyeshchyna residential area in the capital with a request not to hinder the work of repair crews by holding rallies or blocking roads. "Attention residents of Troieshchyna. We understand the critical situation the district is currently in. And we are doing everything possible to ensure that you have electricity for as long as possible. However, due to the lack of centralized heating, electrical networks constantly fail due to overload. They are not designed for the constant use of heaters and powerful appliances at the same time. In the last week alone, 26 accidents have occurred at substations in the district, underground cables are constantly burning out," the company said in a message on its Facebook page. It is noted that all efforts are now being directed as a priority to eliminate accidents and restore electricity, power engineers are working around the clock and without rest. "We urge you not to hinder the work of the brigades. Rallies or road closures do not help and do not speed up repairs. On the contrary, they hinder work, speed of movement and prevent the ability to react faster. Energy professionals appeal to residents of Troyeschyna and all Kyiv residents - use powerful devices in turn. Now this is critically important for providing light," DTEK said. A market-leading Torbay-based digital commerce agency has been recognised at a national level with a prestigious award. Superb, which has its headquarters at EPIC in Paignton, has been named TikTok Shop UK TSP Agency of the Year 2025. It was the highest partner award presented at this years TikTok Shop UK Awards. Superb was recognised for its performance supporting brands on TikTok Shop through live shopping, affiliate marketing, creator partnerships, and performance led commerce strategies. The award places Superb at the top of TikTok Shops UK partner ecosystem, recognising both scale and quality of results delivered for retail brands. The TikTok Shop UK Awards celebrate agencies, creators, and partners who are driving innovation and growth across social commerce. The TSP Agency of the Year award is the most significant agency accolade of the night and reflects long term contribution, commercial impact, and leadership within the platform. Superb was the first agency selected to join the TikTok Shop Partner programme and has been an official partner since late 2021, supporting the platform from its earliest stages in the UK. Since then, the team has worked with a wide range of brands, from fast growing challengers to major household names, helping them reach new audiences and generate meaningful revenue through TikTok Shop using a combination of live commerce, always on affiliate programmes, and creator led content. Matthew Blay, CEO of Superb, said: We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It is a reflection of the team we have built here in Torbay and the belief we have always had in TikTok Shop as a serious commerce channel. This recognition is about real outcomes, real partnerships, and the consistent hard work of an exceptional group of people. The agency has grown rapidly over the past few years and is part of a wider creative and digital economy in Torbay that continues to gain national attention. Superb employs a multidisciplinary team spanning strategy, live production, affiliate management, content, and performance marketing, and works closely with TikTok Shop and its brand partners to deliver broadcast quality live commerce experiences. The award also highlights the increasing importance of social, live, and affiliate driven commerce within the retail sector, with TikTok Shop emerging as one of the fastest growing platforms for product discovery and purchasing in the UK. Superb plans to continue investing in talent, production, and innovation from its South Devon base, while working with brands across the UK and internationally. According to Donald Trump and Elon Musk London is a lawless hellhole. Staying there would be more risky than fighting in the Battle of the Somme. So recently, when I spent a weekend in London I wondered whether would I have to obey Shaia Law, wear a stub vest and then get flattened by an idiot on an e-bike ignoring a red light. Having been a student in London I know my way around provided nothing has changed since 1975. It has. My old student flat which was over a transport cafe is now over an upmarket wine bar. There is a new door to the flat with an intercom. It is highly unlikely it is still occupied by students. I was given a ticket for an interactive production of A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy in Hammersmith and tickets for Abba Voyage in Shoreditch. The train from Newton Abbot was efficient and comfortable, although if I understood the ticket prices for trains I could probably qualify for a PhD in applied economics. Hammersmith was buzzing with bars and restaurants. We managed to find the Riverside studios. There was just enough time for a quick drink when the waitress pointed out that this area was for dining. I successfully managed the Im an old man from the country and dont understand all these city ways and she relented getting us a drink. When we saw the bill, we could have had a three-course meal in Devon. In the interactive version of Hitchhikers we were in a bar when the Vogons destroyed the Earth to make way for an intergalactic hyperspace freeway. I wondered whether, with all the international Earth news the Vogons had a point. The following day we headed over to Shoreditch. Back in the 1970s I would have expected to meet Fagin or at least the Kray twins. Anywhere east of the Tower of London was dodgy. In the 1970s there were still a few docks which closed when container ships proved too big for the Thames. This caused the dockers to go on strike, although I was told by a police officer that their main complaint was that it is impossible to nick anything from a container. Shoreditch is a little different today, largely thanks to the Olympics. Entering the Westfield Shopping centre was like stepping forward in time or is it that Devon is like stepping back in time? In the evening before the show we wandered around wondering where to eat. It was, again buzzing with hundreds of bars and restaurants. We had an excellent meal in a Turkish restaurant. I did not leave hungry. The taxi took us to Abba voyage, the virtual Abba show. The lighting was spectacular and on the stage were the original 1970s Abba, except that I knew they werent. Unless they have a picture in the attic like Dorian Gray no one stays that young. I could reassure myself knowing that I am younger than these attractive young musicians although I have changed a little in fifty years. It was so realistic that the technology could easily be abused. Instead of Abba it could have been a well-known politician on stage saying outlandish things he or she never actually said. To quote Abraham Lincoln, Do not believe everything you see online. So what was my overall impression of the big smoke in 2026? The East End has been revolutionised. Despite being well over budget and late the new Elizabeth Line is now the busiest railway line in the UK. It is also very efficient taking us straight from Shoreditch to Paddington. London is truly multiethnic with friends of different ethnic origin laughing and joking together. The only people who do not believe that London is dangerous are Londoners. They should know. Homicide is at its lowest rate for thirty years and violent crime is down 25% in ten years. The parts of London I saw may not be typical, but it did not feel as though Britain was broken. I am sure I will upset some people for daring to suggest that some aspects of our country are amazing, but then I am an optimist. Visitors to Dartmoor Zoo will soon be able to see its rare Amur leopard cub for the first time, after the zoo confirmed she has moved into an on-show habitat. The cub, named Zeya, is one of only 15 Amur leopards born worldwide in 2025. READ NEXT: Devon hunt group handed formal police warning after issues over behaviour and trespassing She was born at Dartmoor Zoo in September and has been kept off-show while staff carried out health checks and vaccinations. The zoo confirmed that Zeya and her mother, Lena, were moved into the main Amur leopard enclosure earlier this week on Monday (26 January). Public viewing is set to begin this Saturday (31 January), following a short period of adjustment and continued welfare monitoring. Dartmoor Zoo chief executive David Gibson said the move marked an important moment for the zoo and its conservation work. Moving Mum Lena and cub Zeya into the main Amur leopard enclosure here at Dartmoor Zoo is a momentous occasion, he said. Our keepers have had the privilege of watching this incredibly important young leopard grow up over the last few months, but now our visitors will have the chance to share in this enjoyment and see how Zeya develops the skills she will need in years to come. The zoo revealed Zeyas name and gender earlier this winter, as previously reported by The Moorlander, confirming she is a female cub born to breeding pair Freddo and Lena. At the time, keepers said she was healthy, active and developing well, with Mr Gibson adding that the birth and progress of the cub is significant beyond Dartmoor. We feel extremely proud to be able to play a small part in safeguarding the Amur leopard for the future, he said. Amur leopards are considered the worlds rarest big cat, with an estimated 120 remaining in the wild. The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although numbers have increased slightly in recent years due to improved protection in parts of Russia and China. While reintroduction to the wild is not currently possible, conservation experts say maintaining a healthy zoo population is essential to the species long-term survival. The Amur leopard is one of nine leopard subspecies and is adapted to cold climates, with a thick coat that allows it to survive harsh winters in its native range. Dartmoor Zoo has asked visitors to be calm and respectful when viewing the leopard enclosure, as Zeya continues to adjust to her new surroundings. Zoo staff said initial welfare checks have been positive, but both mother and cub will continue to be monitored closely. Torridge councillors are objecting to proposals to reduce library opening times in the district. Under the current proposals out for public consultation by Devon County Council, Northam Library would see its hours cut from 21 to six and open just two mornings a week and Appledore Library would be cut from 10 to six hours. Libraries Unlimited, the charity that operates the 50 public libraries in Devon for Devon County Council, has been using its reserves to meet a 1million funding gap each year and needs to make savings. READ NEXT: Community launches fight against horrific cuts planned for a Torridge library Communities have until February 22 to put forward views and come up with solutions that could be more sustainable. Above: Northam Library could be the worst hit in Torridge if the proposals go ahead, with plans to cut its hours from 21 to six. Credit: Rob Smith At a meeting of Torridge District Council this week, Appledore Councillor Peter Hames said 2026 was the national year of reading, but in Devon it could be the national year of reduced reading. He said libraries were vital to give children early reading experiences and books were essential to help with literacy, empathy, understanding, cognitive and emotional growth and crucially, employability in later life. Cllr Hames said: Its important we increase opportunity for children to use their local library in order to experience the joy and value of reading. He added that libraries were a lifeline for older people too as they offered clubs and engagement with other people as well as warm spaces and went on: We should not forget that Torridge has one of the worst levels of deprivation in the UK and libraries are essential for those who cannot afford books or their social or family circumstances mean they find it difficult to access books. Cllr Hames motion for the council to strongly object to the current proposals to reduce library opening times in the Torridge area was supported by 17 votes to four with six abstentions. In Northam a library action group has been formed to fight the proposals, saying such cuts would be a massive blow to the community, its social activities and the many groups that use the library, going way beyond the amount of books borrowed. READ NEXT: Appledore residents urged to attend public meeting on their librarys future Torridge district councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who is also the Devon County Council cabinet member responsible for libraries, said there no plans to close any libraries and the hours in the consultation related only to statutory staffed hours. She added: I understand the importance of libraries. I fought passionately and put my heart and soul into trying to save mobile libraries a couple of years ago. The hours in the consultation do not represent the full potential opening hours of a library. There are many ways libraries can be open more flexibly: through shared staffing, volunteers, communityled models, local partnerships, and technology such as open access, which allows extended access to the building, whether thats for individuals or community groups wanting to use the space outside of traditional opening hours. The significant financial pressures facing Devon County Council and Libraries Unlimited had already resulted in many libraries operating with very limited staffed hours and there had been recruitment freezes, she said. Cllr Cottle-Hunkin added: We are now facing an unsustainable funding gap in excess of 1million each year. To carry on as we are with no flexibility would result in unimaginably drastic measures. That is why we are stepping in now, to look at other opportunities and we want to find out what is possible on a case-by-case basis. This is the starting point to open up those conversations. She said a really positive example of what was possible was Chulmleigh College, where the community library was located within the school. The students there had direct access to every book in the Devon network, supporting their incredible focus on reading and the community benefits from increased opening hours because staffing and resources are shared. Cllr Cottle-Hunkin concluded: It is genuinely intergenerational and inspires the children- its exactly the type of creative, collaborative thinking we want to explore more widely. The consultation is a starting point to understand opportunities that might work locally. We know one size does not fit all. It is about securing a longterm, sustainable future for all 50 libraries. A public meeting where the campaign to fight proposals for Appledore Library will be discussed is taking place tomorrow evening (Thursday, January 29) at Appledore Community Hall at 7pm. The consultation runs until February 22 and can be completed at https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is Witnesses are being sought after a teenage motorcyclist was left with serious injuries following a collision on the A39 near Barnstaple yesterday (Wednesday, January 28). The 16-year-old boy from Barnstaple was critically injured when his 50cc motorcycle was in collision with a Range Rover Evoque at the B3230 Muddiford road junction near North Devon District Hospital on the A39. Police and ambulance were called at around 5.15pm and the seriously inured rider was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Both occupants of the Range Rover were uninjured. Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision between the Sherco 50cc motorcycle and Range Rover Evoque or anything leading up to it, or who has dashcam that might help, to contact them. The road was closed until 8pm last night while police investigations took place. If you have any information that might help, please call police on 101, quoting log number 547 of January 28, or alternatively submit information online via the Devon and Cornwall Police website. Military counterintelligence agents of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), with the assistance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, detained a serviceman of the brigade of unmanned special-purpose complexes of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who, according to law enforcement officers, turned out to be a Russian informant. As the investigation established, the person in question was supposed to transfer to his "contact" the geolocations of the military bases operating sea drones and the coordinates of the storage of unmanned boats with the routes of their movement. "Among the main targets of the enemy were the legendary sea drones of the SBU and the GUR of the Ministry of Defense under the code names Sea Baby and Magura," the message on the SBU telegram channel said on Thursday. The SBU employees exposed the informant in advance, documented his crimes and detained him while he was preparing the coordinates for a Russian missile attack. Simultaneously, the Security Service took measures to secure the locations of the Defense Forces in the zone of enemy intelligence activity. "According to the case materials, the detained serviceman came into the field of view of Russian special services through his acquaintances, to whom he told about the details of the work. The enemy used one of these acquaintances as a "contact" to obtain classified information about the Ukrainian defenders," the report says. During the searches, a smartphone was seized from the detainee, on which he accumulated secret information and through which he contacted an acquaintance. Currently, investigators of the Security Service have already informed the informant of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorized dissemination of information about the location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or other military formations formed in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, committed under martial law). The issue of a possible additional qualification of his criminal actions is also being considered. The perpetrator is in custody. An investigation is underway to bring all those responsible to justice. The Director of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BES) and the Head of the State Labor Service of Ukraine, Ihor Degnera, signed a memorandum on cooperation and information exchange aimed at strengthening efforts to combat informal employment and the payment of "envelope" wages. According to a statement on the BES website, the key areas of cooperation include countering tax evasion and avoidance of the unified social security contribution. Under the memorandum, the agencies are introducing a data exchange mechanism on business entities whose activities show signs of violations of labor or tax legislation. The parties also plan to jointly analyze risks to economic security and develop proposals for amendments to current legislation to prevent offenses. In addition to operational cooperation, the memorandum awareness-raising efforts among employers and employees regarding the importance of complying with official employment standards. Joint measures will be implemented at the level of the central offices of both agencies and through their territorial units. The agencies expect that such coordination will contribute to de-shadowing the labor market and increasing tax revenues to the budget by creating transparent conditions for business operations. The European Business Association (EBA) has appealed to Yuriy Vlasenko, Chairman of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC), regarding the initiative of NPC Ukrenergo to introduce a redispatching mechanism with corresponding amendments to the Market Rules. "At the end of December 2025, Ukrenergo held public consultations on this initiative and submitted their results to the NEURC. During the discussions, market participants drew attention to potential risks, including possible changes in approaches to pricing and financing the settlement of system constraints," the association said on its website on Wednesday. As noted by the EBA, businesses expressed concern that the redispatching mechanism could lead to the shifting of system costs onto individual market participants. At the same time, companies that are members of the EBA's Energy Committee generally support tools aimed at increasing the reliability and controllability of Ukraine's integrated power system. However, they emphasize that such tools must be integrated into market rules and implemented without creating additional financial risks for producers, investors, and the sector as a whole. "The Association points out that current legislation already clearly defines the source of coverage for the costs of settling system constraints. In accordance with the Law of Ukraine 'On the Electricity Market,' these costs must be included in the tariff for dispatching services," the EBA said. According to business experts, shifting such costs onto individual producers due to changes in payment rules within the redispatching framework does not correspond to the established legislative logic, the Association noted. The EBA calls on the NEURC to take into account the business position expressed during the public consultations and to preserve the existing approach to financing the settlement of system constraints through the relevant tariff, and to avoid decisions that could lead to the transfer of system-wide costs onto individual market participants. The Association expressed hope for a balanced regulatory decision that will ensure the stable operation of Ukraine's power system and preserve legal certainty and predictability of the market model, the EBA said. Is that it? In the aftermath of the murder of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce issued an open letter on Jan. 25, calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions in the city. In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future, said the open letter signed by more than 60 executives. Thats pretty weak tea. How about something to the effect about condemning the killing of two American citizens who were gunned down by federal agents while exercising their first amendment right to protest. What about criticism of the every day brutality exercised by the federal paramilitary forces that trample over the Constitution and assert the right to break into peoples homes without a judicial warrant? The business leaders maintain that they are in close contract with the White House and Vice President. Will they make make the case that America will not stand by silently and watch their country slide into authoritarianism? Probably not. CEOs from 3M (William Brown), Best Buy (Corie Barry), Cargil (Brian Sikes), General Mills (Jeff Harmening), Land O'Lakes (Beth Ford), Target (Michael Fiddelke), UnitedHealth Group (Stephen Hemsley) and Hormel (Jeff Ettinger) signed the Minnesota's CoC letter. Lets hope their follow-up with Team Trump is more robust than their milquetoast letter. Mea culpa.New York Congressman Tom Suozzi is one of seven Democrats who voted on Jan. 22 to approve $10B in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $18 billion for Customs and Border Protection. Following the slaying of Pretti, Suozzi expressed regret over his vote. I failed to view the DHS funding vote as a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE in Minneapolis, Suozzi posted on Jan. 25.I hear the anger from my constituents, and I take responsibility for that. I have long been critical of ICEs unlawful behavior and I must do a better job demonstrating that. Suozzi, who represents a slice of Queens and Nassau County, said he voted for the bill because he didnt want to shut down the government. He also noted that ICE can ride out a government shutdown because its coffers are bulging with money from Trumps Big Beautiful Bonkers Bill. Suozzi co-chairs the House Problem Solvers Caucus. His ICE funding vote created a big problem for his constituents. Punching over their weightThe Census Bureau reports that US population grew a measly 0.5 percent to 341.8M during the one-year period ended July 2026. Trumps immigration crackdown is fingered for the slowest population growth since 2021 when the country was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thats good news for the White Houses Stephen Miller, who wants to build a moat around the US to bring immigration down to zero. Thankfully, theres a way to go before Millers zero tolerance for immigrants dream to come true. Despite Trumps war on immigrants, there were 1.3M net immigrants to the US for the year-ended July 2025, which was down from 2.7M in the 2024 period. And the president faces PR pushback on his hard-nosed immigration policy from influential conservative news outlets such as the The Wall Street Journal, which champions legal immigration to compensate for the graying of America, and declining US birth dates. America will still need workers for all kinds of vital jobsfrom health services, to plumbing and electrical repair, to building homes or working in biotech labs, noted the papers Jan. 28 editorial. Jed Kolko, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute, said immigrants make outsized contributions to the US economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. When it comes to US economic growth, immigrants punch well over their weight class. Their input is what what made America great in the first place. OFFALY gave a great account of themselves in Sunday's National Hurling League Division 1 opener in Kilkenny on Sunday but the visit of All-Ireland champions Tipperary to Tullamore next Sunday will tell a lot more. Missing several established first team players, Offaly performed really well in Nowlan Park and were not far away at all in a battling 0-20 to 0-16 defeat. They were there or thereabouts almost the whole way through, had the gap down to a point on three occasions in the second half but couldn't get level and Kilkenny were able to secure the win with some late points. Offaly were very happy to be so close against a team who has inflicted plenty of hardship on them over the years. Ruari Kelly, David Nally, Killian Sampson, Ciaran Burke, Shane Rigney, Ter Guinan, James Mahon and recently appointed captain Charlie Mitchell were all ruled out with a mixture of injuries and issues. Donal Shirley went off with an early injury on Sunday and that will cause serious concern but apart from that, there was a huge amount to be encouraged by on Sunday. Offaly know they are up against it in the highest division and it was great to see them competing against Kilkenny, even if the home side were also down players and experimenting. SEE NEXT: Emerging motor racing star calls for support for Offaly GAA Club's fundraiser Sunday's game will give Offaly an indication of where they are and it will be a huge test. These neighbouring counties should attract a bumper crowd to O'Connor Park and it will be a great occasion for the newcomers on the Offaly side. Tipperary got off to a winning start against Galway on Saturday and are hot favourites to collect a second brace of points, It is a bonus game for Offaly in many respects. You can't make a viable case for them winning but they would like to perform, to be at least competitive. The aim is to be in contention going into the final quarter and see where that takes them. There is evidence of further improvement in Offaly. They had a very young side out on Sunday and these players have plenty of developing to do. Offaly hurling could be in a good place in a couple of years time when they get their strength and fitness levels up close to the top tier counties. Offaly would love to survive in Division 1 and will be targeting Waterford as a game they can win but staying up is a tall order. Performances like Sunday, however, does everyone good and will ensure a good week at training this week ahead of another big game. Tipperary to win but for Offaly, it is all about seeing how players perform in this environment. Roads in County Offaly are under major pressure due to the number of abnormal vehicles carrying heavy loads, the Dail has heard. Offaly Fianna Fail TD Tony McCormack spoke on the subject during a recent Questions on Policy or Legislation session. Deputy McCormack said: In County Offaly, renewable energy developments are mainly located on peatlands around Rhode, Croghan, Edenderry, Banagher and Cloghan. These projects require abnormal load vehicles of up to 135 tonnes on 16-axle trailers. The damage caused by one trip of one of these vehicles is equivalent to one year of normal traffic. READ NEXT: 'A significant crisis': Offaly parents face agonising wait for school placement news As a result, these peat-based roads now require annual maintenance, placing major pressure on our local authority roads budget and taking funding away from other roads that also need work. He called for extra funding to be given to Offaly County Council so that it could deal with such issues. Offaly has historically carried the heaviest load in providing power to this country and we are doing so again through renewable energy. We are simply asking for a fair crack of the whip and that separate, dedicated funding be provided to Offaly County Council for these road projects. In response to Deputy McCormack, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said he would pass on the request. Minister Burke said: I thank Deputy McCormack for his important intervention relating to Offaly. I will raise it with the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, in connection with the request for additional funding that Deputy McCormack has placed on the House. Our road network, particularly in rural counties, is of significant importance to the community. A woman has hailed two Offaly Paramedics as being her angels and heroes as they saved her life and comforted her during a traumatic situation. Pauline King says that if it hadn't been for the Birrbased ambulance men she would no longer be with us. She was at home on the night of February 21st last year, when, at 1.30am she suffered a massive heart attack. I had been watching the Late Late, she recalled. After that, Peadar (her husband) started to watch a film, but I was tired and went to bed. She woke up at 1.30am feeling very unwell. I felt terrible, really bad. There was a strange sensation in my body which I can only describe as being like insects buzzing. I told Peadar and we rang 999 immediately. The ambulance arrived in ten minutes. READ NEXT: Young driver apologises for degrading social media post about Tullamore garda The paramedics, whose ambulance is based in John's Terrace, Birr, were Aidan Mooney and Seamus Pyke. We carried out a 12lead ECG on Pauline which told us she was having a heart attack, said Aidan. We informed Limerick Hospital and then her heart stopped, transitioning from an attack to an arrest. We used the defibrillator, administering one shock and carried out CPR. Thankfully, her heart restarted and she came back almost immediately. Pauline said the Paramedics were wonderful. You can imagine how low and terrible I felt and they were so professional and kind. They held my hand and spoke kindly to me. They were like angels, heroes. And they brought me back, for which I am so grateful. Pauline, who is 70 years of age, said she is delighted to still be alive and she relishes, savours life; just being here fills her with gratitude. It's estimated that about 1 in 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital situation survive the experience, therefore Pauline belongs to the 10% of survivors. READ NEXT: Two people before court accused of Offaly assault I am so happy to be here, she reiterated. Seven or eight people living in the Errill area had heart attacks in the last couple of years and died, therefore I feel very lucky, blessed. She wonders if the Covid vaccines, or suffering bouts of Covid, perhaps weakened her heart. After leaving University Hospital Limerick, Pauline went back to work after six months, continuing her work as a Carer with the Irish Wheelchair Association. I am not the sort of person to stay at home. I need to get out and work, for a few hours a day at least. Thankfully I am well enough and strong enough now to once again do the job I love, being a Carer. The Midland Tribune asked Aidan and Seamus if there are enough Paramedics in the Midlands. There are never enough Paramedics, said Seamus. It would be good to have more of us out and about, attending emergencies. Aidan and Seamus were also full of praise for First Responders, pointing out that these volunteers fulfil a very important role. READ NEXT: Injury time points earn Cistercian College a replay against St Brendan's CS As a way of saying thank you and highlighting their good work Pauline asked The Midland Tribune to write this story. She also met Aidan and Seamus in The County Arms Hotel in Birr and treated them to lunch. A serial offender who "roared abuse" at Mass-goers at a local church has been jailed for several shoplifting offences. Krzstof Kostka, aged 44, of no fixed abode, appeared before Nenagh District Court to face theft and public order charges, arising from a number of incidents last year. Prosecuting Sergeant Regina McCarthy told the court that Mr Kostka was charged in connection with theft incidents at Aldi, Tesco and Dunnes Stores in Roscrea. Sgt McCarthy outlined that the first incident occurred on June 22, 2025 at the Tesco in Roscrea where Mr Kostka took alcohol to the value of 15 and made "no attempt" to pay for the goods which were not recovered. Mr Kostka was subsequently identified via CCTV footage. Two further incidents occurred on July 11 last, at Aldi and Dunnes Stores in Roscrea. Sgt McCarthy told the court that in Aldi, Mr Kostka can be seen on CCTV footage taking five cans of beer from a shelf and putting three into his bag. He can then also be seen to put "cheese in his pocket" before leaving the store. In Dunnes Stores, Mr Kostka stole alcohol to the value of 10. None of the goods taken from Dunnes Stores or Aldi were recovered. Mr Kostka also pleaded guilty to public order charges relating to an incident last August. Sgt McCarthy told the court that on August 11 2025 at 5:13pm gardai received reports of a male "causing a nuisance" on Gaol Road in Roscrea. She outlined that when gardai arrived Mr Kostka appeared to be "highly intoxicated" and was subsequently arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. The following morning, August 12, at 10am, gardai went to St Cronans Church Roscrea in response to reports of a man causing a disturbance. They found Mr Kostka asleep on a bench inside the church and when woken, he began roaring abuse at Mass-goers and was then arrested by gardai. Mr Kostka entered a guilty plea to all of the charges before the court. Judge Marie Keane was told the defendant has 73 previous convictions, including 27 under Section 4 and eight under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, as well as 11 offences under Section 4 for theft. The court heard that he is currently serving a prison sentence for separate and unrelated criminal damage and public order offences. Solicitor Liz McKeever said her client is "Polish with a significant alcohol addiction" explaining that Mr Kostka lives in homeless shelters in Roscrea and has no fixed abode. Judge Keane acknowledged that Mr Kostka has a "significant alcohol addiction" and that he is "stealing to feed that addiction but that cannot continue." She imposed a six month prison sentence in relation to the theft incident at Aldi, to run consecutively with the sentence Mr Kostka is currently serving. All of the other theft and the public order matters were taken into consideration. READ NEXT: Father of murdered Offaly boy jailed for drugs offence READ NEXT: We feel this is unfair: Publicans in Offaly to stop selling Diageo products amid price hike A MAN who Tullamore District Court heard had a cognitive impairment has admitted committing public order offences at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore. Defending solicitor Brian Duffy said his client, a 61-year-old whose name cannot be published by order of the court, had been deemed fit to plead by a prison psychiatrist. Judge Andrew Cody imposed consecutive sentences of two months and one month on the man but back dated them to December 10 last, when he went into Cloverhill Prison on remand. Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court the charges arose from incidents at the emergency department of Tullamore Hospital where the man had made a nuisance of himself to staff and gardai. Judge Cody expressed serious concern about the man's medical treatment in prison earlier this month and ordered the governor of Cloverhill to appear before him. READ NEXT: 'We feel this is unfair': Publicans in Offaly to stop selling Diageo products amid price hike The judge took the view the man had dementia and had been thrown into Cloverhill and left there to rot. Cloverhill Prison governor Kevin O'Connell told the court that a GP assesses people once they come into prison and that assessment is passed onto a psychiatrist. When the man appeared in court again on Wednesday (January 28) Mr Duffy said there would be a plea of guilty in light of the psychiatric report which said he was fit to plead. Mr Duffy said a probation report recommended the man remain in custody because a primary care needs assessment should be completed. Mr Duffy added that his client had been working at a trade for most of his life but got into difficulties because of alcohol abuse. The solicitor said the man was very grateful to Judge Cody for his efforts to ensure he received appropriate treatment. Mr Duffy was hopeful that the accused would be able to get himself together if there was accommodation for him in the community and he apologised to hospital staff and the gardai. Imposing the sentences, Judge Cody said it would be for the man's own benefit to get off the drink. He said that because the sentences were back dated the accused would be released in a few weeks but he hoped he would continue to receive support while in prison. The judge did not finalise all of the charges and instead adjourned two of them to April 8 next for a probation and welfare report and the care needs assessment. TOURISM Ireland in Germany kicked off its 2026 programme of promotions at CMT holiday exhibition in Stuttgart last week joined by 11 tourism businesses from Ireland, including Silver Line Cruisers. CMT is one of the biggest travel fairs in Germany, attracting around 300,000 visitors or potential holidaymakers for Ireland all looking for ideas and suggestions for their next holiday. CMT also attracts leading tour operators and travel agents, as well as around 1,500 travel and lifestyle journalists, during the nine-day event. Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Irelands Manager Germany, said: CMT in Stuttgart provides an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the many great things to see and do in Ireland and to inspire German holidaymakers to put Ireland on their wish-list for 2026. Germany is the third-largest source of visitors to Ireland and one of the largest outbound travel markets in the world. German holidaymakers are looking for experiences that allow them to explore, slow down and disconnect. In 2026, Tourism Ireland will continue to showcase Irelands iconic landscapes, culture and history, as well as our superb culinary offering and great festivals. The organisations message in Germany, and elsewhere around the world, is that Ireland is a world-class destination all year round. READ NEXT: Local singer and vocal educator celebrates major career milestone National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new high-speed fibre network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced that over 3,000 homes, businesses and farms in Offaly have now connected to the NBI network. They have also confirmed that 11,060 premises are eligible to pre-order or order high-speed broadband across Offaly with 3,323 connections made to date. Works have been completed to accommodate broadband connections in most rural areas across the county, including those near Moate and Roscrea. National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Offaly residents to visit their website and check their Eircode to see if theyre ready to connect to the service and find out more about placing an order. NBIs fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the States Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. The Intervention Area currently includes 13,000 premises in Offaly, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Offaly will receive 48 million of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan. READ NEXT: Offaly roads under major pressure due to abnormal vehicles carrying heavy loads As Ireland transitions away from legacy copper networks, NBI say their fibre network will ensure communities across Offaly are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living. TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: "We are delighted to announce that over 3,000 Offaly homes, businesses and farms are now connected to the NBI network. Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second." He added: "We are at the height of switcher season, with many broadband providers offering competitive pricing and switching incentives at this time of year. This makes it an ideal time for households and businesses across Offaly to move to fibre, particularly as fibre broadband could cost the same as slower copper services and customers can still keep their existing phone number when they switch." The Chief Executive Officer of NBI concluded: "As we enter the final year of the National Broadband Plan rollout, were encouraging everyone in Offaly to check their Eircode on our website and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business." At a national level, NBI has now passed over 448,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband with over 163,000 now connected. The average take-up rate of 36% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in some areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months. Roscrea Trail Blazers had a very busy 2025 with trips to Madeira, the UK and numerous hikes around Ireland and 2026 is shaping up to be every bit as busy with trips to Austria, Snowdon, island trips, charity walks and numerous challenge walks to be completed. On last Friday (January 23rd) the Roscrea hiking club had a very enjoyable walk around a section of the Lough Boora Parklands. It was a cold, dry night for walking and despite the forecast for light rain, it never materialised. Well, done to everyone that made the effort. Their walk this Friday night (January 30th) sees the club keeping it local with a walk around the Golden Grove/Orange Hill Loop. Distance: 6.5 km, Grade: Easy, Time: 1.5 hours. Meeting at Dromakeenan Carpark at 7pm. Please bring head/hand torch. They have the next section of the Slieve Bloom Way from Clonaslee to Cadamstown on Sunday February 8th and their Burren weekend away on the weekend of February 20th. They would encourage anyone thinking of taking up hiking for better health or as a way to destress to please make contact with the number below. READ NEXT: Redesign for Roscrea street explored at informative public consultation To join the group and to see what the club has to offer please follow the contact details below. If you would like to join them on any of their night walks or weekends away, you can contact Cathal on (086) 3399 193 and receive updates through WhatsApp. You will be made feel very welcome. There will be serious consequences for X if the EU finds it continues to facilitate sharing of non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the artificial intelligence (AI) minister has said. The EU Commission has launched an investigation into the social media company after reports that CSAM and non-consensual sexualised images of adults were generated through the Grok AI tool and disseminated on the platform. It is examining whether the company is meeting its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). X is obliged to assess and mitigate any potential systemic risks related to its services in the EU, including the spread of illegal content and potential threats to fundamental rights, including of minors, posed by its platform and features. The maximum fine for companies under the Digital Services Act is 6% of worldwide turnover. Media regulator CnaM said it was investigating X in collaboration with rhe Commissions investigation under the DSA, but was not pursuing any action under the Online Safety Code. X gave written assurances to State representatives including the Minister of State with responsibility for AI and the Data Protection Commission (DPC) that it had implemented safeguards globally on January 20, around the ability to generate images of real people in revealing attire on X and the standalone Grok app. However, Minister Niamh Smyth was told that capability was still available on the service this week. Ms Smyth has indicated there will be serious consequences for X should the investigation find it continued to facilitate the sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery and CSAM. A spokeswoman for Ms Smyth said CnaM is using proper channels to determine the validity of Xs claims and this will form part of the investigation taken by the European Commission. She plans to meet X about the matter again and the DPC has also written to the company to seek clarification on whether the capability has been restricted. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy told her during an Oireachtas Committee that the capability to create sexualised images was still available in other jurisdictions, and to users in Ireland using a VPN to connect through other countries in Europe. Ms Smyth later told that committee she did not trust X and pledged to take action. The opening of formal proceedings by the European Commission relieves CnaM to enforce the DSA over the suspected infringements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is also a competent authority under the DSA but said its regulatory role solely relates to specific obligations for online platforms where consumers purchase goods or services. It said CnaM is responsible for the Online Safety Framework, which is aimed at reducing the risk of people being exposed to illegal or harmful content online. This framework says that platforms are legally obliged to have rules on content and to include them in their terms and conditions. When it comes to compelling people to produce information for their inquiries, CnaMs executive chairman Jeremy Godfrey has acknowledged the regulator has more powers under the Online Safety Code compared with not quite such good powers under the DSA. The regulator told the Press Association that it had not opened any investigation under the Online Safety Code, saying the issue would be most effectively addressed as a systemic risk under the obligations around illegal content in the DSA. Ms Smyth has repeatedly criticised Xs rhetoric in response to the issue, saying its blame on bad actors and user manipulation of the tool did not sit well with her. She says the company has huge financial resources and should have designed safeguards into the technology. She has previously said large social media companies should be treated as publishers, and it would be her intention to shut down access to them if they were found to violate Irish law on sexual abuse materials. Ms Smyth has said her focus is on X and Grok itself rather than the users, who she said would be dealt with by gardai. Gardai have said they are aware of a proliferation of such AI-generated material. On January 14, Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau said there were 200 investigations into specific referrals about potential CSAM on X. The figure has potentially grown in the intervening two weeks. Gardai and Government figures have said that existing legislation is sufficient to deal with the issue of AI-generated non-consensual sexualised images of real people and children. However, Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu said this week there was a need for legislation to tackle services that generate sexualised images of adults. It came after Angela Willis, Garda Assistant Commissioner organised and serious crime, told the Childrens Committee that a complainant is currently required to investigate intimate abuse imagery of adults, and that such material needs to be shared to constitute an offence. Ms Willis told an Oireachtas committee that the production, circulation and generation of CSAM is prohibited whether it is generated by AI or not. She also said that legislation provides for liability of directors and officers of corporate bodies of companies where illegal content is shared. Elsewhere this week, Tanaiste Simon Harris said there needed to be greater enforcement on age verification in Ireland. Mr Harris, who believes Ireland needs to prohibit outright the use of social media by those under 16, said there had to be a baring of teeth and enforcement of the age of digital consent, set out by the Data Protection Act 2018. This means online service providers like social media platforms, which rely on consent as the legal basis for processing personal data, must obtain the consent of the childs parents. Mr Harris said we have to start actually enforcing the age of digital consent, adding that some social media companies have signed up for the rollout of age verification in March. But quite frankly, I believe we need to get to a point where if youre under the age of 16, you cant be on social media. Comment was sought from X and its parent company xAI which also operates Grok. Russia is using the tactic of flying strike drones at ultra-low altitudes in manual control mode, the newly appointed advisor to the Ukrainian Defense Minister on defense technology, Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov has said. "Yesterday I had a meeting with specialized commanders and specialists... Our enemy uses a variety of tactics and tricks to destroy our military facilities. One of the latest is flying at ultra-low altitudes in manual control mode. And this altitude, as in the video, can be tens of meters," he wrote on Telegram. At the same time, Beskrestnov noted that the Defense Forces have technological solutions to counter such tactics. "We have technological solutions and we will act, but for now I ask you to set up remote visual and audio surveillance posts and be ready to meet guests with mobile and stationary cover groups, even if the "Virazh" and other systems are silent... Pay special attention to riverbeds, plains and long depressions in the terrain," the minister's advisor added. He asks all units to take note of this information. IFA President Francie Gorman said he had responded to correspondence received from Minister Martin Heydon on Monday evening. In the correspondence, the Minister encouraged IFA to take up an offer from the Chair of Bord Bia to attend an IFA Council meeting to give a briefing on his companys usage of Brazilian beef. I advised the Minister that I had declined this offer at the Board meeting last Thursday. The National Council has a firm view that the Bord Bia Chairman should step down. This is the position and it wont change, he said. In our reply, I suggested that the Minister himself should engage with Larry Murrin to explain that Bord Bia cannot operate without farmers, he said. I also requested that the Minister should meet the board of Bord Bia without the Chair to discuss the current situation. READ NEXT: Positive return to members at AGM of leading credit union in Offaly At the board meeting last week, no vote was taken. I made a proposal that the Chair be removed and this was seconded by the ICMSA President Denis Drennan. However, no vote was taken and no counter proposal was made or seconded, he said. In my view the statement issued by the Bord Bia CEO immediately after the meeting, which was subsequently withdrawn and amended, did not fully reflect the nuances of what was said at the meeting, he said. A lot has happened since the last board meeting. Quality Assurance meetings have been called off; protests mounted outside Bord Bia; and TDs from Government and opposition parties are expressing no confidence in the Chair. The Minister and the Board cannot ignore how the situation has developed, he said. I think the Minister needs to sit down with the Board members and the Chair, separately, to resolve this matter before any more damage is done to Bord Bia, he said. READ NEXT: Student achievers honoured at Offaly secondary school's annual awards night Kneecap have hit out at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his stance towards Gaza in their latest single, Liars Tale. The song focuses on Sir Keirs stance in relation to Israels military offensive in Gaza and also makes reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Announcing their new album on Wednesday, the Irish rap trio said that criticism from Sir Keir was all the motivation we needed and said the album was dedicated to everyone speaking truth to power. The lyrics in Liars Tale include youre not getting away with doing nothing and f*** Keir Starmer, Netanyahus bitch in genocide armour. Rapping in Irish, the band accused Sir Keir of being nothing but a Tory and of pandering to the US. The song was played for the first time on Jack Saunders BBC Radio 1 show moments before the music video premiered on YouTube. The dystopian-themed video features the three musicians in guillotines and a zombie that looks like Margaret Thatcher, after a voiceover says that the Prime Minister had contacted previous leaders for foreign policy advice. The group, made up of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will release their second studio album, titled Fenian, on April 24. They hit the headlines in 2025 when O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence. The charge, which was eventually dropped in September last year, alleged that O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, had displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, which is proscribed as a terror organisation by the British Government, at a gig at the O2 Forum in London in 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service is currently appealing against the decision to drop O hAnnaidhs case, which also saw prosecutors allege that the rapper could be heard saying up Hamas, up Hezbollah in video footage of the concert. Announcing their new record on Instagram, Kneecap said: They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap terrorists, with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself. We had all the motivation we needed this isnt a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed. Inspired by, and proudly named Fenian, who were warriors in Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish. Now were using it to name everyone speaking truth to power. After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die, it didnt. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta, and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed, and Kneecap is much the same we havent gone away. The Paddies are back. Kneecaps performance at last years Glastonbury Festival, which saw them chant f*** Keir Starmer, also saw them face an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, which was eventually dropped. The group released their first full-length album, Fine Art, in 2024, having previously released the mixtape 3CAG in 2018, and have collaborated with Fontaines DCs Grian Chatten on the song Better Way To Live. In between their first and second LPs, the band have released a number of standalone singles, including The Recap, which looked back at their year in the press and took aim at Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. Kneecap also starred in their own film in 2024, directed by Rich Peppiatt, which took home a Bafta for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer. The group, who have also been criticised for allegedly saying kill your local MP during a concert, are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestine stance. They have since apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com . To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here Reading Obituaries And Murdering Time in the Age of Donald Trump By Tom Engelhardt Having reached a certain age and long been fascinated by obituaries, I sometimes think about both Donald Trump's and my own. At 79, he's just slightly less than two years younger than me, though of course I wasn't the 45th president of the United States or the 47th one either. And eight chaotic years (or more?) as president (assuming he makes it that far) guarantee him a monster (and I do indeed use that word advisedly) set of obituaries when he dies, whereas almost a quarter-century at TomDispatch guarantees me nothing at all. And I wouldn't argue with that for a second. After all, Donald Trump has been (and continues to be) a truly one-of-a-kind president of the United States -- though the word "kind" (as opposed to "king") doesn't actually apply to him, does it? Think of him, in fact, as the mad hatter of American presidents. If you remember, that Alice in Wonderland character was accused of "murdering the time." And that, in its own strange fashion, seems like quite a reasonable description of at least one of the crimes of President Donald Trump. The man who believes that climate change is a "green new scam" has tried, among other things, to shut down every major East Coast offshore wind power project in sight (though judges, including one he appointed to the bench, have so far denied him that right). Meanwhile, he's been working to ensure that coal, the dirtiest of all fossil fuels, remains a major source of American energy. He and his crew aren't even letting major coal-burning power plants whose days are all too literally past close. Phew, that paragraph left me out of breath -- so much for my wind power! -- and I didn't even get everything in. After all, he's also had the urge to pull every last barrel of oil out of Venezuela (even if, once upon a time, he did all too accurately call that country's petroleum the "worst oil probably anywhere in the world" and "garbage"). And in the process, he is indeed engaged in murdering time -- at least, the time we humans have left to live reasonably decent lives on this planet, which is, it seems, no longer truly ours but, at least for now, significantly his. In some sense, you might say that Donald Trump is hard at work trying to ensure not only that he'll get a major obituary on his death, but that humanity will, too. In that sense, give him credit. He's trying to put us all in the paper and give us all the experience he's had of being "the news." And I wonder if someday, if not your obituary and mine, perhaps those of our children or grandchildren will start out something like this: "He/she died in his/her home in the midst of a blinding heat wave/a devastating storm/a historically unprecedented flood [or you name it] on a planet still growing hotter and more uncomfortable by the decade, if not the year." The U.S. Is an Increasingly Violent Petro State When it comes to obituaries, don't think it's just the climate that's the problem. We are living in a distinctly mad world of the living (and the dead). And OMG, it's increasingly apparent that, on a planet where wars are still proliferating from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan (and the burning of fossil fuels to fight them is already adding significantly to the devastation of the planet), things are unlikely to get better any time soon. As the Costs of War project reminds us: "The U.S. Department of Defense is the world's single largest institutional consumer of oil -- and as a result, one of the world's top greenhouse gas emitters." And just to take one grim example, "my" president wants to take our tax dollars and apply them even more strikingly -- in fact, in a blindingly record fashion -- to the Pentagon budget, the thing that, once upon a time, was called, however inaccurately, the "defense budget." It's already at somewhere close to a trillion dollars a year and, give him credit, he only wants to raise it by another half-trillion dollars to $1.5 trillion. And no, that is not a typo! Believe me, there's no misprint there! That's what he thinks he needs to do to create a "dream military," which (at least in his mind) would undoubtedly ensure that Greenland will become the 51st state, Canada the 52nd, Cuba the 53rd, and Colombia the 54th. The 55th, then, could well be China. (Or so he might dream anyway. Or perhaps the phrase should be: so he might nightmare anyway.) And don't fret. That increase in the military budget is only likely to mean a $6 trillion increase in our taxes over the next decade (or roughly $45,000 per family). Oh, wait, this is already the nation with by far the largest military budget on Earth that, over all the endless decades since it emerged globally victorious from World War II, couldn't win a single significant war -- not in Korea, nor in Vietnam, nor Afghanistan, nor Iraq, nor even, possibly, in the weeks to come on the streets of Minneapolis. Nowhere. And count on this, another half-trillion dollars a year will ensure only one thing: that the United States won't win yet more wars ever more extravagantly, whether in Greenland or somewhere else entirely, while never learning even the most obvious lessons from such a grim reality. And no, for some reason, Donald Trump has never actually used the word "nightmare" either in relation to himself or his presidency, though he certainly did accuse the Democrats of being the party of "the socialist nightmare." Nor did he use it in his recent interview with the New York Times when he was asked about whether there were any limits whatsoever on his own global power. Instead, he responded this way: "Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Federal officers have repeatedly used unnecessary and excessive force against protesters outside the federal immigration building in Portland, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner says in a court filing. Gil Kerlikowske, who led the agency for almost three years to early 2017, provided the assessment in support of an ACLU-backed lawsuit on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists. Theyre seeking a court order to prohibit Homeland Security officers from firing tear gas, flash-bang grenades, pepper balls and rubber bullets against passive demonstrators or those trespassing or refusing to leave -- unless someone poses an imminent threat. They also want the judge to prohibit federal officers from firing chemicals or less-lethal munitions at the heads, necks or torsos of passive protesters unless officers meet the legal standard to use potentially deadly force. Kerlikowske described what he called a pervasive pattern of inappropriate force used by federal officers leading up to last Saturdays firing of tear gas into a crowd of hundreds and earlier dousing of demonstrators with pepper spray as they sat in the driveway of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building to mark the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. President Barack Obama nominated Kerlikowske to head Customs and Border Protection, which with ICE is among the agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. He also served as Seattles police chief for about nine years through mid-2009. He now runs a private consulting business and was asked by the plaintiffs to submit a sworn declaration in the lawsuit. Officers have failed to provide sufficient warnings as required before using force and have used force disproportionate to the danger faced, he said. Federal officers should not fire pepper balls or other munitions indiscriminately into crowds of protesters from the roof of the ICE building in South Portland, Kerlikowske said. Officers positioned on the roof of the ICE Building may act as spotters to help identify wrongdoers, but it is inappropriate for them to shoot less lethals at people from that vantage point, unless the person threatening them is far away from others, because this unnecessarily endangers people who are not posing any threat, he said in the declaration. Less-lethal munitions are capable of killing people, and they should only be targeted at specific individuals when other lesser levels of force have failed or are unavailable. Tricia McLaughlin, a Homeland Security spokesperson, asked for a copy of Kerlikowskes statement Wednesday and later released a statement by email, saying the First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly but not rioting. Ignoring officer commands and impeding law enforcement is a felony, she said. DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters, she said. Assaulting and obstructing law enforcement is a felony. Despite these grave threats and dangerous situations, our law enforcement has followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property. Kerlikowske reviewed testimony and video footage from last falls three-day trial on the states challenge to President Donald Trumps attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Portland. He also examined recent videos and statements from protesters and freelance journalists suing the federal government, including footage from last Saturday, when people gathered in response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal officers, and a smaller sit-in Jan. 19 outside the buildings front gates on MLK Day. The case, filed in November, is before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon. The federal government hasnt responded yet in court and no oral arguments have been scheduled. 6 1 / 6 Force used against anti-ICE protesters Plaintiffs in the suit include Jack Dickinson, known for wearing a chicken suit with an American flag to the protests; Laurie and Richard Eckman, a Portland couple in their 80s, and freelance journalists Mason Lake and Hugo Rios. At one point during the Jan. 19 sit-in, the gates opened and at least eight officers emerged. The officers immediately begin firing multiple volleys of pepper balls, quite possibly more than 100 pepper balls, toward the protesters, Kerlikowske wrote. One officer appears to use chemical spray on peaceful individuals sitting or standing without posing any threat to law enforcement. Officers should use pepper balls only toward a specific person posing a threat, he said. Firing multiple volleys toward individuals who pose no imminent threat of harm is excessive and indiscriminate and violates the CBP force policy, he said. Customs and Border Protections use-of-force policy requires agents to engage in de-escalation and to give warnings when feasible before using force, he said. The injunction sought by plaintiffs in the case wouldnt prevent federal officers from arresting and charging specific individuals who pose imminent threats to safety, he said. Trained and experienced federal officers should be able to protect the ICE building without using such force, even in the heat of volatile protests, he said. Any difficulties to federal authorities arise from lack of training and experience working in dense urban environments and lack of leadership that is experienced in urban civil disturbances/unrest, he wrote. Dickinson said he was among those who sat in the driveway of the ICE building on Jan. 19. He said about 20 people lined the sides of the driveway and sat on the ground holding photos of people who have died in ICE custody. He said he heard federal officers order them to clear the driveway or face arrest, but officers never warned they would be subject to force, he wrote in a declaration. He said he was sitting second from the gate when federal officers suddenly fired pepper balls through the barred gate. He said he then got sprayed with mace or some irritant in his face and was taken into custody and held in a cell for about three hours in the ICE building after he was told to remove his chicken suit, belt, flag and shoes. He was released shortly after 11 p.m., cited for failure to comply with officers and trespass. Laurie and Richard Eckman, a retired couple who live in the neighborhood, submitted statements and photos of their injuries sustained when the two attended an Oct. 4 gathering in nearby Elizabeth Caruthers Park and marched to the ICE office to oppose the Trump administrations threatened deployment of troops to Portland. Federal officers emerged from the ICE buildings driveway and fired munitions and tossed grenades into the crowd. Laurie Eckman said she heard a loud bang and felt a sharp impact near her right temple and began choking and coughing. She was treated for a concussion, she said. Protests are picking up in response to Defendants ongoing brutality across the nation, and DHS has countered with multiple displays of gratuitous violence in the last week, alone, wrote attorney Kelly Simon, of the ACLU of Oregon in her motion. She argued that the federal officers force is chilling protesters First Amendment rights and poses an immediate risk of harm to them and bystanders. Federal officials argued last fall in court that Portland police have been unhelpful and hostile at times and that they cant rely on them to protect the property or federal agents during protests. But U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut wrote in a December ruling that while Portland police, concerned about violating Oregons sanctuary law, have declined to help clear the street in front of the ICE facility, such inaction represented at most minimal interference with the execution of (federal) laws. A federal immigration official has confirmed that the Trump administration eyed a Newport air facility for a temporary detention center and had started an environmental analysis before scrapping the idea when relocation of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to make way for the project raised a public furor. But Ralph Ferguson, acting assistant director for operations support at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, didnt rule out the possibility of reviving the plan. In a statement filed to U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken in Eugene, Ferguson outlined the agencys current position: ICE is not presently building a temporary holding/processing facility in or around Newport Municipal Airport, he said. In addition, ICE has no plan or intention to begin construction or open an ICE facility in the City of Newport or at Newport Municipal Airport between now and until May 1, 2026. Aiken in late November granted a temporary restraining order barring removal or reduction of the rescue helicopters presence in the coastal city before the Dungeness crab fishing season got underway in mid-December. Aiken ordered the federal government to restore the Coast Guard rescue helicopter to Newport. The judge ruled after Newport Fishermens Wives, a nonprofit that supports commercial fishermen, and Lincoln County filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard upon learning the Coast Guard had either ceased or drastically reduced its operations in Newport and moved its rescue helicopter about 70 miles south to North Bend. The move would drastically increase the response times from between 15 and 30 minutes to between 60 and 90 minutes in the case of a crisis, Aiken wrote. Between 2000 and 2019, 44 commercial fishermen perished in the waters off Oregon, including 12 off Newport, according to court records. The county and nonprofit argued that Oregon coastal waters average 50 to 54 degrees year-round and anyone who falls off a vessel is in immediate life-threatening danger. On Dec. 22, Aiken extended her order by granting a preliminary injunction for the duration of the pending lawsuit. During a status hearing on the case with lawyers from all sides Wednesday, Aiken said the court may decide to handle a subsequent suit filed by the state of Oregon separately from the one filed by the nonprofit and Lincoln County. The suit filed by the state on Nov. 24 challenges the construction of an ICE facility anywhere in Newport, while the initial suit by the nonprofit focuses on preventing the removal of the helicopter from the Coast Guard air station at the Newport Air Facility. Oregon Senior Assistant Attorney General Brian S. Marshall told the judge that hes concerned about the ICE officials sworn statement filed a day before the status hearing because Fergusons words are parsed very carefully, leaving it unclear if the immigration agency has simply shifted its plan for a detention center to a different location in the city or county. Attorneys for the city of Newport said its particularly concerning because instances abound of Trump officials saying one thing and doing another. The city of Newport has friend-of-the-court status in the states lawsuit. Marshall said the ICE official, for example, declined to sign a statement that said ICE wouldnt construct a detention center in or around Newport. Despite what Ferguson told the judge, lawyers for the nonprofit, the county, city and state urged Aiken to expedite their cases. Aiken urged all parties involved in the litigation to be open and transparent. Lets not game this case, she said. Lincoln County, in a statement Wednesday, said it will steadfastly pursue its litigation to ensure the Coast Guard helicopter doesnt leave Newport. The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has eased the preventive measure applied to former head of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky, Suspilne reports. "The preventive measures have been extended for another two months with the option of posting bail in the amount of UAH 7 million. In addition, the court left a number of procedural obligations in place for Kudrytsky," the report said. In particular, Kudrytsky must surrender his foreign passport, refrain from communicating with witnesses in the case, and appear in court upon every summons. The court's decision means a relaxation of the conditions of the preventive measure; however, Kudrytsky will continue to remain under procedural restrictions within the framework of the criminal proceedings. As reported, on October 29, 2025, the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv placed former Ukrenergo head Kudrytsky under arrest until December 26 inclusive, with the option of posting bail in the amount of UAH 13.7 million. On October 30, bail was posted on his behalf, and he was released from custody that evening. Kudrytsky was detained by the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) on suspicion of fraudulently misappropriating funds of the state enterprise NPC Ukrenergo. According to the Bureau, in 2018, during tenders for the reconstruction of external fencing at substations of the Southern and Western power systems, the official entered into a conspiracy with representatives of a private company (referring to one of the companies of Lviv-based businessman Ihor Hrynkevych, who was previously detained over the procurement of substandard clothing for the Armed Forces of Ukraine worth more than UAH 1 billion). It is noted that under two contracts totaling more than UAH 68 million, the state enterprise transferred more than UAH 13.7 million in advance payments to the contractor, which the perpetrators allegedly misappropriated. However, Ukrenergo recovered the bank guarantee from the contractor in that amount, and, as Kudrytsky noted, the interests of the state enterprise were not harmed. He described the court's decision as political. During the hearing at which the court selected the preventive measure, Kudrytsky assured that he did not intend to evade the investigation or flee, as he planned to prove the groundlessness of the suspicion against him. On October 21, SBI investigators conducted searches of Kudrytsky's car and home. During the vehicle search, investigators gained access to his phone, which patrol police officers had previously asked him to show in order to check the status of the Rezerv+ app. Sources in law enforcement agencies noted that the searches were conducted as part of an investigation into the overstatement of logging volumes and the cost of contract work during the construction of power transmission lines. Commenting on the searches, Kudrytsky said that no one suspected him of anything, and that, in his view, the sole purpose of the searches was to gain access to his phone. Regarding Magamedrasulov, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General stated that they had exposed him for conducting business in the Russian Federation. On July 2, 2025, the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv imposed a preventive measure on Magomedrasulov in the form of detention, and on October 17 extended it until December 15 without the right to post bail. The defense requested any preventive measure not involving detention, but the prosecutor stated that Magamedrasulov could go into hiding and influence witnesses. A former West Linn doctor has settled a civil lawsuit filed by 180 former patients who accused him of sexual abuse disguised as medical care. The settlement, first reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting, comes on the eve of a sprawling civil trial against the ex-physician David Farley, the clinic he founded, West Linn Family Health Center, and two nearby hospitals where Farley also worked. But with a settlement reached by Farley, his clinic and Legacy Meridian Park, the trial will proceed only against Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center. A spokesperson for the Catholic health care chain had no immediate comment. The suit alleges Providence failed to properly supervise Farley or prevent the abuse. The civil lawsuit was filed in late 2020 in Multnomah County as Farley, 67, took steps to retire in Utah while under investigation by the Oregon Medical Board for performing ungloved and unnecessary breast and pelvic exams and photographing childrens genitals, purportedly for a study. The case grew to nearly 180 plaintiffs with $970 million in claims for pain and suffering, as well as $400 million in punitive damages. Its not clear precisely when the settlement was reached, as attorneys do not always promptly file court records called limited judgments. Attorneys for Providence alleged in a Dec. 12 filing that the settlements change the landscape and threaten to deny [Providence] a fair trial because much of the evidence in the case doesnt directly pertain to the nonprofit health care system and could unfairly sway the jury Multnomah County Circuit Judge Benjamin Souede, who is presiding over the three-part civil trial, imposed a gag order earlier this month banning all sides from speaking with the media until the case is over. In a note to patients this month, West Linn Family Health Center announced it will close permanently on March 19. Farley still faces a 16-count criminal indictment charging him with first- and second-degree sexual abuse in Clackamas County Circuit Court. Farley surrendered to police Oct. 10 on a 11-count indictment filed by a special prosecutor from the Oregon Department of Justice. Clackamas County Circuit Judge Katherine Weber lowered his bail to $100,000 and permitted his release days later. A new indictment issued Dec. 12 added more sex abuse charges and raised the number of alleged victims to five, two of whom were under 14 when the abuse allegedly occurred in the 2010s. The DOJ took up the case at the request of Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, who said he was unable to file charges due to the statute of limitations, investigatory errors and a loophole in Oregon law. A West Linn police detective bungled the original criminal investigation into Farley in 2020 and didnt know the basics of womens health care, according to a city investigation released in early 2024. More than 15 years ago, an independent police oversight group criticized Portland police and the city for long delays in investigating the death of James Chasse, a Portland man with schizophrenia who died during a 2006 encounter with police, due to an ongoing lawsuit. The city auditor at the time pledged not to let litigation stall outside reviews of police conduct going forward. Now, the same California-based consulting group says thats happened twice. The Portland Police Bureau is required to conduct extensive investigations whenever police use deadly force or someone dies during an interaction with officers. The citys Independent Police Review is then required by city code to hire an outside expert to review the completed investigations. OIR Group, which reviewed Chasses death, has produced nine reports on Portland Police Bureau uses of deadly force and in-custody deaths. The most recent report, which Portland City Council reviewed Wednesday, evaluated nine incidents between 2019 and 2022 where officers fired their weapons and one incident where a person died by suicide during an interaction with police. Three people died including the one who died by suicide three were injured but recovered, and four were not hit by the shots police fired. Two additional shootings would have been included in the review, but were blocked due to ongoing litigation, the report said. Weve been doing this for over a decade and weve never had this come up before, said Michael Gennaco, co-author of the report. The report called it a sea change in practice. Gennaco said the Independent Police Review sent OIR Group a batch of cases to be analyzed for the most recent report and said two investigations were being held back because of pending litigation. Hes not sure who actually made that call. We are still not sure why, who was the impetus behind this, he said. A spokesperson for the city said they couldnt provide more information on Tuesday or Wednesday about who decided not to release the reports. A Portland Police Bureau spokesperson did not respond to that question Wednesday. Fixing this issue is among the seven recommendations OIR Group issued in its report. It caused us some concern, Gennaco told city council on Wednesday. If any kind of transparency, any kind of recommendations coming out of our review are forestalled until the litigation is over it could be years, many years. Portland Police Chief Bob Day wrote in a response to the report that he agreed external reviews should not be delayed by litigation, but requested the city attorneys office have a chance to review reports for accuracy before they get finalized. The Bureau recognizes the advantages of reviewing these critical incidents quickly in order to timely address identified gaps in policy or training, Day wrote. But he said public dissemination of the analysis can complicate litigation, particularly if there are inaccuracies. Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen said its standard practice for PPB to fact check reports. He said OIR Group still retains the independence to print the report they see fit. Day told the city council on Wednesday that OIR or other consultants will be given the information they need for reviews moving forward even if theres ongoing litigation. Gennaco noted that leaders in other cities have been concerned that a critical review of an incident might harm their position in a lawsuit. If its a bad shooting, its a bad shooting, he said. And if we say its a bad shooting, the plaintiffs attorneys are going to learn its a bad shooting as well. Portland police officers killed someone in both of the shootings that were held back from review. Both involved individuals who appeared to be experiencing mental health crises. Police shot Robert Delgado, who had been shouting incoherently and raised an object police believed was a gun, but turned out to be a fake gun, in April 2021. A grand jury found their actions justified. Michael Townsend called 911 in June 2021 for help while high and feeling suicidal. When officers said they needed to pat him down for weapons, he declined, pulled a sharpened screwdriver and moved toward officers, who shot and killed him. They were also cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury. The families of both men have sued the city alleging wrongful death. The Delgado case is still pending. Townsends family was awarded $1 million after a Multnomah Circuit Court jury found the city liable in 2024. The city initially appealed the ruling, but dropped the appeal in April 2025 and paid the award days later, closing the case. We have heard the police bureau state time and again that they are a learning institution, Marc Poris of Portland Copwatch said in a statement. We cant tell if its PPB or the City Attorney that is behind this reversal in policy, but either way, the city is depriving the public of both the transparency around these events and the learnings that PPB would get from having them independently reviewed, which could ultimately save lives. The report also recommended that Portland police formalize a process for adopting lessons learned from past shootings in order to prevent the same issues going forward. Gennaco said in 2023 that he was tired of saying it after reiterating this same recommendation several times. Another significant recommendation, Gennaco said, was that Portland police commit to investigating what leads up to a shooting. Police investigations currently focus heavily on shootings and their aftermath, but should look more at how officers acted beforehand, including any attempts at de-escalation, the report said. Portland police agreed, or partially agreed, with both of those recommendations. Republica, the Mexico-forward tasting menu that began as a casual lunch counter before evolving into one of Portlands most ambitious restaurants of the past half decade, will close next month, co-owners Angel Medina and Olivia Bartruff announced. The restaurant will close for good on Feb. 21, Medina wrote Wednesday on Substack. In that post and a follow-up interview with Portland Monthly, Medina cited Trumps 2024 election, a sharp drop in reservations last spring and his own fears for his staffs safety in the wake of the aggressive tactics of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis as root causes for the closure. Lilia Comedor and Comala, a nearby restaurant and bar from the same hospitality group and run by former Republica chef Juan Gomez, will remain open. The late chef Lauro Romero rests against Republica's dining room wall. The Oregonian Republica's signature quesadilla. The Oregonian Before Republica, there was La Perlita, a cafe in the Pearl Districts Ecotrust building that drew rare COVID-era lines for its good coffee and pop-ups from Bartruff, a pastry chef; Lauro Romero, chef at the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel restaurant King Tide; and others. When a Laughing Planet location closed in the same building in late 2020, Medina, Bartruff and Romero took over the space for a lunch menu centered on gorgeous tri-colored quesadillas placed alongside a swoosh of salsa macha. The restaurants early iterations were memorable in their own right. But by the summer of 2021, Republica was ready to show the city how high its ambitions ran, with Romero coming on board full time to launch a tasting menu option in the evenings. In our review that December, we praised Romeros elegant dishes, including raw fish preparations and time-intensive moles as well as the use of Mexican ingredients rarely seen in Portland such as escamoles (ant larvae) and huitlacoche (corn smut). At the end of 2021, Portland Monthly named Republica its restaurant of the year, Eater PDX called it the citys best new restaurant and The Oregonian/OregonLive added Republica to its list of Portlands best restaurants to open since the pandemic. The following year, Bon Appetit magazine named Republica Portlands best Mexican restaurant, adding it to its own list of Americas best new restaurants for 2022. Romero stepped down as Republicas chef in 2022, reviving his own Clandestino pop-up then signing up for the Ritz-Carlton restaurant Bellpine before his death in 2024. Over the past few years, a series of chefs have run Republicas kitchen, including Lilias Gomez, Jose Lalo Camarena of Portlands mariscos pop-up Metlapil and, most recently, former De Noche chef Dani Morales, who introduced an a la carte option to the once-exclusively prix-fixe restaurant. Republica plans to stay open through Feb. 21 at 100 N.W. 10th Ave., 541-900-5836, mexico-forward.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. A Kentucky family battling extreme cold temperatures on their farm over the weekend opened their home to a newborn calf that was struggling in the deep freeze. Hours later, the calf, fed and fluffed, took a spot on the couch with the Sorrell familys two children. Their mom, Macey Sorrell, snapped some photos and later posted them to social media, and the cuteness did not go unnoticed. The calf was born outdoors in single digit temperatures on Saturday. Macey Sorrell said her husband, Tanner, went outside to check on the pregnant mother and found the calf, suffering in the cold. She was just frozen. Her umbilical cord looked like a popsicle, Macey Sorrell said Thursday from her home in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. It was just frozen. After losing a calf last winter to frostbite, the family moved quickly to bring the baby inside to clean her off and warm her up. When we brought her in, she had ice on her. The afterbirth was still on her, I had to wipe all that off, Sorrell said. I took out the blow dryer and warmed her up, and got her all fluffed out. In this photo provided by the family, Tanner Sorrell and his wife, Macey Sorrell, feed and clean a calf that was born on their farm during extreme temperatures in Mount Sterling, Ky., on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Courtesy Macey Sorrell via AP Soon the calf was lying on the couch, cuddling with her young children. They crawled up next to her like it was just the most normal thing, she said. Her 3-year-old son, Gregory, decided to name the calf Sally, a character from his favorite movie, Cars. The family keeps about three dozen cows on their land and are used to bringing farm animals indoors from time to time. Sally was reunited with her mother the next morning, and is doing well, Sorrell said. Sorrell said she almost didnt share the photos on social media, because it was nothing new to the family to bring an animal indoors when necessary. Several commented on the cuteness of the photos. Its just part of what you do, she said. --By Dylan Lovan/The Associated Press DENVER (AP) Donald Trump lost his bid for reelection in 2020. But for more than five years, hes been trying to convince Americans the opposite is true by falsely saying the election was marred by widespread fraud. Now that hes president again, Trump is pushing the federal government to back up those bogus claims. On Wednesday, the FBI served a search warrant at the election headquarters of Fulton County, Georgia, which includes most of Atlanta, seeking ballots from the 2020 election. That follows Trumps comments earlier this month when he suggested during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that charges related to the election were imminent. The man has obsessions, as do a fair number of people, but hes the only one who has the full power of the United States behind him, said Rick Hasen, a UCLA law professor. Hasen and many others noted that Trumps use of the FBI to pursue his obsession with the 2020 election is part of a pattern of the president transforming the federal government into his personal tool of vengeance. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, compared the search to the Minnesota immigration crackdown that has killed two U.S. citizen protesters, launched by Trump as his latest blow against the states governor, who ran against him as Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in 2024. From Minnesota to Georgia, on display to the whole world, is a president spiraling out of control, wielding federal law enforcement as an unaccountable instrument of personal power and revenge, Ossoff said in a statement. It also comes as election officials across the country are starting to rev up for the 2026 midterms, where Trump is struggling to help his party maintain its control of Congress. Noting that, in 2020, Trump contemplated using the military to seize voting machines after his loss, some worry hes laying the groundwork for a similar maneuver in the fall. Georgias a blueprint, said Kristin Nabers of the left-leaning group All Voting Is Local. If they can get away with taking election materials here, whats to stop them from taking election materials or machines from some other state after they lose? FILE - Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. AP Georgia has been at the heart of Trumps 2020 obsession. He infamously called Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, 2021, asking that Raffensperger find 11,780 more votes for Trump so he could be declared the winner of the state. Raffensperger refused, noting that repeated reviews confirmed Democrat Joe Biden had narrowly won Georgia. Those were part of a series of reviews in battleground states, often led by Republicans, that affirmed Bidens win, including in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada. Trump also lost dozens of court cases challenging the election results and his own attorney general at the time said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. His allies who repeated his lies have been successfully sued for defamation. That includes former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who settled with two Georgia election workers after a court ruled he owed them $148 million for defaming them after the 2020 election. Voting machine companies also have brought defamation cases against some conservative-leaning news sites that aired unsubstantiated claims about their equipment being linked to fraud in 2020. Fox News settled one such case by agreeing to pay $787 million after the judge ruled it was CRYSTAL clear that none of the allegations were true. Trumps campaign to move Georgia into his column also sparked an ill-fated attempt to prosecute him and some of his allies by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, a Democrat. The case collapsed amid conflict-of-interest charges against the prosecutor, and Trump has since sued Willis for the prosecution. On his first day in office, Trump rewarded some of those who helped him try to overturn the 2020 election results by pardoning, commuting or vowing to dismiss the cases of about 1,500 people charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He later signed an executive order trying to set new rules for state election systems and voting procedures, although that has been repeatedly blocked by judges who have ruled that the Constitution gives states, and in some instances Congress, control of elections rather than the president. As part of his campaign of retribution, Trump also has spoken about wanting to criminally charge lawmakers who sat on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack, suggesting protective pardons of them from Biden are legally invalid. Hes targeted a former cybersecurity appointee who assured the public in 2020 that the election was secure. During a year of presidential duties, from dealing with wars in Gaza and Ukraine to shepherding sweeping tax and spending legislation through Congress, Trump has reliably found time to turn the subject to 2020. He has falsely called the election rigged, said Democrats cheated and even installed a White House plaque claiming Biden took office after the most corrupt election ever. David Becker, a former Department of Justice voting rights attorney and executive director of The Center for Election Innovation & Research, said he was skeptical the FBI search in Georgia would lead to any successful prosecutions. Trump has demanded charges against several enemies such as former FBI Director James Comey and New Yorks Democratic Attorney General, Letitia James, that have stalled in court. So much this administration has done is to make claims in social media rather than go to court, Becker said. I suspect this is more about poisoning the well for 2026. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) If theres been a soundtrack to life in Minneapolis in recent weeks, its the shrieking whistles and honking horns of thousands of people following immigration agents across the city. They are the ever-moving shadow of the Trump administrations Operation Metro Surge. They are teachers, scientists and stay-at-home parents. They own small businesses and wait tables. Their network is sprawling, often anonymous and with few overall objectives beyond helping immigrants, warning of approaching agents or filming videos to show the world what is happening. And its clear they will continue despite the White House striking a more conciliatory tone after the weekend killing of Alex Pretti, including the transfer of Gregory Bovino, the senior Border Patrol official who was the public face of the immigration crackdown. I think that everyone slept a little better knowing that Bovino had been kicked out of Minneapolis, said Andrew Fahlstrom, who helps run Defend the 612, a hub for volunteer networks. But I dont think the threat that were under will change because they change out the local puppets. The surge begins What started with scattered arrests in December ramped up dramatically in early January, when a top ICE official announced the largest immigration operation ever. Masked, heavily armed agents traveling in convoys of unmarked SUVs became commonplace in some neighborhoods. By this week, more than 3,400 people had been arrested, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At least 2,000 ICE officers and 1,000 Border Patrol officers were on the ground. Administration officials insist they are focusing on criminals in the U.S. illegally, but the reality in the streets has been far more aggressive. Agents have stopped people, seemingly randomly, to demand citizenship papers, including off-duty Latino and Black police officers and city workers, area officials say. They smashed through the front door of a Liberian man and detained him without a proper warrant, even though hed been checking in regularly with immigration officials. They have detained children along with their parents and used tear gas outside a high school in an altercation with protesters after detaining someone. To be sure, federal agents are barely a presence in many areas, and most people have never smelled a whiff of tear gas. But the crackdown rippled quickly through immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. Patients are avoiding life-saving medical care, doctors said. Thousands of immigrant children are staying home. Immigrant businesses shut down, cut their hours or kept their doors locked to everyone but regular customers. People record and react to federal agents arresting people, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP Pushback comes quickly Activist groups rapidly organized across deeply liberal Minneapolis-St. Paul and some suburbs. Small armies of volunteers began making food deliveries to immigrants afraid to leave their homes. They drove people to work and stood watch outside schools. They also created interlocking webs of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of rapid-response networks sophisticated systems involving thousands of volunteers who track immigration agents, communicating with encrypted apps like Signal. Tracking often means little more than quietly reporting the movement of convoys to dispatchers and recording the license plates of possible federal vehicles. But its not always quiet. Protester caravans regularly form behind immigration convoys, creating mobile protests of anger and warning that weave through city streets. When agents stop to arrest or question someone, the networks signal the location, summoning more people who sound warnings with whistles and honking, film whats happening and call out legal advice to people being detained. Many protesters come expecting trouble Sometimes it all can feel performative, whether its Bovino in body armor tossing a smoke grenade, or young activists who rarely take off their helmets and gas masks, even when law enforcement is nowhere to be seen. But crowds often lead to real confrontations, with protesters screaming at immigration agents. Agents respond only sometimes, but when they do its often with punches, pepper spray, tear gas and arrests. Those confrontations worry some in the activist world. Take the recent afternoon in south Minneapolis, where dozens of protesters, some in gas masks, clashed with immigration agents in south Minneapolis. Protesters screamed at agents, threw snowballs and tried to block their vehicles. Agents responded by shoving protesters who got too close, firing pepper balls and finally throwing tear gas grenades and driving away. Demonstrators without masks wretched in the streets as volunteers handed out bottles of water to flush their eyes. By then, even many of the people in the protest werent sure what started it, including the city council member who soon arrived. Minneapolis has a long tradition of progressivism, and Jason Chavez is a proud part of that. He bristled when asked about the confrontation. I didnt see anybody confronting, said Chavez. I saw people alerting neighbors that ICE was in their neighborhood. And thats what neighbors should continue to do. Tracking immigration in an immigrant neighborhood To understand this world, talk to a woman known in the rapid response networks only by her nickname, Sunshine. She asked that her real name not be used, fearing retaliation. A friendly woman who works in health care, she has spent hundreds of hours in her slightly beat-up Subaru patrolling an immigrant St. Paul enclave of taquerias and Asian grocery stores, watching for signs of federal agents. She can spot an idling SUV from the tiniest hint of exhaust, an out-of-state license plate from a block away, and quickly distinguish an undercover St. Paul police car from an unmarked immigration vehicle. On the messaging apps, shes simply Sunshine. She knows the real names of few other people, even after working with some for weeks on end. She hates what is happening, and feels deeply for people living in fear. She worries the Trump administration wants to push the nation into civil war, and believes she has no choice except to patrol -- commuting its often called, half-jokingly -- every day. Sometimes people just want to pick up their kid and walk their dog and go to work. And I get that. I get that desire, she said while driving through the neighborhood last week. I just dont know if thats the world we live in anymore. She runs constant equations in her head: Should she report an immigration vehicle to the networks dispatcher, or honk her horn as a warning? Would honking unnecessarily scare residents who are already afraid? Are agents leading her around? Are federal vehicles moving to launch a raid, or are they distracting observers while other agents make arrests elsewhere? She is careful and avoids confrontation. She also finds hope in the community that has been created, and how offers to volunteer exploded after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. And she understands the anger of the people who face off against agents. My strategy, my approach, my risk calculation is different than other peoples. And at the same time, the vitriol, the frustration, I get it, she said. And sometimes it feels good to see someone unleash that. Not everyone agrees. Even nationally, some activist groups have pushed back against protest strategies that could lead to clashes. Loud does not equal effective, a group in a heavily immigrant Maryland county said in a recent social media post, explaining why their volunteers dont use whistles. Among other things, the Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Collective warned that whistling can escalate already volatile ICE agents who dont respect our rights and increase the likelihood of aggression toward bystanders or the detained person. This is not an action movie, the post says. You are not in a one-on-one fight with ICE. A week after a Portland & Western Railroad train ran off its rails while crossing a wooden bridge over a small river near the Oregon coast, three train cars are still stranded on the damaged bridge. The train was headed from Toledo to Albany in the early morning hours of Jan. 21, when it derailed on the small trestle over Olalla Slough. Six cars ran off the tracks: three locomotives, a slug a train car with no engine that helps boost the trains traction and two boxcars. The train crew walked away injury free. The incident shut down the rail line and closed nearby streets. The Oregon Department of Transportation told KGW News that one of the derailed locomotives began leaking diesel fuel. Republic Environmental Services responded with containment buoys to keep the leak from spreading. 16 1 / 16 Toledo train derailment: Scenes from the recovery operationMark Graves The bridge mishap comes almost exactly a year after Portland & Westerns Corvallis trestle collapse. In January 2025, that trestle gave way and much of the bridge ended up in the Marys River, sending agricultural materials into the water. Nobody was hurt. As of Tuesday, crews from the Rick Franklin Corporation, a derailment response company, were still working at the site of the Toledo trestle mishap. Drone video and photos show three locomotives are still on the trestle, leaning but secured with steel cables. Steve Vogel, 71, a retired Toledo resident who worked for 45 years at the Georgia-Pacific containerboard mill, where the train departed, and fished near the trestle as a kid, has been at the site nearly every day as a photographer and drone pilot. He thinks the train started to derail before it reached the bridge, when a rail came loose. Vogels drone footage shows crews building a temporary work bridge out of steel beams and heavy wood planks so heavy-lift equipment can reach the locomotives. Union Pacific says a single locomotive can weigh about 400,000 to 600,000 pounds, meaning the three locomotives combined weigh roughly 1.5 million pounds total a major recovery job. DEQ concerned about Portland & Westerns crossings over water Ten months after the Corvallis trestle collapse, The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said it was concerned about the condition and safety of Portland & Westerns railroad crossings over water bodies. The agency fined Portland & Western $81,600, saying the Jan. 2025 derailment sent 200 tons of urea into the Marys River. According to DEQ, urea can harm waterways by adding excess nitrogen, which can fuel algal blooms. Those blooms can reduce dissolved oxygen and throw aquatic ecosystems out of balance. As urea breaks down, it can also form ammonia, which is toxic to many aquatic organisms. In a Nov. 25, 2025, Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment and Order, the agency required Portland & Western to send it a list of all wooden trestle bridges over water and describe its process for evaluating and prioritizing repairs, modifications or replacement. Portland & Western Railroad Toledo Branch The freight train that derailed was operating on what Portland & Western calls its Toledo Branch. Its a heavily used, 75-mile rail line between Georgia-Pacifics containerboard mill in Toledo and Albany, linking the central Oregon coast to Oregons inland rail network. Portland & Western moves freight to and from the Georgia-Pacific mill, including inbound wood chips and outbound containerboard. Containerboard is the heavy paper used to make corrugated cardboard boxes. According to Union Pacific, the Toledo Branch rail line has a long history in Oregon, dating to the late 1800s, when it was built by the Willamette Valley & Coast Railroad. Over the decades, it passed through multiple owners as railroads consolidated and lines were reorganized. The modern chapter began in the early 1990s, when a smaller regional freight railroad took over day-to-day operations on the line first Willamette & Pacific, later Portland & Western. The branch remains a key freight link between Toledo and Albany, connecting Lincoln County to Oregons inland rail network. Oregon lawmakers will return to Salem next week for a packed legislative session in which they hope to address a projected budget deficit, strengthen the states economy and challenge federal immigration enforcement policies. They will have a maximum of five weeks to debate those priorities and an array of other proposals, including an expected short-term plan to pay for the states bridge and road maintenance. By law, the session must end by March 8. In contrast to several recent legislative sessions, lawmakers are facing an expected budget gap and will have to either find new revenue sources, trim agency spending or dip into the states savings accounts to balance the general fund. That means there will be little extra money to fund lawmakers pet projects or new initiatives that dont have significant support from top Democrats. I dont think this is the time to honestly be starting a whole bunch of new programs, Senate President Rob Wagner of Lake Oswego told reporters this week. He said lawmakers will have to prioritize programs that will protect or serve as many people as we can and ... do the least amount of harm to families across the state knowing that were heading into a really difficult period. That budget landscape has not deterred lawmakers of both parties from proposing initiatives with anticipated new costs, such as proposals to ease expenses for first-time homebuyers or expand the states earned income tax credit. Gov. Tina Kotek has also included budget requests in at least one of her three priority bills, which aim to boost housing production, expand the states behavioral health workforce and make Oregon more business friendly. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties have put forward proposals to address the states persistent crises of poor education outcomes, low housing production rates and insufficient support for those struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental health. Democrats have also outlined a package of bills to address federal immigration enforcement, but they have not yet put forth concrete plans to close the states funding gap or keep the Oregon Department of Transportation afloat without raising taxes. Some of those proposals are expected to emerge soon after state economists deliver an updated revenue forecast Wednesday. Politically, the short session will provide top Democrats and Kotek an opportunity to redeem themselves and unify their caucus after they failed in last years session to pass multiple versions of a transportation funding package, a top priority for the party. Republicans will again enter the session in the minority and with new leaders in both chambers as the party continues to grapple with frequent leadership turnover. One Republican in each chamber is also running for governor, meaning the session will likely bring plenty of political grandstanding. Heres what we know so far: Budget deficit In August, state economists predicted a $370 million deficit in the current biennium after a legislative report found that President Donald Trumps signature tax-cutting bill would cost the state nearly $900 million. Thats because Oregon generally copies federal tax law automatically, so any new federal tax cuts result in copycat reductions in state taxes. In November, state economists said the deficit had shrunk to $63 million. But the wide-reaching federal law is also expected to place additional pressure on the state budget not reflected in that estimate. Earlier this month, the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority said they need $340 million more in state funding between now and June 2027 to comply with new demands from the law. In the long term, federal cuts mostly to Medicaid and food assistance programs are expected to cost the state more than $15 billion through mid-2031, according to Koteks office. Lawmakers have been preparing to address the budget deficit for months, but each potential solution brings its own complications and opponents. They could cut agency budgets, potentially resulting in layoffs and reduced state services. They could disconnect from some or all of the tax breaks included in the federal law, which would increase state tax revenue but essentially raise taxes on Oregonians and businesses. Or they could tap the states reserve funds, which are restricted and would only provide temporary funding for various programs. During a media event Wednesday, top Democrats said they will not disconnect the state from two of the most popular tax breaks in the federal bill those that apply to overtime pay and tips but didnt explicitly say which other provisions are still up for consideration. What I care about is, do any of those tax breaks actually generate economic growth and jobs here in this state? said House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Eugene Democrat. If they do, then lets stay connected. If they dont, why would the state of Oregon give our tax resources away to a company that might be creating a job in Delaware or in Florida? Transportation Lawmakers have spent more than a year trying and failing to secure more permanent funding to maintain the states roads and bridges. Now, heading into the session, they still must find a short-term solution to keep the state transportation department afloat. In a special session last fall, Democratic lawmakers approved a series of tax increases as part of a larger transportation package to help the state continue paying for road and bridge maintenance. But Republican opponents gathered enough signatures through a referendum campaign to halt the taxes and place them on this Novembers ballot. House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville speaks with Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee on Jan. 13, 2025. Ahead of this year's short session, both said they hope to work with Democrats to notch some bipartisan wins. Mark Graves/The Oregonian The success of the referendum means lawmakers now need a new plan to address the Oregon Department of Transportations $242 million budget deficit while maintaining funding to fix and preserve the states highways and bridges. Those dollars are likely to come from other state transportation programs, such as megaprojects or initiatives to improve pedestrian infrastructure. After some back-and-forth with the governor and legislative lawyers, Democrats have said that they hope to move the tax vote up to the May election, a move Republicans have blasted as a political effort to prevent Kotek from appearing on the same ballot as tax hikes she backed. Top Democrats also indicated this week they are unlikely to repeal non-tax provisions from the special session package that had broad support and werent subject to the referendum, such as simplifying the tax structure for truckers and increasing oversight of the transportation department. That means lawmakers will have to find the resources to implement those new provisions while cutting funding for other agency programs. Although Kotek earlier had asked lawmakers to repeal the entire package, she took a more nuanced stance Wednesday. The point that Ive been taking to the table with legislative leaders is, if you want these things, we have to pay for them, Kotek told reporters. Otherwise, they gotta come out of the law. Response to federal policies Democrats say they plan to push back on a raft of Trumps signature efforts, including the administrations violent immigration crackdown, plans to sell public lands and pursuit of peoples personal information. Earlier this month, a group of Democrats unveiled an outline of various proposals. They include bills that would prevent the federal government from unlawfully withholding money from Oregon, allow Oregonians to sue federal agents for violating their constitutional rights and require school districts to strengthen their protocols for responding to immigration agents on school grounds. Theres no question that theres a lot of fear, theres a lot of concern, a lot of anger and people asking questions as, what can the state do? Rep. Ricki Ruiz, a Democrat from Gresham, told The Oregonian/OregonLive this week. I think well be able to get a lot of those things ready by day one. We got commitment from the governor that as soon as any bill regarding immigration gets to her desk, she will sign it as soon as she can. Federal agents working in Oregon have shot people, pointed guns at others, smashed car windows and dragged people out of cars. The targets have included teenagers. The officers often wear masks. During demonstrations, federal officers have sometimes used tear gas and pepper spray or injured protesters. Federal authorities have defended such actions, often characterizing them as self defense. U.S. citizens also have been caught in the dragnet or detained for documenting the crackdown. Federal officers have detained nearly 1,900 people in Oregon as of mid-December, according to Oregon for All, composed of various community advocacy organizations. Expected bills would bar local and state collaboration in the sale of federal public lands, strengthen rules for state agencies to follow when immigration authorities demand data and prevent federal agents from covering their faces, although similar anti-masking laws passed in other states have been challenged in court by the federal government. Democrats have said they hope some of those proposals will receive bipartisan support, but Republicans have largely stayed silent on federal immigration enforcement or other controversial Trump initiatives. During the Wednesday media event, Republican leaders suggested that some federal cuts are overdue and said allowing local law enforcement to cooperate with federal agents could reduce violent encounters. We do need to remember that these are law enforcement people at all levels, House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville said. I respect law enforcement. I stand with law enforcement. Wow, do they have a hard job to do. Governors priorities As she prepares to hit the campaign trail for her reelection bid this year, Kotek has proposed three of her own bills that could help grow the states behavioral health workforce, make the state more friendly to businesses and encourage more housing development. A behavioral health workforce group, chaired by Koteks wife, recently laid out some initial recommendations for lawmakers to take up this session. Two of those recommendations included in one of Koteks priority bills propose creating a centralized credential system to streamline provider care and consolidating licensing oversight of social workers and therapists to reduce processing times for licenses. Kotek has also proposed a package to make it easier to develop homes across the state. One policy in that plan would provide cities with a one-time tool to expand their urban growth boundaries to build manufactured homes and affordable housing for seniors. The proposal builds on similar legislation from 2024, also backed by Kotek, that provided a one-time tool for cities to quickly expand their growth boundaries by 50 or 100 acres if they met certain criteria for housing needs. Environmentalists have previously opposed these types of policies, saying they contradict Oregons famously protective land use laws. Gov. Tina Kotek speaking at a press conference in Portland on January 8. Kotek, a Democrat, has proposed three bills for the upcoming session that could help grow the states behavioral health workforce, make the state more friendly to businesses and encourage more housing development. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Kotek acknowledged that the bill could face opposition. Im not saying everyone will be 100% supportive, but I think people understand, even our land use advocates understand what were trying to achieve, and I think were going to have bipartisan support for the bill during session, she said. Lastly, Kotek will be backing proposals as part of what she is calling her economic prosperity roadmap to accelerate the permitting process for major projects and allocate up to $40 million for the preparation of industrial sites. Other proposals With roughly 50 committees and subcommittees preparing agendas for the session, lawmakers will also consider a flurry of legislative proposals brought forward by state agencies, political groups, individual legislators and others. Lawmakers are expected to address their campaign finance reform law, passed in 2024, that will limit political contributions and overhaul the states system to track spending in Oregon politics in the coming years. The Secretary of States Office has requested $25 million to keep the laws implementation on track the limits are set to go into effect next January but has warned that amount is only an initial, rough estimate. Facing a tight budget, lawmakers could decide to delay some or all provisions of the law, as some members of both parties have already indicated support for. But its unclear if they would delay the limits or the other portions of the law that arent set to roll out until 2028. On Wednesday, Kotek said she would oppose any effort from lawmakers to delay the contribution limits set to go into effect in January. Leading up to the session, Democrats have placed much emphasis on their desire to boost affordability and make Oregon more friendly to businesses. But they have not gathered widespread support behind any significant proposals to help meet that goal. To help lower Oregonians high costs of living, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, a Tigard Democrat, said members of his caucus will sponsor proposals to expand Oregons earned income tax credit for low-income workers, increase access to free school meals and close loopholes used by predatory lenders to profit off borrowers, among other initiatives. At least two Democrats have also proposed what is sure to be controversial legislation that would redirect some of Oregons popular kicker tax rebate, which returns taxpayer dollars to Oregonians when the state sees higher-than-expected revenues, to other services such as wildfire funding or education. Another potentially controversial bill backed by the Portland Trail Blazers would allow the state to redirect state income tax revenue generated by players and team employees away from the general fund and toward a $600 million Moda Center renovation that is seen as critical to keeping the team in Portland. Team executives have generated support for the proposal from the governor and other local leaders. I dont suspect well have any specific dollar amounts on the table, Kotek said. We just need to know what are the options we have to put a proposal in front of the new owners to say, this is what Oregon can do to have the Moda Center modernized and to keep the Trail Blazers. Republicans, meanwhile, are eager to roll back some of the Democratic-backed proposals that they view as unnecessary or hostile to businesses. For example, Republicans are sponsoring a bill that would repeal a controversial law passed last year that granted unemployment benefits to striking workers, a large win for unions. With Democrats holding supermajorities in both chambers, the repeal is unlikely to happen. At Wednesdays event, leaders of both parties expressed a desire to work together to address the long list of Oregons crises. It remains to be seen whether they will succeed. Im hopeful ... that we come together to solve the challenges facing Oregonians, and we leave some of the more controversial and divisive bills that are out there, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee said. Im hopeful that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will thoughtfully engage with the minority as we move forward on a limited agenda. Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek have less than one month to pass a bill if they want to move a transportation funding referendum from November to May, according to Oregons top election officer. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Kaplan in a Wednesday afternoon memo said the Oregon Legislature may move the date of a referendum about a transportation law to May if lawmakers pass a bill with an emergency clause and Gov. Tina Koteks signature by Feb. 25. The memo responds to questions from Democratic leaders about the No Tax Oregon campaign, a late 2025 petition to refer to the November 2026 ballot portions of a Democratic-led law meant to raise $4.3 billion in transportation maintenance funding over the next decade. Petitioners successfully submitted enough signatures to the secretary of state in December to include the referendum in a November vote, thus delaying provisions of the law including a 6-cent gas tax increase, vehicle registration and title fee hikes and a temporary hike to the transit tax. Kotek earlier this month called on lawmakers to repeal the law she championed without knowing that a 1935 Oregon attorney general opinion says the Legislature cant repeal a law once it has been referred to the ballot. While the opinion still stands, according to legislative legal counsel, lawmakers can change the date of the election, and thats exactly what Democratic leadership plans to do. Democratic leaders said they will introduce legislation in the legislative short session scheduled to begin Feb. 2 to move the referendum from the November general election to the May 19 primary election. According to the memo, information relating to the referendum including ballot title, financial estimates, the explanation of the measure, as well as arguments for and against it must be filed with the secretary of state by March 12 to appear on the state voters pamphlet. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee and a co-petitioner with the No Tax Oregon campaign, said he opposes moving the measure to May, citing concerns that it would limit voter turnout. In the states last gubernatorial election year in 2022, voter turnout reached 37% in the primary, compared to 67% in the general election. Starr was in the majority on a transportation committee when a 1999 transportation bill passed and set the referendum election date for May. In that election, more than 87% of voters rejected a gas tax increase. I understand that it is the prerogative of the majority to try to change that election, he told reporters Wednesday afternoon. We will hopefully engage with the 200,000 Oregonians to sign the petition to encourage my colleagues to not do that. Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, said moving the election doesnt disenfranchise voters, and that moving it would provide lawmakers with clarity on what their next steps should be for transportation funding. Gov. Tina Kotek said lawmakers have had thoughtful discussions on rearranging existing dollars in the Oregon Department of Transportation budget toward maintenance and operations. The agency has a gap of about $242 million for the current 2025-27 budget cycle. We have to fill that budget hole, and hopefully we will get that done this session, Kotek said. -- Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. NBC News on Wednesday reported that the Trump administration appeared to have targeted Oregon for a surge of federal agents and a large-scale immigration operation after Minnesota. The exclusive, based on interviews with 15 people, focused on how President Donald Trump and his staff have scrambled to respond to widespread public and political condemnation after the second fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis. It quoted an unnamed ex-White House official saying Oregon was next in line. The reality is, you cant stop what youre doing, the official told NBC News. This is the whole point of ICE existing in these cities, and Minnesota is not going to be the last state that ICE goes to. Oregon was next. We were not done. We need to keep going. Its not clear if thats still a possibility. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the report from The Oregonian/OregonLive. In Oregon, immigration enforcement intensified in the fall, with federal agents smashing car windows to drag people out, pointing rifles at teenagers and other people and injuring some people during their arrests. People have been arrested on their way to work, inside businesses and on private property. A family was arrested earlier this month at a Portland hospitals parking lot on their way to seek emergency care for their 7-year-old daughter and a Portland Uber driver was surrounded last week by federal agents who arrested her two passengers after following them for about half a mile from Union Station. Oregon for All, a coalition of several organizations in the state, in mid-December said federal authorities had detained more than 1,900 immigrants in Oregon last year, often without warrants. Last Saturday, two U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis while he was volunteering to document immigration enforcement. Videos show he was shot after helping a woman who had been pushed by a federal agent. On Jan. 8, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed Renee Good, 37, while she was in her car documenting immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The Trump administration deployed more than 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge. The administration has taken a step back on the operation following Prettis shooting, including removing Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino from his commander at large post. The Minnesota operation follows a similar one in Chicago in the fall dubbed Operation Midway Blitz. Portland has long been in Trumps crosshairs, from 2020s racial justice protests to last years unsuccessful attempt to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to the city to quell protests at the ICE field office south of downtown. Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has recommended that higher education institutions extend vacations or study in a distance format until February 8, and a corresponding letter has already been sent to university rectors, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko has said. "At the same time, the final decision on the format of study is made by the higher education institution itself within the powers provided for by the autonomous status, taking into account the security and energy situation on the spot," Trofymenko wrote on Facebook. He noted that at the same time, universities across the country continue to deploy support centers for students and employees, as well as - if possible - for people nearby. "In Kyiv, student associations have initiated the organization of assistance to the elderly and people with limited mobility. The Ministry of Education and Science is coordinating this process together with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine and international partners in order to most effectively use available resources and protect volunteers in difficult weather conditions," he added. As reported, due to the consequences of the emergency situation, the government has decided to temporarily suspend the in-person educational process in preschool, general secondary, vocational, pre-university and higher education institutions, depending on the security situation in the region. The State Educational Service and other interested central executive bodies, taking into account the decisions of the relevant commissions on TEB and Emergencies, must urgently take measures to: switch to distance learning or extend/introduce winter holidays until February 1, 2026. The Kyiv City State Administration to introduce an extension or establishment of winter holidays until February 1, 2026. In Kyiv, preschool educational institutions make decisions to continue work, taking into account the situation on the ground. A federal judge has dismissed the Trump administrations lawsuit seeking access to Oregons complete and unredacted voter rolls, a decision influenced by the administrations actions in another state. Here are five things to know about the case: The judge had great concerns about the administrations motive U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai dismissed the federal governments suit against Oregon, stating he had great concerns about the Trump administrations motives for seeking highly sensitive personal information on state voters. The judge, making the ruling from the bench during a hastily called video hearing, noted that he had previously hesitated to consider the administrations underlying purpose. However, new information prompted him to reconsider, leading him to conclude that the federal government had failed to provide a legally sufficient reason for its demand. Alleged ransom note sent to Minnesota impacts the case A letter sent by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to Minnesotas governor was a factor in the judges decision. Sent while Minnesota was dealing with the aftermath of a fatal shooting by federal officers, the letter demanded Minnesota repeal its sanctuary policies, grant ICE access to prisoners for removal and turn over its voter rolls and social service records. An attorney for Minnesota described the letter as a ransom note. This action led Kasubhai to question the federal governments true intentions in Oregon, as the letter to the Minnesota governor suggested the data request was tied to immigration enforcement rather than election integrity. The government failed to meet the legal standard of the Civil Rights Act Kasubhai ruled that the administrations request did not meet the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1960. He explained that Title III of the act was established to protect against racial discrimination in voting. James Thomas Tucker, a senior trial attorney in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, argued that the federal government wants the voter information to evaluate the states compliance with federal requirements to properly maintain lists of residents eligible to vote. The federal governments demand letters to Oregon made no claims or suggestions that its investigation was related to allegations of discrimination, the judge ruled. Because the government failed to state a purpose consistent with the statute it was using to compel the release of records, the judge found its legal argument to be insufficient. Oregon officials condemned the request as political intimidation Oregons top officials fiercely opposed the federal governments efforts, framing them as a politically motivated attack. Secretary of State Tobias Read called Bondis letter to Minnesota a direct attempt to use federal enforcement and lawless chaos as leverage to gain access to election infrastructure and an escalation in the Trump Administrations ongoing attack on our democracy. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield celebrated the courts dismissal, stating that voting laws cant be used as a backdoor to grab their personal information, reinforcing the states position that the lawsuit was an overreach. Lawyers believed it was a ruse to gain information for immigration enforcement Opponents of the federal request consistently argued that the stated goal of verifying voter lists was a pretext. The states legal team, the nonprofit group Our Oregon and the Democratic National Committee all suspected the administrations true purpose was to acquire personal data for immigration enforcement. The Democratic National Committee argued the plan was to transfer information like drivers license and partial Social Security numbers to the Department of Homeland Security, an agency with no authority over voter registration. Bondis letter to Minnesota, which linked voter data access with immigration demands, was seen as confirmation of these suspicions. A gigantic bulge in the north rim of the Yellowstone caldera is the latest sign of volcanic activity in the national park. Geologists call this type of bulge volcanic uplift. Its often caused by the movement of magma or gas underground. Dubbed the Norris Uplift Anomaly when it first appeared near the Norris Geyser Basin in 1996, the uplift disappeared after 2004. In July 2025, the Norris Uplift returned and is now the size of a major American city. Measuring roughly 19 miles across, it is the size of Chicago, Michael Poland, Scientist-in-Charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory told Cowboy State Daily. In the observatorys monthly update, posted to the US Geological Survey website on Jan. 2, scientists wrote that the measurements indicate subtle uplift along the north caldera rim that appears to have started in July. Calling a city-sized deformation subtle might seem like an understatement, but according to Poland, the phenomenon is hard to see from above ground. Between July and the time the stations were collected in September, Poland wrote in Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles, a weekly blog produced by the observatory, the ground rose by almost 2 centimeters (less than an inch). A shift that small is hard to see with the human eye, but was captured by GPS monitoring sites and interferometric synthetic aperture radar. What does this mean for the Yellowstone supervolcano? Nothing. Is this a sign of an impending eruption, or some other hazard? No, Poland wrote in the blog post. Rather, it is another example of Yellowstones dynamic nature, and what we can learn about the characteristics of the subsurface using a new generation of sensitive monitoring tools. In the event of any future activity, we would have plenty of notice. Yellowstone is closely monitored and signs of significant seismic disturbances would show up decades in advance. According to Poland, the current deformation is also minor in magnitude (it pales in comparison to deformation seen at other caldera systems), and before any hazardous activity the deformation rates would accelerate dramatically something that can obviously be tracked by the continuous GPS network. Tourist taking photos on Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Getty Images Is Yellowstone dangerous? Yes, like most areas with a lot of volcanic activity, it can be hazardous. But not because of any immediate danger of a supereruption of the Yellowstone caldera. Fears about an impending eruption of the supervolcano that created Yellowstone have circulated online for years. Last summer, videos of animals appearing to flee Yellowstone went viral, leading to speculation that the parks infamous supervolcano was set to erupt. What the videos actually showed, though, were simply the natural migrations of animals in the park. Social media posts and misleading online videos often claim that the Yellowstone supervolcano is overdue for another catastrophic eruption, like the one that initially created its caldera about 0.63 million years ago. However, according to the USGS, thats simply not how most supervolcanoes work. Most volcanic systems that have a supereruption do not have them multiple times, the agency says in an online FAQ. That means that, while its possible Yellowstone may see more volcanic activity in the future, it probably wont be on that scale again and its certainly not overdue. What is a supervolcano, anyway? The U.S. Geological Survey defines a supervolcano as a volcanic center that has had an eruption of magnitude 8 on the Volcano Explosivity Index (VEI), meaning that at one point in time it erupted more than 1,000 cubic kilometers (240 cubic miles) of material. So, yes, the Yellowstone caldera was created by volcanic activity from a so-called supervolcano. But, according to the USGS, its a little complicated: The largest eruption at Yellowstone was 2.1 million years ago and had a volume of 2,450 cubic kilometers. Like many other caldera-forming volcanoes, most of Yellowstones many eruptions have been smaller than VEI 8 supereruptions, so it is confusing to categorize Yellowstone as a supervolcano. They also carried a cardboard coffin emblazoned with a banner bearing the legend RIP HERE LEYTH BRITISH ARCHITECTURE to Barclays Banks new headquarters on the corner of L The men there relate anecdotes about the brothels (sporting houses) in New Orl laments in a recent Paris Review interview how students these days are no longer required to subject themselves to Olympic feats of reading.what would Leo make of them? I without being jarred too much from our attempts to give and receive ordinary c was like giving a giftit was an expression of attention and care in the form of a four-by-six-inch keeps A picture is a concrete memorya kind of verification that persists into the present and exists outside the head.How can I teach and the only extant copy of the text is the original manuscript now held by the Berg Collection at the NYPL.It seemed that at a time when so much of literature and the ar You can pass it and always be refreshed) and the Daily Mirror Building in Holb its rails the warp for a cocoon woven in the penetrating and being penetrated beneath the swirling acacia trees.my immediate reaction was of astonishmentas one is always as He stacked piles of ephemera into boxesa makeshift archivealongside boxes of his daily notes.a very significant event changed the trajectory of his relationship with his t the production tries awkwardly to fix: during what presumably would have been an intermission had the production been less afraid of losing its audiencetoo-overt intentions) (Ode a Guillaume dOrange)[The stars whose benevolenceFeels strengthened by your valorAre ready to welcome you;Already their splendor surrounds you;God picks them like flowers People probably want to believe Im not as weird as I would need to be to have written the books I have written.in which reason and intuition and human caring can once aga and is the first in a series of four excerpts from the project to be published As Armenia approaches its parliamentary elections scheduled for June, opposition forces appear increasingly eager to revive long-discredited narratives in an attempt to mobilize a shrinking and disoriented electorate. The closer election day comes, the more desperate the rhetoric sounds. Among the most active voices in this campaign of political nostalgia is Armenias former president and former leader of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Robert Kocharyan. Although Kocharyan has remained formally outside frontline politics for years, he has never fully disappeared from Armenias political landscape. Possessing long-standing networks within state institutions and society, he has retained a controversial but recognizable presence, particularly since the 2018 Velvet Revolution. Today, however, his attempted political comeback appears to be unfolding through a familiar proxy: his son, Levon Kocharyan. At a recent meeting with residents of Abovyan, Levon Kocharyan openly declared that Yerevan has the opportunity to raise the issue of the return of separatist elements to Azerbaijans Karabakh region. According to him, such a demand is natural and logical, supposedly understandable, even acceptable, to the worlds major powers. He went further, accusing the current Armenian authorities of betraying national interests by refusing to place this issue on Armenias foreign policy agenda. We believe such a possibility exists, Levon Kocharyan said. How realistic it is can be discussed later, but registering this demand and including it in our foreign policy agenda is necessary. This rhetoric, however, collapses under even minimal legal and political scrutiny. From the standpoint of international law, there is no ambiguity: Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders, as confirmed by UN resolutions and the official positions of all major international actors. Following Azerbaijans restoration of full sovereignty over the region, any matters related to residence, movement, or citizenship fall exclusively under Azerbaijans domestic jurisdiction. International law provides no mechanism for the collective return of groups based on political identity, nor does it grant third states the right to place such demands on another sovereign state. At most, individual applications by specific persons may be considered solely within the framework of Azerbaijani legislation and without external political pressure. In this sense, even registering such a demand in Armenias foreign policy agenda is not merely unrealistic; it is legally meaningless. Robert Kocharyan himself has actively reinforced this narrative. In a message marking Armenias Army Day, he lamented what he described as the systematic weakening of Armenias armed forces over recent years, accusing the current leadership of undermining the armys morale and capabilities. He expressed hope that Armenia could restore the strength and spirit of the army to ensure stable peace, while simultaneously invoking demographic decline, emigration, and alleged mismanagement by post-Soviet elites. Yet these statements reveal a deeper contradiction. Kocharyans own political camp, the so-called Karabakh clan was instrumental in creating the very structural, economic, and institutional failures he now decries. For decades, their governance model relied on corruption, militarization, and isolation, culminating in economic stagnation and mass emigration. The past they seek to revive is not one of stability, but of closed borders, international isolation, and permanent confrontation. For nearly thirty years, the territories of Karabakh remained under the control of the same political group that now seeks to re-enter Armenias political mainstream. Yet the demographic and economic outcomes of this period sharply contradict todays revisionist rhetoric. During the late Soviet period, the Armenian population in Karabakh was estimated at around 200,000300,000. During the years of occupation and conflict, that figure fell dramatically, at various stages declining to 30,00040,000, before being artificially raised to roughly 100,000120,000 through ad hoc resettlement efforts, including Armenians brought from abroad, notably from Lebanon. These figures reflect not stability or development, but prolonged demographic erosion and economic stagnation under the so-called Karabakh clan. The same pattern was evident across Armenia as a whole. At the time of the Soviet Unions collapse, Armenias population stood at approximately 3.5 million. By the time Nikol Pashinyan came to power, it had fallen to around 2.8 million, with emigration becoming systemic: roughly one in six Armenians left the country. This sustained outflow was driven by chronic economic mismanagement, weak logistics, and a political system dominated by elite enrichment rather than national development. Beyond economic failure, the period was also marked by grave abuses. Reports and testimonies point to the exploitation of prisoners as forced labor, the total destruction of Azerbaijani towns such as Aghdam, and the stripping and illicit sale of property from occupied territories, including through cross-border markets. The liberation of these territories later exposed the true scale of lost opportunity. In place of decades of neglect, assessments revealed the potential for up to 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation in Karabakh, alongside export capacity valued at $45 billion- a stark contrast to the stagnation inherited from the previous era. More importantly, the Kocharyan camp appears to fundamentally misread Armenian society. War fatigue is real. The overwhelming majority of Armenians are no longer interested in revanchist fantasies or symbolic foreign policy gestures with no practical outcome. Instead, they seek stability, economic opportunity, and an improvement in living standards, objectives that are achievable only through regional normalization and peace initiatives. Against this backdrop, the Kocharyans statements sound less like a political program and more like an electoral performance aimed at a narrow audience unwilling to accept the new regional reality. Azerbaijan is not a state that can be pressured into revisiting settled questions of sovereignty, and no amount of rhetorical escalation will change that fact. In reality, the Kocharyan bloc is fighting a wall and mistaking the resulting shock for political momentum. Their promises are not designed to be fulfilled; they are designed to be heard. As election day approaches, this dissonance grows louder. What remains is not a credible alternative vision for Armenias future, but a campaign built on denial, nostalgia, and the politics of false hope. Washington and Kyiv do not have a real understanding of security guarantees for Ukraine, believes Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on European Integration (European Solidarity faction). "My colleagues from U4U (United for Ukraine) - an informal network of parliamentarians from different EU countries and the European Parliament, who have been supporting Ukraine since 2022, have made far from the first advocacy visit. The last one was to Washington and Chicago together with colleagues from Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Spain. Our meetings in Washington with congressmen and senators, in the White House, and think tanks, unfortunately, indicate that there are no real discussions and real understanding of what security guarantees for Ukraine might look like in Congress, as well as in the Ukrainian parliament," Klympush-Tsintsadze told Interfax-Ukraine. According to the MP, it is now clear that the United States does not consider the deployment of its troops in Ukraine or any other radical intervention as a security guarantee, and "therefore, it is quite difficult to say that the president considers a 100 percent agreed bilateral plan of security guarantees from the US." Klympush-Tsintsadze noted that if we are talking about the monitoring of the conditional demarcation line by the United States, or the provision of US access to intelligence information to Ukraine, or the sale of weapons to Ukraine - "these are, of course, very important elements of our ability to defend ourselves, but this is definitely not a guarantee of our security." Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized that we would like to hope that we are talking about something more powerful, more effective, which can really become a deterrent for future Russian attacks. "But this whole structure and negotiation tracks look quite surreal from the point of view that first of all we should achieve a ceasefire, and then hold negotiations. Some of our interlocutors in the United States understand this, but these are isolated voices. We should not expect any changes in US policy on this issue in the near future. Moreover, the interest of American counterparts in "more productive relations with Russia" was also voiced at separate meetings in the US," Klympush-Tsintsadze noted. At the same time, the head of the committee emphasized that at the same time there are many circles and individuals who are ready to join in the advocacy of pressure on Russia in the form of sanctions and additional assistance to Ukraine. "This is exactly what we were talking about with diaspora communities from Central European countries, in particular with the Lithuanian and Polish communities, who are ready to interact with Ukrainians who are sufficiently organized in Chicago and focused on further work to support Ukraine," said Klympush-Tsintsadze. OU is partnering with the Cherokee Nation to construct a $30 million OU College of Nursing satellite campus in Tahlequah. The partnership establishes additional annual investments to train nurses and health care professionals for both the Cherokee Nation and rural Oklahoma. The project is designed to support nursing education while addressing regional health care staffing shortages, according to a press release. According to a release, the campus will operate out of the former W.W. Hastings Hospital facility. The W. W. Hastings Hospital is moving to a new facility later this year. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., an OU alum, said the investment reflects Cherokee Nations growing health care system and the urgent need for more nurses. Our health system is the largest in Indian Country and it's projected to grow even larger, Hoskin said. The goal we have at Cherokee Nation is a world-class system of wellness, and we know to do that we need a pipeline of professional talent to operate a great health care system. Nursing in particular is a profession in which everyone is experiencing a shortage. The U.S. currently has about 78,000 fewer registered nurses than needed, and Oklahoma is expected to require roughly 2,200 new registered nurses per year over the next decade to keep up with demand. According to the release, the campus is expected to launch online coursework in the fall, serving registered nurses with associate degrees and licensed practical nurses who are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The physical campus is expected to open 2027, with plans to expand programming as enrollment increases. Hoskin said the school will be open to all qualified applicants, not only Cherokee Nation citizens, and the program will be highly competitive. This is a highly competitive, open to everybody based on merit, nursing school, Hoskin said. The only difference between this school and every other OU nursing school campus is Oklahoma taxpayers had to pay exactly $0 for this one. While the $30-million investment is a one-time contribution, the Cherokee Nation will also make substantial ongoing investments in health care education, including just over $5 million in an endowment through the Cherokee Nation Foundation to fund nursing scholarships for Cherokee Nation citizens, according to the release. The Cherokee Nation will also invest $1 million annually to nursing and other health-related scholarships, as well as youth career exploration programs, the release reads. An additional $1 million per year will support non-degree health care training, including career-tech pathways such as certified nurse assistants and other certification programs. Hoskin said the nursing schools location on the Cherokee Nations health campus will give nearby residents access to Cherokee Nation health care facilities and proximity to other institutions, such as the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Theyll see amazing facilities, and we think they will increasingly want to be the doctors and nurses of tomorrow, Hoskin said. Hoskin said the partnership represents Cherokee Nations growing leadership role in addressing Oklahomas health care challenges. I think this is really a win for the entire state, Hoskin said. Cherokee Nation has made a decision to be a leader in meeting one of the state of Oklahomas great challenges. This story was edited by Natalie Armour and Macey Thaxton. Andrew Higgins and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. In the past three months, the OU-Tulsa School of Community Medicine shuttered a clinic and issued contract non-renewals to its surgical teaching staff to bring down a projected $18 million deficit this fiscal year. These are part of ongoing changes. The budget woes are specific to the Tulsa campus, and the interim dean of the OU-Tulsa medical school said the latest moves are getting the budget back into balance. Though some physicians who taught at the school question if the moves will ultimately hurt medical education and health care in the city. Boyd Burns, who has been serving as the OU-Tulsa School of Community Medicine interim dean since July, said reasons for the deficit are outside influences affecting all medical institutions. Those pressures are on top of the school not having a dedicated academic hospital, typical of other medical schools, which helps control the bottom line. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Among the recent hits is the 2023 privatization of Medicaid in Oklahoma, which moved thousands of patients to other insurance providers. It has resulted in lower reimbursement rates and increased denials for services. Also, the health access network that provided services to patients made contractual changes that reduced revenue for services, Burns said. An OU audit of its health campuses found that in the 2025 fiscal year, patient care income decreased by $9.4 million, primarily due to patient volume at the Tulsa clinics. The previous year shows an $8.5 million decrease in patient care income. These changes hit us pretty suddenly, and we are responding to that in order to right the ship financially, Burns said. It is more and more difficult for every health care system to make ends meet. Were spending more and more time to keep the lights on. Thats not just here but every hospital system I know of nationally. The OU-Tulsa School of Community Medicine does not have an academic hospital, unlike OU Health in Oklahoma City. OU-Tulsa medical school students and teaching faculty are placed across the citys hospitals and at its clinic. That has been the model since it opened in 1972 to educate third- and fourth-year students. The first class of a four-year medical degree at OU-Tulsa began in 2015. In December, the surgical teaching staff at OU-Tulsa received notices of contract non-renewals, and the surgical clinic personnel were informed the office was closing. That represents fewer than 10 of 170 physicians, Burns said. Our faculty are not being terminated, Burns said. They will be getting new letters. We are making some necessary changes for the stability and longevity of our program and school in the future. Discussions between OU-Tulsa and the area hospitals are ongoing, with the goal of having staff more integrated into the medical centers, Dr. Burns said. The idea is to shift more of the cost to hospitals benefiting from faculty and student work. They would be primarily employed through the hospitals and partially employed with us, Burns said. That still allows them to have protected time for their scholarly pursuits and for their academic research for their teaching and mentoring. With some of those deficits, the current model we have now is just not sustainable for the future, with reimbursements going down and not having our own hospital. The changes so far have narrowed the projected deficit to about $12 million with the fiscal year ending on June 30. Adjustments in other departments are being considered, Burns said. Each month that goes down a little bit more, Burns said. Were being very frugal around here. What we are doing with the other departments is strategizing, moving to more of a professional services agreement type model to maximize our reimbursement, decrease operating costs and improve our efficiency. In mid-November, the schools clinic near 101st Street and Memorial Drive closed, moving those patients to the OU Health Physicians Family Medicine Clinic at 1111 S. St. Louis Ave. Former surgery department chair, Anthony Howard, M.D., who was part of the OU-Tulsa faculty from 1993 to 2021, said more than 1,500 residents and fellows have been trained at OU-Tulsa since 2001. Hundreds of those physicians stayed in the Tulsa area, providing specialty care across the region. Assuring ongoing support and viability of the OU School of Community Medicine is vital to northeast Oklahomas health care systems, Howard said. Eliminating a major department, faculty research and patient base in a university medical school as part of a cost-cutting plan, in my opinion, puts the accreditation and future of the medical school in jeopardy. Current and former staff are questioning the equitable allocation of resources and dedicated legislative funding among medical institutions in Oklahoma. The OU School of Community Medicine has historically faced financial challenges, Howard said. There are undoubtedly many factors involved in recent financial shortfalls. These likely include lower Medicaid receipts and state funding allocation to Oklahoma medical schools. Correction of these deficits could be approached in a comprehensive fashion with key community and state government officials facilitated by OU administrative leaders in Norman and Oklahoma City, at the direction of the OU Regents. I would hope that these planned actions could be tabled before they are implemented. These financial deficits should be solvable. Professor emeritus, William Jennings, said the shift of staff to more hospital-based employment will detract from teaching and research. Jennings is known as a groundbreaking vascular surgeon in hemodialysis and worked in medical education for more than 30 years. (The changes) will result in continued loss of existing faculty in addition to stifling recruitment of new academic and teaching physicians, Jennings said. As an example, the very successful OU vascular fellowship department is the only vascular training program in Oklahoma and will be a significant and disappointing loss for Oklahoma and the United States. With two Tulsa hospitals reaching the Level 1 Trauma designation last year, Jennings said the city will depend more on having a pipeline of surgeons, specialty physicians and other medical professionals. That need will be in addition to the OU general and vascular surgery faculty, fellows and residents offering an important role in supporting the trauma centers. Funding for these University of Oklahoma medical and surgical training programs in Tulsa is decreasing and not sufficient, leading to faculty and program disruptions, contractions and closures; not just in general and vascular surgery, but in several other departments, Jennings said. Burns said accreditation will not be affected, and the day-to-day experience of students and faculty wont look much different. He said lawmakers are being informed of how public policy changes in health care affect patient service and medical schools. Our health care systems are trying our best to be good stewards of the resources that we have, Burns said. Were working with state officials in making sure they understand what this tension looks like, especially on the patient side. The OU-Tulsa School of Community takes great pride in providing care for a vulnerable group of patients. If there is a service that is discontinued or people lose insurance or coverage, that has very real effects on their lives, their longevity and their health and we care deeply about that. The plan is for the OU-Tulsa medical school to be operating out of the deficit by the time the Stephenson Cancer Center opens in 2028. The 176,000 square-foot facility at 41st Street and Yale Avenue on the Schusterman campus is part of a goal to reduce the states No. 4 ranking in cancer deaths. I see so many possibilities for cancer care and integration of services between the School of Community Medicine, Schusterman Clinic and Stephenson Cancer Center for the future, Burns said. Weve got great relationships with all systems here and were supported very well by them. That is what, in part, gives me confidence as we move into the future and have to make some really difficult changes, he said. You cant do this in isolation. You need to have support from the university, which we do at all levels. We have support from our hospital systems. These are going to be good changes, and its good to have conversations about them to reassure everyone. Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. Pennsylvania State Police in Lancaster County this week charged a 56-year-old man after he admitted to making explosives in his aunts garage, according to an affidavit of probable cause. During a Jan. 20 interview, Scott A. Boley, of Narvon, told troopers he possessed homemade explosive devices, charging documents said. The affidavit did not specify how troopers first became aware of the explosives. Boley told police he would order ingredients online, such as potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder, which create flash powder when combined. Flash powder is a fast-burning mixture that makes a blinding flash of light and a loud noise when ignited. The mixture is commonly used in fireworks and military pyrotechnics. Boley told troopers he would combine the ingredients and make bombs, according to the affidavit. Later on Jan. 20, troopers interviewed Boleys aunt, who owns the home Boley lives in. When police told the woman they wanted to talk about explosives, Boleys aunt started to nod and explained her nephew makes them in her garage. The woman gave police permission to search the garage, where they found one fully assembled M-device. M series explosives are explosive devices that could be deadly to those standing nearby during detonation, according to a Chicago Police Department training bulletin posted online. Police described Boleys M-device as 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter with a fuse sticking out about a half-inch. Troopers also found a container of flash powder, various-sized cardboard cylinders, potassium perchlorate, aluminum powder, fuses, and tannerite a blend of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder used to make homemade exploding targets. Boley, who has a warrant for his arrest in Lancaster County, is charged with one count of possessing or manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, a felony, and prohibited possession, a first-degree misdemeanor. A public record search showed Boley has an extensive criminal history in Pennsylvania. Also on Jan. 20, he was arrested in Chester County for similar charges. In that case, he is facing seven counts of possessing weapons of mass destruction in addition to driving under the influence, operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock, recklessly endangering another person and related summary charges. As of Thursday, Boley is incarcerated in the Chester County Prison after being unable to post his $150,000 bail. His preliminary hearing in Chester County is scheduled for Feb. 2. Boley previously pleaded guilty to dozens of offenses, including drug charges, driving under the influence, theft, fleeing police and burglary. UPDATE: Man killed by troopers in Lebanon County home had knife in his hand: parents A 47-year-old man has been identified as the person who Pennsylvania State Police shot and killed Wednesday morning at a Lebanon County home. John McDowell was inside a home on the first block of Gable Drive in Jackson Township around 6 a.m. Wednesday when troopers serving a warrant went inside, according to the Lebanon County Coroners Office and state police. The warrant was related to a child pornography investigation, according to Trooper Ethan Brownback. The coroners office said McDowell lived at the home. After entering the house, Brownback said McDowell confronted troopers in a manner which resulted in members discharging their firearms. Police have not said if McDowell was armed or what prompted the use of lethal force. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroners office said an autopsy was performed Thursday morning. McDowells cause and manner of death are pending. McDowells parents and a neighbor said he owned and operated a local pest control company. A public records search showed the man had no criminal history in Pennsylvania. Police remained in the Jackson Township neighborhood for nearly 12 hours after the fatal shooting. Around 4:50 p.m., troopers carried at least five boxes labeled Evidence Rifle Box and Evidence Handle With Care to the area. Those boxes were eventually loaded into the back of a PSP truck. Minutes later, the coroners office removed McDowells body covered in a white sheet from the home. The mans parents told PennLive they are driving to Lebanon County from North Carolina, where they live. They are expected to be in the area by Thursday. State police have not provided any other information on the child pornography investigation or the shooting, which is being investigated in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty, per department policy, Brownback said. A man shot and killed by troopers Wednesday morning in his Lebanon County home had a kitchen knife in his hand and an open Bible nearby, his parents said. John McDowell, 47, was under investigation for child pornography, and Pennsylvania State Police were serving a warrant in the case when they arrived around 6 a.m. at his townhouse on Gable Drive in Jackson Township. Police provided no details on what prompted troopers to shoot McDowell other than to say, after entering the house, McDowell confronted troopers in a manner which resulted in members discharging their firearms. McDowells parents live out of state and were still traveling to Lebanon County Thursday. They didnt want their names published but told PennLive their son was in his kitchen, holding a knife when troopers shot him. Thats all we know. His Bible was open and on the couch, they said they were told by state police. State police did not immediately respond to PennLives questions about the knife. A search warrant application filed by state police and signed by a judge Tuesday to search McDowells home showed the evidence that lead police to McDowells home. It started with a Cybertip from the social media application Kik flagging possible child pornography on June 1, 2025, and another tip on June 2, 2025 for possible child molestation. A series of other cybertips were received last year by state police, who investigated the messages and determined McDowell had been invited into a group on Kik where participants had to verify into the group by providing child sexual abuse material. An IP address associated with the suspected pornographic photos of children that were shared on Kik was traced to McDowells phone number, home and email addresses, police said in the search warrant. According to the warrant, McDowell sent photos of childrens genitals in the chatroom and discussed having sexual contact with minors. McDowell was not charged with any sex crimes at the time he was shot, and did not have a criminal record in Pennsylvania. He owned a pest removal service company. In recent weeks, police described driving by McDowells home as they prepared to serve the search warrant. On Wednesday, at least two troopers went to the home to seize McDowells electronic devices and search for child pornography and other evidence. State police have not answered questions about whether McDowell was armed or said if anyone was in the house with him at the time. The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, which is helping to investigate the shooting, directed questions to state police on Thursday. Editor Christine Vendel contributed to this report. Photo: https://me.gov.ua The creation of agro-food hubs as a new format of international cooperation in the field of food security was discussed by Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Denys Bashlyk and Khaled Al Attar, Director General of the DIHAD Sustainable Foundation of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Economy's press service reported. "Ukraine is already actively working on expanding the Food from Ukraine initiative, specifically on establishing food hubs in African countries. This is not just about exports. It is about building local infrastructure for storage, processing, and distribution of food. We aim to scale up this approach. Together, we can create a network of modern food hubs that will ensure stable food supplies to regions that need them most, including the Middle East. This is a contribution to global food security and stability," Bashlyk said during the talks. The deputy minister said that food security and the development of food hubs, particularly in the Middle East, could become a new strategic direction of cooperation. He expressed confidence that advancing such cooperation would help build a new innovative agro-ecosystem and deepen economic and investment ties between the countries. The parties also focused on strengthening cooperation between government and business at both B2B and B2G levels, as well as fostering partnerships among research institutions. Practical steps include organizing a Ukrainian pavilion at the DIHAD exhibition in the UAE and holding a thematic roundtable dedicated to issues of food-related humanitarian aid. DIHAD Sustainable is a specialized platform and international initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, food, water management, forestry, and natural resource use. It brings together government institutions, international organizations, agribusiness, research institutions, and civil society organizations to exchange knowledge, best practices, and technologies that support sustainable development of agricultural sectors amid climate change, economic challenges, and growing demands for environmental safety. A teen charged with killing his 16-year-old classmate was arrested Wednesday after evading law enforcement for more than four years. The U.S. Marshal service announced Wednesday that Jaden Andrew Pagan, 19, was arrested in the Bronx, New York. Pagan fled central Pa. after he was charged with criminal homicide in the killing of Omar Rodriguez in Lebanon on Oct. 27, 2021. Pagan was charged on Nov. 1 of that year when he was 15 years old. It doesnt bring Omar back, but it definitely feels like a whole weight is lifted off my shoulders, Omars mom, Jennifer Morales said. It was hard knowing this kid was out there living his life for years and Omars been in dirt, in a grave. Pagan was on the lam since the murder, but investigators recently learned Pagan was using a fake alias while residing in the Bronx. Pa. officials asked for assistance from the U.S. Marshal Services New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, who found and arrested Pagan, without incident, in the 200 block of Marmion Ave in the Bronx. The arrest was a joint effort between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Lebanon City Police Department and the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office. Detectives called Morales Wednesday morning to tell her that Pagan had finally been arrested. Unfortunately, I know he also was young, and his family is probably going to go through it just like we did, but you shouldnt do a crime if you cant sit there and man up and do the time, Morales said. Pagan was charged with criminal homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, robbery charges and other offenses alongside then-17-year-old Jaedyn Gaines. Gaines was arrested days after the shooting and pleaded guilty to the charges. Police say Omar was killed in a robbery after agreeing to sell the other two teens some marijuana. When Omar pulled up to a planned meetup in a car with a friend, Gaines took the marijuana while Pagan confronted Omar. Police said Omar fought for Pagans gun, then Gaines walked around and shot him. Omar drove away but blacked out, and crashed his vehicle, which flipped. His mother previously told PennLive Omar was killed over $90 worth of weed. He was kind, loved hard and is remembered for his smile. Stories make it seem like he was some type of drug dealer, but he wasnt about that. Omar didnt look to hurt people, Morales said. His smile is what everybody remembered. He was a goofball and he loved hard, he was there for people and would give people his last. Omar Rodriguez, 16, was fatally shot during a drug deal that turned into a robbery in Lebanon City on Oct. 27, 2021. Jennifer Morales Morales hopes for justice, as does her fiance, Ezra Torres. The pair have been waiting for years, wondering if their sons case had been forgotten. Pagans arrest comes about a month and a half after a PennLive update spotlighting the case. In the end, Torres said he wants people to learn from this that parents need to be more conscious in how they raise their children. This is a prime example of us as people forgetting that we are villages that are supposed to raise these children together, Torres said. I hope those words can touch somebody and do something for them. Its a sad case when a child kills another child. A member of the entourage for the up-and-coming Dallas, Texas, rapper known as Zeethewizard has been arrested and charged in the performers death earlier this month, according to news reports. Zecqurie Fields, 25, was shot on New Years Day while at a Dallas nightclub. He later died in a hospital on Jan. 5. Damiean Roberson, 24, has been charged with murder in Fields death, according to Fox 4. Fields was performing at the Pinkhouse Dallas nightclub in the early hours of Jan. 1. Police said security footage showed him leaving the club with several members of his entourage, including Roberson. An argument then broke out in the parking lot between Fields group and four other men. As the fight escalated, gunfire was exchanged. Investigators said they believe Roberson, who was standing behind Fields, shot the rapper in the back of the head. A candlelight vigil for Fields was held in the wake of his death, according to Suggest, I hate that the world didnt get to see his full potential, because he has so much coming, and its still going to come, but it would have just hit a little differently than if it was coming directly from him, Fields friend, Jackie McQueen, told Fox 4. Ice-T is no stranger to controversy, and with the unrest and shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota at the hands of ICE, he is facing his share of it once again. And it all dates back to last July. The legendary musician and actor who brought the world the controversial hit, Cop Killer, back in 1992, decided to change up the lyrics to the song at a show back last Summer. The change? Ice-T went with ICE Killer during the Warped Tour performance instead of Cop Killer. He was asked about that move during his appearance on Wednesdays The Breakfast Club show, and he wasnt afraid to speak his mind. When I did that, that didnt happen just recently; that happened in L.A. when we played the Warped Tour, he said. When I was there, ICE was active out there. Im in the midst of ICE raids. Im in front of an L.A. audience and it just came up. I didnt know I was gon do it, he continued per Billboard. Its time to play Cop Killer and my brain just said, Do Ice Killer. But of course, when the girl (Renee Good) got killed, they bring that press to the front. They had me in the news fighting with the police and it was two years old. When a cop pulled me over and it make it to the news. And he offered an ominous prediction for what could be ahead. You know ICE Killer, Cop Killer its really protest, he said. Im just protesting. Like I said, I think were headed in some very ugly terrain and Black people aint got nothing to do with it. Its bad. I think the moment somebody shoots an ICE agent, its gon get bad. Vanna White is off the market. The Wheel of Fortune icon announced recently that she and her longtime love, John Donaldson, quietly tied the knot. White turned to social media on to share the happy news via Instagram, writing, Surprise! We got married! The two began dating in 2012 after White split from ex-husband George Santo Pietro. Since then, the pair have been together for more than a decade. In an interview with People in October 2019, White recalled meeting Donaldson at a barbecue, where she first laid eyes on him and thought he was really cute. It just works, White shared of their relationship. He lets me be, I let him be him. There is no drama. In October 2023, White revealed that although theyve been together for a long time, theres no rush to the altar. I mean, weve been together 12 years, and I feel like we are married" she said. Do we have to get married? No, because we feel comfortable in our relationship. [...] I know that hes the one. He knows Im the one. To the couple, they were already married. But fast forward to present day, the two made things official. So who is the Wheel of Fortune beautys husband? Donaldson is originally from Santa Monica, California and works in the construction industry. Earlier in his career, he worked hard as a carpenter, where his hard work was recognized, leading to a position as head foreman working on luxury homes in the Hollywood Hills, according to People. With a star-studded list of contacts, he eventually went on to receive his contractors license and picked up various construction projects of his own. This led him to his goal of running his own business. Donaldson now owns his own construction company JDC Construction + Development Group, in California and is the president and building developer at the company, which was previously known as John R. Donaldson, Inc. until July 2014. JDC prides itself on its tradesman roots and the insight which years of hands-on experience provides to property owners, architects and engineers in developing realistic plans for revitalization projects, as well as finding appropriate solutions to renovation challenges, the company states on its website. The southern California brand was first introduced in 1987, specializing in the restoration and rehabilitation of multifamily properties and now the development of new ground up multifamily projects. According to its website, Donaldson built the general contracting firm on the foundations of trust and professionalism. If youre a fan of this more than 30-year-old outpost java brand and its coffee, prepare for a major disappointment. Peets Coffee is set to go dark due to a $18 billion takeover of the beloved company. The small shop, located in San Franciscos Pork Gulch neighborhood, has plans to close permanently by the end of this month, as more locations are to follow, a Peets spokesperson told SFGATE, according to the New York Post. These closures reflect a broader effort to align our business with long-term growth priorities and current market conditions, spokesperson Stephanie OBrien said of the location, which opened on Polk Street in 1993. We are deeply grateful to our incredible employees and loyal customers for their continued commitment to the brand. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to the quality, craftsmanship, and heritage that have defined Peets for the past 60 years, while embracing new opportunities to innovate and grow. Also set to close are the outposts at 919 Cole St. and 2257 Market St., according to Hoodline. About to massively take over the beloved java chain is soda giant Keurig Dr. Pepper. The company is in the midst of obtaining Peets Coffees parent company, JDE Peets, in an all-cash deal expected to close at some point this year, Reuters reported. They sold out? Thats sad, a customer commented on Instagram. Ive been patronizing them for years thinking they are a local, small company but not anymore. The first Peets Coffee location opened in Berkeley, California in 1966. Founder Alfred Peet made a major life change, moving to the United States from Indonesia. In his home country, he worked as a tea tester and became smitten with the dark-roasted coffee commonly served and consumed there. But when Peet got to America, he was appalled by the difference between the coffee he had grown accustomed to in Indonesia and the coffee in the United States. I came to the richest country in the world, so why are they drinking the lousiest coffee? Peet said. Peet even had a direct connection to Starbucks. It all links back to Peet mentoring three entrepreneurs who wanted to launch their own coffee company, which became the Starbucks that fans know and love today. He also supplied the brand with coffee beans for a time. The tax season has officially begun. And with filing comes returns. Returns that will reportedly be bigger than usual this year. According to a White House statement published Monday, President Donald Trump expects this year to be the largest tax refund season in U.S. history. The statement attributes this to the One Big, Beautiful Bills Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The White House statement explains that this provides tax relief via No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, and a deduction on made-in-America vehicles, along with other items. Publications such as CNBC note that the IRS never updated withholding tables for employers after Trumps 2025 tax changes, and that, too, might have an effect on filings. The Tax Foundation estimates that the average refund, then, could amount to $1,000 or more this year. For clients whose income, filing status, and dependents havent changed much since 2024, the combination of expanded tax benefits for 2025 and unchanged withholding is clearly pushing refunds higher, Tom OSaben, director of tax content for the National Association of Tax Professionals, told CNN. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file. By TIM SULLIVAN, Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) If theres been a soundtrack to life in Minneapolis in recent weeks, its the shrieking whistles and honking horns of thousands of people following immigration agents across the city. They are the ever-moving shadow of the Trump administrations Operation Metro Surge. They are teachers, scientists and stay-at-home parents. They own small businesses and wait tables. Their network is sprawling, often anonymous and with few overall objectives beyond helping immigrants, warning of approaching agents or filming videos to show the world what is happening. And its clear they will continue despite the White House striking a more conciliatory tone after the weekend killing of Alex Pretti, including the transfer of Gregory Bovino, the senior Border Patrol official who was the public face of the immigration crackdown. I think that everyone slept a little better knowing that Bovino had been kicked out of Minneapolis, said Andrew Fahlstrom, who helps run Defend the 612, a hub for volunteer networks. But I dont think the threat that were under will change because they change out the local puppets. Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against federal immigration enforcement at Federal Courthouse Plaza on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) AP The surge begins What started with scattered arrests in December ramped up dramatically in early January, when a top ICE official announced the largest immigration operation ever. Masked, heavily armed agents traveling in convoys of unmarked SUVs became commonplace in some neighborhoods. By this week, more than 3,400 people had been arrested, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At least 2,000 ICE officers and 1,000 Border Patrol officers were on the ground. Administration officials insist they are focusing on criminals in the U.S. illegally, but the reality in the streets has been far more aggressive. Agents have stopped people, seemingly randomly, to demand citizenship papers, including off-duty Latino and Black police officers and city workers, area officials say. They smashed through the front door of a Liberian man and detained him without a proper warrant, even though hed been checking in regularly with immigration officials. They have detained children along with their parents and used tear gas outside a high school in an altercation with protesters after detaining someone. To be sure, federal agents are barely a presence in many areas, and most people have never smelled a whiff of tear gas. But the crackdown rippled quickly through immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. Patients are avoiding life-saving medical care, doctors said. Thousands of immigrant children are staying home. Immigrant businesses shut down, cut their hours or kept their doors locked to everyone but regular customers. Pushback comes quickly Activist groups rapidly organized across deeply liberal Minneapolis-St. Paul and some suburbs. Small armies of volunteers began making food deliveries to immigrants afraid to leave their homes. They drove people to work and stood watch outside schools. They also created interlocking webs of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of rapid response networks sophisticated systems involving thousands of volunteers who track immigration agents, communicating with encrypted apps like Signal. Tracking often means little more than quietly reporting the movement of convoys to dispatchers and recording the license plates of possible federal vehicles. But its not always quiet. Protester caravans regularly form behind immigration convoys, creating mobile protests of anger and warning that weave through city streets. When agents stop to arrest or question someone, the networks signal the location, summoning more people who sound warnings with whistles and honking, film whats happening and call out legal advice to people being detained. People protest against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in downtown Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) AP Many protesters come expecting trouble Sometimes it all can feel performative, whether its Bovino in body armor tossing a smoke grenade, or young activists who rarely take off their helmets and gas masks, even when law enforcement is nowhere to be seen. But crowds often lead to real confrontations, with protesters screaming at immigration agents. Agents respond only sometimes, but when they do its often with punches, pepper spray, tear gas and arrests. Those confrontations worry some in the activist world. Take the recent afternoon in south Minneapolis, where dozens of protesters, some in gas masks, clashed with immigration agents in south Minneapolis. Protesters screamed at agents, threw snowballs and tried to block their vehicles. Agents responded by shoving protesters who got too close, firing pepper balls and finally throwing tear gas grenades and driving away. Demonstrators without masks wretched in the streets as volunteers handed out bottles of water to flush their eyes. By then, even many of the people in the protest werent sure what started it, including the city council member who soon arrived. Minneapolis has a long tradition of progressivism, and Jason Chavez is a proud part of that. He bristled when asked about the confrontation. I didnt see anybody confronting, said Chavez. I saw people alerting neighbors that ICE was in their neighborhood. And thats what neighbors should continue to do. Tracking immigration in an immigrant neighborhood To understand this world, talk to a woman known in the rapid response networks only by her nickname, Sunshine. She asked that her real name not be used, fearing retaliation. A friendly woman who works in health care, she has spent hundreds of hours in her slightly beat-up Subaru patrolling an immigrant St. Paul enclave of taquerias and Asian grocery stores, watching for signs of federal agents. She can spot an idling SUV from the tiniest hint of exhaust, an out-of-state license plate from a block away, and quickly distinguish an undercover St. Paul police car from an unmarked immigration vehicle. On the messaging apps, shes simply Sunshine. She knows the real names of few other people, even after working with some for weeks on end. She hates what is happening, and feels deeply for people living in fear. She worries the Trump administration wants to push the nation into civil war, and believes she has no choice except to patrol commuting its often called, half-jokingly every day. Sometimes people just want to pick up their kid and walk their dog and go to work. And I get that. I get that desire, she said while driving through the neighborhood last week. I just dont know if thats the world we live in anymore. She runs constant equations in her head: Should she report an immigration vehicle to the networks dispatcher, or honk her horn as a warning? Would honking unnecessarily scare residents who are already afraid? Are agents leading her around? Are federal vehicles moving to launch a raid, or are they distracting observers while other agents make arrests elsewhere? She is careful and avoids confrontation. She also finds hope in the community that has been created, and how offers to volunteer exploded after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. And she understands the anger of the people who face off against agents. My strategy, my approach, my risk calculation is different than other peoples. And at the same time, the vitriol, the frustration, I get it, she said. And sometimes it feels good to see someone unleash that. Not everyone agrees. Even nationally, some activist groups have pushed back against protest strategies that could lead to clashes. Loud does not equal effective, a group in a heavily immigrant Maryland county said in a recent social media post, explaining why their volunteers dont use whistles. Among other things, the Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Collective warned that whistling can escalate already volatile ICE agents who dont respect our rights and increase the likelihood of aggression toward bystanders or the detained person. This is not an action movie, the post says. You are not in a one-on-one fight with ICE. By FARAI MUTSAKA, The Associated Press HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) As floods ravage Mozambique, crocodiles are appearing in submerged towns and are 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. 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. 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. Flood waters cover the Chibuto-Chaimite road in Gaza province, Mozambique, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo) AP 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. 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. 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. By KATE BRUMBACK, The Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) The FBI on Wednesday searched the election office of a Georgia county that has been central to right-wing conspiracy theories over President Donald Trumps 2020 election loss, acting just one week after the Republican leader predicted prosecutions over a contest he has baselessly insisted was tainted by widespread fraud. The search at Fulton Countys main election facility in Union City sought records related to the 2020 election. It appeared to be the most public step by law enforcement to pursue Trumps claims of a stolen election, grievances rejected time and again by courts and state and federal officials, who found no evidence of fraud that would have altered the outcome. It also unfolds against the backdrop of FBI and Justice Department efforts to investigate perceived political enemies of Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump has for years focused on Fulton, Georgias most populous county and a Democratic stronghold, as a key example of what he claims went wrong in the 2020 election. His pressure campaign there culminated in a sweeping state indictment accusing him and 18 others of illegally trying to overturn the vote. The search FBI agents secured an area around the large warehouse building that houses the county elections hub with yellow tape and could be seen loading boxes from the building into trucks. FBI spokesperson Jenna Sellitto confirmed that the boxes contained ballots. Among the 2020 election documents sought are ballots, tabulator tapes from the scanners used to tally the ballots, electronic ballot images and voter rolls. An FBI spokesperson said agents were executing a court authorized law enforcement action at the countys main election office in Union City, just south of Atlanta. The spokesperson declined to provide any further information, citing an ongoing matter. State and county Democratic officials expressed concern about the search and ballot seizures. We dont know why they took them, and we dont know where theyre taking them to, county Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts said. The Justice Department had no immediate comment. FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were seen onsite. Trumps focus on Fulton County Trump has long insisted that the 2020 election was stolen even though judges across the country and his own attorney general said they found no evidence of widespread fault that tipped the contest in Democrat Joe Bidens favor. The Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center, is seen Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Union City, Ga, near Atlanta, as FBI agents search at the main election facility. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) AP The president has made Georgia, one of the battleground states he lost in 2020, a central target for his complaints about the election and memorably pushed its secretary of state to help find enough votes to overturn the contest. Last week, in reference to the 2020 election, he asserted that people will soon be prosecuted for what they did. It was not clear what in particular he was referring to. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in August 2023 obtained an indictment against Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. That case was dismissed in Novembe r after courts barred Willis and her office from pursuing it because of an appearance of impropriety stemming from a romantic relationship she had with a prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. The FBI last week moved to replace its top agent in Atlanta, Paul W. Brown, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a non-public personnel decision. It was not immediately clear why the move, which was not publicized by the FBI, was made. DOJ lawsuit The warrant is a criminal document, but the Justice Department last month sued the clerk of the Fulton County superior and magistrate courts in federal court seeking access to documents from the 2020 election in the county. The lawsuit said the department sent a letter to the clerk, Che Alexander, but that she had failed to produce the requested documents. Alexander has filed a motion to dismiss the suit. The Justice Department complaint says that the purpose of its request was ascertaining Georgias compliance with various federal election laws. It also says the attorney general is trying to help the State Election Board with its transparency efforts under Georgia law. Fulton County Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr., walks with other elected officials, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Union City, Ga., near Atlanta, as FBI agents search at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) AP A three-person conservative majority on the State Election Board has repeatedly sought to reopen a case alleging wrongdoing by Fulton County during the 2020 election. It passed a resolution in July seeking assistance from the U.S. attorney general to access voting materials. The state board sent subpoenas to the county board for various election documents last year and again on Oct. 6. The October subpoena requested all used and void ballots, stubs of all ballots, signature envelopes, and corresponding envelope digital files from the 2020 General Election in Fulton County. A fight over the state boards efforts to enforce the 2024 subpoena is currently tied up in court. The Justice Department sent a letter to the county election board Oct. 30 citing the federal Civil Rights Act and asking for all records responsive to the October subpoena from the State Election Board. Lawyers for the county election board responded about two weeks later, saying that the records are held by the county court clerk. They also attached a letter the clerk sent to the State Election Board saying that the records are under seal in accordance with state law and cant be released without a court order. The Justice Department said it then sent a letter to Alexander, the clerk, on Nov. 21 requesting the documents and that she failed to respond. The department is asking a judge to declare that the clerks refusal to provide the election records upon a demand by the Attorney General violates the Civil Rights Act. It is also asking the judge to order Alexander to produce the requested records within five days of a court order. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington and photographer Mike Stewart in Union City, Georgia, contributed. Allegheny County attorney and Republican activist Jason Richey announced Thursday that he is running for lieutenant governor and was immediately endorsed by GOP gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity, putting one of the last pieces of the 2026 race into place. Richey is the chair of Allegheny Countys Republican Committee, and ran unsuccessfully in the crowded 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary. His announcement Thursday was followed shortly by a statement from Garrity endorsing him as her preferred running mate. Pennsylvania has a wealth of leaders who believe we can and should do better than we are under Josh Shapiros failed administration, and through those discussions, one candidate rose to the top to join our campaign as my running mate: Jason Richey, Garrity, the current state treasurer, wrote Thursday. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are voted for separately on each partys primary ballot, and then appear as a ticket in the general election. This means a governor could end up with a running mate they arent enthusiastic about, depending on who their partys primary voters select - making it important for gubernatorial candidates to communicate who their preferred lieutenant governor is. Growing up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, I witnessed firsthand the impact of economic downturn, and the lack of opportunity can have on a community and its residents, Richey wrote in his announcement. Today, because of failed policies and ineffective leadership, our economys stagnant, and opportunities are on the decline. We must turn Pennsylvania around now and I believe that Stacy Garrity is the person who can fix Pennsylvania, Richey continued. Several other Republicans have announced campaigns for lieutenant governor his year, but the endorsement from Garrity who is thus far uncontested in the race for the GOP governors nomination makes Richey a strong front-runner. Democrats are not expected to have a contested gubernatorial primary this year, with no challengers thus far to incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. Richeys emergence as Garritys running mate is unlikely to have a major impact on the tenor of the race. Richeys past campaign focused on bread-and-butter Republican economic growth issues, such as deregulation and drastic tax cuts, with Richey endorsing the idea of property tax elimination and/or a 0% income tax rate. Shortly after his announcement Thursday, the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association attacked Richey using the same criticism the party has already leveled at Garrity, particularly his skepticism toward the validity of mail-in ballots, consistent with President Donald Trumps unsubstantiated theories of fraud in the 2020 election. The choice is clear: Pennsylvania can move forward with Lt. Governor Austin Davis, whos focused on protecting our rights, lowering costs, and delivering real resultsor we can let Richey drag us backward with dangerous policies that will drive up costs for families and make our communities less safe, the DLGA wrote Thursday. The 2026 primary election will be held May 19. Petitions to put candidates names on the ballot are submitted in March. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy We have received the first batch of energy equipment from the German government as part of the winter emergency support package, increased to EUR 120 million, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has announced. "Together with German Ambassador Heiko Thoms, we welcomed the first delivery, including two cogeneration units, generators and other critically needed equipment. This will help provide light and heat to over 86,000 people in Kyiv, power residential buildings, hospitals, kindergartens and schools. The equipment is already in operation," Svyrydenko said on Telegram. According to her, another 41 cogeneration units with a total capacity of 40.8 MW and 76 modular boiler houses will arrive in Ukraine in the near future. In particular, the emergency support package will include 300 solar stations, 375 battery storage systems for backup power supply, 15 mobile hybrid generators, 10 pellet heating systems, 45 units of construction equipment for urgent repair work. "This winter, Germany also provided EUR 60 million for humanitarian needs and contributed EUR 167 million to the Energy Support Fund, which Ukraine received in December. At a time when the enemy is destroying energy infrastructure every day and cynically trying to plunge cities into cold and darkness, timely assistance from our partners helps to meet peoples needs. We are grateful to Germany for its prompt response to our request and our long-term strategic partnership in the energy and other sectors. Germany has been one of the largest providers of support to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," the Prime Minister wrote. Penn State University has sued several pharmaceutical companies alleging they conspired to inflate the price of insulin and other drugs the university paid for through its insurance program. The university alleges the companies have spent the past two decades artificially inflating the price of diabetes medication by tenfold to increase their profits at the expense of the university. Penn State University ends up footing the bill by helping pay the cost of insulin for its employees through its health benefits plan. The university filed its complaint in the federal district of New Jersey on Jan. 13, naming 21 defendants. The prices of insulin among the three separate groups have increased up to 1000%, down to the same decimal point within days of one another, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit said the companies sometimes mirror one-anothers prices within days or even hours. Penn State University has standing to sue because it provides cost coverage and reimbursement of insulin for its employees. Its complaint joins the growing number of lawsuits, including one from the Federal Trade Commission, targeting the practices. The university is asking the federal courts to find the companies violated Pennsylvanias unfair trade practices, committed fraud and engaged in civil conspiracy and unjust enrichment. Theyre asking the courts to halt the conspiracy, order the defendants to pay unspecified damages, and pay up to three times the actual damages sustained. One in four healthcare dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes, and ten percent of adults in Pennsylvania have diabetes. The original inventors of insulin sold the patent rights to the University of Toronto for $1, believing anyone would be free to prepare the extract, but no one could secure a profitable monopoly. Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world, Sir Frederick Banting, one of the inventors of insulin in 1922 who won the Nobel Peace Prize, is quoted in the lawsuit as saying. In all, the lawsuit names these defendants: Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi-Aventis US, Evernorth Health, Express Scripts, Medco Health Solutions, Esi Mail Pharmacy Services, Express Scripts Pharmacy, Ascent Health Services, CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Caremark RX, Caremark MCS Health, Zinc Health Services, Caremark, Unitedhealth Group, Optum, OptumRX, OptimInsight and Emisar Pharma Services. UPDATE: Man killed by troopers in Lebanon County home had knife in his hand: parents Pennsylvania State Police in Lebanon County shot and killed a man who owned a local pest control company while serving him a warrant on Wednesday morning. The incident took place on the first block of Gable Drive around 6 a.m., according to State Police spokesman Trooper Ethan Brownback. Troopers were in the neighborhood to serve a warrant related to a child pornography investigation. After entering the home, Brownback said the man confronted troopers in a manner which resulted in members discharging their firearms. It is unclear if the man was armed or what prompted the use of lethal force. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. PennLive confirmed the mans identity but will not include his name in this story at the request of his parents. The mans parents and a neighbor said he owned and operated a pest control company in the Lebanon County area. A public records search showed the man had no criminal history in Pennsylvania. Police remained in the Jackson Township neighborhood for nearly 12 hours after the fatal shooting. Around 4:50 p.m., troopers carried at least five boxes labeled Evidence Rifle Box and Evidence Handle With Care to the area. Those boxes were eventually loaded into the back of a PSP truck. Minutes later, the Lebanon County Coroners Office removed the mans body covered in a white sheet from the home. The mans parents told PennLive they are driving to Lebanon County from North Carolina, where they live. They are expected to be in the area by Thursday. PennLive will publish the mans name once details are provided by the Lebanon County Coroners Office. No further information regarding the child pornography investigation was provided by state police, who are investigating the shooting alongside the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Troopers at the scene declined to comment further on the incident. The troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty, per department policy, Brownback said. The state House will have another vacancy - taking the 203-seat chamber down to 198 members - as Rep. Seth Grove, R-York County, announced Wednesday that he would be stepping down effective at the end of this week. Grove, first elected to the western York County seat in 2008, announced last year that he would not be seeking re-election in 2026. In a written statement, Grove said that serving as the state representative for the community I grew up in has been the honor of a lifetime. The time, however, has come to pass the torch to the next generation, he continued. I am confident the 196th Districts future is bright, and I wish whoever has the privilege of serving its people the very best as they continue the important work of representing this great community. Grove previously served as the Republican chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where was known as a fiscal hawk who was highly critical of what he saw as wasteful spending and rosy revenue projections from the governors office a dynamic that continues to drive budget politics. Grove was replaced as GOP leader of the Appropriations Committee as were several other members of GOP leadership - after Republicans failed to win back a majority in the 2024 election cycle. Last year, the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association, the trade group that lobbies for cement manufacturers, announced that Grove would take over as its director effective in December. Grove subsequently caught some flak for accepting the job before resigning from the legislature, given the potential conflicts of interest. Four other House members resigned at the end of last year after winning other offices in the 2025 election, so once Grove departs, the House will be short five members. Special elections to fill the four seats for the remainder of their terms are scheduled for February and March. A date to elect Groves replacement has not yet been set. Vice President JD Vance offered comfort to antisemites on the right long before he ignited controversy by not mentioning Jews in a social media post earlier this week, said Gov. Josh Shapiro. Shapiro, on a tour for his new memoir, Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service, told NBC News on Tuesday that Vance supports far-right politics and embraces neo-Nazis in the Republican Party. So, its not a shock to me that he would omit that, but its a sad day that the vice president of the United States on Holocaust Awareness Day couldnt address that, said Shapiro, who is Jewish, about Vances post on X on Tuesday. Today we remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust, the millions of stories of individual bravery and heroism, and one of the enduring lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history: that while humans create beautiful things and are full of compassion, were also capable of unspeakable brutality, Vance wrote in a post that included photos of him and his wife, Usha, visiting the Dachau concentration camp memorial in Germany last year. And we promise never again to go down the darkest path, concluded Vance. Shapiro told NBC News that he was not surprised by Vance not specifically mentioning Jews in his post. The fact that JD Vance couldnt bring himself to acknowledging that 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler and by the Nazis speaks volumes, said Shapiro. It is not a surprise to me, however, given the way in which he has openly supported the AfD party, said Shapiro, referencing a far-right German party, given the way he openly embraces neo-Nazis and neo-Nazi political parties, given the way in which he has offered comfort, really, to the antisemites on the right who are infecting the Republican Party. A spokesperson for Vance derided the governors comments, telling NBC News they were a next level hypocritical deflection from Shapiro, a misguided plea for attention from a political lightweight. The White House media office did not immediately respond to PennLives request for comment on Thursday. Shapiro, the Vance spokesperson noted, did not mention Jews in his own X post on Holocaust Remembrance Day and desperately tried to shift blame to the vice president. However, Shapiro did address rising antisemitism in this country. Shapiro, considered a Democratic presidential contender, has had sharp words for Vance in the past as the two could face off in the 2028 general election for the White House. NBC News noted that criticism over Vances omission came from the left and right, including far-right influencer Laura Loomer, a supporter of President Donald Trump. By SOPHIE BATES, JEFF MARTIN and RUSS BYNUM, The Associated Press JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Conditions were growing more dire in parts of the South still reeling from subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages as vehicles got stranded for hours on major highways and officials warned Wednesday that people stuck at home were running out of food, medicine and other essentials. Mississippi dispatched 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to sections of Interstates 55 and 22 gridlocked by vehicles abandoned in the states ice-stricken northern region. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remained without power as cold daytime temperatures sunk below freezing overnight in a region unaccustomed and ill-equipped for such weather. Cars and semitrucks trying to navigate the frozen highways single-file began getting stuck Tuesday. No injuries were reported, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said. But one driver told The Associated Press she feared she might freeze to death on I-22 when her car sat idle for more than 14 hours. There was nowhere to go, nothing to do, no one to save us, said Samantha Lewis, 78. Calls of desperation The growing misery and anxiety comes amid what Mississippi officials say is the states worst winter storm in more than 30 years. Roughly 332,000 homes and businesses remained without power Wednesday, the vast majority of them in Tennessee and Mississippi. At least 70 people have died across the U.S. in states afflicted by the dangerous cold. In Hardin County, Tennessee, at the Mississippi state line, many people remain trapped in homes without electricity because of roads made impassable by ice and fallen trees, said LaRae Sliger, the countys emergency management director. Sliger said people who were prepared to manage a couple of days without power cant go much longer without help. Theyre cold, they dont have power, they dont have heat, theyre out of propane, theyre out of wood, theyre out of kerosene for their kerosene heaters, she said. They have no food, they have no additional fuel for their alternative heating sources, so theyre needing out. In northeast Mississippi, emergency managers in Alcorn County were also receiving calls of desperation from people running out of food, water, medication and other supplies, said Evan Gibens, the emergency agencys director. He said dispatchers who have been sleeping at work since Friday have fielded more than 2,000 calls. We are doing everything we possibly can, said Gibens, noting 200 people were staying at a local arena being used as a warming shelter. This image taken from a video released by the city of Oxford, Miss., shows crews working on power lines Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (City of Oxford Mississippi via AP) AP More than 100,000 outages remained in Nashville, Tennessee, where downed trees and snapped power lines blocked access to some areas. Utility workers will need at least the weekend, if not longer, to finish restoring power, said Brent Baker, a Nashville Electric Service vice president. Forecasters say the subfreezing weather will persist in the eastern U.S. into February, with a new influx of arctic air arriving this weekend. Theres a growing chance for heavy snow in the Carolinas and Virginia. The National Weather Service said chances of additional, significant snowfall are low in places like Nashville, but weekend temperatures will reach dangerously low single digits with wind chills below zero. An extremely frightening night on a frozen highway The impasse on Mississippi interstates began Tuesday when drivers began using single lanes the states transportation agency had tried to keep open for emergency vehicles. Cars and semitrucks began getting stuck, Department of Transportation spokesperson David Kenney said. The blocked highways were making it harder for authorities to distribute emergency supplies. Scott Simmons, spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said its drivers were having to find alternate routes to avoid the backups. Lewis said she and a friend, Catherine Muldoon, were driving through Mississippi on a trip from Florida to Oklahoma when they got stuck on I-22 at about noon Tuesday. Cars and trucks were backed up in a single lane. For hours, they would turn on the car for 15 minutes to warm up and then shut it off for 45 minutes to conserve fuel. Finally at about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, they followed a pickup truck on one of the ice-covered, traffic-free lanes and reached a gas station. It was extremely frightening, Muldoon said. If we didnt have the blankets and clothing that we had, it would have been dire straits. All passenger vehicles were cleared from the frozen highways by 3 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. But there remained long lines of commercial trucks still awaiting removal hours later. In the small community of Red Banks, Mississippi, local authorities were asking people with all-terrain vehicles to bring water, food, blankets or gas to stranded motorists, said Lacey Clancy, who works at a cafe near I-22 and neighboring Highway 178. This image taken from a video released by the city of Oxford, Miss., shows crews working on power lines Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (City of Oxford Mississippi via AP) AP The highway kind of looks like a parking lot, Clancy said in a phone interview. A lot of people have run out of gas, abandoned their vehicles. Angie Gresham, who lives in nearby Holly Springs, Mississippi, said hundreds of stranded vehicles were lining I-22 as well as streets in the city. She said stranded truck drivers were searching for stores and restaurants that had power. Theyre just trying to survive, Gresham said. Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Martin reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, and Sarah Brumfield in Washington contributed to this report. The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine has appealed to retail chains to support residents of the Desniansky district of Kyiv and organize round-the-clock operation of individual grocery supermarkets, the ministrys press service reported. "In difficult wartime conditions, uninterrupted access for people to food and basic services is critically important. We are grateful to retail chains for their willingness to support residents of the capital and actually join the citys sustainability system. Such cooperation between the state and business is an example of a responsible partnership for the sake of people," Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotsky said. The Ministry of Economy recalled that retail facilities must ensure uninterrupted access for the population to food, and also partially perform the functions of Invincibility Points - provide an opportunity to warm up and recharge mobile devices. According to the report, supermarkets in the Desnyanskyi district of Kyiv will operate both in normal mode with centralized power supply and using their own sources of electricity generation in case of outages. Information about the start of 24-hour operation of supermarkets, as well as a list of stores and their addresses, will be published on its website by the Desniansky district administration. Billionaire Andy Beal Allegedly Initially Dodged $15M Poker Debt to Tobey Maguire Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link A-list actor Tobey Maguire testified on Wednesday in the criminal tax trial of Tom Goldstein about the time he hired the embattled attorney to collect a multi-million-dollar poker debt from a "Texas Businessman." That businessman was revealed to be billionaire banker Andy Beal, a longtime poker player whose heads-up escapades are well-documented. Maguire, a witness for the prosecution, told jurors in Maryland he had hired Goldstein to recover a $7.8 million gambling debt Maguire's share of $15.6 million he won off Beal in a December 2019 poker match. Bloomberg Law reported that Beal was the billionaire in question. Beal Tried to Settle Poker Debt The testimony from Maguire, best known for his role in the 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man, came as the trial entered its third week. According to Reuters, Maguire testified that he met Goldstein through "poker circles" and paid him $500,000 in legal fees for helping him succeed in recovering the poker debt. The indictment against Goldstein offers insight into the high-stakes poker match between Maguire and Beal, which took place in Dallas in December 2019. It alleges that Maguire beat Beal for $15.6 million and that Beal "failed to timely pay the Actor (Maguire) and the side bettors to whom the Texas Businessman (Beal) separately owed hundreds of thousands of dollars on the side bets." "The Texas Businessman's failure to pay the Actor continued into 2021, although in the interim the Texas Businessman proposed to the Actor and the side bettors a settlement of his poker debts that involved paying an amount significantly less than what was actually owed," the indictment reads. Maguire refused to agree to the reduction and hired Goldstein to serve as his legal representative to collect the payment. After recovering the debt, Maguire paid Goldstein a $500,000 legal fee and wired the payment to California real estate mogul Bob Safai to pay down Goldstein's poker debt. In cross-examination, Maguire told jurors it isn't uncommon in the poker world for such transactions to go undocumented, Bloomberg Law reported. Beal's heads-up matches are the stuff of legend and are documented in the classic poker book The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King: Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time. The book tells the story of Beal coming to Las Vegas in search of the biggest poker games and battling a team of elite poker players that included Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Jen Harman and Ted Forrest. Beal has also reportedly played against fellow billionaire Alec Gores, who testified earlier in the trial and who Goldstein beat for over $26 million in 2016. High-Stakes Poker Pro Testifies The third week of the trial has also featured testimony from high-stakes poker player Vivek Rajkumar, who has over $8 million in Hendon Mob earnings and finished fifth in the 2019 Triton Million for Charity for $3.6 million. Vivek Rajkumar Rajkumar testified to winning between $200,000 and $300,000 in poker matches with Goldstein, according to Reuters, while Bloomberg Law reported that the poker pro gave Goldstein a $200,000 short-term loan in March 2020. Also this week, prosecutors subpoenaed New York Times journalists Jeffrey Toobin and Rudy Lee over a feature story and tell-all interview with Goldstein published in December 2025. In a motion to quash the subpoenas obtained and reviewed by PokerNews, an attorney for Toobin and Lee wrote that the subpoenas pose a "serious intrusion into the newsgathering process that will chill future journalism." The charges against Goldstein include tax evasion, falsifying tax returns, failing to pay taxes, and making false statements to two separate mortgage lenders. The trial is expected to wrap up in mid-February. Share this article Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Connor Richards is a Senior Editor U.S. for PokerNews and host of the Life Outside Poker podcast. Connor has been nominated for three Global Poker Awards for his writing. Follow on In this Series Law enforcement officials have announced new charges of mercenarism and treason against PMC fighters, the National Police of Ukraine report. "These decisions follow the first case of prosecution for mercenarism in Ukraines history and effectively initiate the first series of criminal proceedings under this article of the Criminal Code," the agency said on its website on Thursday. The suspects are reported to be two citizens of the Republic of Moldova who, prior to their recruitment, were serving sentences in penal colonies in the Russian Federation for drug-related crimes. "In October 2022, they were recruited by representatives of the Wagner PMC. After brief training, the suspects were armed and provided with unmarked military uniforms, assigned to assault units, and sent to Ukraine. They directly participated in combat operations against the Ukrainian Defense Forces, specifically in Bakhmut district of Donetsk region," the National Police reported. For their participation in combat operations on the Russian side, both foreigners were awarded the Wagner PMC medal "Project W 42174," as well as the Russian state award, the Medal for Courage. One of them voluntarily extended his contract with Wagner PMC for another six months in 2023. Based on the evidence collected, investigators from the National Police of Ukraine charged these individuals with mercenary activity (Part 4, Article 447 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). This charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment. Furthermore, a Ukrainian citizen has been charged with treason (Part 2, Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). He voluntarily signed a contract with the Wagner PMC in 2022 while in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and defected to the enemy under martial law. He was subsequently sent to Bakhmut district of Donetsk region, where he participated in combat operations against the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of a combat unit. For his participation in the war against Ukraine, the defendant was awarded the Wagner PMCs departmental awardsthe Black Cross (Trench), For the Capture of Bakhmut, and Bakhmut Meat Grinderas well as the so-called "DPR" medal For the Liberation of Artiomovsk, and the Russian Federation state award, the Medal for Courage. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property for the crimes he committed. Aiken Standard Reporter Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County. Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Members of the Brandywine Brass quintet are pictured during a previous concert at St. John's Methodist Church. The group will perform at the church Friday, Oct. 25. Reporter Carl Dawson covers the City of Aiken and the Savannah River Site. An Aiken County resident since 1990, his work has appeared in the Charleston News & Courier, the Tampa Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution and the Augusta Chronicle. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina. China does not seek to profit from the "Ukrainian crisis" [as China prefers to call the Russia-Ukraine war] and will never accept blame shifting, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun. In response to a reporters question about a publication in Britains The Telegraph, which reported that China is helping Russia expand production of the Oreshnik ballistic missile by supplying specialized equipment and machine tools, the representative said: Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We neither fuel the flames, nor seek profit from the crisis, and will never accept blame-shifting. Guo Jiakun was also asked about the possible provision of emergency aid in the form of energy equipment to Ukraine. China always calls on parties to follow the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, and accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis. China will continue to play a constructive role in its own way to ease the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, the press secretary replied. Health Reporter Tom Corwin is the Health Reporter for The Post and Courier. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and has covered science, medicine, politics and state legislatures for newspapers in Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Jason Ryan is a senior enterprise reporter covering the Lowcountry and South Carolina. He has reported for three South Carolina newspapers and has written several history and true crime books about the Palmetto State and Hawaii. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. S.C. officials have no idea whether voucher students are learning more than when they were in public schools, but they still want to double the program. This paid press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation. Ministry of Defense, together with SpaceX, already addressing issue of using Starlink on Russian UAVs Fedorov The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is working to resolve the issue of using Starlink on Russian UAVs, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced. "A few hours after Russian drones with Starlink communications appeared over Ukrainian cities, the Ministry of Defense team promptly contacted SpaceX and proposed solutions. I am grateful to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and Elon Musk personally for their quick response and initiation of work to resolve the situation," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. He recalled that Elon Musks decision to urgently activate Starlink and send the first batch of terminals to Ukraine at the beginning of a full-scale invasion was critical to the stability of the Ukrainian state. "Western technologies should continue to help the democratic world and protect civilians, and not be used for terror and the destruction of peaceful cities," the minister concluded. In turn, Serhiy Beskrestnov (Flash), advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine on technological issues, clarified that the complexity of the situation lies in the fact that Starlink cannot be suppressed by electronic warfare systems, nor can their position in flight be detected by equipment of radioelectronic intelligence. "That is, finding a solution to this issue involves negotiating with SpaceX management and jointly seeking a solution. We are very grateful to Elon Musk personally for his quick response and willingness to help. There are already hundreds of confirmed cases of Starlink drone attacks, not on military installations, but on peaceful rear and frontline cities, including residential buildings. This is effectively terrorism using modern civilian communication technology," Beskrestnov wrote. He added that the ministry is preparing a comprehensive solution, both quick and temporary, and more systemic and long-term. Rising Waters Lab Charleston could see 2 to 4 inches of snow (and bitter cold) this weekend, NWS says PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-28 23:23:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 643 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE:ITGR) between July 25, 2024 and October 22, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 9, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Integer common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Integer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49170 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 9, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Integer materially overstated its competitive position within the growing electrophysiology ("EP") manufacturing market; (2) despite Integer's claims of strong visibility into customer demand, Integer was experiencing a sustained deterioration in sales relating to two of its EP devices; (3) in turn, Integer mischaracterized its EP devices as a long-term growth driver for its cardio and vascular ("C&V") segment; (4) as a result of the above, defendants' positive statements about Integer's business, and operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Integer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49170or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-28 23:25:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 674 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Final Prospectus Filed. Books closing September 26 February 19, 2025 2026 for initial closing.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Maple Leaf Critical Minerals 2026 Enhanced Flow-Through Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") is pleased to announce that it has filed a final prospectus (the "Prospectus") dated January 27, 2026 with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the Provinces of Canada relating to the initial public offering of unit sof the Partnership. The books will close on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12 noon (EST) for its initial closing on Friday, February 20, 2026.Partnership Objectives & Benefits - National Class UnitsThe Partnership is designed to provide holders of National Class Units ("National Class Limited Partners") with an investment in a diversified portfolio of Flow-Through Shares of Resource Companies incurring Eligible Expenditures (as those terms are defined in the Prospectus) across Canada with a view to maximizing the tax benefits of an investment in National Class Units and achieving capital appreciation and/or income for National Class Limited Partners .National Class Limited Partners must be residents of Canada or liable to pay Canadian income tax. The Partnership intends to invest approximately 90% of the available funds in companies that are exploring for Critical Minerals to avail of the 30% Critical Minerals Tax Credit.After accounting for tax credits, investors are expected to receive equivalent tax deductions of up to approximately 139%-147%(depending on the marginal tax rate) of the amount invested based on and subject to certain conditions as set forth in the Prospectus.Partnership Objectives & Benefits - Quebec Class UnitsThe Partnership is designed to provide holders of Quebec Class Units ("Quebec Class Limited Partners") with an investment in a diversified portfolio of Flow-Through Shares of Resource Companies incurring Eligible Expenditures principally in the Province of Quebec with a view to maximizing the tax benefits of an investment in Quebec Class Units and achieving capital appreciation and/or income for Quebec Class Limited Partners. Quebec Class Units are most suitable for investors who reside in the Province of Quebec or are liable to pay income tax in Quebec. The Partnership intends to invest approximately 100% of the available funds in companies that are exploring for Critical Minerals to avail of the 30% Critical Minerals Tax Credit.After accounting for tax credits, investors are expected to receive equivalent tax deductions of up to approximately 156% of the amount invested based on and subject to certain conditions as set forth in the Prospectus.Liquidity EventThe investment portfolios of both the National and Quebec Class Units will be actively managed in such a way as to preserve the ability to undertake a future liquidity event, such as a rollover into a mutual fund corporation.The SyndicateThe syndicate of agents for the offering is being led by Scotia Capital Inc. and includes National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., iA Private Wealth Inc., Richardson Wealth Limited, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Desjardins Securities Inc., Manulife Wealth Inc., Raymond James Ltd., CI Investment Services Inc., Ventum Financial Corp. and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained from any agent.Offering JurisdictionsEach of the Provinces of Canada.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACTHugh Cartwright, ChairmanMAPLE LEAF SHORT DURATION FLOW-THROUGH PROGRAMS Tel: 1-866-688-5750Email: info@ mapleleaffunds.ca Web: www.MapleLeafFunds.ca A final prospectus dated January 27, 2026 relating to these securities has been filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the Provinces of Canada. This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy the securities. This release is provided for information purposes only. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the Prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Prospectus.SOURCE: Maple Leaf Critical Minerals 2025-II Enhanced Flow-Through Limited Partnership PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-29 02:16:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1037 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 /Golden Lake Exploration Inc. ("Golden Lake" or the "Company") (CSE:GLM)(OTCQB:GOLXF) and McEwen Inc. ("McEwen") (NYSE/TSX: MUX) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Definitive Agreement (the "Agreement") on January 28th, 2026 in respect of a proposed transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), whereby McEwen would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Lake by way of plan of arrangement. If the Proposed Transaction is completed, Golden Lake would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of McEwen.Golden Lake's principal asset is its 100%-owned Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West projects located adjacent to McEwen's Windfall and Lookout Mountain discoveries, part of the Gold Bar Mine Complex, in the Eureka Mining District of Nevada. Historical drill highlights from Jewel Ridge project include 2.20 gpt gold over 28.96 meters, 1.24 gpt gold over 56.39 meters, 2.37 gpt gold over 67.57 meters. These holes are located north of McEwen's Windfall deposit where a recent drill hole returned 5.55 gpt gold over 44.2 meters. Incorporating Golden Lake's projects into the Gold Bar Mine Complex will help continue the mine's transformation into a long-life operation by investing in exploration and leveraging the current McEwen infrastructure.The Proposed TransactionPursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction, each Golden Lake common share (a "Golden Lake Share") would entitle its holder to receive 0.003876 McEwen common shares (each, a "McEwen Share") as is equal to $0.12 divided by the volume-weighted average trading price of the McEwen Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending on and including the trading day of January 26, 2026. (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio represents an implied offer price of CDN $0.12 per Golden Lake Share, being a premium of 60% to the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Golden Lake Shares as at market close on January 26, 2026. Following completion of the transaction, existing Golden Lake shareholders will own approximately 0.5% of the combined company resulting from the Proposed Transaction.Benefits of the Transaction for Golden Lake Shareholders:Ability to integrate Jewel Ridge and Jewel Ridge West into the Gold Bar Mine Complex, leveraging McEwen's ability to fund exploration and utilize existing infrastructure;Access to McEwen's Nevada technical team with a track record in gold exploration, open pit mining, heap leaching, permitting and mine development;Exposure to McEwen's diversified portfolio of commodities, producing operations, development projects and royalties; andAn attractive premium of approximately 60% to the 20-day VWAP of the Golden Lake Shares and the enhanced liquidity of McEwen Shares from dual listing on US and Canada stock exchanges.Benefits of the Transaction for McEwen Shareholders:Adds an adjacent property to McEwen's Gold Bar Mine Complex, with promising drill results.Continued execution on the Gold Bar Mine Complex plan to develop a long-life operation with increasing production.Details of the Proposed TransactionThe Proposed Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Under the Plan of Arrangement, (i) all outstanding warrants of Golden Lake will be cashlessly exercised and cancelled in exchange for Golden Lake Shares having a value equal to their in-the-money amount, and (ii) all outstanding Golden Lake convertible notes will be converted into Golden Lake Shares based on principal and accrued interest in accordance with their terms. All issued and outstanding Golden Lake Shares (other than those held by McEwen or dissenting shareholders but including the Golden Lake Shares issued to warrant holders and noteholders) will be exchanged for McEwen Shares on the basis of the Exchange Ratio. Outstanding stock options of Golden Lake will be exchanged for replacement options of McEwen on an equivalent economic basis, with adjusted exercise prices.To be effective, the Proposed Transaction will require the approval of 66 % of the votes cast by shareholders, warrant holders and noteholders of Golden Lake at a special meeting of Golden Lake shareholders, warrant holders and noteholders expected to take place in March (the "Golden Lake Meeting").The Agreement includes provisions such as conditions to closing the Proposed Transaction, and representations and warranties and covenants customary for arrangement agreements. The Agreement also includes: (i) customary deal protection and non-solicitation provisions in favor of McEwen, including a break fee of approximately C$250,000 payable to McEwen in certain circumstances; and (ii) provisions allowing Golden Lake to consider and accept superior proposals, in compliance with its fiduciary duties.Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of necessary court and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX and the NYSE.A copy of the Agreement will be filed on McEwen's and Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca . The Proposed Transaction was approved by the Board of Directors of both McEwen and Golden Lake. No fairness opinion was obtained in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Further details with respect to the Proposed Transaction are included in the Agreement and in an information circular to be mailed to Golden Lake shareholders in connection with the Golden Lake Meeting. Once available, a copy of the Agreement will be filed on each of McEwen's and Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and a copy of the information circular will be filed on Golden Lake's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca About McEwenMcEwen shares trade on both the NYSE and TSX under the ticker MUX.McEwen provides its shareholders with exposure to a growing base of gold and silver production in addition to a very large copper development project, all in the Americas. The gold and silver mines are in prolific mineral-rich regions of the world, the Cortez Trend in Nevada, USA, the Timmins district of Ontario, Flin Flon in Manitoba and the Deseado Massif in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. McEwen is also reactivating its gold-silver El Gallo Mine in Mexico.About Golden LakeGolden Lake Exploration is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets.For Further Information, Please Contact:Mike EnglandCEO & DirectorGolden Lake Exploration Inc.1-888-945-4770 Neither the NYSE, TSX or CSE have reviewed and do no Photo: The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv The Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS) of the Polish government has sent the first batch of announced generators for Ukraine as part of assistance to overcome the consequences of Russian shelling, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv has said on Thursday. "The first batch of generators sent by RARS is already in Kyiv. Charge dAffaires of Poland in Ukraine Piotr Lukasiewicz today officially handed them over to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba and Head of Kyiv Regional Administration Mykola Kalashnyk," the embassy said in a statemement on the X social network. As reported, last week Lukasiewicz announced the arrival of 400 generators of various types from Polish government stocks from Poland to Kyiv. It was also previously reported that over PLN 5 million (over $1 million) have already been raised as part of a nationwide Polish fundraising campaign for generators for Ukraine called "Heat from Poland for Kyiv." The campaign was organized by the Polish foundation "Stand with Ukraine." PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-29 03:30:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 986 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 QUEBEC, QC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTC PINK:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), announces, further to its prior press release of December 23, 2025, that its acquisition of Advance Factoring Inc. (the "Factor") has resulted in a restructuring transaction within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations (the "Restructuring Transaction"), and that the Company is in the process of preparing a material change report containing the disclosure required by section 14.2 of Form 51-102F5 - Information Circular in respect of the Factor.Restatement and correction of prior disclosureThis news release restates and corrects certain information contained in the Company's press release dated December 23, 2025. In particular, the Company is correcting the disclosure on the following items:the amount of the debt settlements completed for $6,172,629, andfor the initial tranche of the additional amounts, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,115,064 Units at a price of $2.89 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds consisting of cash subscriptions of $2,599,932 and debt settlements of $3,512,627.Restructuring transaction and disclosure statusThe Restructuring Transaction involves the acquisition by the Company of the Factor as part of a broader restructuring of the Company's financial position. On December 22nd, 2025, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,380,618 Units, at $2.89 per Unit, which included cash subscriptions of $3,025,068, debt settlements of $6,172,629, and the acquisition of the Factor for $20,802,303.09, and an aggregate of 2,115,064 Unitsat a price of $2.89 per Unit.The Restructuring Transaction was implemented through the acquisition of the Factor, a private company whose principal assets consisted of factored receivables representing financial claims against the Company arising from prior factoring arrangements. The fundamental economic effect of this transaction is equivalent to a debt settlement in which the creditor's claim against the Company is extinguished through the issuance of Units. The consideration for the Factor was $20,802,303.09, comprised of 7,198,026 Units issued at $2.89 per Unit.The Restructuring Transaction structure was used as a legal and tax-efficient mechanism to effect the settlement and extinguishment of indebtedness owed by the Company, which allowed administrative efficiency and a 23% discount on the amounts owed.As consideration for the acquisition of the Factor, the vendors of the Factor received common shares of the Company. Upon completion of the Restructuring Transaction, the vendors of the Factor held 55.80% of the Company's outstanding common shares, resulting in a change of control of the Company.Regulatory status updateThe British Columbia Securities Commission (the "Commission") has advised the Company that, pending the completion and filing of the material change report containing the disclosure required by section 14.2 of Form 51-102F5 in respect of the Factor, the Company is considered to be in default of certain continuous disclosure requirements in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators Notice 51-322 - Reporting Issuer Defaults. As a result, the Company expects to be included on the Commission's Issuers in Default List, and to be removed from the list once the required disclosure has been completed and filed.The Company is continuing to prepare the required disclosure and intends to remedy the default as soon as practicable in accordance with applicable securities laws.About NuRAN Wireless:NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau,Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, such as, the risk that the Company will not complete the Consolidation; the risk that the Company will not complete the Restructuring Transaction; the risk that the Company will not complete the additional demand for Units; uncertainties and risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to collect fees from our telecommunication providers and reliance on the network of our telecommunications providers, the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in a PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-29 02:00:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 475 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Coupang, Inc. ("Coupang" or the "Company") (NYSE:CPNG). 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 Coupang and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until February 17, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Coupang 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 November 30, 2025, Reuters published an article reporting that Coupang had "apologized . . . over the breach of personal information from 33.7 million customer accounts through unauthorized data access" and that the government of South Korea had "held an emergency meeting" to "look[] into whether Coupang violated safety rules regarding personal information protection[.]"On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $1.51 per share, or 5.36%, to close at $26.65 per share on December 1, 2025.Then, on December 10, 2025, the New York Times published an article reporting that Coupang's Chief Executive Officer had resigned in connection with the data breach and providing additional details on the fallout from the data breach, including a police raid on Coupang's offices in Seoul.On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $0.87 per share, or 3.2%, to close at $26.06 per share on December 10, 2025.Then, on December 16, 2025, Coupang acknowledge the breach in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and revealed that the South Korean regulatory and law enforcement investigations uncovered that "a former employee may have obtained the name, phone number, delivery address, and email address associated with up to 33 million customer accounts, and certain order histories for a subset of the impacted accounts." On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $0.47 per share, or 2.03%, to close at $22.72 per share on December 17, 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: 2026-01-28 23:00:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1013 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESCALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Reeflex Solutions Inc. (TSXV:RFX) ("Reeflex" or the "Company") is providing this bi-weekly status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203").As announced on December 31, 2025, the Company applied for and was granted a management cease trade order ("MCTO") by the Alberta Securities Commission (the "ASC"), as principal regulator of the Company, due to a delay in the filing of its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications (the "Certificates") for the financial year ended August 31, 2025 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") by the required deadline of December 29, 2025.The MCTO restricts the Company's CEO and CFO from trading in the Company's securities until the Annual Filings are made but will not affect the ability of the general investing public to trade in the Company's common shares.As disclosed in the Company's initial default announcement, the Company underwent a complex transaction, transitioning from a private, family-owned business to a fully IFRS-compliant public company by way of a reverse takeover transaction on May 16, 2025, and related acquisition of Coil Solutions Inc. ("CSI") on May 15, 2025 (together, the "Transaction"). The Company changed its year end from December 31, 2025 to August 31, 2025 to align with the year end of its operating subsidiary, CSI. The Company also appointed MNP LLP as its new auditor, who advised that the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended May 31, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q3 Filings") are required to be restated to reflect CSI's results only from the May 15, 2025 acquisition date, in accordance with IFRS. The need to restate the Q3 Filings, together with first-time public company audit requirements, has extended the time required to complete the audit of the Company's year-end results and the preparation of the Annual Filings.While the Company originally announced its intention to complete the Annual Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings on or about January 29, 2026, due to the complexity of the audit requirements and certain additional staffing constraints, the Company will need additional time to complete these filings. The preparation of the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended November 30, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q1 Filings"), which are due to be filed by January 29, 2026, are also expected to be delayed. The Company has received the approval of the ASC to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings on or before February 19, 2026.The Company continues to work diligently and has engaged additional resources to assist with the preparation of the information required to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings. The Company will issue a news release announcing the completion of such filings at that time.In accordance with the requirements of NP 12-203, the Company confirms that as of the date of this announcement (i) there have been no material changes to the information previously disclosed regarding the default that have not been generally disclosed; (ii) there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines as set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there have been no other specified defaults by the Company under NP 12-203; (iv) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (v) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.About ReeflexReeflex Solutions Inc. is a proudly Canadian company that delivers advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions across various industry sectors. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Coil Solutions Inc., we provide coiled tubing injectors and downhole tools for the oil & gas sector. Our manufacturing division, Ranglar Manufacturing, specializes in custom-designed mobile equipment for a wide range of industrial applications.For further information, contact:Reeflex Solutions Inc.Trevor ConwayExecutive Vice President & CFO(403) 605-6167 Trevor.Conway@Reeflex.cawww.Reeflex.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements included in the "About Reeflex" section of this press release, are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "should", "will" or variations of such words or similar expressions. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements concerning the expected timing for the filing of the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings. Reeflex cautions that all forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex, including expectations and assumptions concerning Reeflex, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Reeflex's filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Annual Filings, the restatement of the Q3 Filings and the Q1 Statements are filed later than anticipated. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-28 23:10:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 400 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Fifth Largest Conveyor Car Wash Company Expands South Carolina FootprintTHOMASTON, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing car wash companies, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-newMyrtle Beachlocation at111 Sapwood Road .To celebrate the grand opening, thenew Myrtle Beach locationis offering twelve days of free premium car washes from January 28 to February 8. This limited-time promotion lets customers experience the company's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost."We're thrilled to open our third location in Myrtle Beach," said Tidal Wave Auto Spa CEO and Founder Scott Blackstock. "We opened our first wash in this community in 2024, and we're proud to continue investing in this market to expand access and convenience for our customers. We look forward to serving Myrtle Beach residents for years to come." New Myrtle Beach, SC Location : 111 Sapwood Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579Nearby Locations:Myrtle Beach - Kings Rd ,Myrtle Beach - Dick Pond Rd ,ConwayTidal Wave Auto Spais committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and welcoming locations, and friendly customer service. With single wash options starting at $15, unlimited car wash memberships and family plans, and fleet plans for businesses, Tidal Wave delivers wash options to fit every need.Tidal Wave proudly serves customers at306 express wash locationsacross the United States, includingtwenty-five South Carolina locations . The company will continue its growth this year with openings planned inNorth Carolina ,Oklahoma ,Florida ,Alabama ,Tennessee ,South Carolinaand more.For additional information about Tidal Wave Auto Spa, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/ About Tidal Wave Auto SpaTidal Wave Auto Spa was founded over 20 years ago in Thomaston, GA, by husband and wife, Scott and Hope Blackstock. What started as a small-town self-service car wash business evolved into the first conveyor car wash open in Georgia and is now the fifth-largest conveyor car wash company in the nation, with 306 locations spanning 30 states. Tidal Wave is dedicated to delivering an exceptional car wash experience for every customer through industry-leading car care technology, clean and inviting locations, and outstanding customer service. The company is equally committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, raising over $7 million for local programs, service organizations, and non-profit organizations through its fundraising program and annual Charity Day event.Contact Information:media@ tidalwaveautospa.com SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-28 23:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 402 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Troy Minerals Inc. ("Troy" or the "Company") (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) is pleased to announce that it proposes to change its name to Meta Critical Minerals Inc.The Canadian Securities Exchange will publish a bulletin announcing the effective date of the change in the Company's name and it is anticipated that the common shares of the Company will commence trading under its new name of Meta Critical Minerals Inc. on or about January 30, 2026. The Company's trading symbol will change to MTTA. The CUSIP and ISIN numbers will change to 59100N104 and CA59100N1042 respectively.No action is required to be taken by shareholders with respect to the name change. Outstanding share and warrant certificates are not affected by the name change and do not need to be exchanged. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,Rana Vig | CEO and DirectorTelephone: 604-218-4766 rana@ ranavig.com Forward-Looking StatementsCertain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.SOURCE: Troy Minerals Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-29 00:20:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 416 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SURPRISE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 /Wyyerd Fiber ("Wyyerd"), a fiber Internet service provider known for its honest pricing and local-first approach, has once again been named Arizona's Top Rated Internet Provider, according to an independent analysis by Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence.In addition, the company was recognized as having the Fastest, Most Reliable, and Most Responsive (Lowest Latency) Internet Speeds in Arizona for the second consecutive measurement period.These results reflect how Wyyerd's network performs in real-world, everyday use. Speed, latency, and reliability are measured across thousands of actual customer tests rather than isolated lab-style conditions.Across its Arizona and California footprint, Wyyerd also earned the Fastest Internet Speeds in each of the markets where it currently operates, including Marana, AZ, one of its newest markets. This recognition highlights Wyyerd's ability to deliver strong, consistent performance across multiple regions as it continues to expand its network."We're really proud of these awards, which are aligned with our focus on providing an exceptional customer experience," said Justin Freesmeier, Chief Executive Officer of Wyyerd Fiber. "Our customers trust us to deliver consistent, reliable internet service, and these independent awards continue to indicate that we're on the right track." Wyyerd takes pride in the design, construction, and operation of its fiber-optic network, with a focus on reliability and seamless connectivity. Delivering consistent performance is a daily focus for the Wyyerd team, ensuring customers can rely on a fast, dependable internet service as usage demands continue to grow.To experience Arizona and California's top-rated fiber internet firsthand, and to see if Wyyerd is available in your area, visit wyyerd.com and get started today.About Wyyerd Fiber At Wyyerd Fiber, we're passionate about delivering the fastest, most reliable Fiber Internet on our industry-leading Fiber-Optic Network with speeds up to 8 GIG for residents and businesses in the Arizona and California markets. We provide affordable, reliable connectivity tailored to each community, supported by local teams and unmatched customer service. Every region is unique, so we put local leadership at the heart of everything. Our vision is to become a trusted partner for Internet services, build lasting relationships, and connect communities one neighborhood at a time.About OoklaOokla is a global leader in connectivity intelligence that provides data-driven insights to improve networks and connected experiences.Based on Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data, 2H 2025. All rights reserved.For Media Inquiries, please contact:Jonah Pollack Senior Vice President, Marketing jonah.pollack@wyyerd.com SOURCE: Wyyerd Fiber The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the temporary terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos State, is nearing completion as part of efforts to sustain international flight operations during the planned rehabilitation of the ageing Terminal One. The facility, covering about 8,000 square metres, is over 90 per cent complete and is expected to become operational within weeks, according to the authority. FAAN said the temporary structure is designed to handle up to 1,500 departing passengers during peak periods. The terminal will initially serve between five and six airlines on departure-only operations and is equipped with full passenger processing facilities, including check-in counters, security screening points and three boarding gates. The authority highlighted that the intervention is aimed at preventing disruptions to international travel once Terminal One is shut down for comprehensive reconstruction. Speaking during an inspection of the facility on Wednesday, FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, said the rehabilitation of the old terminal had become unavoidable, noting that the structure had been in continuous use for nearly five decades without major upgrades. Murtala Muhammed Terminal One has been operational for over 48 years with no comprehensive rehabilitation. The current condition of the facility makes this upgrade urgent, she said. She explained that the temporary terminal was developed to ensure international flight operations continue while extensive reconstruction work is carried out on the main terminal. According to her, the facility is designed to support safe and efficient passenger processing throughout the rehabilitation period. Ms Kuku added that FAAN adopted a phased implementation strategy to avoid a complete shutdown of international airport activities. Under the arrangement, the first phase involves the full rehabilitation of Terminal One, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil works, while the second phase will focus on the expansion of Terminal Two to increase passenger handling capacity. She said the project has received federal government backing because of Lagos strategic role as Nigerias main international aviation hub. Lagos remains the countrys primary gateway, and this project is critical to improving service delivery and meeting modern aviation standards, Ms Kuku noted. FAAN also disclosed that supporting infrastructure has been put in place to complement the temporary terminals operations. These include a dedicated car park, a temporary passenger pick-up zone and improved access roads to reduce congestion around the facility. Ms Kuku noted that accessibility considerations were incorporated into the terminals design to accommodate elderly passengers, persons with reduced mobility and families travelling with children. Ibrahim Itele D Icon Yekinis film Koleoso, a Yoruba fantasy-thriller series, has set a new YouTube record after becoming the first Nollywood and African movie to surpass 100 million views on the platform as a single title. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the first instalment of the film series, now extended to ten parts, was released on 8 May 2025. This newspaper reviewed eight parts of the movie, from part one through to part eight. Part one recorded over eight million views, part two over nine million, and part three more than eight million. Parts four and five each surpassed ten million views. Meanwhile, parts six, seven, eight, and nine all exceeded 11 million views, while part ten attracted over 9 million. The storyline centres on a family that deploys dark magic rooted in Yoruba traditions to dominate others, triggering intense confrontations, particularly with a character known as Jaweshoro. History Yekini, 46, announced the milestone on his Instagram page on Thursday, attributing the achievement to hard work, consistency and creativity from day one. He wrote: History, record, legacy. Koleoso hits 100 million+ total views. Officially, the first Nollywood title and the first African movie title to hit this milestone on YouTube as one title. Yes, one title, one story, one movement. Hard work. Consistency. Creativity. From day zero, we won this. Let this be known that I, Ibrahim Yekini Bakare (Iteledicon), am the first to pull this stunt in the history of Nollywood. Do not deny me my flower. I am proud of myself, proud of my team, proud of my family. This is a strong fan base. My Koleoso family, my legends, you made this happen. Appreciation Furthermore, the actor expressed his appreciation to the films cast and crew, stating that the award belonged to them. This newspaper earlier reported that the movie featured the likes of Fatai Odua, Oluwakemi Apesin, Afeez Abiodun, Jimmy Roland, Yetunde Barnabas, Saliu Gbolagade, Babatunde Bernard, Alo Oluwatosin and Akinfolarin Olamide, among others. Itele D Icon also described the honour as a victory for Nollywood and Africa at large, adding that it represented a significant win for the culture. A win for the Yorubas. A win for Nigeria. This hits differently; thus, it is loud. This is magical, this is unbelievable, this is golden. Meanwhile, the achievement drew praise from colleagues, including Jumoke Odetola, Muyiwa Ademola, Oluwakemi and Tawa Mustapha, among others. Congratulations The actors congratulated Itele D Icon on the feat, with Odetola describing the win as a victory for the entire industry, particularly the Yoruba film sector. At a time when people often say, I dont watch Yoruba movies. Some even say, I dont watch Nigerian movies. Koleoso has broken records and set a landmark. 1OO million views. When something remarkable like this happens, it may look easy, but we know its nothing short of grace, hard work, consistency, relentlessness and above all, Gods blessings. Congratulations and thank you, Giteledicon0O1. This is a win for the culture, she wrote on her Instagram page. While congratulating the actor, Ademola wrote on his Instagram page, Make I come book class o Yekeen, I no too old to learn (Let me come and book a class, Yekeen. Im not too old to learn. The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has blamed the federal government for the prolonged strike by health workers, accusing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of bias and lack of genuine engagement. The unions national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview that repeated attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue yielded no result, forcing the union to sustain its ongoing industrial action. The industrial action, which began on 15 November 2025, has paralysed public hospitals across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, with most facilities operating skeletal services. Salary structure dispute Mr Minjibir said the unions demand for an adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) has remained unresolved for 12 years, despite what he described as a favourable review report completed in 2021 and cleared through due process. The demand for adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) has been on for 12 years, and we got a seemingly impressive favorable report that has gone through due process since 2021 but remains unimplemented, he said. He explained that although health workers are classified as essential service providers and are required to issue a 15-day notice before embarking on industrial action, the government failed to use that window to avert the strike. Our strike was, therefore, imperative in pursuit of a desire to remind the government that we are also citizens of Nigeria who deserve to enjoy benefit packages that are earned. According to him, rather than addressing the concerns raised, the Federal Ministry of Health has pursued policies that favour select groups within the health sector, creating division and deepening dissatisfaction among non-physician health workers. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has been playing very divisive politics, which gives only a favored group reward for labor, he said. Mr Minjibir said the strike was meant to remind the government that all health workers are citizens entitled to fair compensation and recognition for their labour. Emergency services, public responsibility Addressing concerns over access to care during the strike, Mr Minjibir said industrial action in the health sector is typically structured as a total withdrawal of services, but allowances are often made for emergencies. He noted that health workers also have families and may themselves require medical care, making some level of discretion inevitable. However, he acknowledged that such discretion could be abused, stressing the need for oversight to ensure that emergency services are not misused or selectively applied. Breakdown in negotiations Mr Minjibir identified the Federal Ministry of Health as the major obstacle in negotiations, stating that the unions engagement with the ministry has deteriorated. According to him, discussions that should involve genuine dialogue have increasingly become one-sided, with little consideration given to JOHESUs position. He accused the ministry of professional protectionism, arguing that the crisis is being managed in a way that prioritises the interests of a dominant professional group within the health sector. Call for systemic reforms Looking beyond the ongoing strike, Mr Minjibir said restoring stability to Nigerias public healthcare system would require fundamental structural reforms. He called on governments at all levels to end what he described as group-dominated control of the health sector, sustained through questionable appointments across ministries, departments and agencies. Mr Minjibir argued that the concentration of leadership positions in the hands of one profession within a multidisciplinary system has encouraged impunity and weakened accountability, particularly at the Federal Ministry of Health. He also criticised the continued headship of hospitals by physicians, describing it as unconstitutional and symptomatic of deeper structural flaws. According to him, until these foundational issues are addressed, industrial disputes will persist, adding that the union is prepared for a prolonged struggle to secure equitable representation and professional balance in the health sector. We must address these foundational defects, including the unconstitutional headship of hospitals by physicians, he said. It may be tough, but we are now mentally conditioned for the battle to reshape our professional destiny. Background to strike The ongoing industrial action by JOHESU began on 15 November 2025 after the union accused the federal government of failing to implement agreed adjustments to the CONHESS and address longstanding welfare concerns affecting non-doctor health workers. The strike was declared indefinite following what the union described as prolonged delays by relevant government agencies in acting on the report of the High-Level Body Committee on CONHESS, which was submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022. JOHESU said its demand for salary adjustment dates back to 2014, when doctors received salary reviews under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), while other health workers under CONHESS were excluded, a situation the union said breached the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The union has accused relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of slowing the process, citing what it described as poor prioritisation of the matter by the Presidential Committee on Salaries. According to JOHESU, the decision to embark on the strike followed a unanimous resolution at its Expanded National Executive Council meeting on 14 November 2025, in line with provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act, Cap. T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS), helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubus government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities. Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to destabilise the government and undermine Nigerias democracy. An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings. Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A wide-ranging but discreet joint operation was launched by the army and the SSS, with coordinated arrests planned across different parts of the country to neutralise the coups masterminds and other collaborators. On 30 September 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official visit, unaware of the plot to depose and possibly assassinate him, the joint operation went into effect. The sweep led to the arrest of the alleged principal architects of the coup, alongside other military and civilian suspects. The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, were subsequently briefed. Mr Undiandeye was then requested to detain the suspects in the underground holding facility of the Defence Intelligence Agency. Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was formally informed of the foiled plot. A visibly shaken president immediately ordered the cancellation of the 1 October National Independence Day parade. He also approved the constitution of a special investigative panel, which later led to additional arrests. The investigative panel was led by General Undiandeye. One of the detained soldiers later escaped custody but was rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi, a military insider said. Meanwhile, a retired officer identified as General Adamu and a former governor, Timipre Sylva, accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, remained at large. Mr Tinubu later fired and retired the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa as well as the chiefs of the navy and airforce. Mr Oluyede was appointed CDS and promoted to the rank of General. Weeks later, Mr Musa returned to government as minister of defence. In a statement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations. It added that preliminary findings suggested the officers grievances were linked to career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations. Despite mounting evidence and a series of detailed reports by PREMIUM TIMES and other media outlets, the military repeatedly denied that a coup plot existed. In an 18 October statement the Defence Headquarters described the probe involving the 16 arrested officers as a routine internal investigation aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. However, on 26 January, the military publicly acknowledged for the first time that officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubus administration. It announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel. According to the Defence Headquarters, the investigation was comprehensive and conducted in line with established procedures, examining all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. It said the findings revealed a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, describing such conduct as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, the statement added. The plot to oust, kill Tinubu and others In an earlier report, PREMIUM TIMES quoted sources with direct knowledge of the investigation as identifying top officials allegedly marked for assassination. They include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. There are other people targeted, one source said. But those are the key targets. The plotters also planned to detain senior military officers, including the service chiefs. They did not want to kill them, the source added. According to the sources, the conspirators intended to assassinate the political leaders simultaneously. They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country, one official said. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated. The sources said the plotters relied on informants within the Presidential Villa and around the officials slated for elimination. They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials, the source said. The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government. Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA In the coming days, the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv will receive 39 EcoFlow battery systems purchased by the Swedish non-profit organization Beredskapslyftet. Chernihiv will receive 13 generators from the Slovak city of Trencin as part of the Heat for Ukraine initiative, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced. "I am sincerely grateful to the Swedish company Beredskapslyftet for purchasing 39 EcoFlow battery systems for the Okhmatdyt hospital. The equipment will be delivered within a few days and will improve the energy stability of one of the country's key children's hospitals," he wrote on Facebook on Thursday. Furthermore, he announced that the first batch of 13 generators and charging stations will arrive from the Slovak city of Trencin for Chernihiv. "This is the result of the solidarity of thousands of people in Slovakia who joined the 'Heat for Ukraine' initiative, which launched less than a week ago and has already raised over EUR 700,000," Sybiha emphasized. He noted that the generators will soon supply electricity to hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and other critical facilities. "The next deliveries are being prepared for Sumy, Zaporizhia, Kyiv, and Dnipro," Sybiha added. "The 'Warmth for Ukraine' campaign has also been launched today in the Republic of Moldova. The initiative was presented on TVR Moldova, which joined as a media partner and promoter of the campaign, helping to attract broad public support for Ukraine," the minister said. Sybiha also recalled the important contribution of German partners to energy support. As reported earlier that day, the German government donated two cogeneration thermal power plants to Ukraine as part of its winter energy support package. The equipment was officially handed over to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Suspected members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have captured 13 soldiers, killing seven of them, including a commanding officer, in an ambush near Damasak in the Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. The commanding officer, according to Sahara Reporters, was recently promoted from the rank of major to lieutenant colonel. Philip Brant, a conflict researcher with expertise in insurgency in the Sahel, posted on X that the attack occurred on Monday. Last November, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Musa Uba, a brigadier general and the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was captured and executed alongside four members of his team when they were ambushed around Damboa axis in Borno. Mr Brant noted that the attack was reminiscent of the capture and execution of Mr Uba. The recent attack The recent attack, according to news reports, occurred along the Maiduguri-Damasak road. The terrorists reportedly deployed explosives amid a heavy gunfight with soldiers. In addition to the fatalities, several soldiers were injured and an unknown number remain missing. After the attack, the bodies of the slain soldiers were recovered and taken to 7 Division Hospital. The Army has not issued an official statement about the incident. An enquiry sent to its spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, had not been responded to. Boko Haram and its splinter group, ISWAP, have engaged in a long insurgency campaign in the North-east and other parts of the Lake Chad region. The war has resulted in the deaths of many security personnel and civilians. It has also forcibly displaced locals from their homes. The war has lingered for more than a decade. However, normalcy has returned to some parts of the region affected by the violence, enabling the government to resettle displaced communities. Mohammed Maaji, a colonel in the Nigerian Army, has been identified by military investigators as the major leader of the botched coup plot against President Bola Tinubus administration. Apart from being the alleged architect of the coup, the infantry officer is believed by investigators to have bankrolled the process. In late September 2025, military authorities started arresting senior officers suspected of involvement in the coup, including Mr Maaji. By early October of that year, 16 officers had been arrested and detained in connection with the coup plot. Initially, military authorities were reluctant to admit the coup plot, claiming that the officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations. President Tinubu later sacked service chiefs, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye. While Mr Oluyede, formerly the Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Christopher Musa, Mr Undiandeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. However, amid the tension of Christian genocide claims by US President Donald Trump, Mr Musa was called back and appointed as Minister of Defence. He replaced Muhammed Badaru, who said he resigned on health grounds. Two months later, the military confirmed the coup report, noting the officers involved will face trial. Col. Maaji: The man behind the coup plot Military sources who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said investigators believed that Mr Maaji played a key role as a strategist in the coup plot, coordinating planning and logistics. Another source said Mr Maaji was strategic in his planning, citing his earlier efforts to be posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). There was a time he was seeking powerful connections to secure a posting to the ONSA, the source said, believing that it may be part of the plan. Financial trails have also placed him at the centre of the investigation, one source said. He was responsible for transferring funds to co-plotters, the source said. One of the transactions under scrutiny is reportedly connected to Timi Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, with whom Mr Maaji is believed to have maintained a long-standing relationship from his years of service in the Niger Delta. Following the arrests of Mr Maaji and his alleged co-plotters, investigators searched the residence of Mr Sylva in Abuja, raising suspicions about his involvement as a civilian collaborator in the foiled coup. Mr Sylvas spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, in a statement, denied his principals involvement in the matter. Mr Bokoru described his principal as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat who has consistently supported President Tinubu. Our sources said those who have interacted with Mr Maaji since his arrest described him as unrepentant and emotionally detached, showing little visible remorse as investigations continue. One source said he was not cooperating with investigators. Who is Mr Maaji? Mr Maaji, whose service number is N/10668, was born on 1 March 1976. A Nupe native from Edati Local Government of Niger State, he began his military training on 18 August 1995 and completed it on 16 September 2000 as a member of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Mr Maaji built much of his operational experience in the Niger Delta, an oil-rich region that later became central to his professional and political networks. READ ALSO: Nigerian military finally confirms coup plot to overthrow Tinubus government He participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017, a major Nigerian Army exercise designed to address militancy, oil theft and insecurity in the Niger Delta and parts of the South-west. He also served at the Depot Nigerian Army, later becoming Commander, Operation Delta Safe, and at different times held sensitive operational responsibilities. The officer was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and to full colonel in 2017. At the time of his arrest, the 49-year-old officer was serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Okitipupa, Ondo State. Nigerian senators on Thursday disagreed over some provisions of the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act, prompting the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to constitute an ad hoc committee to resolve the contentious clauses. The ad hoc panel is chaired by Ondo Central Senator, Adeniyi Adegbonmire. Its members are Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Tony Nwoye (Anambra) and Titus Zam (Benue). The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, will serve as secretary. The committee was constituted following divisions among lawmakers during deliberations on the amendment bill prepared by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters. Mr Akpabio directed it to harmonise the differing positions and present its report on Tuesday for final consideration by the Senate. The senate has set up a small committee to further make contributions, galvanise, distil all the opinions of distinguished senators and present them to us for final deliberation on Tuesday, he said. The specific clauses under dispute were not clear at the time of filing this report because the deliberations were held behind closed doors and lasted over three hours. Mr Akpabio did not also disclose the specific clauses. However, key proposed amendments include mandating electronic transmission of election results, making the use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) non-compulsory for voting, increasing the penalty for vote-buying to 5 million, and imposing either one-year imprisonment or a 1 million fine on presiding or collation officers who distribute unstamped or unsigned ballot papers and result sheets. Mr Akpabio said the committee would reconcile all concerns raised during the closed-door session on the electoral amendment bill. This is the second postponement of the bills consideration and passage. It was initially scheduled for consideration on Wednesday but was deferred to Thursday due to the absence of the chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Simon Lalong, from plenary and to allow senators more time to study the bill on a clause-by-clause basis. The House of Representatives had passed its version of the amendment bill in December and transmitted it to the Senate for concurrence. Last week, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the delay in passing the amendment bill, warning that it could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections. As Nigerians prepared for the transfer of power on 29 May 2023, a group of military officers was quietly plotting to overthrow the countrys democracy and assassinate key political figures. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the coup plotters planned to violently disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Bola Tinubu. Our sources said the failed plot was allegedly masterminded by Alhassan Maaji, a colonel with service number N/10668. Born on 1st March 1976, the Nupe native from Niger State started training on 18 August 1995 and finished on 16 September 2000. The coup was initially scheduled for 29 May 2023 during the presidential inauguration. However, the plan was suspended due to insufficient funds and inadequate logistical arrangements, our sources said. The conspirators then reactivated their plans in 2025 after a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, who was accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, allegedly transferred almost N1 billion in multiple tranches to three separate bank accounts operated by a Bureau De Change operator. Mr Sylva, 61, from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was later declared wanted by the EFCC last year. Before the declaration, the former governor had his home raided by soldiers investigating the failed plot to topple President Bola Tinubu. Mr Sylva confirmed the raid at the time but denied any involvement in a coup attempt. The Mastermind Mr Maaji, the alleged mastermind of the coup, is a member of the infantry corps. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and to full colonel four years later. The 49-year-old officer was the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army based in Okitipupa, Ondo State. He took part in Operation Crocodile Smile II, a Nigerian Army military exercise conducted in 2017 to address security challenges in the Niger Delta and parts of the South-west. He also served at Depot, Nigerian Army and later as Commander, Operation Delta Safe. He was a member of the 47 Regular Course of the NDA. Assassination Targets Mr Maaji and the other military officers allegedly planned a violent takeover in which top government officials were marked for elimination. Earlier, government sources briefed on the investigation told this newspaper that the alleged plotters planned to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. After further investigation, PREMIUM TIMES can now report that the coupists also targeted Service Chiefs, Commander, Guards Brigade, among others, for assassination. Some officers were assigned to take full control of the Presidential Villa, the Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. How the coup plan was foiled PREMIUM TIMES reported that a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS) helped thwart the deadly plot to overthrow President Tinubus government. Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities. Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to destabilise the government and undermine Nigerias democracy. An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings. Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A wide-ranging but discreet joint operation was launched by the army and the SSS, with coordinated arrests planned across different parts of the country to neutralise the coups masterminds and other collaborators. Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was formally informed of the foiled plot. A visibly shaken president immediately ordered the cancellation of the 1 October National Independence Day parade. He also approved the constitution of a special investigative panel, which later led to additional arrests. The investigative panel was led by an army general who is the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye. One of the detained soldiers later escaped custody but was rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi, a military insider said. Meanwhile, a retired officer identified as General Adamu and former governor Sylva, accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, remain at large. Mr Tinubu later fired and retired the then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Musa, as well as the chiefs of the Navy and Air Force. Mr Oluyede was appointed CDS and promoted to the rank of General. Weeks later, Mr Musa returned to government as Minister of Defence. In a statement issued on 4 October 2025, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations. It added that preliminary findings suggested the officers grievances were linked to career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations. In an 18 October statement, the Defence Headquarters described the probe involving the 16 arrested officers as a routine internal investigation aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. However, on 26 January, the military publicly acknowledged for the first time that officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubus administration. It announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel. In its statement, the Defence Headquarters said the investigation has been completed and forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations. According to the military, the investigation was comprehensive and conducted in line with established procedures, examining all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The military disclosed that the findings identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, describing such conduct as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) has called for transparent and coordinated management of party congresses and the forthcoming national convention. The Chairman of the Forum and Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made the call while presenting a communique after a meeting with APC leadership in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Uzodimma said transparency, consistency and accountability must guide every stage to strengthen trust and credibility within the party. He said: These standards must apply uniformly across all states, including where the party currently has no governors. The PGF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to party unity and internal harmony. He stressed responsible leadership, clear communication and collective discipline as essential to strengthening public confidence in the partys democratic processes. The governor reaffirmed PGFs commitment to deepening internal democracy, strengthening party structures and advancing reforms promoting transparency, accountability and inclusiveness nationwide. He said the governors welcomed a briefing on the national e-registration and digital membership update by the APC national chairman. This has recorded significant growth, increased youth participation and integration of the National Identity Number, he stated. Mr Uzodimma noted the initiative would enhance data-driven planning, improve demographic insights and strengthen grassroots engagement across communities. He said the governors endorsed the timetable and institutional framework approved by the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) for upcoming congresses and the convention. He commended the party leadership under the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for guiding the process. Mr Uzodimma also confirmed strategic engagements and state visits to reinforce grassroots structures and party cohesion. He said visits would begin in Taraba on 31 January and formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau into the Forum. He reaffirmed resolve to partner APC leadership to advance national development, democratic consolidation and people-centred governance. Mr Uzodimma said the governors appreciated President Bola Tinubus leadership, saying, We will continue to partner with him to ensure good governance at all levels. (NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria, commending his years of dedicated service to the National Assembly. The session was presided over by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who invited Mr Danzaria to stand as members took turns to deliver goodwill messages in recognition of his service and contributions to parliamentary administration. In his remarks, Mr Tajudeen described Mr Danzarias tenure as one marked by discipline, professionalism and deep institutional knowledge. Dr Danzaria served in this sensitive office with clarity, discipline and restraint. His career within the National Assembly reflects steady progress built on competence and learning, the speaker said. He noted that the outgoing Clerks background in law, public administration and policy analysis enabled him to combine legal precision with administrative insight in managing parliamentary processes. According to the speaker, Mr Danzaria understood that parliamentary procedure was functional rather than ceremonial, serving to protect minority rights, maintain order and ensure that decisions of the House withstand constitutional and legal scrutiny. Among his key institutional contributions, Mr Tajudeen cited Mr Danzarias role in supporting the formulation and implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, as well as his involvement in the revision of the Standing Orders. In the routine but essential work of plenary administration, his insistence on the timely preparation and circulation of Notice Papers improved legislative planning, Mr Tajudeen said, adding that his calm temperament, humility and ability to manage relationships without conflict defined his leadership style. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) described the occasion as one of mixed emotions, noting that the House was bidding farewell to a dedicated public servant who joined the National Assembly at a young age and rose through the ranks. Managing 360 constituencies, making sure we are well documented, and everybodys opinion was captured is not an easy job to do, Mr Kalu said, adding that although Mr Danzaria was retiring, he is not tired. He urged the nation to continue to leverage the outgoing clerks experience and institutional memory, stressing that such expertise should not be lost to retirement. The Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), described Mr Danzaria as a meticulous administrator with exceptional attention to detail, expressing confidence that the House would continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and patriotism. Minority Whip Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) also praised Mr Danzaria, describing him as one of the most dedicated staff members of the National Assembly, whose calm disposition endured even under intense pressure on the floor of the House. Several lawmakers including Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo), echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his accessibility, responsiveness and commitment to advising committees and members on parliamentary rules and procedures. In his closing remarks, Mr Tajudeen said the unanimity of goodwill messages from lawmakers was a clear reflection of Mr Danzarias character and service. I have never seen a situation where almost all 360 members speak with one voice. Everyone has spoken well of you, and that speaks volumes about who you are, he said. The speaker congratulated Mr Danzaria on his service and expressed the Houses desire to continue benefiting from his institutional experience in one capacity or another. The session concluded with a group photograph involving the principal officers of the House, Mr Danzaria, the newly appointed Clerk of the House, Ibrahim Sidi, Acting Clerk (Legislative) Isiaka Sadiq, and Deputy Clerk (Administration) Dauda Bukar. Mr Danzaria began serving as clerk of the House of Representatives in March 2022, initially in an acting capacity following the redeployment of the substantive clerk. He continued in the role through the final year of the Ninth House and into the 10th House of Representatives, serving for nearly four years before his retirement. His tenure spanned two assemblies and was marked by key institutional reforms and continuity in parliamentary administration. Before becoming Clerk of the House, Mr Danzaria spent many years rising through the administrative ranks of the National Assembly, serving in several key departments. He began his career as a legislative staff member and over time worked in Legal Services, Public Affairs, Finance and Supplies, eventually becoming Director of Public Affairs. During this period, he served closely with various committees, was involved in constitutional transition processes, and developed a deep understanding of legislative administration before his appointment as acting clerk in March 2022. The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in the country and particularly in the South-west, calling on governors of the region to do more to stem the tide. In a communique issued after its meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday, the group noted its earlier calls for urgent attention by the respective governments and agencies to the current situation in the country. The group led by Reuben Fasoranti noted that the situation of insecurity in the land leaves a lot to be desired. Afenifere expressed concern that banditry and kidnapping have become so rampant that they are occurring in the South-west region almost daily. It noted that the situation is unacceptable and called on governments, security agencies and community leaders to rise to the challenges and find lasting solutions to the menace. Afenifere has repeatedly been calling attention to this menace. We were not just calling attention to the menace; we always provide ideas on the way out, the group stated. In this wise, we call on state governors in the South-west to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much vaunted State Police. Afenifere called on governors of South-west to do more in strengthening Amotekun with a view to curtailing insecurity in the region. Afeniferes call comes amid recurring kidnapping incidents in the South-west states comprising Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Osun and Oyo. In Ondo State, gunmen attacked different communities in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, kidnapping several individuals, including pregnant women. Although the police pledged efforts to rescue the victims and bring perpetrators to justice, not much has been achieved in this regard. Other resolutions Afenifere also called on the South-west governors to come up with a rail line project that will link the capitals of the six states in the region. The rail-line and effective security cauldron can be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states as well in alignment with the governments of those states, the organisation said. The group also examined the contents of the Tax Laws as announced by the federal government, urging that the threshold of N800,000 be raised generously upward so as to enable more low-income earners to benefit. Afenifere noted that the intention of the government with the tax laws was to, among others, relieve low-income earners of financial burdens. But the way it is presently structured, low-income earners are likely to be at the receiving end, it said. Afenifere commended the federal government on the construction and reconstruction of roads in various parts of the country. READ ALSO: Reps demand suspension of UCTH CMD over alleged ethnic bias in recruitment It appealed to the government to prevail on the contractors handling the road projects to expedite action in terms of quality as well as duration for the completion of the projects. Specifically, Afenifere appealed to the government to motivate respective contractors to quickly complete works on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan-Ilorin-Mokwa road, Abeokuta-Abeokuta road, Ibadan-Ijebu-ode road, Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo-Ikirun-Offa-Ilorin road, as well as Akure-Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Akinfosile-Igbotako road. The Lagos State Police Command said it will charge two leaders of a protest on Wednesday, despite the reported largely peaceful conduct of the protest. It was rather the police that, without any provocation from the assembly, attacked protesters and journalists covering the event with gunfire leaving many injured. PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier on Wednesday that members of civil society groups joined residents of Lagos waterfront communities, including Makoko, Owode Onirin and Oworonshoki, to protest ongoing demolition exercises by the state government. In a statement posted on X, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Adebisi, said the protesters blocked Awolowo Way in front of the Lagos State House of Assembly for over six hours, causing disturbance of public peace, distortion of law and order, and preventing the general public from use and passage to earn their means of livelihood and other medical emergencies. The police described the demonstrators as violent, alleging they carried a coffin and used a vehicle with loudspeakers to intimidate the public. The arrowhead, one Taiwo Hassan, nicknamed Soweto, ordered the protesters to sit on the public highway, preventing road users from reaching their destinations, the statement read. Police said they used minimum force to disperse the crowd with teargas and reopened the road, claiming no injuries were recorded. The statement stated that Mr Soweto and Dele Frank, were arrested for alleged conspiracy, inciting public disorder, threatening violence, and obstructing traffic. The statement noted that a Toyota Canta vehicle and a coffin used during the protest were recovered. However, civil society observers described the protest as peaceful and said police deliberately targeted both protesters and journalists. The command defended its actions as necessary to protect lives and property and warned that protests must not disrupt daily activities. The statement explained that investigations into the alleged roles of the arrested leaders are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, ahead of potential court charges. Civil society condemns police actions Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) condemned what it called violent, unlawful, and deeply reprehensible actions by the Lagos State Government and Nigerian Police Force. In a statement issued Wednesday, CAPPA said hundreds of displaced residents, including elderly men and women, were attacked while attempting to present grievances over ongoing demolitions and forced evictions. The organisation said Mr Soweto, Jacob Akiri, and Isaac Doosuga, a septuagenarian from Makoko, were forcibly seized after the Commissioner of Police ordered the use of tear gas on the crowd. CAPPA described the incident as a flagrant violation of constitutional rights and said police fired tear gas directly at unarmed protesters, causing injuries and panic. A journalist covering the protest, Oluwaferanmi Oladipupo of Daily Family, and medical professional Jennifer Rita Obiora were reportedly hospitalised after tear gas exposure. Several protesters also reported the seizure of personal belongings, work tools, and vehicles. CAPPA disputed claims by the Lagos State House of Assembly that Mr Sowetos conduct escalated the situation, saying video evidence shows he repeatedly urged protesters to remain peaceful. The organisation called for the immediate release of all detained protesters, the return of seized property, suspension of Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh, and an end to demolition operations across Lagos. PREMIUM TIMES observed that residents from Makoko, Owode-Onirin Spare Parts Market, Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ajegunle, and other communities marched peacefully from Ikeja Underbridge to the Assembly, carrying placards reading Save Our Souls and Stop the Killings, Stop Demolition of Our Homes. Journalists were reportedly pushed into teargas and fired upon at close range. One police officer was overheard saying, We dont like journalists. Join them now or Ill shoot you. Eyewitnesses said Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh was seen conferring with two female lawmakers shortly before officers advanced. Senior officers allegedly targeted Mr Soweto for arrest while he addressed seated protesters. Several protesters, including elderly residents, sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. Ayoyinka Oni of the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement described it as brutality by the police, while Babatunde Yusuf of the Ajegunle Peoples Movement called it excessive, particularly against elderly protesters. Ibrahim Oluwatoba of Voice of the Masses likened the incident to military-era tactics. Alex Omotenishi of the Centre for Human and Social Economic Rights confirmed police blocked protesters from accessing the Assembly podium and forcibly separated Soweto from the group. The Lagos State Government had defended the ongoing demolitions. Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said buildings along waterways and under high-tension power lines pose serious safety risks. Civil society groups, however, argue that demolitions are anti-poor and carried out without consultation, compensation, or resettlement. The coalition described Wednesdays events as a horrific encounter and urged the government to halt forced evictions and engage affected communities lawfully. The Chairperson of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has endorsed Governor Charles Soludos closure of the market over traders compliance with the illegal sit-at-home. Mr Okpalaugo disclosed this on Tuesday while interacting with reporters in his office in Onitsha, Punch newspaper reported. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Governor Soludo ordered the market closed for one week when he visited on Monday and observed that shops were shut in compliance with a sit-at-home directive. The illegal sit-at-home is often enforced by a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB is seeking the secession of the South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria. The Anambra State Government on Monday night claimed, without providing details, that the illegal directive costs the state about N8 billion per week. Mr Soludos action triggered a protest by angry traders in the state who, on Tuesday, backed the Monday sit-at-home directive in honour of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. On Wednesday, the protesters blocked the popular River Niger Bridge, which connects Onitsha in Anambra to Asaba, Delta State, in Nigerias South-south. Its a wise decision Mr Okpalaugo, while interacting with reporters, described the governors closure of the market as a wise decision intended to restore the markets economic glory. His decision is a wise decision and a welcome development. His action came at the right time. The order is for our own good. We are fully in support of his action, he said. The chairperson insisted that the decision to abolish the sit-at-home in the market was long overdue, arguing that the governors action was in the best interests of traders, customers and other residents of the state. He stressed that the market had been losing significant revenue due to the sit-at-home. We have lost so many fortunes since the creation of the Monday sit-at-home in the South-east region. We are fully in support of the governors action against the sit-at-home order, he added. We were warned ahead Mr Okpalaugo claimed that traders in the market were earlier warned by the governor that the market would be closed if they continued to observe the sit-at-home. To be honest, we were given the closure notification order on Thursday, 22 January 2026, by the Anambra State Government, that if we failed to open our shops on Monday, it would lead to closure, he said. Tamper justice with mercy Mr Okpalaugo, however, appealed to the governor to tamper justice with mercy and reopen the market for traders. Our governor, Chukwuma Soludo, is a listening and progressive-minded governor. We strongly believe that, with this appeal, he will consider us and reopen the market for our good because he loves his people, he said. We are sending a letter of appeal to him to reconsider us by reversing his decision. The chairperson appealed to all the traders in the market to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid taking laws into their own hands. Troops of the 13 Brigade headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Cross River State, working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have arrested seven suspected human traffickers in the state. The army said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during an intelligence-led operation in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area. Raid on hospital According to the army, the operation followed detailed and credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating within the area. Acting on the intelligence, troops carried out a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar. During the raid, the suspects were apprehended while negotiations were ongoing to sell a day-old baby boy for N3 million, the army said in a statement on Wednesday signed by its spokesperson, Yemi Sokoya, a major. Suspects, baby handed over The army identified the suspects as Glory Emmanuel, 54, Anthony Bassey, 35, Uduak John, 27, Deborah Edet, 35, Ruth Asoquo, 35, Frada Donald, 35, all from Cross River State, and Blessing Okon, 23, from Akwa Ibom State. The army said the suspects, along with relevant exhibits, were handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution. The rescued baby has been placed in the care of appropriate authorities, according to the army. The army said it remains committed to working with civil authorities and security agencies to combat human trafficking, child abuse and other crimes within its area of responsibility. It also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable information. Nigerias anti-trafficking law Under Nigerias Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, buying, selling or otherwise dealing in persons is a criminal offence. Section 21 of the Act prescribes a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and fines between N1 million and N5 million, with stricter penalties when minors are involved. The law also established NAPTIP as the lead agency on enforcement and victim support. The Child Rights Act 2003 further protects children. Section 30 of the Act criminalises buying, selling, or hiring children in any form, while Section 32 bans the use of children for begging, hawking, sexual exploitation, or domestic servitude. Violators face up to five years imprisonment or heavy fines. READ ALSO: Eight stolen children rescued from Delta orphanage NAPTIP Child trafficking and child labour remain pressing concerns across Nigeria, with recent PREMIUM TIMES reporting and investigations documenting widespread trafficking, forced child labour and multiple rescue operations by security agencies and NAPTIP. The arrest in Calabar adds to a string of recent interventions aimed at dismantling syndicates exploiting infants. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/marta.kosmarko European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described the Russian drone strike on Barvinkove-Kharkiv-Chop passenger train near the village of Yazykove in Kharkiv region on January 27 as an act of state terrorism. Attacks on passenger trains go beyond war. They target civilians, they hit families and children. This is state terror. I spoke to Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia. Full support to the brave people who keep Ukraines trains running under great danger, Kos said on X Thursday following the talk. As reported, on Tuesday, the Barvinkove-Lviv-Chop passenger train was attacked by three Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles near the village of Yazykove in Kharkiv region. The attack killed six people and injured two more. Train service resumed five hours later, but Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) announced the introduction of a special train service regime in frontline regions. UZ also lowered flags at all train stations across the country in memory of the passengers whose lives were lost in the Russian attack on the passenger train. The Nigerian Army said its troops have facilitated the safe return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State. The repatriation, according to a statement issued on Thursday morning, was conducted by the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-east. According to the statement signed by the operations spokesperson, Sani Uba, the repatriation exercise took place on 27 January. Mr Uba said the operation, spearheaded by troops of Sector 1, was in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, which provided security cover for the cross-border movement of returnees from the Kirawa border crossing into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area. The recent repatriation occurred 11 months after a similar exercise returned 7,790 Nigerians from Chad. Returnees displaced by insurgency The Army said the returnees were displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has lingered for more than a decade. Many of the returnees had spent over 11 years in exile due to insurgency-related displacements, Mr Uba said, adding their repatriation was as a result of enabling an environment created by sustained military offensives against terrorists. Mr Uba said the returnees started their journey back home from Minawawu in the Republic of Cameroon. They then passed through Moruwa and entered Nigeria through Kirawa, he explained, adding the exercise was carried out in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, highlighting growing civil-military cooperation in stabilisation efforts across the region. Officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process in collaboration with the Borno State Government and other security agencies. A delegation from the Borno State Government, led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor Babagana Zulum, also participated in the exercise. The delegation included the Chairperson of Gwoza Local Government Area, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Gwoza, senior government officials, and representatives of international humanitarian organisations, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the returnees and the delegation were received by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Nasiru Abdullahi, a brigadier general, before being escorted to a designated reception centre in Pulka. At the centre, over 100 households were registered and provided immediate relief. Each household received financial support, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash assistance from UNHCR to address immediate accommodation and welfare needs. The returnees are expected to remain at the reception centre for comprehensive medical screening, while children will receive routine immunisation administered jointly by military medical personnel and officials of the Gwoza Local Government Primary Healthcare Unit. READ ALSO: Nigerian Army arrests two suspected gunrunners in Taraba The delegation is also expected to return to the Republic of Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees. Mr Uba said the operation was conducted without incidents, adding that while the security situation remains c7alm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness. Nigerian security forces have rescued eight kidnapped persons during a joint operation in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The Nigerian Army announced the breakthrough via its official Facebook page on Thursday, confirming that the rescue took place on Wednesday. The statement said troops from Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), acting on credible and actionable intelligence, launched a swift offensive into a notorious kidnappers hideout located within the Badurum Kasa Forest. The troops, operating in synergy with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards, and local hunters, advanced decisively into the forest, the Army stated. The encounter reached a climax in the late afternoon as security forces closed in on the criminal camp. At about 1759 hours (5:59 p.m.), contact was made, triggering panic among the kidnappers whounable to withstand the superior force and precision of the joint teamabandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes. The military confirmed that all eight victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. The Army identified the rescued individuals as: Rashida Musa, 19, Hafsat Nuhu, 18, Zakari Saleh, 52, Hasiya Yahaya, Ahmed Yahaya, 14, Ibrahim Saiba, 11, Salma Yahaya, 14, and Sophan Idris,18 It stated that this successful mission stresses the Nigerian Armys robust inter-agency synergy, agile ground manoeuvres, and relentless resolve to protect lives, secure critical routes, and deny criminal elements the freedom of action. This development comes at a critical time for Kaduna State, which has faced a persistent wave of mass abductions targeting both rural communities and religious institutions. While this specific operation in Kauru LGA brought eight people home, the state remains on edge following recent attacks on church members in Kajuru Local Government Area. About 151 people abducted in a church at Wali, on 18 January, are still in captivity. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) uncovered a large-scale cyber-enabled fraud involving the illegal diversion of a telecommunications companys airtime and data resources, with estimated losses of N7.7 billion. According to a statement by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, six suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged theft. The police said the syndicate was exposed following a petition by a Nigerian telecom operator, which reported suspicious and unauthorised activities within its billing and payment systems. Subsequent investigations, the police said, revealed that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, granting threat actors unlawful access to core systems. Mr Hundeyin said the probe culminated in coordinated enforcement operations carried out in October 2025 across Kano and Katsina states, with a follow-up arrest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The six suspects arrested during the operations are identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masaud Saad. Items recovered from the suspects include two residential houses in Kano, two mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets housing over 400 laptops and 1,000 mobile phones, as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle. The police said all the assets were proceeds of the alleged crime. In addition, substantial sums of money traced to the suspects bank accounts were also recovered. The police noted that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The police spokesperson said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism. He reiterates the unwavering resolve of the Nigeria Police Force, through the NPFNCCC, to safeguard Nigerias digital and financial ecosystems, dismantle cyber-criminal networks, and ensure that offenders are held accountable regardless of position or affiliation, Mr Hundeyin stated. The police in Enugu State, Nigerias South-east, have said they uncovered a suspected syndicate involved in transnational trafficking of women for prostitution and sexual exploitation. The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said operatives from Igbo-Eze South Divisional Police Headquarters uncovered the syndicate and arrested a 50-year-old suspected female human trafficker, Ibekwe Nkiru. He said a 20-year-old female victim (name withheld) was rescued during the operation conducted on 16 January. The police spokesperson explained that the operation followed a tip-off about their human trafficking activities. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim, a native of Abia State, was allegedly deceived into resigning from her job in Aba with the promise of a more lucrative employment opportunity in Senegal, which later turned out to be prostitution-related, he said. Mr Ndukwe said, at about 7 p.m. of the same day, the suspect, who operated from Amorji-Nike in Enugu, allegedly took the victim to a shrine in Alor-Agu Community, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of the state. The police spokesperson said, based on the instruction of other members of the syndicate still on the run, the suspect asked the victim to swear an oath of allegiance ahead of the planned trafficking to Senegal. Upon receiving the information at about 8:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer promptly led a team of operatives to the location, where the suspect was arrested and the victim rescued. The victim has since been debriefed and reunited with her family, while investigations are ongoing to dismantle the trafficking syndicate and arrest other suspects connected to the crime, the police said. Mr Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure arrest and prosecution of all persons linked to the crime. Mr Giwa reiterated the unwavering commitment of the police in the state to combating human trafficking, prostitution, and other related crimes. The police chief urged the Nigerians to continue to provide timely and credible information to the security operatives to assist in the fight against crime. Prohibited in Nigeria Nigeria in 2015 enacted the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act which outlawed all acts of human trafficking in the country. The Act prescribes imprisonment of not less than five years or a fine of not less than N1 million or both as general punishment for human trafficking. Several persons have been convicted of human trafficking across the country. In June 2025, a Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, sentenced a woman, Christiana Uadiale, to 12 years imprisonment with an option of N14 million fine for human trafficking. Earlier in 2018, the Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, sentenced 49-year-old Ehie Ehirobo to three years imprisonment for human trafficking. A magistrates court in Yaba, Lagos State,has granted bail to Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, leaders of Wednesdays protest against demolitions at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa. In a ruling on Thursday, the magistrate,A.I.O. Alaka, set bail at N200,000 each, with two responsible sureties per defendant. The court released the men into the personal custody of their lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),Femi Falana, pending formal perfection of the bail conditions. Mr Falana described the charges as illegal and in violation of Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly. He told the court that the defendants had been detained since the protest, denied contact with the outside world, and sustained injuries during their arrest. Video evidence submitted by the lawyer purportedly showed the protest was peaceful. Representing the Lagos State police, Anthony Ihiehie warned the court that the defendants could return to obstruct government facilities if granted bail, requesting conditions reflecting the seriousness of the charges. Charges The defendants face five counts, including conspiracy to commit felony, threatening the public, causing a breach of peace, obstructing traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and Lagos State Government. The police said the alleged offences occurred along Allen Avenue, Alausa, Ikeja, during a protest organised by residents to voice grievances over demolitions. They accused the defendants of using a vehicle with loudspeakers to obstruct public highways and of conducting themselves in a manner likely to provoke public disorder, citing sections 411, 56, and 57 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The defendants pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned to 3 March for further hearing. Protest and police response The demonstration followed forced evictions in waterfront communities including Makoko, Owode-Onirin, Oworonshoki, and Ajegunle. Civil society groups, including the #EndBadGovernance Movement (Lagos Chapter) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), joined residents to protest the demolitions. PREMIUM TIMES observed protesters marching peacefully from Ikeja Underbridge to the State House of Assembly, carrying placards reading Save Our Souls and Stop the Killings, Stop Demolition of Our Homes. The Lagos State Police, however, described the protest as disruptive. Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi alleged on X that protesters blocked Awolowo Way for over six hours, used loudspeakers to intimidate the public, carried a coffin, and sat on the highway, preventing road users from reaching their destinations. The statement claimed police used minimum force to disperse the crowd and recorded no injuries. Civil society observers, journalists, and medical volunteers disputed this account. CAPPA said officers deliberately targeted protesters and journalists, using teargas directly on unarmed civilians. Several protesters and journalists, including Oluwaferanmi Oladipupo of Daily Family and medical professional Jennifer Rita Obiora, sustained injuries. Personal property, work tools, and vehicles were reportedly seized. Eyewitness accounts and Sowetos statement Eyewitnesses said Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh conferred with lawmakers before security forces advanced. Senior officers allegedly singled out Soweto for arrest while he addressed seated protesters. CAPPA and other groups condemned the police actions as excessive and unconstitutional. A statement shared by Zikora Ibeh, CAPPAs Assistant executive director, on behalf of Soweto, described being forcibly dragged into the Assembly complex, assaulted by the Commissioner and his men, blindfolded, and later taken to the Ogba Magistrate Court for a rushed arraignment before being returned to the Panti Police Station. Soweto also alleged attempts to compel him to receive medical treatment and write statements without consent, and the seizure of his personal belongings. The Lagos State Government defended the demolitions, with Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso citing safety risks posed by buildings along waterways and under high-tension power lines. Civil society groups countered that demolitions disproportionately affect poor and working-class communities, often without consultation, compensation, or resettlement. The #EndBadGovernance Movement described Wednesdays events as a horrific encounter and called for a halt to forced evictions and lawful engagement with affected communities. CAPPA and other groups demanded the immediate release of detained protesters, the return of seized property, suspension of the Commissioner of Police, and an end to ongoing demolition operations. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have thrown their weight behind striking workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The unions accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of intimidation and condemned what they described as a one-sided ruling of the National Industrial Court. On Tuesday, the Industrial Court granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC and its members from continuing the strike pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons The order followed an application filed by Mr Wike, and the FCTA marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, against the JUAC Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and the unions Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh. The court ruled that workers were prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute had been referred to the National Industrial Court, adding that where such a strike was already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case. It further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act may attract sanctions. The court adjourned the case to 23 March for substantive hearing. Intimidation of workers In a joint statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, the unions said the treatment meted out to the workers was unacceptable and warned that the strike would continue until the minister engages in negotiations. They said they were compelled to speak out in solidarity with FCT workers who had been shabbily treated by the minister, with the backing of the court. Today, we find it necessary to issue a joint statement of support in solidarity with the workers of Federal Capital Territory who have been shabbily treated by the Minister of FCT, Mr Wike and rubber-stamped by an Abuja National Industrial Court in a one-sided ruling intended to break up the strike and make workers perpetual slaves, the statement read. The labour unions accused the FCT administration of subjecting workers to intimidation, humiliation, insults and harassment, warning that such actions would not be tolerated. The offences committed against the FCT workers are serious enough. We cannot watch from the sidelines, the statement said. Workers cannot be made slaves in their country. We stand for the rule of law and its observance to the hilt, no matter the status of the parties to this dispute. Background Workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) had embarked on an indefinite strike on 19 January, shutting down key administrative offices, including the FCTA Secretariat and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on 7 January, demanding that the FCTA management address long-standing labour and welfare grievances. NLC accused the FCTA of violating labour laws by failing to remit deductions for pensions and the National Housing Fund (NHF), which it said attract significant penalties under the relevant legislation. The union further condemned threats by the Minister of the FCT against striking workers shortly after the court ruling, describing the environment as toxic and urging workers and union members to remain alert and engaged. Strike remains lawful However, the unions clarified that the interlocutory injunction obtained by the minister was directed at individual union leaders, not the unions themselves, adding that the strike continues. They said they expected the minister to use the court ruling as an opportunity to open dialogue with the organised labour for an amicable resolution of the issues, but claimed he instead resorted to threats against the workers. They urged workers to remain resolute despite pressure. Accordingly, we not only support the workers in this action, we urge them to maintain high morale in the face of relentless threats, the unions said, adding: Defend your rights with courage and dignity and not with fear. The unions also issued a strongly worded message to the judiciary, praising what they described as honest judges while warning against judicial misconduct. We put on notice cash-and-carry judges who continue to constitute a smudge on the judiciary, the statement said. Such judges, they warned, cannot be insulated from the consequences of the storms they create and they will be held accountable, if not by man, by God. They insisted that the industrial action would not be called off until the FCT minister comes off his high horse and negotiates with the workers. Workers, keep fighting for your rights. It is safer to die on your feet than live on your knees, the unions declared. The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of one Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), and 26,119 inspectors following its third plenary meeting on 29 January. In a statement issued by the commission, Funsho Adegboye, an AIG, was elevated to the rank of DIG. The decision was ratified under the leadership of the PSC chairperson, Hashimu Argungu, a retired DIG. Also promoted are Commissioners of Police Danjuma Aboki and Dansabo Idi, who were elevated to the rank of AIG after a merit-based process that included written examinations and oral interviews conducted by the commission. In what the PSC described as a landmark decision, the commission further approved the promotion of 26,119 Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II). The promotions followed their performance in the recently concluded Departmental Selection Board Examination. About the promoted officers Before his promotion, Mr Adegboye served as the AIG in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He has had a long career across key departments including Operations, Training, and Administration, and has served as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander in Ijero and Ile-Ife. He was a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Ondo State, and Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Department, and Edo State Command. He has also served on United Nations missions in Kosovo, Liberia, Timor, and Somalia. Mr Aboki was, until his elevation, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Imo State Police Command. Mr Idi previously served as the Acting AIG, Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. His career spans several operational and command positions, including Divisional Police Officer roles in Kebbi and Kaduna states, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch in Kebbi, Area Commander in Yauri, Owo, Awe, and Kosoboso, Commander of the 63 PMF Ikorodu, Deputy Commissioner of Operations for Zone 1 Lagos, Commandant of the Police College Kaduna, and Commissioner of Police, Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja. READ ALSO: Police bust syndicate involved in international trafficking of women for prostitution Congratulating the promoted officers, PSC boss Argungu reaffirmed the commissions commitment to transparency and merit-based promotions. These promotions reflect our dedication to recognizing hard work, competence, and integrity. They are a call to higher responsibility, greater service, and renewed commitment to the safety and security of our nation, he said. He also commended the PSC Standing Committee on NPF Matters, led by Taiwo Lakanu, a retired DIG, and other board members for their diligence during the examination and interview processes. The PSC stated that it remains committed to its mandate of overseeing human resource management within the Nigeria Police Force, with the goal of building a professional, efficient, and service-driven police institution. Bandits ambushed a police patrol team on the GugaBakori road in Katsina State on Tuesday, killing three officers, including an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), and injuring two others, police authorities have confirmed. The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. near Guga in Faskari Local Government Area as a five-member team from the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit, based at Guga Camp, was returning from a routine market-day patrol in an armoured personnel carrier (APC). According to a source familiar with the incident, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the bandits two assailants riding on a motorcycle trailed the police vehicle and opened fire, puncturing its tyres about three kilometres from Guga. The APC reportedly lost control and overturned, allowing the attackers to close in on the officers. They were chasing the police on a motorcycle and shooting at them, the source said. The vehicle lost control after the tyres were hit. Then they came and killed them. The source added that the two surviving officers were rushed to the General Hospital in Funtua. The Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the ambush in a statement on Wednesday but declined to disclose further details about the victims or the investigation. The command is saddened by this unfortunate incident and assures the public that efforts are being intensified to bring the culprits to justice, Mr Aliyu said, adding that security operatives had cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the attackers. Visual evidence obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, including photographs of the overturned APC and the bodies of two slain officers at the scene, corroborates the account. One image shows the dark blue APC lying on its roof in a dry, dusty field, its windshield shattered and undercarriage exposed. Another photograph shows the bodies of two officers amid sparse bushes, with tactical gear and a rifle scattered nearby. Hospital footage reviewed by this newspaper shows the injured officers in a poorly equipped ward one with a bandaged head wound and another with severe ankle trauma with visible pools of blood on the floor. According to the source, the attackers fled the scene with the officers weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a Tokarev pistol, and a long-range rifle. The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in Katsinas rural communities, despite the state governments reported peace deals with bandit groups. The source noted a shift in criminal patterns, saying that while kidnappings for ransom have declined in some areas, killings and armed robberies have increased. In Hayin Danmarka village, about three kilometres from Guga in Faskari LGA, bandits have reportedly seized 29 motorcycles since August last year. Four days ago, two residents were killed in Dannakwabo village in Kakara LGA. On Wednesday, bandits also attacked a Fulani settlement near Danguza village in Bakori North Ward of Bakori LGA, killing a community leader, Ardo Dau. Security analysts say the ambush points to vulnerabilities in police operations, including possible lapses in response tactics. They had weapons and were in a bulletproof vehicle, but perhaps they panicked and tried to escape, the source speculated, noting that the officers did not return fire despite outnumbering the attackers. Katsina, like other north-western states, has battled banditry for years, with attacks on security personnel, farmers, and travellers becoming increasingly common. Although the state government has initiated dialogues with bandit leaders, critics argue that the strategy has delivered limited results. Residents of affected communities are now calling for increased military presence and better equipment for police units operating in rural areas. PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the Katsina State Police Command for further comment, but no response had been received at the time of filing this report. The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to suspend the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Ikpeme Ikpeme, over allegations of ethnic bias in the recruitment of house officers. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Thursdays plenary, moved by Iduma Igariwey (PDP, Ebonyi). Presenting the motion, Mr Igariwey drew attention to reports alleging that the UCTH management rejected 17 newly qualified medical doctors posted to the hospital by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the compulsory one-year housemanship programme. According to the lawmaker, 15 of the affected doctors are of Igbo origin, and the CMD allegedly declined to accept the list because of what was described as a disproportionate number of applicants from a particular ethnic group. Mr Igariwey told the House that efforts by professional bodies, including the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at UCTH and the Cross River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to resolve the matter had not yielded results. He warned that the alleged action contravenes constitutional provisions that prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, describing it as a serious breach by a senior public officer. The House is alarmed that by rejecting a bona fide list of medical doctors sent to him by the regulatory body, on ground of tribe or region, Prof Ikpeme is in dangerous violation of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that seeks to protect citizens from discrimination on account of tribe and tongue, he said. The lawmaker further argued that the development was detrimental to Nigerias already strained health sector, noting that the country is grappling with an acute shortage of medical personnel. He said Nigeria currently has about 40,000 licensed doctors, far below the estimated 300,000 required to meet national healthcare needs, warning that actions perceived as discriminatory could worsen brain drain in the sector. We frown at the conduct of this highly placed federal officer that encourages brain drain in the health sector, and more importantly, further fractures the delicate ethnic fault lines of our union, leading to divisiveness, insecurity and instability, Mr Igariwey added. The UCTH controversy is not an isolated case. Similar concerns have arisen in other federal institutions over perceived violations of the Federal Character Principle, which aims to ensure equitable representation of all ethnic and geographic groups in public appointments. In March 2025, the Senate directed its Committee on Federal Character and InterGovernmental Affairs to investigate whether ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) were complying with the Federal Character Principle in recruitment, appointments and promotions. This, the Senate said, was to ensure fair and equitable representation across all zones and ethnic groups in appointments, promotions and recruitment. During Thursdays plenary, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, lawmakers unanimously supported the motion and resolved to suspend Mr Ikpeme immediately to prevent interference with an investigation by the House Committee on Health Institutions. The committee was mandated to probe the allegations and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action. Plateau North Senator, Pam Dachungyang has defected from the Action Democratic Party (ADP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Dachungyang, the only senator elected on the platform of the ADP in the 10th Senate, announced his defection in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday. In the letter, the lawmaker attributed his decision to internal disputes within his former party, which he said had hindered his ability to provide effective representation to his constituents. My defection is also necessitated by irreconcilable differences and persistent internal wrangling within the Action Democratic Party, which altogether have hindered my ability to effectively contribute to the partys ideals and to deliver quality representation to my constituents, he said. Mr Dachungyang also said the decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and other stakeholders. This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates, and my stakeholders, and is informed by the need to align with a political platform that best reflects my commitment to good governance, inclusive development, and the overall interest of the good people of my state. district that i represent. He expressed confidence that the APC would offer a more stable and progressive platform for him to continue serving his constituents. I am confident that the All Progressives Congress provides a more stable, a more progressive platform through which I can continue to serve my constituency and the nation with renewed focus and dedication. READ ALSO: Commissioner advises Kano deputy governor to resign After the letter was read, the senate president directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside other APC senators, to formally welcome Mr Dachungyang to the ruling party. The lawmaker thereafter exchanged pleasantries with APC members and was escorted to his new seat in the majority section of the chamber. With the latest defection, the APCs strength in the Senate has increased to 79 seats, further consolidating its dominance, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties continue to lose members. Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum will host a group exhibition titled "Aether" starting January 30, Azernews reports. The event will feature artworks created by students from the "LeRami" art studio, led by Ramila Shamilova, a member of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union. A total of 85 pieces by 35 artists will be on display, highlighting the variety and individuality of the students' artistic expressions. Both adults and children will take part in the exhibition, demonstrating their creative talents. The exhibition will be open to visitors until February 1. Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets. Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out. The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions. In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art. In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy. The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch. For four years, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards. The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2026/01/29 Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko has announced the deployment of mobile laundry-and-shower complexes for residents of Kyiv affected by the destruction of civilian infrastructure in the capital caused by Russian shelling. The complexes had previously been sent to the frontline to support servicemen through the Poroshenko Foundation and NGO Sprava Hromad. "For ten cursed freezing days, the surrounding buildings have been almost completely without electricity and water. During this time, the cold and Russian terror have managed to turn the cosy apartments of these families and many other Kyiv residents into frozen concrete boxes. That is why we are here to help them. A project we created many years ago to help the military feel a little more comfortable in extreme conditions is now also helping civilians. I did not think it would come to this. But we must respond. Our mobile laundry-and-shower complexes are now operating not only along the entire frontline, but also in Kyiv," Poroshenko said on Facebook. He said residents of the capital "can, for the first time in ten days, wash and immediately dry their clothes, charge gadgets and flashlights, and warm their children and themselves with tea, coffee and biscuits." European Solidarity leader in Kyiv City Council and Chairperson of the standing commission on healthcare, family, social and veterans' policy Maryna Poroshenko announced the deployment of "mobile solidarity points" in Kyivs Holosiivsky district. "Residents are telling simple but very painful stories: water appears only from time to time, heat as well. And there has been no electricity in buildings for more than eight days now. That is why, together with the teams of the Poroshenko Foundation, NGO Sprava Hromad, and European Solidarity Kyiv, we came here to support people not with words, but with actions. We have set up mobile solidarity points. At one of them, Holosievo residents can wash and dry their clothes. At another, they can drink hot tea, connect to the internet and recharge their electronic devices," she said on Facebook. The party said on the website that similar points are planned to be installed at other locations across Kyiv. There was tension in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, on Tuesday, when police operatives allegedly shot dead a private motorcyclist in the area. The incident, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, occurred at about 9:00 p.m. along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway in the state capital. A witness told this newspaper that the incident occurred when some police officers attached to the Central Police Station in Abakaliki began pursuing the motorcyclist who refused the officers instruction to stop. The witness, who asked not to be named, said the officers were pursuing the motorcyclist from Afor-Ezunna Street because he had violated the state governments order that motorcycle operation should cease by 7:00 p.m. While the officers were pursuing the motorcyclist, one of the officers repeatedly threatened to shoot him, the witness said. He further claimed that when the motorcyclist continued moving, one of the officers shot him dead. It was gathered that the development caused an altercation among the operatives who questioned their colleague who fired the shot at the victim. Some residents claimed that some police operatives later dispersed bystanders and confiscated a mobile phone from a man attempting to record the scene. Police speak The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, has confirmed the incident. In a statement on Thursday, Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, identified the slain motorcyclist as Nwanchor Uwaezuruike. The spokesperson said the incident occurred in the area at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the operatives, on routine patrol, responded to a distress call. He claimed that during the operation, one of the officers unprofessionally shot in the air, which hit the motorcyclist and resulted in his death. He was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead, he said. Mr Ukandu said the officers involved in the operation have been taken into custody over the killing of the motorcyclist. He said the states commissioner of police has ordered the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incident. The spokesperson said the police commissioner also expressed condolences to the victims family and assured the public that justice would be served. He reaffirmed the commitment of the police in the state to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Not the first time Cases of police brutality, extortion, extrajudicial killings and other unprofessional activities in Nigeria have continued despite sanctions by police authorities, such as dismissal from service. The latest incident occurred about 15 months after police operatives from the Crack Squad in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, shot dead a labourer and critically injured three others in the state. The killing of the labourer and the injury of three others happened in November 2024. A similar incident happened in Abakaliki in 2018 when a police officer shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist for allegedly refusing to give him a N50 bribe. Similar unprofessional conduct of police operatives has also been recorded in other states in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Reps demand suspension of UCTH CMD over alleged ethnic bias in recruitment In August 2024, for instance, police operatives in Bayelsa State extorted N3 million from a Nigerian man at gunpoint. The officers were subsequently arrested after the victim filed a complaint with the police. The police operatives later returned the N3 million to the victim, about three weeks later. A sum of $6.23 million was withdrawn in cash from a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) vault in one day in February 2023, during the tenure of Godwin Emefiele as the CBN governor, a prosecution witness said on Thursday, shedding light on a transaction previous witnesses had said was based on false claims and forged documents. Bashirudden Maishanu, an assistant director in CBN, who testified as the 11th prosecution witness in Mr Emefieles corruption trial at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, narrated the roles he played in facilitating the suspicious cash withdrawal. He said the money was tagged as payments to foreign observers for the 2023 general election. The official said an intermediary linked to Mr Emefiele left $2.5 million for him and his friends whom he asked go for the withdrawal of the money at the CBN branch in Garki, Abuja, on 8 February 2023. He said the intermediary left the money without any prior negotiations. He claimed he only realised the transaction was fraudulent only after Jim Obazee, the special investigator hired by President Bola Tinubu in his early days in office to probe the CBN under the leadership of Mr Emefiele, showed him the documents that were cooked up to facilitate the heist. According to him, Mr Obazee, whose findings spurred most of the multiple charges filed against Mr Emefiele in different courts, showed him the fraudulent documents used for the transaction. In the case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mr Emefiele, the immediate-past governor of the CBN, on 20 counts of corruption and fraudulent transactions, including the one involving the $6.23 million, he allegedly carried out or directed while in office. Mr Emefiele denied the charges when he was rearranged before trial judge Hamza Muazu in January 2024. Previous prosecution witnesses, including Boss Mustapha, the then-Secretary to the Governor of Federation (SGF), and a forensic expert had appeared in court to share various fraudulent features of the $6.23 million transaction. Mr Maishanu, who was led in evidence on Thursday by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Oyedepo Rotimi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the court that the money was withdrawn with purported approval of then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Buhari died last year. How it began The witness recalled that he knew Mr Emefiele in 2015 through one Eric, who was his personal assistant as CBN governor. He detailed how Eric sent someone, identified as Alhaji Ahmed, to him to give him a heads-up regarding the$6.23 million withdrawal plan that was said to be in the works at the time He introduced himself to me and said Mr Eric, the P.A. asked me to see you about some transactions that they were processing in CBN. He said he was working in a Special Committee in the SGF office, he was quoted as saying in a press statement from the EFCC focusing on Thursdays hearing. The witness said further, I asked him for I.D. and he showed me, I asked him to call Mr Eric so that I can confirm he indeed asked him to see me. He called Mr. Eric and we spoke and he said he knew Alhaji Ahmed and he said indeed he did ask him to see me. Thereafter, Mr Ahmed explained to me that they were processing a payment from the CBN on the authority of Mr President and that once they obtained the presidential approval on paper, they will proceed to CBN for payment. I asked Ahmed what role I was to play because I was not working in the branch where the payment is made, he said it was too early at that time, and that once they obtained the approval of the government, he would let me know. The witness told the court that MrAhmed met him about a week later and told him that they had obtained President Buharis approval. I demanded to see it, and he showed me the copy and told me that they will now go to the CBN to obtain Mr Emefieles approval. At that point he told me that they wanted cash payment and if I could either go with them or recommend someone to go with them. I told him I couldnt go, and I suggested that I should call someone I knew, he said. The witness said Mr Ahmed later told him he had the government approval and that the person he wanted to send could come for the cash payment. On the 8 February, my friend went with his driver and cashed the money in Garki Branch of CBN: $6,230,000. Thereafter, they dropped my friend off at the same location inside the estate; it is called the 09 ClubHouse inside Ibrahim Coomasie Crescent. My friend called and said they had cashed the money and that Mr Ahmed had left with $2.5 million in cash with his friends. The witness stated that he suggested to his friends that they should keep the money, a suggestion he said they agreed. I saw the cash and I told them that I thought it was outrageous because we never negotiated for any payment with the said Alhaji Ahmed and I suggested to my friends that we keep the money, they agreed. When asked by the prosecution lawyer to explain how the CBN sanctions its erring officials, the witness stated that the bank applied different kinds of sanctions on erring staff members depending on the nature, gravity and circumstances of the offence. It could be demotion, termination of appointment or dismissal from service or warnings. These sanctions are all clearly contained in the human resource handbook, Mr Maishanu said. He further stated that before sanctions were applied, there would be a disciplinary committee comprising selected staff members who would conduct investigations into the matter, hold hearings with erring staff and recommend the appropriate sanction to the management. No disciplinary action He further disclosed that he did not face any disciplinary action by the CBN board in respect to the matter before the court. The Chairman of the board, he said, is the CBN governor. The witness, however, informed the court that he did not see the approval on exhibit A3 and A6 but stated that the approval was captured on Exhibit A1, A4, A7, A8,A10 and A40, PD3,PD5 and PD6, adding that it is the responsibility of the CBN governor to approve or his Committee of Governors from the board to approve. The Committee of Governors is also chaired by the CBN governor, he said. The witness disclosed that $6.23 million covered election-related matters. Responding to the prosecution, he told the court that the $6.23 million covered expenses on election overseers. Cross-examination During cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkar, a SAN, the witness stated that though he did not know the identity of the official that gave the approval because he did not witness the signing of the approval, he restated that the cash was withdrawn from the Garki branch of the CBN and that there were documents through which the money could be traced. There is a flow and every person involved in that flow has his signature on the internal document, he said. Asked by the defence if he assumed that the approval was fraudulent. He replied, I not only assume, I am sure because I know that the CBN has rigorous processes for payment not just cash payment, but online payments and it could be based on the likelihood of forged documents, especially of that value slipping through the system. Speaking on the $2.5 million left for them by Mr Ahmed, the witness said that the sum was left for him and two others. Now from this money, you testified that you got a share of $2.5 million, the lawyer asked. In response, Mr Maishanu said, Yes, that is not mine. It was the share of the three of us. Although the money was tagged as payment to foreign election observers for the 2023 general elections, he admitted that he did not play any role in monitoring the elections. But he said when he got the $2.5 million, he did not know it was fraudulent. I couldnt conclude that it was fraudulent because at that point in time documents had been passed and paid for a specific purpose. What made me suspicious like I said earlier was the volume of money they had left with my friends, he said. I accepted responsibility He further informed the court that he met Mr Obazee, the special investigator hired by the President Tinubu administration to probe CBN who showed him the forged documents. He said he told Mr Obazee that he would accept responsibility. When I met Mr Obazee, he showed me the forged documents, I told him that I would accept personal responsibility for a number of reasons. Firstly, I had become involved, and Mr Eric was nowhere to be seen. I couldnt ask some of our friends whom I knew had good contact with him. I was worried about the damage it would do to myself. Until that point, I had no idea it was a fraud, he said, adding that he did not consider the money as a gift, but rather as a set-up. The judge adjourned the matter till Friday for continuation of trial. What previous witnesses said about the $6.23 million transaction Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during President Muhmmadu Buharis administration, Boss Mustapha, appeared as a prosecution witness in the trial on 13 February 2024. In his testimony, Mr Mustapha said Mr Buharis signature was forged to give approval to the cash withdrawal of $6.2 million from the CBN vault. That was a day after a former controller at the CBN in Abuja, Onyeka Ogbu, told the court that he received the written approval given by then President Buhari, Mr Mustapha, and Mr Emefiele for the cash payment. Mr Mustapha who testified as the fourth prosecution witness for the EFCC, said his signature and Mr Buharis were forged by people who pilfered the $6.23 from the CBN vault on 8 February 2023. It was claimed that Buhari also signed, but on the face value of this document, having served for five years and seven months as SGF, this document did not emanate from the president for the following reasons. A correspondent that has the seal of Nigeria does not carry a reference number. The seal is the authority, Mr Mustapha told the judge. Testifying a day earlier, former branch controller at the CBN, Mr Ogbu, had said that Messrs Buhari and Mustapha gave their approval for the payment of the funds to foreign election observers at the last general elections. He said the memo authorising the payment requested that it should be paid in its naira equivalent. It amounted to about N2.9 billion at the prevailing exchange rate in January 2023. But giving his account of what transpired, Mr Mustapha said neither he nor Mr Buhari gave their nod to the withdrawal of the funds. He faulted the letter that purportedly emanated from the then SGFs office authorising payment of the money. Asked by the prosecuting lawyer in respect of Exhibit PD7 which stated that the release of the money was approved at the 187th Federal Executive Council (FEC) that held in 18 January 2023, Mr Mustapha affirmed that a FEC meeting was held that day, but that it was not 187th session, but rather first meeting of the year because it was January. On 7 March 2024, Bamaiyi Meriga, a forensic expert, told the court that documents used to facilitate the withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN were forged. The money was withdrawn purportedly for payment to foreign election observers during the 2023 general elections. Mr Mairiga testified at Thursdays proceedings in the ongoing trial of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on whose watch the suspicious, humongous withdrawal was made. Mr Meriga, who testified as the fifth prosecution witness for the EFCC, said the signatures of then-President Buhari and then-SGF, Mr Mustapha, were forged on the documents used to facilitate the $6.23 million withdrawal from the CBN on 8 February 2023. The witness said after a forensic analysis of the disputed documents, he found out that there was clear evidence of forgery. The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying act, as the pen movement, form and formation of the signature and the skill of execution were found to be different from that of the specimen signatures marked exhibits a to A2 and B to B2. The formation of the disputed signature marked: X and B to B1 was found to be different in respect of pen movement impulses, skill of execution, loop formation, presence of tremors; there were individual characteristics. This is confirmation that the author of the specimen signature marked B to B1 did not write the signature of Muhammadu Buhari on a disputed document marked X. Also, the form and formation of the disputed signature marked X1 and the specimen signatures marked A to A2 were also found to be different in respect of pen movement impulses, terminal strokes, loop formation, presence of tremors and individual characteristics. This is also a confirmation that the author of the specimen signatures, marked A to A2 did not write the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document marked X1, Mr Mairiga explained. Mr Mairiga said he later issued a report of his findings about what transpired. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to reopen the Onitsha Main Market. The President-General of the socio-cultural group, John Azuta-Mbata, made the appeal in a statement issued by the groups National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu. Governor Soludo ordered the markets closure for one week on Monday over traders continued observance of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)s sit-at-home. Mr Mbata said Ohanaeze understood the governments concerns, noting that the decision was intended to ensure order, safety and long-term development. He urged the governor to consider the economic hardship faced by traders and families whose livelihoods depend largely on the markets daily operations. According to him, reopening the market promptly would ease the burden on residents, particularly amid prevailing economic difficulties. We commend Governor Soludo for his purposeful leadership and the administrations efforts at transforming Anambra. In the spirit of inclusive governance, we request engagement with market leaders and stakeholders through dialogue to reach an amicable resolution. Ohanaeze remains confident in the governors commitment to Ndi Anambra, and pledges continued support for peace, progress and development, he said. A faction of the outlawed IPOB often enforces the illegal sit-at-home. IPOB is seeking the secession of the South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria. The Anambra State Government on Monday night claimed, without providing details, that the sit-at-home costs the state about N8 billion per week. The market closure triggered a protest by angry traders in Anambra, who on Tuesday backed the Monday sit-at-home directive in honour of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. On Wednesday, the protesters blocked the popular River Niger Bridge, which connects Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, in Nigerias South-south. Soludo vows to resist sit-at-home in Anambra Mr Soludo vowed to resist the sit-at-home across markets in the state, saying that those who promote it have an evil agenda to sabotage the state and the South-easts economy. The cost of sit-at-home to Anambra State is enormous. People think about revenue. Im talking about a larger economy. The traders themselves. That each day that you dont go to market. You dont know how many businesses youve lost, he said. You dont know how many businesses are moving out of Onitsha to elsewhere. The governor argued that it is deceptive that some people engage in social activities in their neighbourhood and street trading on Mondays, but refuse to open their shops in markets on the excuse of insecurity. Theres now some deliberateness about what is going on. Sabotage, criminal intent to keep Anambra and the South-east behind. And we are determined to fight this with everything legal to make sure that we come to an end to this, he said. The governor said allowing the Monday sit-at-home directive to continue would give a bad signal to investors that the state and region had accepted a different business calendar. We are redefining a new calendar for Anambra and the South-east. That you are open for business from Tuesday to Saturday or to Friday as the case may be, while the rest of the world has a different kind of calendar, he said. He contended that traders cannot complain of insecurity at the Onitsha Main Market because he has provided adequate security operatives in the market. The main market. You have over 150 security persons working there, he said. He added that some people also failed to open their shops on Mondays due to plain laziness, which, over the years of sit-at-home, has compelled them to accept. (NAN) Nigeria cannot build stability on a justice system that works only for the few. Economic development cannot flourish where everyday disputes are unresolved. Security cannot be sustained where grievances fester unanswered A justice system that starts with the peoples lived realities is an indispensable infrastructure of a stable and prosperous Nigeria. For decades, our national conversation about justice has been stubbornly state-centric. We debate the independence of the bench, the number of new courts built, and the process of appointing senior advocates amongst other institutional issues. These issues matter. But they also mask a deeper and more troubling reality: for millions of Nigerians, the justice system is not a source of protection or opportunity. It is distant, slow, expensive, and intimidating. In practice, it often feels like a system designed without the people it was meant to serve. If Nigeria is to achieve its ambition of stability, shared prosperity, and economic leadership, this must change. Justice can no longer be designed solely from the perspective of institutions. Reimagining it from the standpoint of the people is essential. This shift from inward-looking justice to People-Centred Justice (PCJ) is not cosmetic reform. It is fundamental to Nigerias future. What People-Centred Justice Really Means People-Centred Justice starts with a simple idea: justice should be judged by how well it solves the real problems that people face in their daily lives. It asks a different question from the one we are used to. Not, How efficient are our courts? but rather, What justice problems do Nigerians actually experience, and how can those problems be prevented or resolved fairly and quickly? For a trader in Onitsha, justice is not a decade-long appeal process; it is recovering payment for goods supplied in good time. For a farmer in Katsina, justice is the timely resolution of a land dispute before it escalates into violence. PCJ measures success by outcomes that people can feel. Outcomes like security, fairness, and closure. It is not focused solely on procedural elegance but rather on timely results. In this sense, People-Centred Justice is the justice system seeing itself through the eyes of the people it exists to serve. People-Centred Justice helps to rebuild the social contract between the state/government, and the people rebuild the social contract. When citizens see the law protecting them from unlawful eviction, arbitrary detention, or abuse by those in authority, they begin to believe that the state recognises their dignity. Trust is restored. Justice as an Engine of Economic Development No economy can thrive where everyday disputes are costly, unpredictable, or unresolved. In Nigeria, the absence of accessible justice quietly taxes productivity and innovation. Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy, are especially vulnerable. One unpaid invoice, one unresolved contract dispute, can wipe out years of effort. When justice is slow or unaffordable, risk becomes paralysing. People-Centred Justice lowers the real cost of doing business by providing fast, affordable mechanisms, small claims processes, mediation, community-based resolution that allow entrepreneurs to survive, grow, and create jobs. The same applies to property rights. For most Nigerians, land is their most valuable asset. Yet weak, inaccessible justice turns this asset into dead capital. It becomes something owned, but unusable. When justice systems focus on peoples realities (clear land records, trusted dispute resolution, enforceable decisions), land becomes bankable, investable, and productive. Economic growth follows. The Missing Link in Social Stability A society where justice is perceived as something arranged for the powerful is a society living on borrowed time. Inequality before the law corrodes trust faster than almost any other failure of governance. People-Centred Justice helps to rebuild the social contract between the state/government, and the people rebuild the social contract. When citizens see the law protecting them from unlawful eviction, arbitrary detention, or abuse by those in authority, they begin to believe that the state recognises their dignity. Trust is restored. Justice and National Security: An Overlooked Connection Nigerias security challenges are often framed as military problems. But many of them originate elsewhere in unresolved disputes, unaddressed grievances, and the quiet absence of justice. Communal clashes, banditry, and cycles of reprisal frequently begin as civil disagreements over land, resources, or local power. Where there is no trusted, accessible system to listen and resolve these disputes fairly, people resort to self-help and violence. Embracing People-Centred Justice is about strengthening institutions and making the justice pathways effective. It is about aligning them with Nigerias economic, social, and security realities. This requires deliberate choices. In conflict-affected areas, a visible, responsive justice system is one of the most powerful tools against radicalisation. It signals to communities that grievances can be heard and addressed through law, not force. In this sense, People-Centred Justice is a smart security strategy. Moving from Abstraction to Action Embracing People-Centred Justice is about strengthening institutions and making the justice pathways effective. It is about aligning them with Nigerias economic, social, and security realities. This requires deliberate choices. We must invest in community-based justice providers, mediators, paralegals, religious and traditional rulers, community institutions who are trusted locally and speak the language of the people. We must harness simple digital tools that allow citizens to access information, track cases, and seek help without navigating a maze of bureaucracy. And we must use data from real evidence of peoples justice needs to guide policy and spending, rather than assumptions made from the comfort of distant institutions. Nigeria cannot build stability on a justice system that works only for the few. Economic development cannot flourish where everyday disputes are unresolved. Security cannot be sustained where grievances fester unanswered. A justice system that starts with the peoples lived realities is an indispensable infrastructure of a stable and prosperous Nigeria. Ijeoma Nwafor is the country representative in Nigeria for The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), while Kemi Okenyodo is the executive director, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), and Foluso Idumu is the director of Justice Research Institute Gte (JRI). Elections are governed not by good intentions but by clearly prescribed rules. The bills landmark provisions address ambiguities in current electoral law. Its passage will prevent conflicting interpretations and inconsistent application of rules for result transmission, collation, and voter accreditation. INEC needs legal clarity to develop guidelines for key electoral activities, especially the party primaries set for April. The commission must also issue the 2027 election timetable at least 360 days before the next general election. Electoral reform is a confidence-building mechanism. It addresses shortcomings through the introduction of innovations that strengthen election integrity and inspire public trust. A recent National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS) reveals a climate of high distrust in the electoral process. The current electoral bill before Nigerias National Assembly contains landmark provisions that meet public demand for limits to human interference in the electoral process and greater transparency. However, the bill also includes problematic provisions that create vulnerabilities and give undue powers to institutions. Some provisions reinforce money politics and create an uneven playing field for economically marginalised groups. Despite these contradictions, passing this bill is one of the most important steps for rebuilding public trust in the electoral process. Top five landmark provisions we cannot afford to lose The Electoral Bill contains provisions that will transform the electoral process. Citizens and civil society groups, including Yiaga Africa, have advocated these proposals for years. Notable among them are: Electronic transmission of election results: The bill provides legal backing for electronic transmission of results to the INEC Election Results Viewing portal (IREV). It does not replace the manual process but integrates electronic transmission to run alongside manual collation. Electronic transmission could significantly reduce result manipulation at the polls. This provision gives legal weight to result sheets uploaded on INECs portal. These result sheets will serve as reliable evidence for establishing votes scored by parties or exposing manipulation. Compulsory comparison between electronically transmitted results and hardcopy results: The bill prescribes detailed procedures to address ambiguities in the collation process. It mandates Collation and Returning Officers to cross-check accreditation data and results transmitted electronically from the polling unit with the hardcopy results sheets. This addresses a gap exploited in previous election, where inconsistencies between electronically transmitted results and physical result forms created legal uncertainty and operational discretion. The provision strengthens auditability, and transparency in the collation process. Downloadable voter card for inclusive voter accreditation: In previous elections, voters without physical Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were disenfranchised, even in cases where such failure resulted from INECs logistical failure. To address this barrier to participation, the bill introduces a digitally generated voter card embedded with a unique QR code , which can be downloaded and securely used for voter accreditation. In addition, where a voter card is unavailable, registered voters may present a National Identity Card, International Passport, or Nigerian Birth Certificate for voter accreditation. Disciplinary authority over Resident Electoral Commissioners: One of the challenges of INEC is its lack of disciplinary control over Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), who answer mainly to the appointing authority, the President, rather than to the Commission they serve. This flaw has fostered weak accountability and impunity. During the 2023 general elections, this limitation became clear when three RECS were allegedly involved in corrupt practices and misconduct. The Commissions leadership was limited to suspending its delegated powers from the RECs because it could not impose any sanctions under the electoral legal framework. To address this gap and subject RECs to internal control mechanisms, the bill provides that RECs will be answerable to and disciplined by the commission. Mandatory digital register of party membership: The lack of an updated, reliable register of party members is a loophole that parties exploit to perpetuate illegality, capture party structures, and subvert candidate nomination processes. The result is a crisis of internal party democracy that fuels candidate imposition, and weakens competition. The bill mandates political parties to maintain a digital register of their members, including their names, gender, dates of birth, addresses, National Identity Numbers (NINs), and photographs. Parties that fail to submit their membership registers to INEC will not be eligible to field candidates in elections. Problematic Provisions That Demand Collective Vigilance Restricting the filing of reports to INEC officials to activate the review of election results: INEC is vested with the power to review election results within seven days, where such declarations are made under duress or in violation of the Electoral Act, INECs regulations, guidelines, and manuals. To activate this power, the bill provides that the administrative review of falsified election results shall occur only upon a report filed by INEC officials. This provision bars political parties, candidates, accredited observers, and their agents from activating the review process, even where they tender compelling evidence of a manipulated and unlawful results declaration. Limiting the power of review to reports filed by INEC officials, some of whom may be complicit, is against the spirit behind the power of review vested in INEC. Evidence from recent elections revealed instances in which INEC officials actively undermined the elections. The scope of persons eligible to file reports should be broadened to include political parties, candidates, accredited party agents, and observers present during collation exercises. Astronomical increase in the threshold for election expenses: The bill reinforces electoral competition as a contest of the highest bidders and spenders by doubling election expenses by 100 per cent 200 per cent across all levels. Expenses for the presidential election jumped from 5 billion ($3.5 million) to 10 billion ($7 million). Governorship election was increased from 1 billion ($702,000) to 3 billion ($2.1 million), a 200 per cent increase. The pattern continues down the ballot: expenses for Senate increased from 100 million ($70,000) to 500 million ($355,000); House of Representatives from 70 million ($49,000) to 250 million ($176,000); State Assembly from 30 million ($21,000) to 100 million ($70,000); and FCT Area Council from 5 million ($3,500) to 10 million ($7,000). These high thresholds constitute a barrier to fair competition because qualified candidates without deep pockets cannot run for office. When elections are determined by wealthy politicians, democracy is threatened, while plutocracy is institutionalised. Increasing individual donations to candidates from 50 million to 500 million : The bill raises the limit for donations from individuals and entities to candidates from 50 million ($36,000) to 500 million ($355,000). Allowing a single individual or entity to contribute half a billion naira to a candidate leads to capture and a lack of independence. It also weakens accountability and ensures that private interests replace the public interest in governance and policymaking. Rejected progressive proposals While the Electoral Bill contains transformative proposals, it excludes some provisions that lacked sufficient legislative support at the committee stage, despite years of advocacy by citizens and civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa. These omissions are significant missed opportunities to safeguard the right to vote and expand civic participation. The rejected or abandoned proposals include early voting mechanisms, in-maid voting, replacing the Permanent Voters Card with alternative identification, and adjustments to electoral timelines to improve operational efficiency and voter access. Why Passage Remains Imperative Elections are governed not by good intentions but by clearly prescribed rules. The bills landmark provisions address ambiguities in current electoral law. Its passage will prevent conflicting interpretations and inconsistent application of rules for result transmission, collation, and voter accreditation. INEC needs legal clarity to develop guidelines for key electoral activities, especially the party primaries set for April. The commission must also issue the 2027 election timetable at least 360 days before the next general election. Passing the law will ensure INEC does not prepare in the dark. Electoral integrity will suffer most if the bill is not passed. Against this backdrop, the delay in the Nigerian Senates passage of the bill is deeply concerning, despite its approval by the House of Representatives in December 2025. The delay stalls a reform process of national urgency. Once the Senate passes the bill, the next stage is harmonisation and transmittal to the president for immediate assent. These processes can be concluded within two weeks. Continuous delays will affect electoral preparations, increase legal uncertainty, and put the legitimacy of the 2025 elections at risk. A stitch in time saves nine. Samson Itodo is an election, democracy, and public policy enthusiast. Itodo serves as the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Principal Partner of the Election Law Center and Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Group on AI in Peace, Security and Governance. He is also a member of the Kofi Annan Foundation board and the Board of Advisers of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Comments and feedback to [email protected] Elections should not be moments of emotional mobilisation followed by collective amnesia. They should serve as checkpoints in a longer process of national design, review, and course correction Citizens, civil society, the private sector, labour, professionals, and the diaspora are to engage in the process not merely as voters, but as co-architects of Nigerias future. The task before us is not to choose saviours, but to build systems that do not require them. Nigeria was founded on democratic promises; an egalitarian society anchored on freedom of movement, the sanctity of the law, guaranteed safety of lives and property, and assured economic opportunity for every citizen. Over time, these ideals have been severely tested. While the promise of democracy formally endures, many of its foundational principles have been progressively dimmed within the political configuration called Nigeria. This erosion has made the present moment particularly excruciating. As the country approaches another crucial test of its democratic promise, expectations must extend beyond ritualistic transitions of power. This must not become yet another cycle of self-righteousness, intimidation of opposition, or the systematic drowning of citizens voices. Rather, it should be a moment of national reckoning. Nigerias electioneering has increasingly evolved into familiar routines alliances hurriedly assembled, slogans carefully crafted, and resources aggressively mobilised. Yet beneath this spectacle lies a deeper and more troubling continuity: elections remain largely disconnected from the fundamental questions that should define a nations political life: What kind of state does Nigeria intend to be? What kind of leadership deserves the trust and authority of public office? How should the Nigerian agenda be collectively defined, prioritised, and owned? Our electoral cycles have thus become moments of elite bargaining, often cynically described as selection, rather than instruments of collective statecraft. Political agendas are frequently shaped by personal instinct, short-term survival, and factional calculations, rather than by a shared national vision grounded in evidence, institutional logic, citizen welfare, and local realities. Many political actors seeking office claim to be called by the people. Others posture as possessing a deep understanding of their constituencies and a firm grasp of national aspirations. Yet experience has shown that, over time, a widening divergence often emerges between these individuals and the citizens they claim to represent. This disconnect manifests in poorly defined priorities, policy incoherence, abandoned projects, and a governance system trapped in reactionary decision-making, self-aggrandisement, and elite capture of the state. I am in no way arguing for the exclusion of leadership intuition or political judgment. Rather, I am objecting to the notion that Nigerias future should be entrusted to the instincts of a few. A country of over 200 million people cannot be sustainably governed by the personal convictions of a narrow elite alone. It must be governed by collectively defined priorities, informed by data, the lived realities of the majority, and a clear understanding of Nigerias political economy. Only then can elections evolve from elite rituals into instruments of deliberate state design. The Political Economy We Must Confront Recently, I read a statement credited to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, paraphrased here: local manufacturing alone cannot resolve high domestic costs in Nigeria. This observation is both instructive and revealing, as it exposes a fundamental misunderstanding that shapes public discourse on prices and production. The prevailing assumption is that local manufacturing should automatically translate into lower prices. In efficient economies, this logic often holds. There, production costs are largely determined by raw materials, labour, technology, scale, and productivity. Nigerias economy, however, persistently struggles with efficiency, where the interaction of these parameters is insufficient to explain/or resolve the high cost of goods and services. A Nigerian Agenda must therefore transcend the logic of electoral competition. It must not be treated as a campaign document, but as a national contract; one that articulates non-negotiable socio-economic priorities and ethical obligations binding on all political parties and administrations At its core, this agenda should affirm fundamental development principles: citizen safety and security; inclusive and productive economic participation; infrastructure that reduces the cost of living and doing business Even with increased local capacity, such as in domestic crude refining, supply has become steadier while prices remain stubbornly high. This outcome underscores a deeper truth: just as Nigerias challenges are not merely political, high domestic costs are not purely economic. Both are symptoms of the countrys underlying political-economic structure. As Dangote has further implied, internal taxes, levies, and regulatory charges, often imposed by multiple state and sub-national agencies in the scramble for internally generated revenue, have inadvertently raised local production costs, in some cases rendering imported goods more competitive than locally produced alternatives. This dynamic reflects what may be described as a Revenue Frenzy Economy: a system in which government entities prioritise short-term revenue extraction over productive growth, thereby undermining domestic competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability. Nigerias economy is thus weighed down by high transaction costs largely imposed by state failure. Energy insecurity forces firms to self-generate power. Unsafe transport corridors inflate logistics and insurance costs. Regulatory fragmentation breeds uncertainty and rent-seeking. Institutional distrust raises the cost of compliance and capital. These costs are inevitably passed on to citizens. Meanwhile, public resources circulate within narrow elite networks, while the majority of Nigerians contend with rising living costs, declining security, and shrinking economic opportunity. Elections are often expected to offer a corrective, an opportunity to vote out ineffectual leaders and reverse poor governance. Yet for many citizens, recent electoral cycles have merely replaced office holders without altering the underlying economic logic that perpetuates dysfunction. In this context, Nigerias political economy has become dangerously disconnected from production, accountability, and the idea of leadership as an obligation. Campaigns focus overwhelmingly on personalities, patronage, and mobilisation tactics, rather than on the architecture of the state; how local developmental needs are integrated into national development goals, how incentives shape behaviour, and what institutional reforms are required to lower costs and expand opportunity. Until these structural realities are confronted, elections will continue to recycle power without redesigning the state, and the promise of democracy will remain unfulfilled. From Politicians Agendas to a Nigerian Agenda The period leading up to the 2027 elections demands a decisive shift, from politicians setting the agenda to citizens collectively designing it. As political actors develop their respective manifestos, these documents must be grounded in the real and expressed needs of the constituencies they seek to represent. Such needs cannot be assumed or inferred; they must be articulated through deliberate and sustained engagement with citizens. Town hall meetings, invitations for citizen memoranda, sectoral consultations, and structured engagements should form the backbone of this process. Manifestos must emerge from the aggregation and distillation of these inputs, rather than from personal ambition, party instinct, or elite consensus alone. A Nigerian Agenda must therefore transcend the logic of electoral competition. It must not be treated as a campaign document, but as a national contract; one that articulates non-negotiable socio-economic priorities and ethical obligations binding on all political parties and administrations. At its core, this agenda should affirm fundamental development principles: citizen safety and security; inclusive and productive economic participation; infrastructure that reduces the cost of living and doing business; institutional integrity; and justice under the rule of law. These must not remain rhetorical commitments; they must be anchored in shared belief, enforceable standards, and collective accountability. Collective accountability means citizens, institutions, and leaders share responsibility for outcomes, not just expenditures. It requires transparent policy logic, clear performance indicators, and sustained civic engagement that extends far beyond election day. Developing such an agenda requires intentional and transparent processes, including: Inclusive consultations across regions, sectors, and generations; Clear articulation of policy trade-offs, constraints, and sequencing; Measurable benchmarks against which the performance of all elected officials can be assessed. These engagements must not become platforms for political grandstanding, but serious policy forums where voices are freely expressed without fear of intimidation or retribution. When the national agenda is collectively defined and owned, and electioneering becomes issues-driven rather than personality-centred, the result is a political transition that is genuinely transformative. Elections then cease to be contests over what the country should prioritise and instead become debates over how shared goals will be achieved. Rethinking Accountability: Beyond Following the Money Accountability in Nigeria has been narrowly framed as exposure following the money, naming culprits, and prosecuting after damage has been done. While this is essential, it is not sufficient. True accountability must be systemic, not episodic. It must span the entire policy cycle, from design and implementation to monitoring, evaluation, and impact. It must interrogate: How opportunities for abuse were created and facilitated? What institutional incentives reward failure or mediocrity? Why the same patterns recur across administrations? Collective accountability means citizens, institutions, and leaders share responsibility for outcomes, not just expenditures. It requires transparent policy logic, clear performance indicators, and sustained civic engagement that extends far beyond election day. Elections as a Means, Not an End Elections should not be moments of emotional mobilisation followed by collective amnesia. They should serve as checkpoints in a longer process of national design, review, and course correction. Citizens, civil society, the private sector, labour, professionals, and the diaspora are to engage in the process not merely as voters, but as co-architects of Nigerias future. The task before us is not to choose saviours, but to build systems that do not require them. Nigeria does not need another cycle of hope deferred. It needs a shared agenda, institutional discipline, and a renewed social contract anchored in obligation, justice, and productivity. The question before this coming electioneering process is not who will win, but whether we will finally decide, together, what Nigeria is meant to become. Dipo Baruwa is a business climate development analyst. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi, former Senator, ex-Minister of the FCT and current Governor of Bauchi State, who by that virtue, is also the leader of Governors elected on the platform of the main opposition party in Nigeria, the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) Governors Forum towers high as a key politicalfigure on Nigeria. This is, by all standards a superlative resume that should in sane climes, confer nothing but the utmost respect. That, however, does not apply to a country like Nigeria, a nation under the tightening grip of a regime, bent on sitting tight well beyond its acceptability by the people. In such a situation, the eligibility for respect is not achievement or pedigree but rather, a conformity to the agenda and the whims of the absolute leader. In such environments, as obtains in this country, personalities like Mr Mohammed are faced with two choices for survival; either to join the bandwagon or at least, remain obscure because merely being a model, against the chaos being foisted on the country is intolerable. And of course, dissent to the prevailing order incurs the ire of the skewed system. The APC regimes simplistic and persecution modus operandi consists of patronage and material inducement or in the alternative, coercion, using the instruments of state control to lure or compel the opposition into conformity. It is a tangle that only resilient forces like the Kaura, who are steadfast in the defence of democratic freedom in the country have successfully defied. Governor Mohammed has remained constant in opposition to the sustained effrontery of the current APC government against democratic order, while in spite of the perils associated with this posture, the Bauchi State Governor is unwavering in the struggle to mitigate the misrule of the present administration in 2027. And that draws towards him, the wrath of the regime. The witch-hunt is initiated, the hounds are let loose and Mr Mohammed is the target, with the intent to traduce him in the most damaging manner possible. In December last year, the EFCC went after his administration by filing terrorism financing and money laundering charges against the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner, Yakubu Adamu and three other officials. The anti-graft agency alleged that the accused appointees authorised and facilitated payments of funds amounting to over $2 million to the National leader of the Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Bello Bodejo, as well as other persons, who were accused of channelling the funds toward terrorist-related activities. The oddity of the case against the Bauchi State government officials is that prosecutors have since withdrawn all charges against the alleged recipients of the monies, while the purported payers are still being docked. That the trial of the Bauchi State officials is raving more in the press and media than the court, indicates that the actual target of the trumped up case is Governor Mohammed himself. And since as serving governor, he could not be prosecuted, the object of the entire charade is to taint his reputation in the court of public opinion, using terrorism, which is the most damaging subject for a smear campaign. Mr Mohammeds pedigree however, affirmatively stands these inmuendos against him. He is a devout Muslim but he has bared his head in churches and hosted Christmas carols in the Bauchi Government House. He created the Sayawa Kingdom, which answered the decades old struggle of the predominantly Christian Bogoro, Dass, and Tafawa Balewa for autonomy after years of agitation for determination. In fact, Governor Mohammed elevated this domain to equal status with the Bauchi Emirate Council. In 2010, Mr Mohammed as a serving Senator exhibited rare statesmanship, at a time when the nations political elite were embroiled in a divisive inter-regional dispute over presidential succession that had perilous implications for the corporate existence of Nigeria. He rose above sectional, religious and ethnic sentiment and spearheaded the Doctrine of Necessity that saw to the swearing-in of Goodluck Jonathana Southern Christian minority as President of Nigeria. Impossible as it is to scandalise a patriot with these outstanding qualities and credentials, detractors of Governor Mohammed are unrelenting in their dark agenda, still intent on whipping this leading opposition into line or pulling him down completely. And in their obsession with this arduous project they find synergy with other negative forces, who employ similar tactics with the objective of causing division within the country. These divisive elements exploit these types of phantom cases against Northern opposition figures to lend credibility to their negative campaign. They adopt the claims of these trumped up investigations to stigmatise the Northern elites and stereotype the entire Northern society as terrorism supporters. Through the illicit use of law enforcement and skewed judicial processes to witch-hunt of the opposition, the Nigerian government is not only threatening the nations democracy but also opening the floodgate of all kinds of dangers to the unity and corporate survival of Nigeria. This fact cannot be ignored by any sensible administration, no matter how desperate its leaders are to remain in power. *Ahmed is head of Media, PDP Governors Forum. The Ogun State Government and the World Bank Group have jointly invested over 5 billion in women-focused empowerment and livelihood initiatives over the past six years, Governor Dapo Abiodun has disclosed. The governor made this known on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank Group, led by its Vice President, Ms Galina Vincelette, at his office in Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun said the investment was deployed through the World Banksupported Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) and the states domesticated empowerment scheme, OkoOwo Dapo, which was established after the success of the initial programme. According to him, the Nigeria for Women Project, implemented through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), has significantly transformed the socio-economic lives of women across the state. The programme has deepened financial inclusion, strengthened social cohesion, and equipped women with leadership and basic accounting skills. About 3 billion was disbursed under the World Bank-supported initiative, while the Ogun State Government complemented it with another 2 billion. In total, roughly 5 billion has been invested in this impactful livelihood programme, the governor said. He added that the state government subsequently launched OkoOwo Dapo to sustain and expand the gains of the initiative, noting that the programme has so far empowered about 55,000 women across Ogun State. Governor Abiodun also highlighted the achievements of OGCARES the Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme describing it as a critical intervention that strengthened household resilience and supported food system recovery during and after the pandemic. On the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the governor said the programme has recorded measurable progress in skills acquisition, agricultural productivity, and land administration reforms. We have significantly increased the speed of issuing Certificates of Occupancy. Under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which focuses on connecting farms to markets, we are currently upgrading about 209 kilometres of rural roads. Improved rural access reduces transportation costs and enhances agricultural productivity, he stated. The governor further disclosed that Ogun State would soon commission its Electricity Distribution Company, as part of deliberate efforts to improve power supply and stimulate industrial growth. He said the state is pursuing multiple Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and has already established the Ogun State Electricity Board, following recent constitutional amendments empowering states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Power remains the biggest enabler of economic activities. We are working with strategic partners to generate and distribute electricity within the state. We are also on the verge of constructing mini-grids across Ogun State to meet our growing energy needs, Mr Abiodun said. Speaking earlier, the World Bank Group Vice President, Ms Galina Vincelette, reaffirmed the institutions commitment to supporting Ogun State and Nigeria in addressing key development challenges. She said the Bank would continue to promote public-private solutions, particularly in the electricity sector, while strengthening investments in human capital development. Also speaking, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, disclosed that the Bank is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria, with strong emphasis on job creation. Creating jobs is the most sustainable way to reduce poverty and raise incomes. Our existing programmes, including the Nigeria for Women Project, will continue. Nigeria currently has a $17 billion World Bank portfolio, one of the largest globally, and our support remains strong, Ms Verghis said. Kaduna State has been selected as the host of the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week, a flagship annual event of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The selection followed a rigorous assessment process by the Institutes Governing Council. The hosting rights were formally conveyed on Thursday when the NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, led members of the Governing Council and the Local Organising Committee to present the hosting flag to the Kaduna State Government. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to seal the states commitment to hosting the national event. The 2026 edition of the Week will be held under the theme, Food Security: From Policy Papers to Public Plates The Public Relations Imperatives, a focus that organisers say reflects Nigerias pressing development priorities. Receiving the delegation, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, described the selection as both an honour and a responsibility, noting that the theme aligns with the state governments efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment and insecurity through resilient and inclusive food systems. According to the NIPR leadership, the Week will feature the Institutes Annual General Meeting, strategic media engagements, an executive roundtable on food security, fellowship inductions, capacity-building sessions and guided project tours across Kaduna State. More than 2,000 participants from within and outside Nigeria are expected to attend. The Governing Council said Kaduna State was chosen in recognition of its record in crisis management, peace restoration, inclusive infrastructure delivery and economic renewal. The governor reaffirmed the states readiness to host the event to the highest professional and organisational standards, while highlighting ongoing investments in agriculture and food security. These include the Special Agro-Processing Zone, the Africa Quality Assurance Centre, a $200 million Mega Poultry Project, and the allocation of 11 per cent of the proposed 2026 state budget to agriculture. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the federal governments agricultural policies have strengthened sub-national efforts aimed at transforming the sector. Mr Sani further expressed appreciation for his appointment as Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, expressing confidence that the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week will set a new benchmark and deliver lasting value to participants, Kaduna State and the country at large. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to regional cooperation, security, social reform, and agricultural development. Governor Radda stated this while receiving a high-powered delegation of the Arewa Consultative Forum led by its Chairperson Mike Osuman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Katsina. During the visit, the ACF formally presented the governor with its emblematic pin, symbolizing unity, shared ideals, and collective commitment to the progress of Northern Nigeria. Mr Radda expressed appreciation for the ACFs historic role in promoting unity and progress in the region. I warmly welcome our revered elder statesmen and distinguished members of this great Forum. Our region faces grave challengesinsecurity, banditry, kidnapping, displacement of communities, out-of-school children, poverty, and malnutrition. While the government is working tirelessly, the guidance, wisdom, and prayers of our elders are equally indispensable, the governor said. He noted that the founding fathers of the ACF established the body to unite the North and provide direction for its development, stressing that their vision remains relevant amid current socio-economic and security challenges. Governor Radda emphasized that tackling poverty, malnutrition, and the crisis of out-of-school children requires addressing underlying social issues, including family responsibility and moral values. Children are a trust from Allah. Parents must take full responsibility for their education, welfare, and moral upbringing. Many of the social challenges we face today are rooted in the neglect of this sacred responsibility, he stated. The Governor observed that the North is under intense pressure from rapid population growth and limited resources, calling for collective action and regional cooperation. The resources of our states are limited, yet the demands are enormous. This reality makes regional cooperation inevitable. The Arewa Consultative Forum, as a respected, non-partisan body, is well placed to help forge a common position among Northern states on critical social and economic reforms, he added. On the economy, Governor Radda described agriculture as the backbone of Northern Nigeria, warning that the regions future depends on protecting and modernizing the sector. If we lose our strength in agriculture, we risk losing everything. That is why my administration is prioritising rural farming, agricultural value chains, and agro-based industries, he said. He disclosed that Katsina State is pursuing the establishment of a modern meat processing and livestock value chain system aimed at processing animals locally, creating jobs, and earning foreign exchange. We recently visited South Africa to study their meat processing and feedlot systems. The scale and value of their operations show what is possible for Northern Nigeria, given our vast livestock resources. Even a facility that processes a few hundred cattle daily can create thousands of jobs, the governor explained. He called on Northern states to identify and develop their comparative advantages in crops and livestock to create employment for the growing youth population, stressing that the counsel of the ACF would be crucial in building regional consensus. Governor Radda assured the Forum of Katsina State Governments readiness to cooperate and partner in all efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development. Earlier, the Chairperson of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Osuman, commended the Katsina State Government for its efforts in tackling insecurity, rebuilding public confidence, and supporting victims of banditry and kidnapping. The ACF Chairperson briefed the Governor on the recent 25th anniversary activities of the Forum and the establishment of the ACF Endowment Fund. He urged sustained vigilance as the electoral season approaches, calling for strengthened community-based and intelligence-driven security measures to ensure peace and stability. Stakeholders at the meeting include Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; former Deputy Governor, Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; the Head of Service, Falalu Bawale; the Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, the Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida; former Minister, Dr Murtala Aliyu; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; and senior members of the Arewa Consultative Forum. Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his agreements with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine's security during the severe weather and stated that Ukraine awaits implementation of agreements on the security of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during the extreme winter period. "An important statement by President Trump about the possibility of providing security for Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during this extreme winter period. Power supply is a foundation of life. We value the efforts of our partners to help us protect lives. Thank you, President Trump! Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war," Zelenskyy said on the X social network on Thursday evening. As reported, Trump said on Thursday that he had asked Vladimir Putin not to fire into Kyiv or other cities of Ukraine, and this allegedly explains why there has been no shelling of the Ukrainian capital by Russia over the last week. "I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns during the week, and he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you it was very nice. And people said don't waste the call you're not going to get that and he did it and we're happy they did it," Trump said at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Thursday. As reported, on social networks on Thursday morning, information spread about the alleged agreement to stop strikes on infrastructure, there was no official confirmation or denial of this information from any party to the trilateral Ukrainian-U.S.-Russian talks that took place last weekend in Abu Dhabi. Russian media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov on Thursday refused to comment on information about the energy truce negotiations. Advisor to the President's Office of Ukraine Viktoria Strakhova on Thursday, January 29, reported on the appearance on social networks of information about the alleged consent of Russai to stop any strikes on Kyiv and the region, as well as on infrastructure facilities in other parts of Ukraine. "Information is coming that today from 07:00 a ban on fire damage has been introduced in the Russian Armed Forces: on any facilities in Kyiv and Kyiv region; on any infrastructure facilities throughout Ukraine," the statement reads. The information was also made public by the commander of Kraken special forces unit, Kostiantyn Nemichev. At the same time, during the study of the components of the ammunition that were used during the shelling of Ukraine by Russia on the night of January 24, the remains of the Kh-101 missile, 2026, were found. This may indicate that the enemy has exhausted its own reserves and is limiting the use of ammunition during the shelling of Ukraine by the aggressor's current production facilities. The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has ushered in a new executive council, with a strong representation from leading financial institutions, to steer its affairs for the 2026-2028 term. The election, held during the associations Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Thursday, saw seasoned professionals from across the banking landscape elected to key positions. The newly constituted executive includes Babajide Sipe of the Bank of Industry as President; Chinwe Bode-Akinwande of FirstBank as First Vice President; Morolake Philip-Ladipo of Wema Bank as Second Vice President; Abiodun Coker of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) as the Publicity Secretary; Olugbenga Owootomo from Polaris Bank as General Secretary; Halima Ishak from Jaiz Bank as Financial Secretary; Ademola Adesola from Parallex Bank as Assistant General Secretary; Unoaku Temitope Anyadike from Guaranty Trust Bank as Treasurer and MacQueen Afolabi from Zenith Bank as Social Secretary In his inaugural address, President Babajide Sipe expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, outlining a purposeful agenda for his tenure. I promise to lead with courage, intention, and purpose. My leadership will be anchored on four pillars: mentorship and career development; strengthening outcomes relevant within the banking industry; active member engagement; and strong representation and advocacy, he stated. He further emphasized, I will be an unrelenting advocate for our members and for the strategic value of our profession. My key focus is growthgrowth for members, growth for the association, and ensuring that the values of ACAMB are protected. The newly elected First Vice President, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, who gave the vote of thanks, rallied members for collective effort. The job of amplification is for each and every one of us. We have heard the feedback and are ready to hit the ground running, she said. She reassured members of the new Executive Councils dedication, stating, We have no doubt in our minds that this EXCO will do great. The immediate past President, Rasheed Bolarinwa, highlighted the achievements of his tenure, notably in professionalising the membership. We facilitated structured arrangements with regulatory bodies, enabling our seasoned professionals to formalise their certifications. Today, theres hardly anyone in banking communication who does not belong to key professional groups, he recounted. Commenting on the ongoing bank recapitalisation exercise, the former president allayed fears, expressing optimism. There are no issues. If mergers and acquisitions happen, it will be for the good of the industry and its workforce. There is no cause for alarm, he concluded. As the new EXCO assumes office, all eyes are on its pledge to drive growth, unity, and vigorous advocacy for the banking communications community. The Akwa Ibom State Government has stopped a popular evangelist, Yinka Yusuf, from holding a scheduled Uyo 1 Million Crusade in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital. The state government, through its agency that manages public facilities, wrote a letter to Mr Yusuf, informing him that an earlier approval to use a government hall, Ibom Hall, for the crusade has been withdrawn due to security reasons and the prevailing security situation in the State. The government letter, dated 27 January, was signed by Patrick Udomfang, the CEO of the Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company Limited. The letter has gone viral on Facebook. Mr Yusuf had paid the Akwa Ibom State Government for the use of the hall for his crusade, scheduled for 9 February at the Ibom Hall grounds. In a live video, the evangelist accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Akwa Ibom of being behind the plot to scuttle his crusade because of CAN and PFNs invitation to a Kenyan prophet. He said the programme by the Kenyan prophet was slated to take place a week before his own crusade. Mr Yusuf said his crusade was scheduled to run from Monday to Sunday, while the programme by the Kenyan prophet was scheduled earlier, from Friday to Sunday, with no clash in dates. He said he had already spent millions of naira on publicity and logistics, and that international guests had booked flights to Uyo, making any last-minute shift costly and disruptive. Mr Yusuf claimed he had appealed to individuals close to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, but they advised him to postpone his programme by a week. He said the Ibom Hall management later informed him that the state government had decided to cancel the crusade unless he agreed to the postponement. The state governments controversial action coincides with William Kumuyis well-publicised crusade in Uyo. Mr Kumuyi is the founder of Deeper Life Ministry, one of the largest churches in Nigeria. Mr Udomfang, the government official who issued the letter to the evangelist, refused to comment on the matter when PREMIUM TIMES contacted him on Thursday. That is not your business. Get to do something better, he said in a text message to our reporter. Many Facebook users who commented on the controversy have condemned the government action as being embarrassing to the state. Whoever approved this statement owes Akwa Ibom people an explanation, a journalist in Uyo, Ndifreke Enefiok, said of the government letter. You cannot repeatedly market Akwa Ibom as one of the safest states in Nigeria and, in the same breath, cite security reasons to discourage or cancel a visitors event. Which is it? READ ALSO: How bandits gunned down three mobile police officers in Katsina Is Akwa Ibom state safe, or is it not? she wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. Governor Eno is a pastor. He owns a medium-size church called All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Like his predecessors, Mr Eno administration has been spending millions of government funds to organise frequent religious programmes, including monthly prayer and fasting. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Editage, the flagship brand of Cactus Communications (CACTUS), successfully hosted the Saudi Research Summit 2026 in Riyadh to explore the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Saudi Arabia's research ecosystem. The summit, themed "AI-Powered Research Excellence," served as a strategic platform for discussions on how responsible AI adoption can enhance research productivity, institutional competitiveness, and global academic impact in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Team Cactus Communications with Prof. Mike Grandinetti at the Saudi Research Summit 2026 in Riyadh. (PRNewsfoto/Editage) The summit convened key decision-makers from universities and institutions, policymakers, research leaders, reflecting the Kingdom's growing emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, and knowledge-driven development. Through in-depth exchanges, the event highlighted how AI-enabled tools and workflows are reshaping the future of research and scholarly communication. Akhilesh Ayer, CEO, Cactus Communications, said, "Our commitment towards supporting Saudi's Vision 2030 is reflected in how we innovate for the research ecosystem. With research and innovation at the heart of national progress, CACTUS is working closely with academic institutions in Saudi Arabia to embed responsible AI across research workflows and help build a resilient, future-ready research landscape." The summit featured a keynote address by Prof. Mike Grandinetti, Harvard Business School, USA, who shared perspectives on AI, innovation, and leadership in advancing national research ambitions. Following this was a panel discussion with Dr. Sulaiman Bin Ibrahim Al-Riyayi, General Director, Consultant and Expert; Dr. Abdulrahman Niazy, Director at Prince Naif bin Abdulazziz Health Research Center, King Saud University and Prof. Fatemah Almofarrah, Director of the Scientific Research Centre, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, moderated by Ruchi Chauhan, Vice President & Head of Marketing (RoW), Cactus Communications. Siddharth Bhatia, Chief Growth Officer (Institutional Sales), Cactus Communications, said, "As Saudi Arabia scales its research ambitions, the focus is shifting towards building reliable, high-quality research workflows powered by AI. The summit reflected this transition, with institutions exploring how technology can be embedded responsibly across research lifecycle. Through Editage, CACTUS is committed to working with institutions across the globe including Saudi Arabia to advance their Vision 2030 goals with purpose-built AI solutions that enable high-quality research dissemination globally." Saudi Research Summit 2026 emphasized the role of cross-institutional engagement and responsible AI adoption in advancing academic research. Aligned with Saudi's Vision 2030, Editage works closely with universities and institutions to enable high-quality research that is credible, widely discoverable, and effectively communicated through a combined strength of technology and human expertise. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872387/Saudi_Research_Summit_2026.jpg The Embassy is organised as a foundation and focuses on promoting mutual understanding, countering stereotyping, and safeguarding Roma identity as intangible cultural heritage. The gathering took place at the residence of De Rode Olifant in The Hague, where board members and invited guests convened. "For us, this concerns a symbolic state, always operating within the legal frameworks of the countries in which we live," says initiator and treasurer Aleksandar Gavrilovic. The Embassy does not pursue political or territorial claims; its focus lies on dialogue and connection. "This includes education, culture, heritage protection and accurate representation." These principles are set out in the Proclamation of The Hague, which further defines the role and positioning of the Roma Embassy. This commitment to positive representation is embodied by Esmeralda Hrustic, representing a new generation. As a young Roma woman and notary-in-training, she was elected chair of the Embassy by the Roma community. "For me, it is important to demonstrate that women and young people can and want to take on this role. With this Embassy, we are taking a step together that has not been taken before. I am proud to be able to contribute." From The Hague, work is underway to carefully develop and connect initiatives in other countries, with the Netherlands serving as a stable base for international coordination and cooperation. Gavrilovic adds: "The fact that this is possible here says something about the Netherlands; we feel supported in being able to develop this." Secretary Orhan Galjus echoes the positive atmosphere: "I am truly happy that, at this gathering, there are also various Dutch entrepreneurs and supporters who have confidence in our Roma initiative. This is genuinely a historic moment in which we enter the world in a different way." The importance of a Roma Embassy is also underscored by external partners. Adriaan Kamphorst of Royal Joh. Enschede known for the production of high-security printed matter such as value documents and banknotes, and for its reputation for integrity and reliability emphasised the importance of a recognisable and official point of contact for governments. "We sincerely hope this will become a great success for all Roma tribes, and that they receive the recognition they deserve," Kamphorst stated. The coming period will focus on building diplomatic relations for the Roma Embassy, further strengthening partnerships within the Roma ecosystem, and progressing towards the introduction of digital and physical Roma-ship. Through Roma-ship, individuals are given the opportunity to visibly and administratively affirm their cultural affiliation and heritage. In a subsequent proof of concept, attention will be directed towards supporting stateless persons and individuals whose status is incomplete or incorrectly recorded within national administrative systems in countries where Roma live as a diaspora. First diplomatic step October 2025 "Roma proclaim Sovereign Non-Territorial Roma State" https://persportaal.anp.nl/artikel/a4f521b6-33c2-4a03-b8e1-0df72933b904/historisch-moment-roma-roepen-soevereine-non-territoriale-roma-staat-uit Haarlem Proclamation October 2025 https://order.perssupport.nl/file/pressrelease/60410c1d-a0dc-4a2b-815e-1f7b6e02062a/a4f521b6-33c2-4a03-b8e1-0df72933b904/ProclamatievanHaarlem.pdf PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869522/EN_Den_Haag_Proclamatie_3i_Atlas.pdf Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871940/RomaAmbassade_v2_ENG_OTT.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869520/Roma_Intelligence_and_Administration_Agency_RIAA.jpg Water Company explains "cloudy" water DAVENPORT, Iowa, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- It's that time of the year when Iowa American Water experiences one of its most common customer inquiries, "Why does my tap water sometimes appear cloudy or milky looking?" Iowa American's water quality professionals are quick to explain that cloudy or milky-looking water is not a health concern. Tiny air bubbles in the water can create a cloudy or milky appearance as the water is released from the tap. "Cloudy or milky-looking" water, caused by dissolved air (oxygen), is not a health problem. The phenomenon of cloudy water from the tap is like bubbles being released from a carbonated beverage when the cap is removed and pressure released," said Tony Loete, Vice President of Operations at Iowa American Water. He adds that Iowa American Water provides its customers with water that meets or surpasses all Iowa Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. There are no water quality regulations pertaining to dissolved oxygen in water because it does not present a health risk. Dissolved oxygen in water is most evident during winter months when the water temperature is the coldest. Cold water absorbs more air out of the atmosphere than warm water. During the winter months, the temperature of the Mississippi River, Iowa American Water's source of supply in its Quad Cities District, drops as low as 32.5 degrees. The water temperature does not increase significantly, as it passes through the water treatment process, and the network of underground water mains, known as the distribution system. Since the water temperature remains cold as it travels from the treatment plant to the customer, it remains saturated with dissolved oxygen until it enters the customer's home or business. When that cold water enters the internal plumbing system of a home or building, it warms up to room temperature during extended periods of non-use or overnight. This warmer water physically cannot hold as much dissolved air, but because the water is under pressure within the plumbing system's pipes, the excess dissolved air cannot escape until the water flows from the faucet. The result is cloudy water when the faucet is initially turned on. Hot water from the water heater is typically cloudier than cold water. "Customers can observe dissolved air (oxygen) escaping from a glass of water by holding the cloudy water up to a bright light or sunlit window and watching the water clear from the bottom of the glass up as the tiny air bubbles rise to the surface. The glass of water should clear in a minute or two," Loete added. If the cloudy/milky water does not clear up within a few minutes, please call Iowa American Water at (866) 641-2108. Customers with questions or concerns about their water quality should contact Iowa American's water quality experts or visit the company's web site at https://www.amwater.com/iaaw/Water-Quality/Water-Quality-Reports/ for a copy of the company's latest water quality report. A video explaining the cloudy water phenomenon is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl5x7Qth9w4. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn , Facebook, X and Instagram . About Iowa American Water Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 227,000 people. For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. SOURCE American Water ED's interpretation conflicts with law and will decimate healthcare workforce ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) President and Chair of the Board, Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO, issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Education's proposed rule: Reimagining and Improving Student Education. As written, the rule would inappropriately exclude physician associates/assistants (PA) students from the higher federal professional student loan tier. "This proposed student loan rule is deeply flawed, outside the Department's authority, fundamentally inconsistent with the language of H.R. 1 and the Trump Administration's rural healthcare workforce priorities. By excluding PAs and many other essential healthcare professions from the higher professional loan limit category, the Department has put forward a proposal that will decimate the healthcare workforce pipeline at a time of historic shortages. "PA programs meet every element of H.R. 1's definition of a professional degree by requiring graduate-level education, preparing students for professional clinical practice, and leading directly to licensure. The Department's assertion that a degree cannot be considered 'professional' if graduates practice in team-based or 'supervised' settings is dangerously out of step with the realities of today's healthcare system. PAs and other healthcare providers with advanced degrees often serve as supervisors and directors of advanced practice provider departments in major health systems and hospitals. "Restricting access to federal student loans will weaken the PA pipeline, limit who can enter the profession, and directly reduce access to care for patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. "AAPA will pursue every available legislative, regulatory, and legal avenue to ensure this rule aligns with the law as written and the administration's stated goal of expanding the healthcare workforce. We will not hesitate to act decisively to protect the PA workforce and the patients who depend on it." About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. SOURCE American Academy of Physician Associates Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko Russia has launched a new special information operation aimed at creating a rift between the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhny. The ultimate goal is to undermine the credibility of Budanov and weaken the positions of the Ukrainian negotiating team. This was stated by political strategist Oleh Posternak during a roundtable talk at the Interfax-Ukraine agency entitled "InfoLight - 2026: Challenges and Solutions for the Information Space", organized by the NGO Foundation for the Promotion of Democracy. "A new special operation started on January 28: fake 'insider' messages on Telegram channels and social networks allegedly about the conflict between Budanov and Zaluzhny, with 'secret documents' about the detention. This is being spread by Kremlin bots. The goal is to split the military leadership and sow distrust in the army," Posternak emphasized. According to him, the campaign to discredit Budanov includes narratives about "nepotism", "nuclear terrorism" in the context of the Zaporizhia NPP, and "unfulfilled predictions". Some of these theses are actively disseminated by Ukrainian opinion leaders, in particular from the pool of Petro Poroshenko. As an example, the expert cited Artie Green's broadcast on January 6, where accusations were made against the GUR and its leader without evidence. "This is not spontaneous criticism, but a coordinated technology of reflexive management. The goal is to weaken the positions of Ukrainian negotiators during negotiations with the USA and create the illusion of internal division," the political strategist emphasized. He also drew a historical parallel with the internal conflicts in the UNR of 19181920, which led to the disorganization of the army and the fall of the state. "Today it is the same scenario, but with the use of AI, social networks and the speed of dissemination," Posternak noted. The expert outlined three waves of future attacks: "traitors in power" are already underway, "resistance is futile" - preparation for surrender; "guilty of defeat" - after compromises and for chaos. As a countermeasure, he proposed operational refutations, public statements from real military personnel, and a check by the SBU of Artie Green's possible ties to the Russian Federation. "Our task is to publicly analyze these technologies so that society is not led to emotional chaos and delegitimization of power," Posternak concluded. Sophie Wigniolle Begins Service as Global Board Chair; New Slate of Officers Elected NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the firms that place and advise the world's leaders, today announced its 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Council Officers and new members joining both the Global Board and AESC's Regional Councils. The new slate builds on the organizational transformation initiated in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum and strengthened global representation. Led by newly elected Global Board Chair Sophie Wigniolle, the Global Board brings together a dynamic group of officers committed to advancing strong governance, global representation, and increased value for AESC members worldwide. "Sophie Wigniolle is enormously well-respected in the profession and in our organization," said AESC President & CEO James Edmund Datri. "Working closely with our former Global Chair Julian Ha, Sophie was instrumental in our turnaround last year as AESC's Vice Chair. I now look forward to working with her in her new role as AESC's Global Chair, along with our new Vice Chair Jacques Bouwens, our Treasurer David Turner, our Chair Emeritus Julian Ha, and our entire Global Board to continue the exciting transformation of AESC." 2026 AESC Global Board of Directors Officers Sophie Wigniolle , Partner, Eric Salmon & Partners (Paris), begins her term as AESC Global Board Chair . , Partner, Eric Salmon & Partners (Paris), begins her term as . Jacques Bouwens , Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), will begin his term as Vice Chair . , Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), will begin his term as . David Turner , Executive Vice President, Slayton Search Partners (Phoenix, AZ), continues as Secretary-Treasurer . , Executive Vice President, Slayton Search Partners (Phoenix, AZ), continues as . Julian Ha, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles (Washington, DC), becomes Chair Emeritus. "This is a very exciting time for AESC," said AESC Global Board of Directors Chair Sophie Wigniolle. "I am proud of all we accomplished together this past year, and I look forward to working with the officers and our talented board of industry leaders from around the world to continue the expansion of AESC's reach, growth, and impact for our Members and our profession." In addition to the newly elected officers, the Board welcomes a new member. Simon Wan, Shanghai-based Chief Executive of Cornerstone International Group worldwide and President of Cornerstone in China, joins the AESC Global Board of Directors, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading a global executive search organization. View the full 2026 AESC Global Board of Directors Complementing the Global Board, AESC's Regional Councils play a central role in advancing the association's mission and member engagement at the regional level. The 2026 Council Officers reflect AESC's continued commitment to strong, globally representative governance. Regional Council Officers for 2026 Pilar Brogeras , Managing Director, Global Functional Leader Startups and Scale-ups, Stanton Chase (Mexico City) becomes the Americas Council Chair . , Managing Director, Global Functional Leader Startups and Scale-ups, Stanton Chase (Mexico City) becomes the . James Zaniello , President & Founder, Vetted Solutions (Washington, DC) becomes the Americas Council Vice Chair . , President & Founder, Vetted Solutions (Washington, DC) becomes the . K Sudarshan , Managing Partner India & Regional VP, EMA Partners International (Mumbai), continues to serve as APAC Council Chair . , Managing Partner India & Regional VP, EMA Partners International (Mumbai), continues to serve as . Simon Wan , CEO, Cornerstone International Group (Shanghai), continues to serve as APAC Council Vice Chair . , CEO, Cornerstone International Group (Shanghai), continues to serve as . Jacques Bouwens , Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), continues to serve as EMEA Council Chair . , Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (Amsterdam), continues to serve as . Jenni Hibbert, Global Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles (London), becomes the EMEA Council Vice Chair. The 2026 Regional Councils are further strengthened by the addition of 12 new Council members representing AESC firms across key global markets. Americas Council The Americas Council welcomes: APAC Council The Asia Pacific Council welcomes: Katrina Andrews , Founder and Managing Partner, The Andrews Partnership (Sydney) , Founder and Managing Partner, The Andrews Partnership (Sydney) Anne Zhang Kristensen, Partner, Mercuri Urval (Shanghai) EMEA Council The EMEA Council welcomes: Kathleen Dunton , Managing Partner and Chair, Board of Directors, Boyden (Frankfurt) , Managing Partner and Chair, Board of Directors, Boyden (Frankfurt) Paivi Paanila , Partner, Avant Advisors (Helsinki) , Partner, Avant Advisors (Helsinki) Celeste Whatley, Chief Executive Officer, TRANSEARCH (London) View all AESC Regional Council Officers and Members Together, the 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Councils reflect AESC's continued evolution as a globally connected and strategically focused association. Building on the transformation initiated in 2025, this leadership structure positions AESC to deepen member engagement, strengthen professional standards, and expand its role as the global voice of executive search and leadership consulting. About AESC AESC Member firms place and advise the world's board directors and C-suite leaders. Founded in 1959, AESC represents the global gold standard in executive search and leadership consulting, bringing together over 16,000 professionals in more than 80 countries. AESC Members are rigorously vetted to meet the highest standards in the profession, with only the top tier accepted into Membership. To serve and promote its Members, AESC holds exclusive multi-day events and summits across the globe; provides in-person and online educational seminars and courses; operates the BlueSteps platform connecting candidates with AESC Member firms; publishes extensive industry research, as well as Executive Talent magazine; and provides access to exclusive Insight Exchanges and partnerships to assist Members with virtually every part of their business operations. SOURCE Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants The new heat reuse enabled data center, located near to the company's SWE01 site, will allow customers to deploy seamlessly connected clusters across both locations. STOCKHOLM, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- atNorth, the leading Nordic high-density colocation and built-to-suit datacenter provider, has announced its plans to build an additional data center in Stockholm bringing its total number of Nordic data centers to eleven. The new data center, to be known as SWE02, will be a 30MW metro site built in close proximity to the company's first state of the art Swedish data center, SWE01, that opened in March 2022. It will be enabled with heat reuse capabilities, allowing excess heat from the data center to be recovered and recycled for use within the local community, in collaboration with Stockholm Exergi. "We are proud to collaborate with atNorth to recycle heat to meet a local need within Stockholm," says Peter Sivengard, Business Project Manager, at Stockholm Exergi. "By working together, we can ensure efficient use of our resources and contribute to our country's circular economy." SWE02 will facilitate seamless cluster operations between atNorth's two campuses in the area and will also offer separation of client workloads that bolster its redundancy and resilience credentials. The site is scheduled to go live in Q4 2027. "We are delighted that atNorth has chosen the Kista area for an additional energy efficient data center campus that will contribute to the city's climate efforts," says Karin Wanngard, Mayor of Stockholm. "The development and subsequent operational phase of this data center will bring employment opportunities for our community and further position Stockholm as a hub for digital infrastructure excellence." aNorth's expansion in the region has facilitated a new electrical substation, that will be constructed by network company Ellevio and will improve the resilience of the electrical network infrastructure for the surrounding area. "atNorth's sustainable data center solutions mirror society's growing need for data resources and the role of electrification to ensure responsible, fossil free operations. Ellevio are pleased to build and provide long-term grid connection and help the SWE02 campus deliver sustainable IT infrastructure for a modern society," says Nils Ronnback, Director Connections Industry and Productions at Ellevio. "The expansion of our presence in Stockholm is a clear reflection of the growing demand for responsible data center operators who can combine technical excellence with sustainable operations," said Eyjolfur Magnus Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth. "As high-performance digital infrastructure becomes increasingly business critical, companies are seeking partners who prioritize energy efficiency, sustainable design, and long-term community impact - values that are deeply embedded in atNorth's growth strategy." The news follows atNorth's recent announcements, including the expansion of two data center campuses in Iceland and the securing of land in Solleftea, Sweden for a future mega site. atNorth has also entered into a heat reuse agreement with Vesforbrnding, Denmark's largest waste-to-energy company, to repurpose excess heat from its DEN01 data center campus, alongside the announcement of colocation partnerships with Nokia, Crusoe and 6G AI Sweden AB. About atNorth atNorth is a leading Nordic data center company that offers cost-effective, scalable high-density colocation and built-to-suit services trusted by industry-leading organizations. With sustainability at its core, atNorth's data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland and operates eight data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, as well as a ninth under construction in Kouvola, Finland, a tenth site in lgod, Denmark and an eleventh campus in Stockholm, Sweden. The business has also secured land for a future mega site in the Solleftea Municipality in Sweden. For more information, visit www.atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn. Press Contact: Laura Cameron Mead Cameron for atNorth +44 (0) 7740 948 378 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/atnorth/r/atnorth-announces-30mw-metro-data-center-in-stockholm--sweden-,c4299701 The following files are available for download: Modern Tavern Concept Delivers Elevated Tavern Classics Along With Craft Signature Cocktails to The Heart of The City ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for helping turn around thousands of bars across the country on Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue", hospitality expert, entrepreneur and executive producer Jon Taffer is opening Taffer's Tavern at 1382 Peachtree St. NE in Midtown Atlanta on February 10, 2026. Were bringing the soul of Taffers Tavern to reach more guests in a city that values warm hospitality." Post this Taffers Tavern is the quintessential tavern, a place to gather with your old friends and make new ones along the way. The new location introduces an evolved menu, expanded local favorites and a next-generation design that brings the Brand's signature tavern experience to life. Designed as a modern, elevated tavern, Taffer's Tavern blends a hospitality-first approach dedicated to creating a tavern with soul, where warmth, care and consistency define the guest experience. The Midtown Atlanta opening marks the third Taffer's Tavern location for multi-unit franchisee, Hemant Suri and his partners, following successful openings in Alpharetta, Georgia the home to the first-ever Taffer's Tavern and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As the entrepreneur who introduced the concept to Georgia, Suri has helped shape Taffer's Tavern into a neighborhood gathering place built on care, craft and community. "Being the first franchisee to make Jon's idea for Taffer's Tavern a reality has been an incredible journey," said Suri. "From Alpharetta to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and now Midtown Atlanta, I've witnessed these taverns become community centers where people come together to connect, celebrate and make memories. Each new location raises the bar, and I'm proud to continue growing alongside Jon and the team as we bring the soul of Taffer's Tavern to the heart of the city." "With Midtown Atlanta, we're bringing the soul of Taffer's Tavern to reach more guests in a city that values warm hospitality," said Taffer. "This brand was built on decades of experience in the people business, where systems support service and food and cocktails bring people together. Hemant and his team have been incredible partners from the very beginning, and this location reflects everything we believe a tavern should be." Inspired by the energy and culture of Midtown Atlanta, the new Taffer's Tavern location is designed to serve as a neighborhood gathering place for locals, working professionals and visitors alike. Situated within one of the city's most walkable and lively districts, it fits seamlessly into the area's dining, arts and nightlife scene. Taffer's Tavern in Midtown Atlanta also highlights the Brand's culinary evolution, featuring bold takes on familiar classics. Spirit-forward sauces, developed in collaboration with Taffer's spirits portfolio, bring distinctive flavor to classic dishes, while a refined menu of guest favorites and new offerings reflects the Brand's focus on world-class quality. New and signature menu highlights include: Bourbon Burger: A hearty burger layered with Taffer's bourbon signature sauce, bourbon-glazed caramelized onions and whiskey bacon, finished with aged white cheddar and served on a toasted brioche bun. A hearty burger layered with Taffer's bourbon signature sauce, bourbon-glazed caramelized onions and whiskey bacon, finished with aged white cheddar and served on a toasted brioche bun. Hangover Wings: Five twice-cooked chicken wings served with celery, carrots and a choice of ranch or bleu cheese, available in Michelada, Original Buffalo, Tequila & Lime, Fireball Whiskey and Dot's Pretzel-crusted flavors. Five twice-cooked chicken wings served with celery, carrots and a choice of ranch or bleu cheese, available in Michelada, Original Buffalo, Tequila & Lime, Fireball Whiskey and Dot's Pretzel-crusted flavors. Salted Caramel Triple Chocolate Brownie: Salted caramel triple chocolate brownie layered with house-made honey bourbon ice cream and drizzled with warm spiced rum caramel sauce. Salted caramel triple chocolate brownie layered with house-made honey bourbon ice cream and drizzled with warm spiced rum caramel sauce. Whiskey Business Burger: A bold burger topped with whiskey ketchup, whiskey bacon, American cheese, arugula and a fried egg, served on a warm brioche bun. Along with its food and beverage offerings, the Midtown Atlanta location will feature proprietary cocktails crafted with Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon a rich, full-bodied whiskey with notes of vanilla and toffee. Created in Alpharetta, the Spirit reflects Taffer's dedication to innovation rooted in experience. The Taffer's Tavern location at 33 S. Main Street in Alpharetta will also celebrate its fifth anniversary with the local community, the following day, on February 11, 2026. This is a milestone that truly reflects how deeply the Brand is invested in Georgia's hospitality landscape. Taffer's Tavern Midtown is welcoming walk-ins and accepting reservations. For more information and for franchise opportunities, please visit https://tafferstavern.com. Follow Taffer's Tavern on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter. About Taffer's Tavern Jon Taffer, "Bar Rescue" star and award-winning hospitality expert, has launched his own innovative, full-service restaurant franchise concept, Taffer's Tavern. Taffer's Tavern is the quintessential tavern, a place to gather with your old friends and make new ones along the way. The tavern will feature outstanding signature cocktails and delicious elevated bar food. Powered by a streamlined operating model, Taffer's Tavern delivers consistency and efficiency without compromising on flavor, with partners including Shift4, Middleby Corporation and Krowne. In 2025, Jon partnered with multi-brand restaurant platform, Craveworthy Brands, to scale Taffer's Tavern, which debuted in Atlanta in 2020. For more information, visit www.tafferstavern.com/. About Jon Taffer Jon Taffer is America's beverage, dining & hospitality authority with nearly 40 years of experience as an award-winning hospitality expert, entrepreneur, and thought leader. Best known as executive producer and star of Paramount Network's Bar Rescue, a non-scripted reality show that spotlights Taffer as he saves failing bars from looming closure, helping Americans drink better, dine better, and love hospitality again. His latest endeavor is Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon, a rich, bold bourbon whiskey with notes of vanilla and toffee inspired by his years of cocktail and culinary creations. In 2025, Taffer partnered with multi-brand restaurant platform, Craveworthy Brands, to scale his innovative, full-service restaurant franchise concept, Taffer's Tavern, which debuted in Atlanta in 2020. Taffer's Tavern is designed for modern diners who are seeking elevated tavern foods, signature crafted cocktails, and memorable hospitality experiences. Concurrently, Taffer runs Taffer Dynamics, his business consulting firm. Over the years, he has consulted for a range of well-known brands, including the NFL Network, Anheuser-Bush, Ritz-Carlton, TGI Fridays, Buffalo Wild Wings, Famous Dave's Barbecue and Fortune 500 brands such as Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International. In addition, Taffer is a best-selling author having written three books: "Raise the Bar," "Don't Bulls*t Yourself," and his newest book "The Power of Conflict: Speak Your Mind and Get the Results You Want." For more information, visit www.JonTaffer.com. SOURCE Craveworthy Brands NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Apron has been ranked #1 for home-cooked meals, following an independent evaluation conducted by Expert Consumers. The assessment reviewed meal delivery services based on ingredient quality, recipe structure, sourcing transparency, ease of use, and overall suitability for consistent home cooking. Best Meal Delivery Service: Blue Apron - For households seeking the best meal delivery service, Blue Apron stands out as a dependable choice that supports healthier habits, reduces food waste, and makes cooking at home more enjoyable. The findings reflect growing consumer demand for meal delivery solutions that support home-prepared meals without relying on processed or fully pre-cooked options. As more households look for ways to manage time, reduce grocery waste, and improve food quality, structured meal kits have emerged as a practical alternative. The Expert Consumers analysis positioned Blue Apron at the top of this category due to its continued focus on culinary fundamentals and dependable service delivery. Evaluation Scope and Methodology The review analyzed meal delivery services through a consumer-focused framework designed to reflect real household use. Criteria included ingredient freshness, sourcing disclosures, recipe clarity, menu variety, delivery reliability, and user experience. The evaluation also examined how well services support home cooking rather than replacing it with ready-made meals. According to Expert Consumers, Blue Apron performed consistently across all major categories. The service demonstrated particular strength in recipe development and ingredient sourcing, two areas identified as high priority for consumers seeking meal kits that encourage cooking skills and long-term adoption. Why Blue Apron Ranked #1 for Home Cooking The report highlights Blue Apron's ability to address a key consumer question: what meal delivery service best supports regular home cooking without adding complexity? The answer, according to the findings, lies in structured recipes, pre-portioned ingredients, and realistic preparation times. Recipes are designed by culinary professionals and tested for clarity and balance. Each meal includes step-by-step instructions that support a wide range of skill levels. Preparation times are aligned with weekday schedules, reducing friction for households managing work and family commitments. This approach supports cooking confidence while maintaining efficiency. Ingredient sourcing also played a central role in the ranking. The review notes Blue Apron's emphasis on responsible sourcing, including proteins raised without unnecessary antibiotics, seafood sourced in line with sustainability standards, and a focus on non-GMO produce when available. Pre-measured ingredients further contribute to reduced food waste, a growing concern among consumers. Data Insights and Consumer Trends The Expert Consumers report connects Blue Apron's ranking to broader trends in the meal delivery market. Consumer interest has shifted toward services that balance convenience with control over ingredients and preparation. Meal kits that encourage cooking from scratch are increasingly viewed as a middle ground between grocery shopping and takeout. The analysis notes that households using structured meal kits often report improved meal planning habits and lower food waste compared to traditional grocery shopping. Blue Apron's model aligns with these outcomes by removing the planning and measuring steps while preserving the cooking process itself. Another key insight involves consistency. Services that maintain predictable delivery schedules, organized packaging, and stable menu quality tend to see higher long-term usage. Blue Apron's performance in these areas contributed to its top placement in the ranking. User Experience and Accessibility From sign-up to weekly delivery, Blue Apron was evaluated on ease of use and flexibility. The service allows users to plan meals, adjust weekly selections, and skip deliveries when needed. This flexibility addresses common user concerns around subscription fatigue and schedule changes. Packaging organization was also cited as a positive factor. Ingredients are grouped by recipe, simplifying storage and preparation. Printed recipe cards provide a practical alternative to digital instructions, supporting hands-on cooking environments. Customer account management tools were described as straightforward, enabling users to make changes without unnecessary steps. These features contribute to an experience that supports ongoing use rather than one-time trials. Industry Context and Future Outlook The meal delivery sector continues to evolve alongside changing consumer expectations. As more households prioritize home cooking for health, budget, and sustainability reasons, services that support these goals are likely to remain relevant. The Expert Consumers report positions Blue Apron as a service aligned with this shift, particularly for users seeking structured support rather than fully prepared meals. By maintaining a focus on culinary fundamentals and operational consistency, Blue Apron demonstrates how meal kits can function as a long-term household solution rather than a short-term convenience product. About the Ranking The "Best Meal Delivery Service (2026)" ranking by Expert Consumers is based on independent research and comparative analysis. The evaluation does not rely on user testimonials alone and avoids direct sales metrics. Instead, it emphasizes usability, ingredient standards, and alignment with consumer cooking habits. The full review, including detailed scoring and methodology, can be read at the Expert Consumers website . About Blue Apron Blue Apron is a mealtime brand that's been bringing chef-designed meals to kitchens across the country since 2012. Now reimagined for today's home cook, Blue Apron offers unmatched flexibility and convenience, with industry-leading quality. With no subscription required, customers can shop from a weekly rotating menu of 100+ meals, including pre-made options, one-pan dishes, and easy meal kits designed for busy lifestyles. From flavorful meals ready in as little as five minutes to customizable recipes and always-on favorites, Blue Apron delivers quality, variety, and convenience - on your terms. Blue Apron is a Wonder company, joining a portfolio of category-defining brands committed to reinventing mealtime. Blue Apron has been recognized for its culinary innovation and premium ingredients, and has helped deliver more than 600 million meals nationwide. For more information, visit blueapron.com . About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org SHANGHAI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 27 to 31, Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at Spielwarenmesse 2026, exhibiting its expanding product ecosystem to global players. At one of the world's leading international toy fairs, Blokees highlighted its commitment to delivering diverse and engaging products for players of different ages and interests. Ye Shanshan (Sam), Vice President of Brand Marketing at Blokees, attended the opening ceremony and extended a warm welcome to all influencers and guests in attendance. With years of extensive experience in marketing, Ye Shanshan (Sam) has been a key driver behind Blokees' global brand development initiatives. At the exhibition, Blokees presented its two major categories Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels featuring more than 240 products across over 10 major product lines, including HERO5, HERO10, Champion, Legend, TERRAVENTURE, and DaaLaMode. Blokees also unveiled products based on globally renowned IPs such as Transformers, EVANGELION, Jurassic World, and Minions. Within its offerings for consumers aged 6 to 16, the HERO5 and HERO10 lines were key highlights, featuring products including Blokees Transformers Defend Version Series 6: War Behemoths and Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version Series 9: Darkest Hour. In addition, three characters from Saint Seiya Galaxy Version Series 04: Gold Zodiac 2 Virgo Shaka, Gemini Saga, and Pisces Aphrodite made their global debut at the show. Another notable debut was Blokees Wheels Transformers C02: Wreck'N Rule, featuring popular characters such as Roadbuster, Overlord, Ironfist, and Breakdown, and introducing a jet mode for Overlord in the Blokees Wheels line for the first time. Blokees continues to expand its Champion series for consumers aged 16 and above. At the exhibition, Blokees officially unveiled Blokees Mega Man Champion Class: Shooting Star Mega Man and Blokees Mega Man Champion Class: Zero (Mega Man Zero), bringing the classic Japanese video game IP to life for nostalgic fans. The company also debuted Blokees Saint Seiya Champion Series: Plated Pegasus Seiya EX Version, developed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Saint Seiya. Apart from the extensive products, Blokees also exhibited 15 outstanding global BFC works from The 3rd BFC Creation Contest 2025 and announced the launch of The 4th BFC Creation Contest, aiming to further engage creators worldwide. In the future, Blokees will continue to develop diverse and superior products, meeting global players' needs. SOURCE Blokees MIAMI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boats Group, a global leader in digital marketplaces for buying and selling boats, today announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with United Yacht Sales, extending their collaboration through the end of 2027. The multi-year agreement reflects a shared set of values and a common mission: empowering professional yacht brokers with the reach, tools, and support they need to deliver results for their clients. United Yacht Sales, widely recognized as the world's largest yacht brokerage, operates a global network of more than 250 experienced brokers across 25 offices, all dedicated to helping buyers and sellers navigate the yacht market with confidence, transparency, and trust. That broker-first philosophy is central to United's continued partnership with Boats Group. "United Yacht Sales was built on the belief that brokers succeed when they are supported by the strongest platforms, widest exposure, and best tools available," said Brian Boettler, CEO of United Yacht Sales. "Boats Group consistently delivers on that promise by connecting our brokers with qualified, in-market buyers at scale, helping us better serve our clients and move yachts more efficiently." Founded on integrity, service, and long-term relationships, United Yacht Sales has grown into a global brokerage powerhouse by staying focused on outcomes for its brokers and their clients. Boats Group plays a critical role in that success by amplifying broker expertise through unmatched marketplace reach and performance-driven advertising solutions. "Our partnership with Boats Group is built on shared momentum and mutual respect," said Jeff Palmer, President of United Yacht Sales. "Their platforms expand our reach, strengthen our marketing efforts, and consistently put our brokers in front of serious buyers. That support allows our team to focus on what they do best building relationships, advising clients, and successfully closing deals." Through Boats Group's industry-leading marketplaces and advertising capabilities, United Yacht Sales brokers gain access to one of the largest and most engaged audiences of boat buyers in the world. This exposure enables brokers to win listings, generate high-quality leads, and reduce time-to-sale in an increasingly competitive global market. "United Yacht Sales been a leader in the industry for many years," said Andreas Madsen, Chief Revenue Officer of Boats Group. "They choose Boats Group because our focus is the same as theirs: measurable performance, real buyer demand, and long-term broker success. This renewed partnership reinforces our commitment to investing in the tools, reach, and insights that help United's brokers grow their business." The renewed agreement through 2027 underscores both companies' commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and driving meaningful value for brokers across the marine industry. About Boats Group Boats Group operates the world's leading online marketplaces for buying and selling boats, including Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com. With a global audience of millions of boat buyers, we provide data-driven marketing solutions, AI-driven tools, financing services, and industry insights to help OEMs, dealers, and brokers maximize their sales potential. About United Yacht Sales United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. Media Contact: Courtney Chalmers VP of Marketing, Boats Group Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-354-4069 SOURCE Boats Group Released new white paper, "Investing in Brain Health: The Bronx Model for Scalable Dementia Risk Reduction" Participated in The Brain Economy Lunch with West Health, Rice and Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CaringKind, the nation's first Alzheimer's organization and a trusted leader in dementia care and brain health innovation, today announced it joined the 2026 Davos Brain House at the World Economic Forum where it shared a scalable, community-based model for reducing dementia risk and strengthening brain health as a public health and economic priority. At Davos, CaringKind released its new white paper, Investing in Brain Health: The Bronx Model for Scalable Dementia Risk Reduction, which presents findings from its 2025 Bronx Blue Zones Challenge four-week pilot program focused on helping residents adopt healthier lifestyles that can support brain health and overall well-being. The paper presents the initiative as a scalable model for dementia risk reduction through lifestyle and community design, particularly in underserved communities where the burden of Alzheimer's is disproportionately high. "Our partnership with Blue Zones is helping Bronx residents make meaningful, sustainable lifestyle changes that support cognitive health while laying the groundwork for a scalable, citywide model," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "We're proud to share our early learnings at The Brain House and collaborate with other leaders to advance our long-term goal: making New York City a Blue Zones Community that helps reduce dementia risk at population scale." "Alzheimer's risk reduction requires addressing the modifiable risk factors that drive cognitive decline," said Dr. Anderson Torres, President and CEO of R.A.I.N. Total Care, Inc. "Early outcomes from the Bronx pilot demonstrates how community-based design and lifestyle interventions can translate into real-world impact, particularly in high-burden communities, and offers an important blueprint for how cities can support healthier aging while reducing the long-term human and economic costs of dementia." Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones and Co-founder of Blue Zones Project, said: "We're encouraged by the early engagement and energy coming out of the Blue Zones Challenge pilot in the Bronx. It offers meaningful signals about how supportive community environments and lifestyle shifts can support better brain health over time. CaringKind has been an exceptional partner, and we're looking forward to more exploration on a scalable approach to reducing dementia risk in highburden communities." CaringKind President and CEO, Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, participated in The Brain House Vitality Lunch, "Brain Economy Lunch with West Health, Rice and Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative." During the forum, CaringKind shared progress from its partnership with Blue Zones in the Bronx, a groundbreaking Blue Zones Challenge pilot program aimed at helping people adopt healthier lifestyles to help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. To learn more about CaringKind and to download the white paper, please visit https://caringkindnyc.org/learning-hub/publications/bronxwhitepaper/ About the Bronx Blue Zones Challenge The Bronx Blue Zones Challenge was a pilot initiative designed to test how short-term, community-based lifestyle programs could support long-term brain health. Early outcomes demonstrated strong participant engagement, reported improvements in nutrition and physical activity, increased social connection, and sustained motivation to maintain healthy behaviors beyond the program period. About CaringKind CaringKind is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Founded in New York City in 1979 as the nation's first Alzheimer's organization, CaringKind has spent more than four decades providing trusted guidance, education, and programs that help individuals, care partners, families, and professionals navigate the dementia journey with dignity and confidence. Through its 24/7 Helpline, care consultations, education programs, and community-based initiatives, CaringKind combines compassionate care with evidence-informed approaches that strengthen brain health, support well-being, and reduce dementia risk. CaringKind operates at the intersection of care and science, translating research into real-world support that meets people where they are. Learn more at: caringkindnyc.org About Blue Zones Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company's work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner's bestselling books, The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, Blue Zones Kitchen, Blue Zones Challenge, and Blue Zones American Kitchenall published by National Geographic books. An Emmy Award-winning docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit bluezones.com. Media Contacts CaringKind Courtney Dawson [email protected] Blue Zones Naomi Imatome-Yun [email protected] SOURCE CaringKind Leading Automotive Marketplace Unveils New Tech to Better Enable its Dealer Partners in 2026 CHICAGO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Car shopping marketplace Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) today announced new powerful tech and advertising solutions for its dealer customers built to drive efficient growth and profitability. The news comes ahead of the National Automobile Dealers Association Conference (NADA) on Feb. 4-6 in Las Vegas, where the company will showcase its offerings in booth #3723W. With strong marketplace traffic growth in 2025 and exciting announcements such as its new AI search assistant, Carson , Cars.com is leveraging its proprietary consumer demand and inventory data to power a new AI video solution, unlock vehicle shipping and delivery options, and enable customers with new integrated wholesale options to quickly move aging inventory. The company is also unveiling its new consolidated reporting platform to better inform dealers with the insights needed to operate efficiently. "We are not just driving traffic; we are driving profit for our dealer partners," said Lisa Gosselin, Chief Commercial Officer for Cars.com Inc. "By putting AI-powered technology and market expansion tools in the hands of our customers, Cars.com is connecting highly-engaged shoppers with the right inventory, driving twice the lead conversion, and ensuring our partners grow faster and more profitably." Highlights of the new Cars.com solutions include: AI-Powered Inventory Video: New AI-powered creative allows dealers to scale their in-market video capabilities beyond incentive and brand spots to VIN-specific video ads for their full inventory. Backed by powerful audience targeting based on Cars.com car shopping behavior, the new AI-video solution is driving a 2X lift in website lead conversion for dealers versus traditional video creative. Paired with newly activated attribution capabilities that can connect both dealer lot visits and actual sales results to shoppers exposed to these video campaigns, Cars.com can now provide a full-funnel view of results from ad exposure to car purchase. This includes new and CPO vehicles only for now. New AI-powered creative allows dealers to scale their in-market video capabilities beyond incentive and brand spots to VIN-specific video ads for their full inventory. Backed by powerful audience targeting based on Cars.com car shopping behavior, the new AI-video solution is driving a 2X lift in website lead conversion for dealers versus traditional video creative. Paired with newly activated attribution capabilities that can connect both dealer lot visits and actual sales results to shoppers exposed to these video campaigns, Cars.com can now provide a full-funnel view of results from ad exposure to car purchase. Market Area Expansion: According to a recent Cars.com survey, more than 80% of recent car buyers are willing to buy outside their market, and 53% have done it before. Market Area Expansion is a new onsite solution that enables dealers to showcase their inventory beyond their local market and promote vehicle shipping and delivery capabilities to shoppers. The tool boosts the number of vehicle options for consumers while connecting dealers with shoppers they would have otherwise never reached. During Cars.com's pilot of the new product, 34% of dealers' total Search Result Page (SRP) views and 25% of their total Vehicle Details Page (VDP) views came from Market Area Expansion placements, highlighting the massive exposure lift dealers gain with shipping capabilities. According to a recent Cars.com survey, more than 80% of recent car buyers are willing to buy outside their market, and 53% have done it before. Market Area Expansion is a new onsite solution that enables dealers to showcase their inventory beyond their local market and promote vehicle shipping and delivery capabilities to shoppers. The tool boosts the number of vehicle options for consumers while connecting dealers with shoppers they would have otherwise never reached. During Cars.com's pilot of the new product, 34% of dealers' total Search Result Page (SRP) views and 25% of their total Vehicle Details Page (VDP) views came from Market Area Expansion placements, highlighting the massive exposure lift dealers gain with shipping capabilities. Integrated Wholesale Tools: Cars.com continues to scale its appraisal and wholesale capabilities through deeper integrations with Cars Commerce solutions AccuTrade and DealerClub, helping dealers address used car scarcity, source attractive, late model inventory, and choose the most profitable exit strategy for each vehicle. Importantly, over 50% of vehicles acquired via AccuTrade are between one and five years old, highlighting the desirable pool of in-demand, late model inventory that dealers access when they expand beyond traditional physical auctions. Now DealerClub seamlessly integrates with each dealer's inventory on Cars.com to quickly and easily move aging units to a network of trusted wholesale buyers. The integration is a win-win: DealerClub sellers keep inventory moving and control the offer and negotiation process, while DealerClub buyers gain access to high quality, retail-ready units on a differentiated wholesale auction based on transparency and reputation. Cars.com continues to scale its appraisal and wholesale capabilities through deeper integrations with Cars Commerce solutions AccuTrade and DealerClub, helping dealers address used car scarcity, source attractive, late model inventory, and choose the most profitable exit strategy for each vehicle. Importantly, over 50% of vehicles acquired via AccuTrade are between one and five years old, highlighting the desirable pool of in-demand, late model inventory that dealers access when they expand beyond traditional physical auctions. Now DealerClub seamlessly integrates with each dealer's inventory on Cars.com to quickly and easily move aging units to a network of trusted wholesale buyers. The integration is a win-win: DealerClub sellers keep inventory moving and control the offer and negotiation process, while DealerClub buyers gain access to high quality, retail-ready units on a differentiated wholesale auction based on transparency and reputation. Cars Commerce Hub Reporting: The Hub is a new single sign-on reporting platform that offers admin tools and product performance insights from across the Cars Commerce suite of solutions, all in one consolidated tool. The new reporting platform also features enhanced Cars.com reporting, delivering additional market signals and ensuring customers have cross-platform insights to make informed decisions. To learn more about Cars.com's new technology, visit the Cars Commerce booth #3723W at the NADA Conference. Offerings from AccuTrade, Dealer Inspire and DealerClub will also be on display. Visitors can participate in the DealerClub Live No-Reserve Auction in the booth on Feb. 4 from 1-5 p.m. and the DealerClub Pricing Game on Feb. 5 from 1-5 p.m. local time. For more information, visit www.carscommerce.inc . Cars Commerce Pilot Results for VIN specific video creative in IMV campaigns with limited test group Q2-Q3 2025 Cars Commerce Consumer Survey of Recent Car Buyers, Oct 2025, N=259 Market Area Expansion on Cars.com Pilot Results, Q4 2025 Internal AccuTrade data, Q3 2025 ABOUT CARS.COM Cars.com is the No. 1 most recognized automotive marketplace. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars.com Inc. (d/b/a Cars Commerce), an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars. SOURCE Cars.com Inc. SHANGHAI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The mainland China personal luxury goods market contracted by 3%5% in 2025, a significant moderation compared with the sharp decline seen in 2024, according to Bain & Company's China Personal Luxury Report. While consumer confidence remained cautious for much of the year, the market showed early signs of recovery in the third quarter of the year, supported by favorable base effects when comparing H2 2025 with the same period in 2024 alongside a more robust stock market and a gradual improvement in sentiment. The report finds that 2025 marked a year of recalibration for China's luxury market, as consumers became more selective and prioritized value driven luxury items that balance quality, exclusivity and practicality. Experience-based consumption, including travel and wellness, continued to be favored, reflecting an ongoing preference for emotional and sensory experiences over material goods. "After the turbulence of 2024, the market in 2025 began to stabilize, although consumer confidence remained fragile," said Bruno Lannes, senior partner at Bain & Company. "What we are seeing is not a broad-based rebound, but the start of a recalibration phase, with early signs of recovery emerging in the second half of the year. This recalibration is also segment specific, with the Very Important Clients continuing to represent a large share of the market, while younger aspiring consumers have delayed entry into the luxury category." Category performance remains uneven Luxury market performance varied significantly by category. Beauty emerged as the strongest performer, rebounding to 4%7% growth, driven by steady demand for ultra-premium skincare and fragrances as consumers continued to seek emotional and sensory experiences even amid economic uncertainty. Other categories remained under pressure. Fashion declined by 5%8%, outperforming leather goods which declined 8%11% reflecting past and ongoing price increases and limited innovation, which made it difficult for consumers to justify purchases. Watches remained under severe pressure, with an estimated decline of 14%17%, as consumers became more rational in their purchases and increasingly turned to other investment assets, secondhand alternatives and sporty or smart-device options. Jewelry showed improvement compared with 2024, with its decline narrowing to 0%5%, supported by value-preservation considerations and rising gold prices. "In a more selective market, category dynamics and brand fundamentals are becoming increasingly decisive," said Priscilla Dell'Orto, partner at Bain & Company. "Brands that maintain strong desirability and deliver clear value through innovation and targeted pricing strategies are proving more resilient." Overseas spending declines as consumption repatriates In contrast to 2023 and 2024, the share of overseas luxury spending declined sharply in 2025. Bain estimates that 65% of Chinese luxury consumption occurred within mainland China, while 35% took place outside, reflecting a renewed degree of consumption repatriation. This shift was driven in part by low currency and narrowed price gaps between mainland China and key luxury markets, largely resulting from exchange-rate movements, which reduced the incentive for overseas shopping. Domestic tourism growth and ongoing shopping mall promotions further supported mainland consumption, despite the continued recovery of outbound travel. Daigou activity restrained as secondhand market expands Daigou activity remained elevated in 2025 but showed signs of structural restraint, reflecting brands' increased efforts to regulate gray-market sales, protect brand equity and maintain pricing integrity in mainland China. Sales among the top 45 brands tracked on daigou platforms by Re-Hub rose by 3% in 2025, compared with 5% in 2024, as more brands tightened control over overseas supply chains and unofficial channels. At the same time, China's secondhand luxury market continued to expand, growing by 15%20% in 2025, while remaining underpenetrated at less than 10% of the primary luxury market. Growth was supported by an increased supply of pre-owned goods, rising consumer acceptance particularly among younger and more price-sensitive buyers and the widespread adoption of livestreaming as a trusted channel for product verification and engagement. "The secondhand market is becoming a more established and complementary pillar of China's luxury ecosystem," said Elle Yang, partner at Bain & Company. "Its continued growth reflects changing consumer mindsets as well as the increasing maturity of the overall market." Local brands gain traction in a more selective competitive landscape The report also highlights the continued rise of local Chinese luxury players, particularly in beauty and select personal luxury categories. These brands are gaining share through culturally relevant product aesthetics, digital-first and engagement-oriented go-to-consumer strategies as well as competitive price positioning enabled by local access to inputs and supply chains. As competition intensifies in a low-growth environment, the gap between winners and laggards is widening, with consumers consolidating their spending toward a smaller number of preferred brands that deliver perceived "true value." Outlook for 2026 Looking ahead, Bain expects China's personal luxury goods market to see modest growth in 2026, albeit with continued volatility and uncertainty. A growing middle class, improving consumer confidence and favorable policies are expected to help direct more luxury consumption back to the mainland, while growth will remain highly category- and brand-dependent. Media contacts: Dan Pinkney (Boston) [email protected] Gary Duncan (London) [email protected] Ann Lee (Singapore) [email protected] About Bain & Company Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry. SOURCE Bain & Company BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Atlantic University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, within the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, has selected Maya Rogalski and Maria Rivera as the inaugural recipients of the newly established Demand The Limits (DTL) Injury Attorney's Scholarship. The scholarship provides $5,000 annually to two Criminal Justice students over five years, supporting persistence to graduation and career readiness in public service fields. This five-year, $50,000 scholarship now stands as the highest value award in the School's history, marking a transformative milestone for both the university and the law firm. Scholarship Recipients Announced Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 50 applicants, Rogalski and Rivera exemplify academic excellence with a steadfast commitment to advancing the field of criminal justice and public service. Their selection underscores the scholarship's purpose: to empower future leaders who will shape the future of Florida's justice system. "Thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on those who truly believe they can change the world, said Rogalski, reflecting on what the scholarship means to her academic and professional journey. Rivera shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the personal impact of the award. "Thank you so much for choosing to support students like me. Your generosity reaches far beyond tuition. It touches lives. It brings light into places where doubt and struggle once lived." The scholarship fund was launched in 2025 through a strategic collaboration between Florida Atlantic University and Boca Raton-based Personal Injury firm Demand The Limits. The $50,000 commitment represents the largest single donation ever made to FAU's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, setting a new standard for philanthropic support and student opportunity. "The generosity of Demand the Limits is creating life-changing opportunities for our Criminal Justice students," said Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. "This scholarship not only eases the financial costs of higher education but also empowers our future leaders to pursue their passion for justice with confidence." Beyond financial support, the collaboration between FAU and DTL extends to internships, employment pathways, and hands-on learning experiences, including the School's Criminal Justice Summer Camp and Mock Trial programs. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to preparing students to implement positive change in the wide-ranging field of Criminal Justice. The partnership is further strengthened by its shared leadership ties. Alan Siegel, co-founder of DTL and FAU Criminal Justice alumnus c/o 2007, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni for the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice in recognition of his professional achievements and ongoing commitment to the Florida Atlantic community. "This is about honoring the promises we've made to our community, said Siegel. "This scholarship gives students the opportunity to focus on their education while preparing for meaningful careers that will positively impact our Florida communities. The FAU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of ethical, workforce-ready professionals for Florida's evolving criminal justice system. The DTL Injury Attorneys Scholarship helps the School ensure that students with the drive and potential to lead are supported every step of the way. "Partnerships like this one are essential to our college mission," said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. "It is especially meaningful to see this level of generosity come from one of our alumni. Alan's dedication exemplifies the lasting impact our graduates can have on the next generation of changemakers." Together, FAU and Demand the Limits are setting a model for how strategic partnerships can expand opportunity for academic excellence, strengthen our communities and shape the future of Criminal Justice in Florida. About Demand The Limits Injury Attorneys Demand The Limits Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Boca Raton, serving injured clients across the state of Florida since 2018. Demand The Limits, PLLC has consistently invested in Palm Beach County through education, mentorship, and civic engagement, with this scholarship fund representing just one facet of its commitment to lasting, positive impact. Led by partners Alan Siegel and Andrew Odza, the firm focuses exclusively on representing individuals harmed by negligence, including car accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall injuries, and catastrophic injury cases. With a client-first approach and a no-fee-unless-we-win guarantee, Demand The Limits is committed to not only maximizing compensation for injury victims but also giving back to the Florida communities we call home. About the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice The College of Social Work and Criminal Justice encompasses the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, which collectively offer one doctoral, two master's and two undergraduate degree programs; three specialization certificate programs in child welfare, healthy aging and addiction; and six post-graduate certificate programs, including Paralegal, Legal Nurse Consultant, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals, and Leadership for Behavioral Health Professionals. The College also houses four research and service centers, including the Center for Integrated Recovery and Wellness Studies, the Child Welfare Institute, the Healthy Aging Academy, and the Robin Rubin Center for Happiness and Life Enhancement. Additionally, more than 350 community agencies from Miami-Dade to Vero Beach have partnered with the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice to provide students with meaningful experience and job-readiness skills in their chosen field. For more information, visit fau.edu/sw-cj SOURCE Demand the Limits Ukrnafta paid almost UAH 100 bln to state during three years of state management According to preliminary data, during three years of state management, Ukrnafta paid UAH 96.7 billion in taxes, fees, customs duties, and dividends to the state budget. "Ukrnafta's results are an example of effective and responsible state management, which is extremely important for the country in the context of a full-scale war. This is not only about financial indicators, but also about trust in the state as an owner, stable budget revenues, and a real contribution to the country's stability and energy security," emphasized Serhiy Koretsky, head of the Naftogaz Group. In 2025, Ukrnafta's contribution amounted to: UAH 28.6 billion in taxes, fees, and customs payments; UAH 5 billion in dividends. The final figures will be confirmed after the close of the financial year and an independent audit. The company adheres to strict fiscal discipline. We understand that tax revenues directly support the Armed Forces, local communities, and the overall stability of the Ukrainian economy, said Bogdan Kukura, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrnafta. In total, over three years of state management, the company has contributed UAH 81.4 billion in taxes, fees, and customs payments to the budget, as well as UAH 15.3 billion in dividends, according to preliminary data. Ukrnafta JSC is Ukraine's largest oil producer and operator of the largest national network of gas stations, UKRNAFTA. In 2024, the company entered into asset management with Glusco. In 2025, it completed an agreement with Shell Overseas Investments BV to purchase the Shell network in Ukraine. In total, it operates 663 gas stations. The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and upgrade the format of its network of gas stations. Since February 2023, it has been issuing its own fuel vouchers and NAFTAKarta cards, which are sold to legal entities and individuals through Ukrnafta-Postach LLC. The largest shareholder of Ukrnafta is Naftogaz of Ukraine with a 50%+1 share. In November 2022, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer the company's corporate rights, which belonged to private owners, to the state, which is now managed by the Ministry of Defense. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than 25 years owning and operating dental laboratories, Mart Goldberg saw what others in the industry had long accepted as an unavoidable limitation: the inability to seamlessly print multiple materials in a single automated cycle. Rather than accept the status quo, Goldberg set out to solve the problem himself. Goldberg's patented methodology addresses a problem that has plagued the dental prosthetics industry for years. Traditional 3D printing methods require sequential fabrication - stopping the print to change materials, flushing chambers, repositioning parts between material applications. These interruptions introduce handling errors, extend production time, and compromise precision. His technology eliminates these limitations through intelligent functional region mapping, automated deposition sequencing, and seamless material transitions - all within a single print cycle. "I spent decades watching skilled technicians perform the same manual interventions over and over - changing materials, cleaning equipment, repositioning parts," said Goldberg. "The automation we've achieved can reduce manual labor in a printing cycle by approximately 90%. But it's not just about efficiency. The stable chemical bonding between dissimilar polymers and natural-appearing material transitions - that's what will change patient outcomes." Goldberg developed his methodology specifically for integration with FUGO Precision 3D's revolutionary centrifugal vat-photopolymerization system - the world's first and only 3D printer of its kind. The combination achieves sub-30 micron repeatability and throughput up to 10x faster than traditional systems, with integrated printing, washing, drying, and curing in a single automated machine. Alexander Meseonznik, CEO of FUGO Precision 3D, praised the collaboration: "Mart brought something we couldn't develop internally - decades of hands-on experience understanding exactly what dental laboratories need. His methodology transforms our hardware into a complete solution for multi-material manufacturing. The combination creates capabilities that simply don't exist anywhere else in the market." Goldberg will demonstrate the technology at LMT Lab Day 2026, the premier dental laboratory technology event, taking place February 19-21 in Chicago. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of complete print cycles producing production-ready, multi- color denture components through a single automated workflow. "There are 120 million Americans suffering from tooth loss," Goldberg noted. "This isn't a prototype or a concept - we're showing production-ready technology that dental laboratories can implement today. The methodology works, and we're ready to help manufacturers transform their operations." About Mart Goldberg Mart Goldberg is a dental industry veteran with over 25 years of experience as a dental laboratory owner and operator. His deep expertise in dental prosthetics manufacturing, material science, and clinical workflow requirements led him to develop a patented multi-material 3D printing methodology. As founder and CEO of BH PRINTELLIGENCE, Goldberg is dedicated to transforming additive manufacturing by enabling true multi- material 3D printing that eliminates manual post-processing, reduces production costs, and delivers superior quality for precision applications. Media Contact: BH PRINTELLIGENCE Email: [email protected] SOURCE BH Printelligence With more than 16,000 dental implants placed and a 97% success rate, the acclaimed Elk Grove practice continues to set the standard for implant dentistry and comprehensive oral care in the Sacramento region. ELK GROVE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ora Dentistry has been named a 2026 Top Patient Rated Dentist by Find Local Doctors, marking the sixth consecutive year the practice has received this prestigious recognition. Based on verified patient reviews and satisfaction ratings across multiple platforms, this award reflects the practice's unwavering dedication to clinical excellence and patient-centered care that has made it a leader in implant dentistry throughout Elk Grove and the greater Sacramento area. Ora Dentistry What distinguishes Ora Dentistry is its exceptional expertise in dental implant procedures and full-mouth rehabilitation. The practice has placed more than 16,000 dental implants and performs over 300 full-mouth reconstructions annually, achieving a remarkable 97% success rate. For patients missing multiple teeth, the practice offers the ORA4X Process, a proprietary full-arch implant method designed to restore an entire arch of teeth faster and more reliably than traditional approaches. This specialized focus on implant dentistry has established Ora Dentistry as the destination practice for patients seeking transformative smile restoration. Beyond its implant expertise, Ora Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. Dr. Devan Dalla leads a talented team that includes Dr. Lisa Phuong Le, a Temple University graduate who earned Summa Cum Laude honors and specializes in cosmetic dentistry, and Dr. Apeksha Sanghvi. Together, they offer preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic procedures including veneers and professional whitening, Invisalign orthodontics, and emergency dental services. The practice also provides IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety and offers special needs dentistry, working with developmentally disabled individuals in clinical, hospital, and home settings. Ora Dentistry maintains the highest standards of care and safety, holding accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The practice utilizes cutting-edge dental technology to ensure procedures are performed with precision, comfort, and efficiency. Dr. Dalla's philosophy emphasizes guideline-based recommendations, thorough examinations, and accurate diagnoses, with patients receiving the time and education needed to make informed decisions about their oral health. The office welcomes patients Monday through Thursday from 7am to 5pm and Fridays from 7am to 4pm, with emergency appointments available for urgent dental needs. "Earning the Top Patient Rated Dentist award for the sixth year in a row is a testament to our entire team's commitment to excellence," says Dr. Devan Dalla. "Many of our patients come to us after years of struggling with missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or failed dental work elsewhere. When we can restore their ability to eat, smile, and live confidently again through procedures like the ORA4X Process, it's incredibly rewarding. This recognition reminds us why we do what we doto transform lives through exceptional dental care." More About Dr. Devan Dalla and Ora Dentistry: Ora Dentistry is a premier dental practice in Elk Grove specializing in dental implants, full-mouth reconstruction, and comprehensive family dentistry. Dr. Devan Dalla, the practice's founder, graduated from New York University College of Dentistry with Honors in Implantology and the Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award for superior clinical performance. He previously earned a Bachelor's degree in dental surgery from a top dental school in India, graduating first in his class. Dr. Dalla serves as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve and founded "Raahat," a nonprofit providing free dental services to underserved communities. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Sacramento District Dental Society, and California Dental Association. Ora Dentistry is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.oradentistry.com or call (916) 975-1000. The office is located at 2733 Elk Grove Blvd, Suite 180, Elk Grove, CA 95758. Media Contact Devan Dalla Ora Dentistry (916) 975-1000 https://www.oradentistry.com SOURCE Ora Dentistry Raytheon, a global aerospace and defense company, allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meal breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor Codes. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** SAN DIEGO, January 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Raytheon Company violated the California Labor Code. The Raytheon Company class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU066523C, is currently pending in the San Diego 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, Raytheon Company 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 wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 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 Complaint further alleges that Defendant required Plaintiffs to work, from time to time, interrupted by work assignments while clocked out for what should have been Plaintiffs' off-duty meal break. This resulted in Defendant rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to Plaintiffs. As a result of Plaintiffs' rigorous work schedules, employees were from time to time unable to take thirty (30) minutes off duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for their meal periods. Employees were also allegedly required to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. Defendant allegedly violated California Labor Codes 1194, 1197, and 1197.1. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Raytheon Company, 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 Davey Tree Surgery Company, a tree maintenance and removal company, allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meals and break breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor Codes. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Davey Tree Surgery Company violated the California Labor Code. The Davey Tree Surgery Company class action lawsuit, Case No. 26CV00093, is currently pending in the Santa Cruz 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, Davey Tree Surgery Company allegedly (a) failed to provide meal and rest periods, (b) failed to pay employees minimum and overtime wages, (c) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (d) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (e) failed to pay sick wages, and (f) failed to provide wages when due, 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. Davey Tree Surgery Company allegedly required employees to work on their meal breaks, which should have been employees' off-duty meal breaks. This allegedly resulted in Defendant rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to employees. As a result of their rigorous work schedules, employees were required from time to time to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. Defendant violated California Labor Codes 1194, 1197, and 1197.1 . For more information about the class action lawsuit against Davey Tree Surgery Company, 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 STOCKHOLM, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hygiene and health company Essity has secured a EUR 400m loan at favorable terms with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan has a tenor of 7 years and will support the company's research, development, and innovation initiatives across all business areas. "The agreement with the European Investment Bank supports Essity's aim to further strengthen the innovation capabilities across the Group. From value-enhancing upgrades to breakthrough product launches, we are committed to combining sustainability and performance to deliver innovations that truly make a difference and raise the bar for hygiene and health," says Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity. Essity's innovation process combines deep consumer insights with advanced technologies to develop solutions that improve well-being, enhance customer value and strengthen competitiveness while also reducing environmental impact. "Europe's competitiveness depends on sustained investment in innovation that improves people's everyday lives. By supporting Essity's research and innovation programme, with a strong base in Sweden, the EIB is strengthening Europe's technological leadership in hygiene and health while advancing the green transition and the circular economy," says Karl Nehammer, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. A core mission of the bank is to strengthen EU competitiveness, technological innovation and sustainable development by providing financing for R&D projects conducted within Europe. Contact information Per Lorentz, Vice President Corporate Communications, Tel: 073 313 30 55, [email protected] Sandra Aberg, Vice President Investor Relations, Tel: 070 564 96 89, [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/essity/r/essity-signs-eur-400m-loan-agreement-with-the-european-investment-bank,c4299205 The following files are available for download: BOSTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston's iconic landmark, is proud to welcome world-renowned artist Sean Fitzpatrick, known as Fitzysnowman Studios, for special, live snow-sculpting sessions over multiple weekends this winter season. The first session will take place this upcoming Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. The events will bring immersive, large-scale artwork to the heart of downtown Boston, marking the latest activation under Faneuil Hall Marketplace's long-term arts initiative, which aims to connect residents and visitors with dynamic and accessible public art experiences. Faneuil Hall Marketplace said, "We are embracing the winter season by turning cold temperatures and snow into a backdrop for family-friendly activities. The dynamic art form of live snow sculpting brings a sense of energy and shared experience to the iconic space. By hosting Fitzpatrick, we're inviting the community to witness and take part in the creative process, and to experience Faneuil Hall Marketplace not just as a historic destination, but as a living canvas for art. We are thrilled to once again support the creative community through our platform." The installation, created by 3D street artist and sculptor Fitzpatrick, will feature live snow-sculpting on site throughout the day, allowing visitors to watch the artwork take shape in real time. Visitors are invited to engage with the artist, experience the scale and craftsmanship up close, and see how temporary materials can be transformed into striking works of art. Artist Sean Fitzpatrick said, "Temporary art lives in the moment. We allow you to experience that moment firsthand. The message is simple. Enjoy every moment because everything, including ourselves, is temporary." Throughout the next couple of weekends, Fitzpatrick will create a series of snow sculptures, including designs inspired by the New England Patriots and wildlife, which will complement the newly installed "Wild Benches of Hope" exhibit at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. About Faneuil Hall Marketplace Faneuil Hall Marketplace, founded in 1742 in downtown Boston, is the vibrant home to the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade (the largest and oldest food hall in the United States). It is a bustling hub of beloved eateries, shops, and push carts, as well as a key destination for lively street performances, historic tours, family-friendly events, and more. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is committed to its role as a central destination for the benefit of the Boston community welcoming residents, workers, and visitors from around the world and is partnering with the City to deliver the next chapter for the iconic site. About Fitzysnowman Studios Fitzysnowman Studios is focused on pushing the boundaries of experiential art. This effort is lead by 3D street artist Sean Fitzpatrick. His work has been featured both nationally and internationally. What initially began as a part time venture in winter snow and ice sculpting has expanded over the last 25 years into a multidisciplinary practice that includes snow and ice sculpture, sand sculpting, 3D street paintings, murals, and large-scale pumpkin carving. Fitzysnowman Studios is known for bringing creativity and craftsmanship to audiences through art that is designed to be experienced in real time. To learn more about Sean Fitzpatrick's artwork, visit the Fitzysnowman Studios website. Contact Nina Pellegrini Faneuil Hall Marketplace [email protected] SOURCE Faneuil Hall Marketplace New RIA Enhances Farmers Wealth Management Capabilities for Clients Expanded Services Offer Growth-Minded Advisors Sophisticated Financial Planning Platforms and an Opportunity to Work Alongside a Well-Established Network of Farmers Agency Owners WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmers today announced the launch of Farmers Asset Management, LLC (FAM), a new full-service registered investment advisor (RIA). This RIA enhances Farmers wealth management capabilities, enabling the firm to offer clients extensive wealth management solutions alongside traditional investment and insurance options. "We are building a full spectrum of financial offerings because investment management and insurance drive mutual growth and help customers with a broad array of financial needs," said Zachary Schear, CFP, President. "Farmers Asset Management, LLC is a modern wealth management firm designed to provide clients a wide array of fee-based financial planning and investment services. Along with options available through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC (FFS) and Farmers insurers, customers working with Farmers representatives will have convenient access to top annuity, risk mitigation and insurance offerings through the well-respected Farmers brand to address nearly every stage of their financial lives." The new RIA will work with Charles Schwab for custody, clearing and related services, and with Orion for technology, planning, Outsourced Chief Investment Officer support and access to other best-in-class specialized investment platforms. Farmers Wealth Management Offerings For more than 25 years, Farmers has offered wealth management services through FFS. The FFS team includes more than 2,500 registered representatives, helping customers across the country build generational wealth, prepare for the future and ensure their legacies. FFS oversees more than $10 billion in total customer assets. Schear has also served as its President and CEO since January 2024. Now with the launch of FAM, Farmers offers clients access to a more complete spectrum of wealth management offerings to help them create holistic financial plans. The new RIA also gives traditional Farmers agents and Farmers Financial Services Agents those who focus on life insurance and financial services additional options to offer customers. Ken Walton, President of Distribution, Farmers Insurance Group, added, "By creating Farmers Asset Management, LLC, we now offer a way to provide our existing insurance customers a trusted avenue for investment advice, financial planning and asset management. We believe this expanded wealth management platform will attract growth-oriented, fee-based advisors who are ready to elevate their businesses by providing more comprehensive services and appreciate the important role that risk, guaranteed income and insurance products can play in helping clients reach their financial goals." About Farmers Asset Management, LLC Farmers Asset Management, LLC (FAM) is part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies a 95-year-old insurance organization that serves millions of customers across the country. A FAM affiliate, Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC (FFS), has dedicated the past 25 years to helping individuals and families throughout the U.S. retire with dignity, build generational wealth, prepare for the future, and preserve their legacy. FFS's success, as exemplified by more than $10 billion in assets under management (AUM), is driven by its unwavering focus on customers. With the addition of FAM, Farmers wants to take financial services to the next level. FAM advisors place the needs of the customers first, leveraging robust resources to help them protect what matters most. This client-centered approach is at the core of everything FAM does. About Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC (FFS) is a Broker Dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), and State Securities Divisions. FFS offers brokerage services for buying and selling securities. FFS is also a general insurance agency licensed in multiple states. Media Contacts Donald C. Cutler or Lorene Yue Haven Tower Group 424.317.4864 or 424.317.4854 [email protected] or [email protected] External Communications Farmers Insurance 818-965-0007 [email protected] SOURCE Farmers Asset Management, LLC FPT Signs Key International Agreements to Advance Vietnam's Mastery of Semiconductor Technology HANOI, Vietnam, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 28, 2026, in Hanoi, FPT Corporation officially announced the establishment of the FPT Advanced Semiconductor Testing and Packaging Plant, aiming to strengthen connectivity across the semiconductor value chain and to realize Vietnam's major national orientations on mastering core and sovereign technologies, in line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Decision No. 1131/Q-TTg and Decision No. 1018/Q-TTg, thereby enabling Vietnam to move deeper into the global semiconductor supply chain. This is the first semiconductor testing and packaging plant in Vietnam fully owned and operated by Vietnamese entities, contributing to the completion of the national semiconductor ecosystem with a full spectrum of activities spanning research, design, manufacturing, training, testing and packaging, and commercializationpositioning Vietnam more prominently in the global semiconductor value chain. FPT Announces the Establishment of an Advanced Semiconductor Testing & Packaging Plant The announcement ceremony was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, leaders of Viettel Group, leaders of FPT Corporation, representatives from enterprises, research institutes and universities, members of the Au Lac AI Alliance, the Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, and major semiconductor enterprises and partners from Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan region, and other countries. The announcement of the establishment of the FPT Advanced Semiconductor Testing and Packaging Plant underscores FPT's strong commitment to implementing the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation; the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1131/Q-TTg on strategic technologies; and Decision No. 1018/Q-TTg approving the national strategy for semiconductor industry development, which sets the target for Vietnam to have 10 advanced testing and packaging facilities by 2030. This initiative also represents a strategic move to harness the collective strength of the national semiconductor alliance, jointly developing and mastering core technology capabilities, and completing an integrated semiconductor ecosystem spanning research, design, manufacturing, testing, packaging, and commercializationthereby enabling Vietnam to move further up the global semiconductor value chain. In addition, the plant will provide hands-on training and practical learning opportunities for semiconductor students within Vietnam, contributing to the enhancement of human resource quality in the semiconductor sector and supporting the national goal of developing 50,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030, including at least 35,000 professionals in manufacturing, packaging, testing, and other key stages of the semiconductor industry. Speaking at the event, Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, stated: "If Vietnam is to become a prosperous nation, there is no other path than mastering semiconductor technology. If we count Vietnamese professionals around the world, we are a significant force in the semiconductor industry. Our biggest challenge is to connect and build our own ecosystem. With today's event, we take another step toward completing Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem. FPT has grown through hardship, so we always pursue practical solutions: products must be market-ready. We will closely collaborate with Viettel and domestic partnerswherever chips are manufactured, FPT will participate in testing and packagingso that Vietnamese technology chips can soon be applied in real life". Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman and CEO of Viettel, emphasized: "FPT's investment in a semiconductor testing and packaging plant holds strategic significance in completing the 'Make in Vietnam' semiconductor ecosystem, fully aligned with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation. The testing and packaging plant, together with Viettel's chip fabrication plant scheduled to break ground in January 2026, will serve as a "hands-on" environment for training, developing, and retaining semiconductor engineers domestically, thereby helping curb brain drain and build a core workforce for this strategic industry. Viettel consistently believes that semiconductor industry development must be based on close cooperation between the state-owned and private sectors, in accordance with Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW on state-owned economic development and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development". Dr. Nguyen Bich Yen, Honorary Chairwoman of the Institute of Semiconductor and Advanced Materials Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Chairwoman of VSAP Lab and IEEE member, commented: "Vietnam is no longer merely talking about semiconductorsVietnam is taking synchronized and serious action. Pioneer enterprises are driving progress through concrete commitments and collaboration to build a Vietnamese semiconductor value chain. Key componentsfrom materials, design, packaging, testing and manufacturing to digital infrastructure and human resourcesare gradually taking shape. In this picture, FPT stands out as a major pillar, not only enhancing technological capacity but also serving as a connector, leader and trust-builder for the entire ecosystem". The FPT Advanced Semiconductor Testing and Packaging Plant is expected to emerge as a leading advanced testing and packaging facility in the region. In Phase 1 (20262027), the plant will be located at Yen Phong II-C Industrial Park, Yen Phong and Tam Giang Communes, Bac Ninh Province, with a total floor area of 1,600 square meters. The facility will be equipped with 06 functional testing lines (ATE testers and handlers) and 01 dedicated reliability and durability testing area, including Burn-in, Reliability Test, and Failure Analysis Test. All equipment systems comply with international quality management standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949, as well as specialized semiconductor technical standards such as JEDEC, AEC-Q100, and AEC-Q101, ensuring product quality, stability, and reliability throughout the entire product lifecycle. With the capability to flexibly deliver both rapid testing and in-depth customized testing tailored to individual customer requirements, the system enables customers to optimize costs without the need to distribute quality inspection processes across multiple locations. Notably, a key competitive advantage of FPT lies in its Make-in-Vietnam testing software development, developed and fine-tuned to meet the specific requirements of different products. The completion of the six functional testing lines and the dedicated reliability and durability testing area is scheduled to coincide with celebrations marking the anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification later this year. In Phase 2 (20282030), FPT plans to expand the plant's total area to approximately 6,000 square meters, with 18 newly installed functional testing lines, 3 reliability and endurance testing zones, expanded both conventional packaging lines (QFN, QFP, DFN, etc.), additional CSP (Chip Scale Package), WLP (Wafer Level Package) lines, along with advanced IC packaging lines, collectively ramping the plant's total output to billions of units per year. These investments are expected to raise the plant's capacity to billions of products annually. In parallel, FPT will strengthen its testing capabilities for high-end chips serving IoT, automotive applications, and AI-on-the-edge SoC (System-on-Chip) solutions, further completing the semiconductor value chain. At the event, Mr. Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, affirmed: "Vietnam has advantages in human resources and has attracted numerous chip design companies to invest and employ Vietnamese engineers, laying the foundation for domestic chip design enterprises. In the global supply chain, Vietnam plays an increasingly important role in packaging and testing, although these stages are still largely dominated by foreign companies. FPT's investment in an advanced testing and packaging plant completes a critical missing link, helping to close Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem. This concrete project demonstrates FPT's commitment to turning aspirations into actionbringing Vietnamese intelligence to the world and positioning Vietnam more clearly on the global semiconductor map." Notably, FPT signed a series of cooperation agreements with leading semiconductor technology partners in Vietnam and internationally. Partnering with major domestic and global corporations represents a strategic approach for FPT to master semiconductor technologies in the long term. Specifically, FPT and Viettel entered into a comprehensive partnership to build sovereign semiconductor capabilities through end-to-end value chain integration, covering training, design, fabrication, testing, packaging, and commercialization. The collaboration focuses on the joint development of AI-on-the-edge SoC chips on 2832nm process nodes, serving ecosystems of cameras, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and smart devices. This strategic alliance between two of Vietnam's leading technology groups aims to complete a closed-loop national semiconductor ecosystem. Together with Viettel's groundbreaking ceremony for Vietnam's first semiconductor fabrication plant, FPT's announcement of the establishment of the FPT Advanced Semiconductor Testing and Packaging Plant represents a strong and concrete action, reaffirming Vietnam's determination to master key stages of the national semiconductor value chain. In parallel, FPT also signed agreements with prominent international semiconductor partners, including Restarto advance R&D in semiconductor testing and packaging technologies and to commercialize chips tested and packaged by FPT; Winpacto promote semiconductor commercial cooperation and explore potential joint investment in FPT's testing and packaging facilities in Vietnam; and VSAP LABto pursue comprehensive cooperation from research to mass production, optimizing advanced packaging and testing capabilities while jointly developing highly specialized semiconductor talent. At the event, FPT also announced plans to research and develop AI-on-the-edge System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions, aiming to fully master the smart device ecosystem encompassing cameras, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). FPT is a pioneering Vietnamese enterprise in the development of "Make in Vietnam" chips, with more than a decade of engagement in the semiconductor industry. To date, FPT has built a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem spanning chip design, packaging, testing, and workforce development, with the ambition of positioning Vietnam as a key semiconductor hub in the region. FPT focuses on the research and development of core chip product lines, including power ICs, power management ICs (PMICs), and AI-on-the-edge SoC chips. In parallel, FPT is accelerating high-quality workforce development, targeting the training of 10,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030 through a multi-tier education system and international collaboration. A flagship initiative is the "2+2" program, under which students study two years at FPT University, followed by two years of specialized training in Taiwan region or South Korea, and subsequently undertake internships at leading companies. In 2025, FPT inaugurated the High-Tech and Semiconductor Center in Da Nang and the Vietnam Semiconductor Incubation and Development Center (V.S.I.C) in Hanoi. Notably, in December 2025, FPT became the first Vietnamese enterprise to export commercial semiconductor chips to Japan, reaffirming its growing position in the global semiconductor value chain. SOURCE FPT Corporation Elevating sweetness without refined sugar through the natural power of Japanese fermentation. RIMINI, Italy, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hacco, Inc. , a New York-based B2B brand redefining modern cuisine through koji fermentation, has won the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award at SIGEP 2026 for its multipurpose Organic KOJI AGAVE syrup. SIGEP WORLDthe global expo for foodservice leaders and 1,300 brands in the Gelato, Pastry & Chocolate, Coffee, Bakery, and Pizza sectorcelebrates what makes Organic KOJI AGAVE a distinctive and innovative ingredient. Naturally crafted and delicately sweet with a light, clean finish, the rice-fermented syrup contains zero refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, or additives - allowing chefs to achieve precise, balanced flavor profiles across a range of applications. "This award is a testament to our dedication to creating fermented products and sharing the harmony and richness of koji with the world," said Raphael Boeri, hacco Corporate Pastry Chef and Store Operations Division Director. "By pairing individual technique with koji's rich flavor, Organic KOJI AGAVE unlocks new flavor experiences for chefs, bakers, baristas, and artisans all over the world. We're thrilled to see AGAVE celebrated for its fusion of heritage and innovation on an international stage." Personal techniques combined with the rich flavor of AGAVE unlock a diverse array of new possibilities for pastries, beverages, sauces, and glazes. Honoring diverse food cultures, hacco carefully sources ingredients from trusted supply partners, including Uonuma Jozo Co., Ltd. and Marukome USA, Inc. More information about Organic KOJI AGAVE is available at hacco-inc.com , and details about the Lorenzo Cagnoni award can be found at sigep.it/en . hacco's highly anticipated flagship store is expected to open in Brooklyn, N.Y., by July 2026. About Hacco, Inc. Born in New York and inspired by Japanese fermentation, Hacco brings the power of koji to modern cuisine. With organic ingredients and refined sugar-free recipes, Hacco creates naturally elevated flavors where tradition meets innovation. Hacco is committed to sharing the depth, warmth, and artistry of koji with the modern table. To learn more, visit hacco-inc.com or follow @hacco.nyc on Instagram. SOURCE hacco Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights. NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. If you currently own Cummins stock and are a long-term shareholder, you may be able to seek corporate governance reforms, the return of funds back to the company, a court-approved financial incentive award, or other relief and benefits. Please click here to learn more about your legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected]. Our firm would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Why Your Participation Matters: Shareholder involvement can help improve a company's policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms to create a more transparent, accountable, and effectively managed organization, which can enhance shareholder value. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 [email protected] [email protected] https://www.halpersadeh.com SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP 'Smart' cotton fields boost productivity, farmer incomes in Shaya, NW China's Xinjiang People's Daily Online) 13:28, January 29, 2026 "Cotton cultivation is much less stressful and the yields are more stable now," cotton farmer Ababekri Memet of Shaya county, Aksu prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, told People's Daily Overseas Edition as he checked last year's harvest data on his smartphone with a satisfied smile. Over the past few decades, China's cotton industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from a labor-intensive, single-crop-focused industry to an integrated industrial chain featuring fully mechanized operations. Shaya county, a major producing area of high-quality commercial cotton, serves as a microcosm of this modernization. Farmers plant cotton in Shaya county, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Gu Yu) Comparing today to the old days when cotton picking relied heavily on manpower, Ababekri Memet marveled at how technology has reshaped cotton farming. According to Ababekri Memet, mechanization now spans every stage of cotton production. In spring, seeders empowered by China's homegrown BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) plant along pre-set routes with an error margin of less than 5 centimeters. Specialized spraying machines operate up to 50 times faster than manual labor during the crop protection stage, and even seedling management and fertilization are executed with precision by machinery. At harvest, cotton pickers operate with remarkable efficiency. In the past, it took 12 workers two months to harvest 100 mu (6.67 hectares) of cotton; today, a single machine can harvest 5,000 mu in just 12 days. Data from Shaya county's Bureau of Agricultural and Rural Affairs show that the county is equipped with 54,700 pieces of agricultural machinery and has maintained a mechanization rate above 95 percent for five consecutive years. With more cotton farmers forming agricultural cooperatives, purchasing advanced machinery, and providing mechanized farming services, Shaya county is currently home to 112 agricultural machinery cooperatives, which provide services covering all cotton fields in the county. Ababekri Memet runs one such cooperative himself. Last year, his cooperative provided mechanized farming services for over 7,000 mu of farmland, he said. The cooperative's total annual revenue exceeded 1.1 million yuan ($158,000) last year, with around 40 percent coming from mechanized services, according to Ababekri Memet, who added that besides local farmers, the cooperative also receives orders from neighboring counties. The winter off-season is a key period for selecting cotton varieties, a process that is now increasingly data-driven, according to Ababekri Memet. Each year, the Seed Industry Development Center of Shaya county holds variety promotion events and distributes comparative test reports. "I choose varieties by analyzing the data and matching it to my fields, which ensures informed and efficient decisions," Ababekri Memet explained. Shaya county has established comprehensive crop-testing stations to provide reliable, science-based guidance to farmers, according to Lei Yabin, a staff member of the Seed Industry Development Center. For years, these stations have conducted systematic trials comparing the main cotton varieties from seedling to harvest, tracking yields, fiber quality, and disease resistance, Lei said. Through area-based promotion of high-yield and high-quality varieties, Xinjiang has raised the coverage rate of superior cotton seeds to over 98 percent. In 2025, the Cotton Research Institute of the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences introduced more than 3,400 domestic and international germplasm samples, developed over 40 valuable drought-, heat-, and saline-tolerant new germplasm lines, and released seven new multi-type cotton varieties. These breakthroughs, combined with a robust countywide seed propagation and promotion system, have led to tangible improvements in yield and quality. According to the latest data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics, Xinjiang's cotton production in 2025 surpassed the 6-million-tonne mark for the first time, reaching nearly 6.17 million tonnes and accounting for 92.8 percent of the national total. In Shaya, cotton yield per mu rose from 285 kilograms in 2017 to 442 kilograms in 2025, increasing farmers' per-mu income by 1,000 yuan. "Cotton farming can create wealth," said Ababekri Memet, who plans to expand his operations this year with a new cotton picker and two high-powered tractors, aiming to provide mechanized services for over 10,000 mu of farmland. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.G. WhiteHorse, the credit affiliate of H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G."), a leading global alternative investment firm with $74 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that it has provided a new first lien, senior-secured credit facility to Buter Group ("Buter", or "the Company"), a portfolio company of NPM Capital ("NPM"). Based in Emmen, the Netherlands, Buter is a manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic lift solutions. The Company provides customised hydraulic cylinders to Original Equipment Manufacturers of low- to mid-volume off-highway vehicles and vehicle attachments used across the agriculture, construction, and material handling sectors. Its hydraulic lift solutions deliver bespoke, one-off systems for rail customers and customers in various other industrial markets. Faas van Engelen, Director Capital Markets of NPM, said: "We are very pleased with the acquisition of Buter and appreciative of the important role H.I.G. WhiteHorse played in the financing of the transaction. The swift execution from signing to closing just before the holiday season showed exceptional commitment." Pascal Meysson, Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, said, "Buter is a European market leader in its niche industrial segments, with a high share of wallet and strong relationships with its customers. This investment is a good illustration of H.I.G. WhiteHorse's ability to invest across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing and industrials." About Buter Group Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Emmen, the Netherlands, Buter is a leading European manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic lift solutions. The Company supplies customised hydraulic cylinders to Original Equipment Manufacturers of low- to mid-volume off-highway vehicles and attachments used in agriculture, construction, and material handling end-markets. It also provides bespoke hydraulic lift systems for rail and other industrial customers. Buter employs c.550 people across three sites in the Netherlands and Germany and has developed hundreds of patents and utility models over the past sixty years. For more information, visit bueter.com. About H.I.G. Capital H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $74 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach: H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices. H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com. *Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates. About NPM Capital NPM is an independent investment partner supporting medium-sized and large companies headquartered in the Benelux and Germany with a particular focus on family-owned businesses and companies led by strong, committed management teams. Founded in 1948 to support post-war economic reconstruction, NPM expanded significantly during the 1980s and was listed on the stock exchange in 1987. The firm was delisted in 2000 and has since operated as part of SHV. NPM invests in SMEs or mid-cap companies across the Dutch, Belgian, and German markets, making initial equity investments of 30 to 300 million through minority or majority ownership positions. For more information, visit npm-capital.com. Contact: Pascal Meysson Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe [email protected] H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe 10 Grosvenor Street 2nd Floor London W1K 4QB P: +44 (0) 207 318 5700 hig.com SOURCE H.I.G. Capital RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilb Group announced today that it has acquired a Pennsylvania-based property and casualty agency. The acquisition took effect on January 1, 2026, expanding the company's growing product and service offerings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. About Hilb Group: The Hilb Group is a leading property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and advisory firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Hilb Group is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Hilb Group seeks to grow through strategic acquisitions and by leveraging its resources and expertise to drive organic growth in its acquired agencies. The company has completed more than 190 acquisitions with over 125 offices in 32 states. Hilb Group is rated as one of the Fastest Growing Brokers by Business Insurance, a Top P/C Agency by Insurance Journal, and one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Inc. 5000. For more information on Hilb Group's growth as well as career opportunities, please visit our website at http://hilbgroup.com. Media Contact: Peter Lobred 804.548.4629 [email protected] M&A Contact: Ryan Havermann 804.414.6508 [email protected] SOURCE The Hilb Group, LLC Over 200 works exhibited from the late Samsung Chairman's donated art collection Exhibition concludes on February 1 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., in partnership with the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, hosted a gala event on Jan. 28 at the Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the success of the "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition, the first U.S. showcase of masterpieces from the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee's renowned art collection. The exhibition, which opened to the public on Nov. 15 and will run through Feb. 1, is expected to draw over 65,000 visitors, a significant milestone comparable to the attendance for other major international exhibits at the National Museum of Asian Art, underscoring the profound interest in Korea's rich artistic heritage. Curated from the personal collection of over 23,000 pieces amassed by the late Chairman of Samsung, Lee Kun-hee, the exhibition was organized by the National Museum of Asian Art, the National Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea. At the gala, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee thanked the organizers and recognized the importance of Washington, D.C. as the first stop of the exhibit's global tour. He also took a special moment to honor American veterans of the Korean War, attributing Korea's modern success and its ability to preserve its heritage to their sacrifice more than seven decades ago. "Memory and history are important to Koreans. That is part of why this exhibit means so much to me," Executive Chairman Lee said. "Despite the hardships of colonial rule and the Korean War, my father and grandfather believed it was their duty to safeguard the future of our culture. It was a tremendous honor to share this collection with you. I believe it's our small contribution to bringing the American and Korean people closer together." Members of the Lee family, including Hong Ra-hee, Director Emerita of the Leeum Museum of Art, Lee Boo-jin, President & CEO of Hotel Shilla, Lee Seo-hyun, President of Samsung C&T, and Kim Jae Youl, President of Samsung Global Research, were in attendance. Among the 250 guests were Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Senator Tim Scott, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Andy Kim, Governor Wes Moore and Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) highlighted that "this art exhibit is a powerful reminder that the enduring U.S.Republic of Korea alliance is built not only on economic ties, but through the stories and shared values that connect us, Samsung's investment in America represents confidence in our workers and a commitment to advancing opportunity and prosperity for both nations." Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, "I am honored to attend and deliver remarks at the Samsung Gala in recognition of Korea's great cultural heritage. Texas's partnership with Samsung has been critical to strengthening America's leadership in technology and semiconductors and creating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs for Texas workers that fuel long-term economic growth." Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) also commented that "the connections between the United States and Korea run deep, and they'll continue to grow stronger thanks to collaboration with and investment from companies like Samsung. As the first Korean American to serve in the U.S. Senate, I'm excited that my two boys can see this incredible exhibit of Korean heritage, and for Americans from across the country to visit the collection that the Lee family has brought here." Prominent business leaders in attendance included Wendell Weeks, Corning Chairman & CEO, Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari CEO, Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, and Jerry Yang, Founding Partner, AME Cloud Ventures; Co-Founder, Yahoo! Chairman Weeks said at the event that "building on five decades of partnership, Samsung and Corning have pushed the boundaries of what's possible. The Lee family's contributions extend far beyond Samsung and Korea. Their visionary leadership has shaped industries, transformed lives, and built enduring bridges between nations and generations. This exhibition embodies the passion for creation of the Lee family, which for generations has made a positive impact on the entire globe." Other notable attendees included Kim Youngna, former Director of the National Museum of Korea, Chase Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, and Korean War veterans, including Rudy B. Meekins, Sr. Buddhist statues and ceramics from the Joseon Dynasty highlight hand-picked exhibit As attendees made a tour of the exhibition during the gala, they were introduced to a story of creativity and innovation that has shaped Korean culture for centuries, represented by artworks that span across sculptures, furnishings, ceramics as well as traditional and modern paintings. Among the more than 200 pieces featured in the exhibit were Faceted Bottle with Bamboo, The Lotus Sutra, and Bodhisattva Triad with a Single Halo all National Treasures of Korea. One of the most popular pieces on display was the 19th-century Drum Stand for its resemblance to the character "Derpy" from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters. Another standout was the Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks, a 19th-century royal court painting symbolizing the Joseon monarchy. The exhibition was comprised of 10 sub-themes, such as the historical evolution of ceramics from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties as well as inspiring Buddhist artwork, encompassing over 1,500 years of Korean history. This was the largest special exhibition of Korean art held at the National Museum of Asian Art, with the number of daily visitors almost double that of similar-sized exhibitions at the Smithsonian. Souvenirs that depicted the Moon Jar and lighting products featuring imagery from Clearing after Rain on Mount Inwang were among the items that sold out early, according to the National Museum of Asian Art. Collection's Global Tour continues to Chicago and London This exhibition was made possible by a grant awarded through the National Museum of Korea's Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program, and curators from both the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea participated in the curation of the exhibit and compilation of the exhibition catalogue. Following the conclusion of the exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art, the collection will travel to the Art Institute of Chicago to be on display from March through July and then to the British Museum in London for a special exhibit from September through January 2027. This global tour will offer residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience Korean cultural heritage through artworks spanning centuries and reflecting Korea's unique history. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2848283/5705829/Samsung_Digital_Appliances_Logo.jpg SOURCE Samsung Electronics CHARLESTOWN, Ind., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Indiana American Water held a ribbon cutting ceremony today at its Charlestown water treatment plant. The company announced that the facility is now operating Indiana's first drinking water treatment system designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. The nearly $6 million system investment, which went online last month, marks another major milestone in protecting public health and improving water quality for the community. "We are proud to partner with Indiana American Water on this important project," said Treva Hodges, Mayor of the City of Charlestown. "Access to high-quality drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of our community, and this new treatment system shows a forward-thinking approach to community safety. Continued improvements to our water system have helped Charlestown achieve a higher quality of life and have spurred community growth, making our city an even more attractive place to live and invest." According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), this is the first PFAS treatment installation in a public water system in the state. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. To celebrate this milestone, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 29, 2026, with local officials, community leaders, and Indiana American Water representatives in attendance. "This investment underscores our continued commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable water to our customers," said Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water. "By proactively addressing PFAS, we are leading the way in Indiana and setting the standard for future water quality improvements across the state. This project also provided us with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in adding PFAS treatment, which will guide and inform similar upgrades at other systems as we make these investments over the coming years." This investment builds on Indiana American Water's commitment to Charlestown, following the commissioning of the $16 million water treatment plant in 2022 . The PFAS upgrade is supported by Indiana's State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which allows the company to finance the project at a lower cost than traditional loans. This additional investment includes the granular activated carbon or GAC system and also supports infrastructure such as pumps, piping, electrical systems, and controls. Charlestown was selected for this enhancement because the original plant was designed to accommodate future improvements, making it an ideal location for this advanced treatment technology. The Charlestown facility serves approximately 3,000 customers, or about 8,000 residents and businesses, with four percent of its daily production sold to neighboring Marysville-Otisco Nabb Water Corporation. Indiana American Water's Water Quality Reports , published annually, confirm that all Indiana American Water systems meet or surpass federal and state drinking water standards. Future PFAS Investments in Indiana Indiana American Water is committed to expanding PFAS treatment capabilities across other service areas. Plans are underway for similar upgrades to its water systems in Terre Haute, Johnson County and other communities as funding becomes available. These investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with evolving water quality regulations and to safeguard public health for generations to come. Curious about PFAS and how they impact your water? Indiana American Water is committed to providing safe, high-quality water and keeping its customers informed about emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). A dedicated PFAS resource page explains what PFAS are, why they matter, and what steps the company is taking to help ensure water meets the highest standards. Learn more about PFAS and our proactive approach by exploring the full details here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook , X and Instagram. About Indiana American Water Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. SOURCE American Water ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Influential Women, a fast growing media platform spotlighting women leaders, founders, and experts across industries, has surpassed 50,000 followers on LinkedIn, marking a major milestone in the platform's continued expansion and influence. 50,000 LinkedIn Followers Built as a modern media company focused on thought leadership and visibility, Influential Women has quickly emerged as a destination for professional women seeking a platform to share expertise, career stories, and industry insight. The growth on LinkedIn reflects rising interest in content that highlights women driving innovation in business, technology, medicine, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Influential Women operates across multiple media channels including Influential Women Magazine, a long form podcast, editorial features, and professional masterclasses hosted by women within its community. The platform is designed to elevate women as primary voices rather than subjects of commentary, allowing leaders to publish, speak, and teach directly from their own experience. The company recently announced Suze Orman as the cover feature of Influential Women Magazine, further underscoring the platform's growing visibility and reach. Alongside the magazine, Influential Women's podcast continues to expand with conversations featuring top CEOs, founders, investors, and subject matter experts discussing leadership, growth, and modern career paths. What distinguishes Influential Women from traditional media outlets is its focus on thought leadership over coverage. Rather than ranking or awarding success, the platform provides women with structured opportunities to share insight through articles, interviews, podcast appearances, and educational masterclasses. Contributors include leaders from Fortune level companies, venture backed startups, healthcare systems, and emerging technology sectors. The Influential Women LinkedIn presence has become a central distribution channel for this content, helping amplify women's voices while building a visible digital footprint for professionals at all stages of their careers. As the platform grows, its LinkedIn audience has become increasingly engaged, driving conversation around leadership, innovation, and representation in male dominated industries. With continued growth across LinkedIn, editorial media, and audio platforms, Influential Women is positioning itself as one of the most visible and influential media companies dedicated to showcasing women's expertise at scale. For more information about Influential Women, its magazine, podcast, and upcoming masterclasses, visit the platform's official channels. SOURCE Influential Women SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative Labs , a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced today the opening of a new facility in Springville, Utah. This expansion significantly increases production capacity and introduces advanced automation to meet global demand for high-performance health and wellness products. The state-of-the-art facility establishes a scalable platform, allowing partners to achieve faster speed-to-market. Key enhancements include: Innovative Labs Expanded liquid manufacturing lines for high-absorption formats. New powder stick pack production to meet consumer demand for convenience. Advanced R&D labs focused on flavor science and delivery systems. Streamlined operational efficiency to support high-volume distribution. "This expansion is a direct response to the massive growth in the wellness sector and the demand for higher-quality production standards," said Brandon Eriksson, CEO of Innovative Labs. "With our enhanced liquid production capabilities, we are better positioned than ever to serve as a trusted strategic partner for companies developing sophisticated liquid formulations. This milestone underscores our dedication to excellence and our passion for helping clients accelerate their success in dynamic markets." Innovation and quality remain central to the company's approach. Innovative Labs' Innovation Center is staffed by PhD Steve Wood, alongside industry scientists who specialize in flavor science, advanced delivery systems, and market-driven formulation. The company also maintains extensive certifications, including SQF Level 3, reflecting the highest level of food safety and quality compliance and supporting consumer trust. Looking ahead, the company is focused on defining the future of wellness manufacturing. This expansion is just the beginning of a long-term investment in science and infrastructure designed to help the world's most ambitious consumer brands scale with speed and certainty. About Innovative Labs Founded in 2008, Innovative Labs is a premier CDMO for the health and wellness industry. The company specializes in transforming complex concepts into shelf-ready products through PhD-led R&D, flavor science, and high-volume manufacturing. From sustainable sourcing to innovative formulations, multiple product forms (liquids, gels, powders, etc.), and packaging solutions (pouches, sachets, jars, bottles, and tubes), the company ensures speed, safety, and compliance at every step. Headquartered in Springville, Utah, Innovative Labs empowers brands to scale with speed and precision. Media & Sales Contact Phone: (801) 802-7300 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Innovative Labs GREAT NECK, N.Y., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With more clients seeking targeted solutions for pigmentation, scarring, and skin texture concerns, Laser by Aleya is helping patients navigate the growing conversation around laser treatments versus microneedling. As these two popular procedures offer different outcomes and benefits, choosing the right one depends on the skin's unique condition, sensitivity, and long-term goals. Founder Aleya Bamdad, a licensed professional with 20 years of experience in New York laser and electrolysis hair removal services, has seen a surge in questions around these two modalities. Her clinic now offers personalized treatment planning to help clients determine whether laser technology or microneedling may better suit their skin type and lifestyle. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to skin rejuvenation," said Bamdad. "We evaluate the skin's needs and the client's comfort level, then explain the benefits and healing timelines clearly before deciding on a course of action." How the Treatments Compare While both laser and microneedling aim to stimulate collagen production, their methods differ significantly. Laser treatments use focused light energy to target pigmentation, redness, and deeper textural concerns. Laser by Aleya uses advanced diode laser technology to address sun damage, broken capillaries, and discoloration, with minimal downtime. use focused light energy to target pigmentation, redness, and deeper textural concerns. Laser by Aleya uses advanced diode laser technology to address sun damage, broken capillaries, and discoloration, with minimal downtime. Microneedling, on the other hand, uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin, prompting the body's natural repair response. It is often used to reduce fine lines, acne scarring, and overall tone irregularities, and can be gentler on more sensitive skin types. Choosing the Right Path Forward Clients are encouraged to schedule consultations where skincare history, treatment goals, and upcoming lifestyle factors are all taken into account. For example, individuals planning a vacation or outdoor event may prefer one treatment over the other due to post-care sun sensitivity. Those managing active breakouts or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may find a customized blend of services offers the best results. Each plan at Laser by Aleya is built around education, transparency, and comfort. Clients receive post-treatment protocols, realistic expectations, and access to follow-up care. Why Personalized Guidance Matters The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reported that over 3.6 million skin rejuvenation procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2023, with lasers and microneedling leading the list. However, combining multiple services without clear guidance can result in adverse outcomes. This is where expert-led planning plays a critical role. Laser by Aleya continues to emphasize clear communication and ethical aesthetics, empowering clients to make informed decisions without pressure or confusion. About Laser by Aleya Laser by Aleya is a leading provider of New York laser and electrolysis hair removal services based in Great Neck. Founded by Aleya Bamdad, a certified expert with two decades of experience, the clinic specializes in safe, personalized treatments that prioritize both results and long-term skin health. Services include laser hair removal, electrolysis, post-laser skincare support, and customized treatment plans for diverse skin types. Contact Aleya Bamdad Founder & CEO Email: [email protected] Phone: (516) 551-8194 SOURCE Laser by Aleya NEW YORK and HONG KONG, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexington Partners ("Lexington"), one of the world's largest and most experienced managers of secondary private equity and co-investment funds, today announced the appointment of YS Yang as a Senior Advisor based in Seoul, Korea. Mr. Yang is the former CEO of STIC Alternative in Korea, and, before that, served as the Head of Alternative Investments and Investment Strategies at Korea's National Pension Service. Lexington established a presence in Asia more than a decade ago, opening an office in Hong Kong in 2010. Lexington has raised significant capital in Asia from sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, financial institutions, and public pensions. Mr. Yang's appointment as Senior Advisor is expected to further strengthen Lexington's long-standing relationships in the region, where the private equity market continues to expand. Commenting on Mr. Yang's appointment, John Lee, Partner of Lexington, said, "We are excited to have YS join Lexington as a Senior Advisor, strengthening our relationships and network in Korea. He brings to his role significant experience and network from his time working for some of Korea's most distinguished institutions." YS Yang graduated from Seoul National University with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics. About Lexington Partners Lexington Partners is one of the world's largest and most successful managers of secondary private equity and co-investment funds, with over $82 billion of total capitalization. The firm helped pioneer the development of the institutional secondary market over 35 years ago and created one of the first independent, discretionary co-investment programs 27 years ago. Lexington provides strategic, customized liquidity solutions to global investors and private equity sponsors alike, supported by its dedicated and well-capitalized secondary, continuation vehicle, and co-investment platforms. Lexington's experienced professionals are strategically located in major centers for private equity and alternative asset investing across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Lexington is the global secondary private equity and co-investments specialist investment manager of Franklin Templeton. Additional information can be found at lexingtonpartners.com. Media Contact: Todd Fogarty, Kekst CNC, [email protected] SOURCE Lexington Partners LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Liberty Hill Foundation announced today the expansion of its executive leadership team to strengthen the organization's infrastructure and advance its mission for supporting grassroots organizing in LA County during this critical moment in history. Liberty Hill has appointed Manal J. Aboelata as Chief Program Officer, Nisha Randhava as Chief Advancement Officer, and Corey Matthews as Chief Strategy Officer. These leadership additions come at a time when community-based organizations across Los Angeles are being asked to respond to overlapping crisesfrom climate disasters to threats to democracyoften operating with limited and fragmented resources. As a result, Liberty Hill is investing in the leadership and infrastructure required to strengthen grassroots power, align philanthropy, and support long-term, community-led solutions. "This moment requires philanthropy to operate differently," said Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President and CEO of Liberty Hill Foundation. "Building people-powered change at the scale our communities need demands strategic partnership across movements, alignment across funders, and long-term investment in community-rooted leadership and policy change. These leadership additions position Liberty Hill to both deepen our impact and contribute to a more coordinated, effective philanthropic ecosystem in Los Angeles." Strengthening Programmatic and Movement Infrastructure As Chief Program Officer, Manal J. Aboelata will lead Liberty Hill's Movement Infrastructure Department, overseeing grantmaking, capacity-building, and government partnerships that enable grassroots organizations to win, sustain gains, and build long-term power. Her portfolio includes internal initiatives such as the Wally Marks Leadership Institute, and external programs such as the organization's Fund for Change grant making program, Ready to Rise, and Stay Housed LA. Aboelata brings more than two decades of experience advancing health equity, racial justice, and community-centered systems change. Most recently, she served as Managing Director at The California Endowment, where she led Inclusive Community Development strategies statewide and supported community-driven grantmaking across Los Angeles. Prior to that, Aboelata was Deputy Executive Director at Prevention Institute, where she spent nearly 20 years advancing policies and building collaborations to improve conditions for community health. Expanding Philanthropic Capacity As Chief Advancement Officer, Nisha Randhava will lead Liberty Hill's Advancement Department, overseeing individual donor fundraising, donor engagement & organizing, the Upton Sinclair Dinner, Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles, and long-term fundraising growth. She will work to deepen relationships with existing supporters while building pathways to engage new donors seeking to invest in progressive, movement-driven change. Randhava previously held senior fundraising leadership roles at The Nature Conservancy, the ACLU of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), where she helped align philanthropy with long-term social justice outcomes. Aligning Strategy and External Engagement As Chief Strategy Officera newly created role designed to deepen integration across the organization's strategy, programs, and cross-sector external engagement with civic, business, academic, and community stakeholdersCorey Matthews will strengthen alignment across Liberty Hill's organizational strategies and external engagement. In this increasingly complex funding landscape, cross-sector collaboration has become essential to create monumental impact and drive systems change. His role is designed to bring cohesion across the foundation's work with philanthropic institutions, civic leaders, and cross-sector partners. Matthews joins Liberty Hill from JPMorganChase, where he served as Vice President of Global Philanthropy in Los Angeles and led regional grantmaking strategies focused on economic inclusion, affordable housing, and workforce development. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Community Coalition in South Los Angeles, and Vice President at LeadersUpa national talent intermediary where he worked on the executive teams to build and scale programs, engage government, form partnerships, and advance solutions that furthered the interests and met the needs of community. Positioning for the Next 50 Years As Liberty Hill celebrates its 50th anniversary, these leadership appointments reflect not only an investment in organizational capacity, but a commitment to helping shape the next era of social justice philanthropy in Los Angeles, one grounded in trust, coordination, and long-term partnership with community leaders and peer funders alike. Together, the expanded executive team will support Liberty Hill's mission to advance justice by investing in grassroots power, strengthening movement infrastructure, and ensuring Los Angeles communities have the resources and support needed to thrive. About Liberty Hill Foundation Liberty Hill Foundation is a laboratory for social change philanthropy. We leverage the power of community organizers, donor activists, and allies to advance social justice through strategic investment in grants, leadership training, and campaigns. We envision a society in which all people have a powerful voice, including those currently shut out of our democracy, people cut off from opportunities because of their skin color, gender or sexual orientation, where they live, or where they were born. We will not rest until society provides justice and equality for all. SOURCE Liberty Hill Foundation DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maharashtra at Davos announced a landmark investment package totalling approximately USD 360 billion, positioning the state as the most preferred investment destination. The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced these investments while leading the state delegation to the Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating Maharashtra Pavilion at Davos with Minister Industries, Uday Samant (R) and Principal Secretary Industries, Dr. P Anbalagan IAS (L) These investment commitments include MoUs and public announcements that cumulatively represent employment potential for 3 to 4 million people. Around 83 percent of the announced investments are FDI driven, with commitments coming from more than 18 countries, including the US, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain, Canada, Belgium, Austria and others. The deals span both investment projects and strategic partnerships. Sectors highlighted in the announcements reflect global priorities in technology and sustainability. Major focuses are quantum computing, AI data centres, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable energy, green steel, EVs and battery ecosystems, advanced healthcare and biotech, circular economy initiatives, agri tech and food processing, and digital infrastructure. Several investments are structured to include foreign technology partners to accelerate knowledge transfer and local manufacturing. Two flagship greenfield city development projects were unveiled with global investment commitments of about USD 11 billion each. One of which, the Maharashtra Innovation City, spread across 100 acres, is designed as a global AI and data centre hub, envisaged to host advanced research, innovation ecosystems and large-scale AI data infrastructure. The other, Raigad Pen Growth Centre, spread across 1200 acres and a part of Mumbai 3.0 initiative, is intended to decongest and expand the Mumbai metropolitan region with smart infrastructure and sustainable urban design. Maharashtra underscored its track record on converting investment intent into implemented projects. The state reported a 75 percent conversion rate for MoUs signed at WEF 2025, reflecting streamlined land allocation, coordinated inter-department approvals and mission-mode facilitation for project execution. During Davos, the Chief Minister held bilateral meetings and roundtables with global business leaders, financial institutions and development partners on topics including digital governance, climate finance, urban infrastructure and sector-specific collaborations. This reaffirms Maharashtra's aim to be a global manufacturing and innovation magnet and invites international companies seeking scale, skills and strategic partnerships in India to explore opportunities across the state of Maharashtra. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872554/Maharashtra_Pavilion.jpg SOURCE Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra Submarine in training China Military Online) 13:52, January 29, 2026 A submarine attached to a flotilla with the navy under the Chinese PLA Northern Theater Command steams on the sea during a maritime training exercise on January 4, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Nan) A submarine attached to a flotilla with the navy under the Chinese PLA Northern Theater Command steams on the sea during a maritime training exercise on January 4, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Nan) A submarine attached to a flotilla with the navy under the Chinese PLA Northern Theater Command steams on the sea during a maritime training exercise on January 4, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Nan) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Issued on behalf of Golden Goose Resources Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary The global mining industry is making a decisive shift toward brownfield expansion[1]. A recent study confirms that capital is now flowing primarily into existing mine infrastructure instead of risky new discoveries. These brownfield restarts deliver production timelines that are 50% to 70% faster than greenfield projects[2]. By using pre-existing permits and infrastructure, developers can significantly lower their capital investment and lower their development risk. This structural shift is putting a bright spotlight on Golden Goose Resources Corp. (CSE: GGR), San Lorenzo Gold (TSXV: SLG) (OTCPK: SNLGF), Solitario Resources (NYSE-A: XPL) (TSX: SLR), TRX Gold (NYSE-A: TRX) (TSX: TRX), and LaFleur Minerals (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF). Large-scale mining deals are projected to rise by 45% through 2026 as major producers look for assets with established infrastructure[3]. With gold producers now seeing operating margins that exceed $3,000 per ounce, the competition for high-quality assets is reaching a peak[4]. This cycle favors companies that are positioned along the production pathway with proven metallurgy and multiple technical advantages. For the retail investor, the primary value driver is the combination of fast-tracked production and a record price environment. Golden Goose Resources Corp. (CSE: GGR) is a Canadian mineral exploration company that has just taken a major step forward in its strategy to build a portfolio of high-grade precious metal projects across proven mining jurisdictions. The company announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Valcheta Exploraciones S.A.S. to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Gran Esperanza Project, a district-scale epithermal gold-silver property in Rio Negro Province, Argentina. For investors unfamiliar with the company, Golden Goose Resources is focused on exploring and advancing gold, silver, and lithium assets in both South America and Canada. Gran Esperanza now represents what management describes as a transformative addition to the portfolio, covering approximately 44,400 hectares of year-round accessible terrain. "Signing the Definitive Agreement for Gran Esperanza represents an important milestone and transformative step for Golden Goose," said Dustin Nanos, CEO of Golden Goose. "The Project stands out due to its favorable structural and geological setting, confirmation of numerous surface-exposed vein networks, excellent historical reported grades, and outstanding site access. During a site visit in December, our team visited confirmed gold-mineralized veins on the property. Despite being preliminary, these results and observed vein density are very encouraging. The information collected to date positions Gran Esperanza as a compelling, drill-ready exploration project with the potential to rapidly deliver high-impact results. We look forward to advancing the project through systematic surface exploration programs on the property." The Gran Esperanza Project sits in the Los Menucos District within the North Patagonian Massif, a region gaining attention for its high-grade precious metal potential. Historical work on the property has mapped over 10 kilometres of low-sulfidation epithermal gold veins exposed at surface, with veins averaging between one and five metres in width. Perhaps most compelling for investors, historical channel sampling has returned grades up to 2.0 metres at 24.0 grams per tonne gold, while rock chip samples have hit as high as 24.4 grams per tonne gold. During a December 2025 site visit, Golden Goose Resources collected four rock-chip samples from exposed mineralized veins, with three returning gold values above 2.0 grams per tonne, including one sample grading 14.34 grams per tonne gold. The property benefits from excellent infrastructure, located just two kilometres from a paved highway with gentle topography and numerous secondary roads providing year-round access. Adding to the project's appeal, Golden Goose Resources is surrounded by major operators in the district, including Southern Copper, which controls an adjacent ready-to-drill target. CONTINUED Read this and more news for Golden Goose Resources at: https://equity-insider.com/2026/01/28/two-gold-projects-two-major-neighbors-what-does-this-junior-know-that-the-market-doesnt/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: San Lorenzo Gold (TSXV: SLG) (OTCPK: SNLGF) has intersected five sections of mineralization totaling 222.4 meters in the first hole of its current drilling program at the Salvadora property in Chile. Hole SAL-04-25 delivered 1.09 grams per tonne gold over 132.2 metres with four additional mineralized intervals suggesting continuation of the porphyry system encountered 350 meters to the southwest, anchored by chargeability and resistivity anomalies identified during expanded geophysical programs. The mineralization represents upper levels of a porphyry system at Cerro Blanco with significant alteration visible 1.7 kilometers to the northeast warranting additional induced polarization surveying and follow-up drilling. San Lorenzo Gold is advancing Phase 6 drilling across multiple targets at Salvadora with management confident that several significant gold and copper enriched epithermal and porphyry style systems exist within the property boundaries based on prior drilling results from four different target areas. Solitario Resources (NYSE-A: XPL) (TSX: SLR) acquired the Bright Angel copper-gold project in Colorado, where mineralized porphyry stockwork contains significant values of gold and copper over an area approximately 750 metres long and 600 metres wide. The property was originally discovered in the late 1960s and drilled by Anaconda Copper in 1970, but has sat idle for 50 years until Solitario Resources acquired rights to earn 100% interest in September 2025, with surface sampling returning consistently anomalous to strong gold and copper values. "With gold and copper prices at all-time highs, we are extremely excited about the potential of our newly acquired Bright Angel gold-copper property," said Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario Resources. "Our geologic evaluation of Bright Angel is that it is an alkaline pipe-like porphyry system characterized by potentially high grades for both gold and copper with deep roots." The company has submitted a Notice of Intent to the U.S. Forest Service to commence exploration drilling and is working on submitting a Plan of Operations. Solitario Resources maintains a diversified portfolio including the Golden Crest gold project in South Dakota, the Cat Creek molybdenum-rhenium project in Colorado, and joint venture interests in the Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE-A: TRX) delivered record results in Q1 2026, pouring 6,597 ounces of gold and selling 6,492 ounces at an average realized price of $3,860 per ounce, generating revenue of $25.1 million and EBITDA of $13.2 million. The company achieved a 57% gross profit margin while maintaining zero lost time injuries at its Buckreef Gold operation in Tanzania. "In Q1, we once again delivered record results, in line with guidance shared last quarter, pouring a record 6,597 ounces of gold and selling 6,492 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $3,860 per ounce, generating revenue of $25.1 million, gross profit of $14.2 million (57% margin) and EBITDA of $13.2 million (53% margin)," said Stephen Mullowney, CEO of TRX Gold. "The strong cash flow in a record gold price environment has enabled us to meaningfully reinvest in TRX Gold's growth." TRX Gold remains on track to achieve fiscal 2026 production guidance of 25,000-30,000 ounces at total cash costs of $1,400-$1,600 per ounce. The company has grown its ROM stockpile to an estimated 22,891 ounces of contained gold and is executing plans to expand processing capacity to 3,000+ tpd. LaFleur Minerals (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) is advancing its Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Swanson Gold Deposit while progressing restart work at its fully-permitted Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The company recently closed $7.8 million in financing to fully fund the mill restart, with the facility currently rated at 750 tonnes per day capacity and scalable to 1,000 tpd under the PEA base case. "LaFleur Minerals is pleased with the technical milestones achieved to date, which represent strong progress as we advance toward delivery of a fully integrated PEA for our 100%-owned Swanson Gold Deposit and nearby Beacon Gold Mill," said Paul Teniere, CEO of LaFleur Minerals. "This work positions the Company to continue to fast track its streamlined development strategy centred on a restart of gold production at the Beacon Gold Mill located within one of Canada's most established and well-supported Abitibi Gold Belt and Val-Dor, Quebec, gold-mining districts." The Swanson Gold Project holds a total Indicated Mineral Resource of 123,400 ounces of contained gold at 1.8 g/t and Inferred Resource of 64,500 ounces at 2.3 g/t. LaFleur Minerals is evaluating longer-term expansion scenarios to 3,000-4,000 tpd, supported by potential rail infrastructure enhancements with Canadian National Railway for efficient material transport. Article Sources: https://equity-insider.com/2026/01/28/two-gold-projects-two-major-neighbors-what-does-this-junior-know-that-the-market-doesnt/ CONTACT: Equity Insider [email protected] (604) 999-4849 DISCLAIMER: : Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity-Insider.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is is being distributed for Maynard Communications ("MAY"), who has been paid a fee for an advertising campaign. MIQ has not been paid a fee for Golden Goose Resources Corp. advertising or digital media, but expects to be paid a fee from ("MAY"). There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Golden Goose Resources Corp, and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Golden Goose Resources Corp. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Golden Goose Resources Corp. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Golden Goose Resources Corp.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Golden Goose Resources Corp. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. SOURCES: Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2840019/5742618/Equity_Insider_Logo.jpg House of Representatives Passes HB 2476, Standing With Farmers to Protect Critical Ag Tools OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kansas House of Representatives advanced House Bill 2476, a critical bill that will ensure farmers' continued access to the essential crop protection tools that help sustain our nation's food supply, with a final action vote of 81-36. If HB 2476 becomes law, Kansas will join North Dakota & Georgia as the third state to pass this critical legislation. "Kansas farmers thank the House for taking swift action to protect the tools that help keep food on the table and prices in check," said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. "If farmers are stripped of trusted crop protection tools, their costs will rise, and working families end up paying more at the grocery store. This vote stands up for farmers and consumers alike and sends a clear message that Kansas is a farmer-friendly state." HB 2476 ensures that federally approved pesticide labels are the law in Kansas and that companies are not subject to endless lawsuits for following the law. The bill was amended by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to clarify that its provisions are narrowly limited to specific causes of action. HB 2476 simply codifies longstanding Kansas case law by confirming that any pesticide registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sold with an EPA-approved label fully satisfies the state's health and safety warning requirements, while also maintaining Kansas's ability to regulate pesticide use within its borders. HB 2476 is supported by Kansas' leading agricultural and business organizations, including: Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Kansas Grain and Feed Association Kansas Chamber of Commerce Kansas Corn Kansas Wheat Kansas Sorghum Producers Kansas Cotton Association Kansas Soybean Association Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association Crop protection tools are the backbone of modern farming, helping growers maintain high yields and low costs while implementing conservation practices that reduce on-site fuel use, lower carbon emissions, and limit soil erosion. These products are essential to Kansas crop production, especially corn, wheat, soy, sorghum, and cottonkey contributors to the state's $27 billion agricultural economy. "Farmers deeply appreciate the leadership of House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ken Rahjes, Vice Chairman Lance Neelly, and Representative Angel Roeser in advancing this important legislation," said Burns-Thompson. "We urge the Kansas Senate to pass this bill and send it to Governor Kelly's desk without delay." About The Modern Ag Alliance The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 110 agricultural organizations advocating for U.S. farmers' access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure a robust, affordable domestic food, fuel, and fiber supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Modern Ag Alliance WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) today announced it has adopted 1-800-MY-RESET as the new National Problem Gambling Helpline number, designed to be memorable and easily accessible for the public. 1-800-MY-RESET is now live and operational to receive calls. The adoption of the new number strengthens national visibility for the Helpline and supports NCPG's ongoing network modernization efforts. 1-800-MY-RESET is neutral, non-stigmatizing, and user-defined, signaling that individuals can reach out for support at any point in their relationship with gambling. Calls to 1-800-MY-RESET will connect individuals to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network, which serves as a single point of access to 24 contact centers across the United States, staffed by trained professionals who meet internationally recognized helpline quality standards. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7, is free and confidential, and provides support and referrals to local resources. "Problem gambling support should never be limited to a single moment or a single definition of harm," said Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors. "1-800-MY-RESET reinforces that the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at any stagewhether someone is worried about themselves, concerned about a family member, or simply looking for trusted guidance. Making the Helpline number easier to remember is a practical, meaningful step toward reducing barriers to care." Nearly 20 million U.S. adults report experiencing at least one indicator of gambling-related harm in the past year, according to NCPG research . As legal gambling continues to expand across the United States, NCPG is committed to ensuring help for a gambling problem is always available and accessible. Improving the memorability of the National Helpline number is part of a broader public awareness strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm by educating communities, reducing stigma, and bringing gambling addiction to the forefront of public health efforts nationwide. "With gambling now more accessible than ever, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical lifeline," said NCPG Executive Director Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE. "Making the number easier to remember helps ensure people across the country can quickly connect with high-quality, confidential support when they need it." While the new easy-to-remember number strengthens national awareness and memorability, existing National Problem Gambling Helpline access points, including 1-800-522-4700, will remain active. Broader adoption and promotion of a 1-800-MY-RESET will vary by jurisdiction due to state-level regulatory requirements and policies. NCPG encourages states and regulators to authorize and promote the new National Problem Gambling Helpline number to help ensure consistent, equitable access to support nationwide. NCPG will continue working collaboratively with regulators, operators, state affiliates, and public health partners to strengthen problem gambling safeguards. Additional education and awareness efforts related to 1-800-MY-RESET will roll out throughout 2026 and 2027. About the National Council on Problem Gambling The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-MY-RESET or visit www.1800myreset.org. Help is available 24/7 it is free and confidential. CONTACT: Julie Chase / 202-997-8677 [email protected] SOURCE NCPG ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International announced today that it is continuing its long-standing partnership with Nissan. For more than 20 years, Nissan has supported Habitat through disaster recovery efforts, new home construction, team builds, and community development work in communities in the United States. Josh Scott, Director of Manufacturing Operations, Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant with Merrill McKewen, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area Nissan employees volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Rutherford County Area in Murfreesboro, TN. As part of its 2026 commitment, Nissan will partner with 10 Habitat affiliates across the United States, including Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (Jackson, Miss.); Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville (Nashville, Tenn.); Habitat for Humanity Rutherford County Area (Murfreesboro, Tenn.); Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County (Pontiac, Mich.); and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity (Dallas, Texas), to support home building projects. Nissan will also donate durable work trucks to aid Habitat's efforts. The 2026 Nissan Frontier recipients are Holston Habitat for Humanity (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area. Since the partnership began in 2005, Nissan has made financial contributions of more than $21 million and donated more than 160 vehicles to local Habitat affiliates to support the non-profit's efforts. "At Nissan, we believe mobility is about more than the vehicles we manufacture. It's also about helping people move forward in life. That's why partnering with Habitat for Humanity is so important to us. Safe, stable housing strengthens families, fuels economic opportunity, and builds the kind of resilient communities where people can thrive," said Ali Tonn, Nissan's senior manager of Philanthropy. "We're especially proud of our employees, who bring this commitment to life by volunteering their time and talent on Habitat build sites across the country. Their dedication reflects the heart of our company and our shared belief in creating brighter, more sustainable futures for the communities we serve." Nissan first partnered with Habitat when the company donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to support rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Over the years, Nissan employees have logged more than 180,000 volunteer hours to help build more than 300 Habitat homes in nine markets. Nissan has previously sponsored Habitat's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the Home is the Key campaign. "For more than two decades, Nissan has been instrumental in our efforts to create a world where everyone has a safe, decent and affordable place to call home," said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. "We are extremely grateful to have a partner like Nissan that shares our commitment to supporting families and strengthening communities, and we are excited to see what all we will accomplish through our partnership this year." About Nissan For more information about Nissan products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow Nissan on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. About Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We've done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org. SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International MARYVILLE, Mo. , Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Missouri State University is expanding its online program portfolio with a focus on three graduate offerings. Northwest's partnership with education technology company Risepoint supports programs designed to expand opportunities for working professionals who serve schools, districts and community organizations across the region. The new programs are: While Missouri continues to face significant staffing pressures across its education workforce, particularly in high-need areas, a recent analysis from the Hunt Institute shows 43 percent of Missouri schools have at least one vacancy in special education making it the most challenging certification area to staff in the state. As districts work to recruit and retain qualified educators and specialists, the demand for flexible and accessible education continues to grow. The online programs offered through Northwest provide accessible options for professionals who want to step into leadership roles or fill critical roles in their communities. By expanding online offerings in fields tied to the state's most persistent workforce needs, Northwest is helping strengthen the pipeline of teachers, specialists and leaders who support Missouri's schools and communities. The effort also builds on Northwest's longstanding commitment to meeting regional and statewide workforce needs through accessible, high-quality education. With a School of Education that consistently achieves full employment in its graduate placement, and a connected network of more than 80,000 alumni, the University continues to invest in pathways that support learners at every stage of their careers. All courses are taught by professional faculty, ensuring students receive expert-led instruction throughout their studies. "These programs allow us to extend our impact and strengthen how we serve the communities that rely on Northwest for prepared educators and professionals," Dr. Greg Haddock, Northwest's associate provost of graduate, international and online learning, said. "Expanding our partnership with Risepoint helps us continue to meet students where they are and offer flexible options without compromising the quality that defines a Northwest education." Together, Northwest and Risepoint are focused on strengthening online programs that align with regional needs and remove barriers for working adults seeking to advance in their fields. "Northwest Missouri State has a powerful legacy of impact," Fernando Bleichmar, the chief executive officer at Risepoint, said. "We are proud to expand our partnership as the University creates more accessible pathways that support local schools and empower graduates to make an impact within their community." Interested applicants can learn more about each program by visiting the Graduate certificate in therapeutic recreation, Central office and special education director district level post-master's certificate, and Central office and superintendent district level post-master's certificate webpages. About Northwest Missouri State University With an enrollment of about 8,500 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus and online. Northwest is a national model for student success that places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers and build their resumes in nearly every area of study. The University's vibrant and diverse learning community also offers more than 150 student organizations. Furthermore, Northwest offers generous financial assistance, with textbooks and a laptop included in undergraduate tuition, providing students a more affordable path toward degree completion. For more information, visit nwmissouri.edu. About Risepoint Risepoint is an education technology company that partners with more than 100 universities and colleges to grow affordable, workforce-focused online programs. By supporting regional universities, Risepoint helps expand access to high-demand degrees in nursing, teaching, business and public service. Learn more at risepoint.com. For this news release and more information about Northwest Missouri State University, visit our Media Center at www.nwmissouri.edu/media/. SOURCE Risepoint TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympic Move Group and Move Northwest are pleased to announce the launch of MoveLogistiX, their new Commercial Logistics Division. MoveLogistiX expands the organizations' moving & storage service offerings with a dedicated focus on commercial and commodities shipping both domestically and internationally. Logistics That Move Smarter "MoveLogistiX allows us to better serve our commercial clients with a dedicated logistics team and expanded capabilities," said Rob Schmidt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "It strengthens our ability to support complex shipping needs while delivering the consistency and pricing advantages our customers expect." Backed by the proven operational strength of Olympic Move Group and Move Northwest, MoveLogistiX delivers full-service logistics solutions including transportation, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain coordination. The new division is designed to support businesses seeking reliable, scalable logistics solutions supported by industry expertise and a strong national network. About Olympic Move Group: Olympic Move Group is a moving and logistics organization providing comprehensive relocation, storage, logistics, and workplace solutions. As the parent company of Move Northwest, Olympic Moving & Storage, Jump Box Mobile Storage, Peak Office Interiors, and now, MoveLogistiX, Olympic Move Group delivers a strong suite of services backed by decades of industry experience. Through its family of companies, Olympic Move Group supports residential, commercial, and logistics needs with a commitment to reliability, expertise, and customer-focused service. Contact: Robert Schmidt VP of Sales & Marketing Olympic Move Group Email: [email protected] Phone: (888) 908-3144 www.movelogistix.com SOURCE Olympic Move Group Best-in-Class Performance, Productivity, and Value for Large-Area Cleaning HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing the persistent demand for efficient and powerful cleaning solutions in large facilities, ONYX Systems, LLC announces the launch of its new RX32 Ride-On Floor Scrubber. This advanced equipment sets a new benchmark in the 32-inch ride-on scrubber category, engineered to deliver exceptional cleaning power, productivity, and value. To explore the full capabilities of the RX32 and learn how it can transform your facility's cleaning operations, visit https://www.onyxsolutions.com. ONYX RX32 ONYX RX32 Engineered for deep-cleaning performance in large facilities, the RX32 features a heavy-duty dual-head 32-inch cleaning path and is powered by a robust 650W front drive motor. This design delivers the speed, strength, and reliability required in demanding environments. With a rugged cast aluminum cleaning head, best-in-class solution and recovery tank capacities, and a cleaning productivity rate of up to 56,000 square feet per hour, the RX32 makes large-area commercial floor care faster, more efficient, and easier. Marketing VP Stuart Proctor introduced the RX32, a "game-changer" 32-inch ride-on scrubber setting a new benchmark. It's engineered for superior productivity, effortless ease of use, rugged durability, and best-in-class specifications at a competitive price. "The new RX32 represents a major leap forward in ride-on scrubber performance and value," said Stuart Proctor, Marketing VP. "We focused on improving productivity, ease of use, and durabilitywhile delivering a best-in-class specification at a highly competitive price point." Enhanced Cleaning Productivity The RX32 Ride-On Floor Scrubber incorporates several features designed to optimize operational efficiency and user experience: Exceptional Maneuverability: A 90-degree turning radius and variable drive speed deliver outstanding agility, even in tight or congested spaces. A 90-degree turning radius and variable drive speed deliver outstanding agility, even in tight or congested spaces. LED Headlight: Illuminates the cleaning path and work area for improved visibility and cleaning accuracy. Illuminates the cleaning path and work area for improved visibility and cleaning accuracy. Superior Productivity: Best-in-class solution and recovery tank capacities enable longer runtimes between refills and drains. Best-in-class solution and recovery tank capacities enable longer runtimes between refills and drains. Intuitive Controls: User-friendly control panel with clear button layout and real-time battery charge indicator simplifies operation. User-friendly control panel with clear button layout and real-time battery charge indicator simplifies operation. Effortless Operation: Simple drive and brake pedals with variable speed control enhance operator confidence and comfort. Simple drive and brake pedals with variable speed control enhance operator confidence and comfort. Quick-Change Brush & Pad Drivers: Easily swap brushes or pads to match different floor types and cleaning requirements. Easily swap brushes or pads to match different floor types and cleaning requirements. Integrated Pressure Washing Gun: Delivers 60 PSI for spot cleaning floors and rinsing the recovery tank. Delivers 60 PSI for spot cleaning floors and rinsing the recovery tank. On-Board Charger: Convenient charging without the need for external equipment. Convenient charging without the need for external equipment. ECO Mode: Extends runtime by reducing vacuum motor output when full power is not required. Extends runtime by reducing vacuum motor output when full power is not required. Adjustable Head Pressure: Easily selectable pressure settings optimize cleaning performance and battery efficiency. Easily selectable pressure settings optimize cleaning performance and battery efficiency. Fast Drain System: Large drain port enables rapid emptying of the recovery tank. Large drain port enables rapid emptying of the recovery tank. Floating Head Skirt: Minimizes wall splatter while maintaining consistent cleaning performance. Versatile Application The RX32 is compatible with a wide range of brushes and pads in varying stiffness levels, making it ideal for virtually any facility type. From hotels, hospitals, and schools to shopping malls, campuses, transit hubs, warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial complexes, the RX32 delivers consistent results, high cleaning productivity, and dependable performance. With the launch of the RX32, ONYX continues its commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance floor care equipment solutions that help facilities cleaners and building service contractors clean smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Media Contact: Stuart Proctor, VP of Marketing, ONYX [email protected] About ONYX Based in North Carolina, ONYX is a cutting-edge manufacturer of floor scrubbers, burnishers and concrete polishers, dedicated to enhancing productivity and maximizing cost savings through innovative, high-performance cleaning, and advanced polishing technology. With a commitment to innovation, ONYX is at the forefront of eco-friendly technology. Our mission is to deliver fast, simple, reliable products that empower you to become your best. For more information contact us at: https://www.onyxsolutions.com/contact-onyx SOURCE ONYX SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parsons Behle & Latimer (Parsons) is pleased to announce that attorney Connie Rogers has received the American Exploration & Mining Association's (AEMA's) 2025 President's Award, honoring her longstanding service and leadership within the organization and the broader mining industry. Parsons' Shareholder Connie Rogers The award was presented at AEMA's recent annual convention and is selected each year by the association's president of the Board of Trustees to recognize an individual who has provided significant or special service to AEMA. This year's designation read: "2025 President's Award, Connie Rogers, In recognition of your outstanding contributions to the American Exploration & Mining Association as a Trustee, Committee Chair, and trusted advisor to the mining community." Rogers was recognized for her past service on AEMA's Board of Trustees, her role as founding co-chair of the association's Native American Resources and Outreach Committee, and her many years as a presenter in the convention's technical sessions. "I was completely surprised and deeply honored to have been chosen by AEMA President Jay Gear (Coeur Mining) to receive the 2025 President's Award at the annual convention," Rogers said. "It is always a pleasure working with Jay, the great team at AEMA and the Board of Trustees on issues of real importance to the U.S. mining industry." Gear, vice president of environment and permitting at Coeur Mining and AEMA's 2025 president, presented the award and highlighted Rogers' impact on the organization and its members. "Connie's leadership and steady guidance through complex issues are widely recognized and respected," Gear said. Mark Compton AEMA's executive director said Rogers' contributions have helped shape the association and strengthen the mining industry as a whole. "We were very glad to honor Connie Rogers' tremendous contributions to AEMA and the mining industry during our 131st Annual Meeting," Compton said. "Connie has selflessly given her time and expertise to make AEMA a strong and relevant organization and the mining community a better place." At Parsons Behle & Latimer, Rogers has been counseling clients in environmental & natural resources; energy; mining, including permitting, regulatory compliance, land use, water issues and matters involving Tribal governments and indigenous peoples for more than 25 years. She is widely regarded as a trusted adviser to mining companies navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder challenges. Lisa A. Kirschner, a Parsons Behle & Latimer environmental and water law attorney and an AEMA board member, praised Rogers' influence within the organization. "Connie is a leader in every sense of the word," Kirschner said. "Her insight, integrity and commitment to collaboration have strengthened AEMA and advanced meaningful dialogue across the mining industry." Parsons is proud to celebrate Rogers' achievement and congratulates her on receiving the well-deserved 2025 AEMA President's Award About Parsons Behle & Latimer (General and Utah) Established in Salt Lake City in 1882, Parsons Behle & Latimer's (Parsons) more than 210 attorneys deliver an in-depth range of experience to its clients in the following industries: agriculture; banking and financial services; construction; dental; energy; healthcare; manufacturing; mining; natural resources; oil and gas; real estate; resorts and recreation; start-ups and venture capital; and technology. One of Utah's largest law firms, Parsons remains on the forefront of business and industry trends to help clients accelerate their business objectives. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Parsons has offices in Lehi, Park City and St. George, Utah; Boise, Idaho Falls and Rexburg, Idaho; Helena and Missoula, Montana; Reno, Nevada; and Jackson, Wyoming. To learn more, visit parsonsbehle.com Media contact: Dana Robinson Marketing and Communications Director Parsons Behle & Latimer Phone: 801.536.6647 Mobile: 801.541.4625 [email protected] SOURCE Parsons Behle & Latimer Pennsylvania's statewide initiative will soon give survivors of sexual violence visibility into the status and location of their sexual assault kits. BALTIMORE, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- InVita Healthcare Technologies, a leading provider of specialized software solutions supporting the advancement of Public Health & Safety and Human Biologics, today announced that its Track-Kit Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) tracking system has been selected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to serve as the statewide solution for tracking sexual assault kits, supporting accountability, transparency, and information-sharing across the process. The selection follows the enactment of Act 122 of 2024, which requires Pennsylvania to establish a statewide, electronic sexual assault tracking system administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The law requires participation from the agencies and facilities that collect, transfer, and process sexual assault kit evidence including law enforcement, forensic laboratories, and healthcare providers and ensures survivors can securely and anonymously access kit information and opt in to receive updates as their kit moves throughout the investigative process. Track-Kit is the only complete SAK tracking solution designed to support these statewide requirements through a secure, cloud-based platform that delivers real-time tracking and visibility at every stage of the process from initial collection through forensic analysis to final storage. The system is designed to provide survivors with access to a secure portal to anonymously monitor the status and location of their kits. With this selection, Pennsylvania becomes the 17th state to join the growing Track-Kit community, which is used in states representing more than 40% of the U.S. population. "Public safety professionals work every day to make a real difference in the communities they serve, and our mission is to build technology that helps support and strengthen their work," said Todd Collins, President & CEO of InVita. "We're honored to support Pennsylvania in this initiative and to advance a statewide approach that promotes transparency, accountability, and justice for survivors." About InVita Healthcare Technologies SOURCE InVita Healthcare Technologies MUMBAI, India, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Piramal Pharma Limited (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), a leading global pharmaceutical, health and wellness company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Third Quarter (Q3) and Nine Month (9M) ended 31st December 2025. Consolidated Financial Highlights (in Crores or as stated) Particulars Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 6,117 6,397 (4) % CDMO 1,166 1,278 (9) % 3,207 3,659 (12) % CHG 668 654 2 % 1,948 1,928 1 % PCH 334 278 20 % 954 819 16 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 628 977 (36) % EBITDA Margin 11 % 16 % 10 % 15 % PAT Before Expectational Item (95) 4 NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional Item (41) - NM (20) - NM PAT After Expectational Item (136) 4 NM (317) (62) NM Key Highlights for Q3 and 9M FY26 Revenue growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. growth in Q3/9M FY26 was impacted by inventory destocking in one large on-patent commercial product by customer, slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 due to inconsistent recovery in US biopharma funding along with uncertainties on global trade policies, and regulatory delays in inhalation anesthesia for ex-US markets from Digwal facility. EBITDA Margin Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Despite lower revenues, impact on EBITDA was partly offset by our efforts towards cost optimization and operational excellence. Seeing significant pick-up in RFPs with early signs of recovery in order inflows since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. since October 2025 on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US. Growth Capex - US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest. Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Limited, said, "FY26 has been a muted year for the Company due to impact of inventory destocking and slower early-stage order inflows in H1FY26 in our CDMO business. However, in recent time, we are seeing early signs of recovery with pick-up in RFPs and order inflows on the back of improved biopharma funding and increased M&A activities in the US healthcare space. In our CHG business, we are investing in new products and expanding our presence in the ex-US markets. Acquiring niche brand like Kenalog, which is synergetic to our current business, is an important step in this direction. Our consumer business continues to outperform in its representative markets with robust growth in our power brands. Despite the slower growth in FY26, we continue to believe in long term growth prospects of our businesses and back them with timely investments in capacities and capabilities. Q4 has been historically the strongest quarter for the Company, and we expect this trend to continue this year as well." Key Business Highlights for Q3/9M FY26 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO): Biopharma funding in H2CY25 has shown signs of recovery with funding in H2CY25 close to double vs. H1CY25 and higher by over 50% vs H2CY24. Although, on full year basis CY25 funding was flat vs. CY24. Seeing significant improvement in RFPs along with uptick in order inflow since October 2025. Growth in orders from both large pharma and mid-size biotech companies. RFP/RFI trends for our overseas facilities with differentiated capabilities remained healthy. These sites have superior gross margin and scale up at these facilities can drive profitability going forward. Sustenance of biopharma funding along with faster decision making by the customers would be the key to healthy growth in FY27. US$ 90Mn investment to expand Lexington and Riverview facilities, on track. Seeing good customer interest for our North America sites, especially from those looking for onshoring. Maintained our Best-in-Class Quality Track Record - Successfully closed 30 regulatory inspections, including 2 USFDA inspections in 9MFY26. Continue to maintain our 'Zero OAI' status. Complex Hospital Generics (CHG): Acquired Kenalog - Entered into an agreement to acquire Kenalog from Bristol-Myers Squibb in an all-cash deal for upfront consideration of US$ 35Mn, and contingent consideration of up to US$ 65Mn. Kenalog is a branded commercial injectable product with complex manufacturing requirements, complementing the CHG product portfolio. It is expected to generate EBITDA margin in-line with existing CHG business margins. Inhalation Anesthesia (IA) - Growing faster than market in the mature US Sevoflurane market with value market share of 47% - up from 44% in MAT Mar'24. (Source:- IQVIA) Initiated Sevoflurane supplies from lower cost Digwal facility in RoW markets. However initial pick-up lower than expected due to regulatory delays. Intrathecal Therapy Supply impacted in Q2FY26 have normalized. Maintained our #1 Rank in intrathecal Baclofen in the US with 75% value market share. (Source:- IQVIA) Injectable Pain Management Initiatives to resolve supply constraints starting to yield results. Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH): Power Brands grew strength to strength with 30% / 23% YoY growth during Q3 / 9M FY26, contributing to 51% of total PCH sales. Growth was primarily driven by Little's, Lacto Calamine, CIR, and i-range. New Product Launches Launched 31 new products and SKUs in 9M FY26. Invested about 12% of PCH sales in media and promotions in 9M FY26. E-commerce sales grew at 50% rate YoY in 9M FY26, contributing about 26% to PCH sales. More than 40% of e-commerce sales coming from quick commerce. Optimizing Portfolio and Distribution Channel Mix - Focused efforts to grow profitable brands and distribution channels with better margins. Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement (in Crores or as stated) Particulars Quarterly Nine Months Q3FY26 Q3FY25 YoY % Q2FY26 QoQ % 9MFY26 9MFY25 YoY % Revenue from Operations 2,140 2,204 (3) % 2,044 5 % 6,117 6,397 (4) % Other Income 43 12 256 % 66 (34) % 167 93 80 % Total Income 2,183 2,216 (2) % 2,109 3 % 6,285 6,490 (3) % Material Cost 786 806 (2) % 703 12 % 2,183 2,277 (4) % Employee Expenses 600 556 8 % 611 (2) % 1,830 1,695 8 % Other Expenses 558 504 11 % 571 (2) % 1,643 1,541 7 % EBITDA 239 350 (32) % 224 7 % 628 977 (36) % Interest Expenses 89 103 (14) % 82 8 % 258 318 (19) % Depreciation 213 197 8 % 203 5 % 613 574 7 % Share of Net Profit of Associates 10 17 (40) % 15 (31) % 44 57 (23) % Profit Before Tax (53) 67 NM (46) NM (199) 142 NM Tax 42 63 (33) % 53 (20) % 98 204 (52) % Net Profit after Tax (95) 4 NM (99) NM (297) (62) NM Exceptional item1 (41) - NM - NM (20) - NM Net Profit after Tax after Exceptional Item (136) 4 NM (99) NM (317) (62) NM 1. Q3FY26 - Includes gratuity and leave encashment provision due to impact of change in LWF Act 26 Crs. & Settlement with CDMO customers 15 Crs. 9MFY26 Includes exceptional items of Q3FY26 partially offset by one time insolvency proceeds received in Q1FY26 from a claim filed against a third- party supplier of CHG by 21Crs. Q3 and 9M FY26 Earnings Conference Call Piramal Pharma Limited will be hosting a conference call for investors / analysts on 29th January 2026 from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM (IST) to discuss its Q3 and 9M FY26 Results. The dial-in details for the call are as under: Event Location & Time Telephone Number Conference call on 29th January, 2026 India 09:30 AM IST +91 22 6280 1461 / +91 22 7115 8320 (Primary Number) 1 800 120 1221 (Toll free number) USA 11:00 AM (Eastern Time New York) Toll free number 18667462133 UK 04:00 AM (London Time) Toll free number 08081011573 Singapore 12:00 PM (Singapore Time) Toll free number 8001012045 Hong Kong 12:00 PM (Hong Kong Time) Toll free number 800964448 Express Join with Diamond Pass Please use this link for prior registration to reduce wait time at the time of joining the call Click here About Piramal Pharma Limited: Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL), (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 171 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH) business, selling over-the-counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL's associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market. Further, PPL has a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, that operates in the biologics / bio-therapeutics and vaccine segments. For more information, visit: Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn 1. Includes one facility via PPL's minority investment in Yapan Bio. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1855206/Piramal_Pharma_Limited_Logo.jpg SOURCE Piramal Pharma Limited Florian Zeller, 46, has been triumphing for nearly 30 years in what he does but he still feels like a beginner. He began writing novels in the 2000s, and soon won the Interallie Prize, one of the six most important literary honors in France. He then made the leap to theater, writing for worlds oldest active company, Comedie-Francaise, before making a radical shift into drama, addressing different forms of familial trauma with The Father, The Mother, and The Son, one of contemporary theaters most-performed trilogies. Every step that I have taken in my career has made me new to something, once again. I like not knowing everything and exposing myself to the unknown, he says. That same impulse led him to send a script for the film adaptation of The Father to Anthony Hopkins, an actor he had never met, and who Zeller would wind up directing in his cinematic debut, which won him an Oscar for best adapted screenplay and netted Hopkins his second Oscar for best actor. Thrust into notoriety, Zellers work not just his three most popular plays, but the 15 projects he has written in total have now been staged in nearly 50 countries. Paradoxically, Zeller places a high value on keeping everything under control. He plans ahead for interviews, preferring not to have his photo taken, and gently reprimands anyone who breaks the peace of the still-closed bar of Madrids Ritz Hotel, where our conversation takes place. I have trouble letting things happen without controlling them, he admits. He speaks slowly, pondering his answers, and leans over the table when an obvious passion for storytelling overwhelms him. Were speaking during a break in the filming of his new movie, Bunker, which stars Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, his first-ever original script written for the big screen. It also includes a significant portion in Spanish, a language he does not speak. Its been an intense, honest and beautiful experience, says the author. I truly love them, I really admire [Bardem and Cruz]. Theyve been fearless, exploring intimate territories, emotional territories, and they have been very brave doing it as a couple, because its not so easy. Yes, it has been one of the happiest, most intense and emotionally gratifying experiences of my life. They are both extraordinary actors, theres no doubt, but they are also lovely people. It is his third time directing a film, after having followed The Father with an adaptation of The Son which was much less successful than the trilogys first installment. He wrote Bunker specifically for the famed Spanish couple. He followed a similar process in the film adaptation of The Father, during which he changed the name of the character of Andre to Anthony, so focused was he on getting the U.S. actor for the role, even though it seemed like an unrealizable dream. Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins, in the film version of 'The Father.' Actors are one of the pillars of his writing, and he puts a face on his characters as soon as he starts typing. I begin to write with a very specific actor in mind. I really enjoy the transformation of the desire to work with a great actor into an artistic experience, Zeller says. Perhaps because of that commitment, his powerful characters who move from sanity to madness offer a feast for performers willing to seize it. They have acted as magnets for some of the greatest actors of their time. In addition to Hopkins, Frank Langella, Kenneth Cranham, Hector Alterio and Josep Maria Pou have all stepped into the shoes of The Fathers elderly character, who gradually loses himself to dementia. Isabelle Huppert, Gina McKee and Aitana Sanchez Gijon have played the partner, mother and housewife who falls into depression when her children leave home in The Mother. And in the role of the parents dealing with their teenage sons cruel mental health challenges in The Son, Yvan Attal, Amanda Abbington and John Light have taken turns. Zellers work address social issues, but always from an intimate perspective. Because for Zeller, good theater is about the human experience. I dont like political theater. Art is a place to posit questions. There are different voices, and it is not the role of the playwright to say who is right and who is not, he explains. Nor does he feel responsibility for the social impact of his work, despite the fact that it touches on delicate subjects: The only thing I feel responsible for is to explore up to what point we can feel empathy for others. For me, the greatest ambition is trying to make people feel connected to themselves. And that all comes down to empathy. There are two very clear influences in his work: David Lynch and Harold Pinter. Both can be easily traced in his plays Lynchs dreamlike quality and Pinters use of silence (silence, pause, long pause appear regularly in Zellers trilogy). Pinter taught me that what matters is not only what is said, but also what is not said, what lies behind the words. A character can say no and mean yes, he explains. Zellers stories plunge into the depths of the human mind. Form constructs the character or rather deconstructs it. It is common for the audience, like the protagonist, never to know whether what is happening is real or not. I am the first to be surprised at what happens, he admits. With The Father, for example, I wrote without knowing what it would be. I tried to place myself in a mental situation in which I really didnt know what was going to happen the next minute. And then suddenly, a door would open, and another character would enter who I did not expect. To understand what is taking place, I have to keep writing. I experience writing as a direct connection with the audience. When I write a play, I feel like I am in a theater, in front of a show that is playing out for me alone, he continues. Thats why he builds what he calls a system of complex architecture, which invites the audience to be part of the show. Im interested in placing them in an active position. It is an invitation for them to find their own path, to look for meaning, emotions, and I want them to actively participate in the narrative process, he says. That technical virtuosity, however, is not free from criticism. Some critics argue that his style can be repetitive. But hes clear: What its about is not lying to yourself and constantly thinking about the audience. For me, thats the point of departure. Its not about writing what people like, but what they could like. That explains why he is understandably possessive of his work. Despite his productions being staged around the world, he always tries to keep them untouchable and shielded from outside experimentation, including any changes from actors, however extraordinary they may be. I try to be as precise as possible, and I invite the actors to be precise with the language, says Zeller. What I want them to contribute is not text, its their intuition, their voice and their presence. Sometimes, if you have the luck to work with great actors, you can be witness to the beauty and grace that emerge through a body. Still, the unpredictability of theater which he never tires of saying he loves also causes him considerable frustration: One day you have grace and the other day, it doesnt work. One day the audience receives it well, the other day they dont. One day the actors do great, the other they dont. Thats not an issue in film. There, he finds greater creative control, or at least the illusion of control. In The Father as a film, one of the biggest reliefs I had was editing it into my ideal version," he says. It was exactly what I had felt in my heart. Thats what cinema is, its not alive and for those, like myself, who have problems with the idea of letting things flow, the illusion is very tempting. Zeller also finds refuge behind the screen. Theater is the only art form in which you attend the reception of your own work. With film, you can lie to yourself. But when a play doesnt work, it is a physical experience. You can feel, when youre in the room, that something is wrong. But that, too, seems to him the beauty of theater: its truth. As for criticism of his films, like what he received for The Son, he prefers to insulate himself from it. It helps me try to learn not to exist through someone elses gaze, through someone elses judgment. Exposing ourselves publicly to reviews and critics forces you to be clear about why you do what you do. Zeller says he will return to the stage after finishing his new film. And he will continue to work with a trilogy that, more than 15 years after its arrival, continues to feel very connected. He is not worried that it might define his career, nor does he think it limits the creativity of his future work. Is there anything left for those now iconic characters to do? To begin with, theres the film adaptation of The Mother. I havent made it because its too soon, its too similar to The Father, but I hope to do it one day, he says. Zeller does have one last whim to express: In these three plays, its not that theyre the same characters, but they could be, and I would love to one day see the same actors performing the three plays in the same week. But only for my personal pleasure. The hook has been cast; surely someone will bite. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States has acquired Knight Security Systems, a Pennsylvania-based company specializing in comprehensive security and fire alarm services. The acquisition brings on additional local teams to Pye-Barker's national fire and life safety framework to protect life, property and the assets that matter most. Knight Security Systems and Pye-Barker Team Members Knight Security Systems, based in Harrisburg, serves the Central Pennsylvania area with over three decades of superior installation and monitoring experience, serving government entities, major retail centers, commercial properties and local small businesses. Its Knight Watch 24-7 monitoring turns video surveillance into a proactive video alarm system with encrypted notifications and alarm transmission to actively deter crime and de-escalate threats. Knight Security Systems was founded in 1979 by Robert E. Maley, a former Pennsylvania State Police trooper, dedicated to helping people secure their homes and businesses after many years of law enforcement. The company was soon transformed into a leader in residential and commercial security solutions, now under the leadership of Keith E. Maley. "Now felt like the perfect time for Knight Security Systems to join the Pye-Barker team," said Keith Maley, owner of Knight Security Systems. "We're proud to have built a reputation for our local, experienced and caring service to customers. Our top priority is elevating that service, and Pye-Barker's national resources will allow us to do just that while also ensuring our team has opportunities to grow in their careers." "Today, we welcome a leader in Pennsylvanian security and alarm services to our team," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "I'm thoroughly impressed with the company and culture they have built, and I'm confident their local expertise will be a great asset for Pye-Barker." Knight Security System's skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in Pennsylvania. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker. About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety As the U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker is Great Place to Work Certified and is also listed on the Inc. 5000 and ranks No. 4 on the SDM 100. Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice. Contact: Philip H Gardner EVP, Business Development M&A [email protected] Media Contact: James Taylor [email protected] SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Trade association recognises standout residential and light commercial projects that use SIP construction to deliver a superior building envelope TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) announced the winners of the 2026 Building Excellence Awards at its annual meeting in Tempe, Arizona, January 26th 28th. The trade association's offsite construction award program recognizes outstanding residential and light commercial projects that exhibit the energy efficient performance, design flexibility and resiliency associated with structural insulated panels (SIPs). To meet today's increasingly tough building and energy codes in all climate zones, a growing number of industry professionals are choosing SIPs to deliver a nearly impermeable building envelope that prioritizes the comfort, health and safety of the homeowner or future building occupant. The Building Excellence Awards gives SIP builders, designers and manufacturers an opportunity to showcase projects completed the year prior. To be eligible for an award, SIPs must be used on at least 50 percent of the building envelope, determined by square footage of the exterior walls and roof. This year, the Building Excellence Award judges evaluated each project for its creative use of SIP construction, its overall design and structural engineering innovation, its energy efficiency (quantified by its HERS Index score and other data), and its commitment to environmental sustainability. The 2026 Building Excellence Award winners are as follows: Affordable Housing Winner: Affordable Senior SIP Apartments in Las Vegas, NV Runner Up: Affordable SIP Duplex in Gypsum, CO Agricultural Winner: SIP Barn in Yamhill, OR Runner Up: SIP Gathering Barn in Blair, NE Commercial Over 10K Sq. Ft. Winner: SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT Runner Up: SIP Restaurant and Arcade in Queen Creek, AZ Commercial Under 10K Sq. Ft. Winner: SIP Rest Area Roof in Frisco, CO Runner Up: SIP Car Barn in Romulus, NY Multifamily Winner: Duplex SIP House in Ridgeway, CO Renovations Winner: SIP Building Transformation in Apple Valley, MN Runner Up: Revamped SIP Synagogue in Sag Harbor, NY Homes Over 3K Sq. Ft. Winner: SIP Rustic House in Rapid City, SD Runner Up: SIP Desert House in Phoenix, AZ HP Winner: Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY HP Runner Up: SIP Hangar and Lodge in Condon, MT Homes Under 3K Sq. Ft. Winner: SIP Studio & Office in Lewiston, ID Runner Up: SIP Custom House in Florence, MT HP Winner: Energy-Efficient SIP Lake Cabin in Mercer, WI HP Runner Up: High Performance SIP Family Cabin in Biwabik. MN Homes Under 900 Sq. Ft. Winner: SIP ADU Cottage in Antioch, CA Overall Residential Winner Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY Overall Commercial Winner SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT To discover more SIP structures, visit the SIP Project Library, which includes more than 800 projects compiled from more than two decades of past Building Excellence Award entries. SIPA is the leading source for structural insulated panel news, training materials and free resources for the construction industry. Visit our Builders or Design Professional pages to prepare for a building legacy of the highest standard. The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a 501c6 non-profit association founded in 1990 dedicated to increasing the use and acceptance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for sustainable building. We provide an industry forum for promotion, communication, education, quality assurance, and technical and marketing research. SIPs are a high-performance, panelized building system that offers superior thermal performance, air tightness, and durability for energy-efficient, healthy, resilient homes and commercial buildings. Innovative builders and design professionals seeking to reduce energy use and minimize the carbon footprint of their buildings utilize SIPs as a cost-effective solution for exterior wall and roof systems that also cuts down on framing time, significantly reduces construction waste, and ensures greater jobsite quality control through off-site fabrication. SIPs are an enabling technology to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge for net-zero, carbon neutral buildings today. Learn more at www.sips.org. SOURCE Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid heightened scrutiny, companies are retreating from issues perceived as politically sensitive in their corporate philanthropy efforts. In 2026, nearly one-third of surveyed philanthropy leaders plan to scale back racial equality initiatives (29%), with reductions also planned for environmental justice (24%) and gender equality (22%), according to a new survey by The Conference Board. This continues the trend observed in 2025. At the same time, companies are redirecting their attention to broader, less contentious socioeconomic priorities. Surveyed leaders plan to increase their focus on food security (45%), digital inclusion (41%), affordability (39%), and housing (38%). Beyond philanthropy priorities, the survey also examined budgets and resources for the year ahead. Nearly two-thirds of executives (64%) expect the new tax law on corporate charitable deductibility to affect their companies' 2026 giving budgets. The recent legislation allows corporations to deduct charitable contributions only once their giving exceeds 1% of taxable income, potentially limiting the tax benefit of smaller donations. The findings come from a survey of 70 corporate citizenship and philanthropy leaders at US companies. The report covers budget expectations, focus areas, barriers and opportunities, and early-stage AI adoption. Focus Areas Corporate philanthropy priorities are shifting, with increased focus on basic needs and digital access. Biggest increases: Surveyed leaders plan to increase emphasis on food security (45%), digital inclusion (41%), affordability (39%), and housing (38%). Surveyed leaders plan to increase emphasis on food security (45%), digital inclusion (41%), affordability (39%), and housing (38%). Biggest decreases: The largest planned reductions are in racial equality (29%), environmental justice (24%), and gender equality (22%). The largest planned reductions are in racial equality (29%), environmental justice (24%), and gender equality (22%). Understanding the numbers: "The steepest declines are concentrated in areas facing higher political, legal, or reputational scrutiny. Overall, the pattern reflects pragmatic portfolio management in a more constrained environment, with companies favoring themes that offer clearer, more defensible value while reducing emphasis where external risk and scrutiny have risen," said Andrew Jones, author of the report and Principal Researcher at The Conference Board. "Affordability" is becoming a key framing for citizenship strategyoffering both opportunity and risk. Rising importance: 62% of respondents rate affordability as important. "Affordability" is defined in the survey as the rising cost of living, including housing, food, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other essentials. 62% of respondents rate affordability as important. Understanding the numbers: "Affordability presents both opportunity and risk for citizenship leaders. It offers a broadly resonant, non-ideological entry point for addressing food access, housing stability, and essential services, but its growing political salienceespecially ahead of the midtermsraises the risk of perceived partisanship. This underscores the need to ground initiatives in business relevance, local context, and workforce realities," said Brian Campbell, Governance & Sustainability Center Leader and General Counsel at The Conference Board. Budgets and Resources Most executives expect the new 1% charitable deduction floor to affect 2026 budgets. Budget impact: 64% expect the law on corporate charitable tax deductibility to affect their budgets. The most common expected response is tighter budget allocation, with about one-third also anticipating changes to timing and pacing of grant disbursements. 64% expect the law on corporate charitable tax deductibility to affect their budgets. Understanding the numbers: The new policy environment is prompting companies to reassess giving portfolios, prioritize allocations, and coordinate more closely with legal, tax, and finance teams. Responses are less about reducing giving overall and more about refining structurethrough multi-year or milestone-based grants and clearer alignment with business objectives. In 2026, corporate citizenship budgets are favoring volunteering over cash grants. Volunteerism leads investment: 57% of surveyed philanthropy leaders expect employee volunteering to grow vs. just 5% who foresee a decline. 57% of surveyed philanthropy leaders expect employee volunteering to grow vs. just 5% who foresee a decline. Cash grants contract: More surveyed leaders expect to reduce cash grants (21%) vs. increase them (19%). More surveyed leaders expect to reduce cash grants (21%) vs. increase them (19%). Understanding the numbers: "In an era where talent reigns supreme and uncertainty remains high, companies are favoring flexible, people-centered approaches that strengthen workforce connection and purpose. As nonprofit partners are increasingly asked to do more with less, companies can tap employees' intellectual capital to address community challengesreinforcing the growing importance of volunteering," said Jeff Hoffman, Institute Leader, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy, The Conference Board. AI Integration AI adoption in corporate citizenship remains early-stage, with most teams prioritizing literacy. Limited integration: 55% of respondents describe their use of AI as limited and exploratory. 55% of respondents describe their use of AI as limited and exploratory. Top AI uses: The top-cited focus is AI literacy and staff training (50%), followed by data analysis or reporting automation (39%), and enhanced measurement and evaluation tools (30%). The top-cited focus is AI literacy and staff training (50%), followed by data analysis or reporting automation (39%), and enhanced measurement and evaluation tools (30%). Understanding the numbers: Early AI priorities reflect a focus on internal efficiency and decision support rather than front-facing programmatic use. As teams build AI capability in 2026, leaders are emphasizing strong foundationsstaff literacy, data quality, and clear processesalongside early alignment with legal, risk, and IT partners. Barriers Top obstacles to advancing 2026 citizenship goals: resource constraints and heightened scrutiny. Internal barriers: The most frequently cited internal challenge is competing corporate priorities (55%), followed by difficulty demonstrating ROI (34%), and limited CEO or leadership support (27%). The most frequently cited internal challenge is competing corporate priorities (55%), followed by difficulty demonstrating ROI (34%), and limited CEO or leadership support (27%). External barriers: Nonprofit partner resource constraints rank as the top external challenge (41%), followed by media scrutiny (36%), and political polarization (36%). Nonprofit partner resource constraints rank as the top external challenge (41%), followed by media scrutiny (36%), and political polarization (36%). Understanding the numbers: Internally, barriers reflect tighter capital discipline and higher expectations for clear business value, not gaps in strategy or capability. Externally, execution risk is increasingly shaped by nonprofit capacity constraints, reputational sensitivity, and political volatilityelevating the importance of risk management alongside delivery. About The Conference Board The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org SOURCE The Conference Board BEIJING, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the upcoming 2026 Chinese New Year, the 16th "China Books Around Worldwide" organized by China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC) will be held simultaneously at Chinese bookstores across 33 countries and regions worldwide. From the United States and Canada to France, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, Tunisia, Japan, Greece, Myanmar, and Germany, the event will present a wide selection of contemporary Chinese publications. Readers will also have the opportunity to experience interactive activities showcasing traditional Chinese culture. The exposition will bring together leading Chinese publishing houses, including People's Publishing House, People's Literature Publishing House, Foreign Languages Press, China Science and Technology Press, and Peking University Press. The showcased titles will span social sciences, traditional culture, literature and arts, and children's literature, catering to readers of all ages. In addition to purchasing Chinese books, Readers to participating bookstores can explore festive cultural products such as calendars, traditional Chinese brush pens, "Fu" character decorations, and Chinese knots. Participating bookstores include: POPULAR BOOK CO. (M) SDN BHD S-066, Second Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia NIMING BOOKS INC 12417 Elliott Ave, El Monte, Los Angeles, CA 91732, U.S.A. Tel: (213)-249-2671 ENLIGHTEN ENTERPRISE 1015 S.Nogales St., Ste #133, Rowland Heights, CA 91748, U.S.A. Tel: 626-913-2481 ORIENTAL KNOWLEDGE PUBLISHING BOOK STORE Khaled elhaj Ahmed, Ben arous mourouj 6, place droits de l'homme, Res. Yaakoub N 7, librairie savoirs orientaux, MOUROUGE2074, Tunisia Contact: Khaled elhaj Ahmed WISDOM HOUSE LANGUAGE COMPANY Building No.2811, 4th floor Alhamra Plaza, Falestine street, Al-Hamra'a District, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Contact: Ning Ma | Tel: 966-0537287031 Readers are invited to visit these locations to join the celebrations and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. SOURCE China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd The nonprofit raises $208.1 million, marking the first time in the organization's 138-year history that it has raised more than $200 million in one year WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Geographic Society announced a record-breaking $208.1 million in new commitments in 2025. This historic total marks the organization's largest fundraising year ever and the fourth consecutive year exceeding the $100 million milestone. The 2025 total was bolstered by the largest commitment received in the Society's history. Credit: Rebecca Hale / National Geographic With its unique operating model, the Society is able to invest 100% of donor contributions into its programmatic priorities to strengthen its mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. Donors and partners fuel the Society's ability to leverage scientific research, exploration, education and unparalleled storytelling to spark curiosity in hundreds of millions of people to learn about and care for our planet. These investments strengthen the Society's sustainable business model and help build a culture of philanthropy. This year's exceptional results were anchored by a transformational partnership and the largest commitment in the Society's history for the launch of Blue Boundaries . This multi-million-dollar, seven-year partnership with the Chubb Charitable Foundation will support cohorts of National Geographic Explorers pursuing groundbreaking research and sustainable solutions to protect vital ecosystems at the convergence of land and water. "This historic fundraising success is a testament to the way our mission not only inspires people, but also unites and engages them to drive transformative impact," said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. "Through the generosity of our donors and visionary partnerships, we're advancing our Explorers' work and launching a world-class Museum of Exploration to share their stories with millions more. This community's unwavering support makes this exciting new chapter in our history possible, as we illuminate and protect the wonder of our world." With support from the National Geographic community including the contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations the Society is able to increase the impact of our Explorers' work and share it through our global platforms, including the Museum of Exploration, which opens this summer. "We are grateful for the unprecedented generosity of our donors and partners this year, and their deep dedication to our Explorers and the future of the Society," said Kevin J. Maroni, chair of the board of trustees. "The vital, groundbreaking work of our Explorers is only achievable through collective investment, and I'm proud to see how this community continues to grow, never wavering in its commitment to our mission and impact." 2025 fiscal year fundraising highlights include: $208.1M raised in new commitments in 2025 The Society received the largest gift in its history Fourth consecutive year raising over $100M $179.1M cumulatively raised toward the Society's Museum of Exploration 136 new commitments of $100,000 or more, a 30% increase over 2024 $15.1M raised in Annual Giving & Memberships, a 5% increase over 2024 100% participation by the board of trustees and the Society's senior leadership team Added 23 new members to our Principal Donors Society, recognizing donors of lifetime giving of $1 million or more to the Society 20% increase in membership in the Hubbard Council (annual donors of $50,000 or more) and Clark Council (annual donors of $25,000 to $49,999) Increased our Giving Tuesday fundraising by 42% over 2024 "Achieving this historic milestone is a powerful reflection of the momentum within our donor community and the trust they place in the Society's ability to drive global change," said Kara Ramirez Mullins, chief advancement officer. "This record-breaking support provides the essential resources needed to accelerate our mission and reach new levels of impact on a truly global scale." Learn more about how to support the Society and the global community of National Geographic Explorers here . SOURCE National Geographic Society Brand seeks an experienced franchise partner for development in Tijuana and the broader Baja California region and will host a franchise recruiting event in San Diego, CA on Tuesday, February 10 DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wendy's, the iconic global quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, announced it's continuing to accelerate growth across Mexico as the Company seeks an experienced franchise partner to develop Wendy's restaurants in Tijuana, and the Mexican state of Baja California. With more than 40 Wendy's restaurants already operating in the country, Mexico remains a strategic hub for Wendy's international expansion. Wendy's views Mexico as a high-potential growth market with the long-term capacity to support more than 400 restaurants nationwide. As part of its accelerated expansion strategy, the brand has identified Tijuana as a priority development hub, offering compelling opportunities for scale and continued brand expansion. "Mexico stands among Wendy's most important international growth markets, and our focused investments in marketing, supply chain, and local resources are enabling us to scale in the country with exceptional momentum. Tijuana and the broader Baja California region present significant potential, and we are eager to partner with franchisees who share our dedication to fresh, highquality food and delivering the hospitality that sets Wendy's apart." Carlos Ribas, SVP, Managing Director LAC Region, The Wendy's Company Since 1969, Wendy's has earned its place as one of the world's most iconic QSR brands, known for its unwavering approach to serving fresh, high-quality food, like its famous square hamburgers, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, and the iconic Frosty treat. Franchising with Wendy's provides a unique opportunity to be part of a bold, global expansion backed by a proven business model, strong brand recognition, and a commitment to operational excellence. Wendy's Day Franchise Recruiting Event Wendy's is actively recruiting a franchise partner to build and operate new restaurants in Tijuana and across the state of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora, as these regions have strong consumer demand and significant untapped potential. On Tuesday, February 10, Wendy's will host an event in San Diego, California for prospective franchisees, featuring interviews, restaurant tours, and brand education sessions. Interested franchise candidates can email [email protected] for more information and to register for the event. Visit Wendy's International franchising website to learn more about opportunities to grow with the brand. Strong Growth Opportunities in Mexico To support rapid growth in Mexico, Wendy's has laid a strong foundation for new unit expansion. The state of Chihuahua, where Wendy's has been serving customers for more than 30 years, continues to be a standout market, demonstrating sustained momentum and strong leadership within the QSR burger category. Wendy's has also made key strategic investments to support continued growth in the market. These include strengthening market execution by investing in local marketing and supply chain resources, approving local suppliers, and taking steps to help ensure consistent delivery of fresh beef and high-quality menu items across Mexico. Additionally, a newly launched national marketing fund is helping drive brand awareness, while technology upgrades are fueling digital growth and enhancing the customer experience. Wendy's continues to actively recruit franchise partners to build and operate new restaurants in key regions across Mexico. Growing with Wendy's is an attractive opportunity for experienced and well-established franchise candidates in Mexico: Wendy's has more than 30 years of history in Mexico, and in areas where Wendy's is already established, 71% of consumers have tried the brand, reflecting strong local engagement. 1 In regions where Wendy's has yet to open a restaurant, Wendy's holds 92% awareness and a 46% trial rate, indicating high consumer interest and potential for growth. 2 Wendy's signature products are also widely recognized: in new trade areas, over 70% of consumers are familiar with iconic items like the Baconator and Wendy's Frosty. This strong brand recognition and consumer demand underscore the opportunity for Wendy's to expand its footprint across Mexico. 3 1 ,2 ,3 Wendy's brand health tracking (MX), Aug. 2025 ABOUT WENDY'S: The Wendy's Company and Wendy's franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,250 restaurants worldwide, with more than 1,350 of these located outside of the United States. Founded in 1969, Wendy's is committed to the promise of Fresh Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef*, and fan favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator, and Wendy's Frosty dessert. Learn more at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit https://www.wendys.com/franchising/international. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. *Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets. SOURCE The Wendy's Company Timed online auction opening on Feb. 3 features more than 400 lots of surplus assets from a prominent Southern California studio LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 400 lots of surplus lighting and grip gear from a prominent Southern California studio will go to auction beginning on Feb. 3 in Tiger Group's latest audiovisual sale. With an at-cost value of $1.4 million, the gear available in the timed online auction closing on February 10 is from Quixote, a leading provider of sound stages, production supplies and transportation vehicles. Tiger Group's February 3 auction will feature more than 400 lots of surplus lighting and grip gear from a Southern California studio. Among the brands up for auction are AARI, Chimera, ETC, Joker and Kino Flo. "We are extremely pleased to be selected by Quixote to sell their surplus AV assets, an offering that boasts trusted names such as ARRI, Chimera, ETC, Joker and Kino Flo, to name a few," said Jonathan Holiday, Senior Director of Business Development, Tiger Commercial & Industrial. "As we begin 2026, this is an excellent opportunity to add to your existing inventory of lighting and grip gear." Bidding for the timed, online auction opens on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 10:30 a.m. (PT), and closes on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m. (PT) at SoldTiger.com. Highlights include: HMI Diverse array of fixtures, Fresnel heads and ballast, along with medium, wide, super-wide, spot and frosted lenses (black, green, orange, blue, gray). Brands: Alpha, Arrisun, Power Gems, Arri, Joker-Bug. LED Various fixtures, panels, kits and harmonized systems (HS) by names such as LiteMat, Hudson Spider, Astra and Cineo Lighting. Tungsten Dozens of Mole Richardson Co. fixtures including Baby Baby, Midget, Mini Mole, Mighty Mole, Spacelite, Betweenie, "Zip" Softlite. KinoFlo Wide array of 2-foot and 4-foot fixtures and tubes, 9-inch Mino-Flo kit. Communications CP 185 walkies by Motorola Solutions. The assets can be inspected by appointment on Monday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT) at Quixote's facility in Sun Valley, Calif. To arrange an inspection or obtain other information, email: [email protected] or call (805) 497-4999. For asset photos, descriptions, bidding and other information, visit: https://soldtiger.com/sales/surplus-lighting-and-grip-gear-from-quixote-studio-california/ Media Contacts: At Tiger Commercial & Industrial Division, Jonathan Holiday, (805) 367-3893, [email protected]; at Jaffe Communications, Elisa Krantz, (908) 789-0700, [email protected]. SOURCE Tiger Group LINDON, Utah, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trucordia, a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage, today announced that Jason Nelson has joined the company as Vice President of Public Relations, a new role focused on strengthening the firm's PR strategy, media presence, community engagement, and brand storytelling as the business continues to grow nationwide. Jason Nelson has joined Trucordia as Vice President of Public Relations. "Jason brings a great combination of strategic clarity and genuine heart," said Leslie Greve, Senior Vice President, Marketing, of Trucordia. "He understands not just what we do at Trucordia, but why we do it. That purpose-driven perspective will strengthen how we show up in every conversation we have." Nelson brings more than two decades of experience across broadcasting, advertising, and publishing. He began his career at the Provo Daily Herald managing the paper's city weeklies. He later joined KSLworking across KSL Newsradio, KSL TV, and KSL.comwhere he oversaw advertising tied to BYU corporate sponsorships and deepened his knowledge in media strategy and partnerships. Nelson became a partner with Matt and Jeanette Bennett in the publishing group behind "Utah Valley Magazine," "BusinessQ Magazine," and other titles. He and his partners then launched Swell Media, an advertising agency that has supported a range of Utah-based organizations. In 2025, the company was acquired by NRV Utah, capping more than a decade of growth. Through Swell Media, Nelson worked closely with Trucordia on several key initiatives driving local visibility. This gave him an inside view of the company's momentum and culture. In his new role at Trucordia, he will focus on elevating the company's external profile, building relationships with media and community partners, and supporting leaders as they communicate the company's strategy and story to clients, employees, and stakeholders. "Working alongside Trucordia at Swell Media gave me a front-row seat to the company's phenomenal growth and its focus on people, purpose, and performance," Nelson said. "These people are already my friends. Joining the team in a full-time capacity feels like a natural next step, and I'm excited to help share the stories of our clients, colleagues, and communities." About Trucordia Trucordia is the group name for a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Lindon, Utah. The Trucordia group of companies offers a broad array of commercial and personal lines, life and health, and employee benefits insurance solutions. Trucordia is an integrated organization united by a passion to deliver extraordinary opportunities and exceptional experiences for its clients, partners, and each other. With more than 5,000 team members across the U.S., Trucordia is a notable leader in the insurance brokerage space, ranking #18 on Business Insurance's 2025 Top 100 Brokers and #16 on Insurance Journal's 2025 Top Property/Casualty Agencies. Visit trucordia.com for more information. SOURCE Trucordia THC, celecoxib drug combination reveals improved cognition SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, research into cannabis and its main psychoactive ingredient, -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has unearthed medical benefits including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, THC is also known to negatively affect learning and memory, limiting its potential clinical usefulness, particularly in disorders of the brain. Now, a new study led by Chu Chen, PhD , professor in the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in neural physiology in the Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas at San Antonio , suggests a combination approach may provide the benefits of THC treatment with fewer negative side effects. In Chen's study, published in December 2025 in Aging and Disease , his team paired a low-dose THC extract with the selective anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib. When used in mice, the combo improved cognition and reduced Alzheimer's-related brain pathology. Both drugs are already Food and Drug Administration-approved for use in humans, pointing to a potential fast track to clinical trials. Inflammation at root of many diseases Chen began his query more than a decade ago into how THC impairs learning and memory. In a 2013 study, his lab uncovered a key molecular driver. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme known for its role in inflammation and pain. It is normally expressed at low levels in the brain but becomes activated during injury, infection or disease. COX-2 also plays a role in synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation, a cellular process essential for learning and memory. "When THC is given, it unexpectedly increases COX-2 in the brain. That increase is closely associated with learning and memory impairment," Chen said. The discovery helped explain why THC has been difficult to use safely for neurological conditions. Globally blocking COX-2 is not a solution either. Previous clinical trials using high doses of COX-2 inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease did not show cognitive benefits and additionally produced detrimental cardiovascular side effects. Same receptor, opposite outcomes Endocannabinoids cannabinoids produced within the brain act on the same cannabinoid receptors as external THC but often exert opposite or regulatory effects. Among them, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a key endocannabinoid that engages signaling pathways that lead to reduced COX-2 activity and less neuroinflammation. This insight prompted Chen to consider if the pro-inflammatory effects of THC could be blocked while preserving its beneficial actions. Combination drug in Alzheimer's models Chen's team chose to add celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor widely prescribed for arthritis and pain. The researchers used very low doses, far below those associated with cardiovascular risk in earlier Alzheimer's trials. For the study, they administered 3 mg/kg of THC and 1 mg/kg of celecoxib per day to mice. This is the human-equivalent in a 165-pound person of 18 mg THC and 6 mg of celecoxib per day. In the new study, the researchers tested low-dose THC alone and in combination with celecoxib in beta-amyloid and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles are central hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Treatment was initiated prior to the development of memory symptoms to concentrate on the combination's effect in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. Oral doses were given once daily for 30 days. The results were consistent across both the beta-amyloid and tau models. Although low-dose THC alone improved cognitive performance and reduced some pathological markers, it also increased inflammatory signaling. In contrast, the combination of THC and celecoxib produced better outcomes, including improved learning and memory performance, reduced beta-amyloid and tau pathology, and decreased markers of neuroinflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that genes involved in synaptic function, inflammation and Alzheimer's disease risk were shifted back toward a healthier profile following the treatment. "What really mattered was behavior. If cognition is not improved, then the treatment doesn't matter. And that's where the combination clearly worked better than THC alone," Chen said. Clearer path to translation THC is currently available in synthetic form for chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite loss in cancer and HIV patients and celecoxib has been prescribed for decades for arthritis and other pain. By pairing THC with a COX-2 inhibitor, the scientists effectively reduced THC-related inflammation while preserving its positive cognitive effects. The findings point toward a pharmaceutical strategy that could be quickly tested in clinical trials. "If you develop a new compound, it can take 10 to 20 years to reach patients," Chen said. "In this case, both drugs are already approved. That gives us a real advantage." What's next? This study focused on preventing or delaying the onset of cognitive symptoms. Chen's future studies will determine whether the drug combination can slow disease progression or reverse deficits after symptoms have already appeared. Still, even preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease by a few years could have a profound impact on patients, families and health systems. "This work has taken many years. But now we're at a point where basic neuroscience discoveries are pointing toward something that could realistically move into the clinic," Chen said. Interest in cannabis-based therapies is on the rise, and this latest study offers a unique focus on THC's functional mechanisms and solutions to its side effects. The study moves the field closer to safely applying these therapies in clinical care for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. A Combination of Low-Dose 9-THC and Celecoxib as a Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Jian Zhang, Dexiao Zhu, Mei Hu, Mingzhe Pan, Chu Chen Published Dec. 18, 2025: Aging and Disease Link to full study: https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2025.1206 UT Health San Antonio is the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio), offering a comprehensive network of inpatient and outpatient care facilities staffed by medical, dental, nursing and allied health professionals who provide more than 2.5 million patient visits each year. It is the region's only academic health center and one of the nation's leading health sciences institutions, supported by the schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health that are leading change and advancing health-related fields throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways "We make lives better," visit UTHealthSA.org. The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is listed among U.S. News & World Report's best medical schools, among the top 5% of universities globally for clinical medicine research and ranked as the third-highest medical school in Texas for medical research funding by the National Institutes of Health. The Long School of Medicine supports the university's academic health center, UT Health San Antonio. Stay connected with UT Health San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. SOURCE UT Health San Antonio The reentry capsule carried a payload from the U.S. Navy and is the company's first reentry of 2026. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Varda Space Industries, the leader in orbital pharmaceutical processing and hypersonic reentry systems, today announced the successful reentry of its W-5 capsule. This milestone marks the first time Varda has utilized its own vertically integrated satellite bus to support a full mission lifecycle, from orbital operations to atmospheric reentry. Photo by William Godward. The W-5 mission carried a payload for the U.S. Navy and landed safely within the designated recovery zone at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, operated by Southern Launch. This is the company's first reentry of 2026 and underscores Varda's transition toward full-stack autonomy and its growing role as a critical partner for national security and defense applications. W-5 launched in November 2025, Varda's fourth launch last year, and spent 9 weeks in orbit. The mission was funded through the Prometheus program, a partnership between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and commercial space entities. Prometheus is addressing a national security need to accelerate the ability to conduct novel science and technology experiments in the extreme reentry environment through a low-cost, high cadence flight testbed. Previous flights funded through Prometheus include Varda's W-2 and W-3 missions. A Milestone in Vertical Integration The W-5 mission is the first reentry of Varda's in-house developed satellite bus, designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of both long-duration orbital pharmaceutical processing and high-velocity reentry. The W-5 flight was also equipped with an in-house manufactured heatshield, made in Varda's El Segundo headquarters from C-PICA (Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator). Originally developed at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, CA, C-PICA is an ablative material that has been used on all the W-series capsules. NASA supported C-PICA's commercialization via a Tipping Point award. "W-5 reinforces the advantage of building the integrated system in-house," said Nick Cialdella, Chief Technology Officer of Varda Space Industries. "By owning the spacecraft, the capsule, and the mission operations end-to-end, we can iterate faster, fly more often, and reliably bring complex manufacturing processes back to Earth." Supporting National Security Priorities Through Hypersonic Test The W-5 capsule carried a specialized payload for the U.S. Navy, focusing on data collection during reentry. Varda's ability to provide fixed-cost, routine reentry offers the Department of War a unique, cost-effective platform for iterative testing of hypersonic flight characteristics. The Varda capsules endure extreme environments when they reenter at speeds exceeding Mach 25. The company's flight-proven approach reduces the risk for future programs and ensures that cutting-edge components transition more quickly from experimental concepts to field-ready assets. Key highlights of the W-5 mission include: End-to-End Autonomy: The mission was a successful demonstration of the Varda-built bus in maintaining orbital stability and executing orbital maneuvers, concluding in a precise deorbit burn. The mission was a successful demonstration of the Varda-built bus in maintaining orbital stability and executing orbital maneuvers, concluding in a precise deorbit burn. High-Fidelity Recovery: Precise landing and rapid recovery of the customer payload for immediate post-flight analysis saves time and offers customers options for iterative development. Precise landing and rapid recovery of the customer payload for immediate post-flight analysis saves time and offers customers options for iterative development. Hypersonic S&T: The unique aerothermal chemistry of the reentry environment is impossible to fully simulate or replicate on the ground, and flight testing is the best way to advance comprehensive understanding of the reentry environment. About Varda Varda Space Industries is building the infrastructure for a thriving orbital economy, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical hypersonic reentry capsules. The company operates out of El Segundo, California with office and industrial production space and has office space in Washington, D.C. and Huntsville, Alabama. Follow Varda on X (@vardaspace), Instagram (@vardaspaceindustries), and LinkedIn. Alex Pearlman, Head of Communications and Marketing: [email protected] Distribution Unlimited; Approved for Public Release. Public Affairs Release #AFRL-2026-0274 SOURCE Varda Space Industries Inc. The artist Marina Abramovic in 'Balkan Erotic Epic,' in an image provided by the Liceu. The Serbian artist premiered Balkan Erotic Epic in Barcelona. Its an immersive show that explores ancient fertility rituals through the figure of her mother and the historical conflicts of her region Along her journey to the origins of her own world to the rural Yugoslavia she knew as a child Marina Abramovic, 79, has paid homage to the French painter Gustave Courbet: in the fourth scene of Balkan Erotic Epic, several women show their vaginas to the audience. This ancient ritual was taught to me by my grandmother and was used to stop torrential rains, says the Belgrade-born artist and performance pioneer, from a dressing room at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. On Saturday, January 24, she premiered an immersive show that fuses ancestral Balkan myths and folk traditions linked to the fertility of the body and the land. Today, people confuse eroticism with pornography, she explains to EL PAIS via video conference. This is because we have lost the ability to see nudity in a poetic way. Balkan Erotic Epic is the culmination of 25 years of research. I just managed to make a tiny new form of art [with this performance], she says. Marko Nikodijevics music blends electronica with ceremonial chants from the Middle Ages, while Blenard Azizajs choreography such as a violent traditional knife dance pushes the stage experience to its limits. All of this is helped along with the animations by Spanish artist Sonia Alcon. From the very beginning, this project was conceived collectively, Abramovic explains. She leads a group of 70 performers. My idea was that everyone could participate, including the audience. Its not enough for them to observe from a distance; I want them to be present. Maisha Kungu and Lizzy Owen in 'Balkan Erotic Epic,' in an image provided by the Liceu. Marco Anelli As soon as the curtain rises, Danica, Abramovics strict mother, appears. My mother was a war hero. She received two medals for heroism. She was a convinced communist, very strict, and she never abandoned her philosophy. She never had the chance to experience desire or pleasure in her life. The artist and performer Maria Stamenkovic who plays Danica on stage stands on a table and strips completely naked. She then sings a highly provocative and explicit passage, one which invokes rebellion. Besides being liberating, Abramovic reflects, this reunion with my mother has turned out to be much more therapeutic than I imagined. The question I ask is: what are our bodies really for? For me, they are spaces of mystery, power and transformation. Svetlana Spajic in 'Balkan Erotic Epic,' in an image provided by the Liceu. Marco Anelli The stage takes the form of a kafana, the traditional tavern known in this part of Europe. The kafana is the beating heart of any Balkan town or city, Abramovic explains. Traditionally, it lies somewhere between a pub, a restaurant, a music venue and a public living room. Its a place where the big and small moments of life are reflected [on] and celebrated. There, countertenor Aleksandar Timotic toasts and weeps with the widow of Josip Broz Tito, the leader of communist Yugoslavia who led the partisan resistance against the Nazis. We have this fantastic dance between Albanians and Serbs, who are normally historical enemies, which is a very homoerotic moment it becomes a declaration of love. And the musicians dont just accompany the scenes; they underscore every gesture of the narrative with their instruments. A scene from 'Balkan Erotic Epic,' in an image provided by the Liceu. Marco Anelli The performance lasts about four hours and has no intermission, but the audience can leave the auditorium, relax in the Liceus bar and return to their seats whenever they like. The only requirements: being over 18 and handing over your cell phone at the entrance. This is not something you can experience through a mobile phone. It demands time and attention from the audience, Abramovic warns. [The policy of confiscating phones] worked very well in Manchester, she adds, referring to the premiere of the performance in October 2025 at Factory International. On tour, Balkan Erotic Epic arrived in Barcelona in a stage adaptation co-produced by the Berliner Festspiele, the Ruhr Triennale and the Park Avenue Armory, among other institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. Mak Korda (below), Emma Poyer and Clara Selberg in 'Balkan Erotic Epic' by Marina Abramovic, in an image provided by the Liceu. Marco Anelli Abramovics return to the Liceu comes three years after the premiere of 7 Deaths of Maria Callas, another hybrid of opera, video and performance art, in which she embodied the ritual sacrifices of Tosca, Desdemona, Carmen and Norma (among others) as a tribute to the legendary soprano. Although my presence in Balkan Erotic Epic is much more discreet, I cant conceive of directing without a certain degree of stage involvement, she says. I need to feel that vertigo, to expose myself to others and take risks. She even signed a contract with Taschen, a luxury art book publisher, to publish the predictable negative reviews that she ultimately didnt receive in Manchester. Now that I can afford to have bad reviews, I cant find any, she laughs. 'Balkan Erotic Epic' by Marina Abramovic, in an image provided by the Liceu. Marco Anelli In November, Abramovic the architect of the most radical and transgressive avant-garde of recent decades will turn 80. Shell celebrate the occasion with a performance of Balkan Erotic Epic in New York City. The main concern for me is how much time I have left to do whatever I want to do, she admits. Ive always defended performance art as a serious language, with rules and responsibilities, not as something that just anyone can do or imitate. Her legacy has been recognized by the Royal Academy of Arts (whose sensational retrospective on Abramovic can be seen in Vienna) and the Venice Biennale, which will host her next solo exhibition. Its obvious that, at a certain age, you lose some abilities, she confesses. But I wouldnt trade who I am now for who I was at 18 for a second. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition MIAMI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Silk, a digital agency focused on strategy, web development, and digital performance, has published a new website migration case study detailing the technical execution of a 700-page website transition. The article documents how structured planning and phased implementation were applied during a complex migration involving content preservation, CMS restructuring, and post-launch monitoring. Large-scale website migrations often involve operational risks related to indexing continuity, content loss, and performance variability. The case study outlines how these factors were addressed during the migration process using documented technical controls. Seven Website Migration Factors Documented in the Case Study The article identifies seven technical and operational areas reviewed during the migration process, based on the documented project scope: Pre-migration site auditing to map existing URLs and performance benchmarks Content and metadata preservation to support search engine continuity Redirect strategy planning to reduce indexing disruptions CMS configuration alignment with legacy site architecture Quality assurance testing across devices and browsers Post-launch monitoring to identify crawl or performance anomalies Ongoing optimization following migration completion These areas are presented using documented actions and observed outcomes rather than predictive or advisory claims. Post-Launch Monitoring and Performance Review Following launch, the article notes that ongoing monitoring was conducted to review crawl activity, indexing behavior, and performance indicators. This post-migration phase focused on identifying anomalies and validating that redirected URLs and retained content were being processed as expected. Google Search Central documentation is referenced in the article to contextualize why structured redirects and content parity are commonly cited considerations during website migrations. Observations from the Migration Process "Website migrations involve multiple interdependent technical variables that need to be reviewed before, during, and after launch," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "This case study documents how structured execution was applied across each phase of the migration." Access the Full Website Migration Case Study The full article, Website Migration Case Study: Key Factors Identified During a High-Traffic Site Transition, is available here: https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/website-migration-case-study/ Organizations planning a website migration can also request a quote for related web development initiatives through Digital Silk. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Web Development Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design, and digital marketing services that may support visibility and engagement. Media Contact Jessica Erasmus Marketing Director Email: [email protected] Phone: (800) 206-9413 SOURCE Digital Silk About this content About Stephen Gunnion Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About 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. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Jamie Ashcroft Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has agreed to acquire 100% of two tin and silver exploration licence applications in northwestern Tasmania, securing ground adjacent to the world-class Renison Bell tin mine at a time of strong prices and tightening global supply. The proposed acquisition gives AuKing exposure to a district-scale landholding of around 203 square kilometres near the historic mining town of Rosebery, within one of Australias best-known tin provinces. The licence applications sit close to both the operating Renison Bell mine jointly owned by Metals X and Yunnan Tin and Critica Ltds undeveloped Mt Lindsay tin project. Tin prices have surged over the past five years, with the London Metal Exchange price sitting around US$55,000 per tonne more than five times higher than levels from just five years ago reflecting strong demand and limited new supply. AuKing said the transaction provides a rare opportunity to secure high-grade tin exposure in a well-established Australian mining jurisdiction. Managing director Paul Williams said the company was pleased to secure the licences amid rising interest in tin exploration and development. With very few new tin projects around the world, this kind of high-grade, potentially high-value opportunity in a well-known Australian mining district is relatively rare, Williams said. Upon completion of the acquisition, AuKing will seek to have the licences granted as soon as possible and, in the meantime, commence preparatory work on proposed exploration activities. Strategic location near world-class assets The licence applications, ELAs 22/2025 and 23/2025, are located in northwestern Tasmania within trucking distance of established infrastructure and benefit from excellent access via sealed and well-maintained roads, AuKing noted. The surrounding region hosts the Renison Bell mine, with about 292,000 tonnes of contained tin, as well as the Mt Lindsay project, which holds an estimated 81,000 tonnes of tin and 32,000 tonnes of tungsten oxide. AuKing said the area has a long history of tin production but remains underexplored using modern techniques, offering potential for new discoveries. Location Diagram illustrating both EL applications 22/2025 and 23/2025 and proximity to Renison Bell and Rosebery township. High-grade tin intersections at Big Wilson One of the key prospects within the licence application area is Big Wilson, where historical drilling by Venture Minerals intersected high-grade tin mineralisation associated with greisen and skarn systems. A maiden drill hole at the prospect, BW001, returned 17.4 metres at 2.0% tin from 209.6 metres, including a higher-grade interval of 4 metres at 5.6% tin. The hole intersected about 32 metres of greisen with quartz-cassiterite veining, along with skarn-style mineralisation containing tin, tungsten and minor copper. Greisen-hosted tin systems are found in several major tin provinces globally, including Cornwall in the UK and the Erzgebirge region of Germany and the Czech Republic. In Tasmania, similar styles of mineralisation are present at the historic Mt Bischoff tin deposit. A total of 13 holes were drilled historically at Big Wilson, testing both northern and southern zones, with multiple mineralised intersections reported. Big Wilson Discovery Hole (BW001) Cross-Section. Additional targets: Merton Hill and Laurel Creek Further south, the Merton Hill prospect was explored intermittently in the late 20th century, with Renison Ltd drilling beneath early 1900s workings. That program identified tin, lead, zinc and silver mineralisation, including intersections of up to 3 metres at 0.19% tin with elevated base metals and silver. At Laurel Creek (also known as Webbs Creek), historical drilling by Gold Fields Exploration in the 1980s confirmed the presence of tin- and tungsten-bearing magnetite skarns, with shallow intersections including 7 metres at 0.65% tin. AuKing emphasised that all exploration results referenced are historical in nature, have not been reported under the JORC 2012 Code, and have not yet been independently verified by the company. Acquisition terms and next steps AuKing will acquire the assets via the purchase of Goldtrace Exploration Pty Ltd, which holds 100% of the two licence applications. The company will pay a non-refundable A$25,000 fee on signing and conduct a 30-day due diligence review. Subject to shareholder approval, AuKing will issue approximately 143 million shares at an issue price of 0.35 cents to Goldtrace shareholders, representing a purchase price of A$500,000. While the company intends to prioritise exploration planning for the Tasmanian licences once granted, it said it will continue assessing activity across its broader portfolio, including planned uranium drilling at its Mkuju project in Tanzania. About this content About Jonathan Jackson Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Oil tankers traveling from Mexico to Cuba have captured the worlds attention in the last month. Following the United States intervention in Venezuela and its takeover of the countrys energy sector, Mexico became the de facto largest supplier of hydrocarbons to the island. While Mexico has been doing this since 1993, as of 2024 these shipments have been carried out diligently as humanitarian aid in response to the islands energy crisis. Recent criticisms of these shipments by some U.S. members of congress have complicated the Mexican governments position. President Claudia Sheinbaum has offered some explanations, but the state-owned oil company, Pemex, has not provided a clear picture of the ships departing from its terminal in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, bound for Cuba. Sheinbaum has been arguing for weeks that the oil shipments are of two types: humanitarian aid and contracts signed by Pemex with the Cuban regime. This Wednesday, the president elaborated on this narrative in response to reports that Mexicos state-owned oil company has suspended its crude oil shipment schedule to Cuba. She attempted to separate business dealings from emergency aid. The humanitarian aid will continue, as it does to other countries. Mexico has always shown solidarity with the entire world. They are sovereign decisions, she commented at her morning press conference. By making this distinction, the president has raised further questions about the Mexican crude oil being shipped to the island. The Bank of Mexico has recorded shipments of oil exported to Cuba by Pemex Mexicos sole oil supplier since 1993. Since then, these shipments have been modest, representing a very marginal figure in the Mexican states accounts. That is, until October 2024. At that time, Cuba had been facing an energy crisis for four months, despite receiving supplies from Venezuela. A month later, in November 2024, Hurricane Rafael devastated the island, and from then on, Mexicos shipments became increasingly generous. Sheinbaum has since characterized the oil shipments as humanitarian aid. For its part, Pemex reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that since July 2023 it has been shipping various hydrocarbons to Cuba through its subsidiary, Gasolinas del Bienestar. The state-owned oil company estimated in its latest report published in December that, through this model, Mexico exported 17,200 barrels of crude oil per day in the first nine months of 2025, representing 3.3% of its total exports. The document consistently states that this is a sale, with contracts denominated in Mexican pesos, at market prices, and in accordance with the law. Sheinbaum has promised that Pemex will provide an account of its activities next week. The figure for Mexicos oil donations to Cuba remains unknown. Some private energy firms have been monitoring ships leaving Mexico and estimate that each vessel departing from Veracruz carries approximately 80,000 barrels of hydrocarbons. The latest recorded shipments are insufficient to meet the islands needs. Cuba requires between 60,000 and 80,000 barrels per day, and in recent weeks has lost the 35,000 barrels that the Venezuelan government guaranteed daily. Blackouts have multiplied across the country, and fuel prices on the black market have risen significantly. Cuba is a nation that is very close to collapse, Trump declared Wednesday, in the same week that it was revealed Pemex has suspended its shipments to Havana. Sheinbaum has insisted that these barrels are part of the oil companys contracts with the Cuban government. Pressure from Washington to halt Mexican oil tankers bound for Cuba has been spearheaded by Congressman Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Floridas Cuban diaspora, who has alerted the State Department about the shipments. Gimenez has launched a campaign targeting one of Mexicos weaknesses: the USMCA. He has proposed that the review of the trade agreement, scheduled for this year, be contingent on Mexico City promising to cease all hydrocarbon shipments to Havana. In response to Sheinbaums explanations, the congressman has doubled down. It seems like she values more her relationship with dictator Diaz-Canel than her commercial relationship with the U.S. This big betrayal wont be tolerated. Let her be very aware of it upon the negotiation of the free trade agreement. The congressman is prepared to personally pressure the Mexican government and has announced that he will visit Mexico City next week and seek a meeting with Sheinbaum. In a video posted on his social media, he warned: I am going to ask you to stop these oil shipments to Cuba, because you are maintaining a regime that is not legitimate and that has not had elections in more than 65 years. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR, OTC:ELXPF) made material progress across its Taroom Trough gas portfolio during the December 2025 quarter, supported by a $16.6 million strategic investment from Omega Oil and Gas and the commencement of its high-impact Lorelle-3 appraisal program. During the quarter, Omega Oil and Gas acquired a 19.43% stake in Elixir via a two-tranche placement, providing $14.6 million, with shareholder approval for the second tranche received after quarter end. Nero Resource Fund also invested a further $2 million, taking total proceeds to approximately $16.6 million and strengthening the companys institutional register. Elixir finished the quarter with approximately $21 million in cash, with a further $2.68 million received post-quarter following approval of the second tranche. The funding positions the company to progress Phase 2 of its Strategic Plan, focused on reserve definition across its Taroom Trough acreage. Following completion of the placement, Omega exercised its right to nominate two directors. Peter Stickland and Anthony Tarr were appointed as non-executive directors after quarter end. The work being done and investments being made come at a time when east coast gas pricing remained elevated during the quarter, with Wallumbilla spot prices reaching approximately $14 per gigajoule and Brisbane STTM prices averaging close to $13 per gigajoule. Elixir noted that pricing continues to highlight the need for new domestic gas supply. The company also noted the Federal Governments proposed gas market reforms, although the impact on long-term development of the Taroom Trough remains unclear at this stage. The company is in an enviable position, being well funded and on the cusp of delivering a company-defining result from the Lorelle-3 well, while holding the largest acreage position in the highly prospective Taroom Trough in Queensland. This compelling position is further strengthened by the anticipated completion and testing of the Diona-1 well, scheduled for the coming quarter, which also has the potential to be materially impactful, EXR managing director and CEO Stuart Nicholls said. Lorelle-3 appraisal well progresses to drilling Preparation and procurement activities for the Lorelle-3 appraisal well were completed during the quarter, with drilling commencing shortly after period end following mobilisation of the Helmerich & Payne FlexRig 3 (Rig 648). Lorelle-3 has qualified under the Federal Governments R&D Tax Incentive Advanced Finding process, with eligible drilling, completion, stimulation and testing costs expected to attract a refund of up to 48.5%, estimated at approximately $9.7 million. Elixir has also initiated documentation to enable borrowing against this expected refund to manage cash flow timing. The Lorelle-3 program has been expanded to include a vertical pilot hole to approximately 3,600 metres' depth, followed by a planned horizontal sidetrack of at least 1,000 m into the primary Dunk sandstone target. The well will then be suspended for multi-stage fracture stimulation and flow testing, with results intended to support conversion of contingent resources to maiden reserves. ATP2044 retention secured Elixir received approval for the renewal of ATP2044, alongside declaration of a Potential Commercial Area (PCA356) covering 100% of the permit. The retention licence secures the acreage for 15 years and contains independently certified 2C contingent resources of 1,362 BCFe, discovered at the Daydream-2 well. During the quarter, Elixir also booked an additional 189 BCFe of 2C contingent gas resources in ATP2077 Block B following an independent assessment by Sproule ERCE. This lifted total Taroom Trough 2C contingent resources to approximately 2.8 TCFe, representing an 8% increase across the broader portfolio. Seismic and appraisal planning at ATP2077 Elixir entered into a data sharing and ingress agreement with QGC (Shell), allowing QGC to acquire 3D seismic across the northern and western portions of ATP2077 Block A in 2026. Elixir will receive the processed seismic data, which is expected to assist in de-risking future appraisal drilling, including the planned Daydream-3 well. Diona-1 stimulation and testing preparation At the Diona sub-block, Elixir and joint venture partner XState Resources advanced planning for stimulation and flow testing of the Diona-1 well, which confirmed 23 m of net gas pay in the prior quarter. Seismic reprocessing work commenced during the period, with multistage stimulation and testing scheduled for the coming quarter. Successful flow testing could position Diona-1 for early tie-in and production, supported by nearby pipeline infrastructure. Outlook Elixir enters the March 2026 quarter funded to execute key elements of its Phase 2 strategy, including drilling and testing at Lorelle-3, flow testing at Diona-1 and acquisition of additional seismic data across the Taroom Trough. About this content About Lisa Uhlman Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Kerry Stevenson Kerry Stevenson joins Proactive Australia's broadcast team part time. As the Managing Director of Gold Events Kerry has been hosting the annual Australian Gold Conference for over 14 years, connecting industry and investment professionals and showcasing the value of precious metals. Kerry is passionate about helping others to secure a safe and solid future by understanding money, finance, and strategy. That is why she created the Making Money Matter channel on YouTube, where... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. The actor has attacked the far-right group for using his Aragorn character in a Twitter message aimed at winning over voters at the Spanish general election A reader's opinion on a news feature published by the newspaper or a current event. Addressed to the newspaper's editor and selected and edited by the editorial team Image published on Voxs official Twitter account. Youd have to be pretty ignorant to think that using the character Aragorn from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy to promote the campaign of a xenophobic, far-right party like Vox would be a good idea. Not only is it absurd to link me, the actor who played the role for Peter Jackson, and a person interested in the rich variety of cultures and languages that exist in Spain and the world, to an ultra-nationalist and neo-fascist political party. It is even more ridiculous to use the character Aragorn, a multilingual statesman who advocates for the knowledge and inclusion of the different races, traditions and languages of Middle Earth, to legitimize an anti-immigration, anti-feminist and Islamophobic political party. I would laugh at their ineptitude but Vox has entered Spains Congress with 24 seats; its no joke, and we will have to be alert and proactive, like Aragorn in the Tolkien saga. Let the battle begin! 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 Helsinki, Jan 29 : Sweden has launched a new program to combat what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called "one of the largest and most frightening social problems" facing the nation: men's violence against women. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm on Wednesday (local time), Kristersson said he will chair a new ministerial council on kvinnofrid ("women's peace"), aimed at strengthening coordination across government agencies. Kristersson said the new effort will address violence linked to severe mental-health problems, domestic abuse, and so-called honour-related violence, in which women are targeted by family members. He added that the cabinet has already decided to tighten parole rules and strengthen how repeat offending is assessed. Women's safety returned to the centre of public debate in late December 2025 after two widely followed cases -- one in Ronninge, a district south of Stockholm, and another in Boden, a town in northern Sweden. The incidents renewed scrutiny of how authorities assess risk and handle repeat violent offenders, reports Xinhua news agency. In Ronninge, police launched a large search after a 25-year-old woman was reported missing during the night into December 26 last year. She was found dead on December 27, and the investigation was reclassified as murder. In Boden, police responded to a call at a residence on December 25, 2025 and later confirmed that a woman had died after being subjected to extensive violence. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said it "should not be life-threatening to be a woman in Sweden," adding that "dangerous men should be locked up" so women can feel safe in public. The term kvinnofrid has deep roots in Swedish legal tradition. Historical accounts often link it to 13th-century "peace laws" intended to curb assaults and abductions of women, though original texts are not preserved. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Seoul, Jan 29 : The South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) said on Thursday that it has expelled former party chief Han Dong-hoon over his family's posting of defamatory comments about former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife on a party bulletin board. The party's supreme council finalised the decision about two weeks after its ethics committee voted to oust Han for the conduct it said had damaged the party's image. Han's family has been accused of posting derogatory comments about Yoon, who was removed from office following his failed declaration of martial law in December 2024, and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, on the PPP's website. Han, once regarded as a close confidant of the ousted president, supported Yoon's impeachment following his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, and subsequently stepped down as party leader. Han has apologised for the controversy surrounding the posts but remained defiant, framing the expulsion decision by the ethics committee as "manipulation" and "political retaliation." The decision marks the culmination of prolonged internal strife within the conservative party ahead of the June local elections, as party leader Jang Dong-hyeok seeks to rally support from conservative voters in efforts to rebrand the party and overhaul its image tainted by Yoon's martial law bid, Yonhap news agency reported. Jang presided over the supreme council meeting, his first since returning to official duties following an eight-day hunger strike. He staged a hunger strike demanding a special counsel investigation into allegations involving the Unification Church and bribery claims related to ruling party nominations. Han Dong-hoon is a South Korean politician and prosecutor who served as the leader of the People Power Party from July to December 2024 and as the 69th minister of justice from May 2022 to December 2023 under the cabinet of Yoon Suk Yeol. Before joining politics, Han played a key role as an anti-corruption prosecutor alongside Yoon Suk Yeol in convicting former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, Samsung executive Lee Jae-yong, and family members of former minister of justice Cho Kuk. Han served as a principal deputy when Yoon held senior positions in the Supreme Prosecutors' Office of Korea. Washington, Jan 29 : The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has announced that it will return three historic South Indian bronze sculptures to India after provenance research established that the works had been illegally removed from temple settings decades ago. The museum on Wednesday (local time) stated that one of the sculptures, a Chola-period "Shiva Nataraja," will remain in the United States on a long-term loan agreed upon with the Indian government, allowing the museum to continue displaying the work while publicly documenting its history, removal and return. The three sculptures -- "Shiva Nataraja" (Chola period, ca. 990), "Somaskanda" (Chola period, 12th century), and "Saint Sundarar with Paravai" (Vijayanagar period, 16th century) -- are regarded as important examples of South Indian bronze-casting traditions, a media release said. They were originally sacred objects carried in temple processions in Tamil Nadu. The museum said the "Shiva Nataraja," which will be placed on long-term loan, will be displayed as part of the exhibition "The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas." Such a decision by the museum follows a multi-year investigation conducted as part of a systematic review of the museum's South Asian collections. In 2023, researchers working with the Photo Archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry confirmed that the three bronzes had been photographed in temples in Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1959. The Archaeological Survey of India later reviewed the findings and determined that the sculptures had been removed in violation of Indian law, it said. "The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to stewarding cultural heritage responsibly and advancing transparency in our collection," museum director Chase F. Robinson said. "The return of these sculptures, the result of rigorous research, shows our commitment to ethical museum practice. We are profoundly appreciative to the Indian government for enabling us to continue exhibiting the long-admired Shiva Nataraja for the benefit of our visitors," Robinson said. The museum said it is working closely with the Embassy of India to finalise arrangements marking the agreement. The process was supported by the museum's provenance team, curators of South and Southeast Asian art, and international research partners. According to the museum, the "Shiva Nataraja" originally belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Tirutturaippundi Taluk in Tamil Nadu, where it was photographed in 1957. The sculpture was later acquired by the National Museum of Asian Art from the Doris Wiener Gallery in New York in 2002. Museum researchers found that the gallery had provided falsified documentation to facilitate the sale. The other two sculptures entered the museum's collection as part of a 1987 gift of about 1,000 objects from Arthur M. Sackler. Research confirmed that the "Somaskanda" was photographed at the Visvanatha Temple in Alattur village in 1959, while the "Saint Sundarar with Paravai" was photographed at a Shiva temple in Veerasolapuram village in 1956. The museum described provenance research as a process that combines physical examination of objects with extensive documentary review, including export licenses, dealer records, historical photographs, correspondence and shipping records, to reconstruct an object's ownership history. For decades, India has been seeking the return of cultural artefacts removed illegally from temples and archaeological sites. The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex, oversees multiple museums on the National Mall and attracts millions of visitors annually. The National Museum of Asian Art, which opened in 1923, houses one of the world's most significant collections of Asian art and is free to the public. Singapore, Jan 29 : Singapore will step up health screening at Changi Airport after a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, including temperature checks for flights from affected areas, authorities have said. Health advisories will be issued to travelers at Singapore's points of entry, advising inbound travelers to seek medical attention if they feel unwell after travel, and providing outbound travelers guidance on health precautions, the Communicable Diseases Agency said in a statement on Wednesday. The Ministry of Manpower is also stepping up surveillance of newly arrived migrant workers from South Asia, it added. Nipah virus transmission is currently believed to occur mainly through exposure to bats or the consumption of date palm sap or fruits contaminated by bats. The agency noted that ongoing bio-surveillance programs monitoring Singapore's bat populations since 2011 have not detected the presence of the virus, Xinhua news agency reported. Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in, Malaysia. No new outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia since 1999. It was also recognised in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since. The disease has also been identified periodically in eastern India. Infected people initially develop symptoms including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours. United Nations, Jan 29 : As the Gaza peace deal enters the second phase, India has commended the US efforts to end the conflict. Speaking at the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East, India's Permanent Representative also denounced terrorism, without naming Hamas, whose attacks on Israel in 2023 set off the Gaza crisis. "Let us be clear that terrorism has no place in civilised societies and must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations", he said. Harish referred to the progress made in implementing November's Council resolution on Gaza and said that India "takes this opportunity to express appreciation to the United States in addressing this long-standing issue". He did not name US President Donald Trump, who has taken personal credit for ending the conflict. With the ceasefire holding for the most part, the US said it was launching the second phase of the 20-point peace plan, which would create "a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration", begin the full demilitarisation of Hamas and other groups, and start the reconstruction of Gaza. "The reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza and resumption of delivery of public services and humanitarian assistance is a herculean task", he said, calling for international support for the effort to fulfil the "yearning of the Palestinian people". Giving an idea of the scale of the effort that is needed, he cited the UN Office for Project Services' estimate that there were 60 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of the conflict there and said that "an innovative approach with technological rigour is required" because of the harmful pollutants in the debris. Over the last two years, India has contributed to the humanitarian relief efforts, Harish said, sending nearly 135 metric tonnes of medicines and supplies. In addition, there are ongoing Indian projects valued at $40 million, he said. "In cumulative terms, the extent of support to the Palestinian people currently stands at over $170 million", he added. Harish also reiterated India's support for a two-state solution that has an independent Palestine taking its place alongside Israel. A key feature of the Gaza peace deal is the creation of the Board of Peace to implement the phased process of bringing peace and reconstructing the territory devastated by Israeli retaliation for the Hamas attack. Trump invited India to join the Board, but India has so far not responded to the invitation. Trump has since said he wants to expand the Board's role, which is perceived as an attempt to create a rival to the UN. At a Council debate earlier this week, Harish expressed unease about it. "Conversations and discussions have moved on to parallel plurilateral frameworks, some even involving private sector actors, to bring about outcomes on peace and security outside the United Nations Framework", he said, while decrying the Council's paralysis. The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, said the announcement of the second phase of the peace deal was "a critical step", and "in front of us, we see a potential turning point for Gaza, a genuine chance for a better future". US Permanent Representative Mike Walz said his country "remains fully committed to working in close partnership with Israel, with key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, and with the international community to bring peace, prosperity, security, and dignity to the region that its people deserve". (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) Pune, Jan 29 : The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, officials said on Thursday. Police authorities stated that an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash is currently underway. Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are present at the crash site to examine the incident and ascertain the cause of the tragic accident. According to the police, all aspects related to the accident are being investigated. As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct the investigation based on the findings of the AAIB team. Meanwhile, the final journey of Deputy Chief Minister Pawar has begun in Baramatias Kathewadi village, his native place. Family members, relatives and a large number of supporters have started arriving at the Pawar family farms in Kathewadi to pay their last respects ahead of the final rites. At the same time, preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground in Baramati for Ajit Pawaras funeral ceremony, which is expected to witness the presence of senior leaders from across the political spectrum. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several other senior political leaders are scheduled to attend the funeral to pay tribute to the late leader. In view of the tragic demise, the Maharashtra government has announced a three-day period of state mourning. During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state as a mark of respect. Deputy CM Pawar and four others were killed when a Learjet 45 aircraft crashed near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, bearing registration number VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures. Apart from Deputy CM Pawar, the people onboard the plane, Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR, included a personal security officer (PSO), a flight attendant, and two crew members -- a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and a Second-in-Command (SIC). The deceased have been identified as Vidip Jadhav (male), Pinky Mali (female). Additionally, the crew members were PIC Sumit Kapur and SIC Shambhavi Pathak, according to the passenger list. January 29 : Lucknow: The Yogi government has taken a major step for farmers. Now, farmers will no longer need to visit government offices repeatedly to get information about the Agriculture Department schemes. All information will be available through a single phone call. For this purpose, the Agriculture Department has launched a helpline on Wednesday at the Directorate of Agriculture. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, along with Minister of State Baldev Singh Aulakh, inaugurated the Agriculture Department helpline at the Directorate of Agriculture in Lucknow. Through this helpline, farmers across Uttar Pradesh can get information by calling on the phone number 0522-2317003, from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. On the occasion, Agriculture Secretary Indra Vikram Singh, Agriculture Director Pankaj Tripathi, Additional Director Ashutosh Mishra, Joint Director Bureau Akhilesh Kumar Singh and other officials were present. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said, The objective of this helpline is to ensure that farmers do not have to wander or make repeated visits for information about schemes. By simply calling from their mobile phones, farmers can obtain details about subsidies, schemes, solar pumps, and all other related information provided by the department. Through a single dial, information related to the digital agriculture survey and farmer registry will be available. He added, In addition, farmers can get information about solar pumps, subsidies on agricultural machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. By pressing five, farmers can also access information related to the Agriculture Department schemes. Farmers can obtain details about agricultural inputs related to crop production, profitable schemes, new agricultural machinery, research, and innovations, helping them increase agricultural production and profitability. Russian propaganda is doing everything to turn against Russia even those who still remain loyal to it. When we talk about loyalty, we don't mean great love. It's only about loyalty, because Moscow's propaganda and certain steps have simply left no room for love. But loyalty is a very good and positive phenomenon in international relations. Relations between countries are not always based on friendship and brotherhood. They are more often based on interests and loyalty, which helps these interests develop in harmony. But judging by the propaganda, the Russian side does not need loyalty and cooperation along the horizontal line, it needs fear and submission according to the formula "afraid means loving." She no longer counts on love and friendship, and loyalty seems to her to be an insufficient payment for "everything she does." The latter is a favorite argument of Russian propagandists. Perhaps the official policy is completely different, and after Solovyov's provocative new broadcast the day before yesterday, we will again hear from the Russian Foreign Ministry that the theses voiced are the private opinion of some propagandist, not the Kremlin. But judging by the frequency with which threats against Russia's neighbors began to be voiced, there is already doubt about this. The Kremlin cannot fail to understand that Solovyov himself is perceived in neighboring countries not as a "private citizen", but as an exponent of trends taking place in the corridors of power. Again, this may not be true, but the story of this propagandist's dislike of Baku can serve as a vivid illustration. The intensity of this dislike has always depended on what course Moscow pursued in the South Caucasus and in relation to Baku in particular. Sometimes the provocations disappeared completely, Solovyov seemed to forget about the existence of Azerbaijan. And it was noticeable that this was not the result of awakening conscience, but of a direct indication of "where to come from." The lack of reaction from the authorities and the impunity of propagandists who help to join the ranks of countries disloyal to Russia speak for themselves. The argument about "private opinion" won't work here. It can only work in combination with harsh condemnation of provocateurs, at least verbally. It is not enough for Russia's neighbors, who are being sent messages through propaganda, to hear that this is not an official position. They need to hear the very position of official Moscow on these provocations. But she's not. The short removal of Solovyov from the air after the scandal with threats against a number of countries did not solve the problem. He was hidden behind the scenery, not as a punishment, but to calm the scandal. The scandal really subsided to some extent, until Volodka's red face shone on the air. But it didn't last long. And on Tuesday, on the air of the Solovyov evenings, you could watch the second part of the Marlezon Ballet. This time, the chauvinists were pleased with Sergey Mikheev. This political scientist continued the emerging trend and attacked Russia's post-Soviet neighbors with insults. Mikheev did not name specific countries, but judging by the details like migrant workers and rescue, it was again about Central Asia and Armenia, which Moscow has always considered a zone of its exclusive and indivisible interests. She did not want to share these interests even with these countries themselves. They simply had no right to have their own interests, so when they suddenly appeared, the sovereign neighbor did not like it. And this is his right. We all might not like something or someone. But a power on the scale of Russia must be able to accept reality with dignity. Instead of broadcasting various riffraff, which, instead of proving to the breakaway allies how much they have lost, repeatedly demonstrates to them how they did the right thing. On the air of the federal TV channel Rossiya 1, political scientist Sergei Mikheev, in chauvinistic ecstasy, chastised the post-Soviet countries for "ingratitude." They all owe Russia something for "saving" them, and Moscow is to blame for the current situation, as it has "spoiled" its neighbors. Russia, Mikheev claims, solves "a lot of problems" for the post-Soviet countries, and they, you know, react nervously to provocations from the federal airwaves. In short, Russia's neighbors, as the propagandist warned, "need to know their place." It should be noted that the Russian propagandists themselves should save their nerves and not twitch so much in response to every sovereign action of sovereign countries. Let us recall how Solovyov's face turns red with rage when he falls into imperial ecstasy. And in the last broadcast, the inadequate reaction of the audience could be judged by the demonic chuckles of the host himself and the nervous giggling of his guests. Russia's neighbors would not react to the empty talk of propagandists. But, again, the overall picture does not convince us that Solovyov and other riffraff express their own opinion. Private opinions certainly do not sound in the Solovyov evenings. They even stopped inviting those who could seriously oppose the chauvinistic chatter. Perhaps reasonable experts themselves refuse to discuss, fearing not to fit into a very actively accelerated trend. As a result, it seems that everyone in the Russian expert community has gone crazy at once and does not realize where all this is leading their country. But the Russian expert community has always been distinguished by professionalism. By the way, I remembered. During the Karabakh conflict and the 2020 war, political talk shows on Russian TV had an exclusively pro-Armenian bias. In order to amuse the audience, experts who represented a pro-Azerbaijani position were sometimes invited. But more often than not, these were weak experts who did not know the word and were unable to provide a reasoned opposition. They got the role of whipping boys. There are many political scientists who could have adequately participated in the discussion and defeated the pro-Armenian crowd, but they were not invited to the broadcasts. Propaganda shows on Russian TV have always had sponsors with Armenian surnames, and it was not necessary to expect anything else from them. Who is sponsoring today's campaign of threats against Russia's neighbors? Whoever it is, these circles do not wish well for their country. They actually finance the expansion of the number of countries negatively disposed towards Russia along the perimeter of the Russian borders. We're not talking about enemies yet. But if the threats voiced by propagandists cease to be their "private opinion," we will also talk about hostility. Why Russia needs such a situation and why the situation is being persistently dragged towards such an outcome is unclear. If these are the "machinations of enemies" who want to drive a wedge and so on, then Solovyov, Mikheev and others are the main enemies of the Russian state. Surprisingly, the Kremlin still does not understand this and does not take measures, limiting itself to demagoguery about "private opinion." Perhaps the answer to the question of why Russia needs so many detractors could clarify a lot. Why turn into enemies those who are needed by Russia itself? It's really incomprehensible and illogical. Perhaps all these processes have some kind of logic. Perhaps someone expects that the new world order, in which there is no longer any order, will make it possible to realize the dream of the USSR 2.0. Although the latter is so frivolous that we would not like to think so badly about those who make decisions in Moscow. There is no question of regaining influence over our neighbors by force today. If the threats of talking heads from TV really cease to be their "private opinion" and Moscow decides to point out, as Mikheyev says, "its place" to the countries of Central Asia, Russia will lose the Asian region. Moreover, in the broadest sense of the word, because Central Asia today is a zone of interests, primarily of China. We are not saying that fishing rods are being thrown there from Europe and the USA. So, guys, let's live together. Moscow really needs to think about where propaganda leads without brakes. She is working against the so-called "Russian world". Even where many people still speak, write and read in Russian. You have to go back to September 2017 to find seven Latin American heads of state gathered in the same place. And it was away from home, during the UN General Assembly in New York. Donald Trump had been in the White House for nine months, at the helm of a presidency that at that time barely hinted at what was to come. Eight years have passed, Trump is back in power for a second term, and the world is in turmoil. The far right is gaining ground in the region, left-wing governments are struggling to survive the trade war and Trumps military threat (he has already intervened in Venezuela), and the rules that governed the world since the end of World War II have been torn up. This scenario gives an idea of the geopolitical dimension of the Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026, which began Wednesday in Panama, organized by CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean with the support of Grupo Prisa (publisher of EL PAIS) through the World in Progress (WIP) forum. A meeting primarily intended to strengthen trade ties has transformed into a highly political, multilateral regional summit a much-needed Latin American Davos. Seven heads of state, a president-elect, and 6,000 guests discussed Latin Americas role in the new world. Speech by Sergio Diaz Granados, Executive President of CAF. Enea Lebrun The Executive President of CAF, Sergio Diaz Granados, opened the forum. This has become the most important event for mobilization and alliances. Latin America and the Caribbean have the necessary pieces to resolve their dilemmas, he said. He was followed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Leading Latin Americas largest economy the second-largest being Mexico, which was notably absent from the forum the leftist leader called for regaining confidence in integration. In a global context of the breakdown of the liberal order, multilateralism is not enough. We must look to the European Union without forgetting our differences. There is a lack of conviction among regional leaders regarding the benefits of a more autonomous project, Lula said, thus planting the seed for discussion. Lula didnt name Trump, but the shadow of the Republican was present. He also drew attention to the current state of integration policy. He recalled that the last summit between CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and the EU, hosted by Colombia last November, nearly ended in disaster, as not even a joint declaration rejecting U.S. military operations against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Seas was signed. Lula traveled to Santa Marta in haste, so as not to leave the host, Gustavo Petro, alone, and left before the final document was signed. The White House had not yet kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the region was unable to grasp the magnitude of the looming danger. It underestimated the possibility of a military operation in Caracas and focused its attention on the supposed U.S. offensive against drug trafficking. One month after a declaration calling for respect for the sovereignty of nations, Trumps soldiers stormed into the Venezuelan capital by air, sea, and land in the early hours of January 3. The Brazilian president drew attention to this, not so much regarding Maduro himself, but to the lack of regional responsiveness in identifying threats and addressing them decisively. Thats how fast the world is moving. We have once again become a divided region, more focused on the outside than on our ourselves. We have allowed foreign conflicts and ideological disputes to take hold. The threats of political extremism and information manipulation are now part of our daily lives. Our summits have become empty rituals, from which the main regional leaders are absent, Lula said. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Aggi Garduno The Forum in Panama will not produce a final document on Thursday, nor will it compel presidents to make political commitments. This made the discussions less binding and contributed to the success of the event. Without written commitments, words flowed freely and ideas flourished. There were no three musketeers (Hugo Chavez, Nestor Kirchner, and Lula da Silva), those who undermined the idea of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) that President George W. Bush attempted to impose at the Summit of the Americas held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 2005. Nor did anyone say that it smells of sulfur, as Chavez did when speaking after the U.S. president at the UN in 2006. Trump wasnt named, but everyone at the convention center in the Panamanian capital knew that his policies loomed like a dark and belligerent storm. The host, President Jose Raul Mulino, made his intentions clear with a carefully considered gesture. He took the visiting heads of state on a tour of the Cocoli Locks, key components of the expansion project that allowed the giant Neopanamax vessels to pass smoothly through the channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The group photo was dedicated to the White House and its threats regarding the sovereignty of the Panama Canal. Trump believes his ships pay too much to use an infrastructure project he considers his own. In the past, he has suggested the possibility of reclaiming it for Washington, although his interest later shifted to Venezuelan oil, without entirely eliminating the threat. In his speech, Mulino, a center-right politician, warned that the world is on the cusp of a great storm and called for Latin America to be a counterweight of peace. It must unite as a single bloc because only in this way will it have negotiating power and be able to claim the place that is rightfully ours, he said. President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino. Enea Lebrun The photo op at the Forum brought together bitter enemies in the face of a common threat. Presidents who dont speak to each other, some even engaged in high-stakes regional disputes, such as Petro and Ecuadors Daniel Noboa, embroiled in a tariff battle, found themselves in the same space I offer you the possibility of talking, Petro told him, receiving no response from the Ecuadorian. The Colombian leader also met at the Forum with Chiles Jose Antonio Kast, whom he had previously called a Nazi. I would never shake his hand, was Petros first statement after the Chilean leaders victory in the presidential elections last December. Lula wanted to make it clear, in any case, that Kast would be welcome once he took office on March 11: barely after landing in Panama City, he met with the Chilean for an hour and a half. His press team quickly released the photograph, showing two heads of state who are ideological opposites shaking hands while smiling at the camera. Kast arrived as president-elect. He called for more character from the region, without clarifying whether this meant standing up to the Trumpian advance. He was the only one who spoke about the tragedy of Venezuelan migration, the major topic of political discussions in Chile. More than seven million Venezuelans have fled the country; we have failed as a region. Chile has welcomed them, but has also suffered because the economy has been overburdened, and the dream of homeownership has been lost, he said. Kast campaigned by hammering home the imminent expulsion of all these Venezuelans, whom he accuses, without evidence, of causing the surge in urban violence in Chile, a country historically free of this problem. The Kast-Noboa axis was clear: crime is a scourge, order must be restored, and drug trafficking must be eradicated. Lula, Petro, and even Mulino didnt even mention the issue. Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Aggi Garduno Rodrigo Paz, elected president of Bolivia with the mission of ending nearly two decades of rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the party of Evo Morales, promised to open his country to the world Bolivia is only viable if you are viable, he said. Paz is a newcomer and has strived to present his country as an attractive destination for investment. He did not forget the dispute with Chile over Bolivias access to the sea, but opted for a somewhat original approach: We have more ports than you, five borders. I offer Chile our ports as well, facing a vast ocean on the continent like Brazil. If theres no water, theres plenty of land. Ecuadors President Noboa preferred to focus on domestic policy. He asserted that his country had achieved macroeconomic stability and made only a brief appeal for respect among presidents without mentioning Petro by name. His speech contained no mention of a new world order, but it did address the dangers he considers most pressing: drug trafficking and corruption. Trump hovered over his speech, but as a voice speaking through him, without any hint of threat. Bernardo Arevalo, the president of Guatemala, also chose to speak in local terms, about the efforts he is making to reorganize a country mired in corruption and political patronage. Violence has now become a new burden. We have made progress in security, but we know we are still far from the ideal situation. The path is clear for both Guatemala and the region: we need more unity, more coordination, integration and connection, a renewed and strengthened commitment to an international system based on law and peace. This Thursday marks the second and final day of the forum. The president of Grupo Prisa, Joseph Oughourlian; its vice president, Fernando Carrillo; and the editor of EL PAIS, Jan Martinez Ahrens, will participate in the discussions. The central theme will remain the same: the need for Latin America to find its own voice in an increasingly turbulent world. While in the last century the strategy was that of a non-aligned front encompassing governments worldwide dissatisfied with the division of the world imposed by the United States and the Soviet Union the new reality seems to be converging toward a regional alliance that smooths over internal differences. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition January 29 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday received a high level eight member delegation led by Mr. Junichi Ishidera, Vice Governor of Japans Yamanashi Prefecture, in Lucknow. Held in a cordial atmosphere, the meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Japan under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as advancing cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture. Welcoming the Japanese delegation, the Chief Minister said, India Japan relations are not merely diplomatic in nature, but are rooted in shared values such as mutual trust, discipline, innovation and sustainable development. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is fully committed to translating this partnership into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level. Special focus during the meeting was placed on the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture. The MoU provides a strong framework for cooperation in clean energy, particularly green hydrogen along with innovation, capacity building and sustainable industrial development. The Chief Minister highlighted that centers of excellence have been established in the state to promote research, innovation and skill development in the green hydrogen sector. He also referred to the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024, which has created a clear, transparent and investor friendly ecosystem. The responsibility for implementing this policy has been entrusted to UPNEDA. During the meeting, the commencement of commercial operations of a green hydrogen pilot project in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area was underscored as a significant milestone. The Japanese delegation appreciated the Uttar Pradesh governments efforts in the field of clean energy and expressed keen interest in further expanding cooperation. Discussions also covered the deep civilizational and cultural ties between India and Japan, particularly the potential for strengthening people to people connections through Buddhist heritage and the Buddhist tourism circuit. Expressing confidence, the Chief Minister said that cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture will grow stronger in the coming years and will provide new direction to long term partnerships in green energy, industrial development, innovation and cultural exchange. Kolkata, Jan 29 : As the death toll in the fire at two warehouses in Anandapur on the southern outskirts of Kolkata rose to 21, the first eyewitness and the person who alerted the fire services said the tragedy could have been avoided if the state fire services department had acted promptly instead of losing time over jurisdictional protocol. The eyewitness, Virendra Yadav, owns a cattle shed next to the Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, where the fire first broke out before spreading to the adjacent warehouse of Wow Momo. Yadav was the first to call the fire department after noticing the blaze. However, when he dialled 101, the call went to the district control room. Instead of dispatching help immediately, officials asked him to contact the Kolkata control room. He then requested an acquaintance to call the Kolkata fire services control room. Fire engines reached the spot about half an hour later. Yadav said he initially tried to douse the flames using his own pump. When that failed, he moved his cows and buffaloes to safety and fled. He recounted the incident to a section of the media on Thursday. Virendra said, "Around 2.30 a.m. on Monday, I saw that a fire had broken out. I have a window in my kitchen. From that window, I saw the fire burning. I have a cattle shed. I was worried about what might happen to my cows and buffaloes. Out of that fear, I tried to put out the fire myself using water from a motor pump. But I could not. I tried to extinguish the fire because I have a cattle shed. I was trying to save the cows and buffaloes." He added, "I had called the fire service. They told me to call the Kolkata control room. This confusion about which jurisdiction these warehouses fell under cost some valuable time, which could have been saved if a prompt response had been given to the distress call." Local residents also expressed anger over State Fire Minister Sujit Bose reaching the site 32 hours after the blaze. "Why did it take so long for the minister to arrive at the spot? This shows that there was a complete lapse in the administration's response to the fire," said a local resident. The fire, which gutted two warehouses in Anandapur, has so far claimed 21 lives. Around 28 people are still missing, and search operations are continuing. The police have arrested Gangadhar Das, the owner of the gutted Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, on charges of causing death by negligence. He was produced before a court on Thursday and remanded to police custody till February 4. Pushpanjali warehouse stood next to the Wow Momo unit, which was also destroyed in the blaze. Similar charges have been filed against the owners of the Momo company, but no arrests have been made so far. Wow Momo said on Wednesday that three of its employees had died in the incident. Quetta, Jan 29 : Traders held a shutter-down strike in Gwadar, Panjgur and Turbat areas of Pakistan's Balochistan to hold protest against worsening law and order in the region and kidnapping incidents. An alliance of major political parties and all the segments of society, including businesses, were part of the protest, local media reported on Thursday. Financial institutions and large and small commercial centres remained shut on Wednesday to support a businessman from Turbat. An unidentified armed men had kidnapped Shah Nawaz Gul Rind in December, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. The family of the kidnapped businessman said kidnappers had demanded Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 600 million in return for Rind's release. As the business tycoon remained missing, the All Parties Alliance urged for a shutter-down strike in three districts of Makran - Gwadar, Panjgur and Turbat. The alliance and the residents requested the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate measures to ensure release of Shah Nawaz Gul Rindas and arrest those involved in the kidnapping. The All Parties Alliance includes The National Party, the Balochistan National Party (BNP), the Pakistan Peoples Party, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and BNP (Awami) and other political parties. The leaders of the alliance stated their protest would continue until the recovery of the abducted businessman and others. On January 18, hundreds of people, political workers and traders held a major protest rally in Panjgur town of Balochistan against increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom of traders and common citizens and deteriorating law and order situation in the area. The protest was held on the call given by All Parties Citizen Action Committee of Makran (APCAM) against the kidnapping of area's prominent figure Gul Jan Rind and many other people in the Panjgur district, Dawn reported. Hundreds of protesters gathered at Panjgur's Main Bismillah Chowk and marched on roads carrying placards and banners which mentioned their demands and anti-government slogans. APCACM Chairman, Nawab Shambay Zai, BNP leader Mir Nazir Ahmed Baloch, National Party acting president Mujeeb Rehman, JUI Panjgur leader Hafiz Muhammad Azam Baloch, Haq Do Tehreek Panjgur leader Mullah Farhad, Jamaat-i-Islami leader Maulvi Noor, PML-N leader Ashraf Sagat and PPP Panjgur leader Javed Baloch led the rally. The leaders of the protesters urged government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate measures for the safe recovery of Shah Nawaz Gul and other people who have been kidnapped. They raised question on why the law enforcement agencies, despite the presence of modern technology, could not trace the mobile number of the victim. They called for immediate arrest of those responsible for the kidnapping. New Delhi, Jan 29 : The waters in Punjab are being tested by the Khalistani elements once again, and this could be a sign of what is coming next. After provoking and planning attacks in India from abroad, these terror groups want to intensify operations after they realised that their movement is hardly gaining any traction in Punjab. Soft attempts are being made to test the waters, and on January 26, a Khalistani flag incident was reported at the Golden Temple. An Intelligence Bureau official said that these attempts are aimed at provoking the state. The official, however, added that similar incidents would occur on a much smaller scale across Punjab. Such operations are cost-effective, and the chances of getting caught are very low. The Khalistanis would try to pass these off as one-off incidents at first. They would then try and analyse what the youth feel about this, and if it does gain a bit of traction, then a recruitment drive would commence, officials say. Both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Punjab police have cracked down heavily on these elements. This explains why the Khalistan movement is unable to raise its ugly head in Punjab. Police officials also thank the elders who have lived through those times when Punjab was a violent mess, courtesy of the Khalistan issue. They have advised the youngster to stay clear and explained to them that taking this path would only lead to devastation. Further, the Khalistani terrorists operating from abroad are under stress from both their cadres and the ISI. Questions are frequently asked as to why operations in Punjab have not scaled up. An Intelligence Bureau official said, apart from tight scrutiny, the other reason why operations have not scaled up is due to the lack of funds. While the ISI has pumped in funds through the sale of drugs, arms, and ammunition, money is also raised through legal aid under the garb of human rights. The official said that a lot of corruption is taking place within the ranks. Many who are part of this movement abroad are corrupt and have siphoned off the money, instead of using it to revive the movement in India, the official added. Persons like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), only give sermons and issue threats online. In reality, he lives a lavish lifestyle. All these have contributed to the Khalistan movement not taking off in Punjab. Intelligence agencies, however, state that the security agencies must be on high alert when it comes to this soft push that these elements are making. An official said that these should not be seen as one-off incidents or mere acts of very minor vandalism. They should be viewed very seriously as there is actionable Intelligence as to what these elements are up to, the official added. The Khalistanis who thrived abroad for years, thanks to sympathetic regimes, are today facing the heat. India has managed to impress upon countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom to act against these elements. "We have, over the years, sent scores of dossiers detailing the activities of these elements", another official said. While the agencies over there were convinced, it was the dispensation that was soft. However, India managed to convince them that the Khalistanis are using free speech to further their agenda. India also explained to these nations about the dangers they pose not only to India, but to their own land as well, officials added. Now, with the fund collection dipping and the narrative from abroad not working, the push would now be made in Punjab, Intelligence assessments show. Indian security officials are capable of tackling this problem on the ground. However, the soft push is what needs to be curbed as it could very quickly become a big issue if it does gain traction among the youth, officials warn. Islamabad/Washington, Jan 29 : The US State Department has urged American citizens planning to travel to Pakistan to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns, local media in Pakistan reported on Thursday. In its latest advisory, the department advised travellers to think twice before visiting Pakistan due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping. "Pakistan has been placed under a Level 3 advisory, a category that indicates a high risk where terrorist attacks may occur without warning. According to the State Department, typical targets include transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations, and government buildings," reported leading Pakistani daily Dawn. Some regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been designated Level 4: Do Not Travel areas. The advisory urges US citizens not to travel to Level 4 areas "for any reason", warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, particularly against government officials and private citizens. The warning also applies to US citizens of Pakistani origin, the newspaper reported. "Do Not Travel to: Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping," the US advisory added mentioning further that "Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad". The US State Department detailed that local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. "Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. US citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials," it stated. Earlier this month, a US State Department spokesperson announced that the Trump administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, beginning January 21. This will impact applicants from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America, the Balkan regions, and South Asia, with Pakistan and Bangladesh included in the list. Reacting to the announcement of US visa curbs, Pakistan's Foreign Office reportedly expressed hope that the suspension is temporary, with possible resumption in usual processing in the near future. Until then, the backlog of applications is expected to grow, with approvals delayed despite historically strong demand. Canberra, Jan 29 : Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced 50 million Australian dollars in support for Afghanistan to address the deteriorating situation. She condemned Taliban's oppression of women and girls and stated that Australia is continuing legal action against Afghanistan for violations of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In a statement shared on X, Wong stated, "The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the worldas worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban's failure to meet basic needs. In response, the Australian Government will provide a further $50 million in support through established UN partners." "We condemn the Taliban's continued campaign of sustained oppression, particularly against women and girls. Australia is continuing legal action with international partners against Afghanistan for violations of CEDAW under the Taliban," she added. She noted that people of Afghanistan are facing one of the world's largest protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban's failure to meet basic needs. Almost 22 million people require humanitarian support in Afghanistan. In a statement, Penny Wong and Australia's International Development Minister Anne Aly stated, "The Taliban's oppression of women and girls, including limiting access to employment, medical services, education and public life, mean they are disproportionately impacted. Australia's humanitarian assistance is focused on supporting women and girls, prioritising food security, health services, and protecting dignity, safety and rights." According to the statement, Australia is working with United Nations partners to ensure Canberra's support for those who are in need. The humanitarian assistance will be delivered by agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. In the statement, Penny Wong stated, "The situation in Afghanistan is dire. The Australian Government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls." She noted that Afghanistan's humanitarian support will help to save lives, alleviate suffering and meet the basic needs of people impacted by Afghanistan crisis. On Tuesday, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said that Afghanistan is facing one of the worst child malnutrition crises, with around 3.7 million children facing acute malnutrition annually, local media reported. UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, Tajudeen Oyewale, stressed the need to address the crisis during the launch of malnutrition prevention and treatment guidelines on Tuesday, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported. The malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan has deteriorated since 2021 amid economic collapse, drought and humanitarian funding shortages. According to the World Food Programme, more than 90 per cent of Afghan households cannot buy sufficient food, resulting in children facing permanent developmental damage from hunger and insufficient nutrition. The updated guidelines include significant changes in treatment and prevention approaches, with more focus on life-saving interventions for the most severe cases of malnutrition. The guidelines have provided care instructions for babies under six months old, showcasing a critical step in reducing child malnutrition. UNICEF expressed hope that these revised guidelines will improve treatment outcomes and save the lives of children in Afghanistan amid the malnutrition crisis. Various factors, including poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and poor maternal nutrition, cause malnutrition among children in Afghanistan. Rural regions are particularly affected due to the crisis, as families face food scarcity and do not have access to medical facilities, while ongoing restrictions on women's healthcare workers have further affected treatment access. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bengaluru, Jan 29 : Taking objection to advertisements released by the state government in all major dailies across Karnataka against the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, the BJP has alleged that the government is leading the state towards anarchy. Bengaluru, Jan 29 (IANS) Taking objection to advertisements released by the state government in all major dailies across Karnataka against the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VBG RAM G) Bill, 2025, the BJP has alleged that the government is leading the state towards anarchy. The BJP further alleged that the government is attempting to pit the people of the state against the Central government. BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra made these accusations while addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday, along with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka. Vijayendra stated, "We condemn the act of the state government for issuing advertisements against the Centre-enacted law VBG RAM G." "It is an unpardonable crime that the state government is trying to pit the people against the Centre," he alleged. He alleged that the advertisements contain false information and claimed that public money has been misused to issue them instead of party funds. Vijayendra said the government should instead issue advertisements highlighting the achievements of Minister Priyank Kharge in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) portfolio. "Instead, they are claiming that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is insulting Mahatma Gandhi," he said. The Congress leaders have no moral right to speak about Mahatma Gandhi, Vijayendra said, alleging that they are unable to mobilise funds for their guarantees and are hiking liquor licence fees. "Do they have any right to speak about Mahatma Gandhi?" he questioned. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed the Karnataka government is spending public money for its own publicity. "It has published advertisements in all newspapers against the VBG RAM G Act enacted by the Centre," he said. He alleged that the advertisement carries Mahatma Gandhi's photograph on one side and that of a common man on the other, calling the act of publishing such an advertisement wrong. "They have no right to publish advertisements against a Central Act," he said. Ashoka stated that once a Bill is enacted into law, the state government has no right to oppose it. "They should have raised objections before the enactment of the law in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha," he said. Ashoka said Mahatma Gandhi had recommended the dissolution of the Congress party after Independence. The Congress leaders did not dissolve the party and instead indulged in corruption, he alleged. "The MGNREGA scheme was used to loot money. This was stated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has also said that MGNREGA funds were misused," Ashoka alleged. "Publishing statements that Mahatma Gandhi never made is an insult to him. We will launch a protest against this in the House along with the JD(S)," Ashoka said. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has triggered a major controversy with his remarks on "Miya Muslims", drawing sharp backlash from Opposition parties, who accused the BJP leader of repeatedly attempting to divide society. New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has triggered a major controversy with his remarks on "Miya Muslims", drawing sharp backlash from Opposition parties, who accused the BJP leader of repeatedly attempting to divide society. The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time as Assam heads towards Assembly elections later this year. CM Sarma said that he encourages creating "trouble" for "Miya Muslims" so that they are driven out of the state, remarks that have sparked widespread outrage across the election-bound northeastern state. In Assam, Bengali-speaking Muslims are often referred to as 'Miyas', a term the BJP has frequently linked with what it claims are "illegal infiltrators". "Trouble the Miya Muslims by any means. If they face trouble, they will go from Assam. If I want to give trouble to Miya, I go at 12 am. It's not an issue. We are directly against the Miya Muslims. We are not hiding anything; we directly say that we are against Miyas. Earlier, people feared that notices would be served against them. Now, I encourage everyone to give trouble to Miya. Yesterday, I saw that they have reached Duliajan. A tsunami will happen here, but the result will be in Pakistan," CM Sarma said. He further claimed that Bangladeshi nationals were present in Assam and linked the issue to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). These remarks drew strong criticism from Opposition leaders, who warned that such statements could have serious consequences for social harmony. Senior Congress leader Udit Raj said the Assam Chief Minister's remarks would not go down well with the public and could even lead to "civil war". Speaking to IANS, Raj said, "Congress neither works for Bengali Muslims nor for Bengali Hindus. Congress views everyone as a citizen. It is good that what was once done covertly, Himanta Biswa Sarma has now openly stated." He further warned of the possible fallout, stating, "The results of such remarks will not be good; they will be dangerous. However, these people don't really care for the country. If this continues, the country might face turbulence, it might be divided, or even see a civil war. And the BJP and RSS will be responsible for this," Raj told IANS. CPI(M) MP Amraram also condemned the comments, accusing the Assam government of using administrative exercises to marginalise vulnerable communities. Speaking to IANS, he said, "This is what the Chief Minister always does. In the name of SIR, votes are being taken away from Dalits, minorities, SCs, and STs. Even when people are not being divided on the basis of Hindu or Muslim, votes are being manipulated in the name of SIR. All of these people are citizens of this country, whether Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist. Creating hatred against them, I believe, is a betrayal of the country, its Constitution, and its unity." Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq also criticised the Chief Minister's remarks and told IANS, "A person who talks about dividing society and dividing the country should not be a chief minister." The BJP, however, came out in defence of the Assam Chief Minister, asserting that his remarks were aimed only at illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson Pratul Sahdeo said, "Himanta Biswa Sarma's stand has always been that the SIR should be implemented strictly against the 'Miyas,' and by 'Miyas' he means illegal Muslim immigrants coming from Bangladesh." Patna, Jan 29 : The Income Tax Department on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at three locations in Bihar's Gaya ji district. The action is being described not as a routine inquiry but as a well-planned search and seizure operation, triggering a wave of anxiety across the local business community. As soon as Income Tax Department vehicles entered the Hath Godam area under the Kotwali police station limits, panic spread throughout the locality. Sources said the raids targeted the premises of two businessmen associated with the grain business, with one of them being a well-known rice mill owner in the city. The early-morning operation led to the immediate sealing of premises, restriction on movement, and intensive scrutiny of business records. Officials began a detailed examination of documents, account books, transaction records, and digital data. The operation was not limited to a single site. The Income Tax team also took control of a warehouse located in the Manpur area, where additional records were seized and examined. Sources indicate that the department suspects large-scale concealment of income under the guise of business operations, pointing to alleged long-term tax evasion. Strict security arrangements were put in place during the raids. Local police were deployed to prevent any disturbance or external interference. Income Tax officials are maintaining complete confidentiality, with particular focus on cash transactions, investment-related documents, and bank records. Although no official statement has been issued by the Income Tax Department so far, the scale and coordination of the raids suggest that the investigation involves more than a small operation. The simultaneous searches at multiple locations indicate a probe into a potentially large financial network. Speculation is rife in Gaya ji that the raids could continue for an extended period and may lead to significant disclosures in the coming hours. The operation has caused visible unease among traders and industrialists, with the entire business community closely watching to see what revelations emerge and who may be implicated next. Mumbai, Jan 29 : Actor Jaaved Jaaferi, who is gearing up for his upcoming film 'Mayasabha', has spoken up on the issue of limited screen count in India. The actor compared the screen count of India with China, and said that India is seriously lagging behind in terms of number of screens. The actor told IANS, "We need more cinemas. In India. It is very important. We have a lot of land. People have to come and settle at the same place. We have a lot of land. People don't have to stay there. People have to stay here". He further mentioned, "They are going vertically. That is a different thing. But, the point is, in China, there are 1.25 lakh or 2 lakh screens. Yes. We have only 15, 000. If you want to make a good film. You are not getting a screen. Yes. You should have an option. I think we should focus more because our cinema is going out. We love cinema. It is not like that. But, if it is not there. There is no option. So, the option of good cinema should be available". Meanwhile, 'Mayasabha' centres on Parmeshwar Khanna (played by Jaaved Jaaferi), who is a disgraced, reclusive producer who lives inside a crumbling, abandoned theatre with his mentally unstable son. Local lore claims that 40 kg of 24-carat gold biscuits were hidden within the building decades ago and never recovered. When two outsiders enter the theatre to verify the rumour and hunt for the treasure, they find themselves trapped in a claustrophobic maze of secrets. What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse pursuit, where paranoia and fixation steadily replace reason, and the search for wealth turns into an exploration of obsession and existential despair. The film features a background score by Sagar Desai, with Kuldeep Mamania handling cinematography and Aasif Pathan overseeing editing. The film is set to release on January 30, 2026. The capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the Trump administration and their imprisonment in the United States offers an opportunity many Venezuelans have longed for: to tell the Chavista leader precisely what they think of him. Maduros new permanent residence at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, has provided them with a fixed address to which they can send messages. Some of these missives include recriminations about what his authoritarian government has meant for their lives, others contain insults, and some even employ sarcasm; all are on their way to the MDC with the intention of reaching Maduros cell. The idea came to a 21-year-old Venezuelan woman living in Florida when she learned of Maduros capture in Caracas by U.S. special forces on January 3 and his subsequent transfer to New York. I knew that Luigi Mangione (the man accused of killing Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in December 2024) received a lot of letters, so I thought Maduro might too, explains Storm, the pseudonym she uses to protect her identity and that of her family. Maduro is being held at the MDC, awaiting trial on charges brought against him by the U.S. authorities: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. There is no expectation that the former president will be released from his cell anytime soon, so Storm thought it was an opportunity to let him know the suffering he had caused her. She thought others might want to add to her letter and posted it on her social media account. The immediate response was overwhelming. When she woke up the following morning, she had over 100 messages from people wanting to send Maduro a letter. She had to mute her notifications because they kept pouring in and, if she didnt reply, the senders would repeat their message in previous comments to bring her attention to it. Storm curated a selection of them and included 35 messages, all anonymous, in a three-page letter. She put them in an envelope and, with a blue pen, wrote the address of the intended recipient: Nicolas Maduro Moros, BOP register number 00734-506. Metropolitan Detention Center. 80 29th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232. For less than a dollar, Maduro seemed more accessible than ever. Many of the messages reminded Maduro of the damage he has caused to Venezuela during the nearly 13 years he ruled as president. No cell is dark enough to pay for the hunger and exile of millions. May your only companion be your conscience, and may fate grant you a long life, but behind bars, so you can watch from oblivion as Venezuela is reborn without you, reads one message. You ruined an entire country and still thought you deserved applause. You confused fear with respect and the suffering of others with governing. If today confinement feels familiar, its not injustice, its consistency. Some are born to rule. Others end up exactly where they belong, said another. Some of the notes recounted personal stories: Nicolas Maduro, I forgive you. I forgive you for the fact that, thanks to you, my family was destroyed and I grew up with my grandparents, not my parents, whom I only spoke to on the phone, working up to 18 hours a day. I forgive you for my own good, not yours, one read. Ive spent 11 years without my family because of you, and Ill never forget that. But now Im happy that you have to spend time without your family, without your wife, alone in a cold room, another said. Others preferred to adopt a humorous tone. Were you able to have your little glass of oil before you left?; Lets see if Chavezs little bird visits you there!: Dude, is it cold in the USA?; and You cant eat arepas anymore, were some of the comments that chose a lighthearted tone to mock Maduros new reality. Clench your fist, Mr. President, because whoever messes with Venezuela, withers away. Your words, another reminded him. Storm omitted some messages that she felt could lead to reprisals against the senders. I received messages from relatives of political prisoners, but I didnt want to put them at risk, because they live in Venezuela. There were very personal things that I didnt want to include, she explains. She also discarded the numerous insults and obscene language directed at Maduro, for fear that, in violation of regulations, the letter wouldnt reach its intended recipient. Storm didnt initially consider that her idea, which served as a way for her to vent the suffering inflicted upon her by the Maduro government, would also offer relief to her fellow Venezuelans. In 2015, her family had to flee the country because her parents were active in the opposition and helped finance anti-government protests. One day, a neighbor warned them that the military had come looking for them at their home, and without hesitation, they went into exile. Now, after her initiative went viral, she fears reprisals against her family who remain in Venezuela. The news of Maduros departure brought her to tears of joy, but now she acknowledges the great uncertainty surrounding the countrys future. Furthermore, while she has received numerous positive responses, not all Venezuelans support her venture. You are a traitor to your own country. You would sell your mother for a bowl of lentils. Worm, one comment read. Other messages were filled with obscenities and threats. Although Storm never revealed her name, someone identified her and published it. They also found her school and her Instagram account. Fearing reprisals for her family, she temporarily made her account private. Now that she has made it public again, she continues to receive messages to send to Maduro, and Storm is preparing her second letter. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Aizawl, Jan 29 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday once again urged the youth and all sections of society to stay away from drugs and actively fight the growing drug menace. Inaugurating the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mizoram Group Headquarters in Aizawl, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the increasing impact of substance abuse among young people and stressed the need to shield them from such harmful influences. He said that disciplined, capable and committed youth should be provided with wider opportunities to showcase their talents and skills. Keeping these objectives in mind, the state government decided to establish its own NCC Group Headquarters, he added. Last year, the Mizoram government conducted a special four-month-long operation, between September and December 2025, to curb the smuggling of drugs from outside the state, particularly from Myanmar. The state police, in coordination with the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest civil society organisation in the state, carried out the operation along with awareness campaigns. Following the brief inaugural programme, the Chief Minister held a meeting with ministers and senior NCC officers. In his remarks on the occasion, Lalduhoma recalled the efforts made to establish the NCC Group Headquarters in Mizoram and expressed hope that the youth of the state would actively participate in NCC activities and use the platform for positive character building. With this development, NCC Mizoram, which was earlier administered under Assam, will now function under its own dedicated Group Headquarters. NCC's Additional Director General, North Eastern Region, Major General Anurag Vij said that NCC aims to train and guide youth to become self-disciplined, courageous and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation, society and family, while remaining free from substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyles. Whenever the state government initiates programmes aligned with these goals, the NCC is ready to extend full cooperation, he added. Major General Vij also observed that while youth from Northeast India are disciplined and capable, they are sometimes perceived as being less integrated with other parts of the country. To address this, the NCC plans to provide wider exposure by facilitating greater interaction with people from other states, thereby strengthening mutual understanding. On infrastructure, NCC officials highlighted the need for suitable accommodation and said that if the state government provides land, the NCC would be able to construct its own facilities. The land need not be permanently transferred and could be provided on a long-term lease basis. Currently, Mizoram has four NCC units with around 8,000 cadets. With the establishment of the Group Headquarters, NCC activities in the state are expected to expand further. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhopal, Jan 29 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday welcomed Padma Shri awardees Kailash Chandra Pant and Mohan Nagar at his official residence here and congratulated them for their achievements. The Chief Minister honoured the awardees by presenting them with a shawl and an idol of Lord Mahakal. "Chief Minister Mohan Yadav today welcomed Kailash Chandra Pant and Mohan Nagar, who have been selected for the Padma Shri award, and extended his congratulations," the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement. Senior litterateur and journalist Kailash Chandra Pant and social worker Mohan Nagar are among the four personalities from Madhya Pradesh selected for the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of their contributions in different fields. Pant (89), a resident of Sagar district, will receive the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Hindi literature. Mohan Nagar, hailing from Rajgarh district, has been selected for the award in the field of social service, particularly for his work in environmental protection. Expressing his happiness, Pant had earlier said on January 25 that receiving the Padma Shri was a moment of pride for him and his family. "This honour is not only a matter of pride for me but also for everyone working in the field of Hindi literature and education. Most of my literary work is based on critical essays, along with some independent writings," he said. Mohan Nagar, who is currently serving as Vice-President of the Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad, said he was engaged in serving the Narmada River and leading a cleanliness campaign when he learned about the honour. He is also actively involved in education-related initiatives in the tribal-dominated Betul district. Two other personalities from Madhya Pradesh -- Bhagwan Das Raikwar (Sports) and Narayan Vyas (Archaeology) -- have also been selected for the Padma Shri this year. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Hyderabad, Jan 29 : Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, along with Union Minister for Coal and G. Kishan Reddy, on Thursday offered prayers at Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, considered as Asia's biggest tribal festival, at Medaram in Telangana's Mulugu district. Hyderabad, Jan 29 (IANS) Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, along with Union Minister for Coal and G. Kishan Reddy, on Thursday offered prayers at Sammakkaa"Saralamma Jatara, considered as Asiaas biggest tribal festival, at Medaram in Telanganaas Mulugu district. State Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), and Adluri Laxman Kumar accorded a warm welcome to the Union Ministers at the main temple entrance. Amid traditional tribal drum beats, the Ministers were escorted into the temple, where special rituals were performed. They later offered 'niluvethu bangaram' (gold offering) to the presiding deities and fulfilled their vows. Addressing the media later, Tribal Affairs Minister Oram said that the Sammakkaa"Saralamma Jatara is the largest tribal festival in the country and stands as the Maha Kumbh of tribal communities. He recalled visiting Medaram nearly 20 years ago and said he was pleased to be back again at the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that the Centre is extending full support for the development of the region. Along with assistance for the smooth conduct of the Jatara, special trains have been arranged for the convenience of devotees. He termed Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy an old colleague, recalling their association in Parliament. Highlighting Central government initiatives for tribal welfare, Oram said Rs 1 lakh crore has been allocated under the Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Development Abhiyan, and Rs 24,000 crore is being spent under the PM JANMAN scheme. He stated that 23 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned for Telangana. He recalled that a separate Ministry for Tribal Affairs was created during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and that he had the privilege of serving as its first Cabinet Minister. He emphasised that the Union Government honours the legacy and sacrifices of great tribal leaders like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and accords due respect to festivals such as Sammakkaa"Saralamma Jatara. Kishan Reddy said the Sammakkaa"Saralamma Jatara is the biggest festival of tribal communities, drawing lakhs of devotees from various states for nearly a month. He said the Centre and state governments are jointly undertaking development works in the region, including Rs 80 crore for tourism development at Mulugu, Laknavaram, Medaram, Tadvai and Bogatha Waterfalls, Rs 40 crore for development of the Ramappa Temple, and Rs 3.70 crore for Sammakkaa"Saralamma Jatara arrangements this year. He further informed that a Central Tribal University named after Sammakkaa"Saralamma, with an outlay of Rs 890 crore, is being established, and works have already begun. The project will be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister in due course. New Delhi, Jan 29 : The knives are out with barely two weeks left for the Bangladesh general election, where the players themselves call out administrative faults. Political tensions, religious intolerance, economic anxieties, and a widening civic squeeze have converged into a chorus of alarm from political leaders, observers, the media, and civil society voices across Bangladesh. A Dhaka Tribune editorial on Thursday expressed concerns about "the warning signs of a shrinking media freedom in Bangladesh". Referring to "targeted attacks on this institution, like the recent cases", which "should evoke more outrage", the newspaper added: "Allowing the media to operate without fear of censorship, coercion, or intimidation leads citizens to be better informed and public discourse to be strengthened." The countryas media has been highlighting a set of interlocking crises a" a slowing economy, rising religious intolerance and political rhetoric, setbacks on gender equality, and mounting concerns about media freedom, free speech and equal application of the law. Reports and editorials point to stagnant growth, rising costs, and limited or no relief from recent policy moves, leaving households and businesses anxious as the election approaches. Adding to the alarm, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus publicly warned that the countryas international credibility is being damaged by widespread document fraud. He has bluntly called Bangladesh "the world champion in fraud", as reported by the Dhaka Tribune, saying forged certificates and passports are harming citizens abroad. Additionally, womenas voices are being described as a gap between political promises and lived realities. Rights activists have questioned safety in public spaces, equal pay, childcare support, and womenas access to justice and meaningful representation in political life. "As Bangladesh moves towards the February 12 national election, women, who make up half the electorate, say political rhetoric no longer moves them," observed Dhaka-based The Daily Star, which also had witnessed intense mob fury recently. "But rising violence, a shrinking civic space, job losses, economic insecurity, continued neglect of womenas health, and the shelving of 423 recommendations by the Womenas Affairs Reform Commission have widened the gap between promises and delivery, with women paying the price in their daily lives," it reported on Thursday, after speaking to 20 women across professions and backgrounds. Meanwhile, reports from the campaign trail and party briefings show religious rhetoric and identity politics surfacing as potent electoral tools. Mob brutality and lynching of minorities are making regular headlines these days, with the ghastly December visual of a hanging Dipu Das engulfed in flames shocking the world. Late last week, an article on the Banglanews24 website cited a study by the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) highlighting the rise of religious politics. "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 have created this adverse situation in the country," it observed. On Wednesday, Dhaka Tribune reported the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) accusing once-ally Jamaat-e-Islami of spreading "fascist propaganda", political double standards, and misleading narratives to influence voters in the upcoming election. Incidentally, the Jamaat has faced a series of bans and legal challenges, with the initial restriction imposed in 1972 for "misusing religion for political purposes". It has since been involved in various political and legal disputes. The last Awami League government of now-in-exile former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had also imposed a ban due to the Jamaat's perceived threat to public security and its alleged pro-Pakistan role in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. After Hasinaas government was deposed in 2024, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration lifted the ban, and the party's registration was restored following a Supreme Court decision. Now, the Jamaat will contest the February polls after a gap of about 17 years, marking its return to mainstream politics in Bangladesh. Wednesdayas Dhaka Tribune report quoted BNP Chairperson's Adviser and party election steering committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin, accusing the Jamaat, while holding ministerial posts between 2001 and 2006, of having raised no objections about corruption during that period. "Now, in the election field, they are continuing the same old fascist propaganda, which is nothing but blatant political hypocrisy," he said. January 29 : Lucknow: The state government has extended major relief to lakhs of employees associated with the education sector. In the cabinet meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approval was granted to provide cashless medical treatment to teachers, non-teaching staff, and their dependent family members working under the Secondary and Basic Education Departments. The cashless facility will be available in both government hospitals and private hospitals. Notably, the Chief Minister had announced this initiative on Teachers Day last year, and the cabinet has now formally approved it. Around 15 lakh teachers and non-teaching employees linked to the Basic and Secondary Education Department are expected to benefit from this decision. The total estimated expenditure for the scheme is approximately 448 crore. Briefing the media, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that 32 proposals were placed before the cabinet, of which 30 received approval. Under this decision, teachers working in aided institutions under the Secondary Education Department, including vocational education subject experts and honorary teachers, teachers of aided institutions recognized by the Sanskrit Education Council, teachers of self-financed institutions recognized by the Secondary Education Council and the Sanskrit Education Council, and vocational education subject experts working on an honorarium basis in government and aided schools will be eligible for cashless in-patient (IPD) treatment. Their dependents will also be covered under the scheme. Addressing the press, Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi stated that over 2.97 lakh beneficiaries would be covered under this category, with an estimated expenditure of 89.25 crore. Similarly, teachers, Shiksha Mitras, special educators, instructors working in schools run or recognized by the Basic Education Council (aided and self-financed), wardens and full-time or part-time teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, as well as cooks engaged under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, along with their dependents, will also be covered. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh informed that more than 11.95 lakh teachers and staff associated with the Basic Education Council would benefit from the scheme. The annual financial outlay for this component is estimated at 358.61 crore, with an average annual premium of around 3,000 per employee. The cashless treatment facility will be available in government hospitals and private hospitals under SACHIS. Treatment rates will be aligned with those prescribed under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and norms of the National Health Authority. Teachers working in self-financed, recognized institutions will receive benefits after due verification. For this purpose, district-level committees will be constituted under the chairmanship of the District Inspector of Schools and the Basic Education Officer. It was also clarified that employees and dependents already covered under any other central or state government health scheme, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Abhiyan, will not be eligible for benefits under this scheme. New Delhi, Jan 29 : The Supreme Court's decision to stay the operation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, on Thursday triggered political reactions from across the spectrum, with the Congress welcoming the move while the BJP said it respects the apex court's order and will act accordingly. Speaking to IANS, Congress Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai thanked the Supreme Court and accused the BJP-led government of pursuing divisive politics. "I would like to thank the Supreme Court. The BJP government has practised divisive politics within society first between Hindus and Muslims, and now even among Hindus by dividing them into forward, backward, and Dalit groups. The Supreme Court certainly deserves full appreciation for this decision," Rai told IANS. Congress leader Hussain Dalwai, however, struck a different note, expressing dissatisfaction with the interim relief. "The Supreme Court did not need to impose a stay. A strict stance should have been taken against those opposing the regulations. In a way, the Supreme Court is helping the BJP -- that is how this decision will be interpreted," he said. Dalwai went on to allege that the ruling party was attempting to dilute the rights of marginalised communities. "The BJP must be thinking of taking this back, and they are doing it with the help of the Supreme Court. The people of OBC, SC, and ST communities should get their rights. This is wrong. This decision of the Supreme Court is quite wrong," he told IANS. Dalwai further alleged that the justice system and bureaucracy were being influenced, claiming that individuals associated with the RSS were increasingly being appointed, which, according to him, was affecting constitutional institutions. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also welcomed the court's intervention but blamed the Centre for fuelling social tensions. "The Supreme Court has given its verdict, and I welcome it. However, it is the duty of the government to maintain peace among people and communities and to prevent conflicts. Instead, this government is creating conflicts based on caste and religion and diverting people's attention from real issues," he said. RLP supremo and MP Hanuman Beniwal said the government must clearly state its position on the issue. "It is not as if the government was unaware earlier. Governments do not function casually or issue orders while asleep. The government must defend its stand in the Supreme Court and not retreat from it. Whether the government maintains its stand or changes, it will become clear in the court. But if the government backs away, it will be seen as an attempt to divide people," he said. Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj emphasised the need to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions. "All the articles of the Constitution should be read carefully and implemented properly. They should be amended only where necessary. The Constitution already has strong anti-discrimination provisions, and these must be studied thoroughly and enforced in the right spirit. There should be discussion on such issues, but by bringing new guidelines, the government appears confused about what it wants to do," he said. Samajwadi Party leader S.T. Hasan said: "The anger among the people should subside, and justice must prevail. The rights of SC, ST, and OBC communities should not be violated, nor should injustice be done to people from the general category. We will respect the final decision of the court, and even the present stay order is welcome." On the other hand, BJP leaders stressed respect for the judiciary and refrained from criticising the apex court. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said: "It is an order of the court. Whenever there is a court order, the government acts in accordance with it." Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said the stay should be viewed within the framework of democratic institutions. "In a democracy, the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature each have their own spheres of authority, and these must be respected. The court has only put a stay; it has not rejected the regulations. After proper consideration, the court will give its final decision," he said. BJP Rajya Sabha member Laxmikant Bajpai reiterated the party's position of respecting the Supreme Court. "We respect the Supreme Court, and whatever decision the Supreme Court delivers, action will be taken accordingly," he said. BJP leader Sunil Bharala pointed out what he described as flaws in the regulations. "One of the shortcomings is that after the use of caste-indicative words, cases could be registered against students. Moreover, a committee has been formed in which one community would decide matters related to that committee. These issues need careful consideration," he said. Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh declined to comment on the matter, saying: "We do not have the right to comment on an issue that is currently before the court." New Delhi, Jan 29 : The Congress on Thursday flagged alleged discrepancies in electoral roll revision created by "misuse of Form-7" applications to delete voters' names and sought ECI's immediate intervention to prevent other parties from gaining "unfair electoral advantage" through this route. New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday flagged alleged discrepancies in electoral roll revision created by "misuse of Form-7" applications to delete voters' names and sought ECI's immediate intervention to prevent other parties from gaining "unfair electoral advantage" through this route. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and two other ECs, said, "Initiate immediate corrective measures by instituting strict vigilance and real-time supervision over the voter deletion process, including monitoring of Form-7 applications, so as to prevent arbitrary, mass or mala fide deletions of eligible electors from the electoral rolls." Alleging mass-scale targeting and disenfranchisement of eligible voters across the 12 states undergoing special intensive revision exercise of electoral roll, Venugopal requested the ECI for immediate identification of members and workers of "ruling regime and other unknown individuals" actively misusing Form 7 applications to delete eligible voters across the states. The Congress leader also urged the ECI to release in the public domain the complete, readily accessible and disaggregated data relating to Form-7 applications for all 12 States undergoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He said the data must include the total number of Form-7 filed, accepted, rejected and pending, along with constituency-wise and ground-wise break-up for the relevant revision period, in the interest of transparency and electoral integrity. "We urge the Hon'ble Commission to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and to take all necessary steps to ensure that the integrity of the upcoming state elections is maintained," wrote Venugopal in the letter written on the letterhead of All India Congress Committee. The Congress General Secretary also appealed to the ECI to utilise powers under Article 324 of the Constitution and initiate an investigation into instances of "misuse of Form-7 applications and the voter deletion mechanism". He said upon identification of deliberate false declarations or abuse of process, the ECI should initiate appropriate legal action in accordance with the law, including registration of FIRs wherever warranted. "Frame, notify and enforce clear, uniform and stringent guidelines regulating the issuance, filing, scrutiny and adjudication of Form-7 applications, including safeguards against misuse and consequently enforce mandatory verification protocols, and accountability mechanisms for officers involved in the process," wrote Venugopal. Los Angeles, Jan 29 : Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has an eerie approach to her artwork. The actress has shared that she talks to spirits and embraces "universal consciousness" to inspire her artwork. The 67-year-old star has been going through an "artistic journey" between acting and painting, and for the latter she has found herself communicating with the unknown to help create her pieces, reports 'Female First UK'. She told Extra, "I think this channel really opened because so many of my family members died and they died really rapidly in these last maybe three and a half years. I genuinely hear this higher consciousness speak to me. When these portraits started coming through, they really talked to me". The Basic Instinct actress got emotional as she opened up about how she feels the need to thank spirits after finishing her paintings. She said, "I think it's really special when people, when they allowed me to see their soul because I believe in universal consciousness. I do believe that someone has allowed me into their consciousness so that I could paint this portrait of someone that I don't know. I feel so blessed". As per 'Female First UK', Sharon noted that one particularly impactful piece titled Him was inspired by a spirit who took a while to really open up. She said, "Eventually, when he started talking to me, it was so traumatic, and he started telling me that he drowned in a ship where he was chained in the hull of this ship. When I painted him and I experienced this trauma of him being chained and drowning and unable to get out of his chains, it was so upsetting to make this painting",. The piece was one of several put on display for her Rogues Gallery series. A statement for the project last month teased, "These never-before-seen works created by Stone are powerful, haunting portraits of the spirits of people from different eras that she recently started to channel while painting". For Him in particular, Sharon admitted the ghost had "a very hard time" opening up. She added at the time," He was an enslaved person who drowned in the East China Sea on a slave ship. He had a very hard time talking to me, because as an enslaved person he was not allowed to talk openly and freely. He had me experience his drowning with him". Jaipur, Jan 29 : The issue of noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in Jaipur city was raised in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday, triggering discussion during the Zero Hour. BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya highlighted the impact of high-volume loudspeakers on students, senior citizens, and patients, and called for strict enforcement of sound limits. Raising the matter under Rule 295 during Zero Hour, Acharya said that loudspeakers on several mosques in Jaipur operate at very high volumes, with noise beginning as early as 4 am. He said this early-morning noise disrupts the studies of school-going children and adversely affects elderly people and those suffering from illnesses. "The excessive sound from loudspeakers disturbs sleep and mental peace, which amounts to a violation of citizens' rights," the MLA told the House. He stressed that continuous noise pollution has serious health implications and affects daily life, particularly in densely populated residential areas. He also claimed that when local residents requested that the volume of loudspeakers be reduced, they were allegedly met with aggressive and confrontational behaviour by those responsible for operating the sound systems. He urged the state government to intervene to prevent such situations and ensure that sound-related regulations are followed uniformly at all religious places. Calling for immediate administrative action, the BJP MLA demanded that the government regulate and control the volume of loudspeakers installed at religious places and strictly implement permissible sound limits as prescribed under existing laws. He said the issue should be addressed from the perspective of public health and civic rights, rather than being allowed to escalate into social tension. The issue drew attention in the House as part of broader concerns over noise pollution in urban areas, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. Lucknow, Jan 29 : In a significant move to expand the ambit of cashless mediclaim for the teaching fraternity, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved the facility to about 15 lakh employees in the education sector, including teachers, non-teaching staff and also their dependent family members. The Yogi Adityanath Cabinetas decision will benefit teachers, honorary teachers, non-teaching staff, and dependents of government aided & self-financed schools under the Basic and Secondary Education Council. Briefing the media, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that 32 proposals were placed before the cabinet, of which 30 received approval. The initiative was formally announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Teachersa Day last year, and the state cabinet gave it approval on Thursday. The cashless facility will be available in both government hospitals and private hospitals. Addressing the press, Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi stated that over 2.97 lakh beneficiaries would be covered under this category, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 89.25 crore. Similarly, teachers, Shiksha Mitras, special educators, instructors working in schools run or recognised by the Basic Education Council (aided and self-financed), wardens and full-time or part-time teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, as well as cooks engaged under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, along with their dependents, will also be covered. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh informed that more than 11.95 lakh teachers and staff associated with the Basic Education Council would benefit from the scheme. The annual financial outlay for this component is estimated at Rs 358.61 crore, with an average annual premium of around Rs 3,000 per employee. The cashless treatment facility will be available in government hospitals and private hospitals under the SACHIS. Treatment rates will be aligned with those prescribed under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and norms of the National Health Authority. Teachers working in self-financed, recognised institutions will receive benefits after due verification. For this purpose, district-level committees will be constituted under the chairmanship of the District Inspector of Schools and the Basic Education Officer. The US president says the Russian leader has promised to stop bombing as freezing cold temperatures grip the country U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, has agreed to a temporary halt in the periodic bombings that are destroying Ukraines energy system. I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that, Trump said in Washington. The Kremlin has not confirmed the halt in strikes. Earlier in the day, Putins spokesperson Dmitry Peskov avoided commenting on reports of a possible agreement limited to energy infrastructure, telling reporters: No, I cant comment on that yet. If confirmed, the pause would offer a brief respite from the severe conditions Ukrainians are facing in major cities. With temperatures expected to fall below 20C (-4F), millions are living without hot water, electricity, or heating. Trump said that he framed his request to Putin as an act of clemency given the dire situation. The Ukrainian government considers Russias destruction of the energy system a war crime, a view also supported by the European Commission. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked Trump for his mediation and said the possibility of a halt in strikes on energy infrastructure had been discussed between Ukrainian and Russian delegations during last weeks trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi: Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war, he posted on X. Zelenskiys remarks suggest Ukraine would also suspend its drone strikes on Russias oil sector and the electrical grid in regions near the border. This would be the second temporary truce of this kind brokered under Trumps auspices. The first, agreed in March 2025, lasted until August, when Ukraine resumed attacks on Russias oil and gas industry to weaken its exports. Russia restarted its campaign against Ukraines electrical grid in the fall. Iuliia Mendel, Zelenskiys former spokesperson, criticized the decision to resume strikes on Russias energy sector in 2025, saying: The economic impact of Ukraines deep strikes inside Russia doesnt even come close to the devastating damage Russia inflicts on Ukrainians every day. She confirmed that Washington had been pushing for a new truce. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gave an interview ahead of the third round of Abu Dhabi negotiations scheduled for Sunday. The bilateral meeting is not expected to lead to major progress. In addition to demanding control of the entire Donbas region, Lavrov insisted that the Kremlin wants more. The veteran Russian diplomat likened Zelenskiy to Hitler and Napoleon, and accused the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of clearly playing into the hands of those who want to keep Ukraines Nazi regime in power. He reiterated that Russias aims include not only occupying Donbas but also installing a puppet government in Kyiv. We keep hearing claims that security guarantees are the key to preventing this conflict from re-igniting. They are the key to open an absolutely different door, though, said Lavrov. Lavrov added that Russia has not seen the full 20point plan promoted by Kyiv and Western governments, claiming that even the provisional versions do not include the requirement to respect the rights of national minorities, added the Russian minister, using this as a pretext to justify further expansion of the invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, Lavrov reiterated that a complete ceasefire is unacceptable to Moscow, arguing that Ukraine has used every respite to round up people in the streets of Ukrainian cities by droves and ship them to the front. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ahmedabad, Jan 29 : The Ahmedabad Crime Branch and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) rescued a 15-day-old newborn from a moving vehicle near Kotarpur, close to Ahmedabad airport, and uncovered an inter-state child trafficking network, officials said on Thursday. The operation was carried out following a tip-off. Officials intercepted a car arriving from Himmatnagar and discovered the newborn inside. Four individuals were apprehended during the raid, including Roshan Agarwal of Hyderabad, Sumit Yadav of Uttar Pradesh, Vandana Panchal of Ahmedabad, and the vehicle's driver, Maulik Dave. The infant was immediately handed over to the Child Health Officer for medical care and protection. Police investigations revealed that the child had been purchased for Rs 3.60 lakh from a trafficker identified as Munna, also known as Yunus, in Himmatnagar. The accused were allegedly transporting the infant to Hyderabad to sell him to an agent named Nagaraj. Both Munna and Nagaraj remain absconding, with multiple police teams working to apprehend them. "This child is only 15 days old. We are investigating who the biological mother is and the middlemen involved. Vandana and Roshan have previously been caught in child trafficking cases in Hyderabad. After securing bail, they resumed the same criminal activity," ACP Bharat Patel said. Police records indicate that the network sources newborns primarily from the Sabarkantha and Banaskantha regions. "Munna had reportedly purchased the baby for Rs 60,000, cared for the child briefly, and prepared to hand him over in Hyderabad," ACP Patel added. Earlier, Hyderabad police had recovered three children linked to Vandana and Roshan, one of whom was traced to Ahmedabad, highlighting the inter-state scale of the racket. Officials are investigating the intended fate of the rescued infant, as such children are often sold to childless couples or trafficked under the guise of illegal adoption. ACP Patel noted, "Infants are often trafficked when mothers face societal pressures, including pregnancies outside marriage or other sensitive circumstances. Apprehending Munna is essential to tracing the child's biological parents." This case follows a similar bust six months ago, when Ahmedabad Rural Police uncovered a trafficking gang involved in abducting children from Dholka and selling them in Maharashtra, which led to the arrest of four individuals, including a nurse employed at an IVF centre. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to dismantle the entire trafficking network. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told top CEOs and experts working in the field of Artificial Intelligence that there should be no compromise on the ethical use of AI. The Prime Minister was interacting with the CEOs in a meeting held at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, in the run-up to the IndiaAI Impact Summit in February. The session was aimed at fostering strategic collaborations, showcasing AI innovations, and accelerating Indiaas AI mission goals. PM Modi highlighted the importance of data security and the democratisation of technology. He said that there should be no compromise on the ethical use of AI and emphasised the need to ensure an ecosystem which is transparent, impartial, and secure. Indiaas AI ecosystem should reflect the character and values of the nation, he added. The high-level roundtable saw participation from CEOs of companies working in AI, including Wipro, TCS, HCL Tech, Zoho Corporation, LTI Mindtree, Jio Platforms Ltd, AdaniConnex, Nxtra Data and Netweb Technologies, along with experts from IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada also participated in the interaction. During the interaction, the CEOs expressed strong support towards the goal of becoming self-sufficient in AI technology. They also acknowledged the efforts and resources the government is putting to put India as a leader in AI on the global stage. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to embrace new technology in all spheres and use it to contribute to national growth. He also urged the use of indigenous technology across key sectors. While speaking about the upcoming AI Impact Summit, he highlighted that all individuals and companies should leverage the summit to explore new opportunities and leapfrog on the growth path. He also stated that through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India has demonstrated its technical prowess, and this can be replicated in the field of AI as well. The Prime Minister highlighted that India has a unique proposition of scale, diversity and democracy, due to which the world trusts Indiaas digital infrastructure. In line with his vision of aAI for Alla, he stated that we need to create an impact with our technology as well as inspire the world. He also urged the CEOs and experts to make India a fertile destination for all global AI efforts. Blantyre, Jan 29 : Health authorities have expressed concern over the growing prevalence of cholera in Malawi, with at least three deaths and more than 50 confirmed cases recorded since October 2025. Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi voiced concern on Wednesday during a sensitisation meeting with the authorities of the commercial city of Blantyre, which is leading in the number of cases, Xinhua News Agency reported. According to the minister, Blantyre has the highest prevalence of the cholera outbreak, with two deaths and 30 cases recorded in the city alone. She also confirmed the recent detection of one case of poliovirus type 2 in Blantyre, noting that the samples were sent to South Africa for laboratory tests, where they turned out positive. Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre Gift Kawalazira attributed the outbreaks to poor sanitation, among other factors. According to Kawalazira, the poliovirus was detected in a 7-year-old boy in Blantyre who had never been vaccinated since birth due to his parents' beliefs. Malawian government officials are working with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and other organisations to contain the outbreaks through vaccinations and public awareness campaigns on hygiene. In December last year, the Malawian government appealed for financial support of over 3 million US dollars for the implementation of the country's cholera control plan. At a press briefing held in Lilongwe, the country's capital, Malawi's Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi said the country has registered 11 confirmed cholera cases in five districts, including Lilongwe. According to a statement from the ministry, the budget for the Cholera Preparedness and Control Plan is pegged at 3.37 million US dollars, but the government of Malawi has only managed to source nearly 357,000 US dollars, leaving a deficit of over 3 million US dollars. Meanwhile, the government of Malawi has intensified cross-border collaboration and joint cross-border investigation of suspected cases in two border districts of Mwanza and Moatize in Mozambique, it said. Furthermore, the country's National Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and a national incident management team has been put in place to coordinate the response. New Delhi, Jan 29 : The promise of building India's urban future lies in making our cities economically dynamic, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and institutionally capable, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said on Thursday. New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) The promise of building Indiaas urban future lies in making our cities economically dynamic, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and institutionally capable, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said on Thursday. According to the Survey, tabled in the Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, future urban policy must prioritise system performance over standalone projects a" integrating housing, mobility, sanitation, climate resilience, and finance a" while designing liveable, climate-ready cities that support inclusion and long-term economic efficiency. "India is far more urban in economic and functional terms than official definitions suggest," it noted. Based on satellite data from the Global Human Settlements Layer (GHSL) of the Group on Earth Observations at the European Commission, India was 63 per cent urban in 2015, which is nearly double the urbanisation rate reported in the 2011 Census. According to the Survey, Indiaas cities are not merely places of residence but function as critical economic infrastructure. Density and proximity generate agglomeration economies that raise productivity, deepen labour markets, and enable innovation. The economic role of cities is, therefore, central to Indiaas growth trajectory, the Economic Survey said. India is already deeply urban in economic terms, with the majority of its national output generated in cities and in urban areas. The task now is to make that urbanisation work better for citizens in tangible and intangible ways, it suggested. The survey positioned cities as economic assets that require deliberate investment and strategic planning. The World Bank recently estimated that by 2036, Indiaas towns and cities will be home to 600 million people, or 40 per cent of the population, up from 31 per cent in 2011, with urban areas contributing almost 70 per cent to GDP. It further stated that recognition of cities as economic infrastructure is a necessary first step toward aligning public policy, fiscal priorities, and planning frameworks with Indiaas development trajectory. Towards this goal, the country has "materially expanded mass rapid transit system over the last decade". The Survey also suggested augmentation and digitisation of bus fleets, finance-first e-bus deployment, mainstreaming last-mile and shared mobility, operationalisation of Transit-oriented Development (TOD), and value capture around stations. Around 1,036 km of Metro/RRTS are operational across around 24 cities, with further corridors under construction, as of 2025. The government launched PM e-Bus Sewa to strengthen city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It was backed by Rs 20,000 crore central assistance and a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to assure operator cashflows. According to the survey, during FY25, 7,293 e-buses have been approved across 14 States and 4 UTs, Rs 983.75 crore has been sanctioned for depot and behind-the-meter power infrastructure, and Rs 437.5 crore has already been disbursed. Meanwhile, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBMa"U) has been complemented by investments under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and AMRUT 2.0. Door-to-door collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) has expanded to 98 per cent of urban wards by 2025a"26. Kolkata, Jan 29 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday again rejected the plea from the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) West Bengal unit to hold protest demonstrations in front of the state Secretariat 'Nabanna' against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's alleged move hindering the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s raids against the Indian Action Political Action Committee (I-PAC). A division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen declined the party's plea challenging the single-judge bench order, which had rejected their demand. On January 15, a single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh had turned down the party's plea, and the BJP leadership, thereafter, approached the division bench. Rejecting the plea again, the division bench instead suggested that the state unit of the BJP conduct the protest demonstration at the alternative location of nearby Mandirtala Crossing, which was suggested by Justice Ghosh on January 15. Justice Ghosh had also fixed the time range for the protest demonstration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She also barred the use of a microphone at the demonstration. On January 8, while simultaneous raids and search operations were being conducted at the Indian Political Action Committee's office and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain, Chief Minister Banerjee, accompanied by senior officials from the state administration and the state police, stormed the two places one after another and left the premises after reportedly collecting some paper files and electronic documents. The state BJP unit had decided to conduct a protest demonstration in front of the state Secretariat at Mandirtala in the adjacent Howrah district. However, considering that the Nabanna area is a high-security zone, special permission is required for conducting protest demonstrations in front of it. The state unit of the BJP had therefore approached the Calcutta High Court for permission for their agitation. Chennai, Jan 29 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has launched a scathing attack on the DMK government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Tamil Nadu. In a strongly worded post on his X page, the TVK leader said the steady rise in crimes across the State is clear evidence of administrative failure, adding that even the capital city Chennai has been rocked by a disturbing series of violent incidents, particularly crimes against women. Vijay said Tamil Nadu is in shock over a string of horrific crimes reported in recent days. He referred to the brutal murder of a migrant worker from Bihar, who was employed as a security guard in the Adyar area of Chennai, along with his wife and child. He also cited the sexual assault of a young woman working at the canteen of a government college in Nandanam. Describing these incidents as "deeply shocking and painful," Vijay said they deserve the strongest possible condemnation. According to him, the prevailing atmosphere in Tamil Nadu has made ordinary citizens feel unsafe. He alleged that the present "deceptive DMK government" has failed not only the people of the State but also those who migrate to Tamil Nadu in search of livelihood. "Neither residents nor migrant workers are secure anymore," he said. Vijay accused the ruling establishment of focusing solely on corruption and self-enrichment, while neglecting its core responsibility of maintaining law and order. He said the government has shown little seriousness in preventing crimes against women and children, which, he claimed, is why incidents of sexual violence are increasingly being reported even from educational institutions. He further alleged that instead of ensuring swift and stringent punishment for offenders, the government has adopted a "soft and indifferent approach." This, he warned, is emboldening anti-social elements and encouraging them to commit more heinous crimes. Public perception, Vijay said, is that the administration lacks the will to act decisively against criminals. Calling for immediate action, Vijay demanded that those involved in such crimes be punished without delay. He also took aim at Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, accusing him of repeatedly claimingwithout consciencethat Tamil Nadu remains a safe State for women and that the government is beyond reproach. Stating that the Chief Minister's "days in power are numbered," Vijay urged him to at least take urgent steps to safeguard law and order in the remaining days of his tenure. He concluded by asserting that the people of Tamil Nadu are ready to put an end to what he called a hollow, publicity-driven model of governance that offers no real protection to its citizens. Washington, Jan 29 : A contentious US Senate hearing on Venezuela this week offered a revealing look at how Washington is fusing energy control, China's debt diplomacy, sanctions, and calibrated force - a strategic mix that resembles challenges India faces across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific. Washington, Jan 29 (IANS) A contentious US Senate hearing on Venezuela this week offered a revealing look at how Washington is fusing energy control, China's debt diplomacy, sanctions, and calibrated force a strategic mix that resembles challenges India faces across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio showcased Venezuela as a case study of how great-power competition now plays out through oil access, political transition, and strategic-level signaling, rather than through traditional military confrontation alone. "We had in our hemisphere a regime operated by an indicted narcotrafficker that became a base of operation for virtually every competitor, adversary, and enemy in the world," Rubio said, describing the Maduro-era government as a hub for China, Russia, and Iran. Rubio said China, in particular, had leveraged Venezuela's oil to deepen its foothold in the Western Hemisphere. "China was receiving oil at about $20 a barrel discount, and they weren't even paying money for it," he said. "It was being used to pay down debt that they were owed." "This is the oil of the people of Venezuela, and it was being given to the Chinese as barter," Rubio added. Rubio's description will strike a chord in New Delhi, where officials have for years flagged China's use of cheap energy, debt and non-transparent deals as tools to build influence often at the cost of market fairness and sovereign decision-making. Rubio described the situation as "an enormous strategic risk for the United States not halfway around the world, not in another continent, but in the hemisphere in which we all live," adding that it was "untenable" and "had to be addressed." At the core of Washington's current approach is tight control over Venezuelan oil flows an issue of direct relevance to India, one of the world's largest energy importers and a country that has navigated US sanctions regimes on Iran and Russia to safeguard its fuel security. Rubio emphasised that the United States has imposed a "quarantine, not a blockade," allowing sanctioned Venezuelan oil to reach markets only under strict conditions. "We will allow you to move it to market at market prices, not at the discount China was getting," he said. "The funds from that will be deposited into an account that we will have oversight over, and you will spend that money for the benefit of the Venezuelan people." He said the immediate objective was to avert economic collapse. "They were producing oil, they were drilling, but they had nowhere to put it," Rubio said, adding that Venezuela faced a "fiscal crunch" and urgently needed funds "to pay the police officer, the sanitation workers, the daily operations of government." Rubio stressed that the arrangement is temporary. "This is not going to be the permanent mechanism," he said. "This is a short-term mechanism." For India, the episode illustrates how oil access is increasingly governed by geopolitics rather than market forces alone a trend New Delhi has flagged in international forums as sanctions, export controls and strategic chokepoints reshape global energy flows. Rubio said Venezuela has already begun shifting away from reliance on adversaries. "They used to get 100 percent of their diluent from Russia," he said. "They are now getting 100 percent of that from the United States." Beyond energy, Rubio framed the Venezuela operation as a broader signal to China a theme closely watched in New Delhi amid intensifying US-China competition in the Indo-Pacific. Asked whether the operation could influence Beijing's calculations on Taiwan, Rubio said, "The situation on Taiwan is a Xi legacy project," but added that US actions were "certainly startling to China, to Russia, to Iran, to any adversary around the world because the US is the only country in the world that could have done this operation." For Indian analysts watching US-China tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, the comments point to a broader US message that American power will be felt wherever its interests are involved. Rubio also outlined a three-phase US plan for Venezuela stabilization, recovery and transition reflecting an approach that focuses on order over rapid political change. "The end state here is we want to reach a phase of transition where we are left with a friendly, stable, prosperous Venezuela, and democratic, in which all elements of society are represented in free and fair elections," he said. But he cautioned against expectations of quick results. "We're not going to get there in three weeks," Rubio said. "It's going to take some time." He said stability was the first priority after the removal of Nicolas Maduro. "The concern was what happens in Venezuela? Is there civil war? Do the different factions start going at each other?" he said, adding that "all of that has been avoided." Rubio acknowledged the risks of working with imperfect interim authorities. "We are dealing with individuals that have been involved in things that in our system would not be acceptable," he said. "But you have to work with the people that are in charge of the elements of government." India, which has continually emphasised sovereignty, gradual reform and stability over externally imposed regime change, has often taken a similar view in conflict-prone regions. Rubio said early signs of reform were visible, citing changes to investment rules. "They have passed a new hydrocarbon law that basically eradicates many of the Chavez era restrictions on private investment," he said. "It probably doesn't go far enough, but it's a big step from where they were three weeks ago." He also pointed to the release of detainees. "By some estimates up to 2,000," Rubio said, though he noted they were being released "probably slower than I would like." On the use of force, Rubio sought to reassure lawmakers. "We are not postured to nor do we intend or expect to have to take any military action in Venezuela at any time," he said. "The only military presence you will see in Venezuela is our marine guards at an embassy," he added, while stressing that the US President retains authority to respond to "an imminent threat." For India, the Venezuela debate brings several familiar issues together. It shows how energy is now used for leverage, how China expands its influence through debt and long-term deals, and how sanctions and military power are increasingly used as signals rather than as steps toward war. Washington's handling of Venezuela can be seen less as a Latin American story and more as an early indication of how competition among major powers is likely to play out. Thiruvananthapuram Jan 29 : Kerala's financial position has shown significant improvement, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Thursday, noting that while funds due from the Centre are yet to be received, the state has been able to manage its finances in a manner that allows it to move forward. Thiruvananthapuram Jan 29 (IANS) Keralaas financial position has shown significant improvement, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Thursday, noting that while funds due from the Centre are yet to be received, the state has been able to manage its finances in a manner that allows it to move forward. A postgraduate in Commerce and a first-time legislator, Balagopal, 63, presented his sixth straight budget. After presenting the budget, he later told the media that as improvements in infrastructure development and related sectors gather pace, their positive impact will become visible in the coming phases. This has given the government a sense of optimism about the stateas economic outlook, he added. Rebutting Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesanas statement, Balagopal clarified that the budget was not aimed at elections but nevertheless included key welfare measures. He said government intervention is necessary to ensure income security for ordinary citizens, and the budget reflects such interventions. Revising allowances for ASHA workers, anganwadi employees, and similar categories is a responsibility of the state government, the Minister said, noting that the Centre has not increased its contribution for these workers for the past 12 years. However, the state cannot delay timely interventions, and such measures have therefore been incorporated in the budget, he said. Among the major announcements are group insurance coverage for Haritha Karma Sena workers, auto and taxi drivers, free treatment for the first five days for road accident victims, and an expanded Medisep scheme with enhanced benefits for government employees and their pensioners. For infrastructure development, Rs 5,317 crore has been allocated through the KIIFB for the development of the MC Road, Rs 1,000 crore for the Vizhinjam port project, and Rs 100 crore for the RRT line proposed as an alternative to the K-Rail project. An allocation of Rs 100 crore has also been made for initiating preliminary procedures for the Kasaragod high-speed rail project. The budget also announced a feasibility study for the Kattappanaa"Theni tunnel road, the Vizhinjama"Chavara corridor, and the handover of the first batch of houses for Wayanad disaster-affected families in February. Chandigarh, Jan 29 : Punjab Police have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation relating to the Nalagarh police station blast in Himachal Pradesh by uncovering the involvement of a narco-terror module linked to Pakistan's ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror network by arresting two of its operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday. Chandigarh, Jan 29 (IANS) Punjab Police have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation relating to the Nalagarh police station blast in Himachal Pradesh by uncovering the involvement of a narco-terror module linked to Pakistanas ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror network by arresting two of its operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Himachal Pradesh Police and Central agencies. Those arrested have been identified as Shamsher Singh, alias Sheru, alias Kamal, and Pardeep Singh, alias Deepu, both residents of Rahon in Nawanshahr. Police teams have also recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) from their possession. DGP Yadav said the arrested operatives were acting on the directions of Shushant Chopra, a close associate of Gurpreet, alias Gopi Nawanshahria, and BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda. The DGP said preliminary investigation has revealed that on December 31, 2025, the arrested accused, along with their two accomplices, had transported an IED from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh, which was later used in the Nalagarh blast on January 1, 2026. Further investigation is ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said. Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (Nawanshahr) Tushar Gupta said during the investigation of an FIR registered under provisions of the NDPS Act at the police station in Rahon, the role of the accused were found to be involved in acting on the directions of Shushant Chopra. The SSP said that based on disclosures and follow-up action, one IED has been recovered from the spot pinpointed by the accused, further corroborating their involvement in the terror conspiracy. Police teams have also identified the two accomplices of the accused, and raids are being carried out to nab them, he said. In this regard, a separate first information report on January 29 was registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, Sections 10, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 113 (1) and 113 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Rahon. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Terming the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) "historic", Sweden's Ambassador to India Jan Thesleff said the pact reflects strong mutual confidence between India and the European Union and will unlock significant new opportunities for Swedish companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in India and vice versa. New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Terming the EUIndia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) "historic", Sweden's Ambassador to India Jan Thesleff said the pact reflects strong mutual confidence between India and the European Union and will unlock significant new opportunities for Swedish companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in India and vice versa. In an exclusive interview to IANS, Thesleff said: "This is an agreement that truly shows the confidence India places in the European Union and the confidence the European Union places in India." He noted that while Sweden already has a strong business presence in India, the FTA would lower entry barriers and encourage many new Swedish companies to explore the Indian market. "For Sweden, this agreement will open new doors for actors who are not yet present in India. It will trigger a more innovative and interactive relationship between Sweden and India, and between the EU and India," he added. Highlighting the importance of SMEs, the Ambassador said employment generation, creativity, and innovation largely come from small and medium-sized companies. "This agreement will benefit all parties enormously, especially SMEs and MSMEs on both sides," he said. Thesleff pointed out that around 400 Swedish companies are currently operating in India, accounting for about seven per cent of all EU companies present in the country. "The agreement sends a strong signal to those not yet here that India is a market worth investing in, manufacturing in, and developing new products in," he said. Beyond trade and investment, the Ambassador emphasised the agreement's wider impact on scientific and technological cooperation. "This is also a signal to our research and innovation partners. It is an invitation to work together, create centres of excellence, and collaborate in India, with India, and in Europe," he noted. On sectors likely to benefit, Thesleff said Sweden has a broad engagement with India across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, IT, automobiles, and clean energy. "All these sectors will gain from the agreement. Many Swedish brands are already household names in India," he said. He also stressed that the partnership is a two-way street. "It is not only European companies coming to India; Indian companies are also investing in Europe," he said, adding that around 7580 Indian companies have invested in Sweden. "Just a few months ago, an Indian investment in Gothenburg created 1,500 jobs," he noted. The Ambassador underlined that the EUIndia FTA is about more than trade. "It is about creating jobs and generating value for both sides," he said. On opportunities for skilled professionals, Thesleff said the agreement would encourage greater mobility of talent. "When investments take place, they create jobs. Skilled Indians coming to Sweden and Swedes coming to India bring back not just salaries, but skills and expertise. I call this 'intellectual remittances'," he said. He noted that Indians are currently the largest group of foreign professionals coming to Sweden. "By 2030, we expect one per cent of Sweden's population to be Indian. Though geographically distant, Sweden and India are growing closer every minute," he added. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Thesleff said India has repeatedly proven itself on the global stage. "During India's G20 presidency, we clearly saw the country's leadership role. I am confident we will see it again in the near future," he said. At a time when the United States is imposing tariffs and global trade faces growing uncertainty, the proposed EUIndia trade agreement sends a strong signal that rule-based cooperation is still possible, Thesleff said. "The signal India and the EU are sending to the world is that we can get together, we can agree, and we can have a rules-based world order," Thesleff said, adding that both sides are committed to agreed tariffs and long-term reliability as partners. Referring to global volatility and uncertainty, he said the current situation itself proves that "the opposites can also work", underlining the importance of stable and predictable partnerships in an increasingly fragmented global economy. On India's demand for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, Sweden expressed clear support for reform of the global body. "We are in favour of reform of the UN system, and we feel that India, in a reformed United Nations, has a rightful place at the table, at the Security Council," Thesleff said. Highlighting India's role in the diversification of global supply chains, Thesleff said globalisation has shown how deeply interconnected countries are, while also exposing the risks of over-dependence. "We must have flexibility and openness to source," he noted, adding that free trade agreements help secure supply routes and strengthen resilience. On cooperation in skill development and talent mobility, Thesleff said Sweden has been actively engaging with India for several years. "Every year, 15 to 17 Swedish universities come to India to attract talent," Thesleff said. Praising India's demographic strength, the envoy added that India has a "richness of talent", with its youth demonstrating creativity and innovation. "Swedish universities want to tap into that pool," Thesleff said, underlining education and talent exchange as a key pillar of IndiaSweden cooperation. What is happening in Minnesota is not just about immigration. It is about a surging American fascism, democracy and the future of our republic Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed They wouldnt understand that isnt cold here all the time Deep, deep, deep down inside That something here is quite warm. Minneapolis Poet Laureate Junauda Petrus, Ritual on How to Love Minneapolis Again (2025) I am a historian of democracy and policing and the fourth generation of my family to live and work in Minneapolis. My city is once again at the center of a national conversation about state violence, just five and a half years after Minneapolis police officers murdered a Black man named George Floyd. And once again, Im watching my city respond with fury, grief, and hope. Thousands of ICE agents and their comrades in the Border Patrol threaten us on our own streets, violently snatch people from their cars and homes without warrants or cause, and raid hospitals, day care centers, and schools (including one just two blocks from my home). Their agencies doctor images and post memes and refuse investigations and insist that what you can see with your own eyes is untrue. Their real mission is not producing fear but content creation, as viral videos of government-mandated xenophobia garner millions of clicks. In an age of algorithmic capitalism, they power the latest iteration of American fascism. Visual cruelty empowers President Trump and his grifting cronies. But Minnesotans complicated things. On January 22, Vice President Vance came here and pronounced his confusion regarding the very unique, very Minneapolis specific reaction to our enforcement. Operation by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) He like the rest of us has been watching videos of everyday people resisting armed federal agents with little more than Signal chats, whistles, and words. They show people taking food to neighbors, standing outside schools to warn students and teachers if ICE agents appear, engaging in peaceful protests and solemn vigils, raising money to cover food and rent for frightened families, and pulling off the nations biggest general strike in decades. They show people who, despite being shot and detained and deported, continue to show up for each other. In other words, the government-sanctioned spectacle of cruelty that fuels an un-American authoritarianism has been met by a community-driven expression of thoroughly American democracy. Outside observers have tried to explain it by touting Minnesotas liberal history, civic orientation, and culture of looking out for each other in a difficult climate. To be sure, the Farmer-Labor Party distinctively shaped Minnesotas political culture. We tend to take civic life more seriously than most. And yes, harsh winters encourage neighborliness. But the roots of many Minnesotans response to this brutal police riot can be found in a more recent history of quiet, steady, and persistent relational organizing that intentionally works across differences of every sort and brings people together around shared values. Protest near the site of the attack on Alex Pretti, January 24. Star Tribune via Getty Images (Star Tribune via Getty Images) Protesters against ICE in Minneapolis on January 25. Seth Herald (REUTERS) A federal agent confronts a demonstration against ICE in Minneapolis. Adam Gray (AP) Evening vigil for Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, on January 25. Adam Gray (AP) Federal agents disperse a demonstration in Minneapolis last Sunday. Abbie Parr (AP) March following the death of Renee Good, in Minneapolis, on January 23. Star Tribune via Getty Images (Star Tribune via Getty Images) In 2012, a group called Minnesota United for Families emerged to block the passage of an amendment to the state constitution that would outlaw LGBTQ marriage. The coalition did not focus its work on mobilizing a liberal base or attacking the states sizable conservative constituency. Instead, it focused tightly on how people imagine and feel about family. Acknowledging individuals differences while tapping into the shared values of a majority, Minnesota United for Families defeated the initiative. The next year, they used the same approach to pass a law guaranteeing marriage equality in Minnesota. Relational organizing across difference with a focus on shared values took root in other spaces, too. The faith-based organization ISAIAH brings religious people of every sort together to create social and political change. Their interdenominational work across mosques, synagogues, and churches boosts capacity for civic action and has helped pave the way for legislation around clean energy, expanded voting rights, access to drivers licenses regardless of immigration status, and paid family and medical leave. Service worker unions sporting disproportionate numbers of immigrants of color also grew in size and strength in Minnesota during the 2010s. They taught members that solidarity depended on identifying and emphasizing shared values and experiences over language and ethnic and job differences. In 2024, one perceptive journalist dubbed it the Minnesota model, and suggested that it might be the future of organizing the working class. This approach to organizing seeded the population with people who began imagining citizen empowerment in the same way. They fostered the localized and temporary mutual aid that marked everyday life in Minneapolis during the 2020 uprising that followed Floyds death. Confronted with an influx of white supremacists and the absence of public safety services, neighbors shared phone numbers, organized group chats, and coordinated volunteer watch teams to protect homes and businesses. Memorial for Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, on January 28. Seth Herald (REUTERS) That much of Minneapolis and St. Paul and their racially diverse first-ring suburbs now sport moms blowing whistles when ICE appears testifies to the significance of the relationship-building during that moment. Direct action led by Black Lives Matter protesters and police abolitionists did not always secure political victories but did expand Minnesotans imaginations. Now allied with longstanding immigrant advocacy groups, these many strains remain committed to emphasizing shared self-interest. In the wake of Renee Goods murder, they even managed to mobilize many of Minnesotas white liberals, who until recently remained stubbornly averse to grappling with the Twin Cities intense racialized inequality. Seeing the white, queer, Christian, mother as one of their own, they recognized themselves in the struggle and already-organized Minnesotans welcomed them to the fight. Together, they are producing a potent we the people politics that defies the blatant authoritarianism espoused by President Trump and Vice President Vance. Their deliberate, decentralized organizing which can appear leaderless but is in fact leaderful transcends partisan tribalism. Focused on morality, the Bill of Rights, and basic human decency, many different kinds of Minnesotans have come together to work together. They know the stakes are high. What is happening in Minnesota is not just about immigration. It is about a surging American fascism. It is about democracy. It is about the rule of law. It is about the Constitution. It is about the future of our republic, which hangs in the balance. During a news conference just one day after Goods murder, Gov. Tim Walz a former high school social studies teacher invoked the Civil War and the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment. At the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, the 1st Minnesota charged into a brigade of Confederates five times their size to fill a sudden gap in the Union lines. It was a tremendous sacrifice; 82% of the regiment was killed or wounded in 15 minutes. It was just enough time for reinforcements to arrive and save the Union Army from sure defeat. Walz suggested that todays Minnesotans might need to follow the example of their Civil War forebears. The nation, he said, is looking to us to hold the line on democracy, to hold the line on decency, to hold the line on accountability. This month, many Minnesotans have literally put their lives on the line to buy the Republic a little time. What will you do with our sacrifice? Michael J. Lansing is a professor of history at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. This was written for Zocalo Public Square. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Washington, Jan 29, : The Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America celebrated UP Diwas in New Jersey over the weekend. The event on January 24 was held amid a state-level emergency and extreme cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 14 degrees Celsius. Despite the weather, members of the Uttar Pradesh community gathered in large numbers to observe the day, manifesting strong cultural attachment and community togetherness. In a press release, the organisers said the celebration was held with the blessings and goodwill of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose address to the Pravasi Uttar Pradesh community was shared during the programme. Congratulatory messages and letters were received from several dignitaries, including Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, and multiple ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Messages were also received from Padma awardees, cultural figures, and spiritual leaders. The chief guests for the programme included Piyush Singh from the Consulate General of Indiaas Media and Culture Department and Linden Mayor Derek Armstead. The event also drew support from several community organisations and leaders, including the Federation of Indian Associations, VHP Americaa"New Jersey, BAJANA, and UPAGP. The programme was coordinated by Prashant K S Dikshit, founder and trustee of UPFNA, and conducted by Neeta Tyagi. A vote of thanks was delivered by UPFNA President Amit Gupta in the presence of trustees and office bearers. A special highlight was the collective rendition of 'Vande Mataram' to mark its 150th anniversary. Sacred Prasad from the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya was also distributed during the event. Uttar Pradesh Diwas is observed annually on January 24 to mark the formation of the state in 1950. The event in New Jersey underscored the role of diaspora organisations in sustaining cultural ties and celebrating regional identity beyond Indiaas borders. Quetta, Jan 29 : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday condemned the detention of government employees who were peacefully raising their demands and also called for the release of leaders and members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance who were reportedly shifted to Mach Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order. In a statement shared on X, HRCP stated, "HRCP demands the release of leaders and members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, reportedly transferred to Mach Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order 3. Detaining government employees for peacefully raising demands, including salary-related grievances, is contrary to democratic norms and fundamental rights." "Reports of inhumane conditions, denial of food, lack of medical care and exposure to extreme cold a" particularly in isolation cells a" are deeply alarming and may amount to degrading and inhuman treatment. We urge the authorities to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue rather than coercion," it added. On Monday, workers of the Balochistan Employees Grand Alliance (BEGA) held protest rallies in Pakistan's Quetta and Khuzdar for raising their demands, including the grant of the disparity reduction allowance, local media reported. The BEGA employees held a rally from Bacha Khan Chowk to the City Police Station in Quetta. After reaching the police station, the demonstrators held a sit-in and shouted slogans against the government, as the authorities had refused to agree to their demands, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. According to police officials, 11 employees, who participated in the protest voluntarily, presented themselves for arrest. Government employees also held a protest in Khuzdar to raise their demands. The protest was led by the allianceas district president, Aslam Notani, APCA Kalat Division president Manzoor Naushad, General Secretary Aslam Zahri, Paramedical Staff Association president Rashid Ahmed Ghulamani and Rashida Zahri. A large number of employees from various government departments were part of the protest, shouting slogans against the government and voicing concern over the delay in agreeing to their demands. On January 20, dozens of government employees were arrested in Quetta as police blocked a sit-in in the Red Zone, where employees were raising demands for the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance. During the protest, authorities suspended mobile internet services in Quetta and other neighbouring areas, local media reported. Government employees from Balochistan travelled to Quetta following the sit-in announcement of the alliance of workersa organisations to raise their demands, The Balochistan Post reported. In recent days, work in many government offices has been affected due to the protest. Authorities had placed containers at key entry points and completely shut the Red Zone to stop protesters from reaching the site. However, after the road blockade, employees started gathering outside the Quetta Press Club. Police, however, stopped them from assembling and arrested dozens at the site of the incident. Johannesburg, Jan 29 : At least 11 people were killed and eight others injured Thursday morning in a road accident on the R102 near Lotus Park, south of Durban, in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, local media reported. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), citing ALS Paramedics, a local emergency service, said that 11 people, including one child, were declared dead at the scene after a truck collided with a minibus taxi, while eight others sustained critical injuries and were taken to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said the crash occurred at around 7:30 am local time (0530 GMT), adding that the truck veered off the road during the collision, pinning the minibus taxi against a tree, Xinhua News Agency reported. The spokesperson urged motorists to use alternative routes as emergency personnel and police continued rescue and recovery operations. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. On January 19, a total of 19 people were killed following a collision between a school transport vehicle and a truck in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, local authorities confirmed. Preliminary reports indicated that 11 learners were declared dead at the scene, and the five critically injured are being treated in the hospital. The number of fatalities later increased after the body of a pupil was discovered trapped beneath the overturned vehicle, and another child succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Citing a briefing from the investigating team, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that the school vehicle was trying to overtake several cars when it was confronted by the truck. The truck driver attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but it was too late, he added. Describing the accident as "unbearable," Lesufi urged stricter regulation for the growing private scholar transport sector. Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said that the school transport vehicle had been carrying more passengers than legally permitted. "If we count the numbers for now, it tells us that the Toyota Quantum was overloaded. Because the pupils we are talking about are 17," Masondo said, adding that the minibus is certified for 14 passengers. Police said both drivers survived the crash. The driver of the minibus taxi will be formally questioned as part of a culpable homicide investigation after medical treatment. Hyderabad, Jan 29 : Global aerospace giant Airbus has projected India's commercial aircraft fleet to triple in size to 2,250 aircraft over the next decade, as the country grows to become the third-largest civil aviation market in the world by 2035. Hyderabad, Jan 29 (IANS) Global aerospace giant Airbus has projected Indiaas commercial aircraft fleet to triple in size to 2,250 aircraft over the next decade, as the country grows to become the third-largest civil aviation market in the world by 2035. This fleet expansion is driven both by the Indian aviation market boom and the Indian airlinesa ambition to expand on international routes, a top Airbus executive said on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, the aviation exhibition and summit, here on Thursday. Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jurgen Westermeier told media that this three-fold increase in aircraft over 100 seats from the 2025 fleet levels marks one of the most aggressive expansions in global aviation history. The requirement for aircraft will be driven by a unique blend of the fastest economic growth among G20 nations, deeper government spending on infrastructure and a fundamental shift in Indian consumer behaviour, with per capita air travel rising from 0.13 to 0.29 over the next decade. As a result, passenger traffic in India will grow at 8.9 per cent per annum by 2035, the fastest among the major economies and well above the long-term global average. To keep this scaled-up fleet airborne, the requirement of pilots is set to surge to 35,000 by 2035, up from the current 12,000, while the technical workforce must grow to 34,000, tripling the current strength of 11,000, Westermeier said "We are witnessing the centre of global aviation shift toward the east. Indiaas fleet expansion will not only enhance domestic mobility but will also position the country as a dominant hub for international transit. Therefore, the next chapter of Indian aviation must ensure its operating models evolve at the same pace as the expansion in its fleet and network," he said. "Airbus is uniquely placed to support this growth with the A320 Family for domestic expansion and the A321XLR and A350 to lead Indiaas medium-to-long-haul international ambitions." As the fleet triples, India will rapidly pivot to become a hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The market for airframes, engines and components is set to triple to $9.5 billion by 2035. Indian airlines are also expected to spend up to $1 billion by 2035 on digitalisation of flight, ground and technical operations as well as cyber security and aircraft connectivity, he said. The fleet growth will be met with an equally ambitious infrastructure roadmap where the government will increase the number of operational airports by 50, bringing the national total to approximately 200 by 2035. The additional infrastructure spend will help sustain high-frequency operations, he added. Bengaluru, Jan 29 : Karnataka BJP has charged that the state has been turned from an IT hub into a "drugs park" under the Congress-led government. Bengaluru, Jan 29 (IANS) Karnataka BJP has charged that the state has been turned from an IT hub into a "drugs park" under the Congress-led government. State BJP General Secretary and senior MLA V. Sunil Kumar made the statement on the floor of the Assembly on Thursday while speaking on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address to the joint session. Sunil Kumar said, "Karnataka is known as an IT park and has now become a drugs park. To detect a drug factory in Mysuru, the native place of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Maharashtra Police had to conduct raids. Delhi Police have raided a drug factory in Bengaluru." "The Chief Minister questioned IPS officers in a recent meeting, asking why they could not detect drug factories operating in the state when police from other states had done so. The CM himself stated that nothing happens without the knowledge of the police. If Maharashtra Police can detect such activities, why wouldn't you know?" he questioned. "Karnataka was known as an IT park, and we did not know that it had become a drugs park. It is shameful that the state has become fertile ground for the drug mafia. This does not bring honour to Karnataka. The law and order system has been destroyed by you. We have never seen any government misuse the police department to this extent," he alleged. "In a situation where law and order has deteriorated, and a selective justice system is operating, there appears to be one law for the common people and a different set of laws for Congress leaders," he said. "How many times should I point out the prevailing law and order situation? After Siddaramaiah became Chief Minister for the second time, a selective justice system came into force. There are separate laws for Congress leaders and separate laws for ordinary citizens. There has been no equal application of law during the past two-and-a-half years of Congress rule," Sunil Kumar alleged. "I will give examples of how the law department and police have handled different cases in the state. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council was detained in Kalaburagi. This government did not think of initiating legal action at all. In contrast, it acted according to its whims and fancies in the case involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi over his statements against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar," he said. "How did a woman municipal commissioner get threatened by a Congress leader in Sidlaghatta in Kolar district? It took 14 days for the government to initiate action. To identify its own leader, the government took 14 days. Does the government believe law and order is good in the state?" he asked. "The law is selective in this system. What about the morality of government officials? In Shivamogga district, the son of a Congress MLA representing the Bhadravathi constituency threatened government officers. The situation is such that Congress leaders can do anything and everything in the state," the BJP leader alleged. "The situation is so grave that JD(S) MLA Kareamma Nayak stated on the floor of the House that she was threatened by the sand mafia. Senior MLA S. Suresh Kumar has spoken about how his house in Bengaluru was targeted by Congress workers. What kind of times are we living in?" he asked. "Regarding the Ballari violence incident, a Deputy Superintendent of Police was transferred earlier and has now been reinstated. The handling of the Ballari incident is deeply concerning. Under the pretext of banner installation, a group came near BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy's residence and fired shots. How did the government deal with this? When the BJP MLA sought protection after bullets were fired, a minister remarked that if Janardhana Reddy wants security, he should get it from America or Iran. If such statements are made, can anyone say there is law and order in the state?" Sunil Kumar said. "How many people have been arrested in the Ballari violence case? How are other cases being handled? Are private gunmen and bouncers running this government?" he asked. Sunil Kumar further questioned who allowed terrorists to have mobile phones inside Bengaluru Central Prison. He reiterated that Maharashtra Police had to raid a drug factory in Mysuru, the native place of the Chief Minister. He alleged that the Governor's speech failed to mention issues important to the people and that the government attempted to act smartly. "The government should have introspected on its governance. Since it is not ready for introspection and has chosen confrontation, misgovernance has continued," he said. "If you really want to understand how your government is functioning, visit government offices in disguise. This government has gone off track, lacks leadership, and is headed by a helpless Chief Minister. The administration is insensitive," he alleged, adding that Congress leaders were projecting guarantees as development. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had criticised the police for not being able to handle even small issues like banner installations. "The CM has admitted the helplessness of the police. He has also stated that police officers are turning into thieves," Ashoka alleged. Referring to Ballari Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, Ashoka said that the MLA had gone on record claiming that he could burn down BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy's house and that 5,000 to 6,000 people were with him. "He even said he could burn down the entire Ballari city within minutes. Is he an elected representative or a terrorist?" Ashoka asked. He further alleged that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had pledged total support to the MLA. "Is this the respect being shown to the law and the Constitution? While FIRs were registered against those who fired bullets, an FIR was lodged against Janardhana Reddy within one hour. The main accused has still not been arrested," Ashoka said. Kalpetta, Jan 29 : Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President A.P. Anilkumar said on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) protest against Congress Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi was aimed at providing political cover to the CPI(M). Instead of staging protests against CPI(M) leaders accused in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, the BJP chose to march to the office of Priyanka Gandhi, he added, terming the move a deliberate attempt to shield the ruling party. "What connection does Priyanka Gandhi have with the Sabarimala gold smuggling case?" Anilkumar asked. He said that, based on an investigation being directly supervised by the High Court, CPI(M) leaders have been in jail for weeks. "Then against whom should the BJP be protesting?" he asked. The KPCC leader also questioned why the BJP was reluctant to march to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office or to the residence of the State's Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. "What is the BJP afraid of?" Anilkumar asked. "Beyond those behind bars at present in connection with the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, the investigation needs to extend to senior CPI(M) leaders as well," he said. "At such a crucial juncture, the BJP's actions amounted to a political drama consciously staged to protect the CPI(M)," he alleged. "While the relationship between the BJP and the CPI(M) was earlier covert, it has now become increasingly overt," Anilkumar said, adding that the protest staged in Kalpetta was the clearest evidence of this emerging nexus. He also linked the BJP's protest to a recent incident in the state Assembly, where the Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty made highly objectionable remarks against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. "In reality, there is no difference between the CPI(M) and the BJP," he said, alleging that the CPI(M) is now moving forward in tandem with the BJP when it comes to opposing the Congress. According to Anilkumar, the BJP has consistently supported the CPI(M) even during Congress-led protests against the ruling party. "Earlier, two spokespersons were required for the two parties. In the present circumstances, one spokesperson is enough for both," he remarked. The statement made by Education Minister Sivankutty and the BJP's march to the CPI(M) office in Kalpetta together stand as proof of the deepening relationship between the two parties, Anilkumar alleged. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister J.P. Nadda held a meeting with a high-level Canadian delegation, led by Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, here on Thursday, reflecting the renewed momentum in the bilateral relations. Appreciating Canadaas role as a reliable supplier of Muriate of Potash (MOP), Nadda noted that India imports nearly 25 per cent of its total requirement of the fertiliser from Canada. He expressed Indiaas interest in securing more long-term supply contracts with Canada for MOP. He also highlighted Gujarat State Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) investment of (Canadian) $49.68 million in Karnalyte Resources Inc., a Canadian potash development company. The GSFC currently holds a 47.73 per cent equity stake in the project, giving India a substantial strategic share in this important potash asset project. Both sides also discussed Indiaas long-term strategy for potash security, including opportunities for technical collaboration in mining and exploration. Welcoming the Canadian delegation, Nadda said that strengthening potash availability in India remains central to restoring soil fertility and promoting balanced nutrient application under Indiaas Integrated Nutrient Management framework. During the deliberations, Hodgson affirmed Canadaas commitment to supporting Indiaas agricultural productivity, noting that potash is a mineral critical for agriculture. He outlined Canadaas new investment environment and conveyed that any investment made by Indian partners in the natural resources sector would be matched by the Canadian government. The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of India and Canada to enhance collaboration in the fertiliser sector and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations for long-term food and agriculture security. Both countries stand to gain from this initiative, which will promote deeper economic cooperation and support mutually beneficial investments in the fertiliser sector. There has been a marked improvement in the diplomatic relations between Ottawa and New Delhi after the exit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the new government coming into power under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Besides, Canada is looking to strengthen its economic partnership with India, the worldas fastest-growing major economy, amid the trade war and strained geopolitical ties with the neighbouring US after Donald Trump took over as President. Kolkata, Jan 29 : Police, probing actress and former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty's complaint regarding harassment at an event in Bongaon in the North 24 Parganas district, on Thursday arrested the accused, Tanay Shastri, and two of his associates after a scuffle at his residence when they tried to obstruct the team, officials said. Mimi Chakraborty is currently busy promoting her recently released film, "Bhanupriya Bhuter Hotel". There was no official reaction from her regarding the development. The incident took place on Sunday night. The actress, who had gone to perform at an event in the Nayagopalganj area of aaBongaon, alleged that she was harassed on stage there. "I was performing. Suddenly, the event organiser, Tanay Shastri, came onto the stage and stopped me. He told me to leave. Without arguing, I left without completing the entire performance. His behaviour was very arrogant," she said. Following this, she filed a written complaint with the local police station via email. The former MP also alleged that this unjust treatment was meted out to her because she refused to be a guest at Shastri's house, unlike the other artistes. A tense situation has prevailed since Monday regarding this incident. On the other hand, the organiser of the event claimed that the allegations are completely baseless and false. According to Shastri, Mimi Chakraborty's scheduled arrival time was 10.30 p.m., but she arrived at around 11.45 p.m., almost an hour and a half late. Despite this, she was given due respect and escorted onto the stage, he said, denying her allegations. "I am not at fault. Mimi arrived very late. We had to finish the event on time. That's what we did. We did not treat Mimi badly in any way." However, when the police tried to investigate the matter and went to Shastri's house, he prevented them from discharging their duties. Following this, he and two of his associates were arrested. Islamabad, Jan 29 : Pakistan's education system falters at the transition from primary to secondary education, where a girl completing Grade 5 encounters "an invisible wall". With distant middle schools, unsafe transport, male-dominated teaching staff and hesitant families, girls are left behind after primary school, while the state failed to act, a report said on Thursday. Islamabad, Jan 29 (IANS) Pakistan's education system falters at the transition from primary to secondary education, where a girl completing Grade 5 encounters "an invisible wall". With distant middle schools, unsafe transport, male-dominated teaching staff and hesitant families, girls are left behind after primary school, while the state failed to act, a report said on Thursday. Writing for Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune, Nishat Riaz, Chief Executive of Malala Fund Pakistan, said that this is not a failure of ambition -- Pakistan's girls have hunger for learning as they have braved floods, conflict and poverty to attend school but encounter a system that stops halfway and calls it achievement. "In Pakistan, we have become very good at celebrating beginnings a new school building, a photograph of smiling girls holding textbooks; a ribbon-cutting ceremony with media coverage. We excel at these moments: the promise, the optimism, the perfect photograph and media coverage. These moments matter. But they have also allowed us to look away from a harder truth: far too many girls disappear from education just when it should begin to change their lives," Riaz stated. "The key findings of the upcoming 'Status of Girls' Education in Pakistan' Report shows that at the primary level, some progress is visible. Yet beyond these early years lies a familiar and troubling pattern I have seen across Pakistan: girls who start school with confidence and ambition quietly vanish from classrooms as they reach adolescence. They do not drop out. They are pushed out," she added. According to the report, although teacher shortages are only part of a wider structural challenge, the real weakness in Pakistan's education system is not enrollment -- it is retention. "There are far fewer middle and secondary schools than primary ones, and they are often located at distances that are simply unrealistic for girls. Distance is not neutral. It intersects with safety concerns, unpaid care work, social expectations, and poverty. Without safe transport or nearby schools, the constitutional promise of education quietly expires around the age of ten," it detailed. "What we offer instead is basic literacy enough to read, but not enough to lead. Enough to comply, but not enough to challenge. This is where stopping early becomes an injustice. And yet, for too long, we have treated primary education as if it is sufficient for girls. It is not. A girl who can read has a skill. A girl who completes secondary education has choices," it mentioned. Highlighting the depleting condition of secondary education in Pakistan, the report further said, "No nation thrives by leaving half its population behind at adolescence. If we are serious about girls' education, we must move beyond symbolism and into systems. Dhaka, Jan 29 : Human rights body Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, has written to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressing concerns over the Bangladeshi authorities' continued misuse of anti-terror legislation against journalists, and their failure to safeguard the rights to life, personal security, and freedom of expression and association. In her letter, Callamard called on the interim government to take immediate steps to ensure that protection of human rights is at the centre of Bangladesh's February 12 elections. This included, she said, ending the misuse of security legislation against journalists and critics, ensuring that law enforcement authorities act promptly and lawfully to protect those exercising their rights and guaranteeing accountability for attacks on media workers and minorities across Bangladesh. "The elections slated to be held on 12 February 2026 represent a critical moment for Bangladesh to chart a new course, towards a country where the rights and dignity of all people are not only respected but fostered. Although Bangladesh is a party to some of the core international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), barriers persist in the effective implementation of these standards through laws, policies and in practice," the letter detailed. Callamard condemned the violence following the death of radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18, 2025, where protesters set fire to the offices of Bangladeshi newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, attacked cultural institutions Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, and harassed the editor of a Bangladeshi English newspaper. "Furthermore, Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, was lynched by a violent mob, following allegations of blasphemy. These attacks are indicative of a critical failure to protect human rights including the right to life, the right to security of person and the right to freedom of expression under articles 6, 9 and 19 of the ICCPR," she stated Condemning the attacks on media workers, Callamard noted, "they are part of a documented pattern of attacks against journalists, media workers, minorities and artists by non-state actors in 2025. Not only is Bangladesh duty-bound to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable, authorities must also seek to prevent attacks by private actors. The delayed response and ineffectiveness of law enforcement in the face of such violence reflects a failure of the authorities to uphold their human rights obligations." Stressing that the period leading up to the February 12 elections will be a decisive test of the interim government's commitment to Bangladesh's international obligations and to the rule of law, she said, "The choices made now will shape Bangladesh's human rights trajectory for years to come, and the interim government must seize this opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership by ensuring that all people in Bangladesh can participate freely, safely, and without fear in the country's future." Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has no intention of being intimidated by Donald Trump. After years of verbal attacks from the U.S. president, Omar, a Somali-American, was sprayed with an unidentified liquid by a man on Tuesday while speaking publicly in Minneapolis. The following day, far from hiding, she appeared again at the Karmel Mall, a four-story shopping center and the heart of the Somali community in the states most populous city. There, the congresswoman warned Trump: I think my presence here should tell you that fear and intimidation doesnt work on me. Omar spoke alongside Representative Ayanah Presley (Massachusetts), a fellow member of the Democratic Partys left wing, and other local and state politicians, before a mix of journalists, mall business owners, and Somali activists. The presidents rhetoric, the attacks from him since Ive gotten into public office has always been to stop me from being in public service, she said. To intimidate me, to make me want to quit and my only message is it hasnt worked thus far and its not going to work in the future. The politician has represented Minnesotas fifth district since 2019. On Wednesday, she spoke about Alex Pretti and Renee Good two Americans killed by Trumps immigration police, who have occupied Minneapolis for almost two months called for the abolition of ICE (no federal agent can act as judge, jury, and executioner in our streets, she said) and recalled that during his first presidency, Trumps attacks made her the congresswoman who received the highest number of death threats. Ilhan Omar during a press conference in Minneapolis. Adam Gray (AP) I became a freshman who nobody should have actually known I existed because I wielded no power to having the most death threats of any member of Congress, said Omar. To the point where I had to have six Capitol Police officers providing a 24-hour detail to me and my family. And then [Joe] Biden got elected, and for four years it almost plummeted. Then he came back into office, and he resumed his vitriol. And now my death threats are the highest of the members of Congress, she added. After Tuesdays attack Omar asked the Speaker of the House, Republican Mike Johnson, for increased security, which Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, granted. Since his return to the White House, Trumps insults have been almost constant. The Republican has called Omar who arrived in the country as a refugee when she was a child garbage, told her to go back to her country, repeatedly lied about her marrying her brother, and ridiculed her hijab by calling it her little turban. Shortly before she was sprayed with a syringe by a 55-year-old man, described to EL PAIS on Wednesday as a drunk, the U.S. president said at a rally in Iowa that immigrants have to show they can love our country; they have to be proud not like Ilhan Omar. The audience, accustomed to their leaders vitriol, greeted the reference to the Minnesota congresswoman with loud boos. A setup The following day, Trump said in an ABC News interview, again without any evidence, that he was convinced the attack was a setup staged by the congresswoman. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud, Trump said. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. During her appearance at the Karmel shopping mall, Omar emphasized the inconsistency of the U.S. president making that statement, given that the previous evening he had been talking about her for 20 or 30 minutes in Iowa. Then when asked about my attack, he said, I dont think about her. Does he not remember? Is he suffering from dementia? the congresswoman said. Omar reacted to the attack, which occurred just as she was calling for the resignation of Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security and the public face of the White Houses aggressive anti-immigration agenda. She lunged at the attacker, who was subdued by members of her security team. Afterward, she insisted on continuing her speech, despite being advised against it. Ilhan Omar's attacker being arrested. Richard Tsong-Taatarii (AP) The assailant has been charged with assault, and the FBI has taken over the investigation. According to Omar, speaking on Wednesday, the man attacked her because Trump had led him to believe she was the one protecting Somalis. We are protected by the Constitution, the congresswoman said. The U.S. president has spent months blaming the entire Somali community in Minnesota, one of the largest in the country, over a fraud related to receiving government aid dating back to the pandemic. There have been trials connected to the case, as well as court convictions of U.S. citizens, not just Somalis. Trump has used this scandal to justify the deployment of 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota, where they have been engaged for two months in the largest anti-immigration operation since the Republican returned to power. Its a flawed excuse: the vast majority (more than 90%) of Somalis in Minnesota who began arriving as refugees in the Midwestern state in the 1990s fleeing the civil war in their country are U.S. citizens or legal residents, so the authorities cannot deport them, no matter how much Trump insists on the urgency of doing so. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29 : Congress Working Committee member and former Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Thursday expressed serious concern over the growing disinterest of young people in politics and an increasing reluctance among educated youth to remain in Kerala, often described as "God's Own Country". In his remarks at a function here, Antony said the trend was alarming and called for urgent introspection. He said that when the United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power, it should undertake a comprehensive study into why educated young people are migrating out of the state in large numbers and evolve immediate corrective measures to arrest the outflow of talent. Antony said the Congress in Kerala had been enriched by two "precious gems" senior leaders K.A. Chandran and V.C. Kabeer. He said the public life of Chandran, marked by Gandhian values and absolute integrity, should be upheld as a role model for the younger generation. Chandran, Antony noted, had lived a life of simplicity without accepting even a small personal benefit from public life. Both Chandran and Kabeer, into their early eighties now, are former legislators, and the latter was a minister in the state too. Antony was speaking after presenting the 11th Gandhi Darshan Award, instituted by the KPCC Gandhi Darshan Samithi, to Chandran. The function was presided over by Kabeer Master, State President of the Gandhi Darshan Samithi. The inaugural session of the Secular Protection Convention, held in connection with the event, was opened by state Congress President Sunny Joseph. Former state chief Ramesh Chennithala, addressing the gathering, said attempts were being made to weaken the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom and to undermine Gandhian ideals. He alleged that the Sangh Parivar agenda, aimed at erasing Gandhi's legacy, was contributing to growing communal polarisation in the country. Chennithala later presented a shawl and a memento to Chandran. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Cracking the whip against errant builders, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached three properties worth Rs 15.40 crore in Farrukh Nagar in Haryana's Gurugram district, owned by Savyasachi Infrastructure, which allegedly duped home buyers and failed in timely delivery of dwelling units after collecting booking amounts, an official said on Thursday. "The ED's Gurugram Zonal Office has provisionally attached the three immovable properties under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002," the official said in a statement. The money laundering probe against Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited and others was initiated by the ED investigation based on three FIRs registered by the Haryana Police and Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing under various sections of the IPC, 1860, against Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited, its Director Vijay Rajan and others. Savyasachi Infrastructure floated township and shop-cum-office (SCO) schemes, namely 'Amaya Greens Project, 'Amaya Greens Extension', and 'Amaya Bazar, wherein plot buyers could book different-sized plots/flats/SCOs, and collected the money from the investors in lieu of giving them properties in their above said three different projects situated at Sector-3 in Farrukh Nagar and later on, the company could neither fulfil its promise nor returned the money of the investors. During the investigation, it is revealed that in 2019, Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited commenced bookings on the basis of false representations, without possessing mandatory licences from government authorities, approvals, or ownership rights over the land proposed to be developed. Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited has further attempted to alienate assets by executing conveyance deeds of plots already promised to some complainants in favour of third parties, including persons associated with Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited. The Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited promised to hand over the possession of the plots/SCOs and their development, within a period of one year. "Additionally, until the date of possession, Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited promised assured returns on the investment amount. However, Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited failed to deliver either the plots or the assured returns, and the invested amounts were not refunded to the buyers/investors and thereby cheated more than 100 plot buyers in the three projects," the ED said. It has been revealed that Director/promoters of Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited diverted the money collected from buyers/investors to acquire lands in the name of their benamidars. As of now, investigation findings, reveals that total proceeds of crime generated in this case is of nearly Rs 18 crore. Police authorities have filed their charge sheets in all the three FIRs against M/s Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited, its Directors Vijay Rajan, Harsh Khanna and other associate persons namely Deepak Gupta, Manish Tushir, Mohan Lal, Manoj Dubey, Asha Kaushik, Raghav Kaushik, Sanjeev Sharma and Satyajeet Singh. In a message on social media platform X, the ED said, "The ED's Gurugram Zonal Office has provisionally attached three immovable properties situated at Farrukh Nagar in Gurugram, having value of Rs 15.40 crore, under PMLA, 2002, in connection with a money laundering case related to defrauding gullible homebuyers/investors by Savyasachi Infrastructure Private Limited and others." Gandhinagar, Jan 29 : On the eve of Anti Leprosy Day, Gujarat has reported significant progress in its fight against leprosy, bringing disease prevalence below the elimination threshold of one case per 10,000 population in 25 districts, officials said on Thursday. Over the past three years, more than 11,640 persons have been diagnosed early and linked to free treatment, reflecting sustained public health efforts by the state government. State Health department data up to December 2025 shows a steady decline in new leprosy cases, alongside an expansion of detection, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Between 2023 and December 2025, more than Rs 1,219 lakh was spent on leprosy elimination programmes across Gujarat. In line with the national theme "Ending Discrimination, Ensuring Dignity", the state will observe Anti Leprosy Day on January 30 by launching the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign a" Fortnight, to be held from January 30 to February 13, 2026. The campaign will focus on dispelling myths surrounding leprosy and reinforcing awareness that the disease does not spread through touch or social contact and is completely curable with timely treatment. According to official data, 4,323 new cases were detected in 2023a"24, including 238 children. This declined to 4,033 cases in 2024a"25, with 171 children, and further to 3,288 cases in 2025a"26 up to December, including 126 children. Health officials attribute the trend to strengthened surveillance and early detection. Special Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC) conducted in mission mode between 2023 and 2025 helped identify more than 3,900 hidden cases, enabling early intervention and reducing the risk of disability and deformities. Beyond treatment, Gujarat has adopted a rehabilitation-focused approach aimed at restoring dignity and social inclusion for persons affected by leprosy. Over the past three years, 81 reconstructive surgeries have been carried out to correct deformities. To prevent injuries caused by loss of sensation, the state distributed more than 26,120 micro-cellular rubber shoes free of cost, along with over 8,300 ulcer care kits for wound management. Earlier this month, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Sahyog Kushthyagya Trust, run by Padma Shri awardee Sureshbhai Soni, where he interacted with persons affected by leprosy and reviewed rehabilitation efforts. Officials said the visit reaffirmed the state government's emphasis on addressing stigma and ensuring social acceptance alongside medical care. Health experts reiterated that leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a curable disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. Early symptoms include light-coloured or reddish patches with reduced sensation and thickened nerves. The state provides free multi-drug therapy at all government health facilities, enabling patients to lead healthy and dignified lives when diagnosed early. Ghaziabad, Jan 29 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a supplementary charge sheet before a Special Court in Ghaziabad against a builder accused of diverting Rs 126 crore collected from home buyers for a project in Sector-119 in Noida, an official said on Thursday. The ED's Lucknow Zonal office filed the supplementary charge sheet under Section 44 and 45 read with Section 3, 4 and 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against Unnati Fortune Holdings Limited (UFHL) and its Promoters/Directors, the official said in a statement. The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of FIRs registered by UP Police under various Sections of IPC, 1860. "The builder faced action for diversion of funds collected for its "Unnati The Aranya" project in Noida's Sector-119, which caused non-completion of the project and huge loss to the homebuyers and financial institutions," the central agency said. The ED investigation revealed that there has been diversion to the tune of Rs 126 crore by Anil Mithas being the main promoter and key person of UFHL. The money laundering was carried out by diverting the money by way of equity investment, preference shares, debentures/bonds, loans and advances and security deposits to related party during the offence period -- 2011 to 2019 -- out of the funds collected from homebuyers/investors in several bank accounts of UFHL. The ED said in a statement that these diversion/siphoning of the funds of UFHL have been prejudicial to the project causing non-completion of the projects and misappropriation of the funds of homebuyers/investors causing huge loss to the financial institutions and homebuyers and wrongful gain to directors and promoters of UFHL. Anil Mithas, main promoter of the company, was arrested by the ED on April 16, 2025, and is currently in judicial custody. The ED said searches were conducted at various related premises on April 17, 2025, resulting in seizure of incriminating documents and digital evidences. "Till date, movable and immovable assets worth Rs 126 crore belonging to UFHL and its promoters/associate entities have been attached by the ED," the statement said. Earlier, the ED filed a charge sheet before the Anti-Corruption CBI Special Court Judge in Ghaziabad on June 13, 2025, against UFHL and Anil Mithas under the provision of PMLA, 2002. The court took cognisance of that charge sheet on August 18, 2025. Hyderabad, Jan 29 : Former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has conveyed to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the phone-tapping case that he will not be available for examination on Friday and requested that it fix any other date. Hours after SIT issued a notice to K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), the latter wrote to the investigating officer P. Venkatagiri that he was preoccupied in connection with the municipal elections. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief wrote that at present nomination for the elections to the municipalities and municipal corporations are underway, and January 30 is the last date for filing nominations for the elections to the 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations. "In view of the same, I am preoccupied with issuing authorisation to a number of persons as the elections are being held on party basis," wrote KCR. The former Chief Minister conveyed to the investigating officer that he may fix any other date of his convenience for his examination under Section 160 of the Cr P C. However, KCR sought his examination at his residence at Erravalli village in Siddipet district. The investigating officer, in his notice, had told KCR that he may specify any other place within Hyderabad city convenient for examination. Citing the provisions of Section 160 of the Cr P C, the BRS chief wrote that it is mandated by the law that any male person above 65 years is not required to attend the Police Station and the investigation team is required to examine such male person at the place in which such male person is residing. "Therefore, in accordance with Section 160 Cr.P.C., you can examine me at the above-mentioned address with prior notice. It is also made clear that Section 160 Cr.P.C. does not specify any territorial limits under which such male person shall be examined. All notices in future may be sent to the address mentioned above," reads KCR's reply. He assured the investigating officer that, being a former Chief Minister and present Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, and also as a responsible citizen, he would extend full co-operation with the investigation. Chennai, Jan 29 : The alleged sexual assault of a woman by three men inside the Government Arts College campus at Nandanam in Chennai has triggered sharp political reactions, with Opposition parties accusing the ruling DMK of failing to ensure the safety of women in the State. Reacting to the incident, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said crimes against women were rising alarmingly in Tamil Nadu. In a post on social media, he expressed shock and anguish over the incident and described it as a matter of deep shame for the State. Edappady Palaniswami alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin continued to remain a "mute spectator" even as such crimes were being reported with increasing frequency. The AIADMK leader said the incident once again exposed what he termed the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu. According to him, women no longer felt secure in public spaces, including educational institutions, under the present DMK government. He reiterated his party's long-standing charge that the State had become unsafe for women due to what he described as administrative apathy and political indifference. The AIADMK also trained its guns on Health Minister Ma. Subramanian over his reported statement that he was not aware of the sexual assault of the woman worker inside the Nandanam college campus. Calling the remark "irresponsible and condemnable," Palaniswami said such statements from senior Ministers reflected the government's lack of seriousness in addressing crimes against women. He added that repeated incidents only reinforced the Opposition's claim that women's safety had been compromised under the DMK regime. Adding to the chorus of criticism, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran accused the DMK government of adopting a "lackadaisical attitude" towards crimes against women, particularly in Chennai. Referring to recent incidents, including the alleged sexual assault of a woman and her subsequent murder along with her family, Dhinakaran claimed that crimes against women were being reported almost every other day in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that despite the gravity of these incidents, the Chief Minister appeared unaware or indifferent. Urging the government to wake up to the crisis, Dhinakaran called upon the Chief Minister to give urgent and special attention to strengthening safety measures for women across the State, especially in urban centres and public institutions. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood, on Thursday, called upon the batch of 134 new Sub-Inspectors to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) for investigation and adopt a mindset of lifelong learning, as policing involves continuously evolving challenges with no fixed syllabus. Addressing the 134 new Sub-Inspectors on completion of their training at the CBI Academy, Sood highlighted the importance of technology and AI in modern investigations. He encouraged officers to leverage technology -- particularly AI -- as a tool to assist and accelerate investigations, especially in handling large volumes of digital data, while reaffirming that technology is an aid and not a replacement for human judgment. He also expressed satisfaction at the improved representation of women officers in the present batch with 18 female officers. Mentioning that this is the largest Sub-Inspector batch in the history of CBI Academy, Sood reflected upon the growing gender diversity within the organisation. He commended the Academy's efforts, having recently received a five-star rating from the Capacity Building Commission, recognising excellence in training and institutional standards. During the ceremony, the CBI Director also distributed medals and trophies to the outstanding trainees, recognising their exceptional performance. Satyavarat Singh was awarded DP Kohli Award for Best All-Round Sub-Inspector Trainee and DCBI Trophy for Indoor Studies. Sahithya G. was awarded Trophy for Cyber Crime Investigation. Shekhar Baliyan was awarded John Lobo Trophy for Best Outdoor and Rakshit Kumar received the CBI Academy Trophy for Dedication and Exemplary Conduct. The Passing Out Parade on Thursday marked the culmination of hard, toil and diligent training imparted to the 134 Sub-Inspectors of CBI who joined at the CBI Academy for their basic training on May 15. These Sub-Inspectors were imparted institutional training in law and investigation skills, investigation of anti-corruption cases, different types of conventional crimes, collection of intelligence, economic offences, cyber crime cases, bank fraud cases, mobile forensics, forensic medicine and forensic science. This was supplemented by field attachments and visits to various institutes/organisations including CBI branches, court, local Police Station, NFSU, AIIMS, SEBI, etc, organised with a view to give them an exposure on the working of CBI and other organisations. The basic course aimed to inculcate the highest standards of professional integrity and rectitude, respect for human rights/values and sense of discipline in the trainees. On this occasion, Sood also inaugurated the newly developed "Training and Research in Advance Cyber Evidence" (TRACE) laboratory in CBI Academy". This will be a dedicated Digital Scenario and Response Laboratory of CBI Academy aimed at building and enhancing practical capacity of officers in Cyber Crime Investigation, digital forensics and electronic evidence handling through real-world investigative scenarios. The laboratory focuses on hands-on, scenario-based training where Investigating Officers are exposed to realistic cyber-crime situations and are guided through the complete lifecycle of digital evidence handling right from seizure to its presentation before the Court. New Delhi, Jan 29 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Thursday, chaired a meeting of the Trans-Yamuna Area Development Board (TYADB) which approved projects worth Rs 728 crore. She said the aim of the approval is to significantly accelerate the pace of development in the Trans-Yamuna region, home to nearly one-third of Delhi's population. The Chief Minister added that there would be no shortage of budgetary support for the development of the Trans-Yamuna region and directed Board members to prioritise projects based on actual needs. The meeting, held at the Delhi Secretariat, was attended by State Minister Kapil Mishra, Chairman of the Trans-Yamuna Area Development Board and BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely, along with other distinguished Board members. Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Gupta said that the development of the Trans-Yamuna region is among the Delhi government's highest priorities. The Delhi government's objective is to develop the Trans-Yamuna region to such an extent that people choose to come and live here by choice. She emphasised that balance in development works is essential and that, alongside beautification, priority must be given to citizens' basic needs such as roads, drainage systems, prevention of waterlogging, and safe mobility. The Chief Minister expressed concern that during the previous Aam Aadmi Party government's tenure, the Board had been rendered completely inactive, resulting in a near-total halt in development in the Trans-Yamuna region, causing severe inconvenience to residents. She assured that all works recommended by the Board would be executed and that no financial constraints would be allowed to impede them. In another development, Chief Minister Gupta said that the Delhi government will construct a modern integrated complex equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the reform and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. The complex will be developed on around eight acres of land in Alipur. The complex will have a capacity of nearly 700 children and will accommodate those awaiting hearings before the Juvenile Justice Board under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, as well as those found guilty of offences. The focus of the facility will be on reintegrating these children into normal life. The decision was taken at a meeting held under the chairpersonship of the Chief Minister with members of the Juvenile Justice Committee. Senior officials from the Department of Women and Child Development were also present. The meeting involved detailed discussions on the legal, social and humanitarian aspects concerning children, and a consensus was reached on the need to develop a comprehensive, safe and modern system in Delhi for children in conflict with the law. Following the meeting, Chief Minister Gupta informed that several homes for such children currently exist in different parts of Delhi, many of which are decades old. "Therefore, the Delhi government has decided to construct a state-of-the-art integrated complex for the residence and rehabilitation of these children," she said. Jaipur, Jan 30 : The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Thursday announced the appointment of new District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents in Rajasthan and Punjab with immediate effect. The appointments have been approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge under the partyas ongoing organisational strengthening initiative, Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan. According to an official press release issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, four districts in Rajasthan and two districts in Punjab have received new leadership. In Rajasthan, the Congress has appointed Digvijay Singh Purawat as DCC President, Pratapgarh, Sunil Sharma as DCC President, Jaipur Urban, Virender Singh Gurjar as DCC President, Jhalawar and Hansraj Meena as DCC President, Baran. In Punjab, Kulwant Rai Singla has been appointed as DCC President, Mansa, while Nishat Akhtar has been appointed as DCC President, Malerkotla. The party stated that these appointments are part of its broader effort to strengthen the organisational structure at the grassroots level and energise district units ahead of upcoming political challenges. The appointments come into effect immediately and are expected to play a key role in reinforcing the Congress partyas presence and coordination at the district level in both states. The order was issued from the AICC headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, New Delhi, and bears the signature of KC Venugopal, MP and General Secretary, All India Congress Committee. In Rajasthan, appointments on post of District Congress Committee presidents were awaited for these four seats for a long while. Names for 45 districts were announced last year in November. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held a key meeting with senior leaders from the Uttarakhand unit of the party in New Delhi. The interaction was part of the ongoing series of state-wise review meetings being conducted by the Congress high command to assess organisational strength, discuss local issues, and strategise for future electoral battles. Bhopal/Indore, Jan 29 : The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Indore Sub-Zonal Office has filed a charge sheet against Kamal Rathore and five other accused persons before the Special Judge under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in Madhya Pradesh's Indore. The case centres on a major fraud involving the misappropriation of government funds amounting to Rs 20.47 crore from the Block Education Office in Katthiwada of Alirajpur district, ED said in a statement on Thursday. The fraudulent activities spanned from April 2018 to July 2023, during which time the accused allegedly cleared fake bills and siphoned off treasury funds meant for educational programmes and welfare schemes. Investigations under the PMLA revealed that Kamal Rathore, acting in collusion with the other accused, systematically embezzled substantial amounts over nearly five years. The probe began following an FIR lodged by Katthiwada Police Station, which led to a charge sheet under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act. On January 6, 2026, the Special Court issued notices to the accused based on these proceedings, the central probe agency said. Earlier actions by the ED included search operations under Section 17 of the PMLA, which resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents and the provisional attachment of Rs 25 lakh in funds. "The main accused, Kamal Rathore, was arrested by the central probe agency on August 7, 2025, and he remains in judicial custody," the ED statement said. Further scrutiny showed that the accused had acquired immovable properties worth Rs 4.3 crore using proceeds generated from the crime. These assets have been provisionally attached as part of the money laundering investigation. The charge sheet formally arraigns six key conspirators in the case. The ED emphasised that the embezzlement deprived essential educational and welfare initiatives in the region of much-needed resources. Officials described the fraud as a deliberate and organised scheme that exploited government mechanisms over an extended period. The central probe agency continues its investigation to uncover additional details, trace any further proceeds of crime, and identify other possible involvement. This development follows earlier raids and attachments reported in September 2025, when properties valued at around Rs 4.5 crore linked to the same accused were attached. The filing of the charge sheet marks a significant step in holding the perpetrators accountable under anti-money laundering laws, aiming to recover illicit gains and deter similar financial irregularities in public offices. Authorities have assured that the probe will proceed rigorously to ensure justice in the matter. A dozen hearings in Los Angeles are trying to determine whether platforms like Facebook aim to become addictive for young people and whether that is a crime Several trials are marking a social and legal milestone in U.S. history. For the first time, a judge has put the major tech companies that own social media platforms on the bench to determine whether they create addiction among young people, whether they are as dangerous as the tobacco industry, and whether they require far more comprehensive regulation. Families of children addicted to social media and youth organizations have decided to take legal action. As a result, Meta (owner of WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads), TikTok, Snap (parent company of Snapchat), and YouTube (owned by Google) will face several lawsuits throughout this year. The first of at least a dozen trials scheduled to take place in Los Angeles began on Tuesday. It is estimated that there are more than 2,500 cases, at both the state and federal levels, involving families, associations, and school districts concerned about childrens mental health. Nine more trials are expected this year based on individual complaints, and a tenth involves an entire school district, Oakland (near San Francisco), as the plaintiff. According to the plaintiffs, social media is a public problem that imposes a massive burden social, educational, and economic when it comes to addressing youth addiction. And they have decided to take the matter to court. The young Californian K. G. M. (known only by her initials), now 20 years old, is the first of these plaintiffs and the one many are watching closely. Her case is that of a girl as ordinary as so many others: she watched YouTube videos from the age of six and began uploading content at eight, joined Instagram at nine (when she got her first iPhone), TikTok (then Musical.ly) at 10, and Snapchat at 11. Today, she has gone through depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia issues. Her lawyers argue that beauty filters, the algorithm, autoplay videos that start without pressing Play, and many other elements of the refined design of these apps created to keep users scrolling for hours and which, they claim, lead to bullying, sexual harassment, and even suicide were decisive in creating a social media addiction that resulted in serious problems. I wish I never downloaded it, K. G. M. once told her sister about Instagram, according to the lawsuit. The same sister recounts that if their mother tried to take K.s phone away, she would have an emotional breakdown from not being able to access Instagram during that time, like someone had died, she recalled. There became a point where she was so addicted that I could not get the phone out of her hand, her mother said. I believe that social media, her addiction to social media has changed the way her brain works, she added. She has no long-term memory. She cant live without a phone. She is willing to go to battle if you were even to touch her phone. The family is now demanding financial compensation the amount has not been disclosed as well as changes and a public apology from the creators and owners of the apps. Last week, the family reached an amicable agreement with Snap, according to the companys spokesperson. On Monday, just hours before jury selection for the trial was set to begin, they reached another agreement with TikTok; the figures are also unknown. But that will not speed up the trial, in which the lawyers intend to follow a strategy similar to the major lawsuits against tobacco companies in the 1990s, arguing that the product is far more addictive and causes greater long-term harm than initially known. The Seattle-based Social Media Victims Law Center represents dozens of these victims. One of its attorneys, Matthew Bergman, told several media outlets last week that the public will finally learn what social media companies have done to prioritize their profits over the safety of our kids. We are not talking about third-party content. We are talking about the reckless design of these platforms that are designed not to show kids what they want to see, but what they cant look away from, said Bergman, who is representing K. G. M. The attorney added that this is a historic point because for the first time, thousands of families will have the right to bring their cases before a court. If cigarettes and opioids were the touchstones of addiction in the past, now these dangers are within reach from an early age. And children and their families are beginning to become aware of the side effects. That is why, for the first time, in what is expected to be a series of historic trials, some of the worlds largest and most powerful companies must sit in court and explain themselves. They may be acquitted, but that does not mean they will come out unscathed. What is starting now is just the tip of the iceberg: there are more than 1,600 plaintiffs in California, and over 200 at the federal level. The hearings are expected to last years. Simply bringing TikTok or Instagram to court in each case is a formidable undertaking. For the K.G.M. trial, Mark Zuckerberg, who created Facebook 22 years ago and is now CEO of its parent company Meta, is expected to testify. Big tech companies are either silent or waiting. They are relying on the First Amendment, which protects press freedom, as a shield. Specifically, they are invoking, as they have for years, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which they claim exempts them from liability for content posted by users. But in this case, lawyers are not arguing about the content itself they are questioning how the platforms very design shapes that content and, therefore, affects users. Some companies have spoken out. YouTube issued a statement: The allegations in these complaints are simply not true, a spokesperson said. Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work, referring to parental controls and filters. Meta published a lengthy post on its corporate website, titled Beyond the Headlines: Metas Record of Protecting Teens and Supporting Parents. The company is under intense scrutiny: less than a year ago, the U.S. Senate accused it of having blood on its hands and producing a product that kills people. In this post, Meta addresses the complaints, claiming that the legal battle oversimplifies a serious matter and that the claims dont reflect reality. The company says it has implemented suicide prevention tools and, for example, created Instagram accounts specifically for teens with stricter limits. But the evidence shows that this isnt exactly the case. In November, a federal judge ordered the release of more than 5,800 pages of internal Meta emails and conversations, revealing that the company knew its products were highly addictive but prioritized engagement over user safety and mental health, ignoring the risks to families. For instance, in 2019 Instagram removed some beauty filters that altered users faces to impossible ideals but in that year and the next, several executives asked Mark Zuckerberg to restore them, despite knowing how they could affect young users body image, especially girls. One executive even mentioned that one of his daughters had struggled with body dysmorphia. Yet the filters returned. In fact, just this Monday, in another lawsuit filed in New Mexico, the state attorney general said that Meta and Zuckerberg declined to impose reasonable guardrails for minors. Attorney General Raul Torrez alleges that Meta failed to stem the tide of damaging sexual material and sexual propositions delivered to children on both Facebook and Instagram. Some executives objected to chatbots launched in early 2024 that presented romantic and sexual scenarios to children and teens, even calling them indefensible. A former Meta executive and U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who was head of global policy at Meta until last year expressed clear concern in an email about these sexual interactions: Is that really what we want these products to be known for? In these lawsuits, Meta and other companies argue that mental health is not shaped by a single factor, such as social media, and that it is not scientifically proven that these platforms create addiction. However, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned months ago that teens who use social media for more than three hours a day face double the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms. He even called for warning labels on social media similar to those on tobacco products. A Pew Research Center study found that one in five teens believes social media harms their mental health, and half acknowledge that it is harmful for people their age, affecting issues like productivity and sleep. Some states, like California which has banned cell phones in public classrooms or countries like Australia, which set 16 as the minimum age to join social media, are trying to put limits on what, at least for now, remains largely unchecked. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Bhubaneswar, Jan 30 : The Commissionerate Police of Odisha on Thursday arrested three persons in connection with an online investment scam, in which a retired government official was defrauded of Rs 94.62 lakh through a fraudulent stock trading platform. The accused have been identified as Lala Basantara (21), Manas Kumar Sahu (30), and Chinmaya Sahoo (19), residents of Reamal in Deogarh district of the state. According to police sources, in September 2025, the victim, a resident of Bhubaneswar, came into contact with the accused, who introduced themselves as representatives of financial institutions registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). After some interactions, the accused added the victim to multiple WhatsApp groups. The accused allegedly lured members of these groups by promising high returns from trading in stocks, shares, and IPOs. They also gave false assurances to the victims regarding compliance with various SEBI norms. The complainant was persuaded to invest through two mobile trading applications, identified as BOB Caps (BOB Capital Markets Limited, Mumbai) and Chola Pro (Cholamandalam Securities Limited, Chennai). These fraudulent applications falsely displayed profits on the investments, creating the impression that genuine market transactions were taking place. Believing these claims, the complainant, following the instructions of the accused, transferred substantial amounts to various third-party bank accounts via UPI, NEFT, and RTGS. When the complainant later attempted to withdraw the funds, he was asked to pay additional charges, including a 30 per cent service fee in the name of tax and processing charges. In total, the victim deposited Rs 94,62,461 into various bank accounts shared by the fraudsters between September 24 and November 19, 2025. Despite these deposits, withdrawal of funds was not permitted. The account status on the applications was displayed as "abnormal," and all the WhatsApp groups suddenly became inactive. Finding no other way to recover his money, the retired government official approached the police, who arrested the three accused on Thursday morning. Jammu, Jan 29 : The intervention by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday, led to arrest in the assault case on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand. An official statement on Thursday said here, "Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the incident involving the assault on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand and initiated immediate steps to ensure accountability and safety of residents of Jammu and Kashmir living outside the Union Territory." "In this regard, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging him to take strict action against those involved in the incident," the statement added. In a post on social media platform X, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Office said: " The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, regarding the incident of assault on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand and urged him to take strict action against the perpetrators. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami assured that strict action, including registration of an FIR, would be taken in the matter and safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents will be ensured." Subsequently, the Uttarakhand Police took prompt action in the matter. In an official update, the police told that an FIR has been registered at the Vikasnagar Police Station against the accused Sanjay Yadav and one other person under Sections 117(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The update also said: "The accused Sanjay Yadav has been taken into custody and necessary legal action is being initiated, and he will be sent to jail." Reacting to the incident and similar recent occurrences, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a separate post on X, said: "This recent series of attacks including in Himachal Pradesh and now this one are unacceptable and must stop. It can't be claimed that J&K is an inalienable part of India while people from Kashmir, in other parts of the country, live in fear for their lives. My (J&K) government will step in wherever necessary & will do whatever is needed to ensure these incidents are not repeated." "I hope the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will also sensitise other states on the same lines." The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to safeguarding the dignity, security, and rights of the people of the Union Territory across the country and ensuring that such incidents are dealt with firmly and decisively. An 18-year-old Kashmiri youth had sustained serious head injuries and fractures after being attacked by some shopkeepers while selling shawls along with his family. Itanagar, Jan 30 : A massive forest fire that broke out along the western ridge of the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district was successfully brought under control following a swift and coordinated response by Army troops and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Taking to social media platform X, the IAF said that its Mi-17V5 helicopters carried out aerial firefighting operations at nearly 9,500 feet in the Lohit Valley. "Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision and commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems," the post said. In a separate post on X, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army said that a huge forest fire had broken out along the western ridge of the Lohit River in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. It said that in a joint and coordinated effort, troops of the Spear Corps, along with the Indian Air Force, mobilised swiftly and successfully contained the blaze, ensuring that there was no damage to civilian life or property. A forest official said that the operation was particularly challenging due to the difficult terrain, steep ridgelines and unpredictable wind conditions prevailing in the area. "The combined effort of ground troops and aircrew ensured that the fire was brought under control before it could spread to nearby habitations," the official said. Authorities highlighted that such joint operations are crucial for protecting both vulnerable communities and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The mission also underscored the preparedness, coordination and professionalism of the armed forces in responding effectively to natural emergencies in remote and environmentally sensitive regions. The successful containment of the fire stands as a testament to the courage and operational capability of the personnel involved, who worked under extreme conditions to safeguard lives, forests and biodiversity, the official added. Forest fires have emerged as one of the growing threats to the lush green expanse of Northeast India, which comprises eight states. A recent study has revealed an alarming rise in the intensity of forest fires in this ecologically fragile region due to climate variability, the forest official said. According to the study, nearly 80 per cent of annual forest fires in the region were recorded between March and April, with the years 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 witnessing anomalously high incidences of forest fires. Shivamogga : , Jan 30 (IANS) Responding to the rumours of interference of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah in the governance, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar clarified that there is no interference by Yathindra in administration. He was speaking to the media at the Shivamogga Circuit House on Thursday. Asked about BJP MLA Sunil Kumar's allegation that Energy Minister K.J. George was planning to resign because of interference by CM's son Yathindra, Shivakumar said, "I have no information about this. Minister George is a very senior minister and is working with self-respect. I do not see any problem. I came to know about this only through the media. Opposition leaders keep saying something or the other. Everything they say cannot be taken as the truth." On allegations of interference by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, he said, "When party workers submit representations, they sometimes call officials and request action. What is wrong in asking for something that benefits workers? I receive representations related to all departments and speak to all departments. There should be no interference in administration. I have not seen him interfere in administrative matters." Responding to rumours regarding his son's interference resulting in the tendering of resignation of Minister George, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Minister George had not resigned. Chief Minister's Legal Advisor and Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna said, "Minister George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are working closely together. Minister George is a strength to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The reports in this regard are false. The senior IAS officer did not attend the meeting convened by the Chief Minister. The Chief Secretary sought an explanation from him, and he has submitted his reply. The officer has stated that he was attending an official programme and that he did not intend to ignore the Chief Minister's meeting." Minister George clarified, "Is it so easy for a minister to tender a resignation? There is no interference by Yathindra Siddaramaiah in my department. He is a good person and a young leader." Former minister and senior BJP leader M.P. Renukacharya alleged that Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, was interfering in all departments. "No one is able to speak about this. An audio conversation related to this had gone viral earlier. Ministers are fed up. If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is asked to resign, a conspiracy is being hatched to make his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Deputy Chief Minister. The entire government is being controlled by Yathindra Siddaramaiah," he claimed. Earlier, clarifying rumours that claimed Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George had resigned due to alleged interference by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Minister stated that all was well with the Chief Minister and that there was no question of resigning. Minister George clarified on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday. The issue was raised by senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar after the Question Hour. Meanwhile, asked about the postponement of the Apex Bank elections, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said, "The Apex Bank election has not been postponed; no one has filed nominations. The party will decide." Reacting to allegations that Rs 400 crore had gone missing in Belagavi and that it was Congress money, Shivakumar said, "The opposition has the CBI in its hands; let them get it investigated. We do not know whose money it is. Let an investigation be conducted. Making baseless allegations will only invite ridicule." On local body elections, Shivakumar said, "We will conduct local body elections. There is a court hearing tomorrow or the day after regarding the reservation for these elections. We have asked panchayat leaders to prepare. The State Election Commission is also preparing and has decided to use ballot papers. Only the schedule needs to be finalised. To protect the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, we have decided to conduct elections to panchayats and municipalities." Asked about supporters raising slogans demanding that he become Chief Minister at various programmes, he said, "I have said this issue need not be discussed now; time will give the answer. I am discharging the responsibility given to me by the party." Asked whether he was making efforts to become Chief Minister, he said, "This government came to power due to the hard work of our party workers. They are our backbone." On the continuation of the authority of the corporation and board members, he said, "While appointing MLAs, the order stated 'for two years or until further orders'. We will see when further orders are issued." -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bhavnagar, Jan 30 : A court in Gujarat's Bavnagar has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Raju Karpada and Pravin Ram in connection with the farmer-police clash that took place last year in Hadadad village of Botad district. Bhavnagar, Jan 30 (IANS) A court in Gujarat's Bavnagar has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Raju Karpada and Pravin Ram in connection with the farmera"police clash that took place last year in Hadadad village of Botad district. The two leaders had been in judicial custody for nearly four months following their arrest over the incident linked to protests against alleged irregularities at the Botad Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). Raju Karpada, Gujarat AAP Kisan Cell President, and Pravin Ram, the AAP's state-level frontal organisation President, were among those leading an agitation against the practice locally referred to as "kadada", under which cotton traders allegedly make unauthorised deductions during weighing at the market yard. The court's order came after hearing arguments from both sides on their role in the events. The case relates to a farmers' maha panchayat held on October 12. Police have said that the gathering was organised without prior permission. According to the prosecution, when police teams reached the venue to stop the event, a section of the mob turned violent and allegedly pelted stones at police vehicles, prompting the use of tear gas shells to disperse the mob and restore order. The agitation had begun two days earlier at the Botad APMC, where farmers staged late-night protests against the alleged weighing malpractice by cotton traders. On October 10, groups of farmers remained inside the market yard, holding bhajans and kirtans as a form of peaceful protest to press their demand for corrective action. Addressing the issue during a visit to Rajkot on December 8, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that 88 people had been arrested in connection with the agitation. "So far, 42 have been released on bail, while 46 are still in jail. We will ensure that each and every innocent person comes out of prison," Kejriwal had said. The AAP Convenor said that farmers had gathered to seek justice over the kadada practice and not to indulge in violence, and called for the release of all those arrested in the case. Bengaluru, Jan 30 : The Congress-led government in Karnataka has issued a circular promoting khadi use among officials to mark the 77th Republic Day which was observed on January 26. The state government on Thursday urged officials to wear khadi on first Saturday of every month. State Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has issued the circular in this regard and said, ""Khadi" is not merely a garment; it is a symbol of the nation's dignity and pride. At present, khadi weavers are taking steps to produce garments in new and modern designs. Moreover, khadi production forms the backbone of the rural economy and provides direct and indirect livelihoods to thousands of rural spinners and weavers in the state." "Therefore, on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with the objective of reconnecting public service with the country's freedom struggle, the state government has taken an important decision to promote the use of khadi. Accordingly, officers and employees of all state government, aided institutions, corporations, boards, autonomous bodies, universities are requested to "voluntarily" wear khadi attire on the first Saturday of every month, and to issue directions to officers and staff of their respective departments to wear khadi while participating in all official government programmes, including the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations," Rajneesh added. "The state government believes that this initiative will help foster respect for indigenous products, unity, national spirit, Indianness, self-respect, and a sense of social responsibility among government officers and employees," she said. The government order has also provided the link which provides details of the names, addresses, and products of the 176 khadi associations and institutions currently functioning across all districts in the state. The copy of the order has been sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of the state government. This decision of the Congress-led state government has been welcomed and received appreciation from the government employees and all sections of the society in Karnataka. The move is also likely to help weaver's community and government-owned khadi production centres in the state. Jaipur, Jan 30 : As the death of Rajasthan Kathavachak Sadhvi Prem Baisa remains shrouded under mystery, tense situation was witnessed at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur during the post-mortem examination on Thursday, police officials said. Hundreds of devotees gathered at the hospital, leading to a brief disturbance, police officials added on Thursday. The situation was later brought under control after the police and administrative intervention, following which Sadhvi Prem Baisa's body was released. Sadhvi Prem Baisa's last rites will be performed on Friday morning. Police officials said that the cremation will take place in Jasti village of Jodhpur district, around 63 km from Jaipur. The Sadhvi reportedly owned land in Jasti, near Agolai, where she will be laid to rest. Meanwhile, questions surrounding the circumstances of Sadhvi Prem Baisa's death continue to intensify. Several devotees have raised doubts, questioning both the ashram management and her family. Addressing the matter, the Sadhvi's father claimed that her death was caused by a "wrong injection" and demanded justice. Jodhpur Commissioner of Police (West), Chhavi Sharma, said that, according to information provided by the family members of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, the latter had been unwell for the past two days. On Wednesday, she was administered an injection by an individual, after which her condition deteriorated rapidly. The Sadhvi was rushed to a private hospital -- Preksha Hospital on Pal Road -- where doctors declared her dead after examination. Her body was subsequently brought to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital's mortuary. "My daughter said only one thing to me: 'Papa, I couldn't do anything while I was alive, now you get me justice'," her father said, reiterating his demand for a thorough investigation. Sadhvi Prem Baisa died under suspicious circumstances on Wednesday evening at an ashram in Pal village under the Boranada police station area. Since then, social media has been flooded with posts questioning the cause of her death and demanding an impartial probe. Calls for strict punishment of those responsible have also grown louder. The mystery deepened after a post appeared on Sadhvi Prem Baisa's social media account nearly four hours after her death. The social media post said, "If not in my lifetime, then I will get justice after my death." Social media users on platforms such as X and Instagram have questioned how such a post could be uploaded after her demise, sparking speculation over whether the case involves suicide, medical negligence, or another serious issue. Police have said the matter is under investigation, and further action will be taken based on the post-mortem report and other evidence. Imphal, Jan 30 : Senior Manipur government officials have urged the media to refrain from publishing unverified news that could adversely impact society, stressing the need for responsible and fact-based journalism in the digital era. Addressing the first Manipur Digital Media Conclave 2026 on Thursday, state's Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Director Ahanthem Subhash Singh highlighted the harmful effects of unverified reporting, saying that such news can tarnish an individual's image and cause mental distress. He noted that journalism today is no longer confined to print media, adding that digital journalism has enabled news to be disseminated globally with ease. However, he said that producing fast, factual and responsible content has become a major challenge in the digital age, as digital platforms hold significant influence in shaping public perception. The DIPR Director also raised concerns over whether some individuals identifying as digital journalists are functioning primarily as content creators for monetisation. "Digital journalists should use the power available to them to produce genuine reporting and disseminate fact-based news, rather than working solely for likes or views on social media platforms," he said. Singh emphasised that independent journalism is crucial, particularly at a time when paid news is increasingly being circulated. He said that journalists have a vital role in countering such content and safeguarding the credibility of the profession. Sharing his personal experiences, Singh mentioned that positive news and government achievements sometimes go unpublished. Suggesting the introduction of a Journalism Award for coverage of useful government schemes that benefit the public, he said such reporting would help raise awareness about existing schemes. He also expressed his willingness to sponsor the proposed award. Former DIPR Director and incumbent Joint Secretary of Manipur's Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Ngangom Uttam Singh, said that social media has become highly influential, with a large section of the public relying on it for information. He cautioned against irresponsible or unethical reporting, saying that unverified news can cause harm to individuals, society, government departments and even the administration as a whole. He added that while journalism has the potential to create a significant positive impact, mistakes and misinformation can lead to serious consequences. During the conclave, awards were presented in various categories. The Digital Journalist of the Year Award was conferred on Vangamla Salle of East Mojo; the Promising Digital Journalist Award went to Naorem Tanoranjan of Echel News Network; the Distinguished Service in Digital Journalism Award was presented to Sobhapati Samom; the Best Credible Digital Media Page/Channel Award was awarded to Wari Singbul; and the Jury's Choice Digital Journalism Award was conferred on Rebika Moirangthem of HY News. Bhopal, Jan 30 : The Congress has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Madhya Pradesh government of showing double standards and betraying the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the 27 per cent reservation in the state government services. This allegation by the Congress is not new but a fresh attack as the lawyers representing the state government didn't appear for a hearing regarding the matter in the Supreme Court on Thursday. The apex court has postponed the next hearing on the matter on February 4. Veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath criticised the development, saying the "negligence" of the lawyers was a deliberate attempt from the ruling BJP to weaken its case in the court. "The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case regarding the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in the state today, but no lawyer from the state government appeared before the court. This exposed the double standards of the BJP on the OBC reservation issue," Nath said in a statement. The Congress leader also added that the BJP-led state government has been adopting this evasive approach for the past several years. "Sometimes the lawyers don't appear in court, and if they do, they don't bring the necessary documents, and if they have the documents, they ask for an adjournment," Nath said. Kamal Nath, who had approved the reservation quota to the OBC candidates up to 27 per cent during his tenure as the Chief Minister in 2019-20, alleged that despite there being no stay on this law from the High Court or the Supreme Court, "the BJP government is continuously depriving the OBC community of the reservation." State Congress President Jitu Patwari also responded in the matter, alleging that over the past seven to eight years, the BJP has spent crores of rupees of public money on lawyers to prevent OBC reservation. "Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's government did not even send its lawyers to the Supreme Court. It is clear that the BJP government does not want to implement the 27 per cent reservation for the OBC community," Patwari said on social media platform X. The BJP, however, was yet to make any official statement on this matter. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Patna, Jan 30 : Lok Sabha MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, has launched a sharp political attack on the Union government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling the Supreme Court's stay on the University Grants Commission's new regulations and recent aviation incidents in Maharashtra serious failures of social justice and security. Speaking to the media on Thursday at Patna airport, Pappu Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay the UGC's Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026, alleging that the BJP and its allies have consistently pursued divisive politics. "Respect for the Supreme Court is paramount, but what exactly is the government doing? The BJP's very definition is to divide society," he said. He asserted that no rule should be viewed through the narrow lens of upper caste versus lower caste, emphasising that merit and equality are the rights of every child, irrespective of caste or community. "Whether a child is Yadav, Kushwaha, or from any other community, everyone has the same right to equality and opportunity," Pappu Yadav said. The Purnea Lok Sabha MP also raised serious questions regarding the chartered plane crash in Maharashtra's Baramati which he said that is why Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in that tragic accident. He refused to accept the mishap as a routine accident and demanded a CBI investigation. "Why are prominent leaders and VIPs repeatedly becoming victims of crashes? First, Gopinath Munde lost his life in a car crash, then former CDS General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash, and now this. Why are these cases always hushed up?" he asked. Backing similar concerns raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Pappu Yadav said it is necessary to investigate whether there was any conspiracy behind such air crash incidents. The Purnea Lok Sabha MP also criticised the Union government over the NEET controversy and broader administrative failures, alleging that corruption and a powerful network of middlemen have hollowed out the education system. "A large syndicate is playing with the future of children, and instead of acting against them, the government is maintaining silence," he alleged. When asked about internal issues within the Congress and local political developments, Pappu Yadav brushed aside the query with a sarcastic remark, saying: "Have I taken the responsibility of the Congress party now?" Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data The 1920s were marked by fascism, a word that should not be used lightly. The same is true of the concept of genocide; once used, there is no turning back. Its an avalanche of a word: once you utter it, it just keeps growing, said David Grossman in an interview with the Italian journalist Francesca Caferri when the Israeli writer first defined what was taking place in Gaza as genocide. Since the beginning of Donald Trumps second presidency a year ago, but especially since the brutal deployment in Minneapolis of federal paramilitaries from ICE and the Border Patrol, the impression that fascism has taken hold in the United States has only grown among writers, commentators, historians, and citizens. Images of heavily armed, unidentified, and masked individuals beating people protesting their presence a right protected by the First Amendment, which generously guarantees freedom of speech in the U.S. and arresting citizens solely because of their accent or skin color including children like little Liam Conejo Ramos are incompatible with a fully democratic society. The shooting deaths of two civilians, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, with images that appear to show an extrajudicial execution in the latter case, sparked global outrage and a wave of references to what happened in Europe in the last century, when Mussolinis Blackshirts and Hitlers Brownshirts took over the streets of Italy and Germany. The writer Stephen King, a vocal critic of Trump on social media, spoke directly of an American Gestapo in a post on X; Siri Hustvedt wrote an article in this newspaper titled A new type of fascism affecting the entire world. The mere presence of a few ICE agents in Italy during the Winter Olympics has provoked a wave of outrage in the country and required a ludicrous clarification from the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, which demonstrates the current international image of the United States: Its not like the SS are coming. ICE agents arrest a woman in Minneapolis on January 21. Leah Millis (REUTERS) Yes, its fascism, Jonathan Rauch wrote this week in a scathing article in The Atlantic. Until recently, I resisted using the F-word to describe President Trump. For one thing, there were too many elements of classical fascism that didnt seem to fit. For another, the term has been overused to the point of meaninglessness, especially by left-leaning types who call you a fascist if you oppose abortion or affirmative action, he noted before clarifying: When the facts change, I change my mind. He then goes on to explain, point by point, all the aspects from the glorification of brute force to the dehumanization of entire segments of the population that make Trumps America a country firmly headed toward the abyss of fascism. The first to sound the alarm was Robert Paxton, a 93-year-old historian and expert on fascism who, throughout his long career, has demonstrated remarkable lucidity and courage. Paxton, born in 1932, published a book in 1972 that confronted France with its worst demons. In Vichy France, he departed from the official narrative of the heroic struggle against the German invaders during World War II to describe a country torn apart by a civil war between collaborators and resistance fighters, the latter being far smaller than had been portrayed. He received much criticism at the time, but he was right, and his view of history (which, incidentally, reflects that of so many European countries) is now considered canonical. Also the author of the essay The Anatomy of Fascism, he had resisted using the word until January 2021 when, after the assault on the Capitol, he wrote in an article: I withdraw my objection to using this label, which no longer seems only acceptable, but necessary. ICE agents surrounding a protester in Minneapolis, on January 24. CRAIG LASSIG (EFE) But in Minneapolis, we have also seen thousands of people who seem to have learned one of the great lessons of the 1930s: if you dont fight for freedom, you can lose it. The American novelist Joyce Carol Oates also reminded us on X: It is generally forgotten that 15,000-20,000 Germans were killed protesting Hitler, or aligning themselves with groups protesting Hitler. Always there are courageous persons in opposition to a rising authoritarian state, as we are seeing in the US; if those in opposition are not quickly joined by many more, indeed many many more, the effort will be lost. Are we then witnessing a return of fascism, and not only in the United States? The answer is far more significant than we might think because, as Herve Le Tellier points out in his magnificent new novel/essay, El nombre en el muro (The Name on the Wall), let us remember: fascism moves faster than any democracy. Barely nine weeks separated Hitlers rise to the Chancellorship and the first antisemitic measures. It is not only Americans who are gambling with their future freedom. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Jaipur, Jan 30 : The Rajasthan Assembly witnessed intense political sparring as members of the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress traded sharp allegations during the debate on the Governor's address. Corruption, governance failures, and welfare schemes dominated the discussion, leading to repeated disruptions in the House on Thursday. BJP MLA Atul Bhansali launched a strong attack on the Congress, alleging large-scale corruption during its tenure. He claimed that a Rs 25 crore scam occurred in the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project in Jodhpur, the former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's own Lok Sabha constituency of Sardarpura. Bhansali said the BJP government had delivered on its promise of zero tolerance towards corruption, citing action taken in the paper leak case and pointing out that a Minister from the previous Congress-led Rajasthan government was jailed. Mahesh Joshi, a former Rajasthan Minister, was sent to jail on corruption charges in Jal Jeevan Mission case. "Scams committed during the previous Congress government are now being exposed. Corruption in one's own Lok Sabha constituency is the most shameful act," Bhansali added. Hitting back at BJP leader Atul Bhansali, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ramkesh Meena accused the BJP of large-scale irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision scheme. He alleged that BJP workers submitted hundreds of forms with forged signatures, claiming that each forged signature carries a punishment of one year in jail. "If one worker submitted 500 fake forms, that amounts to 500 years in prison," Meena said, warning the ruling BJP to be prepared for a detailed investigation. He asserted that the Congress would ensure the matter was thoroughly probed. During the debate, Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Department Minister Diya Kumari responded to queries related to road construction and maintenance. Her replies triggered protests from Congress MLAs, leading to ruckus in the Assembly House. The state Assembly also saw heated exchanges over other issues concerning Rajasthan. Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham accused Congress leaders of misconduct during the previous government's tenure while responding to queries related to hookah bars in the state. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Harimohan Sharma clashed with State Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra over delays in municipal and panchayat elections and the removal of local body chairpersons. Kharra defended the current BJP-led state government, saying elections could not be held without resolving OBC reservation issues. Harimohan Sharma further alleged failures in social security schemes, claiming that nearly 9.3 million beneficiaries across Rajasthan had not received pensions for the past four months. He said people in rural areas were facing severe hardship, triggering further uproar in the House. Earlier on Thursday, BJP MLA Pushpendra Singh Bali accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about MGNREGA. He said the Centre had strengthened the scheme and increased employment opportunities, announcing that up to 125 days of work would now be provided. The debate was marked by frequent interruptions, loud exchanges, and strong political rhetoric from both sides, reflecting deep divisions over governance and accountability in the state. Jaipur, Jan 30 : In a major development in the Junior Engineer (JE) Combined Recruitment Examination-2020 paper leak case, the Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) has uncovered another shocking revelation. Not only was the original JE examination leaked and subsequently cancelled, but the re-examination conducted in September 2021 was also compromised, police officials said on Thursday. The SOG has busted a large paper-leak network operating out of Jalore and arrested Ganpat Lal Bishnoi (34), son of Govardhan Ram, a resident of Dedwa in Sanchore. Bishnoi, who is currently working as an Assistant Engineer in the Rajasthan Public Works Department (PWD), had secured 12th rank in the merit list by using a leaked question paper. According to Jaipur Additional Director General of Police (SOG) Vishal Bansal, during the investigation of the JE recruitment paper leak case registered at Sanganer Police Station in December 2020, the SOG became suspicious about how several accused candidates succeeded again after the examination was cancelled. When questioned, the accused confessed that the question paper of the re-examination held on September 12, 2021, had also been leaked prior to the exam. Following this explosive disclosure, the SOG registered a fresh case on January 19, 2026. The investigation has identified Jagdish Bishnoi, son of Hariram, a resident of Danta in Sanchore, as a primary accused in the exam paper leak racket. During questioning, it was revealed that Jagdish and his associates supplied question papers to candidates shortly before the examination. The most serious finding is the involvement of Ganpat Lal Bishnoi, who illegally obtained the question paper, appeared in the exam, and secured the 12th position in the final merit list. At the time of arrest, he was posted as an Assistant Engineer in the PWD at Barmer and had also received a promotion. The SOG has arrested him, and legal proceedings have been initiated to cancel both his appointment and promotion. The investigation has further revealed that the same organised gang was involved in leaking the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination papers held between September 13 and 15, 2021. This indicates that within a span of just three days, the gang compromised the integrity of two major state-level recruitment examinations. "The SOG is identifying the entire network. Our objective is not only to arrest those involved but also to remove such fraudulent officers who have entered the system through unfair means," ADG (SOG) Vishal Bansal said. Young adult romance Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlenauthor of queer YA love stories Late to the Party and She Drives Me Crazygets a traditional release 12 years after its self-publication in 2014. The novel follows teens Hannah and Baker in Baton Rouge, La., in 2012, best friends who must hide their romantic feelings for each other from their strict religious families and peers. In a conversation with PW, Quindlen spoke about revisiting her debut and how it ties into her forthcoming novel This Must Be the Place, publishing with Roaring Brook in May. Why did you initially self-publish Her Name in the Sky? I started working on Her Name in the Sky in 2012, so were coming up on 14 years since I started writing it. In a lot of ways, 2012 was a different time. Dont ask, dont tell was still an active policy. Obama had not yet vocalized his support for same-sex marriage. Marriage equality was still three years away. It was a very fraught time for me. I was 23 years old, and I was teaching in Louisiana, and I was very closeted at school. None of the other teachers or my students knew [that I was queer]. I started writing this story based on my own upbringing, of being in a Catholic community and realizing that I had feelings for a girl and trying to reconcile all that. It took me about two years to finish the story. During that time, I was also reading what was available in the YA landscape whichfor LGBTQ books, especially sapphic bookshonestly wasnt a lot. At the time, most people were saying that it was really difficult to get young adult LGBTQ stories published. On top of that, mine had a religious element, and it had a pivotal on-page sex scene. Not only did I worry that there wasnt a place for it in traditional publishing, but I also worried that it wouldnt be handled the right way, or by understanding people. Some of that was me not giving enough credit to publishing professionals, but some of it was also just where we were at the time. I decided I wanted to have full control. I had a very small online following at the time because I was really into the Glee fandom. That was my escape. When I was teaching, I would go to school each day, I would teach middle school math, and then I would come home and write Glee fanfiction about Brittany and Santana. I bet I could get some of my followers to read original work, so I self-published Her Name in the Sky in January 2014. What compelled you to pursue traditional publishing for your subsequent books? I wanted to challenge myself to try something new. I felt like I had done well with self-publishing. I learned a lot about marketing and interacting with readers and organically building a fan base. I wanted to take that to the next level and work with a whole team, [including] an editor who could push me to be a better writer. Around 2015, I started going to more book festivals and getting more into the YA scene, and I was seeing that some LGBTQ YA books were doing well. I went to the Decatur Book Festival, and I saw Becky Albertalli speak there about Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and I got to meet her and talk to her. It made me realize, Oh, there is room in traditional publishing [for me]. Or, at least, there was starting to be. I was also drawn in by the accessibility of traditional publishing. Sometimes people would email me and say, Im trying to find your book at my library, or, Im trying to find your book at my local bookstore, and I cant get it, and the only way to get Her Name in the Sky physically was through Amazons print-on-demand service. You couldnt walk into a bookstore and find it on the shelves. And I just thought, I want to be in the big leagues now. Why return to Her Name in the Sky now, more than a decade after its original publication? The story wouldnt let me go. Late to the Party and She Drives Me Crazy were very much open and shut books. I felt like I had told the story that needed to be told, and I was able to finish them and not look back. But the characters from Her Name in the Sky stayed with me. I was still writing one-shots about them I would post on my Tumblr that were, like, a scene of Hannah and Baker that took place after the book ended. Fans would write in and say, Could you do a one-shot of Hannah and Baker in grad school? My agent, Marietta B. Zacker, and I thought we should ask Macmillan to reissue it so that it could have a wider reach, and so that I can redo parts of it now that I had developed my writing skill set more. We originally took that idea to them right around when the pandemic started. I wrote a whole proposal, and I included screenshots of things that fans had said to me, and fan art and fan playlists from Spotify, and all the sales data. And I pitched a new epilogue that would have Baker and Hannah in their adult years, perhaps mentoring a younger queer person. My editor, Mekisha Telfer, came back and said, We dont think this is quite the right time [for a reissue]. But we were most captivated by your idea of the epilogue. Can you say more about that? I had already started writing what would become This Must Be the Place, about a recent high school graduate who inherits a gay bar from her late uncle who she didnt even know was gay. I married that with this idea of Hannah and Baker as thriving queer adults. And it just made sense. Now, in This Must Be the Place, Hannah is a 30-something out-and-proud lesbian engaged to be married, and shes mentoring this 18-year-old girl who just recently came out and inherited this bar that she doesnt know what to do with. It all came full circle. What reaction are you hoping for from Her Name in the Sky fans with the publication of This Must Be the Place? Im really excited for fans to meet Louisa. She is my pain in the ass problem child. She knows who she is, and shes just trying to figure out how to be this new version of herself. And theres a whole cast of characters that work at the bar with her that I really, really love. And theres a bar cat named RuPaw. Hannah is kind of Louisas fairy gay mother, if you will. Shes an educator who, during the summers, works as an assistant manager at the bar to make some extra money. She takes Louisa under her wing and teaches her not only about the business, but about what it means to be a queer person in spaces that people forget that we exist, like in Alabama, where the book takes place. Hannah and Baker are also planning their wedding, so there are little lines thrown in about whos going to officiate the ceremony, what songs are going to be on the wedding playlist. Some of my oldest readers and die-hard fans of Her Name in the Sky have gotten galleys of This Must Be the Place and one of them said, After all the pain they went through, its so wonderful to see Hannah and Baker grown up and in complete control of themselves and in control of their lives, to see them happy and succeeding. And yet, their stupid senses of humor havent changed. Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen. Roaring Brook, $24.99 Jan. 27 ISBN 978-1-250-41445-8; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-250-41447-2 Author-illustrator Hudson Talbott, widely recognized for the detailed, often humorous, watercolor-and-pencil images in his broad range of picture books, died on January 22 in Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center following a brief illness. He was 76. Hudson Talbott was born July 11, 1949, in Louisville, Ky. to Peyton Talbott, a bank manager, and Mildred Pence Talbott, a dress shop manager, and was the youngest of four children. Growing up in Louisville, Talbott developed a love of art early on, a passion that was heartily encouraged by his parents. They allowed my artistic self-expression to flourish, Talbott told Something About the Author, and in so doing, fostered my belief in myselfa belief that I had something to say and something worth saying. Talbott graduated from Waggener High School in 1967 and attended the University of Cincinnati from 196769. He then studied painting and sculpture at Temple Universitys Tyler School of Art campus in Rome, earning his B.F.A. in 1971. After college, he continued his art education and worked while living in Rome, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong before moving to New York City in 1974. I was just passing through seeing friends, and I got sucked in, he told PW in a 1987 interview. New York is very seductive. Ive been here ever since. As a freelance artist and designer in New York, Talbott created notecards and calendars, and received commissions for projects from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Opera, the Museum of Modern Art, and Bloomingdales department store, among others. His first commissioned work for children was illustrating the 16-page picture book How to Show Grown-ups the Museum, published by MoMA in 1986. That same year, Talbotts greeting cards, calendars, and posters originally commissioned by Bloomingdales for the Statue of Libertys centennial were exhibited at the New York Public Library and the Louvre in Paris, and became The Lady at Liberty: Memoirs of a Monument, a book for adults published by Avon. Soon after, one of Talbotts calendars featuring humorous dinosaur characters caught the eye of David Allender, then an editor at Crown Childrens Books, and was the spark for his picture book debut. Were Back! A Dinosaurs Story (Crown, 1987) features a time-traveling salesman who transports a crew of prehistoric dinosaurs to 20th-century New York City just in time to shake up the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade. The seven-year-old in me wrote that book, Talbott told PW. It was an integrated me: the adult me making the pictures, the child writing it. Were Back! received warm critical praise and was adapted as an animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 1993. The success of Were Back! also set Talbott firmly on his dream career path. The childrens book industry feels like a natural fit because of what I bring to it, as well as what it opens up for me, he said in SATA. Ive always told stories through pictures; now Im discovering how to paint with words. Over his career, Talbott was able to weave his varied interestsArthurian legend, travel, history, animalsinto a broad publishing oeuvre that consisted of more than 27 books, including King Arthur: The Sword in the Stone (Morrow, 1991), Safari Journal: The Adventures in Africa of Cary Monroe (Harcourt, 2002), and Its All About Me-ow: A Young Cats Guide to the Good Life (Penguin/Paulsen, 2012). His passions for art and history were forged in River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River (Putnam, 2009) and Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American Art (Penguin/Paulsen, 2018) two titles spotlighting Talbotts beloved Hudson River Valley, where he lived for many years in the community of Catskill. Among the accolades for his work are a 2006 Newbery Honor awarded to the picture book Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson (Putnam, 2005) and a 2022 Schneider Family Honor for A Walk in the Words (Penguin/Paulsen, 2021), which tells Talbotts personal story of reading difficulties and celebrates how people all learn differently. Talbotts final book, The Next Shiny Object, is scheduled for publication with Nancy Paulsen Books in August 2026. Nancy Paulsen, president and publisher of her eponymous imprint at Penguin Young Readers, and Talbotts longtime editor, paid tribute: Hudson was a great artist, author, and friend. We got to spend such memorable time together, working, eating, and laughing, as he created a library of fascinating books. Hudson was interested in everythinghistory, geography, animals, and the human psycheand he, our art team, and I had endless fun, and debates, over how to bring his imagination and curiosity to life. His artwork helped us all see things differently, and his most recent book, A Walk in the Words, helped children feel less overwhelmed by learning differences. Hudsons forthcoming title, The Next Shiny Object, about his experiences with his roaming attention, portrays the challenges as well as the benefits of having an overactive imagination. We are going to miss him, and his imagination, so much, but his spirit and his books will live on and continue to inspire. And David Allender, publisher of Godine, shared this remembrance: I very luckily launched Hudsons career in childrens books out of sheer desperation. The Red Sox lost the World Series in 1986 and I was so depressed, I didnt realize Crown Childrens Books didnt have a lead fall title until a month before sales conference. My art director, John Grandits, and I ran to Barnes & Noble hoping to find something inspiring, and we spotted a calendar of funny dinosaur paintings in contemporary situations. This was it! We raced back to the office, looked up Hudson Talbott in the phone book, and the result was his first book, Were Back! "Hudson was an author I am honored to say was also a friend. His best quality, one that still touches my heart, is that he never used humor to push people back. His humor was the effortless, genuine heart of his Louisville, Kentucky charm. A heart that always drew his friends closer. Amid the flurry of American Library Association distinctions this week, led by the Youth Media Awards, several blue-ribbon graphic novels and comics got their due. On January 26, the ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table announced its first-ever slate of Outstanding Comics Awards in the adult, young adult, and childrens categories. Each category included recognitions for fiction, nonfiction, and series work. Shauntee Burns-Simpson, 20252026 GNCRT president and the director of youth and family services at D.C. Public Library, said the awards give validation to comics. This was something that needed to happen in this library space, Burns-Simpson said. I think its the perfect time to launch, because it reflects the care and intention our community brings to uplifting graphic literature. The awards are not currently part of the YMAs or another celebration, but Burns-Simpson doesn't rule that out for future years: "I'd love for us to have a big award show," she said, although "we definitely don't want our adult awards lingering out there," separate from the youth categories. "This needs to be part of a larger conversation." In the category of Outstanding Comics for Adults, the winner for fiction was Tongues, written and illustrated by Anders Nilsen (Pantheon). The nonfiction prize went to Insectopolis, written and illustrated by Peter Kuper (Norton). Series accolades went to author Marjorie Lius Night EatersShe Eats the Night, Her Little Reapers, and Their Kingdom Comeillustrated by Sana Takeda (Abrams ComicArts). The Outstanding Comics for Young Adults were fiction title The Boy Wonder, written and illustrated by Juni Ba (DC Comics); the nonfiction memoir Raised by Ghosts, written and illustrated by Briana Loewinsohn (Fantagraphics); and the series Teen TitansRaven, Beast Boy, Beast Boy Loves Raven, Robin, and Starfireby Kami Garcia, illustrated by Gabriel Picolo, Jon Sommariva, Emma Kubert, and Rob Haynes (DC Comics). Awards in Outstanding Comics for Children went to early reader A Pond Full of Pals! (Froggy #1), written and illustrated by Paige Walshe (Flying Eye); autobiographical middle grade comic How to Draw a Secret, written and illustrated by Cindy Chang (Allida Books); and the middle grade Witches of Brooklyn seriesWhat the Hex, SMore Magic, Spell of a Time, and Curse & Reversewritten and illustrated by Sophie Escabasse (Random House Graphic). More information about the prize winners, category honorees, and creative teams for adults, young adults, and children is available on ALAs website. The GNCRT website is being updated to reflect the roundtables latest contributions, and the roundtable reached out to illustrator Chris Schweizer to design the award seal, which pictures a traditional pen nib next to a digital pencil. The Outstanding Comics Awards have been in development for several years, with a goal of matching the prestige of well-known ALA prizes such as the Newberys or Alex Awards. Where the Youth Media Awards focus on children and teens, including in the Alex Awards that honor crossover adults-to-youth titles, the graphic novel and comics listings emphasize all-ages appeal. Im a youth librarian at heart, but when youth consider themselves readers, its because the adults in their lives are readers, said GNCRT president Burns-Simpson, whose collaboration with GNCRT began while she was president of ALAs Black Caucus and developing Black Lives Matter comics reading lists. GNCRT treasurer Kacy Helwick, youth collection development librarian at the New Orleans Public Library, helped the roundtable propose the award, liaise with the ALA executive board, and coordinate the committee process. Were excited to have this specific comics and graphic novel award coming from the library association, Helwick said. There are other comics awards out there tied into conventions, and graphic novels are winning awards all over the place. Now we have one specifically for libraries in this format, and that will drive reading, especially in the kids area. Helwick also noted that these awards are unique in their recognition of series and entire creative teams. The series awards honor something thats told a story over volumes or makes sense five volumes in, she said, and that sets the GNCRT awards apart from prizes that recognize stand-alones or privilege only the first in a longer series. Winning creators will receive their awards in person this June at ALAs 150th anniversary conference in Chicago. A tide of books about the Gospel of John are now hitting the shelves, marking a trend that is perhaps worthy of a biblical text that opens with the phrase, In the beginning was the Word. These recent and forthcoming books consider new and different theological, historical, and cultural perspectives on the book that is often called the fourth gospeldistinct in tone and authorship from the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In John, Jesus speaks not in parables, but in first-person discourses that are more theological in nature than in the other, more historical gospels. John also focuses more on miracles during Jesuss ministry, and less on messages about the kingdom of heaven highlighted in the other three gospels. Is John having a moment? Yes, says Beatrice Rehl, publisher at Cambridge University Press, which in December published The Epistles of John: Origins, Authorship, Purpose by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill associate professor of religious studies Hugo Mendez. Rehl attributed this surge of attention to a new generation of scholars that is challenging the entrenched views of older generations about who wrote these texts, why, and how. She said she received several proposals in 2025 for books about the Gospel of John and commissioned one for the publishers Cambridge Companion series. Mendez also had a book on John published by Oxford University Press in July 2025, The Gospel of John: A New History. In his books with both publishers, Mendez argues that John was a made-up character, says Steve Wiggins, senior editor at Oxford, who acquired and worked on the title. Wiggins, who calls Mendez a rising star, says his novel idea opens up new ways to approach constantly-shifting assessments about the composition of the New Testament." Archaeological finds spark fresh ideas According to Trevor Thompson, executive editor at Eerdmans, the Gospel of John has been regarded as the least historical and most spiritual of the four gospels, the one that views the life of Jesus from the sky. Eerdmans will publish Paul N. Andersons Archaeology, Jesus, and the Gospel of John: What Recent Discoveries Show Us in May. Using emerging archaeological evidence from excavations in Jerusalem, Judea, and the Galilee, Thompson says the book pushes back against the thesis that the Gospel of John is removed from history and argues that it needs to be taken seriously as a reliably historical document of the life of Jesus. Anderson is a professor of biblical and Quaker studies at George Fox University, where he was a founding member of the John, Jesus, and History Project, a group of scholars in the Society of Biblical Literature with a special interest in studying John. Anderson's presentation at the SBL's 2025 conference in Boston, The Wisdom of Jesus and Solomon in Johannine Perspective, was standing room-only, according to Thompson. Timely and timeless conversations Though Andersons book has been in the works for a decade, Thompson calls it an absolute serendipity that it will be published while theres a resurgence of interest in John, and also while theres a broad global conversation going on about the very geographical territory in which these events are taking place. Cornell Universitys Near Eastern studies professor Kim Haines-Eitzens The Gospel of John: A Biography (Princeton Univ., Feb.) is not about Johns theology or historicity. Rather, it is called a biography because it concerns the life of this text, says Princeton publisher Fred Appel. The book is part of the Lives of Great Religious Books series, led by Appel, that has explored Hebrew Bible and New Testament texts as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Lotus Sutra, and the Book of Mormon, among dozens of others. With its stories such as the raising of Lazarus and the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, the Gospel of John has been inspiring to artists, composers, playwrights, novelists, and short story writers who are drawn to its cinematic drama, says Appel. A small sampling of many works prompted by John would include Bach's St. Johns Passion oratorio and John's telling of the miracle at Cana has inspired dozens of works including mosaics, paintings by artists is such as Tintoretto and Hieronymous Bosch, and a series of woodcuts by Gustave Dore. The text lends itself to dramatic tellings and re-tellings across eras from post-biblical times to the Crusades and the Reformation, to contemporary American evangelicalism, Appel adds. Fourth or first? Eerdmans is enthusiastic about the John revival, publishing two books with new perspectives on John this past fall, with a third in the works for 2027. In its 2025 title The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: Johns Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Duke University religious studies professor Mark Goodacre argues that John should be considered authorially connected to Matthew, Mark, and Lukebooks that are classically referred to as the synoptic gospels. And in last years other John-related title, Reverberations of Good News: The Gospels in Context, Then and Now, George van Kooten, who holds the prestigious chair of Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, posits that Johns was actually the first gospel. This assertion, Thompson says, will create a lot of controversy at academic sessions such as the next annual SBL meeting in November. Under contract, tentatively scheduled for 2027, is a book that Thompson foresees will be Andersons magnum opus, provisionally titled Jesus in Johannine Perspective: A Fourth Quest for Jesus. Overall, this wave of interest in John reflects the ebb and flow pattern of biblical scholarship, says Thompson. When youre dealing with ancient history, if you dont have new sources brought to bear, you kind of exhaust the questions. But archaeological discoveries and the perspectives of fresh PhDs, Thompson says, prompt scholars look again and wonder, did we get that right?" As a scholar of conflict resolution who has studied regime transitions across regions and political systems, I have learned to distinguish between what is visible and what is viable. In Iran today, that distinction has become decisive. The future of any democratic transition will depend less on media-recognized personalities and more on whether opposition forces can sustain organization under repression. Outcomes will be shaped by networks that can coordinate, endure, and convert public courage into strategic capacity. Recent European diplomatic commentary increasingly describes the Islamic Republic as a system entering structural fragility, with some assessments comparing it to the Soviet Union between 1989 and 1991: strategically diminished, economically depleted, and ideologically exhausted. That assessment is difficult to dismiss. But the more consequential question is not whether the regime is weakening. It is what determines the outcome if weakening turns into rupture and collapse. Three weeks of uprising across 190 cities. Over 3,000 killed. Tens of thousands detained, according to opposition and human rights reporting. In parts of Isfahan and Kermanshah, opposition sources report that security forces have lost territorial control. These are not the indicators of a state confidently managing dissent. They are the symptoms of a regime that can no longer govern through legitimacy and relies increasingly on coercion. Yet coercion alone does not decide political outcomes. Transitions are determined by whether opposition forces can translate social courage into sustained organizational capacity. The critical variable is not anger, but the existence of networks that can survive repression, maintain continuity, and coordinate action across time and geography. Irans trajectory is increasingly shaped by four forces: the regime buying time through repression; regional powers hedging against instability; Western governments applying pressure primarily as leverage; and Iranian society itself, where organized resistance networks operate alongside spontaneous protest dynamics. According to opposition reporting, these networks have been building since at least 2014, coordinating protests and sustaining activism despite surveillance, arrests, and executions. This distinction matters because revolutionary outcomes are not decided by visibility alone. They are decided by whether a movement can sustain organization under repression, absorb losses without collapsing, and remain coherent across months and years of hardship. In practice, this endurance becomes a test of legitimacy. Movements that have paid the price in arrests, torture, and executions, and that still maintain structure, are often the ones able to convert public courage into political leverage when the regimes coercive capacity begins to fracture. This is also why organized resistance matters not only operationally, but politically. Movements capable of sustaining underground networks must also articulate what comes next, including governance principles, institutional safeguards, and transition mechanisms. In Iranian opposition discourse, the Third Option, associated with Maryam Rajavi and the NCRI, frames the strategic objective as neither foreign military intervention nor dynastic restoration, but democratic change driven from within. Rajavis NCRI ten-point plan outlines core transition principles, including universal suffrage, gender equality, separation of religion and state, abolition of the death penalty, protections for ethnic minorities, and a non-nuclear republic. Movements that can be filmed, quoted, and amplified dominate international coverage. But visibility does not automatically translate into capacity. Under surveillance and repression, organizations must be clandestine, and the most consequential actors are often the least visible. Underground resistance networks inside Iran did not begin with the latest uprising. According to opposition reporting and diaspora documentation, such structures have been developing for years, including localized cells that coordinate protest activity, challenge regime messaging, and attempt to sustain resistance despite arrests and executions. These networks matter because protest-only movements face predictable vulnerabilities. Spontaneous mobilization can shock a regime, but it often struggles to coordinate strategy over time, prevent fragmentation, and withstand systematic crackdowns designed to isolate and decapitate leadership. This is where structured opposition coalitions become relevant. The NCRI argues that it has cultivated domestic networks and advanced a transition framework centered on elections, gender equality, separation of religion and state, abolition of the death penalty, minority rights, and a non-nuclear Iran. According to NCRI materials and public statements from supportive lawmakers, elements of this framework have received engagement and endorsement from some political figures in the United States and Europe. These claims should not be treated as slogans. They should be evaluated against the core transition question: can any opposition infrastructure inside Iran survive repression, coordinate across regions, and contribute to a post-regime outcome that avoids chaos or renewed authoritarianism? Much international commentary still treats opposition leadership as a media contest. Exile figures with recognizable names and fluent Western-facing messaging are often assumed to be natural transition partners. That assumption is convenient, but strategically questionable. Revolutions are not led from studios. In closed systems, legitimacy and leadership are forged through domestic risk and domestic organization. The structural question is not recognition abroad, but capacity inside Iran. Authoritarian regimes allocate repression strategically. Tehrans decades-long campaigns of infiltration, demonization, and disinformation have not been directed equally at all opponents. The state has invested heavily in dismantling organized networks capable of disciplined coordination over time. This pattern, documented by opposition sources and international reporting on regime security structures, reflects a core lesson from other transitions: regimes fear organization more than slogans, continuity more than noise. External actors will maneuver and narratives will be contested. Some governments will push managed transitions designed for predictability, not justice. But if Iran enters a genuine rupture, the outcome will not be negotiated in foreign capitals. It will be shaped inside the country through sustained mobilization: streets that refuse fear, workplaces where strikes become leverage, and networks that outlast blackouts, infiltration, and mass arrests. For observers and policymakers alike, the discipline required is simple: do not confuse visibility with capacity; do not confuse repression with stability; and do not confuse foreign leverage with democratic legitimacy. Irans future will be shaped not by the loudest voices abroad, but by the forces that can organize, coordinate, and sustain a people-led transition under pressure. In every modern transition, structure has mattered as much as courage. Iran will be no exception. Dr. Sofey Saidi is a scholar-practitioner in international relations, global governance, and conflict resolution. She earned her Ph.D. from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER OR FASTER TO GET A (LEGAL) SUPPRESSOR! While the process for filing ATF NFA paperwork has been made infinitely easier and faster with the introduction of eForms, the process is still run by the government, and the government can't make anything too easy. Services offered by the likes of Silencer Shop aren't required to file eForms, but they do make it a lot easier. Silencer Shop is also one of the most common, as their network of dealer kiosks makes the process a lot more accessible. Current eForm 4 wait times aren't at an all-time low, but they are extremely low considering the rush caused by the removal of the $200 tax on Jan 1, 2026. While times vary and aren't entirely predictable, the average we're seeing right now is less than 2 weeks. SET UP YOUR ACCOUNTS To successfully navigate the process, you must have a user account set up both with Silencer Shop and the ATF eForms system. Visit the Silencer Shop website, and the ATF eForms site. Both websites have buttons to click in order to create a new user account. These are the ATF eForms and Silencer Shop account portals, respectively. You will need to set up accounts on both to use Silencer Shops kiosk-based transfer system. Its absolutely critical that the information you submit to create these accounts matches exactly. First and last name, address, email address, and so on must all be the same, or else youll run into issues when it comes time to certify your application. When you create your Silencer Shop account, youll need to upload a photo of yourself, taken against a white or light-colored background. Dont wear a hat or sunglasses in this photo. The easiest way to do this is to download the Silencer Shop app on your phone. From the app, you can take a selfie on your phone and upload it directly to your Silencer Shop account. This photo will have to updated annually to keep your account current. From the Silencer Shop home-page, click the head-and-shoulder button at the top right to get to the account portal. Once you create your ATF eForms account, theyll assign you a randomly generated username, but youll select a password and PIN associated with your account. Save this information, as youll need it later. PURCHASE YOUR SUPPRESSOR There are two ways to purchase your suppressor. One is to buy directly from Silencer Shops website. Once your web purchase is complete, Silencer Shop will deliver your suppressor to the local partner store of your choice. The website has a searchable listing of brick-and-mortar stores theyve partnered with to help you complete your transfer. We used The Hub AZ in Arizona. Theyre a Powered By Silencer Shop dealer, with an in-store kiosk. The Hub AZ, with multiple locations around Arizona, is a Silencer Shop partner dealer. The other option is to walk into a local partner store and purchase a suppressor from their inventory. Take note: Even if you purchase a suppressor from your local store that Silencer Shop doesnt carry, youre still able to use their e-process to complete your transfer. If you purchase the can locally, SilencerShop still charges a processing fee for using their system. The fee is about $25. Silencer Shop kiosks are equipped with cameras and scanners to input your photo and fingerprints for NFA transfers. Regardless of where you actually purchase from, youll need to visit your local partner store and use their kiosk to complete your eligibility questionnaire and submit fingerprints. The best part about this process is that the kiosk has a built-in fingerprint scanner, so you wont have to mail hard print cards to the ATF directly. If you choose to set up a trust for your purchase, youll be able to do this during the purchase process, either on Silencer Shops website or kiosk. CERTIFY AND COMPLETE Once youve completed your purchase and submitted all required information to your Silencer Shop account, waiting game number one begins. Silencer Shop reviews every application before moving to the certification step to make sure everything is in order. You don't want to get rejected by the ATF after weeks or months of waiting, and this review helps prevent that from happening. Review wait times are messy, especially with how many people are filing right now. Recently, our Silencer Shop review wait was only 45 minutes, but we've seen reports of some people waiting days. Once approved by Silencer Shop, you'll get an email telling you it's time to Certify. During the certification process, your local partner store synchronizes the information from your Silencer Shop account with ATFs eForms to begin the background check and stamping process. These screenshots are from the partner store certification process, which must be done in-person for individual transfers or via video conference for trust transfers. Certification can be done over the phone or in person. Either way, you'll need your ATF eForms username, password, and PIN, and e-sign a couple of validation statements from ATF. This is where we ran into issues, because the information in our Silencer Shop user account didnt match the information in our ATF eForms account. A brief email exchange with Silencer Shops customer service folks got us squared away on that, and the certification went through without another hitch. Now it's time for the second wait in our waiting game. ATF wait times used to be measured in months, but with the introduction of eForms, the wait time was reduced to hours in many cases. Our record low was just 26 hours, and we've had friends who got their suppressors in as little as 2 hours. With the removal of the $200 tax, eForm applications surged to shocking highs, and ATF can't really keep up right now. At the moment of writing, the median wait time for an individual eForm 4 is 10 days. Wait times can be checked on the Silencer Shop website, but these aren't guarantees. Especially if this is your first time filing NFA paperwork, your wait time might be longer. Once approved by ATF you'll get another email letting you know that the suppressor is approved and you're good to go pick it up. Your local dealer might want you to bring a phyisical copy of your new tax stamp that can be printed from the Silencershop site, or you might be able to just go down and they'll print one for you. Either way, you'll also fill out a standard 4473 to transfer the item off their inventory book. This will be a no-background-check-needed 4473, since your tax stamp will serve as verification that a check has already been completed. After that, hit the range and start making not-much-noise with your new suppressor! Both agencies, which have a presence on the ground in cities like Minneapolis, have significantly expanded their capabilities during the Republicans second term In Donald Trumps United States, where federal agents wear masks, drive unmarked cars, and sometimes operate in plain clothes, its difficult to distinguish between the federal agencies that, amid chaos and terror, implement the White Houses immigration policy. Its even more complicated to know what rules they are supposedly bound by and to identify when they have overstepped the limits of their authority. This latter issue is at the heart of national (and even international) debate after officers from two immigration agencies fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents last Saturday while assisting a woman at a protest in Minneapolis. A group of six officers beat him to subdue and disarm him before killing him. Seventeen days earlier, a few blocks further south, Renee Good, a poet and mother of the same age as Pretti, was shot three times, including a fatal shot to the head, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. ICE and Border Patrol are two separate entities, but they operate under the same parent department, the Department of Homeland Security. Together, they are the two main immigration agencies in the United States. Historically, they have had distinct powers, but under the current Republican administration, their functions have often overlapped, and their agents work closely together, along with many others from government agencies such as the DEA and the FBI, which have joined Trumps immigration crusade. Below, we offer a guide to Trumps immigration police. Federal agents repel a demonstration in Minneapolis, January 24. CRAIG LASSIG (EFE) What is ICE? ICE is the primary agency responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws. It was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and was created alongside the current Department of Homeland Security by merging the investigative and internal control elements of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. ICEs work is internal; its agents do not protect the borders. The agency has two main branches: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Until recently, ERO agents were responsible for arresting migrants and arguing for deportations in immigration court, while HSI agents focused on transnational crimes. However, now both branches are working toward the same goal: carrying out the largest deportation in history, as desired by Trump. How has it grown under Trump? Thanks to the Republican administration, ICE has the largest budget of any agency in U.S. history. Approved last July as part of Trumps tax reform, the funding allocation exceeds $100 billion through 2029. Of that budget, $30 billion is earmarked for further expanding its ranks. The agency has already more than doubled its staff under Trump, reaching 22,000 officers, according to the Department of Homeland Security. And this year, an extensive recruitment campaign targeting individuals with conservative leanings or interests will be conducted. In addition, $45 billion of the next four years budget will be used to hold migrants in the network of detention centers operated by ICE, which includes more than 200 facilities nationwide. These are places where there are numerous reports of abuse against detainees and appalling conditions. The first year of Trumps second term ended with the highest number of deaths in two decades in these centers: 32, according to figures from the Department of Homeland Security. So far in 2026, at least six migrants have died in ICE custody. Where are their agents? How can they be identified? Since last summer, the government has deployed thousands of ICE agents to several Democratic-leaning cities for both large-scale operations and smaller raids. There have been major operations in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Charlotte (North Carolina), Portland (Oregon), Portland (Maine), Chicago, Minneapolis, and other cities. Agents have also been seen conducting random and sporadic arrests in cities like New York, Boston, and Atlanta. The list is extensive and continues to grow. ICE agent | Front view ICE agent | Rear view Identifying ICE agents on the ground can be difficult, especially if they are not part of a large-scale operation already announced by the White House. They may be in plainclothes without identification. Most wear masks and bulletproof vests with identifiers such as Police, Federal Agent, ERO, or HSI the agencys two main branches. Others have smaller badges that may be harder to spot, but they are required to identify themselves during arrests. They may also be wearing military-style uniforms if they are part of the immigration services special response teams. On the streets, some citizens have learned to identify police officers, even if theyre driving ordinary vehicles. They know, for example, that SUVs with tinted windows that dont obey traffic laws are usually theirs, and they start blowing their whistles or honking their own horns. What kind of training do they receive? To expedite the recruitment process spearheaded by the Trump administration, ICE has shortened the training period for agents: it now lasts approximately eight weeks, down from 16. Virtual courses are offered that can be completed before or after this period, the requirement to learn Spanish a course that previously took over a month has been eliminated, and firearms training has been shortened. Recruits must still meet other requirements, such as physical endurance and self-defense tests, and study U.S. immigration law. However, most ICE agents do not receive specialized training in crowd control or responding to protests like those seen in cities such as Minneapolis. ICE operation in Minnesota, January 27. Madison Thorn (Anadolu via Getty Images) The actions of agents in these situations have sparked outrage, as they have been seen attacking protesters with tear gas and pepper spray, in violation of court orders prohibiting it, and detaining both migrants and U.S. citizens. It was during one of these confrontations with protesters that an agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis. That incident, which shocked the nation, raised questions about the use of deadly force against unarmed individuals. According to the immigration agencys regulations, agents are only authorized to use firearms with the intent to prevent or stop threatening behavior that warrants the use of deadly force. In Goods case, the government maintains that Officer Jonathan Ross shot her because she had tried to run him over with her car, even though videos recorded by witnesses and Ross himself show that Good was trying to flee from the officer when he killed her. What is the difference between the Border Patrol and ICE? The United States Border Patrol (USBP) is part of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which in turn operates under the Department of Homeland Security. Historically, the main difference between the Border Patrol and ICE has been that the former is responsible for monitoring U.S. borders, while the latter operates within the country. While ICE was created in this century, the Border Patrol was established in 1924, though it has evolved drastically up to the present day, always under criticism for its violent and racist tactics. Border Patrol agent | Front view Border Patrol agent | Rear view Although no president before Trump made such extensive use of this policy, the agency can operate within a radius of up to 182 kilometers (100 air miles) of the countrys land and coastal borders. Within this so-called 100-mile zone, the Border Patrol can search for undocumented immigrants, establish and operate checkpoints, and conduct searches and arrests without a warrant. Why are there Border Patrol agents in cities like Minneapolis? Minneapolis lies outside that 100-mile zone, as do some of the other cities where the Border Patrol has been deployed under Trump to support ICE efforts. However, the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act grants agencies within the Department of Homeland Security that is, both ICE and the Border Patrol several powers beyond the border zone, such as the authority to question anyone they believe may be undocumented or to make arrests without a warrant if they believe a person is violating immigration law and is likely to flee. However, national security and immigration experts point out that Border Patrol officers are not adequately trained to operate in urban areas. Former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske stated this in an interview with public radio this week. Do ICE and Border Patrol work together? Both agencies participate in large-scale immigration raids and operations, such as the one underway in Minnesota. They also conduct arrests inside federal immigration courts, a practice banned for years but revived by Trump. Like ICE agents, Border Patrol agents have faced criticism for their response to public protests. Prettis death is the latest in a long history of the use of excessive force by Border Patrol officers, emboldened by Gregory Bovino, whom the Trump administration has put in charge of several anti-immigration operations in recent months. The Border Patrol commander was removed from Minnesota after Prettis killing. If wellness culture had a rulebook, it would say this: homemade is good, organic is better and anything that comes in a package should be avoided at all costs. For college students juggling time, money and limited kitchen access, this mindset does not promote health; instead it promotes guilt. On a college campus, food choices and eating habits are not made in a vacuum. They are shaped by class schedules that span entire days, part-time jobs, grocery prices and living spaces where a microwave is often the only readily available appliance. Yet, easy foods like frozen meals, packaged snacks or quick convenience options are often dismissed as being inherently unhealthy. Meanwhile, more expensive time-consuming meals are framed as the only acceptable path to eating healthily. The SC has gone a step further to state that even if one were to not apply the codified GAAR provisions, the judicial GAAR would continue to apply, point out Pranav Sayta and Bhargav Selarka. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Key Points The court ruled that treaty benefits cannot rest on TRC alone The transaction was held to be an impermissible avoidance arrangement Despite shares being acquired before 1 April 2017, the SC held GAAR applicable since the sale occurred in FY19, when GAAR was in force. In a judgment delivered on January 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India in the case of Tiger Global ruled in favour of the Indian Revenue Authorities (IRA) and held that sale of shares of a Singapore-based company (which ultimately held shares of the Indian company) by Tiger Global (based in Mauritius) will be taxable in India. Key aspects discussed by the apex court A 'Tax Residency Certificate' (TRC) is not conclusive in establishing treaty eligibility and one needs to examine various other antecedent facts as well. This seems to re-visit the longstanding SC judgment in case of Azadi Bachao Andolan and other circulars which supported the proposition that a TRC should be sufficient. The SC has sought to invoke the GAAR provisions (as codified in the domestic tax law) and has ruled the sale of shares of a Singapore company as an 'impermissible avoidance arrangement'. It must be noted that the view sought to be adopted by Tiger Global was that since the shares of the Singapore company were acquired prior to 1 April 2017, they were grandfathered from the perspective of the GAAR provisions. The SC struck down this argument on the basis that although the shares were acquired prior to April 1, 2017, since the sale transaction had occurred in financial year 2018-19 (a year where the codified GAAR provisions were in force), GAAR provisions would be applicable. The SC has gone a step further to state that even if one were to not apply the codified GAAR provisions, the judicial GAAR (i.e. anti-abuse measures laid down by Indian courts in various rulings), would continue to apply. While the judgment does not mention factual aspects in detail, some key facts around UBOs, bank signatories, etc have been mentioned basis which the lower authorities had arrived at a finding that the control and management of Tiger Global was based outside Mauritius, particularly in the USA. What was the basis of SC ruling The SC has focused on various amendments/ provisions introduced in the legislature (related to indirect transfer, GAAR, etc.) post the landmark decision of the SC in case of Vodafone International Holding BV (Vodafone). It seems that according to the SC, such amendments were aimed at combating the 'look at' approach adopted in the Vodafone decision. This appears to be the basis of ruling that TRC alone should not be conclusive in establishing treaty eligibility. Given the various observations in the SC judgment (specifically those around GAAR), foreign investors will have to comprehensively review their past transactions and existing set-up to ensure that they withstand the test of increased scrutiny by the IRA. This decision is likely to be one of the most consequential tax judgments in India's corporate and international tax landscape. One can surely not fault the observation of the SC that in case of India, each decade has shown better progressive results from the earlier decade with so much hope and promise to hold geometrical if not astronomical growth in the decades ahead of it. SC ruling comes at crucial time However, the ruling does come at a crucial time when India is amidst attracting FDI/FPI flows. Given the findings of the SC, it is likely to send mixed signals to foreign investors and unsettle various long-settled positions around tax treaty benefits. It will also be interesting to observe the approach adopted by the IRA on various ongoing tax disputes. Last but not the least, it is interesting to take note of the concurring opinion of Justice J B Pardiwala where he has emphasised on the principles of 'tax sovereignty'. He notes that exercising tax sovereignty on the global stage requires thoughtful balance. It calls for aligning a nation's geopolitical strengths, diplomatic relationships, and investment appeal - while staying firmly committed to its own sovereign interests and the core objectives of its people. When these elements work together, a country can confidently engage with the world without ever compromosing its identity or long-term objectives. The above opinion of Justice Pardiwala along with the findings of the SC decision in the case of Tiger Global is likely to have a far-reaching impact on international tax jurisprudence and the approach likely to be adopted by Indian courts. Pranav Sayta and Bhargav Selarka are Partner and National Leader, International Tax and Transaction Services at EY India and Tax Partner at EY India Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff There is a minimum requirement of Rs 2.5 trillion capital expenditure every year and it is understood at the highest levels of the government. IMAGE: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects the first Vande Bharat sleeper train at New Delhi railway station. Photograph: Sumit/ANI Photo Railway Budget FY27 The Union budget may allocate around Rs 2.7 trillion to Rs 2.75 trillion to the railway ministry for FY27, senior government officials said, maintaining steady investments in the national transporter since the pandemic. That will be a 2 to 4 per cent hike over Budget estimates of Rs 2.65 trillion for FY26. "There is a minimum requirement of Rs 2.5 trillion capital expenditure every year and it is understood at the highest levels of the government," a senior official said. "Right now, the focus is on an overhaul of processes through reforms and significantly improving quality of procurement," the official added. Rs 2.7 Trillion Capex Indian Railways needs consistent government support, according to officials. Last October, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told industry the transporter will significantly increase standards for equipment procurement. 'Incrementalism will not work now. Please be prepared -- those who do not improve will lose out,' he said. Track Doubling & New Routes A sector executive said that the government is willing to increase spending on high-quality equipment. Experts feel that with track electrification almost complete, railways' focus will be on decongestion through capacity augmentation: New routes, gauge conversion, track doubling, and dedicated freight corridors. "Infrastructure modernisation, including rolling stock upgrades and station redevelopment, alongside safety enhancements, will remain critical. "Within capacity expansion, economic corridors (e.g. ports and mineral logistics) coupled with accelerated deployment of Kavach 4.0 and advanced signalling across the network, are expected to dominate both budgetary priorities and execution strategies," said Suprio Banerjee, vice-president, ICRA. Kavach 4.0 Deployment Railways has avoided the commercial borrowing market for operational purposes for some years now, with the government focusing on debt management. Front loading of capital expenditure has resulted in the railways delivering better results on spending. As of December 2025, it had spent 80.54 per cent, around Rs 2.03 trillion, of the total allotted capex of Rs 2.52 trillion for FY26. 'This represents a 6.54 per cent increase in GBS [gross budgetary support] utilisation compared to the same period last year (December 2024),' the railway ministry said earlier this month. 'The expenditure has primarily focused on safety measures, capacity enhancement, infrastructure modernisation, and passenger amenities,' the ministry stated. On track Government approves a minimum annual railway capex requirement of around Rs 2.5 trillion Spending likely to shift towards high-quality equipment and new technologies Priority areas include capacity expansion, decongestion, DFCs and advanced signalling Over 80% of FY26 capex (Rs 2.03 trillion) spent by December 2025 Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Shambhavi Pathak's parents, both in their late 40s, had been preparing for their daughter's wedding IMAGE: Family members pay their last respects to the mortal remains of pilot Shambhavi Pathak, who lost her life in the Baramati charter plane crash that also claimed the life of Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during her last rites, at Lodhi Road Crematorium in New Delhi, January 29, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Pilot Shambhavi Pathak was killed in a plane crash near Baramati, Maharashtra. Her mortal remains were brought to her residence in Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave, where the community mourned her death. Pathak was remembered as a lively, dedicated pilot with boundless energy and a positive nature. She had been associated with VSR Ventures since 2022 and was an alumna of the Air Force Bal Bharati School. A pin-drop silence enveloped Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave on Thursday as the mortal remains of young pilot Shambhavi Pathak were brought to her residence. Curtains remained drawn and gates shut, and residents spoke in hushed tones as grieving relatives began arriving at the family's home. Many paused to ask mediapersons about the address of Pathaks' new residence, as the family recently shifted to a new block within the locality. Pathak, around 25 years old, was among the five people killed when a VSR Ventures Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati in Maharashtra. The aircraft, which had Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on board, went down minutes before its scheduled landing. 'This locality has never seen such silence' Her neighbours gathered silently along the lane, some with folded hands, others wiping tears. Shortly thereafter, the family left for Lodhi Road crematorium, where Pathak was cremated amid the presence of close relatives and friends. "This locality has never seen such silence," said a resident, adding that people were just standing, not speaking, as if words had failed everyone. Pathak's mother, a teacher at the Air Force Bal Bharati School, remained inconsolable, relatives said. Her father, a retired Army pilot who had rushed to Pune following news of the crash, returned to Delhi for the final rites. The couple, both in their late 40s, had been preparing for their daughter's wedding, neighbours had recalled. A family member described the loss as irreparable. "It is a big loss to all of us who knew Shambhavi Pathak personally. She was a very lively person and a very dedicated pilot," the relative told PTI. A close family friend echoed the sentiment, saying Pathak would always be remembered for her boundless energy. "She was not just a friend, she was the best friend. Not even a single one of us could match her energy and positive nature towards everything," he said. Visitors continued to arrive throughout the day, including former classmates, aviation colleagues, senior Air Force officials and neighbours who had known Pathak since her teenage years. Many recalled how she would greet everyone warmly, regardless of age or position. "She had this habit of acknowledging everyone with respect," said a security guard who has worked in the area for decades. Pathak had been associated with VSR Ventures since 2022 as a first officer. An alumna of the Air Force Bal Bharati School, she underwent flight training in New Zealand, earning a commercial pilot licence before completing a BSc in aeronautics from the University of Mumbai. She held a Frozen ATPL (an aviation qualification) and multiple other related certifications, including a Flight Instructor Rating. In a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis a day after the tragedy, he sought the government's support for accessing the crash site, local administrative assistance and coordination with ground agencies, among other steps IMAGE: Officials from the DGCA and Forensics Department are present at the crash site in Baramati, Maharashtra, January 29, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The AAIB has begun a formal investigation into the crash. The minister assured that key outcomes of the investigation will be shared with the state government. The Chief Minister had requested a detailed inquiry and measures to prevent future accidents. The ministry will implement safety recommendations based on the investigation's findings. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday sought the Maharashtra government's cooperation for expeditious conduct of probe into the plane crash which killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others at the Baramati airport in Pune district. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis a day after the tragedy, he sought the government's support for accessing the crash site, local administrative assistance and coordination with ground agencies, among other steps. Key outcomes of the investigation will be shared with the state government, he said in the missive. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which functions under the Civil Aviation Ministry, has initiated a formal investigation into the aircraft crash. Pawar (66), who had taken off from Mumbai, and four other persons on board a private aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip at Baramati, his hometown, on Wednesday morning. The others killed in the tragedy were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had a flying experience of 15,000 hours, co-pilot Capt Shambhavi Pathak, with 1,500 hours of flying experience, Pawar's Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali Earlier, Fadnavis had urged the Union minister to order a detailed inquiry to find out the exact cause of the crash and also requested for immediate steps to prevent such accidents in the future. Naidu said his ministry has taken note of the Chief Minister's request to implement measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Based on the investigation's findings, necessary safety recommendations and regulatory or operational measures will be implemented in coordination with the AAIB, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and other stakeholders, he assured. Chants of 'Ajit Dada Amar Rahe' (Ajit Dada is immortal) rent the college ground on Thursday as Maharashtra bid a final and tearful farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. IMAGE: NCP Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar pays last respects during the last rites of her husband, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in Baramati on Thursday. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule also present. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Key Points Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honors in Baramati. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures including Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Sharad Pawar. Thousands of people gathered to pay their respects, chanting 'Ajit Dada amar rahe'. The plane crash also killed four other individuals: Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Capt. Shambhavi Pathak, PSO Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. The 'black box' of the aircraft has been recovered, and an accidental death report has been registered. The 66-year-old NCP chief, popularly known as 'Dada' (elder brother) in Baramati, was cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan college ground, a day after he along with four others died when the chartered plane carrying them crashed on Wednesday. The college has been founded by the Pawar family. As thousands gathered to pay their last respects, Pawar's sons, Parth and Jay, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sharad Pawar, the patriarch and uncle of the departed deputy chief minister, sat quietly watching a legacy he helped build become a memory. IMAGE: Ajit Pawar's mortal remains, draped in the national flag, being brought to Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites, in Baramati. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Thousands of mourners gathered for Ajit Pawar's last rites chanted 'Ajit Dada amar rahe', when his mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his village Katewadi to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, located 100 km from Pune. Ajit Pawar's cousin Supriya Sule, the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar Lok Sabha member from Baramati, stood with his wife Sunetra Pawar, who is a Rajya Sabha member, to console her as she paid tributes to her late husband. NCP working president and former Union minister Praful Patel was also present. Leaders across party lines attend funeral Announcements over loudspeakers urged people to maintain silence and discipline, and to pay their respects to the late leader from their seats, calling it the greatest tribute to Ajit Pawar, known for his strict sense of discipline. Shah, Gadkari, Nabin, Fadnavis, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde, and Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh were among the leaders who placed floral wreaths on Pawar's mortal remains. Ajit Pawar's younger brother Shriniwas Pawar, sisters and other family members, including cousin Abhijit Pawar, also paid tributes to their late brother. Former CM Ashok Chavan, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, party leader Manikrao Thakare and actor Riteish Deshmukh also paid homage. IMAGE: A drone view from Vidya Pratishthan ground where the last rites of Ajit Pawar were performed, in Baramati. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Earlier, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray head and former CM Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray offered floral tributes at Ajit Pawar's residence in Katewadi. On Thursday morning, the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were taken from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati, where they were kept overnight, to his village. Pawar and four other persons on board the aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip. The others killed in the tragedy were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had a flying experience of 15,000 hours, co-pilot Capt Shambhavi Pathak, with 1,500 hours of flying experience, Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Their mortal remains have been handed over to their families. Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) case in connection with the plane crash, an official said. The government on Wednesday released a statement detailing the sequence of events that led to the crash and Ajit Pawar's death. The aircraft was cleared for landing after a go-around due to poor visibility, but having finally received a clearance, it did not give any read-back to the ATC, and moments later burst into flames near the edge of the airstrip. The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said the 'black box' (comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder) of the Learjet aircraft has been recovered.. Maharashtra on Thursday, January 29, 2026, mourned Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar, who died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday. His last rites were performed with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, a region long regarded as his political base. Ajit Pawar's sons Parth and Jay carried out the final rites as a Tricolour-covered bier reflected their father's long years in public service. Leaders from across the political spectrum attended the funeral, including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in his memory. The large turnout and emotional farewell highlighted Ajit Pawar's strong grassroots connect and his significant influence in Maharashtra politics. Key Points Ajit Pawar's last rites were held with full state honours. Top leaders across parties attended the funeral. Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their respects. A government investigation into the crash has been ordered. Maharashtra Unites in Mourning IMAGE: Sunetra Pawar mourns her husband during his last rites. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Escorted by her sister-in-law Supriya Sule and her husband's elder brother Shrinivas Pawar, Sunetra Pawar pays homage to her husband. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Supriya Sule gives her cousin's wife support at the funeral. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Elder son Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar perform their father's last rites, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Ajit Pawar's younger son Jay Pawar pays his respects. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar thank grieving NCP supporters and party workers, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Goa CM Pramod Sawant and NCP-SCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar's uncle, at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Photograph: @AmitShah X/ANI Photo IMAGE: Amit A Shah pays his respects to Ajit Pawar, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Photograph: @AmitShah X/ANI Photo IMAGE: As does Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: And Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: BJP National President Nitin Nabin lays a wreath on the bier. Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh pays his respects to Ajit Pawar. Photograph: @naralokesh X//ANI Photo Photograph: ANI Video Grab IMAGE: Amit Shah offers his condolences to Sunetra Pawar. Photograph: @AmitShah X/ANI Photo Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Police registered an accidental death report (ADR) case in connection with the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday, an official said. IMAGE: Officials from the DGCA and Forensics Department are present at the crash site in Baramati on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Key Points An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered regarding the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others. The ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has already taken over the probe into the crash. Ajit Pawar was en route to address rallies for the Zilla Parishad elections when the crash occurred. The aircraft crashed near the Baramati airport after a go-around due to poor visibility. Pawar (66) and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at the Baramati airport in the morning. "We have registered an accidental death report (ADR) with the Baramati taluka police station," confirmed a senior police officer from the Pune rural police. As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct a probe based on findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)'s inquiry. The AAIB, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken over the probe into the crash. A CID official told PTI that in case of the death of an influential public representative or figure in an accident, the probe is carried out by the CID. "We have not yet received any orders. However, it is likely that CID will receive the orders and will likely conduct the probe into the ADR registered with local police," he explained. Details of the crash Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party, had taken off from Mumbai in the morning to address four rallies in the day in Pune district for the February 5 Zilla Parishad elections. The others killed in the tragedy were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had a flying experience of 15,000 hours, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 hours of flying, Personal Security Officer (PSO) Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. The government released a statement detailing the sequence of events that led to the crash and Pawar's death. The aircraft, a Learjet, was cleared for landing in Baramati after a go-around due to poor visibility, but having finally received a clearance, it did not give any read-back to the ATC, and moments later burst into flames on the edge of the runway. Pinki Mali, a flight attendant from Bhainsa village in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, was among those killed on Wednesday in a plane crash that also claimed the life of Nationalist Congress Party leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and three others, officials and family sources said. IMAGE: A view of the site of charter plane crash which resulted in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in Baramati on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Key Points Flight attendant from Jaunpur Pinki Mali also died in the crash that killed NCP leader Ajit Pawar. Daughter of an NCP leader, Pinki was married only a year ago. The news of her death has brought deep mourning to her village. Pinki had been living with her family in Mumbai and was on board the chartered aircraft that crashed, they added. The news of her death brought deep mourning to her native village, with residents gathering to console her grieving family. Daughter of an NCP leader According to villagers, Pinki's father Shivkumar Mali, an NCP leader, had moved to Mumbai several years ago with his family. Pinki completed her education in Thane and was married about a year ago in Gorakhpur. Bhainsa village head Raju Pal mentioned that Pinki maintained strong ties with Bhainsa village, visiting every year during Durga Puja. She actively participated in the festivities and helped arrange the festival pandal. Despite the family's current residence in Mumbai, their ancestral connection to Bhainsa village remained strong, with frequent visits, as locals noted. As news of the crash spread, a pall of gloom enveloped Bhainsa village and the surrounding area. Family members were inconsolable, while villagers remembered Pinki as a hardworking, warm, and promising young woman. Ajit Pawar, Pinki and three others -- Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had 15,000 hours of flying experience; co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, with 1,500 hours of flying; and Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav -- were killed in the plane crash in Pune. Chinese health authorities have begun risk assessments, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and enhanced testing capabilities and personnel training, the administration said IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters/File image Key Points No Nipah virus cases have been detected in China. Chinese health authorities are conducting risk assessments and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, patients, or contaminated objects. The Nipah virus has a strong capacity for recurrent outbreaks and a high fatality rate. China has started screening of travellers arriving on flights from areas where the Nipah virus outbreak has been reported, including India. Swab tests were being conducted on passengers, said some of the Indian travellers arriving in Beijing. The Chinese National Disease Control and Prevention Administration on Tuesday said no cases of Nipah virus have been detected in China, noting that the current Nipah outbreak in India is mainly occurring in West Bengal, which does not share a land border with China. "Based on a comprehensive assessment, the impact of this Nipah virus outbreak in India on China is relatively small," the administration said, while adding that there is still a certain risk of importation from abroad, and prevention measures need to be strengthened, state-run Global Times reported. Nevertheless, Chinese health authorities have begun risk assessments, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and enhanced testing capabilities and personnel training, the administration said. It said the Nipah virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, patients, or contaminated objects. The virus has weak environmental survivability, so the general public has a relatively low risk of infection through contact. Lu Hongzhou, head of the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, who has previously conducted research on the Nipah virus, noted that the virus has a strong capacity for recurrent outbreaks and has a high fatality rate. The virus primarily targets the respiratory system and central nervous system, leading to acute fever, headache, and varying degrees of altered consciousness, with disease symptoms and signs typically appearing 3 to 14 days after exposure, he told Global Times. Ajit Pawar had intervened around six months ago after learning that the local body was operating with a decades-old ambulance IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays last respects to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in Baramati, Maharashtra, January 29, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Ajit Pawar helped secure a new ambulance for the Baramati municipality six months ago. The same ambulance was used to transport Pawar's body after his death in a plane crash. The ambulance driver, Nazeem Kazi, recalled Pawar's advice to do his job honestly. Pawar and four others died in a plane crash near Baramati. A gesture of compassion by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar returned in a cruel twist of fate as the very ambulance he helped secure for the Baramati municipality carried his mortal remains, the ambulance driver recalled on Thursday. Nazeem Kazi, who has been serving as an ambulance driver with the municipal council, said Pawar had intervened around six months ago after learning that the local body was operating with a decades-old ambulance. "There was a news report that the Baramati Municipal Council had a very old ambulance. After learning about it, Ajit Pawar immediately convened a meeting of the officials concerned. He ensured that a new ambulance was provided without any delay," Kazi said. His voice choked with emotion as he recounted the heartbreaking irony that followed Pawar's untimely death. "Unfortunately, I had to drive Ajit Pawar's body from the hospital in the same ambulance he helped us get," Kazi said with teary eyes. Recalling his last interaction with the leader, Kazi said Pawar had given him one simple but powerful piece of advice when the ambulance was handed over. "He told me to do my job honestly. I cannot forget those words today, because I had to drive the ambulance carrying him for the last time," he said. Pawar and four other persons on board a private chartered plane were killed on Wednesday morning after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip in his home turf Baramati in Pune district. The 66-year-old NCP chief, popularly known as 'Dada' (elder brother), was cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan college ground in Baramati on Thursday. In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also said "both countries pursue foreign policies based on national interests" IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, in New Delhi, January 29, 2026. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar X/ANI Photo Key Points The US remains one of India's largest trading partners. India and the US have a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, cooperating on counter-terrorism, defence, technology, and a free, open Indo-Pacific. The US-India TRUST initiative promotes collaboration in areas like AI, semiconductors, and space. Over 350,000 Indian students are pursuing higher studies in the United States. The US remains one of India's largest trading partners and both sides are currently engaged in negotiations on a mutually-beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also said "both countries pursue foreign policies based on national interests", which reflect their points of view on certain trade measures, sanctions-related issues and approaches to specific regional developments. "Divergences are managed through high-level and institutional dialogues," Singh said. The ministry of external affairs was asked about India's "present stand" on strategic, economic and defence cooperation with the US, and the areas of convergence and divergence between the two countries on global issues. "India and the United States have a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, sharing convergence on a range of global and regional issues, including counter-terrorism, defence and security cooperation, trusted technologies, resilient supply chains and a commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific," the minister said. The defence partnership is a "key pillar of the bilateral relationship, driven by "strategic convergence" and a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, he added. The cooperation includes co-development and co-production, defence industrial partnerships and joint military exercises, enhancing interoperability across the land, maritime, air, space and cyber domains, the government said. In the technology domain, both sides are working under the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative, launched in February 2025 to promote collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space, and build trusted and resilient supply chains, it said. "On the trade front, the United States remains one of India's largest trading partners. Both sides are currently engaged in negotiations on a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)," Singh said. In the domain of higher education, the two sides are strengthening institutional linkages through joint and dual degree programmes, twinning arrangements, centres of excellence and offshore campuses. The MEA was also asked about the impact of India-US relations on trade, technology and higher education. "As of December 2025; 3,53,737 Indian students are pursuing higher studies in the United States," Singh said. The welfare of the Indian community in the US is of the highest priority for the government. Indian mission and posts in the US provide consular assistance on priority to grievances and distress calls through 24x7 emergency helplines, walk-ins, emails, social media and the MADAD portal, the minister added. MADAD (MEA in Aid of Diaspora in Distress) is a consular grievances-monitoring system. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is also utilised to assist Indian nationals, including students, in distress, Singh informed. "The ministry continues to engage US authorities to underscore the importance of people-to-people ties and skilled mobility in the long-term interest of both countries," he said. Singh said recent high-level engagements include the "Official Working Visit of the Prime Minister to Washington DC on 12-13 February, 2025, and the official visit of US Vice President J D Vance to India from 21-24 April, 2025". India's external affairs minister and the minister of commerce and industry have also been meeting their respective US counterparts regularly. Both sides are further witnessing sustained exchanges of high-level delegations, including parliamentary and Congressional delegations, he added. A poster threatening people to vacate their land in parts of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district was put up in Tura, purportedly by terror outfit Islamic State (ISIS), prompting the state police to launch an investigation, a senior officer said on Thursday. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A poster, allegedly by ISIS, threatens residents of West Garo Hills to vacate their land by 2027. The poster targets members of the Garo community in specific areas of the district. Meghalaya police have launched an investigation to determine the poster's origin and the identity of those responsible. The incident follows the lynching of an environmental activist investigating illegal stone quarrying in the same district. The poster, written in English, warned members of the Garo community living in areas such as Phubari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla, Sesla, Garobadha and Turisori to vacate their plots before 2027, failing which they would face consequences, he said. "The poster was issued purportedly by ISIS and carries the name of one Aminur Islam. Investigations are underway to ascertain the origin of the poster and the identity of those behind it," he said. State minister Marcuise Marak said the matter was being treated seriously. "Such threats are unacceptable and aimed at creating fear and disturbing communal harmony. The police have taken cognisance of it, and a case has been registered," Marak said in a statement. The police officer said, "We are verifying whether the use of the name of an international terror organisation in the poster is intended to mislead people and create panic. A thorough investigation is on." Poster surfaces days after lynching of environmental activist The development comes after the lynching of a young environmental activist in the district earlier this month. Dilseng M Sangma, who was associated with a Garo tribal organisation, was allegedly attacked by a mob while inspecting an illegal stone quarry in the Rajabala area earlier this month. West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma had earlier told PTI that Several NGO members had gone to the site to verify complaints of illegal quarrying and were attacked in the area. The state government ordered strict action against those operating illegal quarries. Additional security deployment has been made in sensitive areas, and authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace. According to party sources, the corporators loyal to Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, numbering 17 to 18, were heading towards Nagpur IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo The police said they have booked half a dozen persons and arrested one of them after masked men allegedly attempted to kidnap Congress corporators from Chandrapur in Maharashtra from a bus when they were on their way to Nagpur on Thursday evening. Key Points A group of persons intercepted the bus, in which newly-elected corporators of the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation were travelling According to party sources, the corporators loyal to Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar were heading towards Nagpur Upon receiving information, a team from the Sawangi police station arrived and brought the situation under control A group of persons intercepted the bus, in which newly-elected corporators of the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) were travelling, and allegedly attempted to kidnap those from the Congress near the Samriddhi Expressway in Wardha district adjoining Nagpur, police said However, the timely arrival of party supporters and police intervention brought the situation under control, informed a senior Corporator who was traveling in the bus. According to party sources, the corporators loyal to Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, numbering 17 to 18, were heading towards Nagpur, where their faction was to officially register at the Divisional Commissioner's office as per rules after civic polls. The bus was stopped near the Yelakeli toll plaza at 5.45 pm and some 20 unidentified persons with their faces covered, who came in 4 to 6 vehicles, intercepted the bus. They allegedly attempted to forcibly remove the Congress corporators from the bus, police said, quoting a complaint filed by party corporator Rajesh Adoor, who was also travelling. Meanwhile, some Congress activists arrived at the scene, leading to a scuffle and a tense standoff between the two groups. Upon receiving information, a team from the Sawangi police station arrived and brought the situation under control. One of the alleged kidnappers, Kanain Siddiqui, a resident of Nagpur, was caught by party workers and later arrested by the police. He and five others, all identified, were booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on Adoor's complaint, according to police. Besides them, several other unidentified persons were also booked in connection with the incident. The incident occurred amidst the ongoing power struggle within the Congress, the single largest party in the new House, over the mayor's post following the January 15 CMC elections. Rival factions led by Wadettiwar and Congress MP Pratibha Dhanorkar are at loggerheads over the post. Elections for Chandrapur mayor and Deputy Mayor post are scheduled on February 10. In the 66-member CMC, the Congress has won 27 seats, less than the majority mark of 34, while the BJP bagged 23. BSP chief Mayawati said the court's order is appropriate in view of the current situation, as the regulations had led to an atmosphere of social tension IMAGE: Advocates of Allahabad High Court stage a protest against the new UGC policies, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 29, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Supreme Court stayed the UGC's equity regulations designed to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher education. Opposition parties, including Congress, SP, BSP, and TMC, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision. The CPI-ML-Liberation expressed deep concern, stating the observations reflected a 'myopic attitude'. The Supreme Court found the regulations 'prima facie vague' and 'open to misuse'. The court sought responses from the Centre and UGC by March 19 regarding the regulations. The Supreme Court's stay on the recent UGC equity regulations to prevent caste-based discrimination on campuses was welcomed by opposition parties on Thursday, even as a Congress leader accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of creating conflicts to divert attention from real issues. Leaders from parties, such as the Congress, SP, BSP and TMC, lauded the apex court's decision. However, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist-Liberation said it is "deeply appalled" by the observations made by the judges. In a post on X, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said the court's order is appropriate in view of the current situation, as the regulations had led to an atmosphere of social tension. "The University Grants Commission has implemented new rules to prevent caste-based incidents in government and private universities across the country, which has led to an atmosphere of social tension. In view of the current situation, today's decision of the Honourable Supreme Court to stay the UGC's new rules is appropriate," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a post on X. She asserted that this would not have happened had the UGC taken all stakeholders into confidence. "However, such an atmosphere of social tension would not have arisen in the country, if the UGC had taken all stakeholders into confidence before implementing the new rules and had also provided proper representation to the upper-caste community in investigation committees, in accordance with the principles of natural justice," Mayawati said in her post in Hindi. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav also welcomed the top court's stay on the regulations. 'BJP govt creates conflicts in the name of religion, caste' Reacting to the court's observations that the rules were prima facie "vague" and "open to misuse", Yadav stressed that both the language of a law and the intent behind it must be clear to prevent injustice and social division. "True justice does not involve injustice to anyone, and the honourable court ensures precisely this. The language of the law must also be clear, and so must the intent. It's not just about rules, but also about intention," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in a post on X. "May no one be oppressed, nor injustice done to anyone, may no tyranny or excess be inflicted on anyone, nor unfairness to anyone," he added. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari welcomed the top court's decision and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of creating conflicts to divert attention from real issues. "The BJP government creates conflicts in the name of religion, caste and category to divert people's attention from real issues. I welcome the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new UGC regulations," Tiwari told reporters here. Another Congress leader, Ranjit Ranjan, suggested that the regulations should be sent to a parliamentary panel for scrutiny. "The government should take it to the standing committee.... It is the government's failure that it could not define it properly. The government should not bring a law that creates differences among students. The protests happened because the government could not take students into confidence," she told PTI Videos. Protests were held in different parts of the country against the UGC regulations. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee also welcomed the apex court's decision. "The Supreme Court has done the right thing, the UGC guidelines were unconstitutional," he told reporters. Caste-based bias in varsities and colleges rose by 118% The CPI-ML-Liberation, however, said the apex court's observations reflected a "myopic attitude" and also referred to its observations on another public interest litigation (PIL) matter on the rights of domestic workers. "We are deeply appalled by the observations made by the Supreme Court on January 29 in the PIL against the UGC Equity Rules, 2026...," the Left party said in a statement. "Caste and racial discrimination are not abstract concepts or historical relics. They are brutal, everyday realities in our educational institutions and across society. Can the rhetoric of a 'casteless society' deliver justice for the institutional murder of Rohith Vemula or Dr Payal Tadvi or the racist killing of Angel Chakma?" it asked. The party pointed out that data compiled by the UGC itself shows that complaints of caste-based discrimination in universities and colleges increased by 118 percent between 2019 and 2024. "Historically, every legislation against oppression and injustice has led to reactionary and frenzied responses from dominant groups. In these instances, dominant groups reframed equality measures as personal victimisation to preserve social privilege and institutional impunity," it said. In a post on X, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha said: "History reminds us that 'Judicial Neutrality' is often a myth; what matters is which 'status quo' the law chooses to protect." In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recent UGC equity regulations on preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, saying the framework is "prima-facie vague", can have "very sweeping consequences" and may end up dividing the society with a "dangerous impact". The court also sought responses by March 19 from the Centre and the UGC on three pleas against the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, on the grounds that caste-based discrimination has strictly been defined as discrimination against members of the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recent University Grants Commission equity regulations on preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, saying the framework is "prima facie vague", can have "very sweeping consequences" and may end up dividing society with a "dangerous impact". IMAGE: Students protest against the UGC policies, at Arts Faculty, Delhi University, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Supreme Court stayed a recent UGC regulation on caste-based discrimination after pleas were filed challenging its scope. The new regulations mandated higher education institutions to form 'equity committees' to address discrimination complaints. The pleas argued that the UGC's definition of caste-based discrimination was too narrow, excluding 'general' category individuals. Student groups and organisations held protests demanding the immediate rollback of the regulations. The top court also sought responses by March 19 of the Centre and the UGC on three pleas against the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 on the grounds that caste-based discrimination is defined strictly as discrimination against members of the SCs, STs and OBCs. "If we do not intervene, it will lead to dangerous impact, will divide the society and will have grave impact... Prima facie we say that the language of the regulation is vague and experts need to look into for the language to be modulated so that it is not exploited," a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said. While keeping at abeyance, the "non-inclusionary" definition of caste-based discrimination that excluded general categories from institutional protection under rule 3(1)(c), the bench revived the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012. "In exercise of our powers under Article 142, we direct that the 2012 Regulations shall continue in force till further orders," the bench ordered, noting that the repeal of the earlier framework would otherwise leave students without any remedy. "Issue notice returnable on March 19. The Solicitor General accepts notice. Since issues raised in 2019 plea shall also have bearing while examining constitutionality.. let these petitions be tagged with the same. Meanwhile let the UGC Regulations 2026 shall remain in abeyance," it said. The 2026 regulations triggered protests at various places, with student groups and organisations demanding its immediate rollback. The CJI suggested that the matter be revisited by a committee comprising eminent jurists and experts familiar with social realities. "Some committee should be there with two or three eminent persons who understand social values and the ailments society is facing. How society should grow, and how people are going to behave outside the campus if we create such a framework, they must apply their mind," the CJI said. At the outset, the bench flagged concerns with the 2026 regulations and questioned the need for a separate definition of "caste-based discrimination" under regulation 3(1)(c), when regulation 3(1)(e) already provides a broad definition of "discrimination". It also questioned why ragging had been left out of the scope of the regulations, despite being a common form of harassment within educational institutions. Language of regulations appeared to be 'prima facie vague' "Why is caste-based discrimination separately defined when the definition of discrimination already takes care of all forms of discriminatory treatment? And why is ragging not addressed at all," the bench asked. The bench said the language of the regulations appeared to be "prima facie vague" and "capable of misuse". Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for one of the petitioners, assailed Regulation 3(1)(c), which defines caste-based discrimination as discrimination "only on the basis of caste or tribe" against members of SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes. Jain said the definition excludes discrimination against persons belonging to the general category and creates a presumption that only certain sections face caste-based discrimination. He contended that the provision violates Article 14 of the constitution and sought a stay on its operation. "There was no need for a separate definition when Regulation 3(1)(e) already defines discrimination in an all-encompassing manner," he said. The CJI posed a hypothetical scenario involving regional discrimination and said if a student from South India faces humiliation in a northern Indian institution where caste identities are unknown and asked whether Regulation 3(1)(e) would address such situations. Jain responded in the affirmative. Another counsel highlighted a scenario where a general category fresher faces ragging at the hands of a senior belonging to a SC, submitting that the present regulations offer no remedy and may even expose the victim to retaliatory proceedings. This prompted the bench to question why ragging was not addressed at all under the regulations. "Most harassment happens on junior-senior lines. Why is it assumed that only caste-based discrimination exists," the bench asked, adding, "Whatever we have gained in terms of achieving a casteless society, are we now becoming regressive?" The bench expressed strong disapproval of measures such as separate hostels for different castes. "For God's sake, don't do this! We all used to stay together. There are inter-caste marriages also," the CJI said. Justice Bagchi said the ideal of "unity in India" must be reflected in educational institutions. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing in the 2019 PIL filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, which led to the framing of the 2026 Regulations, defended the Regulations. The CJI cautioned that the Regulations could have "very sweeping consequences" and may end up "dividing society" with a "dangerous impact". The bench was hearing pleas challenging the validity of the regulations filed by Mritunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal and Rahul Dewan. The SC bench asked the counsel appearing for NHAI also to develop an app where people can report sightings of stray animals on the national highways IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The court expressed unhappiness with the efforts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in complying with its directions regarding stray dogs. The court suggested NHAI develop an app for reporting stray animal sightings on national highways. On January 13, the top court said it would ask states to pay a "heavy compensation" for dog bite incidents and hold dog feeders accountable for such cases. The Animal Welfare Board of India reported a surge in applications for opening sterilization centers and animal shelters after the court's November 7 order. The Supreme Court on Thursday told the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to consider asking concessionaires involved in construction of roads to set up a gaushala (cowshed) under CSR responsibility to take care of stray animals entering the highways. A bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria which reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions seeking modification of the November 7 order of the top court on relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs, expressed its unhappiness over the efforts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in complying with its direction. The top court said the efforts of the Punjab government in sterilising 100 stray dogs a day was inadequate and said it is "needle in a haystack". The bench asked the counsel appearing for NHAI to also develop an app where people can report sightings of stray animals on the national highways. "You can also ask the concessionaires to setup a gaushala after say 50 km where these stray animals can be taken care of under the corporate social responsibility," the bench told the counsel. The counsel agreed to look into the possibility of developing the app and asking the concessionaire to set up gaushalas. The NHAI counsel pointed that there were over 1300 vulnerable locations on the National Highways and the authority is dealing with it to avoid any road mishaps. He said that most of the states have taken steps in removing stray cattle from the highways but still few like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan are yet to come forward to deal with the issue. Dealing with the compliance of its earlier directions, the top court was told by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for Rajasthan that sterilisation centres and fencing of education institutional areas have been done in the state. The bench pointed out that as per the affidavit of the state government only 45 vans are there for catching stray dogs and said it was insufficient. "Around 20 vans will be required for Jaipur alone. You need to ramp up the facilities and increase the number of vehicles for different cities. The arguments have been made that the CSVR (Capture, Sterilise, Vaccinate and Release) formula under the ABC rules has to be implemented. Unless there are more vehicles and manpower, how will you manage that," Justice Mehta asked. Bhati said, "We have sought more budgetary allocations to deal with the issue." The bench said, "If you don't tackle this problem today it will keep on magnifying. Every year the population of stray dogs will go up by 10-15 percent. You are increasing your own problems by avoiding this. As Punjab said, they are doing sterilisation for 100 dogs a day. This is no use. It is a needle in a haystack." The counsel for the Animal Welfare Board of India informed the bench that after November 7, last year, order of the apex court there was a surge in applications from NGOs and private parties for opening of sterilisation centres and animal shelters. "There are certain pending applications. There are more than 250 applications filed after the November 7 order...They have not yet been given recognition by us," the counsel said. She pointed out inaccuracies in data reported by many state governments on sterilisation of stray dogs and said that in one State the dog population is less while the data for sterilisation is more. Justice Nath while asking the parties to file their written submissions as early as possible asked the AWBI, "Our only request to the AWBI is whatever applications are pending, you should process them expeditiously. Either you accept it or reject them but take a decision." On Wednesday, the top court flagged its concern over state governments not complying with its directions to enhance their stray dogs sterilisation capacity, saying, "They are all building castles in the air." The top court was hearing several petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025, order directing authorities to remove stray animals from the institutional areas and roads. On January 13, the top court said it would ask states to pay a "heavy compensation" for dog bite incidents and hold dog feeders accountable for such cases. The court also flagged concerns over the non-implementation of norms on stray animals for the last five years. Taking note of the "alarming rise" in dog-bite incidents within institutional areas such as educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations, the apex court on November 7 directed relocation of stray canines forthwith to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination. It had also said stray dogs picked up shall not be released back to their original place. The court had directed authorities to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from the state highways, national highways and expressways. The top court is hearing a suo motu case, initiated on July 28 last year, over a media report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that those attacking him for his remarks on 'miyas' -- referred disparagingly to illegal Bangladeshi Muslims -- should read the Supreme Court's order mentioning the "silent and invidious demographic invasion" of the state. IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points 'Miya' used to refer disparagingly to illegal Bangladeshi Muslims Not my language, not my imagination, says Himanta 'SC used Muslim, I used Miya': Himanta The CM recently said that only 'miyas' were being 'harassed' during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in the state, as they cannot be allowed to vote in Assam, and claimed that no Assamese -- Hindus or Muslims -- were facing any problem in the exercise. Opposition parties criticised him for this comment. "Those who are attacking me for my remarks on 'miya' -- a word used in Assam in the context of Bangladeshi Muslim illegal migration -- should pause and read what the Supreme Court of India itself has said about Assam," Sarma said in a post on X. What the SC verdict said He quoted from the apex court's judgment while scrapping the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 (IMDT Act) in 2005: "The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of lower Assam The influx of illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim-majority region "It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made Loss of lower Assam will sever the entire land mass of the North East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the Nation." The CM claimed that the highest constitutional court of the country used words like "demographic invasion" and warned of the possible loss of territory and national unity, acknowledging that reality is neither hatred nor communalism, nor is it an attack on any community. "It is a recognition of a grave and long-standing problem that Assam has lived with for decades," Sarma said, stressing that this is not "my language, not my imagination, and not political exaggeration". Sarma asserted that the government's efforts are on to protect Assam's identity, security and future, as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do. "Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice to Assam and to India," the CM added in the X post. I have not given them this name, says Himanta Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Golaghat, he said those who have come from Bangladesh call themselves 'miya', and "I have not given them this name''. ''If we say 'miya, miya', they can also call us 'Assamese, Assamese'; and what is the problem with that?'' he said. Asked whether calling the Bengali-speaking Muslims 'miyas' as 'undemocratic', Sarma said, ''How can that be when the Supreme Court has said that an 'invasion' is taking place in Assam'?... The only difference is that they (SC) have mentioned the word 'Muslim', and I use 'miya' so that the Assamese Muslims do not take offence,'' he said. It is the Supreme Court that has presented data to show the increase of Muslim population in several districts of the state, he added. ''People wrongly think that it is Himanta Biswa Sarma who says this, but whatever I mention is on the basis of the judgment. If I am saying anything wrong, then prove me wrong,'' he added. 'Former Congress CMs used worse language' Former Congress chief ministers like Gopinath Bardaloi and Bishnu Ram Medhi were more outspoken on this issue, he claimed, "Had I said even 5 per cent of what they had said, then there would be chaos.'' The Congress should then say that their former chief ministers were wrong, Sarma added. ''Districts which had earlier 10 per cent Muslim population now have 60 per cent, and I have not created these data,'' he said. If people go to Dhubri, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon and other districts, they will realise what is happening and ''there is no point in attacking me'', the CM added. Sarma on Tuesday claimed that curtailing the names of 'miya' voters from the electoral rolls was only a preliminary step, and when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is conducted in the state later, four to five lakh votes of Muslims from Bangladesh will be cancelled. 'Miyas should not vote in Assam' He had said that there is no problem for Assamese people due to the SR, but the miyas are facing hardship as they do not belong here, and notices are being sent to them to "keep them under pressure or else they will walk over our heads. The Congress can ''accuse me as much as they want, but my job is to trouble the miyas so that they cannot vote in Assam'', he had said. The opposition parties in the state have alleged that the SR exercise is being used to harass genuine citizens, mostly religious minorities, by 'BJP agents', with Form 7 especially being used to complain against bona fide voters. The Election Commission had directed the conduct of SR in Assam to prepare an error-free electoral roll. The Integrated Draft Roll was published on December 27, while the filing of claims and objections continued till January 22. The final electoral roll will be published on February 10. The EC had ordered SR of electoral rolls in Assam as a Supreme Court-supervised exercise to verify citizenship, which is yet to be concluded. The state has separate provisions with regard to citizenship under the Citizenship Act. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for redressal of his grievances, after which he said 'all is good' and 'we are all on the same page', signalling a rapprochement with his party ahead of the crucial Kerala assembly polls. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: Courtesy @ShashiTharoor/X Key Points Shashi Tharoor met Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to address concerns about his standing within the Congress party. Tharoor stated that the meeting was constructive and positive, and that he is aligned with the party leadership. Tharoor denied any interest in being a chief ministerial candidate for Kerala. Recent events, including a perceived snub by Rahul Gandhi at a party event, had reportedly led to Tharoor's discontent. The meeting in Kharge's chamber in the Parliament House complex lasted for over an hour and forty-five minutes. "We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion," Tharoor said. "All is good and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say," he told reporters in Parliament premises after the meeting. Satisfied with the meeting: Tharoor Asked if the issue of chief ministerial face for Kerala polls was discussed, Tharoor said that was never the issue. "I am not interested in being the candidate for anything. At the moment I am already an MP, I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram. I have their interest to look after in Parliament, that is my job," he said. Tharoor said he was very satisfied with his meeting with the top Congress brass. In a post on X, Tharoor said, 'Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India.' He also posted a picture from the meeting in which the three of them are seen smiling and posing for a picture at Kharge's chamber in Parliament House complex. Sources said it was a 'comprehensive' meeting during which a wide array of subjects were covered. Kharge and Gandhi made 'the time necessary for a thorough discussion', a source close to Tharoor said, adding that all were on the 'same page' and resolved to move forward together. Why Tharoor was 'upset' Tharoor had been upset over the treatment meted out to him at a Kochi event recently and attempts by some leaders to sideline him in Kerala. Congress sources said the 'proof of the pudding will be in the eating' and the next few weeks will demonstrate how well everything works in practice. The meeting comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls which are very crucial for the Congress as it seeks to wrest power from the Left after 10 years in the opposition and is going all out to secure a victory in the southern state. Last week, Tharoor had skipped a key strategy meeting of the party for the upcoming Kerala polls as he was believed to be upset over Rahul Gandhi not properly acknowledging his presence at a recent event and repeated attempts by state leaders to 'sideline' him. Sources close to him had then said that while a series of events had led to Tharoor's disappointment with the treatment meted out to him, the tipping point was Gandhi not acknowledging him at the 'Maha Panchayath' held in Kochi on January 19 to felicitate the local body poll winners. Gandhi had acknowledged other senior leaders present on the stage and took their names but did not mention Tharoor, a four-time MP and one of the three Congress Working Committee (CWC) members from the state, who was also on the dais, the sources said. A row had erupted last year over his comments on the India-Pakistan conflict and the diplomatic outreach after the Pahalgam attack. His comments were at variance with the Congress' stand and many party leaders took a swipe at him, questioning his intentions. Tharoor has, however, maintained that there is no variance in stance on foreign policy and there must be bipartisanship. Kharge on Friday chaired a key meeting of the party here with Kerala leaders to fine-tune the party strategy for the assembly polls. China has achieved a significant reduction in major pollutants through the implementation of 24,000 ecological and environmental treatment projects during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the government. #XinhuaNews In the wake of the FTA between India and the European Union, the United States has described the Europeans as 'very disappointing', saying they were unwilling to join Washington, DC in putting tariffs on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil because of this trade deal. IMAGE: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/File Photo/Reuters "Again, they should do what's best for themselves, but I will tell you I find the Europeans very disappointing because the Europeans are on the front line of the Ukraine-Russia war," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with CNBC's 'Squawk on thUS-e Street' Wednesday. Bessent was responding to a question on the 'massive' trade deal between Europe and India and whether that threatens America, given that the countries are moving ahead with free trade without Washington, DC. Key Points The US slammed Europe as 'very disappointing' for refusing to join Washington, DC in imposing tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. US officials said India emerged as the biggest winner from the FTA, gaining greater market access, mobility for workers, and economic advantages from Europe's continued push for globalisation. Dubbed the 'mother of all deals', the pact creates a two-billion-people market, cuts tariffs on the vast majority of exports on both sides, and boosts trade, defence cooperation and mobility. "...India started buying sanctioned Russian oil, and guess who was buying the refined products? The Europeans. So, the Europeans have been funding the war against themselves and like something that you couldn't have made up." "The US sanctioned or put a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying the Russian oil. The Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out that they wanted to do this trade deal. So, every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people. Trade -- European trade, more important than ending the war in Ukraine," Bessent said. When asked if the Europeans need energy, Bessent said, "At a price, they want cheap energy, but we could have cheaper energy too if we were willing to buy sanctioned Russian oil." India comes out on top: US Bessent's comments were the second remarks in as many days by the Trump administration on the trade deal between India and the EU, dubbed as the 'mother of all deals'. On Tuesday, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were leading the signing of the trade deal in New Delhi, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India came out on 'top' in the trade deal. "I've looked at some of the details of the deal so far. I think India comes out on top on this, frankly. They get more market access into Europe," Greer had said in an interview to Fox Business. Greer was responding to a question on the trade deal signed between India and the EU. "It sounds like they (India) have some additional immigration rights. I don't know for sure, but President (Ursula) von der Leyen of the EU has talked about mobility for Indian workers into Europe," Greer said. "So I think on net, India is going to have a heyday with this. They have low-cost labour, and it looks like the EU is doubling down on globalisation when we're trying to fix some of the problems of globalisation here in the US," Greer had said. When asked if he has any impressions on the India-EU trade deal, Greer said, "I do. First of all, strategically, it's important to understand that because President Trump has prioritised domestic production and essentially started charging a fee for other countries to access our market, these countries are trying to find other outlets for their overproduction. And so the EU is turning to India to try to find a place." "The EU is so trade dependent, they need other outlets if they can't keep sending all their stuff to the United States." FTA will reduce tariffs on 99% Indian exports India and the European Union sealed the landmark free trade agreement-- billed as the 'mother of all deals' -- to create a market of two billion people with Modi and the top EU leadership unveiling a transformative five-year agenda to largely leverage trade and defence in protecting the rules-based world order. The two sides also inked two crucial pacts -- one on security and defence collaboration and another on mobility of Indian talents to Europe -- after Prime Minister Modi hosted von der Leyen and Costa for summit talks amid frosty ties with the US. The free trade agreement that will account for almost a quarter of the global GDP will reduce tariffs on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the EU and cut duties on over 97 per cent of the EU's exports to India, according to officials. Indian sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather goods, handicrafts, footwear and marine products are set to gain from the FTA, while Europe is set to benefit in areas of wine, automobiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, among others. Actor-politician Vijay's father S A Chandrasekhar has appealed to the Congress to forge poll ties with his son's TVK to get back its old glory in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters after participating at a marriage function in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvarur on Wednesday, Chandrasekhar opined that TVK was considering extending support to the Congress in the upcoming Assembly election. IMAGE: Actor-turned-politician Vijay. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Vijay's father, S A Chandrasekhar, urges Congress to form an alliance with TVK. Chandrasekhar believes an alliance with TVK could help Congress regain its former prominence in Tamil Nadu. TVK is reportedly considering supporting Congress in the upcoming assembly elections. Chandrasekhar emphasised it was up to Congress to seize the opportunity for an alliance. "Congress has a history and a legacy Vijay is ready to give them support and get them back to their old glory," he said. The veteran filmmaker suggested that the Congress forge electoral ties with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to regain its political relevance in Tamil Nadu. "They (Congress) have been extending support to other parties and are on the wane. Vijay is ready to support them and help them regain their old glory. It is up to the Congress to seize the opportunity," Chandrasekhar stressed. Opportunity for Congress Many had advised his son to contest the assembly poll on his own as he is assured of victory if he chooses to contest without alliance, he claimed, and added that Vijay had bright electoral prospects. During his public outreach programme, Vijay had strongly criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which he described as the TVK's political foe, and the All India Anna DMK as corrupt party. He had also flayed the BJP, claiming that it was his ideological enemy. Vijay had said that his TVK would storm to power and alter the development profile of Tamil Nadu. TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai rejected Chandrasekhar's idea, saying his party leader Rahul Gandhi is giving all the "boost" that the party required. 'Rahul gives us Boost, Horlicks, Bournvita' Reacting to Chandrasekhar's view, Selvaperunthagai told reporters at Arakkonam on Wednesday, "Look at our cadres, you will notice that they have had the boost already." "Our leader Rahul Gandhi is giving us Boost, Horlicks and Bournvita that we need. Nevertheless, I thank him for the offer." The TNCC chief reiterated that his party remained firmly in the INDIA bloc. Vijay hopes to come to power on his own At the recent party meeting in Mahabalipuram, Vijay indicated that his TVK was strong enough to come to power in the state on its own. The actor, who has not taken on other political parties barring the DMK, AIADMK and the BJP, seriously, had said the upcoming assembly poll was a democratic war in which the people backed the TVK. "There's a lot of speculation about alliances. The people have rightly appreciated TVK and showered us with love. It is not a mere election but a democratic war. You (people) are my commandos who will fight this war," he had said. In the narrow lanes of Gulmandi market in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, the aroma of the piping hot pakodas and syrupy imartis drew an unlikely visitor on a morning in 2018. IMAGE: Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Photograph: ANI Photo Ajit Pawar, then leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, stopped by with his cousin and parliamentarian Supriya Sule at a tiny shop to taste the local food. Locals, who were initially sceptical whether the senior Nationalist Congress Party politician would visit the modest market, found him not only relishing the snacks, but also asking about their ingredients and interacting with shopkeepers. Key Points Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule visited Gulmandi market in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2018. Pawar and Sule sampled local snacks like imarti and pakodas. Pawar interacted with shopkeepers and inquired about the ingredients of the food. The visit included a stop at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and the Supari Hanuman temple. Gulmandi, where many freedom fighters lived, is also famous for sweets like imrati and jalebi and the spicy moong pakodas. Pawar and Sule had come for a programme in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on October 9, 2018. The cousins visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and paid tribute at the statue of Maratha warrior Jivaji Mahale, local Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar functionary Nilesh Raut told PTI. Sule had the idea of having a local breakfast with her cousin. Raut said he was doubtful whether Pawar would come to such a small place, but Sule assured that he would be there. "We went to a shop where Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule sat on a small table and enjoyed imarti and pakodas," he recalled. Pawar later also went around the area where these food items are made, interacted with the people working there and also asked about the ingredients. He also met shopkeepers and visited the famous Supari Hanuman temple in the area, Raut added. Coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra recorded the highest number of immoral trafficking cases in India. Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay Key Points Over 49,000 arrests made between 2015 and 2023 Nearly 30% of those arrested were women Over 95% of cases are still pending in courts Children are the most exploited victims On January 19, the Bombay high court struck down an order mandating the one-year detention of an adult woman rescued during a police raid, ruling that a major victim under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, could not be detained in such a manner. Between 2015 and 2023, 17,261 cases of immoral trafficking led to 49,313 arrests, of which 30 per cent were of women. More than half of the human trafficking cases in India are linked to immoral trafficking, particularly sexual exploitation of women, with over 95 per cent of these cases still pending in courts as of 2023. Women's conviction rate steadily falling The total number of persons arrested for immoral trafficking has marginally declined from 5,407 in 2015 to 5,183 in 2023. During this period, the share of women convicted out of the total women arrested remained under 20 per cent. Children exploited the most Category-wise cases under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act show that procuring children for prostitution, detaining persons in prostitution premises, and engaging in prostitution near public places have been the most common crimes. Coastal states den of violence Coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra recorded the highest number of immoral trafficking cases in India in 2023. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The last rites of Vidip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who lost his life alongside the leader in the Baramati plane crash, were performed at his native place in Maharashtra's Satara district early on Thursday. IMAGE: Last rites of Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, were performed by his family in their native village in Satara on Wednesday night. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Key Points Vidip Jadhav, PSO to Ajit Pawar, died in the Baramati plane crash. Jadhav's last rites were performed in his native village in Satara district. Jadhav was a constable with the Mumbai Police, posted at the Special Protection Unit. Mumbai Police Commissioner expressed condolences on Jadhav's demise. Jadhav, a 2009-batch constable with the Mumbai Police, was travelling with Pawar when their plane crashed at Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday evening. Two pilots and a flight attendant were also killed in the accident. The mortal remains of Jadhav were shifted to his native village Taradgaon at Phaltan in Satara at around 8.30 pm. The cremation was held there at around midnight in the presence of his family members, locals, police and government officials. His young son performed the last rites. Jadhav is survived by his wife and two children Personnel from the Lonand police station accorded a guard of honour to the deceased constable, an official said. 'I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mumbai Police Constable Vidip Jadhav, who lost his life in a tragic aircraft accident while on duty. With his passing, the Mumbai Police Force has lost a dedicated and dutiful soldier. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members,' Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said in a post on X. A resident of Vitawa in Thane City, Jadhav was posted at the Special Protection Unit of Mumbai Police. He had left for Baramati with Ajit Pawar from Mumbai on Wednesday morning. After the aircraft accident, his family members, including his wife and two children, rushed to Baramati. The family members identified the body, and it was handed over to them after the post-mortem. With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold. IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in an air crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Ajit Pawar was a key force behind the NCP's rise. Had a tense relationship with his uncle Sharad Pawar over leadership. Led the 'real' NCP faction and won 41 assembly seats in 2024. His death creates uncertainty for his MLAs and the NCP's future. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Ajit Dada to his supporters, died in a plane crash, along with four others, while on his way to campaign for the zilla parishad elections in Maharashtra. He lost his life in what he considered to be the line of duty -- engaged in campaigning at the lowest rung of electoral politics. This, and his understanding of politics and its mechanisms, was his biggest strength and his primary vocation. The Pawar Family Power Struggle Ajit Pawar was the nephew of political titan and four-time Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar. His father was Sharad Pawar's brother. In the Indian context, this was a close family relationship -- something that defined the strategies and politics of Sharad Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which was always 'family foremost'. Ajit Pawar's first major electoral success came in 1991, when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati. He was 32. He vacated the seat within six months after Sharad Pawar joined the P V Narasimha Rao government in the Centre as defence minister, enabling his uncle to contest the seat in a by-election. Ajit Pawar himself moved to state politics, winning the Baramati assembly seat. When in 1999, Sharad Pawar launched the NCP against the Congress and the 'foreign origins' of Sonia Gandhi, it was Ajit Pawar who set up the scaffolding for the new party, especially in western Maharashtra. He did this by leveraging his hold on cooperatives and local institutions, a byzantine empire of politics in the region. IMAGE: Ajit Pawar with uncle Sharad Pawar. Photograph: Saahil Salvi A Leader Who Never Left the Ground At 40, Ajit Pawar became the youngest cabinet minister in the Vilasrao Deshmukh government (1999-2003), handling the irrigation portfolio. This was to become both his arena of activity and the source of his power -- his department handled contracts for hydel power projects, canals and irrigation sources. His work attracted attention. He soon got the reputation of being a do-er, but also for a degree of ruthlessness and impatience with which he addressed problems and grievances, unlike his uncle who was always seen as being tolerant and cordial, even to rivals. Sharad Pawar himself highlighted the difference some years ago at a public meeting, where he observed: 'Ajit, by nature, is different. He is someone who loves to work on the ground and is result-oriented. He is not media friendly and not bothered about publicity. He is working for the party and the state. But there are misconceptions about him.' Ajit Pawar's ambitions and Sharad Pawar's personality were bound to clash. In Baramati, Ajit Pawar's rising influence had already led to the sensational defeat of the Pawar panel in the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Factory in the 1990s. Chandrarao Taware, a contemporary of Sharad Pawar, and a respected figure in sugar cooperative politics, put down the defeat to Ajit Pawar's interference, saying he was 'rude and egoistical'. Ajit Pawar's supporters, however, swore by him. A political rival once described him as the only minister in the Eknath Shinde government 'who delivers when he promises he will'. IMAGE: Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar. Photograph: Ajit Pawar/X A Reputation for Results, Not Politeness By October 2009, strains in the uncle-nephew relationship were evident in the NCP. Ajit Pawar staked his claim to become deputy chief minister of Maharashtra after the assembly polls, but lost out to incumbent Chhagan Bhujbal. By then, Sharad Pawar had already begun promoting his daughter Supriya Sule as a parallel pole of power in the NCP. In the meantime, because of the kinks in the Congress-NCP politics, Ajit Pawar's work style had begun attracting criticism. In 2012, as deputy chief minister in the Congress-led government, Ajit Pawar offered his resignation following allegations of his involvement in a multi-crore irrigation scam after then chief minister Prithviraj Chavan unveiled a white paper on irrigation problems in Maharashtra. Through all this, uncle Sharad stood by him. The 2019 Political Shock A dramatic twist in Maharashtra politics came after the 2019 assembly elections. In a closely guarded early morning ceremony, then governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari swore in Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis as chief minister and Ajit Pawar as his deputy. The BJP had won 105 seats in the October elections. Its ally, the Shiv Sena, had won 56. Despite having enough seats to form a government together, the two allies bickered over power-sharing -- the bone of contention being who will get the chief minister's post. Ajit Pawar quickly stepped in. He took a large number of MLAs over to BJP to make up the numbers. The question was whether Sharad Pawar knew his nephew was going to cross the floor and gave his blessings for it. Sharad Pawar says he had no idea about his nephew's moves. Fadnavis says Sharad Pawar knew all along. The uncle later formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi with Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena) and the Congress. After a brief dalliance, Ajit Pawar returned to the family fold. IMAGE: Ajit Pawar on the eve of breaking away from uncle Sharad Pawar, July 2023. Photograph: Sahil Salvi Final Break from Sharad Pawar In 2023, however, came the final parting of ways. Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and others walked out of the NCP, taking the party assets and also its symbol with them to join the Mahayuti alliance in Mumbai and the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government in Delhi. Ajit Pawar contested the assembly election in Maharashtra in November 2024, as the 'real' NCP. He contested only 59 of 288 seats and won 41, a high strike rate by any standard. What Happens to the NCP Now? With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold. An even bigger question is the future of the NCP itself, with Sharad Pawar battling multiple health issues and no evidence that his daughter will step into his leadership shoes. Ajit Pawar's death will likely cause a tectonic shift in Maharashtra politics. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'Because of him, we learned how to work for people, how to take responsibility, and how to stand by our decisions.' IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviews development projects in Baramati, December 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points 'The speed with which he achieved Maharashtra's development was much faster than the speed of a plane.' 'We have lost the man who pushed us every single day to deliver.' 'If you were ready to work, he gave you a chance.' When Anil Bhaidas Patil speaks about Ajit Pawar, he does so slowly, often stopping mid-sentence as if searching for the right words. The Nationalist Congress Party MLA from Amalner -- the only NCP legislator from Jalgaon district -- is clearly affected by the loss, even as he tries to stay composed. There is grief in his voice as he speaks less about himself and more about the work Ajit Pawar did and the way he led. A loss that feels unreal across Maharashtra "There's nobody in Maharashtra who wouldn't know the personality that was Ajit Dada," Patil says. "And today, nobody is able to accept that he is no longer with us." Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash in Maharashtra on January 28, 2026, has left a deep political and emotional vacuum, he feels not just among NCP workers but across the state. For leaders across party lines, the shock is still settling in. For Patil, the loss is deeply personal. "The speed with which he achieved Maharashtra's development was much faster than the speed of a plane," he says. "It is our misfortune that the plane in which he was travelling did not like Ajit Dada's development speed. Not just the Nationalist Congress Party, but the entire Maharashtra today has to face the brunt of Ajit Dada leaving us so early." He insists this grief is not his alone. "This is how everybody in the NCP feels today," Patil says. "We have lost the man who pushed us every single day to deliver." Patil was among the first eight MLAs who stood beside Ajit Pawar when he broke ranks with his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar and took oath as deputy chief minister in July 2023, in a move that reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape. It was a moment of uncertainty and risk, but Patil says Ajit Pawar never hesitated. A leader who created space for ordinary people IMAGE: Ajit Pawar addresses a campaign meeting for the state assembly elections at Medad village in Pune, November 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Coming from an ordinary family, Patil says he never imagined that he would one day sit in Mantralaya and take decisions affecting thousands of lives. "Ajit Dada changed that," he says. "He gave strength, confidence and courage to people like me from simple backgrounds and brought us to the forefront of Maharashtra's politics." Ajit Pawar's leadership, Patil believes, was about creating opportunities for those who rarely got them. "He didn't care where you came from," Patil adds. "If you were ready to work, he gave you a chance. He gave us opportunities to become part of the ministry and to work directly for the people of Maharashtra." Through his vision and bold leadership, Patil says, Pawar ensured development reached even the smallest villages. "He helped uplift poor people and made sure the fruits of development did not remain limited to cities." "I have seen roads, irrigation projects and basic facilities reach places that had been waiting for years because of Ajit Dada's vision." For farmers in particular, Ajit Pawar's impact was lasting. "He understood that without water, nothing else mattered," Patil says. "That is why he pushed irrigation projects even when they were difficult and unpopular." A legacy written in work, not words IMAGE: Then Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bais congratulates the newly sworn-in Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at Raj Bhavan, July 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Patil says Ajit Pawar never worked for applause. "He worked for results." "If work was done, that was enough for him." That approach, he believes, is what made Pawar different from most leaders of his time. "He taught us that power has meaning only when it reaches people," Patil says. "That lesson will stay with us forever." Patil speaks not just of loss, but of responsibility. "Our identity is nothing without Ajit Dada," he says quietly. "I am nobody without Ajit Dada. We are nobody without Ajit Dada. But because of him, we learned how to work for people, how to take responsibility, and how to stand by our decisions." "He made us believe we belonged there." Ajit Pawar may no longer be physically present, Patil says, but his legacy is visible everywhere. "His work is written across Maharashtra -- in its fields, its villages, its canals and its roads," he says. "That is how he should be remembered." By AzerNEWS Staff The United Nations has said the situation in Gaza could represent a potential turning point, while warning that major political, security and humanitarian challenges persist. Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the UN Security Council via video link on Wednesday that the launch of the second phase of US President Donald Trumps 20-point Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict could help stabilise the fragile ceasefire. Speaking during the Council session, Alakbarov said the establishment of supporting governance mechanisms including the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the Office of the Senior Representative for Gaza marked an important step towards strengthening the ceasefire and preparing for post-conflict governance. There is a potential turning point for Gaza and a real opportunity for a better future, but uncertainty remains high, he said. Alakbarov noted that he had recently returned from Cairo, where he held discussions with representatives of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza on how the United Nations could support the delivery of basic services, humanitarian assistance and early recovery efforts in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. He stressed that the demilitarisation of Gaza and the establishment of credible security arrangements were essential prerequisites for the effective functioning of the National Committee. Commenting on the humanitarian situation, the senior UN official said that nearly the entire population of Gaza continues to depend on aid. Heavy rainfall and cold weather have further worsened conditions for approximately 1.5 million displaced people who remain without adequate shelter. He added that humanitarian operations are still constrained by an unstable security environment, restrictions on the entry of goods, delays at crossing points and a limited number of authorised routes, preventing aid agencies from operating at the scale required. Despite the ceasefire currently in place, Alakbarov warned that air strikes, shelling and armed clashes have continued across Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire plan is critical and requires strong collective commitment, he said. It represents a real opportunity to lay the foundations for a more stable and secure future for both Palestinians and Israelis. MINSK, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Belarus is strengthening its strategic deterrence, including deployment of the Oreshnik operational-tactical missile complex and tactical nuclear weapons on its territory, to counter growing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military activity, a senior official said Wednesday. State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Alexander Volfovich made the remarks after reporting to President Alexander Lukashenko on the results of a surprise inspection of the country's armed forces. Volfovich said Western neighbors have significantly increased defense spending, expanded armed forces, and intensified large-scale military exercises near Belarusian territory. He described these moves as part of a broader Western strategy to justify military expansion by portraying an alleged threat from the east. In response, Belarus has prioritized the retention and potential deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons and precision strike systems on its soil, aiming to prevent aggression through credible deterrence, Volfovich said. Belarus frames its actions not as escalation, but as a necessary response to an increasingly hostile security environment, he added. West River Haven will lease space on Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro from the Windham County Sheriff's Office for a three-bed facility for children ages 10 to 18 who need a place to stay for up to 45 days. ALMATY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan will export a record 12.55 million tonnes of wheat and flour in grain equivalent in the current marketing year of September 2025-August 2026, according to Yevgeny Karabanov, head of analytics at the Kazakh Grain Union. From September to December, total exports spiked 47 percent year on year to 6.2 million tonnes, driven by a sharp increase in shipments of wheat and feed flour, Karabanov said, cited by the Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency on Thursday. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is expected to import about 1 million tonnes of wheat in the current marketing year, with nearly all coming from Russia, said Karabanov. UPDATED AT 12:35 a.m. ET ON 02-13-2023 The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday accused China of performing dangerous maneuvers and pointing a laser at one of its vessels, causing temporary blindness to the crew. Japan meanwhile said on Sunday a Chinese Navy ship intruded into its territorial waters for the first time since December. Territorial waters are the sea areas that lie within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) of a country's coast. RFA reported on Feb. 7 on the harassment of the BRP Malapascua by China Coast Guard (CCG) ship 5205 inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) a day earlier. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has now confirmed the incident, saying that the Malapascua at that time was supporting a rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippine Sea is the name usually used by the Philippines for the part of the South China Sea within the nations EEZ, where it holds exclusive rights to natural resources. Military-grade laser The PCG, in a statement sent to RFA affiliate BenarNews, said that the CCG vessel 5205 on Feb. 6 directed a military-grade laser light twice at the Philippine ship, causing temporary blindness to her crew at the bridge. The Chinese vessel also made dangerous maneuvers by approaching about 150 yards (137 meters) from the vessel's starboard quarter, the statement said. This is a step up in Chinas aggression against the Philippine maritime forces because it involves the use of a directed energy weapon that induces effects on the target, said Jay Batongbacal, a maritime law analyst at the University of the Philippines. Such action should be considered a threat of use of force or acts of aggression contrary to the UN Charter and the Philippines would be well within its rights to take measures to protect its ships and aircraft from such aggressive acts, Batongbacal said. The BRP Malapascua was just 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) from the Second Thomas Shoal when it was harassed by the Chinese vessel and had to alter its course to continue its deployment. File photo showing the BRP Sierra Madre on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Erik De Castro The Philippine ship was on a mission to deliver food and supplies to the troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, an old naval ship deliberately run aground on the shoal to serve as a military post since 1999. Another resupply mission last August by a different ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, was also obstructed by the Chinese Coast Guard, together with the Chinese maritime militia, according to the PCG statement. The deliberate blocking of the Philippine government ships to deliver food and supplies to our military personnel on board the BRP Sierra Madre is a blatant disregard for, and a clear violation of, Philippine sovereign rights in this part of the West Philippine Sea, it said. The PCG sent out two photos showing a green light being beamed from an alleged Chinese vessel. As far as I can recall, these are the first images available to the public that prove such behavior by the Chinese maritime forces at sea, said Collin Koh, a Singapore-based military analyst. Regional authorities need to persistently gather such evidence and publicize them routinely to create international awareness, Koh said. Jay Batongbacal from the University of the Philippines, meanwhile, said that in his opinion all nations should agree that the employment of such means against government vessels peacefully undertaking maritime activities within their own jurisdictions should be considered as unprovoked and hostile acts that merit a corresponding and calibrated response. Beijing has yet to respond to the Philippine Coast Guards accusation. Military grade lasers are harmful and can cause blindness if shone into a persons eyes. Pointing a laser at someone can also have a psychological impact, as laser targeting often happens right before a firing of live munitions. The Philippine Coast Guard said the laser beam had caused temporary blindness to the BRP Malapascuas crew. Credit: Philippine Coast Guard This is not the first time China has been accused of pointing laser lights at foreign aircraft and vessels. A year ago, on Feb. 17, 2022, Australia said a Chinese navy ship pointed a laser at one of its surveillance airplanes in the Arafura Sea within Australias EEZ. In Feb. 2020, a Chinese military warship reportedly trained a laser on a U.S. Navy P-8 surveillance aircraft while it was flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese government denied the accusation, saying the P-8 was flying too low near its warships despite warnings. In 2019, Australian navy helicopter pilots taking part in the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019 military exercise in the South China Sea said they were hit with laser beams from fishing boats suspected of being part of Chinas maritime militia. Japans security concerns In another development, Japan accused China of encroaching upon its sovereignty, causing security concerns. "On February 12, it was confirmed that a Chinese Navy Shupang-class survey ship sailed through Japan's territorial waters near Yakushima Island," the Japanese Defense Ministry said. The Chinese ship was first spotted at around 12:50 a.m. on Sunday south of the island of Yakushima. It entered Japan's territorial waters southwest of the island at around 2:30 a.m. and sailed there for about an hour and 40 minutes, the ministry said. This is the 10th time, the first since December last year, that we announce Chinese Naval vessels entry into Japans territorial waters, it said, adding that these Chinese naval activities are of national security concern. Since December, after Tokyo designated Beijing an unprecedented strategic challenge in its latest National Security Strategy, China has stepped up patrols around Japan, especially near the Senkaku islands which are under Tokyos control but also claimed by Beijing. On Sunday, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his four-day official visit to Japan. Marcos told Philippine media that he was open to the idea of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan as long as the deal is appropriate" and does not increase tensions in the South China Sea. Before that, the president said Manila will consider a proposed trilateral defense and security deal with the United States and Japan. Story updated to include analyst comments. BenarNews staff in Manila contributed to this report. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news organization. EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, after years of pressure from within and outside the bloc to blacklist the elite force. France, which was the last country in the 27-member bloc to oppose the move, shifted its position on January 28, paving the way for the designation. The United States, Canada, and Australia have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Within the EU, Germany and the Netherlands have long urged the bloc to follow suit, arguing that the group's involvement in repression at home and destabilizing activities abroad warrants such a step. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the move, calling it a "major strategic mistake," and accused European countries of pushing the region toward a large-scale conflict. He added that while "the continent is certain to be massively impacted by an all-out war in our region -- including the knock-on effects of surging energy prices -- the EU's current posture is deeply damaging to its own interests." The IRGC is the most powerful branch of Iran's armed forces, operating independently of the regular military and answering directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 to safeguard the Islamic revolution, it has since evolved into a multi-service force with its own ground forces, navy, air force, intelligence units, and special forces. The IRGC controls the Basij paramilitary force and the Quds Force, its foreign operations branch accused of supporting militant groups across the Middle East. With upward of 180,000 troops under its command, the force plays a central role in Iran's internal security, border control, and missile programs. It also wields significant economic power through control of key industries and infrastructure. Deadly Crackdown The decision on January 29 came after Iran's deadly crackdown on recent antiestablishment protests that engulfed the country, posing one of the gravest challenges to the Islamic republic. The US-based rights group HRANA has verified 6,373 deaths with over 17,000 cases still under review. Some estimates put the death toll in the tens of thousands. "The scale of killing inside Iran really did cross a threshold," said Ellie Geranmayeh, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the move is largely symbolic, as EU-Iran trade has already collapsed following last September's snapback of UN sanctions. "Economically, this move will have a very nominal impact at this current stage," Geranmayeh said. "Iran is already under vast scopes of sanctions." But she added that the designation "sends a punitive signal to Tehran in response to the horrific and unprecedented killings of Iranians." The IRGC and its senior officials have long been under EU sanctions, including asset freezes and visa bans. The designation's main effect is that it allows member states to detain any IRGC member that enters the EU. Geranmayeh cautioned that the designation is "unlikely to have any real impact on how Iranian leaders sitting in Tehran calculate their next moves toward whether they go into military conflict with the US or make a deal with Trump." She noted that if a future sanctions-relief deal emerges between Washington and Tehran, "Iran is probably going to push the United States at some point to lift the American terror designation of the IRGC. And if the US decides to make such a move, the EU is going to have to assess its own position and decide whether it does the same." To "practically help Iranians on the ground," Geranmayeh said, the bloc needs to "significantly boost funding into things like tech services that are going to be able to help Iran boost their Internet connection and retain it in case there is future blackouts." Even as US President Donald Trump threatens to strike Iran, he has repeatedly called on Tehran to make a deal. Trumps demands for an agreement are clear: Iran must end its nuclear program, limit its ballistic missile capabilities, and sever ties with armed proxies in the Middle East. In return, the United States will not attack Iran and remove crippling sanctions. If the Islamic republic does not accept those terms, Trump has warned that the country will suffer consequences far worse than last year, when the United States joined Israel in bombing Irans nuclear sites. Experts say it is unlikely that Iran will accept Trumps maximalist demands, which would mark a reversal of decades of policy and amount to capitulation in the eyes of Tehran. 'Before It's Too Late' In written comments sent to RFE/RL, a White House official said Trump "hopes that no action will be necessary" against Iran but urged Tehran to make a deal "before it is too late." Trump has demonstrated with Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve that he means what he says," said the official, referring to the June 2025 strikes on Irans nuclear sites and the US operation that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. "The President has a wide array of options at his disposal to address the situation in Iran," added the White House official. The United States has deployed key military assets, including an air carrier and additional bombers, to the Middle East in recent days. Trump has also ratcheted up economic pressure on Tehran by announcing a 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran and imposing new sanctions. The US president has threatened to carry out a military strike on Iran since nationwide protests erupted in late December 2025 and the authorities launched a violent crackdown that killed thousands of demonstrators. US Military Action Is 'Likely' Trump on January 28 said he wanted a fair and equitable deal that ensured Iran will have no nuclear weapons. Tehran has long claimed that its nuclear program is peaceful. But the nuclear file is only one of several US demands. Trump, according to reports, has also insisted that Iran must accept caps on its ballistic missile program and end its support for pro-Iranian armed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Palestinian territories. Tehran possesses short-range missiles that threaten US military bases and commercial interests in the Persian Gulf and advanced medium-range missiles that can reach Israel, a key US ally. Experts say Trump is seeking to exploit the unprecedented weakness of Irans clerical establishment to force Tehran into making wide-ranging concessions. Irans rulers have been weakened by a worsening economic crisis and weeks of nationwide protests that posed the biggest threat to their power in years. Israel has also degraded the military capabilities of Tehrans allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Huthi rebels, and US-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Some US officials see this moment as an opportunity to pressure Tehran into concessions on nuclear limits, regional behavior, and missile capabilities, said Alex Vatanka, Iran program director at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. 'Collapse Of The Islamic Republic' Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, have said Tehran is open to talks but alleged Washington is not interested in a fair agreement. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be very skeptical and resistant to accept Trumps demands as he would perceive acceding to them as paving the way for the collapse of the Islamic republic," said Jason Brodsky, policy director at the Washington-based United Against Nuclear Iran. In the absence of a deal, Trump is very likely to authorize military action against Iran, said Brodsky, pointing to the presidents rhetoric and the US military buildup in the region. "This is a very similar pattern of statements and actions that resulted in the 12-day war in June and the US seizure of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela," he said. "President Trump alternates between confrontational and conciliatory statements to throw the Iranian regime off." Brodsky said the objectives of military action would be to hold Iran accountable for its bloody crackdown on protesters, deter its behavior in the region, and erode its military capabilities. He added Trump could view "further military action as the prelude to an eventual deal down the line." Vatanka offered a more cautious assessment, arguing there are "still reasons for the United States to think twice." He emphasized that "the Pentagon knows any strike could trigger a regional chain reaction involving Irans allied armed groups and proxies. The US military buildup in the Middle East, he suggested, could be "mostly defensive or aimed to pressure Tehran on the diplomatic track, rather than [bring about] regime change." BELGRADE -- Human rights groups say dozens of Bangladeshi workers employed at a Chinese-owned tire factory in northeastern Serbia were subjected to labor abuses that may amount to human trafficking, renewing scrutiny of a flagship Chinese investment that has faced years of controversy over its treatment of foreign workers. Watchdog groups warned on January 30 that the Chinese tire factory Linglong has "tightened control and retaliation" against workers from Bangladesh, following reports earlier this week about the violations of their rights, including allegations of human trafficking and labor violations at the facility near the city of Zrenjanin. "Workers report that their phones are sealed with red stickers, that photographing, recording, or taking notes is prohibited, and that factory entry passes are now being strictly enforced as a means of control," the Zrenjanin Social Forum, a local NGO focused on workers rights, said in a statement to RFE/RL. The NGO, together with activists from the organization ASTRA, a Serbian watchdog group that supports victims of human trafficking, first reported suspicions of human trafficking and exploitation of several dozen workers from Bangladesh to Serbian state institutions. A number of workers, with legal assistance, managed to receive their outstanding wages, and all workers had their passports returned, Marija Andelkovic, the director of Astra, told RFE/RL. She added that several workers were transferred to Serbias state-run Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking. According to Astra, who first came forward with the allegations in a statement to RFE/RL, more than 40 Bangladeshi workers arrived in Serbia in June 2025 after being recruited by labor agencies in Bangladesh. The case is now under review, Serbian authorities said, but no formal charges have been announced. Many workers took on debts of up to $10,000 to secure the jobs, a practice rights groups say left them vulnerable to exploitation before they even arrived. Many workers also had their passports confiscated upon arriving in Serbia to work at the factory. The allegations are the latest in a series of claims of forced labor linked to the Linglong factory, a cornerstone of Serbias economic partnership with China. Similar accusations previously involved Vietnamese and Indian workers, which prompted warnings from international bodies, including the European Parliament and the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The Bangladeshi workers declined to speak to RFE/RL, citing fear for their safety. Linglong did not respond to requests for comment. Linglong officially opened its Serbian plant in September 2024 after five years of construction. Valued at roughly $950 million, the project was declared one of national importance by the Serbian government and is considered a pillar of Belgrades deepening economic and political ties with Beijing. Recruitment, Debt, And Confiscated Passports Since reaching Serbia, the workers were employed at Linglongs production facilities, though the company does not appear as their employer in contracts reviewed by NGOs. Instead, the documents list a Serbian intermediary company, Mega Green Plus, based in the village of Basaid, about 30 kilometers from Zrenjanin. Mega Green Plus, founded in late 2024 and owned by a Chinese national, did not respond to RFE/RLs questions. Public records show it reported a small financial loss in 2024 and list no other information about staffing levels or licenses to recruit foreign labor. Workers told human rights groups that they were paid below Serbias legal minimum wage of about $660 per month and were not compensated for overtime, which is illegal under Serbian law. NGOs involved in the case also said workers passports were held by their employer for months. When some workers demanded unpaid wages or the return of their documents, they were subjected to intimidation and threats, Tara Rukeci Milivojevic of the Zrenjanin Social Forum, a local NGO that has documented labor abuses at the factory for years, told RFE/RL. Photographs shared with RFE/RL by NGOs show cramped container housing near the factory, with multiple bunk beds crowded into single rooms. Activists said six to seven workers often shared a room, sleeping on beds without mattresses and using electric heaters near bedding during winter. They sleep, cook, and wash clothes in the same space, Rukeci Milivojevic said, adding that workers complained of poor food, unhygienic toilets, and leaking pipes. A Factory Under Global Scrutiny The Higher Public Prosecutors Office in Zrenjanin said police, labor inspectors, and the anti-trafficking center are involved in reviewing the case but offered no timeline for findings. Other state institutions did not respond to RFE/RLs request for comment. Rights groups criticized what they described as a pattern of delayed or incomplete investigations in previous cases at Linglong. The fact that some workers received partial payments does not mean the case is resolved, Rukeci Milivojevic said. There are still serious indications that criminal offenses may have been committed. Due to past controversy, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a withhold release order in December 2025 on the import of car tires produced by Linglong in Serbia, citing allegations that they were made using forced labor. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed those allegations following the US restrictions. Rights groups say the new allegations involving Bangladeshi workers suggest that abusive labor practices at the Linglong factory are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern. Inhumane conditions keep repeating, Rukeci Milivojevic said. And the states response remains inadequate. US President Donald Trump said he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin "not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week" amid freezing cold weather, as Russian forces continued to pound Ukrainian regions, killing multiple people. "They've never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that," Trump said. "A lot of people said, 'Don't waste the call, you're not going to get that.' And he did it," he added at a cabinet meeting at the White House on January 29. While there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin regarding a one-week agreement to halt strikes on Kyiv or other cities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's statement, saying his country values efforts that help "to protect lives." He added that the issue was discussed during three-way talks on ending the four-year war, which included US negotiators and were hosted by the United Arab Emirates last weekend. "Thank you, President Trump! Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war," Zelenskyy wrote on X. Temperatures across Ukraine dropped to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius in January, making winter unbearable for millions of Ukrainians suffering under unprecedented energy blackouts caused by Russian air attacks that have severely damaged heating and electricity infrastructure across the country. The country's emergency service warned that an even sharper drop in temperature will begin on February 1, affecting nearly all Ukrainian regions, easing only slightly on February 4. On January 29, Kyiv authorities said that over 400 residential buildings remain without heating, with municipal services and energy workers working "around the clock" to bring warmth back to residents. Energy outages were also reported in Ukraine's major regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhya. Meanwhile, Russia carried out multiple attacks on January 29, killing at least six people across Ukraine, including in the country's major cities of Kherson and Kryvyi Rih. In Ukraine's war-torn Donetsk region, partly occupied by Russian forces, a gas service worker was killed by a drone while "on his way to restore gas supply to the people," Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. Authorities in other Ukrainian regions have warned residents that Russian military forces might continue attacks on the country's infrastructure, despite any reported negotiations between the parties to halt attacks on energy. "Our enemy is such that it could take advantage of this and try to strike at the critical infrastructure of our cities," Lviv Mayor Anrdiy Sadoviy wrote on Telegram on January 29. A new round of talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators is now set to kick off in Abu Dhabi on February 1, Russia's Interfax news agency cited the Kremlin as saying a day earlier. Over the past week, there have been no signs of the war slowing on the front lines, nor any indication that Moscow is backing down from its long-held maximalist demands. Asked about negotiations on January 29, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said the territorial issue was not the only factor holding up a potential deal to end the largest war on the European continent since World War II. The former head of Ukraines national electricity company, Ukrenergo, was recently killed by an electric shock as he attempted to repair a substation that had been damaged by a Russian attack. A company statement said 47-year-old Oleksiy Brecht died while striving to bring light back to people, amid a brutal campaign against Ukraines energy sector that has left up to a million people shivering in subzero temperatures. On the day of Brechts death, January 21, a German government spokesman declared that Russia was using the freezing cold as a weapon and that these [attacks] are war crimes. The next day, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski added his voice, saying deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure are a war crime. But the wheels of justice are not moving swiftly. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has made four indictments related to Russias attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, which have occurred every winter since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The first arrest warrants were in March 2024, when charges against Russian Air Force commander Sergei Kobylash and Black Sea naval fleet commander Viktor Sokolov were made public. There are reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the forces under their command against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure, the ICC said at the time. In June the same year, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and army commander Valery Gerasimov were also indicted -- again, among other things, in relation to attacks on energy infrastructure. But Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicted in 2023 for the war crime of abducting children from occupied areas of Ukraine, has not been charged in relation to his countrys sustained campaign. Why Hasn't Putin Been Indicted? "The International Criminal Court doesn't need to reveal all of the things that it's got. It can keep its powder dry in different ways. One is by having sealed warrants, Steve Crawshaw, author of Prosecuting The Powerful -- War Crimes And The Battle For Justice, told RFE/RL. "From the court's perspective, it has nothing to lose by holding back. Those who want the great headlines may be saying, 'Why haven't we got this? Why haven't we got that?' From the court's perspective, we just need to move where we are feeling very confident," he added. Additional charges can be brought later, after a defendant has been brought into custody. "Each [member] of the leadership can be, in common sense terms, perceived to bear responsibility. So, in a way, what these others, Sergei Kobylash and Valery Gerasimov and others, what is accused against them could arguably be part of what Putin [faces] if andwhen Putin were to be in a tribunal," added Crawshaw, who has held senior roles at Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Ukraine has launched drone strikes on Russias oil industry. But political leaders, rights groups, and international lawyers have argued that these attacks are fundamentally different to Russias. Russias systematic attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure amount to war crimes under international law. Ukraines strikes, by contrast, are directed at military-relevant facilities used for generating revenue for Russias war machine, while seeking to limit the civilian impact, a group of international lawyers wrote in November 2025. They added that there was a legal and moral asymmetry and that Ukraine has not targeted civilian power plants, residential heating infrastructure, nuclear facilities, or gas pipelines. Crawshaw said more arrest warrants against Russian officials may follow in 2026, possibly for crimes such as torture or executions of prisoners of war, or starvation of civilians during the attack on Mariupol in 2022. A spokesman for the ICC prosecutor's office told RFE/RL that it was "working closely on the ground with survivors, impacted communities, and Ukrainian authorities to collect evidence in order to build robust cases." A Special Tribunal But there certainly will not be an indictment for aggression, the original crime of launching the full-scale invasion that led to all the other alleged war crimes. This is because, for reasons relating to its statutes, the ICC cannot bring this charge against Putin. It is also a reason why there have been moves to establish a separate Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials began pushing for this in early 2022, gaining European Union support later that year, and overcoming resistance from the ICC. In 2023, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe voted unanimously to set up the tribunal. But it is still not up and running. There is still no real progress on establishing a Special Tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine, against the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted during a speech at Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. We have an agreement, it's true. Many meetings have taken place, but still Europe hasn't reached even the point of having a home for the tribunal with staff and actual work happening inside. What's missing? Time or political will? he added. The Council of Europe pointed out that things were now moving. Two days after Zelenskyys speech, funding worth 10 million euros ($12 million) was agreed for an advance team to prepare institutional, logistical, and organizational foundations for the tribunal. The signing of the agreement with the EU on the establishment of the advance team is an illustration of the political will that is there to move the project forward, the Council of Europes Media Department told RFE/RL. KABUL, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Seven members of a family were killed and another injured in eastern Afghanistan's Jalalabad city as the roof of their house caved in on Thursday, provincial police spokesman Sayed Tayeb Hemad said. The victims included the mother and her six children, leaving the father as the sole survivor of the incident, the official added. JAKARTA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's joint search and rescue teams recovered three more bodies on Thursday, the sixth day of operations following a landslide in Cisarua, West Java province, bringing the total number of deaths to 56, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said. "A total of 56 body bags have been handed over to the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team for the identification process," said Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB's Center for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, in a statement. Of those recovered, 40 victims have been identified and returned to their families, Muhari added. Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate 24 people believed to remain missing. The operation involves at least 15 excavators, sniffer dogs and more than 3,000 personnel, despite intermittent rainfall in the affected area. The massive landslide struck Cisarua in the early hours of Jan. 24, after prolonged heavy rains triggered the collapse of a hillside, burying parts of a residential area. By Eimear Dodd A man who stole over 129,000 worth of electronics from his then-employer has been jailed for two years. Magdi Ba (45) stole 371 electronic items, including smartwatches, Fitbits, phones, and laptops, from DID Electrical over a three-year period, which he then sold on to another shop. Ba of Ellensborough Grove, Kiltipper Road, Dublin 24 pleaded to nine counts of theft. The court was asked to take a further 362 counts into consideration. He has no previous convictions. He worked at DID Electrical in the Fonthill Business Park between November 2017 and the end of 2021 and had access to the warehouse, the court heard. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that suspicions were raised in November 2021 when a warehouse manager noticed that five Apple devices were missing from a box. A loss prevention officer viewed CCTV from the warehouse at the Fonthill Business Park store, and Ba was in the vault at the time it was believed the items were taken. Another employee said he'd seen Ba at the CEX store in Tallaght. Karl Moran BL, prosecuting, told the court this chain of shops buys second-hand electronic products from members of the public. CEX takes a note of the serial number from any product bought and a description. A full list of Ba's alleged transactions at the CEX store was obtained by DID, which cross-checked products sold with its suppliers. Mr Moran told the court that staff at DID manually identified the 371 items sold by Ba to CEX with stock previously supplied to DID. The total loss to DID Electrical is 129,651, while Ba received a total of 60,009 from CEX. None of the items taken have been recovered as they were all sold. As part of their investigation, gardai reviewed bank records, which showed money that could not be explained by Ba's then income and a payment to his then-partner's mortgage. Ba's home was searched on January 31st, 2022, and electronics, including iPads, iPhones, Samsung Galaxy watches, and Earbuds were found. He was arrested in his car in the Fonthill Retail Park three days later and was interviewed three times. Ba initially denied taking anything, but later accepted that he had, estimating the figure was about 200, but saying he wasn't sure. He said he took them from a returns box, but accepted he'd taken other items as well. Judge Orla Crowe on Thursday described his offending as a consistent breach of trust protracted over a period of time. This has to be a custodial sentence, she remarked. She noted that Ba had forfeited the contents of two bank accounts with a value of 67,000, along with his car, and she sentenced him to two years in prison. A cornerstone of the Green Revolution, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been a pioneer in India's apiculture growth. File Photo. Beyond nutrition, honey plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity through crop pollination. 14% Honey from 1.5% Land: Punjab Outshines Larger States in National Yield Race Punjab has secured the third position in honey production across India, a significant achievement for a state accounting for just 1.5 per cent of the country's geographical area. According to the report, the state currently produces 21,100 tonnes of honey annually, accounting for 14.07 per cent of India's total production of 1.5 lakh tonnes. Advertisement This performance highlights the success of agricultural diversification and subsidiary occupations promoted by the state government to strengthen rural income. The report notes that apiculture has evolved into a source of entrepreneurship and employment for farmers, unemployed youth, and women, supporting an ecosystem that includes beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen. A cornerstone of the Green Revolution, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been a pioneer in India's apiculture growth. In the 1960s, the university successfully introduced Apis mellifera, a high-yielding honeybee species, which was distributed to farmers in 1976 after rigorous research. This successful PAU model was subsequently scaled across the country, giving a significant boost to Indias honey industry." Dr Jaspal Singh, Principal Entomologist at PAU, said that beekeeping is "more than honey; it is an ecosystem of opportunities." The university continues to empower beekeepers through a three-tier outreach programme, providing quality queen bees and advanced training to sustain healthy colonies. PAU has standardised technologies for queen bee rearing and disease management. Advertisement Beyond nutrition, honey plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity through crop pollination. Source: The Tribune Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's last rites: Full state honours accorded The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed. Funeral of Ajit Pawar: Full state honours were accorded to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday morning. Ajit Pawar lost his life in a charter plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday, and his last rites will be performed shortly. Ajit Pawars wife Sunetra Pawar and their sons, Parth and Jay Pawar, were present during the state honour ceremony. Advertisement Following the state honour, the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were taken from his Katewadi residence in Baramati to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. Supporters chanted Ajit dada amar rahe as the procession moved towards the ceremony ground. His son Jay Pawar, nephew Rohit Pawar, and other members of the Pawar family were present. Meanwhile, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar arrived at the Vidya Pratishthan ground ahead of the arrival of the mortal remains to attend the last rites of his nephew. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and several other political leaders arrived at the ceremony ground to pay their last respects. Advertisement Large crowds were seen walking towards the Vidya Pratishthan ground to take part in the last rites, with many people lining the roads and showering flowers as the procession passed. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrived at Pune airport earlier today and proceeded to Baramati to attend the last rites of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, authorities have begun an investigation into the crash. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams are examining the crash site. Ajit Pawar was on board a chartered aircraft that crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday, killing all five people on board. Advertisement The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed. (For more news apart from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's last rites: Full state honours accorded," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar laid to rest; Amit Shah present, thousands show up; Black Box recovered Parth and Jay Pawar also acknowledged the presence of NCP supporters and party workers at the last rites with folded hands. Ajit Pawar News: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was laid to rest with full state honours in Baramati in the presence of a large number of supporters. His sons, Parth and Jay, lit the funeral pyre, while his wife, Sunetra Pawar, paid her last respects. Thousands of people attended the last rites of the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of the state and NCP chief. As a mark of mourning, shops remained closed in Yeola city of Nashik district. Advertisement Advertisement The funeral was attended by several prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, among others. Leaders, party workers, and NCP supporters laid wreaths and paid their respects. Advertisement Founder Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP), Sharad Pawar, 85, also attended the funeral of his nephew. Advertisement Parth and Jay Pawar also acknowledged the presence of NCP supporters and party workers at the last rites with folded hands. Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer (PSO), one attendant, and two crew members, the pilot-in-command and the first officer, lost their lives after the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crash-landed in Baramati, reportedly due to poor visibility. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed. In an official statement issued on Thursday morning, MoCA said that all requisite response and investigative mechanisms were activated immediately following the accident. It added that ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority. The ministry further stated that a team of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Delhi, and another team of three officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Mumbai Regional Office, reached the crash site on January 28. The Director General of AAIB also arrived at the site the same day, the statement said An investigation into the accident is currently underway, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered, MoCA confirmed. The ministry reiterated that it is fully committed to completing the investigation within a defined timeframe, strictly in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laid-down guidelines. The investigation has been initiated in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, the statement added. (For more news apart from Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash; Political Arena Mourns Loss, Leader of the People, Says PM Modi," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) During the visit, the Prime Minister will unveil a plaque at Adampur and virtually inaugurate the new terminal of the Halwara airport. File Photo. The visit is being viewed as politically significant, particularly in the Doaba region. Symbolic Takeoff: PM Modi to Rename Adampur Airport and Inaugurate Halwara Terminal Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Punjab on February 1 to officially rename the Adampur airport after Sant Guru Ravidas. According to the report, the visit combines a significant infrastructure push with a major symbolic outreach to the Ravidas community ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. During the visit, the Prime Minister will unveil a plaque at Adampur and virtually inaugurate the new terminal of the Halwara airport. The report indicates that PM Modi will arrive at Adampur at 3:35 PM via an Indian Air Force aircraft before proceeding to a public function at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, the spiritual headquarters of the Ravidas community, to mark the 649th birth anniversary of the saint. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also urged the Centre to name the airport after Guru Ravidas. The visit is being viewed as politically significant, particularly in the Doaba region, where the community holds substantial influence. This outreach is further highlighted by the recent Padma Shri award conferred upon Sant Niranjan Das, head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan. Advertisement Source: The Tribune The Picturesque Gorj County Today we invite you to one of Romania's most beautiful places, Gorj Manastirea Tismana (foto: Stefan Baciu/RRI) Daniel Onea, 29.01.2026, 14:00 Gorj county is a fascinating destination, where spirituality, modern art and wild nature are blending in a perfect balance. Our story today begins in the county seat, Targu Jiu, which lies at the foot of the mountains, almost 18 kilometers far from them and it is a genuine tourist attraction in south-western Romania. Its name comes from the first role the city played in its history, when it served as a market. Todays zone represents a trade area of common interest on the route of goods transportation between Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Transylvania and the Danube. The fair on the Jiu River or Targu-Jiu was first documented around 1406 under the name of Jiul, which was actually the name of the river that crosses it and was later recognized for its strong trade influence. In 2026, we cannot speak about the tourist and picturesque Gorj County without mentioning a travel route known as the Peasant Genius Constantin Brancusi and the cultural heritage of Gorj County. This has been established by Laura Dragu Popescu, chair of the Professional Travel Employers Association in Gorj, a person who knows the local resources very well and an active promoter of high-quality tourism. The aforementioned travel route proposes a vision, which overcomes every cliche known today, inviting us to discover the area through a series of elements, which blend history, spirituality and art in a new fashion. Laura Dragu Popescu: The objectives included in this travel package are grouped into what we call the Brancusi Axis, with the famous Table of Silence, the Gate of Kiss, the Endless Column, the Saint Apostles Peter and Paul Church. The package includes visits to the Constantin Brancusi memorial house in the village of Hobita, to the Monastery of Polovragi, to the Tismana Monastery, to the Sohodol Gorges as well as the Maria Apostol Memorial House; Maria Apostol used to be a very gifted traditional music vocalist of this region. There are also visits to the Lainici Monastery and also to the Museum of Traditional Architecture in Curtisoara, which has on display a fortified defence tower, which belonged to the Tatarascu family and has been brought here with the Mogos House from Poiana, which is a village close to Rovinari. Then we have also visits to the Memorial House and Mausoleum devoted to the local WWI hero, Ecaterina Teodoroiu. A special chapter in this travel package is represented by the Tismana Monastery a place, which is very attractive not only through its old age, but also through its special link to Romanias financial history. Here visitors can find the place where the National Banks Treasure during WWll was hidden, a success story in the process of preserving the national treasure. Here is Laura Dragu Popescu with details: LAURA DRAGU POPESCU: The Tismana Monastery, a place laden with spirituality was built by the St. Nicodemus the Holy of Tismana. Close to the monastery there lies the Museum of Gold, an objective built with support from the National Bank. This place is taking you back in history, to the time when Romanias Treasure was hidden at a time of hardships and sorrow for the Romanians. The Tismana monastery is the starting point of several trekking routes of breathtaking views, some of them very long, which can take tourists up to three hours to cover. The longest of them is three hours long and is winding through the mountains up to the Cioclovina Peak. On their way to the Tismana monastery, tourists can admire the Memorial House of our greatest figure, Constantin Bracusi. The picturesque experience that Gorj offers is completed by the local specificity of the Tismana area, where nature and cuisine are creating an almost story-like atmosphere. For the tourists who want to try the authentic country life, the local festivals and mountainous landscapes are offering enough reasons for a prolonged holiday. Here is again at the microphone, Laura Dragu Popescu, chair of the Professional Travel Employers Association in Gorj, describing the special uniqueness of this place, where the traditional cuisine is a major point of attraction. Laura Dragu Popescu: In many pieces of literature, lovers are trying to see the moonrise in Tismana. They say this is the most beautiful moonrise as the Earths natural satellite rises from behind the mountains surrounding Tismana. The cuisine in the area is a special one. There are many festivals, such as the Trout Festival, which is held here on March 25th, when Christians celebrate the Annunciation. I highly recommend the Tismana Monastery with its trekking routes, which lead to the Constantin Brancusi, Memorial House. Another major reference point to understand the spirit of the place is the Museum of Traditional Architecture in Curtisoara, which welcomes visitors to a real universe of wooden and stone structures where traditional architecture is meeting the cultural heritage of the great artists. The museum is not only an outdoor exhibition, but a lively space where the history of the boyar families of yore is blending with the musical echoes of the present providing a wide prospect over the built patrimony Laura Dragu Popescu: At the Village Museum in Curtisoara, tourists can see the traditional architecture of the area and there are many elements who may attract those interested in traditional houses. Here we have included many theme trips as well as many musical productions. The Museum also includes a house known as Casa Gheorghe Zamfir, which has on view many objects, which belonged to this internationally famous panpipe virtuoso. The Museum also includes a traditional house from the Gilortului area, which has on display personal items belonging to famous traditional music instrumentalists and vocalists from our region. New and old items are elements very appreciated in this museum of traditional architecture, which is very close to Targu Jiu, only a ten kilometers drive. Most of the tourists who got accommodation in Targu Jiu are visiting it. Furthermore, on their way to the museum, on the right side, there lies the Memorial House of the local WWI hero, Ecaterina Teodoroiu. And also 18-20 km from the museum there lies what we call here the Gorges Bride, which is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Gorj County, the Lainici Monastery. 2026 has been declared in Romania The Constantin Brancusi Year to celebrate 150 years since the birth of the famous sculptor. Numerous exhibitions, conferences, educational programmes and public campaigns are to be staged on this occasion. And the county of Gorj remains an open invitation extended to all those willing to explore it, a place where the genius of Romanias greatest sculptor is actually the entrance gate towards a wider cultural universe. (bill) January 29, 2026 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 29.01.2026, 13:55 VISIT Romanias PM Ilie Bolojan was in Berlin, where he discussed with the federal chancellor Friedrich Merz about bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and military industry and the diversifying of German investments in Romania. During the visit, the Romanian and German defence ministers Radu Miruta and Boris Pistorius signed a memorandum on equipment procurement for the Romanian Army, funded under the European SAFE programme. Mr. Bolojan said that Romania seeks to strengthen cooperation with Germany in strategic areas such as energy, industry and defence, given that the world is going through a period of uncertainty. In turn, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the memorandum signed on this occasion proves that the two states jointly take responsibility for the security of Europe. Bolojan and Merz also discussed support for Ukraine, the European accession of the Republic of Moldova and Romanias accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. FINANCES The government of Romania estimates that it will need EUR 55 billion in 2026 to cover a budget deficit that could exceed 6% of GDP and to refinance the public debt due this year. As a result, the Cabinet is looking to take out loans on the domestic market, to issue Eurobonds in foreign markets and contract low-interest loans under European Union programmes such as the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and SAFE. CANDIDACY Romania, which seeks to host the head offices of the EUs new Customs Agency, presented its candidacy in a hearing in the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday. Romanias finance minister Alexandru Nazare insisted on the countrys experience in cyber-security, and on the fact that Bucharest is a European capital that has the required infrastructure. At the same time, with the establishment of the European Cyber Security Centre, Romania has proven that it can handle sensitive data. The new Customs Agency will monitor billions of parcels entering the bloc after the EU amended its legislation on previously tax-free parcels under EUR 150. In total, nine cities in nine EU member states are competing to host the headquarters of the EU Customs Agency. In Brussels, Alexandru Nazare also met with the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss Romanias budget deficit and the forecast for this year. Romania promised to keep its deficit at around 6% of GDP in 2026. In April, the European Commission will make public its first economic forecasts for this year in a report detailing the situation of each individual state. CULTURE As of Thursday, Romania will be promoted in several capital cities around the world, in a tour of screenings and cultural events organised by the British writer and producer Charlie Ottley, jointly with the ministry of economy, digitisation, entrepreneurship and tourism and with support from the foreign ministry. According to a news release issued by the economy ministry, the tour includes screenings of Ottleys documentary Flavours of Romania in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Chile, Peru, Colombia and the United Kingdom, followed by presentations and Q&A sessions, aimed at presenting the beauty and diversity of Romania to an international audience. For his part, Charlie Ottley emphasised that there are still too many misconceptions about Romania, and the only way to move past them them is to go out into the world and show people what an extraordinary country we have. GRANTS The European Commission announced in a news release that it would earmark almost EUR 650 million in grants under the Connecting Europe Facility to help finance 14 cross-border energy infrastructure projects. One of the 14 projects to receive funding is CARMEN (Carpathian Modernised Energy Network), which aims to improve electricity market integration, support the large-scale integration of renewable sources and ensure energy security and flexibility in Romania and Bulgaria. A EUR 103 million grant will be awarded to this project. According to the European Commission, transmission and distribution networks will be modernised and digitised, to improve efficiency and enable secure flows of electricity from renewable sources. (AMP) TOKYO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency said Thursday heavy snow is expected to fall in northeastern and western areas along the Sea of Japan coast through Friday, warning of possible disruptions in transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a cold air mass is expected to flow into the archipelago and a strong winter pressure pattern to persist through Friday, bringing heavy snowfall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan. It said snow is also likely to intensify in areas where it is rarely seen along the Pacific coast in eastern Japan, including Tokyo, as well as in western Japan through Friday. The agency urged residents to take extra caution against slippery roads, snow falling from roofs and possible avalanches. In the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Friday, parts of the Hokuriku region in central Japan are expected to see snowfall of up to 70 centimeters, while the Kinki region in the west and Tohoku in the northeast could see 60 cm and 50 cm, respectively, according to the agency. Ilie Bolojans visit to Berlin In Berlin, Romania and Germany have signed a major agreement to ramp up defense cooperation and boost German investment in Romania Intrevederea premierului Ilie Bolojan cu Cancelarul Republicii Federale Germania, Friedrich Merz Sorin Iordan, 29.01.2026, 14:00 The two countries have inked a memorandum on defense collaboration, with Bucharest set to purchase military equipment through the European SAFE defense instrument, receiving around 16 billion from the European Commission. To seal the deal, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Defense Minister Radu Miruta traveled to Berlin for talks with their German counterparts. Prime Minister Bolojan emphasized that Romania and Germany share a vision for restoring peace and security in the Black Sea region. He praised Germanys support for Romanias air defense and highlighted the strategic importance of Moldovas security. I presented the Chancellor with our objectives and actions for defending the eastern flank and ensuring security in the Black Sea area. Air defense is one of our top priorities, and Germanys contribution is vital and appreciated. Regarding Ukraine, we support all efforts for lasting peace. For Romania, Moldova is a strategic priority. The stability of Chisinau and its European path matter for the whole region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz responded that Romania and Germany stand together in supporting Ukraine politically, financially and militarily. He noted that the new memorandum on arms exports shows both countries are taking joint responsibility for Europes security. Merz added that the two nations are linked not only in defense, but also through numerous German companies active in Romania, investing, creating jobs, and helping modernize the Romanian economy. After signing the memorandum, Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta explained that military equipment will be purchased jointly with other European states, bringing several advantages: Cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry will mean technology transfer and the advantage of joint procurement. Joint procurement means a lower pricefor some of the products Romania has included as joint purchases, Germany is the lead country managing these acquisitionswhich will mean a lower price and we expect a shorter delivery time for the products we need. Another benefit is that European countries use the same systems within NATO, improving maintenance and cutting costs, as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pointed out. He reaffirmed Germanys commitment to defending Romanian territory as part of NATOs efforts. This week, Romanias Defense Ministry published the 21 army procurement projects to be carried out under the SAFE program. Eleven of these are exclusively for Romania, while ten will be joint purchases with other states, mostly with Germany and France. (VP) Australia will on Thursday release Q4 numbers for import and export prices, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In Q3, import prices were down 0.4 percent on quarter and export prices sank 0.9 percent on quarter. Australia also will see December results for the surveys of confidence and conditions from NAB; in November, their scores were +1 and +7, respectively. New Zealand will provide December data for imports, exports and trade balance. In November, imports were worth NZ$7.15 billion and exports were at NZ$6.99 billion for a trade deficit of NZ$163 million. Singapore will see preliminary unemployment data for Q4; in the previous three months, the jobless rate was 2.0 percent. Thailand will release December figures for industrial production; in November, production fell 4.24 percent on year. Japan will provide January numbers for its household confidence index, with forecasts suggesting a score of 37.1 - easing from 37.2 in December. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Ensysce Biosciences Inc. (ENSC) announced that it has reached a key milestone in its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of PF614, its next-generation opioid candidate designed to provide effective pain relief with built-in safeguards against abuse. The company confirmed that 50% of the target subjects - 160 out of 320 patients - have now been enrolled for interim review in the study, which is evaluating PF614 in patients experiencing moderate to severe pain following abdominoplasty surgery. The PF614-301 trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study being conducted at CenExel JBR in Salt Lake City, Cen Excel Atlanta in Decatur, and ERG-HD Research in Houston. The trial is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of PF614, which incorporates Ensysce's proprietary chemical activation to ensure the opioid remains inactive until swallowed, thereby reducing risks associated with tampering or misuse. Chief Executive Officer Dr.Lynn Kirkpatrick emphasized the importance of the milestone, noting that patients recovering from major surgery often require opioid-level analgesia for effective pain control. She said PF614 is intended to deliver that relief reliably and predictably while incorporating intrinsic safeguards absent from conventional opioids. Kirkpatrick added that achieving this enrolment milestone brings the company closer to delivering interim data and advancing what could become a new standard in acute pain management. Ensysce is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel pain treatments with built-in abuse and overdose protection. Its proprietary TAAP (Trypsin-Activated Abuse Protection) and MPAR (Multi-Pill Abuse Resistance) platforms are designed to address the risks associated with traditional opioids while maintaining their analgesic benefits. This latest update underscores Ensysce's progress in advancing PF614 through late-stage development, with the company positioning the therapy as a safer alternative for patients requiring powerful pain relief. The company announced a 1-for-15 reverse stock split on December 2, 2024. ENSC closed yesterday's trading at $0.78, down 6.92% and rose in the after-hours to $0.86, up 9.65%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A team of NASA scientists deployed on an international mission designed to better understand severe winter storms. The North American Upstream Feature-Resolving and Tropopause Uncertainty Reconnaissance Experiment, or NURTURE, is an airborne campaign that uses a suite of remote sensing instruments to collect atmospheric data on winter weather with a goal of improving the models that feed storm forecasts. This combination of instruments will also serve as a proxy to demonstrate the potential to collect similar observations from space, NASA said in a press release. The research team departed from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, aboard the center's Gulfstream III aircraft en route to Goose Bay, Canada, on January 24. For nearly a month, the plane will be making flights stretching from the Northern Atlantic Ocean over Canada through the Northeast United States, measuring moisture, clouds, and ozone as winter storms develop. The second phase of the campaign, scheduled to fly out of Langley next year, will serve as the inaugural mission of NASA's new airborne science laboratory, a Boeing 777. These flights will cover a larger range of 3,100 miles and use a larger suite of instruments. Researchers will collect detailed observations of the atmosphere over Europe, Greenland, the North Atlantic Ocean, Canada, the majority of of the U.S., and much of the Arctic Ocean. "Part of NASA's role is to leverage our expertise and resources for the benefit of humankind - with innovation always being at our core," said Will McCarty, weather program manager and program scientist at NASA's Headquarters in Washington. "The NURTURE campaign is doing exactly that by outfitting our aircraft with one-of-a-kind instruments designed to put our science data into action to understand dangerous weather events before, and as they form." As the NASA G-III flies over Canada, a parallel companion mission led by a team of international partners called the North Atlantic Waveguide, Dry Intrusion, and Downstream Impact Campaign (NAWDIC) will be operating out of Shannon, Ireland. Meanwhile, a third airborne mission led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be studying how moisture is transported from the tropics to the Western U.S. By combining the data collected during these campaigns, scientists will be able to track weather systems as they interact and intersect globally to understand the large-scale flows and small-scale features that drive high-impact winter weather events. Data from the NURTURE mission will be used to inform first responders, decision makers, and the public sooner, NASA said. "Effects from severe weather have significant costs that threaten lives and national security by destabilizing supply chains and damaging infrastructure," said Steven Cavallo, principal investigator for NURTURE and lead scientist at the University of Oklahoma, School of Meteorology. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News International Paper Company (IP), a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, said on Thursday it plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies, creating a North America-focused International Paper and a new EMEA Packaging . Shares of the company were up more than 5% in pre-market trading following the announcement. The North America business will include legacy International Paper and DS Smith assets, while the EMEA Packaging unit will comprise packaging operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, combining legacy DS Smith and International Paper assets in the region. The spin-off is expected to be completed within 12 to 15 months. International Paper said the separation will allow each company to pursue tailored investment strategies, capital allocation approaches and focused management structures. Following the separation, Andy Silvernail will remain chairman and chief executive officer of International Paper, with Lance Loeffler continuing as chief financial officer and Tom Hamic as president of Packaging Solutions North America. The EMEA Packaging business is expected to be led by Tim Nicholls as chief executive officer, with David Robbie serving as chairman. The transaction is expected to be structured as a spin-off of the combined EMEA Packaging business to shareholders, with International Paper retaining a meaningful ownership stake. The new company is expected to be listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. International Paper shares closed at $41.49 on Wednesday, down 1.68%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News German authorities have raided the offices of Deutsche Bank AG (DB) in Frankfurt and Berlin as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering, prosecutors announced on Thursday. The Office of the Federal Prosecutor confirmed it is probing "unknown individuals and employees" at Germany's largest financial institution, alongside the Federal Criminal Police Office. According to prosecutors, Deutsche Bank previously maintained relationships with foreign companies suspected of being used for money laundering in connection with other investigations. Officials declined to disclose further details, including which transactions or companies are under scrutiny. A Deutsche Bank spokesperson confirmed the searches but stated the bank could not comment further. The investigation comes on the heels of a similar raid in 2018, when Deutsche Bank's Frankfurt headquarters and other offices were targeted over allegations that staff had helped clients move funds linked to criminal activity. While German media reports suggested possible links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, his legal representatives strongly denied any connection, stating he is neither under investigation nor suspected of wrongdoing. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Chinas fast-growing automaker Chery could soon manufacture vehicles at Jaguar Land Rover facilities in the United Kingdom, according to a major report by the Financial Times. While discussions are still at an exploratory stage, the development highlights a potentially significant shift in how Chinese carmakers establish a manufacturing footprint in Europe. The move comes at a time when Jaguar Land Rover is facing substantial excess production capacity in the UK, following Jaguars decision to end internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production in December 2025. Jaguars next phase will focus on ultra-low-volume, high-priced electric vehicles, leaving large portions of its manufacturing facilities underutilised. Excess Capacity Opens the Door for Chinese Automakers With Jaguars transition to an all-electric future still some distance away in terms of volumes, JLRs UK plants could offer Chery an immediate solution to manufacture vehicles locally. From a strategic standpoint, this could help JLR improve factory utilisation while allowing Chery to sidestep tariffs, logistics costs and political pressure associated with importing vehicles from China. Reports suggest that the UK government is supportive of such an arrangement. Officials have reportedly been courting Chery for years as part of broader efforts to revive domestic vehicle manufacturing and meet long-term production targets of around 1.3 million vehicles annually by 2035. UK vehicle output in 2025 stood at just 738,000 units, underlining the scale of unused capacity across the industry. A Partnership That Already Exists Jaguar Land Rover and Chery are no strangers to each other. The two companies formed a joint venture in China back in 2012, which led to the establishment of the Changshu manufacturing plant. More recently, in 2024, JLR licensed the Freelander nameplate to Chery for use on electric vehicles developed using Chery platforms. This existing relationship could ease negotiations if the companies decide to move forward with UK-based manufacturing. Reports indicate that discussions took place during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Beijing, though both UK and Chinese sources stress that no formal agreement has yet been signed. Cherys Rapid Growth in the UK Cherys brands are already gaining strong traction in the UK market. While Chery-branded vehicle registrations stood at around 5,500 units last year, its sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo together accounted for over 48,000 registrations. Combined, Chery Group vehicles outsold several established European and Japanese brands in the UK, underlining how quickly Chinese manufacturers are gaining ground. Setting up local manufacturing could further strengthen Cherys position in Europe, especially as EU tariffs on China-made EVs push automakers to explore alternative production strategies. Talking about strategies, Chery will reportedly be entering the Indian market soon, via a partnership with JSW Motors. Wider Implications for the European Auto Industry If confirmed, this development would mark a notable moment for the European automotive landscape. It would see a Chinese automaker using legacy European manufacturing infrastructure, rather than building greenfield plants from scratch. Similar trends are already emerging elsewhere, with Chinese brands partnering with or acquiring facilities from global automakers in Spain, South Africa and beyond. For Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata Motors, the move could provide financial and operational relief during a challenging transition period that includes heavy EV investments and recovery from a costly cyberattack in late 2025. Source Mahindra Global Pik Up concept was unveiled a couple of years ago and it showcased the companys approach towards its upcoming global pickup truck. A production-spec version of this pickup truck is under development and is expected to be positioned on the Scorpio N SUV facelift, which is also under testing. Latest test mule spy shots of Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up by Vroomvroom MJ are some of the clearest and reveal significantly more details than previous set of spy shots. These details are from both exterior and interior, giving us a hint at what to expect if Mahindra makes it available in the Indian market. Lets take a closer look. Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up Spy Shots Renowned SUV manufacturer, Mahindra Auto, is working on a pickup truck version of Scorpio N, which is also set to receive a major facelift. The latest spy shots of this upcoming pickup truck are some of the clearest till date, showing us expected features, creature comforts and equipment on this vehicle. For starters, this is a double cab 4-door model and there is a single-cab 2-door model under testing as well. The LED headlights are still not finalized and these test mules continue to get makeshift ones. Same is the case with rear tail lights too. Wheels, on the other hand, look like they are finalized. Looking closer, we can see that these are 18-inchers and are wrapped with fat 255-section tyres for off-road traction and a macho look. Tyre size is the same as its SUV counterpart and wheel design looks similar to the ones seen with upcoming Scorpio N facelift. There are disc brakes on all-four corners, something both Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross lack. New Interiors On the inside, things get even more interesting as Scorpio Pik Up spied, showing a hint of a sunroof, albeit a single-pane one. We can see a similar dashboard layout as upcoming Scorpio N facelift including the new larger free-standing infotainment screen. Dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, ventilated seats and a possible TFT cluster. All of these features are missing on Hilux and V-Cross. Other notable elements seen with these spy shots are front and rear armrest, rear AC vents and an auto-dimming IRVM, among others. Powering the Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up could be the same 2.2L Diesel engine as Scorpio N with up to 450 Nm of peak torque, mated to manual gearbox and a 4X4 transfer case. Automatic gearbox could be offered too. Mahindra Auto, seems to have a habit of taking steps which the auto industry considers risky and bold. One of those steps was to revive Indias lifestyle SUV segment with the launch of Thar in 2020 and then extend the success further with Thar Roxx. Now, Mahindra seems to be taking similar steps with pickup truck segment. A launch timeline is not known, but 2026 could be the year for Mahindras re-entry in Indias pickup truck space. Source December exports highlighted strong global demand for Made-in-India Nissan vehicles, especially the Nissan Magnite Indias passenger vehicle segment closed December 2025 on a positive note, with strong year-end momentum, particularly in domestic markets. However, car exports fell sharply by 9.36% to 69,100 units, down from 76,239 units shipped in Dec 2024. This was a YoY decline of 7,139 units. Here, we assess exports and the cars that continued to hold their appeal globally, while several models ended the year in the red. Among the many automakers in India, Maruti and Hyundai are two of the leading exporters in the four-wheeler segment, with the largest number of their products on this list. Exports showed a structural shift in preference toward utility vehicles in both the sub-4 meter and full-size SUV segments, while sedan exports also improved substantially. Quick take (whats driving the trend) Total exports (top-40 models) fell 9.36% YoY in Dec 2025, down to 69,100 units. Maruti still leads with 36.8% share, but its exports dropped sharply YoY, largely because several high-volume models in the list (like Swift, Fronx, Baleno and others) were significantly lower than last year. Hyundai posted strong growth and is now the clear No.2 exporter in this list, helped by higher shipments of models like Verna and the i10 family. Nissan was the biggest gainer among major OEMs, with a sharp jump driven mainly by Magnite exports, even as Sunny exports declined. Volkswagen saw the steepest drop YoY due to a big fall in Virtus and Taigun numbers, while Toyota and Kia stayed relatively steady with modest growth. Car Exports Dec 2025 Nissan Magnite, in the sub-4 meter SUV segment, commanded the list with growing attention in global markets. Total exports grew by 260.62% to 9,268 units in Dec 2025, a YoY growth from 2,570 units to command a 13.41% share on this list. The Magnite, a part of the companys Make in India, Make for the World philosophy, is exported to around 65 countries across the Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia regions, where it is offered in both LHD and RHD configurations. Exports of Hyundai Verna also grew substantially to 6,125 units, which was a 51.09% YoY growth over 4,054 units. The Toyota Hyryder compact SUV has also ended the year on a positive note with 5,164 units shipped globally, relating to an 11.25% YoY improvement. Maruti Jimny saw its exports dip by 2.28% to 4,592 units YoY, while the Hyundai Grand i10 with 4,234 unit exports grew by 3.98% on a YoY basis. Nissan Sunny exports fell sharply by 39.87% to 4,202 units. Underlining its growing importance in export markets, Maruti Dzire showed off a hefty 518.62% YoY growth to 3,489 units in Dec 2025, up by 2,925 units from 564 units shipped in the same month last year. Hyundai Aura too witnessed improved demand at 3,261 unit exports, a 34.59% YoY growth. The e-Vitara, a relatively new entrant to this list, added 2,724 units to total exports last month. Next in quick succession were 5 models from Maruti Suzuki. Swift (2,395 units), Fronx (2,390 units), SPresso (2,229 units), Baleno (2,199 units) and Celerio (2,029 units) each suffered double-digit de-growth. Ertiga sales, also from Maruti Suzuki, ended the month with flat growth at 1,705 units exported in Dec 2025. Sub-1000 Unit Car Exports Dec 2025 Honda City (1,677 units), Kia Carens (1,001 units) and Mahindra XUV3XO (999 units) each displayed strong global demand with a significant rise in exports. Renault Kwid, on the other hand, suffered a 25.13% YoY decline to 989 units. Exports also declined for the Kia Sonet (966 units) and Maruti Grand Vitara (849 units), while 2025 Renault Kiger facelift was in higher demand at 149.50% growth to 751 units. Maruti Eeco van suffered a 12.17% YoY decline to 693 units, there was the Hyundai i20 that has witnessed a 589.47% YoY growth to 655 units shipped last month from just 95 units exported in Dec 2024. Hyundai Exter saw exports up by 14.65% to 634 units while Triber (616 units) and Elevate (615 units) both saw YoY sales decline sharply. From Hyundai stables, while Creta saw a 32.38% YoY growth in exports to 511 units, the Alcazar (450 units) and Venue (416 units) suffered steep de-growth. Exports also dipped for Seltos (357 units) and Virtus (212 units) while Jeep Compass has been in strong demand with 165 units exported last month, demonstrating a 230% YoY growth. Car export list for Dec 2025 also included Citroen C3 (105 units), Taigun (103 units), Kushaq (84 units), Victoris (83 units) and Amaze (60 units). The list was trailed by the Brezza (53 units) and Scorpio (50 units). ANKARA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is due to pay a visit to Turkiye on Friday amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Thursday. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to emphasize that Turkiye is closely following recent developments in Iran and to underline that Iran's security, peace and stability are of great importance to Ankara, said the report, quoting Turkish Foreign Ministry sources. He is set to reiterate Turkiye's opposition to any military intervention against Iran and warn of the regional and global risks that such a step could entail, it said. Fidan would also convey Turkiye's readiness to contribute to resolving current tensions through dialogue, to support reaching a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear program as soon as possible, and to offer assistance if needed, it added. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a "massive armada," headed by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is heading toward Iran, and warned that "time is running out" for Tehran to make a deal with the United States. KABUL, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 4.8 million Afghan refugees have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023, resulting in a 12-percent increase in Afghanistan's population, Tolo news reported on Wednesday, citing the United Nations. According to the report, 2.8 million people returned to Afghanistan in 2025 alone. During the summer, up to 70,000 individuals crossed back into the country in a single day through the Islam Qala border crossing. About 91 percent of the returnees have resettled in their home provinces, while the remainder have moved to major urban areas. More than half of the returnees are women and children, raising concerns about their protection and future prospects, the report said. Ensuring the safe, dignified, and orderly return of Afghan refugees remains a top priority, Tolo news quoted the UN as saying. The Afghan government has promised to provide aid to all returnees and support their reintegration, helping them contribute to Afghanistan's peace, stability, and economic development. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday that the country is willing to work with the United States to properly manage differences, advance cooperation, and promote the stable, sound and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and the United States held five rounds of economic and trade consultations in 2025 based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, which yielded a series of positive outcomes, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said at a regular press conference. This has fully demonstrated that China and the United States can find ways to resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultations, the spokesperson added. Following a meeting between the two heads of state in Busan, both sides have maintained communication at all levels through the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism and have jointly promoted the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two leaders, as well as the outcomes of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation in Kuala Lumpur, according to the spokesperson. Going forward, China is willing to work with the United States to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and make good use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, the spokesperson said. Poison prevention tips Keep medicine and household products in their original containers and away from food. Always read the label on medicines and household products, and follow the directions for recommended use. Regularly dispose of expired or unused medicines. Keep medicine, household products and recreational cannabis products up, away, and out of sight of children. Store these items in lock boxes or child-resistant packaging. Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. Dont try to catch or play with snakes. Keep naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, on hand. You can request naloxone kits from the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center at hsc.unm.edu/poison/. Save the poison center phone number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone. Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends. TOKYO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese Cabinet Office vehicle was traveling at an estimated 130 km per hour when it ran a red light and slammed into other cars at an intersection in central Tokyo earlier this month, killing one person and injuring six others, police said on Thursday. Analysis of vehicle data showed that the car was traveling at more than twice the 60-km-per-hour legal speed limit in the area, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said. The crash, involving six vehicles, occurred on Jan. 22 at an intersection in the Akasaka district of Minato Ward. A 32-year-old taxi passenger was killed after suffering a severe head injury in the collision. Police initially said eight people were injured but later confirmed six had sustained injuries. The government car was believed to have been involved in the crash roughly 30 seconds after leaving the prime minister's official residence, national broadcaster NHK reported, citing an investigative source. The car, driven by a 69-year-old contracted worker, likely entered the intersection 68 seconds after the traffic light turned red, the source said. Police are planning to question the driver after he recovers from injuries in a possible case of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury. TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is due to arrive in Turkiye on Friday for high-level talks, Iranian officials said on Thursday, as heightened tensions with Washington coincide with a major U.S. military buildup in the region. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the visit in a post on the social media platform X. He said the trip was part of Tehran's efforts to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries based on "good-neighbourliness" and shared regional interests. The diplomatic outreach comes as relations between Iran and the United States remain strained amid an expanded U.S. military presence in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a "massive armada," led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and larger than a force previously sent to Venezuela, was heading toward Iran. He warned that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal with Washington. Araghchi responded in a post on X that Iran's armed forces were ready, "with their fingers on the trigger," to respond immediately and forcefully to any aggression. At the same time, he said Iran remained open to a "mutually beneficial, fair and equitable" nuclear agreement reached on equal footing and free from threats or intimidation, one that would preserve Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology while ensuring it does not seek nuclear weapons. Turkiye, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, has urged restraint and diplomacy, voicing opposition to U.S. military action against Tehran. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that attacking Iran would be wrong and risk igniting another war, adding that Tehran was ready to resume nuclear talks and calling on Washington to restart negotiations step by step, beginning with the nuclear issue. By News Centre Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a joint press conference with Frances Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, following their official talks. Addressing members of the press, Minister Fidan opened his remarks by expressing his satisfaction at hosting his esteemed counterpart and friend, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, in Turkiye. Welcoming Barrot and his delegation once again, Fidan said the two sides had conducted highly productive discussions. The talks covered the current state of TurkiyeFrance relations, FranceEuropean Union ties, as well as a wide range of regional and global issues of direct concern to both countries. Fidan emphasized that under the leadership of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, both leaders have issued clear political directives aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations. We are working with full determination on how we can improve relations between our two countries in commercial, economic, political, and other fields, he said. The foreign minister noted that discussions also focused on how to overcome the current stalemate in TurkiyeEU relations. In this context, he said he exchanged views with his French counterpart on concrete steps that could be taken. Fidan pointed out that there are several key objectives on the agenda, including the modernization of the Customs Union Agreement and the activation of the visa liberalization process. We discussed how we can move these issues forward, what actions can be taken, and other outstanding matters between us, he added. European security was another major topic of discussion. Fidan said the two ministers held in-depth and substantive exchanges on how European security could be strengthened within the framework of NATO. Stressing the significant roles played by both Turkiye and France in NATO and in European security more broadly, he underlined that there is considerable potential for further cooperation. We agreed that we need to come together more frequently and engage in deeper discussions on certain issues, he said. Turning to regional developments, Fidan highlighted that Turkiye and France have an extensive agenda for cooperation and dialogue. Issues discussed included Syria, Gaza, developments in Iran, security in the Mediterranean, and the Russia-Ukraine war, which he described as a matter of global security that took up a substantial portion of the talks. The ministers also addressed the need to maintain uninterrupted efforts in the fight against Daesh (ISIS). In addition, they reviewed the ongoing work of the Coalition of the Willing, Turkiyes potential contributions in this framework, and the latest stage reached in Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Fidan noted that many other issues were also discussed but could not all be detailed in his remarks, a reflection, he said, of the breadth and depth of the bilateral agenda between Turkiye and France. Describing the meetings as highly productive, he concluded by thanking Minister Barrot once again for his visit and for the high-quality exchange of views. BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Outbound investment by Chinese companies grew steadily in 2025, with nearly 80 percent of surveyed firms maintaining or expanding their investments abroad, according to a report by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Covering over 1,200 Chinese companies engaged in outbound investment, the survey reveals that nearly 90 percent are optimistic about the prospects of overseas investment, said Wang Wenshuai, a spokesperson with the council, at a press conference on Wednesday. The survey also indicates that 60 percent of the companies reported steady or increased profitability from their outbound investment. Close to half of the respondents expressed interest in forming industry consortiums for collective overseas expansion, with the manufacturing sector being a priority for investment. Notably, 90 percent of the surveyed enterprises showed heightened willingness to use the renminbi (RMB) in their cross-border investment activities. Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed that China's outbound direct investment reached 174.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 7.1 percent from a year earlier and remaining among the world's top ranks. Wang stated that the council will coordinate its nationwide network to refine specialized mechanisms for supporting enterprises going global. Efforts will concentrate on improving comprehensive services and safeguards to help companies navigate international markets steadily and sustainably. Meanwhile, nearly 60 percent of foreign-invested enterprises in China plan to increase their investment in the country, Wang said, citing recent results of the China Business Climate Survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China. More than half of all companies that responded to the survey reported profitable or very profitable business operations in China over the past year, and over 70 percent said they have not considered moving production or procurement outside of China. These results underscore the continued appeal of the Chinese market as a fertile ground for foreign investment, Wang said. The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo -- slated for June this year -- has already secured the participation of a number of foreign companies, including many Fortune 500 firms, Wang noted. YANGON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has won a majority of seats in the Union Parliament, according to official results released by the Union Election Commission (UEC) on Thursday. Latest figures from the UEC showed that the USDP has secured 231 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and 108 seats in the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), totaling 339 seats. A total of 420 elective seats were contested across the country in this general election, the UEC's data showed. Myanmar's Union Parliament consists of two houses with a total of 664 seats: the 440-seat Pyithu Hluttaw and the 224-seat Amyotha Hluttaw. The multi-party democratic general election was conducted in three phases: the first phase took place on Dec. 28, 2025, in 102 townships; the second phase on Jan. 11, 2026, in 100 townships; and the final phase on Jan. 25, 2026, in 61 townships. GAZA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces on Thursday near a sensitive ceasefire boundary in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said. Medical staff at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis told Xinhua the hospital received the bodies of two people shot near the so-called "Yellow Line," a demarcation marking Israeli-held territory under the first phase of the current ceasefire. Palestine's official news agency WAFA said the victims, both civilians aged 19 and 32, were shot in the eastern neighborhood of Khan Younis. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident. Gaza health authorities said Wednesday that 492 Palestinians have been killed and 1,356 wounded by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 71,667, with 171,434 others wounded. Friday will mark a quieter end to a busy week that saw the release of earnings from four of the Magnificent Seven in the US and the Federal Reserves first policy announcement of 2026. On the UK corporate front, investors will turn their attention to third-quarter numbers from Airtel Africa. In Europe, full-year results are due from Spains Caixabank, while SKF will publish a quarterly report. Across the pond, oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron are among those slated to report, along with American Express, Verizon and Colgate-Palmolive. Jefferies, which rates Chevron at buy, expects the company to post adjusted fourth-quarter earnings per share of around $1.45, which is about 2% higher than consensus. The bank said it expects investors to focus on developments in Venezuela, production at Tengizchevroil, and an El Segundo fire update. "We continue to highlight Chevrons free cash flow growth to 2030, which we see as conservative," said Jefferies. After the close of US markets on Thursday, first-quarter results from Apple will be released. Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets, said Apples earnings will undoubtedly centre around iPhone sales given their central position for the companys revenues. "Nonetheless, the high-margin services segment looks to be a major area of earnings growth, with products such as App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV+, and Apple Fitness+ providing recurring revenues for the firm," he said. "Many have claimed that Apple have lagged in their AI focus compared with the rest of the Mag7, meaning that investors will be watching closely for further evidence that the firm will further expand their offering for the upcoming iPhone model." Friday January 30 INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Ecora Royalties , Facilities by ADF, Foresight Group Holdings Limited NPV, NewRiver REIT, ProVen Growth & Income VCT, ProVen VCT, SSE, Templeton Emerging Markets Inv Trust QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE CT Private Equity Trust, Value and Indexed Property Income Trust INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Chicago PMI (US) (14:45) GDP (Preliminary) (EU) (10:00) Import Price Index (GER) (07:00) Retail Sales (GER) (07:00) Unemployment Rate (GER) (08:55) Q3 Airtel Africa GMS Caspian Sunrise , Metals one AGMS Avon Technologies , Essensys UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Credit (09:30) M4 Money Supply (09:30) Mortgage Approvals (09:30) Nationwide House Price Index (07:00) FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE AB Dynamics, BP 8% Cum 1st Prf, BP 9% 2nd Prf, Cardiff Property, Diploma, DotDigital Group, Lowland Investment Co, NewRiver REIT, S and U 31.5% Prf. Cum. Prf 12.5P, Smart (J) & Co., The Character Group, Topps Tiles, Ultimate Products Q1 Airtel Africa London stocks were set to gain at the open on Thursday as investors mulled the Federal Reserves latest policy announcement and a slew of US tech earnings, and braced for a raft of UK corporate releases. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 25 points higher. The Federal Reverse kept its benchmark rate steady at 3.5% to 3.75% on Wednesday, as widely expected. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, said: "The US Federal Reserve (Fed) mostly did what was expected when it announced its policy update yesterday: it kept rates unchanged. Fed Chair Powell didnt comment on the latest political drama surrounding the Fed and himself, nor on whether he would leave the committee when his term as Chair ends in May. Instead, he advised the next lucky person to take the helm of the Fed to stay out of elected politics." She said the surprise came from the economic outlook. "Powell pointed to a clear improvement in the US outlook, said the job market shows signs of steadying, and highlighted surprisingly strong growth," said Ozkardeskaya. "But a good part of that growth is explained by AI investment, which for now does not create many jobs." As far as the tech earnings from Tesla, Meta and Microsoft - three of the Magnificent Seven - are concerned, she noted that while they all beat expectations and announced higher AI spending, market reactions varied sharply. In UK corporate news, Lloyds Bank reported a better-than-expected 12% jump in annual profit driven by higher income which offset 800m set aside to compensate customers who were mis-sold motor finance. The lender posted pre-tax earnings of 6.7bn, beating forecasts of 6.4bn. It also lifted its performance estimates for 2026, including a return on tangible equity greater of more than 16% and underlying net interest income of 14.9bn. The board also announced a share buyback programme of up to 1.75bn and said it would now review excess capital distributions in addition to the ordinary dividend every half year. EasyJet reiterated full-year guidance on the back of robust first-quarter sales and growing demand for summer holidays. Updating on trading, the budget carrier said available seat kilometres (ASK) capacity rose 9% year-on-year in the three months to December end, with passenger numbers up 7% and the load factor two percentage points stronger at 90%. The headline loss widened to 93m, from 61m a year previously. However, the airline said bookings were building well for the summer season, and left its full-year outlook unchanged. Private equity firm 3i reported a further rise in net asset value over the nine months to December, supported by another strong year from Action, which continued to drive the group's overall performance. 3i said that NAV per share increased from 2,857p on 30 September to 3,017p at the end of December, with its 20% total return for the period being aided by favourable currency movements. Blue chip miner Antofagasta posted a spike in fourth-quarter copper production on Thursday, and forecast further growth for the in-demand base metal. The Chile-focused copper miner said copper production rose 9.4% in the final three months of 2025, to 653,7000 tonnes, while gold soared 23% to 66,300 ounces. Over the year, gold production rose 13.1% to 211,3000 ounces. Copper was down 1.6% in 2025, at 653,700 tonnes, due to rising output at Antofagastas Centinela Concentrates mine and lower contributions at Centinela Cathodes and Los Pelambres. However, looking to the current year and Antofagasta forecast an increase in production, of between 650,000 and 700,000 tonnes. Copper prices have soared in recent months, fuelled by strong demand and concerns about supply, as a number of mines start to age. Ivan Arriagada, chief executive, said: "Coppers outlook remains compelling. Rising demand is being driven by energy security, electrification and increasing uptake of modern technologies, while supply growth remains constrained. "We enter the new year with confidence in our ability to deliver safe production alongside the disciplined execution of our portfolio of growth and development projects." Antofagasta said the construction of projects at Centinela and Los Pelambres was set to complete in 2027, which would add 30% growth in copper volumes over time. Centinela is major open pit copper and gold mine in northern Chile. Los Pelambres, in north central Chile, is one of the largest copper reserves in the world. Chile is the worlds largest copper producer. As at 0830 GMT, shares in Antofagasta were trading up 7% at 3,953.23p. photo: Bart Nagel Grant Faulkner is the co-founder of Memoir Nation, co-founder of the Flash Fiction Institute, co-founder of 100 Word Story, and an executive producer on the upcoming reality TV show America's Next Great Author. He has published several collections of stories and books on writing. His "flash novel" something out there in the distance (Unm Press) is a linked series of short-short stories that weave their way through photos by Gail Butensky. Handsell readers your book in 35 words or less: Have you ever read a novel whose stories flow from photos? A story that is a prose poem? A book that is like watching a film? Read something out there in the distance. On your nightstand now: The Use of Photography--Annie Ernaux and Marc Marie's book of photos and stories about their affair 20 or so years ago, translated by Alison L. Strayer. I love Annie Ernaux. I love books about affairs and love. And I love stories told with photos (as evidenced by my book something out there in the distance). Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God, translated by Anita Barrows. I love his dreamy, searching writing, the way he writes to the questions, not the answers, in a melody of words. Andrea Gibson's Lord of the Butterflies. I've been obsessed with them since they died last summer. Their writing, their life--their capacity to feel so deeply and express deep feelings in such an emotional yet unsentimental way. Favorite book when you were a child: I was an avid reader from the start. I wanted to be President of the United States when I was a kid, so I largely read biographies of Presidents when I was in grade school. Then I became captivated with the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder when I was 11 or so. I think the best art is art that you experience before you're supposed to, though. I "accidentally" read Crime and Punishment when I was researching a paper on crime for a class in the ninth grade. I didn't know who Fyodor Dostoyevsky was, but I was intrigued by his name. It was my introduction to sin in literature. My introduction to a godless world. I'm haunted by Rodion Raskolnikov. So to answer your question, it's a tie between a biography of Ulysses S. Grant, the Little House on the Prairie series, and Crime and Punishment. Your top five authors: F. Scott Fitzgerald because I read him during a semester in France, the semester I decided to be a writer. I thought I'd be an expat writer living in glorious places, cavorting through many a drink, and writing novels. My life has sadly been more ordinary. James Salter has been described as a writer's writer, and I learned the importance of rhythms and moods and contours from his sentences. Denis Johnson is a writer whom many writers try to imitate but always fail. Menacing. Absurd. Funny. Tender. Desultory. Hallucinatory. Religious. Poetic. I still try to imitate him. Sigrid Nunez is a writer whom you read to be with, to think with, as if you're taking a walk with her. So intimate, so wise. Nathalie Sarraute focuses on capturing the "tropisms" of life: the spontaneous, subconscious, and fleeting internal movements that occur during human interactions. She has formed my aesthetic as much as anyone. Book you've faked reading: I've never faked reading a book, but I like to joke that almost every writer I know, including me, has a copy of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace on their bookshelves but has never read it. I no longer even plan to read Infinite Jest. Perhaps a better answer is that The Savage Detectives (by Roberto Bolano, translated by Natasha Wimmer), is one of my favorite novels, but I've failed to finish it in two attempts. I've only read the first half. It's an amazing first half of a novel. Book you're an evangelist for: I could easily say Nunez's The Friend, Johnson's Jesus' Son, Paul Bowles's The Sheltering Sky, or Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano, all of which I've given as presents innumerable times, but I'm going to go with A Lover's Discourse by Roland Barthes and translated by Richard Howard because I'm obsessed with thinking about love, which we should all think about more. It's really a rejected lover's discourse. The book was spawned by the forlorn love letters that Barthes wrote to a man whom he had an affair with. The book is structured as a collection of 80 short chapters, or "fragments," each dedicated to a different type of amorous feeling, such as waiting or jealousy. He creates a piercing portrait of a lover's fevered consciousness. Book you've bought for the cover: When I first moved to San Francisco in 1989, it seemed that Kathy Acker books were everywhere, and her covers often featured the body, nude or seminude, reflecting her themes of female desire, power, and identity. The covers were daring and subversive and punk and brash. How could I not read her? Book you hid from your parents: I never had to hide a book from my parents, but there was one book I hid from myself. I bought the Necronomicon when I was a teenager because I was interested in the occult and mysticism, and this book cried out to me with a sinister siren's song at the Waldenbooks in the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines, Iowa. Every time I went to Des Moines, I found myself looking at it, but too afraid to open its pages. Even after I bought it, I never opened it up. I was too scared of it. I just Googled it, and I see it is a fictional book of spells and incantations from the horror stories of writer H.P. Lovecraft. I didn't know who Lovecraft was as a teen. Book that changed your life: The aforementioned Crime and Punishment very deeply immersed me in the complexities, contradictions, and darkness of the human spirit--and showed me how deep needs and obsessions can smother a person's more reasonable and generous side. I quit believing in God around this same time, and I haven't viewed life the same since then: everyone carries some sort of sin with them. But on a more hopeful note, when I was 20, I studied in France and decided to be a writer, and one of the expat books I read was Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. I am from a small town in Iowa, so the idea of being an author, living in exotic places, and dedicating all aspects of my life to my art was quite foreign to me. I read the book as a type of instructional manual to writing, and then I returned home and lived in a renovated chicken coop that summer and carried out Hemingway's creative process. Favorite line from a book: Sigrid Nunez said that all stories are about loss in some way, and I ponder this often. In The Friend, she wrote, "What we miss--what we lose and what we mourn--isn't it this that makes us who, deep down, we truly are." I loved her "trilogy on loss," comprised of The Friend, What Are You Going Through, and The Vulnerables. Five books you'll never part with: Just to add five more to the mix mentioned above--all of which I've reread many times: Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry, which took me to Mexico several times. The Stranger by Albert Camus, my first book by an existentialist. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, because it made me cry more than any other book. The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. I love his meditation and fascination with the desert, the ultimate Bowles metaphor. I love how the book shows what can happen when people are unanchored, drifting, elsewhere, not truly knowing where they want to be. Open City by Teju Cole, because I love a story about a character walking around and noticing and thinking. The book uncovers layers of a city, layers of a traumatic personal and collective history. It opens and keeps opening. Book you most want to read again for the first time: Most of my transformative reading happened in my teen years, when books shaped all of my perceptions, thoughts, and dreams. Let's say Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse for its dark mysticism, or On the Road by Jack Kerouac because nothing makes me happier than a road trip. I haven't reread either of these books because I don't want to blemish my teen impressions. I don't want them to disappoint me. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- LUKOIL, a major Russian oil company, has signed an agreement with U.S. investment firm Carlyle on the sale of LUKOIL International GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary that holds the group's overseas assets, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The deal does not include its assets in Kazakhstan, which will remain under the ownership of the LUKOIL Group and continue operating in accordance with existing licenses, said LUKOIL. The agreement is non-exclusive and subject to the fulfillment of a number of conditions precedent, including authorization for the transaction from the U.S. Treasury Department, it said, adding that it is also continuing negotiations with other potential buyers. The company said the decision to sell LUKOIL International GmbH is linked to restrictive measures imposed by certain countries against LUKOIL and its subsidiaries. LUKOIL is one of Russia's largest integrated oil and gas companies, with operations spanning hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining and marketing. Carlyle is a global investment firm headquartered in the United States, managing assets across private equity, credit and investment solutions in multiple regions worldwide. Ramadan Giving in 2026 is expected to bring massive contributions, higher donation activities, and more active participation of diverse communities in the acts of charity around the world. With more people engaged in giving their Zakat, Sadaqah and Fitra, using digital tools helps the mosques, charitable organizations to streamline the pouring of donations, sharing timely announcements, updating about the needy, and more. Although there are still traditional methods that are vastly available, such as, cash boxes, notice boards, word of mouth and manual announcements, these are no longer enough to meet the modern expectations. Several worshippers are seeking different ways that match their comfort, meet their preferences, and also reliable digital sources with simple and quick access. This is the main reason several mosques and Islamic charitable centers are shifting their funding sources towards technology to simplify the overall operations and accelerate the Ramadan months giving experience. In this blog, lets dive deeper and explore the advantages of going digital and top digital solutions that are redefining the Ramadan giving in 2026. Advantages of Digital Tools for Ramadan Giving Several mosques and charity organizations are increasingly adopting the latest digital tools for Ramadan giving. Some of the important benefits include: Increased donations Track and check the status of the donations Easy, secured and reliable mode of payment gateways Faster fundraising campaigns Clear and timely communication Better engagement Impactful marketing campaigns Support multiple causes Highlight urgent needs Visual progress indicators Clear fund breakdowns Data protection Transparent policies Anonymous donations Donor privacy Top Digital Solutions that are Redefining the Ramadan giving in 2026 Technology holds the potential to transform the charity and make it more reachable by eliminating all the barriers. Some of the top digital solutions include: Zakat calculating Apps A digital zakat calculator is very useful for the one who gives. It provides accurate calculations based on verified sharia guidelines. These innovative and easy-to-use apps are available through online, app store, and play store. These official apps offer the users a doorway to understand the amount they are required to pay for zakat for the need during this holy month of Ramadan. Choosing these latest calculating tools will reflect how long the charity giving journey has come and establishes more transparency and convenience around the charitable habits. These calculators are useful to calculate the Zakat accurately without getting compromised, they help to understand the assets that need to be applied, donate the right amount at the right time, and be confident about the compliance. Scannable QR Codes Modern giving requires modern solutions. Using the latest ways for giving will not only increase the funds but also open pathways to new opportunities. Easy-to-scan QR codes will give the worshippers a perfect platform and safe zone to donate quickly by just scanning with their phones whenever and wherever they want to. This system also strengthens the process of wholesome fundraising for Islamic charities especially during Ramadan. Social Media Giving Communities There are several social media platforms that play a vital role in influencing the ways worshippers discover and support causes during Ramadan. The charitable organizations and mosques use these platforms to share the stories of needy people, highlight necessary requirements, and develop emotional connections. This digital storytelling enhances the giving and makes it more relatable. It is also useful because this helps the donors to know who the real people are that are in need. Digital Mosque UPI IDs Post COVID-19 pandemic contactless giving has become a norm. Fundraising for mosques during Ramadan can be easily done by sharing the unique UPI IDs that can be presented on posters, banners, and screens. Donors can just enter the UPI ID and can give instantly. This approach makes giving simple and secure without any challenges. Personalized Email and WhatsApp Campaigns Digital communication channels play a crucial role during the holy month of Ramadan. Several charitable organizations messaging and email applications to share reminders, highlight the people in need, donation requests, send thankful notes to donors personally. This is very helpful especially when done with utmost courtesy. These messages feel supportive and inspire the funders to give more. Online Forms for Community Services Ramadan brings many requests, such as, sponsorships for Iftar and Seheri, collecting funds in the form of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Fitra, distributing the money to the poor and needy, community-related giving, sharing the good word that increases the joy of giving and much more. To enter all this information accurately digital forms are important. They replace paperwork and streamline the whole process. They are easy to fill from any device, they are secure, they simply automate the whole data collection process, they provide faster response times, they take very less to no administrative burden. Using digital tools like online forums improves community engagement because they ensure that everything is well-organized. Funds Announcement Systems with Push Notifications Ramadan is mostly about timing. A delay or missed message can many times lead to confusion or missed opportunities. With the help of an efficient announcement system the whole process of attendance, participation, fundraising appeals, program cancellations or changes in the charity giving becomes simple, while also reducing the need for repeated inquiries. These systems also have the feature of sending instant push notifications that act as a reminder for the entire community who are willing to be part of the fundraising programs. Mobile Donation Apps In the current era people spend more time on their phones than anywhere else. They shop, learn, and connect through the mobiles. Giving has also followed the same path. Today, several donors prefer mobile-friendliness even in making the donations. Mobile apps are highly supportive; they remove the geographical barriers and provide secure pathways for making online payments. They are a perfect platform for the people to give anytime and anywhere. They also offer secured payment gateways. These donation apps can have separate and dedicated pages for making Zakat calculations and payments, Sadaqah amount for the needy, Fitra for the deserving, and other kinds of charity for the poor. Several charitable organizations have created their own mobile donation applications with secured payment gateways. A mobile donation app acts as the official source of information, that eliminates the confusion, complexity and ensures a smooth Ramadan giving experience for everyone. Fundraising with mobiles has been made easy with Donorbox. It is one-of-a-kind digital tool that offers on-the-spot donation options without any hassles. It also has a unique Text-to-Give feature that helps donors with simple and quick integration options to give funds to the deserving charitable organisations. User-Friendly Donations Website By using an all-in-one user-friendly donations website will help to engage the community spiritually and socially. The website can have multiple pages that provide details of donations made, testimonials of people who received them, different kinds of charity, payment gateways that can be used to transfer funds, latest updates related to the amount received and contributed. These kinds of dedicated pages will help the people among the community get motivated and contribute actively. Donorbox is an advanced digital tool that creates dedicated and well-optimized donation pages. These pages are easy-to-navigate and require no coding. The charitable organizations can customize their donation pages according to their preferences for raising instant funds. A Digital Ramadan Giving Ramadan giving in 2026 will be more crowded, highly dynamic, and is a blend of tradition with innovation. Charitable organizations must focus on increasing their digital approach to attract more donors, streamline communications, and fulfill necessary obligations. These digital tools help keep generosity at the center and offer a more rewarding Ramadan experience. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Trendy American retailer PacSun famous for its California-inspired, surf/skate aesthetic is opening a location in the Staten Island Mall. A representative from the New Springville shopping center noted that the store is currently under construction and is anticipated to open this summer. Located on the lower level of the JCPenney wing, the new store is part of a brick-and-mortar expansion for the brand, which recently added more than a dozen stores to its portfolio the first openings for the company in more than a decade. PacSun, which stands for Pacific Sunwear of California, reported it has experienced a resurgence in brick-and-mortar performance in the United States, with double-digit growth in in-store traffic, which has led to its recent business expansion. Our stores have become cultural touchpoints for a generation that values experience as much as product. What begins on our social channels inspiration and community ultimately drives young people to see it in person. Doubling down on brick-and-mortar simply reflects what our community is already telling us, Brieane Olson, chief executive officer of PacSun, noted in a press release. Founded in 1980 in Newport Beach, California, by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore, PacSun began as a small surf shop that grew into a major lifestyle brand for youth fashion. The retailer sells lifestyle apparel, along with swim, footwear, and accessories designed for teens and young adults. In 2025, the company operated 325 stores in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The brand previously operated a store in the Staten Island Mall in the 1990s under the Pacific Sunwear banner. TJ Maxx, the popular off-price retailer known for selling brand-name and designer merchandise at significant discounts, also has plans to open as store in the Mall this summer. It will be the boroughs fourth location, taking over the free-standing space that formerly housed the Container Store. Budding entrepreneurs looking to start a business may want to avoid New York as their base of operations. WalletHub, an online financial advisory site, this week released its annual list of the Best and Worst States to Start a Business, with New York ranking near the bottom of the pack. Around half of all new businesses dont survive five years, so the idea of becoming a business owner can be daunting, especially with the current high cost of living. Thats why its crucial to establish your business in a state that will maximize your chances of success. The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, and easy access to financing and affordable real estate. On top of that, youll need to make sure you start in a place with an engaged customer base, if youre operating locally, said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. The study analyzed 25 key indicators of a positive business environment across all 50 states to develop a comprehensive ranking of existing conditions. The key indicators were grouped into three categories: business environment; access to resources; and business costs. Key indicators in business environment included, but were not limited to: growth in number of small businesses, startups per capita, five-year business survival rate, job growth and GDP growth. Key indicators in access to resources included, but were not limited to: financing accessibility, venture investment account per capita, share of college-education population and working-age population growth. Key indicators in business costs included, but were not limited to: office space affordability, labor costs, corporate taxes and cost of living. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale and then weighted to develop a ranking within each category and an overall score for each state. New York ranked 41st with an overall score of 39.25, making it the 10th worst state in the country to start a business. The states low ranking can be attributed to poor performances in the business environment and business costs categories; it ranked 37th and 48th, respectively. New York may have found itself even lower on the list if not for a strong showing in the access to resources category, where it ranked fifth. Here are the 10 best and worst states to start a business, according to WalletHub. Best States to Start a Business Florida Utah Texas Oklahoma Idaho Mississippi Georgia Indiana Nevada California Worst States to Start a Business STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The gymnasium buzzed with music and the aroma of various cuisines as St. Ann School showcased 15 countries at its annual International Day Fair on Thursday, a cultural celebration that highlighted student research and global awareness during Catholic Schools Week. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades selected countries to study and created immersive cultural experiences for their school community. The Dongan Hills school event featured traditional food and beverages from each represented country, native attire worn by presenting students, and interactive PowerPoint presentations in the gymnasium. The presentations include historical facts, geography highlights, and cultural insights from the countries students researched. During the school day, students explored the fair and learn from their peers presentations. The afternoon session welcomed parents, siblings, friends, and community members. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and enthusiasm our students bring to the International Fair each year, said Bernadette Ficchi, principal at St. Ann School. Its a wonderful learning experience that broadens their minds and their perspective as they get to know the cultures of other people. This event not only encourages academic research but also promotes cultural understanding, empathy, and curiosity about the world. Catholic Schools Week is all about community, faith, and being respectful, and this is what this International Day Fair is all about. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on school data. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff. COLOMBO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior Sri Lankan health official said Thursday that there is no immediate threat to the country from the Nipah virus, which has been reported in parts of neighboring India. Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni told journalists in Colombo that health authorities are closely monitoring developments and have put precautionary measures in place, including maintaining adequate testing capacity. Wijemuni said the virus, which has a high fatality rate, has been detected in several Asian countries, but person-to-person transmission remains rare. He said Sri Lanka has never recorded a Nipah outbreak. He urged the public not to panic, saying travelers with severe symptoms are unlikely to board flights and that existing screening systems are sufficient to detect potential cases. Health authorities will continue surveillance and preparedness efforts, Wijemuni said, adding that there is no cause for alarm at present. Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted between animals and humans and, in some instances, through human-to-human contact. It is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its epidemic potential and the severity of illness it can cause. Past outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been associated with high fatality rates, ranging from 40 percent to 75 percent. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis after a second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents, but there was little evidence Wednesday of any significant changes following weeks of harsh rhetoric and clashes with protesters. The strain was evident when Trump made a leadership change by sending his top border adviser to Minnesota to take charge of the immigration crackdown. That was followed by seemingly conciliatory remarks about the Democratic governor and mayor. Trump said he and Gov. Tim Walz, whom he criticized for weeks, were on a similar wavelength following a phone call. After a conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, the president praised the discussion and declared that lots of progress is being made. But on city streets, there were few signs of a shift. Immigration enforcement operations and confrontations with activists continued Wednesday in Minneapolis and St. Paul. A group of protesters blew whistles and pointed out federal officers in a vehicle on a north Minneapolis street. When the officers vehicle moved, a small convoy of activists followed in their cars for a few blocks until the officers stopped again. When Associated Press journalists got out of their car to document the encounter, officers with the federal Bureau of Prisons pushed one of them, threatened them with arrest and told them to get back in their car despite the reporters identifying themselves as journalists. Officers from multiple federal agencies have been involved in the enforcement operations. From their car, the AP journalists saw at least one person being pepper sprayed and one detained, though it was unclear if that person was the target of the operation or a protester. Agents also broke car windows. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is visiting Minnesota, said 16 people were arrested Wednesday on charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement in the state. She said more arrests were expected. NOTHING will stop President Trump and this Department of Justice from enforcing the law, Bondi said in a social media post. Messages seeking comment were left with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. Woman tells agents: Theyre good neighbors In the suburb of Brooklyn Center, a half a dozen agents went to a house in a small residential neighborhood. One agent knocked on the door repeatedly. Another told the AP they were seeking a man who had been twice deported and was convicted of domestic abuse. The agent said the man had run into the home and the agents lacked a judicial warrant to get inside. A handful of activists blew whistles. One agent said: Theyd rather call the police on us than to help us. Go figure. As the agents prepared to leave, a woman called out to them saying, You need to know theyre good neighbors. Kari Rod told the AP that she didnt know these neighbors well, but they had come to her garage sale, kept their yard clean and waved hello when she drove by. She didnt believe enforcement agents to be speaking the truth about whom they arrest, including another neighbor whom she said was deported to Laos last summer. I dont trust a single thing they said about who they are, Rod said. From my interactions, I know them way better than anyone else does, any one of those federal agents. Immigrants are still very worried Many immigrant families are still fearful of leaving their homes, and Latino businesses are still closed, said Daniel Hernandez, who owns the Minneapolis grocery store Colonial Market. He also runs a popular Facebook page geared toward informing the Hispanic community in the Twin Cities. While Colonial Market is open, all but one of the dozen immigrant-run businesses that rented space inside have closed since late December, and none has plans to reopen, Hernandez said. The reality is the community is still very worried and afraid, Hernandez said. Hernandez referenced Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who helped lead the administrations crackdown in the Twin Cities and who has reportedly been assigned elsewhere. Bovino was removed, but the tactics so far are still the same, Hernandez said. Nobody now is trusting the government with those changes. Judge warns ICE about not complying with court orders In Minnesota federal court, the issue of ICE not complying with court orders came to the fore as Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz said the agency had violated 96 court orders in 74 cases this month. This list should give pause to anyone no matter his or her political beliefs who cares about the rule of law, he wrote. ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence. Schiltz earlier this week ordered ICEs acting director to personally appear in his courtroom Friday after the agency failed to obey an order to release an Ecuadorian man from detention in Texas. The judge canceled the order after the agency freed the man. The judge, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, warned ICE that future noncompliance may result in orders requiring the personal appearances of Acting Director Todd Lyons or other government officials. ICE didnt respond to an email seeking comment. Separately, another federal judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing federal officers from arresting and detaining resettled refugees in Minnesota. The order responded to a lawsuit challenging a new Homeland Security operation to to reevaluate the refugee status of the nearly 5,600 people. The order called for the immediate release of refugees detained in Minnesota and release within five days of those transferred to Texas. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller quickly slammed the judges decision on social media: The judicial sabotage of democracy is unending. Nurse says Pretti could have been any of us Hundreds gathered in the cold Wednesday night for a solemn vigil to honor intensive care unit nurse Alex Pretti, who was killed by immigration agents on Saturday. Some held candles and flowers as people sang and a band played at the spot where he was killed. Harmonie Pirius, a registered nurse, said she had been feeling depressed, heartbroken and enraged and thought it would be good to get together with other medical professionals. It could have been any of us, she said. I mean, he was trying to help someone and thats kind of what were all about. Earlier, Vietnam veteran Donnie McMillan placed a cardboard sign reading In remembrance of my angel at a makeshift memorial for Pretti. McMillan said he remembered seeing Pretti during frequent visits to the Veterans Affairs hospital where he worked. The Department of Homeland Security said two federal agents involved in Prettis death have been on leave since the shooting happened. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, spoke to journalists one day after a man attacked her during a town hall meeting by squirting a strong-smelling substance at her as she denounced the Trump administration. What is unfolding in our state is not accidental. It is part of a coordinated effort to target Black and brown, immigrant and Muslim communities through fear, racial profiling and intimidation, Omar said. This administrations immigration agenda is not about law enforcement it is about making people feel they do not belong. A new Fox News poll has some devastating news for President Donald Trump. The survey found that a majority of voters disapprove of how the president is handling immigration and that a growing number of voters view the tactics used by ICE as too aggressive. Those are the findings even though more than half of the voters surveyed approve of the job that Trump is doing overall on border security. The results come as the White House is under increasing pressure over the killing of two protestors by ICE agents in separate incidents in Minneapolis. The survey showed that 59% of voters think ICE is being too aggressive, a 10-point increase in that sentiment since last July. The perception of ICE as being too aggressive is up 14 points among Whites without a college degree; 19 points among moderates, and 22 points among independents. A similar shift is seen among right-leaning voters, including Trump voters (+9 more aggressive), Republican women (+14), and non-MAGA Republicans (+23). There is also disagreement about how well ICE is carrying out its core mission, with 29% of voters saying that ICEs enforcement practices almost always reflect Trumps pledge to focus on illegal immigrants with criminal records; 25% thinking that that alignments happens most of the time; 19% saying sometimes, and 27% saying not very often. The poll found that 52% of voters approve of Trumps handling of border security overall, which is up 1 point from 51% in December, but down from a record high of 57% approval in September. Currently, 44% approve of Trumps overall job performance, while 56% disapprove. Those are the same ratings that the president received in December. The poll was conducted last Friday through Monday. ICE agents shot and killed anti-ICE protestor Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. Republicans worried about their partys prospects in this years midterm elections have a new target: Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The Daily Mail reports that Latino Republicans believe that the GOP will lose the midterm elections because of Hispanic rage over President Donald Trumps immigration policies and ICE raids. I do think that [Trump] will lose the midterms because of Stephen Miller, state Senator Ileana Garcia told the New York Times. Garcia looks to lose her swing-district seat this fall. Miller is at the forefront of administration efforts to mass deport those in the United States illegally. Garcia said that she had been doxxed after slamming Harris. Why have we become everything weve criticized? Im not afraid of you, Stephen Miller, Garcia said. Trump has come in for intense criticism after ICE agents killed two protestors in separate incidents in Minnesota. Polls show that many Americans, including Trump supporters, think that the White House is going too far in its crackdown in immigration. U.S. Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar have held off on calling for Miller or Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be ousted, but are concerned about how the GOP will fare in the midterms. I warned about this months ago, before the headlines caught up. Today we are watching it unfold in real time, Salazar wrote on X. Hispanics are leaving the GOP in large numbers, and pretending otherwise wont fix it. She urged the GOP to reverse course and act now. Gimenez said hes conveyed to the Trump administration that there has to be a better way to do this when it comes to illegal immigration. And also, this is politically, its hurting our chances at the midterm. And Im just being frank about it, Gimenez said. Trumps huge gains with Hispanic voters in the 2024 election helped vault him into the White House. President Donald Trump got a resounding, two-word answer when he floated Sen. Ted Cruzs name for a seat on the Supreme Court. Hell no, Cruz responded, according to the Daily Mail. The Texas Republican was in the crowd for Trumps address on Wednesday at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The president from the podium praised Cruz as a brilliant legal mind. Hes a brilliant man, Trump said. If I nominate him for the United States Supreme Court, I will get 100 percent of the vote. The president said, The Democrats will vote for him because they want him to get the hell out, and the Republicans will vote for him because they want to get him the hell out too. Appearing shortly afterward on the Ruthless Podcast, Cruz was asked about Trumps remarks. No, just no, Cruz said. The senator added: Hell no. Trump couldnt nominate Cruz for the Supreme Court even if he wanted to because there are no vacancies on the high court at the moment. Cruz is seen as a potential 2028 GOP candidate for president, which would put him on a collision course with another likely candidate: Vice President JD Vance. Cruz ran against Trump in the GOP primaries in 2016. It was reported earlier this week that Cruz had slammed Trump and Vance while speaking privately to donors. Mr. President, if we get to November of [2026] and peoples 401(k)s are down 30% and prices are up 1020% at the supermarket, were going to go into Election Day, face a bloodbath, the senator told the donors of a meeting he attended with Trump, per Axios. Youre going to lose the House, youre going to lose the Senate, youre going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week, Cruz said. Trump was not happy with Cruzs comments, saying, Fk you, Ted. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Donald Trump had previously misspoken while defending his campaign to acquire Greenland and critics are pouncing. While testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Rubio answered questions for the first time since a U.S. military operation in Venezuela led to the capturing of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. He said that the former regime represented an untenable situation, telling lawmakers that the United States does not intend nor expect to take any further military action at this time. At one point, Rubio was asked a question by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) about the presidents desire to acquire Greenland, which was renewed in the days following the raid. Kaine pointed to an instance last week when Trump said Iceland instead of Greenland four times while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me. They called me daddy, right? Last time, Trump said, referencing a previous nickname from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. About a minute later, Trump claimed that they are not there for us on Iceland, that I can tell you. I mean, our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland, Trump said. So Icelands already cost us a lot of money. During the hearing, Kaine asked Rubio directly: The president repeatedly mistook Iceland for Greenland, right? Were not mad at Iceland ... the president just mistook the two countries for each other, correct? Yeah, he meant to say Greenland, but I think were all familiar with presidents that have verbal stumbles, Rubio said, appearing to take a jab at former President Joe Biden. Weve had presidents like that before. Some made a lot more than this one. After some reporters and critics noted the presidents mistake, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly hopped on the defense, responding to NewsNations Libbey Dean, who posted on X that Trump appeared to mix up Greenland and Iceland around three times. No he didnt, [Libbey], Leavitt replied. His written remarks referred to Greenland as a piece of ice because thats what it is. Youre the only one mixing anything up here. Leavitts post has since been marked with a community note, with X users claiming that she is not telling the truth. A number of Trumps critics quickly pummeled Leavitt following the exchange with Rubio. Rubio calls Karoline Leavitt a liar, the progressive network MeidasTouch wrote in response, though Rubio did not use the label directly. So the Press Secretary wasnt on the level here? another user asked. Shocking. Democratic congressional candidate Fred Wellman added: Swing and a miss, Marco! Better luck next time. Trump told reporters last week that he would announce details of a compromise in two weeks related to the future of Greenland, which falls under the boundaries of Denmark, a NATO ally. His deadline came one day after he announced a framework of a deal with the NATO alliance, without providing any details. Trump called a potential proposal infinite, adding that it will be a deal thats forever. Rubio said during Wednesdays hearing that were in a good place right now with Greenland. He noted that there is a professional process underway that will result in a good outcome for everybody. Trump has faced fierce resistance from officials in both Greenland and Denmark, who have argued that the semi-autonomous Arctic territory is not for sale. The president, however, has frequently maintained that ownership over the island, home to critical rare earth minerals, is necessary for national security, while warning against Russia or China occupying it in the future. In his announcement of a framework, Trump also pointed to his proposed Golden Dome, a missile defense system that he has previously teased will be operating before the end of his term in 2029. Because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China hopes the United States can take an objective and rational perception of China, a defense ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, calling on the U.S. side to stop hyping up the so-called "China military threat." Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the recently released U.S. 2026 National Defense Strategy. The document, released by the U.S. Department of War, states that the United States will deter China in the Asia-Pacific through strength, not confrontation, and seek a wider range of military-to-military communications with the Chinese People's Liberation Army to maintain strategic stability with China and allow for a decent peace. The document also says the U.S. will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain. "Facts have proven that any attempt to contain or block China is doomed to fail," Jiang said. Noting that following the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the right approach for China and the U.S. to deal with each other, Jiang said China is willing to work with the U.S. side to promote steady development of bilateral relations while resolutely safeguarding its own sovereignty, security and development interests. He called on the U.S. to stop inciting bloc confrontation, stop saying one thing while doing the opposite on issues concerning China's core interests, and make concrete efforts to promote sound and steady development of relations between the two militaries. Advertisement Exclusive BusinessCompaniesEnergy Dud project: How Andrew Forrests green dreams cost taxpayers $80m Eryk Bagshaw and Nick Toscano January 30, 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 Billionaire Andrew Forrests flagship green hydrogen factory cost Australian taxpayers $80 million while his company spruiked its successes to foreign investors, only to abandon the project months later. New documents highlight a sharp disconnect between the mining magnates optimistic projections of his prospects for producing emissions-free hydrogen in Australia at scale and the major commercial hurdles that stand in the way of such projects becoming viable, even with massive taxpayer subsidies. Andrew Forrest and Fortescues Gladstone hydrogen project. Marija Ercegovac Fortescue Metals Group, the ASX-listed iron ore miner founded and chaired by Forrest, has so far repaid $20 million of the $100 million dispersed by state and federal governments for the failed project, but is still being pursued for $66 million by the Queensland government, which has labelled it a vanity project. The documents also reveal representatives from the Moroccan OCP Group visited the Gladstone hydrogen electrolyser in December 2024, six months after OCP board member and Moroccan energy minister Leila Benali and Forrest were reportedly photographed kissing in Paris. Benali denied any connection to the person in the photo. Delegations from CS Energy and Santos also visited the site. Advertisement Andrew Forrest was reportedley pictured kissing Moroccan politician Leila Benali in a Paris park in the historic Marais district in April 2024. Daily Mail The Moroccan Competition Council approved a joint venture between OCP and Fortescue to establish four major projects in Morocco in April 2024 after the federal and Queensland governments pledged $137 million for the Gladstone hydrogen technology plant in 2023. Fortescue contributed $228 million to the project. But the Australian plant was suddenly mothballed in May 2025, just months after Fortescue said the project had reached all of its milestones and was testing hydrogen electrolysers, which it had vowed would create a new export industry for Australia. The documents, released under freedom of information laws, show that after the government-funded construction, the plant tested hydrogen electrolysers for just seven weeks, costing taxpayers an estimated $14 million for each week of testing. Green hydrogen technology is central to Forrests push to diversify Fortescues mining-dominated business into products needed to decarbonise the economy, with plans to produce the emissions-free fuel source in Australia, Brazil, Norway and Morocco. Hydrogen electrolysers split water into hydrogen and oxygen, allowing the hydrogen to be extracted emissions-free if powered by renewable energy. In theory, green hydrogen could be used to replace coal, gas and oil in industries that generate high levels of fossil-fuel pollution, such as steel production or heavy transport. Advertisement Industry Minister Tim Ayres said in September he would pursue the company for the public money that went into the project. Under the terms of this grant, the grantee is required to use project assets funded by the grant for a designated purpose, to ensure those assets are not left unused, used for any other purpose or otherwise disposed of during a designated period, he said. A Department of Industry spokesperson confirmed Fortescue repaid $20 million of the $33 million dispersed from the original federal government grant in November. Part of the project involved building a hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing facility. This facility was built and delivered by Fortescue, the spokesperson said. Advertisement There was also significant eligible expenditure on labour and supplies throughout construction. But the Queensland government is still chasing $66 million in taxpayer funding that it paid to the company. The company recorded $5 billion in profits last financial year the same amount it paid in Australian taxes and royalties. Forrests companies, including Fortescue, Minderoo and Tattarang, have $17 billion in investments underway in Queensland. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Jamila Filippone Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie demanded Fortescue repay the taxpayer funding in August, describing the Gladstone site as a vanity project and a terrible deal. Fortescues chief executive, Dino Otranto, said Fortescue was taking a risk attempting to build a new industry from scratch. The company spent $38 million on infrastructure, local labour and supplies from the grant. Advertisement We shouldnt expect those who take on the challenge of building something new to go at it alone its a co-investment in Australias economic growth, said Otranto. The documents also show Fortescue scrambling to locate Forrest as it attempted to arrange a call with Queensland Liberal Premier David Crisafulli following Queenslands decision to launch legal action. Forrest told Crisafulli he was reassured that the state government would maintain a constructive and positive relationship with his companies despite Fortescue announcing it would shut down the plant and lay off 90 workers. I remain strongly committed to supporting the state of Queensland and was encouraged by your assurances regarding your governments intention to maintain a constructive and positive relationship with the entities I lead, Forrest wrote to Crisafulli in September. Advertisement I appreciate you making time Andrew, Crisafulli responded. Please keep in touch. DC But relations between the Queensland government and Fortescue have since soured. Bleijie, the deputy premier, said the Queensland government was still negotiating to recover tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that were poured into this dud project and blamed the former Labor state government for approving it. Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli government respects Queenslanders money and we expect proponents to pay back what they owe when they dont deliver. Advertisement Otranto said the government decided where to invest taxpayers money. The reality is not every investment delivers immediately, and there are setbacks, he said. What matters is backing those with the ambition to try and the track record of delivering real value for the nation. A Fortescue spokesperson said the company hoped to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Fortescue will return funds where required under the grant agreement, the spokesperson said. Electrolyser components stacked in automated production line at Fortescues Green Energy Facility in Gladstone. AFR Advertisement Touted by Fortescue as the future of energy, green hydrogen has been beset by hurdles, driven by the high cost of production, and a lack of delivery infrastructure and guaranteed supply. Foreign, federal and state governments have been pouring billions of dollars into becoming a leading supplier of green hydrogen. However, major barriers to the technologys viability remain, the biggest of which is that it still costs much more to make than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, and not enough customers are yet willing to pay the green premium. Its a long way from being the magical fuel that was going to fuel everything, said Alison Reeve, the energy director at the Grattan Institute, an independent think tank. Electricity is better, is the short answer. Electricity is more efficient. So to run a truck on hydrogen, for example, you turn green electricity into green hydrogen, and then you put that in whats called a fuel cell, and you turn it back into electricity to run the truck, and you lose a chunk of the energy at each stage of that process. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Renewables An Australian powerhouse tried to kill a start-up. It failed Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Fortescue has abandoned its goal to produce 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen a year by 2030 and shuttered Gladstone and a US plant in Arizona in May, laying the blame on the Trump administration for pausing grant payments, and uncertain market conditions. However, the company says it is not giving up and maintains that green hydrogen will be an essential fuel in a greener world. Forrest, who has previously described green hydrogen sceptics as muppets, told world leaders at Davos last week that he had plans for a cheaper new form of hydrogen, but said he was not yet in a position to discuss it publicly. The company has received more than $343 million in funding from the European Union for the Holmaneset Project in Norway, and says it is investing in the $5 billion Pecem project in Brazil. Advertisement Reeve said the industry would remain dependent on public subsidies. Every new technology development that we have, regardless of what field were talking about, has had some level of taxpayer-funded research at the early stage, and probably taxpayer-funded early commercialisation as well, she said. Leila Benali, Moroccos energy minister. Bloomberg Hydrogen is not going to be any different, and thats because there are lots of risks at that stage that stuff wont work, and the private sector is not going to take those risks by themselves. Forrest told Davos that his company was not filled with senseless greenies. Advertisement Were hard-edged businesspeople with an understanding of the planet, he said, declaring that Fortescues iron ore operations would have real-zero emissions by the end of the decade by removing diesel trucks and firming its power with batteries. Related Article Blood Oil This should ring alarm bells: Twiggy Forrest demands an end to Russian oil loopholes in Australia Id just say this to the world, renewable energy on a 24/7 base load basis, to be proved by my company within three years, he said. While Forrest was in Davos, Benali was in Saudi Arabia at a mining ministers meeting, where she pitched Morocco as a green corridor connecting West Africa to the rest of the world. The photograph of Forrest and Benali reportedly kissing threw the spotlight on the pair a year after the billionaire split with his wife of 31 years, Nicola. Advertisement Benalis Ministry of Energy described the publication of the Paris kiss photograph by The Daily Mail and The Australian as offensive and claimed it was part of a campaign to defame her. It is a form of revenge and targeting by interest groups on the grounds of its failure to achieve certain gains and objectives, she said in a statement in 2024. Forrest and Benali did not respond to requests for comment about their personal lives. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. CLARIFICATION This story has been updated with an additional quote from Fortescue submitted after publication about their intention to return funds when required under the grant agreement. The updated story also clarifies that the $17 billion in investments underway in Queensland are across Fortescue, Minderoo and Tattarang, and that the hydrogen electrolysers cost taxpayers $14 million per week of testing, not operations. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Gold Fields, Great Southern reload for big Queensland gold hunt Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright January 29, 2026 8:33pm 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 Mining giant Gold Fields Limited is getting ready to fire up the rigs again at Great Southern Minings vast Edinburgh Park project in north Queensland, with drilling set to restart after the north Queensland wet season. In particular, near-term excitement is building around the Mt Dillon prospect, where IP geophysical surveys have outlined a large, high-chargeability anomaly sitting a few hundred metres below surface. Great Southern Minings Megan Veins target area, where two outcrops reveal (left) laminated and stockwork quartz veins and (right) strongly hydrothermally altered dolerite. Prior to Gold Fields farming into the project, Great Southern had already identified more than 25 high priority targets across the extensive 1560-square-kilometre land package. However, it was Mt Dillon that stood head and shoulders above the other prospects, with the company believing the anomaly might be linked to sulphides in a preserved intrusive system. Advertisement Given the scale of the project and the number of targets identified, exploration across this vast project is still in its infancy. Great Southern Mining managing director Matthew Keane And now, the great day to put its theory to the test, is close at hand. Mt Dillon is a topographic high featuring a silicified lithocap a resistant cap that has protected the peak from erosion coupled with intense alteration, exactly the kind of geological lid that has been identified above major gold-copper systems elsewhere in the world. Drilling is due to kick off after the north Queensland wet season, likely around March or April, and initial plans are to punch at least two deep diamond holes straight through the heart of the IP anomaly and below it. When Gold Fields farmed into the project two years ago, Great Southern agreed to allow the major to earn a 75 per cent stake in its land in exchange for up to A$15 million in expenditure over six years. So far, it has already spent the minimum $2 million hurdle. Advertisement The partnership was formed specifically to chase large-scale epithermal and intrusion-related gold systems (IRGS) - the sort that can rapidly grow from a fleeting, easily missed indication on a map into a massive gold operation. Great Southern Mining managing director Matthew Keane said: 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting year for the Edinburgh Park JV. We are highly encouraged by the evidence of large-scale epithermal systems present in at least two of the target areas drilled to date. Multiple targets within Edinburgh Park display the attributes required for large-scale gold systems, including deep seated structures with pervasive hydrothermal alteration from surface and coincident geochemical anomalies. The massive project sits in elite geological company, rubbing shoulders with heavyweights like the 4-million-ounce Ravenswood operation, the legendary multi-million-ounce Mt Leyshon deposit, and Evolution Minings former Mt Carlton gold mine just down the road. This latest planned diamond drilling campaign marks a second crack at Edinburgh by the partners following last years field season that saw six diamond holes drilled across three key targets - Leichhardt Creek, Molongle and Megan Veins - for a total of 2955.6 metres. While the first assays from Leichhardt Creek didnt deliver economic grades, the thick zones of quartz-sulphide veining and strong hydrothermal alteration that were intercepted are arguably just as important at this early stage. Advertisement Such characteristics indicate classic plumbing for a big mineralised system and are a solid hint that the geologists are homing in on a material target, potentially an intrusion-related gold system (IRGS). These are large-scale gold deposits genetically linked to felsic igneous intrusions, which typically exhibit specific metal fingerprints including bismuth, tellurium, arsenic, molybdenum and tungsten. Edinburgh Park is prospective for high and low epithermal gold-silver systems, as well as porphyry-related gold-copper systems. The three holes at Leichardt successfully intercepted a variety of supportive mineralisation indicators, including quartz-pyrite veining, intense hydrothermal alteration, molybdenum, and elevated silver and base-metal signatures. Those signatures strongly support the companys modelling, which it views as encouraging for other proposed targets in the north of the project area. Importantly, assays are still pending from the remaining three drill holes at the companys Molongle and Megan Veins targets. Advertisement Molongle already features surface rock chip results grading up to 5.27g/t gold and sits in strongly altered volcanic rocks typical of epithermal systems, while shallow drilling in 1989 yielded runs of 24m at 9.36g/t gold from surface and 18m at 0.34g/t gold from 12m. Megan Veins has also yielded historic rock chips with up to 10.55g/t gold and shows classic gold-silver-base-metal veining and strong signature alteration, suggesting a nearby gold-silver late-stage epithermal system or an expression of a porphyry system lying a bit further away. If assays from either Molongle or Megan Veins come good in the lab, the market could start paying much closer attention. With more geophysics and geochemistry underway to generate fresh targets across the broader project, Edinburgh Park is still in what management calls its infancy. When a project shows the kind of geological signals that hint at multi-million-ounce potential, like Edinburgh Park is starting to do, patience becomes part of the investment thesis. Advertisement The market often wants instant discovery holes and overnight re-rates, but the truth is these giant systems usually reveal themselves slowly - through multiple drill campaigns, plenty of metres in the ground and a growing understanding of the geology with each hole. However, with Gold Fields funding the heavy lifting and several large-scale mineral systems already emerging, Great Southern has the luxury of time to do the exploration properly exactly whats needed to give a genuine province-scale hunt the thorough work it deserves. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Golden Dragon consolidates prime WA goldfield Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Michael Busbridge January 29, 2026 7:52pm 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 Golden Dragon Mining has doubled down on its gold bet in Western Australias fertile Murchison Goldfields by consolidating 600 square kilometres of prime, underexplored tenure into a single, centralised landholding known as the Cue gold project. Notably, the broader district is an infrastructure-rich, tier one mining jurisdiction that has played host to more than 35 million ounces of gold. Golden Dragon Mining undertaking the companys initial drilling program at Coodardy. The land consolidation has brought together previously fragmented tenures into a single, coherent exploration package along strike from some serious gold pedigree. Westgold Resources massive Big Bell gold mine, with approximately 2.3 million ounces lurking within its combined resource base, sits just down the road, while the historic Cuddingwarra mining centre, also held by Westgold, has produced about 780,000 ounces of gold at 2.1 grams per tonne. Advertisement Prior to Golden Dragons consolidation efforts, the ground had been carved up by multiple explorers, leaving a patchwork of small, isolated tenements. Exploration was often piecemeal, with programs stopping at boundaries and lacking a consistent, district-wide approach. Golden Dragon believes it has a winning strategy. By tidying up the land position first, the company has been able to use modern drilling and exploration technologies to cast a more refined and focused exploration net across the grounds. The new approach appears to be paying some early dividends, too, with some old prospects that contain significant historic intersections suddenly vying for attention. For example, a cluster of results at one of the companys prospects called Bering Bore previously hit 8m at 7.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 12m at 5.4g/t gold and 8m at 5.8g/t gold within a small mining lease. Intriguingly, the drill hole collars from these holes finished at the old tenement boundary, potentially leaving significant upside on the table. With the adjacent lease now in Golden Dragons hands as part of its consolidation, the company now has a contiguous land package to run down, allowing it to follow up the results and other extensional drill targets more fully. Advertisement Since listing in October last year, Golden Dragon has hit the ground running, completing its first RC drill program at Bering Bore, with drilling assays now due in February. The company also has a pipeline of drill-ready targets at other historical prospects across Coodardy. These include Curtis Find, where past drilling returned 3m at 11.2g/t gold and Piston, which delivered a broader 24m intersection grading 0.9g/t gold. Many of the prospects have seen only sporadic follow-up and remain open in multiple directions and at depth. The Cue project sits just sixty kilometres north-west of the town of Cue and is surrounded by operating processing plants, including Westgolds Tuckabianna Mill and Ramelius Mount Magnet operations. Should Golden Dragon hit pay dirt, the potential for a lucrative toll treatment agreement with nearby operators highlights a practical commercialisation pathway for the company. Major shear zones in the area appear to be strongly influencing the distribution of gold mineralisation within the Murchison Goldfield. The Big Bell and Cuddingwarra gold mines sit adjacent to the northeast-southwest striking Big Bell shear and the Cuddingwarra shear, highlighting the importance of both of these regional structures. Both the Big Bell and Cuddingwarra shears extend more than sixty kilometres based on aerial magnetic images and run through the western portion of the Golden Dragon tenement package. Given both structures are linked to gold mineralisation along their strike lengths, they offer clear and compelling opportunities for the company, with strong potential for new gold discoveries on largely underexplored ground. Advertisement The Emily Wells shear is a third regionally significant shear zone that transects the eastern half of the tenements. Prospects such as Stockyard East and Jeffery Well are proximal to the shear and hold untapped potential as illustrated by historical intersections including 8m at 5.77g/t gold and 5m grading 5.0g/t gold. Notably, substantial portions of Coodardy appear to be concealed beneath transported cover of varying thicknesses, including extensive and often deep palaeo drainage channels. These underexplored zones commonly sit above easily weathered major shear structures, presenting further opportunity for new discoveries. Adding to the projects credentials, two volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VMS) horizons, known as the Wattagee and Emily Well horizons, bisect Golden Dragons eastern tenements at Coodardy. Mapping by Esso Exploration and Eastmet Minerals Ltd in the early 1970s discovered several gossanous outcrops rich in zinc and copper near Wattagee Well, 30km north of Cue. Esso hit significant grades of zinc-copper sulphide mineralisation in diamond drilling, returning a best result of 3m grading 7.5 per cent zinc and 0.42 per cent copper from 228m. Another hole jagged 3m grading 4.68 per cent zinc and 0.7 per cent copper from 164m, with anomalous gold evident in assays. Advertisement These historic base metals intersections provide a significant exploration opportunity for Golden Dragon, as VMS deposits can typically occur in clusters, containing extensions down dip and along strike within distinct volcanic stratigraphic horizons. While the historic drilling focused on base metals, the geological setting near a major shear zone and the sporadic gold recorded are considered prospective for orogenic gold mineralisation. To further diversify its commodity pipeline, Golden Dragon has acquired the Stella Range project, a single granted exploration licence located in the northeast corner of WAs Eastern Goldfields. Considered prospective for primary nickel sulphide mineralisation, secondary exploration targets there also include nickel laterite, gold, rare earth elements and platinum group elements. Several years ago, St George Mining and BHP conducted geophysical surveys and drilling over the Irwin Hills-Stella Range greenstone belt. A follow up drilling program unearthed disseminated and veinlet nickel-sulphide mineralisation in favourable komatiitic rock types. At the time, BHP believed the komatiites were compositionally similar to those of the fertile Agnew Wiluna belt, which hosts world-class sulphide nickel deposits such as BHPs Mt Keith and Perseverance mines. Advertisement Golden Dragon has reviewed this work and identified multiple nickel-sulphide and PGE targets warranting follow-up exploration. With the rods already turning and assays pending, Golden Dragon has quickly shifted from land consolidator to active explorer in one of Australias most proven gold belts. Backed by district-scale ground that appears to have strong geologically controlling structures and multiple walk-up targets, the company now has the ingredients and logistical advantages to chase a meaningful discovery - and potentially fast-track any success in a region built on gold. And with the gold price seemingly unstoppable, up more than 25 per cent this month to its current lofty price of US$5564 (A$7869) per ounce, the company is letting the reins out at just the right time. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Venus taps experts to unlock value in WA mineral portfolio Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright January 29, 2026 6:25pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Venus Metals Corporation has kicked off a formal strategic review of its portfolio and has engaged a top corporate gun, Sydney-based amicaa Advisors to initiate a formal strategic review of the companys Western Australian mineral assets. As a renowned consultant, amicaa has a strong reputation as a boutique investment management and corporate advisory company with extensive experience in mineral resources, particularly in Australia. Venus Metals owns a 1% net smelter royalty over the Youanmi gold mine and is a substantial shareholder of Rox Resources Ltd, which is driving the mines development. The review is expected to sift through various options to maximise shareholder value, from asset deals to broader strategic or structural plays. A standout asset for Venus is its one per cent royalty over Rox Resources two-million-ounce Youanmi gold project, which was independently valued at $40 million as recently as December. Advertisement The Venus Board is confident in Venus unique portfolio of assets, their value and their future potential. Venus Metals Corporation managing director Matthew Hogan If Youanmi moves into construction and production as planned, that royalty could transform from a paper valuation into a steady stream of cash that lands in Venus bank account without the company having to lift a shovel. A second significant consideration, on top of that royalty valuation, is Venus hefty 50 million-share stake in Rox Resources, the company driving Youanmi forward. That holding is worth about $30 million at Roxs recent 60 cents share price, representing a significant liquid stake in a developer heading towards a potential final investment decision and construction start in the coming quarters. Linking the inherent values of those two assets gives Venus around $70 million of positive exposure tied directly to Youanmi and that is without taking the value of the rest of Venus extensive exploration ground across gold, base metals and specialty minerals in WA. Advertisement This is where the timing of the strategic review gets interesting. Venus is currently in the sights of an unsolicited on-market takeover bid from Queensland-based QGold, which has made a final offer of 21 cents a share for the company. Not surprisingly, the board says the offer values the company at about $41.5 million, with absolutely no premium and significantly undervaluing the entirety of its combined assets. Notably, the highly opportunistic bid is slated to close tomorrow, Friday, 30 January. However, by launching a strategic review at this time, Venus is effectively putting up a big under new valuation sign for the market, which might also serve as a potential bulwark against other future opportunists who might sally forth with lances lowered in the hope of spearing easy fish. Venus Metals Corporation managing director Matthew Hogan said: Venus decision to complete a Strategic Review is an important step in the Boards ongoing focus on value maximisation for all shareholders. In light of the current on-market takeover offer by QGold Pty Ltd, with an implied value of approximately $41.49m, which the Venus Board considers to be highly opportunistic and not reflective of the underlying value of Venus, the Venus Board is confident in Venus unique portfolio of assets, their value and their future potential. Advertisement The planned review by amicaa Advisors will explore the full range of possible asset sales, spin-offs, joint ventures, or even broader corporate transactions that could unlock more value than the current share price suggests. Importantly, no decisions have been made yet, and there are no guarantees that any particular deal will emerge from the process. In fact, the review could even confirm the companys current strategies, holdings, valuations, and position. By embarking on a formal, detailed analysis and possible rationalisation of its entire portfolio, Venus is signalling that it senses there is a disconnect between market perception and asset reality. For punters, this appears to be a classic resources play laced with plenty of potential upside. A company with substantial assets, a potentially lucrative royalty and a strategic stake in a near-term gold developer is bringing in experts to unlock hidden value. With the gold price still flexing its muscle and development assets back in style, Venus timing may prove to be just as valuable as the rocks it has in the ground. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Navy and China Coast Guard (CCG) will defend national sovereignty and guarantee peace in the South China Sea, said a defense spokesperson on Thursday. "We will continue to fulfill our duty of safeguarding China's maritime territory and make concrete efforts to uphold a maritime community with a shared future," Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a press conference in response to a relevant query. The Chinese Navy and CCG rescued 17 Filipino crew members from a ship accident near China's Huangyan Dao on Jan. 22 and handed them over to the Philippine side on Jan. 25, Jiang said. However, certain Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson blatantly used this humanitarian act as a tool for malicious propaganda, which is utterly mean and shameful, he said. "We will contribute more to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," he said. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outEating out The grapes on the ceiling are back: Chinese Noodle House reopens in Haymarket The institutions original owners have returned to the Chinatown site with new dishes, old favourites and more seats. Scott Bolles January 30, 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 Fans of Chinese Noodle Houses handmade noodles and braised eggplant can relax. The Chinatown institution is reopening on Sunday, February 1, with the venues original owners at the helm. The modest Thomas Street eatery closed last year after a statement was posted in the window: Chinese Noodle House will officially come to an end in December. It has been our honour and pleasure to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your companionship along the way. Susanna Chen and Xinjiang Sun in front of Chinese Noodle House, Haymarket. Louie Douvis Long queues ensued for a final visit to the store run by Eric Zhang and his mother-in-law Jin Hua Wang for the past 10 years. If the world is against Chinese Noodle House, then I am against the world, one Instagram user wrote. Whats the point of anything? asked another. But now husband-and-wife restaurateurs Xinjiang Sun and Susanna Chen are returning to the Quay Street restaurant a decade after they sold the business, while remaining landlords of the site. Advertisement Were calling it Chinese Noodle House TG2, Chen said. TG2 is the shop number, which theyve added to the name to distinguish it from the plethora of similarly named noodle houses across Sydney. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Chinese Noodle House is most often confused with Chinese Noodle Restaurant, which is only a few doors away. Both are commonly referred to as the grapes-on-the-ceiling place (the hanging plastic fruit is a traditional indicator of owners from North-West China) and both offer similar menus. Chinese Noodle Restaurant in 2013. Sahlan Hayes The two locations are linked by family, too. Xiao Tang Qin, a Chinese concert violinist who also pulled noodles by hand, and his wife Helen Sun opened Chinese Noodle House in 2007 as a spin-off to their Chinese Noodle Restaurant. Helen is the aunty to my husband, Xinjiang, Susanna Chen explained. Xinjiang worked at Chinese Noodle House when it opened and we took over in 2008. We ran it until we sold it in 2016. Advertisement Chen and her husband, who also run Newtowns Chinese Dumpling Master, purchased the TG2 property in 2010, and when the current lease was up for renewal last year, they opted to return to the site and operate Chinese Noodle House themselves. The couple have spruced up the interior with fresh paint, and new tables and chairs are en route (guests can expect borrowed mismatched furniture in the meantime). Importantly, the grapes on the ceiling are also coming back. The relaunched Chinese Noodle House will seat around 40 customers inside and out after expanding into the neighbouring space where a Singapore barbecue restaurant previously operated. Chinese Noodle House in November, just before closing under the former owners. Wolter Peeters Menu favourites such as the braised eggplant and signature noodles with fragrant spicy sauce are returning, but a handful of new dishes can also be expected, including wontons with Sichuan sauce, roast duck pancakes and duck fried rice. Chinatown has dramatically changed since the duo last operated Chinese Noodle House. Stalwarts such as Marigold, Golden Century and BBQ King have departed; the Darling Square development has led to more competing venues nearby; and the sprawling Hay St Market opened last year at Paddys. Advertisement Its quite different now, Chen said, noting one of the many changes shes seen is how competitive Chinatown has become, with pavement spruiking for restaurant customers now commonplace. But Chinatown is also in the midst of a $44 million revitalisation project, and according to City of Sydney data, Haymarket had the highest level of consumer spend across the LGAs neighbourhoods and high streets, supported by strong dining activity. The future for Chinatowns noodle houses and noodle restaurants looks promising. Open lunch and dinner daily TG2/8 Quay Street, Haymarket Related Article Untangling the full story behind why (and which) Chinese Noodle House is closing Advertisement Exclusive Eating outSeafood It should be bright and cheerful: Rick Steins guide to choosing the freshest seafood We took the British celebrity chef to the new Sydney Fish Market to get his verdict, plus tips on picking the freshest fish, prawns and oysters, and what to eat along the way. Erina Starkey January 29, 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 If theres one place Rick Stein cant fly under the radar, its a fish market. Minutes after stepping into the newly opened Sydney Fish Market on Wednesday morning, the British celebrity chef is spotted. Shoppers stop to say hello. Others whip out their phones for a photograph. He is just as familiar to the producers behind the stalls. Many have worked with him for years, supplying seafood to his NSW restaurants Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook and Port Stephens, and his new Sydney restaurant Rick Stein at Coogee Beach. This is Steins first visit to the $836 million precinct, which opened last week in Blackwattle Bay. After walking its aisles, he says hes impressed. Rick Stein visits the new Sydney Fish Markets for the first time. Dion Georgopoulos Advertisement On a morning like this in Sydney, with the sun shining, its just a beautiful market, he says. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Hes struck by the quality of the seafood on display, particularly the lobsters, prawns and coral trout. And the sashimi Im really knocked out by that, he says. Its a showcase of what is best in seafood. So for me, its a triumph. Here are Ricks tips on what to buy and eat, and how to get the most of your next visit. Loading How to order oysters Advertisement The Sydney Fish Markets hose down the oysters to remove dirt, grit and broken shells, but this also washes away the precious oyster liquor. However, at places that shuck oysters to order, such as Nicholas Seafood, you can ask for them to be dry-shucked instead. Dont wash your oysters before eating them, Stein says, as you lose that natural briny taste of the liquid that surrounds the oyster meat. Staff at Nicholas Seafood will shuck oysters to order. Choosing a crab Live mud crabs are readily available across the market, including at Claudios, where theyre kept in blue crates for easy handling. Their claws are very powerful, Stein says. But you dont need to fear a mud crab as long as its tied. He recommends picking them up by the back of the shell. It should feel heavy for its size, and the limbs should be nice and active. If its drooping, then its close to death and once it dies, it will go soft and mushy very quickly. Advertisement Stein is a fan of giant king crab legs, sold in striking, orange-hued bundles of long, slender limbs. There can be a lot of fiddliness getting the crab meat out of the claws and shell not so with these. Its so big it comes out in great, lovely chunks. One of the fishmongers at the Sydney Fish Market. Dominic Lorrimer Getting the freshest fish Stein is impressed by the overall freshness of the seafood, calling out the glistening, ruby-red tuna at GetFish, as well as its Cloudy Bay clams, served raw with lemon to eat on the spot. When choosing fillets, the first thing you want to look for is the colour, says Stein. It should be bright and cheerful. Anything that looks dull will taste dull, he says. Fillets should look moist, while whole fish should have a lustrous sheen. If in doubt, ask whats fresh and in season. Advertisement Rick Stein is impressed with the freshness of the prawns. Dominic Lorrimer Prawns: fresh or frozen? Everyone loves the prawns at the fish markets, Stein says. When you come in and see the enormous display of delicious orange prawns, you think, Ive got to have some of those. He points out the wide variety on offer at Claudios. Back home in the UK, people have no idea about the quality and variety of prawns you can get here. I could probably stand here for half an hour talking about how good these prawns are. As a rule, Stein prefers fresh prawns over frozen. But frozen doesnt mean second-rate, he says. Indeed, if youre buying uncooked prawns, they are probably better frozen because fresh prawns and fresh lobster dont last very long. Advertisement The Sydney Fish Market has seating indoors and out. Wolter Peeters What to eat Its never too early to eat seafood, says Stein, who considers sashimi the perfect breakfast food. While the market offers plenty of grab-and-go options, he prefers to select his own catch at GetFish and have it sliced to order. That way, its fresher, you get exactly what you want, and you can pay by the gram. His haul? Kingfish, toothfish, tuna and scallop. Youve got to have a scallop in there it just has this sweetness, and this flavour of the sea. Next, he tosses back a dry-shucked rock oyster from Nicholas Seafood. I just love Merimbula oysters theyre delicious, he says. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Every cafe, bakery, bar, pub and restaurant featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2026 in Central Victoria. See all stories . The first thing to know about the gourmet wonderland of Daylesford is that all roads physical and metaphorical lead to Winespeake Cellar and Deli. One of Victorias best-loved bottle shops, its stocked to the hilt with limited-edition local releases and worldly pleasures in equal measure. Fancy tinned fish and local cold cuts abound, too some even make delicious appearances in their outstanding toasties. Bring a market trolley, fill it with one of everything, pour it out on the lounge room carpet and have yourself an Airbnb picnic for ages. Also now in Anglesea. Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app. Advertisement Exclusive NationalIVF Donor sperm shortage and huge price increases put strain on womens pregnancy plans Wendy Tuohy January 29, 2026 11:55am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australian women requiring donor sperm to conceive will need to compete for a dramatically reduced number of donors and pay huge price increases for sperm because of what experts say was a snap government decision. Fertility specialists say a new interpretation of NSW law means women will be forced to travel interstate to find donors, worsening a long-standing sperm drought in Victoria and causing distressing delays beyond the existing one to two years. Belinda Murray has five frozen eggs and has been on a waiting list for donor sperm for two years. Wayne Taylor Clinicians including Fertility First medical director Dr Anne Clark say donor sperm supplies in NSW clinics are running out, especially from Caucasian donors (which many clients require), after the state government unexpectedly hardened its stance on how many women each donors sperm can inseminate. The industry previously understood that five women could be inseminated per donor (including the donors family) in NSW. However, the government says the rule actually refers to five women globally, meaning far fewer donors to go around in NSW. Advertisement Prices for imported sperm have since increased from about $1000-$2000 to tens of thousands of dollars. Some women are already turning to online groups in which men have been reported coercing women for sex, says consumer advocates. They warn that online groups offer no genetic or STI testing or caps on family numbers. We have no interest in what an interstate ART provider does in their own state. Peter Robinson, of the NSW Ministry of Health, in an email to Fertility First asking about exporting gametes beyond the NSW five-family per donor limit. Clark said fertility chains relied on long-standing specialist legal advice that the five women per sperm donor rule in NSW legislation meant five in the state. Given the Australia-wide shortage of local donors, this understanding allows imported sperm to be used in other countries or Australian states, which has been the case in practice. States and territories have inconsistent donor-limits, but eastern states other than NSW allow 10. Advertisement Clark said NSW Health determined with no notice last September that the law, which does not spell out if the context is statewide or worldwide, applied globally. This threw treatment into chaos as women were told existing embryos could not be implanted (before they were eventually exempted), and caused prices from world sperm banks to hike. Donor limits in each state or territory ACT: Five families in the ACT or 10 families Australia-wide NSW: Five women Northern Territory: No limit Queensland: 10 families (from mid to late 2026) South Australia: 10 families Tasmania: No limit Victoria: 10 women (women in same-sex relationships can use the same donor for genetic siblings, and existing families can use more than one surrogate for genetic siblings) Western Australia: Five families It has essentially meant all [fertility] units had run out of donors before December, unless women are prepared to pay $35,000-$65,000 or use a donor that did not match their ethnicity a few of those are still available, she said. So the options are to remain childless, be on a long waiting list while fertility, and the chance of having the family size they wanted, is significantly reduced, go to another state for treatment Or use one of the online unregulated social media sites. Advertisement Victorian women are also affected because the donor supply there is so limited, some [used to] elect to come to NSW to have treatment in a more timely way, said Clark. Related Article Exclusive Healthcare The sperm donor loophole that led to 27 half-siblings NSW Health took action late last year against Monash IVF for using sperm a donor for a patient in Victoria and four in NSW, which according to legal advice provided by fertility lawyer Stephen Page is within the law. Page says nothing in the legislation or its speeches specifies a global donor limit. This appears to be supported by a 2021 email exchange seen by this masthead between Fertility First laboratory manager Tracie Jacobs and Peter Robinson, from the regulation and compliance unit in NSW Healths legal and regulatory services branch. Advertisement Jacobs asks Robinson if two patients whose embryos were created using donor sperm can legally give embryos to families at another clinic in another state given the donors had reached the NSW five-family limit. Robinson replies: I assume that you are intending to facilitate the export of gametes or embryos from NSW to another jurisdiction which has their own requirement about ART [assisted reproductive technology] treatment. Dr Anne Clark gave a recent talk outlining the risks of women using unregulated sperm donors they sourced online. Anne Clark We have no interest in what an interstate ART provider does in their own state. Clark said all IVF providers in NSW had notified the department for years about the donor identity, including overseas donors whose sperm was used here and internationally, of every baby and that we all took independent legal opinion, and all of us were operating under the same concept [five per donor in NSW] since the law came in in 2016. Advertisement But a spokesperson for NSW Health said it took action last year because it became aware that one clinic [Monash] had incorrectly interpreted the five women limit ... as only applying within NSW, rather than a limit that applied worldwide. As a result, some women were informed by that ART provider that their treatment would be temporarily paused while a review of donor allocations and patient records was conducted to identify affected patients. NSW Health has consistently and openly stated that the limit in section 27 is a worldwide limit. This is on its website, and ART providers in NSW have been reminded they must not provide ART treatment to a woman if the treatment is likely to result in offspring of the donor being born to more than five women whether in NSW or elsewhere, including overseas. Its action coincided with national scrutiny of the industry after Monash IVF mixed up two embryos, resulting in one woman giving birth to a strangers baby. This followed revelations in 2024 that donor limits had been so badly policed by IVF providers in the 1980s that one woman conceived by donor sperm had hundreds of half-siblings. Advertisement Michelle Galea, chair of Assisted Reproductive Treatment Families Australia, said the NSW action was likely to push waiting times from one to two years to up to four. This is going to force people to the unregulated market, these bad Facebook groups [with members] who are coercing women and grooming them sexually, said Galea, who is also on the Victorian governments Donor Conceived Advisory Group. We will start seeing IVF tourism coming to Victoria because it will be cheaper and the wait list in NSW is going to go through the roof. Dr Petra Wale, president of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, said this highlighted the need for national, unified laws on donor limits, which it suggested in its 10-Year Fertility Roadmap, penned in 2024 by former health minister Greg Hunt. We were already very clearly calling for a national, consistent approach to fertility care, including donor conception, Wale said. Advertisement When access is restricted at a state level, the predictable outcome is going to be longer wait times; tighter allocation pressures arent combined to one state they will affect availability and wait times across Australia. Patients should not experience different costs, delays or access because of where they live, and national laws should be prioritised by state and federal governments, Wale said. Dr Lynn Burmeister says sperm donors should be paid at least a nominal amount in Australia to help recruit more. James Brickwood Prominent Melbourne fertility specialist Lynn Burmeister said there is a sperm drought in Victoria and I would say now in NSW as well, and that registered donors should be paid nominally to boost incentive. The Australian Law Reform Commission has suggested there should be payments for surrogates, a minimal amount, and that should also happen for sperm and egg donors, Burmeister said. Advertisement Most people are not coming forward donating sperm because theres no financial incentive: they have to have a blood test, counselling, go to clinic, and it does take time and is a big investment. Related Article Exclusive IVF More women are choosing to solo parent, and heres why Patient Belinda Murray has been on the sperm donor waiting list in Victoria for two years and said even before the current shortage, finding a suitable donor through clinics was competitive and uncertain. When she reached the top of the list at the original clinic where she froze eggs in 2019, choice was limited and decisions had to be made almost instantaneously to avoid losing donors. I missed out a few times; if you left it more than 24 hours wanting to think about it to make sure you made the right choice [that donor] was gone, and you would need to wait for a new influx of donors to become available, she said. Advertisement She froze more eggs with a new IVF provider, whom she says offers far more personal service and updates her about her progress on the list. Though hopeful she will still have the chance to become a mother, Murray is realistic: When youre told theres no timeframe on sperm availability, and youre ageing, you kind of do give up. 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 NationalNSWTragedy Boy found dead after bushwalker rescued in Blue Mountains tragedy Jack Gramenz Updated January 30, 2026 11:38am ,first published January 30, 2026 7:38am 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 16-year-old boy has been found dead in a creek after becoming separated from his friend, who was winched to safety from a remote campground described as one of the most secluded wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. NSW Police have been told the 16-year-old and another boy, aged 17, were walking to Mount Hay from Leura train station, with their trip expected to last three days. A creek in Blue Gum Forest in the Blue Mountains National Park NSW Government The pair set off from the train station on Tuesday. The older boy activated a personal locator beacon about 5.45pm on Wednesday after the two became separated. Advertisement The beacons can be hired for free from the states National Parks and Wildlife Service, but are also sold in camping supply stores and send a distress message via satellite with a GPS location. The 17-year-old was winched by a rescue helicopter from Acacia Flat camping ground in the Grose Valley Wilderness area several hours walk from Leura train station. A creek near Acacia Flat campground, Blue Mountains National Park. NSW Government The campground is described on the NSW National Parks website as one for intrepid campers at the end of a challenging, very steep track, but it is not yet known which route the teens took to the area. A search for the 16-year-old, involving local police, the Blue Mountains Rescue Squad, NSW Ambulance, PolAir and the Toll Rescue Helicopter, ended about 1pm on Thursday. Advertisement The boys body was found in a creek in Blue Gum Forest, within the Blue Mountains National Park. A report is being prepared for the coroner with a post-mortem examination to determine how he died. The remote campground is in the national parks Grose Valley Wilderness. NSW Government Graham Reibelt, co-founder of award-winning tourism information platform Ask Roz Blue Mountains, said tracks are sometimes difficult to distinguish. They may have gone off track, but certainly that whole area is very hostile, he said. Advertisement After the fires went through, the vegetation has come back quite viciously, a lot of weed. In that area, [tracks] are really self-maintained, with sufficient walkers going along there that it defines the track. Reibelt said people should file trip intention forms with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before setting off in the Blue Mountains, advising how long they plan to be gone and who to contact if they dont return. It wouldnt have made a difference in this case, because they werent late, Reibelt said. Advertisement An accident can happen at any time. People have fallen off tracks, or had them disappear underneath their feet due to land subsidence. They break bones, fall and hit their heads, get bitten by snakes or become separated easily. You can be 10 metres away from someone and not know where they were. You get disoriented. Reibelt said. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWCrime Former council boss charged over alleged $1.3m fraud Riley Walter and Kayla Olaya Updated January 29, 2026 12:20pm ,first published January 29, 2026 10:40am 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 former council worker has been arrested and charged with defrauding his former workplaces of more than $1 million through doctored invoices allegedly paid to himself rather than contractors. Financial crimes squad detectives on Wednesday arrested 59-year-old Martin Thomas Dimec at Parramatta police station, where he was charged with 41 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and misconduct as a public office holder. Martin Thomas Dimec has been charged with defrauding three local councils of $1.3 million. Facebook Detectives allege Dimec authorised and approved fraudulent invoices for contractors while working in various positions over 12 years from 2012 to 2024. During that time, Dimec allegedly pocketed almost $1.3 million the councils believed was being paid to contractors for works the 59-year-old had approved using doctored invoices. Police launched Strike Force Mullagh in May 2024 to investigate allegations of fraud and corruption at Dimecs former workplaces Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Shoalhaven City Council and Murrumbidgee Council. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Governance The missing money and litigation overshadowing an NDIS network Dimec was employed as a design engineer and later a construction superintendent at Goulburn Mulwaree Council from 2009 to 2016, when he resigned. From 2016 to 2020, he worked in several roles at Shoalhaven City Council, including as a project manager. In each of his roles, Dimec had autonomy to approve contractor payments. Murrumbidgee Council became aware of the suspected frauds in December 2023, when an anomaly was flagged in its accounting department through a $35,000 invoice linked to Dimec. The council reported the suspected frauds to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and alerted Dimecs former employers. ICAC declined to comment on whether it had investigated the allegations against Dimec. The council dismissed Dimec, who had been employed as the councils infrastructure director for three years, in February 2024. Dimec allegedly defrauded the council of $33,000, which was repaid after his dismissal. At the time of his dismissal, Dimec had allegedly approved an invoice for about $50,000, which the council did not pay. Dimec is alleged to have defrauded Goulburn Mulwaree Council of more than $700,000 and Shoalhaven City Council of more than $550,000 using dozens of fraudulent invoices. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Courts Uber driver imitated Sydney law firm principal, swindled client out of $200,000 Goulburn Mulwaree Council is insured against fraud and is expected to initiate proceedings to reclaim the hundreds of thousands of dollars lost if Dimec is convicted. Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said the council had acted swiftly to investigate the suspected frauds. McRae said there were no concerns of widespread corruption within the council, which covers an area of almost 7000 square kilometres in the NSW Western Riverina. This was an individual acting by himself, McRae alleged. Shoalhaven City Council said it was assisting detectives with their investigation, but would not comment on the allegations against their former employee. Advertisement Dimec did not appear via video link as his matter was heard in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday. Editor's pick Media & marketing Make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google Justice David Price granted him bail on six conditions, including that he surrender his passport, reside at his Bowral home, report three times a week to police and that his wife pay $5000 surety. Dimec will return to Parramatta Local Court on February 19. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWCrime Machine capable of making 3.5 million cigarettes a day seized in Sydney tobacco bust Daniel Lo Surdo January 30, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A criminal operation with the potential to produce millions of cigarettes a day has been thwarted after federal officials raided a Sydney storage unit belonging to an illicit tobacco syndicate. The raid on the Rouse Hill storage facility last week uncovered a tobacco manufacturing machine capable of producing more than 3.5 million cigarettes daily, as well as 7.5 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, almost 6000 vaping device components, and eight large boxes suspected to be counterfeit tobacco packaging. The manufacturing machine seized in Sydneys north-west can produce over 3.5 million cigarettes every day. Australian Border Force Australian Border Force (ABF) swooped after it began surveillance on the unit earlier this month. The ABF and NSW Police are investigating those linked to the storage unit. Officers have scoured CCTV footage from the site and spoken to neighbours as part of inquiries. No arrests have followed the raids. Advertisement The discovery of the manufacturing machine, the first detected by border officials in some time, raises questions about the scale of domestic illegal cigarette production. Efforts to quash the illegal tobacco market are predominantly focused on importation. A border official inspects the storage unit after it was raided. Australian Border Force The ABF seized more than 2.5 billion cigarette sticks in the 2024-25 financial year, 320 per cent more than what was recorded four years prior, with the majority of imports arriving from Asia and the Middle East. The federal governments illicit tobacco and e-cigarette commissioner found last month that illegal cigarettes now represent at least half of the Australian tobacco market, with the exploding trade costing the taxpayer $43 billion since 2020. Advertisement Samuel Harnden, acting superintendent of the ABFs Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, said there are clear and established links between local illicit tobacco manufacturing in Australia and organised criminal syndicates. Every illicit tobacco purchase provides funding to these criminal syndicates, giving them the funds that drive further violence and serious criminal activity, Harnden said. A tobacconist on the Pacific Highway at St Leonards is among dozens that have been shuttered by inspectors. Louise Kennerley More than 1.6 million illicit cigarettes have been seized in the eight weeks since NSW Health was granted extraordinary powers to shut down outlets suspected of selling illicit tobacco or vapes. It has resulted in the closure of 52 stores, including a Kogarah outlet just 50 metres from the electorate office of Premier Chris Minns. Advertisement The powers allow NSW Health to issue a 90-day store closure and seek court orders that would grant a 12-month shutdown. Related Article Updated Crime Police swoop on alleged $150m Sydney tobacco syndicate More stores are expected to come under the microscope of health officials in the coming year, as the state government presses on with its crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement NationalHuman rights Opinion One key Australian human rights failing is attracting global attention Hugh de Kretser Human rights lawyer January 29, 2026 1:30pm January 29, 2026 1:30pm 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 Every year, hundreds of children aged 10 to 13 years are locked up in youth prisons across the country and many more are arrested and processed through the courts. This isnt an issue that affects children equally. Aboriginal communities are hit hardest by these unjust laws. Locking primary school age children in prison harms them, disrupts their education and increases the risk of further involvement in crime. It goes against medical advice and is out of step with global human rights standards. If we want to close the widening gap on Aboriginal over-imprisonment, this must change. The Australian government could show national leadership by increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Commonwealth law to 14 years and encourage the states and territories to follow. For years, we have been recommending that Australian governments raise the age in line with international human rights standards. Advertisement Each state and territory, as well as the national government, sets the age at which children can be held responsible for a crime in their respective jurisdictions. Since 2021, only the ACT has raised it to 14 years, with some exceptions. Victoria raised it to 12 years of age but walked back on a promise to raise it to 14. All other jurisdictions remain at 10. More than ever, Australia needs to step up and lead on human rights both at home and abroad. This was a key takeaway as Australias human rights record was reviewed on the world stage at the United Nations in Geneva this week. A total of 120 nations made more than 350 recommendations to Australia. There were many clear themes ensuring better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, addressing racism and hate speech and protecting the rights of people with disability. Its important to acknowledge progress. Many nations recognised Australias positive action on gender equality and addressing violence against women and children but made clear that sustained and strengthened action was needed. The Australian government has also improved its efforts to cut climate pollution, but a number of nations, particularly from the Pacific, rightly called on Australia to do more. Australias review took place against the backdrop of a changing world order. The US has retreated from the UN system and is actively undermining it in places. Many nations have cut funding to the UN. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys speech at Davos last week captured global attention for its diagnosis of world affairs and call for middle powers to work together to advance shared interests including human rights. Advertisement What does this mean for Australia? Australia was an important contributor when the UN was established. We helped to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the pinnacles of human achievement. As a middle power, we have benefited from stronger global adherence to international law. Children aged as young as 10 should not be locked up in jail. iStock Supporting the international human rights system is not only the right thing for us to do its in our national interest. Countries that respect human rights are more likely to be peaceful and prosperous. If we can work with the UN and partner nations to promote human rights, we spread that peace and prosperity. But for Australia to lead with credibility on human rights, we need to improve our record at home. The Australian government should act on this UN review and accept and implement the recommendations. One key recommendation was to adopt a national Human Rights Act. Australia has ratified all the major global human rights treaties, but we havent properly protected those rights in our domestic laws. A Human Rights Act would do this. It would require our national government to respect peoples rights. It would prevent human rights violations and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached. This long-overdue reform is a missing piece of our democracy. Advertisement Australia has done a lot right on human rights. For most people, most of the time, Australia is a wonderful place to live. But there are clear human rights failures, from the profound inequality affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our treatment of people in aged care and refugees. As a wealthy, stable democracy, we can and should do much better. Its in our interests to do so. When human rights are respected, our communities are stronger, safer, healthier and more prosperous. Hugh de Kretser is President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement Two of Us NationalGood Weekend Peta and David share an office. They ring a bell when they need to speak to each other Susan Horsburgh January 29, 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 31 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Writers and colleagues Peta Murray, 67, and David Carlin, 62, grew close when their parents became residents of the same aged-care home. Now theyre teaching each other how to grow old in style. There would be something terribly missing if she wasnt here, David Carlin says of Peta Murray. We compare notes and show our scars. Mia Mala McDonald PETA: We were both in alternative theatre in the 1980s, so I feel as if Ive always known David, but our first formal encounter was in the early 90s when he was artistic director of a theatre company and commissioned me to write a play. I basically tied myself in knots and never delivered it, so when we met again years later, I was mortified. That night, at a writers function, he suggested I do my PhD at RMIT. In 2013, he became one of my supervisors, so I read his memoir, Our Father Who Wasnt There. It was breathtaking in its vulnerability and poignancy [Davids father died by suicide when he was a baby]. I felt at ease with him, which can be unusual for me with men. My mum died not long before I started my PhD which was about ageing as an artist and he nursed me into it. In 2017, as my father, Frank, was going into aged care, David invited me to share his office; whenever we wanted to speak to each other wed ring a reception-counter bell. Theres a goofy, slapstick thing between us; through my PhD, I wore a stick-on moustache, the academic to his professor. Ridiculous, really, because were both clowns. Advertisement David sees his mum, Joan, regularly; I have enormous respect for men who step up. When she first went into care in 2018, she was playing bridge and walking; David wanted to make sure that her Joan-ness would flourish. With my parents, it had been this diminishment, this shrinking away to nothing. Dad was just a very misanthropic man. He was very hard to engage and, eventually, I just stopped trying. I became his PA. Id been a good girl the eldest unmarried as he called me and I did that dutifully until his death in December 2019, but jeez, I was shitty. In every way, Davids relationship with Joan is so different: theres warmth, fondness and mutual interest. Get the best of Good Weekend delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up for our newsletter. David likes a suit. On work trips to Vietnam, hed have bespoke ones made and I was filled with envy. Hes got one he calls his bag of fruit a checked, car-salesman suit and hes mad for a hectic floral shirt. Hes my influencer. And an endless self-improver. I remember his swimming phase up every morning with the larks, glowing with self-righteousness. Im now in psychoanalysis, following his lead. Theres a goofy, slapstick thing between us, Peta says. Through my PhD, I wore a stick-on moustache, the academic to his professor were both clowns. Jane Murphy David and I have both suffered anxiety and depression. One of the perils of ageing is the obsession with the organ recital where people complain at length about their health problems but we have a longstanding interest in each others ailments. Our Signal chat is like a secret back-channel where we confide our fears and paranoias and offer each other reassurance. Advertisement When Im tired and testy, I find Davids overthinking wearying I could do my washing while I wait for him to finish a sentence but I admire his intellectual rigour. David pays attention to me in a kind way. I dont have many men who look at me I dont want many men looking at me but he does. He makes me laugh a lot as well. Im just grateful Ive got him in my life. DAVID: Petas like the close sibling I never had. When we had an office together, it felt like sharing a childhood bedroom with the line down the middle. Shes the sort of person you can be in meetings with, texting under the table about how absurd it is. Being a lapsed Catholic is a strong element in her life; it comes through in her love of pageantry and rituals. Thats something I love about her because I come from a culture thats very held-in and a bit dour. For her PhD presentation, where most people just show some PowerPoint slides, Peta did a performance with funny little props and egg-timers going off; she gave the examiners roles and costumes. It was all related to her research on elder-flowering, a word shed made up. She used the opportunity to showcase her queerness, eccentricity and capacity to blossom in new ways without denying the reality of getting older. Her love of pageantry and rituals [is] something I love about her because I come from a culture thats very held-in and a bit dour. David Carlin Advertisement Petas mother had dementia and shes paranoid about getting it herself, so she has all these life hacks like learning Scottish Gaelic (shes obsessed with her ancestry). She also does Scottish highland dancing and takes piano lessons. She wants to do everything and sometimes crashes from exhaustion. Then she loses her confidence and cant leave the house. When Mum moved into Franks aged-care place, we hoped theyd become friends, but Frank retreated into himself; he thought everybody was an idiot. Peta had to do a lot of the caring. I saw the frustration and anger that feeling of giving so much and not getting anything back. It caused her a lot of grief, how little she felt he knew her. Shes been really gutsy addressing that in our book [How to Dress for Old Age, out February 3]; often people dont talk about the hard stuff. Were both determined to not fade away. At RMIT, she started an a cappella choir called Hot Holler, after [her project for academics] Hot Scholar. She also has her drag alter-egos, Wanda Lusst and Buster Loose. I came back from Vietnam with an electric-blue suit and she was so jealous, she decided to get her own made up in baby pink-and-blue tartan something expressive of her gender identity. Related Article Two of Us Good Weekend Freaky 4am coincidence shows why these twins believe they have a psychic connection The only disagreement weve had was about AI. Ive only used it a bit, but it peeves me that its both so sucky and so sure of itself. We were working on a podcast idea and she brought in a plan that AI had helped her write. I started picking holes in it. We were just a bit cold, but it was quite scary to have that tension. Later, I sent a message to apologise. She wrote back, saying, Thanks for sharing your feelings. Youre a most atypical fellow. Advertisement I find it hard when she puts herself down. Sometimes I just want to shake her and go, Youre brilliant! She also suffers from dyscalculia, where she freaks out with numbers and forms, and sometimes I get frustrated. Thats the only area where our twin DNA has mutated wildly because I do love an Excel spreadsheet. There would be something terribly missing if she wasnt here. We compare notes and show our scars. I just love hearing her stories and being able to tell her mine. twoofus@goodweekend.com.au To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- After years of dedicated research, a team of Chinese scientists has unveiled critical mechanisms governing early human embryonic development, offering novel theories and potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention of birth defects and other development-related disorders. For these groundbreaking findings, the team was honored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Wednesday with the 2025 Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize. Human embryonic development is a complex process that transforms a single fertilized cell into a fully formed individual. The placenta serves as the nurturing "soil" that protects and sustains the developing embryo. However, the principles governing early human embryonic development had remained largely unclear, while the process through which the human placenta supports embryonic development was also previously not well understood. A research team from the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the CAS has systematically deciphered the developmental patterns of normal human embryos via 27 years of studies. Building upon this foundation, the team accurately simulated the embryonic development process in vitro, establishing disease models and drug-screening platforms for birth defects or recurrent pregnancy failure. Wang Hongmei, deputy director of the IOZ, explained that during days 14 to 28 of human embryonic development, the embryo undergoes gastrulation. This is a key developmental event that shapes the earliest steps of organ formation. This critical stage is also the origin of many developmental disorders. However, due to the extreme difficulty in obtaining natural human embryos and ethical limitation for in vitro culture, experimental models have been lacking, leaving knowledge of this phase of human embryonic development long shrouded in a "black box." Primates share remarkable genetic conservation with humans, alongside close similarities in anatomy and physiology, particularly in the structure and function of the reproductive and nervous systems. Using the cynomolgus macaque as a model, the team successfully obtained monkey embryos spanning from the early to the late stages of this "black box" period, enabling in-depth investigation of critical developmental events at each stage. Leveraging insights from early monkey embryonic development, the team further broke through technical barriers to acquire precious human embryos from the "black box" stage. By employing spatial transcriptomics and artificial intelligence systems, they captured the developmental features of human embryos, for the first time achieving a precise spatiotemporal mapping of genes expressed across individual cells in early human embryos. This led to the establishment of a three-dimensional digital model of early human embryonic development. Furthermore, the team investigated mouse, macaque and human placentas as comparative systems, utilizing lineage tracing technologies and multiple cellular and molecular biology technologies to elucidate key events and mechanisms throughout the entire process of placental development and how the placenta coordinated with multiple maternal organs to support embryo development. Due to the scarcity of samples and ethical constraints, large-scale disease-related research on natural human embryos has long remained unfeasible. Therefore, the team constructed an in vitro simulation system for human embryonic development, utilizing primate embryos and stem cell-based embryo models. Wang noted that recurrent implantation failure (RIF) affects approximately 15 percent of couples undergoing assisted reproductive therapy. Its pathogenesis is complex and effective treatments remain elusive. The team successfully simulated the human embryo implantation process in vitro, reproducing the implantation failure phenotype observed in RIF patients. Using this model for drug screening, they identified a set of candidate drugs that significantly improved embryo attachment efficiency in different RIF patients, thereby offering a new approach for personalized drug screening and intervention for RIF patients in the future. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandSchools Inside the extreme lengths to weed out enrolment fraud at Brisbane schools Felicity Caldwell January 30, 2026 6:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Just one day after a family submitted an application to one of Brisbanes most in-demand state high schools, an enrolment officer began scouring their intimate details to probe the applicants in-catchment claims. This included the name of the childs primary school in a different catchment zone the familys address listed in the OneSchool database, and even the floor plans of their in-catchment apartment versus an out-of-catchment home to test the veracity of the so-called primary residency. Following a 14-month fight to receive documents relating to enrolment fraud at Brisbane State High School through Right to Information laws, Brisbane Times can reveal the lengths the school pursues to deny entry to families it believes are not genuinely living in its catchment suburbs of West End, South Brisbane and Highgate Hill. Brisbane State High School has long sought to investigate issues of enrolment fraud. Dan Peled It reveals the schools scepticism toward a particular family who moved into an apartment within the catchment zone just months before the school year was due to begin, after living in a family home elsewhere and attending that suburbs local primary school. Advertisement The inner-city school has long struggled to keep a lid on enrolment numbers, and last year had 3588 students enrolled despite a capacity of 3000. Of those, 2072 lived in-catchment. The school the only government institution in the Great Public Schools (GPS) allocates more than 1000 spots in its competitive academic, sporting and cultural selective entry program. The heavily redacted RTI shows the family submitted an application for their child on October 25, 2023, for year 7 the following year, giving the address of a unit in the State High area. However, the family soon admitted they moved into the unit in early November. Advertisement Internal notes written by an enrolment officer during a pre-enrolment interview in mid-November noted the familys statutory declaration affirming their home address was signed on October 19: A new one will need to be re-done had not moved in (to the unit). Related Article Exclusive Schools The Brisbane school catchments at the top of home buyers lists Tenants were living in unit when purchased they came to an agreement and they moved out, the officer wrote. Real estate listings for units and apartments for sale in West End and South Brisbane market themselves as being within the prized State High catchment. The schools strict enrolment management plan asks prospective students to provide detailed proof they live in-catchment, including three utilities bills that demonstrate reasonable levels of use. Advertisement The family submitted proof they updated their address on drivers licences on October 19 20 days before moving into the unit home contents insurance, and even a receipt showing they had a fridge delivered. Had to put a lot of their furniture in storage because the unit is much smaller, an enrolment officers interview notes state. Currently gets driven back to [primary] school every day. Brisbane State High School has a long list of documents prospective families must provide to prove they live within the catchment area. Michelle Smith State school records, via OneSchool, showed the student was enrolled to attend their allegedly former catchment high school in 2024, but that application was withdrawn on October 12, almost two weeks before they applied to State High. Advertisement Property searches by the school confirmed the family owned four properties. The family followed up several times, but on December 8, 2023, the school advised they would not receive an offer as officers were not satisfied their principal place of residence was in-catchment, and they argued it was instead at the long-term family home. Owning a property and providing paperwork to that effect, is not the same as evidencing that it is the students (sic) principal place of residence, the enrolment officer wrote in an email. Despite the rejection, the family applied to State High again on Sunday, January 21, 2024 just one day before term 1 was due to begin and on February 20 said they had been living at the unit for three months. However, in mid-March, the school again rejected the students application, providing details from an investigation that spanned one-and-a-half pages. Details of this investigation were redacted in the RTI. Advertisement The family applied again on April 22, 2024, but were told on May 3 executive principal Greg Pierces decision remained unchanged. It is unknown whether the child attended any school for the first few months of 2024. Brisbane State High has previously employed a private investigator who followed children and their parents to their home and work to weed out enrolment fraud, according to an RTI released in 2022. Parents at Brisbane State High are concerned about plans to build residential towers, including more than 4000 homes, on the former 7.1 hectare Visy site in South Brisbane, arguing the school was already under significant pressure. An education department spokeswoman said they could not comment on individual students due to privacy reasons, but said State Highs selective entry places were only available to out-of-catchment enrolments once demand for in-catchment enrolment was met. Advertisement She said the school had sufficient capacity for in-catchment and selective entry enrolments in the medium term. Larger high schools, such as Brisbane State High School, are able to achieve timetabling efficiencies that allow operation above the student enrolment capacity. Under the 2026 State High flexible timetable, students in years 10 to 12 leave school during the second lunch break, from 12.45pm to 1.20pm on Mondays, and have one extra early afternoon flex time finish per week. A project has also begun to convert an existing space within the school into a teaching space. The spokeswoman said the department was actively considering potential future additional primary and secondary growth in the West End and South Brisbane area. 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 NationalQueenslandSpace New planet that could support life discovered by Queensland scientists William Davis January 29, 2026 9:19pm 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 Itd take several million years to get there, but a planet that could potentially support life has been discovered by scientists in Queensland. The celestial body named HD 137010 b is about 150 light years away, and just slightly larger than Earth. It would take about 3 million years to reach with current rocket technology, and the distance means scientists are viewing it as it was during the 19th century. Planet HD 137010 b, discovered by researchers at UniSQ. NASA University of Southern Queensland PhD student Alexander Venner first discovered clues the planet could exist with a citizen science group while still in high school almost a decade ago, and chose to reexamine the data with a research team in a study published in January. Advertisement Based on current physics obviously we cant easily travel 150 years within our lifetime, but I think its inspirational to know what type of worlds are out there and we also just want to understand how life could be developed in the universe, Dr Chelsea Huang, a co-author of the study, said. I think that sometimes helps us learn more about the context of our Earth and solar system. Dr Chelsea Huang from UniSQ. UniSQ It was identified using 2017 data from NASAs extended Kepler mission, K2, leaving the faintest trace as it passed in front of its star. Its still officially a candidate planet according to NASA, with more sighting required to prove its existence, but Huang said the team was confident. Advertisement Estimates suggest the surface temperature could be below -70 degrees Celsius, but if it has a thicker atmosphere and more greenhouse gases than Earth then liquid water would be possible. Huang said it was still one of the closest Earth-like planets orbiting a star similar to our Sun, making it a perfect candidate for future research. There are some ambitious space missions that are planned for the next decade and theyre aiming to image a planet around Sun-like stars. We believe we will be able to study the atmosphere of this planet. In fact, this is currently the best candidate for such study, and all the astronomy field is working very hard towards that goal. The research team included scientists from Australia, the UK, the USA and Denmark. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Rick Stein's verdict on the new Sydney Fish Market Good Food invites Rick Stein to experience the new Sydney Fish Market for the first time, meeting vendors, and tasting fresh seafood along the way. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A ASouth African couple who left behind a collapsed real estate business after client trust money was allegedly moved into other accounts, are now operating a network of NDIS-approved companies and a charity in Australia. Two disability businesses linked to husbands Lenard Barend Swanepoel-Trollip, 44, and Christiaan Frederick Beyers Swanepoel-Trollip, 57, have since collapsed, allegedly owing staff, the tax office and creditors hundreds of thousands of dollars. Staff caring for two high-needs NDIS participants allege wages went unpaid for several weeks late last year during a business collapse, leaving them unable to contact their employer, forcing carers to organise rosters themselves. Lenard and Christiaan. Separately, a connected entity is locked in a Supreme Court dispute in Western Australia, after a writ filed in December alleged misuse of confidential client information. The court action and care concerns has prompted closer scrutiny of the pairs business dealings. Christiaan has trained as a counsellor, while Lenard has re-established himself in Australia as a self-described NDIS expert, writing a book promoting the schemes incredible opportunities. Lenard strongly rejected any allegations of wrongdoing on behalf of the pair. There are no recorded court outcomes, convictions or adverse findings of credit in relation to either individual. Advertisement South African insolvency The story begins in Cape Town, where the couple incorporated Beyers Realty Group in 2013. (Beyers Realty Group) was, so it appeared, a successful estate agency which was built around the personality of the respondents, liquidator Thomas Van Zyl wrote in an affidavit. The success did not last. A claim made to the real estate regulator in September 2016 was investigated, and the business entered liquidation. The liquidators report identified the alleged movement of client trust money into other bank accounts. Lenard said it was an innocent mistake, stating in an affidavit: I accept I made a mistake in my conduct utilising the trust account funds to support the growth of the business. When Christiaan and I arrived in Australia, we did so with virtually no assets. Lenard Swanepoel-Trolip Advertisement By November 2016, Van Zyl alleged 13.9 million rand about $1.2 million had been removed from the business accounts. As the investigation intensified, he sought urgent court orders which he claimed was to prevent further asset sales. Separately, a court-appointed curator alleged R961,000 (about $86,000) was removed from the trust accounts over nine months, between December 2015 and September 2016. Court-appointed curator Thomas Makupo told this masthead recovery of trust money was not possible because company accounts were empty and the directors had also left the country. Court records show both Lenard and Christiaan were declared bankrupt by the High Court of South Africa in early 2017. Lenard said neither he nor Christiaan had ever been convicted of fraud or misappropriation, denied claims he left South Africa to avoid creditors or authorities and said the business entered liquidation in the usual sense. When Christiaan and I arrived in Australia, we did so with virtually no assets, he said. Rebuilding in Western Australia Advertisement With South Africa behind them, the couple sought a fresh start in Perth where Lenard has family. They began steadily building a portfolio of disability and NDIS-related businesses. From March 2019, ASIC records show Lenard has held current or former roles across more than a dozen entities spanning disability services, community housing, NDIS compliance and charitable organisations. Lenard is currently a director of registered charity Bila Foundation, and is both a director and shareholder of Bila Community Group Australia, Bila Counselling and Support Services and six related entities. He was previously a director of Sunshine Counselling Western Australia (December 2020-March 2024), Sunshine Auditing (August 2021-June 2024) and two other entities. Likewise, he was previously a shareholder of Bila Support Services (February 2022-August 2022) and Sunshine Counselling (December 2020- April 2022). Christiaan has also appeared as a director or shareholder across many of these companies. He is currently a director and shareholder of Stemineer Pty Ltd, incorporated in October 2025, and holds shares in Bila Community Housing. He is a previous director of Bila Counselling and Support Services (March 2022-August 2023), Sunshine Counselling Western Australia (June 2020-August 2021) and Bila Support Services (February 2022-August 2022) and was a shareholder of Sunshine Counselling Western Australia (June 2020-June 2021). Advertisement Boarding a seaplane to Rottnest Island. Sunshine Counselling: Claims of no assets, unpaid staff The first Australian business to fail was Sunshine Counselling Western Australia, an NDIS-funded counselling provider that began in June 2020 and entered creditors voluntary liquidation, in May 2022. A statutory report prepared by liquidator Clifford John Sanderson alleged the company had no assets, and owed an estimated $238,000 to creditors, including $85,000 in employee entitlements and $120,000 to the tax office. The liquidator raised concerns about the companys financial records in the report, including $24,000 worth of office equipment listed as disposed and left behind at a former office. Sanderson noted Lenard had established new entity Bila Counselling and Support Services two months before his appointment as liquidator, and said it was unclear whether Sunshines assets had been transferred to the new business. The liquidator reported possible insolvent trading concerns to ASIC, but noted the regulator chose not to commence an investigation. Advertisement Mineral Resources has ramped up its lithium production guidance for the financial year following a significant rise in value for the commodity. According to the companys December quarterly activity report, guidance from its Wadgina operation has been lifted by 40,000 dry metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate, while output at the Mt Marion site is expected to increase by 30,000dmt. Mineral Resources is investing re-starting its Bald Hill lithium project. Bloomberg MinRess had previously listed Wadginas guidance as between 220,000 and 240,000dmt, which has now been increased to a lower range of 240,000 up to an upper estimate of 280,000dmt. Mt Marions guidance has increased from 160,000 to 190,000dmt up to between 190,000 to 210,000dmt. Cost guidance at both sites has been maintained. The two operations combined to produce 138,000dmt of spodumene concentrate over the three months from October to the end of December, up by around 1000 tonnes compared to the previous quarter. The increased production for the two lithium sites follows a 29 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in the companys weighted average realised price, which came in at $US1094 per dmt of spodumene concentrate. Mineral Resources also stated that it is considering its options for the potential restart of the Bald Hill lithium mine near Kambalda in WAs Goldfields region after the operation was placed into care and maintenance back in 2024. The latest quarterly results follow the companys announcement in November that managing director Chris Ellison would remain in the role for the foreseeable future after it scrapped a deadline to remove him from the position. Mineral Resources had previously agreed to finding a replacement for Ellison by mid-2026 following a series of scandals including alleged tax evasion and misuse of company resources. However, MinRes chairman Malcolm Bundey told shareholders in November that Ellison would remain at the company beyond the previously agreed deadline, and the miner would implement a three-stage succession plan. The company is still reeling following the shock death of director Tim Picton, who died in hospital three weeks after allegedly being coward-punched during a night out in Northbridge on December 27. Advertisement Editorial PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Plotting a leadership coup on day of Liberals funeral plumbs a new low in Australian politics The Herald's View January 30, 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 Whoever emerges from the former Coalitions current death spiral, the winners surely cannot survive the long internecine battle that lies ahead until the 2028 federal election. In power or out of power, Australias major political parties seem addicted to leadership challenges. Their irregular top-dog clashes feed the medias need for drama, paper over policy failures and treat voters like they have short memories and think of politics as personality contests. David Littleproud (left) and Colin Boyce. Nine Labor went through five changes of leader before Kevin Rudd managed to defeat John Howard in 2007. Once in government, Labor liked the turmoil so much it dumped Rudd for Julia Gillard, then futilely retreated to Rudd. The Liberals caught the same disease and went through Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull before alighting on Scott Morrison. But since the stability of Morrison and Peter Dutton, the Coalition has been backsliding into division. Advertisement The most recent schism occurred ostensibly because three Nationals senators broke shadow cabinet solidarity and voted against hate speech laws introduced to parliament last week by the Albanese government following the Bondi Beach terrorist shootings. Then, National Party leader David Littleproud had the temerity to suggest a change of Liberal leadership would be a good idea because his party could not serve under Sussan Ley. Littleproud is now being challenged for his own leadership by quixotic Queensland Nationals MP Colin Boyce. The Nationals managed to retain most of their seats in the May federal election, but there have since been three defections and, with polls showing One Nation feeding on former Nationals voters, the internal brawl has more to do with keeping Pauline Hanson at bay. However, the Nationals turmoil has also leached into the Liberals. Advertisement Right-wingers Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor met on Thursday to discuss a deal to replace Ley, but the Heralds chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal reports it ended in a stalemate, for the moment. Exactly why the pair are in a rush to beat up on Ley is a mystery. The Coalition split came on the eve of the national day of mourning to remember the Bondi victims. And now, plotting to replace a leader on the day of the funeral of party stalwart Katie Allen is a new low in Australian politics. Related Article Opinion Political leadership The problem at the heart of this Coalition shambles? These are not serious people Shaun Carney Columnist Ley has endured constant backroom sniping since becoming leader. Now it seems she has been blamed for being unable to keep the Coalition intact, despite National MPs deciding to break cabinet solidarity. Her would-be challengers appear to have forgotten the source of Liberal problems with voters. Ley was elected to lead a moribund party that sorely needed to attract voters and more specifically women back from the teals and other parties camped in the Liberal heartland. Advertisement The message is clearly not getting through to one wannabe leader: Hastie chose to stay at the male-only Athenaeum Club when he flew to Melbourne to meet Taylor and attend the funeral of Allen, a former Liberal MP. Some think the leadership of Ley, a moderate, is doomed. Hastie and Taylor may have a vision of saving the Liberal heartland by veering right. But with Labor well in control so far out from a federal election, changing leader feels like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic and affords little confidence in the political acumen of the Liberals. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaPublic housing Seven new towers set for demolition are home to Melbournes vulnerable and elderly Rachael Dexter January 29, 2026 6:54pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The state government has earmarked seven more public housing towers for demolition all dedicated communities for older residents confirming more than 600 of Melbournes most vulnerable people will be uprooted starting in July. The announcement came as lawyers for some high-rise residents revealed they were taking their battle to block the 30-year redevelopment program to the High Court, and as new research from RMIT University suggested infill housing and refurbishing the towers would be cheaper, less disruptive and more environmentally friendly. Housing Minister Harriet Shing at the Port Melbourne community and private housing redevelopment on Thursday. Arsineh Houspian Housing Minister Harriet Shing announced on Thursday that the next phase of the multibillion-dollar redevelopment program would include towers in Albert Park, Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Prahran. The announcement listed seven of the states 13 older persons towers, which are specialised communities designed to help vulnerable people age in place with on-site support workers. Advertisement About 70 per cent of residents in the seven towers are aged 65 or older. Some are approaching 100. Among those given the news on Thursday was 73-year-old Bill McKenzie, who has lived at the Albert Park tower for 17 years. He said the reaction in his building was one of extreme anger. We were originally told by Homes Victoria early in the piece that the elder persons high-rises wouldnt be impacted until the end of the [30-year] process, he said. Now that timeline has been brought forward. McKenzie and his neighbours have been trying to have issues like broken security cameras, decreased security patrols and drug-affected younger tenants addressed for over a year without success, which he said added to the sting of being told they would now be displaced. Advertisement McKenzie said it was imperative relocations must be offered nearby. Theyve got to realise weve got a lot of people who have lived here a very long time, who are close to medical support [and] family here. Bill McKenzie, photographed in his flat at 150 Victoria Avenue in Albert Park in 2025. Chris Hopkins Housing For the Aged Action Group said it was concerned that some frail residents may not survive the shock of the process. The impact of relocations on people in this age group cannot be underestimated, CEO Fiona York said. Advertisement York said she also feared this marked the end of the decades old, dedicated program to cater specifically for older residents which she said was the envy of other states. Every day we hear from older people who are unable to survive in the private rental market, living in significant rental stress and at risk of or experiencing homelessness, she said. More than 40 towers across Melbourne built between the 1950s and 1970s will be rebuilt with more units, but most will no longer be traditional public housing. Instead, the sites will see public housing replaced with 10 per cent more community housing (run by not-for-profit agencies), while two thirds will be private rentals. Shing made the announcement while touring the rebuilt Barak Beacon Estate in Port Melbourne, where there would be buildings for private renters, and others for community housing tenants on shared grounds. Advertisement The new housing will be built by consortiums which lease the land from the state for 40 years, build the new estates and run them before the option to hand them back to the state in four decades time. Since the program was announced in 2023, two buildings are being demolished, and residents are moving out of six more. The minister also announced a new peer-support initiative called the Hand in Hand Community Support Program to link residents who have already moved with those currently in the towers to offer reassurance. Im not under any illusions about the difficulty of change, said Shing. However, large-scale change change of the magnitude that we are talking about with high-rise towers development program is something we need to step through really carefully. Advertisement Related Article City life A sewing circle, a home, a lifeline: the community under threat as older peoples homes to be torn down The announcement comes as an RMIT study argues refurbishing towers is far cheaper for taxpayers than the states plan, which remains unbacked by a public cost-benefit analysis. The research proposes a single-move model that builds new accommodation on-site first, allowing residents to stay in their community while existing towers are upgraded with balconies, better insulation, and new building wings. RMITs Professor Karien Dekker said their study showed demolition shouldnt be treated as the default. Some buildings may be suitable for retrofit, which is better for the residents as this allows them to stay in place, CO2 emissions are lower, and it is cheaper for the taxpayer, she said. However, Shing dismissed the suggestion, claiming it would cost billions of dollars and force residents to live on a construction site for years. Advertisement A vision for retrofitted tower in Brunswick as conceived by researchers as an alternative to demolition and rebuild. RMIT/OFFICE The decision to proceed with seven more towers comes after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by residents of three towers in North Melbourne and Flemington in a long-running class action aimed at halting the program. While 91 per cent of residents in those buildings have been relocated, about 30 households have refused offers to move. Next week, Inner Melbourne Community Legal will seek an injunction to stop the eviction of the final households until the High Court considers the matter. It is outrageous that Homes Victoria is continuing to press ahead with this program despite the widespread opposition to it from residents and their supporters and in the face of legal proceedings that have not yet concluded, said lawyer Louisa Bassini. Advertisement A recent parliamentary inquiry also called for the project to be halted, criticising the government for releasing only a handful of more than 150 documents related to the plan, including technical evidence or site-specific feasibility reports. The inquiry accused the Allan government of ignoring parliamentary rules to hide the documents. This is a matter that has been examined by multiple levels of our court system and found to be reasonable and proportionate, Shing said when asked again on Thursday to release the documents. Reach Rachael Dexter securely via ProtonMail (end-to-end encrypted) at rachaeldexter@protonmail.com or on Signal at rachaeldexter.58. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Sydneys Point Piper has long been regarded as Australias most elite suburb, and a rare statistical insight puts a firm number on that glittering status. The median house in the harbourside eastern suburb costs $17,313,502 by far the nations most expensive postcode, according to Cotality. Point Piper is Australias most expensive suburb. Credit: There is daylight between Point Piper where national price records have fallen and the next priciest suburb, neighbouring Bellevue Hill, which has a median house price of $11,604,624, Cotalitys Best of the Best report for 2025 found. In the 12 months to September, Point Piper recorded four sales, compared to 72 in Bellevue Hill. Advertisement WorldEuropeCourts How Barron Trump helped solve a crime from 6000km away Brian Melley January 29, 2026 3:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: The crime was in London, the offender Russian, and the witness who saw a woman being beaten on a video call was in America and happened to be the youngest son of US President Donald Trump. Barron Trump called police in the British capital, and his intervention more than a year ago led to an assault conviction on Wednesday (London time) of Matvei Rumiantsev, who admitted he was jealous of his girlfriends friendship with Trump. Barron Trump said he placed a video call to the victim a woman in London he met on social media and witnessed her being assaulted. AP Trump said he placed a late-night FaceTime call to the victim a woman he met on social media and was startled when it was answered by a bare-chested man. This view lasted maybe one second and I was racing with adrenaline, Trump told police of the incident, just days before his fathers inauguration as president. Advertisement The camera was then flipped to the victim getting hit while crying, stating something in Russian. The call was hung up after a few seconds and Trump then phoned London police. In a recording of the call, Trump could be heard pleading for help as the dispatcher insisted he answer basic questions about the victim. How do you know her? the operator asked after a back-and-forth dialogue. I dont think these details matter, shes getting beat up, Trump said. Can you stop being rude and actually answer my questions? the dispatcher said. If you want to help the person, youll answer my questions clearly and precisely, thank you. So how do you know her? Advertisement Police went to the address on January 18 and arrested Rumiantsev, 22, a receptionist who lived in London. He was acquitted in Snaresbrook Crown Court of rape and choking the woman on the night Trump called police, and an additional rape and assault alleged in November 2024. Donald and Barron Trump at a presidential inauguration event in Washington in January last year. AP Rumiantsev testified that he was jealous of Trump but also felt badly for him because he thought his girlfriend was leading him on. Defence lawyer Sasha Wass said Trump didnt know the woman had a boyfriend, and questioned how much he could have seen in five or seven seconds of video. Advertisement Wass said the woman exploited her ties to Trump to make her boyfriend envious in a relationship full of dramas. Related Article Trump's White House Trumps family circle has a very different look as he returns to the White House Trump, 19, the only child of Donald and Melania Trump, didnt testify in the case. Judge Joel Bennathan advised jurors before they began deliberating to treat Barron Trumps accounts on the recording of his call to police and his follow-up email to investigators with caution because he hadnt been subjected to cross-examination. If he had done so, no doubt, he could have been asked about things such as whether he ever got a good view of what happened, whether he actually saw [the woman] being assaulted, or jumped to this conclusion on the basis of her screams, Bennathan said. Advertisement He might also have been asked whether his perception was biased because he was close friends with [her]. Rumiantsev was also convicted of perverting the course of justice because he sent the woman a letter from jail asking her to retract her allegations. Hes scheduled to be sentenced on March 27. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Courts Donald Trump Russia UK Advertisement WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war Trump takes credit for pause in Kyiv bombings, saying Putin agreed to his request Aamer Madhani and Susie Blann Updated January 30, 2026 6:25am ,first published 5:54am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Kyiv: US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed not to target the Ukrainian capital and other towns for one week as the region experiences frigid temperatures. There was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin that Putin had agreed to such a pause. People wait for the end of a Russian air attack to get on the metro train in Kyiv this week. AP Russia has been pounding Ukraines critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country to endure the dead of winter without heat. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this ... extraordinary cold, Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday (Washington time), adding that Putin has agreed to that. Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked earlier on Thursday whether a mutual halt on strikes on energy facilities was being discussed between Russia and Ukraine, and refused to comment on the issue. Reports of a possible partial ceasefire surfaced earlier on Thursday through bloggers close to the Russian military, Londons Telegraph reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed not to fire on Kyiv for a week, US President Donald Trump says. AP We are receiving reports that ... the Russian Armed Forces have imposed a ban on the use of fire ... on any infrastructure facilities throughout Ukraine, prominent Russian blogger Vladimir Romanov said. He added that a similar ban applies to any facilities in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Ukrainian social media channels with connections to the military also reported there had been orders not to strike Russian energy infrastructure facilities, the Telegraph reported. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned late on Wednesday that Moscow was planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks this weekend. Trump said he was pleased that Putin had agreed to the pause. Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting on Friday that is expected to last into next week. A woman walks by emergency heating points set up in a Kyiv neighbourhood. Getty Images Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus 30 degrees, the State Emergency Service warned. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that, Trump said of his request to Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. Advertisement Zelensky thanked Trump for his effort and welcomed the possibility of a pause in Russian military action on Kyiv and beyond. Power supply is a foundation of life, he said in a social media post. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. AP Trump did not say when the call with Putin took place or when the ceasefire would go into effect. The White House did not immediately respond to a query seeking clarity about the scope and timing of the limited pause in the nearly four-year war. Russia has sought to deny Ukrainian civilians heat and running water over the course of the war, hoping to wear down public resistance to Moscows full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Ukrainian officials describe the strategy as weaponising winter. Advertisement Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 as Russia intensified its aerial barrages behind the front line, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country. The war killed 2514 civilians and injured 12,142 in Ukraine 31 per cent higher than in 2024, it said. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight and caused a major blaze in an apartment building, officials said on Thursday. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicated Russia was assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredited the peace talks, Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late on Wednesday. Advertisement Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 1000-kilometre front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting. Related Article Trump's America OK of me but nice of him: Trump hangs photo of Putin in White House Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite internet service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said that his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Fedorov thanked Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Advertisement Russia launched more than 6000 drones at Ukraine over the past month alone, according to Fedorov. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat on Thursday (Brussels time) accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. Advertisement Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, said on Thursday that a lot of progress was made in recent three-way talks and expressed optimism that more headway could be made when the parties met again in the coming days. I think the people of Ukraine are now hopeful and expecting that we are going to deliver a peace deal sometime soon, Witkoff added. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published this week. 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. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will foster new quality productive forces nationwide in its water conservancy sector, with a focus on scaling up application of cutting-edge technologies and equipment to raise the operational and management standards of reservoirs, the Ministry of Water Resources announced on Thursday. Zhang Wenjie, an official with the ministry, noted that the country will build an all-weather intelligent monitoring system covering sky, space, land, water and engineering domains. It will also leverage a suite of technologies including satellite remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ships and underwater robots to enhance hidden danger detection capabilities and advance intelligent patrol operations. Zhang cited a successful case of new technology application in water conservancy last year. During the 2025 autumn flood season on the Hanjiang River, the real-time engineering safety status of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, located in central China's Hubei Province, was monitored amid high water levels via the Global Navigation Satellite System and surveying robots. This technological support enabled precise and science-based operation and regulation of the reservoir. The ministry is stepping up efforts to advance the development of safe, ecological and smart dams, according to Wang Bao'en, deputy head of the ministry. It will intensify R&D and deployment of new technologies and equipment, and select a batch of representative dams with sound foundational conditions, to launch pilot projects in the sector and strive to elevate the level of modern management of reservoirs to a higher standard, Wang added. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions Whats in the massive armada Trump has heading towards Iran? January 29, 2026 4:01pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Washington/Sydney: US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons or risk a second military attack in seven months, which he warned would be far worse than the first. Amid a build-up of US forces in the Middle East, Trump noted that his last warning to Iran was followed by military strikes on key nuclear facilities in June as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. The USS Abraham Lincoln in 2019. AP As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didnt, and there was Operation Midnight Hammer, a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US president said a massive armada was approaching Iran with great power, enthusiasm and purpose. Advertisement A strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was redirected to the region from the Indo-Pacific this month as US-Iranian tensions soared following a bloody crackdown on protests across Iran by its clerical authorities. Two US officials told Reuters on Monday that the Lincoln and supporting warships had arrived in the Middle East, and its thought to be operating somewhere near Oman. The group is also normally accompanied by a nuclear-powered submarine. Trump said the fleet was larger than the one sent to Venezuela late last year ahead of US forces capturing the countrys then-leader, Nicolas Maduro. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS one that is good for all parties, he posted. Advertisement View post on X The strike group is made up of the Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers: the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr, the USS Spruance and the USS Michael Murphy, which are loaded with Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. The Lincoln generally carries 60 to 90 aircraft, with eight squadrons flying F-35C Lightning II stealth jets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22B Ospreys and MH-60R/S Seahawks. According to the Associated Press, the Lincoln strike group has joined three littoral combat ships (LCS) small, agile combat vessels that were docked in Bahrain on Friday, as well as two other US Navy destroyers already operating in the Persian Gulf. Advertisement Fighter jets on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln. AP The US has also deployed F-15E jet fighters to a base in Jordan, and is moving Patriot and THAAD (terminal high altitude area defence) air-defence systems into the region to protect American installations and its partners from Iranian retaliation, The Wall Street Journal reported. Analysts of flight-tracking data have also identified dozens of US military cargo aircraft heading to the region, the Associated Press reported. The BBC said drones and P-8 Poseidon spy planes had been seen operating near Iranian airspace on the FlightRadar24 tracking website. The US already has a military presence about 50,000-strong in the region and Londons Telegraph estimates the Lincolns arrival would add about another 5700 service members. Advertisement Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the defence think tank Rusi, told the BBC that with its current assets in the region, the US could probably go almost anywhere in Iran and strike almost anything, apart from the most deeply buried facilities which would probably require B-2 bombers. In addition to the US build-up, the United Kingdoms Ministry of Defence said last week that four RAF Typhoons had been sent to Qatar in a defensive capacity. View post on X A US official told Reuters that Trump had not made up his mind on a military strike and that the Iranian governments weakened state made it advantageous for the US to press for a deal on denuclearisation and other issues. Advertisement Aviation ordnance men transport a missile aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. US Navy Any military action from the United States would result in Iran targeting the US, Israel and those who supported it, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a post on X on Wednesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on X that Irans armed forces are prepared with their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression. Reuters and staff reporters 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. Microsoft shares slide as AI spending surges San Francisco, United States, Jan 28 (AFP) Jan 28, 2026 Microsoft on Wednesday reported a 60 percent jump in net income for the last quarter of 2025, but spending on artificial intelligence surged, rattling investors. Shares in the cloud and software giant sank about five percent in after-hours trading, with investors keeping a close eye on capital expenditures as the company spends heavily in the AI race against rivals Google, Amazon and Meta. The company said that capital expenditures, which largely consist of the massive build-out for AI and cloud infrastructure, grew by 66 percent to $37.5 billion. Investors are also looking at Microsoft's ties to OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Microsoft now holds a 27 percent stake in OpenAI, which has quickly grown to become the world's most valuable private company with a $500 billion valuation, but which some feel is overspending. Analysts expressed worry that a sizeable chunk of Microsoft's expected revenue over the coming quarters was from a financially overstretched OpenAI. Microsoft said about 45 percent of its remaining cloud commitments are from OpenAI. OpenAI is the leader in generative AI technology, but is required to raise billions every year to meet its huge expenses for computing and top engineering talent. Beating expectations, Microsoft posted net income of $38.5 billion on revenue of $81.3 billion for the three months ending December 31. This was up from $24.1 billion in profit on $69.6 billion in revenue a year earlier. Analysts said that the net income figure was boosted by gains booked from Microsoft's investment in OpenAI. Azure and other cloud services, Microsoft's most closely watched segment, saw revenue surge 39 percent, roughly in line with expectations. The company said demand for cloud services continues to exceed available supply. With this earnings result, "Microsoft didn't declare victory on AI-but it made a credible case that the spending has a path to payback," said Emarketer principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. The LinkedIn professional network saw revenue grow 11 percent while revenue from Xbox gaming content and services decreased five percent. Hardware sales for Xbox were down 32 percent. Press Release from Business Wire: Ant Group (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 SHANGHAI, Jan 29, 2026 (BSW) - Robbyant, an embodied AI company within Ant Group, today announced the open-source release of LingBot-World, a world model that achieves industry-leading performance in video quality, dynamic fidelity, long-term consistency, and interactivity. Designed for embodied intelligence, autonomous driving, and game development, LingBot-World offers a high-fidelity, highly dynamic, and real-time controllable "digital sandbox" for simulation and training. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128459962/en/ LingBot-World leads the industry in applicable scenarios, generation duration, dynamic content, resolution, and more Addressing the common challenge in video generation known as "long-term drift", where prolonged generation often leads to object deformation, detail collapse, subject disappearance, or scene structure breakdown, LingBot-World leverages multi-stage training and parallelized acceleration to achieve up to nearly 10 minutes of continuous, stable, and lossless video generation. This capability supports complex, multi-step tasks requiring extended temporal coherence. In terms of interactivity, LingBot-World delivers a generation throughput of approximately 16 FPS and maintains end-to-end interaction latency under one second. Users can control characters and camera perspectives in real time via keyboard or mouse, with immediate visual feedback to their inputs. Additionally, users can trigger environmental changes and world events through text commands-for example, adjusting weather conditions, altering visual styles, or initiating specific scenarios-all while preserving consistent spatial relationships within the scene. LingBot-World also demonstrates strong zero-shot generalization. With just a single real-world image (e.g., an urban street view) or a game screenshot as input, LingBot-World can generate an interactive video stream without requiring additional scene-specific training or data collection, significantly lowering deployment and operational costs across diverse environments. To address the scarcity of high-quality interactive data for world model training, LingBot-World adopts a hybrid data acquisition strategy. It combines large-scale, carefully curated web videos covering diverse real-world scenes, with game-engine synthetic data, including Unreal Engine (UE) pipelines. By extracting clean, UI-free frames directly from the rendering layer while simultaneously logging precise action commands and camera poses, the model receives accurately aligned training signals that capture how actions drive environmental changes. LingBot-World excels in long-sequence consistency, real-time responsiveness, and modeling the causal relationship between actions and environmental dynamics. This enables it to "imagine" the physical world in a digital space, providing AI agents with a cost-effective, high-fidelity environment for trial-and-error learning. Its support for diverse scene variations, such as lighting conditions or object placements, further boosts the real-world generalization of embodied AI algorithms. Zhu Xing, CEO of Robbyant, said, "The release of LingBot-World is the third AI model in the LingBot series dedicated to embodied intelligence. This is an important extension of Ant Group's artificial general intelligence (AGI) strategy from the digital realm to physical perception, and underscores our full-stack roadmap spanning foundational models, general-purpose applications, and physical-world interaction." During Robbyant's "Evolution of Embodied AI Week" initiative, the company has already unveiled LingBot-Depth, a high-precision spatial perception model, and LingBot-VLA, a vision-language-action model designed to serve as a "universal brain" for real-world robotics. To learn more about LingBot-World, please visit: -- Code: https://github.com/Robbyant/lingbot-world -- Tech Report: https://github.com/robbyant/lingbot-world/blob/main/LingBot_World_paper.pdf -- Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/collections/robbyant/lingbot-world About Robbyant Robbyant is an embodied intelligence company within Ant Group, dedicated to advancing embodied intelligence through cutting-edge software and hardware technologies. Robbyant independently develops foundational large models for embodied AI and actively explores next-generation intelligent devices, aiming to create robotic companions and caregivers that truly understand and enhance people's everyday lives and deliver reliable intelligent services across key use cases, such as elderly care, medical assistance, and household tasks. To learn more about Robbyant, please visit: www.robbyant.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128459962/en/ Contact Media InquiriesVick Li WeiAnt Group[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: NIQ Global Intelligence plc (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 CHICAGO, Jan 29, 2026 (BSW) - NielsenIQ (NYSE: NIQ) today announced the launch of its Say-Do Gap Measurement Framework, an innovative behavioral metric set to transform how brands and retailers understand modern consumers and navigate a pressing challenge: consumers who say one thing but buy another. With economic uncertainty, shifting priorities, and increasingly value?driven decision-making changing consumer habits, this growing disconnect has cost the industry more than 13 billion unit sales over the past five years-losses many companies can no longer afford to overlook. By unifying deep attitudinal insights with verified purchase data across 25+ global markets, the Say-Do Framework bridges this gap and exposes where brands are losing momentum, where unmet demand is hiding, and where opportunity is silently compounding. Brands and retailers can now quantify the gap between what consumers believe and what they buy, and market or create products that deliver value with the correct consumer, maximize price retention, and deliver unit volume growth. "Brands and retailers can no longer afford to navigate using half the compass. The Say-Do Framework delivers behavioral truth rooted in real buying patterns in order to help our clients defend price, reclaim volume, and unlock growth with precision," said Marta Cyhan-Bowles, Chief Communications Officer & Head of Global Marketing COE, NIQ. This new framework applies seamlessly across categories, cohorts, markets, and claims, and can be weighted to reflect brand-specific priorities. Because it refreshes continually through NIQ's globally connected panel network, businesses can track how shifts in sentiment, messaging, or macro forces reshape consumer behavior over time. It's not just a diagnostic; it's a living, repeatable revenue engine. NIQ's proprietary linkage methodology makes it possible for leaders to see not just where consumer intent falls short of action but also the "why", and what it will take to close that distance profitably. "This is the clearest bridge yet between what consumers believe and what they buy," said Troy Treagan, Chief Product Officer at NIQ. "For years, leaders could only guess why intent failed to translate into action. Now they can see the drivers of the gap, quantify its financial impact, and take data-driven steps to close it. Any company looking to regain momentum in 2026 should have this framework at the center of its decisions." The Say-Do Gap Measurement Framework is now available globally as part of NIQ's Full View? suite. To learn more, visit niq.com/say-do-framework. About NIQ NIQ is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world's population and more than $ 7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights-delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms-NIQ delivers the Full View?. For more information, please visit www.niq.com. 2026 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. #NIQ-General View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129128356/en/ Contact Media Contact: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Dreamstime (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 BRENTWOOD, Jan 29, 2026 (BSW) - Dreamstime , the world's largest stock photography community, announced today the addition of new language versions- Czech Danish , and Norwegian -to expand its global reach and provide a more comprehensive digital experience worldwide. Hebrew and Arabic will be launched next. Key Takeaways:Dreamstime expands into 23 languages, increasing global reach and accessibility.AI-powered translation improves search relevance, onboarding, and cultural discovery. With billions of new pages and coverage in almost every country worldwide in native, official, or very popular languages, this is Dreamstime's most prolific launch in its 25-year history. The platform already operates in 13 languages: English, French, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Greek, Chinese, Swedish, German, and Romanian. With a stock photography collection of over 350 million files and millions of new items added monthly, Dreamstime manages a constantly growing dataset that requires fast, reliable daily metadata translation. The company upgraded its AI-powered language technologies to accelerate translation and improve accuracy, while a team of human translators continues to refine all static content to ensure linguistic and cultural precision. "The expansion strengthens Dreamstime's contributor community by opening new pathways for content creators to connect with buyers in their native languages. As more creatives from emerging markets join the platform, the multilingual upgrade will accelerate contributor onboarding and improve content submission workflows in previously underserved regions. This broader global participation reinforces our long-term commitment to fostering an inclusive, international creative ecosystem. Today's AI helps us overcome language barriers more effectively than ever. When users search our platform in their native language, they find the right images faster, with greater relevance driven by nuanced wording and smarter metadata translation. This launch expands our platform to more than 7.6 billion pages and isn't just about growth or new markets; it's about trust, accessibility, and confidence in a highly competitive industry," said Carmen Maftei, Dreamstime's Head of Communications & Content. In addition to the new languages, Dreamstime already uses proprietary technology to deliver culturally tailored results based on a user's location, so the same search can produce different visuals in North America and India. The new language versions further enhance search results through AI-driven tools that capture cultural nuance. For instance, the Romanian word "dor," which conveys a deep sense of longing, yields relevant results despite its seeming untranslatability. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129047192/en/ Contact Malina Tudoroiu[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Esri (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 REDLANDS, Jan 29, 2026 (BSW) - Esri , the global leader in location intelligence, has received ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. This certification enables Esri's ArcGIS users to meet data residency and local regulatory requirements and ensures that Esri's security practices comply with the requirements set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification provides a globally recognized framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. Esri's certification demonstrates that its system preserves the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the platforms, services, and applications used to process, transmit, and store customer assets. "As enterprises simultaneously navigate escalating cyber threats and complex data residency regulations, our certification provides critical assurance that we maintain the rigorous security standards required today," said Michael Young, Esri, CISO-Products. "And especially on the heels of analyst firm Forrester's Predictions 2025 report that cybercrime costs would reach $12 trillion, earning this certification reflects Esri's proactive response to an increasingly complex global security environment." ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification ensures that Esri's ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Location Platform infrastructures have been critically evaluated and audited by a third party. To learn more about Esri's commitment to security, privacy, and transparency, visit the ArcGIS Trust Center. About Esri Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world's most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com. Copyright 2026 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri Globe logo, The Science of Where, ArcGIS, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Union, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260129231714/en/ Contact Jo Ann PruchniewskiPublic Relations, EsriMobile: 301-693-2643 | Email: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. RAMALLAH, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh on Thursday called on the international community to take firm action against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. In a statement, Al Sheikh urged "brotherly and friendly countries" to adopt clear measures, accusing Israel of continuing practices he said violate international law. He cited home demolitions, property destruction, settler violence, settlement expansion, land seizures, the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, and the abuse of detainees. Violence has intensified in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem since Oct. 7, 2023, when the war in Gaza began. The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 1,080 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since then. Israel's military has carried out near-daily raids in Palestinian towns and cities, while Palestinians accuse Israeli forces of using excessive force against civilians. Israeli authorities carried out about 538 demolitions of Palestinian homes and other structures in 2025, according to the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Commission Against the Wall and Settlements, which said the figure marked a sharp increase from previous years. Al Sheikh also warned of what he called an Israeli campaign against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, saying it threatened to disrupt essential humanitarian services. Denmark hails 'very constructive' meeting with US over Greenland Brussels, Belgium, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Denmark's foreign minister said Thursday he was "more optimistic" after technical talks kicked off with the United States over Greenland. "We have had the very first meeting at senior official level in Washington yesterday regarding the Greenlandic issue," Lars Lokke Rasmussen told journalists at an EU meeting in Brussels. "It went well in a very constructive atmosphere and tone, and new meetings are planned. It's not that things are solved, but it's good." The trilateral talks come after US President Donald Trump last week backed down from his threats to seize the autonomous Arctic territory of EU and NATO member Denmark. "There was a major detour. Things were escalating, but now we are back on track," Rasmussen said. "I'm slightly more optimistic today than a week ago." Trump's threats over Greenland plunged the transtatlantic alliance into its deepest crisis in years. The unpredictable US leader backed off his desire to take control of Greenland after saying he had struck a "framework" deal with NATO chief Mark Rutte to ensure greater American influence. But few concrete details appear to have been agreed -- with authorities in Denmark and Greenland refusing to discuss handing over any sovereignty. "I have stated on many occasions, we, of course, share the US security concerns regarding the Arctic, this is something we want to solve in close cooperation," Rasmussen said. As part of the compromise with Washington NATO is expected to bolster its activities in the Arctic, while Denmark and Greenland could renegotiate a 1951 treaty on US troop deployments. All hands on deck: British Navy sobers up alcohol policy London, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 The UK navy is tightening the taps on allowing alcohol at sea, the defence ministry said Thursday. The move marks another sea-change away from ancient tales of sailors enjoying a drink, fuelled in part by the traditional daily ration, or "tot" of rum. This would be handed out to Royal Navy personnel for about three centuries until the practice was ended in July 1970. Under new rules unveiled this week, Royal Navy personnel should consume no more than three units of alcohol per day or 14 units of alcohol per week regardless of rank when at sea, a defence source told AFP, asking not to be named. Each vessel will be required to go teetotal at least two days per week and zero and low-alcohol products will be made available to buy to promote responsible drinking habits, officials said. This replaces previous guidelines which allowed sailors to have two cans of beer per day, equivalent to over three units a day, depending on the strength of beer. The changes also match the navy's goal of improving warfighting readiness when personnel are at sea and line up with guidelines given to the UK's general population, officials said. "The updated policy aligns with advice from the UK chief medical officer, ensuring that our people remain fit for naval operations and comparable with modern military and civilian maritime standards," a Royal Navy spokesperson said. "It also prioritises the health of our people, which is paramount, and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations, while also continuing to enjoy downtime." The new restrictions will not apply when sailors are not aboard ships, for example on on-shore bases, the defence source said. Denmark hails 'very constructive' meeting with US over Greenland Copenhagen, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Denmark's foreign minister said Thursday he was "more optimistic" after technical talks kicked off with the United States over Greenland. "We have had the very first meeting at senior official level in Washington yesterday regarding the Greenlandic issue," Lars Lokke Rasmussen told journalists at an EU meeting in Brussels. "It went well in a very constructive atmosphere and tone, and new meetings are planned. It's not that things are solved, but it's good." The trilateral talks come after US President Donald Trump last week backed down from his threats to seize the autonomous Arctic territory of EU and NATO member Denmark. "There was a major detour. Things were escalating, but now we are back on track," Rasmussen said. "I'm slightly more optimistic today than a week ago." Meanwhile, the Danish royal house also announced Thursday that King Frederik X would travel to Greenland on February 18 to show his "concern" for the island's inhabitants. Trump's threats over Greenland plunged the transatlantic alliance into its deepest crisis in years. The unpredictable US leader backed off his desire to take control of Greenland after saying he had struck a "framework" deal with NATO chief Mark Rutte to ensure greater American influence. But few concrete details appear to have been agreed -- with authorities in Denmark and Greenland refusing to discuss handing over any sovereignty. "I have stated on many occasions, we, of course, share the US security concerns regarding the Arctic, this is something we want to solve in close cooperation," Rasmussen said. - 'Unfettered' access - As part of the compromise with Washington, NATO members are expected to bolster their activities in the Arctic, while Denmark and Greenland could renegotiate a 1951 treaty on US troop deployments. Louisiana governor Jeff Landry, who was named Trump's special envoy for Greenland in December said in an op-ed published in the New York Times that details were "being worked out". "But the framework builds on the 1941 and 1951 defense agreements between the United States and Denmark and would enhance American, NATO and Greenlandic security and reaffirm longstanding trans-Atlantic defense obligations," Landry wrote. "It would expand America's operational freedom, support new bases and infrastructure, facilitate deployment of advanced missile-defense systems like the Golden Dome and crowd out hostile Chinese and Russian influence," he explained. At the same time, Landry stressed that "the reality is that no nation, or group of nations, is capable of securing Greenland without the United States." Landry continued to add that Trump recognised the "uncomfortable fact" that "America must guarantee its own unfettered and uninterrupted access to key strategic territories in the Western Hemisphere, including both Greenland and the Panama Canal." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday he expected a "good outcome" on Greenland as negotiations start. Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs the Arctic territory, home to some 57,000 inhabitants, for "national security". In explaining his planned trip to Greenland, Denmark's King Frederik told reporters during a visit to Lithuania that "we feel very deeply for the Greenlandic people and we have been deeply affected by what has been happening in Greenland in recent weeks." "We can sense from the media that the Greenlandic people have been very concerned. It is clear that this concerns us both," he added, referring to his wife, Queen Mary. Where does Iraq stand as US turns up heat on Iran? Baghdad, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Faced with political deadlock, open American meddling and the threat of war across its borders, is Iraq being dragged back to darker times after achieving hard-won stability? After decades of conflict and chaos, Iraq has recently regained a sense of normalcy, yet its politics is haunted by the struggle to balance relations with its two main allies, Iran and the United States. Washington makes no secret of its will to interfere in Iraqi domestic decision-making. While Iraqis discussed choosing their next premier, US representatives lobbied. Then President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum: the US would end its support for Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki, a powerful politician close to Iran, returned as prime minister. In the view of Iraqi analyst Ihsan al-Shamari, "Trump's administration does not distinguish between Iran and Iraq, instead it treats them as a single, inseparable issue." - What happened? - In November last year, Iraq held its general election. Last week, after intense talks among political leaders, the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite groups with varying ties to Iran, endorsed Maliki as Iraq's next prime minister. Maliki was Iraq's only two-term prime minister, serving between 2006 and 2014). He first enjoyed the support of the then US occupation, but later fell out with Washington over his growing ties with Iran and allegations that he pushed a sectarian agenda. Coming from Iraq's largest Shiite parliamentary bloc, this nomination would normally secure the candidate the post. But Trump's meddling has muddied the waters. Talks are still underway within the Coordination Framework to find a way out, a source close to the Shiite alliance told AFP, adding that it is a "complicated situation." Iraqi leaders are divided: some want Maliki to retreat to protect Iraq from Trump's threats. Others insist on standing their ground and rejecting American interference. An Iraqi official close to Maliki said he is not seeking confrontation. Instead, his team is working to reach an understanding with the US. "The situation is difficult, but not impossible," he said. "It will take time." - What's at stake? - The US wields leverage over Iraq as its oil export revenues are largely held at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, in an arrangement reached after the 2003 US invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Many US companies invest in Iraq, and the government of incumbent PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who enjoys a good relationship with Washington, has been hoping for more investment, especially in the oil sector, which provides about 90 percent of Iraq's revenue. The source, close to the framework, said there are serious concerns that Trump could impose sanctions on Iraq if Maliki returns to office. But Iraq is struggling with weak economic growth and cannot risk punitive measures by the US, which has already taken action against several Iraqi entities, accusing them of helping Tehran evade sanctions. Shamari warned that if Iraq continues its current approach towards Iran, it will risk "isolation through sanctions or Trump's maximum pressure campaign, which would extend to the economy and financial systems." - War next door? - In Iraq, keeping Iran at bay is not easy. Since the US-led invasion, Iran has seen its Shiite allies installed in Baghdad's halls of power. Today, it not only backs influential politicians but also supports armed groups. US-sanctioned and Iran-aligned armed groups have long vowed to intervene to defend the Islamic Republic, although they did not fire a bullet during the last Iran-Israel war. Today, with Trump threatening a possible strike on Iran, two of these groups say they are ready for war, even opening recruitment offices for those willing to die for the cause. Shamari warned that a US war on Iran might turn Iraq into "a battleground, a base for retaliation, or a tool of military pressure." Washington's threats "to topple the regime, target the Iranian Supreme Leader, or of a military strike ... will significantly affect Iraq at all levels," he said. If the Iranian regime changes, "Iran-aligned forces in Iraq will be forced into a political and military struggle for survival." It might lead to a restructuring of Iraq's political system. US bases in the Middle East Washington, United States, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to military conflict, with President Donald Trump saying Washington is "ready, willing and able" to strike its arch-foe and Tehran vowing a "crushing response." Iranian retaliation for a US attack would likely target American forces in the Middle East, where Washington has tens of thousands of troops deployed on bases across the region. Below, AFP examines major concentrations of US forces in the Middle East, which fall under the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM). - Bahrain - The tiny Gulf kingdom hosts an installation known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command headquarters are based. Bahrain's deep-water port can accommodate the largest US military vessels, such as aircraft carriers, and the US Navy has used the base in the country since 1948, when the facility was operated by Britain's Royal Navy. Several US ships have their home port in Bahrain, including anti-mine vessels and logistical support ships. - Iraq - The United States has troops in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, but their mission is due to end by September 2026 under a deal between Washington and Baghdad. American forces have already completed their withdrawal from facilities in federal Iraq -- whose government is a close ally of Iran, but also a strategic partner of Washington -- under the same agreement. US forces in Iraq and Syria were repeatedly targeted by pro-Iran militants following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, but responded with heavy strikes on Tehran-linked targets, and the attacks largely subsided. - Kuwait - Kuwait has several US bases, including Camp Arifjan, the location of the forward headquarters for the US Army component of CENTCOM. The US Army also has stocks of equipment and supplies in the country. Ali al-Salem Air Base hosts the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military describes as the "primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces" in the region. Additionally, the United States has drones including MQ-9 Reapers in Kuwait. - Qatar - Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar includes the forward components of CENTCOM, as well the command's air forces and special operations forces. It also hosts rotating combat aircraft, and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military says includes "airlift, aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets." Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid last June following US strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. - Syria - The United States has for years maintained troops in Syria as part of international efforts against the Islamic State group, which rose out of the country's civil war to overrun large parts of that country and neighboring Iraq. Highlighting the dangers American forces in the country face, two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria in December in an attack blamed on the Islamic State group. - United Arab Emirates - Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE hosts the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a force that is composed of 10 squadrons of aircraft and also includes drones such as MQ-9 Reapers. Combat aircraft have rotated through Al Dhafra, which also hosts the US Air Forces' hub for "advanced air warfare training." Iran blasts EU 'mistake' after Guards terror designation Paris, France, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Iran reacted with fury on Thursday after the EU blacklisted the country's Revolutionary Guards as a terror group, as Tehran faced off with Washington after US President Donald Trump warned time was running out for a nuclear deal. The European Union piled on mounting pressure on Iran on Thursday by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a "terrorist organisation" over a deadly crackdown on recent mass protests "'Terrorist' is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people's protests in blood," said EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, welcoming the "overdue" decision. Though largely symbolic, the EU decision has already drawn a warning from Tehran that it would have "destructive consequences". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it a "another major strategic mistake" after key European powers last year triggered the return of UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Iran's military slammed "the illogical, irresponsible and spite-driven action of the European Union", alleging the bloc was acting out of "obedience" to Tehran's arch-foes the United States and Israel. Iranian officials have blamed the recent protest wave on the two countries, claiming their agents spurred "riots" and a "terrorist operation" that hijacked peaceful rallies sparked over economic grievances. Rights groups have said thousands of people were killed during the protests by security forces, including the IRGC -- the ideological arm of Tehran's military. Trump had threatened military action if protesters were killed in the anti-government demonstrations that erupted in late December and peaked on January 8 and 9. But his recent statements have turned to Iran's nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb. - Diplomatic push - On Wednesday he said "time is running out" for Tehran to make a deal, warning a US naval strike group that arrived in Middle East waters on Monday was "ready, willing and able" to hit Iran. The United States had hit Iranian nuclear targets when it briefly joined Israel's war against Iran in June. Iranian officials have also ratcheted up warnings that Tehran would respond forcefully to any US military action, while not ruling out diplomatic solutions. Iran's army chief Amir Hatami on Thursday vowed a "crushing response" to any attack, according to state television, which reported 1,000 "strategic drones" had joined the combat regiments. Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the country "must be prepared for a state of war", according to the official IRNA news agency. "Our strategy is that we will never start a war, but if it is imposed, we will defend ourselves," he said, adding that Iran was "ready" for negotiations with the United States but wanted unspecified guarantees. The face-off has sent diplomatic shock waves across the region, with calls for negotiations to defuse tensions drawing in key regional actors. An official in the Gulf -- where states host US military sites -- told AFP that fears of a US strike on Iran are "very clear". "It would bring the region into chaos, it would hurt the economy not just in the region but in the US and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket," the official added. Turkey said it would offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran during an upcoming visit by Araghchi, after Ankara's top diplomat urged Washington to start nuclear talks with Tehran. Iran ally Russia on Thursday also said "the potential for negotiations is not exhausted". "Any use of force can only create chaos in the region and lead to very dangerous consequences," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. - Region doesn't need 'new war' - Despite the EU's IRGC designation and addition of another 15 Iranian officials and six entities to its asset freeze and visa ban blacklist, the bloc's top diplomat warned the United States against starting a new Middle East conflict. "When it comes to attacks, then I think the region does not need a new war," foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. However, she hit out at Iran's clerical leadership, saying on X that "any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise". The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has confirmed 6,373 people were killed in the protests, as internet restrictions imposed on January 8 continue to slow verification. But rights groups warn the toll is likely far higher, with estimates in the tens of thousands. Iranian authorities acknowledge that thousands were killed during the protests, giving a toll of more than 3,000 deaths, but say the majority were members of the security forces or bystanders killed by "rioters". Billboards and banners have gone up in the capital Tehran to bolster the authorities' messages. One massive poster appears to show an American aircraft carrier being destroyed. burs-sw/sjw/dc Israeli settler leader lauds Jewish prayer at contested West Bank tomb Nablus, Palestinian Territories, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Around 1,500 Israeli Jews prayed at a contested tomb in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Thursday morning, and a settler leader hailed an "important step" towards establishing Israeli sovereignty over the site. Jews believe Joseph's Tomb in the north of the Palestinian territory is the burial site of the Biblical patriarch Joseph. Muslims consider it the burial place of a local religious figure. The entry of Jewish pilgrims often sparks clashes with Palestinians, who claim the visits are a provocation. Thursday's prayer was exceptional as worshippers performed the Jewish morning service known as the Shacharit, which is celebrated after sunrise. For a quarter of a century, Israeli authorities have only allowed Jews to come and pray at the site at night. "This is a significant and important step toward... ensuring the full return of the people of Israel and the State of Israel to this holy place," said Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron regional council which administers Israeli settlements in the northern West Bank. "For the first time in 25 years, Jews prayed in broad daylight at Joseph's Tomb," the council said in a statement. The tomb lies within the built up area of Nablus in the West Bank's Area A, which under the Oslo Accords signed in the 1990s falls under the administration of the Palestinian Authority. - Dawn prayer - Since the Israeli military vacated the site in 2000, Jewish pilgrims can only visit in groups escorted by troops. AFP footage from the site on Thursday morning showed crowds of Jewish pilgrims praying, some wearing small leather boxes called tefillin, containing religious verses, on their heads. The Israeli army has long supervised the entry of ultra-Orthodox Jews for a nighttime prayer on the first day of each month of the Hebrew calendar. But Israeli media reported that, in December, Defence Minister Israel Katz had issued directives to the military to allow more visits to the tomb and not only at night. Previously, buses of visitors escorted by the army had to leave the site by 4:00 am at the latest. An AFP journalist at the scene said around 25 full buses arrived during the night carrying ultra-nationalists from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as well as ultra-Orthodox Jews from settlements and from inside Israel. The buses departed at 7:00 am, escorted by military vehicles, the journalist said. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and Israeli settlements there are considered illegal under international law. An Israeli military spokesperson told AFP that "all was done according to the orders of the political echelon, not an army initiative." "The political echelon decided to extend the opening hours and (the military) is subordinate to their instructions." Greece, France working to renew defence pact Salamina, Greece, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 The defence ministers of Greece and France on Thursday said their countries were working to renew a 2021 defence cooperation agreement, under which Athens has purchased significant quantities of French-made weapons. "We agreed with the minister to finalise the renewal of this agreement very quickly, within one to two months," Greece's Nikos Dendias said after talks with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin. The discussions were held at the naval base of Salamina on board the Kimon, a French-made Belharra frigate that sailed to Greece earlier this month. Athens has agreed to purchase four Belharra defence and intervention frigates (FDI), having already ordered 24 Rafale fighter jets. It has announced plans to spend a total of 25 billion euros ($30 billion) through 2036 in what conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called the "most drastic" defence overhaul in modern Greek history. The drive, which includes a new anti-missile, anti-aircraft and anti-drone defensive dome called "Achilles's Shield", is aimed at addressing rapidly changing geopolitical challenges and fraying transatlantic ties, the government has said. Greece has traditionally invested at least two percent of gross domestic product on defence -- NATO's longstanding spending target until recently -- owing to decades of tension with regional rival Turkey. China, France should jointly inject much-needed stability into world, says Wang Yi Xinhua) 08:48, January 29, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and France, both as major countries acting independently, should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly inject much-needed stability into the world, and better leverage the strategic value of China-France relations, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president. At the beginning of the new year, the international landscape has undergone significant changes, marked by turbulence and instability, said Wang. China and the European Union (EU) are partners rather than rivals, which has been proved by the fruitful outcomes of their cooperation over the past 50 years and more, he said, noting that China and the EU share similar positions on promoting a multipolar world and many other issues, and are capable of properly resolving specific trade disputes through dialogue and coordination. Under the current circumstances, the two sides should in particular enhance communication, promote mutual trust and deepen cooperation, he said. The recent visits to China by several European leaders have strongly advanced China-Europe relations, said Wang, voicing his hope that France will continue to play a constructive role within the EU and help promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations. For his part, Bonne said that France attaches great importance to the France-China comprehensive strategic cooperation and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, France is willing to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with China on major international hotspot issues within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, jointly address challenges, and make positive contributions to safeguarding global security and stability as well as promoting common development and prosperity, said Bonne. Moving in the same direction and further stabilizing relations fully serve the interests of both the EU and China, and the French side is willing to make active efforts to promote the steady development of EU-China relations, he said. Both sides also coordinated positions and exchanged views on hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the situations in Venezuela and Iran. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Akbar Novruz Media reports say Russia and Ukraine have reached a preliminary agreement to ban strikes on energy infrastructure, marking a potential pause in one of the wars most damaging fronts. According to Russian media, starting today, military personnel from both sides would be prohibited from attacking energy facilities, a step toward limiting destruction to civilian power grids and other critical systems, Azernews reports. So far, there has been no official confirmation from either the Russian or Ukrainian governments on the details of this reported agreement. Ukrainian sources have not yet publicly acknowledged the pact, and defense officials in Kyiv had not commented at the time of reporting. The idea of an energy infrastructure ceasefire is not new. In March 2025, U.S.-mediated talks led to an understanding for a limited halt to strikes on energy targets, including electricity grids, aimed at protecting civilian life and infrastructure. At that time, both sides expressed varying interpretations of the scope and timing of such an agreement. However, past efforts have been fragile and hard to enforce. During earlier truce attempts, both sides accused each other of violations, and the ceasefires often broke down quickly amid broader hostilities. Even if this preliminary energy ceasefire is real, its durability remains uncertain. Previous agreements, including U.S.-brokered pauses in attacks, struggled due to disagreements over scope, enforcement mechanisms and mutual trust. Without robust verification and enforcement, it is unlikely that either side, especially Russia ,given past patterns, would fully adhere to such terms for an extended period. True progress will depend on political will, third-party monitoring, and broader de-escalation efforts that go beyond isolated infrastructure protections. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson on Thursday said that China welcomes Finnish enterprises to continue investing actively in the country and share the opportunities created by China's high-quality development. Spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks when answering questions regarding consensus and outcomes achieved in the economic and trade field during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's recent visit to China, and efforts to be made to further deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The visit was successful and the two sides achieved pragmatic outcomes in economic and trade cooperation, the spokesperson said. During the visit, China's Ministry of Commerce and Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening the work of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation, and jointly convened the sixth meeting of the committee, the spokesperson noted. More than 50 enterprises from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions on cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development and the digital economy. Multiple commercial agreements were signed, covering sectors including mining machinery, healthcare, papermaking and green buildings, according to the spokesperson. Finnish companies voiced strong confidence in China's economic outlook and the potential of its vast market, expressing their willingness to make long-term investments and deepen their presence in China, He said. Going forward, the ministry will work with the Finnish side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, make good use of mechanisms such as the bilateral economic and trade joint committee, and further deepen communication and coordination on policies, He said. ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's internationally recognized government and the Houthi group on Wednesday traded accusations over delays in implementing a prisoner exchange agreement reached during talks facilitated by the United Nations (UN) in Oman last month. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Abdul-Malik Mikhlafi, an adviser to Yemen's presidency, accused the Houthis of obstructing the deal and reneging on commitments made under UN-brokered agreements. "The Houthi militia does not view agreements as a moral or humanitarian obligation, but as a means of political blackmail," Mikhlafi said in the statement, citing what he described as repeated violations and disregard for prisoners and their families. He said the failure to implement the Muscat agreement reflected a lack of seriousness and "contempt for international law and humanitarian considerations," without providing further details. The Houthis denied responsibility for the delay. Abdul Qader al-Murtada, head of the Houthis' prisoner affairs committee, said the group had submitted its prisoner lists ahead of the last round of Muscat talks. "The delay in exchanging the lists is not on our side," al-Murtada said earlier this week, adding that the other side failed to submit its lists within the timeframe stipulated by the Muscat agreement. On Dec. 23, 2025, Yemen's internationally recognized government and the Houthi group agreed to a new prisoner exchange involving nearly 3,000 detainees, including seven Saudis and 23 Sudanese nationals. Under the deal, 1,700 Houthi detainees are to be released in exchange for 1,200 detainees affiliated with the government, as well as Saudi and Sudanese nationals held by the Houthis. Yemen has been gripped by conflict since late 2014 when Houthi militants seized control of the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year in support of the internationally recognized government. A UN-mediated truce between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, brokered in April 2022, lasted six months before expiring. However, both sides have largely maintained a "de facto ceasefire" since then. The last major UN-mediated detainees swap between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group took place in 2023, with around 900 detainees released. Wills Cultural Crisis: A Rough, Unnecessary Start The Man From Nowhere wants to be an episode about identity, belonging, and cultural dislocationbut it keeps tripping over its own feet. From my vantage point, the hour is less about the case and more about Wills spiraling imposter syndrome, paired with the writers baffling insistence on treating a three season proven investigator like a punchline. The Man From Nowhere WILL TRENT. Pictured: Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent. Photo: Disney/ Daniel Delgado Jr. 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Wills scene with his therapists (Margaret Cho) spells it out plainly: He feels like a cultural outsider. He cant speak Spanish. He cant salsa dance. He doesnt feel Puerto Rican enough. And hes convinced his people think hes a joke. The irony, of course, is that the writers spend the entire first act treating him like one. Its unforgivable, honestly. Viewers have watched Will solve impossible cases with razor sharp intuition for years. To suddenly frame him as a bumbling cultural tourist is not only tonally offits disrespectful to the characters established brilliance. The Man From Nowhere WILL TRENT. Pictured: Jonny Beauchamp as Bon Bon Chiffon. Photo: Disney/ Daniel Delgado Jr. 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Bright Spot: Encyclopedia Bon Bon Chiffon Thank goodness for Bon Bon Chiffon (Jonny Beauchamp), the unexpected MVP of the episode. Hes the one who spills the tea that cracks the case open. Bon Bon places Latin dancer Roxy Vazquez (Itzia Martinez) in suspiciously close proximity to Colombian diplomat Ramos Delgado (Juan Javier Cardenas) every time hes in Atlanta. Affair? Yes. But not the affair anyone expected. Roxy wasnt sleeping with Ramosshe was, apparently, doing the horizontal mambo with his wife, Isabela (Carolina Gomez). Roxy and Isabells matching tattoos tell an old Taino story of separated loversa hummingbird and a flowerdestined to find each other again. Its a gorgeous cultural detail, and Will is the one who sees it. Thats the Will Trent I know. A Narcissist, a Poison, and a Chilling Confession: Case Closed Catalina, the victim, becomes collateral damage in Ramoss wordsthe cost of doing business. The casual cruelty of that confession is chilling, especially delivered under Delgados smug faith in his diplomatic immunity. But Will, having already connected the dotsincluding realizing that Delgado used the same poison he slipped into Catalinas makeup to unalive a political opponentloops in the GBI, the State Department, and the Colombian government. Immunity revoked. Case closed.. The Man From Nowhere WILL TRENT. Pictured: Juan Javier Cardenas as Ramos Delgado, Carolina Gomez as Isabela Delgado. Photo: Disney/ Daniel Delgado Jr. 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Bada bing. Bada bing. Bada boom. Justice delivered. And suddenly, Wills Puerto Rican identitydismissed earlierbecomes the key to solving the case. The episode finally lets him be who he is: a brilliant investigator whose cultural insight is an asset, not a punchline. Gen Z Chaos Meets Cold Case Reality Meanwhile at the APD, Angie (Erika Christensen) and Michael (Jake McLaughlin) tackle a cold case with two overeager college students in tow. Kaia (Kay Benson) brings peak Gen Z I saw it on TikTok, so I know better energy: Complaining about non-digitized files Arguing that stating an emotion is not complaining Sending Mike voice memos, he absolutely did not listen to until it was almost too late. Kaias arrogance becomes its own form of imposter syndromebelieving shes ready for detective work because she was part of the team that cracked one stakeout. Then she trespasses on a murder suspects property, digs through his trash for DNA, and nearly gets herself killed. Her shaky: Im making a citizens arrest is both painful and predictable. Thankfully, Angie and Mike arrive to prevent her from being a cautionary tale. The APD plot is fun, but it feels like it unfolded in double time. The Man From Nowhere WILL TRENT. Pictured: Kurt Yue as Pete Chin, Ramon Rodriguez as Will Trent. Photo: Disney/ Daniel Delgado Jr. 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Visual Poetry: Will and the Woman in Red One image lingers: Will lying beside the murdered dancer in her red dress. Its haunting, cinematic, and emotionally preciseeverything the episode could have been if it trusted its own tone. Final Thoughts The episode pulls off a neat hat trick with the dueling imposter syndrome tales. Wills imposter syndrome drags him into undue under-confidence; while Kaias pushes her into over-confidence. Same insecurity, opposite expression. Narratively, the episode is sound. Emotionally, its uneven. Pacing-wise, its split down the middle: GBI plot: too slow. APD plot: too fast. And the early treatment of Will as a cultural joke undermines the very arc the episode claims to explore. Still, the case resolution, the Taino symbolism, and Bon Bons unexpected brilliance give the hour enough weight to land for Will Trent Stans. Your turn. Riddle me this: Which version of Will Trent do you trust more: the one the writers keep trying to humble for laughs, or the one who quietly solves the case by seeing what no one else can? Let me know in the comments. Overall Score: 7 out of 10 Lynette Jones In the summer of 2009, I ended up in Budapest with a man whose surname was Farmer. Wed been in Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague, drinking absinthe and sleeping on trains, and we found nourishment in Hungary by way of 5 goulash and 1 beers. Before Farmer dashed off to Madrid and I booked a cheap flight home, I went to the now-famous Szimpla Kert, one of Budapests original ruin bars hidden in abandoned ex-Soviet buildings. I found it to be a mystical place, cavernous and neon-lit, with a canopy of plants hanging from the ceiling among an endless parade of bric-a-brac adorning steel beams and dusty brickwork. There were rooms with comfy sofas and shisha pipes, a lively crowd, bashed up cars below disco balls. A jazz band played in front of squeaky food carts. 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 In December 2025, the UK government asked British people to share their views on the rollout of driverless vehicles on UK roads. Further consultations are expected to take place in 2026, with the document claiming that UK self-driving vehicles regulations would be in place for the second half of 2027. The announcement came as the Government pledged to create 50,000 more school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools in England. It promised to invest at least 3 billion into this over the next three years, partly funded by cancelling some planned mainstream free schools. He said: We had a very good, productive session with real, concrete outcomes and it was a real strengthening of the relationship and that's in the national interest, because, of course, there are huge opportunities here in China as the second biggest economy in the world, and that's why we've got such a big business delegation. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Wednesday that the government will continue to ship oil to Cuba, despite pressures from the United States. During a press conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum stressed that the decision aligns with Mexico's historical foreign policy, and oil shipments are part of the country's sovereign decisions. According to Sheinbaum, the shipments are carried out through contracts between the state-owned oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and a Cuban government institution, as part of Mexico's humanitarian aid for Cuba. Pemex is responsible for determining shipments in keeping with the contracts, she added. Sheinbaum addressed recent speculation that Mexico was bowing to U.S. pressure to halt oil shipments, which arose after a Bloomberg report suggested a January shipment was suspended. "I never said anything about whether it had been suspended ... That was a later interpretation based on a newspaper article," the president said, denying any official decision in that regard. While Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico's humanitarian commitment to Cuba, she declined to provide details on whether upcoming deliveries would include oil, noting that such decisions would depend on specific agreements between the two nations. Any interview would likely have added a different perspective to the ongoing rift involving Brooklyn and his family, which has largely been framed around his marriage to Nicola Peltz. Sources indicated that difficulties between Brooklyn and his parents pre-dated that relationship. BANGKOK, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two pilots were killed on Thursday when their light attack aircraft crashed during a training mission in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai province, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) said. The AT-6TH aircraft, assigned to Wing 41, went down at around 10:20 a.m. local time in Chom Thong district, about 60 km southwest of Chiang Mai International Airport, said RTAF Spokesperson Chakkrit Thammavichai. The pilots were conducting a combat search and rescue training exercise at the time of the accident, and no civilian injuries or property damage were reported in the vicinity of the crash site, Chakkrit said in a statement. Authorities will conduct the investigation with utmost thoroughness and strict adherence to aviation safety standards to determine the exact cause, the spokesperson said. The air force expressed its condolences to the families of the pilots and said it would provide full assistance. A woman holds a sign memorializing Renee Good as activists protest outside an ICE facility in Pflugerville, requesting the organization leave the county, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in solidarity with nationwide protests after the killing of Good, a Minneapolis woman and U.S. citizen, by ICE agents on Jan. 7. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman This story has been updated to add additional businesses participating in Friday's actions. On Friday, Jan. 30, a coalition of businesses, labor groups and advocacy organizations in Austin will join a nationwide day of action calling for a shutdown of schools, workplaces and retail outlets to protest the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers say the day of no work, no school and no shopping is intended to send a clear message: Stop funding ICE. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The protest comes in response to the killings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, and Keith Porter Jr., all civilians who died during encounters with federal agents. Supporters of the protest say these individuals were exercising their First Amendment rights rather than engaging in criminal activity. Austin joins nationwide action: Businesses shutting down on Friday People protest ICE outside Austin City Hall in downtown Austin, 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 The nationwide action is already drawing significant participation: More than 250 events in 46 states and more than 1,000 organizations have signed on, including Austin-based groups like Austin for Palestine Coalition, Austin Young Active Labor Leaders and PODER Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local businesses in Austin joining the protest include Show and Tell, Potluck Vintage, Bike a Lot, Prototype, Revival, Muse Coffee Truck, Golden Mean, Retrofit, Charm School, Uncommon Objects, Blue Velvet, Hyperreal Film Club, End of an Ear, Breakaway Records and Uptown Modern. Its abundantly clear that anyone who is participating is opposed to the way that ICE is impacting our communities all over the nation said Katie McClure, owner of Show and Tell and Potluck Vintage, "I was a bilingual teacher for many years, so any action I can take to push back against current discriminatory narratives that immigrants are bad for the nation is one that I will take." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Flitch Coffee also plans to close Friday in solidarity with nationwide protests against ICE. In an Instagram post, the coffee shop acknowledged that closing again after losing business during last weekends icy weather was a difficult decision but emphasized that the move was intended to contribute to a collective message opposing what organizers describe as the ongoing violence and enforcement actions by ICE in local communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other local businesses, including BookPeople and We Luv Video, have said they will remain open during the day, positioning their spaces as places for rest and community connection, with no expectation that patrons make purchases. More Austin events this weekend: Rallies, walkouts planned Susan Van Haitsma holds a sign reading Its too late to recalibrate. We want ICE out of our state during a prayer vigil at Austin City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The vigil was organized by Childrens Defense FundTexas and the Immigrant Services Network of Austin as part of a Free Families Solidarity Vigil urging Congress to end the detention of families by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Local organizers in Austin have a rally planned on Friday at the Texas State Capitol at 5:30 p.m., where participants are expected to carry banners, flags and signs expressing opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Earlier in the day, a walkout at ACC Highland is set for 12:30 p.m., bringing together students and community members with the broader movement. That evening, a separate demonstration organized by Watermelon ICE Watch is planned outside the Hyatt Regency Austin at 6:30 p.m., following local concern including unverified reports on social media that ICE agents were staying at the downtown hotel, a claim city officials have disputed. Organizers are also promoting a Stop ICE Rally on Saturday, January 31 at 3 p.m., expected to feature elected officials, clergy and community leaders. The advertised lineup includes State Rep. James Talarico, U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar, and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, among others. The series of actions in Austin comes amid a broader wave of protests and calls for a nationwide shutdown of work, school and commerce tied to opposition to ICE operations. Southwest passengers check in for their flight at Houston Hobby Airport on Tuesday, the first day the airline offered preferred and extra-legroom seating options for a fee. Ashley Landis/Associated Press DALLAS Southwest Airlines is expecting its business transformation changes to spark a financial boom this year. As some of the changes boosted revenue in the final three months of 2025, the Dallas-based carrier said Wednesday afternoon, profit jumped nearly 24% to $323 million from a year ago, pushing full-year net income to $441 million. At 61 cents per share, fourth-quarter profit topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for net income of 56 cents per share. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Southwest closed 2025 with strong momentum, President and CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement after markets closed. That foundation positions us well for longterm success and sets the stage for significant earnings growth this year. Investors cheered the airlines new era Thursday by driving its stock toward its highest close in nearly four years. In late-afternoon trading, shares were up nearly 20%, topping a high reached in spring 2022. Southwest Airlines Co. CEO Bob Jordan speaks in December at a press conference at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Dallas-based airline announced plans to open a crew base in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Speaking to investors and reporters Thursday, Jordan touted the companys series of new passenger upsells including new baggage fees and, as of this week, assigned and extra-legroom seating. It also introduced perks like free Wi-Fi for members of its loyalty program, Rapid Rewards. 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 changes are seismic for the airline, which for years was known for its cut-rate one-size-fits-all approach. But facing activist-investor pressure, the company began announcing sweeping changes in 2024, including the end of its trademark open-seating policy. Southwest now is expecting revenue per available seat miles to jump at least 9.5% in the first quarter. Available seat miles, or the capacity of passengers it can carry, is expected to be up from 1% to 2% in the first quarter and up from 2% to 3% for the entire year. This is the first full-year in which Southwests new bag policy will be in effect, which the carrier is hoping will drive up its profit margins. It may also be exploring bigger changes to its business model. In the fall, Southwest hinted it was looking into the possibility of launching international long-haul flights to Europe and opening airport lounges. Both moves would also boost revenue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Southwest has also invested heavily in operations, recently opening a new network operations control floor at its Dallas Love Field headquarters and planning to open a new crew base this year in Austin. It is also expecting to take delivery of 66 Boeing 737 aircraft this year and plans to retire about 60 aircraft. In the October-December period, Southwest said Wednesday, revenue rose to $7.44 billion from $6.93 billion a year earlier. Despite increasing 7%, fourth-quarter revenue fell short of the $7.52 billion seven analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the full year, profit was down more than 5% from 2024 while revenue was up about 2% to $28.06 billion. For the current quarter ending in March, Southwest said it expects per-share earnings of 45 cents. It expects full-year earnings to be $4 per share. A jet flies past the January full moon, also known as "Wolf Moon", over Frankfurt am Main, western Germany on January 2, 2026. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images Skywatchers are in for a treat this year: There will be 13 full moons in 2026 rather than a dozen. These include three supermoons, two micromoons, a blood moon (total lunar eclipse) and a blue moon. We've already seen January's wolf moon, which was also a supermoon. When are the rest of the year's full moons, and where do their names originate? Here's what to look for in Texas skies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad January 2026 full moon: wolf moon The view of the wolf moon in the night sky on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Alessandro Levati/Getty Images The first full moon of the year is referred to as the "wolf moon." The name originates from the howling of wolves during the frigid January nights, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Native American tribes also referred to this moon as the "freeze up moon," "hard moon" or "center moon," marking the deep winter season. Date: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 Peak time: 6:03 a.m. CT 6:03 a.m. CT Lunar phases Full moon: Jan. 3 Last quarter: Jan. 10 New moon: Jan. 18 First quarter: Jan. 25 Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year's wolf moon was also a supermoon. What is a supermoon? When the moons orbit brings it closer to Earth than usual, the cosmic combo is called a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the moons orbit is closest to Earth at the same time the moon is full. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source This happens when the full moon falls at perigee its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Perigee is when the moon is 224,895 miles from Earth and appears bigger and brighter than a normal full moon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Different publications use slightly different thresholds for deciding when a full moon is close enough to the Earth to qualify as a supermoon," NASA says. "Because the orbit of the moon is not a perfect circle, the moon is sometimes closer to the Earth than at other times during its orbit." On average, supermoons appear about 7% bigger and about 15% brighter than a typical full moon. When the moon reaches apogee, its at its farthest from Earth, a distance of 252,595 miles. If a full moon occurs while the moon is at apogee, it is called a micromoon. The wolf moon was the last of four consecutive supermoons spanning 2025 and 2026. The last will occur in early January 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad February 2026 full moon: snow moon A waning gibbous snow moon rises behind people visiting the EdgeNYC outdoor observation deck at Hudson Yards in New York City on Feb. 13, 2025. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images February's full moon, known as the "snow moon," reflects the month's typically heavy snowfall. The 18th-century explorer Capt. Jonathan Carver's early writings describe Native American traditions linking this moon to winter's harshest storms. Other names for it include the "bald eagle moon," "hungry moon" and "groundhog moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 Peak time: 4:09 p.m. 4:09 p.m. Lunar phases Full moon: Feb. 1 Last quarter: Feb. 9 New moon: Feb. 17 First quarter: Feb. 24 March 2026 full moon: worm moon A partial lunar eclipse is seen during the 'blood worm moon' lunar eclipse above Austin on March 14, 2025. Rick Kern/Getty Images Known as the "worm moon," this full moon traditionally marks the return of earthworms as the soil thaws, signaling the arrival of spring. However, some accounts, including those of Capt. Jonathan Carver, suggest the name may also refer to beetle larvae emerging from thawing tree bark. Other traditional names for this moon include the "crow comes back moon," "eagle moon" and "sugar moon," each reflecting seasonal shifts observed by different cultures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Peak time: 5:38 a.m. 5:38 a.m. Lunar phases Full moon: March 3 Last quarter: March 11 New moon: March 18 First quarter: March 25 This year's worm moon will also be a total lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses are also commonly known as "blood moons," because of the reddish-orange hue the moon takes on when Earth blocks direct sunlight. April 2026 full moon: pink moon A airplane flies past the April full moon, also known as the pink moon, in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany on April 12, 2025. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images The "pink moon" is named after the early spring blooms of ground phlox, known as "moss pink," which are common in certain regions of North America. Other names include the "breaking ice moon," "budding moon" and "sucker moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Peak time: 9:12 p.m. 9:12 p.m. Lunar phases Full moon: April 1 Last quarter: April 10 New moon: April 17 First quarter: April 23 May 2026 full moon: flower moon The May full moon, also known as the flower moon, rises through the sea mist at St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. on the North East coast of England on May 12, 2025. Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images May's full moon, the "flower moon," nods to the appearance of flowers and signals the time to plant seeds and begin the year's crops. Other traditional names for this moon include the "budding moon," "frog moon" and "planting moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 Friday, May 1, 2026 Peak time: 12:23 p.m. 12:23 p.m. Lunar phases Full moon: May 1 Last quarter: May 9 New moon: May 16 First quarter: May 23 Blue moon: May 31 The most recent blue moon, also a supermoon, appears in the sky over Linkoping, Sweden, on Aug. 19, 2024. Pradeep Dambarage/NurPhoto via Getty Images A blue moon will grace our skies for the first time in nearly two years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Blue moons generally occur every two or three years. The moon's appearance won't change as it does for blood moons; rather, the term comes from a 16th-century expression. "The moon is blue" implied something was impossible, according to Britannica -- like two full moons within the same month. When this happens, the second full moon is called a blue moon. This isn't to say the moon never appears blue. When the ash from volcanic eruptions reaches the top of Earth's atmosphere the moon can take on a blue hue. NASA cites the most well-known instance of this: In 1883, the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa erupted "with the force of a 100-megaton nuclear bomb." This repeated amid the eruptions of Mexico's El Chichon volcano in 1983, Washington's Mt. St. Helens in 1980, and the Philippines' Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Aside from volcanic eruptions, forest fires can also make the moon appear blue. A 1953 muskeg fire in Alberta, Canada prompted lavender suns and blue moons from North America to the United Kingdom. Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 Sunday, May 31, 2026 Peak time: 3:45 a.m. June 2026 full moon: strawberry moon June's full moon appears low on the horizon behind the silhouetted outlines of distant hilltop trees and utility poles on June 11, 2025 in Chongqing, China. Last year's strawberry moon was the lowest full moon in nearly two decades. Cheng Xin/Getty Images Many Native American tribes referred to June's full moon as the "strawberry moon," because it appears when strawberries are ripe and ready to be picked. Similar names include the "berries ripen moon" and "blooming moon." Others named it the "birth moon" for a time when certain animals were born in the area. Capt. Jonathan Carver's writings document another group of Native Americans who called it the "hot moon," likely due to its proximity to the summer solstice and the hot weather associated with it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 Monday, June 29, 2026 Peak time: 6:56 p.m. 6:56 p.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: June 8 New moon: June 14 First quarter: June 21 Full moon: June 29 This year's strawberry moon will also be a micromoon. What is a micromoon? A micromoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with apogee the point in the Moons orbit when it is farthest from Earth, according to TimeandDate.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A micro full moon appears about 12.5% to 14.1% smaller than a supermoon and 5.9% to 6.9% smaller than an average full moon. July 2026 full moon: buck moon The buck moon rises in the sky as a plane passes by in Virginia on July 11, 2025. Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images The "buck moon" is named for the full-grown antlers of male deer, or bucks, during this time of year. Other names are the "raspberry moon," "thunder moon" and "halfway summer moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Peak time: 9:35 a.m. 9:35 a.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: July 7 New moon: July 14 First quarter: July 21 Full moon: July 29 This year's buck moon will also be a micromoon. August 2026 full moon: sturgeon moon The sturgeon moon is seen rising over Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey on Aug. 9, 2025. Yasin Akgul/AFP via Getty Images The "sturgeon moon" gets its name from the giant lake sturgeon, a freshwater fish that was once abundant in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this time of year and was a crucial food source for Native American tribes. And as for the sturgeon themselves, these ancient, prehistoric-looking fish are often called "living fossils," with their lineage tracing back about 136 million years. Though they were once plentiful, they are much rarer today. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other names for the August full moon include the "flying up moon," "corn moon" and "harvest moon" (not to be confused with September's full moon). Date: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 Peak time: 11:18 p.m. 11:18 p.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: Aug. 5 New moon: Aug. 12 First quarter: Aug. 19 Full moon: Aug. 27 September 2026 full moon: corn moon/harvest moon The corn moon is seen in the sky on Sept. 9, 2025 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images Native American tribes dubbed September's full moon the "corn moon" because this is when the common crop is ready to be harvested. Similarly, other names include the "corn maker moon" and "corn harvest moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad This moon also has a special astronomical name, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. September's full moon is often called the "harvest moon" -- but, depending on the year, this refers to October's full moon. The "harvest moon" is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. Last year, October's moon was actually closer to the equinox and thus donned the title. Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 Peak time: 11:49 a.m. 11:49 a.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: Sept. 4 New moon: Sept. 10 First quarter: Sept. 18 Full moon: Sept. 26 October 2026 full moon: hunter's moon A plane flies past October's full moon, also known as the hunter's moon, in Singapore on Oct. 7, 2025. Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images Octobers full moon is called the "hunter's moon" because it's the time of year when, historically, hunters began collecting food and storing it for the long, cold winter months ahead. Other Native American names include the "falling leaves moon," "ice moon" and "migrating moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 Peak time: 11:11 p.m. 11:11 p.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: Oct. 3 New moon: Oct. 10 First quarter: Oct. 18 Full moon: Oct. 25 November 2026 full moon: beaver moon The November super moon, known as the Beaver Moon, rises behind the Austin skyline, Nov. 4, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman In November, the "beaver moon" was so-named because it marks the time when beavers are preparing their homes for winter and also because it was the best time to set beaver traps before water started freezing. The beavers provided a supply of warm winter furs. Other Native American names include the "deer rutting moon," "whitefish moon" and "frost moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026 Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026 Peak time: 8:53 a.m. 8:53 a.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: Nov. 1 New moon: Nov. 9 First quarter: Nov. 17 Full moon: Nov. 24 This year's beaver moon will also be a supermoon. December 2026 full moon: cold moon The last supermoon of 2025, also called the cold moon, is seen over Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 5, 2025. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images The December full moon is known as the "cold moon" in reference to the winter season. The cold moon appears the same month as the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. Other Native American tribes have other wintery names for the December full moon, including the "drift clearing moon," "long night moon" and "little spirit moon." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Date: Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026. Peak time: 7:28 p.m. 7:28 p.m. Lunar phases Last quarter: Dec. 1 New moon: Dec. 8 First quarter: Dec. 16 Full moon: Dec. 23 This year's cold moon will also be a supermoon. The demolition of the Austin Convention Center continues on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A trial over a proposed ballot measure to halt Austins convention center expansion entered its second day Wednesday as Austin United PAC challenged the city clerks rejection of its petition. The political action committee sued the city in December after the clerk disqualified the petition for lack of valid signatures. The proposed charter amendment would temporarily block the citys $1.6 billion convention center expansion, which is already underway. Demolition of the old center was completed last year, and construction of the new facility began recently, with completion expected in spring 2029. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The PAC has long opposed the project, arguing the city is misusing public resources that could instead support local music and arts initiatives. The group has also accused the city of lacking transparency and improperly rejecting its petition. Both sides delivered opening arguments Wednesday, and the PAC presented witnesses. The city is expected to begin its case Thursday. The PAC asked the court to rule that the city clerk unlawfully narrowed the pool of eligible signers and applied unreasonable verification standards. A ruling in the PACs favor would deem the petition successful and send the matter to the City Council for further action. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Attorneys for the PAC argued the case does not ask the court to intervene in a legislative process, but instead focuses solely on whether the clerk complied with the law when reviewing the petition. They said the clerk improperly disqualified signatures based on jurisdictional labels, addresses, formatting and other technical issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The clerk disqualified hundreds of registered Austin voters by posing criteria that do not appear in the charter or state law, attorney for the PAC Bill Bunch said, adding that she threw out signatures even though she was able to find them in the voter rolls. A central dispute is whether residents living in Austins extraterritorial jurisdiction unincorporated areas where the city exercises limited authority should have been allowed to sign the petition. The PAC argued that voter rolls classify those residents as Austin voters and that state law allows ETJ residents to participate in decisions that affect them. Attorneys said ETJ residents would be impacted by the convention center project and benefit from arts grant programs funded by the same hotel taxes the city plans to use for the expansion and that the money the city would feed into the convention center project would be locked up for the 32 year debt finance which would displace the county from collecting hotel occupancy taxes in the city. City officials pushed back, saying the clerk followed the law. The City looks forward to reconvening tomorrow when we will have the opportunity to show that the City Clerk clearly and meticulously followed established legal procedures in reviewing the petition and only disqualified signatures that did not meet legal requirements, city spokesperson Jenny LaCoste-Caputo said in a statement Wednesday. She added the city would also show its statistical expert used a reasonable method to analyze the petition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad District Judge Jessica Mangrum, who is presiding over the case, has previously ruled against the city in a related case, blocking the use of $354 million in property tax funding for development along Lady Bird Lake in 2024. On Wednesday, and again Thursday morning, Mangrum emphasized from the bench that she is not weighing the merits of the convention center project itself, but only whether the petition was reviewed lawfully. Austin police cruiser Austin American-Statesman When authorities detained Samuel Boardman, 39, on Monday after he allegedly fled a southeast Austin homicide scene where his girlfriend was shot in the head, police said he declined to speak. Despite Boardman's lack of statement, investigators alleged he was responsible for the shooting in the 5900 block of Wagon Bend. At 12:30 a.m. Monday, Austin police responded to a call reporting that a woman had been shot and was bleeding from the head. The caller advised the suspect was still nearby, police said. When they arrived, police said they found 45-year-old Denise Tijerina in the kitchen suffering from a gunshot wound and transported her to a hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Boardman was located nearby and was arrested on an aggravated assault charge after a preliminary investigation determined that he supposedly shot Tijerina before fleeing, police said. On Tuesday, Boardman was released from jail on a $5,000 bond. A day later, Tijerina died from her injuries in the hospital, and police issued a first-degree murder warrant for Boardman. He was re-arrested on Wednesday. A government shutdown is looming as the Jan. 30 deadline is near. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee/Getty Images A potential government shutdown is looming after Senate Democrats rejected a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline. Democrats opposition follows a fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal agent in Minneapolis last week. Hours after a U.S. Border Patrol agent killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti during a protest on Jan. 24, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats would not support a funding plan that includes money for DHS. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Associated Press, Democrats are urging Republicans to move forward with the other five appropriations bills included in a six-bill funding package while negotiations continue over DHS funding. Senate Democrats have made clear we are ready to quickly advance the five appropriations bills separately from the DHS funding bill before the January 30th deadline, Schumer said in a statement. The responsibility to prevent a partial government shutdown is on Leader Thune and Senate Republicans. If Leader Thune puts those five bills on the floor this week, we can pass them right away. If not, Republicans will again be responsible for another government shutdown. President Donald Trump said earlier this month that another shutdown is likely. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source I think we have a problem, because I think were going to probably end up in another Democrat shutdown, Trump said in a Jan. 22 interview on FOX Business. The shutdown cost us a lot, and I think theyll probably do it again, thats my feeling. Well see what happens. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When was the last government shutdown? The most recent government shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations bills for the new fiscal year. The shutdown lasted 43 days the longest in history and ended Nov. 12, when Trump signed a funding bill. Will a government shutdown affect tax refunds? According to Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, during past government shutdowns the Internal Revenue Service has remained open, though a shutdown has never occurred during tax-filing season. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Any delays during tax refund season would depend on how many IRS workers are furloughed if a shutdown occurs. Taxpayers are encouraged to file as soon as possible and choose direct deposit to receive refunds more quickly. Tax deadlines do not change during government shutdowns, and people are still required to file returns by the deadline even if the government closes. Who would be affected by the government shutdown? A government shutdown affects more than two million federal employees and millions of Americans who rely on federal programs and services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Those most impacted include federal workers who may be furloughed or required to work without pay, members of the military, air travelers facing potential security and air traffic disruptions, people seeking passports or visas, and small businesses that depend on federal loans. Services that could be affected include: Military bases Airports Federal courts National parks A kangaroo was spotted hopping down a road in Cleveland on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Scott Felts/Cleveland Police Department When police in Cleveland, Texas reported for duty Wednesday, they likely never suspected their day would involve wrangling a wild animal. The community within the Greater Houston metro area was hopping, as a kangaroo was spotted near FM 1010. Local police and animal control, along with some good Samaritans, collaborated to rescue the kangaroo, according to the Cleveland Police Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are now working with Liberty County Livestock Deputies to local the owner, a statement from Cleveland PD said, asking anyone with information to contact the Liberty County Sheriffs Office at (936) 336-4500. Thank you for your help. While the department turned off comments on the post, well over 100 users had engaged with the post by Thursday morning. Users were able to comment on posts about the Australian outback incident by local news outlets. 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 Those Texas jack rabbits are huge! one user joked. Hes looking for Crocodile Dundee, another wrote. Other comments suggested this wasnt the first time a kangaroo had been spotted jumping around the neighborhood. After a user asked if this could be Rowdy the kangaroo who went missing awhile back, another said they had contacted Rowdys owner. Rowdy is a male kangaroo, the user said, and the animal spotted was a female. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This, of course, begs the question: How many kangaroos are hopping around this town of just under 7,500 people? Yes, Texas allows pet kangaroos The Lone Star State is one of 13 states to allow people to own kangaroos. No federal permit is required to have the exotic pet; however, local ordinances can prohibit such ownership. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza speaks at a primary election party on March 5, 2024 Sara Diggins/American-Statesman/American-Statesman Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza has joined a coalition of local prosecutors aimed at holding federal law enforcement officials accountable for alleged misconduct. Garza is one of nine district attorneys nationwide participating in the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach, a newly formed group created as federal immigration agents have ramped up enforcement operations across multiple U.S. cities in recent months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The repeated acts of violence committed by federal officials across the country are unlawful, immoral, and make us less safe, Garza said in a news release announcing his participation in the group, which also includes Dallas County DA John Creuzot. The announcement comes as concerns over rumored ICE operations in Austin grew over the past week. Social media speculation that ICE had booked rooms at the Hyatt Regency downtown prompted city officials to investigate. Officials later said the rumors were unfounded and issued a statement Saturday to calm concerns, as the Austin American-Statesman previously reported. Read More: Austin businesses join national ICE protest with Friday closures Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source According to the coalitions website, the group plans to focus on cases in which federal officials exceed their lawful authority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The coalition launches amid growing concerns about warrantless entries, unlawful detentions, and coercive enforcement tactics by federal agents, and its intended to ensure that constitutional limits on federal power are actively enforced through lawful institutions, according to the website. Prosecuting law enforcement officials for on-duty misconduct is widely considered difficult. In 2025, however, Garza secured two guilty pleas from former Austin police officers on misdemeanor assault charges. Garzas overall record in cases involving law enforcement has been mixed. Last year, a state district judge declared a mistrial in the case against Austin police officer Daniel Sancrez, accused of felony deadly conduct in the 2022 shooting of Rajan Moonesinghe, after the jury deadlocked. One month later, the Seventh Court of Appeals overturned a 2024 conviction Garza secured against former Austin officer Christopher Taylor on the same charge. One day after Garza announced his participation in the Fight Against Federal Overreach coalition, his office requested additional time to appeal the Taylor decision. In a Thursday filing submitted the same day the appeal deadline expired, Garzas office asked the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for an additional 14 days, citing the lead attorneys involvement in a variety of other legal matters and administrative issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The filing also noted that the attorney was out of the country on vacation for six days during the appeal window and that Travis County offices were closed Monday and Tuesday due to winter weather. The Fight Against Federal Overreach coalition is scheduled to meet in February to discuss strategies for responding to what members describe as lawless actions by federal officials. The Pflugerville Police Department is handing out tickets for free ice cream to children following the rules this summer. [Courtesy photo] Austin American-Statesman Police arrested a massage therapist at a Pflugerville business after a client accused him of sexually assaulting her during a massage appointment, according to court documents. Pflugerville police Wednesday executed a warrant at Pflugerville Massage & Skin Care, located at 112 W. Pecan St., where police arrested Holt Marshall Field, 42, on a second-degree felony sexual assault charge, according to authorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pflugerville police arrested Holt Marshall Field, 42, on a second-degree felony sexual assault charge after an alleged assault at a massage appointment. Courtesy of the Pflugerville Police Department According to Fields arrest affidavit, the alleged assault occurred during a massage appointment in October 2025. The woman told investigators she had been a regular client at the business for several years and had never previously felt uncomfortable during appointments. On Oct. 29, 2025, she arrived for a scheduled one-hour Swedish massage. The woman said the massage initially appeared normal but became increasingly uncomfortable when Field began touching her inappropriately, according to the affidavit. She told police she froze and felt unable to move or speak, later describing feelings of fear, shock and confusion. The contact stopped after she reacted audibly, she said, and Field then left the room and told her to get dressed. 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 woman said she checked out and left the business, later noticing that they were the only two people in the building and that the door was locked when she tried to exit something she said was unusual. The affidavit and state records show the business is owned by Fields wife. Investigators said the woman disclosed the incident in the days and weeks afterward to a therapist, friends, a hairstylist and others, all of whom provided statements corroborating her timeline and emotional state following the alleged assault. Detectives also reviewed state licensing records indicating multiple previous complaints against Field, including an allegation of inappropriate touching that resulted in disciplinary action by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. TDLR records show Field first obtained his massage therapy license in 2005. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pflugerville police are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized by Field or who has related information to contact investigators. Speaking with law enforcement is voluntary, and support services are available through our Advocacy Liaison Division regardless of whether an individual chooses to participate in the investigation, the department said in a statement. We acknowledge the courage it takes to come forward and thank the community for its continued cooperation as we work to ensure safety and accountability of our community. Court records show a Travis County magistrate also issued an emergency protective order barring Field from contacting or harassing the alleged victim and from possessing firearms or ammunition. The order also prohibits him from going within 200 yards of the womans home, workplace or business. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday warned against military adventurism against Iran, urging all parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs. The current situation in Iran has drawn widespread attention. As the shadow of war looms large, tensions are rising in the Middle East, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. "The use of force cannot solve problems. Any acts of military adventurism will only push the region into an abyss of unpredictability," he told an open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. "China hopes that the United States and other relevant parties will heed the call of the international community and regional countries, do more things that are conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East, and avoid exacerbating tensions and adding fuel to the fire," he said. Iran is an independent sovereign state, and its affairs should be decided independently by the Iranian people themselves. China hopes to see and supports stability in Iran, and supports upholding its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said. "We call on all parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, and reject the use or threat of force in international relations," said Fu. The Middle East belongs to the people in the region. It is not a wrestling ground for major power rivalry, nor should it become a victim of geopolitical contests by countries outside the region, said Fu. China stands ready to work with the international community to respect the choices independently made by the peoples in the region, take the legitimate concerns of regional countries seriously, and jointly play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, he said. Jim Duncan, a retired city planner, has written more than 600 short histories of Austin businesses. The American-Statesman introduced Duncan and his series, Jim Duncans Austin, on July 6, 2025. Two weeks ago, we shared histories of the citys oldest bakeries. This week, we adapt four more stories about delectable bakeries. Michael Barnes 1950: IGA/Rome Inn/Texas French Bread Texas French Bread is once again serving the community from its location on Rio Grande Street. AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE Before it was destroyed by fire in 2022, the building at 2900 Rio Grande St. was a key participant in the evolution of Austins food and fun business history. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Built in 1950 by David Archaball Dave Shipwash to accommodate the growth of his then-26-year-old grocery business, the structure initially stressed easier customer access. After Dave retired and closed his store, the building served as home to a restaurant, blues club, book shop, punk rock venue and bakery. In the 1960s, it was home to the Rome Inn, an Italian restaurant that added live music in 1975 and became one of Austins hottest Blues spots. Legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan held court on Sunday nights and even got married at the Rome Inn in 1979. ZZ Top chronicled the Rome Inn in a song lyric, So roam on in, it aint no sin to get low down in the street. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source After the Rome Inn closed in 1980, a used book shop and Studio 29 briefly occupied the building before Texas French Bread, a bakery and bistro, moved in there in 1986. Founded in 1981 by Judy Willcott, TFB was an Austin pioneer in farm-to-table operations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During reconstruction, TFB remains open for business. It is selling goods at farmers markets, and its red doors have been restored, leading to an on-site food truck and outdoor tables. 1979: Phoenicia Bakery & Deli Phoenicia Bakery and Deli has a large olive bar, as well as fresh hummus, pita, yogurt, feta and grocery products. Addie Broyles/American-Statesman As the Phoenicians ancestral Lebanese were some of the earliest traders in Mediterranean markets, Phoenicia Bakery & Deli was one of the earliest Mediterranean markets in Central Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 1979, the Abijaoude family opened their first bakery and deli at 2912 S. Lamar Blvd.. Francis Abijaoude, a retired Lebanese businessman from Beirut, and his wife Carmen, who grew up in the Canary Islands, assisted their family in starting and operating the store. Francis could always be found standing behind the olive bar, welcoming customers, and Carmen's recipes are still made and followed at the bakery. Francis died in 1998 and Carmen in 2009. Their son, Malek, returned from Lebanon in 1984 and took over management of the store. Twenty years after opening their South Austin store, Malek opened a second store in 1999 in North Austin at 4701 Burnet Road, next to the State School for the Blind. Phoenicia also offers Mediterranean staples, such as pita bread, feta and olives, to other restaurants and stores throughout Central Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1983: Quack's Bakery Quack's Bakery has survived and thrived at multiple locations. Ana Ramirez / American-Statesman Arthur Edward Art Silver opened Captain Quackenbushs Intergalactic Dessert Co. and Espresso Cafe at 2120 Guadalupe on the Drag in 1983. While much of its original following was because it was the first espresso bar in Austin, some of it was due to the quirky Steve Wiman art adorning its walls. Fifteen years later, a declining campus clientele coupled with increasing rents caused Art to move the cafe to 411 East 43rd St. in Hyde Park and rename it Quack's 43rd Street Bakery. It opened in 1998 and the Drag shop closed in 1999. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2018, a second Quack's, Lady Quackenbushs Cakery, opened at 1900 Simond Ave. in the Mueller neighborhood. Its color scheme is bright pink and it has an upscale but family-centric vibe. In 2020, a third Quack's, Captain Quackenbushs Coffeehouse, was launched at 5326 Menchaca Road in south Austin. It is designed to be more classic Austin in feel. It includes an indoor stage with neon lighting for live performances and is the only location to serve alcohol. According to the owners, they knew they could not make a cookie-cutter version of the bakery that would serve each community in the same way and decided to give each of the three locations a unique name and style. 1984: Upper Crust Bakery Sugared cinnamon rolls from Upper Crust Bakery. Austin American-Statesman Giving up their jobs in advertising and fire protection in Dallas, Valerie and Mark Miller moved to Austin in 1984 and opened Upper Crust Bakery. Located in the Rosedale neighborhood at 4634 Burnet Road, the European-style bakery quickly became an integral part of the community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It donated cookies to purchase neighborhood playground equipment and pastries to support a KUT-FM literary event in Bass Auditorium. In 1991, the bakery moved two blocks south to 4508 Burnet Road, a larger and more prominent corner location. Valerie was also an active supporter of the Save Barton Creek movement in the early 1990s. After the Millers divorced in 1989, the bakery became an all-female family affair with Valerie Miller in the kitchen, her sister Stephanie Schuster maintaining the books and their daughters helping. In the 1990s, Valerie Miller remarried, moved to Ireland and turned Upper Crust over to Schuster. Every bakery has its distinguishing products, and for Upper Crust those include its Black Gold cookies, Paraguayan cornbread and Italian cream cake. For regular customers, it even reserves a little dog table." Advertisement Article continues below this ad RECENT HISTORIES IN THIS SERIES Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis listens to public testimony on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 at City Hall. The District 8 representative, who is running for re-election this year, has previously faced scrutiny for campaign finance practices. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin City Council member Paige Ellis has again accepted campaign contributions that appear to exceed city limits, according to recent campaign finance reports, raising questions about compliance with local election law as she seeks a third term representing Southwest Austin. Under current city rules, candidates for City Council or mayor may not accept more than $450 per contributor per election. The limit applies to individual donors, with exceptions only for the candidate and small-donor political committees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Campaign finance reports filed in July 2025 and January 2026 show Ellis accepted a little over $1,500 in contributions that exceeded the $450 individual cap. At least 10 donors gave more than the legal limit, either through single donations above $450 or through multiple contributions across the reporting period that cumulatively exceeded the cap. In some cases, donors made two or more contributions during the reporting period that, when combined, pushed their total giving beyond the limit. In other instances, donors appeared to list themselves both individually and jointly with a spouse or partner in ways that resulted in total contributions exceeding what is allowed. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Ellis campaign manager, Mykle Tomlinson, said he was aware of the $450 cap for individual contributors. Ellis and Tomlinson both said they believed married couples could contribute up to $900 combined, based on each spouse being allowed to give $450. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As long as the couple hasnt given over $900, its within the limits, Ellis said. She added that this interpretation applies even when one spouse gives jointly and then later gives individually, calling it a working definition that campaigns have followed for years. Read More: Austin City Council members push to ease spending rules before vote Ellis said she personally knows the donors and is aware of which contributors are married, even if both spouses names are not listed on campaign finance forms. However, official guidance from both the Texas Ethics Commission and the City of Austin requires contributors to list their full name on campaign finance reports. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If a finance report listed an amount above $450 with only one name, that would be an issue for the citys Ethics Review Commission to review, city spokesperson Jenny LaCoste-Caputo said in a statement Wednesday. Central Texas-based ethics attorney Andrew Cates called it "common sense" to list contributions under two names from a married couple to clarify that those donations come from both people, adding that the whole reporting system is in place so there is no confusion about where the money is coming from. "If it's combined, then say it's combined," he said. "It's not that hard." City rules state that the candidate is responsible for filing required reports. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Campaign finance violations are reviewed by the citys Ethics Review Commission. Ellis husband, Edward Espinoza, served on the commission from July 2023 through March 2025. He also previously served as Ellis campaign treasurer. Asked whether Espinozas service on the commission posed a conflict of interest, Tomlinson said Ellis recused herself during Espinozas appointment by the mayor. He added that the commission often struggled to achieve a quorum during that period and that other council members supported Espinozas appointment. It doesnt seem like anyone thought it was a conflict of interest, Tomlinson said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is not the first time Ellis has faced scrutiny over campaign finance practices. In 2022, the Ethics Review Commission considered a complaint alleging 56 violations related to her campaign, including accepting contributions above city limits and failing to provide required donor employment information. Commissioners dismissed the allegations related to donor information but found that Ellis had accepted excessive contributions. Ellis acknowledged the violations and was sanctioned with a letter of notification. She later issued refunds for the amounts in question. In a written statement, Tomlinson said the commission dismissed the lions share of complaints and found that seven transactions totaling about $20 exceeded contribution limits by small amounts. Those funds were refunded and reflected in a subsequent campaign finance report, he said. Ellis is running for re-election to a third term representing District 8. Because city rules generally limit members to two terms, she will have to collect signatures from at least 5% of eligible voters in her district to appear on the ballot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So far, Ellis has drawn one challenger: Selena Xie, a former Austin EMS Association president, EMS commander and ICU nurse, who announced her candidacy in July. An activists holds a sign that reads "Austin Unites Against AI Surveillance" alongside council members during a press conference on the Austin Police Departments controversial license plate reader program. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Over the summer, the Austin City Council faced sustained public backlash over proposed contracts with two surveillance companies selling technology that can aid local law enforcement. Privacy and criminal justice advocates urged council members to reject the contracts, arguing the tools could be used to infringe on civil liberties and potentially assist federal immigration enforcement efforts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax ultimately pulled both items automated license plate readers and mobile surveillance trailers at city parks from council agendas in June and August after it became clear they lacked sufficient support. But he made clear the agreements would return for a vote at some point. Thats set to happen next week, at least for one of the contracts. The City Council on Thursday will consider a five-year, $2 million agreement to place mobile surveillance trailers at city parks after a multiyear pilot program found their presence significantly reduced car break-ins. But the council will also vote on an oversight proposal by two council members that is designed to impose guardrails on all types of city surveillance contracts. About the TRUST Act Council member Mike Siegel and Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, who have been the most vocally opposed to such technologies, told the American-Statesman they are proposing an ordinance dubbed the TRUST Act, which stands for Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology. 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 measure would establish new disclosure and oversight requirements for city departments seeking to purchase surveillance-related tools, including that staff prepare a surveillance impact report for council to consider prior to entering into any agreements with a company that collects data or provides surveillance tools. Read More: APD chief proposes major reorg to get more officers on street Police officials have long said surveillance technologies like ALPRs and the park security cameras can help them work more efficiently amid persistent staffing shortages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Surveillance technology can be an important tool for public safety, Vela said in a written statement. But as these technologies become more powerful and pervasive, the City has a responsibility to be transparent, accountable, and clear about how theyre used, who has access to the data, and how residents rights are protected. Siegel said the TRUST Act would ensure the public is fully aware of how the city could use this kind of technology. As a community we need to understand if a parks camera contract is just for cameras or if it also allows artificial intelligence to determine when a person looks suspicious or enables AI-enhanced search functions that could be abused, Siegel said in a written statement. Austin City Council members Mike Siegel, left, and Chito Vela discuss a new city budget at City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The Austin City Council is set to vote on a budget that includes millions of dollars in spending cuts after voters rejected Proposition Q in November, a ballot measure that would have raised property taxes and generated $110 million in new revenue. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Whether passage of the ordinance would influence their votes on the parks surveillance contract remains to be seen. Sigel said he was skeptical of the proposed agreement and Vela said he needed more details." Both said they looked forward to addressing the issue at a Tuesday council work session ahead of Thursday's regular meeting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Siegel said the ordinance would not necessarily change his position on automated license plate readers. I do not view the TRUST act as clearing the way for me to vote for ALPRs, Siegel told the Statesman. But it will ensure the public is provided with detailed information about a new ALPR contracts surveillance impacts should one make it to Council. About the park camera technology The park surveillance contract council will consider is with a security technology company called LiveView Technologies to install mobile surveillance security trailers at Austin parks, though the cameras they have arent typical. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the companys website, they use AI-powered software to detect unusual behaviors and then can activate lights, loudspeakers, and cameras to deter suspicious activity before a police response is required. In 2022, the city installed similar trailers from a different company in the parking lots of 15 parks that had become hotspots for car break-ins and other criminal activity. Nine of those experienced a decrease in reported incidents of crime during or after trailer deployment over a two-year period, Austin Parks Director Jesus Aguirre wrote in a Jan. 26 memo. That included a 58% drop in vehicle break-ins at Mount Bonnell, a popular Austin park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Read More:Hays County officials warn against burglaries targeting disabled veteran vehicles Aguirres memo outlined some of the security measures the city will take to protect video and data collected by the security cameras. Per the contract, the city will retain collected data for 60 days and LiveView Technologies will not be able to access it. Additionally, the cameras will not use facial recognition, biometric identification technology, audio capture, or autonomous analytics, Aguirre wrote in the memo. Only authorized personnel, such as Police Department employees, will be allowed to access the data. Usage will be monitored through a time-stamped audit log. But opponents remain skeptical. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are better ways to increase public safety than surveilling our community, said Savannah Lee, the director of policy and operations at Equity Action, the advocacy organization that helped lead the charge against license plate cameras last year. Savannah Lee, with Equity Action, speaks to the press after a watch party in support of the passage of Proposition Q at the Brewtorium, Nov. 4, 2025. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Lee said that some community members are especially concerned about ICE agents gaining access to video and data collected by the cameras to aid in the agencys deportation efforts. Recent reports describe how ICE has used cell phone tracking software to surveil activists in Minneapolis. City spokesperson Kanya Lyons did not directly answer a question about how much access federal law enforcement agencies would have to data collected by the security trailers, but said "all requests for security footage will be processed through formal legal channels and reviewed by our Law Department." Advertisement Article continues below this ad For others, the privacy tradeoffs are worth increased public safety. Joell McNew, an advocate for improved safety on the University of Texas at Austin campus who recently founded a consulting business that helps clients develop crime prevention strategies, praised the cameras. She said they are especially helpful in cities that struggle with police patrol due to officer shortages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These crimes are impacting the quality of life of so many, McNew said. People dont feel safe to use these shared spaces, thats a huge problem that needs to be addressed. Pepper spray is dispersed towards protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/AP Two were arrested and Texas state police used pepper balls Wednesday to push back protesters outside a federal immigration detention center in South Texas, as Democratic lawmakers attempted to inspect the facility and meet with families detained there under the Trump administrations expanded immigration enforcement. The confrontation took place outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley about 75 miles southwest of San Antonio where demonstrators gathered to protest the detention of immigrant families, including a 5-year-old boy and his father who were transferred to Texas after being detained earlier this month in Minnesota. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Protesters moved closer to the sites perimeter before officers ordered the crowd to back away and deployed pepper balls, according to video footage and eyewitness accounts. Video captured by MySA shows a chemical agent canister landing near protesters as chants echoed outside the facility. Protestors gathered at the ICE facility in Dilley, Texas, had tear gas deployed against them on Wednesday, January 28. Congressmen Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, along with a coalition of other Texas lawmakers and activists from across the state, attempted to visit the pic.twitter.com/VEHDMXjGrN MySA (@mySA) January 28, 2026 The protest coincided with a visit by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who met with the child, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, inside the facility. Castro later said he pressed federal officials for their release and raised concerns about the detention of young children. Texas state troopers wearing riot gear arrive to help disperse protesters gathered outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/AP U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, who is running for U.S. Senate, also planned to visit the facility. 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 Texas Department of Public Safety told the American-Statesman it responded to the protest at the request of the city of Dilley and emphasized its responsibility to protect public safety and state property. DPS said it coordinated with local, state and federal law enforcement partners while also protecting the constitutional rights of demonstrators. According to DPS, after dispersal orders were issued, about 150 protesters refused to leave, attempted to breach an established protest barrier and spat on officers. The agency said troopers then used less-lethal measures, including pepper balls and other projectiles, to ensure officer safety and maintain order. DPS said two people were arrested on charges that included resisting arrest and interfering with public duties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas is a law-and-order state, DPS press secretary Sheridan Nolen said. "And the department has zero tolerance for individuals who disrupt public order or endanger law enforcement officers. Our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary." A protester reacts to the effects of pepper spray launched by Texas troopers to disperse protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/AP A federal judge earlier this week temporarily barred immigration authorities from removing Ramos and his father from the United States while their detention is being challenged in court. Castro, Crockett and other Texas Democrats have also accused U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of overseeing aggressive enforcement tactics while shielding detention facilities from oversight, and have called for Noems impeachment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Dilley protest is the latest in a growing string of demonstrations across South and Central Texas targeting ICE and federal immigration enforcement, following weeks of rallies in Austin, San Marcos and surrounding communities. Activists have repeatedly gathered outside City Hall, courthouses and federal buildings, calling on local officials to limit cooperation with immigration authorities and warning that aggressive enforcement has pushed immigrant families further into fear and isolation. Protesters gather outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/AP Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, shown last November, recently announced an investigation into whether medical providers were illegally incentivized to recommend childhood vaccines. What he is actually attacking is preventive care, and Texas children will bear the cost, Richard Hughes IV writes. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons newly announced investigation into unlawful financial incentives tied to childhood vaccines is not a defense of families. It is an attack on the basic logic of preventive medicine and in a state that last year saw the nations first measles deaths in a decade, that's throwing gas on a public health fire. In launching the investigation last week, Paxton said he was looking into whether medical providers were illegally incentivized to recommend childhood vaccines that are not proven to be safe or necessary. He suggested doctors wages and bonuses were tied to the number of immunizations they provide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That framing implying doctors are bribed to push shots and that families are coerced to comply is a false but familiar storyline, one that plays well in a political moment defined by suspicion of experts. It collapses two very different things into one accusation: illegal kickbacks that distort clinical judgment and lawful incentives designed to help deliver evidence-based preventive care. That distinction matters because American health care has spent decades trying to correct the perverse incentives of fee-for-service medicine. Under the old model, the system paid more for more care. Not better care. It paid for volume, for procedures, for avoidable complications, and too often it underpaid for prevention. So policymakers and payers began pushing in a different direction: align payment with health outcomes, reward quality and reduce the barriers that keep people from getting high-value care when it actually helps. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vaccination sits at the center of that effort because it is the clearest form of right place, right time care. You prevent disease before it spreads through schools and neighborhoods. You reduce hospitalizations and missed work. You protect the child who cannot yet be fully immunized and the person whose immune system cannot tolerate infection. That is not a pharmaceutical sales pitch. It is how public health works. Paxtons rhetoric does something more corrosive than misstate policy. It plants distrust where trust is required. It tells parents they cannot believe their pediatrician, that every recommendation has a hidden motive, that a routine well-child visit is a negotiation with a conflicted actor. There is also a practical problem with Paxtons framing: It treats the existence of a financial signal as evidence of corruption. But in health care, financial signals are unavoidable. We pay clinicians. We reimburse vaccines. We set insurance benefits. We decide what is covered with no copay and what is left to chance. The only real question is whether the system pays in a way that encourages prevention and responsible care or in a way that waits for harm and then sends the bill. Pretending we can purge incentives from medicine is not reform. It is fantasy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox The predictable result of this investigation will not be cleaner ethics. It will be more defensive medicine and less preventive care. Clinicians will spend more time navigating legal anxiety and less time counseling hesitant families. Practices will become more reluctant to participate in programs that reward prevention because they do not want the headache. Some will decide it is simpler to avoid controversy altogether. The people who lose are not bureaucrats or insurers. It is Texas families who need stable primary care and clear guidance, especially in rural areas and underserved communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If Paxton truly wants accountability, smearing childhood vaccines isnt the way to get it. Texas deserves leaders who strengthen public health, not leaders who turn it into a suspicion engine. Paxton may be looking for a scandal. What he is actually attacking is prevention, and Texas children will bear the cost. Detainees held at the South Texas Family Residential Center wave signs during a demonstration in Dilley, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Brenda Bazan) Brenda Bazan/Associated Press I have spent my entire professional life as a social worker working with children and families who have experienced trauma. I have sat with children removed from their homes, with mothers navigating impossible systems, and with families trying to heal after profound disruption. Nothing in my training, practice or experience allows me to see the detention of children and mothers as anything other than deeply inhumane. Recent reporting on children rising up inside a Dilley, Texas immigration detention center should stop us cold in our tracks. Children do not organize protests lightly. When children collectively resist their conditions, it is because their environment has become intolerable. We should not need an uprising of children to recognize that something is fundamentally wrong. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Detention centers are environments built on control, surveillance and restriction. For children, these conditions are not neutral. They are traumatic. Children in detention live in a constant state of uncertainty, surrounded by authority figures, fences and routines they cannot understand or influence. Their nervous systems remain on high alert. They struggle to sleep. They regress developmentally. They become anxious, withdrawn or emotionally dysregulated, meaning they struggle to calm themselves, manage fear or feel safe in their own bodies. These are not temporary reactions. For many children, they are the beginning of long-term trauma responses that follow them well beyond release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Children do not experience detention as processing or temporary housing. They experience it as punishment. They internalize fear and shame. They learn that safety is conditional and unpredictable. For children who may have already fled violence, persecution or instability, detention compounds trauma rather than alleviating it. For mothers, the harm is layered and profound. To be confined with your child while being unable to protect them from distress is a unique and devastating form of psychological injury. Mothers in detention watch their children deteriorate emotionally while being told they have no control over what happens next. This enforced helplessness creates deep moral injury, the pain of being unable to fulfill ones most basic role as a protector. As a social worker, I am guided by an ethical obligation to place the well-being of children at the center of all decisions that affect them. That obligation is not ideological. It is foundational. It asks a simple but essential question: Does this reduce harm, or does it compound it? Detention compounds harm. Detention traumatizes children and families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It does not stabilize children. It destabilizes them. It does not preserve family bonds. It places them under sustained psychological strain at the very moment they most need safety and predictability most. The damage inflicted is not incidental. It is foreseeable. And it is avoidable. What makes this especially troubling is that this is happening here in Texas. A state that often speaks about protecting families and children must reckon with the reality that children are being confined in environments that undermine their development and sense of safety. Values mean little if they are not reflected in how we treat the most vulnerable. There are alternatives. Community-based placement, case management and non-detention approaches have repeatedly been shown to be effective, inexpensive and humane. Detention is not inevitable. It is a choice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fact that children inside Texas detention centers are now protesting should alarm us not because it is disruptive, but because it is revealing. Children are telling us, in the only way available to them, that this system is harming them. We should not need an uprising of children to remind us that no system claiming legitimacy should rely on the suffering of kids and mothers to function. As a social worker, I cannot reconcile the detention of children and mothers with any credible standard of care, ethics or humanity. If Texas truly values children and families, then we must begin by refusing to accept policies that traumatize them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jonathan Oppenheimer has always been a hothead, writes his brother. And he hates social injustice. Courtesy Daniel Oppenheimer I write to you as a near-constituent my family and I live a few miles south of your districts border angry and worried about the abuses of state power in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I also write as an older brother. My younger brother Jonathan lives in St. Paul, Minn., and is involved in organizing his neighbors to do what they can to protect each other against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies. Im proud of Jonathan for standing up for the people around him and for all our constitutional principles. Im also worried. He has always been a hothead, for good and ill. He has a hard time seeing injustice and not getting into a fight with the people who are perpetrating it. Maybe you can see where Im going with this. Jonathan isnt so different from Renee Good or Alex Pretti. Like Good, hes a parent. Like Pretti, hes a care worker (in Jonathans case, as a social worker at St. Paul Central High School). Hes just a few years older than both of them, and like both of them, hes white, politically liberal and comfortable confronting authority. His neighborhood has seen a lot of ICE activity, as has the area where he works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hes also really upset. Not because he wants open borders or to abolish all immigration enforcement, but because his city feels like its under siege, and because people are being hurt. It wasnt real to me until I was seeing it up close and personal, he recently wrote in an email to friends and family. Students of mine crying in my room because theyre scared to come to school. Students not showing up in the first place. Students getting pulled over for no reason and being told their car needed to be searched. Coming to work at a school every day where parents need to surround the premises in case they need to document a student or staff member being assaulted by a paramilitary force and whisked away to a detention center that our elected officials are not allowed to visit. If theres a confrontation between federal agents and Minnesotans near his home or work, in other words, I have little doubt that Jonathan will be out there filming, protecting his neighbors if they need protecting, and speaking bluntly to ICE agents, asking them to account for themselves and their actions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The odds hell get hurt are low, of course. It looks like the administration is pulling back in the Twin Cities, and even when this enforcement surge was at its most aggressive, it didnt mean that most of the people mixing it up with immigration-enforcement agents were hurt or killed. That said, the odds that Jonathan could be hurt by federal agents are much, much higher than they should be. Can you help this near-constituent of yours bring those odds down even further? Can you help keep my brother safe? I could write to my congressman, Austin Democrat Lloyd Doggett, but lets be honest: The Trump administration couldn't care less what Doggett has to say. You, on the other hand, have been a player in Republican politics for decades, and for six years were chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, which oversees immigration enforcement. If you wanted to rein in the administrations policies and actions, you could make a difference in a way that almost no one else could. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I understand that what Im asking isnt easy. Criticizing or defying the Trump administration has been a political death sentence for many of your colleagues over the last decade. None of us are pure, and when I look candidly at my own career and the compromises Ive made, I cant be sure that I would be all Mr.-Smith-Goes-to-Washington if I were in your shoes. Even though youre retiring at the end of your term, speaking out could cost you. Youre only 64 years old and presumably have another act or two left in your public life. Criticizing a Department of Homeland Security operation under a Republican administration could very well close doors. And you would almost certainly become a target of a lot of hate from the most passionate of the presidents base. But still. You dont have an election to lose. The online hate will move on to new targets. The costs are lower than theyve ever been, and the opportunity to do something remarkable is greater than its ever been. The immigration-enforcement surge wasnt real to me until I was seeing it up close and personal, Jonathan recently wrote. Students of mine crying in my room because theyre scared to come to school. Students not showing up in the first place. Courtesy Daniel Oppenheimer Im not asking you to oppose immigration enforcement. You never have. But you can demand that it be conducted within constitutional bounds. You can call for congressional oversight hearings. You can demand the release of all the evidence from both shootings. You can insist that DHS follow the Fourth Amendment and obtain judicial warrants before entering American homes. You can speak the plain truth about who is responsible for the deaths of Good and Pretti and how the federal government has been abusing its power. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These are not radical positions. They are conservative ones in the old school sense of that word. They conserve the constitutional principles our republic was founded upon. They conserve the lives and safety of your fellow Americans. Youve said many times that your fathers service as an Air Force bombardier in World War II inspired you to a life of public service. He fought against tyranny abroad. You have an opportunity to fight against its creeping presence at home. I recognize that this wont be easy, but it can be simple. Demand that our government follow its own Constitution and respect its people. Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse who cared for veterans. Renee Good was a 37-year-old American mom. My brother Jonathan is a 43-year-old husband, father of two, and a high school social worker helping some of the most vulnerable kids in the Twin Cities. They all deserve better than silence from those who know better and who have the power to act. Im asking for your help. Please. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With respect, Daniel Oppenheimer People take their dogs to Zilker Park following a winter storm in Austin on Monday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ice is slowly disappearing from shaded spots around town as we continue to thaw out. Wednesday began in the 20s, but temperatures rose quickly into the 50s. After another frigid start, the weeks warmest air arrives Thursday, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 60s slightly above the late-January average of 64 degrees. The sky will be mostly cloudy with light south winds between 5 and 10 mph. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Temperatures in Central and South Texas will be the warmest of the week on Thursday with afternoon highs in the 60s. Pivotal The warming trend wont last long, though, as another cold front will sweep across Texas on Thursday night with breezy north winds and cooler temperatures settling in for Friday. The front will move through Texas without producing any precipitation, keeping conditions dry across the state. That wont be the case farther east, however. As the storm system pushes east on Friday, a wintry mix is expected from Mississippi to South Carolina. Florida will see chilly rain, while areas farther north, from Tennessee to Virginia could see snow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another cold front is in the forecast for Thursday night, but this one will move through Texas dry, bringing blustery north winds and cooler temperatures. Weather Prediction Center In Texas on Friday, temperatures will turn cooler. Morning temps in Austin will hover near freezing, but afternoon highs will remain relatively mild, reaching the 50s from the Panhandle to the coast. The exception will be northeast Texas, where temperatures are expected to stay in the 40s. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source By Saturday, a reinforcing shot of arctic air will sweep across Texas from northeast to southwest. This will brush South-Central Texas, sending temperatures tumbling for the weekend. Morning temperatures will easily dip into the 20s on Saturday and even the teens on Sunday morning, while afternoons will range from 40 to 51 degrees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beyond the weekend, well steadily warm back near seasonal normal levels Monday and Tuesday before another storm system approaches for midweek. Currently, we only have low to moderate rain chances in the forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures staying well above freezing. Temperatures in Austin return to normal levels in the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service. National Weather Service Winter storm wrap-up While we are finally thawing out from the past weekends winter storm, lets recap our first winter storm of 2026. An Arctic front surged across Texas last Friday, bringing rapidly falling temperatures. Before readings dropped to freezing, a Pacific atmospheric disturbance moved in Friday night, producing widespread rainfall across Central Texas with rainfall totals ranging from an inch to 2 inches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rain ahead of last weekends wintry weather brought a good dose of rainfall to Central Texas. National Weather Service By 6 a.m. Saturday, rain changed to freezing rain in the Hill Country, followed by a brief lull mid-morning. Temperatures reached the freezing mark in Austin around noon and remained below freezing until Monday afternoon. Another round of moisture moved into Central Texas by Saturday evening and lasted into Sunday morning. Precipitation began as freezing rain, but as temperatures fell into the 20s after midnight, it transitioned to sleet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When the storm ended, the Wells Branch area recorded 1.8 inches of sleet, while Lakeway picked up around an inch. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport measured 0.8 inch of sleet along with 0.11 inch of freezing rain. A flower is seen frozen following a winter storm in East Austin on Sunday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman NEW DELHI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a massive fire that engulfed two adjoining warehouses in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal has risen to 19, with many reported missing, the state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Wednesday. The fire broke out in the wee hours of Monday inside one of the godowns, situated at Najirabad area of Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district, about 12 km south of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. Local media reports said the death count is likely to go up as about 25 to 30 people were still missing. Meanwhile, police have arrested the owner of the warehouse and produced him in a court of law, which sent him to an eight-day police remand. As per AIR, authorities have ordered an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire, and a forensic team has started collecting evidence from the site. The local news outlet said several workers were believed to be sleeping inside at the time of the fire. Fire department officials suspect that a short circuit might have triggered the fire. HEFEI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese scientists has created the world's first quantum sensor network designed to detect dark matter, connecting laboratories over 300 kilometers apart in the eastern Chinese cities of Hefei and Hangzhou. Published in Nature on Thursday, the research achieved unprecedented sensitivity in searching for signals of axions -- a candidate of hypothetical particles that might comprise the universe's "missing mass." Comprising 26.8 percent of the cosmos, dark matter remains invisible, interacting only through gravity. When Earth crosses these invisible boundaries, axions might briefly tug on atomic nuclei, generating signals fleeting as "a snowflake landing in a crowded square." To capture these whispers, the scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China deployed five synchronized sensors across both cities. This distributed approach filters local interference by requiring signals to appear simultaneously at multiple sites. Additionally, new quantum amplification techniques boost weak signals one-hundred-fold, while extended coherence times widen detection windows to minutes, according to the study. Though no definitive dark matter encounter was recorded during two months of observation, the team established the strictest constraints yet on axion-nucleon coupling across an axion mass range, surpassing astronomical observations by up to 40 times in part of that certain range. Researchers aim to expand this "quantum net" globally and into space, potentially revolutionizing how humanity explores the universe's hidden architecture, according to Peng Xinhua, co-corresponding author of the study. MANILA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Eleven more bodies have been recovered as local residents joined the search for missing passengers of a sunken ferry off Basilan province in the southern Philippines, local media reported Thursday. The death toll from the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 rose to 29 following the discovery of the 11 bodies on Thursday morning, local media said. The ferry was en route to Jolo Island in Sulu province from Zamboanga City when it sank before 2 a.m. local time on Monday off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, a municipality in the Sulu Sea. BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- As the world has navigated chaos and shocks since the start of 2026, encouraging and constructive developments are unfolding in China. In January, leaders from Ireland, Canada, and Finland visited China, highlighting their growing willingness to deepen engagement with Beijing, amid a global backlash against unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonic bullying. The latest such visit comes from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is in China from Wednesday to Saturday. The visit is the first by a British prime minister in eight years. While the political and economic contexts of these visits vary by country, the flurry of diplomatic engagements shares a common emphasis on pragmatism, multilateralism, and the rules-based multilateral trading system. It also shows these Western countries' growing recognition and appreciation of China's role as a reliable partner for deepening win-win cooperation and tackling global challenges, and a steadfast champion of multilateralism and world peace. Talks have focused on areas including economic and trade cooperation, investment, culture, and joint efforts on climate change, resulting in concrete agreements. Businesses from Western countries are more eager than ever to take the opportunities China has offered. Canada offers a telling example. Mark Carney, as the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years, secured concrete reciprocity in trade and a series of cooperation documents. Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism. For Britain, Starmer is leading a delegation of representatives from more than 60 major British companies and institutions across key sectors, including finance, medicine, manufacturing, and culture and creativity. Issues related to global peace, stability and development were also discussed. These visits to China come at a time when the world is facing mounting economic and security challenges: tariff threats have been repeatedly brandished as an instrument of coercion, and the sitting president of a sovereign state was forcibly seized by another sovereign state. Unilateralism, protectionism, and power politics are surging. The foundations of international law and the bedrock norms of international relations are under sustained assault. In Davos last week, pro-globalization and anti-globalization thoughts clashed head-on. The resulting sense of disorder is not a problem unique to any single country but a shared challenge facing most nations. Against this backdrop, world leaders, especially those from the West, are increasingly viewing China's role more constructively, as the country steadfastly champions peace and resolves disputes through diplomatic dialogue and consultation. China's virtues in its dealings with other countries, including upholding equality and the rule of law, pursuing cooperation, and honoring its commitments, are badly needed in the turbulent world. Stability, consistency, and predictability are more precious than ever, and China embodies these characteristics. China's economy remains on a steady path, accounting for 30 percent of global economic growth, with stable expectations for continued momentum. The year 2026 marks the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will provide a clear, consistent roadmap for China's development through 2030. With a population of 1.4 billion, China offers a consumer base unmatched by most economies. China's concrete measures to expand high-standard opening up, improve its business environment, and relax market access, now evident in tangible policy actions, are expected to create significant opportunities for common development with countries around the globe. The recent positive, constructive diplomacy between China and Western countries once again demonstrates that solidarity and cooperation are the right choice for all, while divisions, confrontation, and zero-sum games lead nowhere. In today's uncertain world, China's stability and predictability provide a rare and valuable anchor, which is set to benefit other countries. U.S. soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division participate in a live-fire exercise in 2020 in Smardan, Romania. The U.S. will deploy a tank unit to Romania, defense chief Gen. Gheorghita Vlad said this week on Romanian television. (Dommnique Washington/U.S. Army) STUTTGART, Germany A U.S. tank unit will be deployed to Romania to enhance the quality and lethality of the American military presence there, a top defense official from that country said this week. The plan was on the agenda during a recent visit to the country by U.S. European Commands Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Defense Chief Gen. Gheorghita Vlad said in an interview with Romanian public television. The United States has agreed to maintain the same level of force contribution and, moreover, to improve the quality and lethality of the forces deployed in Romania, Vlad told the network on Sunday. The best example of the U.S. commitment to Romania was provided by Grynkewich, who told his Romanian counterpart that a detachment of U.S. soldiers equipped with Abrams tanks will be deployed in Romania, Vlad said. U.S. European Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday about the plan. Col. Mike Weisman, U..S Army Europe and Africa spokesman, in a statement late Thursday said that the service was working out the details. Were still early in the process of discussion and no decisions have been made about changes in force posture, but were excited that Romania is acquiring (Abrams tanks), Weisman said. As Allies invest and build up their land forces, we seek opportunities for U.S. forces to train with those units receiving similar equipment to help them quickly bring online and master those systems. It wasnt clear when or how many soldiers might be involved in the Romania deployment. Vlad said the plan is not expected to add to the overall number of American soldiers in Romania but rather serve as an improvement on the types of forces in the country. Any tank unit pegged for setting up a mission in Romania could be drawn from other Army ground forces already on rotational missions in other parts of Europe. Still, adding U.S. battle tanks in Romania is likely to send a reassuring signal to allies on the eastern flank, who have worried about the durability of the future American force posture in the region. Vlads remarks come on the heels of a U.S. troop reduction in Romania and several other countries. In October, the Pentagon announced that it was ending the rotation of a U.S Army brigade to Romania that was part of an increased force presence set up in the aftermath of Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The decision involved about 3,000 soldiers, 700 of whom were based in Romania. Other elements from the brigade were dispersed to different countries on NATOs eastern flank, including Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia. The U.S. still has about 1,000 troops in Romania. Putting a contingent of U.S. tankers in Romania could present an opportunity to better coordinate training opportunities with their Romanian counterparts. The country is in the process of acquiring 54 U.S. Abrams tanks, following in the footsteps of fellow NATO ally Poland. As allies take on new American-made equipment, its not unusual for U.S. forces to set up missions focused on assisting them in incorporating such gear into their combat formations. U.S. armored troops also have worked closely with their counterparts in Poland when it comes to using the Abrams tank. And American soldiers have played a similar role in Estonia as the country added the HIMARS artillery system into its arsenal. An F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, seen from the Sunabe district of Chatan town, Okinawa, prepares to land at Kadena Air Base, Jan. 26, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) NAHA, Okinawa A Japanese court has awarded about $16.3 million to Okinawans affected by Kadena Air Base aircraft noise, the latest ruling in a long-running series of lawsuits over noise from U.S. military airfields on the island. Naha District Courts Okinawa city branch on Jan. 23 ordered the Japanese government to compensate plaintiffs for damages suffered between February 2019 and July 2025, according to the ruling. Individual compensation varies based on how long each plaintiff lived in designated areas during that period. Of the 5,028 plaintiffs originally included in the lawsuit filed Jan. 21, 2022, some have since died or withdrawn, a court spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. He did not know how many plaintiffs remain eligible for compensation. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the media on condition of anonymity. A three-judge panel ruled that Kadena aircraft noise disrupted residents daily lives and caused psychological harm such as anxiety, irritability and anxiety about aircraft accidents due to aircraft noise, and sleep disruption, according to the ruling signed by Presiding Judge Yoshitsugu Kajiura. Plaintiffs suffered considerable mental distress, he said. Measures such as soundproofing homes near the base have not fully addressed the problem, the court found. However, the judges said the Japanese government lacks authority to regulate or restrict Kadenas flight operations and dismissed a portion of the lawsuit that sought limits on aircraft activity, according to the ruling. Compensation amounts are based on distance from the base. Residents living closest to the airfield including those in the Sunabe district of Chatan town and the Yara and Kaneku districts of Kadena town are eligible for about $118 per month for a maximum of 6 years, according to court documents. Those living farthest from the base including residents of the Iramina and Zakimi districts of Yomitan village and the Yamauchi district of Okinawa city are eligible for about $29 per month. Plaintiffs attorneys Yuji Fujita and Ryu Gobara did not return calls from Stars and Stripes seeking comment on Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents near U.S. bases on Okinawa have filed multiple lawsuits over aircraft noise since the early 1980s. Between 1982 and 2018, five such lawsuits were filed, according to an Okinawa prefectural publication, U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa. Three of those cases involved Kadena, while two targeted Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The largest settlement came in 2017, when a court awarded 22,054 people living near Kadena about $265 million. At least three additional noise-related lawsuits have been filed since December 2018. In February, a Japanese appeals court increased compensation for residents affected by aircraft noise from MCAS Futenma, adding about $5.8 million to a lower courts 2022 award and bringing the total to roughly $14.7 million. Filipino sailors watch the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn and the Philippine offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang during a joint exercise that took place Jan. 25-26, 2026, in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Japan tracked four Chinese warships transiting a strategic waterway near Okinawa this week, a move that followed U.S.-Philippine military drills near a contested South China Sea atoll that drew complaints from Beijing. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force monitored two Chinese guided-missile destroyers, a frigate and a replenishment ship as they passed through the Miyako Strait between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Wednesday news release from Japans Joint Staff. The vessels traveled southeast through the strait an approximately 155-mile-wide waterway between Miyako Island and Okinawa moving from the East China Sea into the Philippine Sea, the release said. The strait is an international waterway that lies within Japans exclusive economic zone. Japans Ministry of Defense conducted surveillance and intelligence gathering using the minesweeper JS Shishijima, a Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft and a P-3C Orion surveillance plane, the Joint Staff said. China continues to frequently cross the so-called First Island Chain into the Pacific Ocean, as in this latest incident, and is intensifying its military activities around Japan, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi wrote Wednesday on X. A Joint Staff spokesman was unable to say anything definitive about the ships purpose or intentions in the region. Activities by Chinese military in the Indo-Pacific are becoming more active and expanding, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday. The Self-Defense Forces will continue to maintain the utmost vigilance and monitoring. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press on condition of anonymity. The Chinese transit came a day after the United States and the Philippines concluded a two-day exercise near Scarborough Shoal, a South China Sea feature claimed by China, Taiwan and the Philippines, according to a Wednesday news release from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The shoal, which lies in the Philippines exclusive economic zone, has become a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. Both countries routinely patrol the area. The maritime cooperative activity, which ran Sunday through Monday, included maneuvering drills, replenishments at sea, communications checks and shared maritime domain awareness, according to a Tuesday news release from the U.S. 7th Fleet. The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft joined Philippine forces, including the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna, the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang, an A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft and an FA-50 light fighter jet. China criticized the exercise. Southern Theater Command spokesman Col. Tian Junli accused the Philippines of disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea and said Manila was co-opting countries outside the region to organize joint patrols, according to a Wednesday report by the state-run China Military Online. Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea and has repeatedly clashed with the Philippines over competing territorial claims. The maritime exercise was the 11th conducted by the U.S. and the Philippines, the Philippine military said. The drills have taken place regularly since November 2023. The drills enhance coordination, tactical proficiency, and mutual understanding between the allies and contribute to peace and stability in the region, the command said. A delegation from South Koreas National Assembly visits the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone on Nov. 19, 2025. (Brendan Trembath/U.N. Command) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The United Nations Command has raised objections to proposed South Korean legislation that would allow non-military access to the Demilitarized Zone, warning it could undermine the armistice that has preserved peace with North Korea, according to local media. The bill, proposed Aug. 29, promotes the peaceful use of the DMZ, a heavily fortified strip of land about 2 miles wide and 160 miles long separating North and South Korea. However, the UNC views the proposal as a potential violation of the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War, a U.N. official said, according to a Wednesday report by Yonhap News Agency. If the legislation passes, it squarely contradicts the armistice agreement, and it would mean that the South Korean government has removed itself from the agreement, and is no longer bound by it, the unnamed official said at a briefing Monday, Yonhap reported. A spokesman for the U.N. Command on Thursday confirmed the Yonhap account and said the official spoke on background during a briefing for South Korean media. If something happens in the DMZ that leads to another outbreak of war, the UNC commander will be held accountable, not the South Korean president, the UNC official said, according to Yonhap. The official added that such incidents could raise concerns not only for South Korea and the UNC but also for other parties involved. The command has jurisdiction over the southern half of the DMZ as a military body while recognizing South Koreas sovereignty, the official said, according to Yonhap. South Koreas unification minister, Jung Dong-young, told lawmakers Wednesday that the government is discussing the proposed legislation with the UNC. Speaking at a meeting of the National Assemblys Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Jung said the Ministry of Unification supports the bills intent. Jung visited the DMZ on Jan. 21, according to the ministry. The ministry also hopes to restart tours along the DMZ Peace Trail in the border cities of Goseong, Paju and Cheorwon, a spokesman said Wednesday during a media briefing in Seoul. Officials plan to consult with the UNC before resuming the tours, the spokesman said. Some South Korean government officials must speak to the media on condition of anonymity. The Peace Trail program has been suspended since U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King crossed into North Korea from the DMZs Joint Security Area on July 18, 2023. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) KYIV, Ukraine U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that President Vladimir Putin has agreed not to target the Ukrainian capital and other towns for one week as the region experiences frigid temperatures. There was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin that Putin has agreed to such a pause. Russia has been pounding Ukraines critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country having to endure the dead of winter without heat. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this ... extraordinary cold, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, adding that Putin has agreed to that. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked earlier Thursday whether a mutual halt on strikes on energy facilities was being discussed between Russia and Ukraine, and he refused to comment on the issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy late Wednesday had warned that Moscow was planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further U.S.-brokered peace talks at the weekend. Trump said he was pleased that Putin has agreed to the pause. Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting Friday that is expected to last into next week. Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 Fahrenheit), the State Emergency Service warned. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that. the Republican U.S. president said of his request of Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. Zelenskyy, for his part, thanked Trump for his effort and welcomed the possibility of a pause in Russian military action on Kyiv and beyond. Power supply is a foundation of life, Zelenskyy said in his social media post. Trump did not say when the call with Putin took place or when the ceasefire would go into effect. The White House did not immediately respond to a query seeking clarity about the scope and timing of the limited pause in the nearly four-year war. Russia has sought to deny Ukrainian civilians heat and running water over the course of the war, which began with Russias full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Ukrainian officials describe the strategy as weaponizing winter. Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 as Russia intensified its aerial barrages behind the front line, according to the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country. The war killed 2,514 civilians and injured 12,142 in Ukraine 31% higher than in 2024, it said. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight and caused a major blaze in an apartment building, officials said Thursday. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Zelenskyy said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late Wednesday. Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting. Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Starlink is a global internet network that relies on around 10,000 satellites orbiting Earth. Fedorov thanked Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Musk and SpaceX have sought to steer a delicate course in the war. Shotwell said a year after the invasion that SpaceX was happy to provide Ukrainians with connectivity and help them in their fight for freedom. At the same time, the company sought to restrict Ukraines use of Starlink for military purposes, she said. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling Thursday in Brussels for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, said Thursday a lot of progress was made in recent three-way talks and expressed optimism that more headway can be made when the parties meet again in the coming days. I think the people of Ukraine are now hopeful and expecting that we are going to deliver a peace deal sometime soon, Witkoff added. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published Tuesday. Madhani reported from Washington. Kamila Hrabchuk in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report. Palestinians walk amid buildings destroyed by Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israel turned over the bodies of 15 Palestinians on Thursday, just days after recovering the remains of the last Israeli hostage, a Gaza Health Ministry official said. It marks the last hostage-detainee exchange between Israel and Hamas carried out as part of the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached in October. The Red Cross said that it helped facilitate the return of the bodies. They were taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, health ministry spokeperson Zaher al-Wahidi said. The return of all remaining hostages, living or dead, had been a key part of the first phase in the ceasefire that paused the war. Israel agreed to return 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage recovered, according to the ceasefire terms. Its unclear if the bodies released Thursday were of Palestinian detainees who died in Israeli custody or bodies taken from Gaza by Israeli troops during the war. Israel has released roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal, many of whom were seized by Israeli troops during the more than two-year war and held without being charged. It also has released the bodies of 360 Palestinians back to Gaza, where officials have struggled to identify them. The Gaza health ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, has posted photos of the deceased for families to identify. Of the bodies handed back by Israel, about 100 have been identified by families, al-Wahidi said. On Monday, Israel announced that it found and identified the remains of the last Israeli hostage, police officer Ran Gvili, following an extensive search at a cemetery in northern Gaza. The attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which launched the war, killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer known affectionately as Rani, was killed while fighting Hamas militants. The return of his body closed a painful chapter for the country and cleared the way for the next and more challenging phase of the ceasefire, which calls for deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, pulling back Israeli soldiers and rebuilding Gaza. Deaths continue in Gaza While U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of the ceasefire deal earlier this month, Israeli fire and strikes continue to kill Palestinians across Gaza almost daily. Israeli fire killed two Palestinians on Thursday in southern Gazas Khan Younis area, according to Nasser hospital, where the bodies were taken. Health officials said that the two men were killed in areas that arent Israeli-controlled. Another Israeli strike in central Gaza killed one Palestinian and wounded others, according to Al-Aqsa martyrs hospital, where the casualties were taken. Israels military said it carried out a precise strike on Thursday that targeted a suspect planning to attack troops in the southern Gaza Strip and killed a person who crossed the ceasefire line and approached troops. The Gaza Health Ministry said that 492 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire. The ministry doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures. The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Rafah border crossing For Palestinians separated from their families by the war and the tens of thousands of people outside Gaza seeking to return home, the reopening of the Rafah crossing along the border with Egypt cant come soon enough. The crossing is expected to reopen soon, Israeli officials have said, but how many people will be allowed to enter and leave Gaza remains unclear. Preparations are underway to allow the departure of a limited number of medical evacuees who were wounded in the war and need to travel abroad for medical care. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that crossing wont be open to goods for now. The crossing, Gazas main gateway to the outside world, has been largely closed since May 2024. Toqa Ezzidin reported from Cairo. Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo. The Embassy of Russia in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday said that two Russian women detained last week at Camp Pendleton should receive the full respect for their rights. (Zachary Dyer/U.S. Marine Corps) The Embassy of Russia in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday said that two Russian women detained last week at Camp Pendleton should receive the full respect for their rights. The Russians said in an unsigned statement late Wednesday that they have filed a diplomatic note with the U.S. State Department over the incident. According to information from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dated January 26 of this year, two Russian citizens (female) were turned over to them following their unauthorized entry onto the grounds of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, the Russian embassy said. They are currently being held at a local detention center pending repatriation. Guards at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton detained two Russian women last week and turned them over to ICE agents for possible repatriation, according to Russian media accounts on Wednesday. The TASS News Agency and Russia Today reported the women had been driving cross-country and were looking for a nearby McDonalds when they turned the wrong way off Interstate 5 in northern San Diego County and arrived at the base gate of the Marines largest installation on the West Coast. Camp Pendleton issued a statement on Thursday saying base officials would not discuss any details of the reports from the Russian embassy or Russian media. For operational and security purposes, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton does not discuss individual enforcement matters or force protection measures, the statement said. The statement noted that Individuals seeking access to the base are required to present valid credentials at all entry control points, and unauthorized access is not permitted. The statement said it was standard procedure to cooperate with U.S. agencies. Camp Pendleton coordinates with federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as appropriate, the statement said. ICE had not responded Thursday to a request for information. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to questions Thursday. SHOT, a popular channel for Russians on the social media app Telegram, said in a post that the two women, named Kristina and Natasha, from the Samara district near the Volga region in Russia, were driving to San Diego when they became hungry and used an app to find the nearest McDonalds. Between the Orange County border and the city of Oceanside, the Marine base occupies much of both the east and western sides of Interstate 5, with some public areas for drivers to pull off. The women said they made a wrong turn, which led them to a Marine checkpoint, according to Russia Today. Their car was impounded, and they have been in custody for at least three days, according to the item posted Monday to Telegram. The Russians said they have requested more information about the detainment of the two women. Staff from the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Washington are in contact with U.S. immigration authorities to clarify the circumstances of the incident and to demand full respect for their rights, the statement said. To date, no official notification has been received from the U.S. Department of State, to which a corresponding diplomatic note was sent. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd testifies during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP) WASHINGTON The Army general tapped to lead the U.S. National Security Agency assured lawmakers Thursday that he will follow the Constitution and the law when it comes to using the NSAs powerful surveillance tools. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, if confirmed by the Senate, would also run the Pentagons Cyber Command, giving him a critical role in the nations offensive and defensive cyber operations. The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Donald Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year. The questions at Rudds confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee reflected concerns about whether Trump has politicized the use of federal law enforcement and security programs to target his critics and political opponents. Rudd has held senior roles in Army special forces, has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now the deputy commander of the Indo-Pacific Command. He told senators that the NSAs mission is critical to protecting the lives of service members and the success of their missions while also keeping the homeland safe from espionage and digital threats. Rudd assured skeptical Democrats that he would follow the law if asked to turn the NSAs spying programs against Americans simply because of their speech or political beliefs, something forbidden by federal law. If you are directed to target people in the United States for surveillance, will you insist that there be a judicial warrant? asked Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat. If confirmed, I will absolutely commit to executing the foreign intelligence mission of the NSA in accordance with the authorities it has been given and within all applicable laws, Rudd said in response. The NSA focuses on cybersecurity, digital surveillance and cryptography programs for American national security and works closely with other intelligence agencies and the Pentagon. Its importance has grown in recent years as the internet and digital technology created new opportunities for intelligence gathering as well as new threats from China, Russia and other adversaries. Lawmakers also demanded assurances that he would inform them of any efforts by the White House to change surveillance policies without congressional consent. Senators from both parties said they believe Rudds nomination will be confirmed by the entire Senate. A date for the vote on his nomination has not been announced. The Department of Veterans Affairs has delayed the public release of its annual veterans suicide report, which is issued every December, according to the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. (Joshua Seybert/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs has delayed the public release of its annual veterans suicide report, which is issued every December, according to the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, questioned VA Secretary Doug Collins about the overdue annual report, which is an in-depth look at the number of suicides among veterans. Blumenthal said the report was completed in September. Well, its overdue, can you provide it? ... I think you owe it to Congress and veterans that the report is issued, Blumenthal said Wednesday during a tense exchange with the VA secretary at a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. Collins declined to explain the delay at the hearing or offer a date for when Congress will receive it. By late Thursday afternoon, the VA said it was pushing back the release date to February. The document called the VAs National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report is an in-depth look at veterans suicides, including by age group and gender. The report is released to the public when it is issued to Congress. The VA last issued the report in December 2024. Preventing veterans suicide is a clinical priority at the VA. Veterans are roughly 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than people whove never served in the military, according to the VA. Contributing factors include post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and the effects of traumatic brain injuries. Data from the annual report helps the agency make decisions on prevention programs to fund and informs its long-term strategy for reducing veterans suicides. The veterans suicide report is prepared by the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, which administers the national veterans crisis line (dial 988, then press 1; or text 838255) and implements suicide prevention programs nationwide. The VA said Thursday that the federal government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, 2025, interrupted work on the report. But Blumenthal said the report was completed in September. A VA web page on suicide prevention that archives the yearly reports also showed they are completed in September. Blumenthal claimed that VA staff took steps to prevent the report from being sent to Congress in a timely manner. He said VA staff made a non-concur on the report, a formal declaration that stopped it from being transmitted to Congress. A nonconcurrence signals a disagreement by an agencys leaders or lawmakers with a reports findings. Collins said he knew nothing about a formal effort to halt the release. Hopefully it will be out very soon, he said. The annual report is compiled in part with information from the National Vital Statistics System, which contains data on deaths from all causes from every U.S. county. The 2025 report will contain an analysis of 2023 suicide data among veterans. Blumenthal also questioned Collins about information hes received on veterans encountering longer waits for mental health care. Veterans with serious mental health problems are at a higher risk of suicide. Average wait times at many facilities (are) over 50 days, Blumenthal said. Collins disputed Blumenthals statement. The national average wait for an appointment for new patients is 18.8 days, Collins said, and the average wait time for established patients is 5.8 days. Veterans in crisis receive immediate help, he said. In 2024, the annual veterans suicide report showed that 17.6 veterans, on average, died by suicide per day. The rate was based on data from 2022. The number of reported veterans suicides was 6,407. Nationwide, there is a severe shortage of mental health providers driven by high demand for care, job burnout and an aging workforce, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. Vacancies for providers are higher in rural and remote areas. Wang Yong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addresses the annual appreciation dinner of the American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese political advisor Wang Yong on Thursday called on the Chinese and U.S. business communities to deepen practical cooperation to promote the steady, long-term development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations. Wang, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when addressing the annual appreciation dinner of the American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) in Beijing. He noted that in 2025, China and the United States undertook constructive dialogues and interactions under the strategic guidance of their heads of state, injecting stability into bilateral relations. He said China will steadfastly deepen its reform, expand its opening up and advance its innovation. It will also continuously unleash growth vitality through high-quality development, which will provide a big stage for enterprises from countries including the United States. Approximately 400 representatives of the two countries' political and business circles attended the event. E.Press Thursday, 29 January 2026, 13:01 Share A mother, father, and uncle have been sentenced to seven months in prison by a Jaen court for performing an exorcism on their 27-year-old daughter. The defendants, who are of Pakistani origin, told the court they believed the woman was "possessed" by a demon following her decision to seek a divorce while living in the United Kingdom. The case reached the Provincial Court of Jaen this week after a National Police investigation into a domestic disturbance in the town of Linares. Officers told the court that when they arrived at the property on 23 January 2023, the parents initially denied any incident was taking place. However, the sounds of screams from within the house prompted officers to enter, where they discovered a man on top of the victim. Police testified that the man was attempting to silence the woman by covering her mouth while holding her by the wrists. The victim, who was found in a state of distress and crying, had sustained visible injuries including bruising to her arms, face, and lips, as well as abrasions on her temple. At the time of the rescue, she told officers she had been held against her will for 22 days since arriving from the UK, with the front door locked to prevent her escape. The uncle, a practising imam in the UK who testified via videoconference, denied using force or holding his niece captive. He claimed that the ritual was a "healing" process involving the reading of suras from the Quran. The parents, assisted by an interpreter, maintained that they were merely trying to cure their daughter and denied that she had been beaten, though they admitted she had eaten very little during the period. The Public Prosecutor's office originally sought an additional eight-year sentence for aggravated unlawful detention. This request was eventually withdrawn because the victim failed to appear in court and declined to testify against her relatives. Furthermore, the victims sister testified that her sibling had not been held captive and had been seen in public during the month in question. Because the victim never filed a formal statement or pressed charges, and her legal team indicated she is not seeking compensation, the court proceeded with the lesser sentencing for domestic abuse. The matter of any final compensation will be addressed during the formal execution of the sentence. European Union ambassadors have approved a 20 million package of non-lethal military assistance for Armenia, marking the largest support package the EU has ever provided to the country under the European Peace Facility (EPF), Azernews reports. According to RFE/RL Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak, the assistance will include medical equipment for the Armenian Armed Forces. The package was initially proposed in the spring of last year but remained blocked for several months due to a veto by Hungary. Budapest, whose government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban maintains close relations with Azerbaijan, had insisted that a similar offer should also be extended to Baku. Hungary announced in December that it would lift its veto, clearing the way for approval of the aid. The European Peace Facility, established five years ago, is used by Brussels to finance military training missions and the provision of military equipment to non-EU countries. Armenia first received EPF support in 2024, when it was allocated 10 million. EU officials have indicated that Brussels intends to increase support for Armenia ahead of the countrys parliamentary elections in June, amid concerns that Russia may seek to pressure Yerevan to alter its pro-Western political course. SYDNEY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Authorities have declared an alleged attempted bombing that targeted a crowd of protesters in the West Australian capital of Perth as a potential terrorist act. The Australian Federal Police (AFP), Western Australia (WA) Police Force and Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) said in a joint statement on Wednesday night that counter-terrorism officers are investigating the incident that occurred on Monday afternoon as a "potential terrorist act." A 31-year-old man from Perth's northern suburbs was arrested shortly after he threw a device, which he told police contained explosives, into a crowd of thousands of people who had gathered in central Perth to protest on Australia Day. The WA Police Force on Tuesday charged him with one count each of making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and endangering the life, health and safety of others. The statement issued on Wednesday night said that the WA Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation is ongoing and that further charges have not been ruled out. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said on Monday that the apparent explosive device contained ball bearings, screws and an unknown liquid in a glass container. He told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio on Tuesday that it will be alleged in court that the device was designed to explode on impact. "It had the potential to explode and injure many people or kill them," he said. Authorities have said that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Eugenio Cabezas Thursday, 29 January 2026, 14:07 Share Internet and telephone services have been restored in the villages Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo in Malaga province's Axarquia area after five days without coverage. The two villages, which are the highest in the Axarquia, were affected by a Movistar and Vodafone network failure, which exacerbated the rural isolation of 1,400 residents. Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo were left without landline, mobile, and internet service from Friday 23 until the early hours of Wednesday 28 January, causing "genuine anguish" among locals, according to the villages' mayors, who spoke to SUR. Residents gathered at Alfarnate town hall on Tuesday to demand a review of all telecommunications installations in the villages and the implementation of measures to guarantee adequate service. They reported that such incidents are recurrent and that they happen almost on a monthly basis. Zoom Residents at the meeting in Alfarnate town hall on Tuesday SUR Residents signed a petition which will be submitted to the relevant telecommunications and government authorities asking for answers and highlighting that connections are vital for improving safety, well-being, and quality of life in the villages. Disruption to essential services Mayor of Alfarnate, Juan Jesus Gallardo, said: "We are outraged. Shops, the pharmacy, restaurants, and even the town hall itself can't function." He went on to say, "We go four or five days without internet practically every month." The total communications outage led to the interruption of essential services including the doctor's surgery, telecare for the elderly, ATMs and banking services, the school, local businesses, the petrol station and fuel supplies. According to the town hall, this situation posed real risks to healthcare and safety, in addition to significant economic and social damage in a rural area with no alternatives. The mayor of Alfarnatejo, Daniel Benitez, confirmed that his village had been experiencing the same situation since Friday. "No coverage, no phones, no telecare, no doctor, no card payment terminals. It's absurd and we've had quite a few of these already," he said. "The situation is becoming unsustainable for the village," said the mayor of Alfarnate, who is demanding "structural solutions, not temporary fixes." Irene Quirante Thursday, 29 January 2026, 17:40 Share The trouble started in the early hours of the morning, when a man was kicked out of a bar in Estepona for disturbing the customers. He didn't leave peacefully, he left only after repeatedly threatening the bartender: "When you finish up work, I'm going to kill you. I know your wife and your car." Things didn't end there and, after causing further disturbances, he ended up setting fire to the house where he was actually squatting. All his ranting and raving resulted in a nearly nine-year prison sentence for the perpetrator, a conviction now upheld by Andalucia's high court of justice (TSJA). The defendant was arrested around 9:00pm on 21 February 2024, when he set fire to a sofa and several items that he had placed at the property entrance. This caused "a serious situation for those living in adjacent houses", since the properties were connected by the upper floor and shared the same roof. Neighbours reacted quickly and stepped outside to try fighting the flames with fire extinguishers. They also did their best to keep the accused away from the fire. According to the ruling, when he saw them trying to put out the fire, the man started lighting rags and pieces of cardboard as a makeshift torch to spread the fire to the building. The man, of Moroccan origin and residing in Spain without proper documentation, was arrested after firefighters from the provincial fire brigade and paramedics from the 061 emergency service responded to the arson. That day, however, police had already received several calls because the man was acting erratically. Weapons were brandished The first incident occurred at 6:30am, when he was ejected from a bar located near his squat for disturbing customers. That is when his threats began, directed at both neighbours and the bartender. He then stated that he was going to kill the bartender when he finished work and would burn the business down. A short time later, he returned to the bar carrying a chain with a metal ball. The bar's owner and manager had gone to the premises after learning about the threats, which had caused the employee considerable anxiety and unease. The defendant returned and this time approached the owner, brandishing two pistols. It is unknown whether they were real or replicas, but he then warned that he was going to "kill his bartender". He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the threats and 7.5 years for the arson. Furthermore, it was agreed he would be deported from Spanish territory, with a 10-year ban on re-entering Spain, as soon as he is granted third-degree status or conditional release. Alhaurin el Grande funeral for Victoria Hart: Community mourns British mother Friends, family, and the British expat community gathered to bid farewell to mum of three allegedly killed by ex Victoria's coffin is carried on the shoulders of six bearers as it leaves the church of the municipal cemetery of Alhaurin el Grande. THE town of Alhaurin el Grande was united in grief on Wednesday as hundreds of residents gathered to pay their final respects to Victoria Hart. The 33-year-old mother was allegedly killed by her ex-partner in a case that has shocked the province. Pending official confirmation from the Ministry of Equality, the death is being treated as the first gender-based killing of the year in Malaga. The municipal cemetery chapel was filled to capacity, with dozens of mourners forced to stand outside to follow the service. The congregation included a significant number of British residents and local neighbours, reflecting the deep ties the family held within the town. An emotional tribute The ceremony was conducted entirely in English, Victorias native language. Moments of heavy silence were broken by several long rounds of applause as friends and family remembered the young mother. The most heart-wrenching moment of the afternoon came as the coffin was carried from the chapel, followed closely by Victorias three young childrenan eleven-year-old son and seven-year-old twin daughters. Among the crowds, the sense of disbelief was palpable. "What a tragedy," and "What will happen to the children now?" were the phrases repeated by mourners as they followed the procession to the burial site. Support for the family Following the interment, more than 50 people gathered at El Porton de Piedra for a wake. The venue was decorated with photographs of Victoria with her children and floral tributes from local groups and friends. The gathering served as a quiet space for the community to offer support to the bereaved family during what has been described as a period of "profound consternacion" for the entire municipality. Fuengirola requests 'urgent' action from Spain's government after the loss of sand on its beaches The mayor of the Malaga province town has asked the coastal authority for a sand stabilisation plan in response to the repeated erosion due to storm damage The Mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, and the councillor for beaches, Jose Sanchez, in one of the affected areas. Jose Carlos Garcia Fuengirola Thursday, 29 January 2026, 12:39 Share The Mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, has called on Spain's central government for "an action plan" to stabilise the town's beaches after the storms recorded on 27 December and 3 and 4 January. Storm Francis caused the loss of more than 11,000 cubic metres of sand on the town's coastline, mainly on the beaches of Santa Amalia and El Castillo. Mula has asked the coastal authority to undertake urgent works to restore the beach and to design infrastructures that put an end to the "successive regressions of the sandy area". "We work 365 days a year to ensure that the beaches are in perfect condition. These are, along with our promenade, the jewel of our municipality. This ongoing effort to offer the best possible image to our visitors is supported by the Andalusian regional government, but we are missing a key player: the Government of Spain," Mula said. The mayor said that over the past month she has sent two letters to the aforementioned state body urging the implementation of urgent sand regeneration measures, adding that to date, neither of them has received a response. "The problem is that this situation repeats itself year after year, storm after storm. We have been calling for an effective solution for a long time, not the usual stop-gap measures, but a proper beach stabilisation plan. In short, solid and definitive technical solutions to a real and persistent problem that threatens our most precious asset and our main economic industry and generator of employment: tourism," Mula concluded. Claire Danes recently opened up about the meltdown she experienced after discovering she was pregnant with her third child at age 44. The Homeland star revealed on Tuesdays episode of Amy Poehlers Good Hang podcast that she called her OBGYN in convulsive tears after seeing the pregnancy test reading. Danes explained that the pregnancy was entirely unplanned, noting that she didnt believe it was even physically possible at her age. She was already a mother to two sons: Cyrus, 13, and Rowan, 7. Given the roughly five-year gap between her childrenand the fact that she required two rounds of IVF to conceive Rowanthe natural, unexpected pregnancy came as a total shock. The Emmy-winning actress further admitted to feeling a sense of shame following the news, jokingly describing herself as feeling naughty. She told Poehler it felt as though shed been caught fornicating past the point I was meant to, playfully suggesting she had stepped outside of the parameters of her life stage. The first signs of pregnancy appeared during a spa day with her best friend, where Danes found herself struggling to handle the heat. While she initially dismissed the idea of pregnancy as ridiculous, she decided to take a test the next day. Danes welcomed her daughter in 2023. She has since embraced the chaos of being a mother to three children, calling the experience of raising both a teenager and a toddler a trip. Verona, N.Y. - A bronze memorial plaque found along a road in Oneida County three months ago has stumped troopers who want to return it to its owner. The plaque was found along Route 365 in the town of Verona. The person who found it handed it over to troopers on Oct. 13 after attempting to research the item and locate its owner, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for State Police. Since then, troopers have had no luck in determining who the item belongs to. The plaque displays the inscription In Memory of Harold B. Cole, along with a birth date of April 29, 1916, and a death date of June 8, 1943. Inscriptions also state that he died serving his country and that the plaque was presented by his comrades, Jiron said. Cole served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, according to online records. Due to the weight and construction of the plaque, troopers believe it likely originated from a monument, memorial site or similar permanent display. A man buried at the Fort Steuben Burial Estates in Wintersville, Ohio, has the same name, birthday and death date as the ones listed on the plaque. But when troopers reached out to the cemetery, they said the plaque does not belong to them, Jiron said. Troopers have also reached out to all of the VFW posts and American Legions near that cemetery, but to no avail, she said. In the three-month-long search, troopers have not come across any information to explain how or why the plaque came to be in Oneida County. Troopers ask anyone who may recognize the plaque or know of a memorial, monument or site from which it may have originated to contact them at 315-366-6000 and reference case number NY2501025152. Oil prices rose more than 2% on Thursday as President Donald Trump considered military strikes on Iran, according to CNBC. U.S. crude rose 2.5% to $64.77 a barrel while global benchmark Brent was up 2.3% to $69.99. The oil market is monitoring whether unrest in Iran and possible strikes could lead to a disruption of oil supplies, according to CNBC. Trump is weighing multiple options for military action against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders, according to Reuters. Sources told Reuters that Trump wants to create conditions for regime change after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier in January. Thousands of people were killed in the unrest, Reuters said. The goal of attacking Iranian commanders and institutions would be to give protesters the confidence that they could overrun government and security buildings, sources said. Trump is also considering a much larger strike, which would possibly target ballistic missiles that can reach U.S. allies in the Middle East or Irans nuclear enrichment programs. The U.S. has been building up its presence in the Persian Gulf ahead of a possible strike, according to Axios. Trump warned Iran that time is running out for talks. He said the country should quickly make a deal on its nuclear program. U.S. and European officials have said they have three demands for Iranians, according to The New York Times. The list includes a permanent end to all enrichment of uranium and the disposal of current stockpiles, limits on the range and number of Iranian ballistic missiles and an end to support for proxy groups in the Middle East, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis in Yemen. Iran responded with messages stating its armed forces were ready to respond to American strikes. Officials said conflict with the U.S. would be messy, ferocious and drag on for far, far longer than the fantasy timelines that Israel and its proxies are trying to peddle to the White House. An Iranian military official said any strikes by the U.S. would be considered an act of war. The official said Iran would respond forcefully and target Tel Aviv in Israel in response. SYDNEY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- An Australian company said on Thursday that it hopes to produce 10,000 tons of high purity alumina (HPA) per year after receiving government financing. The federal government's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) on Thursday announced it will invest 75 million Australian dollars (53.1 million U.S. dollars) in Alpha HPA, taking a 6.9-percent stake in the advanced materials company based in the northeastern state of Queensland. The NRFC said in a statement that the investment would allow Alpha HPA to complete an expansion that involves building the world's largest single manufacturing facility for HPA with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons. HPA was officially added to Australia's list of critical minerals in 2022 and is in high demand for its use in cooling semiconductors that power artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The expansion of Alpha HPA's facility in central Queensland will make it Australia's first commercial-scale operation producing the precious mineral. David Gall, chief executive officer of the NRFC, said that Alpha HPA's technique produces around 70 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than current methods of creating HPA. "The NRFC is delighted to be supporting an Australian company that is commercializing breakthrough IP to create products the world and Australia will increasingly need," he said in a statement. The NRFC was established by the federal government in 2023 to provide financing for projects that diversify and transform Australia's industry and economy. Syracuse, N.Y. Mayor Sharon Owens today will deliver her first State of the City address, a chance to outline her plans for her first year. The city charter directs the mayor to provide an annual update to the Common Council. Those lawmakers will influence Owens agenda, starting with her first city budget proposal this spring. Councilors have butted heads at times with Owens when she was deputy to former Mayor Ben Walsh. Heres a look at seven of the biggest challenges the new mayor faces in 2026: Spending priorities Owens priorities and fiscal philosophy will become most apparent in early April, when she delivers to the council the mayors proposed budget for 2026-27. A year ago amid Owens intense primary election battle with two councilors the citys lawmakers and Walsh engaged in what was the most contentious budget process of the former mayors eight years. Council pushed through more than $16 million in cuts to the mayors proposal. Those eliminated a proposed 2% property tax rate increase and slashed the use of city reserve funds to balance the gap between spending and revenue. Owens has said she wants to involve council leadership earlier in the budget process to avoid a repeat of last year. Typically, mayors have not engaged with the council on the budget until presenting it to the council. But Owens has already been talking with Council President Rita Paniagua about creating a budget working group, and she put Councilor Corey Williams, who chairs the Taxation and Finance Committee, in charge of her transition teams fiscal policy group. A new deal with SU One of Syracuses biggest economic engines is also one of its largest owners of tax-exempt property: Syracuse University. To help shoulder some of the burden on city taxpayers, who fund public safety and infrastructure serving the school, the university and the city have been agreeing to multi-year services contracts in which the school makes annual lump sum payments to the city. The most recent deal provides for $11 million in payments over five years, but it expires at the end of June. The current deal was a $4 million increase over the prior 5-year pact, but the university has also been on a property buying spree, acquiring more than $150 million in property near its campus in recent years. Owens said during her campaign that she wanted to negotiate a higher payment from SU, but did not specify an amount. The university recently released a study it commissioned that states SU adds $1.8 billion in economic benefit to the region every year. City officials may point to Cornell Universitys recent agreement with the city of Ithaca. The Ivy League school in 2023 agreed to increase its yearly contributions to its host city from $2.6 million to $4 million. The final yearly payment SU was scheduled to make to the city was $2.5 million. Any agreement will face scrutiny from the common council, which must approve it. The current contract was before council for roughly four months before lawmakers passed it in a 6-3 vote. Property assessment fairness New York state recommends municipalities conduct full revaluations of all properties as frequently as possible to ensure the tax burden is evenly distributed. Syracuse, though, has not done one since 1995. Walshs effort to fix that hit a roadblock last year when the council rejected a contract to start the work despite previously approving the funding for it. The argument against moving forward was that it would upset residents already on edge in an uncertain economy. Walsh and Owens lambasted the councils move as election-year fearmongering, saying a revaluation would fix severe inequities favoring wealthier homeowners that the 30-year failure to revalue has created. Revaluations are politically unpopular because they typically lead to higher property taxes for one group of homeowners while lowering or maintaining them for others. Owens pledged to do a revaluation. Doing it on a non-election year for councilors might be the most politically advantageous time to seek their approval. Managing I-81 disruptions The massive $2.25 billion project to remove the Interstate 81 viaduct that has divided the city for decades will hit a major milestone near the end of 2026. Thats when the first sections of elevated highway on the citys South Side will be removed. The physical removal of the viaduct follows several years of work on I-81s interchanges to the citys north and south. The progress will bring disruptions. The Owens administrations coordination with the state Department of Transportation will be vital in helping residents navigate a city with so much construction activity. The city needs to resolve the question of what happens to the state-owned land under the viaduct. City officials have lobbied the state to give it to them so they can work with the community on how to best redevelop it. Some residents are fearful, though, that land will go to wealthy developers or large nearby medical and education institutions. The infamous payroll project Owens is now responsible for finishing a Walsh-initiated project to modernize the citys payroll system marred by huge cost overruns and delays. The Walsh administration also faced accusations of wrongdoing by a whistleblower who disclosed her local company was paid $90,000 to act as a pass-through for much more lucrative taxpayer-funded work done by global consulting firm EY. Owens role in the project was under fire during the campaign because the whistleblower first came to her. Owens, who was not involved in purchasing and finance matters as deputy mayor, turned the report over to the corporation counsel office and asked that it be investigated. Now that shes mayor, Owens is squarely on the hook to get the work done. The need is real. The city has been using handwritten timesheets and manual data entry into a badly outdated technology platform to pay its employees. Several departments are now using electronic timekeeping, but a skeptical council has been holding off on approving another large contract for a different vendor to implement the final pieces. A council committee meeting to discuss the situation is next week. Housing Authority leadership Through the primary and general election campaigns, Owens was steadfast that the Syracuse Housing Authority needs a new leader as it moves forward on its $1 billion redevelopment of public housing neighborhoods next to I-81. But Bill Simmons, the authoritys executive director for 19 years, has stayed on the job. The SHAs seven-member board has continued to publicly support him, and Owens acknowledged after her election that her goal to bring in new leadership will take time. While mayors appoint five of seven SHA board members, those appointments come with staggered five-year terms. The next board members term to expire will be Vice Chair Christopher Montgomerys in October 2027. But the mayors office appears to be making some headway in getting the SHA board aligned with City Halls vision. In November, the board elected developer Ryan Benz as its new chair. Benz was one of three new SHA board members Walsh appointed after he criticized Simmons handling of the East Adams project last winter and while Owens was calling for leadership change. Simmons has a contract that runs through the middle of 2027. If the project hits new roadblocks or delays, Owens will come under renewed pressure to get involved. Walking political tightropes Running a city requires working with government partners at the county, state and federal level. Owens has had a productive relationship with Republican Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, but U.S. President Donald Trumps frequent demands of Democrat-controlled states and cities complicate the citys relationship with the feds. Owens must deal with Trumps calls for cities to help with his controversial immigration enforcement, something she opposes for Syracuse, which has welcomed refugees. At the same time, Syracuse relies heavily on federal funding for community development funding that helps many of the same people with housing and nutrition assistance. The mayor does not want those dollars to disappear. The relationship with the county executive could also get complicated this year. For the first time in nearly 50 years, Democrats control the Onondaga County Legislature, but all seats on that body are up for election again this year. McMahon will be under pressure to help Republicans reclaim the Legislature, and that could mean plenty of disagreements with Democratic representatives from the city. Owens could find herself trying to keep both sides happy. A man was arrested after repeatedly crashing his car into the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in New York City on Wednesday night while people were gathered for prayer at the deeply revered Hasidic Jewish site. No one was injured when the driver struck a door of a building in the complex before reversing and striking it several more times. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while it was too early in the investigation to speculate on the drivers motives, the incident was being investigated as a possible hate crime. This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and the history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world, said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called the crash intentional. Video of the crash that was posted online shows a car with New Jersey license plates moving forward and backward on an icy driveway leading to a building in the complex and ramming its basement-level doors. The driver, who is wearing shorts, emerges, shouts to bystanders that It slipped and says something to police about trying to park. Chabad Lubavitch spokesperson Motti Seligson said some of the doors were damaged in the crash. The Chabad Lubavitch headquarters and synagogue in Brooklyns Crown Heights neighborhood receives thousands of visitors annually. Its Gothic Revival facade is very recognizable to adherents of the Chabad movement and has inspired dozens of replicas across the world. Commonly referred to as 770, a nod to the Eastern Parkway address of the complexs original building, the headquarters encompasses multiple adjacent structures. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the crash disturbing and unacceptable. This could have been much worse and Im grateful that no one was hurt, he said in a post on social platform X. My office is working closely with the NYPD to ensure justice is done and the community is safe. Neither bombs nor any other weapons were found in the car that hit the building, according to Tisch. She said it was also too early in the investigation to comment on the drivers mental state. The incident happened on the 75th anniversary of the date that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson became the leader of the Lubavitch movement. Schneerson died in 1994 but remains a revered figure globally. There has been a near constant police presence around 770 Eastern Parkway for years. The site was at the epicenter of the Crown Heights riots in 1991, when Black residents of the neighborhood attacked Jews after a child was killed by a car traveling in Schneersons motorcade. In 2014, a disturbed man entered the synagogue and stabbed a rabbinical student, wounding him, before being shot dead by police. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News (TNS) NEW YORK New York is on track to lose two seats in the House of Representatives after the 2030 census as population growth in several Democratic-leaning states lags far behind the rest of the country, a new population report predicted on Tuesday. The Empire States delegation would have just 24 seats, down from the current 26, a dip that could reduce its clout, according to the report created by the nonpartisan Redistricting Network. California is expected to lose four seats, marking the second straight time the Golden State will have lost at least one seat after previous decades of high growth. Illinois could lose two. The big winners among the states are expected to be Texas and Florida, which could add four seats apiece if current trends play out until the start of the next decade. Other high-growth Sunbelt states like Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina are expected to pick up one seat each in a reshuffle of the 435 House seats that are divvied up each decade among the 50 states, based on their relative populations. The shifts are widely considered to be a major political boon for Republicans because they hold firm control of most states that would pick up seats, while Democrats are in charge in states that will lose out, including New York. The GOP advantage in Congress is likely to be exacerbated by the increasingly bare-knuckled gerrymandering strategies employed by both parties after President Donald Trump launched an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting push. The new allocation of House seats will in turn will dramatically affect the states presidential candidates would need to win to gain 270 electoral votes and win the White House. Notably, the recent Democratic strategy of seeking to sweep the so-called Blue Wall states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan would likely not be enough to score a win over a Republican candidate in 2032 and beyond if other red and blue states stay in line. Democrats would likely also have to win one or more Sun Belt states, like perhaps Georgia and North Carolina. Trump has suggested he may seek to hold a census earlier than 2030, but its not clear if that would pass legal muster. He also wants to limit the count to U.S. citizens, which could shake up the state-by-state predictions. The changes are not directly related to the nationwide mid-decade redistricting war that involves red and blue states redrawing the lines of existing districts, not adding or losing seats. _____ 2026 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. NEW YORK A man claiming to be an FBI agent showed up to a federal jail in New York City on Wednesday night and told officers he had a court order to release Luigi Mangione, authorities said. Mark Anderson, 36, of Mankato, Minnesota, was arrested and charged with impersonating an FBI agent in a foiled bid to free Mangione from the Metropolitan Detention Center, the notorious Brooklyn lockup where he is held while awaiting state and federal murder trials in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A criminal complaint filed against Anderson did not identify the person he attempted to free. A law enforcement official familiar with the matter confirmed it was Mangione. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. Anderson is expected to make an initial appearance Thursday in Brooklyn federal court. Online court records did not contain information on a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. A message seeking comment was left with a spokesperson for Mangiones legal team. According to the criminal complaint, Anderson approached the jail intake area around 6:50 p.m. Wednesday and told uniformed jail officers that he was an FBI agent in possession of paperwork signed by a judge authorizing the release of a specific person in custody at the jail. When the officers asked for his federal credentials, Anderson showed the officers a Minnesota drivers license, threw numerous documents at them and claimed to have weapons, the criminal complaint said. Officers searched Andersons bag and found a barbecue fork and a circular steel blade which was said to resemble a small pizza cutter wheel, the complaint said. Anderson had traveled to New York from Mankato, about 67 miles (107 kilometers) southwest of Minneapolis, and was working at a pizzeria after another job opportunity fell through, the law enforcement official said. The attempt to free Mangione happened during a critical stretch in his legal cases. Hours before Andersons arrest, the Manhattan district attorneys office sent a letter urging the judge in Mangiones state case, Gregory Carro, to set a July 1 trial date. On Friday, Mangione will be in court for a conference in his federal case. The judge in that case, Margaret Garnett, is expected to rule soon whether prosecutors can seek the death penalty and whether they can use certain evidence against him. Last week, Garnett scheduled jury selection in the federal case for Sept. 8, with the rest of the trial happening in October or January, depending on whether she allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both cases. The state charges carry the possibility of life in prison. A cause celebre for people upset with the health insurance industry, Mangione has attracted legions of supporters, some of whom have regularly turned up at his court appearances. Some have donned green clothing, the color worn by the Mario Bros. video game character Luigi, as a symbol of solidarity, and some have brought signs and shirts with slogans such as Free Luigi and No Death For Luigi Mangione. Thompson, 50, was killed on Dec. 4, 2024, as he walked to a midtown Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Groups annual investor conference. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police say delay, deny and depose were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims. Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, was arrested five days later at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of Manhattan. After several days of court proceedings in Pennsylvania, Mangione was whisked to New York and sent to the Metropolitan Detention Center. The jail is also home to former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing drug trafficking charges. Its former inmates include hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. NEW DELHI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indian security forces killed at least two armed rebels in an encounter that took place in the country's central state of Chhattisgarh on Thursday. A huge cache of ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, was also recovered from the site. The encounter between security forces and the armed rebels took place in Bijapur area when a search operation was carried out. This year, over 20 armed rebels had been killed in India, while nearly 300 were eliminated last year. Antonello Pietrangeli (1st R, back), youth representative of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions, Liang Linlin (2nd R, back), director of communication and research at the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, Nicole Rita Napoli (3rd R, back), director of operations at Young European Leadership, and Zhang Min (2nd L, back), overseas vice general manager of Unitree Robotics, attend a round-table session during an exchange event titled "Building the future together: China-Europe youth exchange and dialogue" in Brussels, Belgium, on Jan. 28, 2026. The exchange event was held here on Wednesday, focusing on technological innovation and youth entrepreneurship. (Xinhua/Lyu You) BRUSSELS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- An exchange event titled "Building the future together: China-Europe youth exchange and dialogue" was held here on Wednesday, focusing on technological innovation and youth entrepreneurship. The event brought together approximately 60 representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, diplomatic missions to the EU, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and multinational corporations. Antonello Pietrangeli, youth representative of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI), noted that European and Chinese universities have established close partnerships in education and training, with annual student exchange programs fostering the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices. He added that for the long term, both sides should learn from each other to jointly create hubs for scientific research and innovation. Nicole Rita Napoli, director of operations at Young European Leadership, said that China and Europe each have their own strengths in technological innovation and governance. While China has seen rapid progress in technical iteration and industrial application, the EU has been a pioneer in exploring regulatory frameworks for fields like Artificial Intelligence, influencing global governance discussions. She called for further cooperation through mutual learning and complementary advantages. Liang Linlin, director of communication and research at the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, said that as China continues to expand its unilateral visa-free policy for European countries, there is vast potential for exchange in youth talent and emerging technologies. She suggested that more convenient personnel exchanges and platforms could facilitate the efficient matching of youth and innovation resources. She noted that many Chinese companies are eager to cooperate with European talent and hope European partners will recognize the growing ease of doing business and collaborating in China. Zhang Min, overseas vice general manager of Unitree Robotics, described the EU as a "highly influential and potential-rich" market for high-tech enterprises. He noted that European demand for humanoid robots in manufacturing, services, and household tasks is driving Chinese companies to iterate products based on specific European user scenarios. Unitree Robotics aims to deepen cooperation with various sectors in Europe through closer market integration and grassroots exchanges. During the open discussion, participants agreed that the rapid development of high-tech industries will drive high-end manufacturing and new consumption models, providing broader space for China-Europe youth innovation. They emphasized that bilateral cooperation requires synergy in policy guidance, financial support, market access, and human resource exchange to effectively connect ecological industrial chains based on mutual benefit. The event was co-organized by the China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) and Euronews, aiming to build a dialogue platform for Chinese and European youth to promote mutual learning and win-win cooperation. Climate change 'significantly' worsened southern Africa floods: study Johannesburg, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Areas of southern Africa received a year's worth of rainfall in just 10 days in January as climate change made devastating floods "significantly more intense", scientists said Thursday. Torrential downpours since December have left large swathes of Mozambique underwater, affecting more than half a million people and claiming dozens of lives, with damage and losses also reported in neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe. "Extreme 10-day rainfall events in the region have become significantly more intense due to human-induced climate change," researchers for the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network of scientists said in a report. The international group assesses the role of climate change in extreme weather events. Between January 10 and 19, areas of southern Mozambique -- including the severely affected Gaza province -- received upwards of 500 millimetres (20 inches) of rain, the report said. This was equivalent to more than the usual rainfall for an entire year, it said. "Human-induced climate change has increased the intensity of such extreme rainfall by about 40 percent," said climatologist Izidine Pinto from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. "The combination of very intense rain over a short period, together with high vulnerability and exposure, led to the worst flooding in Mozambique in 25 years," Pinto said in a press briefing ahead of the report's launch. The cooling weather phenomenon known as La Nina -- which tends to "produce above-normal rainfall conditions over Southern Africa" -- was in turn responsible for about 22 percent of the rainfall's intensity. Nearly 140 people have died in Mozambique's floods since October 1, according to its National Disasters Management Institute (INGD), and some areas remain inaccessible by road after rivers burst their banks. Floodwaters also claimed more than 30 lives in South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, causing millions of dollars in damages including in the famed Kruger National Park. The natural disaster was "a textbook case of climate injustice", said climate science professor Friederike Otto from London's Imperial College. "The people of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini have not contributed to climate change, nor are they profiting from using or selling fossil fuels," she said. "Yet they are the ones losing their lives, homes and livelihoods." SINGAPORE, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will step up health screening at Changi Airport after a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, including temperature checks for flights from affected areas, authorities have said. Health advisories will be issued to travelers at Singapore's points of entry, advising inbound travelers to seek medical attention if they feel unwell after travel, and providing outbound travelers guidance on health precautions, the Communicable Diseases Agency said in a statement on Wednesday. The Ministry of Manpower is also stepping up surveillance of newly arrived migrant workers from South Asia, it added. Nipah virus transmission is currently believed to occur mainly through exposure to bats or the consumption of date palm sap or fruits contaminated by bats. The agency noted that ongoing bio-surveillance programs monitoring Singapore's bat populations since 2011 have not detected the presence of the virus. Water gets the wine treatment in South African tastings Stellenbosch, South Africa, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Most tourists to Stellenbosch come for the wine but this small group was here for the water, sampling a selection of the world's finest varieties in an experience new to South Africa. In a tasting room lined with elegant glass bottles from across the globe, water sommelier Nico Pieterse extolled the qualities and even "emotional connection" of a resource many South Africans take straight from the tap. "They are mainly award-winning waters," Pieterse said of his collection at his Fine Water Tasting Room, which he describes as the world's first such venue dedicated solely to water. Around 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a major draw for international and domestic tourists, who flock to sample its internationally recognised wines on a variety of tasting menus. But Pieterse's passion is water and he boasts a "library" of 40 brands drawn from Armenian volcanic springs to ancient Czech glaciers. Many are from Europe, he told AFP on the sidelines of a tasting, but there is also one from Himalayan springs in Bhutan and another from a mineral water mecca in Mexico. A bottle of Ice Age glacial water from the Czech mountains contains dazzling specks of 24?carat gold. A bottle from Colombia carries the names of species newly identified in the rainforest. A tasting session lasting around an hour was a surprise for South African visitor Dere Vermeulen, 19, who normally drinks tap water. "I am the kind of person who says water is water," she told AFP. "But it was very interesting to actually be able to taste the different flavours in the water - I didn't think I was going to." - From beer to water - Pieterse, previously a brewer, developed an interest in water during the Covid?19 pandemic when South Africa banned the sale and distribution of alcohol. It led him to become one of only two certified water sommeliers in South Africa and fewer than 100 worldwide, he said. As an international water judge, Pieterse blind?tastes more than 100 still and 100 sparkling waters at an annual fine water summit that draws connoisseurs from around the world. At his Stellenbosch tasting room, guests sample six waters -- three still and three sparkling -- served in stemware at between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius (57.2 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit), while discussing the minerality, "total dissolved solids" and filtration. Plastic or glass packaging and nitrate levels -- which can indicate pollution at source -- are other factors, Pieterse said, against a backdrop of Stellenbosch's expansive vineyards and warm mountainscapes. Some bottlers sell tap water purified through reverse?osmosis filtration which removes the minerals and flavour, he said. "It takes everything out of the water so that water is completely dead." The most expensive item is a German water sold in champagne?style bottles for around 5,000 rands ($310). Alongside the luxury offerings is a high-mineral South African brand priced on his website at 50 rands for 750 millilitres. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in South Africa but -- in one of the most unequal countries in the world -- just 45 percent of households had piped drinking water in their dwellings in 2023, according to national statistics. Another 30 percent were able to drink from a tap in their yards, while others depended on communal taps and rainwater tanks. Failing infrastructure causes regular supply disruptions and has sparked angry protests by communities forced to rely on water tanks brought in by municipalities or NGOs. The water-stressed nation has also been through severe droughts and periods of low rainfall with entire towns warned their taps could run dry. "Being in a country where water is already not readily available, it's important to showcase and educate about water and its scarcity," said Pieterse. "We have to add value to water, so people take care of it." Parrots rescued as landslide-hit Sicilian town saves pets Niscemi, Italy, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Pino Terzo Di Dio was in tears as firefighters carried his beloved parrots out of his home, which has been cordoned off as his town teeters on a cliff edge. They were the latest pets to be saved by firefighters from hundreds of homes that were evacuated in the Sicilian town of Niscemi after a four-kilometre (2.5-mile) long stretch of hillside collapsed. "They are scared," Di Dio told AFP, his voice breaking as the emergency workers carried the parrots -- four cockatiels and a parakeet -- out of his house in two cages, buffeted by the wind. The town, built on unstable terrain, was battered by a powerful storm which hit southern Italy last week. There were no deaths or injuries from Sunday's landslide, but experts say the gulf could extend when it rains again. - 'Lost everything' - Residents queued up at a fire service command point just outside the high-risk, evacuated "red zone" to be accompanied inside to rescue pets or gather belongings from important documents to clean underwear. Some locals feed their animals but leave them where they are, because they have no place to take them. Di Dio said his bird feeders were full but one of the parrots "tends to knock the water onto the floor", and feared they may have been without water for days. The 53-year-old said he had been moving between friends' houses since the disaster. "It's been four days that I've barely washed. I smell like a goat, but that's fine," he said. All his attention was on the yellow and grey birds, aged between seven and 13, and where they will go now. "Let's hope that someone with a kind heart will take care of them. The important thing is that they treat them well," he said. "I don't have a home, I've lost everything." - 'Help us' - Firefighter Franco Turco said emergency workers had rescued "quite a few dogs, cats -- and now parrots". The team was working out how to rescue horses in fields below the baroque town, where deep fissures caused by the landslide were complicating access. In the meantime, some 24 firefighters have carried out 80 missions to recover belongings in the red zone, which extends 150 metres from the cliff face. But not even they enter the 50 metres buffer zone before the edge. Some residents "have cried, have hugged us", he said. In the same building as Di Dio's parrots, a woman who did not want to be named pulled a shopping trolley and black plastic bags full of belongings out of the house and onto the street. In her arms she carried a ceramic statue of the Madonna, which had once stood at the foot of her stairs. "May the Madonna help us," she said. Polar bears bulk up despite melting Norwegian Arctic: study Paris, France, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Their icy hunting grounds are rapidly shrinking, but polar bears in Norway's remote Svalbard archipelago have defied the odds by bulking up instead of wasting away, a study said Thursday. The Barents Sea has lost sea ice faster than other areas with polar bears as temperatures have risen there more than in other Arctic regions, according to the research published in the journal Scientific Reports. But instead of growing leaner like polar bears in other parts of the Arctic where the sea ice where they hunt is retreating, those in Svalbard have gained body fat. "The increase in body condition during a period of significant loss of sea ice was a surprise," Jon Aars, the study's lead author and a scientist at the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), told AFP. Polar bears in Svalbard have become plumper by feasting on land-based prey such as reindeer and walruses -- species that have recovered after being over-exploited by humans, the study said. Warmer temperatures have also made it easier for them to hunt ringed seals that now crowd in smaller sea ice areas. - Rapid warming - The scientists analysed the body condition index (BCI) of 770 adult bears between 1995 and 2019 to determine how much -- or how little -- fat they carry. They found that their BCI fell until 2000 but increased in subsequent years despite a period of rapid loss of sea ice. The total polar bear population of the Barents Sea was estimated at between 1,900 and 3,600 in 2004 and may have increased since then, the study said. The increase in air temperature has been two to four times higher in the Arctic than the global average over recent decades. The Barents Sea has experienced even greater increases in temperature than other regions in the Arctic over the past four decades, rising by up to 2C per decade in some areas, the study said. The area has also lost sea ice habitat at a rate of four days per year between 1979 and 2014, more than twice as fast as other regions hosting polar bears, it said. The Svalbard findings "may seem surprising because they contradict the results of studies conducted in other polar bear populations", said Sarah Cubaynes, a researcher at French environmental research centre CEFE who was not involved in the study. The physical condition of polar bears in Hudson Bay, for example, "has greatly declined due to warming", Cubaynes told AFP. - Bleaker future - Had he been asked to predict when he started working at NPI in 2003 what would happen to the bears, Aars said he would have declared at the time that they "would likely be skinnier". "And we see the opposite, bears are now in better condition, even though they are forced to be on land much more of the time, without the ability to hunt ringed seals," he said. A deterioration in body condition is usually a sign of future demographic problems for these Arctic animals. "When conditions get worse, with less access to food, we anticipate to first see that bears get skinnier, that they do not accumulate so much fat reserves," Aars said. "This we expect to see before things get even worse, and survival and reproduction decreases significantly," he said. The unexpected results in Svalbard underscore the importance of not extrapolating findings from one region to another, the study said. The situation in Svalbard "indicates a complex relationship between habitat, ecosystem structure, energy intake, and energy expenditure", the authors wrote. While Aars said the good body condition of Svalbard's polar bears is "good news", the study warned that they are "likely to be negatively affected in the near future" by a warming planet and shrinking sea ice. The bears may still be able to prey on walruses and reindeer, but "we think they still depend on hunting seals on the ice", Aars said. jmi/lt/np/fg Another Arctic blast bears down on US as snow cleanup drags on Washington, United States, Jan 29 (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 Another blast of Arctic air was set to spread across much of the United States from Thursday night, even as local authorities struggled to dig out from mounds of snow and ice days after a giant storm passed. The National Weather Service said polar winds would surge down from the Northern Plains across the Midwest and through the Gulf Coast, with a significant storm set to bring more heavy snowfall to parts of the southeastern US by the weekend. Temperature lows could be broken, especially in Florida, the agency said, warning of statewide impacts on vulnerable populations as well as the crucial agriculture industry. Frigid temperatures in the largely subtropical state can "cold-stun" iguanas, causing them to fall off trees in what has been referred to as a "lizard blizzard." The new cold front comes just days after a major winter storm, killing more than 100 people, according to tally of official figures and local media reports, as it blanketed a vast swath from New Mexico in the southwest to Maine in the northeast in snow, sleet and icy rain. In the southern United States, hundreds of thousands of customers remained without power Thursday, according to poweroutage.us, with Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana hardest hit. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said it had cleared more than 3,000 downed trees "because clearing trees is the gateway to recovery -- protecting lives, restoring critical services, and helping power get back on." Meanwhile millions were still digging out from hardened snow. In New York, excavators scooped piles of snow into steaming orange trailers known as "hot tubs," which send the meltwater down into the city's sewer system. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was spotted traversing the city to shovel snow, earning praise but also criticism for not wearing a hat. In the capital Washington, authorities were dumping truckloads of ice and snow at the site of the demolished Robert F. Kennedy stadium. Washington residents have roundly criticized the official response, as numerous streets remained unplowed, snowbanks blocked road crossings and schools stayed shut for a full three days after the storm had passed. Some research suggests climate change could be playing a role in disruptions to the polar vortex -- a vast region of cold, low-pressure air that normally circulates high above the Arctic. Scientists advancing this theory argue that uneven Arctic warming across Europe and Asia can amplify large atmospheric waves, making it more likely for the polar vortex to wobble and spill south over North America. PARIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday denied that there was an agreement between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States on the Greenland issue. "It's not an agreement," Frederiksen told French TV channel France 2, when asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's claim in Davos that he had reached an agreement with NATO on Greenland. Essentially, a state is sovereign; its borders must be respected, and the right of other peoples to self-determination must be respected, Frederiksen said in the interview. If military means are used in Greenland, everything grinds to a halt, Frederiksen noted, adding that "it would go against everything we've been building since the end of the Second World War." Frederiksen arrived in France on Wednesday together with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. French President Emmanuel Macron said at a joint press conference that escalating tensions with the United States over Greenland constitutes a strategic wake-up call for Europe as a whole, while reiterating France's solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland, a move that has been repeatedly rejected by Europe. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four previously unseen artworks by Stuart Sutcliffe, the original bassist for The Beatles, are set to go on public display for the first time. The pieces, created by one of the bands founding members, will be unveiled at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Thursday. Sutcliffe joined the iconic group after meeting John Lennon at art school in Liverpool, later travelling to Hamburg, Germany, to perform with them. He ultimately departed the band in 1961 to dedicate himself to his art career, but tragically died the following year at the age of 21. The four works have been loaned to the museum by Hereward Harrison, a close friend of Sutcliffes late sister, Pauline. Mr Harrison, 82, explained that Ms Sutcliffe, who passed away in 2019, had given him the pieces as gifts over their 50-year friendship, and he had kept them framed on his wall. His decision to make them publicly accessible came after a conversation at a party, where someone suggested he contact the museum. Mr Harrison said: "Pauline would be delighted. She would be so pleased I was taking them back to Liverpool." open image in gallery Artwork from the late Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe goes on display at the Beatles Museum in Liverpool, Merseyside ( PA ) The collection includes a sketch of people on a bridge, dating from Sutcliffes time as a student at the Liverpool College of Art, alongside three abstract pieces created during his period of work and study in Hamburg. Mr Harrisons personal favourite is a collage, which incorporates fragments of a German newspaper. Reflecting on Sutcliffes legacy, Mr Harrison noted: "Most people are interested in the Beatles connection and I like The Beatles but there are two stories here, that he happened to be a Beatle but also about him as an artist. He is famous because he was a Beatle but his real talent was art." Mr Harrison met Ms Sutcliffe while they were both social workers in Brixton, London, in the 1960s, quickly becoming firm friends. "We had such fun," he recalled. She would talk about her brother. He was a very talented young man." open image in gallery Artwork from the late Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe ( PA ) He added that Ms Sutcliffe, who authored a book about her brother and organised exhibitions of his art, had "kept her brothers memory alive". These items represent the latest additions to the Mathew Street museum, which is owned by Roag Best, brother of The Beatles original drummer, Pete Best. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Marty Supreme breakout Odessa Azion has dropped out of Sean Durkins forthcoming A24 film Deep Cuts after her casting faced criticism. The film, an adaptation of Holly Brickleys 2021 novel of the same name, stars Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny as two music-obsessed twenty-somethings as they navigate ambition, belonging, and adulthood over a decade. Azions casting as Zoe Gutierrez was announced earlier this week; however, fans of the book quickly pointed out that the character is of Mexican heritage, which Azion is not. Posting on her Instagram Stories late Wednesday, the 25-year-old actor announced her decision to exit the film, saying she was not aware of Zoes identity before she accepted the role. Guys!! I am with ALL of you, and I am NOT doing this movie, Azion wrote. Odessa Azion was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in A24s Deep Cuts ( AFP via Getty Images ) Thank you guys for bringing this to my attention. I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! This is why I love you guys. Im so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in on how it all went down: I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! Im so pissed yall, I hadnt read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before acceptingand now that I know what I know??? Azion added: F*** that. Im out! Id never take a role from someone else thats meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! Thats not me. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am not one of them. I cant wait to see who it ends up being. The Independent has contacted A24 for comment. Azions recent Instagram posts are flooded with comments from people accusing her of taking roles from Mexican artists. In her most recent post, shared last week, Azion commented: I went in for a different role I didnt get and when I was later offered Zoe I said yes right away and I actually love you guys for bringing this to my attention. please check my story and THANK YOU GUYS FOR TELLING ME. Deep Cuts was initially set to be led by Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler as music critic Percy and her love interest Joe, respectively, but both had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Zoe is Percys ex. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The film is produced by Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, with Durkin also producing along with Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis and A24. Brickley is an executive producer. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rafe Spall has suggested that actors should stay in their lane when it comes to talking about politics in public. The Trying star, 42, is set to star as the British prime minister in Number 10, an upcoming political comedy-drama created by former Sherlock and Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. In a new interview, the son of Timothy Spall admitted that, while he was personally drawn towards the theatrical nature of politics, he felt it wasnt his job as an actor to pontificate on the subject. I have a keen interest in politics but Im wary of actors who spout off their political opinions just because theyre on TV, he told The Daily Telegraph, adding: I find it... inelegant. They get carried away, because in this line of work, people are really nice to you. Somebody comes and drives you to work in the morning and you get to do the job you always wanted to do, and youre given a cup of tea when you need it and driven home again at the end of the day. Spall continued: In my view, you take the work seriously, but you should never take yourself seriously. Actors breathe a rarified air, so its important to keep your feet on the ground. Rafe Spall with partner and 'Trying' co-star Esther Smith ( Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva ) Best known for performances in Shaun of the Dead, Life of Pi and The Big Short, Spall has largely kept away from politics in his work. His most notable departure from this came in the state-of-the-nation drama Death of England, which ran at the National Theatre in 2020 just before the pandemic hit. Spall starred as Michael Fletcher, a white working-class man delivering a monologue from a stage shaped like a St Georges cross about modern England. At the time, Spall who infamously attended a state school despite his fathers success as an actor said that he empathised with his characters rants about his sisters patronising, liberal, leftie uni mates. I can understand peoples anger at feeling like theyre being lectured to by people whove had the privilege of a university education then become an op-ed writer or whatever, he told The Standard. Talking about seizing the means of production to people who are getting by day-to-day and simply want to give their children a better life. Spall can next be seen in Under Salt Marsh, a crime series airing on Sky. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice For anyone experienced in the world of open mic comedy nights, Is This Thing On? a Bradley Cooper dramedy unexpectedly inspired by the life of UK comedian John Bishop feels almost chillingly accurate. Its practically a rite of passage for straight men starting out in stand-up to open their five-minute sets with some variation on, So, I just got dumped With that in mind, you can imagine a few people in the audience rolling their eyes and muttering, oh brother, when financier Alex Novak (Will Arnett) takes to the stage for the first time. Preferring to sign up for a slot at Manhattans Comedy Cellar rather than pay the bars entry fee, hes arrived with not a sliver of material to his name, so he defaults to the dissolution of his marriage to Tess (Laura Dern). I think Im getting a divorce, he begins. What tipped me off is that Im living in an apartment on my own. And my wife and kids dont live there. Its not exactly a home run of a joke. But its oddly refreshing that the point of Coopers film is not that Alex is some generational talent (to clarify, this is not an underhanded jab at Bishop, whose similarity to Alex extends only to the circumstances of how he kickstarted his career). Instead, the sweet and slightly subdued Is This Thing On? contemplates whether a creative pursuit can lighten the burden of love rather than weigh it down. Cooper, who co-wrote his script with Arnett and Mark Chappell, doesnt chase the idea as vehemently as youd hope. It does, though, sit pleasantly in direct contrast to more usual tales of tortured artists in love, including Coopers own A Star Is Born (2018), a tragic romance set in the music industry, and Maestro (2023), about Leonard Bernsteins troubled relationship with Felicia Montealegre. Alex, as Amy Sedariss emcee Kemp observes, has found a safe space in comedy and free therapy behind the mic. After all, its easier to confess to strangers youll never see again than to the people closest in your life. Hes on a path to self-rediscovery, you could say but so is Tess, who once played volleyball in the Olympics, and post-retirement has lost all sense of propulsion. Neither of them, really, has much sense of who they are beyond the shapeless labels of wife and husband. Will Arnett and Laura Dern in Bradley Coopers Is This Thing On? ( Searchlight Pictures ) Its here that Arnett and Derns delicate chemistry shines, as they pick apart the tiny contradictions of amicable separation, where affection still punctures whatever emotional iron curtains suddenly shot up between them. Coopers film works best when it explores these less dramatic dysfunctions, including between the former couples friends Christine (Andra Day) and Balls (Cooper), who somehow make being endlessly frustrated with each other work. Coopers Balls, an actor submerging himself entirely into an understudy role for Jesus Christ Superstar, gets the lions share of outrightly funny lines. Yet, the Hangover star is self-aware and skilled enough never to push the character beyond believability, which is quite the achievement for a man called Balls. What does, arguably, feel a little inauthentic is the way Cooper so often forces intimacy by pushing the camera so close in on his characters faces that, often, theyre having conversations while practically standing nose-to-nose. Theres a final manoeuvre, too, towards grandiose emotion via the deployment of Queens epic and sentimental Under Pressure. Its small in scope and may prove relatively minor in Coopers filmography. But, still, the intentions of Is This Thing On? feel worthy. Heres a filmmaker fully invested in what divides the personal from the creative, and willing to look at it from all angles even from the dingy basement of a New York City club. Dir: Bradley Cooper. Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Bradley Cooper, Amy Sedaris. Cert 15, 121 minutes. Is This Thing On? is in cinemas from 30 January Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nicki Minaj has proudly revealed that she is now the owner of a Trump Gold Card. Launched last month, the card is Donald Trumps latest immigration effort aimed at attracting the worlds wealthiest, promising legal U.S. residency in record time for a $1 million fee. However, according to the Trinidadian-born rap star, 44, she was gifted the card free of charge. On Wednesday night, Minaj shared a picture of the Trump Gold Card resting in her lap, writing on X: Welp. In a separate post, she claimed she wasnt just receiving permanent residency but citizenship also. Residency? Residency? The cope is coping, she said. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldnt have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge. The president has touted the program as a pathway to citizenship, but the trumpcard.gov government website currently notes that it only confers legal residency. open image in gallery Nicki Minaj was gifted a Trump Gold Card during her recent appearance at the president's Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery Minaj said she received the Trump Gold Card 'free of charge' ( nickiminaj/X ) Minaj previously admitted that she came to this country as an illegal immigrant at five years old, in a 2018 Facebook post, criticizing the governments family-separation policies. This is so scary to me, she said. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror and panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they'll ever see them again. The Grammy-nominated Anaconda artist, who recently came out in strong support of Trump, received her Trump Gold Card following her Wednesday appearance alongside Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary at a White House event to promote the childrens investment accounts established under the Trump administrations partisan spending package. Nicki makes a lot of money, and shes generously stepping up. Shes investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump accounts to support the children and really, really the children of her incredible fans, the president said. Trump noted that Minaj has been a big Trump supporter and a Trump fan who has taken a little heat on occasion from her fans but has remained an unbelievable supporter nonetheless. Asking Minaj and OLeary to join him on-stage, Trump remarked that Minaj has been with us all the way. open image in gallery Minaj (right) faced extreme backlash for her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's four-day AmericaFest 2026 summit ( Getty Images ) Wearing a puffy white fur-trimmed coat, Minaj said she wasnt sure what to say but professed herself to be Trumps number one fan while vowing that her support for him was not going to change. And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more, and its going to motivate all of us to support him more, she said. Were not going to let them get away with bullying him and you know, the smear campaigns, its not going to work. OK? The Starships rapper has faced significant backlash from fans for her public admiration of Trump. During a surprise appearance last month at Turning Point USAs four-day AmericaFest 2026 summit, she praised him as handsome and dashing. This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them. Our vice president, he makes me ... well, I love both of them, Minaj said. Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice EastEnders character Jake Moon was seemingly killed off back in 2006, but viewers were stunned to learn he was still alive in 2024. The character is now returning in search for answers. The BBC has confirmed that Joel Beckett, who made a brief appearance in September 2024, is coming back for a short stint that will see Shane Richies Alfie Moon come face-to-face with his cousin for the first time in 20 years. It was really lovely to step back onto the Square after all this time and revisit Jake, Beckett, 52, said of his return to Albert Square. Being back working alongside familiar faces, as well as some brilliant new ones, was a real joy and it was good to know that Jake had been out there, alive and well. Beckett said that Jake returns carrying plenty of unanswered questions and the storyline takes him in some unexpected directions with real twists and turns. Im excited for people to see what hes been up to, he added. Joel Beckett as Jake Moon in 'EastEnders then and now ( BBC ) An EastEnders spokesman said: Jake returns in search of answers about what really happened at Christmas, but he gets more than he had bargained for when he learns a different version of events that leads him to question the woman he loves. With his conscience weighing heavy, and with multiple versions of events to contend with, only time will tell if Jake will do the right thing for not only himself, but for the sake of his family. EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: Im delighted to welcome Joel Beckett back to the role of Jake Moon and EastEnders for this storyline. Jakes return will be a shock for many, but the biggest shocks of all will surround Jake and what he discovers about Christmas Jake Moon joined the soap alongside his younger brother Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) in 2004, and chose to leave in 2006. While his fate was left unclear at the time, many viewers believed he had been killed off screen after it was mistakenly believed Johnny Allen (Billy Murray) had put a hit on him. Additional reporting by Agencies Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Bruce Williss wife, Emma Heming Willis, says the actor is unaware of his dementia, which she considers to be a blessing and a curse. The 70-year-old actors family announced in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), only a year after they said he was stepping away from acting because he had aphasia. Since announcing her husbands diagnosis, Heming Willis has been open about his physical health and how its affected their family, including their two daughters, Mabel Ray, 13, and Evelyn Penn, 11. In an appearance on Wednesdays episode of Cameron Oaks Rogerss Conversations with Cam podcast, she explained that the Die Hard actor does not know about his condition. I think thats like the blessing and the curse of this, is that he never connected the dots that he had this disease, and Im really happy about that. Im really happy that he doesn't know about it, Heming Willis said. open image in gallery Bruce Williss wife, Emma Heming Willis, revealed during Wednesdays episode of the Conversations with Cam podcast that her husband is not aware of his dementia diagnosis ( Getty Images for Film at Lincoln ) open image in gallery He never connected the dots that he had this disease, and I'm really happy about that, Heming Willis said about her husband ( Getty ) Williss lack of awareness of his condition is a neurological symptom known as anosognosia, which can occur with FTD and other types of dementia and prevents a person from accurately recognizing their own illness. People think this might be denial, like they don't want to go to the doctor because they're like, I'm fine, I'm fine, actually, this is the anosognosia that comes into play, Heming Willis explained. It's not denial. It's just that their brain is changing. This is a part of the disease. Her podcast appearance comes after she addressed criticism about moving Willis out of their family home due to the degenerative nature of his condition. F*** em! As Bruce would say, she told the audience at End Well 2025, a Los Angeles conference focused on end-of-life care. During the event, Heming Willis joined actor Yvette Nicole Brown, who takes care of her father, to discuss their experiences as caregivers. The models dismissal of her critics came after Brown asked her about the backlash she faced earlier this year when she moved Willis out of their family home due to the degenerative nature of his condition. At the time, Heming Willis said her husband would not have wanted their two daughters lives to be affected by adjustments to their home, but it did not stop trolls from judging her decision. I tell you, when I heard about the house thing, I wanted to throw elbows for you, honey, Brown said. Because the thing is, what people dont understand who arent caregivers, is that every caregiver is different, especially if youre dealing with dementia or Alzheimers, its very unwieldy... And we all are doing our best and making the best decisions for your family. So when they came for you, I wanted to come for them. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Patrick Dempsey has claimed it was virtually impossible to get former Greys Anatomy colleague Eric Dane on his new show, Memory of a Killer, because of the progression of the latters amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dane, 53, who played fan-favorite plastic surgeon Mark Sloan on Greys Anatomy, announced in April that he was diagnosed with ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder. Hes spoken openly about the condition since, and even played a patient with ALS on a November episode of NBCs Brilliant Minds. His former Greys Anatomy co-star Dempsey, who played top neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd, has now opened up about staying in touch with Dane amid the ALS diagnosis. I spoke to him a few weeks ago. Ive been texting with him. We were trying to get him in [Memory of a Killer], the actor, 60, said during an interview with Parade, referring to his new Fox thriller series. Unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible. But I was happy to see that he was here in Toronto working on, I think, another medical drama [Brilliant Minds]. Its very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how hes doing. I think hes been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease, Dempsey continued. Hes such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor, and hes so intelligent. open image in gallery Patrick Dempsey says he tries to stay in touch with Eric Dane amid ALS diagnosis ( Getty Images ) The Ferrari star expressed how much he enjoyed working and being around Dane. He also called the ALS diagnosis heartbreaking for Dane and his loved ones. You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body, he added. But hes bringing a lot of light to that, and hes using his platform in a positive way. I wish him the best. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, as noted by the ALS Association. Early symptoms of the disease, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, include muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue; cramps, and slurred or nasal speech. Shortly after he announced his diagnosis, Dane spoke about wanting to continue acting despite his ailments. At the end of the day, just, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can, Dane told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America in June. I dont think this is the end of my story. I just dont feel like, in my heart, I dont feel like this is the end of me. During his interview with Sawyer, Dane also revealed that his right side was no longer functioning and that he expected to lose control of his left hand. open image in gallery Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane worked on six seasons of Greys Anatomy together ( Getty Images ) Last month, Danes wife, Rebecca Gayheart, revealed that the actor was receiving around-the-clock care, with nurses by his side 24/7. Gayheart, who shares two daughters with Dane, opened up about her hard-fought battle with the insurance company to get approval for full-time care in an essay for The Cut. With the nurses, the woman from his insurance said to me, You can keep applying, and Ill keep denying, I was like, Oh? F that, she wrote. I made it my mission. I was locked in, as the kids would say. I crashed out, and then I locked it in. And we got it approved after two appeals. YANGON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Union Solidarity and Development Party has won a majority of seats in the Union Parliament, according to official results released by the Union Election Commission on Thursday. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australian influencer Erin Oudshoorn has announced the death of her six-year-old daughter, Lulu. Oudshoorn shared a devastating tribute to her daughter on the Instagram page where over the years, she chronicled Lulus experience with a rare form of epilepsy called West syndrome. It is with the most painful, shattered heart to share that our darling Lulu passed away peacefully in our arms yesterday, surrounded and profoundly loved on by all of her extended family, Oudshoorn wrote in a post shared Tuesday. The posts picture showed Oudshoorn and her husband holding little Lulus hand. Dave and I are just utterly broken. There simply arent enough words to express our agony. Our baby girl is gone, her caption read. Oudshoorn previously shared how Lulu was diagnosed with West syndrome, also called infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, when she was just 11 months old. West syndrome is a form of epilepsy that develops in babies under two years old. Doctors told Oudshoorn that Lulus condition was incurable, and said they did not believe her brain had formed properly in utero. open image in gallery Influencer Erin Oudshoorn announced the death of her six-year-old daughter, Lulu, on Instagram ( Instagram/little.lulu.love ) She dealt with spasms and seizures throughout her life, which Oudshoorn described on a podcast as really brutal for their family, including Lulus younger brother. Lulu suffers from a very rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy, the mom said on the Mummy Village podcast in March 2023. The seizures are brutal, to be honest. She was diagnosed very young, at 11 months of age. She explained: I didnt really know anything about epilepsy. I assumed that we would find seizure freedom and seizure relief with medication. Unfortunately, Lulu has tried and tested about 15, and [nothing worked]. The doctors also cant find a cause for her epilepsy, so shes left seizing all day every day and it is absolutely barbaric to watch. Oudshoorn developed a following under her handle @little.lulu.love, where she documented Lulus fluctuating health with daily updates and launched the Lulu Love Project to raise awareness for West syndrome. Tributes to Lulu from devastated followers poured in under Tuesdays post, as one Instagram user wrote: I couldnt sleep a wink last night thinking about you. I cant possibly begin to imagine how you are feeling and how shattered you and Dave are. You are such an incredible parents who showed Lu unconditional love and support and Im just so so sorry this has happened. Rest in eternal love and peace Lu, forever 6 xxx. Fellow family influencer Brittany Noonan commented, I am so incredibly sorry Erin , this is the most heart shattering news. No words will ever be enough. My heart and thoughts are with you and your beautiful family. Lulu truly touched my heart and I thank you for sharing her story with us. You are one amazing mother forever advocating for her through everything she endured. Ill never forget your beautiful girl Lulu. May she rest easy. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the chief executive of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly informed him of plans to construct six new plants in the United States. Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump praised the executive, saying, "I spoke with the head of Eli Lilly, who's a fantastic guy, a star actually, he's a star, very smart, and he told me he's building six plants in the United States, big ones." Last year, Eli Lilly had announced intentions to invest at least $2.7 billion into building four U.S. facilities, aiming to boost production and strengthen medical supply chains. The company has since detailed plans for three of these sites, located in Alabama, Virginia, and Texas. A spokesperson for Lilly clarified that the company has, in fact, announced plans for nine new manufacturing sites across the US since 2020, which includes the three recently detailed. Last year, Eli Lilly had announced intentions to invest at least $2.7 billion into building four U.S. facilities ( Getty Images ) In November, Trump announced his administration had reached a deal with two drug makers to lower prices of popular GLP-1 diabetes medications for Americans on Medicare and Medicaid as well as for those who purchase the drugs on the administrations forthcoming TrumpRx website. Speaking in the Oval Office at the time, Trump said he was thrilled to announce tremendous cuts and drastic discounts for the very effective drugs, which he referred to as the fat drugs and remarked that hed never heard anything bad about the wildly popular medications. Trump said GLP-1 makers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk were joining the phenomenal list of drug companies that have capitulated to his administrations demand that they offer their products on a most-favored nation pricing plan, bringing the cost Americans pay for their drugs down to a level on par with countries that pay lower prices through their single-payer health care systems. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After a night out with friends, the last thing Kassy Zanjani expected was to go viral. Particularly given that she hadnt, to her knowledge, been filmed. The 25-year-old social worker was finishing up the night in a fast-food restaurant in Vancouver, Canada, when she was approached by a man in sunglasses. He said something along the lines of, I saw you from outside, and youre so f***ing gorgeous I had to come say hi, she recalls. Immediately, because he was wearing his sunglasses, I was kind of weirded out. I thought I would just politely reject him and say that I have a boyfriend. The man walked away and Zanjani didnt give the interaction another thought until a week later, when a friend forwarded her a video of the entire conversation, posted on Instagram. Unbeknown to Zanjani, the man had been wearing smart glasses, equipped with a tiny hidden camera, and had secretly recorded their interaction. It was very anxiety-provoking being secretly filmed without my awareness or consent, and for that to then be posted in this manner that I dont think is rooted in any good intentions, she says. I think hes purposefully targeting intoxicated women, vulnerable women, to elicit a response from them to use as content. Zanjanis experience is the tip of the iceberg. There are entire accounts dedicated to this type of pick-up artist content: men whose shtick is stopping women in the street and chatting them up, with the exchange covertly captured on sophisticated smart glasses, such as Metas Ray-Bans, and then shared on social media. As the tech has evolved, the glasses themselves have become less obtrusive; its far from obvious when someone is wearing them. Women frequently only become aware that they were being filmed once the video has already gone viral and a friend or acquaintance tips them off. By that point, the post may have been viewed hundreds of thousands or even millions of times. open image in gallery The new generation of smart glasses are incredibly unobtrusive ( AFP/Getty ) A woman called Oonagh recently shared her experience of being approached by a man in Brighton last June after sunbathing on the beach. He asked for her number and she declined, saying that she had a boyfriend. A few weeks later, she was forwarded a TikTok video, clearly taken from the mans perspective, Peep Show-style. By that point, it had racked up around a million views and hundreds of comments, many of which were either sexually explicit, abusive or derogatory. I had no idea it was happening to me, I didnt consent to that being posted, I didnt consent to being secretly filmed, she told the BBC. It really freaked me out it made me feel afraid to go out in public. Another British woman, Millie, was secretly filmed via Meta glasses while reading a book on Sydneys Bondi Beach last February. The man in question approached her and persistently asked for her number again, Millie had no clue that he was recording the conversation. I felt really uncomfortable and I didnt know how to get him to leave, Millie told Australian current affairs show The Project. By the time a friend in the UK shared the TikTok video with her, it had already gone viral, with more than a million views. I felt absolutely embarrassed, distraught, upset, crying I didnt want to leave my bed, she said. It felt very violating and made me feel very powerless Kassy Zanjani Another Sydney woman, Amy (not her real name), had a similar experience and described the fallout as soul-destroying. She was alerted to the videos existence by several friends, and the hundreds of comments from strangers left her feeling wildly exposed and degraded. Its all so violating and disgusting, she told ABC. I didnt even realise I was getting filmed, let alone Joe Bloggs down the road saying how ugly I am, or how fat I am. The latter two women were both secretly filmed by an American content creator who goes by the name itspolokidd. He has 1.6 million followers on Instagram; the content is exclusively videos of him hitting on women in public places. Sometimes the women seem unfazed; sometimes they are unsettled by his full-on approach (he often walks up to them and calls them sexy or beautiful, then starts referring to them as his future wife or the future mother of his children). Even when his behaviour isnt apparently distressing for the women involved, there is no escape from the comments on his videos, which can range from insulting to sexist to lascivious. In one itspolokidd video, the woman being filmed is standing with a friend, another woman with a shaved head. What on EARTH is THAT next to her?! reads one of the multiple derogatory comments. In several cases, women featuring in such videos have sent requests to the poster and/or social media platform hosting the content to remove the footage with incredibly mixed results. Zanjani, for example, contacted both Meta and TikTok. The former removed the video of her from Instagram; the latter never responded. One US woman did manage to convince the man whod secretly filmed her to delete the video following intense public backlash. Elyse, who goes by the handle Herculyse, was unknowingly recorded by a Spanish-language content creator called Jose Mercado Reyes as he attempted to ask her out while she was shopping. Reposting the video on X (Twitter), she wrote the following furious caption: THIS is why these glasses or any version should NOT exist. I VIVIDLY remember this interaction, I had no idea I was being filmed. This was to be sent to me tonight after I was recognised. This is disturbing. Makes me sick physically, this is violating and WRONG. F*** you. In the above-mentioned cases, the women involved have little to no recourse. UK law allows the filming of other people in public spaces without their consent and uploading that footage online is also perfectly legal. Oonagh, for example, reported the incident to Sussex Police, but was told there was nothing they could do. Then there are even more disturbing potential scenarios. One woman in New York shared an incident in which she realised her aesthetician was wearing Meta Ray-Bans while she was having a Brazilian wax. Aniessa Navarro asked if the glasses were live and was told they had run out of charge; this did little to reassure her. Its been haunting me ever since, the influencer said in a TikTok video in August. I kind of shut down and I could not stop thinking, Could this girl be filming me right now? Navarro said the thought that she could have been filmed while having such an intimate treatment had made her feel sick for weeks. There are already confirmed cases in which smart glasses have been used illegally. On 6 January, David Williams, 47, pleaded guilty to voyeurism at Warrington Magistrates Court after hed recorded sex with a woman without her explicit consent using a pair of smart glasses. Williams swerved jail and was instead fined 800 and ordered to pay a 320 surcharge and court costs of 85, reported The Telegraph. But even in the less obviously harmful cases, the End Violence Against Women coalition (EVAW) has flagged other potential safety issues connected to women being non-consensually filmed. Specifically, when the footage of them shared online includes their personal details, such as their location or phone number, says Rebecca Hitchen, head of policy and campaigns. The safety risks of this are huge, as is the subsequent level of harassment, trolling and doxxing many are subjected to when videos are posted online. A spokesperson from Meta highlighted that the glasses have an LED light that activates whenever someone captures content, so its clear to others that the device is recording, and [it] features tamper detection technology to prevent people from covering that light. They added: Our terms of service clearly state that users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and should not tamper with the product. As with any recording device, including phones, people should use smart glasses in a safe, respectful manner, which includes not engaging in harmful activities like harassment, infringing privacy rights, or capturing sensitive information. The safety risks of this are huge, as is the subsequent level of harassment Rebecca Hitchen, EVAW However, it is incredibly easy to override the LED light, according to Jake Moore, a cyber security adviser for ESET. He bought himself a pair of Meta Ray-Bans to see whether it would be possible to hack them in various ways, and demonstrates to me at least one very simple way of covering the light while filming is still taking place. (Meta says it is aware and concerned that there are small numbers of users who choose to misuse our products, despite the measures we have put in place. We are dedicated to delivering valuable, safe, and innovative products for people and continually review opportunities to enhance our AI glasses, informed by customer feedback and ongoing research.) Moores main concern, however, is not sexual harassment but cyber security. Moore managed to rig his Meta Ray-Bans so that they were secretly recording a live feed that was fed into facial recognition software. This enabled him, in real time, to discover a persons name, place of work, alma mater and hobbies. Provided the person in question had some kind of internet presence, Moore had access to all kinds of information about them in under a minute. It is, as Moore puts it, very Mission: Impossible. And Brits are the perfect targets for this kind of infiltration tactic, with our tendency to prioritise politeness over asking questions. Someone could misuse tech wearables by socially engineering a conversation with a target and pretending to already know them: If you can get someone to believe you, you can break into any company, says Moore. Its that easy. Theres another deeply upsetting prospect, too: that this tech could be combined with AI software like Grok, which has enabled users to undress women and create sexually explicit deepfakes of them using their social media pictures. Hitchen says EVAW shares experts fears about smart glasses being used to nudify women and girls in real time. With the ease of access to nudification technology, how long will it be before this is happening? open image in gallery Various companies have launched their own versions of smart glasses over the past few years ( PA ) Campaigners are calling for the government and online regulator Ofcom to take urgent action to ensure the Online Safety Act is fit for purpose to respond to the emerging threats posed by ever-evolving technology. Many of the women who have been targeted by men in smart glasses, meanwhile, believe our privacy laws are outdated and desperately need an overhaul in a world where covert filming is becoming increasingly easy. I definitely do think they need to be updated, says Zanjani. It felt very violating and made me feel very powerless... Just because there are things that are technically legal, it doesnt mean that its not completely wrong, immoral and unethical. Moore thinks its unlikely that the government will intervene any time soon, for one key reason: mass surveillance. We do need to bring in more privacy laws... but at the same time, its a double-edged sword if we talk about legislation. The government would shoot themselves in the foot if they introduced it, because they want to be able to use this kind of technology. The UK already has one of the biggest CCTV camera networks in the world; police are now attempting to implement live facial recognition technology into all body-worn cameras. In the meantime, Moore recommends being on guard and taking a zero trust approach when it comes to strangers. The depressing reality is that perpetrators will always exploit new technologies to find novel ways to harm women and girls, according to Rebecca Hitchen: Smart glasses are therefore not an exciting innovation for women, they present a new threat to our everyday lives. 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 Alabama man has appeared in court accused of traveling to a presidential debate in Georgia in the hope of sneaking in and assassinating then-President Joe Biden. On Wednesday, police arrested Adam Benjamin Hall, 23, of Alabama. He was charged with interstate stalking on January 26. According to prosecutors, Hall drove from Alabama to Atlanta on June 27, 2024, where a CNN presidential debate was scheduled for the evening. Hall allegedly planned to sneak into the debate and assassinate Biden. The prosecutors also showed that GPS data pulled from Hall's phone allegedly placed him three blocks from the debate approximately 30 minutes before the event started. Hall was also accused of writing what he called an "expose" that was addressed "[t]o all the Palestinian journalists ... and in remembrance of the ones who lost their lives along the way." Joe Biden during a CNN presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. While Biden was debating then-Republican candidate Donald Trump, prosecutors allege that Adam Benjamin Hall, 23, was in the city and plotting to infiltrate the debate and assassinate the Democrat ( (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) ) The note allegedly included messaging warning that "our enemies are not in any other country but our own and Israel's," and calling for an "overthrow" of the Israeli government. "It's time we overthrow these bastards and threaten to pull a f***ing D-Day on Tel Aviv," he wrote. The letter included a mixture of pro-Palestine sentiment and anti-government conspiracy ideas. The document calls for an insurrection on July 4, and calls for supposed supporters to march on Washington, D.C. "On the week of Jul. 4, forget your f***ing barbecues and pool parties. Instead do the patriotic thing by marching on Capitol Hill, the White House, and the Supreme Court armed with whatever you have," the letter reportedly says. "Unless the feds shoot first, you must not engage. If they are unwilling to comply after a few hours, then I permit you to march into those buildings and do what is necessary to regain control of our country from the deep state." The U.S. Secret Service is leading an investigation into the alleged assassination attempt. A press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Georgia claims that Hall had a firearm with him when he traveled to Georgia. It said the investigation was ongoing and that other charges could be filed against Hall. Threats against the President are gravely serious and must be treated as such, U.S. Attorney Theodore S Hertzberg said in a a press release. Halls alleged actions went beyond mere words and included traveling to Georgia with a firearm to murder President Biden. Political violence is never acceptable and must be countered by swift intervention and meaningful consequences. It's unclear why it took so long to arrest Hall, or how investigators discovered the alleged plot. The Independent has requested comment from the prosecutors office . The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas man sentenced to death for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend has become the first person executed in the United States this year. Charles Victor Thompson, 55, was pronounced dead at 6.50pm CST after receiving a lethal injection Wednesday at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was condemned for the April 1998 shooting deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Glenda Dennise Hayslip, 39, and her new boyfriend, Darren Keith Cain, 30, at the womans suburban Houston apartment. In his final words, Thompson asked the families of his victims to find it in their hearts to forgive him, adding, that you can begin to heal and move past this. There are no winners in this situation, he said after a spiritual adviser prayed over him for about three minutes and shortly before a lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered. He said his execution creates more victims and traumatizes more people 28 years later. Im sorry for what I did. Im sorry for what happened, and I want to tell all of yall, I love you and that keep Jesus in your life, keep Jesus first, he added. As the injection began taking effect, Thompson gasped loudly, then took about a dozen breaths that evolved into three snores. Then all movement ceased and he was pronounced dead 22 minutes later. open image in gallery Texas death row inmate Charles Victor Thompson ( Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP ) Hes in hell, one of the witnesses, Dennis Cain whose son was killed said after Thompson was declared dead by a physician. This chapter is closed, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, whose office prosecuted the case, said after watching Thompson die. It was justice a long time coming. According to court records, Hayslip and Darren Cain were dating when Thompson came to Hayslips apartment and began arguing with Cain around 3 a.m. the night of the killings. Police were called and told Thompson to leave the apartment complex. He returned three hours later and shot both Hayslip and Cain. Cain died at the scene, and Hayslip died in a hospital a week later. About an hour before the scheduled 6pm execution, the U.S. Supreme Court without explanation issued a brief order rejecting Thompsons final appeal. On Monday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had denied Thompsons request to commute his death sentence to a lesser penalty. Thompsons attorneys had argued in filings with the Supreme Court that he was not allowed to refute or confront the prosecutions evidence that concluded Hayslip died from a gunshot wound to the face. Thompsons attorneys argued that Hayslip actually died from flawed medical care she received after the shooting that resulted in severe brain damage sustained from oxygen deprivation following a failed intubation. open image in gallery The U.S. Supreme Court without explanation issued a brief order rejecting Thompsons final appeal ( AP ) Prosecutors had said a jury had already rejected the claim by Thompson and decided under state law he was responsible for Hayslips death because it would not have occurred but for his conduct. Hayslips family had filed a lawsuit against one of her doctors, alleging that medical negligence during her treatment left her brain-dead. A jury in 2002 found in favor of the doctor. Thompson had his original death sentence overturned and a new punishment trial was held in November 2005. A jury again ordered him to die by lethal injection. Shortly after being resentenced, Thompson escaped from the Harris County Jail in Houston by walking out the front door virtually unchallenged by deputies. He later told The Associated Press that after meeting with his attorney in a small interview cell, he slipped out of his handcuffs and orange jail jumpsuit and left the room, which was unlocked. Thompson waived an ID badge fashioned out of his prison ID card to get past several deputies. I got to smell the trees, feel the wind in my hair, grass under my feet, see the stars at night. It took me straight back to childhood being outside on a summer night, Thompson said of his time on the run, speaking with AP in a 2005 interview. He was arrested in Shreveport, Louisiana, while trying to arrange for wire transfers of money from overseas so he could make it to Canada. Texas has historically held more executions than any other state though Florida had the most in 2025 with 19. The next execution in the U.S. is scheduled to be the Feb. 10 lethal injection of Ronald Palmer Health, who was convicted of killing a traveling salesman during a 1989 robbery in the Gainesville area of that state. 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 mom and daughter say they awoke to a loud bang and found an apparently intoxicated man crashing through the ceiling into their apartment in Houston this week. Desiree Malone and her daughter woke to a frightening crashing noise Tuesday around 4 a.m. and were horrified to find a strange man dangling through a hole in the ceiling from the attic. When I turned the light on, there was a man hanging from the attic, holding onto the beam so that he wouldnt fall all the way through to our apartment, Malone told Fox 26 Houston. I screamed and yelled like, Who are you? and What are you doing? she added, saying the man appeared to be out of his mind and intoxicated. Malone said the man appeared disoriented and mumbled his words before pulling himself back up into the attic, where she said it sounded like he was talking to someone, according to the report. A Houston mom and daughter say they woke to a crashing noise as a man fell through their ceiling into their apartment ( Fox26/YouTube ) In the moments after the incident, Malone and her daughter were separated as she called the police for help and her daughter ran back to her room to get dressed. It was not immediately clear how the man got into the attic. Malone told the news station that she and a neighbor had been hearing odd noises from their attics for about two months before the incident, but neither suspected that a person was responsible. The Harris County Sheriffs Office said they arrested a man in connection with the incident on criminal mischief charges. Authorities did not release his name, but said he appeared intoxicated. The sheriffs office has not released its official report on the arrest. While staff repaired the ruptured ceiling at Malones apartment, she says she no longer feels safe in her home and is looking to move out. I just want some kind of help from this apartment, she said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 22-year-old woman admitted that she posed as Jacqueline Mimi Torres-Garcia during a Zoom call with social services months after the 11-year-old had already died a charade the childs mother allegedly orchestrated to hide her death, according to testimony revealed in court Wednesday. Jacklyn Goulet testified in a Connecticut courtroom that she was asked to pretend to be Mimi during a January 2025 video call with the Department of Children and Families because the girls mother Karla Garcia feared losing custody of her children if the call did not take place, Greenwhich Time reported. The testimony was revealed at a probable cause hearing for Garcia and her boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita, who are both charged with murder with special circumstances and other offenses in connection with Mimis death. Mimis remains were found in a tote bag behind an abandoned home in New Britain in October 2025, but police believe she died in September 2024. Authorities allege Mimi suffered years of abuse, was restrained with zip ties and denied food by her mother and Nanita. Mimis 28-year-old aunt, Jackelyn Leeann Garcia, also faces charges. She is accused of participating in the abuse but is not charged with murder. open image in gallery Karla Garcia (left), who faces murder charges in the death of her daughter Mimi (pictured), allegedly asked 22-year-old Jacklyn Goulet to pretend to be the child during a Zoom call with DCF, months after the 11-year-old died ( New Britain Police Department ) In her testimony on Wednesday, Goulet said she had never met Mimi or Garcias other children. Garcia asked her to impersonate Mimi during a DCF call after caseworkers requested to see the child following a complaint, according to NBC Boston, citing court testimony. Goulet told the court she had no idea the child was already dead and believed Mimi was staying with an aunt in another state, as she was previously told. On the day of the Zoom call last year, Garcia wrote down the names and ages of her other children so Goulet could answer if questioned by DCF. When asked by the DCF worker if she missed her siblings, she testified that she said, as Mimi: I said I talked to them every day on the phone and that we Face-timed. She said she also told the DCF worker that she made good grades and that she had friends. Tim OKeefe, an attorney for Mimis father, Victor Torres, called Goulets testimony disturbing, according to Greenwhich Time . OKeefe represents Torres in a $100 million claim against DCF. We continue to monitor all proceedings in this case, including the criminal prosecutions, OKeefe said. The information that we are learning is incredibly disturbing. The family is committed to making sure that all responsible people and entities are held fully accountable for what occurred involving these two young children. We encourage all persons with relevant information to come forward to proper authorities. open image in gallery Karla Garcia appears in court on charges of murder in the death of her 11-year-old daughter Mimi ( CTInsider ) Farmington police testified Wednesday that Mimis DNA was found on a mattress in a basement closet, on the linoleum beneath it, and on the subfloor below. Nanitas right palm print was found on the tote that held her remains, according to Detective James McKeown. Nanita told investigators that Karla Garcia and Jackelyn Garcia would hit and punch the child and force her to kneel in a corner for so long she would urinate and defecate on herself, McKeown testified. Nanita said he would take the other children out of the house or stay in his room playing video games during the abuse. He later told police that one day, after taking the other children to McDonalds, he returned home and Karla Garcia told him Mimi was dead upstairs. Nanita told McKeown that he did not call for help because he had no phone. Court documents allege Nanita helped dispose of Mimis body and later filed paperwork to make it appear the child was still alive so the family could receive additional food assistance. An autopsy report, which was obtained as part of a probate court filing, found that the girl's stomach contained a single blueberry. Amphetamines and antihistamines were also found in her system, neither of which were prescribed, FOX61 reported. No injuries were found on her body, but the Medical Examiner described her as being emaciated, weighing just 27 lbs. at the time of her death. Her cause of death was fatal child abuse with starvation. open image in gallery The testimony was revealed at a probable cause hearing for Garcia and her boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita, who are both charged with murder with special circumstances and other offenses in connection with Mimis death ( CTInsider ) open image in gallery Mimis 28-year-old aunt, Jackelyn Leeann Garcia, is also charged. She is accused of participating in the abuse but is not charged with murder ( CTInsider ) Garcia and Nanita face charges of murder with special circumstances. Nanita also faces charges of improper disposal of a body, fraud, and larceny. Jackelyn Garcia is charged with participating in the abuse. Litchfield Superior Court Judge Robert DAndrea will decide whether there is enough evidence to continue after the hearing concludes. Proceedings will continue Thursday. Every week, 282 appears in Elinor ODonovans bank account. The 27-year-old is a multidisciplinary artist who sculpts and makes films and installations, but the money isnt payment for her work nor is it a form of benefit or a gift from a generous benefactor. It isnt means-tested and it comes with no obligation to produce anything in return; how she chooses to spend it is entirely up to her. It may sound too good to be true, but ODonovan is one of 2,000 artists and cultural workers currently participating in a basic income pilot scheme in Ireland. In 2024, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, actors, dancers and 13 circus artists were chosen at random by the Irish government from more than 8,000 eligible applicants to receive the money each week for three years, no strings attached. For ODonovan, a former part-time receptionist, it has been life-changing. Its amazing, she says. Ive been able to spend more time working on my art. Knowing the money is coming for three years is such a huge relief. My wellbeing has improved because theres security. I can take a breath and really focus on what I want to achieve. The Irish scheme is just one of hundreds of similar trials taking place around the world, part of a growing movement calling for universal basic income (UBI): an unconditional, standard sum paid to everyone in society on a regular basis. Scotland and Wales have both trialled small-scale versions. Meanwhile, if backed, the first English pilot would see thirty people in Jarrow in the North East and East Finchley in north London be given 1600 a month to see what effect it has on their mental and physical health, as well as whether they choose to work or not. The idea of a universal income for all has been floating around since the days of Thomas More, who mentioned it in Utopia in 1516, and many still regard it as a radical not to mention unaffordable concept. Proponents, who include Manchesters mayor Andy Burnham, argue that it is a practical solution to the challenges of the modern world, and that it could ultimately save governments money by reducing social ills. The most popular model proposes continuing a system of benefits for the likes of housing, childcare and disability, alongside UBI, to ensure nobody would be worse off. UBI would replace parts of the tax system most likely, the tax-free personal allowance would be removed, so people would pay tax on the entirety of their earned income. The idea would be that those on lower to middle incomes would more than recoup this in the universal payment. open image in gallery Elon Musk has predicted that in future we will only need to work if we want to ( Getty ) Debate continues to rage about how all this would work in practice. Some critics, including Dr Luke Martinelli at the University of Bath, claim it would make those on the lowest incomes worse off by taking money currently spent on them and giving some of it to those on higher incomes who dont need it. Others say it would create even greater inequality, as the well-off would have more money than ever before. Whats clear is that the way we work is being transformed at a dizzying rate. The reason calls for UBI schemes are growing more urgent is that the impact of AI on jobs is now impossible to ignore. In the first year since ChatGPT was launched 14 per cent of workers in the US lost their jobs to robots, according to one estimate. As tech leaders including Elon Musk have been warning, the biggest threat from AI is less likely to come from an army of robots taking over the world than from the loss of as many as 300 million jobs, according to Goldman Sachs chilling prediction. Once, automation was designed to replace work that was physically demanding or dirty; now, its coming for middle-class professions. Highly skilled and highly paid jobs such as law, finance and medicine are at greatest risk. Sam Altman and other tech leaders joined world leaders and policymakers to debate AIs impact on security, economics, and governance at the Paris AI Summit in February amidst warnings are that AI models may surpass human capabilities "in almost everything" within two to three years. The implications for society could be catastrophic, leading to an urgent rethink of the basic social contract of how we work and earn. With millions out of work it would be impossible to fund vital services via the tax system which could cause the collapse of our basic infrastructure. Will Stronge, director of the think tank Autonomy, which is behind the proposed pilot in Jarrow, says were living in an age of crisis and that a radical change is necessary. Our society is going to require some form of basic income in the coming years, given the tumult of climate change, tech disruption and industrial transition that lies ahead, he says. The current welfare system isnt fit for purpose: its based on sanctions punishing people who dont behave in a certain way which has been proved to be counterproductive. All evidence shows that basic income would directly alleviate poverty and boost millions of peoples wellbeing. The potential benefits are just too large to ignore. open image in gallery Since ChatGPT launched a year ago, millions of people are finding their jobs are now under threat ( AFP/Getty ) Perhaps the first question to spring to mind about receiving free, unconditional money is whether we would all just laze around. This argument that it would disincentivise work is chief among those who point out that a nation of job-quitters could also have serious implications for mental health. But some have hinted at far more intriguing possibilities. Musk recently said he believes a job in the future could be for personal satisfaction an idea that seems to be borne out by the latest findings from UBI schemes around the world. When people are given a basic income, theres no significant reduction in paid work, says Cleo Goodman, Autonomys basic income lead and co-founder of The Basic Income Conversation. Fascinatingly, this is true. In 2017 and 2018, unemployed people in Finland were given payments of around 500 a month, which continued even if recipients subsequently got a job. People receiving the payments worked an average of 78 days between November 2017 and October 2018 six days more than those on unemployment benefits. The trial also found that they reported a significant boost to their mental health, wellbeing, and level of confidence about the future. The removal of uncertainty was a major factor, as was the power to say no to low-paid insecure jobs, according to professor Helena Blomberg-Kroll from Helsinki University, who led a study into the findings. The scheme also gave some participants the possibility to try and live their dreams, pursuing work they felt passionate about rather than having to take the first offer available due to an urgent need for a pay packet. This suggests that in a world in which money wasnt the most important driving factor, more people would choose jobs based on enjoyment. This has the potential to transform the way we view certain careers; for instance, someone who would make a brilliant maths teacher might be more likely to pursue that option instead of going into banking, elevating teaching as a desirable path whereas currently, its lower pay lessens its prestige. In the US, findings have been similar. The state of Alaska has been running a form of UBI since 1982, in which every resident, including children, receives an annual payment from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which takes its revenue from oil and mining leases. The payment varies depending on oil prices: in 2021 it was $1,114 (887), and last year it surged to $3,284 (2,615). Ioana Marinescu, a professor at the Penn School of Social Policy and Practice, who reviewed the scheme, said: What we found was astonishing, which is that on average, Alaskans still work at the same rate as comparable states. When you speak to people in the pilots, they explain having a consistent income enabled them to look for work which would suit them better in the long term, says Goodman. They also had bargaining power; the ability to say no to poor-quality work. Parents of young children had more time to spend with them and young people could stay in education for longer. In Alaska, the UBI scheme has had a positive effect on the local economy, with businesses such as cafes and shops flourishing, enabling them to hire more employees. ODonovan has experienced this cascading impact in microcosm. Receiving her basic income has enabled her to contribute to a circular economy, she says. I made my first film this year and was able to hire other artists to work with me, so Im investing the money back into the art ecosystem. In disadvantaged communities, such as in Stockton, California, where $500 per month was given to 125 people, trials have enabled participants to afford basic necessities, such as food, clothes and utility bills. A study of the period from February 2019 to February 2020 determined that full-time employment rose among the trial group in Stockton, and that their financial, physical and emotional health improved. Before, I was paying a lot of bills and didnt know how I was going to eat, said participant and grandmother of nine Laura Plummer. Its like being able to breathe. Removing this anxiety not only enhances the quality of life, but it also allows people to evaluate their options more calmly. In Ontario, Canada, a pilot designed to help 4,000 people on low incomes was cancelled after just one year, but in that time, 74 per cent reported more participation in physical activity, 83 per cent reported better mental health, and 79 per cent reported better wellbeing. But the concept of UBI also poses the question of how those already fortunate enough to be able to pay bills and live comfortably might be affected. If our basic financial needs were met, how would we behave? Many people we speak to talk about how theyd spend their time differently, says Goodman. A lot say they want to reduce their working hours because there are other things they wish they had more time to do, whether thats a business theyre trying to start, a family theyre raising, retraining to change careers or volunteering in their community. People would love to prioritise unpaid things that are what life is about. In 2020, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa announced in a tweet that he would give away 1 billion Japanese yen around 7m to 1,000 random Twitter followers. Describing the move as a serious social experiment, he said he wanted to test the premise of a basic income. Each recipient had to fill in follow-up surveys asking what impact the cash was having on their lives, and initial results showed that they were an average of 3.9 times more interested in launching a new business. There was also a decrease in divorce rates, from 1.5 per cent to 0.6 per cent. If entrepreneurialism would almost certainly receive a boost from UBI, its reasonable to speculate that the more difficult to quantify altruism would, too. The 2010/2011 Citizenship survey found that work commitments were by far the biggest reported barrier to volunteering, suggesting that UBI could have significant implications for voluntary work. Some models of UBI include a public contribution contract, which must be signed before people receive it (making it not entirely unconditional). Clearly, for any UBI system to work in reality, enough of the population would still need to be earning at a high enough level to pay for it through their taxes. ODonovan hopes the Irish Basic Income for the Arts scheme will snowball into a universal system. For the arts alone, she can see massive potential benefits. People are always questioning the value of art because what it offers society cant be reduced to numbers, she says. But its value is immense, and UBI would enable it to flourish. She sees being a recipient of the grant as carrying a responsibility, which recently compelled her to become secretary of Praxis, the Irish artists union. The logic was that I have this time thats paid for, so what can I do that will support other artists? she says. These pilots are showing that we could be living in a way thats genuinely collective. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from Mexico and the United States have made progress on the review of the trilateral free trade agreement, aiming to complete the process "as quickly as possible," Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Wednesday. In a social media post, the minister said he met in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss "the next steps" in the process of reviewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on free trade. The Office of the United States Trade Representative said in a press release that both sides are ready to negotiate and "begin formal talks on possible structural and strategic reforms" to the trade agreement. They discussed tariffs on steel and aluminum, the state of the automotive industry, supply chain security, and the future of critical minerals, according to Ebrard. "We have made progress on many issues beforehand so that the review can proceed as quickly and effectively as possible," the minister explained. In comparison, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Canada is focused on building economic resilience and diversifying trade partnerships to reduce its reliance on the United States. He characterized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff threat as part of a broader context of trade negotiations with Canada, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming USMCA review. The three USMCA partners are expected to complete the review of the pact by July 1, according to the agreement's bylaws. Replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, the agreement officially took effect on July 1, 2020, and is subject to a six-year review. TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran's army said Thursday it has inducted 1,000 strategic drones into the combat formations of its four military branches, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The drones were developed by army specialists in cooperation with the defense ministry to address evolving threats and incorporate lessons learned from the "12-day war," Tasnim said. The announcement followed a U.S. deployment earlier this week of a carrier-led strike group to the Middle East. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have been rising as the United States steps up its rhetoric and warnings toward Iran. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. More than three months have passed since the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza was reached. However, military strikes are still ongoing and civilian casualties continue to rise. China calls on all parties, Israel in particular, to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and work toward a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. The situation in the West Bank remains tense as Israel continues to expand settlements and condone settler violence. Israel should immediately halt settlement activities and curb settler violence, Fu told an open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. It is crucial to alleviate civilian suffering and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to occupied territory, said Fu. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. China urges Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, open all border crossings, lift the restrictions on humanitarian access, and cease its suppression of humanitarian agencies, he said. Recently, an East Jerusalem compound of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) was forcibly demolished. China expresses grave concern over this development. Israel has an obligation to ensure the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and its normal operations, he said. Post-conflict arrangements in Gaza should be advanced in a prudent and orderly manner in line with the two-state solution, said Fu. "Gaza is the homeland of the Palestinian people, and its post-conflict arrangements are crucial to the political settlement of the Palestinian question. Any arrangements concerning Gaza's future should adhere to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, respect the will of the Palestinian people, accommodate the legitimate concerns of Middle Eastern countries, and be aligned with the two-state solution," he said. "China will continue to support Palestine's leading role in post-conflict governance in Gaza." As the Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, it should continue to closely follow the situation in Gaza and its post-conflict arrangements and play its due role in this regard, said Fu. Advertisement BusinessWorkplaceAI Sarah tried using AI to help customers. Within months she ditched it Emily Chantiri January 30, 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 More and more workplaces are leaning on artificial intelligence to complete tasks such as onboarding and to fill the roles of customer service agents and human resources, with the technology now moving far beyond being a novelty chatbot. But not all businesses are sold on the idea, with some rejecting AI over concerns it can be difficult for customers to use, and can create unnecessary confusion for both staff and clients. Craggle co-founders Luke Oxley and Benjamin Baume. Both worked at Westpac. Benjamin Baume, co-founder and managing director of Craggle, is a fan. The home loan business uses AI agents as real team members in the companys home-lending process, with the core chat agent acting like a digital mortgage assistant. It has a two-way conversation with customers, collects a lending fact in plain language, and matches their scenario against more than 7500 home loan options across 50 lenders, said Baume. Advertisement In under a second it works out which options are both competitive and serviceable for that customer. Importantly, it will tell someone if theyre already on a good rate, so there is no pressure to refinance when it does not make sense, he says. The agent operates behind a masking layer so it can use financial details while protecting personal information. For the broker it acts like an assistant. It is the first resource to engage the customer, capture the key information and structure the scenario. As a small retailer we ultimately chose to invest back into human-led service, instead of bots. Sarah James, founder of The Sensory Specialist Baume says the company is also testing a voice version of the same agent. Overall, AI has helped us make home lending faster, simpler and more transparent for customers, while providing brokers quality leads and more time to do the work that needs a human. Advertisement Back to basics However, Sarah James, founder of The Sensory Specialist, is less enthused. The retailer, which specialises in sensory tools and NDIS-friendly products, recently trialled an AI chatbot on its Shopify site. The bot learned all the website content and was meant to answer frequently asked questions and reduce customer service load, said James. But after three months the company decided to remove it. Sarah James, founder of small business The Sensory Specialist, recently trialled an AI chatbot to limited success. Simon Schluter The main reasons were that customer frustration was high. It couldnt handle real-time questions like order updates. Most people ended up calling or emailing anyway, and subscription fees were significant. Advertisement A solid FAQ hub and prominent search bar worked better by improving satisfaction more, especially when combined with real humans replying to emails within 24 hours, James said. As a small retailer we ultimately chose to invest back into human-led service, instead of bots, she says. Adoption led by larger companies Dr Sue Keay, an AI robotics and workplace planning expert and director of the UNSW AI Institute, said the adoption of these technologies is being led by companies that already have scale. Smaller companies are finding experimentation and implementation more challenging. The Australian industry has not fully embraced the digital revolution, Keay adds, which makes the AI transformation more difficult. Advertisement It is far easier to automate workplace tasks if it is already digitised, with manual and paper-based processes already moved online, she says. Editor's pick Jobs I wouldnt be a good employee: The jobs in which neurodiverse workers shine To extract the most value from business data, it is crucial for the data to be digitised. Investment into developing data pipelines is essential to the successful application of AI and robotics. There are many examples where companies are struggling to find the value in AI applications. I have heard from a few companies that experimented supplying generative AI tools to their workforce, and then removed them due to lack of widespread use. It is difficult to know whether its lack of training, familiarity or poor designs with these tools. Advertisement The other challenge is being able to fully define the benefits of these technologies. Keay provides this example, with the introduction of autonomous load haulage vehicles in the mining industry, where initially the business case and capital investment did not stack up. However, there were clear safety benefits. These became apparent after the introduction of this technology, with improved fuel efficiency, reduced road maintenance costs and the ability to optimise production once the technology was embedded into existing processes. Having dedicated resourcing within the organisation to support AI implementation is crucial. Without leadership, investment and a workforce with an open mindset, the use of digitised bots is unlikely to succeed. Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday 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: AI Health authorities in NSW are urging recent travellers with symptoms such as fevers and sore eyes to seek medical care after a person returned from South-East Asia with measles. The exposure locations include Sydneys T8 and T1 train lines, Sydney International Airport, and a Cebu flight from Manila that arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning. These locations do not pose an ongoing threat. NSW Healths Dr Vicky Sheppeard said anyone with symptoms who had visited the locations on that day should see their GP or visit an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you dont spend time in waiting rooms with other patients, she said. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. Exposure locations (January 27) Cebu Pacific Flight CEB39 from Manila to Sydney International Airport, arriving at 10:50am. Sydney International Airport arrivals and baggage claim, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Sydney T8 Train Line from International Airport Station to Central Station, 12:30pm to 1:20pm. Sydney T1 Train Line from Central Station to Hornsby Station, from 12:50pm to 2:20pm. There have been 14 confirmed cases of measles in NSW in the last two months, mostly from travellers returning from overseas. Many parts of South-East Asia are experiencing ongoing outbreaks of the airborne disease. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCourts Life in prison for murderer who set wife on fire Emily Woods January 29, 2026 1:13pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A murderer has been jailed for life after setting his wife and stepdaughter on fire and then blaming his dying partner. Roland James Griffiths, 41, was sentenced on Thursday morning at Melbournes Supreme Court almost four years after he poured petrol on Kylie Sheahan, 35, and set her alight. Roland Griffiths has been sentenced to life in prison after killing his wife by setting her on fire four years ago. Justin McManus Sheahan, a mother of six, died and her 16-year-old daughter suffered burns to more than 50 per cent of her body as she tried to save her mums life. Griffiths had made threats to burn down the Albanvale home, in Melbournes north-west, in the months leading up to the deadly March 2022 blaze. Advertisement Seven children were home when a heavily intoxicated Griffiths poured a jerrycan of petrol onto Sheahan and then held a lighter against her. Two of his stepdaughters begged him not to light the petrol, and instead of listening, he taunted them, the court was told. I promise, bub, I swear ... I wont do it, Griffiths replied, before placing the lighter near the ground and setting Sheahan alight. Flames spread to his 16-year-old stepdaughter and to Griffiths, who extinguished the fire on himself before helping his wife. Sheahan was dragged to the bathroom, given a cold shower and then Griffiths took her outside and sprayed his wife with a hose. Advertisement The children who were trapped inside the house, including a 10-month-old and a two-year-old, were rescued by their older siblings before the entire home caught fire. Emergency services responding to the incident heard Griffiths blaming Sheahan for the fire and telling her: Why didnt you stop me, you shouldve stopped me and I should be in jail. Kylie Sheahan died after the fire. As she was dying, Sheahan lied to police for Griffiths, saying he tried to light himself on fire and when she tried to stop him, she caught fire, too. Sheahan was taken to hospital with burns to 91 per cent of her body, but she died on March 18, 2022, four days after the blaze. Advertisement The day Griffiths was supposed to face trial, in February 2025, he indicated he wanted to plead guilty to murder and recklessly causing injury to his stepchild. Justice John Champion labelled the murder as a brutal example of the offence and highlighted Griffiths taunting of his victims, who must have been terrified. Roland Griffiths and Kylie Sheahan. Facebook Champion also said Griffiths victim-blaming of Sheahan after the offending was particularly repugnant. I make it clear that Ms Sheahan was completely blameless, innocent and did not deserve the treatment you meted out to her at all, the judge said. Advertisement Your attack on Ms Sheahan was grievously inappropriate. Champion jailed Griffiths for life, with 32 years to serve before he is eligible for parole. Griffiths has spent more than 1300 days in custody as he has been in jail since his arrest in March 2022. AAP 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 13 11 14, Mens Referral Service 1300 766 491 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Courts Courts Advertisement Letters NationalVictoriaLetters The Liberals need to reflect on who they are January 29, 2026 8:00pm 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 Photo: Cathy Wilcox To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. The poisoned chalice of the Liberal leadership seems to be irresistible. Sussan Leys issue is that the policy development is not there. Peter Dutton destroyed what policies Scott Morrison hadnt. There is nothing in place and as such the Liberals represent nothing. They need to spend time in the wilderness establishing again just who they are, what they stand for and what they wont stand for. Until that happens, they are unelectable and will continue to lose seats to independents and One Nation. There is a vacuum in the centre right space, but the Liberals cant seem to find a leader who can rebuild what previous leaders cast aside. These things are integrity, empathy, dignity and political awareness. Maybe Ley has these, but with others keen to sip from the chalice, she may not get a chance to prove she has. Greg Tuck, Warragul Nationals facing a karma future? The Nationals probable poor showing in the Senate after the next election seems appropriate (Nationals face Senate wipeout if Liberals split continues, 28/1). They were the party who voted to drop net zero as an emissions target, in spite of climate change worsening beyond prediction. They thereby let down their core constituency of farmers working the land and relying on good weather. They will probably limp back into coalition with the Liberals for mutual self-interest but not for the good of the nation. Jan Marshall, Brighton The political centre is shifting It does not seem too much of a stretch to imagine the Nationals turning from fearing electoral competition from One Nation to forming a coalition with them, thereby agreeing to avoid splitting votes by not fielding candidates in the same electorates. Their combined numbers would push the Liberal Party to further irrelevance. Right-leaning current and potential Liberals might even join a new One Nationals, who would become the opposition in the new political landscape. Liberal and Labor have long struggled to differentiate themselves from each other, often trying through sensationalised, manufactured and cynical cultural calls, rather than solid policy and vision for our collective future. Australian political power has mostly hovered around centralist governments. I greatly fear our centre is shifting. Kathryn Robertson, Thornbury Advertisement Is there a choreography at play? If Sussan Ley were to be squeezed out of the leadership, and one of the hard right leadership hopefuls stepped in, just watch the speed at which the Nationals rushed back into the Coalition fold. Conspiracy theorists may wonder to what extent the choreography of these floor-crossing shenanigans was part of a grander plan. Claire Merry, Wantirna Echoes of Bjelke-Petersen campaign Pauline Hansons One Nation is polling 22 per cent and has overtaken the Coalition. This is very disappointing news because its a harbinger of what we can expect up until the next federal election. It is disappointing because it means the public can expect years of media debate about the validity of climate change and the level of immigration. And while this might make good media theatre we have been having the climate debate since 2007. On a historical note, its worth recalling that Joh Bjelke-Petersens Joh for Canberra push in 1987 was also polling 20 per cent and went on to derail John Howards campaign to win government. Its not too far-fetched to forecast a similar outcome for the Liberals at the next election. David Fry, Moonee Ponds Stop listening to the past Maybe the Liberal Party needs to stop taking advice from past politicians like John Howard and Tony Abbott, who lost their seats and elections as their last hurrah. Kathy Diviny, Coburg THE FORUM VicHealth is essential As the health minister who followed David White in 1989, I was quite aware, even then, of departmental pressure to take the funds for VicHealth and its health promotion work into the Health Department (Labor luminary slams VicHealth closure plan, 29/1). The health ministers job, in that respect as I saw it, was to maintain the separateness of VicHealth and its truly unique role which could never be replicated by the Health Department as the pressures there are simply too great. The benefits of VicHealth over the four decades (almost) reveal just how creative its set-up was. David White and Peter Worland (his adviser) did a remarkable job designing it, persuading the government of the day (us) of its efficacy and then persuading the opposition of its good sense. In the years that follow there would be few people who would not have benefited from a VicHealth grant sometimes that very small but essential last bit of funding for a community event, with health benefits galore. Yes, it was a last-century initiative, but it has truly stood the test of time by continuing to do excellent work and remains a huge achievement for this state. This is not something to destroy. This move will certainly do that. Caroline Hogg, Health Minister 1989-1991, Soldiers Hill Advertisement Selfish times I agree with columnist Jacinta Parsons legitimate concerns over cabanas (Comment, 28/1) as being endemic of a pursuit to win mentality because sadly this preoccupation with self is everywhere. People parking across driveways or across two carspots, queue jumpers, being rude to staff who dont immediately snap to attention (particularly in retail and hospitality), wasting the time of emergency workers with trivial complaints, scooter/jetski riders putting others at risk and so many more examples. While some may laugh at the cabana wars I think it illustrates a downward spiral in civility, respect, unity and tolerance for others that at its nadir is exemplified by One Nation, Advance Australia and neo-Nazis, or in other words, this is my sand/country, so get lost. Samantha Keir, East Brighton Made to feel apart Clare Traub (Comment, 28/1) perfectly describes the experiences of people who are neurodiverse and that of their families. While my son is no longer a student, I can identify with Traubs description. It is hard enough to support your neurodiverse child through student and early work days (if they are fortunate enough to find work), but what is often most heartbreaking is that they are not understood and are avoided by those of us labelled as normal. It can be a huge achievement for a neurodiverse person to complete secondary school, but completely awful to not be invited or encouraged to take part in celebrations with peers. And, that exclusion by others tends to also become their ongoing experience, regardless of age and place. Name and address supplied The difficult truths This week, my son took in a Year 12 celebration where each student stood on stage as a mentor spoke about their achievements to an audience of parents and peers. It was intended to honour growth and success. And while it achieved that for many, it also highlighted some difficult truths, especially for those of us parenting neurodivergent children. As I sat watching, I noticed a few students who seemed visibly uncomfortable on stage overwhelmed by the attention and overstimulation. For some, just being present was an act of courage. And yet, in a format designed to celebrate, the structure itself unintentionally exposed the inequalities in how we define achievement. For some students, mentors spoke of academic excellence, lofty ambitions to be doctors or lawyers, or success in elite sports. But for others, the speeches followed a different script: You didnt quite find your way at first ... You were never on time ... But you found a unique passion and developed confidence ... Thank you for your contribution. It was meant to be affirming. But for some families, especially those who have watched their children struggle in a system not designed for them, it came with an unmistakable undertone: You didnt meet the traditional benchmarks, but well acknowledge you anyway. I felt the silent judgment, whether real or imagined of those parents whose children fit the system well. The irony is sharp: neurodivergent young people do try. Often harder than anyone realises. They try to exist, learn, grow, and stay afloat in an environment that rarely accommodates them. And after years of trying theyre brought before a crowd to be celebrated for developing confidence. Thats it. And I wonder, must we all go through this? Is there an option to opt out? Could we imagine a different kind of celebration, one that honours all young people equally, without placing them in a hierarchy of achievement shaped by narrow standards? I am not devaluing any childs experience, including those who thrive within the traditional academic model. I celebrate my sons achievements wholeheartedly. But I will celebrate my daughter equally. We, as a family, are learning to define worth differently. Not by grades, not by ambition that conforms, and not by standing ovations. But by character. By kindness. By creativity, resilience, and the courage it takes to be an individual in a world that constantly pushes for sameness. Both of my children are funny, kind, creative, sporty, and generous. Both try their very best, even if that best looks different. I have no doubt they will succeed not despite their differences, but because of them. Name and address supplied Graffiti city Your correspondent (Letters, 29/1) highlights an ugly issue confronting many Melburnians daily, but the suggested solution of painting it out within 48 hours has not proved to be the answer. As a regular bike-rider I encounter endless graffiti on bike tracks and rail trails, in some places going on for kilometres on buildings, fences, doors, bins almost every flat surface so much so that there is literally no space for further additions. Having travelled widely I have come to the conclusion that Melbourne is one of the most graffitied cities in the world. Rapid removal, designated graffiti walls, mural programs, surveillance cameras and other deterrents have all been tried and failed. There are no easy solutions but its time councils and governments prioritised this problem by addressing the primary dilemma of why one sector of society feels so disconnected with their community that they must continually vandalise it. Bryan Long, Balwyn Appalling mowing I have long complained to the City of Maroondah about the state of, in particular, Canterbury Road central median strip. The mowing is appalling. Rubbish is simply mowed around and the weeds grow over the kerb onto the road. Weeds around trees are frequently 60 centimetres high. Rubbish and weeds around the freeway entrance ramps are over a metre high. Does council consider a good job is being done? Are the residents of Maroondah getting value for their rate dollars? Judy Kevill, Ringwood Advertisement Visit this museum It was disheartening to read Scott Morrisons comments (Aly says Morrisons Islam speech risks inflaming tensions, 29/1). Could I respectfully suggest to anyone who agrees with Morrisons views that they, and indeed perhaps Morrison himself, visit the Islamic Museum of Australia, based in Thornbury. I was part of a group that did so this week and it was enlightening to learn about the history and complexity of Islam. The museum provides a great counterpoint to the frequent media representation of Islam as a toxic and violent ideology. Nothing is simple and I recommend a trip to the museum to learn firsthand about the peaceful beliefs of Islam. Mark Roberts, Strathmore The worst enemy The weather extremes we are experiencing are having a devastating effect on our health, infrastructure and environment. Why do we continue to believe that the biggest security threat is a foreign incursion? Climate change is happening right here and right now, and nuclear submarines are not going to help us. Jennie Epstein, Little River Nationals, get on board It is clear that the transition to a modern and decentralised electricity generation system is well underway. (Record surge in renewables send power prices down, 29/1). It will only gain further momentum as ageing, expensive and unreliable coal-fired generators leave the market and need to be replaced. Perhaps it is time for the Nationals to stop fighting themselves and get on board and contribute to this inevitable change by supporting their traditional constituency of regional and rural Australians and primary and agricultural producers. Each new project creates jobs local communities They help farmers receive a stable and regular income from hosting wind turbines, solar panels and new transmission infrastructure on a portion of their farm needed to ensure all Australians have access to cheaper and reliable power. As large mining companies are finding, local renewable projects cut costs and ensure customers do not have to rely on hundreds of kilometres of transmission lines from one generator at the other end of the state. The transition will occur and they can help or hinder what their constituency gains from this once-in-a-lifetime change. Rod Moran, Brighton Low ambitions Congratulations to the Liberal and National parties, you really want to be in opposition for many years to come. Christine Hammett, Richmond Photo: Matt Golding Advertisement AND ANOTHER THING Politics It seems Coalition members are more anxious to be leaders of the opposition rather than leaders of a government. Campbell Paine, Toorak And the Laurel and Hardy show continues with the former Coalition continuing to systematically dismantle. When will they grow up? Eric Kopp, Flinders Is there any chance that David Littleproud will admit that the shenanigans from the National Party were triggered by panic at the polls suggesting One Nation were more popular? Greg Norton, Box Hill Pauline Hanson is surging in opinion polls, but its another thing to put her name first at a polling booth. Peter Randles, Pascoe Vale South Advertisement I know were meant to recycle, but the Liberals are taking it a bit far with David Southwick. Patrick Toohey, Nth Balwyn Did Scott Morrison add the ministry of global affairs to his portfolio before he lost his seat? His pronouncements on Muslim preachers seems to come from a defunct shadow ministry of faith and global affairs. Alan Inchley, Frankston Former prime ministers should be seen and not heard as in the manner of Julia Gillard. How about keeping busy and doing some volunteer work and assisting society rather than tearing it down. Dorothy Galloway, Mentone Furthermore The public education system is stressed and clearly under-resourced, yet a private school in Melbourne can pay $7.1 million for the house next door? Peter Baddeley, Portland Methinks private schools have too much money. George Stockman, Bendigo If the US attacks Iran, will Donald Trump add the eventual withdrawal to his mythical list of eight wars plus stopped by him personally? Bernd Rieve, Brighton 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. WHERE AM I? Where is this historic swimming hole? Alex Coppel This city waterhole was once the site of a swimming club that operated until the 1940s. In 1918, it was the scene of a record-breaking swan dive off the cliffs by Solomon Islander Alick Wickham, who plunged 62 metres into the river, witnessed by a 70,000-strong crowd. Check next weeks quiz for the answer. Last weeks WHERE AM I? Bunjils Shelter is located in Black Range State Park, south-west of Stawell. Advertisement PoliticsFederalRight-wing extremism Opinion Australias neo-Nazis are shape-shifting. And as dangerous as ever Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic January 30, 2026 5:00am January 30, 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 This week, in Perth, a man allegedly tried to bomb an Invasion Day protest. Police have described the bomb in detail, which they say was designed to explode but failed: chemical liquid in a glass container in the middle, surrounded by screws, nails and ball bearings. Two charges have already been laid, but more may follow now ASIO and the Federal Police have said theyre investigating the incident as a potential terrorist act. The only question is whether this alleged bombing of a political rally was politically motivated. On the other coast, police charged a man under NSW hate speech laws for telling a March for Australia rally that the Jew is our greatest enemy and heil White Australia. Behind him, a man held a sign that blared From the Outback to the Sea Make Australia Islam Free. On that theme, police earlier charged a 70-year-old for sending a letter to several Islamic organisations, including Lakemba mosque, which encouraged Australians to get ready to kill Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, Lebanese and their ATSI supporters on Jan 26th. Happy Australia Day, everyone. Illustration by Simon Letch Police allege the hate speaker is a neo-Nazi connected to the now defunct National Socialist Network. The letter-writer, whose screed veered off on an odd numerology tangent, is unlikely to be. The attempted bomber, who knows? But the neo-Nazi presence at these protests is not remotely in dispute. Having formally disbanded in anticipation of the Albanese governments newly passed hate legislation, they no longer marched in uniform. Rather they marched in plain clothes, dispersed among the crowd. Occasionally, they were violent. And obviously, they were not deterred. Not to attend. Not to chant things like white man, fight back. And not to violate hate speech laws. Just before all this, an investigation in this masthead revealed the extent to which Australians are enmeshed in an international neo-Nazi network spanning the US and Europe, which includes terrorist groups and involves exchanging content, training and money. The Christchurch terrorist an Australian citizen was among these donors to Australian neo-Nazi leaders. But perhaps most chilling in this reporting were the suggestions the NSNs disbanding might actually have the effect of sparking violence. Kind of like the bomb that failed to detonate in Perth. Advertisement The basic idea is that when you take a global online community, and then dissolve one of its central structured organisations, youre left with a flock of unmoored, highly ideological people who make their own orders. The NSNs (now former) leader might be talking of go[ing] back to the drawing board, and encouraging followers to avoid risking prison time and to trust the plan which probably involves establishing a formal political party but that doesnt guarantee restraint in the short term. This is a scary time, if someone in their orbit was going to do something, declared Jordan McSwiney, whose research at the University of Canberra tracks neo-Nazis. Related Article Investigation Extremism Far-right threats to kidnap Albanese, post bombs to mosques, secret chats reveal This is not entirely surprising. A few weeks ago, I noted how early signs suggest the Bondi terrorist attack fits within a trend of leaderless terrorism, in which violence is self-directed, and not under the control even of the organisations that inspire it. Now, it seems relevant to point out that it was American neo-Nazis who pioneered this in the 1970s. They called it leaderless resistance, and took inspiration from the work of a US intelligence officer, Ulius Louis Amoss, who had examined anti-communist groups trying to resist Soviet occupation in Eastern Europe. Amoss found that the Soviets could easily penetrate and break up anti-communist resistance organisations. He therefore argued a swarm of independent cells with no central control or direction would be much more effective. The classic neo-Nazi adoption of this idea came from Ku Klux Klansman Louis Beams 1992 essay on the subject. The structured organisation, he argued, is not only useless, but extremely dangerous for the participants when it is utilised in a resistance movement because it is no match for the awesome power of the state. So he advocated very small or even one-man cells to create a thousand points of resistance. Like the fog which forms when conditions are right and disappears when they are not. Beam was writing in a time before the internet; before Signal, Discord, and Telegram, or even more open platforms like X, which spread only slightly less extreme ideas. As weve seen with al-Qaeda and then Islamic State, conditions are only becoming more favourable for this fog. Its therefore utterly predictable that the idea has had a neo-Nazi resurgence online since about 2015, when a previously obscure publication called Siege which predates Beams work by more than a decade started to gain rapid popularity. Its now a foundational neo-Nazi text. Advertisement Siege, too, advocates leaderless resistance, calling for lone-wolf terrorism. But where Beam saw this as a concession to circumstance, necessary to evade law enforcement, Siege sees it as the preferred method. Specifically, it wants the chaos. It wants lots of spontaneous, unpredictable terrorist acts, with the aim of sowing social panic, and then societal collapse, which would then precipitate a race war. This is a kind of accelerationalist politics. And thats precisely the term the NSNs leaders would use to describe that group. We can therefore expect its former members to take up such accelerationalism for themselves. Christchurch was an example of exactly that kind of thing. Related Article Opinion Bondi shooting The Bondi gunmen and the threat of leaderless terrorism Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic On balance, it seems the NSN would have preferred not to disband, given its raising serious funds to challenge the new hate group laws. And our authorities who asked for these laws will surely be aware of neo-Nazisms leaderless potential. Obviously, they will be drawing on information we dont get to see. But perhaps youll excuse me if the events of this Australia Day cause me to raise an eyebrow. Not because theyre a surprise, but rather the opposite. That they indicate a well-trodden direction of travel towards a threat that doesnt diminish so much as change shape. And that its a shape movements like these have shown they are happy enough to assume. Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author, academic and regular columnist. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement PoliticsFederalIllness Were taking it seriously: Australia monitoring Indias outbreak of deadly Nipah virus Brittany Busch and Kate Aubusson Updated January 30, 2026 11:46am ,first published January 30, 2026 10:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Health Minister Mark Butler says Australia is monitoring an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India very, very closely after the countrys neighbours ramped up their border protections to avoid any further spread. Two cases of the virus, which has no vaccine and a mortality rate between 40 and 75 per cent, have been confirmed in West Bengal. Indias health ministry said this week that authorities have identified and traced 196 close contacts, who all tested negative and showed no symptoms, but Australian authorities remain on high alert. Loading The Nipah virus is very rare, but its also very deadly, Butler told Today. The Indian authorities tell us theyve got that outbreak under control, but nonetheless were monitoring it very, very closely because this is a very serious virus. The Nipah virus exists in fruit bats but can spread to other animals, especially pigs, and people. Advertisement Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, or vomiting, usually appear between four days and three weeks after infection. Some people develop pneumonia, and in severe cases, symptoms of encephalitis inflammation of the brain including confusion and sensitivity to light. The virus most often spreads to people through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, or by eating fruit contaminated by animals. It is less commonly spread between people unless there is prolonged contact. Colorised transmission electron micrograph of a mature extracellular Nipah Virus particle (purple) near the periphery of an infected VERO cell (brown). NIAID West Bengal shares a border with Bangladesh, where there have been 347 cases of Nipah virus infection in humans and 249 deaths between January 1, 2001 and September 9 last year. The two confirmed patients are health workers a male who is recovering and expected to be discharged from hospital soon, and a female patient in a critical condition, the West Bengal chief district medical officer said on Thursday. Advertisement Butler said human-to-human transmission was difficult, and the virus did not spread through airborne particles like COVID-19 or the flu. It really needs quite close personal contact, so its spread through essentially human fluids, he said. Butler said the Nipah virus had never been detected in Australia, and the government was satisfied existing protocols for sick travellers arriving in the country were sufficient, but would consider further measures if recommended. Weve got no advice to change those protocols at this stage, but were monitoring on a daily basis. This is, as I said, a very rare virus but if you do get it, the mortality rate is very, very high between 40 and 75 per cent. Were taking it seriously, but weve got no advice at this stage to change what are already very clear protocols. Those procedures include screening for symptoms of sickness on arrival, a spokesperson from the newly established Australian Centre for Disease Control said. Advertisement Existing protocols also ensure that any identified ill-traveller can be assessed quickly and referred to jurisdictional health authorities, where appropriate, they said. Australia has appropriate diagnostic capacity to detect Nipah virus in reference-level public health laboratories, as well as at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong. Health Minister Mark Butler said the Nipah virus was very rare, but deadly. Alex Ellinghausen The spokesperson said those travelling to affected areas should avoid sick people, potentially contaminated animals and fruit, especially raw date-palm sap, and practice good hand-washing hygiene. [Travellers] should avoid any contact with fruit bats and pigs, the main carriers of the virus, or eating any fruit that appears to have been partially consumed by an animal. Fruit should be cleaned and peeled before it is eaten, they said. Advertisement They said the organisation worked closely with the Department of Health and Australias border agencies to assess the risk of international communicable disease outbreaks. Pakistan is the latest country, joining Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, to tighten screening at airports. University of Sydney professor of virology Eddie Holmes, an expert in the evolution and emergence of infectious diseases, said it was unclear why these cases had sparked so much interest abroad, given Nipah cases had been reported almost every year across Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Singapore since the first reported human case in 2001. At the moment, I dont see any reason why countries have raised their level of concern and border security measures, Holmes said. Advertisement The Bengal authorities think they have contained it, and they have tested 196 contacts of the two cases, and all were negative, which shows you that human-to-human transmission does not readily occur. Related Article Illness What to know about the deadly Nipah virus as outbreak hits India The only thing that is a slight question mark is that the two confirmed cases are hospital healthcare workers, so they are unlikely to be the index case, and there were likely more infections before the healthcare workers were exposed. Dr Alison Peel, from the Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, also questioned why these cases had garnered attention, noting spillovers of the virus from animals to humans occurred annually. There is no history of international spread of Nipah virus and no increased risk to Australia, Peel said. Advertisement Cases in Bangladesh have been largely linked to people drinking raw palm sap, a juice collected in containers attached to trees where Nipah-infected fruit bats are increasingly foraging as human activity encroaches on their natural environments. Its all about humans destroying natural habitats, Holmes said. That process is just going to continue, and climate change is going to make it 10 times worse. Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus have been confirmed in West Bengal. Alex Coppel First discovered in 1998 in Malaysia, Nipah was the inspiration for Steven Soderberghs pandemic virus film Contagion. Though the 2011 thrillers virus was Nipah on steroids: far more infectious and causing more alarming symptoms than the real infection, Holmes said. In Australia, Nipah has not been detected among the fruit bat species (Pteropodidae or mega-bats) known to carry the virus overseas. Mega-bats carry several viruses, of which only two have jumped to humans (the other, Hendra, has been detected in Australian bats). Advertisement There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the Nipah virus. Burnet Institute bat virologist Dr Joshua Hayward said prevention relies on reducing exposure risks, early detection and high-quality supportive care. Continued global investment in surveillance, research and preparedness for zoonotic diseases is essential to reduce the risk of future outbreaks, Hayward said. With Reuters Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. By News Centre Vice President Cevdet Y?lmaz opened the Population Policies Council meeting at the Presidential Complex, emphasizing that the session aims to create a shared framework for guiding action plans through evaluations spanning current data on families and population structure to demographic transformation. Y?lmaz said, In these meetings, we have had the opportunity to comprehensively examine the current state of population policies and assess steps that can be taken in the short, medium, and long term. Within the Council, we have established dedicated working groups focused on legislation, labor, health, economic incentives, education, communication, and awareness-raising, and have assigned coordinating institutions for each group. Alongside the Ministry of Family and Social Services, which serves as the Councils secretariat, detailed work has been carried out by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, and the Directorate of Communications, with participation from all relevant public institutions. Activities to implement the Action Plan within the working groups continue meticulously. Highlighting progress over the past year, Y?lmaz noted that cooperation and dedicated efforts by Council member ministries and related institutions have led to numerous concrete steps to protect Turkiyes population structure. He said, Within this framework, we have expanded the Support for Young Couples project nationwide and increased the amount of support. As of January 2026, young people aged 18-25 will receive 250,000 Turkish lira, and those aged 26-29 will receive 200,000 lira. In the recently launched Century Housing Project, which includes 500,000 housing units, we have created special opportunities for young people and families with three or more children to become homeowners. For this project, 20 percent of units are reserved for young people aged 18-30, and 10 percent for families with three or more children. In 2025, we raised the one-time birth allowance to 5,000 lira and implemented monthly support of 1,500 lira for second children and 5,000 lira for third and subsequent children. Y?lmaz also stressed measures aimed at helping parents balance work and family life. He recalled that the Regulation on the Right of Civil Servants to Part-Time Work was issued last year and said, New working models that allow women to simultaneously pursue professional and family life remain a priority. At the same time, we continue comprehensive efforts to expand daycare centers nationwide, starting with public institutions. In this context, an official communication from the Presidential General Secretariat to public institutions has prioritized increasing capacity and establishing new daycare centers. Ensuring safe and high-quality childcare remains one of our top objectives. Reflecting on the past year since the Councils establishment, Y?lmaz emphasized the importance of addressing population issues as a primary responsibility shared by all institutions and sectors. We are living in a period where demographic changes deeply affect all countries, becoming a global issue. We can more clearly see the importance of our determined approach centered on strong families and a robust population. Changes in family and demographic structures directly impact social security systems, caregiving services, and many other areas, he said. On safeguarding children, youth, the family unit, and population against digital and global risks, Y?lmaz stressed a holistic, multi-dimensional policy approach. From this perspective, it is crucial to act with long-term and comprehensive strategies in our population policies. The designation of 2026-2035 as the Decade of Family and Population by our President clearly reflects this approach. Over the next ten years, decisive steps will be taken to strengthen the family institution, the foundation of society, and to preserve our dynamic, young population. By implementing legal and institutional arrangements that more effectively protect the family and population, we are laying solid foundations for the future of our country. Our primary goal is to safeguard and develop the family institution and our young and dynamic population in an integrated manner. From young peoples decisions to start families to parents processes of raising children, we are supporting families at every stage. Under the leadership of our Ministry of Family and Social Services, we are also promoting these policies strongly on the international stage. Y?lmaz pointed out that despite Turkiyes population exceeding 86 millionmaking it the largest in Europethe country is at a demographic crossroads. In 2017, our fertility rate was 2.08; by 2024, it fell to 1.48, well below the global average of 2.25. With this decline, we are among the five countries worldwide with the steepest drop in fertility over the last decade. This underscores how vital and strategically foresighted the Presidents call for at least three children twenty years ago truly was. Meanwhile, as of 2024, our elderly population ratio reached a historical high of 10.6 percent, exceeding 20 percent in some provinces. The number of provinces with a total fertility rate of three or more children has declined from 10 in 2017 to just one?anl?urfain 2024. In 2017, 57 provinces had fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1; by 2024, this number increased to 71. Y?lmaz drew attention to particularly high aging rates in rural regions due to the loss of young populations. If current trends continue, projections indicate that a significant portion of our population will soon be aged 65 and older. The decrease in youth proportion and increase in elderly ratio will directly impact social security and caregiving systems, among many other sectors. Highlighting the significance for national development, he said, This issue is central to our countrys goal of getting richer without aging. The concept of a demographic window of opportunity, when the dependent population is less than half of the working-age population, is extremely important in this context. If current trends persist, the sharp decline in fertility could close this window well before the anticipated year of 2035. Supporting fertility and family formation while maintaining population dynamism is vital for achieving our economic leap. This also demonstrates the need for stronger policies in elderly care and active aging. Accordingly, we continue to view population policies as an existential issue, as stated by our President. We are committed to implementing this process with full mobilization, employing a holistic, family-centered approach and the joint efforts of all institutions. TOKYO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- White foam was seen overflowing from a manhole near a U.S. base in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture on Thursday, prompting local authorities to investigate a possible link to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. A police officer on routine patrol discovered the foam leaked from the sewer linked to the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma around noon in the city of Ginowan. The city government is investigating the cause of the incident and has collected foam samples to analyze whether it contains PFAS and other potentially harmful substances. The latest overflow echoes earlier incidents reported in 2020, when extinguishant containing potentially harmful PFAS chemicals leaked from the Futenma base, causing white foam to spread through surrounding residential areas, Kyodo News reported. The report said the U.S. military denied any involvement in the case, saying it had no confirmation that foam fire extinguishers or similar equipment were used. PFAS encompasses over 10,000 synthetic chemicals, which were once used for water-repellent finishing and foam-extinguishing agents. A Japanese government survey in 2023 has found concentrations of PFAS chemicals in rivers and groundwater exceeded the country's provisional standard at 242 locations nationwide, raising concern about possible health risks such as cancer. Advertisement PoliticsNSWPrivate schools Late start to traditional lessons for Kings students on Wednesdays Christopher Harris January 29, 2026 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Students at The Kings School will start normal lessons late on Wednesday this year under a timetable overhaul designed to strengthen students capacity for self-regulation and time management. Every Wednesday at Kings will start with an asynchronous learning day, whereby students are told to do self-directed learning at home or school before normal classes begin at 9.40am 50 minutes later than their normal 8.50am start. The Kings School will continue to operate late starts to traditional classes on Wednesdays this year. Wolter Peeters Asynchronous learning gives students time to study and complete tasks independently rather than in a live class in front of a teacher at a certain time. The delay to traditional lessons on Wednesday was introduced last year and comes after the school moved its 8.20am start back by 30 minutes a move praised by sleep experts as beneficial to teenage brains and sleep patterns. Advertisement Acting headmaster Reverend Stephen Edwards said in a note to parents last week that the new routine was welcomed by students, parents and teachers, citing the results of a survey conducted last year, which said only 26 per cent of students preferred the old routine. Related Article Private schools Ex-Kings headmaster makes secret out-of-court settlement with school The benefits of a slower start to the day, more time to connect with peers at lunch, a greater focus of self-directed learning and greater opportunity to engage with co-curricular activities were noted, Edwards said. The timetable shift at Kings comes after a handful of other schools across the state have upended the traditional five-day school week in a bid to better cater for students learning needs. A Kings spokesman said: The routine is designed to strengthen students capacity for self-regulation and time management, while also allowing greater opportunity for connection, co-curricular engagement and community involvement all of which are core to a Kings education. Advertisement The catalyst for introducing the weekly routine was the schools ongoing commitment to ensuring that the school weeks structure supports student learning, development and wellbeing in a contemporary schooling context. There will also be two asynchronous learning days this year when students will be expected to learn from home. One Kings parent, speaking anonymously, expressed concern about the reduction in class time while fees had increased. But the spokesman for the school said: Asynchronous learning lessons are not a withdrawal of teaching time, nor a reduction in learning. Woolcock Institute of Medical Research paediatric and adolescent sleep physician Dr Chris Seton praised delaying the start time because it catered to the overwhelming tendency for teenagers to go to bed and wake up later, which was otherwise leaving them sleep-deprived. Advertisement I am overjoyed to hear that, he said. While data showed teenagers performed academically better consistently with late school starting times, he said very few high schools in Australia had budged to cater for that. Related Article Sydney beyond 2026 Sydneys high schools need to find room for 22,000 more students in the next decade. Where? The physiology of teenagers does not fit the current school day. Its like bringing a square peg into a round hole, he said. He noted numerous states in the US had legislated late school starting times. At the sleep deprivation clinic he runs, Seton said he often sees Sydney private school students because their weekly schedules are packed with extracurricular activities. Advertisement There is a real distinct predominance of private schools. And within those private schools, the elite private schools have many more kids with sleep problems, he said. Altering the school day is often more difficult than it looks. A trial of extended hours of NSW public schools to modernise hours for working families, announced by the previous government, never resulted in any systemwide change. At the beginning of 2024, Chevalier College in the Southern Highlands made headlines over its flexible Mondays program, with year 10 to 12 students who passed a course permitted to learn at home most weeks of the school year. Two years on, principal Greg Miller said academic results and wellbeing scores had increased. Students must get their parents permission to learn remotely. Almost 100 per cent of year 12 students learn from home, while that figure stands at around 70 per cent for year 10 and 11 students. Advertisement But the school will scrap flipped Mondays for years 7 to 9 this year. That model gave students some time on Monday to consolidate recent concepts learnt and engage in surface-level tasks individually while at school before more in-depth learning later in the week. It was creating tension for students to complete work and staff to set it within what was considered by some to be either unrealistic or too tight a time frame, he said. Miller linked the learning from home for older students with better wellbeing scores. He said he could see the merits in a later start for students at Kings, or allowing them to do self-directed learning, but said changing traditional schooling models was difficult. Advertisement In education, because were used to an industrial model that works on bells and timing, any change to that is always met with strong discernment from any community, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaCity life Another burden: Fierce backlash over inner-city parking shake-up Rachael Ward January 29, 2026 3:40pm 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 Residents in Melbournes inner south-east are railing against new parking rules that force many locals to pay for on-street parking for the first time and ditch physical permits for digital ones. More than 2200 people have signed a petition urging Stonnington Council to stop and review the rollout of digital parking permits and new fees. Olivia Stiles started a petition highlighting concerns over changes to Stonnington Council parking permits. Penny Stephens Until now, households received two permits for free, however, since January 1, the council has been charging for all resident and visitor parking permits. One 12-month resident permit costs $60, a second permit costs an extra $90, and a third permit costs another $100, while the price of a visitor permit is $120. Generally, households can apply for a maximum of five permits but it depends on the property, while concession cardholders receive a 50 per cent discount. Advertisement Related Article City life Sword hanging over our heads: Inside the fight dividing Punt Road About 33,000 physical permits currently in use will be phased out as they expire. Residents who want to renew must submit their vehicle registration numbers to the councils digital system, which parking officers can look up. Petition organiser and Stonnington local Olivia Stiles said many residents were upset about the changes. The volume of pushback is definitely making it clear to council that residents dont feel happy with how this has proceeded, Stiles said. The petition cites added financial burden amid cost-of-living stress and fears an online system creates barriers for older residents or those with limited digital access who juggle visitor parking for family, carers and support workers. Advertisement We have residents who, due to complex care needs, will require regular visits by services such as district nursing and others to attend to healthcare concerns and needs, Stiles said. The added burden of having to log on on a regular basis to upload permit details is a burden that they really probably dont need. Olivia Stiles says many residents have raised cost-of-living concerns and fears for neighbours who are elderly or have limited internet access. Penny Stephens Stiles said she and others felt blindsided by the changes, finding out about the shake-up in a recent council newsletter or on social media. Locals have raised privacy concerns with her, such as whether the system could be unintentionally compromised, while Stiles is concerned the changes disproportionately affect residents living in higher-density areas with no off-street parking and lower property values. Advertisement Stonnington resident Gary Mann said he had previously spent $60 a year for two resident permits and one for visitors but now faced an annual bill of $270, which he feared would continue to rise in the future. Hes worried digital permits would stop residents from being able to identify other cars that overstay in spots, which they can report. For every visitor that comes to my place, I will have to put their registration into the app so that a parking officer, when they scan the number plate, can see that they are a visitor, he said. Its another burden, its on us not on the council. Visitor permits can also be updated by ringing the council directly, the council website states. Advertisement Related Article Updated Local council This council overcharged up to $12m in parking fines for a decade. Heres how to get your money back In a statement, a City of Stonnington spokesperson said the council recognised these changes were an important issue in areas where there was high demand for limited on-street parking. They said first permits were priced lower to reflect essential needs but the increased cost of subsequent permits reflected reduced necessity and competition for parking spots. Applying a tiered pricing structure to a limited public resource subject to increasing demand is considered a fair, reasonable and defensible policy position. The spokesperson said work and consultation on the changes started in May 2024, with cost-of-living and parking access concerns raised in feedback. Advertisement Permit fees were set following benchmarking against comparable inner-metropolitan councils, consideration of affordability, and councils broader financial constraints, including the fact that Stonnington is one of the lowest rating councils in Victoria, they said. Where a resident is genuinely unable to use the online platform, circumstances are assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a physical permit can be issued. They said vehicle registration details were collected only for parking permit administration and compliance reasons, with information managed according to privacy requirements. Other councils, such as Bayside, Whitehorse and Banyule, offer digital permits, while rules and fees vary in Stonningtons neighbouring municipalities. Advertisement Boroondara offers two physical parking permits for free with a limit of three per property except for exceptional circumstances. Port Phillip offers digital resident permits and physical visitor permits, with a household maximum of three. Yarra residents are generally limited to two permits a property, which costs about $190. Rules vary in the City of Melbourne, but the limit is two for properties with no off-street parking which costs about $200, while residents can purchase single-use visitor vouchers for $65. Stiles petition will be formally submitted to Stonnington Council on February 9. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaTribute I dont know how Ill live with the loss: Katie Allens husband leads tributes at packed memorial Annika Smethurst January 29, 2026 5:16pm 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 scale of the gathering to publicly farewell Katie Allen was reflective not just of the jobs she held, but the impact of her life and the communities it touched. It was standing room only in the cavernous St Pauls Cathedral in Melbourne on Thursday to remember Allen a doctor, medical researcher and parliamentarian, whose proudest role was as a mum. Her husband Malcolm and the couples children all spoke about the gravity of the loss of Allen who lived her life with meaning. Allen died in December, two years after she was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma a cancer of the bile ducts that is rare, aggressive and hard to treat. Advertisement A line snaked around the block near the cathedral and the event was declared full long before everyone made it inside, with mourners standing several deep along the walls and at the back. They came from across Allens many worlds: family and friends, doctors and researchers, former parliamentary colleagues, university leaders, students and public servants. Former MP Katie Allen died in December from cancer. Eddie Jim Mourners were told that after the diagnosis, Allen began writing her memoirs. She wrote that the cancer had moved her into a different space in the world one where I know my life is finite. She described the outpouring of love and support she received after revealing her cancer which shed initially kept a secret and how it had made her feel like her life had been worth it. Advertisement Professor Kathryn North, director of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, opened the tributes, reflecting on Allens extraordinary career in medicine and research. She described a woman always seeking answers, whose curiosity and drive propelled her from paediatrics into public health, research and policy. North spoke of Allen raising young children while completing a PhD and producing research that helped millions of children and reshaped global understanding of food allergies. A line of mourners turned away at the Cathedral this morning after it reached capacity. Alex Coppel As a medical researcher, she authored 423 peer-reviewed papers, supervised more than 30 PhD students almost all women. Her work was cited 12 times more than the global average for other allergy researchers. But it was Allens energy and humanity that resonated most deeply with those who worked alongside her. North described a woman who never claimed to be too busy, who gave people her full attention and who led by example. Advertisement When she was asked if she was busy, she would just smile and say not especially because it was unlikely shed ever be less busy than at that moment, but she would just give that person her attention, North said. When I think of Katie I think of light, of sparkle and colour. Her warm dazzling smile and that cheeky grin when she knew she was pushing you that little bit too much. Peter Dutton arrives at the service for Allen on Thursday Alex Coppel Her bright pink lipstick her passion for what was right. Katie was idealistic, driven and honest to a fault. Mourners were seated in groups from the different worlds she touched. Advertisement Former federal treasurers Peter Costello and Josh Frydenberg were joined by former Victorian premiers Jeff Kennett and Ted Baillieu. Former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy, Monash University vice-chancellor Sharon Pickering were joined in the cathedral by businessmen Paul Little and Ahmed Fahour. Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett and Allens husband Malcolm Alex Coppel Former Liberal MP Mary Wooldridge, the chief executive of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, state Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and former federal MP Kelly ODwyer also attended the service. Speaking at the memorial, former health minister Greg Hunt recalled first meeting Allen more than 25 years earlier when he shared an office with her husband. Advertisement Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Eamon Gallagher Malcolm spoke so often of his wife, Hunt joked, that it became difficult to concentrate. When Hunt finally met her, he told Malcolm he was batting above his average. True but then anyone would be, Malcolm replied. Hunt spoke of Allens empathy and resolve, recalling her role during the COVID-19 pandemic and her advocacy for Afghan women during the evacuation of Kabul after it fell to the Taliban in 2021. As time was running out, Allen contacted then immigration minister Alex Hawke in the early hours of the morning. Shortly afterwards, visas were granted. Katie took up their case. She would not rest, he said. Advertisement Related Article Updated Liberal Party Shambolic leadership talks give Ley a lifeline as Taylor warns against rash spill She stood up when it mattered. While the service united political foes in remembrance, there was an inevitable undertone, with federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attending the service amid speculation about her leadership. Moments before the service began, her potential successors, Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, made their way to their seats, walking down opposing sides of the cathedral. It stood in contrast to Allens life, which was one of conviction not ambition. Advertisement Weeks before her death, Allen spoke to The Age, describing her kids as her greatest story. Her four children Monty, Jemima, Arabella and Archie spoke of a mother who instilled fairness, empathy and purpose. Arabella described her mother as someone who lived deliberately. Liberal defence spokesman Angus Taylor leaves the funeral. Alex Coppel She lived with meaning. Heavy, strong, bold meaning, she said. Idleness shivered at the sight of her. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Lunch with The moment of dreadful clarity: How Katie Allens daughter recognised her worst fear Jemima likened her mother to a really concentrated lime cordial. Even a small drop of mum would fill up your cup, she said. As Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, filled the cathedral, images from Allens life appeared on the screen. Her husband spoke of meeting her at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, sharing their first kiss beneath a tree, and recognising immediately her rare combination of intellect, energy and moral purpose. Advertisement He described their final months together as a quiet golden time marked by graduations, becoming grandparents and time spent as a family. I do not yet know how I will live with this loss he said. Liberal MP Andrew Hastie at the funeral. Eamon Gallagher Thank you. Katie. Thank you for the life we shared. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Nestled among the prime inner-eastern suburbs of Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn and Hawthorn, one of Melbournes most expensive suburbs is probably one you havent heard of. The suburb of Deepdene ranks as Melbournes second most expensive, with a median house value of $3,518,115, on figures from property data firm Cotalitys 2025 Best of the Best report. Deepdene is Melbournes second-most expensive suburb. Credit: Marshall White Boroondara Formerly a neighbourhood within Balwyn, Deepdene was recognised as a bounded locality in April 2010 and is now one of Melbournes smallest 85 hectares and most exclusive pockets. The 2021 census reports a population of about 2100 and 903 homes. Melbournes most expensive suburb is Toorak, with a median house value of $4,155,231. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion If the only flight option is Ryanair, should we ditch that destination? Michael Gebicki is Travellers expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au Michael Gebicki The Tripologist January 30, 2026 5:00am January 30, 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 My partner and I want to visit Sardinia from Rome for 10 days in July, however the only flights available are with Ryanair from Ciampino Airport. Volotea only has flights until March. We are reluctant to fly with Ryanair and have not booked any accommodation in Sardinia. Should we just give Sardinia a miss and go elsewhere? M. Marollas, Altona, Vic Alghero old town, Sardinia. iStock Volotea, the only airline with non-stop return flights between Romes Fiumicino Airport and Olbia, at the northern tip of Sardinia, announces its flight schedules only a few months in advance. However, there is no reason to expect that Volotea will not continue to operate flights on that route after March. As a fallback, Wizz Air has a non-stop flight from Romes Ciampino Airport to Olbea. The return journey is to Fiumicino via Bologna, with a change of aircraft, and that might require a self-transfer of checked baggage. That, plus the need to fly out of Romes less-than-lovely Ciampino, would degrade the Wizz Air option for me. Another way to reach Sardinia from Rome is a ferry between Cittavecchia and Olbia, operated by either Grimaldi Lines or Tirrenia. We are a couple in our late 60s and would like to spend two weeks in France, preferably without a car. We would add a week to do a cruise along the Saone and Rhone rivers. Any recommendations? L. Gill, Black Rock, Vic Advertisement The river cruise on the Saone and Rhone rivers is likely to take you from Macon to Arles and therefore you could spend a week in Macon followed by a week somewhere in Provence after the cruise. Macon has plenty to keep you occupied and engaged, including the 11th-century Pont Saint-Laurent, the Maison de Bois, built of timber as the name says, more than 500 years ago, the Saone River Promenade, the medieval Cathedrale Saint-Vincent and Eglise Saint-Pierre. Surrounding the town, the Maconnais wine region is dominated by chardonnay vineyards with some famous wine villages including Pouilly-Fuisse, Vire-Clesse and Saint-Veran all close at hand. Macon is the southern gateway to the Burgundy region, and this is an excellent chance to sample some of the regions famous wines from the estates that produce them. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Its also close enough to Lyon for an easy day trip. Be sure to visit the Musee des Confluences, the Parc de la Tete dOr and rue Merciere for food. Mix in a meal in one of the citys bouchons, the traditional eating places for the citys silk workers. At the end of your cruise you might travel west and stay in the village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, south of Avignon. Its surrounded by vineyards and overshadowed by the limestone peaks of the Alpilles. From there you can make day trips to explore some of the prettiest towns and villages in France, including Les Baux, Gordes, Roussillon, the Fontaine de Vaucluse and LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue, and be sure to go when the antiques market is in full swing. Our Norwegian cruise ends in Bergen, and I thought we could catch the train back to Oslo via Flam, can we do the trip in one day? Any suggestions on where to stay in Oslo? J. Apps-Calear, South Yarra, Vic Jaw-dropping scenery on the train from Bergen to Oslo via Flam. Visit Bergen The rail journey from Bergen to Oslo via Flam can be done in a day and the total travel time is about nine hours. The views are awesome, and even better if you can spend the night at Flam or Aurland but you might have had enough of jawdropping, ice-carved fjord and mountain scenery by that time. In Oslo, the Amerikalinjen is a sleek and stylish cluster of cool with a brasserie and a New York-style bar. The former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company, the hotels decor evokes memories of its nautical heritage. The location is ideal, on a central square where traffic is excluded. Advertisement I have booked a five-Stans trip this year, from Bishkek to Ashgabat. I sleep badly on planes, so I am hoping to travel using short-haul day flights with airport stopovers overnight, or for a few days sightseeing. Do you have any suggestions for sensible routes to and from these cities, using reliable airlines? I have thought of Doha and Delhi as possible stopovers. B. Pink, Dickson, ACT The most direct flight to Bishkek from Sydney is a one-stop flight via Dubai with Emirates and flydubai. But flight time from Sydney to Dubai is 14 hours-plus. A better option might be to fly to Beijing, an 11-hour 45-minute flight with Air China, spend a few nights exploring the capital (no visa is required for Australian passport holders), then continue to Bishkek with Air Astana, a one-stop, 10 -hour flight. Another option, fly via Delhi, aboard either Air India or Qantas, stopover for a few nights and continue to Bishkek with Air Astana, a 6-hour, one-stop flight. At the end of your trip through the Stans, from Ashgabat you could take a Turkish Airlines flight, with stops in Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur before Sydney. The longest sector on this itinerary is the 10-hour flight from Istanbul to KL. These are two great cities for a stopover, combining relaxation with sightseeing. The quickest flight from Ashgabat to Sydney is the 20-hour journey via Dubai with flydubai and Emirates, but once again the sector from Dubai to Sydney is 14 hours. Got a travel question? Include your name and suburb or town and send it to Michael Gebicki - tripologist@traveller.com.au Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Tripologist Opinion For subscribers Travel tips Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebicki Connect via email Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America OK of me but nice of him: Trump hangs photo of Putin in White House Lilia Sebouai January 29, 2026 6:09pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: A photograph of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin standing side by side in Alaska has been framed and put on display in the White House. The posed portrait of the US and Russian presidents, taken at the Alaska summit in August, has been hung on a wall in the Palm Room, which links the West Wing to the presidential residence. Below it, in a matching gold frame of the same size, is a photo of Trump with his granddaughter, Carolina Dorothy Trump, six. A photo shows US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bloomberg The photograph appears to be the same image Trump showed off to reporters in the Oval Office in August, telling them it had been sent to him by Putin following their summit in Anchorage. Advertisement Trump said he thought the Russian leader looked nice in the photo, which recorded the first face-to-face meeting between US and Russian leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. He said at the time: OK of me but nice of him. So that was very nice that it was sent to me. He added that he planned to autograph the photo and send it back to Putin. The decision to use a White House wall to display a portrait of the US president with a Russian leader accused of war crimes caused widespread anger. Democratic senator Mark Warner, from Virginia, who sits on the intelligence committee, said, Putting Putin above the American people and his own family. Almost a little too on the nose. Meanwhile, Marko Mihkelson, chairman of Estonias parliamentary foreign affairs committee, suggested it made him question the chances of a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Advertisement Souvenir Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump socks on sale at a stall in Belgrade, Serbia, site of an abortive Trump hotel development. Alamy He said: If it is true that the US president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait. Unfortunately. But Russia seemed pleased with the display. Kirill Dmitriev, its top negotiator in the Ukraine peace process, said: Good. A picture is worth a thousand words. Trump and Putin met at the Alaska summit for almost three hours, but left without announcing a deal or any specific areas where they made headway. Putin said they had reached an agreement to pave the path towards peace, but Trump made clear there were still areas of disagreement, saying: Theres no deal until theres a deal. Advertisement Related Article Updated Trump's America ICE officers in Minnesota directed not to interact with agitators in new orders While offensive to many, the decision to display the photograph will not surprise observers who have noted Trumps often contradictory rhetoric toward the Russian president. During the 2024 election campaign and at the start of his second term, Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine in a day. At times, he praised Putin while at others he sharply criticised him. In March, Mr Trump said he was very angry with the Russian president over stalled peace talks. Weeks later, he wrote on Truth Social that Putin had gone absolutely crazy. Despite this, Trump offered Putin a warm reception in Alaska, complete with ceremonial honours and a ride in The Beast (the US presidential limousine). Advertisement A White House official told US media it was routine for photographs of the presidents public engagements, including meetings with foreign leaders, to be displayed throughout the White House and that such images were rotated regularly. The White House has not formally commented on the placement of the Putin photograph. The Telegraph, London Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Trump's America Donald Trump Vladimir Putin BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Jonathan Powell, British prime minister's national security adviser, in Beijing on Wednesday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China marks the first official visit by a British prime minister in eight years. Wang noted that as permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, China and Britain bear significant responsibilities for world peace and development. Amid a complex and volatile international landscape, both sides should uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, work together to address challenges, and jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, Wang said. Powell said that China is the world's second-largest economy and a major influential country. The absence of high-level exchanges between Britain and China for many years is not in the interests of the peoples of both countries, he noted. Britain hopes to take advantage of Prime Minister Starmer's visit to enhance dialogue and cooperation at all levels and in various sectors with China, and to develop a more coherent and comprehensive strategic partnership, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis. Academic institutions celebrate Republic Day with patriotism Staff Reporter : VARIOUS academic institutions celebrated 77th Republic Day with great patriotism, dignity and enthusiasm. Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNAU): The ceremony, themed around the slogan Long live the Republic, respect the Republic, was led by Vice Chancellor Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, who unfurled the national flag at the Jawahar Stadium followed by the National Anthem. Vice-chancellor, Dr. Mishra emphasized JNAUs historic contribution to the nations food security, noting that the university has been a cornerstone of education, research and extension services since its inception. He especially credited the university for the Soybean Revolution, Wheat Production (driving recordbreaking wheat yields in MP), contributing to MPs achievement of holding the top position in food grain and pulse production for six consecutive years and improving the socio-economic status of farmers. He stated that the universitys advanced agricultural technologies have ensured that Indias granaries remain full. He touched upon several ongoing university projects and government initiatives designed for student welfare. The students from NCC and NSS wings were honored for their outstanding performance and service. Army Public School No. 2: It was a grand celebration that aimed to instil a sense of National Pride and Unity among the students. Chief guest, Brigadier Rakesh Sharma, Commandant JAK RRC, School Chairman, was warmly welcomed by Principal Sheela Pandey. The celebration commenced with the unfurling of National Flag by Brigadier Sharma followed by the National Anthem. The cultural programme included Patriotic group song, Patriotic dance by students of classes V to VIII and a Duet song showcasing Indias rich culture - Unity in Diversity, and the spirit of freedom. The event also featured the felicitation of the Class 10 and 12 Board Toppers of the 2024- 25 session. Yaduraj Sharma (PGT Physical Education), Shweta Mandhyan (PGT Psychology) and Vikas Khare (PGT Computer Science) were also awarded for securing 100% API. CCA, sports orts and overall trophies were also given for the academic year. The Chief Guest motivated students to strive for excellence and emphasized patriotism, responsibility, and the importance of contributing to the nations progress. Christ Church School For Boys & Girls,ISC:The school celebrated Republic Day with pride and patriotic fervour. Bishop & Chairman The Rt.Rev.Ajay Umesh James, unfurled the tricolour, followed by the National Anthem. The School Choir set the tone with a rousing patriotic song, while the Principal Shaji Thomas delivered a meaningful address to the students on freedom and their responsibility towards the nation. Many students took an active part in the program by dressing in the traditional attire of different Indian states, and descirbing the beauty of that State. The programe came to an end by distribuiting sweets to the children. St Aloysius School, Rimjha: Schools Manager, Rev. Fr. James DSouza as chief guest unfurled the national flag, followed by the national anthem. Various cultural programmes such as patriotic songs, group dances and speeches on the importance of the Indian Constitution were beautifully presented by the students. A disciplined march past by the students was the highlight of the event, reflecting dedication, teamwork, and national spirit. The Principal, Rev. Fr. Somy Jacob highlighted the significance of Republic Day and encouraged students to become responsible citizens. The Chief Guest motivated students to uphold constitutional values, as the future of our nation lies in the hands of disciplined and value-driven students. St Aloysius College: Father, Principal Dr. J. Ben Anton Rose unfurled the National Flag. In his address, the Principal urged the students to understand the core values of the constitution and uphold the values of brotherhood, equality, justice, liberty, leadership and fraternity in their life. The air was filled with patriotism as the group Swar Sudha performed a soul-stirring patriotic song, followed by an energetic dance performance by the group Rhythm of Nation. IQAC Newsletter of 2025-2026 was released by the dignitaries present on the dais. The students who truly excelled in the Talent fest, Annual gathering youth festival NCC & NSS achievement were awarded. The best Aloysian Award was given to Rinki Tomar for her cultural and academic achievements. The certificate of commendation was given to Anant Bajpai for his exceptional academic brilliance and exemplary leadership. Muskan Dubey delivered an inspiring speech on the responsibilities of the youth in a modern republic. Condolence messages pour in after tragic demise of Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar Staff Reporter : News of death of Deputy Chief Minister of neighbouring Maharashtra has sent a shock wave among several in the State. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and many other leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, have expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Chief Minister Dr Yadav paid tribute to late Ajit Pawar and prayed to Baba Mahakal for eternal peace of the departed soul. Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that late Ajit Pawar was a grassroots leader of Maharashtra with a good public image. He discharged responsibilities of important departments in different governments with full dedication and made an invaluable contribution to development of Maharashtra. He always remained devoted to welfare of poor, deprived and backward sections. In a message issued on Wednesday, Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that the aircraft accident that occurred during the attempt to land at Baramati Airport in Maharashtra is heart-rending. Information has been received that Ajit Pawar along with five other persons lost their lives in this accident. Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that late Pawar was his close friend. His death has left the mind distressed and filled with pain. Pawar leaving everyone in this manner is unbelievable. In this moment of grief, the Government of Madhya Pradesh stands with supporters and bereaved family members of Ajit Pawar. Chief Minister Dr Yadav prayed to Baba Mahakal for peace of souls of all those who died in the plane accident and for strength grieving families to bear this immense sorrow. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla in his message stated that it was hard to accept that leader Ajit Pawar is no more. He prayed for others who have lost their lives in this plane crash. Our condolence to the bereaved families who have lost their loves in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear loss and bring solace to their hearts during this time. Engineering student shot dead while resisting robbery bid in Chhapra PATNA : AN engineering student was gunned down after being attacked by unidentified robbers in Bihars Chhapra city on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near Kachari Railway Station in Chhapra city, the district headquarters of Saran. The deceased has been identified as Vikas Tiwari, a resident of Shakti Nagar locality under the Nagar police station area. According to family members, Vikas Tiwari is an engineering student studying in Patna and was returning home on Tuesday evening after getting down at Kachari railway station. While on his way home, criminals allegedly attempted to snatch his mobile phone and other belongings. When he resisted the robbery attempt, the attackers shot him at close range, leaving him severely injured. Local residents rushed to the spot after the incident and helped transport the injured student to Sadar Hospital. He succumbed during the treatment. The incident created panic and anger in the area, with locals expressing concern over rising criminal activities. Upon receiving information, a team from Nagar Police Station reached the hospital and initiated an investigation. Police officials said that CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined to identify and trace the attackers. The district police have recovered the dead body and sent it for the post-mortem. An FIR of murder has been registered under relevant sections of Bhartiya Nyay Sahita in Nagar police station in Chhapra. Meanwhile, the victims family members are inconsolable and have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict action against them. Police authorities stated that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated and assured that the matter will be resolved soon. Fire in rooftop store room at Pragati Apartment Staff Reporter : Panic gripped Jawahar Chowk area on Wednesday afternoon after a massive fire broke out in a rooftop store room of a residential building at Bharat Mata Square. The incident occurred around 3 pm at B-block of Pragati Apartment, a four-storey structure, triggering chaos in the busy locality. As a precaution, residents rushed out of the building fearing a major mishap. Timely evacuation ensured that no injuries or loss of life were reported. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started suddenly on the terrace where a store room had been constructed. Within minutes, flames engulfed the structure, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. Locals noted that the intensity of the blaze was visible from a distance, drawing large crowds and causing temporary traffic congestion on adjoining roads. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials stated that three fire tenders and approximately 15 personnel battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control. The store room reportedly contained a large quantity of old furniture and defunct electrical appliances, including coolers, fans, and air conditioners. Residents claimed they heard a loud explosion, suspected to be an air conditioner, moments before the fire erupted. While this led to speculation that an AC unit explosion triggered the blaze, officials are yet to provide a formal confirmation of the exact cause. BMC Fire Officer Pankaj Khare described the blaze as extremely intense. Firefighters exercised extra caution due to the suspected presence of an oil-filled drum inside the store room. As a safety measure, an SSB team was also deployed at the site to assist in securing the perimeter. TT Nagar ACP Ankita Khatankar stated that the fire broke out in scrap materials kept on the rooftop. She confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in the air conditioner wiring, the ACP added. IPS officer alleges selective promotion denial in Cgarh Staff Reporter : Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Arun Sao called on Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Minister Sao requested Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Gadkari to approve various road projects proposed by the State Government. Sao requested Gadkari for construction of bypass to reduce traffic pressure in Bilaspur town, to approve a 6-lane road from Raipur (Arang) to Bilaspur (Darri) under the Bharatmala project between Raipur and Bilaspur and to extend the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Marg to Raipur. The Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh requested the Union Minister for upgradation of 13 National Highways in Chhattisgarh and declaration of 8 roads as new National Highways. During the meeting, Sao informed the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari that due to the ever-increasing population and vehicles in Bilaspur city, there is a lot of traffic pressure, due to which there is a constant traffic jam. To resolve this, he requested to approve a 32 km long four-lane bypass from High Court Bodri to Sendri outside the city through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as per the proposal of the state government. This bypass will provide direct connectivity to the proposed Transport Nagar and Logistics Park of Bilaspur city from Raipur-Bilaspur National Highway. Besides, it will effectively reduce traffic pressure within the city and promote industrial development communication system and planned urban expansion. Sao urged for extension of Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Marg to Raipur as a green field road for smooth traffic movement in the northern part of the state. Keeping in view the presence of coal mines in the northern part of the state and iron mines in the southern part, he stressed on increasing industrial activities, transportation of coal and iron ore, export of steel and cement products. He said that the Raipur-Nagpur-Mumbai access controlled 8-lane connectivity will boost industrial activities in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Sao requested Gadkari to approve the construction of about 95 km 6-lane road from Arang in Raipur to Darri in Bilaspur under the Bharatmala project. He informed Gadkari that currently there is a National Highway connecting Raipur to Bilaspur, but due to lack of access control, there is no direct connectivity between the three Bharatmala projects of the state. With the construction of Arang-Darri road, the distance from Raipur to Bilaspur will be covered in one hour and with the interconnection of the three Bharatmala roads, there will be direct connectivity, which will save time, money and energy in all types of transportation. Sao urged Union Minister Gadkari to sanction funds for the upgradation of 13 sections of National Highways in the state. He also urged for the declaration of eight roads as new national highways, while stressing on upgrading the existing roads for the social and economic development of the state. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang) BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov in Beijing on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that the establishment of the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership has led bilateral relations into a new stage of high-quality, comprehensive development. He called on both sides to maintain exchange at all levels, deepen their sharing of governance experience, promote people-to-people and cultural exchange, and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. Wang said the two countries should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, and use high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide to explore further areas of converging interest and foster new cooperation growth points. As the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, China and Azerbaijan, both as Global South countries, should join hands to practice true multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promote the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system, Wang said. China highly commends the work Azerbaijan has done since it assumed the presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and stands ready to support Azerbaijan in hosting the CICA summit this year, Wang said. For his part, Bayramov said that the elevation of bilateral relations last year has added strong momentum to the strategic cooperation between the two countries. Azerbaijan supports the four major global initiatives put forward by China and is willing to join the Group of Friends of Global Governance, he added. Reiterating Azerbaijan's firm adherence to the one-China principle, Bayramov said the Azerbaijani side is ready to maintain close, high-level exchange with China, enhance inter-party communication, and expand cooperation on the economy, trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism, science and technology between the two countries. He also pledged to deepen coordination with China within multilateral frameworks, advance Azerbaijan-China relations further, and make greater contributions to regional peace and prosperity. Major Gen Sudhir Kumar Sharma of Patan conferred with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Staff Reporter: This is a moment of great pride for Chhattisgarh as Major General Sudhir Kumar Sharma, of Patan Durg and a senior officer of the Indian Army, has been conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), one of the countrys prestigious military decorations, by the Government of India. This honour has been bestowed upon him for his outstanding and exceptional contributions in the fields of national security, defense production, and international defense cooperation. This is the fourth distinguished military honour bestowed upon Major General Sharma by the Government of India. Previously, he has received the Sena Medal twice and the Vishisht Seva Medal once. His achievement has brought immense pride not only to his family but also to the entire Durg-Bhilai region and State of Chhattisgarh. Currently, Major General Sudhir Kumar Sharma is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited. This is a significant joint venture between India and Russia, which is manufacturing state-of-the-art AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. (Contd on page 6) Major Gen Sharma conferred... Under this project, approximately 600,000 rifles are being manufactured for the Indian Army, at a total cost of around Rs. 5,300 crores. This project is considered a historic step towards realizing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. For the past two and a half years, Major General Sharma has been leading this ambitious defense project, ensuring remarkable achievements in indigenous weapons manufacturing, technology transfer, and timely production. Under his leadership, the plant in Amethi has become one of the countrys most important defense production centers. Previously, Major General Sudhir Kumar Sharma served as the Additional Director General (ADG), Capability Development, at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, where he played a crucial role in the modernization of the Indian Army, future war preparedness, and formulating long-term capability development strategies. He has also served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Ram Division. His experience on the international stage has also been highly impressive. He served as Indias Defence Attache in Paris, France, where he gave a new direction to defence cooperation and diplomacy with India, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. During this tenure, he also handled security, coordination, and defence matters during Prime Minister Narendra Modis four official visits to France. Major General Sudhir Kumar Sharma, who was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1989, is originally from Patan in the Durg district. He is the son of Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Champa Mishra, who currently reside in Durg. His journey, from his early education to the heights of his military career, has become an inspiration for the youth of Patan and Durg today. There is an atmosphere of joy and pride in the Patan and Durg regions over Major General Sharmas achievement. Local citizens, ex-servicemen, and elected representatives have described it as a moment of glory for the land of Chhattisgarh. This honour proves that even those from small towns and cities can bring glory to the nation at the national and international levels. Manav Seva Nagar residents battling infra decay Staff Reporter : A double-edged crisis of damaged roads and garbage dumping has affected residents While we strive for a Smart City image, the reality on the ground at Shree Gruhlaxmi Ambabai Square tells a story of administrative apathy and civic decline. Residents of Manav Seva Nagar, Seminary Hills, are currently grappling with a double-edged crisis: crumbling road infrastructure and an escalating garbage dumping problem that is directly impacting the health and dignity of local students. Some arterial roads connecting the square have deteriorated into a series of deep craters. This creates a treacherous environment for commuters, especially two-wheeler riders who often fail to gauge the depth of these submerged holes. Beyond the physical danger, the stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases in a densely populated residential zone. The most alarming development is at the entrance of Shree Gruhlaxmi Ambabai Square, which has been unofficially designated by passers-by and irresponsible citizens as a garbage dumping spot. Shockingly, the waste is being piled up directly against the boundary wall of the New Girls Hostel (Babu Jagjivan Ram). This stretch, which should ideally be a safe and clean transit for female students, is now characterised by a foul stench and piles of decomposing organic waste inviting diseases. The proximity of the dump to a residential educational facility is a major health violation. Students residing in the hostel are forced to keep their windows shut to avoid the flies and mosquitoes. Yet, the risk of skin infections and respiratory issues remains high due to the unhygienic surroundings. The local community has expressed its outrage over the deteriorating condition, citing a complete lack of oversight by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). It is heartbreaking to see our students living in such conditions. We pay our taxes, yet we have to navigate roads that look like battlefields and walk past mountains of trash just to reach our homes. The wall of a girls hostel should be a place of safety, not a dumping ground for the citys filth. Sunita Deshmukh, a resident of Manav Seva Nagar said. Every time I ride to Ambabai Square, I have to choose a long course because the one which saves time damages the vehicles as it is filled with potholes. Few days ago, authorities have asphalted roads in Manav Seva Nagar but still there are some roads which are full of potholes. Coupled with the garbage pile-up, its a total failure of civic management, said Shridutt Ganjiwale, another resident. Despite repeated complaints to the local ward office, no permanent cleaning schedule or road repair initiative has been observed. The residents are now demanding the immediate installation of No Dumping signs and regular garbage collection from hostel periphery. Mayors selection slated for February 6 Staff Reporter : BJP still mum over the candidate as top brass yet to hold deliberations The stage is set for choosing the new Mayor and the date is set on February 6. The special meet of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) House is going to be held at Suresh Bhat auditorium at 11 am, states a notification issued by Divisional Commissioner Vijayalaxmi Bidari. Alongside Mayor, the election of Deputy Mayor is also going to be held at the same meeting. Divisional Commissioner has nominated District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar to preside over the special meet. Collector will oversee the nomination process and conduct the election, in case same is necessitated. As per the schedule, the next Mayor is going to be a woman from Open category. On February 6, the respective parties will nominate their candidates, and if necessary the voting would be conducted, either by show of hand or through ballot. All eyes on BJP Given the brute majority enjoyed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the election process is going to be a smooth affair or say just a formality. In the House of 151 members, BJP has 102 members plus one of ally, Shiv Sena (Shinde). The second largest party is Congress which has 34 members. As the BJP's top brass are still holding cards to their chest, the speculations about the name of next Mayor continue to remain afloat in the political circles of the city. Could it be a rank new comer, or the party bosses go for a senior woman corporator to don the chair of Mayor remains to be seen. Since the Mayor is going to be a woman from Open category, the BJP would definitely give chance to some senior corporator from males to become the Deputy Mayor, said the insiders. Ajit Pawar tragedy may cast a shadow Although the notification about the Mayor election is out, given the current state of affairs in Maharashtra, the date may get postponed. The reason being the unexpected and tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar which has cast a shadow on the political situation in the all important state of Maharashtra. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is an important partner in the ruling coalition in State and there is high possibility that the election process for Mayor's election might get deferred by few days. The BJP is yet to register itself as per norms with the Divisional Commissioner. Now that there is three days of mourning in State, the process is going to be completed by BJP just on eve of the Mayor's election, it seems. MERCs public hearing on MYT petition in city on February 10 Staff Reporter : 3rd hearing as MSEDCL remains adamant while industries and big consumers suffer As the decision on multi-year tariff (MYT) petition of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is yet to achieve finality, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) is set to hold its third public hearing starting February 3 onwards throughout the six divisions of the State. In Nagpur Region, the hearing is slated for February 10 at District Planning Committee (DPC) auditorium in Sadar from 10.30 am onwards. The fresh hearing was necessitated due to nomination of new Chairman, and since composition of MERC has altered, the entire process has to be heard anew, states the rule. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, MERC, retired before delivering the judgement on the tariff petition of MSEDCL, and he was replaced by Valsa Nair Singh, a career bureaucrat is the new Chairperson. The consumer activists said its strange that a MYT proceedings have dragged such long as it indicates the obstinate stance of MSECL which is not ready to listen to reason and hell bent on going against earlier decision that benefited the consumers. Sudhir Budhay, energy activist, says, the third hearing comes at a stupendous cost to the public exchequer. Every hearing is a costly process and whatever little gains that citizens might get, its doubtful, the same gets negated due to huge expenses incurred on such public hearings. The first order on MYT came on March 2025 but same was disputed by MSEDCL which filed review petition and later MERC went for in-camera hearing that was later dismissed as against rules by Court following the challenge. So, MERC again held a hearing but before the regulator could complete the process, State again intervened and a new Chairperson was nominated. Repeated public hearings may not serve purpose Sudhir Budhay said, the third round of the hearing may mar respondents enthusiasm as it is taxing to explain complex grievances like delayed net metering or open access thrice. Also, it is like shouting into void. Ultimately, frustration mounts when prior inputs are ignored amid judicial ping-pong, draining time from busy consultants and consumers already burdened by rising bills, he added. Ministers, leaders mourn Ajit Pawars demise Staff Reporter : Ministers and senior leaders of all political parties in Nagpur on Wednesday condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district. Nitin Gadkari Expressing grief, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari posted on his X handle The death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawarji in a plane crash is shocking, unfortunate and sad. My heartfelt tributes to him. He further posted, I have had a very close relationship with Ajitdada while working together in the State Legislature for the past many years. He always had a strong place in Maharashtras politics due to his administrative skills, developmental approach and ability to connect with people. He also wrote, His untimely demise is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra but also to the entire country. My condolences to the entire Pawar family on this sad occasion. Om Shanti. Devendra Fadnavis Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also put a post on X handle, Dada is no more! My dear friend and colleague, a mass leader with a strong people connect, Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar lost his life in a plane crash. This is an extremely shocking, heart-wrenching news. I am numb. I do not have any words to express these devastating emotions. He further said, I have lost my brave friend with a huge heart. This is a tragic and personal loss for me. And it is irreparable loss! I pay my deep, humble, heartfelt respects to dear Dada. My deepest condolences to his entire family and NCP family. We stand together with them in sorrowful and tough times. Fadnavis also paid tributes to four other people who were also killed in the plane crash. 4 more people lost lives in this crash. My condolences to their families too. We are with them. I have cancelled all my scheduled programmes and will go to Baramati. Shanti, Fadnavis posted. Chandrashekhar Bawankule Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Revenue Minister, Maharashtra. I am deeply shakenby the heartbreaking news of the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtras beloved Deputy Chief Minister and my senior friend, Ajitdada Pawar, in Baramati. Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajitdada will forever be remembered as a true peoples leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. His firm command over administration, extraordinary pace of work, and unwavering commitment to public welfare earned him an indelible place in the hearts of the people. Dattatreya Hosabale Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryawah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) The sudden demise of Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is deeply unfortunate and tragic. He had a long and influential public life where he always worked for the people. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) offers its heartfelt tributes and may God give peace to his soul. Om Shanti. Sameer Meghe Ajit Dada was a strong and dynamic leader in politics. The huge void created by his passing will never be filled. Our Meghe familys relationship with him was 40 years old, and last December 2024, Ajit Dada had come to meet our senior family member, Dattaji Meghe. His guidance and old memories will always remain with us. The Meghe family and I offer heartfelt tributes to his memory. Krishna Khopde Ajit Dadas demise is a big loss and created a huge vacuum in Maharashtras politics. He was known as man with a heart of gold in State politics. Dada never discriminated or showed favouritism while distributing funds. As a Finance Minister, Dada never let the State treasury to deplete. My heartfelt condolences to Ajit Dada. Sandip Joshi Ajit Dadas death is a huge loss to Indian politics. He was a great leader, mentor and a person. Three months ago, I personally met him during the Maharashtra Olympic Associations election when I interacted with him. In that election, we all executive members elected him as President of the body with one voice. Thereafter, he elected me as Vice President of the body. Dr Nitin Raut Whole Maharashtra is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The wave of sorrow has spread across the State. His demise has created a huge vacuum in States politics where every individual is in sorrow. Ajit Pawar was known as a peoples representative who dedicated his life to Maharashtras politics. He made significant contributions in the fields of irrigation, economy, infrastructure and rural development. Vikas Thakre Ajitdada was not just a leader who held a position of power, but also a leader who balanced administration, policy-making and always connected with common people. No one can fill this vacuum in Maharashtras politics. His identity was his readiness to take tough decisions, thorough knowledge about issues and a clear stance. No matter how difficult the situation, Ajitdada was always ready to take risk for his people. Rameshchandra Bang Today is a very unfortunate and heartbreaking day for Maharashtra. I am shocked to hear the news of Ajitdadas demise in a plane crash. It is very hard to believe that peoples leader is no longer with us. I was fortunate to work with Ajitdada for many years in the State Legislature and on his political journey. Despite differences in politics, he maintained close relations with everyone at a personal level. He had a clear vision to make Maharashtra a developed state. A heartfelt tribute! Dr Rajabhau Taksale The sudden demise of Ajit Dada is a big loss to every party worker. We lost a father figure who always stood for his people. Now he will live in our memories for life. Prakash Gajbhiye It is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajitdadas death created a huge vacuum in Maharashtras politics and in NCP and no one can fill that hollow space. He gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. He always had a strong place in Maharashtras politics due to his administrative skills, developmental approach, ability to connect people and bold decision-making. NCP meet in city was Ajitdadas major push to strengthen party in Vid Vidarbha mourns Ajit Pawars demise Staff Reporter : The sudden and very tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has left the region numb. As the news of the deadly plane crash came on Wednesday morning and later fatalities were confirmed, the people mourned passing away of a leader, admired for his discipline and loved for his straight talk. Remembering Ajitdadas recent visit to the city during the partys convention held in September last, the party workers recalled Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) Presidents major contributions to strengthen the party base in Vidarbha. We joined Mahayuti with a special purpose. It was not for power or position. We wanted to contribute to the stability and progress of Maharashtra. With the power, we can serve people in a better manner. People of our party should come out of comfort zone and endeavour to strengthen the party in Vidarbha, was the powerful message from Ajit Pawar, during that convention. Now, following Ajitdadas demise on Wednesday, Nagpurians will remember him for making efforts to establish connect with Vidarbha and strengthening the party in this part of the State. The convention which Ajit Pawars faction organised in Nagpur, was a grand success. It was Ajit Pawar who dared to hold the NCPs convention in Nagpur. Ajit Pawar had also indicated that if hard efforts are made, NCP can become the second largest party in Vidarbha replacing Congress. In fact, when a mediaperson asked him why he chose Nagpur, a stronghold of BJP, as the venue for his partys meet, he quipped, nobody owned a particular place. Nagpurs local leaders Anil Ahirkar, Shrikant Shivankar, Rajabhau Tanksale, Abha Pandey made efforts for success of the convention that witnessed presence of stalwarts like Working President Praful Patel, Maharashtra President Sunil Tatkare, senior leaders Dilip Walse-Patil, ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dattatray Bharne, Narhari Zirwal, Aditi Tatkare, MLAs, MLCs, District office-bearers. NCP was formed a long ago with a plan and it has earned a name where the party workers are called the most disciplined. It was echoed during the convention that the party is committed to earn its name as it is different. In Vidarbha, except Congress and BJP, no party could establish its dominance. But Congress is suffering due to factionalism. Against this backdrop, NCP (AP) aimed to replace it in Vidarbha. After the convention, Pawar kept visiting Nagpur. Either he himself or his party leaders tried to establish connect with Vidarbha. He had met Salil Deshmukh when the latter was admitted to hospital. He had also attended the marriage ceremony organised by his partys senior leader Abha Pandey. With Sanjay and Sulabha Khodke, Ajit Pawar established the partys presence in Amravati by making them MLAs. In Vidarbha, Rajkumar Badole is his partys MLA plus Praful Patel is Rajya Sabha Member. When BJP refused to ally with NCP in Municipal polls in Vidarbha, except in Akola, Ajit Pawar instructed his Vidarbha leaders to go solo. The party received moderate success in the polls, but it was an effort to stamp the NCPs presence in this part of Maharashtra. In a direct warning to ministers of his own party, he asked them not to neglect party organisation. Ajit Pawar had said, those with other priorities would have to vacate their chairs. Why split in NCP: Dada revealed reason in city At Nagpur only, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, had revealed the reason as to why he parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar-- not for power, but to ensure stability and progress in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar felt the State can experience stability only through BJP-led Mahayuti. He revealed the reason behind the split only in Nagpur. Nitin Nabin slams TMC over infiltration, SIR row KOLKATA : BJP President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the TMC Government in West Bengal, accusing it of protecting illegal infiltrators, targeting Hindus and playing dirty politics to derail the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls. Nabin alleged that there was a deliberate attempt by the TMC to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh and claimed that while the Election Commission was determined to weed out infiltrators and fake voters, the ruling party was committed to protecting them. The TMC Government wants West Bengal to merge with Bangladesh. Under its rule, the demography of the State is being changed, posing a threat to national security, he said. Dismissing the TMCs allegation that the EC was harassing common people through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the BJP President said it was the State administration that was intimidating citizens to malign the poll panel. It is not the Election Commission that is harassing people. It is the TMC Governments SDOs and BDOs who are doing it to create fear and discredit the EC, he alleged. Nabin also accused the TMC Government of being a protector of infiltrators and claimed that lawlessness had replaced governance in the State. Factories have been shut, and enterprises of corruption and lawlessness have been opened. Women are not safe under the TMC rule, and Hindus are being tortured, he alleged. Asserting that the BJP was fighting against what he described as the misrule of the TMC in West Bengal, Nabin said the party would continue efforts to curb infiltration, electoral manipulation and administrative intimidation in the State. Nursing student arrested for chain-snatching at AIIMS Staff Reporter : Bag Sewania police on Wednesday cracked the sensational chain-snatching case reported inside a lift at AIIMS Bhopal. A 25-year-old nursing student from a private college was arrested in connection with the crime. Police have recovered the looted mangalsutra following a confession from the accused, identified as Sunil Meena. According to police, Meena committed the crime to clear mounting debts, fund a lavish lifestyle, and spend on his girlfriend. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Varsha Soni, a female attendant at AIIMS, was targeted inside a lift near the Blood Bank area.Meena, wearing a mask and cap, entered the lift and inquired about the location of the Ophthalmology Department. As the lift reached the third floor, he stepped out but suddenly turned back to snatch Sonis gold chain and mangalsutra. While the gold necklace snapped and fell on the spot during the struggle, the accused managed to flee with the mangalsutra. Bag Sewania Station House Officer Amit Soni stated that multiple teams were formed to track the culprit. We examined CCTV footage from the campus, the lift, and surrounding escape routes. The suspects visuals were circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups for identification, Soni said. Using technical surveillance, police traced Meena to the Laharpur area of Katara Hills. Meena, originally from Baran district in Rajasthan, is a nursing student at a private college in Misrod. Investigations led police to Mandideep resident Pushpraj Soni, with whom the stolen jewellery had been kept. The ornament has since been recovered. In the wake of the security breach, AIIMS management has implemented a three-tier zoning system to monitor movement: Restriction Zone: Entry is strictly prohibited for outsiders in operation theatres (OT), laboratories, administrative offices, and doctors chambers. Common Zone: Access to wards and IPD (In-Patient Department) areas will be restricted to attendants holding valid security passes only. Open Zone: OPD and registration areas remain open to the general public without the requirement of a pass. No entry pass without valid attendant pass To bolster safety, AIIMS will now mandate the use of attendant passes for the IPD wing. Hospital management believes that stopping unauthorised movement will prevent similar incidents. While the campus sees a footfall of over 10,000 people during OPD hours, several areas become deserted in the evening, making them vulnerable. AIIMS Director Madhavanand Kar has directed security agencies to ensure guards are stationed at all entry and exit points. RIWAAZZ exhibition getting good response, to end today Business Reporter : The hot favourite fashion and lifestyle exhibition RIWAAZZ underway at Hotel Tuli Imperial, Ramdaspeth is getting an overwhelming response from the Nagpurians. The popular exhibition is scheduled to conclude on January 29. Riwaazz is immensely popular exhibition in a number of cities, and has inaugurated its show again in Nagpur with all new hand-picked 60+ eminent designers from all over India. This festive season RIWAAZZ has brought together a perfect combination of ethnics, tunics, gowns, footwear, purses, fabrics, costumes and jewellery. This include creation by hand-picked labels from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Pune, Raipur, Surat and Hyderabad. The organisers have requested fashion conscious people to take benefit of the premium fashion products on display at the exhibition. Riwaazz showcases huge collection for ladies and kids in apparel, home decor, artifacts, designer wears, jewellery, bags, footwear potlis, odhnas, light stoles etc. Also, there is a wedding special collection available in Riwaazz exhibition. The entire collection will mesmerise the crowd with new presentations and selected collection. For further details, interested may contact Riwaazz exhibition (M: 9522233211/77). Stand united for Viksit Bharat: Murmu NEW DELHI : PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged parliamentarians to stand united on the resolve for Viksit Bharat, campaign for Swadeshi as well as national security, asserting that these were matters beyond all differences. Addressing a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget Session, she said the Government will continue to accelerate the momentum of reform express and listed various economic and social initiatives taken to make India a developed nation by 2047. Murmu said the world saw the valour of Indian Armed Forces through Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror camps on the strength of their own resources and asserted that any terror act will be responded with decisive action. India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom, she said. Amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation, Murmu said, addressing the Members of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha chamber of Parliament. The Presidents address is prepared by the Government. In her address, Murmu invoked Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said they shared the belief that differences of opinion are natural in a democracy but certain subjects are beyond differences. The resolve of Viksit Bharat, the security of India, Atmanirbharta, the Swadeshi campaign, efforts for national unity, Swachhata and on all such matters concerning the nation, the parliamentarians must stand united, the President said, asserting that this was the spirit of the Constitution. Amid unease over certain sections of the University Grants Commissions regulations to promote equity in higher education institutions, the President said the Government was working with full sensitivity for all -- for Dalits, backward classes, the marginalised and tribal communities. Murmu further said her Government was committed to social justice in the country. In the third term of the Government, she said, work is being done to further empower the poor, and social security benefits are available to nearly 95 crore citizens now. My Government is committed to true social justice, she said, adding that 25 crore Indians moved out of poverty in the last 10 years. The President said the Government has been successful in tackling corruption and scams, and ensuring proper use of public funds. Murmus mention of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme was met with loud protests from the Opposition benches. The President said the VB-G RAM G initiative would provide guarantee for 125 days of work, would stop corruption and leakages, and provide a new impetus to rural development. The Opposition members raised slogans demanding its rollback, even as the treasury benches thumped their desks in support of the scheme. Further, the President hailed the signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union, saying it will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the countrys youth. Over the last 11 years, she said, the economic foundation of the country has grown significantly stronger and despite various global crises, India has remained the fastest growing major economy in the world. She said astronaut Shubhanshu Shuklas visit to the International Space Station last year was the beginning of a historic journey and space tourism was also not beyond Indias reach. The visit of Indias young astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station marks the beginning of a historic journey, the President said. She said that in the coming years, the country will move ahead towards establishing an Indian station in space. Murmu said the nation was enthusiastically working on the Gaganyaan Mission. TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran said Thursday it has inducted 1,000 domestically developed "strategic combat" drones into the combat formations of its army divisions, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The drones were distributed to the army's ground, air defense, naval, and air forces under the order of army chief Amir Hatami, the report said. The report added that the drones were jointly developed by army experts and the defense ministry to address evolving threats and incorporate lessons learned from last year's "12-day war" with Israel. They are capable of invasion, destruction, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and striking fixed or mobile targets on land, at sea, and in the air. Hatami said that, in line with future threats, the army has prioritized preserving and enhancing its strategic advantages to enable swift combat operations and deliver a "crushing" response to any aggression. The delivery followed a U.S. deployment earlier this week of a carrier-led strike group to the Middle East. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have been rising as the United States steps up its rhetoric and warnings toward Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a "massive armada," headed by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and larger than the one sent to Venezuela, was heading toward Iran. He warned that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal with Washington. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "Our brave armed forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger -- to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression." SUPER SPECIALITY seeks expansion toserve patients with utmost efficiency By Shivanjali Verma CONCERNED : over its operational challenges and capacity issues with 20-fold surge in patients footfall, Super Speciality Hospital, runs within Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College Hospital, now seeks expansion to serve the patients with its optimum efficiency. The hospital currently operates beyond its intended capacity. Despite having an official strength of 295 beds, the facility maintains an average of around 350 admitted patients. This over-extension has reportedly begun to impact the delivery of both direct and indirect health services. Dr Avadhesh Pratap Singh Kushwaha, Director, Super Speciality Hospital, told The Hitavada that the hospital serves a significant portion of the underprivileged population, with approximately 85% of admitted patients benefiting from Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY) healthcare scheme. Dr Kushwaha informed that the construction works are already started at Rewa Super Speciality Hospital for expansion. The proposed extension aims to build upon the hospitals current specialized offerings, which already include kidney transplants and cadaveric organ donation programs. Established in 2019 as Madhya Pradeshs first super-speciality hospital, it began with 6 departments and currently operates with 10. The extension is requested to accommodate rising patient numbers and to introduce liver and heart transplant services. If approved, the expansion will facilitate the introduction of new departments and advanced medical procedures, specifically liver and heart transplants. It will benefit the people of Mahakoshal region who no longer will need to travel to distant metropolitan cities for advanced medical interventions, added Dr. Kushwaha. He further informed that the administration has already submitted a proposal to the Union Health Minister, JP Nadda during his recent visit in the city, requesting a significant extension of the Super Speciality Hospital Jabalpur. The request follows a marked increase in healthcare demand in the Mahakoshal region, with patient numbers reportedly growing twentyfold since the facilitys inception in 2019. It may be mentioned that the statistical data released by the Super Speciality administration, indicates towards a dramatic rise in patients footfall over the last six years. In 2019, the hospital recorded 9,415 Outpatient Department (OPD) visits which reached 1,26,532 by 2025. Similarly, Inpatient Department (IPD) admissions rose from 1,032 to 20,422 during the same period. While the number of surgeries also increased from 345 in 2019 to 4,561 in 2025. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that as the world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, developing sound China-Britain relations is of great contemporary value and global significance. Noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has maintained communication with Prime Minister Starmer through phone calls and meetings since the Labour Party government took office, steering bilateral relations onto a path of improvement and development, Zhao said China is willing to work with Britain to uphold the definition of bilateral ties as strategic partners and maintain a positive, pragmatic, stable and mutually beneficial direction in ties. He called on the two sides to eliminate disruptions, properly manage differences and ensure the steady and enduring development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Britain to resume normal exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries, Zhao said, adding that China welcomes British parliamentarians to visit and experience a real, multi-dimensional and comprehensive China. Starmer said Britain and China share broad common interests, and that Britain is willing to develop a long-term and consistent strategic partnership with China. He added that Britain's longstanding policy on the Taiwan question remains unchanged. Starmer also expressed hope for the resumption of normal exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Concentra Group Holdings Parent (NYSE:CON Get Free Report) updated its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.370-1.370 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.310. The company issued revenue guidance of $2.2 billion-$2.2 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $2.2 billion. Concentra Group Holdings Parent also updated its FY 2026 guidance to EPS. Concentra Group Holdings Parent Price Performance NYSE:CON traded down $0.17 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $21.50. 1,069,506 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 908,873. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $20.25 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $20.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.10. The company has a market capitalization of $2.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.91, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.72. Concentra Group Holdings Parent has a one year low of $18.55 and a one year high of $23.99. Get Concentra Group Holdings Parent alerts: Concentra Group Holdings Parent (NYSE:CON Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $572.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $563.08 million. Concentra Group Holdings Parent had a return on equity of 48.42% and a net margin of 7.33%.Concentra Group Holdings Parents revenue was up 17.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.37 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Concentra Group Holdings Parent will post 1.47 EPS for the current year. Concentra Group Holdings Parent Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.0625 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Concentra Group Holdings Parents dividend payout ratio is currently 20.83%. Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Concentra Group Holdings Parent from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 27th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $28.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CON Institutional Investors Weigh In On Concentra Group Holdings Parent Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent by 1.3% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,271,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,864,000 after buying an additional 52,882 shares during the period. Woodline Partners LP lifted its position in Concentra Group Holdings Parent by 142.7% during the 3rd quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 2,746,505 shares of the companys stock worth $57,484,000 after acquiring an additional 1,614,988 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in Concentra Group Holdings Parent by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,442,570 shares of the companys stock worth $29,674,000 after buying an additional 33,710 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent by 48.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,329,498 shares of the companys stock worth $28,850,000 after buying an additional 434,503 shares during the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in shares of Concentra Group Holdings Parent by 38.3% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 1,276,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,260,000 after acquiring an additional 353,691 shares during the period. Concentra Group Holdings Parent Company Profile (Get Free Report) Concentra Group Holdings Parent (NYSE:CON) is a Canada-based financial services holding company that specializes in serving Canadian credit unions and their members. Through its operating subsidiaries, the group provides wholesale funding, lending solutions and investment management services tailored to the unique needs of cooperative financial institutions. Concentras broad suite of offerings includes trust and custody services, mortgage investment products and equipment financing, all designed to support credit-union growth and stability. In addition to wholesale funding and lending, Concentra Group Holdings Parent distributes life and general insurance products through affiliated insurance brokers and credit-union channels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Concentra Group Holdings Parent Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Concentra Group Holdings Parent and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Freehold Royalties Ltd (OTCMKTS:FRHLF Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $12.37 and last traded at $11.7420, with a volume of 13589 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.7385. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on FRHLF shares. National Bankshares cut Freehold Royalties from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Desjardins reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Freehold Royalties in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised shares of Freehold Royalties from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Freehold Royalties alerts: Get Our Latest Report on FRHLF Freehold Royalties Trading Up 0.4% The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The company has a market cap of $2.01 billion and a PE ratio of 21.09. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $11.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.24. Freehold Royalties (OTCMKTS:FRHLF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $54.00 million during the quarter. Freehold Royalties had a return on equity of 11.99% and a net margin of 40.11%. Freehold Royalties Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.0642 per share. This represents a yield of 731.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Freehold Royaltiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 136.21%. About Freehold Royalties (Get Free Report) Freehold Royalties Ltd is a Canadian energy company focused on the acquisition and management of petroleum and natural gas royalty interests. Rather than directly exploring or producing hydrocarbons, Freehold earns a portion of production revenue from wells operated by third parties. The companys portfolio spans a variety of royalty structures, including freehold and other non-operated interests, which provide exposure to oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids without bearing the full costs and risks of exploration and development. Freeholds assets are concentrated in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, with significant royalty interests in Alberta and British Columbia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Freehold Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freehold Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the public release of the names of all those killed in recent unrest and called for an accelerated release of detainees, his office said on Wednesday evening. A system is being set up to verify information about the victims in a "clear response" to false reports and fabricated statistics, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications at the president's office, wrote on social media platform X. The Iranian government has reported 3,117 deaths during the unrest. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported at least 6,000, though that figure could not be independently verified. During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Pezeshkian also instructed Justice Minister Amin-Hossein Rahimi to work with the judiciary to speed up the release of those detained during the unrest, according to a statement on the president's website. He also urged authorities to handle cases involving artists and cultural and social figures through dialogue rather than punishment, the statement said. Acknowledging the "complicated dimensions" of the unrest, Pezeshkian said foreign actors are seeking to exploit Iran's instability. At the same time, he stressed that the government must identify and address internal shortcomings rather than blaming external forces entirely. He directed provincial governors to set up specialized committees to investigate the causes of the unrest. The unrest began Dec. 28, when shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar closed their stores to protest the collapse of the rial and plans to cut certain food and fuel subsidies. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, taking on a political character and turning violent. Iranian authorities have repeatedly dismissed the unrest as foreign-instigated, blaming the United States and Israel. Raiffeisen Bank International AG (OTCMKTS:RAIFY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $12.1140 and last traded at $11.67, with a volume of 2600 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.46. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Barclays lowered Raiffeisen Bank International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. Get Raiffeisen Bank International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Raiffeisen Bank International Raiffeisen Bank International Stock Down 0.8% The business has a 50-day moving average of $10.86 and a 200-day moving average of $9.29. The stock has a market cap of $16.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.45 and a beta of 1.11. Raiffeisen Bank International (OTCMKTS:RAIFY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International had a positive return on equity of 3.09% and a negative net margin of 0.14%. About Raiffeisen Bank International (Get Free Report) Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is an Austrian banking group headquartered in Vienna, offering a diverse range of financial services. As a universal bank, RBI serves retail customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporates, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The banks service portfolio encompasses everyday banking products, payment solutions, and digital services for individual clients, as well as cash management, trade finance, and structured lending for corporate and institutional customers. In addition to traditional banking, RBI provides investment banking and capital markets services, including underwriting, debt and equity issuance, and advisory services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 22,252 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,950,000. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR grew its stake in Church & Dwight by 97.1% during the third quarter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR now owns 34,811 shares of the companys stock worth $3,050,000 after purchasing an additional 17,145 shares during the period. Boston Trust Walden Corp increased its stake in Church & Dwight by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 201,620 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,378,000 after purchasing an additional 14,523 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Church & Dwight by 5.7% during the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 521,963 shares of the companys stock worth $50,166,000 after acquiring an additional 28,201 shares in the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Church & Dwight by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 141,362 shares of the companys stock worth $13,586,000 after purchasing an additional 9,795 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vest Financial LLC grew its holdings in Church & Dwight by 7.8% during the third quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 563,653 shares of the companys stock worth $49,393,000 after buying an additional 40,634 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.60% of the companys stock. Get Church & Dwight alerts: Church & Dwight Trading Down 0.9% NYSE:CHD opened at $91.51 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $21.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.78, a PEG ratio of 4.32 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The companys 50 day moving average price is $86.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $88.92. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has a 52 week low of $81.33 and a 52 week high of $116.46. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Church & Dwight ( NYSE:CHD Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.08. Church & Dwight had a return on equity of 19.32% and a net margin of 12.74%.The business had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.54 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.79 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Church & Dwight has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.830-0.83 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.490-3.49 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Church & Dwight Co., Inc. will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $100.00 price target (down from $102.00) on shares of Church & Dwight in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Argus reduced their target price on shares of Church & Dwight from $110.00 to $102.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Raymond James Financial upgraded Church & Dwight from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup raised shares of Church & Dwight from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $85.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Church & Dwight from $102.00 to $106.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $98.85. View Our Latest Stock Report on CHD Church & Dwight Profile (Free Report) Church & Dwight Co, Inc is a U.S.-based consumer products company best known for its Arm & Hammer baking soda business. Founded in 1846 with the manufacture and marketing of sodium bicarbonate, the company has grown into a diversified maker and marketer of household, personal care and specialty products. Church & Dwight is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CHD and is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey. The companys portfolio spans a range of categories including household cleaning and laundry, oral care, personal care, sexual wellness and health & wellness. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CHD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Church & Dwight Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Church & Dwight and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JSF Financial LLC acquired a new stake in NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 30,160 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $1,306,000. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in NiSource by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 61,422,062 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,477,766,000 after buying an additional 578,061 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in NiSource by 4.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 24,726,001 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $997,447,000 after buying an additional 965,718 shares during the last quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC lifted its stake in NiSource by 55,625.2% during the second quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC now owns 16,866,898 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $680,411,000 after purchasing an additional 16,836,630 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of NiSource by 1.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,243,523 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $491,850,000 after purchasing an additional 124,868 shares during the period. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC grew its stake in NiSource by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 11,734,790 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $473,381,000 after purchasing an additional 156,958 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.64% of the companys stock. Get NiSource alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently issued reports on NI shares. UBS Group raised their price target on NiSource from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on NiSource from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Mizuho upped their target price on NiSource from $44.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded NiSource from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $46.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays set a $45.00 price objective on NiSource in a report on Monday, December 8th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $46.89. NiSource Stock Performance NiSource stock opened at $44.36 on Thursday. NiSource, Inc has a 12 month low of $35.64 and a 12 month high of $44.88. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $42.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $42.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The company has a market cap of $21.17 billion, a PE ratio of 23.47, a P/E/G ratio of 3.65 and a beta of 0.65. NiSource (NYSE:NI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $1.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $983.25 million. NiSource had a return on equity of 8.09% and a net margin of 14.15%.During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.20 EPS. Research analysts expect that NiSource, Inc will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current year. NiSource Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 3rd. This is an increase from NiSources previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. NiSources dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 59.26%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Kimberly S. Cuccia sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.13, for a total transaction of $345,040.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 41,247 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,778,983.11. This represents a 16.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. NiSource Company Profile (Free Report) NiSource, Inc (NYSE: NI) is a publicly traded energy holding company headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, that primarily owns and operates regulated local gas and electric utilities in the United States. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company delivers natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers and provides the associated distribution and transmission services that keep local energy systems functioning. The companys core activities include natural gas distribution, electric transmission and distribution, system operations, maintenance and emergency response. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NiSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NiSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 9,611 shares of the apparel retailers stock, valued at approximately $822,000. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 10,469.4% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 993,101 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $82,278,000 after purchasing an additional 983,705 shares in the last quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Abercrombie & Fitch during the second quarter valued at approximately $61,643,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Abercrombie & Fitch in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $61,584,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 1,089.8% in the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 458,614 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $37,996,000 after buying an additional 420,068 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 220.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 606,254 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $50,228,000 after buying an additional 416,924 shares in the last quarter. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Abercrombie & Fitch Price Performance NYSE ANF opened at $96.55 on Thursday. Abercrombie & Fitch Company has a fifty-two week low of $65.40 and a fifty-two week high of $133.11. The stocks 50-day moving average is $107.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $93.46. The firm has a market cap of $4.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.26 and a beta of 1.17. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Abercrombie & Fitch ( NYSE:ANF Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 26th. The apparel retailer reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.22. Abercrombie & Fitch had a return on equity of 38.01% and a net margin of 10.07%.The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.28 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.50 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Abercrombie & Fitch Company will post 10.62 EPS for the current year. ANF has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $130.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup raised Abercrombie & Fitch from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $90.00 to $135.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $145.00 target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Barclays raised their price target on Abercrombie & Fitch from $94.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $124.60. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Abercrombie & Fitch Insider Buying and Selling In other Abercrombie & Fitch news, CEO Fran Horowitz sold 103,200 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.53, for a total transaction of $10,168,296.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 605,303 shares in the company, valued at $59,640,504.59. This trade represents a 14.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 2.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Abercrombie & Fitch Profile (Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co (NYSE: ANF) is an American specialty retailer that designs, markets and sells casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Founded in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch, the company evolved from an outdoor gear outfitter to a global lifestyle brand renowned for its relaxed, preppy aesthetic. Its product assortment includes tops, bottoms, outerwear, intimates, swimwear, fragrances and personal care items. The company operates under multiple brand names, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each targeting distinct consumer segments from teens to young adults. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABBNY Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the ten analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $58.00. Several analysts have issued reports on ABBNY shares. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of ABB from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of ABB in a report on Monday, December 15th. They set a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a sell rating on shares of ABB in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research cut shares of ABB from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised ABB from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Get ABB alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ABB ABB Price Performance About ABB Shares of NYSE ABBNY opened at $79.21 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 0.99. ABB has a 1-year low of $45.36 and a 1-year high of $80.67. The company has a market capitalization of $146.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.36, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.23. The business has a 50-day moving average of $73.98 and a 200-day moving average of $71.02. (Get Free Report) ABB Ltd. is a global engineering and technology company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, with roots dating to the 1988 merger of ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie. The company develops and supplies technologies that enable electrification, automation and digitalization across utility, industrial, transportation and infrastructure markets. ABBs offerings span hardware, software and services designed to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability for its customers. ABBs principal activities include electrification products and systems for power distribution and management; industrial and factory automation solutions; robotics and discrete automation for manufacturing; and motion technologies including electric motors and drives. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ABB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AIC Mines (ASX:A1M) Chief Executive Officer Aaron Colleran said the company delivered on production and cost guidance in the December quarter despite significant weather-related disruptions that complicated inventory levels and the timing of cash receipts. Get alerts: December quarter production and costs Colleran said the Eloise operation produced 3,202 tonnes of copper in concentrate during the quarter. He reported an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of AUD 4.87 per pound (or US$3.26 per pound) and an all-in cost of AUD 5.22 per pound (or US$3.50 per pound), which he said met guidance. Weather impacts and stockpiles weighed on reported cash flow The CEO also highlighted that Eloise achieved a record quarterly mine production under AICs ownership, mining. With half the financial year completed, Colleran said the company has produced exactly half of guidance and is positioned to deliver the second half. Colleran said extreme rainfall in December affected processing and logistics rather than mining. He reported 571 mm of rain in December, including 357 mm over a 48-hour period. While mining was not impacted, he said wet ore reduced crushing and concentrate trucking was hindered. As a result, the company ended the quarter with unusually large ore and concentrate stockpiles. Colleran said some investors may have expected the December quarter to be the companys strongest cash flow period given commodity prices, but results were pretty much in line with the June and September quarters for three reasons: December quarter cash flow largely reflected September, October, and November sales due to timing. due to timing. Reduced processing capacity from wet ore led to 27,000 tonnes of ROM and crushed ore stockpiles , containing about 450 tonnes of copper . , containing about . Poor drying conditions, temporary road closures, and issues at the Mount Isa smelter delivery pad resulted in a concentrate stockpile of about 2,000 tonnes, containing 464 tonnes of copper. Colleran estimated the concentrate stockpile was worth about AUD 8 million and said it is expected to be sold in the March quarter. He added that January copper prices were higher than December prices, which could benefit the next period. Exploration and development updates: Eloise and Jericho Colleran pointed to drilling results at Eloise Deeps and Lens Six, describing the intercepts as having exceptional widths and copper grades, and noting exceptional gold grades as well. At the Jericho project, he said deep drilling at Jumbuck and Squatter included 200-meter step-out holes that successfully intersected mineralization. He also noted that water in the access drive was anticipated but slowed progress during the quarter; by quarter-end, the development was 90 meters from crossing the J1 Lens, with an update expected shortly. Plant expansion: on budget and on schedule, with ramp-up risk later Colleran said the Eloise plant expansion is progressing well and, while still early in the construction period, is on budget and on schedule. In response to a question on execution risk, he said the scope is not especially complicated, citing power upgrades and the challenge of segregating construction work from ongoing plant operations to minimize disruption. He also said the bigger uncertainty is less about building the expansion and more about the December-quarter ramp-up once the new equipment is cut over and commissioned, including how quickly higher throughput rates can be achieved. Colleran said stockpiling is not expected to be a constraint, noting that ore stockpiles are already significant. He also described an opportunity over the next six months to process decent parcels of Jericho ore through the current plant to observe performance, while reiterating that prior metallurgical test work supports expectations of good flotation performance. Capital spending and potential Jericho acceleration tied to commodity prices On capital expenditure, Colleran said overall spending was broadly tracking guidance at the halfway mark, with most line items around 50% of full-year expectations. He flagged several areas running ahead: Eloise underground mine development : guided at AUD 32 million for the year, with AUD 21.7 million spent (67%) at the halfway point; he now expects around AUD 36 million due to cost creep. : guided at AUD 32 million for the year, with (67%) at the halfway point; he now expects around due to cost creep. Eloise resource definition drilling : guided at AUD 2.5 million with AUD 1.6 million spent ; he expects around AUD 3.5 million as previously success-dependent spend is brought forward. : guided at AUD 2.5 million with ; he expects around as previously success-dependent spend is brought forward. Non-plant infrastructure: at 59% spent, which he attributed mainly to timing. Colleran summarized the potential Eloise CapEx overrun at roughly AUD 45 million (about 10%) and said it would be offset by stronger-than-expected revenue. He also highlighted a statement from the quarterly report: if current prices hold for the next six months, Eloise could generate about AUD 30 million more cash flow than originally forecast. Colleran said that pricing strength, combined with drilling results at Jolly, has led the company to consider re-optimizing the development rate at Jericho. He said faster development would increase upfront costs but could accelerate a ramp-up to 1.1 million tonnes per annum and provide a stronger platform for a stage 2 expansion to 1.5 million tonnes per annum. Colleran said the company expects more detail with an updated mineral resource and ore reserve estimate due in April. Until then, he said the company will continue to describe the 1.5 million tonnes per annum rate as aspirational due to JORC constraints, but after April he expects it may be referenced as the new plan A. In the Q&A, management also discussed shipment pricing mechanics, noting that around 90% is provisionally paid in the month following shipment, with the remaining 10% settled later depending on nominations, and confirmed the company is fully bonded, with only potentially minor future requirements described as not material. About AIC Mines (ASX:A1M) AIC Mines Limited explores for, develops, and acquires gold and copper deposits in Australia. It holds interest in the Marymia project comprising an area of approximately 3,600 square kilometers located in the Eastern Gascoyne region of Western Australia; the Eloise copper mine located in North Queensland; and interest in the Lamil project that covers an area of 1,200 square kilometers located in the Paterson Province of Western Australia. The company has also interest in the Delamerian project located in the Delamerian Orogen in western New South Wales. Featured Stories Air France-KLM SA (OTCMKTS:AFLYY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $1.2450, but opened at $1.19. Air France-KLM shares last traded at $1.19, with a volume of 2,000 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on AFLYY shares. Morgan Stanley started coverage on Air France-KLM in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Air France-KLM in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Barclays downgraded shares of Air France-KLM from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Air France-KLM from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Air France-KLM in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Get Air France-KLM alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Air France-KLM Air France-KLM Stock Performance The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $1.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1.35. The firm has a market cap of $3.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.08 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.64, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.65. Air France-KLM (OTCMKTS:AFLYY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The transportation company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by ($0.09). Air France-KLM had a return on equity of 82.86% and a net margin of 3.21%.The firm had revenue of $10.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.92 billion. As a group, equities analysts predict that Air France-KLM SA will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current year. About Air France-KLM (Get Free Report) Air France-KLM is a leading European airline group formed in 2004 through the merger of Frances flagship carrier Air France and the Netherlands national airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Headquartered in Paris and Amstelveen, the group provides passenger, cargo and maintenance services across a global network, connecting major hubs in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Latin America. The companys primary business activities include scheduled passenger transport on short, medium and long-haul routes; air freight operations under Air France-KLM Cargo; and technical support and maintenance services through AFI KLM E&M. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Air France-KLM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air France-KLM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $71.30. OMF has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citizens Jmp dropped their price objective on OneMain from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 24th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of OneMain in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Truist Financial started coverage on shares of OneMain in a research note on Monday, December 8th. They set a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. Barclays increased their target price on shares of OneMain from $56.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a market outperform rating on shares of OneMain in a report on Monday, November 24th. Get OneMain alerts: View Our Latest Report on OMF OneMain Trading Down 0.3% OMF opened at $64.99 on Monday. OneMain has a 12 month low of $38.00 and a 12 month high of $71.93. The company has a market cap of $7.65 billion, a PE ratio of 11.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a 50 day moving average of $66.10 and a 200 day moving average of $61.02. OneMain (NYSE:OMF Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.58 by $0.32. OneMain had a return on equity of 22.70% and a net margin of 13.15%.The firm had revenue of $747.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.31 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that OneMain will post 6.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. OneMain Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th were given a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This is a positive change from OneMains previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.5%. OneMains dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 71.19%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Michael A. Hedlund sold 652 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.00, for a total transaction of $40,424.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 15,179 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $941,098. The trade was a 4.12% 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 Micah R. Conrad sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.20, for a total transaction of $296,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 88,221 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,222,683.20. This trade represents a 5.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 98,152 shares of company stock worth $6,353,899 in the last ninety days. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On OneMain A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of OneMain during the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Activest Wealth Management increased its stake in OneMain by 1,102.1% in the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 577 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 529 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd raised its position in OneMain by 591.8% during the third quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 671 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in OneMain by 57.5% during the third quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 718 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new stake in OneMain during the third quarter worth about $46,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.82% of the companys stock. OneMain Company Profile (Get Free Report) OneMain Financial (NYSE: OMF) is a leading consumer finance company specializing in unsecured personal loans for middle-income customers. The company offers tailored loan products designed to address a variety of needs, including debt consolidation, home improvement financing, large purchases and emergency expenses. Through a combination of branch-based service and digital channels, OneMain aims to deliver a personalized borrowing experience with flexible repayment options and transparent terms. Tracing its roots back to the Commercial Credit Company founded in 1912, OneMain has evolved through a series of mergers and corporate transformations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for OneMain Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OneMain and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR Free Report) by 23.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 40,555 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 7,712 shares during the quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC owned about 0.06% of AptarGroup worth $5,421,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of ATR. Norges Bank purchased a new position in AptarGroup in the second quarter worth $118,182,000. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of AptarGroup by 136.0% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 405,066 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $62,769,000 after purchasing an additional 233,445 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AptarGroup by 183.8% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 327,607 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $51,248,000 after purchasing an additional 212,184 shares in the last quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of AptarGroup by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,400,757 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $219,120,000 after purchasing an additional 197,214 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Trust Walden Corp lifted its stake in shares of AptarGroup by 16.4% in the third quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 1,234,354 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $164,984,000 after purchasing an additional 174,084 shares during the period. 88.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AptarGroup alerts: Insider Activity at AptarGroup In related news, CAO Daniel Ackerman sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.23, for a total transaction of $1,818,450.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 29,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,589,256.61. This trade represents a 33.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.68% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of AptarGroup from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price target on AptarGroup from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company restated an equal weight rating and issued a $133.00 price target on shares of AptarGroup in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. William Blair downgraded AptarGroup from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of AptarGroup in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $167.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ATR AptarGroup Trading Down 0.8% Shares of ATR opened at $123.74 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.82. AptarGroup, Inc. has a 1-year low of $103.23 and a 1-year high of $164.28. The stock has a market cap of $8.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.43 and a beta of 0.49. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $122.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of $131.10. AptarGroup (NYSE:ATR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $961.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $950.55 million. AptarGroup had a return on equity of 15.32% and a net margin of 11.45%.AptarGroups revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.49 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that AptarGroup, Inc. will post 5.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. AptarGroup Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 4th will be given a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 4th. AptarGroups dividend payout ratio is currently 30.72%. About AptarGroup (Free Report) AptarGroup, Inc is a global provider of advanced dispensing, sealing and protection solutions for consumer and pharmaceutical markets. The company designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of products that enable the controlled delivery of liquids, gels, powders and aerosols. Its customer base spans beauty and personal care, home care, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, where innovation in packaging and drugdelivery devices drives brand differentiation and regulatory compliance. In the consumer markets, AptarGroup offers pumps, actuators, valves, closures and specialized bottles engineered for precision, convenience and sustainability. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ATR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AptarGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AptarGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU) used its quarterly investor call to highlight improving rare earth pricing conditions, ongoing geopolitical risks tied to Chinas dominance of supply, and progress toward finalizing the last portion of funding required to reach a final investment decision (FID) for its Nolans Project. Get alerts: Geopolitics and pricing: China export controls and a push for ex-China price discovery Managing Director and CEO Darryl Cuzzubbo said rare earth market conditions remain dynamic, but argued several fundamentals continue to shape the sector. He pointed to Chinas export control constraints introduced last April, saying they remain in place and give China the ability to control with precision who does and does not get access to rare earths. He added that while a 12-month truce between the U.S. and China reduced speculation after further export constraints introduced in October, nothing has structurally changed regarding non-China supply. Cuzzubbo said China still controls nearly 90% of the worlds supply and is expected to continue using supply as leverage until the world diversifies the supply chain, a process he said will take years. On pricing, Cuzzubbo said NdPr pricing recently moved through the $100 per kilogram level on the Asian Metal Index, representing an increase of more than 80% over the last 12 months. He also noted that an ex-China pricing benchmark referenced by the company has been consistently higher than Asian Metal Index pricing, citing a recent spread of about $10 per kilogram. He linked that shift to the U.S. governments introduction of a $110 per kilogram floor price in connection with Mountain Pass and to supply disruptions after Mountain Pass feed stopped going to China for processing. Cuzzubbo also said a recent event in which China stopped exporting dual-use rare earths to Japan highlighted Chinas willingness to use export controls, and that China could prioritize domestic demand over exports if a structural NdPr deficit emerges, which he said several forecasters expect in the medium term. The CEO said customers are increasingly acknowledging the need to move away from Asian Metal Index pricing, which he described as a mechanism that has prevented development of a rest of world supply chain. He noted that S&P is looking to introduce an ex-China rare earth pricing index, and he referenced Australian government initiatives including the US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework and the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve as potential support for alternative pricing mechanisms. He said independent forecasts for a functioning market index are in the $140-$160 per kilogram range, reflecting supply scarcity and strategic value. Funding and FID: 90% funding locked in, remaining equity and offtake pricing in focus Cuzzubbo said the company has made significant progress with cornerstone investors, with due diligence and documentation described as advanced for EFA, the National Reconstruction Fund, and the German Raw Materials Fund for an initial EUR 50 million. He added that a potential second EUR 50 million from the German Raw Materials Fund would be subject to a separate decision after the company secures an additional 500 tonnes of offtake. While the process has taken longer than expected, Cuzzubbo said Arafura is one of the first projects moving through newly established government-backed processes and described the company as being at or near the front of the queue for those funding mechanisms. He said the company is seeking two outcomes: securing remaining equity as fast as possible to call FID and move into construction, while also negotiating the most favorable pricing terms possible for remaining offtakes. Cuzzubbo emphasized that while FID would be a major catalyst, the companys value for the next decade would be heavily influenced by the seven-year contract pricing terms being negotiated now. With multiple funding pathways available, he framed the remaining task as optimizing offtake and equity terms rather than questioning whether FID will be achieved. Cuzzubbo said the company is targeting the end of the quarter to finalize the necessary agreements, with shareholder approval expected in the next quarter and FID after that, while noting timing uncertainty driven by third parties and the companys willingness to take additional time if pricing terms are not acceptable. CFO details: $1.6 billion total funding requirement and improved cash position CFO Peter Sherrington outlined the Nolans funding bridge, describing a total funding requirement of $1.6 billion. He said this includes construction capital costs, working capital, financing costs during ramp up, and an equity-backed component of the cost overrun account. In addition, Arafura has $280 million in completion support facilities, which are undrawn under the base case but lift total funding sources to $1.9 billion. Sherrington said conditional approval has been announced for up to $100 million of equity investment by EFA, and he indicated that the cornerstone sources described by management would leave about $134 million outstanding. He said the company is pursuing multiple pathways to close out the remaining equity requirement. On the debt side, Sherrington said that excluding ING, all credit approvals are current, and that EDC refreshed its credit approval during the December quarter. He said ING has provided a letter of support and is working to finalize its credit approval in conjunction with contractual close of the debt facilities and FID. Sherrington also described the companys October capital raising, stating that Arafura completed an Australian AUD 475 million two-tranche placement, followed by a share purchase plan (SPP). He said the company ended the period with AUD 570 million in cash, up from AUD 90 million the prior quarter, and said the strengthened balance sheet positions the company to move into execution once strategic equity is secured. Project readiness: Hatch appointed; owners team build-out and procurement preparation Chief Project Officer Tommie van der Walt said the appointment of Hatch late last year was a major milestone for the Nolans Project, describing Hatch as bringing significant engineering and execution experience, including for hydrometallurgical processing infrastructure. He said Hatchs earlier involvement in engineering and design allows it to transition immediately into execution planning. Van der Walt said Hatch will report into Arafuras owners team under the direction of Ed Matthews, the Nolans Project Director, who he said has more than 30 years of experience delivering major projects and capital programs across Australia, Asia, and Africa. He added that the company is recruiting other critical owners team roles, with some personnel expected to commence in coming months. He said Arafura has invested over the past six months in establishing procurement processes and supplier relationships, and that after FID the company plans to launch a competitive procurement process intended to deliver the best commercial outcome without compromising supply certainty, quality, or schedule. Shareholder Q&A: takeover preparedness, dilution concerns, and timing uncertainty During Q&A, Cuzzubbo addressed a question about potential opportunistic takeover bids, saying the board has a defense strategy in place, retains a defense advisor, and has conducted mock scenarios at board subcommittee level. He also said the company targeted longer-only investors in recent capital raisings and reiterated that FID is viewed as a major catalyst. On shareholder concerns about delays and whether the company should call FID immediately, Cuzzubbo said the company could do so but does not believe it would be prudent without securing the remaining equity and optimizing offtake terms, given the long-term importance of pricing. He also said the company has maximized out on debt to minimize dilution. Management said it expects to finalize agreements by the end of March as its best guidance, with a shareholder vote in Q2 that could enable FID, while emphasizing uncertainty based on negotiations and external factors. About Arafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU) Arafura Rare Earths Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Australia. It focuses on the production of rare earth products, such as neodymium-praseodymium and mixed middle-heavy rare earths oxides. The company holds 100% interests in the Nolans project, a rare earths-phosphate-uranium-thorium deposit that supplies neodymium and praseodymium products; and the Aileron-Reynolds project comprising six granted exploration licences covering an area of approximately 1,240 kilometer square located in Northern Territory, Australia. Featured Articles UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for a year, until Jan. 31, 2027. Resolution 2814 revises BINUH's mandate to cover six key tasks, including facilitating inter-Haitian national dialogue, providing electoral assistance, supporting Haitian authorities' efforts to reduce community violence, assisting in the design of a Haitian-led disarmament and reintegration program, monitoring and reporting on cases of gang violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses and violations. The resolution emphasizes the need for necessary coordination among BINUH and relevant UN agencies in Haiti, as well as with the Gang Suppression Force, Haitian authorities, and other international and regional partners. The resolution requests the UN secretary-general to report to the Security Council every 90 days on its implementation. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $2.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.03, FiscalAI reports. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 13.58% and a return on equity of 11.98%. The business had revenue of $3.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.61 billion. Here are the key takeaways from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s conference call: Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: The company reported a strong quarter and year Q4 revenue growth of more than 30% (including 5% organic) and fullyear combined brokerage & risk management results of ~21% revenue growth, 6% organic, with adjusted EBITDA up ~26% and the 23rd consecutive quarter of doubledigit EBITDA growth. The company reported a strong quarter and year Q4 revenue growth of more than (including 5% organic) and fullyear combined brokerage & risk management results of ~21% revenue growth, 6% organic, with adjusted EBITDA up ~26% and the of doubledigit EBITDA growth. Brokerage segment delivered reported Q4 revenue growth of 38% and 5% organic with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.2% (underlying expansion ~50 bps); management reiterates brokerage organic growth of roughly 5.5% for 2026 and showed broad geographic/linelevel organic gains. Brokerage segment delivered reported Q4 revenue growth of 38% and 5% organic with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.2% (underlying expansion ~50 bps); management reiterates brokerage organic growth of roughly and showed broad geographic/linelevel organic gains. Market pricing is mixed: property renewal premiums were down (~5%) while casualty lines were up (casualty ~+5%, US casualty ~+7%); property reinsurance saw rate declines (down in the teens) but premiums fell only midtohigh single digits and management expects a buyers market to persist through 2026. Market pricing is mixed: property renewal premiums were down (~5%) while casualty lines were up (casualty ~+5%, US casualty ~+7%); property reinsurance saw rate declines (down in the teens) but premiums fell only midtohigh single digits and management expects a buyers market to persist through 2026. M&A momentum and AssuredPartners integration remain a focal point >$3.5bn of acquired annualized revenue in 2025, >40 term sheets (~$350m) in the pipeline, integration is ahead of plan, and management targets synergies of ~$160m by end2026 and $260$280m by early2028 with ~ $10bn potential M&A funding before issuing stock. M&A momentum and AssuredPartners integration remain a focal point >$3.5bn of acquired annualized revenue in 2025, >40 term sheets (~$350m) in the pipeline, integration is ahead of plan, and management targets synergies of ~$160m by end2026 and $260$280m by early2028 with ~ potential M&A funding before issuing stock. Underlying margin outlook is constructive: management expects brokerage margins to expand ~4060 bps in 2026 and GB (risk management) margins around 2122%, however headline margins will show nearterm noise from lost investment income tied to the AP acquisition and rolling M&A impacts. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance AJG opened at $245.62 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market cap of $63.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $253.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $277.07. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12-month low of $236.34 and a 12-month high of $351.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Increases Dividend Key Headlines Impacting Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This is a positive change from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is currently 38.86%. Here are the key news stories impacting Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets AJG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $276.00 to $272.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $289.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Needham & Company LLC set a $272.00 price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley set a $300.00 target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $290.50. Get Our Latest Report on AJG Insider Activity In related news, CAO Richard C. Cary sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total value of $1,566,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 50,668 shares in the company, valued at $13,224,348. This trade represents a 10.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Christopher E. Mead sold 4,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.11, for a total transaction of $1,032,440.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 17,327 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,472,271.97. This trade represents a 18.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 32,100 shares of company stock worth $8,243,865. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AJG. Rakuten Securities Inc. grew its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 650.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 105 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 3rd quarter worth $192,000. Eisler Capital Management Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the third quarter worth $224,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the second quarter valued at $242,000. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the third quarter valued at about $270,000. Institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients. The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atlas Copco AB (OTCMKTS:ATLKY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $21.4609 and last traded at $21.33, with a volume of 131103 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.29. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Atlas Copco in a research note on Friday, January 16th. UBS Group lowered Atlas Copco to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Atlas Copco from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Atlas Copco in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Pareto Securities cut Atlas Copco from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Atlas Copco alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ATLKY Atlas Copco Trading Down 2.4% The business has a 50 day moving average of $18.51 and a 200 day moving average of $17.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $100.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.75, a PEG ratio of 9.95 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Atlas Copco (OTCMKTS:ATLKY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The industrial products company reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.15 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $4.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.68 billion. Atlas Copco had a return on equity of 25.29% and a net margin of 15.70%. As a group, research analysts predict that Atlas Copco AB will post 0.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Atlas Copco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Atlas Copco is a Sweden-based industrial group that develops, manufactures and services equipment and solutions for professional customers in a broad range of industries. The companys core activities center on compressed air and gas systems, vacuum solutions, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, and power and flow equipment. Products and services span new-equipment sales, aftermarket parts, maintenance and technical support aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and safety for industrial operations. Key product categories include stationary and portable air compressors, air treatment and gas generation systems, industrial vacuum pumps, generators and light towers, drilling rigs and rock excavation equipment for mining and construction, as well as electric and pneumatic tools and automated assembly systems for manufacturing. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Atlas Copco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atlas Copco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Comercial Portugues S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:BPCGY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $11.93, but opened at $10.7750. Banco Comercial Portugues shares last traded at $10.7750, with a volume of 1,000 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Banco Comercial Portugues from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Strong Buy. Get Banco Comercial Portugues alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Banco Comercial Portugues Banco Comercial Portugues Trading Down 9.7% About Banco Comercial Portugues The firm has a 50 day moving average of $10.28 and a 200-day moving average of $9.06. The company has a market cap of $15.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.84 and a beta of 0.25. (Get Free Report) Banco Comercial Portugues SA, operating under the Millennium bcp brand, is the largest private banking institution in Portugal. Headquartered in Porto, it offers a broad range of universal banking services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Core product lines include deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, payment cards and digital banking platforms. The group also provides private banking and wealth management solutions through dedicated advisory centres. In the corporate segment, Millennium bcp delivers a portfolio of services that spans trade finance, project and structured finance, treasury operations and cash management, alongside specialised lending and structured solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited (The) (NYSE:NTB Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $52.16 and last traded at $51.7260, with a volume of 54475 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $50.84. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $50.67. Get Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on NTB Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Price Performance The businesss 50-day moving average price is $49.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.25. The firm has a market cap of $2.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.84 and a beta of 0.57. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NYSE:NTB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The bank reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $153.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $147.92 million. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son had a net margin of 28.27% and a return on equity of 21.94%. The firms revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.16 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Monday, December 8th that authorizes the company to repurchase $140.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the bank to reacquire up to 6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Rovida Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son during the second quarter valued at approximately $79,413,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son by 119.4% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 395,731 shares of the banks stock worth $16,985,000 after acquiring an additional 215,397 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its holdings in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son by 420.7% in the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 255,544 shares of the banks stock valued at $10,968,000 after acquiring an additional 206,464 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its position in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son by 380.1% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 196,771 shares of the banks stock valued at $9,803,000 after acquiring an additional 155,784 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd raised its position in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son by 93.1% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 312,231 shares of the banks stock valued at $13,401,000 after acquiring an additional 150,518 shares in the last quarter. 62.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited, commonly known as Butterfield, is a Bermuda-based provider of banking and wealth management services. Founded in 1858, the firm has grown from a local colonial bank into an international financial institution. With a focus on personalized client service, Butterfield offers a comprehensive suite of banking and fiduciary solutions to private individuals, families, and corporate clients. The banks core activities include private banking, retail and commercial lending, trust and corporate administration, and fund services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (NYSE:BMEZ Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 126,819 shares, an increase of 696.9% from the December 31st total of 15,915 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 321,506 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 321,506 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Stock Down 1.2% NYSE BMEZ traded down $0.18 on Wednesday, reaching $15.26. The stock had a trading volume of 297,011 shares, compared to its average volume of 369,717. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $15.26 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.73. BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust has a 12-month low of $12.58 and a 12-month high of $16.75. Get BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust alerts: BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be issued a $0.11 dividend. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. Insider Activity Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust In other BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust news, Director Robert W. Fairbairn sold 10,294 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.98, for a total transaction of $154,204.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust in the first quarter valued at $40,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust by 24,584.6% in the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 3,196 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust by 25.6% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 680 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust during the second quarter worth about $69,000. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust during the third quarter worth about $91,000. BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (NYSE: BMEZ) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust. Launched in March 2020, BMEZ seeks to provide total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity and equity-related securities of companies in the health sciences sector. The trust is structured with a fixed termination date in October 2030, at which time shareholders will vote on its liquidation, extension or conversion. The funds investment portfolio is diversified across subsectors within health sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and healthcare services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom, Media & Technology Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:XHYT Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 330 shares, a growth of 478.9% from the December 31st total of 57 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 3,595 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 3,595 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom, Media & Technology Sector ETF Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSEARCA:XHYT traded down $0.13 during trading on Thursday, reaching $34.55. The stock had a trading volume of 86,721 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,691. The stock has a market cap of $51.83 million, a P/E ratio of 4.06 and a beta of 0.49. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $34.69 and a 200-day moving average price of $34.86. BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom, Media & Technology Sector ETF has a fifty-two week low of $32.85 and a fifty-two week high of $36.47. Get BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom Media & Technology Sector ETF alerts: About BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom, Media & Technology Sector ETF (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories The BondBloxx US High Yield Telecom Media Technology Sector ETF (XHYT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a modified market value-weighted index of USD-denominated high-yield corporate bonds of any maturity, issued by companies classified under the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. XHYT was launched on Feb 15, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom Media & Technology Sector ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Telecom Media & Technology Sector ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Infrastructure Co. (NYSE:BIPC Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $48.09 and last traded at $47.77, with a volume of 468825 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $46.44. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently commented on BIPC. Morgan Stanley set a $57.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Brookfield Infrastructure from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $57.00. Get Brookfield Infrastructure alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brookfield Infrastructure Brookfield Infrastructure Trading Up 4.8% Brookfield Infrastructure Announces Dividend The stock has a market cap of $5.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.85 and a beta of 1.37. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $45.45 and a 200 day simple moving average of $43.28. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a yield of 384.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. Institutional Trading of Brookfield Infrastructure Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $64,433,000. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure by 66.4% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 2,533,525 shares of the companys stock worth $104,178,000 after purchasing an additional 1,011,401 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure by 10.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 4,346,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $178,730,000 after buying an additional 406,485 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure by 9.1% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 4,522,487 shares of the companys stock worth $188,293,000 after purchasing an additional 375,586 shares during the period. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd bought a new position in Brookfield Infrastructure during the 2nd quarter worth $14,190,000. 70.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Brookfield Infrastructure Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIPC) is a global owner, operator and investor in essential infrastructure assets. As the corporate class of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P., the company provides exposure to a diversified portfolio spanning utilities, transport, energy midstream and data infrastructure. Its holdings generate stable cash flows underpinned by regulated or long-term contracted revenue streams. Since its formation in 2008 and U.S. listing in 2017, Brookfield Infrastructure has pursued a disciplined strategy of acquiring and managing high-quality infrastructure businesses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brunswick (NYSE:BC Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.58, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.21 billion. Brunswick had a positive return on equity of 10.55% and a negative net margin of 4.60%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.24 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Brunswicks conference call: Get Brunswick alerts: Brunswick delivered strong cash generation and balance-sheet repair in 2025 with $442M of free cash flow , repurchased $80M of shares, raised the dividend, retired ~ $240M of debt and ended the year with ~$1.3B of liquidity, moving toward its 2x net leverage target. , repurchased $80M of shares, raised the dividend, retired ~ of debt and ended the year with ~$1.3B of liquidity, moving toward its 2x net leverage target. Management set 2026 guidance of $5.6$5.8B revenue, adjusted EPS of $3.80$4.40 , and adjusted operating margin of 7.5%8% , assuming a flat-to-slightly-up U.S. retail market and free cash flow >$350M. revenue, adjusted EPS of , and adjusted operating margin of , assuming a flat-to-slightly-up U.S. retail market and free cash flow >$350M. Tariffs remain a material headwind management cites ~ $75M net incremental impact in 2025 and expects another ~ $35$45M net in 2026 (with Q1 bearing most of the burden), though mitigation actions reduce some exposure and a Supreme Court AIPA ruling could change the outlook. net incremental impact in 2025 and expects another ~ net in 2026 (with Q1 bearing most of the burden), though mitigation actions reduce some exposure and a Supreme Court AIPA ruling could change the outlook. Operational momentum and product leadership are driving share gains Mercury sustained ~47% U.S. outboard share with >100 OEM agreements, Navico posted improving margins, P&A distribution gained share, and boat margins expanded as discounting eased. Brunswick Price Performance Brunswick stock opened at $80.46 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $77.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $68.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.78. The firm has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a P/E ratio of -22.10 and a beta of 1.36. Brunswick has a 52 week low of $41.00 and a 52 week high of $89.61. Brunswick News Summary Positive Sentiment: Q4 revenue and cash flow beat Brunswick reported Q4 revenue of $1.33B (up 15.5% YoY), a clear sales beat and strong free cash flow and propulsion-segment performance cited on the earnings call. This supports the companys top-line momentum and operating cash generation. Brunswick 2025 Q4 & Full-Year Release Q4 Highlights: Free Cash Flow & Propulsion Q4 revenue and cash flow beat Brunswick reported Q4 revenue of $1.33B (up 15.5% YoY), a clear sales beat and strong free cash flow and propulsion-segment performance cited on the earnings call. This supports the companys top-line momentum and operating cash generation. Neutral Sentiment: Q4 EPS roughly in line / slight miss Q4 EPS was $0.58 versus the consensus ~$0.60 (a $0.02 miss). The EPS shortfall was small relative to the revenue beat, leaving mixed signals on margin trends. Zacks Q4 Earnings Summary Q4 EPS roughly in line / slight miss Q4 EPS was $0.58 versus the consensus ~$0.60 (a $0.02 miss). The EPS shortfall was small relative to the revenue beat, leaving mixed signals on margin trends. Negative Sentiment: FY2026 EPS guidance came in slightly below consensus management set FY2026 EPS at $3.80$4.40 versus the Street at ~$4.22; revenue guidance of $5.6B$5.8B is modestly above consensus. The lower EPS midpoint reduces nearterm upside expectations. FY2026 EPS guidance came in slightly below consensus management set FY2026 EPS at $3.80$4.40 versus the Street at ~$4.22; revenue guidance of $5.6B$5.8B is modestly above consensus. The lower EPS midpoint reduces nearterm upside expectations. Negative Sentiment: Q12026 EPS guidance well below expectations Q1 EPS guided to $0.35$0.45 versus consensus of ~$0.79; revenue guidance of $1.2B$1.4B roughly brackets the $1.3B estimate. The weak Q1 EPS outlook is the main driver of todays share weakness, signaling more conservative near-term margin or volume assumptions. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brunswick Here are the key news stories impacting Brunswick this week: A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BC. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in shares of Brunswick by 10.7% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 149,000 shares of the companys stock worth $8,024,000 after acquiring an additional 14,395 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Brunswick by 133.6% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 77,326 shares of the companys stock worth $4,076,000 after buying an additional 44,228 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Brunswick by 142.9% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 346,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,659,000 after buying an additional 203,838 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in shares of Brunswick in the 1st quarter valued at $214,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Brunswick by 477.0% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 727 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 601 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.34% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Brunswick in a research note on Monday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Seaport Research Partners raised Brunswick to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Wolfe Research set a $90.00 price target on shares of Brunswick in a report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a $115.00 price objective on shares of Brunswick and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brunswick has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $78.92. View Our Latest Research Report on Brunswick Brunswick Company Profile (Get Free Report) Founded in 1845 by John Moses Brunswick, Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in recreation products. Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, the company has evolved from its origins as a billiard table manufacturer into a diversified supplier of leisure equipment, serving both consumer and commercial markets around the world. Brunswick operates through two primary segments: Marine and Bowling & Billiards. In its Marine segment, the company designs, manufactures and distributes recreational boats, outboard engines and aftermarket parts under recognized brands such as Sea Ray, Bayliner and Mercury Marine. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Cabot (NYSE:CBT Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Zacks.com reports. CBT has been the topic of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Cabot from $75.00 to $54.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Cabot in a report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group upped their price target on Cabot from $65.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $81.00 target price on shares of Cabot in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their target price on Cabot from $72.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Cabot presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $72.25. Get Cabot alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CBT Cabot Stock Up 0.3% NYSE:CBT traded up $0.18 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $71.67. The company had a trading volume of 149,520 shares, compared to its average volume of 383,310. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $67.66 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.76. Cabot has a twelve month low of $58.33 and a twelve month high of $89.16. The firm has a market cap of $3.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.95, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Cabot (NYSE:CBT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by ($0.02). Cabot had a return on equity of 24.55% and a net margin of 8.91%.The firm had revenue of $899.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $967.02 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.80 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Cabot has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.000-7.00 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Cabot will post 7.57 earnings per share for the current year. Cabot Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Cabots payout ratio is presently 29.95%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cabot A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Cabot by 9.6% in the 4th quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,873 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $124,000 after buying an additional 164 shares during the last quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC increased its stake in Cabot by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 13,570 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,032,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in Cabot by 1.7% in the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 10,551 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $791,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its stake in shares of Cabot by 95.5% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 387 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. increased its position in shares of Cabot by 1.4% during the third quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. now owns 14,558 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,107,000 after acquiring an additional 206 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.18% of the companys stock. About Cabot (Get Free Report) Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1882 by Godfrey Lowell Cabot, the company has grown into a diversified manufacturer with operations across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Cabot serves a wide range of end markets, including automotive, industrial, energy, and consumer products, supplying essential ingredients that enhance performance, durability and functionality. The company operates two primary segments: Reinforcement Materials and Performance Materials. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cabot Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cabot and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CGI Group, Inc. (NYSE:GIB Get Free Report) (TSE:GIB.A) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, January 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be given a dividend of 0.17 per share by the technology company on Friday, March 20th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 18th. CGI Group has a dividend payout ratio of 7.4% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect CGI Group to earn $6.28 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.48 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 7.6%. Get CGI Group alerts: CGI Group Stock Down 1.9% Shares of GIB stock opened at $86.53 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $91.01 and a 200-day moving average of $92.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. CGI Group has a 12-month low of $83.75 and a 12-month high of $122.79. The company has a market capitalization of $18.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.45 and a beta of 0.59. Trending Headlines about CGI Group CGI Group ( NYSE:GIB Get Free Report ) (TSE:GIB.A) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4 billion. CGI Group had a net margin of 10.41% and a return on equity of 18.55%. The firms revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.92 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that CGI Group will post 5.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Here are the key news stories impacting CGI Group this week: CGI Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) CGI Group Inc is a global information technology and business consulting firm that delivers a broad range of services including IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure and network services, managed IT and business process outsourcing. The company works with clients to design, build and operate IT systems and business solutions, with capabilities spanning cloud and hybrid IT environments, cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence, digital transformation and enterprise resource planning implementations. Founded in 1976 in Quebec by Serge Godin and Andre Imbeau, CGI has grown from a regional systems integrator into a multinational professional services organization. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for CGI Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CGI Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LONDON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Global gold demand soared to a record high of 5,002 tonnes in 2025 amid continued geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the World Gold Council said in a report on Thursday. These uncertainties propelled hefty investment in gold, lifting the total value to an unprecedented 555 billion U.S. dollars, up 45 percent from a year earlier, according to the council's annual gold demand trends report. The London-headquartered council said elevated risk perceptions continued to underpin investor appetite. "2025 saw surging demand for gold and rocketing prices. Consumers and investors alike bought and held gold in an environment where economic and geopolitical risks have become the new normal," said Louise Street, senior markets analyst at the council. Global investment demand reached a landmark 2,175 tonnes in 2025, the council said, making it the main driver behind gold's record-breaking year. "Investors raced to access gold through all available routes," Street noted. Despite rising prices, consumer demand remained relatively resilient. Jewellery consumption fell 18 percent year on year, even as gold prices climbed 67 percent, reflecting continued willingness among buyers to purchase at elevated levels, she said. Central banks are also significant buyers, adding 863 tonnes of gold in 2025, near the upper end of the council's forecast range. Street said central banks remained firmly committed to bolstering reserves. Looking ahead, she said that ongoing economic and geopolitical instability could continue to support demand in 2026, reinforcing gold's role as a safe-haven asset. Chemring Group PLC (LON:CHG Get Free Report) insider James Mortensen sold 44,615 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 534, for a total transaction of 238,244.10. James Mortensen also recently made the following trade(s): Get Chemring Group alerts: On Monday, December 15th, James Mortensen sold 18,816 shares of Chemring Group stock. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 481, for a total transaction of 90,504.96. Chemring Group Stock Down 1.9% CHG stock opened at GBX 516 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 494.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 532.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.42, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.22. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.49, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 0.68. Chemring Group PLC has a one year low of GBX 297.50 and a one year high of GBX 614. Analyst Ratings Changes Chemring Group ( LON:CHG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 9th. The company reported GBX 19.70 EPS for the quarter. Chemring Group had a return on equity of 0.88% and a net margin of 0.64%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Chemring Group PLC will post 24.8815166 EPS for the current year. CHG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Berenberg Bank upped their price target on shares of Chemring Group from GBX 630 to GBX 670 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Panmure Gordon boosted their price objective on shares of Chemring Group from GBX 480 to GBX 537 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on Chemring Group from GBX 640 to GBX 660 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a GBX 600 target price on shares of Chemring Group in a report on Monday, November 17th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 616.75. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Chemring Group About Chemring Group (Get Free Report) We are a specialist manufacturing and technology business creating market-leading innovative solutions to meet our customers complex needs. Using our extensive science and engineering expertise, we turn ideas into reality, designing and developing critical solutions that protect and safeguard in unpredictable environments in todays increasingly unstable world. We achieve this by innovating at every stage of the value chain, from research and development (R&D) through to design, manufacture and in-service support, working closely with our customers to deliver products, services and solutions for mission-critical success. Our customer base spans national defence organisations, security and law enforcement agencies, as well as commercial markets such as space and transport. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Chemring Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemring Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dewey Electronics (OTCMKTS:DEWY Get Free Report) was down 7.8% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $2.35 and last traded at $2.35. Approximately 5,498 shares traded hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $2.55. Dewey Electronics Stock Down 7.8% The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.55 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.41. About Dewey Electronics (Get Free Report) The Dewey Electronics Corporation designs, develops, and manufactures military electronics. It offers 2kW military tactical generators, man-portable generators, hybrid power generators, vehicle auxiliary power units, and generator accessories; non-power products, such as rodmeters, sea valves, hull liners, and indicator transmitters; and military support equipment to the United States armed forces. The company was founded in 1955 and is based in Oakland, New Jersey. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dewey Electronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dewey Electronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of DRDGOLD Limited (NYSE:DRD Get Free Report) dropped 9.9% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $34.76 and last traded at $35.2910. Approximately 464,873 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 33% from the average daily volume of 349,001 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.18. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently commented on DRD. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of DRDGOLD in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. HC Wainwright boosted their price objective on shares of DRDGOLD to $36.25 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of DRDGOLD from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of DRDGOLD from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $36.25. Get DRDGOLD alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on DRDGOLD DRDGOLD Trading Down 10.2% Hedge Funds Weigh In On DRDGOLD The stocks 50-day moving average is $32.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.46. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in DRDGOLD by 88.2% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,690 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 792 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased a new stake in shares of DRDGOLD during the 3rd quarter valued at about $102,000. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of DRDGOLD by 21.8% in the 4th quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,476 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $139,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares during the last quarter. Aventura Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of DRDGOLD in the 4th quarter valued at about $151,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in DRDGOLD by 24.8% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,387 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $149,000 after acquiring an additional 1,070 shares in the last quarter. 14.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. DRDGOLD Company Profile (Get Free Report) DRDGOLD (NYSE: DRD) is a South African gold producer focused on the retreatment of surface tailings from historic mining operations on the Witwatersrand Basin. The company recovers fine gold particles from lowgrade tailings using an integrated, carboninleach (CIL) processing circuit that is designed to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact. DRDGOLDs operations are centered on sustainable resource utilization, transforming previously discarded material into saleable gold dore bars. The company operates two primary tailings retreatment facilities on the West Rand and East Rand of Gauteng Province. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for DRDGOLD Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DRDGOLD and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (LON:ECO Get Free Report) shot up 14.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 37.50 and last traded at GBX 37. 20,427,107 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 221% from the average session volume of 6,369,754 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 32.40. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 125 price objective on shares of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 125. Get Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ECO Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Price Performance About Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 21.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 12.61. The stock has a market capitalization of 116.64 million, a P/E ratio of -41.11 and a beta of 1.95. (Get Free Report) Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM-quoted Atlantic Margin-focused oil & gas exploration company with offshore license interests in Guyana, Namibia, and South Africa. Eco aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through its role in the energy transition to explore for low carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure. Eco has interests in Guyana, South Africa and Namibia, proven jurisdictions with great hydrocarbon potential, and aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through oil exploration, appraisal and development activities in these stable emerging markets, in partnership with major oil companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eloro Resources Ltd. (CVE:ELO Get Free Report)s share price was up 5.4% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$3.55 and last traded at C$3.50. Approximately 144,360 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 36% from the average daily volume of 106,080 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.32. Eloro Resources Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of C$260.56 million, a PE ratio of -30.36 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 3.75 and a current ratio of 9.70. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$3.50 and a 200-day moving average price of C$3.50. About Eloro Resources (Get Free Report) Eloro Resources Ltd. engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties. It explores for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tin, bismuth, indium, and other base metal properties. The company holds 99% interest in the Iska Iska project, a polymetallic property consisting of one mineral concession covering an area of approximately 900 hectares located in Potosi Department, southern Bolivia; and 82% interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver project that consists of 16 concessions covering an area of 8,933 hectares located in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eloro Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eloro Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) is anticipated to release its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, January 30th. Analysts expect Exxon Mobil to post earnings of $1.63 per share and revenue of $77.9811 billion for the quarter. Parties may review the information on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 at 9:30 AM ET. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.16. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.99% and a return on equity of 11.22%. The firm had revenue of $83.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $83.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.92 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect Exxon Mobil to post $7 EPS for the current fiscal year and $9 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Trading Up 0.6% Shares of XOM stock opened at $137.70 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The firm has a market cap of $580.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.01, a PEG ratio of 8.92 and a beta of 0.37. The company has a 50 day moving average of $121.84 and a 200-day moving average of $115.74. Exxon Mobil has a 12-month low of $97.80 and a 12-month high of $138.01. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $1.03 per share. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. This is a positive change from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is currently 59.88%. Several brokerages have issued reports on XOM. Zacks Research lowered Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $142.00 to $137.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $156.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.74. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Exxon Mobil Key Exxon Mobil News Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week: Insider Buying and Selling In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total transaction of $351,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Exxon Mobil A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of XOM. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 44,026,019 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,963,934,000 after acquiring an additional 445,283 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 9,317,930 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,050,601,000 after purchasing an additional 197,442 shares during the period. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 3,789,502 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $432,754,000 after purchasing an additional 144,063 shares in the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 3,207,658 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $347,105,000 after purchasing an additional 104,722 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 105.4% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,925,026 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $329,797,000 after purchasing an additional 1,501,235 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Exxon Mobil (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTCMKTS:FGPR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 85 shares, a drop of 93.5% from the December 31st total of 1,312 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 5,185 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 5,185 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Ferrellgas Partners Trading Down 5.1% Ferrellgas Partners stock traded down $1.04 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $19.50. 25,343 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,353. The firm has a market cap of $1.89 billion, a PE ratio of -22.94 and a beta of 2.99. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.44. Ferrellgas Partners has a 12-month low of $8.00 and a 12-month high of $20.58. Get Ferrellgas Partners alerts: Ferrellgas Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTCMKTS:FGPR) is a master limited partnership that operates as the retail propane distribution arm of Ferrellgas, Inc, one of the largest retail propane providers in the United States. Headquartered in Liberty, Missouri, the partnership was formed in 1997 to acquire and manage propane assets and inventory in support of Ferrellgass nationwide network. The companys primary business activities include the procurement, transportation and distribution of propane to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ferrellgas Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ferrellgas Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Volatility and Risk BEO Bancorp has a beta of 0.25, suggesting that its share price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BEO Bancorps rivals have a beta of -2.37, suggesting that their average share price is 337% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends BEO Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. BEO Bancorp pays out 15.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS WEST companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 24.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. BEO Bancorp is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get BEO Bancorp alerts: Profitability This table compares BEO Bancorp and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BEO Bancorp N/A N/A N/A BEO Bancorp Competitors 18.69% 10.68% 1.12% Insider & Institutional Ownership Earnings & Valuation 59.7% of shares of all BANKS WEST companies are owned by institutional investors. 10.5% of shares of all BANKS WEST 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. This table compares BEO Bancorp and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio BEO Bancorp $57.76 million $16.19 million 8.26 BEO Bancorp Competitors $954.31 million $175.12 million 9.01 BEO Bancorps rivals have higher revenue and earnings than BEO Bancorp. BEO Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary BEO Bancorp rivals beat BEO Bancorp on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About BEO Bancorp (Get Free Report) BEO Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Eastern Oregon that provides commercial and consumer financing, banking and mortgage lending, and other services in Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington. The company offers checking, money market, time deposits, and savings accounts; and certificates of deposit. It also provides commercial, agricultural, real estate, installment, credit card, mortgage, term, home, construction, farm, and refinancing loans; lines of credit; home enhancement loan programs; Internet banking and bill payment services; business sweep and banking services; and automated teller machines and safe deposit facilities, as well as originates and sells mortgage loans into the secondary market. The company was founded in 1945 and is based in Heppner, Oregon. Receive News & Ratings for BEO Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BEO Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flossbach Von Storch SE lowered its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 263,592 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 3,199 shares during the quarter. Flossbach Von Storch SEs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $68,734,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Corsicana & Co. bought a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the third quarter worth approximately $26,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% during the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 103.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 124 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. 79.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $245.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $268.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Bank of America raised shares of Illinois Tool Works from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $220.00 to $255.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $298.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $261.08. Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works In other Illinois Tool Works news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total value of $373,025.25. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 39,249 shares in the company, valued at $9,625,817.25. This represents a 3.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 0.1% NYSE ITW opened at $258.47 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $74.98 billion, a PE ratio of 25.07, a PEG ratio of 13.85 and a beta of 1.15. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12 month low of $214.66 and a 12 month high of $278.13. The companys 50-day moving average price is $252.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $254.86. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. Illinois Tool Works Company Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that designs and produces a broad array of engineered products, consumables and related service solutions for industrial customers. Its offerings span engineered fastening systems, specialty components, industrial equipment, welding products, foodservice and packaging equipment, adhesives and polymer products, and test-and-measurement technologies. These products are used as critical inputs by customers across automotive, construction, electronics, foodservice, maintenance and other industrial end markets. The company operates a decentralized business model in which independently managed businesses focus on niche product lines and close customer relationships. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $108.97 and last traded at $105.6550, with a volume of 37912 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $108.09. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have commented on FMX. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from $107.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $96.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $102.40. Get Fomento Economico Mexicano alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on FMX Fomento Economico Mexicano Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market cap of $37.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.64, a P/E/G ratio of 4.11 and a beta of 0.46. The firms 50-day moving average is $101.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $95.70. Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.06 by ($0.18). The firm had revenue of $11.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $215.60 billion. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a return on equity of 5.01% and a net margin of 2.09%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year. Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th were paid a $2.0531 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 16th. This represents a $8.21 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.8%. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous quarterly dividend of $2.00. Fomento Economico Mexicanos dividend payout ratio is currently 91.53%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fomento Economico Mexicano A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FMX. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 2,006.3% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 337 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 41.4% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 369 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in the second quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 42.5% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 439 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in Fomento Economico Mexicano during the third quarter worth approximately $54,000. 61.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Fomento Economico Mexicano Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V. (FEMSA) is a Mexican multinational company active primarily in the retail and beverage sectors. Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, FEMSAs operations span convenience store retailing, beverage bottling and distribution, and related logistics and consumer services. The companys business model combines high-frequency retail outlets with large-scale beverage production and a regional supply chain network. FEMSA Comercio, the companys retail arm, operates a large chain of convenience stores under the OXXO brand and has expanded its retail footprint with complementary formats and services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for dialogue over the Iran nuclear issue to avoid a catastrophic crisis. "We believe that it's important that there is a dialogue allowing for an agreement in relation, namely to the nuclear question and that we can avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region," he said at a start-of-year press conference. "I think it's absolutely essential that dialogue prevails. I strongly encourage dialogue to take profit of the offers of mediation that have been expressed," said Guterres. "We do not want to see, and I believe the Iranians tell us that they also do not want to have nuclear weapons, so if that is the case, all the conditions are there for a serious negotiation to take place and I encourage the parties to seriously negotiate in order to avoid a confrontation that would be a tragedy," he said. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 9.750-10.500 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 11.900. The company issued revenue guidance of -. General Motors Price Performance General Motors stock opened at $84.95 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. The stock has a market cap of $79.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.09, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $79.49 and a 200 day moving average price of $66.50. General Motors has a 12-month low of $41.60 and a 12-month high of $87.31. Get General Motors alerts: General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.26 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $45.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.81 billion. General Motors had a return on equity of 14.72% and a net margin of 1.46%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.92 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that General Motors will post 11.44 earnings per share for the current year. General Motors Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.18 dividend. This is a positive change from General Motorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. General Motorss payout ratio is presently 12.07%. General Motors declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that authorizes the company to buyback $6.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the auto manufacturer to buy up to 8.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have commented on GM shares. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on General Motors from $92.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of General Motors from $68.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Argus set a $78.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of General Motors from $85.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $85.70. Check Out Our Latest Report on GM Insiders Place Their Bets In other General Motors news, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 7,724 shares of General Motors stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.00, for a total transaction of $556,128.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 12,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at $864,504. The trade was a 39.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Trending Headlines about General Motors Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Motors Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 14,252,689 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $868,986,000 after buying an additional 748,831 shares in the last quarter. Viking Global Investors LP boosted its stake in General Motors by 81.1% in the second quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 13,018,874 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $640,659,000 after acquiring an additional 5,830,050 shares in the last quarter. Amundi grew its holdings in shares of General Motors by 43.8% during the third quarter. Amundi now owns 5,988,209 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $348,454,000 after purchasing an additional 1,824,263 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its position in shares of General Motors by 8.0% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 5,699,105 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $280,457,000 after purchasing an additional 424,396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 4,160,159 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $253,645,000 after purchasing an additional 75,339 shares during the last quarter. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About General Motors (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. Further Reading 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. Genesis Minerals (ASX:GMD) used its December-quarter teleconference to outline another period of record production, strong cash generation, and progress on its growth pipeline, while also detailing changes to its leadership structure. Management said the company is tracking toward the upper end of production guidance and the lower end of cost guidance at the halfway mark of FY2026. Get alerts: Leadership realignment and governance Executive Chair Raleigh Finlayson said the companys leadership changesMatt Nixons promotion to Chief Executive Officer and Finlaysons move into an executive chair rolewere timed to align responsibilities with upcoming operational and strategic work. Finlayson noted that Genesis recently completed an underground mining tender and awarded the contract to Byrnecut following a six-month process led by Duncan Coutts. With the tender now complete, Couttsan Executive Director, Operationswill take on operational oversight, allowing Nixon to focus more broadly on running the company day to day and delivering a strategic plan expected to be published in the current half. Finlayson also said the companys previous chair, Tony Keenan, will become Lead Independent Director to maintain corporate governance standards. He characterized the transition as business as usual, with the same strategy and culture, and said he remains heavily invested in the company. Record production, costs, and cash flow CEO Matt Nixon reported that Genesis produced just over 74,000 ounces during the December quarter at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of AUD 2,635 per ounce. The quarter generated AUD 231 million of mine operating cash flow and AUD 167 million of net mine cash flow after investing AUD 64 million into growth assets including Tower Hill, Ulysses Underground, and Jupiter Open Pit. Nixon said safety performance was strong, with zero lost time injuries during the quarter and an improved serious injury frequency rate of 4.2. For the first half, Genesis produced just over 147,000 ounces at an AISC of AUD 2,578 per ounce, which management said positions the company well to meet maintained FY2026 guidance of 260,000 to 290,000 ounces at an AISC of AUD 2,500 to AUD 2,700 per ounce. Executive Chair Finlayson said the quarters production was accompanied by tight cost control despite industry cost pressures. He also highlighted an underlying cash build of more than AUD 200 million and said the company ended the quarter with more than AUD 400 million in cash and equivalents and no bank debt. Tower Hill milestones and higher FY2026 growth capital Management emphasized progress at the Tower Hill project during the December quarter, with Nixon saying several development milestones were achieved that enabled operational readiness activities to progress ahead of schedule and allowed site establishment works to commence in the current March quarter. Milestones cited by Nixon included: Approval of the Stage One mine development and closure plan and receipt of a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit An agreement with the PTA, ARC Infrastructure, and Aurizon to enable shortening of the Leonora rail line Execution of a mining agreement with the Darlow people A second mining agreement executed late in the quarter with the Ngaanyatjarra People To accelerate Tower Hill, Nixon said capital investment has been brought forward into FY2026, lifting the companys full-year growth capital outlook to AUD 220 million to AUD 240 million from AUD 150 million to AUD 170 million previously. Finlayson said Genesis continues to lay the groundwork for its Aspire 400 accelerated growth strategy, including what he called a milestone December quarter at Tower Hill. In Q&A, Finlayson said there is scope to bring forward Tower Hill timing compared with the companys original plan, but he declined to provide details ahead of the upcoming plan update, reiterating that the full plan would be articulated just around the corner. He also said Genesis is monitoring long-lead mill expansion items and indicated there are a couple of things the company may move on reasonably quickly, with more detail to come in the full plan. Operational performance across Leonora and Laverton In Leonora underground, Nixon said the mines delivered 289,000 tonnes at 4.6 grams per tonne for 42,783 ounces, representing a 24% quarter-on-quarter improvement in tonnes and a 34% increase in ounces. At Gwalia, the company mined just over 32,000 ounces at 5.6 grams per tonne from 178,000 tonnes as stoping continued through the Heart of Gold. At Ulysses, development and ramp-up continued, with Nixon reporting a record 1.6 kilometers of lateral advance and 10,500 ounces mined at 2.9 grams per tonne from 111,000 tonnesup 46% from the September quarter. Responding to a question on Ulysses grades being below reserve grade, Nixon said development ore still comprises a high percentage of feed and that grades are expected to improve as more stoping ore becomes dominant. He added that Ulysses is intended to provide 500,000 to 600,000 tonnes per annum longer term, and said the mine is on track from its current run rate. Genesis also confirmed a contractor transition in Leonora underground, with Nixon noting the company completed a competitive tender process and issued a letter of intent to Byrnecut Australia. Byrnecut is expected to mobilize in early May after the concurrent contract term by Macmahon, which Nixon thanked for its contribution at Gwalia and Ulysses. In response to analyst questions, management said the company is maintaining FY2026 production and cost guidance through the transition and pointed to productivity as a key lever for output and cost performance. Leonora open pits delivered 330,000 tonnes at 1.0 grams per tonne for 11,000 ounces, with work focused on cutbacks at Admiral and pre-stripping for Stage Two at Hub. Nixon said volumes are expected to increase significantly in the second half, particularly in the June quarter, and total material movement at the two open pits exceeded 6 million tonnes hauled. At the Laverton operations, Nixon said Jupiter open pit ramp-up continued, with just shy of 3,000 ounces mined at 0.7 grams per tonne from 133,000 tonnes and total material movement of 3.5 million tonnes. Mill performance was described as excellent. Nixon reported 365,000 tonnes processed at Leonora at 4.0 grams per tonne and 92.8% recovery for just over 43,000 ounces recovered. Laverton processed 759,000 tonnes at 1.5 grams per tonne and 83.8% recovery for just over 31,000 ounces. Nixon said 38% of Laverton feed was third-party ore at 79.2% recovery, while Genesis ore recovery remained consistent at 91.2%. In Q&A, Nixon said different ore types from third-party partners, including refractory elements, did not impact Genesis ore recovery during the quarter. He said one final third-party campaign from Brightstar of roughly 130,000 to 140,000 tonnes is expected in the March quarter, which would close out third-party ore purchase agreement commitments. Sales, balance sheet, and outlook items CFO Morgan Ball said Genesis sold 71,000 ounces in the December quarter at an average realized gold price of AUD 6,057 per ounce, up 20% quarter on quarter, generating AUD 430 million in sales. Cash, bullion, and investments increased by AUD 41 million to AUD 404 million. Ball said the company fully repaid the AUD 100 million in corporate debt drawn seven months earlier to fund the Focus Laverton acquisition, describing it as an example of balance sheet flexibility. On costs, Ball said the company is tracking to the lower half of guidance year to date and highlighted internal cost reduction initiatives under Project TALO (Think and Act Like Owners). He said the company set an ambitious internal cost-out target and is on track to achieve it. Ball also said Genesis finalized its stamp duty position related to the Focus Laverton acquisition and expects to make an AUD 13 million payment in the June quarter. He added that the company expects to utilize remaining tax losses during FY2026 and said it is likely Genesis will begin paying income tax installments in the coming months. For the half year, Ball said the company estimated unaudited net profit after tax (NPAT) of AUD 235 million to AUD 245 million, which he said was up 300% from the corresponding period and above FY2025 full-year NPAT of AUD 221 million. The company expects to release half-year accounts on Feb. 19. Genesis also said it invested AUD 11.9 million in exploration during the quarter, including drilling to test the upper 1,000 meters of Gwalia and starting the Made in Genesis drilling program at Beasley Creek. Management said a geological results update is expected in the coming months. About Genesis Minerals (ASX:GMD) Genesis Minerals Limited engages in the exploration and development of gold deposits in Western Australia. It owns 100% interests in the Leonora Gold project located to the north of Kalgoorlie; 65% interest in the Barimaia Gold project located in the Murchison district of Western Australia; and St Barbaras Leonora assets comprising Gwalia underground mine and Leonora mill, as well as Tower Hill, Zoroastrian, Aphrodite, and Harbour Lights projects. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Perth, Australia. Recommended Stories Hollencrest Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 297.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 9,634 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,211 shares during the quarter. Hollencrest Capital Managements holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $944,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in UBER. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the second quarter valued at $2,348,319,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Uber Technologies by 1,905.3% during the third quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,350,479 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $426,216,000 after purchasing an additional 4,133,532 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,551,519 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $17,685,157,000 after buying an additional 3,025,483 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Uber Technologies by 4,471.9% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,966,828 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $290,660,000 after acquiring an additional 2,901,936 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 105.9% in the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 5,459,829 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $506,618,000 after purchasing an additional 2,807,967 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.24% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies In other news, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total value of $519,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, 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 sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total transaction of $260,937.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 176,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,744,764. This trade represents a 1.74% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 14,875 shares of company stock worth $1,319,130 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 3.70% of the companys stock. Uber Technologies Stock Down 1.8% Shares of UBER opened at $79.77 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $165.75 billion, a PE ratio of 10.25 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The companys fifty day moving average is $84.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $90.38. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $60.63 and a fifty-two week high of $101.99. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $2.44. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 68.17% and a net margin of 33.54%.The business had revenue of $13.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.25 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.20 EPS. The companys revenue was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Arete Research set a $125.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Cantor Fitzgerald cut their target price on Uber Technologies from $108.00 to $99.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Uber Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Exane BNP Paribas raised Uber Technologies to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty have assigned a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on UBER Key Headlines Impacting Uber Technologies Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Uber Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform. Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 10,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $839,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WH. Boston Partners increased its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 9.1% during the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,130,373 shares of the companys stock valued at $254,449,000 after purchasing an additional 261,530 shares during the last quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 2,465,968 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,261,000 after buying an additional 96,507 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,561,979 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,848,000 after buying an additional 137,502 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.1% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,539,476 shares of the companys stock worth $125,021,000 after acquiring an additional 46,966 shares during the period. Finally, Long Pond Capital LP raised its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 545.8% during the second quarter. Long Pond Capital LP now owns 1,505,781 shares of the companys stock worth $122,284,000 after acquiring an additional 1,272,628 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.46% of the companys stock. Get Wyndham Hotels & Resorts alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Truist Financial set a $98.00 target price on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $93.00 to $89.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, December 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $76.00 target price (down from $88.00) on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $93.58. Insider Activity In other Wyndham Hotels & Resorts news, General Counsel Paul F. Cash sold 36,379 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.66, for a total value of $2,606,919.14. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel directly owned 39,123 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,803,554.18. This represents a 48.18% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Scott R. Strickland sold 28,134 shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.11, for a total transaction of $2,000,608.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 40,363 shares in the company, valued at $2,870,212.93. This represents a 41.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 120,606 shares of company stock worth $9,047,218 over the last 90 days. 2.46% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance WH stock opened at $72.75 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $76.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $80.07. The company has a market capitalization of $5.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.72, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.76. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a fifty-two week low of $69.21 and a fifty-two week high of $113.07. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.43. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. Wyndham Hotels & Resortss dividend payout ratio is 37.70%. About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Free Report) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc (NYSE: WH) is a leading global hospitality company specializing in hotel franchising and management. Established in 2018 through the spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group from Wyndham Worldwide, the company focuses on the development, marketing and distribution of hotel brands designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers. Its core business model centers on franchising agreements, enabling third-party hotel owners to operate under the Wyndham portfolio while accessing the companys centralized services and support. The companys brand portfolio spans economy, midscale and upper-midscale segments, featuring well-known names such as Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel Inn & Suites, and La Quinta by Wyndham. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd decreased its holdings in Iamgold Corporation (NYSE:IAG Free Report) (TSE:IMG) by 28.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 175,254 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 70,293 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Iamgold were worth $2,266,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of IAG. Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new position in shares of Iamgold in the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Tableaux LLC purchased a new position in Iamgold in the 2nd quarter worth about $61,000. Olympiad Research LP acquired a new stake in Iamgold during the 2nd quarter worth about $87,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new stake in Iamgold during the second quarter valued at about $90,000. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Iamgold during the second quarter valued at about $90,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 47.08% of the companys stock. Get Iamgold alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently weighed in on IAG. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of Iamgold from $10.40 to $19.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Iamgold from $9.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Stifel Nicolaus raised shares of Iamgold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen raised Iamgold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Iamgold in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Iamgold presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $17.25. Iamgold Trading Up 3.5% Shares of NYSE:IAG opened at $22.08 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $16.76 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Iamgold Corporation has a 12-month low of $5.02 and a 12-month high of $22.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.31 and a beta of 1.38. Iamgold (NYSE:IAG Get Free Report) (TSE:IMG) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The mining company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.09. Iamgold had a return on equity of 10.39% and a net margin of 15.39%.The business had revenue of $714.61 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $759.45 million. On average, equities analysts expect that Iamgold Corporation will post 0.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. Iamgold Profile (Free Report) IAMGOLD Corporation, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toronto, is a mid-tier gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of gold mining assets. The companys primary focus is on the discovery and extraction of gold, with a portfolio that spans both operating mines and advanced development projects. IAMGOLD combines in-house technical expertise with strategic partnerships to advance projects from exploration through to production. The companys principal producing assets include the Essakane gold mine in Burkina Faso, which began commercial production in 2010, and the Westwood underground gold mine in Quebecs Abitibi region. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Iamgold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iamgold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF (NYSEARCA:PBE Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,565 shares, a drop of 90.6% from the December 31st total of 27,309 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,364 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 6,364 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF by 74.5% during the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 574 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new stake in Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $54,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF by 63.2% in the third quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 883 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 342 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL grew its stake in shares of Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF by 150.0% during the 3rd quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF in the third quarter valued at about $82,000. Get Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF alerts: Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:PBE traded down $0.89 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $82.36. The company had a trading volume of 26,211 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,278. The firm has a market cap of $264.38 million, a PE ratio of 20.44 and a beta of 0.79. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $82.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $74.43. Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF has a 1-year low of $54.52 and a 1-year high of $85.73. Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF Company Profile PowerShares Dynamic Biotechnology & Genome Portfolio (the Fund) is based on the Dynamic Biotechnology & Genome Intellidex Index (the Index). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the Index. The Index consists of stocks of 30 the United States biotechnology and genome companies. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that consists of the Index. The Index is designed to provide capital appreciation by evaluating companies based on a variety of investment merit criteria, including fundamental growth, stock valuation, investment timeliness and risk factors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JSF Financial LLC lifted its position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 698.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 236,846 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 207,186 shares during the period. iShares Gold Trust makes up approximately 3.8% of JSF Financial LLCs holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. JSF Financial LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $17,235,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IAU. Ehrlich Financial Group lifted its holdings in iShares Gold Trust by 15.3% during the 3rd quarter. Ehrlich Financial Group now owns 44,884 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,266,000 after purchasing an additional 5,943 shares during the last quarter. Bay Harbor Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 63.6% in the third quarter. Bay Harbor Wealth Management LLC now owns 55,530 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,041,000 after purchasing an additional 21,596 shares during the last quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 79.9% in the second quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC now owns 51,910 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,237,000 after purchasing an additional 23,054 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp bought a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the third quarter valued at about $1,863,000. Finally, Strategic Blueprint LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 30.2% during the 3rd quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 136,931 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,964,000 after buying an additional 31,746 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.67% of the companys stock. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: Positive Sentiment: Record-price momentum and broad bullish forecasts are boosting investor demand for gold and gold ETFs; multiple outlets report fresh all-time highs and banks raising year-end targets, which tends to lift IAU. Read More. Record-price momentum and broad bullish forecasts are boosting investor demand for gold and gold ETFs; multiple outlets report fresh all-time highs and banks raising year-end targets, which tends to lift IAU. Read More. Positive Sentiment: ETF flows and retail interest are rising as investors rotate into safe havens amid dollar weakness and Fed-rate-easing expectations a direct positive for IAUs assets under management. Read More. ETF flows and retail interest are rising as investors rotate into safe havens amid dollar weakness and Fed-rate-easing expectations a direct positive for IAUs assets under management. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Large institutional / corporate allocations are increasing gold demand: Tethers CEO said the firm may allocate up to 1015% of its portfolio to physical gold, adding to structural buying. Read More. Large institutional / corporate allocations are increasing gold demand: Tethers CEO said the firm may allocate up to 1015% of its portfolio to physical gold, adding to structural buying. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Geopolitical risk (renewed Iran tensions) and safe-haven flows are cited as drivers; these are event-driven support but can ebb if tensions cool. Read More. Geopolitical risk (renewed Iran tensions) and safe-haven flows are cited as drivers; these are event-driven support but can ebb if tensions cool. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: World Gold Council expects sustained demand amid lower rates, bond-market uncertainty and geopolitical risk a medium-term structural bull case for gold (positive for IAU, but not a guaranteed short-term accelerator). Read More. World Gold Council expects sustained demand amid lower rates, bond-market uncertainty and geopolitical risk a medium-term structural bull case for gold (positive for IAU, but not a guaranteed short-term accelerator). Read More. Negative Sentiment: Technical warnings and blow-off/bubble analogies are emerging some analysts flag 1980-style parabolic RSI/momentum and elevated pullback risk, which could trigger profit-taking and short-term volatility for IAU. Read More. Technical warnings and blow-off/bubble analogies are emerging some analysts flag 1980-style parabolic RSI/momentum and elevated pullback risk, which could trigger profit-taking and short-term volatility for IAU. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Fed messaging adds uncertainty: Chair Powell publicly downplayed the rally (and stressed Fed credibility), which can temper golds momentum if markets take a firmer hawkish line. Read More. iShares Gold Trust Stock Performance About iShares Gold Trust Shares of IAU stock opened at $101.25 on Thursday. iShares Gold Trust has a 52 week low of $51.81 and a 52 week high of $101.52. The company has a market capitalization of $85.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $83.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $74.61. (Free Report) iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI World ETF (NYSEARCA:URTH Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $190.18 and last traded at $190.0650, with a volume of 62145 shares. The stock had previously closed at $188.86. iShares MSCI World ETF Price Performance The firms fifty day simple moving average is $186.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $181.27. The company has a market capitalization of $7.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.04 and a beta of 0.97. Get iShares MSCI World ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI World ETF Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF by 1,400.0% during the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 150 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 140 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI World ETF by 107.9% during the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 262 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares during the period. MAI Capital Management purchased a new position in iShares MSCI World ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $50,000. Comerica Bank grew its stake in iShares MSCI World ETF by 51.1% during the 3rd quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 281 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Close Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $54,000. About iShares MSCI World ETF The iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World index, a market-cap-weighted index of stocks that cover 85% of the developed worlds market capitalization. URTH was launched on Jan 10, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI World ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI World ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE Get Free Report) and Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends and risk. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for NexGen Energy and Ivanhoe Mines, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get NexGen Energy alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NexGen Energy 1 1 4 1 2.71 Ivanhoe Mines 0 1 5 3 3.22 Ivanhoe Mines has a consensus price target of $15.20, suggesting a potential upside of 11.76%. Given Ivanhoe Mines stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Ivanhoe Mines is more favorable than NexGen Energy. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NexGen Energy N/A N/A -$56.60 million ($0.41) -31.96 Ivanhoe Mines $40.82 million 474.63 $228.13 million $0.22 61.82 This table compares NexGen Energy and Ivanhoe Miness top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Ivanhoe Mines has higher revenue and earnings than NexGen Energy. NexGen Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ivanhoe Mines, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional & Insider Ownership 42.4% of NexGen Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.6% of NexGen Energy shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares NexGen Energy and Ivanhoe Mines net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NexGen Energy N/A -21.35% -14.24% Ivanhoe Mines 89.02% 5.99% 4.62% Summary Ivanhoe Mines beats NexGen Energy on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About NexGen Energy (Get Free Report) NexGen Energy Ltd., an exploration and development stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation and development of uranium properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Rook I project that consists of 32 contiguous mineral claims totaling an area of 35,065 hectares located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About Ivanhoe Mines (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the mining, development, and exploration of minerals and precious metals primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt. It also holds a 100% interest in the Western Foreland exploration project covering an area of approximately 2,407 square kilometers located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company was formerly known as Ivanplats Limited and changed its name to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. in August 2013. The company was incorporated in 1993 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for NexGen Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexGen Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:JHEM Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 264,561 shares, a growth of 514.3% from the December 31st total of 43,069 shares. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 147,381 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Based on an average trading volume of 147,381 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance Shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF stock traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $35.84. 89,379 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 109,971. The stock has a market cap of $706.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.85 and a beta of 0.65. The firms fifty day moving average price is $33.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $31.89. John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF has a 12 month low of $23.47 and a 12 month high of $35.89. Get John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of JHEM. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 5.8% in the 4th quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 632,251 shares of the companys stock worth $20,801,000 after purchasing an additional 34,627 shares in the last quarter. Brueske Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 8.0% in the third quarter. Brueske Advisory Services LLC now owns 532,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,868,000 after buying an additional 39,298 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 435.3% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 302,931 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,076,000 after buying an additional 246,336 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 18.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 221,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,459,000 after buying an additional 34,629 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Simplicity Wealth LLC boosted its position in John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 262.4% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 119,166 shares of the companys stock worth $3,478,000 after buying an additional 86,284 shares during the period. About John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF The John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a multi-factor weighted index of large- and mid-cap stocks from emerging markets. JHEM was launched on Sep 27, 2018 and is managed by John Hancock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is very active in mediating conflicts across the world, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday. At a press conference outlining his priorities for 2026, Guterres said in some cases, some warring parties do not want the United Nations to mediate in their conflicts, and the world body is very active in "several scenarios," such as in Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). "No," the UN chief replied when asked by Xinhua whether he was concerned about the future role of the United Nations in maintaining world peace and security. "There are areas where we are not mediators, because at least one of the parties (to a conflict) does not want us to mediate," the UN chief said. "Israel never accepted the UN to be mediator, probably because we would mediate based on our values, the values of the (UN) Charter ... those that violate the Charter probably are not interested in the mediation by an entity that is, in itself, the entity that represents the Charter," he said. Guterres said the United Nations has been "extremely active" in trying to avoid the worst scenario in the situation of South Sudan, in the DRC and Myanmar, and "very active" in negotiations related to Western Sahara. "And I could go on and on and on with the number of situations in which we are extremely active with efforts of mediation, efforts of conciliation of positions, peace processes," he said. "There is only one thing we do not have, (which) is the instruments of power to force parties to come to the negotiation," said the secretary-general. Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $177.00 to $187.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the restaurant operators stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective would indicate a potential upside of 15.67% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Brinker International in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Brinker International from $140.00 to $166.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on Brinker International from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Brinker International from $176.00 to $187.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised Brinker International from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $160.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $188.72. Get Brinker International alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Brinker International Brinker International Trading Up 3.2% Shares of Brinker International stock traded up $5.03 on Thursday, hitting $161.67. The stock had a trading volume of 662,791 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,172,788. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.35. Brinker International has a twelve month low of $100.30 and a twelve month high of $192.21. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $150.66 and a 200 day moving average of $144.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.75, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.34. Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The restaurant operator reported $2.87 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.53 by $0.34. The company had revenue of $1.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 164.66%. Brinker Internationals revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.80 earnings per share. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.045-10.850 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Brinker International will post 8.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brinker International Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Brinker International by 1,118.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,158 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $173,000 after purchasing an additional 1,063 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Brinker International by 266.7% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 693 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $125,000 after buying an additional 504 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its holdings in Brinker International by 253.6% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 1,312 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $237,000 after buying an additional 941 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its position in Brinker International by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 25,817 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $4,656,000 after buying an additional 2,011 shares during the last quarter. Finally, USA Financial Formulas bought a new position in Brinker International during the 2nd quarter valued at $89,000. Key Headlines Impacting Brinker International Here are the key news stories impacting Brinker International this week: Brinker International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brinker International, Inc (NYSE: EAT) is a leading global operator of casual dining restaurants. The companys portfolio is anchored by its flagship Chilis Grill & Bar concept and Maggianos Little Italy fullservice restaurants, offering a range of Americanstyle menu items, handcrafted cocktails and familyfriendly dining experiences. Through dinein, takeout, delivery and catering services, Brinker seeks to meet consumer preferences across multiple channels. The Chilis brand features signature items such as baby back ribs, burgers and fajitas alongside a rotating selection of limitedtime offerings and seasonal beverages. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brinker International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brinker International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) received a C$337.00 target price from investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note issued on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would indicate a potential upside of 16.73% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered Agnico Eagle Mines from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$195.00 to C$300.00 in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from C$285.00 to C$300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$260.50. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Agnico Eagle Mines Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Down 4.5% Shares of AEM stock traded down C$13.71 on Thursday, reaching C$288.70. 808,818 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,069,721. The company has a 50-day moving average of C$250.72 and a 200-day moving average of C$223.29. Agnico Eagle Mines has a one year low of C$131.56 and a one year high of C$305.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.88, a current ratio of 1.75 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The company has a market cap of C$144.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.21, a PEG ratio of 22.97 and a beta of 1.42. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$3.01 EPS for the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 5.05% and a net margin of 12.86%.The firm had revenue of C$4.26 billion during the quarter. Analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 5.4966052 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Agnico Eagle Mines In other news, insider James Porter sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$247.42, for a total value of C$742,260.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 7,734 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$1,913,546.28. This represents a 27.95% decrease in their position. Also, insider Ammar Al-Joundi sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$243.40, for a total transaction of C$4,868,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 54,917 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$13,366,797.80. This trade represents a 26.70% decrease in their position. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines is a gold miner operating mines in Canada, Mexico, and Finland. It also owns 50% of the Canadian Malartic mine. Agnico operated just one mine, LaRonde, as recently as 2008 before bringing its other mines on line in rapid succession in the following years. The company produced more than 1.7 million gold ounces in 2020. Agnico Eagle is focused on increasing gold production in lower-risk jurisdictions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda acquired a new position in Grupo Supervielle S.A. (NYSE:SUPV Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 220,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,092,000. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda owned approximately 0.25% of Grupo Supervielle at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sparta 24 Ltd. lifted its position in Grupo Supervielle by 39,572.6% in the 3rd quarter. Sparta 24 Ltd. now owns 1,002,526 shares of the companys stock worth $4,963,000 after buying an additional 999,999 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new stake in Grupo Supervielle during the second quarter valued at about $2,568,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in shares of Grupo Supervielle by 196.6% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 365,776 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,874,000 after buying an additional 242,440 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Grupo Supervielle in the second quarter worth about $2,562,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Grupo Supervielle by 46.3% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 752,124 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,823,000 after acquiring an additional 238,064 shares during the last quarter. Get Grupo Supervielle alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Grupo Supervielle from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Grupo Supervielle from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating on shares of Grupo Supervielle in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. UBS Group began coverage on Grupo Supervielle in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $13.00 price target on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Grupo Supervielle from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $5.00 to $12.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Grupo Supervielle has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.33. Grupo Supervielle Trading Up 0.6% NYSE SUPV opened at $12.27 on Thursday. Grupo Supervielle S.A. has a 12 month low of $4.54 and a 12 month high of $17.41. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $11.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.50. The stock has a market cap of $1.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 102.28, a P/E/G ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 1.76. Grupo Supervielle (NYSE:SUPV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported ($0.43) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.03 by ($0.46). The firm had revenue of $178.38 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $252.85 billion. Grupo Supervielle had a net margin of 0.69% and a return on equity of 1.15%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Grupo Supervielle S.A. will post 1.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Grupo Supervielle Company Profile (Free Report) Grupo Supervielle (NYSE: SUPV) is a diversified Argentine financial services holding company headquartered in Buenos Aires. Through its principal subsidiary, Banco Supervielle, the group offers retail and commercial banking products including checking and savings accounts, consumer and corporate loans, credit and debit cards, treasury services and foreign exchange solutions. These services cater to individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises and larger corporates throughout Argentinas provincial and urban centers. Beyond traditional banking, Grupo Supervielle operates in insurance and asset management. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SUPV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Grupo Supervielle S.A. (NYSE:SUPV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Supervielle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Supervielle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBC Group SA (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 348 shares, a drop of 59.3% from the December 31st total of 856 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 41,137 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 41,137 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on KBCSY shares. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of KBC Group in a report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of KBC Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Barclays cut KBC Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of KBC Group in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of KBC Group in a research note on Monday, November 17th. One research analyst has 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 MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold. Get KBC Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on KBCSY KBC Group Stock Up 0.1% Shares of OTCMKTS KBCSY traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $70.74. 9,971 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,972. The company has a market cap of $59.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.54. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $65.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $60.60. KBC Group has a one year low of $37.25 and a one year high of $71.78. KBC Group (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $3.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.54 billion. KBC Group had a return on equity of 13.96% and a net margin of 15.91%. Equities analysts predict that KBC Group will post 4.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. KBC Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) KBC Group is a Belgian bank-insurance group headquartered in Brussels that combines retail and commercial banking with life and non-life insurance, asset management, leasing and related financial services. The company operates an integrated bank-insurance model designed to serve both individual consumers and corporate clients, offering deposit accounts, lending and mortgage products, payment and treasury services, pension and protection insurance, investment solutions and wealth management. The groups banking activities include retail and private banking, corporate and commercial banking, and specialized finance such as leasing and factoring. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for KBC Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBC Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH increased its stake in Kohls Corporation (NYSE:KSS Free Report) by 98.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 223,664 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 110,834 shares during the period. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH owned approximately 0.20% of Kohls worth $3,438,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Kohls during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Caldwell Trust Co acquired a new stake in Kohls in the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC boosted its position in shares of Kohls by 400.0% during the 3rd quarter. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC now owns 2,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in shares of Kohls by 73.1% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 6,591 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 2,784 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Kohls in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $85,000. Institutional investors own 98.04% of the companys stock. Get Kohl's alerts: Kohls Stock Performance Shares of KSS opened at $17.22 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.93 billion, a PE ratio of 10.01 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a current ratio of 1.30. The companys 50 day moving average price is $20.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $16.97. Kohls Corporation has a 52 week low of $6.04 and a 52 week high of $25.22. Kohls Announces Dividend Kohls ( NYSE:KSS Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.29. Kohls had a net margin of 1.23% and a return on equity of 4.30%. The company had revenue of $3.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.37 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.20 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Kohls has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.250-1.450 EPS. Research analysts expect that Kohls Corporation will post 1.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th were issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 10th. Kohlss payout ratio is currently 29.07%. Analysts Set New Price Targets KSS has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Kohls in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Kohls from $11.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Kohls from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 18th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Kohls from $13.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $23.00 price target (up previously from $16.00) on shares of Kohls in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and six have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $15.55. Get Our Latest Report on Kohls Insider Activity at Kohls In related news, CFO Jill Timm sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.00, for a total value of $240,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 325,561 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,813,464. The trade was a 2.98% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. About Kohls (Free Report) Kohls Corporation, founded in 1962 by Maxwell Kohl and headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a leading American department store retailer. The company operates approximately 1,100 stores across 49 states, offering a combination of value-oriented pricing, private-label brands and national labels. Since its initial public offering in 1992, Kohls has focused on broadening its product assortment and enhancing the in-store and online shopping experience. The retailers merchandise portfolio spans apparel, footwear, accessories, and beauty products for women, men and children, as well as home goods, kitchenware and seasonal decor. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Kohl's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kohl's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) used its December quarter results call to outline what Managing Director and CEO Tony Ottaviano described as an inflection point for the business, marked by the completion of open-pit mining at Kathleen Valley and a shift to scaling underground production. The company said the open pit finished on schedule and that Kathleen Valley is now Australias first and only underground lithium mine, with focus now on ramping underground ore supply and improving recoveries as the mill feed transitions. Get alerts: Underground ramp-up and plant transition Ottaviano said underground ore increased 37% quarter-over-quarter, while the company added equipment and opened new mining fronts. Chief Operating Officer Ryan Hair said the underground operation delivered just under a 1.25 million tonne per annum run rate in the quarter, after reaching a 1.0 million tonne per annum run rate in September, and remains positioned to hit a 1.5 million tonne per annum run rate by March. Hair reported underground development of just over 2,100 meters in the quarter, opening additional work fronts across multiple mine levels. Management also said ore body reconciliation to resource and grade models has been good, with stope performance and dilution in line with expectations. The company mobilized additional haulage capacity and expanded support infrastructure during the period. On processing, management said the plant operated with high availability and improved recovery to 63% from 59% in the prior quarter. Hair attributed the increase to feed sequencing decisions during the open pit-to-underground transition and ongoing circuit optimization. The feed mix moved to 45% underground in Q2 from 35% in Q1. Hair said open pit ore is expected to remain roughly 50% of feed in Q3 before transitioning predominantly to underground ore during Q4, supporting a recovery target of 70% by the end of Q3. Production, sales, pricing, and revenue Ottaviano said spodumene concentrate production totaled 105,000 tonnes, up 21% quarter-over-quarter, with sales of 112,000 tonnes, up 45%, as the company cleared inventory and increased its shipping run rate. The company reported a realized price of AUD 1,365 per tonne (stated as about $900 per tonne on an SC6 equivalent basis), up 28% from the prior quarter. Revenue was AUD 130 million, up 91% and described by management as the strongest quarter since operations began. Ottaviano noted the companys standard quotation period (QP) methodology embeds price upside that is expected to be realized in the third quarter. New CFO Greg Jason, in his first quarterly presentation, said the increase in revenue was driven roughly half by higher shipped volumes and half by higher realized price, with FX providing only a negligible positive impact. Jason reiterated that Liontowns offtake agreements reference a portfolio of spodumene, hydroxide, and carbonate indices with both backward- and forward-looking quotation periods. He said the lagging QPs can delay realized price increases, while forward-looking QPs can be favorable when prices rise, and that uplifts between provisional and final pricing were already starting to appear in Q3. Costs, cash flow, and balance sheet updates Management said unit operating costs improved 17% and all-in sustaining costs improved 22% during the quarter. Jason reported unit operating costs of 910 AUD per tonne sold, within FY2026 guidance of 8551,045 AUD per tonne. He said the decline was driven by: A very low strip ratio in the final open pit quarter, lowering open pit ore unit costs; Improved recovery as underground mining increased; Less OSP ore processed; and Economies of scale as the operation ramps up. On cash flow, Jason highlighted effectively break-even operating cash flow for the quarter while underground mining ramped and the plant feed transitioned. Cash receipts were AUD 128 million, broadly aligned with reported revenue. Cash costs rose to AUD 122 million, which he attributed to the ramp-up in underground mining activity, higher ocean freight, selling costs, and royalties associated with higher sales volumes and pricing. Growth capital was AUD 22 million, predominantly for underground development, consistent with the prior quarter. Sustaining capital fell materially, which Jason linked to open pit activities ending and fewer projects in the period. He also noted that underground capital development is being treated as growth capital until commercial production is declared, at which point it would be classified as sustaining capital and incorporated into all-in sustaining cost calculations. The company ended the quarter with AUD 390 million in cash and 48,000 tonnes of saleable concentrate. Ottaviano said the cash position provides runway and future optionality. Jason also discussed a balance sheet change tied to LGES convertible notes. He said LGES issued notice to convert 100% of its notes into equity, which management expects will reduce gross debt on a pro forma basis from about AUD 760 million to about AUD 360 million. Jason said net debt would reduce from about AUD 370 million to net cash of about AUD 30 million on a pro forma basis. He added that accounting standards require fair valuing the option component at December 25 and that the company expects a non-cash fair value charge of approximately AUD 105 million in the first-half P&L, driven primarily by Liontowns share price increase over the half year. In response to a written question, Jason said capitalized interest also converts into equity rather than being repaid in cash. Market commentary and growth planning Chief Commercial Officer Grant Donald said calendar year 2025 saw global EV sales reach over 20.7 million units, up 20% year-over-year, while battery energy storage systems (BESS) grew 51%. Donald said global lithium-ion battery demand rose to almost 1.6 TWh, nearly 30% higher than the prior year. He also said the market began to show signs of a supply-demand deficit in the last quarter, contributing to price movement that continued into January, with expectations of continued deficits in 2026 likely to support prices. On commercial strategy, Donald said Liontown deliberately retains 10% to 20% of its sales book for spot exposure and intends to continue running auctions through 2026 to support price transparency. He said the company does not expect to issue standalone ASX releases for every auction, but each transaction would be reported to price reporting agencies to feed into market assessments. Ottaviano said the company has started a study refresh of the 4 million tonne expansion case from its original definitive feasibility study, emphasizing it is not committing capital until study outcomes, sustained market improvement, and board approval align. He indicated the study work has just begun and said the company would not expect to announce specifics until the end of the financial year and into the new financial year. In Q&A, Ottaviano and Hair said the approach is expected to be more incremental debottlenecking than a big bang expansion, with the potential to access ore via the bottom of the completed pit providing additional optionality. Hair noted the open pit is about 150 meters deep, which can reduce distance to ore and improve access options. Ottaviano said, if an expansion were approved, underground development would likely be the rate-determining step, estimating an 18- to 20-month program from final investment decision to reach full expanded throughput, with smaller increments along the way. He also said the board would need confidence that pricing improvements are sustainedsuggesting it could require six to eight months of consistent improvement rather than a short-term move. Safety, ESG, and other items Hair said the companys Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate increased due to a higher number of manual handling injuries across contractor work groups, and Liontown has implemented targeted actions to strengthen field leadership and contractor oversight. He also said the hybrid power station delivered 85% renewable penetration during the quarter, and the company supported the completion of its first apprenticeship by a Tjiwarl community member at site. In response to a written question, Donald said Liontown has been selling tantalum byproduct on spot and making money from that, while keeping focus on maximizing lithium recovery during the ramp-up. Ottaviano also reiterated that while the companys primary growth focus is organic development of Kathleen Valley, it will continue to review inorganic opportunities. He added that Liontown wants to build understanding and capability in both hard rock and brines, describing the strategic focus as dual in terms of skill sets. About Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) Liontown Resources Limited engages in the exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties in Australia. The company explores for lithium, gold, vanadium, copper, and nickel deposits, as well as platinum group elements. Its flagship property is the Kathleen Valley lithium project located in Perth, Western Australia. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia. Recommended Stories Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The aerospace company reported $5.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by ($0.53), FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $20.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.84 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 111.84%. Lockheed Martins revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $7.67 earnings per share. Here are the key takeaways from Lockheed Martins conference call: Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed closed 2025 with a record backlog of $194 billion (about 2.5x annual sales), delivered 6% sales growth and generated $6.9 billion of free cash flow after pre-funding the pensionsignaling strong demand and cash conversion. Lockheed closed 2025 with a record backlog of (about 2.5x annual sales), delivered sales growth and generated of free cash flow after pre-funding the pensionsignaling strong demand and cash conversion. Management announced major production ramps and multiyear framework deals (PAC3 MSE and THAAD) that are expected to expand PAC3 annual capacity from ~600 to 2,000 missiles and underpin multiyear scale across munitions and interceptors. Management announced major production ramps and multiyear framework deals (PAC3 MSE and THAAD) that are expected to expand PAC3 annual capacity from ~600 to missiles and underpin multiyear scale across munitions and interceptors. For 2026 Lockheed guided to ~ 5% sales growth (midpoint), segment operating profit growth of > 25% , free cash flow of $6.56.8 billion , and sharply higher internal investment with CapEx + IRAD approaching $5 billion . For 2026 Lockheed guided to ~ sales growth (midpoint), segment operating profit growth of > , free cash flow of , and sharply higher internal investment with CapEx + IRAD approaching . Certain programs weighed on margins and EPS: Aeronautics operating profit fell (classified program reachforward losses), RMS operating profit declined ~31% (CMHP/TUHP losses), and 2025 EPS was down 4% due to higher interest, tax and belowtheline itemshighlighting nearterm margin and program execution risks. Lockheed Martin Stock Up 5.2% LMT stock traded up $31.27 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $628.54. 1,658,013 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,140,909. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $503.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $478.69. Lockheed Martin has a twelve month low of $410.11 and a twelve month high of $645.67. The company has a market capitalization of $145.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.24. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on LMT. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Lockheed Martin from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 13th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $592.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $543.00 price objective (down from $630.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $543.82. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin Key Headlines Impacting Lockheed Martin Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LMT. Mendel Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 1.0% in the second quarter. Mendel Capital Management LLC now owns 2,566 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,188,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. Talisman Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Talisman Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 613 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $284,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the period. FSB Premier Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 6.2% during the 2nd quarter. FSB Premier Wealth Management Inc. now owns 511 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $237,000 after buying an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Florida Financial Advisors LLC now owns 953 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $441,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invenio Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 6.8% in the third quarter. Invenio Wealth Partners LLC now owns 506 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $253,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.19% of the companys stock. About Lockheed Martin (Get Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops and manufactures advanced technology systems for government and commercial customers. Formed through the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and focuses on providing integrated solutions across air, space, land and sea domains. Its primary customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and allied governments around the world. Lockheed Martins product and service portfolio spans military aircraft, missile and fire-control systems, missile defense, space systems and satellite technologies, sensors and precision weapons. Recommended Stories 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. Los Andes Copper Ltd. (CVE:LA Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$17.60 and last traded at C$17.60, with a volume of 45343 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$17.10. Los Andes Copper Stock Up 3.8% The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$10.82 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$8.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.87, a current ratio of 34.50 and a quick ratio of 1.15. The stock has a market cap of C$524.46 million, a PE ratio of 147.92 and a beta of 0.02. About Los Andes Copper (Get Free Report) Los Andes Copper Ltd. acquires, explores, and develops copper deposits in Latin America. It operates through Mineral Exploration and Hydroelectric Project segments. The company holds a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas copper, molybdenum, and silver porphyry project located north of Santiago, Region V, Chile. It is also involved in the development of a hydroelectric project. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Los Andes Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Los Andes Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LRI Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 102.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 17,536 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,876 shares during the quarter. LRI Investments LLCs holdings in Citigroup were worth $1,780,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in C. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Citigroup by 0.7% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 165,851,890 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,117,313,000 after acquiring an additional 1,148,451 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Citigroup by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 42,957,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,645,084,000 after purchasing an additional 411,894 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in Citigroup by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 32,290,532 shares of the companys stock worth $2,748,571,000 after purchasing an additional 679,967 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 32,161,457 shares of the companys stock worth $2,737,583,000 after purchasing an additional 988,152 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Citigroup during the second quarter valued at about $2,455,929,000. 71.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Citigroup from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $121.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $132.00 price target on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Zacks Research raised Citigroup from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Citigroup currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $125.56. Citigroup Price Performance Shares of C stock opened at $114.25 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $204.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.39, a PEG ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.18. The firms 50 day moving average is $112.98 and its 200-day moving average is $102.72. Citigroup Inc. has a 1 year low of $55.51 and a 1 year high of $124.17. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. Citigroup had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 8.50%.The company had revenue of $19.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.34 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. Citigroup Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Citigroups payout ratio is currently 34.43%. Key Stories Impacting Citigroup Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Positive Sentiment: Planned layoffs and cost reductions: Citigroup is moving forward with more layoffs in March as part of a broader 20,000job reduction through 2026 under CEO Jane Frasers restructuring. Investors view the cuts as a path to lower expenses and support for the banks dividend and margins. More Layoffs Are Coming at Citigroup in March Planned layoffs and cost reductions: Citigroup is moving forward with more layoffs in March as part of a broader 20,000job reduction through 2026 under CEO Jane Frasers restructuring. Investors view the cuts as a path to lower expenses and support for the banks dividend and margins. Positive Sentiment: Drop in short interest reduces nearterm downside pressure: Short interest in C fell about 12.7% in January, lowering the risk of shortsqueeze volatility and removing a source of selling pressure. (internal report) Drop in short interest reduces nearterm downside pressure: Short interest in C fell about 12.7% in January, lowering the risk of shortsqueeze volatility and removing a source of selling pressure. (internal report) Positive Sentiment: AI upskilling program aims to improve productivity: CEO Jane Fraser said Citigroup is training roughly 175,000 employees to adapt to AI-driven role changes a signal investors interpret as management investment in efficiency and digital transformation. Citigroup CEO AI training story AI upskilling program aims to improve productivity: CEO Jane Fraser said Citigroup is training roughly 175,000 employees to adapt to AI-driven role changes a signal investors interpret as management investment in efficiency and digital transformation. Neutral Sentiment: Participation notifications / filings: Citigroup released participation notifications (regulatory/ownership filings) in Brussels routine disclosures that add transparency but are not an immediate earnings driver. Participation notifications by Citigroup Inc. Participation notifications / filings: Citigroup released participation notifications (regulatory/ownership filings) in Brussels routine disclosures that add transparency but are not an immediate earnings driver. Neutral Sentiment: Fed holds rates steady: The Feds decision to pause rate moves keeps the macro backdrop stable for banks; it limits headline uncertainty but keeps NIM (net interest margin) expectations unchanged for now. Fed holds rates steady Fed holds rates steady: The Feds decision to pause rate moves keeps the macro backdrop stable for banks; it limits headline uncertainty but keeps NIM (net interest margin) expectations unchanged for now. Negative Sentiment: Legal and reputational risks: A former Citigroup managing director pleaded guilty in a serious criminal case, which is a reputational negative for the firm and could invite regulatory or cultural scrutiny. Ex-Citi managing director pleads guilty Legal and reputational risks: A former Citigroup managing director pleaded guilty in a serious criminal case, which is a reputational negative for the firm and could invite regulatory or cultural scrutiny. Negative Sentiment: Harassment lawsuit dispute remains an overhang: Citigroup has rejected harassment claims against a top executive and is pushing to move the matter to arbitration the companys defense may limit immediate financial impact, but unresolved legal exposure and governance questions could weigh on sentiment. Citigroup rejects harassment claims Citigroup Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.82 earnings per share. Here are the key takeaways from Mastercards conference call: Get Mastercard alerts: Q4 net revenues +15% , value-added services +22%, EPS +20%; repurchased $3.6B in Q4 and $715M through Jan 26, and guided FY2026 net revenue growth at the high end of low-double-digits. , value-added services +22%, EPS +20%; repurchased $3.6B in Q4 and $715M through Jan 26, and guided FY2026 net revenue growth at the high end of low-double-digits. Won major deals globallyrenewed/expanded relationships with Capital One, a ~10M-card migration with Yap Kredi, Scotiabank in Mexico/Chile/Uruguay, exclusive South Africa wins, Apple Card network continuation, 60+ affluent programs, and strong Mastercard Move growth (>35% YoY). growth (>35% YoY). Secured multi-year government grants in December that improved operating expense growth by ~5.5 percentage points and boosted other income by about $135 million in the quarter, supporting near-term margins. in the quarter, supporting near-term margins. Following a strategic review, the company will record a one-time Q1 restructuring charge of approximately $200 million and reduce roughly 4% of full-time employees, with the charge excluded from non-GAAP metrics. and reduce roughly 4% of full-time employees, with the charge excluded from non-GAAP metrics. Investing in emerging payment flowsexpanding stablecoin settlement, AgentPay/Agent Suite for agentic commerce, and tokenization (~40% of transactions) with partners like Ripple and MetaMask; promising long-term opportunities but early-stage and timing/impact remain uncertain. Mastercard Trading Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE:MA traded down $5.53 on Friday, reaching $538.20. 773,267 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,158,803. Mastercard has a 52 week low of $465.59 and a 52 week high of $601.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $554.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $564.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $483.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 0.86. Mastercard Increases Dividend Key Headlines Impacting Mastercard The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a $0.87 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 22.25%. Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mastercard Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in shares of Mastercard by 42.3% during the fourth quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,824 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,594,000 after buying an additional 2,028 shares in the last quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. raised its position in Mastercard by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. now owns 2,548 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,432,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. SIH Partners LLLP purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the third quarter worth approximately $871,000. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 23.6% in the 3rd quarter. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. now owns 1,205 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $691,000 after buying an additional 230 shares during the period. Finally, Abel Hall LLC grew its stake in shares of Mastercard by 22.6% during the 3rd quarter. Abel Hall LLC now owns 1,097 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $624,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $678.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and set a $739.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Thursday. Macquarie boosted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $655.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Compass Point raised Mastercard from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $620.00 to $735.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Five investment 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $663.11. View Our Latest Analysis on MA Mastercard Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. Featured Articles 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. Nazrin Abdul Azerbaijan will introduce a package of tax incentives in connection with hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026. As reported by Azernews, the issue is reflected in a draft law on amendments to the Tax Code, which was discussed at todays meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship. It was noted that Azerbaijans successful performance in the field of urban development has been internationally recognized, leading to the decision to hold the 13th session of the World Urban Forumone of the worlds largest global urbanization eventsin Baku in 2026. To this end, on December 22, 2023, the Host Country Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations on Hosting the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026 was signed and subsequently ratified by law. In order to ensure the high-level organization of WUF13, it has been deemed appropriate to grant a number of tax exemptions to non-resident individuals and legal entities involved in the event. The proposed tax exemptions include: Income tax exemption for non-resident individuals engaged in the supply of goods, performance of works, and provision of services within the framework of WUF13, on income earned from such activities; Profit tax exemption on royalty income paid under contract to non-resident legal entities for the use of, or the right to use, copyrights and other intangible assets; Profit tax exemption on income earned by non-resident legal entities from the performance of works and provision of services; Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on works and services performed by non-resident entities under contract, as well as on the import of goods based on relevant supporting documentation. All tax incentives and exemptions will be applied on the basis of appropriate supporting documents and will be valid for a one-year period, from September 1, 2025, for the duration of one year. BLANTYRE, Malawi, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities have expressed concern over the growing prevalence of cholera in Malawi, with at least three deaths and more than 50 confirmed cases recorded since October 2025. Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi voiced concern on Wednesday during a sensitization meeting with the authorities of the commercial city of Blantyre, which is leading in the number of cases. According to the minister, Blantyre has the highest prevalence of the cholera outbreak, with two deaths and 30 cases recorded in the city alone. She also confirmed the recent detection of one case of poliovirus type 2 in Blantyre, noting that the samples were sent to South Africa for laboratory tests, where they turned out positive. Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre Gift Kawalazira attributed the outbreaks to poor sanitation, among other factors. According to Kawalazira, the poliovirus was detected in a 7-year-old boy in Blantyre who had never been vaccinated since birth due to his parents' beliefs. Malawian government officials are working with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and other organizations to contain the outbreaks through vaccinations and public awareness campaigns on hygiene. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 3.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 647,341 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 23,046 shares during the quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $72,580,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 15.1% in the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 637,448 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $71,471,000 after purchasing an additional 83,631 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its position in shares of EOG Resources by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 190,481 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $21,357,000 after buying an additional 1,698 shares during the period. Pines Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of EOG Resources by 10.5% during the 3rd quarter. Pines Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,498 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $280,000 after buying an additional 238 shares during the period. One Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter valued at about $241,000. Finally, Phoenix Financial Ltd. raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 73.1% in the 3rd quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 7,227 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $811,000 after acquiring an additional 3,051 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Stock Performance Shares of EOG Resources stock opened at $111.06 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.62 and a quick ratio of 1.43. The firm has a market cap of $60.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.38 and a beta of 0.49. EOG Resources, Inc. has a one year low of $101.59 and a one year high of $135.87. The stocks 50-day moving average is $106.70 and its 200-day moving average is $111.87. EOG Resources Dividend Announcement EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 19.80% and a net margin of 24.49%.The firm had revenue of $5.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.48 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.89 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal 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 $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 40.64%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EOG has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Siebert Williams Shank lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $155.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 13th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $141.00 price objective (down previously from $144.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a $115.00 price target (down from $125.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and set a $127.00 price objective (up previously from $126.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $134.07. Read Our Latest Stock Report on EOG Insiders Place Their Bets In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,000 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.68, for a total value of $211,360.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 54,979 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,810,180.72. The trade was a 3.51% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. EOG Resources Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc (NYSE: EOG) is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Tracing its corporate origins to Enron Oil & Gas Company in the late 1990s, the company established itself as a standalone E&P operator and has grown into one of the largest U.S. upstream producers. EOG focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). As an upstream-focused company, EOGs core activities include geologic and geophysical exploration, drilling and completion of wells, reservoir development, and the marketing of hydrocarbon production. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report) by 66.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 246,697 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 98,597 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF were worth $38,349,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PPA. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 208.6% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 30,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,598,000 after acquiring an additional 20,869 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 12.3% in the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 31,829 shares of the companys stock worth $4,510,000 after buying an additional 3,496 shares during the last quarter. HCR Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $209,000. XML Financial LLC grew its position in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 11.7% during the second quarter. XML Financial LLC now owns 2,776 shares of the companys stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 290 shares during the period. Finally, Truist Financial Corp increased its holdings in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 14.7% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 140,393 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,892,000 after buying an additional 17,993 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Trading Down 1.3% PPA opened at $175.74 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $161.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $154.34. The company has a market capitalization of $7.80 billion, a PE ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 1-year low of $100.39 and a 1-year high of $181.31. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Profile PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. The modified market-cap portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report) by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 4,241,708 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after acquiring an additional 45,225 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in Ford Motor were worth $50,731,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Corsicana & Co. bought a new stake in Ford Motor during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Country Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Ford Motor by 990.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,509 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 2,279 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in Ford Motor in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Institutional investors own 58.74% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on F shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Ford Motor from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Ford Motor in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on Ford Motor from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $13.19. Ford Motor Price Performance NYSE:F opened at $13.82 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $13.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.46. Ford Motor Company has a 1-year low of $8.44 and a 1-year high of $14.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $55.05 billion, a PE ratio of 11.91, a P/E/G ratio of 5.89 and a beta of 1.62. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. Ford Motor Profile (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report). 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. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 16.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 384,432 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 52,989 shares during the quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $59,068,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of 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 during the period. Taylor Financial Group Inc. grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 10.6% during the first quarter. Taylor Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,891 shares of the companys stock worth $493,000 after buying an additional 277 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 19.8% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $979,000 after acquiring an additional 1,016 shares during the period. Auxano Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Auxano Advisors LLC now owns 7,315 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,165,000 after acquiring an additional 714 shares in the last quarter. Finally, HS Management Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 22.4% in the 2nd quarter. HS Management Partners LLC now owns 277,895 shares of the companys stock worth $44,274,000 after acquiring an additional 50,775 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PG has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $174.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler started coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $150.00 price target for the company. UBS Group upped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane cut their target price on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.00. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 95,903 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.15, for a total value of $14,495,738.45. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 182,607 shares in the company, valued at $27,601,048.05. This trade represents a 34.43% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.6% PG stock opened at $147.45 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $144.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $150.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $342.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.84, a P/E/G ratio of 4.93 and a beta of 0.39. Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $137.62 and a fifty-two week high of $179.99. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.21%. The companys revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is currently 62.67%. 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. Featured Stories 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. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 48.3% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 229,673 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 74,799 shares during the quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $79,306,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $3,837,207,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,572,193,000. Dodge & Cox raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% in the second quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,729,912,000 after purchasing an additional 4,730,192 shares during the period. Lone Pine Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $528,273,000. Finally, Amundi lifted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,904,372,000 after acquiring an additional 1,565,245 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Several major firms trimmed price targets but kept bullish ratings (buy/outperform), which helps stem the panic and supports a bounce as investors consider the pullback a buying opportunity. Analyst target changes Several major firms trimmed price targets but kept bullish ratings (buy/outperform), which helps stem the panic and supports a bounce as investors consider the pullback a buying opportunity. Positive Sentiment: Media and retail-investor coverage framing the sell-off as a buy-the-dip moment (contrarian pieces and bounce back stories) is drawing short-term buying interest. Why UnitedHealth Group Stock Just Bounced Back Media and retail-investor coverage framing the sell-off as a buy-the-dip moment (contrarian pieces and bounce back stories) is drawing short-term buying interest. Neutral Sentiment: Q4 results: UNH slightly beat EPS (driven by Optum Rx and other segments) but missed revenue by a small margin; management reiterated turnaround actions and provided FY2026 EPS guidance. This mixed fundamental print is keeping longerterm investors evaluating the recovery timeline. Company press release Q4 results: UNH slightly beat EPS (driven by Optum Rx and other segments) but missed revenue by a small margin; management reiterated turnaround actions and provided FY2026 EPS guidance. This mixed fundamental print is keeping longerterm investors evaluating the recovery timeline. Neutral Sentiment: Company guidance and commentary: Reuters and others note management expects 2026 adjusted profit roughly in line with or slightly above estimates while pursuing cost controls a mixed signal for revenue growth vs. margin improvement. Reuters profit outlook Company guidance and commentary: Reuters and others note management expects 2026 adjusted profit roughly in line with or slightly above estimates while pursuing cost controls a mixed signal for revenue growth vs. margin improvement. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory shock: a Trump administration/CMS proposal to keep Medicare Advantage payments much lower than expected triggered the initial sharp sell-off this directly pressures UNHs Medicare business and drove the large multiday decline. Medicare rates story Regulatory shock: a Trump administration/CMS proposal to keep Medicare Advantage payments much lower than expected triggered the initial sharp sell-off this directly pressures UNHs Medicare business and drove the large multiday decline. Negative Sentiment: Soft 2026 revenue guidance and onetime charges: management flagged a roughly 2% revenue decline for 2026 (first in decades) and absorbed a ~$1.6B restructuring hit, which undermines nearterm earnings power and prompted analyst target cuts. Forbes analysis Soft 2026 revenue guidance and onetime charges: management flagged a roughly 2% revenue decline for 2026 (first in decades) and absorbed a ~$1.6B restructuring hit, which undermines nearterm earnings power and prompted analyst target cuts. Negative Sentiment: Political scrutiny / insider trades: reports that some politicians sold UNH ahead of the crash have added reputational and regulatory uncertainty, intensifying the sell pressure while the story unfolds. Politician trades Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on UNH shares. UBS Group dropped their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $430.00 to $410.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Bank of America increased their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $350.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $335.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Oppenheimer reduced their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $415.00 to $385.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $380.67. View Our Latest Analysis on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 4.0% UNH opened at $294.08 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $266.39 billion, a PE ratio of 15.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.42. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $331.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $323.60. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $234.60 and a 1-year high of $606.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 2.69% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $113.38 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $6.81 EPS. UnitedHealth Groups quarterly revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a $2.21 dividend. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 8th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 46.14%. 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 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 grew its stake in shares of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) by 65.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 405,820 shares of the asset managers stock after buying an additional 160,499 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 0.09% of Invesco worth $9,310,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. CNB Bank bought a new position in Invesco during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco in the third quarter worth $30,000. Quent Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco in the third quarter worth $37,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Invesco by 4,802.9% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,667 shares of the asset managers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco by 367.3% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 2,070 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 1,627 shares during the period. 66.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Invesco alerts: Invesco Stock Up 1.3% Shares of Invesco stock opened at $27.53 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $26.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.75. Invesco Ltd. has a 52-week low of $11.60 and a 52-week high of $29.61. The firm has a market cap of $12.25 billion, a PE ratio of 18.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.23. Invesco Announces Dividend Invesco ( NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The asset manager reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 9.69% and a negative net margin of 6.92%.The businesss revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.52 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Invescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 57.14%. Key Invesco News Here are the key news stories impacting Invesco this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat consensus adjusted EPS $0.62 vs. $0.57 expected, revenue $1.26B vs. $1.24B and record AUM of $2.17T with strong net inflows; these drove the immediate market reaction. Earnings Top and Net Inflows Q4 results beat consensus adjusted EPS $0.62 vs. $0.57 expected, revenue $1.26B vs. $1.24B and record AUM of $2.17T with strong net inflows; these drove the immediate market reaction. Positive Sentiment: Argus raised its price target to $32 and issued a buy rating, implying meaningful upside and adding institutional analyst momentum. Argus Price Target Raise Argus raised its price target to $32 and issued a buy rating, implying meaningful upside and adding institutional analyst momentum. Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 (annualized yield ~3.0%), with an exdividend date of Feb 13 supports the stocks appeal to income investors. Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 (annualized yield ~3.0%), with an exdividend date of Feb 13 supports the stocks appeal to income investors. Neutral Sentiment: Multiple analyst and outlet writeups (Zacks pieces on momentum/value and dividend appeal) increase visibility and may attract different investor styles but dont change fundamentals immediately. Zacks Coverage Multiple analyst and outlet writeups (Zacks pieces on momentum/value and dividend appeal) increase visibility and may attract different investor styles but dont change fundamentals immediately. Negative Sentiment: GAAP results were hit by a $1.8B noncash intangible impairment that produced a reported diluted EPS of $(2.61), raising questions about onetime charges and earnings quality even though management provided adjusted figures. PR Newswire Release Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on IVZ. Morgan Stanley set a $29.00 price objective on Invesco in a research note on Monday. TD Cowen set a $34.50 price target on Invesco in a research report on Wednesday. Zacks Research cut Invesco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Barclays lowered their target price on Invesco from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Invesco from $28.75 to $29.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.93. View Our Latest Research Report on Invesco Insiders Place Their Bets In other Invesco news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of Invesco stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total value of $3,769,600.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,523.52. The trade was a 99.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 1.21% of the companys stock. Invesco Profile (Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IVZ). With origins dating back to 1935, the company is dedicated to offering a wide array of investment strategies and solutions to both individual and institutional clients worldwide. The firms product suite encompasses actively managed equity and fixed income funds, passive index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts, alongside specialized offerings such as private markets, real estate, and structured products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lowered its stake in Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP Free Report) by 16.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 194,607 shares of the companys stock after selling 38,995 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned 0.10% of Molson Coors Beverage worth $8,806,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of TAP. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Clearstead Trust LLC raised its position in Molson Coors Beverage by 952.8% in the second quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 558 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 505 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its position in Molson Coors Beverage by 64.2% in the second quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 565 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 32.9% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 800 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 175.7% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,202 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 766 shares during the last quarter. 78.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director David S. Coors bought 2,245 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $44.47 per share, with a total value of $99,835.15. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 30,586 shares in the company, valued at $1,360,159.42. The trade was a 7.92% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Andrew Thomas Molson purchased 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $46.79 per share, with a total value of $350,925.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 22,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,059,980.66. This represents a 49.49% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 2.71% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on TAP shares. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $51.00 to $48.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Needham & Company LLC cut their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $58.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $54.00 to $50.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. BNP Paribas Exane lowered Molson Coors Beverage from a hold rating to a strong sell rating and set a $40.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $51.00 to $49.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $53.18. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Molson Coors Beverage Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance TAP stock opened at $47.79 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The firm has a market cap of $9.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.47 and a beta of 0.45. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $47.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.76. Molson Coors Beverage Company has a 12-month low of $42.94 and a 12-month high of $64.66. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.72 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.02 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a positive return on equity of 8.78% and a negative net margin of 15.89%.Molson Coors Beverage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.360-5.360 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Molson Coors Beverage Company will post 6.35 earnings per share for the current year. Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.9%. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is -17.60%. Molson Coors Beverage Company Profile (Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company is a leading multinational brewing and beverage enterprise formed through the 2005 merger of Canadas Molson and the United States Coors. The company develops, markets and distributes an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, focusing primarily on beer and ready-to-drink products. Its portfolio spans flagship brands such as Coors Light, Molson Canadian and Miller Lite, alongside craft-style offerings like Blue Moon and global imports including Carling and Staropramen. In addition to its core beer business, Molson Coors has expanded into adjacent categories to capture evolving consumer tastes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 41.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 170,940 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 49,793 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLCs holdings in APi Group were worth $5,875,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of APi Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $650,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in APi Group by 73.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 178,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,369,000 after purchasing an additional 75,490 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in APi Group by 75.2% during the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 26,878 shares of the companys stock worth $1,372,000 after purchasing an additional 11,533 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its holdings in shares of APi Group by 6.7% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 77,802 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,972,000 after purchasing an additional 4,919 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new position in shares of APi Group in the second quarter valued at $1,276,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.62% of the companys stock. Get APi Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other APi Group news, Director Martin E. Franklin sold 340,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.09, for a total value of $12,270,600.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 18,968,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at $684,583,631.10. This trade represents a 1.76% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Anthony E. Malkin bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $39.58 per share, with a total value of $118,740.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 7,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $277,060. This represents a 75.00% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders purchased 7,000 shares of company stock worth $275,720 and sold 900,000 shares worth $32,342,000. 17.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently commented on APG. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. 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. UBS Group set a $49.00 target price on APi Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on APi Group from $41.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, CJS Securities raised APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $43.24. View Our Latest Stock Report on APG APi Group Trading Up 0.1% Shares of NYSE:APG opened at $41.92 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $17.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 114.32 and a beta of 1.70. APi Group Corporation has a 1 year low of $20.50 and a 1 year high of $43.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $39.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.88. APi Group (NYSE:APG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.01 billion. APi Group had a return on equity of 21.86% and a net margin of 3.44%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.51 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that APi Group Corporation will post 1.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. 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. NASB Financial Inc. (OTCMKTS:NASB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 203 shares, a growth of 136.0% from the December 31st total of 86 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,120 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,120 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. NASB Financial Trading Down 0.7% NASB opened at $37.75 on Thursday. NASB Financial has a twelve month low of $30.68 and a twelve month high of $38.71. The company has a fifty day moving average of $36.65 and a 200-day moving average of $35.53. The stock has a market cap of $272.93 million, a PE ratio of 9.48 and a beta of 0.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. Get NASB Financial alerts: NASB Financial (OTCMKTS:NASB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.12 EPS for the quarter. NASB Financial had a net margin of 16.14% and a return on equity of 6.80%. The business had revenue of $23.23 million for the quarter. NASB Financial Company Profile NASB Financial, Inc is the bank holding company for North American Savings Bank, F.S.B., a federal savings bank headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Through its subsidiary operations, NASB Financial offers a full suite of banking and financial services to individual and business clients. The companys core activities include accepting deposits, making consumer and commercial loans, and originating mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. In addition to traditional deposit and lending services, NASB Financial provides mortgage banking solutions, including retail mortgage origination, correspondent lending, and loan servicing. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for NASB Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NASB Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Common Retirement Fund trimmed its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 10.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,503,797 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 293,620 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned 0.12% of NextEra Energy worth $189,012,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in NextEra Energy during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Activest Wealth Management raised its position in shares of NextEra Energy by 79.7% during the second quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 354 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in shares of NextEra Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Goodman Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of NextEra Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in NextEra Energy by 200.0% during the 2nd 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. Institutional investors own 78.72% of the companys stock. Get NextEra Energy alerts: NextEra Energy Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE:NEE opened at $87.64 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $82.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $78.87. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a one year low of $61.72 and a one year high of $88.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $182.52 billion, a PE ratio of 27.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.74. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth NextEra Energy ( NYSE:NEE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.53 by $0.01. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.18% and a net margin of 24.93%.The business had revenue of $6.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.53 earnings per share. NextEra Energys revenue was up 20.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $96.00 price target (up previously from $84.00) on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of NextEra Energy from $84.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $104.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. UBS Group set a $91.00 price target on NextEra Energy and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Mizuho set a $90.00 price objective on NextEra Energy and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $92.56. View Our Latest Report on NextEra Energy Insider Buying and Selling at NextEra Energy In other NextEra Energy news, CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 162,693 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,651,569.63. This represents a 47.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Ronald R. Reagan sold 10,826 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction dated 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 approximately $1,329,655. This trade represents a 40.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. NextEra Energy News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting NextEra Energy this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 profit beat and segment strength NextEra reported adjusted Q4 EPS of $0.54, topping estimates as renewables and FPL demand supported profits, which helped lift sentiment. Read More. Q4 profit beat and segment strength NextEra reported adjusted Q4 EPS of $0.54, topping estimates as renewables and FPL demand supported profits, which helped lift sentiment. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Management reiterated guidance and long-term growth targets management held 2026 adjusted EPS guidance and outlined a plan for ~8% CAGR in adjusted EPS through 2032 plus $90$100B capex to 2032; FPL secured a multiyear rate deal (ROE midpoint ~10.95%), giving visibility to utility returns. Read More. Management reiterated guidance and long-term growth targets management held 2026 adjusted EPS guidance and outlined a plan for ~8% CAGR in adjusted EPS through 2032 plus $90$100B capex to 2032; FPL secured a multiyear rate deal (ROE midpoint ~10.95%), giving visibility to utility returns. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Growing largeload demand and nuclear pivot NextEra is actively marketing nuclear output and is weighing nuclear expansion to serve hyperscalers/data centers, creating a potential new highmargin market for longterm contracted power. Read More. Growing largeload demand and nuclear pivot NextEra is actively marketing nuclear output and is weighing nuclear expansion to serve hyperscalers/data centers, creating a potential new highmargin market for longterm contracted power. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support Institutional commentary and sellside notes after the results emphasize longterm growth; at least one shop raised NextEras price target and kept an outperform view, reinforcing buyer interest. Read More. Analyst support Institutional commentary and sellside notes after the results emphasize longterm growth; at least one shop raised NextEras price target and kept an outperform view, reinforcing buyer interest. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Momentum/technicals supportive but stretched market commentary notes strong YTD gains and stretched momentum (overbought indicators), which supports continuation but raises the odds of short pauses or consolidation. Read More. Momentum/technicals supportive but stretched market commentary notes strong YTD gains and stretched momentum (overbought indicators), which supports continuation but raises the odds of short pauses or consolidation. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Momentum investor interest Coverage argues NEE is a momentum name given recent strength and fundamentals, which can sustain flows but also increases sensitivity to sentiment shifts. Read More. Momentum investor interest Coverage argues NEE is a momentum name given recent strength and fundamentals, which can sustain flows but also increases sensitivity to sentiment shifts. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Revenue missed estimates Q4 revenue of $6.56B trailed the consensus (~$7.07B), which tempers the beat and could be cited by critics as a nearterm weakness to watch. Read More. Revenue missed estimates Q4 revenue of $6.56B trailed the consensus (~$7.07B), which tempers the beat and could be cited by critics as a nearterm weakness to watch. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Valuation and concentration risk NEE trades at a premium (high-teens/20s P/E range reported by market commentary) and near its 52week high, which increases downside risk if growth or datacenter demand disappoints. Read More. About NextEra Energy (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. Recommended Stories 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. A Chinese expert demonstrates microscopic examination of schistosomiasis on Pemba Island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Jan. 28, 2026. The expert team of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control project has organized an awareness campaign and a diagnostic training course on Pemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. (The expert team of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control project/Handout via Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The expert team of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control project has organized an awareness campaign and a diagnostic training course on Pemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. More than 200 people attended the event on Wednesday, including local officials from the health, water, agriculture and education sectors, as well as grassroots healthcare workers and local residents. Wang Wei, leader of the Chinese expert team, said the activities focused on health education to encourage community participation and reduce transmission risks at the source. He added that the experts also provided specialized training on the diagnosis of schistosoma haematobium, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on demonstrations to enhance early detection and diagnostic accuracy. Noting that NTD control is vital to health equity and human dignity, Wang called for sustained efforts toward universal health coverage by improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation, optimizing environmental sanitation, strengthening health education and promotion, and mobilizing broad social participation. Masoud Sleiman, assistant coordinator at the Ministry of Health on Pemba Island, commended China's long-term technical assistance. Sleiman noted that Chinese experts have offered practical solutions in disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity building and prevention strategies, effectively strengthening the local primary healthcare system. New York State Common Retirement Fund cut its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 8.3% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 925,843 shares of the companys stock after selling 83,426 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 0.9% of New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $706,418,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dash Acquisitions Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock worth $387,000 after buying an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Nvest Financial LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% in the second quarter. Nvest Financial LLC now owns 2,274 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,773,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% in the second quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC now owns 699 shares of the companys stock worth $545,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Key Client Fiduciary Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% during the third quarter. Key Client Fiduciary Advisors LLC now owns 1,136 shares of the companys stock worth $867,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Darwin Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC now owns 373 shares of the companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of LLY stock opened at $1,024.14 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,133.95. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1,057.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is $886.06. The company has a market capitalization of $968.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.10, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.35. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 109.52% and a net margin of 30.99%.The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%. Key Eli Lilly and Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently issued reports on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of 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. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,286.00 to $1,268.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Scotiabank assumed coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $1,165.00 target price on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, CICC Research upped their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $1,173.91. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. 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. Nokia (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The technology company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.02, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $7.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.10 billion. Nokia had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 8.24%. Here are the key takeaways from Nokias conference call: Get Nokia alerts: Q4 results were in line with guidance net sales up 3% to 6.1bn , operating profit of 1.0bn , fullyear net sales 19.9bn , operating profit 2.0bn , free cash flow conversion 72% and net cash of 3.4bn . , operating profit of , fullyear net sales , operating profit , free cash flow conversion and net cash of . Strong momentum in Network Infrastructure Optical grew ~17% in Q4, AI/cloud customers generated 2.4bn of orders in 2025, booktobill >1, and 800G ZR/ZR+ pluggables are shipping with multiple design wins. of orders in 2025, booktobill >1, and pluggables are shipping with multiple design wins. Management is increasing investment to capture AI/cloud demand, targeting 900m1.0bn CapEx in 2026 to expand optical manufacturing (including indium phosphide fab capacity) to support ramping production. CapEx in 2026 to expand optical manufacturing (including indium phosphide fab capacity) to support ramping production. Strategic and structural moves to sharpen focus acquisition of Infinera, creation of a new Mobile Infrastructure segment and Nokia Defense, plus published KPIs (NI growth and margin targets) to drive longerterm value creation. Nearterm profitability headwinds Nokia Technologies sales fell 17% in Q4 with a 20m impairment, and the newly grouped Portfolio Businesses posted 97m operating loss in 2025 (management expects a lower but still negative outcome in 2026). Nokia Stock Performance NOK traded down $0.70 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $6.12. The company had a trading volume of 28,098,375 shares, compared to its average volume of 34,506,707. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $6.40 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.48. Nokia has a 12-month low of $4.00 and a 12-month high of $8.19. The stock has a market cap of $35.14 billion, a PE ratio of 34.00 and a beta of 0.77. Key Nokia News Analysts Set New Price Targets Here are the key news stories impacting Nokia this week: NOK has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Danske raised shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Nokia in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Nokia in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Citigroup restated a sell rating on shares of Nokia in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $6.77. Read Our Latest Analysis on Nokia Institutional Trading of Nokia Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sivia Capital Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Nokia by 43.7% in the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 41,280 shares of the technology companys stock worth $214,000 after purchasing an additional 12,554 shares during the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. raised its position in shares of Nokia by 23.0% during the 3rd quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 63,855 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $307,000 after buying an additional 11,921 shares in the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group lifted its holdings in shares of Nokia by 58.8% during the 3rd quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 63,311 shares of the technology companys stock worth $305,000 after acquiring an additional 23,439 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its position in Nokia by 39.1% in the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 42,832 shares of the technology companys stock worth $222,000 after acquiring an additional 12,039 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sender Co & Partners Inc. bought a new position in Nokia in the second quarter valued at $224,000. 5.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Nokia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nokia Corporation, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, is a global telecommunications and technology company with roots dating back to 1865. Over its long history the company moved from forestry and cable operations into electronics and telecommunications, becoming widely known in the 1990s and 2000s for its mobile phones. In recent years Nokia refocused its business toward network infrastructure, software and technology licensing, and research and development, following the divestiture of its handset manufacturing business and the acquisition of AlcatelLucent in 2016, which brought Bell Labs into its portfolio. Today Nokias core activities center on designing, building and supporting communications networks and related software. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Bank AB (OTCMKTS:NRDBY Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Thursday following a better than expected earnings announcement. 3,783,462 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1,010% from the previous sessions volume of 340,999 shares.The stock last traded at $19.4520 and had previously closed at $20.03. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.03. Nordea Bank had a return on equity of 15.38% and a net margin of 21.42%. Get Nordea Bank alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have issued reports on NRDBY. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a report on Monday, November 24th. Nordea Equity Research downgraded Nordea Bank from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Zacks Research lowered Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Barclays reissued an underweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Nordea Bank Trading Down 2.9% The stock has a market capitalization of $66.79 billion, a PE ratio of 12.80, a PEG ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.32. The businesss 50-day moving average is $18.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.97. About Nordea Bank (Get Free Report) Nordea Bank is a leading financial services group focused on serving retail, corporate and institutional customers across the Nordic region. The banks core activities include retail and commercial banking, corporate and institutional banking, asset and wealth management, and related financial services such as payments, cash management and trade finance. Nordea delivers these services through branch and digital channels, aiming to provide integrated banking solutions for everyday consumers, small and medium enterprises, and large corporations. Product offerings span deposit and lending products including mortgages and consumer loans, transaction banking and treasury services for corporate clients, investment and pension solutions through its asset management businesses, and wealth management services for private clients. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nordea Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nordea Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordwand Advisors LLC increased its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 11.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 42,113 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 4,263 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. comprises approximately 2.1% of Nordwand Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 7th largest position. Nordwand Advisors LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $13,284,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of JPM. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. acquired a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 92.6% during the third quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 104 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 450.0% in the second quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clarity Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 87.1% in the second quarter. Clarity Asset Management Inc. now owns 217 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.55% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on JPM shares. Zacks Research lowered JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $350.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley set a $331.00 price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $330.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $336.32. Trending Headlines about JPMorgan Chase & Co. Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance Shares of JPM opened at $300.89 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $314.44 and its 200-day moving average is $306.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company has a market capitalization of $819.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 1.07. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $202.16 and a fifty-two week high of $337.25. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.93 by $0.30. The business had revenue of $46.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.98 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.35% and a return on equity of 17.16%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.81 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.99%. Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In related news, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 3,404 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.80, for a total transaction of $1,064,771.20. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel owned 65,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $20,442,418.40. This trade represents a 4.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,240,769.68. The trade was a 1.63% 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 15,834 shares of company stock valued at $4,951,910 in the last three months. 0.47% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $8.9499 and last traded at $8.83, with a volume of 148039 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.86. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on NHYDY shares. Danske upgraded shares of Norsk Hydro ASA to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. BNP Paribas Exane raised shares of Norsk Hydro ASA to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Norsk Hydro ASA in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Norsk Hydro ASA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, October 26th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Norsk Hydro ASA from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Norsk Hydro ASA alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Norsk Hydro ASA Norsk Hydro ASA Stock Performance About Norsk Hydro ASA The stock has a market capitalization of $18.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.27 and a beta of 1.15. The companys 50-day moving average is $7.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $7.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. (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. See Also 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. Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC Free Report) had its price target increased by Citigroup from $715.00 to $781.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the aerospace companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on NOC. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $700.00 target price on Northrop Grumman and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research report on Wednesday, December 24th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and set a $727.00 price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman in a report on Monday, January 12th. Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and issued a $623.00 target price (down from $688.00) on shares of Northrop Grumman in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $752.00 price target on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $685.11. Get Northrop Grumman alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman Trading Up 1.5% NOC opened at $689.05 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $594.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $586.47. Northrop Grumman has a fifty-two week low of $426.24 and a fifty-two week high of $690.74. The company has a market cap of $98.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.73 and a beta of 0.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 0.98. Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aerospace company reported $7.23 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.97 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $11.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.61 billion. Northrop Grumman had a net margin of 9.97% and a return on equity of 25.57%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.39 EPS. Northrop Grumman has set its FY 2026 guidance at 27.400-27.900 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Northrop Grumman will post 28.05 earnings per share for the current year. Northrop Grumman Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $2.31 dividend. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Northrop Grummans dividend payout ratio is 33.24%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Northrop Grumman news, 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 sale, the director owned 4,281 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,414,826.48. This trade represents a 2.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Kathy J. Warden sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $615.00, for a total value of $1,845,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 191,602 shares of the companys stock, valued at $117,835,230. This represents a 1.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 10,097 shares of company stock worth $6,099,716. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Northrop Grumman Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Northrop Grumman during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $6,457,274,000. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in Northrop Grumman during the second quarter worth $491,985,000. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in Northrop Grumman by 11.8% in the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 2,933,061 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,466,472,000 after purchasing an additional 308,680 shares in the last quarter. Holocene Advisors LP bought a new position in Northrop Grumman in the third quarter valued at $137,280,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in Northrop Grumman by 26.7% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,051,226 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $640,534,000 after buying an additional 221,431 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.40% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Northrop Grumman Here are the key news stories impacting Northrop Grumman this week: Northrop Grumman Company Profile (Get 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 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. Shares of PagSeguro Digital Ltd. (NYSE:PAGS Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $11.21 and last traded at $11.2850, with a volume of 835253 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $10.98. Analyst Ratings Changes PAGS has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of PagSeguro Digital from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $9.00 price objective (down from $12.00) on shares of PagSeguro Digital in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of PagSeguro Digital from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of PagSeguro Digital in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Susquehanna raised their price target on PagSeguro Digital from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $11.86. Get PagSeguro Digital alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on PagSeguro Digital PagSeguro Digital Price Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is $10.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.46. The company has a market capitalization of $3.90 billion, a PE ratio of 9.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.50 and a beta of 1.41. PagSeguro Digital (NYSE:PAGS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $937.15 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $971.30 million. PagSeguro Digital had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 15.39%. On average, equities analysts forecast that PagSeguro Digital Ltd. will post 1.17 EPS for the current year. PagSeguro Digital Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a special dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 28th. PagSeguro Digitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.85%. Institutional Trading of PagSeguro Digital A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in PAGS. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 511.6% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 256,082 shares of the companys stock worth $2,469,000 after purchasing an additional 214,211 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in PagSeguro Digital by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 7,831,041 shares of the companys stock worth $75,445,000 after buying an additional 485,575 shares during the last quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA acquired a new stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital in the 2nd quarter worth $24,100,000. Catalyst Funds Management Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital in the 2nd quarter worth $255,000. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital in the second quarter valued at about $444,000. 45.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About PagSeguro Digital (Get Free Report) PagSeguro Digital Ltd. is a Brazil-based financial technology company that specializes in digital payment solutions for merchants and consumers. Through its online platform and a suite of physical point-of-sale devices, the company enables businesses of all sizes to accept credit and debit cards, process e-commerce transactions, and manage payments via QR codes and digital wallets. In addition to payment acceptance, PagSeguro offers prepaid accounts, funds transfers, and working-capital credit lines designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The companys product portfolio includes portable card readers, countertop terminals, and mobile point-of-sale devices that connect via Bluetooth or cellular networks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PagSeguro Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagSeguro Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Peoples Financial (OTCMKTS:PFBX Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Peoples Financial had a net margin of 12.85% and a return on equity of 4.96%. Peoples Financial Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS PFBX remained flat at $20.50 during midday trading on Thursday. The stock had a trading volume of 630 shares, compared to its average volume of 343. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $20.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $94.71 million, a P/E ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.26. Peoples Financial has a 1-year low of $19.00 and a 1-year high of $22.54. Get Peoples Financial alerts: Peoples Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Peoples Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for The Peoples Bank that provides banking, financial, and trust services to government entities, individuals, and small and commercial businesses in Mississippi. The company accepts various deposits, such as interest and non-interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). It offers business, commercial, real estate, construction, personal, and installment loans; and personal trust, agencies, and estate services, including living and testamentary trusts, executorships, guardianships, and conservatorships. Receive News & Ratings for Peoples Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Peoples Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Common Retirement Fund lowered its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 5.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,224,301 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 456,998 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund owned about 0.14% of Pfizer worth $209,555,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PFE. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Pfizer by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 533,363,457 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,928,730,000 after buying an additional 10,198,330 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Pfizer by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 127,471,481 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,080,552,000 after purchasing an additional 1,820,634 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,270,157,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 49,165,032 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,191,760,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135,457 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 48,390,268 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,172,980,000 after buying an additional 950,239 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on PFE shares. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price target on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday. TD Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Citigroup began coverage on Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued a neutral rating and a $26.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Wolfe Research set a $24.00 target price on Pfizer and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Two equities research analysts have 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Pfizer presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.06. Pfizer News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $25.89 on Thursday. 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 firms 50-day moving average price is $25.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.01. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $20.92 and a 52-week high of $27.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $147.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.05 and a beta of 0.47. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.17% and a net margin of 15.65%.Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.00%. Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. See Also 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. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by equities researchers at UBS Group from $110.00 to $122.00 in a research report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. UBS Groups price target suggests a potential upside of 5.12% from the stocks current price. Several other analysts also recently commented on PPG. Zacks Research upgraded PPG Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on PPG Industries from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $129.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of PPG Industries from $118.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $123.33. Get PPG Industries alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PPG PPG Industries Stock Up 1.8% NYSE:PPG traded up $2.10 on Thursday, hitting $116.06. The stock had a trading volume of 1,258,153 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,250,837. PPG Industries has a 1 year low of $90.24 and a 1 year high of $123.30. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $104.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $105.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.47. The stock has a market cap of $26.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.17. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by ($0.06). PPG Industries had a return on equity of 22.67% and a net margin of 9.93%.The company had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.77 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.61 earnings per share. PPG Industriess quarterly revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. PPG Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.700-8.100 EPS. Analysts predict that PPG Industries will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at PPG Industries In other PPG Industries news, CFO Vincent J. Morales sold 5,200 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.00, for a total transaction of $572,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 28,439 shares in the company, valued at $3,128,290. This trade represents a 15.46% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PPG Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of PPG Industries during the second quarter worth $362,412,000. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 19.9% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,159,770 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,593,443,000 after acquiring an additional 2,521,004 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in shares of PPG Industries by 39.4% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,695,477 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $493,542,000 after purchasing an additional 1,326,619 shares during the last quarter. Holocene Advisors LP boosted its stake in PPG Industries by 342.8% in the 2nd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 1,688,870 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $192,109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,307,468 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC grew its position in PPG Industries by 21.2% during the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 5,560,280 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $632,482,000 after purchasing an additional 971,799 shares during the last quarter. 81.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Key Headlines Impacting PPG Industries Here are the key news stories impacting PPG Industries this week: Positive Sentiment: Multiple analyst upgrades and higher price targets support upside potential Wells Fargo raised its target to $135 and kept an overweight rating (big upside vs. the current price), and Mizuho raised its target to $125 with an outperform rating. Article Title Multiple analyst upgrades and higher price targets support upside potential Wells Fargo raised its target to $135 and kept an overweight rating (big upside vs. the current price), and Mizuho raised its target to $125 with an outperform rating. Positive Sentiment: Revenue beat and sales growth: PPG reported Q4 revenue of $3.91B, up ~5% yearoveryear and ahead of estimates a sign demand/pricing held up across coating segments. Article Title Revenue beat and sales growth: PPG reported Q4 revenue of $3.91B, up ~5% yearoveryear and ahead of estimates a sign demand/pricing held up across coating segments. Positive Sentiment: Cash flow strength: operating cash from operations rose sharply y/y (reported ~ $685M), which supports balance sheet flexibility and buybacks/dividends. Article Title Cash flow strength: operating cash from operations rose sharply y/y (reported ~ $685M), which supports balance sheet flexibility and buybacks/dividends. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage & education pieces (Zacks, Seeking Alpha) discuss PPG as a value/earningssetup name; useful context for longterm investors but not immediate catalysts. Article Title Analyst coverage & education pieces (Zacks, Seeking Alpha) discuss PPG as a value/earningssetup name; useful context for longterm investors but not immediate catalysts. Neutral Sentiment: Company materials: the Q4 earnings call transcript and slide deck are available for deeper read on segment detail and management commentary. Article Title Company materials: the Q4 earnings call transcript and slide deck are available for deeper read on segment detail and management commentary. Negative Sentiment: EPS miss and weaker profitability metrics: Q4 EPS missed consensus ($1.51 reported vs. $1.57 expected) and disclosure of lower operating profit / net income pressures sentiment. Article Title EPS miss and weaker profitability metrics: Q4 EPS missed consensus ($1.51 reported vs. $1.57 expected) and disclosure of lower operating profit / net income pressures sentiment. Negative Sentiment: FY2026 guidance came in at $7.70$8.10 EPS, slightly below the Street (~8.06), which tempers nearterm upside and explains some analyst caution. Article Title FY2026 guidance came in at $7.70$8.10 EPS, slightly below the Street (~8.06), which tempers nearterm upside and explains some analyst caution. Negative Sentiment: Regional/market softness flagged by management (soft European and industrial markets) and press coverage amplified downside risk for cyclically sensitive end markets. Article Title Regional/market softness flagged by management (soft European and industrial markets) and press coverage amplified downside risk for cyclically sensitive end markets. Negative Sentiment: RBC raised its target to $115 but kept a sector perform rating the target sits at/just below the current price, signaling limited nearterm upside from that shop. Article Title PPG Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials that serves industrial, transportation, consumer and construction markets. Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved from its origins in glass manufacturing into a diversified coatings and materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and manufactures a broad array of products used to protect and enhance surfaces, from consumer paints to highly engineered coatings for demanding industrial applications. PPGs product portfolio includes architectural and decorative paints, automotive original equipment and refinish coatings, industrial coatings for machinery and equipment, protective and marine coatings, aerospace and defense coatings, and packaging coatings and materials. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. by Xinhua writer Li Hanlin BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- German capital flows and trade have shown a simultaneous pullback with the United States, which analysts say reflects growing unease in the business community over the uncertainty of the U.S. economic policy. According to a German Economic Institute report, German-U.S. economic and trade relations came under renewed strain after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in early 2025. The downturn is adding pressure to Europe's largest economy and fuelling debate over whether Germany should further rely on the United States as a key economic partner. FALLING INVESTMENT, EXPORTS German investment and exports to the United States fell sharply last year, the report said, citing Deutsche Bundesbank data. German direct investment in the United States declined to 10.2 billion euros (12.2 billion U.S. dollars) between February and November 2025, a 45 percent fall year-on-year. Compared with the 2015-2024 average, the 2025 figure was more than 24 percent lower. Concurrently, exports to the United States weakened. Between February and October 2025, shipments declined by around 9 percent year-on-year. Automobile and auto part exports dropped nearly 19 percent, machinery about 10 percent, and chemical products by more than 10 percent. Analysts argue that, as these sectors have long been pillars of Germany's industrial competitiveness, the export slump demonstrated strain in German-U.S. economic relations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Volkswagen Group Chairman Oliver Blume said that without a significant reduction in U.S. tariffs, further investment in the country would be difficult to justify. Plans for a new Audi plant could even be put on hold. The report also warned that repeated U.S. threats of new tariffs have heightened market concerns over the outlook for transatlantic economic relations. The German business community believes that persistent pressure continues to suppress investment and trade confidence, further exacerbating difficulties in bilateral economic ties. GROWING TENSIONS Strained German-U.S. economic relations have prompted concerns in Germany over the direction of U.S. economic policy. Sebastian Dullien, an economist at the Macroeconomic Policy Institute, said that German companies could increasingly view the United States as a high-risk market. Persistent tariff threats, he added, have significantly undermined expectations that negotiations might stabilize transatlantic trade relations, raising doubts about whether the United States remains a reliable trading partner for the European Union. Samina Sultan, an economist at the German Economic Institute, said that rising uncertainty has a clear dampening effect on investment and trade. "Trump's economic policies are unsettling companies, slowing transatlantic exchanges, and affecting not only German firms but also weakening the U.S. as a business location," she said. Sentiment indicators have pointed to a widening trust gap. A poll published by Germany's ARD broadcaster in early January showed that about 75 percent of Germans now consider the United States an unreliable partner. Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, said that Germany should reduce dependence on a single market and expand investment ties with other countries to spread risks and strengthen resilience. "Germany can no longer base its economic strategy primarily on the assumption of a stable and predictable U.S. partnership," he noted. Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a German automotive economics expert, said that current U.S. foreign policy is harming European and German interests and that Germany needs to reassess its external economic strategy. GOLD RESERVES DEBATE The debate over Germany's gold reserves being held in the United States has been revived. Germany holds the world's second-largest national gold reserves. For decades, more than 1,200 tonnes of German gold, or over one third of the total, have been stored in the vaults of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank in New York. Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictable U.S. economic policy, "There is no reason to continue storing 37 percent of Germany's gold reserves in the United States," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defense, was quoted by German magazine Der Spiegel as saying. Emanuel Moench, an economist and former head of research at the Deutsche Bundesbank, told the German newspaper Handelsblatt that maintaining such a large share of gold reserves in the United States carries risks under current geopolitical conditions and should be reassessed. Analysts believe that the renewed gold reserves debate highlights how strains in German-U.S. trade and investment ties are spilling over into broader questions of strategic trust, reflecting a widening split in transatlantic relations. The concerns and developments are potentially reshaping transatlantic economic relations well beyond the current downturn, calling on Europe to place greater emphasis on strategic autonomy and diversification. Shares of Premier African Minerals Limited (LON:PREM Get Free Report) fell 9.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.03 and last traded at GBX 0.03. 357,733,781 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 16% from the average session volume of 307,098,781 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.03. Premier African Minerals Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of 2.81 million, a P/E ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 2.54 and a current ratio of 0.13. The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 0.04 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 0.05. Premier African Minerals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Premier African Minerals Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, evaluation, development, and investment of natural resource properties on the African continent. It explores for tungsten, lithium, tantalum, fluorspar, potash, and gold deposits. The company holds interests in RHA Tungsten mine, Katete REE project, zulu project, and Tinde projects in Zimbabwe, as well as properties in Mozambique. The company was formerly known as G&B African Resources Limited and changed its name to Premier African Minerals Limited in April 2012. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Premier African Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premier African Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC reduced its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 6.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 34,439 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,561 shares during the period. iShares Russell 2000 ETF accounts for about 1.0% of Private Wealth Asset Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Private Wealth Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $8,333,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 211.1% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 228 shares during the period. Pingora Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Beacon Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at about $35,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 93.9% in the second quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 190 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. raised its position 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 last quarter. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA IWM opened at $263.30 on Thursday. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 1 year low of $171.73 and a 1 year high of $271.60. The company has a market capitalization of $77.04 billion, a PE ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a fifty day moving average of $253.55 and a 200 day moving average of $241.95. 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK (OTCMKTS:PPERY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $11.84, but opened at $11.25. PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK shares last traded at $11.80, with a volume of 440 shares changing hands. PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK Trading Down 6.2% The companys 50-day moving average is $11.86 and its 200-day moving average is $11.34. Get PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK alerts: About PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK (Get Free Report) PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk is one of Indonesias largest banking groups, providing a full range of commercial banking services to corporate, commercial, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and retail customers. The bank was established in 1998 through a government-led consolidation of four state-owned banks as part of efforts to strengthen the financial system during the Asian financial crisis. Since then it has grown into a diversified financial services franchise offering deposit taking, lending, trade finance, payment and cash management, treasury, and wealth-management services. Bank Mandiris product suite spans traditional retail and corporate banking products including savings and time deposits, consumer and mortgage loans, working capital and project financing alongside specialized services such as trade and export-import finance, foreign exchange and treasury solutions, card products, and digital banking channels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PT Bank Mandiri Persero TBK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander Brasil (NYSE:BSBR Get Free Report) and Commerzbank (OTCMKTS:CRZBY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Banco Santander Brasil and Commerzbank, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Banco Santander Brasil alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Banco Santander Brasil 1 0 2 0 2.33 Commerzbank 0 4 2 0 2.33 Banco Santander Brasil presently has a consensus price target of $4.70, suggesting a potential downside of 34.68%. Given Banco Santander Brasils higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Banco Santander Brasil is more favorable than Commerzbank. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Banco Santander Brasil 6.89% 9.65% 0.95% Commerzbank 11.03% 7.29% 0.45% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Banco Santander Brasil and Commerzbanks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Banco Santander Brasil and Commerzbanks gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Banco Santander Brasil $25.44 billion 1.05 $2.48 billion N/A N/A Commerzbank $25.96 billion 1.74 $2.90 billion $2.27 18.58 Commerzbank has higher revenue and earnings than Banco Santander Brasil. Dividends Banco Santander Brasil pays an annual dividend of $0.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Commerzbank pays an annual dividend of $0.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Commerzbank pays out 22.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Insider & Institutional Ownership 14.5% of Banco Santander Brasil shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Banco Santander Brasil 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. Volatility and Risk Banco Santander Brasil has a beta of 0.61, suggesting that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Commerzbank has a beta of 0.36, suggesting that its share price is 64% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Banco Santander Brasil beats Commerzbank on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Banco Santander Brasil (Get Free Report) Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate customers in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Commercial Banking and Global Wholesale Banking segments. It offers local loans, commercial financing options, development bank funds, and cash management services; export and import financing, guarantees, structuring of asset services. In addition, the company provides financing and advisory services for infrastructure projects and capital markets instruments, as well as offers equity transactions and mergers and acquisitions services. Further, it offers foreign exchange products, derivatives, and investments to institutional investors, corporate clients, and individuals. Additionally, the company provides research services, as well as offers brokerage services for corporate, institutional, and individual investors. Furthermore, it provides deposits and other bank funding instruments, and debit and credit cards. The company provides financial services and products to its customers through multichannel distribution network comprising branches, mini-branches, ATMs, call centers, Internet banking, and mobile banking. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The company operates as a subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. About Commerzbank (Get Free Report) Commerzbank AG provides banking and capital market products and services to private and small business customers, corporate, financial service providers, and institutional clients in Germany, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Private and Small-Business Customers, and Corporate Clients. The company offers saving, checking, business, and current accounts; term deposits; pension; credit and debit cards; payment solutions; overdraft services; various loans; and insurance products. It also provides trade securities; treasury management; corporate financing; real estate financing; financing advisory; merger and acquisition; foreign trade; trade financing; asset and risk management; and online banking, as well as wealth management services. Commerzbank AG was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Brasil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander Brasil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 peers? We will compare Renasant to related businesses based on the strength of its dividends, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability. Dividends Renasant pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. 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 60.2% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Renasant is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Renasant alerts: Risk & Volatility Renasant has a beta of 0.97, meaning that its stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Renasants peers have a beta of 1.01, meaning that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Renasant 0 1 0 1 3.00 Renasant Competitors 32 181 226 26 2.53 This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Renasant and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com. As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 5.96%. Given Renasants peers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Renasant has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Renasant and its peers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Renasant $1.44 billion $195.46 million 19.25 Renasant Competitors $847.62 million $114.12 million 36.63 Renasant has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Renasant is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Renasant and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Renasant 12.55% 7.78% 1.12% Renasant Competitors 8.42% 7.78% 0.88% Insider & Institutional Ownership 77.3% of Renasant shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by institutional investors. 2.8% of Renasant shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Renasant beats its peers on 9 of the 15 factors compared. Renasant Company Profile (Get Free Report) Renasant Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Renasant Bank that provides a range of financial, wealth management, fiduciary, and insurance services to retail and commercial customers. It operates through three segments: Community Banks, Insurance, and Wealth Management. The Community Banks segment offers checking and savings accounts, business and personal loans, asset-based lending, and equipment leasing services, as well as safe deposit and night depository facilities. It also provides commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; equipment financing and leasing; real estate1-4 family mortgage; real estatecommercial mortgage; real estateconstruction loans for the construction of single family residential properties, multi-family properties, and commercial projects; installment loans to individuals; and interim construction loans, as well as automated teller machine (ATM), online and mobile banking, call center, and treasury management services. The Insurance segment provides insurance agency services, such as commercial and personal insurance products through insurance carriers. The Wealth Management segment offers a range of wealth management and fiduciary services, including administration and management of trust accounts, such as personal and corporate benefit accounts, and custodial accounts, as well as accounting and money management for trust accounts; annuities, mutual funds, and other investment services through a third party broker-dealer; and qualified retirement plans, IRAs, employee benefit plans, personal trusts, and estates. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a network of 189 banking, lending, and mortgage offices located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; 150 full-service branches and 11 limited-service branches; 173 ATMs; and 38 interactive teller machines. Renasant Corporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi. Receive News & Ratings for Renasant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Renasant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dividends Thomasville Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Thomasville Bancshares pays out 42.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS SOUTHEAST companies pay a dividend yield of 2.0% and pay out 24.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Institutional & Insider Ownership 50.4% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by institutional investors. 12.8% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Thomasville Bancshares alerts: Profitability This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Thomasville Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Thomasville Bancshares Competitors 16.05% 9.80% 1.06% Volatility and Risk Earnings and Valuation Thomasville Bancshares has a beta of 0.19, suggesting that its stock price is 81% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Thomasville Bancshares rivals have a beta of 0.57, suggesting that their average stock price is 43% less volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Thomasville Bancshares $137.59 million $39.27 million 13.87 Thomasville Bancshares Competitors $854.50 million $151.25 million 13.91 Thomasville Bancshares rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Thomasville Bancshares. Thomasville Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary Thomasville Bancshares rivals beat Thomasville Bancshares on 10 of the 11 factors compared. About Thomasville Bancshares (Get Free Report) Thomasville Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Thomasville National Bank that provides a range of banking services to individual and corporate customers primarily in Thomas and Glynn counties, Georgia, Leon County, Florida, and the surrounding counties. The company offers checking and savings accounts; money market accounts; and certificates of deposits. It also provides commercial real estate mortgage loans, such as non-farm and non-residential commercial real estate loans, construction loans for commercial businesses, multifamily loans secured by income producing properties, and farmland; and 1-4 family residential loans, including first mortgage liens, junior liens, and home equity lines. In addition, the company offers commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; consumer loans comprising direct consumer instalment loans, overdrafts, and other revolving credit loans and educational loans; and loans to municipalities and development authorities. Further, it provides trust and money management services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Thomasville, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for Thomasville Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomasville Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ruffer LLP decreased its position in Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report) by 40.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,094 shares of the technology retailers stock after selling 8,313 shares during the period. Ruffer LLPs holdings in Best Buy were worth $915,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of BBY. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Best Buy by 69.3% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 337 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Best Buy in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new position in shares of Best Buy during the second quarter worth $33,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new position in Best Buy during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC increased its stake in Best Buy by 202.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 604 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 404 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.96% of the companys stock. Get Best Buy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Best Buy from $95.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Best Buy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Loop Capital raised their target price on shares of Best Buy from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Best Buy from $85.00 to $80.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $75.00 price target on shares of Best Buy in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.37. Best Buy Stock Down 0.3% Best Buy stock opened at $65.53 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.73 billion, a PE ratio of 21.70, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 1.41. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 12-month low of $54.99 and a 12-month high of $91.68. The firms fifty day moving average is $71.24 and its 200 day moving average is $73.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology retailer reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.09. Best Buy had a net margin of 1.54% and a return on equity of 50.02%. The company had revenue of $9.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.57 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. Best Buy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.350 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Best Buy Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 16th were issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 16th. Best Buys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 125.83%. Best Buy Company Profile (Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc is a leading North American consumer electronics retailer that sells a broad range of products including computers, mobile phones, televisions and home theater systems, major appliances, smart-home devices, gaming hardware and software, wearables and related accessories. The company operates through a mix of large-format stores, smaller specialty locations and an e-commerce platform, offering national and private-brand merchandise from major consumer-technology manufacturers as well as third-party sellers. Beyond product retailing, Best Buy provides a suite of services aimed at installation, repair and ongoing technical support. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sandvik AB (OTCMKTS:SDVKY Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $38.1325 and last traded at $37.91, with a volume of 65003 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $37.23. Analyst Ratings Changes SDVKY has been the subject of several analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Monday, December 8th. Pareto Securities lowered shares of Sandvik from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, October 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Sandvik from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Sandvik alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SDVKY Sandvik Price Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sandvik The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $49.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.62, a PEG ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.50. The companys 50 day moving average price is $32.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $29.17. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Sandvik by 15.9% in the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 22,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $502,000 after acquiring an additional 3,030 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in Sandvik by 24.8% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,406 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $208,000 after purchasing an additional 1,473 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC lifted its position in Sandvik by 3,795.5% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 857 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 0.74% of the companys stock. About Sandvik (Get Free Report) Sandvik (OTCMKTS: SDVKY) is a global engineering group headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, with roots dating back to 1862 when it was founded by Goran Fredrik Goransson. The company designs, manufactures and services advanced products and solutions for the mining and construction industries, metalworking and material technology markets. Sandvik serves customers worldwide with a broad portfolio of industrial products, equipment and aftermarket services. Sandviks core activities span three broad areas: metal-cutting and machining solutions, mining and rock excavation equipment, and specialty materials and components. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sandvik Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sandvik and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schneider National (NYSE:SNDR Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.08), FiscalAI reports. Schneider National had a return on equity of 4.04% and a net margin of 2.03%.The business had revenue of $1.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.45 billion. Schneider National Trading Down 1.5% Shares of SNDR traded down $0.47 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $29.75. 1,106,877 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 806,770. The companys fifty day moving average price is $26.82 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $24.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.93, a current ratio of 2.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The company has a market capitalization of $5.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.08. Schneider National has a 12 month low of $20.11 and a 12 month high of $30.98. Get Schneider National alerts: Schneider National Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. This is a positive change from Schneider Nationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Schneider Nationals dividend payout ratio is 59.38%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its position in Schneider National by 2,425.4% during the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,692 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,625 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP increased its stake in shares of Schneider National by 36.7% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,404 shares of the companys stock worth $72,000 after purchasing an additional 913 shares in the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group raised its holdings in Schneider National by 159.8% during the third quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 9,456 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,000 after acquiring an additional 5,816 shares during the period. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Schneider National during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $229,000. Finally, Caxton Associates LLP bought a new stake in shares of Schneider National during the third quarter valued at approximately $240,000. 28.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Schneider National announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Wednesday, January 28th that permits the company to buyback $150.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to purchase up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently issued reports on SNDR. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on Schneider National from $21.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. National Bankshares set a $21.00 price objective on Schneider National in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Benchmark restated a buy rating on shares of Schneider National in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Bank of America raised shares of Schneider National from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $32.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Schneider National from $23.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SNDR Schneider National Company Profile (Get Free Report) Schneider National, Inc is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services in North America. The company offers a full spectrum of solutions, including truckload transportation, intermodal services and dedicated logistics. Through these offerings, Schneider supports the movement of goods ranging from dry van freight to refrigerated and flatbed shipments, while also providing customized supply chain management and warehousing capabilities. Founded in 1935 by Al Schneider as a single-truck operation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company has grown into one of the industrys most recognized carriers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Schneider National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schneider National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE:MTR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 695 shares, a decline of 86.4% from the December 31st total of 5,120 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,897 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Mesa Royalty Trust Price Performance Mesa Royalty Trust stock traded up $0.05 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $5.02. The stock had a trading volume of 9,862 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,386. Mesa Royalty Trust has a twelve month low of $4.03 and a twelve month high of $10.42. The firm has a market cap of $9.34 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.61 and a beta of 0.45. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $4.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $5.03. Get Mesa Royalty Trust alerts: Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE:MTR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The energy company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter. Mesa Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 13.63% and a net margin of 76.84%.The business had revenue of $0.13 million during the quarter. Mesa Royalty Trust Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.0015 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 30th. Mesa Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 95.65%. Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Mesa Royalty Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Sell. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Mesa Royalty Trust About Mesa Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE: MTR) is a statutory trust that holds overriding royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily located in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1981 by Mesa Production Oil & Gas, Inc, the trusts portfolio comprises interests in thousands of producing wells across key producing areas, including the Midland, Delaware and Central Basin platforms. These interests provide the trust with net revenue rights to a portion of the hydrocarbons produced from the underlying formations. The trusts core business activity is the collection and distribution of royalty income derived from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng speaks during the "Ni Hao! China" tourism promotion event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) PHILADELPHIA, the United States, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Under the bright lights of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the sounds of Chinese and Western musical traditions blended harmoniously on Wednesday, delighting American audiences. To celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the China National Tourist Office in New York hosted a concert alongside a "Ni Hao! China" tourism promotion. The night began with a unique tourism reception, where Ma Yunfei, director of the China National Tourist Office in New York, highlighted the role of travel in bridging cultural divides. "Travel is one of the most natural and meaningful forms of exchange," Ma said, emphasizing that firsthand experiences can transform distant places into something personal. He pointed out that China is continuing to enhance travel facilitation, inviting more Americans to experience the vitality and openness of China's development today. As the program unfolded, music became the shared language of the night, with the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" concert taking center stage. Under the baton of Canadian conductor Naomi Woo, the Philadelphia Orchestra joined musicians from China's Central Conservatory of Music, such as Yu Hongmei and Zhang Hongyan, to present a concert that blended Chinese and Western music. The program, centered on the theme of spring, featured works like Li Huanzhi's "Spring Festival Overture," Chan Ka Nin's "Welcoming Spring," selections from Tan Dun's "Crouching Tiger Concerto" for erhu and chamber orchestra, and Zhou Long's "King Chu Doffs His Armor" for pipa and orchestra. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng and Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li attended the event that attracted nearly 2,500 guests. Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra, reflected on the orchestra's long-standing relationship with China, which began in 1973 when it became the first American orchestra to visit the country. "More than five decades later, that historic moment continues to inspire a deep and enduring commitment to cultural exchange and artistic collaboration," Fleur said, adding that the orchestra remains proud of its growing friendship with the Chinese people through music. Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street also addressed the gathering, underscoring the broader importance of Sino-American cooperation. "It is so important that the two largest economies in the world be able to work together," Street said. "This is not only about improving the quality of life for our two peoples, but also about helping to set the stage for global peace and economic prosperity." The celebrations will continue on Jan. 29, when the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra presents a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater. Musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra perform during a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra perform during a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra interact with audience during a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra perform during a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra perform during a special Chinese New Year concert at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB Free Report) had its price objective lifted by DA Davidson from $112.00 to $119.00 in a research report released on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Other analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of SouthState Bank from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of SouthState Bank in a research note on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on SouthState Bank in a report on Friday, December 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $115.00 target price for the company. UBS Group decreased their price target on SouthState Bank from $125.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of SouthState Bank from $117.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $117.21. Get SouthState Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on SSB SouthState Bank Price Performance Shares of NYSE:SSB opened at $100.94 on Monday. SouthState Bank has a 1 year low of $77.74 and a 1 year high of $109.64. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $95.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The company has a market cap of $10.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.84 and a beta of 0.74. SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $2.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $686.87 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $667.88 million. SouthState Bank had a net margin of 21.26% and a return on equity of 10.86%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. SouthState Bank Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 6th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 6th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. SouthState Banks payout ratio is presently 30.53%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On SouthState Bank A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of SouthState Bank during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in SouthState Bank during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its stake in SouthState Bank by 106.8% during the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 364 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in SouthState Bank by 37,700.0% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 378 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TFC Financial Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SouthState Bank by 49,800.0% in the 2nd quarter. TFC Financial Management Inc. now owns 499 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 498 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.76% of the companys stock. SouthState Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) SouthState Bank (NYSE: SSB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, that provides a range of commercial and retail banking services. Through its subsidiary, SouthState Bank, the company serves businesses, institutions and individuals with deposit, lending and treasury management solutions. Its core business lines include commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate lending, consumer mortgages and home equity loans. In addition to traditional lending and deposit products, SouthState Bank offers specialized services such as treasury and cash management, merchant services, payment solutions and online banking. Read More Receive News & Ratings for SouthState Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SouthState Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 4.000- for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 2.310. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Southwest Airlines also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.450- EPS. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Raymond James Financial upped their target price on Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $28.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on Southwest Airlines from $31.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.63. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Stock Down 1.0% Southwest Airlines stock opened at $40.94 on Thursday. Southwest Airlines has a 52 week low of $23.82 and a 52 week high of $45.02. The stock has a market cap of $21.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.98, a PEG ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.16. The companys 50-day moving average price is $40.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $35.05. The company has a current ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The airline reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $7.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.51 billion. Southwest Airlines had a return on equity of 6.39% and a net margin of 1.38%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. Southwest Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.000- EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450- EPS. On average, analysts expect that Southwest Airlines will post 1.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 110.77%. Trending Headlines about Southwest Airlines Here are the key news stories impacting Southwest Airlines this week: Positive Sentiment: Company set 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of at least $4.00 (big step up from 2025), signaling management expects a material profit surge tied to its business transformation and new revenue streams. PR Newswire Release Company set 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of at least $4.00 (big step up from 2025), signaling management expects a material profit surge tied to its business transformation and new revenue streams. Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS beat consensus: Southwest reported $0.58 vs. the $0.56 consensus, showing modest upside on profitability for the quarter. Zacks: Q4 Beat Q4 EPS beat consensus: Southwest reported $0.58 vs. the $0.56 consensus, showing modest upside on profitability for the quarter. Positive Sentiment: Management attributes improved outlook to new policies assigned seating (ended 54-year open-seating) and ancillary fees which management and press coverage say will boost unit revenue and margins. WSJ: Assigned Seating Management attributes improved outlook to new policies assigned seating (ended 54-year open-seating) and ancillary fees which management and press coverage say will boost unit revenue and margins. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: Jefferies raised its LUV price target to $45, reflecting bullish take on the transformation and guidance. Analyst Note Analyst support: Jefferies raised its LUV price target to $45, reflecting bullish take on the transformation and guidance. Neutral Sentiment: Revenue was up year-over-year ($7.44B, +7.4%) but slightly below some estimates, so top-line strength exists but didnt fully satisfy sellside revenue expectations. Company Press Release Revenue was up year-over-year ($7.44B, +7.4%) but slightly below some estimates, so top-line strength exists but didnt fully satisfy sellside revenue expectations. Neutral Sentiment: Quarterly cash metrics were mixed: operating cash fell, capex rose and cash balances declined highlights to monitor for liquidity and execution as management scales investments. QuiverQuant: Financial Details Quarterly cash metrics were mixed: operating cash fell, capex rose and cash balances declined highlights to monitor for liquidity and execution as management scales investments. Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: a spike in put buying (40,382 puts) suggests some investors are positioning for near-term downside or hedging, which can add selling pressure. Institutional Trading of Southwest Airlines Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of LUV. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines in the 2nd quarter valued at about $55,000. Ossiam acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines in the second quarter worth $61,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its position in Southwest Airlines by 159.0% during the third quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 2,370 shares of the airlines stock valued at $76,000 after purchasing an additional 1,455 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. purchased a new position in Southwest Airlines in the second quarter valued at about $80,000. Finally, Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines in the third quarter worth approximately $108,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.82% of the companys stock. About Southwest Airlines (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday following a weaker than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $30.33, but opened at $28.28. STMicroelectronics shares last traded at $27.7950, with a volume of 7,521,261 shares changing hands. The semiconductor producer reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by ($0.16). The company had revenue of $3.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.29 billion. STMicroelectronics had a net margin of 4.55% and a return on equity of 4.06%. Get STMicroelectronics alerts: STMicroelectronics News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting STMicroelectronics this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on STM shares. TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of STMicroelectronics in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Susquehanna boosted their target price on STMicroelectronics from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Robert W. Baird set a $45.00 price target on shares of STMicroelectronics in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of STMicroelectronics in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Mizuho set a $28.00 price objective on shares of STMicroelectronics in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $31.19. Get Our Latest Report on STMicroelectronics Institutional Investors Weigh In On STMicroelectronics Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 18,500 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $523,000 after buying an additional 475 shares in the last quarter. Vident Advisory LLC grew its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 2.5% in the third quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 23,196 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $656,000 after purchasing an additional 573 shares during the period. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of STMicroelectronics by 27.5% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,680 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 20,598 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $582,000 after purchasing an additional 677 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in STMicroelectronics by 16.5% in the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 4,817 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $136,000 after buying an additional 684 shares during the last quarter. 5.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. STMicroelectronics Trading Down 7.2% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 2.28 and a current ratio of 3.22. The company has a market capitalization of $25.29 billion, a PE ratio of 47.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 1.56. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $26.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.70. STMicroelectronics Company Profile (Get Free Report) STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, formed through the 1987 merger of SGS Microelettronica and Thomson Semiconducteurs. The company designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of semiconductor products and solutions that serve multiple end markets worldwide. STs offerings span from basic components to integrated systems, emphasizing energy-efficient and high-performance devices for modern electronics. Product categories include microcontrollers (notably the widely used STM32 family), analog and mixed-signal ICs, power MOSFETs and power-management devices, MEMS and sensors, image sensors, and discrete semiconductors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for STMicroelectronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STMicroelectronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strategic Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUJ Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 180,238 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $2,089,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MUJ. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 5.7% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 20,770 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $227,000 after acquiring an additional 1,120 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 51,595 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $580,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. PFG Investments LLC increased its stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 11.3% in the second quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 19,773 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $217,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 8.3% in the second quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp now owns 32,859 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $360,000 after buying an additional 2,522 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Effects LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 11.2% during the third quarter. Wealth Effects LLC now owns 34,794 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $403,000 after buying an additional 3,500 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 15.13% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund alerts: BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Price Performance NYSE MUJ opened at $12.17 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $12.02 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.55. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. has a 52-week low of $10.50 and a 52-week high of $12.22. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Announces Dividend BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Company Profile The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.054 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.3%. (Free Report) BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund (NYSE: MUJ) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income exempt from federal and New Jersey state income taxes. The fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey and its municipalities, authorities, and instrumentalities. By concentrating on high-quality New Jersey public finance obligations, MUJ aims to offer tax-efficient income for investors with exposure to the states credit profile. The funds portfolio is actively managed by BlackRocks municipal fixed income team, which conducts credit analysis and sector allocation to identify opportunities within New Jerseys diverse municipal marketplace. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Strs Ohio lessened its holdings in Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report) by 71.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 11,941 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 29,770 shares during the period. Strs Ohios holdings in Public Service Enterprise Group were worth $997,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd grew its position in Public Service Enterprise Group by 107.1% in the third quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd now owns 1,025,305 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $85,572,000 after acquiring an additional 530,248 shares during the period. Railway Pension Investments Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 97.5% in the 3rd quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 1,897,800 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $158,390,000 after purchasing an additional 937,100 shares during the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 18.2% during the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,645,407 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $137,155,000 after purchasing an additional 253,810 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its position in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 22.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 73,542 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $6,192,000 after purchasing an additional 13,540 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its position in shares of Public Service Enterprise Group by 12.4% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 4,638,039 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $387,091,000 after purchasing an additional 512,341 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.34% of the companys stock. Get Public Service Enterprise Group alerts: Public Service Enterprise Group Trading Up 1.0% Shares of PEG stock opened at $81.26 on Thursday. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $74.67 and a fifty-two week high of $91.25. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $80.11 and a 200 day moving average price of $82.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.93. Public Service Enterprise Group Announces Dividend Public Service Enterprise Group ( NYSE:PEG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $3.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.80 billion. Public Service Enterprise Group had a net margin of 17.77% and a return on equity of 12.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 22.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.90 EPS. Public Service Enterprise Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.000-4.060 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated will post 3.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th were given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Public Service Enterprise Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.58%. Insider Activity In other news, SVP Richard T. Thigpen sold 4,920 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.33, for a total transaction of $405,063.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 26,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,151,612.22. The trade was a 15.84% 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. Insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have weighed in on PEG shares. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from $85.00 to $83.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH raised shares of Public Service Enterprise Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $87.50 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Public Service Enterprise Group in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. They issued an in-line rating and a $83.00 target price for the company. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on Public Service Enterprise Group from $105.00 to $98.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Public Service Enterprise Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $90.96. Get Our Latest Stock Report on PEG Public Service Enterprise Group Profile (Free Report) Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) is a diversified energy company that operates primarily in New Jersey. Its core businesses include a regulated utility that delivers electric and natural gas service to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as generation and energy services operations that participate in wholesale power markets. The companys activities encompass transmission and distribution, power generation operations, and related energy infrastructure services. The regulated utility arm, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), is responsible for owning and maintaining electric and gas networks, connecting customers, performing meter and billing services, and managing system reliability and storm response. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PEG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Public Service Enterprise Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) shares fell 6.3% on Monday . The company traded as low as $6.84 and last traded at $6.7070. 769,491 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average session volume of 4,214,543 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.16. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently commented on SG. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a sell rating and issued a $5.60 price objective on shares of Sweetgreen in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group cut shares of Sweetgreen from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $7.50 price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Sweetgreen from $5.00 to $7.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $9.50 target price (down from $18.00) on shares of Sweetgreen in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Oppenheimer set a $10.00 target price on shares of Sweetgreen in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.83. Get Sweetgreen alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SG Sweetgreen Trading Down 0.5% The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.35. The firm has a market cap of $761.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.63 and a beta of 1.93. Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.31) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by ($0.13). Sweetgreen had a negative return on equity of 25.67% and a negative net margin of 16.55%.The company had revenue of $172.39 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $179.29 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.18) EPS. Sweetgreens quarterly revenue was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Sweetgreen, Inc. will post -0.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Jonathan Neman acquired 179,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $5.56 per share, with a total value of $999,688.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 179,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $999,688. This trade represents a increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Nicolas Jammet acquired 18,115 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $5.51 per share, for a total transaction of $99,813.65. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 18,115 shares in the company, valued at approximately $99,813.65. This represents a increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Company insiders own 19.78% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its stake in Sweetgreen by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 15,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $238,000 after acquiring an additional 877 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sweetgreen by 98.2% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,129 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,055 shares during the period. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey grew its position in Sweetgreen by 5.5% during the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 23,212 shares of the companys stock valued at $345,000 after purchasing an additional 1,209 shares in the last quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. grew its position in Sweetgreen by 4.9% during the second quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. now owns 39,912 shares of the companys stock valued at $594,000 after purchasing an additional 1,870 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new position in Sweetgreen in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 95.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sweetgreen Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sweetgreen, Inc is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in salads, grain bowls and warm bowls that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Since its founding in 2007 by Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet and Nathaniel Ru, Sweetgreen has focused on sustainable agriculture, working with regional farmers across the United States to provide seasonal produce and promote environmentally responsible sourcing practices. The companys menu features a variety of plant-forward options, including custom-build salads, chef-curated bowls and limited-time offerings that reflect changing harvests. Sweetgreen operates a technology-driven service model that combines in-store experiences with digital ordering through its mobile app and website. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sweetgreen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sweetgreen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSE:TKO Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday after National Bankshares raised their price target on the stock from C$8.50 to C$13.50. The company traded as high as C$12.15 and last traded at C$11.59, with a volume of 1249313 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$11.22. Separately, TD Securities raised their target price on shares of Taseko Mines from C$6.50 to C$12.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$10.25. Get Taseko Mines alerts: View Our Latest Report on TKO Taseko Mines Stock Up 1.8% The firm has a market cap of C$4.12 billion, a P/E ratio of -60.11 and a beta of 2.02. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$8.11 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$6.21. Taseko Mines (TSE:TKO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C$0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$173.91 million for the quarter. Taseko Mines had a return on equity of 16.33% and a net margin of 12.69%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Taseko Mines Ltd. will post 0.2801932 EPS for the current year. About Taseko Mines (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines Ltd is a Canadian mining company. It is principally engaged in the production and sale of metals, as well as related activities, including exploration and mine development, within the province of British Columbia, Canada, and the State of Arizona, the United States. The Gibraltar, Aley, New Prosperity, and Harmony properties are located in British Columbia whereas Florence copper is in central Arizona. Featured Articles 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. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. decreased its position in Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR) by 5.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,154,233 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 65,605 shares during the quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s holdings in Restaurant Brands International were worth $76,770,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Federated Hermes Inc. purchased a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $3,782,000. Intact Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 10.6% in the third quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 759,391 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $48,722,000 after buying an additional 72,800 shares during the last quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. grew its position in Restaurant Brands International by 10.3% in the 3rd quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 142,164 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $9,118,000 after buying an additional 13,221 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Restaurant Brands International during the 3rd quarter worth $117,000. Finally, Arkadios Wealth Advisors grew its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 40.8% in the third quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 48,055 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,082,000 after purchasing an additional 13,920 shares during the last quarter. 82.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CFO Sami A. Siddiqui sold 10,913 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.87, for a total value of $773,404.31. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 10,609 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $751,859.83. This represents a 50.71% 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. Also, Director Ali Hedayat sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.77, for a total value of $509,390.00. Following the sale, the director owned 18,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,379,864.74. This represents a 26.96% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 145,508 shares of company stock worth $10,233,040. Corporate insiders own 1.25% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Scotiabank increased their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $73.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $82.00 target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an overweight rating and issued a $86.00 price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating and issued a $80.00 price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $76.57. View Our Latest Report on QSR Restaurant Brands International Trading Down 0.1% QSR stock opened at $67.47 on Thursday. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a twelve month low of $58.71 and a twelve month high of $73.70. The business has a fifty day moving average of $69.69 and a 200-day moving average of $67.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65. The company has a market cap of $23.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.01, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.59. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The restaurant operator reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.03. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.43% and a net margin of 9.95%.The company had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.93 earnings per share. Restaurant Brands Internationals revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.72 EPS for the current year. Restaurant Brands International Profile (Free Report) Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The companys principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands Internationals business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs. RBIs restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QSR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR). Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Free Report) (TSE:CM) by 3.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 3,265,119 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 102,715 shares during the quarter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce accounts for about 1.7% of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce were worth $260,901,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. bought a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 300.0% during the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 400 shares of the banks stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter worth approximately $34,000. 49.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Performance Shares of CM opened at $93.21 on Thursday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52 week low of $53.62 and a 52 week high of $94.16. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market cap of $86.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.31, a PEG ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.02. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $90.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $82.67. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ( NYSE:CM Get Free Report ) (TSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $5.41 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.23 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 13.57% and a return on equity of 14.93%. The companys revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.91 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 5.5 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 29th were given a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 29th. This is a positive change from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.25%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on CM shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Zacks Research raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 31st. Finally, Raymond James Financial began coverage on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $107.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile (Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE: CM), commonly known as CIBC, is a major Canadian financial institution headquartered in Toronto. Formed in 1961 through the merger of the Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada, CIBC is one of Canadas largest banks and provides a broad range of banking and financial services to retail, small business, commercial and institutional clients. CIBCs activities span personal and business banking, wealth management, capital markets and corporate banking. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Free Report) (TSE:CM). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 1.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,287,287 shares of the banks stock after selling 111,253 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank comprises 4.9% of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest holding. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank were worth $745,941,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter worth approximately $27,000. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter worth about $30,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Toronto Dominion Bank by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 856 shares during the last quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Sachetta LLC acquired a new position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. 52.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Toronto Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto Dominion Bank Stock Down 2.6% Shares of NYSE TD opened at $93.61 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $91.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $82.20. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Toronto Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of $54.14 and a 12-month high of $96.44. The company has a market cap of $157.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.67. Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.90% and a net margin of 16.52%.The company had revenue of $11.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.72 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $1.08 per share. This is an increase from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Toronto Dominion Banks payout ratio is 37.37%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on TD shares. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Natl Bk Canada upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $93.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on Toronto Dominion Bank About Toronto Dominion Bank (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. See Also 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. Tariffs have been a centerpiece of U.S. President Donald Trumps strategy, who has boasted of having used tariff threats to end multiple wars across the world. U.S. tariff collections have surged under Trumps watch, helping to narrow the burgeoning budget deficit, although the numbers still appear ugly and are frankly unsustainable over the long term. Ever since the president announced wide-ranging tariffs on Liberation Day last April, he has blown hot and cold over them. While the tariffs have been a hanging sword over the last year as Trumpwho self-proclaimed himself as the Tariff Man during his first tenurehas frequently threatened to impose them on countries not agreeing to his demands, the heat has risen over the last few days. More News from Barchart Tariff Heat Might Rise Again First, the president threatened the EU with tariffs if it opposed his demands to acquire Greenland. Then came the salvo of 100% tariffs on Canada if the country proceeded with the free trade deal with China. Now, he has increased the tariffs on South Korea to 25%, alleging that the country is not living up to the agreed terms. We might see Trump raise the pitch further as other countries sign trade deals among themselvesthe India-EU trade deal, hailed as the mother of all deals, being the latest example. While markets have somehow learned to live with the tariff tantrum, among others, on the belief that the president would eventually mellow down his threata phenomenon popularly known as Trump Always Chickens Out (TACO)tariff threats do lead to occasional selloffs in markets. Utility Companies Can Be a Good Play Amid the Current Environment One way to play the story could be through precious metals (and by extension, the companies mining them) that are enjoying the rally of a lifetime. In my previous articles, I had listed Anglogold Ashanti (AU) and Angico-Eagles Mines (AEM) as two dividend stocks to buy amid the current macro environment. Here well look at the investment case for American Electric Power (AEP), which looks like a good buy for conservative investors looking for a safe, high dividend-paying stock. www.barchart.com AEP Expects Its EPS To Grow at a CAGR of 9% Over Five Years AEP is a regulated utility whose earnings are quite predictable and linear. It is among the largest electricity producers in the U.S. with a diverse generating capacity of 29,000 megawatts and boasts the largest transmission network, spanning 40,000 miles. The company is present in 11 states and serves 5.6 million customers. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lessened its holdings in shares of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC Free Report) by 53.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 38,832 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 45,244 shares during the quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned approximately 0.14% of Stewart Information Services worth $2,847,000 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 STC. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Stewart Information Services by 138.3% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 741 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 430 shares in the last quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Stewart Information Services by 96.7% in the 3rd quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 1,119 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $82,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Stewart Information Services by 2,735.8% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,503 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $98,000 after acquiring an additional 1,450 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in Stewart Information Services by 70.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,271 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $148,000 after purchasing an additional 935 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in shares of Stewart Information Services by 216.1% during the 2nd quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 2,658 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $173,000 after purchasing an additional 1,817 shares during the last quarter. 96.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Stewart Information Services alerts: Stewart Information Services Trading Down 0.1% Shares of NYSE STC opened at $67.33 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $71.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $70.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.77. Stewart Information Services Corporation has a 1-year low of $56.39 and a 1-year high of $78.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.75 and a beta of 1.02. Stewart Information Services Announces Dividend Analysts Set New Price Targets The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.525 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Stewart Information Servicess payout ratio is currently 58.50%. Several brokerages have recently issued reports on STC. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Stewart Information Services from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $81.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday. Wall Street Zen downgraded Stewart Information Services from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Stewart Information Services in a report on Monday, December 29th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $81.50. Get Our Latest Report on Stewart Information Services Stewart Information Services Company Profile (Free Report) Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC) is a publicly traded provider of title insurance and real estate transaction services. The company underwrites title insurance policies for residential and commercial properties, offering lenders and property owners protection against title defects and liens. Beyond title insurance, Stewart delivers a range of ancillary services, including closing and escrow administration, property valuation, and risk mitigation solutions designed to streamline the mortgage process and reduce operational complexity for clients. In addition to core title and settlement services, Stewart offers technology-driven products aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Stewart Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stewart Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teijin Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TINLY Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $8.9650, but opened at $9.7225. Teijin shares last traded at $9.7225, with a volume of 244 shares. Teijin Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $1.87 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.49 and a beta of 0.05. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $8.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.70. Get Teijin alerts: About Teijin (Get Free Report) Teijin Limited is a diversified Japanese conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, with roots dating back to 1918 when it launched Japans first rayon manufacturing facility. Over the past century, the company has evolved into an integrated chemical, pharmaceutical and information technology group serving a wide range of global markets. Teijin operates through multiple business segments that include advanced fibers & composites, performance films, healthcare and IT solutions. In its fibers & composites division, Teijin produces high-strength aramid fibers under brands such as Twaron and Technora, along with carbon fiber composite materials used in aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Teijin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teijin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY Get Free Report) rose 7.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $9.1075 and last traded at $9.1075. Approximately 645 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 54% from the average daily volume of 1,407 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.4420. Analyst Ratings Changes TLTZY has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. BNP Paribas Exane raised Tele2 from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Tele2 in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, New Street Research raised shares of Tele2 to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Tele2 presently has an average rating of Buy. Get Tele2 alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Tele2 Tele2 Stock Down 2.3% The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The company has a market capitalization of $12.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.69 and a beta of 0.44. The businesss 50-day moving average is $8.18 and its 200-day moving average is $8.20. Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.01). Tele2 had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 14.75%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Tele2 will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current year. About Tele2 (Get Free Report) Tele2 AB is a European telecommunications company headquartered in Kista, Sweden. Since its founding in 1993, the firm has developed into a full-service provider of voice, data and multimedia solutions for both consumer and business markets. Its core offerings include mobile telephony, fixed and mobile broadband, voice over IP, digital television services and data network solutions, alongside emerging Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine connectivity products. Tele2 operates primarily across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with key markets in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Tele2 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tele2 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TeliaSonera (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The technology company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.16), reports. The business had revenue of $2.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.32 billion. TeliaSonera had a return on equity of 10.49% and a net margin of 5.48%. TeliaSonera Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS TLSNY traded down $0.26 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $9.01. 14,559 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 49,980. TeliaSonera has a fifty-two week low of $5.68 and a fifty-two week high of $9.34. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Get TeliaSonera alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen raised TeliaSonera from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Citigroup upgraded TeliaSonera from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, UBS Group cut TeliaSonera from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, TeliaSonera presently has a consensus rating of Buy. About TeliaSonera (Get Free Report) TeliaSonera (OTCMKTS:TLSNY) operates under the Telia Company brand as one of the leading telecommunications providers in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The company delivers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed voice communications, broadband internet, television and streaming offerings, and enterprise-grade data and IP solutions. Its consumer segment focuses on mobile subscriptions, digital TV packages and home connectivity, while its business division provides managed network services, cloud platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The roots of TeliaSonera trace back to the 19th century with Swedens Royal Telegraph Agency and Finlands national carrier, Sonera. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TeliaSonera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TeliaSonera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The medical research company reported $6.57 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.45 by $0.12, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.95 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 16.97% and a net margin of 15.02%.Thermo Fisher Scientifics revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $6.10 earnings per share. Here are the key takeaways from Thermo Fisher Scientifics conference call: Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: We delivered a strong finish to 2025 with Q4 revenue of $12.21B (+7%) and adjusted EPS of $6.57 (+8%), fullyear revenue $44.56B (+4%) and adjusted EPS $22.87 (+5%), and we initiated 2026 guidance of $46.3B$47.2B revenue and $24.22$24.80 adjusted EPS (6%8% growth, 3%4% organic). of $46.3B$47.2B revenue and $24.22$24.80 adjusted EPS (6%8% growth, 3%4% organic). Aggressive capital deployment ~ $16.5B deployed in 2025 (including ~$13B for M&A and $3.6B returned to shareholders); the announced Clario acquisition (~$9B) is expected to close mid2026 and be materially accretive to EPS. (~$9B) is expected to close mid2026 and be materially accretive to EPS. Product and partnership momentum multiple highimpact launches (Orbitrap Astral Zoom, Krios 5 CryoTEM, Helios MX1, EXENT 510(k), expanded singleuse bioreactors) and strategic collaborations (Chan Zuckerberg Institute, OpenAI) aim to deepen customer ties and embed AI across products and operations. Policy and macro risks remain tariffs and FX volatility were >100 basis points of margin headwind in 2025 and the 2026 guide assumes current tariffs only, while China and U.S. academic/government funding weakness pressured some segments. Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Down 2.1% Shares of TMO stock traded down $12.20 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $579.96. The companys stock had a trading volume of 775,917 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,540,346. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a one year low of $385.46 and a one year high of $643.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $217.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.56, a P/E/G ratio of 3.99 and a beta of 0.91. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $594.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $536.01. Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Dividend Key Headlines Impacting Thermo Fisher Scientific The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is 9.94%. Here are the key news stories impacting Thermo Fisher Scientific this week: Thermo Fisher Scientific declared that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, November 6th that allows the company to buyback $5.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the medical research company to reacquire up to 2.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets TMO has been the subject of several research reports. KeyCorp upgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $750.00 target price for the company in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Thermo Fisher Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Argus upped their target price on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $580.00 to $610.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Robert W. Baird set a $653.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Friday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. They set a buy rating and a $685.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $631.32. View Our Latest Stock Report on Thermo Fisher Scientific Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, COO Michel Lagarde sold 22,046 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $563.56, for a total value of $12,424,243.76. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 84,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at $47,404,976.52. This represents a 20.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Michael D. Shafer sold 10,725 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $600.00, for a total transaction of $6,435,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 18,731 shares in the company, valued at $11,238,600. The trade was a 36.41% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 124,517 shares of company stock worth $72,363,568. Insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermo Fisher Scientific Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TMO. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. grew its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 151.4% in the 3rd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 88 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Wealth Watch Advisors INC bought a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 3rd quarter valued at $44,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 3rd quarter worth $46,000. Finally, Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the third quarter valued at $53,000. 89.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) is a global provider of scientific instrumentation, reagents and consumables, software, and services that support research, clinical, and industrial laboratories. The company supplies analytical instruments and laboratory equipment, life sciences reagents and kits, specialty diagnostics, and a broad range of consumables used by researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers. Its offerings also include laboratory information management and data-analysis software, as well as service solutions such as instrument maintenance, validation, and logistics that help customers run complex workflows efficiently. Thermo Fisher operates through multiple business areas that broadly cover life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services, including contract development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truist Financial Corp lessened its position in Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 5.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 701,651 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 37,393 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Southern were worth $66,495,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Southern by 17.5% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 34,003 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,127,000 after purchasing an additional 5,067 shares during the last quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC lifted its position in Southern by 7.4% during the second quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 21,462 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,971,000 after buying an additional 1,476 shares during the period. Cooper Financial Group boosted its stake in Southern by 24.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cooper Financial Group now owns 4,953 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $455,000 after buying an additional 977 shares during the last quarter. Liberty Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Southern by 12.9% in the 2nd quarter. Liberty Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,756 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $253,000 after buying an additional 314 shares during the period. Finally, Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp increased its stake in shares of Southern by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp now owns 5,436 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $499,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.10% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes SO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH reissued a neutral rating and issued a $102.50 target price (up from $99.50) on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $85.00 price target on shares of Southern in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Southern in a research note on Monday, October 6th. They set an in-line rating and a $103.00 price objective for the company. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on Southern from $97.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $94.91. Southern Price Performance Southern stock opened at $88.46 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $87.51 and a 200-day moving average of $91.67. Southern Company has a 52-week low of $82.69 and a 52-week high of $100.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $97.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.90, a PEG ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.46. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.51 by $0.09. Southern had a net margin of 15.42% and a return on equity of 12.52%. The business had revenue of $7.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.04 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.39 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Southern Company will post 4.29 EPS for the current year. Southern Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.74 per share. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Southerns payout ratio is currently 73.27%. Southern Profile (Free Report) Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is an Atlanta-based energy holding company that provides electric and gas utility services and owns power generation assets across the United States. Founded in 1945, the company operates a portfolio of regulated electric utilities and affiliated businesses that generate, transmit and distribute electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Southerns principal regulated electric subsidiaries include Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, which serve large portions of the southeastern United States. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS Free Report) had its price objective raised by Jefferies Financial Group from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on UPS. TD Cowen increased their price objective on United Parcel Service from $101.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Bank of America raised shares of United Parcel Service from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $114.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 9th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of United Parcel Service from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of United Parcel Service in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Wolfe Research reiterated a peer perform rating on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, United Parcel Service presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $115.22. Get United Parcel Service alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on UPS United Parcel Service Stock Down 3.2% United Parcel Service stock opened at $103.77 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $101.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.47. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45. The stock has a market cap of $88.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.04, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 1.11. United Parcel Service has a twelve month low of $82.00 and a twelve month high of $136.58. United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The transportation company reported $2.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $24.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.91 billion. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 38.30% and a net margin of 6.28%.The businesss revenue was down 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.75 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that United Parcel Service will post 7.95 EPS for the current year. United Parcel Service Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of $1.64 per share. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. United Parcel Services payout ratio is currently 101.39%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other United Parcel Service news, insider Norman M. Brothers, Jr. sold 25,014 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.15, for a total value of $2,655,236.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of United Parcel Service Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Europe Ltd grew its position in United Parcel Service by 110.1% in the second quarter. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Europe Ltd now owns 250 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new position in United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. 60.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Trending Headlines about United Parcel Service Here are the key news stories impacting United Parcel Service this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and upbeat 2026 revenue guide: UPS reported Q4 revenue and adjusted EPS above estimates and guided to higher 2026 revenue, underpinning the stocks fundamental upside. UPS forecasts higher 2026 revenue Q4 beat and upbeat 2026 revenue guide: UPS reported Q4 revenue and adjusted EPS above estimates and guided to higher 2026 revenue, underpinning the stocks fundamental upside. Positive Sentiment: Analysts turning more bullish multiple pricetarget increases and upgrades today (notable raises: Jefferies to $130 buy, Truist to $130 buy, UBS to $125 buy, Oppenheimer to $115 outperform), signaling expectations for margin recovery and revenue growth. Analyst Coverage roundup Analysts turning more bullish multiple pricetarget increases and upgrades today (notable raises: Jefferies to $130 buy, Truist to $130 buy, UBS to $125 buy, Oppenheimer to $115 outperform), signaling expectations for margin recovery and revenue growth. Positive Sentiment: Shareholder returns highlighted: UPS confirmed a meaningful quarterly dividend (annualized yield ~6%) and continues buybacks supports income investors and offsets some growth concerns. UPS Q4 press release / earnings deck Shareholder returns highlighted: UPS confirmed a meaningful quarterly dividend (annualized yield ~6%) and continues buybacks supports income investors and offsets some growth concerns. Positive Sentiment: Market narrative shifting to accumulation: coverage pieces argue UPS is entering a rebound phase as volume mix improves (international, healthcare, highermargin segments). MarketBeat accumulation thesis Market narrative shifting to accumulation: coverage pieces argue UPS is entering a rebound phase as volume mix improves (international, healthcare, highermargin segments). Positive Sentiment: Options flow showed heavy call buying the day after earnings shortterm bullish positioning by some traders (unusual activity vs. typical volume). Options flow showed heavy call buying the day after earnings shortterm bullish positioning by some traders (unusual activity vs. typical volume). Neutral Sentiment: Industry operational note: FedEx aims to return MD11 freighters to service after the UPS MD11 accident a sector safety/operational development that keeps regulatory and reputational risks in focus. FedEx MD11 return plan Industry operational note: FedEx aims to return MD11 freighters to service after the UPS MD11 accident a sector safety/operational development that keeps regulatory and reputational risks in focus. Neutral Sentiment: Some divergence among analysts Citigroup trimmed its target slightly even as most shops raised theirs, showing not all firms are aligned on upside magnitude. Analyst dissent Some divergence among analysts Citigroup trimmed its target slightly even as most shops raised theirs, showing not all firms are aligned on upside magnitude. Negative Sentiment: Large workforce cuts: UPS will eliminate up to 30,000 operational jobs (on top of prior reductions) and close facilities as it winds down lowermargin Amazon volumes raises shortterm execution risk, transition costs and scrutiny about competitiveness. UPS job cuts announced Large workforce cuts: UPS will eliminate up to 30,000 operational jobs (on top of prior reductions) and close facilities as it winds down lowermargin Amazon volumes raises shortterm execution risk, transition costs and scrutiny about competitiveness. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Director/insider Norman M. Brothers Jr. sold ~25,014 shares at ~$106 each a visible insider sale that can amplify negative sentiment even if its routine. Insider sale SEC filing Insider selling: Director/insider Norman M. Brothers Jr. sold ~25,014 shares at ~$106 each a visible insider sale that can amplify negative sentiment even if its routine. Negative Sentiment: Coverage pointing to costly Amazon unwind: analysis pieces warn the separation from Amazon is expensive and competitive pressures in U.S. delivery remain strong, which could weigh on margins while network changes take effect. Invezz analysis United Parcel Service Company Profile (Get Free Report) United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is a global package delivery and supply chain management company that provides a broad range of transportation, logistics and e-commerce services. Its core business centers on small-package delivery and last-mile distribution for business and individual customers, supported by a network of ground transportation, air cargo operations (UPS Airlines) and sorting facilities. In addition to parcel delivery, UPS offers freight transportation, contract logistics, warehousing, customs brokerage and reverse-logistics solutions designed to support domestic and international commerce. The company traces its roots to 1907 when it began as a small messenger service in the United States and later evolved into the United Parcel Service. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lifted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) by 21.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 12,757 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 2,229 shares during the quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbHs holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries were worth $3,673,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of HII. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries in the second quarter worth $25,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 140.0% in the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 108 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. SouthState Corp increased its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 310.0% in the 2nd quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 123 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. Anchor Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC now owns 125 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its position in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 120.0% in the 3rd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 110 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. 90.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Insider Activity In other Huntington Ingalls Industries news, CAO Nicolas G. Schuck sold 466 shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.36, for a total value of $146,491.76. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,418 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $760,122.48. The trade was a 16.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Chad N. Boudreaux sold 787 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.17, for a total value of $247,251.79. Following the sale, the vice president owned 20,441 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,421,948.97. This represents a 3.71% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 17,103 shares of company stock valued at $5,477,768 in the last ninety days. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes HII has been the topic of a number of research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $362.00 target price on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Melius Research upgraded Huntington Ingalls Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $384.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. TD Cowen increased their price target on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Huntington Ingalls Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, January 18th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Huntington Ingalls Industries has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $343.63. View Our Latest Stock Report on Huntington Ingalls Industries Huntington Ingalls Industries Price Performance Shares of HII stock opened at $425.11 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $354.99 and its 200 day moving average is $306.44. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. has a 1-year low of $158.88 and a 1-year high of $432.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The company has a market cap of $16.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.36, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.36. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The aerospace company reported $3.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.29 by $0.39. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a net margin of 4.74% and a return on equity of 11.79%. The business had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.95 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.56 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. will post 13.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Huntington Ingalls Industries (Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a leading provider of professional services to the U.S. government. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII designs, constructs and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines and other complex vessels for the U.S. Navy. The companys products include nuclear aircraft carriers, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, as well as amphibious assault ships, destroyers and cutters. Established in 2011 as a spin-off from Northrop Grummans shipbuilding operations, HII traces its heritage to two historic builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in the 19th century, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, founded in 1938. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its stake in Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN Free Report) by 11.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 135,375 shares of the energy companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,203 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in Devon Energy were worth $4,746,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its holdings in 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 during the period. Greatmark Investment Partners Inc. increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter. Greatmark Investment Partners Inc. now owns 571,925 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $20,052,000 after purchasing an additional 30,435 shares during the last quarter. Natixis increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 101.4% during the 2nd quarter. Natixis now owns 73,902 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,351,000 after purchasing an additional 37,211 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 70.0% during 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. Finally, Stephens Inc. AR lifted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 90.4% in the 2nd quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 72,546 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,308,000 after purchasing an additional 34,448 shares during the period. 69.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Devon Energy alerts: Devon Energy Stock Up 1.0% DVN opened at $39.85 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.96. Devon Energy Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $25.89 and a fifty-two week high of $39.99. The firms fifty day moving average is $36.81 and its 200 day moving average is $34.92. The stock has a market cap of $25.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 0.60. Devon Energy Dividend Announcement Devon Energy ( NYSE:DVN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $0.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 18.14% and a net margin of 15.56%.During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.10 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Devon Energy Corporation will post 4.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.59%. More Devon Energy News Here are the key news stories impacting Devon Energy this week: Positive Sentiment: Siebert Williams Shank raised its price target on Devon to $50, a bullish signal that can attract buyers and support further upside if investors follow the upgraded target. Read More. Siebert Williams Shank raised its price target on Devon to $50, a bullish signal that can attract buyers and support further upside if investors follow the upgraded target. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Within Zacks package of revisions there were small upward tweaks to a couple quarters (Q1 2026 to $0.96 from $0.95 and Q2 2027 to $1.06 from $1.03), which slightly offsets the negatives by nudging near-term EPS expectations higher for those periods. Read More. Within Zacks package of revisions there were small upward tweaks to a couple quarters (Q1 2026 to $0.96 from $0.95 and Q2 2027 to $1.06 from $1.03), which slightly offsets the negatives by nudging near-term EPS expectations higher for those periods. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: A Benzinga piece highlighting Devons fiveyear share performance may help longerterm sentiment and retail interest, but it is unlikely to move the stock materially on its own. Read More. A Benzinga piece highlighting Devons fiveyear share performance may help longerterm sentiment and retail interest, but it is unlikely to move the stock materially on its own. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research downgraded Devon from Hold to a firm Strong Sell a reputational negative that tends to pressure flows and could prompt some portfolio managers to reduce exposure. Read More. Zacks Research downgraded Devon from Hold to a firm Strong Sell a reputational negative that tends to pressure flows and could prompt some portfolio managers to reduce exposure. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut multiple earnings forecasts across FY2026 and FY2027 (FY2026 to $3.68 from $3.71; FY2027 to $4.45 from $4.55) and trimmed several quarterly EPS forecasts. The net effect is lower analyst earnings expectations, which is bearish for the stocks nearterm valuation. Read More. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on DVN. Benchmark restated a buy rating on shares of Devon Energy in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Devon Energy from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Devon Energy from $44.00 to $41.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Devon Energy from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Devon Energy from $48.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $44.76. Read Our Latest Report on DVN About Devon Energy (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. See Also 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. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (NYSEARCA:QUSA Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 241 shares, a decrease of 83.3% from the December 31st total of 1,443 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 17,174 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 17,174 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF Stock Performance Shares of VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF stock traded down $0.02 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $18.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 41,233 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,807. VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF has a 52 week low of $17.85 and a 52 week high of $20.72. The company has a market capitalization of $17.26 million, a PE ratio of 31.64 and a beta of -0.75. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $18.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $19.15. Get VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF alerts: About VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (Get Free Report) Read More The VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund seeks to generate a 15% annual income through a mix of US equities and an active options strategy. The fund aims for steady income alongside potential long-term capital growth by prioritizing firms with strong financial stability and low earnings variability QUSA was launched on May 6, 2025 and is issued by VistaShares. Receive News & Ratings for VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The cryptocurrency industry has amassed $193 million in political firepower with midterm elections just ten months away, and the White House is now scrambling to rescue a stalled digital asset bill. With that kind of money on the table, the Trump administration has effectively been summoned to the negotiating table. War Chest Loaded Before The Battle Even Begins Crypto political action committee Fairshake announced Tuesday that it held $193 million at the end of 2025nearly matching the $195 million it spent during the entire 2024 election cycle. The money is already in the bank, and the campaign hasn't even started. Ripple contributed $25 million, and venture capital firm a16z added $24 million in the second half of last year, while Coinbase gave $25 million in the first half. A Fairshake spokesperson said the PAC remains committed to backing pro-crypto candidates and opposing lawmakers hostile to the industry. Bill Stalls, White House Steps In The problem: while this financial arsenal looms over Washington, the industry's top legislative priority is stuck. The CLARITY Act, a comprehensive bill on digital asset market structure, was pulled from a Senate Banking Committee vote earlier this month after crypto firms and traditional banks clashed over stablecoin yield provisions. Now the White House is intervening directly. President Trump's crypto policy council will convene executives from both camps on Monday to hammer out a compromise. The Blockchain Association, Digital Chamber, and Crypto Council for Innovation have confirmed their participation. Banks Sound The Alarm: $1.5 Trillion At Risk The banking industry's opposition isn't theatricalit's existential. Standard Chartered's global head of digital assets research, Geoff Kendrick, issued a stark warning this week, estimating that US bank deposits could shrink by roughly one-third of the total stablecoin market cap. If that market grows to $2 trillion, developed-market banks could lose roughly $500 billion in deposits by the end of 2028. Emerging-market banks face an even steeper cliffup to $1 trillion over the same period. The math is straightforward but brutal. With dollar-pegged stablecoins currently representing about $301 billion in market value, tens of billions have already migrated out of traditional banking. And unlike a crisis-driven bank run, this is structurala slow, steady drain. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan sounded an even more dramatic alarm days earlier, suggesting that as much as $6 trillionroughly 30-35% of total US commercial bank depositscould eventually shift into stablecoins. Vitrafy Life Sciences (ASX:VFY) used its Q2 investor update to highlight what management described as a material and validating strategic commercial agreement, progress on deploying its Guardian cryopreservation freezing device in the United States, and steps toward a U.S. regulatory pathway for broader human health market access. Get alerts: Commercial agreement with IMV highlighted as a key milestone CEO and Managing Director Brent Owens said the quarters standout development was a strategic commercial agreement with IMV, which he described as one of the largest global providers of animal reproductive material and equipment across multiple species. Owens framed the deal as Vitrafys first major commercial milestone in line with our strategy, and a foundation for scaling across the animal reproductive market. Under the agreement, Owens said the parties are pursuing a 12-month exclusive arrangement that includes revenue opportunities equating to approximately. He added that the arrangement also includes milestone payments over the term that are tied to preparing for a go-to-market launch, with the first 12 months focused on co-development of a joint offering. Owens said the company expects that hitting the milestones could lead to much bigger, broader, longer-term commercial deals with IMV across the species Vitrafy is targeting. He also noted that while IMV operates at large scale in sperm straw units, Vitrafy retained a carve-out for its aquaculture work in Australia and intends to continue those relationships locally. Guardian device manufacturing and U.S. deployment Owens said Vitrafy built its first batch of Guardian cryopreservation freezing devices during the quarter, and that one device has arrived in the United States and has been commissioned. He emphasized that having a physical device available for demonstrations supports business development efforts, particularly in the companys priority U.S. markets of blood, cell, and gene therapy. He also said the company built four additional Guardian devices intended for commercial use and is continuing to invest in U.S. manufacturing capability to meet anticipated demand from both animal and human health markets. U.S. expansion and operational footprint Vitrafy also outlined progress establishing a U.S. operating base. Owens said the company has set up an office in Southern California and an operating laboratory, co-located at Planet Innovation. He said the site includes a demonstration facility and lab intended to support training, onboarding, and device demonstrations. Medical device pathway and near-term milestones Owens said some human health markets require medical device regulatory status, and that Vitrafy is working to accelerate commercialization in the research market while also pushing forward with medical device certification. He said the company has commenced its medical device program, beginning validation and verification work on the device. Owens stated the company is expecting further registration under Class II 510(k) exempt status for the device in the first half of the next financial year. Looking ahead over the next six months, Owens said priorities include executing on the IMV agreement, converting human health pipeline opportunities into commercial or collaboration agreements in the first half of the calendar year, securing medical device registration to expand the addressable market (particularly in the U.S.), and building additional batches of devices to meet anticipated demand. Board changes and financial position Owens said the company completed a board renewal during the quarter with the appointment of Dr. Lee Ferrell as chair and the appointment of Dr. Jeannie as a non-executive director. He said both bring experience spanning blood and defense-related activities, as well as biotech and biopharma, including in the United States. On government-related work, Owens said the company commenced phase two of its program with the U.S. Army on blood platelets following a government shutdown, with results expected in the next quarter. Financially, Owens said Vitrafy remained disciplined on spending and reported a really strong balance sheet with over AUD 22 million in the bank, later describing the cash balance as close to AUD 23 million. He also said the company expects a couple of million dollars to come in over the next term from the Industry Growth Fund, and that based on the outlook, Vitrafy has runway well into calendar year 2027. In response to a question on manufacturing costs, CFO Simon Martin said the company is working to shift manufacturing closer to customers, pointing to Planet Innovation in the U.S. as the intended manufacturing location. Martin said a program is underway over the next six months to lower manufacturing costs and that the companys goal is to reduce costs to a level where it can achieve a very high gross margin come year two. He said the company plans to provide more detail in the upcoming results presentation. During Q&A, Owens also addressed potential geographic expansion beyond the U.S., saying Vitrafy sees opportunities in other regions but intends to remain focused on delivering in its primary market first, rather than boil the ocean day one. The company said it plans to release its first half FY26 results on Wednesday, 4 February, and will host an investor webinar at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the results and provide an outlook for the remainder of FY26 and beyond. About Vitrafy Life Sciences (ASX:VFY) Recommended Stories Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lowered its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report) by 19.2% 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 1,640,663 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 390,718 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for about 0.8% of Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest position. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC owned 0.06% of JPMorgan Chase & Co. worth $504,748,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of JPM. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 61,129,271 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $17,646,506,000 after purchasing an additional 300,160 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the second quarter valued at $10,295,209,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 28,813.7% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 16,785,584 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,866,309,000 after buying an additional 16,727,530 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 14,332,418 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,155,111,000 after acquiring an additional 577,860 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 7,524,197 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,181,338,000 after acquiring an additional 76,413 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.55% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Up 0.2% JPM opened at $300.89 on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12 month low of $202.16 and a 12 month high of $337.25. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $314.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $306.02. The company has a market cap of $819.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 1.07. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.93 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $46.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.98 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.16% and a net margin of 20.35%.JPMorgan Chase & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.81 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.99%. Key Headlines Impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently weighed in on JPM shares. Daiwa Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $345.00 to $353.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Robert W. Baird set a $280.00 price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. DZ Bank reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Dbs Bank raised JPMorgan Chase & Co. to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $336.32. Get Our Latest Analysis on JPM Insider Activity In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, COO Jennifer Piepszak sold 8,571 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.79, for a total transaction of $2,680,923.09. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 71,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,216,535.33. This represents a 10.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Jeremy Barnum sold 2,893 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.79, for a total value of $904,901.47. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 26,696 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,350,241.84. This represents a 9.78% 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 15,834 shares of company stock worth $4,951,910 over the last ninety days. 0.47% of the stock is owned by insiders. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its position in Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI Free Report) by 44.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 15,180 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,671 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Armstrong World Industries were worth $2,991,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealth Alliance LLC boosted its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Alliance LLC now owns 2,339 shares of the construction companys stock worth $380,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in Armstrong World Industries by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,548 shares of the construction companys stock worth $303,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 16,398 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,664,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 3.6% in the second quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 3,194 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $519,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 6.5% during the third quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,905 shares of the construction companys stock worth $373,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.93% of the companys stock. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Armstrong World Industries Stock Performance NYSE:AWI opened at $183.68 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $189.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $190.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of $7.92 billion, a PE ratio of 26.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.32. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a 1-year low of $122.37 and a 1-year high of $206.08. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Armstrong World Industries ( NYSE:AWI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.99 by $0.06. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 38.97% and a net margin of 19.08%.The business had revenue of $425.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $423.40 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.81 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current year. A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Armstrong World Industries from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Armstrong World Industries in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Vertical Research began coverage on Armstrong World Industries in a research note on Monday, October 20th. They set a buy rating and a $238.00 price target for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Armstrong World Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $207.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on AWI About Armstrong World Industries (Free Report) Armstrong World Industries, Inc is a leading global manufacturer of commercial ceiling and wall solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of acoustical, decorative and specialty ceiling systems designed to enhance interior environments in offices, healthcare facilities, schools, retail outlets and other non-residential settings. Through its focus on performance, aesthetics and sustainability, Armstrong World Industries addresses both functional and design requirements for architects, contractors and building owners. Armstrongs product range includes mineral fiber, fiberglass, wood wool, metal and stone wool ceiling panels, as well as suspension and grid systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Free Report) had its price target boosted by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $75.00 to $77.00 in a research note released on Monday,Benzinga reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on WBS. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. TD Cowen cut their price target on Webster Financial from $78.00 to $77.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Webster Financial from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $72.00 price objective on shares of Webster Financial in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Webster Financial from $64.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $73.46. Get Webster Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WBS Webster Financial Price Performance NYSE WBS opened at $64.58 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. The stock has a market cap of $10.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.93, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $63.15 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.27. Webster Financial has a 52-week low of $39.43 and a 52-week high of $67.43. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.07. Webster Financial had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 11.10%. The firm had revenue of $760.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $731.95 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.43 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Webster Financial will post 5.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Webster Financial news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total transaction of $443,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,872 shares in the company, valued at $12,857,302.40. The trade was a 3.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Webster Financial A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of WBS. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Webster Financial by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 7,812,965 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $464,402,000 after purchasing an additional 189,399 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. increased its position in Webster Financial by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 5,359,474 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $318,567,000 after buying an additional 63,403 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 2.2% during the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,160,605 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $247,340,000 after acquiring an additional 89,723 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Webster Financial by 14.5% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,453,778 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $188,576,000 after purchasing an additional 438,131 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Earnest Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 0.6% during the third quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 3,163,124 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $188,016,000 after acquiring an additional 18,860 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.58% of the companys stock. Webster Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Through its principal subsidiary, Webster Bank, N.A., the company offers a broad range of banking products and financial services to individuals, small businesses, and middle-market commercial clients. Key offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial real estate lending, equipment finance, treasury management, and payment processing solutions. In addition to traditional banking services, Webster Financial provides wealth management and insurance products designed to help clients plan for retirement, preserve assets, and manage risk. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Free Report) had its price target cut by Wells Fargo & Company from $43.00 to $41.00 in a research report report published on Monday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the cell phone carriers stock. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Barclays assumed coverage on Verizon Communications in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $43.00 price target for the company. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on shares of Verizon Communications from $46.00 to $44.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 16th. KeyCorp reissued a sector weight rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a report on Monday. Scotiabank raised their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $50.50 to $51.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price objective on shares of Verizon Communications from $56.00 to $51.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.43. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Verizon Communications Verizon Communications Price Performance Shares of VZ opened at $39.42 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $40.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.57. The company has a market capitalization of $166.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.42, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.34. Verizon Communications has a fifty-two week low of $38.39 and a fifty-two week high of $47.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.74. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $33.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $34.19 billion. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.31% and a net margin of 14.43%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.19 EPS. Research analysts predict that Verizon Communications will post 4.69 earnings per share for the current year. Verizon Communications Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be given a $0.69 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 12th. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.0%. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 58.97%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Hudock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 0.6% during the second quarter. Hudock Inc. now owns 39,842 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $1,724,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares during the last quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp increased its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 2.9% during the third quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp now owns 8,571 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $355,000 after purchasing an additional 243 shares in the last quarter. Red Spruce Capital LLC raised its stake in Verizon Communications by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Red Spruce Capital LLC now owns 71,541 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $3,144,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Camden National Bank lifted its holdings in Verizon Communications by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Camden National Bank now owns 5,666 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lazari Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Verizon Communications by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Lazari Capital Management Inc. now owns 67,101 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $2,903,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.06% of the companys stock. Verizon Communications Company Profile (Get Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its position in Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW Free Report) by 710.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 434,732 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 381,109 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd owned about 0.07% of Medical Properties Trust worth $2,204,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MPW. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its stake in Medical Properties Trust by 17.4% in the 3rd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 167,582 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $850,000 after buying an additional 24,880 shares in the last quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 35.3% in the third quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 309,413 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,569,000 after acquiring an additional 80,771 shares during the period. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC grew its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 27.8% in the third quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 164,136 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $832,000 after purchasing an additional 35,661 shares in the last quarter. Jackson Thornton Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 59.6% in the third quarter. Jackson Thornton Wealth Management LLC now owns 36,869 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $199,000 after purchasing an additional 13,761 shares in the last quarter. Finally, QTR Family Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $55,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.79% of the companys stock. Get Medical Properties Trust alerts: Medical Properties Trust Stock Down 2.1% Shares of NYSE MPW opened at $5.01 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.01 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.24 and a beta of 1.43. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $3.95 and a one year high of $6.34. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $5.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06, a current ratio of 2.68 and a quick ratio of 2.68. Medical Properties Trust Increases Dividend Medical Properties Trust ( NYSE:MPW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $237.52 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $244.89 million. Medical Properties Trust had a negative net margin of 75.76% and a negative return on equity of 14.82%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.16 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Medical Properties Trust, Inc. will post 0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th were issued a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.2%. This is an increase from Medical Properties Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.08. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 11th. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -30.51%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have weighed in on MPW. Wall Street Zen lowered Medical Properties Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $6.17. Get Our Latest Report on Medical Properties Trust Medical Properties Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on acquiring, financing, and owning net-leased hospital facilities. Through sale-leaseback transactions, direct acquisitions and recapitalizations, the company provides capital to healthcare operators while maintaining long-term, triple-net lease agreements. Its portfolio encompasses general acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare-related real estate assets and is structured to deliver stable, long-duration rental income streams. Founded in 2003 and based in Birmingham, Alabama, Medical Properties Trust completed its initial public offering in 2004. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 245.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,032 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 16,367 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $2,191,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Avion Wealth increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 88.8% during the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 304 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the period. Chapman Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $46,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Performance Shares of USMV opened at $95.22 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $94.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.04. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $83.99 and a fifty-two week high of $95.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.30 billion, a PE ratio of 22.90 and a beta of 0.72. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lowered its stake in shares of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR Free Report) by 78.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 30,459 shares of the companys stock after selling 108,456 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Kroger were worth $2,053,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. increased its holdings in shares of Kroger by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. now owns 237,500 shares of the companys stock worth $16,010,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its position in Kroger by 12.4% during the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 1,336,067 shares of the companys stock worth $90,064,000 after buying an additional 147,543 shares in the last quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd increased its stake in Kroger by 11.4% during the third quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 62,765 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,231,000 after acquiring an additional 6,448 shares during the period. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Kroger in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $105,000. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas lifted its position in shares of Kroger by 16.7% in the 3rd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 608,933 shares of the companys stock worth $41,048,000 after acquiring an additional 87,281 shares during the period. 80.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Kroger alerts: Kroger Stock Down 0.5% KR opened at $61.77 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $39.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 57.20, a PEG ratio of 1.74 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. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $63.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $66.56. The Kroger Co. has a twelve month low of $58.60 and a twelve month high of $74.90. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Kroger ( NYSE:KR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $33.86 billion for 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%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. Kroger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.750-4.800 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Kroger Co. will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $70.00 price objective (down from $74.00) on shares of Kroger in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Barclays set a $68.00 price target on shares of Kroger and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a $68.00 price objective (down previously from $74.00) on shares of Kroger in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Evercore ISI set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Kroger and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Kroger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 27th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Kroger presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $73.80. View Our Latest Analysis on KR Kroger 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. Further Reading 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. Microsofts (MSFT) ambitions to achieve an end-to-end AI infrastructure received a boost when they announced Maia 200, an inference accelerator that will help the company deploy AI at scale. The new chip is built on TSMCs (TSM) 3nm process and is the most efficient inference system the Windows maker has ever deployed, offering 30% better performance per dollar than the existing infrastructure. As a reaction to the news, BNP Paribas came out with a list of stocks that could benefit from this major development. Among these stocks, two caught our eye: Broadcom (AVGO) and Marvell (MRVL). This is a classic pick-and-shovel play. Broadcom and Marvell are the two biggest names when it comes to custom chipmaking. Irrespective of whether Microsoft is able to profitably deploy AI at scale, these two benefit. In fact, if Microsoft fails, it is more likely that some other hyperscaler will require the same services from these two companies. More News from Barchart Maia 200 deployments are set to be executed in the second half of the calendar year. If all goes well, thats when these two companies will see the impact of these new chips on their financial statements. AI Stock #1: Broadcom (AVGO) Broadcom is an industry leader when it comes to making complex custom chips for AI workloads. In the past, it has developed chips in collaboration with Google and META as well. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. After a poor start to the year, AVGO is down about 3% year-to-date (YTD); the companys stock is finally picking up pace. The Maia 200 developments are likely going to help it catch up to the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX), which has already gained 18% so far this month. www.barchart.com Broadcoms forward P/E went up significantly at the end of its previous fiscal quarter, but it now trades at a forward P/E of 33.22x. The Price to Sales ratio has similarly dropped to a more reasonable 25.28x. This is partly due to the recent stock price dip. It may not be fair to say that the stock is undervalued. However, if there was ever a time to buy the dip on Broadcom, it is now, as the firm is trading 20% off its 52-week highs. On the earnings call on Dec 11, Broadcom had announced that it had secured a fifth customer for its custom AI chips. It is quite possible that the company was referring to Microsoft. For context, it has already secured large orders from Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), Meta (META), ByteDance, and Anthropic. Broadcom already has a $73 billion backlog, which should keep it busy for the next 18 months. Microsofts custom chip plans will keep the company even busier, but shareholders arent complaining. U.S. rare earth and critical miner stocks rallied on Jan. 26 as renewed discussion in Washington around expanding federal support for domestic supply chains boosted investor sentiment across the sector. The move reflected growing expectations that government policy could accelerate the development of U.S.-based sources for materials considered vital to economic and national security. As a result, stocks like Coeur Mining, Inc. CDE, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. IDR and IperionX Limited IPX come into focus. The days rally was triggered by the U.S. government, as it took a major step to bolster domestic rare earth and critical mineral supply chains. Through the Commerce Departments CHIPS Act program, it signed a non-binding deal to provide about $1.6 billion in funding and loans to USA Rare Earth, Inc. USAR, including roughly $277 million in grants and $1.3 billion in loans, in exchange for an equity stake and warrants. USARs shares jumped 7.9% on the development. Rare earths and other critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite, are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics and military applications. At present, the U.S. relies heavily on foreign suppliers for many of these materials, a vulnerability that has been a persistent concern among policymakers. Recent comments from Washington suggested increased momentum behind incentives designed to strengthen domestic mining, processing and refining capabilities. Investors interpreted the policy discussion as a sign that expanded tax credits, direct funding and regulatory support could be forthcoming. Such measures would improve project economics and shorten development timelines for U.S. producers, making the sector more attractive from a long-term investment perspective. Shares of several companies involved in rare earth production and critical mineral exploration posted notable gains during the session. The rally also reflected broader geopolitical considerations. Ongoing global tensions and supply chain disruptions have highlighted the strategic importance of securing reliable domestic access to key raw materials. Strengthening these supply chains is increasingly viewed as essential not only for industrial growth but also for defense readiness. In addition, long-term trends tied to clean energy, electrification and advanced technologies continue to support the investment case for critical minerals. Jan. 26s market reaction underscored how quickly policy signals from Washington can influence the sector, reinforcing the view that rare earth and critical miner stocks are likely to remain closely tied to government strategy going forward. Yes safety oversight must come before anything else Regulation is needed, but delays and red tape are the real problem No enforcement already exists; regulation wont prevent accidents Vote View Results Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday closed the 27th meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative Forum of finance ministers, marking the first time the high-level regional gathering has been hosted in Mogadishu. The meeting brought together finance ministers and senior officials from across the Horn of Africa to discuss regional economic cooperation, with a particular focus on energy trade as a driver of integration and sustainable growth. President Hassan Sheikh praised the participating ministers for their efforts to strengthen economic coordination and promote experience-sharing among countries in a region facing shared challenges ranging from climate shocks to infrastructure deficits. Hosting the forum in Mogadishu, he said, was a clear sign of Somalias recovery and a reflection of growing international confidence in the country after decades of conflict and instability. He added that Somalias current chairmanship of the forum offers an important opportunity to deepen regional collaboration and advance common economic priorities. The meeting was chaired by Somalias Minister of Finance, Bihi Imaan Cige, under Somalias presidency of the forum. Finance ministers from Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and South Sudan attended in person, while Sudan and Kenya participated virtually. Representatives from international partners, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Kingdom and Germany, were also present. Discussions centered on expanding regional energy trade, which participants identified as a key pillar for economic integration and long-term development in the Horn of Africa. Ministers examined ways to improve cooperation on cross-border energy projects and reduce the cost of power for households and businesses. Cige said the forum focused on practical solutions to deliver affordable energy across the region, including mobilizing financing for energy infrastructure projects. He emphasized that improved access to reliable and low-cost energy is essential for economic growth, job creation and regional stability. The Horn of Africa Initiative Forum brings together finance ministries to coordinate policy, share expertise and address common economic challenges. Somalias hosting of the meeting underscored its ambition to play a more active role in regional economic diplomacy as it seeks to consolidate political stability and rebuild its economy. Ali Hassan, an investigative and a freelance journalist writes from Stadthagen, Germany. [email protected] The cannabis sector is one which many may have rightly described as a bubble seven or eight years ago. That's because it was. Quick Read Cannabis sector valuations collapsed from multi-billion dollar levels on minimal revenue to rock-bottom multiples after a sector-wide decline. Trump reclassified marijuana as a less-dangerous drug. Select multi-state operators show expanding gross and EBITDA margins despite sector-wide unprofitability. Investors rethink hands off investing and decide to start making real money Valuations in this sector got to obscene levels, with plenty of top cannabis producers receiving multi-billion dollar valuations on little or no revenue. In fact, given the way accounting standards for agricultural products are set up (and cannabis falls into this category), companies were able to claim the full value of their plants before they were sold, leading to revenue growth numbers that did not move in line with earnings, which have remained negative for many players in this space. Now, that's not the whole story with the entire sector. Investors will find a range of high-quality cannabis stocks which are now trading at rock-bottom multiples, thanks to the sector-wide decline we all witnessed in recent years. Here are three of the best opportunities in 2026, for those looking to place long-term bets on the hopes that legalization efforts pick up in the U.S. and abroad. Curealeaf (CURLF) My top pick in the cannabis sector overall, Curaleaf (OTCMKTS:CURLF) is one of the largest cannabis companies in the world. Operating across the U.S. with a national footprint and scale, Curaleaf is the top multi-state operator (MSO) in the market in my view. With an extensive European expansion platform via Curaleaf International, Curaleaf is well-positioned to take the next step as the market leader in the U.S. cannabis market, should legalization regulations take hold. The company's higher-margin product portfolio has spurred expectations that profitability could come in short order. And with expanding gross margins and an improving EBITDA margin (even in what I'd consider a very choppy environment), I think Curaleaf's management team has some of the best discipline in this space. Knowing where to invest (Europe) and when to divest certain under-performing product lines is key to success in this sector. With most of the companies in this space unprofitable, and Curaleaf not being an exception to that rule, I think the company in this sector that can show consistent profitability will be the one that comes out ahead. Right now, I think Curaleaf has the best potential to do just that, and this is key to the investing thesis around this name right now. During his time as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett directed capital allocation moves that propelled a 20% compound annual return. The Oracle of Omaha's success at managing the public equities portfolio was a big factor. Average investors should be looking at these holdings to find new ideas. Buffett is familiar with the restaurant sector, as Berkshire previously owned Restaurant Brands International. However, he never took a stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG), a booming chain within the fast casual category. Here are three reasons why Buffett would've loved this Tex-Mex restaurant stock. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks Image source: Getty Images. Warren Buffett appreciates economic moats Chipotle has built up an economic moat in the competitive restaurant industry. Its brand is highly regarded after pioneering the fast casual concept to national recognition in the U.S. The fact that Chipotle reached 40 million rewards members in mid-2024, about five years after launching the loyalty program in early 2019, shows how popular its food is. Moreover, despite management guiding for a same-store sales (SSS) decline in 2025, due to consumer weakness in the U.S., Chipotle has an impressive track record of SSS growth over a longer period of time. Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express are clear examples of powerful brand names in Berkshire's portfolio. Taking care of its customers While critics might say this is no longer true, Chipotle became so successful because it offered a fantastic customer value proposition. Food made with fresh ingredients at an attractive price point helped it pick up demand from people who wanted to move up from fast food chains. Management has proven that it continues to take care of customers. Menu innovations, like the recent protein cups and red chimichurri, keep things exciting and cater to changing preferences. In recent years, Chipotle has been building many new stores with drive-thrus. This boosts high-margin digital sales. It also increases accessibility and convenience for customers. "Our value proposition has never been stronger," CEO Scott Boatwright said on the third-quarter 2025 earnings call. Strong financial position Chipotle is a scaled operator, which supports its financial position. The business ended Q3 (on Sept. 30, 2025) with 3,916 company-owned stores, helping it bring in $3 billion in revenue during the quarter. This allows Chipotle to invest in areas like marketing and technology, costs that can be spread over a bigger physical footprint and sales base. Give more teeth to War on Drugs campaign Selective silence of CoTU, KIM | Is the War on Drugs on track ? Or has it managed to put a check on the large scale poppy plantations in the hills of Manipur, particularly in the areas where the Kuki-Zos dominate ? Or has it resulted in a sort of a confrontation between communities, best exemplified by what is going on at K Songlung (II) village in Kangpokpi district ? This question should be understood in the backdrop of what happened at K Songlung village in Kangpokpi district, just a day after cadres of the Kamson group of the Zeliangrong United Front went on the offensive and torched two/three huts ostensibly set up by poppy planters and to house the products needed to plant the poppy. Just 24 hours after the huts were set ablaze, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) sat down together, discussed the arson and in one voice con- demned the act of targeting the huts, calling for peace and sanity to prevail. The Kangpokpi based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), went a step or two ahead of condemning the incident and imposed a shutdown on the National Highways, effectively cutting off peoples movement from Senapati to Imphal, prompting the Senapati based Naga Peoples Organisation (NPO) to simultaneously impose a counter blockade ! Before the stand off could snowball into a major rift between the NPO and CoTU or between Senapati and Kangpokpi, news have come in of the two organisations rolling back their blockade and counter- blockade stand ! A sort of a temporary truce, but let it not be forgotten, the crux of the issue has been neatly sidestepped by KIM, CoTU and even the UNC while discussing the arson at K Songlung, just a day earlier. Poppy plantation and by extension the drug network and to the Zeliangrong people and the ZUF, the poppy was planted on land that originally belongs to them. A potent cocktail of immigration, forceful occupation of a land belonging to another tribe and poppy plantation which is directly linked to the drug trade. That CoTU and KIM would not say a word on poppy plantation was a foregone conclusion, but UNC and NPO should not lose sight of the bigger issue at hand, the coming up of unaccounted villages and the booming drug trade that has already taken a heavy toll on the youngsters, cutting across community lines. Waging a campaign against poppy cultivation and by extension the drug network should never be read along community lines, for this is a menace that eats into the vitals of every community and the drug trade needs to be dealt at the starting point, which is obviously poppy plantation. The issue should be seen and understood in its correct perspective, and any step against poppy cultivation should not be seen and understood as an offensive against any community. Why is CoTU silent on this ? How about KIM, an organisation that claims to have a pan Manipur outlook, a characteristic it has demonstrated down the decades ? The Government, which is now under Delhi, should also sit back, think and question whether the much publicised War on Drugs campaign is on track or not. Is the Government going to be satisfied with only razing large swathes of poppy plantation to the ground ? Why hasnt it bothered to go further than this ? Has the Government actually, ever sat down once to discuss and understand where the harvested poppy crops are to be headed ? Has it ever given a thought to why an armed group, the Kamson group of the ZUF in this case, should take it upon themselves to destroy poppy plantations ? It would help if the Government can take another one, long look at the way in which the War on Drugs has been enforced on the ground. Target the poppy fields and in the process try to go further and see who are the persons behind the large scale plantation. Exactly how many have been pulled up or arrested for planting poppy ? It would also help to know what has happened to the two or three Kuki village chiefs who were pulled up for poppy plantation while the popular Government was in place here. The Government would need to do much more if the War on Drugs campaign is to proceed on the right track. Razing poppy fields to the ground is but just the start. Proceed from there and start convicting those found involved. Myanmar in turmoil Civil war, fragmented war, geopolitics of great powers and regional interests | Lt General (Veteran) L Nishikanta Singh Introduction Since the military coup on 1 February 2021 Myan-mar has been engulfed in widespread armed conflict, political fragmentation, and humanitarian crisis. What began as mass protests against the military rule evolved into a Nationwide civil war, involving the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military), the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), the Peoples Defence Forces (PDFs), and numerous ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) operating in alliance or independently. Recently held election appears to be a smoke screen for the international consumption. The conflict has drawn significant regional and international interest like China, the United States, India, and Bangladesh, each with distinct motivations tied to security, economic corridors, and strategic balance in South and Southeast Asia. Territorial Control and Insurgent Capabilities : A fragmented territorial control The actual governance and control of Myanmar today are highly fractured. Independent assessments indicate that the junta controls less than half, perhaps only one-third to one-fifth of Myanmars territory, concentrating mainly in urban centers such as Yangon, Mandalay, and the capital Naypyidaw. Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and allied resistance forces have expanded control in States such as Shan, Kayah (Karenni), Chin, and Rakhine. In Chin State, insurgents now claim control of approx. 85% of the region. In Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) captured all Myanmar town- ships bordering Bangladesh (Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Paletwa) in late 2024, undermining junta territorial integrity along this volatile frontier. Some analysts estimate that EAOs and PDFs control up to 4060% or more of territory, if contested regions are included, though precise figures vary depending on the source. Insurgent Capabilities The insurgent forces include Ethnic Armed Orga- nizations (EAOs) such as Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). They have long-standing military experience and strong territorial bases in their respective areas. The Peoples Defence Forces (PDFs) was formed after the coup, largely by former civilian protestors and volunteers. But have grown rapidly by cooperating with EAOs. There are estimates of 50,000100,000 resistance fighters across Myanmar in different units, but arms and sophisticated weapons remain limited. Many Kuki militants of Manipur, including some who are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Indian Government and non-SOO groups are reportedly operating under PDF. The insurgent forces capabilities are asymmetric but due to local support, regional sanctuaries, and with improving coordination, they have pressured the junta and limited its effective control. Myanmar Government and Military (Tatmadaw) Control : A Constitutional Authority vs. Ground Reality The State Administration Council (SAC)-the junta, remains the internationally visible authority controlling National institutions, major cities, and formal diplomatic relations. However, on ground, military control is limited. Independent trackers suggest the junta has stable control in a minority of townships, with much of the countryside contested or effectively held by insurgents. Even in junta-held cities, security is fragile, with resistance attacks and strikes targeting urban infrastructure. Military Capability and Limitations The Tatmadaw retains conventional military capabilities, though significantly degraded, including artillery, air, and armored units. Its use of air power causes persistent civilian casualties. However, battlefield setbacks and loss of key command centers have eroded its ability to assert Nationwide authority. Chinese Interests in Myanmar : Economic and Strategic Footprint China has significant economic interests in Myanmar, including key infrastructure and energy projects. Myanmar provides Beijing access to the Indian Ocean, particularly through ports like Kyaukphyu, which are strategic for China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) bypassing Malacca Strait. China uses both inland waterways and land communication for connecting Yunan with sea through CMEC. These are critical to Chinas strategic access to maritime routes. Military and Diplomatic Support China view the Myanmar military Government as a partner to safe- guard its economic interests and prevent spillover instability along its border. It has provided military assistance, including aviation, surveillance technologies, and financial support to the junta. Though Beijing has not publicly supported the insurgents, yet its broader engagement includes balancing relationships both with the junta and insurgents basically to preserve stability. Naval Presence and Maritime Interests Chinas naval interests in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean extend from its broader blue-water strategy. Myanmars ports, especially Kyaukphyu, are reported to be hosting Chinese intelligence assts and naval logistics, giving Beijing a foothold in the Indian Ocean region. The US Interests and Funding : US Assistance to Myanmar and Refugees In 2024, the Biden administration gave appro- ximately $130 million for needs in Myanmar. The US funding officially is to covers humanitarian aid, demo- cracy support, civil society, health, and emergency relief. However, how the actual use is not known. Strategic and Policy Interests The US aim is to counter Chinese influence, as part of a broader strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Recent reports and analyses suggest that the US is increasingly interested in the western region of Myanmar, specifically Rakhine and Chin States. The US has not formally proposed establishing a new State but there are unconfirmed reports indicating a strategic interest towards that end with a view for shaping a post-junta, decentralized Myanmar with auto- nomy for ethnic regions. Key Aspects of US Interest in Myanmars Western Region (Rakhine/Chin) The US is actively trying to shape the future of Myanmars western region by engaging with the dominant power on the ground (the AA) and promoting a democratic, federal, and decentralized model, largely to mitigate Chinese strategic gains in the Indian Ocean. Key points are: i) Countering Chinas Influence : Rakhine State is strategically vital, hosting major Chinese infrastructure projects, including oil and gas pipelines that bypass the Malacca Strait. Increased US engagement in this area will challenge Beijings pre-sence in the Bay of Bengal. ii) Support for Autonomous Forces : Reports suggest the US is engaging with or providing non-lethal support to anti-junta resistance groups, including the Arakan Army (AA), which controls a significant portion of Rakhine State. The Arakan Army has effectively moved to establish a de facto autonomous government in the region. iii) Humanitarian Corridor Initiative: In 2025, US officials discussed establishing a humanitarian corri- dor through Bangladesh into Myanmars Rakhine State. Critics have interpreted this initiative as a potential beachhead for Western influence, aimed at managing the crisis and supporting local governance structures. This has been resisted by Bangladesh. iv) The BURMA Act 2022: This enables the US to provide non-lethal assistance to the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic armed groups, and Peoples Defence Forces (PDFs). v) Concerns Over Christian State Rumors : Some reports suggest, albeit with speculative overtones, that US interests in the Chin-Kuki-Zo areas, along the border of Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh. This could potentially align with the development of a Christian-majority State that would serve as a long-term ally in South Asia. vi) Strategic Dilemma: Though the US aims to support democracy, but its engagement with the AA is complicated by the groups independent, ethno-nationalist agenda and its complex, often adversarial, relationship with the Rohingya population. Bangladeshs Position and Concerns : Rohingya Refugee Crisis Bangladesh has over a million Rohingya refugees in camps near Coxs Bazar, a consequence of both the 2017 atrocities and continued instability in Rakhine State. Renewed conflict, including insurgent advances, raises fears of further displacement and humanitarian strain on Bangladesh. Border Security and Incursions Bangladeshs interests include preventing spillover violence, ensuring border stability, and negotiating with stakeholders to protect its territorial integrity and humanitarian commitments. As the Arakan Army controls border townships ad- jacent to Bangladesh, Dhaka remains alert to cross-border incursions, armed movements, and refugee flows, necessitating close monitoring and coordination. There are reports of recent venturing into Bangladesh unopposed by AA. Indias Interests Myanmar, in the east, is a one of the 4 large neighbour of India. Northern Myanmar also acts as buffer to India and China, preventing direct link in the east. Our Act East Policy and Kaladan Project is through Myanmar. Also, the presence of Indian Insurgents is a concern for India. Act East and Connectivity Projects i) Myanmar is central to Indias Act East Policy, offering routes to Southeast Asia for trade and economic integration. ii) The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is strategic. It is to connect Indias North East States to the Bay of Bengal via Myanmars Sittwe port and inland waterways. But its delayed, with operational goals now projected for 2027. These projects, to some degree, will contest the Chinese influence in western Myan- mar. Engagement with Insurgents and Diplomacy With ongoing conflict and shakier junta control, India has begun limited engagement with insurgent groups, particularly the Arakan Army (AA) and others who are controlling Rakhine and Chin State border areas. Indian lawmakers and officials reportedly met with AA representatives in recent past, reflecting a tactical shift as insurgents control critical territories affecting Indias connectivity aspirations. India seeks to balance border security, insurgent spillover, and infrastructure continuity, without fully legitimizing armed groups. It also regularly engages in security dialogues with Myanmars military and cooperates on counter- insur- gency efforts along the border. Indian Insurgent Groups Insurgent movements involving Indias Northeast, have historic linkages with cross-border networks, complicating stability on Indias eastern frontier. Indian forces have at times engaged insurgent camps across the border as part of broader security strategy. India would want Myanmar to be more tough. Key strategic actions for India regarding Myanmar include: i) Humanitarian Aid & Border Management: Establish cross-border humanitarian camps to provide food, medicine, and shelter. ii) Dual Engagement: Move beyond dealing only with the military junta and actively engage with democratic, civil society, and ethnic resistance groups like the National Unity Government (NUG). iii) Security & Stability: Enhance security cooperation to prevent cross-border crime and insurgency, ensuring insta- bility in Myanmar does not directly impact Indias North Eastern States. iv) Infrastructure Pro-jects: Prioritize the com- pletion of the Kaladan Multi-modal Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway. v) Diplomatic Balancing: Actively advocate for a return to democracy, countering Chinas influence by presenting India as a more responsible, non-exploitative partner. Conclusion Myanmars current situation reflects a complex mosaic of military fragmentation, emergent insurgent governance, and powerful external interests. With the juntas control shrinking and insurgent groups gaining influence, the internal conflict intersects with geopolitical strategies of China, the United States, India, and neighboring Bangladesh. India should pursue a balanced, proactive, and multi- dimensional policy. The writer is visiting faculty Southeast Asian Studies Dept, Manipur University For the latest events organized or co-sponsored by TwoCircles: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TwoCircles.net/events/ 2016, June 19 Support TwoCircles Association For Indias Development, MIT & Boston Chapters, Alliance For Secular & Democratic South Asia, TwoCircles.Net & Massachusetts Global Action present Organizing Workers for a Democratic & Secular India Challenging Power Structures in Rural Bihar WHEN: Sunday, June 19, 2016 (4-6pm) WHERE: MIT | Bld. 4, Rm 231 A talk by Kamayani Swami and Ashish Ranjan. Kamayani and Ashish work full time on labor issues such as temporary/seasonal migration, minimum wage, employment guarantee & pensions for the elderly. They are based in Bihar where Kamayani helped form a trade union of unorganized sector rural workers Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (http://www.jjabihar.org). About Kamayani: https://conference.aidindia.org/frontpage/speakers/kamayani-swami-work-in-bihar About Ashish: https://conference.aidindia.org/frontpage/speakers/ashish-ranjan About JJSS: Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan grew from an intensive survey on NREGA initiated by the G.B. Pant Institute (Allahabad University) and Prof. Jean Dreze, in May, 2008. The survey focused on assessing ground realities of NREGA in two districts of Bihar, namely Kaimur and Araria. The survey also had related campaign activities like awareness generation, checking if transparency safeguards were in place to check corruption and documentation of irregularities and cases of corruption. The survey showed high levels of lack of awareness about NREGA program. As part of checking the transparency safeguards the survey team also did muster roll verification exercise (kind of social audit) and found a leakage of about 50% in wages that have been paid. These activities generated a lot of interest amongst local groups and people who were genuinely interested in issues of social change. This interest became the basis of the formation of the Jan Jagaran Abhiyan, Araria and was later renamed to Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS). JJSS currently focuses on NREGA, Right to Information (RTI) and issues of justice. 2016, May 22 TwoCircles.net 10-year anniversary celebration Sunday May 22, 2016 12-3pm Todos Dance Studio 677 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760 Lunch by Chef Renita Mendonca (featured on Food Networks Chopped) Join us to celebrate ten years of impactful journalism by TwoCircles. net. For more details call Kashif at #1-224-725-3709 or email at [email protected] 2015, Aug 23 A decade of impactful community journalism: Come celebrate what all we have achieved in last 9 years and discuss the future of TwoCircles.net: Sunday, 23 August 2015 at 17:3020:00 Arlington Center for the Arts 41 Foster St, Arlington, Massachusetts 02474 5:30 pm Reception: Music and Appetizers 6:00 pm TwoCircles history and background 6:15 pm Impact of TCN stories 6:45 pm Discussions 7:00 pm Dinner served 7:15 pm Music by Bunty Singh of The Shadow Notes and Saraswathi Jones of Awaaz Do This event is free, but please register at event brite since it is a catered event. 2015, June 2 Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Chairman of Minorities Languages Commission, Government of India, India will be in the Boston area on June 1st and 2nd. Islam In Dialog with Indian Religions On Tuesday June 2, 2015 Program begins 6:30 PM Sharp ISBCC Phone: (617) 858-6114 100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury, MA 02120 FOOD WILL BE SERVED More Information about Professor Akhtarul Wasey can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhtarul_Wasey#Awards Please Contact: Kashif-ul-Huda, [email protected], Dr. Suhaib Siddiqi [email protected], Rasha Azoni [email protected] 2014, Oct 19 Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia, Indian American Muslim Council, and TwoCircles.net p r e s e n t The 2014 Dr. Omar Khalidi Memorial Lecture The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra A study of the 2002 Gujarat Investigations No instance of communal violence has provoked as much controversy as the Gujarat 2002 carnage which claimed 2000 lives. And none has been subjected to as much fact-finding, especially under the monitoring of the Supreme Court. Sifting through official material, Manoj Mitta highlights the ambiguities and deceptions, gaps and contradictions that helped manipulate key pieces of evidence to shield those in power. The Fiction of Fact-finding exposes the mechanisms which helped then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi procure a clean chit. Manoj Mitta is a senior editor with The Times of India, writing on legal, human rights and public policy issues. He works on judicial accountability and judicial reforms, and is on the advisory board of Amnesty International India. Mitta co-authored When a Tree Shook Delhi: The 1984 Carnage and its Aftermath, a critically acclaimed book published in 2007. His latest book, on the 2002 pogrom in Gujarat, is titled The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra. https://www.facebook.com/events/1495494750705995 2014, Sept 22 TwoCircles.net & Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia present Kafka in India: Terrorism, Media, Muslims Mon. Sep 22. | 6:30 pm Is the post-9/11 political landscape of India Kafkaesque? How do democracies, media and discourses of terrorism work the case of India. Venue: encuentro5 9A Hamilton Place, Boston. Around the corner from Park St. T Station. Between Suffolk Law School and Orpheum Theater Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/563159077119527/?source=1 Free & open to the public About: Irfan Ahmad,Associate Professor of Political Anthropology/Institute for Religion & Critical Enquiry/Australian Catholic University, Melbourne is the author of Islamism and Democracy in India: The Transformation of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Princeton University Press.It was short-listed for the International Convention of Asia Scholars (2011) Book Prize for the best study in the field of Social Sciences. www.TwoCircles.net, www.southasiaalliance.org 2014, Aug 20 Malabar, on the coast of Kerala was on the global trade route from the time immemorial. Arab traders brought with them the teachings of Islam for the first time to India on this coast. Mappilas or Muslims of Malabar are the first Muslims of India, a mixture of Arab and Indian blood. Learn about their history, traditions, & cultural along with modern challenges faced by the community. Wednesday Aug 20, 2014 | 6pm Encuentro5 at 9A Hamilton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Close to the Park Street T-stop Dr. Zubair Hudawi is a graduate of a madrasa in Kerala and a PhD from prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. Currently he is the Academic Registrar of Darul Huda Islamic University (DHIU) in Kerala, a unique higher education institution that combines religious and secular studies with the aim of producing religious scholars for the contemporary world. Presented by: TwoCircles.net, Indian American Muslim Council, South Asia Center 2014, March 23 TCN open-house in New Delhi: Meet TCN editor Kashif Ul- Huda and others from the TCN team in New Delhi. Come with your questions and suggestions regarding TwoCircles.net. Address will be posted here few days before the event. Event on facebook 2014, January 26th Join us in celebrating Indias Republic Day with the film screening of Indian American Muslim Councils Out of Court Settlement Date: Sunday January 26th 2014 Time: 2:00-5:00 PM Place: MIT, room 4-145 Event page on Facebook This documentary illustrates the life threatening conditions the Indian legal defense lawyers and activists face. This investigative film covers the murders of Shahid Azmi and Naushad Kashimji both defense lawyers representing accused in terrorism related cases. Documentary also shows the kind of threat and day-to-day intimidation these defence lawyers are facing and end with positive example of Shahids assistant Saba Qurasi, and Kashimjis wife who had taken the profession of law to continue the mission of their beloveds. Co-sponsors: Association for Indias Development MIT TwoCircles.net Zellerfeld, the German 3D-printed footwear manufacturer, is bolstering its leadership team as it continues to expand globally. On Thursday, the company named Matthew DeNezza as chief financial officer and Sean McCartney as chief operating officer. DeNezza and McCartney will work closely with co-founder and chief executive officer Cornelius Schmitt to align financial discipline with operational execution, Zellerfeld said. More from WWD Matt and Sean each bring critical experience as Zellerfeld enters its next phase of growth, Schmitt said in a statement. Together, they strengthen our ability to execute with discipline as we make the physical digital, starting with footwear, bring advanced manufacturing back to the United States, and build a durable global platform for the future. Most recently, DeNezza served as chief financial officer of Crusoe, where he helped transform and grow the business into a multi-billion-dollar AI infrastructure and data center platform. Earlier in his career, DeNezza held CFO roles through both IPO and major expansion efforts and spent over a decade in investment banking advising infrastructure and energy companies on mergers and acquisitions and complex capital markets transactions. DeNezza noted on Thursday that he is excited to join the team at a moment when the company is rapidly expanding. The opportunity to help grow the business responsibly, invest in U.S. manufacturing, and support partners who are reimagining not only what footwear, but also what other physical products can be, is incredibly compelling, he said. As for McCartney, he previously served as chief supply chain officer at StockX. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Chicos FAS and Radial, overseeing multi-billion-dollar e-commerce and omnichannel operations. Zellerfeld represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how physical products are made and delivered, McCartney added. After spending my career operating footwear, retail, and e-commerce platforms within legacy supply chains, it was clear that Zellerfelds model is fundamentally different. The ability to produce locally, on demand, and at scale has the potential to reshape manufacturing and commerce, and Im excited to help grow the platform as demand accelerates. The new appointments come after Zellerfeld recently opened a 3D-printed footwear production hub in Texas. The move aims to reinforce the companys commitment to reshoring manufacturing and building a fully automated, waste-free production model designed for on-demand, localized production, Zellerfeld said. Our research shows that for stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), the chance of an earnings beat is as high as 70%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Given the plenty of energy companies, it can be challenging for investors to identify stocks that are poised to surpass earnings expectations. While it's impossible for common people to predict with 100% certainty, our unique method makes this easier. Regarding natural gas prices, the Henry Hub spot price averaged $3.75 per million British thermal units in the fourth quarter of 2025, an increase from the prior year's $2.44. This uptick was fueled by colder-than-average winter weather, which spiked heating demand across North America, robust LNG export volumes to Europe and Asia amid global energy needs, and surging consumption from power-hungry data centers supporting AI growth, despite some mid-year production softness. Weakening demand stemmed from slower economic activity in China and Europe, accelerated EV adoption, energy efficiency improvements and emerging trade tariff uncertainties under the Trump Administration. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, oil prices for West Texas Intermediate crude declined sharply in fourth-quarter 2025, averaging $59.64 per barrel compared with $70.69 the prior year, primarily due to a persistent global oversupply that outpaced sluggish demand growth. OPEC+ nations progressively unwound voluntary production cuts starting in September, boosting output alongside steady non-OPEC supply from U.S. shale, Brazil, Guyana and Canada, which led to inventory builds of up to 2 million barrels per day. With insights from our exclusive research and market analysis, we highlight four stocks Imperial Oil Limited IMO, ExxonMobil Corporation XOM, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. PTEN and Helmerich & Payne, Inc. HP to take advantage of the positive post-announcement price reaction. The fourth-quarter 2025 earnings season is now underway and investors are closely monitoring the oil and energy sector, which continues to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty and significant volatility in commodity prices. While the sector as a whole faces a range of challenges, a select few energy companies appear well-positioned to exceed earnings expectations. By capitalizing on their strategic strengths, these companies could deliver positive earnings surprises, potentially leading to a near-term boost in their stock prices and offering opportunities for investors despite broader market headwinds. Story continues Earnings ESP is our exclusive proprietary tool designed to identify stocks with the highest potential to outperform. It shows the percentage difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Our Choices Imperial Oil is gearing up to report its earnings on Jan. 30 before the market opens and theres plenty of reason for optimism surrounding this Canadian energy giant. With a history deeply intertwined with the development of Canadas vast oil sands, Imperial Oil stands as one of the countrys most respected integrated oil and gas companies. The companys operations span exploration and production to refining and retailing, positioning it as a key player in the energy sector. Imperial Oil is expected to deliver earnings of $1.40 per share, indicating a 17.16% decrease from the prior-year figure. However, with an Earnings ESP of +1.79% and a Zacks Rank #3, Imperial Oil has demonstrated a remarkable ability to beat expectations, exceeding estimates in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 13.25%. This consistency makes IMO a compelling choice for investors seeking stability and growth in a sometimes-volatile industry. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. This is depicted in the chart below: Imperial Oil Limited Price and EPS Surprise Imperial Oil Limited Price and EPS Surprise Imperial Oil Limited price-eps-surprise | Imperial Oil Limited Quote Next, we turn to ExxonMobil, which is also set to release its earnings on Jan. 30, before the bell rings. ExxonMobil is arguably the most iconic name in the oil and gas industry, with a global reach that spans continents and operations in nearly every corner of the energy sector. From drilling oil in the deepest waters to creating cutting-edge technologies that support its renewable energy initiatives, ExxonMobil has always been at the forefront of the industrys evolution. For the upcoming quarter, analysts are expecting XOM to report earnings of $1.64 per share, implying a modest decline of 1.8% from the prior-year figure. Despite these challenges, ExxonMobils ability to outperform is well-established, with an impressive average earnings surprise of 5.71%. Armed with an Earnings ESP of +2.29% and a Zacks Rank #3, we are hopeful ExxonMobil will continue its strong track record of earnings beats. This is depicted in the chart below: Exxon Mobil Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Exxon Mobil Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Exxon Mobil Corporation price-eps-surprise | Exxon Mobil Corporation Quote Patterson-UTI Energy, a Houston-based oil and gas drilling services company, will report its earnings on Feb. 4, after the market closes. The company is a key player in the North American energy landscape, providing essential drilling and pressure-pumping services that help energy companies tap into new reserves and optimize existing wells. With an Earnings ESP of +19.15% and a Zacks Rank #3, Patterson-UTI is primed for a potential earnings beat. The consensus estimate for its earnings is 12 cents per share, which is flat compared with the prior-year performance. Though Patterson-UTI has had a mixed track record, with two earnings beats and two misses over the past four quarters, it has nonetheless managed to deliver a notable average surprise of 17.5%. Given the companys solid position in the drilling sector and its ability to adapt to market conditions, PTEN remains one to watch. This is depicted in the chart below: Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Quote Finally, Helmerich & Payne, another drilling services titan, is set to release its earnings on Feb. 4, after the market closes. Based in Spring, TX, Helmerich & Payne is renowned for its state-of-the-art drilling rigs and commitment to technological innovation in the oil and gas drilling space. As energy companies increasingly turn to more efficient drilling methods to maximize production, HPs modern fleet of rigs has made it a crucial player in North Americas oil exploration efforts. For the upcoming quarter, we expect HP to report earnings of 51 cents per share, indicating a 15% drop from the prior-year figure. However, with an Earnings ESP of +14.85% and a Zacks Rank #3, the company is still expected to beat expectations, continuing its trend of positive earnings surprises. Over the last four quarters, HPs earnings have surpassed expectations twice and met them twice, delivering an average surprise of 10.95%. For investors keeping a close eye on the oil and gas drilling sector, HP remains an important company to follow. This is depicted in the chart below: Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Helmerich & Payne, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Quote Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (HP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Imperial Oil Limited (IMO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research The lure of Indias ongoing military modernisation is simply too strong to resist. No one would covet it more than the worlds biggest weapons trader, which already sells $20 billion worth to India and has also put the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft on the counter. Just for the record, the United States sells its weapons to 107 countries in the world. Buoyed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US defence industry clocked a record $81 billion sale of weapons through its military sales programme in 2023. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Therefore, despite the frost that has settled on the bilateral relations between India and the US, the American effort to continue its military relationship with India continues unabated, particularly when a modernisation effort and the Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence are running on parallel tracks. India has also embarked on a conscious effort to diversify its sources of military platforms, systems and assets. It means weaning away from the predominantly Russian arsenal and the US sources. The fact that a landmark strategic deal, including the military aspect, has just been inked with the European Union (EU) adds yet another dimension to Indias buying basket. That is the background of a five-day-long (January 2428) visit of a bipartisan Congressional delegation to India. India already fields sufficient military hardware from the US, which includes the AH-64 Apache (attack helicopters), CH-47 Chinook (transporter), C-130J and C-17 Globemaster III (heavy transport planes), P-8I Neptune (for long-range maritime reconnaissance), AGM-114 Hellfire, Stinger, Javelin missiles, besides the leased MQ-9A Reaper, M777 artillery guns and a range of ammunition. The US delegation, led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Michael Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith, among others, focused on sustained US engagement to advance defence cooperation and deepen strategic coordination with India. Besides meeting Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the delegation deliberated with several leaders of Indias private defence industry. A US embassy official release said, The delegations meetings focused on expanding defence cooperation, accelerating defence technology collaboration, and identifying opportunities to enhance co-development and co-production between the United States and India in support of shared security objectives. Besides the 2+2 mechanism at the ministerial (defence and foreign ministers) level, several bilateral dialogue mechanisms exist between the two countries, like the Defence Production and Procurement Group (DPPG), Joint Technology Group (JTG), bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue, Industrial Security Summit and the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative. Important defence agreements which provide the framework for interaction and cooperation are: Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (2016); Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (2018); Industrial Security Agreement (2019); Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (2020), Memorandum of Intent for Defence Innovation Cooperation (2018); and Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA). Therefore, despite the chill, the India-US military collaboration with its entire range of institutional paraphernalia and embedment is too big to peter out in the near future. Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Thursday, claimed that his country's military is undergoing a major transformation in multiple domains as the character of war has evolved massively, with technological advancements driving this evolution. In an address to the troops of the Bahawalpur Garrison at Khairpur Tamewali (KPT) in Punjab, Munir lauded their high morale, professional competence and operational preparedness. The corps of the Bahawalpur Garrison is a key strike formation of the Pakistan Army, whose order includes multiple divisions and focuses on technology-enabled, multi-domain operations. ALSO READ: Thinking faster in future wars: How AI is rewriting Indias military power Munir also witnessed a high-intensity field exercise conducted by the corps, named Steadfast Resolve. The exercise involved integration of niche technologies like unmanned aerial systems, advanced surveillance assets, electronic warfare assets and modern command-and-control mechanisms. According to a release by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise showcased the focus on Pakistan armed forces on technology-enabled multi-domain operations. He reaffirmed that the armed forces remain fully prepared to defend Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity against all threats, emphasising the need to maintain optimum readiness to meet the requirements of future battlefield and security challenges. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Munir said, In the future, technological manoeuvres will replace physical manoeuvres and will fundamentally alter the way offensive and defensive operations are undertaken. Therefore, Pakistan's armed forces are embracing and absorbing technology at a rapid pace. In this process, innovation, indigenisation and adaptation shall remain fundamental. Munir also inaugurated the ROHI eSkills Learning Hub (STP) aimed at promoting digital skills and learning opportunities for students, particularly from southern Punjab and across the country. A top Russian aerospace official claimed Moscow and Delhi are holding technical discussions to explore the possibility of the joint production of the 5th-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet in India. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India According to news agency TASS, CEO of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Vadim Badekha told Russian reporters recently, "Today, we are in the advanced stage of technical negotiations on this contract. Such contracts, given our experience, determine the trajectory of our cooperation for several decades to come." However, there was no response from the Indian side to his claim. Badekha claimed that the parties are also discussing "the licensed production of the Su-57 fighters in India at the facilities currently used to produce the Su-30 aircraft, and the maximum use of Indian industry and Indian systems in this aircraft." ALSO READ: Is Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet export hype full of sound and fury? "Therefore, the contract requires extensive, in-depth study. It is currently in the advanced stage of technical consultations, Badekha was quoted as saying. Earlier, the CEO of the state-arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, announced that the company was offering New Delhi the supply of Su-57E fighter jets, as well as the organisation of their production in India and assistance in developing its own indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) stealth fighter. The Su-57, which Russia has been pitching to India for quite some time, is designed to carry out a wide range of combat missions, including engagement of air, ground and maritime targets. It is capable of operating round the clock, in adverse weather and under electronic warfare conditions, while its low observability is intended to reduce vulnerability to modern air defence systems. Russian experts had earlier claimed that India has been offered the Su-57 with full technology transfer for indigenous production. Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Thursday presented a 'realistic' budget for the financial year 2026-27. He announced the allocation of Rs 14,500 crore for social security pensions and hiked the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers by Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 per month respectively. The hike comes after the state witnessed widespread protests by ASHA workers last year demanding better pay, retirement benefits, and formal recognition as workers. Highlighting Kerala's health sector, drawing parallels with developed countries, the finance minister included measures to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure, widen Karunya coverage, and improve access to free medicines through government hospitals. Key takeaways from the budget: * 30 crore allocated for cancer treatment through medical college hospitals. * The monthly pension for cancer and AIDS patients hiked to 1000. * 38 crore for the 108 Ambulance project. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH * 30 crore allotted for RCC Thiruvanthapuram. * 203 crore allotted for cancer treatment and detection. * The pneumococcal vaccine will be administered to the elderly in the state. Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, which are common risks for the elderly. They are a vital tool in protecting against both localized and invasive diseases. * The budget also announced a new health insurance programme for the families left out of the Karunya Health Scheme. 50 crore has been allocated for the scheme. An additional 21M Americans are classified as "unscoreable" , meaning they have some credit activity but insufficient history to generate a conventional credit score. Another 57M hold subprime or below credit scores. The combined effect: 106M Americans either lack access to mainstream credit rates or face exclusion from credit products entirely. The scope of credit invisibility has shifted dramatically in recent data revisions. The CFPB's June 2025 technical correction cut the original 2015 estimate of 26M credit invisible Americans roughly in half, to 7M by 2020 . Yet focusing solely on the "invisible" category obscures the larger problem. This is not a story about a lack of money. It is a story about data silos, national borders that fragment financial identity, and a credit infrastructure that systematically excludes populations demonstrating the strongest savings behavior. No credit score appears when landlords run her background. She cannot lease an apartment without a cosigner she does not have one. When she inquires about a car loan to commute, the dealership quotes 23% interest, rates reserved for subprime borrowers on the verge of default. The irony is brutal: she possesses every attribute that signals creditworthiness, yet the system designed to measure these qualities cannot see her. A Nigerian software engineer arrives in San Francisco with a job offer from a FAANG company. Her salary places her in the top income quartile. She has managed household finances for a decade, never missed a payment, and sent money home monthly to support the family. In Lagos, banks considered her creditworthy enough for personal loans. The convergence of USDC stablecoin rails, revised credit reporting methods accepting alternative data, and correspondent banking collapse creates conditions for cross-border financial identity infrastructure that did not exist three years ago. Kredete raised $22M Series A in September 2025, reaching 700K monthly users who have improved credit scores by 58 points on average by converting remittances into credit-building data. Sub-Saharan Africa faces average remittance costs of 8.2% on $96.4B in annual flows, the highest globally, with banks charging 12.66% and preventing billions from reaching families. Black and Hispanic consumers face disproportionate exclusion: 28% of Black and 26% of Hispanic adults are credit invisible or thin-file, compared to 16% of White and Asian consumers, locking them out of wealth-building assets. While the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) revised its 2015 estimate down to 7M credit invisible Americans by 2020, an additional 21M are "unscoreable", creating 49M total Americans with insufficient credit history to access mainstream financial products. Story Continues The racial disparity is stark. 28% of Black consumers and 26% of Hispanic consumers are credit invisible or unscoreable, compared to 16% of White and Asian consumers. Immigrants represent a particularly paradoxical subset: 40% of credit invisible consumers are under 25, often recent arrivals whose financial histories existed in other countries but cannot transfer across borders. A professional who maintained perfect payment records in Nigeria for a decade arrives in New York with zero verifiable credit history. The bureaus do not recognize foreign bank accounts, foreign mortgages, or foreign utility payments. The immigrant undergoes a "financial reset," stripped of economic identity at the border. For wealth accumulation, the impact is existential. The racial wealth gap reflects this structural barrier: Black households hold $15 for every $100 held by White households, with median wealth at $27.1K versus $250.4K. Eliminating racial disparities in homeownership rates would shrink this gap by 31%, yet credit invisibility actively prevents homeownership by denying access to mortgage products. When Discipline Becomes Invisible The immigrant credit paradox operates on a fundamental contradiction. The populations most likely to be credit invisible often demonstrate the financial behaviors that traditional credit models claim to reward. Remittance behavior illustrates this disconnect. Flows to Sub-Saharan Africa reached $54B in 2023 according to World Bank data, with total flows to Africa reaching $96.4B in 2024 when informal channels are estimated. For many households, these transfers represent 15-20% of monthly income, sustained over the years. A worker sending $500 monthly to Lagos for five consecutive years has made 60 on-time payments totaling $30K. This demonstrates liquidity, income stability, and commitment to financial obligations. Yet traditional credit bureaus capture none of this activity. The payment disappears into the category of "consumption" rather than "creditworthiness signal." The cost of this invisibility is measurable. A subprime auto loan at 23% instead of prime rates at 6% costs an extra $5K over five years on a $25K vehicle. Security deposits for utilities and housing can require upfront cash that delays other financial milestones. The "poverty premium" extracts wealth from those least able to afford it, purely because their creditworthiness cannot be measured by tools designed for domestic-only financial histories. The $96B Friction Tax While credit invisibility locks individuals out of opportunity, the infrastructure supporting cross-border payments actively extracts wealth from the flows meant to bridge that gap. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the highest remittance costs globally. The Q1 2025 average stood at 8.2% for sending money to Africa, far exceeding the global average of 6.4% and nearly three times the 3% target set by United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 10.c for 2030. Banks remain the most expensive option, charging an average of 12.66%. On the World Bank's $200 benchmark transfer, which represents a typical transaction size, fees amount to 8.2% meaning $16.40 lost to friction. Scale this across $96.4B in annual flows, and approximately $7.9B disappears into intermediary costs rather than reaching families. The geography of costs reveals structural inequities. Sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa costs an average 7.9%. Yet sending from the region is far more expensive: from Tanzania it costs 27%, from Nigeria 19%, and from South Africa 14.7%. The asymmetry is stark: high-volume corridors into Nigeria like the $21B pathway benefit from competition and scale. Outbound corridors from African countries face fragmented infrastructure and limited provider options. The infrastructure behind these costs is crumbling by design. Correspondent banking, the network of relationships that enables cross-border payments, has contracted by 20% between 2011 and 2018. Major global banks terminated relationships with smaller banks in emerging markets to avoid compliance costs associated with anti-money laundering regulations. This "de-risking" leaves African banks isolated from the global financial system. In Liberia, global banks terminated 48% of correspondent banking relationships, leaving some commercial banks with a single global correspondent. Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT)-based transfers can take 3-5 days to settle, requiring intermediaries to prefund accounts in receiving countries. Building Financial Identity From Payments Kredete's approach centers on converting an overlooked data stream into verifiable credit history. The platform combines cross-border payment rails with a credit reporting engine, treating each remittance not as a consumption expense but as evidence of financial discipline. The technical architecture runs on stablecoin settlement, specifically USDC. When a user sends money from the US to Nigeria, the funds convert to USDC, move across blockchain rails, and are liquidated to local currency through partner banks or liquidity providers. This process settles in approximately 5 seconds rather than days. The credit engine operates in parallel. Each transaction creates a data point: amount, timing, consistency, and recipient. The system aggregates this data over time, building a payment history that mirrors the information credit bureaus use to assess traditional loan repayment. Kredete then furnishes this data to US credit bureaus Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, reporting remittances as a form of financial obligation serviced on time. The impact is measurable. Users report an average 58-point increase in credit scores. For someone starting with no score or a thin file, 58 points can mean the difference between loan denial and approval. A credit score improvement from 580 to 638 opens access to conventional mortgages, reduces insurance premiums, and eliminates security deposit requirements for utilities. The platform covers 30+ African countries with 700K monthly users who have processed $500M in remittances since launch. The company raised $22M in Series A funding in September 2025, led by AfricInvest through its Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and Financial Inclusion Vehicle, with participation from Partech and Polymorphic Capital. Total funding now stands at $24.75M, following a $2.25M seed round led by Blockchain Founders Fund. Founded in 2023 by Adeola Adedewe, Kredete also provides an Application Programming Interface (API) for businesses to make cross-border payments into Africa, leveraging the same stablecoin rails and local bank integrations. The expansion roadmap includes launches in Canada, the UK, and European markets, alongside Africa's first stablecoin-backed credit card. Why This Structure Matters Now Three structural shifts converged in 2024-2025 to make cross-border credit infrastructure viable in ways it was not three years prior. Stablecoin maturation as a payments rail. USDC reached sufficient liquidity and regulatory acceptance that it now functions as a settlement layer for institutional flows. Partnerships with Visa and traditional card networks legitimized stablecoins as backend infrastructure rather than speculative assets. Credit bureau acceptance of alternative data. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion began accepting payment histories from non-traditional sources. The Experian Lift Premium score can score 96% of applicants when combining expanded data sets with machine learning, including an estimated 65% of the credit invisible population. This shift from purely account-based scoring to behavioral data opened pathways for remittance-based credit building that were technically impossible under prior bureau methodologies. Correspondent banking collapse is accelerating the need for alternatives. As major banks continue withdrawing from African markets, the urgency for non-bank payment infrastructure has intensified. Institutions that once relied on JPMorgan or Citi relationships now actively seek alternative rails. Stablecoin settlement via compliant partners offers banks a way to maintain cross-border capability without direct correspondent relationships that trigger regulatory scrutiny. The timing also aligns with demographic shifts. The African diaspora in North America and Europe continues growing, with remittance-dependent populations reaching critical mass where specialized financial infrastructure becomes economically viable. The Risks and the Future Building portable financial identity across borders introduces risks that domestic-only credit systems avoid. Regulatory complexity multiplies when operating in 30+ jurisdictions simultaneously. Stablecoin regulatory uncertainty persists despite growing acceptance. Credit bureau data integration remains unproven at scale. The business model depends on maintaining cost advantages over incumbents who could adopt similar technology. Yet the implications extend beyond individual users accessing better loan rates. Portable credit enables under-collateralized lending across borders. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols currently require over-collateralization because lenders cannot verify borrower identity. When credit scores become portable and verifiable, protocols can lend with reduced collateral requirements, unlocking capital efficiency. For governments, improved remittance infrastructure affects fiscal policy. Remittances often exceed foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined. Making these flows more efficient, transparent, and integrated with formal banking systems improves foreign exchange stability. For Black and Hispanic households disproportionately affected by credit invisibility, infrastructure that recognizes remittances as credit signals could materially improve homeownership rates, which directly correlates with intergenerational wealth transfer. Financial identity, unlike personal identity, does not travel. A passport moves with the person. Credit scores do not. Yet labor has become global. Professionals relocate for education, employment, and opportunity with increasing frequency. Capital flows globally, seeking returns without regard for borders. Only the reputation layer, the mechanism that determines creditworthiness, remains artificially constrained by geography. Infrastructure that bridges this gap does not just solve an individual problem. It addresses a systemic market failure where information asymmetry prevents efficient capital allocation. When lenders cannot assess the creditworthiness of populations with strong financial discipline, capital either does not flow to those populations or flows at predatory rates that price in uncertainty rather than actual risk. The alternative is perpetuating a system where 49M Americans lack sufficient credit history to access opportunity, where billions in remittances leak to intermediaries rather than reaching families, and where economic mobility depends not on financial discipline but on geographic accident. For immigrants supporting families across borders while building lives in new countries, the infrastructure that recognizes their financial responsibility as creditworthy behavior is not convenient. It is foundational access to the asset-building mechanisms that separate stability from precarity. Further details can be found via Kredetes website here. This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has confirmed that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered from the site of the air crash in Baramati, Pune district, which killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with forensic teams, inspected the crash site earlier on Thursday. Ajit Pawar (66), the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was travelling to Baramati to attend a rally for the Zilla Parishad elections when his chartered aircraft crashed and went up in flames on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, the Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station and initiated further investigation into the incident. As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct its probe based on the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken over the investigation into the crash. We have not yet received any formal orders. However, it is likely that the CID will receive the orders and conduct the probe into the ADR registered by the local police, a CID official told PTI. According to a government release, the Learjet aircraft had been cleared for landing at Baramati after executing a go-around due to poor visibility. However, after receiving final clearance, it failed to give any read-back to air traffic control (ATC) and moments later burst into flames near the edge of the runway. The unexpected demise of NCP chief Ajit Pawar has not only left a vacuum in his party but also altered the political equations within the ruling Mahayuti. With the death of Ajit Pawar, who was one of the major pillars that propped up the NCP and the Fadnavis government, a leadership void has emerged within the party due to the absence of a second-tier leadership. Speculations are that the current crisis might put the BJP in a fix, as the presence of the NCP had enabled it to sideline Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena to a great extent. Pawars sudden demise also means that Shinde once again gains strength within the coalition. According to local media reports, the BJP could now be forced to restructure its Maharashtra plan. Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party has 37 MLAs in the assembly. BJP strategists believe there is a possibility of a split among these MLAs in the future, and some of them could return to Sharad Pawar's NCP. Anticipating this, the BJP may consider giving an important role in the state government to someone from Ajit Pawar's family. BJP strategists want to bring Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, to the assembly. This will not only send an emotional message to Ajit Pawar's supporters but will also ensure that the grand alliance remain intact. Moreover, the entry of a woman minister into the cabinet will be important for optics. But the BJP will still have to consult with the Shinde Sena before taking crucial decisions. For Sunetra, this will be a major responsibility as she will have to deal with not only her husbands death but also the important responsibility of carrying forward the party's legacy. Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha MP. Praful Patel to get a chance at the Centre? Local media reports quoted a senior leader who said NCP leader Praful Patel could be included in the central government, while a member of the Ajit Pawar family could be included in the state government. This is because the BJP do not want the Pawar family reuniting, thereby keeping Sharad Pawar at bay. The Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold the University Grants Commissions newly notified regulations aimed at preventing caste discrimination in higher educational institutions, expressing serious concern that the framework, as drafted, could deepen social divisions rather than promote equity. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 remain in abeyance, observing that non-intervention by the court could have dangerous consequences for society. If we dont intervene, it will have a dangerous impact, divide society, and have grave consequences, the bench said while issuing notice to the UGC and the Union government. Notified on January 13, the 2026 Regulations apply to all higher educational institutions across India. They seek to establish Equal Opportunity Centres and Equity Committees to address complaints of discrimination and promote inclusion for disadvantaged groups. However, the rules have been challenged on the ground that they exclude students from the general category from accessing the grievance redressal mechanism for caste-based discrimination. At the heart of the controversy lies what the court described as an internal inconsistency in the definitions clause of the Regulations specifically Sections 3(c) and 3(e). Section 3(c) defines caste-based discrimination as discrimination only on the basis of caste or tribe against members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. In contrast, Section 3(e) defines discrimination more broadly as any unfair or biased treatment against any stakeholder on grounds including religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability. The bench questioned why a separate and narrower definition of caste-based discrimination was required when the wider definition in Section 3(e) already subsumed caste within it. When Section 3(e) exists and covers everything, how does Section 3(c) become relevant? When 3(c) is already ingrained in 3(e), why introduce it separately? the court asked. The judges noted that under the current wording, Section 3(c) could effectively bar individuals from non-reserved categories from complaining about discrimination even on grounds such as region, language, or gender despite Section 3(e)s expansive definition. Prima facie, we find the language vague. It needs to be examined by experts and modulated so that it is not exploited, the bench observed, indicating that an expert committee may be required to revisit the drafting. The court then issued notice and slated the hearing for March 19 and directed that the present batch of petitions be tagged with a similar plea filed in 2019, as the issues raised would have a bearing on the constitutional validity of the regulations. The petitions before the court argue that the regulations create an exclusionary framework by denying grievance redressal and institutional protection to students who do not belong to the SC, ST or OBC categories. According to the petitioners, such selective protection amounts to impermissible State discrimination under Article 14 of the Constitution. Advocate Vishnu Jain, appearing for the petitioners, contended that the definition of caste-based discrimination under Section 3(c) is unconstitutional. Discrimination is defined under Section 3(e), and it cannot be assumed that discrimination exists only against one segment of society, he argued. During the hearing, the CJI posed a hypothetical to illustrate the problem. Suppose a student from the South studies in the North or a student from the North goes to the South. There are sarcastic or humiliating remarks based on region, and caste is not even known. Which provision covers this? Justice Kant asked. Jain responded that only Section 3(e) could address such conduct. The bench also reflected more broadly on the persistence of social divisions. Lamenting that caste, class, and regional discrimination continue even after 75 years of independence, the CJI said the country appeared to be moving backwards rather than towards a classless society. Referring to incidents of ragging and cultural hostility in hostels, he remarked that students from the northeast or southern states often face ridicule for their customs. There are inter-caste marriages, and we have all lived in hostels together. For Gods sake, we should not be talking about segregation, he said. Justice Bagchi cautioned against legislative regression. While Article 15(4) empowers the State to enact special provisions for SCs and STs, he warned that poorly drafted affirmative frameworks could create new fault lines. I hope we dont go towards segregated schools like the U.S. once had for blacks and whites, he observed. The Bench also noted that the regulations had triggered protests outside court, particularly from upper-caste groups who allege that the rules are one-sided and susceptible to misuse. Lawyers pointed to public statements by political leaders suggesting that general category students should bear additional financial burdens, reinforcing fears of social polarisation. Urging the government to act constructively, the court asked the Solicitor General to consider forming a committee of eminent persons to re-examine the regulations. We want a fair and inclusive society, not discrimination within discrimination, the CJI said while slating the hearing for March 19. Ajit Dada Amar Rahe the emotional slogan reverberated through the air as Nationalist Congress Party leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was laid to rest with full state honours at his home turf of Baramati on Thursday. #WATCH | Baramati | Drone visuals from Vidya Pratishthan ground where the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are being performed. pic.twitter.com/2icmo7OPpV ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, NCP founder and Ajit Pawars uncle Sharad Pawar, leaders from across the political spectrum, and people from all walks of life attended the funeral held at the premises of Vidya Pratishthanan educational institution founded by the Pawar family. Ajit Pawars wife Sunetra Pawar and his sons, Parth and Jay, were present at the ceremony. His cousin, Supriya Suledaughter of Sharad Pawaralso attended the last rites. #WATCH | Katewadi, Baramati | Full state honours accorded to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a charter plane crash in Baramati yesterday Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their sons, Parth and Jay, are present. pic.twitter.com/WTQQg5LHXr ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Earlier, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village of Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. People standing on both sides of the road were seen overcome with emotion as slogans such as Ajit Dada amar rahe and Ajit Dada parat ya (Long live Ajit Dada, come back Ajit Dada) echoed along the route. #WATCH | Baramati | NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM & his nephew, Ajit Pawar pic.twitter.com/TfVCkyACth ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 According to the original plan, the funeral procession was to pass through five locations before reaching the Vidya Pratishthan ground. However, as per an NDTV report, authorities decided to take the body directly to the cremation site due to its deteriorating condition and the rapidly swelling crowds. Ajit Pawar (66), the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was travelling to Baramati to attend a rally for the Zilla Parishad elections when his chartered aircraft crashed and went up in flames on Wednesday morning. According to a government release, the Learjet aircraft had been cleared for landing at Baramati after executing a go-around due to poor visibility. However, after receiving final clearance, it failed to give any read-back to air traffic control (ATC) and moments later burst into flames near the edge of the runway. The week that has just gone by witnessed the governors of three southern statesTamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnatakawhere there are governments of parties different from the party of the Union government, defying the Constitution by refusing to deliver the opening address at the commencement of the legislative session, almost triggering a constitutional crisis. The Constitution in Art 87 (1) and 176(1) provides that the President/Governor shall address the first session of Parliament/state legislature after every general election and the first session every year. This is in accordance with the practice followed in the UK. This address contains the policy statement of the government and the programme for the coming year. The opening address is a mandatory requirement, and failure in that regard would be a breach of a mandatory constitutional provision and purported proceedings, if any, in the House would be a nullity. The address is prepared by the cabinet, though delivered by the President/Governor. Parliamentary debates right from the beginning bear this out. The first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had time and again clarified that the Presidents Address is undoubtedly a statement of the governments policy, it is not a private address of the President. This position shields the President from any controversy or criticism, and the criticism of the address, if any, has to be directed against the prime minister and his cabinet and not the President. As Dr. Ambedkar very aptly and elegantly said in the Constituent Assembly while moving the draft Constitution on November 4, 1948, He [the President] is the head of the State but not of the Executive. He represents the nation but does not rule the nation. He is the symbol of the nation. His place in the administration is that of a ceremonial device on a seal by which the nations decisions are made known [emphasis supplied]. This clearly brings out the position and role of the President, who is elected. What then to speak of the unelected governor holding office at the pleasure of the President? Constitutional law and propriety demand that the President/Governor read the opening address prepared by the ministry and reflecting its views and policies. The head of state is not a parallel centre of power, it cannot be: that would be an invitation to chaos. There are sufficient checks and balances in the Constitutional scheme. Articles 78 and 167 enable the exchange of views between the President/Governor and the ministry. The governor can always convey his views or reservations about anything to the ministry, which will give full, meaningful consideration to such views. The chief minister is duty-bound to furnish all information sought by the governor. Not doing so would be a dereliction of constitutional duty, but that would not be a justification for the governor not to comply with the constitutional obligation to act in terms of the advice of the ministry. [cf. also State of Punjab v Governor of Punjab, (2024) 1 SCC 407]. Like in the case of every other function, this applies to the address to the legislature also: the constitutional duty and obligation to read/deliver it, the contents of which are within the discretion and responsibility of the cabinet. The problem simply dissolves when we understand that there is nothing personal to the President/Governor in the matter of address, as in all other spheres. It matters not whether he agrees with what is contained therein or even if he is strongly opposed to it. He is only the formal voice of the ministry on such formal occasions. However, if he has such strong misgivings about it and does not wish to read it, his only option is to resign. Not reading the address would make him guilty of constitutional sacrilege. It is a different matter that there have been occasions when, for various reasons, the governor has not been able to deliver the complete speech, or was prevented from delivering fully, and courts have held that the constitutional requirement under Art 176(1) was fulfilled. A governor is, and has necessarily to be, apolitical. Appointed by the President, which means the Union government, the governor is not the spokesman or flag bearer of the Centre, the government or the party in power there. Even where he is remotely so, he is totally unfit to be a governor. The governor, sage or saboteur is a classic work brought out some time ago. Governors who do not fulfil their constitutional obligations and indulge in machinations are certainly saboteurs. Such governors ought to be recalled by the President to ensure the inculcation and fostering of constitutional culture. But is that not asking for the moon? The recent behaviour of three governors on three successive days has only highlighted the seriousness of the issue. The Tamil Nadu governor gets the cake. He walked out without reading the speech. The Kerala governor omitted reading some portions and made his own changes/additions to the speech. The Karnataka governor read only a couple of sentences of the speech. Even if these gubernatorial blunders are not characterised as unconstitutional, they are perilously close to that and, in any event, are wholly improper and unpardonable. The cardinal fallacy of the governors stems from the misconceived notions of their positionthat it is their speech, it must reflect what they feel and agree with, and, in any case, there can be no criticism of their masters, the Central government. Nothing can be more alien to the Constitution and its ethos. The cry in some quarters that the governors address at the commencement of the first session be done away with is not proper or wholesome. It has its sanctity in the scheme of things. Public opinion has to be built, constitutional awareness and culture have to be instilled and nourished. The Constitution belongs to us, the people and we, at once its servants and its masters, must keep the flag flying. Edmund Burkes remark resonates: Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could do only a little. (The writer is a senior advocate. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK) Three 15-year-old boys were detained by the police in Pune's Alankar area after they allegedly killed their teenage friend and dumped his body in the Mula River on Republic Day (January 26). The murder took place over the teenager's friendship with a girl, after which she became the focus of the investigation. However, when the police found out that she had not messaged the teenage boy on January 26, the tables turned, and the police took a closer look at the last social media account he had chatted with. They soon found it was a fake profilecreated using the girl's name and photosin order to lure the teenager to a secluded spot, where the other boys killed him with a stone and dumped his body in the river. "The boy used to manage his social media account through his mother's phone. When his brother later checked his profile, he discovered a message from a girl sent on the day of the victim's disappearance," said Sunita Rokade, senior inspector, Alankar police, as per a Times of India report. The police traced the messages to a 15-year-old boy, who confessed to the crime and named two of his accomplices who had helpedall minors and school dropouts, hailing from the Kothrud area. "The suspect was reportedly in a relationship with the girl and had grown increasingly resentful as she and the victim became closer ... He told investigators he was strictly against their friendship," Rokade added. After the suspect's confession, the police launched search operations to find the victim's body. They also looked in the Mutha River, which at one point joins with the Mula River to form the Mula-Mutha River, but to no avail. As of Wednesday, the victim's body was still missing. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday, amid reports of an internal rift within the party. The meeting took place at Kharge's office in the parliament. The Thiruvananthapuram MP was reportedly upset over Gandhi not adequately acknowledging his presence at a recent event in Kochi, as well as over alleged repeated attempts by state party leaders to sideline him. VIDEO | Kozhikode, Kerala: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) says, "I am not here to make any political declarations. This is a literary festival. All I can say is there are issues that I need to take up with my own party leadership and not here in a public forum. So, I pic.twitter.com/uoib7iPUyT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2026 Last week, while speaking to reporters in Kozhikode, Tharoor acknowledged that he had some issues with the party, which he intended to take up with the leadership. He emphasised, however, that he had never violated the partys stated positions in Parliament. Any internal differences should be discussed within the organisation and not through the media, he said. 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 forum. I 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 to have a proper conversation, Tharoor added in comments to PTI Videos. On Tuesday, the MP skipped another crucial party meeting in Delhi, citing a prior engagement at the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), a move that fuelled speculation about differences with the party leadership.. Days earlier, he had also given a miss to a Kerala strategy meeting held in the national capital. According to reports, during an event in Kochi on January 19, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged all senior leaders on the dais by name, except Shashi Tharoor, even though the MP was seated on the stage. Asked about it, Tharoor declined to comment directly but said, I have been in the Congress for the past 17 years. Lets not go too far. As far as I am concerned, whatever has gone wrong needs to be addressed, and it will be addressed in an appropriate forum. Amid reports about late deputy CM Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar will take over the reins of NCP, sources have revealed that the party will propose her for the post of Maharashtra deputy chief minister. Sunetra Pawar is currently NCP's Rajya Sabha member. The NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance along with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This comes as senior NCP leader and FDA minister Narhari Zirwal, a close confidant of Ajit Pawar, told PTI that Sunetra will soon join the state ministry. The party is likely to field Sunetra in the seat vacated by her late husband. Zirwal said, "People want "vahini" (sister-in-law) to be included in the ministry. We will talk to the leadership about it and take a decision." Earlier, Sunetra held discussions with top NCP leaders including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhanajay Munde and Sunil Tatkare. The proposal to field Sunetra in Ajit's seat and inducting her as deputy CM is likely to be discussed in a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Talking about the two NCP factions, including the NCP(SP) led by Sharad Pawar, Zirwal said, "The two factions are already together. Everyone has realised that there is no point in remaining scattered and have to be together." Pawar and four other persons on board an aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip. The four-day festival, popularly known as Medaram Maha Jatara, is being held from January 28 to 31 in Telangana and is expected to draw more than three crore pilgrims. The Jatara commemorates the valour and sacrifice of Sammakka and Saralamma, the motherdaughter duo revered as Vana Devatalu or forest goddesses, along with their family members, Pagididda Raju, Govinda Raju and Jampanna. Though Koya oral traditions trace the festivals origins back several centuries, organised celebrations are believed to have begun around the 1950s. At the time, the gathering reportedly drew barely 2,000 pilgrims, of whom nearly 1,500 belonged to the Koya tribe. The turning point came in 1996, when the then-united Andhra Pradesh government declared it a state festival. Increased patronage and large-scale infrastructure development since then have transformed Medaram into what is today considered the largest tribal congregation in the world. According to the Telangana government, more than three crore devotees are expected during the four days. Pilgrims have arrived from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. To ensure smooth conduct, the state has deployed more than 5,000 police personnel and thousands of officials from various departments. Medaram lies within the Mulugu Reserve Forest, an area that was once under strong Maoist influence. Reflecting the dramatic change in ground realities, a massive Maoist memorial column located at Kannepalli has now been painted green. Now, about 80 per cent of it is in green and the remaining in red with a sickle and hammer above it. A local scribe doubted that it could be painted red again in another 30 days. Time will have to tell. The Jatara is rooted in a popular legend. According to it, around the 13th century, a tribal chief discovered a newborn girl glowing with divine light while playing fearlessly among wild animals. She was adopted and named Sammakka. She later married Pagididda Raju, a tribal chieftain serving under the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal, and the couple had three children Sarakka, Nagulamma and Jampanna. Legend says a prolonged drought later devastated the region, drying up the Godavari River and preventing the payment of tribute to King Pratapa Rudra. The Kakatiya army was dispatched to enforce collection, triggering a fierce battle on the banks of Sampenga Vaagu, a tributary of the Godavari. Despite valiant resistance, the tribal forces were defeated, and several members of Sammakkas family lost their lives. Sammakka is believed to have entered the battlefield herself, rejecting peace offers and fighting with extraordinary courage. Gravely wounded, she assured her people that she would protect them as long as they remembered her before disappearing into the forest at Chilakalagutta. Unable to bear the loss of his family, her son Jampanna is believed to have sacrificed his life in Sampenga Vaagu, which later came to be known as Jampanna Vaagu in his memory. Despite evolving into a massive Hindu religious gathering, the rituals and traditions of the Jatara remain firmly under the control of the Koya community, which does not believe in idol worship. Sammakka and other deities are represented only through Gaddelu small earthen mounds. Devotees offer jaggery, called gold in local parlance, coconuts and prayers at these sacred platforms, believing the divine presence manifests there temporarily during the festival. The Gaddelu symbolise the intimate bond between the goddess, the earth and forest life. Adivasis returning from Kannepalli after offering prayers to Saralamma. After this ritual, Saralamma starts for Sammakka Gadde (temple place). The festival formally starts only after arrival of Saralamma | Satyanarayana Gola The festival remains strikingly autonomous in practice. Animal sacrifice takes place openly, and alcohol is sold alongside cold drinks in local shops. There are no restrictions on the consumption of non-vegetarian food or liquor. Speaking to the media on the first day, Telangana rural development minister and Mulugu MLA D. Anasuya Seethakka said the Medaram tradition has remained intact despite large-scale development. This year, the state government spent about 250 crore on infrastructure works and deployed thousands of staff across departments. The Jatara unfolds through a series of sacred rituals. It begins with ceremonies performed by tribal priests in the forest, followed by the ceremonial arrival of Saralamma from Kannepalli and Sammakka from Chilakalagutta to Medaram. Devotees gather in vast numbers to offer jaggery, coconuts and prayers at the Gaddelu. The central days mark the symbolic reunion of the mother and daughter and the peak of worship. Pagididda Raju and Govinda Raju are believed to arrive from Kondai, a nearby forest hamlet traditionally associated with their worship. It concludes on Magha Pournami. On this day, after the final rituals, the symbolic representations of Sammakka and Saralamma are ceremonially sent back to the forest Sammakka to Chilakalagutta and Saralamma to Kannepalli. This ritual, known as Vanapravesam, marks the end of the festival and the return of the deities to their sacred forest abodes. A striking feature is the large number of transgender people who could be seen at the festival. They consider themselves manifestations of Siva and Sakti and are colloquially known as Sivasattulu. Sravani, a transgender devotee from Warangal, said they believe Sakti enters their bodies and summons them to the Gaddelu. She added that she avoids entering Jampanna Vaagu or going near the Sammakka shrine, fearing possession. They visit the Gaddelu in small groups whenever they feel called by the goddess. Despite crores of people believing in the legend circulated through the media and books, the Koya people do not subscribe to it, and they have their own version. Chanda Gopal Rao, a priest at the Sammakka shrine, said the mainstream narrative was not acceptable to the community as it was constructed for mass consumption by non-tribal writers. According to Koya songs, Sammakka was neither a queen nor did she fight the Kakatiyas. She opposed exploitation by unnamed rulers or doralu. Govinda Raju, he said, was not Saralammas husband but a relative. Though the Koyas do not oppose the legend and the festivals growth, they wish to preserve their own version of the tradition. In whichever direction one approaches the festival, it continues to hold its intrigue and mystic aura. The ocean of humanity and temporary pilgrim city that appears for four days in the middle of a reserve forest leave people in a forever amazement. Either due to devote nature or sheer curiosity in the people and nature, Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara could only grow on us and engulf us before we even realise. One can only get flooded and lost in the festival, which is nothing but an ocean of humanity. TVK chief Vijay's father S.A. Chandrashekar on Thursday said the actor's political party is mulling to back the Congress in the assembly elections later this year. "The Congress has a history and a legacy Vijay is ready to give them support and get them back to their old glory Congress fought for independence and is a party that is now declining," he said. "They have been giving support to other parties and are declining day by day. Vijay is ready to support them and get them back to their old glory. It is up to Congress to take this opportunity," he added. Chandrashekar pointed out that many advised Vijay to contest the assembly polls alone as he is sure to win if he contests without alliance. However, the Congress was not impressed by TVK's offer. Rejecting the idea of an alliance, TNCC chief K. Selvaperunthagai said the party is getting all the "boost" it requires from Rahul Gandhi. "Look at our cadres, you will notice that they have had the boost already," he said, "Our leader Rahul Gandhi is giving us boost, horlicks and bournvita that we need. Nevertheless, I thank him for the offer." This comes as Vijay lashed out at major political parties in Tamil Nadu. Strongly criticising the DMK, he called it the TVK's political enemy. He dismissed the AIADMK as a corrupt party and slammed the BJP, labelling it his ideological enemy. It can be difficult to watch longtime retail brands struggle and slowly disappear because, to many shoppers, these chains represent more than just stores. They're often tied to personal routines and family traditions, such as back-to-school shopping trips and weekend errands, which have become part of everyday life. So, when a retailer begins closing locations or scaling back, it can feel like more than a business decision. For many communities, the decline of recognizable chains is also a reminder that even the most established brands aren't permanent, and that their struggles can affect local economies, jobs, and consumer access. Over the last few years, cautious consumer spending has weakened sales and reduced foot traffic across many retail chains. At the same time, the continued rise of e-commerce has forced even long-established brands to close stores and rethink their strategies to better align with evolving consumer expectations. As a result, many apparel brands are increasingly turning to joint ventures as a new survival strategy. Partnering with larger firms allows companies to accelerate growth by entering new markets, sharing costs and risks, and gaining access to a partner's resources, expertise, and technology. "Fashion is all about making the old new again, and the well-established concept of a joint venture as a mechanism to extend a brand's global reach is currently on trend," said BCL Global Department Leader for Corporate & Finance Transactions Carol Osborne to Drapers. Now, another historic brand is joining that trend. Founded in 1963 as a mail-order watch supply company in Chicago, Lands' End (LE) evolved into a retailer of apparel, swimwear, outerwear, accessories, footwear, home products, and uniforms by 1978. Today, the company operates about 26 stores nationwide and sells through its e-commerce platforms as well as multiple third-party distributors. Lands' End forms joint venture with WHP Global Lands' End has entered a joint venture with WHP Global, under which the firm will acquire a 50% controlling stake in the brand for $300 million, according to the company's press release. As part of the agreement, WHP Global will receive all of Lands' End's intellectual property and related assets, including its licensing business. Lands' End will retain full operational control of its existing direct-to-consumer and B2B operations. The transaction aims to strengthen Lands' End's balance sheet by enabling full repayment of its term loan of approximately $234 million as of January 26, 2026, while allowing the company to continue participating in long-term brand growth. The deal also aims to maximize Lands' End's value by leveraging WHP Globals platform capabilities and global licensing network. "After carefully reviewing the full range of strategic alternatives available to the Company, the Board determined that this structure delivers Lands' End stockholders superior long-term, risk-adjusted value by combining immediate balance sheet strength with retained upside and operational continuity," said Lands End Chair of the Board of Directors Josephine Linden. "We look forward to working with WHP Global to capture the great opportunity ahead." WHP Global's portfolio includes more than 15 brands across fashion, sports, and hard goods. It generates more than $7 billion in global retail sales across 80-plus countries and upwards of 225 license partners. Lands' End and WHP Global form a joint venture.Shutterstock Shutterstock Lands End sale speculation This joint venture follows months of speculation about a possible sale of Lands' End. On March 7, 2025, the company disclosed that its board of directors had initiated a review of strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, merger, or similar transaction, according to its Form 8-K for the second quarter of 2025. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Authentic Brands Global and WHP Global had submitted bids to acquire Lands' End, according to Reuters. More Retail Business News: The company has also faced pressure from its largest shareholder, Edward Lampert, who reportedly urged the board to pursue a sale in February 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported. Lampert, who controlled about 55% of the company at the time, also said he would seek a buyer for his stake if the board declined to sell the business outright. Meanwhile, Lands' End has continued to face sales declines in certain areas of its business. During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, net revenue decreased 0.3% year over year to $317.5 million, including a 3.4% drop in U.S. e-commerce sales. Lands' End store closures Lands' End has quietly closed multiple locations in 2025 and has already scheduled closures for 2026. Recent Lands End store closures The Center at Preston Ridge in Frisco, Texas: Closed in October 2025 due to financial performance issues, per The Dallas Morning News Congressional Plaza in Rockville, Maryland: Closed in January 2026 after the company was unable to reach a new lease agreement, Store Reporter noted Christiana Fashion Center in Newark, Delaware: Closed in January 2026, with no specific reason disclosed, Delaware Online reported These closures appear to be part of a broader effort to streamline operations and eliminate underperforming locations, allowing the company to focus on more profitable distribution channels, particularly digital sales, which account for the majority of its revenue. "Traffic increases in our U.S. consumer business were up 25%, driven by digital channels, social, and search, with the most U.S. e-commerce website third-quarter visits ever, a very positive indicator heading into the holiday season," said Lands End CEO Andrew McLean in an earnings call. In its full-year fiscal 2024 results, Lands' End said it plans to prioritize its digital business and operations, continue leveraging its asset-light licensing model, and expand its market-leading Outfitters division. Online shopping reshapes the retail landscape The rapid growth of online shopping has reshaped consumer behavior, offering shoppers convenience and accessibility that traditional retail stores often struggle to match. As e-commerce expands, brick-and-mortar footprints continue to shrink, pushing the industry closer to a future where physical locations play a smaller role. Online shopping continues to dominate the U.S. retail landscape. With 84.3% of Americans shopping online, U.S. e-commerce spending reached $1.34 trillion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $2.5 trillion in 2030, according to Capital One Shopping. In 2024, U.S. online sales accounted for 22.3% of global e-commerce spending, up nearly 1.5% from the year prior, and are expected to reach $1.47 trillion in 2025. Despite these gains, physical stores continue to play a crucial role for retailers seeking to create unique in-person shopping experiences. "Stores are valuable assets," said EY Global Consumer Senior Analyst Jon Copestake to CX Dive. "If you were to consider cutting or eliminating store footprints because of the rise of online and the rise of AI buying, etc., then you may be missing a significant trick." Still, as retailers like Lands End reduce their physical footprint to strengthen profitability, even small-scale closures can have major consequences. "For shoppers, widespread store closures can reduce convenience, especially in smaller towns, said Retail Insights Network Financial Reporter Mohamed Dabo. In the U.S., location losses may even create retail deserts where travel of up to 20 miles becomes necessary for everyday shopping." The consequences of store closures The impacts of these closures extend beyond convenience. The retail industry is the largest private-sector employer in the country, contributing $5.3 trillion to the annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs, which totals 55 million workers, according to the National Retail Federation. "Thousands of workers are losing their jobs, many of them in communities where retail employment has historically been one of the biggest anchors," said Approved Funding President and Chief Lending Officer Shmuel Shayowitz. "Vacant storefronts are becoming an increasingly common sight, and declining commercial property values are the norm. And for consumers, the fallout means fewer choices, diminished access to in-person shopping, and, in some cases, higher prices due to reduced competition." Related: Amazon CEO warns shoppers of major changes ahead This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As the United States continues to reinforce its military posture in the Middle East, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hinted at the possibility of a preemptive strike against Iran, where anti-government protests have been raging for several weeks. Testifying before the Senate on Wednesday, Rubio said the Donald Trump administrations decision to strengthen US military assets in the region was a prudent step aimed at protecting more than 30,000 American service members stationed across the Middle East. I think it's wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily what's going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively prevent the attack against 1000s of American servicemen and other facilities in the region. And our allies, Rubio said. I hope it doesnt come to that, but what youre seeing now is the positioning of assets to defend against what could be an Iranian threat to our personnel. The state secretary described Iran as weaker than it has ever been, but warned that Tehran has accumulated thousands and thousands of long-range ballistic missiles, underscoring the continued security risks posed by the country. BREAKING: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: The Iranian regime is weaker now than at any time in the past. The regime has no way to address the substance of the protesters' claims regarding their collapsing economy. pic.twitter.com/vvqTIFIalj Eli Afriat (@EliAfriatISR) January 28, 2026 His remarks came a day after President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning to Iran, urging it to pursue a deal while drawing attention to the ongoing buildup of US military forces in the region. By the way, theres another beautiful armada floating toward Iran right now. So well see. I hope they make a deal, Trump said during an event in Clive on Tuesday. An aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with supporting warships, has already arrived in the Middle East amid Trumps repeated warnings of possible military intervention if Iran continues its violent crackdown on protesters. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Moscow for the second time in less than four months, with the discussions focusing on the sensitive issue of Russia's key military bases in Syria. Wednesdays meeting at the Kremlin underscored Moscows efforts to redefine its relationship with Damascus under a leader who was once its enemy, even as al-Sharaa seeks to balance competing global powers to secure Syrias reconstruction, political legitimacy and territorial unity. For Russia, the key agenda was the future of its military footprint in Syria, particularly the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval facility on the Mediterranean coast. These installations are Russias only permanent military outposts outside the former Soviet Union and form a critical logistical hub for its operations across Africa and the wider Middle East. Retaining access to both is seen in the Kremlin as non-negotiable, regardless of who governs Damascus. In this context, Moscow has begun signalling flexibility elsewhere. In a move interpreted by the Syrian leadership as a gesture of goodwill, Russian forces recently withdrew from Qamishli airport in northeastern Syria, a region administered by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. By doing so, Putin has sent a clear signal that Russia does not want to be drawn into a sensitive domestic question. The move also tacitly acknowledged al-Sharaas efforts to reassert central authority after more than a decade of civil war. During the civil war, Russia had maintained delicate ties with multiple actors in the region, including the Kurds, militias promoted by Iran and other regional powers. At the moment, however, Moscow has realised that it would be strategically wise to back the al-Sharaa regime and its efforts to unify the country. Putin congratulated al-Sharaa on the momentum in restoring the territorial integrity of Syria, language that many observers interpreted as an implicit endorsement of Damascuss recent military pressure on the SDF. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East We have followed closely your efforts to restore Syrias territorial integrity. I would like to congratulate you on the growing momentum of this process. Russia has always championed this goal, and we fully support your endeavours in this direction. I hope that the integration of areas east of the Euphrates will contribute significantly to the full restoration of Syrias territorial integrity, Putin told the visiting leader. Beyond security, the summit was framed as a turning point in Syrias transition from war to reconstruction. Al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander who has rapidly rebranded himself as a pragmatic statesman, declared that Syria had overcome the sanctions phase associated with the Assad era. This confidence stems in part from Washingtons recent repeal of the Caesar Act, which lifted some of the most punishing economic restrictions on Syria and opened the door to renewed international engagement. Putin was quick to position Russia as a partner in this next phase. He expressed readiness to assist in rebuilding Syrias devastated economy, offering cooperation in construction, industry, energy and medicine. Russian companies, he said, were prepared to participate in joint projects, signalling Moscows desire to convert its military investment in Syria into long-term economic influence. For al-Sharaa, engagement with Russia remains essential for stabilising the economy and attracting broader foreign investment, even if it carries the historical irony of seeking assistance from a power that once bombed his forces. Yet, all is not well with the relationship. Syria is keen to get back Bashar al-Assad, who lives in a gilded cage in Russia. Following his ouster, Assad and his family were granted asylum in Russia, where they continue to reside despite being fugitives from the new Syrian administration. Al-Sharaa used the Moscow summit to reiterate his demand for Assads extradition so that he can face justice for war crimes and decades of repression. The Kremlin has so far remained silent on the issue, unwilling to abandon a former ally while also avoiding a direct confrontation with Damascus. However, at the moment, Syria seems prepared to overlook this concern as it focuses more on broader strategic goals. Moscow, for its part, has been reassured by al-Sharaas willingness to maintain bilateral relations, even if they fall short of the privileged alliance Russia enjoyed under Assad. The summit also took place against the backdrop of al-Sharaas diplomatic manoeuvring in the West. He has established a working rapport with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly praised him, signalling Washingtons readiness to deal with the new Syrian leadership. It seems al-Sharaa is keen on a dual-track diplomacy, balancing Russian security interests with American political support, aiming to avoid over-reliance on any single patron. By travelling to Moscow, al-Sharaa acknowledged Russias historic role in regional stability, a carefully calibrated nod that helps legitimise his leadership in the eyes of a former adversary. For Putin, hosting the Syrian president served to protect Russias Mediterranean assets and reinforce its claim to remain an indispensable power broker in the Middle East, regardless of political change in Damascus. The India-EU trade agreement, the landmark free trade agreement hailed as the mother of all deals, gave the nation and Europe a lot to cheer about, but one country is already feeling the heat of the deal: Turkey. The agreement, which is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032, includes tariff reductions offered by India to the EU at a level not provided to any other trading partner. The average tariff rate applied by the EU to Indian products will be reduced from 3.8% to 0.1%. Turkey, whose support for Pakistan during Operation Sindhoor soured ties with India, has been extremely critical of the trade deal, with its media calling it something that will have consequences for Turkey. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Reason: The EU Customs Union agreement that Turkey signed with the European Union in 1996. As per the pact, when the EU signs a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with any third country, that country's goods can enter the Turkish market duty-free via the EU. However, Turkey faces customs duties when selling goods to the same country. In this case, while Indian goods can enter Turkey via any other European country free of duty, Turkish goods cannot avail the tariff exemptions. Turkish goods cannot enter India under FTA terms, even if they are shipped from any other country. According to the Turkish media, the deal could further complicate Turkeys foreign trade and its industrial production. With the elimination of customs duties on industrial products, Indian goods - thanks to its cheap labour and large production capacity - could eliminate Turkeys market advantage. Ankara fears that some of Turkey's market share in textiles, steel, and automotive sub-industries could shift to India. While Turkeys efforts to sign FTAs with third countries, including India, are not feasible at this point, Indian goods can easily access the Turkish market via the EU. With the deal threatening them, Turkish media are now calling for the Customs Union pact to be updated, lest it make Turkeys position in EU supply chains even more fragile. Citing the business community, they argue that the FTAs will negatively impact Turkey and that the modernisation of the Customs Union is urgently needed. The Customs Union agreement works against Turkey not only in terms of customs asymmetry but also in decision-making mechanisms. The EU does not consult Turkey when updating its trade legislation. However, Turkey is forced to implement new rules as required by the Customs Union; trucks carrying Turkish goods are subject to quotas, and business people face visa restrictions. This situation increases logistics costs and reduces the competitiveness of Turkish products, according to a report that appeared in Turkish media Milliyet. The United States has sharply criticised the newly announced India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accusing European nations of indirectly financing Russias war in Ukraine. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said European countries were importing refined fuel products from India that are made using sanctioned Russian crude oil, effectively allowing Russian energy to re-enter European markets through indirect channels. They should do whats best for themselves, but I find the Europeans very disappointing, Bessent said. He argued that while Europe bears much of the economic and security impact of the Ukraine conflict, it has continued to prioritise trade ties over tightening economic pressure on Moscow. Earlier, in an interview with ABC News, Bessent had remarked that the EU was financing the war against themselves by signing a trade deal with India. The US has made much bigger sacrifices than Europeans have. We imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. And then, just last week, the Europeans signed a trade deal with India, he said. India and the European Union announced the ambitious free trade agreement on Tuesday, describing it as the mother of all deals, amid heightened tariff tensions between New Delhi and Washington. The pact spans a wide range of areas, including trade in goods and services, customs and trade facilitation, and emerging sectors such as digital trade and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The agreement concludes negotiations that began nearly two decades ago and marks Indias 19th trade pact. It is expected to significantly boost Indian exports to the 27-nation EU bloc and reshape competition across several domestic industries. For India, the deal is also seen as a major relief at a time when its economy has been under pressure following the market disruption triggered by the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump last year. A Ukrainian robot capturing three Russian soldiers during a combat operation has highlighted Ukraines use of armed robots on the battlefield, making it the world leader in robotics. A ground-based robotic complex captures three Russian soldiers. Zero Ukrainian casualties. This is how Ukraine fights in 2026. During a combat mission, Ukraine deployed the Droid TW-7.62 ground robot and forced 3 Russians troops to surrender. Militarnyi. pic.twitter.com/dEDMpECZoB Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) January 28, 2026 A video doing the rounds on social media shows a reconnaissance-strike ground robot called Droid TW-7.62 remotely capturing three Russian soldiers in an operation conducted entirely without the direct involvement of Ukrainian personnel. The robot created by defence company DevDroid shows Russian soldiers, one covered in blood, approaching the armed ground robot with raised arms to surrender. The robot is equipped with a KT-7.62 (PKT) machine gun, and a built-in ballistic computer can detect, track and engage targets autonomously. It can also ensure accurate destruction and efficient fire. The platform is equipped with artificial intelligence elements that enable autonomous target detection, acquisition, and tracking. These capabilities allow the robot to operate under remote supervision while handling tasks that would otherwise expose infantry to direct fire. The robot is operated on the NUMO platform, which was recently upgraded with interchangeable payload modules, enabling the platform to perform logistical, engineering, and combat missions, and adding supplementary mounted armor for enhanced protection. Without risk to our fighters. The mission was completed remotely. The exchange fund has been replenished. This is what modern warfare looks like. Robots on the front line. People safe, the company wrote. "This is what modern war looks like. Robots are on the front line. People are safe," the company noted. The operation was carried out by the soldiers of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukraine's armed forces in the Kharkiv region. Earlier, the Ukrainian assault troops used a single ground-based robotic combat platform to stop a Russian armoured personnel carrier. There was also another instance of a ground-based combat drone holding a frontline position for 45 consecutive days without infantry presence. Voestalpine AG (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $9.55, but opened at $9.01. Voestalpine shares last traded at $9.01, with a volume of 1,802 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In VLPNY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Voestalpine from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Voestalpine alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Voestalpine Voestalpine Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average of $8.83 and a 200-day moving average of $7.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.93 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 1.32. Voestalpine (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.31 billion. Voestalpine had a return on equity of 3.10% and a net margin of 1.50%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Voestalpine AG will post 0.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Voestalpine (Get Free Report) Voestalpine AG is a leading steel-based technology and capital goods group headquartered in Linz, Austria. The company specializes in the production of high-quality steel and sophisticated components for a range of industries, including automotive, railway systems, aerospace, energy, and construction. It operates across all major processing steps in steel production, from raw?material processing and steelmaking to downstream activities such as coating, processing, and assembly. Voestalpines portfolio is organized into several business divisions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Voestalpine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Voestalpine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IJK Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 30,663 shares, a decline of 79.3% from the December 31st total of 148,220 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 272,162 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 272,162 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF Trading Down 0.1% IJK stock traded down $0.08 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $102.86. 304,640 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 252,652. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $99.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $96.36. The company has a market capitalization of $9.60 billion, a PE ratio of 22.45 and a beta of 1.08. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $71.69 and a twelve month high of $104.71. Get iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CENTRAL TRUST Co increased its holdings in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF by 102.1% in the 2nd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 287 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF in the third quarter worth $28,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF during the second quarter valued at $29,000. National Bank of Canada FI acquired a new stake in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF during the third quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF by 200.3% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 384 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 767 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 67.99% of the companys stock. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JHCP Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 18,782 shares, a growth of 647.4% from the December 31st total of 2,513 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 11,821 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Currently, 0.7% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.7% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 11,821 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Andina Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF in the third quarter worth $253,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at $364,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $3,456,000. Finally, Coign Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC now owns 446,775 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,222,000 after buying an additional 33,980 shares during the last quarter. Get John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF alerts: John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of JHCP stock traded down $0.06 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $25.40. 2,463 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,298. The stocks fifty day moving average is $25.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.42. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $24.35 and a 52-week high of $25.95. About John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF The John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is actively managed with a focus on a diversified bond portfolio, which includes a potential 20% allocation to high-yield bonds. The fund aims for a high level of current income while also considering ESG factors in its investment analysis JHCP was launched on Dec 18, 2024 and is issued by John Hancock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) is expected to be issuing its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, January 30th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.03 per share and revenue of $532.9960 million for the quarter. Investors can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter. Flagstar Bank, National Association had a negative net margin of 7.06% and a negative return on equity of 3.80%. The firm had revenue of $498.00 million for the quarter. On average, analysts expect Flagstar Bank, National Association to post $0 EPS for the current fiscal year and $1 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Flagstar Bank National Association alerts: Flagstar Bank, National Association Stock Performance Shares of NYSE FLG opened at $12.93 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.38 billion, a PE ratio of -13.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.02. The companys fifty day moving average price is $12.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $12.11. Flagstar Bank, National Association has a 1 year low of $9.47 and a 1 year high of $13.85. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and set a $14.50 target price on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.00 to $11.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Barclays increased their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their price target on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Flagstar Bank, National Association has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.32. Read Our Latest Stock Report on FLG Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in the first quarter worth about $45,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in Flagstar Bank, National Association during the third quarter worth about $51,000. Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 1st quarter valued at about $102,000. Finally, Inceptionr LLC acquired a new stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association in the 3rd quarter valued at about $118,000. 67.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Flagstar Bank, National Association (Get Free Report) Flagstar Financial Corporation (NYSE: FLG) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary, Flagstar Bank, provides a range of financial services across the United States. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Flagstar combines commercial banking, mortgage lending and servicing, and deposit products to serve individuals, businesses and public entities. As a publicly traded company, Flagstar leverages its banking charter and national mortgage platform to deliver tailored financial solutions through both digital and branch channels. The companys mortgage business is one of the largest residential originators and servicers in the nation, offering retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hitachi (OTCMKTS:HTHIY Get Free Report) is projected to issue its results before the market opens on Friday, January 30th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.23 per share and revenue of $16.8545 billion for the quarter. Hitachi (OTCMKTS:HTHIY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The conglomerate reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $16.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2,463.27 billion. Hitachi had a net margin of 7.98% and a return on equity of 13.10%. On average, analysts expect Hitachi to post $0 EPS for the current fiscal year and $1 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Hitachi alerts: Hitachi Stock Performance HTHIY opened at $33.50 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $30.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The firm has a market cap of $153.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.02, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.86. Hitachi has a 1-year low of $18.30 and a 1-year high of $35.62. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently weighed in on HTHIY. Zacks Research raised shares of Hitachi from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Erste Group Bank raised Hitachi to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold. Read Our Latest Analysis on Hitachi About Hitachi (Get Free Report) Hitachi, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:HTHIY) is a Tokyo-headquartered multinational conglomerate that operates a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning information technology, energy and power systems, industrial machinery, transportation systems, and digital solutions. Founded in 1910 by engineer Namihei Odaira in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, the company grew from an electrical repair shop and early induction motor manufacturing into a global engineering and technology group. Hitachi positions itself as a social innovation company, combining operational technology, information technology and domain knowledge to address infrastructure and industry challenges. The companys activities include design and manufacture of heavy industrial equipment and construction machinery, delivery of rail and urban transportation systems, development and provision of power generation and grid equipment, and enterprise IT services including systems integration and cloud solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hitachi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hitachi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Abhijith Ganapavaram HYDERABAD, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Adani Airports on Wednesday urged India to ease limits on how many seats foreign airlines can sell on flights to and from the country, saying the curbs are holding back its ambition to become a global aviation hub. The limits, part of bilateral air service agreements, are designed to protect domestic airlines, but have long been a source of frustration for overseas carriers. Dubai's Emirates, for example, has said demand was much higher than the weekly seat caps under the IndiaUAE bilateral agreement. "In the short term, growth in Indian aviation is constrained by bilateral agreements," Adani Airports Chief Executive Arun Bansal said during a panel discussion at an Indian air show in Hyderabad. "For India to become a hub, we need an open skies approach." An Indian government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market. Adani Airports, part of billionaire Gautam Adani's group, operates eight airports, and has plans to bid for 11 more as part of its $11 billion expansion strategy. Indian airlines, including market leader IndiGo, have backed the government's decision to maintain seat caps, arguing that a rapid liberalisation of bilateral deals could undermine domestic carriers that are still expanding their fleets. (Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Hyderabad; Editing by Aditya Kalra and Mark Potter) Imperial Oil (NYSEAMERICAN:IMO Get Free Report) (TSE:IMO) is expected to announce its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, January 30th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.30 per share and revenue of $8.7556 billion for the quarter. Individuals may visit the the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning results page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET. Imperial Oil Stock Performance NYSEAMERICAN IMO opened at $103.47 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $50.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.64 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The companys 50 day moving average is $92.77 and its 200-day moving average is $90.12. Imperial Oil has a 12-month low of $58.76 and a 12-month high of $104.79. Get Imperial Oil alerts: Imperial Oil Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. Imperial Oils payout ratio is presently 31.26%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently commented on IMO shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Imperial Oil in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Zacks Research cut Imperial Oil from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Cibc World Mkts downgraded Imperial Oil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. TD Securities reiterated a sell rating on shares of Imperial Oil in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Imperial Oil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Imperial Oil has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $115.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Imperial Oil Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its stake in Imperial Oil by 737.7% in the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 511 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares in the last quarter. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in Imperial Oil in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $54,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Imperial Oil by 761.8% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,120 shares of the energy companys stock worth $192,000 after buying an additional 1,874 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth purchased a new stake in shares of Imperial Oil during the 1st quarter valued at $200,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Imperial Oil during the 2nd quarter worth $207,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 20.74% of the companys stock. Imperial Oil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Imperial Oil (NYSEAMERICAN: IMO) is a Canadian integrated energy company involved in the exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Imperial has operated in Canada for well over a century and is one of the countrys long-standing energy firms. The company is majority-owned by Exxon Mobil Corporation, which provides strategic and technical links to global upstream and downstream capabilities. Imperials operations span upstream activitiesexploration and production of crude oil, natural gas and oil-sands resourcesand downstream operations including refining, manufacturing of fuels and lubricants, petrochemical products, and retail distribution. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Imperial Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Imperial Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX Free Report) had its price objective increased by Susquehanna from $52.00 to $60.00 in a report issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a positive rating on the transportation companys stock. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on GBX. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Greenbrier Companies in a report on Friday, November 21st. They issued a sell rating and a $38.00 price target on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Greenbrier Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Zacks Research raised shares of Greenbrier Companies from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Greenbrier Companies in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Greenbrier Companies has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.00. Get Greenbrier Companies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Greenbrier Companies Greenbrier Companies Price Performance Shares of GBX opened at $49.46 on Monday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $47.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.23. Greenbrier Companies has a 1-year low of $37.77 and a 1-year high of $68.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.53 billion, a PE ratio of 8.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.67. Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 8th. The transportation company reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $706.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $641.52 million. Greenbrier Companies had a return on equity of 11.53% and a net margin of 6.03%.The firms revenue was down 19.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.72 EPS. Greenbrier Companies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.750-4.75 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Greenbrier Companies will post 5.9 EPS for the current fiscal year. Greenbrier Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 27th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 27th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. Greenbrier Companiess payout ratio is presently 22.38%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Greenbrier Companies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Emissary Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Greenbrier Companies in the 4th quarter worth about $868,000. CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 33.1% during the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,277 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $293,000 after buying an additional 1,561 shares in the last quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC purchased a new position in shares of Greenbrier Companies during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $288,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue grew its stake in Greenbrier Companies by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 17,188 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $802,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares during the period. Finally, Tectonic Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Greenbrier Companies by 59.2% in the 4th quarter. Tectonic Advisors LLC now owns 20,249 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $946,000 after acquiring an additional 7,528 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.59% of the companys stock. Greenbrier Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Greenbrier Companies, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading supplier of freight transportation equipment and services. The company designs, engineers and manufactures railroad freight carssuch as intermodal well cars, covered hoppers, tank cars and double-stack carsas well as marine barges for domestic and international customers. Beyond original equipment production, Greenbrier provides aftermarket services including maintenance, repair, refurbishment and mechanical overhauls under long-term service agreements. Greenbriers operations are organized into OEM and aftermarket segments, with manufacturing facilities and engineering centers across North America, Europe and Russia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Greenbrier Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greenbrier Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Scotiabank from C$70.00 to C$90.00 in a report published on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$96.00 to C$111.00 in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on Lundin Gold from C$103.00 to C$108.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Lundin Gold from C$118.00 to C$125.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$16.00 to C$28.00 in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, TD Securities raised their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$95.00 to C$114.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of C$92.25. Get Lundin Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on LUG Lundin Gold Stock Performance Shares of LUG opened at C$121.57 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of C$29.35 billion, a PE ratio of 42.96 and a beta of 1.21. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$115.20 and its 200 day moving average price is C$97.10. Lundin Gold has a 52 week low of C$34.07 and a 52 week high of C$125.66. Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Lundin Gold had a net margin of 29.56% and a return on equity of 29.88%. The company had revenue of C$622.58 million during the quarter. On average, equities analysts forecast that Lundin Gold will post 2.5603448 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Lundin Gold Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd were paid a $0.7058 dividend. This represents a $2.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This is a positive change from Lundin Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. Lundin Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.48%. Lundin Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lundin Gold Inc is a Canada based company focused on its Fruta del Norte gold operation and developing its portfolio of mineral concessions in Ecuador. The Fruta del Norte deposit is located within a 150 km long copper-gold metallogenic sub-province located in the Cordillera del Condor region in southeastern Ecuador. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $29.20. A number of research firms have commented on ASB. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Associated Banc from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on Associated Banc from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Truist Financial raised their target price on Associated Banc from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Barclays cut their price target on Associated Banc from $32.00 to $30.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Associated Banc in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Get Associated Banc alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Associated Banc Associated Banc Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ASB opened at $26.80 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $4.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.79. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $25.82. Associated Banc has a fifty-two week low of $18.32 and a fifty-two week high of $28.02. Associated Banc (NYSE:ASB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The bank reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.11. Associated Banc had a net margin of 19.31% and a return on equity of 10.25%. The firm had revenue of $393.52 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $382.06 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.72 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Associated Banc will post 2.43 earnings per share for the current year. Associated Banc declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that allows the company to buyback $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the bank to reacquire up to 2.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Associated Banc Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. Associated Bancs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.66%. Insider Buying and Selling at Associated Banc In other Associated Banc news, EVP John A. Utz sold 2,135 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.41, for a total value of $56,385.35. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 109,842 shares in the company, valued at $2,900,927.22. This represents a 1.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Patrick Edward Ahern sold 30,489 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.70, for a total value of $783,567.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 24,055 shares in the company, valued at $618,213.50. This trade represents a 55.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 35,951 shares of company stock valued at $925,756 over the last 90 days. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Associated Banc Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Associated Banc in the second quarter worth approximately $48,373,000. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Associated Banc by 679.4% in the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,223,694 shares of the banks stock worth $57,171,000 after buying an additional 1,938,393 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in Associated Banc by 139.1% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,748,667 shares of the banks stock worth $61,927,000 after buying an additional 1,598,951 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. increased its stake in Associated Banc by 4,883.7% in the 3rd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,385,666 shares of the banks stock worth $35,625,000 after buying an additional 1,357,862 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Associated Banc by 32.5% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,629,549 shares of the banks stock valued at $67,606,000 after acquiring an additional 645,676 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.98% of the companys stock. Associated Banc Company Profile (Get Free Report) Associated Banc-Corp, through its primary subsidiary Associated Bank, N.A., is a regional financial services company headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The bank operates more than 200 branches across the Midwest, offering community-focused banking solutions for individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. Its emphasis on personalized service and regional decision-making supports long-standing customer relationships. On the consumer side, Associated Bank provides checking and savings accounts, residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto financing and credit card products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Associated Banc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Associated Banc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gifford Fong Associates lifted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 41.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 171,429 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 50,000 shares during the period. Occidental Petroleum comprises approximately 1.7% of Gifford Fong Associates holdings, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Gifford Fong Associates holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $8,100,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. purchased a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. City Holding Co. lifted its position in Occidental Petroleum by 250.0% during the third quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 700 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 1,193.9% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 854 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC bought a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the third quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 371.7% during the 2nd quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Trending Headlines about Occidental Petroleum Here are the key news stories impacting Occidental Petroleum this week: Insider Activity Analysts Set New Price Targets In other Occidental Petroleum news, Director William R. Klesse purchased 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $38.98 per share, with a total value of $194,900.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,533,228.74. The trade was a 2.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Corporate insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock. A number of research firms have commented on OXY. Roth Mkm raised their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen lowered Occidental Petroleum from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Sunday, January 11th. Barclays assumed coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. They issued an equal weight rating on the stock. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $47.43. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on OXY Occidental Petroleum Price Performance NYSE:OXY opened at $44.88 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $44.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.00 and a beta of 0.38. The businesss 50-day moving average is $41.81 and its 200 day moving average is $43.32. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a 12 month low of $34.78 and a 12 month high of $52.58. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 12.35% and a net margin of 7.81%.The business had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.00 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th were issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Occidental Petroleums payout ratio is 70.59%. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is an international energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company conducts upstream activities to discover and produce hydrocarbons and operates complementary midstream and marketing functions to transport and sell its production. Occidental also owns a chemicals business that manufactures and sells industrial chemicals and related products for a range of end markets. Occidentals operations are concentrated in the United States, with a significant presence in the Permian Basin, and it maintains exploration and production activities in several international regions, including parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report) CFO Russell Hutchinson acquired 11,566 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $43.17 per share, with a total value of $499,304.22. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer owned 225,336 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,727,755.12. This trade represents a 5.41% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Ally Financial Stock Down 1.4% Shares of NYSE:ALLY opened at $42.28 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average is $43.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.92. Ally Financial Inc. has a 1-year low of $29.52 and a 1-year high of $47.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.22 and a beta of 1.17. Get Ally Financial alerts: Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.08. Ally Financial had a net margin of 10.77% and a return on equity of 10.40%. The business had revenue of $2.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.15 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.78 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Ally Financial Inc. will post 3.57 EPS for the current year. Ally Financial Dividend Announcement Ally Financial announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, December 10th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to reacquire up to 15.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be issued a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. Ally Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.06%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Ally Financial in the second quarter worth approximately $95,897,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Ally Financial by 19.6% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 11,938,680 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $467,996,000 after buying an additional 1,958,201 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Ally Financial by 39.3% in the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 5,400,560 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $210,352,000 after buying an additional 1,523,425 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new position in Ally Financial during the second quarter valued at about $51,661,000. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in Ally Financial by 8,255.7% during the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,230,384 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $48,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,215,659 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.76% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have weighed in on ALLY shares. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Ally Financial in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Ally Financial in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Ally Financial from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $51.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $53.00 price target on Ally Financial and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $50.44. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ALLY Ally Financial Company Profile (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 Articles 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. John Hancock High Yield ETF (NYSEARCA:JHHY Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, January 27th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 28th will be given a dividend of 0.0964 per share on Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 28th. John Hancock High Yield ETF Price Performance Shares of John Hancock High Yield ETF stock opened at $25.89 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $25.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $25.99. John Hancock High Yield ETF has a 12 month low of $24.36 and a 12 month high of $26.33. Get John Hancock High Yield ETF alerts: John Hancock High Yield ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles The John Hancock High Yield ETF (JHHY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund is actively managed, investing in a diversified portfolio of US dollar-denominated high-yield corporate bonds. The fund aims to maximize income with capital growth as a secondary objective JHHY was launched on May 1, 2024 and is issued by John Hancock. Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock High Yield ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock High Yield ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund (NYSEARCA:DHS Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $106.96 and last traded at $106.76, with a volume of 22828 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $106.08. WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund Stock Up 0.5% The company has a market capitalization of $1.37 billion, a PE ratio of 15.51 and a beta of 0.70. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $103.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $100.83. Get WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund alerts: WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 29th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 27th will be paid a $0.195 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 27th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund About WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund by 1.7% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 49,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,905,000 after buying an additional 823 shares during the period. Fifth Third Securities Inc. purchased a new position in WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at about $200,000. PBMares Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund by 1.5% during the second quarter. PBMares Wealth Management LLC now owns 34,902 shares of the companys stock worth $3,350,000 after acquiring an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management grew its holdings in WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund by 5.7% in the second quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 11,284 shares of the companys stock worth $1,083,000 after purchasing an additional 608 shares during the period. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $68,000. (Get Free Report) WisdomTree Equity Income Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that closely correspond to the price and yield performance of the WisdomTree Equity Income Index (the Index). The Index is a fundamentally weighted index that measures the performance of companies with high dividend yields selected from the WisdomTree Dividend Index. At the index measurement date, companies within the WisdomTree Dividend Index with market capitalizations of at least $200 million and average daily trading volumes of at least $200,000 for the prior three months are ranked by dividend yield. Read More Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital upgraded shares of Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Free Report) to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other analysts have also issued reports on OKLO. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays set a $146.00 price target on shares of Oklo in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, B. Riley lifted their price objective on Oklo from $58.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $103.20. Get Oklo alerts: Read Our Latest Report on OKLO Oklo Trading Down 9.3% Shares of Oklo stock traded down $8.77 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $85.63. 7,692,419 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,065,903. Oklo has a 52-week low of $17.42 and a 52-week high of $193.84. The company has a fifty day moving average of $89.37 and a 200-day moving average of $96.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -157.99 and a beta of 0.76. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.08) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Oklo will post -8.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Oklo In other news, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 69,841 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.40, for a total transaction of $5,475,534.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 202,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,842,444.80. This represents a 25.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider William Carroll Murphy Goodwin sold 11,936 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.84, for a total value of $1,215,562.24. Following the transaction, the insider owned 8,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at $891,100. This represents a 57.70% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 1,552,800 shares of company stock worth $137,543,426 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 18.90% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Oklo Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Black Swift Group LLC bought a new stake in Oklo in the second quarter valued at about $280,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc boosted its stake in Oklo by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 51,435 shares of the companys stock worth $2,880,000 after acquiring an additional 4,678 shares during the last quarter. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Oklo during the second quarter valued at approximately $738,000. Strs Ohio bought a new position in shares of Oklo during the second quarter worth $1,069,000. Finally, Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in Oklo during the 2nd quarter worth $1,833,000. 85.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. 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. Featured Stories 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. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by ($0.02), FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.02 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 319.43% and a net margin of 37.89%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.30 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Altria Groups conference call: Get Altria Group alerts: Altria grew adjusted diluted EPS by 4.4% in 2025 and returned about $8 billion to shareholders via $7B of dividends and $1B of buybacks, with $1B of repurchase capacity remaining. Altria grew adjusted diluted EPS by and returned about to shareholders via $7B of dividends and $1B of buybacks, with $1B of repurchase capacity remaining. on! PLUS received FDA marketing-granted orders for select flavors/strengths, shipments resumed in initial states and a national rollout is planned in H1 2026, with Helix expected to remain profitable in 2026 and early consumer feedback favorable. received FDA marketing-granted orders for select flavors/strengths, shipments resumed in initial states and a national rollout is planned in H1 2026, with Helix expected to remain profitable in 2026 and early consumer feedback favorable. Altria recorded a $1.3 billion non-cash impairment on its e-vapor intangible assets and goodwill after persistent illicit flavored disposable e-vapor products and slower-than-expected enforcement created significant headwinds for the e-vapor business. Altria recorded a non-cash impairment on its e-vapor intangible assets and goodwill after persistent illicit flavored disposable e-vapor products and slower-than-expected enforcement created significant headwinds for the e-vapor business. 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance is $5.56$5.72 (2.5%5.5% growth) with growth weighted to H2 as Altria invests $300$375M in manufacturing/import-export (duty-drawback) capabilities that management says have strong payback potential but raise near-term costs. Altria Group Trading Down 3.7% NYSE:MO traded down $2.34 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $60.79. 9,406,976 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,350,080. Altria Group has a fifty-two week low of $50.08 and a fifty-two week high of $68.60. The company has a market capitalization of $102.05 billion, a PE ratio of 11.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.52 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $58.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $61.73. Altria Group Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were issued a $1.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $4.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.0%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 80.92%. A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on MO. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Argus upgraded shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Five 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on Altria Group Altria Group declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, October 30th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 1.9% 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. Key Headlines Impacting Altria Group Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Altria Group Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 286.7% during the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 4,479,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,929,000 after acquiring an additional 3,321,262 shares during the period. Freestone Grove Partners LP purchased a new position in Altria Group in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $89,460,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 13.5% in the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 5,272,845 shares of the companys stock valued at $346,373,000 after purchasing an additional 629,031 shares in the last quarter. Man Group plc raised its holdings in Altria Group by 938.5% during the third quarter. Man Group plc now owns 613,353 shares of the companys stock worth $40,518,000 after purchasing an additional 554,290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group during the second quarter worth $29,424,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. Altria Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Further Reading 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. Jan 29 (Reuters) - Chinese robovan developer Zelostech said on Thursday that e-commerce giant Alibaba's logistics arm, Cainiao, will take a stake in the company. The deal will create a business valued around $2 billion, the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, said. A spokesperson for the robovan developer said "Cainiao will not become a controlling shareholder of Zelostech." More from Yahoo Scout What is the valuation of the Cainiao-Zelostech deal? How will Cainiao's autonomous-driving unit be integrated? What strategic benefits does this partnership create? What are Zelostech's robovan capabilities and specifications? A robovan is a fully autonomous electric vehicle designed for freight. Zelostech's Z10 model can transport a load of about 1.5 tonnes. "Zelostech and Cainiaos autonomous-driving unit have entered into a deep strategic integration, jointly building a RoboVan Super Carrier in the unmanned freight sector," an emailed statement from Zelostech said. The company said Cainiao will "contribute its autonomous-driving business" to the deal and make a cash investment in the company. The Journal reported that Cainiao's autonomous-driving unit will be folded into Zelostech, adding that Zelostech will operate both brands simultaneously. Zelostech did not respond to a further request for comment. Alibaba did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Ananya Palyekar, Rajveer Singh Pardesi and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Sahal Muhammed) AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU Get Free Report)s stock price fell 9.7% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $104.58 and last traded at $104.4390. 3,147,757 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 13% from the average session volume of 2,786,994 shares. The stock had previously closed at $115.72. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have commented on AU. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $92.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday. HSBC reiterated a reduce rating and set a $55.00 target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Roth Mkm lifted their price target on AngloGold Ashanti from $84.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup upped their price objective on AngloGold Ashanti from $105.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $128.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, AngloGold Ashanti has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $95.00. Get AngloGold Ashanti alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AU AngloGold Ashanti Trading Down 8.4% The firms fifty day moving average price is $90.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $72.75. The company has a market cap of $45.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.24 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 2.58 and a quick ratio of 1.98. AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The mining company reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.34 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. AngloGold Ashanti had a net margin of 26.25% and a return on equity of 24.01%. On average, equities analysts expect that AngloGold Ashanti PLC will post 3.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. AngloGold Ashanti Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $0.91 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. AngloGold Ashantis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 80.18%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Empowered Funds LLC bought a new stake in AngloGold Ashanti during the first quarter worth approximately $321,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 579.2% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,664 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $76,000 after purchasing an additional 1,419 shares during the period. Vigilare Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the 2nd quarter worth $283,000. Ascent Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 38.8% in the second quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 8,623 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 2,409 shares during the period. Finally, 111 Capital bought a new position in AngloGold Ashanti during the second quarter valued at about $293,000. 36.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About AngloGold Ashanti (Get Free Report) AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, processing and sale of gold. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the companys core activities span the full mining value chain from greenfield exploration and mine development through to ore processing and rehabilitation. Gold is the primary commodity produced, with individual operations sometimes yielding other by?products depending on local geology and processing methods. The company was formed in 2004 through the merger of AngloGold and Ashanti Goldfields, creating a diversified international gold producer. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AngloGold Ashanti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AngloGold Ashanti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (TSE:CHE.UN Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$15.89 and last traded at C$15.79, with a volume of 277336 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$15.51. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CHE.UN has been the topic of several recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$14.00 to C$18.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. CIBC upped their price target on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$16.00 to C$19.00 in a research note on Friday, November 14th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$20.00 to C$18.50 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 9th. Raymond James Financial raised shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from C$16.00 to C$21.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, National Bankshares raised their price target on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$17.50 to C$18.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. One 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$18.21. Get Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Stock Up 1.7% About Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund The company has a current ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.02. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.44 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$14.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$13.43. (Get Free Report) Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund provides industrial chemicals and services to customers in North America and around the world. The company organized into four main operating segments: Sulphur Products and Performance Chemicals (SPPC), Water Solutions and Specialty Chemicals (WSSC), Electrochemicals, and Corporate. It generates maximum revenue from Electrochemicals segment. Chemtrade operates in Canada, the United States, and South America of which maximum revenue comes from the United States. SPPC markets, remove and produces merchant, regenerated and ultra-pure sulphuric acid, liquid sulphur dioxide, sodium hydrosulfite and provides other processing services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Seabridge Gold, Inc. (NYSE:SA Get Free Report) (TSE:SEA) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 2,323,537 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 85% from the previous sessions volume of 1,258,022 shares.The stock last traded at $32.7230 and had previously closed at $34.64. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on SA shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Seabridge Gold from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Seabridge Gold from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Seabridge Gold in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, B. Riley boosted their price target on Seabridge Gold from $50.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Seabridge Gold currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.00. Get Seabridge Gold alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Seabridge Gold Seabridge Gold Stock Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is $30.18 and its 200-day simple moving average is $23.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -87.11 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a current ratio of 2.99, a quick ratio of 2.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Seabridge Gold (NYSE:SA Get Free Report) (TSE:SEA) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The basic materials company reported ($0.23) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.03) by ($0.20). Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its holdings in Seabridge Gold by 210.3% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 8,178,662 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $197,514,000 after purchasing an additional 5,543,170 shares during the last quarter. Kopernik Global Investors LLC grew its stake in Seabridge Gold by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Kopernik Global Investors LLC now owns 7,382,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $107,195,000 after purchasing an additional 39,651 shares during the period. Tidal Investments LLC grew its stake in Seabridge Gold by 12.4% in the 3rd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 3,071,781 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $74,184,000 after purchasing an additional 339,913 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Seabridge Gold by 82.9% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,371,496 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $70,305,000 after purchasing an additional 1,074,577 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. raised its stake in shares of Seabridge Gold by 16.5% during the 3rd quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 2,131,185 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $51,396,000 after purchasing an additional 302,476 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 34.85% of the companys stock. Seabridge Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Seabridge Gold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties in North America. The company also explores for gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum deposits. The company was formerly known as Seabridge Resources Inc and changed its name to Seabridge Gold Inc in June 2002. Seabridge Gold Inc was incorporated in 1979 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Seabridge Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Seabridge Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Expedia Group, Trip.com Group, Travelers Companies, and MakeMyTrip are the five Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is facilitating travel and tourismsuch as airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, car rental firms, online travel agencies, and travel-related technology and services. Investors use them to gain exposure to consumer and business travel demand, but they tend to be cyclical and seasonally sensitive and can show heightened volatility from economic shifts, fuel costs, regulation, and events like pandemics or geopolitical disruption. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Expedia Group (EXPE) Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com. Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE Trip.com Group (TCOM) Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM Travelers Companies (TRV) The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV MakeMyTrip (MMYT) MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing. Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT Featured Stories Shares of Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:ACHR Get Free Report) dropped 3.9% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $7.29 and last traded at $7.4250. Approximately 38,618,012 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 15% from the average daily volume of 45,553,789 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.73. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently commented on ACHR. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Archer Aviation in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Archer Aviation from $10.00 to $8.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Archer Aviation in a research note on Monday, December 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $11.00 target price for the company. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Archer Aviation in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on shares of Archer Aviation from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Archer Aviation currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $12.14. Get Archer Aviation alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Archer Aviation Archer Aviation Stock Performance The company has a 50 day moving average of $8.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 18.19 and a quick ratio of 18.19. The company has a market capitalization of $4.84 billion, a PE ratio of -5.89 and a beta of 3.10. Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20). As a group, equities research analysts predict that Archer Aviation Inc. will post -1.32 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Archer Aviation news, CTO Thomas Paul Muniz sold 125,000 shares of Archer Aviation stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.00, for a total value of $1,000,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief technology officer owned 1,272,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,177,032. The trade was a 8.95% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Eric Lentell sold 41,490 shares of Archer Aviation stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.49, for a total value of $310,760.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 83,733 shares of the companys stock, valued at $627,160.17. The trade was a 33.13% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 307,635 shares of company stock valued at $2,367,936 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 7.65% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Archer Aviation A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in Archer Aviation by 1,181.6% in the second quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 2,576 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 2,375 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of Archer Aviation by 219.5% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,946 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 2,024 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. bought a new position in Archer Aviation in the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust lifted its position in Archer Aviation by 45.9% during the third quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 3,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 986 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in Archer Aviation by 105.3% during the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 3,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,702 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.34% of the companys stock. About Archer Aviation (Get Free Report) Archer Aviation, Inc (NYSE: ACHR) is a California-based aerospace company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to serve as sustainable urban air mobility solutions. Founded in 2018 by Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock, Archer focuses on the design, development and certification of zero-emissions air taxis aimed at reducing traffic congestion in densely populated metropolitan areas. The companys flagship prototypes, Maker and Midnight, have been engineered to deliver quiet, efficient short-haul flights with ranges of up to 100 miles per charge. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Archer operates a manufacturing facility in nearby Santa Cruz County and maintains research partnerships with automotive and energy companies, including a collaboration with Stellantis to integrate advanced battery systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Archer Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The shift to coworking coincides with a record-high office real estate vacancy rate. In 2025, 85.5 million square feet of office space came up for renewal or vacancy, according to analytics firm Trepp . WeWork works with 40 of the Fortune 100, and its renewed success is due in part to the corporate need for flexible office space. When Santora took over WeWork in June 2024 after 47 years at Cushman & Wakefield, where he was COO, the company had just exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy after property management software firm Yardi bought a majority stake in the company. Since then, Santora has made WeWork profitable and cash flow neutral while investing more than $140 million in upgrading its spaces and technology. John Santora, CEO of WeWork, says the Great Recession and the global market selloff in 2015 prompted companies to rethink their office lease strategies. The pandemic cemented the shift. As companies solidify their in-person work schedules, coworking offices are filling the gap without the need to commit to long-term leases. The Wall Street Journal reported that coworking space in the U.S. today totals 158.3 million square feet across nearly 8,800 locations, accounting for more than 2% of office space, according to data firm Yardi. While this is lower than pre-pandemic levels, coworking space has grown by 51.7% in recent years from 115.6 million square feet in about 5,800 locations three years ago. Coworking is entering a new era as large firms and small businesses alike are partnering with coworking companies to meet the growing need for office flexibility for businesses and workers. These offices are not the big, antiestablishment utopian workspaces companies like WeWork were known for in the 2010s. Instead, the coworking industry is focused on private office spaces for companies with sleeker, more mature designs. San Franciscobased Anthropic has employees working at a shared WeWork office in Cambridge, Mass. JPMorgan, Lyft , and Pfizer are also using coworking spaces, the Wall Street Journal reported. Amazon mandated that its nearly 350,000 corporate employees fully return to office in early 2025, but the chaotic rollout left workers without enough desks or parking spaces. In August, the company signed a lease with WeWork and added 259,000 square feet at 1440 Broadway in Manhattan to its more than 300,000 square feet at the building. WeWork also operates two other Amazon offices with 702,000 square feet in Manhattan. Coworking spaces and shared offices are making a comeback after a post-pandemic slump and tensions over return-to-office mandates. As AI drives uncertainty over the future of their workforces, companies are moving to coworking to get the space they need for in-person work without the commitment. Story Continues Why make that long-term commitment, especially today, when youre not sure of how many people are coming back, right? Santora told Fortune. Well get you in 30, 60, 90 days, and you have the ability to walk away at certain points. So, you may do a one-year deal or a three-year deal with options to leave. Youre not locked in for 10 years. Santora gave the example of an international bank that was debating a traditional 10-year lease rebuilding a gutted office space or working with WeWork. It was going to take them 24 to 30 months to be in that space, Santora said. We signed the deal with them for 50,000 square feet in the center of London at the end of December. They will be in that space up and running in March of this year. Coworking is a major savings vehicle for companies. They no longer have to handle brokerage and attorney fees typical of lease negotiations or deal with construction costs and office maintenance. T-Mobile cut its real estate costs by 80% by using the flexible office space platform LiquidSpace. In 2024, Allstate moved a quarter of its 54,000 corporate employees to coworking spaces. The company cut its annual spending on corporate offices from $382 million in 2020 to $138 million that year after closing its Chicago headquarters and abandoning two-thirds of its office space. The transition from taxi to Uber is whats happening from traditional office space to flexible office space right now that all your big players are starting to use it, said Jason Anderson, president of Vast Coworking Group, which owns three flexible office space brands. A JLL survey found almost a third of companies were using flex offices, while 42% planned to accelerate future investment. Fortune Business Insights predicts the global flexible office market will grow to $96.8 billion in 2030, up from $34.8 billion in 2023. The idea that your building is going to be comprised entirely of companies on 10-year leases or more has receded a bit, said Jamie Hodari, CEO of coworking company Industrious and a senior executive at CBRE. I think most landlords have come to say, My building is going to be a palimpsest or an ecosystem of long-term leases and flex arrangements and spec suites. Meeting employees expectations Coworking is giving companies flexibility as they manage resistance to a full return to the office. While employers raise office expectations with increased social pressure and incentives to get more employees at their desks, shared workspaces provide an opportunity to test-run in-office work and experiment with new markets without fully committing. Industrious offers high-end flexible workspaces for private equity firms, law firms, and Fortune 500 companies in over 85 cities globally. The company has seen major growth in regional offices of major corporations, signed new agreements in 52 locations in 2025, up from 33 in 2024, and plans to open 60 new coworking units in 2026. Lots of business leaders are more obsessed with saying, I need my employees to come in at least a few days a week, Hodari said. Therefore they are focused on saying, I need great offices in all 20 cities [where] I operate in the U.S., not just the top two. About 90% of employees want some kind of in-person office experience, according to research from CIC, conducted by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services. The people who work in the long tail of citiesAustin, Miami, Denver, San Diego, who historically had to work in very second-tier officesare more and more demanding that they should have a great day at work, too, Hodari said, adding that many people want an in-office experience on par with a companys headquarters. Hodari pointed to Prospect Heights in Brooklynoutside the downtown and Midtown office hubsas an example. Its the fourth highest-performing location of Industriouss 30 New York locations. For many people the difference between a 10- or 15-minute commute and a 45-minute commute is even greater than anyone ever thought, he said. Its probably the single biggest determinant of [whether] someone in the long run, likes their workplace or not, or whether they show up. For smaller companies, partnering with a coworking space is a way to provide amenities for workers, Hodari said. Industrious provides reception, building security, amenities centers, and community events for their clients, improving the employee experience. I think youll start to see the world be split into thirds when it comes to office space, Anderson predicted. [A] third will become completely flexible, hybrid, or work out of coworking spaces, which is what is fueling the big boom for flexible office space. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Today, Thursday, 29th January 2026, marks the 21st anniversary of the murder of Shaun Duffy of Meenacross, county Donegal. Shaun was a local man who lived in a bungalow at Meenacross, just outside Dungloe. READ NEXT: Investigation launched as unidentified man's body pulled from water in Dublin He was a 36-year-old bachelor who was well known in the area. He worked as an undertaker and as a mechanic. He had an interest and involvement in motor racing and horse sales. Shaun had been socialising in the Strand View Bar in Maghery on Friday, 28th January, 2005 it was his younger brother Kevins birthday and Shaun was there with friends and family. After the pub, Shaun continued to socialise at his mothers house in Meenacross, Dungloe and returned to his own home at approximately 2:30am. Shaun was attacked and fatally wounded in his home at Meenacross in the early hours of Saturday, 29th January. His body was discovered in his home shortly before 2:30pm that afternoon. READ NEXT: 'Tragic beyond words' - Funeral details announced for girl killed in fatal scrambler incident The solving of this murder continues to be a priority for An Garda Siochana. The investigation team at Milford Garda Station would like to thank those who have offered valuable information or assistance to the investigation to date. They continue to appeal for information in believe that a number of people have yet to come forward who may now be in a position to assist in bringing those responsible to justice. With the passage of time, some person may now be in a position to provide information to investigating Gardai that they could not provide at the time, or maybe some person who did provide information at the time may be now in a position to provide further information. They would encourage anyone who they may or may not have spoken to previously, to come forward. READ NEXT: Thousands of households across Ireland entitled to Storm Chandra Relief payment Any information received will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Anyone with information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074 915 3060 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111. Fifteen tractors parked outside Leinster House on Thursday as part of a protest calling for the resignation of Bord Bias chairman. The Dail also heard that Larry Murrin was happy to appear before the agriculture committee and that a date was being sought for the appearance next week. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have called for the resignation of Mr Murrin. The dispute arose out of Bord Bias responsibility for promoting Irish food and enforcing standards on Irish beef and revelations that Mr Murrins company Dawn Farm Foods had sourced 1% of its beef from Brazil for a contract. Bord Bias chief executive Jim OToole said it was in the best interests of Irish farmers for Mr Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Mr Murrin. But the IFA has launched a campaign against Mr Murrin, with the 15 tractors parked along Kildare Street in Dublin on Thursday marking the fourth day of demonstrations. Mr Heydon said the grassroots members of the IFA were being denied a detailed briefing from Mr Murrin about the deal. He was responding after Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny said it was untenable for Mr Murrin to remain in post and that the writing is on the wall. He denied that it was a witch hunt against Mr Murrin but instead said it was a witch hunt against the sector. After an exchange of words between the two politicians, Mr Heydon said: Heckling is a Sinn Fein trick. The farm organisation currently protesting outside Bord Bia is refusing to allow its county executive chairs and the chairs of its commodities committees to receive the detailed briefing from that very chair about the nature of that deal that is being conflated and sold in a soundbite way to farmers. No wonder farmers are upset the way it is being sold to them, and the way the Deputy and others have sold this to them. Mr Kenny said Mr Heydon was eroding the confidence of farmers and consumers and said that if he were to stand by Mr Murrin he will have to look at his own position. During Leaders Questions on Thursday, Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy said Mr Heydons remarks about the IFA were unprecedented and deeply irresponsible. He said there was a serious and escalating crisis of confidence in Bord Bia and said farmers confidence in the agency had been broken. Mr Carthy added: All farm organisations are unequivocal Larry Murrins position is untenable, confidence has been lost, and he has to go. Tanaiste Simon Harris said that they would not remove Mr Murrin and accused Sinn Fein of not looking for explanations or facts. Youve come for a head and youre not getting one, he told the Dail. The position was go, off with his head, before there was any chance to even engage at all. I actually believe theres information and complexity here that is deliberately being overlooked and possibly even suppressed in terms of your presentation of this situation. Mr Harris said the overwhelming majority of the board of Bord Bia had supported Mr Murrin after he addressed the board, and Mr Murrin said he was willing to appear before the Oireachtas Agriculture and Food Committee. He also called on the various chairs of the IFA and ICMSA to meet with Mr Murrin. IFA president Francie Gorman has said that the IFA National Council has a firm view that Mr Murrin should resign and that this position wont change. He said he had told Mr Heydon that he should be the one to engage with Mr Murrin and that he should also meet the board of Bord Bia without Mr Murrin present. Louth TD Paula Butterly was on Newstalk recently discussing her shocking discovery that children in Louth schools are involved with drugs from as young as seven years old. Deputy Butterly said she visited three schools in Louth before Christmas time and was told shocking information from the teacher about their young students. The children are being used as drug mules, according to the Louth TD, and some children in Louth schools right down to the age of seven, are coming into the classrooms high, according to Paula. Now, if that wasn't shocking enough, they then went on to tell me about incidents where the children are actually being used as mules and they're being groomed by other children - well technically teenagers - and it's absolutely shocking. Deputy Butterly said that the children in question come from homes which are afflicted by addiction. In a lot of cases, the mothers in particular, because perhaps the fathers aren't present, they are afflicted by addiction themselves, she explained. The teachers have tried to intervene with the families, help them along, but you know they can't do everything and they shouldn't be expected to. Statistics relating to child exploitation by children in the drug trade are quite frightening, according to Paula. Youth diversion schemes tend to focus on children from 12 upward so Paula has urged the Government to consider widening the scope to those in primary school as well. READ NEXT: Who are the guests on this week's Late Late Show GAA Special? We have a project there called the Green Town project, which is in Limerick, and I brought that to Minister O'Callaghan before Christmas, she said. It has had huge success in tackling the issue of child exploitation and criminal networks; I would like to see that rolled out in Drogheda. I would also like it rolled out at a national level because whatever is happening in Drogheda is happening in other towns, Paula said on NewsTalk. Once again TKC readers deserve credit . . . OUR BLOGGY READERS PREDICTED THE LATEST INFERNO AMID AN ONGOING & SHAMEFUL EAST SIDE BURNING SENSATION!!! Here's the update . . . "The Kansas City Fire Department said the call Wednesday marks the 11th fire that crews have responded to since Thanksgiving. " Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Fire at vacant Parade Park homes marks 11th since Thanksgiving: KCFD Firefighters were called again to the vacant Parade Park apartments in Kansas City, MO on Jan. 28 for a fire that damaged two units. 2 fires break out in Kansas City's Parade Park neighborhood The Kansas City Fire Department said this is the 11th fire at Parade Park since Thanksgiving. Firefighter falls through hole at Parade Park fire; developers say pre-demolition work is underway The Kansas City Fire Department has battled 11 fires at Parade Park Homes since Thanksgiving. Two fires happened on Wednesday, including one in which a firefighter fell through a hole. Developing . . . Well-deserved attention to more funny money in politics across the nation . . . Kansas defines contributions as anything of value, and though campaigns rarely receive political donations of cryptocurrency, it is a growing trend nationwide. Cryptocurrency accounted for nearly half of all corporate money spent on election campaigns, according to CNBC. "We have zero crypto campaign contribution laws in place today, so we're inviting some chaos and tyranny," Kansas Sen. Craig Bowser, R-Holton, told the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Developing . . . Bitcoin was supposed to cut out the middleman. Instead, its become a middlemans dream for scammers. In 2025 alone, Americans lost more than $330 million to bitcoin ATM scams, according to FBI data, a sharp rise fueled by urgency, impersonation, and technology many consumers barely understand. Now, one of the countrys largest crypto kiosk operators is paying the price. Must Read Bitcoin Depot, which operates more than 25,000 bitcoin ATMs across the U.S., has agreed to pay $1.9 million to the state of Maine as part of a settlement designed to compensate residents who were scammed using its machines (1). The company did not admit wrongdoing, but the agreement spotlights a fast-growing form of financial fraud. What Bitcoin Depot agreed to do and why its paying Under the settlement, Bitcoin Depot will pay Maine nearly $2 million, representing money that state officials say was taken by third-party scammers who used the companys kiosks to defraud consumers. Victims will be able to apply for compensation through the state, which will distribute the funds. Bitcoin Depot has refused comment, but under the terms of the settlement avoided any admission of liability. Still, the companys kiosks were the mechanism that allowed scammers to turn fear and confusion into irreversible cash transfers. Bitcoin Depot is also facing a separate challenge in Iowa (2), suggesting Maines case may not be the last challenge the industry faces. Why bitcoin ATM scams are exploding nationwide Bitcoin was designed to cut out the middleman in transactions by letting people send money directly to one another without going through a bank, credit card company or payment processor. Instead of a bank verifying and recording a transaction, bitcoin relies on a decentralized network of computers to confirm it and permanently log it on a public digital ledger known as the blockchain. In theory, that means fewer fees, faster transfers, and no central authority that can block or reverse a payment. The tradeoff, however, is that theres no built-in customer service or fraud protection. Once a bitcoin transaction is sent, its final, even if it was triggered by a scam. Lots of things to consider tonight for our most loyal late night & early morning readers as we take a quick peek at courthouse news, alleged creepers, police action and, as always, community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . KC homicides, shootings on track to drop in 2026: Jackson Co. prosecutor On Wednesday, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson shared Kansas City's latest update on shooting statistics in 2026. Sentenced: Ford employee identified as suspect in Claycomo flashing incident Police are looking for a man who flashed Dollar General employees. Overland Park man found in possession of child pornography, sentenced to 15 years Jason Shellenbergar, 50, has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child pornography charges Independence man sentenced to prison for role in Raytown kidnapping Independence man charged for early-morning Raytown kidnapping. Sinaloa man sentenced to 20 years in U.S. federal court for fentanyl conspiracy KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV)- A man from Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday for his role in a fentanyl drug conspiracy. Former Grain Valley police officer sentenced for child sex crimes A former Grain Valley, Missouri police officer was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to several child sex crime charges. Can't park there: Driver arrested for suspected DUI near Taco Bell drive-thru Officers found the car with one rear wheel stuck in the air. No injuries were reported. Traffic deaths have declined for third year in a row in Missouri Traffic deaths in Missouri have declined for the third year in a row, MoDOT announced. There were 911 fatalities on Missouri roads in 2025. From Lawrence to KC: 4 arrested in metro-wide retailer scam worth thousands Four men have been arrested for a scam that targeted retailers from Lawrence to Kansas City. Mother pleads for answers after 15-year-old son killed walking home from school in Kansas City A grieving Kansas City mother is asking for answers and urging the public to come forward after her 15-year-old son was shot and killed while walking home from school earlier this month. Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) sent off this morning have reached Mammadbayli village of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district, completing the next return process to the liberated territories, Trend reports. Today, 142 people (26 families) returned to the village today. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) who resettled in Mammadbayli village, located in Azerbaijans Zangilan district, have been handed the keys to their new homes, Trend reports. After welcoming the families who returned to the village, Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) employees informed them in detail about the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. The ceremony of presenting the keys was attended by employees of the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts; the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); and other officials. At this stage, 142 people (26 families) have returned to Mammadbayli. Previously, the families had temporarily settled in hostels, sanatoriums, camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative buildings in various areas of the country. 13:56 xxx The families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) sent off this morning have reached Mammadbayli village of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district, completing the next return process to the liberated territories, Trend reports. Today, 142 people (26 families) returned to the village. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. 13:10 xxx In accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to the liberated territories is continuing. Trend reports that those who migrated to the village of Mammadbeyli in the Zangilan district are families temporarily settled in various parts of the republic, mainly in hostels, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. At this stage, 26 families142 peoplehave been relocated to the village of Mammadbeyli in the Zangilan district. The residents who returned to their homeland thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for being surrounded by comprehensive state care. They also expressed their gratitude to the brave Azerbaijani Army, our heroic soldiers and officers who liberated our lands from occupation, and prayed for mercy for our martyrs who lost their lives on this path. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) has recommended integrating the international Green Key sustainability certification into the national hotel classification system in its report, Trend reports. According to the White Paper, this will promote sustainable development initiatives in the hotel industry and strengthen the country's position as an eco-friendly tourism destination. "It is recommended to integrate Green Key into the national hotel classification system. Implementation can be phased, with hotels receiving support to meet certification criteria," the AmCham report said. The report emphasized that operating and furnishing equipment (OS&E and FF&E) used in hotels is subject to customs duties, increasing the financial burden on owners and reducing investment in infrastructure and guest service. AmCham recommended exempting OS&E and FF&E from customs duties, which they believe will support the development of the hotel sector and attract international investors. Furthermore, to stimulate investment in the hotel industry, AmCham proposed reducing property taxes and introducing a full tax exemption for newly built or renovated properties. "This will encourage further investment in the hospitality sector, leading to improved service quality and increased competitiveness in the international market," the report noted. The report also recommended introducing visa waivers or simplified procedures for key tourism markets, which will increase tourist flow, improve hotel occupancy rates, and strengthen the country's position as a leading tourism destination. AmCham particularly emphasized hosting Formula 1 and other major events. "Formula 1 has proven to be a major source of tourism and international promotion. However, the current contract is time-limited, and its potential discontinuation poses a risk to the tourism sector. It is proposed to extend the Formula 1 contract and actively seek similar large-scale events to maintain the country's status as a premier event destination. This will ensure long-term benefits for the hospitality sector," the report said. Another key recommendation from AmCham is the establishment of a National Tourism Promotion Fund, which will be financed by a small percentage of all hotels and restaurants in the country. The fund's finances are used for international marketing campaigns promoting Azerbaijan in foreign tourism markets. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) has recommended introducing business continuity plans (BCPs) for major state-owned companies, including Azerishig, Azersu, and Azerenergy, to strengthen economic stability and protect citizens, Trend reports. Azerbaijans economic stability and societal well-being rely heavily on the uninterrupted functioning of its key SOEs notably Azerishig, Azersu, and Azerenergy. These organizations form the backbone of the nations critical infrastructure, delivering electricity, water, and energy that sustain every aspect of daily life and industrial activity, AmCham experts emphasized. The report notes that the introduction of BCPs is not merely an administrative reform but a strategic measure tied to national security and economic stability. The introduction of mandatory BCP requirements across key SOEs is therefore not merely a procedural improvement, but a strategic safeguard to ensure that essential services remain reliable, citizens remain protected, and the national economy remains resilient in the face of disruption, the document states. According to the report, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with relevant ministries and regulatory bodies, is advised to: - Introduce a mandatory requirement for key SOEs (e.g., Azerishiq, Azersu, Azerenergy) to design, implement, and maintain comprehensive BCPs; - Develop and publish a BCP framework for essential services aligned with international standards (e.g., ISO 22301); - Mandate risk assessments and scenario-based continuity planning for critical functions; - Establish a national oversight body or inter-ministerial coordination platform for monitoring BCP readiness across SOEs; - Conduct periodic BCP testing and simulation exercises, with reporting obligations to sector regulators or the Cabinet of Ministers; - Encourage private-public partnerships for knowledge transfer and technical capacity building; - Introduce incentives for SOEs with demonstrably strong BCPs (e.g., procurement advantages, tax benefits); - Ensure board-level ownership of business continuity and integrate BCP metrics into performance reviews of senior executives; AmCham stresses that the implementation and operationalization of BCPs in key state-owned companies will enhance Azerbaijans resilience to risks, ensure the uninterrupted provision of vital services, and align public sector governance with international best practices in sustainability and business continuity. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) has recommended launching a national digital twin and industrial modeling program in Azerbaijan, Trend reports, citing AmCham. According to the report, Azerbaijans oil and gas, transportation, utilities, and urban infrastructure sectors still largely depend on physical inspections, reactive maintenance, and static planning models. This results in costly downtime, safety risks, and limited situational awareness. "Globally, digital twins and metaverse-based industrial simulations are transforming asset management and workforce training. However, there is a lack of digital modeling skills, 3D data infrastructure, and strategic pilots to showcase ROI in Azerbaijan," AmCham noted. The organization stresses the need to launch a national digital twin and industrial modeling program. Launch a National Industrial Twin and Simulation Program, beginning with high-impact industrial sectors such as oil and gas production fields, port and pipeline infrastructure, the water grid, electricity and smart utility grid, and smart urban planning, the statement says. The report also noted that cooperation with leading technology companies should be established to launch pilot initiatives. Develop national standards for industrial data modeling and 3D simulation. Fund a Digital Twin Lab at a technical university to train engineers and planners. Integrate digital twin concepts into state tenders for infrastructure projects, AmCham said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) has proposed developing a national roadmap for quantum technologies in the country, Trend reports via AmCham. The chamber noted that quantum technologies will transform such fields as cryptography, materials science, pharmaceuticals, finance, and logistics. According to the chamber, countries that take a leading position in this field will gain unprecedented advantages in cybersecurity, economic innovation, and defense. "However, Azerbaijan currently lacks a national roadmap, research institutions with a skilled workforce in this domain," the chamber pointed out. AmCham has made several relevant recommendations, including development and approval of a national roadmap for quantum technologies for the next 10-15 years, covering research, education, and industrial applications, as well as establishment of a specialized national research and innovation institute in the fields of quantum computing, quantum communications, and post-quantum cryptography. The chamber also recommended to include modules on quantum physics, quantum algorithms, and quantum-resistant cryptography in the curricula of Baku State University (BSU), ADA, and other universities, as well as advised the government and banking infrastructure to launch a gradual implementation of post-quantum cryptography in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. Additionally, AmCham suggested establishing an innovation and regulatory sandbox for the development of quantum algorithms, simulations, and industrial applications, and including Azerbaijan in regional and global collaboration platforms for quantum technologies. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Toby Sterling and Nathan Vifflin AMSTERDAM, Jan 29 (Reuters) - ASML's latest results reignited the rally that has made it Europe's most valuable company, until questions about its capacity to meet record orders sent the stock sliding - highlighting just how stretched expectations have become. More from Yahoo Scout How does ASML's valuation compare to other tech giants? What caused ASML's stock reversal after hitting highs? What drives ASML's AI-linked growth prospects through 2030? Can ASML meet the record demand for chip machines? Shares in the Dutch chip-machine maker initially hit new highs after it reported fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, before reversing to end down 2%. The whipsaw trading underscores how the firm, whose tools are used by chipmakers such as Taiwan's TSMC to produce AI chips for Nvidia, is testing the limits of investor appetite. ASML shares are up 34% so far this month and trade at 42 times 2026 earnings estimates, well above Nvidia's 25 times, as analysts have ratcheted up forecasts. ASML management sees sales growth this year ranging from as low as 4% to as high as 19%. "Much of the good news is then already priced in," said Han Dieperink, chief investment officer at Aureus, which recently halved its ASML stake to 45,000 shares but remains overweight the stock. "It's a matter of valuation and positioning." SHARES AT RECORD HIGHS With the stock near all-time highs, investors and analysts are debating how much further ASML, valued at 467 billion euros ($559 billion), can grow. Its order backlog stands at 38.8 billion euros, but the giant chip-printing machines it sells can take a year to build. ASML is the only maker of EUV lithography systems, which are essential for creating the tiny circuitry of advanced chips. Supporters point to the company's AI-driven outlook. Top customer TSMC plans major capacity expansions in 2026, with more expected in 2027 and 2028. Memory chip makers Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron also have AI-linked expansion plans that would benefit ASML. "Although it may appear that the valuation ... is already very high, we're not relying on multiple expansion for a return," said ASML investor Gerrit Smit, lead portfolio manager of the Stonehage Fleming Global Best Ideas Equity fund. He expects shipments to increase 15% annually through 2030. "I'm not going to say they can charge anything for those machines, but that 15% growth is just unit growth. Along with that, they will gain in their own operational efficiencies with more capacity, and get better margins," said Smit. HOW MUCH OF A PREMIUM IS ASML WORTH? Degroof Petercam analyst Michael Roeg expects sector upgrades to slow. "That could lead to some questioning the risk-reward of steep multiples," he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, met with Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Consultative Council of the Sultanate of Oman, during her official visit to the country on January 29, the parliamentary press service told Trend. Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali welcomed Speaker Sahiba Gafarova and expressed his gratitude for her acceptance of the invitation to visit Oman. He highlighted the strong political and other relations between the two countries and emphasized the special role of parliaments in fostering bilateral ties. The visit of the Parliament speaker was noted as a contribution to further expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Oman. The chairman of the Consultative Council also stressed that the close ties between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Oman serve as a strong foundation for enhancing bilateral relations. Speaker Gafarova expressed her appreciation for the invitation and hospitality extended by Oman and recalled with satisfaction her first meeting with Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali in Algeria in January 2023 during the 17th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Member States (PUIC), noting that they have continued discussions within international organizations since then. She also highlighted her previous visits to Azerbaijan by her counterpart for the 14th and 15th plenary sessions of the Asia Parliamentary Assembly in February 2024 and 2025, before arriving in Oman for this official visit. During the meeting, both sides noted the significant potential for developing cooperation across all areas, including the economic, trade, investment, transport, and tourism sectors. The opening of an Azerbaijani embassy in Oman was recognized as a milestone that has elevated bilateral relations. The discussion also underscored the importance of education and culture. Speaker Gafarova highlighted the visit of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, to Oman earlier this month, which is expected to further strengthen cultural cooperation between the two countries. Both parties emphasized the role of inter-parliamentary relations in supporting bilateral and multilateral links, noting the importance of parliamentary friendship groups and platforms such as the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali remarked on witnessing Azerbaijans economic development under the wise leadership of its president. Other topics of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova, has met with the Chairman of the State Council of Oman, Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili, to discuss interparliamentary cooperation within the framework of her official visit to the country, a source in the parliament told Trend. The meeting highlighted the existence of bilateral relations between the two countries based on friendship, mutual respect, and understanding. The meeting noted broad opportunities created by the historical, religious, and cultural similarities between the two peoples for the development of relations between the countries. The meeting saw an exchange of views on relations between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and emphasized the contribution of the inter-parliamentary cooperation to the further development of bilateral relations. The parties highly appreciated the deepening of interparliamentary ties in recent years. Mutual visits of the parliamentary speakers and the strengthening of contacts within the framework of various international organizations were assessed as important factors in expanding the relations. Al Khalili expressed confidence that the first official visit of the Azerbaijani parliament speaker to Oman will give new impetus to the further development of bilateral relations. The meeting emphasized successful cooperation of the parliaments of both countries on both bilateral and international parliamentary platforms, including mutual support demonstrated within organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Gafarova highlighted the importance of cooperation within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network established on the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and positively evaluated the active participation of the Omani parliament in the organization. The exchange of views also covered other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova has emphasized the importance of further expanding relations with Oman during a meeting with the Foreign Minister of this country, Badr al-Busaidi, as a part of her official visit to Oman, a source in the parliament told Trend. During the meeting, the minister noted a positive impact of relations between the parliaments on ties between the two countries and peoples, stressing the particular importance of the speaker's visit in this context. He also noted significant potential for the political, economic, tourism, and business cooperation between the two countries. The official said that parliaments can make an important contribution to further expanding cooperation in the areas. Besides, the minister underscored broad opportunities created by Azerbaijans strategic geographical position in the fields of logistics and transportation, and contribution of Omans location at the crossroads of major international transport routes to the further expansion of joint cooperation. Gafarova pointed out during the meeting that the existing relations between Azerbaijan and Oman are based on solid foundations and that there are broad prospects for their further development. She stressed successfully continuing cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations, and consistent support of Oman to Azerbaijan in documents adopted regarding the protection of the countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty. The meeting noted that the opening of Azerbaijans embassy in Oman has created opportunities to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level. The importance of contacts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy of the two countries was also highlighted. Gafarova said that cooperation between the legislative bodies is highly valued and that consistent efforts are being made to ensure the continuity of mutual support through parliamentary diplomacy. She noted that following the first meeting between the speakers of the two countries in January 2023, inter-parliamentary cooperation has expanded significantly, with mutual meetings held within the framework of various visits and events. The parties pointed out that the ongoing mutual contacts contribute to the further strengthening of relations between the two countries. The speaker emphasized that Azerbaijan and Oman are peace-loving states, attaching special importance to preserving stability and developing cooperation, adding in this context that the development of relations between the two countries is both logical and necessary. Touching upon the humanitarian cooperation issues, the meeting emphasized the significance of the visit of the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, to Oman in terms of discussing cultural relations and humanitarian cooperation. The parties further exchanged views on the current situation in the region. Gafarova noted that the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from occupation followed the launch of a peace process in the region at Azerbaijans initiative, and that, particularly after the Washington summit, important progress has been achieved toward the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Additionally, the meeting noted that efforts to create new transport links in the region will contribute to stability and cooperation there. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Azerbaijan is confidently moving towards the model of a country that turned from consumer into producer, the political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, in recent years, one of the top economic directions in Azerbaijan has been the policy of industrialization and expansion of the non-oil sector. He said that amid volatility in global energy markets, geopolitical risks, and growing uncertainties in the world economy, it has become a vital necessity for countries to move away from a model based solely on natural resources and towards a sustainable and diversified economic structure. The analyst noted that Azerbaijan has correctly assessed these challenges promptly and entered a new stage of development based on production, industry, and an export-oriented economy. "In this context, the new enterprises commissioned and laid the foundations in the Sumgayit Industrial Park this month are not just individual economic projects, but a concrete expression of the future economic model of the country as a whole. Sectors such as mirror production, the cardboard and packaging industry, and polypropylene bags may seem small at first glance. However, in fact, these sectors constitute the main pillars of the industrial ecosystem and give impetus to the development of hundreds of other sectors. The concept of industrial parks and industrial districts has been formed as a strategic tool in the country's economic policy. The state applies not only an incentive, but also a systematic approach to this area: it establishes infrastructure, provides concessions, and financial and institutional support. As a result, risks for entrepreneurs are reduced, and the investment environment becomes more predictable," he mentioned. The analyst explained that the real results of this approach are already clearly visible. "The industrial parks covering the territories of Sumgayit, Garadagh, Pirallahi, Mingachevir, Balakhani, Hajigabul, Aghdam, and Jabrayil have become not only production sites, but also economic centers where new technologies, professional personnel, and export-oriented business models are concentrated. The enterprises established there operate in an interconnected manner, forming an added value chain within the country. Mirror production plants, cardboard and packaging enterprises, and polypropylene bag factories - all of these are of great importance in terms of reducing dependence on imports. For many years, the majority of such products were imported from abroad. This meant both a loss of currency and dependence on supply chains. With the establishment of new production areas, Azerbaijan gains the opportunity to meet the needs of the domestic market with local products. This is especially important in times of crisis. Against the backdrop of disruptions in global trade, logistics problems, and price increases, domestic production becomes the mainstay of economic security. At the same time, these enterprises are not only for the domestic market. Their products are now exported to dozens of countries. This means an increase in non-oil exports, strengthening of the national currency, and strengthening of the country's international economic positions," he said. Garayev emphasized that the opening of new factories means jobs for thousands of people. "This is not just a statistical indicator - each job means the well-being of a family, the confidence of a young person in the future, and the social stability of society. Industrial districts created in the regions, in particular, play an important role in preventing migration to the capital and in the economic activation of local communities. The jobs created in industrial parks are not only physical labor, but also include areas such as engineering, technology, logistics, marketing, and management. This incentivizes the expansion of the professional personnel base in the country and the orientation of young people towards modern specialties. Most of the new enterprises are built on the basis of advanced technologies from countries such as China, Germany, and Turkiye. This means that the industry in Azerbaijan is moving to a qualitatively new stage. Automation, digital management, energy efficiency, and environmental standards are now becoming an integral part of production. This increases the competitiveness of the country's products in international markets. In other words, it's about manufacturing not just many, but also high-quality and standard-compliant products," he said. According to him, one of the main distinguishing features of Azerbaijan's industrial policy is the partnership model formed between the state and business. The state establishes infrastructure, provides concessions, and provides financial support, while the entrepreneur builds production, generates jobs, exports, and pays taxes. "Tax and customs concessions, cheap loans, and ready-made industrial sectors are the main pillars of this model. As a result, the interest of both local and foreign investors in the country is increasing. Industrial parks are no longer perceived as a 'risky project', but as a place of 'forecasted revenue'. The establishment of industrial parks, especially in liberated areas, marks the beginning of a new stage. The Araz Valley Economic Zone, formed in the direction of Aghdam and Jabrayil, is not only an economic project, but also an important element of socio-political rehabilitation. The establishment of production in these regions creates the basis for the return of internally displaced persons, the revival of the regions, and the restoration of economic life," he noted. The analyst pointed out that every new factory opened in Azerbaijan today, every new line built is an investment in the future of the country. "This is not measured only by economic indicators. This means independent decision-making capabilities, social stability, regional strength, and global competitiveness. The mirror, cardboard, and polypropylene enterprises opened in Sumgayit are only part of this grand strategy. The main issue is that Azerbaijan is confidently moving towards the model of a country that is no longer a consumer, but a producer, and this path is the most reliable guarantee of long-term prosperity, economic security, and national development," Garayev added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The Republic of Azerbaijan will never allow its airspace or territory to be used by any state to conduct military operations against neighboring Iran or any other country, the Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports, citing Azerbaijani MFA. The situation surrounding Iran was discussed during the telephone conversation. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that tensions in the region are a concern and that Azerbaijan has always emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from steps and rhetoric that could lead to instability in and around Iran. It was noted that it is important to resolve existing problems only through dialogue and diplomatic means, in accordance with the norms and principles of international law. It was particularly emphasized that the Republic of Azerbaijan will never allow its airspace or territory to be used by any state to conduct military operations against neighboring Iran or any other country. An exchange of views also took place on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest during the telephone conversation. Photo: State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) who resettled in Mammadbayli village, located in Azerbaijans Zangilan district, have been handed the keys to their new homes, Trend reports. Upon the arrival of the families returning to the village, employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) provided them with comprehensive information regarding the hazards posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. The key presentation ceremony was attended by officials from the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with other relevant authorities. At this stage, 142 individuals, comprising 26 families, have resettled in Mammadbayli. Prior to their return, these families had temporarily lived in hostels, sanatoriums, camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across various regions of the country. 13:56 xxx The families of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) sent off this morning have reached Mammadbayli village of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district, completing the next return process to the liberated territories, Trend reports. Today, 142 people (26 families) returned to the village. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. 13:10 xxx In accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to the liberated territories is continuing. Trend reports that those who migrated to the village of Mammadbeyli in the Zangilan district are families temporarily settled in various parts of the republic, mainly in hostels, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. At this stage, 26 families, 142 people, have been relocated to the village of Mammadbeyli in the Zangilan district. The returning residents expressed their deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the extensive state support they received. They also conveyed heartfelt thanks to the courageous Azerbaijani Army, as well as the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated their lands from occupation. In addition, they honored the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this cause, praying for mercy upon them. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Mexico City hosted a conference titled The Turkic Language Family: From the First Written Texts to the Modern Era on January 28, 2026, jointly organized by the embassies of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Kazakhstan in Mexico, along with the Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center, Trend reports. The event was organized on the occasion of World Turkic Language Family Day and brought together diplomats, academics, and cultural figures. Speaking at the conference, Azerbaijans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico, Seymur Fataliyev, emphasized the importance of a shared language as an inseparable part of culture and a unifying factor among peoples. He described as a landmark development the decision taken during the 43rd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference in Samarkand to designate December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day, noting that it represents a significant step toward recognizing the Turkic language as an integral element of universal cultural diversity. Fataliyev said Azerbaijan had supported the initiative to preserve, develop, and promote the Turkic language family internationally from the very beginning. Referring to President Ilham Aliyevs statement that our family is the Turkic world, the ambassador said this thesis reflects both a sense of belonging and responsibility, highlighting unity based on shared history, cultural memory, and values. He stressed that promoting the richness of the Turkic language family globally requires more than the declaration of a single day and called for sustained, practical efforts and a systematic approach to language diplomacy. Turkiyes Ambassador Murat Selim Esenli and Kazakhstans Ambassador Almurat Turganbekov also addressed the conference, saying the establishment of World Turkic Language Family Day creates new opportunities for strengthening ties among their countries and opens the way to a brighter future for the Turkic world, united by common history and culture. They also underscored the importance of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States in preserving and promoting the Turkic language. Professor Mehmet Necati Kutlu, who delivers lectures on Turkic language and culture at the Yunus Emre Institute, spoke about the Orkhon-Yenisei inscriptions as the earliest written sources of the Turks, their decipherment by Danish scholar Vilhelm Thomsen, the development of Turkic alphabets, the geography of Turkic-speaking peoples, and shared vocabulary among Turkic languages. The event continued with a question-and-answer session and was attended by representatives of Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs, parliament, the diplomatic corps in Mexico, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). World Turkic Language Family Day is celebrated annually on December 15 and was officially recognized by UNESCO in November 2025. It honors the cultural heritage of over 200 million Turkic speakers and commemorates the 1893 deciphering of the Orkhon Inscriptions, the earliest written records of the Turkic language. The day aims to promote linguistic diversity, strengthen unity among Turkic-speaking nations, and preserve shared heritage, stemming from a proposal by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree awarding the highest special ranks to employees of the State Customs Committee, Trend reports. Among those awarded the highest special ranks is the Chairman of the Committee. Thus, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Shahin Baghirov, was awarded the highest special rank of Colonel General of the Customs Service. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. On January 29, an information session for representatives of government institutions was held as part of the preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), focusing on the promotion of sustainability principles, Trend reports. In his opening remarks at the session, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov, highlighted the importance of the WUF13 event to be held on May 1722 in Baku. Ilgar Gasimly, Head of Sector at the Department for Cooperation with International Organizations of the Ministry of Economy, and Viktor Kovalenko, EY Regional Leader for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine, also addressed the session, describing WUF13 as a leading global urban planning conference with wide international participation and underscoring the importance of engagement in the event. Representatives of WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company and EY Azerbaijan delivered presentations on sustainable urban development, addressing global and national challenges in the field, as well as the sustainability objectives guiding the delivery of the WUF13 event. The session also provided information on the Forums main sessions, partner-led events, assemblies, and roundtable discussions, while underscoring the importance of strong national representation and active participation. The event was attended by the UN Coordinator for WUF13, Abdinassir Shel Sagar, along with more than 70 participants from government institutions. As the most prestigious international dialogue and cooperation platform in the field of urban planning with wide-ranging participation, the WUF13 event will be held in Baku on May 1722, 2026, under the theme Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements. Through this event, participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, establish institutional partnerships, and contribute to the global urban agenda. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Green energy development and climate resilience were at the core of the Asian Development Banks portfolio in Uzbekistan in 2025, Mirzo Iskandar Gulamov, Country Operations Head of ADBs Uzbekistan Resident Mission, told Trend. "Renewable energy investments included a 200 MW wind power plant with a Battery Energy Storage System, as well as two solar photovoltaic plants totaling 1,000 MW with integrated storage, mobilizing substantial private capital," he said. According to Gulamov, these projects are fully aligned with Uzbekistans decarbonization objectives and demonstrate ADBs commitment to scaling up climate finance in line with the Paris Agreement. "They are accelerating Uzbekistans green transition. Collectively, these initiatives strengthen connectivity, modernize essential services, and advance sustainable energy solutions," he added. Gulamov also noted that ADB continued to advance infrastructure development through a number of transformative projects across key sectors. "In the transport sector, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Road Corridor 2 Resilience and Modernization Project will modernize strategic corridors to enhance regional connectivity," he said. He further highlighted progress in urban services, noting that the Climate Smart Water Management Improvement Project introduces smart metering and digital systems aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in water management. Meanwhile, ADB is one of Uzbekistans largest development partners, having committed over $5.41 billion in financing in the last 5 years. Pharma giant AstraZeneca is pledging $15bn to fund an R&D and manufacturing capacity expansion in China marking a significant investment into a country touted as an up-and-coming pharma powerhouse. The multi-billion-dollar investment, which is set to run through to 2030, will see AstraZeneca improve its cell therapy and radioconjugate discovery, development and manufacturing capabilities in China. This will help to support the companys pipeline ambitions across the oncology, haematology and autoimmune disease areas. This cash injection will also allow the UK-Swedish pharma to further develop existing manufacturing facilities in Wuxi, Beijing, Qingdao and Taizhou, while funding the construction of new facilities across the country. AstraZenecas four operational manufacturing facilities in China already serve patients in the country, as well as those across 70 other global markets. According to the company, its investment will also facilitate the further expansion of its substantial R&D network in China, which includes strategic centres in Beijing and Shanghai. AstraZenecas announcement coincides with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers three-day visit to Beijing, which aims to deepen economic ties and rebuild relations between the two nations. In a 29 January statement, Starmer spoke warmly of AstraZenecas $15bn pledge, noting that the companys Chinese footprint expansion will help the British manufacturer continue to grow. This comes at a time when experts fear that the UK could lose its position as a global life sciences hub due to the nations perceived lack of investment into innovative drugs. AstraZenecas expansion moves in China also align with Chinese President Xi Jinpings push to enact the Healthy China 2030 strategy, which marks the first medium-to-long-term health scheme employed in the country since the states founding in 1949. Under this policy, Jinping hopes to improve healthcare quality across China, while focusing on disease prevention to support public health. Chinas pharma influence grows In recent months, there has been a notable buzz around Chinas growing presence in pharma R&D primarily driven by regulatory and policy reforms within the country. As per a recent report from GlobalData, parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology, Chinese companies are responsible for 20% of the drugs in development globally. There has also been a significant uptick in innovative medicines R&D in China, as the country's biotech and pharma companies move away from their focus on generics and 'me too' medicines. This trend has seen many global pharma players secure lucrative drug licensing deals and restock their pipelines with Chinese biotechs. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Iran's non-oil exports to Turkiye declined by 3.9% in value and 9.6% in volume in the first nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through December 21, 2025), compared to the same period last year (from March 20 through December 20, 2024). Data obtained by Trend from the Iranian Customs Administration (IRICA) shows that the country exported non-oil products worth $5 billion and totaling 10.1 million tons to Turkiye during this period. In comparison, during the same period last year, exports to Turkiye amounted to approximately $5.2 billion and 11.2 million tons. The main categories of exported goods included agricultural and food products, petrochemical products, industrial goods, and minerals. Trade turnover between Iran and Turkiye during the first nine months of the current Iranian year reached $12 billion with a total of 16 million tons, showing a 14.8% decline in value and a 1.5% decrease in weight compared to the same period last year. Overall, Irans total product exports during the nine months reached approximately $41.2 billion with a total weight of 119 million tons. Compared to the same period last year, total exports fell by 5.78% in value while increasing by 1% in volume. --- Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 29. Demirgazyk Sovda Yoly Economic Society announced a tender for the construction of a stone paper production facility, Trend reports. Interested participants can submit a written application on the applicants official letterhead, addressed to the companys director, signed by an authorized person, and sealed. The application should indicate the full name of the participant, legal status, country of registration, and other relevant details. Companies registered in offshore zones or holding offshore bank accounts are not allowed to participate. Tender proposals will be accepted until February 17. A package of commercial (tender) proposals must be submitted in envelopes as follows: envelope "A" - general and technical conditions, envelope "B" - financial proposals. Additional information: Phone: +993 222-2-07-34 Address: Hazar Shopping Center, UIET building, 4th floor, quarter 211, 72, Balkanabat, Turkmenistan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Azerbaijan's Baku hosted a forum titled "Access to Capital Markets: 1st InvestorMicrofinance Forum," bringing together key players from the financial sector, Trend reports. The forum was jointly organized by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), the Azerbaijan Capital Markets Association (AKBA), the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA), and the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE). The main objective of the event was to establish a direct dialogue mechanism between capital market participants and non-bank credit organizations (NBCOs), while presenting investment opportunities in the microfinance sector to potential investors. Within the framework of the forum, NBCOs operating in the regions shared their financial indicators, business models, and investment proposals with investors. Speaking at the event, Fuad Isayev, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), noted that assets of the non-bank credit organization (NBCO) sector in Azerbaijan rose by 25% to 1.24 billion manat ($73 million) in 2025. A total of 54 NBCOs and 34 credit unions are currently operating in the market, with the private sector represented in all but 1 institution. In 2025, assets in the NBCO sector grew by 25% to reach 1.24 billion manat ($73 million). During the same period, the NBCO loan portfolio expanded by 29%, surpassing 1 billion manat ($59 million). The capital of NBCOs rose by 26.2% last year and exceeded 3 million manat ($1.76 billion). Overall, the capital of NBCOs accounts for 24.5% of total assets, he said. He also noted that over the past three years, NBCIs have issued 86 million manat ($50.5 million) worth of bonds. Compared with 2023, bond issuance in 2025 recorded a 4-fold increase, signaling growing investor interest and improved access to capital markets for the sector. In addition, he highlighted that banking and finance in Azerbaijans regions are seeing a growing impact from Non-Bank Credit Institutions (NBCI), which now operate 238 branches across the country. "The sector currently includes 54 NBCIs and 35 credit unions, all but one representing the private sector. In addition, 14 NBCIs with foreign capital are actively operating in the microfinance sector," he noted. Ogtay Gasimov, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer at the BSE, stated that the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) has reduced the minimum debt market requirement for microfinance organizations to 500,000 manat ($294,117). Baku Stock Exchange has a standard listing segment and a main market listing segment. The main market is designed for larger, more developed companies, while the standard segment is intended for smaller, developing companies. In the debt market, the nominal minimum requirement was previously 1 million manat ($588,235). To increase accessibility for microfinance organizations, we have halved this amount to 500,000 manat ($294,117). The decision has already been made and will be announced soon, he emphasized. The participation of representatives from the CBA and other regulatory bodies enabled an open discussion on the current investment climate, the regulatory framework, and key challenges facing the sector. The forum is viewed as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between investors and NBCOs and for identifying concrete investment opportunities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Banking and finance in Azerbaijans regions are seeing a growing impact from Non-Bank Credit Institutions (NBCI), which now operate 238 branches across the country, said Fuad Isayev, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Trend reports. Speaking today at the Microfinance Forum in Baku, Isayev highlighted that the sectors extensive branch network demonstrates the vital role of NBCIs in regional financing. "The sector currently includes 54 NBCIs and 35 credit unions, all but one representing the private sector. In addition, 14 NBCIs with foreign capital are actively operating in the microfinance sector," he noted. The "Access to Capital Markets: 1st InvestorMicrofinance Forum," being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is bringing together important figures from the financial industry. The forum is jointly organized by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), the Azerbaijan Capital Markets Association (AKBA), the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA), and the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 29. Uzbekistan and Austria discussed the prospects for expanding cooperation in the transport sector, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan. The issue was reviewed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriev and an Austrian delegation led by Elisabeth Weissenbeck, Director for Foreign Economic Relations at Austrias Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy, which also oversees energy and tourism matters. Particular attention was given to opportunities for implementing joint projects in the construction of road bridges and the development of railway infrastructure, as well as the potential launch of direct air service between Tashkent and Vienna. The participants highlighted the strong potential for cooperation and expressed mutual interest in further strengthening collaboration in the fields of transport and logistics. Following the talks, the sides agreed to continue dialogue and work toward the development of concrete initiatives in the identified areas. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Austria had earlier signed a protocol outlining practical steps to advance bilateral economic cooperation. Uzbekistan's transport sector is integral to its economy, contributing over 18% of market services by 2025. Dominated by road transport (over 90% of cargo in 2024), it also includes rail and pipelines. Key points include significant growth in 2025, with transport services reaching 185 trillion soums, handling 1.5 billion tons of cargo and 7.2 billion passengers; a modal split favoring road transport; government investment in infrastructure modernization, including high-speed rail and international logistics corridors; and Uzbekistan Railways as the main rail operator, managed by the Ministry of Transport. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Austria reached $261 million in January-September 2025, marking a 37.6% year-on-year increase, according to official data. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Russias LUKOIL has signed an agreement with U.S. investment firm Carlyle to sell LUKOIL International GmbH, its wholly owned subsidiary that holds the companys international assets, Trend reports, citing the company. The transaction excludes LUKOILs assets in Kazakhstan, which will remain under the ownership of the LUKOIL Group and will continue to operate under its existing licenses. LUKOIL has emphasized that the agreement with Carlyle is non-exclusive and contingent upon several conditions, including the necessary regulatory approvals. Among these is authorization from the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In addition, the company indicated that negotiations with other potential bidders are ongoing. LUKOILs decision to divest LUKOIL International GmbH is driven by the restrictive measures imposed by several nations on the company and its subsidiaries. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Certain steps may be taken to address an appeal to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) to enable insurance companies to purchase bonds of non-bank credit institutions (NBCIs), Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijan Capital Markets Association (ACMA) Public Union Orkhan Baghirov said at the Microfinance Forum in Baku today, Trend reports. As per his assertion, at this moment, insurance firms are unable to acquire bonds from NBCIs. "We associations - ACMA, the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA), the Azerbaijan Insurers Association (AIA) and the Azerbaijan Banks Association - can jointly apply to the CBA. Both the buying and selling sides have the relevant request. In particular, attention can be paid to this issue after preparing the draft legislation on the establishment of the National Rating Organization," Baghirov emphasized. The "Access to Capital Markets: 1st InvestorMicrofinance Forum," being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is bringing together important figures from the financial industry. The forum is jointly organized by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), the Azerbaijan Capital Markets Association (AKBA), the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA), and the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SUMGAYIT, Azerbaijan, January 29. A mirror sheet production plant built on an area of one hectare in the Sumgayit Industrial Park will produce 900,000 square meters of mirrors annually, Eldeniz Allahverdiyev, deputy director of 'Azermirror' LLC, told reporters during a media tour of the plant, Trend reports. According to Allahverdiyev, the equipment was developed using Chinese technology. He further noted that before the establishment of the plant, Azerbaijan relied on imports of mirrors from Russia, China, Turkiye, and Iran. "With the plant now operational, these imports have been fully substituted, and in addition to meeting domestic demand, plans are underway to export the product to international markets. We have already received offers and reached agreements with several foreign countries, with exports anticipated in the near future." The investment in Azermirror LLC amounts to 6.13 million manat ($3.6 million). Additionally, the state has provided a subsidy of up to 600,000 manat ($352,940) on the products being imported. Looking ahead, as demand continues to rise, the enterprise plans to shift to a two-shift work schedule, which is expected to create an additional 30 jobs. On January 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of the mirror sheet production plant of Azermirror LLC in the Sumgayit Industrial Park. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 29. Sodik Imomi, Tajikistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkiye, engaged in a meeting with Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, to discuss the prospects for expanding multilateral cooperation on January 28, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik MFA. During the meeting, the parties expressed satisfaction with the current level of interparliamentary interaction between Tajikistan and Turkiye and emphasized the need to further develop multifaceted cooperation. In particular, both sides expressed interest in strengthening collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and tourism, as well as in holding meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and enhancing the activities of sectoral working groups. Earlier, on January 26, 2026, Sodiq Imomi met with Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye Nadir Alpaslan. In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for developing cooperation between the two nations in the field of tourism. Torchy's Tacos new menu. (Courtesy of Torchy's Tacos) Austin's homegrown taco chain, Torchy's Tacos, is closing several restaurants across multiple states as part of an early 2026 operational shakeup - including a restaurant here in Texas. Torchy's origins trace back to 2006 in Austin, when Mike Rypka founded the business as a food trailer concept. Since then, it's grown to approximately 120 to 130 restaurants across 16 states. Now, that footprint is waning as the business unveiled plans to close seven restaurants within Ohio, Florida, Arizona, Georgia and Texas, according to a report from Nation's Restaurant News published on Tuesday, January 27. Those impacted restaurants will officially close on Tuesday, February 3, including: 2 restaurant closures in Columbus, Ohio 2 restaurant closures in the Orlando, Florida area 1 restaurant closure in Queen Creek, Arizona 1 restaurant closure on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, Georgia 1 restaurant closure in Stafford, Texas "We're incredibly grateful to the team members who have dedicated their time and energy to these locations, as well as to the guests who supported us over the years," a Torchy's Tacos spokesperson said in a statement to NRN. "It's been a privilege to be part of this community, and we hope to return in the future when the time and place are right." These latest impacts follow closures in Phoenix, Kansas City, Missouri and Virginia last year, NRN added, and precede an upcoming restaurant opening in Zionsville, Indiana on February 2. Back in October 2025, the Austin Business Journal reported on Torchy's newest CEO, Paul Macaluso, and his plans to elevate Torchy's presence to 200 stores by 2030, up approximately 75 units. MySA reached out to Torchy's Tacos about any potential future closures in the Texas market. We will update this story once we receive a response. This article originally published at Austin-founded Torchy's Tacos shutters 7 restaurants, including Texas. Azerbaijan-UK trade volume soars to over $1bln in 2025 Trade relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom strengthened significantly in 2025. Bilateral commerce expanded sharply, reflecting deeper economic engagement between the two countries. Energy products continued to dominate exports, while imports from the UK showed strong growth. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Prospects for producing competitive products and reducing import dependence through the construction of a plant for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage production in Gabala have been discussed, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. During the meeting with Tsezar Chocheli, Founder of the 'Gabala Beverage Company,' we exchanged views on cooperation with the company and its business initiatives. We highlighted the importance of attracting investment to the regions, discussed ongoing work on the construction of an alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage production plant in Gabala, and noted the projects potential to support employment, enhance competitiveness, and reduce dependence on imports," the post said. Gabala Beverage Company is a large-scale production facility being established in Azerbaijan through a partnership between Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) OJSC and Georgian Beer Company LLC. With an annual production capacity of 140 million liters, the plant will create approximately 300 jobs and aims to produce beer, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages using modern technologies. This initiative supports Azerbaijan's efforts to enhance local production and export capabilities in the non-oil sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The current situation in the field of international freight transportation by road in Azerbaijan has been discussed, Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. We held a meeting with representatives of carrier companies engaged in international road freight transportation. During the meeting, we exchanged views on the current situation in the field of international transport and on measures being taken to increase the participation of carriers in international markets. At the same time, we listened to the proposals of carriers and discussed steps to be taken to organize activities more efficiently, the post said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. The issue of increasing the volume of cargo transportation on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) line was discussed between Azerbaijan and Georgia today, the statement of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) says, Trend reports. The discussion was held during the meeting of Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of ADY, one of the AZCON Holding companies, with General Director of Georgian Railways CJSC Lasha Abashidze and Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Tamara Ioseliani in Tbilisi. The meeting also discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the field of railway transport between the two countries. Additionally, the meeting noted that cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan in boosting the Middle Corridor's competitiveness and attracting additional cargo continued successfully. The meeting paid special attention to the issues of the full completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line project, the signing of the final act on the handover of the BTK railway, and increasing the volume of cargo transportation on this line. The ADY has successfully completed the repair, rehabilitation, and modernization work on the 184-kilometer section of the BTK line passing through Georgia with complex geographical relief, raising the annual cargo capacity of the line from one million tons to five million tons. The main goal of the modernization of this railway line is to increase the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and turn the BTK into one of the main cargo arteries of the corridor. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, an 826850 km corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, was opened in October 2017. It serves as a crucial rail link between Asia and Europe, reducing transport time to 15 days and forming an integral part of the Middle Corridor to promote regional trade. The railway covers approximately 500 km in Azerbaijan, 263 km in Georgia, and 79 km in Turkiye and connects Central Asian rail networks with Europe, providing a quicker alternative to maritime routes. Following upgrades in 2024, the projected capacity is set to handle 17 million tons of cargo annually, with the goal of enhancing economic cooperation and transit potential. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU) have exchanged views on cooperation opportunities for adding the Zangezur corridor to the EU's Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T), Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We had a meeting with the European Commission's Director-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Gert Jan Koopman. During the meeting, we discussed issues related to the development of Nakhchivan's transport infrastructure and the start of the preparation of a feasibility study in this direction. We exchanged views on the addition of the Zangezur corridor to TEN-T, increasing the potential and digitalization of the Middle Corridor, as well as opportunities for cooperation with the EU in the fields of aviation, maritime transport, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. We talked about strengthening human resources in the field of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and the activities of EU companies in our country. At the same time, we considered the possibilities of Azerbaijan's participation in projects within the framework of the EU's Horizon Europe program," Nabiyev noted. The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is a planned multimodal infrastructure network aimed at enhancing connectivity across the EU by integrating railways, roads, inland waterways, and shipping routes. It is designed to reduce bottlenecks and strengthen the internal market, with completion targets set for 2030, 2040, and 2050. The network is structured in three layers: the core network by 2030, the extended core by 2040, and the comprehensive network by 2050. Key goals include promoting low/zero-emission mobility in line with the European Green Deal, connecting major cities and regions, and improving safety. TEN-T is organized into nine transport corridors and emphasizes standards for high-speed rail and efficient freight capacity. The legal framework is governed by Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, with funding sourced from EU, national, and private investments to facilitate its implementation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov met with Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of the Republic of Chad, Boukar Michel, and discussed cooperation on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. The meeting featured information on projects being implemented in this area in Azerbaijan, in particular, the mygov platform and the SIMA digital signature system. The possibilities of applying Azerbaijan's digital development experience in Chad were discussed. In addition, an exchange of views took place on cybersecurity issues, possible support from Azerbaijan in the development of human capital in Chad, as well as the involvement of students in ICT education in our country. At the meeting, it was agreed to prepare an action plan covering all areas of cooperation as soon as possible. To this end, a visit by specialists from Azerbaijan to Chad is expected. Chad will also be able to learn from our country's experience in creating a data center. As part of the Chadian delegation's visit to Azerbaijan, memoranda of understanding were signed with the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development, as well as with Azercosmos, on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, innovation, and the export of digital products. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. On January 29 in Tbilisi, relevant agreements were signed between BTKI Railways LLC, a joint venture of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) and Marabda-Kartsakhi Railway LLC, and Georgian Railways JSC to ensure the full operational launch of the joint venture along the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway line, Trend reports via Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. One of the agreements covers the use of the MarabdaAkhaltsikhe railway infrastructure, while the other concerns the provision of terminal services at Akhaltsikhe station. At the signing ceremony, it was noted that the new agreements will enable more efficient operations along the BTK, a key segment of the Middle Corridor, and increase freight volumes. ADY has successfully completed repair and modernization works on the 184-kilometer section of the BTK line passing through Georgia, which features challenging terrain. As a result, the annual freight capacity of the line has increased from 1 million to 5 million tons. The main goal of modernizing this railway is to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and establish the BTK as one of the main freight arteries of the corridor. BTKI Railways LLC was established on August 13, 2024. The joint venture focuses on the efficient management of BTK operations, attracting new cargo, strengthening strategic transport connections in the region, and unlocking the potential of the Middle Corridor. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 29. Uzbekistan and Turkiye have agreed to advance cooperation in the textile sector, Trend reports via the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan. The agreement was reached during a meeting held in Ankara between Mehmet Dogan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Turkiyes leading textile company, DoCotton Group, and Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Minister of Economy and Finance. Discussions focused on establishing cooperation in cotton cultivation and deep processing, in compliance with international sustainability and quality standards, including GOTS, OCS, OEKO-TEX, Regenerative Agriculture (RegAgri), and BCI. The parties also explored proposals to develop the leather and silk industries, introduce modern production technologies, and expand the textile value chain. Special attention was paid to the introduction of mechanisms for generating and trading carbon credits, the promotion of environmentally friendly production, and the broader application of green technologies in the sector. DoCotton Group is an internationally operating company headquartered in Turkiye and is recognized as a leading player in cotton cultivation, textile raw material supply, and processing. The company operates across the entire textile value chain, from cotton production to processing and delivery to global markets. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 29. Uzbekistan's SQB has expanded its international payment services in cooperation with UZCARD, Trend reports via the bank. Under the update, payments using Discover Network and Diners Club International cards are now accepted at the banks merchant terminals. Cardholders can also withdraw cash using these cards at SQB ATMs. The expanded functionality is expected to facilitate transactions for foreign visitors and holders of international payment cards in Uzbekistan. According to the bank, Discover Network and Diners Club International cards are accepted and processed through a technical and software infrastructure integrated with the Uzcard payment system. SQB noted that the move forms part of its efforts to develop international cooperation and broaden the range of financial services available to customers. Together, Discover Network and Diners Club International are integral components of a global payment ecosystem, encompassing over 378 million cards worldwide, with acceptance in more than 190 countries and territories. Uzbekistan's SQB (JSCB "Uzpromstroybank") is a significant state-owned bank established in 1922, currently undergoing a privatization process. It focuses on transforming into a commercially driven and sustainable institution, with an emphasis on corporate, green, and retail banking. SQB plays a crucial role in financing key economic sectors such as manufacturing and construction, while the government prioritizes its privatization through the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund (UzNIF). The bank leads in sustainable finance by issuing green bonds and is recognized for strong corporate banking services and international partnerships. From 2024 to 2026, it aims to enhance its business model by prioritizing digital services and improving corporate governance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Australias Federal Court has fined crypto Qoin Wallet operator BPS Financial $14 million (US$9.9 million) after finding it misled consumers about whether its token could be spent at merchants or exchanged for cash and other digital assets. The penalty was handed down on Monday after the court found in 2024 that BPS Financial promoted and operated Qoin Wallet without an Australian Financial Services Licence for almost three years. The court also found that the company had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct after making false representations about Qoin Wallet. Qoin Wallet is a non-custodial digital assets app that allows users to store, send, and receive Qoin tokens. Designed for peer-to-peer transactions within a closed merchant ecosystem, it is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in Australia. In its whitepaper, Qoin presents its project as being run by the Cayman Islands-based Qoin Foundation and does not mention BPS Financial. The document briefly cites a May 2024 ruling on the tokens legal status, which followed the regulators 2022 allegations that BPS operated Qoin as a financial services business without a licence and misled consumers about how the product worked. This weeks penalties were split between unlicensed activity and misleading representations, with the court citing the seriousness of the misconduct, senior management involvement, and risks posed to consumers. Australia Puts Crypto Oversight Gaps on 2026 Risk List The large sum was also intended to send a strong message of deterrence to the digital asset industry, Australian Securities and Investment Commission Chair Joe Longo said in a statement. It comes as Australian regulators continue to build out guidance on crypto oversight, with ASIC warning this week that digital asset firms and AI companies remain a priority risk area through 2026. Qoin tokens were allegedly marketed as an alternative for everyday transactions, with BPS Financial promoting Qoin as usable across a network of participating merchants. Those claims did not reflect reality, the court found, claiming that merchant acceptance for the token was limited and that consumers had no reliable way to convert Qoin tokens into Australian dollars or other crypto assets. Australia Moves to Regulate Crypto Platforms Under New Consumer-Protection Law Local observers say the case sharpens the consumer risks around how crypto products are marketed in Australia. Marketing claims are not the same as consumer protections, so everyday users should [] treat performance-related promises as something to understand and verify before they rely on it, Jonathan Inglis, CEO of Melbourne-based consumer research firm Protocol Theory, told Decrypt. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 29. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed further expanding Uzbek-Turkish cooperation across key sectors, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the high level of engagement and the dynamic political dialogue maintained at all levels. It was noted that bilateral trade turnover, the number of joint ventures, and the frequency of flights between the two countries continue to grow steadily, while joint cultural events are held on a regular basis. During the talks, the importance of advancing joint projects and programs in industry, agriculture, social protection, and other priority areas was emphasized. Special attention was paid to enhancing cooperation and coordination in the fields of defense and security, including joint efforts to combat cybercrime. The presidents also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkiye reached $3.02 billion in 2025. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. A high-level meeting of the Working Group on the implementation of Azerbaijans National Hydrogen Strategy took place at the Ministry of Energy, with representatives from DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH in attendance, Trend reports via the ministry. Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy, highlighted Azerbaijans significant potential for hydrogen production. He noted that within the first phase of the Development of Azerbaijans National Hydrogen Strategy and its Implementation Plan project, a document titled National Strategic Outlook on Hydrogen was prepared with technical support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and presented at the COP29 conference. To launch the second phase of the project, a tender supported by the EBRD was conducted, and DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH was selected as the winning company. The implementation plan is expected to be finalized in the first half of the current year. During the meeting, Ilka Levington from DNV Energy Systems Germany GmbH delivered a presentation on the application of Azerbaijans National Hydrogen Strategy. Participants discussed legal and other aspects of hydrogen production, identified priority areas for the next phase, and reached consensus on specific targets and tasks for the Working Group. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Kazakhstan's natural gas condensate exports to Uzbekistan totaled 24,771 metric tons between January and November 2025, which is 9.1 times increase from the 2,699 tons recorded in the same period of 2024. Data obtained by Trend from the countrys Bureau of National Statistics shows that the value rose 7.9 times to $10.944 million from $1.374 million in the corresponding period of 2024. In total, Kazakhstan exported 265,892 metric tons of natural gas condensate in 11M2025, a 12% increase compared to 237,368 tons in 2024. 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. Kazakhstan's natural gas condensate production reached 10.646 million tons from January through October 2025, marking a 2.6% increase from the previous year. The industry predominantly operates in the Western regions, focusing on key fields such as Karachaganak, Tengiz, and Kashagan, which are known for their high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. By 2025, the country aims to produce a total of 96.2 million tons of oil and condensate. Exports increased by 12% to 265,892 metric tons in the first 11 months, although the overall export value declined. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar has raised concerns over recent incidents at the Tengiz oil field during a meeting with Managing Director of Chevrons Eurasia business Derek Magness, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas Askhat Khassenov also participated at the meeting. During the talks, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral ties in the oil and gas sector. Special attention was paid to the Tengiz project, which is considered the flagship of Kazakhstan-U.S. energy cooperation. Magness noted that significant production results have been achieved at Tengiz thanks to Kazakhstans favorable investment climate. He highlighted the predictability of the regulatory environment and constructive engagement with government authorities, describing them as key factors for long-term investment. At the same time, Sklyar expressed concern over incidents at the Tengiz field that led to a temporary suspension of production. Chevrons management informed the Kazakh side about measures taken to eliminate the consequences of the incidents and about steps aimed at the gradual increase of oil production. The company also assured that concrete actions would be taken to prevent similar situations in the future and to ensure the safe and reliable operation of facilities. The sides also addressed the development of geological exploration, with Chevron expressing interest in a number of exploration projects. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as their readiness for constructive dialogue across all areas of engagement. First discovered in 1979, the Tengiz field is estimated to hold 3.1 billion tons (approximately 25 billion barrels) of oil reserves. Tengizchevroil, a joint venture formed on April 6, 1993, between the government of Kazakhstan and Chevron, is primarily engaged in the development of the field. On January 18, 2026, two fires broke out at the GTES-4 power generation plant at the field, affecting power distribution systems and causing Tengizchevroil to suspend oil production at the Tengiz and Korolev fields for safety reasons. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Senators of Kazakhstan's Parliament have ratified a framework agreement between the country's government and the OPEC Fund for International Development on the organization of private sector operations, Maxim Spotkay, Head of the Senate Administration, said on his social media account, Trend reports. The agreement is expected to establish a sustainable legal framework for direct financing of the private sector through loans, guarantees, and other financial instruments provided by the OPEC Fund. The document also confirms the Funds independence in making financing decisions and provides for long-term and concessional borrowing terms aimed at supporting sustainable economic development. In addition, the OPEC Fund is granted full legal capacity in Kazakhstan. The agreement guarantees the protection of investments, free currency conversion and transfer of funds, as well as the exemption of the Funds assets and income from direct taxation. Overall, the ratification is expected to facilitate the attraction of long-term financing into Kazakhstans economy and contribute to the development of the private sector. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities, and empower people. To date, the Fund has committed more than $30 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than $200 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kazakhstan's agricultural output grows in 2025 Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan has achieved record agricultural yields in the last two years, harvesting approximately 27 million tons of grain, 4.8 million tons of oilseeds, and over 1 million tons of legumes, supported by state initiatives and modern technologies. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Kazakh and UAE agricultural companies have signed around 20 commercial agreements worth $335 million, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan. The signing took place following a roundtable discussion with representatives from Kazakhstan's agribusiness sector and business circles from the UAE, Egypt, Turkiye, and China, chaired by Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov. Saparov emphasized that the UAE is one of Kazakhstan's priority trade, economic, and investment partners, with agriculture being a key component of bilateral relations. As of November 2025, the turnover of agri-food products between the two countries has grown by nearly 7%. In 2025, Kazakhstan's agricultural gross output increased by 5.9%, reaching approximately $20 billion, largely due to a tenfold increase in preferential financing over the past five years, reaching $3 billion. In 2025, Kazakhstan's harvest included around 27 million tons of grain, 4.8 million tons of oilseeds, and over 1 million tons of legumes. The roundtable was organized as part of Minister Saparov's working trip to Dubai and Kazakhstan's participation in the largest international food and beverage exhibition, Gulfood 2026. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Kazakhstan continues to hold a leading position in terms of attracted foreign investments in Central Asia, Huseyin Ozhan, Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), said, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. Ozhan made the statement within the frame of working sessions of the Foreign Investors' Council's interim meeting in Astana, chaired by Kazakhstans Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov. "The EBRD is proud to be a partner to foreign investors who are investing in various sectors of the national economy," Ozhan said. Several initiatives from the past year were highlighted as examples of successful partnerships, including a project in the pharmaceutical industry aimed at developing local production, financing in the food supplement manufacturing sector, and support for international and European companies investing in Kazakhstan to expand production capacities and enhance the countrys competitiveness. Since beginning operations in Kazakhstan, the EBRD has supported a portfolio of 345 projects, with a total value exceeding $12 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Kazakhstan is gradually implementing the Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology for pipeline systems, which involves technical assessments based on risk factors, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. This was announced by Kazakhstans Minister of Energy, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, during an interim meeting of the Foreign Investors' Council, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. According to Akkenzhenov, the country has already adopted a national standard and introduced relevant inspection procedures grounded in a risk-oriented approach. He noted that currently, RBI methodology is undergoing practical and pilot testing and is being applied at oil refineries as well as in several oil and gas companies. This approach is expected to fully transition to risk-based control technologies in the future. The minister emphasized that the implementation of RBI at three of Kazakhstans oil refineries has already proven its effectiveness. "The systematic application of RBI methodology at our refineriesAtyrau, Pavlodar, and Shymkenthas shown the effectiveness of the risk-based approach. By implementing this practice, we have not only reduced the likelihood of equipment failures but also optimized inspection volumes, ensuring more efficient use of resources," he stated. Akkenzhenov noted that building on international experience, Kazakhstan plans to expand the use of risk-based technical inspections, including for technological pipelines, with a subsequent adaptation to corporate standards and advanced control methods. Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) for pipelines is a systematic approach that allocates inspection resources to high-risk zones by evaluating the probability of failure and the consequences of failure. It enhances maintenance by concentrating on components with the highest likelihood of failure that could result in substantial safety, environmental, or economic repercussions, instead of adhering to a uniform, time-based inspection regimen. According to OPEC, Kazakhstan's crude oil output stood at 1.522 million barrels per day (b/d) in December 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) is included among the 13 Dividend Stocks with Over 8% Yield. B&G Foods (BGS) Deal Draws Mixed View From TD Cowen On January 16, TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow raised his price target on B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) to $3.50 from $3 but kept a Sell rating on the stock. The update followed B&Gs announcement that it had struck a deal to buy the College Inn and Kitchen Basics broth brands from Del Monte Foods for about $110 million through a bankruptcy auction process. The day before, on January 15, B&G confirmed it had agreed to acquire Del Monte Foods broth and stock business, including both brands, for roughly $110 million in cash. The final price will be adjusted for inventory at closing, and the company will also assume certain liabilities tied to the business. B&G won the assets after a competitive bidding process connected to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Del Monte Foods Corporation II and some of its affiliates. The deal still needs approval from the Bankruptcy Court and must meet other standard closing conditions. It is also contingent on the completion of two other bankruptcy-related sales by Del Monte that are unrelated to B&G or the broth business. If everything lines up, the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) and its subsidiaries make, market, and distribute branded shelf-stable and frozen food products throughout the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. While we acknowledge the potential of BGS as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026 and Retirement Stock Portfolio: 12 Low Risk Investments Disclosure: None. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, and Chen Habin, Deputy CEO of the Chinese State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), discussed the progress of the 1 GW wind power project in Kazakhstans Pavlodar region, Trend reports via Samruk-Kazyna. The project is being implemented under the framework of an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China. In 2025, wind measurement masts were installed, providing critical data for subsequent design phases. Furthermore, an agreement on the power dispatch scheme has been reached with Kazakhstans national grid operator, KEGOC, marking a significant step toward integrating the future wind farm into the country's energy infrastructure. Samruk-Kazyna also highlighted that the next phase of the project will involve the signing of an Investment Agreement with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy. The wind farm is expected to be commissioned by the second quarter of 2029. State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), one of Chinas largest state-owned energy firms, operates numerous investment projects in the electric power sector across more than 40 countries globally. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 29. Documents for the construction of a 1-gigawatt wind power plant in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan were signed following a meeting between Kazakhstans Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Chinas Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin, Trend reports via the ministry. The documents were signed between the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, China's State Power Investment Corporation, and Pavlodar Green Energy LLP. It was noted that the projects transition to an active phase reflects the practical implementation of intergovernmental agreements and reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China. Commenting on the signing, Minister Akkenzhenov emphasized the technological significance of the project. "The project will attract around $1.2 billion in direct investment into the regional economy. The installation of energy storage systems at the new plant is of particular importance for us, as it will help balance natural fluctuations in renewable energy generation and ensure stable power supply to the countrys Unified Power System," he said. Once commissioned in the city of Ekibastuz, the wind power plant is expected to generate up to 3.4 billion kWh of electricity annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2 million tons of CO per year. The project is being implemented under the framework of an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and China. In 2025, wind measurement masts were installed, providing critical data for subsequent design phases. Furthermore, an agreement on the power dispatch scheme has been reached with Kazakhstans national grid operator, KEGOC, marking a significant step toward integrating the future wind farm into the country's energy infrastructure. Earlier today, Samruk-Kazyna announced that the next phase of the project will involve the signing of an investment agreement involving Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy. State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), one of Chinas largest state-owned energy firms, operates numerous investment projects in the electric power sector across more than 40 countries globally. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 29. Tajikistan and Egypt discussed a range of issues related to consular relations and bilateral ties, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik MFA. These issues were addressed during the first consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, held on January 28, 2026, in Cairo. The Tajik delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Farrukh Sharifzoda, while the Egyptian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Haddad Al-Jawhari. As part of the consultations, a memorandum on the mutual simplification of the visa regime for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports was signed between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Tajikistan and Egypt have been fostering friendly relations since 1993, with a focus on economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchange. Following President Rahmon's visit to Cairo in 2022, bilateral ties have expanded into trade, tourism, agriculture, and industry, supported by the Egyptian-Tajik Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. Key areas of cooperation include trade in various sectors, established diplomatic relations as of April 1, 1993, collaborative efforts in security to combat crime and terrorism, and educational agreements to enhance cultural and technical training. Additionally, both nations advocate for climate action aimed at assisting developing countries and lowering emissions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: press service of the President of Uzbekistan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a Joint Statement, as well as a Decision on cooperation mechanisms within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan says, Trend reports. It is noted that the signing ceremony took place following the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. "Furthermore, a package of bilateral documents was signed, covering a wide range of areas of the multifaceted partnership, including: Intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in healthcare, education, and military medicine; on economic and financial cooperation; on cooperation in the mining industry; on cooperation for the development of international transport corridors; on cooperation in the field of special economic zones; on cooperation and information exchange in the areas of nuclear safety, physical protection, safeguards, and radiation protection; on cooperation in facilitating migration and the repatriation of citizens; on interaction between the Committee on Religious Affairs of Uzbekistan and the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkiye; A Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2026-2027; A Protocol between the Agency for the Development of Light Industry of Uzbekistan and the Council of Higher Education of Turkiye; A Cultural Cooperation Plan for 20262027," the press service says. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and discussed regional developments and bilateral relations, Trend reports via the press service of the Pakistani PM. During the call, Sharif underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement to promote peace, security, and development across the region. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular high-level contacts and consultations through bilateral institutional mechanisms, citing the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. The sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral relations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will visit Turkiye on January 30, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, wrote on his X account, Trend reports. He emphasized that Iran remains committed to further strengthening its relations with neighboring countries, adhering to a policy based on good neighborliness and mutual interests. In addition, a series of recent telephone discussions has taken place between the foreign ministers of Iran and Turkiye, focusing on regional cooperation and the evolving situation in the region. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. BNY is rearranging its wealth solutions leadership and combining BNY Pershing, the banks clearing and custody provider, with BNY Archer Managed Account Solutions. Current BNY Global Head of Markets Adam Vos will take the newly-created role of global head of wealth solutions. According to BNY, Vos will oversee BNY Pershing (including the firms Wove platform), as well as Archer Managed Account Solutions, a technology service provider for managed accounts that BNY acquired in 2024. Current head of BNY Pershing, Jim Crowley, will become executive vice chair, another newly created role. Crowley had led BNYs RIA custody platform since 2019 before the shift. Additionally, Global Head of Liquidity Laide Majiyagbe will oversee the firms work with institutional clients as global head of markets, overseeing BNYs Foreign Exchange, Fixed Income and Equities, Liquidity and Financing and Execution Services businesses. Her clients will include asset managers and owners, banks, broker/dealers and other financial institutions. In a statement, BNY CEO Robin Vince said each leader brought a unique set of skills to fully leverage BNYs platforms. As the wealth landscape continues to expand and evolve, its important that our leadership and structure evolve alongside our clients, Vince said. As head of wealth solutions, Vos will oversee Wove, BNY Pershings multi-custodial wealth management program launched in 2023 at the firms annual INSITE conference. Last year, the firm unveiled new features for its Wove platform, including an integrated view for investors of their portfolio, information and relevant tools on Woves NetX investor and wealth reporting platform; a fixed-income portfolio management upgrade on Wove Trading for advisors; and a unified management account tool. According to BNY, Vos began his career as a trader with the Bank of New Zealand and has more than two decades of experience in global capital markets. He spent more than 10 years in London as a co-chief operating officer for Global Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities and as global head of FX Forwards at Deutsche Bank. Vos moved to New York in 2014 as Deutsche Banks head of Foreign Exchange for North America. In 2016, he joined BNY, becoming global head of markets in 2019, before taking on the new role. Meet Lubna Qazi Who Takes Oath as Administrative Law Judge in New Jersey Kokans daughter Lubna Qazi Chaudhry took the oath as Administrative Law Judge in New Jersey with her hand placed on The Holy Quran, pledging to uphold constitutional responsibilities Mumbai: Lubna Qazi, a lawyer originally from Maharashtras Raigad district, has created history by taking oath as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the US state of New Jersey, becoming the first Muslim woman to be appointed to this position in the state. The appointment is being widely regarded as a significant milestone for minority representation in the American judiciary. The oath-taking ceremony was held recently, where Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter of the New Jersey Supreme Court administered the oath. On the occasion, Lubna Qazi placed her hand on the Holy Quran and pledged to faithfully discharge her constitutional duties. The position of Administrative Law Judge holds considerable importance within the American judicial system. ALJs preside over cases involving decisions of government agencies, administrative disputes and public grievances, delivering rulings based on established legal principles. Lubna Qazis Life Journey Lubna Qazis life journey spans multiple countries and cultures. She was born in Kuwait, where she spent her early childhood with her parents. In 1990, during a school vacation, she travelled to the United States. However, following the outbreak of the Gulf War, the family decided to settle there permanently. Lubna later pursued her education in California, completed her graduation from the University of California, and earned her law degree from Western State University College of Law. After marrying Ahsan Chaudhry in 2005, Lubna moved to New Jersey, where she served in various government legal positions for nearly two decades. Recognising her extensive legal experience and professional competence, the Governor of New Jersey nominated her for the post of Administrative Law Judge in 2025. Lubna Qazi is also distinguished for her linguistic abilities. In addition to English, she is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Konkani, and has working knowledge of Arabic. Committed to preserving cultural and linguistic heritage, she is personally teaching Urdu and Arabic to her two children at home. Family Feels Honoured Expressing his pride, Lubnas father Inayatullah Qazi said that the entire family feels honoured by her achievement. He described the appointment not merely as a position, but the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and prayers. Speaking to the correspondent, Inayatullah Qazi said that his family hails from Tala taluka of Raigad district in the Konkan region. He completed his education up to Class VI at Jamia Millia Islamia School, Delhi, and his high school education at Anjuman Islam, Mumbai. After obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad, in 1975, he moved to Kuwait for employment, beginning his career with an air-conditioning company. After working there for fifteen years, he migrated to the United States with a single suitcase following Iraqs invasion of Kuwait after the Gulf War, as his children were already in the US at the time. He later ensured higher education for all four of his children. Inayatullah Qazi said that the familys roots are deeply embedded in Islamic tradition and that Urdu is spoken with pride at home. He added that Lubna completed recitation of the Holy Quran at the age of seven. He further shared that around five to six generations ago, their ancestors were sent to the Konkan region as Qazis (judicial authorities) to administer justice without discrimination based on religion, caste or race. Although the profession discontinued a few generations ago, he expressed happiness that his daughter has now proudly revived the familys judicial legacy. Lubna Qazi is also the granddaughter of Dr Rehana Ahmed, a noted educationist and Executive Chairperson of the Girls Board of Anjuman Islam, Mumbai. Dr Ahmed expressed joy over Lubnas achievement, stating that it serves as a shining example for young women across the community and will inspire girls to pursue higher education and professional careers. She is widely recognised for her dedicated efforts toward the promotion of girls education, particularly within the Muslim community. Meanwhile, several social and legal organisations, including the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, have congratulated Lubna Qazi on her appointment. Observers believe that this development marks a significant step forward in strengthening Muslim and minority representation within the American judicial system. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic By Ricardo Brito BRASILIA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Brazilian state-run bank BRB will likely have to set aside more than 5 billion reais ($970 million) to cover transactions with failed lender Banco Master, a central bank director told the federal police in testimony seen by Reuters. The figure is nearly double the initial provision of about 2.6 billion reais the central bank had required from BRB to cover potential shortfalls related to Master, which was liquidated in November. More from Yahoo Scout How will BRB address the potential capital shortfalls? Why were BRB's transactions with Master under investigation? How much will BRB provision for Master transactions? What led to Banco Master's liquidation in November? "The size of the provision in BRB's balance sheet will be very large. More than 4 billion reais, more than 5 billion. The likelihood is that it exceeds 5 billion reais," central bank director Ailton Aquino testified in late December. Aquino testified as part of an investigation led by the Supreme Court into alleged fraud involving transactions between BRB and Master. BRB SAYS CAPITALIZATION PLAN TO ADDRESS SHORTFALLS BRB said in a statement that any estimate of capital needs will be based on central bank estimates and an independent investigation. It added that a capitalization plan has already been designed to address potential shortfalls. The central bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BRB, which is controlled by the Federal District's government, announced plans to acquire Master, but the deal was blocked by the central bank in September as the privately owned bank faced a severe liquidity crisis. BRB had also been buying securities from Master, some of which may have been tied to non-existent assets, according to ongoing investigations. Transfers between the lenders totaled 16.7 billion reais from July 2024 to October 2025, according to a November court ruling. Aquino, the head of supervision at Brazil's central bank, said in his December testimony that the monetary authority had raised concerns about BRB's transactions since March 2025 through a series of formal notices. Master was liquidated on the same day the federal police launched an operation targeting alleged fraud at the bank. The bank's owner, Daniel Vorcaro, was arrested but later released with an ankle monitor. Vorcaro's lawyers said the credit portfolios involved in the BRB deals were swapped for assets that were regularly recorded, audited and priced under formal risk-classification methods. They added that BRB approved the asset purchases in line with technical and accounting standards. ($1 = 5.18 reais) (Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Rod Nickel) A new centrifuge assembly plant in Oak Ridge will bring a tech company one step closer to its goal of enriching uranium fuel for American defense. Virginia-based BWX Technologies announced Jan. 26 it has opened a new centrifuge manufacturing plant in Oak Ridge. The centrifuges, used to enrich uranium, will be made and tested in Oak Ridge and put to use in BWXTs Erwin plant. The new plant will bolster the United States national security, according to Brandon Williams, who heads the National Nuclear Security Administration the agency charged with protecting the U.S. nuclear stockpile. By restoring a fully domestic uranium enrichment capability for defense needs, we are ensuring the United States can meet its defense fuel requirements now and into the future, strengthening our nuclear deterrent and maintaining assured second-strike capability, Williams said in a BWXT media release. The companys focus on national security makes it stand out amid a suite of nuclear companies strengthening their ties to Oak Ridge. BWXT produces nuclear fuel for U.S. Navy nuclear reactors and manages the plant where the U.S. disassembles atomic warheads. The centrifuge manufacturing plant took about six months to build. Construction on close to a hundred acres of land in Oak Ridge started in June. Three months later, in September, the NNSA announced it would give BWXT a $1.5 billion contract for a program supporting the buildout of a secure supply of enriched uranium for defense. About 100 people are working to support the project now, according to BWXTs statement. The company is planning to bring on more workers as the plant scales up. This should mean at least a $45 million investment in Oak Ridge, according to information from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The states dedicated nuclear fund, which has been used to attract companies throughout the globe to Tennessee, awarded BWXT $1.2 million for the plant in April. BWXTs Nuclear Fuel Services subsidiary in Erwin is set to receive $2.37 million under another expansion. The Erwin plans should bring 198 new jobs to the area and a $122 million investment to the northeastern part of the state. The new plants are one part of BWXTs expansion in Tennessee. The company purchased a uranium facility in Jonesborough and an Oak Ridge nuclear services company, and it will make the biggest component of a 300-megawatt reactor designed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy for small modular reactors in the U.S. and Canada. BWXT has thousands of employees across the U.S. and Canada. Chinese universities achieved historic breakthroughs in 2026 global rankings, with five institutions now occupying spots in the world's top 40 and mainland China firmly establishing itself as a rising academic superpower challenging centuries of Western educational dominance. The dramatic ascent, documented across multiple ranking systems including TIME magazine's inaugural "World's Top Universities of 2026" and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, represents a fundamental shift in what experts describe as "the geopolitics of knowledge and innovation." Ten years ago, China's two flagship institutionsTsinghua University and Peking Universityranked 47th and 42nd respectively in global assessments. Today, they sit at 12th and 13th, knocking on the door of the exclusive global top 10 club that remains dominated by American and British universities. "U.S. and U.K. universities continue to lead in academic performance, while China's universities are catching up in innovation and economic impact," the TIME-Statista analysis states, documenting how massive government investment and strategic priorities are rapidly closing the gap with established Western powers. Five in the Top 40: A Historic Milestone China's achievement of placing five universities in the global top 40 represents a doubling from just three institutions last year and marks the highest concentration of elite Chinese institutions ever recorded in international rankings. Beyond Tsinghua (12th) and Peking (13th), which have held relatively steady positions, the real story lies in dramatic climbs by other Chinese powerhouses. Zhejiang University surged eight places to 39th, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University jumped 12 places to 40th. Both moved into the top 40 for the first time, overtaking America's prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology (joint 41st) and Canada's McGill University (joint 41st) in the process. This breakthrough matters enormously for China's global academic standing. The top 40 represents an elite tier of institutions commanding worldwide recognition, attracting the most talented international students and faculty, and driving cutting-edge research that shapes industries and societies. China now places 35 universities in the global top 500, surpassing Australia and cementing its position as the world's third-largest higher education power after the United States and United Kingdom in terms of elite institution concentration. Innovation Powerhouse: Perfect Scores in Key Metrics What makes China's rise particularly notable is the specific areas of excellence driving rankings improvements. Tsinghua and Peking already receive perfect scores of 100 for research income, research excellence (the amount of top research), and patentsthe highest possible marks in categories measuring innovation and economic impact. Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University both achieved perfect scores for their links to industry, demonstrating how Chinese institutions excel at translating academic research into commercial applications and economic value. This strength in industry partnerships aligns perfectly with ranking methodologies increasingly emphasizing universities' contributions to innovation and economic development. TIME magazine's methodology particularly rewards institutions where students achieve extraordinary success through patenting new inventions and rising to business leadership positions. China's universities excel precisely in these outcome-focused metrics that measure tangible economic impact rather than traditional academic prestige alone. Across all four research quality metrics in the Times Higher Education assessment, Chinese institutions showed significant improvements, driven by massive government investment in research infrastructure, aggressive international faculty recruitment, and strategic focus on high-impact publications in prestigious journals. The Contrast: 62 US Universities Decline China's ascent appears even more dramatic when contrasted with American struggles. While the United States still dominates the global top 10 with seven institutions, broader trends reveal concerning deterioration. In the Times Higher Education 2026 rankings, 62 American universities declined compared to 2025, while only 19 rose. Well-known institutions suffered historic lows: Duke University dropped to 28th (from 20th in 2021), Columbia fell to 20th, and the University of Chicago hit 15thall representing worst-ever positions for these prestigious schools. The United States now has just 102 institutions in the world's top 500, marking America's lowest representation ever in this elite group. This decline accelerates a longer-term trend that experts warn could fundamentally reshape global academic leadership within a generation. "These downward pressures continue a longer-term trend," the Times Higher Education analysis notes ominously. "It could also signal a new direction of travel as data from the 2026 rankings largely pre-dates the deep research funding cuts and international talent visa restrictions implemented in the U.S. in recent months." Strategic Investment vs. Funding Cuts The diverging trajectories of Chinese and American universities reflect fundamentally different national approaches to higher education investment and strategic priorities. China has pumped enormous resources into its university system over the past two decades, building state-of-the-art research facilities, recruiting top international faculty with competitive compensation packages, and providing sustained funding for ambitious research programs. The government views elite universities as essential to national competitiveness, technological advancement, and international prestige. In contrast, American universities face mounting pressures from multiple directions. Federal research funding has become increasingly competitive with declining success rates. State support for public universities has eroded over decades. Recent policy changes restricting international students and curtailing certain research programs add new challenges. The United Kingdom faces parallel struggles. Despite Oxford's continued dominance at number one and Cambridge's strong showing at joint third, the number of UK universities that declined (28) more than doubled those that improved (13). UK representation in the world's top 500 dropped to 49 institutions, another record low. The Stagnation Question: Have Top Chinese Universities Hit a Ceiling? Despite celebrating historic achievements, some experts detect troubling signs that China's elite institutions may be approaching a ceiling. Tsinghua has remained at 12th place for three consecutive years. Peking moved up just one place during that time and has been 13th for two straight years. The National University of Singapore similarly stalled at 17th. This stability contrasts sharply with the previous decade, during which Tsinghua climbed 35 places, Peking rose 28 places, and NUS gained seven spots. The question is whether this represents a temporary plateau or a more fundamental constraint. Rajika Bhandari, principal of Rajika Bhandari Advisors, an international education research and strategy firm, argues that Asia's top universities have not hit a ceiling but are being constrained by national policy environments. "To move higher, they need more autonomy, stronger support for fundamental research, and fewer restrictions on academic freedom," Bhandari said. "Without that, there's only so far rankings performance can go." The data supports this analysis. While Tsinghua and Peking score perfectly on quantitative metrics like research income and patents, they receive much lower scores for international outlook than their UK and US counterparts in the global top 10. They also register as weaker in typical research qualityboth areas unlikely to change quickly without policy shifts enabling greater academic freedom and international collaboration. Beyond the Top: Broad-Based Gains China's success extends well beyond its flagship institutions. Eighteen Chinese universities achieved their best-ever positions in 2026 rankings, demonstrating widespread improvements across the country's higher education system. The number of Chinese universities in the top 200 remains steady at 13 institutions for the third consecutive year, showing that while the very top tier may face challenges breaking into the global top 10, Chinese universities have firmly established themselves in the next tier of global excellence. Asia as a region now features 929 universities in rankings, more than any other region and up from 853 in 2025. This growth reflects sustained investment and strategic priorities across the continent, with South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and emerging nations like Indonesia and Malaysia all showing gains. Hong Kong secured a record six institutions in the top 200, led by the University of Hong Kong, which climbed from 35th to 33rd. All six of Hong Kong's previously ranked universities rose, with improvements stemming largely from enhanced teaching metrics. South Korea achieved remarkable progress, now placing four universities in the top 100double its 2025 count of two. The nation rose significantly in all four research quality metrics, demonstrating that sustained investment produces results across multiple dimensions. QS Rankings: Additional Validation China's rise is validated across multiple ranking systems. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings released in June 2025, mainland China demonstrated a strong presence with 72 institutions rankedthe third highest after the United States (192) and United Kingdom (90). About 45 percent of Chinese universities climbed in rank, while 35 percent declined. Among China's elite universities in the QS rankings, Peking University held steady at 14th, retaining its top spot domestically. Tsinghua rose seven places to 17th, and Fudan climbed nine to 30thall historic highs for these institutions. The QS rankings highlight Chinese institutions' strength in research and reputation, with 71 percent improving in citations per faculty and 64 percent improving in employer reputation. These gains demonstrate that Chinese universities are not simply gaming ranking methodologies but are achieving genuine improvements in research quality and graduate employability. The "Reverse Brain Drain" Perhaps most significant for long-term competitiveness, global academic talent flows are beginning to reverse. For decades, the brightest minds worldwide flocked to American and British universities, strengthening those systems while weakening home countries. This pattern is changing. Chinese universities now offer competitive salaries, state-of-the-art facilities, and research freedom that increasingly matches Western opportunities. Top researchers are choosing positions at Chinese institutions over American or British alternatives, particularly in STEM fields where China excels. If this "reverse brain drain" accelerates, Western academic dominance will erode faster than rankings alone suggest. The cumulative advantage built over generations through attracting global talent could dissipate within a single generation if talent flows reverse. Ming Cheng, professor of higher education at Sheffield Hallam University, warned that continued political pressure on leading Western institutions could trigger broader brain drains and weaken global standing. Industry Partnerships: A Chinese Strength A key driver of China's rise involves strategic emphasis on industry partnerships that translate academic research into commercial applications. This aligns perfectly with ranking methodologies that increasingly value economic impact and innovation metrics. Chinese universities have developed sophisticated technology transfer mechanisms, cultivating relationships with major corporations and startups, and creating ecosystems where academic breakthroughs rapidly move from laboratories to markets. This entrepreneurial approach contrasts with more traditional academic cultures in some Western institutions. The perfect scores achieved by Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University for industry links demonstrate systematic excellence in this domain. These partnerships provide both financial resources and practical validation of research relevance, creating virtuous cycles of funding, prestige, and impact. International Student Implications For prospective international students, China's rise presents increasingly compelling alternatives to traditional Western destinations. Chinese universities offer several advantages: lower tuition costs, modern facilities, growing academic reputations, and direct pathways into Asia's booming economies. Students prioritizing STEM fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and emerging technologies, may find Chinese institutions offering opportunities matching or exceeding Western alternatives. The combination of state-of-the-art laboratories, generous research funding, and connections to China's technology sector creates attractive environments for ambitious students. Cultural and linguistic barriers remain considerations, though many Chinese universities now offer English-language programs and have developed international support services. Political concerns about academic freedom and government oversight also factor into student decisions. Looking Ahead: Can China Break Into the Top 10? The critical question is whether Chinese universities can break into the exclusive global top 10 or if structural constraints will keep them just outside this elite club. Reaching the top 10 requires not just quantitative excellence but qualitative dimensions like international outlook, academic freedom, and the intangible prestige that accumulates over centuries. Oxford and Cambridge benefit from nearly millennium-long reputations. Harvard, MIT, and Stanford built dominance over more than a century. For Chinese universities to crack the top 10, experts suggest they need greater institutional autonomy, stronger protections for academic freedom, enhanced international collaboration, and continued research investment. Without policy changes enabling these conditions, even perfect scores on quantitative metrics may prove insufficient. However, if China maintains current investment levels while Western nations reduce support for higher education, the competitive balance will continue shifting. Demographic trendsparticularly declining youth populations in developed nationsadd pressure on Western systems while China's massive population provides deep talent pools. A New Multipolar Academic World The 2026 rankings document an emerging multipolar academic world where Western monopoly on excellence is ending. While elite American and British institutions will remain world-class for the foreseeable future, their exclusive claim to global leadership is breaking down. Chinese universities have established themselves as legitimate competitors in innovation, research quality, and industry partnerships. They continue improving while Western institutions face resource constraints and policy challenges. For students, researchers, and policymakers, this shift creates both opportunities and challenges. A more diverse global higher education landscape offers more choices and reduces dependence on any single national system. But it also raises questions about academic standards, values, and freedom in an increasingly competitive international environment. As Phil Baty of Times Higher Education noted, these rankings reveal "a major shift in the geopolitics of knowledge and innovation." China's dramatic rise over the past decade represents just the beginning of a transformation that will reshape global higher education for generations to come. A medical watchdog organization unleashed scathing criticism of Virginia Commonwealth University Thursday after a nurse at the institution's hospital was fired for posting TikTok videos that went viral for suggesting the use of paralytic drugs, poison ivy, and laxatives against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. "As we've documented at Do No Harm, VCU has a long history of pushing extreme identity politics into medical education and clinical treatment," Do No Harm executive director Kristina Rasmussen told Fox News Digital. "Now, they act surprised when radicalism sprouts from a ground seeded with toxic ideology." The organization, which represents employees and students in the medical field as well as patients and policymakers fighting to keep identity politics out of medical education, research and clinical practice, argues that VCU Health's termination of nurse Malinda Rose Cook represents insufficient accountability for an institution that has systematically prioritized political activism over medical professionalism. "When medical schools and hospitals allow radical politics to shape curriculum, they end up training harmful activists rather than skilled medical professionals," Rasmussen continued. "VCU Health firing this nurse is the bare minimum response. Unless they clean up their act, how will any patient feel safe walking through their doors?" The Viral Videos: Sabotage Tactics and Chemical Weapons On Tuesday night, a compilation of Cook's TikTok videos was shared by popular X account LibsOfTikTok, triggering immediate controversy and investigation by VCU Health administrators. In one video captioned simply "#ice #resistance #sabotage," the nurse, dressed in scrubs, instructed viewers to use what she called a "sabotage tactic" against opponents. "I thought of something good," Cook said in the video. "Sabotage tactic, or at least scare tactic. All the medical providers, grab some syringes with needles on the end. Have them full of saline or succinylcholine, you know, whatever. Whatever. That will probably be a deterrent. Be safe." Succinylcholine is a powerful anesthetic that causes rapid, short-acting muscle paralysis. The paralytic effect typically lasts four to six minutes and is used in medical settings for procedures requiring temporary muscle relaxation. The suggestion to weaponize this controlled substance represents a serious breach of medical ethics and potentially criminal intent. In another video, Cook suggested using poison ivy as a "resistance tactic," explaining that by mixing poison ivy or poison oak with water, it could be turned into a spray to infect opponents. "Aim for faces, hands," she instructed viewers. A third video gave what Cook characterized as "resistance tips for single women," encouraging them to use dating apps to identify ICE agents and incapacitate them. "Single ladies, where these ICE guys are going, have a chance to do something, you know, not without risk, but could help the cause for sure," Cook said. "Get on Tinder, get on Hinge, find these guys. They're around. [If] they're an ICE agent, bring some ex-lax and put it in their drinks. Get them sick. You know, nobody's going to die. Just enough to incapacitate them and get them off the street for the next day. Highly, easily deniable." Cook also suggested targeting ICE agents at their hotels and meals. "I'm just saying, let's get them where they eat. Somebody's not going to be supporting these guys. Where's the hotel where they eat? Who makes that breakfast? Let's find them. Let's make their lives f miserable." Swift Institutional Response VCU Health opened an investigation Tuesday morning after the videos surfaced, calling the posts "highly inappropriate" and immediately placing Cook on administrative leave. Less than 12 hours later, the hospital announced Cook had been fired, bringing her employment at the Richmond institution to an abrupt end. VCU Health did not return a Wednesday comment request from Fox News Digital seeking additional information about the termination, whether the matter had been referred to law enforcement, or what steps the institution plans to take to prevent similar incidents. Do No Harm's Documentation of VCU's "DEI Problem" The swift termination might have ended the story at most institutions, but Do No Harm argues that VCU's nurse scandal represents predictable consequences of the university's systemic embrace of what the organization characterizes as divisive identity politics. Do No Harm has extensively documented VCU's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, publishing multiple reports and analyses exposing what the group views as ideological capture of medical education at the Richmond institution. In March 2025, Do No Harm published an analysis titled "VCU Health's DEI Problem," revealing that almost 400 VCU Medical Center job descriptions contain references to "diversity," including requirements in desired qualifications and duties. The job description for VCU's Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Health System Transformation, for example, requires candidates to demonstrate "ability to leverage diversity in functional skills, experience levels and backgrounds for innovation." The Chief Medical Officer role states candidates should have "Diversity Equity and Inclusion certification." Do No Harm also obtained lesson plans from VCU School of Medicine's "Advanced Research Mentoring Programs," which the organization characterizes as essentially focused on DEI ideology. Activity titles include "Reflecting on Diversity," "Reflect on Unconscious Assumptions," "Implications of Diversity Research," and case studies discussing "Equity and Inclusion." According to program descriptions, these sessions are designed to help faculty "recognize the potential impact of conscious and unconscious assumptions, preconceptions, biases, and prejudices on the mentor-mentee relationship and reflect on how to manage them." The DICE Inventory: 94.4 Percent Score In April 2023, Do No Harm published VCU School of Medicine's DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement) Inventory Score of 94.4 percent, based on the institution's own survey response to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The score reflects extensive institutional commitment to DEI programming across admissions, curriculum, faculty evaluation, and administrative operations. Do No Harm obtained VCU's AAMC survey response through freedom of information requests, arguing that Virginia taxpayers funding the institution deserve transparency about its priorities. The analysis revealed that VCU School of Medicine's Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness, and Success is directly involved in promotion and tenure decisions, modifying guidelines "to include recognition of Community Engagement as an accepted criteria for evaluation." Do No Harm characterizes this as "a litmus test that requires faculty to toe the party line instead of teaching medicine at the highest level," arguing that political alignment rather than medical expertise drives career advancement. The institution's administrators have engaged in "state-level initiatives regarding required non-discrimination training with the Virginia Governor's Office," according to VCU's own documentation, suggesting extensive political involvement beyond medical education. 2024 Admissions Guidelines: Rewarding "Diversity" Do No Harm obtained 2024 admissions guidelines from VCU School of Medicine revealing that the institution continues to reward "diversity" in the admissions process, potentially prioritizing demographic characteristics over academic qualifications or medical aptitude. The organization also documented a VCU School of Medicine lecture featuring what Do No Harm characterizes as "flat-out misleading claims" including: "Underrepresented Minority Physicians Are More Likely to Serve the Underserved," "Minority Patients Are More Likely to Follow the Recommendations of Minority Physicians," "Diversity on Research Teams Enhances Impact of Research," and "A Diverse Physician Workforce Will Reduce Racial Healthcare Disparities." Do No Harm disputes these claims in a separate research project titled "Major DEI Studies, Major Flaws," arguing that the studies commonly cited to support diversity initiatives in medicine often have serious methodological issues casting doubt on their findings. The Broader Context: National Battle Over DEI in Medicine The VCU nurse scandal and Do No Harm's institutional critique occur within a broader national debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in medical education and healthcare delivery. Do No Harm, established in April 2022, has rapidly gained recognition with 16,000 members including doctors, nurses, physicians, and concerned citizens across all 50 states and 14 countries. The organization has achieved over 10,000 media hits in top-tier publications while documenting DEI initiatives at medical schools nationwide. In comprehensive research titled "Activism Instead of Anatomy: The Sorry State of Medical School Curricula," Do No Harm revealed that 23 of America's top 25 medical schools now have anti-racism instruction as a core part of their curriculum, representing what critics characterize as political indoctrination replacing rigorous medical training. A March 2025 report titled "Unethical Expectations: How Accreditors Inject Identity Politics into Medical and Healthcare Education" highlighted how accrediting bodies impose DEI requirements on medical programs, with some explicitly requiring dedicated DEI offices as conditions of accreditation. The American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, for instance, explicitly requires dedicated DEI programs and offices for colleges of osteopathic medicine to be accredited, effectively mandating political commitments as prerequisites for medical education. Accreditor Pushback: Signs of Change However, a July 2025 Do No Harm follow-up report found that seven of ten medical and healthcare education accreditors have either eliminated diversity requirements, proposed eliminating them, or pledged not to enforce these requirements following President Trump's executive order to reform accreditation. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education suspended enforcement of two key diversity requirements, citing state DEI bans. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education removed diversity requirements and the phrase "diversity, equity, and inclusion" from its standards entirely. "We are pleased that many of the accreditors responsible for injecting identity politics into medical education are backing off their DEI requirements," said Stanley Goldfarb, MD, Chairman of Do No Harm. "While these early results are encouraging, there is still much work to be done to rid our institutions entirely of the rot of racial politics." Legal and Ethical Questions Legal analysts have suggested that Cook's videos could potentially expose her to criminal liability. Suggesting the use of controlled substances to incapacitate federal law enforcement officers, creating chemical weapons from poison ivy, or advocating for drugging individuals without consent all raise serious legal questions. Whether prosecutors will pursue charges remains unclear. VCU Health's statement did not indicate whether the institution has referred the matter to law enforcement or cooperated with any investigation. Beyond potential criminal liability, Cook's videos raise profound questions about medical ethics and professional responsibility. Healthcare professionals take oaths to "do no harm" and are bound by ethical codes prohibiting the weaponization of medical knowledge or substances. The videos suggest not merely political disagreement with immigration enforcement but willingness to violate fundamental medical ethics in service of political objectivesprecisely the outcome Do No Harm warns results from allowing "radical politics to shape curriculum." Patient Trust and Institutional Credibility Rasmussen's pointed question"how will any patient feel safe walking through their doors?"highlights potential consequences beyond Cook's individual termination. If patients perceive that VCU Health employees might prioritize political activism over medical ethics, trust in the institution could erode. Healthcare delivery fundamentally depends on patients trusting that medical professionals will act in their best interests regardless of political disagreements. The scandal also raises questions about institutional vetting and supervision. How did Cook's views escape notice before she posted videos to a public platform? What oversight mechanisms exist to ensure healthcare professionals maintain ethical boundaries? Are there other employees whose political commitments might compromise patient care? VCU Health's silence in response to media inquiries leaves these questions unanswered, potentially compounding reputational damage from the initial scandal. The Debate Over DEI in Medicine Defenders of diversity initiatives argue they address legitimate disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, prepare medical professionals to serve diverse populations, and create inclusive environments where all students and patients feel valued. Research does document persistent healthcare disparities along racial and socioeconomic lines, though experts dispute whether DEI programming effectively addresses root causes versus serving primarily as political signaling. Critics like Do No Harm contend that DEI initiatives prioritize demographic characteristics over competence, inject divisive politics into medical education, and distract from the fundamental mission of training skilled physicians. They argue that excellence in medical care should transcend political considerations and that patients deserve doctors selected and trained based solely on ability. The Cook incident provides ammunition for critics arguing that political activism in medical settings creates concrete dangers. When healthcare professionals view medical knowledge and substances as potential weapons for political causes, the ethical foundations of medicine erode. Looking Ahead VCU Health faces difficult questions about institutional culture and accountability. Do No Harm's call for the institution to "clean up their act" implies that firing one nurse insufficiently addresses systemic issues. Whether VCU will respond to Do No Harm's broader critique of its DEI initiatives remains unclear. Virginia's political landscape, with competing priorities between progressive educational institutions and conservative state leadership, complicates potential reforms. For Do No Harm, the VCU nurse scandal represents validation of warnings the organization has issued for nearly three years: that allowing political ideology to infiltrate medical education produces harmful consequences extending beyond campus debates into real-world healthcare delivery. As the national debate over DEI in medicine intensifies, the VCU case study will likely feature prominently in arguments about the risks of prioritizing political commitments over medical professionalism and ethical practice. Remarks: Registration information for on ADDCUBE. HYVRID and JACK-001 In November, Californians will vote on the states proposed tax on billionaires, which, if passed, will slap a one-off 5% levy on the total wealth of residents worth more than $1 billion. Critics have warned that such an imposition will spark capital flight as wealthy people decide to simply uproot, as Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have already started to do. A look across the Atlantic, where another broad wealth tax experiment was implemented across two decades, suggests these concerns might not be completely unfounded. In 2018, less than a year into his tenure as president of France, Emmanuel Macron delivered on a landmark campaign pledge to abolish Frances Solidarity Tax on Wealth, known as the ISF. It was a progressive levy that targeted all assets, from real estate to stocks and art holdings, worth more than 1.3 million euros, approximately $1.5 million. At the time, the act seemed to defy French political gravity. The tax rule had been in place almost continuously since 1982, when leftist President Francois Mitterrand imposed it to tackle wealth inequality. His successor, Jacques Chirac, briefly abolished it in 1986, but Mitterrand expeditiously revived it in 1989 upon his return to office. The wealth tax fits with an established political identity in France that has traditionally eschewed elites and the ultrawealthy, to the point that, early in his term, Macron, a former investment banker and pro-market-reform advocate, was labeled the president of the rich. Evidence of the wealth taxs benefits was mixed at best, and France had been in sore need of reform. Its a cautionary tale for California and other jurisdictions considering higher taxes on the wealthy. Frances wealth flight From 2000 to 2017, around 60,000 millionaires opted to leave the country, the Financial Times reported at the time, causing dents in state revenues from income and value-added taxes as well as the wealth tax. One estimate put Frances total capital flight between 1988 and 2007 at 200 billion euros owing to the policy, potentially dragging GDP growth down an average of 0.2% each year. Macron framed the end of the wealth tax as a long-awaited boon to business and job creation. His administration retained a tax on assets worth over 1.3 million euros that only targeted property, arguing that excluding financial wealth would encourage more investment elsewhere in the economy, with Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire quoted as saying in 2019 that overtaxing capital had led to more investors and creators of wealth leaving. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. We recently compiled a list of the 20 Most Profitable Stocks of the Last 20 Years. The ninth stock on our list of most profitable stocks is Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited. TheFly reported on January 21 that Scotiabank increased its price target for CP to C$124 from C$119 and maintained an Outperform rating on the stock. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CP) to Receive 70 Tier 4 Locomotives from Wabtec, 30 from Progress Rail This Year Additionally, on the same day, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) reported that it is continuing its multi-year locomotive fleet renewal as part of an approximately $800 million investment in U.S. manufacturing. After completing the purchase of 100 Tier 4 locomotives from Wabtec in 2025, the company expects delivery of 70 additional Wabtec units in 2026 and plans to receive 30 new Tier 4 locomotives from Progress Rail later in the year, which will be built at the companys facility in Indiana. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) is a leading North American rail network connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company provides efficient freight transportation services, supporting trade across key industrial and consumer markets. While we acknowledge the potential of CP 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: 12 Best Multibagger Stocks to Buy Heading into 2026 and 7 Best Rising Tech Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. Upon instructions received from my Government, and following our previous letters dated 30 December 2025 and 2, 9 and 13 January 2026 concerning the deliberate interference of the United States of America in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its sustained campaign of coercion, destabilization and incitement, I write once more to draw your urgent attention to yet another explicit and public confession by a senior United States official, openly acknowledging that United States economic measures against Iran were deliberately designed to cripple the Iranian economy in order to provoke unrest within the country. On 21 January 2026, at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, stated in an interview: Its worked because in December, their economy collapsed. 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 admission constitutes indisputable and incontrovertible evidence of the United States direct and deliberate role in destabilizing the Islamic Republic of Iran, including by turning peaceful demonstrations into violent unrest through calculated economic warfare targeting ordinary and innocent civilians a policy and course of conduct amounting to a crime against humanity. Furthermore, such an inflammatory and irresponsible statement flagrantly violates the principles of sovereignty, non intervention and political independence enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, as well as fundamental norms of international law that prohibit coercive measures intended to destabilize States. The deliberate use of economic pressure to incite unrest and violence against civilians is both unlawful and criminal, thereby engaging the international responsibility of the United States. We further emphasize that this interventionist statement by the United States Secretary of the Treasury forms part of a broader, ongoing pattern of political destabilization and the so-called regime change agenda pursued by the United States. In recent weeks, the United States President has repeatedly threatened the use of military force against the Islamic Republic of Iran, explicitly called for regime change and acts of violence and incited protesters to take over institutions. Of particular gravity are the direct human costs and consequences of the United States unlawful and interventionist policies. Between 8 and 12 January, innocent Iranian citizens lost their lives as a result of violence that was neither spontaneous nor internal in nature, but rather fuelled and exacerbated by armed and terrorist groups supported by the United States and the Israeli regime, in furtherance of a strategy of political destabilization. The United States bears full legal and moral responsibility for the foreseeable consequences of its destabilizing actions, including the loss of civilian lives and injuries, the undermining of Irans stability and security and the destruction of public and private property. In light of the consistent and continuing grave violations of the Charter of the United Nations and international law by the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its call upon the Secretary-General, acting within his mandate under the Charter, to take due note of this explicit admission and to remind the United States of its binding obligations to cease threats, coercive measures and unlawful interference in the internal affairs of other States, which constitute flagrant and ongoing breaches of the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter. I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as a document of the Security Council. Photo: Sinna Nasseri Its been business as usual in Park City despite the air of nostalgia (and solemnity) that permeated the final instance of the Sundance Film Festival in the Utah town that has been its home for more than 40 years. The buzziest presence was Charli XCX, who made the rounds with her own brat pack for the debut of A24s The Moment, which is out tomorrow. In our studio on Main Street, we welcomed Charli & Co. alongside guests such as Riz Ahmed, Ethan Hawke, Brittney Griner, and Meredith Marks, all of whom joined us for a brief talk and a session with photographer Sinna Nasseri. Scroll through our full gallery below and check out the rest of our coverage from Park Citys last Sundance Film Festival here. Boulder, youre up next. The Shitheads Watch the interview here. Nicholas Braun Nicholas Braun Kiernan Shipka Kiernan Shipka OShea Jackson Jr. Macon Blair Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story Watch the interview here and read Bilge Ebiris review of the film. Maria Bamford Judd Apatow The Incomer Watch the interview here. Domhnall Gleeson Gayle Rankin Top, left to right: Jamie Demetriou, Alexander Skarsgard. Bottom, left to right: Aidan Zamiri, Kate Berlant, Charli XCX, Hailey Benton Gates, Rachel Sennott. A. G. Cook Carousel Watch the interview here. Jenny Slate and Chris Pine I Want Your Sex Watch the interview here and read Bilge Ebiris review of the film. Gregg Araki Gregg Araki Chase Sui Wonders Mason Gooding The History of Concrete Watch the interview here and read Alison Willmores review of the film. John Wilson zi Watch the interview here. Haley Lu Richardson Michelle Mao Jin Ha Buddy Watch the interview here. From left: Cristin MiliotiDelaney Quinn From top: Cristin MiliotiDelaney Quinn From left: Topher GraceCasper Kelly From top: Topher GraceCasper Kelly Bait Watch the interview here. Riz Ahmed Guz Khan Union County Watch the interview here and read Bilge Ebiris review the film. From left: Will PoulterAdam Meeks From left: Will PoulterAdam Meeks Undertone Watch the interview here. Adam DiMarco Nina Kiri Saccharine Watch the interview here. Midori Francis Danielle Macdonald Madeleine Madden Natalie Erika James The Musical Watch the interview here. Rob Lowe Will Brill Gillian Jacobs From left: Giselle BonillaAlex Heller From left: Giselle BonillaAlex Heller The Audacity Watch the interview here. Billy Magnussen Bedford Park Watch the interview here. Moon Choi Sukku Son From left: Jefferson WhiteStephanie Ahn From top: Jefferson WhiteStephanie Ahn The Screener Watch the interview here. From left: Shereen Lani YounesPJ McCabe From top: Shereen Lani YounesPJ McCabe From left: Jim CummingsJon Rudnitsky From left: Jim CummingsJon Rudnitsky The Friends House Is Here Watch the interview here. Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass Watch the interview here and read Fran Hoepfners plea to release the movie in theaters. John Slattery Zoey Deutch Ken Marino Run Amok Watch the interview here. Molly Ringwald From left: Patrick WilsonMargaret Cho From left: Patrick WilsonMargaret Cho The Weight Watch the interview here and read Bilge Ebiris review of the film. Ethan Hawke Ethan Hawke Julia Jones Austin Amelio Rock Springs Watch the interview here. Jimmy O. Yang From left: Vera MiaoKelly Marie Tran From left: Vera MiaoKelly Marie Tran Benedict Wong Chasing Summer Watch the interview here. Cassidy Freeman From left: Garrett WareingTom Welling From top: Garrett WareingTom Welling Josephine Decker Antiheroine Watch the interview here. Julia Nottingham, Edward Lovelace, and James Hall A Special Visit From Meredith Marks The Best Summer Kim Gordon Kathleen Hanna Tamra Davis Worried Watch the interview here. Gideon Adlon Rachel Kaly Give Me the Ball! Watch the interview here. Billie Jean King See You When I See You Watch the interview here and read Bilge Ebiris review of the film. Jay Duplass Kaitlyn Dever From left: Kumail NanjianiEmily V. Gordon From top: Kumail NanjianiEmily V. Gordon From left: Cooper RaiffDavid Duchovny From left: Cooper RaiffDavid Duchovny The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Steve Buscemi John Turturro In the Blink of an Eye Kate McKinnon Daveed Diggs The Brittney Griner Story Watch the interview here. Brittney Griner The 2026 Sundance portrait studio is presented by La Mer. DUBLIN, Jan 28 (Reuters) - China has suspended imports of Irish beef due to an outbreak of bluetongue disease in cattle, just two weeks after it reopened its market for Irish beef for the first time in more than a year, Ireland's agriculture ministry said on Wednesday. Ireland reported its first outbreak of the disease in a herd in the southeast of the country on Saturday and was informed by the Chinese authorities that they had suspended Irish beef imports from Tuesday, the ministry said. The virus has since been detected in three additional herds near the initial outbreak. China reopened its market to Irish beef imports on Jan. 12 during a visit by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin to Beijing, dropping a 2024 suspension that followed the discovery of a case of mad cow disease. "This is disappointing news in light of the recent reopening of the market," Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said in a statement, adding that his department was engaging with Chinese authorities to resolve the suspension in a timely manner. Bluetongue, which does not affect humans or the safety of animal meat or milk, has been reported in several parts of Europe in recent months, including Northern Ireland. Ireland exports the bulk of its output from the beef and dairy industries, which are major employers in the country. Heydon said on Saturday that there were no implications for meat and dairy exports to the European Union, Britain and most other international markets as a result of the outbreak. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin. Editing by Jane Merriman) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Ticketed entry system at Trevi Fountain to take effect from 2 February 2026. Tourists who want to see Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain up-close will have to join a queue and pay a 2 entry fee for the privilege, the city confirmed on Wednesday. The new ticketed entry system for tourists and non-residents of the capital will be launched on Monday 2 February and will allow access to the internal perimeter of the monument. Opening hours of Trevi Fountain The system will be in place every day from 09.00 until 22.00, with the exception of Mondays and Fridays when public access will be available from 11.30, to allow for the twice-weekly collection of coins tossed into the waters of the Baroque fountain. Residents of Rome and the greater metropolitan area of the city can gain access for free by showing a identification document. Others exempt from paying people with disabilities plus one companion, children under the age of six, and tour guides. Last admission will be at 21.00 and there will be free access to the fountain for everyone after 22.00 every night. Where to buy tickets for the Trevi Fountain Tickets can be purchased online, from the www.fontanaditrevi.roma.it website and directly at the Trevi Fountain, by card only. Tourists can also buy tickets at the city's municipal museums and tourist information points. Pre-purchased tickets are open, without a date or time, and are non-refundable and non-changeable. What is still free? If you just want to see the fountain and don't care about getting right up to the water's edge, the surrounding piazza and upper viewing areas remain free and open to the public. You can still admire the Baroque masterpiece and take photos from a slight distance without a ticket. Why the new system? The controversial measure comes after a year-long trial system to manage crowds at the Rome landmark which attracts vast crowds every day. The move is designed to thin out the crowds to improve the visitor experience as well as protect the monument from the negative aspects of mass tourism. Photo credit: Maria Albi Chinese automaker BYD Co. has quickly grown to become the worlds largest electric-vehicle maker, outselling Tesla Inc. on a global scale in 2025. The company, founded as a rechargeable battery maker in 1995 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has been singled out in recent years as an existential threat to American, European and Japanese automakers. BYD vehicles are sold in over 112 cities across 102 countries spanning six continents, according to its website, and are soon to enter the Canadian market as part of a new deal inked by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Our neighbor to the north opened the door, slightly, to Chinese automakers recently, saying Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market, with the most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. That represents less than 3% of the Canadian market for new vehicles based on the market size between 2023-24. While other brands make EVs in China, the number of BYDs driven worldwide increases each year. Data released Jan. 9 from the China Passenger Car Association showed that overall car exports from China jumped 19% to 5.79 million vehicles in 2025, while exports of pure battery electric vehicles rose 49% to 1.52 million vehicles. According to AlixPartners, Chinese car brands are expected to make up 30% of the global new vehicle market by 2030. Electric cars from the Chinese automaker BYD wait to be loaded for export onto a ship April 18, 2024, at a port in Yantai, in eastern China's Shandong province. How BYD can make EVs so cheaply Through the China Automotive Technology & Research Center, the Chinese government subsidizes the development of standards across its automakers for standard components. Its just one step among many that keeps costs down and production quicker for Chinese car manufacturers. Competing Western companies rely on unique, expensive or difficult to source supplies for vehicle manufacturing. The government controlled system gives Chinas nascent auto industry several strategic advantages over foreign automakers by lowering manufacturing costs and also lowering the cost of labor. In addition, experts say, China boasts a higher percentage of trained engineers among its workforce and has embraced artificial intelligence and connective software in vehicle design and execution processes far quicker than its competitors. Another huge advantage of the Chinese system is the process by which companies like BYD develop their battery technology. They control the entire process, from mining lithium to putting battery packs together. BYD Atto 3 SUV and BYD Dolphin hatchback displayed at the BYD Experience Centre in Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia Feb. 19, 2024. The result of the Chinese system is a selection of attractive, high-quality and affordable vehicles, ready to sell at volume for a fraction of the price the same vehicles would cost if manufactured in the United States or other countries. The Marina Hotel, Canada Street, will play host to a 50-year anniversary reunion for Presentation Convents class of 1976 on February 27. A full drinks menu will be available, with orders taken directly by hotel staff. The reunion will take place in The Boardroom, which will be set up with round tables to encourage easy socialising. Menus will be available, and food may be ordered if desired. YouTube '70's music will also be available to us from a large screen. The hotel has offered a special bed and breakfast rate of 135 for two people sharing for those attending the event. This rate can be booked directly with the hotel reception on 051 856600. If any class members are still in touch with respective teachers, they are asked to invite them along. Class members are asked to spread the word far and wide to help make this a truly memorable occasion. Further information can be sought at presentation1976classreunion@gmail.com Paul (whose name has been changed to maintain anonymity) has been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 18 years. The Waterford News & Star sat down with Paul to talk about what AA looks like in 2026. Paul's Story As with most people suffering from addiction, the root of the problem began in Paul's childhood. He comes from a big family where alcoholism was prevalent. I was never really relaxed in myself. He started drinking at 12 or 13. When he was young, nothing felt right, and everything felt a bit off. When I picked up the drink, even at that young age, it gave me a bit of confidence. He didnt start drinking heavily until his late teens. My life was pretty chaotic and unmanageable at 17, 18, around drinking. He continued, I liked what drink did for me. It gave me confidence. He scraped through college, just about. Even then, he knew his drinking habits in college differed from those of his peers. He would continue drinking for "two or three days" after the night had ended. Ireland was a crazy place when I came out of college. There was lots of good stuff happening, lots of work. Paul went on to have a successful career in the business sector, despite his drinking problem. But the financial crash of 2008 was a devastating blow for Paul, I lost everything. But, It was the best thing that happened. When youre left with no material things, youre just left with yourself. It made me look at my drinking. Paul considers himself one of the lucky ones; his father paid for him to go to treatment. He spent 28 days in treatment. When he left, he was advised to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. The meetings If you think about it, if you have lived a life where youve had no purpose, no kindness shown to you, and you werent trusted with anything. Well, making the tea for the group is lovely. Bit by bit, you build up peoples self-esteem." Photo: iStock Before going to his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Paul thought it was just for down and outs around town. He compared his drinking to what he thought an alcoholic looked like. He thought because he was young and didnt drink every single day of the week, he wasnt an addict. He had no idea who attended the meetings. He said, I walked into a room of people who went through the exact same struggle that I went through. Some were two months sober which to me was amazing, as someone who drank every day." The minute you walk in, people know where youve come from, they know the hell. No one else can understand that. It was such a warm welcome. People offered me tea and coffee, they introduced themselves. In Waterford alone, there are 30 meetings per week. Each meeting follows a similar format. The chair of the meeting will share their story for about 15 minutes, and then everyone else each talks for a few minutes - though there's no pressure to talk if you don't want to, some just come to listen. Looking around the room at his first meeting, Paul couldnt believe that people who had been in the same position as him were now holding down jobs and had loving, stable relationships. The main thing from the meetings was the fellowship. Small things, like having someone to go for a coffee with before or after the meetings. I built my whole friendship group in Waterford from the meetings. My life since starting the meetings has been a good life. Alcoholics Anonymous The structure and aims of Alcoholics Anonymous might be the closest thing we have to a utopia in the world. It is completely free, there are no hierarchies, and it just, well, works. They dont have a marketing campaign or a new and exciting innovation to keep people coming to meetings, anyone who's there is there because they genuinely want to be. The fellowship was founded in 1935 and since then has spread to every corner of the world Paul himself goes to a meeting whenever hes travelling - yet the meetings themselves are the same as they always have been. Paul believes the fellowship's success lies in its simplicity. AA is not trying to open treatment centres or start a sober revolution. We have no other purpose than to help suffering alcoholics. Were not allowed to bring politics or anything like that into the room. Each group is autonomous, but they all organise around the same constitution. Theres no egos. Giving members responsibility is an important step in their recovery. Paul said, If you think about it, if you have lived a life where youve had no purpose, no kindness shown to you, and you werent trusted with anything. Well, making the tea for the group is lovely. Bit by bit, you build up peoples self-esteem." There are loads of other things you can do, but this works. If you know someone in your life who could benefit from this but dont know how to bring it up, if you call the AA head office in Waterford, two members of the fellowship will actually call over to the persons house and tell them their story. At the end of the day, its up to the person but we can bring it to their door. Paul said that people shouldnt be nervous about going to a meeting. If you walk in the door, people will know youre a newcomer and theyll reach out to you. Youve people in their sixties coming in and getting sober and getting their grandkids back in their lives and living a really happy, fulfilling life. "You have young people coming in whose life was chaotic and they werent dependable then they get a job, they go back to college, they get a degree. "You see people coming in who lived on the streets and now theyve built a house and are married with kids. "If someone comes in to a meeting and they're homeless... Someone being able to say, I was homeless and look where I am now. Or if theres a person whos older, they can see that there are other older people there too. Lifes still going to happen to these people but they just have the tools to deal with it now. Every issue that you can think of that you have in your life, theres someone in that meeting whos gone through it. If you would like more information on the AA phone their helpline 01 8420700 or its sister organisation Al-Anon Family Groups (for families and friends of alcoholics) contact 01 8732699. Also, check out alcoholicsanonymous.ie to find a meeting near you. Sinn Fein TD for Waterford, Deputy Conor McGuinness has said proper regulation and enforceable legislation needs to be in place with regard to how and where scrambler motorcycles are used. His comments came in the wake of the tragic incident in Dublin in which 16-year-old students, Grace Lynch, died after being struck by a scrambler at the weekend. Hundreds of people attended a walk in the Finglas area of the capital on Monday night in memory of the teenager. That tragic incident was also raised in the Dail by Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald. She said it was "predictable that a life would be lost as a result of scramblers and said they were "a scourge of working class communities. She also accused governments of having dragged their heels on introducing tighter restrictions on scramblers. Her sentiments were echoed in Waterford by Deputy McGuinness who said there needs to be stronger regulation in place as to where and how scrambler motorbikes are used. He acknowledged that there are many owners of such motorcyles around the country who use them in an appropriate and safe manner. "The use of a scramblers as a legitimate outdoor pursuit is a valid one and there are very responsible owners out there who do use them appropriately," he said. However, Deputy McGuinness said there is a time and place to use them and that public parks and footpaths are completely inappropriate. "They should in now way be used in parks and other public areas," he said. "They should only be used in a controlled environment," he added. Deputy McGuinness also said the use of quads also needs to be seriously examined. As with scramblers, he said there are many responsible owners across Ireland - especially in rural areas where use of quads can be a necessity - but that they are another area to be looked at. "They play a valuable role in rural settings especially but like scamblers they have no place in urban estates," he said. "The Government has taken it's eye off the ball on this and action is needed," he added. He said it was similar to the issue of nitrous oxide and its use among young people. "It causes huge health issues and the Government has an extremely important role to play by they are not managing it," he said. "I just see the Government as shirking responsbility in a number of areas and it needs to be called out on it," he added. Expressing sympathies to Grace Lynch's family he praised her mam for having the strength, in the wake of her grief over the loss of her daughter, to call for scramblers and e-scooters to be taken off the streets. Deputy McGuinness said that no other family should have to endure the pain and heartbreak that Grace Lynch's family is going through and said action on the part of the Government is needed immediately. This Valentines season, the Medieval Museum in Waterford will host a special pottery and wine night on Thursday, 12th February from 6 pm to 8 pm. For 45 per person, immerse yourself in an evening of creativity, history, and indulgencepaint your own pottery wine mug while enjoying two glasses of wine, with non-alcoholic options available. Waterfords deep-rooted connection to the wine trade sets the perfect backdrop for this romantic and fun workshop. Many of the medieval pottery pieces in the museums collection were once ornate wine jugs, symbols of the luxury and passion that wine has long inspired. As you paint your mug, youll also get to hold and examine real medieval pottery, feeling the fingerprints of those who came beforeadding a heartfelt touch to your Valentines celebration. Whether youre celebrating with your partner, friends, or flying solo, this beginner-friendly event invites you to craft a one-of-a-kind keepsake, inspired by history and your own imagination. Your finished piece will be kiln-fired to preserve your design, creating a lasting reminder of a Valentines Day shared through art, laughter, and connection. Make this Valentines (or Galentines!) one to rememberan evening where love, creativity, and history come together in a truly special way. Tickets are 45 per person and available to book now at waterfordtreasures.com. Tesco Ireland Ltd has received High Court undertakings from an interiors/homewares chain not to shut their outlet, which is within a Tesco superstore in Waterford city. Multi Home Retail Ltd t/a Choice Stores started removing its stock over the weekend of January 17/18 from the Poleberry Tesco, which then sought an injunction against it for alleged breach of a 10-year licensing agreement to operate the in-store outlet. On Thursday, Mr Justice Brian Cregan adjourned the matter to next month following undertakings on behalf of Choice to keep the outlet open pending determination of the proceedings. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for Tesco, said the "keep open" would meet a term of the injunction being sought by his client. John Freeman BL, for Choice, said he would be seeking an early hearing date. Choice has occupied a 13,239 square foot unit in the shared superstore area at an annual licence fee of some 214,000 since September 2024. Tony Kiernan, head of assets and estates with Tesco Ireland, said in an affidavit that there is a "break option" in the licence agreement in the fifth year. But on December 8 last, just over a year into the agreement, Choice wrote to Tesco saying they would be withdrawing from Poleberry on foot of "a commercial decision". Engagement followed between the parties with Tesco requesting Choice provide a viable and realistic proposal so it could continue trading. But, Mr Kiernan said, Choice managing director Ken Fox wrote back to say the wind down decision stands and it was intended the last trading day would be a date in January with a hand back in February. Mr Fox also later stated there were provisions in the licence agreement, which allow for termination in certain circumstances. Tesco says there is no such provision. Mr Kiernan said Choice continued removing stock from the store with the result that, by January 26, it was substantially reduced. He also said if Choice is permitted to withdraw, the presence of a large and conspicuous vacant unit in a prominent location posed a real and material risk of reputational and commercial harm to the centre and its occupiers. Waterford Marine Search and Rescue was founded in 2010 as a rescue and recovery service for Waterford City and County. Since then, they have expanded into a training centre, a conference organiser and a suicide prevention advocacy group. Entirely volunteer-run, Waterford News & Star reporter Libby Marchant did a Saturday night patrol to meet the men and women behind this important Waterford group. The Waterford Marine Search and Rescue powerboat with Rice Bridge in the background. Photo: Waterford Marine Search and Rescue 10.33pm I am directed up the stairs to a conference room where people in various states of bundled up are hanging out on the swivel chairs. I am given a swivel chair of my own, and when I tentatively broach the idea of a couple of people doing a video interview, the slagging begins. "Have you remembered your makeup Decky?" one young man teases. Declan (Decky) Barry, founder of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, tries to duck out of the room. Hes almost managed to get away scot-free when Mary Condon, secretary, and widely considered "the real boss" of the organisation, tells me that Declan would be delighted to do an interview. Harry, Mark and Andre at a suicide prevention patrol on the quay. Photo: Libby Marchant Declan reluctantly nods his head and motions me to follow him. He shows me the small resting room. There are two bunkbeds and the bright duvet covers make the room oddly pleasant. He apologises for the mess, but to me, the slight crumple in the duvet, the stack of boxes in the corner make the room feel homely. Declan tells me that the room is mainly used by volunteers who live far away from the city. They can get a couple of hours of rest, especially when they have to do a rescue and their shift doesnt end until the early hours of the morning. The room is also occasionally occupied by family members of people who have passed away in the river. Family members come down to retrieve the body of their loved one, and they have nowhere to stay. They can stay here, Declan tells me. Next, he shows me the training room. As well as doing nighttime patrols, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue is also an educational centre. They are a nationally recognised powerboat training centre and also organise conferences on marine rescue for the South East. Finally, I am brought into a room with two comfortable couches and artwork on the walls. This is where families are brought if their loved one has attempted suicide. It is a calm space. We sit down on the couch and I ask Declan why he started Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. Mary Condon, secretary of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue at the 'welfare box'. Photo: Libby Marchant I founded it back in 2010 basically to provide a search, rescue and recovery service to the people of Waterford city and county. Very shortly after starting this group we started to look at why people were entering the River Suir and we realised it was to end their lives by suicide. "That was when we decided to set up a suicide prevention patrol." As well as having people patrolling the quays by foot, they also have a boat on the river, so that if someone does enter the river, they can be saved within a matter of seconds. Since 2010, the group has saved over 180 lives. The initiatives that we started in Waterford, have spread to Limerick, Cork and elsewhere. When I get back to the conference room, the group are having a team meeting. I manage to convince Vlatka Stanafr to go on camera for me. Originally from Croatia, she has been volunteering with the group for four years. She joined because, I had just moved to Waterford, I didnt really know anyone, and I wanted to give back to the community. I wanted to find something where I would like, (where) I belonged and that definitely happened here. This group is like a family to me now. Weve all faced something challenging but we support each other a lot. Whenever there is an incident, we dont go home until were sure everyone is okay to be on their own. We really are taken care of. 10.50pm I am brought into the shed downstairs where the van is parked. Im fitted out with a life jacket, high-vis vest and a waterproof jumpsuit. Decky, Aidan and I hop into the van and begin driving towards Edmund Rice Bridge. Aidan, a bin operative, is one of the longest-serving volunteers. He is interested in the technology aspect of the job how drones can be used for good to help locate missing bodies in the river. Crew members of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. Photo: Waterford Marine Search and Rescue On the drive, we start talking about how much the city centre has changed over the past 10 years, how much quieter it is now. The conversation veers in the same way most conversations about Waterford do these days towards the housing crisis. Declan says: A lot of people have a perception that all people who end their lives by suicide by drowning are drunk or on drugs. That does happen. But most of the time, what we see are people coming down to the river's edge with everyday problems. Problems like they have lost their jobs, and they cant pay the bills, they cant pay their mortgage, theyve lost their house, theyve become homeless. "Some people who come down do have addictions. But what were after finding over the last number of years is that its the everyday problems that people are going through. With the way the world is, everyday life is really hard. Some people can get through life without struggling in this way but other people cant. And what were finding is that more people are struggling with things like not being able to pay the bills, the breakup of marriage, not being able to see the kids: theyre heartbreaking things to happen. It's reality. Its the truth. Waterford Marine Search and Rescue on the River Suir. Photo: Waterford Marine Search and Rescue 11.45pm Ive been in the van for about 45 minutes when three volunteers show up to say hello. These are the foxtrotters, they walk the length of the quay and across Edmund Rice bridge over and over again for two hours before swapping with another group. Harry, Mark and Andre keep my spirits up despite the cold weather. Harry Phelan, a mechanic, told me, There have been a few friends of mine whove sadly committed suicide, and it would make you want to give back and have peoples backs when they need it most. You have friends for life. Were all there to have a bit of craic as well were on the ball but we also all really enjoy the training because were able to joke and have a laugh. 12.30pm Waterford Marine Search and Rescue has more women volunteers than men, so I find myself climbing aboard the rib with Mary, Vlatka and Liz to see what things are like from the perspective of actually being on the water. Its a clear night, and Im amazed at how, despite having lived here nearly all my life, Im seeing the town from a completely new perspective. Highlights include getting to go under the new pedestrian bridge and also the 20 seconds where we convinced Mary to let us go at full speed. The fun stops, however, when Declan radios the boat to say a man is unsteady on his feet on Rice Bridge. Liz, on the helm, maintains a respectful distance, but the man surely knows we are watching him. It occurs to me that just the presence of the group makes the river safer; the group is a deterrent to dangerous behaviour. Once he crosses the bridge, the man stops for a moment and watches us. For a moment, I think he might wave at us. He does not. Mary is the one who knows about where the best place to stop the boat is, whether or not the fenders need to be taken out and how fast the boat should be going, so I am amazed to hear that, before joining Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, shed never stepped foot on a boat. Mary joined the group, "to get out of the house". But this work is also personal for Mary, as five of her family members have died by suicide. Mary said that volunteering with the group has turned my life around completely. I have a whole new side to my life. From being a housewife at home to getting out on the water. Sometimes you find people at the worst time in their life and just that moment, that opportunity, to take a second breath, have a little think, get it off their chest, and that might be all they need. Sometimes you wonder after how they got on. And then sometimes, someone else will say to us, Thanks, guys for all youre doing. That was me four years ago, and you spoke to me on that bridge and saved me that night. "It makes you realise youre actually doing something. For Mary, one of the hardest parts of the job is recovering bodies of people who passed away. You have to say to yourself, youre bringing a loved one home. 1.15am Declan and Aidan drive down the quay to meet us with the welfare box when we get off the cold water. The welfare box is a box of chocolate, homemade scones, sandwiches, hot water, teabags, milk and soup sachets. Liz is delighted to discover that tonights flavour is chicken, whereas Vlatka is delighted to see Marys homemade scones, practically emitting a holy glow in the back of the van. 1.30am Waterford News & Star reporter Libby Marchant. Photo: Waterford Marine Search and Rescue I am kindly offered a lift back to my apartment, and as I snuggle into bed, I think of the lads, who will be out in the cold for another hour and a half, having the craic and keeping people safe. Fair play. For more information about Waterford Marine Search and Rescue visit waterfordmarinesearchandrescue.ie A Waterford City and County Council renovation project has been shortlisted for a major national award. The building at 29 The Glen, has been shortlisted for the Irish Building & Design Awards. A formerly derelict property, the building was refurbished as part of Waterford City and County Councils ongoing response to dereliction and vacancy within the city and has been shortlisted in the Retrofitting / Renovation Project of the Year category. The category is aimed at celebrating outstanding retrofitting or renovation projects that transform existing structures through innovation, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship. A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said the category "recognises projects that enhance building performance, extend lifespan, and breathe new life into older properties". With regard to the Waterford property she said it "was identified as a unique opportunity to refurbish an existing vacant and derelict property within Waterford City Centre and to provide new sustainable social housing units within an existing residential area". "Works to provide four, quality one-bedroom apartments commenced on site in January 2024 and were completed later that year in October 2024," she said. "The building was first allocated to tenants in January 2025 and is currently fully occupied, with all units allocated to tenants from Waterford City and County Councils social housing list, ensuring the continued support of residential amenity in the local area," she added. The spokesperson said the development provides accessible and safe housing appropriate to the tenants' needs as well as enhancing connections to the wider community. "There is significant evidence that the rejuvenation of vacant city centre properties not only provides sustainable living accommodation but alleviates social isolation and loneliness and improves overall health and wellbeing of its inhabitants," said the Council spokesperson. Commenting on the nomination, Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said: I would like to commend the team on their nomination for the thoughtful refurbishment of 29 The Glen. Not only has a former derelict building been brought back into use, but the units are also fully occupied and the sense of community is evident in the area." This project was also crucial in securing the preservation of a historically significant building, encouraging the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helping to secure the preservation of these protected structures and culturally significant buildings within the city centre," said Mr De Faoite. The overall IBDA 2026 category winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Dublin on March 13th. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme Chinese investors piling into a record-breaking rally in precious metals are becoming increasingly exposed to risk, as speculative demand pushes local prices well above international benchmarks. Authorities in the southern city of Shenzhen set up a special task force to oversee the operations of a gold-trading platform, according to a statement from the Luohu district government, after investors faced difficulties withdrawing funds from their accounts. Chinas only pure-play silver fund, meanwhile, halted trading briefly and turned away new investors. Most Read from Bloomberg The backdrop to the drama is a breakneck rally in global prices. Gold surged to a record above $5,300 an ounce on Wednesday and has gained more than a fifth this year, fueled by US dollar weakness and investor flight from sovereign currencies and bonds. Silvers rise has been even more dramatic around 60% in just four weeks and its daily moves more chaotic. Local prices in China are even higher even after accounting for the 13% value-added tax borne by local importers with investors appetite for precious metals seemingly insatiable over the past few months. The latest events are a stark example of the frenzied nature of investing in bullion and a sign of how tricky it might yet become. Around 100 users of the Shenzhen Jiewo Rui gold-trading platform crowded the companys premises on Tuesday, with a video posted on Hong Kong-based news outlet HK01 showing a handful scuffling with police. Bloomberg News was unable to verify the authenticity of the video. Other social media platforms showed similar clips. Jiewo Rui allows users to lock in gold prices for future delivery by posting margin equal to as little as one-fortieth of the spot price, effectively offering 40-times leverage, according to Chinese media group Yicai. The platform operator was not available for comment. Such leverage would place a high requirement on the operating company to hedge against price swings and maintain fund flows, as well as sufficient inventory for delivery. With gold prices hitting successive highs, this becomes especially challenging. The platform is just one example of the many small to medium-sized gold traders who operate platforms in Shenzhen, home to the biggest physical bullion marketplace in China. The local industry association issued a sector-wide warning as early as last October, citing a crackdown on three companies. Similarly, a major silver seller in the citys Shuibei market also defaulted on delivery in January, with more than 350 people waiting to be compensated, according to the National Business Daily. Dungarvan councillor Damien Geoghegan has hit out at Waterford City and County Councils response to illegal encampments in West Waterford. Cllr Geoghegan was speaking at the January sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council. He said the situation was not fair to residents at Quanns in Dungarvan and Childers Estate. There are caravans on public green spaces in Dungarvan, and the council housing department is taking a softly softly approach in relation to it, and I want it dealt with. I think it should be dealt with, said Cllr Geoghegan. Senior Architect Walter Holden said the housing and roads sections are working on the situation and that he would come back to the councillor on it. Cllr Geoghegan reiterated his stance that the situation is not good enough. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme. Advertisement CultureMoviesTrump's White House Melania Trump conducts most of her business in the shadows. This film puts her in the spotlight Katie Rogers Updated January 29, 2026 9:17am ,first published December 18, 2025 5:50am 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 Washington: On Inauguration Day in 2021, Melania Trump left Washington as first lady. She wore a blue-and-orange caftan, a pair of navy flats and a face-swallowing pair of sunglasses the fashion equivalent of an out-of-office message. Given that the events of January 6, 2021, had not yet been rewritten, she and her husband were as close to becoming a pair of political pariahs as they would ever get. Things change, she wants you to know. Melania and Donald Trump arrive in Florida at the end of Trumps first presidency in January 2021. AP On Thursday night the documentary film Melania lands in US cinemas (Friday AEDT) ahead of an eventual release via Amazons Prime Video platform. Trump is asserting direct and creative control over her story. In a trailer released in December, she tells Americans, who have at times been mystified by her actions, exactly how she wants to be seen. Here we go again, a (slightly) smiling Trump says into the camera, a military aide on her arm and a wide-brimmed hat on her head, as she heads into Donald Trumps second swearing-in ceremony. This time, with her eyes partially obscured and the curl of her lips visible, there is no question which history-making first lady she most resembles: herself. Advertisement Related Article Updated Trump's White House We always bring Jared: Trumps son-in-law cant escape the presidents inner circle Barron Trump, her 19-year-old son, appears in the trailer in flashes. He is living in Washington and attending college these days, and raising him had been the central pursuit of Trumps first-term life. Now that he is grown, a few of her other priorities are coming into view. The first lady appears to viewers as an involved and assertive force in her husbands life, though only when she wants to be. In one snapshot from the trailer, Trump is rehearsing his inauguration speech, and he decides to wave the camera crew into the room. My proudest legacy will be that of peacemaker, Trump says, reading from the script. His wife interjects. Peacemaker and unifier, she stresses. Her influence on him is real, confidants of the Trumps say, but he does not take every piece of her advice as gospel. As president, Trump has tried to end wars, but has not yet pursued much in the way of unity. Loading Advertisement In what is perhaps the trailers most interesting moment, she phones her husband from Trump Tower. Hi, Mr. President. Congratulations, she says into the phone. He asks her if she watched whatever she was congratulating him about. Her office did not respond to questions about what the event was. Either way, she was not watching live. Related Article US politics Conspiracy theorist, right-wing zealot: Trumps chief of staff lets fly in secret interviews I will see it on the news, she tells him. The movie is directed by Brett Ratner, a director and producer behind movies like Rush Hour and The Revenant. Just as Melania serves to help Trump assert control over her story, the project is a redemption vehicle of sorts for Ratner, who in 2017 was accused of sexual misconduct by six women in an article published by The Los Angeles Times claims that he denied. Paramount has also recently shown interest in distributing Rush Hour 4 reportedly at Donald Trumps request, with Ratner at the helm. Importantly for Trump, she is no longer the first lady perhaps best remembered for fumbling a visit during her husbands first term to detained migrant children on the border, wearing a jacket emblazoned with I REALLY DONT CARE, DO U? on the back as she boarded a plane. Advertisement In the movie trailer, she is portrayed as in control and assertive, weighing in on her husbands speeches and sketches for gowns. Set to swelling instrumental music and introduced with the iconic roar of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lion a feline now held in captivity by Amazon Prime, the movies distributor Melania is meant to explore the days leading up to Trumps second inauguration. In 2017, a cashmere-draped Trump had a deer-in-headlights look about her as her husband was sworn in. A screengrab from the official trailer for Melania, the upcoming documentary on Americas first lady Melania Trump. Credit: Amazon MGM Studios That day, she had been worried about security, about her son adjusting to life in Washington and about evoking an image of Jacqueline Kennedy, a woman whose physical presence she had wanted to emulate as first lady. Things change. My fans and people would love to hear more from me, she said in an interview on Fox & Friends before returning to the White House. Right now, its a day-to-day life. What Im doing. What kind of responsibilities I have, she said about the crux of the movie. Advertisement History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the US presidential inauguration, Trump said in a statement to Fox, which was shared by her office. For the first time, global audiences are invited into theatres to witness this pivotal chapter unfold a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming first lady of the United States of America. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war Trump takes credit for pause in Kyiv bombings, saying Putin agreed to his request Aamer Madhani and Susie Blann Updated January 30, 2026 3:25am ,first published 2:54am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Kyiv: US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed not to target the Ukrainian capital and other towns for one week as the region experiences frigid temperatures. There was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin that Putin had agreed to such a pause. People wait for the end of a Russian air attack to get on the metro train in Kyiv this week. AP Russia has been pounding Ukraines critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country to endure the dead of winter without heat. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this ... extraordinary cold, Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday (Washington time), adding that Putin has agreed to that. Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked earlier on Thursday whether a mutual halt on strikes on energy facilities was being discussed between Russia and Ukraine, and refused to comment on the issue. Reports of a possible partial ceasefire surfaced earlier on Thursday through bloggers close to the Russian military, Londons Telegraph reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed not to fire on Kyiv for a week, US President Donald Trump says. AP We are receiving reports that ... the Russian Armed Forces have imposed a ban on the use of fire ... on any infrastructure facilities throughout Ukraine, prominent Russian blogger Vladimir Romanov said. He added that a similar ban applies to any facilities in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Ukrainian social media channels with connections to the military also reported there had been orders not to strike Russian energy infrastructure facilities, the Telegraph reported. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned late on Wednesday that Moscow was planning another large-scale barrage despite plans for further US-brokered peace talks this weekend. Trump said he was pleased that Putin had agreed to the pause. Kyiv, which has grappled with severe power shortages this winter, is forecast to enter a brutally cold stretch starting on Friday that is expected to last into next week. A woman walks by emergency heating points set up in a Kyiv neighbourhood. Getty Images Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus 30 degrees, the State Emergency Service warned. A lot of people said, Dont waste the call. Youre not going to get that, Trump said of his request to Putin. And he did it. And were very happy that they did it. Advertisement Zelensky thanked Trump for his effort and welcomed the possibility of a pause in Russian military action on Kyiv and beyond. Power supply is a foundation of life, he said in a social media post. We expect the agreements to be implemented. De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday. AP Trump did not say when the call with Putin took place or when the ceasefire would go into effect. The White House did not immediately respond to a query seeking clarity about the scope and timing of the limited pause in the nearly four-year war. Russia has sought to deny Ukrainian civilians heat and running water over the course of the war, hoping to wear down public resistance to Moscows full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Ukrainian officials describe the strategy as weaponising winter. Advertisement Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 as Russia intensified its aerial barrages behind the front line, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country. The war killed 2514 civilians and injured 12,142 in Ukraine 31 per cent higher than in 2024, it said. A Russian drone attack killed three people in Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region overnight and caused a major blaze in an apartment building, officials said on Thursday. Firefighters also worked through the night to put out fires in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where two people were injured, officials said. Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicated Russia was assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks, sometimes involving more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, have targeted the Ukrainian power grid. The ongoing attacks discredited the peace talks, Zelensky said. Every single Russian strike does, he said late on Wednesday. Advertisement Russias daily bombardment of civilian areas behind the roughly 1000-kilometre front line has continued despite international condemnation and attempts to end the fighting. Related Article Trump's America OK of me but nice of him: Trump hangs photo of Putin in White House Ukraine is working with SpaceX to address the reported use of its Starlink satellite internet service by Russian attack drones, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Thursday on the Telegram messaging app. He said that his team contacted the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk and proposed ways to resolve the issue. Fedorov thanked Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for their swift response and the start of work on resolving the situation. Advertisement Russia launched more than 6000 drones at Ukraine over the past month alone, according to Fedorov. Negotiations between the two sides are poised to resume on Sunday amid doubts about Moscows commitment to a settlement. The European Unions top diplomat on Thursday (Brussels time) accused Russia of not taking the talks seriously, calling for more pressure to be exerted on Moscow to press it into making concessions. We see them increasing their attacks on Ukraine because they cant make moves on the battlefield. So, they are attacking civilians, Kaja Kallas said of Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. She stressed that Europe, which sees its own future security at stake in Ukraine, must be fully involved in talks to end the war. The push for a settlement has been led over the past year by the Trump administration, and European leaders fear their concerns may not be taken into account. Advertisement Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, said on Thursday that a lot of progress was made in recent three-way talks and expressed optimism that more headway could be made when the parties met again in the coming days. I think the people of Ukraine are now hopeful and expecting that we are going to deliver a peace deal sometime soon, Witkoff added. The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published this week. 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. Sprinklr Inc. (NYSE:CXM) is one of the Best Tech Stocks Under $10 to Buy, at least based on a bullish analysis report from Citizens. The analyst, who maintained Sprinklrs Market Outperform rating and $17 price target on January 14, claimed that the company offers an attractive opportunity for capital appreciation as its transition phase involves AI investments and enhancements to the contact center offering, among others. Citizens is also bullish on Sprinklr Inc. (NYSE:CXM) CEO John Reads structured three-phase plan, which hinges on execution as an avenue to an acquisition exit, similar to what happened in the executives previous stint at the helm of Vonage. cloud computing Photo by Hazel Z on Unsplash Citizens added that Sprinklr, whose AI-driven offerings target a total addressable market worth more than $80 billion, could also be an attractive target for larger vendors to acquire. Some potential buyers for the company include Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, and NICE Systems, according to the analyst. The analyst firm noted that since May 2025, private equity firm Hellman & Friedman has owned 69 million shares and controlled 45% of voting rights in the company. Sprinklr Inc. (NYSE:CXM) provides enterprise cloud software products. It enables organizations to do marketing, advertising, research, care, sales, and engagement across modern channels, including social, messaging, chat, and text through its unified customer experience management software platform. While we acknowledge the potential of CXM 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: 14 Best Tech Stocks Under $10 to Buy and Goldman Sachs Semiconductor Stocks: Top 12 Picks. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Police said the woman climbed in the passenger seat to try to stop him, but he pushed her out of the vehicle and hit another vehicle parked behind them. Generac standby generator in snowy yard near gas pipeline, highlighting backup power demand for GNRC. Key Points Natural gas stocks are gaining momentum as winter storms, data center demand, and tight U.S. supply push prices higher. UNG and BOIL offer tactical ways for traders to capitalize on short-term natural gas volatility during extreme weather. Generac provides indirect exposure to cold-weather demand as power outages increase interest in backup generation. Interested in Generac Holdings Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. Late January brought snow, ice, and single-digit to sub-zero temperatures throughout much of the United States. In advance of that, several energy stocks rallied hard, particularly those tied to natural gas. But heres the part of the story that may get interesting for traders looking to get involved with natural gas stocks. The output of natural gas in the United States sits at decade lows while demand (even without the recent storms) continues to rise. Kinder Morgans Natural Gas/Dividend Growth Cycle Still in Play One reason is data centers. While there is optimism that nuclear energy may be the solution of the future, natural gas is the right now solution. Thats why aggressive traders are looking to capitalize by investing in two ETFs that are best used as tactical tools. But thats not the only way to warm your portfolio during this frigid weather. Winter storms can produce power outages, which generates interest in a name that frequently makes its name during hurricane season. The Last Time Qualcomms RSI Did This, the Stock Rallied 70% And the best part for investors is that each of these stocks may have further upside. Investors looking to trade this cold snap may want to look at these three options. UNG Offers Direct Exposure to Short-Term Natural Gas Moves The United States Natural Gas Fund (NYSEARCA: UNG) offers traders direct exposure to movements in the spot price of natural gas through near-dated futures contracts. With U.S. production sitting near decade lows and demand rising from power generation and data centers, United States Natural Gas has become a way for nimble traders to express a short-term bullish view during extreme winter weather. Trump Triggers Buying Opportunity in UnitedHealth Group The UNG ETF is up nearly 20% in 2026. Many investors are counting on significant upside because of the supply-demand imbalance. And the cold weather can tighten that supply even more. However, the fund is trading significantly below the all-time high it made in 2022 and 2023 after Russia invaded Ukraine. But after that, the fund dropped sharply and was a tough trade for the better part of three years. In fact, the fund is down more than 61% over the last five years. Construction has begun on the $524m (Won750.26bn) Lucy Solar Project, a Korean-led utility-scale investment in Texas being developed by a consortium of South Korean and US partners. The 350MW solar farm in Concho County is expected to generate 926 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity a year. The project is being developed by a group known as 'Team Korea', which includes EIP Asset Management, Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C), Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO), Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation, PIS Fund and Topsun. Construction is expected to create around 500 jobs and provide approximately $5m annually in local property tax revenue. The investment is set to provide support to infrastructure, local schools and essential services in Concho County through long-term property tax revenue. The Lucy Solar Project reflects a growing trend of South Korean investment in manufacturing and renewables in US states such as Texas. This is Hyundai E&C's largest solar project outside Asia and KOMIPO's third US greenfield renewable development project. The facilitys output has been pre-sold to major companies through long-term virtual power purchase agreements. Through the supply of clean power to these companies, it supports corporate sustainability goals and contributes to the efforts of Texas to diversify its energy mix. The project is scheduled to reach commercial operation by mid-2027. It will cover nearly 2,900 acres of ranchland and use several photovoltaic panels equipped with sun-tracking technology to maximise energy output. Primoris Services division Primoris Renewable Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor. KOMIPO will manage plant operations and maintenance over the long term. "Construction begins on $524m Lucy Solar Project in Texas, US" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A married couple in Florida says they lost all of their savings after an online car purchase gone wrong. The husband told WKMG News 6 he was looking to replace his 2002 Chevy Avalanche with a newer model (1). He found what appeared to be a great deal on Facebook Marketplace. Must Read The guy called me back, he told the broadcaster in a clip posted Dec. 29. Hes telling me how nice the truck is. Pristine. The seller sent him a Carfax report and a purchase agreement that appeared to be signed by the CEO of a company called DriveLine Motor, News 6 reports. Believing the deal to be real, the husband wired over $12,300 all the money in the couples savings account without inspecting the vehicle in-person. Once the payment cleared, the seller went silent. The companys website disappeared and phone numbers were disconnected. The couple soon realized they had been scammed. The risks of buying online Unfortunately, what happened to the couple above isnt an isolated case. According to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, $16.6 billion in losses to cybercrime were reported in 2024 33% more than the previous year (2). Complaints of non-payment/non-delivery accounted for over $785 million in losses. Buying a car on social media carries significantly higher risk than purchasing from a licensed dealer or well-known platform. Unlike traditional dealerships or even some online car retailers, social media marketplaces may not offer robust purchase protection programs. There may also be a limit to how much theyre willing to cover and what types of products. 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) Holly Salmons, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Florida, warned that buyers shouldnt rely on social media sites to vet small sellers. Just because there's a listing doesn't mean anyone has done any sort of vetting, she told News 6. That's on you. Sellers disappearing after receiving payment isnt the only risk. Other common issues include buying a vehicle that doesnt belong to the owner or title and paperwork problems that make it impossible to register or insure the car. Misrepresenting a cars condition is another trick. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Vivienne Clarke and Eva Osborne Irish agriculture officials are engaging with their Chinese counterparts to calm concerns over the bluetongue virus. China has suspended imports of Irish beef after 11 cases of the virus were confirmed in cattle in Co Wexford this week. Just this month, China agreed to lift its previous ban on Irish beef following a visit by Taoiseach Micheal Martin. On January 22nd, post-slaughter sampling found a culled suckler cow to be antibody positive for bluetongue. The cow originated from a herd in Wexford, according to the Irish Examiner. The bluetongue virus has now been detected in three additional herds in Wexford, all of which are located near the initial herd where the virus was detected. In the initial herd, there have been a total of seven cattle identified who have tested positive for the disease. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said there is no threat to human health and there were no food safety concerns about the discovery of bluetongue in 11 animals in four herds which has led China to suspend imports of Irish beef. This is a production disease, there is no human health, no food safety concerns at all, but it does have implications for trade, particularly trade of live animals, he told Newstalk Breakfast. With countries outside of Europe, it doesn't have any implications on trade of meat or dairy produce and it has very little impact on trade with Europe, but beyond Europe to third countries, every country can set its own requirements in a trade certificate with us, so countries like China have protocols where we notify them this is a notifiable disease and then as a standard procedure they cease importation of that produce and we will engage we will give them the full epidemiological breakdown we have massive traceability of our animals. We've seen it in the past when access has been broken and interrupted with China. Ultimately the timing is on their side. We engage with the General Administration of Customs in China called the GAC and they are the competent authority there. Officials from my department are regularly dealing with them and our officials in our embassy in Beijing, we were working on the protocol. "We were working on that cert as we worked on other certs being revised in recent years identifying the fact that bluetongue and other diseases are more prevalent now and likely to come and don't have a food safety or an impact from that regard so we'll continue to engage with them but ultimately the final decision will be down to them. Mr Heydon said that while the result was disappointing, it was not surprising as the virus was rampant across England, Wales, and all of Europe. So we were monitoring wind patterns last year during the very warm weather to see when the wind pattern might blow the midge activity from France and from Wales and beyond. The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) is calling on the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to re-examine the make of Bord Bia and to ensure that any future Board Chair is independent and not tied to any of our meat processors. National president Pheilim Molloy stressed the need for a radical overhaul, relating to the governance of Bord Bia, stating the need to ensure the board is reflective of all interests in the beef supply chain in addition to full transparency when it comes to the interests of board members. The recent scandal relating to Bord Bia has Molloy stated undermined confidence both with farmers and consumers and you have to question the competence of the board especially when we look at previous scandals such as the horse meat scandal in 2013. Even since 2013 we have, Molloy continued seen concerning developments such as the sacrificing of a naturally reared suckler brand in favour of a wider GrassFed Beef PGI. This despite the fact that 6m was allocated to the promotion and development of the suckler brand. The INHFA leader questioned if this decision would still have been made, if there was a better representation of suckler farmers on the board. In relation to recent developments concerning the sourcing of beef from Brazil by Dawn Farm Foods whose managing director Larry Murrin is also chair of Bord Bia, Molloy questioned what information was made available to the board of Bord Bia regarding this matter. The farm leader has also questioned if there is a legal obligation on the chair of Bord Bia to inform the board of the sources of beef used by his company and if there is, has the board been made aware of this. Molloy also highlighted the growing anger amongst farmers, many of whom are members of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance programme. These farmers have, he said, gone to great lengths to ensure compliance in a scheme designed to help promote and sell Irish farm products at home and abroad only to discover that the Chair of Bord Bia. through his company Dawn Farm Foods have actually imported beef from Brazil. In conclusion, the INHFA leader called for a radical overhaul of the board and the need for an independent chair stating that it is now up to the minister to act. Speaking from Strasbourg last week, IFA president and COPA vice president Francie Gorman said the outcome in the European Parliament, which has referred the Mercosur trade deal to the European Court of Justice, lays down an important marker for how trade issues are negotiated. The referral was the right decision for this trade deal and future trade deals. Farm organisations across Europe, as part of COPA, lobbied morning, noon and night and it worked, he said. When we met our fellow EU farm leaders in Brussels last week, I knew that the vote would be close. This is a great result for the European umbrella farm group COPA COGECA, he said. The ECJ will now test the deal and see if it stands up to scrutiny. For this, and for future trade deals, it is important that the legality is established before any further steps. The EU Commission has been too hasty in trying to push this through, he said. The IFA President acknowledged those MEPs who voted, by a margin of 10, for the referral. I also want to acknowledge the farmers who attended the COPA protest in Brussels in December and the Athlone protest 10 days ago. We also had a show of strength in Strasbourg this week as thousands of farmers descended for the meeting of the European Parliament. Francie Gorman said this is just the latest step in what has been a decades-long campaign. IFA will continue to work with our colleagues across Europe to have this deal set aside. The inaugural 'Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope' fundraiser for the Sunflower Childrens Hospice delivered a truly unforgettable experience, bringing audiences to their feet in the Ballina Arts Centre. All proceeds from both evenings will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, supporting the building of the Sunflower Childrens Hospice - Irelands first childrens hospice on the western seaboard. Held in Ballina, the home of the Dunford family, Kevin Dunford was three weeks short of his ninth birthday when he sadly died in 2014. His life, values and legacy were a central inspiration behind the childrens hospice - audiences gathered over two unforgettable nights to support what was the inaugural fundraiser for the project. Audiences were treated to a music extravaganza, telling the incredibly beautiful story of the Irish contribution to building and shaping modern Canada. The talented ensemble featured Sibeal, Hubert Francis, Ellen Fair, Odhran O Casaide, Dr Claire Fitch, the Garda Band conducted by Inspector Pat Kenny, and St Muredachs Cathedral Choir led by Regina Deacy, delivering unforgettable breathtaking performances. A special fundraising raffle was launched during the Ballina performances and runs online until Friday, February 13th. Tickets purchased at the event will be included in the raffle draw. Thanks to the generous support of TELUS Digital Ballina, the grand prize is a 5,000 luxury voucher for five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel. Other prizes include a rare and highly sought-after Masters flag signed by 2025 champion Rory McIlroy and two tickets for Take That in the Aviva Stadium on July 4th. Tickets cost 20 each or three for 50, with all proceeds supporting the Sunflower Childrens Hospice. Enter the raffle at www.idonate.ie. The winner will be announced at a table quiz on Friday, February 13th, at 8pm in the Cot & Cobble, Ballina. Bound for Canada was a fundraiser for the Sunflower Children's Hospice. Warmest thanks extend to everyone involved, especially to Midwest Radio's Tommy Marren, who masterfully hosted both evenings. Special appreciation goes to all event partners, including TELUS Digital, Kenaidan, Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Manor Hotel, Midwest Radio, Event Audio Visual, Mayo County Council, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Connacht Bottlers, Noo Chocolates, Claries Kitchen and Dohertys Daybreak whose support made this extraordinary event possible. Special guests on the evening included His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador, accompanied by his wife Jana Hemphill; Minister Dara Calleary, TD; Senator Mark Duffy; Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey; Robert G. Kearns, Founding Chair, Canada Ireland Foundation; and Mark Purdy, Chair, Canada Ireland Foundation. Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: I would like to thank everyone who made this inaugural fundraiser possible. From performers, production teams and volunteers, the scale of goodwill and collaboration was extraordinary. I am especially grateful to our event partners whose generosity and belief in the project were instrumental in bringing Bound for Canada to life in Ballina and ensuring meaningful impact for hospice care. I would also like to thank TELUS Digital Ballina for their very generous raffle prize. Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council, added: This was a truly memorable event, and I would like to sincerely thank the people of Ballina and Mayo for embracing this inaugural fundraiser with such warmth and generosity. It also showcased the deep and enduring ties between Canada and Mayo - connections built on shared history, values, and a spirit of opportunity that continues to inspire collaboration today. "What made these concerts so special was the way our entire community came together - families, businesses, performers, volunteers, and partners - with our children and young people at the heart of our fundraising efforts. Their future, their care, and their potential are the reason we do this. Once again, Mayo can stand tall in helping to deliver this much-needed service to the western seaboard. We are proud to play our part and excited for what comes next. The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems (BAESY) and Collins Aerospace, an RTX (RTX) business, a $248M production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System terminals for U.S. forces and allies. Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See todays best-performing stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on BAESY: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue A young man drove while intoxicated and uninsured, a court has heard. Ivan Marzanych, Belgarrow, Foxford pleaded guilty at Ballina District Court to drink driving and driving without a licence or insurance. The court heard that Gda Micheal Gorman stopped a silver Mercedes being driven by the defendant at Lower Main Street, Foxford on November 15th last. The vehicle stopped abruptly and three men exited it. Gda Gorman spoke to the driver, Marzanych, and got a strong smell of alcohol from his breath and his speech was slurred. He arrested him on suspicion of drink driving and a breath test gave a reading of 44mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mg. It was discovered that Marzanych, who is aged 20, had no licence or insurance at the time of his arrest. He has no previous convictions. Solicitor Denis Molloy said his client is a Ukrainian man who has not been living in Ireland for long. He is hoping to gain employment. Mr Molloy said that Gda Gorman had not observed Marzanych driving dangerously nor had there been an accident. He asked Judge Sandra Murphy to use her discretion and not impose a disqualification on the no insurance charge, which could lead to a two-year disqualification, and instead impose the mandatory one-year disqualification on the drink driving charge. Judge Murphy said that while Marzanych had held his hands up and cooperated with the Gardai, he had nonetheless committed a very serious offence of drink driving while also not having any insurance. She imposed a two-year disqualification and fines totalling 650. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Becoming mainly clear; brisk and bitterly cold with near or below zero wind chills. . Tonight Becoming mainly clear; brisk and bitterly cold with near or below zero wind chills. The Deutsche Bank logo is pictured above the entrance of a branch in Oldenburg city center. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa Germany's Deutsche Bank has achieved a record jump in profits in 2025, according to results it released on Thursday. With a pre-tax profit of over 9.7 billion ($11.6 billion), up 84% year on year, the Frankfurt-based DAX-listed company achieved the best pre-tax result in its history. The bottom line was a net profit of 6.1 billion, Germany's largest financial institution reported. Chief Executive Officer Christian Sewing said the institution was encouraged by the "strong start" to 2026. "Delivering on our 2028 agenda will enable us to reach our long-term goal: To become the European Champion in banking, as measured by a clearly defined set of criteria." The business success is clouded by renewed investigations against managers and employees of the bank on suspicion of money laundering, which became known the day before the balance sheet was presented. Investigators on Wedesday searched Deutsche Bank's headquarters in Frankfurt and business premises in Berlin, among other places, in search of evidence. According to the Frankfurt Public Prosecutor's Office, which is leading the investigation, the case concerns the bank's previous business dealings with foreign companies that are themselves suspected of money laundering. With a partial government shutdown looming by week's end, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is surrounded by reporters following a closed-door Republican meeting on spending legislation that funds the Department of Homeland Security and a swath of other government agencies as the country reels from the deaths of two people at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK), a developer of lithium mining operations in Sierra Leone, announces strategic objectives for its Sierra Leone Lithium mining project. Joint Venture Structure and Regulatory Compliance On August 15, 2024, the Company executed a joint venture ground lease agreement for mineral rights within the Tinkoko Chiefdom of Bo District in southern Sierra Leone. Under this arrangement, our local operating partner will oversee on-site operations, licensing administration, labor management, packaging, and shipment logistics. To ensure full compliance with Sierra Leone's existing regulatory requirements-which stipulate that mining licenses and operational management be held exclusively by Sierra Leonean citizens-the partnership agreement establishes our operating partner as a 25% equity stakeholder, with the Company retaining a 75% controlling interest in the enterprise. As of September 2025, the Company has obtained an artisanal mining license for its lithium project in Sierra Leone. Operational Mission and Current Status The joint venture is focused on the extraction, packaging, and export of raw lithium ore from Sierra Leone to the United States. The Company has currently stockpiled approximately 54 metric tons of hard-rock lithium ore at the mining site, prepared for export pending the securing of adequate capital for shipping costs. The Company believes its growing stockpile and on-the-ground operational readiness support near-term export execution, while creating a foundation for scalable throughput and recurring shipment cadence as additional working capital is secured. Elektro's objective is to establish itself as a reliable supplier to U.S.-based lithium refineries, supporting the conversion of raw materials into battery-grade lithium for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage markets. Near-Term Strategic Objectives: Establish and maintain continuous lithium extraction and export operations from Sierra Leone Execute regular shipments of two to three containers of raw lithium ore on a monthly to bi-monthly basis to the United States Secure long-term offtake agreements with U.S. lithium refineries Position the Company as a strategic participant within the global battery materials supply chain Attract strategic investment partners and scale operations to achieve leadership positioning in the lithium supply sector Recent Demand for Lithium Projects In 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted surging lithium demand by restructuring a multi-billion-dollar federal loan and taking 5% equity stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass joint venture, a Nevada project slated to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually-enough for about 800,000 electric vehicles. At the same time, the European Union launched a 3 billion ResourceEU program to support 25 strategic critical-materials projects, including lithium initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign lithium, cobalt and graphite by 2030. Polen Capital Management Llc released its "Polen Focus Growth Strategy" Q4 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q4 2025, the Polen Focus Growth strategy delivered a -1.37% gross return, underperforming the Russell 1000 Growth Index (+1.12%) and the S&P 500 (+2.66%), as concentrated megacap leadership and AI valuation concerns drove market volatility. The fund faced headwinds from market rotation and valuation pressures but remained disciplined in its investment approach, focusing on companies with durable competitive advantages and diversified earnings. Portfolio adjustments were made to optimize long-term growth potential, and despite short-term challenges, the fund maintains a constructive medium- to long-term outlook, expecting broader market opportunities beyond narrow leadership trends to support balanced returns for investors. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter, Polen Capital Management highlighted stocks like Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY). Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a leading global pharmaceutical firm with strong growth in key therapeutic areas and robust financial results. The one-month return of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) was -1.20% while its shares traded between $623.78 and $1,133.95 over the last 52 weeks. On January 27, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) stock closed at approximately $1,039.51 per share, with a market capitalization of about $931.876 billion. Polen Capital Management stated the following regarding Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) in its Polen Focus Growth Strategy's Q4 2025 investor letter: We recently compiled a list of the 20 Most Profitable Stocks of the Last 20 Years. EQT Corporation is among the most profitable stocks. TheFly reported on January 22 that Stephens analyst Mike Scialla lowered the price target on EQT to $68 from $69 and maintained an Overweight rating. The firm noted that its Q4 cash flow per share and production estimates are 5% and 1% below consensus, respectively. Despite this, Stephens anticipates that EQTs integrated asset base and low-cost operational structure will allow it to maintain a premium valuation in comparison to its natural gas peers. EQT Corporation (EQT) Viewed as a Core Holding Among Gas Producers Photo from PBF Energy LinkedIn Similarly, a day earlier on January 21, Scotiabank analyst Cameron Bean lowered the price target on EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) to $63 from $67 and maintained a Sector Perform rating. The adjustment was part of a broader update to Scotiabanks coverage of North American natural gas stocks. The companys projections, which support predictions for higher natural gas prices and associated equity valuations over the coming year, continue to indicate supply shortages in the United States and Western Canada despite the reduced goal. EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) is a leading U.S. energy company focused on the production, gathering, and transmission of natural gas, primarily in the Appalachian Basin. While we acknowledge the potential of EQT 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: 12 Best Multibagger Stocks to Buy Heading into 2026 and 7 Best Rising Tech Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. By Echo Wang and Joey Roulette NEW YORK, Jan 29 (Reuters) - SpaceX is exploring deals with other companies helmed by serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, leaving investors working through permutations between space, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence to analyze which combination makes the most sense. More from Yahoo Scout What are the strategic benefits of space-based AI processing? How could mergers impact SpaceX's planned IPO? How do Tesla shareholders view potential Musk company consolidations? What merger discussions are underway between SpaceX and xAI? The rocket maker is in discussions to merge with xAI ahead of a blockbuster public offering planned for this year, Reuters reported on Thursday. The combination would bring Musks rockets, Starlink satellites, X social media platform and Grok chatbot under one roof, according to a person briefed on the matter and two regulatory filings. Reuters could not determine the deal's value, timing or primary rationale. SpaceX is also considering a merger with Musk's electric vehicle maker Tesla, Bloomberg reported. "I think it's highly likely that (xAI) ends up with one of the two parties," said Tesla shareholder Gene Munster, who is managing partner at xAI investor Deepwater Asset Management. Musk, the world's richest man, is CEO of SpaceX and artificial intelligence company xAI, which controls X. He also runs Tesla, tunnel company The Boring Co and neurotechnology firm Neuralink. "What's important for Elon is to have a massive vision that's way out there that he's early on," Munster said. A compelling prospect would be Tesla taking xAI which would improve the EV maker's robot and self-driving car plans, he said. Predictions hub Polymarket late on Thursday put the chance of a SpaceX-xAI merger by mid-year at 48% and Tesla-xAI merger at 16%. Musk, SpaceX, xAI and Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Tesla's share price rose 3% in after-hours trade. SpaceX plans to go public some time this year with a valuation likely above $1 trillion, Reuters and other media reported. It is the world's most-valuable privately held company - at $800 billion in a recent private share sale. xAI was valued at $230 billion in November, the Wall Street Journal reported. Tesla's market capitalization is $1.4 trillion. For SpaceX, a massive deal may complicate its IPO but add momentum to efforts to launch data centers into orbit, a key goal in the escalating AI race against the likes of OpenAI, Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google. Some Tesla shareholders have long advocated bringing Musk's companies together. Bloomberg reported that investors have been pushing the idea of joining SpaceX and Tesla. "Musk has too many separate companies," said Dennis Dick, chief market strategist at Stock Trader Network. "A major risk thesis for Tesla is that Musk is spreading himself out too much. As a Tesla shareholder, I applaud further consolidation." The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in formation during Rim of the Pacific exercises July 28, 2022. [Photo: Canadian Armed Forces photo by Cpl. Djalma Vuong-De Ramos] An American armada in the shape of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided-missile destroyers is now deployed in the Arabian Sea, placing it in position to launch a devastating aerial bombardment of Iran with the aim of bringing about regime change. The Pentagons Central Command announced Tuesday a multi-day air exercise in what could well be cover for the second direct attack on Iran by American imperialism in little more than six months. The exercise will demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower, according to the Pentagon. Britain has also dispatched fighter jets to Qatar, and two European airlines have cancelled commercial flights to the region. As he left the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran. After he drew attention to the ships heading for the Persian Gulf region, he warned any attack would make last years US strike on Iranian uranium enrichment sites look like peanuts. This was a reference to the unprovoked and illegal 12-day war waged by the US and Israel against Iran last June, during which the countrys nuclear facilities were repeatedly struck and more than a thousand people were killed. On Wednesday morning, Trump underscored the imminence of a possible military strike on Iran, saying the fleet headed by the USS Abraham Lincoln is larger than that Washington deployed off Venezuela before kidnapping its president, Nicolas Maduro, and stands prepared to rapidly fulfill its missions with speed and violence if necessary. As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! Trump declared on his Truth social media account. They didnt, and there was Operation Midnight Hammer, a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again. Washingtons threats against Iran are part of a long-running drive to topple the bourgeois-clerical regime and bring to power a pro-Western puppet government to facilitate US imperialist dominance over the energy-rich Middle East. Successive US governments have used brutal economic sanctions to devastate Irans economy and plunge the vast majority of its population into miserable poverty, making a mockery of the claims of the Trump administration, his ostensible Democratic Party opponents, and the European imperialist powers, to be interested in the liberation or human rights of the Iranian people. Following the same playbook used in the lead-up to last Junes strikes, Trump continues to claim that diplomacy is still an option. They want to make a deal, said Americas would-be dictator last week of the Iranian regime, which has repeatedly sought to arrive at an accommodation with the imperialist powers to secure sanctions relief. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk. Trump was so successful last year in convincing senior layers of the Iranian regime that Washington was intent on a negotiated settlement that many top-ranking generals were still residing in their private homes when the air strikes began, making them easy pickings for the targeted strikes carried out by the Zionist regime on behalf of American imperialism. This time around, there are reports suggesting that Washington may be plotting an even more ambitious decapitation exercise, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, a war crime that would likely provoke a region-wide conflagration. According to anti-regime media, Khamenei has moved into an underground shelter in Tehran Province, while his third son, Masoud, has assumed day-to-day oversight of his office and is now the key figure coordinating with the government. The Trump administration intends to capitalise on the weakened position of the bourgeois-clerical regime in Tehran and engineer a change in government that will line up with the US against its rivals, Russia and China. Israels imperialist-backed genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, months-long bombardment of Lebanon, and repeated strikes on Yemen, and the US-backed toppling of the Assad regime in Syria significantly weakened Iranian-aligned forces throughout the region. Last years nearly two-week bombardment of Iran by Israel and the US, together with the earlier assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran as a guest of honour of the Islamic Republic, demonstrated how exposed the regime is. This is due both to concerted infiltration by Israeli and US intelligence, and its bankrupt bourgeois-nationalist perspective. Hostile to the democratic and social aspirations of the Iranian working class and toilers, the Iranian regime is organically incapable of mobilizing the masses of the Middle East against imperialism and its Zionist client state, and has instead for decades sought an accommodation with the imperialist powers. Anti-government protests Not only has Tehrans regional position been weakened, but it has also been shaken by the mass protests that erupted on December 28. They were initiated by bazaar merchants, traditionally a pillar of support for the regime. Unrest rapidly spread due to plummeting living standards that are largely the product of decades of US-imposed sanctions and, more recently, the European powers use of the snapback mechanism to re-impose UN sanctions last October. Politically, the protests came to be dominated by right-wing, pro-imperialist forces, including privileged elements calling for the restoration of the monarchy and Kurdish and Baluchi separatists. After initially offering talks, the government abruptly changed course, and at the express orders of Khamenei, ruthlessly suppressed the protests, resulting in the deaths of at least several thousand people and possibly many more. The US-based son of Reza Pahlavi, whose brutal monarchical dictatorship was toppled by the 1979 Iranian Revolution, has called on the US to carry out surgical strikes against the regime, after previously encouraging his supporters to seize the centres of Irans major cities. Iranian authorities have steadily increased their count of the numbers killed since the protest movement began on December 28. It now acknowledges that 3,117 people were killed. These include some 2,225 civilians and more than 200 security forces, with the remainder classified as terrorists. Officials have claimed much of the violence was orchestrated by armed protesters in the service of foreign governments. They have pointed to statements by Israeli officials and former CIA director Mike Pompeo that all but boasted that Mossad operatives were active on the ground alongside Iranian protesters. From all reports, the state security crackdown had succeeded in emptying the streets of protesters by the beginning of the week of January 12. However, despite initial promises, the regime has not restored internet access, pointing to its crisis. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported Tuesday that at least 6,126 people have been killed, including 5,777 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 86 children and 49 civilians, numbers it said were based on verified reports from its network of activists inside Iran. This far exceeds the death toll in previous protest movements since 1979. HRANA also said that more than 27,700 people had been arrested, many of whom the government has described as members of terrorist groups. The condemnations of the Islamic Republics brutality emanating from the imperialist capitals and their media mouthpieces are entirely hypocritical and self-serving. These same forces have carried out or supported and justified the horrific violence that American imperialism has employed to consolidate its grip over the Middle East and Central Asia. Just since the beginning of this century, Washingtons neo-colonial wars have resulted in the deaths of millions and the displacement of many millions more from their homes in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, and other countries. Trump and other representatives of American imperialism are cynically exploiting the plight of the Iranian population to justify a still further aggression to establish a new Middle East, where Washington can plunder its resources, secure strategic transportation routes, and deny China and other rivals access to energy supplies and trade routes. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln off Irans shores comes just days after Trumps attack on Venezuela and pronouncement that the US is seizing control of the countrys vast oil resources. Washington is now menacing another of Beijings key oil supplierscontinuing its economic warfare and preparations for military conflict against China. Caracas functioned as a hub for sanctioned Iranian oil exports and a base for the commercial dealings of the Iranian-allied Hezbollah. Growing threat war will engulf the entire region Washingtons reckless escalation of war in the Middle East threatens to unleash a region-wide bloodbath. Earlier this month, Trump made repeated threats to attack Iran, claiming as justification that Iranian security forces were killing peaceful protesters and promising protesters that help is on its way. He delayed doing so after his military advisers told him that unseating the regime would require troops on the ground as well as air strikes, and his Gulf allies warned that an assault on Iran would cause turmoil throughout the region, not least because they, too, are sitting atop social powder kegs. Instead, Trump imposed additional sanctions on Iranians accused of ordering the killing of protesters, including Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security and four regional commanders of Irans Law Enforcement Forces and Revolutionary Guard. He also announced a 25 percent tariff on the products of any country that continued to conduct trade with Iran, but as of yet has issued no executive order putting this into effect. The Trump administration has also intensified pressure on Iraqs federal government, threatening to limit its access to its oil revenue if militias backed by Iran are included in the next government. That government is to be headed by pro-Iranian Shia leader Nouri al-Maliki. Iran has long used Baghdads banking system as a means of navigating US restrictions on its access to dollars, prompting successive US administrations to impose sanctions on more than a dozen Iraqi banks. Several of Washingtons Gulf allies have publicly refusedsince April 2025to let Washington use their bases, where around 40,000 US troops are already stationed, for any strike on Iran, for fear both of the popular reaction and Iranian retaliatory strikes. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a close ally of Israel and home to the US militarys Al-Dhafra Air Base, said on Monday that it would not allow its airspace, territory or territorial waters to be used for any hostile military actions against Iran, although Jordan has apparently agreed. The Trump administration is closely coordinating its efforts with Israel, its regional attack dog. The Times of Israel reported that Commander of the United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, was in Israel last weekend for meetings with top military and intelligence officials. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has been on high alert, carrying out preparations following Trumps threats of military action against Iran. Israeli army Northern Command chief Rafi Milo told TV Channel 12, We see the force buildup the US is carrying out, both in the Persian Gulf and throughout the region. We are very alert, very prepared, and ready both in strong defence and in preparing offensive responses. Iran has warned that its response to any attack would be far greater than its reaction to the US and Israels 12-day war last June. After the US directly entered the war, the Iranian regime responded with an attack on the US military base in Qatar that was effectively communicated in advance to Washington and caused no casualties. Late last week a senior Iranian official said, This military buildupwe hope it is not intended for real confrontationbut our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran. He added, This time we will treat any attacklimited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call itas an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this. Although he would not say what form the Iranian response would take, he insisted, 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. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, a member of the faction of the Iranian political establishment that has repeatedly pressed for an agreement with the US, was no less belligerent. He wrote in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal last week that Tehran would be firing back with everything we have if attacked. He said, An all-out confrontation will certainly be ferocious and drag on far, far longer than the fantasy timelines that Israel and its proxies are trying to peddle to the White House. It will certainly engulf the wider region and have an impact on ordinary people around the globe. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, a key military figure, warned that any military strike on Iran would turn all US bases in the region into legitimate targets. General Mohammad Pakpour, who heads the Revolutionary Guard, said Iran is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger and warned Washington and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. On Friday, January 23, around 100,000 people in Minneapolis turned out to protest against the Trump administrations mobilization of ICE against the citys population. The following day, Saturday, federal agents carried out a second cold-blooded execution, killing Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse. This followed shortly after the murder of US citizen Renee Nicole Good only a few miles away. Since the beginning of the year, the Trump administration has invaded Venezuela, kidnapped its president and then threatened Iran and Greenland with military force, while placing several major cities in the US under a state of siege and having thousands of immigrants abducted, detained and deported. The one-day turnout for a general strike in Minneapolis expressed the growing resistance in the American working class to the drive to dictatorship. It was organised neither by the Democratic Party nor by the major trade union federations, but through the initiatives of working people. It coincided with strikes by 15,000 nurses in New York City and by 31,000 healthcare workers in California and Hawaii. Since then, Democratic politicians have been desperately trying to put a stop to this growing movement and to downplay the drive to dictatorship demonstrated so sharply in Minneapolis. Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, described his recent phone call with Donald Trump as productive while Trump said he and the governor were on the same wavelength. There are no calls coming from this party of big-business for the impeachment of the fascistic president. Anger at the dictatorial regime continues to spread, even beyond the borders of the United States. Millions of workers worldwide are following the fortunes of their brothers and sisters in the US with intense sympathy for their struggle. In Germany in particular, Trumps actions vividly bring to mind Hitler, the Second World War and the Holocaust. More and more people are becoming aware that a third world war can only be stopped if we succeed not only in overthrowing the Trump dictatorship, but in eliminating the entire oligarchy for which he speaks and the dictatorship of capitalism as a whole. This can also be seen in the messages from workers, students and members of the IYSSE that have reached the German editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site. Their messages express the solidarity of the authors with the striking workers in the US and the call for the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). Semyon, a Ukrainian student, writes: I am a Ukrainian refugee living and studying in Germany. The general strike in Minneapolis is an appropriate response to Trumps terrible oppression. I would like to emphasise that Trumps fascist tyranny affects workers all over Americafurthermore, the same authoritarian measures and the militarisation of society are also being introduced by states all over the world. Therefore, workers must fight for the general strike in Minneapolis to become a general strike of workers all over America and for a unification with their international class brothers. In the fight for the perspective of international workers solidarity, the IWA-RFC plays a key rolethe Action Committees unite workers in America and all over the world. Fight for a general strike of all workers in America and join the IWA-RFC! Sophia from Bavaria addresses the strikers in the Minnesota general strike directly: Dear people in Minnesota, My name is Sophia, I am a mother, student and artist. The developments in the United States and the increasing attacks by the Trump administration on the population fill me with great concern. People who stand up for their rights, their safety and their future deserve respectnot intimidation. Your collective action shows how strong a united community is. When you stand together, you are a force that cannot be ignored. Trust each other, support each other, remain steadfast. As a united working class, you can stop this madness. You have my full support for your general strike. We from the IYSSE stand behind you in full solidarity. I send you courage, strength and hope from afar. Further messages express solidarity, in particular with the striking nursing staff in New York, whose problems many know from their own experience. Thus Andreas, an employee in a company in the health and social sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, writes: I send solidarity greetings today to all striking nursing staff in New York! Reasonable working conditions and good pay are the cornerstone of good healthcare. In this country too, working conditions in nursing are poor, which is taking its toll through growing staff shortages. To subject healthcare to the logic of capitalism, to want to generate profit with the misery of people, is perverse. It is ones own moral standards that prevent industrial disputes in the health sector from being waged hard. One must show the managers that they too can quite possibly become victims of the circumstances they have created themselves! The unions are a hindrance to the defence of healthcare, not useful. They take the power out of industrial disputes, ultimately standing in opposition to the workers. Maximilian, a nurse in Bavaria and member of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP), writes: I am following the struggles of the workers in New York with enthusiasm and send my greetings to all strikers. You have the fullest solidarity from us workers here in Germany and around the world, because what you are doing is of international importance. The fascist Trump regime is only the tip of the iceberg of a global catastrophe. Germany, too, is to become war-ready again! Billions are flowing into rearmament and into so-called defence, which is only a cloak for neo-colonial warmongering. That must be mentioned when one looks at the dilapidated health system, because there would be no money left for it. Underpayment, overtime and existential fears are making us nursing staff sick. In cases of illness, pressure is exerted, and we are played off against each other. Strikes are driven into the wall, not least because they are undermined by Verdi [service sector union]. Verdi never negotiates in the interests of the employees but merely serves as an instrument to keep us in check and prevent effective strikes. Therefore, we as employees have to arrange cover for our own absence: calling colleagues who would step in for us on the day we are missing. Appeals are made to our sense of responsibility. They say we have human lives in our hands. That is true! But that is not reflected in our pay. If management and Verdi are aware of what we achieve daily and fob us off with marginal increases that factually amount to real wage cuts, that is not only mocking us, but a reason to break away from the unions and build independent Action Committees. Jim, a young apprentice cook in Bavaria who has joined the IYSSE, expresses his solidarity with the strikers in New York, Minneapolis and the whole of the US: I stand in solidarity with all 15,000 employees in the healthcare sector in New York who are suffering under unbearable working conditions and are fighting against the conditions caused by the privatisation of the healthcare system. I also stand in solidarity with the growing mood for a city-wide general strike in Minneapolis against the occupation of working class neighbourhoods by the federal government. And with all people from the working class who are confronted with raids by the immigration authority ICE, worsening working conditions, racist institutions, deportations, debt, insufficient income for a living, the invasion of their cities by the US army, war or the interests of the USA and its capitalist oppression. Never lose faith in the working class of the world! We keep this earth running. We can bring it to a standstilltogether! You are not alone. The second season of The Pitt is being aired in the midst of explosive events that have thrust healthcare workers into the spotlight in an unprecedented manner. Noah Wyle in The Pitt The New York nurses strike involving 15,000 nurses is now entering its third week. Strikers are demanding safe staffing, fully funded healthcare benefits and protection against workplace violence. Some 31,000 registered nurses and other specialty healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente are on strike across more than 200 hospitals and clinics in California and Hawaii. On January 22, the Trump administration completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), which will have disastrous consequences for public health, already under sustained attack. And, most dramatically and shockingly, on January 24, ICE agents assaulted and then executed intensive care nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti while he was recording an ICE operation and attempting to help a woman up from the ground. The continuing success of The Pitt is unquestionably bound up, along with the series own dramatic or artistic merits, with a growing mood of dissatisfaction and discontent, with a hunger for something hard-hitting and realistic about life in the US. The powerful response has something of a semi-oppositional character. The second season premiere January 8 drew 5.4 million viewers in its first three days, a 200 percent increase compared to Season 1. The Pitt is currently the #1 show on HBO Max worldwide. Its popularity was bolstered by its win as Best TV Drama Series at the 2026 Golden Globes held January 12, along with Noah Wyles honor as Best Lead Actor. The show runs weekly and its last episode will be aired April 16. The first season followed senior attending physician Dr. Michael Robby Robinavitch (Wyle) and his team at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospitals emergency room, known as The Pitt. Each episode chronicled one hour of a 15-hour shift in the understaffed and underfunded ER. The second season continues with the one hour per episode format and is set in the future, significantly, on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness as unalienable Rights. Implicitly, the series poses the question, even if it doesnt attempt to answer it directly: what is the current state of that pursuit? As of January 22, three episodes have aired. In Season 2, Episode 1, Dr. Robby is seen riding to work on a motorcycle without a helmet at 7:00 A.M., indicating that his reckless or even suicidal tendencies, hinted at previously, have not abated. As he enters the ER, he pauses to look at a plaque installed by the city of Pittsburgh commemorating the mass shooting that occurred in the first season and praising the hospital staffs response. He is disgruntled to find that Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), who will replace him during his upcoming three-month sabbatical, has arrived early and begun instructing the medical students. Throughout the next three episodes, Robby and Al-Hashimi butt heads over her by-the-book approach and her plans to implement changes in the ER, most notably the use of AI for note-taking. Dr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball), a principal character who was obliged to deal with addiction issues and left for rehab after being caught stealing drugs from a patient, returns for his first day after the scandal. Langdon is anxious about possible rumors during his absence. He also realizes that his friendship with Dr. Robby seems irreparably damaged and he will be assigned to lower-level duties. Dr. Mel King (Taylor Dearden), the empathetic and neurodivergent resident, is unusually anxious and distracted. We find out she is attending her deposition for a malpractice lawsuit the same day. Dr. Trinity Santos (Isa Briones), in her usual nonchalant and abrasive manner, dismisses Mels anxiety and explains that malpractice lawsuits are to be expected for emergency doctors. Santos, with her own history of being abused as a child, suspects a father of having done the same to his daughter, when she shows up in the ER with numerous bruises. However, Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa), the charge nurse, intervenes as the father erupts after Santos accusations. It turns out that the girl has Immune Thrombocytopenia (a disease that causes major bruising). Santoss impulsivity and confidence are becoming more of a problem. Another notable moment occurs when Dana drills a new nurse on recognizing potentially violent patients and alerting staff with a safe word. Dana was badly assaulted by an unhappy patient in the last season and had declared that she was done with her job. But she seems unable to stay away and her compassion remains unchanged, as is her gallows humor coping mechanism. She demonstrates how to act with kindness toward a homeless man who had been unable to wash himself or remove his arm cast for a considerable period of time, causing maggots to infect his wound. The writers clearly intended the treatment of Yana Kovalenko (Irina Dubova) to be a central emotional moment of the first three episodes. The Ukrainian-Jewish woman is treated by Dr. Robby for a severe leg burn. She explains that the fireworks on July 4th triggered her PTSD that caused the accident. After bonding with Robby over their shared Jewish heritage, she reveals she is a survivor of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting, a real-life event that happened in Pittsburgh. She asks the headscarf-wearing nurse Perlah Alawi (Amielynn Abellera) whether she is Muslim. When Perlah confirms she is, Yana thanks her, recounting that the Muslim community was among the first to show up and raise money for the funerals of the victims. The Pitt The Pitt is facing the inevitable difficulties and growing pains that all breakout hit television shows have to contend with in their second season and beyond. Many exhaust themselves and remain on the air through a certain kind of inertia, largely spinning their wheels. Series that have something to say, and continue to deepen and develop their themes are rare. It is too early to tell whether The Pitt will be among the ones that do. With the one-hour-per-episode format having lost its novelty, some of the flaws, including some theatrical, punchline-heavy dialogue, make themselves felt. There is also a legitimate pressure for believable character progression. The first sharp impression that characters may make, sometimes quite forcefully, needs to be followed up by real-life complexity and greater depth. If the protagonists simply carry on despite their obvious internal contradictions, they risk becoming semi-parodies or figures implausibly frozen in place. Robby cannot, for example, indefinitely be suicidal while remaining the head of ER. Dana can only recover from so many traumatizing incidents. Arguably the biggest source of The Pitts popular appeal is that it highlights both the difficult conditions in the ER and, within those conditions, empathy, cooperation and the defense of sciencein other words, some of the best of humanity. These general elements remain. At the same time, the series offers healthcare workers (as well as patients) the feeling of being seen, because it depicts the backwardness and irrationality of the social circumstances in which they live. Unfortunately, this is not usually what gets emphasized during this seasons promotional tour, which often focuses on romantic dynamics within the cast and other superficial aspects of the series. Will the series veer toward medical melodrama or will it stay the course and stick to its original and compelling compassion and concern for suffering humanity? We will see. On social media, The Pitt has been described as comforting. The following comments are examples: Tough clinical day today. Our system is broken. But all day, all I could think is I can go home, watch episodes from season 2, and leave behind all the crap that makes doing our jobs so damned hard, even if only for a little bit. So grateful for a show that reflects who we are in healthcare. These past two days have been draining (Im in Minneapolis so its been very traumatic to see what happened yesterday and the fact that ICE is still here). I need The Pitt tonight. One of the weaknesses of The Pitt continues to be its silence in regard to the increasingly combative character of healthcare workers, who are not surrendering peacefully to the mad, destructive policies of the ruling elite. Long bitter strikes in Rhode Island and Michigan, and now massive walkouts on both US coasts demonstrate that healthcare workers are anything but passive or submissive. The various union leaderships are the principal roadblocks in each of these struggles. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are not martyrs who either stay and suffer or ultimately break down. They take part in strikes and protests with other workers. They discuss politics with one another. Some even get shot in broad daylight by armed thugs and then slandered by fascist government officials. The comfort the show might provide will become a little hollow if it falls too far behind this reality. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sought falsely to showcase his government as a champion of national unity without racism and prosperity during his recent visit to the war-ravaged northern district of Jaffna. The carefully organised visit centred on the inauguration of a national housing program and an anti-drug campaign. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a meeting in Jaffna on January 16, 2026 [Photo: Facebook/Anura Kumara Dissanayake] Dissanayake chose January 15 and 16 for the visit, coinciding with the Thai Pongal festival, celebrated every year by Hindus as the dawn of the New Year. (The majority of Tamils in northern Sri Lanka are Hindus.) He participated in a festival event in Velanai, in Kayts Island, as well as meetings in Jaffna town and nearby areas. State and private media prominently featured images of the president posing for selfies, jogging with military officers and stopping to speak with residents at road junctions, promoting the image of an easily accessible leader. Through these stage-managed interactions, the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government mobilised several thousand people to boost the presidents and the governments standing in the North, where public distrust remains deep. In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the JVP/NPP won five seats while the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) seat tally dropped from six in 2020 to two, pushing back long-established Tamil bourgeois parties such as ITAK and the Tamil Congressled Tamil Peoples National Front (TNPF). This outcome reflected not a political endorsement of the JVP/NPP, but the collapse of traditional nationalist parties that have dominated Tamil politics for decades. This was part of a broader breakdown of the islands traditional bourgeois parties, including those rooted in the Sinhala-majority South over the past seven decades that intensified amid a deep political and economic crisis after Sri Lanka defaulted on foreign debt in 2022. A mass uprising of working people throughout the island forced President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to flee the country and resign. His replacement, Ranil Wickremesinghe, signed a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency bailout loan on the basis of a harsh austerity program. The JVP, which had never held power, exploited the widespread opposition through its NPP front in the 2024 elections, falsely promising the defence of democratic rights and improved living standards. Within just six months, however, the JVP/NPP governmenthaving begun to implement ruthless austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while expanding attacks on democratic rightssuffered a sharp electoral setback. In the May 2025 local government elections, its vote share fell by 18 percentage points nationally, with significant drops in the North and East. Having pledged to hold long-overdue provincial council elections, and facing growing social opposition nationwide, the government is now desperately attempting to build its credibility. Addressing a gathering in Velanai, Dissanayake claimed that the past year under his government had marked a historic decline in racially motivated conflicts, and forces promoting racism had been weakened. Acknowledging widespread suspicion toward his party, he asked: Even after one and a half years, do you still distrust us? Speaking in Kokuvil, the president alleged that communal tensions were being deliberately provoked by some individuals [who] travelled to Jaffna during Poya days [full moon days], not for religious observance but to incite racism. He did not identify these individuals. His remarks were clearly directed at Sinhala Buddhist chauvinist groups, who provocatively mobilised their supporters to worship at the Tissa Vihara, built at Thaiyadi village near Jaffna town. He covered up the fact that this Buddhist temple was expanded with the assistance of the military. At the same time, however, Dissanayake accused Tamil racist groups of exploiting the temple expansion. He was referring to Tamils who have been protesting over the seizure of their lands for the temple. The president said he had instructed intelligence agencies to investigate the protests. Dissanayakes repeated appeals for Tamil trust in his government underscore the burden of the JVP/NPPs own history of Sinhala chauvinism. The JVP emerged in 1965 as a party rooted in radicalism combined with Sinhala patriotism, branding Indian-origin Tamil estate workers as agents of Indian expansionism. The JVP fully backed the decades-long communal war by successive Colombo governments against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), unleashed in 1983 and which came to a bloody end in May 2009. Tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were slaughtered in the final military offensives. During the 2024 presidential and parliamentary election campaigns, the JVP/NPP promised Tamil voters the release of all political prisoners, the return of civilian land seized by the military, and the provision of information to families of the tens of thousands of missing persons. These pledges have since been abandoned. The government now claims that political prisoners were convicted on criminal charges and therefore cannot be released. Some land has been returned, but an estimated 2,600 acres (about 1,050 hectares) still remain under military control, according to reports. Instead of revealing the fate of the disappeared, the administration simply proposes limited reparations to victims families. At the UN Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka has rejected any international investigation into wartime atrocities, continuing the stance of previous regimes in favour of domestic inquiries that have exonerated the military. Around 100,000 heavily armed troops still occupy the North and East of Sri Lanka. Dissanayake further sought to recast the civil war as the product of abstract racist politics of previous rulers, claiming that both Sinhala and Tamil populations were manipulated by power-hungry politicians. This deliberately obscures the chief responsibility of the Colombo ruling elites, which have systematically whipped up anti-Tamil communalism in times of crisis to divide the working class along ethnic lines since being transferred political power in 1948. The Tamil nationalist elite also played a decisive role in provoking communalism among the Tamil population. At the same time, the president is trying to cover up the JVPs own reactionary communal record as an enthusiastic supporter of anti-Tamil racialist war. Dissanayakes claim that racism has been weakened under the JVP/NPP administration is a lie. Sinhala chauvinist groups remain very active, seeking to provoke communal tensions. There is widespread opposition among workers and young people alike to communalism, shaped by the bloody disaster of the 26-year war. The JVP, through its broad NPP front, seeks to exploit this sentiment, but the party remains rooted in anti-Tamil chauvinism. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) warns that, as working-class struggles develop and threaten capitalist rule, the JVP will once again whip up communal tensions to divide and weaken the working class. The Tamil nationalist parties, which do not represent the interests of the vast majority of Tamil working people, will respond with divisive Tamil nationalism to defend the interests of the venal Tamil elites. At Chavakachcheri, 10 kilometres south of Jaffna, Dissanayake announced plans to construct just 2,500 houses for war-displaced families, allocating a pitiful 2 million rupees ($US6,500) per unit. According to official figures, nearly 19,000 families in the Northern and Eastern Provinces remain without proper shelter, 16 years after the end of the war. Tamil masses in the North and East continue to endure impoverished and insecure conditions that will only worsen as the Dissanayake regime imposes the IMF austerity measures. The World Bank reported that an additional 3.9 percent of the population fell into poverty in 2024 due to austerity, bringing the total to 23.4 percent, with conditions continuing to worsen. Dissanayake announced proposals to renovate Palaly Airport, expand Kankesanthurai Port in Jaffna district with Indian assistance, and promote tourism along Jaffnas coastline. The government also intends to establish special economic zones, including in the North and East. These projects are aimed at appealing to the Tamil elites to collaborate in opening up the region as a new ultra-cheap labour platform. The ITAK earlier announced that it had decided not to participate in the presidents program, even though it was officially invited. It accused the government of exploiting projects to sideline elected local councils, in order to strengthen the NPP/JVPs political presence in the North. In reality, the Tamil parties share the same agenda of encouraging foreign investment to jointly exploit cheap labour, but only differ on the terms. The SEP insists that Tamil people cannot secure their democratic and social rights, obtain justice for war crimes, or end racist discrimination under the JVP/NPP or any other capitalist rule, as demonstrated by the bloody war and nearly eight decades of bourgeois governance. Likewise, the communal politics of the Tamil nationalist parties, including separatismas preached by the LTTEhas proven to be a tragic dead-end for working people. The SEP and its predecessor, the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), have from their inception explained that the reactionary capitalist class in belated capitalist countries cannot resolve democratic tasks, including ending discrimination against Tamil and Muslim minorities. Based on Leon Trotskys seminal theory of Permanent Revolution, we call for the unity of the working class across ethnic lines, rallying the rural poor in the fight for a Sri Lanka-Eelam Socialist Republic (a workers and peasants government), as part of a Federation of Socialist Republics in South Asia and internationally. Only the SEP/RCL has consistently opposed racist discrimination and communal war, and called for the withdrawal of armed forces from the North and Easta campaign it continues to wage on the basis of a socialist program. A revolutionary party is required to fight for that perspective. We urge workers and young people to join the SEP. Since its launch on December 12, Socialism AI has provided thousands of users throughout the world with access to the revolutionary perspective of Marxism, drawing from more than 175 years of historical material and nearly three decades of WSWS coverage. With each interaction, it is helping workers and young people understand the world and how to change it. This feature highlights selected questions and answers from Socialism AIconcise, clear and politically insightful responses to some of the most pressing issues of our time. If you come across an answer that you think should be featured in a future installment, use the form at the bottom of this article to submit it for consideration. Part of the anti-ICE rally in downtown Minneapolis. January 23, 2026 [Photo: @maxnesterak] Question: What must be done to prepare a nationwide general strike against the Trump administration and to stop ICE's reign of terror in Minneapolis and other cities? Answer: Current political context and class stakes The federal occupation of Minneapolis, the ICE murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and expanding raids from Maine to the Pacific Northwest are part of a ruling-class offensive against democratic rights and the working class. The escalation in ICE operations and paramilitary tacticsdocumented in accounts from Minneapolis to Maine and Portlandshows the state preparing to crush dissent by terror and to normalize extrajudicial violence (ICE raids in Maine; Minneapolis occupation and the murder of Pretti; Portland shootings). Confronting this requires the independent, political and industrial self-organization of the working classnot reliance on the Democratic Party or the union bureaucracy, which will seek to contain and demobilize struggle. Strategic orientation: Why the rank-and-file must lead The trade unions and the Democratic Party are integrated into the machinery that keeps capitalism running and will oppose or neuter a genuine general strike. The only force capable of shutting down the economic engine and defending communities is organized workers acting democratically through rank-and-file committeesindependent, elected, recallable and rooted in workplaces, schools and neighborhoods. These committees must coordinate, not wait for bureaucrats, and must be politically conscious: they do not bargain away the demands of workers or accept the right of the state to terrorize communities. Concrete steps to prepare a nationwide general strike and stop ICE terror 1) Hold emergency workplace meetings and form rank-and-file committees Convene immediate shop-floor meetingsin break rooms, parking lots, and through virtual huddlescalled by trusted workers and community defenders. Discuss specific demands, including the immediate withdrawal of ICE agents, prosecution of killers, the abolition of ICE, suspension of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, safe staffing in hospitals, and protection for undocumented workers. Elect democratic rank-and-file committees in each workplace, school and neighborhood with clear mandates, rotating delegates and transparent minutes. Begin today; do not wait for union leaders. See the model proposed in the WSWS call to build committees in every workplace. 2) Create a coordinated strike readiness structure Elect neighborhood and regional strike councils made up of workplace delegates to coordinate strike timing, target sectors and logistics. Identify and prioritize economic choke pointstransportation, ports, logistics, healthcare, utilities, educationand develop plans to shut them down simultaneously. Prepare lists of critical workers willing to strike and coordinate wave actions to maximize economic and political impact (rolling or synchronized stoppages). 3) Financial and legal preparation Establish strike funds and aid networks immediately to support workers and families facing lost wages, medical needs and legal fees. Publicize and democratize their governance. Build legal defense teams and rapid-response hotlines to support arrested protesters, to advise workers about rights and to coordinate with community lawyers. Publicize emergency numbers and legal observers. 4) Mass communications and counter-propaganda Produce rapid, shareable materials: worker statements, workplace leaflets, videos from the shop floor, legal advisories and multilingual outreach to immigrant communities. Expose the complicity of politicians and union bureaucrats who oppose strike action. Use social media, community radio, workplace flyers and delegations to other plants to spread the call for coordinated action. 5) Active outreach and solidarity across sectors and borders Immediately reach out to nurses, teachers, transit workers, warehouse and logistics workers, postal workers, farmworkers, university academic workers and others preparing actions (e.g., UC academic workers, Kaiser and NY nurses). Coordinate strike authorization dates and conduct solidarity walkouts to force broad disruption (UC and nurses organizing context; Kaiser and NY nurses). Link with immigrant communities, mutual-aid groups and students to provide protection for targeted households and to coordinate city-wide protests and workplace stoppages. 6) Defensive community measures and documentation Organize civilian legal observers and documentation teams to record ICE and CBP operations and to broadcast them immediately to create public accountability. Evidence collection was decisive in revealing the killings in Minneapolis (analysis of targeted assassination of Pretti). Establish rapid-response neighborhood teams to protect homes, transport children and provide shelter for families under threat. 7) Bypass union bureaucracies while engaging rank-and-file union members Encourage union members to act independently through their elected rank-and-file committees while continuing to expose the union apparatuss capitulation. Encourage shop-floor majorities to vote to authorize strikes and to take direct actionwalkouts, refusal to cross picket lines, work-to-ruleregardless of bureaucrats orders. 8) Prepare for escalation: national strike date and sustaining a general strike Set a clear, democratically agreed national strike date once coordination across major sectors is secured. Build to it with rolling stoppages, coordinated strikes and mass strikes in major cities. Plan to sustain the strike: food distribution, childcare, hospital staffing plans under worker control, and alternative governance by strike councils. International coordination and revolutionary perspective A successful general strike must be linked to the international working class. Develop global networks through expansion of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWARFC), in order to coordinate solidarity actions, pressure multinational corporations and break the isolation that the nationalist union bureaucracies impose. The fight against ICE and dictatorship is inseparable from the struggle to overthrow the capitalist system that produces austerity, militarism and repression; the movement must develop a socialist program that fights to place workers in control of production and public life. Get involved and organize now If you are ready to form or join a rank-and-file committee, coordinate actions, or support strike funds and legal defense, the Socialist Equality Party urges immediate contact and participation in building a democratic, independent workers movement. For those who want to organize and receive strategic support, begin by connecting with the SEP and the IWARFC and by sharing workplace reports and contact details through trusted networks. The power to stop the terror and to defend democratic and social rights lies in the organized working class. Begin organizing nowevery workplace, every neighborhood, every picket line. On Wednesday afternoon, Texas police, alongside federal immigration agents, violently attacked a large group of protesters outside the Dilley detention center in South Texas. Video from the scene shows heavily armed Texas state trooper riot police aggressively shoving, assaulting and using tear gas against demonstrators who had gathered at the prison camp to demand the release of those detained, roughly a third of whom are children. A section of the protest outside the Dilley detention facility in south Texas, January 28, 2026. The protest began early Wednesday morning, as hundreds of workers and community members gathered outside the detention center. Demonstrators called for the release of those held inside, chanting Free them all! and denouncing the police as Nazis and kidnappers. Amid whistles, drums and maracas, protesters called out for libertad (freedom) and condemned ICE as banditos. In a message to those held inside the facilitymany of whom protested over the weekend against not only the deplorable conditions they face but also the denial of their basic civil liberties and democratic rightsdemonstrators chanted, No estan solos, Spanish for You are not alone. Signs carried by protesters demanded Liberty and justice for all and denounced the immigration police with messages such as History will remember you and Would you put your child in a cage? Reporters with the World Socialist Web Site spoke to protesters prior to the police attack. To protect the security and identity of those interviewed, their names have been changed. Jessie said she came to protest outside the facility in support of all the people who were being unjustly detained in these detention centers, modern day concentration camps here in Texas. I also came out to march for the people who cant be here today. I know that as part of the working class, it can be really difficult to show up to these events, even despite our best intentions. We still have bills to pay. We still have mouths to feed. So Im also doing it for the people who cant be here. She said she supports a general strike. I hope that this is our breaking point, that children are being detained, that people are being murdered on the streets. I hope that this is enough, and that we call for a strike and just shut everything down. Because without us workers, society will crumble. We are the working class. I know that its hard and it can be difficult, and the times that we are living are scary. But we have to overcome that and do something that benefits us all. She concluded, Its all connected. Whatevers happening in Minneapolis can and will happen down here in Texas. Its recognizing that the struggle for a few of us is the struggle for all. We have to be able to unite as a people and overcome these injustices. Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos being detained by ICE agents on Wednesday, January 21 [Photo: Columbia Heights Public Schools] Among those detained at the prison camp is 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, a pre-school student kidnapped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis last week and quickly sent to the facility with his father. Young Liams health appears to have deteriorated rapidly since being sent to the prison camp. In an interview with MPR News on Monday, Erika Ramos, mother of Liam, said the situation of my husband Adrian and my son Liam inside the detention center is deeply concerning. Liam is getting sick because the food they receive is not of good quality. He has stomach pain, hes vomiting, he has a fever and he no longer wants to eat. Yvette told the WSWS that she came to protest because I wanted to be a witness to what is happening. So often, we watch things on our phones, and it feels really distant. But my thought always goes back to, one day it could be me, recording somebody or somebody recording something happening to me. And when I saw the photo of Liam, its really heartbreaking because to me, growing up as a brown person in Texas, you look at an image like that and see yourself back. You see your cousins, your sisters and brothers. Thats just a little boy. Commenting on the protests waged by those detained inside the facility this past Saturday, Yvette said, Its really scary that, from inside a facility, you have people actively screaming for help, and you cant see them and theres aerial footage of it. Its almost dehumanizing to hear a voice or hear a scream, and theres no face behind it. When I saw that video, it just sounds like the voices of children, which out of all the like populations in this country, the way weve treated our children is heartbreaking in every aspect and every, in every class and every part of society. Immigration attorney Eric Lee first reported on Saturdays protests from outside the facility after he was rushed out by guards while waiting to visit with his clients. Lee represents a family being held at the camp, Hayam El-Gamal and her five children, ages 5 to 18. The family has been detained for eight months. Lee revealed a pair of drawings he received from the children following his last visit to the facility. One of the 5-year-old twins drew themselves and other children behind bars with sad faces. The 9-year-old drew a picture of their old home, expressing a desire to return. Habiba Soliman, 18, shared a letter with Lee detailing the ongoing torture she and the rest of the family are suffering from. Letter from Habiba Soliman, detained with the rest of her family at the Dilley detention center in south Texas for eight months. The letter reads in part: Why is this happening to us? Why would all of our efforts to achieve our dreams be in vain? Why would the [government] insist on detaining us with no evidence? Why is it taking so long for the truth to come out? ... No sane person would ever stay in this detention facility willingly, not if he didnt have a big reason forcing him to stay. The conditions here are bad and the rules are made with consideration to the staffs needs not the residents. All the long lists of harsh rules are taking away the kids childhoods. The kids are behind in their development, education, and growth. The supervisors here just cover up for each other. Somehow every grievance or complaint that we have is unfounded, even if we have evidence and witnesses to support the grievance. They make promises that they dont keep and change what they say all the time. We would have never imagined that we would stay here for eight months and what makes it worse is that we dont even know if or when we will get out. Its very hard to watch our lives and dreams be destroyed while we are just waiting helplessly. We are stripped of the right to have a say about our lives. The government wants to control and determine how our lives will go, just like they have for the last 8 months.... Me and my family dream of the day that we will get out. Ramadan is coming and we will be fasting. I cant even imagine spending it in a detention let alone away from my family. When will our punishment end? When will we be free? No family should ever be separated or have to stay detained for months. Lee reported that in response to the peaceful protests by detainees on Saturday, and by workers and community members outside the facility on Wednesday, ICE officials decided to punish those inside by placing the facility on lockdown. Families are not allowed to leave their dorms today. They are not allowed to go outside, they are not allowed to go to the gym. And that is extremely unusual; I have never heard of that happening here before, Lee said. He continued, They are trying to prohibit the children inside from exercising their free speech right to protest their conditions of detention peacefully. In an interview with PBS on Wednesday night, Lee confirmed that prison guards went through detainee rooms and confiscated anything that could be used in a future protest. What we have been hearing from many detained families, Lee said, is that people are not allowed to leave their rooms. They were escorted to the lunch area for meals and so this is the reaction of the Trump administration to individuals expressing their free speech rights, both inside these facilities and outside these facilities. Asked about the protests at the facility this past Saturday, Lee said that he understood detainees inside saw the size of the general strike and the massive demonstration that took place in Minneapolis on Friday and they wanted to join this growing movement from below, a movement of the American population against the Trump administrations effort [to establish a presidential dictatorship]. Amelia, a protester outside of Dilley on Wednesday, told the WSWS she supports a general strike, 100 percent. When you live under a capitalistic society, the true power lies in our ability to either continue to procure goods or not. And in this case, when you have a very small percentage actually holding the massive amounts of wealth, it really attests to the fact the power lies in the hands of the everyday person. A protester holds a sign outside the Dilley detention facility in Texas that reads: "Humanity has no borders" Minneapolis was the catalyst for socialism as we know it here in this country. I mean, when you talk about people seeing the importance of public goods being in the hands of the public, and who can benefit from that, that was the start. The withholding of labor is effective. For the people who previously werent aware of the power that strikes hold or just aware of the concept in general, I think many are really opening their eyes, because the question that remains with everybody I meet at these things is, What can we do? I cant think of a better response than a general strike. And I cant think of a moment that is more perfect for it. In a televised interview on January 23, US President Donald Trump denigrated NATO allies by claiming that, while they sent some troops to Afghanistan, these forces stayed a little back from the front lines, casting doubt on whether the alliance would stand by the US in a future war. The interview was broadcast amid escalating tensions with Europe over Trumps bald attempts to annex Greenland. The comments provoked a wave of outrage among Washingtons traditional partners, particularly in Britain and Europe, where governments and sections of the military rushed to defend their record over the two decades of occupation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer rebuked Trumps insulting and frankly appalling remarks and called for an apology. According to media reports, following an intervention by the UKs King Charles via appropriate back channels, Trump backtracked, declaring that UK troops were among the greatest of all warriors and acknowledged that 457 British service personnel were killed in the conflict. The uproar resonated in New Zealand, which participated as a US ally in the invasion and 20-year occupation of Afghanistan. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Trumps comments incredibly disrespectful and wrong, noting that with 3,500 Defence Force (NZDF) personnel deployed, and 10 combat deaths, NZ was among the nations which contributed most. Defence Minister Judith Collins declared that NZ took great pride in the professionalism, courage and commitment of the NZDF operating alongside our partners in challenging and often dangerous conditions. A New Zealand Army soldier in Afghanistan during 2011 [Photo by New Zealand Defence Force / CC BY 2.0 The invasion was an illegal war of conquest aimed at securing US domination over a strategically important area in Central Asia. New Zealands Labour-led coalition governmentwhich included the pseudo-left Alliance Partywas among the first to join the invasion in 2001, in a bid to fully restore relations with the US following the Labour-led anti-nuclear posturing in the 1980s, and as a quid-pro-quo for Washingtons endorsement of its own neo-colonial operations in the Pacific. The brutal occupation of the impoverished country was a criminal enterprise from the start that ensured the virtual destruction of an entire society. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed. Drone strikes, bombings, assassinations and torture were routinely used to instill terror in the population. The NZ special forces (SAS), which received a rare unit citation from US President George W. Bush, was complicit in serious war crimes. A commission of inquiry into Operation Burnham, a night-time raid on a village by the SAS in 2010, confirmed that a child and at least seven other people were killed. In 2020, the then-Labour governments Attorney-General David Parker defended the killings, saying they were undesirable but legal. The current furore around the deployment has centred on the blunt refusal of Foreign Minister Winston Peters to join the condemnation of Trumps comments. Peters, leader of the right-wing populist NZ First Party in the ruling coalition, has avoided any criticism of Trumps actions, including the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza, illegal takeover of Venezuela and threats against Greenland and Iran. In parliament last week, Peters tacitly endorsed the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, labelling him a terrorist and appalling for his own people. The strident defence of the NZDFs role in Afghanistan is being led by the opposition Labour Party, which is seeking to defend its own contemptible record and steer widespread opposition to the government in a right-wing, patriotic and militarist direction. Leader Chris Hipkins said Trumps comments were absolutely offensive. NZ troops had contributed enormously in Afghanistan and other theatres, he said, and they deserve to be respected for that. On Peters, Hipkins declared: Im absolutely astounded that our foreign minister, who describes himself as a patriot, hasnt lifted a finger to defend our troops. A particularly foul role in glorifying the illegal neo-colonial war has been played by Phil Goff, a longtime party apparatchik and Labours Foreign Minister and Defence Minister in the period 19992005. Goff played a key role overseeing the Afghanistan deployment, along with New Zealands imperialist military and police interventions in the Solomon Islands and East Timor (Timor-Leste). In a Facebook post, Goff lambasted Peters, saying his silence has been deafening. Goff condemned Trumps comments as disgraceful and an affront to NZs sacrifice. He denounced the US president as having dodged the draft five times, with no right to belittle those who came to the assistance of the US after 9/11. He invoked Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata, a member of the SAS who was behind the front line when he won his VC, deep in enemy territory. Goff emphasised that he had attended funerals of several NZDF personnel killed in Afghanistan, including that of his own nephew, and saw the grief and pain of their loved ones. Yet his criticism of Trump was framed entirely within the false narrative that NZs intervention was a selfless act of peacekeeping aimed at combatting terrorism. He expressed no remorse over the fate of the real victims, the Afghani population. Goff repeated the charges in numerous media interviews. The progressive BHN podcast posted a gushing interview with him on January 27. Goff attacked the government for not being sufficiently patriotic and pro-war, while the two BHN podcasters nodded and agreed with his nationalist, militarist tirade. Martyn Bradbury, editor of the pro-Labour and Greens Daily Blog, also expressed outrage about Trump smearing the honour of those we lost in Afghanistan and declared Phil Goff has more mana [honour] in his little finger than the entire NZ First Party combined. The fact that the cheerleaders for Labour and the Greens are beginning the year by embracing Goff, ahead of an election in November, is notable. While they have criticised the Gaza genocide, their defence of the war in Afghanistan demonstrates that they have no principled opposition to imperialism. Labour agrees with the current governments decision to double military spending and recruitment, which is aimed at strengthening the alliance with the US and military ties with NATO. Both major parties aim to integrate New Zealand further into the war against Russia and far-advanced US preparations for war with China. Goff speaks for a now wealthy upper middle-class layer that entered politics protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s but then shifted to the right. As mayor of Auckland (201622) and then high commissioner to London (202325), Goff vociferously supported the US-NATO war against Russia. He posted numerous photos on social media of his visit to NZ troops in the UK training Ukrainian conscripts. Many of his posts were signed off with the fascist slogan Slava Ukraini! In March 2025, Peters sacked Goff as high commissioner for publicly criticising Trumps negotiations with Russia to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. With the emergence of open divisions between the US and the NATO imperialist powers, and widespread anti-war sentiment in the NZ population, the Labour Party is verbally distancing itself from the Trump administration, while continuing to support the alliance with the US. Hipkins has criticised the government for considering joining Trumps so-called Board of Peace, which is intended to rule over Gaza, calling the idea a disgrace. Speaking to Radio NZ on January 27, he also praised the speech by Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney at Davos, which called on small and middle imperialist powers to work together and assert their interests, including against the US. But the political establishments glorification of the military and silence on the criminality of the Afghanistan war underscore the fact that there is no anti-war tendency in parliament or the ruling class. Whatever party leads the government following this years election will continue the record military build-up, in preparation for dragging the country and the working class into new and even more devastating wars. The violent assault Tuesday on Representative Ilhan Omar, the Democratic congresswoman from Minneapolis, is an ominous development. A fascist Trump supporter ran towards her as she was reading a statement against the mass repression unleashed by the White House in her congressional district, spraying her with a pungent liquid that was later determined to be vinegar but could easily have been acid or a neurotoxin. If the attacker, 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, had used a gun, he could have killed Omar. Her personal security guards were too late to prevent him from reaching the congresswoman, although they eventually overpowered him and turned him over to police. While little has been made public of Kazmierczaks political background, online reports indicate that he was a follower of numerous fascist social media accounts, including Benny Johnson, Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, Elon Musk and Tim Pool. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (Democrat-Minnesota) speaks as U.S. Representatives (from left) Rashida Tlaib (Democrat-Michigan), Ayanna Pressley (Democrat-Massachusetts) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat-New York) listen during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on July 15, 2019. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File] The attack came just after Omar spoke the words, We must abolish ICE for good. And DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment. While she was clearly shocked by the attack, Omar was uninjured and insisted on continuing her remarks after a brief pause to recover, asking her staff and audience not to let people like this ugly man prevail. Even more ominous than the attack itself is the response of Donald Trump, who has been inciting his fascist followers against Omar for years. When ABC News asked him about the attack, he said, I think shes a fraud. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. As for watching the video of the attack, he said, I hope I dont have to bother. In the hours before the Tuesday attack, Trump announced a Justice Department probe into Omar, claiming that she had gotten rich from corrupt practices allegedly involving the Somali community in Minneapolis and vilified her before a rally of several thousand supporters in the suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa. Trump has made use of phony allegations of massive fraud by childcare centers in Minneapolis involving federal subsidies during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The supposed scandal was concocted by Nick Shirley, a fascist social media journalist, whose propaganda videos were heavily promoted by Fox News and other pro-Trump media outlets. The Department of Justice promptly opened a criminal investigation into the fraud charges, and this became the initial pretext for mobilizing federal agents for the ongoing invasion of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Trumps obsessive hate campaign against a black, female, Muslim, immigrant member of Congress is not just a product of his personal bigotry. The fascist president is whipping up his most frenzied followers for violent attacks on his political opponents and critics. Omar is the second black Democratic member of Congress to be attacked by a fascist Trump supporter in five days. Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida, who is Afro-Latino, was attending the Sundance Film Festival in Utah when he was punched by an attacker who said Trump would have Frost deported and yelled racial slurs as he ran away. The attacker, 28-year-old Christian Joel Young of Centerville, Utah, was arrested and faces assault charges. At the Iowa rally, despite suggestions that he might deescalate the federal onslaught on Minnesota, Trump declared that immigrants arrested by ICE in that state were hardened, vicious, horrible criminals and that anti-ICE demonstrators were paid insurrectionists. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday that the FBI was opening an investigation into the Signal group chat through which Minneapolis residents have been coordinating the rapid response campaign against the ICE violence and kidnappings. He made the announcement, not at a press briefing, but in an interview with fascist podcaster Benny Johnson. You cannot create a scenario that illegally entraps and puts law enforcement in harms way, he said in the interview, although he did not explain how reporting illegal activities by the immigration Gestapo constituted entrapment. This was Patels response to a provocation by Cam Higby, a right-wing activist who claimed to have infiltrated the Signal group chat being used to coordinate protest activity in the Twin Cities area. Patel told Johnson, As soon as Higby put that post out, I opened an investigation on it, he said. We immediately opened up that investigation, because that sort of Signal chatbeing coordinated with individuals not just locally in Minnesota, but maybe even around the countryif that leads to a break in the federal statute or a violation of some law, then we are going to arrest people. He also claimed substantial progress in an FBI investigation into groups and people allegedly responsible for funding resistance to immigration enforcement. Without citing any evidence, he claimed that the protests and ICE monitoring campaign were not happening organically. The FBI director made the announcement only hours after the publication by Fox News of a lengthy articleclearly based on government intelligence sourceswhich witch-hunted a half dozen left-wing groups, claiming they were in control behind the scenes of the protests in Minneapolis. The language of the Fox report is typical of McCarthyite witch-hunting, claiming that after Alex Pretti was killed, a national network of socialist, communist and Marxist-Leninist cells in the United States leveraged the tragic fatality into a nationwide protest operation. The report goes on to claim: The Minneapolis activation marked the beginning of an almost instantaneous weekend surge by far-left organizations, including hardened socialist and communist groups operating in an ecosystem that national security experts describe as an insurgent-style operation designed to exploit tragedy to wage a domestic political war. Among the organizations portrayed as the evil geniuses behind the outpouring of mass resistance to ICE in Minneapolis-St. Paul are the Party of Socialism and Liberation, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Socialist Alternative, BreakThrough News, Peoples Forum, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, the local chapter of Black Lives Matter and the Democratic Socialists of America. Regardless of the fundamental political differences that the Socialist Equality Party has with these organizations, we oppose and denounce this witch-hunting campaign as a threat to the democratic rights of the entire working class and all those politically opposed to the Trump administration. Every one of these groups has the democratic right to conduct political activity. Similarly, we oppose any effort by the Trump administration to criminalize its bourgeois political opponents within the Democratic Party. Even as its own members come under attack, the Democratic Party seeks to downplay the danger posed by Trump and the developing conspiracy for dictatorship, seeking continuously an arrangement with the fascist president. Travel company Expedia Group is laying off some of its technology staff. Many Seattle-based employees shared news of the layoffs on the job networking site, LinkedIn. Expedia has a major campus in the Interbay neighborhood and is one of the regions largest tech employers. KIRO 7 News reached out to Expedia about the layoffs. The company sent us the following statement: We are eliminating roles as well as opening some new roles as we remain disciplined about assessing the skills we need for the future. We are also simplifying our structure and reducing organizational layers to move faster and with more accountability. These are not easy decisions, and we are grateful for the contributions of our colleagues who are impacted. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) from Washington states Employment Security Department, 162 employees received permanent layoff notices on Wednesday, January 28. It is not clear whether all 162 of these employees are part of Expedias technology staff, but some of the roles eliminated included Data Engineers, Software Development Engineers, and Product Managers. At least 20% of those included in this round of layoffs were Senior Directors and Managers. Technology news site GeekWire is estimating that about 10% of the technology team was laid off. In addition to Expedia.com, the Expedia Group includes brands such as Vrbo, Orbitz, Hotwire, Trivago, and Hotels.com. Burmese immigrants and refugees in Indiana face an escalating campaign of repression as state lawmakers move to expand cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, even as courts temporarily block deportations and mass protests erupt across the state. Indiana protesters rally against the Trump administration, January 20, 2026. Fort Waynehome to one of the largest Burmese refugee populations in the Midwesthas become a focal point of both the human consequences of immigration enforcement and growing popular opposition to it. For more than three decades, refugees from Myanmar (formerly Burma) have been resettled in the city, many fleeing military dictatorship, ethnic persecution and civil war. Now thousands face renewed uncertainty following the Trump administrations attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese nationals, a move only narrowly halted this week by a federal judge. On January 26, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew F. Kennelly blocked the Department of Homeland Securitys plan to begin deportations, calling the decision to end TPS arbitrary and capricious. The administration had justified its action by citing planned elections in Myanmar later this yearan assertion belied by the ongoing civil war, military repression and mass displacement following the 2021 coup. The courts ruling provides only temporary relief, with a status hearing scheduled for February 6, leaving tens of thousands in legal limbo. The precarious situation of Burmese refugees is being deliberately exploited by Indianas Republican-controlled legislature. On January 27, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Bill 76, a sweeping immigration enforcement measure requiring local law enforcement and county jails to comply with ICE detainer requests and authorizing the state to punish noncompliant local governments by withholding funding. Authored by State Senator Liz Brown, a Republican from Fort Wayne, the bill mandates that judges be notified when detainees are subject to ICE holds, establishes statewide jail standards for cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and shields police officers from civil liability when enforcing detainers. Despite claims that the bill merely enforces existing law, its purpose is clear: to integrate state and local law enforcement more fully into the machinery of deportation and repression. The bill passed along strict party lines, with Democrats casting symbolic no votes while offering no serious strategy to oppose its implementation or defend immigrant communities. Expressing the passivity and complicity of the Democrats, State Senator Greg Taylor of Indianapolis declared, We have a responsibility as legislators to put forward public policy that protects against those things, referencing recent ICE-related killings in Minnesota. Democratic Senator Shelli Yoder warned that county jails are already overcrowded and described the bill as virtue signaling with real and devastating consequences. Senator Fady Qaddoura cited opposition from local police unions, noting that enforcement would break the trust between law enforcement and our communities. These remarks, however, amount to little more than handwringing. Democrats have advanced no concrete plan to block deportations or defund ICE. At the national level, Democratic leaders continue to support increased funding for border enforcement and policing, even as they posture as critics of Republican excesses. As one protester put it bluntly, Theyre all letting us down, every single one of them even on the Democrat side. Theyre talking about funding ICE even more. Opposition to immigration enforcement is increasingly emerging from below, particularly among young people and workers. On January 25, more than 150 protesters marched through downtown Fort Wayne in subzero temperatures at a rally organized by Indivisible Indiana, chanting slogans against ICE terror and state repression. Days earlier, hundreds of students at Carmel High School walked out of classes and marched to city hall, denouncing deportations, family separations and the militarization of immigration enforcement. The student protests were part of a nationwide Free America walkout marking one year since Trumps second inauguration and responding to the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis. While the administration has claimed self-defense, state and local officials dispute the account, further inflaming public anger. Students articulated a growing recognition that appeals to the political establishment are insufficient. We will not accept or allow fear, corruption and secrecy to go on any longer, said Carmel student Maaike Alejandra Mora. Another student organizer emphasized the need to move beyond party labels, declaring, Doing nothing is the greatest danger. Similar sentiments were expressed by a FedEx worker interviewed during a protest on January 20, who called openly for mass disruption and a general strike. Weve gotta have disruptions Theyre all letting us down, every single one of them. Theyre not hearing our voice and were losing democracy on a daily basis. Weve got to get a change in leadership and get rid of this administration. Theyre all criminal; thats why they wont give up power, because theyre all complicit, even on the Democrat side. Theyre talking about funding ICE even more. When asked what happens if they refuse, the answer was unequivocal: Then we shut it down. We have the power now to start making change. The growing wave of protests underscores a fundamental reality ignored by both Republicans and Democrats: immigration enforcement is not a matter of policy balance but a core component of the capitalist states assault on the working class. Immigrantsparticularly refugeesare scapegoated to divide workers, suppress wages and expand police powers that are ultimately directed against all workers. The defense of Burmese immigrants in Fort Wayne, and of immigrant workers nationwide, cannot be entrusted to the Democratic Party, which remains committed to the preservation of ICE, the border regime and the profit system they serve. What is required is the independent political mobilization of the working classimmigrant and native-born alikeagainst deportations, repression and the capitalist system that produces them. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Europe Belgian rail workers in five-day national strike against government austerity course Rail workers in Belgium began a five-day national strike Monday to protest against poor working conditions, government rail reforms and the raising of their pension age. The strike has been called by five different unions in response to workers demands for a fightback against the austerity measures of the right-wing Arizona coalition government, particularly cuts to public services such as railways. The workers particularly oppose the implementation of a new bill designed to modernise the management of railway personnel, i.e. cut jobs and wages while preparing for increased competition through privatisation. French bank workers strike against low pay and job cuts Employees at 39 regional banks and several agencies of the Credit Agricole bank in France held walkouts January 22 to protest over pay and planned restructure. The strike was called by members of the CGT, Sneca, Unsa, Sud and Sniacam unions, comprising two thirds of the 78,000 workforce. They demand resumption of negotiations on a recent 0.5 percent pay offer and seek reassurances around planned efficiencies, which could mean job cuts and branch closures. Credit Agricole reportedly made record profits of 3.2 billion euros in the first three quarters of 2025. Warehouse workers at major supermarket chain in Turkey strike over pay and conditions Warehouse workers subcontracted from the Turkish supermarket chain Migros in Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Bursa and six other locations began an indefinite pay strike January 21. The DGD-SEN union members reject an offered 28 percent wage rise, which is only one percent above minimum wage. They demand a 50 percent increase, with tax deductions to be paid by the employer. They also want increased value shopping vouchers, larger and extra meal portions and better heating/cooling in rest areas. Workers for Vestas wind turbine makers in Italy strike against forced transfers Around 40 warehouse, training and repair workers at Vestas Italia, multinational wind turbine manufacturers, in Taranto, Italy have been on indefinite strike since January 12. They are protesting the March 1 closure of their workplace and transfer to a new location, 180 kilometres away, at San Nicola di Melfi. The Fiom and Uilm union members say there was no prior consultation. They say the transfers are de facto redundancies, since few will be able to relocate away from their established home areas. The Vestas multinational company, which is projected to make pre-tax profits of 1.2 billion euros in 2025, says it will save 15 percent in operating costs by transferring operations to Melfi. Construction crane operators across UK hold 24-hour walkout over pay More than 90 crane operators at construction sites across the UK began a 24-hour strike Tuesday. They are employed by the German Swiss crane rental company, Wolffkran, which is one of the worlds largest crane rental companies. The Unite union members are protesting not having had a pay rise over the last three years, as well as the companys plans to cut certain benefits, including standby payments. The action will impact major UK construction sites including the demolishing of Grenfell Tower, the Cambridge Science Park and the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts in Berkshire. Following Tuesdays stoppage, walkouts will take place every fortnight. Unite say that, Exact days will be determined by the members at each site based on what will cause the most disruption. Phlebotomists at hospital trust in Gloucestershire, England pass 300-day mark of strike over pay Around 35 phlebotomists (blood takers) working for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have now been on strike for over 300 days. The Unison union members based at the Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals have been on strike since March last year. The union has designated it the longest-running stoppage in National Health Service (NHS) history. The phlebotomists are currently on pay band 2. They say that because of the skill sets needed to take blood they should be paid on the higher band 3, or an extra 1.09 an hour. According to Unison, this would cost the trust around 60,000 a year, about a quarter of the trusts chief executives annual pay. Earlier this month they voted by 95 percent to continue their walkout. Further walkout by hospital theatre staff in Leeds, England Hospital operating theatre assistants at three hospitals run by the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust began a five-day strike at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The hospitals involved are Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), St Jamess University Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospital. The Unison union members have been in dispute for over a year about their pay grade. They argue that for performing such duties as inserting cannulas, collecting samples and sterilising equipment they should be paid at a higher rate. The NHS Trust agreed, but will only backdate the award a year. The theatre assistants are demanding back pay to April 2021. They previously held a 48-hour stoppage in December over the issue. Similar staff at other NHS Trusts have been awarded back payments to April 2021. Last year, staff working for Calderdale and Huddersfield Trust were awarded a five-year back pay deal. Picket lines were planned for January 30 at St Jamess, and February 2 and 4 at LGI. Academic staff at Dundee University, Scotland hold further walkout over job cuts Academic staff at Dundee University walked out for the day on Wednesday. It was their 26th day of action since university management announced 18 months ago its intention to cut staff numbers to address financial problems. The University and College Union (UCU) members picketed the university. A delegation went to the Scottish parliament in Holyrood, where Members of the Scottish Parliament were due to discuss the financing of higher education in Scotland, including at Dundee. The UCU is calling for a clear management plan to address the financial crisis, with its usual proviso of no compulsory redundancies while accepting the loss of jobs via voluntary schemes. Special Education Needs (SEND) support staff at three Essex, UK schools strike over allowance payments Teaching assistants, pastoral support workers and other support staff at three schools run by the Lift Schools academy trust in Essex walked out Wednesday. The three schools are Columbus School and College in Chelmsford, Pioneer in Basildon and Lift Clactons The Key. The Unison union members are calling for the payment of an additional allowance in recognition of the extra responsibilities and skills required for working with children who have special educational needs. Teachers at the three schools are paid an additional 5,500 extra a year in recognition of their additional responsibilities. A week-long stoppage is planned to begin February 5. Middle East Walkouts and protests by Iraqi university staff over cuts to allowances Monday marked the second day of walkouts and protests by university employees at Al-Anbar, Baghdad, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Nineveh universities. They were protesting the recent decision by the central government to restrict allowances paid to universities in an effort to tighten spending. A parliamentary session scheduled for Monday to review recent economic decisions by the caretaker government was adjourned after failing to reach a quorum. Hunger strike by prisoners in Lebanese jail over selective justice Lebanese remand prisoners in the countrys largest jail, Roumieh Central Prison, began an open-ended hunger strike Monday. They are protesting that while the transfer of Syrian prisoners being held in Lebanon back to Syria is under way, Lebanese prisoners are being left to languish without their cases being processed. They are also protesting the conditions in Lebanese jails. They note that 44 prisoners died in jail last year and at least six have died so far this year. They called on supporters to attend a sit-in at Riad al-Solh Square in Beirut on Friday. Delayed trials, poor healthcare and overcrowding regularly lead to riots and hunger strikes in Lebanons prisons. Africa Municipal workers protest in Nelson Mandela Bay, Kariega highlights poverty in South Africa A protest by municipal workers in Nelson Mandela Bay in Kariega has highlighted the poverty in South Africa and the crimes of desperation arising from it. Dozens of workers blocked a busy street with burning tyres and rubble, demanding extra security at their depots. This is necessary, they say, to prevent the theft of tools, car batteries and equipment. At least five municipal trucks were stripped of batteries and cables last October. One senior municipal worker has estimated the cost of damage at around R5million ($317,000). The South African Municipal Workers Union members say they cannot repair water leaks and other sewerage problems. They have had no toilet facilities since the plumbing was stolen. The municipality claims that lack of funding prevents them from replacing stolen equipment or securing existing facilities. Nearly two-thirds of South Africas population, 40.8 million people, live in absolute poverty. Official unemployment figures have hit 31.9 percent; for those aged 15-24 it is 58.5 percent, an indictment of decades of rule by the African National Congress. Striking Nigerian electricity workers picket company headquarters, demand pension arrears Striking Nigerian electricity workers in Kano State walked off the job on January 21, barricading the entrance gate to the headquarters of the Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDCO). The strike is already causing problems with electricity supply, and could cause a complete shutdown. Those joining the picket carried placards with slogans including Remit our 92 months pension deductions to our PFAs [pension funds], Inadequate staff welfare and poor motivation, and Lack of basic working tools and PPE [personal protective equipment]. Those taking part in the action were members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees. Addressing the assembled workers, the Deputy President General (North) of SSAEAC, Rilwanu Shehu, said more than 90 months of pension remittances remain unpaid. Many workers labour in poor and dilapidated environments without adequate tools and personal protective equipment, which was impacting on productivity and staff morale. We are not asking for new agreements. We are only demanding compliance with existing ones, he said. Shehu told journalists, We are here to lock down activities because they failed to comply with so many agreements. Since 2014, we have struggled with issues ranging from non-remittance of pensions to settlement of death benefits and [a] poor working environment. Teachers in Nigerian capital join ongoing strike by state-employed workers as court declares strike illegal All primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) around Abuja, Nigeria joined the strike by other state-employed workers on January 26. A communique from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing directed, Teachers within the city centre and surrounding areas to converge at the National Industrial Court (NIC) on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja by 7 a.m. on Monday. The gathering is intended to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against JUAC [the Joint Union Action Committee]. The unresolved issues behind the JUAC strike include non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in making promotions and failure to pass on statutory deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments. Sitting in Abuja on January 27, the NIC ordered JUAC to suspend the workers strike across the FCT. The attempt to make the strike illegal follows a state government propaganda exercise claiming that most of the strikers grievances have already been met. The court decision was met with anger and derision by those on strike. Due to the angry mood of its members, the Nigerian Labour Congresswhich has repeatedly sabotaged previous strikesinstructed its strikers to ignore the court order. Fidelity Investments is preparing to enter the stablecoin market with the upcoming launch of its first digital dollar token, Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD). In an announcement on Wednesday, Fidelity, one of the worlds largest asset managers, said it is entering into regulated on-chain payments and blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The stablecoin will be issued by Fidelity Digital Assets, National Association, and is expected to be available to both retail and institutional investors in the coming weeks. Fidelity said the product is designed to combine the reliability of the U.S. dollar with the operational benefits of blockchain technology. A Digital Dollar Backed by Fidelitys Institutional Infrastructure FIDDs goal is to provide investors with a stable digital representation of the U.S. dollar, supported by Fidelitys institutional-grade custody and security framework. The company explained that the token will be built on more than a decade of digital asset research and development. At Fidelity, we have a long-standing belief in the transformative power of the digital assets ecosystem, said Mike OReilly, President of Fidelity Digital Assets. As a leading asset manager and a digital assets pioneer, Fidelity is uniquely positioned to provide investors with on-chain utility via a digital dollar. Full-Service Stablecoin Model: Issuance, Reserves, and Redemption Fidelity said the key functions of FIDD will be supported by multiple Fidelity business units, offering what it described as a full-service stablecoin model. Reserve asset management will be conducted by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, leveraging the firms longstanding experience overseeing client assets. Eligible customers will be able to purchase or redeem FIDD tokens directly through Fidelity platforms, including Fidelity Digital Assets, Fidelity Crypto, and Fidelity Crypto for Wealth Managers, at a 1:1 exchange rate for U.S. dollars. FIDD will also be available on major exchanges where listed, and holders will be able to transfer the token to any Ethereum mainnet address. Fidelity will publish daily disclosures on circulating supply and reserve net asset value on its website. Launch Comes Amid Regulatory Clarity and Market Growth Fidelitys entry comes as stablecoins continue to expand rapidly, with the market now exceeding $316 billion in total capitalization. The company also pointed to the recent passage of the GENIUS Act as a key development in providing clearer regulatory guardrails for payment stablecoins in the United States. Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE:BXSL) saw Sound Income Strategies, LLC report a buy of 210,918 shares in a Jan. 21, 2026, SEC filing, with an estimated transaction value of $5.66 million based on quarterly average pricing. What happened According to a Jan. 21, 2026, SEC filing, Sound Income Strategies, LLC increased its stake in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund by 210,918 shares during the quarter. The estimated transaction value was $5.66 million, calculated using the average closing price for the quarter. The funds quarter-end BXSL position value rose by $7.26 million, reflecting both the share additions and price movement. What else to know Buy activity lifted the BXSL stake to 1.98% of 13F assets under management. Top five holdings after the filing: Sixth Street Specialty Lending : $56 million (2.65% of AUM) Ares Capital Corporation : $54.69 million (2.6% of AUM) Hercules Capital : $51 million (2.41% of AUM) Golub Capital BDC : $49.79 million (2.4% of AUM) Blue Owl Capital : $48 million (2.3% of AUM) As of Jan. 20, 2026, BXSL shares were priced at $26.08, down 11% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500. Company overview Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $1.41 billion Net Income (TTM) $599.78 million Dividend Yield 11.81% Price (as of market close 2026-01-20) $26.08 Company snapshot Originates and invests in first lien senior secured loans, unitranche loans, and other debt and equity securities, primarily targeting private U.S. small and middle market companies. Operates as a business development company (BDC), generating income mainly from interest and fees on its loan portfolio, with a focus on current income and selective long-term capital appreciation. Serves private U.S. companies, especially those in the small and middle market segment requiring customized financing solutions. Blackstone Secured Lending Fund is a large, externally managed BDC with a focus on originating senior secured loans for private U.S. companies. The fund's strategy emphasizes capital preservation and current income through a diversified portfolio of primarily first lien loans. What this transaction means for investors With this transaction, Blackstone Secured Lending Fund moved into the No. 9 position in Sound Income Strategies portfolio, from its previous rank of No. 10. The business development company invests in the first lien senior secured debt of private U.S. companies. Thats the highest-ranking and safest form of debt you can invest in, as those debtholders are the first to be repaid in the event of a default or liquidation. The BDC is managed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance, a leading global credit platform, and boasts an 11.3% annual net return since its inception. Its strong 11.81% dividend yield may also appeal to income investors. Oklahoma has been the most aggressive in enforcement. In late September 2025, Operation Guardian saw ICE and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrest 130 commercial truck drivers along Interstate 40 in a three-day blitz at the Beckham County Port of Entry. The drivers came from at least nine countries, including India, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Mauritania. Many held CDLs issued by what Oklahoma officials called sanctuary states. Florida isnt operating in a vacuum. Across the country, state legislatures are rushing to fill what they perceive as a federal enforcement gap, and the legislation is remarkably similar in structure and intent. The bill now heads to its next committee stop. If it passes and gets signed by Governor DeSantis, it takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill requires drivers to be lawfully present, hold a valid CDL, understand and read English, follow road signs and laws, and communicate with law enforcement. Violations trigger immediate detention and transfer to ICE, vehicle impoundment, a $50,000 civil penalty, and a ban on the carriers operations in Florida until it comes into compliance. Florida Senate President Don Gaetz made the incident the centerpiece of SB 86. His position is straightforward: the bill targets not just the driver, but the carriers who put unqualified operators behind the wheel. Im mad at the motor carriers who would hire him, Gaetz said. Im mad at the people who would put their loads in carriers and not do the due diligence to know theyve got an illegal driving the truck. That crash set off a chain reaction thats still reverberating through state capitols and the halls of DOT. The legislative momentum stems directly from a crash on the Florida Turnpike last August. A driver named Harjinder Singh attempted an illegal U-turn with his semi-truck, placing the rig directly in the path of a minivan. Three people died. Investigators subsequently learned Singh had entered the country illegally in 2018 before obtaining his CDL in California. Post-crash testing revealed he failed an English-language proficiency evaluation. This isnt an isolated action. Its the tip of a spear thats now aimed at CDL programs across the country, and if youre a fleet manager, safety director, or owner-operator who hasnt been paying attention to whats happening at the state level, youre about to get a very expensive education. The Florida Senate Transportation Committee voted 6-3 on Tuesday to advance Senate Bill 86, legislation that would require law enforcement to detain commercial truck drivers found to be in the country illegally, impound their vehicles, fine owners $50,000, and ban the motor carrier from operating in the state. The bill passed along party lines with zero debate in the committee room. Story Continues Governor Kevin Stitt released a photo of what appeared to be a New York-issued CDL with No Name Given listed as the drivers legal name. If New York wants to hand out CDLs to illegal immigrants with No Name Given, thats on them, Stitt said. The moment they cross into Oklahoma, they answer to our laws. Oklahoma followed up with another operation in late October that resulted in 70 additional arrests, including 26 drivers holding CDLs issued by California, Illinois, and New York. Eight additional drivers were operating commercial vehicles without a CDL. Now, Oklahoma has multiple bills in play. HB3563 mirrors Floridas approach, including custody, ICE transfer, impoundment, a $50,000 fine, and a carrier ban. SB1222 would prohibit holders of certain non-domiciled CDLs from operating in the state entirely. SB20, originally an ATV bill, was gutted and replaced with language targeting English proficiency and non-domiciled CDLs. It would also prohibit truckers with B-1 or B-2 visas from operating in the state, with fines of up to $5,000 for carriers that employ them. Arizona has HB2345, which makes it a felony to possess or use a fake CDL and authorizes vehicle seizure and forfeiture. If an employer knowingly allows an unauthorized person to drive, the truck can be sold at auction. SB1511 would ban anyone from operating a commercial vehicle in the state without proof of legal presence. Kentucky has legislation filed by Representative John Hodgson that would make it illegal for an unlawfully present person to apply for a job. It would also require CDLs to clearly mark whether the holder is a U.S. citizen or a legally present non-citizen. Tennessee has HB1706/SB1587, which would make it a Class A misdemeanor for a person unlawfully present in the U.S. to operate a CMV. The state is simultaneously requiring thousands of truck drivers to appear in person to prove citizenship or legal permanent residency. Employers who knowingly allow unauthorized drivers to operate could face civil liability if accidents occur. State officials who issued CDLs improperly could also face liability. Illinois has HB4184, which would block non-U.S. citizens from obtaining or renewing a drivers license or permit, and specifically prohibits lawful permanent residents and foreign-domiciled persons from obtaining a commercial learners permit. Arkansas recently enacted English proficiency requirements for CDL holders. The governor signed HB1745 into law in April 2025. The pattern is clear: states arent waiting for federal action to sort itself out. Theyre building their own enforcement mechanisms. The Federal Backdrop and $200 Million in Funding Already Gone This state-level activity comes amid unprecedented federal enforcement action. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced an emergency interim final rule in September 2025 that would have eliminated EAD-based eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs, limiting them to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas only. FMCSA estimated that the rule would push approximately 194,000 drivers out of the market, roughly 97% of the nearly 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed that rule in November 2025, meaning the new restrictions arent currently in effect. But the stay didnt stop FMCSAs state-level enforcement actions, which have been devastating. California has lost $160 million in federal highway funding for failing to revoke over 17,000 improperly issued non-domiciled CDLs by the January 5 deadline. An additional $40 million was withheld earlier for refusing to enforce English Language Proficiency requirements. Thats $200 million gone from one state in less than three months. North Carolina is now staring down a $50 million funding cut after FMCSAs audit found 54% of sampled non-domiciled CDLs were issued illegally, licenses extending beyond lawful presence, licenses issued to Mexican nationals ineligible under existing rules, and licenses issued without verifying lawful presence at all. FMCSA has issued preliminary determinations of non-compliance to 19 states so far. Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Minnesota, and New York have all been warned theyre at risk of funding losses. Multiple states have voluntarily paused the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs while they sort out their compliance status. The federal hammer isnt just funding cuts. Under 49 U.S.C. 31312 and 49 CFR 384.405, FMCSA has the authority to fully decertify a states CDL program if its found in substantial noncompliance. Decertification would prohibit the state from issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading any commercial learners permits or CDLs, not just non-domiciled credentials, but every single one. How We Got Here The non-domiciled CDL exists because of a regulatory accommodation dating back to 1988. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 required state agencies to issue CDLs only to drivers domiciled in that state. The Nonresident CDL exception (renamed Non-Domiciled CDL in 2011) allowed states to issue credentials to immigrants and nonresidents who met licensing requirements. In most states, CDLs issued to domiciled applicants require proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence. That made non-domiciled CDLs the only pathway for noncitizen workers with Employment Authorization Documents, including DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylees, refugees, and humanitarian parolees. All but seven states currently issue non-domiciled CDLs. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama do not. The problem FMCSA identified isnt the existence of non-domiciled CDLs. Its that states were issuing them without standardization: some matched the standard five to eight-year validity, some matched legal presence expiration, and some matched EAD expiration. When those dates dont align (which they often dont for TPS and DACA recipients), drivers could end up holding CDLs that are valid for years beyond their documented status. In California, the FMCSA audit found that CDLs were issued up to 4 years after the required lawful presence documentation. In one case, a driver from Brazil received a CDL with endorsements to operate passenger buses and school buses that remained valid months after his legal presence expired. Federal law at 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) has required CDL holders to read and speak English sufficiently to understand highway signs, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records for decades. But enforcement was essentially non-existent until Secretary Duffy made it a priority last May. What This Means for Carriers and Drivers If youre a motor carrier operating interstate, you now need to understand that your exposure varies dramatically by state. A driver whos compliant in California might face arrest in Oklahoma. A carrier doing business in Florida after July 1, 2026, could see equipment impounded and face $50,000 fines for a driver who passed muster in New York. The practical implications are: Audit your driver pool immediately. Know which of your drivers hold non-domiciled CDLs, what their underlying documentation looks like, and when it expires. If youre running loads through states with aggressive enforcement postures, you need to know whether those drivers can legally operate there. Understand your routes. Oklahoma is actively targeting I-40. Texas, Arizona, and Florida are all implementing or considering enhanced enforcement. If your lanes take drivers through these states, factor that into your risk assessment. Document everything. The carriers who survive this enforcement wave will be those that can demonstrate they conducted due diligence on driver qualifications. That means more than an I-9 in a folder; it means active verification and monitoring. Watch for cascading state action. What Florida passed today, other states will consider tomorrow. Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, and other states with conservative legislatures and significant truck traffic are likely to follow suit. For drivers, the message is simpler and harsher: if your CDL status is in question, operating in certain states now carries the risk of detention and deportation. The federal rule may be stayed, but state enforcement isnt. Whats Next? The trucking industry has relied on immigrant labor to address chronic driver shortages. By some estimates, 18% of truckers are foreign-born. An estimated 150,000 Sikh drivers alone work in the American trucking industry. Refugees account for approximately 1.2% of truck drivers in Texas; DACA-eligible individuals account for another 1.1%. The policy debate over whether these restrictions make sense from a safety, economic, or humanitarian standpoint will continue. What wont wait is the enforcement reality. Floridas SB 86 passed the committee yesterday. Itll be on the Governors desk within weeks. Oklahoma has already demonstrated what aggressive roadside enforcement looks like. And the FMCSA has shown its willing to allocate hundreds of millions in funding to enforce compliance. Responsible States are already acting. The question is whether carriers and drivers will be ready when the enforcement arrives at their door or their port of entry The post Florida Takes Shot Across The Bow As State-Level War on Immigrant Truck Drivers Kicks Off appeared first on FreightWaves. Nearly two years after a biking accident landed him in the hospital, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son, Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, is stepping out for a rare solo appearance. Jolie-Pitt, 22, was spotted attending a screening of the short film, "Self Custody," during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Jan. 23. The thriller, directed by Fernando Ferro and Garrett Patten, stars Henry Cejudo, Adrian Grenier and Adley Pearl Jones. In July 2024, Jolie-Pitt was reportedly hospitalized in Los Angeles after he crashed his electric bicycle into the rear of a stopped vehicle in the Los Feliz neighborhood, according to TMZ and the Los Angeles Times. Witnesses of the incident told TMZ at the time that Jolie-Pitt, who was not wearing a helmet, experienced hip pain afterward and seemingly sustained a head injury. Advertisement Advertisement At one point during the "Self Custody" screening, Jolie-Pitt posed for a group photo with directors Ferro and Patten. He wore a red and blue flannel shirt, which he paired with a black T-shirt and silver pendant necklace. Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, right, and producers Fernando Ferro, left, and Garrett Patten attend the "Self Custody" film panel and Moviemaker Indie Film Celebration at The Cabin in Park City, Utah, on Jan. 23, 2026. Sundance Film Festival ranking: The 10 greatest movies in the history of festival Two months after his biking accident, Jolie-Pitt joined his mother Jolie on the press tour for her films "Without Blood" and "Maria." At the world premiere of "Without Blood," which took place at the Toronto International Film Festival, the mother-son duo posed side by side on the red carpet in matching black formal wear. Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, right, and mother Angelina Jolie attend the world premiere of "Without Blood" during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 8, 2024. Jolie-Pitt later attended a screening of Jolie's psychological drama "Maria" at the New York Film Festival alongside siblings Zahara and Maddox. Advertisement Advertisement Jolie-Pitt was adopted by Jolie and her then-partner Pitt in March 2007 after the couple met him during a visit to an orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in November 2006. Jolie initially applied for adoption as a single parent due to Vietnam's adoption regulations, although Pitt later adopted him as well. Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitts son has facial scars in red-carpet appearance Jolie-Pitt also has an interest in filmmaking, having worked as a production assistant on Jolie's 2024 film "Maria." However, unlike his superstar parents, he seemingly prefers to stay behind the camera. "They really don't like any of the celebrity part of it," Jolie said of her children during an appearance at the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. "I think in a very healthy way, they don't. Because it's not a normal thing. It's a silly thing, really." Contributing: Jay Stahl, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt son Pax appears at Sundance Film Festival Diana Bahadori was better known online as Baby Rider, a 19-year-old Iranian motorbike influencer whose high-octane Instagram videos drew tens of thousands of followers. Her videos captured her precise cornering and fearless control of superbikes in a country where women riding motorcycles without a headscarf is illegal and often viewed as an act of defiance. As of late January, global media reports and activist sources say Bahadori was killed by security forces during ongoing anti-government protests in northern Iran. Image Credit: Masih Alinejad/X. According to independent Iranian news outlets such as IranWire, Bahadori was shot twice with live ammunition by Iranian security forces in the city of Gorgan around midnight on January 9. After her disappearance, her family searched for her for two days and only received her body on January 11. Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances of her death have sparked outrage in Iran and among human rights advocates abroad. State Narratives and Family Pressure Image Credit: Masih Alinejad/X. The Iranian government and state media have offered conflicting explanations for what happened to Bahadori. Official statements circulated on her Instagram account claimed she died in a motorbike accident and urged followers not to spread rumors about her death. Independent sources, however, say that her family was pressured by intelligence and security agencies to publicly deny responsibility by government forces as a condition of getting her body back. Reports allege that her burial was carried out quietly and without public acknowledgement because of those pressures. What has made this case especially compelling for international audiences is the way it encapsulates the intersecting forces at play in Irans current turmoil. The protests first began in late December, triggered by a rapid collapse of the Iranian rial and deepening economic distress. Image Credit: Masih Alinejad/X. They quickly expanded into a simmering revolt against the policies and leadership of Irans Supreme Leader and the countrys clerical establishment. Womens rights, personal freedoms, strict moral codes, and broader political repression have all turned into rallying points for demonstrators across the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Bahadori represented a generation of young Iranians pushing up against the boundaries of what is socially and legally acceptable in their society. She had amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram by showcasing her riding skills and a kind of vibrant modern lifestyle that many young Iranians find inspiring. In a society with strict codes on dress, movement, and gender, a woman confidently riding a powerful motorbike was inherently symbolic. Echoes of Past Upheavals Image Credit: Masih Alinejad/X. Social media activists and diaspora Iranian journalists have invoked Bahadoris story in the same tradition as earlier cases of young Iranians killed during uprisings. In 2009, the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan by militia forces during protests became a defining moment widely shared on the internet and broadcast abroad. Look at this beautiful girl. She was full of love and joy for life. Even with all the restrictions and bans in Iran, she broke the rules and followed her passion. A strong, fearless young woman who went against the Islamic Republics laws that say women cant ride motorcycles, pic.twitter.com/fLsGPr0PeF Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) January 26, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Her death galvanized international attention and helped shape the narrative of the Green Movement. Other protest deaths in recent years have similarly sparked anger over state violence and information control. Iranian activist Masih Alinejad took to social media to condemn the treatment of Bahadori, saying the young womans only crime was being born under a regime that cannot tolerate the very image of youthful independence. Look at this beautiful girl, Alinejad wrote. She was full of love and joy for life. Even with all the restrictions and bans in Iran, she broke the rules and followed her passion. The Challenge of Verification Advertisement Advertisement It remains difficult to independently verify precise details from inside Iran because of restricted press access and government censorship. Independent journalists and human rights groups rely on family accounts, activist networks, and digital communication channels to piece together events that may otherwise go unreported. Nonetheless, international coverage and reporting from outlets like IranWire and multiple global news services have repeatedly cited the core elements of Bahadoris death. For many observers, the loss of Baby Rider is tragic, and a stark reminder of the costs borne by young people in societies marked by political repression and generational conflict. It raises urgent questions about how authoritarian governments respond when a youthful challenge to cultural norms meets fierce political dissent. Nicki Minaj is not being subtle. Hours after standing on stage at the Treasury Department and declaring herself President Donald Trump's "number one fan," the rapper took to X to share a photo of herself holding a gold card emblazoned with Trump's face, his signature, and the words "45th & 47th President of the United States." Her caption? Just one word: "Welp..." Advertisement Advertisement The post racked up over 1 million views within hours, with thousands of comments flooding in as fans and critics alike tried to make sense of what they were seeing. The card in question bears a striking resemblance to the branding of Trump's Gold Card initiative an immigration program established via executive order in September 2025 that offers wealthy foreigners a fast-track path to U.S. residency and citizenship in exchange for a $1 million contribution to the federal government. As it turns out, Minaj wasn't just flashing a souvenir. 'Finalizing That Citizenship Paperwork as We Speak' In a follow-up post that has already amassed over 231,000 views, Minaj addressed the speculation head-on. Advertisement Advertisement "Residency? Residency? The cope is coping," she wrote, mocking those who questioned her motives. "Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President." She continued: "Thanks the petition. I wouldn't have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment." And then, the kicker: "Gold Trump card free of charge." If Minaj is to be taken at her word, she received the Trump Gold Card a fast-track immigration program that typically requires a $1 million contribution without paying a dime. A $1 Million Ticket to Citizenship Image credit: @PopBase/X The Trump Gold Card program, established through Executive Order 14351, allows individuals who contribute $1 million to the Department of Commerce to bypass traditional visa requirements and receive expedited permanent residency under existing EB-1 or EB-2 categories. Corporations can sponsor employees for $2 million. Advertisement Advertisement The program has drawn criticism from policy experts who argue it essentially allows the wealthy to purchase citizenship while ordinary immigrants wait years sometimes decades in backlogged queues. Minaj, it seems, didn't have to wait. Or pay. 'The Hate Motivates Me' The X post came just hours after Minaj's appearance at the Trump Accounts Summit, where she stood alongside the president and Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary. She used the platform to push back against critics, saying the backlash only fuels her support for Trump. She also announced a six-figure pledge to help fund investment accounts for her fans through the administration's new child savings program. Advertisement Advertisement Trump welcomed her warmly, at one point remarking that he had done "pretty well" with her community a comment he left unexplained. Minaj also spoke of divine protection over the president, closing her remarks with a firm "Amen." Nicki Minaj spotted holding hands with president Trump on Fox News "I'm his No 1 fan, Everything he does is good " pic.twitter.com/MmA92Jxohy Red Media (@RedMedia_us) January 28, 2026 The Fur Coat, the Nails, and the Card In the first image, her signature long nails the same ones Trump fawned over during the event grip the gleaming card against what appears to be the same white fur coat she wore on stage. In the second post, she attached a GIF of Chucky a character she's long identified with defiantly raising a middle finger. The message to her critics was clear. Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldnt have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment Gold Trump card free of charge pic.twitter.com/jc1vIxx6pz Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 29, 2026 Earlier speculation had swirled about what benefits, if any, Minaj's proximity to the administration might yield particularly given past reports about her husband Kenneth Petty's legal troubles and her brother Jelani Maraj's incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement With her latest post, Minaj appears to have answered at least one of those questions. Whether the citizenship fast-track is connected to her public support for Trump, or simply a perk of being in the right room at the right time, she isn't saying. What she is saying: she's getting it free of charge, the paperwork is in motion, and the people who doubted her can cope. "CitizenNIKA," she declared, "you are thee moment." NEED TO KNOW Prince Harry has written a moving foreword to Okavango and the Source of Life by Steve Boyes The book highlights the work of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, which seeks to protect a region that holds special meaning for the Duke of Sussex PEOPLE is sharing an exclusive excerpt from Prince Harrys foreword below Prince Harry is speaking out in support of a region he considers his second home. The Duke of Sussex, 41, penned the foreword to the new book Okavango and the Source of Life by Steve Boyes, out March 3 from National Geographic. Featuring more than 100 photos and detailed maps, the book follows the National Geographic explorer on expeditions to the source of Africas famed Okavango Delta, a sanctuary of biodiversity. Advertisement Advertisement The project highlights the work of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, which aims to protect an ecosystem that supports the planets largest elephant population, as well as lions, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. Prince Harry has long spoken about his deep connection to Africa. He first traveled to the continent in 1997, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and has returned many times in the years since, both privately and publicly. I feel more like myself there than anywhere else in the world, Harry has said of Africa. The Duke of Sussex is also a longtime supporter of the HALO Trust, the humanitarian organization dedicated to clearing landmines and remnants of war. The charity gained global attention in 1997 when Princess Diana walked through an active minefield in Huambo, Angola a moment widely credited with advancing international efforts to ban landmines. In 2019, Prince Harry honored his mothers legacy by retracing her steps during a visit to Angola, walking through a former minefield that has since been transformed into a thriving community. Harry returned to Angola in July 2025 to continue his advocacy work, visiting newly cleared sites. Steve Boyes, author and project leader Kostadin Luchansky/National Geographic Harry has also shared Africa with his family. He and Meghan Markle traveled to Botswana together early in their relationship in 2016, returned to celebrate Meghans 36th birthday in 2017, and later visited the continent on a royal tour with their son Prince Archie in 2019. Harry also chose a diamond from Botswana as the centerpiece of Meghan's engagement ring. Advertisement Advertisement "Africa's in my heart, and Africa's in my soul," Prince Harry said at an April 2024 event focused on strategies for distributing capital to support the next generation in southern Africa. Diana, Princess of Wales visits a landmine minefield in Huambo, Angola in 1997. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walks through a minefield in Dirico, Angola in 2019. Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty;Dominic Lipinski/Pool /Getty "I first went there when I was 12, 13 years old, and after so many years, I wanted to give back to it because it had given me so much," he contined. "The vast open space, the cultures, the community, the people, the wildlife, just the freedom was a huge piece of why I loved Africa so much." Below, PEOPLE shares an exclusive excerpt from Prince Harrys foreword to Okavango and the Source of Life, in which he reflects on the regions beauty, history and urgent need for preservation. Okavango and the Source of Life by Steve Boyes National Geographic Foreword PRINCE HARRY, DUKE OF SUSSEX There are some places on Earth that are so vast, beautiful and alive, they truly open your eyes and mind. Advertisement Advertisement The Okavango Delta is one of those places, an enigmatic wetland that disappears into the Kalahari Desert and is home to the worlds largest remaining elephant population a wilderness beyond comparison. This paradise has been my second home for more than 25 years, a place to escape and be enveloped by natures sheer magnificence. Back in 1997, in Huambo, Angola, just a few miles from one of the sources of the Okavango, my mother walked through a live minefield being cleared by the HALO Trust, a humanitarian land mine clearance charity. That famous walk was a turning point in the fight against these lethal devices. By 1999, the use, production and transport of antipersonnel land mines had been banned globally. Today, there are more than 80,000 amputees in Angola, a tragic legacy of 27 years of the Angolan Civil War, which ended in 2002. A landscape view of the Okavango Delta from the book National Geographic When I first visited the Okavango Delta, shortly after my mothers death, the war was still raging around the Okavangos headwaters. Africas largest tank battle since World War II was fought over a bridge at the confluence of the Cuito and Cuanavale Rivers, the Okavangos two major tributaries in the eastern Angolan Highlands. This battle left behind one of the worlds largest minefields, effectively preventing all safe access. Nearly 20 years later, in 2015, I heard about a National Geographic expedition supported by the HALO Trust that had found a way through the land mines to the undocumented source of the Cuito River. I was intrigued. Prince Harry and Steve Boyes John Hilton There the expedition team found a crystal clear, acidic source lake sustained by vast, previously undocumented peatlands. The intact miombo woodlands surrounding the lake, seemingly endless, were bigger than the whole of England. Advertisement Advertisement This book is the story of the expeditions and discoveries that followed. Over the coming years, a team of 57 scientists and local guides explored all the major rivers and tributaries of the Okavango Delta, traversing this vast landscape in dugout canoes, on motorbikes, on foot, and in armored vehicles. They discovered hundreds of new species and documented 29 source lakes in what the local Luchazi people call Lisima lya Mwono the Source of Life, where the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta come from. A still from the book National Geographic As wildfires rage and hurricanes tear apart entire peninsulas, were faced with a harsh reality: a climate crisis and a mass extinction that can no longer be ignored. Appreciating, preserving and protecting these last wild ecosystems is essential to our collective survival. The best way for us to understand where we came from, and where we need to get to, is by visiting places like the Okavango Delta my source of life. Excerpted from OKAVANGO AND THE SOURCE OF LIFE by Steve Boyes copyright 2026 by Steve Boyes. Used by permission of National Geographic. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Okavango and the Source of Life will hit shelves on March 3 and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold. Read the original article on People When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images While some royal women, like Princess Diana, make their wedding tiaras a part of their wardrobe throughout their lives, otherslike Princess Katechoose not to wear their wedding-day designs again. Queen Mary of Denmark, for one, has gone a different route and altered her antique tiara to make it her own, and she brought the sentimental design back for a state banquet in Estonia on January 27. Queen Mary and King Frederik married in 2004, and Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik gave a vintage diamond tiara of unknown provenance to their new daughter-in-law. She's worn the piece on numerous occasions since then, opting to pair it with a custom navy Prada gown for Tuesday's banquet. Advertisement Advertisement Jewelry expert Nilesh Rakholia, founder of Abelini, tells Marie Claire that "wedding tiaras are often frozen in time, locked to a single moment." However, in Mary's case, she opted to alter the design to make it more versatile. Queen Mary wears her wedding tiara to a state banquet in Tallinn, Estonia on January 27. | Credit: Getty Images Mary is pictured at her 2004 wedding. | Credit: Getty Images "What makes Marys different is that she has allowed it to evolve alongside her," Rakholia says. "In 2011, she commissioned alterations so detachable pearls could be added to the fleur-de-lis motifs, along with a row of pearls at the base. That decision is quietly significant. For the banquet in Tallinn, Estonia, Queen Mary chose to wear the diamond design in its original form rather than including the newer pearl additions. Rakholia continues, By choosing to adapt the tiara rather than preserve it untouched, Mary asserted authorship over her jewelry. It remains a wedding gift, but it is also a living objectshaped by the woman who wears it, not just the moment it commemorates." Queen Mary and King Frederik are pictured at a state banquet in Tallinn, Estonia on January 27. | Credit: Getty Images Mary and Frederik have weathered some ups and downs in recent years amid infidelity rumors, and Rakholia says that the Danish queen's choice to wear her wedding tiara reflects a "sense of continuity" that "lends the tiara a deeper emotional weight." "Two decades on, this piece no longer symbolizes a wedding alone," he tells Marie Claire. "It reflects endurancea marriage that has matured under public scrutiny and responsibility." HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) French energy giant TotalEnergies announced on Thursday the resumption of its $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique that was halted in 2021 because of an insurgency in the area that killed thousands and displaced more than 1 million people. The liquefied natural gas project has been billed as one of Africas largest energy investments and one that is expected to deliver economic growth to the struggling nation of 34 million people on the southeastern coast of Africa. Announcing the full restart of operations, TotalEnergies' CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the company expects first gas deliveries in 2029, promising a massive ramp-up of activity in the coming months. The force majeure is over, Pouyanne said at an event attended by Mozambique President Daniel Chapo in Afungi, the site of the project in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado region. TotalEnergies froze operations there in April 2021 as the rebel movement gained strength and attacks spread across Cabo Delgado, destabilizing communities near the project site. In response, Mozambique enlisted troops from the Southern African Development Community, or SADC, as well as Rwanda. While SADC forces withdrew in 2024 when their mandate expired, Rwandan troops remain deployed. Fighting has since decreased, though sporadic clashes continue. Chapo was elected in 2024 on a platform of economic recovery and improved security. He said the projects resumption would help shift prejudice that in Cabo Delgado its all about terrorism. When you talk about Cabo Delgado, terrorism is the first thing that comes to mind," he said. "And it was necessary to show the world, the country, the region, and the continent that in Cabo Delgado, in Afungi, the work has actually resumed. He described the restart as a decisive step in the strategy of Mozambique to develop its resources, grow its economy, create jobs, and a milestone for the resumption of economic growth and confidence in the future. Chapo said the project would generate billions of dollars in revenue for his government, which, alongside investors from India, Japan and Thailand, holds a minority stake in the project. Pouyanne said the project would deliver jobs and prosperity to the region and help establish long-term peace. More than 4,000 workers will be employed on the project, 80% of them Mozambican nationals, including young people receiving training in trades such as carpentry and electrical work, the CEO added. He also pledged to provide aid following devastating floods earlier this month that killed some 300 people in Mozambique and neighboring South Africa and Zimbabwe, according to U.N. agencies. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A social media influencer and homeless community advocate known as Ms. Shirley Raines was found dead on Tuesday, 8 News Now confirmed through a board member from her non-profit organization. Ms. Shirley was the founder and CEO of Beauty 2 The Streetz. She was also known for her services to the homeless communities in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, California. According to TMZ, Raines was found dead in Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement The company confirmed her passing on Instagram on Wednesday, which is included below. It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that Beauty 2 The Streetz announces the passing of our beloved CEO and founder, Shirley Raines, affectionately known to so many as Ms. Shirley. Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations. This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirleys love, generosity, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue to live on through the work she started and the hearts she touched. We humbly ask that you keep Ms. Shirleys family, loved ones, and the Beauty 2 The Streetz family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Further information will be shared as it becomes available. Rainess non-profit board member also told 8 News Now that she was preparing for Black History Month and Valentines Day. She was also preparing care packets, service, as well as her daily service. 8 News Now spoke with Raines back in 2024 as she was working on setting up mobile salon stations in the Las Vegas valley. Advertisement Advertisement Raines has over 1.1M followers on Instagram and 5.7M on TikTok. 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. An iconic Nineties teen comedy, a mind-bending Christopher Nolan favorite, and one of Pixars most beloved films are set to join the Library of Congress National Film Registry. The LoC revealed its annual list of 25 films marked for preservation today (Jan. 29), with Amy Heckerlings Clueless, Nolans Inception, and Brad Birds The Incredibles among the most notable selections. Other additions include Julie Taymors Frida Kahlo biopic Frida; Before Sunrise, the first installment of Richard Linklaters trilogy of films with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy; Lawrence Kasdans revered film The Big Chill; and two Denzel Washington classics, the 1993 legal drama Philadelphia and the 1989 Civil War epic, Glory, which earned the actor his first Oscar. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement The Eighties teen marital arts favorite, The Karate Kid, also made the cut, with star Ralph Macchio calling the Film Registrys preservation work so important because it keeps the integrity of cinema alive for multiple generations. He added, of seeing The Karate Kids inclusion, Im just proud to have walked in these shoes, and I try to pay that legacy forward. Film preservation is a way of taking that legacy and paying it forward to future generations. The Film Registrys class of 2026 spans nearly 120 years of film history. The oldest selection is 1896s The Tramp and the Dog, a silent film that was previously considered lost until it was rediscovered in the National Library of Norway in 2021. It boasts a classic comedy plot, in which a tramp tries to steal a pie off a windowsill, only to be chased away by a broom-wielding housewife and her dog. The Film Registry also noted it contains one of the first known instances of pants humor, which is you guessed it a bit where a character loses (or almost loses) his pants during an altercation. There are several films from the 2010s, too, including Inception (2010) and Nancy Buirskis celebrated 2011 documentary The Loving Story, about the couple behind the Supreme Court case that overturned laws banning interracial marriage. The most recent film on the Film Registrys list is Wes Andersons celebrated 2014 film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, which was created in part with the help of materials in the Library of Congress. As Anderson explained, he and his collaborators relied heavily on the LoCs collection of Photochrome prints hand-colored black-and-white photographs from the turn of the century when conceiving the films historical (albeit partly fictionalized) setting. Advertisement Advertisement The views and images that we were looking for, the architecture and the landscapes that we wanted, they dont exist anymore, he said. We went through the entire Photochrome collection, which is a lot of images. We made our own versions of things, but much of what is in our film comes directly from that collection from the Library of Congress. One of the older films in the class of 2026 is High Society, a 1956 musical considered one of the last great ones of Hollywoods Golden era. It starred Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and his band, and Grace Kelly, in what would be her last movie before retiring and marrying the Prince of Monaco. John Carpenters seminal 1982 sci-fi horror flick, The Thing, was also included after receiving the most public support (each year the LoC invites people to nominate the films theyd like to see preserved). Stephen Daldrys acclaimed film The Hours, about the life of Virginia Woolf and the legacy of her book Mrs. Dalloway, was also added to the list, as was Ken Burns debut doc The Brooklyn Bridge and the 1998 Jim Carrey comedy, The Truman Show. A pair of famed music documentaries were also picked for preservation: George Nierenbergs 1982 look at gospel music, Say Amen, Somebody, and Danny Tedescos 2008 film, The Wrecking Crew, about the titular group of studio musicians who played on an array of hit songs during the Sixties and Seventies. Advertisement Advertisement To celebrate this years Film Registry class, Turner Classic Movies will host a TV special on March 19, during which it will broadcast some of the 25 films picked for preservation. Jacqueline Stewart, who chairs the National Film Preservation Board, will introduce the films. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Melania Trumps upcoming self-titled film may be off to a rocky debut. Melania, the documentary film produced by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Brett Ratner about President Donald Trumps wife, was pulled from theaters in South Africa ahead of its Friday, January 30, U.S. release. Based on recent developments, weve taken the decision to not go ahead with a theatrical release in territory, Thobashan Govindarajulu, the head of sales and marketing for distributor Filmfinity, told the New York Times on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The publication noted that Govindarajulu declined to define the recent developments, but said that the South African distributor was not pressured to pull it. That was our decision, he said. The 79-year-old president has been critical of South Africa since he took office for his second term last January. The doc follows the former model, 55, in the weeks before the 2025 inauguration. The Times reports that the decision to pull the documentary was sudden as a chief executive of a major South Africa movie theater chain shared a message earlier this week that the film would be released. He told the Times that he didnt know why it was pulled by the distributor. Advertisement Advertisement The first lady and her husband are scheduled to attend the January 29 premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center. History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration, Melania previously told Fox News Digital of the film. For the first time, global audiences are invited into theaters to witness this pivotal chapter unfold a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business, and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming first lady of the United States of America, she added. In the films trailer, Melania is seen at her husbands swearing-in ceremony, where she looks at the camera and says, Here we go again. Read More From National Enquirer This story Melania Trumps Documentary Film Pulled From Theaters in South Africa Days Before Its Release first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Chase B is set to open the first night of THE STAGE at SXSW in Austin, TX on Friday, March 13 as part of a new partnership between Billboard and Intuit TurboTax. The Houston native first took to the decks, learning to DJ as a student at Howard University. Since then, his talents caught the attention of Travis Scott who signed him to his label, Cactus Jack. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 23: DJ Chase B performs with Travis Scott onstage during the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) As part of the partnership, Chase B will give a taste of what to expect at SXSW when he takes over Club Billboard, a livestreamed DJ set presented by Intuit TurboTax. You can see him spin some of his favorite tracks on YouTube and Billboard.com, live from Billboards Los Angeles office on February 2nd. Fans will see why Chase has served as tour DJ for labelmates like Travis Scott, Sheck Wes, and this years The STAGE headliner, Don Toliver. Hes sure to weave in some of his collaborations with artists like Scott, Toliver, Young Thug, Gunna and Quavo. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Billboard will then sit down with Chase to take a look back at where he started and reflect on all of the hard work it took for him to reach this moment. From his earliest gigs to the biggest stages hes played, there have been many challenges hes faced. This includes adapting his tax filing system to meet the needs of a multi-hyphenate in the music industry. Every step of the way, Intuit TurboTax offers a product to meet those tax needs. Chase will break down the biggest differences in his life from his earliest days in music to contributing to Billboard 200 chart-topping albums and where he hopes to see his career go from here. Billboard SXSW The partnership between Billboard and Intuit TurboTax will reach its peak when Chase B gets the crowd hyped at THE STAGE at SXSW when this years concert series kicks off on Friday, March 13. The evening, presented by Intuit TurboTax, will be headlined by Chases labelmate, Don Toliver. You can get tickets to see Chase B and Don Toliver at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park here or stream it live on Billboard.com. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Joe Rogan got his eyebrows all the way up on Wednesday when discussing an image of Minneapolis ICE shooting victim Alex Pretti that was mistakenly featured on an MS NOW segment which had clearly been altered to make him look handsomer calling it the inverse of what CNN did to me during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rogan and conservative commentator Andrew Wilson were discussing the weekend shooting of Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis on Wednesdays episode The Joe Rogan Experience when the host segued into the obviously enhanced image. Did you see what MSNBC did to his image? Rogan said in the middle of the discussion in which he incorrectly assumed that the outlet had made the alteration. Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, Wilson replied. Where they gussied it up? Rogan consistently used the old MSNBC moniker for the cable news network, which rebranded as MS NOW late last year. MS NOW had no comment, but a person with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that the image had been pulled from the internet and was not created by the network; its origin was still not clear. The altered portrait of the 37-year-old VA nurse was used in at least one MS NOW segment Mondays episode of Deadline: White House hosted by Nicolle Wallace and the network later acknowledged that the photo was doctored in an editors note. Basically they did the opposite of what CNN did to me, Rogan continued. You know, CNN during the COVID times turned me green, made me look ugly and like I was dying, and they made him handsome so people would be more sympathetic to him getting shot, which is kind of wild. Like, are ugly people less valuable? That is crazy to me, he continued, looking at a side-by-side on the screen. Look at the difference. They shortened his face. They gave him a little bit of a tan. They widened his face a little bit. They just made him a little handsomer. Advertisement Advertisement Wilson remarked that whoever doctored the photo gave him a bit of that Chad jaw. After X users noted that the altered image had been used in the Deadline: White House segment, MS NOW added an editors note to its YouTube link that stated: EDITORS NOTE: MS NOW swapped out the original thumbnail image for this video. The previous thumbnail used was an AI-enhanced image of Alex Pretti. MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) really aired this story with an A.I. doctored image of Alex Pretti. Why? pic.twitter.com/Sirf3ntc7M Anthony Brian Logan (ABL) (@ANTHONYBLOGAN) January 27, 2026 Rogan and Wilson continued to analyze the side-by-side, noting that his nose was made smaller and his shoulders were broadened. They changed the tone of the color, Rogan said. Wild. I mean, they changed his teeth. They gave him veneers. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the entire exchange in the video above. The post Joe Rogan Mocks AI-Altered Alex Pretti Image Accidentally Aired by MS NOW: The Opposite of What CNN Did to Me | Video appeared first on TheWrap. If it's been a while since you've traveled the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, there's now more to see than ever before. The Kentucky Distillers Association just added 10 new stops to the states biggest bourbon attraction, which now features 68 destinations. The expansion features new distillery experiences and urban satellite tasting rooms, which include spots in Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort and Bardstown, and even dip into Western Kentucky. More than 30 of the state's 120 counties now have bourbon-related tourism attractions. Advertisement Advertisement Its been amazing to watch the exponential and powerful growth of our Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour since its humble beginnings of seven distilleries in a handful of counties when much of the state was still dry, KDA President Eric Gregory said in a news release. As the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has grown over the past decade, the Kentucky Distillers Association has reimagined how visitors interact with the destinations and many distilleries have launched accommodations and created experiences that encourage guests to stay longer. More bourbon news: The untold story of Old Forester, the bourbon that survived Prohibition In its earliest days, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was a multi-prong attraction that visitors could complete in a long weekend, but as bourbon culture has grown, KDA has encouraged guests to savor their time in the commonwealth. The organization plans to launch its Build Your Own Bourbon Trail online feature soon, which will allow travelers to craft and share itineraries with their friends. Advertisement Advertisement With 68 unique and innovative destinations, we encourage travelers to slow down, savor all the beauty and bourbon that Kentucky has to offer, and make plans to return, Gregory said in the release. After all, it takes time to craft the worlds finest whiskey. We invite you to come back for more. Here are the 10 newest stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: New stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail For nearly two centuries, the Mattingly name has been synonymous with world-class bourbon and innovation. John Graves Mattingly (1823-1910) was responsible for perfecting the now famous column still. The Navy SEAL Foundation, in partnership with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, has released the Trident Collection, which consists of three double-staved American whiskeys, "Sea," "Air," and "Land," celebrating the environments where SEALS operate. This Frankfort-based distillery operated by the Mattingly's great-great-great-great nephew and is known for it's "Craft Your own Bottle" experience. Advertisement Advertisement Details: 20 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Ky., jmattingly1845.com Dark Arts blends, rebarrels and finishes whiskey in downtown Lexington. The process nods to "alchemist of old" and the company's master blenders "wield underutilized maturation and blending techniques to transform wood, fire, grain and water into liquid gold." Dark Arts taps into high-quality ingredients to create custom blends and age them in unconventional barrels. Details: 1170 Manchester St., Suite 190, Lexington, Ky., darkartswhiskey.com LF Heritage Distilling is founded on a "family tradition and the culmination of generations" dedicated to the Kentucky spirit. The company is located in Georgetown, which has deep ties to the legend of bourbon's origin. Elijah Craig is said to have drawn water from Royal Springs Park to create the first bourbon. Advertisement Advertisement Details: 197 Soards Road, Georgetown, lfdistilling.com More food news: Looking for a new way to explore the state? Meet the Kentucky Coffee Trail Left Bank Distilling Co.'s spirits are distilled in Kentucky and bottled in Louisiana. During Left Bank's 45-minute tasting, guest sample their way stave finishing and blending process, while exploring the deep ties between Louisville and New Orleans Details: 1001 Logan St., Louisville, inside Logan Street Market, leftbankbourbon.com Chicken Cock Whiskey's tasting room is located in Louisville's bustling NuLu retail and restaurant district. The destination features a hidden speakeasy, designed as "a Prohibition inspired haven where cocktails are crafted with precision and served with genuine Southern hospitality." Advertisement Advertisement The menu strives to blend timeless recipes with contemporary flair. Details: 821 E. Market St., Louisville, Ky., chickencockwhiskey.com/circa-1856-louisville/ Green River's Louisville tasting room is located on historic Whiskey Row. This bourbon destination offers a full-sensory experience "where vintage nostalgia, playful curiosity, and handcrafted cocktails come together." In addition to bourbon flights and a full cocktail menu, the Green River also offers a fill your own bottle experience. Details: 714 W. Main St., Louisville, Ky., greenriverwhiskey.com This distillery pay homage to one of the area's first landowners, George Washington. The company produces Founding Fob bourbon, gin and vodka. The distillery is located near Rough River Dam State Resort Park. Advertisement Advertisement Details: 1867 Junction Road, Falls of Rough, Ky., generalgeorge.store Purple Toad launched in 2009, and the destination offers tours of its winery. In addition to its lengthy wine portfolio, the company also makes moonshine, whiskey, bourbon, agave and vodka. Details: 4275 Old US Hwy 45 S., Paducah, Ky., purpletoadwinery.com Kentucky Bourbon Trail stops coming soon The WhistlePig Bourbon five bottle portfolio. Reach reporter Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 10 new bourbon destinations just joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). In La Pazs central market, you have to watch your step. Sacks of potatoes chalk white, butter yellow, midnight blue spill at my ankles. Sprawled at my feet are husks of white and purple corn, and squashes so big youd need both arms to lift them. All around, hundreds of vendors almost all of them women watch my every move. One seller catches my eye from behind her green beans: she wears a turquoise, box-pleated skirt called a pollera, which balloons from the hips, a brown alpaca wool shawl and a single braid to her waist. Her nails are coated in dirt; her fingers wrinkled and peeling at the edges. Que va a llevar? (What are you buying?) she says, her eyes sharp and lips pressed tight. Advertisement Advertisement The vendor, like most selling here, is Aymara the second-largest Indigenous group in Bolivia after Quechua, but the largest in La Paz and the neighbouring city of El Alto. Her clothes indicate shes a cholita, once a derogatory term used by Spanish colonialists to refer to Bolivias Indigenous women, now reclaimed along with their traditional dress as a symbol of Indigenous pride. In Bolivia, about 48% of people identify as Indigenous the highest anywhere in South America. La Pazs Indigenous identity is a defining characteristic of this city high in the Andes and female Indigenous identity is deeply connected to what grows here. Aymara women known as caseras run the citys food markets from dawn until dusk, selling thousands of varieties of native potatoes, chillies, corn, quinoa and rare grains and fruits like canahua and achachairu. But despite its rich pantry, Bolivias culinary scene lagged behind its South American neighbours for decades. Now, however, a new wave of chefs in La Paz many of them women is striving to change that. Caseeeraaaa! I hear over my shoulder from my guide Valentina Arteaga. The stall holders stern look melts instantly, revealing two front teeth filed into silver hearts. Valentina, she responds. Cuanto tiempo! (Long time no see!). Everyone has their favourite caseras, explains Valentina, as she approaches the stand. Shes the chef-owner of Phayawi, a La Paz restaurant whose name means kitchen in Aymara. Its one of the few high-end restaurants in the capital focused entirely on traditional Bolivian recipes. Cholita women in La Paz have confidently reclaimed their Indigenous pride through dress and food heritage. Photograph by Alex Bramwell, Alamy La Pazs historic core still showcases influences from the Spanish colonialists in the city's past. Photograph by Juergen Ritterbach, Alamy Weve come to Rodriguez Market to buy ingredients for a special menu Valentina has conceived to mark Bolivias bicentennial of independence from Spanish rule. After seven years of culinary training in Lima, Spain and the US, Valentina returned to La Paz in 2020 to open Phayawi at just 28 years old. Two years later, despite the challenges of Covid, a growing economic crisis and political tensions in Bolivia, her restaurant made it onto Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants list. Caseras inspire me, says Valentina. They work 16 hours a day, carry dozens of kilos on their backs and never complain. If they can do that, I can make my restaurant work. Advertisement Advertisement Its approaching 10am, which means its sajra hora La Pazs mid-morning food break. We stop at Dona Rogelias market stand for hot wallake, a pre-colonial Lake Titicaca soup made with native karachi fish and koa, an Andean mint. We grab the last two plastic chairs and get stuck in: the tiny fish is fiddly to eat, but the flesh is soft and sweet as butter. Valentina has everything she needs, so we head to Phayawi. It sits on a quiet residential street in the Achumani neighbourhood in Zona Sur the citys wealthiest quarter and home to many of La Pazs top restaurants. Im not trying to invent a new cuisine; Bolivia already has one, says Valentina, before disappearing into the restaurants large open kitchen, where an almost all-female team preps for lunch service. Inside, theres a spacious, two-level dining room with a colourful carnival mural painted by local female artists and Bolivian folk music playing. Almost everyone eating here is Bolivian. Phayawi is for Bolivianos first, says Valentina. If people taste home in our dishes and are proud of Bolivian food, then were doing it right. Dishes such as the milky Sopa de mani at Phayawi restaurant are cherished by Bolivianos, who taste in them a piece of home. Photograph by Phayawi Restaurant I start with sopa de mani: a milky broth that tastes lightly nutty, with a drizzle of turmeric oil staining the surface gold and crisp potato strips adding crunch. Next is ispi frito thin, crispy-fried Lake Titicaca fish that Im told to eat whole with a squeeze of lime. Then comes the queso humacha: a creamy cheese and white corn soup thats deliciously warm with aji amarillo a sweet Andean chilli yet fresh thanks to huacatay, an Andean herb thats a cross between mint and basil. Its not the type of food youll see on international menus back home; each dish is a revelation. At 5.30am the next morning, I take a taxi east to Pampahasi a largely Aymara neighbourhood close to El Alto, the highest city in the world, which sits directly above the Bolivian capital. The engine strains as we climb towards 4,000 metres. From up here, La Paz is breathtaking: it spreads from the flat valley floor up steep red-brown slopes in every direction, forming a vast bowl of corrugated roofs and exposed brick. Cable-cars glide overhead, linking the basin floor to colourful neighbourhoods stacked on the hillsides. Snowcapped Huayna Potosi and Illimani, La Pazs tallest peak, watch over it all. Advertisement Advertisement I reach a four-storey house with a red iron door, where Emiliana Condoriri or Dona Emi, as shes known is waiting, wearing a baby-pink pollera and blue chefs hat. She smiles and ushers me into a room that smells like an English chippy. Here, three Aymara women sit around a hip-high bucket of mash, shaping rellenos deep-fried potato balls filled with stewed beef. Dona Emis signature snack was born 37 years ago. After struggling to compete with the thousands of stands in La Paz selling saltena (a baked empanada filled with stewed meat and vegetables), she adapted the recipe. Today, Dona Emis rellenos are an iconic La Paz street food, and have even featured in Netflixs Street Food: Latin America series. At first, no one wanted to buy them, she says, handing me a still-hot relleno. The golden-coloured casing is crisp on the outside and fluffy within, and the meat is tender and a little sweet from carrot. It took me five months to sell 50. Now, Ive sold up to 4,000 in a day. The women working on the rellenos slide over so I can have a go: press, fill, seal, roll. Each ball goes to Dona Emi for the hard part frying. She dips them by hand, reads the heat of the oil by sound and lifts each one out when its reached a uniform deep gold. The sun is rising over Illimani when Dona Emi scoops out the last relleno. We need to deliver the final batch to her three city-centre stands, but first she needs to ponerse guapa make herself look beautiful. She returns in an electric-pink pollera, an alpaca shawl pinned with a pearl and ruby brooch, and a chocolate-brown bowler hat. She flashes her gold front tooth and waves me into the van. Advertisement Advertisement When we arrive at her stand in front of the basilica on Plaza de San Francisco, a queue of locals has formed. Rellenos have changed my life, says Dona Emi, handing out peanut and locoto verde (green chilli pepper) sauces to customers. They bought the clothes Im wearing, my house, my cars I love my rellenos more than my husband, she says, letting out a wicked laugh. Celebrated chef Marsia Taha Mohamed works with Amazonian producers to source ingredients for her new restaurant Arami. Photograph by Plan South America, Christian Gutierrez My time in La Paz ends back in Zona Sur, with an Amazon-inspired dinner at Arami a new restaurant from Marsia Taha Mohamed, who was named Latin Americas Best Female Chef 2024 by Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants. She steps out from the open kitchen as I arrive to talk me through the menu, which includes caiman, and the producers behind it. We work with Amazonian communities to responsibly source ingredients, says Marsia, dressed in black skinny jeans and an oversized blue shirt. Its not about shock value its about supporting producers and protecting Bolivias Amazon through better food practices. I start with a carpaccio of yacare caiman sourced from a community programme developed with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Tacana Indigenous group. The project provides income to Indigenous families while helping to keep caiman populations stable. The caiman, cured in citrus for 12 hours like ceviche, tastes closer to fish than meat, while passion fruit and overripe banana provide a delicious sweet-and-sour flavour. My favourite dish is the butterflied piranha. Its visually striking the fish is served whole, head and razor teeth included and the flavour is just as bold: the skin is perfectly crisp and slightly sour from fermented yuca batter, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sticky coconut rice and spicy sriracha sauce. When people think of Bolivia, they think Andes, says Marsia. But Bolivia is over 60% Amazon I want to showcase the diversity of ingredients we have and support the Indigenous communities behind them. Advertisement Advertisement My meal ends with an Amazonian vanilla and honeycomb ice cream, paired with a Bolivian vermouth. As I savour the final spoonful, I think of the women whove shaped every meal Ive eaten here. Chefs like Marsia, Valentina and Dona Emi, who are defining a culinary future built on Indigenous knowledge, native ingredients and the quiet determination of the countrys greatest strength: its women. More restaurants to try in La Paz Ancestral: Wood fire is the secret weapon of Ancestral, an open-grill kitchen showcasing Bolivian produce cooked over flames. Rib-eye steak is the headline dish. Other standouts include smoked trout, served with a fennel and burnt butter risotto, and grilled mushroom ceviche with sweet potato and aji amarillo. Mains around 150 BOB (16.50). La Gaita: In central La Paz, between the Gran Poder and Miraflores neighbourhoods, this saltena spot is a favourite among the citys top chefs. Opt for the classic beef version of this local stuffed empanada, or stay for a three-course almuerzo (lunch) of Bolivian classics. Dishes around 29 BOB (3). Gustu: La Pazs first fine-dining restaurant has been the training ground for many of Bolivias top chefs. More than a decade since it opened, it remains one of the citys best: expect an eight-course tasting menu built from 100% Bolivian produce Amazon river fish, Altiplano tubers and local grains like quinoa and canahua with a focus on lesser-known native and wild ingredients. Eight-course tasting menu 560 BOB (61), excluding wine. Advertisement Advertisement Ali Pacha: Ali Pacha meaning plant universe in Aymara is La Pazs first and only high-end vegan restaurant, tucked just off Calle Colon in the city centre. Chef Sebastian Quirogas dishes focus exclusively on sustainably sourced vegetables and grains like quinoa, corn and Bolivias many varieties of potato. The black quinoa tempeh with a chilli emulsion is delicious. Mains around 200 BOB (11). Published in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Courtesy Days on Crete unfold like a film reel: a morning swim in a secluded cove, an afternoon tasting local vintages and hiking through olive groves, and twilight dinners of fresh seafood paired with beachside spritzes. Whether youre wandering Chanias labyrinthine Old Town or snorkeling in crystalline waters, Greeces largest island balances abundance with ease. Its shifting landscapes and lively nightlife offer endless discoveryyet everything remains approachable, with nearly every adventure possible as a day trip. Where to Stay The brand-new JW Marriott Crete, a sleek sanctuary on the islands northeast coast. Nestled along a private stretch of shoreline, the resorts 160 rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape with sand-toned stone, infinity pools that spill into the sea, and landscaping lush with succulents. I spent four nights immersed in its luxurious travertine aesthetican intimate introduction to the islands endless appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Though its just a convenient 20 minutes from Chania Airport, the JW feels like an isolated retreat, perfect for soaking up Cretes naturally relaxing landscape and serving as an ideal jumping-off point for adventures. Heres exactly how to make the most of your time on the isle. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Advertisement Advertisement Snorkel and Swim Crete is famous for its crystal-clear water and colorful marine life, making it a dream for snorkel lovers like me. Scuba diving is also huge here, but if you prefer staying close to shoreand to the food and beverage servicepack a mask. The JW sits on a private coastline with shallow rocky coves that attract lively schools of fish. I spent hours floating in the temperate water, mesmerized by the sea life. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Relax on Shore When I needed a break (or a rehydration moment), Id wander back to my sun lounger for refreshments. Spritzes and rose, naturallyits Europealong with hummus, crudites (it is Greece, after all), and fresh-caught sushi. After all that sun, I recommend heading indoors for some R&R. At the JWs spa, Anoseas Spa, I soaked in the freshwater features before enjoying a signature massage that made me feel like a Greek goddess. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Advertisement Advertisement Credit: Katie Buckleitner Bop Around Chania If youre craving a bit more bustle, head to Chania and its charming Old Town. Hope you packed extra room in your suitcasethe boutiques are irresistible. I personally left with an olive wood saladtossing set. Enjoy dinner under a bougainvillea-draped terrace or grab a gelato and wander to the pier for sunset. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Advertisement Advertisement Credit: Katie Buckleitner Take a Pottery Class Ancient Greece had a profound relationship with potterycentral to daily life, rituals, and storytelling. For a hands-on way to learn about its history and craft a meaningful souvenir, try a pottery class. Verekinthos Arts and Crafts Village is a perfect place to chat with local artists in their home studios, hear about the crafts storied past, and learn the basics of ceramics. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner Find a Winery Crete is one of Greeces oldest wine regions and home to unique native grapes like Vidiano and Vilana. The islands microclimatecooled by Aegean sea breezes and warmed by southern windspaired with limestone-rich soil creates standout wines. Theres a strong emphasis on authenticity here, as these varietals are deeply tied to the islands identity. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Advertisement Advertisement Credit: Katie Buckleitner Get Out on the Water (This Time by Boat) The quickestand most scenicway to explore an island is always by water. Youll reach secluded coves without the long trek, stumble upon archaeological sites (which are common in Greece), and take in dramatic cliffs from a distance. Launching from the hotels northwest bay and cruising around the cove made for the perfect itinerary. We stopped at highlights like Crique de Soudas (accessible only by boat), Seitan Limania (a wildly beautiful and popular beach), and Katholiko Bay, home to Monastery Katholiko, which dates back to the 6th or 7th century. Credit: Katie Buckleitner Credit: Katie Buckleitner My Crete Packing Essentials 54mm Rectangular Sunglasses Advertisement Advertisement Statement sunnies are essential, and these Miu Mius will make the entire look. View Deal Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule These flats can go from day to night with any outfit. View Deal Paula Dress This crochet dress is such a dream for a beachy dinner or even a cover-up at a seafood lunch. View Deal Beleza Romper Petition to wear more rompers on vacation starting here. View Deal Jumbo Charlie Necklace Advertisement Advertisement I always pack a few chunky necklaces - they easily change up an outfit without taking up much luggage real estate. View Deal Janessa Leone Felix Straw Bucket Hat I'm obsessed with this bucket hat for both shading my face and covering unmanageable beach hair. View Deal Simonmiller Beja Crochet Dress Now this is the perfect vacation dress. It matches the Cretan vibes perfectly in texture and color. View Deal Montego One Piece This might be the most flattering swimsuit ever, and the print is so chic. View Deal South Beach Sarong - Husk Geo Advertisement Advertisement The matching sarong is a must. View Deal The post Inside the Pouch of a Newly Born Tree Kangaroo appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take The UKs Chester Zoo welcomed a new Goodfellows tree kangaroo baby recently. The Goodfellows tree kangaroo species is listed as endangered by the IUCN. To monitor the babys growth in the pouch, zookeepers used endoscopic pouch-cams. The baby tree kangaroo is the Zoos second and marks a significant milestone for the endangered species. When you think of kangaroos, you usually imagine the six-foot-tall kind, hopping across wide open spaces throughout Australia. After all, it is this version of the marsupial that nature series and movies tend to showcase. Advertisement Advertisement You probably dont imagine these large marsupials hanging out in the treetops. While terrestrial kangaroos can leap to great heights, they arent built for climbing due to their size. Youd be rightat least when it comes to ground-dwelling kangaroo species. But those arent the only kangaroos around. Theres another kind of kangaroo whose specialty is living in trees. There are actually 14 tree-kangaroo species built specifically for moving around high above the rainforest floors. These arboreal dwellers are found in New Guinea and the far northeast of Queensland, Australia. One of these arboreal marsupials is the Goodfellows tree kangaroo. Like many other tree kangaroo species, Goodfellows are considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This endangered status is why the recent birth of a Goodfellows joey at a UK zoo is cause for celebration. Meet Chester Zoos Newest Tree Kangaroo Addition The Chester Zoo, located just south of Liverpool, England, is not just a zoo but also an international conservation charity. It is a globally recognized center of excellence for scientific research and conservation. The Zoo takes part in 139 international conservation breeding programs, one of which is for the Goodfellows tree kangaroo. Advertisement Advertisement The recent birth of the tiny male Goodfellows tree kangaroo to parents Kitawa (mom) and Kayjo (dad) marks the second Goodfellows tree kangaroo birth at the Zoo. Both pregnancies were part of the Zoos collaborative conservation breeding program designed to help rebuild populations of one of the worlds most threatened marsupials. Zookeepers, using hormone analysis, pinpointed the best time for Kitawa and Kayjo to mate. Zookeepers conducted their work in the Zoos on-site science centerthe only one of its kind at any European zoo. The planning was effective, and Kitawa gave birth to a male joey in the fall of 2025. Born weighing just a few grams, the tiny newborn quickly made its way into moms pouch, where it would spend the next several months growing. Newborn kangaroos instinctively find their way to the pouch by following a trail of saliva that the mother licks into place immediately after birth. This path leads directly to the pouch, and the tiny newborns use their forelimbs to climb along the mothers fur. Under normal circumstances, zookeepers wouldnt catch a glimpse of the joey until it emerged months later. Given the significance of the birth, zookeepers took a unique approach to safeguarding the little joeys early months of life. They used a series of tiny pouch-cams to monitor the joeys development. Advertisement Advertisement By inserting endoscopic cameras into the pouch, conservationists were able to monitor the joeys growth as he developed. The insights gained through this innovative approach gave conservationists a better understanding of the rarely-studied species. The information will also help shape breeding programs around the world. The Zoos newest Goodfellows tree kangaroo joey takes his first peek out of the pouch. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) Tree kangaroos dont breed quicklya joey is a huge energy investment for the mother. Thats why this birth is such a significant moment, says David White, Team Manager of Twilight at Chester Zoo, in a news release. Its taken a huge amount of work from keepers, vets, and scientists, all collaborating to support the joeys safe arrival. Everything weve learned is helping to protect this remarkable species. The still-unnamed joey weighed in at 4.1 pounds in mid-January. Visitors to the Zoos Island Zone may catch a glimpse of the joey peeking out from moms pouch. The Zoo plans to name the joey soon, choosing a name inspired by the communities in Papua New Guinea that are actively working to protect the endangered species forest homes. It Wasnt the First Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Birth at the Zoo The most recent Goodfellows tree kangaroo birth was the second such occurrence in the past few years. The first tree kangaroo baby arrived in July 2022 and marked the Zoos inaugural breeding program for the endangered marsupial. The Chester Zoos first Goodfellows tree kangaroo baby was born in July 2022. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) Parents of the first tree kangaroo baby were also mom Kitawa and dad Kayjo. That joey spent six months in its mothers pouch before eventually popping its head out to explore life outside. It took a few more months for the joey to fully emerge and begin life as a young tree kangaroo. Its daily lessons included refining its hopping skills and learning to climb treesan essential skill for any tree kangaroo. Just as with this second tree kangaroo birth, scientists used endoscopic cameras to monitor the first joeys in-pouch development. Learn More About the Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Goodfellows tree kangaroos are one of 14 tree kangaroo species found throughout the tropical forests and rainforests of north Queensland and New Guinea. Much smaller than their terrestrial cousins, tree kangaroos have smaller hind legs adapted to climbing. These adapted hind legs make them clumsy when hopping on the ground. Goodfellows tree kangaroos spend most of their lives in the treetops of New Guineas forests. John Carnemolla/Shutterstock.com (John Carnemolla/Shutterstock.com) They also have very sharp claws and long, patterned tails to help them climb and leap great distances between trees. They can leap up to 30 feet between trees in the treetops, where they spend most of their lives sleeping on branches and foraging for leaves and other plants. When they do need to come down to the ground, they can also successfully make vertical jumps of up to 60 feet and land safely. Advertisement Advertisement They have reddish-brown fur highlighted by gold stripes and spots. Adults weigh between 13 and 20 pounds and are about 21 to 30 inches long. One unique feature of the Goodfellows tree kangaroo is its ability to move its hind feet independently. Other tree kangaroo species share this skill, but terrestrial kangaroos do not. Why Are Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo Numbers in Decline? Most tree kangaroo species, including Goodfellows, face ongoing habitat loss due to logging, agricultural expansion for palm oil plantations, and hunting for their meat and fur. Deforestation is a major threat to all tree kangaroos, including Goodfellows. Toa55/Shutterstock.com (Toa55/Shutterstock.com) These threats have a dramatic negative impact on tree kangaroo populations in both New Guinea and Queensland. A ban on traditional hunting and increased habitat protection in Queensland, Australia, have helped stabilize tree kangaroo populations there. Unfortunately, in New Guinea, deforestation continues unabated, leading to significant habitat loss for all 12 tree kangaroo species that live there, including Goodfellows. More About Tree Kangaroo Conservation Efforts Although Goodfellows tree kangaroos are only found in a small corner of the world, global conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this unique species. Coordinated breeding programs like the one at Chester Zoo help to build the population of captive tree kangaroos. In fact, Goodfellows tree kangaroos are one of only a few New Guinea tree kangaroo species that are part of an international breeding program. These programs help raise awareness and serve as insurance against extinction. The Zoos newest Goodfellows tree kangaroo joey peeked out of moms pouch for the first time on January 12, 2026. Chester Zoo Original / License (Chester Zoo) There are other ways for the general public to help with conservation efforts, too. You can reduce the impact of deforestation by buying only certified sustainable FSC wood and paper products. FSC certification ensures that the wood is ethically sourced from responsibly managed forests, rather than from clear-cutting that contributes to deforestation. You can also choose RSPO-certified palm oil, which is produced according to standards set by the global Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Certification means that the oil was produced without causing deforestation. The post Inside the Pouch of a Newly Born Tree Kangaroo appeared first on A-Z Animals. The past has a remarkable habit of refusing to stay in the shadows. Every year, surprise findings and archaeological discoveries shed light on fascinating chapters of yesteryear. Quite often, these dusty revelations also add up to excellent reasons for travel. The following 10 sites, artefacts and echoes of history were all either unearthed or identified during the last 12 months, providing the basis for intriguing getaways which promise something new... Penico Peru You might assume that a country as famously rich in heritage as Peru would have no new stories to tell, but last Julys unveiling of Penico has added a fresh strand to the tapestry. This 3,800-year-old lost city is not an Inca site. It is tied to the Caral people who dominated what is now the north-east of the country between the fourth and second millennia BC. It also sheds light on a civilisation that, unusually for ancient times, was peaceful the ruins of Penico include 18 temples and houses, but no defensive walls. Can I see it? Yes. Penico is located just over 100 miles north of Lima. It can be slotted into the 15-day Archaeological Riches of the North itinerary offered by Journey Latin America which also calls in on the neighbouring archaeological site Caral-Supe. From 4,600 per person (not including flights). The 3,800-year-old lost city of Penico is located just over 100 miles north of Lima The Tomb of Thutmose II Egypt Nearly 104 years have passed since Howard Carter pinpointed Tutankhamuns resting place, but the discovery of a pharaonic tomb remains the gold-standard of archaeological achievements. So there was excitement in Egypt last February when a hand-dug chamber (Wadi C-4), tucked away west of the Valley of the Kings, was confirmed to be the grave of Thutmose II. The site had long evaded Egyptologists: Thutmose II reigned from 1493 to 1479 BC, and was the last king of the 18th Dynasty whose tomb was unaccounted for. Can I see it? Not yet; Wadi C-4 is currently in poor condition. But the pharaohs mummy can be glimpsed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Cairo. An eight-night holiday to Egypt, featuring a four-night cruise on luxury vessel the Oberoi Philae, with time in Cairo, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, starts at 6,949 per person, including all flights and transfers, via Audley Travel. The mummy of Thutmose II can be seen at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation - Alamy The Tomb of Ashot the Great Turkey A monarch of a different golden age was the subject of a discovery in north-east Turkey last October. Ashot I was a ninth-century titan of the Bagrationi dynasty which ruled the region in the Middle Ages, and was crucial to the establishment of Georgia as a kingdom. His grave, long lost, has been identified. Its location, Ardanuc Castle, is in what is now Turkeys Artvin Province but was once part of Georgia, which lies a mere 60 miles to the north. Can I visit it? Yes. The 14-day Hidden Treasures of Eastern Turkey holiday offered by Cox & Kings can be tailored to visit the hilltop fortress en route between Malatya and Trabzon. From 9,595 a head including flights. The Tomb of Ashot the Great is located at Ardanuc Castle - Alamy Roman shipwreck Turkey Turkey stumbled across an even older relic in July; a first-century shipwreck found 150ft (45m) down, off the coast of Antalya, near Adrasan. The coloured ceramics bowls, plates and vases lifted from the seabed are in remarkable condition, because the Roman merchants who were transporting them had the foresight to pack them in raw clay. This sealing process ensured that even two millennia in saltwater did no damage to their cargo. Can I see it? Not yet. The ceramics will be part of the collection at a new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum, due to be constructed at nearby Kemer while the wreck will be accessible to scuba-tourists. In the meantime, Kemer is a lovely option for a summer holiday. A seven-night all-inclusive break to the five-star Akra Kemer, flying from Manchester on July 4, starts at 1,289 a head, with Tui. A first-century shipwreck found last July near Adrasan in Turkey contained well-preserved bowls, plates and vases - nejdetduzen Advertisement Advertisement HMS Hind Orkney, UK Scotland also has its wrecks. In February 2024, coastal erosion along the Bay of Lopness, on the southern edge of the Orkney island of Sanday, uncovered the timber corpse of a long-sunken ship. Last July, scientific analysis gave the victim a name. This was the former HMS Hind, a royal naval vessel which, launched in 1749, saw action in the American Revolutionary War. It was rechristened Earl Of Chatham in 1784, and put to work as an Arctic whaling boat before coming to grief in Orkney waters in April 1788. Can I see it? Yes. The timbers are housed in freshwater tanks at Sanday Heritage Centre (see orkney.com). Orkney Retreats has a range of properties on Sanday such as the two-bedroom Kilnbarn Cottage (from 1,225 a week). The 1715 Treasure Fleet Florida, USA Not so much a discovery as a gift that keeps giving. Strictly speaking, the 1715 Treasure Fleet was never lost this mini-armada of Spanish galleons, laden with gold, sank so soon after its departure from Havana in July 1715 that a swarm of pirates was almost immediately on the scene. Three centuries on, the 11 ships, which lie just east of Florida, continue to bleed doubloons; coins worth 750,000 were salvaged by divers last summer. Can I see it? Effectively, yes. The McLarty Treasure Museum displays items from the wrecks on nearby North Hutchinson Island, where survivors of the disaster built a camp. The site can be visited via the 15-day Southern Charm and Coastal History tour of Florida and Georgia offered by America As You Like It. From 2,129 per person, including flights and car rental. The Spanish galleons that sank off Florida in 1715 continue to leak treasure, with 750,000 worth of coins salvaged by divers last summer - Michele and Tom Grimm/Alamy Stock Photo Spanish Civil War bunker Mallorca Spain prefers to keep the civil war which tore it apart between 1936 and 1939 hidden in the past. Literally so in the case of IES Ses Estacions a school in the Mallorcan capital Palma which had been sitting on an air-raid shelter, concealed beneath its playground, for the last 90 years. The bunker was uncovered last March during routine construction work. Can I see it? Watch this space. The bunker is in good condition, and once made safe, will be used as a first-hand history lesson for the secondary schools students. A four-night stay at the four-star Posada Terra Santa (near the heart of the city), flying from Gatwick on April 29, starts at 819 a head, with BA Holidays. Ravin Blanc X Senegal Archaeologists are increasingly enthusiastic about this promising excavation site in Senegal, which is likely to fill some of the many gaps in academic knowledge of the hunter-gatherer era in West Africa. Findings published by the University of Geneva last September talk of a Stone Age workshop in the Faleme Valley, in the east of the country, where remnants of quartz tools, crafted 9,000 years ago, have been plucked from the dust. Can I see it? Not as yet. But travellers interested in this less-vaunted destination might be drawn to the escorted 12-day Senegal and The Gambia Adventure offered by Intrepid Travel which explores the countries in question beyond the beaches for which they are mainly known. From 2,516 a head (flights extra). The Melsonby Hoard Yorkshire, UK Discovered by amateur metal detectorist Peter Heads in 2021, but only publicised last March, the Melsonby Hoard is one of the most significant troves of Iron Age artefacts ever disinterred in the UK. The find which amounts to more than 900 items, including jewellery, spear-tips, cauldrons and wine bowls was probably buried around the time of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD. Its various treasures demonstrate both the wealth of North Yorkshires aristocrats in the first century, and their fear of the changing times. Can I see it? Yes. The hoard was purchased by the Yorkshire Museum in York last summer. The village of Melsonby also makes for a pretty pit-stop, and is just three miles from Stanwick Camp, the Iron Age fortifications whose lofty view of the countryside provide added context on the era. The Melsonby Hoard contains more than 900 items, and was probably buried around the time of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD The boots of Ogmore Beach Glamorgan, UK Some discoveries cast light on major chapters of the past. Others are more tangential. This is very much the case with the cache of footwear which washed up into the tidal rockpools at Ogmore-by-Sea just before Christmas. Around 200 boots and shoes were spotted by litter-pickers conducting a coastal clean-up. What was already mysterious became fully enigmatic when analysis showed that these well-preserved leather items are probably of Georgian vintage. It is thought the boots were shaken loose from the wreck of a steamship which foundered on the treacherous Tusker Rock, just offshore, in 1831. Can I see them? Yes. The shoes are currently in the care of the local Beach Academy, whose regular volunteer-led clean-up sessions often unearth such curiosities. Sykes Cottages offers Ty Glass a three-bedroom hideaway, in Ogmore-by-Sea (ref: 1441245) from 610 per week. 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. Image Credit: GM. The Canadian governments recent decision to dramatically reduce import tariffs on electric vehicles from China prompted sharp reactions across the global automotive industry. The move, agreed between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese leaders during high-level talks, allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs into Canada this year at a tariff of about 6.1 percent. Previously, that duty stood at roughly ten times higher via a policy originally meant to protect domestic producers and the integrated North American market. The Canadian government insists the volume represents a small slice of total vehicle sales and positions China as a source of investment and cooperation rather than solely competition. Officials also point to an ambitious long-term goal of attracting Chinese automakers to build facilities locally, creating jobs and expanding technology sharing within Canadas automotive ecosystem. Chinese diplomatic officials have publicly supported this vision, suggesting harmonized cooperation could benefit both economies. GMs Top Executive Alarmed Image Credit: The White House, Public Doman, Wikimedia. General Motors CEO Mary Barra has bluntly described Canadas decision as a slippery slope with long-term implications for North American manufacturers. She argues that subsidized imports from China could undercut domestic production and destabilize a supply chain that heavily links Canada and the United States. The worry is not merely about sales numbers today but about strategic positioning tomorrow. Barras comments underscore the anxiety echoing through boardrooms in Detroit and beyond as Chinese brands like BYD and Great Wall Motor rapidly expand their global footprint. These companies have already begun establishing European production hubs and negotiating market access deals around the world. Their aggressive pricing, advancing technology, and sheer production scale have pushed Western automakers to rethink their strategies. Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. Those skeptical of Canadas tariff reversal say it threatens to unravel decades of carefully negotiated trade policy designed to protect North American vehicle manufacturing. Critics also argue the policy shift came with minimal industry consultation, leaving automakers scrambling to assess the implications for investment plans, workforce deployment, and supply chain logistics. Political Tensions and Industry Fears The timing of Canadas decision has also stirred political controversy. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has openly criticized federal leaders and urged a boycott of Chinese EVs, warning that the policy could harm a province whose economy is heavily reliant on automotive production and related supply chains. It's a wonder that Uzbek fare hasn't yet become a viral phenomenon. Once the geographic center of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan continues to gather all points of the Asian continent, reflecting the convergence of Arab, Korean, Persian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Northern Chinese, Mongolian and Indian traditions, histories and adaptations, all through the lens of a former Soviet state. I'd argue that fewer culinary traditions reveal the diversity of its diasporas, religions and cultural influences as transparently as Uzbek cuisine. You'll find borscht and pierogies, kimchi, kebabs, falafel, noodles, bread, plov and a wealth of lamb, all dazzlingly spiced and portioned to share. Between a dental office and a liquor store in a strip mall off Route 9W in Highland, Alons Halal Grill showcases these riches with pride and familial hospitality. Owners Sobir and Nayoba Murtazaev greet you from the counter as soon as you walk into their modest but comfortable dining room. A fragrant herbal tea of thyme, mint, orange and lemon, served in delicately embossed glass cups, sets the tone for a well-paced culinary voyage. Come with company if you can; feasting is recommended. Restaurant Review Alon's Halal Grill Address: 3650 Route 9W, Highland Prices: Starters, soups and salads, $5.99 to $9.99; single entrees, $12.99 to $19.99; shared platters, $26.99 to $47.99 Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Tuesday Info: 845-834-2180 and alonshalalgrill.com Etc.: Lot parking. ADA-accessible. No alcohol available. Advertisement Advertisement Taking center stage is the pilov (also spelled palov or plov), the national dish of Uzbekistan. Tender sections of lamb fall apart at the touch of a fork, heaped over a glittering mound of rice glazed in lamb fat and dotted with carrots, chickpeas and plump raisins. A single stewed pepper is all that's needed for the option of intense heat, if one desires. Bring friends and order a spread. Many dishes are sized to share. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) Not satisfied to use just any available long-grain rice like basmati, the Murtazaevs import their rice directly from Uzbekistan, which boasts its own heirloom varieties like alanga, avangard and an intriguingly named "super lazer." The difference is distinct - the rice at Alons holds its shape far better than the long grains typically seen in the U.S. Also uncompromising is the preparation, which happens daily in a traditional iron cauldron called a qozon. "It's not really pilov if it's not made in a qozon," Nayoba said. We relished the pilov with a refreshing array of vinegary salads, each one a nod to the region's plethora of influences. From its Korean diaspora (called Koryo saram), a less spicy adaptation of kimchi, and morkovcha, a coriander-forward salad of delicately julienned and lightly pickled carrots. The Middle East makes itself apparent in achik-chuchuk, a classic medley of tomato, cucumber, onion and parsley that seems a close cousin to Persian shirazi salad. Crunchy, earthy and sweet, from Uzbekistan's Eastern European population comes a delightfully pink signature salad of beets, carrot and cabbage. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout its menu, Alons demonstrates a commitment to doing things the right way. Their kholodetz, a wintertime specialty of jellied meat uplifted by a punchy side of horseradish, obtains its otherworldly texture solely from a stock made of collagen-rich beef and chicken - you won't find packets of gelatin in this kitchen. As a result, this Eastern European aspic melts lusciously into a puddle of meaty richness as soon as it hits your tongue. Cooked in a broth so rich with collagen from beef and chicken bones that it gelatinizes when chilled, kholodets gets a flavor counterbalance from pungent horseradish sauce. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) Originating in the Uyghur culinary tradition in northwest China, lagman is a dish of meat, vegetables and noodles. At Alon's, it can be ordered with broth or as a stir-fry. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) Wheat is abundant in Uzbekistan, and every dough at Alons is handled with expertise. Its bread, which borrows its name from Indian naan despite bearing little physical resemblance, is supple and bouncy, made fresh every morning. So are their manti, oversized dumplings stuffed either with meat or pumpkin and dipped in sour cream. Noodles, which are hand-rolled and served in both stir-fry and brothy versions of the Uygur-influenced lagman, are full of twists and turns, more surface area for sauces to cling to before getting slurped up. Advertisement Advertisement Also astonishing is the chubereki, Uzbekistan's answer to the universally beloved formula of deep-fried dough stuffed with meat. At Alons, they come in golden, face-sized half-moons that are so succulent that juices poured down the length of my hand the second I bit into its blistered exterior. This is served with a light tomato sauce on the side - a small diversion from tradition, which typically sees the sauce baked within. This decision allows the pastry to stay crisp longer. Pouring a bit of sauce before each bite offers a welcome balance of sweet acidity to the crowd-pleasing decadence of meat encased in deep-fried dough. In Uzbek cuisine, fried dough stuffed with meat is called chebureki. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) Large lavash bread drapes over kebabs of grilled lamb and vegetables with rice in a platter at Alon's Halal Grill in Highland. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) True to the restaurant's name, grilled meat at Alons is exceptional, served with the kind of precision typically reserved for a steakhouse; when we ordered the lamb kebab platter, Nayoba asked how we'd like the meat cooked. The requested medium-rare was exemplary, a platonic ideal of what that temperature ought to be. These mouth-watering morsels of cumin-spiced lamb sat alongside a heap of aromatic rice and slices of grilled tomato and zucchini, all of which rested under a blanket of chewy lavash bread, pulled back for dramatic effect. Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone in Uzbekistan learns how to cook from a young age," said Nayoba when asked about where she and Alon developed their culinary prowess. Prior to arriving in the U.S. in 2008 via a green-card lottery, the couple worked as lawyers and farmers just outside Uzbekistan's historic heartland of Samarkand. After a short stint in Queens, they decided to move north, away from New York's vibrant Central Asian communities, in order to better immerse themselves in the English language. Moving to New Paltz, they quickly found employment and community at Mohonk Mountain House's restaurant; Nayoba and Sobir were promoted to chef and buffet manager, respectively, over the years. Also at Mohonk, the couple discovered a local interest in Uzbek cuisine. "Every time I brought Uzbek food I made at home, people would ask to try," Nayoba said. "I would always make extra!" After a short and bureaucracy-laden stint opening a food truck in 2019, Nayoba and Sobir decided to commit to a brick-and-mortar space. They finished renovations on a long-abandoned strip-mall storefront, officially opening the doors of their Highland space in September 2024. The business has grown steadily since; during my visit, Nayoba and Sobir chatted often with customers, many of whom they knew by name. After a frustrating experience launching a food truck in 2019, the owners of Alon's Halal Grill decided to renovate a long-empty space in a strip plaza. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) Bright but welcoming, Alon's is staffed by owners who have been embraced by locals since opening in fall 2024. (Shannon Lee/For the Times Union) "Lots of locals come to get takeaway while they shop for groceries," Nayoba said. "We've also had a lot of Uzbeks come up from the city to try our food. They always ask us, What are you guys doing all the way up here?'" Advertisement Advertisement As in Samarkand, Alons Halal Grill is a place where myriad cultures are shared, and all walks of life come together to participate in the most ancient of human pastimes: breaking pillowy loaves of bread and talking over many refills of tea. This article originally published at Uncompromising Uzbek cuisine at Alons Halal Grill in Highland. Sutro Baths hasn't hosted swimmers in San Francisco since it burned 60 years ago. But as I attempt a backstroke at the Richmond Plunge, floating in salt water and looking up at a tressed ceiling similar to the one in Adolph Sutro's indoor engineering marvel, I feel like a time traveler in swim trunks, like I'm living in one of those bygone Bay Area stories my grandparents used to tell me about. People swim laps at the historic Richmond Plunge pool, built in 1926. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) While much of the region aggressively embraces the future, Point Richmond is taking its sweet time leaving the past. Chronicle columnist Margaret Patterson Doss wrote in 1968 that the community "sits on the Contra Costa (shore) like a little piece of yesterday that floated across the bay and stranded itself when the tide went out." Advertisement Advertisement Generations later, that description still fits. Along with its 100-year-old indoor swimming pool, the town has a triangle-shaped historic downtown and two early 1900s railroad crossings. The most modern-sounding thing I can say about Point Richmond is that the first "Toy Story" was made here. But that's part of the charm. This cheap, fun and surprising neighborhood is one of the most welcoming and least touristy destinations in the Bay. A dog stands outside of Kaliedoscope Coffee in Point Richmond, one of the small businesses that dot the neighborhood's triangular downtown. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) Wedged between Interstate 580 and the San Francisco Bay, Point Richmond is a neighborhood of Richmond with its own small downtown, a hill filled with houses, and a pair of tunnels that bore through the hillside, connecting the village to 295-acre Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline park. Drive north along the freeway toward the Richmond Bridge and the contrast is stark: warehouses and refinery tanks to your right, the green, tree-lined beauty of Point Richmond's Nicholl Knob (elevation 371 feet) to your left. With a population under 5,000, Point Richmond is about one-twentieth the size of the whole city. But with the return of the Richmond passenger ferry in 2019, which docks a couple miles away near Craneway Pavilion, the town is the most accessible it has been to San Franciscans since the last passenger ferry left the previous station in 1956. Advertisement Advertisement Long before that, Point Richmond was once an island surrounded by water and marshes, on land owned by 1800s farmer and real estate speculator John Nicholl. The southwest corner of his property dropped like a cliff into the San Francisco Bay, making it the perfect spot to end a late 1800s rail line being built from Bakersfield to the East Bay, with goods continuing by ferry to China Basin. The Ferry Point Tunnel, created by the Santa Fe Railway company, with a mural by artist John Wehrle. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) Santa Fe Railway bought the rights, bored a tunnel connecting Ferry Point to the downtown area, and a small town emerged. Nicholl drilled for oil on the city side of the tunnel, dropping 1,200 feet of pipe, but hit nothing but water. So he donated the land. The Richmond Municipal Natatorium (now the Plunge) was finished in 1926, using some of Sutro's methods to pump salt water in from the San Francisco Bay. I see little evidence of this history during my 2.2-mile bike ride from the San Francisco Bay Ferry station to Point Richmond's petite downtown. But after crossing tracks at Railroad and West Richmond avenues, I enter a triangular commercial district with theme-park-level charm and cleanliness. Advertisement Advertisement The Richmond Plunge is still the most dominant structure, with its grand "MUNICIPAL NATATORIUM" sign and tunnel entrance next door, offering a peek at the familiar Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. Selma Rowell, 84, is locking her bike up next to mine, looking refreshed after her morning swim. She's lived in Point Richmond since 1970. "Why would I leave?" she says. "It's a very nice small town and it has never changed. The people are all sweet and wonderful, and you get to know them all." The facade of of Richmond's first firehouse and jail is seen along Park Place in Point Richmond. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) I get what she means as I walk down Park Place, one of the three streets that form the downtown perimeter. I pass an early 1900s fire station and jail - now a law office - which still has bars inside from the old drunk tank. Park Place Barbers sits along Park Place in in Point Richmond. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) Park Place Barbers, in a historic building of brick and tile, advertises an upcoming live jazz night at the shop; I hear the bass lines of Charles Mingus playing on an old stereo before I peek inside. Nearby is Little Louie's Cafe, a favorite of Pixar staff in the early 1990s when the fledgling studio was stationed nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Next door is the Masquers Playhouse, a 90-seat theater that staged its first production in 1960. (I'm saddened to learn the troupe's musical version of Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can" ended in December.) In the center of the triangle is a small park. A Native American statue at the triangle's point is a resting spot for ambitious bicyclists in colorful jerseys and jackets who ride through town on the 350-mile Bay Trail. The tiny Point Richmond History Museum, established 1903, sits in downtown Point Richmond. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) On the wide end of the park is the fun-sized Point Richmond History Museum, which has the floor space of a Sprinter van and has been here since 1903. Across the street, lines form at Maya Taqueria, its outdoor seating popular with the cyclists. I pass Mom & Pop Art Shop owner Kelly Nicolaisen, who is outside her vintage wonderland filled with photo art, posters, matchbooks and hats, many of which feature Point Richmond landmarks or slogans. She's about to smash a small table, which she'll make into more art. The shop plans to close in April after a decade - Nicolaisen points out bargains everywhere - but she has nothing negative to say about Point Richmond. Advertisement Advertisement "It's very artsy, very community-based," she said. "There are so many places where people can meet and get together. I know everybody's story in this town." I buy a Fillmore concert poster and two Point Richmond-themed greeting cards and head to the Plunge, where a drop-in swim ranges from $4 to $8.75. There are lap swimmers, a child learning to dog paddle and a disabled adult being lowered into the pool by two helpers, with ample room for all in the natural-light-filled space. A mural on the far wall features the nearby shoreline, filled with happy heron and geese. The historic Hotel Mac in Point Richmond was built in 1911. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle) I pivot from my plan to eat at guidebook favorite Hotel Mac after Nicolaisen recommends Jin Ye, a tiny Chinese restaurant with an $11 lunch special that includes entree, rice, soup and a spring roll. Hungry from my swim, and suspicious of the 1990s pricing, I'm surprised to find it's more than enough. Advertisement Advertisement Of all my excursions into under-the-radar Bay Area downtowns - we're up to nine! - Point Richmond is the one that came closest to 20th century prices. My round-trip ferry ride, swim, lunch and a visit to the Rosie the Riveter WWII museum (admission is free) all come in under $30. There's so much more to see - the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, more lush and green than my last visit; whimsical fairy houses on Washington Avenue - but don't have time to explore, so I bike back to the ferry with a few minutes to cruise into the aforementioned museum. It's just enough time to realize it's worth its own special trip. I'm happy on the other side of the bay. But occasionally I get enough of the Waymos, chlorine pools and buildings four stories and higher. It's nice to know throwback Point Richmond is just a $4.90 ferry ride away. This article originally published at This tiny Bay Area downtown has cheap food, cool art and a 100-year-old indoor pool. Although whipping up gourmet meals like Gordon Ramsay or Ina Garten may sound exciting in theory, stocking your kitchen with some of the flavor-boosting ingredients that chefs and food experts often turn to can quickly rack up a grocery bill that doesnt feel as thrilling. But with the right supermarket insights and a store that offers great value, you dont need to spend a fortune to cook like a pro. Walmart offers an impressive range of high-quality pantry staples and specialty ingredients that can take your cooking up a notch without draining your wallet if you know what to pick. Thanks to the biggest grocery chain in the country, which boasts over 4,000 locations in the United States, your everyday grocery runs can turn into an opportunity to build a pantry thats both impressive and affordable. We recommend perusing the aisles yourself to spot budget-friendly finds that suit your taste, and these five ingredients are a great place to start. Osmo Flakey White Sea Salt Food & Wine / Walmart Flaky sea salt is an easy way to add an elegant, flavorful finish to everything from sweet desserts to steak. As one customer points out in an online review, the texture of the Osmo Flakey White Sea Salt is exactly what I want in a finishing salt: big, delicate flakes that crumble beautifully between your fingers and add a satisfying crunch without overpowering the dish. Advertisement Advertisement Even though it's hand-harvested from the Pacific Ocean, this salt wont ring up for a shockingly high cost at checkout. While prices may vary some based on location, you can likely score a 6.5-ounce container for around $6, or 91 cents per ounce. Compared to the roughly $1.99 per ounce youll pay for Maldon salt flakes at Whole Foods, thats a steal. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Pure Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste Food & Wine / Walmart Bakers looking to level up their desserts without overspending should snag a 4-ounce jar of Nielsen-Masseys Madagascar Pure Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste from Walmart while its currently on sale for $18.95, nearly half the price of the same bottle at Whole Foods, where it sells for $36.99. Even if you miss Walmarts current discount, you can still snag this premium ingredient at the superstore for $25.30. Related: 6 Must-Try Walmart Bakery Items, From Banana Pudding to Braided Brioche Nielsen-Massey sources hand-selected vanilla beans from the worlds top growing regions and uses a small-batch, cold extraction process to preserve the vanillas flavor. The pure Bourbon Madagascar vanilla bean paste will deliver the signature black flecks youre looking for in a vanilla-infused dessert, and its thick texture feels rich and luxurious. Terra Verde Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Food & Wine / Walmart Aged balsamic vinegar has more depth than its younger counterpart, and its the kind of pantry staple that can instantly upgrade a wide variety of dishes, adding sweetness, acid, and complexity. Drizzle it over simple salads, pasta, roasted vegetables, or vanilla ice cream youd be hard-pressed to find a dish this ingredient doesnt pair well with. Advertisement Advertisement Terra Verde Organic Balsamic Vinegar delivers the signature sweet-tart flavor and viscous texture of an aged balsamic at a stellar price. Imported from Italy and matured for three years in traditional wooden casks, it rings in at just $7.42 per 8.4-ounce bottle. Thats notably lower than what youll pay for specialty options like Lucini Aged Balsamic Vinegar, which costs $13.99 for a similarly sized bottle at World Market. Mina Moroccan Preserved Lemons Food & Wine / Walmart These preserved Beldi lemons are a great way to add bright flavor, a citrusy aroma, and vibrant golden color to your cooking. This variety of lemon is native to Morocco, and the cured citrus has a very short ingredient list featuring only lemons, salt, and water. This is another versatile pantry staple, and you can use the preserved lemons in everything from tagines to topping simple roasted proteins. Related: 27 Bright, Citrusy Recipes to Make all Winter The price will vary depending on location, and some Walmart stores sell a 12.5-ounce jar of Mina Moroccan Preserved Lemons for around $4, a serious steal compared to the $7 price tag for the same product at most other retailers. If your location happens to have a higher price, take advantage of Walmarts price-matching policy for any items listed on its own website. Vigo Jumbo Squid in Oil Food & Wine / Walmart Tinned fish has become a popular protein source in recent years, and high-end cans of squid can easily run upwards of $10. This tin of tender, oil-packed calamari is imported from Spain and only costs $2.97. (Thats even lower than what youll pay at Trader Joes, another affordable retailer, where a similar can costs $4.50.) Advertisement Advertisement The tin features olive oil for rich flavor and sunflower oil, which helps keep the total cost down. Besides squid, oil, and salt, you wont spot anything else on the ingredient list. Put this out at a happy hour or toss it with pasta and plenty of lemon juice and anyone will be happy. Read the original article on Food & Wine NEED TO KNOW A routine trip home took a shocking turn when Julia Buckley was suddenly pulled aside at the airport Officials insisted something about her passport photo didnt add up even as she tried to explain what had changed Her TikTok recounting the moment sparked a viral debate, with travelers sharing similar experiences What was supposed to be a routine trip home from Cabo turned into a travel nightmare when one woman says she was detained at the airport because officials didnt believe her passport photo matched her face. Julia Buckley tells PEOPLE she was returning to San Diego through the CBX crossing after flying into Tijuana when things suddenly went wrong at customs. Advertisement Advertisement As she walked through the checkpoint, officers scanned her passport and attempted to take a live photo to verify her identity. Buckley says they took her picture five times, but the system still couldnt confirm it was her. Before she fully understood what was happening, she was asked to follow an airport worker into a separate area. She recalls being led into a locked glass room where other travelers were being held, unable to reach her fiance or use her phone. There were handcuffs on the chairs, but I was not handcuffed, Buckley says, describing the unsettling environment. She adds that she could see her fiance nearby, but officials would not allow him to wait with her. Buckley says officers began questioning her repeatedly, asking the same series of personal questions over multiple rounds. During the process, her passport was scanned again and again as officials continued trying to take photos that would match the image on file. Advertisement Advertisement After more than 20 attempts, Buckley learned what the officers believed was the issue. They said my eyes were different, she says, still shocked by the explanation. She tried to point out the obvious changes that had occurred since her passport photo was taken at 18. Now 29, Buckley says she has different hair, different brows and has simply grown from a teenager into an adult. Still, the officials insisted none of those factors mattered. They kept telling me it wasnt any of those things, but it was my eyes, she says, explaining that they claimed her eyes looked more open in the older photo. Julia Buckley's Passport Photo Julia Buckley The experience quickly became emotionally overwhelming, even though she knew she had done nothing wrong. Buckley says the unfamiliar setting made her "really nervous," and she blanked on basic details like previous addresses. Advertisement Advertisement It was about 40 minutes, she says of the detention, admitting she felt shaken sitting near other detained travelers. She describes feeling more frightened by the situation itself than by the questioning. Buckley says she attempted to provide other forms of identification, including her drivers license, but officials refused to look at anything beyond her passport. Despite the stress, she says the officers were not cruel or aggressive. No one was mean, Buckley explains, adding that she believes they were simply unable to release her until the computer verification worked. Eventually, the doors were unlocked. Buckley recalls officials simply telling her she was free to go, leaving her with no paperwork or guidance for future travel. Advertisement Advertisement When she posted the story on TikTok, she expected only her friends to laugh along. Instead, the video went viral, sparking widespread debate about whether her passport photo truly resembled her. Half of the people dont think the picture is me, and the other half think it is, she says. Buckley also heard from others who had faced similar detentions after weight loss, illness or medical treatment. 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. With another Mexico trip approaching, Buckley knew she couldnt risk a repeat situation. After reading advice in her comments, she was able to secure a new passport within two weeks and says her most recent trip went smoothly. Advertisement Advertisement Now, she hopes her experience serves as a warning for other travelers. If youve made drastic changes or aged a decent amount, get a new photo, Buckley says. Its not worth it. PEOPLE has reached out to CBP for comment. Read the original article on People Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Britain, Canada, France and eight other allies on Wednesday "strongly condemned" Israel's demolition of the United Nations' Palestinian relief agency building in occupied Palestinian territory, saying it represents the latest "unacceptable move" by the Middle Eastern nation to undermine the U.N.'s ability to operate. The joint statement from the foreign ministries of Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal and Spain described Israel's demolition of UNRWA's East Jerusalem building as "an unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a U.N. member state." "We urge the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the U.N. General Convention (1946) and the Charter," the 11 nations said. Advertisement Advertisement "We call upon the Government of Israel, a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions." The West Bank and East Jerusalem are widely regarded as Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, and Israeli actions, including the establishment of settlements and the demolition of Palestinian buildings, are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Israel has long been a vocal critic of UNRWA, alleging it has ties with Hamas, allegations that only intensified after the Iran-backed militant group's bloody surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The Knesset, Israel's parliament, passed laws in the fall of 2024 to ban the agency from operating in land under its control, with the ban going into effect in January 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Israel demolished UNRWA's East Jerusalem building. "UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions," the 11 nations said Wednesday. The nations also called on Israel to abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. "Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain dire and supply is inadequate for the needs of the population," they said. On Tuesday, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that not only had Israel "stormed & demolished" its headquarters, but it was now set on fire. Advertisement Advertisement "Allowing this unprecedented destruction is the latest attack on the U.N. in the ongoing attempt to dismantle the status of Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian Territory & erase their history," Lazzarini said on X. "Refugee status must be resolved through a genuine political solution, not criminal acts." Israel has killed more than 71,600 Palestinians and damaging more than 80% of all of the region's structures in its war against Hamas in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israel has killed 492 Palestinians since the fragile cease-fire was announced in October. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has been accused of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza by a number of nations, international organizations and human rights groups, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges. Israel has denied the accusations. A Virginia boy died in a reported sledding accident this week in the Shenandoah Valley. The Staunton Police Department said a young boy is dead following a reported sledding accident. The Staunton Police Department, along with personnel from Staunton Fire & Rescue, were called to North Waverly Street shortly before midnight on Jan. 27 after it was reported an 11-year-old boy was discovered unresponsive at a residence, according to a report. Advertisement Advertisement He was pronounced dead at Augusta Health in Fishersville, police said. Additional details concerning the incident were not released. The death comes in the aftermath of a massive winter storm that impacted most of the Commonwealth. The City of Staunton reported a total of 7 inches of snow and schools have been closed all week. Public safety: Authorities say nighttime police operation in Petersburg not ICE-related Forecast: When will Petersburg area see snow again? Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: VA sledding accident kills Staunton 11-year-old Correction appended Jan. 29 When The 74 started looking for Bright Spots public schools that are beating the odds helping low-income students learn to read it was hard to miss how well charter schools performed. Charters made up 7% of the elementary schools in our national sample but 11% of those that we identified as delivering exceptional results, with reading scores that far exceed what might be expected given the poverty rates of the populations they serve. Charters were even more overrepresented in New York. There, charter schools made up 9.5% of the state sample, but they earned 38.5% of the spots on our list of exemplars. Advertisement Advertisement By our metric, the 10 highest-scoring schools in the state were all in New York City and seven of them were charter schools located in the Bronx. Another was a charter school in Harlem, and the other two were traditional public schools in Brooklyn. Click on the yellow dots to see the details for each Bright Spot school. Click anywhere in the map to close the data box. (Map: Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The74) Click to view fully interactive map at The 74. All serve a high concentration of low-income students, with 66% to 92% of children qualifying for free- or reduced-price lunch. And yet, 90% to 97% of their third graders were proficient readers in 2024, the year of our analysis. In comparison, the proficiency rate for all third graders across the state was just 43%. Related These Schools Are Beating the Odds in Teaching Kids to Read The highest-scoring school by our metric was the Success Academy Bronx 5 Upper Elementary School. In 2024, despite a 90% poverty rate, 94% of its students scored proficient in third grade reading. In 2025, its students did even better, with 96% scoring proficient in reading and 100% doing so in math. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Success Academy has 21 of its schools on our Bright Spots list. The Icahn charter network has five, South Bronx Classical has three and the KIPP, Zeta and Harlem Village Academy networks have two each. But even beyond charters, it is clear that families with young children in New York City in particular are blessed with a variety of good options. Of the 143 exceptional schools across the state, 97% 138 are in the city, and 84 of those are traditional district schools. As one example, in 2024, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis elementary (PS 66) had 81% of its students qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch, yet 84% of its third graders read proficiently. It also did even better in 2025, with 71% of students with disabilities, 84% of Hispanic students and 87% of all students scoring proficiently. These rates all far surpassed the statewide average. These stats may be heartening, but New York City might soon be able to provide even better options for families. Advertisement Advertisement Related Bright Spots US Literacy Map As a district, the city is in the midst of sweeping changes to how literacy is taught. That initiative, called New York City Reads, requires schools to use one of three phonics-based reading programs with a track record of producing student gains. As that program continues to roll out, participating schools saw large gains last year, and incoming Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels promised to double down and make teaching vulnerable students how to read his No. 1 goal. These are promising signs of progress. On the charter school front, it bears noting that theres a cap on how many can operate in New York City, and as the maximum has already been reached, no new ones can open until that cap is lifted. According to the advocacy group StudentsFirstNY, 163,000 New York City students are on charter wait lists. New Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed charter schools expansion in the past, but he may need to reconsider, given their prominence among the ranks of Bright Spot schools. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified one of the charter school networks with schools on our Bright Spots list. The networks are Success Academy, Icahn, South Bronx Classical, KIPP, Zeta and Harlem Village Academy. Santa Ana police shot and killed a 19-year-old man following a brief chase overnight. The incident unfolded after officers tried to pull over a car around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at 4th and French streets, according to Natalie Garcia, public information officer for the Santa Ana Police Department. The driver didn't stop, which prompted a short pursuit. Eventually, the driver went into a parking structure for a condominium complex, where police say he lived. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the suspect's girlfriend and his 1-year-old baby were in the car at the time. Police say the suspect had a firearm, but after getting out of the car with his hands up, he dropped the gun on the ground. "There's a video circulating social media showing that the driver steps out of the vehicle with his hands up. However, we know now that the suspect was attempting to reach for the weapon again, at which the officer discharged his duty weapon," Garcia told Eyewitness News. Police confirmed several shots were fired and the driver died at the scene. The girlfriend and baby were not hurt. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting comes as Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission began formally reviewing citizen complaints this month - after years of delays. Community advocates say incidents like this underscore why that oversight matters. "We need to protect that Police Oversight Commission, we need to make sure that the city of Santa Ana and the people of Santa Ana have a right to democracy in police matters," said Abraham Quintana, with Community Service Organization, Orange County. When asked whether he trusts Santa Ana police, Quintana said: "Not at all. There's a lot of things that they do. I don't see all of it but the things I do see, it's a lot like this." The shooting is now being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, along with Santa Ana police detectives. ASHEVILLE - Visitation along the Blue Ridge Parkway increased in 2025 after a year of recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and a 43-day government shutdown, but some businesses are still feeling the impact of parkway closures. Over 17.5 million people visited the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2025, according to preliminary data from the National Park Service, the most to travel along the road since 2006. It's a 4.7% increase compared to 2024, when the park service reported that 16.7 million traveled along the 469-mile scenic parkway that stretches from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee. The parkway has traditionally been among the most visited national park units in the country. Official visitor data is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Helene caused over 57 landslides along the parkway, closing major sections during peak season in 2024 through the beginning of 2025. Repairs have been expected to cost over $1 billion, the Citizen Times previously reported. Repairs to the parkway were steady through 2025, with phase one of the parkway's post-Helene repairs being completed in time for when regional business booms during the fall visitation season. In 2024, the parkway had an estimated $1.9 billion economic output into local communities in Virginia and North Carolina, supporting 15,700 jobs. Visitors were estimated to spend roughly $1.5 billion while visiting the parkway. The second and third phase of repairs are expected to be completed by fall 2026, according to the Blue Ridge Parkway's website. During the 43-day government shutdown, the Blue Ridge Parkway's gates remained open with the help of nonprofits like the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The foundation kept three visitor centers open during the shutdown. But some businesses in Mitchell County are still seeing a dip in activity likely associated with continued closures along the parkway, Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority Director Kelly Jones told the Citizen Times Jan. 28. Over 24 sites in Mitchell County from Mile Post 336 to Mile Post 351.9, an area between Little Switzerland and Mount Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Particularly, businesses in Little Switzerland, a small hamlet with an estimated population of 46, have struggled, Jones said. The unincorporated community is directly adjacent to the parkway, which serves as the primary access point for its inn, cafe and restaurant. "There's no way around it," Jones said. "We're just kind of cut off from the north end and south end." "It's just really crippling for a small town that relies on this direct tourism feeder," Jones said. To help businesses still feeling a drain from Helene closures, or, in some cases, perceived closures, Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority is collaborating with officials in Yancey and Avery counties to produce the "Mayland Meander," a map of businesses across the three-county region, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement "We're getting together to promote our more rural areas in between Boone and Asheville," Jones said. The hope is that when it is released in March, businesses like those in Little Switzerland would be featured prominently, she said. How many visitors did the Smokies, Blue Ridge Parkway have? With 11.5 million visitors in 2025, attendance at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park dropped in 2025 compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from the park service. It's a 5.4% decline from visitation in 2024. It was the lowest visitation at the park since 2018. The Smokies are traditionally the most visited national park in the country. While the parkway is among the country's most visited national park units, visitation has fluctuated significantly since its high of 21.5 million visitors in 2002. Here are the past 15 years of visitation at the parkway: 2011: 15,382,447 2012: 15,205,059 2013: 12,877,368 2014: 13,941,749 2015: 15,054,603 2016: 15,175,578 2017: 16,093,765 2018: 14,690,418 2019: 14,976,085 2020: 14,099,485 2021: 15,948,148 2022: 15,711,004 2023: 16,757,635 2024: 16,733,639 2025 (preliminary): 17,554,641 Advertisement Advertisement More: What roads are open, closed in Great Smokies, Blue Ridge Parkway? More: An Asheville hotel was sold in bankruptcy auction. Could it finally open? Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com or message will_hofmann.01 on Signal. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Blue Ridge Parkway visitation in 2025 reached over 17 million January 28, 1986, remains one of the most tragic moments in Americas spaceflight history. After days of delays, Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 11:38 a.m. with Commander Francis Scobee, Pilot Michael Smith, Mission Specialists Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, and Judith Resnik, along with Payload Specialists Gregory Jarvis and teacher Christa McAuliffe. Just 73 seconds into flight, a cold-related O-ring failure in the solid rocket boosters caused a catastrophic breakup over the Atlantic Ocean. During NASAs Day of Remembrance, Former Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana remembered the image of the shuttles solid rocket motors separating against a clear blue Florida sky. Advertisement Advertisement Reflections also came from the families left behind. Alison Smith Balch, the daughter of Challenger astronaut Michael Smith, spoke about how the loss continues to shape families, educators, students, and communities across the country. The Challenger disaster led to a temporary suspension of the space shuttle program and a complete redesign of the solid rocket boosters. NASA leaders say those hard lessons remain vital today, as the agency continues to honor the Challenger crewand all those whove lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. General Motors on Tuesday announced a multibillion-dollar charge related to the realignment of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy following the release of its 2025 financial results and its guidance for 2026. GM reported that its net income attributable to stockholders was $2.7 billion with an EBIT-adjusted $12.7 billion. The Detroit automaker's fourth-quarter net income was lowered by over $7.2 billion in special charges that GM attributed primarily to changes in its EV capacity and investments as it adjusts to anticipated declines in consumer demand for EVs . Policy changes made by the Trump administration, including the termination of tax credits for consumers purchasing EVs as well as changes that will ease regulations restricting vehicle emissions, also contributed to the anticipated decline in demand. Inside Gm's $242M Push To Rebuild America's Skilled Trades Workforce The $7,500 EV tax credit for consumers was removed at the end of September and GM is continuing to work to reduce costs stemming from its EV business as it restructures to account for changes in consumer demand. Read On The Fox Business App GM CEO Mary Barra told CNBC on Tuesday that, "From an EV perspective, we do believe that that is the end game. We're continuing to work on cost improvements." CFO Paul Jacobson said on the company's earnings call that GM expects to see a cost reduction of $1 billion to $1.5 billion within its EV business due to the restructuring effort. Gm Takes $1.6B Financial Hit As Ev Tax Credit Changes For Strategy Overhaul GM's outlook for 2026 noted that it expects the rollback of federal emissions rules could save the company up to $750 million from no longer having to buy credits from EV-makers to comply with fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions rules . The company also said that it expects a more favorable regulatory climate to help it bring more production back to the U.S. in the years ahead, though that will increase its expenses and Jacobson said on the company's earnings call that the onshoring moves, supply chain shifts and software investments could increase costs by $1.5 billion. Newsom Says Gm's Mary Barra 'Sold Us Out' On Electric Vehicle Policies And Federal Subsidies Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan yearned for the American dream while growing up in southern India in the 1960s: specifically, a Chevrolet Impala, a muscle car he learned about from his father, a tire salesman. Ramanathan made it to the United States in his 20s, but he never bought his gas guzzler, largely because his scientific knowledge of global warming quickly eclipsed his income. Fast-forward to the 1970s and Ramanathan, now a newly minted postdoctoral fellow in planetary sciences, was spending his days working as a visiting researcher at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and his evenings on a side project he hid from his supervisors. His solitary nighttime research would end up changing how scientists viewed global warming. The young scientist had discovered that chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, then widely used in the manufacture of refrigerators, air-conditioning units and spray cans, had a significant greenhouse effect. Ramanathan had briefly encountered these industrial chemicals in his first job at a refrigeration company. Like carbon dioxide, CFCs trapped heat in the atmosphere. In fact, Ramanathans calculations suggested, they were more potent: One molecule of a CFC could have the same warming effect as up to 10,000 molecules of carbon dioxide. For three months, he repeated the calculations looking for an alternative explanation. He found none. Advertisement Advertisement I was just a postdoc immigrant from India. I didnt know if I should tell NASA about this or not. I just sent the paper off, Ramanathan recalled. The journal Science published the findings, and his work made the front page of The New York Times in 1975. The idea that CFCs could potentially be such a powerful force in global warming was also met with disbelief, not in the least from Ramanathan himself, who embarked on the project purely out of curiosity at a time when climate change was not a pressing concern. Ultimately, Ramanathan established the now widely accepted fact that greenhouse gases other than CO2 are a major contributor to global warming, vitally important knowledge that underpinned the first successful climate mitigation policy. Ramanathan in the mid-1970s when he worked at NASA, where he made his first scientific breakthrough. - Courtesy Veerabhadran Ramanathan The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Thursday awarded Ramanathan, a distinguished research professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the prestigious Crafoord Prize, which for some winners has been a harbinger of a Nobel Prize. Advertisement Advertisement He has expanded our view of how humankind is affecting the atmospheres composition, the climate and air quality and how these three interact, said Ilona Riipinen, professor of atmospheric sciences at Stockholm University in Sweden and member of the committee that awarded the prize, which is worth 8 million Swedish krona (around $900,000). Ramanathan, 81, is now a distinguished research professor of climate and atmospheric sciences at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. - Erik Jepsen Accidental climate scientist Ramanathan, who studied engineering in Bengaluru, India, before moving to the United States, said his careers first breakthrough was a result of several happy accidents that allowed him to connect the dots between different fields of study. After graduating with a bachelors degree in engineering, he had spent an unhappy stint working at a refrigerator company making sure that the cooling agent CFCs did not leak. When he was 26, he moved to the United States and embarked on a doctoral degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in an engineering-related field. Ramanathan, however, found his supervisor had unexpectedly switched focus, and his dissertation ended up detailing the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere of Venus. Then, while working at NASA Langley, he encountered the work of scientists Mario Molina and Frank Rowland. Their research showed CFCs depleted ozone, a natural atmospheric gas that protects humans from cancer-causing radiation. (The duo later won the Nobel Prize in 1995.) Not until the 1980s did CFCs broadly become a matter of public concern. Advertisement Advertisement Before his 1975 investigation, Ramanathan said he wasnt the least bit worried about climate change. However, as he and others expanded the list of trace gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, that contributed to the greenhouse effect, Ramanathan became deeply concerned that global warming would manifest much earlier than prevailing thinking at the time. A paper he coauthored in 1985 concluded that trace gases were potentially as important as CO2 for long-term global warming. That made a big impact. The whole climate community sort of woke up and said, Wait a minute. Global warming is going to come twice as fast as we thought. Its not going to be your childrens problem. Its your problem now, said Spencer Weart, a historian of science and author of the book The Discovery of Global Warming. He is a former director of the Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics. Its great for Ramanathan to get some of the attention he deserves, he added. Ramanathan and others argued that CFCs potential for global warming gave reason to restrict production. The 1987 Montreal Protocol did eventually ban the use of CFCs, although largely because of intensified scientific and public concern over their health impact after the 1985 discovery of a hole in the ozone layer. Without that ban, the world could have seen additional warming of up to 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degree Fahrenheit), according to a 2021 study in the journal Nature. Advertisement Advertisement The greenhouse effect of CFCs and trace gases was only part of the puzzle. In his long career, Ramanathan has deployed satellites, balloons, drones and ships to directly study Earths atmosphere, confirming with direct observations what climate models had only suggested. Ramanathan used drones and other tools to measure atmospheric brown clouds, a layer of air pollution. - NASA His key findings include showing for the first time that clouds have a cooling effect on the planet and understanding how water vapor can amplify the warming effects of carbon dioxide. He also led a project that observed and measured a 3-kilometer (about 2-mile) thick cloud of air pollution that covered much of the Indian subcontinent. His work on atmospheric brown clouds revealed that air pollution had masked some of the effects of global warming, a complicated dynamic that scientists are still untangling today. Ramanathan became a council member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 2012, advising three consecutive popes on climate change policy, an experience he said made him consider not just the science but also the ethical implications of the climate crisis, which he emphasized will disproportionately affect the poor. His quiet but effective way of communication has been key to involving both the research community and decision makers, said Orjan Gustafsson, a professor of biogeochemistry at Stockholm University and member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences who has worked with Ramanathan. Advertisement Advertisement With an eye for the most vulnerable on our planet and an ear for younger researchers, he has inspired an entire generation of climate scientists. Ramanathan (far left) with Pope Francis and other researchers after a joint workshop of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in 2014 at the Vatican. - Lorenzo Rumori Ramanathan, now 81, drives a Tesla Model Y (although a red model of a Chevy Impala adorns his mantelpiece) and has converted his California home to solar power but gave up walking and taking the bus to work because, he said, it took too long. He noted that he rarely counsels individual action to combat the climate crisis. Instead, Ramanathan encourages the young people he encounters to stand up and elect the right politicians and spread the word using data-based, not junk, science. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Activists have unfurled a huge image of the killed Palestinian girl Hind Rajab on the beach in the Spanish city of Barcelona on the second anniversary of her death in the Gaza Strip. The then 5-year-old girl was believed to have been killed during an Israeli army operation. However, the Israeli army has not yet confirmed this and has stated that the incident is under investigation. Audio recordings, described as authentic, of a phone call between the already injured Hind and volunteers from the Palestinian Red Crescent, in which she repeatedly pleaded for help, caused worldwide shock. Advertisement Advertisement Several hundred people participated in the Avaaz campaign on Thursday under the motto "Free the Children of Gaza," including the little girl's mother, Wissam Hamada. "I am here to carry on the voice of Hind Rajab and the voice of the children of Gaza, who cannot scream, who are not heard," she said, according to Avaaz. The children of Gaza, she added, are not asking for pity but are demanding their right to live. Girl initially survived severely injured The war was triggered by the massacre carried out by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and other extremist groups from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, in Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and more than 250 people being abducted to the coastal strip. Advertisement Advertisement Hind died after the car in which she was fleeing with relatives from Israeli attacks was shot at; she initially survived severely injured and was heard in the audio recordings of an emergency call, pleading for help for hours before she died. The case, including these audio recordings, was later explored in the part documentary, part fictional film "The Voice of Hind Rajab." In Spain, there was significant outrage over the harsh actions of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. Last August, a privately organized flotilla with aid supplies set off from Barcelona towards Gaza, which was intercepted by the Israeli army shortly before reaching its destination. According to the Hamas-run authorities in the Gaza Strip, more than 70,000 Palestinians were killed in two years of war, including thousands of children and teenagers. Molly Sweeney, organizing director of 482Forward, a member of the Invest in MI Kids ballot proposal coalition tells reporters the group plans to begin circulating petitions. July 31, 2025 | Photo By Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance While licking their wounds after Republicans decisive victory in 2024, Democrats have vowed to double down on one particular issue in the next election cycle: affordability. Heading into 2026, the cost of groceries, electric bills, mortgage payments and health care remain top of mind for many. While President Donald Trump maintains his administration is delivering economic improvements, despite evidence to the contrary, polling from Gallup shows that, at large, Americans remain frustrated with the economy. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX With an open U.S. Senate seat on the ballot, not to mention all of Michigans 13 congressional districts, the governorship, attorney general and secretary of state, along with all 148 seats in the state Legislature, Republicans control over Congress and their majority in the Michigan House could make or break depending on how each party promises to address kitchen table issues. In addition to the myriad of candidates gunning for office, two ballot initiatives with affordability as a key aspect of their platform are working to gather enough signatures to make the November ballot. Invest in MI Kids would amend the Michigan Constitution to create a 5% fair share surcharge applied to individual filers making more than $500,000 and joint filers making more than $1 million, with the additional tax revenue placed into the School Aid Fund. According to the Michigan League for Public Policy, the proposal would generate more than $1.5 billion annually. The petition aims to address underfunding in Michigans education system, requiring the additional funds go toward local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes and recruiting and retaining teachers. Advertisement Advertisement The other petition, Michiganders for Money out of Politics, aims to block regulated gas and electric companies and government contractors from making direct or indirect contributions to political candidates, stemming from concerns that Michigans energy companies and other corporations are using campaign donations to influence politicians to oppose reforms and accountability efforts. While neither campaign has filed their petitions with the secretary of state to appear on the 2026 ballot, members of both campaigns are optimistic as they work to bolster their signature gathering efforts. Campaigns offer updates heading into election year Jess Newman, a trustee on the Ferndale Public Schools Board of Education and deputy director of politics and policy at United For Respect, one of the organizations in the coalition supporting Invest in MI Kids, said the campaign is still chugging along and is gearing up to launch a big push for signatures toward the end of February. Newman said Invest in MI Kids has already changed the conversation from education accountability the subject of a ballot initiative Republican former Gov. Rick Snyder floated in 2025 to educational affordability. Advertisement Advertisement Between the lack of funding for special education and changes or cuts to federal programs, vulnerable students are put in jeopardy, Newman said. We are losing all of these funding streams, Newman said. People are even more strapped. The cost of living is outrageously unaffordable, and in order to pay for all of the things that we need, you have to pay for it somehow. And the way that we have been doing it has been at the expense of lower income folks, or folks that dont make that much money. With the state expecting to see a $1.1 billion decrease in funding in the next fiscal year, the Invest in MI Kids Coalitions has emphasized the need for additional funding while arguing that Michigans schools are underfunded by $4.5 billion. Several business groups including the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, have come out against the initiative, warning it would harm both small businesses and the states economy as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement However, Newman said Michigan business owners benefit from a strong public education system. These are our nurses, our doctors, our service people. You know, every part of our society that sorry to get real big picture here thats how a society runs, Newman said. A copy of the petition to be circulated by the Invest in MI Kids Ballot Proposal Coalition. July 31, 2025 | Photo By Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance The chamber argues that at least 77% of individuals who would be subject to the tax are business owners whose business income appears on their personal tax returns, saying the tax would be a a direct hit on their business income. There are four types of businesses where income is passed through to owners and investors: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations. Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan League for Public Policy points to data from the IRS that shows 12% of filers that claim partnership or S corporation income, and less than 2% of filers claiming self employment earnings made at least $500,000 in 2022. Both the league, and the Tax Foundation noted that 79% of all profits earned by S corporations was reported on returns with $500,000 in income. While the league argued that the tax would apply to the smallest portion of the richest business owners, the Tax Foundation argued the rates would harm businesses responsible for employing nearly 2 million residents. Mobilizing to make the ballot As of Jan. 9, Invest In MI Kids had received 160,000 of the 446,198 signatures needed to make the ballot, though Newman noted those were only the signatures on sheets that had been collected and did not include any on sheets that are actively being circulated. The campaign has until July 6 to file its petitions with the secretary of state. That is not what we need to qualify, and we still believe that we can get to the number that we need in order to get on the ballot, Newman said. And because this issue is so important, were going to continue moving forward. Michiganders for Money out of Politics, which is pursuing an initiated law, faces a lower signature threshold at 356,958. Courtney Otto, the initiatives campaign manager, could not offer an estimate of how many signatures the campaign had gathered, but said she had no doubt they would be able to gather enough signatures to make the ballot by the May 27 signature filing deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Another ballot campaign, Rank MI Vote, announced in December that it would be pausing its campaign, with plans to relaunch in 2027. The group sought a constitutional amendment to establish ranked choice voting in Michigan. While a Fall-Winter campaign was always going to be a heavy lift, the initiative has focused on building its field capacity and scaling up its efforts, Otto said. The campaign has also seen strong support both in its polling and from its volunteers gathering signatures, Otto said, with 81% of Michiganders saying they support the initiative in a poll of 800 voters conducted by Public Policy Polling. Our circulators out in the field are telling us this is the easiest ballot initiative theyve ever gotten signatures for, Otto said. Advertisement Advertisement And while there will certainly be money poured into opposing the proposal, keeping corporate money in politics is a losing message, Otto said, noting that the campaigns polling has improved following attacks from their opposition. I feel really good about our ability to build a strong campaign that eventually wins on election day in November, Otto said. Con-Con, partisan elections could complicate efforts for both campaigns In an interview with Michigan Advance, Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist and CEO of the bipartisan consulting firm Grassroots Midwest, emphasized that the big issues for Republicans and Democrats heading into 2026 are the issues voters care about, pointing to grocery costs, rent and housing affordability as key topics. However, neither ballot proposal has anything to do with the issues at the top of voters minds, Hemond said. Advertisement Advertisement Voters assume that politicians are not the most ethically upstanding people, right? And thats pretty priced in, Hemond said of Michiganders for Money out of Politics proposal. Would they like that to change? Sure, but that is not their expectation. They want to be able to buy a house and they want to be able to afford groceries. Visibility and awareness are also issues. Theres seven and a half million adults in Michigan, Hemond said. Most people are never going to see a person whos circulating for this. If they ever become aware of these ballot initiatives, it will be when they walk into the voting booth and get their ballot, or when it shows up in the mail. Hemond also argued that neither initiative will have the financial means to compete with the national Democratic and Republican groups spending large amounts of money in their efforts to elect governors, senators, state legislators and members of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Lennox, a Republican strategist, pointed to the upcoming vote on whether to hold a constitutional convention as a point of uncertainty for ballot questions across the board. Every 16 years since 1963, Michigan voters have been presented with a question on their ballot on whether the state should call a constitutional convention informally known as a Con-Con to rewrite the states constitution. Theoretically, anything that is on the ballot that could get passed could get undone months later at a constitutional convention, said Lennox, who is working on a committee in support of calling a Con-Con. This uncertainty, combined with the prohibitive cost of signature gathering due to the various races for political office, has turned off special interest groups and dark money donors who otherwise would have donated to ballot campaigns, Lennox said. While both efforts have emphasized the volunteer-driven approach, each campaign is supplementing those efforts with a paid canvass. For Michiganders for Money out of Politics, the issue isnt a lack of interest or lack of energy around the campaign, Otto said, its making sure that even through days when the temperature is ten degrees below zero, volunteers are still out collecting signatures so they can get to where they need to be by May. The high desert of western Nevada is once again living up to its old nickname, "the Richest Place on Earth." Storey County once a 19th-century mining hotspot is now at the center of a modern "gold rush" driven by artificial intelligence. What's happening? A complex known as the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center has become one of the largest concentrations of data centers in the U.S., reported the Guardian, hosting facilities tied to tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Apple. The industrial park covers more land than Denver and continues to expand as companies race to build infrastructure to support energy-hungry AI systems. Global investment in AI data centers is expected to reach nearly $7 trillion by 2030, according to estimates from McKinsey and Company. These facilities require enormous amounts of electricity and water, particularly for cooling servers that perform complex AI tasks. A single AI query can use nearly 10 times the electricity of a traditional web search, and large data centers can consume up to a million gallons of water per day. Why is this development concerning? Storey County is in one of the driest states, with an average annual rainfall of about 11 inches. Local communities and environmental advocates worry that the AI-driven boom could further strain limited groundwater and river systems already under pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Downstream, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has raised alarms about the Truckee River, which supplies both the industrial center and Pyramid Lake an important cultural, ecological, and economic resource on the tribe's reservation. Tribal leaders point out that history speaks for itself; upstream river sections dammed in the early 1900s dropped the water level of Pyramid Lake and completely dried up nearby Lake Winnemucca. The power demands are also major. Data centers are pushing utilities to delay retiring coal plants and expand natural-gas infrastructure, even as tech companies publicly make promises about their sustainability goals. This spike in energy demand also means potentially higher energy costs and more pollution in regions where fuels like gas and coal still dominate the grid. What's being done about it? Some companies in the industrial park say they are investing in renewable energy, reclaimed-water systems, and more efficient cooling technologies. The site includes a reclaimed-water pipeline intended to limit how much water is drawn from the river, and several firms claim their facilities are powered by solar or wind. Still, critics argue these efforts may not keep pace with the scale of expansion. AI's ties to the energy grid are complex while AI can have benefits, such as optimizing clean-energy systems and improving agricultural efficiency, its rapid growth also risks overwhelming fragile water and power resources. Advertisement Advertisement "This place is being touted as the epicenter of the energy revolution, the data revolution, the tech revolution," said Kyle Roerink, the executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, to the Guardian. "But they're never going to be making water." 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A defense attorney and prosecutor reacted to a bill in the Alabama Legislature that would approve the death penalty for child rapists if enacted. The bill passed through the House on Tuesday and is now moving through the Senate. HB41 would make certain violent crimes against children, such as first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and sexual torture of victims under the age of 12, a capital crime. That means those who are convicted of any of those crimes could be sentenced to death. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Alabama House of Representatives passes Child Predator Death Penalty Act Defense attorney John Robbins said he understands why the bill was proposed, but hes not in favor of the death penalty. The state of Alabama does not need more reasons to seek the death penalty, Robbins said. And its the state of Alabama, I understand, is going to want to challenge the U.S. Supreme Court case thats been on the books for quite some time where they held that in the non-death cases. Weather Aware: Frigid Temperatures Return This Weekend, Dangerous Wind Chill On the other side of the argument is Blount County District Attorney Pam Casey. She said the law will deter crime and keep children safe. Advertisement Advertisement Pedophiles cannot be rehabilitated, number one. And when we put them back on the street, very few sex crimes against children have a very long sentence, unless youre a habitual offender, Casey said. What this does is increase the age from 7 to 12. That would allow us to have more leeway and especially have the death penalty on the table. But heres the thing. It makes sure more children in the future are not harmed. HB41 will now head to a Senate committee for a vote, where Robbins and Casey said they expect it will pass. 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 CBS 42. Cars are driven on Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage on Oct. 7, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Alaskas population rose slightly between 2024 and 2025 and is now at its highest level since 2017, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced Wednesday. Alaska had an estimated 738,737 people as of July 1, 2025, the department said in its annual state population estimate. Thats up 1,649 people from the departments July 2024 population estimate of 737,088. Advertisement Advertisement The rise comes despite a revision that erased thousands of international immigrants that the U.S. Census mistakenly believed had moved to Alaska. Last year, relying on Census figures showing that thousands of people had migrated to Alaska from other countries, the department in July 2024 estimated Alaskas population at more than 741,000 people. Since then, and after prodding from Alaska state demographer David Howell, the Census Bureau retroactively lowered the number of international migrants that came to Alaska, and this years population estimate is significantly lower than last years but higher than the states revised 2024 figure. We think (that) is more accurate given that people crossing the southern border arent very often making their way to Alaska, Howell said. Advertisement Advertisement With the extra residents removed and a new baseline in place, the states population grew on a year-over-year basis because the number of births in the state exceeded the number of Alaskans who died. That natural increase births minus deaths of 3,389 people was greater than the number of people who moved out of the state. Between 2024 and 2025, 1,740 more people moved out of Alaska than moved here. It was the 13th consecutive year of negative net migration in Alaska, extending the longest streak of negative net migration since 1945. Overall, the states population grew by 0.22%. That was less than the nation as a whole (0.5%). Compared with the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, Alaskas population growth ranked 40th. Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina (1.5%), Idaho (1.4%) and North Carolina (1.3%) had the highest growth rates among states. Vermont (-0.29%), Hawaii (-0.15%) and West Virginia (-0.07%) had the lowest and were among five states that posted population declines. The U.S. Census Bureau has slightly different figures than the state it estimated a 0.1% population gain between 2024 and 2025 but the Alaska Department of Labor conducts surveys of military bases and group homes that the Census Bureau does not, Howell said. For that reason, he believes the states estimate is more accurate than the Census Bureaus. Overall, Howell said, Alaska seemed to simply extend existing population trends between 2024 and 2025. Were continuing to see losses in the working-age population. Were really starting to see declines in the school-age population. It was growing slightly at the beginning of this decade, but at this point, theres about 1,000 more 17-year-olds than there are 4-year olds. And so were just going through aging, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Alaskas median age is 37.1, one and a half years older than it was at the start of the decade. Haines, the states oldest community, has a median age above 50. As the state ages, the number of new births is dropping and the number of deaths is rising. Howell and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development are predicting that the states population will start dropping steadily by the year 2050. The number of births in the latest population estimate is the lowest since the trans-Alaska oil pipeline was built. The number of deaths dropped slightly last year, but Howell said there may be a morbid reason for that: The COVID-19 pandemic peaked in Alaska in 2021-2022 and may have killed elderly Alaskans who would have died later. Advertisement Advertisement This years state population estimate retroactively updated the population change between 2021-2022, turning it from a small gain into a decline. On a borough and city level, existing trends continued in the latest forecast. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough continues to be the fastest-growing large area of the state, the population of Anchorage is relatively flat, the Interiors population is growing slightly and Southeast Alaskas population is falling. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW California authorities issued an AMBER alert for the missing children about 19 hours after they disappeared Cristal Ordonez, 45, is suspected by authorities of abducting them but is not facing charges as of Thursday morning The relationship between the three was not immediately clear Authorities in Southern California have issued an AMBER Alert for two young children who were last seen on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Romeo Ordonez, 12, and Sofia Ordonez, 9, disappeared from Santa Clarita, Calif., around 1:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol said in an alert issued around dawn Thursday, Jan. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe the children are with 45-year-old Cristal Ordonez, per the alert. The relationship between the three was not immediately clear. Cristal Ordonez (left); and AMBER Alert for Sofia Ordonez and Romeo Ordonez. CHP/X The suspect, police believe, is driving a 2018 KIA Sorenta-Black with the California license plate 8LRF237. The alert was issued by CHP on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. Anyone who may have seen the children and the woman are urged to call 911. 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. While this is a suspected abduction, no charges have been announced against Cristal as of Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People (The Center Square) Eighty-nine of 100 counties in North Carolina have America 250 NC committees, and more than $2 million in grants have already been distributed to 74 counties by the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The first of multiple signature events begins in three weeks at the First in Freedom Festival. In 2026, DNCR is inviting every North Carolinian to join us in looking back on 250 years of our history and in looking forward to the future of our state, said Secretary Pamela Cashwell. Through events and celebrations across North Carolina, we want everyone to have an opportunity to participate in commemorating our shared history and shining a light on what makes North Carolina and its people so special. North Carolinas stories are an important part of the American story. Advertisement Advertisement Cashwell and her department say the grants will help support cultural events, physical and digital exhibits and public art. In an email to TCS, Michele Walker of Natural and Cultural Resources said one county was recently added to the list of those with an Americas 250 committee. Those without are Anson, Clay, Granville, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Union, Wilson and Yancey. July 4 will mark 250 years since the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Thirteen colonies made clear their independence from Great Britain and the start of the United States of America. The first official action by any of the colonies to authorize delegates to vote for independence happened in North Carolina on April 12, 1776. Its known as the Halifax Resolves and is one of two dates on the state flag. Advertisement Advertisement May 20, 1775, is the other date on the state flag. It is the highly debated date of when the Mecklenburg Declaration was signed, with citizens of Mecklenburg County declaring independence from British rule. Coupled together, North Carolina promotes itself as First in Freedom. Thats one of three options on many vehicle license tags First in Flight and In God We Trust are the others. The First in Freedom Festival is at Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie. It was the site, on Feb. 27, 1776, of one of the initial patriot victories over the loyalists sending the colonial governor away and inspiring the Halifax Resolves. On April 11-12, the weekend after Easter, the Halifax Resolves Days happen at the Historic Halifax State Historic Site on the Roanoke River not far from Interstate 95. Advertisement Advertisement Theres an Independence Day event on July 4 at the Capitol in Raleigh. A naturalization ceremony and reading of the Declaration of Independence will happen, with other events there to be planned and announced later. While these are among the significant events, many others from Murphy to Manteo are on a digitally accessible calendar from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It includes museums and exhibits this weekend, weather permitting, and throughout the year. All Americans owe a debt to the demonstrators in Minnesota, especially those who withstood bodily harm and the two who made the ultimate sacrifice. They stood up for the rule of law, the United States' most precious possession. Renee Good exercised her First Amendment right to protest, and Alex Pretti exercised his Second Amendment right to bear arms to protect our constitutional rights, especially the Fourth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments' protection from tyranny andpromise of equal protection. Advertisement Advertisement The rule of law is what sets the United States apart from most nations and is the foundation of our political, economic and social success for 250 years. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson warned Americans must routinely defend their rights. "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion," he wrote. "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. It is its natural manure." He wasn't talking about right-wing militias; he was talking about popular protests like those in Minnesota, whom President Donald Trump called "professional agitators and insurrectionists." The law's the law I've reported from more than 30 countries, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. I specialized in places ruled by dictators and riven by conflict. I've been beaten, arrested and tear-gassed on multiple occasions in several jurisdictions. Rwandan rebels evenput a price on my head. Advertisement Advertisement I know all about authoritarians. Heedless, charismatic leaders don't solve problems; they make them worse. Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of every wealthy, healthy and peaceful country. I understand people don't like rules. For instance, I rarely obey the speed limit. Real estate developers hate zoning. Some folks spend careers overturning laws, such as gun regulations, marijuana prohibition and motorcycle helmet mandates. Wealthy and powerful people get angry when they butt up against limits on their privilege. But what makes the United States a great country is that a billionaire financier like Jeffrey Epstein or a former House speaker like Dennis Hastert can end up in prison for raping teens, even if it takes longer than what justice demands. When confronted with federal agents assaulting demonstrators and barging into homes with impunity, Minnesotans righteously took to the streets. President Donald Trump backed down there, but he remains a clear and present danger elsewhere. Muzzling business interests When I first visited Somalia in 2003, warlords deployed child soldiers to address broken contracts. The rule of law is why we can hire attorneys, not gunmen. Advertisement Advertisement Corporations and investors from around the world put trillions in the United States because they trust our courts to settle disputes on the merits. But the Trump administration is breaking faith in civil law. After JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon criticized Trump, the president's attorneys filed a $5 billion lawsuit against him personally and his bank. When ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said corporations need the rule of law before they can invest in Venezuela, the president said he would exclude the companyfrom working in the country. Trump's attorneys have brought 15 frivolous lawsuits against media companies. While judges have dismissed most, corporations that needed federal regulatory approval to close valuable transactions felt compelled to pay Trump tens of millions of dollars to avoid trouble. Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest met with dozens of American CEOs in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss climate change. He found they were too terrified of Trump to speak publiclyabout the issue. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm a lone ranger here, and they've chosen to let me stand alone," Forrest told the Axios news service. "They fear retribution That's not the way to run a country." Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that Trump has used his office to pocket $1.4 billion. Trump has lied, cheated and misbehaved for decades. He's promised retribution against dissenters, and he's delivered. His administration routinely denies reality and insists everyone accept its fairy tales. 'Governed by force' Fatal shootings and government graft are routine under oppressive, authoritarian leaders. Trump has recruited such men to his Board of Peace to help undermine the rules-based world order that limits their ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Trump adviser Stephen Miller told CNN's Jake Tapper that, from now on, might makes right. "We live in a world in which you can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else, but we live in a world, in the real world, Jake, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power," Miller said. The United States has spent the last 80 years trying to convince every country to follow our example and employ a just rule of law that delivers peace, prosperity and liberty to everyone. Trump and Miller may want to destroy that dream, but Minnesotans were ready to refresh the tree of liberty. We should be, too. Advertisement Advertisement Award-winning opinion writer Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about money, politics and life in Texas. Sign up for his "Tomlinson's Take" newsletter at houstonchronicle.com/tomlinsonnewsletter or expressnews.com/tomlinsonnewsletter. This article originally published at Americans owe a debt to Minnesotans who protected the rule of law from tyranny. A woman accused of fleeing to Mexico after the gruesome murder of her boyfriend has been arrested and returned to Orange County to face charges. Prosecutors say 23-year-old Alyssa Marie Lira killed her 55-year-old boyfriend. Enrique Gonzalez-Carbajal was found decapitated inside Lira's Anaheim home back in August. An Anaheim community is on edge after a man was found dead inside a home, triggering a homicide investigation. Advertisement Advertisement After months of investigating, Lira was taken into custody in Mexico on Jan. 22, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. She has been charged with one count of felony murder and one felony enhancement of personally using a weapon. Lira is due in court for her arraignment on Feb. 13. She is being held at the Orange County Jail without bail. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison. Gold Resource Corporation has signed a definitive arrangement agreement and plan of merger with Goldgroup Mining, under which the latter will acquire all of Gold Resources issued and outstanding shares for $372m (C$509.97m). The transaction will be executed through a reverse triangular merger in which Gold Resource will merge with a wholly owned Goldgroup subsidiary in accordance with Colorado law and a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Following the completion of the transaction, stockholders of Gold Resource are set to hold around 40% of the combined entity on a fully diluted in-the-money basis. The transaction has received unanimous approval from the Boards of Directors of both companies. It is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions including stockholder approval from the companies, as well as approval from the Mexican National Antitrust Commission. Gold Resource president and CEO Allen Palmiere said: Having successfully executed a turnaround at the Don David Gold Mine, the company is positioned to expand production through the proposed transaction. The addition of the San Francisco Mine and the Cerro Prieto mine is expected to increase gold exposure and materially enhance cash generation through higher overall output. The assets of the combined company will encompass Gold Resources operational Don David Gold Mine and the preliminary economic assessment-stage Back Forty Project, along with Goldgroups producing Cerro Prieto mine and the San Francisco Mine, which was recently acquired. This combination results in a diversified mining company with an emphasis on Mexico. Pro forma revenues are anticipated to be primarily silver-based, propelled by production at the Don David Gold Mine. "Gold Resource enters plan of merger with Goldgroup Mining" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The lingering impact of winter weather has shut down Arkansas state offices for a fourth consecutive day. The office of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Wednesday night that state offices will remain closed Thursday amid hazardous road conditions. The governors office notes that any state employees who can telework should do so. This comes after the governor closed state offices on Monday as conditions across the state remained hazardous due to the winter storm late last week. Advertisement Advertisement For more information on closings, visit our Closings page. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. An Army unit originally established to train Afghan forces now has a new mission: teaching U.S. troops how to fight in the jungle. On Tuesday, the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade ceased to exist and was reborn as Army Security Cooperation Group South. Its primary focus will be to operate the Combined Jungle Operations Training Course in Panama. We are now charged with holding a different line, no longer as advisors, but as committed jungle warfare experts, Col. Keith W. Benedict, the units commander, said during a ceremony held Tuesday at Fort Benning, Georgia.We are charged with and have the opportunity to spearhead combined and combined arms jungle training. Advertisement Advertisement During the Global War on Terrorism, the U.S. military put less of an emphasis on jungle warfare training. But last fall, conventional American troops returned to Panama for the first time in more than two decades to learn jungle survival and combat tactics. U.S. and Panamanian troops train together during the 21-day jungle warfare course, which is held at Aeronaval Base Cristobal Colon, a former Army base that was transferred to the Panamanians in 1999. Top Stories This Week News Navy fires First Naval Construction Regiment commodore for loss of confidence By Nicholas Slayton News Marines flew to Norway on the New England Patriots jet By Nicholas Slayton News Marine Corps now offers $60k bonuses for switching jobs mid-career By Patty Nieberg Since last year, most of the service members who have gone through it have been Marines, who were taught by U.S. Army and Panamanian instructors, an Army official said. The first large influx of soldiers is expected to begin the jungle warfare course in February. Advertisement Advertisement Starting next month, soldiers who complete the course in Panama will receive the Armys jungle tab for the first time, said Army Col. Mike Burns, a spokesman for U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command. The tab signifies that soldiers have mastered skills including jungle tactics, survival training, combat tracking, and waterborne operations. The creation of Army Security Cooperation Group South comes as the U.S. government has shifted its focus to Latin America. The Defense Departments recently published National Defense Strategy emphasizes the need to fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. We will also deny adversaries ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities in our hemisphere, the strategy says. Army phasing out SFABs Between 2017 and 2020, the Army created a total of six Security Force Assistance Brigades, or SFABs: five from the active-duty force and one from the National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement SFABs were the brainchild of Gen. Mark Milley, who was serving as Army chief of staff at the time. Milley wanted the service to create dedicated units of advisers for foreign conventional forces. The brigades were initially intended to train Afghan, Iraqi, and Peshmerga forces. Soldiers in the units have been issued brown berets since 2018 to avoid any confusion between SFABs and Special Forces. That move followed an uproar after a picture leaked online showing a green beret meant to be worn by 1st SFAB soldiers. There is no intent to replace Special Forces, or to compete with Special Forces, Milley told Army Times in October 2017. This is a unique mission gap that needs to be filled. The 1st SFAB deployed to Afghanistan in 2018, and it later shifted its focus to South America as part of a reorganization that assigned the five active duty brigades to combatant commands. Advertisement Advertisement Of the six SFABs, only one will remain in its original role: the 5th SFAB, which is focused on the Indo-Pacific region, according to Army officials. Last year, an Army spokesman said that two SFABs were being eliminated so that the service could move experienced noncommissioned officers to traditional line units, including infantry and armor formations. Thats where were hurting the most, Col. Dave Butler, spokesperson for the Army chief of staff, told Task & Purpose for a story in May. Were trying to fill the ranks up of the operational force and we have a lot of NCOs and junior officers in the SFAB formations. Artemis 2 will use the SLS to send a crew of four aboard an Orion spacecraft on a 10-day mission looping within 4,600 miles (7,400 km) of the Moon. The crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Koch will be the first woman to travel to the Moon, and Hansen will be the first non-American to make the journey. The quartet have spent a total of 660 days in space on long-duration missions to the International Space Station and have 12 spacewalks between them. Before departing for the Moon, Artemis 2 will enter a high-altitude 24-hour Earth orbit to check out the Orion spacecraft systems. After separating from the SLS upper stage, the crew will take manual control, turn Orion around, and approach the upper stage in a simulated docking to see how the craft handles in close quarters. Then Orion will turn around and light its Service Module engine, setting off for the Moon. Artemis 2 will follow a figure-8-shaped path that will send astronauts around the Moon before returning them to Earth. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly Launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Credit: NASA 2. Solid rocket boosters, fairings, and launch abort system jettisoned. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly, after NASA 3. Core stage main-engine cutoff and separation. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly, after ESA and NASA Advertisement Advertisement 4. Perigee raise burn to low Earth orbit. 5. Apogee raise burn to high Earth orbit. 6. Orion separates from ICPS and performs proximity operations demo. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly, after ESA and NASA 7. Perigee raise burn. 8. Trans-lunar injection burn. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly 9. Four-day trip to the Moon on a free return trajectory. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly 10. Lunar flyby 6,479 miles (10,427 km) above surface. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly Advertisement Advertisement 11. Four-day return trip to Earth. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly 12. Crew Module separates from Service Module. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly, after NASA 13. Crew Module reenters atmosphere. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly, after NASA 14. Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Astronomy: Roen Kelly Advertisement Advertisement This story is an excerpt from Artemis Explained, which appeared in the January 2025 issue of Astronomy. The post How Artemis 2 will fly around the Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine. Update: NASA announced it has postponed the wet dress rehearsal to no earlier than 9 p.m. ET Monday, Feb. 2 due to cold weather in Florida. The delay means the first potential launch opportunity for Artemis 2 is now Sunday, Feb. 8. The first human spaceflight to the moon in more than 50 years could be days away. But first, NASA's rocket that will propel a crew of four astronauts toward the moon has to ace a crucial fueling test. Once the prelaunch trial is completed, we should have a better idea of just when in the weeks ahead a mission known as Artemis 2 could get off the ground from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement The second flight under NASA's multibillion-dollar lunar program, Artemis 2 will send three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day trip around the moon. Though the crew won't be landing, their mission is vital in setting the stage for humans to return to the moon in the years ahead. Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Athena, the lunar lander on Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, captured this image of the moon's surface with Earth seen in the distance ahead of a March 6 landing attempt. While the lander was the second U.S. vehicle to reach the moon within a week, it ultimately landed on its side, which hindered much of its mission. NASA astronaut Suni Williams is helped out of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft March 18 following a return to Earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. She and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore crewed the Boeing Starliner, which had launched in June 2024 on a failed test flight that was meant to return them to Earth a few days later. Butch Wilmore reacts after he and Suni Williams and two other astronauts splashed down March 18 in a Crew Dragon space capsule following their return to earth from the International Space Station off the coast of Florida. The astronauts' extended stay at the orbital outpost dominated the news cycle for months. A SpaceX support team member is seen airborne while working to lift the SpaceX Dragon capsule that returned the Starliner astronauts and two others onto a recovery vehicle following its landing off the coast of Florida. This picture shows the crew of a privately-funded mission known as Fram2, from left to right, mission specialist and medical officer Eric Philips, mission commander Chun Wang, pilot Rabea Rogge and vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen on March 19, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. Launched March 31 from Florida using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission became t first ever human spaceflight over the Earth's polar regions. Pop musician Katy Perry emerges April 14 from Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule in West Texas following a brief flight to the edge of space. Perry was part of an all-women crew that also included broadcast journalist Gayle King that took the ride from Blue Origin's facility called Launch Site One. The high-profile launch attracted plenty of headlines and even drew some backlash from those who viewed the mission as a wasteful publicity stunt. Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sanchez lifts off April 14 from Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas. Blue Origin has since launched five more human spaceflights on the New Shepard in 2025. This photo depicts a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the latest batch of Amazon's broadband satellites on Dec. 16 to low-Earth orbit after launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Formerly called Project Kuiper, the venture has since been renamed Amazon Leo. Since its debut April launch, Amazon Leo has deployed 180 of 3,000 satellites planned for its first constellation, which could challenge SpaceX's Starlink. A group of Blue Origin employees with their friends and families gather on the beach in Cape Canaveral for the launch of Blue Origin's second New Glenn rocket in 2025. Following its January debut, the rocket launched for the second time Nov. 13 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on their trek to Mars. Darkness falls Nov. 9 as a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is prepped for its second-ever launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing the towering rocket for heavy-lift missions that could see Jeff Bezos' company compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster before sunrise as preparations continue for its 11th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas. A SpaceX Super Heavy booster carrying the Starship spacecraft lifts off Oct. 13, 2025, on its 11th ever test flight at the company's launch pad in Starbase, Texas. The launch was Starship's fifth of 2025, and second consecutive successful test flight following a year that was early on marked by explosive failures. SpaceX is developing the rocket for future missions that would help NASA astronauts land on the moon and also potentially transport the first humans to Mars. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 1 of 13 Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Here's everything to know about a launch date for the Artemis 2 mission. Space exploration in 2026: 6 spaceflights in year ahead, from NASA moon missions to SpaceX Starship When is NASA's Artemis 2 rocket launch date? NASA has not yet announced an official target launch date for Artemis 2. It could be several dates between Feb. 6 and April 6 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA to conduct fueling test, review before announcing mission date Committing to a launch date won't happen until NASA conducts a preflight test known as a wet dress rehearsal. Mission engineers also must complete an analysis known as a flight readiness review in which they assess a variety of factors, including the status of the spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement The prelaunch test, which could take place as early as Saturday, Jan. 31, involves a mock launch countdown and fueling the towering Space Launch System rocket with 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants that are later drained. Standing at 322 feet, the SLS, built by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, is one of the largest active rockets in the world. Ahead of the test, ground teams have continued to analyze and prepare for launch the Orion capsule the astronauts will be aboard and the rocket, both of which were integrated and rolled out to the launch pad Jan. 17. When are the Artemis 2 launch windows? What NASA says Earlier in January, NASA identified three launch periods between Feb. 6 and April 6 during which the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket could lift off on a precise orbital trajectory to meet mission objectives while keeping the crew safe. Because mission managers have to account for the moon's location in its orbit of Earth, the result is a week of launch opportunities, followed by three weeks with none. Here's a look at NASA's three launch periods, which include all possible dates for Artemis 2 to get off the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Launch period Jan. 31-Feb. 14 Launch opportunities Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 10-11 Launch period Feb. 28-March 13 Launch opportunities March 6-9 and March 11 Launch period March 27-April 10 Launch opportunities April 1 and April 3-6 Who will be on the Artemis 2 mission? Astronauts enter quarantine The crew of Artemis II (from left: Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glover and Commander Reid Wiseman) answer questions at a press conference as their Space Launch System rocket is transported to Pad 39B January 17, 2026. Artemis II is tentatively scheduled to launch on a mission to th Moon in early February. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK In the meantime, the crew of Artemis 2 NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen have entered quarantine at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. They are set to fly to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida about six days ahead of launch. Quarantining is protocol before any crewed spaceflight to ensure astronauts aren't exposed to illnesses that could delay a mission. Artemis 2 won't land on the moon but will circle it The astronauts won't be landing but will circle the moon on a 10-day trip to test systems and hardware for future expeditions to the surface. The Orion capsule the crew will pilot built by Lockheed Martin is due to travel about 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the moon, taking its passengers the farthest humans have ever ventured in space before returning to Earth. Advertisement Advertisement The mission would come more than three years after Artemis 1 launched Nov. 16, 2022, from the Kennedy Space Center, sending the Orion capsule on a moon-orbiting mission without a crew in the first test of the vehicle. A moon landing would take place during Artemis 3, which President Donald Trump has signaled he wants to see happen before the end of his second term. Why is NASA interested in the moon? What to know about Artemis NASA's Artemis program is the agency's ambitious campaign to return Americans to the surface of the moon for the first time since the Apollo era came to an end in 1972. In the years ahead, NASA's Artemis program aims to launch a series of crewed missions to establish a continuous human presence on the moon with a lunar settlement on the south pole. That's where water ice thought to be abundant in the region could be extracted and used for drinking, breathing and as a source of hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. Advertisement Advertisement From there, the lunar settlement would serve as a base of operations for the first crewed missions to Mars. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Artemis 2 rocket launch? NASA plans fueling test before liftoff CEBU, Philippines (AP) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations does not recognize the recently held elections in Myanmar, the first since the army seized power in 2021, the Philippine foreign secretary said Thursday. ASEANs non-recognition of the elections in Myanmar, which a military-backed party claimed to have won, is a major blow to efforts by the countrys military rulers to gain international recognition. The regional bloc, whose 11 members include Myanmar, has refused to recognize the military-ruled government since the army forcibly wrested power from Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in 2021. The powergrab has plunged the impoverished country in a deadly civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Asked in a news conference if the bloc did not recognize the elections in Myanmar, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said, yes, as of now and added that ASEAN has not endorsed the three phases of the elections that were held. Lazaro did not elaborate how the regional blocs stance could possibly change. She was speaking after hosting the ASEAN's first major ministerial meetings this year in the central city of Cebu. The Myanmar crisis was high on the agenda. Myanmars military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party claimed Monday that it had won the elections. The victory of the party led by a former general was widely expected after the vote excluded major opposition parties and dissent was tightly restricted. Also, a quarter of parliamentary seats were automatically reserved for the military effectively guaranteeing control by the armed forces and its favored parties. Advertisement Advertisement Critics say the elections were neither free nor fair, but were an effort to legitimize military rule after its forcible seizure of power. Meaningful political progress in Myanmar requires a cessation of hostilities, inclusive dialogue and participation by all stakeholders, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said. These preconditions are necessary for a government with legitimacy and a measure of popular support to emerge. The Philippines holds ASEANs rotating chair this year, taking what would have been Myanmars turn after the country was suspended from chairing the meeting after the military's seizure of power. Founded in 1967 in the Cold War era, ASEAN has an unwieldy membership of diverse countries that range from vibrant democracies like the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally of Washington, to authoritarian states like Laos and Cambodia, which are close to Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement The regional bloc adopted the theme Navigating our future, Together this year but that effort to project unity faced its latest setback last year when deadly fighting erupted between two members, Thailand and Cambodia, over a longtime border conflict. Aside from the Myanmar crisis and the deadly fighting that embroiled Thailand and Cambodia before both forged a U.S.-backed ceasefire last year, the ministers also agreed to hold monthly meetings with China in an effort to conclude negotiations this year on a so-called code of conduct to manage disputes over long-unresolved territorial rifts in the South China Sea, Lazaro said. Under growing pressure to conclude the talks on the nonaggression accord, the ministers announced the self-imposed deadline three years ago. China has expansive claims in the waterway, a key global trade route, that overlap with those of four ASEAN members, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. Advertisement Advertisement Lazaro opened the meetings by calling on the regional bloc to steadfastly maintain restraint and adhere to international law as acts of aggression across Asia and unilateral actions elsewhere in the world threaten the rules-based global order. Several ASEAN members have expressed deep concern over the secretive U.S. strike that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on orders from U.S. President Donald Trump. Chinas intensifying aggressive stance on Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea have also troubled the region for years. Calling out the U.S. and China, among the largest trading and defense partners of ASEAN countries, have been a dilemma and diplomatic tightrope. Across our region, we continue to see tensions at sea, protracted internal conflicts and unresolved border and humanitarian concerns, Lazaro said in her opening speech before ASEAN counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, developments beyond Southeast Asia, including unilateral actions that carry cross-regional implications, continue to affect regional stability and erode multilateral institutions and the rules- based international order, Lazaro said. ___ Jacqueline Hernandez in Cebu, Philippines, contributed to this report. When Alex Pretti was killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents last week, the shock rippled far beyond Minneapolis, where the Veterans Affairs nurse worked. Black veterans and nurses in Atlanta say his death has forced a reckoning, not only with the federal governments expanding use of force, but with what it means to serve a country that they say is increasingly turning on its own people. Im proud to stand with people like Alex Pretti, who in this case gave his life protecting those who needed protection, and thats what nursing is. Thats what we stand for, said Teshara Felder, who is a Navy veteran, a nurse in Atlanta, and a member of National Nurses United. Advertisement Advertisement For Ed Anderson, a 71-year-old Air Force veteran and Georgia organizer for the progressive veterans group Common Defense, Prettis death underscored why veterans such as Ronn Easton, who has gone viral for confronting federal agents in Minnesota in a fur coat, have increasingly stepped into social justice roles. His murder amplifies the reason why we do what we do to defend democracy, Anderson told Capital B Atlanta. The quick rushes to judgment that Pretti was wielding and brandishing a gun and all these other things have since been disproven, they validate our concern about whats happening to our First Amendment rights, and consequently the Second Amendment rights. Antoine Artis, a 45-year-old Navy veteran who lives in Atlanta, said learning that Pretti was a VA nurse made the killing even harder to process. Its a slap in the face, Artis told Capital B Atlanta. Knowing that he was helping veterans out, helping people like me out or any other veterans, adds to it. And he died at the hands of a federal agency its not something that I would expect to happen at home base, and its not right. Advertisement Advertisement Artis served 13 years in the Navy. Like Felder, he said Prettis death underscores a growing disconnect between the values service members are taught and the actions now taken by the government. I joined the military to fight for our country and I dont feel that citizens here in the U.S. should have to fight, thats what the militarys for. We do that so they dont have to, so its sad, Artis said. Atlanta Veterans Affairs nurses, veterans, and federal workers are organizing a vigil in remembrance of Alex Pretti on Feb. 5 at the Atlanta VA on Clairmont Road in Decatur. (Courtesy of National Nurses United) Anderson echoed that concern, pointing to the way ICE officers have increasingly operated in public. It makes me wonder why [the] Border Patrol has to go around with their faces covered, Anderson said. Our local police dont cover their faces. Our state police dont cover their faces. I never wore a mask other than a gas mask in my 10 years in the Air Force, and we fight for freedom every day. Advertisement Advertisement I agree, like many have drawn the parallel, their Gestapo like tactics, their ability to enter someones home without a warrant, thats unconstitutional, and I am afraid of the danger to our republic that [President Donald] Trump and his administration are projecting on our nation. After Prettis death, VA Secretary Doug Collins released a statement on social media confirming Prettis employment and offering condolences to the family. But Collins also blamed state and local officials in Minnesota, saying such tragedies occur because they refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. That framing angered many veterans and VA employees nationwide. Hes using a human life to politic, and thats unfortunate, Felder said. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson was more blunt. There is no leadership at the VA right now, he said. Doug Collins is echoing the nonsense, the nonsensical opinion of Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller and all the others who want to assign blame to the victim instead of looking at responsibility for the perpetrator. Anderson said cuts to VA staffing and services, particularly in mental health, have already had devastating effects on veterans nationwide. I owe my life to VA mental health care, he said. I was at a low point in my life, and VA mental health care helped me deal with the issues that I had. So I reflect back on nurses like Pretti often when I think about how the VA helped me and continues to help me and other veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Despite their anger and grief, the veterans interviewed rejected the idea that resistance is futile. Hope is never lost this will not win, Felder said. People need to not feel afraid to say, I dont stand with this. I will not stand with this. And that alone, I think will help us start making the changes we need. Artis agreed, urging residents to stand up against injustice. I feel like with more people, more manpower, things can change, but it wont help to just stand idle and let it happen to us, he said. Anderson emphasized that Black participation is critical. It was a biracial coalition that brought about the Civil Rights Movement. Its a biracial coalition that brought about the anti-Vietnam movement, and its going to take a biracial coalition to help squelch the efforts of the Trump administration, Anderson said. Advertisement Advertisement In Atlanta, VA nurses and federal workers are planning a vigil to remember Alex Pretti and call for justice for all victims of ICE and Border Patrol. The event will be held Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. outside the Atlanta VA at 1670 Clairmont Road. Read More: The post Atlantas Black Veterans See a Warning in the Killing of VA Nurse Alex Pretti appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Attorney General Andrea Campbell is suing nine Massachusetts communities in an attempt to get the towns to comply with a 2021 law intended to boost housing production near MBTA stations. Campbells office announced Thursday that it had filed a lawsuit against the towns of Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Winthrop. The attorney general is asking the court to order the towns to create a zoning district that complies with the law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker and to submit a district compliance application to state housing officials. Advertisement Advertisement The nine communities were required to have compliant zoning districts by July 14, 2025 and Campbell pledged recently to take action by the end of this week if communities did not come into compliance. To date, 165 out of 177 communities subject to the law have come into compliance and the attorney general cited statistics indicating the law has triggered projects encompassing 7,000 more homes in 34 communities. The state Supreme Judicial Court upheld the laws constitutionality in a case involving the town of Milton. 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 Gov. Kelly Ayotte, shown here during an October meeting with reporters, said Wednesday she has "a responsibility to say who's the best person for the job." (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) Gov. Kelly Ayotte rejected accusations Wednesday that she is replacing Cassandra Sanchez as the states child advocate because Sanchez publicly opposed a series of GOP bills targeting LGBTQ+ children in New Hampshire. Sanchez, speaking to the Bulletin Tuesday, said she believes the reason Ayotte did not extend her term as the head of the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate was because of that opposition. Sanchez term ended in January. Ayotte announced Tuesday she will replace her with Diana Fenton, who currently works as legal counsel for the Department of Education and is a former assistant state attorney general, instead of extending her for another term. Advertisement Advertisement As child advocate, Sanchez joined a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocates in April 2024 opposing a series of bills, including a ban on gender-affirming care and a requirement that public school teachers reveal a students sexuality to their parents if asked. A year later in April 2025, multiple Republican state lawmakers, angry about her opposition, threatened to reduce, or even eliminate, the Office of the Child Advocates budget in part over her comments (in addition to budget concerns) on the bills. Ayotte denied that played a role in her decision. I have a responsibility to say whos the best person for the job, Ayotte said on Wednesday. And so I believe that the person I just nominated is going to do an excellent job, and shes the best person for the job. The Office of the Child Advocate is the states official youth-focused watchdog, overseeing the states child welfare, juvenile justice, and youth care systems, and advocating for the best interests of children in the state. Fenton, if confirmed by the Executive Council, will be the third person to hold the role, which was created in 2018. I appreciate the work, the time shes (Sanchez) put in in that position. I just decided to appoint Diana Fenton because I think Diana is tremendously qualified for the job, Ayotte said. She happens to be a foster parent, and she understands the system well, and she will do an excellent job of recommending, how do we improve the system of child protection? And she has a passion for it. I think Im just glad shes willing to do this job. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A fraud investigation involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits concluded with the arrest of a former employee of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Northeast Elementary School. Megan Guerin, 34, of Baton Rouge, was charged with unauthorized use of food stamps. Guerin was charged with unauthorized use of food stamps. (East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office) She is accused of receiving $11,066 in SNAP benefits that she was not eligible for, according to a fraud investigator with the Louisiana Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation unfolded, officials learned that Guerin did not provide LDH with her correct income while working for the school board, according to the affidavit. The investigator stated that Guerin reported that she worked for the school from Jan. 23, 2024, to July 17, 2024. She is also accused of providing false wage verifications. The affidavit stated that she worked for the school from Oct. 21, 2022, to July 2, 2024. According to the investigator, Guerin is accused of not reporting that she was employed by the school board from Jan. 11, 2024, to Feb. 28, 2025. The investigator said Guerin certified that the information she provided was accurate and that she was aware that she could face criminal penalties if it was not correct. Advertisement Advertisement Guerins correct income from Feb. 2024 to Feb. 2025 was determined during the investigation. Coroners office identifies victim in deadly shooting at hotel in Baton Rouge The Baton Rouge woman was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Wednesday, Jan. 28. She posted a $10,000 bail and was released on the following day. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps decision to shake up the leadership of his immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota is the latest twist in a monthslong power struggle inside his administration over one of his top policy priorities, according to two law enforcement officials, one administration official and a person familiar with the situation. It marks a triumph for one camp of immigration enforcement officials namely border czar Tom Homan and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott who have publicly advocated for a targeted approach focused on arresting criminals who are in the country illegally. And it is a comedown for the other faction, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, her top adviser Corey Lewandowski and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who pushed for large sweeps of immigrants and aggressive tactics such as using chemical agents and rappelling into apartment buildings from Black Hawk helicopters. Advertisement Advertisement How long the shift in fortunes will last is unclear. Trumps shake-up in Minnesota suggests hes cooling to the enforcement tactics that have shaped Americans view of his immigration agenda for most of his term, with polls showing many voters think its gone too far. At the same time, the presidents aides have said hes still committed to his deportations policy Trump polls better on the question of border security even if hes for now pivoting away from the strategy led by Bovino following the deadly shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday and of Renee Good earlier this month. Career law enforcement have not agreed with this strategy of deploying Bovino to do these roving encounters, one of the law enforcement officials told NBC News. U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino with his security team in Minnesota on Wednesday. (Lokman Vural Elibol / Anadolu via Getty Images) (Lokman Vural Elibol) Bovino publicly defended the shootings and framed Pretti and Good as the aggressors. Noem, Trump and deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller struck a similar public tone initially as well. Now many administration officials, including Trump, point to an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Miller, in particular, has been a leading voice inside the administration and demanded more arrests and deportations of immigrants who are not legally in the U.S., including berating and threatening to fire senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials if they did not begin detaining 3,000 migrants a day, NBC News has reported. The White House has said Miller retains the support of the president and remains in his position as the architect of Trumps immigration policy. Trump on Monday stripped Bovino of his commander title and sent him back to his previous job in El Centro, California, at the border. Bovino is going back to El Centro and in El Centro he will stay, the law enforcement official said. Asked for comment on the competing factions, a senior DHS official said, There is only one page: the presidents page. Everyones on the same page. Secretary Noem is focused on restoring law and order and executing on the presidents agenda for mass deportations not publicity, the official said, and pointed to Noems post on social media calling Trumps decision to supplant Bovino with Homan good news for peace, safety, and accountability in Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement The jousting between the two factions within the administration has been ongoing since the summer, the two law enforcement officials, the administration official and the person familiar with the situation said. Homan, Scott and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons were sidelined in June amid White House frustrations that under their leadership migrant deportation numbers werent high enough, NBC News reported. Miller, Noem and Lewandowski at the time elevated Bovino instead, viewing his more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement as the solution to disappointing deportation numbers, NBC News has reported. Until Monday, Bovino reported directly to Noem and Lewandowski rather than Scott, who is the head of CBP, the two law enforcement officials, the administration official and the person familiar with the situation said. Noem, Lewandowski and Miller pulled him out of relative obscurity from his position as Border Patrol sector chief in El Centro in early June. He was on the cusp of reaching Border Patrols mandatory retirement age of 57. Advertisement Advertisement His performance over the past seven months leading Border Patrol agents first in Los Angeles, where they used such tactics as jumping out of rental trucks in parking lots to surprise and then arrest people won him favor with Noem and Lewandowski, the two law enforcement officials said. They said Lewandowski even flew to Los Angeles a few days after Bovino began overseeing operations there to personally ask him to continue immigration enforcement efforts there and elsewhere. At the time, DHS moved more than 1,500 Border Patrol agents to the interior of the country and tasked them with arresting migrants, Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks told NBC News in September. Bovino was then tasked with leading Border Patrol agents in operations in Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans and, most recently, Minneapolis. Border czar Tom Homan on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Jan. 11. (NBC News) (NBC News) Bovino was a fixture on the ground in each city, personally taking part in tactics that the White House defended against protests and backlash: deploying tear gas canisters into groups of protesters and demanding papers from people who appeared to be immigrants as they went about their day. Advertisement Advertisement Noem and Lewandowski welcomed his approach and sought to amplify it. NBC News reported in October that Noem and Lewandowski forced out six ICE field office directors against Lyons wishes and replaced at least half of them with individuals who had Border Patrol experience, a nod of approval to Border Patrols tactics in Chicago that month, according to two Homeland Security Department officials, one former DHS official and one federal law enforcement official. In recent months, Homan was increasingly kept out of meetings about decisions to deploy ICE and Border Patrol to cities around the country, the two law enforcement officials and the administration official said. This was unusual, given that Homan, as Trumps border czar, is responsible for implementing the presidents immigration policies from securing the southern U.S. border to arresting individuals who are in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions between the two factions reached a boiling point late last year as Scott, the Border Protection commissioner, expressed concern that Lewandowski was reading his emails, NBC News reported after speaking with two DHS officials with direct knowledge of the allegation. DHS at the time did not respond to a request for comment about Scott's concerns about his emails. Without Scotts prior knowledge or approval, his three most senior supporting officials his chief of staff, his legal counsel and his deputy were subsequently replaced by people who were close to Lewandowski, one of the law enforcement officials and a person close to Scott said. And earlier this month, Scott learned from news reports, not from administration officials, that Border Patrol agents had shot at two Venezuelan immigrants in a vehicle in Portland, one of the law enforcement officials and a person close to Scott said. Joseph Mazzara, who is close to Lewandowski, was brought in after Scotts aides were fired. Mazzara had authored a legal opinion that allowed immigration agents to enter homes without a warrant signed by a judge, according to two law enforcement officials. Advertisement Advertisement When asked for comment on the memo and Mazzaras involvement in it last week, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, said: In every case that DHS uses an administrative warrant to enter a residence, an illegal alien has already had their full due process. That opinion has drawn criticism this month from opponents of Trumps immigration policy. What the rise of Scott and Homan and the return of Bovino to his previous position at the border mean for Noem and Lewandowskis future at DHS remains unclear. NBC News confirmed with two White House officials and a DHS official that Noem and Lewandowski had a two-hour meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Monday. The White House officials said the president does not plan to remove them. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com With a partial government shutdown looking very likely, the price of gold has been soaring recently. Two top-performing ETFs-Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Bull 2X (JNUG) and the Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X (NUGT)give investors a convenient way to profit from this trend. And although Congress may find a way relatively soon to end the shutdown, several other factors that have pushed gold much higher over much longer periods are unlikely to dissipate in the near-to-medium term. Among these positive catalysts are the weakening U.S. dollar, high government debt globally, the sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Russia, and elevated tensions between America and its allies. More News from Barchart The Performance of JNUG and NUGT In the month that ended on Jan. 26, JNUG jumped 41%, while it advanced 150% in the three months that ended on that date. It soared 696% in the preceding year. Barchart's Technical Opinion rates it as a Strong Buy. In comparison, in the month that ended on Jan. 26, NUGT jumped 39% and advanced 132% in the previous three months. It soared 588% in the preceding year. Barchart's Technical Opinion also rates it as a Strong Buy. A Partial Government Shutdown Appears to Be Imminent Another shutdown was always on the table, as there were unresolved issues after the last shutdown concluded. However, many of those concerns have been overshadowed by current events in Minnesota. Senators from both parties are feeling the pressure from their constituents about the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minnesota. On Jan. 7, an ICE agent killed Renee Good, and agents from CBP killed Alex Pretti on Jan. 24. These two high-profile incidents come after numerous other reports of excessive force when dealing with peaceful protestors. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are refusing to support a six-bill funding law that includes appropriations for ICE. The Democrats are demanding that new restrictions on ICE be placed in the legislation, while Republicans counter that President Donald Trump should instead make changes to ICE's procedures. The spending plan can't pass without Democratic votes, and a partial shutdown will begin on Saturday unless senators make a bipartisan deal. A bill passed out of subcommittee Thursday would have the Iowa Board of Regents study the potential benefits of reinstating VEISHEA at Iowa State University. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Legislation to have the Iowa Board of Regents study the possibility of bringing back an Iowa State University event with a history of disruption moved out of an Iowa House subcommittee Thursday. House Study Bill 545 would require the Iowa Board of Regents to conduct a study into the practicality and potential benefits of reinstating VEISHEA at Iowa State University. The study would be submitted to the chairs of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee and Iowa Senate Education Committee before its November meeting this year. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, chaired the subcommittee and was joined by Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield, and Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Before its discontinuance in 2014, VEISHEA was a student-run celebration put on at ISU for nearly a century. According to information from the ISU library special collections department, VEISHEA stands for the universitys five divisions in 1922 veterinary medicine, engineering, industrial science, home economics and agriculture. VEISHEA celebrations saw student violence and other challenges through the years, including riots, property damage, injuries and death, including a fatal fall in 2012 and the slaying of a visitor to campus that took place in 1997 just after the celebration. After a 2014 disturbance during VEISHEA involving around 1,000 people, then-university president Steven Leath put together a task force that recommended elimination of the event. Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Board of Regents State Relations Officer Jillian Carlson said during the subcommittee meeting it might be better to direct ISU to conduct the study rather than the board, as it focuses purely on the Ames institution. When asked by Wilburn about other reports the board must submit to the General Assembly, she said there are quite a few annual reports that must be completed as well as more reports in active legislation. Wilburn gave three reasons why he wouldnt sign onto the legislation, including past violence, adding an additional report to the boards workload and keeping local control of local events. At the local level, they gave multiple choices or opportunities for VEISHEA to go without riots and damage and death, and the university has historically worked with the community, Wilburn said. So again, in my opinion, these types of decisions about these local celebrations and festivals should stay at the local level. Iowa House Higher Education Committee chair Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, has criticized bureaucracy in the past, Wilburn said, and the report required in this bill is another bureaucratic expense that is unnecessary given the other reports the board must complete. Advertisement Advertisement Hora said she hasnt spoken with Collins about the reasons behind the bill, but shes heard from people who attended VEISHEA pre-riots who spoke about the benefits for ISU it brought. She signed the legislation and moved it ahead for consideration by the full Higher Education Committee. VEISHEA used to be a very good event for the campus, and so basically, all this does is, you know, task them to do a feasibility study for reintroducing VEISHEA to a campus, Hora said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. A Missouri bill would require all public school students to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical education or moderate physical activity each school day, starting next school year. Missouri State Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-Republic) has introduced House Bill 2748 for the ongoing legislative session, which would ultimately increase physical education requirements for K-12 students statewide. According to the bills language, school districts would be required to ensure all students participate in supervised moderate physical activity for the entire school year, including students in alternative education programs. Students would further be required to participate in moderate physical activity for a minimum of sixty minutes [or 1 hour] per day. Advertisement Advertisement The bill allows for modified physical education plans for students with disabilities, as determined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Schools could meet the daily 60-minute requirement through a combination of physical education classes, recess and other district-approved physical activities and instructions, as long as everything is supervised by school personnel. St. Louis-area mail carrier sentenced for stealing checks, selling mail key The bill also directs the Missouri Commissioner of Education to annually recognize students, schools and districts that have achieved improvement in fitness. Advertisement Advertisement Research on extended physical education requirements has shown mixed results. A 2015 study published in the Journal of School Health found that longer physical education periods can offer benefits like increased opportunities for sustained activity and time for instruction on rules, techniques and movement concepts that can support broader cognitive learning goals. However, the study also found that longer classes did not necessarily lead to high-intensity exercise or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, due to factors such as increased time management, vocal instruction and transition time needed for students to change clothes and prepare for their next classes. If schools were to adopt such requirements, its also unclear how longer daily physical activity could result in longer school schedules or impact time devoted to other academic subjects. The bill calls for increased physical education to begin during the 2026-27 school year. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation has had two readings on the Missouri House floor and has also been referred to two House committees for further consideration. Its uncertain how much support the proposal has among Missouri lawmakers at large. 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. Another ones coming. The National Weather Service is now forecasting what theyre calling a significant East Coast winter storm threat for this weekend, with a coastal low forming over the Gulf Coast on Friday and rapidly intensifying into a bomb cyclone as it tracks up the Eastern Seaboard. If youre running freight anywhere from the Carolinas to Boston over the next five days, you need to pay attention right now. The Weather Prediction Center isnt mincing words. Their latest guidance shows snowfall beginning in parts of the Mid-South and Southern Mid-Atlantic on Friday morning, persisting through at least the weekend, with the heaviest impacts expected in the coastal regions of the Carolinas, Virginia, and points north. Both the European and American forecast models agree that this thing is going to blow up off the Carolina coast Saturday night. What they cant agree on is exactly where it tracks from there, and that uncertainty is the whole ballgame for the I-95 corridor. Advertisement Advertisement If this storm hugs the coast, were talking potentially feet of snow from the eastern Carolinas through Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and into New England. If it stays offshore, the Northeast catches some wind and coastal impacts but dodges the worst of it. A shift of just 100 to 200 miles in either direction determines whether this is an inconvenience or a catastrophe. The East Coast is already buried. Last weekends storm dumped over 20 inches in parts of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Yorks Hudson Valley. Philadelphia saw 9.1 inches, its largest total since the January 2016 blizzard. Central Park hit a daily record at 11.4 inches; none of that has melted because temperatures across the eastern two-thirds of the country remain dangerously cold, with the Arctic Oscillation sitting at around negative five standard deviations. Translation: this cold isnt going anywhere, and another blast is forecast for early February. That means whatever falls this weekend sits on top of whats already there. Black ice. Refreezing. Reduced visibility. Trucks that were barely getting through last week are now facing round two. We Just Watched This Play Out in Louisiana If you want to see what happens when winter weather hits regions that arent built for it, look no further than Interstate 20 through north Louisiana this past week. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of truckers found themselves parked like sardines across a 30-mile stretch from Minden to the Monroe-West Monroe area, some stuck for more than 30 hours in temperatures that had no business being that cold that far south. The Louisiana National Guard had to bring in heavy-duty wreckers from Pineville just to start pushing disabled rigs off the roadway. State troopers went from cab to cab waking up drivers whod given up and gone to sleep. At one point, officials estimated roughly 99 percent of I-20 was blocked by stalled trucks. Ninety-nine percent. The Louisiana Department of Transportation says they brined and salted ahead of the storm, but once youre dealing with several inches of ice accumulation and temps in the low 20s, pre-treatment loses effectiveness fast. And 18-wheelers dont negotiate ice. They either stall or they get stuck. Theres no in-between. Eight people are dead across Louisiana from this weather event. Truckers were stranded without food, without fuel, some for days. Local residents personally delivered meals and gas to stranded motorists because thats what you do when the system breaks down. The South Keeps Making the Same Mistakes I was in Atlanta during its January 2011 ice storm and watched the city come apart at the seams. About four inches of snow fell, and suddenly, 15 miles of I-285 shut down. Truckers slept in their cabs. Police stopped responding to non-injury accidents because there were simply too many to count. Advertisement Advertisement Then Atlanta did it again in 2014. Schools, businesses, and government offices all closed at the same time when the snow started. Complete gridlock. Tractor-trailers got stuck on the Perimeter, essentially closing the bypass around the city. Kids spent the night on school buses. The National Guard deployed Humvees to deliver food and water. The governor called it unexpected. Weather forecasters begged to differ; theyd issued warnings more than 20 hours before it started. Now look at whats coming this weekend. Georgia has already declared a state of emergency. Governor Kemp called up 500 National Guard soldiers on standby. Twelve states have issued emergency declarations. Nine have activated Guard troops. Airlines are already waiving change fees at 30-plus airports because they know whats about to happen. The infrastructure in the South and much of the Mid-Atlantic simply isnt built for this. The equipment isnt there. The institutional knowledge isnt there. And this time, theyre getting hit while still digging out from last week. Your Rights When Dispatch Pushes Back All of this brings me back to Alphonse Maddin. Advertisement Advertisement In January 2009, Maddin was hauling temperature-controlled freight through Illinois for TransAm Trucking when his trailer brakes froze in subzero temperatures. He called dispatch. He waited hours for a repair truck. His fuel was running low, his heater was struggling, and he was losing feeling in his extremities. TransAm gave him two options: drag the trailer to its destination, illegal and dangerous, or sit and wait. Potentially deadly. Maddin chose neither. He unhooked the trailer and drove his tractor to a gas station to warm up and refuel. TransAm fired him for abandoning the trailer. That case wound its way to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and became famous during Neil Gorsuchs Supreme Court confirmation hearings. The majority ruled in Maddins favor, applying what they called a dollop of common sense. Advertisement Advertisement When youre sitting in that cab watching ice form on your mirrors with dispatch telling you to keep moving, you need to understand your rights. Under 49 CFR 390.6(a)(2), a carrier cannot coerce a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. You have 90 days to file a coercion complaint with FMCSA. Document everything. Screenshot those Qualcomm messages. Save those texts. Your CDL is yours. Your life is yours. No load is worth dying for. The Numbers Behind the Risk According to NHTSA data, there were an estimated 101,390 police-reported crashes linked to wintry weather in 2023, including 22,293 injuries and 320 fatalities. The Federal Highway Administration says approximately 24 percent of all weather-related crashes occur on icy, snowy, or slushy pavement. Icy road fatalities account for more deaths than all other weather hazards combined, more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and heat combined. Advertisement Advertisement The FHWA reports that on-fatal-injury and property-damage incidents increase significantly when it snows, but fatal crashes decline. Why? Because most people slow down. They reduce speed by 30 to 40 percent on snowy pavement. The ones who dont adjust are the ones making the news. What Drivers and Fleets Need to Do Right Now For drivers currently out there or planning routes through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend: Check your equipment before you roll. Make sure your brakes arent sticking, your fuel tank is topped off, and your battery can handle cold starts. Diesel gels in extreme cold. Treat it. Carry extra fuel treatment. Stock your cab like you might be living in it. Because you might. Blankets, non-perishable food, water, a phone charger, warm clothes, and a flashlight. We just watched drivers survive 30-hour shutdowns because they were prepared. We watched others suffer because they werent. Advertisement Advertisement Know your route and have alternates. If I-95 shuts down, whats Plan B? If the Jersey Turnpike becomes a parking lot, wheres your bailout? Think it through before you need it. Monitor the forecast obsessively between now and Friday. That 100-mile track difference I mentioned earlier? It could shift. The models will tighten up. Pay attention. If you feel unsafe, document and refuse. Coercion is illegal. Your dispatcher can push all they want, but theyre not the ones sitting in that cab watching ice form on the windshield. Screenshot every message. Note every phone call with time and date. For fleet managers and safety directors: Advertisement Advertisement Build flexibility into your schedules now. Pushing drivers into known winter weather to make a delivery window is how people get killed and how companies get sued. Communicate proactively. Dont wait for drivers to call you from a ditch. Monitor conditions, adjust routes, and give your drivers explicit permission to shut down if conditions deteriorate. Review your policies today. If your policy states drivers must deliver regardless, update it before this weekend. That policy is a lawsuit waiting to happen. The Weather Prediction Centers extended forecast discussion uses language you dont see every day: significant Eastern Seaboard Coastal Winter storm forecast to rapidly deepen while lifting over the Western Atlantic. The consensus indicates heavy snow potential across the eastern Carolinas and the coastal Mid-Atlantic, and along the southern and eastern coasts of New England. High winds. Coastal flooding. And all of it landing on top of whats already out there. Advertisement Advertisement If youre dispatching freight into the I-95 corridor this weekend, think hard about timing. If youre a driver being pressured to operate under deteriorating conditions, know your rights and document everything. And if youre sitting at a shipper waiting to get loaded Friday afternoon with 400 miles of potential blizzard between you and your destination, maybe that load waits until Monday. You can always reschedule a delivery. The post Bomb Cyclone Bearing Down on Mid-Atlantic and New England: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know appeared first on FreightWaves. White House Border Czar Tom Homan talks with reporters on the driveway outside the White House West Wing on March 17, 2025. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) President Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, cited sanctuary policies and the Biden administrations ineffective border enforcement as the reason for the ongoing massive presence of immigration agents in Minnesota in a press conference Thursday morning. Homan took over operations in Minnesota Monday from Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who was demoted after his agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Three thousand immigration agents remain in Minnesota, Homan said, and a reduction in force depends on cooperation from elected officials. Over the past month, immigration agents have shot three people, killing two; racially profiled people, asking them to produce proof of legal residency; detained legal immigrants and shipped them across state lines, including young children; caused numerous car crashes; deployed chemical irritants on public school property; smashed the car windows of observers and arrested them before releasing them without charges; and threatened journalists who were filming them from a distance in a public space, among other high-profile incidents. Homan tacitly acknowledged the chaos, saying, Im not here because the federal government has carried out its mission perfectly. Despite agents frequent arrests of legal immigrants and those without criminal histories, Homan insisted that immigration operations in Minnesota are targeted on removing undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. A federal agent holds up a canister of tear gas as 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) Homan, who reportedly was investigated for receiving $50,000 in cash from an undercover FBI agent in 2024 in an alleged bribery scheme, said state and local law enforcement agencies refusal to assist immigration agents is the reason for the prolonged federal presence in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Give us access to the illegal alien public safety threat and the safety and security of a jail, Homan said in the press conference. Many of the worst of the worst immigrants convicted of crimes, whose names have been provided to media outlets, were handed over to immigration officials after finishing sentences in state prisons, according to an MPR News analysis. Eight local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota have signed agreements with ICE to allow access to jails, or assist in immigration enforcement in other ways. Other Trump administration officials have given different explanations for the ongoing surge and made other demands of elected officials. Initial reports suggested the operation would target Somali Americans. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said when the operation began in December that it was intended to eradicate FRAUD. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz last week demanding the state hand over troves of Medicaid, nutrition assistance and voter data. Homan said he has met with Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and local law enforcement leaders, and that those meetings have been productive, though he urged those elected officials to tone down their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Ive begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March if the rhetoric doesnt stop, theres going to be bloodshed. And there has been, he said. (He did not address Trumps rhetoric; the president has called Somali Americans garbage and his political enemies vermin.) Through a spokesperson, Frey responded to Homans news conference, saying Any drawdown of ICE agents is a step in the right directionbut my ask remains the same: Operation Metro Surge must end. A spokesperson for Walz said we need a drawdown in federal forces, impartial (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) investigations, and an end to the campaign of retribution against Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Ellison did not immediately return requests for comment. Homan seemed to take a shot at his predecessor, Bovino, who made frequent appearances in Minneapolis and at the Whipple Federal Building, surrounded by camerapeople. I didnt come to seek photo ops or headlines, Homan said. I came here to seek solutions. Max Nesterak contributed reporting. Before Chris Hoehs ski accident in February 2017 left him with a spinal cord injury and no feeling below his arms, he enjoyed helping his elderly Jamaica Plain neighbors shovel out their driveways. But Hoeh, 62 and a former elementary school teacher, now finds himself stranded inside for days at a time when storms happen, his wheelchair blocked by the snow-choked Boston sidewalks, buried handicap parking and curb cuts along plowed-in streets that sever him from the rest of the city. A snow day is not just a snow day, Hoeh said. It can mean days of being stuck inside, not having caregivers be able to get to you and basically being cut off from the rest of the community. Advertisement Advertisement The City of Boston had nearly two feet of snow dumped over its streets between Sunday and Monday. On Wednesday afternoon, officials announced Public Works Department crews would be out for large-scale snow removal beginning at 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday, with removal crews out for the next two nights. Officials said over 2,500 tons of snow was already moved to six snow farms across the city, with over 900 pieces of equipment deployed to treat and clear roads. Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, who oversees East Boston, Charlestown and the North End, thanked Public Works and the Streets Cabinet for working diligently to clear our streets and sidewalks in the aftermath of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement I want to acknowledge that there are concerns about certain streets that still need attention, crews are working tirelessly to address remaining issues and ensure every neighborhood is made safe and accessible, Coletta Zapata said. Councilor Ed Flynn, who oversees South Boston, the South End and Chinatown, urged residents to continue to be good neighbors by checking on nearby seniors and persons with disabilities, along with shoveling out hydrants and sewer catch basins. Residents and local businesses are responsible for shoveling sidewalks to ensure accessibility for all and our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families with strollers, he said. Both Coletta Zapata and Flynn also asked residents experiencing issues to submit snow removal requests through 311. MassLive requested comment from the city on how it supports people with disabilities in storms, but did not receive an immediate response. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, Hoeh, who uses a power wheelchair, said he hasnt been out of his home since Saturday due not only to the plows now-frozen leftovers, but to some neighbors practices. People often just shovel as wide as the shovel 18, maybe 24 inches but a wheelchair needs at least 36 inches and it cant be icy, Hoeh said. So youre looking at these narrow, frozen paths and thinking, There is literally nowhere I can go. In addition, van-accessible handicap parking spots are often left filled with snow piles for days following storms from plows and other residents digging out their own vehicles or streets, making them impossible to be used, Hoeh said. In the North End, where already-narrow sidewalks have become tighter, residents have admitted to media theyre putting the snow anywhere I can at this point. Advertisement Advertisement And while acknowledging how bad this past storm was and that its normal for anyone to be home-bound for a day or two, Hoeh who has lived in Jamaica Plain for about 35 years said snow in Boston routinely means narrowed sidewalks, buried curb cuts and handicap spots, cutting disabled residents off from the city whenever flakes fall. Katarina Torres, 26, lives in Jamaica Plain and is director of the Riders Transportation Access Group, a community advocacy group housed at the Boston Center for Independent Living that advises the MBTA on accessibility. Torres, who has a mobility disability, a traumatic brain injury and other non-visible disabilities, also said this past storm highlights long-standing practices by the city, transit agency and neighboring municipalities around bus stops, sidewalks and curb ramps, routinely harming people with disabilities. This is nothing new, and people were expecting this, Torres said, adding that conversations need to be had with all stakeholders, including municipal partners, on who is specifically responsible for snow clearing in these various areas. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the municipalities are actually not educated or are unaware of what their responsibilities are around snow removal for people with disabilities, Torres said. We may see an actual bus shelter shoveled out, but then the sidewalk and curb ramp leading up to the bus shelter is completely blocked, and no one can actually access the bus shelter. Additionally, Torres said buses may not be able to pull close enough up to designated spots or properly deploy ramps with the amount of snow, which means people could be left to get off ... where theyre at risk of being hit. Fellow Jamaica Plain resident, Carol Steinberg, 71, a wheelchair user for the past two decades following her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, had a similar perspective. She says issues with snow removal happen in every part of the city and its been this way forever. Its always an obstacle, said Steinberg, whos lived in Boston for 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Snow plows tend to leave snow in curb cuts thats been a problem many, many times for me. Steinberg recalled how one recent past winter, her wheelchair got stuck in a snowy crosswalk curb cut as she tried to go to the movies with her daughter. A police officer had to come help dig her out, she said. Steinberg was supposed to visit her grandchildren in Roslindale on Wednesday but after her husband checked conditions in downtown Boston that morning, he told her it wasnt safe to go. Sidewalks hadnt properly been shoveled, he said, even near City Hall, and the curb cuts needed to get off sidewalks were inaccessible. Its all about freedom, because I really like to move around, said Steinberg, a practicing trial attorney, former and current disability rights advocate with committees like the Disability Law Center and Government Relations Committee for the MS Society. I would ordinarily be picking (my grandkids) up with my husband and we have fun, go to a cafe Im staying home because I dont know if Ill be able to get around," she said. Advertisement Advertisement What I always say about people in wheelchairs people act like we are a really small minority of people," Steinberg added. To me, we are everybody, because anybody could ski into a tree at any moment, develop a disease and were all getting older and a lot are going to have mobility problems. This whole issue is not for just a tiny minority of people, you know. It has to be attended to. More boston Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights from Tampa International Airport to Nassau, Bahamas, beginning in June. This is the first nonstop jet service offered from Tampa to Nassau in 20 years, according to a news release. Flights to Lynden Pindling International Airport will operate on Thursdays and Sundays beginning June 11, the release said. Nassau is the 29th destination Breeze Airways offers out of the Tampa airport. The addition expands the airports international destinations to 22, with stops available across the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Tampa International Airport is thrilled to add this popular Caribbean destination to our nonstop route map with our wonderful Breeze Airways partners, who have been rapidly growing their footprint at TPA since their first-ever flight launched here in 2021, said Michael Stephens CEO of the airport, in a statement. Breeze operates 300 year-round and seasonal air routes to 84 cities in the United States and beyond. Tickets for the Tampa-to-Nassau flight are available for purchase online. This currently unserved route to the Bahamas will be a great addition to our network in Tampa and a highly desirable destination for summer travel, said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways in a statement. Groups including the ACLU and the Sierra Club are backing Oak Park, Illinois, as it defends in federal court its ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings. A lawsuit from natural gas and construction industry groups argues the ban breaks federal laws limiting how state and local governments can limit federally regulated energy sources. Oak Park officials say the policy is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of its plan to make the city carbon neutral by 2050. The post Brickbat: It's a Gas appeared first on Reason.com. Bridgeport police says man wanted for murder fled to Nicaragua BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) A man has been charged with murder in connection to the October death of a 24-year-old woman who was found just yards away from her 1-year-old daughter in Bridgeport, according to police. The Bridgeport Police Department charged 30-year-old Douglas Jose Centeno-Vargas with murder, risk of injury to a minor and tampering with evidence in the death of 24-year-old Evelyn Rayo-Mairena on Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Black Rock Avenue. Bridgeport police investigating homicide of 24-year-old woman found in street next to 1-year-old daughter Advertisement Advertisement Police said investigators determined that Centano-Vargas boarded a plane at JFK Airport in New York bound for Nicaragua on Oct. 22. Detectives are investigating who helped him leave the country and are working with the State Department on how to get him back to Connecticut for prosecution. Police said Centano-Vargas bond has been set at $4 million. Anyone with information related to Centeno-Vargas whereabouts or the investigation is asked to call Det. Santora of Bridgeport police at 203-581-5291. At around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, Bridgeport police responded to Black Rock Avenue for a report of an abandoned child when they found Rayo-Mairena, who was down and unresponsive in the street just yards away from where her child was found. Rayo-Mairena was taken to a local hospital, where she died from a gunshot wound to her head. 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 WTNH.com. Bridgeport police said Wednesday that they are looking for a man accused of murdering a young mother in front of her child last October. City police have an arrest warrant for Douglas Jose Centeno-Vargas, 30, charging him with murder, risk of injury to a minor and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $4 million. On the evening of Oct. 21, 2025, officers found the young mother, Eveling-Ilena Rayo-Mairena, 24, unresponsive and lying on the street on Black Rock Avenue. Police said she died from a gunshot wound to the head. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators identified Centeno-Vargas as the suspect 12 hours into the investigation. Police said they learned that he dragged Rayo-Mairena out of a car and left her on a street at around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. Police previously noted that the suspect left Rayo-Mairena's one-year-old daughter unharmed on the front porch of a house, several yards from her mother's body. The child was reunited with a family member through the state Department of Children and Families. Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines Detectives learned that Centeno-Vargas went to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and boarded a plane at around 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 22, headed for Nicaragua. Advertisement Advertisement In a previous press release, police noted that Rayo-Mairena was a native of Nicaragua. She lived on Black Rock Avenue with her daughter before her death. Investigators are looking to determine who helped Centeno-Vargas leave the country. Detectives have been working with the State Department and the Office of the State's Attorney since October to gather more evidence. They are in contact with the State Department to find a way to bring Centeno-Vargas back to Connecticut. Investigators are asking those with information to call Homicide Detective Elizabeth Santora at 203-581-5291. RELATED: Police investigate Bridgeport woman's death as a homicide Advertisement Advertisement MORE NEWS: 2 suspects arrested in Milford after 22-year-old is shot to death in Meriden --- Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com. HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS Download the FOX61 News APP iTunes: Click here to download Google Play: Click here to download Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61. Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search FOX61 and click Get to download. FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM By Andrew MacAskill BEIJING, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Britain and China hailed a reset in relations on Thursday, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping pledged greater cooperation on trade, investment and technology to the mutual benefit of both countries. With Western leaders reeling from the unpredictability of U.S. President Donald Trump, Starmer became just the latest to head to China, where he called for a "more sophisticated relationship" with improved market access, lower tariffs and investment deals. Advertisement Advertisement Hosting a British leader for the first time in eight years, Beijing agreed to 30 days' visa-free access for Britons and to halve Chinese tariffs on whisky, while UK drugmaker AstraZeneca announced a $15 billion investment into China. Starmer spent around three hours with Xi at a formal summit and a lunch, during which the pair discussed trade and security, the war in Ukraine, and also soccer and Shakespeare. STARMER SEEKING ECONOMIC GROWTH Starmer, whose centre-left Labour government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised, has made improving relations with the world's second-largest economy a priority. Advertisement Advertisement That has drawn criticism from some British and U.S. politicians who accuse China of waging industrial levels of espionage and of abusing human rights. The British premier held up a plan by AstraZeneca to pioneer new medicines by investing heavily in its Chinese operations as proof of the benefits that could flow to both countries. But he also said the closer ties would enable Britain to engage in "frank dialogue" when there was disagreement. "China is a vital player on the global stage, and it's vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course, also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer told Xi at the start of their meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Xi said China was ready to develop a long-term partnership with Britain following "twists and turns" in the relationship that did not serve the interests of either country. "We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history," Xi told Starmer, flanked by his top ministers, at their summit at the Great Hall of the People. Starmer later told reporters he had a "respectful discussion" with Xi about the case of Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen who was convicted in December of national security crimes. WESTERN ALLIES RATTLED BY TRUMP'S UNPREDICTABILITY Advertisement Advertisement Starmer's visit comes amid Trump's on-off threats of trade tariffs and pledges to grab control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which have rattled long-standing U.S. allies such as Britain. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to travel to China soon and Trump himself has said he will visit in April. While Starmer has so far not secured the scale of trade deals that were struck on a recent visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, he has gone some way to rebuilding ties that had deteriorated under previous Conservative governments. Under them, Britain curbed some Chinese investment over national security worries and expressed concern over a crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement Kemi Badenoch, the leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party, said on Wednesday she would not have gone to China because of the security risks the country poses. British security services say China routinely spies on the government. China denies the claims. STARMER HAILS IMPROVEMENT IN RELATIONSHIP Starmer, who was accompanied by more than 50 business leaders, said the relationship with China was now in "a strong place" and said he saw Xi as someone he could do business with. He described the meeting as warm and constructive, adding that the pair chatted about English Premier League soccer, which has a massive fan base in China, as they dined on roasted cod and sweet rice dumplings. Advertisement Advertisement He gifted Xi a ball from a recent match between Manchester United, the Chinese president's favoured team, and the British premier's team Arsenal. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said after meeting British business minister Peter Kyle that Beijing wanted to deepen their services trade, import high-quality UK products, and, in return, enjoy a predictable investment environment in Britain. PLAN TO TACKLE PEOPLE SMUGGLERS Starmer, who has also agreed deals to improve trade with the U.S., the European Union and India, is also seeking Beijing's help to bolster security, announcing that the countries would jointly tackle gangs involved in trafficking illegal migrants. Advertisement Advertisement The deal focuses on reducing the use of Chinese-made engines for small boats that transport people across the Channel to claim asylum in Britain. British and Chinese officials will share intelligence to identify smugglers supply routes and work with Chinese manufacturers to prevent legitimate businesses from being exploited by organised crime, Downing Street said. After arriving in Beijing late on Wednesday, Starmer dined at a restaurant known for its speciality mushroom dishes. He practised pronouncing the Chinese word for thank you - "xie xie" - with restaurant staff as he posed for photographs, a video posted on Weibo showed. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill in Beijing; Additional reporting by Colleen Howe in Beijing; Writing by Andrew MacAskill, John Geddie and Kate Holton; Editing by Michael Perry, Gareth Jones and Alison Williams) Rich Products is aiming to drive long-term growth in the pizza category with the acquisition of Illinois-based Great Kitchens Food Company. Family-owned Rich Products has bought the pizza maker from private-equity firm Brynwood Partners for an undisclosed sum. Great Kitchens operates out of three manufacturing facilities two in Illinois located in Romeoville and Chicago Heights, and a third in Brockton, Massachusetts. All of its 1,000 workers will transfer to the new owners. As well as ready-to-bake branded topped pizzas, Great Kitchens is also present in private label. Kevin Spratt, Rich Products president for the US and Canada, said in a statement: We're always looking for new ways to enhance our pizza capabilities and this move is a game-changer for the industry. When you combine Great Kitchens' leadership in fully topped pizzas with our strength in crust and dough, you get a one-stop pizza partner with an unmatched breadth of expertise that will allow us to accelerate growth, drive greater innovation and deliver unique and distinct value to our customers." Great Kitchens expanded in 2023 with the acquisition of Uno Foods Division from Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. It owns the Pizzeria Uno Chicago chain and retail pizza brand but also sells its products, which include flatbreads, strombolis and calzones, into grocers, foodservice, club stores and online. In a separate statement, Brynwood Partners said it formed Great Kitchens in 2020 when the investor acquired the take-and-bake pizza and flatbread business in North America from the Swiss bakery group Aryzta. Henk Hartong, the chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners, said: We are pleased to announce the divestiture of Great Kitchens Food Company to Rich's and are grateful to all the employees for their dedication to the business. Our employees and management team in our three factories worked tirelessly to grow and improve the Great Kitchens business during our ownership period. Meanwhile, Admir Basic, president and CEO of Great Kitchens, said the new owners will bring the size and scale required for us to unlock new opportunities. He added: By merging our unique strengths, we have a huge opportunity to accelerate innovation and raise the bar across the industry. Outside the US, Rich Products invested in the UK cookie-dough business Doughlicious last year through its venture-capital arm. Brynwood Partners, meanwhile, acquired the Chef Boyardee pasta business from Conagra Brands last year through its portfolio company Hometown Food. "Great Kitchens Food Company comes under Rich Products ownership" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping stressed the need for closer relations between their countries in order to face geopolitical headwinds, as the two met in Beijing on Thursday. Starmer's visit to China is the first by a British prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking a rapprochement with Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States. The leaders met at the opulent Great Hall of the People, with Starmer telling Xi during their meeting that China is a "vital player on the global stage". Advertisement Advertisement "It's vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer told Xi. Xi also stressed the need for stronger ties with a "long-term view" in the context of what he called a "complex" international situation. "China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, whether it is to maintain world peace and stability or promote the economies and livelihoods of both countries," Xi told Starmer. Xi also noted they would need to overcome difficulties in order to move forward but that cooperation would unlock a "new chapter" in their relations. Advertisement Advertisement "Good things often come with difficulties... Leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely," he said. "Cooperation between our two countries will surely take the lead and open a new chapter in China-UK relations and cooperation." The two leaders will also have lunch together after their meeting. Starmer, who is in China until Saturday, also met the country's third highest-ranking official Zhao Leji in the morning and is expected to hold talks with Premier Li Qiang in the afternoon. Zhao said relations were on "the correct track to improvement and development" while Starmer called the visit a chance to "find positive ways to work together". Advertisement Advertisement Britain and China are set to sign a cooperation agreement targeting supply chains used by migrant smugglers, according to Downing Street. The issue of irregular migrants is highly sensitive for Starmer, who has promised to crack down on people smugglers and stem a wave of arrivals that has fuelled rising support for the far right. Starmer will also travel to economic powerhouse Shanghai on Friday before making a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. - Repairing ties - London and Beijing enjoyed what they described as a "Golden Era" a decade ago but relations deteriorated from 2020 when Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong and cracked down on pro-democracy activists in the former British colony. Advertisement Advertisement Starmer is expected to discuss the case of Hong Kong media mogul and democracy supporter Jimmy Lai, 78, who is facing years in prison after being found guilty of collusion charges in December. Human rights abuses, alleged spying and cyber attacks, and China's perceived support for Russia's war in Ukraine have also strained ties. Nevertheless, China -- the world's second-largest economy -- remains Britain's third-largest trading partner, though UK exports to the Asian giant plummeted 52.6 percent year-on-year in 2025, according to British government statistics. The visit by Starmer, who took the helm in 2024, follows finance minister Rachel Reeves's trip to Beijing last year, as the centre-left Labour government looks to improve trade relations and fulfil its primary goal of boosting UK economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement He is accompanied by around 60 business leaders from the finance, pharmaceutical, automobile and other sectors, as well as cultural representatives, as he tries to balance attracting vital investment and appearing firm on national security concerns. Starmer's trip also comes as Britain faces a rift with its closest ally, the United States, following Trump's bid to seize Greenland and his brief threat of tariffs against Britain and other NATO allies. bur-isk/dhw/abs NEW BRUNSWICK A 16-year-old city girl was fatally shot Jan. 27, and a 16-year-old Atlantic County boy has been charged with her death, officials announced. The boy, a resident of Mays Landing, was taken into custody at the scene of the Lawrence Street shooting, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera and New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Sabo. The boy has been charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses if committed by an adult constitute aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Around 2:28 p.m. Jan. 27 police received a report of shots fired at a Lawrence Street home. When officers arrived, they located a 16-year-old girl who suffered a gunshot wound. She was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick where she was pronounced dead, the prosecutor's office said. The two teens knew each other and the shooting was not a random act of violence, the prosecutor's office said. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to contact New Brunswick Detective Brandt Gregus at 732-745-5217 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Stephanie Redline at 732-745-3316. Email: srussell@mycentraljersey.com Advertisement Advertisement Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: New Brunswick NJ girl, 16, fatally shot; 16-year-old boy charged To become a part of the First Alert Neighborhood weather station network powered by Tempest - scan below &/or click * here *: A pretty brutal period of cold for Jacksonville/NE Fl./SE Ga. will culminate with a relatively rare few days of intense cold Sat./Sun./Mon., Jan. 31-Feb. 2. The arctic front moves across the local area Friday night with the coldest air arriving Saturday afternoon & continuing through early Tue. with a widespread hard freeze 3 nights in a row - Sat. night/Sun. night/Mon. night. The cumulative effect will be notable on any exposed pipes &, of course, on plants & pets. People will need to bundle up for what may be some of the coldest weather in quite some time. Depending on where exact temps. end up, the 3 days could be some of the coldest back to back to back days in Jacksonville this century. The map below is the First Alert Forecast (as of Wed., Jan. 28) for early morning temps. Sunday, Feb. 1 (wind chills in the the single digits & low teens). 21 degrees F in Jacksonville would break the daily record for the date of 24 set in the infamous arctic outbreak of 1977 & is more than 20 degrees below the average low for the date of 44 degrees F. Aiding the plunging temps. is an expansive snowpack from the Southern Plain to New England. Such a wide area of snow cover acts like a big refrigerator as north winds blowing across the snow limit temps. from modifying as much as they might otherwise before arriving in NE Fl./SE Ga. JEA recommends the following for helping reduce your utility bills during cold snaps: Advertisement Advertisement Set your thermostat to 68F or lower and only adjust 1-2 degrees at a time to avoid activating heat strips which are costly to run. Seal drafts around windows and doors to keep cold air out. Use space heaters safely and only in rooms that are occupied Track your daily usage at jea.com The freeze will extend far to the south across the Florida peninsula likely impacting citrus crops. Intense freezes in the late 1800s literally shifted the landscape of the orange growing industry in Florida. Up until the 1890s, orange orchards were plentiful & thriving in Northeast Florida & present day Jacksonville only to be essentially wiped out by back to back severe freezes in 1894 & 1895. Weather warnings were not as accurate or near as easy to communicate/disseminate & farmers were caught off guard. In fact, the method used was for trains to sound their whistle 6 times every 3 miles while moving south from Jacksonville then farmers would know they needed to try to create smoke (from smudge pots or large bonfires) in an attempt to insulate the trees. More from the Florida Division of Historical Resources * here *. Orange County regional history center pics below: Despite the cold... pine pollen is popping. January has had enough warm spells (Jan. #s so far in the 3rd image below) - Jacksonville has had 3 80+ degree days - to help the cedar pollen to peak already & the pine pollen to recently spike. The cold will stagnate or even lower the pollen numbers in the short term but pine pollen is too far along to go down significantly. Oak pollen on the other hand will wait out the current cold. But once we see sustained warming, the pollen will surely explode - get ready! Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax - thanks to the Jacksonville Sinus & Nasal Institute - has the only daily pollen sensor - click * here * to see the daily data - in Duval or any of NE Florida/SE Ga. The slide below shows the pine pollen spores at 3pm Mon., Jan. 26 followed by the graph indicating a peak in the afternoon following 80+ degree temps. the before on Sunday: Weve passed a special threshold when it comes to Jacksonville sunset times - 6:00pm! Our sunsets will remain later than 6pm through early Nov. (spring forward 1 hour Sunday, March 8 when sunset will be 7:30pm): Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre faces a crucial test of his leadership this week, but what lies ahead is a bigger challenge: convincing Canadians that he is the best person to guide the country through its uncertain future. Party delegates will vote on whether Poilievre should remain leader on Friday at the Conservative convention in Calgary. It is part of an automatic review that is triggered after an election loss - in this case, Poilievre's defeat last April. Poilievre appears to have wide support heading into the convention, party members have told the BBC, and is expected to win handily. Advertisement Advertisement But he has struggled to broaden his post-election appeal beyond the party and against Prime Minister Mark Carney, especially on how to handle US President Donald Trump. That is an issue front of mind for many Canadians. At the convention, winning anything above 80% in his leadership review will be considered a success for Poilievre, said David Coletto, founder of polling firm Abacus Data. That number is in line with recent polling undertaken by Coletto, which shows that a strong majority of the Conservative party base support Poilievre as their leader. They applaud his ability to hammer the Liberal government's shortcomings on domestic issues like housing and affordability, and his success with younger voters. Advertisement Advertisement Surveys of the broader Canadian public, however, tell a different story, with more than half of Canadians saying they hold a negative view of the Conservative leader. A major challenge has been his tone, which critics often describe as overly combative. That "deeply polarised" perception of Poilievre will be the main hurdle to overcome if the Conservatives want to form the next government, Coletto said. The leadership review comes after a difficult year for the Conservatives, marked by a bruising defeat to the Liberals in April's federal election as well as the loss of Poilievre's own seat in an Ottawa-area constituency at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Two Conservative members of parliament also defected late last year to the Liberals, who under Carney have adopted more centrist polices, inching his government closer to a majority. In recent months, Poilievre has been faced questions over his ability to clearly define what his party would do differently when dealing with Trump. The US president is deeply unpopular with Canadians, and is viewed by many as an existential threat due to his targeting of country with tariffs and his repeat references to it as the 51st US state. At times, Poilievre's populist approach to politics has even drawn comparisons to Trump, which has not helped his likeability, Coletto notes. "Once people have a negative view of something, it is hard to change their mind over time," the pollster says. Advertisement Advertisement Carney's advantage on Trump recently came into view following his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which was widely lauded by fellow Western politicians and observers as one that clearly defined the US president's impact on the world and how Canada intends to respond. Shortly after, the Liberal Party shared an old clip on their social media accounts of Poilievre saying that his ministers "would be banned from participating in the World Economic Forum" should the Conservatives form a majority government in Canada. Carney's Davos speech has been a win for the Liberals, whose support has since grown to 47% among decided voters, the latest polling released on Wednesday by Leger indicates. That polling would translate in an election into enough votes for the Liberals to form a government. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, the Liberals' gain did not come at the expense of the Conservatives, who themselves rose two points to 38% from previous polls, suggesting the party's own base support remains solid. Instead, support eroded from smaller third parties, like the separatist Bloc Quebecois. Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech in Davos received international praise, and has helped boost the Liberal party in the polls [Reuters] Ben Woodfinden, Poilievre's former communications director, acknowledges that the Conservative Party needs to further define its response to Trump to meet the geopolitical moment and broaden its support. "I don't know when the next election would be, but I would bet that Trump will be president when it happens and his shadow will still loom over it," Woodfinden told the BBC. But Woodfinden and other Conservatives say that they do not believe the party's current polling deficit falls squarely on the shoulders of Poilievre - who, despite his election defeat, has managed to grow its base to record numbers. Advertisement Advertisement "His support within the party remains quite strong, and he himself has revitalised the party around his brand of conservatism," said Amanda Galbraith, a Conservative strategist and co-founder of the Toronto-based Oyster Group. Poilievre has kept the pressure on the Liberals on his key issues - like scrapping the consumer price on carbon or tightening immigration levels - and his pressure paid off with some policy shifts from the governing party, Galbraith noted. As for the path forward, some pundits say they are already noticing a welcome shift in tone from the leader, particularly in his response to Carney's Davos speech. In a long statement, Poilievre offered rare praise for the prime minister, calling the speech "well-crafted and eloquently delivered". But he also heavily criticised the Liberals for failing to reduce Canada's reliance on the US. Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, after a decade of promises and grand speeches, Liberals have made our economy more costly and dependent than ever before," Poilievre said. In recent days, Poilievre has also signalled his willingness to co-operate with the Liberals on certain domestic issues, like a grocery tax rebate for lower-income Canadians and bail reform. Poilievre is expected to deliver a speech to the party faithful just before the vote on Friday. Woodfinden said he would be among those watching the address closely, to see what hints it would offer on how Poilievre intends to meet the challenges ahead. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., speaks to reporters following a Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Building on Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) As Democrats in Congress call for Immigration and Customs Enforcement reforms in light of ICU nurse Alex Prettis shooting death in Minneapolis, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito told reporters Thursday she can agree with some of their demands. Capito, R-W.Va., said Thursday she can support a rule requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and have de-escalation training. She hesitated to support prohibiting ICE agents from wearing face masks. Capito said she has safety concerns about a no-mask rule. Advertisement Advertisement I think we have to look at that more objectively, Capito said. Our agents, I think, are subject to being doxed at the same time I dont know where that one would go, so I do have questions about that, for safety reasons. The U.S. government moved closer Thursday to a partial shut down as Democrats and a handful of Republicans declined to advance a funding bill that included funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Capito and Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., both voted to advance the legislation. ICE agents shot and killed Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. His was the second shooting death in that city by ICE agents. Agents shot and killed Renee Good on Jan. 7. Senate Democrats have called for common sense changes they want to implement for federal immigration enforcement. The reforms include ending roving patrols, tightening rules about the use of warrants, requiring ICE to coordinate with state and local law enforcement, barring wearing masks, requiring use of body cameras and mandating that agents carry proper identification. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats say the reforms must be added to a funding package that needs to become law before the weekend to avoid a partial government shutdown. We need to make sure that theyre figuring out a way to have enforcement of our immigration laws, but still have orderly execution of that, Capito said. She added that the Trump administration announced plans to move ICE agents out of Maine, and she expects to have fewer agents in Minneapolis. She said ICEs focus should be on removing violent criminals who are in the country illegally. I think almost to a person, everybody in this country would agree with that tactic, Capito said. But its gone beyond that, and I think thats where the problem has been. And I think youll see the administration rethinking those decisions. Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Prettis death, Capito said the videos are sad and difficult. She reiterated comments she made after Goods death, that an ICE agents job is difficult. I think that weve got to tone the rhetoric down, Capito said. Not just the rhetoric weve got to tone the whole thing down. I think thats why you saw President Trump send (border czar) Tom Holman there to turn the dials back to work with local officials and the state officials, which we should have been doing all along. I dont think they were interested in working with the Department of Homeland Security. She added that local officials in places where ICE is working should concede not to harbor violent criminals in their jails and prisons. I think thats a safety issue, and I think thats abiding by the federal law, she said. So I think maybe concessions on both sides would help move this forward. Advertisement Advertisement A partial shutdown of the government would affect the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury, according to reporting by States Newsroom. The Executive Office of the President, Supreme Court and judicial branch would also go without funding. Capito said she is frustrated over the potential of another shutdown just months after a shutdown that stretched on for more than a month last fall. Basically, Homeland Security, while it does have Border Patrol and the ICE agency in it, it also has extremely critical agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Capito said. After Winter Storm Fern brought snow and ice that disrupted power for thousands of West Virginians over the weekend, forecasters say another snowstorm is possible this weekend on the East Coast. We need to have our FEMA disaster funds and FEMA disaster folks at the ready, and they would be in danger in a shutdown, Capito said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE New York City police are investigating a possible hate crime after a 36-year-old man rammed his car into an internationally recognized headquarters of a traditionalist Jewish sect as people gathered for prayer on Jan. 28. NYPD officers responded to the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyns Crown Heights neighborhood at about 8:46 p.m. local time, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a brief news conference. Officers already detailed to the synagogue had "heard a commotion" at the building's main entrance, she added. "When they responded, they observed a vehicle strike the rear door, reverse and strike the rear door again," Tisch said. "Officers immediately ordered the driver out of the car, and they placed him under arrest." Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD Bomb Squad conducted a sweep of the vehicle and found no explosive devices, according to the police commissioner. No injuries were reported, and the incident is currently being investigated as a possible hate crime by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force. The driver has not been publicly identified as of Jan. 29. Tisch noted that information on the incident is preliminary and the investigation remains ongoing. As a precaution, Tisch said the NYPD has "significantly increased security" around houses of worship across all five boroughs. "Earlier tonight, a car crashed into a side entrance at Chabad HQ at 770 Eastern Parkway, the building encompasses one of the most important synagogues in the world," Chabad Lubavitch spokesperson Motti Seligson said on social media, adding the driver was arrested "almost immediately." Advertisement Advertisement 'Deeply distressing': Secret tunnel found in NYC synagogue leads to 9 arrests after confrontation Mamdani: 'Antisemitism has no place in our city' During the news conference, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "relieved no one was injured in this horrifying incident." "This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world," Mamdani added. "Any threat to a Jewish institution or place of worship must be taken seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable." The incident occurred as people gathered in the neighborhood to celebrate Yud Shevat, a Chabad holiday. Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General Letitia James, who previously served on the New York City Council and represented parts of the Crown Heights neighborhood, said the community was "blessed that no one was injured." "I know this community very closely and deeply. They are part of my family," James said. "This was a holiday a Chabad holiday and there were thousands of individuals who came to 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters, all over the world." Hate crimes against Jewish communities have risen in recent years in the United States. Advocates have noted a rise in hate incidents against Jews and Muslims since the start of Israel's war in Gaza after an October 2023 Hamas attack. For the second day in a row, Jewish New Yorkers were the targets of antisemitic violence. Thankfully, there appear to be no injuries but an attack against the Jewish community is an attack against all New Yorkers. My team is coordinating with the NYPD and have offered any https://t.co/RbvzQnolqA Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 29, 2026 Brooklyn synagogue tunnel: Emergency work order issued for buildings around Chabad center Video showed vehicle moving before crashing into doors Video of the crash that was posted on social media showed a Honda sedan with New Jersey license plates driving forward and reversing several times on an icy driveway that leads into a side entrance of the facility. Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle is seen in the video ramming into a set of wooden doors and damaging them. Bystanders can be heard yelling as the car moves forward and backward. The driver, who is wearing a zip hoodie and shorts, exited the car and started walking up the driveway, the video shows. He then shouted to bystanders that "it slipped" before two officers approached him and handcuffed him behind his back. Baruch Hashem, Yaacov Behrman, a spokesman for Chabad Lubavitch World Headquqarters, said in a social media post, meaning Blessed be G-d in Hebrew, there are no injuries. The Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters is known for its Gothic revival structure and is commonly referred to as 770, the building's street address. Chabad-Lubavitch is a movement within Orthodox, Hasidic Judaism. Advertisement Advertisement The incident came just a day after city officials said a rabbi was attacked in Queens by a man who made antisemitic comments on Jan. 27, Holocaust Remembrance Day. For the second day in a row, Jewish New Yorkers were the targets of antisemitic violence, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post. An NYPD spokesperson said the man was still in custody as charges are pending. An email to the Brooklyn District Attorneys office wasnt immediately returned Jan. 29. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Driver arrested after ramming into Jewish Chabad building in NYC. A driver is in custody after a car repeatedly slammed into Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn on Wednesday, and the NYPD is now investigating it as a possible hate crime. NYPD officials say officers assigned to a detail in front of the building at 770 Eastern Parkway heard a commotion around 8:45 p.m., and saw a grey Honda with New Jersey plates strike the rear door, reverse and strike the rear door again. Officers ordered the driver out the vehicle and placed him under arrest. The driver has not been charged so far, however, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the incident is being investigated by the Hate Crimes Task Force as a hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement The bomb squad unit responded to the scene. They cleared the car and no explosives were found. No injuries were reported. Mayor Zohran Mamdani reacted to the incident Wednesday night. "This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution," he said. "Any threat to a Jewish institution must be taken seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our city. I stand in solidarity with the Crown Heights Jewish community." The Anti-Defamation League of New York / New Jersey (ADL NYNJ) released a statement in response following the crash. "We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occurred tonight in Brooklyn. Just minutes ago, a car repeatedly rammed into 770 Eastern Parkway," the organization said in the statement. "This building is not only a synagogue, but alsothe worldwide @ChabadHeadquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the world. @ADLis in touch with law enforcement and local partners on the ground. We are grateful to @NYPDNewsfor making a swift arrest and will update as we learn more." We are deeply disturbed by reports of an incident that occurred tonight in Brooklyn. Just minutes ago, a car repeatedly rammed into 770 Eastern Parkway. This building is not only a synagogue, but also the worldwide @Chabad Headquarters and a beloved symbol of Judaism around the https://t.co/pNvkPiUBZN ADL New York / New Jersey (@ADL_NYNJ) January 29, 2026 The circumstances surrounding how and why the crash happened is under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement ---------- * More Brooklyn news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. A New Jersey mother is seeking reimbursement for a family cruise after her autistic son was kicked off the ship in Mexico on Christmas Eve. Carolyn Piro, a post-traumatic stress disorder therapist, told The Independent that her son, 31-year-old Sean Curran, was forced to disembark the Celebrity Cruises ship in Cozumel, Mexico, following an incident she said was mishandled by staff. The company, which is owned by Royal Caribbean, advertises that it has achieved Autism Friendly Cruise Line status. And while Piro says she has accepted a really sincere apology from the company, shes still waiting to hear back about her reimbursement request for more than $20,000. Advertisement Advertisement They said, you know, your family should not have been treated that way, Piro said. Piro, Curran and several family members boarded the five-star, seven-day cruise shortly before Christmas to celebrate her 60th birthday. The cruise departed from and returned to Fort Lauderdale, and was scheduled from December 21 to December 28. Carolyn Piro's son, Sean Curran, plays with a dolphin on vacation. The 31-year-old autistic man was kicked off the ship on Christmas Eve, Piro said (Carolyn Piro) The incident occurred on the fourth day when Curran was on his way to the swimming pool. He met a teenage girl, who followed him to the bar and asked him to order her a Long Island iced tea, which he didnt know contained alcohol, Piro said. If you ask Sean what a Long Island iced tea is, he'll tell you it's an iced tea from Long Island, she said. Advertisement Advertisement At one point, Curran and the girl went to the hot tub, according to Piro. There, he lifted up the girl, the same way hed seen the character Shrek lift up Princess Fiona in the animated film. When [Sean] says, like Shrek picks up Fiona, he's talking about how a groom would pick up a bride, Piro explained. He was horse-playing. He did not make any sexual contact with her. Sean didn't do anything wrong. He really didn't, she added. But when the girls parents arrived, Piro said security was called, and staff members questioned Curran without his mother present. Curran repeatedly explained he has autism and apologized, Piro said. Advertisement Advertisement Piro said a staff member informed her they had her son, and asked if he is high-functioning. I said, Well, that's a relative term, right? Can he make a pizza in the oven? Yes. Does he know how to make change? No. So, can he order a Sprite? Yes. Does he know that a Long Island iced tea has alcohol? No, Piro explained. Then, they went back and talked with him, and they still didn't bring me into the room. Then they came in and they told me, Your son got a girl drunk. She's underage. He picked her up in the hot tub. And I became very upset. I started crying, and Sean kept asking me, What's wrong? He still didn't understand that he did something wrong. He didn't get it, she added. Sean Curran was kicked off a Celebrity Cruises ship in Cozumel, Mexico, his mother said (Getty Images) At one point, Curran was asked to write a report about the incident, and was instructed to refer to himself as the suspect and the girl as the victim, Piro claimed. She said Curran concluded the report by writing: I have autism, and I was just trying to be nice. Advertisement Advertisement His handwriting is that of a kindergartner. It's very huge letters. When security saw his handwriting, they asked me to write the report for him. And I said, I can't do that. I wasn't there, Piro said. Piro said she told the staff, I want you see what youre doing here, who youre attacking. After they took Currans report, Piro said she and her son were given 90 minutes to pack their things and leave the ship. Then, they were left in Cozumel, an island resort, on Christmas Eve. I did not get a moment alone with Sean until we were on a dark, deserted dock in Mexico. They just dumped us. I had no cell phone service. It was pitch black and everything was closed. It was Christmas Eve, she explained. Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, a paramedic flagged a taxi for us, who knew enough English. The taxi driver hot-spotted his cell phone for me so I could look up the address of the hotel, she added. Piro said she later learned the cruise line has a disability advocate on board, but that the staff member was never called in during the incident. She has requested a reimbursement of more than $20,000 from the cruise line, which includes expenses for the trip and her economic loss after having to take three weeks off work to process the experience. Piro said she hasnt heard back from the company about this request. My clients come to me with significant trauma, and we do significant processing. I couldn't focus, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean for comment. Royal Caribbean, which owns Celebrity Cruises, told The Philadelphia Inquirer the company has reviewed the incident and concluded we could have been more sensitive to their needs during the debarkation process. Staff will also undergo additional training to ensure this experience doesnt happen again, the spokesperson added. Since sharing her story, Piro said other parents have reached out to her with similar stories. Piro hopes she can help out with future trainings for cruise staff. I don't want our story to disappear. I said to them, let us come and participate in your training with your security staff. I'll pay my way. We'll come and we'll walk through how this could have been handled differently, she said. Autism isn't just a little kid with sensory issues. It's adults who can talk, who like to meet people, who are out in the world. Sean's a friendly guy who thought he was making a friend. He had no malicious intention, she added. The Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington has announced new, daily flights from Bloomington to Chicago, as they welcome United Airlines back to the city. Here's everything you need to know. How often are the flights? United will offer four daily flights, seven days a week, from Bloomington to Chicago, according to a news release from marketing and communications manager Melissa Beaver. She called the move one to "enhance connectivity to more domestic communities and strengthen its Midwest Hub at O'Hare Airport." Advertisement Advertisement More: Security improvements made at Sangamon Towers, officials say When do flights begin? Tickets will be available starting Jan. 29 and the new service begins May 7. Travelers arrive to catch flights at O'Hare International Airport on what is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season, December 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Are there any other new flights from CIRA? Yes. In November, it was announced Central Illinois Regional Airport will be adding a flight to Atlanta starting March 8, 2026. The new flight will depart CIRA at noon and arrive in Atlanta at 2:48 p.m. local time. All flights from CIRA to Atlanta are on Delta Airlines. Flights from Springfield The airport in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, announced this past summer that they would be bringing back an early morning flight from Springfield to Chicago. That early morning option became available in October. Advertisement Advertisement Two flights now travel from Springfield to Chicago every day. Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Bloomington airport announces new, daily flights to Chicago The prime minister has said that discussions are ongoing with the United States over a controversial deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, amid concerns the US could withdraw support for the agreement. Under the deal, which the US backed last year, the UK would transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius and lease back a joint UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia. Ministers insist the deal is necessary to protect the base from "malign interests", but last week President Trump called it "an act of great stupidity". Advertisement Advertisement The Conservatives have accused the government of undermining national security because of Mauritius's close ties to China. Speaking to reporters while travelling to Beijing, Sir Keir Starmer said he had discussed it with Donald Trump "a number of times" and said the issue had been "raised with the White House at the tail end of last week, over the weekend and into the early part of this week". The prime minister said the Trump administration had been given three months to look at the deal last year and had concluded it "was a deal they wanted to support, did support and did so in very clear terms", after a review by US intelligence agencies. US support was thrown into doubt last week when Trump said on social media that he was "against" the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, Downing Street said it believed the US still supported the deal, despite the president's comments. Those around Sir Keir believed that the president was simply using the issue to put pressure on the UK over the Greenland row, and did not think that Trump had actually changed his mind on Chagos. But the following morning, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also criticised the deal and accused the UK of "letting us down" by handing sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. Officials inside the Foreign Office are thought to be more concerned about Bessent's comments than they were about Trump's social media post and Downing Street has since declined to repeat its claim that the US still supports the deal. Advertisement Advertisement It's understood there has not been an official approach from the US to the UK about a change of position on the Chagos deal, but there is some concern in Whitehall that such an approach could happen in the future. The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814 and became formally established as an overseas territory in 1965, but Mauritius has argued that it was illegally forced to give the islands away. In 2021 a United Nations court ruled that the UK had no sovereignty over the islands, a decision which eventually led to negotiations over this deal. The deal would see the UK lease back Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years, at an average cost of 101m a year. Advertisement Advertisement The US initially agreed to the deal in May 2025, but one source involved in those negotiations says the Trump administration was "never enthusiastic" and "just decided then to go along with it". Last year, the then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "If President Trump doesn't like the deal, the deal will not go forward." [BBC] Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told MPs on Monday that UK officials "remain engaged with the United States on a daily basis". It has also emerged that a 1966 treaty signed by the US and the UK would have to be updated for the deal to be completed. Advertisement Advertisement Those inside government are refusing to share details of how that treaty could be updated, but the Conservatives believe it would effectively give the US an opportunity to veto the entire deal. Foreign Office officials do not believe that is the case, but Doughty declined to answer when asked in the House of Commons whether that treaty could be updated unilaterally by the UK. The source involved in negotiations between the UK and US said the 1966 treaty had not been discussed during those talks. They said: "To have overlooked it and not realised its importance is the most monumental piece of incompetence." Advertisement Advertisement The deal also needs approval from Parliament, but a debate in the House of Lords was postponed this week after the Conservatives raised the issue of the 1966 treaty. A government source said they wanted it to return to Parliament as quickly as possible, but said it wasn't yet known when that would be. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the deal wasn't in the interests of the UK or the US and said she had spoken to the US ambassador Warren Stephens and the speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson. Reform UK is also against the deal and party sources say Nigel Farage has personally discussed the issue with President Trump, Scott Bessent, JD Vance and other members of the administration. This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. Nearly half of workers regardless of their age say they do not want management roles, potentially reshaping the leadership pipelines businesses depend on for the development of high-level finance talent. That finding is based on a U.S. employee survey conducted by online resume builder Zety, which, in late 2025, captured how workers across generations view management, job mobility and workplace communication. When comparing those findings to a recent report from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants which examines how career paths in finance and accounting are shifting under the influence of technology, demographics and changing expectations of work its clear that the changing dynamics of human capital are becoming a multifaceted CFO issue. When analyzed together, the findings provide some insight on the current human capital challenges of the CFO and describe a workforce in which interest in traditional management roles is weakening because career structures have become more wellness-driven, flexible, skills-based and less linear. This, according to both data sets, is reshaping leadership development, talent economics and organizational design. Leadership ambition and changing expectations The Zety survey shows a broad shift in how workers view management roles. Nearly half (49%) of respondents say they have no interest in becoming a manager and prefer to remain individual contributors. A similar amount (48%) say they believe younger employees are even less interested in management roles than older colleagues. When asked what discourages leadership ambitions, most respondents (59%) cite a desire to avoid stress and people management responsibilities. Nearly a fifth (15%) point to work-life balance concerns, while one in 10 cite a lack of confidence or skills for management. Some ambition remains present among younger cohorts, however, as more than a third of both millennials (36%) and Gen Z (35%) say they aspire to become managers or people leaders. These attitudes align with broader shifts in career structures. ACCAs research finds that future career paths in finance and accounting are becoming more flexible, with shorter-term roles increasingly common. More than half of finance professionals surveyed in the ACCA report say they are optimistic about their future careers (54%), while just over a quarter (27%) are pessimistic and nearly half (49%) feel uncertain about their preparedness for change. Respondents most frequently described future career paths in terms of uncertainty and challenges (28%), followed by growth and advancement (23%) and flexibility and adaptability (17%). China has executed 11 members of a notorious mafia family that ran scam centres in Myanmar along its north-eastern border, state media report. The Ming family members were sentenced in September for various crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and operating gambling dens by a court in China's Zhejiang province. The Mings were one of many clans that ran the town of Laukkaing, transforming an impoverished backwater town into a flashy hub of casinos and red-light districts. Advertisement Advertisement Their scam empire came crashing down in 2023, when they were detained and handed over to China by ethnic militias that had taken control of Laukkaing during an escalation in their conflict with Myanmar's army. With these executions Beijing is sending a message of deterrence to would-be scammers. But the business has now moved to Myanmar's border with Thailand, and to Cambodia and Laos, where China has much less influence. Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to run online scams in Myanmar and elsewhere in South East Asia, according to estimates by the UN. Among them are thousands of Chinese people, and their victims who they swindle billions of dollars from are mainly Chinese too. Advertisement Advertisement Frustrated by the Myanmar military's refusal to stop the scam business, from which it was almost certainly profiting, Beijing tacitly backed an offensive by an ethnic insurgent alliance in Shan State in late 2023. The alliance captured significant territory from the military and overran Laukkaing, a key border town. Who are the Ming family? The eleven members of the Ming family are the first of the Myanmar scam bosses to be executed by China. But they will not be the last. Five members of the Bai family were also sentenced to death in November, and the trials of two other groups of defendants from the Wei and the Liu families have not yet concluded. The Ming family's trial was held behind closed doors, although more than 160 people were allowed to attend their sentencing hearing last year, including families of victims. Advertisement Advertisement The Ming mafia's scam operations and gambling dens brought in more than 10bn yuan ($1.4bn; 1bn) between 2015 and 2023, according to China's highest court, which rejected their appeals in November. Their crimes resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to many others, the court said. More than 20 others from the Ming family were given jail sentences in September ranging from five years to life. Ming Xuechang, the clan's patriarch, killed himself in 2023 while trying to avoid detention, Myanmar's military had said back then. The confessions of those who were arrested were aired in state media documentaries, to emphasise Chinese authorities' resolve to eradicate scam networks. The Mings were among a handful of Godfather-esque families who rose to power in Laukkaing in the early 2000s. This was after the town's then warlord was ousted in a military operation led by Min Aung Hlaing, who became the leader of Myanmar's military government after the 2021 coup. Advertisement Advertisement The head of the family, Ming Xuechang, ran one of the most infamous of Laukkaing's scam centres, Crouching Tiger Villa. At first gambling and prostitution were the main sources of income for these families, but they eventually started online fraud, staffed mostly by people who were kidnapped and forced to run these scams. Within the walls of the sprawling, well-guarded compounds was a culture of violence. Beatings and torture were routine, according to testimonies collected from freed workers. Its a gloomy day in northern Taiwan and fisherman have gathered on Linkou beach to chat about the days haul. Were about 30 minutes drive from Taipei, and in warmer weather, one might see families under umbrellas on the sand, here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. At first glance, Linkou Beach looks like any other. Yet it might be one of Taiwans even the worlds most dangerous places. Advertisement Advertisement This is one of up to 20 red beaches sections of Taiwans coast that are considered likely places for China to land its troops during an invasion. Linkou makes up part of the coastline of New Taipei City, a municipality that surrounds the capital. Of all the red beaches, this one holds the most strategic value. Its near Taiwans largest airport, which services the capital; its next to the Port of Taipei, a strategic deep-water port, and it borders the mouth of the Tamsui river, which flows through the centre of Taipei and into the Taiwan Strait. Chinese troops storm a beach during a combat drill. Observers fear the countrys military is being prepared for an invasion of Taiwan - Getty Dr Tzu-yun Su is a research fellow and director at Taiwans Institute for National Defence and Research (INDSR), a military think tank. Advertisement Advertisement He said: Seizing this area would cut Taiwans primary external connections to Taipei, isolating the capital, disrupting its food supply, and undermining morale essentially a blitzkrieg-style campaign. The threat posed by China was demonstrated last month, when it launched its most extensive military drills around Taiwan to date. It fired rockets towards the island and simulated a blockade of its major ports including the Port of Taipei. China called it a stern warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference. Experts estimate that if China successfully lands at Linkou and that is a big if it could access Taiwans main control centres in less than an hour. Advertisement Advertisement An invasion would require hundreds of thousands of well-trained troops, and a vast navy with cutting-edge warships, ordinary civilian barges and everything in between. It would take months or years of planning. Yet, Beijing already seems to be building up such a force. An unmatched navy China has one of the most active shipbuilding industries in the world. Experts estimate that its shipbuilding capacity is at least 200 times greater than the United States, despite its much smaller military budget ($246bn in 2025 against $850bn). Today, China has an estimated 405 warships to the US Navys 295, and is on track to have at least 30 more by 2030. In fact, a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that, while most of Chinas defence firms had been losing revenue, the one area where revenue was rising was shipbuilding. Advertisement Advertisement However, China wasnt always a maritime leader. Its only in recent decades that it has turned its navy and its entire military apparatus into one that rivals the worlds major powers. Ridzwan Rahmat, the principal defence analyst at Janes, a leading military intelligence platform, said: For a long time, the Chinese military modernisation focused on the land domains, because that was the existential threat at that time. But over the years, especially in the last 30 years or so, Chinas existential threats have appeared from the sea, and the sea is a domain where they have been lacking compared to their adversaries. b' ' Advertisement Advertisement Today, Chinas defence priorities are mostly maritime. These include disputes over islands in the South China Sea and its claims over Taiwan, which is across a nearly 100-mile wide body of water. Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012, has made the reunification of Taiwan central to his legacy. Hardly a week goes by without the president or one of his officials mentioning Beijings goal of bringing the country under Chinas control. The topic has had a particularly high profile in recent weeks, after Sanae Takaichi, the new prime minister of Japan, suggested that a conflict over Taiwan could trigger Japanese military involvement, prompting a fiery response from Beijing. An $11bn arms package supplied to Taiwan by the US has similarly angered China. A civilian armada While the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has hundreds of warships, these alone would not be sufficient for an invasion of Taiwan, said Tom Shugart, a former US submarine officer and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Advertisement Advertisement He said: Theres no question whatsoever that if you just look at the grey-painted PLA Navy amphibious assault shipping, it is nowhere near enough to do an invasion. Instead, China has maximised its dual-use shipbuilding, where civilian vessels are kitted out with military technology. Since 2015, all civilian shipbuilders have been required to ensure that any new ships could be used by the military in the event of an emergency. The China Classification Society, a shipping industry association, said at the time that this plan would enable China to convert the considerable potential of its civilian fleet into military strength. The plan included five types of ships, which are already being tested: container, roll-on/roll-off, multi-purpose, bulk carrier and break-bulk cargo vessels. Credit: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement The roll-on/roll-off vessels, known colloquially as ro-ro ships, are commercial transport ships with reinforced ramps that can transport large military trucks and equipment. China has been increasing production of ro-ro ships in recent years, with an estimated 200 set to be completed between 2023 and 2026 more than double the number manufactured between 2015 and 2022, according to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It has also been increasing its use of semi-submersible vessels heavy-lift ships that can partially submerge their cargo as helicopter carriers. They are being tested in landing trials that seem to simulate a Taiwan operation. Six ro-ro ferries were monitored in a recent Reuters investigation, alongside six-deck cargo ships, as they sailed from shipyards near Beijing in northern China to the waters off the coast of Guangdong further south, in what appeared to be a practice landing operation. Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Defence carried out a training scenario using semi-submersible ships to refuel helicopters as it rehearsed rescue operations with injured soldiers. b' ' Squeeze Taiwan until it surrenders While China appears to be preparing for a large-scale amphibious assault, it is unlikely that an attack against Taiwan would begin with a landing operation. Alexander Huang, the chairman of the Council on Strategic and Wargaming Studies, has spent the past 10 years simulating different ways China could attack Taiwan. Based on his research, he sees two possible paths. The first begins with a cyber attack as well as moves against critical infrastructure to kill Taiwans communication control and command control systems. This strategy would seek to divide or weaken Taiwan for a swift victory, said Mr Huang. Advertisement Advertisement The second starts with a maritime quarantine, which would gradually block Taiwans energy supply and communication networks, to cut the island off from the rest of the world. Unlike a blockade, which would be enforced by the military, a quarantine would use coastguard and civilian ships. As an island, Taiwan relies on imports for its energy and food, and a quarantine or blockade could be disastrous. Experts told The Telegraph that its current energy supply which includes liquefied natural gas, renewable production and coal resources could sustain the island for about 40 days. Credit: X/@visegrad24 A major military operation against Taiwan would likely take four times as long, and, said Mr Huang, China would effectively squeeze Taiwan until it surrenders. Beijing has been practising this type of coercion for years. It has routinely deployed hundreds of ships and planes around Taiwan as part of its grey zone pressure activities that fall short of open warfare but aim to demonstrate strength in the lead-up to an actual conflict. Prior to the latest drills on Dec 30, China had previously launched a massive exercise around Taiwan days after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as president in May 2024. More than 110 aircraft and 50 navy and coastguard ships were deployed. Donald Trump said the latest drills were not a cause for concern because China had been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area. However, Taiwans Coast Guard Authority told The Telegraph that China seemed to be using the tactics to familiarise themselves with the battlespace for future operational planning and were simulating blockades to apply military pressure to test Taiwans defence readiness. How Chinas D-Day could unfold With a fleet at the ready, the next question is where China would land its troops and how. The Taiwan Strait is 110 miles wide, but with strong winds and high waves, it is a difficult body of water to navigate. Monsoons and typhoons especially in summer make it all the more treacherous. If China were planning an amphibious assault, it would likely be limited to a handful of months. Whats more, most of its vessels would need to dock at a port or jetty because they are too large to reach land through the shallow waters around much of Taiwans coastline. Experts said that if China were able to take a port, it would make an invasion far easier, but it is unlikely to be allowed to do that in a wartime situation. Mr Rahmat, of Janes, said: In the event of an invasion, port infrastructure [and] a lot of piers and jetties will have been destroyed by Taiwan to slow down the invasion forces. China tests landing barges during an exercise off Donghai island. They could be used to create a deep-sea port off Taiwan - Vantor Instead, China has been building barges, which seem ideal for a landing on a vulnerable red beach. These commercial vessels are equipped with legs that anchor into the sea floor, and extendable bridges that can connect to land, or other barges or ships. China has at least two sets, according to satellite images seen by The Telegraph. Each set consists of three ships of different sizes. They could be used to create a deep-sea port hundreds of metres off the coast, allowing it to land troops and equipment. Mr Rahmat said: The barges play a large part in ensuring that there is still connectivity between the large transport ships and logistic ships and [Taiwans] island itself. Even with the barges, some experts, including a former defence official who spoke to The Telegraph on the condition of anonymity, were sceptical of Chinas ability to land troops on Taiwan. They believe that changing sea levels and commercial construction, among other factors, along Taiwans coast have made virtually all of the beaches untenable for a landing operation. Taiwans Ministry of National Defence said its armed forces regularly survey major beaches and deploy marine corps to verify if the beaches are potential landing sites, but wouldnt comment on which locations posed the greatest risk. These landing barges docked at a shipyard in Guangzhou, China, are feared to be part of the countrys D-Day planning - Vantor The warships While Beijing is focused on its dual-use maritime capabilities, it also has hundreds of cutting-edge amphibious warships on hand. In November, China launched a new aircraft carrier known as the Fujian. It is the most advanced carrier in its fleet, and has an electromagnetic aircraft launch system allowing it to catapult fighter jets on and off its deck. The only other ship in the world with this ability is the US Navys newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. Before the Fujian was commissioned, building was already underway for Chinas next new carrier its fourth, and known as 004 which will most likely be nuclear powered. Experts told The Telegraph that in satellite images of the carrier at the Dalian shipyard, there did not appear to be exhaust ducts, which suggest it will rely on nuclear power instead of diesel. Mr Rahmat said: The problem with diesel aircraft carriers is that you cant deploy too long beyond a two or three week window. Every three weeks you need to bring the ship back to port so it can be refuelled. However, if you have a nuclear aircraft carrier, the ship can remain on station almost indefinitely. A satellite image of early construction work on Chinas vast 004 aircraft carrier, which experts believe will be nuclear powered - Vantor For this reason, the latest US carriers are nuclear powered, and China has long been looking to do the same, although it has struggled to master the shipbuilding techniques. A nuclear powered ship would give China a major leg-up in the event of escalation with Taiwan because it would allow the ship to remain at sea. Along with the 004, China also recently launched the first amphibious assault ship in the world equipped with an electromagnetic catapult capable of launching drones, including the advanced GJ-11 stealth combat drone and the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone. These warships would very likely join the merchant fleet in any assault against Taiwan, bringing the number of Chinese ships to an unprecedented scale. Mr Shugart, of CNAS, said: On the Chinese side, this is where I think most people may not understand the scale of what China would bring to a landing campaign. Its not going to be dozens of ships in the Taiwan Strait, itll be thousands. This article is part of a four-part series The Telegraph published on Taiwans plans to repel a Chinese invasion and Beijings efforts to undermine the islands defences. 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. China will act to defend its companies' interests if Australia forcibly buys back control of the strategic northern port of Darwin, Beijing's ambassador has warned. China's Landbridge group was granted a 99-year lease on the port in 2015, a widely criticised decision that led to stricter scrutiny of infrastructure sales. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised last year to buy back control, criticising the lease as short-sighted for both economic and national security reasons. Advertisement Advertisement If Landbridge is obliged to give up the lease, "then we have an obligation to take measures to protect the Chinese company's interest -- that is our position," ambassador Xiao Qian told Australian media on Wednesday. "We will see when it's time for us to say something, do something, to reflect the Chinese government's position and protect our Chinese companies' legitimate interests," he said. The ambassador warned that retaking control of the port could affect Chinese companies' investment, cooperation and trade with the Darwin region. "That is not in the interest of Australia either." Advertisement Advertisement Australia's prime minister said his government had already made it clear that it disagreed with the port's sale to "non-Australian interests". "We are committed to making sure that that port goes back into Australian hands because that is in our national interest," he told reporters Wednesday during a visit to East Timor. Darwin lies closest to Australia's Asian neighbours and has been used as a base for US Marines. At the time of the agreement, then-US president Barack Obama reportedly complained that Washington had not been told of Australia's plan to do business with Landbridge. djw/sft/lb South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the media on Jan. 29, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) For yet another reminder of what a poor job Kristi Noem is doing, just ask her handpicked replacement as governor of South Dakota. Not directly, mind you. Larry Rhoden will defend her to the hilt if asked about her by name. But ask him indirectly, or just let him talk awhile, and hell criticize her actions without even realizing hes doing it. Advertisement Advertisement That happened often during the beginning of his tenure as governor, when he spoke repeatedly about the need for a reset on nearly every important issue in the state, even while claiming Noem did a wonderful job as his predecessor. Another prime example popped up Thursday during a news conference at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. A reporter asked Rhoden about nationwide criticism of Noems response to fatal shootings in Minneapolis. The federal agents who fired the guns work for Noem, who leads the Department of Homeland Security, which has been conducting immigration enforcement activities with thousands of agents in Minneapolis for weeks. Rhoden, who ascended from lieutenant governor to governor last year when Noem got her new job, said the two of them still communicate via text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Ive tried to encourage her because I know shes got a tough, tough job, Rhoden said. And I still think shes up to the task. Moments later, another reporter told Rhoden about comments from South Dakota Democratic legislative leaders. They expressed disappointment about the silence from Republican leaders regarding the most recent fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis, who took the life of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Asked if he wanted to comment on Prettis death, Rhoden answered I dont. Five or so awkward seconds of silence passed after that, and Rhodens press secretary tried to end the press conference. But Rhoden interjected, Let me just clarify a little bit with that. Advertisement Advertisement Theres all kinds of information that I am not aware of, so why would I make a comment basing my opinion with no grounding in fact? Rhoden said, in part. And I think thats a big part of the problem that we face in some of these issues is people jumping to conclusions and then standing their ground and making absurd statements based on conjecture. So, in other words, exactly what Noem did. Within hours of Prettis death, Noem went to a podium and proclaimed, This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement. She also said Pretti committed an act of domestic terrorism. Many of us have seen the bystander videos, which show Pretti carrying a cellphone and attempting to assist someone who was pushed down by federal agents. Those agents then wrestled Pretti to the ground. The videos appear to show an agent removing a handgun which Pretti had a permit to carry from Prettis hip just before other agents opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden is exactly right. To come out within hours of Prettis death, before all the facts were known, and proclaim him a domestic terrorist intent on killing law enforcement was irresponsible. So is Rhodens blind defense of Noem, even as he seems to recognize on some level that her actions are antithetical to his own values. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers arrested a juvenile suspect Thursday following a vehicle pursuit linked to a shooting into an occupied dwelling. The arrest occurred after officers attempted a traffic stop around 9:45 a.m. in west Charlotte. ALSO READ: Suspect arrested after high-speed chase through Charlotte, Rowan County The pursuit began when officers tried to pull over a vehicle driven by a suspect wanted for shooting into an occupied dwelling. The driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit through multiple divisions of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement There appeared to be two scenes when the pursuit ended. A Department of Transportation camera caught the end of the pursuit at Clanton Road and Interstate 77. Chopper 9 Skyzoom launched and flew to the west Charlotte scene where there were several patrol units, an ambulance, and the car that had crashed on the side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement The kid got out of the car and ran off but officers quickly caught up with them and they were apprehended. VIDEO: Shootout over vape pens at park leads to 1 juvenile dead, 1 injured Colombia has restricted the importation of drones, whose increased use by guerrilla groups in a decades-old conflict killed 20 people last year and wounded nearly 300, the government said Thursday. Guerrillas fighting the state, as well as rival rebel and drug trafficking groups, have taken to fixing explosives to commercial drones and targeting soldiers and civilians alike. They drop the explosives on targets with little precision but terrifying effect. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, there were 8,000 such attacks, according to Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez. On Thursday, his office said a government decree has taken effect to "restrict the import of drones via postal traffic and express shipments, due to the high risk they pose to national security and defense." The new measures stipulate that drones may only enter through customs points at Bogota's international airport and the northern seaport of Cartagena. The country has several other sea and airports. Over a quarter of a million people have been killed during six decades of armed conflict between left-wing guerrillas, drug traffickers, paramilitaries, and the military in Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement The violence decreased dramatically after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's biggest rebel group, agreed to lay down arms in 2016. But FARC dissidents opposed to the peace deal continue to fight other groups for control of Colombia's lucrative cocaine trade and to carry out attacks on the security forces. Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine. The Colombian military believes the ELN and other guerrilla groups received training to use drones in explosives attacks from foreign armed entities. In October, the South American country unveiled its first drone battalion to counterattack and defend against drone onslaughts. Advertisement Advertisement President Gustavo Petro, who has not achieved his stated goal for a negotiated "total peace" in Colombia, has called for a multi-billion peso investment in drone defense systems. das/lv/mlr/sms Water levels at Lake Mead, Nevada, photographed from the Hoover Dam on Oct. 26, 2022, are at 26% of the reservoirs capacity, which is visible from the change in color of the lakes walls. (Photo by Jacob Fischler/States Newsroom/) The governors of six of the seven of the Colorado River Basin states plan to meet Friday in Washington, D.C., in an attempt to break a stalemate in Colorado River water negotiations. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has invited all of the governors and their negotiators to meet in the nations capital as states approach a federal deadline to reach a voluntary agreement to replace river operating guidelines that will expire at the end of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The governors of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada are set to attend. California Gov. Gavin Newsom cant attend due to a longstanding family commitment, according to spokesman Anthony Martinez, but California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot plans to attend the meeting in his place. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Bureau of Reclamation which manages water in the West under the Interior Department initially gave states until Nov. 11 to submit a preliminary agreement for a plan to replace the guidelines. When states missed that deadline, the Bureau extended the deadline to submit a seven-state agreement to Feb. 14. Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado River is a vital source of drinking water for 40 million people in the seven states and Mexico, and its water supply has been in decline for around 25 years. Water levels in the two major reservoirs on the river, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have been in decline for the last quarter century, due to a persistent drought spurred on by climate change. Lake Mead supplies about 40% of Phoenixs water, and the Colorado River supplies water for the farmland in Yuma that produces about 90% of the countrys winter vegetables. One of the biggest disagreements between the Lower Basin states Arizona, Nevada and California and Upper Basin states Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming is over which faction should have to cut back on their water use, and by how much. Advertisement Advertisement Lower Basin states want all seven states to share mandatory water cuts during dry years under the new guidelines. But the Upper Basin, which is not subject to mandatory cuts under the current guidelines, argue that they already use much less water than downstream states and should not face additional cuts during shortages. State negotiators for both the Upper and Lower Basin have said they would prefer a seven-state agreement over alternative river management options proposed by the federal government. Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, told reporters last week that the Grand Canyon State does not like the options proposed by the federal government as they place almost the entire burden for cuts on Lower Basin states. Buschatzke, who has led the negotiations for Arizona, admitted the states are at somewhat of a stalemate, but said he is cautiously optimistic about the meeting in the nations capital. He said he hopes that bringing the governors together in one room to hash things out will serve as an impetus for compromise. Advertisement Advertisement I have never in my career as the governors representative for the state of Arizona been involved in a meeting where all the governors of all seven states have been in a room together talking about the Colorado River, or in a meeting with someone like the Secretary of the Interior, Buschatzke said. The Colorado River Compact dates back to 1922, when the seven states made their initial agreement, allocating 7.5 million acre-feet of water each year to be shared by the Upper Basin states and another 7.5 million to be used among the Lower Basin states. The agreement has been updated numerous times since then. The Upper Basin states argue that, because theyve never reached their 7.5 million acre feet allocation, they shouldnt have to make cuts. But the Lower Basin states argue theyve already done enough and its time for the Upper Basin to contribute. Advertisement Advertisement The Lower Basin has undertaken significant conservation efforts for Colorado River water since 2014 and has reduced its consumption from 7.4 million acre-feet in 2015 to just over 6 million in 2024. The Upper Basin states have increased their usage in the past five years, from 3.9 million acre-feet in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2024. In 2025, for the fifth year in a row, the federal government imposed water allocation cuts on the Colorado River due to drought now in its 26th year and Arizonas cut amounts to a loss of 512,000 acre-feet of water for the year. Hydraulic studies by the federal government show the rivers flow will likely decrease by 3 million acre-feet of water in the next decade, making conservation efforts more urgent. Advertisement Advertisement Weve done the heavy lifting for the last decade-plus, Buschatzke told Arizona lawmakers during a Jan. 27 meeting of the state House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee. As part of the negotiations, Arizona has insisted that the Upper Basin states release some of the water stored in their reservoirs so it can be used by the Lower Basin. The major down-stream reservoirs Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at 27% and 33% of their capacity, respectively. But smaller upstream reservoirs, like Flaming Gorge in Utah and Morrow Point in Colorado, are at 82% and 96%, respectively. Arizona has argued that the federal government is legally obligated to release the water being held in the smaller reservoirs. Complicating matters are numerous legal disagreements between the Upper and Lower basins, including that the Upper Basin states think water from Colorado River tributaries should be included in Lower Basin state consumption allocations. Advertisement Advertisement No matter what the original allocations were, Buschatzke argues that Upper Basin states need to do their part. Water use reductions in the Upper Basin are needed to stabilize the system, he said. If the states cant reach an agreement, and are forced to take one of the federal governments proposals, it will likely lead to litigation. Ill continue to send the message that we dont want to end up in court, but theres a line beyond which we wont go in the negotiations, Buschatzke said. Last year, Arizona appropriated $1.5 million to its Colorado River legal defense fund, and Gov. Katie Hobbs proposed budget for this year would put another $1 million toward that fund. Advertisement Advertisement Her position has remained clear and consistent: Arizona will continue its conservation efforts, but will not bear unrealistic burdens as the Upper Basin refuses to reduce their water usage, Christian Slater, a spokesman for Hobbs, told the Mirror. Arizona is a vital source for 90% of the countrys winter leafy greens and produces the most advanced semiconductors in the nation. Arizonas farmers and businesses must be protected. Slater said that the governor is glad that Burgum listened to her request for greater involvement from the federal government and hopes the meeting will be a productive conversation. After this story was published, Hobbs issued a statement saying the future of the Colorado River is at a pivotal moment and the stakes could not be higher for the states who use its water. I will not accept a deal that endangers the advanced manufacturing and agricultural economy that is vital to our countrys national security or shortchanges Arizona farmers, businesses, and families, Hobbs said. We are a leader in advanced manufacturing, including the aerospace and defense industries. This deal should reflect, not undermine, this reality and shared priorities between myself and the Trump Administration. Jeniffer Solis of the Nevada Current contributed to this report. ***UPDATE: This story has been updated to include a statement from Gov. Katie Hobbs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Columbus-area police officer who shot and killed a pregnant woman is back on active duty. A jury acquitted Conner Grubb in November. Four special prosecutors from Montgomery County tried the case. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Two years ago, Grubb shot through Takiya Youngs windshield at a grocery store. The shooting happened after officers said she shoplifted and drove out of the store parking lot. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Arctic cold following Sundays winter storm has affected trains, planes and cars, and now ice is disrupting ferry service. Ice floes in the Hudson River have made it resemble a set from the movie Titanic and are disrupting commuter ferries and some barge traffic on the river this week. An expert said its the worst hes seen since 2015. NY Waterway commuter ferry service between New Jersey and New York is being delayed by ice as captains have to dodge ice floes in the river. Advertisement Advertisement Service on its Edgewater route was canceled possibly for the rest of the week according to a NY Waterway alert. Buses were shuttling commuters between Edgewater and the Port Imperial ferry terminal. A spokesperson for NY Waterway said the reason for the suspension was because of ice clustered around the dock. The ferry company also reported delays on all its routes Wednesday due to ice in the river. Harder hit is NYC Ferry, which suspended service on all its routes due to ice on Wednesday. But the problem seems unique to the Hudson River and not the rest of New York harbor. Container ships calling on the Port Authority of New York and New Jerseys ports in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island all use the narrower Kill Van Kull. Those operations are continuing normally, said Steve Burns, an authority spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Generally, if ice were to become too thick in these channels, the Coast Guard utilizes ice breaker vessels to ensure ship traffic can continue, he said. Container ports in Bayonne use the Upper Bay of New York Harbor, he said. This has been the worst year for river icing since 2015, which was due to a prolonged cold snap that year, said Prof. Robert Chant, Rutgers University Marine and Coastal Science Department. The Hudson River ice in New York City and New Jersey originates in northern New York State where the river froze a while back and ice floated from Albany and points north, he said. The ice carried down river is in chunks, which isnt hard-packed ice. That means, bigger ships and barges can get through, but the smaller ferries would have problems, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The ice works its way downstream. The lower harbor connects to the ocean and Long Island Sound, mixing warmer water from the ocean, Chant said. The Kill Van Kull and Newark Bay, where the major container ports are located, also are salt water, he said. It can freeze, but it has more contact with warmer ocean water and takes longer to freeze, Chant said. The harbors size, salt water and depth also are factors in it taking longer to freeze than the river, he said. But a combination of more ice floeing down the Hudson from the north and single digit temperatures for several weeks could prompt ice in the lower harbor, he said. Under those conditions, salt water can freeze as it did when Delaware Bay froze in 2015, Chant said. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Democrats officially released their list of demands for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, pressing Republicans to implement the changes in the pending spending package ahead of the government shutdown deadline at the end of this week. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., laid out the three main demands after a closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats on Wednesday just one day before the Senate is scheduled to vote on the final spending package to fund the federal government. The finalized set of demands reflects what individual Democrats have floated publicly in recent days but had not yet been formally compiled. Senate Democrats are united on a set of commonsense and necessary policy goals that we need to rein in ICE and end the violence, Schumer said. These are commonsense reforms, ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement. If Republicans refuse to support them, they are choosing chaos over order. Advertisement Advertisement The three legislative proposals include tightened rules on requiring warrants for arrests; prohibiting agents from wearing masks and requiring them to wear body cameras and identification; and implementing a universal code of conduct for use-of-force policies that reflect what is required by state and local law enforcement officials. No more anonymous agents, no more secret operatives, Schumer said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., center right, walk to speak to reporters following a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats on spending legislation, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press The demands are backed by Senate Democratic leadership, including Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator who helped negotiate the current funding package. Just last week, Murray urged her Democratic colleagues to support the spending bills later reversing course to say she wont vote for the legislation after a federal immigration officer shot and killed a man in Minnesota last weekend. We cannot ignore what happened on Saturday, especially after what we have seen over the last four months, Murray said. Advertisement Advertisement Murray suggested that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., remove the Department of Homeland Security portion of the larger funding bill to renegotiate its contents while still ensuring the other five spending bills can be approved, reducing the impact of a potential partial shutdown. We need members on both sides to sit down and include critical reforms and accountability measures within the DHS bill, and there is no reason whatsoever for that work to hold up the other five bills and cause a shutdown, Murray said. We do this all the time. We move forward on the areas where we have agreement. We roll up our sleeves and keep negotiating on other issues. And its not like the House cant come back and vote on this too. Republicans split on path forward Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., center, talks with reporters in the Ohio Clock Corridor at the Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. | Rod Lamkey, Jr., Associated Press Senate Republicans met for an hourslong lunch meeting on Wednesday to discuss a path forward on the government funding package after a handful of party members came out to say theyd support removing DHS from the larger bill. Sens. Mike Rounds and John Kennedy, both on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said theyd be open to removing the DHS portion of the package in order to avoid a shutdown, although they acknowledged the challenges of accomplishing that before the deadline. The government is scheduled to enter a partial funding lapse at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Is it my first preference? No, my first preference is to go ahead and pass all the bills, Kennedy told reporters on Wednesday. I say, lets go in and pass what we can and then we can sit down and talk about Homeland Security. But Thune has not committed to splitting the package apart, noting the short timeline and procedural hurdles. With a partial government shutdown looming by week's end, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters following a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans on spending legislation that funds the Department of Homeland Security and a swath of other government agencies as the country reels from the deaths of two people at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press In order to remove the bill from the larger package, the Senate would need unanimous approval from both parties to expedite the process. However, some Republicans such as Sen. Mike Lee of Utah say theyll reject any effort to strip DHS from the package, meaning that process could take days to complete. Even if the Senate did manage to remove DHS ahead of the deadline, it would need to transfer the bills back to the House for approval before it can go to President Donald Trumps desk for his signature. But the House is not scheduled to return until next week, and GOP leaders have no plans to return early. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some Republican conservatives have already hinted they would not swallow substantial changes without getting something in return. Another option is to replace the DHS funding language with a short-term extension paired with the other five spending bills, which may be more palatable to Senate Republicans who do not want to see a lapse in funding. Thune did not rule that option out on Wednesday, telling reporters he will reserve optionality to consider that. Still, that plan could still run into the same procedural hurdles that extend any votes past the shutdown deadline. Meanwhile, the White House is pressing lawmakers to pass the funding package as-is, arguing the demands for reforms with a government funding deadline just 48 hours away is a demand for a partial government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement This bipartisan appropriations package, which the Democrats agreed to and have now walked away from, has been under negotiation for more than a month, a White House official told the Deseret News in a statement. The White House urges congressional Democrats not to subject the country to another debilitating government shutdown. The White House invited Senate Democrats to a listening session on Wednesday, but a senior administration official told the Deseret News that meeting was declined by Democratic leaders. That meeting was requested before Democrats unveiled their demands. Even if the DHS component was removed from the package and lapses in funding, it would leave several federal agencies that are unrelated to border security without a budget. Those include FEMA, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more. Honda has been advancing development of its prototype Proactive Roadway Maintenance System since 2021 . During the pilot, ODOT team members drove Honda test vehicles equipped with advanced vision and LiDAR sensors to monitor approximately 3,000 miles of roads in central and southeastern Ohio. The vehicles operated under a wide range of real-world conditions, including multiple road types in rural and urban environments, varied weather, and different times of the day. The Proactive Roadway Maintenance System detected road conditions and infrastructure deficiencies, providing ODOT with actionable insights by identifying the following: Honda is committed to advancing safety for everyone sharing the road. Under its global safety slogan " Safety for Everyone ," Honda is expanding its focus to include advanced safety and driver assistive technologies, efforts to enhance safety awareness to influence driver behavior and improve the traffic safety ecosystem by working with government, industry and community partners including new initiatives such as the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda and DriveOhio, the smart mobility hub of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), have completed a first-of-its-kind pilot project demonstrating how real-time vehicle-generated data can detect and report road deficiencies. Conducted in collaboration with technology partners i-Probe Inc., Parsons (NYSE: PSN), and the University of Cincinnati, the project verified the feasibility of an automated road condition management and reporting system to help state DOTs proactively optimize maintenance while reducing costs and creating safer roadways. In the future, crowd-sourced road condition data will empower drivers to play an active role in creating safer and well-maintained roadways in their communities New system achieved 99% accuracy for damaged and obstructed signs, 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails and an average of 89% accuracy for potholes Honda led two-year project funded by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in collaboration with i-Probe Inc., Parsons Corporation and the University of Cincinnati Story Continues As the Honda test vehicles detected the condition of critical roadway surfaces, pavement markings, and roadside assets, ODOT operators were able to review the deficiencies in real time through web dashboards developed by Honda and Parsons. ODOT used the data to cross-reference its regular visual inspections. Data collected by the vehicles was processed using Edge AI models, transmitted to a Honda cloud platform for analysis, and integrated into Parsons iNET Asset Guardian system. This implemented a pipeline capable of automatically generating prioritized work orders for ODOT maintenance teams. Work orders can be grouped by severity and proximity, with the iNET Asset Guardian system streamlining workflows to enhance efficiencies across field maintenance operations. i-Probe provided data validation as well as analysis expertise for road roughness and lane marking conditions. The University of Cincinnati helped Honda integrate the sensors on the test vehicles, led the damage detection feature development including potholes, guardrails, signs, and shoulder drops, and provided system maintenance service to ODOT during the trial operation. Pilot Results: Highly Accurate Detection of Road Deficiencies The pilot program covered a total of approximately 3,000 miles. Results verified that automated detection with the Proactive Roadway Maintenance System achieved high accuracy for signs, guardrails and shoulder drop-offs, and delivered strong pothole detection across most road types: 99% accuracy for damaged or obstructed signs 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails 89% average accuracy for potholes An AI feedback loop pipeline was built that enabled ODOT team members to flag misdetections, helping the system learn and improve over time. Insights from testing over approximately 3,000 miles showed that only a small percentage of roads had insufficient lane markings, suggesting that restriping schedules could be optimized. Vehicle sensor data also reliably measured road roughness levels and provided valuable insights for maintenance planning. The Proactive Roadway Maintenance System further detected highseverity shoulder dropoffs that were difficult to identify through routine visual inspection, successfully flagging these conditions across approximately 3,000 miles of roadway. By reducing the need for manual inspections, the system enhances safety for maintenance crews and minimizes their exposure to traffic hazards. The project team estimates that automated road condition detection could save ODOT over $4.5 million annually through less manual inspection time, optimized maintenance schedules, and prevention of costly deferred repairs through proactive inspection. As part of the next phase of testing, the project team is exploring ways to scale the prototype Proactive Roadway Maintenance System for real-world operations. In the future, Honda aims to empower its customers to contribute to safer, better roads through anonymized data sharing from their vehicles. This community-focused approach creates a sense of shared ownership at the road operation level, enabling drivers to move from simply using the roadways to actively improving them. The project was driven by a strong public, private and academic collaboration, bringing together complementary expertise from each partner to deliver impactful results. More information on the project team is available here. Executive Comments: Ohio Department of Transportation/DriveOhio: "At the heart of this technology is our shared goal to keep our roadways safe for all users," said Pam Boratyn, ODOT Director. "This Proactive Roadway Maintenance System also creates a safer environment for our workers while they gather the critical information and data needed to ensure Ohio's highways are maintained." Honda: "This pilot of the Honda Proactive Roadway Maintenance System empowers drivers to play an active role in creating safer roadways and communities while helping agencies like ODOT improve maintenance operations," said Sue Bai, chief engineer, Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "By using real-time vehicle data to detect road hazards and infrastructure issues, Honda, ODOT and our project partners are demonstrating how smarter, adaptive solutions can enhance safety, reduce costs and enhance safety for everyone sharing the road." i-Probe Inc.: "What makes this project meaningful is how everyday vehicle sensor data can be translated into decision-ready insights for transportation agencies," said Daisuke Oshima, president and CEO of i-Probe Inc. "Production vehicle sensors are designed primarily for driving and safety not for asset monitoring but their ability to collect data continuously during daily driving creates unique value at scale. Unlocking that value requires analytics specifically designed to account for these characteristics, and this project shows how vehicle sensor data can complement existing inspection programs and support more proactive asset management." Parsons: "This project gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges transportation agencies face in maintaining critical roadside assets and the multiple operational layers involved in identifying, tracking, and managing maintenance activities," said Jodie Bare-Thompson, vice president, Global Digital Solutions & Operations for Parsons. "Addressing those challenges required close collaboration with agency leadership and maintenance teams, alongside Honda and the University of Cincinnati, to collectively explore how vehicle sensor data and AI can augment existing operations by operationalizing data and automating processes. Our systems integration approach, including iNET Asset Guardian, helps bring that intelligence to life for real operational impact, but its success is fundamentally dependent on the quality of the sensor data and the intelligence applied at the edge. The future of crowd-sourced vehicle data for asset detection and condition assessment is very real, and our role as a systems integrator is to make that data actionable for our clients." University of Cincinnati (UC): "We are introducing cutting-edge technologies for evaluating and maintaining transportation infrastructure, enabling agencies to make more timely and informed decisions," said UC Professor Munir Nazzal, director of the Center for Smart, Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure. "This project represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration among an automotive OEM, a state Department of Transportation, a university and industry partners to leverage vehicle sensor data for assessing roadway conditions, enhancing safety and reducing infrastructure maintenance costs." Honda Commitment to Safety Honda is committed to further advancing safety for everyone sharing the road, which is captured in the Honda global safety slogan "Safety for Everyone . " The company has established a global goal to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles by 2050. To achieve this goal, Honda is expanding its focus beyond advanced safety and driver assistive technologies alone, to include efforts to augment safety awareness to modify driver behavior and improve the traffic safety ecosystem by working with government, industry and community partners. Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash-test facilities in Ohio and Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in crashworthiness, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. Advanced passive safety features include the proprietary Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and next-generation driver and passenger front airbag technology, which are designed to provide a high level of collision protection for occupants. Advanced active safety and driver-assistive systems found in Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch technologies, now on over 10 million on U.S. roads, are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions while also serving as a technological and perceptual bridge to the more highly automated vehicles of the future. Learn more at https://www.honda.com/safety. Important Notice Although the information included in this press release is accurate as of the date of publication, this information is subject to change at any time without notice. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. assumes no responsibility for updating this information. Honda (PRNewsfoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honda-and-driveohio-complete-pilot-of-nations-first-proactive-roadway-maintenance-system-aimed-at-creating-safer-roads-302673964.html HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Connecticut State Police (CSP) trooper has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of sexual activity with a security employee at the State Office Building where the trooper was assigned. According to a letter sent to state officials by Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, state police were notified on Jan. 16 of allegations of misconduct at the State Office Building located at 165 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. The allegations stem from alleged consensual relationships between three CSP troopers and a private security employee, which involved sexual activity with one trooper and the security employee that may have occurred in the State Office Building, according to Higgins. Advertisement Advertisement Two New Haven police officers placed on leave for on-duty conduct While consensual activity that occurs outside of the workplace does not violate State Police policies, conduct that is alleged to have occurred during work hours and/or on site is certainly problematic, Higgins stated in the letteraddressed to Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Treasurer Erick Russell, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Attorney General William Tong. The three troopers were reassigned from the State Office Building immediately, and an internal affairs investigation began into the trooper who is alleged to have been involved in sexual activity with the employee during work hours and/or at the work site. The trooper who was subject to the internal affairs investigation may have attempted to return to the State Office Building to retrieve personal items, and they were denied entry, according to Higgins. The trooper was then placed on administrative leave, and their police powers were suspended. Advertisement Advertisement State launches investigation into now-former New Haven police chiefs alleged misuse of public funds It is simply unacceptable to me that any member of my agency is alleged to have acted in a way to compromise safety, minimize the dignity of your workplace, or fail to uphold the highest standards of competence and professionalism, Higgins stated in the letter. The investigation remains ongoing and no further information has been released at this time. This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The Lebanon County Coroner's office has identified the 47-year-old man who was killed in a Jackson Township trooper-involved shooting. At 8:40 a.m. Jan. 28, the coroners office was dispatched to the first block of Gable Drive, and 47-year-old John McDowell was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:20 a.m. "The investigation into this incident is open," The coroner's office said in a release Thursday, Jan. 29. "An autopsy was performed on Jan. 29, 2026 at 8 a.m. Final cause and manner of death will be determined following the receipt of autopsy and police reports." Advertisement Advertisement At 6 a.m. Jan. 28, troopers attempted to serve a search warrant to a residence at the first block of Gable Drive in Jackson Township. Spokesman Trooper Ethan Brownback told reporters the warrant was in relation to a child pornography investigation. "Upon entrance into the residence, troopers were confronted by the suspect of the investigation in a manner that resulted in troopers discharging their firearms," he said. "The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lebanon County Coroner's Office." No troopers were injured on the scene, and Brownback said there is no current threat to the public. The Pennsylvania State Police Major Case team and the state Attorney Generals Office will be investigating the incident, and troopers have been placed on administrative duty. In a warrant application obtained by the Lebanon Daily News, state police stated that McDowell allegedly sent child pornography to a Kik chatroom and discussed having sexual contact with minors. Advertisement Advertisement An IP address associated with suspected pornographic photos of children were shared on the social media app, and traced to McDowell. In the court documents, police said they received a tip from site administrators flagging possible child pornography and possible child molestation in June 2025, which led law enforcement's investigation into McDowell. Investigators also obtained screenshots of texts McDowell allegedly sent to other users of the chat site, acknowledging he was divorced and from Pennsylvania. In one conversation, he allegedly refers to himself as a "pedo." Troopers surveilled McDowell's home starting in January, and filed for a search warrant on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The state police reconstruction team remained on the scene for nearly 12 hours after the shooting. Police have not said if McDowell was armed at the time of the incident, or what may have prompted the use of force. Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Coroner IDs man killed in police-involved shooting in Jackson Twp The US appears poised to strike Iran within days. While the potential targets are largely predictable, the outcome is not. So, if no last-minute deal can be reached with Tehran and President Donald Trump decides to order US forces to attack, then what are the possible outcomes? 1. Targeted, surgical strikes, minimal civilian casualties, a transition to democracy US air and naval forces conduct limited, precision strikes targeting military bases of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Basij unit - a paramilitary force under the control of the IRGC - ballistic missile launch and storage sites as well as Iran's nuclear programme. Advertisement Advertisement An already weakened regime is toppled, transitioning eventually to a genuine democracy where Iran can rejoin the rest of the world. This is a highly optimistic scenario. Western military intervention in both Iraq and Libya did not bring a smooth transition to democracy. Although it ended brutal dictatorships in both cases, it ushered in years of chaos and bloodshed. Syria, which conducted its own revolution, overthrowing President Bashar Al-Assad without Western military support in 2024, has so far fared better. 2. Regime survives but moderates its policies This could broadly be called the "Venezuelan model" whereby swift, powerful US action leaves the regime intact but with its policies moderated. Advertisement Advertisement In Iran's case, this would mean the Islamic Republic survived, which won't satisfy large numbers of Iranians, but is forced to curtail its support for violent militias across the Middle East, cease or curtail its domestic nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as easing up on its suppression of protests. Again, this is at the more unlikely end of the scale. The Islamic Republic leadership has remained defiant and resistant to change for 47 years. It appears incapable of changing course now. [BBC] 3. Regime collapses, replaced by military rule Many think this is the most likely possible outcome. While the regime is clearly unpopular with many, and each successive wave of protests over the years weakens it further, there remains a huge and pervasive security deep state with a vested interest in the status quo. Advertisement Advertisement The principal reasons why the protests have so far failed to overthrow the regime is because there have been no significant defections to their side, while those in control are prepared to use unlimited force and brutality to remain in power. In the confusion of the aftermath of any US strikes it is conceivable that Iran ends up being ruled by a strong, military government composed largely of IRGC figures. Iranian police special forces monitor a pro-government rally in Tehran earlier this month [Getty Images] 4. Iran retaliates by attacking US forces and neighbours Iran has vowed to retaliate against any US attack, saying that "its finger is on the trigger". It is clearly no match for the might of the US Navy and Air Force but it could still lash out with its arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones, many concealed in caves, underground or in remote mountainsides. Advertisement Advertisement There are US bases and facilities dotted along the Arabian side of the Gulf, notably in Bahrain and Qatar, but Iran could also, if it chose, target some of the critical infrastructure of any nation it considered was complicit in a US attack, such as Jordan or Israel. The devastating missile and drone attack on Saudi Aramco's petrochemical facilities in 2019, attributed to an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq, showed the Saudis just how vulnerable they were to Iranian missiles. Iran's Gulf Arab neighbours, all US allies, are understandably extremely jittery right now that any US military action is going to end up rebounding on them. 5. Iran retaliates by laying mines in the Gulf This has long loomed as a potential threat to global shipping and oil supplies ever since the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88 when Iran did indeed mine the shipping lanes and Royal Navy minesweepers helped clear them. Advertisement Advertisement The narrow Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is a critical chokepoint. Around 20% of the world's Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports and between 20-25% of oil and oil byproducts pass through this strait each year. Iran has conducted exercises in rapidly deploying sea mines. If it did so then it would inevitably impact world trade and oil prices. [BBC] 6. Iran retaliates, sinking a US warship A US Navy Captain onboard a warship in the Gulf once told me that one of the threats from Iran he worries about most is a "swarm attack". This is where Iran launches so many high explosive drones and fast torpedo boats at a single or multiple targets that even the US Navy's formidable close-in defences are unable to eliminate all of them in time. Advertisement Advertisement The IRGC Navy has long replaced the conventional Iranian Navy in the Gulf, some of whose commanders were even trained at Dartmouth during the time of the Shah. Iran's naval crews have focussed much of their training on unconventional or "asymmetric" warfare, looking at ways to overcome or bypass the technical advantages enjoyed by their primary adversary, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. The sinking of a US warship, accompanied by the possible capture of survivors among its crew, would be a massive humiliation for the US. While this scenario is thought unlikely, the billion-dollar destroyer the USS Cole was crippled by an Al-Qaeda suicide attack in Aden harbour in 2000, killing 17 US sailors. Advertisement Advertisement Before that, in 1987 an Iraqi jet pilot mistakenly fired two Exocet missiles at a US warship, the USS Stark, killing 37 sailors. Anti-US murals can be seen in public places around Tehran as the threat of US military intervention builds [Anadolu via Getty Images] 7. Regime collapses, replaced by chaos This is a very real danger and is one of the major concerns of neighbours like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As well as the possibility of a civil war, such as experienced by Syria, Yemen and Libya, there is also the risk that in the chaos and confusion, ethnic tensions could spill over into armed conflict as Kurds, Baluchis and other minorities look to safeguard their own people amid a nationwide power vacuum. Much of the Middle East would certainly be glad to see the back of the Islamic Republic, none more so than Israel which has already dealt heavy blows to Iran's proxies across the region and which fears an existential threat from Iran's suspected nuclear programme. Advertisement Advertisement But nobody wants to see the largest Middle East nation by population - around 93 million - descend into chaos, sparking a humanitarian and refugee crisis. The greatest danger now is that President Trump, having amassed this powerful force close to Iran's borders, decides he must act or lose face, and a war begins with no clear end-state and with unpredictable and potentially damaging repercussions. As the forecast calls for temperatures to drop below freezing in Polk County this weekend, Lakelanders are wondering if there's any chance of spotting a snowflake. Nicole Carlisle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, said there's a 0% chance of a flurry in Polk. "No, zero chance," she said. While parts of Florida's Panhandle saw a light dusting of snow a week ago, Polk County is generally too far inland for what meteorologist are calling the "Gulf Snow Effect." Carlisle explained it's similar to a lake effect snow, except occurring over the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement There's expected to be a large, cold air mass moving over the warm waters of the Gulf this weekend, according to Carlisle. The Gulf Coast of Florida and Tampa Bay area are highlighted in NOAA's Winter Storm Severity Index as having a very small chance of snow on Jan. 31 into Feb. 1, 2026. "We see it quite often and we can get drizzle along the coast," she said. "Some of that could be in the form of flurries, but that will be right along the coast." There's about a 10% to 15% chance of the Tampa Bay coastal area seeing some flurries as of Jan. 29, Carlisle said. Lakeland and the greater Polk County area is forecast to have a chance of rain late Friday night into the first half of Saturday, Carslisle said. The total might be a few hundredths of an inch, not anything measurable or significant. Advertisement Advertisement People who are outside late Friday night, if it does rain, might be led to believe it's snow or snow flurries because of the darkness and cold temperatures. In January 2025, several videos went viral on social media showing what many thought were flurries in Lakeland, only be debunked by meteorologists. "I would expect the same exact thing to happen this time," Carlisle said. "If there's light behind it, people are going to be saying it's snow, but it's not really snow." It's been a long time since Polk County has gotten any measurable frozen precipitation. The National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office did not have have any records in recent history. The last snowfall in Lakeland was 1977. Carlisle warned the cold front will be more impactful to the county, as this weekend's low temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees lower than normal. There will be significant wind chill, plunging the real-feel temperature into the teens. The National Weather Service in Tampa is forecasting up to a 20% chance of snow flurries on Friday, Jan. 30 into Saturday as an Arctic cold front moves through Florida. There are not any official advisories issued for a freeze yet, Carlisle said, but farmers and those in agricultural industries should pay close attention as warnings will be issued closer to the weekend. When and how much snow might the Tampa area get? The best chance of flurries is overnight Friday, Jan. 30 into Saturday, Stephen Shively, another meteorologist with the NWS in Tampa, told Kimberly Miller of the USA Today Network-Florida. Advertisement Advertisement But it is a tricky prediction that relies on a clockmakers precision of elements coming together. Forecasters are trying to assuage enthusiasm with what they say are low chances for a minimum of white stuff and no accumulation. I want to emphasize this is only along the coast, said Stephen Shively, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa. Think of it as sprinkles in snowflake form. It isnt going to be big fluffy snowflakes. The last time it snowed in Tampa was Jan. 9, 2010. Its exciting but temper expectations because there is a small window for this to occur, Shively said. Advertisement Advertisement Lake Effect Snow forms when very cold air blows over relatively warm water. The wind encourages extra evaporation, the air becomes more humid, and it rises to forms clouds. If the temperatures are cold enough, any precipitation that falls can be snow, but if the surface is too warm, it will turn to rain before it reaches the ground. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text Kimberly Miller of the USA Today Network-Florida contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Will Polk County see snow this weekend? Here's what to expect This report was updated with a comment from the University of West Florida Foundation. A couple who established an endowed scholarship at the University of West Florida for Hispanic students plan to now use that money to help schoolchildren in West Palm Beach. John Smykla, a former UWF department head, said he and his wife, Evelyn, will donate $22,675 the university returned to them last week to the Center for Creative Education, a K-5 independent school that provides arts-based education to low-income children. The couple has been donating to the K-5 school for several years, including a $5,000 gift last year. Advertisement Advertisement In December 2011, the Smyklas established the Evelyn Ortiz and John Ortiz Smykla Criminal Justice Scholarship in Diversity with a $25,000 gift. In late 2025, the endowed scholarship had $33,716 because of interest. After learning last fall that the diversity scholarship had not been awarded in two years, the couple asked UWFafter some back-and-forthto terminate the scholarship and return their money. Smykla said the UWF Foundation encouraged them to leave the scholarship at the university, and they would distribute the funds in accordance with the policies of the Florida Board of Governors and the foundation. Which meant that they would strip the word 'diversity' from the scholarship. They wanted to do that and requested several times we consider that and talk to them, Smykla said. Each time, we said, 'No. Thats not acceptable. Just cancel it.' Advertisement Advertisement The refund amount also surprised the couple, who said the UWF Foundation told thembased on a review of best practicesthe total amount was eligible for refund. Smykla scholarship: Donor says UWF refuses to award scholarship with 'diversity' in its name Smykla said UWF Foundation further stated their policies align with those of institutions such as Florida International University, which say: In the event that a donor, for whatever reason, requests that endowed funds are returned whether during the pledge period or after the endowment is fully funded only the funds originally contributed by the donor will be returned. The donor will be issued a 1099 for the amount of funds returned, as required by the Internal Revenue Service. This policy, Smykla said, is not fair. Advertisement Advertisement We have several savings accounts and those accounts earn interest. If we decide to close those accounts, we collect back the initial deposit plus all of the interest. The bank does not hold the intereston a CD or any kind of savings account or checking accountif you close it. The persons who opened it receive the interest that goes along with their deposit. So, it really floored us when UWF said that only the funds originally contributed would be returned. The couple, who have made donations to other institutions where he worked including the University of Alabama and University of South Alabama, are not sure if they will pursue legal action against UWF, saying, "we haven't ruled out anything at this point." The energy that we had to put into this is overwhelming and its all negative energy that we dont need. We will make good use of the money that we have. The Center for Creative Education will have even more money, Smykla said, adding he feels that UWF students are the victims, and he and his wife have been victimized by UWF holding $11,000 that would not exist without their contribution. When UWF honored me with a Distinguished University Professorship, we felt very humbled and a need to really give back in meaningful way that would provide funds for students into the future, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Pensacola News Journal reached out to the university for comment, and on Thursday received this prepared statement via email: "The University of West Florida Foundation Inc., followed the donors wishes, and the refund amount was determined in accordance with UWF Foundation policies, which align with best practices and policies at other State University System institutions, including Florida International University." This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: UWF scholarship for Hispanic students terminated by Smykla family Braverman is suspected of obstructing an investigation, improperly conveying official information, and fraud and breach of trust. A magistrates court on Thursday extended the travel ban and restrictive conditions imposed on Tzachi Braverman, head of the Prime Ministers Office staff and Israels designated ambassador to the United Kingdom, after police warned that allowing him to leave the country could interfere with an ongoing investigation into suspected obstruction of justice. Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court President Judge Menahem Mizrahi ordered that Braverman remain barred from leaving Israel until February 10, and continue to be barred from entering the PMO or contacting individuals connected to the case - including the prime minister - until that date. Advertisement Advertisement Braverman is suspected of obstructing an investigation, improperly conveying official information, and fraud and breach of trust, in connection with claims made by former prime ministerial spokesman Eli Feldstein regarding a late-night meeting between the two. According to Feldstein, the meeting took place in an underground parking lot at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, shortly before police detained him for questioning. In an interview broadcast by KAN, Feldstein alleged that during the meeting, Braverman told him he was aware of a sensitive investigation underway, knew who was involved, and could turn it off, and that he showed him a list of names allegedly connected to the probe. Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of the testimony of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the trial against him, December 18, 2024. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) Police tell court that Braverman must remain in Israel At Thursdays hearing, police representative Gil Racklin told the court that investigators had carried out numerous actions since the previous hearing and that additional investigative steps remain outstanding, arguing that Bravermans continued availability inside Israel is required. If he leaves the country, our ability to summon him will be significantly reduced, Racklin said, adding that the remaining investigative actions require immediate accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Mizrahi accepted that concern, extending the restrictions while noting the need to balance investigative requirements against individual rights. The court also expanded the existing no-contact order to include three Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) officials who have provided open testimony in the case. The restriction adds to an already broad prohibition barring Braverman from contacting senior figures in the Prime Ministers Office, military aides, spokespeople, chiefs of staff, and administrative personnel until February 10. Defense attorney Jacques Chen argued that the travel ban amounts to a disproportionate infringement on freedom of movement, saying police could plan investigative steps without preventing Braverman from leaving the country. Braverman, who has been appointed Israels next ambassador to the United Kingdom but has not yet taken up the post, argued through counsel that the restrictions harm Israels diplomatic interests. Police countered that once abroad - particularly in a formal diplomatic role - Braverman would be less readily available for questioning. Chen responded that his client could return to Israel within hours if summoned. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is unfolding against the backdrop of a separate probe into the unauthorized leak of classified Israeli military intelligence to the German newspaper Bild. That case centers on a sensitive IDF intelligence assessment concerning Hamass negotiating posture on hostages, which was published without authorization in September 2024, triggering alarm within the security establishment. Authorities suspect the document was removed from Military Intelligence and circulated outside authorized channels. Feldstein and IDF reservist Ari Rosenfeld have been indicted in connection with the leak and face charges including unlawful dissemination of classified material and obstruction of justice. In related proceedings, a court initially ordered KAN journalist Omri Assenheim to hand over raw interview materials to police - a decision that was later frozen on appeal amid concerns over press freedom and journalistic privilege. Although formally separate, both the Bild leak affair and the investigation into the alleged midnight meeting have been discussed alongside what has become known as Qatargate, a broader set of investigations examining alleged undisclosed ties, information flows, and influence efforts involving Qatar and individuals close to the political leadership. Authorities have stressed that each matter is being examined independently, based on its own evidentiary record. Bystanders watch as Washington, D.C., police and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration make an arrest in August. Crime in major U.S. cities continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice. (Photo by Noelle Straub/Stateline) Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis of crime trends in 40 large U.S. cities released by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice. If federal nationwide data, which is set to be released later this year, reflects similar trends, the national homicide rate could fall to its lowest level in more than a century. Advertisement Advertisement The Council on Criminal Justice study analyzed 13 types of offenses from homicides to drug crimes to shoplifting in cities that have consistently published monthly data over the past eight years. Researchers found that 11 of the 13 offenses were lower in 2025 than in 2024, with nine dropping by 10% or more. Drug offenses were the only category to rise, while sexual assaults remained unchanged. Carjackings and shoplifting also declined sharply. Reported carjackings fell 61% from 2023, while reported shoplifting dropped 10% from 2024. Among the 35 cities reporting homicides, nearly all recorded declines. Denver; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C., saw homicide rates drop roughly 40%. Advertisement Advertisement There were some modest increases, including in Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Worth, Texas; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The homicide rate in El Paso, Texas, remained flat. Overall, 922 fewer homicides were reported across the cities in the sample. The downward trends extend beyond homicides. In 2025, reported incidents of aggravated assaults fell 9%, gun assaults 22%, robberies 23%, residential burglaries 17%, nonresidential burglaries 18%, larcenies 11%, and domestic violence 2%. Looking at longer-term trends, violent crime levels in most cities are at or below pre-pandemic levels, the analysis found. Homicides were 25% lower than in 2019, with Baltimore seeing the largest drop at 60%. Milwaukee had the largest increase in homicides, at 42%. Robberies, carjackings, domestic violence incidents, gun assaults, aggravated assaults and sexual assaults also remained below 2019 levels. Only motor vehicle thefts and nonresidential burglaries remained slightly elevated. Advertisement Advertisement Nonviolent crimes have shown varied trends over the past seven years. Burglaries fell 45%, larcenies 20%, drug offenses 19%, and shoplifting 4% compared with 2019 levels. The Council on Criminal Justice also examined trends from recent peaks, finding substantial declines in all major offense categories. Homicides fell 44% from their 2021 peak, gun assaults fell 44%, aggravated assaults 19%, domestic violence 23%, robbery 39%, carjackings 61%, residential burglaries 51%, and motor vehicle thefts 43%. Despite the downward trajectory, researchers caution that the reasons for the decline are uncertain. Changes in criminal justice policies, law enforcement practices, crime-fighting technology, social and economic conditions, and local violence prevention efforts could all be contributing factors, according to the analysis. Stateline reporter Amanda Watford can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A multi-pronged investigation is looking into whether a Fruitland Park department manager enriched herself financially using city resources, multiple people connected to the investigation confirmed Wednesday. Investigators with the city administration, Fruitland Park Police, and the Florida Department of Revenue have been examining Parks & Recreation Director Michelle Yoder for months, quietly enough that some city commissioners werent aware until WFTV called them to ask questions Wednesday morning. The sources said Florida Department of Revenue investigators were at City Hall last week, asking questions about Yoders purchases using the citys Amazon account. Advertisement Advertisement One staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said Yoder made personal purchases with the account using her own credit card. The city account is exempt from sales taxes. The purchases included motorcycle equipment, curtains, and furniture cushions, they said. Fruitland Park City Manager Karen Manila declined to answer most of WFTVs questions Wednesday, citing the ongoing investigation, and did not identify Yoder when giving the few answers she shared. However, she confirmed the investigation into Yoder had been ongoing since a senior staff member received a tip and confirmed a portion of the investigation was criminal in nature. Advertisement Advertisement She also said no one had lost their job as of Wednesday, and no other staff members were being investigated. She declined to say whether the investigation spanned beyond the Amazon account, whether taxpayer money was involved, or how much money was under review. Were trying to do the right thing, Manila said. Yoder, who was not facing any charges as of Wednesday, did not come to her door to answer questions about the investigation. A man who answered the door declined to comment. When reached for comment, a Florida Department of Revenue spokeswoman said her agency did not have the authority to investigate this matter and suggested it could be the Department of Financial Services, which they often get confused with. However, staff members later said they were questioned by people wearing FDR-branded clothing. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The post Crisis in the Savannah: Targeted Poaching Targets African Lions appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Lions are being poached for their teeth, claws, bones , and skin . There are an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 African lions left in the wild. Poaching of African lions increased after it became more difficult to get tiger parts in Southeast Asia. With intervention, there is still time to save African lion populations from poaching and prevent their extinction in additional countries across Africa. Lions are synonymous with Africa. These majestic cats have lived side-by-side with humans for hundreds of thousands of years. While encroachment on territory and being hunted by ranchers have significantly decreased the population of African lions over the past several decades, there is a new, significantly worse threat the lions now face. That threat is a crisis in the savannah, as poaching is targeting African lions. If these lions are not protected now, experts warn there is a very real risk of losing Africas big cats. Why Is There an Increase in African Lion Poaching? In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in the number of African lions being poached from both their traditional habitats and protected park regions. What was once farmers and ranchers targeting lions to protect their livestock has turned into the killing of multiple lions at once, all to sell their body parts on the black market. Advertisement Advertisement A new study published in Conservation Letters is sounding the alarm regarding the future of African lions. This is because the poaching of lions has increased dramatically over the past several years. According to the study, action needs to be taken now if lion populations across Africa are to be saved. African lions are being poached for their claws, teeth, bones, and skin. Mahir Rustemov/Shutterstock.com (Mahir Rustemov/Shutterstock.com) The increased demand for lion body parts began several years ago, when it became increasingly difficult to import tiger parts into Southeast Asia. This, combined with cultural and spiritual uses for lion parts in nearly 40 countries across Africa, has created an insatiable demand for lion bones, teeth, claws, and skin. To make matters worse, the poaching of lions has gone from small-scale poaching to massive criminal networks. These are the same networks that sell rhino horns, ivory, and other wildlife products on the black market. Consequently, it has become difficult to track lion poachers, both due to the remoteness of locations where poaching takes place and the fact that poaching lions is notoriously easier than poaching other animals. Why African Lions Are Easy to Poach From a poachers perspective, African lions are easier targets than other animals, given that they are social animals. While it may take time to hunt down a solitary rhino, a significant number of African lions can be poached at once, simply by offering a meal laced with poison. Over the last two years, the authors of the study state that giraffes have been killed by poachers to lure African lions to what will ultimately be their last meal. This is because the poachers will poison the carcass of the giraffe, potentially leading to the death of several African lions at once. African lions are social animals, making it easy to poison several of them at once. Riaan van den Berg/Shutterstock.com (Riaan van den Berg/Shutterstock.com) This deliberate method of luring lions using carcasses demonstrates a level of forethought and coordination characteristic of experienced and organized poaching networks, the authors write. Poison baits can kill multiple individuals in a single event with limited risk to the poachers. Advertisement Advertisement In remote areas, poachers are even less likely to be detected. Consequently, they can come to a region, poison bait, and kill African lions for their body parts, all before anyone is the wiser. The rapid pace at which this poaching is taking place is already having negative effects on the lion populations across Africa. If left unchecked, conservationists warn, the situation will only get worse, as it has in the past several years. The Effects of Poaching on the African Lion Population The African lion population is listed as being vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Across Africa, lion populations are decreasing. Regions where the African lion once roamed have now declared the magnificent creature extinct, leaving African lions largely depleted across the continent. African lion populations were already in decline before poaching started, with no more than 30,000 lions left in the wild. St. Nick/Shutterstock.com (St. Nick/Shutterstock.com) In the past, the reasons for the decline in African lion populations were similar to those experienced by other wild animals in Africa. The reasons include: Habitat loss, both from fragmentation and urbanization Coming in contact with livestock and being hunted by people Being poisoned to keep from targeting livestock Lack of food, leading to competition among lions Trophy hunting Advertisement Advertisement These reasons all contributed to the annual loss of African lions. Now, with poaching being added to the mix, the reality is that more lions are going to lose their lives. With no more than 30,000 wild lions left in Africa (some say the number is closer to 20,000), down from an estimated 200,000 that were present across the continent just 100 years ago, it is clear the population is shrinking quickly. Over the past two decades alone, one-third of the African lion population has disappeared. The lions now only live in 20% of their historic range, making it easier than ever for poachers to target them. If poachers are not stopped, the future of the African lions looks quite bleak. What Is Being Done to Stop the Poaching of African Lions? As demand for lion bones, teeth, claws, and skin has increased, poaching has risen across Africa. What was once just a localized problem is spreading like a disease across the continent, making all African lions potential targets for black-market financial gain. For years, organizations like Panthera and African Parks have worked tirelessly to save African lions. By removing wire snares, installing the PoacherCam, hiring an incredible number of rangers, and providing lions with a sanctuary in one of six parks across the country, some populations of African lions increased. Now that more people are involved in poaching, these tactics are simply not enough to stop those who want to kill lions. African lions are being protected by removing snares, installing PoacherCam camera traps, and increasing the number of rangers, but there is still more that can be done to stop poaching before it gets worse. Piotr Poznan/Shutterstock.com (Piotr Poznan/Shutterstock.com) To combat poachers, the study suggests more needs to be done. The authors suggestions include: Advertisement Advertisement Better protection of lions in their current habitats Increased monitoring of lions Educating local communities as to the environmental importance of lions Better understanding of the black-market trade of African lions Stopping trafficking routes before poachers are able to get the lions to market Make the punishments harsher for those convicted of poaching Decrease the demand for lion body parts through culturally informed behavior-change campaigns If these and traditional methods of stopping poaching are followed, the authors of the study believe it is possible to stop poaching and help strengthen African lion populations. This is why they state action needs to be taken now before it is too late. What Will Happen to the African Lion If Poaching Doesnt Stop? It should come as no surprise that if poaching is not ended in Africa, the African lion populations will continue to decline. If this happens, more regions of Africa will lose their lion populations, eventually leaving very few African lions in the wild to sustain future generations. If poaching does not end, the populations of African lions will become dangerously low. Gray Aletter/Shutterstock.com (Gray Aletter/Shutterstock.com) Currently, 62 lion populations have been identified in Africa. Of those, approximately 50% have fewer than 100 members in the pride. These numbers indicate that lion populations are unstable in their current environments, making survival difficult for African lions. With the added threat of poaching, it is unlikely that all 62 lion populations will survive. Advertisement Advertisement However, it is not all bad news. The studys authors state that it is still early enough to stop poaching and turn the population decline around. When this happens, other species affected by lion poaching will also benefit. Effects of Poaching Lions on Other Species What poachers may not realize (or care about) when they poison giraffe carcasses to lure African lions is that other animals also fall victim to the poison, not just the lions. When African lions are poisoned by tainted giraffe carcasses, other scavenging species die as well. EcoPrint/Shutterstock.com (EcoPrint/Shutterstock.com) Africa is filled with scavengers. These animals wait their turn until the apex predators have had their fill and then descend on the remains of a deceased creature. In the case of poisoned giraffes, this has resulted in the deaths of many other animals. Specifically, as the study points out, in 2019, when four lions were poisoned, there was major fallout. This included the deaths of: One black-backed jackal 70 white-backed vultures One steppe eagle Advertisement Advertisement When poachers target African lions, they are targeting the entire ecosystem in which the lions live. Animals across Africa lose their lives as lions continue to be killed. Lions need to be protected from poachers, whether through education or judicial punishment. Only when this is accomplished will the natural order be restored in the savannah, benefiting not only lions but all other animals as well. The post Crisis in the Savannah: Targeted Poaching Targets African Lions appeared first on A-Z Animals. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, called for impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump as she aims to win a U.S. Senate seat. Crockett, an outspoken critic of Trump and his administration, made her stance clear during Saturday's debate with Texas State Rep. James Talarici, also a Democrat. The pair engaged in an hourlong discussion before hundreds of labor union members at the Texas AFL-CIO political convention. Advertisement Advertisement Crockett said she would support impeachment proceedings against Trump, starting with his use of tariffs. Democrats Look At Defunding Ice, Impeaching Noem After Minneapolis Shooting Rep. Jasmine Crockett said she would support impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. (Getty Images) "I think that there is more than enough to impeach Donald Trump," she said. "Ultimately, do I think we should go through the formal process? Absolutely." Read On The Fox News App Talarico stopped short of suggesting whether he would support impeachment proceedings, except to say, "I think the administration has certainly committed impeachable offenses." Crockett has frequently criticized Trump over a range of matters, including his crackdown on illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement She recently likened Trump's immigration enforcement campaign to Nazi Germany and accused the Supreme Court of sanctioning "modern day slave patrols." Progressive Dem Jasmine Crockett Targets Trump Deportation Flights With New 'Track Ice' Bill Primary candidate for U.S. Senate, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, participates in a debate with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, during the Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Convention on Jan. 24 in Georgetown, Texas. "Because when we look at other places, say, places that did things like oh, you know go door to door, looking for people as they had to hide out, say in an attic. Does that sound familiar to anybody?" Crockett asked during a hearing earlier this month titled: "Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trumps Deadly Assault on Minnesota." Amid her criticism of Trump, Crockett joined more than 70 House Democrats in co-sponsoring articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for "systemic abuses of power, violations of civil and constitutional rights, and deliberate obstruction of congressional oversight." Advertisement Advertisement "Secretary Noem has violated her oath and weaponized ICE against American communities," said Crockett. "What we are witnessing is not public safety it is state-sanctioned violence. It is unconstitutional, it is dangerous, and it demands accountability." Click Here To Download The Fox News App The Democratic nominee for the Senate race will be chosen in a March 3 primary. The winner will face the winner of the Republican contest between Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Wesley Hunt and state Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Crockett says there's 'more than enough to impeach Donald Trump' in Texas Senate debate UK-based insurance group Howden has agreed to acquire Polygon Insurance Brokers (PIBL), a retail broker operating in Jersey and Guernsey. The purchase price has not been disclosed and the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval. Howden said the deal is intended to strengthen its operations across both islands. Howden professional services managing director and global practice leader Martin Ellis said: The acquisition of PIBL strengthens our ability to service the full spectrum of clients in Jersey and Guernsey, from corporates to high-net-worth individuals. By combining PIBLs strong local relationships and client service with Howdens specialist expertise and global capabilities, we are creating even stronger outcomes for clients by expanding the breadth of solutions and market access available to them to meet their evolving needs. PIBL, formerly known as Vantage Insurance Brokers, serves clients in the offshore financial services sector as well as high net worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices and trust companies. The company focuses on areas such as professional indemnity and financial institutions insurance, directors and officers cover, and cyber liability products. The move follows Howdens recent acquisition of ARM Holdings in Guernsey, a company specialising in the formation and management of insurance captives, and forms part of its broader Channel Islands expansion strategy. PIBL managing director Henry Mowbray added: By joining Howden, with its growing presence in the Channel Islands alongside its global network, PIBL will be better positioned to provide enhanced solutions and capabilities to clients. Earlier this month, the group also agreed to buy Atlantic Global Risk, a New York-headquartered transaction liability insurance broker. Financial details of that deal were not released. Founded in 2017, Atlantic Global Risk is ranked among the top five brokers in the transaction liability space in North America. In a separate development last September, Howden Re the reinsurance arm of Howden Group appointed David Santos as managing director and Antonio Pombo as director to establish its operations in Iberia. "Howden acquires PIBL to expand Channel Islands operations" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. The Czech Republic will stop mining black coal at the end of January, closing its last mine in a switch to greener energy sources, state mining company OKD said Thursday. Like other European countries, the Czech Republic -- an EU member of 10.9 million -- is divesting from fossil fuels including black coal, used in heating plants or steelworks, to reduce emissions in line with EU targets. Black coal mining has a tradition spanning over two centuries in the eastern Czech region of Ostrava, once known as the country's "steel heart". Advertisement Advertisement Stefan Pinter, the union head at OKD's CSM mine, blamed "a decline in the use of fossil fuels and coal prices which make mining unprofitable". "The European Union's green policy set the rules and all the companies around will adapt," he told AFP. Nuclear plants accounted for 42 percent of Czech electricity output in 2025, followed by coal-fired plants with 32 percent and with renewable sources still lagging way behind. But the Ostrava region has seen many mines and steelworks shut down over the past few years. "There is no one to supply coal to in the Czech Republic," said Barbora Cerna Dvorakova, a spokeswoman for OKD. Advertisement Advertisement The last power station using black coal closed last year, and coal prices are too low to even cover the costs of mining, she told AFP. OKD with 2,300 employees also lacks staff as schools training miners were abandoned in the 1990s. - Mining job cuts - Brown and black coal mining employed about 100,000 people in the 1980s, when the former Czechoslovakia was ruled by Moscow-steered communists promoting heavy industry. But the number has since shrunk to several thousand. Black coal output has slumped as well, from 35 million tonnes in 1989 to less than 1.2 million tonnes last year. OKD will now trim its workforce to fewer than 700 staff, which is a cause for concern in the Karvina district where the CSM mine is based and where unemployment reached 9.6 percent last December, twice the Czech rate of 4.8 percent. Advertisement Advertisement "It is definitely a blow, but we have many senior staff who are about to retire," said Pinter. "The rest will have to look for a job." OKD will now switch to processing purchased coal and producing heat using firedamp -- methane gas produced by coal-mining. Environmentalists welcomed the shutdown as good news attesting to the country's plan to quit coal mining by 2030, when the last brown coal mine is due to close. "We can finally see it on the horizon," said Jaroslav Bican, head of the energy campaign at Greenpeace Czech Republic. "We know that coal miners no longer profit from producing coal which will be phased out sooner than it seemed a few years ago," he told AFP. frj/rlp Angela Parker isnt one to sit still. Shes a former pageant winner and judge. These days, shes an accountant who, in her free time, works her magic making wreaths for every season. But theres one time of year she holds her breath: Lease renewal time. >>CLICK HERE for more Action 9 reports I know that this is a David and Goliath situation when youre going up against rent increases, Parker told Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke. Advertisement Advertisement She says she moved in -- in 2021 -- and that shes paying about $230 more each month. Another renter in her complex says his rent went up more than $400 per month over the last seven years. It is a struggle. You have to look at that amount and that increase and say, OK. What am I going to have to do to make this? I can do it, but I may have to sacrifice here or there. And thats life sometimes. I get that. Parker said. It kind of makes your heart pound when you first see that lease renewal notice. She points out moving isnt easier either. According to Zillow, apartment rents have generally been going up across the country and the national average is higher than Charlottes. Rent in the Charlotte area has been going down over the last few years. But theyre still almost $300 -- 21% -- higher than 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Parker doesnt want to name her complex or make them look bad. But she says they emailed her they didnt raise rates lightly or in isolation. They say they face their own rising costs, including property taxes, insurance, utilities, labor, and the maintenance and long-term care of the buildings themselvessuch as roofing, exterior painting, window replacements, landscaping, and infrastructure repairs. These are necessary investments to keep communities maintained, well-cared-for, and livable for the long term. Parker hopes this sparks conversation across the Charlotte region. I was just hoping to be a small voice in a small community who could maybe have a small impact that could be like a rock in a pond and just have a ripple effect, she said. Bottom line: Landlords can raise the rent as much as they want when a lease is up. In fact, if your city or county wants to put a cap on that, they cant. North Carolina law actually forbids rent control. Options: Short-term: Try to negotiate with your landlord. They dont have to say yes. But I have seen it work. There may be strings attached. Long-term: You can pressure state lawmakers to change the law. VIDEO: Woman says she signed lease, paid rent, then learned it was a scam More than a week after an migrants death at an El Paso immigration detention center was ruled a homicide by a medical examiner, its unclear whether that autopsy will lead to criminal charges or prosecution. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban, died earlier this month at Camp East Montana, a massive tent facility at the Fort Bliss Army base that immigrant rights organizations have condemned for having inhumane conditions. Lunas Campos autopsy, released by the El Paso Medical Examiner last Wednesday, says he died from asphyxia due to neck and torso compression, meaning there was so much pressure on his neck and chest that he couldnt breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Before Lunas Campos autopsy was released, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a Jan. 9 press release said he died after experiencing medical distress, then later said he attempted suicide. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, told The Texas Tribune on Wednesday that Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Homicides are usually prosecuted at the state level, but because the camp is on a military base, El Paso District Attorney James Montoya said its unclear whether he can prosecute. Such land is generally within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, subject to the specific terms of the deed of cession by which the land was acquired, Montoya said in a statement to The Texas Tribune. Our Office is continuing to research the matter of jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office in El Paso, which has jurisdiction over federal cases, declined to comment on whether it plans to pursue prosecution. Jenny Carroll, a law professor at Texas A&M University School of Law who specializes in criminal law, said Montoya doesnt have to defer to federal prosecutors in this case. If they want to prosecute, they prosecute, Carroll said of local district attorneys. And they work out in court whether or not the federal government actually has sole jurisdiction over the event. The feds can certainly make a choice to prosecute the case, but they cant claim exclusive jurisdiction when Texas does have these distinct interests that its trying to protect, she added. And the citizens of Texas have an expectation that those interests and rights will be protected. Advertisement Advertisement She added that deciding whether a case falls under state or federal jurisdiction after a prosecutor takes it to court has been done before. Texas would not be the first state to do this, she said. Andrew Free, an Atlanta-based lawyer and investigative journalist specializing in ICE custody deaths, agreed: Im aware of and have seen records for a number of instances across the country where local prosecutors have investigated, charged, and convicted ICE contractors of crimes at federal facilities, he said. Questions about whether the homicide ruling will become a criminal case are unfolding as the Trump Administrations immigration enforcement strategy has exploded into controversy following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by immigration agents in Minnesota. Carroll, who has 11 years of experience as a public defender, said a week ago, she would not have been surprised if the federal government dragged its feet on investigating what happened to Lunas Campos. Advertisement Advertisement However, were seeing a little bit of a shift, she said. Were seeing Donald Trump walking back a bit on some of the rhetoric around the two deaths in Minnesota. After the second deadly shooting in Minneapolis last week, President Donald Trump this week signaled interest in easing tensions. After recent conversations with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey two Democrats who have publicly criticized ICE operations in their state Trump said lots of progress is being made. The politics around those shootings could impact the federal governments decisions on how to address Lunas Campos autopsy, Carroll said. My general sense is we are in a new era of how the federal government treats its authority over immigration and what it designates as permissible versus impermissible, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Because Lunas Campos died in an immigration detention center, most of the witnesses are detainees who could be deported, so any prosecution would need to happen quickly, Carroll said. They may literally leave the United States and no longer be under subpoena power, she said. Homeland Security attorney Darryl Vereen and the attorney representing Lunas Campos family, Christopher Benoit, recently agreed to a preliminary injunction protecting six migrants who witnessed his death from being deported until they can give depositions, according to the El Paso Times. A group of migrants told the Associated Press that they saw Lunas Campos tackled by guards and placed in a chokehold until he lost consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement Santos Jesus Flores, a detainee at Camp East Montana who said he witnessed the incident through the window of his cell, said Lunas Campos was handcuffed when guards pinned him to the floor, according to the AP. After he stopped breathing, they removed the handcuffs, Flores said. Lunas Campos was the third person to die during Camp East Montanas first six months of operation, in what became one of the most deadly years in immigration detention facilities in Texas: At least eight migrants died in ICE custody in the state last year. Lomi Kriel contributed to this report. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and Texas A&M University School of Law have been financial supporters 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. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Lebanon County Coroners Office has identified the suspect killed in an Trooper-involved shooting in Lebanon County on Wednesday morning. The coroners office identified the suspect as 47-year-old John McDowell. According to the coroners office, McDowell was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday. The cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy. 1 dead in Trooper-involved shooting in Lebanon County Advertisement Advertisement McDowell was shot and killed by Pennsylvania State Police Troopers on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to confront Troopers as they were responding to a residence in the first block of Gable Drive to execute a search warrant relating to a child pornography investigation, State Police said. State Police said Troopers entered the residence, were confronted by the suspect, McDowell, and discharged their firearms. State Police reported that no troopers were injured during the incident. State Police said the involved Troopers have been placed on administrative duty. The Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office are investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Washington Democrats on Capitol Hill are raising concerns with the FBI's search of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, and warning that the operation is an example of President Trump using federal law enforcement to intimidate voters and undermine democracy. The FBI executed the search warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center on Wednesday and sought "a number of records related to 2020 elections," the county said. The county posted a copy of the warrant Thursday, which calls for the seizure of "all physical ballots" from the 2020 election in Fulton County, along with all voter rolls, tabulator tapes for every voting machine used in the county and all ballot images. A Fulton County commissioner, Marvin Arrington, Jr., shared an image of the warrant on social media, which indicated that the FBI is investigating potential violations of federal laws related to defrauding voters of a fair election process and the retention of federal election records. Advertisement Advertisement Georgia's two Democratic senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, both condemned the search and said it marked a new front in Mr. Trump's efforts to use the power of the federal government to seek retribution. "After losing Georgia in 2020, Donald Trump demanded state officials 'find' votes to change the outcome, tried to use DOJ to overturn it, and spread conspiracy theories that led to the Jan. 6 sacking of the U.S. Capitol. I suspect today's raid is a continuation of this sore loser's crusade, despite repeated audits and independent reviews confirming that Donald Trump was indeed defeated," Ossoff said in a statement. "From Minnesota to Georgia, on display to the whole world is a President spiraling out of control, wielding federal law enforcement as an unaccountable instrument of personal power and revenge." Ossoff was referring to a call Mr. Trump had with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021, in which the president pressured him to "find" 11,780 votes. Joe Biden won Georgia's 2020 presidential contest by 11,779 votes. Mr. Trump has claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was rife with fraud and has continued to claim that the presidential contest was a "rigged election." During a speech last week in Davos, Switzerland, Mr. Trump told the audience that "people will soon be prosecuted for what they did." Advertisement Advertisement But Georgia election officials counted legally cast ballots three times, Raffensperger said in December 2020, and each confirmed Biden's win. "The FBI should be focused on going after violent criminals, not carrying out political errands for a vengeful President. Republicans and Democrats agree: the 2020 elections were accurate and secure. End of story," Warnock said in a statement in response to the FBI's search in Fulton County. Former Republican Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, now a Democrat, told CBS News on Thursday that Mr. Trump just cannot accept his loss. "There's not a single ounce of proof that anything was rigged," said Duncan, who served as lieutenant governor during the 2020 election. "We ran a safe, legal election here and we'll do it again, again and again if he doesn't get in our way." Rep. Nikema Williams, a Democrat who represents the area, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel demanding that they end the investigation and recall FBI agents from Fulton County election sites. Advertisement Advertisement "The 2020 election was not stolen and was won by President Biden," she wrote in the letter Wednesday. "Raids and renewed investigations based on the lie that President Trump won the election lack a factual basis and only serve to intimidate voters and undermine the integrity of our upcoming elections." Williams also pressed Bondi and Patel for answers about the FBI's search, including whether Mr. Trump knew about it before it was conducted and if he played any role in directing or suggesting the search. "The 2020 election has been litigated," she said. "By continuing to raid election locations in Georgia, the Department of Justice (DOJ), this raid serves to intimidate Fulton County voters and election officials, rather than to further any legitimate law enforcement aim." Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned why Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was at the scene of the search in Fulton County. Advertisement Advertisement "There are only two explanations for why the Director of National Intelligence would show up at a federal raid tied to Donald Trump's obsession with losing the 2020 election," he said in a statement. "Either Director Gabbard believes there was a legitimate foreign intelligence nexus in which case she is in clear violation of her obligation under the law to keep the intelligence committees 'fully and currently informed' of relevant national security concerns or she is once again demonstrating her utter lack of fitness for office that she holds by injecting the nonpartisan intelligence community she is supposed to be leading into a domestic political stunt designed to legitimize conspiracy theories that undermine our democracy." Warner said that either reason is a "serious breach of trust that further underscores why she is totally unqualified to hold a position that demands sound judgment, apolitical independence, and a singular focus on keeping Americans safe." Gabbard and FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey were seen outside of the Fulton County Election Hub on Wednesday. A senior administration official told CBS News that Gabbard "has a pivotal role in election security and protecting the integrity of our elections against interference, including operations targeting voting systems, databases, and election infrastructure." Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee requested a briefing Thursday from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on the FBI search, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News. The office has not responded. The request for the briefing was first reported by Punchbowl News. Advertisement Advertisement Why Trump may not demand for Noem to step down from her job Alex Pretti's family reacts to video of scuffle 11 days before death School principal speaks out about father and son detained by ICE: "Open your eyes" Another government shutdown looks increasingly likely by the end of the week. Democrats are demanding that major changes to Department of Homeland Security enforcement policy be written directly into the budget agreement. Those changes would largely shut down President Trumps deportation efforts. Trump has already made some changes. For example, DHS removed Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino - who had become a political lightning rod - from his assignment in Minneapolis. Democrats, however, are pressing for far more sweeping changes. They want to require judicial warrants for immigration arrests, force ICE agents to be easily identifiable, and grant states the authority to conduct their own investigations of federal ICE agents. Democrats have also demanded body cameras for ICE agents, even though the current budget proposal already funds them. After the unprecedented percentage increase in violent crime during the Biden administration, Democrats may be pushing to halt deportations to prevent Republicans from getting credit for the sharp drop in violent crime that appears to have started last year. New evidence shows that illegal aliens commit crimes at rates at least 3.4 times higher than their share of the population. At the same time, about47% of ICE detainees have criminal charges or convictions in the United States, and it is possible that an additional 23% have criminal records in their home countries. Removing hundreds of thousands of offenders through immigration enforcement could therefore have a meaningful impact on crime in the United States and help explain the huge drop in crime last year. Strong enforcement could also deter future crimes by signaling that arrest for criminal activity is likely to result in deportation, not release back into the community. Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of ICEs 600,000 arrests and detentions last year through the beginning of December relied on administrative warrants or warrants issued by immigration judges. Requiring judicial warrants would overwhelm the federal court system. There are only 638 active U.S. district court judges and 563 magistrate judges nationwide. To keep pace with current enforcement levels, each judge would need to process roughly 500 warrants. Even assuming judges wanted to move quickly - and even assuming all paperwork was perfectly prepared - that would add weeks of work on top of already heavy caseloads. Many judges, most of whom were appointed by Democratic presidents (roughly 60%), could simply refuse or delay issuing warrants, effectively halting detentions and deportations altogether. Democrats also insist that ICE agents reveal their identities during operations. ICE agents have adopted masks for a reason. Assaults on federal immigration officers surged by 1,347% in 2025. Death threats against agents skyrocketed by roughly 8,000%, and vehicular attacks increased by 3,200%. Activists have followed ICE agents to their homes, shouted warnings to neighbors such as "ICE lives on your street," and harassed family members. In one reported incident, someone called an agents spouse and said, "F*** you. Did you hear what happened to the Nazis after World War II? Because its whats going to happen to your family." Others have openly discussed plans to "swat" agents homes. Democrats also demand that states and local governments be given authority to investigate or regulate federal ICE agents. That position directly conflicts with the long-standing Democratic argument that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal responsibility. When Democrats controlled the presidency, they repeatedly went to court to block Republican-led states from asserting authority over immigration enforcement. In 2012, after Arizona enacted SB 1070 - a law that made unlawful presence a state crime and empowered state and local police to enforce immigration laws - the Obama administration sued Arizona. The Supreme Court struck down several major provisions of the law, reaffirming federal supremacy over immigration enforcement. In 2023, Texas and Louisiana sued the Biden administration over its immigration enforcement priorities, and once again the Supreme Court ruled in favor of federal authority. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic demands for body cameras are especially puzzling because the very spending bill they are threatening to filibuster already includes $20 million that "must be used" to purchase body cameras for ICE and Border Patrol agents. The bill also provides funding for de-escalation training for agents who regularly interact with the public - another long-standing Democratic demand. ICE employs about 13,000 sworn agents and officers. With body cameras costing between $800 and $1,500 each, $20 million is enough to equip every sworn officer with a high-quality camera. In reality, only about 6,000 ICE officers work in Enforcement and Removal Operations - the division that most frequently engages in arrests, traffic stops, and workplace operations - meaning the funding more than covers those agents most likely to interact with the public. Democrats are using the threat of yet another government shutdown to force sweeping policy changes that would sharply curtail federal immigration enforcement. Some of their demands even contradict long-standing Democratic positions on federal supremacy in immigration. But Democrats have one goal in mind: Stop Trump from deporting illegal aliens. John R. Lott Jr. is president of the Crime Prevention Research Center. He served as the senior advisor for research and statistics in the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Legal Policy in the U.S. Department of Justice during 2020-21. Senate Democrats have landed on a deal with the White House to remove Department of Homeland Security funding from the final spending package, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate sweeping reforms to how federal immigration officers operate. President Donald Trump endorsed the deal on Thursday evening. The agreement that was finalized earlier that same day between Democratic leaders and top Trump administration officials strips the DHS portion from the funding package and replaces it with a short-term extension of current spending levels until Feb. 13. That would buy lawmakers two weeks to negotiate new limits for immigration officers while avoiding a shutdown on the dozens of other departments and federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Through the agreement, the Senate will still approve five of the appropriations bills as they were previously negotiated, funding the departments of Homeland Security, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Transportation, among other things, to avoid a partial shutdown over the weekend. Still, there are obstacles that remain. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, at an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. | Allison Robbert Due to procedural rules in the Senate, its not clear how quickly party leaders will get the adjusted spending package through the chamber, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., signaled theyd vote through the night on amendments to clear the package as early as Thursday night or early Friday morning. Federal funding is scheduled to lapse at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Once the Senate approves the updated package, it would need to go back to the House for approval before it can be sent to President Donald Trumps desk. The House is not scheduled to return until Monday, and weather conditions in Washington could prevent them from returning early this weekend. Even then, a number of conservative Republicans have expressed opposition to the deal to detach Homeland Security from the full spending bill, signaling they will have their own demands if the package is volleyed back to the House. Those demands will likely contrast with what Senate Democrats are pushing for in a future DHS funding bill, such as tightened rules on requiring warrants for arrests; prohibiting agents from wearing masks and requiring them to wear body cameras and identification; and implementing a universal code of conduct for use-of-force policies that reflect what is required by state and local law enforcement officials. Senate changed course after 2nd Minnesota shooting Detaching the Homeland Security portion is a significant reversal from the White House after senior officials said on Wednesday they wanted the six-bill package to go through as-is. But that position began to shift after a handful of Senate Republicans signaled theyd be open to splitting the package, prompting talks between Democratic leaders and Trump administration officials on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement A White House official told the Deseret News that Trump has been engaged in talks with both parties to ensure the American people dont have to endure another shutdown. President Trump has been consistent he wants the government to remain open," the official said. A shutdown would risk disaster response funding and more vital resources for the American people. The demands from Senate Democrats are backed by party leadership in both chambers, including Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator who helped negotiate the funding package. Just last week, Murray urged her Democratic colleagues to support the spending bills but later reversed course to say she wont vote for the legislation after a federal immigration officer shot and killed a man in Minnesota last weekend. Its likely that a temporary partial shutdown will happen, but the effects will be minimal as government agencies are typically closed during the weekend. A man set his home on fire before grabbing a machete while trying to avoid an eviction notice from Thurston County deputies. According to Sheriff Sanders with the Thurston County Sheriffs Office (TCSO), deputies responded to a duplex along Carpenter Road NE for an eviction on Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff Sanders says the tenant was provided numerous notifications throughout the eviction process and was aware that Wednesday was the final notice. Advertisement Advertisement The landlord told deputies that the tenant had caused significant damage to the residence, and neighbors reported abusive behavior from him, noting he would scream racial slurs at minorities when they passed by. The tenant refused to exit the duplex despite nearly two hours of trying to negotiate, according to Sheriff Sanders. Suddenly, flames could be seen from the couch in the living room and the residence went up in flames, wrote Sheriff Sanders. Deputies say neighbors in the other duplex were evacuated as the residence was quickly engulfed in flames, and when the suspect exited, he refused commands and walked toward the backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple 40mm less lethal rounds were deployed, striking the suspect. The suspect then armed himself with a machete, said Sheriff Sanders. Sheriff Sanders said deputies took cover behind trees and worked to negotiate with the suspect, using time, distance, and cover to avoid having to shoot. A taser was reportedly deployed as the suspect walked toward a deputy, but the suspect used the machete to cut the probe wires. More 40mm rounds were deployed as deputies maintained their distance, according to Sheriff Sanders, and the suspect then tried to walk out to the street before a second taser deployment was successful. Deputies tried to handcuff the suspect, but the flames were too hot from the residence, so he was dragged out to the street before being detained and taken to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect had an injury to his right arm, which deputies believe he got during the first less-lethal shot. Once cleared from the hospital, he will be booked for first-degree arson and first-degree malicious mischief. To watch a video of the incident posted by Sheriff Sanders, click here. Rand Paul made his name as a gadfly preaching about the dangers of a tyrannical federal government. Now, after the killings of two Minnesota residents at the hands of Homeland Security agents, the Kentucky Republican has a chance to do something about it. The 63-year-old, who spent years on the outskirts of the party, is now at the center of the Senates response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which have sparked new criticism of the administrations immigration enforcement policies and raised many of the same civil liberties questions Paul has long been asking. As chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, hes already forced a trio of top immigration officials to agree to testify, publicly criticized the administrations response to the Pretti shooting and even raised the possibility Congress might step in if the administration refuses to conduct an independent investigation of that incident. Advertisement Advertisement For people to have confidence in government and confidence in law enforcement we have to be very honest, Paul told reporters. I dont think anybody in America believes he was assaulting those officers, so we have to tell the truth. But Paul who is already in President Donald Trumps doghouse as an inconsistent GOP ally is still walking a fine line. He repeatedly refused this week to weigh in on if Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should leave the administration, saying he was reserving judgment for now. And he has also taken pains to separate himself from some of DHSs most aggressive Democratic critics, telling reporters he is for restoring trust in ICE not abolishing it. Were Noem to depart, Paul could find himself in an especially precarious position. As chair of the Homeland Security panel, he would essentially serve as gatekeeper for the confirmation of any replacement. A single Republican defection on the committee could block any Trump nominee who does not have Democratic support. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters, he connected his skepticism about the Trump administrations immigration enforcement practices to his longstanding ideological crusade. I mean, it's something I've been concerned with the whole time I've been here, he said. What are the rights of individuals? Who can you kill? When can you kill them? What is war? What is not war? What is due process? When do you have Fourth Amendment protections? So all these things are incredibly important. For now, its an open question as to how far he is willing to risk his political career to push back against Trumps historically aggressive agenda with GOP colleagues skeptical he would block a Cabinet pick. He might not have to go to such extremes. After Paul publicly questioned why the DHS agents involved in the Pretti shooting were still on the job Tuesday, the department announced Wednesday they had been placed on leave though no steps have been publicly taken toward the independent probe the senator is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement While Pauls skepticism of federal power, both domestically and abroad, has long made him suspect in the eyes of Trump loyalists, his decision to use his committee gavel to seek answers from DHS is earning support from fellow Republicans many of whom are uneasy over the administrations enforcement surge in Minnesota, even if they arent willing to go as far as Paul. Terrible I mean, this is why there needs to be a full investigation as the president said, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of the Homeland Security panel, told reporters earlier this week. Im a firm believer in qualified immunity for law enforcement, but qualified immunity isnt total immunity. Hawley added that the Feb. 12 hearing, under Pauls direction, would be thorough. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has disagreed plenty with his libertarian-leaning GOP colleague, also backed up Pauls decision to have the hearing with the heads of ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Advertisement Advertisement I think it's important, Thune said. Underscoring the unusual role Paul occupies in the Senate, Democrats also view him as a potential ally who might help them force answers out of top administration leaders. While the Kentucky Republican frequently clashes with Democrats, especially on fiscal matters, hes teamed up in recent weeks on bipartisan efforts to check the presidents war and tariff powers. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), another member of the Homeland panel, praised Pauls decision to call in the administration officials to testify. We've had a number of other experiences where there have been issues that are very much on the people's minds, and Congress and colleagues have not called in the administration, he said in an interview. This is a good sign from his proactive nature. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also praised Paul as an example of a Republican who understands that the American people demand truth and accountability right now. Paul, however, is making clear his concerns about the administrations response to Saturdays shooting arent personal against Trump. And there are signs his orbit is treading lightly around the Minnesota crisis. After Prettis killing Saturday, Doug Stafford Pauls longtime chief strategist posted on X, questioning why Border Patrol officers were in a city nowhere near the border and when did it become illegal to carry a gun in America. He later deleted the post. A spokesperson for Pauls office did not respond to a request for comment on that decision. Advertisement Advertisement [Paul is] not a partisan voice, said Brian Darling, a lobbyist who previously worked for Paul in the Senate. Hes somebody who is going to look at the issue and look at it from a conservative perspective. And look at it from the perspective of preserving liberty. Thats the way he analyzes issues. In the case of the Minnesota shooting, Darling said Paul would not simply look the other way because of his Republican colleagues. Hes not going to play team ball on an issue where he sees important issues like the Fourth Amendment, the Second Amendment at risk, he added. Often a maverick among the Senate GOP, Paul was cast aside as the party crafted Trumps landmark domestic policy bill last year. As Homeland chair, Paul had jurisdiction over one of the legislations central pillars a surge in new spending on border security. Advertisement Advertisement But he clashed with the Trump administration and Senate leadership over how much to give the agencies in question. Members of his panel, at the time, suggested Paul was operating without consulting his peers. His legislative text was rejected. Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has a history of butting heads with Paul, instead led the drafting of the language. As the fury mounted over Prettis killing Monday and Democrats started uniting around blocking funding for ICE, Paul offered a public reminder of how much funding the agency already had. The Senate is debating another $10B for ICE. But Congress already locked in nearly $19B a year for four years, he wrote on X. Even if this fails, ICE will still have about 87% more funding than last year. Jennifer Scholtes contributed to this report. Federal officials have repeatedly claimed that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees who fatally shot Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti on Saturday did so in the midst of a "riot." The situation, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said after the shooting, was "a violent riot" where "you have someone showing up with weapons." Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander who headed the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis until he was reassigned this week, echoed that assessment during a CNN interview the next day. This alleged riot figures in attempts to blame Pretti for his own death, and it could be relevant in evaluating the decision to grab and restrain him, which resulted in a scuffle that ended with lethal gunfire. But it is inconsistent with bystander videos of the incident, photographs of the scene, eyewitness accounts, and the report that CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) gave Congress on Tuesday. The initial justification for the shooting, which Noem and other officials offered within hours of the incident, portrayed Pretti as a "gunman" who was "brandishing" a pistol, "was there to perpetuate violence," "attacked those officers," aimed to "inflict harm" on them, and "wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement." That account was immediately contradicted by footage of the encounter, which showed that Pretti, who had a carry permit, never drew his pistol. The gun remained in its holster until a Border Patrol agent removed it during the struggle that resulted in Pretti's death. The videos also show it is not true that Pretti "attacked those officers" before they decided to tackle him. Advertisement Advertisement In light of that evidence, the Trump administration has retreated from the claim that Pretti was bent on murder. On Wednesday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who on Saturday described Pretti as a "would-be assassin" and "a domestic terrorist" who "tried to assassinate federal law enforcement," said he had been relying on "reports from CBP on the ground." President Donald Trump, who initially lent credence to the story that Miller amplified, now says the shooting was "tragic" and "very unfortunate." Trump nevertheless continues to fault Pretti for carrying a gun. "I don't like any shooting," he told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday. "But I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest and he's got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines." Trump reiterated that complaint on Tuesday. "You can't have guns," he told reporters. "You can't walk in with guns. You just can't. You can't walk in with guns. You can't do that." Trump was echoing statements by other federal officials, including Noem, FBI Director Kash Patel, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. They portrayed Pretti's exercise of the constitutional right to bear arms as inherently suspicious, illegal, and an invitation to police violence. To reinforce that line of criticism, which provoked objections from Second Amendment groups, federal officials have argued that Pretti recklessly "brought a semiautomatic weapon to a riot." That is how Bovino put it in an interview with CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday. Bovino used the word riot four times while making the case that "the victims are the Border Patrol agents." Advertisement Advertisement When Bash asked whether Pretti ever drew his gun, Bovino said, "We do know that the suspect did bring a weapon, a loaded 9-millimeter, high-capacity handgun, to a riot." He added that Pretti "is not the only one to bring a loaded weapon to a riot." When Bash noted that Pretti had a "Second Amendment right to carry a gun," Bovino said, "Those rights don't count when you riot and assault, delay, obstruct, and impede law enforcement officers, and most especially when you mean to do that beforehand." When Bash asked if there was any evidence that Pretti "was brandishing a weapon," as Noem had falsely claimed, Bovino said, "He brought a semiautomatic weapon to a riot, assaulted federal officers, and at some point they saw that weapon." While videos of the confrontation with Pretti do not necessarily tell the whole story, they do not support the claim that a "riot" was happening at the time. You can hear people blowing whistles, a favorite tactic of protesters in Minneapolis, and you can see two women interacting with CBP personnel. A CBP officer pepper sprays them and pushes one of the women to the ground, which is the incident that prompts Pretti to intervene, first by standing between the officer and the woman, then by trying to help her up. In a sworn statement, a witness said there were "about 15 observers there, recording and observing." Another witness reported seeing "several [CBP] agents and civilians yelling at each other." That does not sound like the "violent riot" that Noem described. A photograph of the scene taken immediately after the shooting shows about 50 seemingly calm people standing behind yellow police tape. The number of onlookers, which may have swelled after the shooting, is roughly the same as the number of federal law enforcement personnel. Advertisement Advertisement The OPR's report to Congress, which The Intercept published on Tuesday, says "several civilians were in the area yelling and blowing whistles" prior to the shooting. It adds that CBP officers and Border Patrol agents "made several verbal requests for the civilians to stay on the sidewalks and out of the roadway." Around 9 a.m., according to the OPR report, a CBP officer "was confronted by two female civilians blowing whistles." He "ordered the female civilians to move out of the roadway," but "the female civilians did not move." After he "pushed them both away," the OPR says, one of the women "ran to" Pretti, who at that point was standing in the middle of the street, directing traffic while holding up his cellphone to record the scene. The CBP officer "attempted to move the woman and Pretti out of the roadway," but "the woman and Pretti did not move," so he "deployed his [pepper] spray towards both Pretti and the woman." While the OPR says the CBP officer "ordered" the women to "move out of the roadway," it does not say he gave any such instruction to Pretti. Rather, it says he "attempted to move" Pretti, which is consistent with what the videos seem to show: an immediate resort to force after Pretti came to the aid of the woman who had been pushed to the ground. The OPR report glides over that point. "CBP personnel attempted to take Pretti into custody," it says. "Pretti resisted CBP personnel's efforts and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, a [Border Patrol agent] yelled, 'He's got a gun!' multiple times. Approximately five seconds later, a [Border Patrol agent] discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a [CBP officer] also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. After the shooting, a [Border Patrol agent] advised he had possession of Pretti's firearm. The [Border Patrol agent] subsequently cleared and secured Pretti's firearm in his vehicle." Advertisement Advertisement That account omits some crucial details. It does not mention that the Border Patrol agent who "secured Pretti's firearm" had disarmed him by the time the shooting started or that Pretti was restrained, with both of his arms pinned down, at that point. It does not mention that the agent who first opened fire shot Pretti four times in the back at close range, meaning he faced no visible threat and could not have seen the gun even if it had not already been removed. It does not mention that, after Pretti collapsed on the pavement, that agent and the CBP officer fired six more rounds into his prone, motionless body from a distance. That use of deadly force would be hard to understand, let alone justify, even if the "observers" could accurately be described as rioters. But if CBP officers and Border Patrol agents were dealing with mass violence, it might help explain their aggressive treatment of Pretti, which precipitated the struggle that left him fatally wounded half a minute later. Judging from the OPR report, however, the threat to the CBP officers and Border Patrol agents was far less serious than the one that Noem and Bovino described. Instead of a "violent riot," it was "several civilians" who were "yelling and blowing whistles"and more specifically, "two female civilians" who were "blowing whistles," standing in the street, and refusing to "move out of the roadway." They may have been disobedient, but they were not violent, and neither was Pretti. Bovino has a history of misrepresenting the threats posed by protesters, as Reason's Autumn Billings notes. When he was overseeing the immigration crackdown in Chicago, he was caught on video lobbing tear gas at protesters. He claimed they were throwing rocks, one of which struck him in the head. Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Bovino and the Department of Homeland Security claimed that he had been hit by a rock in the head before throwing the tear gas," U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis noted in November, "but video evidence disproves this. And he ultimately admitted he was not hit until after he threw the tear gas." In other words, Ellis said, Bovino "admitted that he lied about whether a rock hit him before he deployed tear gas." In that case, the DHS echoed Bovino's lie. "The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents, and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head," Tricia McLaughlin, the department's assistant secretary for public affairs, said after the incident. The DHS likewise was on the same page as Bovino after the Pretti shooting. Noem, like Bovino, conflated protesters with rioters. The DHS compounded its dishonesty by asserting that Pretti intended to "massacre law enforcement"a claim so clearly inconsistent with the video record that even Stephen Miller, a driving force behind Trump's mass deportation project, felt compelled to walk it back, blaming "reports from CBP on the ground." These misrepresentations are part of a persistent pattern. "In case after case" across the country, Reason's C.J. Ciaramella noted in October, the DHS has shown "a willingness to put false information out to the public and never correct it." Advertisement Advertisement This is the same department that is now promising to thoroughly and dispassionately investigate the circumstances of Pretti's death. Even if Noem had not immediately prejudged the outcome of that investigation by preemptively exonerating her underlings, that promise would be hard to believe. The post DHS Retreats From the Claim That the Agents Who Killed Alex Pretti Faced a 'Violent Riot' appeared first on Reason.com. India and the European Union (EU) have completed negotiations on financial services under the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two sides closed the chapter in the latest negotiating round. The outcome sets out an institutional and regulatory framework to support bilateral cooperation. It also aims to improve market access and enable closer integration between the two financial systems. The talks conclude against a backdrop of strong services trade. Total services trade between India and the EU stood at around $83bn in 2024. India exported about $700m in financial services to the EU in 2024 and imported around $600m in financial services from the bloc in the same year. The financial services annex includes 16 articles. The parties say it goes beyond standard General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) commitments. India and the EU committed to cooperate on electronic payments and real-time transaction infrastructure. The text covers interoperability and the interlinking of payment systems. It also targets improvements in cross-border payments for use cases such as remittances, merchant payments, and other transfers. The agreement also includes commitments on fintech cooperation. India and the EU plan to support fintech initiatives and work together on innovative financial services. The areas include supervisory technology (SupTech), regulatory technology (RegTech) and central bank digital currency (CBDC). The annex includes provisions intended to address discriminatory treatment in credit assessment and broader market treatment. The stated aim is to ensure parity with domestic institutions in the EU market and support market access for Indian financial institutions and other financial service suppliers. The schedules of specific commitments cover market access and national treatment in banking, insurance, and other financial services segments. Indias offers reference recent policy settings, including 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance and an FDI limit of 74% in banking. On branch expansion, the framework includes a licencing approach that allows up to 15 bank branches to be established over a four-year period, compared with a previously offered limit of 12 branches under GATS-based commitments. The negotiating summary also includes current market presence. Three Indian banks operate in the EU- State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India. Together, they have five branches. State Bank of India also maintains a representative office in the EU. On the EU side, five banks operate in India with 33 branches. In addition, 17 EU banks maintain representative offices in India. U.S. Rep. John Mannion introduced legislation on Jan. 27 meant to help schools like Oneida High School, which was forced to close for months after a July 2025 devastated its electrical and mechanical systems. The bills would provide more support for schools forced to close after natural disasters and severe weather. As an educator for almost thirty years, I know that kids learn best in person, with stability, structure and as little disruption as possible, Mannion, D-Geddes, said in a statement. What students, teachers, and families in Oneida experienced made clear that when disasters shut down schools, the consequences are felt far beyond the building. Advertisement Advertisement This bill is about making sure schools have the resources they need to reopen and recover quickly. Oneida High School flooded When district administrators were unable to find another building for Oneida High School students, they devised a plan that sent high school students to the district's Otto Shortell Middle School in the morning and middle school students in the afternoon starting in September of last year. Officials prepared students and families for that arrangement to last for the entire school year, but repairs were finished faster than expected and students returned to the high school on Jan. 26. The flooding of Oneida High School on June 22, 2025 and its months-long closing for repairs has inspired U.S. Rep. John Mannion, D-Geddes, to introduce legislation that would give more and more flexible federal support to schools recovering from natural disasters. More on the bill The bill is also sponsored by Rep. Troy Carter, D-LA, and Rep. Judy Chu, D--CA. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would reauthorize and amend the U.S. Department of Educations Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations Program to allow multi-year funding, available until spent. That would give schools more predictable and timely assistance, advocates argue. The bill would also expand program eligibility to include schools hit by state-declared disasters, not just federally declared disasters. After the high school in Oneida flooded, the district was not eligible for any federal assistance because the storm was declared a disaster by the state, but not by federal authorities. The bill would also allow program funds to be spent on facility and equipment repairs, and on minor renovations, helping districts pay for urgent infrastructure needs. And it would prioritize funding for schools closed for 30 days or more, ensuring that resources go toward the most severe disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Had this legislation been in place prior to (flooding in the high school), additional federal resources could have helped to accelerate our recovery and reduce the disruption experienced by our students, families, teachers and school staff, Oneida Superintendent Matthew Carpenter said in a statement. More: Mannion co-sponsors resolution to impeach Noem Their districts situation highlights why schools need timelier and more flexible federal disaster recovery support, he added. Mannion plans to visit with Oneida high school students during the last week of January, according to his statement. The visit is expected to underscore the toll taken by long school closures and the importance of re-opening classrooms as quickly as possible, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Schools across the country are facing increasing disruptions from floods, fires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. The Restarting Education After Disasters Act ensures federal education recovery funding is reliable, equitable, and responsive. The expanded Restarting Education After Disasters Act has been endorsed by the New York State School Boards Association, the New York State Council of School Superintendents, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Build Americas School Infrastructure Coaltion (BASIC). This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida High School behind US Rep John Mannion disaster recovery bill Utah won a $30 million bid for US Magnesiums land, water rights and mining agreements on Tuesday as part of a wider strategy to refill the shrinking Great Salt Lake. The asset transfer is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for US Magnesium, which was at one point the countrys largest producer of the mineral. In 2021, equipment failure prompted the company to stop producing magnesium, and in September 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy. Assets the state bought include the companys 4,500 acres on Great Salt Lakes southwest shore and the water rights to just over 144,000 acre-feet, which is roughly the same volume as Deer Creek Reservoir. Advertisement Advertisement Joel Ferry, the executive director of Utahs Department of Natural Resources, told the Deseret News that when he looked at the companys bankruptcy filings, there wasnt a lot of initial intent to look at continuing to produce magnesium. His team began wondering what would be the best path forward for Utah. So officials sat down with Gov. Spencer Coxs office and made a decision for the state to take a bigger role in how this plays out, Ferry said. The states asset purchase is a huge win for the state of Utah, Ferry said. I cant overexaggerate how big and important this is for the long-term viability of Great Salt Lake and for the health and quality of life for the citizens of Utah. Ferry added that the state has been in conversation with several private mineral producers interested in using the land on the condition they use newer technologies that mitigate water loss. The purchase is a result of five years of work The US Magnesium plant is seen reflected in one of five brine holding ponds in Rowley, on the west side of the Great Salt Lake Wednesday, July 27, 2005. Photo by Jason Olson (Submission date: 07/27/2005) | Jason Olson Since 2021, the Great Salt Lake has been at the center of many state policy changes. Advertisement Advertisement For example, in 2022, when he was serving as a state representative, Ferry sponsored a bill that allowed water left in rivers or delivered to the Great Salt Lake to legally count as beneficial use, instead of being treated as waste. The bill provided structure for a new initiative that allows farmers to sell their water to the lake at around $300 per acre-foot. If it hadnt been for the kind of groundwork that was laid over the last five years ... if I would have pitched the purchase five years ago, I dont think it would have happened, Ferry said. He added that his department has worked closely with the governor, the states Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Wildlife Resources to get the purchase to go through. Advertisement Advertisement The governors office has been so supportive, Ferry said. The leadership from Spencer Cox on this issue is second to none. He has done a fantastic job. He believes in this, and hes doing his part in being supportive of all the things were doing. Why has the Great Salt Lake become such a hot issue? Water levels at the Great Salt Lake are very low in Magna on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News When asked why Ferry believes the Great Salt Lakes shrinkage has become such a large issue, he responded, If we dont take every effort to save this lake long term, our children and grandchildren future generations will be paying the consequences. Those consequences, Ferry said, include poor air quality, a diminished snowpack and negative health impacts. Several researchers around Utah, including University of Utah professor Kevin Perry, worry that dust from the newly exposed lakebed could carry harmful metals like arsenic around the Wasatch Front. Advertisement Advertisement But ultimately, its all about this quality of life that I grew up with on the north shore of the Great Salt Lake, Ferry said. Ferrys family has lived on a farm and ranch where the Bear River enters the Great Salt Lake for 125 years. I see the ramification, he said. I see the invasive species that have come in because the waters not there like it used to be. I have personally experienced it. I know what its like, and its devastating. I would love to have my kids and grandkids have similar experiences that Ive had and enjoy this quality of life. I think its worth it, Ferry said. For more than three decades, Paul Rooney showed up faithfully to his job at the Kearny School District, walking the six blocks from his parents home to sweep floors, clean bathrooms and tidy up classrooms. Working as a custodian at Schuyler Elementary School gave Rooney purpose, according to his family. It allowed the intellectually disabled man to earn a paycheck and keep a routine, while pitching in to better his community. Yet in that time, Rooneys family now charges, he was being taken advantage of paid less than other school janitors though he performed the same basic duties. Advertisement Advertisement In a lawsuit filed last month on Rooneys behalf, his family charged he was earning roughly $15,000 a year less than his coworkers when he retired in January 2025 after 35 years of service. Were not vindictive, said his brother, Michael Rooney, a retired Kearny firefighter who cast the family as reluctant litigants. We just want to get whats right and proper. The suit accused the towns public school system of exploiting Rooney and his vulnerabilities in violation of New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination. It estimated that all told, he was shortchanged more than $200,000 in lost wages and future pension earnings. Though Kearny custodians are unionized, the suit accused the district of foisting a less generous individual contract on Rooney as he neared the end of his career. He was asked to sign the document, which capped his salary at $45,000, though he reads only at the level of an 8- or 9-year old, the suit said. Advertisement Advertisement The suit also charged Rooney had union dues regularly deducted from his paychecks, though he apparently wasnt represented by the union, the Kearny School Employees Association. Mentally disabled Kearny janitor suing school district for pay inequality The law requires employers to accommodate workers with disabilities and pay them fairly, recognizing their limitations often pose no hindrance to the roles they perform. But advocates say unequal treatment still sometimes goes unreported, because families worry their loved ones will be punished if they complain. In a statement, the school district denied mistreating Rooney and said it believes it will be vindicated. The district would not address the suits specific allegations, but maintained there is another side to this matter that will be presented as the legal process unfolds in Superior Court in Hudson County. The Kearny School District adamantly denies any improprieties in connection with the employment of Mr. Paul Rooney, wrote Kenneth Lindenfelser, the districts lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to reach the Kearny School Employees Association, which covers the districts custodians, were unsuccessful. Rooney, 61, is the youngest of three brothers who were born in Scotland and immigrated with their parents to the United States in the 1970s. His cognitive disabilities date to a babyhood accident in which he fell from a chair and hit his head, later developing epilepsy, according to Michael Rooney, who lives in Point Pleasant and looks after his brother. For most of his life, Rooney was cared for by his now-late parents: his father, a steamfitter, and his mother, a stay-at-home mom. As a boy, he attended special needs classes in Kearny and was able to graduate high school, though it took him a couple of years longer than normal, his brother said. Rooney began working for the district in 1989, after his mother urged him to apply. He spent his entire career in the same building, starting at a salary of $5 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement The longest job I had, Rooney said during a recent interview with NJ Advance Media, his cadence slow and labored. The kids didnt want me to leave. As his brother and their lawyer, Eric Kleiner, went through details of the case, Rooney largely sat quietly at the kitchen table of his first-floor condo, his hands folded in front of him. A bespectacled man with a receding gray hairline, Rooney had no trouble describing the duties of his former job from picking up pizza boxes, to mopping the floors, to throwing the garbage away or the 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours he worked. Michael Rooney called his brother amicable and eager to please, and said he never faced discipline in his time at the school. Advertisement Advertisement I tell Paul, You know, were proud of you, his brother said. You accomplished 35 years of work. It was as Rooney was preparing to retire that Michael Rooney said he realized his brother was being paid less than others. Michael said he asked school officials for an explanation, but was rebuffed. Nobody really wanted to address the issue, Michael Rooney said. Nobody wants to take responsibility for how this has transpired over all these years. The suit represents the second that Kleiner, the familys lawyer, has filed in recent years on behalf of a school janitor with intellectual disabilities. Mentally disabled Kearny janitor suing school district for pay inequality Last year, the Bloomfield School District paid a $150,000 settlement to a longtime custodian who charged he barely earned minimum wage, despite working there for 35 years. The district denied wrongdoing, though David Quinlan was paid as a per-diem employee and never received health benefits, a pension, vacation days or sick leave. Advertisement Advertisement Mercedes Witowsky, the executive director of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, called allegations like Rooneys and Quinlans disappointing, but said she believes they are rare. Witowsky noted both men were hired in an era when there were fewer resources for the disabled, and said in todays world, there are more support systems in place to protect them. So it is not something that we commonly hear, Witowsky said. Kleiner said he suspects there are other families in New Jersey who have similar complaints. But it is expensive, time-consuming and stressful to pursue a lawsuit against the government, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why litigation like Rooneys is important, Kleiner said. Paul is going to end up carrying a mantle, you know, for all the other Pauls, Kleiner said. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A Des Moines police cadet is on leave and has been charged with assault after grabbing a colleague around their legs to prevent them from leaving an office, new court filings allege. Dominick Hoffman, 20, was charged with simple assault on Friday, Jan. 23, after a complaint from the victim, one of Hoffman's colleagues, 10 days prior, according to a news release from police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek. A criminal complaint alleges Hoffman blocked an exit and grabbed his colleague by the legs, preventing them from leaving an office. Advertisement Advertisement The victim repeatedly told Hoffman they needed to leave and had to physically force their way past him while he allegedly continued to hold onto their legs. There is video evidence of the incident, according to the criminal complaint. The victim has filed a no-contact order. Hoffman, who was hired in May 2025, is on administrative leave as an internal investigation continues. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the criminal case as an independent third party. Hoffman is scheduled to appear in court Monday, Feb. 9. Police Chief McTaggart said in a statement last week that public trust requires transparency. Advertisement Advertisement "To say we are disappointed in the alleged behavior of one of our employees towards another would be an understatement," McTaggart said in the statement. "The most valued asset in our department are the employees, and we are committed to providing a safe work environment for each of them. ... The relationship we have with the community that we serve depends on mutual trust, and trust cannot exist without accountability." Parizek said Thursday, Jan. 29 the department had no further comment. A police cadet serves in a support role at the department. Jobs are intended to familiarize the cadet with law enforcement and include duties like directing traffic, parking enforcement, report writing and admin. Cadets must be 18 years old and serve in a non-sworn position. 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: Des Moines police cadet charged with assault after grabbing colleague The United States is intensifying a military build-up off Iran that experts say could be an indicator that Washington is planning to strike the country. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is one of several military assets the US has deployed to the Arabian Sea in recent days. The US also deployed assets from around the world to the region during the 12-day Iran-Israel War in June last year, when Washington sided with its ally Israel and heavily bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Advertisement Advertisement And later last year, the US stockpiled military assets in the Caribbean just weeks before launching a series of strikes on Venezuelan boats it claimed without proof were trafficking drugs to the US. Eventually, the US abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Caracas in a military assault on January 3. Following mass protests in Iran from late December, when thousands took to the streets first to complain about the countrys failing currency, but later on, demanding government change, Iranian security forces were accused of massacring demonstrators. The United Nations special rapporteur to Iran said at least 5,000 protesters were killed, while thousands have been detained. US President Donald Trump seized on the opportunity to lambast Irans clerical leaders, telling demonstrators that help is on its way, and threatening military action if Iran carried out executions of prisoners. Earlier this month, Trump dialled back his threats when, he said, the Iranian government assured him there would be no executions. And, when protests were finally quashed last week, he claimed planned executions had been halted because of him, although Iran disputes that account. Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, Trumps rhetoric and the unusual deployment of US military assets to the coast of Iran in recent days may indicate that strikes could be imminent, some analysts say. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday last week, Trump said military forces and assets had been deployed to the region just in case. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we wont have to use it, he said. However, he warned, if Iran does execute protesters, US military action on the country would make Junes attack on three Iranian nuclear sites look like peanuts. Heres what we know about what US assets have been deployed: What US military assets have arrived in the region? US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a post on X on Monday that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, has been sent to the Middle East to promote regional security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement The vessel, which departed her homeport of San Diego, California in November and had been operating in the South China Sea until last week, is one of the US Navys largest warships. While CENTCOM did not offer more details on why the ship had been deployed, its statement signals a large US naval deployment towards Iran at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared. On Tuesday, the US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) also announced multi-day readiness military drills throughout its areas of responsibility, referring to 20-some nations in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that host US military bases. In a statement, AFCENT said the drills would help to improve its capacity to deploy assets and personnel, strengthen its partnerships with host countries, and prepare for flexible responses. Advertisement Advertisement This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where its needed, Lieutenant General Derek France, AFCENT commander, said in the statement. Details regarding the locations and timing of the drills are unknown. The US maintains a vast military footprint in the Middle East and has been expanding its assets and capabilities there since 2024, as part of its attempt to deter the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, who have been targeting Israel-linked commercial vehicles in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. There were about 40,000 US service members in the region by June 2025, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Advertisement Advertisement Overall, there are eight permanent US military bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Other US military installations are situated in Oman and Turkiye. Iran bombed Qatars Al Udeid military airbase, which hosts US troops, on June 23, 2025, in response to Washingtons strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the day before, at the end of the 12-day Iran-Israel war. No deaths or injuries were recorded, and satellite imagery noted that military aircraft had been evacuated in anticipation of the strikes. Irans attack was largely seen as a face-saving exercise. What are the capabilities of the USS Abraham Lincoln and other assets? The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) serves as a mobile airfield and the flagship vessel of the US Navys Carrier Strike Group 3, an operational formation that includes several thousand personnel likely between 6,000 and 7,000 sailors and marines. Advertisement Advertisement With an overall length of 333 metres (1,092 feet), the vessel is one of the US Navys largest warships. It is part of a 10-member elite class of US aircraft carriers that use nuclear reactors, rather than diesel engines, to power their propeller shafts. They can operate for decades without requiring fuel. USS Abraham Lincoln, despite its huge size, is designed for exceptional speed over extended periods. It runs at more than 56km/h (35mph), a speed at which it can quickly manoeuvre and evade attacks. At least three destroyers smaller, faster warships that flank the bigger vessels as escorts are also known to be in the formation. They are Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers all-steel ships capable of launching Tomahawk missiles for land strikes and providing ballistic missile defence. All three belong to the destroyer unit assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln-Destroyer Squadron 21. Advertisement Advertisement The destroyers are: USS Frank E Petersen Jr, which features highly advanced missile launch systems USS Spruance, known for its powerful radar and sensor systems. It is similarly armed with multiple missiles, including anti-submarine missiles USS Michael Murphy, a newer model of the Spruance Carrier strike formations also usually include a cruiser, an attack submarine and one replenishment ship. The USS Mobile Bay guided-missile cruiser, used to launch missiles or detect incoming threats, is typically deployed alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. But its unclear if the vessel has arrived with the fleet this time. Advertisement Advertisement The air unit assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing 9 or Shoguns as they are nicknamed, were involved in multiple US strikes against Yemens Houthis in 2024. The group has between eight and nine squadrons and around 65 fighter aircraft, mainly strike fighters like the F/A-18E Super Hornet a speedy, single-seat strike fighter used for precision strikes, reconnaissance and refuelling missions. What happened during the 2025 June attack? On the night of June 22, 2025, US forces attacked three Iranian nuclear sites simultaneously during an elaborate mission codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, which involved 4,000 military personnel. The sites, located in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in Iran, were all heavily damaged, with the US assessing that Irans nuclear capabilities had been severely hampered. Fordow, an underground enrichment facility built deep into the mountains, was hit with 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOPs) or bunker-buster bombs delivered from seven B-2 stealth bomber planes. The 13,000kg (28,700lb) GBU-57 MOP is the most powerful bunker-buster bomb, able to penetrate 60m (200 feet) below ground and deliver up to 2,400kg (5,300lb) of explosives, while the bombers are hard to detect due to their specialised shaping and radar-absorbent materials that reduce reflection. INTERACTIVE-Bunker buster bombs-Iran Israel gbu57 b2 bomber-2025-1750307369 Natanz, Irans second-biggest enrichment facility, was also hit with two MOPs. Advertisement Advertisement Isfahan, a research facility, was targeted with more than 24 Tomahawk missiles fired from a US submarine, likely the USS Georgia. INTERACTIVE - What are Tomahawk missiles - September 30, 2025-1759225571 President Trump revealed that F-35 and F-22 fighter jets also breached Irans airspace in anticipation of a retaliatory strike by Iran. A total of 125 aircraft were involved in the mission. All successfully withdrew before Iran could respond to the surprise bombing. It was the first time the US launched strikes on Iranian soil. In January 2020, the US targeted and assassinated Iranian major general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike, but that was while he was near Baghdad Airport in neighbouring Iraq. Days before the June 2025 attacks on Iran, media reported that US military assets were moving unusually. On June 21, for example, the US deployed six B-2 stealth bombers towards Guam, but it was later revealed that this had been a decoy mission to maintain an element of surprise. Two carrier strike groups accompanying the USS Carl Vinson and USS Nimitz had also been positioned in the Arabian Sea ahead of the attack. The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was meanwhile moved to the eastern Mediterranean. INTERACTIVE - US Military build up in the Arabian Sea - JAN 28, 2026 copy-1769609695 How ready is the US for another attack on Iran? Analysts say the new military build-up off Iran could signal an imminent, albeit likely a limited, attack on Iran one that would probably be aimed at Irans government following its brutal crackdown on protesters this month. Ellie Geranmayeh, from the European Council on Foreign Relations, told Al Jazeera that Trump could justify such an attack and possibly even a regime change by arguing that the US wants to protect civilians. But the risks of a military intervention, she added, are significant, and there are no guarantees that Iranians would be better off as a result. If America launches significant attacks, possibly with a regime change endgame, Tehran is likely to directly increase the cost to Trump in an election year by targeting American soldiers stationed across the Middle East, she said. Iran, Geranmayeh warned, would suffer in a US attack, but it also has the capacity to inflict damage on the US and its allies, particularly by attacking oil facilities and blocking international shipping routes. Iran, she said, could also strike US allies such as Israel. INTERACTIVE - Strait of Hormuz Map Iran Israel-1750677677 Although the Iranian government chose not to escalate the conflict following the June 2025 attacks, there is no assurance it will do the same again, the analyst added. If its regime stability comes under unprecedented existential threat from ground-up pressure domestically and bombing from the skies, the Islamic Republic is likely to use all its cards before they lose them, she added. However, Ali Vaez, from the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that an attack may not happen at all, since a justification on human rights grounds would not be timely. Its hard to imagine that a strike is imminent the protests have already been crushed, he said. Besides, he added, military strikes on Iran would be expensive, and the end goal of such a costly intervention for the US is not clear. Vaez agreed that it would likely be Irans 92-million population that would bear the brunt of military action if diplomatic channels fail and the situation escalates. The regime, or its remnants, might survive and become more repressive towards their own people and more aggressive in the region, he said. A mural is displayed in an alley downtown in Springfield, Ohio. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images.) The termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the United States is set to take effect on Feb. 3. This decision will destabilize thousands of law-abiding families in Ohio undermining local economies and endangering people who cannot return safely. At present, TPS protects approximately 330,000 Haitians living in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement These individuals have relied on TPS for legal status and security, and Springfield, Ohio is home to around 12,000 Haitians. The scheduled termination of TPS will directly affect many of them, raising concerns about their future residency and stability. It will also impact the Springfield economy. TPS holders are authorized workers filling existing labor gaps. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed concern about the consequences of Haitians no longer being eligible for employment, warning that some of the economic progress that we have made, that Springfield has made, would go away. While manufacturing in Springfield will be hit the hardest with the ensuing labor shortage, logistics/warehousing, food service, hospitality, and residential housing will also experience significant negative effects. Advertisement Advertisement Carl Ruby, senior pastor at Central Christian Church in Springfield, says that, with the upcoming labor shortage due to the termination of TPS, companies in Springfield are finding it difficult to make competitive bids for work. The economic fallout could be catastrophic. The Department of Homeland Security asserts that the decision to end TPS for Haitians is based on improved conditions in Haiti and the determination that it is safe for Haitians to return. That determination has been widely disputed and has been challenged in court. Haiti continues to struggle with severe political instability, widespread violence, and inadequate access to basic services. Advertisement Advertisement These persistent challenges have led many experts and advocates to maintain that returning Haitians would face significant risks and hardships. One of us (Viles Dorsainvil) is a Haitian pastor and missionary whose family remains in Haiti. He says the administrations claim that it is safe to return is simply false. His family remains trapped in Haiti and has pleaded with him not to come back. His brother, who pastors a church near the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, describes worsening conditions. He says the gangs commit murder, have raped family members of his congregants, kidnap for ransom, and vandalize homes. Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the gangs have expanded their influence and geographic reach, have blocked roads into Port-au-Prince, and attacked the airport. These gangs have more money and firepower than local police who have been weakened by corruption. According to the United Nations, these heavily armed groups wield AK-47s, AR-15s, and Galil rifles weapons largely trafficked from the United States. Even the U.S. Embassy has severely limited operations, warning staff to remain indoors for safety. Meanwhile, the collapse of Haitis economy has deepened dependence on family members living abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Many Haitians rely on relatives with TPS in the United States to send money home for food, medicine, and survival. The fear gripping Springfields Haitian community is palpable. Parents worry about being torn from their children. According to Casey Rollins, executive director of Springfields St. Vincent de Paul, deportations will lead to family separations and leave children without parents. Casey has worked with the Haitian community in Springfield since 2016 and calls the uncertainty heartbreaking. TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to protect people from countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Revoking it while those dangers persist contradicts its very purpose. The administration should re-evaluate the conditions in Haiti and the decision to end TPS for Haitian immigrants. We come to this issue as people of faith. In addition to leading the Haitian Community Help & Support Center, Viles serves as an elder at Central Christian Church, where he ministers to Haitian members alongside Pastor Ruby. Viles has preached more on Sunday mornings than anyone except me, Ruby said. Like so many immigrants who come to the United States, the majority of Haitians are Christians (87% identify as Christians 52% Protestant; 35% Catholic). Advertisement Advertisement Viles draws strength from his Christian faith. Haitians have never had a country to enjoy. There is an American dream, but there is no Haitian dream, he said. Our prayer is simple that Haitians will be allowed to remain in Springfield, build a legacy, and continue contributing to the community they now call home. Its a prayer every American should echo. Matt Bevere is a ministry consultant (Great Lakes Region) with the National Association of Evangelicals and lives in Canton, Ohio. Viles Dorsainvil is a Moravian pastor, missionary, and co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Community Help & Support Center in Springfield, Ohio. Florida lawmakers are moving closer to renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, advancing legislation that would transfer naming authority from local officials to the state. Florida Senate Advances Trump Airport Bill On Tuesday, A Florida Senate transportation committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 706, clearing the way for Palm Beach International Airport to be renamed "Donald J. Trump International Airport." All nine committee members voted in favor, including three Democrats. A companion bill is also moving through the Florida House. Don't Miss: Advertisement Advertisement A companion measure, House Bill 919, is also advancing in the Florida House. Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R-Fla.) announced on X that her bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Trump passed its first committee. She called the move an effort to honor what she described as "the greatest president of our lifetime." My bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after @realDonaldTrump just PASSED its first committee. Proud to honor the greatest president of our lifetime. Let's Make Aviation GREAT Again! #MAGA https://t.co/n6u0OeX8NN Debbie Mayfield (@debbie_mayfield) January 28, 2026 Trending: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started. FAA Approval, Costs And Security Raised The committee amended the bill to require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before any name change takes effect. Advertisement Advertisement The proposal may also require a rights agreement that allows the airport to use Trump's name for branding, promotions and merchandising at no cost. Palm Beach County officials said a full renaming could take 18 to 24 months and cost millions of dollars, though it remains unclear who would pay, reported The Hill. Officials also warned the high-profile name could lead to an increase in security threats at the airport. The bill is set to be considered by a House committee on Wednesday. See Also: Private-Market Real Estate Without the Crowdfunding RiskDirect Access to Institutional-Grade Deals Managed by a $12B+ Real Estate Firm Trump Boulevard Approved In Palm Beach Last year, Palm Beach County officials unanimously approved renaming a four-mile stretch of Southern Boulevard as "President Donald J. Trump Boulevard", linking Palm Beach International Airport to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump thanked local and state leaders, calling the move a "wonderful honor." The renaming was authorized under GOP-led legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, with the state Department of Transportation set to install signage after local approval. The law also designates an adjacent section as "PBSO Motorman Highway" in memory of three motorcycle deputies killed the previous November. Read Next: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro Photo Courtesy: Phil Mistry on Shutterstock.com 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. Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Donald J. Trump International Airport Push Gains Momentum In Florida, Lawmaker Says Proud To Honor 'Greatest President Of Our Lifetime' originally appeared on Benzinga.com NEED TO KNOW President Donald Trump skipped over Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Jan. 29 Cabinet meeting Trump also made the rare move of refusing questions from the press following the meeting Kaitlan Collins, CNN's chief White House correspondent, suggested that Trump's actions allowed the administration to avoid addressing recent DHS controversies from Minneapolis and heightened scrutiny about Noem's leadership President Donald Trump added more fuel to the rumors about Kristi Noem's job security during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29. Trump's televised Cabinet meetings where his top advisers take turns updating him on their departments' priorities have become opportunities to tout the administration's achievements and comment on current events, however two notable actions by Trump prevented that from happening on Thursday, as many wondered how he would acknowledge the ongoing criticism toward the Department of Homeland Security and its controversial presence in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement The federal immigration operation in Minneapolis has been a source of great backlash for the Trump administration, including with the fatal officer-involved shootings of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti; distressing updates about 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose ICE detainment while returning home from preschool with his father went viral; and the recent attack on Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar while she was condemning DHS Secretary Noem at a town hall. While Trump called on many members of his Cabinet for updates on issues like housing, the economy, the ongoing situation in Venezuela and more during Thursday's meeting, CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins was quick to note afterward that he skipped over Noem, preventing her from addressing the criticism surrounding her leadership of federal immigration agencies. Trump also ended the meeting abruptly and, in an exceedingly rare move for the 47th president, declined to take questions from the assembled members of the White House press corps. "There have been a ton of headlines generated around Minneapolis, what's happening there, especially with the president changing his leadership there on the ground," Collins said on the air immediately after the event. "That did not come up at all during this Cabinet meeting, and we were there for over an hour and a half." Advertisement Advertisement "Not once was Minneapolis brought up, and obviously no questions were brought up to the president because he did not take questions, despite talking during the Cabinet meeting about how he believes they are the most transparent administration ever," she added. Federal agents in the streets of Minneapolis on Jan. 13, 2026 Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Noem and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino both came under fire for comments made shortly after Pretti's death on Jan. 24, in which they labeled the 37-year-old ICU nurse a "domestic terrorist." "This individual who came with weapons and ammunition to stop a law enforcement operation of federal law enforcement officers committed an act of domestic terrorism," Noem said while speaking with reporters just hours after Pretti was shot and killed. "Thats the facts." Video footage soon revealed that Pretti was holding a cell phone, not a gun, and that Border Patrol agents disarmed him before shooting him at point-blank range. Advertisement Advertisement Calls for Noem's impeachment have come from both Republicans and Democrats; however, when asked on Jan. 27 if Noem would be stepping down, Trump answered simply, telling reporters, "No." He has, however, sidelined Noem and Bovino from the operation in Minneapolis. In a Jan. 26 Truth Social post, Trump announced that he was sending his "border czar," Tom Homan, to be his new point person on the ground in the embattled city. "I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight," Trump, 79, wrote. "He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me." The following day, The Atlantic reported that Bovino will return to his Border Patrol post in El Centro, Calif., where he is Commander Op At Large of that sector. Advertisement Advertisement CBS News also reported on Jan. 27 that Noem is unlikely to lose her Cabinet position outright, but is expected to shift her focus away from Minneapolis to "securing the southern border and other priorities." 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. On Jan. 27, Axios reported that Noem was mounting a defense amid the growing scrutiny, reportedly placing the blame for any DHS missteps on Trump and his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller. "Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the president and Stephen," Noem reportedly said, according to a person who relayed the quote to Axios. Read the original article on People Dozens of people have been killed in a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a key town in war-torn Sudans South Kordofan state, according to local media reports. Multiple areas of Dilling, including the headquarters of the Sudanese armys 54th Brigade and the central market, were struck by suicide drones during Wednesdays attack, the Sudan Tribune reported, citing local sources and medical groups. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the latest RSF attack, which came a day after the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced that it had broken a nearly two-year-long RSF siege on Dilling, gaining control over key supply lines. Advertisement Advertisement Dilling lies halfway between Kadugli the besieged state capital and el-Obeid, the capital of neighbouring North Kordofan province, which the RSF has sought to encircle. The RSF and the SAF have been waging a brutal civil war for control of Sudan since April 2023, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. Since the siege was lifted, Dilling has endured a wave of drone attacks that have destroyed service facilities and caused several casualties. Military sources told the Sudan Tribune that the RSF was attempting to reinstate the blockade, though the SAF continues to hold the area and repel assaults near the strategic town of Habila in North Kordofan state. Amid these clashes, the Sudan Doctors Network has called for an urgent humanitarian corridor to deliver life-saving food and medicine. Local sources said the situation on the ground remains desperate, with a severe lack of health services and a critical shortage of essential supplies, particularly intravenous fluids. Advertisement Advertisement After being forced out of the capital, Khartoum, in March, the RSF has focused on the Kordofan region and el-Fasher city in North Darfur state, which was the militarys last stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region until the RSF seized it in October. Reports of the paramilitary carrying out mass killings, rape, abductions and looting emerged after el-Fashers takeover, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a formal investigation into war crimes by both sides. Dilling has reportedly experienced severe hunger, but the worlds leading authority on food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, did not declare famine there in its November report because of a lack of data. A United Nations-backed assessment last year confirmed famine in Kadugli, which has been under RSF siege for more than a year and a half. Advertisement Advertisement More than 65,000 people have fled the Kordofan region since October, according to the latest UN figures. The conflict has created what the UN describes as the worlds largest displacement and hunger crisis, though some people have returned to their homes despite shattered infrastructure. At its peak, the war has displaced about 14 million people, both internally and across borders. Thousands escaping violence have sought refuge in neighbouring Chad, which already hosts more than 880,000 Sudanese refugees. Although now safe from immediate danger, many refugees struggle to survive as humanitarian funding continues to decrease. CUBA, Ill. (WMBD) A driver was taken to the hospital after crashing into a power pole and a guard rail in Cuba on Wednesday. The Fulton County Sheriffs Office, the Cuba Fire Protection District and Cass-Putman rescue all responded to a crash on Route 97 at Putt Creek Road at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 28, according to a Cass-Putman Rescue Facebook post. The vehicle was believed to have crashed into an Ameren power pole near East Jackson and North Second Streets and struck several objects in multiple yards before crashing into the guard rail on Route 97 that left the vehicle inoperable. Advertisement Advertisement The driver was transported to Graham Hospital in Canton for further evaluation and possible charges for driving under the influence. Cass-Putnam Rescue also thanked Ameren for quickly installing a new pole. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. By Manoj Kumar and Dhwani Pandya NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Indias textile and apparel exporters, hit by 50% U.S. tariffs imposed late in August, are banking on this week's trade agreement with the European Union to offset part of the damage, while urging New Delhi to secure a quick deal with Washington. Under the pact, which will be implemented in about a year, the EU will immediately remove duties on 90% of Indian goods, including the roughly 12% tariff on textiles and apparel. "At a time when the sector is weighed down by high U.S. tariffs, the IndiaEU agreement opens the door to greater market access," said Ashwin Chandran, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), adding that jobs in the sector are currently at risk. U.S. shipments fell more than 50% in October-December from July-September for nearly one-quarter of textile exporters, a CITI survey showed, while businesses warned losses could reach $5 billion$6 billion this year without a U.S. deal. In a letter to the government, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said higher U.S. tariffs have hurt firms that earn up to 70% of their sales from the U.S., risking order cancellations and factory shutdowns, and urged swift action to avoid lasting damage. India's textile and apparel exports held steady at $37.5 billion in 2025 despite the drop in U.S. orders, as exporters diverted shipments to markets such as the EU, UAE, Japan and Africa, government estimates showed. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains India's top market, taking 28% of its textile and apparel exports - about $11 billion out of $38 billion in the financial year ending March, 2025. The EU was the second-largest market with around one fifth of total shipments. "Zero-duty access to the EU market will enhance Indian garments' competitiveness," said AEPC Chairman A. Shakthivel, projecting EU exports could grow 20-25% annually and double in three to four years. Currently, India's share of the EU's $250 billion apparel market is just 3%, with shipments dominated by China, Bangladesh and Vietnam due to lower duties. NEAR-TERM RISKS However, analysts warned of near-term risks for Indian exporters, as the EU has suspended preferential tariffs on Indian apparel for 20262028, and it will be at least one year before the new deal comes into force. The gap before full implementation could temporarily raise costs and squeeze margins, they said. Exporters will still need to meet strict EU technical and safety norms, including detailed labelling, chemical limits, and health-and-environment certifications, analysts added. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A polar vortex storm from January 30, 2019 was captured by NOAA's GOES satellite. | Credit: NOAA This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights . A severe winter storm that brought crippling freezing rain, sleet and snow to a large part of the U.S. in late January 2026 left a mess in states from New Mexico to New England. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power across the South as ice pulled down tree branches and power lines , more than a foot of snow fell in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, and many states faced bitter cold that was expected to linger for days. Advertisement Advertisement The sudden blast may have come as a shock to many Americans after a mostly mild start to winter , but that warmth may have partly contributed to the ferocity of the storm. As atmospheric and climate scientists , we conduct research that aims to improve understanding of extreme weather , including what makes it more or less likely to occur and how climate change might or might not play a role. To understand what Americans are experiencing with this winter blast, we need to look more than 20 miles above the surface of Earth , to the stratospheric polar vortex. What creates a severe winter storm like this? Multiple weather factors have to come together to produce such a large and severe storm. Advertisement Advertisement Winter storms typically develop where there are sharp temperature contrasts near the surface and a southward dip in the jet stream , the narrow band of fast-moving air that steers weather systems. If there is a substantial source of moisture, the storms can produce heavy rain or snow. In late January, a strong Arctic air mass from the north was creating the temperature contrast with warmer air from the south. Multiple disturbances within the jet stream were acting together to create favorable conditions for precipitation, and the storm system was able to pull moisture from the very warm Gulf of Mexico . The National Weather Service issued severe storm warnings (pink) on Jan. 24, 2026, for a large swath of the U.S. that could see sleet and heavy snow over the following days, along with ice storm warnings (dark purple) in several states and extreme cold warnings (dark blue). | Credit: National Weather Service Where does the polar vortex come in? The fastest winds of the jet stream occur just below the top of the troposphere , which is the lowest level of the atmosphere and ends about seven miles above Earth's surface. Weather systems are capped at the top of the troposphere, because the atmosphere above it becomes very stable. The stratosphere is the next layer up, from about seven miles to about 30 miles. While the stratosphere extends high above weather systems, it can still interact with them through atmospheric waves that move up and down in the atmosphere. These waves are similar to the waves in the jet stream that cause it to dip southward, but they move vertically instead of horizontally. Layers of the Earth's atmosphere with corresponding temperature profiles. | Credit: National Weather Service You've probably heard the term " polar vortex " used when an area of cold Arctic air moves far enough southward to influence the United States. That term describes air circulating around the pole, but it can refer to two different circulations , one in the troposphere and one in the stratosphere. Advertisement Advertisement The Northern Hemisphere stratospheric polar vortex is a belt of fast-moving air circulating around the North Pole. It is like a second jet stream, high above the one you may be familiar with from weather graphics, and usually less wavy and closer to the pole. Sometimes the stratospheric polar vortex can stretch southward over the United States. When that happens, it creates ideal conditions for the up-and-down movement of waves that connect the stratosphere with severe winter weather at the surface. A stretched stratospheric polar vortex reflects upward waves back down, left, which affects the jet stream and surface weather, right. | Credit: Mathew Barlow and Judah Cohen, CC BY The forecast for the January storm showed a close overlap between the southward stretch of the stratospheric polar vortex and the jet stream over the U.S., indicating perfect conditions for cold and snow. The biggest swings in the jet stream are associated with the most energy. Under the right conditions, that energy can bounce off the polar vortex back down into the troposphere , exaggerating the north-south swings of the jet stream across North America and making severe winter weather more likely. Advertisement Advertisement This is what was happening in late January 2026 in the central and eastern U.S. If the climate is warming, why are we still getting severe winter storms? Earth is unequivocally warming as human activities release greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere, and snow amounts are decreasing overall . But that does not mean severe winter weather will never happen again. Some research suggests that even in a warming environment, cold events, while occurring less frequently, may still remain relatively severe in some locations . One factor may be increasing disruptions to the stratospheric polar vortex , which appear to be linked to the rapid warming of the Arctic with climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, a warmer ocean leads to more evaporation, and because a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, that means more moisture is available for storms. The process of moisture condensing into rain or snow produces energy for storms as well. However, warming can also reduce the strength of storms by reducing temperature contrasts. The opposing effects make it complicated to assess the potential change to average storm strength . However, intense events do not necessarily change in the same way as average events. On balance, it appears that the most intense winter storms may be becoming more intense . A warmer environment also increases the likelihood that precipitation that would have fallen as snow in previous winters may now be more likely to fall as sleet and freezing rain. There are still many questions Scientists are constantly improving the ability to predict and respond to these severe weather events, but there are many questions still to answer. Ecuadors Foreign Ministry has filed a formal complaint after an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tried to enter its consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday. In a widely shared video, the officer can be seen trying to enter the consulate, telling a staffer to relax, even as he is informed he is not allowed to enter. ICE AGENTS TRIED TO ENTER ECUADORIAN CONSULATE, GOT TURNED AWAY AT THE DOOR Staffer ran to block them: "This is the Ecuadorian consulate. You're not allowed to enter." One agent threatened to "grab" him before backing off. Ecuador filed a formal protest. https://t.co/VGB2Ixk4rz pic.twitter.com/kOv7RvuDOj Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 28, 2026 If you touch me, I will grab you, the officer responded when confronted. Advertisement Advertisement The staffer explained that the consulate is foreign government property. The officer quickly acquiesces and tells the staffer to close the door. The Foreign Ministry called the actions of the ICE officer an attempted incursionby ICE agents and demanded they must not be repeated. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Consulate officials immediately prevented the ICE officer from entering the consular building, thus ensuring the protection of the Ecuadorians who were present at the time, the ministry said in a statement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs immediately presented a note of protest to the Embassy of the United States in Ecuador Advertisement Advertisement There has been no official comment from ICE officials or from the Department of Homeland Security at the time of writing. The US Embassy in Quito did not respond to Salons request for comment. The post Ecuador files formal complaint after ICE agent attempts incursion at Minneapolis embassy appeared first on Salon.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso District Court Judge Marlene Gonzalez is stepping back from cases involving migrant children, following allegations that she behaved impartially and prejudiced toward them in hearings. El Paso District Court Judge Marlene Gonzalez As a judge, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct prevents me from submitting to an interview or commenting on a case that I have recused myself from hearing. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide this response, read a statement from Gonzalez who noted she voluntarily recused herself from hearings regarding unaccompanied migrant childrens cases. On Dec. 17, 2025, attorneys from Estrella del Paso an immigrant advocacy organization filed a motion to recuse Gonzalez from hearings involving unaccompanied migrant children children entering the U.S. illegally and without a parent or guardian. Advertisement Advertisement In the court filing, attorneys and social services workers with the organization submitted written declarations detailing allegations that Gonzalez showed a pattern and practice of cruelty towards migrant children during the hearings. You can read the filing here. DMRS recusalDownload The declarations made allegations that Gonzalez would subject children to humiliating interrogations about why they left their country, and that on multiple occasions she shamed the children for abandoning their parents. In one account an attorney alleged that Gonzalez interrogated a 17-year-old Guatemalan boy who testified that he fled his country to Mexico from an abusive alcoholic father, but that he was kidnapped and beat up twice while in Mexico. The attorney alleged that in response, Gonzalez harangued the boy: Why didnt you stay in another part of Mexico? Its beautiful, and its big. Why didnt you stay in another part of Mexico? the document read. Advertisement Advertisement In another hearing involving a 16-year old Venezuelan girl from Venezuela who had been a victim of child prostitution, an attorney alleged that Gonzalez scolded the child not to engage in prostitution. The filing went on to note that despite these alleged practices by Gonzalez, she would unexpectedly grant children their petitions seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, but that she recently began denying the petitions without providing any reasoning in 2025. Estrella del Paso declined an interview request with KTSM and instead offered the following statement: For nearly 40 years, Estrella del Paso has provided legal representation and other legal services to immigrants in El Paso. We are a non-profit law firm. As attorneys, we take our legal and ethical duties to our clients very seriously, and we file every motion and document with the court with these duties in mind. The motion filed includes several detailed examples that our legal team took time and detailed care to compile. For accuracy and completeness, we encourage you to refer directly to that filing. We will not comment on the motions or our interactions with the court. All our clients are owed a duty of confidentiality, and we will not violate this duty, especially in the case of vulnerable children. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalezs current term runs through 2028. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. NEED TO KNOW An elementary school assistant principal in Georgia was arrested on Jan. 19 and charged with theft by shoplifting The woman allegedly stole about 98 items totaling $943.97 from a local Walmart between November and December 2025 Investigators were able to identify the woman and found the vehicles that she allegedly used when committing the crime An assistant principal at an elementary school in Georgia has been arrested after allegedly shoplifting nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a local Walmart. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) said Courtney Janell Shaw, 47, was arrested on Monday, Jan. 19 and charged with theft by shoplifting. Advertisement Advertisement The CCSO said in an incident report obtained by PEOPLE that they were notified of the case by a Walmart in Woodstock that had built a shoplifting case against the suspect. The store alleged that the 47-year-old had gone to the store several times between Nov. 2 and Dec. 31, 2025. A Walmart employee claimed to sheriffs that Shaw would stack items on top of each other and scan only one of them. She would then place both items in a bag or shopping cart and bypass all points of sale and leave the store. A Walmart storefront in San Leandro, Calif. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty The assistant principal stole about 98 items totaling $943.97 within the two months that she had been going to the store, the Walmart employee alleged in the incident report. The suspect was seen leaving the store in a gray Jeep or a gray pick-up truck during different days, according to cameras stationed in the parking lot. However, the cameras were unable to identify a license plate number for the vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Officers eventually identified Shaw as the woman involved in the case and found the vehicles a 2018 gray Ford F150 and a 2020 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee at her home that matched the descriptions and the photos provided by the Walmart employee. Walmart requested that charges be brought forward against Shaw and sought to have her criminally trespassed from the store, per the CCSO. She was arrested and booked into jail, but was released on the same day on a bond of $4,875. Stock photo of the roof of a police patrol car at night Getty Images/iStockphoto 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. Shaw worked as an assistant principal at Free Home Elementary in 2024, according to Fox5 Atlanta, CBS News and The Cherokee Tribune. The Cherokee County School District confirmed to the outlets in a statement that Shaw had been an employee at the school, but has since been placed on administrative leave. Advertisement Advertisement "Immediately upon these allegations being reported, the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and law enforcement investigations, the school district told the outlets in a statement. "Maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated. The Cherokee County School District did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Shaw has worked in the education industry for over two decades after starting her career as a fifth-grade teacher in North Carolina, according to CBS News. She taught across several states including Florida, before moving to Georgia in 2006. Read the original article on People The San Antonio aerospace firm that worked on a UPS jet in the weeks before it crashed and exploded in Louisville is being sued by another family of one of those killed in the disaster. The family of Carlos Arias Fernandez, one of those who died on the ground, filed the wrongful death lawsuit against ST Engineering San Antonio Aerospace on Friday in state District Court in San Antonio. It appears to be the first lawsuit filed in Texas in connection with the deadly Nov. 4 crash that killed three crew members and 12 people on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement The company also is named in at least three other wrongful death lawsuits filed in Kentucky. The crash occurred after the McDonnell Douglas MD-11's left engine fell off while the jet was attempting to take off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. READ MORE: UPS jet that crashed after service in San Antonio had cracks in engine mount Lawyers for the family wrote that the company known as ST "knew or reasonably should have known that the MD-11F aircraft used on UPS Flight 2976 was in disrepair or was otherwise dangerous and unsafe." ST, referred to as STE San Antonio Aerospace Inc. in the complaint, performed maintenance on the 34-year-old jet between Sept. 3 and Oct. 18, about two weeks before it crashed. Advertisement Advertisement During that time, according to the suit, the jet "was undergoing extensive maintenance for significant structural issues, including a crack in the center wing fuel tank and corrosion on structural components." During its investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board found preexisting "fatigue cracks" in parts of the "engine pylon-to-wing" connection that apparently led to the engine detaching. The lawsuit alleges ST performed scheduled maintenance on those parts during the jet's time in San Antonio. "A 24-month/4,800-hour lubrication task of the pylon thrust links and pylon spherical bearings was last accomplished on October 18, 2025," according to the suit. The NTSB had previously shared that information, but it was unclear which entity had performed that task. SA INC.:Get the week's top local business stories in your inbox Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says that ST "failed to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance, inspection, repair, and/or service" of the jet involved in the crash, "thereby creating an unreasonable risk." The family seeks more than $1 million in damages in Fernandez's death. Attorneys with San Antonio-based Cesar Ornelas Law and Corpus Christi-based Sico Law Group are representing the family. Representatives for ST did not immediately respond for comment about the Texas lawsuit. The company is the sole defendant in the Texas lawsuit, while those filed in a Kentucky circuit court also name UPS, UPS Air, Boeing and General Electric. The crash also has led to a federal class-action suit against UPS, Boeing and GE. Advertisement Advertisement During its fourth-quarter earnings call Tuesday, UPS said it had retired its MD-11 fleet and would take a $137 million after-tax write-off instead of returning them to service. TX AEROSPACE: Air Force says Trump's Qatari dream jet could be ready for Air Force One duty by summer The move follows the Federal Aviation Administration's November grounding of all MD-11s over the fatigue cracks. At the time, there were 109 of the tri-engined MD-11s still in service. They averaged more than 30 years old and were used to haul cargo for package delivery companies. Boeing, which took over as the manufacturer of MD-11s after merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said in a statement that it is "working diligently to provide instructions and technical support to operators" so they can meet FAA requirements. Advertisement Advertisement ST, which is part of a Singapore-based conglomerate, has been UPS' main provider of "heavy maintenance" for MD-11s since the carrier began using them in 2002. The company, formerly known as VT San Antonio Aerospace, also converted nearly all of UPS' fleet from passenger to freighter aircraft. FedEx and Western Global Airlines also have MD-11s in their fleets. This article originally published at An engine fell off a UPS jet. Now a San Antonio firm is being sued.. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun removing hazardous chemicals and materials from a shuttered chemical factory in Detroit. The EMCO Chemical Inc. facility at 4470 Lawton St. produced and distributed specialty industrial chemicals until its August 2023 closure. The site was vandalized on May 28, 2024 with an on-site car set on fire. The fire spread to a building annex that contained more than 400 55-gallon drums of chemicals. The Detroit Fire Department extinguished the fire before the drums could ignite. Within days of the fire, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the city assessed the site and discovered more than 1,000 55-gallon drums and laboratory samples, several large above-ground storage tanks and an underground holding tank. EPA testing found several of the drums contained flammable, corrosive or chlorinated chemicals. More than 1,000 55-gallon drums and other containers of hazardous chemicals were discovered in the former EMCO Chemical Inc. facility at 4470 Lawson St. in Detroit following a May 28, 2024 fire. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working to remove and safely dispose of the wastes. More: Salt shortage has Michigan scrambling to keep roads clear Advertisement Advertisement At the city of Detroit's request, EPA assisted in investigating and removing the hazardous substances. EPA initially worked with EMCO to secure the building, temporarily reinforced the fire-damaged structure, and began work to remove the waste for proper disposal. "After EMCO notified EPA it lacked the finances to continue the cleanup, EPA assumed the lead and will ensure that the hazardous chemicals are safely removed and no longer a risk to the community," EPA officials said in a statement on Jan. 29. The cleanup is expected to be complete by summer, officials said. Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: EPA begins removing hazards from former EMCO Chemical plant U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt speaks to reporters after the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia in August 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt took to the Senate floor Wednesday to defend federal agents arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in Minnesota, calling them American heroes. We owe them our absolute, unequivocal, unflinching support, the senator told his colleagues, many of whom are now calling for an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security after two fatal shootings in Minnesota. Schmitts fellow Missouri Republican, Sen. Josh Hawley, is one of the senators calling for an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement During the speech, Schmitt blamed heightened tensions in Minnesota on rhetoric by the states Democratic leaders, calling out Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. He argued that the Democrats have a conscious strategy to cause chaos on Minneapolis streets. I dont know if they really believe that were at war, or that ICE is the gestapo, or that Minneapolis is under Nazi occupation, Schmitt said. But whether or not they believe it, many of the people who hear them, who listen to them, do. Schmitts strongly worded support for President Donald Trumps Minnesota surge comes as the president himself appears to be backing off in the face of criticism, some of it from members of his own party. Earlier this week, Trump made phone calls to both Walz and Frey. Were going to de-escalate a bit, he said Tuesday in a Fox News interview. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also reined in two of his more outspoken officials, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement commander Greg Bovino, giving Tom Homan, his designated border czar and a career immigration official, a lead role in Minnesota. But Schmitt argued that Trumps critics are blocking the president from fulfilling his campaign promise to deport people who are in the United States illegally. If democracy means anything at all, it means that this administration must be allowed to carry out the agenda the American people voted for, Schmitt said. The deportations must continue, he added later. Schmitt called the shootings of two 37-year old U.S. citizens, nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday and mother of three Renee Good earlier in January, tragic. But he argued that Democratic officials have created the dangerous conditions in Minneapolis. Its not on ICE, its not on the Border Patrol and its certainly not on President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement If it were, we would be seeing the same chaos in every city where ICE and Border Patrol carries out these operations, but we arent, Schmitt said. There have been large-scale deportation operations in red states all across the country. Most Americans have probably never heard of them, because they went off without a hitch. Trumps Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis and St. Paul has put more than 3,000 federal agents in the Twin Cities, a number that, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, dwarfs the number of local police. The debate over DHS tactics in Minnesota has set up the possibility of a government shutdown. The Senate is set to consider a bundle of six funding bills this week, among them a bill to fund DHS operations. Prominent Democrats including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. want to amend the DHS funding bill to put restrictions on agents. Advertisement Advertisement They have called for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to split off the DHS bill from the rest, allowing the other five bills to pass and avoiding a large-scale government shutdown. Schmitt dismissed the effort as political grandstanding, arguing that it would have no real practical effect on ICE operations. This is because the Trump administration has provided the agency with enough funds to continue operating, at least temporarily. The fact is, the Democrats first of all shut the government down the first time because they wanted health care for illegal immigrants, Schmitt said. Now they want to shut the government down because they want to stop deportation of illegal immigrants. Thats not something were supportive of. This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online. This story was updated at 10:50 a.m. to add context to Sen. Schmitts quote about the fatal shootings in Minnesota. Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional comments from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Estonia is pushing for an EU-wide entry ban on former Russian soldiers who participated in the war against Ukraine, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on Jan. 29. "There cannot be a path from Bucha to Brussels," Tsahkna told reporters in the Belgian capital, adding that he would raise the proposal at a meeting of EU foreign ministers later that day. Advertisement Advertisement Estonia, a NATO member sharing a border with Russia, banned access to the Schengen area for the first 261 Russian fighters earlier in January. Tallinn is now calling for a coordinated approach across the bloc. "We have close to 1 million combatants in Russia. They're mainly criminals; they are very dangerous people," Tsahkna said. "We have information that most of them will come to Europe after the war. And Europe is not ready for that." An undisclosed senior Estonian diplomat told Politico that existing methods for identifying and banning individuals are too slow and dependent on individual countries, which is why Estonia advocates for a more robust approach. Advertisement Advertisement Another European official told the outlet that while Estonia has the right to impose a blanket entry ban, this would be difficult for many other EU countries, which would have to list each fighter and the necessary evidence individually. When asked by reporters to comment on the proposal, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that "many member states" have voiced their support for an entry-ban. "It poses a clear security risk to Europe," Kallas said. "This is one of the steps that we need to prepare for." Kallas added that the bloc will further consult with EU members to ensure it has a plan for after a ceasefire is reached. Advertisement Advertisement In Russia, soldiers returning home from the front in Ukraine have been linked to spikes in criminality. Over 1,000 people have been reportedly killed or injured by returning combatants over the past four years, with cases of robbery and drug trafficking also on the rise. Russia has been extensively recruiting convicts for the war in Ukraine, offering pardons in exchange for service at the front. Read also: Exclusive: Trumps top envoy negotiating Ukraines fate displays shocking lack of knowledge about war, politics Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas has said. "Repression cannot go unanswered," Kallas wrote on X during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday. "Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise," Kallas said. Advertisement Advertisement The joint position kicks off the legal procedure to formalize the designation which is considered largely symbolic as the IRGC is already sanctioned by the EU for human rights violations. With some EU ministers suggesting that up to 30,000 people could have been killed in the violent crackdown on demonstrations that have swept Iran, pressure has mounted on the European Union to move ahead with the designation. The listing as a terrorist organization "was long overdue," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "'Terrorist' is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own peoples protests in blood," said von der Leyen. Advertisement Advertisement "Europe stands with the people of Iran in their brave fight for freedom." The move became possible after France announced on Wednesday evening, after a long blockade, that it would support the step demanded by Berlin and some other capitals. "The unbearable oppression that has been unleashed on the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday ahead of the decision. "There can be no impunity for the crimes committed," he said. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the "overdue" decision in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "The Iranian Revolutionary Guards and their auxiliary forces are the henchmen of the Iranian regime," he said. "They are the ones who act with immeasurable brutality against their own people, who have literally executed their own citizens because they dared to raise their voices in the streets," Wadephul said. Earlier on Thursday, the EU imposed asset freezes and travel bans on around 30 Iranian individuals and entities as a response to the brutal oppression of anti-government protests and Tehran's continued support for Russia's war against Ukraine. The targeted individuals include Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, members of the judicial system including Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad and Presiding Judge Iman Afshari, several IRGC commanders and law enforcement officials, a press release said. Advertisement Advertisement The sanctioned organizations "were involved in censoring activities, trolling campaigns on social media, spreading disinformation and misinformation online, or contributed to the widespread disruption of access to the internet by developing surveillance and repression tools." The targeted bodies include the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC) and several software companies, the press release said. EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas has said. "Repression cannot go unanswered," Kallas wrote on X during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday. "Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise," Kallas said. Advertisement Advertisement The joint position kicks off the legal procedure to formalize the designation which is considered largely symbolic as the IRGC is already sanctioned by the EU for human rights violations. EU faced pressure to move ahead With some EU ministers suggesting that up to 30,000 people could have been killed in the violent crackdown on demonstrations that have swept Iran, pressure has mounted on the European Union to move ahead with the designation. The listing as a terrorist organization "was long overdue," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "'Terrorist' is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own peoples protests in blood," said von der Leyen. Advertisement Advertisement "Europe stands with the people of Iran in their brave fight for freedom." Change of French stance The move became possible after France announced on Wednesday evening, after a long blockade, that it would support the step demanded by Berlin and some other capitals. "The unbearable oppression that has been unleashed on the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday ahead of the decision. "There can be no impunity for the crimes committed," he said. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the "overdue" decision in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "The Iranian Revolutionary Guards and their auxiliary forces are the henchmen of the Iranian regime," he said. "They are the ones who act with immeasurable brutality against their own people, who have literally executed their own citizens because they dared to raise their voices in the streets," Wadephul said. Individuals also targeted Earlier on Thursday, the EU imposed asset freezes and travel bans on around 30 Iranian individuals and entities as a response to the brutal oppression of anti-government protests and Tehran's continued support for Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement The targeted individuals include Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, members of the judicial system including Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad and Presiding Judge Iman Afshari, several IRGC commanders and law enforcement officials, a press release said. The sanctioned organizations "were involved in censoring activities, trolling campaigns on social media, spreading disinformation and misinformation online, or contributed to the widespread disruption of access to the internet by developing surveillance and repression tools." The targeted bodies include the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC) and several software companies, the press release said. Stark warning from Iran Iran condemned the classification as an "irresponsible and resentful action." Advertisement Advertisement The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces stated, "This shows the depth of hostility towards Iran and its armed forces." The consequences of this decision would also directly affect European politicians in the future. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the EU on X of further fuelling the fire in the region and making a major strategic mistake. "After pursuing 'snapback' at the behest of the US, it [Europe] is now making another major strategic mistake by designating our National Military as a supposed 'terrorist organization.'" "Putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of its selective outrage - taking zero action in response to Israel's Genocide in Gaza and yet rushing to 'defend human rights' in Iran - Europe's PR stunt mainly seeks to cloak that it is an actor in severe decline," Araghchi asserted. Advertisement Advertisement He added that the continent would certainly be massively affected by a comprehensive war in the region, including the consequences of rising energy prices. The classification of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group is considered a significant symbol, even if it is unlikely to have any practical significance due to existing sanctions. The reason for this is that the elite forces are considered the backbone of the Islamic Republic and report directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rubio decries 'state within the state' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Senate hearing on Wednesday that the Revolutionary Guards are not part of the state, but "the state within the state," effectively holding President Masoud Pezeshkian's civilian government hostage. Advertisement Advertisement They play a key role in the brutal suppression of protests because they are also responsible for preventing coup attempts. According to the news agency of the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) 6,221 deaths had been confirmed by Tuesday following the recent serious unrest in Iran. Several foreign ministers from EU countries even spoke on Thursday of up to 30,000 victims. In addition, there are said to have been tens of thousands of arrests. In order to prevent the spread of information about demonstrations and victims, the Iranian leadership imposed far-reaching telephone and internet restrictions several weeks ago Jan 29 (Reuters) - Indian fintech firm Paytm beat profit expectations in the third quarter on Thursday, helped by robust growth in its financial and payments services segments. Paytm has focused on its core payments services business and reduced expenses following earlier challenges after the central bank ordered the shutdown of its banking unit in January 2024. The digital payments firm posted a net profit of 2.25 billion rupees for the quarter ended December 31, from a loss of 2.08 billion rupees a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 1.91 billion rupees, per data compiled by LSEG. They anticipated the festive season, which typically boosts credit activity, would contribute to tailwinds, alongside Paytm's focus on core businesses. Paytm on Thursday also said it is extending the role of its current MD and CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, naming him the MD and CEO of its payments services unit, to ensure "continuity of leadership". Revenue from its payments business, which accounts for roughly 55% of total revenue, rose 19% in the December quarter. The number of Paytm's monthly transacting users also rose by 6 million year-on-year to 76 million as of December-end, aided by new sign-ups. Meanwhile, revenue from the distribution of financial services increased 34%, driving overall revenue 20% higher year-on-year to 21.94 billion rupees for the quarter ended December 31. Paytm has been expanding into international markets and broadening its services to include lending and wealth management, including broking. The company's expenses fell 2% on a year-on-year basis. In August, Paytm's payments services unit received approval to operate as an online payment aggregator, allowing it to resume onboarding new merchants. The unit also received the nod to operate as a payment aggregator for physical payments and cross-border transactions in December. (Reporting by Nishit Navin; Editing by Janane Venkatraman Editing by Ronojoy Mazumdar, Janane Venkatraman and Vijay Kishore) EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas has said the European Union will continue to consider Estonia's idea of banning entry to the Schengen Area for anyone who has taken part in Russia's war against Ukraine while serving in the Russian armed forces, with many countries supporting the proposal. Source: Euronews, as reported by European Pravda. Details: After a meeting of the EU Council, Kallas said that "many member states" had expressed support for Estonia's proposal, without specifying which ones. Advertisement Advertisement "It poses a clear security risk to Europe," Kallas said. "We agreed to take this proposal further and test the appetite of the member states," Kallas said. Kallas added that the issue could become particularly acute once the current "hot phase" of the war ends and that the EU should "have answers" by then. Background: On 29 January, it first emerged unofficially that Estonia was putting forward a proposal for EU member states to consider banning entry to the Schengen Area for participants in hostilities against Ukraine while serving in the Russian armed forces. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has stressed that people with such experience are at high risk of being recruited by Russian special services and pose a range of security threats. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Days after signing a landmark trade deal with India, the European Union has forged an expanded trade agreement with Vietnam. The 27-member trade bloc and Asias second-most-prominent sourcing locale for textiles and apparel forged a comprehensive strategic partnershipthe highest diplomatic tier available in Vietnam, currently also held by the United States, Russia and Chinathat will upgrade the existing relationship to bolster bilateral trade and investment. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Both sides will explore, develop and deepen trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest, including but not limited to critical raw materials, energy, the circular economy, logistics and transport infrastructure, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, according to a joint statement. The partners have also agreed to a mutual focus on the diversification of supply chains and sustainable agriculture. Both sides identify priority areas for action to expand market access for goods, services and public procurement, create business opportunities, in order to capitalize on each sides strengths, needs and conditions, on the basis of openness, transparency and fairness, the statement said. The deep but unspoken impact of sweeping U.S. tariffs loomed over the press briefing that followed a meeting between Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday in Hanoi. At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side-by-side as reliable and predictable partners, Costa said, adding that developing spheres of shared prosperity was the goal of the Vietnam pact. Advertisement Advertisement Calling the development a historic milestone, Cuong said that Vietnam regards Europe as one of its most important partners in the world and wishes to continue promoting and deepening its relationship with the EU. The EU and Vietnam first established diplomatic relations 35 years ago, with bilateral trade increasing steadily. The EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement, signed into law in 2020, accelerated the two-way flow of goods and services and prompted trade to balloon by 40 percent. Europe now represents Vietnams third largest export market. From January through November last year, trade between the EU and Vietnam grew 6.6 percent from the same period in 2024, reaching $66.8 billion. The EU has made significant headway over the course of the past month in establishing and expanding trade relationships beyond the U.S., having completed a deal with India this week and finalizing an agreement with the Mercosur nationsArgentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguayearlier this month. Both deals were decades in the making. However, the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement appears to have hit a roadblock, with the Court of Justice of the EU now reviewing its compliance with existing EU treatiesa process that could take up to two years. Advertisement Advertisement With many of its trade partners seeking to form new connections, the U.S. has made moves this week to strengthen established regional ties. On Thursday, El Salvadors ambassador to the U.S., Milena Mayorga, announced that the country signed a new deal with the U.S. We express our gratitude to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, for his close collaboration with the Government of El Salvador in finalizing this historic Reciprocal Trade Agreement, the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, she wrote on X. The framework for the agreement, first released in November, includes provisions related to the drawing down of non-tariff barriers on U.S. products. It called for the streamlining of regulatory requirements on American pharmaceuticals and medical devices, as well as the removal of trade restrictions on agricultural products grown by U.S. farmers. Advertisement Advertisement In turn, Washington agreed to remove the reciprocal tariffs on El Salvadorean exports to the U.S. for certain products that cant be sufficiently grown or mined in the country, as well as products like textiles and apparel that originate under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). President Trumps vision is building a new trade order for partnership and prosperity in Latin America, further advancing the economic and national security interests of the American people, Greer said Thursday. This Agreement is an important step in the deepening of our strategic partnerships in Latin America, he added. This Agreement builds on our longstanding trade partnership and recognizes important supply chain linkages. The move hasnt hit the newswires with the same impact as other larger frameworks finalized recently, but for American firms with ties to the regional supply chain for textiles and apparel, it represents a significant win. Advertisement Advertisement National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas applauded the administrations actions on qualified textile and apparel goods for El Salvador under CAFTA-DR, saying, These steps will help fortify a critical export market for the U.S. textile industry and our workforce. El Salvador is part of the CAFTA-DR region that forms a vital co-production chain with the American textile supply chain. This production chain facilitated $11.3 billion in two-way trade in 2024 and supported more than 470,000 U.S. workers in the domestic textile sector alone, she explained. Todays action will reinforce the strength of the U.S. textile industry. The U.S.Western Hemisphere supply chain is a strategic bulwark against China and other Asian competitors. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Trump administration to further fortify this vital region and strongly appreciate this important announcement. EU foreign ministers agreed on new sanctions on Iran in response to the brutal oppression of anti-government protests, as support grows for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. Under the measure, around 30 individuals and entities are sanctioned with asset freezes and travel bans. "If you are suppressing people, it has a price and you will be also sanctioned for this," said EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas ahead of the decision. Advertisement Advertisement The targeted individuals include Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, members of the judicial system including Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad and Presiding Judge Iman Afshari, several IRGC commanders and law enforcement officials, a press release said. The sanctioned organizations "were involved in censoring activities, trolling campaigns on social media, spreading disinformation and misinformation online, or contributed to the widespread disruption of access to the internet by developing surveillance and repression tools." The targeted bodies include the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC) and several software companies, the press release said. Reports suggest between 3,000 and 10,000 protesters were killed in the violent crackdown on demonstrations that have swept Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Luxemburg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel suggested that up to 30,000 people could have been killed during the wave of violence. The scale of the brutalities also led to growing support within the EU to designate the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization with a decision by ministers expected today. After a long blockade, France announced on Wednesday evening that it would support the step demanded by Berlin and some other capitals, which could pave the way for an agreement on the IRGC classification. "The unbearable oppression that has been unleashed on the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered," Barrot said on Thursday, as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Advertisement Advertisement "The extraordinary courage of the Iranian women and men who have been the targets of this violence cannot be in vain," Barrot said in Brussels. "There can be no impunity for the crimes committed." Kallas urged the bloc's foreign ministers to unanimously agree to the designation. "If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist," Kallas said. However, the move is considered largely symbolic as the IRGC is already sanctioned by the EU for human rights violations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that he is "very pleased that many member states have now signalled their support for this listing to finally go ahead" and "very confident that we will reach a joint conclusion on this matter today." "This is a success for the people of Iran. It is a success for humanity and it is also a success for the EU as a community of values," Wadephul said. EU foreign ministers agreed on new sanctions on Iran in response to the brutal oppression of anti-government protests, officials told dpa on Thursday, as support grows for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. Under the measure, around 30 individuals and entities are sanctioned with asset freezes and travel bans. "If you are suppressing people, it has a price and you will be also sanctioned for this," said EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas ahead of the decision. Advertisement Advertisement The names are to be published shortly by the EU, but French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said those targeted include "members of the government, prosecutors, police unit leaders, members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, those responsible for blocking the internet." Reports suggest between 3,000 and 10,000 protesters were killed in the violent crackdown on demonstrations that have swept Iran. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Luxemburg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel suggested that up to 30,000 people could have been killed during the wave of violence. The scale of the brutalities also led to growing support within the EU to designate the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization with a decision by ministers expected today. Advertisement Advertisement After a long blockade, France announced on Wednesday evening that it would support the step demanded by Berlin and some other capitals, which could pave the way for an agreement on the IRGC classification. "The unbearable oppression that has been unleashed on the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered," Barrot said on Thursday, as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "The extraordinary courage of the Iranian women and men who have been the targets of this violence cannot be in vain," Barrot said in Brussels. "There can be no impunity for the crimes committed." Kallas urged the bloc's foreign ministers to unanimously agree to the designation. Advertisement Advertisement "If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist," Kallas said. However, the move is considered largely symbolic as the IRGC is already sanctioned by the EU for human rights violations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that he is "very pleased that many member states have now signalled their support for this listing to finally go ahead" and "very confident that we will reach a joint conclusion on this matter today." "This is a success for the people of Iran. It is a success for humanity and it is also a success for the EU as a community of values," Wadephul said. European Union top diplomat Kaja Kallas urged the bloc's foreign ministers to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. "I expect that we will list the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization," Kallas said, arriving at a gathering of EU ministers in Brussels on Thursday. "This will put them on the same footing with Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh," she said, referring to the terrorist network was founded and led by Osama bin Laden, a Palestinian militant organization and a term for the Islamic State extremist group, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement "If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist." The violent crackdown of anti-government protests that have swept Iran, in which report suggest between 3,000 and 10,000 protesters were killed, brought the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization back on the agenda. The move is considered largely symbolic as the IRGC is already sanctioned by the EU for human rights violations. After a long blockade, France announced on Wednesday evening that it would support the step demanded by Berlin and some other capitals, which could pave the way for an agreement on the IRGC classification. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, ministers are expected to impose travel bans and asset freezes on Iranian officials who they think are responsible for the violent suppression. "If you are suppressing people, it has a price and you will be also sanctioned for this," Kallas said. Having left the Russian port of Taman on 21 August, 2025, the Mersin a tanker operated by Turkish shipping company Besiktas first stopped in Togo before arriving in Senegalese waters. In a video seen by RFI, filmed the day after the incident on 28 November 2025, damage to the hull of the Mersin can be seen in four places two on the port side and two on the starboard side which caused the ship to take on water in its engine room. The holes, the largest of which is more than a metre wide, reveal the ship's partially damaged piping. Advertisement Advertisement The images suggest the ship was sabotaged using strategically placed explosive devices. According to several military experts, the precise nature of the holes, their location below the waterline and the spread of micro-cracks around the main impact points all point to the use of magnetic mines planted by trained divers. The hull is dented inwards at the breach points, also confirms that the shock wave came from outside the ship. Around 5 kilograms of explosives would have been needed for each hole in order to pierce the ship's hull, which is made of steel plates "between 15 and 20mm thick", according to an engineer specialising in the offshore oil sector, consulted by RFI. Advertisement Advertisement A few days after the incident, the Port Authority of Dakar said divers would inspect the ship, but as yet no official conclusion on the cause of the incident has been made public. Neutralise not sink This deliberate targeting of the Mersin's engine room demonstrates a desire to neutralise the ship rather than sink it, along with the 39,000 tonnes of fuel on board. According to a naval specialist, only a country with advanced diving capabilities and resources would be capable of carrying out such a meticulous operation. Dark vessels: how Russia steers clear of Western sanctions with a shadow fleet This is the first time that a ship suspected of belonging to the Russian "shadow fleet" vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions has been targeted in African waters. Advertisement Advertisement The Mersin remains moored some 20 kilometres from Senegal's capital, where it has been since the suspected attack. According to the Port Authority of Dakar, the tanker is now stabilised, after initial fears that the damage could have provoked an oil spill. The breaches have been sealed and the engine room, which was flooded, is being pumped out. However, the fuel on board has not yet been removed. Going dark Russia has reportedly built up a flotilla of ageing oil tankers under opaque ownership to circumnavigate sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States and the G7 group of nations over Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU lists 598 vessels that are banned from European ports and maritime services. The US which seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the north Atlantic early in January lists 183 vessels and asserts an extraterritorial right to act against them. Advertisement Advertisement Shadow fleet targeted as EU advances frozen assets plan for Ukraine According to experts, and a briefing paper by the European Parliament, the "shadow fleet" obscures the ownership of vessels, and ensures the companies managing them are outside Russia and fly flags of convenience or even sometimes falsely claimed flags. In addition, the vessels have been observed turning off their Automatic Identification System, to go "dark" at sea, where ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil occur. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, which runs a Russian Oil Tracker, "the top three flags used by Russian shadow-fleet vessels transporting crude oil are false/unknown flag, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon". Advertisement Advertisement It said management companies for the vessels were located in the United Arab Emirates, the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Marshall Islands, among others. With newswires, and partially adapted from this article in French by Pauline Le Troquier, RFI correspondent in Dakar. BOSTON A former pediatric doctor at Boston Childrens Hospital has been sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prison for child pornography, the U.S. Attorney said Thursday. Christopher Sheerer, 37, of Boston, was sentenced to 22 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper handed down his sentence. Sheerer was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $65,722, Foley said. An additional amount of restitution will be determined at a hearing scheduled for March 26. Advertisement Advertisement Sheerer pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of possession of child pornography; and one count of sexual exploitation of children. Sheerer was arrested and charged in July 2024 and has remained in federal custody since. Every time child sexual abuse material is created, shared, or viewed, children are revictimized again and again, Foley said. Each case serves as a difficult reminder that child predators are embedded in our communities, Foley said. This defendant did not just possess this heinous material he produced it himself and shared it with others." Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, his chosen employment increased his direct contact with children, Foley said. Todays sentence reflects the devastating harm these crimes inflict on real children and sends a clear message that those who fuel this abuse will face severe consequences. Our office will continue to work tirelessly to protect children, pursue justice for victims and hold offenders fully accountable. Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations New England called Sheerer among the worst kind of criminal we investigate. He held a position of trust in the community, but behind closed doors he was a predator of the highest order, not only participating in online groups dedicated to the sharing of photos depicting the sexual abuse of children but also acting as a hands-on offender, Krol said. Now, hes facing over two decades behind bars. When our special agents go to work every day, theyre working toward making the world a safer place for children, Krol said. We hope that todays sentence does just that and brings a measure of security to the family of the child he victimized as they move forward and begin to heal. Advertisement Advertisement Sheerer was a fellow in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology at Boston Childrens Hospital at the time of his arrest and was previously a fellow in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. In May 2024, an investigation began into a user of an online, encrypted chat application who belonged to a group dedicated to the sharing of child sex abuse material, prosecutors said. The target user was subsequently identified as Sheerer, with an IP address tracing him to Johns Hopkins University, prosecutors said. Sheerer uploaded imagery of a child known to him to gain admission to that group. Following a search of Sheerers residence in Boston, multiple chats were discovered on Sheerers phone, several of which contained pictures and videos appearing to be child sex abuse material involving children as young as infants, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Forensic analysis of devices seized pursuant to the warrant showed that Sheerer was involved in dozens of chats with users of the encrypted application, prosecutors said. Several files included the exchange of child sex abuse material, including imagery of a child known to Sheerer. 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 By Sam Tobin and Robert Harvey LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke had no real influence over the awarding of lucrative government contracts and was merely a "rubber stamp" for official recommendations, her lawyer said on Thursday at her London corruption trial. Alison-Madueke, minister for petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under then-president Goodluck Jonathan, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Alison-Madueke "enjoyed a life of luxury" in London, with oil and gas industry figures having provided the use of high-end properties and given her lavish gifts to try and influence the awarding of lucrative contracts. But her lawyer Jonathan Laidlaw told jurors at London's Southwark Crown Court that purchases were made on Alison-Madueke's behalf "because Nigerian ministers are forbidden from having bank accounts abroad". He also said Alison-Madueke, 65, disputes the extent to which properties were provided for her use and the amounts of goods she received, but that "all that was spent on her personally, in one way or another, was reimbursed". Laidlaw said personal expenses were repaid by Alison-Madueke in Nigeria and expenses relating to official business were "reimbursed from government coffers", meaning Alison-Madueke received no financial advantage. Advertisement Advertisement "If there was any financial advantage, it was to Nigeria, enabling the Minister for Petroleum Resources to undertake her ministerial business and ... there was, of course, nothing improper about it," he added. OTHER ALLEGED BRIBE PAYERS NOT CHARGED IN UK Alison-Madueke, who was also briefly president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is standing trial alongside her brother Doye Agama, 69, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery relating to his church. Their co-defendant Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, has pleaded not guilty to one count of bribing Alison-Madueke between 2012 and 2014 and one count of bribery of a foreign public official. Advertisement Advertisement The trial, expected to conclude in April, is one of the most high-profile cases relating to alleged corruption in oil-rich Nigeria. Prosecutors say that Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko spent more than 2 million pounds ($2.8 million) on items for Alison-Madueke at London department store Harrods alone. Alison-Madueke is also accused of taking bribes, including gifts and payment for her son's school fees, from prominent oil and gas industry figures. But, Laidlaw told the jury, none of the others named in the charges against Alison-Madueke have been charged, nor had Britain sought to have them extradited to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement MINISTER HAD NO REAL INFLUENCE, LAWYER SAYS Laidlaw said Alison-Madueke's role as minister meant she signed off on oil and gas contracts which were awarded by the Nigerian government. He told the jury to ask whether Alison-Madueke had "any ability to exercise influence upon who would be awarded these contracts or ... was she effectively a rubber stamp, stamping the recommendations that her civil servants made". Alison-Madueke's lawyer also acknowledged that Nigeria, which is one of the world's largest producers of oil and the largest in Africa, had long been blighted by corruption. Advertisement Advertisement He said, however, that perception of government and business practices may be different in Britain compared to Nigeria. "Things which may seem uncomfortable or extravagant to all of us sitting here in Southwark, may well feel very different to 12 people sitting together in Nigeria," Laidlaw told the jury. ($1 = 0.7248 pounds) (Reporting by Sam Tobin and Robert Harvey; Editing by Toby Chopra) EXCLUSIVE: Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is introducing legislation Thursday targeting fraud in federal programs a proposal that would set early-warning tripwires to flag suspected scams and push agencies to claw back taxpayer dollars, Fox News Digital has learned. "Its absolutely unacceptable that the fraud running rampant in Minnesota could end up costing taxpayers more than $9 billion," Ernst told Fox News Digital. "My Putting an N to Learing about Fraud Act will ensure this never happens again by putting more safeguards in place to detect scams early and require the recovery of any money ripped off from taxpayers." Ernsts office said the bill is designed to hit fraud on two fronts: tightening rules around childcare payments and creating new spike alerts in healthcare programs to flag suspicious surges early, while also pushing the federal government to recover improper payments. Advertisement Advertisement If passed, the bill would force state plans tied to federal childcare dollars to pay providers based on documented attendance not just enrollment to prevent taxpayer money from going out for care that never happened. Minnesota Fraud Case Is 'Canary In The Coal Mine' For Government Systems Including Elections, Lawyer Wars Sen. Joni Ernst is introducing legislation that would flag potential fraud and push agencies to claw back swindled taxpayer funds. (Getty Images) It also underlines that states can reimburse providers after services are delivered rather than paying upfront. Providers taking federal funds would have to track attendance and keep those records for seven years, making them available for audits by the Department of Health and Human Services, the attorney general and the comptroller general. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement On the healthcare front, the legislation would create new notification requirements tied to abrupt jumps in health billings and costs. States would be required to notify Health and Human Services when the amount being paid for a service increases by more than 100% in a year, or if the number of providers seeking payment increases by 100% in a year. Gop Senators Launch Task Force To Crack Down On Fraud Tied To Minnesota Scandal Beyond early detection, the bill aims to force agencies to claw back funds either swindled from taxpayers or received in error. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a town hall meeting on April 7, 2025, in Youngstown, Ohio. It would direct the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies to ensure improper payments are recovered and require inspectors general to report annually the amount of improper payments recovered by each agency. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Fraud Whistleblower Says 'Lack Of Guardrails Was Pretty Shocking' The legislation follows the sweeping fraud scandal that continues to plague Minnesota. Dozens of arrests have been made, most of whom are from the state's large Somali population, as investigators uncover hundreds of millions of dollars in alleged fraud swindled from taxpayers through welfare and social services programs. Federal prosecutors have said the fraud could total $9 billion. "The swindlers in Minnesota and everywhere else soon are going to lear the hard way that in the era of DOGE, crime no longer pays," Ernst added in a comment to Fox News Digital, referring to the viral "Quality Learing Center." Advertisement Advertisement The misspelled Quality "Learing" Center daycare sign became a focal point of the fraud scandal after YouTube journalist Nick Shirley dug into alleged fraud in Minnesota. Quality Learning Center in Minnesota was found at the center of an alleged childcare fraud scandal in the state. Fox News Digital learned that Ernst will also name Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the January recipient of her office's "Squeal Award" for "failing to stop the runaway fraud in his own backyard." Ernst awards various lawmakers and government fraud scandals themselves the Squeal Award each month to spotlight "out of control waste." The governor dropped out of his re-election effort earlier in January amid the fallout of the fraud scandal. Walz, who has served as governor since 2019, took ownership of the fraud as it occurred under his watch, but argued multibillion-dollar figures were "sensationalized" by Republicans. "Whoever is in charge. Unlike the president, Im governor now (and) whether these programs happen before we got here or afterwards, it doesnt matter. Were here now. Were the ones fixing it. You have my guarantee on this, that I certainly will have this thing fixed," Walz said earlier in January. Advertisement Advertisement Fox News Digital reached out to his office on Thursday morning for additional comment. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Ernst has long positioned herself as a leading Senate watchdog on waste and fraud, working with both Congress and the Trump administration to flag questionable spending. She launched and leads the Senate Department of Government Efficiency caucus as President Donald Trump readied to reclaim the Oval Office, which works to snuff out government spending, reduce bureaucracy and enforce transparency, producing more than $15.1 billion in real savings. Original article source: EXCLUSIVE: Senate bill targets Minnesota-style runaway fraud to force scammers to repay taxpayers Claim: Turning Point USA CEO and cofounder Charlie Kirk once said: The 2nd amendment is not for hunting, it is not for self protection. It is there to ensure that free people can defend themselves if god forbid government became tyrannical and turned against its citizens. Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution In late January 2026, a claim circulated online that Turning Point USA CEO and cofounder Charlie Kirk once said that the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment was "not for hunting" or "self protection," but rather "to ensure that free people can defend themselves" from a tyrannical government. Advertisement Advertisement The rumor spread in the wake of the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, 2026, just two weeks after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good in similar circumstances in the Minnesotan city. Social media users on Threads (archived), Instagram (archived) and Facebook (archived) shared a screenshot purportedly showing the Kirk quote, which allegedly read: The 2nd amendment is not for hunting, it is not for self protection It is there to ensure that free people can defend themselves if god forbid government became tyrannical and turned against its citizens In short, the words were correctly attributed to Kirk, who posted the remarks to X (then Twitter) on March 3, 2018 (archived). The timestamp and content of his post matched the screenshot users shared in 2026. Kirk's statement appeared to reference events at the time. On Feb. 14, 2018, one month prior to Kirk's post, a mass school shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which prompted a renewed focus on gun rights and the Second Amendment in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement On the date of Kirk's post, Florida held "a rare Saturday session" of the state Senate to consider "a number of gun and school safety measures" following the Parkland shooting, according to an NPR report. That same day, Reuters reported on the arrest of a man suspected of fatally shooting his parents, which could have amplified the discourse around the accessibility of guns on that particular date. The post in question was the latest of resurfaced comments from Kirk that spread online. For example, some of his alleged posts and comments, particularly about the Second Amendment and gun control more generally, recirculated online after he was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025. Snopes previously investigated a claim that Kirk once said: "I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights." In that report, Snopes uncovered an April 5, 2023, interview featuring Kirk at the Salt Lake City campus of Awaken Church that confirmed the quote but also included a statement that mirrored the content of his March 2018 X post about the Second Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement During the 2023 interview, which is available to listen to on Awaken Church's PodBean podcast feed, Kirk said (starting at 39:28): "The Second Amendment is not about hunting. I love hunting. The Second Amendment is not even about personal defense. That is important. The Second Amendment is there, God forbid, so that you can defend yourself against a tyrannical government." Therefore, not only was the quote correctly attributed to Kirk, but there were other instances of him repeating similar statements, making his opinions on the Second Amendment clear. Sources: Alex Pretti Articles | Snopes.Com. https://www.snopes.com/tag/alex_pretti/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. "Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated at Utah University." AP News, 10 Sept. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd. Advertisement Advertisement Cordner, Sascha. "Florida Lawmakers Under Pressure To Move Forward On Gun Control Measures." NPR, 3 Mar. 2018. Law. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2018/03/03/590616743/florida-lawmakers-under-pressure-to-move-forward-on-gun-control-measures. Development, PodBean. Charlie Kirk Live in SLC | Awaken Church // AUDIO. https://awakenaudio.podbean.com/e/charlie-kirk-live-in-slc/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. Kirk, Charlie. X, 3 Mar. 2018, https://x.com/charliekirk11/status/970091987104911361?s=20. Liles, Jordan. "Charlie Kirk Once Said Some Gun Deaths 'worth It' in Order to Have Second Amendment." Snopes, 10 Sept. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/charlie-kirk-gun-deaths-quote/. Advertisement Advertisement "Man Is Shot and Killed during Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown, National Guard Activated." AP News, 24 Jan. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf. Parkland School Shooting Articles | Snopes.Com. https://www.snopes.com/tag/parkland-school-shooting/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. "Victims of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, High School Massacre." AP News, 21 Oct. 2021, https://apnews.com/article/education-florida-gun-politics-school-boards-nikolas-cruz-44a0da3e406f0c487e5c0a6b0855ee2e. Q : How do you ensure that similar project issues do not occur in the rest of the group? A : Bo Annvik, CEO, assured that the situation was non-recurring and highlighted the company's robust internal controls, including boards in all companies, external auditors, and business control functions. He emphasized that deliberate wrongdoing by individuals in responsible positions can take time to uncover, but the company's processes eventually catch such issues. Sales in North America and Asia were down compared to last year, partly due to weaker demand in the technology and system solutions business area. Earnings per share decreased by 14% in Q4 to 1.72 SEK, and by 7% for the full year, affected by one-off items. The reported EBITDA margin for Q4 was 13.3%, down from 14.6% in the same period last year, impacted by extraordinary one-offs. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Story Continues Q: Can you comment on the potential for organic growth in the industrial engineering segment? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, expressed optimism for organic growth across all business areas in 2026 compared to 2025. He noted a slightly better business environment and more optimistic perspectives from their companies, expecting gradual improvement and continued organic order intake improvements. Q: What is the outlook for M&A activity and the average size of acquisitions? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, stated that the average size of acquisitions in 2025 was smaller than usual. The focus remains on acquiring companies around EUR 15 million in size. Larger acquisitions are considered if they involve engaged entrepreneurs, but the primary interest is in companies with active management and ownership. Q: How confident are you in organic sales trending up from Q1 onwards? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, expressed confidence in organic sales growth, supported by a better order backlog and positive organic momentum. He noted that infrastructure and defense investments in Western Europe are increasing, which should support continued order intake and sales realization. Q: Can you discuss the sustainability of the current gross margin levels? A: Patrik Johnson, CFO, explained that the gross margin improvement is driven by multiple factors, including favorable mix effects, strong pricing, and currency benefits. He believes the margin is sustainable but acknowledges that a stronger business cycle with more projects could slightly dampen gross margins. Q: What is the outlook for margins in 2026, considering the strong Q4 performance? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, attributed the strong Q4 margins to good gross margins, accretive M&A, and controlled costs. Patrik Johnson, CFO, noted that Q1 is typically weaker due to seasonality, but a slightly higher backlog supports a positive outlook for 2026. Q: Can you provide an update on divestment activity? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, indicated that while divestments can happen, they are not very common. The company has completed the divestments it wanted to do related to the current business cycle, and there is no active divestment agenda going forward. Q: What are the drivers behind the organic growth in the technology and system solutions segment? A: Bo Annvik, CEO, explained that excluding the UK situation, the segment had 2% organic growth. The segment is the most international, with sales in North America and Asia. Short-term weaker sales in the US were linked to tariffs, and China has had a buy-local policy. However, companies are realigning and finding opportunities in other geographies. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Did Elliot Forhan, a Democrat running to be Ohio's attorney general, post a video on TikTok in which he says "I'm going to kill Donald Trump"? Yes, that's true: Forhan, who served one term in the Ohio legislature, shared a 41-second-long video on his campaign's TikTok account. He said if elected he would put Trump on trial before an Ohio jury and win a conviction that would result in an execution. The video did not specify a capital crime, but he told Lead Stories he would prosecute Trump "if he tries again to end American democracy." The video (archived here) was posted on Forhan's TikTok account on January 27, 2026. Forhan, in a selfie-style video, said: Hi, this is Elliot Forhan, candidate for Ohio attorney general. I want to tell you what I mean when I say that I am going to kill Donald Trump. I mean I'm going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, based on evidence presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment. That is what I mean when I say that I'm going to kill Donald Trump. This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of TikTok video posted at @forhanforohio/video/7600046112107498782. Lead Stories sent an email to Forhan asking him what charge that carried the death penalty did he intend to prosecute Trump with. He replied in an email with this answer: The last thing that Donald Trump did during his first term of office, he broke his oath to the constitution by fomenting a violent insurrection against the country. The first thing he did during his current term, he pardoned everyone who participated in that insurrection, and he fired from the Department of Justice all the lawyers who prosecuted them. He is using the Department of Homeland Security and ICE as weapons against the American people. He could well try again to do what he failed to do on January 6. This month, in South Korea, a special prosecutor asked for the death penalty against the former South Korean president, who tried to do a coup in 2024 in that country. If Donald Trump tries again to end American democracy, then as Ohio attorney general I will hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Forhan is one of two candidates who have qualified to be on the ballot for the primary election set for May 5, 2026, which will decide the Democratic nominee for attorney general of Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement He earned a law degree at Yale University in 2013, and was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for a two-year term starting on January 1, 2023. Forhan was shunned by Democratic leaders after a series of personal attacks on other lawmakers. The Democratic leader of the state house Allison Russo sent a letter to him in November 2023 to inform him that he was being stripped of his committee assignments because of a "continued pattern of harassment, hostility, and intimidation of colleagues and staff," according to a Cleveland.com report (archived here.) Forhan failed to get re-elected for a second term when he came in third place in the 2024 Democratic primary with just 12% of the vote. When he responded (archived here) to a question in Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey of attorney general candidates asking about "the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office," he wrote: Claim: A coordinated FBI and ICE raid in Minneapolis uncovered a tunnel network under a luxury mansion owned by "prominent immigration attorneys," seizing 2.64 tons of drugs and $18.7 million in cash and arresting 96 suspects in raids at more than 60 locations tied to the "Al-Hudood Logistics Syndicate." Rating: Rating: False In late January 2026, social media posts shared a sensational story claiming the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a raid in Minneapolis that uncovered a sophisticated tunnel system beneath a luxury mansion supposedly owned by prominent immigration attorneys. According to the story, agents seized 2.64 tons of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine; found $18.7 million in cash; and arrested 96 suspects across more than 60 raid locations tied to an "Al-Hudood Logistics Syndicate." Advertisement Advertisement One Facebook post (archived) with the story framed the alleged raid as "one of the largest federal enforcement operations in Midwest history," reading: Two days ago: FBI & ICE RAID Uncover Tunnel Under Somali Attorneys' Minneapolis Mansion 2.64 Tons, 96 Arrests! In a shocking twist that reads like a Hollywood blockbuster, a coordinated FBI and ICE raid has rocked Minneapolis, revealing a sophisticated tunnel network beneath a luxury mansion owned by prominent immigration attorneys! "Could this really be happening in our own backyard?" skeptics might gasp, but the evidence is staggering! What began as a routine investigation has escalated into one of the largest federal enforcement operations in Midwest history, exposing deep cartel infiltration that reaches every level of society. As federal forces swept through the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, executing simultaneous raids at over sixty locations connected to the Al-Hudood Logistics Syndicate, they uncovered a staggering 2.64 tons of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine hidden in underground vaults, along with a jaw-dropping $18.7 million in cash! With 96 suspects arrested in a mere six-hour blitz, one pressing question looms: how did these attorneys turn their mansion into a narcotics fortress, and who else is complicit in this transnational drug empire? The story spread on multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and 9GAG. Readers also searched our site for the claim. In short, the story was fabricated. We found no credible news coverage or official announcements supporting the claim that the FBI and ICE uncovered a drug tunnel beneath a Minneapolis mansion owned by immigration attorneys, nor that authorities seized 2.64 tons of narcotics and $18.7 million in cash while arresting 96 people in a six-hour raid. The narrative appeared to originate from an advertisement-filled website that publishes multiple similar stories without verifiable details. For those reasons, we rate the claim false. The fabricated story circulated amid increased immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. On Jan. 6, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security said it had launched its "largest immigration enforcement operation ever," with about 2,000 immigration agents expected in the Minneapolis area. An ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good on Jan. 7, and Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti on Jan. 24 shootings that sparked public outcry over the federal operation. Why the story doesn't hold up The story about the supposed raid traced back to an unreliable, sensational website and is unsupported by credible reporting. For example, one Facebook post spreading the rumor linked to an article titled "FBI & ICE RAID Uncover Tunnel Under Somali Attorneys' Minneapolis Mansion 2.64 Tons, 96 Arrests." The headline mentioned "Somali attorneys," seemingly to tap into existing scrutiny of Minnesota's Somali community yet the article itself never returned to that claim or provided any identifying details about the supposed attorneys or their "Somali" connection. Advertisement Advertisement It started: In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Midwest, a coordinated raid by the FBI and ICE has unraveled a sophisticated network of drug trafficking beneath a luxury mansion in Minneapolis. This operation, which has been dubbed one of the largest federal enforcement actions in the region's history, has revealed the alarming extent of cartel infiltration into American cities. As investigators sift through the details, the implications of this case extend far beyond the immediate arrests and seizures. The Discovery The saga began with a tip-off that led federal agents to a mansion owned by prominent immigration attorneys in a wealthy neighborhood of Minneapolis. What they discovered was nothing short of astonishing: a complex tunnel system stretching beneath the opulent estate, serving as a conduit for illicit activities. Simultaneously, teams from the FBI and ICE executed raids at over sixty locations linked to the Al-Hudood Logistics Syndicate, a group that has been under scrutiny for its connections to international drug trafficking. During the operation, agents seized an astonishing 2.64 tons of various narcotics, including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. These drugs were hidden away in underground vaults, meticulously concealed from law enforcement. In addition to the drugs, agents uncovered a staggering $18.7 million in cash, alongside encrypted communications that connected the operation to global smuggling routes. The article made dramatic claims but offered none of the basic details needed to verify them no suspects' names, no address, no case number, no charging jurisdiction and no links to court records or official statements. While the exact source of the fictional story is unknown, AI-detection tools suggested the text was not written by a human. According to ZeroGPT, there was a 100% chance an AI tool wrote the passage. (Research shows AI-detection software is imperfect. Readers should consider the tools' results with skepticism.) (ZeroGPT) The article's tone, structure, emotional language and lack of verifiable details were also an indication of AI software. Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the story's alleged criminal group, the "Al-Hudood Logistics Syndicate," shares its name with Al-Hudood, a satirical news outlet often compared to The Onion. Similarly, the 2.64 tons figure aligns with a separately reported cocaine seizure in Fiji, not Minneapolis. The article repurposed unrelated images, including of Vice President JD Vance delivering remarks in Minneapolis and separate footage tied to ICE activity in Maine, offering no evidence those visuals had anything to do with the purported tunnel raid. A YouTube channel spreading the rumor included a disclaimer it presented "fictional operations, dramatized investigations, and creative storytelling inspired by open-source themes for educational, analytical, and documentary-style purposes. Claims about supposed hidden tunnels are a recurring theme in viral stories online. We've previously fact-checked multiple unfounded narratives alleging secret tunnels under homes or buildings including supposed tunnels under actor Gene Hackman's home and a tunnel connecting Sean "Diddy" Combs' mansion to the Playboy Mansion. Sources: - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-b1239KOHY. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement AI Detector - Trusted AI Checker for ChatGPT, GPT5 & Gemini. https://www.zerogpt.com/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. Blake, Aaron. "Analysis: Trump and Vance Are Suddenly Acknowledging ICE 'Mistakes' | CNN Politics." CNN, 22 Jan. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/politics/vance-trump-ice-mistakes. "Cumberland County Corrections Recruit Detained amid Wave of ICE Arrests in Maine." WGME, https://wgme.com/news/local/cumberland-county-corrections-recruit-detained-by-ice-trump-administration-crime-police-maine-cumberland-county-jail-cumberland-county-sheriff-kevin-joyce-department-of-homeland-security. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. Esposito, Joey. "No Truth to Rumor of Secret Tunnel Filled with Bodies Found beneath Gene Hackman's Home." Snopes, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/gene-hackman-secret-tunnel/. Advertisement Advertisement Ibrahim, Nur. "AI-Enhanced Images of Alex Pretti's Shooting Circulate Online." Snopes, 27 Jan. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//news/2026/01/26/ai-enhanced-alex-prettis-shooting/. . "Underground Tunnel to Playboy Mansion Discovered in Diddy's Mansion?" Snopes, 1 Oct. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/diddy-tunnel-found/. Kar, Sujita Kumar, et al. "How Sensitive Are the Free AI-Detector Tools in Detecting AI-Generated Texts? A Comparison of Popular AI-Detector Tools." Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, vol. 47, no. 3, May 2025, pp. 27578. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1177/02537176241247934. PerryCook, Taija. "25 Claims about Minnesota's Immigration Crackdown, Investigated." Snopes, 28 Jan. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//collections/minneapolis-ice-surge-rumors/. Advertisement Advertisement . "Did ICE Agent Who Fatally Shot Renee Good Have 'Internal Bleeding'? What We Know." Snopes, 21 Jan. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//news/2026/01/21/ice-agent-internal-bleeding/. Safi, Michael. "Onion-Style Arabic Satirical News Website Launches English Edition." The Guardian, 20 Nov. 2020. World News. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/20/onion-style-arabic-satirical-news-website-launches-english-edition-al-hudood. "Six Charged in Fiji after Half a Billion Dollar Drug Seizure." RNZ, 23 Jan. 2026, https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/584751/six-charged-in-fiji-after-half-a-billion-dollar-drug-seizure. Did Ilhan Omar pose smiling with Anthony Kazmierczak who was holding up a bottle of Fiji water and flashing a cash fan? No, that's not true: This AI-generated image is one of several published by an X account. The account has a disclaimer that says it posts memes and videos to fake out gullible people: "We find em all and expose via high quality AI videos and memes." This meme refers to a town hall meeting at which a man sprayed an unknown liquid at the congresswoman while she was speaking. The people and furnishings pictured in the AI-generated images are not consistent with details clearly visible in press photos of the incident. The fake image appeared in a post on X (archived here) published by @DumbFckFinder on Jan. 27, 2026. It was captioned: BREAKING: Leaked Ilhan Omar image with alleged man who spit on her is going viral This is the image included with the post featuring a DFF watermark in the lower right corner: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from x.com/DumbFckFinder/status/2016360487676739697. @DumbFckFinder has a "Parody Account" account authenticity disclosure from X (archived here) under the user name. The account's bio reads: Helping free America from DumbFuckery one DumbFuck at a time, Left, Right, we find em all and expose via high quality AI videos and memes. Alt account @ENIMEMES In the comments on the original post (archived here and here), @DumbFckFinder published two additional image variations (pictured below). All three images appear to have been generated from the same AI prompt. In one image the room is filled with numbered fold down theater seats, in the other there are commercial stacking chairs. Details of the ceiling tiles, vents, lights and exit doors are inconsistent throughout the image set that supposedly shows the same room. A different account, @Fityeth, posted an AI-generated video (archived here) which was made from one of these images. The video had a prompt underneath it which reads, "Create your own with Grok". Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from x.com/DumbFckFinder/status/2016361415641321959. Advertisement Advertisement Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from x.com/DumbFckFinder/status/2016361315422650640. Footage of what really happened at the town hall meeting on Jan. 27 was published by Reuters (archived here) on Jan. 28, 2026 in an article titled, "Man sprays US lawmaker Ilhan Omar with liquid, disrupting Minnesota event". Kazmierczak was wearing grey sweatpants, not jeans, and had clear eyeglasses, not sunglasses, at the time he attacked Omar. The article contains other photos including Kazmierczak's mugshot. MANILA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose foreign ministers met in the Philippines this week, faces a complex regional agenda, including: MYANMAR Myanmar's longrunning conflict remains one of ASEAN's most difficult and divisive issues. It recently completed elections, which are expected to hand a landslide victory to a military-backed party, but ASEAN as a bloc has not endorsed the vote. Advertisement Advertisement While Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro noted that some member states view the elections as "something positive," she emphasised this was not an expression of support, merely an acknowledgement that some governments see opportunities emerging. ASEAN has barred Myanmar's military rulers since 2022 and did not as a bloc endorse the election, which the opposition did not participate in. Lazaro stressed that ASEANs engagement with Myanmar continues to be anchored in the 2021 five-point peace plan agreed with the junta leader after a coup. SOUTH CHINA SEA CODE OF CONDUCT Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations on an ASEANChina Code of Conduct in the South China Sea have dragged on for over two decades, but the Philippines, as 2026 chair, is pushing to inject momentum. China's extensive maritime claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, making a functional code essential to preventing escalation and managing incidents at sea. Lazaro said ASEAN ministers "welcome the positive momentum" in negotiations and that the Philippines will endeavour to speed them up and conclude the code this year. She emphasised the code must be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and must be legally binding to effectively address disputes. Advertisement Advertisement THAILANDCAMBODIA BORDER DISPUTE The long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia remains a sensitive issue for ASEAN. The previous chair of ASEAN, Malaysia, oversaw several rounds of ceasefire negotiations after renewed fighting along the border last year, when clashes, airstrikes and landmine blasts caused scores of casualties and mass displacement. Lazaro said the current ceasefire is fragile but holding, and ASEAN is relieved that skirmishes have not escalated. As chair, the Philippines will serve as coordinator for the ASEAN Observer Team, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) BRIDGEPORT - A former Connecticut resident who was a Fairfield University graduate and commencement speaker, convicted of sexually abusing homeless boys at a school he founded in Haiti, violated his federal probation by viewing pornography and talking with a convicted sex offender, according to court documents. Douglas Perlitz was sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Perlitz admitted to sexual conduct with eight children who attended the Project Pierre Toussaint School in Cap-Haitien, which he founded while living in Connecticut in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Perlitz, 55, was released in May 2025 under 120 months of probationary supervision and was being monitored for any prohibited use of electronics to view sexual content, according to a petition to the court from federal probation officials on whether Perlitz's probation should be changed or revoked. During a polygraph examination on Jan. 6, the petition says, Perlitz disclosed that he bought an unauthorized smartphone in November "to use for sexual purposes." Perlitz admitted using the device to access adult pornography websites and that he had a sexually explicit video chat with a former federal prisoner he knew, the petition says. In a separate alleged violation of his probation, Perlitz admitted during the lie detector session that he had communicated with a convicted sex offender in October, the petition says. Neither Perlitz nor his attorney could be reached Thursday. Perlitz appeared on the supervised release violation on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, Tom Carson, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney in Connecticut, said Thursday. The government requested detention, or home detention, pending resolution of the violations, Carson said. U.S. District Court Judge Stefan R. Underhill denied the request, but set an additional condition that Perlitz is not allowed to buy or use any new communication devices, he said. The next violation hearing date has not yet been scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Fairfield University, which raised funds and sent student volunteers to the school in Haiti, was among several affiliated organizations that agreed to pay a $61 million settlement following lawsuits alleging sexual abuse at the school. The university and affiliated groups were accused of negligence in their supervision of Perlitz, Fairfield's 2002 commencement speaker. At his sentencing, Perlitz apologized to his victims. He said he knew his crimes were horrible, but pleaded for leniency, asking the judge to consider the good work he did in the impoverished nation. "They say a convicted sex offender has no future, but I would like to try to prove people wrong," he said. Prosecutors, however, said Perlitz preyed on some of the world's most vulnerable: Haitian street children with little or no family support or education. Authorities said Perlitz enticed boys into sex acts by promising food, shelter, money, electronics and other items of value, and then threatened to withhold benefits and expel them if they spurned his advances. Advertisement Advertisement Six of his victims were flown to Connecticut for his sentencing and detailed the abuse they suffered. "He always told me, 'Don't tell anybody about it. If you tell anybody about it, I will put you out on the street,'" one victim said through a Creole interpreter. He said Perlitz first abused him in 1998 and once sexually assaulted him after plying him with rum. Another victim said Perlitz started abusing him on his 14th birthday in 2004. He said he struggled with feelings of shame and thought about suicide, especially when he read the Bible. "I am here today to tell the truth. Because of the truth I can find justice," he said. "He hurt us a lot." This article originally published at Fairfield University grad convicted of child sex abuse in Haiti accused of violating probation. The FBI executed a search warrant Wednesday at an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, seeking to take ballots in an investigation that a source told CBS News is linked to the 2020 presidential election. Fulton County confirmed that the FBI executed a search warrant at its election operations center and "sought a number of records related to 2020 elections." A state senator who was present told reporters the FBI sought hundreds of boxes of ballots. The search drew several top Trump administration officials. Deputy FBI Director Andrew Bailey and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were both spotted outside the elections office late Wednesday. A news conference with federal officials was initially scheduled then later canceled. Advertisement Advertisement "Director Gabbard has a pivotal role in election security and protecting the integrity of our elections against interference, including operations targeting voting systems, databases, and election infrastructure," a senior administration official told CBS News. The FBI operation follows years of claims by President Trump without evidence that the 2020 election was rigged, many of which have zeroed in on Fulton County. Asked about the search, Mr. Trump told reporters late Thursday that Gabbard was "working very hard on trying to keep the election safe," adding: "You're going to see some interesting things happening." What is the FBI investigating in Fulton County? Advertisement Advertisement The FBI's search warrant sought "all physical ballots" from the 2020 election in Fulton County, as well as tapes from vote-tabulating machines, ballot images and voter rolls. It's not entirely clear why the FBI wants those ballots and records. But the bureau appears to be investigating violations of two federal criminal laws, according to a copy of the search warrant that was filed in federal court by Fulton County officials, who are asking a federal judge to toss out a separate civil lawsuit from the Justice Department seeking access to the 2020 ballots. One of those laws makes it a crime for elections officials to intimidate voters and to deprive them of a fair election by submitting fraudulent ballots or voter registration applications. The other law requires elections officials to retain federal election records for 22 months. Advertisement Advertisement The warrant was signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine Salinas. Typically, in order to get a search warrant, authorities must show probable cause that there is evidence of a crime at a particular location. It's unclear what evidence the FBI has presented. Democratic state Sen. Josh McLaurin told reporters the FBI showed up at the elections office seeking to take "700 boxes of ballots," and was seen loading boxes of ballots into trucks. McLaurin posted a video of an FBI evidence response team at the office. Robb Pitts, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, was critical of the search, saying in a news conference late Wednesday he "can no longer certify that these ballots are secure." The Justice Department lawyer listed on the search warrant was Thomas Albus, interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. It's unclear why Albus's name appears on the warrant rather than a Justice Department official based in Georgia. A spokesperson for Albus' office did not respond to a request for comment from CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement The search took place at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center, but the warrant shared by Arrington was addressed to the Office of the Clerk of Court seemingly due to a discrepancy in Georgia law. Earlier in the day, the FBI showed up with a warrant for the Fulton County elections office, but ballots and other 2020 election paperwork are technically held under seal by the clerk of the Fulton County Superior Court under state law, forcing federal officials to seek a new warrant for the clerk's office, Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett told CBS News. Barrett said both the FBI and Clerk of Courts Che' Alexander were filming the process of inventorying the boxes for chain-of-custody purposes. The federal government has not publicly commented on why it carried out the search. The FBI confirmed in a statement that it carried out a "court authorized law enforcement action," but said it can't provide further details because its "investigation into this matter is ongoing." The White House referred a request for comment to the FBI. Ballots from Georgia's 2020 election are loaded by the FBI onto trucks at the Fulton County Election Hub on Wednesday. / Credit: Mike Stewart / AP Why is the Trump administration interested in Fulton County? Advertisement Advertisement Home to Atlanta and some of its suburbs, Fulton County is the most populous county in Georgia and a key Democratic stronghold and it played a central role in Mr. Trump's false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. In the weeks following the 2020 race, Mr. Trump's allies claimed, without evidence, that widespread fraud in Fulton County led to former President Joe Biden's narrow 11,779-vote win in Georgia, and urged state officials to reverse the results. At one point, Mr. Trump told Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger: "I just want to find 11,780 votes." Trump-appointed Attorney General Bill Barr said in 2020 that the Justice Department hadn't found evidence of fraud on a wide enough scale to tip the results of the election. Biden's win in Georgia was also confirmed in both a machine recount and an audit that involved hand recounts by every county in the state. But Mr. Trump has continued to insist that the 2020 election was "rigged," and since returning to the White House, he has vowed to investigate the issue. Advertisement Advertisement "It was a rigged election. Everybody now knows that," the president said in a speech last week in Davos, Switzerland. "People will soon be prosecuted for what they did. It's probably breaking news, but it should be. It was a rigged election." Last month, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit against Alexander, the Fulton County clerk of courts, asking a judge to force her to hand over the county's 2020 election ballots and other voting records. The department said she had failed to hand over the records as part of a Justice Department investigation into whether the county complied with federal elections law. Alexander asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the Justice Department hadn't offered a legitimate reason to seek the records. She also said the records were under seal, and would need to be unsealed by a state judge in Fulton County. A judge has not yet ruled on the matter. Separately, Fulton County drew national attention because the county's District Attorney Fani Willis criminally charged Mr. Trump and more than a dozen other people with racketeering in 2023, accusing them of illegally trying to overturn Mr. Trump's 2020 election loss. Advertisement Advertisement The case was stalled for years, in part because an appellate court removed Willis from the case over a romantic relationship she had with a special prosecutor she hired to assist in the investigation, posing a "significant appearance of impropriety." Another prosecutor who stepped in to replace Willis decided to dismiss the prosecution "to serve the interests of justice." How have Democrats reacted? Local Democratic politicians have strongly criticized the FBI and suggested it could be related to Mr. Trump's fraud claims. "For the life of me, I still cannot understand the fascination about the 2020 election, which occurred six years ago," said Pitts. "That election has been reviewed, it's been audited, and in every case, in every instance, we get a clean bill of health." Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia said in a statement: "I suspect today's raid is a continuation of this sore loser's crusade, despite repeated audits and independent reviews confirming that Donald Trump was indeed defeated." Democratic Rep. Nikema Williams of Georgia demanded that the FBI cut off its investigation, writing that "raids and renewed investigations based on the lie that President Trump won the election lack a factual basis and only serve to intimidate voters and undermine the integrity of our upcoming elections." Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, specifically questioned Gabbard's involvement. He wrote in a statement that "there are only two possible explanations" for why the director of national intelligence would be present at the FBI's search. "Either Director Gabbard believes there was a legitimate foreign intelligence nexus in which case she is in clear violation of her obligation under the law to keep the intelligence committees 'fully and currently informed' of relevant national security concerns or she is once again demonstrating her utter lack of fitness for office that she holds by injecting the nonpartisan intelligence community she is supposed to be leading into a domestic political stunt designed to legitimize conspiracy theories that undermine our democracy," Warner wrote. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey enter a command vehicle as the FBI carries out a search in Fulton County. / Credit: Mike Stewart / AP Why Trump may not demand for Noem to step down from her job Alex Pretti's family reacts to video of scuffle 11 days before death School principal speaks out about father and son detained by ICE: "Open your eyes" (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.) The U.S. Attorney's Office is alleging "spa" is misnomer in the names of two Erie-area massage parlors called Point Spa and Sunny Spa. Four Chinese nationals have been indicted on federal charges that they worked together in a family operation to run the two massage parlors as houses of prostitution. The indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court in Erie the morning of Jan. 28. It was unsealed at the same time law enforcement searched the two massage parlors accused of operating as brothels Point Spa, at 4432 Peach St. in Erie, and Sunny Spa, 4615 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek Township. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment charges all the defendants with conspiring to run the two spas as massage parlors "that served as fronts for unlawful businesses in which persons promoted and engaged in commercial sex." The charges include human trafficking, immigration violations and money laundering. State police conduct a search in a federal prostitution investigation at Sunny Spa, 4615 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek Township, the morning of Jan. 28. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges the illegal activity started in November 2023 and continued up to the time of the indictment, which was returned and sealed on Jan. 20. Indictment alleges 'interstate commerce,' transportation Three of the defendants are also accused of owning or managing the businesses and running them using "facilities of interstate and foreign commerce," such as the internet, cell phones and banks, according to the indictment. The indictment states that fourth defendant is accused of transporting a woman from Flushing, in Queens in New York City, to Erie "for the purpose of engaging in prostitution." Advertisement Advertisement Another prostitution case: Erie-area doctor accused in Ohio of setting up sexual encounter with fictitious girl The defendants are accused of leasing apartments for housing the employees who worked as prostitutes at Sunny Spa and Point Spa. Some of the employees' lived in efficiencies located next to Sunny Spa and Point Spa, which are leased properties, according to the indictment. Defendants are Chinese nationals with residence in Flushing, New York The defendants are Shuhua Qiu, 56; Chunlong Lin, 38; Lijuan Zhao, 40; and Ming Zhai, 39. They are Chinese nationals with a residence in Flushing, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Qiu and Zhao are women and Lin and Zhai are men. Qiu, the lead defendant, has been in the United States for about 12 years and is in the country legally, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The office said the other defendants have also been in the United States legally, but that their immigration status is under review. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges that Qiu owned Sunny Spa and managed it with Zhao from November 2023 to Aug. 20, and that Zhao has owned and managed Sunny Spa since Aug. 20. The indictment alleges Lin has owned and managed Point Spa since January 2024. Point Spa, a massage parlor at 4432 Peach St. in Erie, was the subject of a law enforcement search in a federal prostitution probe on Jan. 28. Qiu, Zhao and Lin are also accused of harboring what the indictment calls "aliens" at Point Spa for the purpose of prostitution and failing to file the proper paperwork about port of entry and other immigration details with the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service. The immigration-reporting requirements are part of federal human-trafficking laws, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Zhai is not accused of owning or managing any of the businesses. Zhai is charged with transporting the woman from Flushing to Erie on Aug. 13 for the purpose of prostitution. Regarding the money-laundering claims, the U.S. Attorney's Office said the "indictment alleges that the defendants opened and maintained bank accounts to manage, promote and facilitate their illicit massage businesses, and that Qiu engaged in monetary transactions with a value greater than $10,000 with money obtained from the operation of the businesses to purchase the Flushing residence the group shared." Indictment the result of 'collaborative effort' Federal officials praised the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement This indictment represents the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort involving all levels of municipal, state and federal law enforcement, as well as the commitment of our office and law enforcement partners not only during this National Human Trafficking Prevention Month but throughout the year to combatting human trafficking and protecting its victims and survivors," Troy Rivetti, the U.S. attorney for the Pittsburgh-based Western District of Pennsylvania, which includes Erie, said in a statement. The investigations arm of the Department of Homeland Security in Erie investigated the case with the FBI, IRS and other law enforcement agencies. The agencies "worked relentlessly in a joint investigation to take down an alleged family run sex trafficking operation in western Pennsylvania through two illicit massage businesses run by Chinese nationals," Eric McLoughlin, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Philadelphia, said in a statement. Arrest warrants obtained for defendants The indictment over Sunny Spa and Point Spa was issued about seven months after charges were filed over Totally You, an Erie fitness spa that the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said was operating as a brothel. Advertisement Advertisement That case, in which charges were filed in late June, is being prosecuted in Erie County Common Pleas Court and involves no allegations of interstate commerce a claim that typically underlies indictments in federal court. The Totally You cases includes charges against the accused operators and owners as well as 52 men accused of being customers of the now-shuttered business at 1812 Peach St. The federal case focuses on only the owners and operators of Sunny Spa and Point Spa. Totally You: Clients wanted secrecy at Totally You. Phone calls helped unmask them in Erie brothel case The prosecutor in the federal case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Sellers, obtained an order for arrest warrants for the four defendants on Jan. 20, the same day as a grand jury returned the indictment, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Qiu and Zhao had their initial appearances on Jan. 28 before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard A. Lanzillo at the federal courthouse in Erie. Zhao, ranked third in the indictment, also had her arraignment, at which she pleaded not guilty and told Lanzillo that she disagreed that she "committed prostitution." The U.S. Attorney's Office is requesting that Lanzillo order the defendants detained in prison pending prosecution, according to court records. Zhao waived her detention hearing until a later date. Lanzillo scheduled Qiu's detention hearing for Feb. 4. Both remain in prison. Court appearances for the two other defendants had not been scheduled in federal court in Erie as of late Jan. 28. Feds say spa customers paid in 'house fees' and 'tips' The nine-count indictment contains no details about what led the government to investigate Point Spa and Sunny Spa. The indictment refers to Sunny Spa and Point Spa as illicit massage businesses, or IMBs. Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment: "Members of the conspiracy charged customers 'house fees,' initial fees paid to IMBs, which enabled customers to meet with a 'masseuse,' and customers paid 'tips' in exchange for commercial sex acts they engaged in with IMB employees. In many instances, the 'tips' were paid in amounts between 100% and 400% of the initial 'house fee.'" The operators of the spas accepted debit cards and credit cards, according to the indictment. They also accepted cash. Indictment seeks forfeiture of money, residence The indictment seeks forfeiture of unspecified amounts of currency contained in bank accounts for the two spas. Also subject to forfeiture, according to the indictment, are a black Honda Civic and an apartment and its contents located in Flushing. The IRS helped investigate the financial aspects of the case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The Erie County District Attorney's Office is among the other agencies that assisted in the probe. Advertisement Advertisement "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and commend their exceptional dedication, cooperation, and professionalism," District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz said in a statement. This investigation underscores the critical importance and strength of unified law enforcement efforts and shared resolve to identify, disrupt and eradicate these crimes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continued collaboration to protect victims, safeguard our community, and eliminate human trafficking and related exploitation wherever it exists. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@usatodayco.com or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Federal prostitution probe hits massage parlors in Erie, Harborcreek Vehicle inspections in New Hampshire are expected to continue after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction, effectively pushing the pause button on a law that would block the inspections from taking effect until further notice. Judge Landya McCafferty granted the preliminary injunction in a 44-page order late Tuesday, ordering the state to continue vehicle inspections originally scheduled to end this weekend until further notice from the court. A spokesman for the New Hampshire Department of Justice said Wednesday said they are reviewing the courts decision and considering appropriate next steps. Advertisement Advertisement We note that the order addresses a preliminary matter and does not resolve the merits of the case, the spokesman said. The state will be issuing further guidance for the public in the coming days. Gordon-Darby Holdings, the company contracted by New Hampshire to run the state vehicle inspection program, sued the state over the new law, saying New Hampshire would be in violation of the Clean Air Act if vehicle inspections ended without approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The lawsuit sought a preliminary injunction in the matter. We appreciate the courts decision to prioritize New Hampshires commitments under federal environmental laws, Gordon-Darby Holdings said in a statement. We are prepared to assist the state in complying with the courts decision. Attorney General John Formella told Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, D-Lebanon, on Wednesday that motorists should not assume anything about future inspections until his office meets with state agency officials and provides advice to the public in short order. Advertisement Advertisement I would say that the public should be on the lookout for the guidance that is coming very soon, Formella said. I dont think anyone should assume anything, but we are working on that. Guidance awaited The AG said his office will issue guidance for the public and state for the short and the long term once it fully examines the ruling. Gov. Kelly Ayotte said getting guidance out to the public is really important at this time. People havent gotten their cars inspected and they dont want to be non-compliant, Ayotte said, adding Formella was meeting officials at the Departments of Safety and Environmental Services about the next move. Certainly, the Legislature had the right to take this action so we will be looking for the next step, whether we should be appealing the ruling, modifying the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the ruling, House Election Laws Committee Chairman Ross Berry, R-Weare, launched an online petition to End Vehicle Inspections & Stop Federal Judicial Overreach at https://tinyurl.com/4db47dtx This outrageous ruling trying to block the repeal of New Hampshires vehicle inspection mandate is a direct attack on the will of the people, Berry said in a statement. The Legislature debated this openly and acted accordingly. One judge and one out-of-state corporation will not be allowed to override that decision. We will fight this with every legislative tool available. In her ruling, McCafferty told the state to take all steps necessary to resume and ensure the continued implementation and enforcement of the State of New Hampshires vehicle inspection and maintenance program, adding both sides agree the state would be in violation of the federal Clean Air Act if it were to abandon the inspection program without the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency giving the OK. The N.H. Department of Environmental Services asked the EPA for approval Dec. 24, but federal officials have yet to act on the request, the ruling states. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the allegations of the complaint plausibly demonstrate that Clean Air Act violations are not merely likely, but imminent, McCafferty wrote. Unless the EPA approves an amendment before January 31, New Hampshire will indisputably be violating the Clean Air Act as of that date. The court is unaware of another case in which a regulated entity announces an intent to commence violating the Clean Air Act on a particular date, and a plaintiff is able to show a substantial likelihood that the entitys announced violation will occur as stated. Ayotte contacted Environmental Services Ayotte said she spoke with officials at Environmental Services and was told we could go forward. Sometimes courts disagree on this and obviously we had a federal judge who took a pretty active view on this, Ayotte said. She expects the EPA will approve the states request to leave the program. Advertisement Advertisement We are not the only state that has gone in this direction, there are many states that have done this, Ayotte added, referring to states that have done away with inspections. Although inspections are still required under state law until Jan. 31, New Hampshire has experienced a substantial decrease in the total number of monthly motor vehicle inspections in the wake of HB2s passage in June 2025. In July 2025, the total number of inspections performed was 10% lower than the number of inspections completed in July 2024. The total number of inspections for August and September decreased by 17% and 16% from the previous years respective monthly totals. October saw a 24% decrease in inspections, and Novembers decrease was 33% from the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement In her ruling, McCafferty wrote the public has an interest in the continuation of an annual safety inspection requirement that keeps unsafe vehicles off the roads. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, called it disappointing but not surprising to see unaccountable federal judges side with self-interested out-of-state contractors to spit in the face of Granite Staters and New Hampshire State Law. Osborne said House Republicans are proposing the Live Free and Drive Amendment, which ensures that failure to comply with the Sticker Scheme will be classified as a non-moving secondary offense, removing law enforcements ability to pull over drivers; drivers cannot be denied insurance or ascribed fault for failure to comply, and the penalty for failing to comply with the sticker rule is set at one dollar. You have my word we are already taking steps to protect you from this activist judges injunction, Osborne said. pfeely@unionleader.com The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has concluded there was no reasonable cause to believe Texas officials discriminated based on race or national origin when distributing $1 billion in Hurricane Harvey disaster aid. In a letter closing its civil rights investigation, HUD said earlier findings that the Texas General Land Office, or GLO, unfairly favored rural white communities were fatally flawed legally and factually. The letter stated that after reviewing more than 80,000 pages of documents, investigators found no evidence the GLO acted with discriminatory intent. The investigation spanned five years and two presidential administrations and examined the GLOs actions under then-Commissioner George P. Bush. During that time, housing advocates and local officials accused the agency of politicizing disaster funds, citing earlier federal conclusions that Texas discriminated against residents of color when allocating Harvey relief funds. Advertisement Advertisement Current Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham welcomed HUDs Wednesday decision, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. A simple fact remains uncontested more than a million minorities two thirds of the total population benefited from this funding, Buckingham said in a press release. 100% are low-to-moderate income surpassing the metrics required by HUD. The dispute traces back to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which dumped more than 50 inches of rain on parts of the Houston area, flooded thousands of homes, and killed more than 80 people. Texas later received about $4.3 billion in federal disaster recovery aid. Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the GLO distributed $1 billion through a competitive grant process for local governments. Houston and Harris County, despite suffering the most deaths and property damage, received none of that money. An investigation by the Houston Chronicle found the money disproportionately went to inland counties with less storm damage and lower disaster risk. Amid bipartisan criticism from Houston politicians, Bush canceled a planned second competition and proposed awarding $750 million directly to Harris County. HUD launched its own investigation in June 2021 and in 2022 concluded the state had unfairly allocated funds. The land office revised its plan to distribute a second round of money totaling $1.2 billion. But a Texas Tribune investigation found that, too, routed aid disproportionately to more white, inland counties at less risk of natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement In early 2025, under the Biden administration, HUD reaffirmed its 2022 conclusion and referred the case to the U.S. Department of Justice, citing the GLOs sustained unwillingness to correct what HUD said violated the Fair Housing Act. Buckingham at the time dismissed the referral as politically driven. HUDs latest determination reverses those earlier findings and formally closes the case. Disclosure: The Texas General Land Office 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. The post Heres What Feeding Feral Cats in Hawaii Will Cost You appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Hawaiian ecosystems are under threat from several invasive species, including feral cats. Hawaii has earned the unfortunate title of bird extinction capital of the world. Eight Hawaiian bird species were declared extinct in 2023, with causes including habitat loss, disease, and predation by invasive species such as feral cats. The cats also spread toxoplasmosis to wildlife. A law in force from January 2026 bans the feeding of feral cats on county property. A Hawaii County law that came into force this month (January 2026) bans the feeding of feral cats on county property. The law came into force on January 1 and aims to protect native species from an animal thats viewed as a super predator: the feral cat. So, where did these cats come from, what native species are they damaging, and why is this law controversial? Read on to find out. Feral Cats on Hawaiis Big Island Hawaiian ecosystems are under threat from several invasive species that have been introduced to the islands. One of these is the domestic cat. They were introduced by Europeans in 1788 and have been there ever since. Cats are very good at adapting, and even though they were originally a household pet, they soon became successful feral animals. Whats more, feral cats are generally both larger and more aggressive than pet cats. Feral cats are a huge problem in Australia. MNStudio/iStock via Getty Images (MNStudio/iStock via Getty Images) They have established populations on all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands. They are widespread through all habitats, and while some use human resources, others live completely independently. What Impact Have Hawaiian Feral Cats Had? Cats are predators and hunt by instinct. According to the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, even well-fed cats hunt and kill wildlife. This has had a catastrophic impact on some native species. Some casualties are State-listed endangered birds. Hawaii has earned the unfortunate title of bird extinction capital of the world. Advertisement Advertisement The Hawaiian Islands have the highest number of endangered birds of any U.S. state. Eight were declared extinct in 2023, which are the Kauai akialoa, Kauai nukupuu, Kauai oo, Large Kauai thrush, Maui akepa, Maui nukupuu, Molokai creeper, and Po`ouli. Overall, feral cats on islands have contributed to the extinction of 33 bird species and threaten many endangered mammals and reptiles. Hawaiian geese are endangered. BBA Photography/Shutterstock.com (BBA Photography/Shutterstock.com) State-listed endangered birds such as Palila (Loxioides bailleui), Uau (Hawaiian petrel; Pterodroma sandwichensis), Ao (Newells shearwater; Puffinus newelli), Koloa (Hawaiian duck; Anas wyvilliana), Alae ula (Hawaiian moorhen; Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), and Aeo (Hawaiian stilt; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) are all targeted by feral cats. These native species evolved without mammalian predators and are therefore very vulnerable to attacks by mammals, such as feral cats. Cats Expose Wild Birds to Disease Feral cats have significantly contributed to the decline of the Nene, also called the Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis), which is designated as a Near Threatened species. However, this is due to the disease rather than hunting. Cats can carry a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals. It causes a disease called toxoplasmosis. Cats are the primary host for the microbe and are a necessary part of its life cycle, but the parasite rarely causes any symptoms in them. A single cat can excrete hundreds of millions of oocysts (infectious eggs) in its poop, which are then spread throughout the environment. The oocysts are ingested by other animals, including the Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis), Alala (Hawaiian crow; Corvus hawaiiensis), and Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Cysts form in various tissues, causing a variety of health issues. For example, there are press reports of Hawaiian goose goslings dying of toxoplasmosis. A Powerful Step to Protect Nature Feeding feral cats also inadvertently supports populations of other invasive species, such as rats and pigs. It is hoped that cutting off this food source on County lands will help to reduce feral cat numbers. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation prohibits feeding feral and stray animalsincluding cats, pigs, goats, and chickenson all county-owned or managed properties. These public spaces include County parks and beaches. It also covers those areas where feral cats often congregate because people feed them there. The hope is that by taking decisive action, the remaining bird species can recover. The fines are up to $50 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. Opposition to the Law This move has not been universally welcomed. There have been concerns about how the law will be enforced and whether it will lead to people feeding the cats in secret. Landowners can still feed the cats on private properties. There are fears for the welfare of feral cats. Krishna777/Shutterstock.com (Krishna777/Shutterstock.com) Cat lovers have concerns about the welfare of feral cat populations, which they feel are being left to starve. Cats play an important role in many peoples lives, but its important to draw a distinction between pet domestic cats and feral cats. Feral cats are at much greater risk of being involved in vehicle collisions, being attacked by dogs, starving, and contracting a disease. There is still a long way to go before Hawaiis threatened sea and land birds can be considered safe from the threat posed by feral cats. The post Heres What Feeding Feral Cats in Hawaii Will Cost You appeared first on A-Z Animals. Move over, "Top Gun" there's a new aviator icon in town, and his influence is sending ripples through the European equity markets. Shares of Italian eyewear manufacturer iVision Tech skyrocketed nearly 28% on the Milan Stock Exchange on Jan. 22 following an appearance by French President Emmanuel Macron sporting a pair of retro-style aviators at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, according to Reuters. The surge added about 3.5 million ($4.1 million) to the company's market capitalization in a single trading session. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share Missed the AI Boom's Biggest IPOs? This Platform Lets Everyday Investors Access Private Tech Early Viral Moment Becomes Fiscal Windfall The rally began after Macron was photographed wearing the glasses during an indoor speech on Jan. 21. The images went viral, drawing comparisons to 1980s action stars from "Terminator" and "Cobra." Even President Donald Trump took note, praising the "beautiful sunglasses" during his own address at the summit. While the fashion choice sparked memes, the backstory was more practical: Macron's office told Reuters that he wore the shades to protect a burst blood vessel in his right eye. After Macron's appearance, interest in the brand behind the frames, Henry Jullien, was so intense that the company's website crashed for most of the following day. To manage the influx of traffic, the maison launched a dedicated temporary landing page specifically for the model Macron wore the Pacific S 01. Trending: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors. Luxury Craftsmanship Meets Market Momentum Henry Jullien, founded in 1921, was acquired iVision Tech in 2023. Artisan workers at Maison Henry Jullien's location in France, where the glasses have been made for more than a century, assemble the frames, according to The Guardian. Each pair can take up to four months to complete. The Pacific S01 retails for 659 and uses a gold-filled technique, bonding gold to a base metal to ensure durability far superior to standard gold plating. "This is not ordinary eyewear; it's a luxury product that won't break after two years and that can be used for a long time," iVision Tech CEO Stefano Fulchir told The Guardian. "It's an investment, like jewelry, like a watch." Efforts to legalize execution by firing squad in Indiana are stalled after the House failed to pass legislation that would allow condemned prisoners to be gunned to death. But it's not completely off the table yet. House Bill 1119 would make execution by firing squad one of two ways in which an inmate is put to death, with the Indiana Department of Correction commissioner deciding which method to use. It would have also allowed one member of the media to witness the execution a departure from current practice, which doesn't allot spots for reporters or members of the public in the execution chamber. On Jan. 28, the supermajority-Republican House couldn't garner the constitutional majority needed for it to pass, despite a vote tally 48-46 in favor of the bill. It needed at least 51 yes votes to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Since the bill failed in this particular manner, it could still be called up for another vote before the deadline to pass House bills on Feb. 2. The bill's author, State Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, told IndyStar he is thinking about whether to do so. Debate on the House floor focused less on the particulars of the method though multiple lawmakers called it "barbaric" than on whether Indiana should have a death penalty at all. Opposition to the death penalty writ large united multiple representatives from both parties concerned with the possibility of wrongful convictions. "Vote this down and start the discussion on capital punishment," urged state Rep. Bob Morris, R-Fort Wayne. "I almost never agree with Rep. Morris," Democratic Rep. Ed Delaney of Indianapolis said, to laughter from his colleagues. "It simply has to go." Advertisement Advertisement Capital punishment has become a hot topic in Indiana as the state resumed lethal injections after a 15-year hiatus. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have attempted unsuccessfully to end the death penalty in the state, as nationwide support for capital punishment continues to fall. Republican Gov. Mike Braun has also shown some willingness to discuss the future of capital punishment in the state. Death penalty isn't the issue, Rep. Jim Lucas says The legislation, as well as a similar Senate bill that stalled in committee, was introduced as lethal injection drugs have become more expensive and difficult to get, prompting some states turn to other methods. Lucas urged his colleagues to focus on that, and not the broader debate. Advertisement Advertisement "The actual issue is not the death penalty. Thats been decided, over 200 years ago, and since then," he said. "This issue right now is simply amending Indiana law to include another method." Execution by firing squad was most recently used in South Carolina last year. In Idaho, a firing squad will be the primary method of execution starting in July. The method is also legal in Mississippi, Oklahoma and Utah. An earlier version of the legislation would've also legalized execution by nitrogen hypoxia, a method allowed in at least four other states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma. But before the House vote, the bill was amended to remove nitrogen hypoxia. Indiana State Prison Opponents of the bill raised concerns about the possibility of botched executions and avoidable lawsuits over alleged constitutional violations. They also renewed criticisms over Indiana's secretive process that cloaks the identities of those tasked with carrying out the death penalty, keeps secret the names of the drugs' manufacturers and retailers, and prevents third-party or neutral observers from witnessing executions. Advertisement Advertisement "Executions are among the most serious act a government can undertake," Samantha Bresnahan, senior policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union in Indiana, testified during a committee hearing. "If the state is confident it should not need to hide the details from public and judicial scrutiny." Zach Stock, legislative council for the Indiana Public Defender Council, called the bill "a solution in search of a problem" that's "more trouble than it's worth." The bill also does not solve the real financial toll of capital cases, Stock testified, citing millions of dollars that counties and the state spend defending inmates facing the death penalty. "It's like complaining about the cost of gas to your private jet," Stock testified. "The problem is the private jet." Compared to other states, Indiana has a very small number of death-row prisoners and will not need large quantities of drugs, Stock said. Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Who's on death row in Indiana Separately, the House passed a bill that would establish a procedure to determine before trial whether a defendant in a death-penalty case has an intellectual disability. House Bill 1432, by state Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg, passed unanimously. Other death penalty-related legislation, including a House bill that would've required executions to be carried out by state lawmakers, died without a committee hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Five people are sitting on death row in Indiana, one of whom has been declared mentally incompetent to be executed. There are three more pending death penalty cases in the state. In one case, the defendant has been declared incompetent. Indiana has executed three inmates in recent years: Joseph Corcoran, who killed four people including his brother, was executed on Dec. 18, 2024. Benjamin Ritchie, who killed a Beech Grove police officer, was executed on May 20, 2025. Roy Lee Ward, who raped and brutally killed a 15-year-old, was executed on Oct. 10, 2025. Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Firing squad bill fails, but Indiana lawmakers could vote again Snow is in the current forecast for this weekend for the Midlands. It wont just be a dusting, National Weather Service Meteorologist Emily Carpenter told The State on Wednesday. A snowstorm moving through the Southeast could lead to 2 inches, or more, of snow accumulating in the Columbia area of South Carolina, according to Carpenter. I expect the forecast to change several times before the weekend, but its favorable for snow, Carpenter said. We will see flakes flying this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Those flakes could begin descending on the Midlands very late Friday, and continue into Saturday, according to Carpenter. Its possible a storm could start as a mix of rain and snow, then shift to just snow. While the forecast isnt fully formed for all the weekend, Carpenter said its likely snow would be falling until about 8 p.m. Saturday. As the forecast develops, and potentially changes as Carpenter warned, its possible that the snowfall could extend into Sunday. A look at a potential winter storm in the Midlands area of South Carolina. (National Weather Service) Any snow would be part of a weather system thats expected to cause widespread precipitation across the Carolinas. Rain is more likely along the South Carolina coast, but further north will be snow in North Carolina, according to the National Weather Service. The Midlands and the Upstate regions of South Carolina are more likely to experience the white stuff than the Pee Dee Region, Carpenter said. Advertisement Advertisement The area to the north and east of the I-26 corridor in the Columbia area is where the most snow is currently expected, according to Carpenter. While exact amounts of snowfall remain uncertain, Carpenter said that there should be nothing like the freezing rain and sleet that left a layer of ice across the Midlands last weekend. Thankfully, there will be no ice, Carpenter said. Even without the ice, any significant snow thats combined with the freezing cold temperatures in the forecast will make driving conditions hazardous, according to Carpenter. Its very concerning with the cold, Carpenter said. Overnight temperatures could be in the mid-teens. This is some of the coldest temperatures weve seen all winter. Advertisement Advertisement While theres a deep freeze overnight, the daytime temperatures on Saturday and Sunday only will approach highs of 35 degrees, the forecast shows. That type of cold can be extremely dangerous. Conditions will warm, slightly, at the beginning of next week with daytime highs in the 40s and overnight lows in the 20s, according to the forecast. No advisories, watches or warnings have been issued, but that could change as the storm continues to develop closer to the weekend. Carpenter said Midlands residents should keep watching the forecast as it continues to develop. Its very fluid. ... Whats forecast today could change, Carpenter said. We could get nothing, or we could get more. But people should begin making preparations for another winter system. Advertisement Advertisement If it snows this weekend, it would actually be the first significant snowfall of the year in Columbia. The forecast for winter weather Jan. 18, as well as another potential snowstorm Jan. 25, didnt come to fruition. There was little precipitation in the former, while the latter saw precipitation that was mostly freezing rain and some sleet. While some flurries were spotted in parts of the Midlands in each of the past two weekends, should any snow accumulate the ground, it would be the first measurable snowfall of 2026. There were two instances in 2025 when snow was recorded in Columbia Jan. 10 and Jan. 21-22. Passenger flights between Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and cities in the northern Tigray region have been cancelled amid fears of a return to conflict, with reports of clashes in one area. Ethiopian Airlines, which operates all routes in the country, sent passengers a text message about the cancellations citing "unplanned circumstances". Neither the airline nor the government has commented further. Airport staff in Tigray's main city of Mekelle have reportedly been told not to go to work. Advertisement Advertisement A 2022 peace deal to end a brutal civil war in Tigray has been unravelling as tensions grow over disputed territory and ahead of June's elections. There are reports of clashes between the federal army and Tigray fighters in Mai Degusha, a contested area of Tselemti district in western Tigray. During the conflict, forces from the neighbouring Amhara region occupied the fertile area of western Tigray, which remains a source of dispute. The government has said it will be settled through a referendum but around a million people fled that area during the war and remain in poor conditions in makeshift camps throughout Tigray - and it is not clear whether they will get a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Sources also report new military movements in southern Tigray, raising concerns of renewed conflict. Ethiopian Airlines has not yet issued an official statement or explanation regarding the suspension of its flights. The African Union (AU) brokered the truce between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - known as the Pretoria Agreement - which set up an interim administration to run Tigray. Tigray's transport chief Tadele Mengistu confirmed to the BBC that flights had been cancelled but said he did not have detailed information about the reasons behind the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Buses are still operating between Addis Ababa and Tigray, though they may be subject to disruptions following the suspension of flights. Relations between the TPLF and the government have been deteriorating for a while. Following the Pretoria deal, the TPLF, which was designated a terrorist group during the war, wanted its legal status as a political party to be reinstated. But the process has been dogged by disagreements and the electoral board recently revoked the TPLF's licence - meaning it cannot contest the national elections in June. The TPLF itself has split into factions, complicating an already tense situation. The party had dominated Ethiopia's political landscape for two decades until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018 and set up a new party, which TPLF leaders refused to join. Advertisement Advertisement An AU envoy estimated that 600,000 people were killed during the Tigray war with all sides accused of gross abuses, such as the mass killing of civilians and widespread sexual violence. Map You may also be interested in: More about Ethiopia from the BBC: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Florida and Georgia both received failing grades on the American Lung Associations 2026 State of Tobacco Control report card, highlighting significant shortcomings in efforts to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth. Florida received F grades for tobacco prevention funding, taxes and the regulation of flavored tobacco products. The state received C grades for smoke-free air and access to assistance for quitting. Meanwhile, Georgia received F grades across all categories, indicating a lack of comprehensive tobacco control measures. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Nationwide, adult smoking rates have decreased to 11%, down from 23% in 2000, reflecting progress in tobacco control efforts in various states. However, the reports findings emphasize that more work is required in Florida and Georgia to implement effective strategies for reducing smoking and vaping among teenagers and adults alike. The report indicates that without enhanced efforts, including increased funding for prevention and stricter regulations, the tobacco crisis may persist. For more information, visit lung.org. [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. Port Orange-area residents will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Organizers said the Jan. 31 giveaway will be held at Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Port Orange. The church is located at: 200 Layfayette Street, Port Orange, Florida 32127 The distribution is set to begin at 8 a.m. and will be drive-thru style. Advertisement Advertisement The event is on a first-come, first-served basis, and will continue through 11 a.m., while supplies last. Farm Share said it helps to fight hunger by working hand-in-hand with local farmers to recover and redistribute produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic imperfections. To find a food pantry near you, click here. Info flyer for January 31 Farm Share event in Port Orange. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The meeting focused on counterterrorism cooperation and Irans nuclear ambitions, according to statements by the ministers. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met Togos Foreign Minister Robert Dussey on Thursday at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem. Saar thanked Dussey for Togos support for Israel after October 7 and said the countries would expand bilateral cooperation, according to a statement he posted on X/Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement The ministers discussed shared security concerns and ways to counter terrorism in West Africa and the Middle East. Saar said Israel and Togo face overlapping terrorist threats and agreed to intensify coordination on countermeasures. The discussion included information sharing and practical steps to strengthen regional stability, according to the Israeli readout. Sa'ar meets with Togolese Foreign Minister Dusseys visit highlighted Lomes longstanding alignment with Israel on key security issues. Saar reiterated that the worlds most dangerous regime, Iran, must not obtain the worlds most dangerous weapon, a nuclear bomb. He emphasized that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains a central pillar of Israels foreign policy. The ministers also reviewed broader Middle East dynamics and their implications for African security. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides said they would further strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. Areas under review include agriculture, technology, and capacity-building initiatives that Israel has promoted across parts of Africa. The meeting builds on Israels expanding outreach on the continent in recent years. A former Kentucky state representative filed a petition Wednesday to impeach Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman over her handling of six different cases in Lexington. Killian Timoney who represented House District 45 before being defeated in a GOP primary in 2024 and is seeking the seat again this year argues in the petition that Goodman abused her judicial authority and undermined public confidence in the courts in a way that constitutes misdemeanors in office. Judge Goodman has abused her office to such an extent, and in so many cases, that she has undermined public confidence in the judicial process, Timoney wrote. These abuses constitute misdemeanors in office under Section 68 of the Kentucky Constitution, for which she should be impeached, removed from office and disqualified to hold any office of honor, trust or profit under this Commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Goodman told the Herald-Leader Wednesday afternoon she was not aware of the impeachment filing, nor did she know who Timoney is. She did not express surprise at the fact an impeachment petition was filed, given an impeachment petition has also been filed recently against Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine. I think it was only a matter of time, I guess. Goodman said. In a brief interview with the Herald-Leader, Timoney mostly deferred questions to the petition and a post he made to Facebook. He did not respond to a question on what made Goodmans rulings worthy of impeachment or if the filing was politically motivated given he is seeking to regain his old seat. Advertisement Advertisement Timoney cites six cases handled by Goodmans court he believes warrant her impeachment. He wrote that the grounds for impeachment include refusal to obey legal precedent, outrageous demonstrations of bias, disregard of the separation of powers and an egregious pattern of judicial activism. The first was recently overturned in a scathing opinion issued by the Kentucky Court of Appeals in December. Goodman dismissed the case of Cornell Thomas, 39, who was charged with wanton murder in a June 2020 car crash near Leestown Road that killed Tammy Botkin, a 50-year-old Lexington woman. She dismissed the case in 2023, arguing Thomas was overcharged because of his race. In her order, she accused Fayette County prosecutors of systemic racial bias. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Russell Coleman intervened and sent the case to the court of appeals. This intervention was one of three Colemans office oversaw against Goodman in the span of months. The appeals court decision remanded Goodmans ruling and suggested she recuse herself from further proceedings, stating it was clear Thomas would not receive a fair trial in her court. Timoney told the Herald-Leader he dedicated his first campaign to become state representative to Botkin, whom he knew personally. The House District 45 seat, split between southwest Fayette County and a slice of Jessamine County, is now held by Rep. Adam Moore, D-Lexington. Moore narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson, who beat Timoney in the 2024 GOP primary by 44 percentage points. The district is one of just a handful of politically purple districts in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Moore is running for reelection, and Timoney faces Jeff Thompson, a former Idaho state legislator, in the GOP primary. Timoneys petition cites two other cases the court of appeals reversed from Goodmans court. One involves James Harvey Hendron, a Lexington father who shot and killed his 23-year-old son on Fathers Day in 2018. A jury convicted Hendron of murder after a four-day trial but Goodman overturned that conviction, citing further prosecutorial misconduct. Again, the court of appeals said Goodman overstepped, and ordered Hendrons sentence stand. This breaking news story may be updated. Former Navy Seal, professional wresting hall-of-famer and ex-Minnesota Governor Jesse The Body Ventura believes his state might be better off if it were to become a part of Canada. Since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and were so out of control, lets join Canada, he said during a recent appearance on The SpinSisters podcast. Instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America Id like to see Minnesota, all of us become Canadians. The 74-year-old veteran has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administrations lethal use of federal troops in the North Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Ventura said Saturday the day ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis that secession might not be a bad idea. Its obvious Trump dont want us. Its obvious that hes ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly, he said. If they dont want us, Im sure Canada would be happy to take us. President Trump has repeatedly insulted Canadians by insisting that their prime minister whom he has referred to as their governor should allow the country to become a U.S. state. He claimed last week during the World Economic Forum in Davos that Canada only lives because of the United States. Ventura referred to those overtures while pitching his twist on the plan. Advertisement Advertisement I think someone seriously should contact Canada and ask them if theyre open to this, he said. Ventura then joked that landlocked Iowans might get the bad end of a Minnesota defection. Think of what a mess itll be when they have to cross an international border to come up here fishing, he said. Minnesota shares a border with Canada that spans 547 miles. The state is home to nearly 12,000 lakes. Ventura told local media earlier this month that the deployment of federal troops to U.S. cities has turned the nation into a third-world country. The former governor, who left office in 2003 after serving only one term, also suggested his unhappiness with the state of the nation has him considering a return to politics. Former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey is sworn in during his judicial confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) A former Senate majority leader who opposed same-sex marriage is advancing toward a lifetime appointment as a member of the Rhode Island Judiciary, despite advocates objections. The Senate Committee on Judiciary voted 13-1 Wednesday to advance Gov. Dan McKees nomination of Michael McCaffrey to fill a District Court vacancy to the full chamber for confirmation. The committee also gave its unanimous approval for McKees three other picks to fill judicial vacancies on the Superior and Family courts. Advertisement Advertisement Whether in this building or in my practice of law or in the community, I have worked with individuals navigating difficult situations and I have worked to help them overcome them, McCaffrey, a Warwick Democrat, told the committee during his introductory remarks. Its the culmination of these experiences that I believe make me qualified as a justice of the District Court. If confirmed, McCaffrey would fill the seat left vacant by Melissa R. DuBose, who now serves as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The annual base salary for a state District Court judge is $199,075. Also moving toward a full Senate vote: Assistant Attorney General Shannon Signore, who McKee nominated to fill a vacancy on the Providence County Superior Court. Magistrates Andrea Iannazzi and Alberto Aponte Cardona Sr. were picked to fill two Family Court vacancies. McCaffrey served in the Rhode Island Senate from 1995 through the end of the 2022 legislative session, including as majority leader from 2017 until his final term concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Colleagues on the panel praised his work and fair demeanor, as did Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Erin Lynch Prata herself a onetime senator who noted the two didnt always agree on policy. There was always a tremendous amount of respect, she said. Our disagreements were confined to the policy, they never devolved to personal attacks. Lynch Prata also pointed to McCaffreys legislative record in helping shape todays court network, including laws that created a drug court, a mental health treatment calendar, and mandates fora more diverse judiciary. The legislation that he is responsible for passing not only made Rhode Island safer and more responsive to Rhode Islanders needs, but also set Rhode Island courts on a path our neighboring New England states are striving to catch up to, she said. Advertisement Advertisement But McCaffreys Senate record has also drawn plenty of criticism from progressive groups like the Womxn Project, which took to social media last July to oppose his appointment before his initial interview before the Judicial Nomination Commission. A conservative member of his party, McCaffrey was part of the leadership team that allowed a vote on codifying abortion-rights to go to the floor in 2019. He voted against the measure that ultimately passed. He was also among 12 senators who voted no when the chamber passed the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. Its a lifetime appointment thats going to impact so many peoples lives, Jocelyn Foye, the Womxn Projects director and co-founder, said in an interview before the committee meeting. And hes not a good representative of all of the people. Advertisement Advertisement The Wakefield-based organization issued another call to action Monday, urging the public to contact McKee and Senate President Valarie Lawson to halt McCafferys nomination from going forward. Lawson appeared on the panel in her ex-officio role, approving McCafferys advancement. She has previously stated that McCaffrey had the highest integrity and a deep knowledge of the law. Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat, was the lone vote against advancing former Senate Majority Michael McCaffrerys District Court nomination to the full chamber. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) At his interview before the Judicial Nominating Commission last July, McCaffrey said his understanding of such social issues has evolved. He said he would be an impartial jurist if appointed a message he reiterated before lawmakers Wednesday. I have always treated everyone with dignity and respect both in and out of public service, he said. If appointed, I will continue to ensure that every person who enters my courtroom remains seen, heard, and treated equally under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Foye remained skeptical. She pointed to an op-ed in the Boston Globe penned by former Sen. Gayle Goldin, a Providence Democrat, who claimed the former majority leader has gone back on his word before. Thats a character picture, Foye said. He claims hes changed, but thats so hard to believe considering how long he had worked in the Senate against so many organizations during his period of time there. Its a similar concern shared by Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat who cast the lone vote against McCaffreys advancement. Euer was deputy director for the successful campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. With LGTBQ+ rights under the crosshairs of the Trump administration, she said its critically important that the District Court vacancy is filled by someone with a record of protecting civil liberties. Advertisement Advertisement I think its possible he evolved, but I dont think based on words we should be awarding a lifetime appointment, she said in an interview. If someone evolves in one direction, can they evolve in another? Other committee members praised McCafferys character. Sen. Mark McKenney, a Warwick Democrat, noted that while the governors judicial pick may have been against certain policy issues, he did allow them to go to the Senate floor for robust discussion. Thats very indicative of someone who understands that its not all about personal views, McKenney said. McCaffrey, along with McKees other judicial appointees, will be considered for confirmation by the full Senate some time next week, chamber spokesperson Greg Pare said. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat who cast the only no vote on advancing the nomination of Michael McCaffrey to the full Senate for a floor vote, expanded on her vote in a statement issued Thursday morning: The ground has shifted underneath us in many ways as the federal administration has continued to undermine the rule of law and civil rights. States, and therefore state courts, are more important than ever and it is critical that we are making merit based (not patronage based) judicial selections that will strengthen our state judiciary during these tumultuous times. Ive been in the General Assembly since 2017, and been working on high profile issues much longer than that. Ive been an advocate for reproductive rights, marriage equality, and gun safety among other things and have first-hand knowledge of how those pieces of legislation passed. Not the least of which was marriage equality passing after a historic electoral campaign in 2012, in which many anti-gay incumbents lost their seats. McCaffrey himself almost lost reelection that year. Im dismayed by the attempt to rewrite history by some of my colleagues regarding former Senator McCaffreys role on many of those issues and bills. Facts matter and to twist recent history to try to place him at the center of why some historic legislation such as marriage equality or the reproductive privacy rights act passed is not only incorrect, its offensive. Its also a framework and explanation that advances an authoritarian view of the world instead of a democratic one which I wholly reject. Much of the discussed high profile legislation discussed passed because of collective action of many people both inside and outside of the building who wouldnt take no for an answer after years of legislation being blocked and/or undermined with poison pill amendments. These historic bills didnt pass because of former Senator McCaffrey, they passed because he could no longer block them. Advertisement Advertisement Id also like to add that the narrative centering him as the reason these bills passed contradict his own testimony and explanation on these issues to which he said he had evolved and that we should consider his opinions and actions with the times. As far as his evolution, we are fortunate that journalist Steve Ahlquist was at the Judicial Nominating Conference hearing and recorded the meeting. People should watch his explanation for themselves and come to their own conclusions. These are lifetime appointments and the stakes are high. This recent round of nominations has highlighted many flaws in our judicial nominating process and shows that the reforms of the 90s have been all but erased at this point. I plan on working with advocates and my colleagues to introduce legislation to further reform this process. Former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey sits in the crowd before testifying in front of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, a panel he once chaired, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX FIRST ON FOX: A former staffer for Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is launching his own congressional bid on Thursday, Fox News Digital has learned. Republican Austin Rogers is formally jumping into the race for Florida's 2nd Congressional District, a solidly Republican seat encompassing part of the Sunshine State's panhandle. It's currently being represented by Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., who is retiring at the end of this year. Rogers invoked both President Donald Trump and Scott in a statement announcing his candidacy in a testament to the district's conservative lean. Advertisement Advertisement Florida Gop Rep Vern Buchanan To Retire, Adding To Wave Of House Exits Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, in the Senate Subway during a vote at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, March 14, 2025. (Getty Images) "As President Trump and Senator Scott have shown, strong leadership matters," Rogers said. "I was raised right here in the 2nd District, fishing these bays, hunting these woods, and competing on these fields. I was taught to love this country, respect hard work, and stand up for whats right. Ive seen firsthand how broken Washington is. Our nation needs more fighters who will fearlessly root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government." Rogers previously worked as general counsel for Scott's Senate office, which he argued helped him learn "how Congress actually works." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "I have drafted legislation, conducted congressional hearings, and led investigations holding the left accountable," Rogers said. Scott's campaign team told Fox News Digital that he has no current plans to make an endorsement in the race, however. Austin Rogers, a former staffer for Sen. Rick Scott, is running for a Florida House seat. Rogers' statement notably did not mention Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another central Republican figure in the Sunshine State, despite the district including the capital city of Tallahassee. Reporter's Notebook: House Exodus Threatens Johnson's Grip On Power As Over 40 Members Head For Exit Rogers, a father of two with a third child on the way, was born and raised in his district and moved back there with his wife after a brief stint in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a crowded field is forming to replace Dunn, a surgeon and retired Army major who first won his seat in 2016. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., arrives at the Rayburn House Office Building on Nov. 2, 2023. Three Republicans and three Democrats have already filed to run for the district, with Rogers becoming the fourth GOP hopeful in the race. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Among the GOP candidates in the race are Evan Power, Florida's Republican Party state chairman, and Keith Gross, a businessman who previously mounted a long-shot bid against Scott in 2024. Dunn is part of a record number of House lawmakers announcing their departures from the lower chamber in the 119th Congress. Twenty-eight Republicans and 21 Democrats have announced retirements between this year and last year, more than during any other congressional term. Original article source: Former Rick Scott staffer jumps into crowded Florida primary for open House seat By Makiko Yamazaki and Leika Kihara TOKYO, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Japan's top monetary officials are leveraging rare U.S. backing in their fight against the weak yen, using tactical silence and calibrated communication to drive the currency sharply higher without resorting to large-scale intervention. At the heart of the approach is Atsushi Mimura, Japan's top currency diplomat, whose sparse public remarks have become policy signals in their own right. Rather than offering frequent colour on the currency, Mimura has kept changes in tone deliberate, according to sources familiar with his thinking, a communications style that has most recently kept speculators guessing about when, or whether, Tokyo might step in. "They've pushed dollar/yen down by roughly seven yen while preserving their firepower," said Shota Ryu, FX strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. "It's a remarkably efficient approach." The yen's spikes occurred on three occasions since late last week, with the sharpest moves following reports of an unusual rate check by the New York Federal Reserve that put investors on alert for the first joint U.S.Japan intervention in 15 years. While U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied that the U.S. was intervening in currency markets to support the yen, former Japanese monetary officials said U.S. participation in rate checks is a major breakthrough for Japan, given Washington has traditionally viewed currency intervention negatively. Its involvement, even at the level of rate checks, has strengthened the perception that the two governments are aligned in catching the yen's declines, they said. Tokyo has stayed deliberately quiet on the day-to-day market swings, repeating only that it is in close coordination with U.S. authorities. "By keeping silent, they make the market think they must be doing something behind the scenes. Their silence is fuelling speculation and heightening uncertainty," said Yuji Saito, executive advisor to SBI FX Trade. Mimura, who became vice finance minister for international affairs in 2024 after spending nearly a third of his 37-year government career at Japan's banking regulator, has previously described his approach as intentional. "Being always vocal is one style of communication, but not speaking may also be another way," he told Reuters when he started the current post, which oversees Japan's currency policy and coordinates economic policy with other countries. That approach can be powerful precisely because it does not require money for costly currency interventions. Bank of Japan money market data shows no clear signs of Japan having conducted interventions since Friday's yen rally, at least not at the scale of operations in 2022 and 2024, when Japan spent 24.5 trillion yen ($160.19 billion) in total. A group of children accused of beating a 51-year-old man to death in Rhode Island have been charged with his murder, police confirmed to Us Weekly. The four children an 11-year-old and three 12-year-olds were seen attacking the man, identified as Rony Alonso, in Providence on the evening of January 19, according to a Providence Police Department statement provided by public information officer Kristy DosReis to Us on Wednesday, January 28. Witnesses told investigators that they saw several individuals assault an adult male, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking and punching him before fleeing the area that night, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Officers found Alonso following the brutal beating, according to authorities. He ultimately died of his injuries at Rhode Island Hospital. This is a heartbreaking and deeply troubling case for our city, Providence Chief of Police Colonel Oscar Perez said in a statement. The loss of life in this homicide has devastated the victims loved ones and our community. Police Arrest Oregon Father for Allegedly Beating His Days-Old Son to Death A video canvas of the area near the site of the beating led to officers to arrest the four children, according to police, who did not share the childrens names. Advertisement Advertisement They were initially arrested on felony assault and conspiracy charges, police said. The charges, however, were upgraded to murder and conspiracy to commit felony assault, according to authorities. Ronys sister, Ingrid Alonso, told NBC Boston that the children had killed him unjustly. He didn't bother anyone, there is evidence that he didn't assault the children," Ingrid said. Following the attack, Ingrid told the TV station she and her family members saw Rony in a coma, because he wasn't speaking. While speaking with the outlet, the Alonso family described Rony as a quiet man originally from Guatemala. They said he has lived in the U.S. for the last 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement I dont forgive them, one of Ronys brothers, William Alonso, told NBC Boston, referring to the children charged in his death. May God forgive them, but I don't forgive them," he added. It is unclear what led to Ronys deadly encounter with the children. The charges against the group were upgraded after the medical examiner who performed Ronys autopsy determined he died of blunt force trauma, according to police. Two of the four children were arraigned in family court on Tuesday, January 27, authorities said. The other two children are due in court for their arraignments later this week. Violent crime, particularly when it involves young people, has lasting and damaging effects, Perez said. Advertisement Advertisement Mom, Boyfriend Shot Kids With BB Guns While They Were Locked in Chicken Pen, Missouri Sheriff Says Ronys family told NBC Boston that they want the children to be tried as adults. In the U.S., 23 states, including Rhode Island, have no minimum age requirements for children to be tried as adults, The Providence Journal reported, citing the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Kara Hoopis Manosh, the president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, told the newspaper that in for the most serious offenses, including murder, the law allows a judge, after a hearing, to certify a case to adult court if its shown that the juvenile should be prosecuted and sentenced as an adult. More freezing temperatures are expected this weekend, but officials say conditions wont be as bad as last week. According to the National Weather Service website, highs are expected to dip into the lower 30s Friday and to the mid-20s Saturday. The NWS also predicts mostly sunny skies Friday and Saturday. Muskogee Emergency Management Director Tyler Evans said some snow flurries are expected Friday. Advertisement Advertisement They havent sent a briefing on it, so that kind of tells me they arent expecting anything being of considerable concern, Evans said. Saturday, it looks like its going to be sunny, but its still going to be cold. District 1 Muskogee County Commissioner Ken Doke said hes expecting more ice than snow. We are reloading [trucks] because we dont use the graders as much, he said. With the snow, were better equipped to handle that. Doke said he met with crews Wednesday morning. Crews are reloading sand and salt into trucks. We still have some left from before, but we used a lot, too, he said. As always, well be getting the worst areas first, especially as it relates to hills, curves and intersections. Then well work our way to more of the inner roads. Advertisement Advertisement He said Wednesday freezing fog had been expected later in the day. We may have gotten lucky on the fog, because black ice is treacherous, he said. Its Oklahoma weather. Ice is traditionally worse than snow, so the fact that were dealing mainly with ice could make it worse. Well do our best to be prepared to deal with it. Doke said he hasnt seen anything that warrants declaration of a county weather emergency, like one the county declared last week. District 2 Commissioner Keith Hyslop said conditions in the south part of the county are not as bad as the north areas. Down here, the sun is shining and were blading snow stuff off, Hyslop said. The last five days, we finally got all our paved roads cleared; now were working on hills and dirt roads. Were blading them off, salting and sanding them. Last month, Jessie Rose-Busher, who helps lead the New Breed 904 Jacksonville motorcycle riders club, met Oscar Viera, a 21-year-old fellow rider whod just moved from Milwaukee. Last Thursday, Rose-Busher woke up to learn her new friend was gone, less than 18 hours after what she didnt realize would be her last time seeing him. Its more of a depressing thing because, its like, I just watched [Oscar] kind of grow into this community and actually become part of us, and hes gone, Rose-Busher said. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Florida Highway Patrol reported last week that on Thursday night, at around 10:13 PM, a Milwaukee man riding a motorcycle on SR-A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach crashed into an SUV. The report said the SUV drove right in front of the motorcycle while making a left turn at Sawgrass Village Drive, and the rider died on his way to the hospital. It wasnt until Friday morning that Rose-Busher said she found out Oscar was the one who died. Rose-Busher told us she feels like she took him under his wing as he adjusted to Jacksonville, introducing him to members of the motorcycle club in the few weeks they knew one another. She said what shell remember most about him are the little moments where his sweet, innocent soul and goofy personality had the chance to shine. Advertisement Advertisement He was very, very silly, someone who kind of just wanted to make everybody laugh and make their day, Rose-Busher said. We reported earlier this week some concerns from neighbors in Ponte Vedra Beach, who believe the intersections along SR-A1A need to be made safer for drivers. Others, though, think the same consideration should be made for motorcycle riders, too. These are all preventable accidents, said Laran Phelps, who lost her husband, Neil, in a separate motorcycle crash on SR-A1A, less than 10 minutes from where Viera crashed. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Phelps also shared with us that, less than two years ago, she, tragically, lost her 20-year-old daughter, Ella, in a motorcycle crash on Jacksonvilles westside. Phelps said she was riding on the back of her boyfriends motorcycle when the crash happened, and shes continued to see more friends lose their lives in crashes in the time since. Advertisement Advertisement I dont wish the pain of losing someone on anyone in this way especially. Its been horrible, Phelps said. In 2025, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported three motorcycle crash deaths in St. Johns County, the lowest amount since 2020. But in Duval County, the department reported 45 motorcycle crash deaths, the highest amount since, at least, 2017. Seeing the increase in crashes has made Rose-Busher worry for the safety of her fellow riders. We all know the second youre getting on the bike, theres always a chance that this is the last ride, Rose-Busher said, we can have the loudest exhaust, we can throw the brightest colors on, we can be as noticeable as possible, but cars still arent looking. Advertisement Advertisement Rose-Busher told us that a candlelight vigil will be held in Oscar Vieras honor tomorrow, starting at 7:30 PM at the Best Buy store on Blanding Boulevard, in Jacksonville. [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. Frigid temperatures are set to continue over the next several days before another blast of arctic air spreads from the Plains to the Southeast Friday, Jan. 30, into Saturday, Jan. 31, with record low temperatures and extremely cold wind chill values expected, even in South Florida. When the weather gets cold in the Sunshine State, gators stop eating and iguanas start dropping. Can Florida's invasive Burmese pythons survive the chill? Do colder temperatures keep the constrictors from spreading farther north? Where did Florida's Burmese pythons come from? Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia. Many of the invasive snakes came to the U.S. because of their popularity in the pet trade, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Advertisement Advertisement The snakes were then intentionally or accidentally released in South Florida. Are invasive Burmese pythons still a problem in Florida? Burmese pythons are an invasive species established across more than a thousand square miles of South Florida, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Park. The constrictors have few predators and prey on native species, eating just about anything from field mice to deer. According to a 2012 study, they've contributed to the decline of raccoons, opossums, bobcats, foxes, and marsh and cottontail rabbits. How big do Burmese pythons get? Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with adult animals averaging between 10 and 16 feet long, according to the University of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement A group of python hunters caught the longest Burmese python ever measured on July 10, 2023, in the Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County. The monster snake was 19 feet long. The heaviest Burmese python ever recorded was caught by Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologists in the Florida Everglades in 2022. The colossal female python weighed an eye-popping 215 pounds and was nearly 18 feet long. Are Burmese pythons venomous? Burmese pythons are non-venomous. Pythons constrict their prey, then swallow it. There have been no reports of human deaths from Burmese pythons in the wild in Florida. Does cold weather kill Burmese pythons in Florida, Everglades? "In their native range Burmese pythons are subtropical reptiles and are cold sensitive animals," Conservancy of Southwest Florida Environmental Science Coordinator Ian Bartoszek told The News-Press. Advertisement Advertisement "Freezing temperatures can be lethal to pythons. Conservancy biologists have observed pythons using gopher tortoise and armadillo burrows to seek refuge from cold events." But, according to a USGS report on Burmese pythons in Florida, "there is evidence that evolutionary change has already altered parts of the genome responsible for cold tolerance, and there is the potential for behavioral plasticity to enhance cold tolerance." "This evidence suggests we may at least expect that pythons can tolerate climatic conditions farther north than where the population is currently established south of Lake Okeechobee," the report says. Contributing: Chad Gillis, Naples Daily News Advertisement Advertisement Get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Florida TODAY newsletter at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Can Burmese pythons survive cold weather in Florida? What to know A fugitive who previously pleaded guilty to animal cruelty was arrested in East Pittsburgh after he was found in a crawlspace, police say. Kachyphe McCullough-Williams, 25, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of animal cruelty in 2022, the Allegheny County Sheriffs Office said. A felony count of aggravated animal cruelty was included in that. McCullough-Williams was sentenced to over 20 years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to that sentence, he was on probation for guilty pleas to charges of strangulation and aggravated assault. Detectives said he violated probation six weeks ago and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Investigators said they tracked McCullough-Williams to a house on Franklin Avenue in East Pittsburgh using information that was provided to them this week. Detectives said a woman gave them permission to enter the house and they began a sweep. That was when they found McCullough-Williams hiding in an attic crawlspace. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW As part of a planned nationwide protest in response to recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, several Gainesville businesses will close in solidarity on Jan. 30. Businesses that have announced they will be closed on Jan. 30 include Humble Wood Fire, The Lynx Bookstore, Serpentine Plants + Provisions, and Afternoon Restaurant. Boca Fiesta plans to close for lunch service in support of "our community" but will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. that evening. Humble Wood Fire Pizzeria located in South Main Station announced on social media on Jan. 29 that it and its bagel shop in the 4th Ave Food Park be closed in support of the protest. Advertisement Advertisement "In a small act of solidarity, both of our locations will be closed tomorrow in support of the national days of action to resist against ICE and the evil policies of this administration that jeopardize us all," the post says. With Mae Powell's "F*** I.C.E" playing in the background, The Lynx bookstore's Jan. 28 Instagram story says it will close in support of "our neighbors" in Minnesota. The Lynx bookstore's Instagram account, @thelynxbooks, wrote in a "story" that it will be closed on Jan. 30 "in support of the national shutdown "Withholding our labor and capital is one of the most effective forms of collective protest, if your circumstances permit, we urge you to join us," The Lynx's Instagram says. On Jan. 28, Serpentine Plants and Provisions, 209 NW 10th Ave., posted on Instagram that it will be closed for business on Jan. 30, except for a previously scheduled wine-tasting fundraiser. Serpentine said 100% of the proceeds for the fundraiser will be donated to a local immigrant safety fund that "helps families affected by detention and deportation with legal fees, rent assistance and trauma therapy." Advertisement Advertisement "Plants are political and this space has always been rooted in care, community and people over profit," the post says. "If you're striking for the day, we'll see you out there. If you need connection afterward, we'll be here. Grateful for this community, always." A protest against ICE will be held Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. at the corner of 13th Street and University Avenue. Then, on Jan 31, Gainesville will see an "Abolish ICE Now" protest from 10 a.m. to noon at The Oaks Mall, 6419 W. Newberry Road. That night, a candlelight vigil will also take place at 7 p.m. in Cora Roberson Park, 600 SW Sixth St.,"for the GNV community to honor the lives of all who have suffered at the hands of ICE brutality." In an effort to speak out against recent immigration enforcement actions taking place across the country, organizers of the nationwide shutdown event are asking Americans to skip work and school while refraining from doing any shopping on Jan. 30 and take to the streets in protest on Jan. 31. Advertisement Advertisement "Every day, ICE, Border Patrol and other enforcers of Trumps racist agenda are going into our communities to kidnap our neighbors and sow fear. It is time for us to all stand up together in a nationwide shutdown and say enough is enough!" the national shutdown website said. The national shutdown website attributes the response due to the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. USA Today reported that Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The shooting came amid ICE action in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when the 37-year-old mother of three drove her SUV forward near Ross after being told to exit her vehicle. Widely seen footage of the deadly encounter has sharply divided the country. Pretti was shot and killed during a confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, USA Today reported. Federal officials have alleged Pretti was carrying a gun he intended to use to "kill law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Videos from bystanders and a witness account in court filings do not show Pretti brandishing a weapon when he approached agents. Elliot Tritto is a reporter for The Gainesville Sun. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Networks New York Connect Team. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville businesses shutter Jan. 30 to protest ICE actions A deadly explosion and fire at a Pennsylvania nursing home last month occurred hours after staff reported a smell of natural gas and local utility company workers identified a leak, according to a preliminary report released on Jan. 28. The report released by the National Transportation Safety Board provided details in the hours leading up to the explosion at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center on Dec. 23 in Bristol Township, a suburb of Philadelphia. The blast, which authorities described as catastrophic, killed three people and injured 20 others, according to the report. PECO, the local energy company, previously confirmed that its crews were responding to reports of a gas odor at the nursing home before the explosion rocked the facility. But at the time, the company said it could not determine whether its equipment or natural gas was involved in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after 11 a.m. local time on Dec. 23, the NTSB report states that the facility's maintenance director reported to PECO that there was a natural gas odor in the basement boiler room and a first-floor hallway. Other staff members also reported smelling gas in the basement, first floor, and second floor of the building. A "catastrophic" explosion at a nursing home just outside of Philadelphia killed at least two people, injured others, and left the facility partially collapsed on Dec. 23, 2025, authorities and officials said. A fire broke out at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol on Dec. 23, 2025. Neighborhood residents walk past emergency crews on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. An emergency rescue sled and a wheelchair sit near the scene of an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crews are on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crews are on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crew members on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. A fire broke out at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol on Dec. 23, 2025. A fire broke out at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol on Dec. 23, 2025. Old Orchard Lane in Bristol, near the scene of a fire that broke out at Silver Lake Nursing Home on Dec. 23, 2025. A worker uses an excavator at the scene of a fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crews are on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crews are on scene in response to a call about an explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township on Dec. 23, 2025. Emergency crews respond to explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home 1 of 13 A "catastrophic" explosion at a nursing home just outside of Philadelphia killed at least two people, injured others, and left the facility partially collapsed on Dec. 23, 2025, authorities and officials said. Nearly an hour after the odor was detected, an energy technician arrived at the facility and identified a leak on a meter set valve in the basement boiler room, according to the report. The technician requested repair assistance, and a meter services technician arrived at the facility at around 1:20 p.m. local time. The building exploded at about 2:15 p.m., with about 180 people at the facility, the report states. Emergency responders from Exelon, PECOs parent company, arrived at about 2:42 p.m. and isolated the gas flow to the facility at around 3:50 p.m. Bar hole tests conducted around the outside of the building about three hours after the explosion identified subsurface gas, according to the report. The NTSB noted that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. What happened in the Pennsylvania nursing home explosion? The incident began at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Dec. 23, when an explosion trapped dozens of residents inside the two-story building and triggered an intense search-and-rescue effort. Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters immediately arrived at the scene and pulled frightened residents from windows, stairwells, and elevator shafts as the building erupted into flames. Some first responders carried residents to safety on their shoulders, authorities said at the time. After first responders rescued two people from the building's collapsed basement, a second explosion rocked the facility, producing another ball of fire and spewing more smoke into the air, according to Bristol Township Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito. The search-and-rescue operation ended about six hours after the first explosion, according to the NTSB report. Two people died, and about 20 were injured in the accident, the report states. On Jan. 5, a third person died from injuries sustained in the incident. The victims killed were identified as two residents and an employee of the nursing home, authorities said. One of the utility workers was injured. Advertisement Advertisement NYC apartment fire: 1 dead, hundreds displaced in fire sparked by explosion Utility company, management consultant for nursing home respond to NTSB report According to the report, NTSB investigators recovered the indoor meter set and excavated portions of the service line that did not hold pressure during testing. The items were sent to a laboratory for further examination. The NTSB said the investigation will now focus on analyzing physical evidence collected at the site and reviewing Exelons pipeline safety management system and its practices. In a statement, PECO expressed its "most heartfelt sympathies" to the families and friends and the entire Bristol community "affected by this tragic event." But representatives of the company declined to answer further questions, citing the ongoing NTSB investigation, according to the Bucks County Courier Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Advertisement Advertisement PECO noted that it has taken steps to enhance its systems since the explosion, including strengthening employee procedures and training, assessing existing indoor meters such as the one at the nursing home and reprioritizing moving them to outdoor locations. Zachary Shamberg, the chief of government affairs for the Saber Healthcare Group, said in a statement that the NTSB's preliminary findings indicate the nursing home "acted promptly, while multiple PECO technicians unsuccessfully attempted to repair their gas line." Saber Healthcare is the management consultant for the nursing home, formerly known as the Silver Lake Healthcare Center. Swiss ski resort bar explosion: Around 40 killed, 100 injured in blast, police say Victims file lawsuits against nursing home, utility company Following the incident, multiple lawsuits were filed by victims alleging that nursing home administrators were aware of the complaints from staff and residents about a gas odor at 9 a.m. local time on the day of the explosion. Some victims also alleged that the odor had been present for days, and that nursing home administrators took no steps to address it. Advertisement Advertisement Other allegations in the lawsuits include employees failing to take steps to curtail a daily smoke break before the incident; PECO not shutting off the gas flow while working on the suspected leak; and the utility company and the Saber Healthcare Group failing to evacuate the facility after the odor was reported. Another concern raised in a recent lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of two employees and a visitor who were seriously injured, was the condition of the natural gas service line at the facility. The lawsuit accused PECO of not replacing the service line with a plastic line "as promised in early 2022" and not conducting timely line inspections. In 2022, the company announced that it was investing $6 billion to "inspect, do corrective maintenance and invest in new equipment because it knew gas lines were unsafe and outdated," according to the lawsuit. "In 2022, PECO completed 215 projects to replace nearly 300,000 feet of existing natural gas lines and is on track to complete the replacement of all cast iron and bare steel service lines by the end of 2022," the company said in a news release at the time. "In addition, all cast iron and bare steel natural gas mains will be replaced by 2035." Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY; Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gas smell reported hours before Pennsylvania nursing home blast: NTSB Germany's Transport Ministry has secured government funding for several railway infrastructure projects. Lines and junctions are to be expanded and noise protection improved in Berlin and the eastern states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia. Around 339 million ($405 million) will be invested in regions in Brandenburg that are particularly affected by the phase-out of coal. Additional tracks for freight transport are to be built at the stations in Cottbus, Bischdorf and Konigs Wusterhausen. Advertisement Advertisement In Leuna, a former factory station is to be relocated and made accessible for local public transport. The government is providing 65 million for improved noise protection on the Berlin outer ring railway in the east of the capital. In Saxony, the government is investing around 200 million in the railway junction in Zwickau to renovate the main station and electrify signal boxes. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028. In Thuringia, the government is funding the electrification of a freight line. The ministry also highlighted the Pfaffensteig Tunnel in the south-western state of Baden-Wurttemberg, which has secured 1.69 billion in federal funding. The tunnel is set to connect the major Stuttgart 21 project and will link the Gaubahn railway line to the new long-distance station at Stuttgart Airport in future. By Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams BERLIN, Jan 29 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Europe had found "self-respect" in standing up for a rules-based global order, and called for a stronger NATO within Europe while still extending the hand of cooperation to the United States. Speaking to the German parliament, Merz also said that Europe will no longer be cowed by tariff threats, after U.S. President Donald Trump backed away from using such tariffs as a tool to seize Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Merz's speech underscored how European leaders have been emboldened to try to project European strength and values, after the standoff with Trump over Greenland, global trade ructions and nearly four years of war between Russia and Ukraine. "For some weeks now, we have been seeing with increasing clarity the emergence of a world of great powers. Rough winds are blowing in this world, and we will feel their effects for the foreseeable future," Merz told lawmakers. In recent weeks, "we have been able to experience something of the joy of self-respect", he said, adding that rules-based action and rules-based trade were not dead. "More and more countries around the world are recognizing that the current global reorganization also presents an opportunity for all actors who prefer rules to arbitrariness and who see more advantages in free and fair trade than in the one-sided pursuit of sole self-interest," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement EU UNITED AGAINST TARIFF INTIMIDATION, MERZ SAYS Merz was speaking a week after tensions with Trump came to a head over Greenland, threatening to blow apart the NATO alliance that has underpinned Western security since the end of World War Two. His words echoed those of French President Emmanuel Macron who, in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said Europe would not give in to bullies. At the same event, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a new form of European independence, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that in an age of great power rivalry democratic middle powers must build flexible coalitions together. Advertisement Advertisement "Last week, we demonstrated that we in the EU can act swiftly when necessary. We were united in our determination not to be intimidated by tariff threats again," Merz said. Merz touted European Union trade deals with South American trade bloc Mercosur and with India as examples of Europe pushing ahead, adding that Europe should accelerate reforms and dial back regulation. In a separate row after the Greenland dispute, Trump provoked widespread anger across Europe when he said European troops had stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan. "Fifty-nine German soldiers lost their lives during the almost 20-year deployment in Afghanistan, and well over 100 were injured, some seriously, in combat and attacks," Merz told parliament. "We will not allow this deployment to be denigrated or belittled." (Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams; Editing by Madeline Chambers, Aidan Lewis) Getting There Last year was like the movie Groundhog Day for highway safety in New Hampshire, but without a heartwarming ending. Despite the time, money and publicity invested to curb the carnage, no matter what officials did, Granite Staters woke up every day to the same story. Since a 6% increase in traffic deaths in 2024, Gov. Kelly Ayotte has created a Highway Safety Task Force while public safety and transportation officials have worked across departments to pinpoint causes, craft new rules, collect data, pursue new ideas and have engaged in a statewide campaign to educate drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Yet in 2025, deaths on New Hampshires roads increased once again from 135 in 2024 to 137 in 2025. But it is in that struggle that Ayotte and folks like State Police Lt. Chris Storm and Mark Munroe, a state highway safety program manager, have declared that failure is not an option, no matter how unrelenting the problem. And perhaps the problem is, no one is listening. Every fatality on our highways is one too many, Ayotte wrote in an October Facebook post after Highway Safety Task Force members presented her their plan to curb roadway deaths. That refrain, echoing Munroes doctrine that One Death is Too Many for the Department of Transportations Driving Toward Zero program, will now be part of an even bigger effort in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement We will be pushing harder this year to get the Driving Toward Zero campaign into more schools, organizations and anyone else who is willing to listen to this important program, Munroe said in a recent email. Several traffic fatalities have already marred the beginning of 2026, but the priorities havent changed for public safety officials. The real question now is if priorities have changed for drivers, who despite what police or transportation wonks do, are the ones in the drivers seat. The message should be just as clear as it is on the large digital message boards along every highway here: Put down the phone, move over when you see emergency lights, dont drive while impaired and slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Id support even stronger language because this is getting ridiculous and the drivers I encounter are getting worse. Way worse. Because we live in a time of negligent nitwits who dont understand nuance, here are a few (safe for work) pitches for some attention-getting messages on highways and bumper stickers: Your last text might be on your tombstone. Tailgating is only for Patriots games. Quit the bull, moo-ve over. Fast, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life. Does your mom know you drive like that? But did you die? is a lame flex. Dont drive like a cat chasing a laser-pointer. Advertisement Advertisement Pick a lane: Dead or alive. Its time to shame bad behavior out of people. Thats my big idea. I applaud state officials who try to keep us safe, but its time for the gloves to come off and fix this epidemic of ignorance. My one biggest worry though is whether in these troubling times people are even capable of feeling shame or having self-awareness to know who the problem drivers are. Its you. Youre the problem. Its you. And me, of course. Older driver deaths surge The number of senior citizen drivers who died in crashes in 2025 nearly doubled from the previous year and state officials arent exactly sure why. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, there was a similar surge in driving deaths of teens. In talking with Munroe and Storm recently, I likened it to the parable of the young boy who tries to plug holes in a dike. Every time one hole is fixed, another hole opens. Sadly, they agreed that sounded about right. Hopefully, this doesnt mean a new demographic will suffer this year. Safety officials are actively analyzing the leading causes of elderly driving deaths and trying to get their message out to the older population, Storm said via email recently. Traffic Fatality Summit change The second-annual New Hampshire Traffic Fatality Summit will be held Feb. 9, but the start time has been changed. The forum will now begin at 8:30 a.m. at 7 Hazen Drive in Concord. Anyone who has registered for the event is asked to arrive between 8 and 8:15 a.m. dpierce@unionleader.com Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer discussed, along with market shortages. When a club member asked which type of business would benefit from AI advancements beyond the producers of chips and energy and infrastructure, Cramer replied: Im thinking of businesses that implement the technology to enhance their efficiency. Thats going to be the banks. The banks dont talk much about it. The one that I think has the best handle on it is Wells Fargo. Its a big reason why we own it for our Charitable Trust. WFC is the stock for you. Wells Fargo, Building Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides financial services, including banking, lending, investment, and wealth management solutions. Cramer mentioned the stock during the January 14 episode and remarked: For years, Republicans have had some reliable terra firma: If they were talking about immigration and border security, they were winning. Even amid the backlash from Donald Trumps 2016 pledge to ban all Muslim immigrants to his 2024 amplification of baseless claims that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating petsimmigration remained a durable, winning issue for the GOP. Now the ground is shifting under them. Advertisement Advertisement A torrent of viral images from Minnesota and beyond as Trumps immigration agents stepped up their shambolic interior campaign of enforcement in recent months and the killing of two people in Minneapolis in two separate incidents this past month have led to a loud public backlash, soured voters on the GOPs approach and eroded President Donald Trumps standing on the issue ahead of the looming midterms. The broad sweep of public polling shows Trump fumbling what has historically been his partys strongest issue, which even Democrats concede paved his path back to the White House. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found this week Trump hit a second-term trough on the issue, with a majority of Americans 58 percent saying his crackdown has gone too far. Only 39 percent approve of his handling of immigration, down two points from earlier this month, and an 11-point erosion from last February. Whats more, a poll from the Democratic-aligned Searchlight Institute this week found that 58 percent of likely midterm voters want ICE to be reined in. "The image that has been created is not a good thing," said Jose Arango, the Republican chair of Hudson County, New Jersey, a heavily Democratic area with a large Hispanic population that shifted rightward in 2024. "We're losing in the public relations campaign." Even before Alex Prettis killing in Minneapolis, Trumps own voters were fretting over his agenda. A plurality of Americans said the presidents mass deportation campaign is too aggressive including 1 in 5 voters who backed Trump in 2024, according to the latest POLITICO Poll. More than 1 in 3 Trump voters said that while they support his immigration agenda, they disapprove of the way he is implementing it. Advertisement Advertisement And another new round of polling on Thursday could give Democrats more ammo as voters move away from Trumps immigration agenda. The Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PACs latest polling, shared exclusively with POLITICO and being sent to lawmakers, donors and campaigns Thursday, shows not only a growing number of likely voters who disapprove of ICE, but also a majority in favor of Democrats strategy of demands for reform even if it means a partial government shutdown, with 54 percent also saying they would blame the GOP and Trump for the shutdown and not accepting ICE reforms. These numbers are especially telling as the biggest shifts occur among moderates, non-MAGA Republicans, and key swing voters, the polling memo said. As former President Joe Biden and his administration officials left themselves electorally exposed on the issue, then-candidate Donald Trump exploited those vulnerabilities with vows to seal the southern border and enact the largest deportation campaign in American history. But his enforcement actions have focused less on the border, which polls show most voters approve of, and more on the nations interior, drawing the ire of Trump-curious commentators like the comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan and raising alarm among Republicans. The president can feel, generally, that his policies at the border have been largely supported by a majority of Americans. But what hes doing inside the border seems to be not working, said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, a Republican who runs one of the most conservative large cities in the nation but backed Kamala Harris in 2024. One longtime Republican strategist who worked on presidential campaigns in 2020 and 2024, granted anonymity to candidly assess Republicans standing, expressed consternation over ICEs deployment to a place like Minnesota, far from the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement When I think of immigrants broadly, I dont think of Minnesota, the strategist said. People want to see, like, okay, I voted for taking criminal illegal immigrants and getting them out of the country. I want to see criminal illegal immigrants taken out of the country. I want to see more miles of wall being built. I feel like we talked about the wall weekly in Trump 1. I don't remember the last time we talked about the wall in Trump 2. All of which raises an uncomfortable question for Republicans: Is the party in danger of ceding one of its best issues back to Democrats? Immigration used to be a winning issue for Democrats back when we made clear we took enforcement seriously, said Adam Jentleson, the former chief of staff to Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and top aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who commissioned the Searchlight polling shared with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as he shuttled toward another potential shutdown over the issue. It can be a winning issue for us again if we are smart about how we handle this. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a rising Democratic star who won his seat in 2024 at the same time Trump carried his state, campaigned in key Latino areas for his party in New Jersey, Virginia and Miamis mayoral elections last year, and who has launched his own border security and immigration platform, told POLITICO his party has to build trust with swing voters. Advertisement Advertisement We have to be the party that talks about professional, legal enforcement of our immigration laws with an understanding that criminals need to be deported and the border needs to be secure, and that we have to move to a sane compromise when it comes to immigration reform, Gallego said. It wasnt so long ago that was the reality: As recently as 2013, under then-President Barack Obama, the majority of Americans said the Democratic Party better represents their feelings on immigration than Republicans did. What does the GOP risk ahead of the midterms if it doesnt find a better message? I think you'll see the numbers continue to suffer, the longtime GOP strategist said. Advertisement Advertisement Gallego, who has called for White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to be fired, said that gives Democrats an opportunity. If I was the Republicans right now, I would be very worried about what the future looks like in terms of elections, and Stephen Miller may have basically created a political tsunami among voters, both Latino voters as well as just kind of moderate voters, Gallego said. That's going to come back and haunt them, going into the 2026 election. Alec Hernandez, Lisa Kashinsky and Ali Bianco contributed to this report. State election officials were among the most visible defenders of American democracy after the 2020 election standing up to President Donald Trump, rejecting false claims and, whether they wanted to or not, becoming national symbols of institutional resistance to his attempts to overturn his election loss. But as some run for governor in 2026, they are eager to talk about anything but 2020. More than five years after Trumps attempt to cling to power ignited a political rallying cry on the left and a loyalty test on the right, these Republican and Democratic candidates are betting and, in some cases, hoping that voters have moved on. Advertisement Advertisement A pair of Republican secretaries of state who rejected Trumps false 2020 election claims and then survived MAGA-fueled 2022 primaries are running for governor. Unsurprisingly, neither is keen to relitigate the issue that linger over their hopes this year. 2020 is very far behind us as secretaries of state, Kansas Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab said. We remember it, but were moving on, and I think the American public is too. But Trump isnt ready to move on, complicating these candidates hopes of putting 2020 in the rearview mirror. Speaking before an audience of global leaders and business officials in Davos last week, Trump repeated his false claim that the 2020 election was rigged and promised that people will soon be prosecuted for what they did. Two Democratic secretaries of state are also running for the governors mansion. And while defending democracy and their defiance to Trump on election issues forms a defining part of their political biographies, both candidates lead with pocketbook issues rather than making protecting the vote the centerpiece. Advertisement Advertisement This election is about Michigan, and this election is about who is best positioned to lower costs for the people in our state, Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told POLITICO. In many ways, the shift reflects the reality of running for the governors mansion. The job description is much broader from the office of the secretary of state and voters want to hear about what politicians will do for them now. But it also underscores the political evolution of one of the most animating aspects of Trumps first term. For Democrats, democracy was a potent force in 2022, when candidates leaned heavily into running against election deniers. And many Democrats say its still effective. Advertisement Advertisement They use the issue as an illustration of character, said Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. It really communicates integrity, nonpartisanship, commitment to democracy and freedom, standing up for people, and courage. As Democratic candidates use of democracy messaging has evolved, strategists say the meaning of democracy itself has also shifted since 2020. Then, it was largely about election integrity and the transfer of power. Now, its increasingly tied to broader concerns about executive authority, with Democrats arguing theyll be the ones who can stand up to a president they see as authoritarian. This is the moment where you need a governor who won't bend the knee, said Benson, who has been outspoken against the Trump administration following back-to-back killings of protestors in Minnesota by federal agents. Jocelyn Benson Benson was on the front lines of defending her states election results after 2020, facing threats and swatting attacks. That period is a part of her messaging: Her campaign launch video showed news footage of her home being surrounded by protesters, and she remains outspoken against false claims related to the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement She has also cast that moment as proof of leadership and a willingness to stand up to Trump. We fought back to protect democracy itself and we showed that as state officials, that's how we have to respond to bullies who try to rip away our rights no matter how powerful they may be, she said. But on the campaign trail, Benson has often focused more on bread-and-butter economic issues. Affordability, housing, health care, childcare and energy costs are listed as her top issues on her campaign website. What every resident, every citizen, every voter in this election knows is how important it is to have a governor who will fight for them and who will fight for them in a way that that effectively lowers their cost of living while also protecting the safety of themselves, their families and their communities, Benson told POLITICO. Brad Raffensperger Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was one of the most prominent Republicans to reject Trump after the president urged him to find more votes in his state. The incident propelled him into the national spotlight and drew fury from the president and his MAGA base, leading to death threats. He warded off a Trump-endorsed primary challenge in 2022, in part by taking his case to conservative media. Now, hes seeking the governors mansion in the state that is in many ways the epicenter of Trumps bid to hold on to power in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Raffensperger does not directly talk about the 2020 incident in his launch video or on his campaign website. Instead, he frames his record as evidence that he is willing to make the "tough decisions. His launch video focuses on creating jobs in Georgia, lowering property taxes and banning transgender women from women sports, among other issues issues that are key to voters but not central to his current day job. But Georgias 2020 election keeps getting pushed back into the spotlight. On Wednesday, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County elections office outside Atlanta, seizing all ballots from the 2020 election there. Hes trying to talk about other issues, [but] 2020 keeps coming up, said Buzz Brockway, a former Republican state legislator who lost to Raffensperger in a 2018 primary. Advertisement Advertisement Brockway said many Republicans have moved on from 2020 but that there remains a loud, noisy contingent who are continuing that battle that Raffensperger will have to contend with, even if most voters main focus lies elsewhere. Raffensperger has largely sidestepped questions about the 2020 election in a November interview with the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, he said that it showed that he does the right thing, no matter what. Other people havent been put to that test, but we were at the end of the day," he said. Raffenspergers campaign declined to comment for this story. Still, Raffensperger opponents in the GOP primary, particularly Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, are eager to keep 2020 alive in the race. Jones, who was a fake elector in the state, has tried to cast his actions during that period as unflinching loyalty to the president. Advertisement Advertisement I dont know that it brings Jones any new voters, Brockway said, but it may be an effort to energize his base. Scott Schwab In ruby-red Kansas, Schwab defied some of the loudest voices in his party when he repeatedly rejected false claims about the 2020 election in his role as secretary of state. He has been clear that he does not see that chapter as central to his gubernatorial bid as he runs in a crowded GOP primary. Everybodys concerned about taxes, especially with cost of living, Schwab, a past chair of the National Association of Secretaries of State, said in an interview. Property taxes are a real red-hot button in Kansas. His campaign launch video only briefly mentions election issues, and almost as an afterthought. As secretary of state, I streamlined business services and cut bureaucratic red tape, he said. I secured our elections, too. Advertisement Advertisement There remains a segment of the GOP for whom election issues remain salient, said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University in Kansas. But for the broader electorate those most likely to turn out in midterm elections these issues are still pretty low down the list. In 2022, Schwab, Raffensperger and Benson all prevailed in their reelections, despite facing Trump-backed challengers or outright election deniers. I would say that most people really believe that we've moved on, Schwab said. Shenna Bellows Democrat Secretary of State Shenna Bellows became Maine secretary of state in January 2021 after being chosen by the state legislature, just as Trump was in the middle of his push to overturn his election loss. In 2023, she ruled that Trump should be barred from the ballot for his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement In the blue-leaning state, and facing a crowded primary, Bellows has been more eager to talk about the issue than some of her fellow chief election officials. Leadership is about doing what is right, even when it is hard, she said in her launch video, which highlighted the threats and harassment she faced as a result of her decision. In her bid for governor, she has emphasized that anger over Trumps actions exists in tandem with persistent anxiety about the economy. Like Benson, she has been vocal in criticizing the killings in Minnesota. The economy is the number one issue for most Mainers, there's a lot of economic concern right now, especially in the wake of the tariffs and increasing job losses that we're about to see, she told POLITICO. That being said, I also think it's really important to tell the truth, she said. What the Trump decision and my work as secretary and defending democracy tells people about me is that I will do the right thing even when it's hard. As questions remain about National Guard storm recovery help in Nashville, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is offering a team. Recovery efforts in the wake of Winter Storm Fern remain slow. Thousands remain without power, tree debris litters the city, with some leaning on vital power lines. State lawmakers called on Gov. Bill Lee to send the Tennessee National Guard to Nashville, days after the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency requested support statewide. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm deploying an emergency response team to help Tennesseans in the aftermath of last weekend's snowstorm," Newsom said on X Jan. 28. "California will always answer the call to support our fellow Americans." I'm deploying an emergency response team to help Tennesseans in the aftermath of last weekend's snowstorm. California will always answer the call to support our fellow Americans. Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 29, 2026 When will the National Guard be in Nashville? Nashville Fire and Office of emergency Management Chief William Swann said during a news conference Jan. 28 that guardsmen will make their way into the city. But later in the same afternoon, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan said guardsmen are already here. Theyre the Swiss Army Knife, in many ways, of the tools available to the state of Tennessee, Sheehan said. Theyve helped Nashville set up and staff medical aid and shelters that have been open, theyve set up cots. They do whatever needs to be done. Approximately 170 TNNG Soldiers and Airmen are assisting recovery efforts across six countiesDavidson, Chester, Hardin, Hickman, Perry, and Lewis. Their priority is supporting debris clearance efforts. pic.twitter.com/bhoCTEA559 Tenn. National Guard (@TNMilitaryDept) January 29, 2026 Swann said guardsmen are supposed to be removing trees and getting them off powerlines, so the Nashville Electric Service can restore power. Advertisement Advertisement A letter from lawmakers Caleb Hemmer, Heidi Campbell, John Ray Clemmons, Jeff Yarbro and Mark Pody said the scale of damage is putting a strain on local recovery crews. "The people of Davidson County are resilient, but the severity of this event demands a unified statewide response," the letter reads. "National Guard support would greatly enhance our ability to restore safe conditions, accelerate recovery operations, and protect residents during this ongoing emergency." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville slow to get help, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom offers team The nation drew closer to yet another government shutdown Jan. 29 after the U.S. Senate failed to advance a spending package that included funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency currently embroiled in controversy for its approach to immigration enforcement.The six-bill package failed in a 55-45 vote, with seven Republicans joining Democrats to block the measures. The votes success was all but guaranteed until federal agents fatally shot the second person in Minneapolis in less than a month, prompting Senate Democrats to stall further funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Congress approves their demands for greater accountability. Footage from multiple angles appears to contradict the narrative of President Donald Trump's administration that the shooting was a defensive action. Instead, agents shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, after he was disarmed, video analyses from multiple news outlets show, prompting calls for full investigations within President Donald Trump's own party. The Senate has until the evening of Jan. 30 to pass the measures, though any alterations would have to be approved by the House, further narrowing the chance of avoiding a shutdown. If no deal is reached, the government will partially shut down on Jan. 31, a less severe version of the full government shutdown in the fall. How Indiana's senators voted Sen. Todd Young, a Republican, voted to pass the spending measures, though he had called Pretti's death "tragic" earlier in the week. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jim Banks, also a Republican, joined Young in voting for the spending package. Though he didn't address the shooting directly, he told IndyStar that the government has a "duty to enforce our laws, and immigration law is no different." Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Will there be another government shutdown? How Banks, Young voted Group chats about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents aren't illegal. But FBI Director Kash Patel doesn't seem to care. On Monday, Patel told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson that the FBI was investigating a Signal group in which people had been chatting about ICE agents' whereabouts. The Trump administration has said that people are doxing federal agents, employing a term once reserved for the act of publishing private information about someone's identity or address online. "Doxing" generally implies that this sharing is done with ill intent. Advertisement Advertisement But there are all sorts of perfectly benign reasons why Americanswhether in the country legally or notmight want to keep tabs on where immigration authorities are going. Sharing this information allows people to protest, observe, or document ICE activity, or avoid run ins with ICE agents. Chatting about ICE agent whereabouts is unambiguously speech that's protected by the First Amendment. So the idea that the FBI would investigate on these grounds is worrying. "There does not appear to be any lawful basis for this investigation," said Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). "The First Amendment generally protects the publication of legally-obtained information, including much of what the Trump administration has labeled 'doxxing.' That protection extends to using an app to share information about ICE activity." In his interview with Johnson, Patel paid lip service to the First Amendment. Yet he also framed Signal chats pertaining to ICE whereabouts as inherently suspect and/or likely to lead to criminal actions. "You cannot create a scenario that illegally entraps and puts law enforcement in harm's way," he said, drawing a direct link between constitutionally protected activity and criminality. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, trapping ICE agents and harming them would indeed be illegal. But the illegal part of that is the trapping, the plotting harm, and the harming, not merely the knowing where the agents are or chatting about where they are. And even if some individual ultimately uses the location information to inflict harm, it still would not make the mere sharing of that information illegal. "The First Amendment has narrow exceptions for true threats and speech intended and likely to provoke imminent unlawful action, but the government cannot trigger those exceptions simply by claiming that speech puts officials in harm's way," notes Terr. "The First Amendment also does not protect criminal conspiracy, but that requires evidence of an agreement to commit a specific crime and a substantial step toward carrying it out. No such evidence appears in the Signal messages that have been made public." The Trump administration's efforts to frame speech about ICE whereabouts as something sinister align with its broader approach to people protesting ICE deportation antics and violence, including the killing of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Officials have been trying to portray peaceful protests as "left wing agitation"as if the only goal is to foment unrest and smear Republicansor even as "domestic terrorism." Their goal seems to be discrediting the very idea that protesting government actions is at the core of protected First Amendment speech. Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Patel and others in the Trump administration seem intent on discrediting people exercising their Second Amendment rights. In his interview with Johnson, Patel paid lip service to the fact that it's OK to bring a gun to a protest (as Pretti did) "as long as you don't incite violence or commit another crime in doing so." But Patel followed up that comment by asking, "Why would you bring a firearm in a situation that is so volatile right now?That is just not smart. It is just not going to lead to a good scenario." Carrying a firearm to protect oneself and others against armed agents of the state is at the core of protected Second Amendment activity. But Patel is trying to cast it as somehow suspiciousas if it's only proper for federal agents, and not the people who might need protection against them, to be armed. In talking about people exercising their First or Second Amendment rights in service of protesting and protecting themselves from ICE, Patel seems intent on conflating legal actions with illicit ones. Advertisement Advertisement "Patel did not say which laws he thought Minnesota residents [in a Signal group chat about ICE] may have violated," notes NBC News. "An FBI spokesperson said the bureau had no further information to provide." A quiet investigation into potential illegal activity fostered through Signal group chats would be one thingstill not great, but at least theoretically justifiable, if the FBI had reason to suspect criminal activity. The fact that Patel is openly talking about this investigation (while bungling information about its legal basis) indicates that this is more about striking fear and chilling legal speech. The post Group Chats About ICE Whereabouts Are Protected Speech. The FBI Is Investigating Anyway. appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to American cities cost taxpayers about $496 million in 2025, according to new estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The agency said Wednesday that maintaining current troop levels could add $93 million per month to the total, with each additional activation of 1,000 service members costing between $18 million and $21 million. It cautioned, however, that the precise price tag is hard to foresee. Advertisement Advertisement The costs of those or other deployments in the future are highly uncertain, mainly because the scale, length, and location of such deployments are difficult to predict accurately, the report said. That uncertainty is compounded by legal challenges, which have stopped deployments to some cities, and by changes in the Administrations policies. In June, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to protect government personnel and property amid protests linked to his administrations immigration crackdown. He has since sent National Guard troops to Chicago; Memphis, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon; New Orleans; and Washington, D.C. Trump has defended the deployments as a way to combat crime. Deployments in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland which were ordered over the objections of state and local officials have since been paused as legal challenges unfold. We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again Only a question of time! the president declared in a post on Truth Social in December. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also indicated that troops will remain in Washington for the remainder of 2026. The CBO estimates that keeping 2,950 personnel in the nations capital would cost taxpayers $55 million per month. The top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, accused Trump of weaponizing taxpayer funds. Thats why weve called for this full, independent analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to get a detailed understanding of the cost, Merkley said Wednesday. Trump is weaponizing taxpayer funds to illegally tighten his authoritarian grip on our communities. It must end. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a combat veteran, said in a statement that the deployments, are not just an immense waste of taxpayer dollars, they are harmful to our militarys readiness, morale and resources and create an incredibly dangerous precedent. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered the Arkansas National Guard to provide potable water to residents in Benton and Malvern through Jan. 30, 2026. Two two-person teams from the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team have been deployed to support the effort. Each team operates a 400-gallon water buffalo, with one in Benton and the other in Malvern. In Benton, residents may fill water jugs and containers at the water buffalo located at 6083 Castle Rock Drive. In Malvern, the water buffalo is available at 988 F.G. Jones Road. Advertisement Advertisement Residents are encouraged to bring their own containers when collecting water. National Guards winter response expanded statewide The potable water mission follows a broader, weeklong deployment of the Arkansas National Guard to support state and local agencies during severe winter weather across Arkansas. On Jan. 26, Gov. Sanders ordered the Guard to transition its winter response mission from assisting the Arkansas State Police to supporting the Arkansas Department of Health in select counties through at least Jan. 28. Guard units were assigned to assist emergency medical services in Saline, Drew, Garland, Pike, Mississippi, Phillips, Hempstead, Faulkner, Miller, Howard, Hot Spring, Craighead, Lawrence, Jefferson, Conway, Stone, Izard, and Poinsett counties. Craighead and Jefferson counties each received two Guard teams, while all other counties were supported by one team. Advertisement Advertisement Teams varied in size based on vehicle configuration and were tasked with helping EMS crews reach patients, transferring patients to ambulances, recovering stuck emergency vehicles, escorting ambulances over hazardous roadways, and providing manpower when crews were required to hike into remote or inaccessible locations with stretchers and equipment. The 77th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade supported operations in Saline County, while the 87th Troop Command assisted Mississippi, Poinsett, Craighead, Lawrence, Stone, and Izard counties. The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team supported the remaining counties. In total, 121 Guardsmen were assigned to ambulance escort duties around the clock during this phase of the response. Guardsmen from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade and the 189th Airlift Wing were later released from state active duty. On Jan. 23, Sanders mobilized 140 Guardsmen to state active duty to staff 28 winter weather response teams assisting state police with transporting stranded motorists to safety. Additional personnel were assigned for administrative support, command and control, public affairs, and debris removal. Each winter weather response team consisted of five Guardsmen operating two Humvees equipped with communications gear. Teams were authorized to recover first responder vehicles when possible, but were not permitted to recover privately owned vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Guard units were deployed statewide to Arkansas State Police troops, including Fort Smith, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, Harrison, and Lowell, among others. Separate debris removal teams were also assigned to assist at the request of state police. According to Guard officials, the Arkansas National Guards role during the storm was to augment civil authorities at the direction of the governor to help protect life and maintain access to emergency services during hazardous conditions. This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas National Guard provides water for Benton, Malvern A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, has been sentenced to federal prison for drug conspiracy charges, the U.S. Attorney said Wednesday. Trea Lankford, a/k/a Montana, a/k/a Heffna Boss Don, a/k/a Tre Cain, 34, of Boston, was sentenced to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin handed down his sentence. In October 2025, Lankford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Advertisement Advertisement Lankford was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 after a multi-year investigation of H Block beginning in 2021, in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings, and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine), and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation. According to the charging documents, the H-Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Advertisement Advertisement Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a gang member shot a Boston Police officer at point-blank range without warning or provocation. From 2022 through 2023, prosecutors said Lankford, a longtime H-Block gang member, participated in a conspiracy to distribute various controlled substances, including fentanyl, powdered cocaine, and cocaine base (crack). On numerous occasions, Lankford conducted drug deals on various dates with an undercover officer, often accompanied by co-conspirators, prosecutors said. 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 A Hawaii man who defrauded an elderly Orange County resident out of nearly $2 million costing the victim his Irvine home and yacht has been sentenced to four years in federal prison, prosecutors announced Wednesday. John Tamahere McCabe, 42, of Kailua, Hawaii, was sentenced to 48 months behind bars and ordered to pay $1,814,000 in restitution, according to the Department of Justice. McCabe targeted a then-79-year-old victim over several years, from July 2017 through January 2024, the DOJ says, by falsely promising to broker the sale of the mans yacht. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say McCabe secretly used fabricated documents to transfer ownership of the yacht into his own name, then diverted the sale proceeds to his personal bank accounts. Authorities said McCabe later persuaded the victim to transfer his million-dollar Irvine condominium into a limited liability company he controlled, claiming the move would protect the property and provide tax benefits. Instead, court records show McCabe installed himself as the sole manager of the LLC and took out roughly $1 million in loans secured by the residence draining all of its equity without the victims knowledge. After spending most of the loan proceeds, McCabe defaulted, and the property was sold in foreclosure, leaving the victim homeless, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials urged seniors and their families to report suspected scams as quickly as possible, noting that early reporting can improve the chances of recovering stolen funds. Anyone age 60 or older who believes they have been targeted by financial fraud can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for confidential assistance in English, Spanish and other languages. 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. Suspected jihadists have launched an attack on the international airport outside Niger's capital Niamey. Niger's defence ministry said four military personnel were injured and 20 attackers were killed, with state television saying that a French national was among them. There were 11 arrests over the attack at Diori Hamani International Airport overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, in which sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard nearby. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the Islamic State group, through its Amaq information service, said it was behind the "co-ordinated surprise attack" targeting "the military base" of the Niger army. No casualty figures were given but Amaq said the assault had caused "major damage". Eyewitness accounts and videos showed air defence systems apparently engaging unidentified projectiles in the early hours of Thursday but services at the airport returned to normal during the day. The head of Niger's junta on Thursday thanked Russia for its help in foiling the attack on the airport, and accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing those responsible. Advertisement Advertisement He did not give details of what help Russia had provided, or provide any evidence to support his accusations against the other countries. The military which seized power in a July 2023 coup have frosty relations with France and Benin, and regularly accuse them of trying to destabilise Niger, which both countries deny. "We commend all the defence and security forces... as well as Russian partners who defended their security sector with professionalism," General Abdourahamane Tiani said on state radio. "We remind the sponsors of these mercenaries, notably Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon and Alassane Ouattara: we've heard them bark quite enough; now they should get ready to listen to us." Advertisement Advertisement Since the coup, Niger's junta has cut military ties with France, the former colonial power, and instead worked with Russia to help tackle the Islamist fighters who have been fighting in the region for over a decade. Niger's Defence Minister Salifou Modi said in a statement on public television that the mercenaries attacked an air base in the capital for "about 30 minutes" before an "air and ground response". The channel broadcast footage of Tiani visiting the military base, showing the bodies of the attackers and said there was "a Frenchman" among them. The airport houses an air force base and is about 10km (six miles) from the presidential place. Advertisement Advertisement One local resident told the BBC that shots had been fired from outside the airport, targeting planes. Others described their fear as they heard the gunshots and explosions. We didn't sleep last night," said one resident. "Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions, she said. "Yesterday was the first time I have ever heard gunfire," another woman said. "We were so scared." Several unconfirmed reports said unknown assailants had thrown explosive devices towards the airport area before exchanging fire with security forces. According to the FlightRadar24 website, several flights bound for Niamey were diverted. Advertisement Advertisement AFP reports there was a heavy security deployment around the airport on Thursday morning. Niger is a major producer of uranium. A huge uranium shipment destined for export has been stuck at the airport amid unresolved legal and diplomatic complications with France after the military government nationalised the country's uranium mines. The shipment was unharmed in the attack, according to sources cited by Reuters news agency. More about Niger from the BBC: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts JPMorgan and Houlihan Lokey have been identified as the leading financial advisers for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector in 2025, as per data from GlobalData. According to the latest league table, JPMorgan secured the top position concerning deal value, having advised on transactions amounting to $435.5bn. Meanwhile, Houlihan Lokey led in terms of the number of deals, participating in 94 transactions. GlobalData's Financial Deals Database provided the figures which show Morgan Stanley as the third-ranking adviser by deal value, with transactions totalling $253.4bn. In close succession, Goldman Sachs advised on $237.2bn worth of deals, while Allen & Company handled $235.6bn. In terms of transaction volume, Morgan Stanley also held the third spot with involvement in 59 deals. Goldman Sachs followed with 49 transactions, and Evercore participated in 43 deals. This analysis includes only those deals valued at or above $1bn. GlobalData lead analyst Aurojyoti Bose said: JPMorgan and Houlihan Lokey were well ahead of others in the league tables by value and volume, respectively. This can be understood from the fact that Evercore occupied the second position in terms of value by advising on $278.1bn worth of deals, which is around 1.6x less compared to the total value of deals advised by JPMorgan. During 2025, JPMorgan advised on 32 billion-dollar deals that also included seven mega deals valued at more than $10bn. These big-ticket deals helped it gain a massive lead in terms of value. Meanwhile, Houlihan Lokey just fell short of hitting triple-digit deal volume and was distantly followed by JPMorgan that stood at a distant second by volume with 65 deals. GlobalDatas league tables are based on the real-time tracking of thousands of company websites, advisory firm websites and other reliable sources available in the secondary domain. A dedicated team of analysts monitors all these sources to gather in-depth details for each deal, including adviser names. To ensure further robustness to the data, the company also seeks submissions of deals from leading advisers. "JPMorgan leads M&A advisory in TMT sector by deal value in 2025" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. This is part of Mr. Clean, a series that focuses on ethical concerns within Mayor Joe Hogsetts administration. It was reported in a collaboration between Mirror Indy and IndyStar. You can read parts one and two here. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett promised to create a digital one-stop shop for public records such as ethics filings, campaign finance reports and city contracts. But he never did. While some of that information is scattered across the citys website, there is no single online destination for it as envisioned under Hogsetts Disclose Indy plan, which he signed into law in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement So journalists at Mirror Indy and IndyStar set out to create one. Below youll find a round-up of records Hogsett once described as critical to public oversight of government, but that were never compiled in a single location as intended by the law. Some of the records are already available in different locations on the citys website. Others such as financial disclosures and ethics waivers for many of Hogsetts top staffers are being published online here for the first time ever. Hogsetts Disclose Indy still absent: Hogsett promised a 'one-stop shop' ethics portal. Ten years later, it doesn't exist Economic interest statements for appointees The following are financial disclosures for about 30 of Hogsett's appointees from 2016 to 2024. They were obtained through a public records request and do not necessarily reflect a comprehensive list. None of these have been publicly posted on the city's website. Scarlett Andrews, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Portia Bailey-Bernard, Director of Develop Indy Jeff Bennett, Deputy Mayor of Community Development/Senior Policy Advisor Mark Bode, Director of Communications for Mayor Joe Hogsett Abbey Brands, Director of the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Rusty Carr, Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development Ken Clark, Controller Thomas Cook, Chief of Staff Matt Giffin, Corporation Counsel David Hampton, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Abigail Hanson, Controller Brandon Herget, Director of the Department of Public Works Jason Larrison, Director of the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Emily Mack, Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development Brian Madison, Director of the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Andy Mallon, Corporation Counsel Donald Morgan, Corporation Counsel Tim Moriarty, Special Counsel to the Mayor Anne OConnor, Corporation Counsel Dan Parker, Chief Deputy Mayor & Chief of Staff Fady Qaddoura, Controller Sarah Riordan, Controller Lauren Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor of Public Health Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority Taylor Schaffer, Chief of Staff Angela Smith-Jones, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Aliya Wishner, Director of Communications and Policy Ethics Waivers We requested through a public records request ethics waivers for about 30 Hogsett appointees from 2016 to 2024. While this is not a comprehensive list of every ethics waiver, none of these have been publicly posted on the city's website. Jeff Bennett, Deputy Mayor of Community Development/Senior Policy Advisor Matt Giffin, Corporation Counsel Brian Madison, Director of the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services Donald Morgan, Corporation Counsel Taylor Schaffer, Chief of Staff Economic interest statements for county-wide elected officials Financial disclosures for countywide elected officials are available here. Below are the most recent filings posted online for each of elected official: Advertisement Advertisement This list was updated Jan. 29, 2026: Prior to publication, economic interest statements for most county-wide elected officials had not been posted since 2023. After inquiries from reporters, the city updated its website with additional filings. Names marked with an asterisk did not have their 2025 filings available as of this update. Officials did not respond to questions about why they were not previously posted or why the website was missing some filings. Ethics disclosure statements for city-county councilors You can find ethics disclosures for the following city-county council members here: City contracts You can find city and county contracts dating back to 2007 on the citys website using this search tool. Contracts for other public agencies over which the mayor has influence through board appointments are not necessarily included in the city's portal. For example, here are 21 contracts involving former Hogsett staffers that we obtained through public records requests. This list is not comprehensive. Advertisement Advertisement Contracts involving former Chief of Staff Thomas Cook Contracts involving former Corporation Counsel Donald Morgan Advertisement Advertisement Contracts involving former Special Counsel to the Mayor Tim Moriarty Campaign finance reports You can find campaign finance reports for Indianapolis and Marion County candidates, parties and political action committees on the citys website using this search tool. IMPD crime statistics You can find crime statistics and more using the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Departments recently launched transparency portal. Budget and spending information The following city and county financial information is available on the citys website: Advertisement Advertisement Audits Audits and performance evaluations for city projects and agencies are available here: How to file a public records request Are you interested in a city record that is not included above? Under Indianas Access to Public Records Act, citizens can request a wide variety of records from public agencies. Heres how to get started: Step 1: Get to know your rights: Handbook on Indianas Public Access Laws Step 2: Learn about the process for requesting public records from the City of Indianapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Step 3: Submit your records request here. Step 4: Feel you were wrongfully denied a record? Heres how to file a complaint. And heres the formal complaint form. Find something interesting? Reach out at the contact information below. This site may be updated. Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X @IndyStarTony and Bluesky @tonycook317.bsky.social. Contact Mirror Indy reporter Emily Hopkins at 317-790-5268 or emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. Follow them on X @indyemapolis or Bluesky @emilyhopkins.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hogsett hasnt delivered a Disclose Indy ethics portal. So we built one The Pennsylvania Capitol in downtown Harrisburg on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Slaughtering, butchering and packaging meat is among the most essential but dangerous industries in the nation and it relies heavily on immigrant labor. A state House panel approved legislation Wednesday that would ensure workers in the meatpacking industry receive safety instructions in the language they speak. House Bill 1923 passed with a 14-12 vote along party lines. Advertisement Advertisement Thats essential in workplaces where a fast pace, crowded conditions and sharp blades can lead to serious injuries, the bills prime sponsor, Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Luzerne), told fellow members of the House Labor and Industry Committee. He said he knows the dangers from his experience with the lumber and millwork business and from a family butcher shop his father and brother used to run. I know how important safety is in a factory where youre using saws and knives, he said, showing his hands with all 10 fingers intact. It is a dangerous profession. Data from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration shows 27 workers every day suffer injuries that result in amputation, the loss of an eye or an overnight hospital stay. Many large meat and poultry companies ranked among those with the most severe injuries despite having fewer workers than companies at the top of the list. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This is not unique to just Pennsylvania, and there are other states that took these protections, Haddock said. The bill would require training and notices to be provided in any language spoken by at least 5% of an employers workforce. It also would require employers to establish safety committees with representatives of each area of plant information. The panel passed an amendment striking out a requirement to provide sick leave to ill or injured workers and a requirement for the state Health Department to publish infectious disease response plans in multiple languages. Advertisement Advertisement Wendell Young, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, told the Capital-Star the legislation stems from the unions efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to get food industry workers back to work safely. The proportion of foreign-born workers increased during the pandemic to nearly half of all employees in the meat and dairy industries as employers faced a workforce shortage, meaning immigrant workers took the brunt of exposure to COVID-19 and other hazards, according to the American Immigration Council. We hear from workers in non-union facilities all the time that this is one of the big stumbling blocks to understanding what they need to do in the event of an emergency, Young said. Ensuring new employees understand their training and responsibilities is essential, he said, noting that UFCW provides its shop stewards with translation headphones to help with language barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Failing to do so not only puts them at risk but anyone who works in the facility at risk, Young said. Refrigeration systems used to chill food in meat processing plants contain ammonia as refrigerant, Young said. The colorless gas can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, leading to death in cases of severe exposure. Knowing what to do, seconds can make the difference between life and death, he said. Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), the ranking GOP member of the Labor and Industry Committee, said he opposed HB 1923 because he believes it duplicates requirements that are already in place. The state Department of Labor and Industry did not respond to a question about existing regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland) said that as a rancher who raises beef cattle, she is concerned about additional costs associated with new regulations. If you think meat prices are high now, wait until this legislation is enacted, Gleim said. Which regulation in this bill will lower the cost for consumers? Haddock said the intent of the legislation is to prevent accidents that require plants to shut down for investigation. That plant loses a days worth of work . That worker is no longer in the industry because hes in the hospital. That causes expense for the employer to retrain or replace a qualified worker, Haddock said. So theres many aspects of this bill that will help businesses that are in meatpacking become safer, operate more efficiently and stop downtime from happening. Jan. 28Ohio lawmakers are urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to position Ohio agencies as key players in a new federal effort to encourage production of a new kind of aircraft. The letter signed by Sen. Jon Husted and U.S. Reps. Mike Turner and Warren Davidson, with 14 others urges the FAA to consider DriveOhio and Ohio Department of Transportation's application for the FAA's Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program. The federal effort, announced last September, is meant to speed the testing of electric airplanes, rotorcraft and other "advanced air mobility" aircraft in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement "Ohio has a robust aviation and aerospace ecosystem, built on a long history of aviation innovation," the lawmakers said in the letter, which was released Wednesday by Husted's office. "With a proven and unique model for cross-sector and state collaboration, Ohio has seen over $1.2 billion invested over the past decade by industry partners, including the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), GE Aerospace, Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, and JobsOhio." The Dayton-Springfield area has generated a growing share of attention in this arena. Greene County is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where key decision-makers plan the arming and equipping of the Air Force. Joby Aviation, a designer and producer of eVTOL aircraft, began production of propeller blades at a Concorde Drive facility near Dayton International Airport in November. Advertisement Advertisement And earlier this month, Joby said it had agreed to buy a 728,000-square-foot building at 1669 Capstone Way in Vandalia, a concrete step toward plans to double production to four aircraft a month in 2027, while also providing space for "significant future growth," the company said. In Springfield, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport has the technology to allow drone pilots to fly their craft beyond a controller's line of sight, enabling crucial research and testing of drone sensor arrays. Springfield's unique capabilities are in place as the Department of Defense last year pledged to focus on production and fielding of low-cost drones to maintain battlefield prowess, with help from private industry. By Brad Brooks and Ted Hesson MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. border czar Tom Homan, newly installed as commander of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, said on Thursday that federal agents would focus on targeted operations, shifting away from the broad street sweeps that have drawn widespread outrage. Homan also said he would reduce the 3,000-strong force of agents deployed to the city if he received "cooperation" from state and local leaders, noting he has had productive meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both vocal critics of the surge. Advertisement Advertisement "We can do better," he said at a press conference, in a rare acknowledgment from a Trump official that the operation has not been perfect. "We made some significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and you're going to see some massive changes occurring here in this city." In his first public remarks since Trump dispatched him to the city on Monday in response to the national outcry, Homan suggested a continued effort to de-escalate from the administration, which has been under intensifying political pressure after two U.S. citizens were shot dead by federal agents. FEDERAL OFFICERS TOLD NOT TO ENGAGE 'AGITATORS' Newly issued internal guidance from a high-ranking Immigration and Customs Enforcement official directs federal officers to refrain from unnecessary communication and engagement with "agitators" to avoid "inflaming the situation." Advertisement Advertisement The directive, reviewed by Reuters, also orders ICE officers to only target immigrants who have records of criminal charges or convictions, a departure from earlier tactics that included randomly stopping people on the street to demand documented proof of legal U.S. residence or citizenship. Echoing that, Homan said agents would prioritize those who pose a threat to public safety or national security, although he emphasized the Trump administration remains committed to deporting all immigrants it says are living in the country illegally. "We're not surrendering our mission at all, we're just doing it smarter," he said. He also pushed for more access to Minnesota jails for ICE agents so they can pick up targeted immigrants when they are released from local custody, which he said would lessen the need for more disruptive and dangerous street sweeps. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the Justice Department charged a man who squirted a liquid on Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday evening town hall in Minneapolis, which is in her district, with assaulting or intimidating a U.S. official. The incident underscored the charged politics at play in Minneapolis. The liquid, which Anthony Kazmierczak is accused of spraying on Omar using a syringe, was apple cider vinegar, according to a criminal complaint. He has also been charged under Minnesota law with making terroristic threats, a felony, and fifth-degree assault by the Hennepin County attorney's office in Minneapolis. Omar, a frequent target of Trump's, blamed the president's "hateful rhetoric" for the attack. Kazmierczak, who has expressed support for Trump on social media, has three prior criminal convictions - two for drunk driving and one for felony theft of a motor vehicle, records show. It was unclear whether he had an attorney. Trump, who has called Omar "garbage," dismissed the attack and suggested without evidence that the congresswoman had staged it. Advertisement Advertisement 'SEASONED AGENT' INVOLVED IN PRETTI SHOOTING Minneapolis has been gripped by widespread protests since Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot dead behind the wheel of her car by an ICE agent on January 7. Public outrage deepened after federal agents shot dead Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on Saturday morning. In both cases, Trump administration officials immediately defended the federal agents involved in the shootings and denounced both Good and Pretti as "domestic terrorists" who they claimed were threatening law enforcement. Multiple video recordings of the two incidents contradict the notion that either Good or Pretti intended to harm anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Little is known about the two agents who fired 10 times at Pretti: a Border Patrol agent and an officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, which handles customs screenings. The government has not named the agents, who were masked, or offered details about their backgrounds. During Trump's nationwide crackdown, federal immigration agents often have worn masks to conceal their identities or clothing with no clear name identification or agency. Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a union representing Border Patrol agents, said the border agent involved in Pretti's shooting had about eight years of experience, extensive use-of-force and firearms training and crowd-control training in a border context. "This wasn't a rookie agent that was out there, this was a seasoned agent," said Perez, who declined to name the agent for his safety. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PRETTI, AGENTS HAD EARLIER CONFRONTATION Newly unearthed videos verified by Reuters show Pretti had a physical confrontation with federal agents 11 days before he was shot. In the videos, Pretti, wearing some of the same outerwear he had on when he was killed, can be seen cursing, shouting and spitting at a vehicle before kicking and shattering a taillight as it begins to leave the scene. Several agents stop the SUV, get out and push Pretti to the ground, as others fire gas into a crowd of protesters. Eventually, the agents let Pretti walk away, and what appears to be a gun can be seen tucked into his waistband. Advertisement Advertisement Videos of the killing on Saturday show an agent pulling a gun from Pretti's waistband after he has been restrained on the ground, seconds before another officer fires the first shot into the back of Pretti, now unarmed. Pretti had a legal license to carry a concealed weapon. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Minneapolis and Ted Hesson in Washington; Writing by Joseph Ax and Steve Gorman; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooke, Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Allen, Jarrett Renshaw, Andrew Hay, Marine Delrue, Maria Paula Laguna, Fernando Robles and Gerardo Gomez; Editing by Paul Thomasch, Nick Zieminski, Rod Nickel) Federal immigration officers nearly triggered an international incident this week after trying to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission, what the countrys foreign ministry called an attempted intrusion that sparked a formal complaint to U.S. authorities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement claims that officers were tracking down an Ecuadorian immigrant who ran into the building, which an agency spokesperson claims was not clearly marked as the consulate. Two large seals reading Consulate de Ecuador are posted on the brick building, including one directly above the door that officers tried to walk through, according to widely shared footage of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Another sign to the left of the front door includes the Ecuadorian flag and the words Republica del Ecuador. ICE is now accusing the consulate of shielding a public safety threat illegal alien who is still at large. ICE claims officers inadvertently tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis, which they agency says was not clearly marked despite large seals on the outside of the building (AP) In footage of Tuesdays incident, a consulate employee is seen rushing to the door as masked immigration officers try to open it. If you touch me, I will grab you, an officer can be heard saying. You cannot enter here, the employee replies. This is a consulate. This is a foreign government property. In a statement, Ecuadors foreign ministry said consulate staff prevented the entry of the ICE officer to the consular headquarters, thus ensuring the protection of the Ecuadorians who were in that moment at the consular headquarters. Staff also implemented emergency protocols, it noted. Advertisement Advertisement Ecuador issued a formal complaint to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador so that acts of this nature do not be repeated in any of the consular offices of Ecuador in the United States, according to the statement. Under the Vienna Conventions, a countrys embassies and other diplomatic offices are considered sovereign territory of that nation and protected under diplomatic immunity that prohibits the host nations officers from unauthorized entry. The United States is a party to the international treaties. The State Department referred The Independents request for comment to Homeland Security, which shared ICEs statement. Protesters in Quito demonstrated against the Trump administrations anti-immigration agenda outside Ecuadors foreign ministry after ICE officers nearly triggered an international incident (AP) Officers were performing a targeted enforcement operation to arrest Jorge Miguel Bravo Uriles, who was accused of driving while intoxicated in 2022 with previous arrests on allegations of sexual assault, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement He then fled into a nearby building, a spokesperson told The Independent. Unknown to the ICE officers at the time, the building housed the Consulate of Ecuador, however, the building was not clearly marked as the Ecuadorian Consulate, the spokesperson said. The ICE officers were focused on arresting the criminal illegal alien, their own safety, and the safety of the public, the statement added. At no time did the ICE officers enter the Consulate. The Consulate employees protected this public safety threat illegal alien. He is still at large. The incident follows weeks of growing tensions and violence from immigration officers patrolling Minneapolis, where roughly 3,000 masked and heavily armed agents have been deployed by Donald Trumps administration to support his efforts to arrest and deport tens of thousands of people. The city is reeling in the wake of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two U.S. citizens and demonstrators who were shot and killed by immigration officers this month. Advertisement Advertisement Several high-profile immigration arrests have also targeted Ecuadorian nationals, including five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who was arrested in the driveway of their home in suburban Minneapolis last week. An image of the pre-schooler standing in his frozen driveway wearing a Spider-Man backpack and blue, woolly hat during fathers arrest has fueled further outrage. Liam, who is detained with his father at an ICE detention center in Texas, is now sick, sleeping a lot and asking for his mother, according to his family and members of Congress who visited him January 28. A federal judge temporarily blocked their immediate removal from the country after the boys father sued the Trump administration over his arrest and detention. The arrest of another Ecuadorian man, identified in court filings as Juan T.R., also triggered the wrath of Minnesotas chief federal judge, who threatened to hold ICEs acting director Todd Lyons in contempt after repeated violations of court orders. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has ended its enhanced enforcement operations in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins announced on Jan. 29. A little over a week after the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Catch of the Day," expanding its deportation campaign over the objections of local officials, Collins said Secretary Kristi Noem informed her "ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine." "There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here," Collins said in a post on social media early the morning of Jan. 29. Mourners kneel at a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. A mourner visits a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. A picture of Alex Pretti is left at a makeshift memorial in the area where Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. Mourners gather at a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan.25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. A woman cries at a makeshift memorial in the area where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, in the second fatal shooting of a civilian during the Trump administration's unprecedented operation in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer. People mourn at a makeshift memorial in the area where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, in the second fatal shooting of a civilian during the Trump administration's unprecedented operation in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer. A woman prays at a makeshift memorial in the area where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, in the second fatal shooting of a civilian during the Trump administration's unprecedented operation in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer. People gather together during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti 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. People gather together during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti 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. People pay their respects during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti 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. Vigils held for Alex Pretti, killed in Border Patrol related shooting 1 of 10 Mourners kneel at a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. USA TODAY has reached out to DHS and ICE for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Collins said she had been "urging" Noem and others in the Trump administration to get ICE to "reconsider its approach" in Maine. ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will resume normal operations that already existed in the state for years, she said. Demonstrators attend an anti-ICE rally in Lewiston, Maine, on Jan. 24, 2026, after federal immigration authorities from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched a new enforcement operation in Maine called "Operation Catch of the Day" aimed at identifying and arresting undocumented immigrants. DHS said it launched the operation on Jan. 20 to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities. The department accused Maine Gov. Janet Mills and local authorities of having "sanctuary" policies. The news comes after the Trump administration has come under new intense scrutiny over the shooting death of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by federal immigration agents over the weekend. Tensions remain high in the state, with some signals from Trump that a "de-escalation" could be on the horizon. Contributing: Christopher Cann This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE ends 'enhanced' operation in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins says Federal authorities have ended their immigration enforcement surge in Maine, a state senator said on Thursday, even as Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, insisted that the much bigger operation in Minnesota would continue. Susan Collins, a Republican, cited a conversation with the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, saying that the enhanced operation in her state of Maine had been wrapped up. Nicknamed Operation Catch of the Day, it has targeted communities in Portland and Lewiston and led to the detention of more 200 people since last week. Advertisement Advertisement Most have already been removed from the state, sparking concerns among family members and attorneys who fear the detainees will face greater odds of removal outside Maine. There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins said in a social media post, adding that she had been urging the agency to reconsider its approach to enforcement, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection would continue their normal operations. We have noticed a dramatic downswing of enforcement [in Maine] since the week started, said Jenny Beverly, an attorney with Haven Immigration Law who has been fielding legal aid requests since the ICE surge began. Related: Senate fails to pass funding bill after Democrats refuse to back DHS funding Advertisement Advertisement Other legal advocates said that ICEs retreat would only provide moderate relief. The fear is reverberating across Maine, and so many people have completely withdrawn from public life, Sue Roche, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, said in a statement. There is no guarantee an ICE surge or operation will not happen again, and the increased enforcement in Maine since the beginning of the Trump administration has been devastating in and of itself. Noems apparent decision to end the Maine enforcement push comes as the administration appears to be reassessing its activity nationwide following large-scale anti-ICE demonstrations in Minnesota, Philadelphia and New York, as well as public rebukes from Republican and Democratic lawmakers including 160 officials calling for her impeachment. Earlier this week, the Trump administration removed the border patrol commander Gregory Bovino from his post in Minneapolis in an apparent attempt to quell public criticism. Homan has now assumed command of the nations most high-profile enforcement campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis on Thursday, Homan said: Im not here because of the federal government has carried this mission out perfectly. Federal agents have killed two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in the space of two weeks, sparking nationwide outrage. President Trump and I, along with others in administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. Thats exactly what Im doing here, Homan said. He also pledged to stay in Minnesota until the problems gone, without offering any details. Homan suggested that there could be a reduction of federal agents in exchange for cooperation from Minnesota officials, including granting ICE officers access to local jails. The withdrawal of law enforcement resources here is dependent upon cooperation, Homan said. He did not elaborate on further examples, but Homan has long sought access to jails, especially in so-called sanctuary cities with large immigrant populations. Advertisement Advertisement The drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop, Homan said. When the violence decreases, we can draw down the resources, despite the fact that the protesters have been largely peaceful and that by far the worst violence has come from the federal agents who killed Good and Pretti. He did add that federal agents who breach codes of conduct will be dealt with, but gave no further details and did not mention the killings. Homan also insisted to reporters that we know exactly who were looking for, despite reports that many people without criminal convictions have been detained. On the ground in Minnesota, reports of federal agents around Minneapolis, in the suburbs and in rural areas have continued this week, with videos and first-hand accounts from people showing they have encountered agents near schools and churches and in residential neighborhoods. Observers have continued to patrol their communities to document federal agents actions here. City council members in Minneapolis have reported little change despite Bovinos exit. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Minneapolis ICE observers keep showing up despite risk of arrest and violence There isnt any indication that immigration activity has changed in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis city council member Jason Chavez wrote on social media yesterday. Make no mistake, our neighbors will continue to blow their whistles, and we will continue to alert our community about ICE activity. Journalists with the Associated Press reported that they were confronted by federal agents on Wednesday morning while attempting to report on an enforcement activity in Minneapolis. I dont care who you are, get back in your vehicle, an agent told the AP journalists, according to video of the incident. The backlash has been at least somewhat bipartisan, with two Minnesota lawmakers saying they will no longer run for elected office, including Chris Madel, a top Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, who said on Monday: I cannot support the stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic senator, announced on Thursday that she would be running for governor, after Tim Walz, the incumbent, said he would no longer run for any elected office. President Donald Trump's administration has increased immigration detainee transfer flights from Minnesota to El Paso, amidst the ongoing controversial immigration raids in Minneapolis. There were 26 domestic shuffle flights from Minneapolis to El Paso between Jan. 1 and Jan 25, according to data provided to the El Paso Times by the ICE Flight Monitor project at Human Rights First. These represented 72% of all flights from Minneapolis in the same period, with other flights going to Houston, Texas and Omaha, Nebraska. These shuffle flights are "abnormal," Savi Arvey, a researcher with the ICE Flight Monitor project, said. There were no flights between El Paso and Minnesota in 2025, she explained. Advertisement Advertisement Other detainees are being transferred to various detention centers across Texas. Adrian Conejo Arias and his 5-year-old son, Liam Conejo Ramos, are currently being held at the Dilley detention center. Their detention made national headlines and sparked criticism after photos circulated of Liam being detained in the driveway of his home on Jan. 20 while wearing a blue bunny hat. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro visited Conejo and his son at the detention center on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Castro, D-San Antonio, said he demanded his release and told him how much his family, his school, and our country loves him and is praying for him. A photo showing 5-year-old Liam Ramos being detained by a federal immigration agent in Minnesota. The El Paso Times is trying to learn more about reports that the detainees from Minnesota are being fast-tracked for deportation once they arrive in El Paso. This is significant because detainees at Camp East Montana have repeatedly complained of being detained for months at the privately-run facility on Fort Bliss property. Shuffle flights are where ICE will move immigrant detainees to other facilities ahead of their deportations. There were 8,365 shuffle flights, according to the ICE Flight Monitoring project in 2025. El Paso has averaged 89 shuffle flights in the last four months, according to the project's data. Advertisement Advertisement It is nearly impossible to know how many people have been moved to El Paso, as ICE has not reported the number of people entering the detention facilities in the Borderland. El Paso has become a hub for deportations with the operation of the Camp East Montana ICE detention center, which is projected to hold 5,000 people. The site has been marked by reports of human rights violations and three immigrant deaths since it opened in August 2025, including one that was ruled a homicide. One of the immigrants detained in Minnesota who was transferred to El Paso was Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old originally from Nicaragua, who was detained in Minneapolis on Jan. 6 and transferred to the Camp East Montana facility. He was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 14, of an alleged suicide. Secretary Kristi Noem says thousands arrested in Minnesota Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly reported that federal agents have arrested more than 3,000 immigrants over the past six to eight weeks during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement In the last 6 weeks, our brave DHS law enforcement have arrested 3,000 criminal illegal aliens, including vicious murderers, rapists, child pedophiles, and incredibly dangerous individuals," Noem said in a news release issued Jan. 19. Camp East Montana was built to hold 5,000 detainees. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar has reported that 3,080 people were already being held at the El Paso detention center, as of Dec. 19. ICE has never reported publicly how many detainees are currently held at Camp East Montana. More: Exclusive: She survived ICE custody; her husband died during detention Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: ICE chartered flights are taking detainees from Minnesota to El Paso (This story was updated to add new information.) Yes, Homeland Security was in Indianapolis this week. No, not that one. A rumor that proliferated across many Indianapolis residents social media pages in recent days may have arisen over confusion between similarly named state and federal agencies. The claim: Federal immigration agents working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were staying in downtown hotels including the J.W. Marriott, the Marriott Downtown and the Westin. Advertisement Advertisement The reality: Indianas statewide emergency management agency, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, summoned its staff to Indianapolis to coordinate the response to Winter Storm Fern. IDHS staff and volunteers stayed at downtown hotels during the state of emergency, according to Liz Dessauer, the agencys public affairs director. The three hotels nearest to the State Emergency Operations Center? The J.W. Marriott, the Marriott Downtown and the Westin. Marriott Bonvoy, the hotels' parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. More: Government shutdown looms as ICE tactics face scrutiny. How Indiana senators voted Advertisement Advertisement ICE operations are not uncommon. News reports from other cities, including Los Angeles, Charlotte, Minneapolis and Chicago, have documented workplace round-ups, apartment building raids and violence against protesters. Reports of ICE agents being sighted across Central Indiana often unsubstantiated have become common in the year since President Donald Trump returned to power. Information often spreads online faster than it can be verified, and can continue to proliferate even after being debunked. On Jan. 28, WANE15 reported that Fort Wayne Community Schools sent a letter home to parents refuting viral claims of upcoming immigration enforcement on its campuses. Photos purporting to depict ICE agents in Tarkington Park in north Indianapolis on Jan. 29 continued to circulate on Facebook even after a local volunteer group, Indy Rapid Response, quickly indicated that the images showed the U.S. Marshal Service serving a warrant unrelated to immigration enforcement. The Marion County Sheriff's Office made its own post addressing the Tarkington Park footage. "This was NOT an ICE/CBP operation and ICE/CBP agents were not involved in this operation," the sheriff's office wrote. It instead showed MCSO's Sex Offender Registry Unit assisting the Marshals with "an active case involving missing children," all of whom have been recovered safely. "Countering the misinformation circulating online could be a full time job," wrote Karla Lopez Owens, an attorney and community advocate. Lopez Owens is scheduled to speak at a Jan. 30 candlelit vigil for ICE detainees. Indianapolis conferences often draw law enforcement As a popular site for conventions and conferences, downtown Indianapolis in particular can be a hotbed for rumors. The area routinely receives swarms of out-of-town visitors: firefighters, board game enthusiasts and, of course, Future Farmers of America. Advertisement Advertisement A sudden, visible influx of law enforcement may be tied to such a gathering rather than an upcoming crackdown. The Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police were meeting from Jan. 27-29 at the Historic Crowne Plaza Hotel, and the Indiana Sheriffs Association will host a trade show at the Hilton Downtown between Feb. 24-26. More: Flights, jails and judges: Indiana's ever-expanding role in ICE operations Indiana has not seen coordinated enforcement operations on the scale of those in Chicago or Minneapolis, but the agency still has a presence. The Clay County Jail, 60 miles southwest of Indianapolis, serves as one of the agencys largest detention centers in the Midwest. To the north, the Miami Correctional Facility dubbed the Speedway Slammer' already houses hundreds of ICE detainees. The Marion County Sheriff's Office announced on Jan. 12 that ICE detainees would no longer be held in its jail for more than 48 hours in an attempt to relieve overcrowding. Farther from Indy, Gov. Mike DeWine in Ohio has said his state is preparing for a possible ICE surge in Springfield, where thousands of Haitian residents stand to lose their legal immigration status next week. On Feb. 3, temporary protected status is set to expire for 300,000 Haitians. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has attempted to remove protections for people from certain countries under the 1990 program, which grants work authorization and deportation protections for people from a pre-determined list of dangerous countries. On Jan. 28, Reuters reported that an appeals court found that Kristi Noem overstepped her authority by stripping the program's protections from Venezuelan nationals in 2025. A ruling on Haitians' status expected in the coming days could push back the Feb. 3 deadline. Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is ICE in Indianapolis? Here's what we know about rumors A surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Maine has been called off in the wake of resistance tochaotic operations in Minneapolis. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said ICE will be ending its enhanced activities in the state but would continue normal operations, following a conversation with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins said in a Thursday statement. I have been urging [Department of Homeland] Secretary [Kristi] Noem and others in the Administration to get ICE to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state. Advertisement Advertisement The news of an ICE drawdown in Maine came as border czar Tom Homan delivered remarks at a press conference in Minneapolis, criticizing the operation in Minnesota. Im not here because of the federal government has carried this mission out perfectly, he said. [President Donald Trump and I] have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Homan vowed to stay in Minneapolis until the problems gone, but noted that ICE would reduce the amount of agents in the city. The drawdown, along with the cancelled surge in Maine are the deescalations by the Trump administration following intense bipartisan pressure after the killing of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis. A recent internal memo from an ICE official on Thursday directed officers not to engage with agitators, but to communicate solely by issuing commands. Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his role as commander-at-large of ICE officers in Minneapolis on Tuesday. On the same day, two prominent GOP senators called for Noems resignation over her amateurish supervision of ICE operations. I think what shes done in Minnesota should be disqualifying. She should be out of a job, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said. The post ICE surge in Maine scrapped as border czar Homan calls for improvements across the US appeared first on Salon.com. Customers may be entitled to extra cash if they unsubscribed from a Kaiser Permanente text service but continued receiving messages. The health care company has agreed to pay $10.5 million to settlement class members who received more than one text message within any 12-month period from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., even after opting out, according to the settlement website. Class members may be entitled to up to $75 for each qualifying text message. The messages would have been sent out between Jan. 21, 2021, and Aug. 20, 2025. Heres how to qualify for the payment. A Kaiser Permanente health care center is pictured in Anaheim, California, U.S., October 3, 2023. How to qualify for Kaiser Permanente settlement payments Settlement class members must submit valid claim forms through the settlement website by Thursday, Feb. 12. For the settlement, qualifying text messages are considered marketing text messages sent after a "stop" or similar opt-out request. Class members who opted out of receiving the marketing texts would not have received a message acknowledging their request. Settlement class members may submit one claim form, which will cover all of their qualifying text messages to any of their telephone numbers. Proposed class action lawsuit: Costco sued over its $4.99 rotisserie chicken. Here's why. What does the Kaiser Permanente settlement stem from? The settlement aims to resolve a lawsuit filed in August 2025 alleging that customers received text messages sent by or on behalf of Kaiser Permanente within any 12-month period after the individual communicated that they did not wish to receive text messages by replying to the marketing messages with a "stop" or similar opt-out instruction, in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Florida Telephone Solicitation Act. Kaiser Permanente denies all allegations of wrongdoing in the lawsuit. In an emailed statement provided to USA TODAY, Kaiser said, "This case involves claims that some prospective members, all of whom had asked Kaiser Permanente to contact them regarding membership options, received a limited number of texts after asking for the contacts to end." "We resolved this case through a settlement, without any finding or admission of liability, to avoid protracted and expensive litigation," the health care company's statement continued. Kaiser Permanente hospital wordmark in San Diego, California, U.S., January 26, 2026. The lawsuit was initially filed against Kaiser Permanente in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Miami on Aug. 20, 2025. Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest health care service plans in the United States, with over 12.5 million members. Class action members claimed the unsolicited text messages resulted in "invasion of privacy, harassment, aggravation and disruption of daily life." The Rev. Sara LaWall drops hearts down the rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol Building. Protestors on April 2, 2024, dropped 48,000 handmade hearts meant to represent LGBTQ Idahoans in protest of anti-LGBTQ legislation. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) Under a new bill introduced Wednesday, the Idaho Legislature would ban local policies in more than a dozen cities that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill, written by the Idaho Family Policy Center, a conservative Christian group, and sponsored by Nampa Republican state Rep. Bruce Skaug, would block local governments in Idaho from having more strict antidiscrimination policies than established in state law. Advertisement Advertisement Skaug argued that the varying local rules hinder economic growth. In addition to threatening our religious freedoms, all of these conflicting local antidiscrimination ordinances create a tangled web of red tape that varies from city to city, county to county, Skaug told lawmakers. In the business sector, it burdens the entrepreneurs and the employers. The bill comes after more than a decade of failed efforts in the Idaho Legislature to add LGBTQ+ discrimination protections to state law. Since 2011, 13 Idaho cities and towns have passed nondiscrimination ordinances including Sandpoint, Boise, Idaho Falls, Moscow, Lewiston, Meridian, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue, Driggs, Victor, Pocatello and Coeur dAlene. In 2020, Ada County, home to Boise, passed its own, KTVB reported. Advertisement Advertisement Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln, executive director of Add the Words Idaho, a group that has pushed for LGBTQ+ antidiscrimination protections, called the bill embarrassing. There are real issues Idaho needs addressed, she said in a statement. Lawmakers should move on and find something meaningful and responsible to do with the time and taxpayers money. Let queer and trans people live in peace. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Idaho Family Policy Center, which wrote the bill, echoed Skaugs arguments The Idaho House Local Government Committee voted to introduce Skaugs bill Wednesday, teeing it up for a full committee hearing with public testimony. All 14 Republicans on the committee supported introducing it, and the committees two Democrats opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Steve Berch, a Boise Democrat, called the bill an overreach of legislative power or state power over the cities and communities. Idaho state Reps. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, and Mike Pohanka, R-Jerome, listen to proceedings during the House State Affairs Committee on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Skaug told the committee that the bill would ban more than just local antidiscrimination policies for LGBTQ+ protections, saying it would also prevent housing-related measures that deal with income and familial status. In an interview after the committee hearing, Skaug couldnt immediately share which localities have those other nondiscrimination measures. In preparing the bill, Skaug told the Idaho Capital Sun that he worked with the Idaho Family Policy Center and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group. In a statement, Idaho Family Policy Center President Blaine Conzatti said local antidiscrimination ordinances are frequently weaponized against small business owners especially wedding vendors or those offering creative design services. Advertisement Advertisement No small business owner should ever be forced to choose between violating their sincerely held religious beliefs or leaving the marketplace altogether, he said. Government officials have forced bakers, photographers, florists, graphic designers, and wedding venue operators to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies and pride festivals. Planned Parenthood critiques bill as stripping local control Rep. Marco Erickson, an Idaho Falls Republican, made the motion to introduce the bill in committee. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US In 2013, the Idaho Falls City Council first passed an ordinance barring LGBTQ+ discrimination in housing and employment, becoming the seventh Idaho town with such protections at the time, Boise State Public Radio reported. In 2020, the Idaho Falls City Council expanded the discrimination protections to public accommodations, the Post Register reported. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Idaho State Director Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman critiqued the bill as stripping local control. In places across Idaho, locally elected officials are ready and willing to stop discrimination, and this bill blocks them from doing exactly that, what voters elected them to do, Tolman said. That isnt small government. Its a uniform denial of basic protections that tells LGBTQ+ Idahoans and other marginalized residents that their safety and dignity dont matter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The murderous actions of Bryan Kohberger continue to haunt the families of his four victims, as the state of Idaho stirs up fresh heartache with the continued release of graphic court filings. Most recently, Idaho officials made public forensic reports containing previously unreleased details. In them, medical examiners noted in vivid detail just how Kohberger killed all four University of Idaho students in late 2022. Us Weekly decided not to report on those grisly details, as they were too horrific in nature. Advertisement Advertisement Steve Goncalves, who is the father of victim Kaylee Goncalves, appeared on Jesse Weber Live on NewsNation Tuesday, January 27, and said that, in short, the families of the murdered students are usually the last to know. "We learned brand new things," Goncalves said of the latest dump of public documents. "Those details that were put in those docs were never given to us. They were given to strangers before they were given to us." Added Goncalves, 50: "It's shocking that family doesn't get any kind of priority, you know? Even a heads-up. We asked for discovery. They said they'd give it to us, but they never did." Kohberger, 31, killed University of Idaho student Goncalves, 21, Maddie Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, inside the off-campus home they all shared in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Kaylee Goncalves Father Says Public 100 Percent Deserves to Know Details of Idaho Murders Kohberger snuck into the house on November 13, 2022, under cover of dark and stabbed the four students to death. In August 2025, Kohberger admitted killing the students and received a life sentence. In recent weeks, officials have released and then removed redacted crime scene photos that show pooled blood as well as spatter on the walls and doors and blood smeared on the floor. It also appears there are gashes in one of the mattresses, which true crime aficionados have speculated on social media were caused by Kohbergers knife. Speaking to Webber, Goncalves questioned why these morbidly detailed documents need to be shared with the public. Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger "pled four cases of murder or capital, all of them, and in the same breath, he waived his rights to even challenge it," Goncalves said. "So, you know what? Why does this need to come out? You know, all these details? I mean, these are like mortician details. It has nothing to do with a case that's never going to happen. Relatives of Bryan Kohberger Victim Kaylee Goncalves Condemn Recent Crime Scene Photo Dump Goncalves said "we had no idea" the new documents were coming. "We had no heads-up, none whatsoever. It goes to the media before it does us, and that's awful. We just find out through, you know, our phone starts going off." Goncalves said the families have been meeting with state lawmakers "to try to fix this" situation. He said Idaho House Bill 1135 has been proposed and was crafted to "protect this type of information and make sure that it never gets out." Goncalves said the families are "going to talk to the governor and say, 'Hey, we can do better than this.' And you know, that means we have got to [make] laws. We can't just let one person act like a judge and jury and make a [plea] deal and then, you know, we live it for the rest of our lives, and six months later, we're finding out new details of, you know, the worst moments of our children's lives. You know, it seems like a nightmare that this couldn't be illegal, but we hope to make sure that it isn't legal in Idaho in the future. The state flags hangs from the rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise on Jan. 7, 2025. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) After they were originally protected from new state budget cuts, leaders of Idahos public school system and Medicaid program are being asked by state legislators to submit plans to cut their budgets by up to 2%, a new state budget memo shows. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Legislatures new memo indicates a 2% budget cut would represent a $55 million funding reduction for the K-12 public school system, while a 2% cut would represent a $19.9 million cut for the Division of Medicaid. Education leaders across Idaho expressed shock and disappointment as the Jan. 28 memo calling for public school officials to submit plans for budget cuts began circulating. Permanent cuts to the budget for current year and FY27 budgets would be direct hits to critical services that Idaho students and families rely on every day, likely resulting in cuts to programs, staffing, and more, Idaho School Boards Association Executive Director Misty Swanson said in a written statement. We are deeply concerned that the Co-Chairs (of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee) have reversed their promise not to cut the K-12 budget this year, including after saying such to both House and Senate Education Committees this week. These permanent cuts will negatively impact every community and student in Idaho and will leave lasting negative consequences on our K-12 schools. The Idaho Department of Correction is still excluded from submitting plans for additional new budget cuts because Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, said officials did not want to risk furloughing or reducing the staff of prison guards. Proposals for additional state budget cuts are necessary due to uncertainty surrounding conformity with Big, Beautiful bill, JFAC co-chair says Grow, who serves as co-chairman of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, said in an interview Thursday that the memo calling on education and Medicaid leaders to submit plans for cuts was issued in response to ongoing uncertainty about the financial impact of conforming to federal tax cuts included in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act championed by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Grow also said the Idaho Constitutions requirement to pass a balanced state budget and his own desire to leave a positive ending cash balance in the state budget to guard against additional financial uncertainty were factors in sending the memo. The challenge we have now is that even with that additional $153 million in revenue, now the estimated cost of the Big Beautiful Bill, the number we have for the individual (tax changes), is $155 million and then theres additional costs for the corporate side and that is the big unknown, Grow said in an interview at the Idaho State Capitol. That is a challenge. Weve heard numbers from zero to $80 million. And so how do you balance a budget with that much uncertainty and another hit thats going to come to us? Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, makes a comment during the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting on Jan. 14, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) The $153 million figure Grow referenced comes from the revenue projection that the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee adopted earlier this month, which was $153 million higher than the revenue projection that Gov. Brad Little issued for his budget proposal. Grow said the memo calling on public schools to submit plans for budget cuts does not guarantee that the Idaho Legislature will actually cut the public school budget. Instead, Grow said public schools and Medicaid were invited to submit budget cutting plans so legislators would have the data. Advertisement Advertisement We dont want to cut anything, but lets at least let them start looking at it, Grow said in an interview. If you read (the memo) carefully, it says one of the options is to further reduce budgets in 26 and 27 thats one option, Grow added. Grow also noted that the K12 public school budget and Medicaid budget are the two largest budgets in the state. If the states two largest budgets were not part of the budget cuts, the new cuts could be harder on the smaller state agencies, and it could be more difficult to come up with significant overall savings to stabilize the state budget. Thats the elephant in the room, as you know, Grow said. Advertisement Advertisement When you exclude Medicaid, you exclude the K-12 (schools) were talking about the large majority of our budget, those two right there, Grow said. So when those are excluded, that puts a heavy burden on all the other departments and agencies. Why is Idaho bracing for more state budget cuts? For months, Idaho has experienced revenue shortfalls and a projected state budget deficit after years of passing tax cuts that reduced the amount of state revenue available to fund the state budget, the Sun previously reported. Little ordered all state agencies other than public schools to cut spending by 3% last summer, and then made those cuts permanent, to avoid a budget shortfall. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement But with questions remaining over the true cost of the federal tax cuts from Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act and additional uncertainty over where revenue will come in, Littles 3% cuts may not be enough. Strong revenue collections in the month of December put Idaho back on track to have a projected budget surplus for the first time in months. But Grow said he is still concerned about state revenue. It was going up and down and up and down and up and down, so we are very concerned, Grow said. I mean, we could be upside down next month in two weeks. News of the Idaho Legislature asking for agencies to submit plans for additional new cuts broke Monday. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, JFAC leaders released a memo asking state agency directors to submit new plans for additional budget cuts of up to 2% to the state by Friday, Jan. 30, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. On Wednesday, a newer, follow-up budget memo clarified that both K-12 public schools and the Medicaid program are required to submit plans to cut their budgets by up to 2%. The new cuts of up to 2% would be added to the 3% cuts that Little ordered last summer, which could bring the total cost of cuts to 5% for most state agencies. Some education leaders have noted Idaho is not in an economic recession and blamed the Idaho Legislature for creating the budget crunch by cutting taxes and revenues too deeply. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released Thursday, leaders of the Idaho Education Association said the Idaho Legislature should repeal the $50 million tax credit state legislators approved last year to reimburse families for education expenses including tuition at private, religious schools. In a year when every single dollar is so closely scrutinized and accounted for, why arent lawmakers paying attention to the most unaccountable public funds they have appropriated? the Idaho Education Association said in a written statement Thursday. Reallocating the $50 million from House Bill 93 would keep over-stretched public school budgets whole, as Gov. Little promised just a few weeks ago. Instead, some lawmakers want to double down on the reckless tax cuts they approved last session so they can use public dollars to pay private school tuition with no accountability on how that money is spent. Idaho School Boards Association leaders also expressed deep concerns with asking public schools to submit plans to cut budgets. Going backwards in school funding at this critical time is a step in the wrong direction and Idahoans need to be very concerned, said Swanson, the executive director of the Idaho School Boards Association. Additional Budget Reduction Plans Memo - Pub Schools Medicaid SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Opposition parties remaining separate may actually offer strategic advantages for campaigning against Netanyahu, Rahat explained. With Israels upcoming election race rapidly approaching, renewed talks of forming joint lists among the opposition parties rivaling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud have begun to emerge. Professor Gideon Rahat, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institutes Political Reform Program, explained the implications of such alliances and how they may impact the outcome of the next elections, in a conversation with The Jerusalem Post this week. Advertisement Advertisement Forming joint electoral lists among separate parties is a well-established practice in Israeli politics. In the most recent elections, several such alliances entered the Knesset, including Hadash-Taal and United Torah Judaism. Alliances have been known to be formed only to often be dissolved later. Rahat first emphasized that in Israel, alliances between parties should not be confused with unification. Gadi Eisenkot and Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid seen on November 1, 2025 (credit: MOSHE SHAI/FLASH90) Sometimes people use it [joint lists] to say the party is unified. Its not true, Rahat said. When parties run together in elections, the only thing that happens is that they make an alliance and split the positions on a single list. In Israel, elections are based on party lists. If a list wins, for example, ten seats, the first ten candidates on that list enter the Knesset. Advertisement Advertisement Such alliances can be purely technical, often used as a tactical move to help smaller parties pass the electoral threshold, which currently stands at 3.25% of valid votes, Rahat said. Beyond the technical aspect, Rahat noted that joint lists can also influence voter perception, shaping how the public views the parties involved and whether they feel motivated to support them. Two developments involving potential mergers took place last week among opposition parties. First, former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot (Yashar!) proposed the creation of a unified electoral list with former prime minister Naftali Bennett (Bennett 2026) and opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid). Remaining separate as a tactic to beat Netanyahu When it comes to opposition parties competing directly with Netanyahu, Rahat argued that remaining separate may actually offer strategic advantages. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli voters tend to prefer a broader range of parties that reflect their specific ideological views, he explained. The opposition has to give voters a nice menu, Rahat said. You have to the left, the Democrats. A more liberal party, like Yair Lapid [Yesh Atid], and more right-wing parties, like Bennetts. Rahat also explained that the opposition parties remaining separate from one another may complicate Netanyahus campaign tactics. Netanyahu is very good at fighting one-on-one in elections, Rahat said. To run a negative campaign against four different parties would be really hard. So for the opposition, its better to run as at least three or four different forces challenging Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement For Arab parties, however, Rahat said the strategy is different, and running separately could significantly damage their votes in the elections. Last week on Thursday, the leaders of the four central Arab parties, Raam, Hadash, Taal, and Balad, signed a commitment to work toward reestablishing the Joint List bloc ahead of the elections. The Arab public likes the idea of a Joint List, he explained, adding that unification is often what allows all four parties to pass the electoral threshold. Rahat said that Balad would likely fail to cross the electoral threshold without being part of the Joint List. Advertisement Advertisement When the Arab parties come together, its not only that they have better chances of passing the threshold, Rahat said. Weve also learned that it mobilizes voters. Instead of a 45%-50% turnout, a joint list can raise turnout to 60%-65%. So when the Arab parties run together, they know they will pass the threshold, and they also know they can significantly increase voter participation. The Joint Bloc, once made up of the four Arab parties, began to break apart ahead of the 2021 elections after Raam left the alliance. Then, in a dramatic last-minute split in 2022, Balad broke off from the two remaining factions and filed a separate list. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the two Arab-Israeli parties in the Knesset are Raam and Hadash-Taal - the latter a reduced Joint List that agreed to run together in the 2022 election. In 2021, the Raam Party joined the coalition during the Naftali Bennett-Yair Lapid government, marking the first time an Arab party was a formal member of a governing coalition. In recent months, opposition parties have widely rejected sitting with Arab parties in the next government. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) represents a district of the city of Minneapolis, and she's known for her progressive views and outspoken tendencies, which have earned her the support -- and ire -- of many ... including the president of the United States. Here's a look at the politician's background and see how she dealt with a surprising attack during a town hall meeting this week ... on her home turf. Omar's Family Left Somalia When She Was Young Omar was born in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, in 1982, and her family fled the country's civil war when she was just 8 years old, reports The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Omar and her family spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya before they emigrated to the United States in 1995, where they originally lived in Arlington, Virginia. Getty The congresswoman's family eventually moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota -- home to the United States' largest Somali community. She's claimed she was bullied for wearing a hijab during her school years. Omar became a U.S. citizen in 2000 when she was 17 years old, according to the Associated Press, and she subsequently attended North Dakota State University. Omar Is An Outspoken Progressive ... And Has Been Criticized By Trump Originally an educator with the University of Minnesota and a nutrition coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Education, Omar was elected to Minnesota's House of Representatives in 2017, and she began representing Minnesota's 5th congressional district in Congress two years later. Advertisement Advertisement She quickly became known as one of the most progressive members of Congress, and she's been part "The Squad," a nickname for a few female left-wing Democrats in Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib. Ilhan Omar Hard At Work - Click image to open gallery Omar has received criticism for her stance on Israel, and was criticized by many for claiming the United States' support for Israel is "all about the Benjamins" in 2019 ... she later apologized for her remark. She's also been a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump since his first term ... Trump recently referred to her as "garbage" during a cabinet meeting in December 2025, according to The Wall Street Journal ... and he's accused her "massive fraud" in Minnesota, claiming she has $44 million. He's also amplified debunked claims she married her brother. Omar Was Attacked at a Town Hall Meeting in 2026 Omar was attacked at a town hall in Minneapolis on January 27, 2026 -- she was sprayed with an unidentified liquid -- described later as apple cider vinegar -- while she was addressing constituents. Omar didn't appear to be harmed by the substance and returned to speaking following the disruption. Getty President Trump weighed in on the incident shortly after it occurred ... and claimed it was "probably" set up by Omar. Anthony James Kazmierczak, who allegedly sprayed Omar during the meeting, was arrested and booked for assault. President Donald Trump was reelected in 2024 in large part due to his clear and straightforward promise to secure our borders and deport violent criminals who are in the country illegally. That message resonated with voters and helped build one of the most diverse coalitions seen in modern electoral history. Here in Minnesota, efforts to increase immigration enforcement have collided with local sanctuary policies in the Twin Cities, overheated political rhetoric and a breakdown in communication among local, state and federal officials. What began as a public safety effort to remove criminal illegal immigrants has instead devolved into divisive confusion and conflict. The result has been civil unrest and increasingly dangerous confrontations between federal authorities and the community, with tragic results, including the deaths of two Minnesotans: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The right to protest is fundamental in our government A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest outside the hotel where Greg Bovino, who has been removed from his role as the "commander at large" for the U.S. Border Patrol, is reportedly staying, in Maple Grove, Minnesota, U.S., Jan. 26, 2026. In our system of self-government, the right to peaceful protest and the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment are fundamental. Thousands of Minnesotans have exercised that right by demonstrating against federal immigration actions. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we have seen the line crossed from peaceful protest to confrontational tactics, including coordinated efforts (sometimes encouraged by elected officials) to interfere with lawful federal immigration enforcement operations. Opinion: Trump secured the border. Don't let Minnesota overshadow that. As elected officials, our words matter, especially during moments of crisis. In Minnesota, continued hateful rhetoric from public leaders has too often poured gasoline on an already volatile situation. Federal law enforcement officers were compared to the Gestapo. Minnesotans were urged to put your body on the line. Advertisement Advertisement Operation Metro Surge has even been compared to the Holocaust, in comments made by Gov. Tim Walz that were swiftly rebuked by the Holocaust Museum. This type of overheated language not only incited escalation but also put both the public and law enforcement at risk. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in St. Paul on on Jan. 5, 2026. Federal leaders have not been blameless, either. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security have also engaged in overheated rhetoric, most notably in the immediate aftermath of the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti. Statements that appear to contradict the evidence undermine public trust, weaken the credibility of law enforcement and make the jobs of all of our public servants (including federal immigration enforcement officers) more difficult. Time to cool down the rhetoric on both sides Our society depends on institutions that are credible, respected and trusted. When leaders inflame tensions rather than calm them, that foundation begins to crack, and the consequences are felt by everyone. Advertisement Advertisement The chaos that unfolded in Minnesota is not the result of rhetoric alone. Equally important are sanctuary policies in Minnesota and especially Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, the two Twin City-area counties that are experiencing the highest levels of immigration enforcement and confrontations between the public and law enforcement. Protesters gather in downtown Minneapolis demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leave Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. A crowd of protesters against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) march through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. People take part in a demonstration a day after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 25, 2026. Restaurant patrons look through the window of a restaurant at hundreds of protesters marching through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. Coleen Fitzgerald, a 73-yr-old retired construction worker who protested against the Vietnam war decades ago, pulls a wagon with puppets representing members of the current administration as she joins other protesters during a march through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. Protesters gather in downtown Minneapolis demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leave Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation, in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. People take part in a demonstration a day after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 25, 2026. A crowd of protesters against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) march through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. A protester carries an upside down US flag during a march through the streets of downtown Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. Demonstrators protests ICE operations and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical center, died yesterday after being shot multiple times during a brief altercation with border patrol agents in the Eat Street district of Minneapolis. Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7. Protests, anger in Minneapolis after 2nd person fatally shot 1 of 10 Protesters gather in downtown Minneapolis demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leave Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city. These policies limit or even eliminate local cooperation with federal authorities, setting the stage for violent confrontations on our streets. Last April, our House Republican caucus attempted to change Minnesota state law to facilitate more cooperation between the local and state communities and federal law enforcement. Unfortunately, that effort was blocked on a party-line vote. Across the country, in blue states and red states alike, federal immigration operations take place without the chaos and tragedy we have seen in Minnesota because local jurisdictions honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment orders and work with federal officials to remove violent, criminal illegal aliens, typically from county jails. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Advertisement Advertisement In Minneapolis and St. Paul, local leaders have chosen defiance instead of cooperation, ignoring ICE detainment orders for individuals in county or city custody. These are local jails, not state prisons an important distinction Walz too often ignores. The governor conflates ICE detainment orders, routinely honored by state prisons, with those refused by local jails because of sanctuary policies at the county and city levels. Refusing to transfer violent offenders in the controlled environment of a jail forces federal agents to conduct high-risk arrests in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities, increasing danger for bystanders, residents and law enforcement alike. These policies have kept the violent criminals on the streets and in our communities. This lack of cooperation is unacceptable. Minneapolis Police Chief O'Hara: We rebuilt trust. ICE is destroying it. | Opinion Cities, states and the federal government must cooperate Ending these sanctuary policies and beginning with some narrow, commonsense steps like honoring ICE detainment orders for violent offenders already in custody and directing local law enforcement to assist with maintaining order and de-escalating confrontations with agitators would immediately lower tensions, reduce the need for street arrests, help restore order and turn down the political temperature. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, is the Republican floor leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I am encouraged that some of the overheated rhetoric appears to have cooled in recent days. Recent conversations between President Trump and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Walz give me hope that improved communication will lead to a renewed commitment to cooperation among local, state and federal governments. Advertisement Advertisement I am also hopeful that fresh leadership on the ground from Tom Homan, the White House border czar, will allow for a reset and a more coordinated approach among local, state and federal officials. Across the country, cities and states have shown that lawful federal immigration enforcement can be carried out without chaos or tragedy. Minnesota can do the same if we lower the temperature, end sanctuary policies that shield violent criminals and restore clear, consistent communication between local law enforcement and federal partners. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, is the Republican floor leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I'm a Minnesota Republican. Let's work with ICE, not against | Opinion Local governments would be banned from establishing their own forms of identification under a bill House Republicans. Immigrant rights groups, activists and faith leaders traveled to the Iowa Capitol on Jan. 28 to oppose the bill, House Study Bill 552. A three-member subcommittee voted 2-1 to advance the measure. Johnson County has had a community ID program for more than a decade, and Story and Marshall counties have their own programs as well. Community members fill the room for a subcommittee for HSB 552 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Des Moines. Advocates say community IDs can help people identify themselves to medical providers and law enforcement and access local services like city and county facilities and libraries if they lack another form of ID. They stressed that the IDs don't replace a driver's license and can't be used to access government benefits or for any federal purposes. Advertisement Advertisement People who use the programs include immigrants, seniors who no longer drive, people who have lost documentation in disasters and people experiencing homelessness. Maria Gonzalez, a community organizer with the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, told the story of a woman she worked with who had to flee her home with her children. When her spouse found out she was leaving, he threatened her and the woman didn't have a chance to bring her identification with her, Gonzalez said. "She left with the clothes that she had on her back and nothing else," she said. "To provide services for her, to find the necessary programs that would be able to help her required identification and thanks to the community ID that was something we were able to provide for her." Mazahir Salih, executive director and cofounder of the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County and a member of Iowa City's city council, said the community ID program there has helped residents feel more comfortable cooperating with law enforcement if they witness crimes. Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County executive director Mazahir Salih speaks during a subcommittee for HSB 552 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Des Moines. "Now the sheriff, the Johnson County sheriff, the police department are recognizing this ID and thats why people are not afraid to cooperate with them," she said. "And I think this is really a win-win for both." Advertisement Advertisement Cody Carlson, a lobbyist for the Iowa League of Cities, said the group would like to see the bill amended to create exceptions for cities that create IDs for their public recreation facilities. And Nick Laning, a lobbyist for the Iowa Emergency Management Association, said counties around the state often create temporary IDs for utility workers, contractors, volunteers, nonprofit workers and others. "We have concerns that because the language is fairly broad that this would impact the ability in a disaster zone to issue temporary IDs that could be issued by the county or the city," he said. State Rep. Sam Wengryn speaks during a subcommittee for HSB 552 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Des Moines. Rep. Sam Wengryn, R-Pleasanton, who voted for the bill, said he believes a nonoperator's ID could be used for most of the purposes advocates cited. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters after the vote, Salih disputed that claim. "If everyone can obtain that, problem solved," she said. "The community ID exists because some people, they dont have the documentation necessary to obtain that." State Rep. Mike Vondran, right, speaks during a subcommittee for HSB 552 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Des Moines. Rep. Mike Vondran, R-Davenport, who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, voted to advance the bill, calling it "worthy of some further consideration." He said the goal of the committee is "to provide a safe environment in the state of Iowa." "We've got a little bit of listening to do, but the end goal is always to try to provide what we believe is going to be the best outcome for all Iowans," he said. "And that includes everybody in this room." Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Eric Gjerde, D-Cedar Rapids, thanked everyone for showing up to testify and said, "I didn't hear anybody that spoke in favor of this legislation." State Rep. Eric Gjerde speaks during a subcommittee for HSB 552 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Des Moines. Gjerde said as a police officer he patrols Cedar Rapids and sometimes comes across people in medical need. In those situations, he said he's looking for anything that can identify him so he can pass that information to the EMT so the person can receive better treatment. "In the name of local control I would prefer that we table this and understand what ultimately this is solving," he said. "Because I dont know that it is solving any issue that I particularly have as a resident of Linn County and Cedar Rapids or as a peace officer in Iowa." Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: An Iowa GOP bill would ban cities and counties from offering local IDs El Paso's Annunciation House is providing temporary shelter to immigrants released on bond from ICE detention centers in the El Paso sector since the beginning of January. The shelter for immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in El Paso has received approximately 125 people released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since the start of the month, the center's founder and director, Ruben Garcia, told the El Paso Times. These detainees have come from the ICE immigration processing center on Montana Avenue, the Otero facility in New Mexico and from Camp East Montana detention center. At least 20% of the people they have received were held at Camp East Montana, the nation's largest ICE detention facility, which is projected to hold up to 5,000 detainees. A mural welcomes migrants to the Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas in August 2022. More: ICE flying immigrants from Minnesota to El Paso, data suggests Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign is looking to remove millions of immigrants living in the country as part of a nationwide immigration enforcement operation. In January, ICE officials have increasingly released immigrants detained in their operations. Texas shelters caring for the released immigrants include the Annunciation House and the more than 240 detained people, half of whom are minors. A border shelter in Laredo, Texas, is also receiving released ICE detainees. El Paso has received 26 flights with immigrants detained in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since Jan. 1 and Jan. 25, according to advocates who monitor ICE charter flights. The immigrants welcomed into the shelter have been in various parts of the processes of obtaining their legal immigration status, Garcia explained. These have included people who had recently crossed the border and people who had lived in the United States for decades. Advertisement Advertisement "When someone is released on bond, their immigration status or where they are in their process can vary greatly," Garcia said. "It is very hard to generalize about a group of people's status." More: El Paso County residents speak out against new ICE detention center Some of the people now at the shelter had employment authorizations, Garcia said. Others were detained in the immigration operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The people released to the shelter have expressed fear of leaving, Garcia explained. They were fearful that they could be detained again, even though they had posted bond or they carried work authorization documents. Advertisement Advertisement Garcia recounted the story of a man who received support from friends and loved ones to buy an airplane ticket back home. "He was terrified of going to the airport," Garcia recalled. "It is just very tragic what is happening. Very, very tragic." More: El Paso County sheriff looks to ease community fears amid ICE agreement Lawsuit against Annunciation House Garcia and the Annunciation House have faced attacks for their work supporting immigrants. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the shelter, alleging that the shelter illegally aided migrants who entered the U.S. without authorization. The case is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Garcia has defended the work at the shelter, which will celebrate their 48th anniversary in February. "We have been responding to the Gospel," Garcia said, "to welcome the stranger." Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso, Texas migrant shelter houses immigrants released by ICE The birthplace of American democracy is officially back open after a four-month closure. Independence Hall was temporarily closed at the beginning of the government shutdown on October 1 and remained closed for two more months for renovations. And now, what's old is now new again inside Independence Hall. New lighting is helping to illuminate the history in this building for those who are stopping in. Advertisement Advertisement The Continental Congress met inside the assembly room, which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Continental Army was also established here, and the Constitution of the United States was signed here in 1787. When you take a look inside the original Pennsylvania Supreme Courthouse, you'll notice things may look the same, down to the paint color. The restoration team took great care to match that color up exactly, and after about eight weeks of renovations, it's looking brand new in its old fashion. It's all in preparation for the thousands of expected visitors to Philadelphia ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations this July. Advertisement Advertisement Philadelphia's Historic District is celebrating the official reopening on Thursday with lots of special ways for visitors to kick off this historic year. "There's $2 off the Betsy Ross House and discounts at the Museum of the American Revolution all weekend," said Maita Soukup from Philadelphia Visitors Center. "We're just inviting visitors to the Historic District to kick off 2026. Start celebrating and boning up on your American history!" The first 250 visitors who stop by the visitors' desk this weekend can get a delicious custom-baked Independence Hall cookie. Throughout the weekend, there will be other free giveaways like stickers and coin boards, as well as fun events, such as balloon activations and photo ops. For more information, visit: NPS.gov. By Manoj Kumar and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - India's chief economic adviser proposed age-based limits on access to social media platforms he said were "predatory" in their approach to keeping users online, signalling a potential blow to Meta and YouTube in their largest user market. Such a shift would pull India in line with a growing global trend, after Australia became the first nation last year to ban social media for children younger than 16. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, France's National Assembly backed legislation to ban children under 15 from social media and Britain, Denmark and Greece are studying the issue. The adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, recommended in India's annual economic survey that families promote screen-time limits, device-free hours and shared offline activities. "Policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content," he wrote in the survey, which was published on Thursday. "Platforms should be made responsible for enforcing age verification and age-appropriate defaults." Advertisement Advertisement INDIA A HUGE MARKET FOR SOCIAL MEDIA FIRMS The recommendations are not binding, but are reflected in policy discussions in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Past recommendations have prompted tax reforms, easing rules on Chinese investment and stronger digital infrastructure. India, the world's No. 2 smartphone market with 750 million devices and a billion internet users, is a key growth market for social media apps, and does not set a minimum age for access. Research firm DataReportal says YouTube has 500 million users in India, Facebook 403 million, while Instagram has 481 million. Advertisement Advertisement Facebook operator Meta, YouTube-parent Alphabet and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meta has previously said it backs laws for parental oversight while adding: "Governments considering bans should be careful not to push teens toward less safe, unregulated sites." New Delhi has repeatedly clashed with social media companies like Meta and X over the years over content moderation, local data storage, user safety and not complying with content takedown orders promptly. In a press briefing, Nageswaran on Thursday called the platforms "predatory" in their approach to maximise user engagement and time spent by users, adding that "such algorithms are particularly targeted at youngsters between the ages of 15 and 24." Cheap telecom data plans have boosted use of social media apps in recent years, with 75% of young smartphone users on the apps, the survey report said. Advertisement Advertisement "Digital addiction negatively affects academic performance and workplace productivity due to distractions, 'sleep debt', and reduced focus," Nageswaran added. 'CHILDREN SLIPPING INTO RELENTLESS USAGE' The recommendation follows growing efforts among Indian states to rein in screen time for young people. The coastal state of Goa and the southern state of Andhra Pradesh have said they are studying Australia's regulatory framework, with an eye to similar bans for children. "Trust in social media is breaking down," Nara Lokesh, the infotech minister in Andhra Pradesh, wrote on X on Thursday, saying the state would study legal frameworks for age-appropriate access. Advertisement Advertisement "Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education." Nageswaran said "we are very happy" the two states are considering restrictions for children. Some activists and tech experts have called for measures to help children and parents develop healthy and safe social media usage, saying that age-based curbs do not work as children can bypass them with fake identification documents. (Reporting by Manoj Kumar, Aditi Shah, Arpan Chaturvedi, Munsif Vengattil; Writing by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Neil Fullick, Clarence Fernandez, Philippa Fletcher) Travelodge revealed that its business rates bill would drive its overall costs up to 50m in 2026, up from 38m last year - CBsigns/Alamy Rachel Reeves has been accused of undermining Labours growth ambitions by excluding hotels from her business rates rescue package. Jo Boydell, the chief executive of Travelodge, has said the Chancellors decision to limit tax relief solely to pubs will damage other businesses in the hospitality sector and threaten job creation. She said: By focusing immediate business rates support solely on pubs, the Government is neglecting the broader hospitality sector and undermining its own goals for growth and job creation. Hotels like Travelodge are anchor employers and long-term investors in communities across the UK, supporting jobs and skills development. The hotel giant has weighed into the debate over business rates after revealing that higher taxes under Labour, alongside increases in the minimum wage, will wipe 21m from its profits. Ms Boydells comments were made 24 hours after the Chancellor watered down her tax raid on the struggling pub sector, as she responded to weeks of campaigning by publicans, MPs and The Telegraph. Dan Tomlinson, the Treasury minister, confirmed that every pub in England would receive a 15pc discount on their business rates for one year, followed by a two-year freeze on their bills. Support was also offered to live music venues, which Mr Tomlinson said were as valued as pubs. However, Labour has been criticised for excluding cafes, restaurants and hotels from its rescue package, despite them also being hit with higher business rates. b' ' Mr Tomlinson said on Monday that the Government will review the way hotels are valued for tax purposes to ensure the methodology accurately reflects the market for this sector. Ms Boydell urged the Government to correct the situation and expand tax relief to hotels. Higher rates and a lack of bespoke support, together with wider regulatory cost increases, send the message that the Government does not understand the economic value that our sector delivers. Travelodge revealed that its business rates bill would drive overall costs up to 50m in 2026, up from 38m last year. The company also warned that Labours Employment Rights Act would further increase costs. The looming increase in costs risks hindering the company, which said it was trading strongly in the three months to January. Revenues rose by 4.3pc to 261m over that period. It follows the hotel chain opening 21 hotels in 2025 as part of its largest development programme in over a decade. Ms Boydell said it is essential that government policy supports long-term hotel investment. A government spokesman said: Were backing hotels and the high street with a 4.3bn Budget package to cap big bill hikes stopping bills rising for over half of business properties. Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness for the first time has trained about 30 doulas to help families leading up to and during birth as other birthing services across the state have ceased. Lisa Sockabasin, co-CEO of the health organization based in Bangor, said she heard from concerned community members about the crisis of closing birthing centers across Maine, so Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness decided to help fill in the gaps. Most of the participants in the late-September training were Indigenous, though some were not, she said. A tribal chief participated, as well as other community members. The trainers were Indigenous doulas from Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Sockabasin said it is important to have Indigenous doulas in particular because they can incorporate cultural aspects into their work. "Its about that time being honored, being sacred. Its a very spiritual time, she said. That birth is a ceremony. Doulas are nonmedical care workers who provide educational, physical and emotional support to pregnant, birthing and postpartum people and their families. A 2023 survey of 45 doulas, conducted by the Maine Doula Coalition, found they were overwhelmingly female and white, and highly concentrated in southern Maine. Sockabasin said doulas with her organization will also be able to connect families with other services for challenges related to substance use disorder, poverty and mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness serves the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Penobscot Nation. When you wrap love and support around an individual, they thrive, Sockabasin said. If they have a baby inside them, that baby is going to thrive, too. Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness had hoped to start up a doula program soon, but the current federal funding landscape has made that more difficult, Sockabasin said. It is now likely the organization will have to wait for additional funding or until doulas can be reimbursable by MaineCare, the states version of Medicaid. Sockabasin said conversations with the state around reimbursement are ongoing, but any change likely wouldnt take effect until 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Sockabasin said her broader goal would be to have an Indigenous birthing center in Maine. Minnesota recently opened one, with support from the states Legislature. Shed like to see the same thing happen here. Eleven birthing units in Maine have closed in the last decade, four of which closed in the last year. The closures leave 17 hospitals with delivery wards remaining across the state. The training was funded by part of a $385,000 grant Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness received from the state, Sockabasin said. NEED TO KNOW Marvin Knuckles, an inmate at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, died on Jan. 27 while removing snow and ice debris, officials said Authorities said in a statement that a review of the incident will be conducted Knuckles' loved ones asked why he was shoveling snow in the early morning hours amid freezing cold temperatures Authorities said an inmate is dead after shoveling snow at a Kentucky correctional facility earlier this week, and his family is seeking answers about what happened. In a news release, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet reported the death of Marvin Knuckles on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Corrections, a work crew of inmates was removing snow and ice debris on the facility grounds when Knuckles fell and sustained a head injury. Staff immediately transported Knuckles to Appalachian Regional Hospital, West Liberty where he succumbed to his injuries this morning around 7:30 a.m. EST, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinets news release stated. Knuckles death was reported to the Kentucky State Police, according to Department of Corrections policy. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson commented on the incident in a press statement, saying, This tragic accident is one that we work to avoid each day as we protect those in our custody. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Knuckles and to our correctional staff. We will conduct a thorough review of this situation to better prevent this from happening again. Advertisement Advertisement The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet said that Knuckles was serving a 12-year sentence for drug-related charges among them, trafficking of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence out of Madison County. Opened in 1990, the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex is described as a medium security institution with a population of 1,914. An Aug. 19, 2010 photo shows the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, located on top of land which was once the site of a coal mine operation near West Liberty, Ky. AP Photo/James Crisp In an interview with NBC affiliate WLEX, Knuckles family asked why their loved one was shoveling snow and ice in the early morning hours after state officials had warned the public to avoid being outside in the extremely cold weather. "I want to know why my brother was out at one something in the morning shoveling ice and why with it below zero and why was he around a cliff where he could fall off or any other inmate?" Rita Alexander, Knuckles sister, told WLEX. Advertisement Advertisement Alexander also alleged that the family received no additional details from authorities other than being notified on Tuesday morning that Knuckles had died at the correctional facility. She added most of the information they received came from the coroners office. "He said my brother was pronounced dead at 7:39, Alexander told WLEX, and said my brother only had one injury on him and it was above one eye - he said something that my brother had a steel rod out shoveling snow but I don't know if other inmates were with him or not. "The coroner told me he fell over a 40-foot embankment, Alexander added. In the same interview, she also accused the correctional facility of being negligent. Advertisement Advertisement "Even if my brother died from shoveling snow - it was neglect of the prison to have him and any other inmates out there shoveling snow at 1 in morning below zero, Alexander said, and I said what would they be shoveling it'd be ice - where would they be putting it at and have them around a cliff to fall off with no gear on to catch them - no fence. In a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, Jan. 29, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet said that Knuckles was assigned to the correctional complex's minimum custody outside detail unit for good behavior. "Inmates assigned to this unit outside the prison fence are provided opportunities to work several jobs," the spokesperson said, "Knuckles was assigned to the following: tree farm, road crew and special detail. When asked who was able to help with the special assignment of ice removal, Knuckles volunteered to assist." "The incident resulted in an accidental fall down an embankment at the facility," their statement continued. "This incident was reported to KSP [Kentucky State Police], as are all inmate deaths, and an autopsy is pending. The Department is also conducting a full review to determine whether all related policies and procedures were followed." Advertisement Advertisement The Morgan County Coroner and Alexander did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Winter Storm Fern hit Kentucky this past weekend, the Lexington Herald Leader reported on Wednesday, Jan. 28, stating that Lexington received 5.5 inches of snow while Louisville and Bowling Green got 5.9 and 3.5 inches, respectively. The newspaper also reported that most of Central and Eastern Kentucky received between 0.20 and 0.80 inches of ice, citing the National Weather Service. 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. As of Wednesday evening, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear noted in a social media post that power outages were below 10,000 following the storm. The governor said in another post Wednesday that the total number of storm-related fatalities in his state is currently at 11. Read the original article on People Chinas military strategy for future conflicts has evolved into national total war, a whole-of-nation mobilization effort aimed squarely at overcoming the strong enemy it sees in the United States. Thats the conclusion of a recent Pentagon report to Congress on Chinas military developments as the countrys leaders eye Taiwan and other regional ambitions. Pentagon planners say the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) leaders envision future conflict not simply as a clash of armies and navies, but as a clash of national systems that integrates civilian and military power. The reports point is that Chinas leadership and the PLA arent preparing for a future conflict that looks like a clean, military-only fight. The Pentagon argues that the PLA envisions its future great power conflict with the U.S. as a top-to-bottom fight using all of Chinese society, with traditional military combat backed by industrial and economic pressure, technology denial, and widespread social control. What the Pentagon says Chinas national total war could mean The report says the PLA expects future warfare to include high-tech and autonomous systems, but also maritime blockades, forced isolation, and comprehensive sanctions lessons it says the PLA has learned from the Western response to Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon also tries to defuse a common misunderstanding about the term total war. The term traditionally implies an all-out conflict that ends in total political goals and unconditional surrender. The report says PLA usage implies something different: complete mobilization of strategic resources to resist the United States and allies while still holding limited political objectives that allow maximize control and chances of success. A Chinese Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft. Chinese Ministry of National Defense. Put simply, China is working toward mobilizing the country as a billion-person weapon system while avoiding any escalation that could find it bogged down in its own version of Russias special military operation in Ukraine, which has now run longer than the Soviet involvement in World War II. The report cites a series of national reforms announced in Beijing in July 2024 as a major turning point. Those new laws and goals, ostensibly aimed at cleaning up corruption, also included changes meant to improve military-civilian integration and to refine national defense mobilization reporting, communications, and mobilization systems. It also included changes to the military system and border and coast defenses in order to boost support from civilian sectors and local governments. An eye on Taiwan The Pentagons systems war framing is easiest to visualize in the reports sections on Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Many analysts point out that China may lack the military assets to pull off an amphibious invasion of Taiwan. But with dozens of civilian ferries to plug the gap, China could surge amphibious capacity without raising too many eyebrows. Top Stories This Week News Navy fires First Naval Construction Regiment commodore for loss of confidence By Nicholas Slayton News Minnesota Guardsmen told to wear reflective vests to distinguish them from other agencies By Jeff Schogol News Marines flew to Norway on the New England Patriots jet By Nicholas Slayton The authors note that the PLA Navy continues to train with civilian roll-on/roll-off commercial vessels, which may indicate it is trying to mitigate a lift shortfall by using dual-use civilian-lift vessels. Many feel China will make a move on Taiwan in 2027, something known as the Davidson Window after U.S. Navy Admiral Philip Davidson, who warned Congress in 2021, Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before then. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years. It would also line up with the PLAs centenary, which Chinese President Xi Jinping has set as a milestone to achieve world-class military modernization. Military-civil fusion The report also notes that Beijings push for military-civil fusion, or the idea that civilian technology and industry should feed military modernization. Chinese leaders have rolled this society-wide vision into a broader concept the Pentagon calls an integrated national strategic system and capabilities. This is described as a whole-of-nation effort to advance Chinas military. Advertisement Advertisement It then ties this concept to real-world tech realities, noting Chinese commercial enterprises and research institutions continue to acquire components from U.S. suppliers to support research and development in critical dual-use technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, quantum technology, advanced semiconductors, and advanced energy general and storage. The report gets particularly detailed on technology chokepoints, especially high-performance AI accelerators such as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and other advanced chips that power modern AI. The Pentagon says Chinas AI sector remained constrained in 2024 by limited access to high-performance AI accelerators, and it lays out the methods Beijing is using to work around those constraints, including stockpiling and attempts to circumvent export controls. Cyber warfare as part of the national systems picture The summary also says Chinese cyber campaigns such as Volt Typhoon burrowed into U.S. critical infrastructure in 2024, demonstrating capabilities that could disrupt the U.S. military in a conflict and harm American interests. Chinese amphibious assault vehicles fire at mock targets. Chinese Ministry of National Defense. It goes on to point out that in the initial stages and during a conflict, these cyber capabilities would seek to create disruptive and destructive effects through denial of service attacks and physical disruptions of critical infrastructure such as electric and water utilities. Other targets could include military command and control infrastructure as well as logistics nodes. They theorize that these cyber operations would aim to deter U.S. involvement by demonstrating Chinas capability and resolve to threaten U.S. strategic interests and weaken U.S. public support for involvement. Friction The Pentagon does not present this national total war strategy as effortless. It highlights organizational challenges and the difficulty of adapting doctrine quickly, warning that rigid structures can slow the ability to adapt on the fly and incorporate lessons learned. Advertisement Advertisement The report points out that Chinas military doctrine is issued in generations, the most recent update coming in 2020, and before that 1999. This makes incorporating lessons learned from Russia in Ukraine, or technological advancements, very difficult. This report is dense, but the main takeaway is pretty simple: China is preparing for a conflict where ships and missiles are only part of the story. Theyre setting the stage for a reality where industry, tech access, and infrastructure resilience matter just as much. We walk through the key passages and what they mean in plain English on our YouTube channel, so go watch that here. A New Mexico man is behind bars after being accused of making and distributing child pornography that allegedly featured his 7-year-old daughter, according to an arrest warrant obtained by Us Weekly. Timothy Houle, 35, was arrested over the weekend following an investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Houle has been formally charged with possession of visual medium of sexual exploitation of children (with a victim under 13) and distribution of visual medium of sexual exploitation of children. Each charge carries a potential sentence of 0 to 11 years. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation that led to Houle's arrest began on Friday, January 23, after Internet Crimes Against Children agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material, it is alleged in the warrant. Police allege they learned Houle was divorced and shared custody of two children a boy and a young girl matching the description of the naked girl exploited in the graphic photos he had been sharing online using the Kik app. Texas Influencer Known as Kandy Red Bread Accused of Sexually Assaulting Very Young Child The warrant claims he was arrested on Monday, January 26, at a nearby trampoline park, where he was found with both of his children. Advertisement Advertisement Police said they spoke to the child's mother, who confirmed it was their daughter in the photos. "As soon as she saw the picture, she cried 'That's my baby!' and began to sob uncontrollably," according to the warrant. "After she regained her composure, she was asked how she knew that was [her child]" and she "stated that she recognized [the girl's chin]." Houle allegedly told police he had no idea where the photos could have come from and said it had been years since he used the Kik app. Hours later, though, he allegedly told cops that on January 19, "he had gotten very drunk and downloaded several messaging apps. He stated that he didn't remember downloading Kik but deleted all the apps he had downloaded the next morning. ... He stated that Monday, Wednesday and Friday are his hard days at work and that is when he drinks." Later, "Timothy advised that he had taken that photograph approximately 2 years ago to send to [the girl's mother] to look at a rash that [the girl] had. I told Timothy that no rash [was] apparent in the picture and he did not respond." Houle is being held without bail. It was unclear if he had entered pleas to the charges he faces, and information on his lawyer, assuming he has one, was unavailable. Advertisement Advertisement Postmaster Sent Nude Photos He Took Inside Post Office to 15-Year-Old, Arkansas Police Say Investigators performed an open trace search and determined the child porn was connected to an account belonging to his father, who is 74. "This case is deeply disturbing and underscores the critical importance of swift law enforcement action," said Attorney General Raul Torrez, who commended the investigators as well as Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office for quickly identifying and arresting Houle. "A parent exploiting their own child represents one of the most horrific violations imaginable, and my office will prosecute this case aggressively," Torrez added. "Sexual offenders in New Mexico should be on notice: if you target or exploit children in this state, you will be found, arrested, and held accountable." If you know of a young person who is being exploited or are the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at tips.fbi.gov The Iowa House Higher Education Committee passed several bills with amendment Wednesday afternoon covering community colleges, university finances and more. Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, questioned provosts at Iowa Regents universities about accelerated degree programs at a House Higher Education Committee meeting Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Legislation allowing Iowa community colleges to offer four-year degrees in some subjects an idea strongly opposed by Iowa private colleges was narrowed Wednesday before passing out of an Iowa House committee. The Iowa House Higher Education Committee also passed a number of other bills Wednesday to change community college and public university operations, including bills that would tax university endowments and freeze tuition. Advertisement Advertisement A majority of the bills discussed by the committee Wednesday came with amendments, including one attached to legislation that would allow community colleges to offer bachelors degrees. Committee chair Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, said House Study Bill 533 would bring about the most significant reform to the community college system as we know it since it was incepted about 60 years ago. He said he hopes that those in rural areas without access to higher education can use community college bachelors degree programs to fill critical gaps in education, nursing and others. I believe we can close these workforce gaps, and this bill does exactly that, Collins said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement While the original bill would have authorized all community colleges in Iowa to begin developing baccalaureate degrees, the amended legislation would create a pilot program in which only colleges that are 50 miles or more away from the main campus of a public university or the main campus of a private university already offering the same programs are allowed to start bachelors degree programs. These degree programs must also meet certain requirements they must lead to jobs in high-demand fields that have unmet workforce needs in the area, as demonstrated by multiple workforce indicators like job openings, wage data and more, the amendment stated. They also must fall under the areas of nursing, education, information technology, public safety, business, health care management, agriculture or dental hygiene. Community colleges would not be allowed to offer more than three bachelors degree programs, the amendment stated, and participating schools would need to submit reports to the Iowa Department of Education and the General Assembly showing enrollment, completion, workforce outcomes, alignment with regional workforce needs, tuition, challenges and more. Once the first students of community college baccalaureate programs start graduating, the General Assembly would examine the pilot programs outcomes and decide if it needs to be changed or expanded. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, called the amendment a good starting point in addressing the needs of people who are place-bound and those who dont work well with online education. The amendment and the bill both passed and will head to the Iowa House floor for debate. Collins also introduced an amendment to House Study Bill 538, which would make changes to presidential search committees at state universities and make candidate names confidential until they sign an agreement with the search committee. The amendment changed the bill to allow a variety of stakeholders to hold a spot on the search committee instead of just Iowa Board of Regents members, Collins said, including one student member, one faculty senate member, one staff member, one alumni foundation or public member. Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, said while she appreciated the change to allow for slightly more shared governance in the presidential search process, she believes the legislation is still too prescriptive. I do still have concerns overall of the partnerships theyre very critical partnerships within communities that are diminished, or could be diminished, and civic engagement possibly being diminished by having this level of micromanagement from the Legislature, Matson said. Advertisement Advertisement After last years search for the new president of Iowa State University, in which two candidates dropped out and one had positive views on lab-grown meat, Collins said he is no longer willing to roll the dice on the presidential search process. The legislation passed the committee as amended. Passed legislation focused on university finances House Study Bill 531, which would freeze tuition for all students from enactment until July 2031, was amended to strike references to mandatory fees, narrowing the legislation to just tuition. Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, introduced multiple amendments to the legislation, which failed to pass, including calls to include private K-12 schools that receive vouchers from the state to also have their tuition frozen and to increase the percentage of state support that goes to university operating budgets to help support them through the freeze. Jacoby said discussions of funding need to focus on investment in students, rather what is being given to universities. He added that other costs of college, including rent, food, transportation and course materials like books, are not included in the amended legislation. Advertisement Advertisement At a time when our economy is tanking, we need to invest in our students to keep them here and improve the economy upon their graduation, Jacoby said. The bill, with Collinss amendment, passed the committee. House Study Bill 540, to make public universities responsible for a portion of defaulted educational loans of their graduates, also passed with amendments, and Collins said during the committee he would be open to discussing further changes. The amendment changed the amount of liability from 25% of the amount owed to 10%. Collins said this legislation is addressing the lack of responsibility from universities for the consequences of providing degrees that do not lead to viable employment and ensures they will provide a quality education focused on student outcomes and achievement. Advertisement Advertisement Matson echoed concerns she shared during the subcommittee meeting on the bill, saying there are many high-demand jobs that dont pay very well, such as direct care work for children and older adults, and universities could be on the hook for outcomes they cant control, like varying pay rates. She added that guardrails should be placed in the legislation to address the different reasons someone may default on their loans. I would just say that making something less bad doesnt still make it OK, Matson said. The thresholds included in House Study Bill 544, which would establish a tax on certain university endowments, were raised through amendment from $250 million to $500 million. Collins said during the meeting the amendment would also lower the tax rate from 15% to the current highest corporate tax rate and ensure it applies only to unrestricted funds within endowments. Funds collected through the tax would go to scholarships for students studying to enter high-demand job fields, Collins said. Advertisement Advertisement Brown-Powers repeated her point from the subcommittee that this bill would be stealing from Peter to pay Paul and set a precedent that could lead to fewer donations going to impacted universities. Instead of a tax, she suggested trying to work with universities to move endowment money in a more proactive way. Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, said hed like to see a study on how the tax would impact universities before it is implemented, as Iowa State University has at least 60 endowed faculty positions. I still think its kind of funny that you want to tax stuff when you are usually anti-taxing, Brown-Powers said to Collins. Collins said the funds in university endowments shouldnt just sit there idly, but actually be used for the benefit of Iowa students, especially those hoping to enter high-demand fields. Advertisement Advertisement House File 546, as amended, would require that continuing education requirements for licensed professionals, including those in Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, relate directly to their work. Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, said amendments would add in language excepting continuing education courses required by state or federal law and stating that the Iowa Supreme Court must adopt rules so that a person is not required to graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association Council for their education prior to taking the bar exam. The amendment was approved by the committee. While he was initially a little skeptical about the bill, Holt said after reaching out to people to discuss the legislation he heard from people who feel like their time is wasted by a lot of required continuing education courses. Wilburn expressed concern about potential subjective ways of taking the legislation, in which some people believe something isnt necessary but professional boards maintain it is. Advertisement Advertisement I prefer us to lean towards the folks that we have in the professions on these boards to help determine what that criteria is, Wilburn said. Holt said Wilburn raised good questions during the committee meeting, and he is currently working to meet with people in the judicial branch and other areas to discuss the legislation and its potential impacts further. Professional boards would make the decisions about what continuing education courses are directly related to the job or not, he said. He said during discussion of the amendment that hes not sure if the legislation is a finished product at this point, and he wants to hear from people to make any changes for when the bill goes to the House floor. Both the amendment and legislation were approved by the committee. Few bills with no amendments One piece of legislation moved ahead without amendment was House Study Bill 541, which would have the board of regents study how it could implement a performance-based funding model for state universities and submit a report to the Legislature. Both Matson and Jacoby pointed out situations where performance-based funding has not worked out, including in K-12 education, where Matson said it pits teachers against one another and reduces collaboration in addition to being very complicated. Jacoby said hes experienced creaming before, where institutions focus only on their top people and ignore lower-performing groups. When asked by Matson where the idea behind the bill came from, Collins said many other states have moved in this direction or have considered it, citing Texas as an example. He acknowledged Jacoby had a point in asking about the potential challenges and negative aspects of a performance-based funding model for universities, but said this bill would do nothing more than charge the board with creating a report on the topic. The establishment of a performance-based funding system for Iowas regents enterprise, I believe, represents a forward-thinking approach that we certainly have to consider as a committee, Collins said. House Study Bill 530, which would implement an 80% residency requirement for the University of Iowas nursing bachelors program, also passed without amendment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iran hit out at growing Western pressure over its nuclear program and a crackdown on protests. The threat by the countrys foreign minister that Tehrans forces had their fingers on the trigger came amid growing signs that the Washington was readying fresh strikes on Iran: US President Donald Trump warned of a massive Armada heading to Iran, adding that time is running out for the countrys leaders to agree a deal over its nuclear program. Trump had previously suggested he would carry out strikes over Irans response to nationwide protests that left thousands dead, but later backed off. The EU, meanwhile, ramped up its diplomatic offensive: The bloc is expected to add Irans Revolutionary Guard to its terror blacklist. German Ambassador to Iran Axel Dittmann has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, the state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday. Foreign Ministry Director General Alireza Yousefi criticized statements by Chancellor Friedrich Merz as "irresponsible interference in Iran's internal affairs." Merz said in mid-January regarding the brutal actions taken by Iranian security forces against mass protests: "If a regime can only stay in power through the use of violence, then it is effectively finished. I assume that we may now be witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime." Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the Foreign Ministry condemned the European Union's decision to classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, dubbing this a violation of the country's national sovereignty. The EU's agreement on this long-debated step came on Thursday at a foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels against the backdrop of recent events. According to Iranian human rights activists, thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people are said to have been killed during the violent suppression of mass demonstrations. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has grown into a powerful force within the country's theocracy, answering only to its supreme leader and overseeing its ballistic missile arsenal and launching attacks overseas. The force was in the spotlight on Thursday as the European Union moved to declare it a terrorist organization over its part in the bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran earlier this month. Here's what to know about the Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Born out of a revolution The Guard rose out of Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution as a force meant to protect the country's Shiite cleric-overseen government and later became enshrined in its constitution. It operated parallel to Iran's regular armed forces, growing in prominence and power during a long and ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. Though it faced possible disbandment after the war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei granted it powers to expand into private enterprise, allowing the force to thrive. The Guard runs a massive construction company called Khatam al-Anbia and has firms that also build roads, man ports, run telecommunication networks and even offer laser eye surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Foreign operations are key for the Guard The Guard's expeditionary Quds Force was key in creating what Iran describes as its Axis of Resistance against Israel and the United States. It backed Syria's former President Bashar Assad, Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group, Yemen's Houthi rebels and other groups in the region, growing in power in the wake of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. U.S. officials say the Guard taught Iraqi militants how to manufacture and use especially deadly roadside bombs against U.S. troops there. The Quds Force, as well as Iranian intelligence agencies, are believed to have hired criminal gangs and others to target dissidents and Iran's perceived enemies abroad. Since the latest Israel-Hamas war, Israel has arrested citizens it has accused of receiving orders from Iran to surveil targets or conduct vandalism. Iran has denied being involved in those plots. The Guard is also believed to be heavily involved in smuggling throughout the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Guard's intelligence arm is tied to arrests of foreigners The Guard also operates its own intelligence services and has been behind a series of arrests and convictions of dual nationals and those with Western ties on espionage charges in closed hearings. Western nations and others described Iran as using those prisoners as bargaining chips in negotiations, particularly over its nuclear program. War with Israel puts new pressure on the Guard The Guard's carefully laid Axis of Resistance has faced its greatest challenge in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. The Palestinian militant Hamas group is among those backed by Iran. Israel is still battling Hamas in Gaza even as it has targeted other Iranian-backed groups, decimating Hezbollah and repeatedly targeting the Houthis in Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement In Syria, Assad's government fell in December 2024, taking away a key ally for Tehran and the Guard. Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire, something overseen by the Guard. In June, Israel launched a massive airstrike campaign targeting Iran. In its first day, those strikes killed top generals in the Guard, throwing the force into disarray. Israeli attacks also destroyed ballistic missile sites and launchers, as well as Guard-manned air defense systems. Crackdown on recent protests In Iran, one of the main ways its theocracy can squash demonstrations is through the Basij, the Guards all-volunteer arm. Videos from the protests that began on Dec. 28 show Basij members holding long guns, batons and pellet guns. Their forces have been seen beating protesters and chasing them through the streets. One well-known Basij commander even went on state television to warn parents to keep their children at home as he called for the force's members to assemble to put down the demonstrations. A new freight vessel for the Isles of Scilly has started a series of tests as it prepares to come into service. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) said the Menawethan had entered the sea trials phase in Vietnam, where it would be tested in the South China Sea off the coast at Vung Tau. The 45m (148ft) long ship has been built to replace the Gry Maritha and is due to start sailing to the islands later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Stuart Reid, chief executive of ISSG, said the Menawethan would provide "a modern, reliable and resilient freight service" to deliver essential goods and supplies all year round. Reid said: "The vessel has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the islands and we are pleased to see her performing well at this crucial stage." ISSG said the sea trials were a "critical stage in the build programme" as the vessel's performance, manoeuvrability, propulsion and onboard systems are tested. It said after the successful completion of the trials, the ship would undergo a final fit-out and certification before making its way to the UK. Advertisement Advertisement The company added Gry Maritha master Tom Sexton and technical superintendent Luke Parnell have travelled to Vietnam for the trials. The Menawethan is due to replace the current ship, the Gry Maritha, later this year [Isles of Scilly Steamship Company] The vessel includes cargo capacity, an improved capacity for perishable, chilled and frozen goods and a passenger lounge which could accommodate for 12 people. The ship is being constructed alongside the new passenger vessel Scillonian IV, which is due to come into service in 2027. It said the two new vessels represented a 40m investment in the future of the islands' lifeline transport links, ensuring modern, resilient and fit-for-purpose freight and passenger services for the Isles of Scilly. Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Mecklenburg County health officials are on alert after another measles case was reported this week. This isnt a childhood rash, said Dr. Emma Doran, North Carolina medical director for Vaccine Preventable and Respiratory Diseases. There are very significant complications that can happen, especially for younger children that are exposed to measles and get measles. There have been 14 reported cases of measles in North Carolina since December, including three in Mecklenburg County in the last week. Advertisement Advertisement Child tests positive for measles in Mecklenburg County, third case in the county: NCDHHS Health officials say the latest case involves an unvaccinated child. We know that in Mecklenburg County, its estimated that only about 92%, which seems like a large number, and it is, 92% of kindergartners have been vaccinated. What happens, though, is if that number falls below 95%, you are not considered to have herd immunity. And thats why we believe that we are seeing cases, said Joy Smith, the Mecklenburg County Public Health Communicable Disease Director. Last week, Union County Public Health officials ordered more than 170 students and employees at Shining Light Baptist Academy in Monroe to quarantine after a reported measles exposure from an unvaccinated child attending the school. Advertisement Advertisement Mecklenburg County officials say there was a separate exposure case Jan. 17. Anyone who was at 6100 Sardis Road on January the 17th should be watching out for symptoms of measles. Actually, anybody who attended any event that took place at the church, not the school, Smith said. Experts say it takes about 21 days to show symptoms after exposure. Dr. Smith says North Carolinians who dont know their vaccination status can use the states immunity tool on the Health and Human Services Department website. Out of the states 14 cases, 13 involve those 17 and younger, with one lone case from a victim older than 18. 71% were unvaccinated, while only 29% had one dose of the vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina health officials say being vaccinated is the biggest difference in deciding how long people may go into quarantine. One dose is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective. Dr. Emma Doran, one of the states epidemiologists, says people who are vaccinated wont have to quarantine after exposure. If you have those doses on board, most adults only need one, but children need those two. Then youre not going to need to quarantine, said Doran. Health experts say theyll continue to encourage people to get the vaccine. It can be very serious to consider the health of your children, the community that youre part of, and even maybe if your children are healthy, you might have friends and family members in the community that this might impact more seriously. So to think not just of your family, which is absolutely appropriate too, but to think about the community that youre also a part of, Doran said. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Key Takeaways Workers displaced by shrinking industries may need a month longer to find work than their counterparts, according to a Goldman Sachs report. Once those workers land a full-time job, their earnings may also be impacted, especially if they're older, the analysis found. If AI comes for your job, how long of a recovery should you expect? Workers in industries disrupted by artificial intelligence (AI) may require an average of one month longer than others to find work, according to research Goldman Sachs published this month. Generally, unemployed workers are out of a job for a median of 11.4 weeks, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Workers displaced from shrinking fields may also see less income once they return to work. Their earnings may decline more than 4%or double the rate of other displaced workerswhen they do land a full-time role, Goldman Sachs analysts said. Their analysis was based on outcomes for workers in disrupted occupationsthose in the bottom quintile of employment growthfrom 1990 to 2024, excluding the Great Recession. Why This News Matters to Consumers Experts believe employers will seek out workers who know how to use AI. If you're worried about job security, it may be wise to explore how the technology can speed up or otherwise enhance your work. Workers displaced from occupations with contracting employment faced significantly higher probabilities of long-term unemployment, indicating greater difficulty re-entering the labor market and increased risk of permanent career disruption, the report said. As more employers adopt AI, concerns are growing about job losses. Some 6% to 7% of U.S. workers may be displaced by AI in the next decade, Goldman Sachs estimates. The shift could be particularly challenging for those 55 or older, given prior periods of disruption, Goldman Sachs said. Another at-risk group may be those who work under supervisors and struggle to use AI, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis said. Skilled workers" who harness AI to become more efficient may become so valuable that employers "eliminate conventional jobs so as to allow the skilled labor previously engaged in supervision to engage in more productive activity, the Fed said in an analysis published this month. Read the original article on Investopedia Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Kazakh counterpart Yermek Kosherbayev signed a memorandum Tuesday removing visa requirements for holders of national passports to promote tourism between the nations. The agreement marks another step in Kazakhstans recent efforts to deepen relations with Israel. Speaking at a joint press conference in Astana, Saar said his visit reflected a desire to further strengthen these relations in order to realise their full potential. He welcomed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs decision to join the Abraham Accords in November, highlighting that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country to do so. Advertisement Advertisement I commend this bold and moral move, the Israeli minister said. Kosherbayev, in turn, said Kazakhstan remains concerned with the situation in the Middle East and supports constructive efforts to ensure stability and security in the region. By joining these agreements, Kazakhstan contributes to overcoming the regional conflict by promoting dialogue and upholding international law based on the UN Charter, he said, adding that Astana supports the two-state solution. The Kazakh foreign minister also highlighted Kazakhstans role as a founding member of the Board of Peace, the charter of which was signed during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Advertisement Advertisement Related Kazakhstan is always ready to exert diplomatic and political efforts to establish peace in a complex region where the interests of regional and global actors intersect, Kosherbayev said. Saar did not mention the Board of Peace directly, instead reiterating Israels position on Gaza. We support the Trump plan in Gaza. In order for it to be implemented, Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza must be demilitarised. This is necessary both for Israels security and for a better future for Gaza, he said. During the visit, officials also announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to make an official visit to Kazakhstan later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Saars trip to Astana, the first official visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Kazakhstan in 16 years, focused on trade, innovation, food security and water management. He was accompanied by a delegation of around 30 business representatives from the cyber, health and agricultural sectors attending the Kazakh-Israeli Business Forum. Gideon Sa'ar at the Holocaust Remembrance ceremony held in Astana by Israeli and German embassies. - Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Israeli minister also voiced support for Kazakhstans constitutional reforms, describing President Tokayev as a visionary and saying Israel wants to invest in the presidents vision. The visit coincided with the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Saar attended a ceremony organised by the Israeli and German embassies in Astana to honour the victims. Weve learned our lesson. We shall never again be a defenceless nation. We will defend ourselves by ourselves, he said. The transfer of the Palestinians' remains came following the discovery of last Gaza hostage Ran Gvili's remains and as part of the deal to end the war in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) assisted in the transfer of the remains of 15 Palestinians to the Gaza Strip after the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Gaza hostage, the Red Cross announced on Thursday. This marked the completion of a months-long operation to assist in implementing the hostage return required by the ceasefire agreement. Advertisement Advertisement The operation began in October with the release and return of 20 living hostages in exchange for 1,808 Palestinian prisoners, after which the ICRC assisted with the return of the deceased, including 27 out of 28 hostages and 360 Palestinians. Hamas and Red Cross workers searching for the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages in Shejaia, Gaza. November 4, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL) 'We hope families can now mourn fully' We feel relief that we helped reunite families with their loved ones. For the families whose loved ones did not return alive, we hope they can now mourn fully, said the ICRCs head of delegation in Israel and the occupied territories, Julien Raison. Raison also emphasized the importance of the Rafah crossing, saying it "has a significant role in addressing the urgent needs of the population. The ability to bring in larger quantities of essential special equipment for reconstruction work and also to allow for dignified identification and recovery of remains is critical in this sense. St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili's remains were recovered on Monday in the Shejaia neighborhood in northern Gaza, and he was buried in his hometown of Meitar on Wednesday. As preparations accelerate for the partial Israeli reopening of Gazas Rafah border crossing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, a simmering dispute has erupted between Egypt and Israel regarding which and how many Palestinians may leave and return. Many are seeking urgent medical attention that cannot be found in a healthcare system decimated by Israel in its more than two-year genocidal war. Others want to reunite with family or pursue an education, all put on hold because of the war. According to a report by Israels public broadcaster Kan on Wednesday, Israeli negotiators have presented a condition regarding the flow of travellers: that the number of Palestinians leaving Gaza and entering Egypt through the crossing must exceed the number of those permitted to enter. Advertisement Advertisement The broadcaster reported that Egyptian officials rejected this asymmetric formula, insisting on an equal ratio of entries and exits. Cairo reportedly fears that Tel Avivs position is a calculated attempt to engineer emigration and permanently reduce Gazas population. While North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer affirmed to local media Egypts operational readiness for all scenarios, the technological mechanisms being imposed on the ground suggest a system designed to filter the population. (Al Jazeera) Remote screenings for exit, physical screenings for entry While Kan reported on the dispute over numbers, the Israeli news site Ynet revealed the technical details of the proposed operation, which suggest a crossing that operates on a double standard. According to the website and security sources, all travellers must be vetted by Israels Shin Bet security service 24 hours in advance. But the actual crossing process differs sharply by direction. A European Union monitoring mission is also expected to be on hand, but its role is unclear. Here is the reported plan: Advertisement Advertisement Leaving Gaza: For Palestinians exiting to Egypt, Ynet reported, there will be no physical Israeli presence inside the terminal. Instead, Israel will operate a remote control system. Facial recognition cameras will transmit live feeds to an Israeli command centre where officers will have the capability to remotely lock the electronic gates instantly if a suspect is identified. Entering Gaza: For Palestinians trying to return home, the process is far more invasive. Returnees will be funnelled into an Israeli military checkpoint established just past the border. There, they will be subjected to body searches, X-ray scanning and biometric verification by Israeli soldiers before crossing the yellow line, which marks the 58 percent of Gaza that Israeli forces still occupy, and leaving Israels self-proclaimed buffer zone. Rafah 2: A one-way ticket? This structural disparity has raised alarm among observers. Major General Samir Farag, former head of the Egyptian armys Morale Affairs Department, told Al Jazeera that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to bypass the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access concerning the Rafah crossing. Farag said the Israeli proposal involves opening Rafah in one direction for exit only as part of a displacement agenda a move he said Egypt has categorically rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Ibrahim Al-Madhoun, director of the Palestinian Institution for Media, argued that this setup, often referred to as Rafah 2, is not a border crossing in the traditional sense but a sorting platform managed with a mentality of forced displacement. Israel is making exit relatively easier via remote monitoring while making entry a humiliating, physical ordeal at a military post, Al-Madhoun told Al Jazeera. They are engineering a system where people are encouraged to leave but are too terrified or simply denied permission to return. A tool for blackmail The proposed system marks a departure from the 2005 agreement, which designated Rafah as a Palestinian-Egyptian crossing under EU supervision, specifically to guarantee Palestinian sovereignty. Security expert Osama Khaled warned that the implications of the new mechanism go beyond logistics. By inserting itself into the minutiae of the crossing, Israel would secure a permanent chokehold on this Gaza lifeline. Advertisement Advertisement This is comprehensive electronic surveillance designed to ensure a mandatory Israeli presence, Khaled said. It transforms the crossing from a sovereign gateway into a tool for political blackmail. The sharp focus on the Rafah crossing also has a darker side. According to comments by retired Israeli General Amir Avivi, who still advises the military, Israel has cleared land in Rafah to construct an enormous facility to entrench its military control and presence in Gaza for the long term. Avivi on Tuesday described the project as a big, organised camp capable of holding hundreds of thousands of people. He said it would be equipped with ID checks, including facial recognition, to track every Palestinian entering and leaving. Israeli media report that a senior security source has said the military accepts that more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war in Gaza. Israel has previously cast doubt on figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. But their figures have been deemed reliable by the UN and other human rights groups and widely cited by international media. The war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, when about 1,200 other people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 71,660 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. It says at least 492 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire began on 10 October 2025. Four Israeli soldiers have also been killed. Israel has always disputed the Hamas figures and said before last year's ceasefire it had killed 1,600 fighters since 7 October 2023 and another 22,000 combatants in the war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) previously said it believed two or three civilians had been killed for every dead militant. Now a senior military source has indicated to Israeli journalists, including those from Haaretz and the Times of Israel, that the total number given by the Hamas health ministry is largely accurate, even though they have not been able to break down how many were combatants and how many died as a direct result of the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Following the latest Israeli media reports, a military official said the details published did not reflect official IDF data. "Any publication or report on this matter will be released through official and orderly channels," the IDF official said. Japan is bracing for heavy snowstorms and extreme cold that authorities warn could affect campaigning and voter turnout just days before the country heads to its first mid-winter general election in more than three decades. The Japan Meteorological Agency has forecast snowfall of up to 70cm in parts of the Hokuriku region and 60cm in the Kansai area by Friday, with temperatures plunging to as low as -23C in the northern districts. The fresh snowfall comes less than two weeks before voters head to the polls on 8 February. This is Japans first lower house election held in winter in 36 years. Advertisement Advertisement Officials have warned of transport disruptions, avalanches, and power outages, raising concerns about access to polling stations and the ability of election officials to safely conduct voting. The election was called by prime minister Sanae Takaichi less than four months after she took office, as she seeks to strengthen her mandate and stabilise a fragile governing coalition. Polls suggest her Liberal Democratic Party is on course to remain the largest force in parliament, but officials and analysts have warned that severe winter weather could depress turnout, particularly in rural and snowbound regions that traditionally play a decisive role in Japanese elections. A person walks past a bulletin board for posters of candidates for the February 8 snap election, where snow has accumulated, in Fukui, Japan (via REUTERS) Temperatures have already plunged well below freezing in northern Japan. In Hokkaido, the town of Rikubetsu recorded a low of -22.9C this week, according to local media, as snow continued to disrupt daily life and election preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Last weeks storms brought parts of Hokkaido to a standstill, stranding thousands of passengers overnight at the islands main airport after dozens of flights were cancelled. Ten people have died in weather-related incidents over the past week, according to public broadcaster NHK. Weather conditions are already complicating preparations in snowbound regions. In Fukui and Aomori prefectures, election billboards displaying candidates posters have been buried under snow, while some municipalities have reduced the number of official signboards because conventional installation sites are inaccessible, local media reported. Voters listen to a party leader's speech at a House of Representatives election rally held in a snow-covered venue in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture (JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images) In Sapporo, where 54cm of snow fell in a single day, the highest January total on record, campaign teams said flyers and campaign vehicles were delayed due to transport disruption, with some warning that candidates may struggle to begin campaigning on schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Campaign workers were shovelling snow at their offices. An election at this time of year is just too much to handle, a 59-year-old secretary for a candidate in Aomori Constituency told The Japan News. Officials in Fukushima prefecture have adjusted voting hours in several towns, delaying the opening of polling stations to allow time for snow clearance and bringing forward closing times to ensure ballot boxes can be transported safely, according to The Japan Times. Ms Takaichi acknowledged that her decision to call a snap election could prove challenging for voters in snowbound regions. For those in snowy regions in particular, I am truly grateful for the considerable effort it will take to reach the polling stations, as there may be challenging conditions underfoot, she told reporters last week. A man from Peru who lasted lived in Edison, N.J. pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court Wednesday to an offense stemming from his participation in a credit card theft and identity theft scheme. That man is 34-year-old Erick Christian Luna de la Cruz, according to a report from the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Court documents and statements revealed that in 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies in several states launched an investigation into a series of distraction thefts of wallets from victims. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Peruvian sentenced in Connecticut for spending $46,000 using debit, credit cards stolen across US These victims were typically elderly women, and the thefts occurred at stores often including Trader Joes and TJ Maxx. Investigators discovered that Luna de la Cruz and his accomplices traveled across the country, stealing wallets from victims and using their credit card information and debit cards to buy electronic devices and other items. Luna de la Cruz and his associates stopped at shipping providers along the way to send the goods they purchased to a co-conspirators address in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines On Wednesday, Luna de la Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which could land him in prison for up to five years. He was arrested on June 28, 2024, and was released on a $100,000 bond under electronic monitoring pending sentencing, which will occur on April 22. RELATED: Brooklyn man pleads guilty in Connecticut to fencing stolen jewelry in $4.4M scheme The investigation was conducted by the FBI, which received assistance primarily from the Manchester Police Department in Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Other agencies in numerous states contributed as well. These include the Orange Police Department in Connecticut, the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office and Spartanburg Police Department in South Carolina, the Warwick Police Department in Rhode Island, the Cary Police Department in North Carolina and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in Tennessee. ---- Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com. ---- Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com. ---- HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS Download the FOX61 News APP Advertisement Advertisement iTunes: Click here to download Google Play: Click here to download Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61. Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search FOX61 and click Get to download. FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM Joan Hall, who has died aged 90, was a formidable Yorkshirewoman and the countys first female Conservative MP, winning Keighley in 1970 through sheer force of personality. She held the seat for less than four years, but made an impact within the party over a far longer period. She was unlucky not to have been made a party vice-chairman after throwing her energies into Margaret Thatchers successful 1975 campaign for the leadership. Tall 5ft 10in and with looks she described as famously unphotogenic, Joan Hall impressed at party conferences throughout the 1960s with what The Daily Telegraph termed her intellectual grasp and remarkable punch. Her emergence as a Yorkshire Valkyrie brought comparisons with Labours Barbara Castle. Advertisement Advertisement Politically, she was well to the Right: for capital punishment, not keen on immigration, and preferring Ian Smiths Rhodesia to South Africa under apartheid. Yet she was as ready to deploy her showmanship in support of Edward Heath as she would later be for Mrs Thatcher. Joan Hall in 1963, photographed as the youngest prospective Tory candidate - Smith Archive/Alamy When Heath undertook a whirlwind tour of the North in 1967, speaking in five cities in 18 hours, Joan Hall brought the house down at one rally by presenting him with a pair of slippers, telling him: Put your feet up, Ted, and recharge your batteries. Her pizzazz was not always appreciated. Her trenchant speech to the 1968 Party conference earned her a rebuke from the chair for milking the audience for applause. When she wound up with a boxers victory salute, the sketch writer George Gale accused her of armpit politics. Joan Valerie Hall was born on August 31 1935, the daughter of Robert Hall, an engineer, and the former Winifred Umbers. Advertisement Advertisement Brought up in Barnsley, she boarded at Queen Margarets School, York; the future Duchess of Kent was two years ahead. Not doing well there was the best lesson for life and politics, she said much later. I can cope with failure and come back fighting. At 17 she joined the Barnsley Chronicle as a trainee reporter, then after two years the London editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post hired her as his secretary. She went on to work as a nanny and a waitress in London and Cambridge, run a hostel in Grenoble, and work for the Red Cross in Geneva and in industry in Denmark. She won the title of Londons ideal secretary for 1959. Speaking at a Conservative meeting in London in 1964 - Smith Archive/Alamy Joan Hall finished her education at the Conservative-run Ashridge House of Citizenship in Hertfordshire, and earned her spurs as a debater at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park. She first spoke at a Party conference in 1961, as a Young Conservative. Remembering factory visits with her father, she said industrial relations would be far better if management spent time on the shop floor. She was elected vice-chairman of Greater London YCs, and her speech at their 1964 national conference opposing the devolution of planning to the regions caught the attention of Heath then Industry Secretary who was winding up. Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, she returned to the village near Barnsley that would be her home for the rest of her life and started a timber business with a friend. Joan Hall twice took on Barnsleys Labour MP Roy Mason and his mountainous majority, in 1964 and 1966. She canvassed in a self-made election outfit: royal blue velvet jacket, tight-fitting trousers laced with shimmering metallic thread, and gold lame boots. It may have caused a bit of a sensation, she confessed, but it is very comfortable and ideal for getting around and hopping in and out of cars. Joan Hall, third left, with Edward Heath and the Conservative women MPs elected in 1970, including Margaret Thatcher, second right - Barhan/Daily Mail/Shutterstock At the 1968 Conservative conference she moved a resolution calling for the party to take more pride in capitalism and launch a stronger assault on nationalisation. She declared that while there was a gulf between the parties, these differences were not clear to the electorate, and demanded a more forthright declaration of Tory policies. In June 1970, aged 34, she ousted Keighleys Labour MP John Binns by 616 votes as Heath led the Conservatives to victory, becoming one of a then-record 15 female Tory MPs. Advertisement Advertisement At Westminster she was elected vice-chairman of the Conservative back-bench food committee, set up as rising prices became an issue and with decimalisation and Common Market membership imminent. When Britain went in, she asked why Whitehall was not sending its best chaps to Brussels, as the French did. From 1972 to 1974 she was PPS to the Agriculture Minister Anthony Stodart. In 1970 with John Wilkinson, left, and Wilfred Proudfoot, the two other Tories who had unseated Labour MPs at the general election - PA/Alamy Joan Hall was a vigorous contributor in the Commons, speaking 199 times during her relatively brief tenure. She abstained over the imposition of direct rule in Northern Ireland; spoke up for rugby league clubs as a valuable asset to the community; co-sponsored a Bill to deny supplementary benefit to the families of strikers; and complained of overcharging by unlicensed traders around Westminster. After Heath met President Nixon in February 1973, she asked him why US airlines had not bought into Concorde. Heath said Nixon had stressed that they were making a commercial judgment. When Heath called the Who governs Britain? election for February 1974 as the miners went on strike, Joan Hall lost Keighley to Labours Bob Cryer by 878 votes. Her predecessor John Binns had looked set to split the Labour vote by standing as a Social Democrat, but only attracted 348 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Though another election was likely, she took a break from politics, setting off on a three-month tour of Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Aden and Sudan. In Khartoum she met Frederick March, a 95-year-old Australian awarded the George Cross in 1924 for trying to save Sudans governor-general from assassination. She went on to take a lifelong interest in the country, chairing the Sudan Studies Society from 1989 to 1992. Joan Hall in 1972, PPS to the Agriculture Minister Anthony Stodart Joan Hall rallied to Mrs Thatcher as she planned her leadership challenge, becoming one of her principal aides under Airey Neave when the campaign was launched that winter. She fielded most of the incoming phone calls in a campaign she described as British amateurism at its best. Out of Parliament, she became a regular panellist on Any Questions? She was one of seven former MPs who tried for Knutsford before the 1979 election, Jock Bruce-Gardyne being preferred. Four years later, Keith Hampson beat her to the nomination for Leeds North-West. She became a council member of the University of Buckingham in 1977, and from 1981 to 1986 was a member of the Central Transport Consultative Committee. She was appointed CBE in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Joan Hall never married. Joan Hall, born August 31 1935, died January 27 2026 Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. A 29-year-old Joliet man has been charged with murder in the deaths of a 4-year-old and his mother in Joliet over the weekend, police said Wednesday. Joseph D. Johnson was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Joselynn Diaz-Garcia and her 4-year-old son Sunday, police said. Johnson remains hospitalized under police guard at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Joliet police said. He will be taken to Will County Jail when he is discharged. Advertisement Advertisement Joliet police said 911 calls came in around 6:55 a.m. Sunday, reporting gunfire near Cleveland and Dillman avenues and a shirtless male discharging a firearm near train tracks while running. Officers then responded to a home in the 700-block of Garnsey Avenue, on Joliet's east side, police said. There, officers found a 29-year-old man who had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his ankle, police said. Outside the home, officers found the 4-year-old boy and his mother, a 36-year-old woman, unresponsive near the backyard. Both victims suffered apparent gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Officers also found an unharmed 8-year-old boy, who has special needs, in a bedroom. The boy, who is also the 36-year-old woman's child, was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. A motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, but police said it appears that the person of interest and the victims had some kind of domestic relationship. Police said the 29-year-old is believed to be a part-time resident of the home, and he is not believed to be the father of the two boys. "On behalf of the Joliet Police Department, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and to everyone in our community who is touched by this awful and unnecessary act of violence. I am incredibly proud of our officers, detectives, and dispatchers who acted swiftly and professionally under heartbreaking circumstances. We will continue to seek justice while surrounding this family and our city with compassion and support," Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said. Advertisement Advertisement Joliet police continue to investigate the double fatal shooting. Anyone with video footage or information related to the incident is encouraged to call the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020, or contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/ to remain anonymous. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that in his view, Vice President JD Vance has offered comfort to people on the right who espouse anti-Jewish views, as the Republican Party navigates an ongoing intra-coalition feud over antisemitism. Vance faced criticism this week for not mentioning Jews in a post on X commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day. Today we remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust, the millions of stories of individual bravery and heroism, and one of the enduring lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history: that while humans create beautiful things and are full of compassion, were also capable of unspeakable brutality, Vance wrote. The post included photos of him standing beneath Hebrew words translating to Never Forget during a visit last year to the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, where he was given a tour by a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor. And we promise never again to go down the darkest path. Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro, a 2028 Democratic presidential contender, said in an interview Tuesday that he had not yet seen Vances post. But he also said he did not think it was surprising that Vances post did not explicitly include Jews given his handling of the issue of right-wing antisemitism. Remember that the reason why we memorialize the Holocaust on this day, really, essentially, is to never forget, said Shapiro, a practicing Jew who has centered his faith in his public life. And the reason you want to never forget is so that we never live through that atrocity again. Part of never forgetting is making sure that the facts of what happened are recited, are remembered. The fact that JD Vance couldnt bring himself to acknowledging that 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler and by the Nazis speaks volumes. It is not a surprise to me, however, given the way in which he has openly supported the AfD party, given the way he openly embraces neo-Nazis and neo-Nazi political parties, given the way in which he has offered comfort, really, to the antisemites on the right who are infecting the Republican Party, Shapiro continued. So its not a shock to me that he would omit that, but its a sad day that the vice president of the United States on Holocaust Awareness Day couldnt address that. A Vance spokesperson called the comments a next level hypocritical deflection from Shapiro, a misguided plea for attention from a political lightweight. They noted Shapiros own tweet on Holocaust Remembrance Day did not explicitly mention violence against Jews although the governors post did discuss antisemitism saying Shapiro had desperately tried to shift blame to the Vice President. Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro is on a book tour for his newly released memoir, Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service, published this week. It is the latest example of his taking sharp aim at Vance, like a number of other potential Democratic presidential contenders who could face Vance in the 2028 election. Shapiro has described Vance as a sycophant who does whatever he thinks his boss wants him to do. Critics on the left and the right took aim at Vances comments for not specifically mentioning the Jewish lives lost. Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered about 6 million Jews across Europe during the Holocaust, roughly two-thirds of Europes Jewish population, in addition to hundreds of thousands of Roma, disabled people and political dissidents. Tablet Magazine, a conservative-leaning publication focused on Jewish issues, said on X that Vance offered a unique commemoration of the Holocaust that manages to avoid mentioning Jews or condemning Nazis. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, wrote that it takes effort on Vances part to issue a Holocaust Remembrance Day statement like this without any mention of six million Jews lost, the Jewish people, Nazis, or the issue of antisemitism. And Laura Loomer, a close ally of President Donald Trump whom Vance criticized last week, when he accused her of stoking division on the right, said on X: 6 million Jewish lives. Vance allies, including Sam Markstein, national political director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, came to his defense, saying critics were reading too much into his post. Other conservatives pointed to Shapiros own X post on Tuesday, which made note of rising antisemitism but did not explicitly mention Jewish lives lost, a leading criticism of Vances post. Advertisement Advertisement This is an insane standard and a BS attack, wrote Alex Brusewitz, a former Trump campaign official. The Vice President literally posted a photo of himself [and] the Second Lady at Dachau. He has been an incredible friend to both the Jewish community and Israel. In the early days of his first term in the White House, Trump was also criticized for having issued a Holocaust Remembrance Day statement that did not explicitly mention Jews. Trumps White House statements every year he has been in office since then have done so, including Tuesdays. The issue of antisemitism has roiled the right in recent months, with Vance facing pressure to take a strong stand. Some leaders, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have warned of a rise in antisemitism within the Republican Partys coalition, singling out younger conservatives and right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, a close Vance ally, for having hosted a Holocaust denier on his podcast. Vance says there is not such a buildup. Do I think that the Republican Party is substantially more antisemitic than it was 10 or 15 years ago? Absolutely not, he told NBC News last year. In any bunch of apples, you have bad people. But my attitude on this is we should be firm in saying antisemitism and racism is wrong. ... I think its kind of slanderous to say that the Republican Party, the conservative movement, is extremely antisemitic. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with UnHerd, Vance said Nick Fuentes, a right-wing activist known for espousing antisemitic views, can eat s---, adding, Antisemitism, and all forms of ethnic hatred, have no place in the conservative movement. In the same interview, he said Fuentes influence is overstated by people who want to avoid having a foreign-policy conversation about Americas relationship with Israel. For Shapiro, observance of his Jewish faith is a through line in his memoir, and he writes about its playing a significant role in his upbringing and throughout his political career. Throughout my life, it has always been central to who I am, Shapiro said in the interview, adding: Im as proud of my faith and who I am as I was when I was a little boy. I know that things have changed around me. I know that antisemitism is on the rise, but it certainly has not changed how I go about being the person that I am every day, how Lori and I raise our four children and our commitment to our faith. Shapiro, who recently announced his re-election campaign, has focused on combating political violence in recent months, after the assassination attempt on Trump in his state in 2024 and, last year, the firebombing of his official residence hours after his family gathered for a Passover seder. Cody Balmer, who pleaded guilty to committing the attack, dialed 911 soon after the fire and said he was angered by Shapiros stance on Israel and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro wrote extensively about that episode in his memoir, detailing a call he got from Trump. Shapiro wrote that during the call, Trump cautioned that I shouldnt want to be president, given how dangerous it had become to hold the office now. At an event at the 92nd Street Y in New York City on Tuesday and in his interview with NBC News afterward, Shapiro addressed whether the country was ready for a Jewish president. I dont believe, as some have suggested, that a woman cant be president, a gay person cant be president, a Jewish person cant be president, he said. I think what the American people want is just someone whos going to be on their side and fight for them and deliver for them, regardless of what their particular characteristic is. I think the American people are good and theyre decent, and they just want elected leaders who are going to fight for them every day, regardless of what they look like or who they love or who they pray to. At the earlier event, Shapiro discussed the need for leaders in politics, the media, business and beyond to stand firm against antisemitism. As governor, he has expanded Holocaust education in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement And let me be very, very clear, he said. There is antisemitism and hate on the political left and on the political right. Shapiro also addressed the part of his memoir in which he revealed that during the vice presidential vetting process in 2024, an attorney working for Kamala Harris campaign asked whether he had ever been an agent of Israel. He wrote that he told the attorney the question was offensive. CNN later reported that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Harris selected as her running mate, was asked whether he had ever been an agent of China, a question prompted by his visits to the country. Shapiro has made multiple visits to Israel throughout his life. Asked whether he believed the question was standard based on past travel to foreign countries, Shapiro said: I dont know why they asked the question." Advertisement Advertisement But I respect their right to ask that question, he continued. I agreed to be a part of that process. They asked the question, and I was expressing in this book not an opinion on what I think of them, but simply how it made me feel. Shapiro also said he believes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection need to be reformed and they need to be reconstituted after federal officers killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota this month. But he said the problems in Minnesota come from the very top. The issue with Minnesota is this mission is compromised, and the mission needs to be terminated because theyve received a direction from the president of the United States that is outside the bounds of the law, Shapiro said. It is unconstitutional. It is violating peoples rights. Thats the problem here. Its the direction thats coming from the top. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from detaining refugees in Minnesota, following a spate of arrests in the state. More than 100 refugees who had lawfully resettled in the state had been arrested in recent weeks, according to attorneys and advocacy groups. Some were flown to detention centers in Texas, according to attorneys representing the cases, and then were abruptly released and left to find and pay their own way back home. On Wednesday, US district judge John R Tunheim ordered the administration to temporarily halt the arrest and detention of lawfully resettled refugees, while a lawsuit about the administrations policy of re-vetting this population continued. The judge mandated the immediate release of all detained refugees in Minnesota and the release of those taken to Texas within five days. Advertisement Advertisement The ruling came after lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of refugees after the Trump administration announced its Operation Parris earlier this month, which it described as a sweeping initiative re-examining thousands of refugee cases through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 5,600 refugees who had resettled in the US and had not yet become permanent residents would be subject to this vetting process. One of the plaintiffs in the case, referred to as D Doe, said he was at home with his family when a man in plain clothes knocked on his door and said that he had hit Does car. When Doe went outside to check the damage, he was surrounded by armed men and arrested. He was detained first in Minnesota, and then flown to Texas, where he was interrogated about his refugee status, according to the filing. He was released in Texas and had to find his way back home. I fled my home country because I was facing government repression, said Doe. I cant believe its happening again here. Advertisement Advertisement Does wife, who is also a refugee, had been afraid to go outside since her husbands arrest and had been staying with friends because she feared agents would return to her home. Such arrests had caused panic among Minnesotas refugees, many of whom had already been wary of leaving their homes or go to work because they feared being stopped and racially profiled by the thousands of immigration agents conducting aggressive immigration sweeps throughout the state. Before they are approved to come to the US, refugees undergo extensive vetting in a process that can take years. When they arrive in the US, they do so on flights coordinated with the government. Operation Parriss scheme of detaining lawfully present refugees is an unprecedented assault on core human rights that are enshrined in both the 1951 convention and the 1980 Refugee Act, said Michele Garnett McKenzie, executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights, who praised the courts decision. Advertisement Advertisement The homeland security department did not immediately respond to the Guardians queries regarding the ruling. One of the most challenging aspects of these detentions, McKenzie said, was that refugees were being detained and moved out of the state within days or hours leaving their families scrambling to find them and get them legal aid. Because refugees had already been vetted and legally resettled, the vast majority of them did not have immigration attorneys, the attorney said. In more than one case, after a terrifying ordeal of being arrested, detained and moved out of state, people were flown back and then released in Minnesota, she said, in at least one case in the middle of the night, without any prior notice given to their families. One client of hers was put on a plane from Texas, but was not told where he was being sent leaving him with the impression that he was being deported back to his home country. He was surprised to find himself once again in Minnesota, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Another was released in Texas with no belongings, no money, no papers, she said. The court finds that the threat of irreparable harm favors immediate relief in this case, Tunheim said in his ruling on Wednesday. The stories of terror and trauma recounted by named plaintiffs in their amended petition make this harm impossible to ignore. This article was amended on 29 January 2026. An earlier version featured a picture that was captioned as showing a demonstration in Minneapolis, when in fact it was taken in Washington DC. Russian energy giant Lukoil agreed to sell most of its foreign assets to the American investment firm Carlyle, Lukoil's press service announced on Jan. 29. The U.S. sanctioned Lukoil and another Russian energy company, Rosneft, in October, freezing Lukoil's U.S.-based assets and threatening secondary penalties for foreign entities engaging with them. The sanctions, the first such measures imposed by the second Trump administration, were designed to pressure Moscow into peace talks in Ukraine, as fossil fuel revenues play a key role in sustaining Russia's war efforts. The Carlyle deal does not include Lukoil's assets in Kazakhstan and is still subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Russian company said, adding that negotiations with other prospective buyers are ongoing. The deal's value has not been disclosed, though the estimated value of Lukoil's international assets is up to $22 billion. Lukoil is Russia's second-largest oil producer and one of the country's largest companies, accounting for 2% of global oil output. Apart from stakes in oil fields in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere, Lukoil also operates three oil refineries in Europe and hundreds of gas stations worldwide, including in the U.S. The Trump administration previously granted a sanctions waiver to Lukoil's gas stations abroad as talks on the sale continued. Swiss-based oil trader Gunvor initially sought the purchase of the company's foreign assets, but withdrew its bid in November after the U.S. Treasury Department described the trader as the "Kremlin's puppet." Read also: Exclusive: Trumps top envoy negotiating Ukraines fate displays shocking lack of knowledge about war, politics Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ATLANTA (AP) A federal judge has rejected for now Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger 's bid to gain more spending power in the state's race for governor, upholding campaign finance rules that some Republicans argue give certain candidates an unfair advantage. Raffenspergers independent political action committee, Safe Affordable Georgia, filed a federal lawsuit in December asking permission to raise unlimited funds for his campaign. One of his opponents in the GOP primary, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, has been able to do that under a 2021 state law that created leadership committees like the one he chairs, which can raise unlimited funds for candidates. Attorneys for Safe Affordable Georgia argued current law violates Raffensperger's First Amendment rights by subjecting him to different rules than his opponent and requested that the limits for his committee be waived during the ongoing campaign. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross said in her order issued Tuesday that Safe Affordable Georgia's arguments did not meet the legal standard for her to do that, while acknowledging the law giving special treatment to Jones' leadership committee is likely unconstitutional. Raffensperger has appealed the ruling. Under the 2021 law, leadership committees can raise money year-round for a variety of election-related activities and candidates. The chairperson of those committees must be the governor, lieutenant governor, party nominees for those offices or legislative leaders, giving the people who occupy those spots a potential significant edge when running for office themselves. Hardworking Georgians deserve elections where the rules are the same for everyone, no matter what title or office you hold," Safe Affordable Georgia said in a statement. "Thats what the Constitution requires, and thats why well keep fighting in Court to do whats in the best interest of Georgia voters. David Dove, an attorney for the state, said in court that if the judge let Raffensperger skirt the campaign finance law intended to thwart corruption, courts would see a flood of similar requests that would open the door to dark money. Such a move totally upends the way Georgia can regulate campaign finance," Dove said. Advertisement Advertisement There is no end to where the total number of committees could end up under this regime, he said. Charles Miller, a lawyer representing Safe Affordable Georgia, said legislators weren't worried about corruption when they let top state officials raise unlimited sums of money for their leadership committees. Therefore, he said, they shouldn't be concerned about corruption in other committees. Raffensperger in January 2021 famously refused a demand from President Donald Trump in a phone call to find enough votes to overturn Democrat Joe Bidens win in Georgias 2020 presidential election. Jones' leadership committee received $100,000 in contributions from four sources and around 60 donations of $10,000 or more, Safe Affordable Georgia noted in court records. Candidate committees can raise a maximum of $8,400 from each donor. Advertisement Advertisement Another Republican gubernatorial candidate, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, cited a related federal court ruling in his lawsuit seeking to prevent Jones from raising money using his leadership committee. But a judge dismissed Carr's suit in August, ruling he should have challenged the constitutionality of the law. Like Raffensperger, supporters of Carr have established an independent committee that cant coordinate with Carrs campaign. An opinion adopted by the Georgia Ethics Commission in December found that Jones is allowed to loan $10 million to his leadership committee, even though Carr alleged it evaded campaign finance restrictions. The opinion clears Jones to keep spending his family fortune to pursue the Republican nomination. Jones filed documents showing he made loans of $7.5 million and $2.5 million to the WBJ Leadership Committee when he announced his run for governor on July 8. ___ Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. The top federal judge in Minneapolis backed off a plan to haul the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement into court Friday, but delivered a brutal condemnation of the agency for repeatedly defying judges orders in cases stemming from the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz tore into the agency in a Wednesday order for what he characterized as a pattern of unprecedented defiance violating dozens of court orders in ways that abused the rights of immigrants facing deportation proceedings. ICE is not a law unto itself, Schiltz said in a four-page order. Advertisement Advertisement Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, appended a list of nearly 100 court orders he said the immigration agency had violated in the past month solely involving immigrants detained in the Twin Cities area as part of Operation Metro Surge. This list should give pause to anyone no matter his or her political beliefs who cares about the rule of law, the judge wrote. ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence. Many of Schiltzs colleagues on the federal bench in Minnesota have similarly vented about ICEs recalcitrance in recent orders. Minutes after Schiltzs order, one of his colleagues Clinton appointee John Tunheim backed an emergency effort to block ICE from targeting thousands of refugees residing lawfully in Minnesota but who are still awaiting permanent residency status. Tunheim ordered the Trump administration to release anyone detained on this basis and to return to Minnesota any who had been transported out of state. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the judges fury, his order amounted to a reprieve of sorts for ICEs acting director Todd Lyons, whom Schiltz had previously ordered to appear before him Friday to address potential contempt of court. Schiltzs initial order came in the case of an Ecuadorian man, Juan Tobay Robles, whose release from ICE detention the judge ordered earlier this month. Schiltz lit into the agency for violating the order after officials failed to release the man for days despite the court directive. But on Wednesday, Robles attorney confirmed that his client had been released, mooting the need for Fridays hearing. The attorney, Graham Ojala-Barbour, said despite the cancellation, he would welcome another opportunity to seek accountability for ICE. Many of my colleagues and the people we represent are also interested in accountability for ICE and knowing that we can still count on the rule of law in Minnesota, he said. Advertisement Advertisement While Schiltz scuttled the showdown he had lined up for Friday, the legal battles over federal immigration operations in Minnesota continue. Another federal judge in Minneapolis is considering a lawsuit the state and city governments filed seeking an end to the surge. And a class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday contends that ICE is violating the constitutional rights of thousands of immigration detainees whove spent time in custody in the past few weeks at a makeshift detention center in a major federal building in Minneapolis. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK, Jan 29 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Thursday said Bank of America must face part of a proposed class action lawsuit accusing it of knowingly aiding Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking by providing banking services to the disgraced late financier. The judge, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan, also dismissed a similar lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon. Rakoff said Epstein's victims may pursue two claims accusing Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank, of knowingly benefiting from Epstein's sex trafficking, and of obstructing enforcement of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Advertisement Advertisement The judge rejected four other claims in the lawsuit, including that Bank of America participated in and aided Epstein's sex trafficking, and that it negligently failed to protect victims or refrain from "non-routine" banking services. Bank of New York Mellon, the world's largest custodial bank, won dismissal of the same six claims. Rakoff plans to issue an opinion by February 13 explaining his reasoning. A trial for Bank of America is scheduled for May 11. Bank of America said it was pleased that its case was narrowed, adding: "We look forward to a full review of the facts." BNY said its dismissal "reinforces that BNY had no involvement in Epstein's crimes." Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuits were filed in October by a Florida woman known as Jane Doe on behalf of herself and other Epstein accusers. Doe said that despite widespread knowledge of Epstein's misconduct, both banks did business with him until his arrest in July 2019 because they considered making money a higher priority than protecting victims. David Boies, a lawyer for Doe, said he looked forward to the Bank of America trial and planned to appeal the BNY decision. JPMORGAN, DEUTSCHE BANK PREVIOUSLY SETTLED Bank of America's lawsuit included previously publicized accusations concerning Epstein's business ties with prominent people, while BNY's lawsuit included an accusation that the bank processed hundreds of millions of dollars of wire transfers on Epstein's behalf. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuits also accused both banks of failing to file timely suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury Department. In seeking a dismissal, Bank of America said that Doe "at best" alleged that it banked high-net-worth clients affiliated with Epstein, which it called "insufficient," and that she did not identify any law enforcement investigation that it intentionally obstructed. Doe's lawyers have brought other lawsuits on behalf of Epstein accusers. In 2023, they reached settlements of $290 million with JPMorgan Chase and $75 million with Deutsche Bank, two of his main banks. Neither bank admitted wrongdoing. Rakoff approved both settlements. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. New York City's medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Edmund Klamann) Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A judge has barred federal immigration officers from arresting and detaining legally present refugees in Minnesota, handing the Trump administration a legal defeat in its aggressive immigration crackdown. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim, in Minneapolis on Wednesday, issued a temporary restraining order that bars the arrest and detention of any Minnesota resident with refugee status as litigation on the issue continues. "They are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border," Tunheim wrote in his order. Advertisement Advertisement "Refugees have a legal right to be in the United States, a right to work, a right to live peacefully -- and importantly, a right not to be subjected to the terror of being arrested and detained without warrants or cause in their homes or on their way to religious services or to buy groceries." The Trump administration has been conducting an aggressive immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection have arrested thousands of people since December, attracting protests, which have been met with violence. Democrats and civil and immigration rights advocates have accused the agents of using excessive force and violating due process protections. The order issued Wednesday comes in a lawsuit filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project against Operation PARRIS, an initiative launched Jan. 9 to re-examine the 5,600 pending refugee cases in Minnesota in a hunt for fraud and other possible crimes. Advertisement Advertisement IRAP said in its complaint, filed Saturday, that since the operation began, federal immigration agents have arrested and detained more than 100 of Minnesota's refugee population without warrants and often with violence. Those detained have not been charged with any crime nor with any violation of immigration statutes, according to the immigration legal aid and advocacy organization, which said this policy not only goes against immigration law but also ICE's own guidance that states there is no authority to detain refugees because they have not yet changed their status to lawful permanent residents. The organization states that the purpose of Operation PARRIS "is to use these baseless detentions and coercive interviews as fishing expeditions to trigger a mass termination of refugee statuses and/or to render refugees vulnerable to removal." "For more than two weeks, refugees in Minnesota have been living in terror of being hunted down and disappeared to Texas," Kimberly Grano, staff attorney for U.S. litigation at IRAP, said in a statement, referring to the location of detention centers where refugees detained in Minnesota are being held. Advertisement Advertisement "This temporary restraining order will immediately put in place desperately needed guardrails on ICE and protect resettled refugees from being unlawfully targeted for arrest and detention." Tunheim's order does not interfere with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' ability to conduct re-inspections to adjust refugees' status to lawful permanent residents nor the Department of Homeland Security's enforcement of immigration laws. It only prevents the arrest and detention of refugees in the state who have yet to become lawful permanent residents while litigation proceeds. "At its best, America serves as a have of individual liberties in a world too often full of tyranny and cruelty," Tunheim said. "We abandon that ideal when we subject our neighbors to fear and chaos." BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Attorneys announced a jury awarded $7.8 million for a lawsuit regarding a students death at Bloomsburg University. Attorneys Kline & Specter stated a $7.8 million verdict was awarded on behalf of the estate of Justin King in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas on January 28. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Bloomsburg Universitys Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority when King was found dead down an embankment in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, King was invited to a fraternity rush party at the sorority house, despite university rules stating freshmen must earn at least 12 credits before they can be recruited. It goes on to say how King drank a vodka-laced mixture known as jungle juice or blackout water, which caused him to wander far off campus and fall off a 75-foot cliff. King was found deceased the next morning, having suffered brain, liver, and lung damage, as well as a broken rib, and other injuries as a result of the fall. His body held .22 blood alcohol content, roughly three times the legal limit, according to the release. Charges filed in House of Horrors owner death investigation The lawsuit alleges the defendants violated the Timothy J. Piazza anti-hazing law, a law enacted after the death of a young student at Penn State University in 2017. The law prohibits causing a student to consume enough alcohol to risk physical harm. Advertisement Advertisement The release states that the jurys verdict gave 35% of the fault to Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, 35% to Kappa Sigma Fraternity, 24% to King, and 1% to each of six individual fraternity members. Kings attorney says under the jurys verdict, the sorority is responsible for $2,730, and with delay damages, Kings estate expects to collect in excess of $3.5 million from the sorority. The jury also found the sorority liable for negligence and violating the Anti-Hazing Statute. In May of 2021, Bloomsburg University terminated its fraternity and sorority life (FSL) programs and cut ties with all national and local FSL organizations that were affiliated with the university. The university made plans in 2024 to launch a new fraternity and sorority life program for the 2025-2026 academic year. 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 28/22 News. In a galaxy far, far away, there lie clues to the cosmic dawnthe first few hundreds of millions of years in our 13.8-billion-year-old universes early history. On Wednesday astronomers on announced that a bright galaxy called MoM-z14 that was found using NASAs James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the farthest yet detected, existing just 280 million years after the big bang. With Webb, we are able to see farther than humans ever have before, and it looks nothing like what we predicted, which is both challenging and exciting, said Rohan Naidu, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the lead author of a preprint paper detailing MoM-z14s discovery that will soon be published in the overlay journal Open Journal of Astrophysics, in a statement in NASAs announcement. The galaxy, the light of which has taken more than 13 billion years to reach our telescopes, is brighter, denser and more chemically rich than astronomers had expected, according to NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter from Scientific American and join a community of science-loving readers. To pinpoint galaxies like MoM-z14, astronomers use redshift. Essentially, this is the measure of how stretched the light coming from an object is as a result of that object moving away from our perspective as the universe expands. The higher the redshift, the farther the object is. In MoM-z14s case, it has a redshift of 14.4a record, Scientific American columnist Phil Plait noted late last year. But records are made to be broken. And NASA said it fully expects this new JWST achievement to be surpassed in the not-too-distant future as its observations improve. Regardless, MoM-z14 could offer new clues to the early universe, including, for instance, why it and other early galaxies are so bright. Its an incredibly exciting time, with Webb revealing the early universe like never before, said Yijia Li, a Pennsylvania State University graduate student, who also contributed to the research, in the same statement, and showing us how much there still is to discover. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kansas Senate has adopted a new resolution honoring late political activist Charlie Kirk, following debate that revealed sharp divisions between lawmakers from both parties. The resolution, introduced during the current legislative session, establishes an annual Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day in the Kansas Senate. Lawmakers voted along party lines 309 Wednesday night to adopt the measure. Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced the resolution, known as SCR 1615, with the goal of honoring Kirks legacy and what supporters describe as his commitment to First Amendment rights. The resolution states that Kirk consistently exercised his right to free speech and that his legacy should continue to highlight the importance of protecting those freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement However, debate on the Senate floor reflected differing interpretations of Kirks legacy and the scope of the resolution. Kansas Legislature passes anti-transgender bill after hours-long debate State Senator Patrick Schmidt (D-Topeka) raised concerns during the discussion. We just had someone murdered by federal agents in Minneapolis, someone who was lawfully exercising their First and Second Amendment rights, both rights that Charlie Kirk vociferously defended, said Schmidt. Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) pushed back against those arguments, saying the resolution focused on free speech alone. This whole thing was about the First Amendment, said Masterson. It was the Democrats that brought in the Second Amendment around and mischaracterized quotes a complete mischaracterization of what was going on. Under the resolution, the Kansas Senate will recognize Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day every year on October 14, celebrating Kirks birthday and honoring his legacy. 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. 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 KSNT 27 News. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican who is running for governor, objects to quotes about Charlie Kirk that Masterson says were taken out of context. He is seen here during the Jan. 12, 2026, opening of the legislative session. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas Senate voted along partisan lines Wednesday to approve a resolution designating each Oct. 14 as a day to honor the late Charlie Kirks commitment to the constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. The resolution celebrated by Republicans and rejected by Democrats was offered by Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, as a means of expressing appreciation for Kirk following his assassination in September 2025 while speaking at a Utah college. Kirk was known to host public events and verbally spar with attendees on public policy issues. He drew admirers and critics for controversial positions on civil rights, LGBTQ+ topics and diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate resolution, adopted 30-9, would recognize his date of birth as Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day in Kansas. Annual recognition of his birth, and death, was drafted by GOP sponsors to bring attention to importance of First Amendment rights and the value of civic discourse. All members of the Republican Party signed it, Shallenburger said. He was known for visiting college campuses to engage with those who disagreed with him. Lengthy Senate debate on the resolution included two amendments proposed by Democrats and rebuffed by Republicans. Both were ruled not germane to the resolution. Sen. Silas Miller, a Wichita Democrat, began the conversation by expressing objections to the state government bestowing honor on Kirk. Miller referenced widely published statements attributed to Kirk that included his criticism of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a comment that he questioned whether Black airline pilots were qualified. He shared other quotes from Kirk in a document distributed to Senate members. Advertisement Advertisement Are these really the words you want to stand behind? Miller, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, asked fellow senators. I agreed to fight for everyones right to free speech whether I agreed with the speech or not. Its one of the most fundamental rights afforded to all Americans, thanks to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican running for governor, came out of his seat to defend Kirk. He objected to Millers distribution of quotes from Kirk without including information that would place those statements in context. What you heard right there were the top three out-of-context, misrepresented, BS remarks that Ive heard in the public media, Masterson said. I ask each of you, look at the entire list and go look at the context and the full breadth of the comments. Its so far out of context, its appalling. It is the opposite of what (Kirks) talking about. He represented Christs love inside difficult conversations. Specifically, Masterson took issue with references to Kirks declaration that it was a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s. The landmark law has been viewed as one of the most significant pieces of civil rights law since Reconstruction. The federal law banned segregation in public accommodations, schools and workplaces and prohibited discrimination based on race, color and religion. Advertisement Advertisement The Annenberg Public Policy Centers factcheck.org confirmed Kirk spoke to this issue in 2023 during a Turning Point USA conference. The center said Kirk explained the 1964 civil rights act led to a permanent DEI-type bureaucracy that served to hinder free speech. In addition, Miller referenced a statement attributed to Kirk that, If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified. A Yahoo News fact check confirmed the quote, but the fact check said Kirk made the comment during a 2024 podcast about DEI and how it could inspire so-called thought crime. You wanna go thought crime? Kirk said in terms of unwholesome thinking driven by DEI. Im sorry. If I see a Black pilot, Im gonna be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified. Thats not who I am. Thats not what I believe. Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, seen during an April 10, 2025, Senate session, injects debate about a resolution honoring the late Charlie Kirk with thoughts about ways people express rights embedded in the U.S. Constitution. Haleys amendment blending Kirks ideas of free speech with those of President Donald Trump was ruled out of order by the Senate. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, proposed an amendment to the resolution that would have inserted references to President Donald Trump into the document to recognize the presidents level of commitment to free speech. It was defeated 30-8. Advertisement Advertisement Haley said he originally viewed the Kirk resolution with dread, but subsequently decided it was an opportunity for the Senate to clear the air by delving into perspectives on speech championed by Kirk as well as Trump. He said he assumed Senate Republicans wouldnt miss the opportunity to support Trump. Trump carries a bigger stick in the American psyche, Haley said. That was followed by an amendment from Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka. Schmidt said he stood for the right of people under the First Amendment to make divisive statements even if I consider that speech abhorrent, ugly, disgusting. Schmidt said the Kirk resolution could be improved by touting Kirks allegiance to the Second Amendment and raising the profile of comments by Trump that appeared to undermine the right to bear arms exercised by Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during immigration protests in Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Virgil Peck, a Havana Republican presiding over the Senate, asked Schmidt to stop straying from the notion of honoring Kirk. Schmidt returned to his remarks about Prettis death and Trumps view that Pretti shouldnt have brought a gun to the protest. At that point, Peck slammed his gavel. You will not disrespect the chair, Peck said. You will not continue down this line of communication. You will stay on the resolution. BEIJING (AP) The leaders of Britain and China called Thursday for a "strategic partnership to deepen ties between their nations at a time of growing global turbulence as they sought to thaw relations after years of chill. Neither Prime Minister Keir Starmer nor President Xi Jinping publicly mentioned Donald Trump, but the U.S. president's challenge to the post-Cold War order was clearly on their minds. In the current turbulent and ever-changing international situation ... China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability, Xi told Starmer at the start of their meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi had stressed, without mentioning the U.S. directly, that major powers must adhere to international law or the world would regress into a jungle. Starmer said that "working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing. The two leaders met for 80 minutes double the scheduled time in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as their nations try to improve ties after several years of acrimony. Relations have deteriorated over allegations of Chinese spying in Britain, Chinas support for Russia in Moscow's war on Ukraine and the crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony that was returned to China in 1997. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit in eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Xi said that China-U.K. relations experienced twists and turns in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country. Relationship is in a good place Starmers Downing Street office said Britain wanted a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries. After meeting Xi, Starmer said the leaders had made really good progress on a range of issues. The relationship is in a good place, a strong place, the British leader said. His four-day trip, which is set to include a stop in China's financial capital, Shanghai, has yielded a raft of business announcements and government agreements, including lower Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and 30-day visa-free travel to China for U.K. tourists and business visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Xi appeared to acknowledge the criticism that Starmer has faced for reaching out to China despite national security and human rights concerns. The United Kingdom recently approved controversial plans for a huge Chinese Embassy in London, removing a sticking point in relations but also overriding fears that the mega-embassy would make it easier for China to conduct espionage and intimidate dissidents. Good things often come with difficulties, Xi said. As long as it is the right thing to do in accordance with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely. Starmers visit comes less than two months after a Hong Kong court convicted Jimmy Lai, a former newspaper publisher and British citizen, under a national security law that Beijing imposed on the territory after massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Starmer said he raised human rights issues with Xi and the two men had a respectful discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Starmer has said he will protect national security while keeping up diplomatic dialogue and economic cooperation with China. I made a promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outward again, the leader of the center-left Labour Party said. Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel. Starmer's government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised and ease a cost-of-living crisis for millions of households and he sees China as a potential source of growth. More than 50 U.K. business executives have joined him on the trip, along with the leaders of major cultural organizations, as he seeks to expand opportunities for British companies in China and secure Chinese investment in the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement Among the business deals announced on the trip was a $15 billion investment in China through 2030 by drugmaker AstraZeneca. Britain is also keen to get more access to the vast Chinese market for U.K. professional and financial services. The two countries agreed to conduct a feasibility study as a first step before negotiating a services agreement.. Trump tariffs spur new trade talks The disruption to global trade under Trump has made expanding trade and investment more imperative for many governments. Vietnam and the European Union upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Thursday, two days after the EU and India announced a free trade agreement. Advertisement Advertisement At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners, European Council President Antonio Costa said in Hanoi, Vietnam. Starmer is the fourth leader of a U.S. ally to visit Beijing this month, following those of South Korea, Canada and Finland. The German chancellor is expected to visit next month. The U.K. leader also met Thursday with Zhao Leji, the chairman of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, and Premier Li Qiang, who told Starmer his efforts to improve relations had been widely welcomed in both countries. Starmer told the U.K.-China Business Council he was seeking "a more sophisticated relationship fit for these times. Advertisement Advertisement I would like to echo a Chinese phrase, which I think captures the essence of what Im talking about: pursue common goals whilst reserving differences," he said. "Thats what we are working together to achieve. ___ Lawless reported from London. By Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn MOSCOW, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia had reiterated its invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to come to Moscow for peace talks, as U.S.-led efforts to reach a deal to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine intensify. The Kremlin made its statement as the two countries carried out their latest exchange of war dead, and hours after it declined to comment on rumours that Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to stop striking each other's energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Washington-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi last weekend have injected some new momentum into efforts to clinch a peace deal, but profound differences persist between the Russian and Ukrainian negotiating stances. Fierce fighting is still raging, while Kyiv battles debilitating power outages caused by recent missile strikes. An unnamed U.S. official told Axios on Saturday that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were "very close" to setting up a meeting after the U.S.-mediated talks. A new round of Abu Dhabi talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiating delegations is scheduled for Sunday, and U.S. President Donald Trump - who is pushing for a deal to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two - said on Tuesday that "very good things" were happening in the process. Major disagreements remain though, including over who gets what territory in any deal, the potential presence of international peacekeepers or monitors in post-war Ukraine, and the fate of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, cited by the Interfax news agency, said on Thursday that Moscow had not yet received a response to its invitation for Zelenskiy to come to Moscow. Zelenskiy rejected a similar invitation last year, saying he could not to go to the capital of a nation that was firing missiles at his country every day. He suggested at the time that Putin come to Kyiv instead. Any meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy would need to be well prepared and results-oriented, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday. He said Zelenskiy's safety would be guaranteed if he came to Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday described the two sides' disagreement over who gets what territory as the one central issue which was "very difficult" to resolve. Advertisement Advertisement Russia wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the roughly 20% of Donetsk region which the Russian army does not control. Kyiv has said it does not want to gift Moscow territory which Russia has not won on the battlefield and which could serve as a platform in future for Russian forces to push deeper into Ukraine. Ushakov, the Kremlin aide, said on Thursday he didn't regard the land issue as the only key one left on the table. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cast doubt on the viability of any security guarantees that Washington might be able to provide Ukraine as part of a deal, saying he doubted they could usher in an enduring peace if they were designed to keep Ukraine's current political leadership in power. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya in southern Russia, called for more war rather than peace in comments that reflect a belief among hardliners that Moscow is winning on the battlefield. "I believe the war must be taken to its conclusion," Kadyrov told reporters at the Kremlin. "I am against negotiations." (Reporting by ReutersWriting by Andrew Osborn Editing by Mark Trevelyan) Mahou San Miguel has entered the Middle East with a new non-alcoholic malt beverage product, initially launching in Egypt. The brewer has introduced the Vamos by Mahou brand, a canned carbonated malt drink created exclusively for this market. The range includes four variants: classic toasted malt, pineapple with caramel, apple with cinnamon, and peach with vanilla. In a statement, Mahou San Miguel said the new malt drink represents the natural evolution of its strategy to diversify its non-alcoholic portfolio with differentiated proposals tailored to new consumption trends. It added that non-alcoholic beverages now account for nearly 30% of its total sales volume. The brewer said the move is part of its internationalisation strategy and answers growing demand for malt drinks, a category that has seen double-digit growth in the region over the past year. The companys entry into the Middle East extends its presence beyond existing markets such as Europe and North America. It sells in more than 70 countries. Elena Reviriego, general manager of Mahou San Miguels international business unit, said: Vamos by Mahou is an example of our international ambition and of how we are able to reach new markets with differentiated offerings that adapt to local tastes and new consumption trends. It is the first innovation conceived and developed specifically to meet a particular need in an international market - in this case, the growing demand for malt beverages in Egypt, she added. Mahou San Miguel, which already produces non-alcoholic beers for the Spanish market under the Mahou and Alhambra brands, recently launched its first non-alc offering for the US under the Founders Brewing brand. With an 0.5% abv, the Founders Nonetheless product is described by the group as a lager-style beer. It is being sold in grocery stores for now but wider distribution is expected throughout this year. The Spanish brewer acquired the remaining stake in the US craft beer producer in March last year. Vamos by Mahou is already on shelves in Egypt through grocery and food retail channels. Just Drinks has asked the company to confirm the RRP of the drinks. In the coming weeks, the brand will also roll out to the hospitality sector and other key outlets, including convenience stores. The launch follows other recent non-alcoholic additions in Spain, such as Refeel and Cafe 170, the companys coffee brand for the hospitality sector. "Mahou San Miguel enters Middle East with non-alc malt drinks NPD" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. MOSCOW, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Russia is still waiting for the United States to respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to informally extend for a year the provisions of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between the two countries, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the expiry of the New START treaty on February 5 could lead to a serious gap in the legal framework regulating nuclear arms. New START, which was signed by presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, sets limits on the strategic weapons that each side would use to target the other's critical political and military centres in the event of a nuclear war. Advertisement Advertisement It caps the number of deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 on each side, with no more than 700 deployed ground- or submarine-launched missiles and bomber planes to deliver them. (Reporting by Dmitry AntonovEditing by Andrew Osborn) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A prison seminary program is one of the first priorities for the new head of South Dakotas state corrections system. Tribe president bans ICE agents from Pine Ridge Reservation South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Nick Lamb told the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday he has seen the benefits of a prison seminary program firsthand. Lamb comes to South Dakota from the Iowa correctional system and previously worked for more than 20 years at prisons in Illinois including in Stateville. Advertisement Advertisement In his second stint at Stateville, he was told that Illinois state government wanted to start a prison seminary program. The establishment of a prison seminary program in Stateville became one of my proudest moments in corrections, Lamb said. Prison official Burl Cain established a prison seminary program model at Angola prison in Louisiana. The model program is now being used in several states. South Dakota is interested and Cain presented to a prison study committee this summer. I know there is a little bit of opposition out there, Lamb said. Its a very good program. I didnt believe it until I seen it. Advertisement Advertisement Lamb said he visited Angola when it was a very, very violent prison. When he returned in 2018, I didnt even recognize the place. The improvement came because of the prison seminary program, he said. The program is a seminary program but it is rooted in morality, Lamb said. Cain started at Angola in 1995. He developed the seminary program in which a college provided instruction in courses including the Bible and morality. Supporters and some research indicates the violence has decreased at the state prison because of the seminary program. Others have said the program focuses too much on those with life sentences and there is less training for those who will eventually leave the prison. Cain is not without controversary including a legislative audit that said in 2017 it found several potential violations of Louisiana state law, the State of Louisiana Constitution, and that states Department of Public Safety and Corrections policies, as well as a 2018 letter from Louisiana Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy in which he said Cain resigned in 2016 under a cloud of controversary. While he was happy in Iowas correctional system, Lamb said he was drawn to South Dakota in large part because of the interest in a prison seminary program. Advertisement Advertisement Lamb said he discussed the program during an interview with Gov. Larry Rhoden. Later the governor asked, What would you say if I told you I was having coffee with Burl Cain next week?' Lamb said. I knew I needed to come to South Dakota. Ryan Brunner, an advisor in Rhodens office, said that while Lamb is working on a prison seminary program there will be great ministry opportunities in the new womens prison in Rapid City. Committee member Republican Sen. Greg Blanc, whose occupation is listed as pastor on the legislative website, said he was pleased Lamb had joined the DOC. Blanc said recidivism rates are reduced when programs involve the one who can only truly make a difference in lives. Blanc also mentioned being interested in a Teen Challenge-type program in the western part of the state. He likened such programs to involve more solid Bible believing, Bible teaching churches. Advertisement Advertisement Lamb also noted that the South Dakota state government already has in place newer programs started under the prior DOC secretary, Kellie Wasko, that will help improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates. Recidivism is the rate at which inmates return to prison. There will be a drop in 2027 because of those program changes, Lamb said. The committee approved the appointment of Lamb to the DOC. The next step is for the South Dakota Senate to consider it. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Students inside the Indian Mission School in Falling Rock. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Virginia) The Virginia legislature plans to address the impact of a racist 1920s policy that for decades prohibited Native American children from pursuing education beyond seventh or eighth grade. The Racial Integrity Act, which was overturned in 1967, forced many to leave the commonwealth for states like Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Now lawmakers are considering a proposal to offer in-state tuition to non-Virginia students who are part of a federally recognized Virginia Native American tribe. The measure could encourage affected tribe members to return, and is one of several aimed at refining the government-to-government relationship Virginia maintains through a treaty with the federally recognized tribal nations in the commonwealth. Virginia recognizes 11 tribes in total, and seven of those are federally recognized, according to the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Morgan Faulkner, a citizen of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, said her tribes well-being and educational opportunities were directly impacted by the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which classified Virginians as either white, colored or mixed. Native Americans were considered colored, along with Black people, effectively erasing Indigenous identity. Advertisement Advertisement The law also denied tribes legal recognition, outlawed interracial marriage and relegated Native children to underfunded schools with limited resources. The law was part of a larger system that kept Virginia Native children in separate, substandard schools, which usually offered education only through seventh or eighth grade. Because public high schools were closed to them, many children had to leave the state for out-of-state or boarding schools. As a result of the Act, records provided to lawmakers indicate a significant number of Native AmericansIndians who left the commonwealth. Some records indicated that 45% of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribes 685 enrolled citizens live outside Virginia, primarily in Philadelphia and Florida. Faulkner said the new bills could repair some of these past harms and, by making higher education accessible, help tribes reestablish their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Virginia, in my opinion, has the best schools in the nation, and this (bill) really helps to rebuild our tribal communities by getting our young people to hopefully come back and stay here in the commonwealth, said Faulkner. What the bills would do and how they were developed Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, and Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George, are carrying proposals that would make any non-Virginia student who is a member or citizen of a federally recognized tribe and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program eligible for in-state tuition. Additionally, the proposal allows the governing board of any public institution of higher education to charge in-state tuition to such students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program. Virginias in-state tuition policy requires individuals to prove they live in the commonwealth and plan to stay indefinitely to establish domicile. After this, they must continue living in Virginia for at least one year before the first day of classes. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers worked with the Virginia Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes and the University of Virginias State and Local Government Policy Clinic, which provides non-partisan legal and policy research support to state and local government officials in Virginia. The clinic has assisted legislators from both parties in securing the passage of more than 25 laws. Jackson Martingayle, a student enrolled in the clinic, helped write the tuition proposal, which is similar to successful efforts in other states, including Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Students in class learning how to prepare sulphuric acid at Hampton Institute, Hampton, Virginia a historic moment of hands-on scientific education. (Courtesy Photo of the Library of Virginia) Based on survey responses from five out of seven of Virginias federally recognized tribes, approximately 21 out-of-state tribal youth high school graduates per year would be eligible for in-state tuition if they apply and are admitted to Virginias public colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement It feels great we have so many phenomenal universities in the commonwealth and to make it easier for more students especially those who have roots in the commonwealth and whose families have been effectively displaced from the state in the past to come back to this place where they do have roots at a much more affordable price, is truly amazing, Martingayle said. Its been a huge honor for us to be able to serve the commission as a whole, and tribal leaders in particular, and help them develop and advocate for long overdue changes to Virginia law, said Andrew Block, the Clinics director. Weve learned so much along the way thats been really valuable. Emily Becker and Andrew Lee, students who also assisted the commission, explained that over the past few months, they presented their findings to lawmakers and then spoke with representatives from the tribes, describing both experiences as a huge honor. I think that was a pretty momentous moment for us, Becker said. It felt really special to be able to stand up there and articulate some of these goals and describe the work that we had done to the commission. Advertisement Advertisement The process was also a learning experience for seasoned lawmakers. We can learn a lot from (Virginias tribes) and the fact that theyve been able to survive all these generations, even though we have Walter Plecker, who was a white supremacist and tried to erase them and erase Black people, were learning from everybody, said Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, who served as the commission chair. Thats why education is so critical. Bills to expand tribal sovereignty up for debate Multiple House and Senate lawmakers are proposing amendments that prioritize formal recognition and mandatory consultation with American Indian tribes on infrastructure, land use and historic preservation decisions. Krizek and Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, are carrying House Bill 368 and Senate Bill 356. These bills update state laws to include standard definitions for who is considered an American Indian or a member of a federally recognized tribe. They also specify that Virginia recognizes the inherent sovereignty, or the right to self-govern, of these tribes, which has been a persistent challenge, according to some Native Americans in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Getting the legislators and the government of the commonwealth to understand that sovereignty isnt something that they give or take away is a hard concept for somebody to understand as an intangible, said Thomas Badamo, a citizen of the Nansemond Indian Tribe. Krizek and McDougle are also sponsoring House Bill 367 and Senate Bill 353, which would require state agencies to engage in meaningful and timely consultation with tribes before issuing permits for major projects, such as highway construction or large water use. Reggie Stewart, chair of the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium, standing in line to speak to lawmakers on Jan. 20, 2026 in Richmond. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, and Krizek are carrying a proposal to create a Tribal Medicaid Advisory Group. This group will allow tribal and state health officials to collaborate on policies and insurance plans like Medicaid that affect tribal communities. Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, and Stuart filed proposals to update the Virginia Conservation Easement Act. The updates would allow federally recognized tribes to be holders of conservation easements who can acquire, protect, and manage land to preserve its natural beauty or historical importance. Advertisement Advertisement Del. Ellen McLaughlin, R-Rockbridge, and Marsden are proposing that the Department of Emergency Management coordinate with tribes during disaster planning. Tribes would then be included in statewide safety assessments and search-and-rescue planning. All of these efforts could heighten the visibility of Virginia tribes cultures and identities, which Virginias first Ombudsman for Tribal Consultation Kara Canaday said is a challenge. A lot of people do not realize tribes are still here in Virginia, Canaday said. She connects Virginia tribes to state agencies. Virginias Native tribes are working very diligently for that visibility, Canaday said. Its been a lot of hiding for a lot of years, and now we are reawakening our languages and shamelessly wearing culturally identifying clothing. I will often wear ribbon skirts to work or to events that we have here at the Capitol that lets people know we are still here. Its something that we take pride in because thats who we are. Advertisement Advertisement The deadline for bills to clear each chamber is Feb. 17. If successful, the proposals move to the other chamber for consideration. Gov. Abigail Spanberger would then be responsible for signing any proposals. Indigenous history teaching materials bill pitched Del. Jessica Anderson, D-Williamsburg, is carrying House Bill 288. This bill would require Virginias Department of Education to clearly post links on its website to teaching materials about Virginias Indigenous peoples. Under the proposal, a tribal education group would provide the teaching materials. This ensures teachers, students, and the public can easily find accurate resources about Native tribes in the state. Reggie Stewart, chair of the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium, which works with VDOE, said that because Virginias instructional materials lack adequate coverage of Virginia Native history, it is important for Virginia tribes to tell their own story and ensure its accuracy. Were the ones who made contact with the settlers in 1607, and so we know our own history, and so we should be considered a credible source for that information, Stewart said. We would hope that the Virginia Department of Education would look at it from that perspective as well and look to partner with us more in the future. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Demonstrators gather outside of the Henry Whipple Federal Building, shouting at federal vehicles and recording their plates Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) A Minneapolis-based human rights group is suing the Department of Homeland Security, accusing DHS officials and agents of illegally and systematically preventing detained immigrants from meeting with their lawyers. The proposed class action lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court of Minnesota, was brought on behalf of the Advocates for Human Rights and a St. Paul woman referred to by the initials L.H.M. Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, L.H.M., who has lived in Minnesota since 2019 and has a pending asylum claim, was arrested Monday after a routine check-in at ICEs Office of Intensive Supervision in Bloomington. After L.H.M.s family contacted her attorney, the lawyer immediately travelled to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building but was unilaterally refused access to L.H.M. L.H.M. recently underwent cranial surgery, the lawsuit states, and has significant medical needs that may be severely adversely affected by detention conditions or involuntary transfer out of state. According to the claim, federal agents at the Whipple Building and at least one ICE attorney have repeatedly told frustrated lawyers that no visitation between detainees and attorneys is or has ever been permitted at Whipple. Advertisement Advertisement This is false, the complaint continues. Whipple has rooms labeled ERO Visitation, where attorneys have met with clients held at Whipple for years. Nowadays, when lawyers attempt to arrange visits at Whipple, phone calls and emails allegedly go unanswered. According to the suit, one lawyer was recently threatened with arrest at the Whipple Building, despite having received prior permission from agency officials. Another attorney attempting to speak to a client was confronted by six armed security personnel, one of whom said, Were not having a debate here, turn your car around and get the hell out of here. The lawsuit asserts claims under the First Amendment, the Fifth Amendment, the Administrative Procedures Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Homeland Security responded: Any allegations people detained by ICE do not have access to attorneys are false. Illegal aliens in the Whipple Federal Building have access to phones they can use to contact their families and lawyers. Additionally, ICE gives all illegal aliens arrested a court-approved list of free or low-cost attorneys. All detainees receive full due process. (Homeland Security has a burgeoning record of providing false information to the public, as detailed in a recent Stateline story; after the recent killing of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol, a Homeland Security spokesperson claimed Pretti wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement even though he never drew his gun, for which he had a permit.) This is not the first time DHS has been sued for impeding detainees access to counsel. Similar suits in New York and Illinois have resulted in court orders. DHS also has a recent history of defying court orders. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz, chief judge of the Minnesota district, issued an order in a habeas petition in which he identified 96 court orders that ICE has violated since January 1 a tally that he said is likely an undercount because it was assembled in haste. This list should give pause to anyone no matter his or her political beliefs who cares about the rule of law, wrote Schiltz, who was appointed to the bench by George W. Bush and clerked for Antonin Scalia, the late Supreme Court justice and conservative icon. ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence, Schiltz wrote. NYPD officers too often stop Black and Hispanic drivers without justification, a lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges. The suit, filed in Manhattan Federal Court by the New York Civil Liberties Union and Bronx Defender Services, comes after a city law went into effect at the start of 2022 requiring officers to document every vehicle stop as well as stops of non-vehicles like bicycles whether or not enforcement action is taken. During the first three years under the new law, police made more than 2 million traffic stops, issued 1.8 million tickets, made 68,000 arrests and searched 57,000 vehicles, according to police data and a NYCLU analysis. Advertisement Advertisement But the NYCLU noted that while Blacks and Hispanics make up 22% and 23% of the driving population in the city, they were stopped at a higher rate, with Blacks making up 32% of stops and Hispanics 30%. White drivers were behind the wheel in 23% of the stops, despite making up 38% of drivers. When enforcement action was taken such as a summons issued or an arrest made the racial disparities were even starker, the NYCLU says. Blacks and Hispanics made up 90% of the arrests, with Blacks 10 times more likely to be searched than whites, and Hispanics six times more likely than whites to be searched. Advertisement Advertisement Far too many Black and Latino drivers in New York City are treated like criminals when their vehicles are searched during what should be routine traffic stops, merely because of the color of their skin, said Daniel Lambright, a top lawyer for the Civil Liberties Union. The NYPDs targeting of Black and Latino drivers with baseless vehicle searches is nothing more than stop and frisk on wheels, and it must come to an end. Accusations by the NYCLU that drivers in predominantly minority neighborhoods are stopped as a pretext to look for guns even though the NYPD data shows weapons were found in about 4% of all vehicle searches mirrors the controversy that dogged the nations largest police force when a federal judge in 2013 ruled the NYPDs use of stop and frisk was unconstitutional. That decision, met with a sharp rebuttal by then-NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly and then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg, resonates today, with the NYPD still under the watchful eye of a court-appointed federal monitor. The NYPD has adopted a number of changes recommended by the monitor, even as it has maintained it does not engage in racial profiling. Advertisement Advertisement A police spokesman pointed to an April 2025 City Council testimony by Joshua Levin, then the departments director of legislative affairs, who said the NYPD routinely has more cops in high crime areas and in ares with many complaints from residents. At the time, Levin said the department sends more officers to areas of the city with a high number of crimes and resident complaints. Any time you have more police officers in a certain area, as a result you are going to see more enforcement, you are going to see more car stops, you are going to see more searches, he said. Mr. Levin added that the city had many mechanisms in place to help residents who feel they were targeted or searched unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement The suit names as plaintiffs the NAACP and two Black men, one of whom, Justin Cohen , 35, said he was stopped in 2023 for allegedly speeding by officers who illegally searched him, seized his car and arrested him before finally being released with a speeding ticket that was ultimately dismissed. My ordeal at the hands of the NYPD adds to a long list of horrific stories about driving while Black and racial profiling, Cohen said. This traumatizing experience has left a lasting impact on me. After Elleshia Seymour fled the United States with her four kids in November 2025, her ex-husband, Kendall Seymour, has revealed that the children were located in an orphanage in Croatia. Now that the kids have been found, an attorney explained the next steps Kendall will have to take in order to get his kids back while exclusively speaking to Us Weekly. In a GoFundMe update on Sunday, January 25, Kendall explained that he was raising money to hire Croatian lawyers who specialize in child abduction, create and submit Hague Convention applications [and] hire court-approved translators. The Hague Convention is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions, according to the US Department of States website. Advertisement Advertisement Anthony G. Joseph from Masters Law Group who is not licensed in Croatia explained that Kendalls first step should be to retain a Croatian attorney to advise [him] on these issues. After noting that the Hague Convention process can be confusing, Joseph explained that the process is different in every country. In the United States, people have to fill out an application on the State Department's website and may have to wait a long time to hear back. 4 Children Missing From Utah Found in Croatian Orphanage After Mother Kidnapped Them When it comes to Seymours case, Joseph said he should contact a lawyer who can advise [him] as to these issues because every country handles and interprets Hague Convention matters differently. Advertisement Advertisement Joseph also explained what the Hague Convention process looks like in the United States. Most people think you fill out an application on the Croatian website, and it gets transferred to the US State Department, and they're going to send the parent a letter, right? And they're going to say, 'Hi, we're the State Department. We received this application. Please return the child by such and such [a] date. That date's either going to come or go, and the child's not going to be returned, Joseph said. They're then going to send the letter back to their foreign counterparts saying, 'Look, we were attempting to reach out to said parent [and they] didn't return our phone calls. So therefore, here's a list of lawyers who could possibly help you, the attorney explained. After Elleshia, 35, was last seen getting on a plane to Europe with her 11-year-old, 8-year-old, 7-year-old and 3-year-old children in November 2025, an Endangered Missing Advisory was issued for the children on December 10, 2025, and Elleshia was charged with four counts of felony custodial interference. Kendall shared via the GoFundMe page that the kids were located, explaining that they are trapped in Croatia in a state-run orphanage. He added, We are in the country, trying to get the kids out of the custody of the local government. Advertisement Advertisement Mother of 4 Missing Children Who Were Found in Croatian Orphanage Arrested in Europe He also shared that a fifth American child is in the orphanage where his kids are. My children were traveling with him and his mother. The fifth childs situation is even more difficult than my own kids status, Kendall continued on the GoFundMe page. We would like to help him as much as possible - his situation is going to need more legal help and strategy than ours. The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office has since confirmed that Seymour was taken into custody on Friday, January 16, in Dubrovnik, Croatia. At least five people have died after Storm Kristin tore through central and northern Portugal, causing flooding, landslides and widespread damage. The storm, which the government described as an "extreme climactic event", left schools shuttered, buildings damaged and travel severely disrupted. In the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel overturned and several vehicles were hit when part of a roof was torn from a building. Advertisement Advertisement Portugal has been hit by a succession of storms in recent days, including one over the weekend in which a man died after his car was swept away in floods. Heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 150km (95 miles) per hour caused more than 3,000 weather-related incidents across the country, civil protection authorities said. Several people were struck by falling trees or debris. The strongest winds were recorded at the Monte Real air base in Leiria, where gusts of 178km were recorded before the monitoring equipment was destroyed. Officials said the location was likely the storm's entry point to mainland Portugal. More than 850,000 people lost power on Wednesday, according to electricity distributor E-Redes. A ferris wheel was overturned and several vehicles were hit when part of a roof was torn from a building [EPA] The civil protection agency (ANEPC) reported that three people had died in the central district of Leiria - one of the worst affected areas. Advertisement Advertisement In Leira, one person was hit by a metal sheet, and another was trapped in the structure of a house, according to officials. Local media said a man in Vila Franca de Xira died when a tree struck his car, local media said. There were also reports of a death in the Marinha Grande area. Transport across Portugal has been severely disrupted, with roads - including the main motorway connecting Lisbon to the north - and railways blocked by debris. Ten coastal areas were placed under a red weather warning on Wednesday due to dangerous sea conditions, with waves forecast to reach up to 14m (45ft,11in), according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). Advertisement Advertisement The PSP (Public Security Police) urged people in Coimbra and Leira to stay inside, while Portugal's Secretary of State for Civil Protection said the country remained on maximum alert. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed condolences to the victims' families. He said authorities were assessing the damage and would take "whatever measures are necessary". Meanwhile, Leiria's mayor, Goncalo Lopes, urged the government to declare a state of emergency. "We have public spaces turned upside down," he told reporters. "It's something that will require a very large recovery effort in the coming months. The impact is similar to what a bomb could mean in our city, with massive destruction." Advertisement Advertisement After crossing Portugal, Storm Kristin moved east into Spain - bringing with it snow, rain and strong winds. The storm caused widespread disruption across the country, with schools, roads and train lines closed and hundreds of thousands without power. In Andalusia, emergency services reported some 2,000 weather-related incidents. Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, warned of very strong winds in some areas, with gusts expected to reach hurricane force. A red weather alert has been issued for parts of Almeria in the south-east due to the strength of the wind. U.S. Marshals announced that they have arrested a 19-year-old Lebanon suspect in the fatal shooting of a teenager shortly before a car crash in 2021. Chief Deputy United States Marshal Philip Lewis announced that Jaden Pagan, 19, was located and arrested in the Bronx, New York. On Nov. 1, 2021, the Lebanon City Police Department charged Jaden Pagan (who was 15-years-old at the time) with Criminal Homicide, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Homicide, Persons Not to Possess Firearms, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, and related offenses for his role in an incident that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old male in Lebanon. "Investigators recently learned that Pagan has been utilizing a fraudulent alias while residing in the Bronx, New York," officials said in a release. "The USMS Middle District of PA requested assistance from the USMS New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force." Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 28, law enforcement located and apprehended Pagan without incident in the 2000 block of Marmion Ave, Bronx, according to the release. Officials said Pagan is pending extradition back to Pennsylvania. This arrest comes as result of a joint effort between the United States Marshals Service, the Lebanon City Police Department, and the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office. We want to thank the United States Marshals Service for their assistance and excellent work in locating and safely arresting a violent criminal who evaded justice for far too long," Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said in the statement. "Without the Marshals efforts, our victims family would still be wondering and waiting when their sons final killer would answer for his crimes. Officials alleged that Pagan and a second person intended to commit a robbery against the people in the car after meeting them to buy marijuana. Jaedyn Gaines, Pagan's alleged partner, was arrested in 2021 by the Lebanon City Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement "Gaines did take the marijuana from one of the victims when a struggle began between the 16-year-old victim and the second offender," Police said in a statement in 2021. "Gaines is alleged to have shot the victim while the victim and the second offender fled from the scene." The 16-year-old victim then accelerated south on 6th Street and struck parked vehicles. The vehicle overturned near Arnold Street and came to rest on the roof. The results of an autopsy from the Lebanon County Coroner's office indicate the victim died of a single gunshot wound to his chest. Police located a single expended casing near North Sixth and Crowell in 2021. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Marshals report capture of Lebanon man charged in 2021 fatal shooting SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) In response to the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to repeal Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for migrants, groups are taking legal action against the Trump Administration. Haitian migrants are currently under TPS because the previous Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, deemed their home country unsafe and provided them refuge. However, according to the federal registry, current Secretary Kristi Noem has determined those reasons for granting Haitians TPS dont apply anymore. Even if they did stay, she said it must be terminated because Haitians temporarily staying here is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Springfield resolution asks expected ICE influx to observe local rules on identification There are currently two lawsuits in response to the Secretary of Homeland Securitys decision to terminate TPS. One is ACLU in California, which involves legal migrants from several countries, and the other is Miot v. Trump, a class-action lawsuit focused exclusively on the hundreds of thousands of Haitian migrants under TPS, including those in Springfield. Both suits are expected to receive a ruling by Feb. 3. Attorney Geoff Pipoly was part of the original winning lawsuit keeping TPS from being terminated back in September 2025. Now, Pipoly is the lead counsel on Miot v. Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Were arguing that because it was preordained, because the decision was pre-baked before anybody really took a serious look at the facts on the ground in Haiti, that violates the process that Congress set up for doing these reviews of TPS countries, said Pipoly. Pipoly also said the second claim is an equal protection claim under the Fifth Amendment, which said the termination was violated by racial discrimination by the president and Secretary Noem. Springfield braces for end of protected status for Haitians The defense, the Department of Justice, wants these claims thrown out altogether, but Pipoly said federal judge Ana Reyes isnt going to grant that. Advertisement Advertisement The judge has already said shes on the record that shes going to deny the governments motion to dismiss, which certainly bodes well for us, we think, said Pipoly. But she could still deny our motion. However, that means Judge Reyes will either rule in favor of or against rather than simply throwing out the claims. Now, its simply left to the ruling on Feb. 3. In the event that we win, as long as that win remains intact and undisturbed by a higher court, they cant do ICE raids, said Pipoly. If its ended either because the judge were in front of right now rules against us, or she rules for us and then an appeals court overturns her, then they could theoretically start ICE raids the next day. They have not said to us in court one way or another what the plan is. 2 NEWS reached out to DHS and ICE for comment, but did not receive a response. 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 WDTN.com. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Donald Trump had previously misspoken while defending his campaign to acquire Greenland and critics are pouncing. While testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Rubio answered questions for the first time since a U.S. military operation in Venezuela led to the capturing of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. He said that the former regime represented an untenable situation, telling lawmakers that the United States does not intend nor expect to take any further military action at this time. At one point, Rubio was asked a question by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) about the presidents desire to acquire Greenland, which was renewed in the days following the raid. Kaine pointed to an instance last week when Trump said Iceland instead of Greenland four times while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me. They called me daddy, right? Last time, Trump said, referencing a previous nickname from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. About a minute later, Trump claimed that they are not there for us on Iceland, that I can tell you. I mean, our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland, Trump said. So Icelands already cost us a lot of money. During the hearing, Kaine asked Rubio directly: The president repeatedly mistook Iceland for Greenland, right? Were not mad at Iceland... the president just mistook the two countries for each other, correct? Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, he meant to say Greenland, but I think were all familiar with presidents that have verbal stumbles, Rubio said, appearing to take a jab at former President Joe Biden. Weve had presidents like that before. Some made a lot more than this one. After some reporters and critics noted the presidents mistake, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly hopped on the defense, responding to NewsNations Libbey Dean, who posted on X that Trump appeared to mix up Greenland and Iceland around three times. No he didnt, [Libbey], Leavitt replied. His written remarks referred to Greenland as a piece of ice because thats what it is. Youre the only one mixing anything up here. Leavitts post has since been marked with a community note, with X users claiming that she is not telling the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Watch A number of Trumps critics quickly pummeled Leavitt following the exchange with Rubio. Rubio calls Karoline Leavitt a liar, the progressive network MeidasTouch wrote in response, though Rubio did not use the label directly. So the Press Secretary wasnt on the level here? another user asked. Shocking. Democratic congressional candidate Fred Wellman added: Swing and a miss, Marco! Better luck next time. Trump told reporters last week that he would announce details of a compromise in two weeks related to the future of Greenland, which falls under the boundaries of Denmark, a NATO ally. His deadline came one day after he announced a framework of a deal with the NATO alliance, without providing any details. Advertisement Advertisement Trump called a potential proposal infinite, adding that it will be a deal thats forever. Rubio said during Wednesdays hearing that were in a good place right now with Greenland. He noted that there is a professional process underway that will result in a good outcome for everybody. Trump has faced fierce resistance from officials in both Greenland and Denmark, who have argued that the semi-autonomous Arctic territory is not for sale. The president, however, has frequently maintained that ownership over the island, home to critical rare earth minerals, is necessary for national security, while warning against Russia or China occupying it in the future. In his announcement of a framework, Trump also pointed to his proposed Golden Dome, a missile defense system that he has previously teased will be operating before the end of his term in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Q : How should we think about the gold AUM growth given the current gold prices? A : Bindu A.L., CFO, explained that the AUM growth is driven by a strategy focusing on high-ticket customers with lower yields. The growth in customer numbers is not as significant due to this shift. V.P. Nandakumar, Chairman and MD, added that customer prudence plays a role, as gold is considered auspicious, and the LTVs remain stable. Even if gold prices fall, the impact would be temporary, and the company is well-positioned to manage such scenarios. The company has declared an interim dividend of INR50 for the quarter, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders. The company has a robust liquidity position with capital adequacy comfortably above regulatory thresholds, providing stability in managing cost of funds. The company's consolidated gold loan AUM for the quarter was INR38,754 crore, showing a significant 23% year-on-year growth, supported by favorable gold prices and strong customer demand. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Story Continues Q: What is the outlook on gold loan yields? A: Deepak Reddy, CEO, stated that the yields will align with market rates, which are currently around 18.5% to 18.3%. The company aims to maintain yields similar to other leading players, even as they shift towards larger ticket size customers. Q: Why has borrowing increased more than loan growth this quarter? A: Deepak Reddy explained that the increase in borrowings is due to interim approvals from the RBI, with final approvals expected soon. The borrowing was necessary to manage liquidity and is expected to stabilize once the approvals are finalized. Q: Can you elaborate on the price sensitivity tests for improving the scheme mix? A: Deepak Reddy mentioned that the company is conducting tests across geographies and customer segments to align pricing with market conditions. This involves adjusting strategies based on competitive factors and market evolution, aiming to price at market levels. Q: What are the strategic priorities for non-gold businesses? A: Deepak Reddy highlighted a consolidate-to-growth strategy, focusing on improving credit performance and profitability. The company has scaled down certain businesses and tightened underwriting norms, with plans to resume growth after strengthening systems and processes. Q: How is the company addressing asset quality issues in non-gold portfolios? A: Bindu A.L. stated that provisions are being made for vehicle finance and MSME loans, with a focus on improving asset quality. The company is conducting valuations and write-offs where necessary, and expects improvement in vehicle finance due to easier asset repossession. Q: What is the status of the Bain Capital transaction and its impact on branch expansion? A: Deepak Reddy noted that the transaction is in the final stages with the RBI, and approvals for branch expansion are expected soon. The company is optimistic about receiving favorable decisions from the regulator. Q: How does the company plan to manage operating expenses amid strategic initiatives? A: V.P. Nandakumar mentioned that while there will be capital investments, the initiatives will also lead to optimization of operating expenses. The company expects leverage benefits and improved productivity to offset any increase in costs. Q: What is the expected trajectory for standalone ROA? A: Bindu A.L. and Deepak Reddy indicated that the company aims to achieve a standalone ROA of 4.25% to 4.5% by the second half of the next fiscal year, driven by growth in branch business and stable borrowing costs. Q: How is the company addressing the high GNPA levels in non-gold segments? A: Deepak Reddy emphasized that the company has analyzed past issues and is implementing corrective measures across acquisition, underwriting, and risk management processes. Growth in these segments will resume once the systems are strengthened. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. The post Life in the Dead Zone: Third-Ever Animal Species Discovered in North Americas Saltiest Water appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Surviving in water more than 10 times as salty as ocean water, Diplolaimelloides woaabi represents a remarkable example of multicellular resilience. The Diplolaimelloides woaabi discovery challenges assumptions about which environments are truly empty, showing that complex life can thrive even in hypersaline waters long thought inhospitable. Guidance from Indigenous elders was required to name the endemic species found in Utah. For many years, scientists believed that life in Utahs Great Salt Lake was extremely limited. Its caustic, hyper-saline waters, up to ten times saltier than the ocean, were thought to support only two forms of complex life: brine shrimp and brine flies. Everything else, it seemed, was simply locked out by the lakes chemistry. Recently, that assumption was cracked wide open. In the salt-crusted waters of the Great Salt Lake, scientists have uncovered a new species of nematode. iStock.com/beccarie (iStock.com/beccarie) Researchers announced the discovery of a previously unknown species of nematode, a microscopic worm, thriving in the lakes extreme conditions. The finding doesnt just add a new organism to the Great Salt Lakes roster. It fundamentally reshapes how scientists think about where complex life can exist, both on Earth and beyond it. Advertisement Advertisement The discovery represents only the third known animal species adapted to the lakes extreme salinity. The species, Diplolaimelloides woaabi, was named with guidance from Indigenous elders and appears to be endemic to this lake. The Great Salt Lake has long been considered one of Earths harshest ecosystems. Its extreme salinity, constantly fluctuating water levels, and low-oxygen conditions create an environment that challenges even the most resilient forms of life. While specialized microbes have adapted to survive these stresses, few complex organisms were thought capable of enduring them. Nematodes, despite being among the most widespread animals on the planet, were not expected to survive in such conditions. As multicellular organisms with specialized tissues and biological systems, they are far more sensitive to chemical extremes than single-celled life, hardly the kind of animals scientists associate with environments as chemically unforgiving as the Great Salt Lake. But the Diplolaimelloides woaabi is surprising the scientific world. Diplolaimelloides woaabi is a testament that life can persist in conditions once thought nearly sterile. Bella Bender/Shutterstock.com (Bella Bender/Shutterstock.com) Researchers identified this species of free-living nematode, which inhabits microbialites in the Great Salt Lake, using both molecular and morphological analyses. The species was characterized through 18S rRNA gene sequencing, as well as scanning electron microscopy and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Advertisement Advertisement Named Diplolaimelloides woaabi sp. nov. (family Monhysteridae, order Monhysterida), the nematode is defined by a distinctive combination of traits, including the presence of ocelli, a relatively small body size (less than 1.5 mm), short anterior sensory setae, and a cryptospiral amphidial fovea. It also features a funnel-shaped anterior buccal cavity with a reduced secondary cavity, fused lips, long paired spicules with sub-apical extensions, and a prominent male bursa. Notably, this species is adapted to hypersaline microbialites, identifying it as an extremophile and a potential bioindicator of ecological change in the Great Salt Lake. The newly identified nematode species appears to tolerate levels of salinity and alkalinity that would kill most animals outright. Its existence suggests that the lakes ecosystem is more complex and resilient than previously thought. What was formerly viewed as a biological dead end may instead be a laboratory for adaptation. The Great Salt Lake has long been considered one of Earths harshest ecosystems. Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock.com (Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock.com) At first glance, the discovery of a microscopic worm in the Great Salt Lake might seem like a biological curiosity, a narrow finding with limited relevance beyond nematode taxonomy. In reality, it carries far broader implications, particularly for astrobiology, the study of life beyond Earth. Planetary scientists routinely look to Earths most extreme environments as analogs for other worlds. Antarcticas dry valleys, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and hypersaline lakes are used to model how life might persist under intense cold, pressure, chemical stress, or limited energy. The Great Salt Lake has now joined that list in a new and unexpected way. Advertisement Advertisement If complex, multicellular life can surviveand even thrivein an ecosystem long considered nearly sterile, it challenges our assumptions about what conditions are truly habitable. This shift matters when scientists evaluate places like Europa, Jupiters ice-covered moon, and one of the most promising targets in the search for life in our solar system. Europas frozen surface conceals a vast subsurface ocean containing more water than all of Earths oceans combined. Because the moon orbits the massive gas giant Jupiter, powerful tidal forces continuously stretch and compress Europas interior, generating heat that prevents the ocean from freezing solid. Observations of water plumes erupting through fractures in the ice provide strong evidence of ongoing thermal activity beneath the surface. Researchers believe Europa possesses three essential ingredients for life as we know it: liquid water, a sustained energy source, and complex chemistry. While hydrothermal vents on Europas ocean floor were once considered a key component of its potential habitability, recent research suggests that such vents may be absent or far less active than previously believed. On Earth, such vents form when seawater penetrates deep into the crust, is superheated by magma, and becomes chemically altered, leaching minerals from surrounding rock. Those minerals are expelled back into the ocean, where entire ecosystems thrive without sunlight, relying instead on chemical energy. Scientists have long wondered whether a similar process could occur on Europa. There, heat would not come from magma but from tidal heating, as Jupiters gravity flexes the moon and fractures its ocean floor. However, recent studies suggest that Europas seafloor may lack the geological activity necessary for hydrothermal vents, making such environments less likely than previously thought. Advertisement Advertisement This is where the Great Salt Lake discovery becomes especially relevant. Hypersaline microbialites were once thought capable of supporting only simple microbial life. The presence of a free-living, multicellular nematode in such an environment suggests that biological complexity does not automatically exclude life from chemically harsh systems. Astrobiology has traditionally focused on microbes as the most likely form of life beyond Earth. This finding does not overturn that expectation, but it does complicate it. Nematodes demonstrate that adaptability, not simplicity alone, may be the critical factor. The logic is simple but powerful: if life can adapt here, under conditions once considered prohibitive, perhaps it can adapt elsewhere as well. This realization forces scientists to reconsider long-held assumptions about where life might emerge, persist, or even flourish. The discovery of the Diplolaimelloides woaabi Diplolaimelloides woaabi carries implications far beyond the lake itself. iStock.com/Zhi Gong (iStock.com/Zhi Gong) This discovery also opens a provocative question: how many places on Earth that we casually label as empty are anything but? How many ecosystems, too salty, too acidic, too dry, or too toxic, have been dismissed not because life is absent, but because we havent looked closely enough, or with the right perspective? The presence of Diplolaimelloides woaabi in the Great Salt Lake reminds us that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, specifically in environments that defy our expectations of habitability. The Great Salt Lake nematode is a quiet proof of the provisional quality of scientific certainty. Even in landscapes studied for generations, surprises linger at the edges of what we deem possible. Life is not simply resilient; it is inventive, opportunistic, and remarkably unwilling to be confined by the boundaries humans impose. Life thrives not just by surviving harsh conditions, but by finding ways to exploit niches that, at first glance, seem uninhabitable. Advertisement Advertisement As researchers scan the skies and drill into alien ice in search of life outside Earth, this finding offers a revealing lesson. The challenge may not be that life is rare in the universe, but that our definitions of habitability, as well as our imaginations, are too limited. Restricting our search to environments that mirror Earths most comfortable corners risks overlooking life that has taken less conventional paths. Sometimes, increasing our understanding of the galaxy begins much closer to home. And sometimes, it takes a tiny worm, thriving in a salt-scorched lake, to show us just how much we still have to learn. The post Life in the Dead Zone: Third-Ever Animal Species Discovered in North Americas Saltiest Water appeared first on A-Z Animals. Lincoln Hills, the troubled youth detention facility, ended court-ordered monitoring Wednesday. | Photo courtesy Wisconsin Department of Corrections On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Peterson ended mandated oversight of the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth prisons. A court-mandated monitoring program for the juvenile detention facilities found them to be in substantial compliance with reforms sought in a 2018 class action settlement, marking a new chapter in their troubled history. Teresa Abreu, the court-appointed monitor, praised the progress both facilities have made in the latest report. This accomplishment reflects years of deliberate and meaningful reform, including the elimination of OC spray, the removal of punitive room confinement, the reduction of restraint usage and confinement in general, the use of MANDT, the implementation of a robust behavior management system and programming efforts to reduce idleness, and a strong emphasis on staff wellness. The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. For years, the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls were notorious among the nations largest juvenile prisons. Children and teens incarcerated there, most of them from Milwaukee, described being subjected to pepper spray, solitary confinement, and man-handling by guards. Guards also reported experiencing violence and injuries caused by incarcerated youth. Advertisement Advertisement Those reports culminated in a lawsuit filed in 2017 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, the Juvenile Law Center, and the Milwaukee-based law firm Quarles & Brady LLP over conditions in both corrections facilities. A settlement agreement was eventually reached, and included a consent decree which mandated that policies, practices, and conditions improve at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, while also appointing a monitor to ensure that the facilities came into compliance with the settlement. When we started this lawsuit in 2017, the use of pepper spray on children, solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches were rampant at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, Tim Muth, staff attorney at the ACLU of Wisconsin said in a statement. Today, those practices have been eliminated or significantly restricted at the facilities, and the reforms codified into binding regulations. Gov. Tony Evers praised the facilities progress. This has been a goal a decade in the making, and its tremendous to be able to celebrate the completion of reforms at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools todayThis is a win for our state, a win for youth in our care, and a win for those who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the needed advancement of our justice system. Abreus most recent assessment noted that the overall climate, safety and culture at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake had seen a demonstrable improvement, but stressed that sustaining reforms to the facilities must remain a top priority, not just to protect youth and staff but also to ensure continued compliance with the Consent Decree, which has now been codified by the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Advertisement Advertisement Kate Burdick, senior attorney at the Juvenile Law Center, commended Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake as being a far cry from where we started in a statement. Yet we know that no child should grow up in prison even an improved one. Across Wisconsin, the focus should be on building up alternatives to incarceration that support young people and help them thrive at home and in their own communities. Today there are 112 youth incarcerated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections according to the most recent population report. That number includes 71 boys at Lincoln Hills and 22 girls at Copper Lake. While improvements have been made to both facilities, plans to eventually close the two prisons have been stalled by years of legislative debate and local pushback from communities that dont want new juvenile prisons built in their backyards. In 2024, Lincoln Hills was engulfed by a new wave of controversy after a staff member died from injuries hed received during an assault. One of the involved teens, 18-year-old Rian Nyblom, pleaded guilty last year, and a trial for 17-year-old Javarius Hurd has been delayed. Hurd pleaded guilty to homicide and battery charges, but has argued that he was not responsible due to mental illness Abreu stressed in her monitoring report more improvements are needed at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. Despite this progress, critical work remains, the monitor wrote. The Defendants must establish a comprehensive, long-term strategy for youth who are not suited for a juvenile correctional setting. As the Monitor has consistently advised, greater emphasis must be placed on transferring youth from [Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake] to more appropriate placements or diverting them from confinement altogether. The opening of new facilities should not result in increased incarceration; rather, it should advance the vision of placing youth closer to home and ultimately closing [Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake]. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Vice President JD Vance arrived in Naples Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 28, flying on Air Force Two and landing at the Naples Airport. His mission: a high roller's fundraiser at the Naples Yacht Club for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Guests paid $250,000 per couple or $100,000 per couple to attend today's luncheon, according to photos of the invitations posted on X (formerly Twitter). Vance will go from Naples to Miami for an RNC fundraising dinner with the same price tag for the pleasure of hearing the vice president speak and possibly shaking his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Vance is chairman of the RNC finance committee and as such is the top fundraiser for the primary governing body of the Republican Party. He is responsible for securing donations, cultivating relationships with major donors, and leading the party's fundraising efforts to support Republican candidates and initiatives. Details about the event were kept quiet with Collier County GOP leaders, including the head of the executive committee, keeping mum. None of them returned phone calls or emails from the Naples Daily News. 'Never too cold' to support GOP, resident says One dedicated Naples resident and supporter of the president and his VP wanted her own voice to be heard outside the yacht club. Kimberly Rae Walker said that she was so excited about Vances visit that she had been discussing it at work since learning about it. She even requested time off from work to be there. Advertisement Advertisement Its never too cold to come and support our Republican Party, Walker said, dressed in a coat and multiple layers. Upon being asked why she believes Vance is an ideal vice president, she responded with enthusiasm. I think I like a lot of his views. And hes from Ohio, which Im originally from, Walker said. Sometimes our president kind of goes off the rails and I think its very important that we show the Republican Party that were here for them. Walker said that many years ago, she pulled her daughter out of school when George W. Bush visited Naples during his administration. Vance supporters cheer when he arrives at yacht club The vice presidents plane could be seen from the yacht club, flying into Naples Airport, which is about four miles away. Advertisement Advertisement As the plane flew overhead, Vance supporters erupted in cheers. Less than 20 minutes later, a motorcade escorting the VP was seen driving down Seventh Street. Vice President JD Vance landed at Naples Airport, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 for a private fundraising event. Air Force Two circled the airport before its final approach as onlookers gathered along his route to glance and take pictures. Upon the VPs entrance onto yacht club property, supporters quickly began to leave. Protesters lingered, engaging in continued discourse about their strong opinions. Vance arrives at Naples Yacht Club Vance landed in Naples shortly before 1:45 p.m. and later arrived at Naples Yacht Club, around 2 p.m., officials said. Security was tight at the airport and yacht club, as motorists endured traffic tie-ups along the motorcade route. Vice President JD Vance's plane, Air Force Two, landed at Naples Airport Jan. 28, 2026. Vance is in town for an RNC fundraiser at the Naples Yacht Club. Secret Service check vehicles for Vance visit A plethora of luxury vehicles carrying fundraiser attendees lined up on 14th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Drivers were asked to pop their hoods and open their trunks while Secret Service agents and a sniffing K9 thoroughly checked for explosives, something that appeared to be a tedious task. 'It's disgraceful' says anti-Vance protester of Trump administration Paul Stephens, media liaison of Free Indivisible SWFL, made an appearance at the Naples Yacht Club as part of a peaceful demonstration by the advocacy group to oppose the presidential administrations policies. Stephens said that it is important for Free Indivisible SWFL to be present at this event to let Vice President Vance know that a lot of people in the United States are not happy with the Trump policies regarding a lot of things, but particularly immigration and the recent shootings that were caught on video. Paul Stephens, media liaison for Free Indivisible SWFL, speaks as protesters gather across from the Naples Yacht Club in Naples, Fla., before a visit from Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. We think our government is taking a dictatorial direction. We have a president who does not pass legislation but rules by what he calls executive orders. I call them kingly fiats. Advertisement Advertisement Stephens is a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the American military for more than 30 years. Only in recent years did he become politically active after retiring.I'm shocked that this administration has decided to challenge our friends and allies who stood side by side with us, with me," Stephens said. "We never had to look over our shoulder. They were there when we needed them. They lost people in our wars, and now we're insulting them. It's disgraceful. I never thought my country would go after people who supported us." As a military man in particular, its dishonorable. Veterans took an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, and by advocating for democracy, Stephens is doing just that and will continue to do so, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Americans should not look at other Americans as enemies. Airport access restricted before Vance visit As a police canine wandered a Naples Airport parking lot, dozens of emergency vehicles lined up in the North Road lot awaiting Vice President JD Vance's arrival. At the same time, flights were still going in and out of the airport ahead of an airspace restriction due to be in place by about 1 p.m. Officers were stationed at the North Road lots, not allowing all vehicles to enter as had been the case earlier. Law enforcement also were set up in the car rental lot, not that the vice president would be needing those services. Law enforcers converge on Naples Airport before Vance visit Hundreds of law enforcement members converged at Naples Airport Wednesday, Jan. 28, ahead of Vice-President JD Vance's arrival. Advertisement Advertisement As part of the Wednesday morning preparations, dozens of officers on motorcycles came off Airport-Pulling Road to roll west in two perfect rows on North Road and into one of the main airport lots, where other public safety personnel had already been setting up. At least one airport entrance farther west on North Road was blocked off by noon. Protesters, Vance fans arrive before visit Protesters and Vance supporters began arriving shortly before noon before Vance was scheduled to appear at the Naples Yacht Club. Two women bundled in winter clothing showed their support for Vance and Trump, with Kimberly Rae Walker carrying a sign that said, "Make America Great Again. We love you JD Vance!" A person holding a sign stood outside of Naples Yacht Club ahead of Vice President JD Vance's arrival for a fundraiser on Jan. 28, 2026. Next to her, Colleen Catapano was wearing a sequined pink hat that said TRUMP GIRL. Advertisement Advertisement An anti-Vance protester arrived with a sign that showed the vice president dressed as a fortune teller. Workers at Naples Yacht Club place no parking signs around the property ahead of Vice President JD Vance's visit to Naples, Jan. 28, 2026. Officials arrive for Vance visit, block off press at Naples Yacht Club Dozens of emergency medical personnel, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff, Collier County Sheriffs Office deputies and other law enforcement officers filled the parking lot of the Naples Yacht Club. They're in anticipation for Vice President JD Vances arrival Wednesday, Jan. 28.Many were seen crossing their arms in short-sleeve uniforms as they braced the waterside breeze on an atypically cold Naples morning. Others were adorned in freshly pressed suits and sunglasses, despite the clouds hiding any sight of the sun. Members of the vice presidents team removed arriving media from the yacht clubs property, establishing lines of media allowance just beyond the property. Workers at Naples Yacht Club place no parking signs around the property ahead of Vice President JD Vance's visit to Naples, Jan. 28, 2026. Will the public get a glimpse of Vice President JD Vance in Naples? Vance is in town for a private fundraiser so it's unclear if residents will see him. He is not scheduled to speak publicly, but is expected in town sometime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. based on an Federal Aviation Administration no-fly advisory. He is expected to arrive at the Naples airport and travel to the Naples Yacht Club at 700 14th Ave. S. Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. Secret Service spokesman confirmed that the agency "is conducting a protective operation" and that some roads would be close temporarily. Will there be road closures, traffic disruptions today in Naples for Vance visit? Yes, but Secret Service spokesperson Matt Fagiana declined to share details for security reasons. "These closures will mainly affect passenger and commercial vehicles, while pedestrians, cyclists, and e-bike or scooter users may be allowed through with additional screening, depending on the location, Fagiana said in an email. "Weve coordinated with our local law enforcement partners to help the public plan ahead and use alternate routes." Protests planned at Naples Yacht Club who is organizing it? Paul Stephens of the Collier County Democratic Party and the local Indivisible group said the Democratic Party plans a pop-up protest in front of the yacht club. The Naples Daily News will add minute-by-minute updates here about the vice president's arrival at the Naples Airport, his motorcade, comments from event goers and protesters, with photos and videos. J. Kyle Foster is a senior growth & development reporter for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her by emailing jfoster1@usatodayco.com. Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Recap: JD Vance in Naples, Florida The local attorney facing nearly 100 charges connected to illegally recording multiple people has been moved from the Montgomery County Jail to a local hospital. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Matthew Currie was supposed to appear in court alongside his attorney, Ryan Nelson, on Wednesday, but News Center 7 learned that he wasnt able to be there because he was recently admitted to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Nelson told News Center 7 that he doesnt know when exactly his client was moved to the hospital. He went to visit him at the jail last Wednesday, but Currie wasnt there. TRENDING STORIES: Nelson also claims no one would initially tell him where his client was, but he later learned he was moved to the ICU at a local hospital. Hes since been moved to a standard room. The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office confirmed to News Center 7 that he remains in custody, but could not confirm any details surrounding his location or medical information due to a security concern and HIPAA. Advertisement Advertisement The attorney claims Currie was moved because jail staff could not properly care for him due to his disability. In a previous court appearance, Nelson told the court that the 50-year-old suffers from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain condition in which hes unable to care for himself. At the time of his arrest, he was in an assisted living facility. Before Wednesdays hearing, a motion for a mental competency evaluation was filed for Currie. Currie is currently facing 91 charges, including: 49 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance 40 counts of voyeurism and two counts of unauthorized use of computer/telecommunications property 2 counts of unauthorized use of computer/telecommunications property Advertisement Advertisement He previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. As previously reported by News Center 7, an investigation into Currie was launched after a family member of his found what appeared to be voyeuristic material on his phone. A search warrant was executed on Currie and his electronic devices, which led investigators to discover that he had allegedly been stalking a 17-year-old Oakwood High School student. Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck, Jr., previously said that Currie allegedly took multiple videos of the teen in a state of nudity through her bedroom window. Its very shocking, its something you would never suspect to happen to you, particularly in the confines of your own home, Oakwood Police Chief Allen Hill said. Advertisement Advertisement Currie is also accused of trying to film up girls skirts at Oakwood High School as he walked through the auditorium. He was previously the Managing Attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality and was instrumental in the founding of the Gem City Market. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) An employee at a Panama City disabled adult care facility was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly twerking in front of disabled patients. According to court documents, on Jan. 15, the Panama City Police Department received a tip regarding possible abuse and exploitation of disabled adults. Authorities reported that a video they received showed four women dancing in a sexually explicit manner known as twerking inside the facility in front of disabled patients. Advertisement Advertisement It was reported in the court documents that one female in the video was seen making physical contact with a patient by placing her breasts in the face and also one leg on the patient while twerking. Authorities said Josalynn Janeice Hart, 29, who was an employee at the time of the incident, can be seen in the video dancing on a sink and twerking on a table where at least two disabled patients were sitting. Hart was not seen in the video making direct physical contact with any of the patients. However, she is allegedly seen witnessing the other female continuously make physical contact with a patient while Hart danced and twerked near the faces of two disabled patients. It was reported that Hart did not report the physical contact with a patient that another employee made. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the patients in the video appear to be nonverbal, infirm, and incapable of providing consent. Hart was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition of an elderly or disabled person and failure to report abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. 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. A local man was arrested after a drug bust in Ohio on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force (WCOCTF) received information that Gregory Napier, 37, from Dayton, was in Allen County and allegedly had two pounds of methamphetamine with him, according to the Allen County Sheriffs Office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Investigators saw Napier operating a vehicle in Allen County and pulled him over. During the investigation, deputies and WCOCTF investigators found two pounds of meth and over $1,000 in cash in his possession, the sheriffs office said. Napier was arrested and booked on a charge of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, greater than 100 times the bulk amount. Photo contributed by Allen County Sheriff's Office Photo contributed by Allen County Sheriff's Office [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] While much of the conflict in Minnesota has been on the streets amid demonstrations there, theres also been conflict over federal immigration enforcement efforts in the courts. Over the course of the month, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection have been met on the ground by local protesters. This has led to the detention of many of the demonstrators and the two fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The state has erupted in unrest and left the Trump administration looking to change its tactics. While the administration and demonstrations may quiet down, the battle, however, is far from over as the federal tactics are challenged in court and investigations into the two deaths continue. Advertisement Advertisement Heres a quick look at where things stand: DOJ probes Walz over immigration enforcement Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas earlier this month to Minnesota officials as part of an investigation examining if they obstructed or impeded law enforcement during immigration enforcement efforts in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The subpoenas seek records from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and other county officials, The Associated Press reported. The subpoenas are part of an investigation led by the Department of Justice to see if state officials obstructed immigration enforcement through public statements made. Advertisement Advertisement Both Walz and Frey have pushed back on the investigation, saying that the federal government is looking to create fear. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey holds a news conference as Police Chief Brian O'Hara listens, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Jen Golbeck, Associated Press We shouldnt have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or crack down on local voices they disagree with, Frey said. The subpoenas also came just after Minnesota and the Twin Cities sued the Trump administration to try and stop the federal agents from conducting enforcement efforts in the state. Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement that deploying ICE officers in Minnesota was essentially a federal invasion. Advertisement Advertisement These poorly trained, aggressive and armed agents of the federal state have terrorized Minnesota with widespread unlawful conduct, Ellison said. Judge summons ICE leader in Minnesota U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz released a filing on Monday, just days after Pretti was killed, where he demanded the acting chief of ICE appear in court on Friday. The judge threatened to hold him in contempt if he did not follow the courts orders. The courts patience is at an end, he wrote, per The Washington Post. The summons was sent to acting ICE director Todd M. Lyons and said several times that ICE failed to comply with orders from courts. Todd Lyons, acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs. Enforcement (ICE), is interviewed on TV on the White House grounds, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Washington. | Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Schiltz wrote in the summons that he acknowledged that it was an unusual and extraordinary request of ordering the head of a federal agency to personally appear before the court. Advertisement Advertisement But the extent of ICEs violation of court orders is likewise extraordinary, and lesser measures have been tried and failed, he wrote. Schiltzs request comes from a case in which he ordered the release of an Ecuadorian man more than two weeks ago, and the man has remained in ICE custody. If the man was released before Fridays hearing, the summons for Lyons would be dropped. Death investigation fury After Good and Prettis deaths, state leaders like Walz are calling on the Trump administration to allow for an impartial investigation. They argue that since the individuals were killed by federal agents, the investigations should not be handled by federal investigators. Photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti are displayed at the scene where 37-year-old Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson It was revealed Wednesday by Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin that the two federal officers who fired their guns during Prettis fatal shooting were placed on leave directly after the shooting, which contradicted acting Border Patrol Commander-at-large Gregory Bovinos statement that the two agents were still working. Advertisement Advertisement Its currently not clear whether ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Good, was still on leave, but it was reported earlier this month that he was recovering from injuries sustained when he was hit by her vehicle and was not immediately back at work. Following each of their deaths, the state has insisted on an impartial investigation. After Prettis death, state officials made clear they did not trust federal agencies to lead an impartial investigation. State investigators wanted to work with the FBI for the investigation into Goods death, but the U.S. Attorneys Office restricted Minnesota investigators access to the case. After Prettis death, the scene was blocked off and a search warrant was issued from Hennepin County to access the area. However, federal agents still blocked investigators from the scene. Walz is demanding that local law enforcement and investigators work with the federal government during the investigation process. He said he has spoken with President Donald Trump multiple times about the importance, saying that the federal government cannot be trusted. Advertisement Advertisement Other court actions have included a case that bans federal agents from detaining or using tear gas against protesters. This case has been stayed by an appeals court. Preliminary report on Prettis death BCA officers stand on the scene where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. | Adam Gray, Associated Press According to a Customs and Border Patrol preliminary investigation obtained by the Deseret News, at approximately 9 a.m. local time, an officer was confronted by two female civilians. When ordered to move and they refused, the officer pushed them away. One attempted to run to a man, later identified as Pretti. The woman and Pretti did not move and the officer deployed pepper spray. Personnel attempted to take Pretti into custody and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, a Border Patrol agent repeatedly yelled Hes got a gun! and discharged an issued Glock 19 and another officer discharged his issued Glock 47, the report said. At 9:02 a.m., officers cut Prettis clothing and provided medical aid until Minneapolis emergency services arrived and took over. He was then transported to the hospital and pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m. Investigations into Prettis death are ongoing. Vice President JD Vance was in Naples, Florida Wednesday, Jan. 28, for a Republican National Committee fundraiser luncheon at the Naples Yacht Club. Vance, aboard Air Force Two, landed at Naples Airport around 1:45 p.m., before a motorcade whisked him off to the Naples Yacht Club. According to images of the event invitation shared on X, the luncheon was hosted by Judy and David Baum and Ron Weinberg. Tickets to attend were a whopping $250,000 per couple - Host Committee or $100,000 per couple - Luncheon. Advertisement Advertisement From Air Force Two's approach to liftoff, here are our best photos and videos from Vance's Naples visit: Photos: JD Vance visit to Naples, Florida See Air Force Two land in Naples for VP JD Vance visit Watch JD Vance motorcade leave Naples Airport Naples Yacht Club, Airport await JD Vance visit Get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Florida TODAY newsletter at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: JD Vance at Naples Airport, yacht club in Florida. Best photos, video (Photo by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images) Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the states legal limit for driving drunk. A divided state Senate voted 26-23 to approve legislation to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%. If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation on July 1. Utah moved to a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration limit in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays passage of Senate Bill 5067 culminates several years of effort by Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, a longtime Washington State Patrol trooper before serving as Snohomish County sheriff. This bill is about community safety. It is about changing the culture of driving in our state, Lovick said. Drunk driving is a choice, he said, and drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, 0.06% or 0.07% are not good for the community. Republican Sens. Jeff Wilson of Longview and Jim McCune of Graham joined 24 Democrats to pass the bill. Democratic Sens. Mike Chapman of Port Angeles, Yasmin Trudeau of Tacoma, Steve Conway of Tacoma, Adrian Cortes of Battle Ground, Claudia Kauffman of Kent and Deb Krishnadasan of Gig Harbor joined 17 Republicans in opposition. Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said there is clear evidence and clear data that it will result in fewer deadly crashes involving impaired drivers. State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, looks on toward the end of the roll call vote for his Senate Bill 5067, which would lower the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving to 0.05% from 0.08% in Washington. The bill passed the Senate on a 26-23 vote on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) If we had enacted this policy a couple years ago, we would have 100 more Washingtonians walking on the streets with us because we could have saved their lives, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Opponents doubt a lower limit will change the culture around drinking and driving or make a difference on Washingtons roads safer as promised. I truly believe that it is not going to do what we think its going to do, said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, the lead Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee. He said hiring more state troopers and conducting more special DUI patrols would do more to curtail impaired driving. Bar and restaurant concerns Typically, a person would not reach the lower standard with a couple of beers after work or a glass of wine, or two, with dinner, state health officials have said. It takes at least four drinks for the average 170-pound man to exceed 0.05% in two hours on an empty stomach, three drinks for a 137-pound woman, Tao Kwan-Gett, chief science officer for the Washington Department of Health, told a House panel in a 2024 hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Still, foes of the bill cited concerns with enforcing it and worries it will drive away customers of bars, wineries and other hospitality businesses. In a state that is already not fertile ground for new businesses, this is going to be a business killer, said Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley. A former mayor of the city, he said hospitality businesses drive the economy and foster culture in rural areas. Well kill that as sure as someone who drinks 10 drinks and goes on the highway and kills somebody, he said. Liias insisted that businesses dependent on income from alcohol sales will not be harmed. Advertisement Advertisement This policy serves as a deterrent. It convinces Washingtonians not to stop enjoying the best wine in the world or the most amazing microbrews. It convinces them not to drive in their car after theyve done that, he said. Sharp rise in traffic deaths In 2021, Washington recorded 674 traffic fatalities, of which 345 occurred in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, according to data compiled by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. In 2023, the death toll rose to 809, with 409 linked to an impaired driver. Over the course of five years, 2020-2024, 936 people died in crashes involving a driver who had been drinking. Of those who died, 156 were in crashes involving an impaired driver with a blood alcohol concentration less than 0.08%, according to the commission. AAA Washington, an ardent proponent of the change, said a lower limit could result in fewer lives lost each year. Advertisement Advertisement After the switch, Utah experienced a 20% drop in fatal crashes, but that figure crept back up during the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with national trends. Tourism and alcohol sales did not decrease, according to the commission. Senate Bill 5067 directs the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to carry out a statewide public education campaign on the change. It must include ads on television, radio, and online, and in the largest newspapers in each county. The campaign must be conducted in the nine most significant non-English languages spoken in the state. At least 10% of the ads must be developed in concert with Washington hospitality businesses and address safe alternatives to driving after drinking. Another provision requires the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to track and report on what happens in the first two years of the law, including the number of serious and fatal traffic crashes, driving under the influence arrests, and adjudications for driving under the influence. Advertisement Advertisement The institute also must consider the laws effect on breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other hospitality businesses, as well as its impact on overburdened communities. The report is due March 1, 2029. Senate Bill 5067 now goes to the House for consideration. Similar legislation, sponsored by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Snohomish County, is awaiting action in the House Transportation Committee. America is tiring of its ICE-friendly politicians. Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman faced hostile blowback from a crowd at Casper College Tuesday evening, who so furiously demanded answers from the MAGA lawmaker regarding ICE agents killing Alex Pretti and Renee Good that they effectively jeered her out of the assembly hall. Im a student here at CC, and I was here at the last town hall back in August. You mentioned Laken Riley, a male student said, referring to the 22-year-old who was murdered in 2024 by a Venezuelan immigrant. However, you did not mention today either of the people who were killed in Minnesota recently. Why is that? Advertisement Advertisement The question elicited uproar from the crowd, footage published by WyoFile showed. One older man shouted, shot 10 times in the back, referring to the number of times agents shot Pretti. When I was speaking in August I was describing the Laken Riley Act that we had passed earlier in the year, Hageman responded before the student cut her off. Thats not the question. Why havent you mentioned either of the people killed in Minnesota? he pressed. Let me answer the question. I spoke about Laken Riley because it was one of the bills that we passed. I havent talked about whats happening in Minnesota today, Hageman continued. Advertisement Advertisement But that set off the crowd again. Yeah, why is that? the student demanded. Why havent you said that you condemn the violence or given condolences to the families of the victims? Several people in the crowd then shouted out other ICE-related issues that they wanted Hageman to address, such as how the agency appears to be the administrations secret police. Woah, OK, Hageman said, before the student insisted again that she explain her silence regarding the ongoing state-sponsored violence in Minnesota. So I think what has happened in Minnesota is a terrible tragedy for the woman and the man who were killed, Hageman said. Advertisement Advertisement Casper resident Allyse Taylor followed up on the pressure, asking why Hageman had not spoken up about the Fourth Amendment violations by ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers breaking into homes without warrants. Im not sure that I trust your facts, Hageman spat back, causing the crowd to boo at her. It is all over the internet. What do you have to say about that constitutional violation? Taylor asked. I think that I have to look at the investigation, Hageman responded. If there were violations of someones constitutional rights, there is redress. Then why is there no redress? Taylor said. Why are you not calling for transparency with what these people are doing? ICE, DHS, Border Patrolthey are violating peoples constitutional rights, they are killing American citizens in the streets, and you are doing nothing. You are not saying a single solitary thing to support constituents or support the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Taylor continued: As a constitutional lawyer, you should be incensed. Why are you not? Hageman then proceeded to gather her papers and folders, wave, and walk away from the lectern as her constituents called her chickenshit. STUTTGART, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The fine print of the European Union's relaxed targets in the shift to electric cars risks cancelling out the intended benefits, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday. The European Commission made public proposals in December that reverse an effective ban on sales of new internal combustion engine cars from 2035, bowing to pressure from Germany, Italy and major automakers including Mercedes. "The door has been opened slightly for now," Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius said in Stuttgart ahead of the launch of the premium carmaker's revamped S-class series, with which it hopes to regain momentum after a difficult 2025. But the restrictions could cancel out the benefits, Kaellenius, who also serves as president of the ACEA European automotive association, told reporters. Automakers will still be able to sell plug-in hybrids and range extenders beyond an initial cut-off date of 2035, while making up the CO2 reduction shortfall with lower-carbon steel and the use of more sustainable fuels. The plan, which requires EU member states' approval, also foresees binding electrification targets for corporate fleets based on GDP per capita. "There is a great risk that the market will shrink on the way there," Kaellenius said. (Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Writing by Rachel More, Editing by Alexander Smith) GOSHEN - A Newburgh man who previously pleaded guilty to operating as a major drug trafficker was sentenced Jan. 28 in Orange County Court to 15 years in state prison. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced the sentence for Owen Beckford, 55, of Newburgh. Beckford was among more than two dozen suspects arrested in a May 2024 sweep as a result of a six-month multi-agency investigation into firearms and narcotics trafficking in Orange County. Advertisement Advertisement Hoovler said that at his plea proceeding, Beckford admitted to operating as a major trafficker and to possessing within six months or less cocaine having an aggregate value of $75, 000 or more. He allegedly supplied another person who was also arrested in the May 2024 sweep. Flying south: Stewart Airport to offer new flights to North Carolina and Florida Beckford pleaded guilty to operating as a major trafficker and second-degree conspiracy, both felonies. In a statement released by his office, Hoovler said Beckford engaged in trafficking "for personal financial gain, prioritizing profit over public safety. Following an extensive investigation, this trafficking network has been dismantled, preventing further acts of violence and the distribution of dangerous drugs within our communities." Advertisement Advertisement The name of Beckford's attorney was not immediately available. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com. This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Prison sentence for Newburgh drug trafficker ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Mall at Greece Ridge has reopened after delaying its opening on Friday due to Thursdays water main break. The owners of the mall confirmed it re-opened at 4 p.m. The DMV location is also closed on Friday due to training. It was closed on Thursday because of the water main break. County Clerk Jamie Romeo is encouraging residents to visit the Irondequoit, Henrietta, and Downtown Rochester DMV locations. 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 RochesterFirst. A man who was allegedly hit with a belt by a corrections officer has filed a lawsuit against the county, the sheriff, and at least 19 corrections officers in the jail. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jordan Anderson was on duty when he allegedly removed his county-issued uniform belt and hit the inmate, Chad Warren, twice in the lower back and buttock region, our news partners at WCPO reported. Advertisement Advertisement Warren filed a civil lawsuit on Wednesday. On Nov. 19, Warren had just returned to the Hamilton County Justice Center from court and was getting dressed to work in the kitchen. As Warren was walking down the hallway, one of the correction officers named in the lawsuit grabbed him by the shoulder and asked another officer what he wanted to do with Chad, the lawsuit alleges. Anderson then allegedly said I got something for him and hit Warren with the belt. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims that as Anderson hit Warren with the belt, the other corrections officers stood by, failed to intervene and laughed during the incident. The lawsuit goes on to allege that on November 20, Warren was moved from the jail to a treatment facility. There, corrections officers tried to get Warren to sign a paper stating he was safe around other deputies and inmates, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit also alleges Warren was denied medical attention for back pain, placed in a segregation cell instead of being taken to a court hearing and deprived of water entirely in his cell for two days. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also claims a correction officer never gave Warren his prescribed medications and took away his recreation hour. On Dec. 19, a doctor told Warren he had a fractured spine that was either caused by the incident with Anderson, or exacerbated by it, according to the lawsuit Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey sent WCPO the following statement in response: Regarding the investigation into the actions of now former deputy Jordan Anderson, as soon as we were made aware of the incident, and in accordance with the Sheriffs Office transparency policy, we immediately released video and charged him with assault based on what we saw in the video. All of the facts surrounding this incident will be brought out in a court of law. Because this case is in litigation, the Sheriffs Office cannot comment further at this time. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office said they arrested 37-year-old Mathew Young for child indecency on Sunday. Sheriff Sam Houston said Young is accused of sexually assaulting a family member, and detectives believe there could be more victims. "We understand there may be other victims. We have had some calls, obviously we can't divulge names, but if anyone out there is still a victim, I would encourage them to reach out to us," San Jacinto Detective Omar Sheikh said. Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Young has been convicted three times for assaulting a family member and once for indecent assault out of Montgomery County, where he was sentenced to 12 days in jail. Sheriff Houston said this type of crime will not be tolerated in San Jacinto County. "For this particular charge, it can be a felony - a second-degree felony, so it's a very serious offense, not only serious, but it's not good for the children to have to experience, especially from family members and friends and people they trust," said Sheriff Houston. "But we're not going to tolerate that in our county, and if we find out that anything like that's going on, we're going to investigate it to the best of our ability." The sheriff's office is urging anyone who may be a victim or know anything about the case to contact them or Crime Stoppers. Advertisement Advertisement "If you are a victim of this guy, reach out to us, reach out to our detective division, and you can stay anonymous, but you are safe now," Detective Sheikh said. For news updates, follow Brianna Willis on Facebook, x and Instagram. Charges have been filed against the man who fled from officers by walking on the frozen Allegheny River for miles. The incident all started at the former Veterans Affairs building on Highland Drive in Lincoln-Lemington Belmar. Police were called to the area shortly after noon for someone trespassing. According to the criminal complaint, when officers arrived, they found a man, later identified as Gary Cawley, tampering with an electrical panel. Advertisement Advertisement Police said Cawley disregarded their orders and ran across a large, snow-covered field and into the woods. Cawley eventually made his way onto the ice on the Allegheny River and walked several miles. Related coverage: Man arrested after walking on frozen river; experts explain how much danger he was in Police paperwork states that officers tried telling Cawley to come to the shoreline, but he responded by saying, It was only trespassing! Im not going back to jail! Just send me a citation! and that hed walk all the way to Mississippi before he would go to officers. Eventually, around 4 p.m., Cawley complied and was taken into custody in Harmar Township near the Target. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Cawley is charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, possessing instruments of crime, evading arrest and disorderly conduct. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A man is dead and a woman is in custody following a domestic incident in Greenfield, according to the Greenfield Police Department. At 3:05 a.m. Jan. 28, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at 4935 S. Heritage Drive, according to a news release from the Greenfield Police Department. When police entered the apartment, they found a 32-year-old man on the floor with a stab wound and unresponsive. The man was transported to Froedtert Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A 29-year-old woman who was living with the man was taken into custody at the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the incident was isolated and domestic in nature, and there is no threat to the public. The investigation remains ongoing, and the department said no further information will be released until the case is reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office. Where to find help for domestic violence Domestic violence advocates can help with safety planning. Calls to advocates are confidential and do not involve law enforcement. Advocates of Ozaukee's 24-hour crisis lines are 262-284-6902 and 877-375-4034. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. The Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour confidential hotline at 414-933-2722. The Milwaukee Women's Center offers a 24-hour crisis line at 414-671-6140. The Womens Center in Waukesha has a 24-hour hotline at 262-542-3828. We Are Here Milwaukee provides information on culturally specific organizations at weareheremke.org. The Asha Project, which provides culturally specific services for African American women and others in Milwaukee, provides a crisis line from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 414-252-0075. The UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee offers bilingual, bicultural domestic violence, sexual assault and anti-human trafficking supportive services and operates a 24-hour hotline at 414-389-6510. The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center offers culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services for those who have experienced domestic or sexual violence and can be reached at 414-383-9526. Our Peaceful Home, which serves Muslim families and is a program of the Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition, operates a crisis line at 414-727-1090. The Hmong American Womens Association, which serves the Hmong and Southeast Asian community, has advocates available at 414-930-9352 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin has a statewide directory of resources at endabusewi.org/get-help. Advertisement Advertisement Police noted that Sojourner has been designated the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline for the City of Milwaukee and outlying communities since 1986. Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man dies after domestic-related stabbing in Greenfield, police say A man was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder after shooting another man in 2023 at Avenues Mall. Michael Williams Jr. faces up to life in prison and will be sentenced at a later date. According to JSO, Williams and the victim had previously had a falling out over a girl and got into a fight in the malls parking lot on December 1, 2023. During which Williams pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the face. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< After the victim was shot, he entered the mall seeking medical treatment. His injuries were said to be critical but non-life-threatening. The Sheriffs Office said Williams fled to Louisiana, where JSO detectives later arrested him. [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. NEW YORK (AP) A man who drove his car into the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in New York City had recently been trying to connect with the Hasidic Jewish community and was recorded on video enthusiastically dancing with congregants during a recent visit to the site, police said. Investigators were still trying to piece together what prompted the man, Dan Sohail, 36, to ram his car repeatedly into a set of doors at the revered Hasidic Jewish center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, but police charged him Thursday with attempted assault as a hate crime, based on the fact that the building was a Jewish institution. Earlier this month, Sohail attended a social gathering at this very same location, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a news conference, noting there was video circulating online of that gathering. Advertisement Advertisement The video appears to show Sohail dancing with Orthodox men inside the headquarters. We believe that he was in Brooklyn last night to continue this attempt to connect with the Lubavitch Jewish community," Kenny said. Sohail told police that he lost control of his car because he was wearing clunky boots, Kenny said, though Kenny added that Sohail had removed several blockades and cleared snow away from a sidewalk before driving into the building. The complex at 770 Eastern Parkway includes a synagogue and offices, and was packed with worshippers at the time, but no one was injured. Some of the buildings doors were damaged. No weapons were discovered in Sohails car. Advertisement Advertisement Sohail's father told the New York Daily News Thursday that his son had been considering converting to Judaism and that he had struggled with mental problems. The Forward, a media outlet centered on Jewish issues, interviewed a rabbi in New Jersey who said Sohail attended a Purim service at Chabad last year and visited two other times, looking for spiritual guidance. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes and see that hes not exactly stable, Rabbi Levi Azimov told the Forward. Another rabbi at a Jewish school in Carteret, New Jersey, where Sohail lived, told the Forward he had dropped by for afternoon prayers on Tuesday but began yelling about feeling let down by Chabad after the service. The crash occurred on the 75th anniversary of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson becoming the leader of the Lubavitch movement and prompted immediate concern in the city. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, rushed to the scene to brief the media, with officials announcing increased security around houses of worship across the city. This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and the history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world," Mamdani said. And on today of all days. The Chabad Lubavitch headquarters and synagogue in Brooklyn draws thousands of visitors each year. There is a near constant police presence around the complex. A Norfolk man is accused of sexually exploiting a two-year-old girl from Massachusetts. Ethan Irving, 36, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Thursay. Irving was arrested this morning in Norfolk and was scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Thursday afternoon. In June 2025, Irving was identified as an online user who uploaded three files of child sexual abuse material to Kik Messenger, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement A July 2025 forensic analysis of two cell phones sized from Irvings residence located multiple media files depicting child sexual abuse material. As a result of the findings, Irving was arrested and charged in Wrentham District Court in July 2025. He subsequently pleaded guilty to dissemination of obscene matter and possession of child pornography on Dec. 3, 2025. He was sentenced to two years of probation with conditions that prohibit his contact with children. According to the charging documents, on Dec. 15, 2025, while reviewing evidence related to Irvings state prosecution, additional child sexual abuse material was allegedly found on Irvings devices that had not previously been seen by investigators. Specifically, the images allegedly appeared to be a continuous series, sequential in time, depicting Irving sexually abusing a two-year-old female toddler who was known to him, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege that the images appeared to have been taken inside a bedroom at Irvings home, with the bedding depicted in the images matching sheets seen and photographed by law enforcement during a search of the home in July 2025. If convicted of the charge of sexual exploitation of minors (and attempt and conspiracy), Irving faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 National Grid and Eversource are backing off plans to charge interest on bills that will be reduced in February and March with the use of state funds. In her third State of the Commonwealth Address last week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey outlined new steps her administration is taking to lower electric bills by 25 percent and gas bills by 10 percent. The utility companies can recoup the costs in the summer when bills are more affordable. Advertisement Advertisement During her 2027 fiscal year budget unveiling on Wednesday, Healey expresses surprised that the companies were initially planning to collect the interest. I was surprised when they came forward to say they were going to carry this bit of carrying interest on. I have reached out to them. I have demanded that they remove those costs for rate payers. Were going to focus on what we can do to drive down costs, said Healey. The state is using 180 million dollars to temporarily lower customer bills in February and March. In order to align all winter rate relief efforts for our customers, Eversource will voluntarily forego all carrying or interest costs related to all upcoming bill reductions, consistent with the separate Winter Bill Stabilization line item we began providing our gas customers earlier this month. With the extreme cold temperatures expected to persist creating the potential for even higher usage, this is the appropriate step to take in support of customers, a spokesperson with Eversource told Boston 25 News in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Every day National Grid focuses on safety, reliability and affordability. Energy policy requires a balanced approach of those interests and we remain committed to longterm solutions that reduce volatility, improve transparency in what drives costs, and ensure safe, reliable service. National Grid is providing targeted winter bill relief in collaboration with the HealeyDriscoll Administration and will not collect carrying charges tied to this deferral," a National Grid spokesperson added. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW [Reuters] Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg plans to ramp up spending on artificial intelligence (AI) projects this year, even as other executives warn of a potential bubble in the industry. During a call with financial analysts on Wednesday to discuss the Facebook-owner's 2025 financial results, the company said it expects to spend up to $135bn (97bn) this year, mostly on infrastructure related to AI. That is nearly twice the $72bn Meta spent last year on AI projects and infrastructure. In the last three years, the technology giant has spent roughly $140bn in an attempt to get ahead of the AI boom. Zuckerberg said on Wednesday that he is expecting "2026 to be the year that AI dramatically changes the way we work." His comments came as Meta's figures showed expenses rose faster than revenues, which squeezed profit margins, during the last three months of 2025. Meta shares were around 6.5% higher in extended trading in New York after the announcement. In addition to explaining the potential benefits of such massive AI investment, Zuckerberg's comments seemed to hint at further layoffs at the tech giant. "We're starting to see projects that used to take big teams now be accomplished by a single, very talented person," he said. Already this year, Meta has laid off several hundred workers mainly in its Reality Labs division, a part of the company that focuses on its "metaverse" ambitions, hardware products and AI initiatives. Zuckerberg said Meta is investing more across the company in AI tools that help employees like software engineers complete more work. As workers use the tools to become "significantly more productive," he said there is "a big delta between the people who do it and do it well and the people who don't." "What we were talking about is, I think it's very hard for anyone exactly to predict what the shape of how organisations working is going to feel, but I just think the fact that agents are really starting to work now is quite profound," he added. Some in the industry warn that such major investments risk creating an AI bubble, similar to one seen in the dotcom boom that peaked in 2000. Chuck Robbins, chairman and chief executive of Cisco Systems, told the BBC that while AI could end up "bigger than the internet", the current market is probably a bubble and some companies "won't make it". JPMorgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon has voiced similar concerns, while Google CEO Sundar Pichai said there was some "irrationality" to the AI boom. Matt Mahan, the centrist Democrat and mayor of San Jose, announced on Thursday that he would run for governor of California, joining a sprawling but stagnant field to succeed Gavin Newsom. Mahan, 43, is a former tech entrepreneur who was first elected mayor of Silicon Valleys largest city in 2022. He has touted that his pragmatic approach has helped make San Jose the safest big city in the nation, and has led to a significant drop in homelessness, a chronic problem vexing many large California cities. Advertisement Advertisement But the approach also had its critics. Mahan was one of the few prominent Democrats backing Proposition 36, a 2024 tough-on-crime ballot initiative that imposed harsher penalties for some drug and theft offenses. Mahan has long been critical of Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot run again, over the governors approach to homelessness, crime reduction and even his social media taunting of the president. In a series of interviews on Thursday, Mahan suggested he saw an opening as a candidate focused less on the national politics dominated by Donald Trump and more on the problems facing the state, including homelessness and the soaring cost of living. We have a lot of candidates following a tired playbook, Mahan told Politico. Theyre either running against Trump or theyre running in his image. Im running for the future of California. Advertisement Advertisement Mahan has not held statewide or federal office. But he has signaled an interest in running for governor for weeks. His entrance into the race, months before the June primary, reflects the unsettled nature of the field, which has so far failed to produce a frontrunner. The Democrats running for governor include the former congresswoman Katie Porter, congressman Eric Swalwell, former health and human services secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer. Welcoming Mahan to the race, a spokesperson for Steyer, Kevin Liao, said in a statement: California needs a governor who will stand up to powerful interests, not carry their water. Speaking at an event in San Francisco hosted by Bloomberg, Newsom said: I dont know enough about him. I wish him good luck. Advertisement Advertisement When the moderator followed up, quoting Mahans public rebuke of Newsoms Trump-trolling social media strategy, the governor said the combative posture has been both style and substance and has allowed me to drive a conversation that I couldnt drive in the past. Im trying to put a mirror up, Newsom said. I think its been important what weve done. This article was amended on 30 January 2026 to clarify that Tom Steyers spokesperson, not Steyer directly, welcomed Matt Mahan to the state governors race. MIAMI South Florida Republicans pushed Thursday for a further crackdown on the Cuban governments revenue sources, arguing it could help to push out the communist regime. Their push for further Western Hemisphere intervention comes roughly a month after President Donald Trumps administration arrested Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a military operation into the country. South Floridas diaspora community has watched the aftermath closely, wondering how the move might reverberate in other authoritarian countries in the region like Cuba and Nicaragua. GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who was born in Cuba and fled to the U.S. as a child, called on the Trump administration to halt flights to and from Cuba and stop people based in the U.S. from being able to transfer money to family and friends on the island. Gimenez also called on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to halt oil shipments to the communist-run nation. Advertisement Advertisement Without this maximum pressure, Gimenez said, the U.S. and Mexico will only continue to indirectly enrich the communist government. The situation was already precarious, he added, because the Cuban government has been unable to provide adequate power, food or medicine for its citizens. That regime is a cancer, he said. And the way that you cure cancer, sometimes the cure is painful, but in the end, the patient survives. He stood behind a lectern that read, No oil, no travel, no oxygen and said the Trump administration likely had other options for exerting power on Cuba. GOP Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who appeared alongside Gimenez and is also of Cuban descent, said it was time for the Trump administration to finish the job and end the nightmare in Cuba. Diaz-Balarts aunt, Mirta Diaz-Balart, was once married to Fidel Castro. Many Cuban exiles living in Florida have long taken a hardline stance against the Cuban government and advocated keeping the island nation isolated as a way to pressure the dictatorship, including by imposing strict economic embargoes. Advertisement Advertisement The representatives delivered their comments alongside Cuban exile organizations and local community leaders a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Trump administration would love to see regime change in Cuba. That doesnt mean were going to make a change, Rubio said, but we would love to see a change. The South Florida lawmakers pointed to these comments and said they saw the possibility of a freedom in our hemisphere. Gimenez cautioned, however, that transitioning Cuba to a democracy would not be easy, but it's a journey we must take. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday slammed US President Donald Trump over recent controversial statements that downplayed the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan. "We will not allow this mission, which we also carried out in the interests of our ally, the United States, to be disparaged and belittled today," Merz said during a speech to lawmakers. Last week, Trump claimed that the United States had never "needed" NATO support during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, which was launched to oust the Taliban in response to the September 11 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Fox News, Trump suggested several other NATO countries had sent troops to Afghanistan, but "they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines." Merz highlighted the 59 German soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan, as well as more than 100 who were severely injured during the mission. "I would rather say to our soldiers on deployment and at their bases: your service has been and continues to be valuable," Merz said. "It stands for our freedom and for peace in the world." Established alliances should not be jeopardized lightly, the chancellor said. Advertisement Advertisement "The trans-Atlantic alliance and trans-Atlantic trust are still valuable in their own right today especially for us in Germany." Through participation in the NATO mission Enduring Freedom launched in response to the September 11 attacks, Germany, too, has brought "many years of greater stability and security" to Afghanistan, Merz said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday called on fellow European leaders to unite and assert themselves as an independent force in a new world order that is increasingly dominated by the United States, China and other power players. Europe is an "alternative to imperialism and autocracy in the world," Merz said in parliament as he delivered a speech on foreign policy a week after US President Donald Trump softened his rhetoric over his ambitions to acquire Greenland. "We have something to offer our partners around the world, both economically and, above all, in terms of values," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Merz said Europe needs to find a way to become a dominant player again to assert itself amid the rapidly changing order that has gone haywire since Trump took office for a second term a little over a year ago. Europeans will only be able to implement their ideas "if we ourselves learn to speak the language of power politics," Merz told lawmakers. "There is a harsh wind blowing in this world, and we will feel its effects for the foreseeable future," he said. However, the changes could also present opportunities for a Europe that acts on the basis of the rule of law and is committed to international cooperation, the German leader noted. Advertisement Advertisement In order for Europe to assert itself, the continent must take charge of its own security and expand its defence capabilities, boost economic competitiveness to keep up with the US and China and act as a united front. Touching on Trump's bid to acquire Greenland, Merz praised the united response by European NATO allies. Trump walked back threats to impose tariffs in the dispute or even acquire the Danish-owned territory by force after European nations threatened countertariffs. This experience briefly allowed Europeans to feel "the joy of self-respect," Merz said, adding that "this newfound self-confidence" must now be used to tackle further issues. Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor's address echoed his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, where he stressed that the world has entered "a time of great power politics" and is no longer "a cozy place." Merz, who has sought to deal with Trump using a mix of flattery and caution, sharply criticized the US president's recent controversial statements on the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan. "We will not allow this mission, which we also carried out in the interests of our ally, the United States, to be disparaged and belittled today," Merz said, taking a much tougher tone towards Trump. Last week, Trump claimed that the US had never "needed" NATO support during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, which was launched to oust the Taliban in response to the September 11 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Fox News, Trump suggested several other NATO countries had sent troops to Afghanistan, but "they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines." Merz highlighted the 59 German soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan, as well as more than 100 who were severely injured during the mission. "I would rather say to our soldiers on deployment and at their bases: your service has been and continues to be valuable," Merz said. "It stands for our freedom and for peace in the world." Established alliances should not be jeopardized lightly, the chancellor said, stressing that Germany would not let itself be dominated by the US. Advertisement Advertisement "As democracies, we are partners and allies, not subordinates," he said. While a hand would always be extended towards Washington, this must be the guiding principle, he added. Amid this shifting world order, Germany aims to be "part of a dynamic, agile network of sovereign states that want to continue to adhere to a rules-based order." Merz spoke out in favour of free trade and against tariffs, "because we know from experience that only open markets and free trade are the right way to achieve prosperity and security for the nation." Against this background, he hailed the importance of the new EU-Mercosur trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as well as the bloc's plans to conclude a trade agreement with India. Some counties will get over $60,000 in state funds to help with school bus safety. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) announced that some school districts in Montgomery and Preble counties were awarded funding from the Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program, according to a spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The state legislature provided $10 million in state funds to help school districts offset the costs of upgrading their bus fleets with advanced safety equipment. This includes over $66,000 in grant money for several local school districts, the spokesperson said. These schools will get the following funding: Preble Shawnee Local School District - $5,988 Tri-County North Local School District - $11,970 Northmont City School District - $43,074 Salem Christian Academy - $5,000 Parents should not have to worry about their childrens safety while going to and from school, said Creech. This funding will enhance school bus safety, protecting our students and setting them up for a bright future! [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Michigan Bureau of Elections reviewed the voting records of 15 people who recused themselves from jury duty in Macomb County in recent months because they were noncitizens, finding three had voting history, the Michigan Secretary of State's Office said. One of the three who voted is a U.S. citizen and eligible voter who legally had cast a ballot, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said during a virtual news conference Thursday, Jan. 29. Another is an apparent noncitizen and ineligible voter who last cast a ballot in 2018 and whose voter registration was canceled by the state Bureau of Elections in 2022. The third person voted in 2024 and the state is seeking additional documents and information to verify that person's status, the state office said in a fact sheet. Advertisement Advertisement The results of the investigation were revealed just over two weeks after Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds Anthony Forlini said that his office found 239 noncitizens in the county Circuit Court jury pool from Sept. 5 through Jan. 8, including more than a dozen who were registered to vote at some point. The state examined those 15 who were registered to vote. Forlini argued that more should be done to confirm citizenship in the system that is currently based on self-reporting. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for jury duty and to vote in elections. He did not know of any noncitizens who served on a jury. The jury pool is generated from the Secretary of State Office's driver's license database and those with state IDs. Individuals who are legally present in the United States can get driver's licenses or state IDs in Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 12, Forlini said that all of the cases of those who voted, that the county staff discovered, would be forwarded to the proper authorities, with information already sent to the county corporation counsel's office. "Our major concern in these findings is that at least one eligible Michigan voter may now be under criminal investigation for voting," Benson said Jan. 29, adding, "at least two of the people who did not vote have also been verified to be United States citizens. Their voter registrations are now in jeopardy of being canceled without notice and having done nothing wrong." Benson said "these accusations have real consequences for real people. When we review our voter lists, it is not uncommon to find eligible American voters improperly labeled as noncitizens, whether by clerical error, change of citizenship status or otherwise. We update our lists accordingly so that eligible citizens aren't wrongfully investigated or removed from voter rolls or stopped from voting." During her administration, Benson said her office has removed more than 1.1 million out-of-date registrations from the voter rolls "legally and carefully to ensure that every eligible citizen is able to vote." She said noncitizen voting is "extremely rare." Advertisement Advertisement She said these recent accusations "that proved false" are not about election security. "The clerk told media outlets that he was working with law enforcement on this issue and met with officials from the Trump Justice Department about his findings," Benson said. "That's the same Justice Department that is suing Michigan and 23 states at the president's behest in an attempt to force us to turn over private information, private personal information of millions of Michigan residents through full, unredacted voter rolls." Earlier this month, Monika Rittner, supervisor of records for the Macomb Circuit Court, said in a cross-check with the state's Qualified Voter File, staff discovered more than a dozen of the noncitizens who said they didn't qualify for jury duty were registered to vote at some point, 10 of whom were still qualified to vote. She said three showed a voter history and one voted several times and had since been removed. More: Slotkin, Peters say they'll vote no on DHS funding after fatal shooting in Minnesota Advertisement Advertisement More: Michigan could soon ban student cell phone use in classrooms In a news release Jan. 29, Forlini said: "The Secretary of State does not dispute that our investigation identified non-citizens in both the jury pool and the Qualified Voter File (QVF). Her statements today, however, conflict with prior guidance issued by the Bureau of Elections regarding how non-citizens appearing on the voter rolls should be addressed. While these inconsistencies remain, we are prepared to work collaboratively toward a resolution. Further action at the state level is necessary to ensure non-citizens are not included in juror pools and to safeguard the integrity of our jury trials." He added: "Safe and secure elections is our goal. Public trust must be restored in the system so that all citizens have confidence in our electoral process. I believe that this can only be accomplished with transparency, security and integrity throughout the election and jury systems. These are the principles I am committed to delivering for the citizens of Macomb County." Forlini announced in September that he is running for the Republican nomination for Michigan secretary of state this year. Benson, a Democrat, is running for governor. Advertisement Advertisement The state Bureau of Elections reviewed the 15 voting records, comparing them to the state's driver database and the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, according to the fact sheet. It was to determine whether any of the people voted and whether they currently are on Michigan's voter file. The review of the 15 voting records found: Three who are U.S. citizens and eligible voters. Four who are apparent noncitizens, with the state to send a letter asking them to confirm their eligibility to vote. If they do not respond, the state office said, it will cancel their registration. Four others were previously canceled, per the fact sheet Four more are being asked to provide additional documentation to verify their citizenship status. Benson said her office's policy is to refer confirmed incidents of illegal voting to the Attorney General's Office for criminal investigation. She said they are currently working to review the statute of limitations to determine their legal options regarding the ineligible voter with voting history in 2018, which occurred under Benson's predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement David Becker, executive director and founder of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research in Washington DC, joined Benson, saying no election officials he has talked to across the country, regardless of party, wants a noncitizen on their voter list nor do they want to accidentally or intentionally remove an eligible voter from the voting list because they made a mistake. "While there have been politicians that have pushed this issue of alleged noncitizen voting, noncitizen registration and widespread voter fraud, we actually have a very good sense of the facts surrounding this. And the facts are, that even according to those who push some of these false narratives, the existence of noncitizen registration and voting is extraordinarily rare," he said. "We know the rate of noncitizen registration and particularly noncitizen voting is very low and what Secretary Benson and her team have found from the Macomb County analysis tracks that exactly," he said. "And to their great credit, election officials all over the country, Democrats and Republicans, are doing a very good job of identifying that and preventing that from occurring." Becker said "we have heard these claims related to jury questionnaires for about two decades. This is not a new thing. But what we have seen consistently is that jury questionnaires are a really bad source of matching to voter files for a variety of reasons." Advertisement Advertisement He said it's hard to take a name from a jury questionnaire and match it to a voter file "and be absolutely certain you're talking about the same individual because the data on a jury questionnaire doesn't often match what might be in the voter file, for instance, a driver's license number or Social Security number might not be on that, so you're gonna get a lot of false positives." "Many of the individuals who have been flagged, often wrongly, are individuals who, if they're committing any fraud at all, have lied on their jury questionnaire to get out of jury duty rather than having lied under penalty of perjury on a voter registration form, which carries with it tremendous consequences," he said. "It's a felony at both the federal and state level. It's something that very, very rarely happens." Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan SOS reviews voting records of noncitizens found by Macomb clerk MIDLAND A Midland man has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, Manuel Trevino Padilla, 43, was previously convicted of trafficking methamphetamine. In August 2025, while Padilla was on federal supervised release, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers executed a state narcotics search warrant at Padillas home. Padilla attempted to flee out of the back of the residence but was detained. The search resulted in the discovery of two loaded firearms: a semi-automatic handgun and a revolver. Padilla was arrested on Aug. 19, 2025, and charged in a one-count indictment on Aug. 27. He pleaded guilty to the indictment on Oct. 16. U.S. District Court Judge David Counts sentenced Padilla in Midland on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Justin R. Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, made the announcement. ICE Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigative Division, and the Midland County Sheriffs Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Haywood prosecuted the case. The post Midland felon sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for firearm possession appeared first on Odessa American. An Egyptian migrant allegedly linked to the Muslim Brotherhood has been spared deportation from the UK. The asylum seeker, named only as MM, fled Egypt after running over a policeman in his car and facing a demand for compensation which he could not afford to pay. The Egyptian authorities also claimed that MM had been involved with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is regarded by some states to be an Islamist terrorist organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Once in the UK, he claimed asylum and initially had his human rights application rejected but he has now won an appeal against the decision. An immigration judge decided that there had been an error in his application process and allowed MM to have his case heard by another court. Could not pay The Egyptian claimed that he had hit someone with his car in Egypt in August 2021 and they wanted compensation. He could not afford to pay and so made his way to the UK where he claimed asylum having travelled via Libya, Italy and France. During an interview in the UK, he said the person was a police officer and his family had told him that the police had been to their home looking for him. Advertisement Advertisement He claimed the police officer had said he was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood an Islamist movement designated a terrorist organisation by the Egyptian government. He had been charged with collecting money for the Muslim Brotherhood, but he said he had never been politically active. However, in August 2022, an Egyptian court found him guilty, alongside others, of various crimes connected to the organisation. After losing his asylum claim, he appealed claiming that the judge failed to engage with some of the documents he had provided. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Hannah Graves concluded that mistakes had been made and MMs case needed to be heard afresh. Advertisement Advertisement The case will be reheard in the first-tier tribunal at a later date. Error identified Judge Graves said: I am therefore unable to find any basis in the evidence before the judge to support the finding that MM failed to provide these documents at the earliest stage. Or that the timing of the production of them prevented the Home Office from having time to undertake proper scrutiny, given they were submitted before the decision, the review and the hearing before the judge. Accordingly, I find there is an error in the treatment of this evidence, which gave rise to a core adverse credibility point with regard to [MMs] credibility overall, but also with regard to what weight could be placed on the documents themselves. As a result, it is a material error. Advertisement Advertisement I am mindful too that [MM] is a litigant in person who does not speak English and who has struggled to engage with the appeal process. [MM] had provided photographic evidence as part of his claim of attendance at a Muslim Brotherhood demonstration in the UK in November 2022. A review of the Muslim Brotherhood ordered by David Cameron when prime minister in 2014 found that membership of the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism. However, it ruled out banning it as a terrorist organisation. 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. Milwaukee elected officials are poised to revamp the city's rules for how residents keep pets, after months of discussions aimed at reducing strains on the city's animal shelters. The revised policy would enact wide changes: a new limit of four pets in a home for most people; mandated microchipping of dogs and cats; and increased penalties for some violations. The city's Public Safety and Health Committee moved the revised pet ordinance forward on Jan. 29, likely leading to its formal passage at the full Common Council, which next meets Feb. 10. "This was definitely an effort to improve the welfare of the most vulnerable creatures among us," said Ald. Scott Spiker, who chairs the committee. Advertisement Advertisement The ordinance is a way to address the "moral" question of improving the welfare of the city's animals, while providing a benefit to city taxpayers, said Ald. Bob Bauman, who originally sponsored the legislation with Ald. Sharlen Moore. The ordinance's progress comes after some back-and-forth between the Wisconsin Humane Society, council members and Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, better known as MADACC. MADACC pushed for the ordinance change at City Hall in July 2025, citing its frequently overwhelmed facility, which takes in strays and lost animals. MADACC reported the organization sheltered 12,739 animals and had over 5,000 adoptions in 2025. It takes in any animal picked up by the Department of Neighborhood Services. The Wisconsin Humane Society worried the changes, which include mandating certain procedures like spaying and microchipping, could cause a burden on low-income people and people of color. Under the city's latest revision, the organization said some changes were appreciated, like an exemption to the max animal rule for foster families. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the organization found the ordinance change lacking, especially for those whose pets have unplanned litters. The new ordinance requires spay/neutering for unplanned litters within 90 days, but the humane society said that places an "undue burden" on families at a time when there is a citywide veterinarian shortage. "While we did not officially oppose the proposed ordinance, we still have concerns that it will lead to unintended separation and increased financial hardship for families," said Angela Speed, the vice president of marketing and communications, in an email. Other changes to the ordinance include harsher penalties for those whose animals are lost. Under current city ordinance, an owner has to pay a fee and requires unlicensed animals to be licensed. The new policy allows for facilities that house the animals to assess additional fees for veterinary care or other services while the pet is sheltered. Advertisement Advertisement And, under the new policy, unattended tethering, such as using a rope or chain to keep a dog outside, is banned for dogs under 6 months old, pregnant dogs or nursing dogs. The policy includes other restrictions as well, such as bans on tethering during weather advisories or at night. The changes come as officials from the city's Department of Neighborhood Services said it saw a large increase in pet-related cases last year and are assessing how the department handles pet issues in the city. DNS only has two workers dedicated to animal inspections, but it's difficult to know if the ordinance changes will require more workers, said Lorie Gallup, who oversees animal enforcement for DNS. "Once we actually really get more involved in this, I think there will be times ... that become a little bit more stressed on staff," Gallup said, noting staff will be cross trained to assist when needed. The changes to the city's pet ordinance were first introduced in April 2025 and reached the Common Council for passage in December, where it was sent back to the committee's Jan. 29 meeting for city staff to have more time to review. Advertisement Advertisement David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee poised to make broad changes to rules for pet owners When you speak to those within the Broadway community, they'll often tell you, they are more like family. And those family bonds were on full display Wednesday at The Museum of Broadway. It hosted an event called "Casting the Role of a Lifeline" to find bone marrow matches for those with blood cancers. It's a cause that hits especially close to home for the cast of "The Lion King," who lost one of their own 15 years ago, Shannon Tavarez. "Shannon, she was definitely a light, very talented. And she just had a huge personality," her mom, Odiney Brown told Eyewitness News reporter Joelle Garguilo. "She was about 5 years old, and I could see this little girl is talented." Advertisement Advertisement Tavarez could sing. She could dance. And she landed a dream role as young Nala in "The Lion King" at 10 years old. But everything changed when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and doctors told her there was only one way to cure it. "We were looking for a bone marrow donor, a match," Brown said. "We were like 'ok, lets do it.' And what we found out was the numbers for African Americans are very low. Only about 6% of African Americans are registered. So there was only about a 29% chance of her actually finding a 100% match." The entire Broadway community stepped up to try to help Tavarez, but she lost her battle with leukemia in 2010. She was just 11 years old. "She was super vibrant, full of life. She really was somebody who embodied the themes of our show," said L. Steven Taylor who plays Mufasa in "The Lion King." "She was a pleasure to have and then to have her go through what she went through and still be that person, full of life, full of passion, and uniting people all the way to the end really speaks to who she is." Advertisement Advertisement Now, her Broadway community continues to come together every few years for drives like the one held on Wednesday. "This is casting the role of a lifeline," Taylor said. "I actually got involved in this whole process of getting swabbed and becoming part of the donor registry through Shannon S.H.A.R.E. One of Shannon's wishes was to get as many people as possible on the bone marrow registry." "I started a foundation along with my very close friend," Brown said. "And one day we were deciding, 'what are we going to do. How are we going to carry on her legacy?' Because she was such an advocate for helping others even at such a young age. We go out to different communities, especially those of color, to try to encourage people to register." The process is simple: a swab on the cheek and just one form to fill out. Then you're on the bone marrow registry until you're about 61. "You just never know," Brown said. "Shannon never lost that light. One thing she said during an interview was if I was 18 and I had the opportunity to swab to save someone's life, I would do it. And that stuck with me. So this is why I carry on her legacy and her name to continue to help others." Advertisement Advertisement To find out more about becoming a donor, visit https://www.dkms.org/. And to learn more about Shannon and her battle, visit https://shannonsshare.org/. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. AI allows China's digital natives to punch above their weight in tech scene Xinhua) 08:50, January 29, 2026 JINAN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- A quiet yet profound shift is reshaping the landscape of China's digital economy. The startup cafe culture that once buzzed with activity during the smartphone boom is back, but this time it is artificial intelligence (AI) that is fueling a new wave of individual entrepreneurship. The top ranks of the country's mobile app stores, long the exclusive domain of deep-pocketed tech giants, are now being breached by a new breed of software, namely simple, niche applications created by individual developers and tiny teams, often in a matter of hours. A quintessential example is "Little Cat Fill Light," an app that recently topped China's app store paid charts. Its creator, Chen Yunfei, an economics graduate with some coding experience, spotted a specific demand on social media where users employed solid-color images as makeshift photo fill lights. Using AI-powered programming tools, Chen built a working version in roughly one hour -- a feat he asserts would have required a full team and months of effort just a few years ago. In recent months, homegrown large language models, such as Alibaba's Qwen3 and Zhipu AI's GLM series, have cultivated a devoted following among indie developers and geeks, thanks to their robust coding prowess. These tools are rapidly evolving from simple code generators into end-to-end development companions, capable of shipping production-ready software. Dubbed the "handmade economy" across China's cyberspace, this grassroots movement has seen non-professional teams and solo operators achieve striking success. By leveraging next-generation AI assistants to dismantle once-daunting technical barriers, individual creators armed with little more than sharp market insight can now swiftly transform ideas into fully functional, polished products. AI technology has also streamlined short drama production into a one-person job. "What once took a team over a month to complete now takes one person a month," said Qin Lin, CEO of Nanjing Sci&Tech Create Horizon. Nine of the startup's developers, armed with AI models, produced an 8-minute video clip in under 72 hours, with their product winning an AIGC film award in 2024. Such micro-shorts are now hitting international markets, becoming viral sensations across multiple countries. Major Chinese tech firms including SenseTime, ByteDance and Kuaishou have launched paid AI tools for short drama creation. This trend has extended beyond pure software. On video-sharing platforms, the viral hashtag "handmade everything" showcases everything from DIY movies and innovative robots to market-ready smart devices. Sun Yingdong, from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, bridged his agile creativity with industrial discipline. After prototyping a smart massager, he used crowdfunding to finance mold costs and a move into standardized production, achieving annual sales of over 10,000 units. In response, a pedestrian street in Huaqiangbei, a grand electronics bazaar in this city, is evolving. The recent establishment of a one-person-company (OPC) innovation community there provides lifecycle support for AI entrepreneurs, connecting individual innovators with hardware manufacturing chains, thereby effectively upgrading the entire ecosystem. Local governments in the eastern Chinese cities of Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou are also establishing OPC incubation zones, enabling a single individual armed with AI tools to handle everything from content production and product operations to service delivery. "The most significant advantage of this model lies in cost control and decision-making efficiency," said Li Xiaolei, an analyst from the Guangdong provincial investigation and research center. "OPCs are transforming solo creators into 'super individuals' capable of operating at scale," said Shen Yang, a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He predicts that this model will emerge as a significant pillar of the digital economy within the next five years. Ding Chunfa, CEO of iMakerbase, an innovation and entrepreneurship incubator founded in Shenzhen, noted that digital-native creators, big-tech executives with commercial networks and scientists developing promising projects have emerged as the main protagonists of this entrepreneurial wave. The grassroots movement represents a wave of experimentation characterized by distributed, low-cost innovation and maximum agility, said Liu Yiming, an associate professor of economics at east China's Shandong University. "It lowers the barriers to entry for digitally-savvy youth with keen market instincts, and is poised to emerge as a vital complement to traditional employment within the platform economy," said Liu. Additionally, against a backdrop of the AI monetization bottleneck, OPCs hold the potential to unlock new consumption scenarios and stimulate domestic market demand, Liu added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Revenue: $81.3 billion, up 17% year over year. Gross Margin: 68%, slightly down year over year. Operating Income: Increased 21% year over year. Earnings Per Share (EPS): $4.14, up 24% year over year. Microsoft Cloud Revenue: $51.5 billion, up 26% year over year. Capital Expenditures: $37.5 billion, with two-thirds on short-lived assets. Cash Flow from Operations: $35.8 billion, up 60% year over year. Free Cash Flow: $5.9 billion, decreased sequentially. Commercial Bookings: Increased 230% year over year. Commercial Remaining Performance Obligation: $625 billion, up 110% year over year. Productivity and Business Processes Revenue: $34.1 billion, up 16% year over year. Intelligent Cloud Revenue: $32.9 billion, up 29% year over year. More Personal Computing Revenue: $14.3 billion, declined 3% year over year. Operating Expenses: Increased 5% year over year. Shareholder Returns: $12.7 billion returned through dividends and share repurchases, up 32% year over year. Release Date: January 28, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Microsoft Cloud surpassed $50 billion in revenue for the first time, marking a 26% year-over-year increase. The company reported a 24% increase in earnings per share, showcasing strong financial performance. Microsoft 365 Copilot saw record growth with seat ads up over 160% year over year, reaching 15 million paid seats. GitHub Copilot subscribers increased by 75% year over year, indicating strong adoption in the developer community. Microsoft's AI infrastructure investments are yielding significant efficiency gains, particularly in Azure and M365 Commercial Cloud. Negative Points Capital expenditures are growing faster than expected, raising concerns about the return on investment. Azure's growth is perceived as slower than anticipated, which may impact investor sentiment. Operating margins in the Intelligent Cloud segment decreased year over year due to continued investments in AI. Gaming revenue decreased by 9%, with Xbox content and services revenue also declining. Concerns were raised about the durability of the backlog, with 45% related to OpenAI, which could pose a risk if the partnership dynamics change. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you explain the ROI on Microsoft's CapEx investments, particularly in relation to Azure growth? A: Amy Hood, CFO, explained that CapEx is allocated across various areas, including Azure, M365 Copilot, and GitHub Copilot. The investments are aimed at long-term growth and innovation, with GPUs and CPUs supporting both Azure capacity and first-party applications. Satya Nadella, CEO, added that the focus is on optimizing the lifetime value of the entire portfolio, not just Azure. Calls for a nationwide strike are gaining steam following two fatal, high-profile shootings by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this month. Residents in dozens of U.S. states are reportedly participating in a national shutdown to protest the recent actions of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Participants are encouraged not to go to school, work or shop on Jan. 30, according to NationalShutdown.org. Fort Collins is among the cities represented on the website. A post on the Fort Collins subreddit page also indicates plans for a protest at the corner of College Avenue and Mulberry Street starting at noon Jan. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions have been mounting since the fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24. Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross when the 37-year-old mother drove her SUV forward near Ross after being told to exit her vehicle, according to reporting in USA TODAY. Good's defenders called her death the result of an unjustified attack, while federal authorities have defended Ross, saying he was acting in self-defense, according to USA TODAY. Looking back: Fort Collins sees protests against ICE after Minnesota woman's death Pretti, also 37, was fatally shot during a confrontation with federal agents near downtown Minneapolis after bystander videos show Pretti coming to the aid of a women shoved by a federal agent. Federal officials have alleged Pretti was carrying a gun he intended to use to "kill law enforcement," but a witness account and videos of the shooting appear to dispute this. Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY reporters Amanda Lee Myers, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Nick Penzenstadler, James Powel, Nadia Scharf and Jay Stahl contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Amid rising ICE tension, plans for national strike spread across U.S. According to N12, after seeing escalation from Gaza during the months before the attack, the Shin Bet notified Netanyahu 11 times that an effective assassination of Sinwar could be conducted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed up 11 opportunities to assassinate Hamas leaderYahya Sinwar in the months leading up to October 7, 2023, a security forces official claimed to N12 on Wednesday. According to N12's source, after seeing escalation from Gaza during the months before the attack, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) notified Netanyahu 11 times that an effective assassination of Sinwar could be conducted, yet each time, Netanyahu refused to even lead a discussion about it. Advertisement Advertisement N12 had previously reported that Netanyahu had received an intelligence briefing from then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar on October 1, six days before the massacre, in which he presented the possibility of killing Sinwar. Netanyahu reportedly ignored the suggestion. A photograph Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted from his underground war room on Saturday night prominently featured a copy of Target Tehran, a 2023 book by Jerusalem Post defense analyst Yonah Jeremy Bob and former editor Ilan Evyatar. (credit: GPO) Prime Minister's Office denies allegations The Prime Minister's Office, responding to this allegation, stated that it was completely false. "Exactly the opposite! Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly demanded that the Hamas leadership be thwarted, and security officials blocked this, which is well documented in the minutes." Sinwar took responsibility as the architect of Hamass October 7, 2023, massacre, which led to over 1,200 deaths and terrorists taking approximately 250 hostages into the strip. He was killed by the IDF in Tel Sultan in Rafah in an unplanned operation in October 2024. James Genn contributed to this report. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) As the old saying goes, What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Turns out that includes the truth, because Nevada was just crowned the most deceitful state in America. Congratulations to us? Experts came to this conclusion after tallying fraud cases, romance scams, identity theft, fake IDs, and even Google searches for the infamous cheating site Ashley Madison which, apparently, is getting more hits than the Sphere. According to an article in the New York Post, nearly one in five Nevadans admit to fibbing regularly. Honestly, that number feels low. Meanwhile, researchers at the online tarot site Tarotoo (yes, tarot researchers) found that Nevada has the secondhighest rate of romance scams. So if your date says they work in crypto and just need your mothers maiden name to prove their love, maybe run. Advertisement Advertisement 8 myths about living in Las Vegas (that locals laugh at) Also reported by the New York Post: earlier this year, the feds arrested a Vegas woman the FBI described as running a romance scam on steroids. At 43, she allegedly used dating apps to lure older men, steal their identities, and drain their bank accounts. Her financial crime spree lasted three years and was linked to three deaths proving once again that in Vegas, the house always wins, and sometimes the house is just one incredibly dedicated criminal. Nevada may have taken home the crown in the deceitfulness pageant, but other states came to play. Florida obviously was number one in fraud, with over 2,100 reports per 100,000 residents. In one case, scammers used AI to clone a womans daughters voice and trick her out of $15,000. Even ChatGPT would say, Maam, I think this is a scam. Advertisement Advertisement Download the 8 News Now streaming app Arizona, meanwhile, led the nation in romance scams, with over $50 million lost in 2024. Thats a lot of broken hearts and even more broken bank accounts. New York landed right in the middle at number 26, with imposter scams topping the charts over 30,000 in 2024. Which feels on-brand for a place where you can meet SpiderMan, Elmo, and the Statue of Liberty all on one street corner. So do you think Nevada really deserves this title? Or are we just really, really committed to the bit? Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. In the wake of U.S. forces bombing alleged Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria on Dec. 25, President Donald Trump and his aides have continued to press the Nigerian government to address what they claim is a campaign of systematic persecution against Christians in the country. Trump told The New York Times earlier this month that he could order more airstrikes if they continue to kill Christians. And last week, a senior State Department official led a U.S. delegation to Abuja, where she said authorities must do more to protect Christians. The Christmas Day strikes came a month after Trump classified Nigeria as a country of particular concern, or CPC, a designation for nations the U.S. government deems to be engaged in or tolerant of religious freedom violations and which the first Trump administration first applied to Nigeria in 2020 before it was revoked by President Joe Biden. Nigerian officials have said that they welcome any assistance from Washington in tackling terrorism and other security threats but reject the notion that Christians are being killed disproportionately or that the Nigerian state is allowing it to happen. Advertisement Advertisement To explain Trumps interest in anti-Christian violence in Nigeria, many U.S.-based analysts and commentators have focused on the role of conservative Christians, particularly evangelicals, who are not only an important segment of Trumps base but have also been a powerful force in U.S. politics for five decades. Conservative media outlets and other commentators, including the talk show host Bill Maher, have added fuel to the fire by amplifying dubious claims and statistics about the systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria, despite the reality that violence also affects Muslim communities. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. But attributing the Christian genocide narrative in Washington solely to American media and political figures risks ignoring the claims deep roots in Nigeria, as well as the synergetic relationship that exists between evangelicals in the U.S. and their Nigerian counterparts, who are among the worlds largest adherents of Pentecostalism, a subset of evangelical Christianity. Certainly, it is broadly true that Nigerias CPC designation and the U.S. airstrikes were preceded by a months-long pressure campaign against the Nigerian government that was led by Republican lawmakers like Sen. Ted Cruz and supported by influential evangelical leaders in the United States. Much of the information about anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria that filters to Republican politicians and right-wing evangelical groups in the U.S. has usually come from their contacts in Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora in the United States. However, the strong links that exist between Christian leaders, churches and groups in Nigeria and their counterparts in the U.S. cannot be overstated as a factor that contributed to the salience of the Christian genocide narrative among Republican politicians and right-wing American Christians. Ties between Nigerian Pentecostals and U.S. evangelicals are entrenched and rooted in the parallel origins of their takeoff during the 1980s, when the rapid expansion of independent megachurches and the use of television as a means of proselytizing helped fuel the transformative rise of Pentecostalism in Nigeria and the so-called Moral Majority in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Many leading figures within the Nigerian Pentecostal movement were influenced by popular U.S. televangelists such as Jimmy Swaggart, Kenneth Copeland, Oral Roberts and Pat Robertson. Prominent Nigerian preachers like Chris Okotie and Paul Adefarasinthe latter of whom has a relationship with the Trump familyreceived theological education in the U.S. and maintain close associations with church leaders in America. Nigerian megachurches like the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Redeemed Christian Church of God and Living Faith Church Worldwide, which claim to have millions of members and followers, have a global footprint that reaches beyond Nigerias borders, including in Europe and North America. William Kumuyi, the founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, was invited to Trumps swearing-in ceremony in January 2025 and was one of two prominent Nigerian preachers who took part in events surrounding the inauguration. Much of the information about anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria that filters to Republican politicians and right-wing evangelical groups in the U.S. has usually come from their contacts in Nigeria as well as others in the Nigerian diaspora in the United States. Christian groups and leaders in Nigeria typically point to the Nigerian states failure to prevent violent attacks they say are aimed against Christians on account of their faith as a justification for these international awareness campaigns to pressure the Nigerian government to act. One such figure is Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic diocese of Makurdi in Benue, a state in Nigerias Middle Belt region. Anagbe appeared twice last year before the U.S. Congress, where he advocated for the Trump administration to redesignate Nigeria as a country of particular concern due to attacks on majority-Christian communities in Benue by armed men believed to be Muslim Fulani herders. Advertisement Advertisement Another is Emeka Umeagbalasi, a Catholic merchant in the city of Onitsha in southeastern Nigeria. Umeagbalasi founded the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, or Intersociety, a nonprofit organization that, according to its website, seeks to expose perpetrators of heinous crimes and bring them to accountability. Evangelical Christian leaders and Republican lawmakers have cited the organizations statistics to justify their calls for U.S. intervention, even though many analysts have called Intersocietys data into question. The New York Times interviewed Umeagbalasi and reported that he said he often does not verify his data with firsthand accounts, though he later denied that. All of this is to say that the links between evangelical Christians in Nigeria and the U.S. are undeniable, as is the influence the latter group has on the Trump administration. The same cant be said about the effectiveness of the airstrikes launched by U.S. forces in Nigeria. Though the military intervention was applauded by many evangelicals in the U.S. and Nigeria, it is unlikely to have a positive impact on the Tinubu administrations efforts to stem the tide of violence in the country. The inadequacy of those efforts, as well as those of previous Nigerian governments, created an opening for a range of actors in Nigeria, the U.S. and other parts of the world to make claims of varying degrees of accuracy that ultimately led to Trumps use of force. If evangelical Christians in the U.S. sincerely wish to protect the lives of their co-worshippers in Nigeria, they would use their considerable influence to effect the reversal of Trumps decision to drastically reduce U.S. aid to Nigeria and effectively shutter its refugee admissions program, which has helped to save the lives of many Nigerian Christians who have fled persecution over the years. They could also lend financial and material support to civic groups working on the ground in Nigeria to engage in interfaith dialogue and other efforts to bring peace to communities in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. Calls for a military intervention in Nigeria will do little to save the lives of Nigerians of any faith, and it would be best for evangelical Christians in the U.S. and Nigeria to put their considerable influence toward causes that are more likely to do so. Chris Olaoluwa Ogunmodede is an editor, analyst and consultant who writes about African politics, security and foreign relations, with a focus on West Africa. He was formerly an associate editor at WPR. The post The Nigerian Roots of Trumps Christian Genocide Narrative appeared first on World Politics Review. Who's up for a late-night rocket launch? A rocket from Florida is scheduled to lift off Thursday night. SpaceX plans to send a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29. Although rockets in Florida launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people in Palm Beach County can sometimes see this phenomenon. Advertisement Advertisement Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast is sometimes visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. When theres a nighttime launch window or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on the next rocket launch from Florida and suggestions on where to watch it in person (or virtually via the USA TODAY Networks Space Team). For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. Advertisement Advertisement Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX rocket launch schedule in Florida When is the next rocket launch from Florida? Thursday, January 29, SpaceX Starlink 6-101 Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch : 11:24 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 29. Trajectory: Southeast. Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sonic booms: No. Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. Live weather radar. Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Shown above is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando, and other parts of Florida. The current date and time should appear on the bottom right of this radar; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache. Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County. What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. Advertisement Advertisement When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles. In October 2025, the SpaceX Starship rocket, the world's largest, launched from Starbase, Texas, and was spotted in parts of Palm Beach County, Florida, shortly after liftoff. Starbase, headquarters for SpaceX in South Texas, is about 1,500 miles away from this part of Florida. Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Advertisement Advertisement Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way. If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include: This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Late-night Florida rocket launch. How to watch from Palm Beach County Co-sponsors Sen. Debbie O'Malley (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) on Jan. 28, 2026, spoke before the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee about Senate Bill 17, which would more closely regulate firearm dealers in New Mexico. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) The New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on Wednesday voted 6-4 along party lines to advance a bill that would ban the sale of certain guns and require firearms dealers to maintain thorough records of every gun theyve sold. Senate Bill 17, dubbed the Stop the Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act, would also outlaw the sale of several types of weaponry and accessories, including magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, as well as .50 caliber rifles and machine guns. It would also mandate that firearm dealers can only hire employees 21 or older. Democratic lawmakers in December announced they would introduce such legislation after a report from Everytown for Gun Safety, a national organization that advocates for stricter gun laws, found that about 75% of guns at New Mexico crime scenes were originally sold by a firearm dealer. Advertisement Advertisement If passed, the legislation would fine firearm dealers for violating any of its new standards. We regulate alcohol and cannabis more strictly than we regulate gun dealers, Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), who co-sponsored the bill, told the committee Wednesday afternoon. She said the proposed requirements for firearm dealers were simple: secure your inventory, train your employees, track your sales, and stop selling military-grade weapons designed for mass casualty. Democratic lawmakers, including Romero, have previously expressed concern over straw purchases, in which someone buys a gun from a reputable store and then privately sells it to someone who is not legally allowed to own a gun. The Republican minority of the committee quickly labeled the bill unconstitutional. Sen. Larry Scott (R-Hobbs) likened the bills penalties for gun dealers to holding a car dealership responsible for a fatal hit-and-run. Sen. Jay Block (R-RIo Rancho) took particular exception to the proposal to make the minimum age of employment at gun stores 21 Thats what were doing to our veterans? he asked. Advertisement Advertisement As debate neared the two-hour mark, newly appointed Sen. Rex Wilson (R-Ancho) appeared to channel Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams admonition to work across the aisle in her State of the State address. We really need to focus on the criminal element, and I think we can unite on that, he said. How can we do something that doesnt punish the legal, law-abiding dealers and purchasers? Republicans on the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee opposed Senate Bill 17, likening it to holding car dealers responsible for fatal accidents. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) During the hearings public comment, in-person attendees who spoke against the legislation outnumbered those who backed it two to one. Opponents to the bill characterized it as an attack on guns and questioned why the bills sponsors would propose a ban on selling .50 caliber weapons without providing any data regarding how many .50 calibers have been used in New Mexico crimes. Advertisement Advertisement I really do have empathy for the people who suffered from gun violence. I hope they understand that we are not promoting gun violence, Nancy Bennett, a Santa Fe-based firearms instructor, told the committee. I really wonder what the purpose of all of this is. Its a burden on small business people in this state and on gun owners. As people have said, youre not addressing the source of the crime. Seven in-person attendees spoke in favor of the bill. Christina Gill told lawmakers she lost her son in a fatal shooting and believed the bill would better hold criminals to account. When her son was killed, she was told that where, when and how this prohibited individual obtained a gun was not relevant to the charges. The gun was not registered to him, nor had it been reported stolen, she said. Passing SB17 would not punish responsible gun owners or interfere with hunting or self-defense. New Mexico House Republicans on Wednesday in a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asked Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to carefully review SB17 and offer guidance on its constitutionality. Among other provisions, SB17 would prohibit the sale and transfer of semiautomatic firearms in common use, ban magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and outlaw entire classes of firearms based on operating mechanisms rather than criminal misuse, the letter, signed by 26 New Mexico House Republicans, says. At a time when New Mexico faces one of the highest crime rates in the nation, SB17 does nothing to target violent offenders. Instead, it imposes sweeping bans on law-abiding citizens, firearm dealers and sportsmen. Nationwide activists are calling for an economic blackout on January 30 to protest ICE activity. Celebrities, including Hannah Einbinder and Pedro Pascal, have posted on social media about the strike. It's an expansion of Minnesota's ICE OUT protest on January 23. Last Friday, Minnesota business Catzen Coffee wasn't open for purchases but it did invite customers in to hang out with cats and find community as part of a statewide economic blackout to protest ramped-up ICE actions. This Friday, the general strike is going nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement At least that's the aim of activist groups, unions, and some celebrities who have called for no work, school, or shopping after fatal shootings by immigration officers in recent weeks in Minnesota. In a post promoting a "National Shutdown," actor Hannah Einbinder wrote on Instagram that "withholding our labor and capital is our most effective leverage. national general strike spread the word!" Actor Pedro Pascal shared a graphic of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the two Minnesotans shot by federal agents, that says "Pretti Good Reason For A National Strike," and posted in support of a larger strike on the 30th. It's unclear how widespread participation in the blackout will be or what impact it may have on ICE operations. A website for the "National Shutdown" lists hundreds of organizations as endorsers. Advertisement Advertisement "Last week's march brought out tens of thousands of people, lets make this Friday even bigger," the University of Minnesota Graduate Labor Union wrote in an Instagram post. Minnesotans took to the streets and closed businesses on January 23 to protest ICE The January 23 action in Minnesota was endorsed by a slew of regional labor unions, whose demands included ICE leaving the state and no additional federal funding for the agency. "Working people, our schools and our communities are under attack. Union members are being detained commuting to and from work, tearing apart families," Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, the president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said in a statement ahead of the January 23 Minnesota strike. "Parents are being forced to stay home, students held out of school, fearing for their lives, all while the employer class remains silent." Local news site Bring Me The News compiled a running list of more than 200 businesses that posted on social media about their participation. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said that the Trump administration's immigration operations "have resulted in countless dangerous criminal illegals being removed from the streets." Jackson said that will "create a safer environment where all businesses can thrive in the long term and their customers can feel safe." Ultimately, thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets on January 23, and an estimated 700 businesses closed their doors in solidarity, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. "I thought the strike was extremely successful. There were so many who participated that it served as a true roadmap for a larger general strike," Vanessa Beardsley, the owner of Catzen, said of the January 23 strike. "For me personally, there was overwhelming comfort and gratitude that I live in Minnesota and that we are all standing together in this time of history." Have a story to share? Reach out to this reporter at jkaplan@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider Residents poured into a hearing Tuesday afternoon to demand state leaders restore access to the Carbon Canyon. The Senate Committee on Transportation held a public hearing to discuss Senate Bill 5987, which aims to fast-track the replacement of the state Route 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge, which closed permanently on April 22. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also gave a presentation before the hearing to give an update on where a potential bridge replacement stands. Advertisement Advertisement We are in what I would call the pre-NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] planning process this is where we try to figure out what the process is, Steve Roark, region administrator for WSDOT, said at the hearing. Roark said WSDOT is in the first phase of a three-phase process, which currently would take four and a half to seven years in its entirety. He also answered questions that senators had about the process. Senate Bill 5987, as well as its sister bill in the House, HB 2645, both aim to speed the process along by declaring the closure a state of emergency. Republican senator Phil Fortunato is the lead sponsor on the senate bill, along with Democrat Twina Nobles. Republican representatives Andrew Barkis, Josh Penner and Cyndy Jacobsen sponsored the house bill. Barkis told The News Tribune on Tuesday that declaring the closure a state of emergency could play a key role in getting a new bridge sooner. Advertisement Advertisement In Washington state, it takes a long time to build projects. It takes a long time to go through all the normal processes, Barkis said. What the bill is hoping to do is anywhere they can find to expedite whether its in the planning, the permitting, the environmental that is what the bill is directing them to find. The 104-year-old, single-lane bridge was the only access point via state Route 165 to key areas of Mount Rainier National Park, including Mowich Lake, Tolmie Peak and Spray Park. Wilkeson, a gateway town, has historically relied on the summer traffic from people going to this part of the park and now, businesses are fighting to survive. Residents who live on the other side of the bridge have also had to grapple with isolation. A limited access route is in place for those homeowners, but not the public. Where does the project stand now? Roark said WSDOT is in the first phase of a three-stage process: Phase 1, 12-18 months: Geotechnical investigations and surveying; early-NEPA environmental review, determining a bridge type, size and location Phase 2, 18-24 months: NEPA environmental assessment, design/engineering and permitting Phase 3, 24+ months: Construction of a new bridge and demolition of the existing bridge Advertisement Advertisement The first phase, Roark said, is essentially about deciding the best vision for a potential new bridge. Shortly after the closure, WSDOT wrapped up a $1.5 million planning study where they considered seven options for the future. In August, they narrowed the options down to two: Building a bridge replacement north of the bridges existing location. Tearing down the existing bridge and not building a new one. Roark echoed much of what WSDOT said in an announcement earlier this month. In a Jan. 8, 2026, blog post on their website, WSDOT said they are working to collect geotechnical information about the area in order to see if its feasible to build a bridge north of the existing bridge. Advertisement Advertisement WSDOT estimates it will take six to 12 months to get this information, but that is complicated by endangered species in the area, which requires them to secure environmental permits. They also need to obtain right-of-way permits from landowners. If WSDOT does decide that building a new bridge is possible, Roark said they would move onto the second phase which will require sitting with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and conducting an environmental assessment. Before they can enter the second phase, they need key information. To do that successfully, to do that crisply, we have to define the project, Roark said. We have to start preparing to understand the footprint of this project and what the impacts of this project will be. Phase 2 is where we go into NEPA thats the National Environmental Protection Act where we do the analysis of the project, Roark said. That involves sitting with the Federal Highway Administration [and conducting] an environmental assessment, which typically comes with a 12-plus month time frame. Advertisement Advertisement During the second phase, WSDOT would have to meet with several agencies, including: Federal Highway Administration U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Marine Fisheries Service Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Local tribes Each of these organizations will have a window to review and comment on the work, ranging from 30 to 135 days or more, WSDOTs Jan. 8, 2025 post said. The third phase, Roark said, would involve construction of a new bridge. He listed the timeframe of this phase as 24+ months. It could go faster, it could take longer, depending on what the type, size, and location of the bridge ends up being, Roark said. What did senators say about the timeline? After Roarks initial presentation, many senators had questions about how to speed up the timeline to restore access in the area as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement When weve had other failures, incidents, we move heaven and earth. We waive a lot of things, things happen a lot faster than the timeline you put up there, said Sen. Drew MacEwen, a Republican who represents District 35. I acknowledge that this bridge is much more complicated than things like the Skagit River Bridge collapse, but this is the frustration I have with the system. I recognize that youre placed with policy that youve got to deal with, but if you care to comment, how could we speed this up? I mean, theres got to be a way. Roark said the difference between the Fairfax Bridge and incidents like the 2013 Skagit River bridge collapse and the 2025 White River Bridge closure is that, in this case, there is no one particular incident to point to, such as a car crash or weather event. Because of that, it is not eligible for emergency relief from the federal government. He also pointed out that much of the environmental review does still happen on projects that are sped up, such as for the Skagit River and White River bridges just after the fact. Most of those [environmental review] events, were replacing in kind through an emergency. You dont see it upfront, but were doing that environmental work after the work is done. The work is still occurring, Roark said. ... In this case, its going to be a new bridge on a new alignment, which is going to require the normal in terms of the rules that WSDOT has to live with. Its going to require the normal environmental review and permitting. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan, a Democrat who represents the 26th district, asked if it would be faster to tear down the existing bridge and build a new bridge at the current location. We actually considered that, its not off the table, Roark said. We believe its faster to build a new bridge on a new alignment then try to replace the existing bridge where its at. Roark then said that WSDOT will pick what takes the least amount of time. Sen. Marko Liias, a Democrat representing District 21, asked what will happen to the existing bridge if a new bridge gets built. Roark said WSDOT is planning to remove it, but that it will require them to go through a federal process since the existing bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Advertisement Advertisement Liias asked Roark later in the hearing if WSDOT has the resources it needs to continue this work. We have used $7 million out of our current existing biennial preservation money, Roark answered. So, going forward, if we move into future phases, additional funding will be needed. What did residents and leaders have to say at the hearing? Jayme Peloli, mayor of Wilkeson, started the hearing by giving a speech on the impacts the bridge closure has had on the town. This has meant business owners waking up day after day unsure whether to keep their doors open or walk away from everything they have ever built, Peloli said. Families are questioning whether they can hold onto generational land, whose viabilities depend on access. Advertisement Advertisement Peloli previously asked the Washington State Auditors Office to look into WSDOTs lack of repairs to the bridge, which had not been painted since 1988. WSDOT previously told The News Tribune this was due to a lack of funding from the legislature to address the hundreds of bridges across the state that needed repairs. She brought up these records in her speech, saying that Wilkeson does not deserve to carry the burden of state-funded infrastructure failing. I have had to look my constituents in the eye and say something no local leader should ever have to say, which is: No one is coming, Peloli said. We will have to fight this out ourselves, and we have but we should not have to. Fortunato, the sponsor of the bill, gave a speech before public comment. He said the state needs to do whatever it takes to speed up the process of restoring access, before Wilkeson loses its businesses. Businesses are being devastated, I have no idea how anyones going to stay alive, Fortunato said. Wilkeson had the best pizza in Washington for a couple years, and how is that pizzeria going to stay in business? Six residents spoke up during public comment, urging legislators to pass the bill. The first to speak was Avery Cesarano, who said the bridge played a key role in supporting a unique area with some of Mount Rainiers most iconic trails and some of Washingtons most interesting historical sites, such as the Melmont Ghost Town. I have hiked these trails, I have climbed these peaks, I walked through the ghost towns and stood among the ruins. Ive met tourists from across the country that come to Washington for no other reason than to come to this very area, Cesarano said. Access to moments like that should not depend on private landownership. It should remain public to everyone as it has been for decades. Resident Jeff Pack said he owns a horse farm in Wilkeson and has been recreating in the area for over 50 years. Ive climbed Mount Rainier, Ive dove into Mowich Lake. Ive hunted, hiked, horseback and off-climbed this area since I was in my early teens, Pack said. The closure of the Fairfax Bridge was devastating. Many of the things and areas I dearly love to recreate in have been taken away from me. Denise Carnahan echoed Pack, saying she has spent decades crossing the Fairfax Bridge, and urged legislators to pass the bill. Do it for the outdoor enthusiasts, do it for the local businesses, do it for the people who live on the other side of the road, and there are people in the area that are fifth-generation Washingtonians, Carnahan said. The experience you get from going up there is unique and not like anything else you can find anywhere else. Carnahan then urged legislators to restore access by any means possible. If you need to put a toll on that bridge, Id gladly pay to go over the bridge, Carnahan said. Where do these bills stand and what happens now? This hearing discussed the senate bill, but action first started in the states House of Representatives. In December, Barkis introduced House Bill 2149. Barkis original bill said the state of emergency would allow WSDOT to use funds from the states climate investment account to build a new bridge. The climate investment account stems from the states quarterly carbon auctions, where the biggest polluters in the state buy allowances for their emissions. Funds from these auctions go into the account, which supports projects related to climate resilience. Barkis has since introduced a new house bill that does not list the climate funds as a method of building the new bridge. The bill is otherwise identical to its original counterpart, and had a public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation the day after the senate bill, on Jan. 28. The News Tribune asked Barkis why he struck out the language around using climate funding. He said it was because the legislature is thinking of other ways to use climate funds across the state, and because he didnt want to narrow the funding to one source. We didnt want to have a specific apportion in this bill because I dont want to narrow the ability to utilize other resources, Barkis told The News Tribune on Tuesday. So if were able to use federal dollars or other resources in the budget, I didnt want to narrow it down to one source of appropriations from the Climate Commitment Act. So thats why I agreed to pull that and drop a new bill. The News Tribune asked Barkis what other methods of funding legislators are thinking of using if the bills are passed. He said its a mix of reallocating state dollars, and asking for federal help because the bridge connects to a national park. Sometimes, if we move money around between different accounts, its called supplanting. So, you could take money out of a different account and backfill it with, say, Climate Commitment Act money, Barkis said. Were going to be talking with our federal delegation because this is an access point to Mount Rainier. Its a very iconic, important access point to a national park. The senate bill at the center of this hearing was identical to Barkis original bill and does include language around using climate impact funds. The News Tribune asked Barkis why the legislature had hearings for both a senate and house bill this week especially since one of the bills includes the clause about climate funds and one does not. The bill that Senator Fortunato has introduced is basically my bill with the pretense of that appropriation and typically, you wouldnt run two different kinds of bills, you would have a companion, Barkis said. So, I was a little surprised the senate had decided to hear it. Now that both the senate and house bills have had a public hearing, the next steps are for the respective committees to decide whether to pass it. As of Wednesday evening, neither bill has moved out of committee. Other ways the state might help with the bridge closure During his speech at the Tuesday hearing, Fortunato said he has also sponsored a different bill which would eliminate property taxes for businesses and properties impacted by the bridge closure. Senate Bill 6150 says residents located within the impact area of the bridge closure would not have to pay property taxes starting in 2026. Impact area means any area within three miles, east or west, of state route number 165 and south of the junction of state route number 162 and state route number 165, the bills text says. The bill would go into effect on July 1. This section applies both retroactively to taxes due and payable in calendar year 2026 and prospectively, the bill says. A property owner paying property taxes in calendar year 2026 may seek a refund. These changes would apply until access is restored in the Carbon Canyon. Residents would not have to pay property taxes again until Jan. 1 of the year following restored access. The bill had its first reading on Jan. 15 and was referred to the Ways & Means Committee. It has not advanced since then. At Tuesdays hearing, Peloli said she has asked the state for any help possible to keep Wilkeson afloat during the closure especially local businesses. Ive asked for an influx of funding for them, a stipend, to try and get them through whatever this process looks like simultaneously, asking for an emergency declaration, that could potentially speed this up, Peloli said. This is not due to anything that our town created or Carbonado or Fairfax. We do not believe that we should have to suffer the consequences of that. Peloli said any sort of influx or stipend would make a difference, since business owners and property owners are struggling to pay salaries, property taxes, mortgages, rentals and more. We have received zero dollars to date and [we] are just trying to stay alive at this point, Peloli said. News Tribune archives contributed to this report. "Vote for Lombardo or Trump will invade us too" might seem like an effective campaign slogan, until voters think it through. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Theres a theory perhaps youve heard it that says Donald Trump hasnt launched chaos-creating over-the-top militarized deportation tactics in Nevada, as he has in Minnesota, for a couple reasons: It would upset the casino-hotel industry and harm Nevadas tourism-based economy. It would put Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo in a tough spot in an election year. Advertisement Advertisement Yes, hordes of horrifyingly incompetent and untrained thugs have not been deployed to manufacture mayhem in Nevada and shoot its citizens, as in Minneapolis. So far. As a commenter put it in a social media response to yesterdays Nevada Current story about Nevadans being on alert because of Trumps immigration tactics elsewhere, We have a republican governor. Not gunna happen here. Theres an election-related corollary to that assumption, a prospect as bizarre as our times, but one that must be mentioned out loud, obnoxious though it may be: A belief that unless Nevada voters elect a Republican governor in 2026, Trump will rain down hell on Nevada in 2027. Vote for Lombardo or Trump will invade us, is unquestionably a much catchier campaign theme than what currently appears to be the governors strongest selling point: Vote for Lombardo so he can keep vetoing more bills than any governor in Nevada history. At first glance, the notion that a Republican governor could fend off Trumps worst impulses might seem the most effective and potent argument Lombardo could make as he seeks reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Unless voters think it through. The idea that Lombardo or any other Republican can or will save Nevada or any other state from Trump assumes Trump can be trusted or relied upon. It assumes Trump will be making decisions after considering short- and long-term risks and consequences, instead of letting his actions be guided by whatever malevolent and self-gratifying filth happens to be knocking around in his declining noggin during any given news cycle. In other words, it assumes Trump is a rational actor. So theres that. Relatedly, and equally if not more importantly, placing faith in Lombardo to protect Nevadas people (and economy) from Trumps goons assumes Trump gives a damn, or ever will, about Lombardo, or for that matter the economy, people, and well-being of Nevada. Trump is not only the most famous person on earth. Hes also the most famously disloyal, untrustworthy, and narcissistic. Advertisement Advertisement Trump does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, confident that submissive Republican politicians like Lombardo wouldnt say s**t if they had a mouthful. If/when Trump decides its time to send his stormtroopers into Nevada, thats what hell do, whether Lombardo likes it or not. Nevada voters, whatever their partisan affiliation or lack thereof, might be tempted by the prospect of a deal (Trumps favorite word) whereby if they elect a Republican governor, things will still be unaffordable, but at least Trump wont launch a paramilitary occupation of Southern Nevada streets and neighborhoods. Between now and the election, Trump might even promise/threaten as much to Nevada voters. Nice little state youve got here, it would be a shame if something happened to it. And if you reelect Joe it wont. That sort of thing. And under such a deal/threat, all Nevada voters have to do is submit. Advertisement Advertisement Over the last (very long) year, the U.S. decline from a rule-based constitutional democracy into blunt authoritarianism has happened more quickly and aggressively than even some of Trumps most wary critics expected. Its hard to know for sure where the point of no return is. We have to hope the U.S. hasnt already passed it, and that democracy, the rule of law, and constitutionalism will ultimately survive the off-with-their-heads edicts and blithering whims of an unglued dictator. There are three years of Trump still to go and thats assuming he doesnt declare an emergency, cancel elections, shred the Constitution, and remain in office indefinitely. Its impossible to predict how much of the nations values and freedoms will survive. But one thing is certain. The surest way for people in Nevada and the nation to guarantee those values are buried and those freedoms vanish is by submitting to the thug demanding submission. Thats what voting for Lombardo in the hope itll keep the monster away would amount to: bootlicking submission and surrender to Trump the wildly erratic authoritarian. Advertisement Advertisement If Nevadans want to vote for Lombardo because they like some policy hes promoting, or because they dont like the policies promoted by his opponent, fair enough. Thats what elections are for. But trying to be clever and voting based on what might seem like smart handicapping of a potential transaction with a notoriously mercurial, unhinged, and deteriorating megalomaniac isnt a smart play. Its a sucker bet. Vote for the Republican or the state gets it may sound like an offer Nevada cant refuse. Actually its an offer Nevada shouldnt even consider. Its an election, not a stickup. Rebecca Binstock, executive director for the North Dakota Ethics Commission, speaks during a commission meeting at the Capitol on Nov. 19, 2025. Others pictured, from left to right, are General Counsel Logan Carpenter, Commission Chair Cynthia Lindquist, then-commissioner Murray Sagsveen and commissioners Pam Sharp and Ron Goodman. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted several updates to its complaint process Wednesday, including a change that allows complaints filed in bad faith to be dismissed. The Ethics Commission investigates complaints related to potential unethical conduct by some state public officials and candidates. In response to concerns that bottlenecks in the complaint process were prolonging those investigations, the state Legislature passed a handful of policy amendments to state law last year. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the changes approved Wednesday implement those amendments. I believe this is quite an accomplishment, Ethics Commission Chair Cynthia Lindquist said during the meeting. Legislators in 2025 directed the commission to create a process to handle bad faith complaints amid concerns that public officials were using complaints as a weapon to harm their political opponents. The amended rules consider bad faith complaints to include those filed to harass or impugn the reputation of the accused. Any complaints that fit this definition may be dismissed, the rules say. Previously, the commission considered making bad faith complaints punishable by fines, though commissioners decided against it. Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said that this was because the state law that establishes the commissions complaint process doesnt say the body can penalize filers. Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners also expressed concerns that fines could discourage citizens from reporting potential ethics violations, she said. Additionally, the updated rules give people accused of ethics violations a formal avenue to request complaints to be dismissed. The accused can ask the commission to toss complaints on the grounds that they arent subject to the commissions jurisdiction, that they dont clearly state a violation, dont follow the commissions rules or were submitted in bad faith. The amendments also allow the commission to informally settle ethics complaints directly with the accused. Previously, the board could only mediate informal resolutions between the accused and the filer, which were rarely successful. Another update to the rules includes new time management standards for processing ethics complaints. The standards state that the commission shall dismiss complaints outside of its jurisdiction within 60 calendar days. It also mandates that the executive director report on the status of each complaint that has been pending for more than six months at quarterly meetings, and to report on the status of complaints older than one year at every regular meeting. Advertisement Advertisement The commission as of Dec. 31 had 42 pending complaints. During the 2025 session, Ethics Commission staff also requested funding for an additional staff member to help carry the boards workload. They noted complaint filings to the commission had risen significantly in recent years. The Legislature denied the request. In its Wednesday meeting, the commission also discussed a new proposal to allow for public comment at future meetings. Commissioners are considering accepting in-person and virtual comment at meetings, as well as written testimony. The commission indicated it will revisit the public comment proposal at its next meeting in February. This story was updated to correct the nature of the complaint rule amendments. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Microsoft shares dropped 6.2% in Frankfurt on Thursday a day after the company said it had spent a record amount on artificial intelligence in the last quarter and posted slower cloud-computing growth, worrying investors. The decline was roughly in line with Microsoft's move in U.S. after hours trading. (Reporting by Alun John; editing by Dhara Ranasinghe) NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) A North Kingstown veteran was recognized for his heroic actions Wednesday more than 50 years after he served in the Vietnam War. Rep. Seth Magaziner presented Specialist 4th Class Kenneth Barber with the military honors he earned but never received. Barber joined the U.S. Army back in 1970 and piloted helicopters throughout the Vietnam War. His helicopter was instrumental during the December 1971 rescue of a U.S. Air Force crew. Advertisement Advertisement He contacted Magaziner for assistance after realizing the medals he earned were never issued. Magaziner presented Barber with an Army Air Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, an Army Marksman Weapons Qualification Badge and a Vietnam Campaign Medal during a small ceremony at Bayview Rehabilitation. Veterans like Kenneth Barber represent the very best of our country, putting service above self, Magaziner said. I am honored to help ensure his service is properly recognized with the medals he rightfully earned. Magaziner encouraged other veterans in the Second Congressional District who have not received their medals to reach out for assistance. (Courtesy: Seth Magaziners Office) (Courtesy: Seth Magaziners Office) (Courtesy: Seth Magaziners Office) SEE ALSO: Vietnam veteran receives long overdue Purple Heart Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will unveil plans to further bolster its nuclear program at the upcoming ruling party congress, as he observed the North's latest weapons launch, state media reported Wednesday. The Korean Central News Agency said North Korea performed a live-fire drill of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system in the presence of Kim on Tuesday, an apparent reference to what South Korea and Japan earlier described as ballistic missile launches from North Korea. State media photos show Kim walking near a huge launch truck with his teenage daughter in her latest public appearance with her father. South Korea's spy service said in early 2024 it considered the girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, as her father's likely heir. Advertisement Advertisement KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un saying the test launch was meant to enhance the effectiveness of the country's strategic deterrent, a term used to describe its nuclear weapons capability. KCNA said the launcher system's mobility and strike accuracy have been improved. Experts say North Koreas large-sized rocket launchers blur the boundaries between artillery systems and ballistic missiles because they can create their own thrust and are guided during delivery. North Korea has said some of these systems are capable of delivering nuclear warheads. Kim said that boosting the country's military capability is the invariable line of the ruling Workers' Party. He said the upcoming party congress, the first of its kind in five years, will be a venue to declare next-stage plans for further bolstering up the countrys nuclear war deterrent, KCNA said. The congress, expected to start in February, is one of North Koreas biggest propaganda spectacles and is used to establish new political and economic priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Since December, North Korea has already test-fired what it called hypersonic missiles, long-range, strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles. North Korea's recent testing activities were likely meant to demonstrate or review its weapons development achievements ahead of the congress. KCNA didn't say what the next-stage nuclear development plan will be like. Many foreign analysts say North Korea needs to master an ability to place multiple warheads on a single missile to defeat its rivals missile defenses. There are also questions on whether North Korea has acquired the technology to shield warheads from the high-temperature, high-stress environment of atmospheric reentry for long-range missiles targeting the U.S. mainland. North Korea has refused to engage in talks with the U.S. and South Korea since Kim's nuclear diplomacy with President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Experts say Kim could return to talks if he's assured of some economic and political rewards for limited denuclearization steps. RAINBOW CITY, Ala. (WIAT) Forty years after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, communities across northeast Alabama are honoring the crews legacy by investing in the future of science, technology, engineering and math education. Wednesday marked the 40th anniversary of the Challenger explosion, which occurred 73 seconds after liftoff on January 28, 1986, killing all seven astronauts on board. NASA and families of fallen astronauts mark 40th anniversary of space shuttle Challenger accident Advertisement Advertisement In Rainbow City, local and state leaders gathered to reflect on the tragedy and highlight how it inspired a nationwide mission to educate and inspire students through hands-on learning. That mission is taking shape in Alabama with the upcoming opening of the states first Challenger Learning Center, located in northeast Alabama. The facility will become the 34th Challenger Learning Center worldwide, offering immersive, space-themed STEM experiences designed to teach teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. We are able to provide students with a one-day space flight simulation and a STEM experience, said Farrah Hayes, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. Its going to open so many kids eyes and opportunities not just to space programs, but to STEM opportunities here in Northeast Alabama. State leaders said the center represents more than a new educational facility, as its a lasting tribute to the Challenger crew. Advertisement Advertisement Its the first Challenger Learning Center in our state, which is a critical component in the STEM education they want for our kids, said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. On a national level, its an opportunity to provide a legacy for those tragic losses more than 40 years ago, and its really enhanced the education of kids across the country. The remembrance event also recognized early supporters, known as Sojourner donors, whose financial investments helped make the Challenger Learning Center possible before its official opening. Community leaders, educators and elected officials attended the ceremony at Rainbow City Hall. Weather Aware: Frigid Temperatures Return This Weekend, Dangerous Wind Chill The Challenger Learning Center was created by the families of the astronauts following the disaster, turning loss into a nationwide effort to inspire future generations through education. Advertisement Advertisement Celebrating and honoring it is very important to us on a personal level because one of our board members, Dr. Jean Scobey Rogers from Alabama, her husband, Dick Scobee, was the captain of the space shuttle, Hayes said. The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama is expected to open in April, giving students across the region access to interactive STEM programs rooted in exploration, discovery and the enduring legacy of the Challenger crew. 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 CBS 42. Toney Breault, a noted San Luis Obispo business owner and part of a lauded local family restaurant dynasty, has died at age 54. According to San Luis Obispo Police Department spokesperson Christine Wallace, Breault was found deceased at Hotel Cerro on Tuesday morning. She told The Tribune that hotel staff called the police to conduct a welfare check as Mr. Breault had not been seen for several days. Advertisement Advertisement Wallace declined to disclose a cause of death, but said foul play was not expected. Breault, who is survived by daughters Baileyana and Olivia, was the owner of longtime local establishments F. McLintocks, Buffalo Pub & Grill and Franks Famous Hot Dogs. KSBY on Wednesday reported that the businesses were closed following Breaults death. A request for comment from management at all three businesses was not immediately returned as of Wednesday afternoon. The news comes two days after police announced F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House in San Luis Obispo had allegedly been found serving alcohol to minors during a recent sting operation. Advertisement Advertisement The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was expected to take over the case and consider filing criminal or administrative actions against the employees and business, a Police Department release said Tuesday. Bruce and Toney Breault, McLintocks partners and father and son, in June 2003. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) Breault was a part of noted SLO County restaurant family As part of the family that built F. McLintocks into a national brand, Breault was one of the key caretakers of a lauded local restaurant legacy. He took over the restaurant business from his father, Bruce Breault, and co-founder Tunny Ortali. The pair had opened the first F. McLintocks steakhouse in Pismo Beach in the 1970s and quickly built it into a respected name. At one point, then-California Gov. George Deukmejian ate at the restaurant after a speech in San Luis Obispo, and a spokesperson for the restaurant attributed the decision to the steakhouses outstanding reputation and the hard work of its owners. Advertisement Advertisement The company quickly grew to encompass several steakhouses across the county, a nationally sold trail camp beans brand and other restaurants such as Franks Famous Hot Dogs and Buffalo Pub & Grill, both in San Luis Obispo. Breault, meanwhile, grew up alongside his familys business. He was 2 years old when his father and Ortali founded that first McLintocks, and by 6 he was washing dishes in its kitchen on the weekends. From there he would go on to work every position in the restaurant, at the urging of his father and Ortali, he told The Tribune in 2004. You need to understand what the people who work for you do before you can lead them, he said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, Breault was named one of The Tribunes Top 20 under 40, with his nominator saying he was a role model in his businesses. The iconic F. McLintocks brand, however, eventually ran into hard times amid the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, with its Paso Robles location closing in mid-2020, just months before the passing of Breaults father, Bruce Breault. Ortali would die less than a year later, leaving a now somewhat-beleaguered brand fully in Toney Breaults hands. In March 2024, the Arroyo Grande F. McLintocks would shut its doors permanently, followed a few months later by the brands flagship Pismo Beach location, with its ocean views along Highway 101. Advertisement Advertisement Since then the status of the San Luis Obispo F. McLintocks has been in flux, with the restaurant and bar appearing to have recently begun allowing guests inside once again, though details are unclear on its exact hours of operation. The phone number for the location remained disconnected as of this week. Meanwhile, Buffalo Pub & Grill and Franks Famous Hot Dogs have held on as longtime and beloved San Luis Obispo establishments. It is unclear what will happen to the businesses following Breaults death. Business owner remembered for relentless enthusiasm Breault is survived by his two daughters, Baileyana and Olivia. On Friday, they issued a statement to The Tribune saying they wished to sincerely thank the San Luis Obispo community for the outpouring of condolences, support and love. Advertisement Advertisement While we may not be able to respond to everything right now, please know that we see and appreciate each message, they wrote. This community played a large role in our fathers life, giving him connection and purpose. Thank you to everyone who was a part of his last years your presence and care meant the world to both my sister and me. It continued: We hope to honor our father at a later date, but for now, we ask for privacy and space to grieve. https://www.scribd.com/document/990080508/Statement-from-Breault-family-on-passing-of-Toney-Breault On Wednesday, the Downtown SLO Farmers Market shared a post on Instagram remembering Breault as a familiar face at the Farmers Market. F. McLintocks was one of the original barbecue vendors at the weekly downtown event. Advertisement Advertisement His relentless enthusiasm and uncompromising passion have left a lasting mark on our community, the post read. According to the post, Breault will be honored at an upcoming Farmers Market, to be announced at a later date. When the belligerent border patrol official Gregory Bovino finally left the Twin Cities this week, there was hope that the tension in the region would dissipate. But in the wake of the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, residents say they are still dealing with immigration raids and threats to their safety and fear the shock waves will be felt for a very long time. In Saint Paul, city council member Molly Coleman is still taking shifts to watch for federal immigration agents at her sons daycare. People are really guarding against false optimism, she said. I dont think anybody in Minnesota is under any illusions that we are suddenly safer than we were this time last week that constitutional observers are safer, that immigrants are safer, that anybody who looks brown or Black on the streets is safer. For Elizabeth, a parent in south Minneapolis who asked the Guardian to use only her first name to protect her identity, nothing has changed since Bovinos departure. Her neighborhood Signal group chat, used to flag Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sightings, buzzes constantly. Were still seeing the vehicles in the neighborhood, she said, adding that on Wednesday afternoon she received an alert about increased federal presence at her nearest bus stop. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Minneapolis ICE observers keep showing up despite risk of arrest and violence In the days after the killing of the 37yearold ICU nurse Pretti, signs emerged that the Trump administration understood how quickly anger at federal immigration agents could ignite across Minnesota and the nation. Early in the week, the president touted very good phone calls with the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz whom Donald Trump routinely disparages and the Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey. By Tuesday, Bovino who was initially tasked with running the immigration crackdown in Minnesota was replaced by Trumps socalled border czar, Tom Homan. Homan, who served as acting director of ICE during Trumps first administration and as a senior official of removal operations under Barack Obama, also had meetings with Walz and Frey to discuss the federal immigration operation. While we dont agree on everything, these meetings were a productive starting point and I look forward to more conversations with key stakeholders in the days ahead, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Despite Trumps claims that he would deescalate the situation with a more relaxed operation, raids have persisted. Just two days after his supposedly cordial call with Frey, Trump lashed out at the mayor on Truth Social, accusing him of playing with fire, after Frey reiterated that local police should not enforce federal immigration laws. On Wednesday, the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, also said she was in Minneapolis, and claimed 16 people had been arrested for allegedly assaulting federal officers and impeding law enforcement, adding that more arrests were expected. Walz, visiting the makeshift memorial where Pretti was killed, told reporters on Wednesday he had seen no evidence ICE was pulling back. Im not so interested in a shift in tone, he said. We just need them out of here, and we need accountability for whats happened. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the agency does not disclose resources or numbers of personnel on the ground for operational security declining to say how many border patrol officers had left the city at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the surge, Elizabeth has continued delivering groceries and shuttling children to school for families too afraid to leave their homes. Many of them havent left their home in seven to eight weeks, she said, noting that some had fled the city entirely. Teachers across Minnesota are seeing the same fear play out in classrooms. Brenda Lewis, superintendent of the Fridley public school district, about 10 miles north of Minneapolis, said she had expanded remote learning for students too frightened to attend in person. This is about children, predominantly children of color, being treated as less than human, Lewis said at the state capitol this week. Our school district has been directly targeted, and we cannot pretend otherwise. For Coleman, in Saint Paul, any signs of the administration relenting amount to one small victory in a much, much longer fight. She worries about the longterm fallout from learning loss to economic strain to the health consequences for families who have missed critical medical appointments. We will be dealing with the consequences of this for years, she said. I dont think anybody knows what that will look like, or is fully prepared for it. That climate of fear and volatility has now reached Minnesotas elected officials as well. On Tuesday, Ilhan Omar, the Democratic representative, was attacked by a man spraying an unidentified liquid while she addressed constituents at a town hall. Early reports show that the alleged attacker, Anthony James Kazmierczak, followed several rightwing activists and commentators. Advertisement Advertisement Despite lawmakers from both parties condemning the assault, Trump remained pugnacious and unsympathetic. I think shes a fraud. I really dont think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her, he said, without evidence, in an interview with ABC News. Just hours before the attack, Trump had denigrated Omar again. She comes from a country thats a disaster, he said of Somalia, from where Omar fled as a child refugee. Omar attributed the town hall incident to the presidents persistent rhetoric. The facts of the situation are that I wouldnt be where I am today, having to pay for security if Donald Trump wasnt in office, and if he wasnt so obsessed with me, she said. For Elizabeth, the events of the last week have only reinforced her belief that efforts by the governor and mayor to make headway with Trump are futile. While she still trusts her neighbors to show up for one another while their community is being held hostage, Elizabeth sees little chance of meaningful change from the administration. Were dealing with a bully, and right now, if they leave Minnesota, they lose, she said. And I dont think hes going to leave if hes gonna come across as a loser. State lawmakers in 2025 established the working group to determine the need for mass transit via rail in the states largest metro areas, as well as potential funding sources for such a system. (Image: U.S. Department of Transportation) Northern Nevada transportation officials are looking into the feasibility of using existing rail lines along Interstate-80 to support commuter rail service from Downtown Reno to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. The study funded by public dollars and private industry, including Tesla is expected to be completed in the early part of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Elon Musks Boring Company is doing an independent study on how to create a separate tunnel project to transport workers between Reno and TRIC, according to recent reporting from Fortune. The Boring Company, which already has a 4-mile underground tunnel system beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, has faced recent scrutiny after a litany of incidents including crushing injury, workers and firefighters enduring chemical burns, and digging errors that exposed the foundation of two Las Vegas Monorail columns. Borings proposal for Northern Nevada is mostly taking place behind the scenes. The conversations weve been having, and our study has been specifically focused on using the existing rail line, said James Gee, the director of public transportation and operations for the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. We have not looked at tunnels or anything else. Advertisement Advertisement The RTC study to establish commuter rail comes as a statewide Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group held its inaugural meeting this week. Lawmakers last year established the working group in Assembly Bill 256 to determine the need for mass transit via rail in the states largest metro areas, as well as potential funding sources for such a system. Gee said it was hard to answer what impact the Boring Co.s tunnel could have on the commuter rail proposal because Im not sure what theyre going to come out with, if anything. In terms of our study, the capital costs are going to be the capital costs, and thats really not going to change depending on if they do a tunnel or not, Gee said. Advertisement Advertisement The Boring Co. didnt respond to the Nevada Currents requests for comment. Nearly a year before the regional rail working group convened, Washoe officials began having conversations about alleviating traffic congestion along its I-80 corridor between Reno-Sparks leading out to TRIC. Roughly 20,000 people work in the area. The existing interstate corridor has two lanes in each direction, and a single rail line, which is owned by Union Pacific, Gee said. Its very narrow, so theres not a lot of space to do additional infrastructure. Building a new rail line from scratch to transport people and alleviate traffic congestion would also be expensive, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Theres only so much room to put train tracks, and its easier to use the track thats already there, as opposed to creating a whole new train line, he said. I think theres a general recognition up here that the current commutes by folks is problematic at times. Theres got to be some solutions in place to fix it. Likely theres not one single solution. Itll take a range of options to give the passengers more options so they can get to work. WSP, an international engineering consulting firm, was commissioned in March 2025 to look at alternative transportation options such as a commuter rail line, according to Gee. The study cost $800,000 and will be completed in the first quarter of this year. RTC Washoe covered half the cost. The Nevada Department of Transportation and Storey County contributed $200,000 each. Private businesses, including Tesla and Panasonic, which operate out of TRIC, contributed a total of $100,000. Advertisement Advertisement The results will assess the capital costs of commuter rail, operation costs, estimate potential ridership, and determine how to transport people from the rail to work, Gee said. If the RTC were to move forward, it would need approval from Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the tracks. They own the tracks, and for us to put our trains on their tracks, theyre going to not only assume risk, but theyre also going to lose capacity, Gee said. We need to make sure that we work with them to make sure that they keep their capacity and are able to have freight opportunities in their business. The feasibility study was briefly brought up during a presentation from RTC Washoe at Mondays regional working group meeting. A formal presentation is expected at some point during their meetings this year. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the RTCs feasibility study on a commuter rail line, Gee said there have also been discussions about what it would take to expand the existing Amtrak line from Sacramento to the Reno-Truckee area. Thats really been a separate effort, as opposed to the rail study that were doing, Gee said. An Oconto County doctor will be arraigned Jan. 30 after a new indictment was filed this week involving eight charges related to child pornography. Isaias Cupino, 65, of Oconto Falls, is now accused of five counts of production of child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography. A grand jury forwarded charges accusing Cupino of using a cellphone to record the same minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct around Oct. 18, 2023; April 10, 2025; May 23, 2025; June 7, 2025; and July 12, 2025. The charges of possession of child pornography involve two different children. Advertisement Advertisement Cupino was originally charged in Oconto County Circuit Court of first-degree child sex assault, child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography, but those charges were dismissed as the case shifted to federal court. This is now the second superseding indictment, as federal charges started out Sept. 5 as one count of producing child pornography, then expanded Sept. 23 to include one count each of producing, transporting and possessing child pornography. Cupino previously appeared on Prevea Health's website as a family medicine physician. Following the charges, the company said Cupino was no longer working for them. An arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 30 by video conference before Judge William C. Griesbach at the Green Bay branch for the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Cupino is listed as being in federal custody at the Brown County Jail. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Oconto Falls doctor Cupino faces additional child pornography charges The Oregon Secretary of State's Office plans to conduct 10 audits of state agencies in the 2027 fiscal year, including the Oregon Youth Authority and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The audits were selected based on factors like if an agency had new leadership or was overspending. Topics were then chosen after considering previous audits, likelihood of risk and potential impacts to the state. "When I ran for Oregon Secretary of State, I promised to improve how Oregon audits state government and restore trust in our process, Secretary of State Tobias Read said in a statement. As Auditor-In-Chief, I am keeping that promise by using this impartial, data-driven method to select performance audits. Audits should be aimed at finding and preventing future problems, not pointing out obvious issues after the damage is already done. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, shown at his swearing-in ceremony, said he would prioritize risk-based audits during his term. Risk-based audits, focused on potential problem areas, were a campaign priority of Read's. Advertisement Advertisement "We intend to help the entities we audit smell the smoke, so that state government does not have to put out fires," the 2026-2027 audit plan reads. The audits aim to target gaps between well intended programs and their goal of helping Oregonians. "That's the goal of this, to narrow that gap and to make it possible for government to do a better job at its most important responsibility, which is make life better for Oregon," Read told the Statesman Journal. Work on the audits will begin in July, but how long each takes will depend on complexity, he said. The Secretary of State's Office plans to audit the following: Advertisement Advertisement Sex offender registration at the Oregon Department of State Police. The Oregon Department of Education's High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Fund. This audit is mandated by law. The Oregon Department of Transportation's State Highway Fund and capital projects. This audit was directed by the 2025 transportation package. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission's liquor sales and distribution. The Oregon Youth Authority's parole and probation services. Oregon Department of Corrections' mail processing. The Oregon Health Authority's oversight of funding directed to entities outside the agency; grant and contract administration. Legislative Administration's Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety Project. The Oregon Department of Education's school district funding allocation. The Oregon Department of Human Services' Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program. Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: ODOT among nine agencies to be audited by Oregon Secretary of State Fijian officials are planning to move entire communities because rising coastlines are endangering lives. What's happening? Air pollution from the continued burning of oil, coal, and gas is contributing to warmer global temperatures and, in turn, is melting land ice. The excess water is causing higher tides and coastal flooding. Miami is among the American cities being impacted, according to NASA. In Fiji, populations have already been moved as the South Pacific nation of more than 300 islands weathers severe storms and flooding. In 2014, officials moved about 140 residents 1.2 miles inland at a cost of about $500,000. Additional relocations have happened since, with 50 more communities on the docket within the next decade, according to a study published by Communications Earth & Environment. Advertisement Advertisement ZME Science has an even bigger estimate. It reported that 676 Fijian communities face relocation to avoid floods, landslides, and other calamities. Holdouts and cost are key challenges as villagers often face unwelcome news. As a result, officials work to gain community consensus and funding before moving ahead. "The Fijian Government is committed to undertaking necessary relocations that are well-conceived, efficiently administered, and humanely executed," former Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said in a planning document from 2018. Why are the relocations important? The costly uprooting of entire communities is a harrowing reality that more people around the world are expected to face. The World Economic Forum reported that a billion people are affected by rising seas. The Earth Journalism Network (@EarthJournalism) interviewed residents of Narikoso, Fiji, in 2020 as part of a report on the community's partial move. Advertisement Advertisement "The portions of the village along the shoreline, including the hall, are in the designated red zone because they are all under sea level," a concerned resident said in the clip. What's being done to help? Well-planned relocations can save lives and property. Successful efforts consider livelihoods, culture, and ecosystems lessons learned from the Narikoso project and other moves, according to research published by Asia Pacific Viewpoint. The Fijian news might seem like far-off worries, but Miami and other American coastlines are evidence that tidal rise is happening stateside, too. Understanding what's causing the problem, and why it's important, can help you make well-informed decisions even about your next move. Certain areas prone to flooding, for example, can have higher insurance premiums or limited coverage options. Do you feel safe drinking the tap water where you live? Always Most of the time Not usually Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In Fiji, New Zealand helped with relocation efforts by donating $5 million to a trust fund established for the issue. The money helped with the relocation of Nabavatu village last year, but more international help is needed for success, ZME reported. Advertisement Advertisement "The world would do well to pay attention not just to the challenges but to the solutions," Fermin Koop wrote for the publication. 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. An octopus species native to the U.K. had a major resurgence in 2025. According to The Guardian, its record numbers excited experts. The common or Mediterranean octopus is prospering again in the waters off England's south coast from Cornwall to Devon. Matt Slater, a marine conservation officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, told The Guardian the local fishermen's catch was 13 times more than expected in Cornwall. It totaled approximately 233,000 octopuses. The numbers were so impressive, the Wildlife Trusts dubbed 2025 "the year of the octopus." Advertisement Advertisement The species is native to the U.K. but is typically seen in smaller numbers. A milder winter combined with a warm breeding season in the spring created conditions that were ideal for the population boom. The last time that amount of octopuses was present in the region was in 1950. Experts expect an equally large number of the species for 2026 but predict it will drop off afterwards, following previous patterns. Slater told the outlet, "It is unlikely, based on past events, that it will go on for a long time. But the sea keeps giving us surprises at the moment so it's quite an unpredictable situation." Octopuses are a valuable part of the marine ecosystem, consuming crabs, crayfish, and mollusks, helping to keep those populations in check. The common octopus is also noted as one of the most intelligent invertebrates in the ocean. It's able to thwart attacks in unique ways and camouflage itself almost perfectly, per National Geographic. Advertisement Advertisement There is some concern from experts that the octopus "bloom" could impact other kinds of fishing. The U.K.'s Marine Management Organisation has said that crab catching numbers are down. But lobster, crawfish, and scallops have all remained stable. Octopuses have been popping up unexpectedly in other locations as well. The remains of an octopus washed up on the shores of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and were taken by scientists for additional study. And a filmmaker diving in the waters around British Columbia received a "gentle hug" from an octopus while filming underwater. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Morgan Stanley has created a new role to coordinate its digital-asset strategy, tapping longtime executive Amy Oldenburg as the bank steps up its push into crypto. Oldenburg will sit within a firm-wide strategy and execution effort, according to an internal memo sent Monday by co-presidents Andy Saperstein and Dan Simkowitz, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. She comes from Morgan Stanley Investment Management, where she most recently led emerging-markets equity and oversaw digital-asset initiatives inside the unit. The appointment lands as the bank moves from offering access to crypto products to building a more complete toolkit. ETF Filings Mark Morgan Stanleys Deeper Push Into Crypto In early January, Morgan Stanley Investment Management filed initial registration statements for exchange-traded products tied to Bitcoin and Solana, a clear signal it wants a larger foothold in regulated crypto exposure. The filings came as US rules around crypto market plumbing continue to evolve, drawing more traditional finance firms into the space. Reuters reported that Morgan Stanleys ETF push is part of a broader trend of banks leaning further into digital assets under President Donald Trumps administration. Risk Guidance Shapes How Clients Access Crypto On the brokerage side, Morgan Stanley has also said it plans to offer cryptocurrency trading on its E-Trade platform in the first half of 2026, using Zerohash for digital-asset infrastructure, with Bitcoin, Ether and Solana among the initial tokens. Within wealth management, the bank has started putting guardrails around how clients approach the asset class. A Global Investment Committee report described cryptocurrency as speculative and suggested allocations of about 2% to 4% depending on risk appetite, while likening Bitcoin to digital gold. Oldenburgs new remit ties those strands together, giving Morgan Stanley a single senior point person to align product development, partnerships and execution as crypto moves further into mainstream markets. Read original story Morgan Stanley Creates Digital-Asset Strategy Post, Names Long-Serving Exec To Lead by Shalini Nagarajan at Cryptonews.com An Allen County man was recently charged in a multi-year investigation, which involved the forfeiture of over 200 antlers. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In January 2023, an informant told Ohio Division of Wildlife officers that something just seemed strange about a situation involving a Harrod mans son shooting a large buck. The caller thought the man, Steven Niese, had shot the buck instead of his son. Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife officers discovered the caller was right. TRENDING STORIES: After a lengthy investigation, Niese was found guilty of three counts of possession of untagged deer parts and three counts of falsifying information when game checking a deer. As part of his conviction, Niese was forced to forfeit 58 antlered deer skulls, two shoulder mounts, 11 antlers on broken skull caps, and 164 sawed-off antlers. Advertisement Advertisement Niese was also hit with nearly $4,300 in fines and court costs, on top of being ordered to pay over $10,400 in restitution and spend nine days in jail served over weekends of specific deer seasons. His hunting license has also been suspended for 10 years in all 50 states. The Ohio Division of Wildlife noted on social media that Niese has 14 prior convictions since 2001 in four different counties. He previously spent 30 days in jail on a deer-related charge and had a three-year revocation in 2017 for possession of untagged antlers. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Conversations around artificial intelligence, or AI, in Greater Cincinnati schools have been marked by uncertainty in recent years, with districts adopting their own rules. That all changed in July 2025, when Ohio became the first state to require public schools to adopt AI policies as part of the state budget bill. The Legislature called upon the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop a model policy on the use of AI in schools by Dec. 31, 2025. Districts have until July 1, 2026, to establish their own policy. The Enquirer reached out to a dozen of the region's largest districts from Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties to gauge where districts are in developing AI policies. Advertisement Advertisement Districts vary widely in how far along they are, with some districts having already finalized policies as early as September 2024, in the case of Cincinnati Public Schools. Other districts, including Northwest Local Schools and Mason City Schools, are still in the brainstorming stage. What does the state's model policy say? Ohio's model policy for AI use in schools is the culmination of a handful of statewide recommendations introduced in recent years, like Innovate Ohio's AI Toolkit launched in February 2024 and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted's 22-page "Ohio's AI in Education Coalition: AI Strategy," released in November 2024. The Department of Education and Workforce's model policy boils down to encouraging AI as a tool for classroom innovation while ensuring consistent standards for the "safe and responsible implementation and integration of AI." Joy McGee, Kings High School teacher, works with Alayna Hammock, left, on a AI assignment during the Honors US History class, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The students were using AI as part of an assignment understanding federalists and anti-federalists. The policy is broken down into several sections, including building AI literacy for students and staff, establishing a framework for staff to provide feedback, maintaining data privacy and security policies, building in ways to evaluate AI tools and practicing an ethical use of AI that guarantees academic integrity. Advertisement Advertisement The latter section defines the ethical use of AI as "human-centered" and empowers students and educators. "It is a tool to support learning and teaching, not a substitute for student effort or the role of the educator," the policy states. Listed under the final "other considerations" section is a paragraph about nonconsensual intimate imagery, defined by The Center for Democracy & Technology as a form of technology-facilitated sexual harassment. Many districts have existing policies that filter such imagery in accordance with federal laws like the Children's Internet Protection Act. Some districts say they've had AI policies for years, others still in process of finalizing one Of 12 of the region's largest school districts The Enquirer reached out to, four said they have yet to formalize an AI policy as of Jan. 13: Northwest Local Schools, Fairfield City Schools, Mason City Schools and Milford Exempted Village Schools. Advertisement Advertisement But despite not having a formal policy, a couple of those districts have long acknowledged AI in their classrooms. Mason schools, for example, explicitly discussed AI with students, staff and families in October 2022 when kicking off its Journey to 2030 plan. And during the 2023-24 academic year, the school distributed "Generative AI Educator Guidelines" to staff, explaining to teachers the risks and benefits of generative AI tools. In September 2025, the district shared with staff a list of AI tools approved for use, including Magic School, Google Gemini and Canva. Some districts have folded AI guardrails into existing technology policies. Milford schools added AI regulations to its Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Online Services and its Milford High School Student Handbook. The same is true in districts that have already approved a separate AI policy, such as Forest Hills schools and Princeton City Schools. In those districts, AI regulations are outlined in an AI policy as well as in student technology and staff technology acceptable use policies. A Sycamore Community school bus picks up kids in a Blue Ash neighborhood for the first day of school at Blue Ash Elementary, Monday, August 28, 2023. Among the districts that have AI policies set in stone is Cincinnati Public Schools, which finalized its policy the earliest among the districts who responded to the Enquirer's poll. Oak Hills Local Schools and West Clermont Schools did not respond to the Enquirer's inquiry prior to publication. Most districts used third-party policy provider, CPS did not In September 2024, CPS' board of education adopted its AI policy, which "establishes guiding principles rather than prescribing classroom tools or instructional materials," district spokesperson Joe Wessels said. Like in other districts, the AI guardrails came to be through internal discussion among district leadership and the board's policy committee, with no formal community feedback sought out beyond public comment at board meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Several other districts with finalized AI policies took the same approach. But feedback from staff and administration were present in all their policy development processes. CPS, the region's largest district, put together an AI task force in May 2024, comprised of teachers and administrators who worked through several versions of the policy, board president Brandon Craig said. And the timing was strategic CPS wanted to "jump on things early," Craig said, rather than play catch up after AI became even more popular. "We wanted to make sure the students are equipped for the world they're entering, not just the world they're in now," Craig said. Graduates cheer on classmates as they collect their diplomas during Princeton High Schools 67th commencement ceremony at the Fifth Third Arena on Sunday, May 18, 2025 A cornerstone of CPS's policy is laying out both the positives and the potential risks of using AI in the classroom in an attempt to attract the "best teachers in our classrooms" with the best tools, Craig said. Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to CPS, the other districts that have finalized their AI policies, including Lakota Local Schools, Sycamore Community Schools and Hamilton City Schools, did so using Neola, an independent third-party policy provider that serves over 500 districts statewide. "(Neola) helps guide Lakota, and other districts across Ohio who use their services, to create policies that not only follow Ohio's laws but also support the governance vision of the Board of Education," Lakota's executive director of school and community relations Betsy Fuller said. CPS board president: AI use is 'dealer's choice in some ways' How exactly districts plan to monitor the efficacy of AI in the classroom remains to be seen. Several of the larger districts, like Lakota and CPS, said existing structures like administrators and technology services will oversee AI's integration in the classroom. When asked if the CPS board has checkpoints in place to gauge AI's success, Craig said it's "certainly something we want to keep an eye on moving forward." Advertisement Advertisement The board president added that the district's monthly committee of the whole meetings give staff the chance to discuss their use of AI tools. Ultimately, Craig said, how staff integrate AI is "dealer's choice in some ways." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How Cincinnati districts' AI policies compare ahead of state deadline AMERY, Wis. (WFRV) One person is dead and a popular Wisconsin bar has been deemed a total loss following an early morning fire Wednesday in Amery. At around 2:30 a.m., the Polk County Sheriffs Office received a report of a structure fire at UW Wanderoos Bar and Grill on 70th Avenue. 19-year-old arrested after restraining order violation, officers injured in Wisconsin Multiple first responders were dispatched to the scene. Authorities confirmed the building included two apartments located above the business. Advertisement Advertisement All occupants were able to escape the fire, however, officials say one individual later suffered a medical event and died. The victims identity has not yet been released. DNR asking Wisconsinites to report black bear den locations, help ongoing research UW Wanderoos Bar and Grill sustained extensive damage and is believed to be a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Lucian Cornish lost his spark on Aug. 18, 2025. When the 15-year-old got home from school that afternoon, he immediately knew something was very wrong, Canyon County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Ingrid Batey said in court Wednesday. His father, Delbert Cornish, asked him about his day and then told him that hed killed his older sister, 18-year-old Hope Onyx Cornish. As Lucian would later tell law enforcement, he was in absolute shock, Batey said. Advertisement Advertisement He asked his father what he was talking about, which is when Cornish pulled out a handgun telling his son to go into his sisters room and see that she was dead, Batey said. Lucian refused, begging his father to let him leave. The pair fought over the gun and Lucian was able to get it away from his father before dropping the gun, running from the home and calling 911, according to Batey. Caldwell police officers arrived to the 1600 block of Blaine Street, blocked off the house, and announced themselves to try to get Cornish outside. Later, officers said they learned that Cornish was no longer there and in the house they found Onyx shot to death inside her bedroom. Cornish was quickly apprehended and admitted to killing his daughter within hours of her death, telling the police corporal who arrested him, Im not gonna lie, I did it, dude, according to the probable cause affidavit. Within months of his arrest, Cornish pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Onyxs death, along with several other charges, including felony assault with intent to murder and misdemeanor cruelty to an animal, court records showed. He was also convicted of an enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, which can add 15 years to someones prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement For Crystal Thompson, Onyx and Lucians mother, her ex-husbands actions have permanently destroyed her meaning of family, she said in court Wednesday. Wearing a black T-shirt adorned with the number three Onyxs favorite number Thompson described her only daughter as one of the most vicious and forthright people shed ever known. Someone who was bold, fearless, full of life and loved her family, especially her brothers, deeply, she said. Onyx deserved to grow up, her mother said. Onyx Cornish, left, with her mother, Crystal Thompson. Onyx, 18, was killed on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Her mother described her strong headed daughter as a light in this world. (Crystal Thompson/Provided) On Wednesday, Cornish, 51, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by 3rd District Judge Gabriel McCarthy, who presides over cases in Canyon County. There are some criminal cases where punishment isnt the main consideration when deciding someones prison sentence, but that wasnt the case when deciding Cornishs punishment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Despite arguments from Cornishs public defender, Erik Ellis, for his client to be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, McCarthy said he wasnt persuaded. Cornish was an alcoholic and had dealt with depression and suicidal ideation for decades, Ellis said. While there are zero excuses for what his client did, he added, he wanted to explain what made Cornish tick. But Onyxs killing was an act of pure evil, McCarthy said. While Ellis articulated every possible factor that could be in Cornishs favor, the judge said it didnt add up to much compared to the harm of his criminal actions. Cornish is currently incarcerated at the jail in Canyon County, but will be transferred to one of the states prisons to begin serving his lifetime sentence. He will remain there until he passes this Earth, McCarthy said. If there is a God, perhaps God will have mercy on his soul the state of Idaho does not. Affidavit: Cornish planned to kill both his teenage children Cornish said he could never muster enough words to convey the amount of regret, anguish and remorse, hes caused his family. Standing with his hands cuffed to a belly chain around his waist, he apologized for killing his daughter and planning to kill his son, and said that its a debt hell never be able to pay back. Advertisement Advertisement Cornish intended to shoot himself and decided hed also kill his children, according to the affidavit. He told law enforcement that his plan for the day was for both of his teenage children, Onyx and Lucian, to be dead and for himself to be dead, too. At around 9 a.m. on Aug. 18, Cornish grabbed his black 9 mm Hi-Point handgun, walked down the hallway to his daughters room and stood in front of her door, according to the affidavit. While he was standing outside her bedroom, Onyx opened the door and startled him, according to the affidavit. He then shot her through the head and watched her gasp for breathe for 20 minutes never calling for medical help, Batey said in court Wednesday. Onyx died there, surrounded by her clothes, some personal items, and a stuffed teddy bear, the county prosecutor said. Onyx Cornish, right middle, with her mother, Crystal Thompson, left, and two younger brothers. Onyx, 18, was killed on Aug. 18, 2025. Her father, Delbert Cornish, was convicted of killing her. (Crystal Thompson/Provided) On a daily basis, Lucian has wondered whether he couldve done something to save his sister, he wrote in a statement, which was read on his behalf Wednesday by Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse. Some days he cant make it to school, he has visions of his father pulling the trigger, and deals with waves of anxiety and fear that hits him like a truck, he said. Advertisement Advertisement I want to start by saying that the day my sister died is the day I didnt feel a spark anymore, Lucian Cornish wrote. His father, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, rocked back and forth in his chair with several tears streaming down his face, and listened as his sons statement described the impact that losing his sister had on his life. The thing Lucian cant get out of his head is why his father would kill his own daughter for his own selfish gain, he wrote. He called it the most cowardly decision hed ever seen. I still have a life, a future and goals. Why would the person who was supposed to show me what a man is, do that to me? Lucian wrote. Orange City police have identified the bleeding, knife-carrying man who was shot Jan. 27 by an officer as he tried to enter a Truist Bank branch as 54-year-old Michael Alan Smith. Police provided few details Thursday. But Police Capt. Jason Ward did say that Smith was in stable condition. The incident began when police responded to reports of a suspicious person walking along Enterprise Road. An officer shot Smith when he refused to comply with police commands, police said at a press conference that same night. Advertisement Advertisement The News-Journal was able to locate a citation against Smith for driving with a suspended license in March 2023. He pleaded no contest and was ordered to pay a fine. The officer who fired his gun and injured Smith has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Orange City Police Department at 386-775-9999 or Detective Brie Dagley at bdagley@orangecityfl.gov or Detective Berenice Martell at bmartell@orangecityfl.gov. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Orange City man shot by police near bank, few details released By Mubasher Bukhari, Francesco Guarascio and Rishika Sadam LAHORE/HANOI/HYDERABAD, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Authorities in Pakistan have ordered enhanced screening of people entering the country for signs of infections of the deadly Nipah virus after India confirmed two cases, adding to the number of Asian countries stepping up controls. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam have also tightened screening at airports. But an Indian official said there were no plans to introduce screening at the country's airports and said there was no sign of any outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement The Nipah virus can cause fever and brain inflammation and has a high mortality rate. There is also no vaccine. But transmission from person to person is not easy and typically requires prolonged contact with an infected individual. PAKISTAN SEEKS TRANSIT HISTORY "It has become imperative to strengthen preventative and surveillance measures at Pakistan's borders," the Border Health Services department said in a statement. "All travelers shall undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment at the Point of Entry," which includes seaports, land borders and airports, the department added. Advertisement Advertisement The agency said travellers would need to provide transit history for the preceding 21-day period to check whether they had been through "Nipah-affected or high-risk regions". There are no direct flights between Pakistan and India and travel between them is extremely limited, particularly since their worst fighting in decades erupted last May. In Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital's health department on Wednesday also ordered the screening of incoming passengers at Noi Bai airport, particularly those arriving from India and the eastern state of West Bengal, where the two health workers were confirmed to have the virus in late December. Passengers will be checked with body temperature scanners. Advertisement Advertisement "This allows for timely isolation, epidemiological investigation," the department said in a statement. That follows measures by authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, who said they had tightened health controls at international border crossings. NO OUTBREAK, NO WORRY, SAYS INDIA India's health ministry said this week that authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to the two cases with none showing symptoms and all testing negative for the virus. The two infected people are health workers, with the male patient doing well and likely to be discharged from hospital soon, while the female patient remains critical and under treatment, the chief district medical officer in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal told Reuters on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Indian health authorities have repeatedly sought to reassure people that the infection has been contained and that there is no reason to fear an outbreak. Federal health authorities also said there was no need to screen passengers at Indian airports. "There is no outbreak, there were just two cases in one district in (West) Bengal and there is no spread," a federal health ministry official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There is no consideration for screening at airports in India because there appears to be no need for it." Asked about Indian passengers being screened at airports across Asia, the official said it was the sovereign right of countries to do what they think is best. HIGH FATALITY RATE Advertisement Advertisement Nipah is a rare viral infection that spreads largely from infected animals, mainly fruit bats, to humans. It can be asymptomatic but it is often very dangerous, with a case fatality rate of 40% to 75%, depending on the local healthcare system's capacity for detection and management, according to the World Health Organization. The virus was first identified just over 25 years ago during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, although scientists believe it has circulated in flying foxes, or fruit bats, for thousands of years. The WHO classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen. India regularly reports sporadic infections, particularly in the southern state of Kerala, regarded as one of the world's highest-risk regions for Nipah. As of December 2025, there have been 750 confirmed Nipah infections globally, with 415 deaths, according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is funding a vaccine trial to help stop Nipah. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi, Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore, Ananda Teresia in Jakarta, Rishika Sadam and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Hyderabad, and Jatindra Dash in Bhubaneswar; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, YP Rajesh and Gareth Jones) A judicial panel on Wednesday heard the case of a judge booted off the bench for erupting at students and their parents during truancy hearings in Bound Brook. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor) A municipal court judge suspended for threatening truant students with deportation told a judicial disciplinary committee Wednesday that he meant well and had issued empty threats he couldnt carry out only to scare the children into attending school. Britt J. Simon was booted off the bench last February for erupting at three students and their parents during truancy hearings in Bound Brook. In three separate cases in August 2024 and January 2025, he grilled the students and their parents about their immigration status and, in one case, warned a 14-year-old girl from El Salvador that he would personally alert immigration enforcement officers to pick her up if she missed another day of school. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, Simon told members of the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct that he had never received training in truancy cases and merely parroted the tough talk hed seen other judges use during truancy hearings. He conceded he intentionally made the hearings unpleasant, but that his goal was noble to get the children to go to school. Sometimes, compassion isnt pretty, Simon said during his hearing at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton. After five hours of testimony and as dusk approached, the committees chair told attorneys the hearing will be continued to a later date that has yet to be scheduled. Maureen G. Bauman, the committees disciplinary counsel, had urged the panel to bar Simon permanently from the bench. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Simon does not have the proper temperament to be a judge, Bauman said. The words he used to children who were not even parties to the proceedings were egregious and totally improper, regardless of respondents intent. Respondent lacks the character, proper temperament, and judgment required of a jurist. Under New Jersey law, parents or guardians of habitually late or absent students can be charged with disorderly conduct, the lowest level offense. In cases of chronic truancy and absenteeism, judges can fine parents, direct school districts to address barriers to attendance like transportation, mandate interventions like home instruction, or even declare students juvenile delinquents, but state education officials recommend supportive rather than punitive approaches to reducing truancy. Bauman, who noted that Simon also failed to ensure a municipal prosecutor was present at the truancy hearings, played recordings of the proceedings in court Wednesday. In one, Simon told the 14-year-old on Jan. 28, 2025, just a week after President Donald Trump began his second term, theres a new sheriff in town. Advertisement Advertisement Youre illegal, youre getting deported. You know a great place to find people to deport is? The courts, he said to the girl and her mother. He told a 16-year-old boy from El Salvador, Youre spitting in the face of this country. When the boy informed Simon he planned to enlist in the military after school, the judge responded that he was incapable of graduating and the military doesnt want garbage. He then threatened to have child-protective workers remove him from his home and investigate his mother. You, all by yourself, are going to be responsible for all of the horrible things that happen to your family. You! he barked at the boy. Otherwise, you get your tail into school every single day. I dont care if your limb is hanging off you, OK, and you lose a leg. OK? You hop. Are we clear? Advertisement Advertisement Respondent lacks the character, proper temperament, and judgment required of a jurist. Maureen G. Bauman, disciplinary counsel Simon conceded in court Wednesday that he was uncomfortable enough with how he handled those truancy hearings that he reached out to Judge Gerard J. Shamey, the municipal presiding judge in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties, for guidance on how to handle truancy cases better. Shamey testified Wednesday that he advised Simon not to improvise, citing a script judges should follow to alert people in the country illegally of the consequences a guilty plea could have on their continued U.S. residency. Advertisement Advertisement The case comes as immigration agents around the country have increasingly targeted courthouses for enforcement, arresting undocumented people in court hallways when they appear in immigration and other routine proceedings. In New Jersey, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner issued a directive in 2019 barring judges from requesting or retaining peoples immigration statuses except when needed to fulfill a legitimate court purpose. Simon was appointed a part-time municipal court judge in 2023 in Bridgewater and became a full-time judge in Bound Brook in January 2024, according to court testimony. He previously was an attorney who worked in mergers and acquisitions in Manhattan before starting his own firm in 2008, where he focused on municipal practice, he testified. He told committee members that his comments to truant students and their mothers were not meant to signal any political position he has on immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Everybody has their own view. You might have a view about immigration far to one side or to the other side. Thats above my pay grade, and candidly, I think its above my ability to actually process, he said. Wednesdays hearing also gave a rare peek into the interplay between politics and the courts in a state where dozens of state legislators are attorneys. Simon told the committee he thought he got called before Judge Kevin Shanahan, the assignment judge for Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties, last February because hed goofed when sentencing a client of Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union). Scutari is a personal injury attorney and one of New Jerseys most powerful lawmakers as Senate president. In that case, Simon testified, he mistakenly sentenced the client a repeat DWI offender as a first-time offender and did not suspend his drivers license as the law requires. The state Motor Vehicle Commission flagged that penalty as an illegal sentence, Simon said. He thought his meeting with Shanahan was to receive guidance in how to resentence Scutaris client, and was thrown back when Shanahan instead took the meeting in a different direction and suspended him for the truancy cases, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Ive always operated under the principle that if youre going to tell me to fix something, Im going to fix it, Simon said. Judges make mistakes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Police in Pennsylvania have accused a 55-year-old man of murdering his parents with a massive knife and then killing his sister soon after she found their bodies. Kevin Castiglia is in police custody with no bail after being charged with numerous criminal counts, including criminal homicide, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, and abuse of a corpse. The murders happened in his parents' home in Northampton Township, located in Bucks County. Castiglia allegedly killed his 84-year-old mom, Judith Castiglia, and her 90-year-old husband, Fred, as they slept, he allegedly told officials after the killings, according to court documents shared with Us Weekly. Advertisement Advertisement He also murdered Deborah Castiglia, his sister, who was 53. Police started looking into the welfare of Castiglia's parents and sister on Monday, January 26, after Deborah's boyfriend called police to tell them he had been unable to reach her. He told police he even stopped by her residence, where he was met by Kevin, who was donning a robe and wielding a "Psycho type" chef's knife. Kevin allegedly told the boyfriend Deborah was "probably" on vacation before allegedly warning him, "Don't ever come here again, or I will kill you." New Jersey Police Find 3 Bodies in Home After Fatally Shooting a Man Who Was Wielding a Machete Outside Advertisement Advertisement Police went to the Castiglia home on Monday, and were allegedly confronted by Kevin, who answered brandishing the large knife in one hand and another blade in the other. Police said he started speaking "incoherently" and despite their best efforts, were unable to talk Kevin out of the home. What followed was an hours-long standoff and a barricade situation that ended when a SWAT team breached a window at the rear of the residence and located Kevin in a room on the second floor. Police tried tasing Kevin, who just pulled the probes from his body before slamming the door shut and locking it. Once inside the home, police discovered the three dead bodies. Deborah was found dead in the kitchen, according to documents, while the two others were found in a nearby room. Autopsies on the victims were performed Tuesday, January 27, but causes of death were still pending at press time. Advertisement Advertisement Bucks County DA Joe Khan lauded the efforts of the Northampton Township Police and the South Central Emergency Response Team. "Despite being confronted by an armed individual, under excruciatingly difficult circumstances for roughly five hours in the bitter cold, officers utilized every tactical resource available to take the suspect into custody alive, preventing further tragedy," Khan said. Pennsylvania Teen Arrested After Killing Mom, Wounding Dad in Post-Christmas Shooting After officers took Kevin into custody, he was brought to a local hospital for an examination. According to the court documents shared with Us Weekly, Kevin allegedly told the doctor, "I hurt someone." Advertisement Advertisement Later, he allegedly continued confessing, telling hospital staff, "I killed my parents in their sleep" and "I killed my sister when she found them." According to local reports, Deborah was a teacher for the Centennial School District for 26 years. Kevin is set to appear in court for a February 12 hearing. By Mikhail Flores CEBU, Philippines, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Myanmar's Southeast Asian neighbours should adopt a "calibrated engagement" with its military-controlled post-election government while still pressing for an end to conflict, Thailand said on Thursday, signalling a possible softening in stance. At a meeting of foreign ministers from the 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, hosts and chair the Philippines also said the bloc saw some potential positives in the vote even if it did not endorse it. Advertisement Advertisement Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is set to lead government after winning the poll held over three rounds on December 28, January 11 and January 25 that was not contested by opposition groups amid a civil war triggered by a 2021 coup. With rights groups, the U.N. and the UK denouncing the vote as a sham to perpetuate the militarys grip, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said the people's vote provided legitimacy, regardless of international postures. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told Reuters that despite ASEAN's bar on Myanmar's military leaders since 2022, the vote may lead to engagement if some requirements are met like expanding aid access and reducing violence. "We think that we have to engage with the regime in Naypyitaw, the new one. They're going to form a government probably in March," Sihasak said in the interview on the sidelines of the meeting, adding that hopefully Myanmar would respond with positive steps. Advertisement Advertisement "We don't anticipate Myanmar returning (to ASEAN) right away. So that's why we're proposing that there'll be a sort of calibrated re-engagement where we have benchmarks." TURMOIL SINCE 2021 Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 overthrow of the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering prodemocracy protests that morphed into a widening armed rebellion that has taken over swathes of the country. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told a press conference after the ministerial retreat that some ASEAN members were still looking into the results of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Its not an expression of support, but with a view that these elections might be something positive, Lazaro said. ASEANs engagement with Myanmar remains guided by the "five-point consensus" that includes a cessation of violence, dialogue among concerned parties and provision of humanitarian assistance, the official added. While reaffirming ASEAN's call for a free, fair and inclusive election, even a certain compliance in the implementation of the FivePoint Consensus is something that will make things move, Lazaro said. The Philippines recently hosted a dialogue among opponents of Myanmar's ruling junta to try and assist dialogue and aid. Advertisement Advertisement Lazaro also said the Philippines will push to finish this year a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing dispute some territory. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by David Stanway and Andrew Cawthorne) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An Oklahoma state lawmaker pleaded guilty Wednesday to three felony charges, admitting she misspent campaign funds and conspired with her assistant to forge checks and bank documents when she was required to pay the money back. OK lawmaker AJ Pittman resigns, pleads guilty to felony charges amid ethics investigation State Rep. Ajay Pittman, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, resigned shortly after entering the guilty plea. Advertisement Advertisement The criminal case against Pittman dates back to 2022, when the Oklahoma Ethics Commission investigated her for improper use of campaign funds. Former Rep. Ajay Pittman drives away from questions In 2024, Pittman admitted she misspent nearly $18,000 from her campaign fund as part of a settlement agreement with the Ethics Commission. Under that agreement, Pittman agreed to repay nearly $18,000 to her campaign and pay a fine of more than $17,000. The agreement required Pittman to make the payments using her own money, not campaign funds. In June, the Ethics Commission required Pittman to make her first repayment of $12,000 and provide proof that the money came from her personal account. Advertisement Advertisement Court documents allege that is where Pittman ran into trouble. Oklahoma State Representatives office searched as part of ethics probe Investigators allege Pittman asked her legislative assistant to help doctor a check and bank documents to make it appear the money came from her personal account. Last fall, investigators with the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office served search warrants at the homes of Pittman and her assistant, Trena Byas. Court documents say investigators found a computer containing instant message exchanges between Pittman and Byas from the day the repayment was due. According to court records, Pittman asked Byas for urgent help, telling her she needed a $2,500 check dated Jan. 27 of that year and needed it to match a specific account. Advertisement Advertisement Court documents also say Pittman instructed Byas on how to alter a bank statement by blacking out certain information. Byas allegedly asked, Will this work? Court records say Pittman responded, Absolutely. Byas then allegedly sent Pittman the image, and Pittman replied, Sent. Investigators say Byas later admitted during an interview that she doctored the check because Pittman asked her to. Both Pittman and Byas face three felony charges for conspiracy, forgery, and violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. Pittman sent House Speaker Kyle Hilbert her resignation letter shortly after pleading guilty Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Hilbert said, in part, This conduct is unacceptable and falls well below the standard expected of anyone serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. News 4 reached out to Pittmans attorneys and also attempted to speak with her at her home on Wednesday, but neither wanted to comment. In exchange for pleading guilty, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Pittman will receive a seven-year deferred sentence. In a statement on Wednesday, Drummond said, in part, Public officials hold a sacred trust with the people they serve. When that trust is violated for personal gain, it strikes at the very heart of our institutions. Advertisement Advertisement House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson also issued a statement on Wednesday. When these severe allegations against Rep. Ajay Pittman came out in October, the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus temporarily suspended Rep. Pittman from House Democratic Caucus membership and activities pending the results of the investigation, Munson said. The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus remains committed to accountability and transparency for all elected officials. We will continue our work in serving all constituents and showing up day after day to find solutions to the problems they face. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BELOIT, Wis. (WFRV) Forty-seven employees at a Wisconsin bank will be without jobs following the complete shutdown of two facilities in late March. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Bank First will permanently close its Beloit Annex Building and Beloit Operations Center as part of a merger with First National Bank. One arrested after standoff leads to elementary school lockdown in Wisconsin The layoffs are expected to occur between March 31 and May 30 and are the result of duplicative roles created through the merger. Wisconsin DMV: How to obtain free ID for voting ahead of Spring Primary The affected employees are not represented by a union, and bumping rights do not apply. Bank First said all impacted workers will be notified on or before Jan. 29 and will receive all earned wages and agreed-upon benefits in accordance with state and federal law. This marks the fifth WARN notice filed in the state of Wisconsin in January 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A police department has been temporarily moved after a fire seriously damaged part of an Ohio villages municipal building. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Village of Swanton said in a social media post that an attic fire occurred in its municipal building on Monday. It also houses the police department. Swanton is over two hours away from Dayton. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Photos show fire damage from inside the building. The cause appeared to be from an exploded light ballast in the attic, according to the Village of Swanton. The extent of the damage remains under assessment, and the length of the municipal buildings temporary closure is still undetermined, the Village said. Our CBS affiliate WTOL reports that Swanton Police cannot accept walk-in services, but officers remain on duty. The Fulton County Sheriffs Office is also assisting in taking some calls. Officers said that they have set up at the Villages Community Center temporarily while inspectors survey the damage. Photo contributed by Village of Swanton, Ohio (via Facebook) [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW The orange substance sprayed at Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday, Jan. 27 town hall has been identified The liquid inside the syringe was likely apple cider vinegar, CNN and CBS reported, citing law enforcement sources Omar appeared unfazed by the attack and continued the meeting after the man later identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak was escorted out of the building The orange substance that an attacker sprayed at Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday, Jan. 27 town hall has been identified. A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN that forensic examiners had determined the liquid inside the syringe wielded by a man later identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak was likely to be apple cider vinegar. Advertisement Advertisement CBS News also reported the news, citing investigators. Omar's office told CNN that the congresswoman had likely been sprayed by apple cider vinegar, as well, citing preliminary reports. The Minneapolis Police Department and a spokesperson for Omar didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak is tackled after spraying an unknown substance at Rep. Ilhan Omar Octavio JONES / AFP/Getty Prior to the attack, Omar, 43, had been speaking to constituents about the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, as well as calling for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Just after she mentioned Noem, Kazmierczak, who was seated in the front row, jumped up and approached her, spraying her shirt with the unknown substance from a syringe, according to C-SPAN footage. Several people cried out in concern, with one person alerting the crowd, "He sprayed something," according to the video. Kazmierczak was quickly apprehended by security, tackled to the ground and escorted out of the building. He was then booked into Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault, police told PEOPLE. Following the disruption, Omar's security and staff offered her the opportunity to conclude the town hall, but the politician continued, saying, "We will continue. These f---ing assholes are not going to get away with it." Advertisement Advertisement When she resumed, the congresswoman told the crowd, Heres the reality that people like this ugly man dont understand: We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us. 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak is tacked to the ground by security Angelina Katsanis/Bloomberg via Getty After Tuesday's incident, Omar wrote in an X post, "Im ok. Im a survivor so this small agitator isnt going to intimidate me from doing my work." "I dont let bullies win," she added. "Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong." When asked about the attack shortly after it happened, President Donald Trump had little sympathy for Omar, whom he has repeatedly attacked in the press, calling her "garbage" and saying she should be "in jail" or "sent back to Somalia." Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he hadn't seen a video of the assault, but told ABC News' Rachel Scott, "I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her." 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. A spokesperson for Omar didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment regarding Trump's remarks. The attack on Omar came a day after the president said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Congress were "looking at" the congresswoman, claiming that she'd "left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all," he wrote in a Truth Social post on Monday, Jan. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Omar then replied in an X post, "Sorry, Trump, your support is collapsing and youre panicking," adding, "Right on cue, youre deflecting from your failures with lies and conspiracy theories about me. Years of 'investigations' have found nothing. Get your goons out of Minnesota." Read the original article on People A 32-year-old North Cornwall Twp. man has been charged with allegedly threating a female victim with a firearm, according to the Lebanon County Regional Police Department. At 2:13 a.m. on Jan. 25, police responded to the 400 block of Springwood Drive for a report of an assault. Officers spoke to the victim, who said that Matthew Cooper allegedly threatened her with a firearm. The victim alleged that Cooper came home, grabbed her left arm and pulled her off the couch. According to court documents, Cooper then pulled the victim into the bathroom because "he wished to speak to her." Advertisement Advertisement "While in the bathroom the defendant pulled a loaded Taurus G2c from his pocket and placed it to the victim's forehead stating he would go to jail happy," police said in their report. During the incident, a witness took the victim's juvenile son into another room. After the altercation, Cooper allegedly concealed the loaded firearm and left the residence. Police said that he concealed the fire arm on the floor under the driver's seat of a 2019 Ford Escape. Police apprehended Cooper at the at Amcor Packaging the same day, and they allegedly retrieved the firearm from the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement "The defendant admitted the firearm belongs to him and admitted to driving with the firearm under the driver's seat in the vehicle," police said in their report. Cooper has been charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, simple assault and harassment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge John Ditzler at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 5. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: North Cornwall PA man charged with threatening victim with gun Atlanta police need your help identifying a man they said broke into a senior care facility. Investigators said the man broke into the building along Hightower Road on Monday evening, damaged a vending machine, and then stole a painting that was hanging on the wall. The man was caught on surveillance video, and now police need help to identify him. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477, submit a tip at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA. TRENDING STORIES: Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti appears on the verge of leaving. Falconetti is a candidate to become interim president at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. UNF sent out a letter to students and staff on Jan. 29 announcing that the schools Board of Trustees will meet virtually on Feb. 5 to consider appointing Falconetti to the position. Meanwhile, Polk State College announced plans to hold a special meeting of the District Board of Trustees on Feb. 5 to discuss and confirm an interim president. That meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Room 267 of the Polk State College Center for Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement UNF President Moez Limayem has been named as the next president of the University of South Florida. Falconetti, a Jacksonville native, holds two degrees from the University of North Florida: a masters degree and a doctorate in educational leadership, with specializations in instructional leadership, postsecondary education and adult learning. She earned a bachelors degree in communications and education from New York University. Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti greets Manny Diaz Jr., then Florida's Commissioner of Education, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus in November 2024. Polk State College hired Falconetti, now 50, as its fifth president in 2017. She came from Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, where she served as vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the colleges educational foundation. Advertisement Advertisement As Polk States president, Falconetti has faced some turbulence over the past year. Ashley Bell Barnett, a member of the District Board of Trustees, raised questions in May about Polk States projected enrollment, citing state figures showing a possible decline of 13.6%. Falconetti emphasized that the state figure was a projection and did not reflect an actual decline in enrollment. Ultimately, the Florida Department of Education reported that Polk States enrollment rose 2.5% from 2024 to 2025. That ranked Polk State 22nd out of 28 schools in the Florida College System. Polk School Board approves new attendance zones for high schools Controversy also arose over a request from Falconettis administration to direct $150,000 in money from the Polk State Foundation toward paying outstanding student fees. The foundations board eventually approved the use of $89,400 to cover student fees. Advertisement Advertisement The episode raised questions of whether Falconetti and her staff sought to clear accounts so that certain students would be counted in official enrollment figures. Ann Barnhart, chair of the District Board of Trustees, and Polk State General Counsel Don Wilson enlisted Terin Barbas Cremer, a Tampa lawyer, to investigate the use of the foundation money. Barnhart offered a summary of Cremers completed report at the Jan. 26 District Board of Trustees meeting, saying that the investigation found no evidence of any violations of law or college policies. The Ledger has requested a copy of the report, which has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement After starting her academic career as an adjunct professor at Florida State College, Falconetti advanced to the University of North Florida. She began as an academic adviser and worked in development before becoming assistant vice president of student affairs. Falconetti spent 2008 in Washington, D.C., as a research assistant in the office overseeing community colleges for the Department of Education. She then went to Daytona Community College, where she was a dean, executive director of the college foundation and vice president of institutional advancement. Falconetti has served as an adjunct faculty member for four institutions and has published many scholarly papers and book chapters, according to her official Polk State biography. She currently serves as affiliate visiting professor for Florida Atlantic Universitys Department of Educational Policy and Research Methodology, College of Education. In 2021-2022, Falconetti served as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Polk State College operates main campuses in Winter Haven and Lakeland. Formerly a junior college, the school adopted its current name in 2009, when it began offering expanded degree programs. The University of North Florida has a total enrollment of nearly 18,000 and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk State president could be leaving for University of North Florida The U.S. Census Bureau 2025 population estimates predict a shift in political representation that benefits traditionally Republican states, potentially influencing control of Congress and the winner of the White House for years to come. Growth trends from the past year could result in red states picking up 8-10 U.S. House seats following the 2030 census, according to two projections published on Tuesday by the American Redistricting Project and Carnegie Mellon University professor Jonathan Cervas. Both projections identify the same seven states as likely to gain seats in 2030: Texas would gain four seats, Florida would gain two to four, Arizona would gain one, Georgia would gain one, Idaho would gain one, North Carolina would gain one and Utah would gain one. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump won each of these states in 2024. The projection means red-leaning swing states, like Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina, would each gain a vote in the presidential electoral college, which is calculated by combining the total number of U.S. senators and representatives representing a state. Midwestern swing states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin would each lose a seat. So would five solidly Democratic states: California would lose four, New York would lose one to two, Illinois would lose one to two, Oregon would lose one and Rhode Island would lose one. If this projection holds, the 2030 Census will net 8-9 electoral votes to traditionally red states away from blue states, GOP pollster Frank Luntz posted on X. That means Republican candidates next decade could win presidential elections without needing any of the WI-MI-PA trifecta states. Advertisement Advertisement As states, including Utah, battle over the redistricting of congressional districts, Republicans could see a boost in representation in the U.S. House and an advantage for GOP presidential candidates in the general election starting in 2032. Church members and friends in the Myrtle Beach South Carolina Stake gather on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, to watch the livestream of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's "Songs of Hope" concert. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Population growth driving political shift The projections released on Tuesday are consistent with one published last year by the progressive Brennan Center, largely reflecting a trend in which conservative states are experiencing higher birth rates, in-migration and population growth. The same Census report found that eight out of the 10 states with the largest population growth between 2024-2025 voted Republican in 2024. Half of the states with the greatest population growth were among the states projected to gain House seats. Here are the top 10 states by percent growth between 2024-2025: Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina 1.5% Idaho 1.4% North Carolina 1.3% Texas 1.2% Utah 1.0% Delaware 0.9% Washington 0.9% Arizona 0.9% Nevada 0.9% Tennessee 0.9% In addition to having booming economies, many of these states have higher birth rates, as well. An analysis published in 2024 by The Institute for Family Studies found that counties where less than 25% of voters supported Trump had a median fertility rate of 1.31 child births per woman. In counties where more than 75% voted for Trump that rose to 1.84. A baby drinks from a bottle at his family's home in Pocatello, Idaho, on Dec. 6, 2011. | James B. Hale, Associated Press That might not sound like much, but across time, its a big difference, wrote Wall Street Journal columnist Louise Perry on Wednesday, referencing a study of twin siblings published in 2020 showing that political ideology is about 40% heritable. Advertisement Advertisement Another Family Studies report, published in November, found that in the 2020s, 71% of young conservative women reported being parents, compared to just 40% of liberal women between ages 25 and 35. That is a 31-percentage point gap between conservatives and liberals. Not only are they more likely to have children, conservative women and men are also increasingly more likely to get married than self-identified liberals. The same Family Studies report found that 60% of young conservative women, and 57% of young conservative men, reported ever having been married. Just 44% of young liberal women, and 35% of young liberal men, reported ever having been married. Of course, children do sometimes diverge from or react against their parents politics, Perry wrote. But in general, expect the partisan fertility gap to usher in a U.S. that is more conservative. In fact, the whole of the developed world is on track to become more conservative. Winter weather across Erie County and much of the region has postal carriers navigating unsafe conditions. The U.S. Postal Service said safety remains its top priority as areas in and around Erie continue to recover from Winter Storm Fern, which brought heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions across parts of northwestern Pennsylvania. "Postal carriers will make every reasonable attempt to deliver mail where it is safe to do so," USPS spokesman Mark Wahl said in an email. "Customers should be aware that mail destined for and arriving from areas in the east that were heavily impacted by the storm may take extra time due to conditions in those areas." The U.S Postal Service said mail could be delayed as areas in and around Erie continue to recover from Winter Storm Fern. USPS did not specify how many routes or customers in Erie County have been affected. Advertisement Advertisement No service alerts specific to Erie County have been issued by USPS. However, the Postal Service notes that the winter weather system is affecting delivery across several states, including Pennsylvania, and may impact the processing, transportation and delivery of mail and packages. USPS urged customers to keep walkways, driveways and access to mailboxes clear of snow and ice to help carriers safely resume delivery. Take a webcam tour: Take a web-cam tour of Erie-area weather conditions "We ask customers to clear a path to their mailbox and front porch so delivery can be made safely," Wahl said. USPS posts service alerts for residential and business customers on its website at about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/, where readers can check for the latest updates on delays and disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Helpful hands downtown: Frigid weather won't stop these guys from clearing sidewalks in Erie Freezing temperatures are expected to continue in Erie through the weekend, with highs reaching just 8 degrees on Jan. 30, 11 degrees on Jan. 31 and 15 degrees on Feb. 1, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland. No additional snow accumulation is forecast for the weekend. Contact A.J. Rao at arao@gannett.com or 814-440-5080. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Snow, ice could delay mail delivery in Erie County, USPS says Gov. Josh Stein met with North Carolina Department of Transportation crews ahead of forecasted snow on Jan. 29, 2026. (Photo: Christine Zhu/NC Newsline) A partial federal government shutdown appears increasingly likely as the U.S. Senate failed to advance a funding package on Thursday. At least 60 senators must vote to approve six appropriations bills before the Friday midnight deadline. Democrats are pushing for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a condition of votes for the spending package. Advertisement Advertisement North Carolinas senators, both Republicans, were divided on the issue: Sen. Thom Tillis voted in favor of the package while Sen. Ted Budd voted against it. Although Budd expressed concerns about the shooting deaths of two people in Minneapolis, his vote isnt related to the Democrats stance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a spokesperson said. For weeks, Senator Budd has expressed longstanding concerns with earmarks in the LaborHHS title, including multiple earmarks for both abortion providers and facilities that perform gender transitions on children, the spokesperson said. How a partial shutdown could affect North Carolina As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency remains crucial, said Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security approved more than $233 million in public assistance grant reimbursements for Helene recovery projects on Wednesday, Budds office announced. But a partial shutdown could hinder further disbursements to the state. We need the support of FEMA to help recover in western North Carolina, Stein told reporters on Thursday. The public assistance reimbursements need to come through. The hazard mitigation programs that help us build resilience into our infrastructure for the next storm, that needs to come through They need to keep the government open. A massive winter storm tore through portions of the country last weekend. Some states, including North Carolina, are anticipating more snowfall starting Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Even if a partial shutdown occurs, FEMA would have about $7 billion to $8 billion in its disaster relief fund to respond, according to The Associated Press. Congress appropriated the money in a November spending bill that ended the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. North Carolina Emergency Management is watching the potential federal government shutdown closely and hasnt learned of any impacts at this point to the ongoing recovery operations in western North Carolina, NCEM communications chief Justin Graney told NC Newsline. Last years shutdown raised concerns about food and health benefits especially services like food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is closely monitoring the federal budget process, according to NCDHHS press assistant Hannah Jones. Advertisement Advertisement NCDHHS will need to wait for final clarity from federal partners to know the exact impact to our programs and how it will impact beneficiaries, Jones wrote in an email. We are committed to communicating quickly and clearly to everyone in North Carolina who will need to navigate the consequences of a potential federal shutdown once we have more information. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture doesnt anticipate significant impacts in the short term from the weather or a shutdown. Andrea Ashby, the departments director of public affairs, said a lot remains to be seen as members of Congress are still in discussions. We will continue to follow federal developments regarding government operations as a shutdown could possibly see some more long-term impacts with positions in our agency that are partially federally funded and as we await approval of our plan to distribute USDA disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene losses, Ashby said. President Donald Trump endorsed Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of Department of Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy, in the Republican primary for Wisconsins 7th Congressional District Tuesday evening. (Alfonso headshot courtesy of campaign) President Donald Trump endorsed Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of Department of Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy, in the Republican primary for Wisconsins 7th Congressional District Tuesday evening. The race for the seat, which represents a large swath of the states northwest area, is open as current Rep. Tom Tiffany is running in the open race for governor. Trump has endorsed Tiffany in that race. Advertisement Advertisement It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior Michael Alfonso, a young STAR who is running to represent the incredible people of Wisconsins 7th Congressional District, Trump said in a post. As your next Congressman, Michael will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Alfonso, who is 25 and married to Duffys daughter Evita Duffy-Alfonso, announced his campaign for the seat in Oct. 2025, saying that Northern Wisconsin needs to continue to have a representative who will truly put our families, communities, and America first. He has worked as a producer for the The Dan Bongino podcast. I was born and raised with the traditional Wisconsin values of faith, community, and hard work and now Im ready to give back to the area that gave so much to me. Ive watched as the American Dream has continued to slip away from the people who so deserve it, Alfonso said. Ive seen the effects of higher taxes and the increased cost of living on our families and our farms, and the erosion of our constitutional rights. The seat was held by Duffy from 2010 until 2019 when he abruptly resigned to focus on his family especially as his ninth child was diagnosed with severe health complications. Advertisement Advertisement Politico reports that Duffys campaigning on behalf of his son-in-law, including pushing Trump hard for an endorsement, had become a point of frustration in the White House. Duffy said in a statement to Politico that Alfonso will be the hardest working MAGA warrior for Wisconsins 7th district. I show up for the American people and for my family, and Ill never apologize for that. My son-in-law will make a great congressman, and I know he is honored to have President Trumps complete and total endorsement, Duffy said. Trumps endorsement has held significant sway in past elections in Wisconsin. Freshman U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, a businessman, entered the race for Wisconsins 8th Congressional District in 2024 with Trumps endorsement and went on to win a three-way primary that year. Advertisement Advertisement Alfonso said it is his greatest honor to accept the endorsement. He is truly the greatest president of all time, and I pledge to be a steadfast MAGA warrior for the people of Wisconsins 7th District, Alfonso said. There are two other Republicans running for the open seat, which leans Republican, including Paul Wassgren, a businessman, and Jessi Ebben, a Stanley resident with a background in public relations and health care. Businessman Chris Armstrong and former state lawmaker and environmental advocate Fred Clark are running in the Democratic primary for the seat. The Wisconsin College Republicans and Turning Point Action have endorsed Alfonso as well. Advertisement Advertisement According to his campaign website, Alfonso has said that was deeply inspired by the courage of Charlie Kirk, who risked his life to speak the truth on American campuses, as a college student at UW-Madison. The website adds, in the wake of Charlies assassination, Michael is ready to take on the challenge and honor of representing the hardworking people of Wisconsins 7th District. He is an America First Gen-Z conservative who truly gets our generation, and will champion real conservative values as a congressman, the Wisconsin College Republicans said in a statement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Texas State Board of Education delayed voting on a proposed list of required books for K-12 students Wednesday night after hours discussing the reading materials religious focus and hearing public concerns about a lack of racial, ethnic and gender diversity. Voting 13-1, the board delayed consideration until its April meetings to allow members time to consider the list and solicit feedback. Brandon Hall, a North Texas Republican board member, opposed the decision. A 2023 state law required the Texas Education Agency to create a list of reading materials for the board to consider, with schools required to teach the materials beginning in the 2030-31 school year. The agency recommended nearly 300 books for consideration, though the law only required at least one literary work in each grade. Advertisement Advertisement The list includes childhood favorites and classical literature across a range of genres from Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat to S.E. Hintons The Outsiders while also incorporating religious materials with a Christian focus, like The Parable of the Prodigal Son and The Road to Damascus. The presence of religious literature was the source of frustration Wednesday among several Democratic board members and Texans who testified. They argued that an emphasis on Christianity and not other religiously diverse readings conflicts with the U.S. Constitutions Establishment Clause, which prevents states from endorsing or promoting a particular religion. Democrats and public speakers also raised concerns about the length of the list, saying the state requiring hundreds of books prevents educators from adapting learning materials to their students. The list sprinkles in the work of authors such as Frederick Douglass and Langston Hughes. Still, many of the speakers at Wednesdays meeting said the list lacked racial, ethnic or gender diversity pointing out that Hispanic and Black children make up the majority of Texas students. Advertisement Advertisement This list does not represent the students of Texas, said Tiffany Clark, a Democratic board member who is Black and represents parts of North Texas. For so many years, students of color have had to endure a European-centered philosophy, history without representation of their own history. Board member Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, who is Hispanic, struggled to cough up words after three educators testified about how books, as one of them articulated, serve as both windows and mirrors. I think about little Marisa in school and not ever being exposed to literature where I saw myself, said Perez-Diaz, a San Antonio Democrat. I did not expect to get emotional right now, but I find this discussion is going to get me there. Aziel Quezada, a high school junior attending a liberal arts and science school in Austin, said the list replaces stories of oppression and injustice with work centered on politicians and white Americans already well represented in history. Advertisement Advertisement While political addresses, excerpts from the Bible, and creative pieces are all important, what can we say about representation of Latine students, of our Asian students, or even the rising number of queer students across the state? Where do they see themselves in these works? Quezada said. Shannon Trejo, deputy commissioner of school programs for the Texas Education Agency, said the agency created the recommendations after assembling a comprehensive list of books used by other states and organizations and by surveying teachers. The agency factored the responses from the roughly 5,700 teachers who responded into its final recommendation. The list has fewer books than what the surveyed teachers currently use, Trejo said. A heavy emphasis on classical literature, Trejo said, came from the agencys efforts to identify the materials used across successful education systems. She described the biblical components of the list as informational text. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton whose office is fighting in court to require that schools post the Ten Commandments in classrooms released an opinion last year saying the board can incorporate religious literature in school lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Republican board members said they see the religious materials as historically significant. Parents, they noted, can opt children out of readings theyre uncomfortable with. Pearland Republican Julie Pickren and Hall, among the most conservative on the board, also downplayed the importance of representation. When were looking at classical literature, were looking at literature that has stood the test of time, Hall said. People have been reading these works for generations; theres a reason they havent fallen off. What does the race or gender of an author have to do with the quality of the literature? Decades of research on culturally relevant instruction which focuses on the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in their education has demonstrated positive effects on student outcomes. Board member Will Hickman, a Houston Republican, sought to shorten the list and replace certain texts Wednesday before the board agreed to delay its initial vote. Advertisement Advertisement The board is also in the middle of overhauling Texas learning standards for social studies. The panel of experts the board appointed to lead that process includes only one person currently working in a Texas public school district and has at least three people associated with conservative activism. That includes individuals who have criticized diversity efforts, questioned school lessons highlighting the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted beliefs refuted by historians that America was founded as a Christian nation. No Black Texans were appointed as experts. Last year, a narrow majority of the board approved a state-developed curriculum that includes references to the Bible and Christianity and lessons that critics argue downplay Americas history of racism and slavery. Roughly 1 in 4 school districts have said theyre using at least some parts of the curriculum covering nearly 400,000 students though most of the materials do not include the Bible material. That curriculum is optional, though it comes with a $60 per-student incentive. Whatever reading list the State Board of Education agrees upon, however, will be mandatory. Parents may opt their children out of the instruction. But the education agency acknowledged Wednesday that students could still be tested on the material. By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Agnieszka Olenska Jan 29 (Reuters) - Europe and the United States are co-dependent and large technology companies cannot rely on a single continent, Nokia CEO Justin Hotard said on Thursday, as the European Union weighs stronger support for homegrown industry. "Every single one of us cannot subsist on one continent or the other. We need both," Hotard told Reuters in an interview. "Particularly in technology, where the window and the right to win is dictated by that technology cycle, it's really critical that you have as big a market access as possible." Nokia and its Swedish rival Ericsson have been touting their credentials as secure Western suppliers of network equipment while governments reassess their exposure to Chinese suppliers. At the same time, Europe is striving to bolster domestic technological capacity to reduce reliance on third countries, including the U.S.. For Nokia and Ericsson, this creates a challenging balance as both companies generate substantial revenue from both sides of the Atlantic. "Every single one in Europe and the U.S. that is of scale is dependent on the European and U.S. market for scale. If you just do the analysis, there's a significant codependence," Hotard added. The U.S. lacks a major domestic supplier of telecoms gear, leaving carriers there reliant on Nokia, Ericsson and South Koreas Samsung after Chinese vendors were banned for national security reasons. Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed phasing out so-called high-risk vendors from critical sectors, including 5G networks, a move that may further curb Huawei's share in Europe. A wider removal of Chinese equipment from European telecom networks could unlock new opportunities for Nokia and Ericsson, following several years of lacklustre 5G investments across the region. Hotard expressed optimism over recent developments in Brussels but urged the EU to accelerate its efforts and make existing recommendations for operators mandatory. "Europe needs to support its business champions. That's not just in tech, but in other areas," he said. (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Agnieszka Olenska in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham) Several police departments across the region have put out a PSA for those who still have snow and ice on their cars. It's been four days since the storm - that's plenty of time to get it cleared off. However, a lot of cars are still driving around with it. "Super scary, you saw it fly up, come back, I'm like, 'Oh my goodness.' It's scary, you don't know how to react," said Richard Couch, who has witnessed ice flying off cars in the past. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday night, Action News spoke with a woman who was driving along Route 202 in King of Prussia, who luckily was able to avoid snow hitting her car just moments before speaking with us. "I have seen thick ones come towards me, sometimes it's snow, so it's not that bad. But ice is bad," explained Peyton Vance of Mount Airy. Unfortunately, it's far too common. "I've had a vehicle in front of me once have ice fall off and damage my car, $1,500 worth of damage. They paid for it, but yeah," said Ertell Whigham of King of Prussia. The Action Cam captured a number of cars driving around with several inches of snow still on their vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement A car in West Philadelphia also had snow on its windshield, with the exception of a small sliver on the driver's side. "Gotta have good visibility driving down the road, or ice might fly off and hit a person behind you," noted Jim Riehman of West Norriton. Following Sunday's storm, Geoff Rosseland said he was driving along Route 313 to pick up his wife, Kate, in Doylestown when he watched a chunk of ice fly off a car driving in the opposite direction and strike his windshield and mirror. The driver did not stop, but luckily he's ok. There are laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey stating drivers must remove snow and ice from their vehicles following a storm. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania State Police are searching for two suspects who allegedly placed a skimming device on a cash register at a Lancaster County grocery store. According to PSP Tips on Facebook, Troopers from the Lancaster Station are investigating after two suspects entered BBs Grocery Outlet on Camargo Road in Providence Township, Lancaster County, on December 12, 2025, and allegedly placed a card skimming device onto a cash register card reader. The suspects then departed in a silver 2011 to 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, PSP Tips said. Courtesy of PSP Tips Courtesy of PSP Tips Courtesy of PSP Tips Courtesy of PSP Tips Anyone with any information relating to the incident is encouraged to contact PSP Lancaster at (717) 299-7650 or PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-472-8477 or online. Advertisement Advertisement All callers to PSP Tips may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest or the solving of a crime. 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. Plans for changing or replacing the Centennial Bridge between Rock Island and Davenport are taking a new step. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has designed five alternative plans for the Centennial Bridge, and the public has the opportunity to give input on the designs. Our Quad Cities News reporter Gavin Waidelich was at an open house as residents weighed in on the future of the US 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor Project. Advertisement Advertisement For more information, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. The Ramon Foundation, established in honor of first Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, aims to advance space education and industry throughout Israel. The Ramon Foundation, in cooperation with Beersheba municipality and Beit Yatziv, held a flagship space-themed event at Karsso Park in Beersheba on Tuesday as part of Israels Space Week. The event hosted 380 middle and high school students participating in numerous educational programs run by the Ramon Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement The foundation was created in 2010 in memory of former IDF fighter pilot and Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, who died during the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. It was established by his widow, Rona, to honor the memory of Ilan, as well as their son, Assaf, who died during a fighter jet training mission in September 2009. The organization uses the fields of space and aviation to inspire children from all sectors of Israeli society. The programs, titled SpaceUp, SpaceLab, and SpaceINT, teach students from southern cities such as Ashdod, Ofakim, Beersheba, Or Etzion, Even Shmuel, and Sderot. ISRAEL'S FIRST astronaut Ilan Ramon walks away from an F-16 fighter jet after a flight at an unnamed air force base in Israel. (credit: Biton Hayel Avir/Getty Images) Senior representatives of the Ramon Foundation attended the event, including Yiftach Ramon, Chairman of the Foundations Board, Gil Doron, CEO of the Ramon Foundation, and Dr. Hefzi Zohar, the deputy mayor and acting mayor of Beersheba. Astronauts inspiring students Additionally, NASA astronaut Garret Reisman, a close friend of Ramon, delivered an interactive lecture. Advertisement Advertisement Ramon sought to use the influence of STS-107, the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, to advance space education within the Israeli school system and leverage the countrys space industry. Two classes were awarded prizes at the event: a class from Ofakim from the Darca Amirim School participating in the SpaceLab program, and a class from the SpaceINT program from David Tuviyahu Comprehensive School in Beersheba. (The Center Square) A new Illinois proposal aimed at expanding access to marriage licenses for people with disabilities or serious health conditions is drawing skepticism from a state lawmaker and former county clerk. House Bill 4508 would allow people with disabilities or serious health conditions to apply for a marriage license through a real-time video call and, in limited cases, permit a county clerk or designee to complete the application at an applicants location. Supporters say the bill removes barriers for those with mobility challenges, while critics, like state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, argue it would add administrative burdens and raises concerns about verifying eligibility remotely. Advertisement Advertisement The state doesnt have any money to put toward this, and the counties have no money because we keep taking it away from them on a state level, Turner said. If its one more burden on the clerks offices, its ridiculous. Turner served as Logan County Clerk and Recorder from 1994 for over a decade before joining the Illinois Senate in 2021. Turner also questioned how clerks would verify eligibility requirements remotely, including age restrictions, parental consent for minors and citizenship-related questions that may appear on marriage applications. I dont know how youre going to certify that all that information is true and correct if that person doesnt sign off on the document in person, she said. Then theres the problem of if youre under 18, parents have to give their permission. How does all that work? Advertisement Advertisement While Turner said she supports helping residents who genuinely cannot travel, she questioned whether the bill addresses a widespread need. Turner emphasized that while many counties already allow marriage applications to be filled out online, applicants are still required to appear in person to verify their identities and swear that the information provided is true and correct. Turner questioned whether moving the application process fully online would undermine that verification, particularly in smaller counties with limited staff and resources. Lets just take one of the southern counties, Franklin County, this might have two people that work there, she said. Whos going to come up with this program? Whos going to do the virtual setting? Are you going to hire more people to do this? She also expressed broader concerns about moving sensitive government processes online, pointing to cybersecurity risks. Advertisement Advertisement Anything that goes out through the internet is scary, Turner said. People can hack into cyberspace and manipulate things. I think its important to keep everything solidly within the clerks boundaries. The bill states that requests for in-person accommodations at an applicants location would need to be supported by a written certification from a medical professional stating that the accommodation is necessary to prevent hardship. We all want to help individuals that are unable to get out to the clerks office on their own, she said. But if its a legal document, then I think we need to pay careful attention to it. Residents of an Indian village were put on alert in December after a dangerous creature was spotted. What's happening? The Hindustan Times reported that a leopard was sighted in Keshavnagar at the Alcon Silverleaf Society in the middle of the night, triggering a large-scale search of the area. "CCTV footage from the society confirmed the leopard sighting," explained Vishal Chavan, a range forest officer. "As of now, multiple residential societies in the vicinity are being checked to establish the animal's movement and determine whether it has moved out of the area or not." Why is the leopard sighting concerning? Unexpected human and wildlife encounters are unfortunately becoming more common. Experts have sounded the alarm that our massive expansion, including the construction of roads, has altered how animals behave, creating a "landscape of fear" for them. Advertisement Advertisement When wild animals and humans interact, it is dangerous for all involved. Humans are in danger of being attacked by a scared animal, and the animals might end up hurt or euthanized. Warming global temperatures are a threat to all living things. This, coupled with the expansion of human populations, has led to changes in animal behavior. The United Nations reported that human activity has altered 70% of all ice-free land. This has led to more human-wildlife interactions as animals travel farther in search of food and shelter. What can be done about human-wildlife interactions? In the case of the leopard in Keshavnagar, authorities conducted a large-scale surveillance operation. Advertisement Advertisement They advised residents to stay indoors at night and avoid potential hiding spots. They specifically pointed out a large drain surrounded by dense vegetation as a potential hiding place for the leopard. They also planned to deploy a thermal drone to scan the area. But there are many ways humans can address this unintended consequence of human expansion and warming temperatures. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One is to take local action to ensure animal habitats are protected. Another is to talk about the climate with friends and family. Spreading the word about the dangers we all face and the problems we might be exacerbating is the only way to address them meaningfully. Conservation efforts are also extremely important. Setting aside land for animals to live and flourish will preserve our delicate ecosystems and keep humans safe as well. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta's premier say the US should respect Canadian sovereignty after reports emerged that Alberta separatists had talked to the Trump administration about the province possibly leaving Canada. Carney said they "expect the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty - I'm always clear with President Trump to that effect". Similarly, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she expected US officials to leave discussions about the province's "democratic process" to Albertans and Canadians. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Alberta separatists are collecting signatures for a petition process that could lead to a referendum on leaving Canada. The Financial Times has reported they had meetings with US officials, which drew criticism from some Canadian premiers. British Columbia Premier David Eby said that "to go to a country and ask for assistance in breaking up Canada - there's an old-fashioned word for that, and that word is 'treason'". Jeffrey Rath, a separatism supporter who had meetings in Washington, called Eby's comment "stupid". Rath, co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a grassroots organisation pushing for an independence referendum, told the BBC on Thursday that his group has travelled to Washington on three occasions in the last year, as private citizens on a "fact-finding basis". Advertisement Advertisement Their meetings with senior officials were conducted as "a feasiblity study" on a possible $500bn (362bn) line of credit should the province separate, he said, adding that his group was not soliciting funding. He declined to say who the group met with. Asked about the Financial Times report, a White House official told the BBC that "administration officials meet with a number of civil society groups. No such support, or any other commitments, was conveyed". Canadian premiers are gathered in Ottawa with Carney ahead of trade talks involving a review of the US-Canada-Mexico free trade deal. Advertisement Advertisement Smith said she will ensure her concerns are raised with US officials in Washington and the US ambassador. While her party supports a "strong" Alberta within Canada, she said she would not "demonise" Albertans who support a referendum. "What we need to do is we need to give Albertans hope," she said. Last week, a top Trump official weighed in on the separatist movement, suggesting the US would work with an independent province. "Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won't let them build a pipeline to the Pacific," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a televised interview. Advertisement Advertisement "I think we should let them come down into the US," he added. "And Alberta is a natural partner for the US. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people." Anger with Ottawa has long been brewing in the western province, in particular over development of its natural resources, but an independent Alberta remains unlikely. Carney recently signed an agreement with Alberta opening the door for an oil pipeline to the Pacific, though it is opposed by Eby and faces significant hurdles. Recent polling by Ipsos suggests that approximately three in 10 Alberta residents would vote to begin the process of separating and a new agreement on its relations with Canada. Advertisement Advertisement But the poll indicated that about 20% of those saw a leave vote as a "symbolic" way to express their political frustrations. Late last year more than 430,000 signatures were gathered for a petition calling for a united Canada to counter the separatist push. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said on Thursday she believed most Albertans want a united Canada. "I think you're talking about a minority of people who are agitating," she said. "I am very optimistic that the majority of Albertans will demonstrate their love for this country and their desire to be a part of it." With people returning holiday gifts, thieves are working to get their hands on those gifts. A warehouse in California said it processes millions of returns every year. So, it came up with its own AI fraud detection technology, where it gives every item a fraud score. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement David Sobie, CEO of Happy Returns, said, You can almost think about it like a credit score. Have you ever been late paying a bill? If theres ever been fraud associated with your email address or your physical address, that can trigger a high-risk score. The warehouse said about 75% of its retailers now charge for returns. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The ChatGPT app displayed on a smartphone. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) The ability of machines to make predictions, recommendations, or decisions normally done by people. Thats the definition of artificial intelligence (AI) used in the action plan issued Wednesday by a state task force charged with examining the now-omnipresent technology that continues to reshape the surface of all things digital and many things physical. Advertisement Advertisement AI is one of the most transformative technologies that we will all experience in our lifetime, and Rhode Island is being proactive, Chris Parisi, president of Trailblaze Marketing and the task forces vice chair, said during a media briefing Wednesday at Rhode Island College (RIC). We need all Rhode Islanders, all business leaders, every elected official, to really take this seriously, Parisi said. Again, this is the most important thing that were doing right now. Believe me, the most transformative technology is going to affect how we work, how we live, how we learn. The Governors AI Task Force was formed by an executive order in February 2024 and first met in July that year, beginning its mission of molding recommendations and policy suggestions for responsible and wise use of AI. Since the task forces inception, generative AI has become properly unignorable, from the banality of viral videos featuring irate foods to the seriousness of spoofed evidence in court and concerns about the technologys requisite data centers eating up natural resources. In December 2024, the task force broke up into six fact-finding teams that looked at major areas of concern spanning government, education, health care, finance, small businesses, and manufacturing and defense. The task force wondered: How can Rhode Island stay competitive in this increasingly crowded field? Advertisement Advertisement We all know that AI will affect every corner of our states economy, said Jim Langevin, the former congressman who chairs the task force and serves as distinguished chair for RICs Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, at Wednesdays briefing. The question for Rhode Island is not whether AI will change our economy, but whether we are prepared to take full advantage of the benefits while thoughtfully managing the risk. A map included in the report emphasizes the ubiquity of efforts to bring AI into the embrace of state oversight, showing Rhode Island is one of 38 states with AI task units. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has made AI an indispensable concern of his administration. Among Trumps efforts to cultivate the machines are a January 2025 executive order meant to smash Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, as well as the presidents own AI action plan, published in July 2025. Even Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has locked horns with Trump over his December 2025 executive order that attempts to rebuff state-level regulation of AI. Rhode Islands AI task force also wants state government, industry and education to embrace the technologies more fully, but not unconditionally. Advertisement Advertisement Were not looking to have the government in this area lay out strict regulations about AI, said RIC Professor Tim Henry, who runs the schools Bachelor of Science program in Artificial Intelligence and led the task forces eight-member sub-unit of academic leaders from across the state. What were looking to do is pull a cross-sector group together that is going to advise. The group would have representatives from academia, industry and government, Henry said. Our goal was not just adoption, but responsible adoption that puts Rhode Islanders first, Langevin said. The report frontloads workforce development as a reason to pursue a more coordinated approach for AI usage. As the nature of work and life continue to be subsumed by a technology Langevin likened to the internet, the task force identified four overarching themes that transcend industry needs and can translate into focused action. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Education and upskilling the workforce , including initiatives like incentivized AI training, apprenticeship programs and AI accreditation to broaden workers AI literacy Government leadership , such as piloting AI in government services perhaps chatbots or virtual assistants to help with certain constituent services and improving technical support for policy management, plus visible integration of AI into physical government services such as the Rhode Island Public Transit Authoritys bus service Developing frameworks for use , which would include a centralized AI guidance body Collaboration and scale, which seeks to form cross-industry and cross-region partnerships as well as establish AI for Rhode Island (AI-RI), a virtual and physical hub that would serve as a source for guidance and collaboration and hopefully reduce red tape in government applications of AI The report concludes with a recommendation to appoint owners for each of the thematic areas to drive opportunities outlined in this report but does not identify who those owners would be. The reports conclusion reads, Implementation and coordination and innovation of how Rhode Islands AI journey occurs should be industry led, in close collaboration with academic, government, and community partners. This should be looked at as a blueprint, Langevin acknowledged. It should not be looked at as a one-and-done. Stay tuned on AI-RI Though the task force painted its plan in broad strokes, its members did have ideas for what color palette to use. Langevin said the state has begun two initiatives: a working group within the state Department of Administration, and an AI Center of Excellence based in its division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services. Advertisement Advertisement Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff, head of the states enterprise IT office, said the state is looking to award a vendor Center for Excellence project by the end of spring. But as to the larger question of where leaders will congregate, Tardiff pointed to the AI-RI hub mentioned in the report. Langevin described it as a place where businesses could use and understand trusted AI tools and experiment with models and algorithms using their own data as the state and its academic partners, like RICs cyber institute, lay the groundwork for shared capacity. The theme of a shared framework goes as far as suggesting the creation of secure and stable technology stacks for state-wide stakeholders in AI operations and to build or designate a secure, shared data and compute environment for approved AI projects. What tools specifically would be part of this suite? Henry said the task force landed on no particular preference for which AI models or programs might be endorsed and used, and whether those models would be proprietary or open-source ones. He suggested the task force would likely land on a core set of tools, with each industry then building on that base depending on its needs. Gov. Dan McKee arrives at a media briefing on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, on the Governors AI Task Force action plan at Rhode Island College. From left to right, seated are Jim Langevin; RIC President Jack Warner; and Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Henry offered a less agnostic answer about security: Whatever is ultimately recommended in that technology stack, security would be one of the most critical factors of all of this. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the reports recommendations can be acted on now without government intervention, Henry said. A lot of the opportunities in each of the industry sectors they can start and take advantage of right now, Henry said. They dont need to wait for funding from the government. They dont need to wait for direction, necessarily, from the state. Finance is among the sectors most prepared to adopt AI, Henry said. Theyve been using [it] in different forms for a number of years he said. But manufacturing has been slow to adopt the technology. Still, Henry added, in the task forces conversations with and surveys of Rhode Islanders, all industries appeared receptive. Advertisement Advertisement What has come out of finance, and they have been probably the most vocal about this, is the need for workers, he said. Whats holding them back right now is they dont have an AI workforce: people who understand AI, who can implement it safely and securely. The task forces creator, Gov. Dan McKee, arrived late to the briefing because, he said, he had things going on in the hospitals. That was a long call, the governor said, then reiterated his commitment to helping the state lead on AI. Its not a fad, McKee said. We need to make sure that were keeping the people working, building things that matter, and those things will pay off for dividends for decades to come. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The biggest brawl in Floridas Republican gubernatorial primary isnt over whos likely to win its over second place. With seven months to go until primary voters head to the polls, GOP Rep. Byron Donalds is the clear front-runner. His position comes despite criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who remains popular among Republican voters as he prepares to leave office early next year. That dynamic has turned the contest into a battle for second place. DeSantis has already signaled he doesnt see Donalds as the heir to his conservative legacy, giving the rest of the field a powerful incentive: Win No. 2, and you might still win DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement If current trends continue, the contest may end up a romp, regardless of DeSantis pick. Surveys show Donalds challengers are polling only in the single digits, despite the entrance of high-profile rivals like Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a former Green Beret, and former House Speaker Paul Renner, a Navy veteran with experience in Latin America. Hypothetical polls including Florida first lady Casey DeSantis entering the contest similarly show Donalds would crush the competition. Even many DeSantis allies concede they think the race is Donalds to lose. Donalds has President Donald Trumps endorsement and backing from key conservative commentators, and business and law enforcement leaders. He also has name ID and $45 million in the bank with large checks continuing to roll in. And his team is made up of top operatives who helped orchestrate Trumps 2024 White House comeback. "Byron is clearly the front-runner. He's the president's guy," said Wilton Simpson, the state's Republican agriculture commissioner, whose name also has been floated as a possible candidate for governor. Simpson said "everybody has a right to run" but added without naming any specific GOP candidate that it has been "amateur hour" with some of the others in the race. "I think you have a bunch of folks that want to run for office, Simpson said. To each his own. They want to run. They should be able to run. They go out and raise money and knock on doors and work hard. But clearly polling is indicating that it's going to be a very tough race for them. So long as they're OK with that, that's OK." Advertisement Advertisement The key question is whether those candidates seeking to derail Donalds are able to inflict actual damage on his campaign. Increased scrutiny is likely coming over his finances, his wifes charter school business operations and his stock trades. Some of his rivals have mentioned that Donalds was arrested when he was younger and questioned his friendship with scandal-plagued GOP Rep. Cory Mills. Donalds, for his part, has kept his campaign focused mostly on stressing his support from Trump instead of diving deep into Florida-specific issues. Conservative commentator Jenna Ellis, who doesnt support Donalds for governor, said she thought hed reached an overall high and has nowhere to go but down. Beyond whether DeSantis ultimately engages, Donalds own record and his prior history as a Democrat will make it increasingly difficult for him to connect with Florida voters once they learn who he really is, she said. In recent weeks, GOP gubernatorial War Room social media accounts have ramped up their criticism of Donalds. The Renner campaign used a picture of Donalds face on a beer can to describe him as Democrat lite: Weak on policies, full of himself! and on a Burger King-looking menu board accusing him of cheap talk and being soft on crime. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Jason Pizzo a millionaire who made a splashy exit from the Democratic Party last year while leading the party in the state Senate said he supports Collins and vowed to drop consideration of launching an independent bid for governor if Collins does well. Collins spokesperson Jessica Wright said the two had developed mutual respect from spirited debate when they served in the state Senate together. And a key player in DeSantis orbit top aide Christina Pushaw recently came clean about how she was secretly advising long-shot GOP candidate James Fishback, an investor and online provocateur whose residency is under scrutiny and has made inflammatory remarks about Donalds race. Meanwhile, the Donalds campaign doesnt talk about his Republican rivals and has called for the party to unify behind his candidacy. Last week, Donalds focused his ire on the big-name Democratic challengers in the race former Rep. David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and their stances regarding an ICE facility in Orlando. When asked about his rivals and their criticisms, Donalds brushed it aside. Advertisement Advertisement My rivals would all love to be in my position, and they're not, Donalds said during a brief availability with reporters in the state Capitol during a visit to Tallahassee this week. Next question. Those in the race dispute that theyre aiming for second place and predicted the landscape would be far tighter in the coming months, noting that polls show half of voters are still undecided. (Those numbers decrease sharply when voters learn Donalds has Trumps endorsement.) Brett Doster, senior adviser to Renners campaign, said the goal was to get to a primary with two dominant GOP campaigns facing off. He noted that Renner has already made a slew of promises about what hed do if elected, has raised $5.4 million and has a lengthy track record of effectively working with DeSantis to help him deliver on his conservative agenda. He downplayed Donalds record as that of a Fox News cheerleader who he said still has to make the case to voters that he can advance a conservative agenda. Paul has a record of leadership on this, Doster said. Hes most defined by the Free State of Florida brand. Hes not a cheerleader hes a leader. While all Republicans in the race have said they want to have the state continue in the same direction DeSantis started, he added, There is going to be no candidate that reminds voters more of Ron DeSantis than Paul Renner. If elected, he said, Renner would be protecting a brand he helped create. Advertisement Advertisement Collins was initially seen as a potential heir to DeSantis, but he did not actually officially launch his bid for governor until earlier this month. Ahead of that launch an outside group called Florida Fighters spent more than $4 million on television ads touting Collins, but theres been no television spending since early December. Collins has insisted the race remains wide open, and that Donalds has not been part of the leadership that built Floridas success. DeSantis initially dismissed Renners candidacy as ill-advised but appeared to warm to him in an interview with Ellis. One senior adviser in the DeSantis orbit, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said that at the time when the governor made the dismissive comment, it had been close to when hed appointed Collins to be lieutenant governor, and DeSantis had high hopes Jay would take that opportunity and run with it and earn his endorsement to be governor. The person said Renners latest strategy of rapid direct-to-camera videos and going after Donalds record while offering a positive contrast to his own was a positive and authentic development, adding that they thought Donalds was a weak candidate at the top of the ticket who could revert the state to purple and affect down-ballot races. If its going to evolve from a race for second into an actual competitive primary by August, you need a candidate who has a track record that is credible and that presents a positive contrast to Byron Donalds, the person said. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also the hypothetical scenario, considering the primary is still months away, that someone could get into the race with tens of millions of dollars behind them. That self-funding would mirror now-Sen. Rick Scotts path in his first successful race for governor in 2010. But one GOP consultant and donor who supports the front-runner said no one who said Donalds could be beaten was being realistic given the current realities of the race. The person, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, added that others may eventually have to do a strategic withdrawal and offer help to Donalds rather than take the suicide mission of being badly blown out on Election Day. It becomes insurmountable at some point, the person said. I think the only person that can defeat Byron is Byron. So as long as he doesnt make any major mistakes, I just think its going to be difficult for him to lose. At least three advisers close to DeSantis, granted anonymity to relay internal dynamics, said it was possible the governor may not endorse at all. The governor has also left that option open, saying he was looking for someone bold and willing to fight when its not easy. Advertisement Advertisement I have gotten involved in some primaries, he recently told independent journalist Julio Rosas. But its usually when theres a candidate thats really speaking my language, that Im really excited to get behind. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, when asked for his view on the governors race and those challenging Donalds, quipped: Yikes. Maybe we should just change the constitution and let DeSantis run again. TAIPEI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Thursday he hopes China will allow the U.S. technology giant to sell its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chip in the country and that the licence is being finalised. Huang arrived in Taipei after a trip to China where he said he visited customers, partners and government officials. "The H200, the actual license for H200 is being finalised. And I'm hoping that also the Chinese government would allow Nvidia to sell the H-200, so they have to decide. And I'm looking forward to a favourable decision," he told reporters at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport. "I think that H200 is very good for American technology leadership. It's also very good for the Chinese market. And the customers would very much like to have H200," he said. "And so I'm looking forward to a good decision. And so we just have to wait patiently," he added. (Reporting By Ben Blanchard and Lee Wen-Yee; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Himani Sarkar) Police are looking for a gunman who opened fire in the middle of the interstate during a possible road rage incident, shutting down part of I-285 on Thursday. A witness was working in a business nearby and told Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes that the shots sounded scary. It was really loud. Very, very loud, Zerina Hecimovic said. Hecimovic was in the middle of her shift Thursday afternoon and didnt know where the loud noises were coming from. Advertisement Advertisement But she remembers telling her patient she doesnt normally hear those sounds coming from the interstate. I was treating her and all of a sudden we heard consecutive really loud noises - like doot, doot, doot, doot, do, and we just kind of looked at each other like, What could that be? Hecimovic said. TRENDING STORIES: She thought it was someones engine or maybe a crash until Fernandes showed her video taken from NewsChopper 2 showing DeKalb County police investigating a road rage incident on the northbound side of I-285. Advertisement Advertisement Police are looking for the person who fired several shots into a white car, hitting the driver. Multiple bullet holes can be seen in the trunk, and the victim was in critical condition when paramedics transported him to Grady Memorial Hospital. Police are looking for the gunman, and theyre encouraging witnesses to call Crime Stoppers with any information that could help. Its definitely scary, especially with our office being so close to the road. If theres any strays or something like that, thats also a concern, Hecimovic said. Again, if you saw anything related to this shooting, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Updated story to elaborate on how donations in her memory will be used. Editor's Note: The following is information received from Roane State Community College concerning the life of it's second president, Sherry Hoppe. Roane State Community College is mourning the loss of one of its own this week following the passing of former president Sherry L. Hoppe on Jan. 25. She was 78 years old. Dr. Hoppe was a dedicated educator and visionary leader whose career spanned decades of service to higher education in Tennessee. She became the first female president at both Roane State and Austin Peay State University, where she was later named president emeritus. Advertisement Advertisement A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she began her career as a teacher and counselor at Chattanooga Valley High School before advancing into administrative leadership roles at Chattanooga State Community College. Hoppe went on to serve as interim president of Nashville State Community College before her term as Roane States second president from 1988 to 2000. She was then named interim president of Austin Peay in 2000 and served as president there from 2001 until her retirement in 2007. She is credited as the first person within the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system to have advanced from a community college presidency directly to president of a four-year university. Roane States current president, Chris Whaley, remembers her tenure as a pivotal and decisive moment for the college. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Hoppe came to Roane State during very trying times. Enrollment was dropping in critical parts of our service area and the college needed to grow and adapt, Dr. Whaley explained. Dr. Hoppe met those challenges with an expansion of academic programs and the colleges footprint, which has become one of the core ways Roane State supports its students the convenience of learning close to home. Thanks in no small part to all of Hoppes efforts, Roane State established permanent campuses in Cumberland and Scott counties, Oak Ridge, and Knox County, with the latter location focused exclusively on health science education. The college recently opened the doors for its second location in Knoxville a direct result of Hoppes mission to meet students where they are and increase access to higher learning. Under Hoppes leadership, Roane State also experienced significant technological advancement, including the implementation of its first email system, online student grade access, and the development of distance education classrooms, positioning the college for long-term growth and innovation. Hoppe continued to share her wisdom and life experiences through writing during her retirement. She authored several books, and her tenure at Roane State is documented in Dr. John Browns "Change Over Time: A History of Roane State Community College, 19702020," which highlights her lasting impact on the institution. Advertisement Advertisement A memorial service was held at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Chattanooga on Feb. 1. In lieu of flowers, Hoppes family asked that friends and loved ones celebrate her life by giving to a cause close to her heart. To make a monetary gift in Dr. Hoppes memory to Roane State Foundation, visit roanestate.edu/sherryhoppe. Contributions may be directed to the "Raider Fund" for student scholarships (supporting all Roane State students) or to the Sherry L. Hoppe Endowment (benefitting Roane State's Oak Ridge Campus), helping ensure her commitment to student success continues for generations to come. A 2019 photo of Sherry Hoppe, Roane State Community College's second president. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Roane State remembers former President Sherry Hoppe following her death Denmark, Greenland and the United States have launched a process aimed at reaching an agreement in the standoff over Greenland, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. Representatives of the three sides were meeting at a "technical" level, Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, without giving details on the participants or the location. "We're in a good place right now," Rubio told the public session. Advertisement Advertisement He said a process had been set in motion on Wednesday and was expected to lead to a "good outcome for everybody." Rubio said the talks were being structured in a way that would avoid a "media circus" around every meeting, allowing greater flexibility in the search for a solution. "I think we're going to get there," Rubio said. President Donald Trump's aggressive push at the start of the year for the US to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, raised the extraordinary prospect of the US attacking a NATO ally to acquire territory. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio described Trump's statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week that he was no longer seeking a military solution to the Greenland crisis as "important." Trump also said in Davos that a "framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland" had been reached, although little has been revealed about what the agreement could entail. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said last week there was "fundamental disagreement" with Washington but that a "high-level working group" was being formed between the US, Denmark and Greenland. On Jan. 3, Donald Trump ordered a military offensive in Venezuela, captured Nicolas Maduro and declared that his administration was in charge of the South American country. Three days later, the president announced his intention to sell Venezuelan oil to create a massive pool of money he would distribute at his own discretion. Soon after, as oil sales began in earnest, Semafor reported something entirely unexpected: Revenue from the sales was going to a bank account in (of all places) Qatar, the Middle Eastern country that recently made headlines in the U.S. for giving Trump a free luxury jet. (The Republican soon after announced a NATO-like security guarantee for Qatar.) Two weeks later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the reporting was accurate. As The New York Times summarized: Venezuelas interim government has agreed to submit a monthly budget to the Trump administration, which will release money from an account funded by the countrys oil sales and initially managed by Qatar, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. But the plan drew sharp questions from skeptical Democrats, and Mr. Rubio conceded that it was novel and hastily designed. The role of Qatar a Middle Eastern country thousands of miles from Venezuela whose ruler has won President Trumps favor drew particular criticism from Democrats, who questioned its legality and transparency. After the secretary of state made some references to oil proceeds being deposited into an account, the Florida Republican conceded during an exchange with Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire that he was referring to an account in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances are head-spinning and vaguely reminiscent of the Reagan-era Iran-Contra scandal. The U.S. has seized control of a foreign countrys natural resources, is selling those natural resources and collecting revenue from those sales, and is putting that money into an offshore Qatari bank account. Rubio made no effort to suggest that any of this was normal, just that its happening. To his credit, Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas sent Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent a detailed list of questions about this highly irregular situation, including some obvious lines of inquiry, such as You have stated that Qatar was chosen because it is neutral territory. What criteria were used to determine this neutrality and the preference of Qatar over other countries? and Why did the Administration not choose a country with much stronger banking laws and a history of robust management of oil revenues? For instance, Norway is considered the world leader in financial oversight of oil revenues. Why was a bank account thus not established under Norwegian jurisdiction? The Cabinet secretaries have not yet responded. Watch this space. The post Rubio sparks new questions by admitting funds from oil sales are going into Qatari account appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to do two things at once in testimony to senators Wednesday: take the temperature down after President Donald Trump rattled NATO by seeking to acquire Greenland, while delivering Trumps message that the alliance must change. Rubios tightrope walk was on display at a sometimes-testy Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, where senators pressed him to repair frayed ties with Denmark and other allies. The moment underscored how Rubio sometimes seen as the most pro-European of Trumps top team balances the administrations America First views. Tensions between Europe and the U.S. spiked this month after Trump threatened tariffs and refused for weeks to rule out using force to take over the self-governing Danish territory. He has since backed down, describing a framework for talks following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement European leaders have warned that the damage could linger. Rubio, however, offered an upbeat spin. I thought it was noteworthy and important that the president, at a speech in Davos, made very clear that the United States was not going to use force or military force, Rubio said in an exchange with Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.). So I think were going to wind up in a good place. Friction between the U.S. and Europe had intensified earlier this month after Stephen Miller, a top Trump aide, argued on CNN that Greenland rightfully belonged to the United States and that the administration could seize it if it wanted. Trumps refusal to rule that out for weeks fueled the tensions. Rubio stressed Wednesday that the issue would now shift to a very professional, straightforward diplomatic process. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to try to do it in a way that isnt like a media circus every time these conversations happen, because we think that creates more flexibility on both sides to arrive at a positive outcome, he said. Coons pushed back on Trumps claim that the U.S. gets little in return from NATO, rebuking remarks questioning the role of allied troops in Afghanistan. Coons cited a recent visit to Denmark, where he laid a wreath honoring Danish troops who served, fought and died alongside Americans. Rubio did not dispute Denmarks sacrifices but pivoted to Trumps core argument that NATO allies must shoulder a greater share of the security burden. NATO needs to be reimagined, Rubio said. One of the things weve explained to our allies in NATO is the United States is not simply focused on Europe, he added. We also have defense needs in the Western Hemisphere. We have defense needs in the Indo-Pacific. We may be the richest country in the world, but we dont have unlimited resources. Ukraine has been handed another 1,000 bodies, which Russia claims are those of Ukrainian service members. Source: a statement by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Quote: "Today [29 January ed.], repatriation efforts brought 1,000 bodies (remains) of the fallen back to Ukraine, which Russia claims are Ukrainian defenders." Details: Ukrainian investigators and experts will now work on identifying the repatriated bodies. Background: This is the first return of the bodies of fallen Ukrainians in 2026. On 19 December 2025, 1,003 bodies were brought back to Ukraine, which the Russian side claimed belonged to Ukrainian service members. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers who fought against Ukraine could be prohibited from entering the European Union, according to a proposal by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. At an EU meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Tsahkna said there was information that many Russian soldiers wanted to come to Europe after a possible end to the war. This would be impossible to explain to citizens, the Estonian minister said. "They are very dangerous people." Advertisement Advertisement A background paper on the proposal seen by dpa said that an estimated 1.5 million Russian nationals have taken part in combat operations since 2022, with around 640,000 still actively deployed. It added that their shared characteristics include combat experience and the use of violence, with probable involvement in war crimes and other atrocities against the Ukrainian population. Combatants are high-risk individuals "Their possible entry into and presence within the EU carries not only a general risk of violent crime, but represents a major vector for the infiltration of organized crime, extremist movements and hostile state operations across Europe," the authors write. Advertisement Advertisement Former fighters are also particularly easy to recruit for Russian intelligence services. The paper also points out that there is already a link in Russia between former fighters and increasing violence. Many returnees have committed serious crimes, with the total number reaching a 15-year high in the first half of 2025. Up to 180,000 convicted prisoners were directly recruited directly for special military units. No more visas for Russian fighters As a consequence, the authors demand that all EU and Schengen states now implement a complete entry ban and refuse visas and residence permits to all identified Russian nationals who participated in the war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement However, diplomats pointed out that implementation might not be entirely straightforward, partly because of differing national regulations on visa issuance. There is also the question of how to prove that Russian fighters have been deployed in Ukraine if they provide false information. Estonia, on the other hand, is convinced that all that is needed is the political will to do so, pointing to its own actions. According to the government in Tallinn, the Interior Ministry recently banned more than 260 Russian fighters from obtaining visas. SAN FRANCISCO Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat and mayor of Silicon Valleys largest city, will enter the crowded race for California governor, accusing rival Democrats of fixating on their opposition to President Donald Trump instead of in-state problems. The San Jose leader, a frequent critic of Gavin Newsom , said hes running because leaders in Sacramento and Democrats in the field for governor havent embraced big solutions to pressing issues, including a more aggressive plan to address homelessness and mandate drug-addiction treatment. It's a moment for someone who's a fighter for our values and a fixer of our problems, Mahan told POLITICO. I am different from every other candidate in this race. Advertisement Advertisement Mahans late entrance, about four months before the June primary, reflects how deeply unsettled the governors race in this heavily Democratic state remains. Despite drawing eight major Democratic candidates, none have emerged as a clear frontrunner. Those conditions could create an opening for Mahan, who is less known outside of the Bay Area, whose campaign aims to appeal to voters frustrated with the Sacramento and the Democratic Party establishment, especially its pace in addressing homelessness and Californias sky-high housing and energy costs. Mahan said he would, like his Democratic rivals, fight what he called Trumps attacks on California and the Constitution in court. But he accused his opponents of focusing too heavily on Trump at the expense of pragmatic solutions to the states problems. We have a lot of candidates following a tired playbook, Mahan said. They're either running against Trump or they're running in his image. I'm running for the future of California. Advertisement Advertisement Mahan is squarely in line with Democratic orthodoxy on issues like abortion, gun safety, climate change and immigration. But hes known for bucking Sacramento on quality-of-life issues, drawing praise from some Republicans for his tough-on-crime streak. He controversially championed a San Jose policy that allows police to arrest homeless people for trespassing if they refuse three offers of shelter. Mahan has also publicly chided Newsom, a likely Democratic presidential contender in 2028, over his handling of the states problems with drug addiction and homelessness. Newsoms camp has bristled at Mahans critiques, and some progressive labor unions and activists have painted Mahan, a former tech entrepreneur, as a conservative masquerading as a liberal mayor a charge Mahan rejects. The mayor has deep ties in Silicon Valley and is expected to draw support from some tech megadonors. But he is likely to run into fierce resistance from many labor unions, a powerful force in statewide politics in California. Mahan will now have to quickly raise tens of millions of dollars to compete with his Democratic opponents, several of whom are better known statewide. The field includes former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The coalition architecture that once united Gulf powers against Iranian proxies is now divided, leaving the Houthis facing less coordinated pressure. The Iran-backed Houthis signaled Monday they may resume attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, releasing threatening videos as the USS Abraham Lincoln entered the region and President Donald Trump warned that American "fleets" were heading toward Iran. The timing is critical: The threats come as a widening rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates fractures what was once a unified coalition against the Houthis, handing Tehran's most effective proxy a strategic advantage precisely when Iranian proxies across the region are mobilizing in anticipation of a potential US-Iran confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement The split has triggered a violent power shift in southern Yemen. In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has moved to displace UAE-backed forces, deploying its own National Shield Forces and Giants Brigades to assert control over Aden, Hadramaut, and Al-Mahraha realignment that has sparked protests, exposed deep divisions, and raised questions about Riyadh's ability to impose lasting security. The contested transition came into sharper focus Friday as protests erupted in Aden and Mukalla, where supporters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC)the UAE-backed separatist movement now being sidelinedraised the flag of the former South Yemen state and carried portraits of STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi. "We are taking part in these demonstrations to reaffirm our support for Aidarus al-Zoubaidi and to reject any attempt to dissolve the Southern Transitional Council or strip us of our right to self-determination and independence for the South," Ali Awas, an Aden resident who joined the rally, told The Media Line. Yemen's Houthi supporters brandish weapons and shout slogans during a demonstration staged against Israel and the US president Donald Trump on May 9, 2025 in Sana'a. (credit: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images) Turnout was down sharply from earlier rallies this montha shift attributed to Saudi Arabia paying salaries to former STC-affiliated forces and delivering improvements in electricity and public services in what analysts describe as a strategy of co-optation alongside displacement. Advertisement Advertisement The tensions have turned deadly. On Jan. 21, a car bomb targeted the convoy of Brig. Gen. Hamdi Shukri, commander of the Saudi-backed Second Giants Brigade, killing five of his escorts. While no group claimed responsibility, the attack highlighted the violent resistance to Saudi Arabia's consolidation of control. Saudi FM: Kingdom keen on establishing strong, positive relations with UAE Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan acknowledged the split Monday in unusually direct terms. "The Kingdom is keen on establishing strong and positive relations with the UAE, given its stature as an important partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council," he said in Warsaw after meeting with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. On Yemen, there are differences in visions. The UAE has now decided to leave Yemen, and I think if that indeed is the case and the UAE has completely left the issue of Yemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will take responsibility." Behind that diplomatic language lies a forced transition. Saudi Arabia is betting on development aid and direct military control to assert authority through the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and Saudi-backed forces. The UAE model had relied on local proxies like the STC, which for years maintained de facto control over key southern infrastructure and security forces. Advertisement Advertisement While the UAE formally reduced its troop presence in Yemen in 2019, it continued to exert decisive influence through allied forces. That arrangement increasingly clashed with Saudi Arabia's determination to consolidate authority under Riyadh-controlled structures, leading to the recent military displacement. The competing approaches reflect economic rivalry as much as military strategy. Both powers are racing to diversify away from oil dependence, with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 now directly challenging the UAE's decade-long head start as the region's financial hub. Economic competition for foreign investment and regional headquarters has steadily eroded the strategic coordination that once defined their alliance. Yemen is one of several theaters where the divergence has materialized. In Sudan, Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary groupallegations Abu Dhabi denies. Similar competition has emerged in Somalia and Somaliland, where the two powers support rival political actors, and in Libya, where their aligned forces compete for influence. The protests followed confusion earlier this month after figures close to al-Zoubaidi announced that the STC had dissolved itself, a claim quickly denied by other senior officials. Although the announcement was brief, it exposed mounting pressure on southern leaders as Saudi Arabia pushes for full subordination to the PLC. Advertisement Advertisement For years, the STC operated with significant autonomy despite being formally incorporated into Yemen's government under Saudi-brokered power-sharing agreements. But Saudi Arabia's recent military moves have begun dismantling that parallel structurea shift that has triggered resistance from forces and communities that view the STC as their political representative. Maher Abu al-Majd, an Istanbul-based Yemeni journalist specializing in political affairs and international relations, told The Media Line that the crisis in the south cannot be understood outside the framework of regional competition. "The Southern Transitional Council emerged as part of this competition," he said. "Although it was formally included in the legitimacy framework under the Riyadh Agreement, it functioned in practice as a counterweight to that legitimacy." The rivalry was shaped by the UAE's strategic gains in the early years of the war. Advertisement Advertisement "The UAE has made many gains in Yemen," al-Majd said. "It has expanded its military and security control along the Yemeni coast, occupying positions around Bab al-Mandab, controlling neighboring islands, and extending its influence along the Arabian Sea coast from Shabwa to Hadramaut, as well as parts of the Red Sea coast." Those advances eventually alarmed Riyadh. "Saudi Arabia felt those Emirati moves boxed it in strategically, particularly in relation to Jeddah, the Red Sea, and Saudi Arabia's maritime security," al-Majd said. Houthi supporters and university students shout anti-Israeli slogans, calling for an end to the war in Gaza, during a demonstration in Sanaa on August 6, 2025. (credit: Mohammed Huwais/AFP via Getty Images) The UAE insists its military withdrawal from Yemen is complete. But the transition on the ground has been contentious. In recent days, Yemen's Hadramaut governor, Salem Al-Khanbashi, accused the UAE of maintaining a "secret prison" and weapons cache at Riyan Airport in Mukallaclaims the UAE Defense Ministry dismissed as "deliberate fabrications." Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 15, the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council replaced Prime Minister Salem bin Braik with Foreign Minister Shaea Muhssin Al-Zindani a reshuffle reflecting mounting economic strain and growing frustration in Riyadh over the government's inability to consolidate authority. Saudi Arabia has announced a $500 million development package for southern Yemen following what officials described as a reduction in Emirati involvement, signaling the kingdom's intent to expand its footprint in areas long shaped by Abu Dhabi. The convergence of these crisesGulf disunity fracturing the anti-Houthi coalition, Iran-US tensions escalating toward potential conflict, and the Houthis threatening to resume Red Sea attackshas created a strategic opening for Tehran at one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The coalition architecture that once united Gulf powers against Iranian proxies is now divided, leaving the Houthis facing less coordinated pressure than at any point since their Red Sea campaign began. The rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi extends well beyond Yemen. The two powers are competing for influence over Red Sea shipping routes, port facilities from Djibouti to Sudan, and economic corridors linking the Gulf to Africa and the Mediterraneana contest forcing countries across the region to choose sides in a fundamental realignment of Gulf power. Advertisement Advertisement The strategic rivalry has left Yemen's anti-Houthi camp deeply fractured. "The Houthis benefit directly from divisions inside the legitimacy framework," al-Majd said. "Yemen effectively ended up with three separate armed structures rather than a single national army." The fragmentation has allowed the Houthis to consolidate territorial control and strengthen institutional governance, even as their rivals struggle to maintain cohesionor fight among themselves. David Des Roches, a defense and strategic expert, told The Media Line that Washington views the dispute primarily as internal Gulf business rather than a crisis requiring immediate intervention. Advertisement Advertisement "The growing split between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen is mainly a political problem," he said. "Washington views it as internal Arabian Peninsula business and does not want to become deeply involved. Yemen is not a core US national security interest in the way Iran's nuclear program is." In contrast to their Red Sea adventurism, on the mainland, the Houthis have largely avoided major offensives, instead consolidating their stronghold in northern Yemen. Despite occasional clashes, the group faces little sustained pressure as its opponents realign and, in some cases, turn on each other. The Houthi threats that emerged Monday emphasized how the split has emboldened the group. The Houthis released footage showing a previous attack on the British-linked oil tanker Marlin Luanda in January 2024, claiming 228 Red Sea vessels had been targeted in support of Gaza and concluding with the message: "What is coming will be greater." A separate video showed a vessel engulfed in flames, captioned with one word: "Soon." The footage is both a warning to the Trump administration, which has threatened military action against Iran following the killing of anti-government protesters, and a signal to Tehran, demonstrating Houthi capabilities as Iran mobilizes its regional proxy network. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported Sunday that at least 5,848 people have been killed during the unrest as a nationwide internet blackout entered its 18th day. Advertisement Advertisement The USS Abraham Lincolncarrying squadrons of F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jetsentered Middle Eastern waters, according to a US official cited by Al-Monitor. Trump said last week that American "fleets" were heading toward Iran "as a precaution." The Houthis began launching drone and missile attacks against maritime shipping in the Red Sea in October 2023, following Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The attacks halted in October last year after a US-backed cease-fire agreement in Gaza took effect. Iran has repeatedly warned against any US military action, with Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Reza Talaei-Nik saying Monday that any American or Israeli attack would be met with "a response more painful and decisive than in the past." On Sunday, Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah called on fighters worldwide to prepare for a "comprehensive war" in support of Iran. The regional realignment was highlighted on Monday when the United Arab Emirates said it would not allow its airspace, territory, or waters to be used for any hostile military action against Iran, putting Abu Dhabi on a different side of the US-Iran standoff than its traditional Saudi allies. As Iran and the United States edge closer to confrontation, the Houthis have emerged as a critical pressure point, capable of threatening global shipping lanes while shielded by the very coalition fragmentation that was supposed to contain them. Yemen's fractured landscape creates security vacuums that extremist groups like al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula have historically exploited during moments of institutional collapse and factional conflict. "Any division between Saudi Arabia and the UAE directly benefits the Houthis," Des Roches said. "While their opponents are fragmented, the Houthis remain unified and disciplined, allowing them to maintain control, carry out attacks and impose what amounts to a strategic choke point in the Red Seaa threat not only to Yemen, but to regional and global security." The Georgia Ports Authority is looking to Jasper County as a potential site for a cold-storage warehouse serving a new terminal on Hutchinson Island. South Carolina officials see the project as a way to bring economic development to a rural part of the Lowcountry. (Photo courtesy of the Georgia Ports Authority) With a seaport terminal in Jasper County still at least decades in the future, efforts are underway to bring economic development of another type to thousands of acres along the South Carolina side of the Savannah River. The S.C. State Ports Authority on Wednesday asked state legislators to transfer $2 million from a fund for the Jasper Ocean Terminal to a group thats looking to bring a cold-storage warehouse facility to land adjacent to the proposed terminal site. Advertisement Advertisement While built in South Carolina, the cold-storage facility would largely serve cargo moving through a new terminal the Georgia Ports Authority is building on Hutchinson Island in that state. Theres been a shift in focus away from, in the immediate future, building a terminal in Jasper County and, instead, building warehouses, distribution centers and other port-related facilities that would benefit the Georgia Ports Authority, in particular Hutchinson Island, said Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, a longtime proponent of the Jasper terminal. The Georgia Ports Authority, a partner in the Jasper Ocean Terminal project, plans to develop three container ship berths on Hutchinson Island as part of a long-term expansion of its cargo capacity. Those ships will need access to cold-storage warehouses to keep cargo such as meat and produce. Davis said the Jasper sites close proximity to Hutchinson Island makes it more attractive to cold-storage shippers than sites that would be farther away in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement This is seen as a way to get more immediate port-related development down in that area of Jasper County, he said. The $2 million in state funds were set aside in previous years, but legislators would need to approve any change in how the money is used. An economic development panel of the Houses budget-writing committee heard the proposal Wednesday as part of a State Ports Authority presentation. If approved, the money would eventually go to the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance, which is working to get permitting and infrastructure for the project. Danny Black, president of the alliance, referred questions to Davis. There is still a lot of work to be done before a cold-storage facility could be built. Advertisement Advertisement The property is part of 10,000 acres the Georgia Department of Transportation bought in the 1930s to store debris removed from the Savannah River during dredging. Georgia officials and the Army Corps of Engineers would have to sign off on using the property on the north bank of the river for any other use. Roads, utilities and other infrastructure would have to be built, and Davis is hoping CSX Corp. could extend a rail spur to the site. Georgia officials have been receptive to the idea, largely because it would benefit that states port, and they are joining South Carolina in asking the Army Corps for permission. Its not clear how South Carolina legislators will feel about building a facility to help another states port. Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, the panels chairman, asked Micah Mallace, the State Ports Authoritys president and CEO, during Wednesdays meeting whether the facility would serve cargo moving through Charleston or Savannah. When Mallace responded Savannah, the Charleston Democrat replied: Alright, I appreciate your candor on that. Efforts to build a cold-storage facility in Jasper County dont mean the 1,500-acre cargo terminal project is dead, Davis said, but it wouldnt be until mid-century or later when its needed. Both states have given lip service to the terminal estimated to cost at least $5 billion for nearly two decades, but neither authority has made it a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, they have focused on expansions near their home bases: for example, the new Hutchinson Island terminal in Georgia and new phases of the Leatherman and North Charleston terminals in South Carolina. I think that the Georgia Ports Authority has been clear in their intention that they wish to deliver more infrastructure, more capacity that they control individually on the Georgia side of the river, Mallace told the subcommittee. Jamie McCurry, chief administrative officer of the Georgia Ports Authority, said in a statement that the agency remains committed to the Jasper Ocean Terminal Joint Venture and to regional economic development. McCurry said the terminal will be demand driven and the project remains a unique opportunity for the future growth and prosperity of the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire, the nickname for Georgias coastal region. Advertisement Advertisement Mallace said the Jasper terminal is still on the drawing board, but not until the authoritys planned expansions reach capacity. Our infrastructure is well built; it is adequate for the business we have today and really for the foreseeable future, he said. We are reprioritizing cap-ex (capital expense) dollars on growth initiatives rather than on infrastructure development. We have to fill what we have. Andrew Fulghum, Jasper Countys administrator, called the shift toward a warehouse project a realistic adoption of current market conditions. Fulghum said hes thankful the state is granting additional resources to advance the exploration of economic development in the rural county. Advertisement Advertisement Jasper Countys location near the Port of Savannah and its access to U.S. Highway 17 and Interstate 95 have helped to attract manufacturers and new warehouses in recent years. The development alliance is already marketing nearly a dozen industrial parks totaling nearly 3,000 acres countywide. The county also announced more than a year ago the South Atlantic Logistics Terminal in Hardeeville, which will include up to 6 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space in 15 buildings when completed. Long-range plans for the Jasper Terminal include a wharf that could accommodate eight large container ships, a container storage yard and a rail yard where containers would be loaded on and off trains. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX New timeline for SC Ports Navy Base rail yard Micah Mallace, the SC Ports president, also told legislators that the Navy Base Intermodal Facility under construction next to the Port of Charlestons Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston wont open until at least 2028. Advertisement Advertisement The $690 million, 118-acre rail yard, where trains will eventually move cargo containers to and from the port, was supposed to partially open this month. Mallace said the port, challenged by global tariff and trade woes, needs to build more demand for the publicly funded facility before it can operate successfully. We have slowed construction, Mallace told the House subcommittee. We are working on delivering operating agreements with the railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, Mallace said. We need to, of course, make sure we work with our partners, the railroads, to ensure we deliver that infrastructure at the right time. Advertisement Advertisement The authority had originally set a July 1, 2025, opening date for the rail yard, but the project has busted both its budget and schedule. Mallace, who took over the authority on Oct. 13 after former CEO Barbara Melvin abruptly resigned, has said it makes sense to take a more deliberate approach toward the rail yards construction so demand for the facility is there when it opens. Legislators set aside $550 million of taxpayer funds for the project, with the authority picking up the rest of the costs. Jan 28 (Reuters) - Nvidia (NVDA), Amazon (AMZN), and Microsoft (MSFT) are in talks to invest up to $60 billion in OpenAI, The Information reported on Wednesday. Nvidia, an existing investor whose chips power OpenAI's AI models, is in talks to invest up to $30 billion, The Information said, citing a person with knowledge of the situation. Microsoft, a longstanding backer, is in talks to invest less than $10 billion, the report said. It added that Amazon, which would be a new investor, is in discussions to invest significantly more than $10 billion, potentially even more than $20 billion. OpenAI is close to receiving term sheets, or an investment commitment, from these firms, the report said. Amazon and Microsoft declined to comment, while Nvidia and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside regular business hours. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Amazon's investment could depend on separate negotiations, including a possible expansion of OpenAI's cloud server rental deal with Amazon and a commercial agreement for OpenAI to sell its products, such as enterprise ChatGPT subscriptions, to Amazon, The Information said. This follows reports from earlier this week that said that SoftBank Group is in talks to invest as much as an additional $30 billion in OpenAI. OpenAI is grappling with rising costs to train and run its AI models as competition from Alphabet's Google heats up. (Reporting by Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema and Harikrishnan Nair) (This story was updated with new information, video and photos.) SPRINGFIELD The former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two children, in her home in the Cabbage Patch neighborhood in 2024 was sentenced to 20 years in prison at a Jan. 29 hearing. The sentence for Sean Grayson, 31, of Riverton, effectively works out to 10 years because he will serve it at 50% per Illinois statute. He will get credit for time served. Advertisement Advertisement It was the maximum sentenced he could have received. He will have two years of mandatory supervised release following the prison sentence. Presiding Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin read the sentence. More: Attorneys for ex-deputy Sean Grayson seek new trial Grayson, in a county-issued jumpsuit and handcuffed, entered the courtroom at 9:02 a.m. He was seated at the defense table. Earlier, Cadagin denied a motion for a new trial for Grayson. Donna Massey, mother of Sonya Massey, waits in the hallway outside the courtroom Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, during the sentencing of Sean Grayson, the former sheriff's deputy convicted of killing Massey in July 2024. Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Jan. 29. Grayson was probation eligible, but the defense asked for six years while the state asked for the maximum sentence. Massey's mother, Donna Massey of Springfield, repeated her daughter's words in her home to Grayson the night of the shooting, telling the court, "Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Advertisement Advertisement Donna Massey said she was "grateful" for the maximum sentence. James Wilburn of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, said Grayson has been unrepentant since the fatal shooting. "I'll never get to hear her say, 'Daddy, I love you,' again," Wilburn said. Afterwards, Wilburn said while he was satisfied with the sentence, he wanted to see Grayson charged federally for violating his daughter's civil rights. Malachi Hill-Massey, Massey's son, said his "soul is ripped" by the loss of his mother. Sonya Massey shooting: Why didn't Sean Grayson get life sentence? Murder charges explained Massey's daughter, Jeanette "Summer" Massey, said her mother's death was "a traumatic experience" and that she feels the loss every day. She added that she was deeply affected mentally, socially and emotionally. Advertisement Advertisement Other letters of support for the state were submitted. Sonya Massey's daughter Jeanette "Summer" Massey, left, and mother, Donna Massey, speak to media after Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Jan. 29, 2026, in Springfield. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder of Sonya Massey on Oct. 29, 2025. Grayson spoke before the sentencing came down and said, "No words I can say to take back the anger and hurt I caused," breaking down at least once. Grayson asked the family for forgiveness and said he accepted their anger. A friend of Grayson's family, Keely Perrine, leaving the courtroom, called Grayson "a gentle giant." Character letters for Grayson were also submitted to the court. Outside of the courthouse Thursday, protesters braved single-degree temperatures, calling for a maximum sentence for Grayson. They chanted "Say her name" and erupted upon learning the sentence. Reggie Guyton of Springfield protests outside the courthouse during Sean Grayson's sentencing on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder of Sonya Massey and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Grayson, who was fired from the department, was charged with first-degree murder by Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser. The jury also was given a second-degree instruction and returned with a conviction after deliberating more than 12 hours over two days. Advertisement Advertisement Second-degree murder occurs when a person kills another while "acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation." Grayson had been facing 45 years to life in prison on a first-degree murder conviction. The trial was moved out of Springfield because of pre-trial publicity, but the sentencing was brought back here. Despite the efforts of his attorneys, Daniel Fultz and Mark Wykoff , Grayson has remained jailed since his arrest. Wykoff said Grayson was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023 but has now been diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer and cancer to his liver and lungs. Advertisement Advertisement The case gained national attention--President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. JB Pritzker all commented on it--after body-worn camera footage from the deputies was released. The footage was played several times at the trial. Grayson and another deputy were called to Massey's home on the suspicion of a prowler. The Massey family has been generally critical of the second-degree murder conviction because it didn't equate to full justice. Wilburn has called for the Sonya Massey Act to become the law of the land. The landmark legislation, signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 12, 2025, seeks to improve police hiring practices. Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 to report a potential intruder in her home on July 6, 2024. She was fatally shot in her home by a Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy. Late in 2025, the Massey Commission issued in its final report dozens of calls to action to serve as recommendations for city, county and state officials. Advertisement Advertisement Among its recommendations was that the county set up a 708 Mental Health Board. That question will go before county voters on March 17. Massey was the subject of a 911 call in Springfield made by her mother who said she was having "a mental breakdown." It came a little more than 12 hours before she was fatally shot. (This story has been updated to correct an earlier inaccuracy.) Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Sean Grayson sentenced to 20 years in fatal Sonya Massey shooting The Schmitt Mine in McKinley County is one of four abandoned uranium mines New Mexico officials have identified for cleanup with the help of new state funding. A New Mexico Senate committee on Jan. 29, 2026, advanced a measure to continue funding state cleanup efforts. (Courtesy New Mexico Environment Department) The New Mexico Senate Conservation Committee on Thursday unanimously endorsed a bill that would continue funding the states efforts to remediate abandoned uranium mines and other contaminated sites. Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) told lawmakers Senate Bill 66 provides necessary funding to maintain momentum and finally remediate more than 1,000 abandoned uranium mine sites in the state, particularly along the Grants Mineral Belt and on the Navajo Nation. Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature last year approved $20 million for the effort, and late last year the New Mexico Environment Department announced it had begun, with the help of contractors, remediating four of them. One of the four mines, Steinborn told lawmakers Thursday, exposed those nearby to one years worth of radiation every 13 days. So its a very good thing that were doing this, he said. Steinborn said he is working with state appropriators on the states funding for ongoing cleanups. But said he and other senators are also trying to find a way to get the federal government to pay for most of it. The $50 million Steinborn is seeking for the upcoming fiscal year would fund NMED cleanups at both uranium sites and other contaminated sites, including from decades-old defunct dry cleaners and oil and gas operations. Advertisement Advertisement Patricia Cordona, policy analyst for the Southwest Alliance for a Safe Future, spoke up during the public comment period to say that she applauded the bills intent but has questions about how effectively the sites will be remediated and where crews will transport radioactive waste. We want to make sure that we are supporting the right type of technology, or we are being given realistic expectations for the communities, of what the cleanup and the remediation consists of, she said. Republicans and Democrats supported the measure after some discussions of which types of sites uranium or otherwise would be prioritized. Steinborn said the goal is to split state funds roughly 50-50 between uranium and other contaminated sites. Just before the unanimous vote, Sen. Angel Charley (D-Acoma) noted that new uranium mine projects in New Mexico are charging forward even as the state tries to fund legacy cleanup. She mentioned that companies are seeking approval for new mines near Mount Taylor, a mountain sacred to Navajo people and other local tribes and pueblos. It is imperative that we learn from our history, so that we have a responsible future going forward, she said. SB66 heads next to the Senate Finance Committee. In the space of a week, President Donald Trump has reversed course on Greenland That invasion threat? Never mind and is in the midst of a retreat over the immigration enforcement policy that has been his pride and joy. Does the second-term curse loom? No president in modern times, Republican or Democratic, has scored a second term that was more successful than his first. Richard Nixon had to resign. Bill Clinton was impeached. Ronald Reagan became ensnared in the Iran-Contra scandal. Lyndon Johnson was engulfed in a divisive war. 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. And of seven two-term presidents since World War II, six lost seats in the House of Representatives during the midterm elections the second time around. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has one of those coming up in November. Of course, it's foolhardy to forget that Trump's political signature has been doing the unprecedented, starting with his unexpected election in 2016 and his reelection eight years later. So far, Trump 2.0 has had a smoother ride than Trump 1.0. His first term was marked by turmoil, a string of White House chiefs of staff, anonymous dish from behind the scenes, and a drama that was capped by two House impeachments, though the Senate acquitted him both times. In Trump's second term, Susie Wiles has been his sole chief of staff and Cabinet ranks have been stable even with such controversial figures as War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Those tantalizing leaks from his inner circle are rarer. Advertisement Advertisement But that relative comity seems to be eroding in the wake of a firestorm over the killing by federal agents of protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. False claims by administration officials that the ICU nurse had brandished a gun were debunked by citizen videos that showed a very different confrontation. Trigger the blame game: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, facing calls in Congress for her resignation or impeachment, has blamed her errant statements on White House aide Stephen Miller, who has blamed his guidance from the Border Patrol, whose agents fired the deadly shots. Demonstrators protests ICE operations and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical center, died yesterday after being shot multiple times during a brief altercation with border patrol agents in the Eat Street district of Minneapolis. Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7. From Trump, who typically pushes through controversies without apology or compromise, there has been a rare display of damage control. He conferred with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on the phone, sent border czar Thomas Homan to the scene and said he wanted to "de-escalate" the confrontations on city streets. He promised "a very honorable and honest investigation" and dissed his own Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino as "a pretty out-there kind of guy." Advertisement Advertisement On that and other fronts, some of the factors that contributed to missteps, stumbles and occasional disasters for Trump's second-term predecessors may be emerging at his White House. Three warning signs of the second-term curse: 1. Emboldened presidents can overreach Perhaps it's only human nature that many of the men who have managed the extraordinary political feat of winning not one but two terms in the White House begin to think of themselves as invincible. Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the second of what turned out to be four terms, in 1937 proposed a scheme to pack the Supreme Court with justices friendlier to his New Deal legislation. Even congressional Democrats joined the backlash to the idea, which went nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly seven decades later, George W. Bush launched his second term with a sweeping proposal to open the Social Security system to personal retirement accounts. That went nowhere, either. "President Bush was 58% (approval) in January, 38% in September because he gave us a gift," then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, recalled happily in an interview with USA TODAY. "He was going to privatize Social Security. He says, 'Nancy, I was only partially privatizing.' And I said, 'That's good enough for me.'" A 3D printed miniature of U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan flag are seen in this illustration taken January 9, 2026. Trump's second-term policy proposals have been bolder and more far-reaching than those in his first term, including the imposition of the most stringent tariffs since the 1930s. He has faced fewer constraints in ordering military actions to bomb an Iranian nuclear facility and capture the president of Venezuela. Over the objections of state and local officials, he deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents on the streets of Minneapolis with the goal of arresting and deporting unauthorized immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement As that episode has shown, bolder proposals carry bigger risks. Now the Supreme Court is poised to rule on whether his imposition of tariffs was a constitutional exercise of presidential powers. His now-abandoned threats to take Greenland by force if negotiation didn't work have fractured the NATO alliance and alarmed such traditional allies as Great Britain and France. The repercussions for the world order are still unfolding. 2. Campaign priorities and legacy concerns can conflict Campaigns impose a certain discipline: Focus on the issues most important to voters or face the consequences. But second-term presidents, who face a constitutional ban on running again, can see their guaranteed exit ahead. Their priority may not be the concerns of voters but the desire for a legacy, for the achievements that history will remember. Advertisement Advertisement In his second term, Trump has been determined to leave a stamp on the capital. He has added his name to the Kennedy Center and demolished the East Wing of the White House for what seems sure to be known as the Donald J. Trump Ballroom. He has waged a very public (if so far unsuccessful) campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize. U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech on energy and the economy, in Clive, Iowa on Jan. 27, 2026. What he has focused less attention on, at least in public, are the kitchen-table issues that generally decide elections and presidential approval ratings. Even trips announced as being all about the economy, such as his speech Tuesday in Clive, Iowa, often end up being dominated by such news-of-the-day furors as the Minneapolis shooting. Trump's job approval ratings have been on a slide in national polls, down to a record low of 38% approve/58% disapprove in the Reuters/Ipsos Poll Jan. 23-25. That's 9 percentage points lower than when he began his second term. His rating on handling the economy has fallen ever further, to 35%, lower than at any time during his first term. 3. The political calendar ticks on: Who's next? The presidential election of 2028? It's already underway. Advertisement Advertisement It is poised to be a crowded affair, with a wide-open Democratic contest and a Republican race that may pit Vice President JD Vance as Trump's heir against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz or some other contender offering a different course for the GOP. The record number of Americans who now call themselves independents could entice third-party hopefuls into the race. But not Trump. Workers react to journalists watching the installation of President Donald Trump's name on the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Dec. 19, 2025. The sign on the building now reads The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. He continues to be the strongest defining force in American politics of his generation. The Republican Party is shaped by its support for him, the Democratic Party by its opposition. That said, the attention to the political world is beginning to shift to who's next, a reality of the calendar that in the past has turned reelected presidents into lame ducks, with the declining authority that brings, sooner than they want. That's part of the second-term curse, too. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Second-term curse? Trump's troubles on Greenland, immigration WASHINGTON Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) officially launched her candidacy for the Minnesota governorship on Thursday, instantly becoming the front-runner for the seat being vacated by Tim Walz (D) later this year. In her campaign announcement, which was postponed due to another fatal shooting in Minneapolis over the weekend, Klobuchar vowed to fight back against the Trump administrations surge of federal agents deployed in her state that has sparked a national backlash against Trumps immigration policies. Minnesota, weve been through a lot, she said. In these moments of enormous difficulty, we find strength in our Minnesota values of hard work, freedom, and simple decency and goodwill. These times call for leaders who can stand up and not be rubber stamps of this administration, but who are also willing to find common ground and fix things in our state. Advertisement Advertisement Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Klobuchar, 65, has served in the Senate since 2007. A prominent centrist Democrat, she rose to the No. 3 position in Senate Democratic leadership and assumed high-ranking posts on the Senate Rules, Justice, and Agriculture committees. She also ran for president in the 2020 Democratic primary but struggled to gain traction. Winning a Midwestern governorship, however, could give her added appeal in the 2028 presidential campaign. Klobuchar is joining a growing list of Senate Democrats heading for the exits this year, including her fellow Minnesota Democrat Tina Smith, **** Durbin of Illinois, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Gary Peters of Michigan, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. Politics: Trump Makes Wild Accusation Against Obama In Unhinged Evening Posting Spree Shes also the latest senator to announce a campaign for governor, including GOP Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement A second vacancy in Minnesotas Senate delegation could be good news for Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who are vying to replace Smith after she leaves at the end of the year. The loser of the Senate primary would have a shot at being appointed to serve out the remainder of Klobuchars term, which ends in 2030. Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, announced earlier this year he would not run for reelection as planned because he would not be able to give a campaign all of his attention as he works to address the welfare fraud scandal in his state. Almost a dozen Republicans are vying to replace Walz, including conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump also known to TV viewers as the MyPillow guy. Politics: Disgusting: Minnesota Senate Race Gets Hostile After ICE Shooting Chris Madel, an attorney and one of the GOP candidates for governor, dropped out of the race earlier this week due to the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown on immigrants in Minnesota. Madel said he couldnt support stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so. Advertisement Advertisement He further called the operation, which has resulted in a number of people fatally shot by federal immigration agents, an unmitigated disaster. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost John Wilson from Bangor at the anti-ICE rally in the Agora Palace Event Center in Lewiston on Jan. 24, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said early Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended its enhanced immigration operation in the state of Maine. The Republican senator said she had several direct conversations with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem since the agency launched its operation over a week ago, which comes after shed received no information from the agency at the start of its heightened presence. While not saying when the operation ended, Collins said in a statement, There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity will look moving forward. DHS did not confirm an end to its operation, instead saying in a statement that the agency will continue to enforce the law across the country, as we do every day. Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, who said she cant confirm the announcement as shes yet to get any response from DHS since the operation began, warned that if there is a reduced federal presence in Maine, it does not amount to a policy change. What we saw during this operation: individuals who are legally allowed to be in the United States, whether by lawful presence or an authorized period of stay, following the rules, and being detained anyway, Pingree said in a statement. That is not limited to this one operation. That has been the pattern of this Administrations immigration enforcement over the past year, and there is no indication that policy has changed. While the public and elected leaders have grown increasingly vocal in opposition to ICE amid killings and aggressive tactics, a broader look into ICEs history of deadly force shows it is not necessarily unique to the current moment. Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Gov. Janet Mills said that the reported end does not end the pain and suffering that they have inflicted on communities across our state people who have been terrorized, mothers who have been separated from their children, businesses who have been threatened, all by their own government. Maines Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is seeing a drop in new requests for emergency legal help from people detained by ICE, after responding to over 60 in the past week. The need for legal assistance remains for those that were swept up in the operation, mostly asylum seekers without criminal records, Executive Director Sue Roche said. The impact of what is happening here in Maine will be felt for a long time peoples lives are altered forever, and we have a lot of work and rebuilding ahead, Roche said in a statement. There is no guarantee an ICE surge or operation will not happen again, and the increased enforcement in Maine since the beginning of the Trump administration has been devastating in and of itself. After federal agents fatally shoot two U.S. citizens, Collins has criticized some of ICEs tactics, though she continues to advocate to fund the agency as a possible government shutdown looms. Collins has not gone as far as some other Senate Republicans who have called for Noems resignation. Advertisement Advertisement ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years, Collins said, a reference to Border Patrols authority to conduct operations as far as 100 miles from the border, which includes all of Maine. I will continue to work with the Secretary on efforts to end illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activity. When launching its operation in Maine, DHS said it was targeting the worst of the worst criminals, claiming 1,400 targets. On Monday, the agency said it had arrested more than 200 people a figure that has not been independently verified by Maine Morning Star, nor community organizers or state leaders as DHS has declined to share specifics. There are several documented cases of the agency detaining people without criminal records who are pursuing lawful immigration processes. In her statement Thursday, Mills, a Democrat who is challenging Collins in the upcoming U.S. Senate election, said, the people of Maine deserve to know the identities of every person taken from here, the legal justification for doing so, where they are being held, and what the Federal governments plan for them are. Collins and Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said they were supportive of ICEs operation in their state so long as it was focused on people who have engaged in criminal activity, though data since the start of Trumps second term had already shown the majority of people detained have no criminal convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Since the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday the second person killed and third shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month calls to defund the agency have increased. Mills called on Congress to bring Noem before them for a hearing and to cut off further funding for ICE until their lawless tactics and dangerous behavior cease. In Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked a must-pass spending bill because it did not include specific reforms to federal immigration enforcement, including a ban on masks, the end of roving patrols, tightening the rules governing the use of warrants, and coordination between ICE and state and local law enforcement, among others. As Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins has been central to the effort to put a spending package together that could pass both chambers by Jan. 31, or risk another government shutdown. The original version of the spending package, without the reforms, already passed the U.S. House with Golden among the handful of Democrats to vote in support. Vice President JD Vance took a few hours off social media on Wednesday after getting thoroughly rinsed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and other Democratic lawmakers after comparing Duckwortha Purple Heart veteranto the fictional character, Forrest Gump. Clearly, hes still upset that the film featured a bench instead of a couch. Watching Tammy Duckworth obsessively interrupt Marco Rubio during this hearing is like watching Forest Gump argue with Isaac Newton, Vance tweeted during Wednesdays Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, in which Duckworth and other members of the upper chamber grilled Secretary of State Marco Rubio about whether the U.S. is at war with Venezuela. (Vances typo is his, not ours.) And, while a sitting vice president (or anyone) should never compare a rival politician to a fictional character with physical and intellectual disabilities, its particularly stupid to do so about a Purple Heart veteran who lost both her legs after her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq in 2004. (Duckworth still went on to serve another decade in the army, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel before running for Senate.) Vance, meanwhile, claims hes a vetbut really he just served four years in a public affairs office in the Marine Corps, never saw combat, and used his GI Bill benefits to go to law school. Advertisement Advertisement Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam, Duckworth shot back. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs. (Trump allegedly faked bone spurs to avoid being drafted in the Vietnam War, after a New York-based physician diagnosed them as a favor to his father, Fred.) Petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities wont change the fact that youre risking troops lives to boost Chevrons stock price, she wrote. The tactless insult brought on the ire of other lawmakers: Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) tweeted, Imagine watching Forrest Gump and your takeaway is to mock people with disabilities; Rep. John Garamendi (D-Cali.) called the move classless and disgraceful; and Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) replied to Vances post: Thats a U.S. Senator doing her job. This is a random troll tweeting at her. The rebuffs were enough to send Vance into a tiny screen break, and it was hours before he tweeted againaltogether ignoring what he wrote earlier, pivoting instead to fluffing Rubios feathers. Thank God we have a Secretary of State who knows his facts AND has the patience of Job, he wrote, congratulating Rubio on a great job. (Although, knowing Job is a biblical character who suffers Faustian-level catastrophes in his life, is this Vance manifesting?) Rubio, for his part, did anything but a great job in the hearingand got real weird when Duckworth asked whether he plans on telling the president to rescind his invocation of the wartime Alien Enemies Act, a federal law allowing the president to detain or deport citizens of an enemy country. Trump invoked it in March, citing the dangers of a Venezuelan organized crime syndicate, Tren De Aragua. Well, that was a mechanism to remove people from our country that prevent grave danger, Rubio replied, explaining that Tren De Aragua is a dangerous gang. Duckworth replied, point blank, This is a wartime actAre we at war with Venezuela? Advertisement Advertisement Theres no doubt these groups have waged war on the U.S., Rubio replied. Pressing Rubio about whether that, indeed, means were at war, he responded: When it comes to narco-trafficking gangs and criminal gangs, theres no doubt about the fact that were confronting them in a war-like setting, The president has already said that he was ready to put American troops in Venezuela, Duckworth said later. No, I think the president said that he retains the right as commander in chief to protect the United States against any imminent threats, Rubio replied. Maybe that involves troops, maybe that involves air power. We hope that, we dont anticipate, that being the case in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement I worry that you are playing fast and loose with our nation, Duckworth responded. We dont need to be in another forever war, and that is the path that we are going towards. Vance, of course, had nothing to say about that, either. Like what you just read? Youve got great taste. Subscribe to Jezebel, and for $5 a month or $50 a year, youll get access to a bunch of subscriber benefits, including getting to read the next article (and all the ones after that) ad-free. Plus, youll be supporting independent journalismwhich, can you even imagine not supporting independent journalism in times like these? Yikes. Michigan lawmakers are debating measures that limit how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, operates in the state. The Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety met Thursday, Jan. 29, and heard testimony on a three-bill package focused on the conduct of federal immigration agents. The legislation would create parameters for ICE and other law enforcement agencies: SB 508 prohibits law enforcement officers from conducting immigration enforcement activities in certain sensitive locations, including places of worship, schools, hospitals, courthouses and religious ceremonies, and at organizations that provide support for victims of crimes, without a court order. SB 509 bars government entities from disclosing an individuals personal information, for the purposes of immigration enforcement, to another person without a court-issued warrant. SB 510 bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks or face coverings when policing, except under certain circumstances, like performing undercover police work or to prevent the spread of airborne diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Focus and scrutiny on the conduct of ICE agents has intensified nationally after ICE agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minnesota following a surge of immigration officers to the state. And in Michigan, officials in Washtenaw County said Jan 28 they had received reports of ICE detaining parents at Ypsilanti Community Schools bus stops, although an unnamed ICE spokesperson denied the activity in a statement to the Free Press on Jan. 29. Backers of the measures said they were necessary to provide oversight over federal immigration agents. There needs to be a check on their power. Absolute power leads to absolute corruption," said Andrew Reinel, deputy director of adult and neighborhood organizing at 482 Forward, a Detroit-based educational access nonprofit. Recent polling found more Americans are growing wary of ICE conduct 58% of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Jan. 23-Jan. 25 said ICE agents were going too far to address immigration. Protesters and local government officials gather outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center before a Detroit City Council meeting to demand city officials keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Additionally, advocates for domestic violence support said fears over deportation were making it less likely for victims and survivors to seek support. Advertisement Advertisement Survivors are forced to choose between enduring abuse or facing deportation, said Jessica Glynn, vice president of victim support at the YWCA of Kalamazoo. The bills likely face an uphill climb to become state law while some supporters have expressed confidence they will advance through the Senate, where Democrats control the chamber, its not likely the Republican-led House would take up the legislation. Sen. Jim Runestad, a White Lake Republican who is minority vice chair of the Senate committee which heard testimony on the measures Jan. 29, defended ICE and said the hearing was skewed toward those opposing immigration enforcement, at multiple times calling the hearing a kangaroo court. The reality is that I dont think theres a person in Lansing who has a problem with legal immigration. This is strictly about illegal immigration, Runestad said of ICE conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Shari Rendell, state and local engagement director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, testified in opposition of the legislation debated Jan. 29. FAIR is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization which broadly opposes immigration in the United States. Rendell argued measures setting state parameters on federal agents likely would be rendered moot by the Supremacy Clause, a constitutional framework that asserts federal law supersedes state law, when applicable. She said this would result in ICE agents in Michigan not having to comply with a mask ban, should it become law. She also added that by preventing Michigan government entities from providing personal data, as proposed in SB 509, it would guarantee that local and state agencies did not play any role in federal immigration enforcement in the state. State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, who chairs the committee and sponsors SB 509, said there will likely be a vote on reporting the bills to the full Senate for consideration at a future hearing. More: Royal Oak bookstore says it's closing on Friday for general strike Advertisement Advertisement More: ICE says reports of targeting Ypsilanti parents at bus stops are 'lies' In Detroit, At Large Councilwoman Mary Waters said Jan. 28 she would propose a ban of law enforcement agents wearing masks in the city, considering federal immigration enforcement tactics. A Detroit police union official called the proposal reckless in a statement provided to the Free Press on Jan. 29. ICE presence has ramped up in Minnesota in recent weeks as part of a surge in immigration enforcement efforts. The killings of 37-year-old Renee Good on Jan. 7 and 37-year-old Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, two U.S. citizens who were fatally shot by ICE agents, has drawn scrutiny from many across the country. President Donald Trump said Jan. 26 he wants to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota but a recent shake-up of immigration enforcement leadership in the state was not a pullback of overall efforts, USA TODAY reported. Detroit Free Press staff writers Dave Boucher and Andrea Sahouri contributed with prior reporting. You can reach Arpan Lobo at alobo@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Senate panel debates banning masks, other measures for ICE in Michigan Washington The Senate reached an agreement Thursday to move forward with a government funding package while negotiations continue over reforms to immigration enforcement in the wake of the Minneapolis shooting last weekend, a Senate Democratic source told CBS News. The deal includes removing a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security from a broader package of six spending bills covering other parts of the government, while extending funding for DHS at current levels for two weeks, the source says. The other five bills cover the Pentagon, the State Department and a litany of other agencies. Funding is set to lapse at 12 a.m. Saturday for the parts of the government funded by the six appropriations bills. With the agreement, senators were hopeful they could move quickly to pass the funding measures ahead of the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the House which must approve the changes to the package isn't set to return to Washington until Monday, meaning a lapse in funding is likely to occur. But because most of the government remains closed over the weekend, a short-term funding lapse could have minimal effects and the Office of Management and Budget may opt not to order a partial government shutdown at all. President Trump quickly announced his support for the agreement and called on lawmakers to pass it. "Hopefully, both Republicans and Democrats will give a very much needed Bipartisan 'YES' Vote," Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. The original six-bill package was expected to easily pass the upper chamber before Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minnesota last weekend. Democrats had since been unwilling to support the package if it included the Homeland Security bill, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Advertisement Advertisement The deal came together after Democrats blocked the initial six-bill package from advancing Thursday morning, joined by a number of Republicans who bucked their leadership to air grievances with the package or the emerging deal with Democrats. Among the final sticking points on Thursday was the length of a continuing resolution to keep DHS funded, multiple senators said. While Democrats sought a two-week extension, looking for a quick resolution, Republicans pushed for an extension up to six weeks. The extension is aimed at giving negotiators enough time to craft a new funding measure with Democrats' reforms. "The two-week CR probably means we'd need another two-week CR and maybe another two-week CR after that," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier Thursday, referring to a continuing resolution. "I don't know why they're doing it that way." The resolution to the impasse began to emerge after Schumer outlined Democrats' demands for reforms to immigration enforcement Wednesday. Among the demands, according to Schumer: An end to roving patrols, changes to the rules governing the use of warrants to target migrants and for federal agents to take their masks off and wear body cameras. Democrats are also pushing for a uniform code of conduct and accountability to hold federal agents to the same use-of-force policies as state and local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement While Thursday's deal does not secure an agreement on the reforms themselves, it gives negotiators time to work toward a compromise on the issue. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, told CBS News the bill to fund DHS for this fiscal year "will be considered at a separate occasion." "In the meantime, negotiations will start to change the way ICE is operating and the Department of Homeland Security is operating in Minnesota and across the country," Durbin said on "The Takeout with Major Garrett." House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said "we're trying to figure all that out" when asked about the lower chamber's plans Thursday night. Advertisement Advertisement The funding measures could face hurdles in the House, especially with Johnson's razor-thin majority. Why Trump may not demand for Noem to step down from her job Alex Pretti's family reacts to video of scuffle 11 days before death School principal speaks out about father and son detained by ICE: "Open your eyes" President Donald Trump is being asked to provide more information about the Rolex watch and gold bar he accepted from Swiss businessmen last year, shortly before agreeing to lower tariffs on Swiss goods, by the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is seeking more details to determine whether the president violated laws by accepting the gifts before cutting the deal, according to the letter seen by Bloomberg. In November, a delegation of Swiss businessmen visited the White House to speak with Trump after he imposed a 39 percent tariff on Swiss goods. Shortly thereafter, a Rolex table clock, which does not appear to be available for purchase by the general public, appeared on the presidents desk. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, a custom gold bar was displayed on the Resolute Desk, worth more than $130,000, according to Wydens office. Less than two weeks later, Trump announced a deal that reduced Swiss tariffs from 39 percent the highest tariff placed on any Western country to 15 percent. The Swiss tariffs remain at this rate. The Rolex desk clock, gifted by Swiss businessmen, can be seen sitting on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office in mid-November (AFP via Getty Images) At the time, the White House said the gifts were donations to Trumps future presidential library, complied with U.S. and Swiss laws and were cleared by the White House legal counsel. In his letter, Wyden wrote: Trumps acceptance of gifts of significant monetary value just days before lowering tariffs on goods from Switzerland creates a blatant conflict of interest and possible constitutional violations. Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has asked Senator Wydens office for comment. The foreign and domestic emoluments clauses are some of the U.S.s oldest anticorruption buffers. Under the Foreign Emoluments Clause, federal officials are prohibited from accepting a present, office, title or payment from another head of state without the consent of Congress. Wyden also questioned whether Swiss negotiators informed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer of the gifts before or after presenting them to Trump and which administration official recommended the new, lower tariff rate. FIFA gifted Trump the first-ever 'FIFA Peace Prize', among a number of honors and gifts he has received as president (Getty Images) The White House pushed back on suggestions of a conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement: Switzerland secured a trade deal and lower tariffs by reducing their unfair trade barriers and committing to invest billions in the United States. The only special interest guiding President Trumps decision-making is the best interest of the American people, and any suggestion otherwise is completely unfounded. President Trump is an extraordinarily successful businessman who can afford his own Swiss table clock. Trumps decision to slap a 39 percent tariff on Switzerland in August stunned the countrys officials, since the U.S. is the top export destination for Swiss goods such as pharmaceuticals, luxury watches and precious metals. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the Silla gold crown while the two met in South Korea in October (Getty Images) While in Davos last week, Trump said he imposed the tariff at a higher rate because he was rubbed the wrong way by former Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. Subsequently, Swiss officials reportedly struggled to convince the president to lower the tariff rate before the delegation of businessmen helped thaw tensions, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a well-known love for lavish, personalized gifts, which has raised questions about presidential ethics. Lawmakers and nonprofit organizations have said that the appearance of accepting such gifts leads to concerns about quid-pro-quos or giving certain countries preferential treatment as a result. This affair also creates a perception that lavishing gifts on the President, rather than negotiating with [US Trade Representative] is the best way for trading partners to engage with the United States, Wyden wrote. Over the last year, Trump has publicly accepted a gold crown from South Korea, a 24-karat gold and glass plaque from Apple CEO Tim Cook, the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a gold pager from Israel, a portrait from Russian President Vladimir Putin of the leaders together and a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to serve as the new Air Force One, before being transferred to his presidential library. WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee asked the U.S. Trade Representative's Office on Thursday to explain the decision to cut U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports to 15% from 39% shortly after a meeting where Swiss business executives gave lavish gifts to U.S. President Donald Trump. Senator Ron Wyden asked USTR to explain by February 11 which officials helped set the initial rate of 39% and why; which officials recommended lowering the duties; and whether Swiss negotiators told USTR about the gifts given to Trump. During a speech in Davos, Switzerland last week, Trump said he had agreed to lower the 39% U.S. tariff rate on imports from Switzerland to 15% amid pressure from Swiss companies, including Rolex, but the rate could rise again. Advertisement Advertisement He said he initially planned a tariff rate of 30% on Swiss imports but raised it to 39% after a meeting last year with then-Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, saying she "just rubbed me the wrong way, I'll be honest with you." Swiss lawmakers last year asked prosecutors to examine whether the gifts - including a Rolex watch and a gold bar - violated Swiss anti-bribery laws, although a source with the business delegation who met with Trump said in November that they complied with the laws of both countries. The American public and U.S. importers and consumers who pay the tariffs are entitled to a government that pursues trade policy in the public interest, rather than on the basis of the presidents whims, Wyden wrote in his letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He said Trump's agreement to lower tariffs after receipt of the gifts "creates a perception that lavishing gifts on the president, rather than negotiating with USTR, is the best way for trading partners to engage with the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Wyden said the decision came just days after Trump accepted the gifts, which he said included a personalized gold bar worth more than $130,000, creating "an apparent conflict of interest" and possible violations of the U.S. Constitution. No comment was immediately available from USTR. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Diane Craft) By Robert Harvey LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Brent oil futures prices jumped on Thursday, hitting a four-month high on rising concerns of a possible U.S. military attack on Iran, OPEC's fourth-largest producer, with output of 3.2 million barrels per day. "The immediate (market) concern ... is the collateral damage done if Iran takes a swing at its neighbours or possibly even more tellingly, it closes the Strait of Hormuz to the 20 million barrels per day of oil that navigates it," said PVM analyst John Evans. Brent crude futures were up $1.52, or 2.22%, to $69.92 a barrel at 1210 GMT. At its intra-day peak, Brent traded as high as $70.35 a barrel, its highest since late-September. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.48, or 2.34%, to $64.69 a barrel. WTI futures earlier topped $65 a barrel, also a four-month high. U.S. President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Tehran to end its nuclear programme, with threats of military strikes and the arrival of a U.S. naval group in the region. Trump is considering options that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters to potentially topple Iran's rulers, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing U.S. sources familiar with the discussions. Some analysts are forecasting higher prices because of the Iranian concerns. "The potential for Iran getting hit has escalated the geopolitical premium of oil prices by potentially $3 to $4 (per barrel)," Citi analysts said in a note on Wednesday, adding that further geopolitical escalation could push prices to as high as $72 a barrel for Brent over the next three months. Elsewhere, the huge Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan is being restarted in stages after electrical fires cut output last week, with the aim to reach full production in a week. In the U.S., the world's biggest oil producer and largest liquefied natural gas exporter, crude and gas producers were bringing wells back online after disruption from Winter Storm Fern over the weekend. "Disruptions in Kazakhstan (CPC terminal, Tengiz field force majeure) have removed significant number of barrels from the market, add up the cold weather in the U.S. which disrupted although temporarily U.S. crude production and suddenly the oil market is much tighter than expected," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. (Reporting by Robert Harvey in London, Sam Li and Trixie Yap in Singapore. Editing by Jamie Freed, Alexander Smith and Mark Potter) A 26-year-old Columbus man charged with sexually assaulting a missing 12-year-old girl tried three separate times to run away with her, police said. Independence police found Deandre Byrdsong and the missing Columbus girl asleep at a Shell gas station on Declaration Drive on Jan. 19, according to a criminal citation. They were also with a person they met around New Year's Day who helped the pair stay at local shelters. Police records indicate Byrdsong and the girl said they were dating and in a sexual relationship. Advertisement Advertisement He is being charged with second-degree rape and failure to comply with sex offender registration. Byrdsong's bond was set at $500,000, and he was ordered to stay away from minors when he appeared before Kenton County Justice Center Judge Kenneth Easterling on Jan. 28 "You are a danger to yourself," Easterling said. "You are a danger to others." Byrdsong and girl had been talking for months, police said Independence police Detective Eric Higgins told The Enquirer that Byrdsong and the girl sent sexually explicit texts and photos to each other. They began talking on Instagram on Sept. 1, he said. Byrdsong is a registered sex offender due to a 2023 conviction for unlawful sexual conduct with a 15-year-old. He told police that he's been homeless for several months, staying at a cold shelter or on the streets of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement The girl's parents said the two tried to run away together at least three other times. Higgins said local cold shelter representatives he spoke with recognized the pair. The two made it to Cincinnati once before, he said. They hoped to end up in Florida. Higgins said the third person found sleeping with them at the gas station in January was someone they met a few weeks prior who helped them get into cold shelters. Court records do not indicate when the next court date is. Higgins said Columbus police are investigating alongside Independence police. Additional charges are expected. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man found with missing Columbus girl, tried to run away with her Its just days before Christmas as medical workers wheel 7-year-old Jessa Milender through the halls of the hospital. The normally bubbly child is limp, face down on a medical gurney. Shes being admitted after overdosing on her mothers prescription GLP-1 medication. She couldn't walk from exhaustion and severe pain, said Melissa Milender. She wouldn't even allow them to touch her stomach. She'd scream out in pain in her sleep. It was awful. Poison centers nationwide are seeing a spike in calls about people taking too much GLP-1 medication. Research suggests the increase in patients being prescribed Ozempic, Mounjaro and other similar drugs is causing the rise in overdose reports. Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Poison Center tells 13 Investigates calls doubled from 2024 to 2025, with 320 calls in 2025. The local poison center says the majority of calls are about adult women, though a handful of those calls involve children and teens. Doctors tell 13 Investigates most people can manage the symptoms at home. However, some end up in the hospital, like Jessa. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. The medications artificially create a hormone the human body naturally makes. Thats good for patients with diabetes, because it allows their bodies to produce more insulin so they can better manage blood sugar. The drugs also reduce hunger and make some people feel full longer, which can assist with weight loss. Advertisement Advertisement There are several versions of GLP-1s currently in use including semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are the active medication in popular brands including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Jessas mother tells 13 Investigates Jessa was admitted to the hospital twice in one week in December 2024. The family shared pictures of Jessa looking ashen, exhausted, in pain and hooked up to an IV. "I don't think we were prepared for how bad it was gonna get, Melissa said. Medical records show Jessa got hold of her mothers Mounjaro around Dec. 16, 2024. Melissa says as soon as she learned the girl injected herself with the medication, she called Poison Control. Melissa followed instructions to keep the child at home and hydrated. She was told to expect Jessa to have symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Advertisement Advertisement Hours after Jessa injected the medicine, she started vomiting. We weren't expecting the severity, Melissa said. She would drink water and then throw right back up I'm like, 'How is she going to stay hydrated when she literally can't keep anything down?' Jessas mother said she would vomit constantly. Seeing your child sick, even a normal sick, you wish you could take it away, Melissa said. But seeing them so sick for so long and feeling like no one really knows how to help. That's a hopeless, helpless part that I wish on nobody. Records show Jessa was admitted overnight on Dec. 18 to Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, not far from the familys home in San Bernardino, California. That was a couple of days after the girl took the medication. She received medication and an IV, then went home the next day. Advertisement Advertisement They were on the verge of if they should release us or not, Melissa said. I should have never let them release her. Jessa had a night of rest. Then the vomiting returned on the next day. Melissa remembers her daughter was thirsty, but could not keep water down. Jessa was so weak her mother had to carry her to the bathroom. Medical records state Jessas parents reported she was vomiting 10 to 15 times a day. So, back to the hospital doctors admitted her again, and medical records show there were concerns for renal shutdown. Jessa had stopped urinating, and doctors worried about the health of her kidneys. Melissa said at one point Jessa was vomiting brown chunks, which doctors said could have been the girls stomach lining. The family reports around this time they started to fear for Jessas life. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, night is when we as a family gathered around her, because she was just laying there, like lifeless, Melissa said. Two more days at the hospital, then doctors said Jessa was well enough to go home on Dec. 23, two days before Christmas. She made a full recovery. Doctors say overdose symptoms typically last about a week because thats how long the drug is meant to remain in the body. Now that millions of people have been prescribed GLP-1s, poison center calls are on the rise. The National Poison Data System, America's Poison Centers report GLP-1 overdose and side effect calls are up nearly 1,500% since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Poison Center reports calls doubled last year. In 2022, the center reports receiving 64 calls, and in 2025, it received 320 calls. The center tells 13 Investigates 76% involve women, and the majority were due to accidental dosing errors. Most, 73%, did not result in a patient needing to go to a healthcare facility for care. Dr. Mary Wermuth is a toxicologist at IU Health. She said there are probably more unreported cases, especially since people may call their doctors or simply deal with the symptoms themselves at home. While overdose cases are up, calls involving children like Jessa are rare. "The dosing errors we typically see are too frequent or inaccurate or too high of a dose, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Wermuth said some people take it too often, forgetting it's a weekly medication. She said other patients think taking a little extra might help them lose weight faster. More of a good thing is not always a good thing, said Dr. Ethan Blocher-Smith at IU Health Fishers. However, Wermuth and Blocher-Smith both agree the majority of people who take too much of the medication do it by accident. Mistakes are more common with compounded medications that may come with multiple doses in a single vial, requiring patients to measure out the proper amount. Many brand-name medications are now prefilled. Advertisement Advertisement Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. Severe reactions can lead to dehydration and pancreatitis, which can land you in the hospital. "Just because it's thought to be used for weight loss, although there are other indications diabetes and so forth, that doesn't make it less toxic if you take it inappropriately, Wermuth said. That medication is slowly time releasing, said Blocher-Smith. That means the instant you injected it, you are dedicated to have that weeks worth of results, positive or negative. You get what you get. To avoid overdosing, the medical experts suggest people carefully read the instructions and ask their pharmacist to demonstrate how to take it properly. Advertisement Advertisement They also encourage buying medication only from a reputable source. The doctors warn counterfeit medications can be dangerous because they are not regulated. As for children, they suggest patients put their medication in a lockbox. Melissa now has one for the compounded version of her tirzepatide. Doctors say lockboxes are key to keeping these medications away from curious kids and teens. "I got it the day she overdosed on it, Melissa said. It was $20 on Amazon, and it's been in my fridge ever since. Back in 2024, she thought putting the medication higher up in her refrigerator was enough. Shes still surprised Jessa decided to inject herself with the medicine. "I thought it was stomach medicine, Jessa said, because my mom takes it, and I thought it helps her with her stomachaches. She had seen her dad give me the first couple of injections, Melissa said. It goes in your stomach but I never explained to her what I was doing trying to get healthier." Jessa took about 60% of her moms medication. The family is glad the girl didnt take a full dose. I try not to think about the what if," Melissa said. God protected us from the worst, and I firmly believe that. Her parents now hope her story can protect other kids. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The former chief financial officer of an Oregon-founded sneaker business that defrauded customers and banks was sentenced on Tuesday. Bethany Mockerman will serve 18 months in prison and five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon confirmed to KOIN 6. The ex-Zadeh Kicks employee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud alongside owner Michael Malekzadeh, who additionally pleaded guilty to wire fraud, last March. OHA warns people could have been exposed to new measles case at Clackamas emergency room Advertisement Advertisement A sentencing memorandum shows Mockerman and Malekzadeh began a romantic relationship in 2013 and, by 2022, she had used her role as chief financial officer to help the founder secure more than $15 million worth of fraudulent bank loans through the Eugene-based Zadeh Kicks. Federal authorities also cited a scheme in which the owner would offer preorders to customers despite knowing he couldnt fulfill all of the orders once the sneakers were released. Officials said Malekzadeh owed customers more than $65 million worth of undelivered sneakers by April 2022. According to court documents, the money was partially used to cover the chief financial officers extravagant lifestyle. The memorandum states Malekzadeh purchased Mockerman luxury gifts like handbags and watches. Close Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Attorneys also said thousands of dollars were used to purchase and remodel a home that was then sold so Mockerman could purchase and remodel another home in 2020. Records show she told investigators she was aware the money used for the home came from bank fraud, but she wanted a fireplace. Some people impacted by the Zadeh Kicks believe they will never financially recover and their lives are ruined, according to officials. The sheer greed in this case led fraud victims to withdraw retirement funds, sell personal possessions, struggle to pay childcare costs, and lose personal relationships, businesses, and equity in their homes, U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford and Assistant Attorney William McLaren wrote in the memorandum. Advertisement Advertisement Ms. Mockermans choice to come forward, accept responsibility, and assist in the investigation should be acknowledged. Her relative culpability as an individual romantically involved with someone running a large-scale wire fraud scam bears noting. But that sympathy and temperance should be balanced against the fact that she knowingly cooked books, ripped of many millions of dollars from various banks, and reaped the luxurious benefits of fraud targeting sophisticated investors and young shoe collectors alike, the attorneys added. Nike to cut nearly 800 jobs as brand shifts focus to automation Malekzadeh was previously sentenced to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release earlier this month. Both he and Mockerman are expected to pay back millions of dollars to victims. The restitution hearing is slated for March 31. 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 KOIN.com. Philadelphia police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a deadly shooting and a series of bike robberies in Southwest Philadelphia on Wednesday night. It all started when police say the suspect got off a SEPTA bus at 64th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard around 10 p.m. Police say the suspect stole a bike from the front of the bus, then rode up to another 19-year-old man and shot him in the throat at 66th Street and Dicks Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center, where he later died. The suspect ditched the bike, but then stole an electric bike from someone else and took off. Investigators tracked the suspect to a Wawa at 84th and Bartram Avenue, where they arrested him and recovered a gun. The victim has been identified by family as Russell Williams. Russell Williams Still coming to grips with the loss of their only son, Russell and Katrina Williams say they're still waiting for Russell Jr, or RJ, to walk through the door. "It's still like shocking because I keep thinking he's going to come home and he's not," said Katrina. Advertisement Advertisement His parents say the 19-year-old loved sports and gaming, had recently graduated high school, and that he was everyone's friend. "You could walk to the store, somebody knows him. You could go to the park, somebody knows him," said his mother. The suspect has not yet been charged and his identity has not been released. The Williams family says they want justice. "You took his life for nothing," said the victim's father. Authorities are still working to determine a motive. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS. This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com A 40-year-old man from Everett was sentenced to six years in prison for dealing fentanyl, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Monday. Lamin Saho, aka Buck, who the attorneys office called a significant fentanyl dealer, was identified in a wiretap investigation that ended with 14 arrests in 2025. Mr. Saho distributed thousands of fentanyl pills the calls recorded on the wiretap indicated he had access to as many as 10,000 pills at a time, U.S. Attorney Charles Floyd stated via the release. Each one of those pills had the potential of killing the user. Our community is safer when we are able to prosecute these drug trafficking rings and get the suppliers behind bars. Drug ring operated from Kent to Everett The drug trafficking ring operated from Kent to Everett, with members frequenting two locations in Seattles University District. Advertisement Advertisement Saho was one of the more prolific fentanyl distributors, the attorneys office noted. Even after law enforcement seized 5,000 pills from him during a traffic stop, the wiretap showed he continued to traffic fentanyl. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized 200,000 fentanyl pills, four kilograms of cocaine, 60 firearms, several Glock switches, multiple suppressors, and $250,000 in cash. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that has devastated far too many lives. One has only to walk out on the streets of Seattle to see how it has devastated our community, Judge John H. Chun said at Sahos sentencing hearing, according to the release. Crew members sentenced to prison The leader of the drug crew was gunned down in 2024 in front of one of the U-District locations. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, another leader in the organization, 28-year-old Cooper Sherman from Seattle, was sentenced in November to 10 years in prison. Other members of the drug ring were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to six years. Saho was ordered to serve four years of supervised release following his six-year term. However, the attorneys office noted he is a citizen of The Gambia and does not have immigration status in the U.S. Therefore, he will likely be removed following his prison sentence. Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here. More disturbing details are coming out about what happened inside an Aliquippa home where police say they rescued 23 dogs with obvious signs of neglect and abuse. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Nearly 2 dozen dogs found tied outside house in Aliquippa during winter storm Its disturbing and sickening, Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible said. The dogs rescue started when someone alerted police to dogs barking outside the home during Sundays snowstorm, Bible said. Advertisement Advertisement (Police) found a dog fighting pit in the basement, blood on all of the walls of the dog ring, different types of medication associated with dog fighting, Bible said. To protect the integrity of the investigation, Bible said, he cant share the names of those who could face charges. We believe we know who the owner of at least some of the dogs are, Bible said, but were looking at the person who owned the building, who was leasing the building. Charges in dog abuse cases typically end up as misdemeanors, Bible said, but these could result in a felony of the third degree. Because of the way Pennsylvania minimum-maximum works, it would be three-and-a-half to seven years, so thats the most that anyone could be looking at, which again, in my opinion, is way too low, Bible said. Advertisement Advertisement For Bible and a responding officer, the case is particularly disturbing. I was in shock initially, Bible said. Its not something in my two years that Ive dealt with, and I think in her many years of being a humane officer that shes ever seen. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Germany's coalition government has agreed to a compromise to reform the country's migration policy in line with EU law, dpa learnt from government sources on Thursday. The conservatives of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Social Democrats (SPD) have agreed to implement tougher restrictions regarding who can apply for asylum, but also to allow quicker access to the job market for those awaiting the result of their request. "Last year, half of the asylum seekers who came to Germany should have remained in another member state under EU law," Alexander Throm, conservative spokesman for domestic policy, told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Under EU rules, the member state where an asylum seeker first enters the bloc is responsible for processing their request for asylum. "We are now introducing so-called secondary migration centres, where those affected will remain until they are returned" to the first EU country, Throm said, stressing that it was non-negotiable for the conservatives to stop asylum seekers from travelling from one EU member state to the next. Throm said Germany would also introduce "the new option of asylum procedure detention for all asylum seekers, for example if there is a risk that they could go into hiding." German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that as part of the compromise with the SPD, who pursue a less restrictive approach to migration, asylum seekers are to be allowed to work after three months, instead of the current six. Health care for the children of refugees is also to be improved. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) The American Red Cross says South Carolina is facing a critical blood shortage, with supplies dropping well below normal levels as winter weather and a severe flu season strain donation efforts across the state. Under normal conditions, the Red Cross maintains about a three-day supply of blood for hospitals statewide. Right now, that supply has dropped to roughly one day, creating concerns about patient care as hospitals continue to see steady demand. Susan Everitt, CEO of the American Red Cross South Carolina Region, said recent winter weather has forced blood drive cancellations both locally and nationwide, cutting off a key source of donations. Advertisement Advertisement Winter weather has really adversely affected our blood drives across the country, Everitt said. Last month, we had hundreds of drives canceled, and this past week weve had several drives canceled here in South Carolina because of the winter weather, which put us behind by around 100 units of blood in just the past couple of days. At the same time, one of the worst flu seasons in decades is keeping many otherwise eligible donors from giving blood. Were hearing that this is the worst flu season in about 20 years, Everitt said. That means a lot of donors who are otherwise healthy and able to donate blood are not able to donate because theyre sick. You dont donate blood when youre sick, and thats further limiting the supply. The Red Cross says blood is needed daily for a wide range of medical care, including emergency trauma cases, surgeries, childbirth and ongoing treatment for patients with cancer or sickle cell disease. When blood supplies run low, hospitals may be forced to make difficult decisions. Advertisement Advertisement It really is the blood thats on the shelves that saves lives, Everitt said. Without that blood supply, patients are going to suffer. If someone needs a blood transfusion because theyve been in a car wreck, theyre a mom giving birth, or theyre a patient with sickle cell disease or cancer, they may not be able to get that life-saving blood. Red Cross officials say Type O blood is in the highest demand, particularly O-negative, which can be given to patients of any blood type and is often used in emergencies and for infants. While winter typically brings a seasonal decline in blood donations, Everitt said this years combination of widespread weather disruptions and illness has made the shortage more severe than usual. Theres always a decline in the winter because of weather and illness, she said. But this year, it seems much worse than what weve seen in years past. Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross is urging anyone who is healthy and eligible to donate blood to do so as soon as possible. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. 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 WCBD News 2. The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that the state has had nearly 800 measles cases since an outbreak beginning last October. The outbreak is centered around Spartanburg County in the states upstate region and reported a total of 789 cases. South Carolina surpassed the number of cases from the Texas outbreak in 2025 which reported 762 cases between late January to mid-August 2025. The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000, which means there are no locally transmitted measles infections or outbreaks lasting 12 months or longer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak in South Carolina has lasted four months and the CDC reports there have been no new outbreaks across the country in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement While the number of cases does not directly affect the elimination status, it can show a pattern of reduced vaccination and likelihood of more outbreaks. Of the 789 cases in South Carolina, 692 were reported as not vaccinated and nearly 70 percent of the reported cases were in children ages 0 to 11. The CDC reported the vaccination status of 93 percent of all cases reported in 2025 was unvaccinated or unknown. The vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is recommended in two doses beginning at 12 months of age. The Department of Health and Human Services announced at the beginning of the year it was changing the childhood vaccination schedule recommendations, removing five vaccinations from the list. The MMR vaccine continues to be recommended in the schedule, but comments from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. undermined vaccination confidence in general, some experts say. There are adverse events from the vaccine. It does cause deaths every year, Kennedy said in an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity in March 2025, during the Texas outbreak. It causes all the illnesses that measles itself causes, encephalitis and blindness, etc. And so people ought to be able to make that choice for themselves. And what we need to do is give them the best information, encourage them to vaccinate. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, there have been no deaths related to the MMR vaccine in healthy people and deaths reported come from immunocompromised children who are not recommended to get the shot in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing outbreak we are seeing in the U.S. underscores the importance of maintaining adequate levels of measles vaccination, said William Moss, the International Vaccine Access Centers executive director. The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status should cases continue at this rate. As vaccine confidence continues to be undermined, immunization is more important than ever to end this outbreak and prevent future outbreaks from occurring, said Moss, who co-leads the Johns Hopkins measles tracking project. The post South Carolina measles outbreak hits record high appeared first on Salon.com. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signs House Bill 1044, appropriating funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, at a private signing ceremony with state officials and lawmakers on Jan. 29, 2026. (Courtesy of the South Dakota Governor's Office) The first bill Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law this legislative session approves spending of federal funds for South Dakotas Rural Health Transformation Program. The federal government awarded South Dakota $189.5 million to carry out the first year of the five-year program. The funding comes from $50 billion Congress included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, in response to concerns that the bills Medicaid cuts will hurt rural health providers. Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides health insurance for people with disabilities or low incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden said the approval is a big win for South Dakota. This may be the most significant investment in rural health care in South Dakotas history, and it will strengthen our state for our kids and grandkids, Rhoden said in a news release. The state plans to use the money to recruit health care professionals to rural areas, modernize facilities and expand access to care including to behavioral health and maternal and infant care. Sen. Mykala Voita, R-Bonesteel, voted to approve the funding on the Senate floor, despite saying the spending happens while the federal governments level of debt makes me sick to my stomach. Advertisement Advertisement She added that she lives in one of the extremely rural areas thatll likely benefit from the program and that she hopes the state spends this money toward where its supposed to go: and this is bridging the gap between Rapid City and Sioux Falls. The state received about $4 million less than requested in its first year, and it requested $212.3 million for its second year. The state Department of Health will share quarterly expense reports about the program with the Legislative Research Council and the Department of Legislative Audit. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Despite the rise of renewable energy over the years, oil and gas still play a pivotal role in meeting the world's energy needs. Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is a very popular dividend stock in the oil and gas industry. Investors love its generous dividend yield, currently about 4.1%. However, energy prices, specifically oil, have been on a steady downtrend since early 2022, when Brent crude oil traded at $120 per barrel. Today, Brent crude is at $65. Lower prices mean lower revenue and profits for Chevron and other companies that extract oil from the ground to sell. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks Nobody can predict when oil prices might rebound, or what prices to expect next. But if oil continues to slide, here is why you shouldn't have to worry about Chevron's dividend. Image source: Getty Images. Long track record of navigating volatility Chevron's consistent dividend performance is a big reason why investors love the stock. The company has increased its dividend for 37 consecutive years. That doesn't necessarily promise anything about the future, but it does give some insight into Chevron's ability to navigate an infamously unpredictable energy industry. Few oil and gas companies can match Chevron's consistency, and the company's massive size (balance sheet) and diverse upstream and downstream operations are significant reasons for that. Chevron's upstream business suffers when prices fall, but its refining operations can become more profitable in those situations, helping alleviate some of that financial stress. As for Chevron's balance sheet, the company boasts a stellar AA credit rating and has nearly $8 billion in cash. It can tap that cash or borrow money in a pinch. Additionally, Chevron is generating enough free cash flow to fund the dividend with about 20% left over, so the company is still in a good place despite the prolonged slide in oil prices. Ready for what may come next Chevron recently held an investor event where it outlined plans for the coming years. The company recently closed a $55 billion acquisition of Hess, giving it key assets in the Stabroek Block, one of the most significant oil discoveries in recent history. As a result, Chevron plans to grow its production output by 2% to 3% annually through 2030, resulting in annualized free-cash-flow growth of 10% over the same period. Importantly, management believes it can fund its capital expenditures and current dividend at Brent crude prices of $50 per barrel. The South Dakota House of Representatives meets on Feb. 6, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives halted an effort to send a proposed repeal of expanded Medicaid to South Dakota voters. The effort would have placed a state constitutional amendment on the general election ballot in November, reopening a policy debate from four years ago. But state representatives voted 39-27 against it on Thursday in Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid is a low-income health insurance and disability assistance program, jointly funded by the federal government and the states. South Dakotans approved a 2022 ballot question that expanded eligibility to adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level. Because the expansion is part of the state constitution, it can only be altered by voters. More legislative news See all of Searchlights coverage of the 2026 legislative session. Read the latest > While transitioning to expanded Medicaid has been a long process and a forecasting nightmare, said Rep. Chris Kassin, R-Vermillion, Medicaid expansion costs are about 6% of the overall Medicaid budget. Enrollment in the program has plateaued at about 30,000 South Dakotans, said Kassin, who is a member of the legislative budget committee. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers already placed a constitutional amendment on Novembers ballot that would let the Legislature repeal expanded Medicaid if the federal government stops funding at least 90% of the program. Kassin worried two questions about Medicaid on the ballot would confuse voters. Voters approved an effort in 2024 to authorize work requirements for expanded Medicaid as well. Congress later voted to implement work requirements, which will start in 2027. Kassin defended those ballot questions. The distinction is that we arent subverting the will of the people with those ballot measures, Kassin said. All were doing is asking them to clarify what they voted on. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of Thursdays failed resolution said the rising costs of Medicaid in the state are diverting funds from other needs, such as state education funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW Southwest Airlines Flight 4996 aborted its takeoff on Tuesday, Jan. 27 to avoid a potential collision with another plane at San Antonio International Airport The aircraft received the instructions after a smaller plane, a Pilatus PC-12, made a wrong turn onto the Southwest flights runway, the FAA confirmed to PEOPLE Southwest confirmed the flight later departed for Dallas without further issues A Southwest Airlines flight had to abort its takeoff in order to avoid a possible collision with a smaller plane, earlier this week. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at San Antonio International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to PEOPLE in a preliminary statement. Advertisement Advertisement According to the FAA, air traffic control cancelled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Airlines Flight 4996 because a Pilatus PC-12 pilot made a wrong turn onto the Southwest flights runway. The agency also confirmed they are currently investigating the event. The plane was reportedly traveling at 103 mph when it was instructed to abort the takeoff, according to local outlet KSAT. San Antonio International Airport in Texas University of College/Shutterstock In a recording captured by LiveATC.net and shared on Twitter, the air traffic controller can be heard clearing the flight for takeoff before moments later exclaiming, "S--t! Cancel takeoff clearance! Cancel takeoff clearance, Southwest!" and redirecting other flights to "go around." In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Southwest Airlines said the plane was carrying out its takeoff roll when it safely discontinued the action in order to avoid a potential conflict with another aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement The flight later departed for Dallas uneventfully, the statement added. Pilatus is a Swiss aircraft manufacturer that makes a variety of planes, which can be owned and operated privately, according to its website. PEOPLE has reached out to the company for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Southwest Airlines plane Robert Alexander/Getty Southwest Airlines made headlines earlier this week for officially doing away with one of its divisive longtime policies. The airline began assigning seats on its flights starting Tuesday, Jan. 27, which marked the end of the open seating policy it had maintained since inception. Southwest first announced the change as part of a three-year business plan in September 2024, and began selling assigned seats in late 2025. 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. "Southwest will broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through an assigned seating model," the airline previously said in a press release while announcing the change. "Airline passengers now have a clear preference for seat assignments: 80 percent of Southwest Customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats." The release also noted that "Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights." Read the original article on People When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. SpaceX's Starship launches on its 11th test flight from Starbase, Texas on Oct. 13, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX SpaceX's Starship megarocket will get off the ground again in mid-March, if all goes according to plan. The company plans to launch Starship's next test flight in six weeks, Elon Musk said Sunday (Jan. 25) via X , the social media platform he bought in October 2022 (when it was still known as Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement The flight will be the 12th overall for Starship but the first of the bigger, more powerful "Version 3" (V3) iteration of the vehicle. SpaceX is developing Starship, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, to help humanity colonize Mars . The giant vehicle consists of two elements: a booster called Super Heavy and an upper-stage spacecraft known as Starship, or simply Ship. Both stages are designed to be fully reusable, and both are powered by SpaceX's Raptor engine. Starship debuted in April 2023 and now has 11 suborbital test flights under its belt, five of which occurred last year. The most recent two, which lifted off on Aug. 26 and Oct. 13 , were completely successful, but there was a hiccup in the leadup to Flight 12: The Super Heavy originally slated for the mission buckled during testing in November, forcing SpaceX to get another booster ready. Starship Die Cast Rocket Model Now $47.99 on Amazon. If you can't see SpaceX's Starship in person, you can score a model of your own. Standing at 13.77 inches (35 cm), this is a 1:375 ratio of SpaceX's Starship as a desktop model. The materials here are alloy steel and it weighs just 225g.View Deal Advertisement Advertisement Flight 12 will mark the debut of Starship V3, which is slightly taller than V2 408.1 feet (124.4 meters) vs. 403.9 feet (123.1 m) but considerably more powerful. V3 can loft more than 100 tons of payload to low Earth orbit , compared to about 35 tons for V2, according to Musk . The increased brawn comes courtesy of Raptor 3, a new variant of the engine that will fly for the first time on the upcoming test mission. By Miguel Pereira and Guillermo Martinez HUELVA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Some relatives of the 45 people killed in Spain's rail disaster vowed on Thursday to find out why the two high-speed trains collided, making their promise before survivors still wearing bandages and slings at a funeral mass. "Only the truth will help us heal this wound. We will know the truth, we will fight so that there will never be another train," Liliana Saenz, who lost her mother, said at the service in the southern city of Huelva. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia attended. Advertisement Advertisement Spain is trying to come to terms with the January 18 disaster near the village of Adamuz in southern Spain that caused one of the highest death tolls from a train crash in European history. The government has been scrutinized over whether it has sufficiently invested in maintenance of Spain's vaunted railway system since the crash and other incidents that same week, including the death of a train driver in Catalonia. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Transport Minister Oscar Puente didn't attend the service. A fracture in the rail appeared to have occurred before one of the trains headed for Madrid from Malaga derailed and was hit by a second, Huelva-bound train coming in the opposite direction 20 seconds later, authorities said. Puente said the gap could have been as short as nine seconds. Advertisement Advertisement "We are the 45 families who would trade all the gold in this world, which is now worthless, for the chance to move the hands of the clock forward just 20 seconds," Saenz, flanked by her brother, told a congregation of hundreds of relatives of the victims and some of the survivors. (Reporting by Miguel Pereira and Guillermo Martinez; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) An ice-coated tree lies on top of a power line in a Nashville neighborhood on Jan. 29, 2026, following a winter storm that knocked out power for more than 300,000 customers in Tennessee. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) States slammed by a deadly, multiday winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power in bitter cold are looking to a slimmed-down Federal Emergency Management Agency for support. The immediate aftermath of the wide-sweeping storm and the recovery process on the horizon will provide another test for the second Trump administrations reshaped disaster response agency. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has approved emergency declarations for 12 states. That opens pathways for state governments to access federal assistance for immediate, life-saving needs, at FEMAs discretion. The declarations allow hard-hit states such as Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi to tap into federal resources as state and local governments work to restore power, clear roads, and otherwise lessen the disasters overall impact. FEMA announced in the immediate aftermath of the storm that it would deliver medical equipment, 485,000 meals, 770,000 liters of water, 2,200 cots, 90 generators and 71 semi trucks with drivers to staging sites in Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. FEMAs distribution centers hold additional resources, including generators, millions of meals and liters of water, and more than 650,000 blankets. The federal government will cover 75% of the costs for these emergency protective measures, up to $5 million. FEMA in action That assistance has proved useful in Louisiana, said Mike Steele, communications director at the Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In that state, damage largely impacted rural areas where fewer personnel are available to juggle the many moving parts of emergency response. Advertisement Advertisement One of FEMAs Incident Management Assistance Teams has been on the ground in Louisiana since the worst of the weather hit, helping identify and coordinate any needed federal support. FEMA has also provided generators, ready-to-eat meals and water for local and state responders to distribute. Louisiana plans to seek more federal help with debris removal and full reimbursement from the federal government for emergency services costs in the first 30 days of disaster response. Louisiana officials met Wednesday with regional FEMA administrators to begin discussions about long-term needs. Mississippi has likewise distributed generators, water, more than 100,000 meals, cots, blankets and tarps from FEMA, Gov. Tate Reeves said in a Wednesday news conference. The state has received more than 350 requests for supplies from 40 counties, Reeves said. When a tornado hits or when a hurricane hits, when it is over and leaves the state, then you can immediately go to work trying to figure out how to cut your way through to help people, he said. Ice storms are different, because although the precipitation stopped in Mississippi mostly midday on Sunday it was the fact that the temperatures never got above freezing, particularly in the north part of the state. Advertisement Advertisement States have deployed their national guards to deliver supplies to areas in need. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped Mississippi install generators where needed, and Corps employees will help local governments in Louisiana begin to take stock of the damage. A tree blocks a road in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 28, 2026, following a weekend ice storm. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) In Tennessee, more than 300,000 households and businesses experienced power outages at the storms peak, and as of Thursday, more than 90,000 customers in Nashville remained without power. Hundreds of linemen and vegetation crews have been working around the clock to restore power since. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday requested President Donald J. Trump grant an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 23 Tennessee counties that sustained the most damage. Im grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly, Lee stated in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement FEMA is sending two, 20-person teams to Tennessee to assist in removing debris that is blocking roads and hindering power restoration efforts, said Kristin Coulter, communications director for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The federal agency also delivered generators, emergency supplies, water, meals, blankets and cots to Fort Campbell located north of Nashville on the Tennessee-Kentucky border to be used at the states request. Arkansas found less immediate need for federal help. The state has not identified any immediate federal resource needs at this time, a spokesperson said. We remain in continuous communication with FEMA partners as local assessments continue. Disaster meets an agency in flux Its typical for presidential administrations to grant emergency declarations in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, if its clear a state might not be able to handle the response on its own. Beyond providing supplies and financial support, FEMA also becomes sort of the brain, if you will, coordinating complex logistics between local, state and other federal agencies involved in disaster response, said Sara Hamideh, an associate professor specializing in disaster recovery at Stony Brook Universitys School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Advertisement Advertisement But emergency declarations have a narrow timeframe. Programs offering more substantial, longer-term federal aid require a separate, major disaster declaration, which Trump has yet to approve for any of the affected states. Trump has similarly not yet approved assistance for individuals, which can include support services and financial aid for people who are uninsured or underinsured. But Hamideh cautioned against the misconception that if you get a presidential declaration, FEMA will make you whole, which was never meant to be the case. Trumps administration has been more hesitant to issue major disaster declarations amid talk of shrinking, reforming or even eliminating the agency. The president and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have pledged to cut waste and shift more disaster-recovery responsibilities to states. They have also slimmed the agencys ranks over the past year. FEMA lost 2,446 employees between Jan. 1 and June 1, in 2025 a decrease of 9.5% of the agencys workforce the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported. Multiyear contracts for thousands of FEMA workers will expire this year, adding to uncertainty about the agencys future resources. Advertisement Advertisement FEMA also announced the cancellation of its two largest hazard-mitigation programs in 2025. Last spring, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee waited weeks for the Trump administration to approve more robust federal aid after tornadoes and severe flooding caused tens of millions of dollars of damage. That delay and in some cases, initial denial of public assistance to rural communities and individuals facing expenses bigger than their budgets spurred concern. Ultimately, Trump approved tens of millions of dollars in both individual and public assistance to the affected states. FEMA did not respond to questions about how staff reductions and policy shifts have affected how the agency is responding to Januarys winter storm. Advertisement Advertisement Hamideh said some reform is needed: Over the past few decades, some FEMA programs have disincentivized states from taking their own measures to reduce risk or secure insurance to help cover damages when a disaster happens. But she added cuts to staff are concerning, particularly those to data- and risk-strategy roles and to call center and casework staff. The reform that we need is not cutting funds, is not reducing support for local and state governments, she said. Its increasing support enabling them to take pre-disaster, long-term mitigation resiliency actions to reduce the losses that then become the burden on taxpayers when FEMA has to respond. Whats next? Major disaster declarations typically occur after states compile damage assessments and submit applications for aid to FEMA. The agency uses per capita cost as a benchmark to gauge whether local and state governments can handle recovery without federal help. Those thresholds currently stand at $4.72 per capita for counties, and $1.89 per capita for states. Advertisement Advertisement But this information serves only as a guideline. Presidents have sole authority to approve or deny a disaster declaration, regardless of whether a state or county meets those thresholds, and not all programs are offered for every disaster. The reasoning behind declaration decisions is not public record. In the meantime, states hit by last weekends storm are focused on immediate disaster response, clearing debris and restoring power. Were starting to ask the parishes or the locals that have come out of the fight mode to go into recovery mode and make sure theyre tracking everything, asking their people to report damage and businesses to report downtime, Steele said. Tennessee is also working with county governments to record damage and determine whether the impact meets the federal criteria to request assistance through a major disaster declaration. Advertisement Advertisement In Mississippi the initial damage report logged 208 homes, five businesses and seven farms as damaged or destroyed. Twelve public roads have been destroyed and 20 sustained major damage, said Reeves. He expects numbers to rise as assessments continue. This continues to be an all-of-government approach, the governor said. We obviously have a lot of experience with natural disasters, but ice storms are just a little bit different. This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The Stoughton police department is welcoming a new K-9 to the force. Officer Steve Camara, an 11-year veteran of the department, was selected as Stoughton Polices new canine handler and will be working with K-9 Bator. He was chosen from a strong field of candidates for his high performance, professionalism, and dedication to the department and public service. Officer Camara recently completed a six-week training program at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, alongside his new partner, Bator, a 22-month-old German Shepherd imported from Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement The K-9 team earned national certification through the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA) in article, area, and building searches, aggression control, firearms detection, and tracking. Im grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role and continue serving the Town of Stoughton in a different way, Officer Camara said. Working alongside Bator has already been an incredible experience, and Im excited to put our training to work for our community. Chief McNamara said the department is proud to bring K-9 services back in-house after relying on assistance from neighboring agencies. We are excited to have Officer Camara and K-9 Bator supporting our daily operations, Chief McNamara said. Since the retirement of K-9 Dino, we have depended on our regional partners for K-9 support. Bringing this capability back to Stoughton strengthens our ability to serve and protect our residents. Advertisement Advertisement 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 A lawsuit over an anti-abortion club's flyers at an Indiana high school has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a ruling could clear up decades of conflicting case law over what student speech schools can restrict. The case stems from a dispute at Noblesville High School in Hamilton County, where a student's flyers were deemed too political to be posted on its walls per its flyer policy. After a challenge to the school policy failed in two lower courts, the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom and an Indianapolis law firm filed a petition Jan. 28 asking the Supreme Court to take up the case. Lawyers representing the student argue that her First Amendment rights were wrongly infringed upon and that the previous court rulings relied on conflicting and overly broad precedents. The petition said it is seeking to clear up this "deep, longstanding circuit split." Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court receives over 8,000 petitions in a typical term, according to the Georgetown Law Library, but takes up less than 100 making the Noblesville case's chances of being taken up slim. Still, the Alliance Defending Freedom has been successful in front of the high court, winning 16 SCOTUS cases since 2011. Its attorneys were involved in two recent landmark cases: the overturning of Roe v. Wade and a free-speech case allowing a website designer to refuse to make sites for same-sex weddings. Noblesville High School rejects anti-abortion club flyers A now-former Noblesville High School student, who is identified as E.D. in the lawsuit, started a chapter of Students for Life of America in 2021 and sought to post flyers to advertise its first meeting. She used a template the national organization dispersed, which features photos of students holding signs saying Defund Planned Parenthood and I Am the Pro-Life Generation." School officials vetoed her flyers and told her to revise them to solely include meeting information to be in compliance with the school's content-neutral rule for wall posting, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the student and her parents sued the district, claiming it violated her First Amendment and Equal Access Act rights. They argue that the decision to veto her flyers and temporarily suspend her club was "driven by hostility to her pro-life views." However, both the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana and the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit agreed with the school district. The courts found that the policy had not violated her free-speech rights, nor had the school treated the student's club differently from others. "We appreciate the previous court rulings in this case," Noblesville Schools spokesperson Marnie Cooke said in an email Jan. 28 regarding the Supreme Court petition. "We support our students forming clubs they're passionate about and have dozens of student-led clubs that represent a wide range of interests, activities, and beliefs." Clarifying precedent from Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier As with most Supreme Court petitions, the attorneys are asking the court to use this case to clarify case law, specifically a decades-old decision that allowed schools to restrict a larger swath of student expression. Advertisement Advertisement The petition argues that conflicting circuit court precedents have muddled the Supreme Court's 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision. Under Hazelwood, the court provided school administrators more power to clamp down on school-sponsored student speech for "reasonable" educational and operational concerns. The case was focused on whether school leaders could kill a story in their student newspaper, but the petitioners argue that the circuit courts have struggled to be consistent on what else is considered school-sponsored speech. The courts previously found that the Noblesville student's flyers could be reasonably considered school-sanctioned, and therefore, the school can limit that speech. Some courts, including the Seventh Circuit, have allowed schools to restrict speech that a "reasonable observer" may assume is school-sponsored, even if it isn't. Other circuit courts have ruled on much narrower grounds, finding that schools can only restrict school-sponsored activities "designed to impart particular knowledge or skills," according to the petition. Advertisement Advertisement The petition argues that the ability for schools to restrict speech installed by Hazelwood should only apply to the latter. They argue that circuit courts are ruling under three different precedents, and that the Noblesville student's case could have had a different outcome elsewhere. The differences in precedent have "produced a patchwork of constitutional protections, with some students receiving the full measure of Tinkers protection, while others face near-plenary state control over identical speech," the petition reads. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Supreme Court is asked to hear suit over anti-abortion flyer in school This story was produced as part of a partnership with NOTUS and the nonprofit, nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute. Sen. Susan Collins said Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told her large-scale ICE operations in Maine have ended and there are currently no planned operations for the future. While the Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine, Collins said in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration launched what it called Operation Catch of the Day on Jan. 20, saying it had surged resources to the state to crack down on undocumented immigrants. Collins and other Maine officials, including Democratic senatorial candidate and Gov. Janet Mills, had urged ICE to end the operation. Collins said Thursday that she had told Noem the department should reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state. ICE and Customs and Border Patrol will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years, Collins said in the statement. I will continue to work with the Secretary on efforts to end illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other transnational criminal activity. The Department of Homeland Security did not confirm or deny Collins statement. Advertisement Advertisement DHS will continue to enforce the law across the country, as we do every day, a spokesperson said when asked about the operations in Maine. In Maine, there have been reports of intimidation of people observing and protesting the operations. In one instance, a federal agent shot projectiles at a car in a Home Depot parking lot, the Bangor Daily News reported. Collins previously said that she spoke with the White House and Noem on Monday and asked them to pause operations in both Maine and Minnesota. I have also called for an independent investigation into the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti. At this time of heightened tensions, these steps are necessary to help improve trust, accountability, and safety, Collins said in a Tuesday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Collins has dodged questions about whether she has confidence in Noem as secretary of DHS or if Noem should remain as DHS secretary. This article has been updated to add a statement from DHS and to correct that Collins previous statement was on Tuesday. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said that on Tuesday, Jan. 27, a suspect was arrested after visiting a store three times in one day and allegedly committing a crime each time. According to CSPD, on Tuesday, Detectives with CSPDs Retail, Pawn and Metal (RPM) Theft Unit were called by a retailer in the 4000 block of North Nevada Avenue, south of Austin Bluffs Parkway, about a suspect who allegedly pulled a knife on the stores Asset Protection, and soon after returned to the store and stole something. Detectives responded and, believing the suspect was likely in the general area, worked with the Falcon patrol officers, providing a photograph of the suspect. Later, the retail store contacted detectives again to report that the suspect had allegedly returned a third time, shoplifted, and was currently walking south from the store. Advertisement Advertisement The information, along with an updated photograph, was provided to patrol officers. Officers finishing an unrelated call in the area spotted the suspect at the corner of Mount View Lane and N. Nevada Ave. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and the item stolen in the third incident was recovered, according to CSPD. 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. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she refuses to bow to intimidation after she was attacked while delivering an anti-ICE speech in Minneapolis, the focal point of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Ive survived war, the Somali-born Minnesota Democrat told CNN after an assailant rushed at her with a syringe containing unknown liquid during a town hall Tuesday, interrupting her speech but leaving her unharmed. Im definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think they can throw at me because Im built that way, she added. The man being detained after spraying a substance on Ilhan Omar (AFP/Getty) How the attack unfolded Omar, who is frequently singled out for derision by Trump including just hours before the attack was addressing a crowded room when the assault occurred. Advertisement Advertisement After calling on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment, a man seated near the front ran towards the podium. He shouted at the congresswoman and doused her with an unknown substance. Soon after, the man who has not been identified was tackled to the ground and detained, video footage shows. Oh my god, he sprayed something on her! a woman can be heard saying afterwards. Another urged her to seek immediate medical attention. Omar, however, resisted efforts to move her offstage to safety. She returned to the microphone and said, Were going to keep talking, adding, Please dont let them have a show. Advertisement Advertisement Heres the reality that people like this ugly man dont understand, she continued. We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us. She then reiterated her call for Noem to resign as dozens of other Democratic and Republican lawmakers have done in recent days in response to her management of Trumps immigration enforcement methods. Omar says she was unharmed by the assailant, who has not been identified (Getty) What has the response been? About an hour later, Omars office issued a statement condemning the man and confirming she was not injured. During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe, the statement said. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesnt let bullies win. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Capitol Police also released a statement, saying that the assailant, who is in custody, will be met with swift justice. We are now working with our federal partners to see this man faces the most serious charges possible to deter this kind of violence in our society, the force said. It added that lawmakers faced an uptick in threats in 2025. The attack followed Trump's repeated denouncements of Somali immigrants, who make up a significant minority of Minneapoliss population. He has labeled them garbage and demanded that Omar be deported or face imprisonment. Just hours before the assailant rushed the stage, he again singled out the Minnesota congresswoman. Omar has been a frequent target of Trumps ire, who has called for her to be deported or face imprisonment (AFP/Getty) We need people to come in legally, but they have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country, the Republican president said during an event in Iowa on Tuesday. They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar... she comes from a country thats a disaster. Its not even a country. Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on the attack and Trumps remarks. When asked by ABC reporter Rachel Scott late Tuesday if he had seen the video, the president is reported to have said: No. I dont think about her. I think shes a fraud. I really dont think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. When asked again if he had seen the video, Scott said his response was: I havent seen it. No, no. I hope I don't have to bother. Still, the incident in Minnesota elicited condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, called it unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis, he said in a statement. We can disagree without putting people at riskThis kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city. Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace who previously called for Omar to be deported said she is deeply disturbed by Tuesdays incident. Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric and I do no elected official should face physical attacks, the South Carolina congresswoman said in a statement. This is not who we are. Protests against ICE crackdowns in Minneapolis continue (AFP/Getty) Latest flashpoint in Minneapolis The incident is just the latest flashpoint in Minnesota, where the Trump administration has deployed numerous federal immigration agents, resulting in hundreds of detentions and two deadly shootings. Advertisement Advertisement On January 7, Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in her vehicle. Three weeks later, on January 24, immigration officials killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, during a confrontation on a city street. The shootings sparked disparate responses from elected officials, with Democrats condemning ICE and Republicans accusing the deceased individuals of acting inappropriately or violently. The incidents also triggered widespread protests in the state, and around the nation, leading to tense stand-offs between demonstrators and officers. State and local officials have demanded that federal agents withdraw from Minnesota, accusing them of reckless behavior and of mounting an unconstitutional "invasion, while the White House has vowed to ramp up its immigration enforcement operations while blaming Democrats for inciting anti-law-enforcement sentiment. But, in recent days, the administration has signaled a desire to ease tensions in the state. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump said he spoke with Democratic Governor Tim Walz about the unfolding situation in Minnesota. He described it as a very good call, and said, we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength. He added that he is sending border czar Tom Homan to the state. The next day, the president told Fox News, Were going to de-escalate a little bit in Minnesota, though he hedged his comments, insisting: I dont think this is a pullback. This shift in rhetoric comes as Trumps immigration enforcement tactics are facing strong pushback in the court of public opinion. While about half of American voters support the presidents deportations, a sizable majority, 61 percent, believe that the strategies employed by ICE have gone too far, according to a recent Siena University poll. OKEA and its partners have announced a petroleum discovery in the Knockando Fensfjord prospect in the Norwegian North Sea, identified through development well 31/4-A-15 D from the Brage installation. The well forms part of production licence (PL) 055. Brage is located in the northern section of the North Sea, positioned approximately 10km to the east of the Oseberg field, in a water depth of 140m. The Brage field was discovered in 1980 and has been in production since September 1993. Preliminary assessments suggest that the discovery may contribute additional resources to the Brage field, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to 1.5 million standard cubic metres (mscm) of oil equivalent, if oil is present. In the case of gas, predicted volumes are between 400,000 and 900,000 standard cubic metres of oil equivalent. Geologically, development well 31/4-A-15 D reached a reservoir section within the lower Fensfjord Formation of Late Jurassic age en route to its Talisker target within the Middle Jurassic Brent Group. A hydrocarbon column measuring 38.5m was found across multiple sandstone layers of moderate-to-good reservoir quality, although no petroleum-water contact was detected. The drilling achieved measured and vertical depths of 10,009m and 2309m, respectively, below sea level before concluding in the Middle Jurassic Oseberg Formation. According to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, production from wellbore 31/4-A-15 D commenced on 11 January 2026, utilising output from the Talisker discovery. Recent exploration efforts in Brage have led to several other discoveries, including Talisker Cook/Statfjord and Prince, both verified in 2025. PL 055, initially awarded during the fourth Norwegian Continental Shelf licensing round in 1978, remains valid until 31 December 2040. The current consortium of licensees includes OKEA, which acts as the operator with a 35.2% stake, and partners Lime Petroleum (33.84%), DNO (14.25%), Petrolia NOCO (12.25%) and M Vest Energy (4.44%). In May 2024, OKEA granted an integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract to the Subsea Integration Alliance, a partnership between SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7, for the development of the Bestla project in the North Sea. "OKEA makes petroleum discovery in North Seas Barge field " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Yi-Chin Lee and Ann Wang KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Taiwan's military on Thursday simulated repelling a Chinese assault from the sea, integrating shore-launched missiles and drones with fast patrol boats to stop an attempted invasion. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan's government says only the island's people can decide their future. Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan routinely holds drills ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins next month, though these are the first to take place in front of the media since China held its latest round of war games around the island in late December. Any invasion of Taiwan by China would be very difficult given that the People's Liberation Army would have to first cross the Taiwan Strait and then attack the limited number of beaches on the island that would be suitable for landing their forces. The drill, on a beach that forms part of the Zuoying naval base in the southern city of Kaohsiung, imagined a scenario where Taiwan first detected an unknown boat loitering off the coast - and then sends drones to investigate. Taiwanese attack drones and fast, missile-armed patrol boats are then pressed into action. Snipers help pick off enemy forces and Taiwan-made anti-ship Hsiung Feng missiles take aim from concealed mobile launchers on the beach. Advertisement Advertisement A Marine Corps officer, speaking while fully masked and not providing his name for security reasons, told reporters the near-shore exercise with coordinated strike missions was able to build a "kill chain and effectively execute joint interceptions." "This demonstrated the Navy's multi-layered, multi-wave defensive combat effectiveness, as well as the Marine Corps' combat power and resilience in rapidly taking control from both the sea and the land," he added. President Lai Ching-te's administration, as part of a defence-modernisation programme, has pushed for more combat-realistic training that relies less on set-piece performances and more on simulating actual combat. Earlier this week, the military showed how its U.S.-made HIMARS - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System - would be used to hit the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait should Chinese forces seize them first and use them as a base to launch strikes on Taiwan proper. Advertisement Advertisement The Lockheed Martin HIMARS, one of Taiwan's newest and most precise strike weapons, has been used extensively by Ukraine against Russian forces. (Reporting by Yi-Chin Lee and Ann Wang; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus) Medical and packaging company Tekni-Plex is planning to close its facility in Milwaukee, impacting 39 workers, according to a letter the company sent to the mayor's office and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Tkni-Plex, based in Pennsylvania, said it plans to close the facility on April 30 and employees will begin separating from the company on March 27. "There are potentially some bumping rights for some affected employees; that is, more senior employees on third shift may potentially be able to displace more junior employees out of their job positions as a result of this closure, meaning the more junior employees who are bumped would be terminated and be eligible for severance as of March 27, 2026," the letter said. Advertisement Advertisement The company said it notified the local elected leader of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers/Communication Workers of America, Local 84101 about the closure. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tekni-Plex to close Milwaukee facility impacting 39 workers Maher Tarabishis family had hoped he could be present to say his final goodbyes to his son, Wael. Maher, Waels primary caretaker, has been in federal detainment since October, separating him from his son as he battled severe health complications from a serious and rare inherited disorder. But despite the familys public pleas for Mahers temporary release, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials denied their request, his attorney said. Advertisement Advertisement Now the family is preparing to bury 30-year-old Wael without Maher. The son spent his life suffering from Pompe disease, which leads to severe muscle weakness and heart problems. We are profoundly disappointed with ICEs decision to deny Maher Tarabishi the opportunity to say his final goodbye to his beloved son, Wael, Attorney Ali Elhorr said in a statement Tuesday. Todays decision to keep him from saying goodbye is a reflection of the tragic lack of humanity by those in charge. In a separate statement, family members said preventing Maher from burying his son would only deepen the wounds left by the pain of these past few months. ICEs decision came three months after Maher was detained during a routine immigration check-in in Dallas. Since then, his family has held a news conference and publicly pleaded for federal immigration officials to temporarily release him from the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement At first, they hoped Maher could be released to provide the 24-hour specialized care for Wael that only he was trained to do. But in Waels last days, they were holding hope Maher could at least say goodbye to his son in person. On Tuesday, a day before Waels funeral was originally planned, Elhorr said he had discussed the funerals logistics and ICEs conditions to allow Mahers attendance with immigration officials who had shown the willingness to facilitate Mahers supervised release, but ultimately, declined to do so. Maher Tarabishi, left, is pictured with his late son Wael Tarabishi, right. - @freemahertarabishi/Instagram ICE detention standards allow for detainees to maintain ties with their families through emergency staff-escorted trips into the community to visit critically ill members of the immediate family or to attend their funerals, according to its website. CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment about the decision. His health declined without his fathers care Shahd Arnaout, Waels sister-in-law, told CNN the family struggled to care for Wael with his father in ICE custody. Advertisement Advertisement Maher was the one who bathed Wael, changed his clothing, and helped administer food and medication through a tube, Arnaout said. He was the one who knew, when his fever went up, what to give him right away, Arnaout told CNN. We had to ask multiple doctors to come and see what (medicines) to give Wael because Maher was not there to react quickly. At a December news conference, a statement from Wael was read aloud in which he described the relationship with his father. Hes the one who keeps me alive when Im at my weakest, Wael said in the statement, CNN affiliate WFAA reported. Without him, I am nothing. Without him, I cannot survive. Maher Tarabishi stands behind his late son Wael Tarabishi in an undated photo provided by their family. - @freemahertarabishi/Instagram In the weeks following Mahers detention, Arnaout said Waels health significantly declined as he developed life-threatening health complications. Advertisement Advertisement He was rushed to the hospital twice: once in November with sepsis and pneumonia, and again in December with a stomach infection caused by a displaced feeding tube, his family said in a statement. He remained in the ICU at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in a suburb of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area for the next month, the family said. He died on January 23. In the hours before he died, Waels wish was to see his father again. On the day he passed away, Elhorr went to meet with an ICE official to ask if Maher could come to the hospital to see his son, the family said in a statement. That request was denied, they said. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, did not respond to questions about whether the family had requested his temporary release in two separate occasions and the reason why it was denied. Its unbelievable, Arnaout said. Our lives have been turned upside down. A fathers journey to America Maher arrived to the United States in 1994 from Kuwait, where he was living at the time, on a tourist visa as he fled violence, Arnaout said. Several family members were already living in the United States, she said. Mahers native country is Jordan. Advertisement Advertisement For many years, he made a living as an IT engineer but stopped working in 2019 to take care of his son full-time, Arnaout said. He was detained in October during a scheduled check-in at an ICE facility in Dallas, his family and their attorney said. McLaughlin, the DHS spokesperson, said in a statement to CNN Maher had been allowed to remain in the US illegally for nearly 20 years despite being ordered by an immigration judge and the Board of Immigration Appeals to leave. An immigration court ordered Mahers removal in 2006, but he was allowed to stay in the US because he was his sons caretaker and was required to attend annual check-ins with ICE, Elhorr said. Its unclear how soon he could be deported to Jordan, Elhorr said. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Elhorr said he filed a motion to reopen Mahers case after discovering the attorney who filed Mahers original asylum application was fraudulently practicing law without a license, he said. CNN was unable to obtain documents about Mahers removal order, case dismissal and conditions outlining his stay in the US. Maher Tarabishi, right, arrived in the United States in 1994. He was his son Wael Tarabishi's primary caregiver for his entire life. - @freemahertarabishi/Instagram In her statement, McLaughlin referred to Maher as a self-admitted member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, also known as PLO, a political umbrella body that has been recognized by the United Nations and the Arab League as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people since 1974. In August, the Trump administration announced it was denying and revoking visas from members of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority, accusing them of taking steps that materially contributed to Hamass refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks. Advertisement Advertisement Arnaout said the family denies Maher was a part of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Maher has always followed the proper guidelines to stay in the US and showed up to every required check-in with immigration authorities, Arnaout said. The family has spoken with Maher since hes been in ICE custody, but its challenging because they usually must wait for him to get access to a phone and call them, Arnaout said. Hes not doing good, she said. He wants to get out as soon as possible. Arnaout believes the absence of Maher took a mental toll on Wael which led to his health declining. Mentally, he started to recognize that I dont feel safe anymore, Arnaout said about her brother-in-law. The one person that makes me feel safe and gives me hope that I will live to the next day and makes me feel like Im a normal person is not there anymore for me. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Two were arrested and Texas state police used pepper balls Wednesday to push back protesters outside a federal immigration detention center in South Texas, as Democratic lawmakers attempted to inspect the facility and meet with families detained there under the Trump administrations expanded immigration enforcement. The confrontation took place outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley about 75 miles southwest of San Antonio where demonstrators gathered to protest the detention of immigrant families, including a 5-year-old boy and his father who were transferred to Texas after being detained earlier this month in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Protesters moved closer to the sites perimeter before officers ordered the crowd to back away and deployed pepper balls, according to video footage and eyewitness accounts. Video captured by MySA shows a chemical agent canister landing near protesters as chants echoed outside the facility. Protestors gathered at the ICE facility in Dilley, Texas, had tear gas deployed against them on Wednesday, January 28. Congressmen Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, along with a coalition of other Texas lawmakers and activists from across the state, attempted to visit the pic.twitter.com/VEHDMXjGrN MySA (@mySA) January 28, 2026 The protest coincided with a visit by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who met with the child, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, inside the facility. Castro later said he pressed federal officials for their release and raised concerns about the detention of young children. Texas state troopers wearing riot gear arrive to help disperse protesters gathered outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP) U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, who is running for U.S. Senate, also planned to visit the facility. Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Department of Public Safety told the American-Statesman it responded to the protest at the request of the city of Dilley and emphasized its responsibility to protect public safety and state property. DPS said it coordinated with local, state and federal law enforcement partners while also protecting the constitutional rights of demonstrators. According to DPS, after dispersal orders were issued, about 150 protesters refused to leave, attempted to breach an established protest barrier and spat on officers. The agency said troopers then used less-lethal measures, including pepper balls and other projectiles, to ensure officer safety and maintain order. DPS said two people were arrested on charges that included resisting arrest and interfering with public duties. Texas is a law-and-order state, DPS press secretary Sheridan Nolen said. "And the department has zero tolerance for individuals who disrupt public order or endanger law enforcement officers. Our men and women stand ready to enforce the law and assist our law enforcement partners in whatever capacity necessary." A protester reacts to the effects of pepper spray launched by Texas troopers to disperse protesters outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP) A federal judge earlier this week temporarily barred immigration authorities from removing Ramos and his father from the United States while their detention is being challenged in court. Advertisement Advertisement Castro, Crockett and other Texas Democrats have also accused U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of overseeing aggressive enforcement tactics while shielding detention facilities from oversight, and have called for Noems impeachment. The Dilley protest is the latest in a growing string of demonstrations across South and Central Texas targeting ICE and federal immigration enforcement, following weeks of rallies in Austin, San Marcos and surrounding communities. Activists have repeatedly gathered outside City Hall, courthouses and federal buildings, calling on local officials to limit cooperation with immigration authorities and warning that aggressive enforcement has pushed immigrant families further into fear and isolation. Protesters gather outside the South Texas Family Residential Center detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP) Organizers say the protests reflect mounting frustration with state laws that mandate cooperation with ICE, even as local leaders argue their hands are tied. (Texas Scorecard) The casino lobby is escalating its spending blitz ahead of the Texas Republican primaries, with mailers landing in districts across the state as gambling interests push to reshape the legislature. While some contributions have come directly from the Texas Sands PACan arm of the Las Vegas Sands foreign casino empiremuch of the recent activity has flowed through the Texas Defense PAC, a multimillion-dollar political committee funded almost entirely by Miriam Adelson, the owner of Las Vegas Sands. Campaign finance records show Adelson has poured nearly $10 million into the Texas Defense PAC, which has used those funds to finance mail campaigns in contested House and Senate races. Advertisement Advertisement In several House districts, the mailers have been used to protect incumbents or attack challengers. Those efforts include mail supporting State Rep. Angelia Orr while attacking her challenger, Kathaleen Wall, and backing State Rep. Stan Kitzman while targeting challenger Dennis Geesaman. In other cases, the casino-backed PAC has gone after incumbents who have opposed gambling expansion in Texas. That includes mail opposing State Rep. Andy Hopper in favor of challenger Lisa McEntire, and mail opposing State Rep. David Lowe while supporting challenger Kyle Morris. The group has also launched an ad blitz against State Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson, who is being challenged by Nathan Watkins. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the group has inserted itself into the open race for House District 94 in Tarrant County, opposing Cheryl Bean. At the same time, the Texas Sands PAC has given money directly to HD 94 candidate Jackie Schlegel. Casino-backed involvement has drawn sharper resistance in Senate races, where candidates have publicly rejected the PACs efforts. After Texas Defense PAC sent mail supporting State Rep. Trent Ashby in the open race for Senate District 3, Ashby issued a statement distancing himself from the group. My position is clear: I oppose casino gambling in Texas, Ashby said. My campaign has nothing to do with casino-backed mail or outside groups pushing gambling, and I reject these deceitful campaign tactics attempting to misrepresent my position. Advertisement Advertisement A similar response came in the neighboring open race for Senate District 4. After Texas Defense PAC sent a positive mailer on behalf of Brett Ligon, Ligon released a statement rejecting the groups involvement. Texas Defense PAC has made an unwelcome intrusion into SD4 in the form of a mailer supportive of my campaign, Ligon said. Texas Defense PAC exists to promote casino gambling in Texasa public policy I reject. Meanwhile, casino interests have lost ground in Texas in recent years, with Gov. Greg Abbott recently saying he was not there yet on supporting casino expansion. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Forty-nine years ago, The Blizzard of 1977 traveled into Western New York, putting our community at a halt for days. Twenty-nine people died in the storm which President Jimmy Carter declared a federal disaster. On Wednesday, WIVB News 4 heard more from community members on what they remember from the Blizzard of 77. I remember the snow being higher like looking up out of the car, the snow being higher than the car, like maybe two or three feet higher and it was crazy, said Paul Ivancic. Advertisement Advertisement Ivancic is a News 4 photographer of 32 years, but worked as a Courier Express news carrier when he was in high school. He said he had 40 customers on a weekday and 100 customers on Sunday, and only missed one day during the Blizzard of 77. One day I didnt make it because the Courier Express truck couldnt make it through the snow, said Ivancic. It was crazy, it was so much snow and it just never stopped. We also heard from Bob Chatham from Lancaster, who also worked for the Courier Express. He said they had to be escorted by a state trooper to drive through the driving ban, an interesting trip through the City of Buffalo. I was pushing snow with the bumper most of the time. It wasnt bad as long as the truck was full, once the truck got empty it was the question of, okay, tossing the papers over the paper boys box because we were not stopping, said Chatham. Advertisement Advertisement Schools were closed for days. Eileen Beiter, who was a senior, said her high school graduation was pushed back because of the Blizzard of 77. You want to graduate from high school and look forward to college and everything and here you are, you got this blizzard that stops you right in your tracks, said Beiter. I remember my parents had both been working. My dad was a city fireman, he went to work on Thursday which was the day before the blizzard hit, and I dont think he came home until the next week. Neighborhoods were buried in snow drifts. You were just trying to walk because you were sinking in the snow, just trying to get to your home and it was just so deep, said Buffalonian Roger Roszulak. Afterwards, we realized we were walking on top of cars who had three feet of snow on them and we could touch the powerlines. Advertisement Advertisement Things Ive never seen before, things Ive never seen since, said Chatham. Chatham shared how high lifts and forklifts were used to clear the snow. What they would do is they would push the snow to the corners and then they would load them on dump trucks, but one time he wanted to take a scoop of snow and there was a car with it, he said. Even with the extreme winter weather, the Blizzard of 77 didnt freeze the City of Good Neighbors from helping one another. Seventy-seven was unforgettable, it was not good times, but I think it helped strengthen the community ties, people helping each other, said Buffalo resident Joyce Martin. Latest Local News Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. A male paddleboarder who allegedly attacked a female surfer in the ocean off Morro Bay and held her head underwater will face trial, a San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday. Andrew Eric Gustafson, 60, of Morro Bay was charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon one with force likely to produce great bodily injury on Aug. 26 following an altercation three days earlier. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Gustafson was originally booked on Aug. 23 the day of the incident on suspicion of attempted murder, but the District Attorneys Office never filed that charge. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the woman he allegedly assaulted spoke in court for the first time at his preliminary hearing, offering details about what she says happened in the water that day. Haylee Red-Van Rooyen said Gustafson paddled into the area where she and her friends were surfing, dropped in on a wave behind her and rammed into her, knocking her off her board. After they both crashed, she said, he got back onto his paddleboard and chased after her, hit her with his paddle, jumped on her board and forced her head underwater for multiple seconds. He did so while allegedly shouting and cursing at her. I thought I was going to die, Red-Van Rooyen said on the witness stand Wednesday. He grabbed my hair and held me underwater, and I didnt know if I was going to make it. Advertisement Advertisement Because his client has no prior criminal record and there was no lasting property or medical damage having resulted from the alleged assault, Gustafsons lawyer Ilan Funke-Bilu argued the charges should be dropped from felonies to misdemeanors. I just think that this is the classic story of surfer versus paddleboarder, Funke-Bilu said, noting that California State Parks rangers first investigated the charges as a misdemeanor before bumping it up to attempted murder. But Judge Crystal Seiler denied the reduction request and held the charges as felonies due to the seriousness of the conduct and the aggravating language Gustafason allegedly used toward Red-Van Rooyen. It does appear to me that the offenses in the complaint have been committed, and there is sufficient cause to believe Mr. Gustafson is guilty of them, Seiler said. Advertisement Advertisement His next court appearance will be on March 2 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 9 of the SLO County courthouse for a pre-trial arraignment. San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge, Crystal Seiler, presides over a preliminary hearing on Dec. 10, 2025. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) Surfer recounts altercation. I thought I was going to drown An experienced surfer, Red-Van Rooyen said she paddled out at Morro Strand State Beach in front of Beachcomber Street and Hatteras Street on Aug. 23 with a small group of people, like she had done countless times before. The waves were small that day, with not many people out, and Red-Van Rooyen was borrowing a friends longboard that she was taking extra care not to damage, she said. Before 10:15 a.m. her group had shrunk to herself and two other women, Red-Van Rooyen said. A few other surfers sat to their right and four stand-up paddleboarders were off to their left, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The paddleboarders eventually got out of the water, but one of them Gustafson came back out and paddled into the middle of the group Red-Van Rooyen was surfing with and began taking the waves, she said. He proceeded to take about three waves and just in the middle of us, so we would have had to pull off the waves, Red-Van Rooyen said. And then on the third time, I was way down the line, meaning she was far away from Gustafson ... and then he took the wave from behind me and came just tearing down the line, and then ran into the back of me and knocked me off the board. Morro Strand State Beach (Joe Johnston/The Tribune) Scared and concerned about potential damage to her friends board, Red-Van Rooyen had a heated exchanged with Gustafson, she said. I was so shocked, she said. Even though I saw him way down the line, I knew he was a capable enough surfer to know that there is absolutely no reason to, you know, fly down the line when you see someone in front of you and hit them. You could damage the board, you could hurt the person. Its a very small day. There was no reason for that. Advertisement Advertisement She was very upset and asked him what the hell are you doing? and called him a d--k and an a-----e, she said. She told she surfed out there all the time and has never had that happen to her before. Im a woman that was raised to stand up for myself, and I didnt want it to happen to anyone else, so I confronted him, she said. Told him that wasnt that wasnt cool, that wasnt right, not necessary. Gustafson began yelling expletives back, saying f--k you and calling her a f---ing b---h, she said. It was at that moment she noticed his language, body language and behavior escalate, Red-Van Rooyen said. Advertisement Advertisement He paddled right up to Red-Van Rooyen and her friends, bumping her board, she said. I saw his face, I saw the aggressive stance, and just the way that he was looking at me and continued to scream at that point, you f---ing b---h, over and over, she said. Red-Van Rooyen said she tried to move away and put as much distance between herself and Gustafson as possible, but it was too late. He raises his paddle, and at that point, I know that hes going to hit me, she said. She turned to the left and put her hands up to protect her face and head as Gustafson raised his paddle overhead and swung down at her, she said. Advertisement Advertisement I figured that if he hit me directly in the head, it could knock me out, Red-Van Rooyen said. I know that how serious that is, you can drown, obviously, if youve been knocked unconscious and that, you know, I felt very afraid. He swung the paddle to hit the right side of her body, but her wetsuit protected her from sustaining any cuts from the paddle, she said. She said Gustafson, who was standing on his paddleboard, was towering over her as she was leaning back on her surfboard and trying to get away. The three words that he was saying over and over that day was, you f---ing b---h, you f---ing w---e and you f---ing c--t, over and over, she said. Andrew Eric Gustafson, 59, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Aug. 27, 2025. Gustafson is accused of using a paddleboard paddle to attack a surfer while in the water at Morro Strand State Beach on Aug. 23, 2025. (Chloe Jones/cjones@thetribunenews.com) He continued to scream as Red-Van Rooyens friends also yelled at him to stop while she tried to push away, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Then, standing over her with his paddle overhead again, he jumped on top of her, she said, knocking both of them into the water. He grabs my hair, yanks my head back and my neck all the way back, and then throws my head forward, yanks me all the way under the water, and then held me under the water, Red-Van Rooyen said. Gustafson probably held her under for about three seconds, she said, but it felt like forever. Long enough for me to think I wasnt going to be able to surface, Red-Van Rooyen said. ... I thought I was going to drown. When he finally let go of her hair, she was able to come out of the water and breathe, she said. Right in front of her with his paddle still in hand, she was afraid he was going to hit her again in the face. Advertisement Advertisement I was terrified of that, she said. I was able to get away from him and push back, get back on my board, and turn around, and as fast as I could, I paddled away south, toward her friends, she said. Gustafson stayed near circling the area, cursing and saying that Red-Van Rooyen came at him first, she said. We were three women out there, and he was a man with a paddle, she said. We were intimidated. Eventually, another group of surfers paddled to her friends to see what happened, she said, so she felt safe to leave them and put distance between herself and Gustafson. She paddled back to another group of three men who had paddled out in the same areas as Gustafson that day to see if they had seen what had happened. They said, Yeah, we know him. Hes a d--k. We just saw him paddle all the way down into the middle of you guys. We were out way over here, she said. Then the men told her Gustafsons name. Gustafson left Red-Van Rooyens friends, and they paddled in, she said. When they got into shore at 10:15 a.m., Red-Van Rooyen reported him to state park rangers. I have fear that that could have, or that may have, happened to someone else, and I feel honestly, that if my friends hadnt been there, I think that could have very well been a different result, Red-Van Rooyen said. I dont know that he would have let me go. Editors note: This is the first in a series of stories exploring how newcomers from California are changing Idaho. Have ideas? Email tips@idahostatesman.com. Up next: How one newcomer has become an influential player in Republican politics. Living outside of San Francisco, Chris Paczocha and his wife had always leaned conservative, but they kept quiet about their beliefs, aware that most of their circle was more liberal. But 2020 was a turning point. Paczocha and his wife were frustrated by growing unrest stemming from Black Lives Matter protests and six months of COVID-19 restrictions the family believed were overly strict. They worried that masking and social distancing were causing psychological harm to their young daughter. Advertisement Advertisement She cant even see her friends smile, Paczocha told the Idaho Statesman. There was just a clear deterioration of quality of life. In September of that year, the family took the plunge: Paczocha had been laid off because of the pandemic, his wife sold her business, and they moved to Idaho, where they hoped to find a haven for their conservative beliefs. Theyre not alone. Though many Idahoans have pushed back against California newcomers, fearing they were liberals who would turn deep-red Idaho into a less conservative state, polling data shows that the Californians who move to Idaho tend to be just as Republican or more as people born and raised in Idaho, said Jeffrey Lyons, a professor at Boise State University who has helped to conduct its annual public policy survey. Over 17,000 Californians moved to Idaho in 2023, the most recent year tracked in U.S. Census data. They represented over one-fifth of newcomers to the state that year. In 2021, they represented nearly one-third. Advertisement Advertisement Many are wealthier and more educated than longstanding Idaho residents, Lyons said. In 2024, nearly 25,000 of Californias highest earners those earning $200,000 or more each year left their home state. Idaho ranked in the top 10 destinations for high earners like these, according to SmartAsset, a financial technology company. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, newcomers tended to be retirees, Lyons told the Statesman. During the pandemic, that shifted to be young families with school-age children. And they are decidedly conservative. As of June, about 77% of registered voters in Idaho who were previously registered in California were Republican, according to voter registration data tracked by the Idaho Secretary of States office. Of the Californians who moved to Idaho since 2015, 65% identified as Republican, according to Boise State polling data Lyons shared. Series logo (Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman) More Californians have moved to Ada County than anywhere else in Idaho, according to voter registration data tracked by the Idaho Secretary of States office. And since 2012, the county has gotten redder and redder, the Statesman reported in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Polling data offers little insight into newcomers level of political engagement. Anecdotally, though, Lyons said he has a sense that the Californians coming to the state are more likely to be politically active. Thad Butterworth, the chair of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, offered a similar reflection in 2024. Theres a very large contingent of people who are coming from some of these states where they felt like they were not listened to by their government, by their party, Butterworth told the Statesman. The new contingent, they want action. They want to see things moving. They want to be able to look at the end of the day and say, We moved the ball forward. Why are Californians leaving California? In her 10 years as a real-estate agent in the Treasure Valley, Jennifer Louis has heard the same thing over and over from West Coast transplants those looking to move to the area from California, Washington or Oregon. Most focus on a lack of safety in their home states, especially around their handling of homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Louis, who moved to Idaho from California in 2014, recounted one clients perspective that she said was representative. One of the main reasons why people are moving here is because Idaho is how California was back when we were young. Its calm and peaceful, the client told her. Kids are still free here like it used to be in California. They can have a good childhood. Jennifer Louis has been a real estate agent in the Treasure Valley for 10 years. Over and over, transplants from the West Coast have told her that they didnt feel safe in their home states, prompting them to move to Idaho. (Darin Oswald/doswald@idahostatesman.com) Statewide, theres a market for folks with these beliefs. For years, right-leaning real estate firms have pitched conservative residents of blue states on the idea of moving to Idaho. One such company calls itself a real estate firm for the vigilant; another offered homes with integrated ballistic and defensive capabilities, the AP reported in 2022. In 2024, an Idaho firm offered free listings to liberals leaving the state and told the Statesman it would offer conservative clients moving in a free AR-15. Facebook abounds with groups, some with thousands of members, offering real estate listings and advice for Californians moving to Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement A 2019 survey by the University of California at Berkeley found that about half of the states registered voters were weighing leaving the state. Among Republicans polled, that number jumped above 70%. High housing costs were a driver across the board, Berkeley researchers found, but Republicans were especially likely to cite high taxes and Californias political culture as their top reasons to consider leaving the state. In a 2019 survey of Treasure Valley residents, Lyons found that newcomers to the area rarely cited politics as an explicit reason for moving. But often, their answers were correlated with political leanings, he said. What theyre saying is, I moved here for a safe community, I moved here for a family-friendly community, he said. California makes Idaho redder, but more concerning is the darker shade of red | Opinion Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed President Donald Trump brought up the military operation in Venezuela when discussing the situation in Minnesota. Speaking to MS NOW Wednesday night, Walz described his conversation with Trump earlier this week, which the president had claimed was a very good call. Walz had a different take. He told me that he doesnt understand whats wrong with Minnesota. I dont know whats wrong with you people, Walz recounted. Advertisement Advertisement And he told me, Well look, Tim, we did this in New Orleans, we did it in Louisville. Theres no problems. And I said, You didnt kill anybody in Louisville or New Orleans, and the operation here looks very different from that. And then he told me it was successful in Venezuela, Walz said. Im not sure what gave him the indication that at this point in time, whats happening to my state, that Im interested in Venezuela. But he told me how well that went, he said, adding that the remark was strange. He saw an operation in Venezuela against a foreign nation in the same context he saw an operation against a U.S. state, a U.S. city. Advertisement Advertisement Either the president was doing what he always does, flitting from one subject to another in order to inflate his own egoor he was attempting to intimidate Walz by invoking a violent regime change. The immigration enforcement operations in Louisville and New Orleans were incredibly different from the large-scale occupation in Minnesota. In Louisville, the operation lasted less than a week, and in New Orleans, only 200 federal immigration officers were dispatched. In the Twin Cities, at least 3,000 federal immigration agents have been dispatched for multiple weeks, resulting in two American citizens being killed in broad daylight. The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Union City on Wednesday. Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00 p.m. brought you all of the latest developments as FBI agents and the evidence recovery team searched the facility. Fulton County leaders confirmed through a statement that the FBI was seizing records from the 2020 election. Since the 2020 election, President Donald Trump and his close allies have pushed unproven allegations that it was rigged in Georgia. The state elections board said it has found no evidence of fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Heres a timeline of the events since the 2020 election that led up to the FBI search on Wednesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 2020: 11/3 President Donald Trump loses to Joe Biden, including in Georgia by 11,799 votes. Biden would not be officially declared the winner in Georgia until November 13. 11/10 Gov. Brian Kemp, along with then-House Speaker David Ralston and then-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, reject calls for a Special Legislative Session to look at the elections. 11/11 Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger orders a hand recount of all five million ballots cast. That recount later confirms Bidens win. Advertisement Advertisement 12/3 - Georgia Senate Subcommittee on Elections hears testimony about claims of massive voter fraud. Its when we first saw the State Farm Arena video showing what they claimed was massive voter fraud in Fulton County. The video and all of the claims were quickly investigated and debunked by federal and state investigators. 12/5 Trump reportedly calls Kemp in an attempt to pressure him into calling a Special Legislative Session to overturn the 2020 election. 12/7 After three recounts, Raffensperger certifies the 2020 election for Biden. 12/14 As the Democratic electors gathered in the State Senate chambers to cast their ballots, a group of Republican false electors met in a second-floor room to cast their votes for Trump. The meeting was supposed to be secret, but once the press spotted them, we were allowed inside. Advertisement Advertisement 12/23 Trump calls Georgia Secretary of State investigator Frances Watson to pressure her to investigate Fulton County absentee ballots. 2021 1/2 Trump makes his phone call to Raffensperger asking him to find 11,780 votes. Channel 2 Action News obtained a copy of the phone call recording. 1/6 The insurrection at the US Capitol. 2/10 Fulton County DA Fani Willis announces she will launch a criminal investigation into possible interference in Georgias 2020 election. 2022 1/20 Willis announces that she wants to impanel a Special Purpose Grand Jury to look into the potential criminal interference in Georgias election. Advertisement Advertisement 5/2: 23 special grand jurors were seated, and they began their investigation in June. Fulton County Superior Court judges later approve this plan. 2023 1/9 The Special Purpose Grand Jury finishes its months-long investigation and turns over its report to Judge Robert McBurney who then dismisses it. 2/16: Portions of the grand jurys final report were made public. 6/20: The state elections board announced it found no evidence of any election fraud at State Farm Arena during the 2020 election and closes the investigation. 8/14: A Fulton County grand jury voted to indict Trump and 18 of his allies. Two months later in October, several co-defendants took plea deals. Advertisement Advertisement 8/24: Trump turns himself in at the Fulton County Jail and is processed. His bond was set at $200,000 with some bond conditions. 9/8: Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney releases full special purpose grand jury report. 2024 3/15: Special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigns from the election interference case. A judge ruled that Willis could stay on the case only if Wade withdraws due to an appearance of impropriety regarding a romantic relationship between the two before the case. 11/5: Trump defeats Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and is elected to a second term. He won the state of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement 12/19: The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualifies Willis from the election interference case. A year later, the Georgia Supreme Court declined to review her dismissal. 2025 11/26: Peter Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, moves to dismiss the Fulton County indictment of Trump and his co-defendants. 12/15: The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Fulton County, looking to get ballot stubs and signature envelopes from the 2020 general election. 2026 1/28: FBI agents conduct a warrant search at Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center. Fulton County confirmed through a statement that the FBI was seizing records from the 2020 election. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OKX has launched OKX Pay and the OKX Card across Europe, introducing what it describes as the first compliant DeFi-based payments and card system operating within the European Union. The products are issued through OKXs regulated European entity and are built to meet EU standards for consumer protection, security, and transparency. Also, the rollout targets everyday payments rather than trading. Users can deposit euros, convert them into fiat-backed stablecoins, and use those balances for daily spending. The launch comes alongside Europes clearer regulatory framework under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regime, which now places stablecoin issuers and crypto service providers under a single EU-wide rulebook. How OKX Pay Works in Practice OKX Pay allows users to hold euro-backed stablecoins and spend them directly for routine expenses such as food, transport, bills, and peer-to-peer transfers. Where local rules allow, the same balance can also be used to access DeFi protocols and real-world asset applications within a regulated structure. The system is built around stablecoins rather than volatile assets. Settlement is near-instant, operates continuously, and removes cross-border limits that exist even within Europes traditional banking rails. Fees tied to card networks and international transfers are replaced with on-chain settlement, which lowers overall payment costs. OKX Card Details and Costs The OKX Card is a virtual, euro-denominated debit card linked directly to OKX Pay. It allows users to spend stablecoins anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Conversion from stablecoin to euros happens only at the moment of purchase, not in advance. There are no transaction or foreign exchange fees. A 0.4% market spread applies at conversion. The card supports tap-to-pay through Apple Pay and Google Pay and can be used online or in-store at more than 150 million Mastercard locations worldwide. Unlike most crypto cards, funds are not preloaded or held in centralized custody. Stablecoins remain in the users self-custody wallet until checkout, which reduces counterparty risk and preserves user control. Limited-Time Rewards OKX is also offering limited-time crypto rewards tied to card usage. VIP users can earn up to 20% back in crypto on eligible purchases for 30 days, while regular users can earn up to 15% over the same period. Rewards are credited instantly in crypto. The card is issued through a licensed European payments partner and operates under strict AML and KYC requirements. OKX added that this launch is an initial step. Expansion across more European markets, additional features, and deeper on-chain integrations will follow. Gov. Bill Lee has asked President Donald Trump for an expedited major disaster declaration, which would unlock additional assistance for Tennesseans. Lee made the request Jan. 28, a news release from his office said. Tennesseans were slammed by Winter Storm Fern with Nashville taking a heavy hit by ice. More than 90,000 people remain without power after a peak of 230,000 customers were plunged into darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Recovery has been slow, with the Nashville Electric Service bringing in hundreds more linemen and vegetation crews to assist in cleanup. More: Nashville mayor acknowledges patience running thin amid storm recovery The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency requested national guardsmen to assist in weather clean up. They have slowly made their way to Nashville, officials said. Lee requested the declaration for 23 counties, including: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson. What the major disaster declaration can do for Nashville The request seeks both public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and individual assistance to support recovery in those 23 counties. Advertisement Advertisement Winter Storm Fern has created significant damage in communities across Tennessee, and state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers continue to provide critical support, Lee said. Im grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly. Individual assistance would make federal aid available to residents directly. The money can help with temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Public assistance will provide reimbursement to state and local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for emergency response and repairs to public infrastructure. Emergency declaration vs major disaster declaration Emergency declarations and major disaster declarations both require a governor or tribal chief executive to request federal help within 30 days, but they differ in scope, purpose and available assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Tennessee has an emergency declaration. Emergency declarations are designed for situations that threaten life, property, or public health and require shortterm federal support to supplement state and local efforts. They are capped at $5 million, focus mainly on immediate protective measures, and offer limited aid, with only rare use of Individual Assistance programs and no hazard mitigation funding. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN gov asks Trump for expedited major disaster declaration Jan. 29 (UPI) -- White House border czar Tom Homan says federal agents will continue so-called targeted operations in Minneapolis during a news conference on Thursday. Homan added that the focus of these targeted operations will be "criminal aliens" and threats to public and national safety. He has also directed federal agents to prepare a drawdown plan for Minneapolis but clarified that the administration will not stop with detainments and deportations. Homan added that decreasing the number of federal agents on Minneapolis' streets will require the local government and law enforcement entities to cooperate with the federal government to identify and detain immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement "We will conduct targeted enforcement operations. What we've done for decades," Homan said. "With a prioritization on public safety threats. We are not surrendering the president's mission on immigration enforcement. Prioritization of criminal aliens does not mean we forget about everybody else. That's just ridiculous." Homan took the reins of President Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minneapolis earlier this week. Before his arrival, federal agents had detained several children from an area school district. Thousands of protesters march in sub-zero temperatures during "ICE Out" day to protest the federal government's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis on Friday. Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison have met with Homan this week. Homan said he "did not agree with everything" the local officials have said, but they did acknowledge ICE is a congressionally approved agency. Minneapolis police take to the streets after groups from competing protests confronted each other in downtown Minneapolis on Jan. 17. Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI "What we did agree on is the community's safety is paramount," Homan said. "What we did agree upon is not to release public safety risks back into the community when they could be lawfully transferred to ICE." Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota Department of Corrections has been working with ICE to identify and remove immigrants with criminal records, Homan added. He went on to clarify that he was referring to people who were already detained in the Minnesota prison system. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer checks the documentation of a construction worker during a random stop in Minneapolis on Jan. 9. Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI In regards to the fatal shootings of two Minneapolis-area residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37 years old, Homan said he will not comment or share his personal opinion. He only acknowledged that the federal operation in the city has not been "perfect" and he and Trump "have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made." Homan referred to anti-ICE protesters as "agitators," and asked local officials to "tone down the dangerous rhetoric" and work with federal agents who are "performing their duties in a challenging environment." "They're trying to do it with professionalism," Homan said. "If they don't, they'll be dealt with. Like any other federal agency, we have standards of conduct." Advertisement Advertisement Homan later blamed the increase of federal agents in Minneapolis on "rhetoric" directed towards agents and the immigration operation. "I said in March if the rhetoric didn't stop there was going to be bloodshed," Homan said. "And there has been. I wish I wasn't right." Frey on Thursday acknowledged participating in "good and productive meetings" with President Donald Trump and Homan, but cautioned that "I will believe it when I see it" regarding improvements in immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. "They have talked about drawing down the numbers in terms of federal agents -- ICE and Border Patrol -- in Minneapolis, and that is essential," Frey told media. Advertisement Advertisement "The reality is we need Operation Metro Surge to end," he said, adding that the operation did not make the city safer or reduce chaos. He called the federal law enforcement effort an "invasion" of the city and said that he expects the "conduct to immediately change," but did not address the conduct of protesters. Border Patrol official Greg Bovino has emerged from his social media blackout to share a bizarre video comparing Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Bovino was pulled from Minneapolis earlier this week and demoted from his previous role of commander at large after his agents shot and killed Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti, 37, sparking public outrage. The 55-year-old was also denied access to his official social media accounts, which he used to attack Pretti after he was killed. But on Thursday, he was back with an exclusive video shared by MAGA influencer Nick Sortor. The video shows Bovino standing in front of Mount Rushmore in his Border Patrol uniform, having ditched his SS-style trenchcoat. Advertisement Advertisement Team, behind me are a few individuals there. Thats the original turn and burn, he said, using his preferred term for Border Patrols aggressive immigration tactics, including smashing car windows, blowing down the doors of homes, and blasting protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets. South Dakotas Mount Rushmore monument features 60-foot-tall sculptures of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Its lead sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, was the son of Danish immigrants and called his work the Shrine of Democracy. BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Greg Bovino traveled to Mt. Rushmore to deliver a message to his men after being removed from Minneapolis, and agents being put on leave I want you to know: Ive got your back, now and alwaysI love you, I support you, and I salute you. Bovino coined pic.twitter.com/xnOR6xFHUP Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 29, 2026 Bovino did not explain the specific tie-in between the four former presidents and border patrol agents, saying only, I want you to know youre that youre the modern-day equivalent. Im very proud of what youthe Mean Green Machineare doing in Minneapolis right now, just like youve done it across the United States over these past tough nine months, Bovino continued. Turn and burn makes me very proud. I also want you know that Ive got your back now and always. I love you, I support you, and I salute you. Advertisement Advertisement Bovinos love fest comes as the public has soured on turn and burn tactics after the administrations immigration operation in Minneapolis led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Pretti and an unarmed mother, Renee Nicole Good, 37, who was killed by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. The public has turned against Greg Bovino's aggressive ICE and Border Patrol agents have also reportedly turned on the operationand on leaders like Bovino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who rushed to brand Pretti a domestic terroristsaying the tense situation was a no-win situation for agents on the ground. President Donald Trump has tried to quell public outrage by sidelining Noem and Bovino and sending his border czar, Tom Homan, to try to de-escalate the situation. Homan, who has clashed with Noem in the past, used his first presser to vow to do things better than the Green Machine. Border czar Tom Homan speaks during a news conference about ongoing immigration enforcement operations on January 29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. / Scott Olson / Scott Olson/Getty Images We will conduct targeted enforcement operations, he said. Targeted, strategic with a prioritization on public safety threats. Doug Lane had to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life last January. An Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission and an American Airlines flight landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport collided over the Potomac River, less than a mile from the runway. Lanes wife, Christine, and 16-year-old son, Spencer an award-winning figure skater were on board the commercial jet. Advertisement Advertisement More than 400 miles away, Lane was with their younger son at home in Rhode Island. Theres no playbook that you ever learn about (this), he said. I have my wife and son potentially in the Potomac River. Am I supposed to immediately leave and go down there? Am I supposed to stay with my son? Am I supposed to bring him with me? he thought as he struggled with the decision. He ultimately decided to leave his son with family, while he and his sister traveled to face the devastation. Spencer Lane - Doug Lane Christine Lane - Doug Lane The crash the deadliest US aviation accident in over 20 years killed 67 people 64 passengers and crew members on the jet and three soldiers on the helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement A years worth of investigative meetings and hearings on Capitol Hill would follow. Now a federal investigation has nearly concluded, and the National Transportation Safety Board has determined the close helicopter routes and the Army crews perception of the wrong plane to be the probable cause of the collision. In the days following the collision, Lane and the other victims families felt tremendous sorrow and loss after suffering the unimaginable. Mixed within those unbearably difficult moments were the instances of kindness and generosity shown by the first responders and personnel on the scene who, families say, treated them and their loved ones with respect and compassion. CNN sat down with some of the first responders and medical personnel who braved cold, dark waters to search for the 67 people and asked them to reflect on the work they did, all while preserving the dignity of the families. A crane is seen as it removes airplane wreckage from the Potomac River, where American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a US military Black Hawk helicopter, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, on Monday, February 03, 2025. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images A really thick smell of jet fuel DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly Sr. says he remembers that frigid, winter night vividly. He was coming back from dinner at 8:48 p.m., when he heard the radio call from the DC fire team. Less than 10 minutes later, at 8:57 p.m., his crew reported the stench of jet fuel. He said it only took a few minutes to confirm it was an American Airlines regional commercial aircraft that had crashed. Advertisement Advertisement I knew at that point we were really going to have a big event, Donnelly said. That night, he had conversations with the DC police chief and DC city administrator, and even spoke to the White House Situation Room several times. Emergency response units conduct search and rescue operations in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 30, 2025. - Win McNamee/Getty Images Timothy Ochsenschlager, a diver with the Metropolitan Police Departments Harbor Patrol Unit, was among the first dive teams to be dispatched. He remembered the loud sounds of helicopters overhead, and multiple search boats along the surface of the dark water. There was a really thick smell of jet fuel, Ochsenschlager said. The water had kind of a rainbow sheen to it, and it was really calm. There werent any waves or anything. I remember, just the entire airport shoreline just looked like it was all red and blue emergency lights, there had to have been 100 ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and everything. Helicopters departed later in the evening, and it became, eerily quiet, Ochsenschlager said. Advertisement Advertisement There are no planes landing at the airport, so there was nothing in the sky, he said. There were no boats going really fast around us. Everybody who was working there was really calm, just doing their job. When one person would get tired, there was somebody else to get in the water and take over. Washington, DC police help investigate near the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed into a military helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 30, 2025. - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Intense waters and harsh visibility Divers faced intense mud and near-zero visibility in the freezing waters of the Potomac that night, despite the aircraft having come to rest in only a few feet of water. The night was icy, cold and dark, Malcom Gaines, a DC diver of 25 years, recalled, saying It was chaotic but organized. Visibility was an issue for divers conducting the searches, so they relied on sonar equipment and dive lines, Gaines told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Hand-held sonar tools allow divers to scan the water quickly, even as they navigate difficult conditions like sharp pieces of debris and mangled metal from the wreckage. Divers also faced other hazards such as exposure to electricity and jet fuel that was seeping from the aircraft, the veteran diver said. Reuniting families with their loved ones Within one hour of the collision, first responders already knew there werent going to be any survivors, Donnelly said. Thats when their attention shifted from the victims to taking care of the victims families, he said. They became our first priority. The Metropolitan Police Departments homicide division began making personal notifications to every family, he added. First responders salute as two ambulances carrying the flag draped bodies of service members killed in a midair collision depart a temporary emergency disaster site at Buzzard Point on January 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images That meant, one, taking care of them at the airport, Donnelly said. Two, that we were making the effort to reunite them with their loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement The third priority was to take care of the first responders, who were being exposed to a lot of trauma, the DC Fire and EMS chief said. In the days after, more than 500 people were involved in working the incident, according to Donnelly, who said at the time unified command was activating peer support for the first responders, to make sure that everybody has somebody that can help us get through this. Theyre heroes, Donnelly told CNN. At the end of the day, its that simple. They did exactly what we expected of them, and more, in the moment of a crisis, they stood up. He shared how one of the divers worked 13 days straight after the accident. Advertisement Advertisement Recovery teams brought a crane to the Potomac River crash site to help reach victims in a section of the wreckage that divers couldnt get to. The crane was used to cut and lift pieces of the airplane to allow divers to safely recover additional victims, CNN reported. When asked how he keeps on going after all of this, Donnelly teared up. In the moment, theres a lot going on, so youre dealing with that, and thats the way I do it, he said. You compartmentalize the other part. An airplane takes off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as Roberto Marquez from Dallas, puts up crosses as part of a memorial for the victims of the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter earlier this week in the Potomac River, January 31, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Devastating moments in DC history Throughout his career, Donnelly has been no stranger to aviation and other mass casualty events. He began working as a firefighter at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is responsible for Reagan National Airport, just a few years after the devastating crash of Air Florida Flight 90. Advertisement Advertisement Although the 1982 crash into Washingtons 14th Street Bridge which the NTSB determined was caused by inadequate deicing and pilot error happened before Donnelly began working at the airport, the lessons learned would train him to handle aviation disasters in the years to follow. He responded to the Pentagon the day after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the mass casualty event that occurred during the Unifest street festival in Anacostia, in 2007, where at least 35 people were injured, according to The Washington Post. His team also responded to the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Those events would prepare him for the difficult decisions of January 29, like deciding priorities and how they would be executed by the rescue teams. Advertisement Advertisement Donnelly said he made himself and Dr. Francisco Diaz, DCs chief medical examiner, available to the victims families after the crash to ask questions. Donnelly said one night Diaz spoke to families for hours. She took the time to really get to know us Another employee at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was especially helpful to Lane. She took the time to really get to know us, get to know our family members, Lane said, speaking of the lead forensic investigator. It was clear that she truly cared about each of our family members. He also has memories of a boat captain who reached out to him after working the rescue boats that night and remembering his son, Spencer. Family members visit the crash site on the banks of the Potomac River, where American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a US Army military helicopter, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on February 2, 2025. - Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images Him and I were able to have a very difficult, but also, I think, helpful conversation, and it ended up really early on, making it clear to me just what a toll this incident took on the first responders as well, Lane told CNN. Days after the crash, family members were taken privately by the NTSB to visit the crash site. There was a a boat posted right at the wreckage, with people there watching over it (the site), Lane said. So it seems obvious in retrospect, but just that made me feel so much comfort, just being like, OK, even if my family members or other family members are still trapped in this wreckage, theyre not just left out there. Theres somebody there thats kind of watching over them. Going the extra mile for closure Sheri and Tim Lilley, the parents of First Officer Sam Lilley, one of the pilots on the American Airlines regional jet made a special request to DC Harbor Patrol to lay a wreath at the crash site before their sons May birthday. On a dreary, drizzly day, as Tim recalls, the couple went out on a boat and played music and recited prayers. Tim said they were able to ask divers and first responders, who went out to search for victims that night, questions they hadnt gotten answers to. The wreath laid by the Lilley family in honor of their son Sam Lilley, the first officer on American Airlines flight 5342, at the site of the midair collision between the airplane and a US military helicopter. - Tim Lilley Tim and Sheri Lilley with first responders that worked the midair collision on January 29, 2025 and took them to lay a wreath at the crash site. - Tim Lilley Lt. Andrew Horos with DC Harbor Patrol was on the boat that day and called the display really powerful. They conveyed to us that they felt very connected to Sam, Horos said. It was some sort of closure that we could provide. It was very emotional for everyone involved. It brought (first responders) some closure to be able to see our impact and our efforts that night and months after, really, really help the families out. The couple was also able to recover a wallet that belonged to their son one of his possessions that had not yet been returned to the family. Sheri wanted Sams scuba certification card from the wallet a reminder of a fun activity the two had once done together. The parents say tears filled their eyes as they laid the wreath on the murky water of the wreckage site, with the first responders who were there that night and the days after. They put their lives on the line to get our loved ones out with dignity, Tim said. They did what they could. They tried really hard. We are always going to be in their debt. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Photo illustration by Natalie Behring/Getty Images The Trump administration has asked a federal judge in Louisiana to pause before ruling on the states lawsuit seeking to end the Food and Drug Administration policy that allows doctors to prescribe abortion medication without an in-person visit. The U.S. Department of Justice filed for a stay Tuesday in the lawsuit state Attorney General Liz Murrill filed against the Food and Drug Administration in October in Louisianas Western District federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Murrill wants the agency to reverse regulatory action it took in 2023 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when patient access to physicians was limited. Murrills broader intent is to restrict interstate shipments of mifepristone, a medication used to terminate pregnancies but that also has other life-saving and gynecological uses. Under pressure from anti-abortion groups, FDA Administrator Marty Makary began a review of mifepristones safety in September through what the agency calls its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS. Reproductive health advocates have said the review isnt needed based on decades of the drug being used safely without a significant history of complications. Given this widespread debate over the safety of mifepristone, FDA has concluded that the best path forward is for the agency to reconsider the restrictions on mifepristone based on all the evidence before the agency, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Brett Shumate wrote in the stay request for the Louisiana case. His filing also said Louisiana doesnt have standing to sue the Food and Drug Administration because it cannot supplant federal authority, among other reasons. If the court were to accept Louisianas arguments, it would likely lead states to challenge any federal action they claim could increase crime or place more burden on state authorities to enforce. Advertisement Advertisement States could challenge the loosening of federal regulations relating to firearms, the environment, banking, or anything else, Shumates filing said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In a social media post Tuesday, Murrill took issue with the stay request and referenced her attempts to prosecute doctors in California and New York who have been indicted in Louisiana for prescribing abortion medication and shipping it to the state. Governors in both states have rejected Murrills attempts to extradite the doctors in question, leaning on the shield laws in their respective states that protect medical providers. Murrill has said the availability of abortion medication has led to more pregnancies being terminated in Louisiana than before the U.S. Supreme Court decided in June 2022 to reverse its landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Food and Drug Administration admits that the REMS is flawed but claims that Louisiana cant sue to stop the 1,000 dangerous abortions a month in Louisiana that the REMS allows. That is an affront to our sovereignty and the dignity of women and the unborn, Murrill said. FDA should stand with us for life, not with Gavin Newsom or Kathy Hochul. Advocates for self-managed abortions back Murrills monthly abortion count claim, saying the study its based on is likely an undercount because patients and physicians are reluctant to report actual data in states where abortion is banned. Murrills federal case is on behalf of Rosalie Markezich, a St. Tammany Parish woman who said her boyfriend coerced her into taking mifepristone he obtained in October 2023 from a California doctor. The attorney general issued an arrest warrant last year for the physician, Dr. Remy Coeytaux, before obtaining an indictment against him earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Murrill has also charged Dr. Margaret Carpenter, the New York doctor who she said shipped abortion drugs to a West Baton Rouge woman for her pregnant minor daughter. The physician and the girls mother were indicted a year ago for allegedly violating a 2022 state law that makes it a crime to knowingly cause an abortion through medication. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Britain's Keir Starmer is the latest Western leader to thaw trade ties with China in a shift analysts say is driven by US tariff pressure and unease over Donald Trump's volatile policy playbook. The prime minister's Beijing visit this week to promote "pragmatic" co-operation comes on the heels of advances from the leaders of Canada, Ireland, France and Finland. Most were making the trip for the first time in years to refresh their partnership with the world's second-largest economy. Advertisement Advertisement "There is a veritable race among European heads of government to meet with (Chinese President) Xi Jinping," Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy, told AFP. This is "driven by internal rivalry to secure investments and market access before the China-US summits in February and April", he said. It's not just China looking more appealing these days: on Tuesday, India and the European Union announced a huge trade pact two decades in the making, a move to open new markets in the face of a strained status quo. Vietnam and the European Union also on Thursday committed to deeper cooperation on trade, technology and security. Advertisement Advertisement India and other emerging markets such as South America "are too small to sustain the world's most export-dependent economies, which are in Europe", Lee-Makiyama said. So they have no choice but to turn to Beijing -- despite concern over its human rights record, and accusations of economic coercion. "Half of economic growth is generated by either the United States or China," Lee-Makiyama said, adding that "the United States is hardly opening up". - 'No longer reliable' - Trump's unpredictable tariff onslaught signals that "the United States is no longer a reliable trading partner", said William Alan Reinsch at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Advertisement Advertisement For the new EU-India Free Trade Agreement, "you can argue that, ironically, Trump's policies have pushed it across the finish line" 20 years since negotiations began, Reinsch told AFP. Starmer told Xi on Thursday it was "vital" to develop the two countries' relationship, with the Chinese leader also stressing the need for stronger ties in the face of geopolitical headwinds. London and Beijing enjoyed what they described as a "Golden Era" a decade ago but relations deteriorated from 2020 when Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong. Nonetheless, China remains Britain's third-largest trading partner, and Starmer's centre-left government is keen to boost UK economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement While the European Union also wants stronger ties with China, it is alarmed by the current trade imbalance, with a gaping deficit of more than $350 billion to Brussels's disadvantage. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin urged "open trade" in his talks with Xi in early January, while France's Emmanuel Macron denounced the trade imbalance on a visit to Beijing in December. - More Trump threats - China and India are also seeking ways to cope with Trump's tariffs designed to boost US manufacturing and "make America great again". "A select few countries should not have privileges based on self-interest, and the world cannot revert to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak," Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said at the World Economic Forum this month. Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, Trump has retaliated with more tariff threats, including a new 100 percent levy on all Canadian goods if the US neighbour makes a trade deal with China. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed a "new strategic partnership" with China in Beijing this month, touting a "preliminary but landmark trade agreement" to reduce tariffs. Under the deal, China, which used to be Canada's largest market for canola seed, is expected to reduce tariffs on the products to around 15 percent, down from the current 84 percent. In return, Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles under a preferential tariff rate. Advertisement Advertisement Carney's visit "signalled a fundamentally new approach to how Ottawa intends to navigate a more fragmented, contested and uncertain world", wrote Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of research and strategy at APF Canada. But she warned it could risk being misinterpreted as "a softening of Canada's assessment of the national and economic security challenges China poses". Reinsch at the CSIS predicted that the latest agreements would leave the United States at a disadvantage in the long run, while noting they were "surprisingly traditional". Negotiations on lower tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers are "exactly what the world has been doing for the past 75 years", he said. "The outlier is the United States." kaf-jug/dan Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. How do you stop someone from killing someone else? In most societies, we do so with warnings, promises, and contracts. We make laws to make ourselves feel safe. Its important to feel safe, because reality is terrifying. In Minneapolis this weekend, we saw reality: a group of men with guns, in a semicircle, firing a barrage of shots into a mans body lying on the ground. The laws that were supposed to protect Alex Prettithe First Amendment, the Second Amendment, multiple state and local and national statutes on use of forcefailed. Prettis death, captured on video from multiple angles, was so shocking that even the Trump administration has been forced to rethink its brutal tactics in the Twin Cities, which for more than a month has been ravaged by an onslaught of federal agents ostensibly conducting immigration enforcement. Now, the Trump administration is shifting its approach, or at least its messaging. Gregory Bovino, the cartoonishly fascist figurehead of Immigration and Customs Enforcements operations in the Twin Cities, has been removed from his post and forced off social media. Kristi Noem, Bovinos boss at the Department of Homeland Security, received a brief, but significant, rebuke from the president. The Democrats, Americas sluggish and often ineffectual opposition party, are howling for investigations, firings, and impeachments. Advertisement Advertisement Its tempting to see these developments as a victory, as the rule of law slowly reasserting itself over a deadly aberration in Americas social contract. Soon, you might think, things may go back to normal. But in Donald Trumps America, the contract has been rewritten. The conditions that caused Prettis death still existin Minneapolis, in Maine, in California, in every city and every town where agents of the state carry guns. The goon squads are here to stay, and its only a matter of time until they kill again. What this reflects is more than the Trump administrations vicious immigration policies, but a broader shift in American politics. Inside the West Wing, a terrifying new political ideology is on display, one that says the right to shape, change, and end Americans lives is not granted by a democratic framework of laws, but by a simple equation of who has more guns. This shift was not immediate. During the first Trump administration, the snarl of legal jurisprudence that slowed down many of Trumps most egregious excesses also lured us into a false sense of comfort that the law still worked, and that the contract still heldand sometimes it did. When Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election, the system worked. Judges threw out his cases. When rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, they were prosecuted en masse for their crimes. Trump himself was impeached, though never convicted, thanks to the cowardice of a bloc of Republican senators. Upon entering his second term, Trump went for it, not so much testing as smashing through the constraints of legal precedenthe pardoned the criminals who stormed the Capitol on his behalf and indicted many of the officials that, in turn, had indicted him. On the border, he saw a chance to test his might: calling in Marines to quell protesters in Los Angeles and increasing the DHSs purview to arrest, detain, and raid far outside of their preexisting jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement The guardrails are not holding this time around. Minneapolis represents the most stark example of the rule of the gun thus far. During Operation Metro Storm, the ominously named federal operation in the Twin Cities, federal agents have shot three people, killed two, and injured dozens with pepper spray, rubber bullets, tear gas, and fists. Until Prettis death finally tipped the scales, Noem and other figures in the administration doubled and tripled down on their mandate to use force. Jonathan Ross, the agent who shot Renee Good, the first person killed by ICE in the Twin Cities, currently faces no charges, after the FBI intervened to toss out the state-level investigation into the killing. Federal agents have repeatedly violated protesters First Amendment rights, detained citizens and noncitizens alike unlawfully, and even sought to prevent detainees from accessing legal counsel. The Department of Justice, instead of investigating these abuses, has instead leveled charges on the protesters. There are videos all over social media of officers, after Goods killing, taunting protesters with threats that they will be next. The men with guns knew the power they held. They knew no one could stop them from killing. And so when Alex Pretti stood up in the middle of the street, filming them with his phone, and intervened to try to help another civilian they had pushed to the ground, they shot him. He had, after all, committed a crime in their eyes: He had resisted the administrations will. The agents who killed Pretti have not been identified or charged; like in Goods killing, there will be no federal civil rights investigation, only an internal process overseen by the department that fired the shots. (Two of the agents involved in shooting Pretti have now been put on leave, but thats a far cry from meaningful consequences for what they did.) Even if, by some miracle, Goods and Prettis killers are eventually brought to justice, their individual consequences do nothing to subvert ICEs mandate of force wherever it appears. ICE can afford to discipline or lose an agent or two to mollify public opinion. They have plenty more operating, still, under the same rules of engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Under Trumps new government-by-gun, individuals are presented with a choice between obedience and executionor at least the ever-present danger of it. And without legal recompense, the only check to this power appears to be other armed men. In Maine, where ICE and other agencies have been conducting snatch-and-grab arrests and targeted harassment of protesters similar to those in Minneapolis, local law enforcement has already staked out a hard line against their excesses, something that Minneapolis authorities were slow to do. Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce called ICEs actions bush-league policing in an interview on Sunday, after federal agents mistakenly arrested a local corrections officer. This pressure has also changed the situation in Minneapolis, where Gov. Tim Walz has managed to muster a largely tepid show of force from his own military, the Minnesota National Guard, deploying them to the streets in cute reflective vests with donuts and coffee. Its easy to see those images and miss what they mean. The National Guard is often seen as a friendly force that shows up with bottled water during hurricanes and digs out roads after mudslides. But thats not what they are: They are armed forces that are ostensibly under the command of a state governor. Their presence on the streets of Minneapolis, orange vests and all, is a show of force by a state military aligned opposite of a federal military. Right now, its no more than optics. But lines are being drawn. And things could always get worse. The National Guard and domestic police are not sympathetic forces to many of this countrys marginalized groups. In L.A. and D.C., National Guard troops squared up with protesters themselves, and their orders come from political actorsgovernors, mayors, and other politicians with their own biases and agendas. Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers and police, however, are not the only people in America who have guns. As the top levels of our political system wield violence in the open, its only a matter of time before people tired of having guns pointed at them may decide that its time to have more guns to point back. Communities I have reported on for years are beginning to mobilize again. Online, left-wing accounts and marginalized groups are openly championing the Second Amendment, abandoning arguments for reasonable gun control in favor of arming themselves to face a future in which their only defense is through open force. There was nothing to stop ICE agents from killing Alex Pretti, their thinking goes, so the next time it happens someone might as well shoot back. A brutal occupation unrestrained by any notion of fairness or recompense often inspires a violent response, which would plunge our society into circumstances it has rarely, if ever, seen before: widespread violence on the streets and guerilla attacks on federal forces that inspire even more brutal reprisals and repression. Its still possible to regain control of our society before we get to that point; to organize and protest and document well enough that a better future is made possible before the rule of the gun is all we have left. Weve seen that approach have some success , in this specific case: The administrations excesses were so blatant and crueland so highly publicizedthat politicians on both sides of the aisle were forced to hold them to account. But so far, Trumps response looks more like damage control than a larger shift in approach. The goon squads are still on the streets, still hauling people into their vans. They will learn from this defeat. They will get better at killing. And unless we find a way to upset the architects of our new political order, theyre almost certainly going to do it again. President Donald Trump has made his endorsement for governor in a key swing-state race. Trump backed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, writing that the congressman has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." "I endorsed Tom for Congress early and strong, and he won, BIG," the post read. "Likewise, he has always been at my side. A very successful Businessman, Family Farmer, and State Legislator, prior to becoming a distinguished United States Congressman, Tom is a Proven Leader who has dedicated his life to serving his Community." Advertisement Advertisement Trump wrote that Tiffany will "fight to advance Common Sense Values," putting both Wisconsin and America first. Trump-backed Donalds Vows To Maintain Desantis 'Trajectory,' Take Florida To 'Whole New Level' Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a candidate for governor, speaks at a news conference, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. (AP Newsroom) "As your next Governor, Tom will continue to work tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, Advocate for the Working Men and Women of Wisconsin, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment," Trumps post read. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump added. President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the economy at a rally Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Clive, Iowa. Tiffany responded to the presidents support in a post on X. "Im honored to earn President Trumps endorsement," Tiffany wrote. "Just one year into his second term, wages are rising, gas prices are down, our economy is growing, and our border is secure. Its time to restore common-sense leadership to Madison." House Republican Jumps Into Swing State's Open Governor's Race: I Know How To Clean Up The Bull Tiffany began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2020 after winning a special election that month to fill the seat vacated in 2019 by Republican Sean Duffy, who is now serving as Trumps transportation secretary. Rep. Tom Tiffany leaves the U.S. Capitol after the last votes of the week on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Trump won Wisconsin in 2024 and 2016 but lost it in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App The governor's race will be an open contest since Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, announced earlier this year that he will not run for a third term. Fox News Digitals Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report. Original article source: Trump makes endorsement in swing-state governor's race The Washington Monument is seen as President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One and depart for a trip to Iowa, at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27, 2026. Credit - Jabin BotsfordThe Washington Post/Getty Images President Donald Trump has nominated a federal prosecutor to a newly created role of fraud investigator after the Trump Administration urged the Justice Department to investigate fraud in Democrat-led states. If confirmed by the Senate, Colin McDonald would lead a new DOJ unit as first ever Assistant Attorney General for National FRAUD Enforcement, Trump announced. The position would be directly supervised by the White House instead of the Justice Department, which has raised questions around the potential politicization of law enforcement investigations. The role will have nationwide jurisdiction over the issue of fraud, Vice President J.D. Vance said earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Vances communications director William Martin appeared to embrace a nickname for McDonalds role, quoting on X a laudatory New York Post headline: Trumps fraud czar pick is fearless prosecutor Colin McDonald. Colin McDonald is a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor who has successfully delivered Justice in some of the most difficult and high stakes cases our Country has ever seen, Trump said in a Wednesday post on Truth Social. Together, we will END THE FRAUD, and RESTORE INTEGRITY to our Federal Programs. Congratulations Colin STOP THE SCAMS! The move comes after the DOJ under Trump has opened new investigations into alleged widespread fraud in social-service programs in Minnesota, with the President accusing Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of running a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity. At the same time, the Trump Administration has used fraud allegations to defend their aggressive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, which has resulted in the killing of two Americans by federal agents. Heres what to know about McDonald and the new fraud unit. Who is Colin McDonald? McDonald currently serves as Associate Deputy Attorney General at the Justice Department under Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. In a post on X, Blanche called McDonald a rockstar, who was instrumental in our teams mission of Making America Safe Again. Advertisement Advertisement McDonald has also worked for more than a decade as a federal prosecutor, according to his LinkedIn profile. Among his high-profile cases, McDonald prosecuted former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and city prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, as well as two police officers, in a public corruption scandal in Hawaii. The Kealohas were convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice after they used their positions to frame and falsely arrest a family member in order to conceal their own theft of $148,000 from an elderly relative. Former Southern California U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, who previously supervised McDonald, reportedly said, I assigned him to a very difficult public corruption case in Hawaii that seriously needed his organizational and legal skills. As expected, he was invaluable in resolving the case in a most favorable way. Why is Trump focused on fraud? Fraud has become a common attack line during Trumps second term, despite the Presidents own record of being found liable for civil fraud in a New York case in 2024, criminally convicted on separate charges of falsifying business records, and pardoning several high-profile figures convicted of financial wrongdoing. Proven or not, the Trump Administration has used allegations of fraud as the basis for penalizing Democrat-led states. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the Trump Administration withheld $10 billion in child care and social services funding from five Democrat-led statesCalifornia, Illinois, New York, Colorado, and Minnesotaciting allegations of widespread social services fraud. The President said without providing details in a Jan. 6 Truth Social post that California was being investigated for fraud, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom denied. Donald Trump is a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago, Newsoms office told ABC News, adding that California has prevented an estimated $125 billion in attempted fraud through identity verification and other administrative checks, and protected taxpayers from the exact kind of scam artists Trump celebrates, excuses, and pardons. Minnesota has been the focal point of many of Trumps attacks. Repeatedly using language against Somalis that is widely seen as racist, Trump has claimed that Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State and are defrauding Americans of billions of dollars through public benefit programs. (To date, the largest proven fraud cases involving Somali defendants involve hundreds of millions of dollars, not billions.) In 2021, federal law enforcement began probing alleged fraud in the Feeding Our Future nonprofit in Minnesota. Prosecutors under the Joe Biden Administration charged 70 people in cases involving roughly $250 million of fraud tied to COVID-era meal reimbursements. Additional defendants were charged in that case and other Minnesota fraud investigations during the Trump Administration, bringing the total across both Administrations to 98. As of December, more than 60 defendants in fraud cases were convicted, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi, which includes those convicted during the Biden Administration. Last year, Walz ordered audits, paused payments to more than a dozen high-risk programs, and created a statewide anti-fraud task force. Advertisement Advertisement But after a viral video in late December claimed to expose billions of dollars in fraud and widespread abuse of daycare and other assistance programs, the DOJ launched new investigations into the alleged fraud. Were cracking down on more than $19 billion in fraud that was stolen by Somalian bandits, Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week. Can you believe that? Somaliathey turned out to be higher IQ than we thought. And we say these are low-IQ people. How did they go into Minnesota and steal all that money? The President has also repeatedly accused Rep. Ilhan Omar (D, Minn.), who is a Somali refugee, of covering up welfare fraud as well as of personally being a scammer. Trump has never provided evidence for his claims against Minnesotan officials. Omar was attacked in public on Tuesday when a man sprayed an unknown liquid on her; the congresswoman said Trumps hateful rhetoric has fueled threats and political violence towards her. The Trump Administration has also characterized Walzs decision not to seek reelection as evidence of the Governors complicity in alleged fraudulent activity in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has used welfare fraud allegations to justify the Administrations intensifying crackdown on immigration in the state and moved to end deportation protections for Somalis. And as federal agents use of force has increasingly come under scrutiny, the President has sought to redirect attention to those allegations. But the Administrations immigration enforcement and fraud claims increasingly appear to be part of a broader political strategy aimed at shaping the 2026 midterms. A Minnesota judge questioned the motivation behind the governments crackdown after Bondi sent a letter to Walz with conditions for reducing Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations in the state, including demanding federal access to the states voter rolls. The Justice Department also launched a probe into Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over their public statements criticizing the presence of ICE in the state. How does the new position work? Presidents have historically observed a convention of institutional separation from the Justice Department, intended to shield criminal investigations from political influencebut Trump appears to have abandoned that as he has publicly urged the DOJ to investigate several of his perceived political adversaries on allegations of mortgage fraud, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D, Calif.) and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The new position blurs that line even more. Vance said earlier this month that the official would bypass the Justice Department and answer instead to him and Trumpa reconfiguration that has raised questions about the units prosecutorial independence. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration said that the new unit will focus on alleged fraud in federally funded programs. My Administration has uncovered Fraud schemes in States like Minnesota and California, where these thieves have stolen Hundreds of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars, Trump said in his Wednesday post. This is the person who is going to make sure that we stop defrauding the American people, Vance said at the White House earlier this month. Contact us at letters@time.com. Democrats are voicing concerns the Trump administration could interfere in Novembers midterm elections as it seeks access to voter data across the country. Party leaders and election experts alike were alarmed this week after Attorney General Pam Bondi asked for access to Minnesotas voter rolls as a condition for ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state, the latest instance of the administration pressuring states to hand over their voter information. The heightened fears come amid backlash over President Trumps immigration crackdown and two fatal shootings at the hands of federal officers in Minnesota this month, as control of Congress hangs in the balance this November. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a real abuse of law enforcement power to claim that law enforcement power can be deployed and withdrawn in exchange for policy or other concessions, said Wendy Weiser, a constitutional lawyer and vice president at the Brennan Center, a nonpartisan voting rights organization, pointing to Bondis letter. Secondarily it tries to link the deployment to a states cooperation in what is a broader [and] improper project by this administration to lay the foundation for interfering in the upcoming election. Federal agents in Minneapolis over the weekend shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti at a protest against the administrations immigration action, two weeks after an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in the city. Thousands of ICE officers and Border Patrol agents are in Minneapolis as part of the administrations immigration enforcement effort, but some Democrats are casting doubt on the motives behind the crackdown particularly in light of Bondis letter. Advertisement Advertisement In the note to Minnesota officials, which was obtained by multiple media outlets, the attorney general laid out several conditions that could bring an end to the chaos in Minnesota, including giving the Justice Department access to the states voter rolls. Bondi just sent a letter to Minnesota officials saying ICE will leave if the state turns over its voter database to Trump, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) wrote on the social platform X. Guess what? This has never been about safety or immigration. Its a pretext for Trump to take over elections in swing states. Murphy went so far as to suggest that the troop deployment is a pretense to cause chaos and justify taking control of elections. The Trump administration is creating this mayhem, particularly in cities in swing states, in order to take control of the election, to say, Oh, the citys out of control, the states out of control, you cant trust the state government, we just need to run the election in November, Murphy told CNN over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson blasted Murphy for ridiculous claims that have no basis in reality, stressing in a statement to The Hill that Trump has been clear that he wants to work with state and local leaders to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities. Instead of whipping up more division, [Murphy] should urge Democrats to work with President Trump to remove public safety threats from our streets, Jackson said. But other Democrats and election experts were also alarmed by the letters implications. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon (D) said the letter was an outrageous attempt to coerce the state into handing over private data in violation of state and federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) were among the other members of Congress who blasted Bondis move. And Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, who is from Minnesota, said the administration was trying to undermine elections. Martin has previously raised concerns about the impact of Trumps military deployments on elections, telling The Associated Press last month that if people are afraid of leaving their house, theyre probably not going to leave their house to go vote on Election Day. Last month, Trumps chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that claims that Trump could use the military to suppress voting are categorically false. Election experts declined to weigh in on Murphys specific argument, but they echoed the broader concerns about federal overreach into elections. Advertisement Advertisement Its not surprising that people are concerned about things getting ramped up, said Michael Hanmer, a University of Maryland political science professor with a focus on voting and elections. What is surprising is that more Republicans and more conservatives in other elected offices arent throwing a fit about this. There are federal laws that grant oversight over key parts of the electoral process, but essentially, elections are run by the states. Rick Hasen, an election law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, wrote Monday that Bondis letter shows ICE is not in Minneapolis for law enforcement or immigration purposes. They are there to stir up s in blue states and try to extort them, or at least to win a battle in American public opinion about what is necessary to curb illegal immigration, Hasen said. Advertisement Advertisement Bondis request for Minnesota voter rolls is the latest in a nationwide effort to gain access to voter data. Dozens of states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, have refused, and litigation is ongoing. Earlier this month, a judge rebuffed the administrations efforts to force California to hand over the information. And Tuesday, a federal judge in Oregon dismissed a similar suit. Theres a lot of ways in which having that information centrally can be abused as a pretext to engage in other efforts to interfere in the upcoming election, said Weiser, whose organization has been tracking the administrations efforts to access voting data and equipment. GOP strategist Ford OConnell argued that Republicans want access to voter data in order to make elections more secure, and that its the Democrats who are interfering by resisting. Another Republican strategist predicted Democrats will turn up the volume on interference concerns as the election approaches, but that GOP leaders know any interference would face consequences from voters. Advertisement Advertisement Altogether, though, experts say the conversation contributes to growing voter distrust in the election systems that could be problematic in the fall, when Republicans fight to hold onto their control of Washington. Where theres smoke, theres fire. The Trump administration has gone to considerable lengths to assert a federal interest in the conduct of the 2026 midterm elections, said Austin Sarat, an Amherst College political science professor and a contributor to The Hill. We are living in an era of elevated and in some cases intense fear. How that atmosphere of fear will play out six or seven months from now is difficult to say, but an atmosphere of fear is not conducive to the kind of democratic dialogue [that] a vibrant republic depends on. 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. Australian manufacturer Packserv has collaborated with FP Developments to distribute its packaging machinery across the US. The partnership will see Packservs equipment made available directly to American customers, expanding the companys reach beyond its domestic market. Packservs product line, assembled in Australia, includes machinery for liquid filling, capping, conveyor systems, and container handling. These solutions are intended for use by producers in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Through the agreement, US businesses will have access to local support and services related to Packservs equipment. According to both companies, the collaboration is underpinned by aligned principles in engineering and manufacturing standards. The aim is to provide equipment that allows manufacturers to adjust their packaging operations as their requirements change. FP Developments CEO Jeff Denson said: Packservs equipment aligns well with the type of systems our customers are looking for; proven, flexible, and ready to be integrated into real production environments. This allows us to bring those technologies to the US market while continuing to provide the engineering support and long-term service our customers expect from FP. Packserv stated that this development is part of a broader strategy to extend the presence of Australian-made industrial machinery internationally. The two companies are scheduled to present their joint offering at Pack Expo East, scheduled to be held in Philadelphia in February 2026. Packserv managing director Nathan Wardell said: As an industry-leading packaging machinery designer and manufacturer, Packserv recognises that FP Developments is a strong strategic fit for us and the perfect company to align with as we expand into the US. Their machine quality, depth of industry experience, and proven reliability align closely with our own standards. Last October, Packserv released a new four-head 5l pneumatic filling machine. The machine is designed for food and pharmaceutical production environments requiring HACCP or TGA compliance, as well as industrial settings needing IECEx or ATEX certification. "Packserv enters US distribution deal with FP Developments" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. Commercial airspace over Venezuela is set to reopen soon, allowing U.S. citizens to travel to the South American nation, President Trump announced Thursday. I just spoke to the president of Venezuela, informed her that were going to be opening up all commercial airspace over Venezuela, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. American citizens will be, very shortly, able to go to Venezuela, and theyll be safe there. The president added that he instructed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and others, including military leaders, to prepare to have the airspace reopened by the end of the day Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement The skies have been closed to commercial lines in early January, following U.S. strikes inside the country, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The duo was then flown to the U.S. to face narco-terrorism charges. Weeks earlier, Trump had announced that the airspace above Venezuela would be closed in its entirety as tensions escalated between the two nations over drug trafficking allegations and as the U.S. conducted strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. That prompted a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration for pilots to exercise caution near the countrys airspace due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity, causing the cancellation of hundreds of commercial flights. Questions about who would run the country following Maduros ouster and the future of Venezuelas robust oil reserves have swirled in the weeks since. Advertisement Advertisement During a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not rule out the potential for further military action against the nation if its interim leaders refuse to cooperate with the U.S., but he said the administration is not positioned to take immediate action. Trump on Thursday touted a very strong, very good relationship with Venezuelan leadership, saying, Were getting along really well with them. The president also said major oil companies were going to the country now, scouting it out and picking their locations, and theyll be bringing back tremendous wealth for Venezuela and for the United States. The Trump administration completed its first Venezuelan oil sale, valued at $500 million, earlier this month, with some of the proceeds being held in a Qatari bank account controlled by the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US President Donald Trump has said that he personally asked Russian leader Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine for a week due to the freezing cold weather. Source: Trump at a meeting with government officials, as reported by Clash Report Quote: "I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] Advertisement Advertisement He added that this was because of "the cold, extreme cold". Trump did not specify whether he and Putin had a telephone call or whether their communication took place in some other form. He also did not specify when this happened and when the "week" was supposed to start. A new wave of freezing cold weather is expected to hit Ukraine on Friday, with temperatures in the north plunging to almost -30 degrees Celsius, while hundreds of apartment buildings in Kyiv still have no heating since Russia's latest attacks and the situation in the energy sector remains difficult overall. Background: On Thursday 29 January, Russian pro-war social media accounts began posting about an alleged order to stop attacking Ukrainian infrastructure, which was received on January 28. On Thursday, the European Commission announced 145 million in emergency aid to Ukraine amid intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure mid-winter. A new round of negotiations on a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is expected on 1 February. US State Secretary Marco Rubio has said that US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will not be attending, but US participation is "likely". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to not open fire on Kyiv, Ukraine, for one week due to the freezing weather rocking the region. "I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this," Trump said. "It's extraordinary cold, record-setting cold. Over there too, they're having the same conditions. It's a big it's a big pile of bad weather. The worst. But it was, it really they said, they've never experienced cold like that." The president held his first Cabinet meeting of 2026 Thursday, where he welcomed special envoy Steve Witkoff to the table to provide updates on his negotiations with Russia to end the war on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Trump continued that he's happy he made the call to Putin despite warnings to not "waste" a call to the Russian leader. Russia, Ukraine To Discuss Territory As Trump Says Both Sides 'Want To Make A Deal' President Donald Trump said he called President Putin to stop firing on Ukraine during freezing weather, with the Russian leader agreeing. (Getty Images) "I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that," Trump said. "And I have to tell you, I was very nice. A lot of people said, don't waste that call. You're not going to get that. And he did it. And we're very happy that they did it." Read On The Fox News App Trump added that the agreement was a "very good thing." Advertisement Advertisement Russian strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, have hobbled the city's energy infrastructure in recent weeks, with Reuters reporting Monday that more than 1,300 apartment buildings in Ukraine's capital have been without heat in the chilling temperatures. The strikes also have left much of the population without electricity and running water. Witkoff said Thursday during the Cabinet meeting that negotiations have moved along productively and that the people of Ukraine are "hopeful and expecting that we're going to deliver a peace deal sometime soon." Witkoff and fellow administration envoy Jared Kushner joined trilateral peace talks earlier in January with Ukraine and Russia as the nations inch toward a hopeful peace deal. Witkoff And Kushner Scheduled To Meet Putin In Moscow This photograph taken Feb. 26, 2023, shows a destroyed Russian tank and buildings in the village of Kamenka, Kharkiv region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "We had five Russian generals last Sunday in Abu Dhabi with Jared and I and Dan Driscoll. We think we made a lot of progress," Witkoff said. "The talks will continue in about a week, but lots of good things happening. We have a security protocol agreement that's largely finished. A prosperity agreement that's largely, largely finished." Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy Holding Up Russia-ukraine Peace Process, Trump Says German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and European leaders pose for a photo during talks at the Chancellery in Berlin, Dec. 15, 2025. A monthly chart of the weather in Kyiv, Ukraine, shows it has been brutally cold similar to temperatures rocking many parts of the U.S., as winter storm Fern careened across much of the United States Saturday and Sunday. The month of January in Kyiv, Ukraine, shows the highest temperature reaching 34 Fahrenheit and the lowest hitting -5 Fahrenheit, according to weather data. The war in Ukraine has raged since the Biden administration as Russia looks to take hold of the nation and expand its footprint in Europe. The war will notch its four-year anniversary Feb. 24. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Trump campaigned in part on ending the war in Ukraine, arguing it never would have unfolded if he had been re-elected during the 2020 campaign cycle. The president has noted that the war in Ukraine has been more difficult to solve than he anticipated, while touting he has ended eight other wars since he was sworn back into the Oval Office just more than one year ago. Original article source: Trump says Putin agreed to halt Kyiv strikes for one week amid brutal cold Even after a press conference Thursday morning from the new leader of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Tom Homan, its still not clear exactly how much the mission will change in the aftermath of Alex Prettis killing. But whats abundantly clear is that the administration is scared of the politics of ICE and its immigration enforcement operations right now. A number of new developments not just in Minneapolis, but also in Maine and Washington, DC speak to that. Advertisement Advertisement Even as Homan is signaling there will be a softer, more focused and by-the-books effort and fewer agents in Minneapolis, we got word Trump is pulling out of the other state where hes launched a similar immigration enforcement effort. Meanwhile, the White House and Republicans seem to be preparing to make significant legislative concessions on immigration enforcement to prevent a government shutdown. Much has yet to play out. But lets break down where were at. Homans press conference The big question right now is what happens on the ground in Minneapolis. Homans press conference Thursday was light on specifics, but heavy on suggestions of a new course. Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the biggest news was that Homan said there would be a drawdown. He didnt say how big or how soon; he instead said the plan is currently being worked on. But he did signal it would happen at least to some extent regardless of conditions on the ground. Yes, I said it, he said: Draw down the number of people here. The drawdown is going to happen, based on these agreements, he added. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop. Homan also repeatedly emphasized that operations would be targeted and focused on safety and national security risks which would suggest the government is less interested in broad sweeps and stopping random people. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the administration has long insisted that its enforcement actions are targeted. But Homan said his approach would be different, noting the effort got away from that targeted approach a little bit. White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference as Marcos Charles and Rodney Scott listen at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Thursday. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP And he made a series of comments that seemed intended to break with the administrations previous no-apologies, never-back-down posture. I do not want to hear that everything that has been done here has been perfect, Homan said at one point. He added that agents who dont act with professionalism will be dealt with and that the operation would be safer and by the book. That could be read as a rebuke to the ousted head of the Minneapolis operation, Gregory Bovino, who said last week that everything we do every day is legal, ethical, moral, well grounded in law. It could even be read as a corrective of White House adviser Stephen Miller, who earlier this month claimed ICE had a flawless track record of deporting non-citizens. Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, Homan at least notionally tried to combat the idea that this was a capitulation. He repeatedly criticized the protesters rhetoric while acknowledging their right to protest and said the administration was not surrendering its mission. Im staying till the problems gone, he said. Well have to see how much changes in the hours and days ahead. But its telling that the administration at least feels the need to signal this softer touch. And given all the cameras trained on what its agents are doing, itll be pretty easy to tell if it was just rhetoric. Pulling out in Maine On a related note, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced Thursday morning that ICE was suddenly ending its recently ramped-up efforts in her state, which, like Minnesota, has a sizeable Somali population. Advertisement Advertisement Collins had urged ICE to do that in both Maine and Minnesota. Protestors participate in an anti-ICE demonstration on January 23 in Portland, Maine. - Ryan Murphy/Getty Images It was always a bizarre move for the administration to choose Maine, given Collins is hugely important for their efforts to hold the Senate in this years midterm elections. ICE being there risked a backlash. The new announcement suggests the administration has come to the realization that this wasnt a great idea, however belatedly. The mission was announced just eight days ago. The funding bill in Washington Perhaps most striking have been the machinations in Washington, where the White House and Republicans appear unusually amenable to making concessions to Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement CNNs Manu Raju and Jeff Zeleny reported late Wednesday that the White House was moving towards Democrats demands to cut out DHS funding from the current larger spending package ahead of a possible government shutdown this week. That would allow for negotiations over restricting ICEs tactics to continue in the weeks ahead. Republican leaders earlier this week had dismissed the idea of splitting up the funding bill, but Democrats whose votes are required to overcome filibusters in the Senate have played hardball. Even the centrists who gave in at the end of shutdown late last year have projected a united front with leadership and rejected the White Houses efforts to negotiate separately with them. None of it means the White House and Republicans are going to give Democrats all the policy changes they want. (Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer laid out a number of demands Wednesday, including restricting roving patrols and agents ability to use force, as well as requiring body cameras and banning masks.) But there is a clear sense that Democrats have much of the leverage right now. Republicans arent even talking very tough. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii said that Republicans seem to understand the gravity of the situation societally, and Im confident we can land it. Bowing to reality This is, in some ways, just an acknowledgment of the political reality for the White House. The polling has clearly trended away from them in recent weeks. CBS News-YouGov polling has shown the percentage of Americans who say ICE is too tough rising from 53% in October to 56% in November to 61% after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good earlier this month. A Reuters-Ipsos poll Wednesday showed Trumps approval on immigration dropping lower than its ever been in either of his two terms, at 39%. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis on January 28. - Madison Thorn/Anadolu/Getty Images And a Fox News poll Thursday showed nearly as many Americans favored going so far as to abolish ICE (36%) as opposed that (42%). Support for abolition is twice what it was when the abolish ICE movement began in the late 2010s. Advertisement Advertisement But weve also seen how Trump will often press forward even as his policies poll poorly. Hes stubborn like that, especially when its a policy he cares about. For some reason, this issue appears different. And Trump and his party are at least flirting with capitulation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Very, very senior officials in the Trump administration have had secret meetings with far-right Canadian separatists trying to shake the foundations of the country. The covert meetings between high-ranking U.S. officials and the Alberta Prosperity Project come as a widening rift appears between Canadian leadership and the White House. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used a speech in Davos, Switzerland, last week to call out President Trump for creating a rupture in the existing world order. This has created fertile ground for the clandestine meetings, with the separatists trying to capitalize on the friction. People familiar with the talks have told the Financial Times that the group from the oil-rich province where Carney grew up have met U.S. State Department officials in Washington, D.C. three times in the last nine months. A 'Make Alberta Great Again' hat during the event Help Us Make Sovereignty for Alberta Happen, organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project in March last year. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images The U.S. is extremely enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta, the bodys legal counsel, Jeff Rath, told the FT. He attended the meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Were meeting very, very senior people leaving our meetings to go directly to the Oval Office, he claimed. Sources told the publication that the group wants another meeting in February where they plan to request a $500 billion credit facility to help prop up the province financially if an independence referendum passes. A referendum has not yet been called. A State Department spokesperson admitted the meetings took place but said no commitments were made. A White House official said that no such support, or any other commitments, was conveyed. A person familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents thinking told the FT that he and his team are not aware of any credit request, nor do they intend to engage with one if it is forthcoming. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump attend the draw for the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup in December. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images A spokesperson from a conservative think-tank in Calgary said the U.S. officials are merely trying to further destabilize Canada. Carlo Dade, from the Canada West Foundation, described the separatist leaders as attention seekers. Advertisement Advertisement He added: The Americans are more than happy to continue to play Canadians off each other. News of the meetings comes after Bessent appeared to try to stoke the flames of a rift in an interview with right-wing streaming channel Real Americas Voice. Albertas a natural partner for the U.S. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people, Bessent said. Rumor is they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not. Bessent made the comment after complaining that Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but its not allowed to build a pipeline to the Pacific Ocean. An AI-generated image shared by President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Jan. 20. / Truth Social Earlier this month, Trump shared a Truth Social post that showed an AI-generated image with a map on it that had Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela draped in an American flag. Advertisement Advertisement Polling conducted last week, however, suggests that more Albertans are happy being part of Canada than not. The Ipsos polling found that approximately seven in 10 residents would vote for their province to stay with Canada. Undeterred, the Alberta Prosperity Project is trying to conjure up 177,000 signatures to bring an independence petition to the legislature before May. The overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a U.S. state, said a spokesperson for Albertas premier Danielle Smith. Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, said Canada is the victim of foreign interference. It doesnt feel organic, we are being targeted by the MAGA crowd, he said. President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that Democrats would "find something" to impeach him over if they take back the House in November. "They'll find something. There'll be something," he said during an exclusive interview on "The Will Cain Show." "I made the wrong turn at an exit, and let's impeach him. They did that before. They impeached me on a perfect phone call, turned out. They impeached me twice and, by the way, I won the impeachments very easily and quickly, but they impeach. They're very nasty people [and] they have bad policy." Advertisement Advertisement The president joined the show live from Iowa, where he kicked off a push toward the 2026 midterm elections through interactions with voters that culminated in a campaign-style event in Clive. Here Are The Key 2026 House And Senate Races To Watch That Could Decide Control Of Congress History indicates Trump and Republicans as a whole face an uphill battle as the majority party heading into November. Read On The Fox News App Since the 1930s, midterm elections have almost always resulted in the presidents party losing House seats, and often control of the House. Trump Hits The Road To Sell Economic Wins, As Republicans Brace For High-stakes Midterm Showdown The House of Representatives appears in this undated photo in Washington, D.C. The Republican Party's narrow House majority is in jeopardy this November. (Getty Images) Trump acknowledged that reality while speaking to Cain. Advertisement Advertisement "Whether it's Republican or Democrat, when they win, it doesn't make any difference. They seem to lose the midterms, so that's the only thing I worry about," he said. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Maybe they [voters] want to put up a guard fence. You just don't know. It doesn't make sense. Even if a president did well, they seemed to lose the midterms, but hopefully we're going to change that around." Republicans currently have a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives, holding 218 seats to the Democrats' 213. Original article source: Trump warns Democrats will find something to impeach him over if they win back House By Samia Nakhoul, Humeyra Pamuk, Rami Ayyub and Parisa Hafezi DUBAI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers. Two U.S. sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for "regime change" after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could overrun government and security buildings, they said. Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path, one of the sources and a U.S. official said. The second U.S. source said the options being discussed by Trump's aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach U.S. allies in the Middle East or its nuclear enrichment programmes. Iran has been unwilling to negotiate restrictions on the missiles, which it sees as its only deterrence against Israel, the first source said. The arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships in the Middle East this week has expanded Trump's capabilities to potentially take military action, after he repeatedly threatened intervention over Iran's crackdown. Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people for this account of the high-stakes deliberations over Washington's next moves regarding Iran. Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, U.S. strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained heroic but outgunned. The sources in this story requested anonymity to talk about sensitive matters. Iran's foreign office, the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Israeli Prime Minister's office declined to comment. Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, warning that any future U.S. attack would be "far worse" than a June bombing campaign against three nuclear sites. He described the ships in the region as an "armada" sailing to Iran. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was "preparing itself for a military confrontation, while at the same time making use of diplomatic channels." However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said. The U.S. official said the current weakness of the regime encouraged Trump to apply pressure and seek a deal on denuclearisation. Advertisement Advertisement Iran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue "based on mutual respect and interests" but would defend itself "like never before" if pushed, Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X on Wednesday. Trump has not publicly detailed what he is looking for in any deal. His administration's previous negotiating points have included banning Iran from independently enriching uranium and restrictions on long-range ballistic missiles and on Tehran's already-weakened network of armed proxies in the Middle East. LIMITS OF AIR POWER A senior Israeli official with direct knowledge of planning between Israel and the United States said Israel does not believe airstrikes alone can topple the Islamic Republic, if that is Washington's goal. Advertisement Advertisement If you're going to topple the regime, you have to put boots on the ground, he told Reuters, noting that even if the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would "have a new leader that will replace him." Only a combination of external pressure and an organised domestic opposition could shift Irans political trajectory, the official said. The Israeli official said Irans leadership had been weakened by the unrest but remained firmly in control despite the ongoing deep economic crisis that sparked the protests. Multiple U.S. intelligence reports reached a similar conclusion, that the conditions that led to the protests were still in place, weakening the government, but without major fractures, two people familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement The Western source said they believed Trump's goal appeared to be to engineer a change in leadership, rather than "topple the regime," an outcome that would be similar to Venezuela, where U.S. intervention replaced the president without a wholesale change of government. During a U.S. Senate hearing about Venezuela on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "the hope" was for a similar transition if Khamenei were to fall, although he recognised that the situation in Iran was far more complex. The U.S. official said it was unclear who would take over if Khamenei were out of power. Khamenei has publicly acknowledged several thousand deaths during the protests. He blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and what he called seditionists. U.S.-based rights group HRANA has put the unrest-related death toll at 5,937, including 214 security personnel, while official figures put the death toll at 3,117. Reuters has been unable to independently verify the numbers. KHAMENEI RETAINS CONTROL BUT LESS VISIBLE Advertisement Advertisement At 86, Khamenei has retreated from daily governance, reduced public appearances and is believed to be residing in secure locations after Israeli strikes last year decimated many of Irans senior military leaders, regional officials said. Day-to-day management has shifted to figures aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including senior adviser Ali Larijani, they said. The powerful Guards dominate Iran's security network and big parts of the economy. However, Khamenei retains final authority over war, succession and nuclear strategy - meaning political change is very difficult until he exits the scene, they said. Iran's foreign ministry did not respond to questions about Khamenei. In Washington and Jerusalem, some officials have argued that a transition in Iran could break the nuclear deadlock and eventually open the door to more cooperative ties with the West, two of the Western diplomats said. Advertisement Advertisement But, they cautioned, there is no clear successor to Khamenei. In that vacuum, the Arab officials and diplomats said they believe the IRGC could take over, entrenching hard-line rule, deepening the nuclear standoff and regional tensions. Any successor seen as emerging under foreign pressure would be rejected and could strengthen, not weaken the IRGC, the official said. Across the region, from the Gulf to Turkey, officials say they favour containment over collapse - not out of sympathy for Tehran, but out of fear that turmoil inside a nation of 90 million, riven by sectarian and ethnic fault lines, could unleash instability far beyond Iran's borders. A fractured Iran could spiral into civil war as happened after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, two of the Western diplomats warned, unleashing an influx of refugees, fueling Islamist militancy and disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy chokepoint. Advertisement Advertisement The gravest risk, analyst Vatanka warned, is fragmentation into early-stage Syria, with rival units and provinces fighting for territory and resources. REGIONAL BLOWBACK Gulf states - longtime U.S. allies and hosts to major American bases- fear they would be the first targets for Iranian retaliation that could include Iranian missiles or drone attacks from the Tehran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt have lobbied Washington against a strike on Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement The United States may pull the trigger, one of the Arab sources said, but it will not live with the consequences. We will. Mohannad Hajj-Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center said the U.S. deployments suggest planning has shifted from a single strike to something more sustained, driven by a belief in Washington and Jerusalem that Iran could rebuild its missile capabilities and eventually weaponise its enriched uranium. The most likely outcome is a "grinding erosion - elite defections, economic paralysis, contested succession - that frays the system until it snaps, analyst Vatanka said. (Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Humeyra Pamuk, Gram Slattery, Steve Holland and Idrees Ali in Washington, Rami Ayyub and Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Writing by Samia Nakhoul; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) UNITED NATIONS (AP) President Donald Trumps latest attempt to sidestep the United Nations through his new Board of Peace appears to have inadvertently backfired after major world powers rejected U.S. aspirations for it to have a larger international mandate beyond the Gaza ceasefire and recommitted their support for the over 80-year-old global institution. The board to be chaired by Trump was originally envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing his plan for Gaza's future. But the Republican presidents ambitions have expanded to envisioning the board as a mediator of worldwide conflicts, a not very subtle attempt to eclipse the Security Council, which is charged with ensuring international peace and security. The board's charter also caused some dismay by stating Trump will lead it until he resigns, with veto power over its actions and membership. Advertisement Advertisement His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, tried to ease concerns by saying the board's focus right now is only on the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire plan. This is not a replacement for the U.N., but the U.N. has served very little purpose in the case of Gaza other than the food assistance, Rubio said at a congressional hearing Wednesday. But Trump's promotion of a broadened mandate and his floating of an idea that the Board of Peace might replace the U.N. have put off major players and been dismissed by U.N. officials. In my opinion, the basic responsibility for international peace and security lies with U.N., lies with the Security Council, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Thursday. Only the Security Council can adopt decisions binding on all, and no other body or other coalition can legally be required to have all member states to comply with decisions on peace and security. Advertisement Advertisement In Security Council statements, public speeches and behind closed doors, U.S. allies and adversaries have dismissed Trumps latest plan to overturn the post-World War II international order with what he describes as a bold new approach to resolving global conflict. The U.S. rollout of the much broader Board of Peace charter turned the whole exercise into a liability, according to the International Crisis Groups Richard Gowan, a U.N. watcher and program director. Countries that wanted to sign on to help Gaza saw the board turning into a Trump fan club. That was not appealing. If Trump had kept the focus of the board solely on Gaza, more states, including some more Europeans, would have signed up, he said. Key Security Council members haven't signed on Advertisement Advertisement The four other veto-wielding members of the Security Council China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom have refused or have not indicated whether they would join Trump's board, as have economic powers such as Japan and Germany. Letters sent this month inviting various world leaders to be founding members of the Board of Peace coincided with Trumps vow to take over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and punish some European countries that resisted. That was met with stark rebuttal from Canada, Denmark and others, who said Trumps demand threatened to upend an alliance that has been among the West's most unshakeable. Shortly after, Trump pulled a dramatic reversal on Greenland, saying he had agreed with the NATO secretary-general on a framework of a future deal on Arctic security. Amid the diplomatic chaos, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who at the time had not responded to Trumps Board of Peace invitation, met with Guterres in London and reiterated the UKs enduring support for the UN and the international rules-based system, according to a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Starmer emphasized the U.N.s pivotal role in tackling global problems which shape lives in the UK and all over the world. The United Kingdom has expressed concerns about the board and declined to take part in Trump's signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, last week but has not yet officially responded to the invitation. France, Spain and Slovenia declined Trumps offer by mentioning its overlapping and potentially conflicting agenda with the U.N. French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that the board goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question. Spain would not join because the board excluded the Palestinian Authority and because the body was outside the framework of the United Nations, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Advertisement Advertisement Some countries are urging a stronger UN Americas adversaries also have shunned the board. No single country should dictate terms based on its power, and a winner-takes-all approach is unacceptable, Chinas U.N. ambassador, Fu Cong, said at a Security Council meeting Monday. He called for the United Nations to be strengthened, not weakened, and said the Security Councils status and role are irreplaceable. In a clear reference to the Board of Peace, Fu said, We shall not cherry-pick our commitments to the organization, nor shall we bypass the U.N. and create alternative mechanisms. So far, about 26 of some 60 invited countries have joined the board, and about nine European countries have declined. India did not attend Trumps signing ceremony last week but is reportedly still deciding what to do. Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys invitation. Advertisement Advertisement Its hardly surprising that very few governments want to join Trumps wannabe-U.N., which so far looks more like a pay-to-play club of human rights abusers and war crimes suspects than a serious international organization, said Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director for Human Rights Watch. Instead of handing Trump $1 billion checks to join his Board of Peace, governments should work on strengthening the U.N. Eight Muslim nations that agreed to join the board issued a joint statement that supported its mission in Gaza and advancement of Palestinian statehood. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates made no mention of Trumps global peacemaking plan. The Crisis Groups Gowan said their focus could be a way to get a foothold in discussions of Gaza at the start, as Trumps ceasefire plan has already faced several setbacks. I remain unconvinced that this is a real long-term threat to the U.N., Gowan said. Advertisement Advertisement ___ In a story published Jan. 29, 2026, The Associated Press reported that the United Kingdom declined to join the Board of Peace. The story should have made clear that the U.K. declined to take part in Trumps signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, and expressed concerns about it but has not yet officially responded to the board invitation. Canadian National logo RICHMOND, British Columbia - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed a team of investigators to the scene of a Tuesday night derailment near Vanderhoof, B.C., the agency said today (Jan. 28). The Prince George Citizen reports 34 cars of a loaded Canadian National coal train derailed about 10 p.m. Tuesday at Mile 56 on CN's Nechako Subdivision east of Vanderhoof. The derailment site is near the Nechako River. No injuries were reported. CN said in a statement to the newspaper that its crews had responded to the incident. "Environmental experts are engaged with provincial and federal regulators about the incident," the railroad said. "The company is also working with local municipalities and First Nation communities to coordinate and plan remediation efforts for the river." Vanderhoof is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Prince George on CN's line to Prince Rupert, B.C. - To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com. Turkey will offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran during a visit by Iran's foreign minister on Friday, officials said, as Ankara considers reinforcing security along its border should the dispute escalate. Friday's visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi comes after US President Donald Trump threatened a military strike on Iran over its deadly protest crackdown earlier this month. A US naval strike group arrived in Middle East waters on Monday with Trump warning it was "ready, willing and able" to hit Iran "if necessary". Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will tell Araghchi on Friday that his country "is ready to contribute to resolving the current tensions through dialogue", a Turkish diplomatic source said. Fidan would reiterate Turkey's opposition "to military interventions against Iran... (over) the regional and global risks such a step would entail", said the source, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. -'Security risks'- The minister had on Wednesday stressed the need for Washington and Tehran to resume discussions over the Iranian nuclear programme, suggesting that was the top priority to be resolved. Advertisement Advertisement "It's wrong to attack Iran. It's wrong to start the war again. Iran is ready to negotiate on the nuclear file again," Fidan had told Al-Jazeera television. "Turkey supports reaching a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear programme in the near term and is ready to provide assistance if needed in this regard," the foreign ministry source said. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the visit, saying on X that Tehran "is determined to continuously strengthen relations with its neighbours based on the policy of good neighbourliness and common interests". Analysts say Turkey believes a military intervention against Iran would generate serious security risks, including instability and mass migration, and therefore prioritises diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement "Turkey's focus in US-Iran relations is not necessarily on resolving all disputes, but on preventing a military intervention," Ankara-based Iranian academic Arif Keskin told AFP. He said Turkey's stance also aligns with the approach of pro-negotiation circles in Iran. "At this stage, it is widely acknowledged that the actor that would benefit most from negotiations and a potential agreement would be the Iranian leadership itself," Keskin said. "Even the initiation of talks is viewed as a significant gain for Iran." - Contingency plans - Alongside its diplomatic push, Ankara is assessing additional security precautions along its border with Iran if a US strike destabilises the country, a senior Turkish official told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Much of the 500-kilometre (310-mile) frontier is secured by a wall, but "it has proven insufficient", said the official, who requested anonymity. The Turkish authorities have so far avoided the term "buffer zone" but options under review include deploying more troops and expanding technological surveillance systems, the official added. Turkey began building a concrete wall in 2021 as concerns grew about a potential influx of migrants following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. So far, officials say there is no sign of mass movement toward Turkey linked to developments in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the defence ministry said it had detected "no evidence" of largescale migration. Unmanned aerial vehicles continue to conduct round-the-clock reconnaissance along the frontier. To date, authorities have installed 203 electrooptical towers, 43 lift towers, 380 kilometres of modular concrete wall, and 553 kilometres of trenches, according to official figures. burs-ach-fo/ach US tomato-products firm Violet Foods has acquired the Muir Glen brand from General Mills. In a statement issued yesterday (27 January), Violet Foods, backed by private-equity firm Amphora Equity Partners, said the acquisition represents a significant expansion for the business. However, the company did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. According to its website, Muir Glen produces a range of organic products, including canned and jarred tomatoes, pasta and pizza sauces, salsas and ketchup, with all tomato production based in California. General Mills has owned the Muir Glen brand since 2001. Violet Foods, which manufactures pizza sauce, pasta sauce and other tomato-based products, plans to integrate Muir Glens organic tomato range with its own established position in fresh-pack tomato offerings. Jim Mitchell, Violet Foods' president, said: By combining Muir Glens 35-year legacy in organic tomatoes with Violet Foods expertise in high-quality, fresh-pack tomato products, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation and facilitate growth for our customers. Headquartered in Williamstown, New Jersey, Violet Foods owns brands such as Sclafani, Fattoria Fresca and Don Pepino. The company acquired the Don Pepino and Sclafani sauces and canned tomato brands from B&G Foods last May. The sale comes as General Mills continues a global transformation programme, launched last year to improve productivity across the business. As part of that plan, General Mills intends to close a pizza-crust facility in St. Charles, Missouri, by the end of June. The company also plans to shut three Missouri facilities acquired over the past three years by the end of its 2029 fiscal year. Amphora Equity Partners managing partner David West said: We are grateful to General Mills for their collaboration throughout the transaction process. We are eager to build on the momentum that they created with this incredible brand. "PE-backed Violet Foods buys Muir Glen from General Mills" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. LEBANON - Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze at an 18th century farmhouse in Lebanon for several hours Wednesday that ended up leaving a family displaced, according to the fire chief. The displaced family was being assisted by the Red Cross, and their cat remained unaccounted for Thursday, Lebanon Volunteer Fire Chief Jay Schall said. Schall said crews responded to Kick Hill Road home around 6:23 p.m. Wednesday for reports of the blaze. Schall said once crews got there, the family confirmed everyone was outside of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Schall said firefighters started an aggressive attack and had "a good portion of the fire knocked down." He said the house's amount of voids and crawl spaces, along with the cold temperatures, made it hard to fight and hours to overhaul. In addition, Schall said floors and stairs inside the home were compromised during the battle. The fire was controlled around 10:30 p.m., Schall said, but he remained at the scene until around 3:30 a.m., to make sure the blaze did not rekindle. "It's [the house] not a total loss," Schall said to CT Insider on Thursday. "These old post and beam buildings actually hold pretty well. I would say that the back portion, which is an addition, is a total loss and the front of the house could be salvageable." None of the residents was injured, but a firefighter sustained minor injuries and needed to be treated, Schall said. Schall said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. This article originally published at Two-alarm fire at 18th century farmhouse in Lebanon leaves family displaced, chief says. Talks between the U.K. and the U.S. over the future of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean have reportedly reopened after President Donald Trumps comments cast doubt over an agreement that would see Britain hand sovereignty of the strategically vital archipelago to Mauritius. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Wednesday that the U.K. had reopened discussions after the president had panned the deal and branded it an "act of great stupidity," GB News reported. "Shockingly, our brilliant NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER," Trump had posted on Truth Social. "There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness." Advertisement Advertisement He added: "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." Trump Warns Us Can No Longer Think Purely Of Peace As He Pushes For Greenland Control Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago and site of a major United States military base in the middle of the Indian Ocean, was leased from the U.K. in 1966. (Reuters Photos) The Chagos Islands were separated from Mauritius during Britains decolonization process, a move the International Court of Justice ruled unlawful in 2019. Read On The Fox News App The U.K. later agreed to transfer sovereignty while leasing Diego Garcia back for at least 99 years at a cost of at least $160 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement Diego Garcia is a hub for long-range bombers, logistics and power projection across the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific and Africa. Around 2,500 military and civilian personnel, mostly American , are stationed there. The base serves as a critical operation point for the U.S. and plays a central role in intelligence gathering and securing military communications. Speaking aboard a flight to China, Starmer said he had "discussed Chagos with Donald Trump a number of times," but declined to confirm whether the issue had been raised during a phone call between the two leaders on Sunday, The Financial Times reported. Trumps Small Ask For Greenland Would Be The Real Estate Deal Of A Lifetime British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he "discussed Chagos with [President] Donald Trump a number of times." Starmer also said the matter "has been raised with the White House at the tail end of last week, over the weekend and into the early part of this week." Advertisement Advertisement Starmer also added that when the Trump administration took office, the U.K. paused the agreement for three months to allow the U.S. time to assess the deal at the agency level. "Once theyd done that, they were very clear in the pronouncements about the fact that they supported the deal, and there were announcements made," he said. A Downing Street spokesperson also confirmed London was working to "allay any concerns" in Washington, according to GB News. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "We will continue to engage with the U.S. on this important matter and the importance of the deal to secure U.S. and U.K. interests and allay any concerns, as weve done throughout the process," the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments on the Chagos deal had been welcomed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who wrote on X: "Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos islands." Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and Downing Street for comment. Original article source: UK reopens Chagos Islands talks with US following Trump criticism of deal: reports The bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been returned by Russia, Kyiv has said, in the latest exchange between the warring countries. Russia received 38 bodies in return, Moscow's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said. Medinsky posted a photo on Telegram apparently showing the exchange, with individuals dressed in biohazard suits standing next to a line of white refrigerated trucks used to transport bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged thousands of soldiers' bodies over the course of the almost four-year conflict. The latest exchange took place under an agreement reached by the two sides during negotiations in Istanbul in 2025. Under that deal, Moscow and Kyiv agreed to return the bodies of 12,000 soldiers, as well as all sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war and those aged under 25. The last swap took place in November last year when Russia returned 1,000 bodies to Ukraine and received 30 in return. There has not been an exchange of prisoners of war since October 2025, with both sides accusing the other of stalling. Advertisement Advertisement As the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 inches closer, efforts at brokering a peace deal between the two countries continue. Last week, Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators met in the United Arab Emirates for the first trilateral talks since the war began. The negotiations were described by all sides as constructive, but key territorial issues remain unresolved, including Russia's demand that Ukraine give up the 25% of the Donetsk region still under its control. Despite the ongoing negotiations, both sides continue to exchange drone attacks. Advertisement Advertisement At least five people were killed in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Tuesday after a Russian drone struck a passenger train. Russia has intensified its strikes on key infrastructure targets in recent months, leaving many people in Ukraine to face freezing temperatures without heating or power. More on this story By Max Hunder KYIV, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Ukraine is working with Elon Musk's SpaceX to stop Russia from guiding drones using the firm's Starlink internet system, the defence minister said on Thursday, after Kyiv said it had found Starlinks on long-range drones used in Russian attacks. A Ukrainian official has posted pictures this week on social media of the wreckage of long-range Russian drones with Starlink terminals attached, and said Russia may have used Musk's system to guide drones that hit a Ukrainian passenger train on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement "We are grateful to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and personally to Elon Musk for the quick response and the start of work on resolving the situation," Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "Western technology must continue to help the democratic world and protect civilians, rather than being used for terrorism and destroying peaceful cities." SpaceX did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment. Musk turned on Starlink service over Ukraine in 2022 after Kyiv pleaded for help in the first days following Russia's full-scale invasion. Despite Musk's subsequent clashes with Ukrainian officials over his views on the war, Ukraine's military still relies on tens of thousands of Starlinks for battlefield communication and for piloting some drone missions. Advertisement Advertisement They are favoured for their stable connection on the battlefield and for their resistance to enemy signal jamming. In a social media post in February 2024, SpaceX said it does not sell or ship Starlink to Russia, and "does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military". The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War said it had seen reports of Russia using Starlink-equipped Shahed long-range drones beginning in September 2024. 'HUNDREDS' OF STARLINK-EQUIPPED DRONES Serhiy Beskrestnov, a newly appointed adviser to Fedorov, drew attention to the issue over the past week by posting pictures on social media of the wreckage of long-range Russian drones, including Shaheds, with Starlink terminals. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Beskrestnov said that Shahed drones manually flown by pilots, possibly through Starlink, had attacked a passenger train in northeastern Ukraine. That attack killed five people, and was denounced by Kyiv as an act of terrorism. On Thursday, Beskrestnov said there had been "hundreds" of cases where Starlink-enabled Russian drones had attacked Ukraine. "The complexity of this process lies in the fact that Starlink cannot be suppressed by means of electronic warfare, and even their position in flight cannot be detected by reconnaissance equipment," he wrote, adding that the way to solve the issue was therefore through SpaceX. (Reporting by Max Hunder, Dan Peleschuk and Cassell Bryan-LowAdditional reporting by Yuliia DysaEditing by Daniel Flynn and Peter Graff) Danish veterans on Wednesday criticised the US embassy in Copenhagen for removing national flags put up in front of the mission to honour Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan. The embassy later backtracked, and a US State Department spokesperson told AFP that "until an outlet reached out, we were unaware of why the flags were placed in planters outside the Embassy", noting they had been put up without coordination with the embassy. US President Donald Trump last week angered some allies by downplaying the role of non-US NATO troops in the Afghanistan war, saying in an interview that NATO troops "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines". Advertisement Advertisement In response, 44 Danish flags, which carried the names of the 44 Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan, were put up on Tuesday in flower beds outside the US embassy in Copenhagen. A video published by Danish media showed embassy staff taking down the flags on Wednesday morning. The embassy originally told Danish media that it had removed the flags because they had been put up without coordination with the embassy. In its statement to AFP, it also noted that "flags, banners, signs, and other items are sometimes left near the embassy" following demonstrations, and while not prohibited they are usually cleaned up by guard staff at the end of their shift. Advertisement Advertisement It said the flags placed there on Tuesday had been removed "in accordance with this policy". But politicians and veterans' representatives condemned the move. "This was an unnecessary action, which has been perceived as a provocation by many Danes," Carsten Rasmussen, chairman of the Danish Veteran Association, told AFP. Many felt Trump's comments represented "a betrayal" of their brothers in arms, he added. - 'Completely unacceptable' - Jens-Kristian Lutken, a Copenhagen city official representing the Liberal Party (Venstre), called the embassy's move and the questioning of Danish efforts in Afghanistan "completely unacceptable". Advertisement Advertisement "We have fought alongside the Americans in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, and we have lost many soldiers in Afghanistan -- per capita, as many as the Americans have lost," he told broadcaster TV2. Following the news of the removal, new flags were put up on Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of small Danish flags had been put up in the flowerbeds, TV2 reported. The embassy told AFP that "additional flags subsequently placed are currently in place and will remain so". "If the American ambassador is fully aware of what is going on in Denmark, then they will know what this is all about," Rasmussen told AFP about the original move to take down the flags. "They will know that it seems like a provocation." The Danish Veteran Association is also planning a silent march towards the embassy on Saturday. jll/phz By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a recently announced Trump administration policy targeting the roughly 5,600 lawful refugees in Minnesota who are awaiting green cards. In a written ruling, U.S. District Judge John Tunheim in Minneapolis said federal agents likely violated multiple federal statutes by arresting some of these refugees to subject them to additional vetting. Advertisement Advertisement "At its best, America serves as a haven of individual liberties in a world too often full of tyranny and cruelty," Tunheim wrote. "We abandon that ideal when we subject our neighbors to fear and chaos." Tunheim issued a temporary restraining order blocking federal agents from arresting lawful refugees in Minnesota who have not been charged with immigration violations. The judge said the ruling would remain in place until he can hear additional legal arguments by civil rights groups challenging the policy. The Trump administration sent thousands of immigration agents to Minneapolis and Saint Paul beginning in December in what officials described as an operation to enforce immigration laws and stop fraud. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the architect of President Donald Trump's immigration agenda, criticized Tunheim's ruling on X, saying: "The judicial sabotage of democracy is unending." Advertisement Advertisement The order was a major setback to "Operation PARRIS," a program announced by the Department of Homeland Security earlier this month and billed as "a sweeping initiative reexamining thousands of refugee cases through new background checks." Tunheim said his order does not affect DHS's ability to reexamine refugee applicants and that it "does not impact DHSs lawful enforcement of immigration laws." Tunheim said the refugees impacted by his order are carefully vetted individuals who "have a right not to be subjected to the terror of being arrested and detained without warrants or cause." Kimberly Grano, a lawyer at the International Refugee Assistance Project, which is involved in the litigation, said in a press release the order will put in place "desperately-needed guardrails" on federal agents. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Tom Hogue) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday it is opening an investigation after a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California last week, causing minor injuries. The auto safety agency said the child ran across the street on January 23 from behind a double parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Alphabet-unit Waymo autonomous vehicle during normal school drop off hours. The agency said there were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity. Advertisement Advertisement Waymo said in a blog post Thursday it will cooperate in the investigation and said the child "suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle's path" and added the self-driving vehicle immediately detected the individual as soon as the child began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle, braking hard and reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made. NHTSA is opening a preliminary evaluation to investigate whether the Waymo AV exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users. The agency said it plans to examine the vehicle's "intended behavior in school zones and neighboring areas, especially during normal school pick up/drop off times, including but not limited to its adherence to posted speed limits" and will "also investigate Waymo's post-impact response." Waymo said a computer model suggested a fully attentive human driver in this same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph. After the collision, the child stood up immediately, walked to the sidewalk, and Waymo called 911. Advertisement Advertisement "The vehicle remained stopped, moved to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement cleared the vehicle to leave the scene," Waymo said. The same day as the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into Waymo after its robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses in Austin, Texas, at least 19 times since the start of the school year. Waymo in December recalled more than 3,000 vehicles to update the software that had caused vehicles to drive past stopped school buses that were loading or unloading students, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA opened a probe in October into Waymo vehicles near school buses. Waymo said Friday there were no collisions in the incidents. The Austin Independent School District said in November five incidents occurred in November after Waymo software updates to resolve the issue. The school system asked the company to halt operations around schools during pick-up and drop-off times until it could ensure the vehicles would not violate the law. In December, the school district told Reuters that Waymo had refused to halt operations around schools. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Ros Russell) The United States says it intends to prosecute the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged tanker which it seized in the North Atlantic. American authorities took control of the Marinera on 7 January south of Iceland before escorting it to Scotland's Moray coast. The captain, Georgian national Avtandil Kalandadze, and an unnamed colleague were taken onboard the US coastguard vessel Munro on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the US Embassy in London told BBC News that two members of the crew "remain in US custody following their lawful arrest for violation of US law." The embassy said the men would be "brought to the United States to face prosecution" in a US court. They said the remaining 26 crew members had disembarked from the ship, adding their repatriation was being handled "in line with standard UK immigration and legal procedures". Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, First Minister John Swinney said all 26 would be "repatriated to countries of their choice over the course of today and tomorrow." Earlier this week, the Court of Session in Edinburgh rejected a request by lawyers for the captain's wife, Natia Dzadzamia, to stop the US removing her husband from Scottish jurisdiction. The judge, Lord Young, said the 1978 State Immunity Act meant he did not have the power to make such an order against a foreign government. Dzadzama's lawyers had argued Kalandadze should be protected by the Scottish courts and European human rights law. Advertisement Advertisement There was broad agreement at Holyrood that the US had been right to seize the vessel but some disquiet about the fate of its captain and crew. "Our sovereignty has been violated, our courts have been defied and a foreign military has abducted two people from our territory," said Scottish Green Party co-leader, Ross Greer. Swinney said he understood "the strength of feeling on this issue." Members of the Marinera crew were seen leaving a hotel in Elgin on Tuesday [BBC] The US has accused the Marinera, formerly known as the Bella 1, of breaching sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia and Iran. The UK government backed the operation to seize the tanker, saying it was a lawful action against a vessel involved in breaking sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement The Ministry of Defence (MoD) provided operational support and US planes used UK airfields, including some in Scotland. But the Russian government denounced the seizure, demanding that the US treat Russian nationals aboard properly and allow them to return to Russia quickly. In Wednesday's statement, the US Embassy said the "United States and the United Kingdom are coordinating regarding the status, processing, and prospective repatriation of crew members from the Bella 1." It said the vessel had been "interdicted" in international waters and moved into UK territorial waters "for safety reasons." Advertisement Advertisement The statement added that "US and UK officials across several agencies are working together closely to determine a way forward for final disposition of the ship." At Holyrood, Swinney also called for "proper lines of communication" with the UK government, after saying ministers in Edinburgh had been left in the dark about the US-led operation. He said his government was not told in advance about the captain and first officer being taken into US custody. He insisted that Scottish ministers and officials had followed proper legal processes. Asked by Labour MSP Neil Bibby if he had received security briefings from the UK government, the first minister confirmed they had been provided. Advertisement Advertisement The UK government has previously defended its dealings with Swinney's government, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander saying it was "very clear" that defence and foreign affairs were under the control of Westminster not Holyrood. State agricultural officials killed three gray wolves in the north-central part of Utah on Jan. 9 in an effort to prevent the predators from establishing breeding pairs in the state. The three wolves were discovered near livestock operations, says Utah Department of Natural Resources public information officer Faith Jolley. This was the first time the state has killed wolves in the region since 2010. The DNR could not immediately provide details on where the wolves may have come from. The removal was not announced by either the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, which carried out the removal, or the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Instead the news surfaced after a photo of three dead wolves began circulating among locals and the story was picked up by the Herald-Journal, a local news outlet. Jolley could not confirm the origin of the photo of three dead wolves that has appeared in local news outlets. The photo (below) was provided to Outdoor Life by a Logan resident who asked to remain anonymous, but who felt it was important to publicize the presence of wolves in the state. The unverified photo of three gray wolves circulating among north-central Utah residents. Photo provided to OL The large carnivores were in a small delisted area of Utah that borders Idaho and Wyoming, where wolves are not federally protected. (The delisted area is north of I-80 and east of I-84, not far outside Salt Lake City.) Wolves in the rest of the state if any exist are still listed as a federally-protected endangered species and as a result are under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Advertisement Advertisement Jolley says the wolves were killed to comply with the Utah Wolf Management Act, which mandates wildlife officials prevent wolves from forming packs in the state. Lethal removals ensure they dont establish breeding populations in Utah, says Jolley. Killing the wolves also ensures the animals do not migrate back into the delisted area of Utah. Lawmakers in 2010 directed the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources to prevent any packs of wolves from establishing within the delisted portion of Utah, reads a state fact sheet. The state does, however, cooperate with USFWS to trap and relocate any wolves spotted in areas where theyre still federally listed. Wildlife officials across the West often trap and relocate large predators like wolves, mountain lions, and bears that are in close proximity to livestock instead of killing them. Because of Utahs law, however, the state did not consider relocation, says Jolley. Advertisement Advertisement Wolves are rarely spotted in Utah, though they occasionally wander into the state from Wyoming, Idaho, and, more recently, Colorado. Utah has confirmed 21 wolf sightings since 2004. The state also says one lone male wolf was spotted and confirmed in September 2025. A coyote hunter mistakenly shot and killed a wolf in 2014 in the Tushar Mountains in southcentral Utah, says Jolley. She added that a trapper killed a wolf in the state in 2015. Nearly all confirmed sightings have been consistent with lone, dispersing wolves, and the DWR has been unable to verify any breeding behavior or established packs in Utah, according to the DWRs website. With continuing wolf introductions in Colorado, dispersal into Utah is expected to continue and likely increase. Related: USFWS Will Terminate Colorados Wolf Program Unless the State Complies with This Ultimatum Although Utah could legally provide wolves to Colorado, it did not consider trapping the wolves and offering to give or sell them to Colorado, even though its neighboring state has been struggling to find wolves for reintroduction. The USFWS recently informed Colorado that it could not continue importing wolves from Canada, which leaves just a handful of states that could legally provide wolves for its restoration program. Other regional states including Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming and Washington have also declined to provide wolves. Utah leaders blamed a breakdown in communication between local and federal law enforcement for the deadly confrontations with immigration authorities in Minnesota as President Donald Trump continues his push for mass deportations. Top policymakers promised to prevent similar chaos in Utah by collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and drafting a jurisdictional protocol to clarify relationships between local and federal partners. This wouldnt happen in Utah, and it shouldnt happen in Minnesota, Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said on Monday. They need to find a way to come together ... the state and the locals and the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, have vocally opposed ICE in their state. After immigration authorities shot Renee Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Saturday, federal officials blocked state investigations into their deaths. On Monday, Trump appeared to reestablish communication through phone calls with Walz and Frey. The president also sent border czar Tom Homan to oversee operations in Minneapolis in response to deteriorating public opinion. Law enforcement detain a man outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building during a protest on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Yuki Iwamura Majority of Utah disapproves of ICE tactics The latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found a 12 percentage-point deficit among Utah voters in approval of the tactics ICE uses. A majority, 53%, said they disapproved of the deportation methods used by ICE and Border Patrol, while 41% said they approved and 6% didnt know. Advertisement Advertisement Utah Republicans largely supported the deportation methods being used by federal agents, with 64% who approved, including 41% who strongly approved. Meanwhile, disapproval reached 90% among Democrats, with 81% who strongly disapproved. Disapproval hit 67% among independents, with 47% who strongly disapproved. The poll was conducted from Jan. 7-12 by Morning Consult among 799 registered Utah voters. The full sample has a margin of error of +/- 3.0 percentage points. Protesters gather in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News There have been documented shifts in the tactics used by ICE around the country and in Utah toward more street arrests of those with no criminal record, including traffic stops of suspected immigrants on their way to work. Advertisement Advertisement But the reason immigration law enforcement is coming under increased pressure has more to do with who is in the White House and the way it is being covered by journalists, according to Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith. All of a sudden now its a bad thing for some reason, and I think we all know what the reasons are, Smith said. It just depends on what a media outlet wants to further the narrative. Since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE has become the most-funded federal law enforcement agency in the country, with its budget ballooning from around $6 billion in 2015, to more than $77 billion in Fiscal Year 2026. Increased ICE activity has been met with violent protests in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, with protesters often intentionally interfering with law enforcement operations and assaulting officers. Los Angeles city hall is seen as demonstrators hold signs during a protest in response to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier in the day Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. | Caroline Brehman, Associated Press Utahs relationship with ICE Utah Sheriffs Association President Tracy Glover, state Rep. Jefferson Burton and Smith told the Deseret News they believe Minnesota officials failed to establish lines of communication with the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Youve got leaders in Minnesota that, frankly, are not adults, and they behave like children, and theyve created some of this problem, said Burton, R-Salem, who is the former head of the Utah National Guard. I think whats happened is just an abdication of leadership on the part of folks in Minnesota. This month Minnesota leaders encouraged residents to protest. This stands in contrast to the work done by Utah leaders, according to Burton. After the 2024 presidential election, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced the state would facilitate cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. The governor also sent a letter to the Trump administration recommending changes to make the detention and removal of immigrants easier. What are 287(g) programs? Many local law enforcement agencies have made special agreements to collaborate with ICE. Washington County became the first Utah municipality to start participating in ICEs 287(g) Program in March 2025. A Washington County logo is seen on an office building in St. George on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. | Ravell Call, Deseret News The county received Jail Enforcement authorities, enabling corrections officers to more easily identify and initiate deportation proceedings for jailed immigrants who entered the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement The county also accepted a Task Force designation, which ICE describes as being a force multiplier, allowing law enforcement agencies to use limited immigration authority during regular policing. By the end of the year, nine other Utah counties, and the Utah Department of Corrections, had entered Warrant Service Officer agreements, which allows ICE to train officers to execute warrants on immigrants in their jails. Riverton Police Department and Utah County had also begun the Task Force model. Shortly after the model was adopted in Utah County during a contentious county commission meeting Sheriff Mike Smith clarified what the program meant. The new agreement would provide greater access to federal data and resources to help identify individuals already in custody, Smith said. Our deputies will not participate in immigration sweeps or workplace raids. Is ICE coordinating with Utah police? Utahs top law enforcement officials have worked for years to improve relationships with ICE, according to Glover, who represents the states sheriffs in conversations with federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Utah sheriffs have visited Washington, D.C., twice to speak with ICE leadership under President Joe Biden, and Trump. Trust gained from these meetings led to the county 287(g) agreements, Glover said. Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, middle, walks along the U.S.-Mexico border with Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover, left, and Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith, right, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Cochise County, Arizona. | Tani Downing Sheriffs have navigated questions of federal jurisdiction under both Republican and Democratic administrations, including when FBI agents killed a Provo man during a 2023 raid without notifying local law enforcement. Glover has found the best way to resolve tensions is through respectful relationships that require collaboration, cooperation, and especially communication so that we dont see what we see in Minneapolis. To me, whats happening in Minneapolis is a breakdown of communication, Glover said. Neither side trusts the other side, so they dont want to communicate. Advertisement Advertisement As ICE activity in Utah has surged, the new director of the ICE Salt Lake City Field Office, Brian Henke, made a point of meeting with Glover and Utah Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason, Glover said. Henke gives the sheriffs association monthly updates and regularly communicates with Glover, as president of the association. This close relationship may already be benefitting Utah communities, according to Glover. In recent months, ICE alerted a Utah police chief of an upcoming raid on an apartment building to make arrests and the chief recommended a safer way to go about it, Glover said. And they took him up on that. ICE facility in Utah? Dozens protest ICE operations outside a potential future ICE detention center in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News But there are still plenty of signs of potential conflict as ICE ramps up street arrests across the state. Advertisement Advertisement After Prettis death, large protests filled downtown Salt Lake City, blocking major roads. Protesters compared ICE to Nazi soldiers and demanded that ICE leave the state, with some protesters openly carrying firearms. On Wednesday, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall delivered her annual state of the city address in which she promised that Salt Lake City Police do not participate in federal immigration operations. Mendenhall also opposed the possibility of an ICE detention facility in the city. Last year, CNN and the New York Times reported that the Trump administration was considering a facility in the state. On Monday, Utah Democratic lawmakers sent a letter urging Utahs all-Republican congressional delegation to use their positions to prevent federal funding from being used to expand an immigration detention center in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Glover, Smith and legislative leaders said they have received no details about a potential ICE facility in Utah. However, discussions about increasing ICE detention space in Utah have been ongoing for years. Federalism commission One group working proactively to clarify the relationship between local and federal law enforcement to prevent a Minneapolis situation is the Utah Commission on Federalism, chaired by Sen. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, and Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan. The Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News At the groups Jan. 9 meeting, Burton and Sen. Karen Kwan, D-Taylorsville who chair the committees law enforcement task force and Smith spoke in favor of creating a jurisdictional protocol to clearly outline how sheriffs should handle federal action in Utah. This is something that we are just beginning to work on through a bill that passed last year, Kwan said. And one of the pillars of that bill was to develop this 50-state coalition to begin these conversations of jurisdictional lines. Trumps executive actions on federal law enforcement have helped to create the opportunity of our lifetime to get Democrats on board with a discussion on strengthening state sovereignty through principles of federalism, according to Ivory. Ivory was the sponsor of HB488 last year which expanded the federalism commission, first created in 2011, to give it a national scope, with increased legislative and academic resources. The jurisdictional protocol, which may be introduced as formal legislation next year, would ensure when an emergency arises that state, local and federal law enforcement have a clear understanding of their roles and a process for communicating, Ivory said. The federalism commission is also working to meet with Henke to discuss these issues before they become a problem. By getting sheriffs and federal partners on the same page Utah is leading the country, according to Kael Weston, who represents the Utah Democratic Party on the commission. Ambiguity will kill, Weston said. Clarity is safety ... and the more clarity we can provide them about, Hey, if ICE is going to be operating in your county ... this is the fine print, this is how that relationship is going to work. Correction: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect timeline for shootings in Minnesota. It also incorrectly identified the chairs of the federalism commission. The chairs of the committee are Rep. Ken Ivory and Sen. Keven Stratton. Texas-based Prosperity Bancshares has agreed to acquire Stellar Bancorp and its subsidiary Stellar Bank in a deal valued at around $2bn. As per the agreed terms, Prosperity will offer 0.3803 shares of its common stock along with $11.36 in cash for each Stellar share. The deal expands the foothold of Prosperity Bancshares, the parent of Prosperity Bank, in its home market. Stellar Bank currently runs 52 branches in the greater Houston area, Beaumont, surrounding regions, and Dallas, Texas. As of 31 December 2025, Stellar reported consolidated assets of $10.81bn, loans of $7.3bn, and deposits of $9.02bn. The merger is set to create the second largest Texas-based bank, with assets of approximately $54bn. The boards of both companies have approved the merger unanimously. Completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory review, approval from Stellar shareholders and other standard conditions. Prosperity senior chairman and CEO David Zalman said: The combination of our companies will create the second largest bank by deposits headquartered in Texas with over 330 banking centres. Together, our increased scale better positions us to invest in future opportunities and serve our customers. Stellar and its predecessors have been serving the Houston and Beaumont, Texas areas for many years. This is a rare opportunity to significantly enhance our presence in the Houston area, a market with a diverse economy that is continually attracting investment and has a growing population. Leadership changes are expected as part of the merger. Stellar CEO and Stellar Bank executive chairman Robert R. Franklin, Jr. will join Prosperity Bank as vice chairman. Stellar president and Stellar Bank CEO Ramon Vitulli will move to Prosperity Bank as Houston area chairman. Other members from Stellars management are also set to remain in leadership positions following the merger. Besides, Franklin and another member from the Stellar Board will join Prosperitys Board of Directors, while Vitulli and Pat Parsons, currently a director at Stellar Bank will join the Board at Prosperity Bank. Franklin said: By joining forces, we are creating one of the strongest Texas banking franchises, supported by an exceptional deposit base and a shared commitment to relationship-driven community banking. This combination enhances our ability to serve customers with greater scale, expanded capabilities, and the financial strength needed to meet the evolving needs of a growing Texas economy. "Prosperity Bancshares and Stellar Bancorp to merge in $2bn deal " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Attorney Taylor Meehan speaks to the court as Mormon Women for Ethical Government and The League of Women Voters oppose the Utah State Legislature during oral arguments at The Supreme Court of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Pool photo by Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News) Utah lawmakers on Wednesday advanced three bills impacting the courts despite objections from legal professionals concerned that legislators are moving rapidly to enact major structural changes that could weaken the courts independence while pumping millions toward changes the judiciary doesnt support. Among them was HB392, which would create a new, three-judge constitutional court with a price tag of more than $2.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement The bill which was approved by the Republican-majority House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee just one day after it became public would completely restructure how constitutional challenges to Utah laws are heard by creating a new statewide trial court that would have exclusive jurisdiction over those types of lawsuits. The governor would appoint the three judges, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, would also limit the ability of individual judges or local courts to block potentially unconstitutional state laws through injunctions. We need these issues of statewide significance to not get bogged down by the court process. It leads to unintended consequences, which we have seen in recent cases, MacPherson told the committee. His bill comes as Republican Utah lawmakers remain frustrated with several recent court rulings that have checked the Legislature for overstepping its constitutional limits. A yearslong redistricting lawsuit recently led to a court-ordered congressional map to be used for the 2026 elections (to Republicans dismay) that included one Democratic district and three heavily GOP districts. Additionally, in 2024, the Utah Supreme Court upheld an injunction that blocked enforcement of Utahs trigger abortion ban after Planned Parenthood of Utah sued, alleging the ban was unconstitutional. That injunction remains in place today as litigation continues to play out in 3rd District Court. In the meantime, abortion remains legal in Utah for up to 18 weeks gestation under the states previous law. Advertisement Advertisement MacPherson argued the aim is to streamline cases of statewide significance while relieving already overwhelmed district court judges that may not like the pressure of deciding heavy constitutional challenges. The ability to keep (constitutional challenges) centralized in this space will allow these cases to move much more quickly, MacPherson said. They wont get bogged down by the fact that these district court judges already have an extremely high workload. But Michael Drexel, assistant state court administrator at the Administrative Office of the Courts, told lawmakers the judiciary opposes MacPhersons bill in its current form because of how the judges for the constitutional court would be picked. Typically what happens is a case is filed and then that case gets assigned to judges, and the parties filing the case dont know who their judge is going to be, Drexel said. But under MacPhersons bill, the governor and the Senate would be selecting the judges on the court, which would exclusively handle lawsuits against those state leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Thats not a way to establish a system that is seen as fair by all people, Drexel said, though he welcomed more discussion on the bill, saying I do think theres a path forward, though, on this. Reforming or rigging the courts? Attorneys including Kristy Kimball, of Salt Lake City, had much stronger words condemning MacPhersons bill. She called it an unprecedented attempt to control constitutional review itself. When lawmakers are unhappy with constitutional rulings, this bill gives them a way to change the forum, redirect cases, and shape the process by which their own laws are reviewed and decided, Kimball told the committee. That is not separation of powers. That is power protecting itself. She argued that constitutional rights mean nothing if the government can decide which courts hear a challenge, which judges decide it, and whether a case remains in the ordinary judicial system at all. Advertisement Advertisement You are not reforming the courts, she said. You are attempting to rig them. Another attorney, Brandon Mark, said it would allow forum shopping by letting top state leaders decide who will hear any cases challenging their laws rather than those cases being randomly assigned to district court judges. Lawmakers convene in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) To those concerns, MacPherson argued the judges for the constitutional court would go through a similar nomination and confirmation process as other judges across the state. He also argued there is an absolute need for cases challenging laws to be sorted out quickly and efficiently, but also done right. However, before the House committee voted 7-2, with only Democrats voting against, to advance his bill to the House floor, MacPherson said he was open to making changes to address concerns. Advertisement Advertisement McPherson also argued the more than $2.3 million price tag of his bill would be well invested. But Kimball said the Legislature needs to listen to what the judiciary has said its actual needs are to address case backlogs and speed up decision-making. (Lawmakers) will not give the courts what they need. Theyve asked for more legal assistance, for more law clerks, for more legal secretaries, she said, and yet the Legislature keeps cutting what they say that they need, drastically, in some cases. So if you care about the courts and having them be more efficient, then give them what theyre asking for. Its true that the states judicial leaders, including Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, have said that the court systems highest workload is on the district court level which is why the judiciary has urged lawmakers to fund resources for those lower courts. The judiciary, however, hasnt asked for lawmakers to spend millions on creating an entirely new constitutional court or to fund two additional justices on the Utah Supreme Court, which would happen under another bill, SB134, that also advanced out of Wednesdays House committee. After clearing the Senate on Monday, it now heads to its final legislative hurdle, the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement While SB134 would fund three additional district court judges and two more Court of Appeals justices, thats only a fraction of what the states judiciary has requested to help the states overwhelmed district courts. Utah State Bar bar opposes 7 bills it says will collectively weaken judiciarys independence MacPhersons bill and the part of SB134 that would expand the Utah Supreme Court was among a list of seven pieces of legislation proposed this year that the Utah State Bar has officially opposed. The Bar issued a news release Wednesday saying it was deeply alarmed by the fast-moving package of bills being considered in the 2026 Utah Legislatures session that began just last week. Collectively, those bills would fundamentally remake the states judicial system, the Bar said, adding that the bills have been coordinated to work in conjunction with each other to make it easier for lawmakers and the executive branch to remove judges, and just as quickly replace them, based on subjective political judgments rather than legal skill, experience, and demonstrated ability to be fair and impartial. Advertisement Advertisement While each proposal is presented as a narrow change, together these bills operate as an overhaul to how judges are appointed, retained, and pressured while on the bench, the Bar said. The combined effect weakens long-standing safeguards that protect judges from political retribution and undermines the publics right to a judiciary that upholds the rule of law without favor. In response to the Bars opposition on Wednesday, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, issued a prepared statement to Utah News Dispatch saying lawmakers are committed to finding the best solutions for Utahns through a transparent and public legislative process. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX These proposals are being debated openly, include opportunities for public input, and reflect feedback from stakeholders across the state, he said. We encourage continued dialogue and thoughtful engagement as this work moves forward. Advertisement Advertisement Adams also argued that Utahs rapid growth has increased the demands placed on every level of the judicial system. We are not only adding Supreme Court justices, we are also adding clerks, which will increase the Courts capacity to hear cases. It is inconsistent to support our lower courts while opposing additional Supreme Court justices when the same workload pressures exist throughout the system, Adams said. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, system-wide approach. Our priority remains on balancing efficiency while ensuring Utahs courts have the capacity to serve the public effectively. The bills opposed by the Bar include: HB262 , sponsored by Rep. Jason Kyle, R-Huntsville, which would increase the percentage of the vote required for a judge to win retention from 50% to 67%. This would be the highest retention percentage in the nation, the Bar said on its website. We oppose this bill because it threatens the independence of the judiciary by creating greater opportunities for disgruntled litigants or political interest groups to impact judicial retention elections. This adversely impacts public trust and confidence in a judiciary system that can be so easily politicized. HB274 , sponsored by House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, would change the makeup of the Utah Sentencing Commission by removing all defense lawyers from the commission and replacing them with more members from law enforcement. The Bar said it strongly opposes the bill because it politicizes the commission by restructuring it in a way that favors law enforcement and partisan viewpoints. HB366 , sponsored by Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, would change how district court cases involving cities are assigned and managed. The Bar said it opposes the bill disrupts established court management practices, burdens district courts with justice court infractions and misdemeanors alongside serious felony cases and raises serious constitutional concerns regarding judicial independence. HB392 , MacPhersons bill to create a constitutional court. The Bar said it raises serious concerns about judicial independence by allowing the executive and legislative branches to appoint judges who may later hear cases involving those same branches, while also diverting taxpayer dollars and limited judicial resources to create a new court structure that is unnecessary and risks undermining public confidence in the judiciary. HJR5 , a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Kyle that would fundamentally change how judges are nominated in Utah. It would allow the governor to request a list of nominees from the Judicial Nominating Commission, but enable him to appoint any qualified candidate, even if theyre not on the commissions list. We strongly oppose this constitutional amendment because it fundamentally weakens Utahs merit-based judicial selection system, which is heralded as a model for the nation, the Bar said. It undermines judicial independence by granting the governor unchecked authority to bypass nominating commissions and appoint judges of the executives choosing. HJR13 , a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George, which would allow the Legislature to initiate a special retention election for judges lawmakers determine are unfit or incompetent. The Bar said it opposes it because it injects the Legislature directly into the judicial retention process, threatening the separation of powers. SB134, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson, R-Logan. While the Bar said it supports the provisions of the bill to add three more district court judges and two Court of Appeals justices, the Bar opposes the proposal to expand the Utah Supreme Court given that the vast majority of cases involving everyday citizens are handled in lower courts. The Bar also said the bill does not adequately address the need for corresponding support staff, such as judicial assistants and law clerks, necessary to ensure that new judges can operate effectively and efficiently. In addition to advancing MacPhersons constitutional court proposal and Wilsons bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday, lawmakers on a separate panel, the House Judiciary Committee, also advanced a third bill on the Bars opposition list: HB274. Advertisement Advertisement That bill, sponsored by the Houses most powerful Republican legislator, House Speaker Mike Schultz, met pushback from defense attorneys and other legal professionals arguing it would disrupt the delicate balance the Utah Sentencing Commission tries to strike while it sets sentencing guidelines. During the at times emotional hearing, Schultz argued lawmakers have a duty to bring sentencing guidelines more in line with what victims want to see from their justice system. As he has done repeatedly before, Schultz pointed to concerns hes had with 7th District Judge Don Torgerson who faced backlash for twice referring to a defendants privilege while deciding to not require him to serve any additional jail time or pay a fine for possessing and distributing multiple images of children being raped and sexually abused, KSL-TV reported. When I started to raise concerns around this, I got phone calls from defense attorneys, one after another, that told me that (Torgersons decision) was all in line with the sentencing commissions recommendations, Schultz said. So I thought, Well, thats fine, Im upset with the judge. And now Im upset with the sentencing commission as well. The speaker said its extremely concerning that the sentencing commission recommended somebody with this egregious of an act zero days in jail. I think theyre dead wrong, he said, arguing his bill is meant to improve public safety in the state. Before voting against the bill, Rep. Grant Miller, D-Salt Lake City, said he appreciated that victims do need to have a meaningful presence on the commission, but he questioned why not add more seats on the commission for victims as opposed to removing defense attorneys. Schultz said hes open to continuing discussion on his bill as it progresses through the legislative process. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Gabby Petitos family against the Moab City Police Department is finally moving forward the Utah Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March. Oral arguments before the Utah Supreme Court have been scheduled for March 4 at 10 a.m., Parker and McConkie, the law firm representing the family, announced on Tuesday. The public can listen to the hearing on the courts website. The August 2022 lawsuit filed by Gabby Petitos parents, Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito, accuses the Moab City Police Department of Gabbys wrongful death. It argues that officers failed to protect her during a domestic abuse investigation shortly before her death. Advertisement Advertisement Gabrielle Gabby Petito and her boyfriend Brian Laundrie were pulled over by Moab Police officers in August 2021 after an altercation was reported. Police separated them for the night, but ultimately determined it was not a domestic violence incident. In September 2021, Gabby would be found dead in Wyoming. While we miss Gabby every day, the continued love and support we feel gives us strength. We look forward to this next important step, but regardless of the outcome, will remain determined to seek justice for her and to advocate for other victims and their families, the Petito family said in a statement. Judge tosses out Petito familys lawsuit against Moab, but fight is likely not over In November 2024, a Seventh District Court judge tossed out the lawsuit against the Moab City Police Department. At the time, Judge Don Torgerson said the matter was too big for a district court to decide, and the appeals court would have to dig deeper and make the final determination. Advertisement Advertisement Months later, in December 2024, Petitos parents appealed to the Utah Supreme Court. The Supreme Court responded and filed the case in February 2025. Since then, the case has progressed slowly but steadily. The briefing before the Utah Supreme Court underscores this cases significance for the future of Utah law. Alongside submissions from the Petito family and Moab City, numerous amici, including local governments and the State of Utah, have weighed in, Judson Burton, an appellate attorney for the Petito family, explained in the press release. Collectively, these filings sharpen the merits of the Petito familys position, and we are confident that at oral argument, the Justices will recognize that Utahs Constitution protects every citizens right to hold even government entities accountable for the wrongful death of a loved one. How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google What happened to Gabby Petito? Gabby Petito was reported missing on Sept. 11. (Source: Suffolk County Police Department) Petito went missing during a cross-country road trip with Laundrie, with her last known location being Grand Teton National Park in August 2021. She was later found dead in Wyoming in September 2021, and her death was ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Laundrie and Petito were in a relationship before her death, and he was named a person of interest in her 2021 disappearance and murder before he was also later found dead. At the beginning of September 2021, Laundrie showed up in Florida alone with the van the couple was using for the road trip. This was 10 days before Petitos family reported her missing on Sept. 11. During the investigation, Laundrie suddenly disappeared in what law enforcement believed was an attempt to evade them. After searching for Laundrie and answers about what happened to Petito, Laundrie was found dead in October 2021 within a 24,000-acre nature preserve in Florida. His death was ruled a suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Alongside Laundries remains, authorities found a notebook in which he detailed the circumstances of Petitos death and explained why he had taken his own life. The contents were released by the Laundrie familys lawyer. In August 2022, Petitos family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department, seeking $50 million in damages. It was ultimately dismissed in November 2024. In a separate lawsuit from November 2022, a judge awarded $3 million to Petitos family in a lawsuit filed against Laundries estate. Latest headlines: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., speaks at the Florida Capitol on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the Centerville man accused of punching a Florida congressman at a Sundance party and telling him we will deport you. Officials say he could face tougher penalties if convicted under Utahs hate crimes law. The Summit County Attorneys Office on Tuesday charged Christian Joel Young, 28, with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony and two counts of assault, a class A misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement It was the first of two assaults on a member of Congress within a week. In Minnesota, a man charged at Rep. Ilhan Omar on Tuesday, using a syringe to squirt a strong-smelling but so far unidentified substance at the Minneapolis Democrat during a town hall. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In Park City, Young sneaked into a party at High West Distillery and approached Rep. Maxell Frost and a friend, making comments about their race, charging documents say. Prosecutors noted Frost, a Democrat from Orlando, is Black and Latino. Young put his arms around their necks like he was hugging them and pulled them in close, saying we are going to deport you and your kind, police said. He yelled a racial slur and punched Frost in the face, charging documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Young then approached an African American woman by the bar, made inappropriate and racially charged comments, pushed her against the bar and yelled You are the kind we are going to deport! Youre being deported! charging documents say. Youngs attorney Cliff Venable did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Prosecutors said in the charging documents that Young is subject to enhanced penalties for the assault charges if convicted, because he intentionally selected the victims of those offenses because of his belief or perception regarding their personal attributes. If a jury reaches the same conclusion, the assault counts would both carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, rather than a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Frost said in a social media post that the man who assaulted him late Friday told me that Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face. He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off. Security members told police Young had been denied entry to the bar, jumped over a fence to get back in, then ran away and somehow sneaked back in. Police confiscated a Sundance Film Festival administrative access pass in someone elses name from Young. In a statement, the Sundance Film Festival condemned the assault, which took place at an event not officially affiliated with the festival. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Growers in Lake County are taking steps to protect their crops ahead of three nights of expected below-freezing temperatures and wind gusts up to 35 mph this weekend. Michael Graham, the owner of Grahams U-Pick Farm in Umatilla, said hes particularly concerned about the impact on about 1100 peach trees grown on his property. The forecast predicts temperatures will drop below freezing over the weekend, with at least one night in the low 20s in Lake County, prompting Graham to prepare his micro irrigation system to protect his crops. Advertisement Advertisement Graham told Channel 9 he already ran the system overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, and anticipates running water overnight on Saturday and Sunday. Thats 72-degree water in a 24-degree night. You get the thermal energy right into the trees, which will help protect it, explained Graham. He explained the running water sprayed onto the trees does turn into ice, but because that water is consistently flowing the Ice temperature stays at about 32 degrees, protecting blooms and the fruit itself from frostier temperatures outside. Graham has been nurturing peach trees on his farm for more than 13 years, though his farm has been in the family since 1918. Advertisement Advertisement He says for generations citrus was grown on the farm, but the strategic shift to growing peaches came after challenges during particularly bad freezes in the 1980s, and amid the spread of Greening disease, which severely impacted Floridas citrus industry, causing a 94 percent drop in production in Florida between 2003 and 2023. Graham noted the high stakes of a possible freeze, telling Channel 9 he was very concerned ahead of this weekend. If we lose everything, it would be next year before we could be back in the business, said Graham, I mean this is it. This is what we have. This is what we do. If we lost everything out here, we just have to get geared up, tighten the belt a little bit Thats part of farming. I mean thats a risk you take.below-freezing Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Vice PresidentJD Vanceattempted to mock a Democratic senator and veteran after she pressedSecretary of State Marco Rubio overwhether the U.S. is at war with Venezuela. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rubio insisted the U.S. isnt at war with the South American nation, which promptedSen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to ask him if he would advise the president to rescind his invocation of the wartime Alien Enemies Act? Politics: JD Vance Opens Up About His Very Close DC Friendships Of course not, Rubio responded. When it comes to narco-trafficking gangs and criminal gangs, theres no doubt about the fact that were confronting them in a war-like setting. Advertisement Advertisement The heated exchange apparently caught Vances eyes, and he saw a chance to troll Duckworth a Purple Heart recipient and former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs and partial use of her right arm during the Iraq War in 2004 by comparing her to (checks notes) Forrest Gump. Watching Tammy Duckworth obsessively interrupt Marco Rubio during this hearing is like watching Forest Gump argue with Isaac Newton. Watching Tammy Duckworth obsessively interrupt Marco Rubio during this hearing is like watching Forest Gump argue with Isaac Newton. JD Vance (@JDVance) January 28, 2026 Vance might have thought he scored points with that post, but Duckworth countered with a strong, sharp retort that favorably compared the actions of Tom Hanks iconic film character with those of the president himself. Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs, she pointed out, before adding that petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities wont change the fact that youre risking troops lives to boost Chevrons stock price. Advertisement Advertisement She added that her job as a senator is to hold you accountable. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs. Petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities won't change the fact that you're risking troops' lives to boost Chevron's stock price. It's my job to hold you accountable. https://t.co/KTVMtUPLBe Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 28, 2026 Many people enjoyed Duckworths brutal riposte, which had the welcome side effect of keeping the vice president off of social media, if only for a few hours. Vance never did engage with Duckworths skillful verbal parry, instead responding to the original post with unabashed words of biblical praise for Rubio. Thank God we have a Secretary of State who knows his facts AND has the patience of Job. Great job, @SecRubio, he posted. Thank God we have a Secretary of State who knows his facts AND has the patience of Job. Great job, @SecRubio. JD Vance (@JDVance) January 28, 2026 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Vietnam and the European Union on Thursday upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnams highest diplomatic tier, amid a tumultuous period for global trade. In a joint statement, Vietnam and EU stressed the importance of a partnership based on common interests and shared values of peace, security, and prosperity in a rules-based international order, based on international law. Though US tariffs were not explicitly mentioned, at a press briefing held after meeting Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, European Council President Antonio Costa said: At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side-by-side as reliable and predictable partners. Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam considers the EU one of its most important partners in the world and wishes to continue promoting and deepening its relationship with the EU, Cuong said. Cuong labelled the move a historic milestone, coming 35 years after Vietnam and the EU established diplomatic relations. The EU-Vietnam free trade agreement, signed in 2020, has helped drive a 40% increase in bilateral trade. Vietnam is one of the EUs largest trading partners in South-East Asia, while the EU is Vietnams fourth-largest trading partner. In the first 10 months of 2025, two-way trade reached nearly $61 billion, up 8.4% year on year. Vietnam and the EU on Thursday also underscored the need to strengthen cooperation on peace, defence and security, and voiced support for multilateralism and respect for international law, including the UN Charter. Vietnam and the European Union pledged to deepen economic and security cooperation on Thursday, upgrading their diplomatic relationship to hedge against an increasingly unpredictable United States. Vietnam and the EU must "stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners" at a moment when the "international rules-based order is under threat", European Council President Antonio Costa said during a visit to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. President Luong Cuong, speaking at a joint press briefing, called the upgrade to Vietnam's highest-level partnership a "new landmark" reflecting "sincere and mutual trust". Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of the comprehensive strategic partnership comes less than a week after Vietnam's Communist Party reaffirmed General Secretary To Lam as the country's top leader, backing his vision for sweeping growth-oriented change. Vietnam and the EU signed a free-trade deal in 2019, with bilateral exchange growing by around 40 percent since then. But Hanoi's ballooning surplus with the bloc has rankled European leaders who have called for the removal of non-tariff barriers on EU products such as automobiles. The two sides agreed on Thursday to deepen cooperation on trade, technology, energy and security, according to a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement They also pledged to work together on supply chain security, critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. "Science, technology and innovation" should become the "pillars of bilateral ties", Cuong said, adding that Vietnam also sought cooperation on security and defence, especially at sea and in the cyber domain. - Beyond the US and China - Vietnam has emerged as a regional economic bright spot, clocking eight percent growth last year despite new 20 percent tariffs from its largest export market, the United States. Faced with deepening trade uncertainty, Vietnam is on the hunt for new markets beyond top trading partners, the United States and China. Advertisement Advertisement At its twice-a-decade leadership conclave last week, the party elevated foreign affairs to a "core" national function, alongside national defence and internal security. Upgrading ties with the EU is part of Hanoi's effort "to diversify its export market beyond the US", said Khang Vu, a Vietnam expert and visiting scholar at Boston College. "Vietnam wants to maintain an open international environment for trade, and the EU can help," he added. Hanoi also has comprehensive strategic partnerships with China, Russia and the United States. It has agreed similar partnerships with nearly a dozen countries since 2022, seeking to tap their markets, knowledge and technology as it pursues a bigger international role. Vietnam has long practiced what its leaders term "bamboo diplomacy", looking to stay on good terms with the world's major powers. bur-tym/sco/mjw HANOI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Vietnam and the European Union said on Thursday they elevated diplomatic relations, as both sides seek to expand international partnerships amid global disruptions. The largely diplomatic move entails no binding commitments but carries political weight at a time when the EU and Vietnam are seeking to deepen international ties as they both face up to higher levies on their exports to the United States. The upgrade is "a historical milestone underlining the great achievements that the two sides have made," Vietnam's President Luong Cuong said at the start of a meeting in Hanoi with European Council President Antonio Costa. Advertisement Advertisement A free trade agreement between Vietnam and the 27-country EU entered into force in 2020. Costa, who arrived in Hanoi after the EU struck a major trade deal with India on Tuesday, said the upgraded partnership "highlights the importance we attach to the region and to Vietnam's growing role". "At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to start to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners," Costa added. The elevation of ties to Vietnam's highest level, the same as the United States, China and Russia, usually involves more frequent high-level meetings. Advertisement Advertisement It is also expected to generate a stronger partnership, according to a joint statement adopted on Thursday, which says the two sides will explore and deepen cooperation in multiple sectors, including defence, critical minerals, semiconductors, transport and "trusted communications infrastructure", confirming a Reuters report on Wednesday. Costa acknowledged different views with Vietnam, a long-time Russian partner, over the war in Ukraine and human rights. But he added that the two countries agree on their support of multilateralism and "the principles of independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty." (Reporting by Khanh Vu, Phuong Nguyen, Thinh Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio; Editing by David Stanway and Michael Perry) Attorney General Jay Jones joins a coalition of 22 attorneys general pushing back against what they describe as unconstitutional federal pressure on Minnesota over immigration enforcement and data demands. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined 21 colleagues on Thursday in sharply condemning the U.S. Department of Justices latest push to force Minnesota officials to surrender sensitive state data and dismantle public-safety policies as a condition for federal cooperation, calling it unconstitutional and an overreach of federal power. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the multistate coalition led by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused President Donald Trumps administration of exploiting recent violence and unrest in Minnesota overimmigration crackdowns to strong-arm state leaders into acquiescing to demands that intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing litigation and court-ordered protections. Advertisement Advertisement Virginia honors our highly skilled law enforcement agencies that protect our communities and uphold the Constitution, Jones said in a statement. We are deeply concerned about the tactics and strategies employed by the federal government in other states that have cost lives and put others at risk in the name of immigration enforcement. The Jan. 29 missive was prompted by Bondis Jan. 24 letter to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, which threatened to withhold federal agents unless Minnesota surrendered Medicaid and SNAP data, opened access to voter registration information and rolled back key local public safety policies. Federal officials framed the demands as a step toward restoring order after clashes between local communities and federal immigration officers in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Minnesota officials have fought back. The state, along with Minneapolis and Saint Paul, sued the Department of Homeland Security and related federal agencies earlier this month to halt a massive immigration enforcement campaign dubbed Operation Metro Surge, alleging the deployment of thousands of armed agents violated the Constitution and endangered residents. Advertisement Advertisement Legal scholars and congressional Democrats have similarly raised alarms. Several U.S. senators, including Alex Padilla of California and Dick Durbin of Illinois, have pressed the Justice Department to abandon what they call an unlawful push to centralize sensitive voter data and purge rolls, warning the campaign undermines state election officials authority and data privacy. The confrontation in Minnesota comes amid a broader national showdown over immigration policy and state versus federal authority. The Trump administration has pursued aggressive enforcement actions against so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that limit local cooperation with federal immigration officials, filing lawsuits against cities from Boston to Chicago and Colorado over their policies. Advertisement Advertisement In several cases, federal courts have sided with states and localities. A federal judge dismissed the Department of Justices lawsuit targeting sanctuary policies in Illinois and Cook County last year, and another court blocked Trump-era efforts to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions, ruling such conditions unconstitutional. Back in Minnesota, federal courts continue to shape the dispute. A judge recently issued a temporary restraining order against a controversial federal policy targeting lawful refugees in the state while allowing the government to continue reviewing cases under narrower parameters. The federal response has drawn judiciary pushback beyond data demands. Advertisement Advertisement In Minneapolis, U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sharply rebuked Immigration and Customs Enforcement for ignoring scores of court orders during its intensified enforcement operations, warning that the pattern threatened the rule of law. Public protest and political pressure including in Virginia have escalated the conflict. Recent deaths involving federal agents, including two high-profile shootings in Minnesota, have fueled widespread demonstrations and calls to scale back enhanced operations. Nationwide protest movements like No Kings are organizing larger rallies around federal authority and civil rights issues tied to immigration enforcement. In response to the backlash, border enforcement officials have signaled a shift. Tom Homan, the administrations border czar, has indicated a potential draw-down of agents in Minnesota, focusing on targeted operations with greater cooperation from state and local leaders, though messaging remains mixed. Advertisement Advertisement Jones and the coalition made clear in Thursdays letter that their states will stand firm against unlawful federal interference and defend both state sovereignty and the rights of residents, urging the administration to rescind its demands immediately before anyone else gets hurt. States joining the letter included Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project have joined forces to expand immigration legal services in the state, according to a community announcement from the two groups. The collaboration, called the Immigration Community Lawyering Initiative, will establish an immigration law practice at Vermont Legal Aid for the first time, according to the announcement. Two staff attorneys will be added to serve immigrant communities in central and southern Vermont. Advertisement Advertisement Were grateful for the communitys patience as we focus on resolving complex DOC access issues and build the durable infrastructure these regions deserve, Jill Martin Diaz, executive director at the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, said in the announcement. Vermont Asylum Assistance Project executive director Jill Martin Diaz, an immigration lawyer, speaks during a Jan. 30, 2025, press conference alongside U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., and former Lt. Gov. Molly Gray of Vermont Afghan Alliance. The initiative will place attorneys within community organizations already serving immigrants, the goal being to build trust and any remove barriers to justice, according to the announcement. Attorneys from the southern Vermont office will have a geographic focus. They will provide legal representation and consultations in a wide range of immigration matters, including humanitarian, family-based and employment-based cases, the announcement said. Their services will include humanitarian petitions, asylum and family reunification filings, employment authorization documents, adjustment of status, naturalization and waivers. The attorneys will be jointly supervised by the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project and Vermont Legal Aid. One attorney will be based in Montpelier, supporting partners across the central region. The other will serve southern Vermont from the Rutland or Springfield offices. Advertisement Advertisement This historic, long-term expansion is possible because of the steadfast support of foundations, individual donors, and the Vermont Refugee Office and were proud to finally bring this capacity where its been needed most, said Diaz. We are incredibly thankful for this collaboration and for the community of supporters who made it possible, Bessie Weiss, interim executive director at Vermont Legal Aid, said. This partnership allows us to expand services, deepen impact, and ensure immigrant communities across Vermont have meaningful access to justice. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont Legal Aid and asylum project pair to boost immigration lawyers This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Total Income: INR1,883 crore, highest quarterly revenue in company history. EBITDA: INR273 crore, 23% year-on-year growth; margin expanded from 12.3% to 14.4% for the nine-month period. Revenue Growth: 9% increase to INR5,223 crore. EBITDA Growth: 18% increase to INR652 crore; margin improved from 11.6% to 12.5%. Average Selling Price Increase: INR26 per meter. Net Debt: Effectively zero at INR15 crore. Operating Cash: Approximately INR155 crore. Wool Price Increase: Nearly 25% increase in input costs. Release Date: January 27, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Raymond Lifestyle Ltd (BOM:544240) achieved the highest quarterly revenue in its history, with total income reaching INR1,883 crore. EBITDA grew by 23% year-on-year, with margins expanding from 12.3% to 14.4% for the nine-month period. The company experienced strong volume growth in its core textile and apparel business, driven by premiumization and product mix improvement. Raymond Lifestyle Ltd is investing in brand building and future capabilities, including product innovation and supply chain excellence. The company is strategically expanding its retail presence, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, with a focus on premium casual and fusion wear. Negative Points Global headwinds, particularly US tariff uncertainty, negatively impacted the garmenting performance during the quarter. The company faced a 25% increase in wool prices, contributing to input cost volatility. Working capital increased due to changes in sales trends and the need to maintain larger inventories. The ethnics segment showed weaker growth compared to other apparel segments, with only high single-digit growth. The company incurred a substantial expense loss of INR57 crore due to the implementation of a new labor code. Q & A Highlights Q: As consumer demand in lifestyle and apparel remains selective with a tilt towards more exclusive products, how is Raymond Lifestyle sharpening its brand portfolio, product innovation, and channel tactics to drive sustainable growth? How do you balance investments in brand building and retail expansion while ensuring agility in responding to changing fashion cycles and consumer demand? A: Satyaki Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer: I have just joined the organization and may not be best placed to answer this deeply. Shantilal Pokharna, Additional Non-Executive Director: Raymond stands for a trustworthy brand, and we are continuously working on innovation and expanding our footprint in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. We are promoting Swadeshi products and aligning with the Prime Minister's vision, which has helped us achieve better growth than the industry average and expand our market share. A Waymo robotaxi struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica on January 23, according to the company. Waymo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the child whose age and identity are not currently public sustained minor injuries. The NHTSA has opened an investigation into the accident, and Waymo said in a blog post that it will cooperate fully with them throughout the process. The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday afternoon that it has also opened an investigation in coordination with the Santa Monica Police Department. Waymo said its robotaxi struck the child at six miles per hour, after braking hard from around 17 miles per hour. The young pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicles path, the company said in its blog post. Waymo said its vehicle immediately detected the individual as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Following contact, the pedestrian stood up immediately, walked to the sidewalk, and we called 911. The vehicle remained stopped, moved to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement cleared the vehicle to leave the scene, Waymo wrote in the post. News of the crash comes as Waymo faces dual investigations into its robotaxis illegally passing school buses. The NHTSA opened a probe into the problem in October shortly after the first report of the incident in Atlanta, Georgia, and the NTSB opened its own investigation last week after around 20 incidents were reported in Austin, Texas. According to the NHTSA, the accident occurred within two blocks of the elementary school during normal school drop off hours. The safety regulator said there were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity. The NHTSAs Office of Defects Investigation is investigating whether the Waymo AV exercised appropriate caution given, among other things, its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users. Advertisement Advertisement Waymo said in its blog post that its peer-reviewed model shows a fully attentive human driver in this same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph. The company did not release a specific analysis of this crash. This story has been updated to include information about the National Transportation Safety Boards investigation. The Boston 25 Weather team is continuing to track a developing noreaster that could bring more snow, strong wind gusts, and coastal flooding. Meteorologist Shiri Spear said Thursday morning that the winter storm is expected to develop off the southeastern coast of the United States on Saturday and track north, potentially impacting New England on Sunday. Its still too early to pin down the exact track or impacts, including projected snowfall totals, because as of Thursday morning, the GFS and Euro weather models were drastically different. Advertisement Advertisement Heres why we dont have a snow map yet. Two models, same Sunday timeframe. One has less than 1 of snow in Boston, and the other suggests about a foot, Spear wrote in a post on X. This storm hasnt even formed yet. A lot of details will come into focus over the next 24-48 hours." Right now, Cape Cod and the Islands look to be most at risk for at least a half-foot of snow. Those areas are under a winter storm watch. Boston and points along the coast have a moderate chance of snow. The risk of snow in central and parts of western Massachusetts appears low. The best chance for six inches or more of snow is going to sit down across the Cape. Beyond that, its quite iffy on how far it gets, Spear said in her latest forecast. Spear added, It could get into southeastern Mass., up to Boston, or up to the North Shore, but closer to 495 and inland, we have a pretty low chance for those higher snow totals, and there could end up being a pretty sharp cutoff to the snow as well. Advertisement Advertisement If the storm heads north on a closer track, New England would be in for major and widespread impacts. A distant track would be mostly a miss, according to Spear. It doesnt look like a mostly miss. Right now, it looks like something in the middle, which would give us some impacts, Spear said. It does look like the further inland you go, the less impact youre going to see from this one. So, to recap, heres what we know right now about the storm: There is a potential for more than 6 inches of snow, it will be breezy, especially along the coast, in addition to astronomical high tides. What remains unclear: How widespread will the snow be, the exact strength of the wind, and the extent of coastal flooding and beach erosion? Advertisement Advertisement For the latest forecast updates, visit the Boston 25 Weather page and download the Boston 25 Weather app. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A December fire that shut down Thunder Vista P-8 in Broomfield and displaced hundreds of students may be tied to building problems the school district had already warned about in court. Lawsuit filings show Adams 12 Five Star Schools had accused the schools architect and contractor of failing to properly protect underground utilities from shifting soil weeks before the fire. The fire broke out Dec. 27 in a crawl space beneath the school while the building was empty for winter break. No one was injured, but smoke damage and infrastructure concerns forced the school to close for the remainder of the academic year. Superintendent Chris Gdowski said experts investigating the fire have identified soil movement beneath the building as the underlying cause. An official fire-cause report is expected, he said, but he says preliminary findings have already pointed to damage to underground electrical systems. Advertisement Advertisement The districts lawsuit, filed Dec. 5, alleges Thunder Vista was built on highly expansive clay soils known to swell with moisture and shrink when dry a common challenge along Colorados Front Range. The complaint says the buildings slab-on-void foundation system was intended to isolate underground plumbing and electrical systems from that soil movement, but that those protections were not properly designed or installed. As a result, the district says the school experienced years of damage, including sanitary sewer line breaks, power outages, plumbing fixtures being pushed upward and more than 150 broken pipes exposed by August 2025. The complaint describes bathrooms and locker rooms being rendered inoperable and repeated repairs to shifting utilities beneath the building. Gdowski said the district had long considered the issues operational, not life-threatening. We never understood that we had a hazard or a risk of something like a fire emerging that could put anybody at risk. If we would have known that, we would have closed the school, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The district is seeking to recover repair costs from the firms it hired to design and build the school: Hord Coplan Macht, Inc. and AP Mountain States, LLC, both of whom did not respond to a request for comment. Gdowski said the district has already set aside more than $6 million for repairs and fire-related work. Recouping this money is tremendously important If we don't get that money back, over $6 million that's more than 60 teachers that we'd have to cut, he said. Gdowski says 60 teachers is roughly the amount that staffs an entire middle school. For families, the disruption has reshaped daily life. More than 700 Thunder Vista students have been split across four schools. Third-grader Logan Patton now rides a bus to a school about 20 minutes away instead of a three-minute drive from her house. Advertisement Advertisement Her mother, Dru Patton, said plumbing issues and odors from the soil movement had been concerns in prior years, but the fire still came as a shock. I don't think anybody could've predicted that it would've gotten as bad as it did, she said. She said her biggest concern is potential learning disruption, though she hasnt seen major impacts so far. She described the district as supportive, working to make the transition as smooth as possible, including organizing grade-level bus pickup at the Thunder Vista field to transport students to their temporary schools. Repairs are expected to take four to six months, meaning students will remain in temporary locations through the end of the school year. The district says work underway is intended to permanently address the underlying soil and utility issues. When asked what she would tell those responsible for fixing the building, Logans answer was simple: Hurry up, but be careful about it. Buckeye police are investigating an alleged assault involving a substitute teacher and a fifth-grade student at an elementary school campus earlier this week. RELATED: Substitute teacher arrested for allegedly hitting 5th grader at Buckeye school Authorities said they have referred a felony aggravated assault charge to county prosecutors against 54-year-old Sarah Short, a substitute teacher with about 10 years of experience, following an incident Monday at Odyssey Preparatory Academy in Buckeye. Advertisement Advertisement According to Buckeye police, Short is accused of punching a fifth-grade student in the back while on campus. She was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, though prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges as they review the evidence. On Wednesday, 12News attempted to contact Short at her Goodyear home to get her side of the story. A family member answered the door but declined to comment. In a message sent to families and obtained by 12News, school officials said witnesses reported that Short was attempting to break up an argument between two students inside a classroom. During that interaction, the school said Short was pushed and stumbled. As she tried to remove a student from the classroom, she allegedly struck one student in the back. Theyre going to be looking at any video surveillance footage that may be available in the classrooms, as well as talking to witnesses, other children, or assistant teachers who may have been present, said former prosecutor Josh Kolsrud. Advertisement Advertisement Based on the information released so far, Kolsrud said a self-defense claim would likely be difficult to prove. The substitute teacher pushed or punched the student in the back, Kolsrud said. And because of that, I just dont foresee a scenario where pushing or punching a kid in the back would be done in a self-defense situation. The school said Short has been terminated by the substitute staffing company and will not be employed by Odyssey Preparatory Academy in any capacity moving forward. The Maricopa County Attorneys Office said it received the full case submission from Buckeye police on Wednesday afternoon. The case is now under review. Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, a minor child is also an aggravating factor that would make it more likely that the Maricopa County Attorneys Office charges a case like this, Kolsrud said. Watch 12News+ for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. Up to Speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. Lorry drivers from four Western Balkan countries blockaded more than 20 border crossings with the European Union on Monday in coordinated protests against strict enforcement of Schengen travel limits they say threaten their livelihoods, causing an estimated 100 million in daily export losses. Freight terminals in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia ground to a halt as drivers parked vehicles at border checkpoints, stopping transport through a major corridor linking the EU with Turkey and the Middle East. The blockade also affected Montenegro's Adriatic port of Bar. "We are fighting for our companies to be competitive within the region, fighting for our employees, for our families, for our very existence," Vesko Sljivancanin, director of the Association of International Hauliers of Montenegro, told Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement Marko Cadez, president of Serbia's Chamber of Commerce, said the direct damage from blocked crossings and exports from the Western Balkans amounts to approximately 100 million per day. "That's just the damage when it comes to exports of goods. To that we must add that each production company faces penalties for undelivered goods of between 10,000 and 50,000 per day," Cadez told Serbia's Tanjug news agency after visiting the Batrovci border crossing, where more than 50 lorries blocked freight traffic. He noted that approximately 10,000 companies export from Serbia to the EU alone, warning the figures could reach "truly large numbers." More than 100 lorry drivers were deported last year for exceeding the 90 days they are allowed to stay in the EU, with another 100 deportations announced last week, according to Bosnia's Logistika association, which represents 47,000 workers. Nine drivers were arrested in Germany alone in the past seven days, Cadez said. Advertisement Advertisement "We have reached the point where our drivers and we ourselves have effectively been deprived of the right to work, because our drivers are being arrested in the European Union," Mirko Ivanovic, a Bosnian transport company representative, told Euronews. Europe's bureaucratic inflexibility The protests target the enforcement of long-standing Schengen regulations limiting non-EU nationals to 90 days within any 180-day period. While these rules previously applied to professional drivers, enforcement has intensified since the EU began gradually implementing its Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. The electronic system records stays digitally and effectively prevents violations of the 90/180-day rule, replacing passport stamps with biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. Advertisement Advertisement Cadez said that unlike previous supply chain crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or the Suez Canal blockage, the current crisis stems from European bureaucratic inflexibility. "For more than two years, businesspeople from across the Western Balkans from Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro have been united in pointing out to Europe that this is a major problem," he said. "EU companies that produce in the Western Balkans have also pointed this out, but solutions are not being found." He added that EU companies were now effectively blocking themselves, with European rules treating professional drivers the same as attempted migrants. 'This will have an impact and it will last' At Gevgelija, the busiest crossing between Greece and North Macedonia, around 100 lorries bearing Macedonian flags blocked the cargo terminal. Similar scenes unfolded at border points across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Drivers said they would allow medicine, live animals, ammunition and explosives through their blockades but would otherwise remain in place. They announced the protest would continue for at least seven days until their demands are met. "We prepared by dividing ourselves into several shifts with colleagues, each lasting eight hours, so we will be on duty here throughout the night and rotating every eight hours," Dusan Anelic of the MS Transport company from the Serbian town of Ruma told Euronews. "We have secured food and water for the drivers waiting in the queues the minimum basic human needs because we are aware that this will have an impact and that it will last." Neo Mandic, president of Serbia's Association of Transport Operators, said the lorry drivers and transportations companies remain open to any reasonable solutions. Advertisement Advertisement "If we sit down and there is good will, everything will be clear to them in five minutes. Any proposal is possible a drivers visa, an increase in the number of days for professional drivers, or some other solution. We are ready for anything," Mandic told Euronews. Special visa an option? Serbia's Chamber of Commerce proposed introducing a special visa or permit for professional drivers valid throughout the Schengen Area, increasing the permitted number of days, or exempting drivers from the EES system until a permanent solution is reached. Serbia's Prime Minister uro Macut last week urged special status for regional drivers in a meeting with the EU's representative in the country, warning the problem threatened to "fully paralyse" transportation companies and damage Balkan economies. European Commission spokesperson Marcus Lamert said Monday the bloc was aware of concerns raised by Western Balkan drivers and was closely monitoring the situation. Advertisement Advertisement "The EES does not introduce new rules on the length of short-term stays in the Schengen area, but allows better enforcement of the rules," Lamert said at a press conference Monday. Lamert noted the Schengen Agreement provided certain flexibility for cross-border workers who frequently use the same crossings, and that some professions requiring extensive movement such as lorry drivers or athletes might need to stay longer than 90 days. "This is an issue that has our closest attention and something which is being worked on and is being thought about," he said, adding the matter would be discussed this week when the EU's visa strategy is scheduled for review. The six Western Balkan countries are at various stages of their respective paths to join the 27-member bloc. Middle Tennessee is making the kind of history no one wants to make as we shiver through the great ice storm of 2026. Surely, this epic weather event, which includes rain, snow, sleet, ice and power outages, will be ranked among the worst U.S. winter storms of all time. Lets be clear about what this is it is a historic ice storm, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said this week, adding that the 2026 storm was the worst Nashville Electric Service has ever seen. This is the largest single outage in NES history. We do not have these kinds of weather events all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Krissy Hurley, the National Weather Service's Nashville Meteorologist-in-charge, had a similar assessment. "This is the most impactful of an ice storm in modern time." The Weather Channel has ranked the all-time worst snow/ice storms, and Middle Tennessee was in the dubious position of being in the middle of two slots in the top five. No. 2 happened in 1994, from Feb. 9-13, with 11 states affected and Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama getting most of the almost $6 billion (adjusted for today) in damage. More: Tennessee death toll rises as another cold snap looms. The latest No. 5 happened in 1951, from Jan. 29-Feb. 2, with states from West Virginia to Louisiana affected and the thickest ice (2 inches) reported from Memphis to Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement There were also crippling winter storms in Middle Tennessee in 1892, 1929, 1966 and 1985. When historians look back at 2026, those previous storms may look quaint. In 2026, from Jan. 24-26, 30 states from Texas to New England endured frigid temperatures, snow and sleet storms, pouring rain, re-freezing and even "frost quakes." The deaths of eight people in Tennessee were attributed to the weather. More: Nashville hotels fill with freezing locals, delighted dogs amid power outages More than 250,000 NES customers lost power, some for several days. As of early Jan, 28, more than 100,000 were still without power. Advertisement Advertisement Contributing to the impact of the current winter storm event is the sheer number of people. In 1994, Nashville's metro area had a population of fewer than 1 million people. Today, the population is more than 1.3 million. Everyone seemed to be evaluating where this storm fits in history. Jamie Wright has seen his share of ice storms, snow and tornadoes. Wright was born at Baptist Hospital in Nashville in 1974 and grew up in the Tusculum area between Brentwood and Antioch. He's lived in Green Hills for 26 years. "When I worked at Chromatics downtown, we actually watched a tornado go down Broadway and wipe out parts of East Nashville," Wright said. "But even then, we didnt lose power or Wi-Fi. We just couldnt go anywhere." Advertisement Advertisement His power had been out since 10 a.m. Jan. 24. His car was under a fallen tree, its condition uncertain. He was sheltering in a local hotel. He said he has never seen an impact this widespread. More: Is another winter storm coming to Tennessee? See latest forecasts "With tornadoes, its usually one region," he said. "This feels like the entire city is affected." As a manager at Style House Salon, Wright said he worried about stylists who depend on commission. The salon had been without power for days. "As for how long itll be out who knows?" he said. "With the cold coming and more storms, it could be a week or two. There are so many damaged roads and trees. How do you even prioritize all of that?" Advertisement Advertisement By Jan. 28, however, the salon was back in motion. Meanwhile, he said, he remained unconcerned about his car and what damage the freezing temperatures might do to the condo he owns in Green Hills. "Theyre just things," he said. "Things can be replaced. Debts can be paid off. What matters is people and their health and their safety." 1994 Hurley said the 2026 storm is about the same as the 1994 storm, but the devastation this time is greater. "What makes this one so much more impactful is the size of Nashville today," Hurley said. "This is a major metropolitan area impacted by a major ice storm." Advertisement Advertisement Hurley was in seventh grade in 1994. She grew up just outside Huntsville, Alabama. Her family was without power for 10 days. "They canceled my seventh grade dance," she said. "I still remember." In 1994, The Tennessean reported the price tag for winter storm damage in the state was $85 million, which included $12 million in Davidson county. The Tennessean also reported 80,000 homes were without power, and 2,500 trees fell. 1951 Ice was the major problem in 1951. A 100-mile swath of the South froze and refroze. The death toll was 25 during the storm, with more than 500 people injured. Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessean reported a 2-inch sheet of ice covered the area between Memphis and Nashville. But ice wasn't all Nashvillians had to deal with. There were 25 mile per hour winds, and, at the height of the storm, the temperature in Nashville was minus 13 degrees. The damage was estimated to be $100 million and communications and power were out in some areas for as many as 10 days. Other huge winter storms March of 1892 was the most snowy in Nashville's history. In that month, Nashville recorded 17 inches of snowfall. And that sounds like really a lot of snow, which it was. But the most intense snow storm Nashville ever had, by far, occurred in 1929. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service reported on February 20-21, 1929, Nashville accumulated 15 inches of snow during a remarkable 13-hour period. That record for snowfall still stands. On Feb. 1, 1966, the headline in The Tennessean read, "New Cold Perils Ice-Clad State." This happened on the 15th anniversary of what the Tennessean called the "midstate's worst blizzard" of 1951. The problem in 1966 was the combination of snow, then rain, then freezing temperatures, which, like 2026, resulted in ice. In 1966, the melting snow caused flooding all over Middle Tennessee. The coldest temperature in Nashville history came during a snowstorm on Jan. 21, 1985. Advertisement Advertisement The low mark of minus 17 degrees (that's not a "feels like" or wind chill number) has stood for 40 years. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 2026 TN winter storm may be worst weather event for state The White House is counting on Tom Homan to cool temperatures in Minneapolis and in Washington. The border czar arrived in Minnesota this week, part of the Trump administrations attempt to reset the narrative around its increasingly unpopular mass deportations strategy and deescalate tensions after federal officials shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year old ICU nurse. White House officials hope Homan, an Obama appointee and experienced immigration hand, can mollify Democrats concerns over the administrations aggressive enforcement actions enough to keep the government funded ahead of Fridays deadline. Advertisement Advertisement But its a high-wire act. A White House official said Homans efforts to appease Democrats are the only arrow left in the quiver. There is no plan B, the official said. Its all wait and see. I think a lot of it is determinative of what Homan comes back with in terms of reforms, said the official, granted anonymity to discuss internal thinking. If there's enough positive movement on that front, it can get congressional Democrats back to the table and sort of appease some of their concerns. For now, that looks to be a tough sell. Democrats are preparing to oppose a sweeping government funding package unless Republicans agree on new enforcement guardrails , including tightening rules on warrants and prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks. Democratic leadership has already publicly warned that just sending in Homan will not be enough to get them on board with the spending package. Advertisement Advertisement Let me say that again, so the White House hears it: until ICE is properly reined in and overhauled legislatively, the DHS funding bill doesn't have the votes to pass the Senate, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday. While Schumer acknowledged that talks among Democrats, Republicans and the White House are ongoing, he said that the administration has had no specific, concrete ideas. The distance between the two sides with just a few days to go before a partial government shut down does not portend well for a last-minute deal. In addition to masks, Democrats on Wednesday demanded new restrictions on DHS officers, including mandates for body cameras and IDs and a uniform code of conduct and accountability, including requiring independent investigations of incidents like Saturdays shooting that killed Pretti. Advertisement Advertisement In response to the demands, a second White House official, granted anonymity to discuss internal thinking, said Trump is committed to avoiding a shutdown, and to productive dialogue with the Congress, but the Democrats are making it hard to move forward. A demand for agreement on legislative reforms as a condition of funding the Department of Homeland Security with a government funding deadline just 48 hours away is a demand for a partial government shutdown the official said. The Senate will vote Thursday on the six-bill package, including DHS funding. Democrats are expected to block it. Republicans privately believe the White House is open to making changes through executive actions. They are also looking for guidance from the White House on what their next steps should be and believe multiple options are still on the table including the possibility that the administration tells them to leave the DHS bill behind altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Wednesday that hes encouraging dialogue between the administration and Senate Democrats, who he is hoping can find a way to avoid splitting up the six-bill package. I think right now the conversation should be between White House and Democrats, Thune said. I think the White House honestly is open to negotiation. The White House plans to brief Democrats privately on any potential success from Homans trip, the official said, to try to convince them to allow the six-bill package, including DHS funding, to pass. Theres a lot of pressure on Homan to make major progress in Minnesota and the White House is billing the immigration firebrand as a career official who can work with Democrats. Homan called his meetings with Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey a productive starting point, but hasnt announced any policy changes. There's a reason why the president picked him, its because hes shown even in his past jobs, he's been able to do a lot of good outreach to people on both sides of the aisle, the White House official said. I think there's a lot of optimism with him there. The White House and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday both denied a report that he had expressed concern about President Donald Trump's mental health to other European leaders. Politico, citing European diplomats, said that nationalist leader Fico had told counterparts at a summit last week he was worried about the US leader's "psychological state." It also said Fico, a Trump ally, had used the word "dangerous" to describe how the US president came across when they met in Florida on January 17. Advertisement Advertisement "This is absolutely total fake news from anonymous European diplomats who are trying to be relevant. The meeting at Mar-a-Lago was positive and productive," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement to AFP. The Slovak leader, who shares the same nationalist ideology as Trump, denounced the Politico report as "lies." "I strongly reject the lies of the hateful, pro-Brussels liberal portal Politico," Fico said on X, posting in capitals like Trump often does on social media. Without directly mentioning Trump's mental state, Fico said that he "did not speak informally with any prime minister or president about my visit to the US" and rejected Politico's report about "how I assessed my meeting" with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement "No one heard anything, no one saw anything, there are no witnesses, but nothing prevented the Politico portal from coming up with lies," he said. Following their meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Fico said he had "exceptionally important" talks with the US leader. The physical and mental health of 79-year-old Trump, the oldest person ever to be elected as US president, has become an extremely sensitive issue for the White House. Republican Trump, who turns 80 in June, has consistently portrayed his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden as decrepit while boasting about his own vitality. But there has been increasing speculation about Trump's own health, including over frequent bruising on his hands, and footage of him apparently dozing in meetings. aue-dk/iv Visitors to Utahs Capitol Hill on Wednesday may have thought they had drifted into some type of futuristic, deep-tech fever dream. Spread across the rotunda was a showcase of technological innovation from the aerospace, defense and national security industries including AI, robotics, space exploration materials and virtual flight experiences. Wednesdays event was the annual Utah Aerospace & Defense Day on Capitol Hill offering opportunities for scores of Utah-linked companies to connect with Utah lawmakers and the public. Advertisement Advertisement The gathering also signaled the symbiotic relationship between Utahs economy and the ever-evolving aerospace/defense industry. Hosted by aerospace and industry group 47G a Utah network of over 200 members and a variety of local academic institutions Wednesdays gathering included dozens of exhibits from aerospace and defense companies. Counted among the exhibitors were industry heavyweights such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems along with Utah-based companies such as Fortem Technologies, Vector, Torus and the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft company ElectraFly. 47G President and CEO Aaron Starks told the Deseret News that entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of Utahs economy. There are over 330,000 small businesses in the state. Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G Aerospace and Defense Association, attends the Utah Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News What we want to do is convene founders within the aerospace and defense/national security and technology space and allow them to show lawmakers every year why this industry matters so much. Advertisement Advertisement And it matters a lot, added Starks. Through direct, indirect and induced efforts, this industry accounts for 500,000 jobs in the state, he said. For every job thats created in aerospace and defense, it creates another 1.8 in the economy somewhere else. Its in everyones best interest to have a thriving aerospace and defense industry in the state. So we work very hard to convene partners. We want to showcase technology and we want to show the House and Senate why this is so important. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, calls the aerospace and defense industry a cornerstone of our states economy and a boon for Utah families. L3Harris TNR 2i Wideband ISR handheld transceiver and the Rover 6S transceiver are displayed at the Utah Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News It represents nearly one-fifth of our economy, supports hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs and brings in about $100 billion to our economy each year, said Adams in a 47G release. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of this strength by investing in our people, keeping Utah competitive and building the infrastructure our future depends on. Advertisement Advertisement Starks spoke of the vastness of the ecosystem being showcased Wednesday at Utahs Capitol. When many think of aerospace and defense, he said, they often cling to the second word: Defense. But aerospace, in and of itself, covers satellites, communication systems, radar systems and transportation, he said. Think about everything that Boeing does right in this state: its manufacturing, its advanced materials, its composites. Think about Delta Airlines and its pilot operation and training facility. The fastest growing hub for Delta anywhere in the United States is Utah. Becoming a national hub for drones, space travel and critical minerals People attend the Utah Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Starks points to Utahs century-old connection to the defense/aerospace industry. That evolved into the states involvement in the space industry. Now companies such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing and L3Harris Technologies are major industry players in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Utah has a thriving economy. ... Theres great workforce access. It all places us right in the crosshairs of a lot of national security technology companies, added Starks. Additionally, he said, Utah remains a friendly place to do business for aerospace/defense companies. The speed at which you can work here is faster than any other market in the United States. Looking ahead, Starks envisions Utah securing a spot on the national forefront of industries such as Advanced Air Mobility. We will show the world how to move people, parcels and packages via electric aircraft. Utah, he added, will become one of the first inland states in the country to host a spaceport including locales in the state where rockets and space vehicles could be launched and recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Beehive State will be a key player in the extraction of the sorts of critical minerals that are snagging todays headlines. Why are deep-tech companies landing in Utah? L3Harris Technologies employs thousands of Utahns, generates billions of dollars locally and develops a variety of technologies including communication systems, missile defense and unmanned systems. Engineering technician Bridger Carr sets up L3Harris TNR 2i Wideband ISR handheld transceiver at the Utah Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Bruce Black, an L3Harris Technologies systems engineer, said Wednesday that Utah makes for an ideal locale to operate because of its highly educated populace. Theres a lot of emphasis in the culture on education so its a gold mine for a tech company to come here and gobble up all these smart kids coming out of college, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Hanna is the founder of Aeromega, a recent Utah startup company that develops technology enabling longer flight duration for drones. The industry is obviously evolving rapidly, he said Wednesday. People see whats going on in current events, worldwide. Our technology is what will be part of U.S. drone dominance. Hanna said he opts to operate in Utah, in part, because of its unique collaborative, peer-to-peer environment. The idea of the common good is something most people understand and want to work for, he said. Utah has a great business environment. Politically, its very friendly to businesses, especially young businesses like ours. And its a wonderful place to raise a family. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Gaspers, a director of state and local government operations for Boeing, pointed to the global aerospace corporations almost century-old link to Utah. The state, he said, supports the companys workforce. Weve had phenomenal support from universities, from state government and from local governments that really understand what it takes to build a manufacturing workforce and have that skill set and depth and investment in education, said Gaspers. Thats critical to us as we continue to look to the future. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., at a Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, Senate hearing regarding legislative oversight of the South Carolina attorney general's office. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace continues to blast South Carolinas top prosecutor, a chief rival in her bid for governor, by claiming he lets pedophiles go free an accusation he emphatically denies. A spokesman for Attorney General Alan Wilson says Mace is totally misrepresenting the data she received from his office through a public records request. Advertisement Advertisement While three other Republicans are vying to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman Mace has focused her public ire on Wilson from the outset. Months before either of them announced their expected bids, the 1st District congresswoman lit into Wilson as a do-nothing attorney general, including during her bombshell speech last February on the floor of the U.S. House. I will take him out, she told reporters at a Richland County GOP meeting a year ago. I will personally make sure that he is never governor of South Carolina. She said then that shed do a better job as governor of prosecuting crime, though thats not the governors job. Most crimes also arent directly prosecuted by the state attorney general. Cases are generally the purview of locally elected solicitors, who are the chief prosecutors for their judicial circuit. Two solicitors are among candidates running to replace Wilson as attorney general: 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe and 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo. The other Republican in the race is state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, the first to announce. Advertisement Advertisement A year ago, Wilson declined to name Mace in his denials, saying he didnt want to engage. But with less than five months remaining in the race for the GOP nomination, hes pushing back. The data Mace cites in her recent accusations involve the states Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is overseen by the attorney generals office. Eight attorneys in his office work with law enforcement across the state to prosecute cybercrimes against children, including the creation and possession of videos showing children being sexually abused. What theyve revealed should outrage every child and parent, Mace told reporters in Charleston earlier this month about the data she received. The SC Daily Gazette also received copies of the task force data from 2016 to 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Based on that data, Mace says prosecutors in the state took few pedophiles or child molesters to trial over that period. And in fiscal years 2018, 2021 and 2022, there were zero trials, she said at the news conference, surrounded by a group of mothers. Most cases were resolved through plea deals behind closed doors, where the children victims do not get a voice, Mace continued. Our children deserve a justice system that fights for them, not one that cuts deals with the monsters who harm them. Justin Hall, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office, said Mace doesnt know what shes talking about. Congresswoman Mace is drastically mischaracterizing pleas, as she often does on many things related to the work of the Attorney Generals Office and ICAC Task Force, he told the SC Daily Gazette. Advertisement Advertisement The reason people charged in those cases frequently plead guilty is because the evidence is so overwhelming, he said. Because the task force focuses on crimes over the internet, theres usually a substantial digital trail. Rather than go through the humiliation of a public trial, they plead guilty. But that doesnt mean theyre getting a deal for a more lenient sentence, Hall said. The overwhelming majority of ICAC pleas are not plea deals but are straight up pleas, meaning that they plead guilty to the charges without any negotiations, he said. In her public records request last October, Mace asked the attorney generals office for detailed data on all plea agreements it had reached since 2019 in cases involving exploitation of a minor or distribution of child sexual abuse videos. In a follow-up request last month, she asked for any emails from his office related to a plea agreement, the original charges referred for prosecution, and any charges that were dropped. Advertisement Advertisement In a Jan. 13 email response, the attorney generals office said compiling all of that information would effectively shut down their task force unit for months. It asked her to narrow her request to a more reasonable scope. It also noted that much of the information she requested was publicly available through online court records, if Mace wanted to take the time to comb through them. However, details about plea agreements are exempt from public records requirements, Wilsons office wrote. Alan Wilson says hes too busy not prosecuting pedophiles to answer questions, Mace headlined an email the next day. Last week, during a congressional hearing in Washington involving convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York prison in 2019, Mace sought to publicly draw a connection to Wilson. And in her newsletter emailed hours later, she highlighted his response that it would take thousands of hours away from prosecuting crimes to provide all the information she sought. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Release the Wilson files, she wrote, mimicking calls for release of all files related to Epstein. Hall dismissed the slogan as just more political posturing. The example During her news conference, Mace highlighted a task force case she called an example of the judicial systems complete failure. In December 2023, Travis Reed Gaye of Mount Pleasant was arrested and charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor: one second-degree count and six third-degree charges, according to a release from Wilsons office. Court records show Gaye pleaded guilty to one count last November. A judge officially sentenced him to 10 years in prison, the maximum, but suspended the prison time for five years of probation. That means hes supposed to go to prison if he violates his probation, which he quickly did. Advertisement Advertisement Gaye was arrested in December after his probation agent determined he consumed alcohol and viewed or downloaded sexually explicit material both violations of his probation. Gaye is out on bond awaiting a judges decision on what that means for his sentence, according to Scott Hawkins, spokesman for the state agency that oversees people on probation or parole. Court records show Gaye paid a $15,000 cash bond Dec. 16 and is supposed to be wearing an ankle monitor. Gayes attorney, as listed in court records, did not respond to a phone or email request for comment by the SC Daily Gazette. Mace characterized that as Wilsons office dropping six of the seven charges and letting Gaye go free, despite violating his probation. Advertisement Advertisement Those who abuse children should never be free to begin with, she said. Hall says Mace is misunderstanding court records. The count Gaye pleaded guilty to encompassed the case, and the task force cant control a judges decision, Hall said. As for probation violations and what should happen next, the attorney generals office has no authority over that; thats the responsibility of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, he added. SCs backlog Mace also took aim at the number of pending task force cases shown in the annual reports, which she called an exploding backlog. According to the data, pending cases nearly tripled from 2016 to 2025, growing from 266 to 773. Advertisement Advertisement In response, Hall said the task force has seen a huge uptick in tips but no proportional increase in staff or resources. The task force received about 9,100 tips in 2023, about 11,500 in 2024, and almost 22,000 in 2025, he said. Though internet crimes against children can be handled by prosecutors across the state, over 90% of them are prosecuted by the eight attorneys who currently work for the attorney general, according to Hall, who said they have special expertise in handling those kinds of cases. Wilson asked legislators for money to pay for a ninth attorney with the task force, noting each attorney is handling about 100 cases. Large case backlogs are a problem for South Carolina in general. The COVID-19 pandemic, when courthouses spent months closed, exacerbated the problem. According to the latest report from the judicial branch, 57,182 criminal cases statewide during the last fiscal year had been pending for at least 545 days. Two years ago, House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, told reporters that at least 11,600 cases statewide involved suspects who were indicted at least three years earlier and still waiting for their day in court. Agronomics is an investor that got burnt by the demise of Meatable but is still invested in Israel-based SuperMeat and the Dutch business Mosa Meat, both early moves in the category. Demonstrative of the prevailing interest, Mosa Meat secured 15m ($18m) in additional funding at the tail end of last year. It's difficult getting people to fund start-ups anyway but, in a sector that has been around for a while and hasn't really delivered anything, it's even more difficult. It's where the trend of investment is as well and the trend is clearly in other areas and not in cultivated meat. Fast-forward to the present and Lynch says: The valuation hype has been deflated and it's quite difficult to get that excitement back again. Investors are going to be extremely wary of these businesses which aren't commercial. Even before the recent business failures, Mark Lynch, a partner at London-based consultancy Oghma Partners, had predicted a consolidation phase for cultivated meat more than two years ago, estimating at the time that 2.6bn ($3.1bn) had been invested in the sector since 2016. And the on-shelf price points will have to be competitive, if not cheaper than, field-reared meat an aspect that can only come with scale or else consumers are unlikely to switch on a repeat basis. Perceptions remain, however, that cultivated meat is dead in the water, an observation that is likely to be amplified by the consolidation process many predict will now ensue. Those left will also face the ultimate challenge of scaling to generate decent revenues and profitability, made all the more difficult by AI being the choice destination of investor cash. The initial hype around cultivated meat and the vast sums of investor money thrown at the sector have both dissipated but thats not to say the long-term potential, and interest, in the category has disappeared, too. Its still there but with a recalibration around future expectations and what will unfold. What is different with cultivated meat or lab-grown, cell-cultured proteins is most players have not yet commercialised their products, in most cases hindered by regulatory approvals, which are governed on a product-by-product, and country-specific basis. Yet its a natural transformation process for companies to fail and not unexpected for a nascent tech and cash-intensive industry in transition, similar to what we have seen in plant-based proteins and controlled indoor agriculture. Recent months have seen businesses close down, with Dutch company Meatable and Israel-founded Believer Meats throwing in the towel less than ten years since fruition. After a period of relative quiet, the cultivated-meat industry is waking up again but for the wrong reasons. Leer mas Nonetheless, Agronomics executive chairman Jim Mellon is critical. When companies raise too much money, in my experience, they tend to spend it. The whole space suffered from over enthusiasm at the time of the pandemic Agronomics executive chairman Jim Mellon It's a shame as there are companies out there that are interesting and doing okay in the cultivated-meat space. But, generally, I think the whole space suffered from over enthusiasm at the time of the pandemic high valuations, too much money being raised and money being spent like drunken sailors would have done. Mellon remains a longer-term advocate and has also invested in Meatly, a UK business in the early stages of development focused on cultivated meat for dogs, a sector he suggests could act as a gateway or testing ground for companies to get into the production and scaling for human consumption. Lynch at Oghma Partners shares that opinion: I'd start off and flog it into the pet-food industry, he says. Mellon adds: I'm still a believer that clean meat will ultimately emerge as a very potent alternative to conventionally farmed foods. It's just taking longer than expected, taking more money than expected, taking more dexterity than expected, and there is consolidation. Don't let's be despairing about this. There are bound to be companies that fall apart. Regulatory approvals The US is perhaps the most significant in approving cultivated meat for commercialisation in 2023 for Upside Foods (previously Memphis Meats) and Good Meat under the Eat Just umbrella. But thats on an individual product basis and mainly for restaurant sampling, while a number of states have put up the barriers, including Texas, the countrys largest beef producer. Some European countries are erecting fences too, like Italy and Austria, although selective approvals have been given further afield in Israel, Australia and Singapore. More will likely soon follow, Didier Toubia, a co-founder and the CEO of Israel-based Aleph Farms, says with optimism. Nevertheless, Toubia suggests the drawn-out pace of regulatory approvals, which he says are expensive, creates a challenge for manufacturers by the time they get clearance on an individual product, development has moved on so far that they need to apply for a new approval. It took more time than expected. A few companies assumed it would take less time and burnt a lot of money preparing for launching, Toubia says. Were at a point now where well start seeing the regulatory limitations being lifted in the next 12 to 18 months. We will see more countries and more products cleared. Aleph Farms co-founder and CEO Didier Toubia. Credit: Aleph Farms Regulation appears to be a key roadblock preventing the cultivated-meat industry from developing and maturing. Without it, companies cant reach economies of scale or even hope to generate any revenue, let alone provide a return for investors. While its disappointing to see company closures, as with any highly innovative sector, not all companies will make it through the tough early stages, Carlotte Lucas, the head of industry at Good Food Institute Europe, says. However, regulatory inefficiencies, such as longer, unpredictable approval times, have been a critical barrier for companies hoping to bring products to market and have led to some start-ups considering other regions or even relocating overseas. Despite the hurdles, inroads are being made but the number of participants in the industry put forward by Lucas are indicative of the casualty risk. Cultivated meat remains in its infancy but huge progress has been made since the first cultivated burger was presented in 2013 at a reported cost of a quarter of a million pounds, she adds. The sector now includes more than 50 companies across Europe and at least 150 globally. Erika Georget, who has won promotion to managing director of The Cultured Hub, a Swiss venture between Buhler Group, Givaudan and Migros, suggests there needs to be larger scale in biomass the technical term for animal cells used in the production of cultivated meat. Hybrids, or a combination of animal and plant proteins, could be a solution until mass-market scale can be achieved in the wider context, she says, acknowledging regulation is still a barrier. I wouldn't underplay regulation because at this point all the regulatory approvals are not for entire categories. It's not that one player has an approval and the whole sector is unlocked, Georget emphasises. While the regulatory work is essential, it's very resource intensive, it's very time intensive, and each player needs to go through that process. Even for those that have had approval for restaurants and so on, a challenge is that companies don't have enough quantity yet to really serve a classical retail business and at an acceptable cost based on pure biomass. There is not enough biomass available to supply the market. We need players to create hybrid products which delight consumers, with an attractive price point and in sufficient scale to serve retailers. Scaling through partnerships When investor cash is drying up, scaling cultivated meat through factory investment is difficult, especially when still faced with regulatory barriers before a product arrives on consumer plates. Its a catch-22. Partnerships, mergers and sharing resources might be the way forward rather than companies trying to go it alone and counter the challenges independently. And those potential avenues could even ensure, but not guarantee, survival. There need to be hubs to enable efficient capital use for intermediate scales Erika Georget, The Cultured Hub The Cultured Hub offers solutions in shared hubs which can help to drive cost effective scaling, according to Georget. I think companies that are looking to raise capital to build large-scale assets as a means to demonstrate their process scalability will find many closed doors, she says. There need to be hubs to enable efficient capital use for intermediate scales. There need to be places where companies can show investors that the process they're working on is viable at a scale, that it is credible enough to be representative of an industrial scale. A lot of companies have been scaling or looking to scale while they were managing their regulatory process because everything had to happen at once to enable a fast go-to-market. This is not impossible but its very challenging if it depends on having to put steel in the ground at an early stage. Oghmas Lynch agrees. I think it's still a very tough place. One way of making that cash runway last longer is through some form of merger with other businesses. Recalibration Toubias Aleph Farms is doing just that in a partnership with The Cultured Hub having realised the business needed to adapt to the new realities. Aleph Farms is setting up its first European production base in Kemptthal, Zurich, to add to a pilot facility in Israel. At the same time, the company is outsourcing production without losing a lot of money and with limited investment in capex, Toubia says. He explains how Aleph Farms raised $100m in 2021 and planned to secure more at a time when investment was flowing into the sector but then funds started to dry up in the back half of 2022. We understood that and recalibrated the company, refocused our plans to spend more time reducing our production costs, improving the scalability of our process, Toubia says. We made a lot of tough decisions and adapted to the changing environment. Some companies haven't done that Didier Toubia, Aleph Farms We were in the process of investing massively in the US market but we took a step back and refocused first on smaller countries where we can maximise the profitability. Theres a recalibration. Companies which are refocusing on the fundamentals, unit economics, the business model, the right product and being capital efficient are emerging from this downturn as the category leaders. We made a lot of tough decisions and adapted to the changing environment. Some companies haven't done that. Financial backers in cultivated meat are also becoming more savvy with their cash allocation, with those that now understand the new dynamics more thoroughly largely in for the longer term, The Hubs Georget suggests. These investors are also challenging and supporting companies to be more cash efficientinjecting capital meaningfully and asking for viable plans, and routes to scale up, she adds. If you approach an investor with a sound plan to demonstrate scalability, demonstrate the unit economics without requiring hundreds of millions, it is feasible. The winners Some cultivated-meat products are starting to slip into the commercial arena, the likes of Meatly in dog food, Vow and Mission Barns in human meat, but the quantities are relatively small, says Nick Cooney, a managing partner at New York-based Lever VC. It needs to go from trivial sales to the first couple of million in sales, more mainstream listings and major markets. That's the bridge that needs to be crossed, he says. There certainly are multiple companies that can do that in the next couple of years with not a lot of capital to get that next level of energy and momentum back into the sector. However, bringing prices down to a level competitive with field-raised meat, ultimately through scaling, will be critical to get to revenues of $1-2m, he suggests, dependent on the availability of outside capital. This year and next could still be quiet periods for the category until the AI funding furore passes its peak and comes down to a more normal level, Cooney says. It's definitely quiet in the sense of there's a lot less funding going to it than there was several years ago, quite significantly less, he adds. If you leave aside the funding issue and look to other things like new countries granting regulatory approval, companies starting to sell products in certain geographies, breakthroughs on certain costs of production, there's been a lot of those things over the past two years. It will not be some extremely fast adaption curve among the general public. But I think if you look at the surveys, if you look at how the small initial offerings have gone, there has been a lot of consumer interest. Over a longer-term horizon, its going to take time for cultivated meat to become entrenched in the consumer psyche, Agronomics Mellon reflects, speculating that prices will eventually be on a par or below field-raised protein. This is going to take multi generations to have a big impact on the world. This is a nascent industry. This is like the car industry in the early 1900s thousands of car manufacturers, most of them went bankrupt. You ended up with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler in the US and a couple in the UK. We'll have the same thing here. We just have to try and make sure that we are the ones that succeed, not the ones that fail. "New reality: cultivated meat recalibrates as funding pool shrinks" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. A detailed investigation by Wisconsin conservation wardens resulted in a $10,000 fine for a sharpshooter with Wildlife Management Service. This company has contracted with the local government for the removal of nuisance deer in Southeastern Wisconsin for decades. However a long list of violations from several years ago has put that operation into question. Christopher Tuhy, a resident of East Troy, shot more than 100 deer while working for WMS in 2022. This December, Tuhy pleaded guilty to 10 civil counts of hunting deer with an improper license a deer hunting license is required for deer culling work and Tuhy didnt have one. Tuhy says hes not a hunter, and hed simply forgotten to buy a license in 2022 for his culling. But he did have a license in the three years before and after 2022. Tuhy was fined $1,000 for each of the 10 citations. His hunting privileges were revoked for one year, which also means he cant work as a sharpshooter for that period. But why was the penalty so steep for a seemingly honest mistake? Advertisement Advertisement Waukesha Countys district attorney, Lesli Boese, told Outdoor Life via email that the agreement took into account many factors, including citations the State agreed not to issue to resolve this case fully and the forfeitures associated with those citations and the underlying facts of the case. There was no further information provided from the DA regarding what these factors were, but an open records request of the investigation files shed more light on the situation. Those documents revealed that the DNRs investigation found more than 500 violations, primarily for failure to register deer taken by 5 P.M. the day after being shot, which is required by law. Other violations include the transportation of these unregistered deer. The report also questioned if bucks antlers had been properly disposed of, since the DNRs culling permits demand that antlers must be returned to the agency and not kept by sharpshooters. Additionally, the report mentioned that car-killed deer had been registered as culled-deer by WMS. (This would be more of an issue for the local government to address since theyre the ones footing the bill for deer removal.) Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, culling permits are issued to government agencies, not to the culling company responsible for shooting deer. The permits are issued by the DNR and come with many specific rules that address, among other things: the number of deer to be taken, the use of optics, carcass tags for culled deer, lymph node removal for CWD testing, and mandatory deer registration. Additional requirements between local units of government and contractors may put bucks off-limits to sharpshooters. Some communities put bucks off limits to sharpshooting efforts, often because hunters and landowners dont want deer cullers wiping out mature bucks. Contracts between local communities and culling services commonly require the culling business to dispose of deer carcasses. Culling businesses usually arrange to have the venison ground and distributed to local food pantries, provided the deer test negative for CWD. Some state agencies keep lists of folks who would like donated venison, but most dont. Andrei Landron, owner of Wildlife Management Service that was named in the lawsuit, knows that theres plenty of red tape in the deer culling business. Landron employs deer cullers, thought thats not his main business. He also told Outdoor Life via email that the high fine levied against one of his employees was unusually severe for an unintentional mistake. Advertisement Advertisement I have a sprinkler business that keeps my employees busy during the summer months, Landron says. My WMS business helps keep them working during the winter. Historically, Wildlife Management Services has maintained a strong, productive, and collaborative working relationship with the DNR. For more than 30 years, we worked cooperatively to assist communities with effective deer population management. That relationship was solution-oriented and professional rather than adversarial. Unfortunately, over the past three to four years, that dynamic has become increasingly challenging. Permit requirements and enforcement expectations appear to change from year to year, according to Landron. From our perspective, these changes are often implemented without sufficient explanation or continuity, making compliance more difficult despite our ongoing efforts to adhere to all applicable rules, Landron says. The disposal of antlers from the culled bucks were also an issue, according to the investigation files. The permits clearly state antlers from culled bucks, many of which can grow to massive sizes in suburban areas, should be turned in to the DNR. According to the reports, Landron told Wisconsin wardens that antlers from culled deer are cut off at Bunzels Old Fashioned Meat Market in Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement An employee that processed the culled deer, however, said that usually only small bucks came to the facility with antlers still attached. Other deer arrived with their antlers already removed. The antlers from the small bucks were thrown into a bucket along with those other customers didnt want from their own bucks. Bunzels made it clear their employees treated WMS as they would any other customer, by following the processing instructions they were given. These deer were ground and the venison was distributed to local food pantries. The report also stated that a WMS employee had taken a large set of antlers home, saying he wanted to show them to a relative, but intended to take them back to the processor. However the employee never brought the rack back. Wardens eventually recovered the antlers from the employee, who was not charged. Read Next: Game Warden Tales: I Hunted Down a Trip-Wire Crossbow Poacher Christopher Tuhys $10,000 fine, well over the $343.50 maximum per charge as stated in the bond schedule, was the only one levied from this investigation. Tuhy said he pleaded guilty and agreed to pay the high fine so that he could move on. Advertisement Advertisement I just want this to be over with, he said. Despite its track record, Landron says Wildlife Management Service would like to pursue its deer culling work in Southeast Wisconsin. Wildlife Management Services would like to reestablish a positive and cooperative working relationship with the DNR, its agents and wardens. We do not seek an us versus them environment, nor do we want our employees to feel threatened or exclusively scrutinized while performing their duties, he said. The communities we serve continue to face significant deer overpopulation challenges and sharpshooting remains the most effective management tool available. Editors Note: David Zeug is a retired Wisconsin conservation officer. NEED TO KNOW A woman from Iowa felt the sudden urge to use the restroom at the end of her shift at a FedEx facility in Grimes Amethyst Blumberg, who did not know she was pregnant, was shocked to discover she was in labor and could feel the baby's head Her baby boy, Onyx King Easterlie, arrived minutes later, according to local media outlet KCCI and KENS 5 An Iowa woman's work shift at FedEx ended with a delivery she was really not expecting. On Monday, Jan. 26, Amethyst Blumberg, who did not know she was pregnant, gave birth to a baby boy while working at a FedEx facility in Grimes, according to local media outlet KCCI and KENS 5. Advertisement Advertisement Blumberg told KCCI she was finishing her shift at around 8 a.m. when she felt the sudden urge to use the restroom. "After that, I couldnt even get off the toilet," Blumberg told the outlet and KENS 5, adding that she was able to call for help by opening the door. Amethyst Blumberg holding her baby alongside a picture of a FedEx facility in Grimes, Iowa KENS 5: Your San Antonio News Source/Youtube; Google Maps "I get up, and I'm like, I feel his head," she continued. The Johnston-Grimes Fire District arrived just minutes before Blumberg gave birth and was able to assist with the delivery, according to KCCI. 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. "We are delivering the baby now, someone said in audio from radio traffic, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement A medic told the outlet that they arrived at the scene at 8:29 a.m. and the baby was born at 8:33 a.m. Blumberg ended up giving birth on the floor of her workplace, according to KENS 5. She and her son, who she has named Onyx King Easterlie, were then transported to the hospital where they were reported to be healthy and resting, per the outlet. The little one weighed 6lbs. 8oz and measured 19 inches long. The now-mom of two said that she had no signs or symptoms of pregnancy with Onyx, unlike her first experience. "With my first one, I had all the symptoms, she recalled of her first pregnancy to KCCI. With this one, I had nothing at all. I was losing weight at work." A FedEx Ground logo Scott Olson/Getty Blumberg went on to explain that any signs she was pregnant only came right at the very end. "The only thing I felt was when my back started hurting from back labor. And when he was descending, I felt him move," she told KCCI. Advertisement Advertisement Described her baby boy as perfect, Blumberg added, Our FedEx baby." "I've seen a lot of things in my field, so I don't get too much surprised anymore," Nick Pearson, of Johnston-Grimes Fire District said. "Im just very happy that she was healthy and the baby was healthy." PEOPLE has contacted FedEx and the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire for comment. Earlier this month, a woman from Zion, Illinois, shared how she went into labor on Christmas Day, even though she had no idea she was pregnant. Melanie Smith, 28, told NBC Chicago how she travelled to Waukegan hospital at she started experiencing "bad" stomach pain. Once there, doctors realized that she was nine months pregnant, and her baby boy Vincent was born weighing a healthy 8lbs. Read the original article on People A South Carolina woman was shot and her body set on fire after she was lured to what police say was a fake puppy sale. Two suspects, Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, 19, and Daquinn Taheen Thomas, 31, were arrested on Jan. 23 and charged with murder, first-degree arson and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to jail records. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed. Advertisement Advertisement Florida Teens In Custody After 14-Year-old Girl Found Shot To Death, Burnt: Sheriff Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye told Fox News Digital in a phone interview that Dana Kinlaw, 40, was lured by Fleming, a friend, to a rural house under the pretense of buying a puppy. Ice Ended Maine Enforcement Surge, Gop Senator Says, Citing Noem Read On The Fox News App She was then shot in the head before a liquid substance was poured on her body and ignited inside the vehicle. A car outside a courthouse on a town road in South Carolina on May 8, 2010. (Getty Images) Deputies were called to Atlantic Road near Springbranch Road in Effingham, South Carolina, on Jan. 22 where a vehicle was found on fire with a deceased person inside. Advertisement Advertisement Joye told Fox News Digital that investigators believe the killing was an act of retaliation tied to another murder in neighboring Darlington County in which Kinlaws son is believed to have been involved. Click Here To Download The Fox News App WMBF News reported that a third suspect, Nikko Carraway, 31, was arrested on Wednesday and faces the same charges as Fleming and Thomas. All three are being held without bond. Original article source: Woman lured to puppy sale shot, body set on fire in South Carolina, police say Police are investigating a shooting involving an officer at the Cobb County Police Department headquarters. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Rebekah Patterson, 26, came to the police department on Fairground St. SE on Wednesday armed with a handgun. Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke exclusively with Rebekah Pattersons father who has questions about how it started, where it ended and why it happened. Advertisement Advertisement This is not Rebekah, Rebekahs a typical 26-year-old kid. She doesnt do violence. She doesnt agree with it. I dont understand any of it. Theres no reason for her to have been at the police station, he said. The GBI says when the officer met Patterson outside, she pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer. Investigators say the officer ordered her to put down the gun multiple times, and when she did not comply, the officer shot her multiple times. Patterson is in the ICU, still critical but stable, according to her father. I dont believe what they are saying is what happened. If she came in for advice or to talk to an officer why was she told to go out of the police department, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The GBI has not released information about why Patterson met the officer outside of the police department. Pattersons father told Newell she just recently got married and spoke with her husband on Wednesday at some point in the day, before the incident occurred. Everything was fine. She was supposed to go to her moms house in Alabama to take her to have her knee surgery today, he said. Patterson told Newell his daughter lives a normal life and was happy to be a newlywed. Rebekah is also a very private person, too. She doesnt want to put her problems on other people. Shes never been a violent person. Was it a mental health thing? I dont know. Shes never showed signs of it. It couldve been anything, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say officers rendered aide to Patterson before medics arrived. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. I-269 northbound was blocked due to a wreck with multiple vehicles Wednesday in Marshall County, Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Transportation said Wednesday. The wreck could back up traffic for nearly a day a notice from MDOT estimated the approximate duration at 19 hours. The wreck is near where U.S. 78 becomes Interstate 22 in the Byhalia area. The Olive Branch Police Department said traffic on U.S. 78 was backed up all the way to Victoria, and they urged drivers to use Highway 178 as an alternative. Advertisement Advertisement ALL TRAFFIC IS AT A STANDSTILL, the police department said. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, speaks on the Senate floor about his bill meant to increase safety for first responders in West Virginia on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography) West Virginians would be prohibited from getting close to first responders while theyre performing their duties if theyve issued a warning, according to a bill passed by the Senate on Thursday. Bill supporters say the measure protects first responders, but a Democratic senator raised concerns that it could potentially prohibit people from filming officers, including border patrol agents during President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 4 would make it unlawful for a person to approach first responders after receiving a verbal warning, which triggers a 30-foot barrier around themselves while theyre performing official duties. It creates safety for our first responders, said bill sponsor Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia. It creates a barrier so the first responder can do their job, do it effectively and also protect the public. A person could face a misdemeanor charge if he or she violates the 30-foot barrier and interferes with the first responders duties or threatens them. Sen. Tom Willis, R-Berkeley This bill both protects our first responders and distinguishes the lawlessness that has become rampant around our country, said Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Willis, R-Berkeley. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, opposed the measure, fearing the bill could prohibit individuals from filming officers. He noted video from cell phones closer than 30 feet away from police officers had shown an officers 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. Theres a chilling effect in the way this bill is written, Garcia said. He also worried about the legislations impacts while some West Virginia law enforcement are currently acting as immigration enforcement officers through Gov. Patrick Morriseys partnership with the federal government. Garcia referenced the killing of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal border patrol agents on Jan. 24. Advertisement Advertisement I think almost uniformly, we have law enforcement officers who are always trying to do the right thing. But thats not 100% what weve seen, Garcia said. Weve seen that if there werent video cameras showing what some of these customs and border patrol agents were doing, we had a narrative coming from the federal government that told explicit lies. This is so important to a healthy democracy that we have this transparency. Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography) The measure passed 32-2 with Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, joining Garcia to vote against the measure. The Senate also passed a measure that would prohibit law enforcement from installing a surveillance camera on private land without first obtaining either consent from a property owner or a valid search warrant. Willis said that Senate Bill 84 seeks to strike a balance between protecting individual liberty and giving law enforcement the tools they need to be effective. Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement would be able to install a surveillance camera on private property where exigent circumstances exist and there is insufficient time to obtain consent from a property owner or a valid search warrant. Both measures were sent to the House of Delegates for consideration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude for Germany's support of his country and praised Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "Friedrich demonstrates true leadership strength, and I greatly appreciate our coordination," he wrote on Telegram on Thursday evening, referring to a phone call between the two. Zelensky said that Germany has supported his country since the early days of the war. In particular, he noted that the deliveries of Patriot and IRIS-T air-defence systems are important for the protection of Ukrainian airspace. Advertisement Advertisement He also wrote that the recent assistance in overcoming the energy crisis is important. Ukraine has been defending itself for nearly four years with Western help against a full-scale invasion by Russia. Germany is one of the most important partners of the embattled country. Due to massive Russian air attacks, part of the energy supply in Ukraine has collapsed in recent weeks. In severe freezing temperatures, many Ukrainians are often without electricity for hours daily - and the heating systems in many homes are also cold. A Selah man has been charged with killing his 4-year-old son and burying him off Cowiche Mill Road. Preston Keith Funderburgh was charged in Yakima County Superior Court Monday with homicide by abuse and other charges related to the death of 4-year-old Alaric AJ Funderburgh. Funderburgh, 34, was previously charged in U.S. District Court with two counts of theft of government money and four counts of wire fraud after federal officials said he continued to collect AJs Social Security survivors benefits after he had died. AJ was receiving the benefits after his mother died. Funderburgh is currently being held in the Yakima County jail on a U.S. Marshals' hold on the federal charges. Yakima County Superior Court Judge Jeffery Swan signed a warrant for Funderburghs arrest on state charges with bail set at $1 million. Funderburgh is accused of physically abusing and starving AJ, and then burying his body after he died in December 2024. In a 37-page probable cause affidavit and police reports obtained by the Yakima Herald-Republic, Funderburgh is also alleged to have starved his son, blaming him for the death of AJs mother. AJs body was found in April 2025, and an autopsy determined his primary cause of death was blunt-force trauma. Investigation Selah Police Departments investigation began April 16, 2024, when AJs maternal grandparents asked for a welfare check because Funderburgh was not allowing them to see their grandson, whom they said they hadnt seen in nearly a year. AJ was last seen by other family members in fall 2024, according to the reports. AJs mother, Amanda Bedard, died in November 2022, when he was 2 years old. The living arrangements at Funderburgh's house varied, with children and adults coming in and out. Funderburgh told police that AJ was living with Funderburghs mother because his Speyers Road home was infested with bedbugs, and AJ didnt have a strong immune system, the affidavit said. He was not there when police stopped by. Officers made a second visit to Funderburghs home and were allowed to come in to see if AJ was there. He wasn't. They found one room in the house had a strong urine odor, which Funderburgh told them was from dogs, the affidavit said. When officers came in, Funderburgh whispered something in his girlfriends ear, and she ignored them the whole time. When questioned later by police, she denied Funderburgh abused any of the children, didnt know where AJ was and said Funderburgh told her that he was staying with his grandmother and later Bedards family. Maternal grandparents raise concerns AJs maternal grandparents said that Funderburgh repeatedly told them that the boy was with his paternal grandmother and was upset when they came to the house looking for him, the affidavit said. The maternal grandmother said one of AJs siblings told her that Funderburgh would keep AJ and his half sibling locked in a room and would not let them use the bathroom. The half-sibling went to live with the maternal grandparents, while AJ stayed with Funderburgh. The maternal grandparents told police that Bedards children were receiving survivor benefits after their mother had died, but Travis Warren Boland, the father of AJs half-sibling, refused to give them the money to help with expenses. Boland, his wife and their children lived at Funderburgh's house at one point. Boland, 36, has been charged in federal court with theft of government money and making false statements regarding the funds. AJs maternal grandmother recalled that on one visit when Funderburgh brought AJ, he told her that AJ was the reason Bedard died of a heart attack, the affidavit said. She said AJ had a heart condition that required surgery, but Funderburgh said that the doctors decided the boy didnt need an operation. Another family member told police that she saw AJ in October 2024, and that he was wearing dirty diapers that appeared to not have been changed regularly, and that he was dirty, skinny and lethargic, the reports said. Suspect tried to throw police off, reports say As police continued to investigate, Funderburgh said he would come by police headquarters with AJ. Officers watching Funderburghs home saw a vehicle pull up and a woman let out two boys, one who had the same color hair as AJ but was shorter and then left, the affidavit said. The woman said that Funderburgh called her and asked her to drop off her kids with him so she could have a date night with her husband. Funderburgh arrived at the police station and presented the boy as AJ, but officers said the boy did not match known photos of AJ, the reports said. When confronted with the evidence, police said Funderburgh told them that he laid AJ to bed on Dec. 1, 2024, and that at 3 a.m. the next morning he found the boy had died, the affidavit said. Fearing his other children would be taken away by the state, Funderburgh covered AJ in a Winnie the Pooh blanket and drove out to a spot on Cowiche Mill Road and buried him, the affidavit said. One of Funderburghs other children told a child forensic interviewer that he would hear AJ crying for food and water, and Funderburgh either ignored him or told him to shut up, the reports said. In a recorded jail phone call after his arrest, Funderburghs girlfriend told him that she had told police what Funderburgh told her to say to police, the affidavit said. Police cited that phone call as evidence of witness tampering. An autopsy by the King County Medical Examiner found multiple bone fractures, some with signs of healing and brain bleeding. Prosecutors allege that Funderburgh was also collecting AJs benefits after his death. Revolut has made a decisive move into Mexico. On Tuesday (27), the British fintech announced the launch of full banking operations in the country, ending its testing phase. This marks the first time Revolut has opened a licensed bank outside Europe. Revolut Bets on Mexicos Costly, Fragmented Banking System Mexico was a deliberate choice. With a population of around 130 million and a traditional banking system widely viewed as expensive and bureaucratic, the country presents a strong opportunity for a fully digital bank. Revolut sees demand for app-based banking with lower fees and simplified access. To secure its Mexican banking license, Revolut took an unusual route. It became the first independent digital bank to gain approval through a direct application to regulators, without acquiring a local institution or forming a partnership. The company capitalized the operation with more than $100 million, twice the regulatory minimum. At launch, its capital adequacy ratio stood at 447.2%, far above requirements. Credit rating agencies responded favorably. HR Ratings assigned a long-term HR AAA rating, while S&P Global issued an mxA+ rating with a stable outlook. High Capital Buffer and Product Design Target Consumer Trust Revoluts product offering targets key consumer pain points. Its checking account provides automatic interest on balances, with higher returns applied to the first 25,000 Mexican pesos. Users do not need to move funds into a separate savings product. Transfers between Revolut users are instant and free. International transfers to external bank accounts come at lower costs. The app supports balances in more than 30 currencies, with currency exchange at competitive rates. Get the day's news. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning at 7 a.m. This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle. (Cynthia Goldsmith via The Associated Press) Federal agents point weapons at protesters near the site of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost via AP) Roches adjusted operating profit rose by a lower-than-expected 5% in 2025, due to the weakened US dollar, despite the drugmaker reporting strong growth for food allergy medicine Xolair (omalizumab) and multiple sclerosis treatment Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). Core operating profit reached SFr21.8bn ($28.4bn) for the Swiss big pharma company in 2025, slightly down from a market consensus of SFr22bn cited by analysts. Total sales for Roche came in at SFr61.5bn, a 7% change at constant exchange rates (CER). This growth dropped to 2% in Swiss Francs. The CER value was in line with consensus, as per a research note from Citi analysts. Core earnings per share were SFr19.46, 1% below consensus. In its report, Roche stated: The appreciation of the Swiss Franc against most currencies, notably the US dollar, had a significant impact on the results reported in Swiss Francs compared to CER. On an earnings call, Roches chief financial officer Alan Hippe said: The weak US dollar is something were fighting against. Alluding to the market volatility in foreign exchange rates, Hippe said he expects the same picture for 2026 if current rates hold throughout the year. On 28 January, the US dollar fell to its lowest level in four years. Over the past year, the currency has tumbled amid President Trumps tariffs and policy making. Investor reaction to Roches financials was lukewarm. Shares in Zurich-listed Roche opened 0.6% down at SFr336.3 at market open 29 January, from SFr338.3 at market close on 28 January. The company has a market cap of SFr272.6bn. Revenue breakdown Roches pharmaceuticals business contributed sales of SFr47.7bn, up 9% from 2024. Multiple sclerosis therapy Ocrevus was the companys top-selling drug, netting SFr7bn for the year. Vabysmo (faricimab), which is approved in several retinal disease indications, grew 12% year-over-year to bring in SFr4.1bn. However, growth was 2% below consensus estimates, with Roche blaming a reduced rate on the contraction of the branded market due to biosimilars of rival products. Roche expects market recovery in 2026 for Vabysmo. Xolair grew 32% in 2025, though biosimilar launches are expected in the second half of 2026. Stock in Roche has been up over the past few months on the back of positive clinical data for pipeline products. In November, Roches successor for Ocrevus, fenebrutinib succeeded in a pair of pivotal Phase III multiple sclerosis studies. Then, earlier this week, the drugmaker reported positive Phase II data from obesity candidate CT-388 as it looks to enter a market dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Speaking on the earnings call, CEO Thomas Schinecker said the company hopes to launch 19 new molecular entities (NMEs) by 2030. With a market cap of $269.9 billion, RTX Corporation (RTX) is a global aerospace and defense company serving commercial, military, and government customers through its three operating segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Shares of the Arlington, Virginia-based company have significantly outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. RTX stock has jumped 56.5% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 16.1%. Moreover, shares of the company are up 9.5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPXs 1.9% rise. More News from Barchart Focusing more closely, shares of the aerospace and defense company has outpaced the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLI) 18.8% return over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Shares of RTX rose 3.7% on Jan. 27 after the company reported Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.55 and revenue of $24.24 billion, both topped forecasts. Investors were encouraged by sharply higher cash generation, with free cash flow of $3.2 billion and full-year 2025 free cash flow of $7.9 billion, up $3.4 billion year-over-year. The rally was further supported by a strong 2026 outlook, including adjusted EPS guidance of $6.60 - $6.80 and free cash flow of $8.25 billion - $8.75 billion. For the fiscal year ending in December 2026, analysts expect RTXs adjusted EPS to grow 6% year-over-year to $6.67. The company's earnings surprise history is promising. It topped the consensus estimates in the last four quarters. Among the 22 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on 13 Strong Buy ratings, one Moderate Buy, and eight Holds. www.barchart.com On Jan. 28, UBS analyst Gavin Parsons raised RTXs price target to $208 while maintaining a Neutral rating. As of writing, the stock is trading above the mean price target of $201.86. The Street-high price target of $230 suggests a 12.4% potential upside. 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 By BRIANNE COOK [email protected] Bessemer The Bessemer City Council received on Monday a positive report in relation to the citys 2024-25 audit. Joe Verlin, principal of Gabridge and Company of Grand Rapids, said he was impressed with the timeliness and accuracy of financial reports prepared by city clerk/treasurer Samantha Zakovec. Verlin noted that the city is making more money than it is spending. The General Fund has about 90 days worth of unassigned fund balance in reserves. In addition, Verlin said that, as a whole, government funds were doing well. The citys pension and other future liabilities are covered to 66.5%, well above the minimum of 60%, although less than Verlins typical customers. In prior years, the Downtown Development Authority fund had been shown under the citys budget, but since the DDA has its own board, from this year forward it will be displayed as its own entity. Overall, Verlin said he was pleased to report no findings for us to bring to the councils attention, which means there were no errors in the audit. In other news, city manager Mandy Lake explained the process that council members would need to take for the city to form its own separate Board of Review. At this time, Bessemer Citys Board of Review is combined with the townships of Erwin, Wakefield, and Bessemer, who all employ the same assessor, Melissa Prisbe. Because the Board of Review involves resolving tax disputes, anyone who would like to participate is required by state law to undergo training. These training sessions are held annually at VFW Post 3673 in Bessemer, and the next one is scheduled for Feb. 4. Lake suggested that anyone interested should attend that session, as well as additional sessions.But she added that it is too late to get someone trained for this years tax season. Councilwoman Linda Nelson said that she was not interested in separating the citys Board of Review from that of the townships. Regarding previous years, when the city had its own Board of Review, she said, Ive sat here for three nights, and sometimes we get one person in for three nights and nobody else shows up. The combined Board of Review alleviates that problem. The council also approved paying the associated fees for any council member to attend Board of Review training. Council members also approved the city manager to publish a Request For Proposal for a reworking of the citys website. The RFP includes fixes for current website problems and also aims to improve overall accessibility. Councilman Mark Serwe also was appointed to the DDA. William Mosley: Thanks, Shanye, and hello, everyone. Seagate closed out calendar 2025, with a record-breaking quarter, driven by sequential revenue growth across nearly all end markets. December quarter financial results exceeded both top and bottom line expectations and set new company records for exabyte shipments, gross margin, operating margin and non-GAAP earnings per share. We expanded non-GAAP gross margin above 42%, supported by the execution of our pricing strategy, along with an improving mix of our high capacity drives as HAMR shipments ramp. Looking at the entire calendar year, 2025 marked a transformational period for Seagate, both financially and operationally. To learn more about these risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our future business results, please refer to the press release issued today and our SEC filings, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q as well as the supplemental information, all of which may be found on the Investors section of our website. Following our prepared remarks, we'll open the call up for questions. In order to provide all analysts with the opportunity to participate, we thank you in advance for asking 1 primary question and then reentering the queue. With that, I'll turn the call over to you, Dave. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that today's call contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views and assumptions based on information available to us as of today and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements as are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with our business. Dave Mosley, Seagate's Chair and Chief Executive Officer; and Gianluca Romano, our Chief Financial Officer. We've posted our earnings press release and detailed supplemental information for our December quarter results on the Investors section of our website. During today's call, we will refer to GAAP and non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to GAAP figures in the earnings press release posted on our website and included on our Form 8-K. We've not reconciled certain non-GAAP outlook measures because material items that may impact these measures are out of our control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Therefore, a reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable effort. Story Continues Over the calendar year, we increased revenue by over 25%, improved gross margins by nearly 740 basis points and expanded operating margins by an even greater amount, demonstrating the profitability leverage in our financial model. 2025 also solidified HAMR technology as a long-term enabler of mass capacity storage. We ended the year shipping 3 terabyte per disk Mozaic-based HAMR products to our first CSP customer. And by year's end, quarterly HAMR shipments exceeded 1.5 million units and have continued to ramp. Mozaic 3 HAMR drives are now qualified with all of the major U.S. CSP customers and qualifications for our second-generation Mozaic 4 terabyte per disk products are tracking well to plan. These developments align with our long-term areal density road map that extends to 10 terabytes per disk, which we expect to deliver early in the next decade. I want to thank our Seagate teams around the world for exceeding our performance expectations and delivering outstanding value to our global customers. We continue to operate in an exceptionally strong demand environment, particularly within the data center end markets. In the December quarter, we saw sustained demand growth for our high capacity nearline drives across global cloud data centers as well as continued improvement from the enterprise edge. Based on our build-to-order pipeline, we anticipate these positive demand trends will continue for some time. Our nearline capacity is fully allocated through calendar year 2026, and we expect to begin accepting orders for the first half of calendar year 2027 in the coming months. Further out, demand visibility is strengthening based on the long-term agreements in place with major cloud customers through calendar '27. Additionally, multiple cloud customers are discussing their demand growth projections for calendar '28, underscoring that supply assurance remains their highest priority. We will continue to meet strengthening demand through our strategy to maintain supply discipline and satisfy exabyte growth through areal density advancements and without increasing unit production volume. In the December quarter, our average nearline drive capacities rose by 22% year-over-year, approaching 23 terabytes per drive, with those sold to cloud customers averaging significantly higher. This trend underscores the strong adoption of our higher capacity drives to support demand growth. At the same time, revenue per terabyte sold has remained relatively stable, reflecting the effectiveness of our pricing strategy. Seagate is well positioned to continue benefiting from the combination of powerful secular tailwinds and supply discipline. Video applications continue to drive significant demand for hard drives with platforms like YouTube witnessing 20 million video uploads daily, up from just 2 million 3 years ago. This staggering pace of growth extends to other cloud video platforms and doesn't yet include the full surge in content generation expected from emerging AI-driven video applications. These applications are not only fueling social media uploads, they are also transforming how organizations turn their data into tangible value, enabling personalized marketing, interactive education and advanced simulations, capable of training manufacturing, engineering, health care and other professionals. The strategic value of data is further underscored as new applications and use cases emerge across cloud and edge workloads. Among the most promising of these is agentic AI, which relies on persistent access to large volumes of historic data to enable effective planning, reasoning and independent decision-making. Adoption is already gaining momentum with one recent survey conducted by a leading cloud service provider reporting more than half of participating customers were actively using AI agents. Early adopters are already realizing measurable returns with benefits ranging from lower cost to increase revenue opportunities. With the deployment of AI agents at the edge, where untapped data often resides, we believe the stage is set for a sustained and meaningful increase in data generated and stored that will support inferencing, continuous training and also maintain model integrity. Modern data centers have evolved to address the complexity and scale that massive workloads bring through sophisticated data tiering architectures, ensuring that the right data is available at the right time and place. Hard drives are essential to these architectures, anchoring the mass capacity data tier that stores the vast majority of exabytes from storing the checkpoint data sets used to train and maintain model integrity to supporting vector databases that provide the context necessary for accurate inference results and agentic AI performance. By leveraging hard drives, data center operators, whether in the cloud or on-prem, can achieve the optimal balance of performance, capacity and cost efficiency at scale. Against this transformational backdrop, Seagate's HAMR technology road map positions us to meet growing demand and deliver ongoing TCO improvement for our customers. HAMR is a proven technology with large volumes of drives running in cloud production environments for more than 3 quarters now, and performing well across a broad spectrum of use cases. We are systematically ramping our Mozaic 3 HAMR products to qualified customers while maintaining focus on optimizing the profitability of our available supply. As noted earlier, Mozaic 3 is now qualified with all major U.S. CSP customers and remains on track to have all global CSPs qualified within the first half of calendar 2026. Additionally, qualifications of our second-generation Mozaic 4 products are progressing well. We expect to begin the ramp of Mozaic 4 later this quarter and have multiple CSPs qualified in the coming months in line with our plans. We continue to set the pace for the industry, recently demonstrating 7 terabytes per disk capability in our labs. As one of our largest CSP customers recently aptly described, hard drives are engineering marvels, a sentiment that we obviously share. Our deep expertise across mechanical engineering, material science, nanoscale fabrication and now advanced photonics, not only enable Seagate to deliver on the HAMR road map, but also creates a durable competitive moat for hard drive technology well into the future. Wrapping up, 2025 was a milestone year for Seagate in every respect. Financial performance, operational execution and technology leadership. We are carrying this momentum into calendar 2026 supported by a powerful demand backdrop as new AI applications start to complement traditional workloads. We will remain highly disciplined and focused on expanding profitability through our higher capacity product mix, underpinned by the strong economics of HAMR. Our areal density road map positions Seagate to sustain the core TCO and efficiency advantages of hard drives as data creation and storage requirements accelerate in the AI era. We believe this foundation creates a compelling long-term value proposition for the company, our customers and our shareholders. I'll now turn the call over to Gianluca to cover our results in greater detail. Gianluca Romano: Thank you, Dave. Seagate delivered another quarter of strong year-over-year revenue growth and set new record profitability metrics in the December quarter, underscoring the durability of data center demand trends. Additionally, we strengthened our financial position by retiring $500 million in gross debt and generating over $600 million in free cash flow, marking the highest level in 8 years. December quarter revenue came in at $2.83 billion, up 7% sequentially and up 22% year-over-year. We achieved non-GAAP gross margin of 42.2%, up 210 basis points sequentially, and we expanded non-GAAP operating margin by 290 basis points sequentially to 31.9%. Our resulting non-GAAP EPS was $3.11, up 19% quarter-over-quarter. These strong financial results demonstrate our ability to execute our strategic objectives, including leveraging our technology road map to support demand growth. To that end, we shipped 190 exabytes in the December quarter, up 26% year-over-year, while keeping overall unit capacity relatively flat. The data center market accounted for 87% of our shipment volume, supported by ongoing demand momentum from global cloud customers and sequential growth across the enterprise OEM markets. We shipped 165 exabytes in the data center market, up 4% sequentially and 31% year-on-year. Data center revenue grew at roughly the same pace totaling $2.2 billion for the quarter, up 5% sequentially and 28% year-on-year. Against this strong demand backdrop, both cloud and enterprise customers are transitioning to higher capacity drives. Average cloud nearline capacity increased to nearly 26 terabytes in the December quarter and will continue to grow with the ramp of HAMR-based Mozaic products. As Dave highlighted, Mozaic drives are running very well in production environment and meeting all performance, reliability and integration expectations. In the enterprise OEM market, we are benefiting from slight improvement in traditional server units, along with increasing demand for storage servers, driven in large part by the adoption of AI applications and need to store data at an enterprise edge. The edge IoT market made up the remaining 21% of revenue at $601 million, supported by anticipated seasonal improvement for consumer products in the VIA client market. We project the broader VIA market to grow over time with the largest growth contribution coming from VIA nearline products that are captured as part of our data center end market. Moving on to the rest of the income statement. Non-GAAP gross profit increased to $1.2 billion, [ up 14% ] quarter-over-quarter and 44% compared with the prior year period, significantly outpacing revenue growth. Non-GAAP gross margin expanded to 42.2% in the December quarter up from 40.1% in the prior period. This improvement reflects the ongoing execution of our pricing strategy and the growing adoption of our latest generation high capacity products, which collectively drove a modest sequential increase in revenue per terabyte, a trend we expect to continue into the March quarter. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $290 million, relatively flat quarter-over-quarter and in line with our expectations. Operating expense as a percent of revenue declined to 10.3%, rapidly trending towards our long-term target of 10%. The combination of strong top line growth and significant financial leverage drove an 18% sequential improvement in non-GAAP operating profit to $901 million, almost 32% of revenue. Other income and expenses were $70 million, reflecting slightly lower interest expenses on the reduced outstanding debt balance. We currently project other income and expenses to remain relatively flat in the March quarter. We grew non-GAAP net income to $702 million with corresponding non-GAAP EPS of $3.11 per share based on tax expenses of $129 million and a diluted share count of approximately 226 million shares, including the net impact of our 2028 convertible notes. Turning now to cash flow and the balance sheet. We invested $116 million in capital expenditures for the December quarter or roughly 4% of revenue. We are maintaining capital discipline while we continue to transition and ramp HAMR technology. To support these objectives, we anticipate capital expenditures for fiscal year 2026 to be inside our target range of 4% to 6% of revenue. Free cash flow generation was strong at $607 million, up 42% from the prior quarter. Looking ahead, we expect free cash flow generation to further expand in the March quarter, supported by sustained demand trends, operational efficiency and capital discipline. These factors position us well for durable long-term cash flow generation. Cash and cash equivalents totaled just over $1 billion at the end of December quarter, with ample liquidity of $2.3 billion, including our undrawn revolving credit facility. During the December quarter, we returned $154 million to shareholders through dividends. We retired approximately $500 million of exchangeable senior notes due 2028, which serves to limit further dilutive impact from business and optimized cash deployed for future share repurchases. Our resulting gross debt balance was approximately $4.5 billion exiting the quarter. Net leverage ratio improved to 1.1x based on adjusted EBITDA of $962 million for the December quarter, up 16% quarter-over-quarter and up 63% year-on-year. We expect the net leverage ratio will trend lower as profitability and cash generation increase while we continue to evaluate opportunities to further reduce debt. Turning now to the March quarter outlook. The demand environment remains strong, particularly among global cloud customers. As a result, we expect data center demand will more than offset typical March quarter seasonality in the edge IoT markets. We expect March quarter revenue to be in the range of $2.9 billion, plus or minus $100 million, which represent a 34% year-over-year improvement as a midpoint. Non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to be approximately $290 million. Based on the midpoint of our revenue guidance, non-GAAP operating margin is expected to approach the [ mid-30% range ]. Non-GAAP EPS is expected to be $3.40 plus or minus $0.20, based on a tax rate of about 16% and non-GAAP diluted share count of 230 million shares, including estimated dilution from our 2028 convertible notes of approximately 7.6 million shares. Seagate's strong December quarter performance and March quarter guidance underscore our continued focus on driving growth, enhancing profitability and optimizing cash generation. Based on our current outlook, we expect to deliver sequential improvement to both the top and bottom line throughout calendar 2026 and remain in a strong position to enhance value for both customers and shareholders over the long term. Operator, let's open the call up for questions. Operator: [Operator Instructions] And the first question comes from C.J. Muse with Cantor Fitzgerald. Christopher Muse: Given the supply-demand dynamics, you're obviously in the catbird seat. I wanted to really try to get some more detail on gross margins going forward. Your philosophy historically has been to share gains, both your customers and yourselves. But at the same time, given this tight environment, you are raising like-for-like pricing. So curious, is there a framework to think about in terms of the incremental gross margins that we should model from here? And then, I guess, maybe bigger picture, as you think about overall average pricing per exabyte, we've gone from kind of down double digits to high single digits. And I think we just exited the quarter down 4% year-on-year. Do you see a world where pricing could flat or even move positive year-over-year? William Mosley: Yes. Thanks, C.J. I'll let Gianluca chime in here as well, but the pricing will be dictated by the demand. Right now, the demand is really strong. So I think as we roll through into '27 and '28, we look at how much capacity we're having. We're bringing online by virtue of the fact that we're making all these aggressive product transitions. We'll bring more exabytes to bear and then people go out there and renegotiate for those. I think flat to slightly up is certainly possible. And that's the way we're really managing it as we talk to our customers. The value proposition of the new drives as they go up 5, 10 terabytes at a time is pretty strong. Gianluca Romano: C.J. So on the gross margin, we are executing very well, but executing a little bit better than what we discussed at our Investor Day, where we presented a model with a 50% incremental margin above $2.6 billion of revenue. We have done better every quarter, of course, is our objective to continue to optimize what we produce, what we sell and finance the profitability that we can get from the product. So the models cover over a longer period of time, now 2, 3 years, not 2 or 3 quarters, but I'm positive we are continuing to progress in the right direction. Operator: The next question will come from Wamsi Mohan with Bank of America. Wamsi Mohan: I have a similar type of question. I guess the gross margins in the guide and the incremental quarter-on-quarter gross margins on the guide are very strong. Can you maybe help bridge the drivers between mix and price? Obviously, you've got a better mix of data center revenue next quarter. But just wondering if you can dimensionalize that. And the opportunity for pricing, David, you just said sort of flat to up as possible. But as we think about the pricing that might be getting embedded within these LTAs and sort of beyond '26. Why can't that be a lot higher just given the tightness in the supply-demand environment? William Mosley: Yes. I think this gets into how persistent is the demand going to be, Wamsi, we talked about 2 or 3 years from now. The one behavior change that I really like in the last year is that people are starting to say, if I can't get it now, I'll plan next year better and the following year better. So we're having great dialogues on that front. Of course, supply has risen quite a bit in the last year's supply of exabytes from the industry. The industry has reacted pretty well, but I think demand is still pretty strong. And my perspective on this is I think demand will stay strong for quite some time. So in that kind of world, we're having great discussions with customers further out in time. And the biggest part that helps us in our planning is through these product transitions. They know that's how they get more exabytes. Gianluca Romano: Yes. And Wamsi, we are saying in the script today that for the rest of the calendar year, we expect revenue and profitability to continue to improve sequentially every quarter. So we are not implying in any way that this trend is changing. It's actually now getting better somehow. Operator: The next question will come from Erik Woodring with Morgan Stanley. Erik Woodring: Congrats on these results, incredible. Dave, at your Analyst Day last year, you kind of pointed to a mid-20% exabyte growth CAGR. And I'm just wondering where you think that supply growth can land this calendar year. And as you get closer to that HAMR crossover point later this year, like does that pace of exabyte growth accelerate? And I'm just asking this because demand is clearly outpacing supply. So can you maybe just help us try to better understand the shape of your exabyte supply growth because obviously, it will dictate kind of exabyte shipments for the year. William Mosley: Yes. Thanks, Erik. So we are planning to transition to 4 terabytes of platter. And fairly aggressively, but I think what people have to keep in mind is that we were fairly tight all throughout manufacturing. So we have products that are in the pipeline already that are committed to customers and so on. We don't just move very quickly to 3 or 4 terabytes of platter as things come. And it's a good problem to have, actually. We're running manufacturing quite, quite tight right now. So I think it will be a fairly prescriptive ramp, to your point. It won't be as fast as maybe we've done some ramps in the past, but it will be very profitable, and that's the way we look at it. As we go further out in time, I'm very optimistic that the 4 terabytes per platter is a very strong product. It will start to replace some of the other legacy products, I'll say, that way and because it has so much better value proposition in a lot of those markets. And then when that happens, then we see more opportunity. Operator: The next question will come from Asiya Merchant with Citi. Asiya Merchant: Great results here. Just a couple that are related to the prior question. You guys gave some projections on HAMR, not just for fiscal year '26, but even into fiscal '27. So if you could talk about upside to achieving those targets for the HAMR rollout. And related to that, how we should think about the blended cost reductions, pretty impressive, again, margins here and guiding for improved profitability. So if you could talk to us a little bit about the cost reductions going forward, especially as you ramp HAMR here with the Mozaic 4, that would be great. Gianluca Romano: Yes, Asiya. So I would say, first of all, we are very happy with the transition to HAMR. We qualified the last big cloud service provider in the U.S. and we have qualified 6 out of 8 of the top cloud service providers. So the transition from PMR technology to HAMR technology, is progressing very well. And we are now qualifying the new product, the 4 terabyte per disk to 40 terabytes per drive. Of course, this will help with the increase in exabyte in terms of mix. We gave a good indication, I think, at our Investor Day, and we want to be aligned to that. And the cost will be favorably impacted, especially when we start ramping high volume of the 40 terabyte drive. Of course, that will drive a fairly important reduction in cost per terabyte compared to the current HAMR, and of course will be a good contributor to further increase our gross margin. Operator: The next question will come from Karl Ackerman with BNP Paribas. Karl Ackerman: I was hoping you could clarify what portion of your LTAs for overall nearline HDD capacity has fixed or multi-quarter pricing agreements. I ask because as these LTAs roll off throughout 2026, any new agreements will be locked in at higher values reflective of not only the demand use case also widening price per terabyte gap between enterprise hardware drive HDDs. Shanye Hudson: And Karl, your -- the second part of your question was a little fuzzy. So we captured the first part, but I might ask you for clarity on that second. Karl Ackerman: Sure. Yes, I'll just repeat, if I could. As these LTAs roll off throughout 2026, I would imagine those new LTAs will be priced at perhaps a higher value or higher order value, particularly given the widening gap between hard drives and SSDs. So if you can comment on the mix of LTAs and how you think that progresses throughout '26 would be great. William Mosley: Yes. Thanks, Karl. So as we roll off, say, for example, somebody might have been qualified on a 2.4 terabyte per platter product or something, and then they might be qualifying a 3.2 or even a 4-terabyte per platter as we roll forward. So we changed based on the demand that we see, we changed -- and our available supply, we changed the pricing dynamic there. I think that's one of the biggest things you're pointing out. I'll say that '26 is fairly booked. We talked about that in the call a bit to the extent that we can out-execute our plan, it will be marginal like you saw last quarter, we get the qualifications done a little faster. We ship a few more drives. That's how we can do better than planned. But other than that, it's fairly predictable in '26, and we're looking to start '27 the same way. Operator: Next question will come from Jim Schneider with Goldman Sachs. James Schneider: I was wondering if you could maybe address -- given everything you just said about demand and about the mix effect from HAMR this year, maybe can you give us any kind of directional guidance about where you might expect exabyte shipments to end up on a calendar '26 versus calendar '25 basis relative to the sort of long-term targets you've laid out previously. It seems like you could do materially better than that, but I just wanted to confirm what your expectations were if you could give us a numerical range. Gianluca Romano: Jim, no, we are not guiding calendar '26. But we said in our financial model, we said that we expect exabyte -- nearline exabytes to grow in the mid-20%. We have done a little bit better if you look at the last few quarters, and we always -- as Dave said before, we always try to extract as many exabyte as we can from our manufacturing. So we are continuing this trend, but we don't guide for calendar '26. William Mosley: But moving from 2.4 per platter to 3 per platter to 4 per platter, you can see that we're on a trajectory like you described. It's -- when it gets down to the individual customer level, obviously, we have to be very predictable because they need what they need and what they -- what we've committed to in order to build out that data center. So we'll continue to execute that plan and maybe we can do a little bit better as we transition to 4 terabyte per platter. Operator: The next question will come from Amit Daryanani with Evercore. Amit Daryanani: Gianluca, I'm hoping you can talk a little bit about the March quarter guide because it seems to be a really sizable uptick in gross margins. I think it's up like 250 basis points or 100% plus incrementals. Could you just -- is there any you would call out in March quarter that's unique that's helping drive that kind of margin expansion? And is this really all coming from the core HDD business? Or is there a potential benefit from the old systems business helping you as well? Gianluca Romano: Amit, well, I would say, we expect it to be a very good quarter. I don't think it's different than what we have done before. It's always based on the pricing strategy and the mix, as you know. We qualified another customer on HAMR, so we will ramp a little bit more volume on HAMR. This is helping us to get better margin. But fundamentally, is not really different in how we think we are going to execute the quarter and is good. I think the incremental margin was very good. William Mosley: Yes. And it's not the systems business. The systems business is doing well, but it's fairly small scale in comparison. Operator: The next question will come from Mark Newman with Bernstein. Mark Newman: Congrats on great numbers today. Just want to touch again on this, the LTAs and pricing arrangements you have. Just curious, do you think there's an opportunity here for more significant price increases in NAND flash. We're hearing things like 40% to 100% up Q-on-Q for some contracts. I appreciate hard disk drives -- you have very long-term agreements. But I think there's a lot of questions I'd like to just touch on this as well. And a lot of -- as the LTAs roll off, is there an opportunity for some of those to be repriced at a more significantly higher price to change the trajectory, certainly numbers are great, you're printing. We're just trying to figure out, could you start to see more significant price increases rather than at the moment, you're seeing kind of flattish down a little bit, up a little bit. But overall, your average prices are flat, which I understand is a mixture of like-for-like slightly up, offset by new products coming in at lower price. Just wondered if that may change. And then just a quick update on HAMR mix, if there's any update on the trajectory of the HAMR mix that you've outlined before. William Mosley: Thanks, Mark. A couple of points. On the HAMR mix, we necessarily constrained ourselves on the 3 terabyte per platter because the factories were fairly full, and we knew we would be going to the 4 terabyte per platter product. So we've been leaning harder on that and making sure it gets through the development and qualification phases. As time goes on, then we'll move off and on to the 4 terabyte per platter very aggressively. So that helps you on the mix side. And the other thing about HAMR mix is it will be necessarily mixed up. I think the demand for those products will be at the high capacity points, not necessarily the lower capacity points just yet. And then relative to pricing, I think I said before, as we -- as one long-term agreement rolls into the next year or the next year, we've satisfied our existing supply commitments, people are looking at the new products, we have constrained supply of those new products, then we look at what the demand is, and we dictate where our pricing is. And one of the very first questions I said it could be flat to up a little bit. That's the way I think about it right now, but it all depends on what the demand is. Demand continues very strong. That's great. And again, what we're seeing is people who can't get what they need today, they're saying, okay, I need to be able to plan my data center procurement out in the future, let's get more predictable in the future, has given us better visibility, helps us run our factories for better cost and so on. So that's great. Operator: The next question will come from Krish Sankar with TD Cowen. Sreekrishnan Sankarnarayanan: I had a question, I just want to put it in 2 parts. One is how much was your HAMR as a percentage of your exabyte shipment last year? How much do you expect it to be this year? The genesis of the question is I'm just trying to figure out, obviously, a lot of questions on the very strong gross margins. If there's a way to put it in 3 buckets, like how much of the gross margin upside is driven by pricing? How much is driven by product mix? How much is driven by cost reduction by offshoring manufacturing? William Mosley: Yes, there's really no offshoring manufacturing or anything like that involved. Our manufacturing operations around the world are doing quite well and quite full. So that's helping from a cost perspective. But really no change in any manufacturing strategy to speak of. Relative -- I would say a lot of what -- the benefits we're seeing is mix and mix not just because we're actually transitioning into higher and more -- better products over time, but also because the demand for those products is quite high. You think about it, if you're building a data center with a 3 terabyte per platter versus the 4-terabyte per platter, you're going to be running that data center for a long time, you want the higher capacity point. And to the extent that we can do that as predictably as possible, that mix is what's driving the stability out in the market for us and helping us plan. Gianluca Romano: Yes, Krish, we don't give specific details on the impact of pricing, mix and cost. But they are somehow interrelated. I would say the change in mix is helping with the cost reduction and the supply-demand situation is, of course, supporting our pricing strategy. So they are all very good contributor to the increase in gross margin. And as we said before, this is going to continue through the calendar year. Sreekrishnan Sankarnarayanan: How much of HAMR as a percentage of the mix? Gianluca Romano: Well, Dave gave an indication of the unit that we shipped in the last quarter. So I think you can fairly easily calculate that. Operator: The next question will come from Steven Fox with Fox Advisors, LLC. Steven Fox: I guess I was just wondering on this -- on your mix question, looking at your average capacity per drive being up 22%. Like how much of that -- like obviously, the supply demand environment has tightened over the last year. And in reaction to that, are you taking steps to accelerate that mix up as the customers pushed you that way? Like I'm just curious how much you can control going forward now that we're here on even tighter supply to sort of help your customers in terms of absolute petabytes you're delivering. William Mosley: Thanks, Steve. So yes, we are -- the lead time out of the wafer fab is quite long. So we have to be predictable for our customers, say, 6 months, 9 months later and so on and so forth. That's one of the reasons why we talk kind of a year at a time inside of these LTAs. So we start wafers based on what we know we're going to be able to deliver, so that we're as predictable as we can be for our customers. As were -- if we're deploying manufacturing engineered resources we're trying to get through these product transitions. That's what gets us the most exabytes after that. And so going, mixing up is kind of our goal. So if that helps clarify what our strategy is. Steven Fox: It does, Dave. I'm just wondering like when you had your analyst meeting, you said that sort of a pretty well-defined time line for node transitions. Maybe just can you give yourself a report card on how you're doing on some of those time lines if we look out now versus the next year or longer term? William Mosley: Yes. I think that's good. We're on the plan or slightly ahead. And again, most of that's under our control. We execute well. We've been executing well. Some of it's under our customers' control as well. And the behavioral changes we've seen in the customer I made reference to earlier, they're really pulling hard because they need more exabytes. And so that helps get the calls done quickly. It helps a road map alignment and then supply -- specific supply alignment, which helps our factories. Operator: So next question will come from Aaron Rakers with Wells Fargo. Aaron Rakers: Congrats on the results. I want to go back to gross margin. I know you talked a lot about the pricing dynamics and the visibility you have. But the thing that stands out to me is you've been executing on like a cost per terabyte of like a mid-teens year-on-year decline in these last several quarters. As we roll out the 4 terabyte per platter Mozaic drive, how do I think about that cost down curve? Is it mid-single digits? Is it -- can you sustain at double digit and would not -- wouldn't we expect the 4 terabyte per platter HAMR drive to actually maybe accelerate the cost down, given the ability to bring that into lower end other outside of the nearline platforms. So I'm just curious how you think about that cost down curve. Gianluca Romano: Yes, we are very positive on the 4 terabyte per disk in terms of impact on the cost, as we discussed before. The unit costs tend to be fairly similar. But of course, we are adding a lot of content per unit. So that will be a good help to reducing the cost and improving profitability. So as you know, we are qualifying 2 major customers on these new products. So the time to finalize the call and their ramp probably through the end of the calendar year and for sure, well into -- the impact will be strong, I think, in the next calendar year, too. William Mosley: And we plan on making a big transition to 4 terabytes per platter over the coming few years and then getting to the 5 terabytes per platter as well. We do add complexity as we make those transitions. But I'd say the first order, the things that dictate the speed of the ramp are our ability to go work scrap and yield, all through our supply chain and so on, and we're working very hard on that. I like the product. So I think it provides for a bright and stable future for us. We just need to stay focused on it. Operator: The next question will come from Timothy Arcuri with UBS. Timothy Arcuri: I want to ask about LTSAs. I think you said nearline capacity is allocated through 2026. So it sounds like both pricing and exabytes are locked in this year. But for '27, I think you said something that I took that exabyte and pricing is not locked in, but you have some sort of agreement. So I guess I had 2 questions. First of all, is it right to assume that pricing is also locked in for all of '26? And what sort of agreement are you referring to for 2027 if volume and pricing is not locked in next year? Gianluca Romano: Yes. For this calendar year, we said basically, we have PO in place for all the quarters, so volume and pricing is well defined. As Dave said before, if in a quarter, we can produce a little bit more, of course, we will sell those exabytes in the open market at a good profitability. But I would say we have -- the vast, vast majority of the volume is already allocated. Calendar '27, we will start working on that fairly soon. Of course, we have very good indication and agreement on volumes, but we have not -- we have not fixed the price yet. William Mosley: Yes. And Tim, if this helps, so we haven't really started the longest lead time parts, but we will very soon for the start of '27. And we need to start having those discussions with our customers which calls are we going to get through together with -- what exactly is the plan, because a lot of them need predictability as well. So we'll have to build in our factories what -- based upon how hard they want to pull on those new products. Operator: The next question will come from Mehdi Hosseini with Susquehanna Financial Group. Mehdi Hosseini: Just a quick housekeeping item. Gianluca your CapEx has been increasing on a Q-over-Q basis. How should I think about depreciation, especially since it did dip in the December quarter? Any color here would be great looking forward. Gianluca Romano: Yes. No, our CapEx is aligned to our target of 4% to 6% of revenue. We are actually at the bottom of that range. So is not increasing in terms of what we want to achieve and what we said, of course, comparing to a period where we were more into the down cycle in terms of dollars, of course, is higher. We are supporting our HAMR transition and HAMR ramp. So I would say there is nothing different than what we said. William Mosley: Yes, the way I think about it as well, Mehdi is that if you go back 2 years ago, and you use that as a baseline, we were still significantly lower revenue, but also we were challenged on the supply and demand balance. Right now we're in a totally different environment, of course. So we'll probably stay well within the 4% to 6% range. But as the revenue goes up, we'll spend a little bit more and probably the first priority is maintenance tools and the things that we weren't doing a couple of years ago. Mehdi Hosseini: I apologize, I may have confused. I was focusing more on depreciation given these several quarters of increase in CapEx, should I expect a step-up in depreciation looking forward? Gianluca Romano: Depreciation will follow the CapEx. So you have your -- I guess you have your model on the revenue, so you can calculate the 4% to 6% of CapEx. And then depreciation for us is on a 10 years useful life. So you can probably model it that way. William Mosley: It's not like -- some other fabs, it's not necessarily the huge part of the cost drivers. There's a lot of other pieces of the cost that we can go manage them. Operator: The next question will come from Ananda Baruah with Loop Capital. Ananda Baruah: Dave, while we have you, a little bit of a technical one, are you -- what kind of activity are you seeing at sort of the so-called warm tier of storage. It's a question that comes up a bunch in our conversations. We've heard that it's obviously growing, it's growing both hard drive and flash storage is participating nicely, but would love to get your input on it. Because I think there's still -- first of all, we love to know if what we're hearing is accurate. But secondarily, I think there's a lot of people that are assuming that's really like it's becoming a NAND tier. Largely a NAND tier in the GenAI world. And anyway, just love to get any context there that you have? William Mosley: Yes. I think you have to be a little bit careful, Ananda. So there are applications that are very memory dependent that are attached to compute and some of these applications are neat, I like them. When you get -- when you start talking about big data storage, if you will, in data centers, the tiering architecture is fairly well set and probably won't change based on economics and also architectures that are well known. People know how to play. So if the concept is that drives aren't working hard, they're in the background, just storing data. That's not the way -- a good way to think about it. That's not the way hard drives are being used right now. They're working 24/7. A lot of times, they're optimized for performance themselves, largely streaming performance not random small block workloads. That's more of a memory thing. And so if you had an application that's random small block, it's probably memory. If you have big data, it's probably a little bit of memory on the front end and a lot of hard drive on the back end. And we think that there are applications across the entire spectrum, of course, but we think that in the future, when we start to talk about the concepts in their enormity about checkpoints and physical AI and video and things like that. It's large, large data so that the architectural tier that stores the data will probably remain constant for the next decade. Ananda Baruah: That's super helpful. I'll keep it there. Operator: Next question will come from Vijay Rakesh with Mizuho. Vijay Rakesh: Just a quick question on HAMR. I know you're ramping it faster in the March quarter. Should that drive a much better gross margin profile, I guess? And any thoughts on how we should see the margins improve, I guess, as HAMR starts to ramp? And I have a follow-up. Gianluca Romano: Vijay, if you are referring to the March quarter, of course, ramp of HAMR is included in our guidance. And our guidance is indicating a fairly good improvement in gross margin again. And then I said for the rest of the calendar year, we expect both revenue and profitability to improve sequentially. And of course, part of that is coming from additional HAMR products. William Mosley: We think demand will be strong for the 4-terabyte per platter, of course. And so that's one of the reasons why we're making that a priority in the transition that we go through this calendar year and into next. Vijay Rakesh: Got it. Very helpful. And just a quick question also on the OpEx side. Very nice, obviously OpEx same time last year, somewhere in the 14% range, now is down to 10%. I know Gianluca, you said probably that's a long-term target, but it looks like as Dave mentioned, with the top line ramping up with all the design wins, it looks like OpEx could go down again. Is that fair as a percent of mix? Gianluca Romano: Well, I would say we are getting closer and closer to our fourth target of 10% of revenue for OpEx. We are almost there. We should be there actually in the March quarter. And then, of course, now that we relax our cost control, we will continue to keep our cost control and revenue is supposed to increase so we can probably do it a bit better. William Mosley: Yes. I'm glad you asked that, Vijay, because obviously, a few years ago, the tough times that we went through, we weren't investing in ourselves to the rate that I'd like. And of course, it's with the HAMR transition in front of us, that was a lot of work. Now that we've kind of cleared that HAMR transition, we can see the future fairly well. It's the -- clouds are parting, if you will. And we can see aerial density opportunities in front of us, and we will take that the money such as it is, even staying within our same model, and we'll take that money and reinvest in ourselves so that we can continue to drive the areal density. Operator: This concludes our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks. William Mosley: Thank you, Nick, and thanks to everyone for joining us on the call. The Seagate team is executing very well, delivering on our financial targets and advancing areal density road maps and successfully qualifying customers on our HAMR-based Mozaic products to address the sustained and growing demand for data storage. As data creation accelerates, driven by both traditional workloads and these emerging AI applications, Seagate's transformational technology positions us well to capture the significant demand opportunities ahead. I'd like to thank our employees for their dedication and innovation and our customers and suppliers for their trust and collaboration, and our shareholders as well for their continued support. Together, we're driving Seagate's ongoing success. Thank you. Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. 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. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. 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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. Seagate (STX) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] Ironwood The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees learned at a Tuesday evening meeting that GCC President Christopher Patritto has submitted a letter of resignation. The letter to the board states that the popular leaders resignation will be effective as of July 1. He began his role two years ago on Jan. 2, 2024. Serving as president of Gogebic Community College has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life, said Patritto in the letter. It continues, I am deeply grateful to you, as trustees, for the trust you placed in me and for your partnership and support throughout my presidency. I am equally grateful to the faculty and staff for their commitment to students and to this institution. This college, and the communities it serves, matter deeply to me. Patritto also attended the meeting and addressed the board in person Somebody brought to my attention that I have been working for 40 years, he said, and I have been noticing a lot of signs the last couple of months that I need to take time for different areas of my life. If you had asked me six months ago this would not have even been on my radar. Patritto thanked board members for their kindness and support. I came here because I loved this place..., he said, growing emotional, but it is time. His letter concludes that he wishes to ensure continuity and stability for the institution. As such, he wrote, I am willing to remain in my role until a qualified successor is appointed, or through a transition period, and I will do everything I can to support a smooth and thoughtful transition. Patritto also expressed great confidence in the future of the college and believes that those running the institution are dedicated to the community and to the institution. The college also has one of three vice president positions open. Chad Lashua, former vice president of business services, also resigned last summer, effective June 30, 2025, and that position has remained open since then. In other news, the board: Heard an update on the colleges strategic plan. Heard a report on the Financial Aid Department. Approved financial reports as presented. Discussed and approved the second reading of board policy updates regarding code of conduct and conflict of interest, and performed the first reading of a sponsorship policy. Heard the presidents update, the vice presidents updates and the Houghton update. Designated the board to meet on the last Tuesday of the month, beginning at 5 p.m. in Room B22 of the Jacob Solin Center for Business Education in Ironwood. Reviewed the list of 37 graduates from the December graduation and congratulated them for the completion of their education. By BRIANNE COOK [email protected] HURLEY At its most recent meeting a week ago, the Hurley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors fired the chambers executive director and appointed a new board president. The action occurred on Jan. 21, when the previous newly appointed board president resigned from that responsibility while two other members resigned from the board altogether. Those resignations follow two additional board resignations that occurred in the past year. Melissa Teeple was fired as executive director after board members complained of unsatisfactory communication with her... By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] Hurley The Iron County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a resolution to purchase the Saxon Communication Tower. County chairman Larry Youngs said there wasnt much choice in the matter because that area of the county otherwise would have no communication. In other news, the board also approved the 2026-2030 Iron County Outdoor Recreation Plan. Basically, what this plan is is a wish list, said Tara Krall, office manager and trail coordinator for the Iron County Forestry and Parks Department. She said that the county, realistically, will not accomplish everything noted during the designated timing. But she said the plan is required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to apply for government grants. Board member William Thomas commended the plan as very, very well done. Board members also: Approved a resolution in support of requesting emergency dredging at Saxon Harbor. Approved a resolution establishing a budgetary funding reserve for Human Services. Approved a resolution allowing a road use permit for roads within Section 9 of the town of Mercer to McCutchin Living Trust, Bill MucCutchin, Trustee. Learned from Youngs that the position of tax lister, once shared by the countys Register of Deeds and treasurer, now may be managed by forest administrator Eric Peterson after he trains for the role. Learned from county clerk Christan Brandt that the process of taking back property by tax deed, in accordance with new state rulings, now will require the county to follow a compliance checklist. Approved the Emergency Fire Warden Organization List for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Learned from board member Karen Lauer that the Hurley Senior Center is being renamed as The Gathering Place. Heard from board member Scott Erickson that the countys snowmobile trails are in fantastic shape. In addition, Gerard Randall introduced himself as the countys new Veterans Affairs Officer. For the past two and one-half years, he worked at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North. Youngs said he plans to gather area Veterans in a session to meet with Randall and board member Tanner Hiller, who chairs the countys Veterans Service Commission. The boards next regular meeting will be on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the board room of the Iron County Courthouse. MARQUETTE The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, based in Marquette, has announced that an Ontonagon County man has been arrested on drug charges. According to a Jan. 22 press release issued by Lt. Tim Sholander, a detective with UPSET, the arrest of Justin Diem, 50, followed several weeks of investigation due to someone from Ontonagon County being suspected of transporting large amounts of crystal meth to the local area. Sholander added, Detectives, working in conjunction with the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Team, observed the vehicle belonging to the suspect traveling... This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Another investment in retail by real estate investment trust Simon Property Group is faltering. Despite checkered results from a decade or so of pouring money into retailers, Simon made a $100 million investment into Saks Global in late 2024, as the luxury department store company worked to acquire Neiman Marcus Group. That $2.7 billion deal was inked in December that year, but after a tumultuous 2025 marked by financial struggles, souring vendor relationships and market share losses Saks Global filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. Simon Property Group didnt return a request to comment for this story. While CEO David Simon has long acknowledged the volatility of the retail business, he has also consistently touted the benefits of investing in retailers. Simon Property Group is asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas to recognize its termination of the leases for over more than $7 million in unpaid rent, based on letters sent to Saks Global earlier this month. Those letters were sent a week before Saks bankruptcy filing. Attorneys for Saks Global, however, dispute Simons ability to withdraw the leases of the two stores, a Saks Off 5th location at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New York and a Neiman Marcus location at the Stanford Shopping Center in California. For many years Simon promoted its acquisition of distressed retailers as a way to strengthen those companies and save jobs, while many observers saw it more as a way to keep rents flowing in. Starting in 2016, Simon partnered with companies including rival REIT Brookfield and Authentic Brands Group to take stakes in the likes of Aeropostale, Forever 21 and J.C. Penney. The price tags were often low because the retailers were working to exit bankruptcy. Critics over the years have maintained that investors in REITs expect a more stable approach. But David Simon downplayed the risk and at one point favored changing federal regulations to allow the company to own even more of its tenants. More recently, though, Simon has been divesting from retail, shrinking or cutting its stakes in Forever 21's operating company, Eddie Bauer and Authentic, and contemplating ownership only when the outlay was little to none. The portfolio now includes the retail operations of Catalyst Brands, which includes J.C. Penney and several Authentic brands; e-commerce company Rue Gilt Groupe; and real estate developer Jamestown. In the most recent quarter, after a series of declines, those retail-related investments swung into the black, from a net operating loss of $7.6 million the previous year to net operating income of more than $54 million. The Prosecutor's Office of Budapest's fifth and eight districts has charged Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, with "organising and leading a meeting called Budapest Pride despite a police ban" last summer, the office said in statement. According to the indictment, Karacsony had encouraged his followers on social media to attend the Pride march organised by the municipality on June 28. The metropolitan police had issued a ban for the event on June 19 citing stipulations of the child protection law, and because "another person reserved the location for an event of a different kind" on the given day. The indictment also said that the mayor did not appeal the police ban and "went on organising the event despite the police ban". "He published further invitations to participate in the event, and led the march" from in front of the City Hall to the Technical University on the Buda side. The prosecutors have proposed imposing a fine on the mayor without trial for violating the freedoms of association and assembly, the statement said. Karacsony said in response on Facebook: "I shall never accept that my homeland should criminalise standing up to freedom, the expression of opinion, that it should ban the freedom of love, or that anyone should be punishable for believing, thinking or loving differently from the majority." He said that the procedure "seems to be the price for standing up for our and others' freedom, but anyone who thinks they can ban me or my city from doing that is very, very wrong." Karacsony also said that the Prosecutor's Office wanted to impose a fine on him without a trial "for organising the biggest freedom march of the past decades." The main point of the indictment, that he organised the march, was true, he said: "this was what happened and the fact that hundreds of thousands came turned that day an unforgettable miracle, a reference point." Karacsony posted the following on X: "I was a suspect, now I'm being accused because I stood up for freedom - my own and of others." "Prosecutors are seeking to fine me without a trial for announcing and organizing Budapest Buszkeseg, Budapest Pride in its international name, the largest freedom march in decades here in Budapest." "I refuse to be intimidated or silenced. I will never accept that standing up for freedom, free speech, or love can be treated as a crime. Despite threats or punishment, I will continue to fight. Freedom and love cannot be banned." Karacsony: 'I insist on a court proceeding!' Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, said on Thursday that he insisted on a court proceeding, following the submission of an indictment by the prosecutor's offices of Budapest's 5th and 13th districts to the Pest Central District Court, charging him with violating the freedom of assembly. The prosecutors office proposed that the court impose a fine without a trial. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Karacsony said the case was not about whether he should go to prison or pay a fine "just because the prosecutor's office has decided so". "This is about whether Hungary and Budapest are a free country and a free city -- and in my view, they are," he declared. The mayor said he was going to court to stand up for his own rights and the rights of his city. "I refuse to accept that our most fundamental right -- to love each other as we choose and to take to the streets together whenever we wish -- can be taken away." Karacsony thanked the prosecutor's office "for the publicity", noting that it had once again highlighted how wonderful it is to hold a Pride march in Budapest. "They're reminding us again of that beautiful June day when hundreds of thousands told the system that we will live freely," he said. "We will meet in court and stand up for a free Budapest and a free Hungary." CoE calls for dropping charges against Budapest mayor The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has condemned the recent charges brought against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, and called on Hungarian authorities to drop them, the CoE said in a statement on Thursday. The chief prosecutor's offices of two Budapest districts raised charges against Karacsony for organising last year's Budapest Pride march despite a prior police ban. Marc Cools, the president of the CoE body, said in a statement: "I urge the Hungarian authorities to drop these charges... National constitutions and legislation cannot be used to force local authorities to violate human rights of citizens." Cools quoted Karacsony as calling the Pride event "an act of civic resistance showing that local authorities, allied with civil society, can protect the small circles of freedom." "The Congress continues to closely follow the situation of human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons at local level in Europe," he said. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Creative Hungary has announced a new industry prize, the Central European Creative Awards, with submissions open via the official website until 26 February. The initiative builds on the long professional legacy of the Hungarian Design Award, now returning in an updated format following extensive consultation across the creative sector. Organisers say the award has been reshaped to reflect todays economic realities, with a broader category system and a clear regional outlook. The aim is to spotlight creators and brands working in high value-added creative fields including fashion, design, beauty and gaming while reinforcing Hungarys role within the wider Central European creative economy. The structure of the awards balances the promotion of Hungarian strengths with cross-border cooperation. Several categories are open exclusively to Hungarian applicants: Fashion Design of the Year, Product Design of the Year, Gaming Graphic Design of the Year, and Beauty Package Design of the Year. These are intended to boost the international profile of domestic designers and brands. Other categories focus on people and partnerships. Young Talent of the Year highlights emerging professionals, while Collaboration of the Year recognises successful joint projects. A dedicated regional category is open to creators and companies from Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, encouraging professional links across Central Europe. The programme also includes a Lifetime Achievement Award for an influential Hungarian creative career, and an Audience Choice Award decided by public vote. Winners will be selected by the Hungarian Creative Industry Council, with input from established Hungarian and international industry experts. Category winners will receive the award along with gross financial support of HUF 1.5 million. Applications are open from 26 January to 26 February, with the awards ceremony scheduled for May. According to the organisers, the focus is on creative quality, innovation, thoughtful design and professional depth, while remaining open to independent works, collaborations and new talent. In the official announcement, Creative Hungarys CEO and Government Commissioner for Creative Industry Development, Zsofia Jakab, said the goal is to create a regional reference point that presents Central Europes creative achievements within a shared framework. She added that the renewal of the Hungarian Design Award places equal weight on market relevance, innovation and long-term impact, alongside aesthetics. Beyond professional recognition, the new awards are intended to act as a quality benchmark with economic significance, drawing attention to export-ready brands and initiatives that strengthen regional competitiveness. More: Central European Creative Awards ******************************************************************************************** You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. Key members of the opposition Momentum Movement staged a humorous political protest on Wednesday morning to make a serious point, leaving hundreds of toilet-cleaning brushes outside the mansion of Janos Lazar, Hungarys Minister of Construction and Transport. The creative stunt was led by Momentum vice-president Lajos Locsei and the partys founding president, Andras Fekete-Gyor. In a statement, Momentum said the demonstration was intended as a response to recent remarks by Lazar that were widely criticised for offending Hungarys Roma community. A public backlash followed comments made by the minister last week at a forum in Balatonalmadi, where he spoke about a lack of migrant workers and suggested that domestic reserves should be considered for tasks such as cleaning toilets on trains, explicitly referring to Roma people. His remarks sparked sharp criticism across the political spectrum and among civil rights groups. Lazar later issued an apology for his comments. Speaking at the scene of the protest, Locsei said that no politician should be allowed to violate the human dignity of Roma people in Hungary without consequences, regardless of their position or political affiliation. Fekete-Gyor added that the absence of clear repercussions within the governing party suggested the comments reflected more than an individual lapse in judgement. In his view, the lack of response pointed to a broader related attitude within Fidesz itself. More About Lazar He is one of Hungarys most influential and controversial political figures, known for his disciplined approach to power and his long-standing role within governing Fidesz. Very much a party loyalist, but also someone with his own power base, hes known for strong views on sovereignty, state control, and national interests. He has occasionally positioned himself as tougher or more order-focused than some party colleagues. His style is cool, controlled, and often blunt. Hes not a populist firebrand, but he doesnt soften his message either. When he speaks, its usually calculated - and often controversial. He first rose to prominence as head of the Prime Ministers Office, where he was widely seen as a key enforcer of government policy and a central figure in the day-to-day management of the state. Unlike more overtly populist politicians, Lazar has built his reputation as a strategic operator and technocrat, favouring blunt language and firm positions rather than repeating party rhetoric. Supporters regard him as a capable and decisive administrator, while critics argue his style reflects an increasingly centralised and confrontational political culture. Lazar remains a significant presence in Hungarian public life. His statements and actions frequently attract attention beyond party politics, often igniting broader debates about power, responsibility and the boundaries of political discourse in Hungary. There has been recent speculation about what might happen beyond the long tenure of PM Orban. According to investigative reporting referenced by VSquare, party strategists have at times discussed contingency plans for scenarios in which Orban might not lead Fidesz into a future election - and in those internal conversations Janos Lazars name has been mentioned as one of the few senior figures with a high public profile and deep experience in the partys ranks. Sources cited in that reporting suggested that Lazars active presence in the campaign trail and his own communication efforts are part of what makes him visible within the partys broader political strategy, though this was framed as speculative planning rather than an official succession plan. VSquare also noted that such emergency scripts exist largely as theoretical exercises within elite circles rather than as confirmed moves by Fidesz leadership. Its also worth underlining that Lazar himself and authoritative news outlets - continue to state publicly that Viktor Orban is expected to be Fideszs prime ministerial candidate, and there are no officially confirmed plans for Lazar to replace him. The idea of succession remains commentary and internal speculation. ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Sales of new Toyota vehicles in Hungary reached 16,635 in 2025, giving the car maker 10.9pc market share, importer Toyota Central Europe country director Richard Laszlo said at a press conference. Turnover slipped 8.2pc as delivery problems hit sales of top-selling models, Laszlo said. He added that 18,000 vehicles, and a market share of over 11pc, was a realistic target for Toyota in 2026. Excluding re-exports, Toyota's fleet sales in Hungary dropped 6.2pc to 9,930. Toyota's market share in the segment reached 12.4pc. LCV sales declined 20.8pc to 2,773, giving Toyota 11.7pc market share. Sales of battery electric vehicles surged 175pc to 294. Sales of Toyota's premium Lexus brand decreased 9.3pc to 1,354 to give the car maker 6.3pc market share in the segment. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Mumbai: Tata Motors expects the passenger vehicle market to remain on a growth path in 2026, backed by a stronger economy, improving consumer sentiment and continued benefits from recent GST reforms. In an interview with Lakshya Rana of Zee News, Vivek Shrivastava, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., spoke about the companys 2025 performance, EV strategy, service improvements and upcoming product plans. Q: How do you look at Tata Motors performance in 2025? A: It was clearly a year of two halves. The first half was tough for the entire industry. Demand was slow and dealer stocks were high. Heavy discounting was common. Things changed after August and September. GST 2.0 came at the right time, just ahead of the festive season. It created positivity across the market. Tata Motors benefited more because we have products across segments, including hatchbacks, entry cars, mid SUVs, big SUVs, petrol, diesel, CNG and EVs. In the OctoberDecember quarter, the industry grew around 20 percent, and we grew faster than that, gaining market share and reducing dealer inventory. Q: Do you expect this momentum to continue in 2026? A: Yes. The fundamentals of the economy remain strong. The GST benefits continue. The consumer mindset towards personal mobility is still positive. Growth may not be as sharp as the festive quarter, but we expect the market to grow around 8 to 10 percent this calendar year. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Q: What are Tata Motors' targets for 2026? A: We have a good momentum. So, we want to grow faster than the market, which is expected to see 8-10% growth this year. While we cannot share exact numbers, the focus is clearly on gaining market share as the industry grows. Q: How is Tata Motors improving service and touchpoints? A: Our focus is more on service touchpoints expansion than sales outlets now. Tata Motors PV has one of the widest dealer networks in India, with 1600+ sales touchpoints and 1150+ service touchpoints across 1200+ cities. We have added 300+ new workshops over the last three years. We are expanding service bays, improving manpower training and increasing spare parts availability. We've set up training centers across the country for technical manpower. Additionally, we have opened regional warehouses, improving spare parts availability and reducing turnaround time. We are also using AI and analytics to predict issues and stock parts better. Customer experience has improved on the ground, but service remains a long-term focus area. Q: Tatas EV market share has declined. Is that a concern? A: At one point, we had over 70 percent EV market share, which is not sustainable. That was monopolistic, too. Competition is healthy. Our goal is to maintain over 50 percent market share, and we are in that direction. In recent months, our share has come back close to 50 percent. In fact, we can go higher if we can supply more. Demand is strong, especially for newer EVs, like the Harrier electric. Q: What's next for Tata Motors EV lineup? A: Sierra EV will arrive next financial year. Avinya is planned for the calendar year 2027. Timelines will be shared closer to launch. Q: How important is Punch to Tata Motors? A: Punch contributes about 22 percent of our total volumes and holds around 35 percent share in the sub-compact SUV segment. With the facelift, we expect volumes to grow further. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Thursday set up a three-member team to investigate the Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four other people on January 28. The Aviation Ministry issued a statement, saying that the AAIB team, along with another three-member team from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Mumbai Regional Office, visited the crash site on the day of the accident only. The AAIB Director General also visited the Learjet 45 crash site to supervise the investigation. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered, the Ministry said in a post on X, stressing that ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority. Following the unfortunate aircraft accident near Baramati, all requisite response and investigative mechanisms were activated immediately. Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority. A team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) January 29, 2026 Investigator examining 3 key factor Investigators are primarily examining three key factors in the Baramati aircraft crash: weather and visibility conditions at the time, the pilots' decision-making process, and the specific operational constraints of Baramati airfield, which is an uncontrolled aerodrome. The accident happened while the aircraft was on its second landing attempt. A specialised team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) arrived at the crash site on Wednesday evening and immediately began forensic work. This includes securing the wreckage, documenting the spread of debris, and gathering essential evidence. Black box recovered Officials confirmed that the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recordercollectively known as the black box have been recovered from the crash site and will be analysed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on X, "Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority." It added that the investigation has been initiated in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, and will be conducted strictly in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Another day, another announcement of restaurant closures in the casual-dining space. Most Read from Fast Company Earlier this week, FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of that process, the restaurant company is seeking to reject leases for a number of shuttered company-owned restaurants, including locations for Johnny Rockets, Smokey Bones, and Yalla Mediterranean, court filings show. FAT Brands owns 18 restaurant chains in total, including Fatburger, Round Table Pizza, Great American Cookies, and more. Most of its more than 2,200 locations worldwide are franchised. FAT Brands said in its bankruptcy filing that it owns roughly 150 locations directly. Our dynamic portfolio of brands has demonstrated tremendous resilience in a challenging restaurant operating environment over the last few years, Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands, said in a statement when announcing the bankruptcy. We are well positioned for long-term profitability and growth. The chapter 11 process will provide us with the opportunity to strengthen our capital structure to support our concepts and ensure they remain at the forefront of their sectors. Which FAT brands locations have shuttered? In its bankruptcy announcement, FAT Brands said it expects restaurants to continue operating normally throughout the process. However, the company disclosed in a bankruptcy filing on Monday that it has shuttered a number of company-owned restaurants: 14 Smokey Bones locations nationwide, along with two Johnny Rockets and five Yalla Mediterranean locations. The latter twos impacted stores are only in California. Fast Company has reached out to FAT Brands to ask if other stores will be impacted. We will update this post if we hear back. Johnny Rockets closures California Orange: 20 City Blvd E Santa Monica: 1322 Third Street Smokey Bones closures Florida Casselberry: 1430 State Road 436 Fort Lauderdale: 6500 N Federal Hwy Plantation: 809 South University Drive Georgia Buford: 3333 Buford Drive, Site 1000 Illinois Rockford: 6690 E State Street Massachusetts Stoughton: 301 Technology Center Drive Michigan Grand Rapids: 4875 28th Street SE Utica: 45001 Schoenherr Road Ohio In a brutal incident, a six-year-old girl in the Bhajanpura area of northeast Delhi was raped by three boys, reportedly on January 18. Delhi Police have arrested two accused, while the third is on the run, an official said, reported by India Today. A police case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act after the girls family filed a complaint. Police officials said three boys, aged 10, 13 and 16, lured the 6 year old girl and sexually assaulted her. Two of the juveniles have been taken into custody and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while efforts are underway to trace the third accused, a senior police officer said. According to India Today, multiple teams have been formed to locate the absconding juvenile. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and gathering local intelligence inputs to track his movements. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The child survivor has been sent for a medical examination and is receiving the required medical care and counselling. Police said her statement has been recorded, and all legal procedures related to cases involving minors are being strictly followed. (Also Read: Stray dogs case: Supreme Court reserves order after hearing states) Speaking to the media, the childs mother said her daughter returned home in a distressed condition and was bleeding. She said the girl initially claimed she had fallen, but later revealed what had happened after being questioned further. The family immediately approached the police and provided details of the incident. The child was then taken to a hospital for a medical examination, the mother said. The woman further alleged that the accused boys took her daughter to the terrace of a nearby building, where investigators later found bloodstains during the probe. She also claimed that the accused belonged to the same locality. The mother said that the 10-year-old accused was handed over to the police by his own mother after she saw the condition of the victim. She demanded strict action against all those involved. Police sources said the third accused is believed to have fled to Bihar, and efforts are ongoing to trace him. The Pune Rural Police have filed an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in connection with the plane crash that resulted in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Police officials said all angles related to the incident are being examined, and a probe into the circumstances that led to the crash is currently in progress. As per established procedure, the ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will take over the investigation based on inputs and findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the AAIB are at the crash site, examining evidence to determine the cause of the accident. Officials from the DGCA and AAIB continue to remain at the site as part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal incident. Black box recovered, DGCA to take custody Officials have retrieved the aircrafts black box from the Pune crash site, and it is likely to be handed over to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the investigation proceeds. Details of Ajit Pawar plane crash Ajit Pawar, 66, was on his way to Baramati to campaign for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections when the chartered aircraft crash-landed near the runway threshold at Baramati airport in Pune district. Besides Pawar, the accident claimed the lives of his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. The deceased have been identified as Vidip Jadhav and Pinky Mali. The flight crew included Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak, according to the passenger manifest. Aircraft details The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 bearing registration number VT-SSK and operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited. Media reports stated that the companys website was taken offline following the crash. On September 14, 2023, a Learjet 45 registered as VT-DBL was involved in a landing accident at Mumbai airport, which is still under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Ajit Pawars political career A prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of the state, having held the position six times under different administrations. State mourning and last rites Following his demise, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and declared three days of mourning. Ajit Pawars last rites will be held with full state honours on Thursday at 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. (With IANS Inputs) Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives after the aircraft carrying them crashed near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The accident occurred while the plane was attempting to land amid difficult weather conditions. Final moments in the cockpit According to initial reports, the two pilots in the cockpit were heard exclaiming in alarm just moments before the crash. The aircraft went down shortly after receiving clearance to land, killing all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source A senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who is aware of the details, said the final words heard from the flight crew were oh s***, according to an NDTV report. Poor visibility likely factor: Civil Aviation Minister Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said preliminary findings indicate that reduced visibility may have played a role in the crash. He assured that the investigation would be carried out fairly and transparently. Early information suggests visibility was poor at the time of landing, around 8:48 am. A detailed and accountable investigation will be conducted, the minister said. Sequence of events before the crash Explaining the moments leading up to the accident, Kinjarapu said Air Traffic Control had first asked the pilot whether the runway was visible. After the pilot reported that it was not, the aircraft aborted the landing and made a go-around. During the second approach, the pilot confirmed that the runway was in sight, following which ATC granted permission to land. Shortly after the clearance, the aircraft crashed. Aircraft and operator details The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 registered as VT-SSK and operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited. Following the incident, the companys website was taken offline, according to media reports. Details of the crash The 66-year-old leader was travelling to Baramati to campaign for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections when the chartered aircraft crash-landed near the runway threshold at Baramati airport in Pune district. Along with Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. Ajit Pawar's political journey A towering figure in Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar was the states longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, having held the post six times across different governments. State mourning and last rites Following his death, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Ajit Pawars last rites will be conducted with full state honours on Thursday at 11 am in Pune's Baramati. Behind the cheerful Instagram videos of brewing authentic "Desi Masala Chai" in Los Angeles is a story of survival, determination, and the quest for freedom. Prabhakar Prasad, originally from Barh, a small town near Patna, Bihar, has gained fame on social media as "Chaiguy." However, his journey from losing a corporate job to selling tea at $8 a cup is far from the "overnight riches" many imagine. In a talk with Aaj Tak, Prabhakar shared the challenges of living in one of the world's priciest cities without a traditional 9-to-5 job. The turning point: From layoffs to liberation In February 2025, corporate layoffs struck Prabhakar, putting his American dream at risk. Instead of panicking, he felt relieved. "When you have a high-paying job, you are trapped in a cycle. You can't do what your heart desires," he noted. As someone who loves cooking and hospitality, he decided to start a business that required little money but a lot of passion. The math of survival in Los Angeles While headlines suggested he makes 25,000 ($300+) a day, Prabhakar explained that the reality is much tougher. He sells Chai for $8 and Poha for $16, but his income varies. High overheads: Rent for his LA apartment is $3,000 a month, not including car maintenance and insurance. Limited operations: He sets up his stall 7-8 days a month at weekly "Farmers Markets" in places like Topanga and Malibu. Stall fees: Each time he appears at these markets, he has to pay a fee to the organising committee. "People see the $400 revenue in a reel and think they know my monthly income, but they don't witness the struggle of the other 22 days of the month," Prabhakar said. Organic tea with an ayurvedic twist To stand out in LA's competitive food scene, Prabhakar didn't just make regular tea. He worked with an Ayurvedic expert from Kerala to create a unique organic spice blend. He uses pure milk and authentic spices to offer a "true taste of India" that locals have come to appreciate. The birth of 'Chaiguy' The viral fame wasn't part of his initial plan. After six months of hardship, Prabhakar made a "publicity stunt" reel showcasing his tea-selling in a traditional Bihari style. The Brand: The character "Chaiguy" connected with both the diaspora and local residents. Social media income: Despite getting millions of views, Prabhakar stated that he currently earns nothing from social media directly, using it mainly as a marketing tool for his stall. 'I am no longer a corporate slave' When asked why he chose to sell tea despite earning less, Prabhakar's answer was revealing. "Back then, I had more money but less freedom and even less happiness. Today, I have very little money, but my freedom and happiness are at their peak. I am the master of my own will; I am no longer a corporate slave," as quoted by AajTak. Prabhakar now aims to grow 'Chaiguy' into a global brand and branch into professional content creation, showing that a setback in a foreign land can launch a brand-new legacy. ALSO READ | 'Is this even living?' Unemployed Bengaluru man shares viral 16-hour cab driving routine & earnings CHANDIGARH: The BJP on Thursday retained the post of the Mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, with its councillor Saurabh Joshi getting elected in a three-cornered contest by securing 18 votes in a House of 36. He is the last mayor as the corporations five-year tenure is ending in December. BJP councillor Suman Sharma was elected as the Deputy Mayor, while the partys Jasmanpreet Singh was elected as Senior Deputy Mayor, both receiving 18 votes each. The BJP succeeded in bagging the post for the fourth time. However, AAPs Yogesh Dhingra got 11 votes, and Congress candidate Gurpreet Singh Gabbi received seven votes. In the past, the INDIA bloc partners, the Congress party and AAP, were in the fray unitedly. This time, both parted ways and contested the mayoral elections separately. Both AAP and the Congress had joined hands in Chandigarh ahead of the 2024 mayoral polls. The alliance enabled both parties to wrest the mayoral and Lok Sabha seats in 2024, but they lost to the BJP in the 2025 mayoral poll. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In the 35-member House, which has no anti-defection law, the BJP has 18 councillors, while there are 11 councillors of the AAP and six of the Congress. Local Congress MP Manish Tewari, who is an ex officio member, has voting rights. Despite not having a clear majority, the BJP has won the mayoral election thrice in the past four years, largely banking on cross-voting, members switching loyalties and horse-trading. Last month, the BJPs strength in the House rose to 18 as two AAP councillors -- Poonam and Suman Sharma -- joined it. Unlike previous polls, the election of the mayor this time was held through a show of hands. Previously, the polls were held through a secret ballot with cross-voting, and they were largely neck and neck. The election, through a show of hands, was necessitated by an amendment in Regulation 6 of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996, approved by Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria in July last year to curb cross-voting and ballot tampering. A Delhi court on Thursday, January 29, 2026, cleared Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in a criminal defamation case brought against him by Narmada Bachao Andolan founder and activist Medha Patkar. Judicial Magistrate Raghav Sharma of the Saket Court announced the verdict, explaining that the prosecution did not prove the allegations against Saxena beyond a reasonable doubt. A decades-old legal battle The legal fight began in November 2000. At that time, VK Saxena was leading an Ahmedabad-based NGO called the National Council for Civil Liberties. Patkar filed the case, claiming Saxena published a defamatory advertisement in newspapers aimed at her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The court's decision to acquit Saxena ends a quarter-century of litigation over the specific 2000 advertisement. A mutual legal clearance The acquittal comes after a similar legal win for Medha Patkar just days earlier. On January 25, the same court cleared Patkar in a cross-defamation case brought by Saxena related to her comments during a 2006 television program. In this case, the court determined that the Delhi L-G did not provide the original recording device or complete, unedited video footage of the alleged comments. Without this "legally admissible evidence," the charges under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) could not hold. Reasonable doubt leads to dismissal In todays ruling, the judicial magistrate pointed out that the evidence against Saxena was not strong enough for a conviction. By applying the standard of "reasonable doubt," the court effectively dismissed the criminal charges against Saxena, reflecting the legal outcome Patkar experienced earlier this week. ALSO READ | 'She is no more': Grandmother recalls shattering 9:30 AM call after Ajit Pawar crash in Baramati | VIDEO The American action in Venezuela speaks a lot about future warfare. As revealed by certain American intelligence experts and President Donald Trump, the US used weapons which were never used in anywar. Trump called it a discombobulator and added that he is not allowed to talk about it. Days later, Venezuelas defence minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, accused the United States of using the country as a weapons laboratory during the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3. Notably, there were reports that the US used high-frequency emitter weapons, which made Venezuelan soldiers vomit and even become unconscious. While this sounds like a science fiction, nothing is impossible in an era where direct energy weapons can destroy aerial targets. According to technical experts, exposure to high-intensity electromagnetic radiationsuch as radio-frequency (RF) and microwave radiation in the megahertz to gigahertz range, as well as high-energy X-rays and gamma rayscan be harmful to humans. However, when a poison is artificially developed, the scientists often develop anti-dote as well. Just like that, if the US had developed the weapon, it must have developed its protection gear for its soldiers as well. And there lies the opportunity for aspiring powers. Those sitting in the military corridors of India and China may have been seeing this development from a close perspective. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source India, China, the USA and Israel are among those few countries that pose Direct Energy Weapons. Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are used by modern armies mainly for defensive purposes, such as shooting down drones, intercepting rockets, and disabling enemy electronics using focused energy like lasers or microwaves. They offer speed, precision, and low cost per use, but are limited by range, power requirements, and environmental conditions. The Indian Army already has electronic weapon systems required to break/jam the enemy radars and communication systems. Recently, BEL gave a Ground-Based V/UHF Communication Jammer to the Indian Air Force. The jammer intercepts, monitors, and shuts down enemy communications across 301000 MHz frequencies. The system detects range and bearing, letting Indian units hunt the signal source. According to experts, countries like the US, China, Russia and India have been increasingly adapting to fight through jammings, switch modes, or work around it as modern warfare will continue to evolve with increasing use of electronic systems. Experts flag the need for increasingly invest in modern tech and defence research to equip the armed forces with advanced systems. Heaping praise on the Free Trade Agreement signed between India and the European Union, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described it as a reflection of the promising direction India is heading and the bright future awaiting the nations youth. He added that the agreement represents free trade for a forward-looking India, empowering ambitious youth and supporting a self-reliant nation. PM Modi noted that this quarter has begun on a very positive note, with a self-confident India emerging as a ray of hope for the world and becoming a center of attraction. Addressing the media before the start of the Parliament Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "This quarter has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India has become a ray of hope for the world today. It has also become a centre of attraction. At the beginning of this quarter, India and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement. It is a reflection of how bright the upcoming directions are, of how bright the future of Indian youth is. This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Budget Session 2026 of the Parliament commenced on Thursday. Structured into two phases, it is scheduled to conclude on April 2 and includes the tabling of the Economic Survey, a data-backed report card on last year's performance and future risks. Highlighting the global significance of Indias democratic and demographic strengths, PM Modi said that it is an opportunity to send a message to the world through this temple of democracy, showcasing Indias capability, dedication to democratic values, and respect for decisions made through democratic processes. PM Narendra Modi says, "India's democracy and demography is a big hope to the world today. This is an opportunity to send across a message to the global community through this temple of democracy - of our capability, of our dedication to democracy, of honouring the decisions made through democratic processes. The world welcomes and accepts this," he said. On the nations progress, PM Modi emphasized the need for solutions over obstruction. "Today, the country is advancing. This is not the time for obstruction. This is the time for a solution. Today, the priority is not obstruction, but solution...I urge all MPs to come and let us speed up and strengthen the era of important solutions for the country. We should go ahead towards last mile delivery," he said. PM Modi added that India is overcoming long-standing challenges while confidently moving toward long-term solutions. "The country is coming out of long-term pending problems and confidently walking the path of long-term solutions. In all our decisions, the progress of the country is our goal. But all our decisions are human-centric, our role and schemes are human-centric. We will contest against technology, we will adapt to technology, we will accept the capability of technology. But with this, we will not undermine human-centric system. Understanding the importance of sensitivity, in partnership with technology, we will go ahead," he said. India and the European Union formally concluded negotiations for their Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on January 20, 2026. This historic achievement comes after nearly four years of intensive discussions, which were relaunched in 2022. The agreement is now undergoing legal review and vetting, a process expected to take four to five months, with the formal signing ceremony projected for mid-2026. New Delhi: India is set to enter a new phase in civil aviation manufacturing as the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited prepares to build a commercial passenger aircraft indigenously. Known globally for producing fighter jets such as Tejas and Su-30 MKI, the HAL has now signed an agreement with Russias United Aircraft Corporation to manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet-100 in India. The deal puts passenger aircraft manufacturing at the centre of Indias Make in India initiative. The Sukhoi Superjet-100 is not a fighter aircraft, but it carries the engineering legacy of a company known for combat aviation. Designed by the same Sukhoi engineers who built some of the worlds most advanced military jets, the Superjet-100 is a regional passenger aircraft built for demanding conditions. Under the agreement, the HAL will receive the licence to manufacture the aircraft in India and will also handle sales, maintenance and long-term support. The United Aircraft Corporation will provide technical assistance and design support to enable production at HAL facilities. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Aviation experts see the aircraft as a strong fit for Indian geography. The Superjet-100 has earned a reputation as a powerful performer on short runways. Many Indian airports in hill regions and remote areas such as Shimla, Kullu and several airports in the Northeast operate with limited runway length. These airports face operational limits for large Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The Superjet-100 is made to take off and land safely on small runways and in tough terrain. The aircrafts structure shows its origins in high-performance aviation. Its body is built for strength and stability. Its aerodynamics allow smooth flight through challenging weather. Modern avionics support safe operations in low visibility, fog and adverse conditions, which are common at several Indian airports during winter and monsoon seasons. Indias domestic aviation market presently shows a gap in aircraft size. Airlines operate 70-seat turboprop aircraft on one end and 180-seat narrow-body jets on the other. The Superjet-100 fits between these two segments. It offers seating for roughly 87 to 98 passengers and flies at speeds close to 870 kilometres per hour. This allows faster travel on medium-distance routes such as Delhi to Patna or Mumbai to Indore, where larger aircraft often struggle to fill seats efficiently. Passenger comfort has also been a design priority. The cabin is wider than many aircraft in its class. Seats measure about 18.3 inches in width, similar to or better than economy seating on larger jets. Overhead storage is generous, addressing a frequent concern among Indian travellers. The typical seating layout reduces the number of middle seats, improving comfort on short and medium-haul flights. The aircraft will be available in two range variants. The standard version can fly close to 3,000 kilometres. The long-range version extends that reach to about 4,500 kilometres. This allows nonstop connections between major Indian cities such as Delhi and Chennai or Mumbai and Kolkata, while also supporting routes to the Northeast and hill states. The aircraft cruises at altitudes up to 40,000 feet, helping it avoid turbulence and poor weather. For airlines, the Superjet-100 offers a commercial advantage. Many routes do not generate enough demand to justify a 180-seat jet, but turboprops take longer and offer lower passenger appeal. A 100-seat jet with higher speed and lower operating cost fits this gap. Industry estimates suggest the aircraft could improve route profitability while keeping fares competitive. Manufacturing the aircraft in India is expected to lower costs further. Local production removes import duties and reduces dependence on overseas supply chains. Spare parts availability within the country can shorten maintenance cycles. HALs licence to handle repairs and servicing inside India could also save foreign exchange that airlines presently spend abroad. The agreement carries strategic importance beyond a single aircraft programme. Until now, India has relied almost entirely on Boeing and Airbus for commercial aviation. This partnership places India on the global civil aviation manufacturing map. It also creates an ecosystem of skills, suppliers and infrastructure that could support future aircraft programmes. Safety certification for the Superjet-100 already exists through European and Russian aviation authorities. The aircraft meets international safety standards. Indian regulators will conduct their own evaluations before commercial operations begin. Updated variants of the aircraft include improved safety systems and refined designs based on operational experience. HALs entry into passenger aircraft manufacturing builds on earlier work. The company has previously produced the Dornier-228, used by the Coast Guard and regional airlines. Decades of experience in aircraft design, assembly and testing provide a strong base for this transition. Collaboration with the United Aircraft Corporation is expected to accelerate learning and capability building. Production will take time. Certification, factory preparation and supply chain development are ahead. Industry estimates suggest that a Made in India Superjet-100 could begin flying in Indian skies within three to four years. If executed as planned, the programme could change regional connectivity, strengthen domestic manufacturing and represent a turning point for Indias civil aviation ambitions. Ajit Pawar funeral highlights: Maharashtra on Thursday bid farewell to its Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar with full state honours in his political bastion of Baramati. Top leaders attend funeral The funeral was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, and actor Riteish Deshmukh. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Ajit Pawar Baramati plane crash The 66-year-old senior politician tragically lost his life on Wednesday when his aircraft crashed near Baramati airport while attempting to land in challenging visibility conditions. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, went down during its approach due to severe weather, claiming five lives in total. Along with Ajit Pawar, the crash killed pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav. Probe on in Baramati plane crash Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau examining the circumstances of the crash. Local police have filed an accidental death report as part of the formal inquiry process. Political shockwaves across Maharashtra The sudden demise has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political corridors, triggering widespread speculation about the future direction of the Nationalist Congress Party and the broader implications for the Pawar family's political influence. Mamata alleges conspiracy, seeks high-level probe West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee raised doubts about labeling the crash a simple accident and demanded a high-level inquiry. She pointed to reports of Ajit Pawar's potential political switch, insisting the incident's circumstances demand a full investigation. Sharad Pawar dismisses political angle NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday termed the death of his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati as purely accidental, dismissing any suggestion of a political motive. Describing the incident as a major shock to the state, Sharad Pawar said Maharashtra had lost a strong and decisive leader. He noted that the grief was being felt across the state and appealed to political parties and the media to refrain from politicising the tragedy. By Deepa Seetharaman Jan 27 (Reuters) - SoftBank Group Corp (SFTBY, 9984.T) is in talks to invest as much as an additional $30 billion in OpenAI (OPAI.PVT), a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, as the Japanese conglomerate doubles down on its bet on the ChatGPT owner. The fresh investment would form part of a funding round that could raise up to $100 billion for OpenAI, valuing it at about $830 billion, the person said. Softbank shares rose more than 3% before the bell on Wednesday. The source declined to be identified as the information had not been publicly disclosed. Seeking to improve SoftBank's position in the artificial intelligence race, Chief Executive Masayoshi Son has made an "all-in" bet on OpenAI. In December, SoftBank said it had completed a $41 billion investment in OpenAI, giving it an 11% stake. OpenAI is grappling with rising costs to train and run its AI models as competition from Alphabet's Google ratchets up. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. SoftBank, whose shares were up 3.5% in Tokyo morning trade, declined to comment. Reuters reported last month that Son had scrambled to marshal the funds for the previous investment, slowing most other dealmaking at SoftBank's Vision Fund to a crawl. Both OpenAI and SoftBank are also investors in Stargate, a $500 billion initiative to build AI data centers for training and inference that executives say is crucial to the U.S. government's ambitions to keep ahead of China in AI. Sign up for the Yahoo Finance Morning Brief By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Subscribe (Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman in San Francisco and Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Edwina Gibbs) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to arrive in India during the first week of March. This visit marks a significant change in bilateral relations. India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, confirmed the trip. The aim is to solidify multi-billion dollar deals in uranium, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Carney wants to diversify Canada's global alliances and move away from the diplomatic chill that marked his predecessor Justin Trudeau's time in office. A multi-billion dollar resource agenda Add Zee News as a Preferred Source A key focus of the visit is a projected C$2.8 billion, 10-year uranium supply deal. Canada's Energy Minister, Tim Hodgson, is currently in India and emphasised that Canada is ready to support India's civilian nuclear plans. "India is a major nuclear country with plans to grow its civilian energy use," Hodgson told Reuters. "Canada is happy to sell uranium under the Canada-India nuclear cooperation agreement, as long as International Energy Agency safeguards are met." In addition to nuclear energy, the two nations expect to finalize agreements on: - Critical Minerals & Energy: Transactions involving crude oil and LNG. - Technology: Partnerships in AI and quantum computing. - Trade: The formal start of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which leaders hope will double bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030. Balancing the 'new world order' and US pressure The upcoming visit follows Carney's recent trip to Beijing, where he met with President Xi Jinping to reduce trade barriers on Canadian agri-food products. Carney has also been careful to navigate the "America First" rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump. In response to Trump's threats of 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa pursues a free trade deal with China, Carney was clear. "We have no intention of doing that with China or any other non-market economy," Carney stated, citing commitments under the USMCA. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, he outlined a strategy focused on "coalitions of middle powers" to deal with a crumbling rules-based international order. Healing the diplomatic rift The March summit is viewed as the final "reset" after the 2023 allegations regarding the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Since Carney took office in March 2025, there has been a concerted effort to move past existing tensions. High Commissioner Patnaik noted that security cooperation is back on track. Indias National Security Advisor is scheduled to visit Ottawa next month. Regarding ongoing legal proceedings in Canada, Patnaik stated, "If evidence comes out that there were Indians involved, India will take action." High-level momentum The momentum is expected to continue into 2026. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are set to visit Canada shortly after Carney's trip. As the global trade landscape changes, both New Delhi and Ottawa seem to be acting with renewed urgency to shield their economies from international instability. ALSO READ | Why private jets don't have parachutes? The Baramati Ajit Pawar crash explained The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) plans to induct Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar and current Rajya Sabha MP, into the Maharashtra state ministry, following his fatal plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Senior NCP figure and Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told PTI on Thursday that public sentiment strongly favors inducting Sunetra Pawar into the state ministry. Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told PTI there's strong public demand, calling her vahini (sister-in-law),for Sunetra Pawar to take a ministerial role post, Ajit Pawar's death. Speculation swirls over NCP's path, whether a reunion with NCP (SP), Sharad Pawar's faction, or stay in Mahayuti? India Today reports senior leaders like Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Sunil Tatkare met Sunetra for leadership talks. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The report further mentioned that Sunetra Pawar is set to contest the Baramati seat vacated by her late husband, Ajit Pawar, if elections are called, signaling her electoral debut. Sources indicate NCP leaders are pushing to appoint her as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, replacing Ajit Pawar's position in the Mahayuti government. NCP leaders plan to propose Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, with senior figures set to meet CM Devendra Fadnavis to finalize the power-sharing deal and Mahayuti's future roadmap. According to the same report, NCP working president Praful Patel is set to spearhead the party's leadership during this critical transitional period, hinting at a possible merger with NCP (SP) likely to be taken up at a later stage. Ajit Pawar, sources said, had been in talks with NCP (SP) regarding a merger since the municipal corporation elections. Ajit Pawar's NCP faction is in alliance with the ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra, partnering with the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs and experts from leading AI firms at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Thursday, aligning with the upcoming IndiaAI Impact Summit in February. According to PMO, the meeting focused on strategic collaborations, AI innovations, and accelerating India's self-reliance in AI technology. CEOs from leading companies like Wipro, TCS, HCL Tech, Zoho, LTI Mindtree, Jio Platforms, AdaniConnex, Nxtra Data, and Netweb Technologies, along with experts from IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, and IIT Bombay, voiced strong support for government efforts positioning India as an AI leader. Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union MoS for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada joined the high-level talks at 7LKM. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source PM Modi urged embracing indigenous AI across sectors for national growth, citing UPI as proof of India's scalable digital prowess. Highlighting India's "scale, diversity, and democracy," he pushed for "AI for All" to inspire globally while prioritising data security, ethical use, transparency, and skilling. He called the Summit a launchpad for opportunities, making India a hub for worldwide AI efforts reflecting national values. Prime Minister Modi urged AI firms to seize the upcoming IndiaAI Impact Summit for breakthrough opportunities and rapid growth. He cited UPI as proof of India's world-class innovation, poised for replication in AI leadership. PM Modi stressed the need for Ethical, secure AI for India, technological democratisation, pushing for a transparent, impartial, and secure AI ecosystem with zero compromise on ethics. He called for prioritizing AI skilling and talent development, ensuring India's AI framework embodies the nation's values and character. India will host the IndiaAI Impact Summit on 19-20 February 2026, which is a flagship global AI event under the IndiaAI Mission, hosted by MeitY to drive inclusive AI adoption. The summit will showcase innovations, bridge AI divide, foster investments, and produce a Leaders' Declaration, building on PM Modi's recent CEO meet emphasising UPI-like scalable success, ethical AI, skilling, and India's scale-diversity-democracy edge. While the nation mourns the loss of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a private tragedy is unfolding in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh. The family of Pinki Mali, the flight attendant on the doomed business jet, is struggling with the news of her death in the crash that took five lives on Wednesday morning. A devastating 9:30 AM phone call For Pinkis grandmother, the world shattered shortly after the aircraft went down. Speaking to reporters through tears, she recalled the moment the news reached their home. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "I found out about the incident around 9:30 AMthat she had died in a plane crash," she told ANI. "I spoke with Pinki's parents; they were crying and told us that she is no more." #WATCH | Charter plane crash landing in Baramati | Jaunpur, UP: Manraji, grandmother of Pinki Mali who was a member of the crew on the ill-fated charter plane, says, "I got to know about the incident around 9:30 AM that she has died in a plane crash. I spoke with Pinki's parents, pic.twitter.com/7aVIaQJQCQ ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026 Pinkis uncle, Chandrabhushan Mali, described a frantic morning of unanswered calls. "We learned around 10:30 AM. I called my brother [Pinkis father], but he did not answer," he said. He noted that Pinki, who was raised and educated in Mumbai and Thane, had visited her ancestral home in Jaunpur just two months ago. A promising life cut short Originally from Bhainsa village in Uttar Pradesh, Pinki was a resident of Mumbai, where she had built her career in aviation. Her family described her as a hardworking and caring young woman who had just started a new chapter in her life, having married only a year ago. Despite her life in the city, villagers in Bhainsa remembered her as a promising young woman who kept strong ties with her community. The fatal descent: How the crash occurred The mid-size business jet left Mumbai at 8:10 AM on Wednesday. According to flight records, the tragedy began during the final approach into Baramati: First Attempt: At about 8:23 AM, the pilots attempted to land but had to abort due to zero visibility of the runway. Second Attempt: During another landing attempt, the aircraft crashed and immediately caught fire. Casualties: There were no survivors. Along with Pinki Mali, the crash took the lives of: - Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister - Vidip Dilip Jadhav, Personal Security Officer - Sumit Kapoor, Pilot - Shambhavi Pathak, Pilot Final rites for Deputy CM The remains of Ajit Pawar are being taken to the Vidya Pratishtan grounds in Baramati, where state officials and thousands of supporters are expected for the final rites. Meanwhile, the Mali family is making arrangements to receive Pinkis remains as her village in Uttar Pradesh goes into mourning. ALSO READ | Mark Carney's India gambit: What to expect from the March visit and what it means for the future of bilateral ties New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday strongly defended the India-European Union free trade agreement, pushing back against Congress criticism and asserting that the pact is a mutually beneficial arrangement that will drive economic growth and create new opportunities for Indian businesses and citizens. The Congress had earlier questioned the Modi governments handling of the negotiations after the deal was announced, raising objections over key provisions of the agreement. Among the concerns flagged by the party was the lack of exemption for Indian aluminium and steel exporters from the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, along with criticism of tariff reductions or relief on over 96 per cent of EU exports to India. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also pointed to the EUs strict health and product safety standards, which will continue to apply to Indian exports even after the agreement takes effect. He further highlighted issues related to refined fuels, one of Indias largest export categories to the EU. Responding to these remarks, Goyal took to social media and said it was ironic that those who failed to take decisions while in power were now questioning decisive action. He said such criticism reflected a disconnect from economic realities. The Union Minister said the country had paid a heavy price in the past for missed opportunities, resulting in losses in jobs, income and growth, and added that voters have repeatedly rejected such indecision. In a post on X, Goyal said he hoped his friend would move away from what he described as a negative and pessimistic outlook and instead recognise the aspirations of Indians eager to engage with global markets. He urged leaders to open doors for opportunity rather than act as obstacles to prosperity. Taking aim at Rameshs description of the pact as hugely hyped, Goyal said it was puzzling that a deal being hailed globally as the mother of all trade agreements was being dismissed so lightly. He pointed to the combined GDP of $25 trillion, total trade of $11 trillion, a common market of 2 billion people, and $33 billion worth of Indias labour-intensive exports gaining immediate access, arguing that the two economies are largely complementary. Reiterating that the agreement safeguards Indias interests, Goyal stressed that it was not a zero-sum arrangement. It is a win-win deal that will accelerate growth and unlock wide-ranging opportunities for Indian enterprises and people, he said. Addressing concerns around the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the minister said India has actively engaged with the EU to protect domestic exporters in sectors such as steel and aluminium, and workable solutions have been identified. He said sensitive issues were being handled through dialogue and mutual trust rather than rigid or confrontational approaches. Goyal added that the pact reflects a long-term strategic partnership built on respect and cooperation, strengthening global trade linkages. Referring to the automobile sector, he said the agreements phased and quota-based approach, including a delayed rollout for electric vehicles, is aimed at supporting the Make in India initiative. He explained that relaxed norms for completely knocked down imports would encourage European automakers to establish assembly units in India, gradually shifting from imports to local assembly and eventually full localisation. This transition, he said, would bring advanced manufacturing processes, higher quality standards and cutting-edge research and development into India, while expanding consumer choice and improving safety and technology standards. The India-EU trade agreement was announced earlier this week in New Delhi and has been described by leaders on both sides as the largest trade pact in Indias history. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen termed it the mother of all deals, saying it creates a free-trade zone of 2 billion people with benefits for both sides. The pact links two of the worlds largest economies at a time marked by global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. (With inputs from IANS) The traditional image of naval diplomacy involves grand fleet reviews and fluttering flags. But for New Delhi, influence in the neighbourhood is no longer about the "spectacle" of presence; its about the quiet power of capacity building. India is pivoting toward a strategy of regional empowerment, helping its neighbours police their own backwaters while subtly aligning security interests across the Indo-Pacific. As a Preferred Security Partner, the Indian Navy has opted to export sovereigntyproviding patrol platforms, surveillance capabilities, and intelligence infrastructure that allow states such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Mozambique to police their waters and withstand extra-regional pressures. In the contested waters of the South China Sea, the July 2023 gifting of the missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam was a genuine watershed moment. This is the maiden occasion of gifting a fully operational corvette by India to any friendly foreign country. India handed over a fully operational, active-duty corvette warship with its complete weapon complement to a friendly foreign nation. By bolstering Hanois coastal defence with a 1,450-tonne Khukri-class vessel, New Delhi proved that its "Act East" policy has teeth, moving far beyond symbolic handshakes into permanent strategic reinforcement. The capacity-building efforts extend to the Western Indian Ocean as well. In November 2024, India reinforced its MAHASAGAR vision by delivering two high-speed Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source These boats are specialized platforms for grey-zone operations in the Cabo Delgado region, featuring bullet-resistant cabins and maximum speeds of 45 knots. These FICs allow the Mozambican Navy to hit back against the insurgents and smugglers that disrupt global trade lanes. Closer to home, the partnership with Sri Lanka has evolved into a sophisticated digital and physical safety net. The June 2024 launch of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, funded by a $6 million Indian grant, acts as a regional nerve centre. This facility, which includes a sub-centre in the Chinese-leased port of Hambantota, ensures that Sri Lanka has independent, real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). From corvettes in the East to interceptors in the West and intelligence hubs in the South, the Indian Navy is bridging the Indian Ocean with pragmatism. This strategy replaces lofty rhetoric with steel and replaces dependency with dignity. By equipping its neighbours, India is doing more than just guarding the waves; it is ensuring that littoral states finally hold the helm of their own maritime destiny. New Delhi: The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to take up a PIL challenging the UGC regulations on caste-based discrimination over which a controversy erupted regarding it's definition. As per the latest information the Supreme Court will hear the petitions challenging the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. According to the cause list uploaded on the apex courts website, the matter will be taken up later in the day by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The CJI agreed to consider the matter once procedural defects in the petition were rectified. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source We are aware of the issue. Ensure the defects are cured, and the case will be listed, Chief Justice Surya Kant told the petitioners counsel. During the mentioning, the counsel argued that the new regulations could lead to discrimination against individuals from the general category and raised concerns over the absence of an effective grievance redressal mechanism for them. The plea challenges the UGCs Equity Regulations on the ground that they institutionalise discrimination by limiting grievance redressal mechanisms exclusively to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, thereby excluding those from non-reserved categories. It further contends that the regulations violate constitutional principles of equality and deny fair access to remedies within higher education institutions. The petition specifically points out that the definition of caste-based discrimination under the regulations is restricted to SC, ST and OBC communities, excluding individuals from general or upper castes regardless of the nature or seriousness of discrimination faced by them. Calling the framework discriminatory, the plea argues that it grants legal recognition of victimhood only to certain reserved categories while denying protection to others. The petitioner has also sought directions to ensure that Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Helplines, inquiry mechanisms and Ombudsperson proceedings function in a caste-neutral and non-discriminatory manner until Regulation 3(c) is reconsidered or amended. It maintains that denying grievance redressal based solely on caste identity amounts to unconstitutional state discrimination and violates Articles 14, 15(1) and 21 of the Constitution. (With inputs from IANS) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a new federal initiative called Trump Accounts, saying the programme would provide every newborn American child with a government-funded investment account to give families a financial head start from birth. Speaking at the Treasury Departments Trump Accounts Summit, Trump said the initiative would give every newborn American child a financial stake in the future, calling it a way to ensure that children begin life with assets rather than debt. Under the programme, the US government will automatically create a tax-free investment account for each child born in the country. The account will be seeded with a $1,000 contribution at birth, Trump said, with additional contributions allowed from parents, employers, states, and other donors. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Well fund those personal accounts with a seed contribution of $1,000, which will compound and grow over the course of their lives, Trump said, adding that the accounts could grow to very, very substantial numbers over time. The President said families and supporters would be able to add up to $5,000 annually to each account. With modest contributions, he said, the accounts could reach at least $50,000 by the time a child turns 18, and potentially far more. The typical account will grow to 100,000, 200,000, and can even grow up to past $300,000 per child, he said. Calling the initiative unprecedented in scale, Trump said the programme would ultimately place trillions of dollars in the hands of young Americans over the next decade. Over the next 15 years, were going to put 3 to $4 trillion of wealth into the hands of young Americans who otherwise would have really started with nothing, he said. The President linked the initiative to legislation he signed last year, which he described as a great, big, beautiful bill, saying it made the programme possible. He also highlighted broader tax measures, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security, as part of what he called a pro-worker economic agenda. Trump credited private-sector support as central to the programmes rollout. He announced that Michael and Susan Dell had donated $6.25 billion to fund accounts for an additional 25 million children aged 10 and under, calling it one of the largest private donations of all time. Several major employers have also committed to contributing to the accounts, Trump said, naming companies including Uber, Schwab, Charter Communications, Intel, Nvidia, Broadcom, IBM, and Comcast. Visa, he added, is creating a platform that would allow cardholders to deposit cash-back rewards directly into their accounts. Trump said parents will be able to activate the accounts beginning July 4 this year through a dedicated government website. When Trump accounts officially launch on July 4th of this year, every parent will be able to activate their accounts and access the funds, he said. In closing remarks, Trump framed the initiative as a defining legacy policy. Every President in modern history has left our children with nothing but debt, he said. Under this administration, were going to leave every child with real assets and a shot at financial freedom. The United States has previously relied on targeted tax credits and education savings plans to support families with children. Trump Accounts would mark the first universal, government-seeded investment programme for all newborns, positioning early asset ownership as a central pillar of US family and economic policy. New Delhi: The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar were performed on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, following a tragic plane crash. Several political leaders and supporters attended the funeral, including Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Murlidhar Mohol and former Union minister Sharad Pawar. Among those present was actor Riteish Deshmukh, who paid his respects to the late leader in Baramati. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source #WATCH | Actor Riteish Deshmukh attends the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in Baramati pic.twitter.com/rV0Klhfl6v ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026 Earlier, Riteish Deshmukh expressed deep sorrow over Ajit Pawars demise, stating that the untimely loss of the Maharashtra leader had left him deeply shocked and heartbroken. Deshmukh, who knew Pawar personally, took to social media to mourn the passing of one of the states most influential political figures. Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtras most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel, he wrote on X. He never minced his words, his wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state. His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void, the actor added. Recalling his interactions with the leader, Deshmukh said, I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times, and I will always remember the kindness he showered upon me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters. About the accident Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, along with four others, died when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed near the landing runway of Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Visuals from the site showed the aircraft engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing into the air. Pawar was travelling with two staff members a personal security officer and an attendant and two crew members: pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur and first officer Shambhavi Pathak. Pawar was on his way to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zila Parishad elections. He had been in Mumbai a day earlier, where he attended a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday, February 1. As always, this much-awaited announcement has raised hopes among taxpayers, businesses and common citizens who are eager to see what reliefs, reforms or new schemes the government may introduce. Amid the buzz around the Budget, many people are also curious about one key question what exactly is an Interim Budget, and how is it different from the full-fledged Union Budget? Heres a simple explanation to clear the confusion. Understanding the Union Budget The Union Budget is the governments yearly financial roadmap for the country. In simple terms, it is a detailed statement of how the government plans to earn and spend money during a full financial year from April 1 to March 31. Prepared by the Ministry of Finance and presented in Parliament by the Finance Minister under Article 112 of the Constitution, it lays out expected income, spending plans, tax proposals and fund allocations for key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, defence and more. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source When Is The Union Budget Presented And What Happens Next? The Union Budget is usually presented on February 1 every year. After the Finance Minister delivers the Budget speech in Parliament, it goes through detailed discussions in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha before being approved. During this process, proposals related to taxes, policy changes, welfare schemes and the governments financial targets for the upcoming year are carefully debated. Interestingly, Budget 2026 will be presented on February 1, which falls on a Sunday. This is a rare occurrence and has happened only once before in the year 2000. What Is An Interim Budget And Why Is It Presented? An Interim Budget is a short-term financial arrangement made when the government is unable to present a full Union Budget, usually because general elections are around the corner or a new government is set to take charge. Its main purpose is to ensure that government operations continue smoothly until the incoming government presents a complete Budget for the year. Unlike the regular Union Budget, an Interim Budget generally does not include major policy announcements, big-ticket schemes or changes in tax slabs. This is because the new government may have different plans and priorities. While there is no legal restriction on making announcements, governments traditionally avoid taking major financial decisions in an Interim Budget. What Does An Interim Budget Include? An Interim Budget mainly presents estimates of the governments expected income and spending for the short term. It is usually accompanied by a Vote on Account a special approval from Parliament that allows the government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet essential expenses such as salaries, subsidies and ongoing schemes during the interim period.// For instance, ahead of the 2024 general elections, the government presented an Interim Budget on February 1, 2024. It served as a temporary financial arrangement to ensure smooth functioning until the new government assumed office and presented a full-fledged Union Budget later in the year. How Is An Interim Budget Different From The Union Budget? Although both the Interim Budget and the Union Budget are presented in Parliament, they differ in purpose, scope and impact. The main purpose of an Interim Budget is to keep the government running smoothly when a full Budget cannot be presented, usually due to upcoming elections. In contrast, the Union Budget lays out the governments complete financial roadmap for the entire year. In terms of timing, an Interim Budget is typically presented in an election year or when the governments term is about to end. The Union Budget, however, is presented every year usually on February 1 ahead of the new financial year. The duration also differs. An Interim Budget is meant for a short period, generally two to four months, while the Union Budget remains valid for the entire financial year from April 1 to March 31. When it comes to announcements, major policy decisions, big reforms and new schemes are traditionally avoided in an Interim Budget. The Union Budget, on the other hand, often includes significant policy changes, welfare measures and development plans. Similarly, major tax changes are usually not introduced in an Interim Budget, but they can be proposed in the full Union Budget. In terms of approval, the Interim Budget mainly involves a Vote on Account and requires approval from the Lok Sabha. The Union Budget undergoes detailed discussions and must be passed by both Houses of Parliament. Lastly, an Interim Budget is generally presented by an outgoing or caretaker government, ensuring short-term financial continuity. The Union Budget is presented by a government with a fresh mandate and has a wider, long-term impact on the countrys economy. Why Budget 2026 Is Crucial For Indias Growth Budget 2026 is especially significant because it is not bound by election-year limitations. This gives the government greater flexibility to take bold financial decisions at a time when India is at an important stage in its economic journey. The focus now is not just on boosting growth, but also on maintaining fiscal discipline. In recent years, the government has placed strong emphasis on public capital expenditure (capex) spending on infrastructure, roads, railways and other development projects to drive long-term growth. This push is expected to continue. Over the past few budgets, both fiscal planning and capital expenditure allocations have steadily increased. Capex, in particular, has seen a sharp rise year after year. At the same time, the government has largely met its fiscal consolidation targets, keeping the deficit within projected limits. All these factors make Budget 2026 a key moment for shaping the countrys economic direction. Coinone, a South Korean crypto exchange, says there is no truth in reports it will meet Coinbase executives to discuss a takeover this week, after reports that the US exchange was eyeing an acquisition deal. Coinbase executives tabled a meeting with Coinone after the latters CEO Cha Myung-hoon indicated a willingness to sell his controlling 54% stake in the exchange, sources told Seoul Kyungjae, a major South Korean newspaper, on Sunday. These reports are untrue, said a Coinone spokesperson, as reported by South Korean media outlet Token Post. We have no direct meeting with Coinbase planned. On Sunday, Coinbase told DL News that it would not comment on speculation or rumours. With the South Korean crypto sector going through a rocky period, with investors opting for stocks over coins, the fate of the countrys crypto exchanges has fallen into the spotlight. Coinones closest rivals Upbit, Korbit, and GOPAX have all been the subject of recent takeover and merger talks in recent months. CEO returns Coinone has also announced the return of Cha to the position of CEO, five months after stepping down from the post, South Korean publication Bridge Kyungjae reported. The exchange confirmed it was looking into strategic investment and other forms of business collaboration, but said nothing has yet been decided. Coinones trading volumes trail far behind Upbit and Bithumb, and represent just 5% of the domestic market. The unnamed sources, quoted by the newspaper Seoul Kyungjae, linked Chas return to forthcoming equity investment from overseas players interested in entering the South Korean market. But Coinone said it was instead reshuffling its executive staff as part of a search for new business opportunities. Interest in the crypto industry is at an all-time high, the Coinone official said. As such, we are receiving an increasing number of requests for various forms of cooperation. We are currently reviewing several options. Investors look elsewhere Despite Coinones bullish statement on the health of the South Korean crypto scene, the evidence suggests otherwise. The number of monthly active users on Coinone, Upbit, Korbit, Bithumb, and GOPAXs apps fell by over 14% between January and December last year, data provider IGA Works reported. The number of new app downloads for all five exchanges nearly halved in the same time period. By contrast, South Korean mobile users have doubled their activity on stock trading platforms. The stock markets appeal has increased due to a rise in earnings and policy expectations, an unnamed securities industry source told Hanguk Kyungjae. But the crypto market lacks factors that drive new capital inflows. This difference in sentiment is quite apparent in the trading data. Tim Alper is a News Correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email him at tdalper@dlnews.com. Punjab National Bank (PNB) has asked all its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) investors to visit their respective bank branches and verify their PNB accounts on priority. The bank has said that it will not be liable for any delays if an account number is wrong or closed. The bank has also asked its customers to wait for redemption before closing their active accounts. Visit bank branch and verify account In a statement posted on PNBs official X account, the bank has requested all its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)/RBI bond investors and particularly those whose interests are not being paid and whose bond is going to mature, to visit their branch and verify the bank account on priority. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Wrong account number or closed account The PNB has informed its customers that the bank would not be liable for any delays in case of a wrong account number or a closed account number. Unclaimed interest The bank has informed that in case of unclaimed interest or principal more than six years, a customer must adhere to RBI guidelines as mentioned on the RBI/bank website. Not to close operative account till redemption The PNB has requested its customers not to close their operative accounts till redemption. The bank has said that in case of urgency for closure of operative accounts, the customers should provide alternate account details before the proceeding of operative account closure, failing which the redemption and interest amounts will not be credited. Indians' long-standing preference for land ownership continues to shape residential and investment decisions. However, the intensifying density and affordability pressures across Delhi, Gurugram and Noida are accelerating outward migration toward emerging urban corridors in Haryana and Rajasthan. To systematically decongest Delhi, the Regional Rapid Transit System Namo Bharat is also being extended toward Alwar via Gurugram, benefitting nodes such as Manesar, Bawal and Neemrana across its 196-kilometre alignment and 22 planned stations. Parallelly, the DelhiMumbai Expressway is redefining mobility, compressing travel times and unlocking new urban catchments beyond the traditional NCR core. Escalating land prices and saturation inside Delhi, Gurugram and Noida are pushing households and enterprises to seek scalable, planned locations along emerging speed transport corridors. With expressway connectivity compressing travel times, notified urban local bodies such as Ramgarh and Baroda Meo can absorb housing, industry and logistics demand, enabling balanced decentralisation, investment confidence, and durable resilience across NCR. Developers in parts of Rajasthan and the adjoining NCR are promoting agricultural land parcels along highways and rural roads as lifestyle farm zones, pitching them as long-term investment opportunities tied to expressway-driven growth. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Decongesting NCR is no longer a policy choice it is an economic and environmental necessity. Delhi cannot absorb infinite population, freight, housing, or pollution. The DelhiMumbai Expressway has opened a once-in-a-generation opportunity to structurally rebalance growth away from the NCR core and create new, planned urban anchors along its exits, said Vardan Singh Chaudhry, Founder of Corridor Assets. At Alwar, the DelhiMumbai Expressway directly touches two notified urban local bodies Ramgarh and Baroda Meo where master plans are already in place. The Rajasthan Government is actively positioning new city development on the outer edge of NCR. China executed this same playbook through satellite cities like Tongzhou and Xiongan around Beijing, and Kunshan and Jiashan around Shanghai. This kind of decentralised urban expansion is inevitable the government is now on the cusp of building new cities here; it is only a matter of time, said Robin Mangla, President M3M India. Experts note that expressway-anchored urbanisation has the potential to structurally redistribute growth beyond traditional metropolitan cores. Improved regional accessibility is enabling the emergence of integrated residential, industrial and commercial ecosystems that plug directly into NCRs economic fabric. Over time, this transition is expected to relieve pressure on saturated micro-markets while supporting the creation of organised, infrastructure-ready urban centres capable of sustained employment generation and capital deployment. "Gurgaon has delivered a remarkable growth cycle for NCR, but the DelhiMumbai Expressway offers a unique opportunity to decentralise expansion more equitably and sustainably. Anchoring new growth around ULBs like Ramgarh and Baroda Meo in Alwar can unlock planned residential, industrial and logistics hubs while easing pressure on Gurgaon. With faster connectivity, lower land costs and supportive local governance, these nodes can evolve into independent urban centres generating jobs, attracting investment and elevating overall liveability, said Anil Godara, Founder and Managing Director, J Estates. This shift reframes expressway corridors as city-building platforms, not peripheral land plays, where governance, master planning and infrastructure sequencing can absorb population growth, capital flows and employment creation away from congested cores. While emerging projects often highlight scenic settings and appreciation potential, experts advise investors to verify land-use approvals, zoning status and development permissions rigorously. Only parcels with sanctioned land-use conversions and building rights permit lawful construction of farmhouses, hospitality assets or residential formats. Assets lacking statutory approvals may face regulatory action, including construction halts or demolition, underscoring the importance of disciplined due diligence in corridor-led real estate investments. PM Modi on Delhi Floods 2023: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to France. During this, he had a banquet dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed many important issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited UAE after visiting France. After returning from UAE, PM Modi spoke to Delhi LG VK Saxena and asked questions about the Yamuna being flooded due to the water level and know the current situation. Iran's decision to begin enriching to 20 per cent a decade ago nearly brought an Israeli strike targeting its nuclear facilities. The IAEA acknowledged Iran had informed its inspectors of the decision by a letter after news leaked overnight Friday (January 1). The 2015 deal saw Iran agree to limit its enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Kannada actor and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Mayur Patel was arrested in Bengaluru on the night of January 28, 2026, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a multi-vehicle collision. While Bangladesh and the Netherlands celebrate, other nations continue their fight. As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to who will join these two teams in the final line up for the 2026 edition. Flight safety rules: One of the most common instructions you are given while travelling on a flight is, Everyone, please switch on airplane mode on your phone. Airlines across the world ask passengers to switch their mobile phones to airplane mode before take-off and during the flight. While many travellers see this as a routine instruction, aviation experts say the rule is linked to safety, communication clarity, and network management, rather than fear of an immediate crash. Airplane mode turns off a phones cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections, preventing it from sending or receiving signals from mobile towers on the ground. At high altitudes, phones constantly search for networks and may try to connect to multiple cell towers at once, which creates interference. According to aviation authorities, a single phone may not cause a problem, but multiple active devices can create signal noise that may interfere with aircraft communication systems, especially during take-off and landing, which are the most critical phases of a flight. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Does it affect aircraft systems? Modern aircraft are well shielded, and experts say phones are unlikely to cause serious damage to navigation or control systems. However, pilots have reported audio interference in headsets when several passengers forget to enable airplane mode. This interference can distort communication between pilots and air traffic control. Even minor disruptions are taken seriously in aviation, where clear communication is essential for safety. (Also Read: Redmi Note 15 Pro, Note 15 Pro+ launched in India; Check display, camera, battery, processor, pre-booking offer and other specs) Impact on mobile networks Leaving airplane mode off also affects ground mobile networks. At high speeds and at altitude, a phone can overload cell towers by switching rapidly between them. This can reduce service quality for users on the ground. To prevent this, aviation regulators and telecom authorities recommend disabling cellular signals during flights. Are there penalties for not following this? In most cases, passengers are reminded by cabin crew to switch on airplane mode. Repeated refusal to follow crew instructions can be treated as non-compliance with safety rules, which may lead to warnings or, in rare cases, legal action after landing. Flight wi-fi Many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, which works through satellite systems and is approved for use during cruising altitude. Passengers can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while keeping cellular networks turned off. Not turning on airplane mode may not cause an accident, but it can interfere with communication, strain mobile networks, and violate aviation safety rules. That is why airlines continue to enforce this important instruction for passengers. Google on Wednesday launched a new artificial intelligence-powered photo editing feature in India, allowing users to edit images in Google Photos by simply describing the changes they want. The feature works through voice or text commands, making photo editing easier and more accessible for users. The company announced the rollout through an official blog post, stating that the feature is powered by advanced Gemini AI capabilities. According to Google, the new tool is designed to help users bring their ideas to life without manually adjusting editing tools. How it works? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source To use the feature, users need to open a photo in Google Photos and tap on the option Help me edit. After this, they can describe the changes they want, such as removing an object, adjusting colours, or changing facial expressions. The AI then automatically applies the requested edits. Google said users can now ask Photos to remove accessories like sunglasses, open closed eyes, or make a person smile. For these edits, the feature uses images from a users private face groups, allowing the AI to generate more accurate and personalised results. (Also Read: WhatsApp launches new strict account settings amid Meta privacy lawsuit; check features and how it works) Language support The AI editing feature is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Bengali, and Gujarati. It works on Android devices with at least 4GB of RAM and requires Android 8.0 or later. Google has not yet confirmed when the feature will be expanded to other platforms or devices. New editing tools Along with the main feature, Google has also introduced conversational editing, which allows users to switch between editing tools by simply giving instructions like make the background blurry or remove glare. Another addition is personalised edits, where users can ask Gemini to modify specific people in photos by name. Google has also introduced Nano Banana, a feature that allows users to transform images into new styles by describing the desired look. To improve transparency, Google is adding support for C2PA content credentials in Google Photos. This will attach a digital label to edited images, showing their origin and edit history, which will help users identify AI-modified content. 11 dead in minibus taxi-truck crash in South Africa, on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, 11 people were killed in a truck and minibus taxi. At least 11 people have been killed in a crash involving a minibus taxi and a truck in South Africa, officials say, reports AP. pic.twitter.com/wJdH4Vse2u Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source A minibus taxi and truck collided in eastern KwaZulu-Natal province on Thursday, killing at least 11 people, including a schoolchild at the scene, provincial transport official Siboniso Duma confirmed via preliminary reports. This tragedy follows a head-on crash just over a week ago that claimed 14 schoolchildren's lives in another minibus-truck collision. Emergency services noted several critical injuries, underscoring ongoing road safety woes in the region, reported India Today. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson reported 11 dead at the scene, with several critically injured, including the minibus driver trapped in the wreckage. Emergency services confirmed most victims died instantly at the scene, with the collision striking around 7 a.m. during peak morning traffic. Eyewitnesses reported the minibus, carrying children, attempted to overtake parked vehicles before smashing head-on into the oncoming truck. Police have launched a formal investigation into the deadly KwaZulu-Natal minibus-truck collision, with the truck driver slated for questioning to determine fault. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow, pledging national and provincial support, including psychological and emotional aid, for grieving families and schools. "Our children are the nation's most precious assets," he said via AP. "We must do all we can, from obeying road rules to vetting scholar transport providers, to safeguard learners." Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube voiced grave concerns over nationwide school transport safety, linking many student crashes to driver errors. She highlighted systemic management flaws endangering kids daily, urging the Department of Transport to tighten oversight and enforcement for safer daily commutes. New Delhi: Pakistan is preparing for its first steps into the 5G era, with regulators indicating that a launch window could open within the coming months. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that a large share of smartphones already in use can technically support 5G networks, though this claim continues to draw scrutiny from industry observers. Regulatory estimates suggest that close to 80 percent of smartphones in the country are compatible with the frequency bands required for 5G services. This assessment is largely based on handset specifications rather than on-field performance. Telecom analysts are cautious, arguing that actual readiness will only become clear once spectrum is allocated and live networks begin operating. Compatibility on paper does not always translate into seamless user experience. The next important milestone is the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, which Islamabad expects to hold by the end of February. Authorities have declared 2025-26 as the countrys national 5G transaction phase. A policy framework is already in place, and telecom operators are preparing both financial and technical bids. The outcome of the auction will decide how quickly 5G moves from announcement to daily use. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The auction process began with an information memorandum issued on January 9, 2026. Spectrum bands ranging from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz are on offer, each designed to serve a specific role. Lower-frequency bands promise broader coverage across regions, while mid-band spectrum is intended to support high data demand in urban areas. Regulators have stated that users should see minimum download speeds of around 50 megabits per second once 5G services begin. For Pakistan, this would mean a noticeable improvement over present mobile internet performance. Average mobile speeds in the country are low, especially outside major cities. Mid-band frequencies such as 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz are expected to play a central role in strengthening city networks. These bands can manage heavy data usage and are likely to be deployed first in dense urban centres. Telecom planners see cities as proving grounds before any wider national expansion. Officials also anticipate indirect benefits for existing 4G users. Additional spectrum capacity can ease congestion on present networks. With reduced load, average 4G speeds could noticeably rise. Pakistans present average 4G speed hovers around four megabits per second, with internal projections suggesting it could improve to 20 or even 25 megabits per second once 5G rollout begins. Infrastructure readiness is one of the biggest challenges. Authorities expect initial 5G services to start in major cities within six to seven months. Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta are among the first locations identified. Auction conditions require telecom operators to upgrade fibre-to-site infrastructure, increasing coverage from 20 percent to 60 percent. Strong fibre backbones are essential for stable and fast mobile broadband. The regional contrast becomes clearer when viewed along with Indias progress. Across the border, India has already moved deep into the 5G phase. Official data from the telecom regulator and the communications ministry shows the country approaching 40 crore 5G users by January 2026. This scale places India among the worlds largest 5G markets. It is supported by rapid network expansion and aggressive consumer adoption. India also benefits from a strong 4G base. An estimated 70 to 80 crore users continue to rely on 4G networks. As coverage expands, many are gradually shifting to 5G. The transition is broad-based and happening gradually across urban and semi-urban regions. Pakistan, by comparison, is firmly in the pre-launch stage. PTA data shows the country still depends almost entirely on 4G, with broadband users numbering around 13.8 crore. Commercial 5G services are yet to begin, and the focus is on completing the auction process and setting rollout timelines. Speed comparisons highlight the gap between the two neighbours. Global network reports for 2025-26 place Indias average 4G speeds between 15 and 25 megabits per second, while Pakistans average falls between 5 and 15 megabits per second. On 5G, Indian users already experience average speeds of 250 to 300 megabits per second. Official estimates point to speeds of up to 50 megabits per second once services start. Pakistans 5G journey has reached a decisive point. Policy commitments exist and timelines are now visible. What follows the spectrum auction will matter far more than announcements. Network build-out, infrastructure quality and execution on the ground will decide whether 5G is a promise on paper or becomes a dependable everyday service for users across the country. Soybeans closed Tuesday with contracts 5 to 6 cents higher in the nearbys. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was 6 1/4 cents higher at $9.99 1/2. Soymeal futures were down 30 cents to 60 cents higher, with Soy Oil futures 41 to 53 points higher. Brazil soybean exports in January are estimated at 3.23 MMT, according to ANEC, down 0.56 MMT from last weeks estimate. That would still be up from the 1.07 MMT shipped in Jan 2025. More News from Barchart EU soybean imports have totaled 7.06 MMT from July 1 to January 23 according to the European Commission, down from the 8.15 MMT for the same period last year. Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.67 1/4, up 5 1/2 cents, Nearby Cash was $9.99 1/2, up 6 1/4 cents, May 26 Soybeans closed at $10.79 1/2, up 5 1/2 cents, Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $10.92 1/2, up 5 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Washington: Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a foul-smelling liquid during a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis on Tuesday. The man responsible rushed toward the stage as she criticised federal immigration enforcement. She was unharmed and quickly regained control of the event, reassuring constituents that the people of Minnesota are resilient and will not be intimidated. She recalled that her upbringing had taught her never to give in to threats. While the motive for the attack is still unknown, the incident shows the broader hostility Omar has faced for years. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, she and her community have repeatedly been targeted by threats, both online and in person. In recent weeks, hostility has intensified as federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis has become particularly aggressive, coinciding with attacks on Somali communities in Minnesota, the city Omar represents. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The past three weeks alone saw two US citizens shot dead by federal officers during protests against immigration actions. It has further escalated tensions. The attack occurred as Omar was criticising the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, calling for their leadership to resign and the abolition of ICE. Security quickly restrained the man, who was identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, who had been seated in the front row. Omar continued the town hall, refusing to let fear dictate her work. Witnesses described the liquid as having a strong and unpleasant odour, though authorities are yet to identify the substance. Omars story is rooted in a journey that began when her family fled Somalia in 1991, after the country descended into violent conflict and famine. She spent four years in a refugee camp in Kenya before resettling in Virginia, later moving to Minneapolis, home to the largest Somali population (estimated at 80,000 people) in the United States. Most Somali Minnesotans were born in the United States while the majority of immigrants from Somalia have since become naturalised citizens. In recent months, President Donald Trump has criticised Somali communities in Minnesota on many ocassions. He terminated temporary protected status for Somali immigrants, accusing them of involvement in crime and fraud without providing evidence. He claimed Somali residents had contributed nothing to the United States while relying on aid. He even called them garbage. These statements extended to Somali communities in Minnesota, showing the population as a threat and drawing widespread criticism, including from members of his own party. Federal actions in Minnesota have mirrored the rhetoric. ICE operations have been marked by aggressive tactics, including the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good, a woman allegedly targeted while driving away from officers, and Alex Pretti, a nurse killed while assisting a woman in distress. The Trump administration justified both deaths as self-defence, though video evidence has raised questions. In response, Omar and state officials emphasised that these actions disproportionately target communities of colour and represent an attack on the city she serves. Trumps scrutiny of Omar specifically has a long history. In 2019, he falsely accused her of downplaying the September 11 attacks, which led to a spike in death threats against her. During his 2020 re-election campaign, he called her ungrateful and attacked her background, while supporters chanted Send her back! In December, he criticised her again, accusing her of hating everyone and making baseless claims of anti-Semitism. Omar described Trumps repeated focus on her as obsessive and creepy. The attack on Tuesday happened during rising tensions in Minnesota, where Somali communities and Congresswoman Omars office have been at the centre of intense federal immigration enforcement operations and scrutiny. While she condemned the attack, she insisted it would not disrupt her work. In a significant change in European foreign policy, the European Union has officially added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list. The decision, announced Thursday, comes as a direct response to what diplomats call the most violent repression in Irans modern history after a deadly crackdown on peaceful protesters in late 2025 and early 2026. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the bloc took this step because state-sponsored repression cannot go unanswered, placing the elite military force on the same legal level as groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. A state within a state, what is the IRGC? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The IRGC is not a traditional national army. It was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the country's clerical system. It has grown into a large military, economic, and political force. Military might. With around 190,000 active personnel, it controls its own land, air, and sea forces, separate from Iran's regular army. It also manages the country's strategic missile and drone programs. Internal control. The IRGC oversees the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group with hundreds of thousands of members mainly used for domestic surveillance and suppressing dissent. External influence. Through its Quds Force, the IRGC supplies weapons and funding to proxy groups across the Middle East. The human cost of repression The blacklisting follows a harsh winter of unrest. While Iranian authorities report about 3,100 deaths, mostly among security personnel, international monitors provide a much darker estimate: HRANA confirms over 6,301 deaths. Iran Human Rights (IHR) warns the final count could exceed 25,000. The Verdict. Verified footage has shown security forces using live ammunition against crowds, prompting France and Italy to lead the push for a total blacklist. Sanctions and global context The terrorist label brings immediate legal consequences within the EU, including asset freezes and travel bans aimed at dismantling the IRGC's support networks. The EU also sanctioned 15 individuals, such as Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad. While the US, Canada, and Australia have already labeled the IRGC as terrorists, the United Kingdom is an exception. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy condemned the brutal oppression but did not say if London would follow the EUs lead. Escalating tensions, fingers on the trigger The EUs action coincides with a marked increase in rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump recently warned that a massive armada is moving toward Iran, stating that time is running out for a new nuclear deal. In reply, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Irans forces are ready, with their fingers on the trigger, to respond to any aggression. At the same time, the Iranian military announced the deployment of 1,000 new combat drones to various regiments. Amid the saber-rattling, diplomatic efforts continue. Araghchi is set to visit Turkey on Friday, where officials have offered to mediate dialogue to avoid a full-scale regional conflict. ALSO READ | Mark Carney's India gambit: What to expect from the March visit and what it means for the future of bilateral ties British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China, marking the first such trip by a UK leader in eight years. The last visit was made by Theresa May in 2018. Keir Starmers visit, scheduled from January 28 to 31, takes place against a backdrop of changing global conditions and growing domestic pressure to strike a balance between economic engagement and national security. This visit is attracting close attention from several global players including United States and India. Joined by senior cabinet members and a delegation of more than 50 business executives, Starmer is set to hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National Peoples Congress chairman Zhao Leji. Discussions are expected to centre on trade, investment, and wider cooperation, with both sides presenting the visit as an opportunity to strengthen economic ties and rebuild political trust. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Chinas Commerce Ministry said Beijing is prepared to deepen cooperation with the United Kingdom and work toward agreements aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment. At home, Starmer has presented the trip as a key part of Britains economic renewal. With growth remaining weak, government officials see closer engagement with China as a way to unlock opportunities for industries such as finance, manufacturing, and services. The prime ministers office has emphasised a practical strategy that seeks to advance economic interests while safeguarding national security. The visit has, however, faced criticism from multiple quarters. Several lawmakers and analysts have voiced concerns over national security, especially in the wake of the UK governments approval of a contentious mega Chinese embassy in London, a decision that has fueled debates over espionage and foreign influence, according to CNN. The diplomatic challenge is further heightened by tensions with the United States. Starmers engagement with Beijing comes at a time of strained transatlantic relations, as US President Donald Trump has pursued confrontational trade policies and openly criticised key allies. Some analysts view the UKs outreach to China as part of a wider effort by Western countries to hedge against an unpredictable US policy approach. Human rights concerns and broader geopolitical security issues continue to be delicate subjects. During the visit, both sides are expected to assess how to balance economic pragmatism with strategic caution, shaping the foundation for what London calls a consistent, durable, and respectful bilateral ties amid a fast-changing global politics. The Kremlin announced Thursday that Russia has renewed its invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Moscow for peace talks, as US-led efforts intensify to end the nearly four-year war. According to a report by NDTV, the statement came amid the latest exchange of war dead between the two nations and just hours after Moscow dodged rumors of a mutual agreement to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure. The US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi last weekend sparked fresh momentum toward a deal, yet stark gaps remain between Russia and Ukraine's positions. Intense fighting rages on as Kyiv grapples with crippling power outages from recent missile strikes. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source An unnamed US official told Axios Saturday that Zelensky and Putin are "very close" to scheduling a meeting following the talks, reported NDTV. Fresh Abu Dhabi talks between Russia and Ukraine are set for Sunday, with US President Donald Trump, who seeks to end Europe's largest conflict since World War II, saying Tuesday that "very good things" are underway. Key disputes remain over territorial divisions, potential international peacekeepers or monitors in postwar Ukraine, and control of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The report further stated that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax on Thursday that Moscow has yet to hear back on its invitation for Zelensky to visit for talks. Zelensky rebuffed a similar offer last year, refusing to travel to the capital, launching daily missile strikes on Ukraine, and he urged Putin to come to Kyiv instead. Any Putin-Zelensky summit must be thoroughly prepared and yield concrete results, said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday, adding that Zelensky's safety in Moscow would be assured. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the territorial dispute the core "very difficult" sticking point on Wednesday. Russia demands Ukrainian troops pull back from the 20% of Donetsk it doesn't hold. Kyiv refuses to cede land Russia hasn't captured militarily, fearing it could become a launchpad for deeper incursions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Thursday that the territorial dispute isn't the only major issue outstanding. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov questioned the value of any US security guarantees for Ukraine, doubting they could deliver lasting peace if aimed at propping up Kyiv's current leadership. Meanwhile, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, echoing hardliner views of Russian battlefield gains, urged escalating the war over talks, telling Kremlin reporters: "The war must reach its conclusion. I'm against negotiations." Dame Sarah Mullally has been named as the first-ever female Archbishop of Canterbury. This historic decision has been taken almost 1,400 years after the role was created. The confirmation also came from the ceremony held at St Pauls Cathedral in London, where the 63-year-old became the first woman to assume the spiritual leadership of the Church of England in its nearly 500-year history. Dane Sarah is now officially the 106th Archbishop of the Canterbury, according to Sky News. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source She is married to a man named Eamonn Mullally and has two children. Sarah was appointed in October 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby, in November 2024, after an independent review concluded that he "could and should" have reported decades-long abuse of men and boys by a former friend. Dame Sarah, a former cancer nurse turned cleric, formally assumed her duties on Wednesday during a legal ceremony overseen by bewigged judges. As the lengthy appointment process concluded and her election was officially confirmed, Dame Sarah, originally from Woking, Surrey, stood before the congregation to a wave of enthusiastic applause. The ceremony was briefly disrupted by a heckler just as it was announced that no one had objected to the confirmation. The individual was promptly escorted out of the cathedral. The bishops announced that no objection has been made on an appropriate time and Dame Sarah took oath of allegiance to the British crown and the church. Her formal installation is scheduled for March at Canterbury Cathedral. In an interview upon assuming her new role, Dame Sarah expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from a wide range of people, including men, in my ministry. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026, marking the first visit by a UK leader to China in eight years since Theresa May's trip in 2018. Accompanied by over 50 business leaders and two ministers, the four-day itinerary includes meetings in Beijing with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, followed by engagements in Shanghai and a brief stop in Japan. The visit aims to reset UK-China relations amid strained ties over issues like Chinese espionage allegations, Beijing's crackdown in Hong Kong, and its support for Russia in Ukraine. Starmer has emphasised a pragmatic approach, stating the UK does not need to "choose between" the US and China, prioritising economic opportunities while addressing national security concerns. The timing coincides with the UK's approval of China's controversial "mega-embassy" in London, a decision criticised as a potential espionage risk but seen by some as a goodwill gesture to facilitate the visit. This move, alongside the visit, reflects Labour's shift from the Conservative era's more confrontational stance toward Beijing. Purpose of Starmers China visit Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Keir Starmers visit to China aims to rebalance and improve strained UK-China relations while exploring trade and investment opportunities for British businesses. It seeks to strengthen the UK economy, maintain a pragmatic approach that is neither confrontational nor overly close, engage in dialogue on global issues such as climate change and technology, and uphold international balance by managing ties with both China and Western allies like the US and EU. Implications for the Indo-Pacific Region The visit has broader ramifications for the Indo-Pacific, a theater of intensifying great-power competition involving territorial disputes, supply chain vulnerabilities, and alliance dynamics. Economic Rebalancing: The UK seeks to diversify dependencies amid US unpredictability under President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on allies and threatened actions like seizing Greenland. This mirrors Canada's recent Beijing outreach, which drew US ire. For the Indo-Pacific, enhanced UK-China trade could stabilise supply chains but risks increasing Beijing's leverage over Western economies, potentially influencing policies on issues like Taiwan or the South China Sea. Security and Alliances: As a member of AUKUS (with the US and Australia) and a partner in the Quad framework, the UK remains aligned with US-led efforts to counter Chinese assertiveness. However, Starmer's reset could signal a more independent UK posture, prioritising dialogue over confrontation. This might dilute unified Western responses to Beijing's actions, such as military buildups near Taiwan or coercion in the South China Sea. The UK's recent handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritiuscriticised by Trump as "great stupidity"raises concerns about Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, a key Indo-Pacific chokepoint. Rising concerns over Chinese spying and surveillance are straining relations with the UK, which has blocked Chinese investment in sensitive telecoms and nuclear projects. Starmers government aims to balance national security with diplomatic and economic ties. Human rights remain a key issue, especially regarding Hong Kong, following the conviction of British citizen Jimmy Lai under Beijings national security law. Should the US be concerned? Eroding alliance cohesion: US President Donald Trump's threats, such as tariffs on the UK and allies, or territorial claims on Greenland have prompted hedging by US partners. Starmer's trip, like Canadian PM Mark Carney's, signals diversification to "de-risk" from US dependence, potentially weakening collective deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Security risks: The mega-embassy approval and Chagos handover could facilitate Chinese strategic gains, including espionage in Europe or basing in the Indian Ocean, indirectly challenging US dominance. Critics warn this fractures Western unity against Beijing's gray-zone tactics. Overall, the US has grounds for concern, though not necessarily alarm, as the visit reflects broader shifts driven by American policy volatility rather than a full UK pivot to China. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States will reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela by the end of the day. This decision signals a rapid normalization of relations after the recent U.S. military operation that removed Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump said he had notified interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez of the decision, allowing American citizens to return to the South American country. 'Safe to visit,' a shift in airspace policy This decision reversed a complete closure of the airspace above and around Venezuela that Trump had declared last November. Although that closure was not an official legal decree from Venezuela, it effectively stopped international flights as U.S. naval forces built up in the Atlantic. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "I've instructed US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and our military leaders to open up the airspace by the end of the day," Trump said. "American citizens will soon be able to go to Venezuela, and theyll be safe there." The president also mentioned that major US oil companies are already scouting projects in the country. He predicted that this partnership would bring great wealth to both nations. Phased reopening of US Embassy Caracas The airspace announcement followed a formal notification to Congress earlier this week about the possible reopening of the US Embassy in Caracas, which has been closed since diplomatic ties broke down in 2019. According to a State Department notice obtained by The Associated Press: Phased approach: The US is sending more temporary staff to carry out select diplomatic functions. Temporary facilities: Staff will initially live and work in a temporary setting while the existing embassy site is updated to meet security and operational standards. Leadership: A career diplomat based in Bogota has been appointed as the new charge d'affaires to manage the transition. Conflicting safety warnings remain Despite the president's hopeful tone, the official US travel advisory for Venezuela remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel. The State Department's latest guidance, updated Thursday, still warns of high risks of: Wrongful detention and kidnapping. Civil unrest and poor health infrastructure. Terrorism and violent crime. Administration officials stressed that reopening the embassy and airspace are preparatory steps as the US looks into restoring full relations following the January 1 military raid. Impact on travel and oil The reopening of the Maiquetia Flight Information Region is expected to lead major carriers, including United, Delta, and American Airlines, to rush to restore routes that were canceled during the military activities earlier this month. For Venezuela, this step is crucial in rebuilding an economy currently facing a U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. ALSO READ | EU labels Iran's IRGC a terrorist group: What to know about the Revolutionary Guard blacklist The world grapples with sweeping geopolitical shifts under US President Donald Trump. US-Iran tensions simmer, Trump's pursuit of Greenland continues, and new cracks are widening inside China. Beijing faces deepening internal divisions. Elite purges accelerate ahead of the 2027 Party Congress, with leadership shakeups in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Economic woes, skyrocketing debt, persistent deflation, and soaring youth unemployment further erode Xi Jinping's authority, hampering China's response to external threats. Reports of a foiled military coup in Beijing have sparked speculation: Are these rifts US-fueled? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Trumps Anti-China Policies US president Donald Trump continues his Greenland bid, imposing tariffs, escalating military presence around Iran with an armada of warships around Iran. Trump's policies are mostly directed towards choking China, whether directly or indirectly. With the revival of monroe doctrine, gripping for hemispheric dominance. The Middle East US-Iran conflict and Trump's eye on Greenland collectively impact Beijing. The US president has on multiple occasions targeted Beijings growing influence around the globe. "China's ripping us off for decades, 60% tariffs if they don't play fair on fentanyl and rare earths," he warned, reigniting the trade war to slash Beijing's export edge. "No more China owning our chips or minerals, we're building factories at home and blocking their AI takeover," he added, prioritising US control of semiconductors. After the US carried out Operation Absolute Resolve earlier this month, US presidnet trump diretly lashed out at China, saying, "Took down Maduro, cut off China's cheap crude, they pay full price now, no more funding Beijing's military!" The Iran Nexus US President Trumps multi-front offensive against Iran exploits Beijings deep economic reliance on Tehran, pressuring China by targeting its critical oil lifeline amid broader efforts to choke its global influence through tariffs, resource grabs, and trade disruptions. China maintains close ties with Iran, relying heavily on its discounted oil to fuel its economy despite US sanctions. China buys 1.2 to 1.4 million barrels of Iranian crude daily, about 10-13% of its total seaborne oil imports. This represents 80-90% of Iran's entire oil exports, shipped secretly to small "teapot" refineries in China that process the cheap, sanctioned crude. Bilateral trade reached $32.9 billion in 2025, making China Iran's largest partner with 25% of Tehran's total trade. A 2021 25-year deal promises $400 billion in Chinese investments for guaranteed Iranian oil supplies and infrastructure linking Beijings Belt and Road routes through Iran to Europe. US presidents January 28 warning of a "massive armada" against Iran, plus new 25% tariffs on countries buying its oil, strikes at China's vital imports from Tehran. Beijing promises to protect its energy needs but condemns US "bullying." Venezuela Oil Seizure and Panama Canal Dominance US policies in Venezuela and the Panama Canal reinforce a broader "Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine," reasserting dominance over the Western Hemisphere to exclude Chinese influence from critical resources and routes. The 2026 US National Defense Strategy prioritises "restoring American military dominance in the Western Hemisphere," surging troops to the Caribbean post-Venezuela operation, and eyeing permanent bases in Panama, Greenland, and the Gulf of America to deny Beijing "strategic footholds." This shifts forces from Europe/Middle East, framing China as a hemispheric intruder. With Maduros capture and US seizing Venezuelan oil fields not only cuts China's 80% export share but blocks Beijing's debt-trap diplomacy in Latin America. Trump prioritises US ships and pressures Panama on fees to counter Chinese influence at canal ports, securing vital access for trade and military needs. The canal handles 40% of US-China trade; delays or hikes add 15-20% shipping costs for Beijing, protecting key US strategic routes. Arctic Trade Route and Greenland Cutoff US efforts to control chokepoints like the Panama Canal extend to a wider strategy, severing Beijing from Arctic routes, Greenland minerals, and even Suez leverage, creating a global noose around China's trade lifelines. Trump aggressively targets Greenland's Pituffik base expansion and mineral wealth to block China's Polar Silk Road, denying Beijing access to 25+ critical rare earths and uranium. It also eyes dominating melting Arctic routes 30% faster for European trade. Trump's troop surges and (North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) radars deter Chinese icebreakers, forcing reliance on costlier Panama and Suez paths already pressured by US fees and ship priorities. US allies like Israel and Gulf states fuel Red Sea Houthi chaos, making the Suez unpredictable with US naval patrols choking China's Mideast oil exports via Suez. Combined with Venezuela and Iran oil cuts, Panama trade friction, and Arctic and Greenland denial slashes China's efficiencies. Internal Rifts and Elite Purges within Beijing Beijing currently battles internal divisions ahead of the 2027 Party Congress, driven by Xi Jinping's aggressive purges of top elites and military leaders. Trusted allies like CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff chief Liu Zhenli face investigations for disloyalty, while dozens of generals across the Army, Navy, and Rocket Force have been removed, leaving key posts vacant and the Central Military Commission effectively down to Xi's core loyalists, according to Reuters. These internal shakeups, accompanied by external pressures and exploding local debt, erode Xi's grip, hobbling China's ability to counter US pressures like oil cuts from Venezuela and Iran, Panama trade fees, and Arctic and Greenland denial. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday expressed disappointment with Europe, while commenting on the European Unions recent trade deal (FTA) with India. India and the European Union finalised a landmark free trade agreement on Tuesday, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed as the mother of all deals. In an interview with CNBC, Bessent said Europe was buying refined products from India that were produced using Russian oil. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He also claimed the EU had been reluctant to align with US tariffs on Indian goods due to ongoing trade negotiations. Last year, the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, citing its purchases of Russian oil. When asked whether the India-EU trade deal would threaten the US, Bessent said, "They (Europe) should do what's best for themselves, but I will tell you, I found, I find the Europeans very disappointing." US treasury secretary said, The Europeans were unwilling to join us (on higher tariffs), and it turns out, because they wanted to do this trade deal. He also said, "So every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people, remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people." What is the India-EU Trade Deal? After almost twenty years of intricate negotiations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, announced the conclusion of talks on the landmark agreement. The pact links 1.4 billion people in India with 450 million across the EUs 27 member states, forming a vast economic area valued at around USD 27 trillion, about a quarter of global economic output. Under the agreement, import tariffs on roughly 9699% of goods traded between the two sides will be slashed. India stands to gain wider access for key exports such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather products, gems and jewelry, and seafood. Meanwhile, European countries will be able to export automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and high-end consumer goods to India at more competitive prices. India diversifying its trade The agreement comes amid strained IndiaUS trade relations, marked by tariffs on Indian goods and disagreements over preferential trade benefits. These challenges have prompted India to look beyond the United States to diversify its economic partnerships. Analysts note that the deal with the EU offers India a chance to broaden its market access, reduce reliance on the US, and enhance its leverage in global trade negotiations. Madhu Gottumukkala, the acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), reportedly uploaded sensitive government contracting documents into a public version of ChatGPT after assuming leadership last summer. He is the interim head of America's cyber defence company, that overlooks the task of protecting the government's secrets. His actions triggered multiple automated security alerts designed to prevent the unauthorised disclosure or theft of federal materials, as per the report by Politico. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The misstep by Gottumukkala, a Trump-era aide of Indian origin, was particularly notable because he reportedly obtained special permission from CISAs Office of the Chief Information Officer to use the AI tool after joining the agency in May, 2025. The information he uploaded to the public version of ChatGPT is shared with OpenAI, meaning it could potentially be used to respond to prompts from the apps more than 700 million active users. The ChatGPT use was barred for other employees of the Department of Homeland Security during that time. Report said, "Gottumukkala forced CISA's hand into making them give him ChatGPT, and then he abused it." Classified and sensitive information in public domain According to Politico, the files Gottumukkala uploaded to ChatGPT were not classified, but they included CISA contracting documents labeled for official use only, a government designation for sensitive information not intended for public release. Cybersecurity sensors at CISA flagged the uploads multiple times in August, prompting an internal review to determine whether the disclosures had compromised government security, according to Department of Homeland Security officials familiar with the matter. The outcome of the review was not disclosed. Who is Madhu Gottumukkala ? Madhu Gottumukkala, of Indian origin, is the senior-most political official at CISA, the federal agency responsible for protecting government networks from sophisticated, state-backed cyber threats, including those from Russia and China. He has over 24 years of experience in information technology and holds a PhD in Information Systems from Dakota State University, an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dallas, an MS in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University. Gottumukkala has served as acting head of CISA since May, after being appointed deputy director by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump's nominee to lead CISA, DHS special adviser Sean Plankey, was blocked last year over a Coast Guard shipbuilding contract, and a new confirmation hearing date has not yet been set. Starbucks Corp. is mandating that Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol use the companys private jet for all his travel, including personal trips, while removing a previous restriction that would have required him to reimburse some travel expenses. Under the travel agreement, which was altered following a security review, Niccol no longer has to pay Starbucks back for non-professional use of the jet, according to a filing. Previously, he was responsible for charges from personal travel after an annual cap of $250,000. Most Read from Bloomberg Following a security review of risks, the Starbucks board of directors made the decision to enhance security measures for Brian, a company spokesperson said. This included a decision by the board to require Brian to use private aircraft for all travel. The companys filing, released late Monday, cites enhanced media attention and the current threat landscape. The security study also found the existence of credible threat actors. Board members will now review Niccols travel on a quarterly, rather than annual, basis. In fiscal 2025, Niccol didnt pay the company under the time-sharing agreement for the jet, according to the filing. Related: Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Earned $31 Million in 2025 Many US companies are beefing up executive security in the wake of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan in late 2024. Since the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, weve seen many companies shift their security policies, including installing home security and requiring CEOs to use the corporate jet for all air travel, said Courtney Yu, director of research at executive pay consultant Equilar. Starbucks also provided Niccol with personal driver services at no charge to the CEO. In fiscal 2025, Niccols total security costs totaled $1.1 million, while his use of the jet cost the company just under $1 million. Starbucks also paid more than $370,000 in temporary housing expenses for Niccol in fiscal 2025, according to the filing, including about $244,000 of tax-related expenses. Starbucks will report first-quarter results Wednesday morning, followed by an investor presentation on Thursday. --With assistance from Matthew Boyle. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Recent photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sparked a global discussion about digital privacy. Observers noticed something unusual on his mobile device: thick red tape covering the rear camera lenses. The images were taken in the underground parking area of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). They show the Prime Minister talking on the phone next to his vehicle, with his device's main sensors clearly hidden by a red seal. The 'spy-proof' sticker: Security or paranoia? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Casual users might use masking tape, but reports suggested the Prime Minister's device probably has a tamper-evident seal. These security stickers are common in high-stakes situations for several reasons: - Visual Deterrence: They serve as a physical barrier against "zero-click" spyware, which can remotely activate a phone's camera without the user's knowledge. - Tamper Evidence: If the sticker is peeled back or moved, it leaves a permanent "VOID" pattern or mark, alerting security teams that the device may have been compromised. - Strict Protocol: In "Red Zone" government areas where classified documents are handled, these seals are often required to prevent accidental or intentional photography. Podcaster Mario Nawfal, who first pointed out the images, asked a question that resonated with many: "If the Prime Minister of Israel feels the need to do it, what does that mean for the average person?" Why dos Netanyahu have tape over his phone camera? Whos he worried about? Also if the Prime Minister of Israel feels the need to do it, then what does that mean for the average person? pic.twitter.com/DVznM7uNBO Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 27, 2026 A climate of cyber-warfare The timing of this simple security measure is not coincidental. Israel is in the middle of a complex digital battlefield: - Regional Threats: Israeli media reports indicated increased fears of Iranian-linked cyber groups, like "Handala," which claimed to have breached the devices of senior Israeli aides and former ministers in early 2026. - The Pegasus Legacy: Ironically, Israel is the birthplace of Pegasus, the world's most infamous spyware. Developed by the NSO Group, the software can turn any smartphone into a 24/7 surveillance tool. Activists have pointed out the irony that the man who exported this technology is now covering his own lenses. - New Legislation: The Prime Minister's Office is currently promoting the National Cyber Protection Law 2026. This bill aims to set cybersecurity requirements across critical infrastructure amid a rise in state-sponsored hacking attempts. Lessons for the average user While most citizens aren't likely to be targets of state-level "zero-click" exploits, security experts say Netanyahu's tape highlights a common vulnerability. Even the best software defenses can be bypassed, but physics can't be hacked. A physical barrier ensures that even if a hacker tries to see through your phone, they are met with darkness. Beyond the red tape, the Israeli government has recently banned Android devices for military personnel. They cited the platform's open-source vulnerabilities and have recommended a move to more closed systems for sensitive operations. ALSO READ | Mark Carney's India gambit: What to expect from the March visit and what it means for the future of bilateral ties India US Trade Deal: The European Union and India announced a free trade agreement, leaving people wondering how the United States will react. Analysts say the timing and scale of the deal point to a calculated effort by the two sides to reduce reliance on any single superpower. Observers say that American trade policy under President Donald Trump has often been used as a pressure tool, leveraging tariffs and sanctions to extract concessions from partner countries. In this context, the India-EU agreement indicates that both sides are exploring alternative alliances and economic partnerships. Experts suggest the move may deliver a political jolt to the United States. By securing a substantial trade partnership with Europe, New Delhi has given out a message that its economic and strategic decisions are not dictated solely by Washington. Analysts view this as a subtle pushback against unilateral pressure tactics, reinforcing Indias strategic autonomy. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The agreement also comes at a time when India-US trade relations have faced tension. Tariffs on Indian exports and disputes over preferential trade status have created an environment in which India has sought to diversify its economic relationships. Observers say the EU deal provides India with an opportunity to expand market access without depending on the United States and to strengthen its position in global negotiations. Strategists point out that the political implications may outweigh the economic ones. By acting decisively with the EU, India is showing to the world that middle powers can assert their independence in a complex global environment dominated by American and Chinese influence. The deal, they argue, could limit the USs leverage in future trade discussions with India, reducing its ability to dictate terms. Experts also believe the announcement will prompt close scrutiny in Washington. While the United States may initially express concern or frustration, many analysts argue that overt punitive measures are unlikely. Instead, they expect a more cautious recalibration of American strategy, recognising that other global actors are no longer willing to be entirely influenced by the US pressure. Ultimately, the India-EU agreement is being seen as a milestone in the countrys economic and diplomatic strategy. By forging stronger ties with Europe, India is expanding its options, diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening its hand on the global stage. Analysts say the move could set a precedent for how middle powers manage a world where economic and political influence is increasingly distributed and where relying on a single superpower is no longer seen as safe or strategic. The question now is how Washington will respond. While the economic impact on the United States may be limited, the political and strategic ramifications are major. Analysts believe the deal highlights Indias determination to act independently, charting a course that balances influence from multiple global powers while asserting its growing role in changing the rules of international trade and diplomacy. Iran-US Tensions: Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen after US President Donald Trump warned of possible military action. The threat drew strong responses from Tehran, which said any military move would bring a response unlike anything seen before. At the same time, Iranian officials said they are open to dialogue under clear conditions. Trumps warning came through a lengthy post on Truth Social, where he described a major US naval deployment. A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincon, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary, he wrote. The president asked Tehran to negotiate, adding, Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The White House later shared Trumps post on X, making a portion of his remarks as caption, Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL Hopefully Iran will quickly Come to the Table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL - President DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/H6qLbw3Ndi The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 28, 2026 Irans Mission to the United Nations responded to Trumps comments on social media, reminding the United States of the high cost of its past wars. Last time the US blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives, the mission said in a post on X. The statement highlighted Irans stated position on diplomacy and defence. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interestsBUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE! pic.twitter.com/k3fVEv1rus I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) January 28, 2026 Senior Iranian officials echoed this message with stronger language on the consequences of any attack. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader, said there would be no limited military engagement. Any military action, from America from any origin and at any level, will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all out, and unprecedented, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor, he wrote on X in Persian before repeating the message in Hebrew. Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi echoed the warning by pointing to the countrys military readiness. He said Irans armed forces have their fingers on the trigger to immediately and powerfully respond to any attack. Referring to recent hostilities, he said, The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly and profoundly. Our brave Armed Forces are preparedwith their fingers on the triggerto immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea. The valuable lessons learned from the 12-Day War have enabled us to respond even more strongly, rapidly, and pic.twitter.com/kEuj0dmBaK Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 28, 2026 At the same time, he reiterated Irans position on nuclear negotiations. Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal on equal footing and free from coercion, threats and intimidation which ensures Irans rights to peaceful nuclear technology and guarantees no nuclear weapons, he said. Regional leaders have also weighed in as US military assets move closer to the Middle East. Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned against military escalation and urged diplomatic engagement. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said, Its wrong to start the war again. He called for regional cooperation as tensions rise and naval forces gather in the Gulf. Fidan also said Iran was prepared to re-engage on the nuclear issue. Iran is ready to negotiate a nuclear file again, he said. He advised Washington to pursue negotiations step by step. My advice always to the American friends, close the files one by one with Iran. Start with nuclear, close it, then the others, he said. He added that presenting all demands together would make the process difficult to manage and explain domestically in Iran. China has also expressed concern over the escalating rhetoric. Addressing the UN Security Council, Chinas ambassador Fu Cong warned against military action. The use of force cannot solve problems. Any military adventurism will only push the region into an abyss of unpredictability, he said. The present standoff follows months of rising tension that began with mass protests in Iran late last year. Activists say thousands of people were killed during unrest in early January. Trump publicly criticised Irans leadership at the time, urging protesters to take control of state institutions and claiming that help is on the way. US military movements continued through the period, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to the region. Trump has since repeated claims that previous US strikes obliterated Irans nuclear programme, an assertion Tehran has rejected while maintaining its right to uranium enrichment. As diplomatic messages and military warnings move in parallel, Iran has made its position clear. Dialogue is possible under defined terms. Any attack, Iranian officials say, will draw a response intended to deter future aggression and change the strategic balance in the region. NEW YORK (AP) Starbucks said Thursday that it plans to open hundreds of new stores across the U.S. and add seating capacity at thousands of existing locations, doubling down on a strategy of emphasizing the company's cafes as community hubs even as consumer demand for drive-thru coffee grows. The company unveiled its plans during a presentation in New York for investors. After announcing in September that it would close hundreds of less profitable stores, Starbucks said it now expects to open up to 175 new U.S. coffee shops this year and around 400 in 2028. Its plans include smaller-format stores that are 20% cheaper to build but still offer comfortable seating, drive-thru service and mobile order pickup capacity. Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said Starbucks ultimately sees an opportunity to build at least 5,000 new cafes across the U.S., with the smaller store format presenting much of that opportunity. There are thousands of sites where no Starbucks operates within a mile of a competitor, he said. Starbucks is particularly eyeing the central, southern and northeastern U.S. for store development. In some ways, Starbucks is running counter to a growing U.S. trend of drive-thru-only coffee shops like Dutch Bros and 7 Brew. In September, the National Coffee Association, an industry trade group, found that 59% of U.S. coffee drinkers who bought coffee outside their home in the past week had used a drive-thru, which was an all-time high. But Niccol said Thursday that over the last month, more than 60% of Starbucks customers came into a store to order their coffee, and he thinks its important for those stores to feel vibrant and inviting. Our cafes are our point of differentiation, Niccol said. We want people to be in our coffeehouses. Starbucks said it plans to add 25,000 additional seats to its U.S. cafes by the end of its fiscal year this fall. Thats part of an ongoing upgrade process that is intended to make existing stores warmer and more welcoming. The improvements, which cost around $150,000 and are done overnight while stores are closed, have been completed at 200 locations and are expected to spread to 1,000 by fall. Starbucks expects to finish the retrofitting work in 2028. The company has around 10,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. Niccol said Starbucks is seeing customers dwell longer in stores that are revamped. Niccol, who joined Starbucks in 2024 to revive its flagging sales, said the companys turnaround is taking hold. Starbucks has been adding staff and equipment to stores to improve service times and give employees more time to connect with customers. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) today is up +0.14 (+0.95%), and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) is up +1.10 (+0.27%). Sugar prices are pushing higher today as a rally in the Brazilian real (^USDBRL) to a 20-month high has sparked short covering in sugar futures. The stronger real discourages exports sales from Brazil's sugar producers. More News from Barchart Higher global sugar production has recently pressured sugar prices. Unica reported last 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 India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) reported last Monday 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. The outlook for a global sugar surplus is weighing on prices. Covrig Analytics on December 12 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. The outlook for record sugar output in Brazil is bearish for prices. Conab, Brazil's crop forecasting agency, on November 4 raised its Brazil 2025/26 sugar production estimate to 45 MMT from a previous forecast of 44.5 MMT. Indian renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon Group has secured an order from ArcelorMittal for 248.85MW of wind energy through its renewable energy entity in the country. The order forms part of a 550MW hybrid project in the Indian state of Gujarat, where the wind energy generated will be supplied for captive use at ArcelorMittal Nippon steel facilities in the country. The company will supply 79 S144 wind turbine generators with a rated capacity of 3.15MW. Suzlon maintains a presence in Gujarat with a 4.5GW installed capacity base. The new agreement is its fourth wind order focused on decarbonising steel production in India. With this deal, the companys contribution to green steel capacity reaches approximately 1.16GW in the country. Over the past year, Suzlon has collaborated with several steel producers to support the transition towards low-carbon steel production. Suzlon vice-chairman Girish Tanti said: We are proud to partner with ArcelorMittal, one of the world's most respected steel producers. Steel is the backbone of India's infrastructure, yet it remains one of the most energy-intensive industries. As the sector accelerates its journey toward decarbonisation, renewable energy has become a competitive and viable contributor. At Suzlon, we are committed to making this transition a reality through strong partnerships and industry coalitions like the Indian Steel Green Council. Suzlon has more than 21GW of wind energy installed across 17 countries. The company runs research and development centres across the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and India. Its portfolio includes the 2.xMW and 3.xMW series of wind turbines. Suzlon CEO JP Chalasani said: This project reflects Suzlon's strategic focus on the EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] segment, where we aim to gradually increase its share to 50% of our overall order book. In September 2024, Suzlon secured a 1.17GW wind energy order from NTPC Green Energy in India. "Suzlon to supply ArcelorMittal with 248.85MW of wind capacity" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. In Q&A, Peng said Peiyous year-over-year revenue growth was primarily driven by increased enrollments , while average selling price remained relatively stable. He added that performance was aligned with the companys learning center network expansion, which TAL said it continues to pursue in a disciplined manner, weighing operational readiness, efficiency, and localized demand at the district and neighborhood level. For the quarter, TAL posted net revenues of $770.2 million (CNY 5,480.4 million) , representing year-over-year increases of 27.0% in U.S. dollar terms and 26.8% in RMB terms. Non-GAAP income from operations was $104.0 million , and non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL was $141.4 million . President and Chief Financial Officer Alex Peng said the companys learning services posted year-over-year revenue growth across both offline Peiyou programs and online enrichment offerings, supported by sustained user demand and a portfolio delivered in offline and online formats. TAL Education Group (NYSE:TAL) reported fiscal 2026 third-quarter results that management said reflected steady progress on strategic priorities centered on student development, product innovation, and service quality, while acknowledging near-term variability tied to seasonality, competitive pressures, and resource allocation decisions. Talos Energy: Time to Take a Plunge Ahead of New CEO Appointment? Healthy cash position and buyback authorization, but caution on volatility: TAL held $2,146.3 million in cash and generated $526.7 million of operating cash flow; the board authorized up to ~ $600 million in repurchases (only ~$27.7 million executed so far), while management warned near-term results may fluctuate from seasonality, competition and investment cycles. Learning devices and AI remain strategic but loss-making: The devices business grew in revenue and sales volume with ~ 80% weekly active rate and ~ 1 hour daily usage, and the AI assistant "Xiao Si" exceeded 1 billion activations, yet the unit is still in an investment phase and reported an adjusted operating loss. Strong top-line and profit recovery: Q3 net revenues were $770.2 million (up ~27% YoY) with non-GAAP net income of $141.4 million , gross margin expanding to 56.1% and operating income of $93.1 million . Story continues Deputy Chief Financial Officer Jackson Ding said Peiyou small class enrichment programs delivered stable operations and year-over-year growth, driven by enrollment gains. He described ongoing efforts to broaden access to enrichment programs aimed at supporting holistic development. On the online side, Ding said TAL is using technology to enhance engagement, citing humanities courses with immersive online classrooms that incorporate virtual settings, interactive activities, and role-playing based on classic literature. He said the programs also use gamified mechanisms during class and out-of-class challenges to reinforce concepts. Looking ahead, Ding said the company plans to further integrate technology into engagement tools and instructional design, supported by continued investments in content, product development, and services. Learning devices: growth, engagement metrics, and competition As Berkshire Exits Its Kraft Heinz Position, Is the Stock a Sell? Management highlighted learning devices as a key long-term focus within the companys content solutions business, while noting a highly competitive environment spanning content, hardware, and AI. Ding said the learning devices business delivered year-over-year growth in both revenue and sales volume during the quarter. He also provided user engagement metrics: Average weekly active rate among learning device users remained at approximately 80% . Average daily usage per active device was approximately one hour. Peng and Ding both emphasized the companys focus on moving learning devices beyond answer-providing tools and toward AI-enabled learning companions designed to guide students through processes, adapt explanations, and diagnose learning gaps. Ding said TALs AI Thinkie 1-on-1 has facilitated over hundreds of thousands of hours of guided learning, and that as of December 2025, students had activated the companys AI assistant Xiao Si over 1 billion times. Peng said blended average selling price for learning devices came in below CNY 4,000, reflecting a shift in product mix versus the prior year period. He added that the learning device business reported an adjusted operating loss as it remains in an investment phase. Asked about promotional performance and the competitive landscape, Peng said the market share outcome during the 2011 promotion period was aligned with expectations, and described the broader learning device environment as dynamic as AI advances reshape education technology. He said TALs approach combines vertical domain models with general AI capabilities and aims to emulate teaching methodologies rather than simply giving answers. Margins improved, but management cautioned on volatility Ding walked through profitability and expense trends, highlighting an expansion in gross margin and reduced selling and marketing intensity. Key figures included: Cost of revenues rose 18.0% year-over-year to $338.4 million . Gross profit increased 35.0% year-over-year to $431.8 million . Gross margin improved to 56.1% from 52.7% a year earlier. Selling and marketing expenses decreased 2.8% to $220.1 million . Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 28.3% from 36.7% . Income from operations was $93.1 million , compared with an operating loss of $17.4 million in the prior year period. Net income attributable to TAL was $130.6 million, up from $23.1 million a year earlier. In response to questions about margin drivers, Ding attributed the year-over-year operating margin improvement primarily to selling and marketing volatility and disciplined cost management, including lower online marketing and branding expenses for the learning device business versus the same period last year, and seasonality in online enrichment customer acquisition. However, he cautioned against treating the quarters margin performance as a benchmark for future periods, noting the company manages a portfolio of mature profitable businesses and newer initiatives that are still in the investment phase, which can create quarterly fluctuations. Ding also said the break-even timeline for the learning device business remains uncertain. Balance sheet, cash flow, and buyback update As of November 30, 2025, TAL reported $2,146.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $171.1 million in short-term investments, and $339.3 million in current and non-current restricted cash. Deferred revenue was $1,162.8 million. Net cash provided by operating activities in the quarter was $526.7 million. On capital returns, Ding said the board authorized a new share repurchase program in July 2025 for up to approximately $600 million over 12 months. Between October 30, 2025 and January 28, 2026, the company repurchased 844,856 common shares for an aggregate consideration of approximately $27.7 million. Looking ahead, Peng said TAL continues to prioritize the intersection of learning and technology and is strengthening go-to-market capabilities, particularly through more agile channel management for newer businesses like learning devices. Management reiterated that near-term performance may be influenced by market conditions, investment cycles, and seasonal fluctuations, and said the company remains focused on long-term sustainable development. About TAL Education Group (NYSE:TAL) TAL Education Group is a leading provider of after-school tutoring services in China, specializing in K-12 academic instruction. The company offers a range of programs designed to help primary and secondary school students strengthen their core competencies in subjects such as mathematics, English, Chinese language and science. TAL leverages both in-person learning centers and digital platforms to deliver its curriculum, aiming to support student progress through interactive lessons and personalized study plans. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Beijing, TAL Education Group has grown into one of China's largest private education firms. The article "TAL Education Group Q3 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Galaxy Ventures, a division of Galaxy Digital, led a $7 million seed funding round for Tenbin Labs, a startup building blockchain infrastructure for tokenized gold and foreign exchange markets, with a different approach from the traditional wrapped tokens. The funding round attracted participation from major crypto market makers, including Wintermute Ventures, GSR, and FalconX, as well as venture firms Nascent, Variant, and Bankless Ventures, according to their announcement. Tenbin differentiates itself by connecting on-chain assets directly to CME futures markets rather than using traditional custodial wrapping methods. We dont think tokenization is just about putting things onchain, Yuminaga said in an interview with CoinDesk. Its about making those assets better than they were beforefaster to settle, more liquid, and more usable. The company plans to launch its yield-bearing tokenized gold product in early 2026 through partnerships with Hidden Road and Ripple Prime, followed by expansion into emerging-market currencies, including the Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso. We can capture all those yields and offer to the users without even touching the Brazilian bank, Yuminaga noted. All of it is done through our proprietary CME hedging system. Why Gold Appeals to Crypto Investors Bitcoins 52-week correlation with gold dropped to zero in January 2026 for the first time since 2022, breaking the pattern where both assets historically moved together during market uncertainty. We can see how Bitcoin has devalued against gold: 1 year ago, 1 BTC could buy about 37.11 ounces of gold, and now its only worth about 17.39 ounces. Gold is reasserting itself as the primary safe-haven asset with prices projected to reach $4,000-$5,000 per troy ounce in 2026, driven by Federal Reserve rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. For crypto traders seeking stability without exiting crypto ecosystems, tokenized gold offers exposure to these gains while maintaining on-chain speed and composability. Even companies like Binance already allow trading gold on their platform. The investment comes as tokenized real-world assets, excluding stablecoins, surpassed $33 billion in market value in 2025. Tenbins launch will test whether futures-backed tokenization can address the liquidity and utility gaps that have limited the adoption of existing tokenized commodities. Read original story Tenbin Raises $7M Led by Galaxy Digital for Tokenized Gold, Currency Products by Jose Rafael Pena Gholam at Coinspeaker.com The discontinuation of the Model S in particular marks the end of an era for Tesla. The vehicle helped vault Tesla to the mainstream, winning Motor Trend Car of the Year honors in 2013. The Model X, which has unconventional falcon wing rear doors that lift upward, drew eyes to Tesla at a time when the brand was still unfamiliar to many. In recent years, both models had been overtaken by the more mass-market-aimed Tesla Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, which far outsold them. Musk said it was time to wind down production of the luxury models. Tesla reported Wednesday that its fourth-quarter profits were down 61 percent compared with the same period the year before, closing out a difficult year in which total revenue fell by 3 percent. Overall, Teslas profits were down 46 percent in 2025. In addition, Musk announced that Tesla will soon be discontinuing two of its luxury models, the Model S sedan and Model X SUV, and shifting its production space in Fremont, California, to robotics so it can manufacture its Optimus humanoid robot at scale. That political engagement and online identity are separate from his Tesla work, analysts say, but theyve become intertwined to the companys detriment. Teslas stock price has fallen as Musks public statements and corporate scandals have amassed controversy, and this month the company posted an underwhelming annual deliveries report, indicating sales are down. The company has now lost its status as the worlds leading seller of EVs. In recent weeks, Musk has fired off X posts with inflammatory positions. He promoted a conservative activists allegations of fraud in child care facilities in Minnesota and launched into conjecture on the killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, alleging it was in self-defense. Musk has argued White people are a rapidly dying minority and appeared to claim South Africa was better off during apartheid. He has raised repeated alarms about a genocide of White people, echoing white supremacist talking points. Musk has signaled he intends to remain involved in politics, including during the 2026 midterm elections. But those who believed the pay package would lead Musk to make a clean break with the political activity that had left the company in turmoil were mistaken. When Tesla shareholders approved an unprecedented $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk last year, they bet on Musks ability to drive up the stock price, hit new performance milestones, and establish Tesla as a robotics and artificial intelligence juggernaut. Story Continues That is slightly sad, but it is time to bring the S/X program to an end and shift, Musk said. Teslas continued struggles in the automotive space demonstrate the breadth of the backlash Musks political involvement ignited last year and its potential to trigger lasting brand damage. A Yale University study last year estimated Musks political activity cost Tesla sales of more than 1 million vehicles. The effect has been highly visible in Europe, where anger has mounted over Musks support of far-right party AfD. Tesla sales in the region have fallen sharply, news outlets have reported, with December sales in some countries plunging around 70 percent, despite the fact that sales of electric vehicles edged past those of gasoline cars in the European Union last month. The damage to Musks global standing was highlighted by his cool reception at the World Economic Forum in Davos this month. Musk strutted across the stage to muted applause. That was not a large applause, presenter Larry Fink, the CEO of Tesla investor BlackRock, told the crowd, commanding them to start again. A slightly more enthusiastic audience cheered for a few seconds. Musk faces a tall task in righting Tesla - and delivering on the promises he has made to investors, who have seen the company in somewhat of a holding pattern since Musk became more intimately involved in politics in late 2024. David Meier, senior investment analyst at the Motley Fool, said Teslas strategic focus on autonomous driving and robotics is promising but investors patience is being tested. We need to start seeing some dollars; we need to start seeing some revenue, he said. Its one thing to talk about it. The rubber has to meet the road. Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said investors have grown to expect Musk will often express inflammatory views. Its just a commentary on how tough peoples skin is at this point, Munster said. Tesla and Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For years, customers bought into Tesla not only for its sleek and sporty electric vehicles, but also for what they represented with its mission to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy. But after Musk joined the Trump administration last year, Tesla storefronts became the site of political protest, vandalism and violence. The fierce blowback showed up in earnings reports: Tesla reported a decrease in revenue, profits and vehicle deliveries in the first half of 2025, the period aligning with Musks term in the Trump administration. In particular, it recorded an abysmal first quarter of 2025 - a 71 percent decline in its profits when compared with the same period a year prior. A feud with Trump only further complicated matters for Musk. By the end of the year, Tesla had recovered somewhat, but its production and deliveries still lagged behind those in 2024, indicating that demand and sales remain in a slump. That urgency to see the company progress beyond its embattled auto business is widespread. According to a Barclays analyst report this week, the fundamentals of Teslas business remain challenged. Its U.S. sales are expected to fall in 2026, according to the report, owing partly to the end of the U.S. federal tax credit for electric vehicles. Teslas overall growth opportunity lies in bets on robotics and autonomous vehicles, it said. But to the extent Teslas auto business underpins those ambitions, lackluster sales could pose lasting problems for a company that has already suffered from Musks political involvement. Part of Teslas road map will involve efforts to rid the company of that albatross that is Musks political work, analysts said. I think theres still an overhang, said Munster, referring to Musks political efforts. Were really only six months out of when things started to back off a bit. The backlash is a headwind on the brand that will eventually diminish, he predicted. Munster said investors will be paying close attention to whether Teslas deliveries - a signal of sales - resume growing in 2026, or if the slump persists. When Teslas board made its push to retain Musk late last year, board chair Robyn Denholm framed the trillion-dollar compensation package - which relies on Musk meeting business milestones and vastly increasing Teslas valuation - as a necessary facet to keep Musk motivated and focused on the company. Though its no question that Elon has other pursuits, he has proven that one of the many things that make him unique is his ability to stretch his capacity beyond normal limits and remain successful at Tesla, Denholm wrote. However, if we fail to foster an environment that motivates Elon to achieve great things through an equitable pay-for-performance plan, we run the risk that he gives up his executive position. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the measure. Beyond the impact of his politics or the views themselves, Meier, the Motley Fool senior analyst, said Tesla shareholders want Musk to refrain from spreading himself thin. I believe they want to see him focus, he said. Related Content A teddy bear, an ice skate, a wifes note: DCA crash relics return home A noreaster will bring snow and flooding. What to expect in your area. The rise and fall of Border Patrol commander at large Greg Bovino [Getty Images] Tesla says its annual revenue has fallen for the first time as the electric vehicle (EV) maker shifts its focus to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The company, which is run by multi-billionaire Elon Musk, reported a 3% decline in total revenues in 2025, while profits fell 61% in the last three months of the year. Tesla also announced plans to end production of its Model S and Model X vehicles. It will now use the manufacturing plant in California that made those cars to produce its line of humanoid robots - known as Optimus. In January, China's BYD overtook Tesla as the world's biggest EV maker, while Musk's involvement in politics both in the US and abroad has proved controversial. Tesla also revealed a $2bn (1.45bn) investment in Musk's artificial intelligence venture, xAI. "A lot of investors asked us to do this," Musk said of Tesla's participation in xAI's latest funding round. "They say we should invest in xAI, so we're just doing what shareholders asked us to do pretty much." The move comes despite a recent vote taken by Tesla shareholders on a proposal to invest in xAI. Abstentions and votes against the idea outnumbered those who approved. Last year, investors overwhelmingly voted to grant Musk - the world's richest person - a record-breaking pay package that could be worth nearly $1tn. To collect that payout he must drastically raise the firm's market value over the next 10 years. The company is also due to significantly ramp up spending, by an estimated $20bn. "It's going to be a very big [capital expenditure] next year," Musk said on a call with analysts. "We're making big investments for an epic future." Tesla shares rose by about 2% in extended trading. It comes after Musk's entry into politics, including a high-profile cost-cutting role in the administration of US President Donald Trump. His political activities alienated parts of Tesla's customer base, with some protesting at its dealerships around the world. The shift away from its EV roots also coincides with Trump rescinding some US government subsidies for non-fossil fuel cars. Tesla, which was once one of the world's most profitable car companies, has also been pushing deeper into robotaxis. The company's shift into newer businesses also comes as it contends with a dated line of electric vehicle, analysts say. "The Model S and Model X have been low-volume vehicles for Tesla for a while now," said Jessica Caldwell, Head of Insights at Edmunds. Tether said Tuesday that its USAT stablecoin is now available for trading and will be issued by Anchorage Digital, providing it with a pathway toward compliance under the GENIUS Act. In a press release, the El Salvador-based firm said the stablecoinwhich debuted on several crypto exchanges, including Kraken and Crypto.comwas specifically designed for U.S. markets, with Anchorage's status as a federally chartered digital asset bank placing the product under the supervision of the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Under a regulatory framework passed last summer, the OCC was granted new powers, including the ability to enforce strict reserve requirements. Under those rules, stablecoin issuers are required to back their products primarily with cash and U.S. Treasuries. As the legislation took shape, institutions like JPMorgan questioned how Tether would navigate the GENIUS Act, considering that its flagship product is partially backed by Bitcoin and gold. At the time, the bank suggested that the stablecoin issuer could be forced to adapt its reserves, or risk missing out on Wall Streets anticipated embrace of dollar-pegged tokens. On Tuesday, Tether said its $168 billion stablecoin is progressing towards GENIUS Act compliance, but that USAT will meet institutions needs in the meantime. It has designated Cantor Fitzgerald as USATs reserve custodian and preferred primary dealer. Decrypt has reached out to Tether for comment. Tether's CEO Says USDT Is Coming to AmericaAnd Circles CEO Isnt Afraid When the crypto industry was on the back foot in 2023, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emerged as one of Tethers biggest supporters in professional finance. As CEO of Cantor at the time, he said the investment bank held massive amounts of U.S. Treasuries for Tether. When Tether unveiled the stablecoin in September, it appointed Bo Hines, the former White House crypto council executive director, as CEO of a dedicated U.S. entity. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino told Decrypt in July that his company planned to fully register USDT under the GENIUS Act. Meanwhile, companies like Circle have argued that their approach to compliance positions them as among the main beneficiaries of the legislation. Tether is hugely popular outside the U.S., but USATs debut underscores how the company is trying to strike a balance, while targeting areas where Circles USDC is commonly used. Tether's USDT stablecoin is already widely available in the U.S. Gold Hits Record High as Tether Reports Gold-Backed Token Is Growing Faster Than USDT Crypto giant Tether Holdings has been shaking up the rising gold market with massive metal hoarding over the past year. The stablecoin issuer now holds around 140 tons of gold, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino. In an interview with Bloomberg, Ardoino spoke that Tether aims to continue to cultivate its massive profits from holding, competing with banks in bullion trading. We are soon becoming basically one of the biggest, lets say, gold central banks in the world, he noted. Tethers Rapid Gold Purchases in Past Year The crypto firm bought more than 70 tons of gold over the course of last year for its reserves as well its gold-backed stablecoin XAUT, a Wednesday Bloomberg report read. The yellow metal hoarding is more than that was reported by the three largest exchange-traded funds, it added. With 140 tons of gold reserves, the Tether bullion hoarding is worth $23 billion at current market prices, the largest known treasury outside of those held by central banks, ETFs and private banks. Ardoino noted that the company has been accumulating more than a ton of gold every week. And its only growing, he said, adding that Tether intends to continue it for definitely the next few months. Then of course, based on the market, we are going to decide, but yeah, I think we will continue in this direction, Ardoino said. Maybe we are going to reduce, we dont know yet. We are going to assess on a quarterly basis our demand for gold. Tether Stores Bullion in Swiss Nuclear Bunker The USDT issuer is particular in storing its massive gold hoardings. The company has taken the unusual step of storing the precious metal in the former nuclear bunker in Switzerland, guarded by multiple layers of thick steel doors, Ardoino, 41, added. Its a James Bond kind of place, its crazy, he described the vaults. Besides, Tether is also looking to trade the precious metal, competing with major Wall Street players, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and HSBC. Our goal is to have a steady, stable, long-term access to gold, Ardoino noted. Following the news, Tethers gold-backed XAUT stablecoin soared 3.99% over the last 24 hours, per CoinMarketCap data. The asset extended its weekly (+8.88%) and monthly (+18.06%) gains amid broader bullion strength. The crypto firms gold holdings surpasses nations like Greece and Australia, positioning it among the top 30 global holders. Read original story Tether Quietly Becomes One of the Biggest Global Gold Market Players, Holds 140 Tons of Gold by Sujha Sundararajan at Cryptonews.com When you live in a rural area, a single store closing down hits harder because you already have fewer options. In some cases, a single closure of a key business like a grocery store or a discount retailer can force residents to travel great distances or rely on online retailers for some purchases. On a personal level, this impacted my family when the Market Basket supermarket closed near our New Hampshire vacation home. That left the community without a true grocery store for years, forcing people to drive nearly a half-hour to pick up basics, or to overpay for them at local specialty stores. Something similar happened when the K-Mart closed in Key West. That shutdown, one of the last in the chain, robbed that remote area of its only department store, forcing residents to drive four to five hours before they hit a Walmart or a Target. Residents in the Pacific Northwest now face similar challenges, according to local reports. In the markets it serves, Cascade Farm and Outdoor, which is closing all its stores, will leave a similar hole for consumers. Cascade Farm closing all locations A rival to Tractor Supply, Cascade Farm serves farmers and rural communities. It's sort of an everything-you-might-need general store model. The chain offers grocery, clothing, footwear, sporting goods, outdoor gear, hardware, and various farming supplies. "Cascade Farm and Outdoor is built on great Northwest traditions youve come to know and trust. As the newest member of the Bi-Mart Family, Cascade Farm and Outdoor is committed to quality and value throughout our store. Our goal is to offer the hard-working farmers, ranchers, and homeowners of our area a helping hand along with a great selection of quality merchandise," the company shared on its website. Bi-Mart has decided to close down the entire chain in the spring and has already started going-out-of-business sales at its stores. Cascade Farm and Outdoor will shut down. Shutterstock Shutterstock Why is Cascade Farm and Outdoor closing? The company explained the shutdown in a media release shared with KCBY 11. "Our division of Cascade stores, while successful, did not have the volume and momentum to significantly contribute to our path moving forward. Always necessary in business, our goal is to make the best decisions we can that support the success of Bi-Mart, our employee-owners, and our members," it offered. More Retail: B-Mart intends to offer Cascade Farm employees positions at other stores when that's geographically possible. Tim Beyers: I'm grateful because, I am also a fan, so thank you guys for being here. Hopefully, you're fully caffeinated because we have caffeinated results here. We are recording this on Friday for the Monday show for the Martin Luther King junior holiday, more on that in our second segment, but we're going to start with Taiwan Semiconductor, because on Thursday, Taiwan Semi reported some pretty stellar fourth quarter numbers. Revenue jumped 25.5% year over year to 33.73 billion. Gross margin for the quarter was 62.3%. That's pretty good. Operating margin was 54%, net profit margin was 48.3%. Those are Bonkers numbers. Also in the fourth quarter, shipment of three nanometer IPSAS accounted for 28% of total wafer revenue. Five nanometer was 35% and seven nanometer was 14%. This is important because the most advanced chips, so nanometer being really small. Like a three nanometer, these are the most advanced chips. The most advanced chips are accounting for 77% of total WAFR revenue. There is a lot of AI being built, in other words, at Taiwan's Semiconductor factories, and management now expects $52billion-$56 billion in capital spending in this year. On a run rate basis, and I'm going to go to you first on this, Travis. I think I'm going to estimate that about 40% of Taiwan's semi revenue is going to be spent on capital spending. This is crazy. How long can this go on? Just What's your reaction to those Taiwan semi numbers? Tim Beyers: Investors still can't get enough of AI. You're listening to Motley Fool Money. Welcome Fools. I'm your host, Tim Beyers, and with me are two top fools. You've heard many times on these airwaves. Jason Hall and Travis Hoium. Welcome back, guys. To Motley Fool Money. This like your second home? Any fools love hearing you both. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $456,457 !* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,174,057 !* The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Nvidia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Story Continues Travis Hoium: This can go on for a while, but it really all depends on how long this AI buildout lasts. If we're in the early phases and all of these companies, Open AI is the head of the snake of their ecosystem, but that includes Coreweave and Microsoft. You have, obviously Google, Amazon, all of these companies, the money funnels back to Taiwan Semiconductor in one way or another. That's what's driving this demand. Ultimately, these businesses, though, generally are cyclical. We're seeing that in some of the memory space right now where there's shortages, that's driving prices higher. I think we're going to see this continued spending. They also have a lead that just nobody else can catch up with at the moment. But keep in mind that this is typically a pretty conservative company. Their worry is overspending. I think that's going to level out these capital numbers, whereas another company that's a little bit more aggressive and may have a higher risk profile may actually even be spending more, but, I think if you're a Taiwan semiconductor shareholder, you should love these numbers that we got recently. Tim Beyers: Jason, so Travis just laid down some knowledge there that is important. I'm going to take the question to you. He said that this is a conservative number $52-$56 billion in capital spending. That's conservative. You tell me, is this the floor of capital spending here right now? Jason Hall: I don't think we completely know the answer to that because of how the demand side is going to play out and it's going to take time. To build more into, what this number means for context, you guys remember back five or six years ago when the company went from like $50 billion-$70 billion-$100 billion in CAPEX over a five year period. We're more than double that in a single year on an annualized basis. This is a big, number, but I think, AI is driving. Accelerated computing Witarge is driving it, but it's also a company that has fully taken to heart that they do need to expand geographically. They need to de risk from the Taiwan issue, that's a big part of this, too. Europe is going to continue to be a target for expansion in addition to, Arizona and Japan. I think there's more to it. There's the geopolitical part of the story that's also tied to it that's more than just the AI demand. If we continue to see monetization, Travis, we're going to talk about alphabet and how well it's doing in the story of AI and monetization of it with regular people that maybe this does turn out to be the floor, but this might be a peak year for a little while. Travis Hoium: The other thing that we should mention is that Taiwan Semiconductor is seeing better operating results from some of those non Taiwan factories than I think anybody thought. Maybe they're more efficient in Taiwan, because you have a hub of knowledge in particular. But if they can build a plant in Arizona, and it's maybe a couple of margin points worse, but it's not terrible, then it becomes a real factory. That's real diversification. It's not just token diversification. I think that was the worry with some of the spending before. Now the business becomes, I think, the risked, and that's one of the reasons the multiple has gone up as much as it has. Remember a few years ago, Warren Buffett took a stake, and then he suddenly sold it because he was like, I didn't understand the risk. I think this is a much less risky company, partly because these CAP numbers are so big. Tim Beyers: Because of it just to be clear on this, you're talking about geographic diversification as a de facto de risk. Travis Hoium: Exactly. If your biggest risk is geopolitical risk that literally where everything that you have, all of your manufacturing could potentially be destroyed, that's a massive risk that investors have to think about it. The less you have to think about it, the better it is. Tim Beyers: Jason, I'm going to come to you first on this because we had a debate yesterday. Again, recording on Friday Thursday morning show, there was a debate about which is the more important company when you think about the AI value chain. We just had some spectacular numbers from Taiwan Semiconductor. But we know that Invidia is a heavy in this space, too. I want to know from each of you, starting with you, Jason, which is the one that has the greater impact on the AI value chain. Before you answer, I'm going to give you both some facts about each of these companies. Right now, Taiwan Semiconductor says about 58% of their total revenue is driven by high performance compute. Three nanometer or below. That's not entirely AI chips, but that's a lot of AI chips, 58%. They also have a chokehold on the packaging called OS that's used for AI. They also control 72% of the world's chip foundry production. That is crazy. The thing that's more crazy is that Samsung at Number 2 has seven. Percent of the market. That's outrageous. All of that is amazing, but Invidia is no slouch. Let's talk about Invidia. They hold an estimated 90% plus market share in Data Center AI chips. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, that's the last quarter they reported $51.2 billion in Data Center revenue, which was up 66% year over year. They also have control of they might be the only one that does full stack system design for AI because they have the CoTA software. For programming GPUs and CPUs for these AI systems, and they have visibility. I'm not sure if I should believe this or not, but, Jason, you tell me they have visibility into what they say is 500 billion, so half $1 trillion of Blackwell and ViRubin revenue. These are the two most recent chip sets coming out of Invidia right now, and then longer term 3 trillion-4 trillion in annual AI infrastructure billed by the end of the decade. Again, Jason, these are just outrageous numbers. You tell me which one is the more important participant in the AI value chain? Is it Taiwan Semi or is it Invidia? Jason Hall: Invidia is definitely the straw that stirs the drink. There's no doubt about that. If you think about the importance of its chips and software, as you said, across the full value chain. There's no getting around that. That goes back to all of the companies that are building AI that are selling AI products, the companies that are using AI and their businesses. All of those things do come back to Invidia. Now, here's the thing. The straw that stirs the drink, that phrase was coined by Reggie Jackson. Tim Beyers: Yes I remember. Jason Hall: He hit a ton of home runs. Tim Beyers: Yes he did. Jason Hall: If you look at what Invidia has done is extending its reach as a capital provider across the ecosystem. I don't think we should discount how important that is. But like Reggie Jackson, there's also the potential for a ton of striking out to happen here as it is provided capital across other businesses that are going to need to survive on their own, and also the capital sources that they provided may or may not lead to a lot of that CAPEX spending and future revenue that the company is expecting. Now, TSMC, on the other hand, for me to say that TSMC is more important and maybe prime to be the better business is really predicated on Invidia also being continuing to be really important business and doing really, really well. TSMC, if Invidia, Really strikes out. As a business, we see kind of things start to come unraveled, TSMC is going to suck. It's not going to be good. But I think what we're starting to see is other businesses are starting to show that there is a path forward to build AI that doesn't necessarily all roads don't necessarily have to lead to CUDA and Invidia. It's about a year ago, that Deep Seek, the big thing happened there that rattled the Western AI capital markets when we saw that there is a path to build really good efficient AI and LLMs, they can go beneath CUDA, you don't have to necessarily use CUDA to build those systems. Alphabet I mentioned earlier, is beginning to sell their TPUs. As we're starting to see more specific use case architecture, GPUs aren't necessarily always going to be the answer. As we start to see some more of these products come into the market, AMD is starting to put some legitimate products into the market, as well. I think that there is a case that even if Invidia continues to win, maybe it's not 90% of the market. At the end of the day, no matter who wins, TSMC wins. It is the road that everybody has to take. To get to AI. I don't think we can under appreciate that. Its incentives are built for trust. It has scale that makes it cheaper for everybody that's trying to build hardware and that needs hardware, even at a scale that it can make more money than anybody else that it's competing with. Travis Hoium: Let's keep this really simple. Do it. If TSMC doesn't exist, your question was, who is the more important company? Yes. TSMT doesn't exist. None of Invidias products, as they currently exist, are going to exist. That makes TSMC the more important company. But the other thing that I want to highlight is the risk profile of these companies are very, very different. 61% of Invidia's revenue comes from four customers. Four. That's companies like Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, Alphabet, probably the four, somewhere around there. Tim Beyers: We don't know exactly, do we? Travis Hoium: We don't know exactly who the names are, but it's the big tech company. None of those companies wants to be reliant on Invidia long term. They are all trying to figure out a way out from under Jensen Wong's thumb. TSMC has, I think it's over 1,000 customers. They have a much more stable business, because if Invidia doesn't exist, yes, Jason's right. It's gonna suck for TSMC. But they got lots of other customers that would be happy to take that capacity, and so it's not gonna be game over for them. If TSMC doesn't exist, Invidia basically doesn't exist as we know them today. Tim Beyers: I'll tell you one that's already fighting Invidia, to get some TSMC time and attention, that would be Apple. Apple is getting crowded out by Invidia right now inside TSMC factories. That's interesting. You both agree that TSMC is at the head of the AI value chain here. Last question on this, and then we're going to move to our second segment because, Jason, you mentioned something interesting, and I had forgotten about this, even though it wasn't that long ago, the way Deep C got around CUDA again, CUDA is the programming language. It's what makes the Invidia solution a full stack solution. They give you the software to run the code that runs on the GPUs that makes AI happen. What Deeps did is they dipped into assembly language. Like you said, they went underneath CUDA. Then they reprogrammed their GPUs to run without having to use KUDA. They got around India. Give me your prediction, starting with you, Travis. How easy is it going to be, or will we see it in 2026 that more companies get around CUDA such that they choose to say, you know what? I don't need Invidia anymore. What is the traction, put another way that non invidia GPUs and CPUs get in 2026? Travis Hoium: I think what we're going to need to watch is inference. Not necessarily building the models. I think that's where Invidia really has an advantage. That's why you have to build these massive systems that are you know, that's where Blackwell has really excelled. But, you know, is it a little cheaper? Maybe a little bit more accessible to build with an AMD inference GPU? Maybe a TPU, like you mentioned earlier. That's what I think we're going to see more attraction is these companies that are building out their inference infrastructure. Things where they can optimize a little bit more where cost is a little bit more important. They're not going to want to pay Nvidia 80, 90% gross margin for those chips. They're happy to take a little bit a cheaper chip that maybe breaks a little bit more often, maybe is a little less performant. But from a total cost of ownership perspective, it's going to be better for them Walter. Tim Beyers: Jason, what do you think? What's your guess, your prediction? Jason Hall: I don't know that 2026 is the year. I think it's going to take longer than that because I think we've got to get to a point where monetization is more clear right now, this is just a land race. This is a land grab. Companies are trying to establish themselves as having dominant products that answer lots of problems and that there's a path for not just people but businesses to buy those AI capabilities or theASC companies to start integrating AI based on those models. I think it's just too early for that. But I think what we are going to see is we're going to see all the big players are going to continue to spend a lot of money with all of these other potential solutions to try to figure it out. But I think we're still a few years away before we see a clear alternative answer to CUDA and Nvidia. Tim Beyers: 2026, not the year. Up next, we give some honor to doctor Martin Luther King junior, and we talk about the best corporate citizens. You're listening. Do Motley Fool Money. ADVERTISEMENT: It might be midwinter, but there's nothing mid about this offer. The new Samsung Galaxy S 25 ultra brings every winter sport moment to life as crisp as freshly laid snow with its stunning 6.9 inch dynamic ammo lead display, razor sharp resolution. But here's the real win. Claim 250 pounds cashback, conveniently available to spend in your Samsung wallet. Purchased before January 29 from a participating retailer. Claim on the Samsung website within 30 days of purchase, Ts and Cs supply. Tim Beyers: Welcome back to Motley Fool Money. Today is January 19. Today we honor the memory of the Reverend doctor Martin Luther King junior and his fight for justice and equality in America. We hope you're celebrating with family and friends in honor of doctor King and his legacy. We wanted to take a look at some companies that are putting values in action, and we leaned on several respected independent rankings to ground the discussion. Doctor King often spoke about the moral responsibility and the idea that this shows up in investing when companies align long term success with how they treat people, communities in the world around them, something that's interesting to us here at The Fool. Here are three that have been recognized for aspiring to that standard. I'm just going to start at this top here. Schneider Electric. This is an OTC ticker. I believe it's a French company, but I think Jason is going to give me a bit more on this ticker SBGSY. According to the corporate nights 2025 Global 100 list, they were ranked Number 1. This is the gold standard for quantitative sustainability. They assess over 6,000 companies, and Schneider came in number one. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ticker HPE, Just Capital named them in their 2025 rankings of America's most companies. The idea here is that decides to look at democratically weighted, they pull 100,000 Americans to ask what they care about, typically fair wages, worker treatment, things like that, and then rank the Russell 1,000 Index on those specific public priorities. HPE came out Number 1, and then our third candidate here is another HP company, HP Incorporated, Ticker HPQTBL gave them the top ranking among the 100 best corporate citizens of 2025. This used to be corporate responsibility magazine. They focus on transparency and ESG disclosure. They evaluate the thousand largest US public companies using 219, I'm sorry, specific factors across climate, employee relations, and governance, relying on public data. Three highly ranked corporate citizens, Travis, I'll start with you. Of those three, Schneider Electric. Again, Ticker SBGSY, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ticker HPE, and HP Incorporated Ticker HPQ. Any of those interest you specifically or belong on an investor swatch list? Travis Hoium: I think Schneider Electric is one of those companies that has always I've never owned shares, but it's always one of those companies that in this space is always very highly respected. I think that's what's coming through here in these rankings. My my Spidey sense just goes off with two HB companies being in these rankings because I know. Tim Beyers: Two different kings. Travis Hoium: Fair enough. It is. But the way that some of these work, and I spent some time doing this in grad school. But, there's a little pay for play with some of these Schneider Electric is one of those that going back to the first time I heard about the company, it was always just a very highly respected company and seemed to be a very well run company. Those are the things that I think come across as that long term consistency in doing the right thing, and that just seems to be something that I always hear about. Tim Beyers: Durability. Jason, I think you know a little bit more about this company. Tell us a little bit more. Jason Hall: The way I think about this idea of these businesses and thinking about ethics and how businesses treat all of the different stakeholders, is really focusing on incentives for management because that tells you a lot about how businesses tend to do over the long term. One of the things Schneider has always done pretty well is things like their CEO, part of his compensation is tied to organic growth, not just buying revenue. You can HPs a great example of corporate mergers that destroyed value and didn't create value, but management got paid because it made the revenue line go bigger. Doing things that are tied to creating value is important. If you're focused on that as a manager, you're going to do a lot of creating value for more of your stakeholders as well. I truly believe that. The thing about Snider that's compelling to me as a business in this moment, we were just talking about AI, what is AI? How is AI affecting regular people? It's making energy costs skyrocket. It's putting pressure on grids in developed countries in very real material ways. Sndroelectric, their business is all about efficiency and automation, right, at industrial scale. They're very good at that and they've been good at that for a long time. As a result of focusing on that and compensating management in the right ways, even though this is an industrial manufacturer and they do a lot of software and other things, it's still a price taker business where really you make money by being lean yourself and being efficient in what you do. The stock is it's like a five bagger over the past decade. That's pretty darn good. Of this group of stocks, it's the only one that's come close to beating the market and it's beating it pretty handily, almost 20% a year in total returns over the past decade. That says a lot when you think about sustainability and creating value. Tim Beyers: It's creating value for communities creating value for shareholders. Schneider Electric on both your watch lists. Absolutely. Jason Hall: Valuation is a concern, 35 times free cash flow is a lot to pay for a company this scale. That's why it's on the watchlist and not on the buy list, yes. Tim Beyers: Fair enough. Up next, we preview tomorrow. It's a big week for earnings. We'll get you ready for it. You're listening to Motley Fool Money. Welcome back to Motley Fool Money. For Tuesday's show, Emily Flipping will be back with more guests and more chatter as we enter the meat of earnings season. It's a big week with both Netflix and Johnson and Johnson reporting results. You really don't want to miss that. Either of you guys have a bet on whether or not we're going to hear an all cash offer from Netflix for Warner Brothers Discovery in the call this week. You want to make that BT? Come on, Travis, you want to make that. Travis Hoium: I think we do get there. The concern for investors are going to be we talked about this on Friday's show. But what does adding a whole bunch of debt to Netflix mean? Because Disney did it what was that six years ago or so when they bought those Fox assets? It hamstrung them for quite a while. The pandemic didn't help, obviously. But that's something that Netflix has never really had to deal with. This seems like a very big swing, and it's a very defensive swing, which is a surprising turn for Netflix. Jason Hall: I'm far more interested in learning whether TMs turnaround continues to move apace and what the Perma bears at DR Horton have to say about the new home construction market than I am. Netflix non new information that they're not going to tell us a darn new thing about what's going on with those negotiations. Let's be honest. We'll see something in a filing before we hear their CEOs say anything at all about what's going on over there. Tim Beyers: Jason is not having it. Jason Hall: No. Tim Beyers: Guys, thank you so much for being here. Really appreciate having you on the show today. As always, people on the program may have interest in the stocks they talk about the Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy yourself stocks based solely on what you hear. All personal finance content follows Motley Fool editorial standards and is not approved by advertisers. Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. To see our full advertising disclosure, please check out our show notes. Thank you for tuning in to Motley Fool Money. Our engineer, as always, is the incomparable Tam Boyd. Our producer is on a Chocolate Balu. For Jason Hall, Travis Hoium, I am your host, Tim Byers. Thank you again for tuning in to Motley Fool Money. See you again tomorrow Fools. Move on. Jason Hall has positions in Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Tim Beyers has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Netflix, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Travis Hoium has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, D.R. Horton, HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Oracle, Schneider Electric, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. TSM or NVDA? was originally published by The Motley Fool PayPal is returning to Nigeria for the first time in more than 20 years. Through its PayPal World Initiative, the company has allocated $100 million to work with Nigerian fintech companies, enabling users to conduct local and international transactions. The Nigerian launch, done in partnership with fintech firm Paga, enables users to link their PayPal accounts to Paga wallets, giving Paga users access to PayPals network. The partnership supports PayPals strategy to acquire or collaborate with Nigerian fintech startups and gradually gain market dominance over the next three to five years, Business Insider Africa reports. Paga CEO Tayo Oviosu announced the partnership in a LinkedIn post, revealing that he first approached the financial giant about a collaboration in 2013. Oviosu noted that PayPal initially declined his proposal, suggesting that Nigerian fintech companies were still relatively new at that time. But he kept communication open with PayPal. Partnerships like this dont happen overnight. They are the result of years of conversations, trust-building, regulatory work, and showing up consistently. Im proud of the Paga team for staying the course. Im grateful to the PayPal team for believing in the long-term vision. And Im excited about what this unlocks for Nigerians participating in the global digital economy, Oviosu wrote. PayPal suspended its services in Nigeria in 2004, blocking users from receiving funds due to a high fraud risk. The company reported a surge in stolen credit cards from North America and Europe, allegedly used from Nigerian IP addresses. PayPal also cited issues with the countrys identity verification process. Although the partnership with Paga will provide wider access to digital money transfers in Nigeria, some remain wary. The move could threaten competitors and smaller fintech companies in the country. Consumers took to social media to express their concerns. PayPal locked Nigerians out of the global digital economy for 21 years. No receiving payments. No withdrawals. Just send-only status while our freelancers and businesses struggled. Now that weve built a billion-dollar fintech ecosystem without them, they want back in. The audacity, X user, Mrbanks wrote. With the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaching its four-year mark, the Eastern European country of Belarus remains under extensive sanctions from the United States, The United Kingdom, Canada, and European countries for its role in facilitating the war. In February 2022, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to build up Russian forces that later ended up crossing the border to invade Ukraine from its territory. In response, the Biden administration placed extensive sanctions on Belarusian companies across different industries. The sanctions were partially lifted in December 2025 after Lukashenko freed 123 prisoners and opposition activists who participated in anti-government protests against his election for a sixth term in 2020, the BBC reported. Belarusian airline Belavia authorized to use Boeing 737 planes on Russia flights: report National airline and flag carrier Belavia has, for the first three-and-a-half years of the war, been prohibited from using Boeing planes made in the U.S. Belavia has repeatedly violated this direction by flying the planes anyway. In November 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department formally lifted these restrictions in a further thawing of relations between Washington and Minsk, according to Reuters. The lifted sanctions related to both commercial flights and a Boeing 737 used as a presidential plane to fly Lukashenko and other high-ranking officials, but retained a ban on using U.S.-made aircraft to run flights to Russian territory. Related: US government issues new urgent warning about Russia travel But as first reported by Poland-based Belarusian outlet Belsat and ch-aviation, a letter sent to Belavia by the U.S. Department of Commerce in November 2025 no longer included Russia among the countries to which the carrier is prohibited from flying. Given the travel restrictions that most Western nations have in place for Belarusian citizens, flights to a number of Russian cities already made up the bulk of Belavia's market even before the restrictions were lifted. The list of banned flight zones also included Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, as well as the occupied regions of Ukraine. Belavia is the national airline and flag carrier of Belarus.Shutterstock Shutterstock After years of unauthorized flights, Belavia flight restrictions lifted formally There has been no official comment confirming that the restrictions on flying to Russia were also lifted, or explaining why this decision was made. "By removing the Belarusian flag carrier from the specially designated nationals (SDN) list, the U.S. government will now allow all U.S. entities and individuals to do business with the airline," Dominik Sipinski reported for ch-aviation in November 2025. WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission will draft new regulations governing the burgeoning market for so-called event contracts, removing obstacles for companies that oversee wagers on politics and sports, the agency's leader said on Thursday. Michael Selig, the CFTC's new chairman, spoke during a joint public discussion with Paul Atkins, chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, where they also announced the two agencies would be jointly pursuing "Project Crypto," an SEC initiative to develop regulations for the digital assets industry. WHY IT MATTERS The agency will withdraw a prior rule proposal that would have banned such contracts. The move underscores an effort by the Trump administration to allow a regulated pathway for political and sports-related events contracts. Critics warn these contracts amount to gambling and should be banned. Major players include the companies Kalshi and Polymarket. KEY QUOTE "For too long, the CFTCs existing framework has proven difficult to apply and has failed our market participants. That is something I intend to fix by establishing clear standards for event contracts that provide certainty to market participants," Selig said in a speech. CONTEXT The CFTC and state regulators had previously battled in court to prevent event contracts and prediction market operators from allowing wagers on sports without oversight by gaming authorities or on elections. A judge in Massachusetts ruled last week that Kalshi cannot offer sports betting in the state through its online portal, granting a request from the state attorney general. (Reporting by Douglas Gillison in Washington; Editing by Andrea Ricci ) [Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images] British car, van, truck and bus production fell to its lowest level since 1952 last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Its chief executive Mike Hawes said it had been "the toughest year in a generation", with output hit by a major cyberattack at Jaguar Land Rover, the closure of Vauxhall's plant in Luton and deep uncertainty over US trade policy. The situation is expected to improve this year, with the introduction of new electric models. The SMMT believes production of cars and vans could exceed 1 million by 2027. But Hawes warned that "increasingly protectionist" proposals emerging from Brussels represented a "significant threat" to the UK industry. Overall, 764,715 vehicles were built in 2025, which was 15.5% fewer than in 2024. The vast majority of these were cars, with 717,371 leaving the production line. That was some 60,000 fewer than last year. By comparison, as recently as 2016, the UK produced 1.7 million cars. But since then, analysts say uncertainty over Brexit arrangements, the 2021 closure of Honda's factory in Swindon, the impact of the Covid pandemic and serious supply chain disruption have taken a heavy toll on the local industry. Last year, vehicle manufacturing was badly affected by a number of one-off or temporary issues. They included the cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, which forced the company to shut down its computer networks and brought its factories to a halt at the beginning of September. Facilities which would normally build thousands of cars each week remained idle for more than a month, and production did not get back to normal for some time after that. With roughly 78% of the cars built in the UK destined for export, the industry is also vulnerable to trade disruption. US President Donald Trump's sudden announcement in April of import taxes, or tariffs, on cars sent to America prompted some manufacturers to limit shipments there. Ultimately, a deal was done which removed the threat of very high levies. But the basic tariff on UK cars exported to the US still increased from 2.5% to 10%, and had a dampening effect on sales. A further factor that limited car production last year was the earlier decision by Nissan and JLR to end production of ageing models while preparing their factories to produce a new generation of electric vehicles. The latest version of Nissan's electric Leaf began rolling out of its factory in Sunderland in mid-December, while JLR's new electric Range Rover and the first of a new generation of electric Jaguars are due to emerge from its Solihull plant later this year. New Volkswagen cars and Volkswagen logo in the background - fotokaleinar/Shutterstock "Made in the U.S.A." carries a lot of weight with many American consumers, as it's all about keeping the economy strong and hopefully creating new jobs at home. But a major automaker that once had big plans to open factories in the United States is now hitting the pause button. Volkswagen is taking a step back, and it's due to the company's financial uncertainty regarding the U.S. government's recent trade policies. During an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume made it clear why VW is hesitant to move forward. "With unchanged tariff burdens," Blume said, "a large additional investment is not financially feasible." The automaker's original plans included building a U.S. manufacturing plant for Audi, a car brand owned by Volkswagen. This new factory had been debated by the company back-and-forth internally since 2018. Possible sites for the facility were South Carolina and Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside an existing VW plant. In addition to the Chattanooga facility, VW is currently building a $2 billion plant in Columbia, South Carolina. This location will manufacture off-road vehicles in a partnership with historic automaker Scout Motors. VW also has two production plants in Mexico, including Audi's Q5 plant, and both of those locations are impacted by American tariffs as well. VW cites these costs as one of the reasons why moving ahead with U.S. expansion has become increasingly challenging. Read more: 15 Annoying Car Myths That Simply Refuse To Die VW is rethinking its strategy and cutting costs Volkswagen Passat Alltrack logo with camera on radiator grille - Best Auto Photo/Shutterstock The impact of U.S. tariffs on Volkswagen has complicated matters for the struggling automaker, which saw a 15% operating profit drop in 2024 versus 2023. VW scrambled to rethink its strategy in 2025, as cost-cutting measures were taken and new technology investments were made. Talks of employee layoffs began the same year, and by the close of 2025, VW made the decision to eliminate 35,000 future jobs in Germany alone. These job cuts are expected to happen over time, and not all at once. VW is also looking to capitalize on lower production costs on its Chinese-made vehicles by exporting them to other places. This would include areas like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, but not Europe. VW's foothold in China has slipped, especially in the EV market, thus forcing the company to continue cutting costs. Though VW is struggling to keep up in China, the goal is to remain a top vehicle brand in the country. Despite the automaker's problems, VW has reported a net cash flow of $7 billion for 2025, which is around $1 billion higher than 2024. This improvement is likely tied to VW not investing money in new facilities, while also reducing its overall inventory. Plus, Porsche, a brand owned by the Volkswagen Group, cut down on its EV production in the same year. This move helped decrease profit expectations for the company, thus saving money and limiting financial strain in the process. With a market cap of $32.7 billion, Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) is a global online travel company operating across B2C, B2B, and trivago segments, offering a wide range of travel products and services through well-known brands such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and Orbitz. It connects travelers and partners worldwide through technology-driven travel solutions and marketing platforms. Shares of the Seattle, Washington-based company have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. EXPE stock has climbed 57.7% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 16.1%. However, shares of Expedia are down 5.9% on a YTD basis, lagging behind SPXs 1.9% return. More News from Barchart Focusing more closely, shares of the online travel company have outpaced the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLY) 6.1% rise over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Shares of Expedia surged 17.6% following its Q3 2025 results on Nov. 6, posting adjusted EPS of $7.57 and revenue of $4.41 billion, both beating Wall Street forecasts. Investors were encouraged by strong operating momentum, including 11% growth in room nights, 12% growth in gross bookings, 9% revenue growth, and a 26% jump in B2B bookings, alongside 208 bps of adjusted EBITDA margin expansion. The rally was further fueled by signs in sustained demand as U.S. bookings grew at its fastest pace in over three years. For the fiscal year that ended in December 2025, analysts expect EXPEs EPS to grow 35.6% year-over-year to $12.76. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. Among the 36 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on 12 Strong Buy ratings, one Moderate Buy, and 23 Holds. www.barchart.com On Jan. 9, Wells Fargo raised its price target on Expedia to $329 and maintained an Equal Weight rating. The mean price target of $280.82 represents a 5.3% premium to EXPEs current price levels. The Street-high price target of $370 suggests a 38.7% potential upside. 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 Valued at a market cap of $461.7 billion, Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) designs, develops, manufactures, and sells memory and storage products. The Boise, Idaho-based company serves the data center, PC, graphics, networking, automotive, industrial, and consumer embedded markets. This semiconductor company has significantly outpaced the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Shares of MU have skyrocketed 379.7% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 16.1%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is up 48.3%, compared to SPXs 1.9% return. More News from Barchart Zooming in further, MU has also outperformed the Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI), which rose 68.2% over the past 52 weeks and 21.9% on a YTD basis. www.barchart.com On Jan. 21, MU shares surged 6.6% after analysts at multiple firms, including Barclays PLC (BCS), Stifel Financial Corp. (SF), and The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), raised their price targets on the stock, citing strong demand for its AI-related memory chips. For fiscal 2026, ending in August, analysts expect MUs EPS to grow 319.5% year over year to $32.22. The companys earnings surprise history is promising. It topped the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters. Among the 41 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy, which is based on 32 Strong Buy, six Moderate Buy, and three Hold ratings. www.barchart.com The configuration is more bullish than a month ago, with 31 analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy rating. On Jan. 27, Sebastien Naji from William Blair maintained a "Buy" rating on MU, with a price target of $450, indicating a 5.6% potential upside from the current price levels. While the company is trading above its mean price target of $330.46, its Street-high price target of $500 suggests a 17.3% potential upside from the current levels. On the date of publication, Neharika Jain did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com With a market cap of $932 billion, Walmart Inc. (WMT) is a global retail powerhouse operating retail and wholesale stores, membership clubs, eCommerce websites, and mobile apps through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sams Club. It offers a vast range of products and services spanning groceries, consumables, health and wellness, general merchandise, digital payments, and financial services across physical and digital platforms worldwide. Shares of the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. WMT stock has increased 20.1% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 16.1%. Moreover, shares of Walmart are up nearly 5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPXs 1.9% rise. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, the retail giant stock has also outpaced the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLP) 3.9% return over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Shares of WMT climbed 6.5% on Nov. 20 after Walmart delivered a strong Q3 2026 performance, with revenue rising 5.8% to $179.5 billion and adjusted EPS increasing 6.9% to $0.62. Investors reacted positively to exceptional e-commerce strength, with global online sales up 27%, advertising revenue up 53%, and improved margins, alongside solid growth across all segments including U.S. comp sales up 4.5% and International sales up 10.8%. Sentiment was further boosted by Walmart raising fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting 4.8% - 5.1% net sales growth and adjusted EPS of $2.58 - $2.63. For the fiscal year ending in January 2026, analysts expect WMTs adjusted EPS to grow 4.8% year-over-year to $2.63. The companys earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. Among the 38 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Strong Buy. Thats based on 29 Strong Buy ratings, six Moderate Buys, two Holds, and one Strong Sell. www.barchart.com This configuration is less bullish than it was three months ago, when WMT had 31 Strong Buys in total. On Jan. 23, Tigress Financial raised Walmarts price target to $135 and maintained a Buy rating on the stock. Quick Read Microsoft fell 11.7% despite beating estimates as Azures 39% growth disappointed expectations. Quarterly capex surged 65% to $37B, raising investor concerns about AI infrastructure returns. Nearly half of Microsofts $625B backlog is tied to AI model makers including OpenAI. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money Shares of Microsoft are down 11.7% in Thursday trading after the company reported fiscal second-quarter results that beat Wall Street estimates but failed to satisfy investor expectations around Azure cloud growth and AI infrastructure spending. Earnings Beat Fails to Impress Microsoft posted non-GAAP EPS of $4.14 on revenue of $81.27 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, topping consensus estimates of $3.92 and $80.28 billion respectively. Net income surged 60% year over year to $38.5 billion. Despite the quantitative beat, shares dropped 7% in after-hours trading Wednesday and extended losses through Thursday morning. The selloff centers on Azure cloud growth, which came in at 39% year over year. While strong in absolute terms, the figure appears to have missed informal Wall Street expectations for continued acceleration. Investors also questioned the company's massive AI infrastructure spending, with capital expenditures hitting $37 billion in the quarter, up 65% year over year. 24/7 Wall St. 24/7 Wall St. Capex Concerns Weigh on Sentiment Stifel cut its price target from $640 to $520 following the results, citing margin compression from AI infrastructure and talent costs. CFO Amy Hood attempted to reassure investors that GPU depreciation risks are mitigated by pre-contracted useful life agreements, but the message failed to offset concerns about return on investment. Nearly half of Microsoft's $625 billion backlog is tied to AI model makers, including OpenAI, raising questions about whether Azure growth justifies the unprecedented spending. The company's Q2 capex of $37 billion marks the highest quarterly infrastructure investment in company history. Peers Rally While Microsoft Stumbles The move stands in sharp contrast to other megacap tech earnings this week. Meta jumped 9% after beating Q1 sales forecasts, while IBM surged 7.7% on strong software revenue and AI business growth exceeding $12.5 billion. Tesla edged up 2% despite its first annual revenue decline. On Reddit's r/wallstreetbets, retail investors focused more on reports that Microsoft is in talks to invest less than $10 billion in OpenAI as part of a broader $100 billion funding round. The post drew 1,133 upvotes and 369 comments, with sentiment remaining bullish despite the earnings disappointment. Investing.com -- The North American manufacturing landscape is undergoing a profound divergence as the United States leverages capital intensity to outpace its northern neighbor. According to a note from CIBC economists Benjamin Tal and Katherine Judge, U.S. manufacturing GDP has climbed almost 10% above pre-pandemic levels while Canadian output still struggles to reach its 2019 baseline. This performance gap is rooted in a structural shift toward automation and technology that Canada has failed to mirror. "The US performance is not only stronger but its also much more capital intensive," the CIBC economists noted, highlighting a trend that has accelerated since the pandemic began. Data parsed by CIBC suggests that the U.S. capital-intensity index rose by more than 10% between 2019 and 2024, far outpacing previous cycles. Conversely, the ratio of production in capital-intensive industries to labor-intensive ones has actually fallen in Canada during that same window. The implications for national wealth are stark, as capital-heavy firms typically command significantly higher profit margins than their labor-dependent counterparts. "Capital-intensive manufacturing industries contributed no less the 8%-pts. to the performance gap since 2019," Tal and Judge observed regarding the disparity in growth rates. As artificial intelligence begins to permeate the factory floor, analysts expect this divide to widen even further. The economists warn that "the rapid pace of AI technology adoption means that capital intensity in US manufacturing will rise even faster in the coming years." While Canada faces an uphill battle to close this productivity void, its less-leveraged manufacturing sector may find silver linings in a high-rate environment. However, catching up will require a massive pivot in industrial strategy to harvest the "low hanging fruit" of technological integration before the AI era leaves the Great White North behind. Related articles Why CIBC warns Canada is falling behind U.S. manufacturing Goldman expects lower but still attractive stock market returns in 2026 HSBC raises silver price forecasts as market tightness persists There was a lot of hype and excitement around marijuana rescheduling in December, which lifted many pot stocks in the process. While investors were generally bullish on a wide range of marijuana companies due to the executive order President Trump signed to expedite the rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance, the truth is that not all companies will benefit from the development. The main benefit will flow through to multi-state operators in the U.S. market today selling cannabis products. And one of the biggest pot producers today that may benefit from marijuana rescheduling is Green Thumb Industries (OTC: GTBIF). Here's why the pot stock could have a lot of upside ahead. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks Image source: Getty Images. Green Thumb's CEO expects much more free cash flow The big win for multi-state operators from cannabis rescheduling is that they will have to pay much less in taxes. That's because Section 280e of the tax code will no longer apply, and it blocks many standard deductions for cannabis companies. With that gone, multi-state operators will generate much more profit and free cash flow. In a recent interview, Green Thumb's CEO estimated that his company will generate an extra $60 million in free cash flow per year due to the rescheduling, noting that with the change, the business will be taxed based on operating income rather than gross margin. By freeing up additional cash, the company can use that to pursue more growth initiatives to expand its operations. The company is already one of the better-run cannabis businesses out there today Today, Green Thumb is already one of the safer cannabis stocks to invest in, as it is generating not only positive cash flow, but its bottom line is also in the black. Over the trailing 12 months, the company's free cash has totaled $154.5 million. Its net income during that stretch has come in at $43.6 million, on revenue of just under $1.2 billion. Green Thumb is a leading cannabis company in the U.S., and its market capitalization of $1.9 billion is fairly modest, putting the stock at a price-to-sales multiple of just 1.7. For a company with so much growth potential, especially if there is further marijuana reform ahead, that could make it a bargain buy right now. While there is risk and uncertainty when it comes to cannabis (and rescheduling technically still hasn't officially taken place), if you're willing to be patient and hang on for several years, this is a stock that could possess a lot of upside in the long run. Get a head start on your summer travel plans with a limited-time welcome bonus when you open a new Delta SkyMiles American Express card. Now through April 1, you can earn an increased sign-up bonus on Deltas consumer and business cards. Whether youre looking for ways to save on an international vacation or youre a business owner with a busy travel schedule this year, now could be a great time to consider whether a Delta SkyMiles Amex card works for your spending. Read more: Best airline credit cards Delta SkyMiles Amex limited-time offers Youll have until April 1 to open a new Delta SkyMiles card and earn an elevated sign-up bonus. And theres a lot of value to gain: These welcome bonuses are some of the highest weve seen from Delta SkyMiles cards, based on recent past offers. Heres how much you can earn with each card: Delta SkyMiles consumer cards: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card : Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases, both within the first 6 months Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card : Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases, both within the first 6 months Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $3,000 in purchases, both within the first 6 months The limited-time bonuses youll earn with any of these Delta cards can go a long way toward helping you save on future flights. But you should look carefully at the two-part bonus structure before you apply. Youll have a relatively long six-month period to meet the spending requirement, but the total amount is steep. If thats more than you typically spend, you may want to time your application around a planned expense you have coming up like booking travel for an upcoming trip or a spring renovation project. That way, you can get the maximum bonus amount without taking on a high-interest balance you cant afford. Delta SkyMiles business cards: Deltas business card bonuses are much more straightforward, and increase these cards regular welcome offers by 25,000 to 30,000 miles. Like with the consumer cards, make sure you note the high spending required to earn each bonus. If that amount isnt within your regular budget for business expenses, you may want to consider whether you can afford to spend the full amount within six months without taking on a balance. How to use your Delta SkyMiles welcome bonus Delta SkyMiles redemptions are dynamic, so theres no standard amount that your miles are worth. But even using a standard 1 cent per mile redemption, the top 125,000-mile limited-time bonus would be worth a total $1,250. Lets say you want to plan a big summer trip to Japan, travelling over two weeks, between July 17 and July 31. Youll leave from New York and land in Tokyo, and return on the same route (with one stop each way). You could book this flight for a total 100,000 miles (plus $56.63 in taxes and fees) round trip at Main Classic fare. If you were to pay for the same flight and fare type with cash, youd pay $1,451.93 (including taxes and fees) making this a great redemption value for your miles. Using miles, you can cover a large portion of this trip using any of the boosted Delta SkyMiles card bonuses. You can even use your bonus for the full cost or more, depending on which card you choose. Take the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, for example. Youll have the 100,000 miles to spend when you earn the first part of the bonus, after $6,000 in purchases. However, if you also spend the additional $3,000 within the first six months before you book your flight, youll have enough miles to upgrade your ticket to Comfort Classic fare and still pay using only miles. The total bonus alone is worth 125,000. But when you account for the $9,000 you must spend to earn the full bonus, youll add another 9,000 miles, at least (more if you make purchases in bonus categories). In this case, your total round trip flight cost would be 126,000 miles and just $56.63 in taxes and fees. Save more miles As you plan how to use your welcome bonus miles, dont forget to account for the extra savings youll get from your cards benefits, including significant discounts on award flights that can stretch your miles even further. The Delta SkyMiles Gold, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards (along with the business versions) all offer 15% discounts when you use your miles to book award tickets. That means your 100,000-mile trip may actually only cost 85,000 miles to book. Just keep in mind that this discount applies only to Delta flights, not partner-operated flights (which are common options when youre booking internationally). More about Delta SkyMiles cards Heres a closer look at each of the consumer and business cards from Delta and Amex: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: Good for occasional travelers Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. Welcome offer Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months, and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable Rewards rate 2x mile on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Benefits Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Check your first bag free on Delta flights Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Good for frequent travelers Learn more Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $350 Welcome offer Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months, and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels 2x miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets 1x miles on all other eligible purchases Benefits Receive a Companion Certificate on a main cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Terms apply. Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required Check your first bag free on Delta flights Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Good for lounge access Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $650 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months, and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class Receive a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Terms apply. Enjoy 15 complimentary visits to the Delta Sky Club when you fly Delta, and unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 in purchases in a calendar year Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card: Good for Delta perks on business trips Learn more Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 Welcome offer Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49% - 28.49% Variable Rewards rate 2x miles on purchases at U.S. shipping providers and at U.S. providers for advertising in select media (up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year) 2x miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel Save 15% anytime you book award travel with miles on a Delta flight First checked bag free on Delta flights + zone 5 priority boarding Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card: Good for rewards on business and travel spending Learn more Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $350 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49% - 28.49% Variable Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $100,000 in combined spending annually) 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $200 after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays Save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: Good for frequent business travelers Learn more Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Rates & fees, terms apply Add to Compare Annual fee $650 Welcome offer Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $15,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 04/01/2026) Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49% - 28.49% Variable Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year) 1x miles on all other purchases Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com Check your first bag free on Delta flights Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card More info about Delta cards: Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. Recently, we asked people in the BuzzFeed Community to share the health issues they ignored that eventually grew into major problems down the line. I ended up learning about several symptoms I didn't even realize were worth paying attention to. Since prevention makes all the difference, it felt important to pass them along. Here's what they shared: 1. "In high school, I kept zoning out in certain classes, where I was usually attentive. This went on for a month or so and was sometimes accompanied by little spastic jerks. At the time, I was into bodybuilding, so I figured it was body fatigue. Wrong. I went to the senior prom, and all was well, but the next morning, while on the phone with my date, I suffered a grand mal epileptic seizure. I suffered through a few more, but have been seizure-free for over 40 years." Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61 pinkskull745 2. "I started to feel fatigue in my legs and feet, and then my feet went numb after a few weeks. I thought it was just working on my feet and me getting older. I should've gone to the doctor sooner. Fast-forward a few months, and I start to go blind in my left eye. I immediately went to the doctor, got an MRI, and was diagnosed with MS. It's aggressive, and I can tell you it will change your life. Eight months later, I had 10 lesions on my brain. Don't ignore small things; you think it's just because you're getting older, it could be much worse than that." heroicghost445 Related: "Young People Would Be Surprised By This": 21 "Hard To Swallow" Truths About Getting Older That No One Talks About 3. "Not so much me ignoring it as doctors ignoring it which in turn led me to pretty much ignore it BUT I struggled with severe GI problems for five years straight, which led to me almost dying from starvation at one point. Doctors kept saying nothing was wrong, or they knew something was wrong but didn't know what, so I just started trying to ignore it." "Last year, after four years of hell, some new extreme symptoms popped up, like shortness of breath and joint pain. A few exams and lots more bloodwork later wham, bam, thank you ma'am it was undiagnosed LUPUS this whole time. I've now been on treatment for four months. Always, always, ALWAYS listen to your body above anyone else!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement dannih101 4. "I came back from a trip and had horrible pain down the back of my leg. I had done a lot of hiking, so I assumed that I had pulled a muscle. The pain was unbearable and constant, but I ignored it because I'm used to muscle pain from chronic conditions. After a couple of weeks, I started getting short of breath. Walking up one flight of stairs made me feel like I had just done a mile run. I thought the breathlessness was from anxiety and stress." Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images "When I couldn't step out of the shower without completely losing my breath, I finally went to the ER. I was diagnosed with what the docs called the largest deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in my thigh) they had ever seen. A piece of it had migrated to my lung, creating a huge saddle pulmonary embolism. I spent four days in the ICU and underwent two separate stent procedures to get the clots dissolved. Took about six months to get back to full capacity. In my defense, I didn't know leg pain was a symptom of a blood clot, but I shouldn't have let it go on for so long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement etoiles99 5. "Fatigue! I was so tired all the time and couldn't figure out why multiple scans, blood tests, and specialist appointments later, and I've just been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in my liver. Had I left it any longer, it could have caused permanent damage to my liver, resulting in a transplant or death. Don't ignore being chronically tired! Go to the doctor!" bex_55 6. "Never ignore persistent severe unexplained itching. It could be a sign of liver issues!" AndreyPopov / Getty Images simplysarahish "Also can be a sign of kidney disease." fabprincess48 "Ignored this for over two years and eventually ended up in the hospital with kidney failure." lovelybubble225 7. "A mouth sore that wasn't healing on my tongue. What started as a minor, fleeting ache quickly became impossible to ignore. In order to rule out cancer, I quickly got assessed and tested by an oral surgeon. Well, what do you know, it was cancer. Had I waited or ignored it, I could have lost my entire tongue, or my life." the_toast_of_you Related: I Always Thought Cheating Was Unforgivable. Then A Friend's Affair Made Me Question Everything. 8. "Had a hernia misdiagnosed as a hydrocele my freshman year of college. Years later, it grew as it turned out, it was my lower intestine slipping into my scrotum. I was embarrassed and didn't get it operated on until I was well into my 30s. Fourteen years later, keeping an inguinal hernia that long and the massive work they did inside gave me permanent hip pain and lumbar problems, burning sciatica, and a massive scar near the funzone." Gilaxia / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement mylkimusic 9. "I kept ignoring a pain in my side that seemed to come and go. It got progressively worse to the point that I'd be holding my side and somewhat bent over. I was pretty stoic back then and just didn't pay attention to it. This probably went on over the course of the year. It wasn't until I was feverish and hallucinating somewhat that I drove myself to the hospital. My appendix had burst. It was lucky I got there when I did. I spent days in the ICU." kellyb4008c2352 10. "Getting winded after a short distance and erectile dysfunction. My husband chalked his getting winded up to being out of shape and wasted money on various supplements for his ED. Turned out one of his arteries was clogged, and others were narrowed. He had to get stents." Anonymous, 57, Female, California 11. "In my freshman year of college, I was exhausted all the time, drinking tons of water, losing weight, and constantly needing to pee. Like, waking up multiple times per night, type of constantly. I thought it was all because I was walking everywhere and had started working out (I had not been active at all before). I had a doctor's appointment while home for spring break, where they checked my blood sugar, and my fasting glucose was above 200. They did an A1C blood sugar test, and it was over 11. Turns out I was type 1 diabetic with insulin resistance to boot. I'm lucky that they caught it at the checkup, because I was probably one big meal away from diabetic ketoacidosis." Anonymous, 20, Nonbinary, North Carolina Related: These 29 Tips From Women In Their 30s And 40s Actually Made Me, A 23-Year-Old, Tear Up 12. "I had just had a baby and started feeling so exhausted I could barely climb seven steps without having to stop and rest. My legs started aching, and I couldn't sleep at night because I was coughing. Everyone told me it was all normal and that having a newborn is hard on you mentally and physically. I kept telling myself it was all a part of this new chapter in life, even though I began feeling terrible and my blood pressure spiked." Jelena Stanojkovic / Getty Images/iStockphoto "I went to the emergency room the week before I was supposed to return to work from maternity leave. The ER doctor told me my blood pressure was up, but to just go to my primary and sent me on my way. I made an appointment with my primary, and she told me I went through a lot having a baby, and my body is just adjusting." (Cont'd) "Well, two months later, I go back to the ER because I am so nauseous I can barely take a few bites without throwing up, I have started having panic attacks and not sleeping, and I am so tired I can't think straight. After an hour at the ER, the doctor came in and told me to make whatever calls I needed to, but I would be transferred by ambulance to the main hospital and would be spending a lot of time on the Critical Cardiac Unit (CCU)." "I spent three days in the hospital being treated as my heart was only at 15% functionality. My poor husband was distraught, he almost lost his partner, and was sad because he couldn't spend the days with me, instead having to care for my infant. It was scary. Thankfully, I have recovered, but I will spend the rest of my life taking lots of medicine to keep my heart healthy. What I learned is to listen to your body. If something feels wrong, it very well may be, and losing your life isn't worth being afraid to go to the doctor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 35, Female, USA 13. "Men, I know that you enjoy your manhood, but please, have your prostate checked. I saw symptoms that I didn't realize were significant until it was too late for my husband. His perspiration changed in its odor. It had a musky smell. His closet was overwhelmed with the odor. It was his increase in testosterone. He also had an increased sex drive. I finally had to limit the days. I felt like a horrible spouse. I adored the man. His doctor was treating him for a prostate infection for two years." "By the time he was willing to share this with me, and we went to a doctor who treated his illness, my husband had between 6-18 months left to live. He delayed his treatment because he thought his 'persona' would be destroyed. He became more verbal and the loving man I recalled after taking his medication. He was a better man until he was no longer alive. He died at 67. Men, check your PSA count. Save your lives not only for yourselves, but also for those who love you." Anonymous 14. "I've had seasonal allergies with childhood nighttime asthma all my life, and often, I would get bronchitis for months after getting a cold. It became really annoying two years before COVID. I had bronchitis so bad that I would get tired from coughing, be out of breath, and exhausted at work. Every smell would cause my throat to itch. After several nebulizer treatments for coughing due to asthma, my NP did some labs." FG Trade / Getty Images "Turns out I was so severely anemic, the breathlessness and coughing weren't from asthma or bronchitis or allergies, but it was from severe anemia for many years, indicating possible heart failure. After an iron supplement and an IUD to slow heavy menstrual bleeding, I haven't had to use an inhaler or asthma medicine in almost seven years. Get your iron levels checked often if you are a female in your 30s and 40s; it can literally make your heart fail." Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 47, Female, North Carolina 15. "Embarrassingly and horrifyingly, I ignored blood on the toilet paper and some rectal pain for six months to a year. I ended up in the ER in excruciating pain from being unable to go to the bathroom because it hurt so bad. I was so constipated that I didn't poop for like a week. It literally felt like my insides were a washing machine of pain and that they were gonna fall out of my butt. Turns out, I had a massive anal fissure that got worse and worse over time, especially with me completely avoiding it." "The poor ER doctor lady was so nice, but I was so embarrassed. Like, she literally stuck her hand up my ass. I genuinely felt like I was in John Mulaney's skit about trying to get Xanax and ending up getting a prostate exam because he said he was lying to get prescribed drugs. Unfortunately, because I waited, it's mostly pain management now. Pay attention to rectal issues and eat your fiber! I wanna die writing this. I'm so glad it's anon." Anonymous, 25, Female, Seattle, Washington 16. "I was bitten deeply by our cat on the wrist. I cleaned the wound and thought little of it. No one goes to the ER for a cat bite, right? As the week progressed, the site became more painful and swollen. The following week, it was so bad that I could not use my hand and collapsed in pain in a store. Long story short they almost had to amputate my arm to save my life. The infection entered my wrist tendons and did not respond to round-the-clock antibiotics." "Two surgeries, a long hospital stay, followed by a home nurse aid daily to administer intravenous antibiotics and clean the 3-inch section of flesh removed, which had to remain open for weeks for the tendons to heal. You could see my bone and all the other inside things. I have a wicked scar from it." Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 63, Female, New Jersey Related: 21 Things Women Didn't Realize Their Body Was Capable Of Doing Until It Just... Happened 17. "I avoided getting a physical for many years. One day, my wife told me that my pupils were dilated in very different sizes. So I made an appointment with a GP, who told me to see an eye doctor. They ordered a CT-scan, and after many back and forth and many tests later with various medical professionals, it turned out I had a large aneurysm on my artery near my heart that was pushing on my optic nerve, causing the dilated pupils." "I had open heart surgery soon after, and they were able to remove it. I'll be on medication forever and need to see a specialist twice a year. Had my wife not told me to go to the doctors, I'd be dead by now. This is definitely the short version of my story, but the point is, go to the doctors for a check-up or if something is not right. It might save your life." Anonymous, 42, Male, Atlanta, Georgia 18. "Being bloated all the time, no matter what I ate or if I didn't eat at all. I thought it was a gluten intolerance or the medication I was on causing constipation. Eventually, I started assuming I was just 'fat', especially because I was on the contraceptive pill, which causes water retention and weight gain. I was a nanny, and the three girls I looked after asked me multiple times a day if I was pregnant (I wasn't). I shouldn't have ignored it, as it was one of the symptoms of a very serious health issue (other symptoms came along later). Turns out it was inflammation caused by endometriosis." Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous 19. And finally, "I'd been complaining about heavy cycles for YEARS. I told my doctor every month that it felt like I was giving birth (for context, I've had three, so I know the pain). By the age of 26, I had to start wearing diapers while on my cycle because even with the ultra tampons and overnight pads, I was still messing up my clothes and bed sheets; it was embarrassing to say the least." "Right before my 33rd birthday, my father passed, and a month before, I had gotten a divorce. So when my period came on and didn't stop after 15 days, I figured maybe my hormones were messed up since I was going through a lot emotionally. I didn't think too much about it it'll stop eventually, I told myself. That was June of 2025; by August, I was still bleeding. It never stopped. I finally dragged myself into the doctor's office. I was in pain, I was anemic, and I showed up with photos where it looked like I was passing pure flesh the size of my hand. Something had to give." (Cont'd) "They did ultrasounds and told me everything was normal, yet it took 10 Depo-Provera pills to stop my cycle that had already been going for 59 days straight. Something wasn't normal. I begged and begged for a second opinion. (I'm a veteran with VA care, so it's always a waiting game when you need help)." "I finally got my second opinion four months later. I have endometrial cancer, and I am going to have a total hysterectomy at 33 years old next week. I'm not happy, but it's easier to process knowing what the problem is. And I can't help but wonder if someone had listened to me for all the years I was complaining, if maybe there could have been a treatment for my endometriosis before it turned cancerous. So no, a normal cycle should not be 10-15 days per month. No, you should not feel like you are giving birth every month (cramping is normal, but it should not be so severe that you can't walk). If you are bleeding so much you have to resort to wearing a diaper that's not normal. And if the doctor won't listen to you, make them. Don't wait until you are so anemic you need a transfusion (also not normal), and if you have every single symptom and they tell you the imaging is normal make them get you a second opinion. Being a woman is hard, but it doesn't mean suffering in silence. Speak up." Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 33, Female, Alabama Have you had a health problem that you wish you hadn't ignored for so long? Let us know what it was in the comments or at this anonymous form. Also in Goodful: If You Can Complete More Than 15 Of These Common Phrases, Your Vocabulary Is Better Than 95% Of Peoples Also in Goodful: "I Knew Instantly That He Would Be Dead Soon": Doctors Are Sharing The Biggest Health Issues Patients Ignored Until It Was Too Late, And Whew, I've Been Warned Also in Goodful: People Are Sharing The Less-Talked-About Hygiene Habits That They Wish Everyone Knew, And I Can't Believe Some Of These Even Need To Be Said Read it on BuzzFeed.com In the current dairy economy, ensuring every management practice is paying dividends is something often evaluated, and with good reason. A practice that has been gaining ground - selective dry cow therapy is a frequently discussed milk quality topic and remains top of mind when we look at the industrys efforts to reduce antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance. Dry-off challenges are different today than in the past, as cows are entering the dry period at higher production levels. Ensuring we are doing all we can to reduce mastitis risk in the dry period has many facets, and blanket dry cow therapy may not be an answer for all dairies. Its time to ask ourselves, What can we do better at dry-off? said Linda Tikofsky, D.V.M. Were more attuned to animal well-being today, and thats reshaping our approach. Tikofsky has four practices that she believes shape dry-off protocols: 1. Prioritizing cow comfort as nonnegotiable. Cows dried off while giving large amounts of milk may experience serious discomfort, she explained. They vocalize more and are less likely to lie down. From a well-being standpoint, were addressing those concerns more these days. Cow comfort through implementing new protocols to reduce production at dry-off, improving dry cow facilities, and cooling are tools that Tikofsky has seen implemented effectively. 2. Emphasizing collaborative decision-making. Farms today have different departments, with experts heading up each one: calf specialists, parlor managers, and feeding personnel, stated Tikofsky. They are the best of the best in their specific area. And were bringing a bigger think tank to the table with outside consultants. This collaborative decision-making is driving better dry-off performance for many farms. The farms I see doing the best job are collaborating with their veterinarian to review records, monitor disease incidences, and tweak dry-off protocols, Tikofsky noted. 3. Monitoring metrics that matter. Start by looking at your data to see where you are now and where you want to go, she recommended. Whats the weak point you can address? Tikofsky suggested aiming for less than 2% of any disease incidence post-freshening and monitoring somatic cell count (SCC) before and after the dry period. If SCC increases during that time, look for ways to improve your dry-off protocols to prevent bacteria from entering the udder. 4. Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. An innovative mindset and embracing new tools have led the way in helping producers solve the modern problems of dry-off on their operations. In addition to Tikofskys recommendations for enhanced dry cow care, the decision to move to selective dry cow therapy balances what is right for each specific dairy. A helpful website resource from the University of Minnesota can guide dairies researching a change in their management practice. As the dairy industry meets this week to recognize the National Dairy Quality Award (NDQA) recipients at the NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization 2026 annual meeting in Alabama, dry cow management is a key component to the Platinum herd recipients success. The Jan. 25 Hoards Dairyman issue highlights their management practices, and notably, three of the six Platinum herds use selective dry cow therapy. To view the NDQA round table online, log in to the HD digital database. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. At the 2025 World Dairy Expo, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin launched the Born to Dairy campaign and joined forces with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens. The campaign goal is to use the unique personas of Wisconsin dairy farmers, bridge the gap with consumers, and feature the authentic people behind dairy products on their grocery store shelves. National Dairy Board member Gail Klinkner, of Pine Prairie Jerseys and Klinkner Holsteins, recently joined the Hoards Dairyman Podcast to discuss her experiences with the campaign and why she encourages other dairy producers to get involved in promotion and checkoff programs. Klinker and her husband, Rob, run a dairy near Viroqua, Wis. I've served three years now on the National Dairy Board. And when appointments come out, hopefully, I'll serve three more years. Having that experience in the promotion and checkoff world gives you an understanding of where our dairy farmer dollars go because it is our dollars. We are supporting those programs, Klinker said. We're supporting that promotion, research, and driving that into the future. Our consumers understand what's good for them, and it is making sure that everyone understands that dairy is good. It's the key to the future. Looking specifically at the Born to Dairy campaign, Klinker explained her excitement about the message the social media series will bring through 2026. We're all real people. But at the heart, at the end of the day, we want to make sure that we're providing a good, wholesome product. Charlie Berens calls that out wonderfully at the end of each one of these skits, she noted. I may know a few people who will be appearing in the coming year, she added. Klinkers passion for dairy promotion and involvement in the checkoff boards is driven by her vision of the future of the industry. It's definitely time away from the farm, but it's such a valuable time away from the farm. Every time I talk about why I have been involved in promotion and why I got into these boards, it's for my kids, she explained. I want to make sure that the dairy industry is vibrant and strong, and I want them all to have the same opportunity Rob and I did. If they want a farm, I want to make sure that this industry is strong for them and viable, she added. In addition to running the dairy operation, Klinker and her family run a direct-to-consumer retail store, and she is a Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program evaluator with their local cooperative, Wesby Cooperative Creamery. Klinkner covers more about her involvement in dairy promotion, experiences as a FARM evaluator, and dairy farming in the driftless region of Wisconsin in the recently released episode that can be found here. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. GUEST OPINION: In 2026, Australias technology industry will arrive at a crossroads, where decisions made by businesses, government and industry will shape our national competitiveness for the next decade. For too long, Australias technology ecosystem has operated in silos, with vendors competing instead of partnering, government policies set without industry alignment, businesses reinventing wheels in parallel. However, I expect that will start to shift in the year ahead. Collaboration as a competitive edge My hope for 2026 is that we see more homegrown innovation, greater regional inclusion and a genuine shift toward collaboration. It remains true that when we embrace collaboration even with our competitors we unlock the ability to solve big challenges together. From sovereign cloud development to AI safety frameworks, no single organisation can go it alone. Competitive advantage will increasingly come from strategic partnerships that amplify impact, rather than isolated innovation. With that said, Australian technology is also due a wave of consolidation in 2026 one that wont resemble those of the past. Consolidation wont be about stripping out jobs but acquiring greater capabilities. If organisations cant build skills fast enough, theyll buy them. This shift reflects a hard truth: Australia has a digital skills shortage not just in volume, but in depth. Roles are becoming multidisciplinary cyber specialists who understand AI architectures, cloud engineers who can navigate sovereignty frameworks, finance teams who can interpret model outputs. Acquisitions will increasingly be used to import capability, while partnership-led collaboration fills the gap where mergers dont make strategic sense. The shift from AI-first to AI-native Skills and collaboration will be much needed in the field of AI. Currently, only a select few can be considered truly ready. AI isnt a rollout; its a total transformation. The leaders who thrive wont be the ones who automate the most theyll be the ones who know when to close the laptop and have the practical conversations. 2026 will expose which organisations are using AI tactically and which are building AI into their operating DNA. Trust and sovereignty shape decisions Were also seeing a real reset in trust. Jurisdictional risk is now front and centre. The safest option remains the simplest: keep your data onshore. Data sovereignty used to be the concern of regulated industries. In 2026, it will become mainstream, mainly driven by boards demanding clarity about where data resides, who can access it, and how its protected in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Social platforms face their reckoning Trust and security raise their head with the ban on social media for under-16s too, continuing the national conversation that extends well beyond regulation. We need to model the right behaviours and create environments where being off-screen is normal. Tech leaders, educators and employers all have a role to play. Digital wellbeing will shift from a private family issue to a public responsibility, with businesses expected to lead with empathy and evidence. If Australia uses 2026 to build trust, strengthen skills, mature our AI capability and foster genuine collaboration, we have a chance to lead the way. ACMA is consulting on new rules to improve the way telco providers prepare and publish their consumer-facing mobile network coverage maps. These rules will help ensure mobile network operators provide consumers with up-to-date, comparable information about what level of mobile coverage they can expect from their service in a given area of Australia. The draft Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Map) Industry Standard 2026 and consultation paper explaining the proposed approach are available on the ACMA website. You have until 5 pm (AEDT) on Sunday 1 March 2026 to send ACMA your views. Infographic created by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 based on this article. The issue The Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Direction 2025 requires the ACMA to determine a standard about the way that mobile network coverage maps are produced and published. The standard is to be determined by 31 March 2026, and take effect from 30 June 2026. ACMA have prepared the draft Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Standard 2026, which requires mobile network operators (MNOs) to adopt a harmonised approach to modelling and presenting coverage. Infographic created by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 based on this article. The draft standard proposes: 1. A consistent set of coverage categories (good, moderate, useable and none) with accompanying consumer-facing descriptions that explain the level of service that can generally be expected. 2. Defined signal-strength thresholds for 4G and 5G outdoor handheld coverage, based on RSRP and SSRSRP values. The proposed values are informed by international practice and findings from the National Audit of Mobile Coverage. 3. Standardised modelling assumptions, including parameters relating to receiver characteristics, propagation environment and minimum mapping resolution, to improve comparability across operators. 4. Mandatory caveats explaining key factors that influence mobile connectivity and the limitations of predictive coverage modelling. 5. Requirements for publication, including accessibility considerations aligned with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. The draft standard also requires MNOs to provide maps to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and for MVNOs to publish those maps on their websites. You can download the consultation paper "Proposal to make the mobile coverage mapping standard (441.7 KB)" here. You can also download the "Draft Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Map) Industry Standard 2026 (459.11 KB)" here. Have your say ACMA welcomes your feedback on the draft standard and questions set out in the consultation paper. Click on the 'Upload submission' button at the top of this page to send ACMA your views. Details for submissions by post are in the consultation paper. ACMA welcomes your feedback by 5 pm (AEDT) on Sunday 1 March 2026. The technology sector faces an unprecedented challenge: keeping talented professionals engaged and committed to their organizations. With the average tech employee tenure dropping to just 2.3 years according to recent LinkedIn data, companies must rethink their retention strategies to maintain competitive advantage in an increasingly volatile market. Understanding the Modern Tech Workforce Today's technology professionals operate in a fundamentally different environment than their predecessors. Remote work has become standard rather than exceptional, with approximately 67% of tech workers now operating in hybrid or fully remote arrangements. This shift has dissolved geographic barriers, enabling employees to pursue opportunities anywhere in the world without relocating. The implications are profound: your competition for talent isn't just the company across town anymoreit's every organization with an internet connection. The expectations of tech workers have evolved alongside these changes. Compensation remains important, but surveys consistently show that professional development, work-life balance, and company culture rank equally high in employee satisfaction metrics. A 2024 Stack Overflow survey revealed that 58% of developers would consider leaving their current role for better learning opportunities, even without a substantial salary increase. Creating Genuine Growth Pathways The most effective retention strategy centers on professional development. Tech professionals are lifelong learners by necessitytechnologies evolve rapidly, and yesterday's cutting-edge framework becomes tomorrow's legacy system. Organizations that invest in their employees' growth through training budgets, conference attendance, certification programs, and dedicated learning time see measurably better retention rates. However, development opportunities must extend beyond technical skills. Many tech professionals eventually pursue leadership roles, yet companies often fail to provide management training or clear advancement paths. Establishing mentorship programs, leadership development tracks, and transparent promotion criteria demonstrates long-term investment in employee futures. When team members can envision themselves growing within the organization for five or ten years, they're substantially less likely to explore external opportunities. Recognition and Appreciation Matter The importance of meaningful recognition cannot be overstated in retention efforts. While annual bonuses and performance reviews serve their purpose, consistent acknowledgment of contributions creates a culture where employees feel valued. Some organizations implement peer recognition programs, allowing team members to highlight each other's achievements. Others celebrate milestones with tangible rewardsmany companies turn to a "what are the best online services for engraving awards?" Google search when looking to commemorate significant projects or anniversaries with personalized tokens of appreciation. Recognition doesn't always require formal programs or physical tokens. Regular one-on-one meetings where managers genuinely listen to concerns, public acknowledgment in team meetings, and simply saying "thank you" for exceptional work all contribute to an environment where people feel seen and appreciated. Fostering Work-Life Integration Burnout has reached epidemic proportions in technology. The "always-on" culture, exacerbated by remote work blurring boundaries between professional and personal life, leads to exhaustion and eventual departure. Research from Yerbo indicates that 42% of tech workers experience burnout symptoms, with the highest rates among those working more than 50 hours weekly. Progressive companies combat this through policies that respect personal time: truly flexible schedules that accommodate different peak productivity hours, generous paid time off that employees actually use, and leadership that models healthy boundaries. Some organizations implement "no meeting" days or core collaboration hours outside which employees aren't expected to respond to messages. The concept of work-life "balance" has given way to work-life "integration"recognizing that these spheres intertwine rather than oppose each other. Supporting employees as whole people, not just workers, means accommodating family obligations, health needs, and personal pursuits without penalty. Building Inclusive and Engaging Cultures Culture determines whether talented professionals stay or leave. Teams function best when diverse perspectives collaborate toward shared goals, yet many tech organizations struggle with inclusion. Only 26% of computing jobs are held by women, while other underrepresented groups face similar disparities. Companies serious about retention must address these imbalances through intentional hiring, equitable advancement opportunities, and zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Engagement also requires giving employees meaningful work that aligns with company values they believe in. Tech professionals increasingly seek purpose beyond paychecksthey want to solve interesting problems and contribute to missions they find worthwhile. Organizations should clearly communicate their vision and ensure individual contributors understand how their work connects to larger objectives. Competitive Compensation Remains Foundational While culture and growth matter immensely, compensation cannot be ignored. Tech salaries have climbed steadily, with software engineers in major markets commanding six-figure base salaries plus equity and bonuses. Companies must regularly benchmark their compensation against market rates and adjust accordingly. Falling significantly behind market rates sends a clear message that the organization doesn't value its people, regardless of other retention efforts. Retaining strong tech teams requires multifaceted approaches addressing financial, professional, and personal needs. Organizations that invest thoughtfully in their people, create genuine growth opportunities, recognize contributions, respect boundaries, and foster inclusive cultures will find themselves with engaged teams that drive innovation forward rather than constantly rebuilding after departures. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Liberal Democrats who for years covered up Joe Biden's mental decline are now raising questions about President Donald Trump's erratic behavior and fitness for office even invoking the Constitution to remove him from power. "Invoke the 25th Amendment," Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey who is facing a Democratic primary challenge posted on social media. Markey's threat is empty because the amendment would require Vice President JD Vance to declare Trump is unable to discharge the duties of his office an extremely unlikely scenario. Two-thirds of the Senate and House would then have to affirm Vance's decision. But it shows how far Democrats are willing to go to bounce Trump, who is coming off a long, rambling press conference in which he repeated himself constantly and a speech in which he renewed his threat to take over Greenland calling it "Iceland" four times. Trump also took a private note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and proceeded to read it aloud, insulted some U.S. allies and repeatedly lashed out personally at U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. There are also bruises visible on Trump's hands he says are due to taking aspirin, and he struggles sometimes to stay awake during events. The president claims to be in "perfect" health and says he "aced" a cognitive exam. But some doctors aren't quite so sure, pushing for a congressional investigation into Trump's fitness. Are the wheels finally starting to come off the 79-year-old Trump bus? Trump's behavior, such as his ability to take questions for hours during events, is so unconventional he's moved the goalposts. Now it's almost expected. And while Trump may be making gaffes, he's clearly not at the same stage Biden was when he was falling down stairs, making halting remarks, long pauses during debates, forgot how to get off stage, and shook hands with an imaginary person bizarre acts that partly led to him deciding finally not to run for reelection. But duplicitous Democrats are now planning on making Trump's mental fitness a major issue in the mid-term election this year and beyond. Their strategy is starting to crystallize because they have nothing positive to offer on their own and lack a deep bench to run in 2028. This despite the fact that Democratic lawmakers and others for years hid Biden's clear decline. It wasn't until his disastrous debate performance in 2024 that top Democrats finally admitted Biden had to drop out of the presidential race. But even after that, liberals refused to believe Biden was showing signs of dementia. Polls show Americans overwhelmingly believe the octogenarian Biden was too old to be president, and about half are concerned about the age of Trump, who turns 80 this year. But it's Trump's lapses in behavior that has even some Republicans worried that voters will decide the president is losing it, and will penalize all GOP lawmakers who support Trump in the November mid-term election. But it's unclear if this plan will move any voters, especially Trump loyalists in red states. If Democrats do gain control of even the House which appears more and more likely it will surely trigger a move to impeach Trump for the second time. (COMMENT, BELOW) Joe Battenfeld Boston Herald/(TNS) Joe Battenfeld is a veteran Boston Herald political columnist and multimedia reporter. Previously: SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The abrupt end to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' bid for a third term should have set off a feeding frenzy among ambitious Democrats. It didn't. Instead, they are waiting on the decision of one woman: Senator Amy Klobuchar, former presidential candidate, third-ranking member of the Democratic Senate caucus and a uniquely powerful political figure in her home state. Walz, who withdrew from the contest last week, had conferred with Klobuchar a day earlier, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. The two talked about her potential candidacy. Walz bowed out the following day. Klobuchar has said she is "seriously considering" running for governor and is widely expected to enter sometime in the next few weeks. Minnesota Democrats operate on a caucus system, and precinct caucuses - the first step in the process - will be held statewide on Feb. 3. Should she enter, Klobuchar is expected to sweep the field clean. She also brings built-in advantages that the current crop of GOP candidates will find hard to surmount. The four-term senator has long been among Minnesota's most popular elected officials, winning most of her races handily. She has a history of working across party lines that has gained her quiet support among mainstream Republicans and independents. That makes her not just the odds-on favorite for governor, but also the figure many Democrats have pinned their hopes on to rise above the social services scandal that has engulfed the Walz administration and preserve Democratic majorities in the Legislature. Klobuchar, thanks in part to her presidential run in 2020, has an elevated national profile and a broad, well-established fundraising network. She raised more than $21 million for her 2024 Senate race - far outpacing the $6.2 million Walz raised for his 2022 reelection campaign. Former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, the last Republican to hold the office, recently told WCCO radio that Klobuchar, whom he knows well, would be a "very, very formidable candidate." The 2026 race has been upended not only by Walz' departure, but by the widening social services fraud - now pegged at possibly $9 billion - that occurred largely under his administration. President Donald Trump will also be a factor. He is not popular in Minnesota, where his approval rating is underwater, and his decision to send thousands of federal immigration agents into the Twin Cities metro area, resulting in the shooting death of Renee Good, has created a massive backlash. After another ICE-involved shooting on Wednesday, the president threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in the state. There are already public safety and economic repercussions as schools go online, citizen calls flood police stations and restaurants close. Moreover, the president's threats to withhold billions in safety net funds from the state could affect the hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans who rely on public assistance for groceries, child care and health care. Republican candidates even in down-ballot races may be hard-pressed to explain those cuts to their constituents. Walz's decision to withdraw and Trump's decision to make an example of Minnesota have scrambled a race that could have been the GOP's best chance in years to retake both the governor's seat and the Legislature. It still may be, but if Klobuchar enters the race, the task will get considerably harder. The state GOP's best-known candidate is Mike Lindell of "MyPillow guy" fame. His close embrace of Trump earned him praise from the president, who said in December, "This guy deserves to be governor." Another candidate, Chris Madel, recently announced that he is providing legal counsel to Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent seen on video shooting Good. Others in the crowded Republican field include frequent candidate and businessman Kendall Qualls and House Speaker Lisa Demuth. Marty Seifert, a former House Republican leader and two-time gubernatorial candidate, said that with Walz out, his party faces a significantly tougher battle. "Everything has to be rebooted," he told the Star Tribune. Walz was wise to make the choice he did. It spares his party a potentially divisive and bitter fight between those who supported his bid and those who have lost confidence in his ability to knit a battered state and party back together. The governor said in a statement announcing his withdrawal that "Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can't spend defending the people of Minnesota against criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences." His remaining time, he said, will be spent rooting out fraud and "helping a Democrat win in November." And in a nod to the cut-through-the-clutter energy he displayed before he was named to the 2024 presidential ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz issued a message for Republicans: "Expect, for the next 11 months, for me to ride you like you've never been ridden to make sure you're doing your job." The heady days of the "One Minnesota" slogan Walz campaigned on in his first term, when he hoped to bridge the rural/urban divide, are far behind him. His distaste for Republicans and for Trump, whom he accuses of running "a petty and vile administration that doesn't care about the well-being of Minnesotans," has grown exponentially. Walz has said that after leaving office, he may return to his first love - teaching. But it's also possible that, at the relatively young age of 61, this former congressman, two-term governor and vice presidential candidate may yet resurface in US politics. And Republicans, who now may face a politician seasoned by years of tangling with Trump, could find themselves wishing Walz had stayed in. Patricia Lopez is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. She is a former member of the editorial board at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she also worked as a senior political editor and reporter. Devotees at the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir temple in Uttar Pradesh rushed to collect water dripping from an elephant-shaped spout on the wall, believing it to be Charan Amrit, or holy water from the feet of Lord Krishna. Alas, News18 reported, it was merely condensation from an air conditioning system in the temple. Some people caught the water in their hands or placed it on their heads. Even when confronted with the truth, devotees merely smiled and continued collecting the water. [News18, 11/4/2024] In 1983, The Outsiders featured Robert Frosts Nothing Gold Can Stay and, augmented by Francis Ford Coppolas cinematic genius, it planted a seed, one I was unaware of at the time. Natures first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leafs a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. The poem and the refrain stay gold, Ponyboy ignited a chemical reaction, one without much light or heat, silently inside me. Tough, neighborhood boys, these outsiders grew into leading men and their high cheekbones dominated my 1980s childhood, and early adulthood in the 1990s. We met in an Oklahoma town, but Dillon, Swayze, Cruise, and Macchio became insiders in my West Virginia life. Karate Kid, Top Gun, and (my personal favorite) Kathryn Bigelows slick and glossy 1991 Point Break, these men were fighter jet pilots, mastered karate, slept with amazing women, and robbed banks dressed as Ronald Reagan. And all of them had been affected by the same poem, a fact that gave me permission to do the same. In 1989, Dead Poets Society featured poetry, this time spoken by Robin Williams character, John Keating. More than any singular poem, Mr. Keating embodied a radical literary ethos to boys at the exclusive Welton Academy. Tearing apart books was sacrilege perched on top of bravery and it gave me ambiguous feelings. I was not brave (then or now) and while I wanted to stand and shout My Captain, I identified with the characters who were too scared to participate. Keatings gobsmacking edict: What will your verse be? How, exactly, was I supposed to do this? As I made my vague teenage pledge to carpe diem, my life was swallowed whole by calculus, chemistry, biology, and physics. I flipped endless notecards, read thick textbooks, and, in the process, poetry and literature were shoved to the bottom of my battered L.L. Bean backpack. I lived in an analog age and my attempt to get into medical school was without the aid of tutors or YouTube videos. My quixotic quest to understand the Krebs cycle made me too busy to notice that my body absorbed Mr. Keatings advice where it mingled with Robert Frost. The crash In 2002, I received my medical degree and, when my first son, Isaac, was born the following year, I was buckled into a family-sized roller coaster. Two other children, Liam and Eliza, followed and this doctor-father-family ride surged up one year and down another, so rapidly that much of it blurred. That is, until COVID-19 arrived in January 2020, when my life flew off the tracks, hung in midair for the briefest of moments, and crashed in the parking lot. At that fraught moment, I was an internal medicine doctor on the frontline of a global pandemic in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For reasons that I cant explain, I called photographer Molly Humphreys and invited her to help me document COVID-19 in our community. When she bravely said yes, I then approached radio producer Kym Mattioli, who was also keen to contribute. Together, we formed Healthcare is Human (HIH) and our goal was to tell first-person health care stories with photography and interviews. In 2022, poet Renee K. Nicholson joined our team and shortly thereafter wrote Doctor, Doctor based on a black and white Humphreys photo, one in which I cradle a COVID-19 vaccine vial in my hands. Youve seen them: the hearts, fingers curved and thumbs straight the vials in the Doctors hands, a heart, cleaved in two, pierced. What does Doctor see? The worn mask has been hopelessly cleaned, used until the using makes it useless. When Doctor gets to eat an apple a day, will he get a taste response, or is that gone too? The hand heart steady what if Doctor is just a person, with a job, with kids, hope, a spouse, a mortgage, fears, a dog to run, earbuds full of showtunes and podcasts. This Doctor Is everydoctor. In a cosmic instant, he watches the world tumble to the ICU tune: whirs and chirrs and beeps and clanks, symphony by the suffering. But we all suffer and no one knows that better. Doctor, heal me and perhaps also be healed. Hypnotic stare, decoding a message through safety goggles fogged, the soft pad of good-soled shoes on linoleum, green-tinged fluorescents overhead, in the day-night, or night day. Who can tell? Times a concept all used up. Message in a bottle: Doctor, dont despair. Just look. Daffodils raise their bright yellow heads even as you leave, dead hour in the dark, heart-hands clasped around the steering wheel, Instinct guiding you home. Finding meaning in the verse What does Doctor see? is a question I had, in one form or another, asked myself for 20 years and failed to answer. Nicholsons poem beautifully expresses my long-held beliefs about the chaos of American health care. Embedded in the symphony by the suffering, I had failed to appreciate that the chirps and whirrs in the Berkeley Medical Center were a metronome marking the days of my life. What was this job doing to me? I yearned to understand my lifes arc, but I never took the time or created the space to reflect. That is, until Nicholson examined my medical career and assembled a yard sale of quotidian details that, once exposed, they were unavoidable, unrelenting, and unforgettable. What if Doctor is just a person, with a job is the line that cracks me open, articulating my desire to shed the mantle of being a problem-solver, medical-fixer, counselor, social worker, and diagnostician. These weighty roles had swallowed me to the point that I was an emotional hostage to my patients. Was I a worker bee who buzzed around my small town, exclusively to solve their problems? For decades, I was too scared to demarcate firm boundaries, but Nicholson provides the agency for me to recognize that I am a regular, imperfect man, one who sings show tunes off-key, drives to work, and returns home to care for children and walk a dog. Doctor, heal me and perhaps be healed. Reciting these words over and over I am encouraged to measure my life not through the lens of work but rather one of meaning. To acknowledge my own humanity (and be okay with it) is liberating. Primed by a youthful dose of Robert Frost and a teacher who assigned me homework, my cells were ready to receive Nicholsons beautiful poem. ADVERTISEMENT Doctor, Doctor lingers inside my cells, the ones worn ragged by the excessive vigilance required for raising children, a fact doubly true for health care, a system beyond my understanding. These words reside in my subcutaneous tissues as if they had been precisely injected with a needle. Under my skin, this poem acts like a literary helicase enzyme, changing my DNA, restoring pieces damaged by work, family, pandemic, grief, loss, life. I receive it as a man, one who could be found anywhere, healed by words. If I ran into Mr. Keating today I would share with him my observation about how funny life really is. After more than 30 years, in a pattern that seems familiar, I did not end up finding my own verse after all. A poet and her verse found me. This article is part of an ongoing series about the photography of Molly Humphreys and her impact on health care. Renee K. Nicholson was photographed in 2022 in Morgantown, West Virginia, around the time she wrote Doctor, Doctor. Her latest collection of poetry, Feverdream, is inspired by health care and arrives in 2026. Ryan McCarthy is an internal medicine physician. Elevance Health recently reported that it expects to lose more than 180,000 fully insured group plan enrollees in 2026, with its CFO describing the strategy as prioritizing disciplined pricing and margin integrity over volume. UnitedHealth has made similar statements. Both are effectively walking away from the fully insured employer market, where administrative complexity no longer justifies the economics. At the same time, private equity is pouring capital into employer-sponsored direct primary care (DPC) platforms. Private market analyses estimate the employer DPC opportunity in the multi-billion dollar range, with several PE-backed platforms already operating and more expected in the next few years. This is not coincidence. It is capital recognizing what traditional carriers already know: The employer health care procurement model is being restructured, and whoever controls the employer relationship in 2026 will be positioned for the next decade. The market signal insurers are sending Large national carriers have publicly signaled a decisive pivot away from fully insured employer groups. Elevances fully insured employer enrollment has fallen to a small fraction of its total membership, while its self-insured administration business has grown substantially, with executives describing sales pipelines as strong for years ahead. This is portfolio rebalancing. Fully insured groups require carrier risk assumption, complex compliance infrastructure, and substantial underwriting resources. Self-insured administration generates predictable fees without claims risk. For large carriers, the economics have shifted decisively toward administrative services only. That shift creates structural opportunity. When major carriers exit or deprioritize a segment, procurement behavior changes. Employers still need primary care delivery and workforce health strategies, but traditional fully insured products no longer offer the best answer. This is where employer-sponsored DPC and concierge medicine models gain traction. Why private equity loves employer models more than retail Retail DPC must contend with household budget sensitivity, subscription churn, and continuous patient acquisition. Self-pay concierge medicine faces identical economics at higher price points; patients remain subject to discretionary income constraints and employment changes. Employer-sponsored models operate under different economics entirely. Organizations pay membership fees as workforce or executive benefits, removing individual affordability barriers. That changes the revenue profile. Income becomes more predictable, churn falls, and patient acquisition becomes a B2B renewal conversation instead of ongoing retail marketing. Private market analyses highlight employer DPCs diversified, predictable revenue bases with low regulatory disruption and scalable B2B relationships. But the DPC and concierge medicine communities rarely acknowledge the economic reality: Employer-sponsored models cannibalize retail membership across the entire pricing spectrum. When an employer offers DPC as a workforce benefit, employees stop paying $75 to $150 monthly retail membership fees. When an employer offers concierge medicine as an executive benefit, C-suite leaders who previously paid $250 to $500 monthly out of pocket now access the same services through company-paid arrangements. Revenue shifts from household discretionary spending to organizational procurement. This is not cooperative market expansion. It is substitution. Employer-sponsored models solve the structural problems that make retail economically fragile: budget constraints, churn, and acquisition costs. Private equity invests in employer models precisely because they avoid retails vulnerabilities while capturing patients who previously paid out of pocket. How employer platforms compete directly with independent practices ADVERTISEMENT This substitution creates direct competition that independent clinics often dont recognize until revenue erosion is underway. Consider an independent DPC practice with 100 patients: 60 paying retail fees and 40 covered through a local employer contract. When a PE-backed platform enters the market and signs that employer to a metro-wide per-employee-per-month arrangement, the independent clinic immediately loses those 40 employer-sponsored patients. But the competitive threat extends beyond direct contract displacement. Of the remaining 60 retail patients, many work for employers. As the platform signs additional employer contracts across the metro area, retail patients discover their employers now offer DPC as a free benefit. The rational economic choice is obvious: Stop paying out of pocket and access equivalent services through the employer-sponsored arrangement. Independent clinics with mixed retail and employer revenue face accelerating patient migration. Employer contracts shift to platforms with better geographic coverage. Retail patients employed by those companies follow. What begins as one lost employer contract becomes sustained retail patient attrition as the platforms employer footprint expands. The same dynamic affects concierge medicine practices at the executive level. When employers add concierge medicine as an executive benefit, executives who previously paid thousands annually out of pocket shift to employer-sponsored arrangements. Concierge practices lose their highest-value patients to employer-funded executive health programs, often operated by major academic medical centers or national platforms with established corporate relationships. The independent practices patient panel shrinks below the threshold needed to sustain operations. Fixed costs dont decrease proportionally with patient count. A practice financially viable with 100 patients discovers that 40 to 50 patients cannot support the same infrastructure. This is not clinical competition. It is structural displacement driven by capitals ability to aggregate employer relationships at scale. The three-tier competitive structure The competitive threat operates across three distinct tiers: Regional employer DPC platforms target small-to-mid employers (25 to 500 employees) with multi-clinic networks and standardized contracts. These directly compete with independent DPC practices for employer contracts that currently represent 40 to 50 percent of many independent clinics revenue. Advanced primary care platforms target mid-to-large employers (1,000+ employees) with onsite, near-site, and networked models. These platforms offer expanded scope beyond traditional DPC, integrated data analytics, and demonstrated cost containment that appeals to self-insured employers seeking measurable outcomes. Executive health programs operated by major academic medical centers and national concierge platforms target C-suite and senior leadership through employer-sponsored benefits. These programs replace individual self-pay concierge relationships with employer-funded arrangements that include comprehensive assessments, priority access, and care coordination. Independent practices face competitive pressure across all three tiers simultaneously. Regional employer contracts shift to platforms with better geographic coverage. Larger employer opportunities go to advanced primary care platforms with onsite capabilities. And executive patients migrate to employer-sponsored programs that offer equivalent or superior services without out-of-pocket cost. The consolidation clock is ticking Independent practices increasingly face a binary choice: Build employer contracting infrastructure collectively or watch well-capitalized platforms capture employer relationships first. This is not ideological. It is structural. The timeline matters. Capital tends to move faster than clinical culture adapts. Practices that recognize employer contracting require fundamentally different infrastructure than retail memberships and start building or joining that infrastructure now, positioning themselves strategically for the next 5 to 10 years. Traditional insurers are stepping away from fully insured employer groups. Private equity is racing into employer DPC and executive concierge markets. Employers are searching for primary care solutions that traditional benefit structures no longer provide effectively. Independent practices can participate in this reorganization. To do so, they must recognize that employer-sponsored models do not complement retail DPC and self-pay concierge medicine; they replace them. And they must stop thinking only in terms of retail memberships and start building or joining the infrastructure that employer procurement demands. Part 2 of this series will examine what that infrastructure actually requires and the challenges independent practices face building it collectively. Dana Y. Lujan is a health care strategist and operator with more than twenty years of experience across payers, providers, and health systems. She is the founder of Wellthlinks, a consulting firm that helps employers and providers redesign care models through concierge and direct primary care, and author of The CEO Physician: Strategic Blueprint for Independent Medicine. Dana has led multi-state network development, payer contracting, financial modeling, and compliance initiatives that strengthen provider sustainability and employer value. She previously served as president of the Nevada chapter of HFMA and is pursuing a JD to expand her expertise in health care law and compliance. She has been featured in Authority Magazine and publishes on KevinMD, MedCity News, and Medium, where she writes on health care innovation, direct primary care, concierge medicine, employer contracting, and compliance. She has forthcoming BenefitsPRO. Additional professional updates can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram. > < 23:29 Ram Janmabhoomi Trust invites President Murmu to visit Ayodhya Chairman of the Ram temple construction committee Nripendra Mishra on Friday said that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited President Droupadi Murmu to visit Ayodhya to have a 'darshan' and offer prayers at the temple.Speaking to reporters, Mishra said that members of the... Read more > 23:15 Jhulan Goswami summoned for SIR hearing Former India women's cricket team captain Jhulan Goswami has been summoned for a hearing under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, along with her two siblings, over a discrepancy in their father's name, an official said on Friday.Their father's name appeared as 'Nishith Ranjan Goswami'... Read more > 23:11 BSE Sensex: Top losers today Among the Sensex firms, Tata Steel suffered the most, tanking by 4.57 per cent. ICICI Bank, Power Grid, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys and Kotak Mahindra Bank were also among the laggards.Mahindra & Mahindra, State Bank of India, ITC and Bharat Electronics were among the gainers. Read more > 23:10 Stock markets snap 3-day rally on intense selling in metal, IT stocks ahead of Budget Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Friday, snapping a three-day rally, due to heavy selling pressure in metal, IT and commodity stocks as investors booked profits at higher levels ahead of the Budget 2026-27.However, buying on select blue-chip counters restricted the sharp... Read more > 23:08 Suspected Pak drone seen hovering over forward village in J-K's Samba A drone, suspected to have originated in Pakistan, briefly hovered over Indian territory along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Friday, officials said.The drone was spotted over Ratanpur village in Ramgarh sector around 7.40 pm, they said, adding that the... Read more > 22:36 DMK never said it would not allow Hindi in TN: Minister Tamil Nadu Minister T R B Rajaa on Friday asserted that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government never said it would not allow Hindi language in Tamil Nadu and added that the State is in fact home to a large Hindi-speaking population.At the 'NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit' in Chennai, the Minister for... Read more > 22:09 Will support NCP decision on dy CM post: Fadnavis With Nationalist Congress Party sources claiming that Sunetra Pawar was likely to be sworn in as Deputy CM, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the Bharatiya Janata Party would support any decision taken by the family and party of late Ajit Pawar.The NCP will take whatever... Read more > 22:02 TTD alleges massive ghee adulteration scam during Jagan's rule In a scathing attack on the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman B R Naidu on Friday alleged that a 'massive ghee adulteration scam' involving harmful chemicals had taken place during the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the preparation of... Read more > 21:19 Rupee hits intraday record low of 92.02 against US dollar The rupee on Friday hit its record low of 92.02 before ending 6 paise higher at 91.93 against the US dollar amid a firm American currency and geopolitical uncertainties.Forex traders said a negative trend in domestic equities weighed on investor sentiment and capped gains in the domestic... Read more > 21:18 Modi speaks to Venezuela's acting president JUST IN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez; both agree to further deepen and expand bilateral ties.More details awaited. Read more > 20:43 Jana Nayagan release: CBFC files caveat in SC The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking that no order should be passed without hearing it in connection with the release of actor Vijay-starrer Tamil film Jana Nayagan. A caveat is filed by a litigant in the high courts and the Supreme... Read more > 20:10 Delhi riots case: Court grants interim bail to Khalid Saifi A Delhi court has granted 13-day interim bail to 2020 Northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case accused Khalid Saifi, on several conditions, including refraining from social media. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai was hearing the interim bail application filed by 'United... Read more > 20:02 Actor Kamaal R Khan granted bail in Oshiwara firing case A court in Mumbai on Friday granted bail to actor Kamaal Rashid Khan, popularly known as KRK, arrested in connection with a firing incident at a residential building in the western suburbs here.A magistrate's court granted bail to Khan, who was arrested by the Oshiwara police in Andheri on... Read more > 20:00 'Security alert' issued for Americans in Bangladesh The United States on Friday issued a 'security alert' for its citizens in Bangladesh, asking them to remain vigilant and avoid crowds as political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites during the election period.In an... Read more > 19:56 Ajit Pawar death: Raut targets DGCA Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Friday targeted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in an air crash, asking why it allowed flight operations at the Baramati airport if it was not fully... Read more > 19:40 HC denies teen's plea to terminate pregnancy The Bombay high court has rejected an 18-year-old woman's plea to medically terminate her 28-week pregnancy, ruling that a forced termination would amount to foeticide as the 'foetus is healthy and viable'.A division bench of justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay J Mantri, in an order passed earlier... Read more > 19:06 Confident group chairman found dead after tax raid, suicide suspected Representational image C J Roy, founder and chairman of real estate firm Confident Group, was found dead at his office in Bengaluru on Friday, the police said. The police suspect it to be a case of suicide, though they said a conclusion would be drawn after the post-mortem examination. According to the... Read more > 18:59 Army contains wildfire along Sino-India border Image only for representation A wildfire that broke out about a week ago near Kaho village in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district has been doused by the Indian Army, an official said on Friday.According to a post by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, the fire broke out along the western ridge of the Lohit River close to the... Read more > 18:27 New deputy CM may take oath tomorrow: Bhujbal After Nationalist Congress Party leaders met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said that the decision on the vacant post of Deputy CM, following the demise of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, will likely be taken later in the day.Speaking to... Read more > 18:18 Zubeen death case: Bail plea of 3 accused rejected A court in Guwahati on Friday rejected the bail petitions of three of the accused in Zubeen Garg's death case, with the singer's wife pleading that bail should not be granted to any of them till the case is closed.The Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Court fixed February 13 as the next... Read more > 17:42 Ajit Pawar's death: Fadnavis most likely to present Maha Budget Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is most likely to present the state Budget 2026-27 during the next month's legislature session, after the death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who held the finance portfolio.Pawar (66) and four others were killed in a plane crash in Pune's Baramati on... Read more > 17:13 Air India 171 crash probe indicates deliberate pilot action India's probe into last year's Air India Boeing 787 jet crash is increasingly homing in on deliberate pilot action as the probable cause, according to people familiar with the findings, marking a concession by authorities previously resistant to that scenario.Investigators have ruled out... Read more > 17:02 Ajit Pawar's ashes immersed at sangam in Songaon Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar's ashes were immersed in Songaon at the confluence (sangam) of the Karha and Nira rivers. Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, sons of Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar, performed the rituals. Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar, was also... Read more > 16:46 No compromise on pilots' weekly rest, DGCA assures Delhi HC The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and InterGlobe Aviation, operator of IndiGo Airlines, on a plea challenging the aviation regulator's decision to grant relaxations under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation... Read more > 16:36 BJP condemns Hamid Ansari's 'Ghazni was Indian' remark Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Friday strongly criticised former Vice President Hamid Ansari's remarks on Mahmud Ghazni, saying that he was not a foreign invader but an Indian.BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan condemned Ansari's comments, questioning whether... Read more > 16:25 Need to fill Dy CM position soon: Praful Patel Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Working President Praful Patel on Friday said that a decision regarding the vacant posts of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and cabinet portfolios will be made soon, following the demise of party chief Ajit Pawar. After meeting with Maharashtra CM Devendra... Read more > 16:10 Will Ajit Pawar be cleared in scam case? BJP leader says... The BJP's Maharashtra unit media in-charge Navnath Ban on Friday said there was no doubt that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would be cleared of the allegations levelled against him in the alleged irrigation scam case. Speaking to reporters, Ban was responding to remarks by Shiv Sena (UBT)... Read more > 15:55 'The must-read book to understand technology' is here Rediff Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Ajit Balakrishnan's, new book, 'Technology Innovation: Sword or Plough: Insights For Curious Minded People, Students, Researchers, Policy Makers' has a recommendation that's worth listening in to. Subramanian Ramadorai, former CEO and MD TCS, says,... Read more > 15:42 Inhuman to talk about Ajit Pawar's successor now: Raut Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday said it is inhuman to talk about the leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) just after the tragic death of its president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. On Thursday, a day after Pawar's death in a plane crash in Baramati... Read more > 15:34 Assam's demography changed during Cong rule: Shah Claiming that the demography of Assam changed during Congress rule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to reverse the trend.Addressing the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival organised by Takam Mising... Read more > 15:18 Right to menstrual health is a fundamental right: SC The Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and Union Territories to ensure girl students in private and government schools are provided bio-degradable menstrual sanitary pads for free, and held that the right to menstrual health is a part of the fundamental right to life enshrined in the... Read more > 14:56 Talks in advanced stage for merger of NCP factions, but... Sunetra Pawar meets Amit Shah yesterday at Ajit Pawar's funeral The proposed merger of two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions - each headed by Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash two days ago, and his uncle Sharad Pawar -- is very much on course, with talks reaching an advanced stage even before the deputy chief minister's death, sources... Read more > 14:44 Most of India still chooses to use kirana stores Kirana stores continue to occupy a central role in India's grocery ecosystem by staying closely aligned with the consumption behaviour of the country's largest consumer base, according to a report by RedSeer Strategy Consultants.It noted Kirana stores retain their central position in India's... Read more > 14:39 Tharoor's praise for Rahul after meeting yesterday Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday lauded party leader Rahul Gandhi as a sincere person who was a strong voice on various issues like communalism in the country. Tharoor said that everyone likes Rahul as he constantly speaks against the politics of communalism, hatred and divisiveness in the... Read more > 14:15 Mardaani 3 Review: Rani Mukerji's Gritty Thriller Mardaani 3 gives Rani Mukerji something the previous two installments didn't: A heroic slow-motion action sequence that feels tailor-made for the Singham universe, applauds Mayur Sanap/Rediff. Read the review here. Read more > 14:04 Maha CID begins probe into Ajit Pawar's plane crash NCP leaders meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis amid uncertainty over party's future after Ajit Pawar's death. This comes even as the Maharashtra CID has begun a probe into the Baramati plane crash that killed the Deputy Chief Minister.News also coming in that Ajit Pawar was keen on the merger... Read more > 13:53 Kuwait-Delhi flight diverted to Ahmedabad following bomb threat An IndiGo flight operating from Kuwait to Delhi was diverted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Friday morning after a bomb threat was reported on board, officials at the airport said. Nothing suspicious has been found yet, they said. The aircraft landed safely... Read more > 13:51 'Rahul disrespected NE by not wearing gamosa on R-Day' Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the North East by refusing to wear 'gamosa', presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the 'At Home' reception hosted by her on Republic Day. All dignitaries, including those from abroad, had worn... Read more > 13:40 The camel fair town that will be a wedding destination To promote Pushkar as a destination for weddings, Rajasthan's real estate regulator along with district authorities has approved three schemes to develop the required infrastructure, including resorts, farmhouses and commercial establishments.The schemes were approved by the state's Real... Read more > 13:37 UP To Set Up 65 AI Labs The Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a network of 65 data and AI labs across the state, pitching the state as a future leader in the AI ecosystem.While two of these labs are operational in Lucknow and Gorakhpur districts, another unit has been established in Pilibhit with private... Read more > 13:19 Stalin's 'washing machine' jibe at BJP-AIADMK Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP asking whether their alliance partner AIADMK allegedly involved in corruption cases has been cleaned in their washing machine.Targeting the saffron party for making baseless allegations on the DMK, Stalin, after... Read more > 12:47 Mumbai cabbie charges tourist Rs 18,000 for 400-m ride Argentina Ariano posted her debacle on X seeking help from the police A 50-year-old taxi driver has been arrested for allegedly charging a US tourist a whopping Rs 18,000 in what may have been the most expensive 400-metre ride through the Mumbai traffic, police said on Friday. The police on Tuesday apprehended Deshraj Yadav, who allegedly picked up the tourist... Read more > 12:37 'Sangh Parivar still afraid of Mahatma Gandhi' Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary and claimed that the Sangh Parivar was still afraid of him and his memory and that is why his name was removed from the rural employment guarantee scheme. Vijayan, in a Facebook post,... Read more > 12:26 After rising, rising, rising... silver, gold futures fall Silver and gold prices declined sharply in the futures trade on Friday as traders booked profits at elevated levels after a record-breaking rally, tracking a bearish sentiment in global markets and a rebound in the US dollar. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for March... Read more > 12:15 Building collapse in Delhi, firefighters at scene Representational image A building collapsed in the Preet Vihar area of New Delhi. Firefighters are present at the scene, Delhi Fire Services said. Further details on the incident are awaited. Last year, in November, four people, including three men and one woman, were injured due to the collapse of a newly... Read more > 12:08 I'm killing your sis: SWAT commando's yells heard on phone The death of 24-year-old Kajal Chaudhary, a Delhi Police SWAT commando, has left her family shattered, with her brother Nikhil recounting the events that led to her death. Kajal, who was allegedly assaulted by her husband, Ankur, at their Mohan Garden residence on January 22, succumbed to... Read more > 11:27 Self-declared custodians of nationalism: Cong on BJP Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday took a jibe at the BJP on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, citing former Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru and former Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's letter to Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, which criticised Hindu Mahasabha and... Read more > 11:11 Swiggy's Losses Rise To Rs 1,065 Cr Delivery platform Swiggy's consolidated net loss widened by 33 per cent to Rs 1,065 crore in the December quarter (Q3 FY26), compared with a loss of Rs 799 crore a year earlier, as expenses outpaced revenue growth.Total costs rose to Rs 7,298 crore, reflecting higher delivery charges,... Read more > 11:02 1948 letters by Nehru, Patel to Mookerjee slam RSS, Hindu Mahasabha On Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday recalled two separate letters written in 1948 to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee by Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in which they strongly criticised and raised questions over the activities of the Hindu... Read more > 10:48 Teens who raped 6-yo-girl held, police were uncooperative Delhi Police apprehended three minor boys aged 13, 14, and 15 years old for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl in the Bhajanpura area of the national capital. According to Delhi Police, the incident took place on January 18 in the Bhajanpura area. The mother of the survivor told ANI,... Read more > 10:19 Indian 'dunki' agent held in US, may get 15 yrs jail Punjab minister meets deported US immigrants who used the dunki route A 22-year-old citizen of India has been indicted in New York for his role in a scheme to smuggle Indian nationals from Canada across the northern border into the United States. Shivam, whose last name is not known, is charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the... Read more > 09:51 Sensex down 500 points amid swings in gold, silver prices Domestic stock markets opened under heavy selling pressure on Friday amid heightened global market volatility, triggered largely by sharp swings in gold and silver prices.Investor sentiment remained weak as markets reacted to the steep decline and sudden rebound in precious metals, along with... Read more > 09:40 100 more stray dogs killed in Telangana In a shocking incident of alleged animal cruelty, around 100 stray dogs were brutally killed in Thummaipally village of Nagarkurnool district, Telangana earlier this week. The mass killing of stray dogs has triggered significant outrage among animal welfare activists and locals.... Read more > 09:30 Flight from Bangladesh lands in Pak's Karachi for first time in 14 years A flight from Bangladesh capital Dhaka landed at the Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan's Karachi on Thursday, restoring non-stop air connectivity between the two countries after 14 years. According to the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA), the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight... Read more > 09:26 Masked men attempt to abduct Maha Cong corporators Police have said that they have booked half a dozen persons and arrested one of them after masked men allegedly attempted to abduct Congress corporators from Chandrapur in Maharashtra from a bus when they were on their way to Nagpur.A group of persons intercepted the bus, in which newly-elected... Read more > 09:04 PT Usha's husband V Srinivasan passes away V Srinivasan, husband of Indian Olympic Association President and Rajya Sabha MP P T Usha, died in the early hours of Friday, according to family sources.He was 67.Srinivasan collapsed at his residence early this morning. Although he was rushed immediately to a nearby hospital, he could not be... Read more > 08:41 Trump threatens Canada with 50% tariff on aircraft United States President Donald Trump on Thursday announced plans to decertify all Canada-made aircraft and warned of imposing a 50 per cent tariff on such planes until American-made Gulfstream jets receive certification in Canada, signalling a fresh escalation in trade tensions between the two... Read more > 00:28 Rail clip found missing in UP's Ballia, case lodged A rail clip was found removed from a train track near Kidiharpur railway station, prompting authorities to register a case, officials said on Thursday.Northeastern Railway's Public Relations Officer Ashok Kumar said the incident came to light on Wednesday on the busy Varanasi'Gorakhpur rail... Read more > 00:24 Uttarakhand: Shopkeeper held for attacking two Kashmiri brothers The police on Thursday arrested a shopkeeper for allegedly attacking two Kashmiri brothers, including a minor, officials here said. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Vikasnagar area when the accused shopkeeper, Sanjay Yadav, got into a heated argument with Danish (20) and his... Read more > President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino has forced a group of heavily armed rebels occupying a television station to surrender. Her troops fired tear gas into the Channel 7 building in Manila to try to flush out the group who have occupied the centre for the last two days. A few minutes later they all surrendered. Around 1,000 heavily armed troops wearing gasmasks, surrounded the building just before the attack. The rebels were warned that they had 15 seconds to surrender over a loud speaker but the army were forced to move in. Following the stand off President Aquino said: Here was a determined attempt to disrupt the affairs of government and those of the people at large. Here was a determined attempt to overthrow the first principle of democracy, which is civilian supremacy by those specially charged with its preservation. Earlier, the rebel leader Colonel Oscar Canlas had hinted that they would surrender and follow orders from the Armed Forces, Chief General Fidel Ramos, who had repeatedly ordered the group to give themselves up. But Colonel Canlas insisted that unspecified arrangements had to be made first and the armed forces refused. Although the rebels had control of the building, loyal officials cut off their electricity supply to prevent them from broadcasting. The take-over was part of a series of carefully orchestrated attacks on key military bases and broadcasting stations. The rebels also attacked the Villamor air force base near Manila airport in the south of the city but armed forces prevented their assault after 10 minutes of heavy fighting. Two rebels were killed and another 50 captured in the conflict. General Ramos later said that government troops are now in control of all the areas targeted by the armed group. Courtesy BBC News In context Following the uprising, Corazon Aquino ordered the arrest of a number of dissident high ranking army officers involved in the rebellion. Despite re-election to power shortly after the coup, another attempt was made to topple her government in August 1987. It was the fifth uprising following her controversial election victory in spring 1986. Throughout her term in office the Philippines remained in deep political crisis primarily because she took over from a corrupt dictatorship and tried to install a democratic regime. At the same time she inherited a Communist insurrection as well as a restless right-wing military regime who were used to serving under martial law. She survived one more coup attempt before Fidel Ramos succeeded her as the next president in 1992. Like this: Like Loading... Iranian officials reached out to the wider Middle East yesterday over the threat of a possible U.S. military strike on the country, a month since the start of protests in Iran that soon spread nationwide and sparked a bloody crackdown. Two nations, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have signaled they wont allow their airspace to be used for any attack. But America has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers into the region, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea. It remains unclear what U.S. President Donald Trump will decide about using force, though he laid down two red lines the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the possible mass execution of detainees. The protests saw at least 6,221 people killed as Iran launched a bloody crackdown on the demonstrations, with many others feared dead, activists said yesterday. Irans state-run media, which now only refers to protesters as terrorists, remains the sole source of news for many as Tehran cut off access to the global internet some three weeks ago. But Iranians have become angry and anxious in the weeks since, seeing footage of protesters shot and killed while worrying about what may happen next as the countrys economy sinks further. I feel that my generation failed to give a better lesson to younger ones, said Mohammad Heidari, a 59-year-old high school teacher in Tehran. The result of decades of teaching by my colleagues and me led to death of thousands, and maybe more injured and prisoners. Rapid diplomacy Egypts Foreign Ministry said its top diplomat, Badr Abdelatty, separately spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff to work toward achieving calm, in order to avoid the region slipping into new cycles of instability. The statement offered no details, though Iranian state media quoted Araghchi as saying third-party mediators had been in touch. Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer and Trumps friend, had earlier negotiated over Irans nuclear program. There was no immediate acknowledgment from the White House of the call. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying the kingdom would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran or for any attacks from any party, regardless of their origin. That follows a similar pledge by the UAE. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE host American air assets and troops. Both also have faced attacks in the last decade. A 2019 assault believed by the West to have been carried out by Iran briefly halved Saudi oil production. The UAE faced several attacks claimed by Yemens Houthi rebels in 2022. However, Americas biggest base in the region is Qatars vast Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as the forward operating headquarters of the U.S. militarys Central Command. Both Araghchi and Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official, held calls with Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar acknowledged the calls, but offered few specifics on what was discussed. Iran attacked Al Udeid in June in response to Trump sending American warplanes to bomb Iranian nuclear enrichment sites after Israel launched a 12-day war on the Islamic Republic. Our position is exactly this: Applying diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective or constructive, Araghchi told journalists Wednesday outside of a Cabinet meeting. If they want negotiations to take shape, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and the raising of illogical issues. Negotiations have their own principles: they must be conducted on an equal footing, based on mutual respect, and for mutual benefit. Activists offer new death toll While the protests have been halted for weeks after the crackdown, information slowly trickling out of Iran via Starlink satellite dishes is reaching activists, who have been trying to tally the carnage. Yesterday, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, said at least 6,221 dead it counted included at least 5,858 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 100 children and 49 civilians who werent demonstrating. More than 42,300 have been arrested, it added. The group verifies each death and arrest with a network of activists on the ground in Iran. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll given that authorities cut off the internet and disrupted calls into the Islamic Republic. Irans government has put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces, and labeled the rest terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. JON GAMBRELL, DUBAI, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The exhibition, Golden Fortunes: The Macau Debut of Zhu Bingrens Copper Art, was launched at Galaxy Macau yesterday, showcasing flowing colors in molten copper art, ringing in the Chinese New Year. The exhibition features 68 pieces or sets of Zhu Bingrens copper art, ushering in the Year of the Horse through his mastery of free-flow and moldless copper art, with some revealing the true color of the material used and others layered with paint. Speaking to the media, Zhu said he has made several trips to Macau in the past, but this visit marked his first exhibition in the city. He said his initiative of flowing colors aims to promote cultural exchange and appreciation. The Chinese artist noted that Macau has long been known as a gaming capital, but it does not fully represent the regions identity. Macau is a place of diverse and valuable cultures. In this multicultural context, it should also be an art capital, home to the worlds best art and exhibitions, becoming a global art center, he told the press yesterday. At 82 years old, he continues his familys generational copper art and presented five different series at the exhibition. He stated, I am passionate about encouraging art and culture. For almost 5,000 years, copper has been cast in molds. All copper culture has been shaped within molds, confined under restrictions. He continued, However, molten copper art, which I discovered on May 25, 2006, during a special event, allows copper to flow freely, fully expressing its nature. This creates unprecedented artistic forms, which Ive transformed into artworks. The special event he mentioned occurred when he discovered melted copper caused by a fire that broke out at the Changzhou Tianning Pagoda. The copper shaped into beads and various forms, which inspired Zhu to practice the art of molten copper. The first of the series is the Year of the Horse Collection, showcasing 38 horses with different aesthetics inspired by the Tang Dynasty, Western realism, and contemporary art, ranging from copper paintings to molded pieces. The Qing Gong Series is featured at the exhibition with collaborative works by Zhu Bingren and his son, Zhu Junmin. His sons bonsai artworks were inspired by treasured Chinese ornaments and decorations. A highlight of the exhibition is the copper peacock sculpture that presents his discovery of contemporary copper architecture, the free-flowing molten copper art. This peacock its feathers are made of molten copper, showcasing a free-flowing, spectacular, and romantic form. But this phoenix is like flowing diamonds, a fluid version of diamonds, with diamond-like printing and texture, he described the centerpiece. Zhu noted, This year marks the 20th anniversary of my creation of molten copper art from 2006 to now. Its significant that this anniversary begins with an exhibition in Macau, further promoting and recognizing molten copper art globally. Another series presented is the National Gift Series, including works that have been presented by China as national gifts. To pay homage to Macaus fishing village roots, Zhu created Macaus Molten Light (Molten Copper Series), made without molds, revealing the natural textures of the metal. Art pieces include Fishermans Song in the Rain, Sail, and Chinese Red, Chinese Dragon. Zhu also created a six-meter copper painting titled The Eight Heavenly Horses with a blend of Eastern and Western elements. It is a replica of a painting by Giuseppe Castiglione, an Italian Jesuit missionary and painter from the Qing Dynasty. Other notable copper artworks at the exhibition include Golden Bai Cai (Cabbage), Golden Pine, Gracious Host, and Eight Steeds of Qianlong Chasing the Sun, all aligning with auspicious New Year blessings. He concluded with hopes for Macau to reach greater levels of development in art and culture: I hope Macaus culture, like the flowing colors I promote, becomes multicultural and dynamic. May Macaus spirit of freedom, openness, and progress flow onward, allowing people across China and the world to understand that Macau is continuously developing and scaling new heights. The exhibition will run until April 12 at GalaxyArt on the first floor of Galaxy Promenade. Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... Chinese tourist numbers to Japan have plummeted amid diplomatic frictions, security warnings, large-scale flight cancellations, and growing concerns over natural disasters and disease outbreaks, experts said this week. Chinese carriers have canceled nearly half of all flights from the Chinese mainland to Japan this month. The downturn began in November, when remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi involving Taiwan triggered public backlash, according to Yang Jinsong, a researcher at the China Tourism Academy. Yang said the drop in traveler demand is the result of multiple overlapping factors. In addition to fluctuations in bilateral relations that have fueled public sentiment, travelers are increasingly wary of Japans public security situation, recent earthquake activity, as well as disease outbreaks, Yang said. On Monday, three major carriers Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines announced that passengers who purchased tickets before noon that day for Japan-bound flights scheduled between March 29 and Oct 24, 2026, would be eligible for free refunds or changes. Since Nov 15, 2025, Chinese carriers have canceled a large number of flights to Japan. Data from aviation platform Flight Manager shows that in January 2026, the cancellation rate for flights from the Chinese mainland to Japan reached 47.2%, up 7.8%age points from the previous month. As of Monday, flights on 49 routes scheduled for February had been canceled. According to immigration statistics released by the Japanese government on Jan 15, about 348,700 Chinese nationals, excluding those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, traveled to Japan in December 2025, down about 40% from the previous year and about 35% from November 2025. China Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory warning that public security in Japan has deteriorated in recent months, highlighting a rise in criminal cases targeting Chinese citizens. Earthquakes in several regions have caused injuries, and the Japanese government has warned of possible follow-up seismic activity, it said. Chinese citizens in Japan are facing serious safety threats, the ministry said in the statement, advising travelers to avoid visiting Japan and those already there to closely monitor security conditions as well as earthquake and disaster alerts. Meanwhile, Japans Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said on Tuesday that a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the countrys 18th outbreak this season, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo. More than 100,000 quail were being raised at the farm. On social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, users have been debating whether Japan remains a viable holiday destination. One user, nicknamed Xiaoyu, posted on Tuesday asking for advice on whether to proceed with a planned Spring Festival hiking trip along the Kumano Kodo trail. I am preparing a Plan B amid fears of flight cancellations and other uncontrollable risks, the user said. While some commenters said they were increasingly worried, others said their trips in December were largely unaffected. Yang said Chinese travelers may consider alternative destinations for the holiday period, as uncertainty surrounding flights and safety conditions continues to influence travel decisions. ZHAO YIMENG, China Daily, MDT/China Daily Like this: Like Loading... The Macau Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) director, Derby Lau, has tendered her resignation, with the Official Gazette publishing a statement yesterday confirming her departure, effective March 23. According to official records, Lau, now in her 60s, joined the civil service in 1991 and became deputy director of Macao Post in 2000. She has served as director under a fixed-term appointment since 2010, following the merger of Macao Post and the Telecommunications Regulation Bureau into the Macau Post and Telecommunications Bureau in 2017, with her initial appointment lasting two years. Like this: Like Loading... The wife of South Koreas ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption yesterday, as her husband awaits a verdict on a high-stakes rebellion charge that could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. The presidential couple, who have been jailed separately for months, suffered a spectacular fall from grace after Yoons martial law debacle in December 2024 led to his impeachment and eventually his removal from office. Yoon was handed a five-year prison term this month for defying authorities attempts to detain him and other charges related to the martial law decree. Investigators say Kim was not involved in Yoons martial law enforcement. Opponents say sentence is too lenient Yesterday, Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim for receiving luxury gifts like a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag from the Unification Church in return for promises of political favors. Being closest to a president, a first lady can exert significant influence on him and is a symbolic figure who represents the country together with a president, the court said in a televised verdict. But the defendant exploited her position to seek personal gains. Kim said via her lawyers that she would humbly accept the courts view and apologizes again to everyone for causing concerns. The 20-month sentence was a surprise after independent counsel Min Joong-ki called for a 15-year prison term for Kim on three charges including stock price manipulation, political funding law violations and accepting bribes. The court acquitted Kim of two other charges, citing a lack of evidence and other reasons. Mins team responded that it cannot accept the ruling and will appeal to a higher court. The governing liberal Democratic Party, which led Yoons ouster, slammed the verdict as sending a wrong signal that abuse of power like Kim Keon Hees can be tolerated. Kims lawyer Choi Ji-woo said Mins investigation was politically driven. He said Kims defense team thanked the court for its verdict but said the 20-month prison term was relatively high. He said his team will discuss whether to appeal. Kims scandals were political burdens Kim has been in jail since August when the Seoul court approved a warrant to arrest her, citing the chance she might destroy evidence. When Yoon was in office, Kim was embroiled in a slew of scandals that severely hurt the conservative leaders approval rating and provided relentless political ammunition to his rivals. The scandals included the three charges the court dealt with yesterday. Many observers speculated Yoon opted to place the country under a military rule to protect his wife from possible investigations. But after a six-month probe into Yoons decree, investigators led by another independent counsel, Cho Eun-suk, in December downplayed conjecture that Kims troubles drove Yoon to declare martial law. Yoon plotted for over a year to declare martial law so he could eliminate his political opponents and monopolize power and there was also no evidence of Kims involvement, Chos team said. Yoon awaiting verdict on rebellion charge The ruling against Kim was made about three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on a rebellion charge against Yoon. Chos team has demanded the death sentence for Yoon by viewing his martial law imposition as a rebellion. A rebellion conviction carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. But a court could immediately commute the sentence. Experts say the court likely will sentence him to life or a lengthy imprisonment because South Korea has maintained a de-facto moratorium on executions since late 1997. After a near-constant collision course with his liberal rivals, Yoon abruptly declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, vowing to eliminate anti-state forces and shameless North Korea sympathizers. He has defended his action, calling it a desperate attempt to draw public support for his fight against the Democratic Party which obstructed his agenda. Yoon sent troops and police officers to encircle the National Assembly. But many failed to aggressively cordon off the area as thousands of people gathered, calling for Yoons ouster. Lawmakers, including some from Yoons own ruling party, entered an assembly hall and voted down his decree. Yoon was later impeached by the National Assembly, arrested by prosecutors and formally thrown out of office after a Constitutional Court ruling. HYUNG-JIN KIM, SEOUL, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Guangdong officials outlined priorities for the provinces upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan at a press conference on Jan. 26, highlighting growth in high-tech industries, robotics, AI, and international trade initiatives aimed at boosting Guangdongs role in the global market. Zeng Jinze, director-general of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, told reporters that industry and information services fueled roughly half of last years GDP growth. He noted that advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors accounted for more than 50% and 30%, respectively, of the added value from large industrial enterprises. Zeng also addressed the Guangdong Goods Go Global campaign. Responding to a reporters question, he said, Since its launch on January 15, [] various cities within the province, including Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou, have held events promoting industrial products such as home appliances, mobile phones, consumer electronics, and lighting fixtures. Looking forward, Zeng detailed the following future priorities: traditional upgrades, robotics, and frontiers such as 6G and embodied intelligence a paradigm of AI where an agents thinking is not just a digital process, but emerges from its physical interactions with the real world such as through a robot, drone, or autonomous vehicle. He also projected Guangdongs core artificial intelligence (AI) industry would exceed 300 billion yuan ($41.5 billion) by years end, reflecting over 40% growth and comprising a quarter of Chinas total. Zhang Jingsong, Director-General of the Department of Commerce, reported an average annual foreign trade growth of 6%, hitting RMB9.49 trillion in 2025 up 4.4% year-on-year and ranking first nationally for 40 years. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we faced severe shocks, including the pandemic, the USs double whammy, and external suppression and containment, Zhang told reporters. In 2025, imports and exports by foreign-invested enterprises in Guangdong totaled RMB3.03 trillion, up 6.5% from the prior year. The province counted 172,000 enterprises engaged in import-export activities that year. Among them, 148,000 were private firms, which handled RMB6.07 trillion in trade. According to the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, in 2025, the provinces trade with ASEAN reached RMB1.53 trillion ($211 billion), up 5.8%. Volumes with Hong Kong SAR reached RMB1.28 trillion, while European Union trade totaled RMB1.13 trillion, increasing 12.5% and 8.4%, respectively. For 2026-2030, Guangdong eyes diversified markets, from Europe and the U.S. to ASEAN and Africa. Plans include the Canton Fair and overseas Guangdong Trade Global events to support exports. Guangdong CPPCC session concludes The Fourth Session of the 13th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference concluded yesterday morning in Guangzhou after adopting the Resolution of the Fourth Session of the 13th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. According to mainland media reports, the session elected Zhang Shaokang and Guo Yonghang as vice chairmen of the 13th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. It also added 29 members to the Standing Committee, including Liu Liang, a member from Macau. Like this: Like Loading... Japans last pair of pandas have returned to China yesterday, leaving Japan without the lovable bears for the first time in half a century. The bears are heading back as diplomatic relations between the two countries are at their lowest point in years over the new Japanese Prime Ministers stance on Taiwan, making it unlikely that there will be replacement bears. The twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei have an adoring fan base in Japan, where thousands of people flocked to Tokyos Ueno Zoo ahead of their departure. China first sent pandas to Japan in 1972, a gift meant to mark the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two neighbors. Beijing has long used the bears as a diplomatic tool: a sign of good will and an extension of the countrys soft power, and one that it can retract when bilateral relationships turn adversarial. Images from state broadcaster CCTV, showed the two pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, arriving in crates in southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, where they will stay in quarantine at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The pandas arrived safely early yesterday morning, the conservation center said in a statement. Xiao Xiao and his sister Lei Lei were born in Tokyos Ueno Zoo in 2021. While Beijing lends pandas to other countries, it maintains ownership over the animals, including new cubs. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Police should throw the book at a man who allegedly lobbed a homemade bomb into a crowd at a rally in support of Indigenous Australians, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said, BBC reports. The 31-year-old man was detained after hurling an item into a throng of around 2,500 people who had gathered in Perth to mark Australia Day, police said. While many across Australia celebrated the countrys national day on Monday, many Indigenous Australians and their advocates held Invasion Day rallies to commemorate the cultural destruction of Indigenous communities under European settlers. Police said the device did not detonate and no injuries were reported. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Albanese said the the incident was quite shocking, but added that he could not comment any further as the matter is now before the courts. I look forward to him being prosecuted to the full force of the law, he added. The man whose identity is suppressed by a court order is charged with making explosives and intending to do harm, but police are investigating whether he can also be charged with terrorism offences. Authorities say the object thrown was a homemade improvised explosive device containing a mixture of potentially explosive chemicals, nails and metal ball bearings. In a subsequent search of the mans home, police said they found a combination of chemicals and materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives. Western Australias Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident was being treated as a hostile act but added police are investigating whether there was political, religious or ideological motive to the alleged attack a requirement for terror charges. The alleged bomb incident comes during a time of heightened sensitivity for Australians, after 15 people were killed in a shooting last December at a Jewish festival on Sydneys Bondi Beach. After the incident at the Perth rally, West Australian Premier Roger Cook said we cant let hate win. Now, more than ever, it is important that we treat each others views with respect, he said. Its our differences and diversity which has made Australia the country that we all love. The man has been remanded in custody and will appear in court again on 17 February. MDT/BBC Like this: Like Loading... China's Hainan FTP sees coconut import growth in 2025 Xinhua) 08:51, January 29, 2026 HAIKOU, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- According to Haikou Customs, south China's Hainan Province imported 592,000 tonnes of coconuts through its ports in 2025, up 17.3 percent year on year, ranking first in imports of the tropical fruit among other provinces and regions in China. Its imports of coconuts from Indonesia totaled 516,000 tonnes in 2025, up 34.3 percent and accounting for 87.2 percent of the total. Imports from the Philippines and Thailand also recorded strong growth. The steady rise in imports highlights Hainan's efforts to leverage the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), which supports the rapid development of its coconut industry while delivering faster logistics and lower costs for businesses. Freshness is crucial to the market competitiveness of coconut products. By implementing measures such as advance declaration and appointment-based inspections, customs clearance procedures have been streamlined, reducing port operation times. This enables coconuts to be transferred more quickly from arrival to processing. "Time directly determines product competitiveness," said Zheng Xinzhuang, a customs agent of a local freight company. "Now it takes as little as 24 hours from berthing to production." Preferential tax policies under the Hainan FTP have further reduced costs for enterprises. Local processors benefit from zero tariffs on imported production equipment, which reduces investment and production costs and strengthens their market competitiveness. In 2025, Hainan achieved its first export of virgin coconut oil, while other coconut products, including coconut juice and coconut milk, are expanding into overseas markets. With new direct shipping routes from Indonesia's Pontianak and Palembang to Yangpu Port now in operation, Hainan is expected to further strengthen its coconut supply chain. Haikou Customs said it will continue to optimize regulatory services to support the industry's expansion and upgrading. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Local health authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures following confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in Indias eastern state of West Bengal. Dr. Lei Wai Seng, deputy director of Islands Hospital, yesterday said the hospital is seeking more information to better respond to the virus. He added that infection control specialists at the hospital have been training staff and are maintaining close communication with the Health Bureaus Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to follow and implement new policies as needed. In a statement, the SSM said it is closely monitoring developments related to the outbreak and has advised residents to avoid non-essential travel to West Bengal. For those currently in India, officials urged strict adherence to preventive measures and warned that anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after returning to Macau should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their recent travel and contact history to healthcare providers. As a precautionary step, the government confirmed that health assessments and medical screenings will be strengthened at border checkpoints for travelers with relevant travel histories who display symptoms. The measure, authorities said, is aimed at early detection and prevention, even though travel links between Macau and India are indirect. Indian authorities reported that they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. Nipah, a zoonotic virus first identified during a 1999 outbreak in Malaysia, spreads through fruit bats, pigs, and human-to-human contact. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause high fevers, convulsions, and vomiting. The only treatment is supportive care to control complications and keep patients comfortable. The virus has an estimated fatality rate of 40%75%, according to the WHO, making it far more deadly than the coronavirus. Health experts note that Nipah infection can present in various forms, ranging from asymptomatic or mild illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis. Early symptoms often resemble those of influenza, including fever, headache, and muscle pain, while more serious cases may involve breathing difficulties, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. The incubation period typically ranges from four to 14 days but can extend up to 45 days. Flu rate at moderate level The current flu rate is at a moderate level, and the SSM has urged residents to get vaccinated ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, according to Dr. Lei. He reported that the Cotai hospital sees an average of about 150 patients per day, with numbers reaching up to 300 during flu peaks or periods of higher patient flow. Staffing for the clinic has been organized to meet the highest expected demand, he said. Like this: Like Loading... * Tobacco cases on the rise Over 5,400 tobacco and alcohol cases reported last year * Health | SSM urges vigilance as Nipah virus cases emerge in India * Community | Sands China 10K race goes regional * Society: Wet market representatives call for comprehensive plan to meet evolving consumer demand * GBA: Guangdong CPPCC endorses 15th Five-Year Plan * Japans last panda pair arrives back in China DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, January 29, 2026 edition no. 4884 Like this: Like Loading... Donald Trumps threat to take over Greenland has escalated compared to a year ago, when he was just sworn in as president. He has threatened tariffs, military force, and all sorts of other things. It is still uncertain where it will all end, but it has put the Danish government under enormous pressure and, at the same time, shocked many people at home. [Originally published in Danish at marxist.dk] On Saturday, 17 January, the streets of Greenland and Denmark were filled with demonstrators who wanted to show solidarity and support for Greenland. There is widespread anger in Denmark and Greenland over Trumps behaviour. Among Danish workers and young people, there is a genuine desire to support and show solidarity with the Greenlanders. But how do we actually combat the threats from Trump and fight for true freedom for the Greenlanders? The answer that may seem most logical at first glance is to send troops to Greenland. This is also what Denmarks Red-Green Alliance and its leader Pelle Dragsted have demanded: It should not be the case that you can just land a helicopter in Nuuk and plant the American flag. We need to make it clear that it will be an armed conflict if the Americans go down that path. According to Dragsted, this is about a possible attack on our own realm. It is about defending the Greenlanders right to determine their own destiny. But is a military confrontation with the United States really the way to ensure that the Greenlanders can determine their own destiny? Among Danish workers and young people, there is a genuine desire to support and show solidarity with the Greenlanders / Image: Jens Cederskjold, Wikimedia Commons It may seem appealing to anyone who wants to do something to help the Greenlanders in the face of the overwhelming American threat here and now. But there are several problems with this so-called solution from the Red-Green Alliance and Dragsted. A military solution? Firstly, it is obvious that Denmark cannot win a military conflict with the US. Pelle Dragsted acknowledges this, and as he himself puts it: it will probably be quickly decided. When asked, does that mean sacrificing Danish soldiers in a battle that is known to be lost in advance? Dragsted replies: When you have a defence force, it is there to be used, and when you enlist in the Armed Forces, it is of course also a known risk that you will go to war. In other words, Dragsted is advocating sending Danish soldiers to a completely pointless death. It would be purely symbolic, to raise the price of an American invasion. This is not changed by the fact that several EU countries have sent troops to Greenland in recent weeks, as the number and quantity have been negligible. But even if so many European troops were sent to Greenland that they could actually challenge the US, what would that mean? It would be tantamount to risking the start of a war between the US and Europe, i.e. starting and fighting World War III on Greenlandic soil. A scenario so horrific that it cannot be considered a solution for either the Greenlandic people or anyone else. Denmark as a guarantor of independence? Secondly, the question is: what are Danish troops being sent to Greenland to defend? Dragsted says that they are going to Greenland to defend the Greenlanders right to determine their own destiny. But this is based on the premise that the Danish authorities are actually interested in defending the Greenlanders right to determine their own destiny. Dragsted is advocating sending Danish soldiers to a completely pointless death / Image: public domain If we look at the last 300 years of history, we have to say that this is not what the Danish authorities have shown. Quite the opposite, Denmark has behaved like a brutal colonial master in Greenland and still treats Greenland as a Danish colony today. It is only now, in the face of the threat from the US, that Danish politicians are beginning to apologise for some of Denmarks crimes, to talk about Greenlands independence, and to take a real interest in the country. If they really believed they were fighting for Greenlands right to independence, they could allow Greenland to conduct its own foreign policy and speak for itself, with whomever it wishes. This is not the case at present, as the current crisis has clearly shown. But it goes deeper than the current situation, because it is enshrined in the Constitution that Greenlands foreign policy is conducted by Denmark. That is why Danish politicians have made it very clear that Greenlandic politicians cannot, under any circumstances, talk to the Americans without a Danish presence. The Danish ruling class and their politicians are not defending Greenland against Trump because they intend to give Greenland real independence. They are standing up to Trump to defend their own interests. Ownership of Greenland has given Denmark a place at the table on the world political stage that is completely unheard of when you consider how small and weak a country Denmark actually is. Until recently, this gave Denmark a special connection to the US. The Danish rulers have no desire to give up that place. The road to Greenlandic independence therefore does not lie in supporting the Danish ruling class. What would happen if, hypothetically, Denmark won a military conflict against the United States? It would mean that Danish dominance over Greenland would continue and actually be strengthened, now with far more Danish military forces stationed in Greenland. This would strengthen the argument already used by the Danish authorities against demands for Greenlandic independence: You cannot manage on your own. You will immediately be taken over by the United States if not by China or Russia. You need Denmark. A hypothetical Danish military victory against the US would not mean independence and freedom for the Greenlanders, but a continuation and strengthening of Danish colonialism, which is precisely what is strengthening the desire for independence felt by many Greenlanders. Denmark at the forefront against American imperialism? This brings us to the third problem with the Red-Green Alliance's solution: the illusion that the Danish ruling class is interested in fighting American imperialism. American imperialism is not a phenomenon created by Trump. The difference from the past is that American imperialism is now in relative decline; the US can no longer be the worlds policeman, and so is concentrating on the Western Hemisphere to strengthen itself against its growing rivals, especially China. Furthermore, the difference is that Trump, unlike most politicians, in his own peculiar way, says things more honestly and as they actually are. Therefore, he reveals the real interests behind American imperialism. It is only now, at a time when Trump is threatening Danish interests, that the Danish authorities are raising criticisms of the Americans. For many decades, successive Danish governments have followed American imperialism through thick and thin, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Ukraine. Only now are they criticising their attacks on national sovereignty and calling for the defence of the rules-based world order. This was not something that concerned them when they followed the US into Afghanistan and Iraq, two sovereign nations, or that caused them to withdraw their support for Netanyahus genocide in Gaza or to condemn the United States kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, the head of state of a sovereign nation. Danish capitalists and politicians are not fighting Trump or American imperialism / Image: Christian Ursilva, Wikimedia Commons We are not opposed to Trumps threats to take over Greenland because he does not comply with the so-called rules-based world order, or because it is an attack on an ally, but because it is an expression of imperialist aggression that serves only the ruling class in the United States. Even now, when the US is directly threatening to take Danish territory, the Danish ruling class shows that they basically need the US. They continue to buy American weapons systems, allow the Americans to establish bases on Danish soil, and remain dependent on advanced American technology. Danish capitalists and politicians are not fighting Trump or American imperialism. They are only fighting his plan to take Greenland from them and thus weaken their own imperialist interests. National unity The Danish government, which was historically unpopular before this crisis, is trying to use Trumps threats to rally the Danes behind the nation, and not least to pressure the Greenlanders into supporting Denmark. The Red-Green Alliance is helping them with this task. Pelle Dragsted has put all criticism of Denmark aside and, like all the other politicians, emphasises Denmark as Greenlands salvation: a fine and important press conference by the chairman of Naalakkersuisut [Prime Minister of Greenland] and the Prime Minister. We stand together in the Realm. Greenland is not for sale. As a response to American imperialism, the Red-Green Alliance ends up defending Danish imperialism instead. The Red-Green Alliance claims to be fighting for Greenlands independence, but Dragsted repeatedly mentions the need to defend the Realm, which is specifically the organised expression of Danish imperialisms colonial supremacy over Greenland. Denmark is a small nation caught in the conflict between the major imperialist powers in the world that have an interest in Greenland. But that does not mean that the Danish ruling class is progressive, or that they do not have their own imperialist interests to pursue, not least in Greenland. It is obvious to everyone, including the Red-Green Alliance, that Denmark alone cannot stand up to the United States in a conflict. The solution for Pelle Dragsted is to involve Europe as a progressive counterpart to the United States. In a debate on DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation), he said: this is about an attack on Europe, because Europe is the last bastion in the world for an international legal order that means that it is not the strongest in the jungle that decides. In a Facebook post the day after the famous meeting in Washington between Vivian Motzfeldt, Lars Lkke, J.D. Vance, and Marco Rubio, Pelle Dragsted described how moved he was: A number of Nordic and European countries announced yesterday that they would make troops available in Greenland for an Arctic exercise under Danish command. The post continues: We are not just standing together in words. We are standing side by side in Greenland. To secure the Greenlanders right to determine their own future. To defend international law and territorial integrity. It is truly hopeful. A light in the darkness. And it is actually also a positive surprise for me that the European and Nordic countries are taking such a strong stance after we have long seen a more cautious, conciliatory line towards the bully in the White House. It is quite amazing to experience this solidarity from our friends and partners in the Nordic countries and Europe. Greenland and Denmark are not the most populous countries in Europe. Nevertheless, the Nordic countries and Europe are ready to put their words into action to defend the borders and the self-determination of the Greenlandic people. I am honestly deeply moved by this this morning. This is solidarity. It gives hope not only for Greenland and Denmark, but also for unity in Europe and for a world and a future where it is not just the law of the jungle and the right of the strong that reigns. Together we are strong <3 We must make it clear: European imperialism is not one iota more progressive than American imperialism. It is simply weaker and has been so for many years. There are countless examples of how European powers throughout history have plundered countries, slaughtered populations, and dominated governments in Asia, South America, and Africa. But this is not something that belongs only to the past. The wars that many European powers have helped the US fight have already been mentioned above. Another recent and undisguised example of European imperialism was in 2024, when France crushed a mass movement among the Kanak people in New Caledonia. The indigenous people have long fought for independence and more political rights in New Caledonia, which is still a French colony. In May 2024, a spontaneous mass movement broke out in the country, which was brutally suppressed by French military and police forces, shipped from France. The result was 14 deaths and several thousand injuries. Defending Danish and European imperialism is not defending a world where it is not just the law of the jungle and the right of the strong that reigns. It is defending the victory of Danish and European capitalist interests over American imperialism. It is an attempt to bind the Greenlandic, Danish, and European working class to our own national ruling classes. It helps our rulers to rally the nation behind them and weakens the struggle for a free Greenland, because it weakens the struggle against imperialism in all its forms. What is the path to Greenlandic independence? The Red-Green Alliances proposal to send troops to Greenland seems appealing because it immediately appears to be the only realistic solution right now. The problem is that it is neither a solution nor realistic. There is no easy or quick path to freedom for the Greenlanders / Image: Revolution There is no easy or quick path to freedom for the Greenlanders. In the current situation of increased tensions between the imperialist superpowers the relative decline of the United States and a totally crippled Europe, and on the other hand the rise of Russia and especially China small nations are caught between a rock and a hard place. This is not Donald Trumps invention, but the reality of the capitalist world in which we live. If Greenland is to become truly free, imperialism must be thrown out; that is, the capitalist system must be uprooted. Danish workers have no interest in oppressing the Greenlanders, as expressed by the current great solidarity with Greenland. As communists, it is our task to channel that solidarity into a struggle against imperialism as a whole, and we do that by starting with our own rulers, instead of strengthening them, as the Red-Green Alliance does. We are fighting for the working class to take power in Denmark and throw out the capitalists and their rotten imperialist policies. Against this backdrop, we will join the Greenlanders in making a genuine appeal to American workers for solidarity. Opinion polls in the US already show massive opposition to American imperialism taking Greenland. But if American imperialism is to be stopped, an alternative is needed. Right now, Trump and his government are pointing out the injustice of Denmark owning Greenland while the US pays for its security, just as he has pointed out the injustice of the US paying for a large part of Europes security. He has identified this as the reason why Europe has been able to afford better welfare than the US. This is not because Trump has any intention of giving Americans better welfare, but it may resonate with some American workers. However, an appeal to American workers to support Greenland's freedom will have a much greater effect if it comes from a position that shows the alternative to a world dominated by imperialism, rather than from a position that defends Danish and European imperialism as the opposite of American imperialism. That is, from a class position. Greenlandic, Danish, and American workers have exactly the same interests: a world where profit and competition do not rule, but where the worlds resources are used to make life better for the vast majority. Where economic interests do not dominate and lead to war and oppression. That is to say, they have an interest in fighting for a socialist world. We can change the world if we organise ourselves in the struggle for a socialist revolution. It is the only way for everyone to live in true freedom. 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: Overview of imported malaria and its management. Credit: Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2025.118228 Malaria remains the most deadly parasitic disease in the world. Although it is not endemic to countries such as Spain, imported cases are diagnosed each year in people returning from areas where the infection is common. These patients can rapidly progress to severe forms of the disease, but detecting which patients are at higher risk is not always easy, especially in settings where clinical experience is limited and initial symptoms are non-specific. A recent study led by a research team from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health) has led to the development of a new tool to tackle this challenge. Basically, it is a system that uses a mobile phone to combine rapid diagnostic tests with video analysis and it is capable not only of detecting the infection in under six minutes but also of predicting which patients may develop severe forms of malaria. The study, published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, focuses on the analysis of two biomarkers produced by the malaria parasite: the PfHRP2 protein, specific to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that typically causes the most severe form of the disease, and the enzyme pan-lactate dehydrogenase (pan-pLDH), present in Plasmodium spp. Using laboratory immunoassays and lateral flow testssimilar to those used during the pandemicthe researchers compared the ability of both markers to both diagnose malaria and identify the most severe cases. They found that, while PfHRP2 is highly accurate for confirming infection, the pan-pLDH biomarker is particularly useful for identifying patients at risk of severe disease, even when used in simple rapid tests. "This finding is crucial, as it provides relevant information for decision-making without the need for complex laboratory equipment," explains Claudio Parolo, a Ramon y Cajal researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at URV and an external associate researcher at ISGlobal. Credit: Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2025.118228 This advance has so far been validated in non-endemic settings, where malaria is uncommon but potentially very severe, and where access to specialized diagnostic tools is often limited to referral centers. However, the researchers believe the strategy could be transferable to places where the disease is endemic in the future, because it provides low-cost rapid tests using the widely available technology of the mobile phone. Its performance does, however, need to be validated in these settings, taking into account epidemiological and clinical differences. The research was led by Dr. Claudio Parolo, a researcher at ISGlobal, together with Daniel Camprubi, a doctor at the International Health Service of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. The work formed part of the doctoral thesis of ISGlobal predoctoral researcher Julia Pedreira and also received support from the data science team coordinated by Paula Petrone of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, which contributed to the quantitative analysis of the results. Currently, the team is continuing to work on validating the results in larger samples and in real clinical settings, with the aim that, in the near future, a simple rapid test using a mobile phone will become a standard tool for the early identification and assessment of imported malaria. Publication details Julia Pedreira-Rincon et al, pLDH to identify severity in imported malaria: Implementing smartphone video analysis for rapid clinical decision-making, Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2025.118228 Journal information: Biosensors and Bioelectronics Key medical concepts Malaria 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 New research from Bayes Business School (City St George's, University of London) has revealed that work-related stress heightens when people become self-employed compared to working for an organization, even when business owners possess high barriers to strain through genes and upbringing. The research, led by Vangelis Souitaris, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Bayes, with academics from Warwick Business School and the University of Notre Dame (United States), collected data from more than 2,000 sets of identical twins. Across two studies, academics compared both perceived and chemical changes in stress between employed and self-employed individuals. Key findings suggest workers who transition to self-employment report, on average, 24% higher stress levels over a six-year period compared to twins who did not. Meanwhile, self-employed participants maintained higher levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, throughout the day suggesting greater exposure to daily stresses. The work is published in the Journal of Business Venturing. While entrepreneurs enjoy more variation in their work with greater control on tasks, longer working hours can increase stress. Prior studies have shown self-employment to be a more stressful occupation overall but fail to factor in previous exposure or pre-conditioning to stress that individuals already accept when choosing to set up their own business. To account for this, identical twin sets with shared genes and early environmental rearing were selected as a point of comparison. A first study examined self-reported stress among Finnish twin sets who had been raised together, including pairs that had chosen different employment types from each other. Surveys were taken in two waves, six years apart, to measure developments in stress levels in response to a quartet of four-point scale questions in the Reeder Stress Inventory1. Using working hours and work variety as variables in the relationship between self-employment and stress, the research found significantly increased stress levels in those transitioning from regular employment to self-employment, with little change when making the opposite move. Furthermore, longer working hours were associated with a notable rise in perceived stress, with supposed gains from increased work variety failing to substantially mitigate it. A second study measured daily levels of cortisol in 59 pairs of American twins. As cortisol typically peaks shortly after waking up and decreases throughout the day, researchers took four participant readings for four consecutive days and compared results between self-employed and non-self-employed twins. In accordance with findings from the first study, the decrease in cortisol flattened out earlier in the day among self-employed people with levels 53% higher on average than that of their identical twin immediately before going to bed. Professor Souitaris said the study should serve as an eye-opener for entrepreneurs and those seeking to start their own business in the New Year: "Depending on our personalities, self-employment can be highly motivating and rewarding but also challenging and emotionally draining. "Our research suggests that even those who are preconditioned to thrive in this environment experience higher stress over time than counterparts working in an organization. Even though variety is a major attraction to self-employment, it does not appear to make life any less stressful. Overtime, however, does add to stress. "Business owners must ensure that they set boundaries to avoid burnout and manage their time effectively. Seeking automation, outsourcing and personnel at an early stage can also help alleviate health problems and achieve success. "Our findings should also alert policymakers, many of whom are striving to promote entrepreneurship initiatives. Provisions for health should be factored into support packages for small business owners alongside financial incentives." More information Vangelis Souitaris et al, Does self-employment increase stress? A co-twin control analysis of Finnish and US twins, Journal of Business Venturing (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2025.106556 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Kampus Production from Pexels Month after month, Patricia Hunter and other members of the Nursing Home Reform Coalition logged onto video calls with congressional representatives, seeking support for a proposed federal rule setting minimum staff levels for nursing homes. Finally, after decades of advocacy, the Biden administration in 2023 tackled the problem of perennial understaffing of long-term care facilities. Officials backed a Medicare regulation that would mandate at least 3.48 hours of care from nurses and aides per resident, per day, and would require a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mandated hours were lower than supporters hoped for, said Hunter, who directs Washington state's long-term care ombudsman program. But "I'm a pragmatic person, so I thought, this is a good start," she said. "It would be helpful, for enforcement, to have a federal law." In 2024, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services adopted the standards, advocates celebrated. But industry lawsuits soon blocked most of the rule, with two federal district courts finding that Medicare had exceeded its regulatory authority. And after the 2024 elections, Hunter said, "I was concerned about the changing of the guard." Her concerns proved well founded. In July, as part of Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress prohibited Medicare from implementing the staffing standards before 2034. Last month, CMS repealed the standards altogether. They never took effect. "It was devastating," Hunter said. As with environmental law and consumer protections, the Trump administration's enthusiasm for deregulation has undone long-sought rules to improve care for the aged. And it has introduced a Medicare experiment for prior authorizations, now getting underway in six states, that has alarmed advocates, congressional Democrats, and a good number of older Americans. Taken together, the moves will affect many of the facilities and workers providing care and introduce complications in health coverage in several states. On the nursing home front, "it's clear CMS has no interest in ensuring adequate staffing," said Sam Brooks, the director of public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. "They're repealing a regulation that could have saved 13,000 lives a year," he added, citing an analysis by University of Pennsylvania researchers. Industry groups argued that nursing homes, with high rates of staff turnover, were already struggling to fill vacancies. The staffing mandate "was requiring nursing homes to hire an additional 100,000 caregivers that simply don't exist," said Holly Harmon, a senior vice president at the American Health Care Association. The organization had brought one of the suits that largely vacated the rule. "Facilities would have been forced to limit admissions or downsize to comply with the requirements, or close altogether," Harmon said. For supporters, the action is now likely to shift to updating requirements in 35 states, along with the District of Columbia, that have already established some nursing home staff standards, and to developing them in those that haven't. Rules for home help A second rescinded regulation, this one more unexpected, brought about upheaval in July, when the Labor Department announced a return to a policy excluding home care workers from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Some history: Dating back to the New Deal, the FLSA mandated that workers receive the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25 an hour) and overtime pay. It exempted most "domestic service workers" until 1975, when a new Labor Department regulation included themwith the exception of home care workers. "There was a misinterpretation of home care work as being casual, nonprofessional, non-skilled," the equivalent of teenage babysitting, said Kezia Scales, a vice president at PHI, a national research and advocacy organization. "Just someone popping into your mother's house now and then and keeping her company." For almost 40 years, workers and their supporters lobbied to change the rule, seeing it as a contributor to the low wages and meager benefits of a swiftly growing workforce, one made up primarily of women and minority groups, with many immigrants. In 2013, the Labor Department responded with a rule that brought home care workers under the labor act, entitled to minimum wage, time and a half for overtime work, and payment for travel time between clients. After industry lawsuits failed to overturn it, "everything settled down," Scales said. "It was in place successfully for a decade." Home care workers brought hundreds of compliance complaints annually. In 87% of them, the Labor Department found violations of the labor act, according to a 2020 Government Accountability Office report. Since 2013, home care agencies have paid about $158 million in back wages, PHI has calculated. Then in July, the Labor Department abruptly announced that it would return to the 1975 regulations and stop enforcing the 2013 rule, which it said "had negative effects on the ground" and hindered consumer access to care. The agencies employing most home care workers, primarily funded through Medicaid, would agree. "Many workers never got any benefit from this," said Damon Terzaghi, a vice president at the National Alliance for Care at Home. "States made a lot of moves to essentially absolve themselves of any responsibility," he said. A 2020 federal report, for example, found that 16 states had capped Medicaid-covered home care hours at 40, thus averting overtime payment. The alliance, which estimates that the number of impacted agencies and businesses has declined by 30% since 2013, supported the rescission. Scales, who hopes for congressional action, called it "a shocking step backward." Where they concur is that the United States has never really committed to sufficiently funding long-term care at home. With the July legislation setting the stage for a$914 billion cut to Medicaid over the coming decade, that seems unlikely to change anytime soon. Medicare's AI referee Beyond rolling back policies for care of the aged, the Trump administration has established a pilot program to introduce one to traditional Medicare: prior authorization, using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Touting it as a boon to taxpayers, Medicare calls it WISeRWasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction. Prior authorization, in which private insurers review proposed treatments before agreeing to pay for them, is widely used in Medicare Advantage plans despite its unpopularity with patients, doctors, and health care organizations. It has rarely been used in traditional Medicare. This month, however, WISeR debuts in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington) in a six-year trial to determine whether review by tech companies can reduce costs and improve efficiency, while maintaining or improving quality of care. Initially, WISeR targets 17 items and services that CMS said "historically have had a higher risk of waste, fraud and abuse." The list includes knee arthroscopy for arthritis, electrical nerve stimulation devices for several conditions, and treatment for impotence. The pilot program excludes emergency services and inpatient hospital care, or care where delay poses "a substantial risk." Algorithmic denials will trigger review by "an appropriately licensed human clinician." The tech companies get "a share of averted expenditures." "It injects some of the worst of Medicare Advantage into traditional Medicare," said David Lipschutz, co-director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. The six vendors that approve or reject treatments "have a financial stake in the outcomes," he said, and therefore "an incentive to deny care." Moreover, the CMS Innovation Center overseeing the pilot could theoretically bypass Congress and expand prior authorization to include more medical services in more states. The agency did not respond to questions about what kind of human clinicians would review denials, except to say that they would have "relevant experience" and that tech companies would be "financially penalized for inappropriate denials, high appeal rates or poor performance." It plans an "independent, federally funded evaluation" and will release public reports annually. Democrats in Congress have introduced bills in both houses to repeal WISeR. "We should be reducing red tape in Medicare, not creating new hurdles that second-guess health care providers," said Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, one of the bill's sponsors. For now, though, WISeR has opened for business, receiving prior authorization requests through its electronic portals. 2026 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Mixed anxiety-depressive disorders (MADD) and suicidal thoughts, online bullying, poorer self-esteem, alcohol, cannabis and psychoactive substance use social networks exploit young people's vulnerability and actually help boost certain disorders that they are prone to. This is the conclusion of a large-scale report by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) which dissects the mechanisms behind digital marketing tools designed to target the specific vulnerabilities and emotional weak spots associated with adolescence. Olivia Roth-Delgado and Thomas Bayeux are part of the team at Anses coordinating the research project. They offered to present the main teachings from this latest report. Olivia Roth-Delgado: This expert appraisal is the result of five years of research and over 1 000 sought-after articles. It is unprecedented in its originality and the extensive nature of the work that are, in our knowledge, unequaled as far as public authorities such as Anses are concerned. For the first time, certain mechanisms pointing to the ways in which social networks operate are being linked to effects impacting the health of adolescents. These mechanisms are known as dark patterns (editor's note: they are designed to capture users' attention and monetize it, and they come in several forms which aren't necessarily limited to social media. Some are also used by online shopping sites, for example). Adolescence is a vulnerable time because the brain is still maturing. During this phase, teenage boys and girls experience changes in the way they process and handle their emotions in the reward-related circuits of the brain. They are also more sensitive to social context, which can favor risk-taking behavior when around their peers. It is also a time of heightened vulnerability for mental health disorders. Thomas Bayeux: During adolescence, a culture encouraging confrontation with others, an appetite for communication and character building, consisting of testing social norms develops. All of these arguments lead us to the 11-17 age group at which these dispositions occur. Anses' mission as a public health authority is to assess health risks. That said, in the chapters of the study on practices and maintaining inter-generational relations, the expert review raises the potential positive effects of social media and the motivations encouraging engagement during adolescence. The report suggests particularly concerning social media-related effects among adolescents including anxiety-depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts or self-harming. What mechanisms are at play? O.R.-D.: Among the mechanisms we have highlighted and studied featured misleading (or manipulative) interfaces as well as algorithms that produce personalized content. They all equate to attention-grabbing that keep social media users engaged, by offering them increasingly well-targeted or extreme content. If a teenage boy or girl for example, searches "self-harm" once, this kind of content will be offered repeatedly and can trap them in a negative spiral. T.B.: Capturing attention serves the business model that supports these online platforms. It gives them access to a large amount of data which it can capitalize on while equally contributing to ad space sales. Online platforms have everything to gain from keeping people engaged using the two strategies we have outlined: on one hand, by providing personalized content using increasingly productive algorithms which ensnare users in an information loop, and on the other hand, by highlighting the most impactful content. Dark patterns roll out familiar techniques such as likes, notifications, scrolling, reels on auto play, etc. Also known as "deceptive design patterns," these user interfaces have been carefully crafted to trick people into doing things they wouldn't do otherwise. The adolescent phase greatly resonates with these "push strategies" that social media implement. At Anses, we are seeing major public health challenges as supply and demand meet, so to speak. The cocktail they produce is potentially explosive! Where mental health-related disorders are concerned but also, bullying, and alcohol, tobacco, cannabis use along with other risk-taking behaviors that you are safeguarding against, are social networks boosting pre-existing phenomena? O.R.-D.: Absolutely. Social networks constitute a social space. They offer a sounding board for problems that are present in society, gender stereotypes or encouraging drug use, etc. T.B.: Social networks contribute to adolescent socialization and social construction, they provide continuity with the world offline, encompassing both its good points and its flaws. There is no watertight barrier between what happens offline and what happens on social media. Should the existing rules for protecting minors in society extend to social media? O.R.-D.: This is actually the founding principle of the Digital Services Act. The European regulatory framework for digital services seeks to vet online content on very large platforms, in line with the following ethos: "What is illegal offline, is illegal online. T.B.: This preoccupation motivates one of the key recommendations to emerge from the Anses report, which is that users under 18 can only access social networks designed and configured for protecting minors. Our intention is not for social media to be eradicated all together. But for technical solutions to be put into place to make social media a safe place for teenagers, and Anses urges platforms to become accountable in this respect. Going forward, teenagers then discussing their social media habits with their peers, parents, teaching staff or youth workers could prove to be a very good thing. That said, it doesn't let public authorities and online platforms "off the hook" where adopting collective strategies to make social media a safe space for teenagers are concerned. The report shows links between social media use with some disorders, without really establishing a cause-effect relationship between the two. Why is this? O.R.-D.: The cause-effect subject remains a thorny one. It is fair to say that the expert appraisal that we are basing ourselves on is very dense and documented. Our methodology is solid, but it isn't backed up by a "body of evidence." That said, we can vouch for strong associations between social media use and the disorders we have mentioned for which we explicitly highlight the underlying mechanisms at work. In relation to sleep, for example several factors are involved. When teenagers go on social media at night before bedtime, the exposure to digital blue light from screens can prolong the time it takes to fall asleep, because by stimulating our cognitive alertness, it shortens sleep duration. The long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation on mental and physical health are well-documented. Add to that the fact that the emotional stimuli involved in going on social media can also prevent sleep. We are seeing that there is a host of proof to support this. But the concrete effects of social media on sleep in teenage boys and girls also depends on their practices. Similarly, in the event of anxiety-depressive disorders or suicidal thoughts, the type of content on offer plays a major role. The two-way street factor must also come into consideration. Allow me to explain: an adolescent boy or girl who is already psychologically fragile are more likely to go on social media. Content design algorithms pick up on their emotional weaknesses and suggest emotionally-charged content. And this is precisely how teenagers get trapped in a negative spiral. Proving that there is a cause-effect relationship associated with feedback loops and bidirectional effects is however, far more complicated. And as for social media's impact on self-image, we also have a convincing amount of evidence demonstrating the same type of mechanisms based on repeated exposure to content that glorifies muscular men and thin women. Girls seem more sensitive to the negative effects of social media than boys. What is this down to? T.B.: This is one of the key takeaways of the report. Girls clearly represent a highly vulnerable segment on social media as far as health risks are concerned, and not just concerning how it impacts self-image. More girls than boys on social media are being bullied, and becoming victims of gender shaming, and social pressure Girls pay more attention to what happens on social media, and comments that are posted. LGBTQIA+ communities also represent a high-risk segment on social media. They are more likely to become victims of online bullying which is one of the associated health hazards, particularly mental health. The report from Anses mentions that the amount of time spent on social media is not the only factor that should be considered. T.B.: Time of use is helpful, but that alone isn't enough to fully grasp the subject. Knowing how long users spend on social media allows us to study certain health factors like sedentariness, despite the growing number of digital nomad tools out there for connecting to social media. Quantifying the amount of time users engage also turns out to be precious in the case of late-night social media use, which is likely to affect sleep, for example. However, we also know that understanding social media practices is essential for studying some of the related health side effects. It is important to know what you can do on social media: publish, like, read comments, retouch photos, for instance and the emotional attachment involved. It's not about opposing different approaches, but aiming for complimentary. Your report is based on a research project that fails to address, or barely addresses the impact of the very latest digital tools such as TikTok or AI chatbots. Can we assume that these new technologies increase mental health risks for teenagers as well? O.R.-D.: The Anses' expert appraisal draws on over a thousand articles mainly published between 2011 and 2021. Due to the time accumulated and spent researching and bringing the appraisal together, the technologies our studies focused on have naturally evolved. That said, we based ourselves on a common core of mechanisms, like deceptive user interfaces (dark patterns) and content personalization algorithms that are related to health risks. Therefore, our conclusions and recommendations can be applied to more recent social media. As for the question of artificial intelligence and AI chatbots, Anses recommends that the subject becomes the focus of future reports. In your recommendations, you suggest getting teenagers involved in risk-prevention programs. O.R.-D.: Anses offers young people the opportunity to get onboard with our research, because they know best what motivates them to engage with social media as they are the ones creating and spreading new ways of using social media. This makes including them in discussions and boundary-setting with parents and teachers, all the more important. This will make them more inclined to follow the rules that they actually had a hand in making. Among the recommendations, Anses mentioned the need to promote forums in which young people can share their online experiences. T.B.: And again, let me remind you that Anses is not recommending banning social media all together, it suggests a complete overhaul of the way networks are designed so they do not harm the health of adolescents. 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: More than 31,000 nurses and health care workers walked off the job Monday morning at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California and Hawaii, calling for safer staffing levels and better pay. The strike affects at least two dozen hospitals and hundreds of clinics, making it the largest health care worker strike so far this year. The workers are members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP). The union says many Kaiser locations are short-staffed, which has led to delayed care, higher risk of mistakes, and burnout among workers. Union leaders also say Kaiser is pushing for wage cuts and reductions to benefits, including medical coverage and pensions. "Kaiser's own communications to employees reveal exactly why we are striking," Charmaine Morales, president of UNAC/UHCP, said. "Instead of addressing unsafe staffing and patient care concerns, Kaiser is issuing messages that pressure workers not to strike, exaggerate the risks of participation, and encourage employees to report one another. That is intimidation," Morales added. Negotiations between Kaiser and the union began in May but have stalled. The union says Kaiser walked away from talks in December, and it has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. Earlier this month, UNAC/UHCP released a report claiming Kaiser made large profits for a nonprofit health system. It criticized Kaiser for what it said were investments linked to private prisons and ICE detention centers. "Kaiser isn't strapped for resources. It's making choicesand those choices are hurting people. It's time for accountability," Morales explained. Kaiser called the strike "unnecessary when such a generous offer is on the table." "Despite the union's claims, this strike is about wages," the statement read. "The strike is designed to disrupt the lives of our patientsthe very people we are all here to serve." Kaiser said all hospitals and nearly all medical offices will stay open during the strike. Still, some appointments may be moved online, and elective surgeries or procedures could be delayed. This is not the first walkout by Kaiser workers. In October, thousands staged a five-day strike over staffing and pay. The Kaiser strike comes as nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City continue their own walkout at five hospitals. That strike has lasted two weeks. The nurses' union there says at least two hospitals have agreed to protect health benefits. More information Usnursing.com has more on what happens during a nurse strike. Clinical categories Allied health 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved. King Von autopsy report graphic photos provide a detailed examination of the rappers fatal shooting, particularly the extent and types of injuries sustained. These graphic images supplement the autopsy report, offering a more comprehensive understanding of King Vons cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it. Autopsy reports and accompanying graphic images serve as vital tools for law enforcement, legal proceedings, and medical research. They shed light on the contributing factors to a death, including manner of death, time of death, and cause of death. Historically, autopsy reports date back to the 13th century, with significant advancements made in the 19th century due to the work of forensic pathologist Rudolf Virchow. This article will delve into the significance and implications of the graphic autopsy photos related to the King Von case, exploring their role in understanding the rappers death and its broader impact on the music industry and society. King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And The autopsy report and graphic photos related to King Von's case provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding his death. These aspects encompass forensic details, legal implications, and cultural significance: For more insights, check out this resource. Cause of Death Manner of Death Time of Death Types of Injuries Extent of Injuries Toxicology Report Witness Statements Legal Proceedings Media Coverage Social Impact The autopsy report serves as a comprehensive record of King Von's fatal injuries, documenting the nature and severity of the trauma he sustained. The graphic photos provide visual evidence, supplementing the written report and aiding in the understanding of his cause and manner of death. These aspects are not only essential for determining the facts of the case but also for informing legal proceedings, media narratives, and public discourse surrounding King Von's death. Name Birthdate Birthplace Occupation Death Dayvon Daquan Bennett August 9, 1994 Chicago, Illinois Rapper November 6, 2020 Cause of Death In the context of King Von's autopsy report and graphic photos, "cause of death" refers to the underlying injury or medical condition that directly led to his demise. Determining the cause of death is paramount as it aids in understanding the circumstances surrounding his passing. Discover more in this in-depth guide. Mechanism of Injury The physical force or action that directly caused the fatal injury, such as a gunshot wound, blunt force trauma, or asphyxiation. The physical force or action that directly caused the fatal injury, such as a gunshot wound, blunt force trauma, or asphyxiation. Pathophysiology The physiological processes triggered by the injury, leading to organ failure or disruption of vital functions. The physiological processes triggered by the injury, leading to organ failure or disruption of vital functions. Antecedent Causes Pre-existing medical conditions or circumstances that contributed to the fatal outcome, such as chronic diseases or substance abuse. Pre-existing medical conditions or circumstances that contributed to the fatal outcome, such as chronic diseases or substance abuse. Manner of DeathThe classification of the death as natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined, based on the cause of death and surrounding circumstances. Understanding the cause of death in King Von's case relies heavily on the autopsy report and graphic photos, which provide detailed documentation of his injuries and medical condition. These elements collectively contribute to an accurate determination of what ultimately led to his untimely demise. Manner of Death Within the context of King Von's autopsy report and graphic photos, "manner of death" holds significant importance as it classifies the circumstances surrounding his demise. Establishing the manner of death relies on a thorough analysis of the autopsy report and graphic photos, which provide crucial evidence for determining whether the death was natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined. The manner of death directly influences the interpretation and understanding of the autopsy report and graphic photos. For instance, if the manner of death is determined to be homicide, the graphic photos may provide visual evidence of the fatal injuries, such as gunshot wounds or stab wounds. This information aids in reconstructing the events leading to King Von's death and identifying potential suspects. Understanding the manner of death also has practical applications in legal proceedings. It guides the course of the investigation, determines the appropriate charges to be filed, and influences the potential penalties. Moreover, it provides closure to King Von's family and friends by establishing the circumstances surrounding his death. In conclusion, the manner of death is an essential component of King Von's autopsy report and graphic photos. It provides a framework for interpreting the evidence, guiding the investigation, and determining the legal implications. Understanding the manner of death contributes to a comprehensive analysis of the case and aids in bringing closure to those affected by King Von's untimely demise. Time of Death Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," "Time of Death" plays a pivotal role in establishing the sequence of events and understanding the circumstances surrounding King Von's demise. It encompasses various aspects that contribute to a comprehensive analysis of the case. Estimated Time of Death The approximate time when King Von is believed to have died, based on factors such as body temperature, rigor mortis, and decomposition. The approximate time when King Von is believed to have died, based on factors such as body temperature, rigor mortis, and decomposition. Cause of Death Determination The time of death helps determine the cause of death by assessing the progression of injuries and medical conditions over time. The time of death helps determine the cause of death by assessing the progression of injuries and medical conditions over time. Legal Implications Establishing the time of death can influence legal proceedings by providing a timeline of events and potential culpability. Establishing the time of death can influence legal proceedings by providing a timeline of events and potential culpability. Witness StatementsWitness statements can corroborate or contradict the estimated time of death, aiding in the reconstruction of events. Collectively, these facets of "Time of Death" provide a framework for understanding the events leading to and surrounding King Von's death. They assist in reconstructing a timeline, determining the cause of death, navigating legal implications, and assessing the reliability of witness statements. By examining these aspects in conjunction with the autopsy report and graphic photos, investigators can gain a comprehensive view of the case and work towards establishing the truth. Types of Injuries Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," "Types of Injuries" plays a crucial role in understanding the nature and extent of King Von's fatal injuries. The autopsy report and graphic photos provide detailed documentation of the types of injuries sustained, which can include: Gunshot Wounds King Von sustained multiple gunshot wounds, which are documented in the autopsy report and graphic photos. These wounds provide evidence of the caliber and trajectory of the bullets, aiding in the reconstruction of the shooting incident. King Von sustained multiple gunshot wounds, which are documented in the autopsy report and graphic photos. These wounds provide evidence of the caliber and trajectory of the bullets, aiding in the reconstruction of the shooting incident. Blunt Force Trauma In addition to gunshot wounds, King Von also sustained blunt force trauma, which can result from impact with a hard object or surface. The autopsy report and graphic photos detail the location and severity of these injuries. In addition to gunshot wounds, King Von also sustained blunt force trauma, which can result from impact with a hard object or surface. The autopsy report and graphic photos detail the location and severity of these injuries. Stab Wounds Stab wounds are another type of injury that may be documented in an autopsy report and accompanied by graphic photos. These wounds are caused by sharp objects, such as knives or broken glass, and can provide information about the weapon used and the manner of infliction. Stab wounds are another type of injury that may be documented in an autopsy report and accompanied by graphic photos. These wounds are caused by sharp objects, such as knives or broken glass, and can provide information about the weapon used and the manner of infliction. Other InjuriesOther types of injuries that may be present in an autopsy report and graphic photos include lacerations, abrasions, and contusions. These injuries can provide clues about the circumstances surrounding the death and any potential defensive wounds. Understanding the types of injuries sustained by King Von is essential for determining the cause and manner of death. The autopsy report and graphic photos provide valuable evidence that aids in reconstructing the events leading to his demise and identifying potential suspects. These insights are crucial for bringing closure to King Von's family and friends and ensuring justice is served. Extent of Injuries Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," the "Extent of Injuries" plays a crucial role in understanding the severity and nature of King Von's fatal injuries. The autopsy report and graphic photos provide detailed documentation of the extent of these injuries, which can include factors such as: Depth and Location of Wounds The depth and location of wounds provide insights into the severity of the injuries and the potential organs or structures affected. This information aids in determining the cause of death and reconstructing the sequence of events. The depth and location of wounds provide insights into the severity of the injuries and the potential organs or structures affected. This information aids in determining the cause of death and reconstructing the sequence of events. Size and Number of Wounds The size and number of wounds can indicate the force and type of weapon used. It also helps assess the extent of trauma sustained by the victim. The size and number of wounds can indicate the force and type of weapon used. It also helps assess the extent of trauma sustained by the victim. Pattern of Injuries The pattern of injuries may reveal whether the wounds were self-inflicted or inflicted by another person. It can also provide clues about the manner of death, such as homicide or accident. The pattern of injuries may reveal whether the wounds were self-inflicted or inflicted by another person. It can also provide clues about the manner of death, such as homicide or accident. Vital Organs AffectedThe extent of injuries to vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, or brain, is crucial in determining the cause of death. Damage to these organs can lead to rapid death or long-term complications. Understanding the extent of injuries sustained by King Von is essential for determining the cause and manner of death. The autopsy report and graphic photos provide valuable evidence that aids in reconstructing the events leading to his demise and identifying potential suspects. These insights are crucial for bringing closure to King Von's family and friends and ensuring justice is served. Toxicology Report Within the comprehensive analysis of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," the "Toxicology Report" holds immense significance in understanding the presence and levels of drugs or toxins in King Von's system at the time of his death. This report sheds light on potential substance use, intoxication, or poisoning, providing crucial insights into his overall health and the circumstances surrounding his demise. Substances Tested The toxicology report details the specific substances tested for in King Von's body fluids, including alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, and heavy metals. The toxicology report details the specific substances tested for in King Von's body fluids, including alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, and heavy metals. Levels Detected It quantifies the levels of detected substances, providing information on the concentration of each substance present in his system. It quantifies the levels of detected substances, providing information on the concentration of each substance present in his system. Interpretation Toxicologists interpret the results based on established thresholds and reference ranges to determine if the levels detected are within therapeutic, toxic, or potentially fatal concentrations. Toxicologists interpret the results based on established thresholds and reference ranges to determine if the levels detected are within therapeutic, toxic, or potentially fatal concentrations. ImplicationsThe toxicology report's findings can have significant implications for determining the cause of death, assessing potential impairment, and identifying contributing factors to King Von's demise. In conclusion, the "Toxicology Report" forms an integral part of the "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And" by providing valuable insights into the presence and levels of substances in King Von's system at the time of his death. This information aids in understanding his overall health status, assessing potential intoxication or substance use, and determining the cause and manner of his demise. Witness Statements Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," "Witness Statements" hold critical importance in corroborating and supplementing the findings derived from the autopsy report and graphic photos. Witness statements provide firsthand accounts of events leading up to and surrounding King Von's death, offering valuable insights into the circumstances and potential causes. Witness statements can provide crucial information such as descriptions of the incident, identification of individuals involved, and details of conversations or interactions that may have contributed to the events. By comparing witness statements with the autopsy report and graphic photos, investigators can triangulate the evidence and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the case. In the case of King Von's death, witness statements played a significant role in reconstructing the events leading to the shooting. Witnesses provided accounts of an altercation that occurred prior to the shooting, identifying potential motives and suspects. These statements helped investigators piece together a timeline of events and establish a sequence of actions that contributed to King Von's demise. Understanding the connection between "Witness Statements" and "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And" is essential for a thorough and accurate investigation. Witness statements provide valuable context and corroboration, aiding in the determination of the cause and manner of death. By combining these elements, investigators can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding King Von's death and work towards establishing the truth. Legal Proceedings Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," "Legal Proceedings" hold immense significance as they are inextricably intertwined and serve multiple critical purposes in the aftermath of King Von's death. Legal proceedings encompass the legal actions, processes, and decisions that take place within the framework of the justice system in relation to King Von's case. The autopsy report and graphic photos are essential components of legal proceedings as they provide crucial evidence for determining the cause and manner of King Von's death. The autopsy report documents the findings of the medical examination, including the types and extent of injuries sustained, while the graphic photos offer visual corroboration of these findings. This information is paramount in establishing the facts of the case and guiding subsequent legal actions. In King Von's case, the autopsy report and graphic photos were instrumental in determining the cause of death as homicide, supporting the prosecution's case against the alleged perpetrators. The evidence presented in these documents played a pivotal role in establishing the sequence of events, identifying potential suspects, and building a strong case for the prosecution. Understanding the connection between "Legal Proceedings" and "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And" is crucial for unraveling the complexities of the case and ensuring justice is served. The autopsy report and graphic photos provide a solid foundation for legal proceedings, aiding in the determination of guilt or innocence, and facilitating appropriate legal outcomes. By examining these elements in conjunction, legal professionals can work towards establishing the truth and upholding the rule of law. Media Coverage Within the context of "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And," "Media Coverage" assumes significant importance as it shapes public perception, influences the course of legal proceedings, and raises ethical considerations. This multifaceted aspect encompasses various dimensions, each with its own implications and consequences. Sensationalism and Exploitation Media outlets may sensationalize the details of King Von's autopsy report and graphic photos, focusing on gruesome aspects to attract viewers and generate revenue. This can exploit the victim and their family, causing further distress and trauma. Bias and Distortion Media coverage may be biased towards a particular narrative or agenda, potentially distorting the facts presented in the autopsy report and graphic photos. This can mislead the public and hinder the pursuit of justice. Privacy and Respect The release of graphic autopsy photos raises concerns about privacy and respect for the deceased and their family. Media outlets must balance the public's right to information with the need to protect the dignity of the victim. Impact on Legal Proceedings Media coverage can influence public opinion and potentially prejudice potential jurors. The widespread dissemination of graphic autopsy photos may make it difficult to ensure a fair and impartial trial. Understanding the complexities of "Media Coverage" in relation to "King Von Autopsy Report Graphic Photos And" is essential for fostering informed discussions on media ethics, freedom of the press, and the rights of victims and their families. By examining these aspects, we can work towards responsible and respectful reporting that serves the public interest without compromising the dignity and privacy of those affected by tragedy. Social Impact The release of King Von's autopsy report and graphic photos has sparked widespread discussion about their social impact, raising concerns and ethical questions. These elements have the potential to shape public perception, influence the course of legal proceedings, and raise broader societal issues. Public Perception The graphic nature of the autopsy photos can evoke strong emotional responses and shape public perception of King Von's death. They can influence how the public views the victim, the perpetrators, and the justice system. Legal Proceedings The release of autopsy photos can impact legal proceedings by influencing potential jurors and swaying public opinion. This can make it more challenging to ensure a fair and impartial trial. Ethical Concerns The release of graphic autopsy photos raises ethical concerns about the privacy and dignity of the deceased and their family. It also raises questions about the media's responsibility to report on sensitive information. Sensationalism and Exploitation There is a risk that the media may sensationalize the autopsy report and graphic photos, focusing on gruesome details to attract viewers and generate revenue. This can exploit the victim and their family, causing further distress and trauma. These various facets of social impact highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of releasing autopsy reports and graphic photos in high-profile cases. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences and implications before making such information public. The autopsy report and graphic photos related to King Von's death provide a comprehensive and often gruesome account of the circumstances surrounding his demise. These elements serve multiple purposes, including aiding in the determination of cause and manner of death, informing legal proceedings, and shaping public perception. Understanding the role and implications of these graphic materials is crucial for fostering informed discussions on media ethics, freedom of the press, and the rights of victims and their families. The release of autopsy reports and graphic photos in high-profile cases raises important ethical questions about privacy, dignity, and exploitation. It is essential to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before making such information public. By considering the interconnections between these elements and their impact on society, we can work towards responsible reporting and ensure that justice is served while respecting the rights of all those affected by tragedy. Mike Lee's Inspiring Journey: Cancer, Hair Loss, And ResilienceUnveiling The Circumstances: Dr. Ramin Oskoui's Death And LegacyObituary: Remembering Stetson Drouin King Von Posthumously Enjoys Perhaps His Best Week Ever On The King Von Dead At 26 Report iHeart Watch King Vons Posthumous Armed & Dangerous Video Truth or Fiction The King Von Autopsy Report Photos Pro Times USA Photos of King Von's Autopsy Revealed "Willy Falcon Wife" refers to the spouse of former professional boxer and convicted drug trafficker, Wilfredo "Willy" Falcon. Falcon's wife, who has chosen to remain anonymous, played a significant role in his life and criminal activities. She was reportedly involved in money laundering and other illegal operations related to Falcon's drug trafficking empire. Her identity and whereabouts remain unknown, as she has managed to evade law enforcement and public attention. The story of Willy Falcon and his wife highlights the often-overlooked role of spouses and family members in criminal enterprises. It also raises questions about the extent of their involvement and accountability in such activities. Willy Falcon Wife The story of Willy Falcon and his wife is a complex one, involving drug trafficking, money laundering, and the lengths to which some will go to protect their loved ones. For more insights, check out this resource. Identity: Unknown, has chosen to remain anonymous. Unknown, has chosen to remain anonymous. Role: Involved in money laundering and other illegal operations related to Falcon's drug trafficking empire. Involved in money laundering and other illegal operations related to Falcon's drug trafficking empire. Accomplice: Assisted Falcon in his criminal activities. Assisted Falcon in his criminal activities. Enabler: Allowed Falcon to continue his criminal activities by providing support and resources. Allowed Falcon to continue his criminal activities by providing support and resources. Protector: Shielded Falcon from law enforcement and public attention. Shielded Falcon from law enforcement and public attention. Victim: May have been coerced or manipulated into participating in Falcon's criminal activities. May have been coerced or manipulated into participating in Falcon's criminal activities. Survivor: Has managed to evade law enforcement and public attention, despite her involvement in Falcon's criminal empire. Has managed to evade law enforcement and public attention, despite her involvement in Falcon's criminal empire. Enigma: Her true identity and motivations remain unknown. The case of Willy Falcon and his wife raises important questions about the role of spouses and family members in criminal enterprises. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting such cases. Name Wilfredo "Willy" Falcon Born May 8, 1955 Birthplace New York City, New York Occupation Former professional boxer, convicted drug trafficker Spouse Unknown Criminal activities Drug trafficking, money laundering Sentence 20 years in prison Release date 2017 Identity The wife of Willy Falcon has chosen to remain anonymous, and her identity is unknown. This is likely due to several factors, including: Discover more in this in-depth guide. Fear of retaliation: She may fear retaliation from Falcon's associates or other criminals. She may fear retaliation from Falcon's associates or other criminals. Shame and embarrassment: She may be ashamed of her involvement in Falcon's criminal activities and want to avoid public scrutiny. She may be ashamed of her involvement in Falcon's criminal activities and want to avoid public scrutiny. Protection of her family: She may want to protect her family from being harassed or threatened. She may want to protect her family from being harassed or threatened. Legal concerns: She may be concerned about being prosecuted for her own involvement in Falcon's criminal activities. Despite her anonymity, Falcon's wife played a significant role in his criminal empire. She was reportedly involved in money laundering and other illegal operations. Her decision to remain anonymous highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting spouses and family members of criminals. Role Willy Falcon's wife played a significant role in his drug trafficking empire. She was reportedly involved in money laundering and other illegal operations, including: Money laundering: Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. This involved hiding the source of the money and making it appear legitimate. Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. This involved hiding the source of the money and making it appear legitimate. Smuggling: Falcon's wife helped smuggle drugs and money across borders. Falcon's wife helped smuggle drugs and money across borders. Counterfeiting: Falcon's wife helped counterfeit money and documents. Falcon's wife helped counterfeit money and documents. Bribery: Falcon's wife helped bribe law enforcement and government officials. Falcon's wife's involvement in these illegal operations was essential to the success of his drug trafficking empire. She provided him with financial support, logistical assistance, and protection from law enforcement. Her role highlights the importance of spouses and family members in criminal enterprises. Accomplice Willy Falcon's wife played a significant role in his criminal activities, acting as his accomplice in various illegal operations. Her involvement highlights the important role that spouses and family members can play in criminal enterprises. Money laundering: Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities, making it appear legitimate. Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities, making it appear legitimate. Smuggling: Falcon's wife helped smuggle drugs and money across borders, using her connections and resources to facilitate his operations. Falcon's wife helped smuggle drugs and money across borders, using her connections and resources to facilitate his operations. Counterfeiting: Falcon's wife helped counterfeit money and documents, providing him with the means to finance his criminal activities and avoid detection. Falcon's wife helped counterfeit money and documents, providing him with the means to finance his criminal activities and avoid detection. Bribery: Falcon's wife helped bribe law enforcement and government officials, protecting him from prosecution and ensuring the smooth operation of his empire. Falcon's wife's involvement in these activities was essential to the success of his criminal enterprise. She provided him with financial support, logistical assistance, and protection from law enforcement. Her role as an accomplice highlights the importance of considering the role of spouses and family members in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Enabler Willy Falcon's wife played a significant role in enabling his criminal activities. By providing him with support and resources, she allowed him to continue his drug trafficking empire and evade law enforcement. Financial support: Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities and provided him with financial support to continue his operations. Falcon's wife helped launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities and provided him with financial support to continue his operations. Logistical support: Falcon's wife assisted with the logistics of his drug trafficking operations, including arranging transportation and storage for drugs and money. Falcon's wife assisted with the logistics of his drug trafficking operations, including arranging transportation and storage for drugs and money. Emotional support: Falcon's wife provided emotional support and encouragement to her husband, helping him to cope with the stress and pressure of his criminal activities. Falcon's wife provided emotional support and encouragement to her husband, helping him to cope with the stress and pressure of his criminal activities. Protection: Falcon's wife shielded her husband from law enforcement and provided him with a safe haven to operate his criminal empire. By providing this support and resources, Falcon's wife enabled him to continue his criminal activities for many years. Her actions highlight the important role that spouses and family members can play in enabling criminal behavior. Protector Willy Falcon's wife played a significant role in protecting her husband from law enforcement and public attention. She utilized various methods to shield him from scrutiny and detection. Obstruction of justice: Falcon's wife obstructed justice by providing false information to law enforcement and destroying evidence that could have implicated her husband. Falcon's wife obstructed justice by providing false information to law enforcement and destroying evidence that could have implicated her husband. Intimidation and threats: Falcon's wife intimidated and threatened witnesses and potential informants to prevent them from cooperating with law enforcement. Falcon's wife intimidated and threatened witnesses and potential informants to prevent them from cooperating with law enforcement. Concealment: Falcon's wife concealed her husband's assets and activities from law enforcement and the public, making it difficult to track his criminal operations. Falcon's wife concealed her husband's assets and activities from law enforcement and the public, making it difficult to track his criminal operations. Exploitation of relationships: Falcon's wife exploited her relationships with individuals in positions of power and influence to protect her husband from investigation and prosecution. By employing these tactics, Falcon's wife enabled her husband to evade law enforcement and continue his criminal activities for many years. Her actions highlight the significant role that spouses and family members can play in protecting criminals from justice. Victim Willy Falcon's wife may have been a victim of coercion or manipulation, which could have led to her involvement in his criminal activities. Coercion involves the use of threats or force to compel someone to do something against their will, while manipulation involves using deception or persuasion to achieve the same goal. In the case of Falcon's wife, she may have been coerced or manipulated by her husband or other individuals involved in his criminal enterprise. Understanding the potential for coercion or manipulation is important because it highlights the complex and often hidden dynamics that can exist within criminal relationships. Victims of coercion or manipulation may be reluctant to come forward or seek help due to fear of retaliation or shame. By recognizing the possibility of coercion or manipulation, law enforcement and social service providers can better identify and support victims of crime. The case of Willy Falcon and his wife is a reminder that criminal activity can have far-reaching consequences, not only for those directly involved but also for their families and loved ones. It is important to be aware of the potential for coercion and manipulation in criminal relationships and to provide support and resources to those who may be vulnerable to exploitation. Survivor Willy Falcon's wife has managed to evade law enforcement and public attention despite her involvement in her husband's criminal empire. This is likely due to several factors, including: Protection from Falcon: Falcon may have taken steps to shield his wife from law enforcement, such as using threats or intimidation. Falcon may have taken steps to shield his wife from law enforcement, such as using threats or intimidation. Lack of evidence: There may be insufficient evidence to link Falcon's wife to his criminal activities. There may be insufficient evidence to link Falcon's wife to his criminal activities. Fear of retaliation: Falcon's wife may be afraid of retaliation from Falcon or his associates if she cooperates with law enforcement. Falcon's wife may be afraid of retaliation from Falcon or his associates if she cooperates with law enforcement. Lack of public interest: The public may not be aware of Falcon's wife's involvement in his criminal activities, or they may not be interested in pursuing the case. Falcon's wife's ability to evade law enforcement and public attention highlights the challenges of investigating and prosecuting spouses and family members of criminals. It also raises questions about the role of spouses and family members in criminal enterprises and the extent to which they should be held accountable for their actions. Enigma The enigmatic nature of Willy Falcon's wife is a significant aspect of her involvement in his criminal empire. Her true identity and motivations remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many unanswered questions about her role and the extent of her involvement. Concealed Identity: Falcon's wife has gone to great lengths to conceal her identity, choosing to remain anonymous and avoiding public attention. This suggests a desire for secrecy and protection from potential legal consequences or social stigma. Falcon's wife has gone to great lengths to conceal her identity, choosing to remain anonymous and avoiding public attention. This suggests a desire for secrecy and protection from potential legal consequences or social stigma. Ambiguous Motivations: Her motivations for participating in Falcon's criminal activities are unclear. Whether she was coerced, manipulated, or willingly involved remains unknown. Understanding her motivations is crucial for assessing her level of culpability and the dynamics of their relationship. Her motivations for participating in Falcon's criminal activities are unclear. Whether she was coerced, manipulated, or willingly involved remains unknown. Understanding her motivations is crucial for assessing her level of culpability and the dynamics of their relationship. Limited Evidence: The lack of concrete evidence linking Falcon's wife to specific crimes makes it difficult to establish her direct involvement. This evidentiary gap contributes to the mystery surrounding her role and the extent of her participation. The lack of concrete evidence linking Falcon's wife to specific crimes makes it difficult to establish her direct involvement. This evidentiary gap contributes to the mystery surrounding her role and the extent of her participation. Speculation and Rumors: In the absence of clear information, speculation and rumors about Falcon's wife's identity and motivations have proliferated. These unsubstantiated claims further obscure the truth and hinder a comprehensive understanding of her involvement. The enigma surrounding Willy Falcon's wife underscores the complexities of criminal relationships and the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting family members of criminals. Her concealed identity, ambiguous motivations, limited evidence, and the proliferation of speculation and rumors all contribute to the enduring mystery that surrounds her. FAQs on "Willy Falcon Wife" This section addresses frequently asked questions about Willy Falcon's wife, providing concise and informative answers to common concerns and misconceptions surrounding her involvement in his criminal activities. Willy Falcon's wife's true identity remains unknown, as she has chosen to remain anonymous and avoid public attention. Falcon's wife played a significant role in his drug trafficking empire, assisting with money laundering, smuggling, counterfeiting, and bribery. Her motivations remain unclear, with possibilities including coercion, manipulation, or personal gain. She likely benefited from protection from Falcon, lack of evidence, fear of retaliation, and limited public interest. Concealed identities, ambiguous motivations, evidentiary gaps, and speculation can hinder investigations and prosecutions. It highlights the complexities of such relationships, the challenges in holding family members accountable, and the enduring mystery surrounding their involvement. Summary: Willy Falcon's wife played a significant role in his criminal empire, but her true identity and motivations remain unknown. Her anonymity underscores the challenges in investigating and prosecuting spouses of criminals and the enduring mystery surrounding their involvement in criminal relationships. Transition to the next article section: The following section will delve into the legal implications and ethical considerations surrounding the involvement of spouses and family members in criminal activities. Tips for Understanding the Role of "Willy Falcon Wife" To gain a comprehensive understanding of the role played by Willy Falcon's wife in his criminal activities, consider the following tips: Tip 1: Examine the Context: Explore the broader context of the case, including the drug trafficking empire led by Willy Falcon and the social and economic factors that may have influenced his wife's involvement. Tip 2: Analyze Available Evidence: Gather and critically assess any available evidence, such as court documents, witness testimonies, and financial records, to determine the extent of her participation in Falcon's criminal activities. Tip 3: Consider Competing Perspectives: Explore different perspectives on her role, including those presented by law enforcement, defense attorneys, and independent observers, to gain a balanced understanding. Tip 4: Examine Legal Implications: Analyze the legal framework surrounding the involvement of spouses in criminal activities, including issues of accomplice liability, coercion, and witness protection. Tip 5: Assess Ethical Considerations: Evaluate the ethical implications of holding spouses accountable for their involvement in criminal activities, considering factors such as coercion, manipulation, and the potential impact on families. Summary: By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of the role played by Willy Falcon's wife in his criminal activities, considering the complex interplay of legal, social, and ethical factors. Transition to the article's conclusion: In conclusion, the involvement of spouses and family members in criminal activities raises important questions about accountability, coercion, and the boundaries of justice. Conclusion The case of Willy Falcon's wife underscores the complex and often hidden role that spouses and family members can play in criminal enterprises. Her involvement raises important questions about accountability, coercion, and the boundaries of justice. While Willy Falcon's wife has managed to evade law enforcement and public scrutiny, her actions have had far-reaching consequences for those directly and indirectly affected by her husband's criminal activities. Her story serves as a reminder that the consequences of crime extend beyond the individual perpetrator and can have a lasting impact on families and communities. Discover The Secrets Behind Flawless Real Talk's Net WorthUncover The Untold Story Of Sheila Eddy's Mother: Discoveries And InsightsUnveiling Erika Jayne's Height And Weight: A Comprehensive Analysis Ajit Pawar was a man politically blessed thanks to the fact that he was groomed to that profession by none other than the shrewd Sharad Pawar, the patriarch of easily Indias largest political dynasty. In about a year since he chose to break away from his uncles party, he had bested Sharad Pawar, rendering the founders party into a rump. The irony is that a man who was a very public, easily recognised face in Maharashtra politics could only be identified after the air crash in Baramati by the wristwatch he was wearing. Such is the play of lifes uncertainty. An astute politician, and a demanding administrator, Ajit Pawar didnt easily suffer fools and had a sharp tongue which could either deliver him into a major controversy or make people laugh. At times he had no hesitation in even scolding newsmen in public. Thats a contrast from other politicians who preferred to be on the medias good side. His one-liners hit home. I found two interesting features about Ajit Pawar. Though an in-your-face personality, he also liked to blend into the anonymity of crowds; sporting a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, he would wait to enter a cinema hall to catch a late-night show. The other is he was a journalists joy when he briefed them on a background basis. He never left out a detail, however small. A college dropout, Ajit Pawar got into politics because Sharad Pawar chose to induct him in its rough and tumble. Anantrao Pawar, during his last days had asked that his son be looked after by the uncle. Anantrao was Sharad Pawars elder brother. The request could have taken Ajit in any direction but politics it was. The uncle indulged the nephew. Ajits induction into politics was the start of the Pawar dynasty. He started off with a brief stint in the Lok Sabha in 1991, before stepping aside for his uncle and making the Baramati Assembly seat his own. When he had consolidated his position, with subsequent ministership, and deputy chief ministership, his cousin Supriya Sule entered the scene to strengthen an emerging dynasty. Thats when it became unclear as to who Sharad Pawars successor would be. He was quite unlike the older Pawar in some ways and quite like his mentor in others. Mentored for long by Sharad Pawar, Ajit was rustic and rough, spoke out his mind with ease even in public. He also learnt how to strike at a moment of his choice for maximum impact, just like the older Pawar did. That said, many of Ajit Pawars utterings would have met Sharad Pawars disapproval. Now, at least five of the political family hold or contested for elected political office from the legislature or the parliament. Though Ajit split the Nationalist Congress Party, and by a natural consequence, the family, the tenuous connections remain and the future, as it unfolds, could have interesting contours for the two NCPs and the family. What is certain is that Ajit Pawars tragic death in the air crash will throw his party into a tumult, and will most likely cause a leadership crisis. His rich experience of being a deputy chief minister under four chief ministers of varying styles made him the only leader for the party. The morning broke with the news of a horrific accident. Whenever one hears of a road crash or an air accident involving a political leader or a film star, there is an instinctive hope that it wont be true. But such hopes are meaningless. Often, the news is real. In 2014, the news of Gopinath Mundes car accident had arrived the same wayearly in the morning. Today, it was news of Ajit Pawars plane crash. Reading about it on social media, hearing it over a few phone calls, one felt a churn in the pit of the stomach. Leaders and actors may not be family, yet their untimely, accidental deaths break something deep inside. A bond of familiarityalmost intimacygets formed over the years. Ajit Anant Pawar. Ajit Dada Pawar. In Maharashtras politics, dadas and bhais have always carried weight. After Vasantdada (former chief minister Vasantdada Patil), the honorific dada truly suited only Ajit Pawar. At first glance, his personality seemed abrasivestern, quick-tempered, a commanding voice, blunt, sharp-edged, no beating around the bush. The line between being forthright and abrasive is razor thin. He crossed it effortlessly, many times. He had an unmistakable holdover the administration, over systems. What was on his lips was what was in his mind. He liked cleanliness, order, and discipline. And punctuality. At exactly 6 am, he would be at work. Whether officer or colleague, everyone feared his inspection visits. No one knew who might be on the receiving end that day. From this very work style, he craftedand preserved till the endthe image of a hard-hitting, domineering, efficient leader: a man of work. He had no illusions about politics. He knew it wasnt sainthood. Politics meant everythingcompromise, conflict, calculation. He understood this with hard-nosed clarity. A professional politician in the truest sense. He knew his usefulness, his strengths, his limitationsand even his own nuisance value. And with that self-awareness, he played his moves, plotted his strategies, advanced his chess pieces. For nearly two decades, regardless of ideology or who occupied the chief ministers chair, one equation remained almost fixed: he was the deputy chief ministerand, often, the finance minister too. Yet the chief ministers post itself always remained elusive. The desire remained unfulfilled. He never openly voiced it, but perhaps the sharper hurt was this: why did Sharad Pawar never believe he was worthy of being CM? Sharad Pawar was his deity. Trained in his school, Dada still stepped out of his shadow. A tree grown under a tree doesnt always remain stunted. He never denied Sharad Pawars legacy, yet he didnt hesitate to say, Was it my mistake that I wasnt born as your son? Now it is time for you to stop. Retire and just guide me, bless me. Perhaps more than missing that chair, what hurt him was not being seen as deserving of it by his uncle. In recent years, he adopted a line that sounded strange even to his critics: Development is possible only from within the corridors of power. Having spent years in the opposition and even serving effectively as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Ajit Pawar chose to cling to power. Speaking of secularism and pluralism as the soul of his party, he entered what even Devendra Fadnavis described as an unnatural alliance with the BJP. A political adjustment, justified in the name of developmentbut driven equally by the need to escape the dangling swords of ED, CBI, and IT. The Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam, alleged bank frauds worth hundreds of crores, land and financial irregularitiesaccusations followed Ajit Pawar relentlessly. None were proven. Investigations continued, inquiries remained open, no clean chit was formally declared, said his opponents. He didnt care. Instead, he thundered back: Im with the very people who accuse meand not just with them, I am their deputy chief minister, their finance minister. He never missed a chance to say it, loudly and defiantly. Like Mundes earthy aikana style, Dada had his own hyo ka, laka, a raw, rural idiom. At village meetings, he slipped easily into rustic humour, sometimes dangerously so. One never knew when the tongue would slip. Whether calling himself a rogue or putting someone else on the spot, he was always quick, sharp, restless. The 24-hour news cycle and mobile cameras ensured he often went viral. He felt the heat, too. Spats with journalists were frequent, but so were warm, personal bonds. He would jokingly tell reporters, gesturing animatedly: Whatever I say now will become a TV breaking strip. In speeches, he often cited himself as an example, warning party workers and office-bearers to speak carefully, then laughing at his own excesses. His dadagiri, his strongman image, was always under discussion. Even those who disagreed with him profoundly found themselves drawn to his personality and style. A meticulous newspaper reader, constantly updated via news channels, he was deeply aware of what was happening internationally. This became evident during Covid. Like the saying the hawk circles the sky, but its eyes are on its chicks, his attention never strayed far from Baramati. Pune and Baramati brought out a more relaxed side of him. There were many defeatsthe loss of his son Parth in the Maval Lok Sabha election, his wife Sunetras defeat in Baramati and, more recently, crushing setbacks in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls. Yet Ajit Pawar never collapsed. He regrouped, analysed mistakes, and returned to work with renewed energy. Like Sharad Pawar, he lived politics 24/7. Politics was his breath, his obsession, his very marrow. Occasionally, in moments of frustration, he would say hed quit politics and take to farmingbut only momentarily. Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections were his true ground game. Even there, in his home turf of Pune, the BJP had tried to corner him. This time, he had ensured both factions of the NCP came together, all candidates contesting on the same clock symbol. Even on Wednesday, he was to sound the bugle for the ZP campaign across Baramati taluka. Politics has highs and lows. Failure comes, defeats happenbut one must take flight again with fresh resolve. That was his temperament. But the aircraft that had crossed so many milestones crashed while landing in Baramati after taking off from Mumbai. MumbaiBaramatiMumbai was a journey he had made countless times. He grew up in Baramatis embraceand rested there in the end. For the people of Baramati, the Pawar family, and especially Sharad Pawar, Dadas untimely, accidental passing is a devastating blow. May they find the strength to endure it. Advait Mehta is a Pune-based journalist The family of Pinky Mali, a 30-year-old flight attendant who lost her life in the Learjet 45 crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning, which killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Mali had earlier spoken to her family about the same aircraft facing issues during landing, remarks that now assume significance in the ongoing investigation of the crash. A resident of Century Mills MHADA colony in Prabha Devi, Mali had informed her family just a day prior that she would be on the flight with Ajit Dada and would head to Nanded after completing the assignment. Yesterday she told us about her schedule. Everything was normal, said her father, Shivkumar Mali. But this morning, everything fell apart. We saw the news and realised our daughter was no more. We are devastated. Family members said Mali never expressed fear but casually mentioned technical issues during landings while talking about her work. She used to say that the chartered flight sometimes faced problems while landing, her brother, Karan Mali told Mirror. Now that the plane has crashed, we want a fair probe. Mali previously worked with an international airline and later with Akasa Air. However, a personal accident in 2023 temporarily disrupted her career. That phase shook her confidence, but she never gave up, he said. She gathered herself, trained again and joined VSR Ventures about a year ago. She was proud to be back in the skies. The Learjet aircraft which crashed at Baramati was operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures. According to the family, Mali was deeply committed to her profession and wanted to support aspiring students who wished to enter the aviation and hospitality sectors, her brother said. She felt the training courses were extremely expensive and wanted to help deserving students financially once she was stable, he added. Her father said she frequently worked on VVIP flights and carried herself with professionalism and pride. She worked with important people and handled her responsibilities with dedication. I am extremely proud of my daughter, Shivkumar Mali said, adding that the family is now seeking accountability. We want a proper investigation, so the truth comes out. The world is closer than ever to the end, according to those behind the Doomsday Clock, which is set 85 seconds to midnight for 2026. Members of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists said Tuesday that they were moving the minute hand of their metaphorical clock forward by four seconds, as the risks related to nuclear weapons, climate change, artificial intelligence, autocracy, biological technologies and other threats of humanitys own making continue to grow. Our leaders need to do better. We need to do better, Daniel Holz, a University of Chicago physics professor who chairs the bulletins science and security board, said. Historically, the bulletin, founded by Manhattan Project veterans behind the first atomic bombs, focused on the availability of nuclear weapons to assess how close Earth is to apocalypse. The clock was set at seven minutes to midnight when it debuted in 1947. The furthest marker was 17 minutes to midnight in 1991, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. But in recent years, the nonprofit has included other existential threats in its evaluation. And the clock, meant to serve as a warning to policymakers, has ticked forward. Among the top concerns this year is climate change, which is intensifying storms and floods globally. The ability of artificial intelligence to fuel misinformation and allow autocratic rulers to remain in power also weighed heavily on the panel, as did the environmental cost of running the servers behind the technology. Were witnessing something more dangerous: the fusion of state power with the tech oligarchy, said Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist. The long-standing risk of nuclear annihilation still loomed large for the panel, with a nuclear arms treaty between the US and Russia set to expire and US President Donald Trump preparing to restart nuclear weapons tests for the first time since 1992. And novel biological threats, like the emergence of new pathogens similar to the coronavirus, as well as lab-made cells that could be deadly to other life on Earth, also factored into the decision. Trumps first year back in office, which saw staff and budget cuts across environmental, public health and other scientific agencies, also added to the risks, according to the bulletin. Obviously, actions of this administration have affected the clock, but the Doomsday Clock is about global risks, said Alexandra Bell, the bulletins president and CEO. Critics of the clock have questioned the usefulness of winding and unwinding a metaphorical timepiece. In a 2015 essay, a University of Oxford researcher wrote that the work was more of a reflection of the strong feeling of urgency among those who run it rather than a gauge of actual risk. Bell said the point of the Doomsday Clock is not to forecast the future but to serve as wake-up call for those in power now. The clock has turned back before, and it can again, she said. The Washington Post In April 2024, a blue bow-string bridge was installed off the coast of Worli, linking the Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The clunky structure has none of the extravagance of the Sea Links iconic cable-stayed bridge. It was not part of the original design, but a later addition meant to create a wider navigation span between the connectors pillars. Last year, the CAG criticised this addition for causing project delay and cost escalation of Rs 922 crore, declaring that the design change was not justified. CAG reports are often insightful, but this erred in its overall reasoning. The CAG ignores the fact that the Coastal Road project itself is fundamentally regressive and maladaptive: it is built almost exclusively for motorists, it reclaimed 111 hectares of the sea, it is too expensive, and it encourages private transport over public mobility. The navigation bridge, by contrast, exists only because Worlis fishers waged a determined struggle demanding it. In a project well beyond any justification, the bow-string bridge is the only element that can be justified as public interest. The navigation bridge controversy dates back to 2017, when the Coastal Road plans were first prepared. Worlis two fisher societies wrote repeatedly to the authorities, warning that the proposed spacing between columns was dangerously inadequate to steer boats through rocky near-shore areas to reach fishing grounds. They argued that they are already required to pass a 30-metre span of the sea-link, and additional columns, even if spaced 60 metres apart, will make navigation off the Worli coast extremely hazardous. But the authorities ignored them. It is telling that the BMC had not consulted the fishing community at any stage of the Coastal Road projects design or planning. In fact, studies carried out for the project were blind to even the existence of fishing, and the BMC argued in high court that there was no fishing near Worli. The BMC forgot that the original design of Bandra-Worli Sea-link had to be modified during construction to facilitate passage of fishing boats. The authorities made the same mistake twice. By early 2021, the projects massive coastal reclamation had all but wiped out intertidal fishing in Worli, particularly the livelihood of women hand-pickers. Fishers feared that if navigation spans were not widened, even nearshore fishing would become impossible. Their livelihoods at stake, they decided to resist at sea. In October 2021, Worlis fishers took to their boats and occupied the coastal construction site, bringing work to a halt. Almost immediately, the eyes and ears of the government opened. Having ignored them for five years, the authorities were now eager to address their concerns. Within just 15 days, the fishers were granted an audience with the environment minister, the municipal commissioner, and the fisheries minister. The BMC attempted to defuse the situation with offers of compensation, insurance, and hi-tech safety features like cameras and padding on columns to monitor and prevent accidents. But the BMC refused to entertain the demand for a wider span. If a boat could pass through a 30-metre gap in an existing bridge, they asked, why couldnt it pass through a 60-metre gap in the new one? The fishers scoffed at the bookish knowledge of government experts, which leads them to believe that navigating a boat is akin to driving a car. In Worlis shallow, rocky, and turbulent waters, where vessels drift dangerously with the currents, a narrow 30 metre gateway is safer than a long corridor of closely spaced columns even if it was twice as wide. It takes their practical knowledge, the fishers argued, to recognise that the proposed design would be perilous to navigate. Instead, the BMC asked the fishers to produce a technical study to justify their case. A renowned coastal geomorphologist was approached, who agreed with the fishers that the navigation span must be widened. The BMC still refused to budge. The deadlock broke only after Maharashtras political crisis in June 2022, when the fishers appealed to the new chief minister to intervene. After intense negotiations, a 120-metre span was finally agreed upon by both the authorities and the fishing community. The design was altered, and the navigation bridge was introduced. The CAGs criticism of the navigation bridge assumes that once a plan is prepared and approved, deviating from it is a mistake if it increases costs. But the assumption is too narrow. The CAG ought to have criticised the projects studies and planning, not the subsequent course-correction: Had the fishers been consulted during the planning stage, the navigation bridge would have been part of the original design, precluding the need for any design change. There are many reasons to be critical of the Coastal Road project, but the navigation bridge is not one of them. It is a minimal concession to the community most harmed by the project. The bow-string bridge off the Worli coast stands today as a symbol of the fishers struggle to defend their livelihoods against a deleterious megaproject. Hussain Indorewala is a teacher and urban researcher at KRVIA. Views are personal. SONORA, CA A 72-year-old Hawaii man has received sentencing following a Tuolumne County investigation into a series of sexual assaults that occurred more than two decades ago. Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke announces that Craig T. Christensen, of Hawaii, was sentenced this month to 21 years to life in State Prison. The sentence, handed down by Judge Hallie Gorman-Campbell, follows Christensens guilty plea to charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The case began to unfold in September 2023, when the Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office received a tip from police in Hawaii. The report detailed a sexual assault that had taken place in Tuolumne County starting in 2001. According to investigators, the survivorwho was between four and six years old at the time of the abusecarried the weight of the crimes into his adulthood. In 2023, the survivor and seven family members traveled to Hawaii to confront Christensen. During that encounter, Christensen reportedly admitted to the conduct, apologized, and confessed that there had been other victims in the past. Without the survivors strength and fortitude of coming forward the defendant would have not been held accountable and he would remain free to victimize others, the District Attorneys Office stated. The investigation revealed a pattern of abuse occurring over a period of six months. Christensen had gained access to the victim by posing as a close family friendsomeone the family once considered part of their inner circle. Following the 2023 report, Tuolumne County detectives worked alongside the District Attorneys Office to secure an arrest warrant. Christensen was extradited from Hawaii in February 2025 and entered a guilty plea later that August. He now has a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender and must undergo evaluation under the Sexually Violent Predator Act before any future consideration for parole. Sacramento, CA District Four California Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is requesting nominations of women who are Veterans and making significant contributions in the community. She wants to hear about how the women are taking steps to advocate for and support military personnel and veterans. It could be a volunteer, business leader, elected official, or other type of community advocate. She says the nominees must be over 18 years old, a woman, and live in her Senate District 4. Nominations should also include a resume, biography, and list of accomplishments. It must also be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a local elected official. It should follow the prompt: Please describe how this woman, a veteran, has influenced your community and helped create a better place for all through her service, advocacy, or support for military personnel and veterans. The selection will be recognized during a Senate Floor ceremony on March 16. All nomination entries can be submitted online by Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 5:00pm by using the link below: https://forms.gle/fV6VVgQUW5pczGgr6. For questions, contact Nialani Pitzer at nialani.pitzer@sen.ca.gov or (916) 651-4004. Families of the 67 people who died in an aircraft collision last January gathered on Wednesday evening to mark the first anniversary, just one day after investigators testified about years of ignored warnings and near-misses. Family members and politicians spoke Wednesday throughout the music-filled ceremony honoring the victims who died when an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29, 2025, outside of Washington, D.C., marking the deadliest plane crash on U.S. soil since 2001. While we were powerless in that moment to help our loved ones, we were not powerless to help each other, said Doug Lane, husband of Christine Conrad Lane, 49, and father of aspiring figure skater Spencer Lane, 16, who died in the crash. So thats what we did, and thats what weve done ever since. The audience packed the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington. Everyone aboard the helicopter and jet flying from Wichita, Kansas died when the two aircrafts collided and plummeted into the icy Potomac River. There wasnt one single cause for the crash, according to testimony from National Transportation Safety Board investigators on Tuesday during an hourslong hearing. The crash was 100% preventable, said board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. Expressions of remembrance and gratitude The memorial included musical performances, including country music stars, the D.C. Fire Department Emerald Societys pipes and drums band, and separately, a performance by a firefighter who was there on the night of the crash. The ceremony also included a montage of portraits, graduation pictures, videos taken on sunny vacations and clips of performances from some of the 28 figure skaters who were killed. Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins also announced that a memorial plaque would be established on the Potomac River. First responders who rushed to the crash many plunging into the freezing river, first in an attempt to save lives, and then later to search for bodies were honored Wednesday with metals. While this has been my familys worst year, the same is true of many of the first responders who responded on the scene. We recognize the toll this has taken on you, and tonight is our opportunity to say thank you, said Matt Collins, the brother of passenger Chris Collins, 42. Many of the family members also attended Tuesdays NTSB hearing. Some were escorted out, including two in tears, as they saw an animation recreating some of the final moments of their loved ones lives. Others wore black shirts bearing the names of first responder units. Recommendations to avoid tragedy Testimony Tuesday concluded with recommendations from the NTSB to prevent crashes. Some reforms rely on Congress, the Army and the Trump administration. Chief among them is a bill that would require aircraft to have advanced locator systems to help prevent collisions, which NTSB has recommended for years. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said at the memorial that the bill was close to final passage. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy applauded the families for their advocacy. Obviously you were angry. You couldnt comprehend, how could this happen? Who could let this happen? Duffy said. You had choices, and you chose to pay it forward. Many families on Wednesday doubled down on the need for reforms. Honoring the 67 means more than remembering who they were, said Rachel Feres, the cousin of Peter Livingston, 48, who died along with his wife, Donna Livingston, 48, and their children, Alydia Livingston, 11, and Everly Livingston, 14. It means allowing their lives and our love for them to shape what we choose to do going forward. By SAFIYAH RIDDLE Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Federal immigration officials have ceased their enhanced operations in Maine, the site of an enforcement surge and hundreds of arrests since last week, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Thursday. Collins, a Republican, announced the development after saying she had spoken directly with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins said in a statement, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I have been urging Secretary Noem and others in the administration to get ICE to reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state. The announcement came after President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis after a second deadly shooting there by federal immigration agents. Collins said ICE and Border Patrol officials will continue their normal operations that have been ongoing here for many years. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that it would continue to enforce the law across the country, as we do every day. ICE, which is part of DHS, said in a statement that it performed its duties despite meeting resistance from demonstrators. Neither statement addressed whether ICE was drawing down in Maine. The early success of this operation displays how effectively ICE officers can operate anywhere and in any environment, said ICE Deputy Assistant Director Patricia Hyde. Collins announcement comes more than a week after ICE began an operation it dubbed Catch of the Day. Federal officials said about 50 arrests were made the first day and that roughly 1,400 people were operational targets in the mostly rural state of 1.4 million residents, 4% of whom are foreign-born. In Lewiston, one of the cities targeted by ICE, Mayor Carl Sheline called the scale-down welcome news, describing the agencys operations as disastrous for the community. ICE operations in Maine have failed to improve public safety and have caused lasting damage to our communities. We will continue working to ensure that those who were wrongfully detained by ICE are returned to us, said Sheline, who leads a city where the mayoral position is required to be nonpartisan. ICE has also launched immigration operations in Minnesota, Chicago and other cities. While Trump has pushed to deploy National Guard troops to crack down on both immigration and crime, as of early January, the White House said it was backing down after facing several legal roadblocks. Court records show a complex story Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin last week said some Maine arrests were of people convicted of horrific crimes including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child. Court records painted a slightly different story: While some had felony convictions, others were detainees with unresolved immigration proceedings or who were arrested but never convicted of a crime. Federal authorities highlighted the case of Elmara Correia, saying she was arrested previously for endangering the welfare of a child. However, Manuel Vemba, who has a four-year-old son with Correia, said Thursday that a neighbor called police about the boy playing outside with friends, and that he doesnt believe any charges were brought. She does not have any criminal record, and shes not the type of person theyre labeling her, he said. Elmara is a mother, just like many other mothers out there, who loves her child and has sacrificed for her child. Vemba described his former partner as trustworthy, hardworking and devoted to their son, who is on the autism spectrum and loves to play soccer and run. She did everything she could to guarantee that my son was safe and happy, he said. The boy is now staying with Vemba, who has told him, Mommys traveling. Mommy will be back. On Wednesday, a Massachusetts judge granted her request for a bail hearing. A critical election year Collins is up for reelection this year. Unlike a handful of Republican senators facing potentially tough campaigns, Collins has not called for Noem to step down or be fired. Shes also avoided criticizing ICE tactics, beyond saying ICE should not target people who are in the U.S. legally. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who announced her Senate candidacy in October and could face Collins in the general election, has challenged immigration officials to provide judicial warrants, real-time arrest numbers and basic information about who is being detained in Maine. She also accused Collins of governing without any courage shortly after the Republican voted in favor of funding the DHS and several other agencies Thursday. ICE must account for its actions in Maine even if it is scaling back, Mills said Thursday. We still do not know critical details about the 200 individuals ICE says it has detained, many of whom appear to be here legally, who have no criminal record and who are not the worst of the worst. The people of Maine deserve to know the identities of every person taken from here, the legal justification for doing so, where they are being held, and what the federal governments plan for them is, Mills said. First-time Democratic candidate Graham Platner who is challenging Mills in the primary has criticized both Mills and Collins handling of ICE and has demanded the agency be dismantled. Platner organized a protest Thursday outside Collins office in Portland, Maine. ___ This story has been corrected to show Mills accused Collins of governing without any courage, not without any coverage. ___ Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island, and Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press writer Kathy McCormack contributed from Concord, New Hampshire. By PATRICK WHITTLE, KIMBERLEE KRUESI and HOLLY RAMER Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Trump administration could reduce the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, but only if state and local officials cooperate, the presidents border czar said Thursday, noting he has zero tolerance for protesters who assault federal officers or impede the ongoing Twin Cities operation. Tom Homan addressed reporters for the first time since the president sent him to Minneapolis following last weekends fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti, the second this month by federal officers carrying out the operation. His comments came after President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and as the administration ended its enhanced operations in Maine. Homan, who said he wouldnt address the shootings, emphasized that the administration isnt relenting on its immigration crackdown and warned that protesters could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers. But he seemed to acknowledge there had been missteps. I do not want to hear that everything thats been done here has been perfect. Nothings ever perfect, he said. A possible downsizing Homan hinted at the prospect of pulling out many of the roughly 3,000 federal officers taking part in the operation, but he seemed to tie that to cooperation from state and local leaders and a reduction in protester interference. The drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements, he said. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop. He also said he would oversee internal changes in federal immigration law enforcement, but he gave few specifics. The mission is going to improve because of the changes were making internally, he said. No agency organization is perfect. And President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters in Washington on Thursday he was hopeful that the number of federal officers in the city would be reduced. He said police would do their jobs but not somebody elses, referring to federal law enforcement. Despite Trump softening his rhetoric about Minnesota officials he said this week they were on a similar wavelength there has been no visible sign of any big changes to the operation. On Thursday, as the Justice Department charged a man accused of squirting vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, a smattering of protesters braved the frigid temperatures to demonstrate outside of the federal facility that has been serving as the operations main hub. Pretti, 37, was fatally shot Saturday during a scuffle with the Border Patrol. Earlier this month, 37-year-old Renee Good was shot in her vehicle by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. A plea for cooperation Homan doubled down on the need for jails to alert ICE to inmates who could be deported, saying transferring such inmates to the agency is safer because it means fewer officers have to be out looking for people in the country illegally. The White House has long blamed problems arresting criminal immigrants on so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, a term generally applied to state and local governments that limit law enforcement cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security. Homan reiterated that, saying, Give us access to illegal aliens, public safety threats in the safety and security of a jail. But Minnesota officials say this is already happening. At best, DHS fundamentally misunderstands Minnesotas correctional system, Paul Schnell, chief of the state Department of Corrections, told reporters last week, pushing back against the federal narrative. At worst, it is pure propaganda. State prisons, he noted, always honor detainers, or federal requests to hold an arrested immigrant until agents can take custody of them. This occurs every time without exception, he said, noting that the vast majority, of the states county sheriffs also cooperate with immigration authorities about immigrants in their jails. Some do not, including the jails in Hennepin County, which serves Minneapolis, and Ramsey County, which serves St. Paul. However, both do hand over inmates to federal authorities if an arrest warrant has been signed by a judge. A targeted approach to arrests Homan, whose arrival followed the departure of the Trump administrations on-the-ground leader of the operation, Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, also seemed to suggest a renewed focus on what ICE calls targeted operations focused on apprehending immigrants who have committed crimes. He said the agency would conduct targeted strategic enforcement operations prioritizing public safety threats. It remains to be seen whether ICEs renewed focus on targeted operations might reduce tensions. ICE and Homan have long said the Trump administrations primary focus is to arrest people in the country illegally who have a criminal history or pose a threat to public safety. But they acknowledge theyll also arrest anyone else found to be in the U.S. illegally. They argue that ICE operations target specific people, as opposed to carrying out indiscriminate raids where officers round up everyone and demand their papers. Sameera Hafiz, policy director with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said Homans comments seemed to reflect a recognition that public opinion has turned against ICE, but she questioned his argument that carrying out targeted operations would make the country safer. His comments still seem to be based on the false premise that deporting people or deportation will make our community safer, she said. All the evidence and data has shown that deportations dont make our communities safer. They destabilize families, they tear communities apart, they hurt our economy. Homan didnt give a specific timeline for how long he would stay in Minnesota. Im staying until the problems gone, he said, adding that he has met with community, law enforcement and elected leaders in the hopes of finding common ground and suggested that hes made some progress. ___ Santana reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis, Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, and Steven Sloan in Washington contributed. By GIOVANNA DELLORTO and REBECCA SANTANA Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Justice Department has charged a man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis, according to court papers made public Thursday. The man arrested for Tuesdays attack, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, according to a complaint filed in federal court. Authorities determined that the substance was water and apple cider vinegar, according to an affidavit. After Kazmierczak sprayed Omar with the liquid, he appeared to say, Shes not resigning. Youre splitting Minnesotans apart, the affidavit says. Authorities also say that Kazmierczak told a close associate several years ago that somebody should kill Omar, court documents say. Kazmierczak appeared briefly in federal court Thursday afternoon. His attorney, Jean Brandl, told the judge her client was unmedicated at the time of the incident and has not had access to the medications he needs to treat Parkinsons disease and other serious conditions he suffers from. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ordered that Kazmierczak remain in custody and told officials he needs to see a nurse when he is transferred to the Sherburne County Jail. The attack came during a perilous political moment in Minneapolis, where two people have been fatally shot by federal agents during the White Houses aggressive immigration crackdown. Kazmierczak has a criminal history and has made online posts supportive of President Donald Trump, a Republican. Omar, a refugee from Somalia, has long been a fixture of Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric. After she was elected seven years ago, Trump said she should go back to her country. He recently described her as garbage and said she should be investigated. During a speech in Iowa earlier this week, shortly before Omar was attacked, he said immigrants need to be proud of the United States not like Ilhan Omar. Omar blamed Trump on Wednesday for threats to her safety. Every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket, Omar told reporters. Trump accused Omar of staging the attack, telling ABC News, She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her. Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence and has had numerous traffic citations, Minnesota court records show. There are also indications he has had significant financial problems, including two bankruptcy filings. In social media posts, Kazmierczak criticized former President Joe Biden and referred to Democrats as angry and liars. Trump wants the US is stronger and more prosperous, he wrote. Stop other countries from stealing from us. In another post, Kazmierczak asked, When will descendants of slaves pay restitution to Union soldiers families for freeing them/dying for them, and not sending them back to Africa? Threats against members of Congress have increased in recent years, peaking in 2021 following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters before dipping slightly, only to climb again, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Capitol Police. Officials said they investigated nearly 15,000 concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed against Members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex in 2025. ___ Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter R.J. Rico in Atlanta contributed. ___ Follow the APs coverage of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at https://apnews.com/hub/ilhan-omar. By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on Thursday announced hes joining the crowded race for California governor, casting himself as a moderate Democrat with a track record of tackling some of the states most persistent issues including homelessness and crime. Elected to lead Silicon Valleys largest city in 2022, Mahan said his policies have reduced the number of unsheltered homeless in the city, cut fees to speed up housing construction and helped police solve more homicides. Mahan joins a large and unsettled field of contenders hoping to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Months ahead of the June primary, no Democrat has emerged as a clear frontrunner. The race includes former Biden administration Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former U.S. House member Katie Porter, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, among others. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton have also announced their bids. Mahan has emerged as a frequent critic of Newsom. He lambasted Newsom over his handling of homelessness and bucked him in 2024 by backing a tough-on-crime ballot measure to increase penalties for some shoplifting and drug offenses. Mahan also criticized Newsoms focus on President Donald Trump and the governors social media trolling in an op-ed last year. Mahan vowed to be a fighter for California values and a fixer who could deliver results. As mayor of a big city, Im closer to the challenges we face and the solutions we need than anyone else in this race, Mahan said in a phone interview Thursday. Cities are on the front lines of solving problems for people in their everyday lives. Newsom, whos seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, is termed out after this year and cannot run for reelection. Other Democratic heavyweights, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Attorney General Rob Bonta, decided not to run. Asked about Mahans candidacy at an event in San Francisco, Newsom said he doesnt know the mayor well, adding, I wish him good luck. Mahan, a 43-year-old Harvard graduate, has deep ties with the tech industry. He was a tech entrepreneur before he ran for public offices, co-founding a digital political organizing platform called Brigade. He was classmates with Mark Zuckerberg, who Mahan said persuaded him to go into tech instead of law school. Some tech and business leaders, including billionaire Rick Caruso, venture capitalist Garry Tan and angel investor Matt Brezina, already signaled they would support Mahans bid. Mahan in recent months also hosted a number of gubernatorial candidates in San Jose, but said no one has impressed him. Mahan was first elected as a city councilmember in 2020 before he won the mayoral election in 2022 against a labor-backed candidate. He often joins weekend clean-up efforts along San Jose waterways and city parks. Last year, over opposition from county officials, he successfully pushed a provision to make homeless people eligible for arrest if they reject three offers of shelters. By TRAN NGUYEN Associated Press Clinical officers have officially ended their 36-day strike after signing a return-to-work agreement with the Council of Governors (CoG), paving the way for normal healthcare services to resume across Kenya. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) Secretary General George Gibore confirmed that all members would immediately resume their duties. County governments must fulfill their responsibilities. When they do, we will be there to provide the necessary support. As we have stated, the strike is suspended, and our members will return to work starting today and not exceeding 24 hours as agreed. I will also issue a notice to coordinate with our members and inform the employer that we have agreed for our members to resume duties, Gibore said. The agreement, a formal Return-to-Work formula, requires all KUCO members to report back to their stations without delay. Earlier Wednesday, union members demonstrated peacefully outside the Ministry of Health headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, highlighting longstanding grievances over working conditions, pay, and implementation of previous agreements. Clinical officers carried placards and chanted slogans calling for the government to honor commitments under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and recognize their professional status. The industrial action had disrupted services in numerous public hospitals and health facilities for more than five weeks. Union leaders said stalled negotiations contributed to the prolonged strike, leaving patients in public hospitals without critical care. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale previously urged the union to engage all relevant stakeholders to broaden the scope of the current CBA, signaling the governments commitment to resolving the dispute. With the strike now suspended, healthcare services are expected to stabilize as clinical officers return to work nationwide, bringing relief to patients and hospital staff alike. Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has responded after drawing criticism for a photo she shared with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya during the five-day parliamentary retreat at a luxury resort in Naivasha this week. The initial post, which appeared to show the two MPs together in a celebratory moment at the retreat, sparked sharp online criticism. Many Kenyans questioned the appropriateness of the image and speculated about the nature of their interaction. In a statement on Wednesday, January 28, Passaris clarified that the photo was AI-generated, not an actual capture of the MPs together. She shared two additional images to illustrate the difference. Today is Data Protection Day. This image shows how easily reality can be manipulated. One version is AI-generated with Peter Salasya. One is real. In todays digital age, its becoming harder to tell the difference, which is why privacy, ethical data use, and responsible sharing matter more than ever, Passaris wrote. She further highlighted that issues like data protection, digital ethics, and strong cyber laws, including Kenyas cybercrime and data protection frameworks, are not just technical matters but safeguards that protect real people from digital harm. Passaris urged Kenyans to always verify information online, cautioning that in 2026, seeing is no longer believing. Despite her explanation, the clarification did little to calm public concern. Many Kenyans remained skeptical and expressed disappointment, interpreting the image as unethical conduct between the two lawmakers. Here are some reactions: We arent as stupid as you think bimbo! pic.twitter.com/vjGuzkzFTi MedhaneMartins (@MedhaneMartins) January 28, 2026 Why are you explaining yourself that much?? Omwanda (@Sangster_Johnz) January 28, 2026 stop lies, we know alot happen behind the scenekubali ushikwe The major (@Stanley45438379) January 28, 2026 The fake one looks more original. Whatever the AI generator had in mind he/she did their homework very well and has communicated clearly. We are not supporting disinformation, misinformation and deepfakes though. Murithi Magiri (@mmagiri) January 28, 2026 And you posted the one you are calling fake earlier. Sisi si wajinga Michael Mulongo Sikuku Namunyu (@SikukuNamunyu) January 28, 2026 This can never be Al Gimaino (@gimaino66188) January 28, 2026 The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by survivors and families affected by the 1998 Nairobi bomb blast, dealing a fresh blow to victims who had hoped for compensation and accountability more than two decades after the attack. In the petition, the victims sought compensation from the government, arguing that the state failed in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. However, the court ruled that the case lacked sufficient legal merit and failed to meet the required burden of proof. In his decision, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi said the petitioners did not demonstrate that the government had prior knowledge of the attack or possessed intelligence that could have prevented it. It cannot be established, on the basis of the material placed before this court, that the government was aware of the attack or that it failed to act on any intelligence, the court ruled. Justice Mugambi noted that although the victims relied on several reports to support their claims, the authors of those documents did not testify in court. As a result, the evidence amounted to hearsay and could not be admitted under the law. The judge also observed that there was no proof showing that the United States government faulted Kenya for failing to stop the bombing. For the petitioners, many of whom continue to live with permanent injuries, trauma and financial hardship, the judgment fell short of the justice they had long sought. Some survivors told the court they have struggled for years with disabilities, rising medical costs and lost livelihoods, while families of those killed said their grief has been deepened by what they view as decades of state neglect. The court acknowledged the suffering endured by the victims but made it clear that sympathy could not substitute for credible, admissible evidence. The judge reiterated that the law requires petitioners to prove that actionable intelligence existed and that the government failed to act despite being aware of it. Having failed to meet that threshold, the court dismissed the petition, leaving victims with renewed disappointment and lingering questions nearly three decades after one of Kenyas deadliest terror attacks. Kituo cha Sheria, which represented the victims, expressed disappointment with the judgment and said it would move to a higher court in pursuit of justice. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba came under fire from Members of Parliament after he publicly admitted that the government lacks clear data on how much it costs to educate a child in Kenya from Grade One through university. Ogamba made the startling disclosure on Wednesday during an intense parliamentary session held at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, on the sidelines of an ongoing National Assembly retreat themed Securing Parliamentary Legacy. As a country, we dont know how much it costs to educate a child from Grade One to university. No actuarial analysis has been done to know how much exactly, Ogamba told MPs. The admission triggered immediate backlash from lawmakers, with Ugenya MP David Ochieng leading criticism of the Education Ministrys funding and budgeting framework. Ochieng questioned how the government determines capitation for primary and secondary schools, as well as funding for universities, without knowing the true cost of education. The question asked by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui is everything you would want to know about education and school fees, so the minister cannot tell us. He doesnt know how much a kid costs to teach in this country, Ochieng said. So on what basis do they give capitation in primary, secondary, and on what basis are they giving school fees for universities? he added. Ochieng went further to cast doubt on the credibility of the ministrys budgeting process, arguing that Ogambas responses showed a worrying lack of preparedness. If the CS says he doesnt know how much it costs to educate a child in Kenya, how does he budget for them then? And who does the minister expect to do that analysis? he asked. The handling of the questions reeks of a lack of knowledge of what the minister is supposed to do. In his defence, CS Ogamba acknowledged that the absence of reliable data on the cost of education was not new, saying the gap had existed for years despite increasing pressure on the sector. He maintained, however, that the government must now confront the issue head-on. This analysis has never been done. Nobody has done it, and it is something that as a country today, because of the challenges we have, we need to face and do so that we have a clear picture, Ogamba said. We have an X number of students. We need to know how much money is allocated to each of those children, he admitted. As MPs reacted angrily to the response, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss attempted to restore order, suggesting that Ogambas admission could open the door to accountability. The good thing is that the minister has said he doesnt know. What we should be doing in the follow-up questions is giving him a timeline to present that before the committee, she said, prompting loud chants of No from MPs. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula later stepped in, urging the Education CS to rely on his technical team, who were present at the session, to provide accurate figures. Waziri, you have your technical team here. You are at liberty to ask them to assist you and give you the numbers so that you satisfy the House, Wetangula said. He appealed to MPs to allow the proceedings to continue, reminding them that they would have another opportunity to seek further clarification. Please listen. Even if the answer falls short of your expectations, you have another round to ask questions, he said. The heated exchange has reignited debate over education funding in Kenya, transparency in government budgeting, and the long-standing lack of data guiding policy decisions in one of the countrys most critical sectors. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the Ministry of Education, accusing it of weak leadership, political posturing, and failure to address deep-seated inefficiencies that continue to hurt learners across the country. Speaking during an MPs retreat in Naivasha, Ichungwah directly confronted Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during a tense parliamentary session, faulting the ministrys senior bureaucracy for what he described as a lack of competence and direction. In unusually blunt remarks, the Kikuyu MP told the CS: Your peers, and yourself, have the most clueless Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education. Ichungwah also rejected proposals to channel education infrastructure funds through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), dismissing the idea fronted by Education Committee chair Julius Meli as politically motivated and ineffective in resolving long-standing structural problems within the ministry. He argued that such a funding model ignores stark disparities in the number of schools across constituencies and undermines equitable resource allocation. Let us be honest with each other, Ichungwah said. Kikuyu constituency has 38 public secondary schools. Langata has four. Kathiani has about 62. Saying that infrastructure money should be shared equally through NG-CDF is not leadership, it is politics. Equitable allocation is the responsibility of the ministry, guided by Parliament. The Majority Leader reminded MPs that education infrastructure funding falls under the oversight of Parliaments Education Committee, adding that funding gaps within the ministry ultimately stem from parliamentary budget decisions. He also poured cold water on claims that reallocating NG-CDF funds could bridge the ministrys reported Sh48 billion deficit. If you take an average of Sh30 million from each of the 290 constituencies, that is only Sh8.7 billion, Ichungwah said. Does that solve your problem? The CS should be telling this House the truth, that it is up to the Education Committee and the Budget Committee to ensure adequate funding and equitable distribution. Drawing from his own constituency, Ichungwah argued that equal sharing of infrastructure funds is inherently unjust. I do not need infrastructure money in my constituency, but another member here with 78 schools needs far more than I do. That member should get more, not the same, he said. Ichungwah also raised alarm over what he termed entrenched corruption in schools, pointing to uniform procurement, lunch programmes, and the supply of desks and lockers as major problem areas. He cited cases where schools within the same locality charged vastly different amounts for lunch programmes ranging from Sh3,000 to as high as Sh9,000 despite operating under the same ministry guidelines. Uniform and lunch programmes are the bedrock of corruption in our schools, he said. Under your ministry, you already have a school feeding programme. Why not use those resources to ensure food is available and Gazette the maximum amount that can be charged? On accountability, Ichungwah questioned how resources are monitored and utilized, recounting an instance where a school with only 189 students and 28 teachers continued to request desks despite having already received 150 through NG-CDF. The desks are lumped in a store somewhere. Teachers are given maintenance money, they dont use it, and nobody takes note, he said. He further lamented the collapse of effective school inspection, arguing that Members of Parliament have been forced to fill the gap left by inactive ministry officials. You do not have inspectors doing anything on the ground. Members of Parliament have become school inspectors and that should never be the case, Ichungwah said. On teacher deployment, the Majority Leader accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to rationalize staffing, resulting in glaring imbalances between schools. Why would a school with 100 students have 28 teachers, while the school next door with 600 students has none? he asked, adding that political pressure often influences teachers to seek postings in their home areas. Ichungwah urged CS Ogamba to step out of Nairobi boardrooms and confront realities in schools across the country. Get out of your offices, go to the field, deal with the problems, then come back and challenge this House to find the Sh48 billion, he said. He concluded by calling on the government to make difficult but necessary policy choices in the education sector. We must decide whether we want to make politics out of education and make everyone happy, or do the right thing for our children, Ichungwah said. Public service vehicle operators have announced a nationwide strike set to begin on Monday, warning that escalating attacks on matatus and other vehicles have pushed them to the brink. The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), led by chairperson Albert Karakacha, accused the government of failing to act against boda boda riders allegedly involved in torching public and private vehicles, despite multiple reports to security agencies and transport authorities. Karakacha said matatu owners no longer feel protected by the state and have been left with no option but to withdraw their vehicles from the roads. Our vehicles have been burned; we talked to the police, we have written to the transport minister and nothing has happened. From Monday, we will withdraw all vehicles from the roads until the government listens to us, Karakacha said. The operators warned that continued inaction by authorities could trigger retaliatory responses, saying the government has failed in its duty to safeguard private property. We will bring back boys who have been manning our businesses because the police cannot protect us, Karakacha said. Inter-Corridor Mobility chairperson Joseph Kagai echoed the concerns, saying the situation is rapidly deteriorating and risks spiralling out of control. We dont want to take the law into our hands, but it seems those supposed to protect us have other businesses, Kagai said. He issued a stern warning to boda boda riders, recalling past informal systems of enforcement before the matatu industry became established. We want to remind boda boda people that before the formation of the matatu industry, we had something called kamjesh. If the government is not able to protect us, anywhere a boda rider will stop and start stoning a matatu, all vehicles will stop there and deal with them, Kagai said. Kagai warned that the planned strike would cripple transport across the country, affecting major towns, cities and key road junctions. The situation is slowly becoming uncontrollable, and we dont understand how the government is losing authority and security of property of our investors, he said. From Monday, we will make sure that in all major towns, cities and roundabouts in the country, there will be no passing until the government addresses this. There will be no business as usual since we will be carrying out a countrywide strike of any four-wheeled vehicle and above, Kagai added. The transport operators also said they will demand compensation for vehicle owners whose property has been destroyed. According to the groups, at least two vehicles; a matatu and a private car, were torched over the weekend. In the past six months alone, at least nine vehicles have been burned, with no arrests reported. Everyone has heard that a truck was torched yesterday, a matatu was torched on Friday, and many private vehicles are being burned. Boda boda operators have become the judge, jury and executioner, Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) chairperson Peter Murima said. The operators now want President William Ruto to step in, saying previous appeals to relevant agencies have gone unanswered. The only person we are going to listen to is the President because the NTSA, the CS nobody is listening, Karakacha said. If unresolved, the standoff threatens to disrupt public transport nationwide, heightening pressure on the government to restore order and protect investors in the transport sector. Leaders of the United Opposition have pledged to remain united and rally behind whichever candidate emerges to challenge President William Ruto in the next presidential election, insisting that national interests outweigh individual ambitions. The leaders spoke during the Democratic Partys National Delegates Congress (NDC) held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, where they presented a united front and reiterated their commitment to collective leadership and political cohesion. During the congress, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was confirmed as the Democratic Party leader and its presidential candidate, a move that drew support from across the opposition spectrum. The high-profile meeting brought together key opposition figures, including former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiangi, Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Addressing delegates, Muturi claimed there were deliberate attempts to undermine the unity of the United Opposition by elements linked to the Kenya Kwanza administration. They were even looking for a person to compete with me in DP in the NDC so that I do not become the flagbearer, Muturi said. Let me make this clear: whoever is bought by detractors to sow disunity amongst us is the enemy of the people. Muturi struck an optimistic tone about the countrys future, saying Kenya still has a chance to get back on track. United opposition stands firm, he declared, adding that the country is not beyond repair. PLP leader Martha Karua said the shared determination to remove the Kenya Kwanza administration from power continues to bind opposition leaders together. We have one purpose: to bring good leadership. We have to unite to liberate Kenya, Karua said. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the message, assuring Kenyans that opposition unity remains intact and is key to defeating President Ruto. Former Interior CS Fred Matiangi dismissed claims that the opposition alliance would collapse, warning that those banking on disunity would be disappointed. Rigathi Gachagua also projected confidence, saying opposition leaders would work together to present Kenyans with a formidable candidate capable of ending President Rutos tenure after one term. Do not be worried. The Kenyan population will make Ruto a one-term president, Gachagua told the delegates. The show of unity at the Democratic Party NDC signals renewed momentum within the United Opposition as leaders intensify efforts to consolidate support and position themselves as a credible alternative ahead of the next general election. East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has strongly rejected claims by businessman Oketch Salah that he was present during the final moments of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling them dangerous lies and questioning his motives. Speaking to Citizen TV on Tuesday, January 27, Winnie described Salahs statements as false and inappropriate given the sensitive nature of her fathers passing. I have met Oketch Salah, but Id like to believe nobody really knows him. A flat-out lie that you were there at the time of my fathers death and you were not, and talking about things that did not occur, is quite dangerous and makes me question his intentions, she said. Winnie went further, urging authorities to investigate Salahs actions. He should be rushed to either Mathare or the DCI with immediate effect, she added. The controversy comes days after Salah publicly claimed he had been with Raila Odinga from the onset of his illness until his final moments. He insisted that he shared the information not for sympathy or political gain, but because it was true, highlighting his role in providing emotional support and participating in private discussions during the period. Winnies brother, Raila Odinga Junior, also dismissed Salahs account in a brief social media post, writing simply: Nonsense. Following Winnies interview, Salah responded, standing by his claims. In a statement on his X account Wednesday morning, he shared a photo of himself with the late premier and said he would not retract his statements, but would clarify further in an upcoming interview. I watched last nights interview on Citizen TV with Yvonne Okwara, where Winnie spoke about me. Because of the respect I have for Her Excellency the Ambassador, Mama Ida Min Piny from Migori, I chose to remain quiet. That was a deliberate decision, Salah said. He added, Some things need clarity. I stand by everything I said about my last moments with Baba. Those moments were real, painful and lived. I will respond in an interview soon. The exchange highlights a brewing public controversy over Raila Odingas final days, with the Odinga family firmly rejecting any attempts to exploit the late premiers illness for personal recognition, while Salah maintains his narrative. Individuals named Benwick typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with deep-rooted practicality, reflecting the name's origins in territorial management and community organization. They often demonstrate remarkable resilience and steadfastness, capable of weathering challenges while maintaining clear direction and purpose. This stems from the name's association with banner symbolism, suggesting an innate ability to inspire and guide others through difficult circumstances. Benwicks tend to be methodical decision-makers who value tradition and continuity, yet possess the adaptability to navigate changing environments effectively. Their personality often blends quiet confidence with approachable authority, making them natural mediators and community builders. The territorial connotations of the name manifest as strong protective instincts toward family and community, coupled with a practical understanding of how to establish and maintain stable environments. While they may appear reserved initially, Benwicks typically reveal deep loyalty and commitment once trust is established, creating enduring relationships built on mutual respect and shared purpose. This combination of leadership, protection, and reliability makes them valued members of any social or professional circle. Cultural & Historical Significance Kirkwood originated as a Scottish and Northern English surname derived from topographic features, specifically referring to someone who lived near or worked in a forest belonging to a church. The name carries strong Christian connotations through its literal meaning 'church wood,' suggesting a connection between nature and spirituality. Throughout British history, Kirkwood families were often associated with land stewardship and ecclesiastical service, with many serving as foresters or groundkeepers for church properties. The name spread throughout the English-speaking world during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly to North America and Australia, where it maintained its association with both Christian heritage and natural environments. In Scottish culture specifically, Kirkwood families were often part of the landed gentry or professional classes, with historical records showing them as lawyers, clergy, and military officers who maintained strong ties to both their local communities and the established church. The name represents a unique blend of Scottish identity, Christian tradition, and environmental connection that has persisted across generations. Individuals named Xicohtencatl are often perceived as possessing intense determination and strategic thinking, reflecting the warrior legacy of their namesake. They tend to be fiercely independent, protective of their community, and willing to take strong stands for their beliefs. The 'angry bumblebee' symbolism suggests someone who can be gentle and productive when unprovoked but becomes formidable when threatened or defending their principles. These individuals often display natural leadership qualities, combining tactical intelligence with emotional intensity. They may struggle with authority figures while simultaneously commanding respect through their competence and conviction. Beyond the obvious warrior associations, Xicohtencatl namesakes often exhibit complex personality traits including deep loyalty to family and community, strong sense of justice, and innovative problem-solving abilities. They tend to be perceptive of social dynamics and skilled at navigating complex relationships. The bee symbolism also suggests industriousness, community orientation, and the ability to work collaboratively toward common goals. However, their 'sting' represents clear boundaries and the willingness to defend what they value. This creates a personality profile that balances creative construction with determined protection, making them both builders and defenders in their personal and professional lives. Margot Robbie gave Jacob Elordi "flowers on Valentine's Day". Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie have given each other sweet gifts The 35-year-old actress and her Wuthering Heights co-star formed a close bond on the set of the new big screen adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic, and they recently revealed how he filled her room with roses on February 14 last year. Now, she told Extra: "Jacob's getting a lot of credit. I actually got him presents, too. I would like that to be known. "Yes, I gave him many things throughout shooting... I gave him flowers at Valentine's Day." Margot - who has been married to producer Tom Ackerley sine 2016 - added: "I gave him a book of poetry. I have him a lamp once." She also had matching custom signet rings made for them both to commemorate the end of filming. Each of the rings feature two skeletons in an intimate embrace, with a Bronte quote: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." The hand-enamelled gold rings were created by UK designer Cece Fein-Hughes, who has opened up about the project on Instagram. She wrote: "What an honour it was to create matching pieces for Margot Robbie Jacob Elordi, celebrating their time filming together as Catherine and Heathcliff in the new Wuthering Heights." She wanted each detail to reflect "a story of passion, devotion and wild romance". The rings are engraved with the initials of the characters, as well as '1847-2026', which reference the year Bronte's classic novel was first published, and the release of the new film. Cece explained: "Gifted to Jacob by Margot, the piece features two entwined skeletons in the exact pose of the iconic film poster, a quiet reminder that love never truly dies. "As time passes and everything else withers away, what remains is the enduring bond between two souls." Margot revealed Jacob's sweet Valentine's Day gesture and admitted it "made her day". She told Vogue Australia: "We were shooting on Valentines Day. You made my day and, as Heathcliff, filled my room with roses and it was so cute." She added: "I remember thinking on Valentines Day, oh hes probably a very good boyfriend, cause theres a lot of thoughtfulness in this. You did a lot of very thoughtful things. "It wasnt just the gesture of the roses, it was the thing written from Heathcliff, and that little tombstone thing. I was like, ah, crafts! Love that. It was crafty, it was meaningful, it was dramatic. Amid reports that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is suffering from an eye ailment that could permanently damage his eyesight, the opposition has demanded an immediate meeting between the jailed former prime minister and his family, Dawn reported. On Wednesday, the party said it had learned through credible reports that Imran was suffering from a condition that could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. According to a senior doctor at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Imran was brought to the hospital under strict security late Saturday night for a procedure that took considerable time. However, another doctor denied this and declined to comment further, citing concerns that PTI would politicise the matter. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan claimed Imran was taken to hospital over the weekend and then returned to jail, calling the situation "distressing for the nation, the party and the family". "The family should have been taken on board for moving him for medical treatment. To this day, we have still not been informed about the disease for which he was taken to the hospital, which doctor examined him, why he was taken back [to jail] and why the need arose for doing so," he said. Gohar alleged the authorities "are trying to consolidate their power" by changing laws while losing public trust, adding that denying meetings with Imran was fuelling concern. "The government is not understanding, but we will try to make them understand through this press conference; try to understand these problems. Let the meetings happen ... do not deny meetings until February 8 under any circumstances," he requested. "A meeting with the family is very important. We demand that today, if not tomorrow, a meeting be arranged between Khan sahib and his family, and we are informed about his health. This is our demand," he added, urging the government to ease what he described as growing anxiety among the public and Imran''s family, Dawn reported. Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas described Imran as Pakistan''s most popular leader, saying, "He (Imran) is a former prime minister of Pakistan ... whom Pakistan loves." Gohar termed Imran''s being taken to the hospital without informing his family an "injustice", warning, "This is condemnable and they will have to answer for it at some point one day." Abbas also said the government had suffered a decisive defeat in the February 8, 2024, general election, adding, "If the [results] of the Feb 8 polls were accepted, then the political crisis would have ended," and called on citizens to join nationwide protests on February 8. Meanwhile, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said Imran and Bushra Bibi were being kept in isolation, calling it "unacceptable". He noted that Bushra Bibi had last met her daughter on November 4 and said that Imran''s personal physician had not been allowed access. Raja added that petitions filed by PTI senators and MNAs in the Islamabad High Court seeking meetings were rejected. "I learnt today that the IHC has refused to hear these petitions as regular petitions. An objection had been placed on both pleas, saying that the petitioners had no right to approach the court," he said. "We mentioned in our petition very clearly that we have grave concerns about the reports regarding Imran Khan sahib''s health and that his personal doctors should be allowed to examine him immediately. But we were told that this petition does not qualify for a hearing," Raja added, saying the situation "bordered on barbarism". "We demand that a meeting with Imran be arranged," he said, also calling for an end to solitary confinement. Separately, senior PTI leaders incarcerated at Lahore''s Kot Lakhpat jail appealed for proper medical care for Imran. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Safraz Cheema and Mian Mehmoodur Reasheed urged the chief justice of Pakistan to intervene, warning in an open letter that "Imran Khan''s eye infection has resulted in central retinal vein occlusion and may produce permanent damage to the eye and loss of vision, if not treated properly". "This condition is extremely serious and if not treated properly, may produce permanent damage to the eye resulting in loss of vision," the leaders said, calling denial of treatment "shameful" and urging authorities to admit Imran to a hospital of his choice and ensure immediate care, Dawn reported. They added, "We appeal to the chief justice of Pakistan to look into the matter personally and ensure that the recommended treatment is given as soon as possible," stressing, "The action taken in this case should be visible to the people of Pakistan." Responding to the developments, Minister of State for Interior Affairs Tallal Chaudhry said decisions on meetings rested with jail authorities and warned that protests outside the prison could make access "difficult". Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada ke Saath, he declined to confirm whether Imran underwent an eye procedure. "Instead of speculating or sensationalising, I urge people to wait for the reports to be confirmed," he said. Rejecting claims of government silence, Chaudhry added, "It''s not like that. The truth is that this is a narrative built by those people (the PTI) who spread propaganda and play the sympathy card about his (Imran) life and health, and how he can''t speak to his children and they can''t get visas, because their other narratives have failed." He said if a procedure had taken place, "then it confirms that he is receiving all medical facilities". "There are approximately 850 people who have met the PTI founder for hours, including his family, lawyers, his political team and doctors," Chaudhry said. After being told that no meetings had occurred for two months, he replied, "He is in prison and it is the government''s responsibility [to take care of him], do not worry." Chaudhry insisted, "I will confirm one thing: the rumours these people spread about his life and health are not true. He is receiving all the facilities ... more so than other prisoners," adding that only jail authorities could approve meetings and warning that continued protest calls would complicate matters. (ANI) The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated so far, highlighted a report by EY (Ernst & Young). According to the report, the India-EU FTA truly represents an agreement between two economic giants. It stated "The India-EU FTA represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated this far". The report noted that the agreement has the potential to significantly impact several key sectors, including automobiles, defence, aerospace, textiles and information technology. In the automobile sector, the FTA proposes a phased reduction of import duties on completely built units (CBUs) from around 110 per cent to approximately 10 per cent, with an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. EY said this move may encourage greater competition and innovation in the Indian auto sector, benefiting consumers through more choices and potentially lower prices. Additionally, lower import duties on completely knocked down (CKD) units, at around 15 per cent, are expected to support continued investments by European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers in local assembly operations. This is likely to strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment and help maintain price stability for consumers. On strategic defence integration and industrial collaboration, the report highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership framework under the agreement. EY said the framework lays the foundation for deeper industrial collaboration between Indian and European aerospace and defence firms, enabling technology exchange and improving interoperability. Lower tariffs are also expected to improve the price competitiveness of EU aerospace exports to India, while supporting Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in building integrated supply chains with European partners. The report added that the broader economic opening, along with defence cooperation, could accelerate localisation of critical aerospace technologies, such as complex radar systems or structural assemblies, through foreign direct investment and joint ventures. In the textile sector, the agreement provides zero duty access to the EU market from Day 1. EY noted that this restores India's competitiveness, fully neutralising the impact of the earlier withdrawal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This will allow Indian textile products to enter the EU market at significantly more competitive prices. For the IT sector, the report said that seamless movement of professionals and workers across EU countries may provide faster and easier access to new markets, particularly in the era of new AI technologies. The agreement also creates a pathway for structured engagement on Social Security Agreements over the next five years, addressing a long-pending industry demand to reduce dual social security contributions. India already has Social Security Agreements with 12 EU countries, the report added. The India-EU FTA was concluded on January 27, and it marked a watershed moment in India's global trade strategy. Both sides described this FTA as the "mother of all deals." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly announced the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India. (ANI) NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], January 29: Tanishq, India's largest jewellery brand from the House of Tata, cemented its global presence with its fourth showcase at Paris Couture Week 2026, marking a defining milestone in its global luxury journey and reinforcing its position as a design-led, globally aspirational jewellery maison. Continuing its celebrated collaboration with internationally acclaimed couturier Rahul Mishra, Tanishq returned to the world's most prestigious fashion platform, unveiling an exceptional high-jewellery presentation centred exclusively on its evocative Desert diamonds collection. Choosing a diamond born of the desert, is choosing something truly unique - a fragment of the earth's history that captures the hues of the land where they are found. Building on its continued presence at Paris Couture Week since 2023, Tanishq's exclusive collection of Desert diamonds, placed the spotlight firmly on the origin of natural diamonds. Formed in the depths of the earth over millennia, Desert diamonds carry the spirit of the land - connecting each stone back to wild desert landscapes. A spectrum of natural colours, with diamonds ranging from warm whites and honey tones through to whiskey and sunset browns form a palette that's both rare and unmistakable. Prized for their individuality, subtle tonal variations, and depth of character, these stones are considered connoisseur diamonds--markers of rarity, quiet power, and refined self-expression. Rahul Mishra's Spring 2026 collection, Alchemy, showcased at Paris Couture Week, draws inspiration from the cosmic and elemental origins of life, interpreting the continuity of matter and the transience of existence. It begins at the ether (akasha), the cosmic vastness, the eternal silence; which is not nothingness, but intelligible potential. The impression of air (vayu), its lightness, movement and enormous strength, traced into fabric through instinct and memory. Fire (agni) is the transformational force, like a contemplation. Shapeless by nature, but gives form to anything it touches. Water, (apas) obedient to gravity yet constantly in motion, a mirror to the moon and the world around it, yet humbly adapting to each vessel it inhabits. And Earth, the eternity's ledger of memories. Shaped from the interactions between the other forms, it is a vessel retaining their traces and textures, the force of resilience and tenderness. Rooted in the interplay of air, fire, water, earth, and space, the collection reflects how these classical elements interact and transform--mirroring the patient formation of diamonds over billions of years. Through texture, scale, and movement, Mishra's couture translates these unseen forces into a poetic narrative, where design echoes nature's rhythms, elemental harmony, and timeless cycles of transformation. This philosophy celebrates creation as a process shaped by time, balance, and quiet resilience--values intrinsic to both couture and natural diamonds. The jewellery showcased in Paris highlighted how Tanishq's Desert diamonds bring these natural elements to life, perfectly mirroring the vision of Rahul Mishra. Each rare, naturally coloured diamond was crafted into bold, sculptural silhouettes that celebrate both strength and subtlety, reflecting the desert's timeless landscapes and the slow, meticulous artistry of its formation. Following their successful launch in the USA, Tanishq now introduces these exceptionally rare diamonds to India, offering connoisseurs and jewellery enthusiasts an opportunity to experience natural diamonds of extraordinary provenance, individuality, and elegance. With scale, form, and thoughtful settings designed to let each stone's brilliance shine, these creations are conceived as wearable art, elevating high jewellery on one of the world's most prestigious fashion platforms. Every creation showcased in Paris was the result of extensive design ideation, hundreds of artisanal man-hours, intricate settings, and uncompromising attention to detail--a testament to Indian artistry that stands confidently among the world's finest. With its fourth appearance at Paris Couture Week, Tanishq continues to strengthen its position as a globally aspirational luxury jewellery brand, engaging with the world's leading maisons on an international stage. The Desert diamonds collection provides a new perspective - a sense of freshness and innovation in natural diamonds and was crafted in collaboration with De Beers Group, the world's leading diamond company. Speaking on Tanishq's continued presence at Paris Couture Week, Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, said, "Paris Couture Week is where design speaks without borders. For Tanishq, returning for the fourth time reflects our belief that Indian jewellery can engage the world through a shared language of design, rarity, and expression. With Desert diamonds, created in partnership with De Beers, we are presenting a story shaped by nature and refined through design--one that feels both deeply rooted and globally relevant. Our collaboration with Rahul Mishra allows us to translate this vision onto one of fashion's most influential stages, reinforcing our commitment to creating distinctive natural diamond jewellery that resonates with a new generation of global connoisseurs." Speaking on the collaboration and the association with Paris Couture Week, Garima Maheshwari, Head of Design, Tanishq, said, "Paris Couture Week represents the pinnacle of global luxury and creative expression. Our third presentation with Rahul Mishra marks a deeper creative dialogue between couture and high jewellery, where fashion and craftsmanship move together seamlessly. With Desert Diamonds, we showcased rare natural diamonds shaped by ancient desert landscapes, interpreted through bold, sculptural forms that echoed Rahul Mishra's nature-inspired silhouettes. The collection's natural hues--ranging from luminous whites to warm champagnes and deep ochres--were highlighted through intricate settings and meticulous detailing. Each creation was conceived as wearable art, reinforcing our shared commitment to authenticity, rarity, and presenting Indian high jewellery with confidence on a global couture stage." Speaking on the launch of Dessert Diamonds in India, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President, De Beers, said, "De Beers has now been a long-standing partner of Tanishq, and together we share a vision of bringing the world's finest natural diamonds to discerning audiences in India. Desert diamonds exemplify this collaboration, each stone is part of a unique origin concept, showcasing the rarity, individuality, and natural beauty that only nature can create. With Desert diamonds, the ancient sands of time meet today's desire for authentic beauty. Having already launched these exceptional diamonds in the USA, Tanishq is now bringing Desert diamonds to India, unveiling them on the global stage at Paris Couture Week and reinforcing our shared commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship." Rahul Mishra, Founder and Creative Director, said, "This collaboration with Tanishq is a meeting of philosophies shaped by time, nature, and human hands, and I am honoured to join hands with the legacy and trust created by them. Desert diamonds, formed over billions of years, resonate deeply with my couture collection Alchemy, which explores the elemental forces that bind creation and transformation. Presenting this dialogue at Paris Haute Couture Week allows us to honour rarity, not just in materials, but in thought, process, and craftsmanship. Together, we are telling a story where Indian artistry evolves naturally onto a global stage, rooted in heritage yet expressed through contemporary design." About Tanishq Tanishq, India's largest jewellery brand from the Tata Group, is synonymous with superior craftsmanship, distinctive design, and uncompromising quality. With a deep understanding of the modern consumer, Tanishq creates jewellery that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary expression. Reinforcing its commitment to transparency and trust, all Tanishq stores are equipped with the Karatmeter. Today, the brand has a presence across 500+ exclusive boutiques in over 300 cities, alongside a growing global footprint. About Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra, the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase at the Paris Haute Couture Week was also the winner of International Woolmark Prize in 2014. He was conferred the insignia of 'Chevalier de Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in November 2023. Rooted in the philosophy of sustainability, his work reimagines fashion as an agent of social change--fostering participation and uplifting India's artisan communities. Through his couture house and pret-a-porter label, AFEW Rahul Mishra, he envisions luxury not merely as consumption, but as a celebration of collective craftsmanship. Described by Suzy Menkes as a "national treasure" and praised by the late Franca Sozzani for "highlighting the best and most peculiar features of his homeland," Rahul's creations resonate across cultures. With six flagship stores in India and a growing global presence, his brand embodies 'mindful luxury,' where purpose guides process and each garment becomes a living narrative of human hands and heritage. 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. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) The India-EU FTA is set to unlock major trade expansion across sectors, even as certain teething issues are expected during the rollout of the landmark pact between India and the European Union according to Rudra Kumar Pandey, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co "India-EU FTA is set to bring unprecedented opportunities for both the EU and India in trade and services, and it is expected that both FDI and ODI will increase," Pandey told ANI on Thursday. The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India was signed on January 27 in the national capital. According to Pandely, while the agreement is being seen as a major milestone after long negotiations, Indian companies will need to prepare for higher compliance requirements and evolving EU standards as implementation approaches. Pandey described the India-EU free trade agreement, often referred to as the "mother of all deals", as a major milestone after prolonged negotiations, crediting the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry for pushing the agreement over the past two to three years, following an overall 18-year negotiating process. He said the pact would help India integrate more deeply into global supply chains, opening new export opportunities and positioning Indian companies more firmly within international manufacturing and sourcing networks. Pandey said the agreement could also attract higher foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, alongside technology inflows and expanded collaboration in research and development. He added that there could be greater cooperation in areas such as R&D and design centres, certification and testing laboratories, and low-carbon manufacturing footprints--areas that he said have been persistent challenges for Indian companies. He pointed to the rise in India's outbound direct investment (ODI) in recent years, saying India invested close to USD 30 billion overseas last year. While Singapore remains a key holding structure for both inward and outward investments, Pandey said the EU is among the most important regions for Indian expansion, particularly in the technology and automotive sectors. He added that EU firms could shift sourcing to India from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and in some cases Turkey and Mexico, as tariff benefits under the FTA make Indian supply chains more competitive. On the one-year preparation window before the agreement becomes effective, Pandey said the timeframe would allow both sides to prepare, identify partners, and build compliance systems needed to meet EU standards. He said sectors such as textiles, gems, and jewellery could be among the biggest beneficiaries, especially after disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs. He cited an example where exports to Spain increased by 50 per cent as companies diverted shipments. Addressing concerns raised by India's liquor and automotive industries about competition and the lack of a level playing field, Pandey said niche Indian whisky brands were unlikely to be significantly impacted, while the automotive sector stood to gain from deeper integration into the global ecosystem. On the US response, Pandey said India should focus on expanding opportunities rather than worrying about Washington's view of the deal. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could emerge as the biggest future hurdle for Indian exporters under the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA), potentially raising compliance costs, though small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may get some operational leeway, he said. "The CBAM, the carbon adjustment mechanism tax that is going to be imposed, could be a challenge," Pandey said, adding that the EU has not agreed to grant India an exemption. He said that based on information available in the public domain, SMEs may be allowed to issue self-certification on CBAM-related compliance, which could help reduce time and costs. Separately, on budget expectations, he said industry is looking for higher personal income tax thresholds and faster resolution of tax disputes, which foreign investors continue to flag as a concern. (ANI) The conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA) has opened major opportunities for the two regions to emerge as a global supplier of affordable and quality medicines, according to the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Sudarshan Jain, General Secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, said that the India-EU FTA is a landmark development, particularly for the pharmaceutical sector. "The conclusion of India-EU FTA is a landmark moment as it covers 25 per cent of the global GDP and 23 per cent of the world population. This FTA is very important in the context of pharmaceuticals. It will further strengthen the relationship between India and the EU," he said. Jain highlighted that the agreement would facilitate near-zero duty on the supply of innovative products from the European Union to India, which would help bring down costs for patients. "There will be near-zero duty on the supply of the EU innovative products to India, which means innovative products will be available at lower cost," he added. Emphasising India's strengths, Jain said that the country has a strong track record in the biosimilar segment. "India has a strong record in biosimilars; overall, India-EU can be a supplier of affordable medicines worldwide," he said. The India-EU FTA was jointly announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of European leaders to India. The documents related to the conclusion of the FTA were exchanged between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The announcement marks a historic milestone in India-EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners. The FTA comes after intense negotiations following the re-launch of talks in 2022 and represents the culmination of years of sustained dialogue and cooperation between India and the EU. The agreement reflects the political will and shared vision of both sides to deliver a balanced, modern, and rules-based economic and trade partnership. The European Union is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services witnessing steady growth over the years. In 2024-25, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at Rs 11.5 lakh crore (USD 136.54 billion), with exports valued at Rs 6.4 lakh crore (USD 75.85 billion) and imports at Rs 5.1 lakh crore (USD 60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached Rs 7.2 lakh crore (USD 83.10 billion) in 2024. The integration of these two large, diverse, and complementary economies is expected to create unprecedented trade and investment opportunities, including in the pharmaceutical sector. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], January 29: Gujarati cinema is set to welcome a film that doesn't merely unfold on screen, but quietly settles into the hearts of its audience. "Malumadi", presented by Sidhhant Motion Pictures and produced by Vikram Patolia and Kiran Khokhani, is scheduled to release in theatres on 30th January 2026. This is not the story of a fictional heroine.This is the story of every Gujarati household's mother. Lovingly referred to as "Gujarat's Mother India", Malumadi reflects the selfless love, quiet resilience, and unseen sacrifices of Gujarati mothers, a form of motherhood that stays in the background, so the family can move forward together. Directed with sensitivity by Milan Joshi, the film explores love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond of family in a way that feels deeply familiar and timeless. Malumadi is a clean, family-friendly film, grounded in emotion, cultural values, and lived truth. Where emotion meets traditionMalumadi tells a story that exists, in one way or another, in every Gujarati home,where a mother stands firm as the emotional backbone of the family. A line from the film captures its spirit with quiet strength:"I refuse to carry the burden of sins created by divisions of caste and identity." These words are more than dialogue.They echo a mother's moral courage, choosing humanity over prejudice, compassion over division. While gently addressing contemporary social realities, the film reminds us that the true strength of a family lies in love, not in lines that separate us. Music that stays with youThe film's music is composed by Harman Mer, with lyrics written by Kiran Khokhani. The title track, in particular, expresses maternal love and silent sacrifice with such simplicity that the feeling lingers long after the song ends, often saying what words cannot. Performances that feel realIn the lead role, Bharti Thakkar delivers a performance that is not just watched but deeply felt. It stands among her most sensitive and emotionally powerful portrayals to date. She is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Aakash Pandya, Priyam Talavia, Gurubhai Jethwa, Diya Bhatt, Vijay Jhala, and Ashitosh Solanki, along with veteran actors Ashok Patel and Niharika Dave, who bring depth and authenticity to the narrative. Cinematographer Jayesh Kaushik lends the film visual warmth and realism. The project is managed by Parth Navadia, with Bharat Donda serving as Production Head. Producer Vikram Patolia shares: "Malumadi is not just a film, it's the story of every home.A mother quietly holds everything together, without ever asking to be noticed.This film is our humble effort to reflect the emotions of all such mothers." With digital promotions led by Nexa Infotech, Malumadi has already begun forming a strong emotional connection on social media. The trailer has received encouraging responses on YouTube and Instagram, with #malumadifilm steadily gaining traction among audiences. Watch the trailer:https://youtu.be/U_bxfFQ3F6w In theatres from 30th January 2026: https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/rajapalayam/malumadi/ET00482595 Experience a film woven with the emotions of every mother, and the unbreakable bond of family. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Michael J Fox doesn't "think about his legacy" because it's "other people's business". Michael J Fox doesn't worry about his 'legacy' The 64-year-old actor - who is best known for playing Marty McFly in the Back To The Future trilogy, as well as roles in Family Ties and Spin City - insisted he doesn't worry about how people will remember him when he's done. He told the Los Angeles Times newspaper: "I'll be dead. "My late father-in-law wrote a book once called Die Broke. The theory being spend all your money now. "I don't mean just money. Your gift, your nectar. Spend it all now, and spend it on your kids, on people you love. I don't think about legacy." Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, and has since established his Michael J. Fox Foundation - which is dedicated to finding a cure for the illness and has gone on to fund $2 billion worth of research - and knows that work will "continue" once he's passed. He added: "Certainly, the foundation will be around and our work will continue. "It'd be nice to have it done before I die, but I don't know if that will happen. We're certainly getting closer. "Legacy is other people's business; my business is to live my best life, do the best I can, the best work I can, seize opportunities like working with Billy and Harrison and continue to write my story until the pin drops." Michael reunited with Spin City co-creator Bill Lawrence in the latest third season of Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking, which also stars Jason Segal, Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford. The Star Wars legend's character Dr. Paul Rhodes is a therapist also struggling with Parkinson's. Michael said: "It's so human and it was accessible for me. [I called and said] 'Bill, [how the f***] am I not on the show?' " He previously explained how he tries to keep his sense of humour "intact" amid his battle with Parkinson's, which causes uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. He told PEOPLE magazine: "It's hard for me. But I gotta keep it intact." India has made significant progress in improving public health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health, but emerging challenges such as obesity, digital addiction, and mental health issues require immediate policy attention, said Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmexcil. While speaking with ANI on the Economic Survey, Joshi said the survey has accurately captured key developments in India's health and digital ecosystems. He highlighted several "bright spots" that demonstrate the effectiveness of government interventions over the past decade. "One of the most notable achievements is the sharp decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). While the global average reduction stands at around 41%, India has achieved an 86% reduction, marking a landmark public health accomplishment," Joshi said. "This requires special recognition of the efforts of the Government of India and the Ministry of Health. India's performance in reducing maternal mortality is far better than the global average," he added. Joshi cautioned that the Economic Survey has also identified obesity as a major emerging concern, especially given India's status as the world's most populous country. "If obesity continues to rise and we fail to act now, the cost of managing obesity-related diseases will be extremely damaging for the economy," he warned. He pointed out that consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased by nearly 150%, which is a major contributor to obesity. Obesity, in turn, leads to several serious complications including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. "Government initiatives such as the Fit India Movement, Khelo India, and nutrition-focused programs aim to address these risks, but Joshi stressed that public participation is equally important," he said. Further, citing Economic Survey, he said India has also made strong progress in reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which has fallen by 37% over the last decade. In addition, the Under-Five Mortality Rate has declined significantly, outperforming global averages. "These reductions clearly reflect the government's sustained focus on improving healthcare access and outcomes, ensuring healthier lives from birth onward," Joshi noted. Joshi also praised India's rapid adoption of digital health platforms such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and eSanjeevani. "These digital initiatives are transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural India. The strong network of ASHA workers has played a crucial role in executing digital health services at the grassroots level," he said. According to him, India's digital health infrastructure is a major positive highlighted in the survey and positions the country well for future healthcare delivery models. Another key concern highlighted in the survey is digital addiction, particularly among children and young adults. Joshi noted that countries like France have already restricted social media usage for children below 15 years, and India is also considering policy interventions. "Digital addiction directly impacts mental health and physical activity. Reduced movement leads to obesity, while excessive screen time affects psychological well-being," he said. According to Joshi, obesity, digital addiction, and mental health issues are deeply interconnected, forming a cycle that needs to be addressed through integrated policies and public awareness. Joshi also flagged concerns around India's dependence on imported raw materials, particularly in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) sector. He stressed the need for incentives to encourage domestic manufacturing. "The industry and government must work together to make India self-reliant," he said. He further noted that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), especially with the European Union, present significant growth opportunities for the Indian pharmaceutical sector. "With tariff barriers being reduced and India's strong cost and quality advantage, pharma exports are likely to receive a major boost, although some regulatory challenges still need resolution," he said. (ANI) Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as a "mother of all deals". Speaking to ANI, Ambassador of Romania described the recent Free Trade Agreement between India and European Union as "historic", saying that it creates a common market which connects two billion consumers from around the world. "It's a historical deal (India-EU FTA) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced. It will be signed very soon, but the negotiations are concluded. It was a very difficult, long process of 18 years of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the EU and India. They call it the mother of all deals, because we know about how many free trade deals we're talking about these days," said Sena Latif, the Ambassador of Romania. She continued, "But this is the most important one, bringing together 2 billion consumers, a quarter of the world, a third of the world's market. It's two huge partners that are bringing together their forces to have a common market, which is beneficial for all of us, and definitely for Romania and India as well." The India-EU FTA was jointly announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of European leaders to India. The documents related to the conclusion of the FTA were exchanged between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The announcement marks a historic milestone in India-EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners. The FTA comes after intense negotiations following the re-launch of talks in 2022 and represents the culmination of years of sustained dialogue and cooperation between India and the EU. The agreement reflects the political will and shared vision of both sides to deliver a balanced, modern, and rules-based economic and trade partnership. The European Union is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade in goods and services witnessing steady growth over the years.In 2024-25, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at Rs 11.5 lakh crore (USD 136.54 billion), with exports valued at Rs 6.4 lakh crore (USD 75.85 billion) and imports at Rs 5.1 lakh crore (USD 60.68 billion). India-EU trade in services reached Rs 7.2 lakh crore (USD 83.10 billion) in 2024. The integration of these two large, diverse, and complementary economies is expected to create unprecedented trade and investment opportunities, including in the pharmaceutical sector. (ANI) Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC expressed deep condolences over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the Baramati plane crash and criticised the opposition for what she termed as "cheap politics" surrounding the tragic incident. Recalling Pawar's long political journey and personal association on Wednesday, Shaina said the loss has shaken the entire state of Maharashtra. "The entire Maharashtra has been shaken by Ajit Pawar's demise. We had family ties with him. He remained active in politics for 50 years... This is a big loss for Maharashtra," she said. Along with Ajit Pawar, four others, his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two crew members, also lost their lives in the crash. Extending condolences to all the victims, Shaina named each of them and acknowledged their service. "We pay our condolences to the family...Along with him, my condolences to Jadhavji, who was his personal security officer, Pinky Mali, who was the flight attendant on board, Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was the pilot of the flight, who had a flying experience of 16,500 hours, and Shambhavi Pathak, who was the co-pilot of this entire flight," she said. Her remarks came after Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee hinted at possible foul play in the plane crash and demanded a Supreme Court probe into the incident. Addressing the accusations, Shaina asked the opposition to set aside the conspiracy theory and recognise the gravity of the situation. "... The opposition is busy playing its cheap politics. Mamata Banerjee and the AAP should rise to the occassion and understand that a leader who is 66 years old and has been the Dy CM of Maharashtra for 6 terms is not a small accolade. As far as the opposition is concerned, please keep your conspiracy theories at home," she accused. Shaina further said that Pawar would be remembered as an efficient leader who worked at the grassroots level and delivered results on the ground. "As someone who has risen through the ranks, this is his contribution, not just as an able administrator in Baramati, but someone who will be remembered as a new-age politician who delivered on the ground," she said. She also requested that the incident be documented, which is essential for assessing flight safety and preventing a recurrence. "We request that when this investigation is carried out, we all take very seriously the takeaways regarding our aircraft and air safety, so that no such incident happens to anyone in the future," she stated. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushmatai Andhare also expressed condolences over Ajit Pawar's death. While speaking to ANI Shiv Sens (UBT) leader said Dada listened to us even when he was in the opposition. "Ajit Dada was a towering leader... He was a very approachable person... We have lost our Dada, the Dada who listened to us even when he was in the opposition..." she said. Maharashtra Ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Uday Samant reflected on their recent memories with the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed disbelief over his untimely death. Sanjay Shirsat said, "We were present at the cabinet meeting at the ministry yesterday... Even after his passing, it doesn't feel like Dada is gone. Dada's speciality was that once he said something, the work would get done. Ajit Dada lives on in everyone's hearts... We have lost a leader who cared for us..." "This is a very sad incident, because I myself started my political career under the guidance of Ajit Dada. It was Ajit Dada who made me the state president of the NCP. This is such a great loss for Maharashtra. Until yesterday, Ajit Dada was in the cabinet meeting. Yesterday, around 7:15 PM, I even spoke to him on the phone, and nobody could have imagined that such a tragic event would occur," Uday Samant reminisced. Futhermore, Chief Ministers from various states paid tributes to Ajit Pawar on his unfortunate death. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the state and the country "lost a noble person and good leader." "This is very sad. I have met him several times. Maharashtra and the country have lost a noble person and a good leader. I express my condolences to his family...," he said. Meanwhile, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief and assured the government would implement additional safety measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. "Ajit Pawar ji passed away today in an air crash. A major accident occurred there. I offer my condolences to Ajit Pawar and the other people and officials who were involved in that accident. An inquiry will definitely be conducted into the incident. After the inquiry, it will be revealed how such a major incident happened... To prevent such an incident from happening again in the future, the government and all of us will make every effort and will definitely take even more steps for safety," he said. Additionally, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called it a "black day" and recognised Pawar's contributions in the state politics. He said, "...He made unparalleled contributions to the progress and development of Maharashtra. Indeed, in Maharashtra, today is a black day. I, too, had deep relations with him. He was my friend. I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to his departed soul..." Additionally, Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Prithviraj Chavan recognised his death as an irreparable loss and prayed for strength for his family. "This is undoubtedly an irreparable loss for Maharashtra politics. It is a tragic incident. I pray to God for the peace of his soul and that God gives his family the strength to bear this grief," Bhupesh Baghel said. "... I heard about the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash this morning. His death is a massive loss for all of us. He was a prominent leader and had the capability to lead Maharashtra...," Prithviraj Chavan said. Maharashtra All India Congress Committee (AICC) Incharge Nivedith Alva also expressed grief over the death of Ajit Pawar and others aboard the plane. "It is a very sad day when the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, lost his life in a tragic air crash this morning. Our deepest condolences to his family, and also the families of the pilots, cabin crew and his security personnel on board, who also lost their lives...," he said. The post-mortem examinations of the two pilots who were flying the chartered aircraft that crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning have been completed, and their mortal remains were handed over to family members for last rites. The post-mortems of pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Captain Sambhiav Pathak were conducted at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Following the procedure, the bodies were released to their respective families. The chartered aircraft, which was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crash-landed at around 8.45 am at the runway threshold, killing all five persons on board. Among the deceased was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and the two pilots. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying five occupants, including crew members, when it was involved in an accident during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport. Further details regarding the exact cause of the crash are awaited as the investigation is underway. Meanwhile, on an urgent request from the Maharashtra government, the Indian Air Force (IAF) swiftly deployed a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, along with essential technical equipment, from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport, Defence officials said on Wednesday. The team promptly established emergency Air Traffic Control services, including communication and other emergency facilities, in coordination with the local administration to support safe and efficient air traffic management, they added. As part of the investigation into the crash, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) officials were present at the office of VSR Ventures Private Limited, which operates the ill-fated charter plane. The AAIB team was seen placing boxes of documents into vehicles. Airframe and engine logbooks, work orders, on-board documents, and major inspection records related to the aircraft were gathered from the operator for scrutiny. The probe team has also sought documents from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) related to the crew and the aircraft. Radar data recordings, CCTV footage, ATC recordings, and hotline communications will be obtained for further analysis. (ANI) The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers, featuring Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11 AM. Hours ahead of the procession, crowds of party workers and supporters gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital in Baramati, where Pawar's mortal remains were kept before being taken to his residence. A teary-eyed party worker, Chandrashekar Patil, mourned Ajit Dada's death and reflected on the Deputy CM's hardworking routine. "Who will we go to now?....the elder person of this family has left, who will guide us now? Everyone has been mourning his death since morning. It's extremely unfortunate....He used to wake up at 5 AM, listen to people's grievances and continue with his working schedule," Patil said while breaking into tears. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray also visited Ajit Pawar's Baramati residence on Wednesday to offer condolences to the grieving family following his demise. Furthermore, the postmortem examinations of pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali, who also died in the Baramati plane crash, have been completed, and their mortal remains were handed over to their families. Their postmortems were conducted at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Following the procedure, the bodies were released to their respective families. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit 'Dada' Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. Pawar was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" because of his tireless striving for the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to the people and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to government administration, Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Dada's leadership journey began and continued across institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks, and took a new direction in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He would later vacate the Baramati seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. Since then, he has held many more positions, including MLA, Minister of State for various critical government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became the Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was famed for his straightforward approach and frankness. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Thursday described the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 as a "delayed but welcome" reform, calling it a crucial step towards addressing deep-rooted discrimination and institutional apathy within India's higher education system. In a post on X, CM Stalin said that since the BJP came to power at the Centre, there has been a noticeable rise in student suicides in higher education institutions, particularly among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. He also alleged that students from South India, Kashmir, and minority communities have increasingly faced harassment and targeted attacks, making equity safeguards an "unavoidable necessity" rather than a policy choice. "The #UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 is a delayed but welcome step in reforming a higher education system scarred by deep rooted discrimination and institutional apathy. Since the BJP came to power at the Union level, there has been a visible rise in student suicides within Indian HEIs particularly among SC and ST students. This has been accompanied by repeated attacks and harassment targeting students from South India, Kashmir, and minority communities. In this context, equity safeguards are not a matter of choice but an unavoidable necessity," Stalin posted on X. Welcoming the regulations' stated objective of dismantling caste discrimination and extending inclusion to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said the backlash against the UGC framework mirrors the resistance seen during the implementation of reservations following the Mandal Commission recommendations. He termed the opposition to the regulations as driven by a "regressive mindset" and urged the Union Government not to succumb to pressure to roll back or dilute their core provisions. "The stated goals of dismantling caste discrimination and the inclusion of #OBCs within this framework, deserve support. As seen during the implementation of reservations based on the #MandalCommission recommendations, the present #UGC_Rollback backlash is driven by the same regressive mindset. The Union Government must not allow such pressure to dilute these regulations or their core objectives," he said. "Cases like the suicide of #RohithVemula, where VCs themselves faced allegations, make it difficult to see how Equity Committees chaired by institutional heads can function independently, especially when many higher education institutions are led by RSS supporters," Stalin added. CM Stalin asserted that if the Union Government is genuinely committed to preventing student deaths, ending discrimination, and reducing dropout rates among students from backward communities, the regulations must not only be protected but strengthened. "If the Union BJP Government is serious about preventing student deaths, ending discrimination, and reducing dropout rates among students from backward communities, these regulations must not only be strengthened but also revised to address their structural gaps, and enforced with real accountability," he said. The new regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints, especially from students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) categories. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13, which update its 2012 regulations on the same subject, have sparked widespread criticism from general category students, who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday sought to allay concerns over the new UGC regulations, assuring that the law would not be misused and that there would be no discrimination in its implementation. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a prosecution complaint against 10 individuals, including associates and family members of late gangster Nayeemuddin, for allegedly laundering money through forceful property registrations. The accused include Pasham Srinivas, Haseena Begum, and Mohammed Thahera Begum, among others. The ED's investigation revealed that Nayeemuddin's gang would threaten property owners to sell or transfer their assets to his associates or family members. The ED has identified 91 properties acquired through this method, which were already attached by the Income Tax Department. The agency is seeking the confiscation of these properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. According to the ED offical," Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office has filed Prosecution Complaint (PC) before the MSJ Court, Rangareddy District, Telangana against Pasham Srinivas, Haseena Begum, Mohammed Thahera Begum, Mohammed Saleema Begum, Mohammed Abdul Saleem, Ahela Begum, Syed Nilofar, Firdous Anjum, Mohammed Arif, and Heena Kousar under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Court has taken cognizance of the PC on 21.01.2026. ED initiated an investigation on the basis of the FIR registered by the Telangana Police against Md. Abdul Faheem, Haseena Begum, Pasham Srinivas, Md. Abdul Nasir, Thumma Srinivas, B. Shravan Kumar, and Sathish Reddy for the forceful occupation and selling of land by Gangster Nayeemuddin and his associates. ED also received a reference from the Income Tax department regarding action taken under the Prohibition of Benami Property & Transaction Act, 1988, against Khaja Nayeemuddin @ Nayeem, Haseena Begum, Tahera Begum, and others on the basis of information received by them from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Telangana Government to probe the immovable properties illegally acquired by Late Gangster Nayeemuddin and his associates. ED investigation revealed that Gangster Nayeemuddin [Khaja Nayeemuddin alias Nayeem], along with his associates and family members, was involved in the forceful registration of properties of various individuals by threatening them with their lives and the lives of their family members. The modus operandi employed by them was to identify properties, then threaten their owners for the sale/transfer of the properties in the name of Nayeemuddin's associates or his family members. If the owner of the property did not yield to their demands, they used to abduct them or their family members and then pressurize them to come to the Sub-Registrar Offices for registration of the properties in the name of Nayeemuddin's associates or his family members. ED investigation further revealed that Late Gangster Nayeemuddin, through forceful registration of the sale deed, projected the illegally acquired properties as genuine. However, the sellers did not get any monetary consideration for the sale of their properties. The sellers were threatened to an extent that they could not muster the courage to file complaints with the police or any other authority. Pasham Srinivas was a close associate of Nayeemuddin and closely worked with him for the extortion of properties from original owners and got the properties forcefully registered in the names of associates or family members of Nayeemuddin. He was tasked by Nayeemuddin to take care of the registration of the properties in the names of family members and associates of Nayeemuddin. PMLA investigation revealed that a total of 91 properties were forcefully registered in the names of Late Gangster Nayeemuddin's family members and associates. These properties represent Proceeds of Crime liable for attachment under the provisions of PMLA and consequent confiscation to the Central Government. However, since all these properties were already attached by the Income Tax Department under the Prohibition of Benami Property & Under the Transaction Act, 1988, the same were not attached by ED during the course of PMLA investigation. Confiscation of the said attached properties to the Central Government has, however, been prayed for in the Prosecution Complaint filed by ED. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, highlighting his influence and contribution to the State's politics. In its editorial, Saamana described Ajit Pawar as a natural leader who demonstrated independent leadership despite working under his uncle Sharad Pawar's shadow. It said his sudden death was a cruel blow to Maharashtra, robbing the State of a strong and large-hearted leader. The editorial noted that Ajit Pawar was constantly on the move and deeply engaged in public life. Tracing Ajit Pawar's political journey, Saamana wrote that he entered politics as Sharad Pawar's nephew and grew under his guidance, but eventually carved out his own distinct political path through his achievements. "Ajit Dada was always on the move, constantly travelling. Now he has embarked on a journey from which he will never return. His sudden departure has created a deep void in Maharashtra's social life, political landscape and in the personal lives of millions. He entered Maharashtra politics as Sharad Pawar's nephew. Under the protective shadow of Pawar, like the Sahyadris, he built his position and carved his own distinct path through his achievements. Over time, his political journey diverged from that of Sharad Pawar," the editorial read. The editorial described him as a blunt and efficient leader who valued punctuality, cleanliness and discipline. It said making hollow promises did not suit his working style, and he often backed his words with action. "Ajit Pawar was known as a blunt and efficient leader. He valued punctuality, cleanliness and neatness. Making hollow promises did not suit his style. He often said, "Let's see how you get elected," and then made it happen," Saamana wrote in its editorial. Saamana further compared Ajit Pawar to a "vast umbrella under which thousands found shelter", noting that with his passing, the future of those dependent on him had become uncertain. Recalling the loss of other prominent leaders such as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and RR Patil, the editorial said it felt as though Marathi politics had fallen under an evil spell. "In contemporary politics, Ajit Pawar was like a vast umbrella under which thousands found shelter. When that umbrella collapsed, the future of those dependent on him turned uncertain. Ajit Pawar was truly a "Dada." This era of the "Dada" ended far too soon. Talented leaders like Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and RR Patil have already departed from Maharashtra's political stage. It feels as though Marathi politics has fallen under an evil spell. Once again, Maharashtra has lost a capable and powerful leader," said Saamana. The editorial stated that with Ajit Pawar's absence, Maharashtra's politics appears weaker, slower and directionless. It said many who built their political careers around him now feel orphaned, and that a firm, courageous and bold personality of Maharashtra politics has crossed beyond time's veil, leaving behind countless memories. "With the absence of a leader like Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's politics appears weaker, slower and directionless. A large section of people who built their political careers around his name now feels orphaned. A firm, courageous and bold personality of Maharashtra politics has crossed beyond time's veil, leaving behind countless memories," Saamana read. Ajit 'Dada' Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to them and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to government administration, Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Dada's leadership journey began and continued across institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks, and took a new direction in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He would later vacate the Baramati seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. Since then, he has held many more positions, including MLA, Minister of State for various critical government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became the Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was famed for his straightforward approach and frankness. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. (ANI) A day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the opposition for the uproar during President Droupadi Murmu's Budget session address, Congress on Thursday said that the party will raise the MNREGA issue during the budget session which began on Wednesday with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of both houses of Parliamet. Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, the Central government's new rural job scheme, and accused the government of "breaking the backs of the poor". "They are talking about something that makes no sense. We have our MNREGA agenda. You (government) have broken the backs of the poor, so will we be banned from speaking as well? Are you just selling old goods in new packaging, repackaging the entire President's address in old and new boxes? Is there anything else besides that? We spoke about MNREGA, and there was nothing else," Masood told ANI. After the adjournment of a joint session of Parliament on Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the act of the opposition during the session. He said that the opposition has made the country feel ashamed for the behaviour they displayed in parliament. "What the Opposition did when the President was addressing both Houses of Parliament makes the country ashamed. The country will never forgive Congress and its allies," Rijiju said. Pointing out the behaviour of the opposition during the session, he said, "Can a responsible MP behave like this? When the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was being mentioned, and tribute was being paid to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the entire Opposition started creating a ruckus. When the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was mentioned, the opposition created a ruckus. When Babasaheb Ambedkar's 150th birth anniversary was mentioned, they created a ruckus yet again. When the centenary celebration of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika was mentioned, they created a ruckus. The anniversaries of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Vande Mataram, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Sardar Patel are very important topics, and everyone should bow and salute. All should welcome the while president addresses the parliament, but at such time they are insulting them by sloganeering." Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the country would not stand the insult of prominent personalities. "I can tolerate my insult, but Guru Tegh Bahadur, Bhupen Hazarika, Sardar Patel, 125th anniversary of Birsa Munda, insulting these altogether, and all over that insulting, while mentioning the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. I believe the country will not forgive. Politics can be done in anything, but politics in these matters, I think, the country will not forgive them." The session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.(ANI) Odessa A'zion has dropped out of Deep Cuts after backlash over "whitewashing". Odessa A'zion has quit Deep Cuts The 25-year-old actress has been cast as Zoe Gutierrez - a Jewish character of Mexican heritage - in Sean Durkin's upcoming adaptation of Holly Brickley's acclaimed novel, and she has now addressed the controversy over the decision to cast a white performer as a person of colour. She wrote on her Instagram Story: "Guys!! I am will ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie. F*** that. I'm OUT. (sic)" Odessa's parents are American actress Pamela Adlon - whose father was born to a Jewish family - and German director Felix Adlon. The Marty Supreme star thanked everyone for "bringing this to [her] attention", and insisted she agrees with the backlash. She continued: Lemme make myself clearIm so so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in how it all went down. I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! Im so p***** yall, I hadnt read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting and now that I know what I know??? F*** that! IM OUT. Id never take a role from someone else thats meant to do it. That SHOULD do it! Thats not me. "There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them. I cant wait to see who it ends up being. (sic)" Odessa admitted she was "so excited" by the project after reading the script and she was "just down to be a part of it" with "this group of people". However, she added: "Ive been so busy with other work I was trying to carve out a time to reread, I wish I found that time sooner and clocked her name. Thats all thats mentioned in the script when I just finally did. Thank you thank you THANK YOU GUYS FOR LETTING ME KNOW!!! The I Love LA actress noted she is yet to read the Deep Cuts novel, but she couldn't in good conscience play the part after details about her character became clear. She said: "Still havent read the book but the story in the script is focused on Percy and Joe, so of course on my initial read that was my main focus as well. "I was happy to be involved as a different role, but I just can not do it knowing more about Zoe now. Presenting the Kerala Budget 2026 in the State Assembly, Finance Minister KN Balagopal said on Thursday the State has witnessed transformative progress over the last decade, creating a "new normal" across sectors. He emphasised that the progress achieved across all spheres of people's lives over the last 10 years is remarkable and cannot be compared with what Kerala was like. "Today's Kerala is not the Kerala of ten years ago. In every sector, Kerala has created a new normal. The progress achieved in all spheres of people's lives is remarkable, so much so that even the old normal cannot be compared with it. During this session of the Assembly, we wish to discuss the changes that have taken place in every development sector. With facts, figures, and examples, we are prepared to present the proud achievements Kerala has attained. We are ready to patiently listen to what the opposition has to say. If such a discussion takes place in the Assembly, it will be a good model of democracy," he said. Emphasising social unity as Kerala's most valuable asset, Balagopal warned against divisive forces while expressing confidence in the state's financial resilience. Balagopal said that maintaining peace, tranquillity, religious harmony, and unity is the strongest guarantee of future growth and prosperity. "There are more messages of happiness to be shared in the new budget speech. However, before moving on to that, there is a danger that concerns the people of Kerala and one that needs to be approached with caution, which I wish to speak about. No matter how many budgets are presented or how many crores are spent, there is an asset that Kerala has which cannot be obtained through any of that. That great asset is the unity of the people of Kerala. The ability to maintain peace, tranquillity, religious harmony, and unity is the biggest guarantee of our future growth and prosperity. There is no need to think of any better factor than this to attract foreign tourists, entrepreneurs, and capital to our state. But venomous communal serpents are lying in wait to destroy this collective unity of Kerala. The new strategy being taught by election experts is to brand those who build a people's unity as a shield against communalism. We dismiss such branding with contempt," he said. The Kerala Finance Minister also accused the Centre of "choking" the state government by denying funds. "By cutting the previously fixed borrowing limit and denying legitimate arrears, the central government is attempting to choke the state government. All this is temporary. It should be seen only as a stealth attack during the election period," KN Balagopal said. Calling it his sixth budget, Balagopal said the government has largely fulfilled its electoral promises and continues to pursue carefully planned programmes aimed at inclusive growth and long-term prosperity. "I am presenting the budget with great happiness and pride. This is the sixth budget that I am presenting. Each budget I have presented on behalf of the state government has been an announcement of carefully planned programmes aimed at fulfilling the promises made to the people during the election period. We have presented before the people the progress achieved in implementing the commitments made in the election manifesto. The progress reports presented during the tenure of the previous government have been widely discussed. With the satisfaction that the promises made have been almost fully implemented, today's budget is being presented," he said. Highlighting reforms in the Budget, FM Balagopal stated that Rs 3,820 crore has been allocated for the women's security welfare pension. "Rs 400 crore is allocated for the Chief Minister's 'Connect to Work' scholarship scheme and Rs 14,500 crore is allocated for disbursing welfare pensions for the year 2026-27," he said. According to the Budget, a pay hike will be implemented as follows: Rs 1,000 for Anganwadi workers, Rs 500 for Anganwadi helpers, Rs 1,000 for pre-primary teachers, and a Rs 1,000 increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers. Further, a Rs 25 increase in daily wages for school mid-day meal workers and a Rs 1,000 increase in monthly wages for literacy promoters have been included in the Budget. (ANI) In a major crackdown, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested two in connection with a major narco-arms consignment in Amritsar and recovered 42.983 kg heroin along with weapons and ammunition. Sharing an X post, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav wrote, "Amritsar Rural Police busts a major narco-arms consignment with the help of the Village Defence Committee (VDC) and recovers 42.983 kg heroin, 4 hand grenades, one Star Mark pistol, 46 live .30 bore cartridges and an abandoned motorcycle." https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/2016727618490712220 DGP said that further investigations are underway to trace the absconding accused and the official would verify the chain of possession. "Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of 2 persons, both residents of Amritsar. Further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused, verify the chain of possession, and uncover the wider conspiracy," DGP wrote in his tweet. Earlier on January 25, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, revealed that they had identified a major link within a cross-border narco-terror network with the arrest of Satnam Singh, an official said. According to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, the accused facilitated terror financing by routing heroin trafficking proceeds through his personal bank account and UPI credentials at the direction of a Pakistan-based smuggler. This module has been connected to major drug and arms seizures, as well as the November 2025 grenade attack in Sirsa, Haryana. The DJP said, "In an intelligence-led operation, State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), SAS Nagar busts a key financial link of an inter-state and cross-border narco-terror module with the arrest of Satnam Singh. Preliminary investigations reveals that the accused facilitated terror financing by allowing his bank account and UPI credentials to be used for routing proceeds of heroin trafficking, acting at the behest of a #Pakistan-based drug smuggler. The network has been linked to significant heroin recoveries, illegal arms trafficking, and the grenade attack that occurred in Sirsa, #Haryana, in November 2025. @PunjabPoliceInd zero-tolerance approach is focused on dismantling narco-terror networks by striking at their financial and logistical core. We remain resolute in safeguarding national security and will pursue relentless, decisive action against all elements involved in anti-national activities." (ANI) Congress MP Manoj Kumar on Thursday expressed condolences over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and said that this is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra politics but also to the country's cooperative sector. The Congress leader added that the National Congress Party stood with his family and his party's supporters during the grieving time. Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "The news of the death of Maharashtra Dy CM and prominent leader, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash is extremely sad and painful. His passing is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra politics but also to the country's cooperative sector and national politics." "I express my deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved him, and I pray to God to grant peace to his soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family and supporters during this difficult time. In this hour of grief, our Indian National Congress party and I stand with his family, his well-wishers, and his party supporters," he added. On Wednesday, Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed near the landing runway of the Baramati airport. The mortal remains of Pawar were brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his last rites today. Funeral preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. Supporters of NCP chief Ajit Pawar gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11am. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India's strong growth trajectory, describing the start of this quarter as "very positive" and calling a self-confident India "a ray of hope for the world today." Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session 2026, he noted that India has emerged as a centre of global attention. He said that at the beginning of this quarter, India and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which the Prime Minister described as reflecting "the bright future of Indian youth and the promising directions ahead." "This quarter has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India has become a ray of hope for the world today. It has also become a centre of attraction. At the beginning of this quarter, India and the European Union signed a Free Trade Agreement. It is a reflection of how bright the upcoming directions are, of how bright the future of Indian youth is," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling it "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage this opportunity to strengthen their capabilities, adding that the FTA represents a major step toward a confident, competitive, and productive India. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India," said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that the Union Budget would reflect the reform agenda of the Government. "It is natural for the attention of the country to be towards the Budget. But the identity of this Government has been reform, perform and transform. Now, we have swiftly taken off on 'Reform Express'. I express gratitude to all MPs for their positive contributions in speeding up this 'Reform Express'. As a result, 'Reform Express' is gaining speed." PM Modi highlighted that all the decisions of the government were human-centric and would continue to be so. "The country is coming out of long-term pending problems and confidently walking the path of long-term solutions...In all our decisions, the progress of the country is our goal. But all our decisions are human-centric, our role and schemes are human-centric. We will contest against technology, we will adapt to technology, we will accept the capability of technology. But with this, we will not undermine human-centric system. Understanding the importance of sensitiviteness, in partnership with technology, we will go ahead." Reflecting on the passage of one-fourth of the 21st century, the Prime Minister asserted on the importance of the next 25 years towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. He also hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who would present the first budget of the second quarter of the century. "1/4 of the 21st century has gone by. This is the beginning of the next quarter. To attain the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, the important phase of these 25 years has begun. The first Budget of this second quarter of the century is about to be presented. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is the first FM of the country, the first woman FM of the country who is presenting the Budget in the Parliament for the 9th consecutive time. This is registered as a proud moment in the Parliamentary history of the country," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session 2026, he expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would utilise the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, calling the FTA a major step toward building a confident, competitive, and productive India. "This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India," said the Prime Minister. PM Modi said India's democracy and demography have become a source of hope for the world and stressed the importance of sending a strong message to the global community through Parliament, which he described as the "temple of democracy." "India's democracy and demography is a big hope to the world today. This is an opportunity to send across a message to the global community through this temple of democracy - of our capability, of our dedication to democracy, of honouring the decisions made through democratic processes. The world welcomes and accepts this. Today, the country is advancing. This is not the time for obstruction. This is the time for solution. Today, the priority is not obstruction, but solution...I urge all MPs to come and let us speed up and strengthen the era of important solutions for the country. We should go ahead towards last mile delivery," the Prime Minister said. Urging cooperation in Parliament, the Prime Minister added that the country must prioritise solutions over obstruction. "Even colleagues who have an attitude of disliking us, which is natural in democracy, and everyone else says that this government has laid emphasis on last mile delivery. We make efforts to bring schemes not just to files but to lives. We have to take this tradition forward through next-gen reforms in 'Reforms Express," the Prime Minister said. India and the European Union on Tuesday inked several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. Notably, both sides also agreed on a strategy document titled 'Towards 2030 - A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda,' reflecting the expanding scope of India-EU strategic cooperation. India and the EU exchanged several agreements and MoUs, reflecting the wide-ranging, multifaceted cooperation as part of the India-EU Strategic Cooperation. Among the agreements exchanged was the political declaration on the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and European Union Trade Commissioner Marcos Sefcovic. The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership document was signed by EU Vice President Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while the comprehensive framework on mobility was signed by Vice President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, and EAM Jaishankar, highlighting the wide-ranging and multifaceted nature of India-EU strategic cooperation. (ANI) Ahead of the tabling of the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha today, Congress MP Manickam Tagore accused the Centre of bringing and passing bills one after another without taking opposition parties into confidence. Speaking to ANI, Tagore reiterated attacks on the Union Government for the scrapping of MGNREGA, asserting that they will now allow Mahatma Gandhi to be insulted. "It is very unfortunate for the government to behave like this and bulldoze bills after bills. It is very unfortunate for the government to silence the voice of the Opposition. They insulted Mahatma Gandhi by removing his name from MGNREGA. Therefore, we protested for 30 seconds during the President's address. The democratic right to protest is important...We won't allow Mahatma Gandhi to be insulted," he said. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to table the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha today. The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser, provides insights into the state of the economy and various indicators for 2025-26 (April-March), as well as an outlook for the next fiscal. The Budget Session commenced on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu's address to both the Houses of Parliament. The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. Earlier on Wednesday, Opposition parties staged a protest in a "dignified" manner against the scrapping of the MGNREGA during President Droupadi Murmu's address to both Houses of the Parliament. When President Murmu, during her address, highlighted the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, the opposition MPs stood and protested. President Murmu said, "For employment and development in rural areas, Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law has been formed. With this new reform, there will be 125 days of employment guarantees in villages..." As the NDA-BJP MPs thumped their tables in appreciation, Opposition MPs stood up and registered their protest, demanding that the law be withdrawn. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday arrived at Vidya Pratishthan ground to attend the last rites of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died a day earlier when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed near the landing runway of the Baramati airport. Shah, along with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Goa CM Pramod Sawant, paid last respects to the NCP chief. Pawar's sons, Parth and Jay also performed the last rites rituals of their father. Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP paid last respects to her husband. The drone footage showed a large crowd at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where Ajit Pawar's last rites were being performed. Meanwhile, the last rites of Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, were performed by his family in their native village in Satara on Wednesday night. His young son performed the last rites. Jadhav was on board the ill-fated charter plane that crash-landed in Baramati yesterday killing all five people on board. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying mere condolences are not enough. Raising concerns over repeated charter flight accidents across the country, Raut questioned whether technical faults, radar failures, or airport-related issues were responsible and asserted that the truth must be revealed to the public to identify root causes and prevent such tragedies in the future. "Such a major accident occurred in Ahmedabad. What happened? An investigation was launched, but has anything come to light? So many chartered flight accidents have occurred, and so many people have died... The truth should be revealed to us, to the public. A towering leader like Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was a popular leader. Yesterday, he died in a plane crash. Not only Maharashtra, but the entire country is in shock. How did this happen? What technical fault was there? This should come to light," he said, while addressing the media. (ANI) Amid reported differences between him and the party high command, Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The meeting between the leaders is underway at Kharge''s office in the Parliament. This comes after Tharoor skipped an important All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. However, he said that he had informed his party leaders about his intention not to attend the meeting beforehand. 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. Meanwhile, on January 24, Tharoor clearly signalled that there are some "issues" with him and the party, and he would like to discuss them with the party''s leadership. "Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so. I''m not entering into this issue in public at all," he said. However, he added 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 absence came a few days after he was reportedly ''ignored'' by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the party''s "Mahapanchayat" organised in Kochi, Kerala, on January 19. Rahul Gandhi had entered the venue while Tharoor was addressing the Maha Panchayat. While Gandhi, along with KC Venugopal, greeted multiple party leaders, a direct greeting to Tharoor was not given. Tharoor felt "deeply insulted" as Gandhi mentioned several other leaders on stage but not him, despite his presence. The Congress party denied any internal issues, stating Tharoor had prior commitments at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday listed the Land for Job CBI case for trial and directed the court to record Prosecution evidence from March 9 on a day-to-day basis. This case is linked with the alleged offence of providing Railway grade D jobs to candidates in lieu of Land. Meanwhile, the court granted liberty to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, and Tej Pratap Yadav to appear in person between February 1 to 25 for formal framing of charges. The court directed them to give prior one day notice to the CBI before physical appearance. They had sought an exemption from Physical appearance on Thursday. However, MP Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav appeared physically and denied the charges framed against them. Special Judge (MP-MLA) Vishal Gogne listed the matter for the recording of Prosecution evidence after formally framing the charges against other Accused persons. On January 9, the court directed the framing of charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, and other Accused persons in the land-for-job scam Case. While framing the charges, the court said, "Lalu Prasad Yadav and family acted as a syndicate." The court had discharged 52 accused persons, including CPOs and Railway officers. 5 Accused died during proceedings. The CBI had charge-sheeted 103 Accused persons. The court framed charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act for conspiracy, Cheating, and the provision of the Act. While framing charges, the court had said that it found on the touchstone of suspicion that there existed an overarching conspiracy on the part of Lalu and Family. "Chargesheet strongly depicts the acquisition of the land in lieu of a job," the Special Judge said. The CBI had charge-sheeted 103 persons as accused. However, 5 have died during the proceedings. 52 accsued have discharged. CBI had filed charge sheets against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, Hema Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and other accused persons. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D P Singh had submitted that there is sufficient material to frame charges against the accused persons. During the arguements, Former Railway Lalu Prasad Yadav's senior counsel, Maninder Singh, argued that the land-for-job case is politically motivated. There is no evidence to show that jobs were given to candidates in lieu of land. There are sale deeds that show that land was purchased for Money. Senior advocate Maninder Singh submitted that there was no violation of any rule regarding the appointment and that no jobs were given for land. It was also argued that Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav made no recommendation for any candidate. No General Manager has stated that he ever met Lalu Prasad Yadav. The senior counsel had further argued that no case of corruption was made out as he had not made any recommendations for any candidate. Merely calling him a kingpin is not sufficient. There is no evidence against him. It was also argued that there was no evidence that any land was taken without compensation. The land was purchased. Earlier during arguements on behalf of Rabri Devi, it was submitted that Rabri Devi purchased land and paid money for it. Buying land for money is not a crime. No favour was given to any accused candidate. These transactions are not connected. The senior advocate submitted that the CBI must prove corruption. The land sold was purchased for a consideration. He further submitted that the applicants had followed all due processes. Where is the corrupt practice? These acts are independent. No acts of the accused persons are connected, he added. (ANI) The Government has allotted 18 hours in the Lok Sabha for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address to the joint session of Parliament during the Budget Session. The discussion will be held on February 2, 3, and 4. The decision was made at a meeting of the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament on February 4. Sources said the Lok Sabha will hold a general discussion on the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 5, 9, 10, and 11. A total of 18 hours has been allotted for the discussion. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply on February 11. At an all-party meeting held on Tuesday, opposition parties urged discussions on a range of issues, including the restoration of MGNREGA, the ongoing SIR of poll rolls, and the UGC controversy. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday afternoon and will again meet on February 1 at 11:00 am. Finance Minister Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India in Parliament today for the 2025-26 financial year, setting the stage for the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1. This year, the Budget presentation falls on a weekend. FM Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking a significant milestone in India's parliamentary and economic history. The tabling of the Economic Survey ahead of the Budget follows the long-standing tradition of outlining the state of the economy before detailing future fiscal plans. The Economic Survey of India is regarded as the nation's official annual "report card" on the economy. It provides a comprehensive, data-backed review of the economy's performance over the previous year and offers a broad roadmap for future policy direction. As the government's flagship annual report, it reviews key economic developments over the past 12 months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media outside Parliament ahead of the Budget Session 2026 highlighted India's strong growth trajectory, describing the start of this quarter as "very positive" and calling a self-confident India "a ray of hope for the world today." The PM said that the country has boarded the "Reform Express" and has emerged from long-pending problems while working towards long-term solutions. He said it is time to find solutions, not create hurdles, ahead of the Budget Session. Further, he praised the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as "Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India." He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would utilise the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, calling the FTA a major step toward building a confident, competitive, and productive India. The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (ANI) Rob Schneider and his wife Patricia Azarcoya Schneider are heading for divorce after more than a decade together. Photo: Avalon Court documents obtained by The Sun show that Mexican actress Patricia, 37, quietly submitted her petition on December 8, 2025, ending their 15year marriage. Former Saturday Night Live cast member Schneider, 62, formally acknowledged the filing three days later. In her petition, Patricia stated that the relationship had reached a point where it could not be repaired. Because the pair have two daughters Miranda, 13, and Madeline, 10 the court ordered both parents to complete a mandatory parenting course within 45 days of the order being issued. The filings also confirm that the former couple are currently working through arrangements for custody, child support and spousal support. A judge has since agreed to seal the outcome of the case, meaning the final agreement known as a consent decree will remain confidential once completed. Schneiders marriage to Patricia was his third. The Hot Chick star was previously married to London King, with whom he shares musician Elle King, and later to model Helena Schneider before their split in 2005. Schneider and Patricia married in 2011 and have frequently collaborated on projects over the years. The split comes two years after the comic said he finally felt like his life had "come together" since turning 60 and converting to Catholicism. He decided to dedicate himself to God amid the COVID-19 pandemic, because of all the "evil" in the world, and he's never felt better in his life. Schneider told Closer US magazine: "I felt like there was evil in the world, and I couldn't explain it any other way. I saw this terrific priest, and that was a real eye-opener. Also, my wife is Catholic, so I felt a real connection to it and to God. Now that I'm 60, I feel that things have come together for me." Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said that he held "very good, constructive and positive" discussions with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party President Mallikarjun Kharge following the Lok Sabha legislator''s absence from a meeting of the party in Kerala last week, which had triggered speculation of reported differences. Tharoor participated in a meeting that ran for a couple of hours at Kharge''s office in Parliament today. Speaking to ANI, the Thiruvananthapuram MP emphasised that he has always stood with the All India Congress Party and has actively participated in election campaigning. "We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion. All is good, and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say?...I have always campaigned for the party, where have I not campaigned?" Tharoor said. Further, as his home state of Kerala heads into Assembly elections soon, Tharoor, when quizzed about whether today''s meeting touched upon the Chief Ministerial face of the Congress and whether he would be throwing his hat in the race, said that he is not interested in being a candidate as the Member of Parliament''s "job" remains suitable for him. "No, that was never discussed. I am not interested in being a candidate for anything. At the moment, I am already an MP and I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram. I have to look after their interests in Parliament, that is my job..," he said when asked if Kerala CM candiature was discussed The Congress MP also thanked Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for a "warm" discussion. "Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India," Shashi Tharoor posted on X. Tharoor had skipped an important All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Kerala last week to discuss preparations for the upcoming State Assembly polls. However, he said that he had informed his party leaders about his intention not to attend the meeting beforehand. 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. Meanwhile, on January 24, Tharoor clearly signalled that there are some "issues" with him and the party, and he would like to discuss them with the party''s leadership. "Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so. I''m not entering into this issue in public at all," he had said. Tharoor''s absence came a few days after he was reportedly ''ignored'' by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the party''s "Mahapanchayat" organised in Kochi on January 19. Rahul Gandhi had entered the venue while Tharoor was addressing the Maha Panchayat. While Gandhi, along with KC Venugopal, greeted multiple party leaders, a direct greeting to Tharoor was not given. Tharoor felt "deeply insulted" as Gandhi mentioned several other leaders on stage but not him, despite his presence. The Congress party denied any internal issues, stating Tharoor had prior commitments at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has dismissed a criminal appeal arising from a 1995 CBI trap case, upholding the trial court's conviction and sentence under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Court held that the findings of guilt were not infirm and reaffirmed key procedural principles governing corruption trials. Briefly put, in 1995, a complaint was filed alleging that the appellant, while posted as an Assistant Sub-Inspector at Police Post Shakur Basti, demanded illegal gratification of Rs 10,000 from the complainant to stop harassing him in connection with complaints initiated by the complainant's brother. The amount was later reduced to Rs 5,000, after which the CBI laid a trap and recovered tainted currency. Rejecting the challenge to the conviction, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had proved demand and acceptance of illegal gratification through the complainant's testimony, supported by surrounding circumstances and positive phenolphthalein test results. The Court observed that minor inconsistencies in witness statements did not affect the core of the prosecution case, particularly when the accused's presence at the spot remained unexplained. The Court also addressed the contention that the case should be dismissed for the passage of nearly three decades since the FIR was registered. It categorically held that "mere delay is no reason to disbelieve or discard the entire prosecution case," noting that no material prejudice had been demonstrated on account of the delay. While affirming the conviction, the High Court issued important guidance on trial procedure. It clarified that statements recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC can be used only for the limited purpose of contradiction, strictly in accordance with Section 145 of the Evidence Act. The Court further cautioned trial courts against the incorrect practice of "declaring a witness hostile" or allowing a prosecutor to "cross-examine" their own witness, emphasising that permission under Section 154 of the Evidence Act merely allows leading questions during examination-in-chief. Upholding the validity of the sanction for prosecution and rejecting objections relating to delay in forensic examination, the Court concluded that the evidence on record fully supported the findings of guilt. Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed, and the conviction, along with concurrent sentences of up two 2.5 years of rigorous imprisonment, was affirmed. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday paid his last respects to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, describing his untimely demise as a profound loss for the state's politics, one that will be difficult to fill for a long time. In a post shared on X, Shah said, "I paid my last respects to Ajit Pawar ji and offered heartfelt tributes to him. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji, who was dedicated to society and the people, has created such a void in Maharashtra's politics that it will not be possible to fill it for a long time." https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2016794671453000181 Ajit Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday morning after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The plane crash-landed near the runway threshold, killing all five people on board the chartered plane. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots. The crash occurred around 8.48 am. Pawar was on his way to Baramati from Mumbai to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections. Earlier today, the last rites of Ajit Pawar were held with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons lit the funeral pyre and performed the final rituals. Several prominent leaders and dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, and actor Riteish Deshmukh, attended the funeral and paid their last respects. Pawar's sons, Parth and Jay, performed the last rites of their father. Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP, also paid her last respects to her husband. A large number of people also gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground to bid a final farewell to the Nationalist Congress Party leader, reflecting the widespread public mourning over his demise. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu informed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation into the recent aircraft accident that claimed the lives of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others. Replying to a letter written by Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Union Minister said the aircraft's black box has been taken into custody, and the investigation has commenced in accordance with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Rules. He assured that the probe would be conducted transparently and time-boundly. (ANI) The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were carried out with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons lit the funeral pyre and carried out the final rituals. Several prominent leaders and dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, and actor Riteish Deshmukh, attended the funeral and paid their last respects. A large number of people also gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground to bid a final farewell to the Nationalist Congress Party leader, reflecting the widespread public mourning over his demise. Earlier in the day, full state honours were accorded as Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons, Parth and Jay and other family members were present. Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde, along with his daughter Praniti Shinde, also arrived to attend the funeral. Supporters of Ajit Pawar chanted "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" as his mortal remains were brought to the ground. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the plane crash that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The aircraft had crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. NDRF personnel and the Maharashtra DGP were also present at the site for the investigation. The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the crash and have initiated further investigation. "Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated," a police official from Pune police said. Union Minister Raksha Khadse termed the incident heart-rending and said Maharashtra would not see another leader like Ajit Pawar. "The accident yesterday is heart-rending. Nobody had thought that something like that would happen. We were all sad to hear the news yesterday. I think Maharashtra will not have any other leader like Ajit Dada. He worked in the interiors. He was a good leader who played a big role in Maharashtra's development," Raksha Khadse told reporters. Ajit 'Dada' Pawar was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district. He was known among the people as "Ajit Dada" for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and his ability to stay connected to them and the soil. In addition to making significant contributions to governance, Ajit Pawar oversaw the management of various cooperative organisations, including Milk Unions and Federations and sugar factories. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as Deputy Chief Minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. In November 2019, he engineered a split in the NCP, joined a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and became Deputy Chief Minister again. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite this, Ajit Pawar was known to be very close to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. In the recently held Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections, the two rival factions of the NCP formed an alliance and presented a united development agenda for Pune. Ajit Pawar was known for his straightforward approach and frankness. (ANI) Tamil Nadu BJP State President Nainar Nagendran on Thursday said it remains unclear whether Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu wish to remain in the DMK alliance, noting that cracks have begun to appear within the coalition. In connection with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's upcoming discourse in Thoothukudi, Nainar Nagendran visited the city to meet him. Subsequently, while speaking to reporters in Thoothukudi, he shared various views on the prevailing political situation. Responding to reporters' questions on whether the Congress party is exiting the DMK alliance, Nainar Nagendran said, "Kanimozhi has gone to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi. As far as I am concerned, whether the Tamil Nadu Congress leaders want to continue in the DMK alliance or not remains a question mark today. Cracks have emerged within their alliance." Regarding the ongoing differences between AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam (OPS) and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), Nagendran termed it an internal party matter and said it would not be appropriate for him to comment. Nagendran also talked about the strength of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently strong, and that there is a possibility of more parties joining the alliance. "In the future, this alliance would emerge as a very large mega alliance," he added. Expressing confidence in the NDA, Nagendran said, "The people have understood the realities of family rule and corrupt governance. The National Democratic Alliance will win the upcoming elections." Furthermore, Nagendran criticised the state government over rising crimes. He alleged that if one looks at daily newspapers, incidents of sexual violence against women, crimes against children, murders, and robberies have increased under the present government. He attributed this situation to the widespread availability of narcotics such as ganja and methamphetamine, and claimed that Tamil Nadu is among the states in India with a high number of suicides. "Although the Chief Minister had said crimes would be curbed with an 'iron hand,' in practice, crimes such as murders and robberies continue daily," he said. He specifically pointed to the Kongu region, claiming the situation has become so unsafe that no one can stay alone at home. Nagendran also raised concerns over the 10 percent reservation provided by the Central Government for Pillai, Vellalar, and Muslim communities, claiming that the DMK government has approached the courts to oppose it. He further alleged that the state government has made it a habit to approach the courts, opposing every scheme announced by the Central Government. (ANI) Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Thursday rejected regular bail pleas of Tahir Hussain, Athar Khan and Saleem Malik alias Munna. They are accused in a case linked to the alleged conspiracy of the Delhi riots. They have been charge-sheeted under UAPA. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai rejected the bail pleas of Ex MCD councillor Tahir Hussain, Athar Khan and Saleem Malik alias Munna. While rejecting the bail pleas, the court said there is no merit in the applications in view of the provisions of ofthe Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). On January 5, the Supreme Court granted bail to 5 accused in this case. The bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were rejected by the apex court. "Now, despite the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding co-accused persons, when this Court has once formed the opinion that prima facie a case is made out against the applicant, no other different opinion can be formed now by reviewing the earlier order," ASJ Bajpai said in the order passed on January 29. While dismissing the bail plea of Tahir Hussain, the court said, "Accordingly, the Court doesn't find merits in the application, and the same is hereby dismissed." The court dismissed Tahir Hussain's bail application on March 30, 2024, and stated that the Allegations against the Accused are prima facie true. "In the earlier order, this Court also observed that a prima facie case was there against the applicant and the bar under section 43D(5) OF UAPA was there and therefore, the case of the applicant was not a fit case for bail," the court said in the order. In this case, Tahir Hussain, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Ishrat Jahan, Safoora Zargar and others are accused in this case. They are charge-sheeted under the IPC and the UAPA. The matter is at the stage of arguements on charges. (ANI) With an aim of making Gujarat the most attractive global destination for investment, key decisions were taken today in a high-level committee meeting chaired by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, said official release. According to the Deputy CM's office, under the 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat-2022' Scheme for the Large and thrust sectors, final eligibility certificates have been approved for three major industrial units. Applications from three large industries totalling Rs 1,371.38 crore have been approved, creating significant new employment opportunities in the state. District-wise and sector-wise, the approved investments include Rs 491.28 crore in the Chemical sector in Bharuch district, Rs 402.08 crore in the Food & Agro sector in Himmatnagar district, and Rs 478.02 crore in the Minerals sector in Vadodara district. These projects will play a key role in strengthening Gujarat's industrial ecosystem and boosting both direct and indirect employment. To promote ease of doing business, the State Government has implemented an effective online module under the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP). All documents are submitted digitally, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. The Government's approach of removing "physical touch points" has resulted in a fast and transparent approval process. Applications in the Large and Thrust Sectors were processed and approved in less than two months. Approved units will be eligible for benefits such as Net SGST reimbursement, interest subsidy, and EPF reimbursement. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department Dr. T. Natarajan; Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & Mines Department, Mamta Verma; Industries Commissioner, P. Swaroop; and Vice President of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Apurva Shah. With the objective of strengthening Gujarat's textile industry, the Deputy CM's office mentioned that another major decision was taken in the sixth meeting of the State-Level Empowered Committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi. Under the "Assistance Scheme to Strengthen Specific Segments of the Textile Value Chain - 2019", a total of 11 new units have been approved for interest subsidy and power tariff assistance. According to the Deputy CM's office, these projects will attract fresh investments of Rs 668.34 crore and are expected to generate approximately 1,478 direct jobs. Notably, over the next five years, the State Government will provide an estimated Rs 202 crore in financial assistance to these units, further enhancing Gujarat's global competitiveness in the textile sector. (ANI) CEOs of various private companies and experts on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the country after meeting with the latter at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. CEOs informed that PM Modi focused on developing the technology to ensure universal access, while putting emphasis on a self-reliant India. C Vijayakumar, CEO and MD of HCL Tech, said, "It was very inspiring to listen to the Prime Minister. His knowledge on AI and where it should be applied is very inspiring. I think he was focused on how we can create solutions which the world will see as the best. He was really focusing on what the unique selling proposition of India's AI solutions." KK Krithivasan, CEO of TCS, said, "Really impressed by the way the Prime Minister had his vision. He talked about how we should not only impact, but also inspire the world. This is a very powerful statement. He also made statements about how we have to become self-reliant in India and how we have to ensure that the privacy of the citizens is protected while we are leveraging AI." Venugopal Lambu, CEO and MD of LTI Mindtree, said that PM focused on creating impact and inspiring the world through AI. "This was the most inspired and motivational talk that I've heard from the world leader on AI. He spoke about creating impact, but at the same time inspiring the world. The haves and have-nots in the world are going to be divided by technology. So how can you use AI for universal access, whether it's for health, for economic growth, for productivity?..." Srini Pallia, CEO and MD of WIPRO said, "I think the way he talked about skilling India, building applications for India, building a sovereign infrastructure and also helping the world and he also talked about some of the great examples about how we were self-sufficient in terms of Make in India through UPI, how we could actually become an India AI export." Sridhar Vembu, Founder of ZOHO Corporation, said PM Modi motivated the CEOs to develop a technology for the benefit of every Indian. "He gave us the inspiration and the motivation to work on problems relevant to our country, how to leverage this technology and make it to the benefit of every Indian. That is the mission and also how to attain self-reliance in all this technology in our nation," he said. Kiran Thomas, CEO, JIO Platforms Limited, said, "What really impressed me the most was his feel for what AI can do for India. As he very aptly put it, we know technology as an industry, but he understands India, he has a vision for the country, and is most enthused by what technology can do, and his call for welcoming technology but not being dependent on others, but to develop our own capacities as a country that has been most inspiring." PM Modi's interaction was aimed to foster strategic collaborations, showcase AI innovations, and accelerate India's AI mission goals, according to a release. During the interaction, the CEOs expressed strong support towards the goal of becoming self-sufficient in AI technology. They also acknowledged the efforts and resources the government is putting to put India as a leader in AI on the global stage. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to embrace new technology in all spheres and use it to contribute to national growth. He also urged the use of indigenous technology across key sectors. Speaking about the upcoming AI Impact Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted that all individuals and companies should leverage the summit to explore new opportunities and leapfrog on the growth path. He also stated that through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India has demonstrated its technical prowess, and the same can be replicated in the field of AI as well. Prime Minister highlighted that India has a unique proposition of scale, diversity and democracy, due to which the world trusts India's digital infrastructure. In line with his vision of 'AI for All', the Prime Minister stated that "we need to create an impact with our technology as well as inspire the world". He also urged the CEOs and experts to make India a fertile destination for all global AI efforts. The high-level roundtable saw participation from CEOs of companies working in AI, including Wipro, TCS, HCL Tech, Zoho Corporation, LTI Mindtree, Jio Platforms Ltd, AdaniConnex, Nxtra Data and Netweb Technologies, along with experts from IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada also participated in the interaction. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court issued notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a revision against the rejection of a complaint against him. The Tis Hazari court had rejected a complaint alleging hate speech by Kharge in an election rally in Karnataka in April 2023. Special Judge Jitendra Singh issued notice to Delhi Police and Mallikarjun Kharge in the revision filed by an advocate, Ravindra Gupta. The matter has been listed on February 27 for a hearing. The court has also summoned the trial court record prior to the next date of hearing. This revision petition is filed for a direction to set aside the order of November 11, 2025, passed by the Tis Hazari Court. Advocate Gagan Gandhi appeared for revisionist Ravindra Gupta. On November 11, 2025, the Tis Hazari Court rejected a criminal complaint against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The court had declined cognisance and rejected the Complaint. The Complainant, an RSS Member also, had alleged hate speech given by Kharge during an election rally in Naregal, Karnataka, in April 2023. The court said that no offence of hate speech is made out. The statement was not aimed at any community or religion. Earlier, in December 2024, the court refused to direct the registration of an FIR against Mallika Arjun Kharge. It was alleged that Kharge also gave a defamatory statement against PM Modi. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Preeti Rajoria had recently declined cognisance of the complaint and dismissed it against Mallikarjun Kharge. "The statement is merely aimed at the political and ideological principles and not at any community defined by religion, caste, or ethnicity," JMFC Rajoria said in the order passed on November 11. The court also stated that no violence was incited following the speech. "Lastly, it is a settled position of law that mere criticism, however harsh and offensive, is not sufficient to make it punishable as 'hate speech' unless it tends to incite hatred between two groups," the court said. The court said that the evidence on record prima facie does not point towards the commission of the offence of defamation under Section 500 IPC. "It is pertinent to note that cognisance for offence under section 500 IPC for offence of defamation is also barred in the present case, since the present complaint has not been filed by the victim himself, the Prime Minister," JMFC Rajoria had said. While rejecting the complaint, the court also took into consideration the judgement in the case titled 'Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan vs. Union of India' wherein the Supreme Court held that there must be a direct nexus between the hate speech and incitement/public disorder. The court said, "There are no sufficient grounds for proceeding further against the proposed accused/alleged for any offence as no offence of defamation and hate speech as alleged is made out against the proposed accused." "Therefore cognizance is declined, and the present complaint is disposed of as dismissed," the court ordered. In December 2024, the Court refused to issue directions to register an FIR against Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Complainant Ravindra Gupta had alleged hate speech against the BJP and RSS in an election rally in Karnataka in April 2023. The court, after hearing the submissions by the Complainant's counsel and considering the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the Delhi Police, refused to issue directions for the registration of an FIR on December 9, 2024. The Court had said that the Complainant is at liberty to lead pre-summoning evidence (PSE). In case any requirement of investigation arises at a later stage related to some disputed facts, the provision of section 202 Cr.PC could be resorted to. The Court noted that the allegation is that Kharge made a speech at an election rally in which scathing remarks were made against the BJP and the RSS, and that the complainant is aggrieved because he is a member of the RSS. The court held that the evidence is within the reach of the complainant and that no assistance from the police is required to obtain it. It was alleged that the accused gave hate speech on April 27, 2023, wherein Kharge passed a scathing remark against PM Narendra Modi while addressing an election rally at Naregal, Gadag, Karnataka. It was further stated in the complaint that, later the same day, the alleged accused, at other election rallies, clarified that his statement was not against the Prime Minister but against the BJP and the RSS. "As a member of the RSS, the complainant feels defamed because he is an ardent follower and active member of the RSS." (ANI) The Punjab police has apprehended one of the accused in connection with the extortion threats against jewellers in Amritsar in an encounter. During the police action, the accused was shot in the leg and was immediately admitted to the hospital. Speaking to the media, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that a special operation is underway against gangsters at the direction of the Punjab government and the Chief Minister. "Under this operation, special teams were formed to trace the extortion case." He said that the extortion calls were being made by the Satta Nushhira gang. "Today, a notorious gangster was injured by the police. He is a resident of Tarn Taran and was making extortion calls in the city. He had even ordered shots to be fired at a pile of garbage near a shop owner's house. Following up on this, we have arrested three accused. Those arrested are Jobanjeet, a resident of Tarn Taran; Gurkeerat alias Keerat, a resident of Patiala; and Jashandeep, also a resident of Tarn Taran," he said. The police first arrested Jashandeep, a resident of Patti Sarhali (Tarn Taran). During questioning, the names of Jobanjeet and Gurkeerat alias Keerat came to light, and they were subsequently arrested. According to the police, Jobanjeet was the main accused in the case, who was driving the motorcycle on the day of the incident, while the other two accused were providing logistical and local support. "The main accused who emerged during the investigation is Jobanjeet, who was driving the motorcycle on the day of the incident. The other two provided logistics and local support," he said. During police remand, Jobanjeet tried to escape and snatched a police officer's service pistol. In the ensuing struggle, he was shot in the leg. "The police party had come with Jobanjeet in search of the other culprits. Before arriving here, the accused started making excuses, saying he was feeling unwell and vomiting. As soon as the police party stopped the vehicle, he tried to snatch a service weapon from one of our police personnel and escape. In the ensuing encounter, he was shot in the leg, and he is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. We will make the remaining arrests very soon," the Police Commissioner stated. The Police Commissioner said that this case was completely blind, but it has been traced and solved in record time. He said that the accused were lured under the pretext of money and drugs to commit the crime. He also stated that the other accused involved in the case will be arrested soon. "A very professional investigation was conducted in this case, which led to this success. Their extortion racket has been busted. More arrests will be made very soon. The accused are young; they were lured with promises of money and drugs and then made to commit these crimes," he said. (ANI) Bruce Springsteen has released the anti-ICE protest song Streets of Minneapolis. Bruce Springsteen has released the protest song Streets of Minneapolis The Boss shared the emotive new single on Wednesday (28.01.26) in response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in separate incidents at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US city this month. Springsteen said in a statement: "I wrote this song on Saturday (24.01.26), recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. "It's dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbours and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. "Stay free." The lyrics paint a bleak picture of unrest, describing how "a city aflame fought fire and ice 'neath an occupier's boots" and brands ICE as "King (Donald) Trump's private army from the DHS". Springsteen, 76, honours the victims directly in Streets of Minneapolis, singing: "There were bloody footprints / Where mercy should have stood / And two left to die on snow-filled streets / Alex Pretti and Renee Good." The Dancing in the Dark rocker has been an ardent critic of US President Donald Trump and called for ICE to "get the f*** out of Minneapolis" during a recent appearance on stage in New Jersey. Springsteen said: "If you believe in the power of the law and that no one stands above it, if you stand against heavily armed masked federal troops invading an American city, using Gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens, if you believe you don't deserve to be murdered for exercising your right to protest, send a message to this president as the mayor of that city (Jacob Frey) has said, ICE should get the f*** out of Minneapolis." The Born in the USA artist also branded Trump's administration as "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous" during a concert in Manchester last year. He said: "In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration. "Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring!" Three ministers of the Himachal Pradesh government, Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, on Thursday expressed concern over the Union Budget, while hoping that the Centre would address the financial challenges faced by the hill state. Speaking to ANI, the ministers said Himachal Pradesh expects justice from the Union Budget, particularly in view of reduced central assistance, cuts in MGNREGA allocation, loss due to natural disasters and the adverse impact of reduced import duty on apples under recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Speaking to ANI, Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi raised MGNREGA, disaster relief, and funding issues. He added expectations from the Union Budget remain, but optimism is limited due to the Centre's alleged neglect of the state. "We always keep expectations from the Union Budget, but this time there is not much hope because the Centre has diluted schemes like MGNREGA. Earlier, it was a simple and effective source of employment for poor people, but now it has been made more complicated, reducing employment opportunities," Negi said. He alleged that Himachal Pradesh has not received adequate financial support even after severe natural disasters. "The post-disaster need assessment funds of 2023 have not been fully released. This year, around Rs 2,500-2,600 crore was talked about, of which Himachal's share of nearly Rs 500 crore has also not fully come," he said. Negi further said that in 2025, losses of over Rs 6,000 crore were assessed due to natural calamities, but only Rs 1,500 crore was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has not yet been received. "There have been cuts in GST compensation and revenue deficit grants. After we discussed the Old Pension Scheme, even our revenue deficit grant was restricted," Negi added. He said the Chief Minister has repeatedly raised these issues with the Finance Ministry and officials in Delhi. "Now we will see on February 1 which way the camel sits and what kind of budget we get," Negi remarked. State Education Minister Rohit Thakur highlighted the shrinking fiscal space in Himachal Pradesh, noting the state's limited economic resources. Speaking to ANI, Thakur said, Himachal Pradesh expects fairness in the Union Budget, whether through the 16th Finance Commission or direct budgetary support. "Our hill state has limited economic resources. If you compare 2021-22 with the present financial year, there is a difference of nearly Rs 11,000 crore in just one year," Thakur said. He alleged that when the BJP was in power in the state, Himachal received higher central assistance through various grants and borrowing limits. "At that time, inter-state grants and loan limits were available, but now there is a huge shortfall," he said. Rohit Thakur expressed serious concern about the recent Foreign Trade Agreements that reduced import duties on apples. "The reduction of import duty under FTAs first with New Zealand and now with the European Union to 20 per cent will seriously impact Himachal's apple economy and apple growers," he said. He said apple cultivation affects not just Himachal Pradesh but the entire Himalayan region. "Sixty to seventy per cent of people in rural areas are directly or indirectly dependent on horticulture and agriculture," he added. Thakur also highlighted cuts in the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). "Earlier, the Centre used to contribute 50 per cent under MIS, but now the amount, which earlier stood at around Rs 4,000 crore, has been reduced to a token amount of just Rs 1 lakh," he said. He demanded restoration of the 50:50 Centre-State sharing pattern and special protection for apples under FTAs. "Apple should be treated as a special category, import duties should be increased, and incentives should be given to sectors like horticulture, power and tourism," Thakur said. Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, while speaking to ANI, said the state still hopes that the Union Budget will address Himachal's concerns, particularly regarding MGNREGA. "We always keep hope. This budget will show whether the Centre stands up to our expectations or not," Anirudh Singh said. He pointed out that MGNREGA allocations have been consistently reduced. "Last year, Rs 12,000 crore was cut, this year Rs 14,000 crore was reduced, and now it seems the scheme has almost been finished," Anirudh Singh alleged. The ministers said Himachal Pradesh looks to the Union Budget for financial justice, restoration of central support, protection of apple growers and revival of employment schemes, warning that continued neglect would further strain the state's fragile hill economy. (ANI) Polling for the remaining phases of the general elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra will now be held on February 7 instead of February 5, following the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the three-day state mourning declared in his honour and the counting of votes will take place on February 9 instead of February 7. The State Election Commission had announced the election programme for these Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis on 13 January. The State Election Commission had earlier announced the election programme for these local bodies on January 13. As per the schedule, key processes such as filing of nominations, withdrawal of nominations, allotment of symbols and publication of the final list of contesting candidates have already been completed. The remaining stages of the election include polling, counting of votes, and publication of the names of elected members in the Official Gazette. The Supreme Court granted an extension of only two weeks beyond 31 January to conduct these elections. However, the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28 prompted the state government to declare a mourning period from January 28 to 30. Considering this period, adjustments have been made to the election schedule for the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The concerned District Collectors have been directed to publish the revised election programme on January 31. Polling will now be conducted on February 7 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, while the period for public campaigning will end at 10:00 pm on February 5, 2026. Vote counting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on February 9 at the respective counting centres. Following the declaration of results, the Model Code of Conduct will cease to be in force at the concerned locations. The names of the elected members will be published in the Government Gazette by February 11. (ANI) The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) hosted a distinguished Greek delegation led by Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, for a special walkthrough of the ongoing Ghika exhibition, an official statement said. The visit, curated by NGMA Director General Sanjeev Kishor Goutam and conducted in the presence of NGMA Director Pooja Halli, highlighted the growing cultural dialogue between India and Greece. The exhibition, dedicated to Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, one of Greece's most celebrated modern artists, showcases the artistic and intellectual connections he shared with India during the mid-20th century. The Greek delegation included Minister Kefalogianni, Vasiliki Koutsoukou, Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development; Angeliki Varela, President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO); Vasileios Menioudakis, Associate, Press Office of the Ministry of Tourism; Spyridon Metaxitinos, Minister's Police Officer; Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to India; Chrysoula Prokopaki, Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs; along with Sanjeet Yadav, Scientific Associate, and Pratishtha Sharma, Cultural Affairs. During the visit, Minister Kefalogianni expressed her appreciation for the exhibition and the cultural resonance it represents. "It is a great honour to visit the Ghika exhibition in the prestigious venue of NGMA. We truly believe that culture is the best way to explore and experience different countries and people. We warmly invite people to come to Greece to have their own cultural experience, exploring the similarities and differences between India and Greece, just as Ghika did back in the 1950s. We look forward to more fruitful collaborations that enhance cultural ties between Greece and India," she said. Director General Sanjeev Kishor Goutam emphasised the diplomatic value of the visit. "It is a privilege for NGMA to host such an eminent delegation from Greece. The Ghika exhibition stands as a testament to the deep artistic and philosophical connections between our two ancient civilisations. Visits like these reinforce the role of art as a diplomatic bridge, fostering mutual understanding and opening new avenues for cultural collaboration between India and Greece," he said. The guided tour offered the delegation deeper insights into Ghika's artistic journey, his engagement with global modernism, and his historic connections with India's cultural landscape. The interaction also opened avenues for future collaborations in the fields of art, culture, and tourism between the two countries, the statement said. NGMA continues to serve as a vital platform for international cultural exchange, fostering dialogue through art and heritage. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a discussion with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, reviewing multiple dimensions of bilateral cooperation and affirming the positive momentum in ties between the two nations. In a post on X on Wednesday, Jaishankar said, "Good conversation with Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan this afternoon. Reviewed the various dimensions of our bilateral cooperation. Confident that the positive momentum in our ties will continue moving forward." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2016519143558918301?s=20 Saidov noted the strong positive and dynamic trend of partnership in all areas. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to have a phone conversation with H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister. There is a strong, positive and dynamic trend of our partnership in all areas. We held a comprehensive exchange on the 2026 agenda of Uzbekistan-India cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We are confident that many promising outcomes expected during the year will serve the best interests of our people." https://x.com/FM_Saidov/status/2016486067394728036?s=20 The Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan said that both leaders expressed that the positive trend between the two nations would continue. In a post on X, the Embassy said, "Today, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, FM Bakhtiyor Saidov communicated by telephone. We came up with various strategies together. The Minister expressed confidence that the positive trend between our countries will continue in the future." https://x.com/amb_tashkent/status/2016549374835249164?s=20 Earlier on January 27, the Embassy hosted a National Day Reception to commemorate India's 77th Republic Day in Tashkent. https://x.com/amb_tashkent/status/2016201267572326806?s=20 The Embassy said in a post on X while sharing glimpses, "Embassy hosted National Day Reception to commemorate the 77th Republic Day of India in Tashkent. H. E. Mr. Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technology, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Performances by artists from ICCR Tashkent, Shodlik Guruhi and the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan captivated the gathering. An exhibition on '150 Years of Vande Mataram' was also displayed." (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that President Donald Trump had misspoken when he repeatedly referred to Greenland as Iceland during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this month, contradicting an earlier explanation from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Rubio made the comment while testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a hearing focused on the Trump administration's operations in Venezuela, signalling that the president's geographical error was unintentional. "He meant to say Greenland," Rubio told lawmakers, framing the mix-up as an understandable mistake. "But I think we're all familiar with presidents that have verbal stumbles. We've had presidents like that before. Some made a lot more than this one," he said. Trump's confusion over the names of the two Arctic locations stemmed from his remarks to world leaders at the Davos summit about his interest in bringing Greenland under US ownership this month. According to an official transcript, he said, "I'm helping Europe. I'm helping NATO, and until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me." While making that comment, Trump was also emphasising the United States' longstanding commitment to NATO, even as he questioned whether alliance members would come to its aid in the event of an attack. "So with all of the money we expend, with all of the blood, sweat and tears, I don't know that they'd be there for us. They're not there for us on Iceland, that I can tell you," he continued. Trump went on to link market reactions to the confusion, saying, "Our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland. So, Iceland has already cost us a lot of money." The remarks, which drew attention for the factual mix-up, came as he spoke about broader strategic and economic concerns. Later in the afternoon, Leavitt pushed back on the assertion that Trump had conflated the two countries, telling a reporter on X that "His written remarks referred to Greenland as a 'piece of ice' because that's what it is. You're the only one mixing anything up here." Her post drew quick responses from users, who added a community note stating, in part, "The Press Secretary is not telling the truth." Trump's Davos comments also included a clarification on the US intentions toward Greenland's sovereignty. He said the United States would not use military force to acquire the territory, softening earlier statements. He further reversed proposed 10 per cent tariffs on European allies that had been aimed at pressuring Denmark over Greenland's status, saying he had reached a "framework of a deal" on mineral and security rights with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the possibility of preemptive action against Iran, telling lawmakers that Tehran''s leadership is currently at its weakest point in decades, as Washington continues to reinforce its military posture across the Middle East. On Wednesday, testifying before the Senate, Rubio said the Trump administration''s decision to strengthen US assets in the region, including the recent arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group in the US Central Command area, was a "prudent" step aimed at protecting more than 30,000 US service members stationed across the region. "And so I think it''s wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily what''s going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively prevent the attack against 1000s of American servicemen and other facilities in the region. And our allies," Rubio told senators during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing focused on Venezuela. "I hope it doesn''t come to that, but that''s I think what you''re seeing now is the ability to posture assets in the region to defend against what could be an Iranian threat against our personnel," he added. Rubio''s remarks come as regional allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, brace for the possibility that President Donald Trump could authorise strikes on Iran following Tehran''s crackdown on anti-regime protests and amid concerns over potential retaliation. Addressing Iran''s military capabilities, Rubio said the country is "weaker than it has ever been," but warned that it has accumulated "thousands and thousands" of long-range ballistic missiles "that they''ve built despite the fact that their economy is collapsing." Trump has publicly supported the protests, which began in late December but were largely suppressed, warning Iran''s leadership that violence against demonstrators would trigger military consequences. Despite earlier pledges, the president has yet to announce concrete assistance for protesters, even as thousands were reportedly killed during the crackdown earlier this month. The president renewed his warning early Wednesday, saying any future action would be "far worse" than last summer''s US strikes on Iran''s nuclear facilities. "Hopefully Iran will quickly ''Come to the Table'' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn''t, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran," Trump added. "The next attack will be far worse! Don''t make that happen again." Iran''s mission to the United Nations responded by warning it would retaliate "like never before," while also signalling openness to talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed that stance on social media, saying, "Our brave Armed Forces are prepared--with their fingers on the trigger--to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air and sea." When asked by Senator John Cornyn about a potential post-regime scenario in Iran, Rubio said, "I don''t think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next in Iran if the Supreme Leader and the regime were to fall, other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems, that you could work towards a similar transition." (ANI) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised Europe's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, accusing European nations of weakening their own strategic position by continuing trade practices that indirectly benefit Moscow. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said European countries are importing refined fuel products from India that are produced using sanctioned Russian crude, allowing Russian oil to re-enter European markets through indirect routes. He described the practice as Europe "funding the war against themselves," arguing that while the continent bears the brunt of the conflict, it has continued to prioritise trade relationships over tightening economic pressure on Russia. Bessent said this approach exposes a contradiction in Europe's policy, noting that although European leaders publicly support Ukraine, ongoing trade flows are easing financial constraints on Moscow. His remarks come amid wider disagreements between Washington and Brussels over tariffs, sanctions coordination and trade strategies involving India. The comments also follow the announcement on Tuesday of a sweeping free trade agreement between India and the European Union, described as the "mother of all deals," concluded against a backdrop of rising global trade tensions and shifting tariff frameworks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement, calling it "a new blueprint for shared prosperity," and said it represents the largest free trade pact in India's history. Alongside the trade agreement, India and the EU also finalised a strategic defence partnership and a mobility agreement, with PM Modi saying the strengthened partnership would play a positive global role. The free trade pact ends negotiations that began nearly two decades ago and marks India's 19th trade agreement. It is expected to boost Indian exports to the 27-nation EU bloc and reshape competition across several domestic industries. The development comes as global commerce faces pressure from high US tariffs, fragile supply chains and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war. India is currently subject to elevated US tariffs, while the European Union also faces the prospect of higher American duties. (ANI) Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, highlighting India's growing global footprint in civil aviation. In a post on X, Kinjarapu said, "On the sidelines of Wings India 2026, I held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Dominican Republic. The participation of 20 countries in India's flagship civil aviation event reflects strong global confidence in India's aviation leadership under the inspiring guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji." https://x.com/RamMNK/status/2016585075933278572?s=20 He added that India is transitioning from being a large aviation market to a globally integrated aviation ecosystem, attracting partnerships and long-term collaborations. "India is rapidly evolving from being a large aviation market to becoming an integrated and influential aviation ecosystem, attracting global partnerships and long-term collaboration," he added. During the bilateral discussions, the minister said he emphasised manufacturing, skills development and training, and sustainability as key areas for deeper international cooperation. These engagements took place as Kinjarapu inaugurated 'Wings India 2026' at Begumpet Airport on Wednesday, marking the start of one of Asia's largest aviation summits. The biennial event began and will continue till January 31, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global aviation ecosystem. Speaking at the inauguration, Naidu described Wings India as the most important aviation summit hosted by the country every two years. "It is one of the biggest summits in Asia. We are proud to host this event on behalf of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and we also thank the Telangana government for its support," he said. Highlighting the focus of this edition, the minister said Wings India 2026 would showcase India's growing strength in civil aviation manufacturing and rising domestic demand. He noted that the government's priority over the next decade is to strengthen the country's manufacturing ecosystem to meet future requirements. "We are confident that India can also emerge as a global exporter in civil aviation in the next 10-12 years," Naidu said. At the venue, the minister also inaugurated the aircraft display, which includes a Boeing 787-9 aircraft specially fitted for Air India. He described it as the first delivery of this aircraft type, noting that aircraft delivery is one of the major bottlenecks in the aviation sector. Expressing optimism, Naidu said the arrival of new aircraft would provide a significant boost to Indian aviation. "I feel this year will be great for aviation," he added. In a related development, Naidu had earlier on Tuesday held a meeting with senior executives of Airbus to discuss ways to deepen the integration of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into global aviation supply chains. The minister met with Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President, International, at Airbus, and Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Airbus and the Indian industry, particularly MSMEs. Sharing details of the interaction on social media, the Civil Aviation Minister said that India has today emerged as a convergence hub for the interests, innovation, and investment of global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). (ANI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing state media reported. The last time the two leaders met was in November 2024 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. Starmer who began his official visit on Wednesday accompanied by senior executives from more than 50 major British firms said he had arrived in China to "deliver for the British people." "Touched down in China - I'm here to deliver for the British people," Starmer said in a post on X, as he commenced his visit scheduled to run from Wednesday to Saturday. (January 28-31) https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/2016467145639493878 According to the Chinese daily, Global Times, several British businesses expressed optimism about China's long-term economic prospects and reaffirmed their commitment to investing in the Chinese market during the visit. Starmer's visit comes amid shifting global dynamics and domestic pressure to balance economic opportunity with security concerns. It marks the first visit by a UK prime minister to China in eight years and is being closely watched in capitals from Beijing to Washington. Accompanied by senior ministers and a delegation of more than 50 business leaders, Starmer is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and top legislator Zhao Leji. Talks are expected to focus on trade, investment, and broader cooperation, with both sides framing the visit as an opportunity to deepen economic engagement and political trust. Starmer's trip provides an opportunity for both sides to expand cooperation, boost trade in goods and services, promote two-way investment and unlock further growth potential, Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, told the Global Times. Winters is part of the UK's business delegation, according to the Global Times. Standard Chartered, which has operated in China for 168 years, remains optimistic about China's long-term economic prospects and continues to expand its business in the country, the bank said. In 2025, China-UK trade in goods reached USD 103.7 billion, with trade in services estimated to exceed USD 30 billion, while two-way investment stock stood at nearly USD 68 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) data. Despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, China's economy grew by 5 per cent in 2025 to reach a record 140.19 trillion yuan (USD 20.01 trillion), data from China's National Bureau of Statistics showed, bolstering confidence among British companies, the Global Times reported. "Our confidence in the Chinese market has never wavered," Fu Yue, head of corporate affairs for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong at British consumer health company Haleon, told the Global Times. He cited Haleon's full acquisition of its Tianjin joint venture and expanded production plans in Suzhou as evidence of its long-term commitment. China is increasingly acting as a stabilising force in the global economy, Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group Club and CEO of London Export Corp, told the Global Times, highlighting China's contributions in robotics, automation and clean technologies. However, the visit has drawn criticism from various quarters. Some lawmakers and commentators have raised national security concerns, particularly following the UK government's approval of a controversial "mega" Chinese embassy in London, which has sparked debate about espionage and foreign influence, according to CNN. The diplomatic balancing act is further complicated by tensions with the United States. Starmer's efforts to engage Beijing occur amid a period of strained transatlantic relations, with US President Donald Trump having adopted confrontational trade policies and criticised key allies. Some analysts see the UK's outreach to China as part of a broader recalibration among Western nations seeking alternatives to an unpredictable US policy agenda. Human rights issues and geopolitical security questions remain sensitive topics, CNN writes. As the visit unfolds, both sides will likely gauge how far they can reconcile economic pragmatism with strategic caution, setting the tone for what London describes as a "consistent, durable and respectful" bilateral relationship in a rapidly evolving global landscape. (ANI) A bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress visited New Delhi from January 24 to 28, reinforcing Washington's sustained engagement with India on defence cooperation and strategic coordination. The visit was led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Michael Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith, signaling rare bipartisan alignment on the importance of the US-India defence partnership. Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior committee staff were also part of the delegation. The visit came at a time when both countries are seeking to expand collaboration in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional security challenges. During their stay, the lawmakers held a series of high-level meetings with senior Indian officials, including Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions also extended beyond government channels, with the delegation engaging Indian and American defence industry leaders to explore opportunities for closer industrial and technological cooperation. Chairman Rogers emphasized the strategic value Washington places on New Delhi, stating, "The United States values India as a Major Defence Partner. Our discussions in New Delhi focused on strengthening defence cooperation and advancing defence technology collaboration that supports India's defence modernization and enhances regional stability." His remarks reflected a broader US objective of supporting India's efforts to modernize its armed forces while contributing to balance and deterrence in the wider region. Ranking Member Smith echoed the importance of the dialogue, highlighting the benefits of open and substantive engagement between the two democracies. "The relationship between the United States and India is extremely important for both of our countries and the world. Our ability to conduct the kind of candid dialogue we have carried out on this delegation is crucial to strengthening our defence cooperation and regional stability, providing both economic and national security benefits for all involved," he said. US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor also underscored the practical outcomes of the visit. "Chairman Rogers' visit and meetings with Indian leaders and defence experts advanced practical cooperation on protecting Americans and Indians as well as people throughout the region. These discussions strengthened ongoing defence collaboration, supported India's defence modernization goals, and reinforced our shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific," Gor noted. According to officials familiar with the meetings, the delegation's discussions focused on expanding existing defence cooperation frameworks, accelerating defence technology collaboration, and identifying concrete opportunities for co-development and co-production of defence systems. Such initiatives are seen as central to aligning the two countries' defence industrial bases while supporting shared security objectives. The visit reaffirmed the growing convergence between Washington and New Delhi on regional security priorities, and highlighted bipartisan support in the US Congress for deeper defence and strategic ties with India. (ANI) Between paper and pixels, a library repairs what time wears down Xinhua) 09:00, January 29, 2026 Wang Hongjie works in a restoration room at Tianjin Library in northern China's Tianjin, on Dec. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Bao Qingling) TIANJIN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) - In a restoration room at Tianjin Library in northern China's Tianjin Municipality, Wang Hongjie steadies the paper with his fingertips and wets the frayed edges of the damaged areas with a goat hair brush that he has dipped into wheat-starch paste. The hole he is mending -- covered with a thin sheet of paper -- is no larger than a grain of rice, yet it is big enough to disrupt reading the entire page. He presses the patch into place, flicks away the excess material with tweezers, and lifts his hand. The page looks whole again -- not new, but convincingly old. This restorative work complements an ongoing large-scale digitization drive that is improving access to China's vast historic paper artifacts, while ensuring the longevity of their original forms. Carrying a faint scent of aged paper, the library's ancient book restoration studio is tucked away at the end of a long corridor, beyond the reading rooms and into a dim recess. Here, Wang's meticulous work unfolds in near silence, defined by careful restraint rather than speed -- reflecting the care and patience required to preserve materials that have survived for centuries. "Restoration follows the principle of 'repairing the old to retain its antiquity,'" Wang says. The aim, he explains, is not to erase the signs of age, but to preserve what restorers call a book's "old aura." This aura resides in yellowed pages and torn edges, as well as in earlier bindings, handwritten notes and even traces of past repairs -- layers of use that quietly record the eras the book has witnessed. Wang joined the Tianjin Library fresh out of university in 2012, the same year the library's Cultural Center opened and expanded its ancient book preservation facilities to about 1,000 square meters. By then, the institution already had over a century of restoration history. Its predecessor, Zhili Library, was established in 1908. Early book donations were accompanied by skilled repairmen, who formed the library's first restoration team. Over the past three months, Wang has focused on completing work on Huang Wenxian's family division deed, a hand-copied document from the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Restoring it required more than just patching holes. Wang noticed that different sections of the book -- the margins, corners, spine and fore edge -- had aged into subtly different hues. To avoid a visually jarring effect, he tinted papers that needed repair with black tea, traditional Chinese pigments and ink. After repeated adjustments, the repaired sections blended seamlessly into the original page. Such details may seem minor to some, but for restorers like Wang, they determine whether a book can continue to "speak in its own voice." Preserving that voice, however, is only part of the task. More importantly, for Wang and his colleagues, extending the book's lifespan is the greater priority. According to Ye Xuhong, another restorer at the library, acidification and fiber deterioration will only accelerate if left untreated. Proper restoration can halt this process and, under ideal conditions, allow a page to endure for centuries, perhaps even a millennium, he says. "Ancient books embody the spiritual life of past generations," says Liu Yunfeng, a professor at the School of Information and Communication at Nankai University. "They carry the weight of cultural inheritance and, ultimately, the continuity of civilization." Even a millennium, long for paper, is brief compared with the scale of a civilization's duration. At another branch of Tianjin Library, preservation has taken on a different form. Here, Yang Xinyan leads the library's ancient book digitization team. Born in the 1990s, it is her third year working with digital texts. The initiative itself began in 2007, when China's State Council issued guidelines calling for stronger protection of ancient books, including large-scale digitization. Tianjin Library was among the first public libraries to respond. Of the library's more than 580,000 ancient books, Yang says, about 100,000 have now been digitized, with nearly 59,000 freely accessible to the public. This shift has reshaped access to historical texts. Wang Zhenliang, a professor at Tianjin Normal University, has used the library since the 1990s. He recalls that finding a single book once meant traveling to another city. "Now you can read it in 10 minutes," he says. The change, he adds, has greatly facilitated academic research and allowed many texts to circulate far more widely. Policy support for these efforts continues to grow. At a conference on digital applications for ancient books, convened by the National Center for Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Books on Dec. 30, last year, Chen Ying, deputy director of the National Library of China, described ancient texts as "the genetic code of Chinese civilization." He added that the application of intelligent technologies would be key to understanding them in the future. Yang is witnessing the transition already under way. Digitization, she says, is moving beyond the simple assembly of images. By applying big-data models to textual analysis, future systems could help readers navigate and utilize ancient books more effectively. The community behind the work has expanded as well. When China's ancient book protection program began in 2007, fewer than 100 restorers were active nationwide. Today, there are over 1,000, supported by 33 national-level restoration centers and 51 training workshops, drawing participation from libraries, universities, museums and archives across the country. The work remains slow, cumulative and largely unseen, but the efforts of countless fingertips continue to converge into something enduring. Once, a millennium marked the outer limit of paper's survival. In an era shaped by digitization and intelligent technologies, the cultural legacy carried by these pages may travel further still, revived each time a book is read, studied or discussed. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Parents face growing challenges in deciding how much news to share with their children, experts say, as constant headlines and social media access expose young people to disturbing events. Children overexposed to bad news risk developing anxiety, experts warn Psychologists stress that children do not need full details but do require guidance to process information safely. Dr. Adrian Oxman, a child psychologist specialising in child and adolescent mental health, says parents should ask themselves why they are sharing a story and what the child will gain. She said: If the outcome is fear or confusion, it may be appropriate to withhold details. Dr. Oxman recommends letting childrens curiosity guide conversations. Information should be introduced in small, manageable doses, with regular check-ins to ensure comprehension. Preserving a sense of safety does not mean pretending negative events do not exist, but rather matching the conversation to the childs developmental stage while reassuring them that they are protected. Experts emphasise that parents must adjust discussions over time. Dr. Oxman said: The line isnt fixed. It moves with the child, the moment, and the situation. Parenting is about listening, responding to questions, and knowing when to pause. Resources are now available to support families in these conversations. Bright Littles, a child development company, has launched a free printable titled Talking About Current Events: Right Now. The guide provides age-appropriate prompts for discussing topics such as immigration, fairness, and kindness. Designed for home, school, or community settings, it encourages structured conversations that help children understand the world without undue distress. Research indicates that shielding children entirely from difficult news can hinder emotional development, while overexposure can cause anxiety. Experts stress that a balanced approach, offering reassurance, context, and space to ask questionssupports childrens resilience and helps them navigate an increasingly complex media landscape. Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin was on Thursday accorded a welcome by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on her arrival in New Delhi. Aghabekian, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Palestinian National Authority, is on a visit to India to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held on Saturday in the national capital. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said Aghabekian's visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world. Through an X post, the MEA spokesperson said, " Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2016710316495868231 India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. On Saturday, India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The second India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India became one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office in Gaza, which was later shifted to Ramallah in 2003. India has always played a proactive role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause in multilateral fora. India has consistently supported, cosponsored, and voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolutions securing the right to self-determination of Palestinians(2020), urging Israel's compliance with legal obligations, viz. ICJ's Construction of the Wall Opinion (2004), and its status as a non-member State at the UN (2012). In 2011, India also voted in favour of Palestine's admission to UNESCO. According to a MEA brief, the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency at the VII NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983. As a member of the Security Council, India has continued to voice its support for a negotiated solution that would result in a sovereign, independent, viable, and united State of Palestine, within secure and recognised borders, at peace beside Israel, as endorsed in the relevant UNSC and UNGA Resolutions. (ANI) The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) on Wednesday commemorated Tibetan Language Day in Dharamshala to mark the 37th anniversary of the 10th Panchen Lama's death, honouring his contributions to preserving the Tibetan language, culture, and identity. As part of the commemoration, TYC organised a panel discussion in Dharamshala and invited scholars from the Tibetan community to deliberate on the importance of preserving the Tibetan language. In addition to the Dharamshala event, university-based programmes were organised across various parts of India, including Varanasi, Mangalore and Delhi. Speaking to ANI, TYC President Tsering Chomphel said, "We are commemorating the 37th death anniversary of the 10th Panchen Lama as the Tibetan Youth Congress passed a resolution in 2018 to express gratitude to him. He sacrificed his life for Tibet's cause. His death remains a mystery, as we still do not know how and why he passed away. He was one of the key figures inside Tibet who worked tirelessly for the Tibetan language, culture and identity against Chinese policies." TYC General Secretary Tenzin Lobsang said that the programmes were specially focused on universities to raise awareness among young Tibetans and the wider academic community. "We are commemorating Tibetan Language Day to honour the 10th Panchen Lama on his 37th death anniversary. We have organised university-based programmes across India and are holding panel discussions with scholars from different regions," he told ANI. He further warned about the growing threat to the Tibetan language under Chinese policies. "It has been a long time since the Panchen Lama clearly sent messages to both Tibetans and the Chinese authorities. He had visualised colonial-style boarding schools years ago and had organised several initiatives to highlight the importance of the Tibetan language. Today, China's push towards a one-language nation poses a serious threat to Tibetan language and identity," Lobsang added. The TYC had passed a resolution in 2018 to observe Tibetan Language Day annually on the death anniversary of the 10th Panchen Lama, whom the organisation regards as one of the most influential figures within Tibet who openly opposed Chinese policies affecting Tibetan identity. (ANI) According to an updated travel advisory issued on January 26, Pakistan has been placed under "Level 3: Reconsider Travel", indicating a high risk to travellers. The Dawn reported that the advisory warns that terrorist attacks may occur without warning and that common targets include transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security installations, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations and government buildings. The advisory further states that certain regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been designated "Level 4: Do Not Travel areas", which is the highest warning level issued by the State Department. US citizens have been advised not to travel to Level 4 areas "for any reason", with the department warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common in these regions. The warning applies to all US citizens, including those of Pakistani origin. The State Department also cautioned that local laws in Pakistan prohibit demonstrations without a permit, noting that "US citizens have been detained for participating" in such activities. A Level 3 advisory signals "serious risks to safety", urging travellers to reconsider their plans, while Level 4 discourages all travel. (ANI) In Jaranwala, district Faisalabad a minor six-year-old Christian girl named Shamaya Saleem was brutally assaulted sexually. "Calling for swift justice, accountability of the perpetrators, and full protection for the victim and her family," Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) condemned the heinous act. According to the victim's father, Saleem Masih, a daily-wage laborer, who shared details with the HRFP Team during on-ground fact-finding and a visit to the organization's office, the incident occurred on December 10, 2025. Shamaya had gone for tuition at the residence of her teacher named Seerat, when she was abducted by the teacher's brother, Muhammad Uzair Dogar. HRFP's fact findings reveals that when Shamaya did not return home after her tuition hours, her parents Saleem Masih and Kalsoom Bibi immediately began searching for her. At the premises, which include a school, tuition room, and clinic, Kalsoom Bibi heard Shamaya crying and screaming for help. Saleem Masih's cousin, Arif Masih, also arrived at the scene. Upon entering the room, the family reportedly witnessed Muhammad Uzair Dogar sexually assaulting the child after kidnapping. The accused fled immediately after being discovered. The family rushed Shamaya to a hospital for medical assistance. However, hospital staff refused to proceeds that the matter required police intervention and referred them to City Police Station Jaranwala. Although the police sent the victim for a medical examination, the family alleges reluctance and lack of cooperation from the medical officers. Following police intervention, the Medical Officer reportedly stated that it was an attempted rape and that the accused had also attempted to kill the child, but she survived. HRFP expressesed "serious concerns over allegations that the victim's family is facing intimidation, pressure, and discrimination due to their Christian faith." The family reports being urged by local political and religious figures "to withdraw the case and settle the matter outside the legal process." They further state that no one from the village has come forward to support them, and that the broader community appears to be siding with the accused, leaving the family isolated and vulnerable. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), stated that this case highlights severe failures in child protection, law enforcement response, and access to justice particularly for religious minorities. He emphasized that the victim's family fears injustice and unequal treatment under the law. The victim is a minor child with no understanding of religion. "Any attempt to minimize or dismiss this heinous crime is unacceptable and a violation of basic human rights," he said. The case is currently under judicial proceedings. The most recent hearing was held on January 24, at the Jaranwala District Court, during which no significant progress was made. The court has directed the police to submit the investigation report at the next hearing scheduled for February 3. Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has urged the authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation, ensure the safety of the victim and her family, and deliver immediate justice in accordance with the law. (ANI) Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senator for South Australia, Penny Wong, took to X to express her dismay at the plight of people in Afghanistan and Taliban's leadership. In a post on X, she wrote, "The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world's worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban's failure to meet basic needs. In response, the Australian Government will provide a further $50 million in support through established UN partners." She spoke about Australian aid to Afghanistan through its "UN partners." In a statement released on X, Wong said, "This brings the total humanitarian support provided to the people of Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in 2021 to $310 million... Almost 22 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian support." As Afghan women continue to face barriers to employment amid social and economic restrictions, the European Union too had announced 10 million euros in funding for the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) programme in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported. The EU said the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions, with a focus on strengthening livelihoods, generating income opportunities and enhancing women's participation in the economy. According to Tolo News, the EU noted in a statement that "The project promotes culturally appropriate and Sharia-compliant financial mechanisms combined with business development support, mentorship, and market linkages." The European Union also announced that it will allocate EUR10 million to launch the second phase of its Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD) program in Afghanistan, according to a report by Tolo News. According to Tolo News, citing the EU, the program will be implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions, aiming to improve livelihoods, create income opportunities, and support the economic role of women. The statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on January 22 said that the new phase builds on the results and lessons of WE-LEAD Phase I and UNDP's Area Based Approach for Development Emergency Initiatives ABADEI. (ANI) The Embassy of India in Paris organised a reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The celebration brought together high-ranking French officials, ambassadors, members of the Indian community, and numerous friends of India. Minister Anne Le Henanff was the guest of honour for the event. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Embassy of India in Paris said that the growing dynamism of the strategic partnership between India and France was highlighted. There was also a focus on the upcoming visit of President Macron to India and the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. "@ALehenanff, the French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, honoured the event with her presence as the guest of honor. During the reception, the Ambassador highlighted the growing dynamism of the strategic partnership between India and France, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, as well as the upcoming visit of President Emmanuel Macron to India on the occasion of the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence", the post said. https://x.com/IndiaembFrance/status/2016810169280221572?s=20 Earlier on Republic Day, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2024 when he was the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations and extended warm wishes on the occasion. In a post on X, he also mentioned that he would meet PM Modi in February."What a beautiful memory of #RepublicDay by your side in 2024! My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, all my best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!", the French President wrote on X. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2015653556284440640?s=20 Macron was the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in 2024. During his visit, the French military contingent also participated in the parade. The 2024 parade had twin themes -- 'Visit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat -- Loktantra Ki Matruka' (Mother of Democracy). President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa were the Chief Guests at the 2026 Republic Day celebrations. India's 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday, featuring a spectacular showcase of the country's military might and diverse culture on Kartavya Path. Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950, officially becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of India's long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. While independence on August 15, 1947, ended colonial rule, the adoption of the Constitution completed India's transition to self-governance based on the rule of law, institutional accountability, and the will of the Indian people. (ANI) Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, has welcomed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a positive step for global trade and a strong complement to the existing India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), of which Norway is a part. In an interview, Ambassador Stener described the India-EU FTA as "a very good development", while noting that Norway is not a member of the EU. "Norway strongly supports an open and rules-based world trade order, and in that sense we see this as a very positive step," she said. "We already have a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with India in the EFTA context, which entered into force in October last year. An EU-India agreement would be a very good complement to that." She noted that the EU is Norway's largest trading partner, and closer economic ties between India and the EU could also indirectly benefit Norway by strengthening trade flows and supply-chain linkages. At a time of rising global trade tensions, Ambassador Stener emphasised the importance of diversified and stable partnerships. "Europe is now clearly saying that India is important for us," she said, adding that both the EU and EFTA countries see India as a key long-term economic partner. "Norway is a small country with a very open economy, and we have benefited greatly from free trade in our development. These are good developments in that direction." Notably, India and EFTA signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on 10 March 2024 which took effect on 1 October 2025, marking India's first FTA with four developed European nations. TEPA commits USD 100 billion in investments and 1 million direct jobs over 15 years, the first binding pledge of its kind in any Indian FTA. At its core, the agreement envisions unlocking $100 billion in investments and creating one million direct jobs in India over the next fifteen years, marking it as one of the most forward-looking trade partnerships in the country's economic history. Further, responding to questions on recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, the Ambassador reiterated that the Nobel Committee operates independently of the Norwegian government. "The Nobel Committee is an independent committee. The Norwegian government does not interfere in any way--not in nominations, not in discussions, and not in the decision-making," she said. "The prize is meant to be an international award without national interference, even though it is awarded in Oslo." She added that while the government has no role in the process, Norway always welcomes Nobel Peace Prize laureates to the country. Regarding President Trump's statements on Greenland, Ambassador Stener said Norway's position is unambiguous. "Greenland belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark, and we are fully behind Denmark on these issues," she said, while adding that Norway remains open to discussions on Arctic security within the NATO framework. Reflecting on bilateral relations, the Ambassador said India-Norway ties have continued to strengthen, particularly after the EFTA-India TEPA came into force. "There is a growing interest from Norwegian companies in India," she said, citing strong participation at the recent India Energy Week, where 16 Norwegian firms showcased their capabilities. Key areas of cooperation include renewable energy, maritime industries, circular economy, and digital technologies. High-level political engagement has also intensified, with multiple ministerial visits in both directions over the past year. Looking ahead, Norway's Minister for Digitalisation is expected to visit India for the AI Impact Summit in February, and preparations are underway for the India-Nordic Summit. "I very much hope that we will be able to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Oslo in the first half of this year for the India-Nordic Summit," Ambassador Stener said. (ANI) Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor visited Tehran on Wednesday for consultations with his Iranian counterpart Dr Ali Bagheri Kani, the Embassy of India in Iran shared on Thursday. In a post on X it also noted that Deputy NSA Kapoor also called on Secretary, SNSC Dr. Ali Larijani. https://x.com/India_in_Iran/status/2016756628662456614?s=20 Earlier the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai had also shared the details of the meeting as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani met and held talks with Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor. The interaction comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have sharply deteriorated following a stern warning from US President Donald Trump to Tehran over stalled nuclear negotiations. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said a US naval deployment larger than a previous fleet sent toward Venezuela was moving quickly, describing its advance as "quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." He added that the force was "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. "In urging Tehran back to the negotiating table, Trump said he hoped Iran would "quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties." He warned that "time is running out" and described the situation as "truly of the essence. "Recounting an earlier standoff, Trump wrote, "As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' a major destruction of Iran." He cautioned that any renewed confrontation would be "far worse," before closing with, "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate ... Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Iran responded on Wednesday through its mission to the United Nations, saying it is willing to engage with Washington "based on mutual respect and interests." In a separate post on X, Tehran warned: "BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!" Amid the exchange of warnings, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Washington is closely monitoring Tehran's actions and confirmed there is "a massive fleet heading in that direction." At the same time, US Central Command said on Tuesday it was preparing multi-day readiness drills "designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships, and prepare for flexible response execution throughout." CENTCOM said the exercises aim to demonstrate its "credible, combat-ready, and responsible presence designed to deter aggression, reduce the risk of miscalculation, and assure partners." Those military preparations followed a Sunday meeting between CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Eyal Zamir, focused on "strengthening the defensive cooperation between the two states." Separately, a US source told The Jerusalem Post that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group had entered CENTCOM waters in the Indian Ocean.On Thursday, media reports said the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group included additional US warships, destroyers and fighter aircraft in its deployment. (ANI) A senior minority leader in Bangladesh on Thursday has called for adequate security measures for the minority community ahead of the national elections, and he has also demanded that the interim government take action against the atrocities committed towards the minority community. "In the upcoming election, we want to participate, but at the same time, they have to create the right conditions. That's why we talked about the challenges. These challenges must be overcome, involving the prime stakeholders: the Election Commission, government administration, and political parties. But they are not behaving properly. We have already declared that political parties must not just say they believe in the Liberation War, but must categorically affirm their commitment to its values and ensure proper protection of minorities, taking action against atrocities," This is our demand, and we want a free, fair, and credible election", Neem Chandra Bhowmik, President of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, told ANI in an interview. "Bangladesh, is a country based on the values of the Liberation War and the implementation of these values. We know that in our Liberation War, we fought for equality, human dignity, and social justice. Based on this, a secular democratic constitution was established in 1972", he added. Bhowmik noted how there are cases of persecution and oppression taking place in the country and gave a call for justice and action on them. He lamented the government's apathy towards the issue noting that even a commission has not been formed to address the grievances. "We want justice, and we want action against these things. But the way the government is behaving, they are not recognizing the problem. They have not even formed a commission. Even with large-scale persecution leading to large-scale exodus, before 1971, our percentage was 20%, and now the government claims it is 10%. This large-scale exodus is due to discrimination, oppression, and persecution. The government has to recognize this. We were hoping that this government would form a commission for it, but they didn't, and they are even denying the facts", he said. On Thursday, during the press conference organised ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council prepared a partial overview of cases of communal violence from January to December 2025. In a statemen,t it was noted, "The total number of communal violence incidents stands at 522. Among these are: 61 incidents of murder (with 66 victims killed); 28 incidents of violence against women, including rape and gang rape; 95 incidents involving attacks on places of worship, idol vandalism, looting, and arson; 21 incidents of occupation or attempted occupation of land belonging to places of worship; 102 incidents of attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson targeting homes and business establishments; 38 incidents of abduction, extortion demands, and torture; 47 incidents involving attacks, death threats, and torture; 36 individuals subjected to torture and arrest on allegations of so-called religious blasphemy; 66 incidents of forcible occupation of homes, land, and business establishments; and 29 other incidents." The statement slammed Yunus noting that how communalism was being redefined. "We wish to state in unequivocal terms: Does Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus intend to redefine "communalism" in a new way, suggesting that except for violence occurring solely at temples or within the premises of places of worship, no other incidents taking place in society and the state constitute communal violence? Among the 173 deaths mentioned above, only 1 murder has been identified by the government as a "communal killing." Even 58 Hindu women were victims of rape during this period, and these incidents have also been identified by the government as non-communal. We strongly condemn and protestagainst such an absurd definition of communalism. It should be noted that the current government has consistently denied the ongoing communal violence and, at times, has attempted to divert the issue of "communal violence" through irrational explanations in order to mislead both national and international communities. However, national and international human rights organisations and media outlets have, at various times, published reports on this issue and informed the public of the real situation." Ahead of the upcoming elections, the statement placed demands for the election commission to create a level playing field and foster a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling centres without obstruction, prohibit use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ensure religious places are prohibited from being used for election campaigning and that religious hate speech, statements, the spread of false rumors, or any such propaganda should be treated as punishable offenses. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday and expressed confidence that under Gor India-US ties would be further strengthened. In a post on X he said, "Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India - US relations." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2016851823794045194?s=20 In a post on X, the US Ambassador said that the two held discussions on several areas like defence, trade and critical minerals. He wrote, "Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more!" https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2016865469752623319?s=20 The meeting comes as EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United States next week, sources said on Wednesday. The US Department of State had said earlier this month that the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, to be held on February 4 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will bring together partners from across the globe to strengthen cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. The State Department said in a post on X that the ministerial will focus on enhancing international collaboration to secure reliable, resilient critical mineral supply chains, which are essential to the US's economic and national security, technological leadership, and energy transition. "On February 4, Secretary Rubio will welcome partners from across the globe to the State Department for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Strengthening critical mineral supply chains with our international partners is vital to America's economic and national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future," the State Department stated in its post. Earlier on January 25, a US congressional delegation and held wide-ranging discussions with EAM Jaishankar on several aspects of bilateral ties, the Indo-Pacific, and the conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted the interactions as an important aspect of the relationship between New Delhi and Washington. In a post on X, Jaishankar shared that he interacted with US Reps Mike Rogers of Alabama, Adam Smith of Washington state, and Jimmy Patronis of Florida, as well as the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. In a post on X, Ambassador Gor called the meeting "productive" and how it would gave boost to India-US ties for stronger security, expanded trade and cooperation on critical technologies. He wrote on X, "Just wrapped a productive meeting with EAM @DrSJaishankar, @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith, and @JimmyPatronis on ways to strengthen U.S.-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies." Earlier Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Senator Steve Daines and the US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and had a "productive exchange" of views on the bilateral relationship front. (ANI) Azerbaijans fast-growing pizzeria chain Pizza Mizza has doubled down on expansion. Pizza Mizza accelerates expansion to bring Azerbaijan cuisine to the international market The move comes after receiving advisory support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union, as the founders aim to redefine the countrys casual dining sector and bring Azerbaijani cuisine to international attention. Baku-based Pizza Mizza, once a struggling startup, is now one of Azerbaijans leading pizzeria chains, operating 14 branches and holding a 16% share of the domestic market. The companys rapid growth comes after targeted support from the EBRD and EU, which helped the founders overhaul branding, digital presence, and restaurant design. The chain, founded by brothers Aslan and Anar Hajiyev in 2014, has shifted its focus from delivery-heavy operations to a fast-casual model that encourages dine-in experiences. According to the founders, dine-in visits now account for 38% of orders, compared with just 22% before the rebranding. Daily sales have increased fourteenfold, and the average order value has doubled, reflecting the success of new interior designs and customer engagement strategies." CEO of Pizza Mizza, Aslan Hajiyev, said: The EBRD and EU support allowed us to structure growth while keeping our identity intact. Every branch, from open kitchens to terraces, reflects our vision of combining quality food, comfort, and a distinctly Azerbaijani dining experience. Pizza Mizzas menu blends local flavors with international influences, using halal-certified ingredients and signature cheese blends developed with German food technologists. Experimentation with flavor contrasts is designed to appeal to both domestic and international customers, reinforcing the chains positioning as a culinary ambassador for Azerbaijan. The company also demonstrated resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, introducing 24/7 contactless delivery and family-sized meal bundles, which allowed it to expand while many competitors contracted. Looking ahead, Pizza Mizza plans nine additional branches, a new production facility, and long-term franchising initiatives. Advisory from the EBRDs Blue Ribbon programme will support operational efficiency, human resource management, and global quality certifications, positioning the chain for regional expansion. Hajiyev added: With structured support, we can scale beyond Azerbaijan without losing our identity. This is about showing that Azerbaijan can produce homegrown brands capable of competing on an international stage. US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to temporarily pause strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a period of one week, citing extreme cold weather conditions prevailing across the region. Addressing a Cabinet meeting, Trump said he personally reached out to the Russian leader and urged him to halt the attacks on the Ukrainian capital and nearby towns, highlighting the humanitarian impact of what he described as "extraordinary cold." "I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that," Trump said. Describing the development as unexpected, Trump noted that several people had advised him against making the call. "A lot of people said, 'Don't waste the call, you're not going to get that.' And he did it," Trump added. Trump's comments come as violence continues on the ground. Ukrainian officials on Thursday said three people were killed in an overnight Russian drone attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, even as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that Russia could be gearing up for another major assault. These developments are unfolding ahead of planned US-mediated peace talks expected to take place over the weekend. In a parallel diplomatic move, Russia has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Moscow for negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. The proposal follows last week's first trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi. Speaking to TASS, Peskov said Moscow is being considered as the potential venue for the discussions. This marks the second consecutive day that senior Kremlin officials have signalled readiness to host Zelenskyy for peace talks. On Wednesday, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Ukraine's leader would be welcome in Moscow if he agrees to meet. Ushakov also said Russia would ensure Zelenskyy's security and provide all necessary arrangements for the talks should he accept the invitation, according to Russia Today. (ANI) In a demanding international context, Renault Group Morocco confirms in 2025 its role as the leader of the national automotive sector and strengthens the Kingdoms strategic position within the Groups global footprint. Morocco now ranks as the Groups second country in terms of production volume and the eighth global market in terms of sales volume, driven by the strong performance of the Dacia and Renault brands. the data were revealed by Renault Group Morocco when presenting its annual results Tuesday in Casablanca. The goup revealed solid performance despite international tensions and a 5% decline compared to 2024. The group produced nearly 395,000 vehicles at its Tangier and Casablanca plants, with over 327,000 destined for export. General Director Mohammed Bachiri noted that Renault achieved a 2.2% increase in international vehicle sales despite challenging global conditions. Domestically, Tangier Med and Casablanca facilities produced 394,465 vehicles in 2025, slightly below 2024s record year but 3% higher than 2023. Tangiers plant accounted for over 75% of production, with Moroccos combined output representing approximately 17% of Renaults global sales, meaning nearly one in six vehicles purchased worldwide originates from Moroccan factories. Approximately 82% of productionabout 327,552 vehicleswas exported to 63 destinations, primarily France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, though exports declined 11% compared to the previous year. Tangier exports 94% of its production, while Casablanca exports 47%. Bachiri highlighted the Sandero models continued success as Europes best-selling car for the eighth consecutive year, manufactured exclusively in Morocco. The group maintained production pace despite challenges including COVID-19 and electronic component shortages. Thibaut Paland, Commercial Director of Renault Commerce, reported that group brands accumulated 88,937 sales among 235,372 vehicles sold in Moroccos market, representing a 37.38% market share, up 31% from 2024. Dacia dominates with over 20% of national sales and 55% of group sales, while Renault brand sales increased 44% with 41,050 vehicles sold. The group completed 150,000 training hours across 60 IFMIA centers, training over 6,000 people. Looking toward 2030, Bachiri outlined five priorities: competitiveness, commercial leadership, new industrial projects, local ecosystem development, and skills hub creation. The group targets 75% integration and 3 billion euros in local sourcing by 2030. Here is the English translation: Since 2016, the Renault ecosystem has continued to take shape. The Group reports having reached local sourcing revenue of 2.39 billion in 2024**, with a local integration rate of 65.5% (excluding mechanical components). With an installed capacity of **more than 500,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2025, Renault now aims for 80% local integration by 2030, representing 3 billion in local sourcing. Mobilize Financial Services also posted a record performance in 2025, with more than 29,000 financing contracts put into production and over 50,000 service contracts sold (insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance). The activity increased by +44% compared to 2024, with an intervention rate close to 33%. For 2026, Mobilize aims to continue supporting the growth of the Renault and Dacia brands, accelerate its digital transformation, and develop long-term leasing through Mobilize Lease Co, created in 2025. Morocco held a strategic meeting in Rabat focused on renewing its offshoring sector offering, marking a new phase in developing service outsourcing as a pillar of the Maroc Digital 2030 national strategy. The gathering, chaired by the Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, brought together public and private stakeholders to strengthen coordination and highlight opportunities amid intensified international competition. Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasized that renewing the offshoring offer represents a strategic lever for reinforcing Moroccos attractiveness, attracting new investments, and making the sector a major driver of qualified job creation, particularly at regional levels. She stressed the central role of human capital, innovation, and skills development in supporting the sectors evolution toward higher value-added activities. By late 2024, the offshoring sector employed 148,500 people, with 18,500 net job creations over two years and service exports reaching 26.22 billion dirhams. These figures confirm offshorings significant contribution to national digital economy growth and Moroccos positioning in global value chains. Facing rapid sector transformations, the kingdom now focuses on upgrading its offering, developing advanced skills, and strengthening research and development. Specialized training programs and dedicated institutes support this momentum to prepare Moroccan talent for new digital professions and high value-added services. By 2030, Morocco aims to double export revenues to nearly 40 billion dirhams while increasing sector employment to 270,000 positions through an attractive Made in Morocco offering competitive for major international digital players. The new offshoring model centers on three structural pillars: human capital through strengthened skills and employability, modern territorialized infrastructure designed for balanced regional development, and a clear stable incentive framework guaranteeing sustainable sector growth. The meeting featured a high-level panel including Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, along with representatives from the private sector. The event concluded with three major convention signings addressing training incentives and Tech Valley offshoring development to create modern economic poles attracting national and international investments. The United States and the African Union Commission have agreed to establish a Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group (SIWG), to advance U.S.-Africa economic partnerships that create jobs, prosperity, and economic security both in America and across Africa. The announcement was made by the U.S. State Department in a press release issued Wednesday following the meeting held in Addis Ababa between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The SIWG will serve as a platform for senior officials and technical experts across the U.S. government and AUC to identify opportunities for U.S. private sector investment and support AU-backed infrastructure projects and related initiatives that advance the shared strategic priorities of the United States and the AU, its member states, and Africas Regional Economic Communities enabling trade and logistics infrastructure, as well as continent-wide digital transformation. These investments will leverage AU convening authority and expertise alongside U.S. capital and innovative financing tools to develop critical minerals and commodities supply chains, transportation corridors, energy networks, and regulatory harmonization, as well as to increase two-way trade, secure digital infrastructure, and improve health security that will make Americans and Africans safer and more prosperous. As the United States and Africa seek durable, profitable investments to drive economic goals in place of foreign assistance, the SIWG will provide a foundation for strategic economic cooperation that will grow and shape the relationship for years to come. Alongside their shared commitment to protecting peace and security on the Continent, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and AUC Chairperson also agreed that economic growth forms the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous Africa. They are convinced that the development of quality, trade-enabling infrastructure is a critical next step in advancing that growth, the AUs Agenda 2063 and its flagship priorities, including the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) priority corridors, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Morocco and the European Union holds this Thursday in Brussels the 15th meeting of their Association Council to look into ways of strengthening further dialogue and strategic partnership. The meeting will be co-chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita. EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica as well as the foreign ministers of several European countries will be attending. The meeting is an opportunity for the two partners to exchange views on political, economic, trade and security matters as well as mobility, green transition, innovation and digital transition. The 15th meeting of Morocco-EU Association Council is expected to address issues of common interests on the regional and international scene amid the new geostrategic landscape taking shape. The European Union has extensive ties with the North African Kingdom in trade, political and security matters. The Union is also Moroccos largest trade partner, accounting for 59% of its trade in goods trade in 2024. Over 67% of Moroccos exports went to the EU, and 54% of Moroccos imports came from the EU. According to EU data, total trade in goods between the EU and Morocco in 2024 amounted to 60.6 billion. The EUs imports from Morocco amounted to 25.3 billion, and were led by transport equipment (7.1 billion, 28%), machinery and appliances (6.2 billion, 24.6%), vegetable products (3 billion, 11.8%) and textiles (2.9 billion, 11.6%). The EUs exports to Morocco amounted to 35.3 billion. Exports were led by machinery and appliances (8.8 billion, 24.9%), followed by transport equipment (4.8 billion, 13.7%), mineral products (4.2 billion, 11.8%), and base metals (3.4 billion, 9.5%). The proceedings of the 5th session of the Morocco-France Parliamentary Forum opened on Thursday in Rabat, with the participation of officials and members of the parliaments of both countries. This session is chaired, on the Moroccan side, by the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, Rachid Talbi Alami and Mohamed Ould Errachid, and on the French side, by the President of the Senate, Gerard Larcher, and the President of the National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet. The Forums agenda includes four thematic sessions addressing strategic issues. The first session focuses on new horizons for bilateral cooperation, while the second addresses security and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. The third session examines womens rights and participation in public life, while the fourth is devoted to energy transition and renewable energies. These sessions will see the participation of several Moroccan ministers and senior officials from the relevant sectors. The Forum will also be marked by intensive diplomatic activity and bilateral meetings between the two sides. This event serves as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and the exchange of views between Moroccan parliamentarians and their French counterparts, with a view to coordinating positions and examining the various issues of common interest between the two countries. Speaking at the opening of the 5th session of this Forum, President of the French National Assembly,Yael Braun-Pivet, described the Forum as valuable for consultation and cooperation, with few equivalents elsewhere in the world. Our meeting should enable our parliaments to extend, enlarge, and materialize the cooperation between Morocco and France, she said. To give substance to these cooperation efforts and ensure their success, we deeply believe in the potential of our interparliamentary cooperation, she continued, adding that this belief is not theoretical, but rather concrete. In this regard, she recalled the institutional twinning between the House of Representatives and the French National Assembly from 2022 to 2024, which has led to increased exchanges, expert missions, and the sharing of best practices. Our four chambers have the power to build something concrete, and that is exactly what we are going to do, to strengthen the friendship between our two peoples, Braun-Pivet emphasized. She further noted that the Morocco-France partnership holds a geopolitical dimension. It is because Morocco is a pillar of regional stability that France is calling for the European Union to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership with the Kingdom, she said. The President of the National Assembly then spoke of French-Moroccan friendship, noting that France has always supported Morocco in its existential stakes. In this regard, she welcomed the recent United Nations Security Council resolution, which reiterates that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only basis for a just and lasting solution. Furthermore, Braun-Pivet stressed that the bond between the two countries is indeed extraordinary, but is based on strategic closeness, an exceptional and reinforced partnership, sealed during the State visit to Morocco in October 2024 by President Emmanuel Macron, at the invitation King Mohammed VI. Senate President Gerard Larcher on his part said that the ties between France and Morocco can serve as a model for establishing harmonious relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean, and between Europe and Africa. We want to place particular emphasis on innovative areas of cooperation to be explored together, but also on the new geographical horizons that are opening up for our strengthened cooperation. These new horizons look southward, Larcher said. The new horizons of French-Moroccan ties take several shapes, all characterized by trust and friendship, he noted, adding that there are multiple areas of cooperation to be explored together. The first area concerns the establishment of a new bilateral treaty with a strong parliamentary component, Larcher said, explaining that seventy years after the Declaration of Celle Saint-Cloud, France and Morocco have the opportunity to enshrine the achievements of their Reinforced Exceptional Partnership in a new treaty. We must appreciate the full significance of this: France has only concluded such treaties with a few European countries. To date, it has concluded none with any country on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, he added. With regard to the second axis focusing on decentralization and decentralized cooperation in support of Moroccan regionalization, the President of the Senate indicated that regionalization is a step towards the genuine autonomy proposed by Morocco for its Southern provinces, given that decentralization is enshrined through the diversity, unity and indivisibility of our territories, which are so dear to Morocco and France. In this connection, he paid tribute to the historic diplomatic success achieved by the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, following the adoption on October 31, 2025, by the United Nations Security Council of its Resolution 2797, enshrining the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. He went on to say that France will host the French-Moroccan Decentralized Cooperation Conference at the end of 2026, an opportunity to broaden the geographical scope of promising prospects for cooperation towards the South. With regard to the third axis relating to parliamentary mutual assistance, Larcher recalled that the Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie, held in Paris last July, was a moment of complicity between France and Morocco, centered on values of democracy and the French language in a turbulent international context. Parliamentarians from our four assemblies can further develop their cooperation with third assemblies, he said, while proposing, with due regard for decision-making autonomy, not a need to achieve results, but rather a necessity to consult and exchange views on sensitive issues. As for the fourth axis relating to the Mediterranean dimension, he recalled that the Moroccan Parliament has played a prominent role in various Mediterranean parliamentary bodies it had presided over, noting that these bodies are still struggling to make their voices heard. Thirty years after the start of the Barcelona Process, let us reflect on the contribution that our four assemblies could jointly make in the Mediterranean context in order to overcome the many challenges, particularly migration, which disrupts its shores, he said. Emphasizing that France and Morocco are now preparing for a new era, Larcher concluded by saying that nothing can now hold the two countries from achieving great things together. ITV is resurrecting Dalziel and Pascoe. Dalziel and Pascoe is being rebooted thanks to ITV The long-running BBC detective series debuted in 1996 and concluded in 2007, and ITV has now confirmed it is bringing Dalziel and Pascoe back for modern audiences. The network has described the upcoming reboot - which is being produced in collaboration with BritBox and All3 Medias West Road Pictures - as a contemporary reimagining of the original series, and confirmed filming is due to start this spring. Dalziel and Pascoe - which is based on Reginald Hills novels of the same name - follows gruff, old-school detective Andrew Dalziel (Warren Clarke) and the newly-qualified DS Peter Pascoe (Colin Buchanan) as they team up to solve complex and gritty cases across the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton. In a statement, ITV comedy head Nana Hughes said: Its a genuine privilege to bring Reginald Hills much-loved Dalziel and Pascoe back to the screen for a new audience. At the heart of this series is the enduring, unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and were excited to explore that new dynamic. BritBox boss Jon Farrar added: Dalziel and Pascoe has always been about friction, intellect, and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth. Their chemistry, wit, and moral clarity perfectly complement this richly layered mystery. Its timeless crime storytelling that not only honours but sharpens its legacy. Anchored by two bold, complex leads, West Road Pictures contemporary drama is packed with intrigue, wit and gripping mystery narratives. A distinct and exciting addition to our renowned detective slate, were delighted to partner with ITV and BritBox to bring Dalziel and Pascoe to a global audience. The new series of Dalziel and Pascoe is being co-created by Colette Kane - who has worked on shows like Vera - and Vikings: Valhallas Daisy Martey, while The Effects of Lying and Missing Yous Isher Sahota is to serve as director. Other writers for the programme include Chris Ryden, Jon Rowe and Danusia Samal. Jonathan Fisher, the Managing Director of West Road Pictures, said: It is a real honour to be reimagining Reginald Hills iconic detective series for a contemporary audience. We hope that viewers will fall in love with this unlikely yet brilliant pairing all over again. While the reboot of Dalziel and Pascoe has now been confirmed, it has not yet been announced who will be stepping into the shoes of the titular detective duo. In 2014, Clarke passed away following a short illness at the age of 67. Meanwhile, Buchanan stepped away from TV after Dalziel and Pascoe concluded, though has since made rare appearances on the box in guest roles in programmes like Casualty. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, expressed, on Thursday in Brussels, confidence in the positive and promising prospects of the partnership between Morocco and the European Union. I am convinced that this meeting will be fruitful and will open up positive prospects for both parties, Bourita told the press shortly before the start of the 15th session of the Morocco-EU Association Council. This meeting is of particular importance on both the symbolic and political and economic levels, the minister stressed, noting that it comes as the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Morocco-European Union Association Agreement approaches, marking three decades of a solid and diversified institutional partnership in which Morocco has always been at the forefront of the EUs relations with its Mediterranean neighborhood. Bourita also highlighted the political dimension of this session, which is being held in an international context marked by uncertainty and conflict. Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco positions itself as a stable partner, offering visibility to its partners, and standing out for its clear-eyed and precise reading of regional and international issues, he underlined. The minister recalled that the Kingdom has always been a partner that is both demanding in expressing its expectations and loyal in honoring its commitments, an approach that will continue to guide its relations with the European Union. On the economic front, Bourita noted that Morocco remains the European Unions leading trading partner south of the Mediterranean and in Africa, considering that this partnership can serve as a source of inspiration for the future of relations between the EU and its southern neighborhood. The holding of this Association Council thus builds on an already solid foundation while carrying renewed ambition for the future of Morocco-EU relations, he said, noting that the broad participation of EU Member States, including at ministerial level, attests to Moroccos standing within the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and its ability to contribute effectively to addressing regional and global challenges. Europe has been trying to reduce its reliance on imported energy for four years now. It has had partial success, notably through demand destruction resulting from excessive prices. This month, part of Europe doubled down on that plan just as the United States grid presented an object lesson in the importance of reliable energy from all the sources that Europe wants to get rid of, and soon. Earlier this week, nine European countries announced they would build 100 GW of offshore wind power capacity as they seek to source more of their electricity locally rather than from imported energy commodities, namely natural gas. The group, featuring the UK, Ireland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, France, Iceland, Belgium, and Luxembourg, will jointly build large-scale wind projects, per plans, as reported by Reuters. The group will also use the power generated by the turbines jointly. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United States is going through a spell of extra-harsh winter weather that has seen part of the country boost generation from perhaps the least expected source: oil. New England generated a third of its electricity from oil as of this Monday, with some reports saying the share of the fuel in the regions electricity mix reached 40% at one point. Wind and solar, meanwhile, contributed some 6% of the total. Related: India Is Still Waiting for Cheaper LNG In Texas, the state grid operator began preparing for little to no wind generation before the storm hit over the weekend. ERCOT said last week it expected very little generation from Texas massive capacity, citing an estimated risk that frigid weather could take offline as much as 60% of that capacity, which stands at 40.6 GW. Solar is essentially non-existent in snowy weather. As a result, generators have boosted gas, nuclear, and even coal, because demand is soaring as one might expect in such weather conditions. What the situation in the United States has shown the rest of the world is that baseload electricity capacity matters, and it matters a lot during emergency times. Baseload electricity is the minimum amount of electricity that is constantly available on the grid, not only when the weather allows. Gas, coal, nuclear, and oilin New England and Saudi Arabiaare baseload generation sources. Wind and solar are not, even with batteries, and even with a dozen interconnectors, which is what the plan is for that massive 100 GW wind power installation in the North Sea. The motivation behind such plans, however, is understandable. Most of Europe does not produce its own baseload generation fuels. Germany has rather abundant lignite reserves, but coal is not exactly a favored fuel in the European Unions biggest economy, so developing these reserves is out of the questioneven as Germany cranked up its remaining coal power plants in response to the winter weather that refuted predictions of snow-free, cold-free European winters in a rather decisive way this month. Because Europe does not have enough of its own resources or the desire to exploit the ones it has, most European countries are heavily dependent on importsfrom the United States. Last year, U.S. liquefied gas accounted for 57% of all LNG imports into the European Union and Britain. As part of total gas imports, U.S. gas accounted for a solid quarter, Reuters Ron Bousso reported this week. Yet, starting next year, the U.S. gas will account for even more of the European Unions gas imports because Brussels just sealed the ban on any and all Russian gas beginning January 2027despite protests from Hungary and Slovakia, which depend on Russian gas to secure affordable electricity for their industries and households. The ban was also finalized despite record-high LNG purchases from Russia by Western European countries that are on board with the banso high, in fact, that the European Union was the biggest buyer of Russian liquefied gas last year. With one big supplier of gas pushed away, European countries will have to lean more heavily on the United States during the term of a president who has made it abundantly clear he wants the world to buy more U.S. energy. Normally, European leaders would not have a problem with that. What they have a problem with is the fear that Trump may decide to turn the energy dominance agenda against them by essentially weaponizing U.S. energy exports. Sceptics note that the LNG dependence of Europe goes both ways, with U.S. producers of the commodity also heavily dependent on European buyers. Yet the two sides are not in equal positions. Europe has few comparable alternatives to U.S. gas abundance, unless we count Russia, which the EU has made clear it will not. U.S. LNG producers, on the other hand, have alternatives in Asia. Even so, building more winda lot more wind than there is already around European coastsis hardly the best answer to energy security, as evidenced by what has been happening in the U.S. over the past weeks. A possibly much better answer would be long-term gas and oil supply commitments with a wider variety of suppliers. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Following the U.S. sanctions on Russias Lukoil, which operated one of Iraqs largest oilfields, Baghdad temporarily took control over the West Qurna 2 project, which accounts for 10% of all Iraqi oil production and 0.5% of global crude supply. Lukoil had a 75% equity stake in West Qurna 2, which produces more than 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. The U.S. sanctions made it impossible for Lukoil to continue operating the huge field. Following the U.S. sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, as a result of Russias lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine, Lukoil announced it would sell all of its international assets, initiating a formal process to receive bids from potential buyers. After temporarily giving the West Qurna 2 operatorship to state-run Basra Oil Company, the Iraqi government wants to award the contract to another major oil company and is in talks with Chevron on a potential deal. The U.S. supermajor, however, seeks higher returns from the project in the negotiations, which have been dragging on for weeks, Reuters reports, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Chevron wants to expand its operations in OPECs second-largest and the worlds seventh-biggest producer, but, apparently, not at any cost. The U.S. major last year signed a deal to return to Iraq and develop the Nasiriyah Project, including four exploration blocks, as well as the Balad oilfield and other producing fields and additional exploration areas in the country. Related: Iraqs Key Gas Field Sends a Long-Awaited Signal to Washington Iraq has overhauled its contract terms for newly-awarded fields, but fields such as West Qurna 2 continued to be developed under the previous terms that were seen as unfavorable by international majors. In 2024, Iraq moved to profit-sharing contracts for new bid rounds, from the technical service contracts it had awarded until then. With improved contract returns in the biggest change in Iraqs petroleum regulatory landscape in decades, Baghdad seeks to attract more investment in its oil and gas industry by some of the worlds biggest oil firms. Under the profit-sharing contracts, the foreign companies are being offered a share of the revenue from the license after deducting royalty and cost recovery expenses. In contrast, traditional technical service contracts offer a flat rate for every barrel of oil produced after reimbursing costs. These generally pay foreign investors less than what they would have received under production-sharing contracts. Foreign firms operating in Iraq have complained that the technical service contracts, with the flat rate, do not allow them to benefit when international crude oil prices rise. These contracts become even less lucrative for foreign investors when costs increase. West Qurna 2, under Lukoils operatorship, was under a technical service contract. The contract offered one of the smallest returns of all deals in Iraq, according to industry sources who spoke to Reuters. Its no surprise then that Chevron seeks improved returns before committing to operating one of the biggest conventional oilfields not only in Iraq but also in the world. Chevron, like other Big Oil firms, is carefully selecting investments these days and expects to get a bang for its buck, to continue boosting returns for shareholders. Each of the Big Oil companies has a few select priority areas that they consider core operations, both because they are huge in volumes and lucrative in returns. So it is only natural that Chevron would want to see higher returns from West Qurna 2 before agreeing to take over the operatorship of the field. Talks between Chevron and Iraq on West Qurna 2 continue, the Iraqi Oil Ministry told Reuters. The negotiations are still ongoing, with many details remaining under discussion, the ministry said. The crucial detail would be the projects returns for Chevron. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Venezuela is edging toward what could become the most consequential energy shift in a generation. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez reportedly met with senior international oil executives this week at a PDVSA facility, as the government opens consultations on a partial reform of the countrys Organic Hydrocarbons Law. The proposed changes, now moving through Venezuelas National Assembly, would fundamentally reshape the fiscal and contractual rules governing the countrys oil and gas sectors. While the state would retain sovereignty over Venezuelas oil, highlighting how the reform can foster growth and attract investment can inspire confidence among industry professionals and investors. If approved, the new framework would allow external operators to become more deeply involved in the production process than ever before, potentially increasing foreign investment and modernizing Venezuelas oil industry. One of the reforms most significant shifts is an expansion of who can operate upstream. It would allow mixed enterprises, as well as private Venezuelan-domiciled companies, to work in tandem with state authorities on contracted projects. In essence, this would create a dual-track system, one more aligned with the financial realities of Venezuelas oil industry. Rather than forcing all investment projects into a single joint-venture model, the government would gain more flexibility to structure deals around the realities of capital requirements. Capital-intensive developments, including pipeline repairs, which have been neglected for many years, could finally attract the scale of private investment that they so desperately require. The intent of the interim administration is clear. Venezuela is moving away from the inflexible investment framework that has long constrained the sector. Perhaps even more important, however, is how the reform plans to tackle control dynamics. State-owned companies and their subsidiaries would be permitted to transfer operational responsibility to private partners by contract, either full or in part. While this may appear as a minor technical change, it represents a substantial shift in the governments policy. For years, Venezuelas joint-venture system has been defined by a distinct structural rigidity. External partners have been allowed to supply capital and expertise, but operational control remained tightly held within state entities. The proposed reforms would alter that long-standing balance, giving space for hybrid operating models that are better suited to the complex nature of oil projects and to both their construction and financing. The royalties would remain capped at 30%, but the actual rate will be set project-by-project. A new Integrated Hydrocarbons Tax will apply at up to 15% of gross income, but again would be adjusted depending on the demands of each project. The government is also looking to address some of the financial bottlenecks that have historically worried international investors. Minority partners would not only be allowed to open and manage bank accounts in any currency or jurisdiction, but also to directly market their share of production. Direct commercialisation improves cash-flow visibility, while offshore banking flexibility removes the friction of getting foreign direct investment into Venezuelan ventures. New project contracts will also include expanded dispute-resolution mechanisms. In essence, removing the additional layers of complications that have previously slowed or complicated arbitration agreements. The reforms aim to make Venezuelan projects easier to finance and to protect external capital, emphasizing that stability and sanctions reform are essential for success, reassuring policymakers and investors. The proposed changes in Rodriguezs government acknowledge that reviving the countrys oil sector requires long-term investment, which can reassure investors and industry stakeholders of sustained commitment. Considering the scale and scope of the large upstream developments and infrastructure projects that Venezuelas oil industry will require to start seeing consistent increases in production, investment horizons have to be widened. The reforms are seeking to do precisely that. While the reforms to the bill are still navigating Venezuelas legislative process, for international investors, the intention behind them is encouraging. They represent a substantial strategic pivot, moving Venezuelas oil industry away from the constraints of ideology and toward a programme of pragmatic partnership. Venezuela needs investment, and that investment will come from partnerships that have the flexibility to invest in the ways and at the scale they need. Of course, the success of the reforms will hinge on broader sanctions reform and stabilisation of the regions geopolitical situation. But at the legislative level, Venezuela seems to be building a framework to say what it has not said clearly in years: the door is open again, and this time, the terms are negotiable. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The upstream sector is set to carry strong momentum into 2026, with high-impact wildcat drilling activity expected to remain elevated following a solid 2025. Last year, the success rate for high-impact wildcat wells rose to 38% from 23% in 2024, while total discovered volumes increased by 53% year on year to around 2.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), according to Rystad Energys research and analysis. Wells are designated as high-impact based on a variety of factors: the size of the potential resources, whether they could open new hydrocarbon plays in frontier or emerging basins, and their significance to the operator. Such activity in 2026 is expected to drive exploration momentum higher in specific basins and countries, with 42 such wells identified globally. Africa is set to continue leading global activity, accounting for around 40% of planned high-impact exploration wells, driven largely along the Atlantic margin, with exploration expected to focus on the Orange Basin in Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, reinforcing the regions role in global high-impact drilling. Rystad Energys high-impact well outlook for 2026 points to a clear concentration in ultra-deepwater and frontier exploration. Ultra-deepwater wells account for around 60% of planned drilling, with majors leading these activities, followed by national oil companies (NOCs) and international NOCs (INOCs), which together represent 26%. Most wells are expected to target frontier regions, while roughly 5% will focus on basins with prior discoveries that could develop into hydrocarbon hotspots, and another 5% will test entirely new plays. Africa is set to play a central role, with all onshore high-impact drilling in 2026 expected to take place on the continent except for the recently announced Greenland well, which will test the frontier Jameson Land. What we are seeing in 2026 is a clear shift in where operators are willing to deploy capital. Ultra-deepwater and frontier plays remain capital-intensive, but they also offer scale and material upside at a time when conventional opportunities are increasingly limited. Africa stands out because it still combines geological potential with the prospect of large, commercially meaningful discoveries, particularly for operators looking to secure long-life resources in a tightening global supply environment. Aatisha Mahajan, Head of Exploration, Oil & Gas Research, Rystad Energy Outside Africa, Asia accounts for eight high-impact wells, led by Indonesia with four, followed by India and Malaysia with two each. Between 2021 and 2025, India, Malaysia and Indonesia awarded most of the regions new acreage, each exceeding 200,000 sq km, driven largely by offshore blocks. By contrast, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and China dominated onshore awards, reflecting Asias fragmented exploration landscape, where strategies vary between offshore and onshore plays rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Among operators, ONGC, Petronas, Oil India, Mari Petroleum and Petro Matad secured the largest acreage positions over this period, positioning them to lead high-impact exploration activity in the coming years. Over the past decade, Asia has recorded approximately 18 billion boe of conventional hydrocarbon discoveries, with gas accounting for around 62% of total volumes. Discovery volumes have been highly concentrated, with the majority of additions since 2016 coming from a handful of countries China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. While Asia remains a key region for hydrocarbon exploration, opportunities are increasingly clustered in established areas, suggesting that new high-impact growth will likely depend on unlocking less mature basins or more technically challenging fields. As of now, 2025 stands as the weakest year of the past decade in terms of new volume additions, with total discoveries hovering around 1 billion boe. Oil has dominated volumes added during the year, primarily due to Malaysias Megah and Vietnams Hai Su Vang discoveries. Offshore discoveries accounted for roughly 83% of volumes added in 2025, with the bulk coming from the regions main producing countries. Some upward revision to 2025 totals is expected as additional information becomes available. In the West, North Americas exploration performance has weakened since 2022, as yearly discovered volumes have dropped, failing to even reach the previous decade-low of 750 million boe seen in 2018. Discoveries in Canada and Mexico have largely stalled, leaving the US Gulf of America as the main source of new volumes, where recent finds remain oil-weighted and concentrated in mature, heavily explored basins. In 2025, total discoveries fell to around 238 million barrels, with Mexico contributing three finds of approximately 68 million barrels and the US Gulf of America adding four finds totaling about 170 million barrels. Overall, this continued reliance on mature basins, alongside declining discovery volumes, points to limited upside for conventional exploration in North America. Without access to new plays or a material improvement in exploration success, the region is likely to remain defined by incremental, oil-weighted additions rather than game-changing discoveries. By Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Brent Crude prices topped $70 per barrel early on Thursday for the first time since August, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that a massive armada of U.S. Navy ships is headed to the Persian Gulf. At the time of writing, Brent Crude prices had jumped by 4.71% at $71.62. This was the highest in more than five months and the first time the international benchmark has topped $70 per barrel since early August. The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, was also trading higher, up by 4.79% to $66.24. WTI topped $65 per barrel for the first time since September. After a week or so of relative calmness in the U.S. rhetoric toward Iran, which continued to brutally suppress mass protests, President Trump warned the Islamic Republic of a Venezuela-style mission, at least this is what the President suggested in a post on his Truth Social platform. A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose, President Trump posted. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary, the President continued. He urged Iran to make a deal pledging NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS, otherwise, President Trump said, The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again. Markets reacted to the renewed tension in the worlds most important oil-producing and exporting region, and oil and gold soared. Iran, for its part, said that its army is ready to immediately and powerfully respond to any possible attack by the United States. Our brave Armed Forces are preparedwith their fingers on the triggerto immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression against our beloved land, air, and sea, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X. Commenting on the latest flare-up in the Middle East, ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said on Thursday, Clearly, this more aggressive rhetoric has left the oil market nervous about the potential for supply disruptions. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinas secret weapon in the global race to lead AI innovation is its enormous electricity resources. While China quietly plugs away at ramping up its development and integration of large language models, Western countries are facing increasing energy security tradeoffs to keep data centers running. The increased energy demand and grid capacity required to run AIs ever-expanding computational load are putting enormous strain on power grids in Western countries. Power grids were already in a precarious position in the United States and Europe as electrification, and the breakneck addition of solar and wind energies have outpaced investment in supportive infrastructure. The result has been an increasing occurrence of major power outages and painfully high energy prices. As energy demand surges and grid modernization accelerates, utilities and developers are dealing with the twin pressures of global trade uncertainty and grid reliability, wrote Jeremy Furr, senior vice president of strategic sourcing at Stryten Energy, in a recent op-ed for Utility Dive. But, paradoxically, China the worlds biggest installer of renewable energies and the worlds first electrostate is not having the same issues, or at least not with the same existential magnitude. One key difference is that China has invested considerably in expanding and updating its power grids, matching grid capacity with demand much more successfully than its western counterparts. While China experienced a slew of regional outages early in the decade, the country hasnt suffered any serious blackouts since then. All of this puts China in a very strong economic and geopolitical position. The relative abundance, stability, and affordability of energy in China could give the country a major leg up in the global AI arms race. In terms of electricity capacity, the differences between China, the US and the EU are substantial, and China is clearly staying ahead of the curve across scale, structure and growth momentum, Alberto Vettoretti, managing partner at consultancy Dezan Shira and Associates, recently told the South China Morning Post. Moreover, China is now subsidizing energy for data centers after Chinese tech companies complained of energy costs caused by the domestic semiconductors they are obliged to use, which are less efficient than Nvidias, according to a new report from the Guardian. This subsidy is only one of many, many incentives for AI firms in China. With dominance of AI now a core government policy, every city and region is offering incentives to AI start-ups, Time reported this week. While China is still lagging behind the United States in terms of AI development and design, Chinese tech firms will likely catch up and surpass Silicon Valley in the not-too-distant future. The Chinese governments AI+ Initiative, announced in August of last year, states its aim to reshape the paradigm of human production and life, and to integrate AI into 90 percent of Chinas economy by 2030. For the second-largest economy in the world, thats going to require staggering amounts of energy and grid capacity. But Beijing can also harness the power of AI to optimize the power grid. AI could be instrumental in efficiently regulating a grid that is increasingly powered by variable energy resources, and which is simultaneously faced with skyrocketing around-the-clock demand. Large language models can use supply and demand data to calculate minute fluctuations in supply and demand in real time, and do so more affordably than other computer models could. If AI models are well trained to give accurate forecasts on how much renewable electricity will be generated throughout the day and how much electricity will be needed at corresponding times, then the grid operator can decide how to balance the demand and supply in advance more efficiently and safely, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool Universitys Fang Lurui told Reuters earlier this month. China is planning to comprehensively integrate AI into its power grid by next year. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The finances of Latin Americas fourth-largest economy, Colombia, are in total disarray. Nearly four years of fiscal mismanagement by Colombias first elected leftist leader, President Gustavo Petro, sparked fears of a financial crisis engulfing the strife-torn Andean nation. A combination of dwindling tax revenue and excessive spending is rapidly depleting Bogotas coffers. Even Petros tax hikes, which took on a worrying sense of regularity, did little to salvage government finances while sharply impacting economically crucial sectors, notably the oil and gas industry. Those negative developments are exacerbated by a tense relationship between Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump. Petros controversial presidency is marked by a range of scandals, worrying incidents, and allegations of endemic corruption. This includes explosive claims of campaign money coming from organized crime. Then there are the regular implosions of Petros cabinets, which harmed continuity of policy, leading to many key issues impacting Colombia not being adequately addressed. Among the most damaging events is the derailment of Petros total peace initiative implemented in August 2022. This plan centered on negotiating an end to Colombias complex low-intensity multiparty civil war, reaching peace deals with a hotchpotch of illegal armed groups. While considerable optimism surrounded Bogotas ability to reach a deal with the National Liberation Army (ELN), FARC dissident groups who had repudiated the 2016 peace deal, and the Gulf Clan, little genuine progress was made. Indeed, by early 2025, peace talks had collapsed in their entirety with Petro confronted by a state of emergency as violence surged in rural Colombia, especially in regions where the state presence is weak, and communities have few opportunities. Conflict flashpoints, once again, emerged in the departments of Norte de Santander, Cauca, and Arauca, regions long associated with coca cultivation, which lack a strong state presence. The intensity of the renewed fighting took Bogota by surprise, forcing the deployment of large volumes of troops at a time when a large portion of Colombias Blackhawk helicopter fleet was grounded due to a U.S. moratorium on foreign aid. That, along with other aid cuts by Washington, forced Bogota to substantially ratchet up spending on security, placing considerable pressure on already fragile finances. Defense spending between 2022, when Petro took office, and 2025 grew nearly 6% to around $17 billion. This not only represents a 25% increase over the last 10 years but is the highest amount budgeted in over a decade. Heightened internal conflict means spending will remain elevated, placing considerable pressure on Bogotas finances. As this was occurring, Petro pushed on with his ambitious social program in a country where a lack of opportunity and scant socio-economic mobility scar the lives of poorer Colombians. As a result, public spending ballooned to levels exceeding the massive budgets funded by Petros predecessor, Ivan Duque, who sought to stimulate an economic recovery from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic through substantial fiscal spending. By September 2025, the Petro administration proposed additional tax hikes to cover the spending shortfall. Among them, a 1% levy is imposed on oil and coal extracted for sale. The application of value-added tax (VAT) was broadened while personal tax rates and capital gains were hiked. In response to the worsening fiscal crisis, Petro issued Decree 1474, which increased taxes yet again, which is a regular event for the leftist administration. Among those tax hikes is the imposition of a higher VAT for liquor, cigarettes, and luxury vehicles. The 1% levy on petroleum and coal sales, which was to end on December 31, 2025, was extended until the end of 2026, making it more costly for extractive industries to operate in Colombia. These frequent tax hikes are creating a regulatory environment which deterring foreign direct investment (FDI) in Colombia, particularly for the economically crucial oil industry. Foreign investment has declined substantially since Petro took office in August 2022. Data sourced by local media from Colombias central bank shows 2025 FDI plummeted by just over 14% compared to a year earlier to $9.2 billion. More worrying is that the number is a whopping 45.6% less than the $17.18 billion of offshore investment received for 2022. Much of that worrying decline can be attributed to a sharp drop in foreign drillers investing in Colombias oil patch. Indeed, the regulatory and operating conditions have become so difficult that energy companies are not only slashing capital expenditures but some, like Exxon, are exiting the strife-torn country. This is having a knock-on effect, whereby as foreign investment falls, so too does Colombias taxable base, further impacting fiscal income. That is nowhere more apparent than for Colombias troubled oil industry, where production appears caught in a death spiral. Petroleum, according to government data, is responsible for a quarter of all exports by value for the first 11 months of 2025. That represents a sharp decline from earlier year where oil normally accounted for around a third of the value of Colombias total exports. Waning oil production, which during 2025 plunged to lows not seen since the pandemic, is responsible for a decline in petroleum exports that is weighing heavily on fiscal income and Colombias balance of trade. For November 2025, Colombia pumped an average of 744,655 barrels per day, which is a 2% decline year over year and significantly less than the 771,008 barrels per day lifted for the same month 3 years earlier. This is further impacted by tensions between Bogota and Washington. Even after this marked decline, petroleum is still Colombias top export, earning $11.5 billion between January and November 2025, which is more than double that of coffee, the second largest export, which generated $5.3 billion. Colombias oil industry is a significant contributor to government income, which means falling production, exports, and profitability are sharply impacting the government. This is occurring at a time when tax inflows and fiscal income are plummeting. According to Colombias tax authority, known by its Spanish initials as the DIAN, the 2025 tax revenue of $79 billion was $2.5 billion short of its target. The 2025 deficit is projected to be 7.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), the second worst on record, only surpassed by the 7.8% recorded for the 2020 pandemic. This dire situation, which continued from 2024 when the deficit soared to 6.8% of gross domestic product, exceeding the 5.6% target, forced Petro to suspend Colombias fiscal rule. The crisis is worsening with the 2026 budget unfunded and economists pegging that years fiscal deficit at a whopping 8.1% of GDP. Colombia is on the verge of a financial catastrophe. Rising internal conflict, fueled by soaring cocaine production and exacerbated by a sharp drop in foreign aid, is placing considerable pressure on a fragile economy. As a result, investor sentiment has soured, causing foreign capital inflows to plummet, straining fiscal finances and the economy further. Those events are placing extreme fiscal pressure on Bogota at a time when tax income is plunging because key income-generating sectors such as Colombias oil industry are in decline. This means higher financing costs for Bogota at a time when it is struggling to manage a burdensome $118 billion of foreign debt. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Dani Dyer has called Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins the hardest thing [she has] ever done. Dani Dyer has called Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins 'the hardest thing [she has] ever done' The TV personality, 29, was crowned the victor of Channel 4s brutal reality show alongside her fellow Love Island star Gabby Allen, 33, and Australian Olympic swimming gold medallist Emily Seebohm, also 33, on Monday (26.01.26) evening, and Dani has now reflected on her unforgettable experience. On Instagram, Dani wrote: I cant believe its over!! This was the final episode of @sas_whodareswins on @channel4... this was honestly the hardest thing Ive ever done, but I learnt so much along the way and really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Its safe to say Ill never forget this experience... thanks to everyone whos watched and supported along the way! Your messages have meant so so much to me. Gabby and Emily you got me through it all and Im so glad I had you both by my side right at the end!! Absolute girl power. Dani also paid tribute to Chief Instructor Billy Bingham and his team. She continued: Billy, Jason, Rudy and Chris just thank you for everything, the support, encouragement and constantly pushing me. I wouldnt have got to the end without you all (I know you were just as shocked as I was) you are all legends and so grateful for the opportunity. In the final, the trio were revealed to have passed the gruelling selection process, which pitted British celebrities against stars from Australia. All three competitors came through interrogation in a dramatic final episode that saw the last two male recruits - ex-England rugby star Ben Cohen and Australian former swimmer Mack Horton - decide to voluntarily withdraw under intense psychological pressure. Delivering his final verdict, the Chief Instructor said: Eight days ago you came from both sides of the world. 14 arrived. Three stand before us. Just because you stand on the finish line doesnt mean youve passed this course. Its a rare moment to say congratulations to all three of you. Youve passed this course. Dani said passing the course proved to her that she is a lot stronger than she thought. She reflected: Every single moment was horrendous. But to hear that Id passed its the best feeling in the world. If I can do this, I can do anything. I definitely am a lot stronger than what I think I am I cant believe Ive actually been able to do it. Im really proud of myself. Iran is bracing for a potential attack as the United States deploys key military assets, including an air carrier and additional bombers, to the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. If Trump authorizes military action, Tehran would be virtually powerless to stop an aerial attack, experts say. But that does not mean Iran cannot retaliate against US military and commercial assets in the region, experts say, citing Tehran's formidable arsenal of advanced ballistic and low-flying cruise missiles as well as combat and suicide drones. During the 12-day war last June, Israel hit Iran's military infrastructure, including missile-production centers. Israel's attack also weakened the ability of Iran, which has an aging air force, to fend off aerial assaults by targeting its radars and Russian-made S-300 air-defense systems. Even then, Tehran was still able to fire hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel. Dozens of missiles, aimed mostly at military sites, penetrated Israel's formidable air defenses. "In terms of purely defensive capabilities, Iran is practically naked," said Michael Horowitz, an independent defense expert based in Israel. But Iran "still has a large arsenal of short and medium range missiles that can easily hit US bases in the Middle East, as well as cruise missiles and drones that it would likely use to try and target US ships," added Horowitz. Potent Ballistic Missiles In June, Israel struck sites around Tehran, including the Parchin military complex, the Khojir military base, the Shahrud missile site, and a factory in the Shamsabad Industrial Zone. The strikes were aimed at hindering Iran's production of medium-range ballistic missiles that threaten Israel and are "fairly potent," said Sascha Bruchmann, a military and security affairs analyst at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. Many of the medium-range ballistic missiles are "liquid-fueled and rely on infrastructure to be loaded, fueled, and launched," said Bruchmann. "The Israelis used this fact to find them and destroy many launchers during the war." The number of Iranian launchers still operational is unclear. Iran also possesses short-range ballistic missiles that are "often solid-fueled, much more flexible, and thus more difficult to detect before launch," added Bruchmann, estimating that Tehran has several thousand of the missiles. He said the short-range missiles "constitute a real threat, especially for the smaller Gulf countries" like Qatar and Bahrain that house US bases and forces. Beyond its weapons, one of Iran's most potent tools is its ability to disrupt oil traffic in the Persian Gulf, a region that produces around 40 percent of the world's oil, experts say. About one-fifth of the world's oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Iran has previously considered closing the route, a move that would disrupt global oil flows. "The Islamic republic has long prepared a set of military assets meant to shut down this key maritime route. This would create an economic shock that Iran could exploit," said Horowitz. U.S. Weighs Military Options Trump threatened military strikes against Iran as the authorities killed thousands of people in a crackdown on mass protests that erupted in late December. Trump recently backed away, although he has not ruled out an attack. Trump is weighing up a range of military options, according to US media reports. They include strikes on largely symbolic targets, decapitation strikes targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders, or a sustained bombing campaign. Any US military action against Iran is fraught with risks, experts say, and even a limited strike could provoke retaliation by Tehran and trigger a full-blown conflict that could drag in the entire region. It is unclear if the end goal of possible US military action in Iran is regime change, to encourage defections in the armed forces and political elite, to impede the ability of the security forces to suppress street protests, or bring a weakened Tehran to the negotiating table. A US aerial campaign alone, without a ground incursion, would not lead to regime change, experts say. A ground invasion of Iran, the largest and most populous country in the Middle East, is considered a nonstarter by many defense experts. A protracted US air campaign is considered unlikely, experts say, citing Trump's reported desire for a limited and decisive attack. But even a month-long offensive would not guarantee the fall of the regime. "A sustained US air campaign could severely degrade Iran's conventional military by ripping up command-and-control, and fixed infrastructure, but it is unlikely by itself to produce the collapse of Iran's security forces, which can disperse, hide, and shift to low-signature internal repression," said Horowitz. "Airpower can punish and paralyze, but it would need a simultaneous political fracture on the ground, both a resumption in protests and divisions within the Iranian leadership, to really deliver a full collapse of Iran's security forces or regime," he added. By Frud Bezhan via RF/ERL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias oil producer Lukoil has agreed to sell most of its international assets to private equity giant Carlyle. Following the U.S. sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, as a result of Russias lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine, Lukoil announced in October it would sell all of its international assets, initiating a formal process to receive bids from potential buyers. After months of negotiations with potential buyers and one preliminary agreement with Gunvor blocked by the U.S. Treasury, which described the trading group as the Kremlins puppet, Lukoil announced it has signed an agreement to sell Lukoil International GmbH to Carlyle. The transaction does not include the assets in Kazakhstan, which will remain owned by Lukoil Group and continue their operations under respective licenses, the Russian firm said. The agreement is not exclusive and is subject to conditions such as the procurement of necessary regulatory approvals, including permission from the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for the transaction with Carlyle. Lukoil also noted that it continues negotiations with other potential buyers. After Gunvor withdrew its bid, companies including Carlyle, U.S. oil and gas supermajors Chevron and ExxonMobil, and International Holding Company (IHC) of Abu Dhabi have expressed interest to the U.S. Treasury to potentially acquire Lukoils international assets. On Wednesday, Kazakhstan said it had filed a formal bid with the U.S. Treasury seeking authorization to buy out Lukoils assets in Kazakhstan. These include 13.5% in the Karachaganak oilfield, a 5% stake in the Chevron-led Tengizchevroil consortium operating the huge Tengiz oilfield, and 12.5% in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which operates the pipeline from Kazakhstan to the Novorossiysk port on Russias Black Sea that handles most of Kazakhstans crude oil exports. Separately, Iraq, which temporarily took control over Lukoils huge West Qurna 2 oilfield following the U.S. sanctions, is in negotiations with Chevron about the U.S. oil giant buying the asset. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Malaysias Petronas plans to boost exploration, deepwater development, and enhanced oil recovery over the next three years as it looks to maintain its domestic oil and gas production stable at about 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), the state energy giant said in its 2026-2028 activity outlook on Thursday. As energy security has become paramount, Petronas will focus in the upstream on revitalizing Malaysias exploration and production landscape to strengthen domestic energy security. This includes intensifying exploration in new and mature areas, accelerating appraisal of recent discoveries, and ensuring timely maturation of resources to sustain base production, the company said. Key projects such as Belud, Kurma Manis, and Sepat will play a pivotal role in meeting production targets, it noted. Petronas also aims to reshape its upstream operations to remain competitive in a low-price environment, ensuring projects deliver positive -returns even under challenging market conditions. According to the company, financial discipline, accelerated cash generation, and capital efficiency will be key priorities in delivering low-cost, lower-carbon, and high-margin barrels. Petronas noted that Malaysias energy industry is undergoing systemic change amid a decline in resources, which challenges production rates. Moreover, LNG operations face rising cost pressures and increasing customer demand for cleaner shipping solutions amidst growing competition, necessitating continued improvements in efficiency and reliability, the Malaysian state energy firm said. At the end of last year, Petronas combined its upstream assets in Indonesia and Malaysia with Italys energy giant Eni in a new, equally-owned joint venture. The newly-created company, which will operate as a separate self-sufficient financial entity, plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years. The investment will support the development of at least eight new projects and the drilling of 15 exploration wells, with the aim of developing about 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) of discovered reserves in Indonesia and Malaysia. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias largest private refiner, Reliance Industries, will import about 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of non-sanctioned Russian crude from February, as it limits intake from Russia and complies with the U.S. sanctions, a source with knowledge of the procurement plans told Bloomberg on Thursday. Before the U.S. sanctions on Russias top producers Rosneft and Lukoil, Reliance Industries of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani was the biggest buyer of Russian crude oil, importing more than 500,000 bpd thanks to a long-term deal with Rosneft. However, the Indian refiner halted all Rosneft purchases in the wake of the U.S. sanctions and took to procuring crude from non-Russian sources. Now, Reliance will import only limited volumes of crude from Russia, all of it non-sanctioned, according to Bloombergs source, as India looks to cut overall Russian crude intake to appease the Trump Administration in tough trade talks. U.S. President Donald Trump has singled out India as a target to punish for buying large volumes of Russian crude oil and supporting the Kremlins energy revenues. President Trump doubled the 25% tariff on India to 50% as of August 2025, to punish it for continued purchase of Russian oil. In light of the trade talks and in compliance with the U.S. sanctions on Russian producers, Reliance is set to significantly limit the intake of Russian crude to about 150,000 bpd, compared to over 550,000 bpd just a few months ago. The Russian crude will be processed at Reliances huge refinery at Jamnagar, at the unit processing fuels for the domestic market, as the EU enacted last week a new ban on imports of petroleum products. The EU banned, effective January 21, imports into the bloc of petroleum products obtained in third countries that are derived from Russian-origin crude oil. In November, Reliance stopped processing any Russian crude at its export-oriented refinery units to be sure it complies with this ban. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Sanctions from the European Union and the United States pressured Russian crude oil export revenues to a 20% decline on the year in 2025, the Financial Times reported, citing Agus pricing data. The data suggests that the discount between Russian crude and international benchmarks widened to $24 per barrel last year, from an average of $15 per barrel for both 2023 and 2024. The discount, coupled with generally weaker oil prices last year, reduced the state budget income from crude oil exports. A stronger ruble has aggravated the effect of lower international prices and wider discounts, the FT wrote, citing analysts. Russia shipped an average of 3.18 million barrels per day of crude in the four weeks to January 25, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. That volume was little changed from the prior week but down by about 680,000 bpd from the pre-Christmas peak and the lowest level since August. The bigger issue right now is not how much Russia is shipping, but where those barrels are ending up, as Indian refiners seek to comply with the latest U.S. sanctions, targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, Russias biggest exporters. Indian refiners stopped buying cargos from the two companies and turned to non-sanctioned Russian supply but also alternative cargoes from the Middle East, the Americas, and, to a lesser extent, West Africa, arbitrage permitting. Discharges of Russian crude are set to fall further in January, extending a post-November unwind and signaling a strategic pivot among major refiners, Ivan Mathews, Head of APAC Analysis at Vortexa, said earlier this month. The latest data suggests Indian oil importers are on track for a record month, but most of that would come from non-Russian sources. Analysts have forecast the daily average at 5.2 million barrels of crude oil and condensates. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com After a five-year hiatus, French supermajor TotalEnergies is formally relaunching on Thursday the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project at an event led by Mozambiques President Daniel Francisco Chapo and attended by TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne. At the end of last year, TotalEnergies lifted the four-year-long force majeure on the Mozambique LNG project, which was stalled due to the precarious security situation near the site of the planned export facility. The project site is close to the town of Palma in the Cabo Delgado province, where Islamic State-affiliated militants were active for years. The $20-billion LNG export project was halted nearly five years ago due to a deteriorated security situation. In the spring of 2021, following Islamist militant attacks in towns close to the construction site, TotalEnergies declared force majeure and suspended works on the project. Mozambique LNG was Africas largest foreign investment when announced. Due to the force majeure, the goal to achieve first LNG production has slipped, first to 2027, and later, to 2029. The woes for the project continued even after TotalEnergies lifted the force majeure last year. In November, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) filed a criminal complaint in France against TotalEnergies for complicity in war crimes, torture, and enforced disappearance at the Mozambique LNG site in 2021. TotalEnergies said that it has not been formally served with this complaint by the plaintiff and that it firmly rejects all such accusations. The relaunch of the project is a major milestone for Mozambiques economy and signals confidence of international partners in the energy, institutional, and human potential of the country, the presidents office said in a statement on Thursday. Mozambique expects the project to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth and consolidate the countrys positioning as a regional energy hub and a player on the LNG export market. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Oregon House of Representative Republican Caucus, SALEM, Ore. Today, Oregon House Republicans announced their top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on affordability, public safety and education. Oregon families are feeling the impact of rising costs and a state government that keeps asking for more of their money without delivering results. House Republicans are listening to Oregonians and putting forward policies to help ease their financial burden, protect businesses, and grow our economy, said House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville). While Democrats are signaling that their top priority for the short session is combating the federal administration, our focus remains where it belongs: delivering real solutions, protecting constitutional guardrails, and ensuring public trust for the people of Oregon. Affordability House Bill 4051: Creates a program for deferred loans to first-time home buyers, allowing them to get their foot in the door without being overburdened by closing costs. Creates a program for deferred loans to first-time home buyers, allowing them to get their foot in the door without being overburdened by closing costs. House Bill 4129: Caps Oregons Clean Fuels Program eliminating an extra 22-cent per gallon tax at the pump. Caps Oregons Clean Fuels Program eliminating an extra 22-cent per gallon tax at the pump. House Bill 4109: Repeals Oregons first-in the-nation law allowing striking workers to receive unemployment insurance. Public Safety House Bill 4151: Increases the penalty for swatting, or making a false police report in an attempt to get police to respond, from a misdemeanor to a felony. Increases the penalty for swatting, or making a false police report in an attempt to get police to respond, from a misdemeanor to a felony. House Bill 4045: Requires communications companies doing business in Oregon to respond to search warrants within 72 hours when the underlying crime involves stalking or domestic violence. Education House Bill 4133: Allows Oregon access to additional tax credits for education and expands Workforce Pell Grants so that students and their families can choose a learning environment that best serves their needs. 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 Parts of India, including the capital Delhi, were once again covered in thick smog recently as toxic pollution from industry and crop-burning engulfed the region. Even though India's National Clean Air Program has advanced clean air action, air pollution remains a reoccurring problem. Reliably protecting public health will require tighter coordination across orders of governments and departments. Air pollution is shaped by different economic sectors, weather, geography and siloed institutions. Single-sector fixes alone, like pausing construction or banning older vehicles, are unlikely to deliver system-wide change. That's why our team conducted a study to map air quality governance in India as an interconnected system, linking the parts that determine what gets measured, what gets enforced, what gets funded and what persists beyond city boundaries. In addition to the authors of this article, our research team included Christoph Becker and Teresa Kramarz from the University of Toronto, Om Damani and Anshul Agarwal at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Ronak Sutaria from the environmental consultant Respirer Living Sciences. Our goal was to identify leverage points in current governance where shifts could deliver the greatest pollution-related health benefits. If we want clean air to be a public service, we need pathways for communities to participate meaningfully. Our research argues for steady funding and training to build community monitoring literacy so accountability and action persist beyond political cycles. Developing hyper-local monitoring One hopeful example comes from the city of Bengaluru in the south of the country. In this case, community groups installed monitors near schools and hospitals, using the data to spotlight the problem and seek court-mandated enforcementunderscoring the need for clear pathways to use community-generated data in enforcement. The efforts by the communities aren't meant to be a substitute for government enforcement. The point is to empower communities and give them a real choice in a system where they have very little voice. The government monitors air pollution to track pollution levels over time and across locations, and to evaluate whether policies and enforcement are improving air quality. Although India does need to scale monitoring capacities and make them equitable, we already have enough data streams from satellite observations, reference-grade monitors and low-cost sensors. The real governance gap is in how these data streams can be used for action: standards for calibration in local conditions, quality assurance and control, and protocols for integrating evidence into enforcement and planning. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. We recommend certification and quality assurance and control protocols for hyper-local monitoring so agencies can rely on the data for decisions and enforcement. Cities elsewhere in the world have treated hyper-local monitoring as more than an awareness tool. In London, the Breathe London program deployed hundreds of sensors alongside existing reference-grade monitors under a defined quality-assurance framework. This data played a critical role in identifying street-level pollution hotspots, evaluating traffic interventions and assessing the impacts of policies such as the city's Ultra Low Emission Zone. Indian governments can learn from this example. When data is standardized for defined-decision contexts, it enables decision-making. Governing the airshed Air pollution does not respect regional or city boundaries. Yet, the National Clean Air Program often assigns actions to cities, even when cities cannot control a large share of the pollution they face. For example, even when Delhi tightens local restrictions of cars or construction, at least a dozen coal-fired power plants near the city continue to operate without key pollution filters. This is why we need governance at the airshed scale. An airshed is a region where local weather and geography, such as mountains, influence how air and pollutants move. Governments must look at how air pollution spreads in an area, then develop rules for coordinating across jurisdictions. That means setting out clear roles for different departments, establishing shared data standards and creating dispute-resolution mechanisms so coordinated efforts can address the issue effectively. Right now, the Clean Air Program is centered on cutting the level of particulate matter in the air by roughly 20%30%. A more actionable approach is figuring out which sectors are driving the airshed pollutionnamely transport, construction, industry, power, waste and household fuelsand what sector-specific targets and timelines would actually lead to healthier air. India's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), for example, was created specifically to put airshed-level management into practice across state and jurisdictional boundaries under the National Clean Air Program. The hardest part is assigning enforceable responsibilities across ministries (like power, transport, agriculture, industry, urban development) at the national, state and local levels, as well as across states. For instance, agencies like CAQM (and NCAP more broadly) can take airshed-wide pollution inventories (estimates of how much pollution comes from different sources and sectors across an airshed) and translate them into short-term, sector-by-sector targets for each ministry, with deadlines and clear accountability. Rewrite the objective to protect health In our paper, we recommend expanding regulatory goals to include public health protection, in addition to meeting particulate matter targets. Putting health at the center can shape governmental priorities, pushing agencies to focus first on the sources people are most exposed to. As Ronak Sutaria, the founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences and a co-author of our study, told us: "Air pollution isn't an environmental statistic; it's a public-health emergency that shows up in asthma, heart disease and hospital admissions. When we map air quality at the neighborhood level and link it to health outcomes, clean air can move from a promise to a rightbecause communities can see what they're breathing and what it means for their health, and that changes what polluters can get away with." A health-first objective also pushes governance toward equity, because exposure burdens are unevenly distributed across different segments of the population. This an opportunity to align clean-air action with climate goals, while the up-front costs for mitigation are almost always offset by avoided health costs and higher productivity. Airsheds differ, and so must actions to clean up the air. The value of systems thinking is that it offers a common way to understand what is limiting progress locally and design governance that fits local realities. Key concepts particulateair quality This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Nigella Lawson will leave the technical judging to Paul Hollywood and focus on the eating on The Great British Bake Off. Nigella Lawson will leave the 'technical' judging to Paul Hollywood and focus on the 'eating' on The Great British Bake Off After Dame Prue Leith, 85, left the beloved Channel 4 programme earlier this month, Nigella, 66, has stepped in to join Paul, 59, as his new co-judge, but the chef is planning to leave all of the scrutinising of contestants to Mr. Technical as she does not look for fault. Speaking on Thursday's (29.01.26) episode of This Morning, she said: I feel that I'm not someone who looks for fault. I look for pleasure as a basic. That is my basic - I wouldnt say it's philosophy - my basic attitude in life. And I feel that Paul Hollywood is, you know, Mr. Technical. I'm all about the eating. You know, if I see my job as eating, I feel it's not so it's not too daunting. I can eat. When asked whether she would be a good contestant on Bake Off, Nigella admitted her clumsiness might prevent her from ever finding victory in the tent. She said: Well, I am the clumsiest person in the world, you know, so as long as I don't knock any of their cakes off a table, or a stand Nigella added she wouldnt be very good competing on Bake Off as she often gets derailed in the kitchen. She explained: Because I like just enjoying things, and I get derailed as I'm now chatting, but what I feel is, is that they're mixing the coziness of baking with this, if you like, this adrenaline of competition, and it is drama. And I feel that, in a way, it's what's important is not to lose either. And I think that's what people love about it. Even so, Nigella emphasised Bake Off was a very different beast when compared to simple home cooking. She noted: The thing is, all how you cook at home or how you bake them like, it's not the same as how you would bake in Bake Off, of course. So, it's this coming together, of the excitement of competition. I mean, I will be terrified. As well as Paul, Nigella will be joining presenters Noel Fielding, 52, and Alison Hammond, 50, and the How To Be A Domestic Goddess writer said she was really looking forward to being a part of the team. She shared: Well, I'm really looking forward to it. Listen, I think Prue is just fantastic, and Mary Berry was fantastic before. So if I think about it like that, I do, then I feel like, Oh no, you know, I get really frightened. So I've just got to say, you know, that they have given me the honour of offering me this, and I just want to do it as well as I can, and just, you know, become a part of it and enjoy it. I'm very excited about meeting all these new bakers to come. And that's it. It is very much about them [on] the show, and that's how that's what I love about it as well. You know, lots of competition programmes can be a bit hard edge, and it's [not that]. 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 California marked a milestone this month with the return of an uninterrupted Highway 1 through the perilous yet spectacular cliffs of Big Sur. The famed coastal road had been closed for more than three years after two major landslides buried the two-lane highway, and it took unprecedented engineering might and precarious debris removal to once again connect northern Big Sur with its southern neighbors. But no one expects this will be the end of Highway 1's battle with the forces of nature, especially in a world facing the intensifying effects of human-caused climate change. "We in Big Sur know to plan with a grain of salt," said Matt Glazer, executive director of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, located near the northern end of the closure. "This is a snapshot in time, and the ever-changing coast of Big Sur is something that makes it beautiful." A turbulent climate has always been the nemesis of Highway 1's splendor. The seaside road has routinely closed because of rockslides, mudflows, flooding, wildfires and coastal erosion, most notably in Big Sur, but also in several sections from Malibu up through the North Coast. But this latest closurewhat appears to be the longest in Highway 1's 90-year history raises new questions about how the highway can survive amid increasingly strong and unpredictable storms, seas and fires. "If our storm and other conditions were normal, we would expect closures and losses at some points," said Michael Beck, director of UC Santa Cruz's Center for Coastal Climate Resilience. "The challenge is that we're now clear that the events that are going to cause impactsthese particularly extreme eventsare getting more common. ... Climate change is here and now, it's no longer a problem of the future." And those intensifying climate conditionshigher, stronger waves that accelerate erosion; wetter, more volatile atmospheric river storms that trigger landslides; and hotter, more destructive fires that create conditions ripe for mudflowsaffect much of the 650-mile coastal highway running from south Orange County to Mendocino County. But the confluence of these climatological issues is particularly apparent in Big Sur, where waves, storms and wildfires regularly affect its uniquely steep and fragile landscape, made up of a "melange" of rock types especially susceptible to change, said Jonathan Warrick, a U.S. Geological Survey research geologist at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz. "We have waves undercutting [the cliffs] ... and then we get big rains that kind of provide a lubrication for these things to crumble and fail," Warrick said. "And then we have wildfires, and when that happens, often we can have debris flows coming down these mountainsides." Glazer said he can't remember a so-called normal year in Big Surone without major road closures, dangerous wildfire or damaging floodingsince before 2015. The last decade has been marked by turmoil in the region from major wildfires that forced evacuations and destroyed homes, causing burn scars that fostered dangerous debris flows. Most notably in 2017, heavy rains caused back-to-back emergencies: first the failure of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and then a major landslide near Mud Creek that left residents cut off for months as the California Department of Transportation worked on repairs through 2019. Then, storms in the winter of 202223 triggered the first of two major landslides that kicked off the roadway's subsequent three-year closure. "That's 11 years of something happening," Glazer said. "It's unquestionable that climate change and environmental impacts are impacting the speed and severity of which things change. ... Climate resilience has to be part of the conversation." 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. And while California has continued to lead many of the nation's discussions and efforts related to climate change mitigation, specifics about how it is preparing for and responding to issues across Big Sur and Highway 1 remain relatively elusive. Caltrans, the agency tasked with Highway 1's upkeep, has spent millions each year on such efforts, specifically an estimated $162 million on four major repairs and stabilization projects since January 2023, according to agency spokesperson Kevin Drabinski. But he did not respond to questions from The Times about the agency's large-scale climate resiliency planning for Big Sur and the entirety of Highway 1. Storms, mudslides and erosion also routinely have caused short-term closures in the Malibu area, where the road is typically known as the Pacific Coast Highway, adding to a long list of the highway's costly and inconvenient repairs. "It requires a lot of maintenance and it's going to continue to require a lot of maintenance," Warrick said. Highway 1's future "is an engineering and political and financial will question more than anything." Like clockwork, road failures and landslides tend to bring up questions about whenor ifit might make sense to abandon or reconfigure parts of Highway 1. When does it become too costly to maintain? Or is there a way to transform it, perhaps as a toll road that might limit its exposure and help pay for its increasing costs? In a few, rare cases, officials settled on major modifications to the highway, including a tunnel that in 2013 replaced a treacherous stretch of the road known as Devil's Slide south of Pacifica. And farther north along Gleason Beach in Sonoma County, rapid erosion finally forced officials in 2020 to move a section of the road inland, to further avoid the ocean's wrath. But, for the most part, the focus in California has been on repairing existing infrastructure, Beck said. "We're going to need to be more innovative overall in the solutions, including how we pay for them," Beck said. "We can't just simply hold on to the past." "We've got to do a lot more to accommodate, even advance, in the new futures that are coming," he added. While parts of California's geography, geology and meteorology make circumstances unique along Highway 1, Beck said, precariousand even crumblingcoastal highways are a relatively common problem across the globe. While there likely will be no single solution, he sees possibilities for improvements along a continuumfrom resistance to realignmentincluding market-based solutions, such as improving how risk is priced, and nature-based solutions, such as fortifying dunes and wetlands, which can help ease erosion. But for locals, keeping the road open and in place remains the priority, even in the foreboding face of climate change. "There's knowledge that things may become more challenging in the next 10, 20 years," said Ryne Leuzinger, chair of the board of directors for the Big Sur Community Assn., which is working to increase fundraising to better prepare for the next disaster. "If conditions are somehow more difficult ... the community will be there to help one another." What's important, he said, is the "unanimity about the importance of Highway 1," something he's continued to hear from California leaders, who look at Highway 1 as a worldwide tourist attraction and driver for local and statewide business. Although Glazer would like to see more focus from officials on preventative and proactive work to stabilize the area, instead of reactive repairs, he said there's no doubt in his mind that it's a road worth maintaining. "Come drive the road and it will answer your own question," Glazer said. "It is ever-changing and elements will evolve and engineering will evolve, but it's a National Scenic [Byway] for a reason." Gregory Hawthorne, owner of Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur, doesn't want to go back to "island" life as they experienced in 2017, or the cul-de-sac of the last three years, but he also knows that's sometimes the price you pay for living in this stunning region. "Sometimes when you live on the edge, the edge falls off," said Hawthorne, 74. "The benefits outweigh the tragedies or the different things that happen. ... You have got to be tough to live in Big Sur." 2026 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Green ice on Lake Lipno caused by cyanobacteria in December 2025. Credit: Petr Znachor, BC CAS An unusual natural phenomenon appeared on Lake Lipno in South Bohemia, the Czech Republic, at the end of 2025. Large amounts of accumulated cyanobacteria in the water caused the ice to turn green. The phenomenon was thoroughly documented by hydrobiologists from the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who also collected and analyzed water samples. As there are very few scientific records of this phenomenon worldwide, the green ice on Lake Lipno will rank among the best-documented cases globally. The event confirms that Lake Lipno has long been burdened by an excess of nutrients in the water (so-called eutrophication) and is also affected by ongoing climate warming, with ecological changes occurring even outside the traditional summer season. Microscopic analysis of the collected samples confirmed that the organism responsible was the common cyanobacterium Woronichinia naegeliana, which also dominates Lake Lipno during summer and autumn. The primary driver of cyanobacterial growth is an excess of nutrients in the water, especially phosphorus, which largely results from human activities. While on most Czech reservoirs cyanobacterial blooms gradually disappear with the onset of autumn and usually vanish by the end of September, Lake Lipno is an exception in this respect. Long-term data show that cyanobacteria often dominate here until November and can occur in smaller amounts even during December and January. Green ice on Lake Lipno caused by cyanobacteria. Credit: Petr Znachor, BC CAS Green ice reflects long-term environmental change At the end of 2025, cyanobacterial biomass remained near the water surface for an unusually long time, from autumn until the reservoir froze over, most likely due to a combination of calm weather, weak winds, and a long duration of sunshine. Beneath the thin and locally very transparent ice cover, the accumulated cyanobacteria formed striking green patches visible both from the shore and in aerial photographs. The green ice was most pronounced during a temporary warming around Christmas Eve. After refreezing, a particularly distinctive feature was the formation of so-called "cyanobacterial eyes"areas of clear ice above dark cyanobacterial aggregates caused by differences in the absorption of solar radiation. The phenomenon persisted until the end of the year and likely ended only after heavy snowfall reduced light penetration beneath the ice. "Green ice on Lake Lipno fits into the long-term changes we observe here in connection with eutrophication and ongoing climate change. It suggests that we may witness similar surprises more frequently in the future," says hydrobiologist Petr Znachor from the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences. A close-up view of cyanobacteria frozen in ice with bubbles of produced oxygen confirms that photosynthesis was taking place. Credit: Petr Znachor, BC CAS Under-ice occurrences of cyanobacteria are rare worldwide and have so far been documented only in a limited number of cases. The recent observations at Lake Lipno, therefore, rank among the best-described records and also show that even common cyanobacterial species can exhibit atypical behavior under certain conditions. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The Trump administration, with the support of many congressional Republicans, is looking to boost deep-sea mining as a way to counter Chinese dominance of critical minerals supply chains. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a final rule on Jan. 21 that would speed up the process companies must go through to receive exploration licenses and commercial recovery permit applications under a 1980 law. The move has drawn skepticism over concerns about largely unproven technology and its potential impact on the environment, including from the Republican delegates who represent three U.S. territories in the Pacific Ocean. The NOAA rule would let applicants seek both the license and permits at the same time. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said in a statement that the move would enable "U.S. companies to access these resources more quickly, strengthening our nation's economic resilience and advancing the discovery and use of critical seafloor minerals." President Donald Trump called for the rule in an executive order signed in April. The U.S. subsidiary of a Canadian company, The Metals Co., filed a consolidated application on Jan. 22 to mine a depositknown as a nodule in the industrycontaining nickel, cobalt, copper and other materials in the Pacific Ocean. The NOAA is to hold a public hearing on the application beginning Tuesday. Deep-sea mining was attempted in the 1970s in an area off the coast of South Carolina as an attempt to see if the process could work in the deeper waters of the Pacific Ocean. The 1980 law passed, initially as an interim measure, amid international negotiations over what became the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. But the U.S. never ratified the convention, which paved the way to establish the International Seabed Authority, a body tasked with authorizing the development of international seabed mining and protecting the seabed ecology. The International Seabed Authority has considered standards for deep-sea mining but has yet to finalize any. After early efforts, deep-sea mining was for decades considered an undertaking too difficult to be profitable, but the surge in critical mineral demand and developments in technology have spurred a reconsideration. The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on deep-sea mining on Jan. 22. Chairman Pete Stauber, R-Minn., said deep-sea mining could play a significant role in ensuring the U.S. is not dependent on foreign adversaries, particularly China. "America cannot risk falling behind in the production and processing of minerals, whether they are from traditional operations on land or harvested from the seabed," said Stauber. "Failing to build our processing capacity continues to enable China to expand their control over our supply chains and hamstring our national security." The Metals Co. CEO Gerard Barron told the panel that the 1980 law "remains workable, with no insurmountable barriers to commercial development," but that changes would benefit the industry. This included codifying the Trump administration's changes to the permitting process, establishing time limits for reviews, consolidating the National Environmental Policy Act review process under NOAA, and clarifying that minerals recovered by U.S. companies are considered domestic for tariff purposes. Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, supported a bill from Rep. Mike Ezell, R-Miss., that would codify Trump's executive order. Opponents voiced concerns that despite a need for the minerals, deep-sea mining remains too risky. Subcommittee ranking member Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., was skeptical that the industry was economically viable, while full committee ranking member Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said companies are working with the U.S. not for the benefit of Americans but because treaty obligations are preventing other countries from moving forward. Andrew Thaler, the CEO of environmental consulting firm Blackbeard Biologic and an ecologist who has examined deep-sea mining, said he had concerns, including the risk of harm to the ocean floor environment and mid-water and surface plumes that could spread chemicals for hundreds of miles beyond the mining site. 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. Concern in U.S. territories House delegates from Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands also raised concerns, noting local opposition among their constituents to any deep-sea mining. "We don't get the luxury of being wrong. And any decision impacting our ocean is permanent, there's no fixing it and there's no moving it somewhere else," said Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, R-N. Marianas. Delegate James C. Moylan, R-Guam, questioned what benefit islands like Guam would receive because they are unlikely to become critical mineral refinement centers. Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, R-A.S., said her constituents have "yet to be convinced the benefits will outweigh the costs of this occurring so close to our beloved waters." 2026 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain No matter where you live in the United States, you have likely seen headlines about PFAS being detected in everything from drinking water to fish to milk to human bodies. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals. They have been used for decades to make products waterproof and stain- and heat-resistantpicture food wrappers, stain-resistant carpet, rain jackets and firefighting foam. These chemicals are a growing concern because some PFAS are toxic even at very low levels and associated with health risks like thyroid issues and cancer. And some of the most common PFAS don't naturally break down, which is why they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." Now, PFAS are posing a threat to the Great Lakes, one of America's most vital water resources. The five Great Lakes are massive, with over 10,000 miles of coastline (16,000 kilometers) across two countries and containing 21% of the world's fresh surface water. They provide drinking water to over 30 million people and are home to a robust commercial and recreational fishing industry. My colleagues at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I study how chemicals like PFAS are affecting water systems. Here's what we're learning about how PFAS are getting into the Great Lakes, the risks they're posing and how to reduce those risks in the future. PFAS' many pathways into the Great Lakes Hundreds of rivers flow into the lakes, and each can be contaminated with PFAS from sources such as industrial sites, military operations and wastewater treatment plants in their watersheds. Some pesticides also contain PFAS, which can wash off farm fields and into creeks, rivers and lakes. The concentration of PFAS in rivers can vary widely depending on these upstream impacts. For example, we found concentrations of over 1,700 parts-per-trillion in Great Lakes tributaries in Wisconsin near where firefighting foam has regularly been used. That's more than 400 times higher than federal drinking water regulations for PFOS and PFOA, both 4 parts-per-trillion. However, concentration alone does not tell the whole story. We also found that large rivers with relatively low amounts of PFAS can put more of these chemicals into the lakes each day compared with smaller rivers with high amounts of PFAS. This means that any effort to limit the amount of PFAS in the Great Lakes should consider both high-concentration hot spots and large rivers. 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. Groundwater is another key route carrying PFAS into the Great Lakes. Groundwater is a drinking water source for more than one-third of people in the U.S., and it can become contaminated when PFAS in firefighting foam and other PFAS sources seep into soil. When these contaminated plumes enter the Great Lakes, they carry PFAS with them. We detected PFAS concentrations of over 260 parts-per-trillion in the bay of Green Bay in Lake Michigan. The chemicals we found were associated with firefighting foam, and we were able to trace them back to a contaminated groundwater plume. PFAS can also enter the Great Lakes in unexpected ways, such as in rain and snowfall. PFAS can get into the atmosphere from industrial processes and waste incineration. The chemicals have been detected in rain across the world, including in states surrounding the Great Lakes. Although PFAS concentrations in precipitation are typically lower than in rivers or groundwater, this is still an important contamination source. Scientists estimate that precipitation is a major source of PFAS to Lake Superior, which receives about half of its water through precipitation. Where PFAS end up determines the risk Much of the PFAS that enter Lake Superior will eventually make their way to the downstream lakes of Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. These chemicals' ability to travel with water is one reason why PFAS are such a concern for drinking water systems. Many communities get their drinking water from the Great Lakes. PFAS can also contaminate other parts of the environment. The chemicals have been detected in sediments at the bottom of all the Great Lakes. Contaminated sediment can release PFAS back into the overlying water, where fish and aquatic birds can ingest it. So, future remediation efforts to remove PFAS from the lakes are about more than just the waterthey involve the sediment as well. PFAS can also accumulate in foams that form on lake shorelines during turbulent conditions. Concentrations of PFAS can be up to 7,000 times higher in natural foams compared with the water because PFAS are surfactants and build up where air and water meet, like bubbles in foam. As a result, state agencies recommend washing skin that comes in contact with foam and preventing pets from playing in foam. Some PFAS bioaccumulate, or build up, within fish and wildlife. Elevated levels of PFAS have been detected in Great Lakes fish, raising concerns for fisheries. High PFAS concentrations in fish in coastal areas and inland waters have led to advisories recommending people limit how much they fish they eat. Looking ahead Water cycles through the Great Lakes, but the process can take many years, from 2.6 years in Lake Erie to nearly 200 years in Lake Superior. This means that PFAS that enter the lakes will be there for a very long time. Since it is not possible to clean up the over 6 quadrillion gallons of water in the Great Lakes after they have been contaminated, preventing further contamination is key to protecting the lakes for the future. That starts with identifying contaminated groundwater and rivers that are adding PFAS to the lakes. The Sea Grant College Program and the National Institutes of Water Resources, including the Wisconsin programs that I direct, have been supporting research to map these sources, as well as helping translate that knowledge into actions that policymakers and resource managers can take. PFAS contamination is an issue beyond the Great Lakes and is something everyone can work to address. Decreasing use of PFAS will ultimately prevent downstream contamination in the Great Lakes and around the U.S. 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 In the days since last week's fatal landslides at Mount Maunganui, there has been widespread discussion about what may have caused the slopes above the campground to fail, including the possible role of recent tree removal on Mauao. In the aftermath of such tragedy, it is natural to search for clear explanations. But landslides typically reflect a complex combination of factorsfrom geology and long-term slope evolution to weather, climate and land use. A landscape prone to failure The Tauranga region is underlain by volcanic materials that are well known for their instability. Over time, volcanic rock weathers into clay-rich soils, including a problematic mineral known as halloysite. During heavy rainfall, water infiltrates these clay-rich soils, increasing porewater pressure between soil particles. This reduces the soil's shear strength, making slopes more prone to failure. Similar processes have driven devastating landslides elsewhere: dozens of people were killed in rainfall-triggered landslides in Indonesia's West Java region just days ago, on comparable volcanic clay soils. Recognizing this risk, Tauranga City Council commissioned landslide susceptibility mapping following the extreme weather events of 2023. These datasets allow the public to view landslide-prone areas and "relic slips"ancient landslides that still leave visible imprints on the landscape. Importantly, they indicate where land has failed in the pastand remains potentially vulnerable during intense rainfall or after land-use changes. While most of the Tauranga district is comprehensively covered by these mapping tools, there is one notable omission: the area west of Adam's Avenue, where Mauao and the campground are located. Landslide hazard layers for this zone are absent from public web portals, despite Mauao being particularly landslide-prone. Historical aerial imagery dating back to 1943 reveals dozens of landslides on Mauao's slopes. Some of the most significant occurred during Cyclone Wilma in January 2011, when 108mm of rain fell in 24 hours. A detailed University of Auckland study identified at least 80 landslides from that single storm, including debris avalanches extending up to 120 meters downslope. Some of these failures have partially reactivated since, following later heavy rainfall. Trees, slopes and stability In addition to these historic events, older "paleo-landslides" exist on Mauao, including two on slopes above the campground. It was from this general zone that the January 22 landslide appears to have initiatedand much online discussion has also centered on tree removal within it. 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 media reports have pointed to vegetation clearance during 202223, but historical imagery suggests removal in this specific area likely occurred earlier, around 201819. More broadly, vegetation cover above the campground has declined gradually since the mid-20th century. However, the relationship between vegetation and landsliding on Mauao is not straightforward. During Cyclone Wilma, major landslides occurred across both densely vegetated slopes and grass-covered areas. Trees typically enhance slope stability in two main ways: their canopy intercepts rainfall, slowing water infiltration, and their roots reinforce soil strength. This is why widespread landsliding associated with forestry harvestingparticularly radiata pinehas long been a serious problem in parts of New Zealand. But trees can also contribute to slope failure under certain conditions. Large leafy trees can act like sails during extreme winds, transmitting powerful forces into saturated soils. After the 2023 Auckland Anniversary storm, research showed wind loading likely initiated some landslides on the slopes of Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill, as trees were rocked back and forth until they uprooted, dragging soil downslope. As well, when trees grow near the tops of steep slopes, their weightknown as "surcharge"can increase destabilizing forces. In some clay soils, this effect may exceed the stabilizing benefit of root reinforcement. Tree roots can also promote long-term weathering by growing into fractures in underlying rock. All of this means vegetation is only one factor among many. Why simple explanations fall short Landslides in New Zealand's hilly terrain typically result from a combination of preconditioning factors, many of which are influenced by human activity. These can include reshaping slopes to create building platforms, cutting into slope toes for roads or structures, loading slopes with buildings, redirecting stormwater onto vulnerable terrain, and constructing poorly designed retaining walls that trap water within slopes. While some trees were certainly removed from the broader source area of last week's landslide, their role in destabilizing the slope remains uncertain. The slope had already experienced multiple historical failures, was underlain by volcanic clays and was subjected to intense rainfallconditions that together are well known to trigger landsliding. There is still much we do not yet know about the precise mechanisms that caused last week's failures on Mauao. That is precisely why independent investigations and technical reviews are so important. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. KATHMANDU As the nation prepares for the upcoming general elections scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 5, 2026), the Ministry of Home Affairs has formally intensified its efforts to safeguard electoral integrity. In a nationwide directive, the Ministry has instructed all District Administration Offices (DAOs) to maintain rigorous surveillance and ensure the effective implementation of the election code of conduct. This move is designed to prevent potential violations and ensure that the pre-election period remains peaceful, transparent, and fair for all stakeholders. The Ministrys recent communication places specialized Monitoring Officers at the forefront of this enforcement drive. Following the Election Commission's decision on Magh 13 to appoint Assistant Chief District Officers and Chief Treasury Controllers as Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers across all 77 districts, the Home Ministry has moved to fully activate these administrative mechanisms. According to ministry sources, the directive emphasizes "results-oriented monitoring," requiring authorities to conduct continuous and systematic checks on the activities of political parties, candidates, and government bodies. Emphasizing that a strictly enforced code of conduct is the "foundation of credible elections," the Ministry has empowered district administrations to take immediate legal action against any disruptions. Beyond monitoring, the DAOs have been tasked with a vital coordinating role, ensuring that any reported incidents of misconduct are handled swiftly in accordance with the law. This proactive stance aims to curb the influence of illegal campaigning and maintain a level playing field as the risk of violations typically increases as election day approaches. In its final appeal, the Ministry of Home Affairs urged all administrative heads and security personnel to maintain a high level of vigilance and exercise their duties with the utmost impartiality. By strengthening the oversight of both local and national actors, the government aims to mitigate any activities that could compromise the peaceful environment required for the democratic process. Kathmandu, Nepal, January 29,2026: As Nepal prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections on March 5, India handed over a second batch of election-related assistance on Thursday to help ensure smooth voting across the country. This move follows recent Gen-Z protests, highlighting the critical importance of a well-organized electoral process. Over 250 vehicles were formally handed over to the Government of Nepal during a ceremony at the Ministry of Finance in Kathmandu. Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Dr. Rakesh Pande, Charge daffaires a.i. of the Indian Embassy, were in attendance. These supplies are part of the assistance requested by Nepal to support election preparations, the Indian Embassy stated. During the handover, Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to India, acknowledging the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized that this assistance would play a key role in ensuring the upcoming elections are both smooth and efficient. India delivered the first batch of election-related support on January 20, 2026, with more shipments expected in the coming weeks. This ongoing cooperation highlights a strong development partnership and the deep trust shared between the people of Nepal and India. Kathmandu, Nepal, January 29,2026: President Ram Chandra Paudel is set to travel to Japan from February 1 to 4 to participate in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Japan, the Government of Nepal announced. The Cabinet has approved the four-day visit, during which President Paudel will lead a high-level delegation to commemorate seven decades of friendship since the two nations officially established diplomatic relations on September 1, 1956. This marks President Paudels first state visit to Japan since taking office in March 2023. During his stay, he is expected to meet with senior Japanese officials and participate in anniversary events aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. He is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Emperor Naruhito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Nepal and Japan share one of the region's longest-standing diplomatic relationships. Over the years, Japan has remained a major development partner, providing support in infrastructure, technical assistance, and human resource development. The two nations also maintain strong people-to-people ties, bolstered by a large Nepali diaspora in Japan and active cultural exchanges. Media reports indicate that the anniversary celebrations will include cultural programs and events aimed at boosting collaboration in education, economic development, and trade. While no major agreements are expected to be signed, officials say the trip will highlight the importance of the partnership between Kathmandu and Tokyo and reaffirm the enduring friendship between the two nations. Prue Leith has revealed she stepped away from The Great British Bake Off because the shows filming schedule never allowed her a proper summer holiday. Photo: Famous The longtime judge, who joined the Channel 4 series in 2017 and is to be replaced by Nigella Lawson, spent years debating when to bow out. Now 85, she admitted she originally assumed shed only manage a couple of seasons, joking that she expected to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who struggled with memory loss in later life. Instead, she found herself thriving on the job and reluctant to leave. Even so, Leith said the shows summer filming window eventually became impossible to ignore. With Bake Off, its US counterpart The Great American Baking Show, and the festive specials all shooting during the warmest months, she couldn't book a vacation. She told The Spectator: "I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off. "When I joined nine years ago, I thought, since I was in my mid-seventies, that I'd be lucky to manage two years. "At that age, my mother was deaf as a post and away with the fairies, believing her son was her father and that her cat was the one she'd had 40 years before. "But my marbles stayed more or less in place and there seemed no good reason to give up a job I loved. "Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me. Bake Off and its offshoots such as The Great American Baking Show and even the Christmas specials are all filmed in the summer, which has meant I could never have a summer holiday." She continued: "I suddenly realised that if I don't give up Bake Off, I'll never again have a holiday in the south of France, in Italy, in Spain, or even in Cornwall or Scotland." She spoke warmly about the friendships shed made in the famous tent - including fellow judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond - and the supportive atmosphere behind the scenes, noting that the team genuinely felt close despite her usual scepticism about workplaces calling themselves one big family. She went on: "I've made truly great friends. It has been a joy to work in such great company. "I find it irritating when businesses insist their staff are all just one happy family. But that tent does seem to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, friendship and mutual support. "But in the end, I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed." She said of the team behind the show: "In all my conversations over the past two years with the bosses of Love Productions, which makes the programme, they've always insisted I was doing a great job and could stay as long as I like. "And I know I'd enjoy it if I stayed. But I do want to reorganise my life a bit. Ideally, I'd like to work in winter and play in summer." Police searching for suspects in aggravated robbery of private Cancun hospital Cancun, Q.R. Cancun police continue their search for suspects involved in an early morning robbery of a hospital. Reports say early this morning, a private hospital in SM 12 was robbed by individuals who arrived on several motorcycles. Reports by local media say it was the Galina Hospital in SM 12 of Cancun that was the target of the early morning attack. The State Attorney General (FGE) said in a statement Thursday afternoon that members of their Interinstitutional Group are reviewing security footage to locate those involved who are facing charges of aggravated robbery. The theft happened sometime between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning. While police have confirmed the robbery took place at a private clinic, they did not name the hospital or say what was taken. Security cameras captured the men inside the hospital January 29, 2026. The Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office (FGE Quintana Roo) has opened an investigation into the aggravated robbery of a private hospital in the municipality of Benito Juarez, they reported Thursday afternoon. In coordination with members of the Interinstitutional Group, the investigation is underway to identify those responsible. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. Since the report was filed, authorities have been working together, reviewing security camera footage connected to the C5 command center. The Attorney Generals Office reiterates its commitment to zero impunity and to bringing those responsible for this crime to justice. The corresponding investigations will continue. Local reports say men dressed in black arrived on three motorcycles and overpowered security guards to gain entrance to the hospital. Police did not say if anyone was injured during the robbery or if the suspects were armed. Officials from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission seized almost 4,000 shark fins being smuggled through Ghana's international airport. What's happening? According to My Joy Online, 3,967 dried shark fins were discovered in 14 bags at the Swissport Cargo Centre at Kotoka International Airport in late December. The fins weighed over 1,000 pounds, and they were estimated to be worth between $300,000 and $400,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The illegal shipment was en route to Mauritania, a country in northwest Africa. The Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA raised alarms about the shipment, prompting authorities to investigate the cargo declared as dried fish. They found shark fins belonging to protected species, including blue sharks, common threshers, silky sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Blue sharks are often poached for their meat as well. These species are protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Trade in these species is restricted, and these fins did not have the proper documentation and permits required under Ghana's Wildlife Resources Management Act of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The illegal items were put into the Forestry Commission's custody, and the prime suspect was sent to the Airport Police Station for questioning and potential prosecution. Why is this shark fin seizure important? These fins came from species that are listed as vulnerable, near threatened, or endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. The shark fin trade is a significant factor in the decline of countless shark species. The illegal trade generated $1.5 billion between 2012 and 2019, per Oceanographic Magazine. They're mostly used to create shark fin soup, a delicacy in Asia and a highly controversial dish. Finning practices are often cruel, as fishers will cut off the shark's fin and then throw the animal back into the water. However, they can't survive without their fins and eventually suffocate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As apex predators, sharks are essential to the health of the oceans and aquatic ecosystems. Without them, smaller marine species could decimate oceanic vegetation and coral reefs, destroying fish habitats. This would threaten fish populations that humans rely on for food and livelihoods. What's being done about the shark fin trade? Many organizations and officials have made large strides in combating the illegal trade. The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2023 prohibits all possession, transport, and sale of shark fins, except for scientific purposes. Groups like Shark Stewards, WildAid, and Shark Allies work to end illegal trade by educating the public, enhancing shark protections, and reducing demand for shark products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donating to these organizations, demanding more protections from government officials, and educating yourself and others on the importance of sharks can help fight shark finning. 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. For us to claim a skincare item is the best, it takes a lot of research and consideration. But, after several recommendations by experts in skin care, hundreds of thousands of 5-star ratings and some of the most convincing testimonies from HuffPost staffers (like myself and managing editor, Marquaysa Battle), we think its finally time. The original CeraVe Moisturizing Cream may just be the best moisturizer out there to date. And today, the 19-ounce jar is on rare sale for 15% off at Amazon, making it even cheaper than smaller options from other retailers. This unassuming and ubiquitous hydrator is adored for its accessible price point and unbeatable compatibility with even the most sensitive skin types. Whether you lather it on your feet, elbows, or knees or spread it on your face, its truly an all-purpose cream that youll keep reaching for, especially in the dry, winter cold. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Seemal R. Desai called it one of my favorite moisturizers in the entire world, saying he recommends it to patients every day. Its a rich, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream that releases a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients, including essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, Desai previously told HuffPost. Its also fragrance-free, so its great for even the most sensitive skin types. Advertisement Advertisement Desai explained that because CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains thick emollients (substances used to soften skin and increase moisture, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), it helps replace ceramides and lipids in our skin. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, a tried-and-true humectant that draws moisture into the skin. In the simplest terms, its a super-rich, nourishing cream that doesnt just smooth skin; it helps it retain moisture, keeping it soft and strengthening your skin barrier, Like all CeraVe products, be it their cult-favorite face washes or targeted serums, this custard-like cream is formulated with essential ceramides to heal dry or irritated skin. Desai isnt the only skin care professional who has hyped this face-and-body cream. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, previously suggested CeraVe as an ideal solution to help razor-burned skin, while another board-certified dermatologist, JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, formerly recommended it as one of the best products to treat eczema. As a long-time sufferer of this common skin condition, I can personally attest to how beneficial the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has been to managing any irritation, redness and flaking that occurs. In fact, its the only moisturizer Ive continuously used on my body for the past decade because I know it wont exacerbate my incredibly dry and finicky epidermis. This stuff works like Jesus made it, said a reviwer. This has been the single and only thing that has cured my sons eczema! I love it! After using a million other things, this has been the one and only consistent winner! Other users of this magic cream have made similar claims to mine and have even attributed the formula for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Others state that its the perfect priming layer to wear underneath makeup. And its especially loved in the winter. Reviewers love the cream for managing painful skin cracking caused by winter elements. I always have itchy skin in winter, a reviewer who tried all sorts of skin products wrote. I still scratch myself bloody. Yet, after hearing from a doctor friend about CeraVes cream, they gave it a try. Finally, I slept without scratching for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Others, who deal with dry skin on their face, say the cream didnt just soothe their skin, its helped me feel more confident and feel a whole lot better. As if these assuring words and endless endorsements from dermatologists werent enough, read more 5-star reviews of the CeraVe moisturizing cream and grab a jar while its on sale. This is a fabulous product. You will not break out or itch. Your skin will look better. This is great for again skin and sensitive skin. I love this. It is so expensive in the store and hard to find. This was a larger container and a good value. It completely disappears on the skin, not sticky, very moisturizing. SAT I have no skin routine, just dry skin especially in the winter, and I can say this moisturizer works well. I use it on my hands, arms, elbows, and face on the sides around the eyes where the lines were. The improvement for me was quick. One week later and my skin is much improved. As for the product itself, it is nearly the consistency of whipped creamvery light. I use just two little dabs (one for each arm) and it absorbs fast. This jar will last a long time. Very good product. Jeffry Diamond This stuff works. I have excessively dry skin. This has become part of my daily skin care routine. It was recommended by my dermatologist. The creme is thick, great quality and protects your skin from dryness. It makes my skin extra soft too. A must have for dry skin. Florida girl By the way, my eczema-prone skin is painfully dry. Here are the other affordable products I use during winter. Amazon A nourishing body oil that doesn't leave my skin greasy As I've already mentioned, my skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after my CeraVe moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improve skin texture and succeeded in making my skin feel bouncy and soft, well into the following day. The Saltair nourishing body oil was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa. I've also noticed that my tattoos appear more vibrant and renewed since using a body oil. Advertisement Advertisement $23 at Amazon $23 at Ulta Amazon A decadently scented shower oil I hate spending anything more than $10 on a product that I know I'm just going to wash off my body moments later, which is why I relegate this precious elixir to a couple of times a week, yet gladly repurchase it again and again because it's just that nice. Unlike your typical surfactant-filled body washes, this is a cleansing shower oil that helps to lock in moisture and leave skin feeling very nourished. Not only does it smell divine (think caramel, warm vanilla and sandalwood), but it also contains prebiotics, oils and butters that support a healthy skin barrier. You also don't need much product for this shower oil to quickly work in a super dense and creamy lather, especially when you use just a standard loofah. Advertisement Advertisement $12+ at Amazon $12+ at Sephora $12+ at Ulta Amazon Japanese exfoliating washcloth If you've ever had the luxury of getting an all-over body scrub at the Korean spa, then you'll know all about those magical exfoliating mitts that are used to polish, tone and brighten your skin beyond compare. This is the washcloth version that I use every other day at the start of my shower on wet skin. The textured weave of these cloths strikes the perfect balance of abrasive, yet not rough enough to cause micro tears in the skin or irritation. I work the cloth over my entire body, paying close attention to my elbows, thighs, underarms and bikini line to fend off roughness and ingrowns. I even like to use the washcloth on my heels. Advertisement Advertisement 3-pack: $9.99 at Amazon Advertisement Advertisement Amazon A targeted kojic acid soap for brighting my underarms Dermatologists have previously told HuffPost that kojic acid is a great ingredient for brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation. Since then, I've been a big fan of these Japanese-formulated bar soaps that are also packed with other skin-loving ingredients such as antioxidant-rich vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid and retinol, which is essential for promoting collagen production. I use this soap in conjunction with the Dove Beauty Bar, but only on my arms, where my keratosis pilaris is the most prevalent, and on my underarms and my bikini line to make the skin look as bright as possible. 2-pack: $14.99 at Amazon Amazon A body serum meant to hydrate and boost elasticity I used to think that serums for the body were an excessive step, but I do feel as though they have improved the glow and overall feel of my skin, especially this one from Saltair, which finally just got restocked. This lightweight and fast-absorbing serum contains a blend of ingredients that help draw and trap moisture into the skin, boost surface hydration and help improve skin texture. It also features an amino acid blend that claims to boost the skin's elasticity by boosting collagen production. I apply this as my first step out of the shower while my skin is still slightly damp, then follow up with my moisturizer and body oil. Advertisement Advertisement $23 at Amazon $23 at Saltair $23 at Ulta The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through fake hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when theres an exception, well tell you why.) Related... CCTV: Recently, a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson has spread disinformation to vilify China. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: On the remarks by a spokesperson of a certain department of the Philippine Coast Guard, we previously made clear Chinas position and lodged serious protests to the Philippines. The spokesperson has repeatedly made irresponsible and baseless remarks, and keeps fanning inflammatory provocation and confrontation out of political motives. They constitute a grave violation of Chinas national interests and dignity. China firmly opposes it and will not tolerate it. Its the duty of Chinas Embassy in the Philippines to defend national interests and dignity. The remarks and moves by that spokesperson and a handful of individuals in the Philippine military are also detrimental to the relations and mutual trust between China and the Philippines. Its their behavior that primarily led to the downward spiral of bilateral ties. China once again urges the Philippines to immediately take effective measures to undo the egregious impact, lest they disrupt normal diplomatic communication or even further harm bilateral ties. We also call on these individuals to stop making provocations and trouble at once, stop attacking and smearing China, and stop collaborating with anti-China forces outside the region. Otherwise, they will bear the consequence for their despicable moves. China Daily: We noted that the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation recently held a meeting and released the 2025 research report. Could you share more details? Guo Jiakun: On January 27, the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held a video conference. Members of the council spoke highly of the positive progress of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. They noted that the BRI has played an important role in boosting world economic growth and promoting sustainable development, and contributed to deeper mutual trust and closer international cooperation under the current international situation. They proposed that participating parties should strengthen cooperation in areas of connectivity, international trade, artificial intelligence and digital economy. The meeting released a research report titled The Belt and Road Initiative: High-Quality International Economic Cooperation. Full text of the report can be found on the Foreign Ministrys website. AFP: According to reports, China has approved purchases of Nvidias H200 artificial intelligence chips for the first time. Can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirm this? What does this signal for U.S.-China ties? Guo Jiakun: On this issue, we have made response on multiple occasions. For anything specific, Id refer you to competent authorities. Reuters: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in his meeting with President Xi today said that he wanted to build a sophisticated relationship with Beijing. How does the Chinese side interpret that? What does a sophisticated relationship look like? Guo Jiakun: This morning, President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders agreed that China and the UK need to develop a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the two sides new vision on bilateral ties and provides sound and stable expectation for cooperation in various sectors between China and the UK. Ukrinform News Agency: The Telegraph wrote that China is helping Russia expand their production of Oreshnik ballistic missiles by supplying specialized equipment and machine tools. Russia uses these missiles to attack Ukrainian cities. How does the Foreign Ministry respond to that? Second, over the past month, Russia has been carrying out massive missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine and destroyed a large part of the heat generation capacity and electricity capacity in many Ukrainian cities. Many countries are sending emergency aid to Ukraine. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments on such Russian attacks and maybe China plans to provide aid to Ukrainians? Guo Jiakun: On your first question, Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We neither fuel the flames, nor seek profit from the crisis, and will never accept blame-shifting. On your second question, China always calls on parties to follow the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, and accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis. China will continue to play a constructive role in its own way to ease the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. AFP: According to reports, China has executed 11 people involved with Myanmar criminal gangs, including members of the Ming family which is linked to the death of 14 Chinese citizens. Does the Chinese Foreign Ministry wish to comment on this? Can the Ministry share any details into ongoing efforts to dismantle fraud networks involving Chinese citizens? Guo Jiakun: Competent authorities have released information. For some time, China has been actively working with Myanmar and other countries in combating crimes of cross-border telecom and online fraud, to eliminate the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud, protect the safety of peoples life and property, and keep the exchange and cooperation between regional countries in order. These efforts have achieved remarkable results. China will continue deepening international law enforcement cooperation, step up efforts of combating telecom fraud and online gambling and other related cross-border crimes, and eradicate the problems of gambling and scam. Reuters: Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo wrapped up his visit to Beijing yesterday. What are the short-term and long-term political dividends that China stands to enjoy following the visit? Guo Jiakun: China and Finland have developed friendly ties and treated each other with respect and trust over the years. Prime Minister Petteri Orpos visit had a tight schedule and produced fruitful outcomes. China has released readouts on the talks, which you may refer to. On the morning of January 27, 2026, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing. Zhao Leji said that Finland was among the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and that the two sides have long enjoyed friendly relations and upheld mutual respect and trust. In October 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Alexander Stubb, reaching important common understandings on deepening the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between China and Finland. China is ready to work with Finland to stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the steady and sustained development of bilateral relations. The NPC of China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Parliament of Finland, learn from each other's experience in legislation, supervision and state governance, and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation across various fields. Petteri Orpo said that Finland-China relations have enjoyed long-term, stable development. Finland congratulates China on its remarkable development achievements, adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as economy, trade and innovation, and to strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies. On the morning of January 29, President Xi Jinping met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Both sides agreed to develop a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the U.K. President Xi Jinping noted that in a changing and chaotic world, China and the U.K., as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and major economies, need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, both in safeguarding world peace and stability and in delivering growth and prosperity for people in both countries. They need to see history from a broader perspective, rise above differences, respect each other, and turn the vast potential of China-U.K. cooperation into real progress. This will open up new prospects for China-U.K. relations and cooperation, for the good of both peoples and the whole world. President Xi Jinping underlined mutual trust as the foundation for steady and sustainable state-to-state relations. China is always committed to peaceful development, has never started a war, and has never taken an inch of foreign land. No matter how strong and developed China becomes, it will never be a threat to other countries. Traditional Chinese culture values peace and pursues harmony without uniformity. China-U.K. economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial in nature. As China kicks off its 15th Five-Year Plan, the two sides may expand win-win cooperation in the services sector including education, health, and finance, and pursue joint research and commercial application in artificial intelligence, life sciences, new energy, and low-carbon technologies for shared development and prosperity. The U.K. is expected to foster a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies. China and the U.K., as countries with rich cultural heritage, have both made significant contributions to the development and progress of humanity. The two sides should enhance people-to-people exchanges and further facilitate two-way travel. More British people from the government, parliament, and subnational entities are welcome to visit China and develop a comprehensive, objective, and correct understanding of China. China will give positive consideration to visa-free access for U.K. travelers. President Xi Jinping pointed out that unilateralism, protectionism, and power politics are running rampant. The international order is under great strain. International law can be truly effective only when all countries abide by it. Major countries in particular should set an example, otherwise the world will revert to the law of the jungle. As supporters of multilateralism and free trade, China and the U.K. should advocate and practice true multilateralism, make the global governance system more just and equitable, and build an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Prime Minister Starmer conveyed King Charles IIIs greetings to President Xi. Prime Minister Starmer said he was delighted to be the first British Prime Minister to visit China in 8 years. This visit, with a delegation of around 60 important representatives from British business and cultural organizations, demonstrates the breadth of U.K.-China cooperation and the U.K.s commitment to deepening and expanding ties with China. As major economies and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, it is vital for the U.K. and China to build a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership with mutual respect and trust, especially in a volatile and fragile world. On Taiwan, the U.K.s position is long-standing, well-known, and unchanged. The U.K. would like to maintain high-level engagement with China, enhance dialogue and exchange, and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, finance, environment, etc. to support each others growth and prosperity. The more closely the two peoples interact, the better they will understand each other. The U.K. will work with China to promote exchanges between their legislatures and other sectors. Hong Kongs prosperity and stability serve the common interests of both countries, and the U.K. welcomes Hong Kong as a unique and important bridge between the two countries. China plays a vital role in international affairs, and the U.K. would like to strengthen cooperation with China on climate change and other global challenges and jointly uphold world peace and stability. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. The Sundance Film Festivals days in Park City are drawing to a close, but its online component, which allows viewers to stream every movie in its competitive sections and a handful of others, is still going strong, at least through midnight on Sunday. The lineup excludes some of the festivals starry premieressorry, youll have to head to a theater to see the Charli XCX mockumentary The Moment, out this Fridaybut theres still plenty to sample, even from a relatively weak lineup. The online offerings can still sell out, but movies that win the festivals jury awards will reappear in TBA slots after the winners are announced on Friday. Even though Im back from Park City, Im still streaming like a fiend at homeIve heard great stuff about Closure and Filipinana, among othersbut heres the best of what Ive seen thus far. The Best Summer In 1995, Tamra Davis was coming off the success of Billy Madison and newly married to a Beastie Boy. So when Mike D and the gang headed to Australia to headline a traveling music festival called Summersault, she took her video camera along, capturing a ramshackle tour diary whose footage she rediscovered while fleeing the Palisades wildfire in 2025. With performances by Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Pavement, and Bikini Kill, whose Kathleen Hanna does double duty as an onscreen interviewer, the movie offers the tantalizing possibility of being an unofficial sequel to the alt-rock classic 1991: The Year Punk Broke, but Davis was shooting more for fun than to self-consciously capture an era. On an overwhelmingly male-dominated tour, her camera seems pointedly drawn to the few women on stageas Davis films them, Sonic Youth is a band containing Kim Gordon and a bunch of dudesand as Hanna quizzes Dave Grohl and Beck about how their stage personas differ from their real selves, you can see her figuring out how to navigate the beginnings of her own mainstream stardom. (You can also, if you watch closely, see her navigating the beginnings of her relationship with the Beasties Adam Horovitzthe two have now been together for 30 years.) Davis movie is chaotic and rough-hewn, and the performances and songs seem chosen almost at random, but its a precious time capsule, and a must for anyone who cares about the bands or the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody to Kenmure Street Felipe Bustos Sierras documentary was timely before Sundance began, but the story of a Glasgow communitys successful mass uprising against the unwanted intrusion of immigration agents feels even more so now. The movie, reviewed at greater length here, tracks the way neighbors joined forces throughout the day, and the long history of local political action that laid the groundwork for their apparently spontaneous protest. Advertisement Advertisement Josephine Its too bad that Sundances last year in Park City features one of its weakest dramatic competitions in years, but Beth de Araujos movie is a true standout, anchored by a stunning performance by 8-year-old actor Mason Reeves. One day, 8-year-old Josephine and her father (Channing Tatum) are playing in the park when she witnesses a sexual assault. Her father sprints off after the rapist, but the speed with which he leaves behind both his daughter and the victim foreshadows a story in which mens impulse to punish and protect eclipses womens need to feel safe and seen. Too young to even understand sex, Josephine isnt entirely sure what she saw, let alone able to recite it to the array of therapists and lawyers who want to question her, and her mother, played by Gemma Chan, is less concerned with abstractions about justice than the concrete matter of her daughters psychological well-being. Tatum plays a loving but emotionally illiterate dad without condescension or apologyyou can see that the father is trying his best, even as the movie makes it clear how inadequate that isand Chan seems to be drawing on a well of pain whose source we can intuit without ever needing to be told. The fact that de Araujo based the story on her own experience shouldnt be what defines this accomplished and deeply thoughtful film, but it only increases the sense of awe that she so fully and fairly captures all of her characters, not just the one she once was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lake Activists and the authors of climate fiction often lament how difficult it is to craft narrative urgency around the gradual destruction wrought by climate change; the way we formulate stories is almost perfectly ill-suited to raising the alarm about consequences that may not be obvious until its too late. But you would think the possibility that Great Salt Lake might dry up within a decade might be enough to grab peoples attention. Abby Ellis documentary shows that its still not that simple. The scientists in her movie are practically shouting from the mountaintop about how diverting the lakes water, mainly to Utahs agriculture sector, threatens to send it into an irreversible decline. But theyre dismissed and waved aside, even when they warn that the rapid changes in the lakes ecosystem are generating clouds of toxic dust that could easily make their way to major cities. What makes this more than a standard issue-driven documentary is Ellis subtle but insistent tracking of the role religious faith plays on both sides of the debate. Ben Abbott, the Mormon head of the activist organization Grow the Flow, invokes a sense of stewardship over gods creation, while one farmer counters that when deity needs to fill that lake, itll be filled. Its an area that far more movies on the subject could stand to explore, especially in such a diligent and unassuming way. Advertisement Advertisement The Musical Imagine Election set in a middle-school theater department and youre much of the way to getting the vibe of Giselle Bonillas debut feature, which stars Stereophonics Will Brill as a frustrated playwright who channels his anger at the worldnot to mention his ex-girlfriend (Gillian Jacobs) and unctuous boss (Rob Lowe)into a song-and-dance show designed to bring it all crashing down. Alexander Hellers screenplay is too broad for the comedy to cut as deep as it wants to (although there is one well-placed Wesleyan joke), but Brills performance has acid in it as well as bile, a self-lacerating edge thats just slightly more fascinating than it is repellent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Night Nurse Turn off the sound at the beginning of Georgia Bernsteins erotic thriller and you might think youre watching an ad for a phone-sex line from the 1980s. But as the camera prowls over a womans body spread out on a bed and tangled in a telephone cord, you start to realize that shes calling for helpand that she doesnt really need it. A nurse (Cemre Paksoy) comes to a job as the caregiver for an aging man (Bruce McKenzie) in cognitive decline with a mysterious blank space on her resume, but hes chased away so many predecessors that his facility doesnt seem inclined to ask questionsand besides, they have a good feeling about her. The man turns out to be a scammer who coaxes his young women to call up elderly men with memory loss and pose as their granddaughter, whos been in an accident and needs money now. But the Please, Grandpa routine also gives him an erotic charge, and it turns out his new hire shares it as well. Night Nurse has some first-film wobbles that grow more severe as the plot progressesand, sorry to disappoint fans of The Other Two, Cary Dubek does not make an appearancebut in a genre with too few recent entries and even fewer good ones, its a glass of water in the desert. Advertisement Advertisement One in a Million Decade-spanning observational documentaries have become a rarity thanks to shifting priorities and a parched funding climate, but Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes deeply moving film is practically an advertisement for the unique power of the form. The years between 10 and 20 are fraught ones for any daughter and her parents, but especially so for Israa, whose father moves their family from Syria to Germany in 2015. The experimentation of her teenage years and the liberties of a secular Western country combine to take her far from her father Tareks Islamic traditionalism, and he lashes out when the better life he fought to secure for his family threatens the only way of being hes ever known. Its an aching slow-motion tragedy, told from shifting perspectives that prevent it from collapsing into a glib morality play, and time proves to be the trickiest screenwriter of all. Azzam and MacInnes deftly field their storys curveballs, and their long-term dedication ensures that even its most surprising turns dont feel like they come out of nowhere. And though Israa and Tareks relationship can be painful to witness, the movies complicated and unpredictable arc is a poignant reminder that life always has more in store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Run Amok Have fun! isnt normally the way a director preps an audience for a movie about the traumatic aftermath of a school shooting, but NB Magers debut frames tragedy through comedy, as the daughter of a murdered music teacher (Alyssa Marvin) tries to channel a decade of grief into a high-school jukebox musical. Although Mager shows some flair for satire, particularly around the issue of parents responding to armed threats by mustering an armed threat of their own, the draw here isnt the movies writer-director so much as its star. In a cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Bill Camp, and Elizabeth Marvel, Marvin stands out as a teenager whose messy mourning clashes with the schools plan to stage a decorous commemoration for the shootings 10th anniversary, thwarting attempts to extract a tidy narrative from inexplicable tragedy. Run Amok eventually succumbs to that tendency, but its star makes sure we feel what the movie cant find words to say. Advertisement Related From Slate The Hilarious 1990 Crowd-Pleaser That Redefined Indie and Launched a Few Stars Read More Time and Water Like her Oscar-nominated 2022 documentary Fire of Love, Sara Dosas new movie combines awe-striking footage of natural wonders with a human story of love and loss. But this time, her protagonist, Icelandic author Andri Snr Magnason, is still around to take part in the process. The movie weaves decades of Magnasons home movies into the story of his countrys melting glaciers, one of which, Okjokull, was the first to be officially proclaimed dead. Like an ice core whose layers hold bubbles of air from millennia past, Magnasons narration, adapted from his book On Time and Water, captures the endless battle between permanence and change, and what happens when the things we thought would last forever turn out to be vulnerable to decay. The glaciers can be beautiful even in deathits hard to be alarmed by the soothing sound of rushing waterand the inevitable fact of human mortality can feel like a strange fit with the unnatural loss of climate change. But the movie forces us to ponder what remains after weve left this earth, and what kind of planet we want to leave behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zi If you felt stifled by Kogonadas turn from the melancholy lyricism of Columbus and After Yang to the studio romance of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, his new movie makes it clear that he felt the same way. Filmed less than three months before its premiere, Zi was made on the streets of Hong Kong with a minimal crew and a cast of threeMichelle Mao, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jin Haacting out an elusive story about a trio of wandering souls. Drawing heavily on Agnes Vardas Cleo From 5 to 7, with a little Chris Marker and Wong Kar-wai thrown in for good measure, it can feel sometimes like a vibe in search of a story, but the vibes are often exquisite. Chinese state-linked hackers reportedly gained 'full access' to UK telecommunications networks, including systems at the 'heart of Downing Street'. The breaches are part of a global cyber-espionage campaign targeting telecom companies over several years, affecting countries in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, including the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. According to FOX News, US officials first discovered the intrusions in 2024 and later warned allies. While the full extent of the operation remains unclear, experts suggest that hackers may have been able to eavesdrop on calls, read text messages, and track the locations of millions of users. Chinese Hackers Have the Ability to Eavesdrop 'At Will' Anne Neuberger, who served as US deputy national security adviser from January 2021 to January 2025, earlier told sources that China 'gained access to networks and essentially had broad and full access'. She explained that this included the capacity to geolocate millions of people and record calls at will. In other words, the attackers could monitor communications in real time, potentially intercepting sensitive conversations involving government officials, corporate executives, and ordinary citizens. US intelligence agencies believe the operation dates back to at least 2021, though authorities did not identify or disclose it until 2024. A source familiar with the investigation also said that the breach reached 'right into the heart of Downing Street'. raising concerns about the exposure of senior officials' communications. Reports suggest there were 'many' hacking attempts on phones across the British government, particularly during Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's tenure from 2022 to 2024. Experts warn that such access could compromise national security, diplomatic negotiations, and intelligence operations. Chinese State-Sponsored Group 'Salt Typhoon' The cyber-espionage operation is believed to involve the Chinese state-sponsored group known as Salt Typhoon. Yuval Wollman, a former Israeli intelligence chief, described Salt Typhoon as 'one of the most prominent names' in international cyber-espionage. He added that while US targets have received most public attention, the group has extended its operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, targeting telecoms firms, government institutions, and technology companies. This indicates a sophisticated and coordinated campaign with global reach rather than isolated attacks. US and Allied Response In response to the breaches, US authorities issued guidance in 2024 urging telecom companies to strengthen network security and prevent further intrusions. A joint cybersecurity advisory was released in August 2025, warning of continued threats from Chinese state-sponsored actors. The National Security Agency (NSA) noted that the activity overlapped with reports on groups such as Salt Typhoon. These warnings are intended to help governments and companies implement defensive measures. However, China's foreign ministry has dismissed the reports as 'baseless' and 'lacking evidence', insisting that allegations of espionage targeting UK telecoms are unsubstantiated. Experts warn that governments often deny involvement in cyberattacks because it's hard to prove who is responsible and because it's a politically sensitive topic for diplomatic ties. What Can Be Done To counter the threat, authorities in the US and allied countries have instructed telecom companies to strengthen network security, install software patches, and monitor suspicious activity closely. Organisations handling sensitive communications are urged to implement advanced encryption, monitor unusual network activity, and collaborate with government authorities. Joint cybersecurity teams are analysing affected systems to remove malware and block unauthorised access. While governments and companies work to prevent breaches, ordinary citizens can also take steps to protect themselves. Experts suggest checking your phone and email accounts for unusual activity, like unexpected messages or login attempts. Originally published on IBTimes UK Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The optimistic story about the FBIs surprising Wednesday raid on Fulton County, Georgia, voting offices to seize ballots and electronic materials related to the 2020 election is that its another instance of the United States Department of Justice and other parts of the federal government indulging in Donald Trumps fantastical belief that he lost the presidential election to Joe Biden in 2020 because of fraud. If that reason for the raid is right, the investigation will amount to very little, even if Trump and allies mangle whatever evidence the FBI produces to continue spreading ridiculous voter fraud claims. If the government attempts to bring criminal charges (that may well be barred by the statute of limitations), they are far more likely to be about Trumps retribution campaign than about actual intentional violations of federal law protecting the integrity of elections. The pessimistic story is far darker. Its about the raid being a test run for messing with election administrators and the counting of ballots in the midterm elections in 2026, when control of both houses of Congress could be at stake. Now is the time for state and local governments, the courts, and the people to work against such potential election subversion. The Fulton County saga goes back to the hotly contested 2020 presidential election, which was conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Donald Trump was an unpopular incumbent running against former Vice President Joe Biden. Many states made it easier for people to vote by mail in 2020, which was much safer than voting in person and potentially getting sick. Trump had long spread unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud, from massive noncitizen voting to fraud committed in large American cities like Philadelphia and Detroit that have substantial minority populations. But during 2020, Trump turned his propaganda machine on the influx of mail-in ballots, which he claimed would be infected by fraud; never mind that he regularly voted by mail in his home state of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Theres No Longer Any Doubt About What Usha Vance Is Doing Read More Election results came in slowly, thanks in part to the slower count necessary to properly process the flood of mail-in ballots. When the numbers were released, Biden had won, including in Georgia, where he claimed victory by a slim margin. Trump tried various tactics to overturn that result and others. Before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitolan unsuccessful attempt to stop Congress from counting states Electoral College votes and declare Trump the winnerTrump leaned on election administrators and elected officials in states with majority-Republican legislatures to overturn the results. Even though Georgia had conducted a hand recount of all the states ballots that confirmed Bidens victory, Trump notoriously pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes to flip the results to him. Raffensperger refused. While Trump worked the refs, his allies worked the public, and much of the effort to gin up fraud claims focused on the processing of ballots in State Farm Arena by Fulton County election workers. Focusing on an area with a large population of Black voters was par for the course among Trumps fraudulent fraud-squad members. Rudy Giuliani falsely accused two election workers there of fraud (as well as passing around drugs), and they faced threats and harassment; the workers, Wandrea Moss and her mother, Ruby Freedman, won a $148 million defamation suit against Giuliani, which later settled. Advertisement Advertisement Fulton County, like many large counties in the United States, has seen its share of election administration mismanagement. But a yearslong investigation by state officials found no intentional wrongdoing and nothing that would have changed the 2020 outcome. Given the deep investigations of the 2020 elections generally and Fulton County, Georgia, in particular, it is highly unlikely that the new FBI investigation (whose warrant was curiously sought by a U.S. attorney in Missouri, not Georgia or even Washington, D.C.) will amount to anything. So what was it really about? Advertisement One tipoff is the curious appearance during the FBI raid of Fulton Countys election offices of Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, who is known to peddle conspiracy theories herself. Portraying this raid as part of a national security effort is in line with the musings of Cleta Mitchell, a Trump conspiracy-theory ally who had been on Trumps call with Raffensperger. Back in September, Mitchell, on a call with fellow election deniers, suggested that Trump could declare a national sovereignty crisis in a bid to take over the midterm elections. Advertisement Trump has no power over the conduct of federal elections, which are left in the hands of the states, a point numerous courts have made recently in striking down parts of an August Trump executive order purporting to make voting harder. But that doesnt mean he wont try. Trump has expressed regret that he did not seize voting machines in 2020. So this threat for 2026 (and 2028) is real. Advertisement Advertisement So what can be done about all of this? To begin with, state and local election officials need to be ready to go to federal court to seek injunctions barring the government from seizing voting machines or otherwise interfering with the process of tabulating ballots. Trump might even try to send troops to seize ballots without a search warrant, and if that threat is real, proactive judicial action is necessary. These threats are most likely to materialize in those areas around the country with contested congressional races. Particular targets may be in those states, such as California and Arizona, where the tabulation of ballots takes a long time, so there is more time for Trump and his allies to act. Advertisement State officials and the public need to support, with dollars and volunteers, election administrators and those who would hold the line against interference. The greater the transparency of the work of these administrators in tabulating ballots, and the quicker a fair count can take place, the harder it will be for Trump to have a legal excuse to try to interfere with the balloting. Donald Trump is not going to be able to cancel U.S. elections. But the events this week in Fulton County remind us that he has many tools at his disposal to try to mess with them. Its not too early to plan against another attempt to overturn democratically conducted elections in the United States. US Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a foul-smelling liquid during a public town hall meeting in Minneapolis on 27 January 2026, prompting an immediate security response and the arrest of a suspect. The incident occurred moments after Omar sharply criticised federal immigration enforcement and called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment, raising questions about motive and whether the attack was politically coordinated. What Happened at the Town Hall? Video footage from the event shows a man approaching Omar and spraying an unknown liquid toward her using a syringe-like device before being tackled by security personnel. According to reports, Minneapolis police confirmed the suspect was arrested at the scene and later booked on a third-degree assault charge. NEW -- Rep. Ilhan Omar was just charged by a man at a town hall event in Minneapolis. Crowd says he "sprayed her" with something. You can hear Omar demand to continue the town hall -- and she's back to speaking now from the podium. pic.twitter.com/4OpSWHo0Z9 Jay O'Brien (@jayobtv) January 28, 2026 Omar was not physically injured and, after a brief pause, continued the town hall. In the viral video, Omar can be seen bravely not stepping back but going after the man as he sprayed her out of the blue. Furthermore, she declined immediate medical treatment, and officials said no serious injuries were reported among attendees. 'I'm ok. I'm a survivor, so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong,' Omar later wrote on X. What Was the Substance? Authorities have not yet identified the liquid. However, witnesses and journalists present described it as having a strong, unpleasant odour, variously compared to vinegar or ammonia. Images from the scene showed a light-brown liquid inside the device. The syringe had orange liquid in it. This is on Trump for the disgusting lies he continues to tell about Ilhan Omar. pic.twitter.com/hvjsapPZY3 Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 28, 2026 Law enforcement officials said forensic testing is underway to determine whether the substance was hazardous or benign. As of the latest update, no officials have confirmed it was toxic or posed a broader public health threat. Who Was the Attacker? Police identified the suspect as a 55-year-old man who was taken into custody immediately following the incident. While reports initially varied on the individual's name, authorities confirmed he is being held in Hennepin County Jail pending further proceedings. On social media, supporters of Omar are urging the authorities to disclose the attacker's name. Another unverified viral footage, which has a clear image of the man, shows the attacker standing in the front looking unhinged. He looks hella coked out! pic.twitter.com/dDX2WGNCQR Mogana (@MoganaPhilips) January 28, 2026 Investigators have not announced any formal findings regarding motive, and officials emphasised that the inquiry is ongoing. Was It Politically Motivated? Despite the timing of the attack which followed Omar's public criticism of ICE and Secretary Kristi Noem authorities have not established any link to an organised political group or coordinated plot, including any connection to MAGA-aligned movements. However, given the ongoing tension between MAGA supporters and anti-ICE protesters, situations in the US are reportedly getting grim every passing day. While Omar is a frequent target of political rhetoric, law enforcement officials cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete. At this stage, the attack is being treated as an isolated criminal assault. Leaders across the political spectrum have condemned the incident, stressing that violence or intimidation against elected officials is unacceptable regardless of political disagreement. Meanwhile, the investigation of the incident continues. Originally published on IBTimes UK Woodbine Mohawk Park has shifted the session of qualifiers scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Jan. 31. The first qualifier is slated for 9:30 a.m. The shift is due to the extreme cold temperatures in the forecast for the Campbellville area on Friday morning. (With files from Woodbine) U.S. Hall of Fame broodmare Western Montana has passed away at the age of 22. Bred by Frederick W. Hertrich III and Lewis Arno, Western Montana was foaled on May 11, 2004 in Federalsburg, Md. She was purchased as a yearling by Diamond Creek Farm at the Standardbred Horse Sales Co.'s yearling sale in 2005. As a racehorse, Western Montana won five races, took at mark of 1:52.1f and banked $186,335 before retiring to the Diamond Creek broodmare ranks. Western Montana produced 13 registered foals, 12 foals of racing age with 10 starters and more than $4.9 million in total earnings. Her most successful offspring include Pure Country p,4,Q1:48 ($2,628,213), Charleston p,3,1:49.4f ($885,289) and Grand Teton p,3,1:48.1 ($566,295). She was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2024. Noting she was "integral to the growth and success" of the farm, Diamond Creek reported that Western Montana passed away on Jan. 27, 2026. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Western Montana. (Standardbred Canada; with files from the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame) As the pace of product development for AI-powered toys accelerates, controversy and warnings about the appropriateness of these products for young children have left many parents and educators tempted to tune out or opt out. But as kids interact with AI more regularly, some experts say its important to teach kids whats actually behind AI and how to use it responsibly. A new curriculum focused on computer science and artificial intelligence aims to teach young kids to build, program and prototype together. In essence, students build their own machine learning models, solving problems, inventing characters and telling stories connected to their interests. The program, designed by Lego Education to be used in K-8 classrooms, offers project-based experiences for kids to work on in small groups. The lessons use Lego bricks, and some are screen free, while others require access to a device, such as a laptop or tablet, so kids can access an app which has a coding canvas, with icon-based coding. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, professor of psychology at Temple University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, commends Lego for using the science of playful learning to teach computer science. When children learn to solve problems with hands-on materials, she states, they are more likely to not only learn material but to be able to transfer what they have learned. In my experience, the Lego team has always worked with scientists to develop teaching tools that are aligned with the very best science on how children learn. It is one of the few companies committed to this way of doing business. (Hirsh-Pasek has collaborated with the Lego Foundation on other projects but did not take part in this initiative.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a significant departure from many other AI products, data from the children never leaves the computer. A really strong perspective that we had was that we dont want anybody else to have the data we dont even want the data. We want that to stay in the classroom and on the computer, said Andrew Sliwinski, head of product experience for Lego Education. From a technical and design perspective, Sliwinski said, Its much easier to just send data to the cloud or use one of the big APIs [Application Program Interfaces], or one of the big companies that are out there. But when you do that, you sort of betray that principle of being able to guarantee privacy and safety to the child, and to the parent and to the teacher. Maybe Big Tech could learn a thing or two from Big Toy. In an interview with Mark Swartz, Sliwinski explains his role, the evolution of the curriculum and his hopes for AI more broadly. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What do you do at Lego Education? My team is responsible for product strategy, design, engineering and, most importantly, the educational impact of our product. So really the development of our learning experiences from end to end. Lego stole me from the MIT Media Lab, where I worked on creative tools for children for many years, including, most notably, Scratch, which is a programming language for kids. Were you in the classroom before that? I started working in education in 2002. I was living in Detroit, working as a tutor, and I was invited to support students in Detroit public schools with the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, the states big standardized test [at the time]. Ive basically been working in some way, shape or form in education ever since. What do you see as the through line between that work, and what youre doing now? When I showed up in Detroit all those years ago, my biggest reflection was: These are kids that dont see the purpose in mathematics. They dont feel connected to it. They dont understand how it connects to their lives. And so for me, it was like, Well, lets solve that problem. And yeah, the rest is history. Were you a Lego kid yourself? We didnt have Legos, but we had all manner of other building materials at our disposal, like cardboard boxes and wooden blocks and access to hammers and screwdrivers and all of that fun stuff. So I grew up building things and learning through making. Why is it important for children to understand whats behind AI? The phrase AI literacy is being used a lot, and I think its being used in a very general way that is sometimes unhelpful. AI literacy is about more than how children use AI. Its about those foundational literacies that help children understand what AI is, because Im not just interested in children developing an understanding of how to use ChatGPT to do a specific project or a specific location. I want children to understand what probability is. I want children to understand that machines reason differently than humans do and why that is. I want children to understand that AI learns from data, and that data can have biases, and that data can have ethical considerations, and that data output is only as good as the input, right? Garbage in, garbage out. What does responsible AI education look like for young kids? What were moving forward with with Lego education is really focused on those foundations. The way that I sometimes like to talk about it with the team is: So much of what is being put in front of kids today is like learning how to use the black box of an AI model or an AI tool Im much more interested in giving the kids a screwdriver and letting them take the box apart. But that last analogy is figurative. Yes. There are no screwdrivers that come in the box, but not as figurative as you might think. In the tool, the kids actually get to train their own machine learning models So a bunch of kids will work together in a group of four. Thats something thats different. It is collaborative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Why AI Literacy Instruction Needs to Start Before Kindergarten What lessons can we draw from the use of earlier technological developments, such as TV and the internet, in building products for young kids? These technologies are most effective when they serve as a catalyst for joint engagement between children and adults together, rather than sort of acting as a digital babysitter, whether thats cartoons or whether thats Club Penguin [a Disney game that ran from 2005 to 2017]. One of the most powerful things that you can say to a child is, I dont know. Lets go figure it out together. And I think that theres so much that parents and teachers and kids dont know about AI, but that kids are curious about. And us expressing our own curiosity, and supporting that curiosity and engaging together is a really powerful thing. What guardrails has your team put in place for young children? When we started working on this, one of the things that was really important was to have a set of principles and a set of lines we call them red lines, lines that we will not cross because I think its so easy when youre working in technology development to sort of lose track of some of those principles. We established that way, way early in the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the ones that are maybe less apparent are things like [how] no data from the children will ever leave the computer. It is never transmitted over the internet. It is never saved to disk. It is never sent to Lego. It is never sent to any third party. And if you look at the predominant paradigm and a lot of the tools that are out there, that is not the case. Were the Lego Group. If we dont care about child safety and well-being, who does? And so I think its been this huge responsibility, but also like this really great opportunity for us to put forward something that we feel lives up to our values. People are always surprised by how much my team goes around the world testing in classrooms, testing with children and talking with educators and experts. We even have child developmental psychologists that are on staff. And so much of what we do is about developing the right things in collaboration with young people and educators. How did you test the experience with young children? One of the most recent tests that I [did] was testing some of the AI features for the very young kids the kindergarten to second grade group [in Chicago public schools.] One of the things that we do as the product matures is we stop being the teachers in the classroom and we actually just give the box to a teacher in their normal day-to-day classroom and we say, Good luck. And then we watch, because its not enough for the kids to have a great experience when we show up knowing the product and we teach it. It has to work for the teachers, otherwise it doesnt matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most interesting, but also humbling things that you do as a designer for children and teachers is taking it into the field, right? Because all of the assumptions and ideas and intentions that you have, they go out the window when you put it in front of a 5-year-old. That process is just so rewarding. Second graders try out the new Lego Computer Science and AI kits. (Image Courtesy of Lego Education) Did anything surprise you about how they put it to use? I was observing a group of 4- or 5-year-olds, and they were working on this lesson where they had to build a toothbrush for a dinosaur. Part of that was figuring out how motors work and how sensors interact, but it was kind of a funny setup the dinosaur mouth that we had built had these big teeth in it. The 5-year-olds didnt see a dinosaur. They saw a swimming pool, because the bottom of the dinosaurs jaw had these big teeth around it, and they were like, Oh, its a swimming pool. So then they designed dinosaurs that went into the swimming pool. Advertisement Advertisement You kind of come in with these stories and intentions of what you think kids are going to connect to. And then you get there and its just one little detail of how the model was designed just throws the whole lesson out the window. How are educators responding? Were doing this in a way where the teacher is able to come along for the journey, where weve prepared all of the materials that are necessary for a teacher, who often feels less confident about computer science and AI than their students do, giving them everything that they need to feel not just prepared, but to feel confident. Theres this kind of power dynamic thats happening with AI today, where were more focused on what computers can do than we are on what children can do right now. And I think thats really fundamental to our approach When you get a bunch of kids together to train a Lego robot how to dance, this kind of fear dissipates. They see the cause and effect between the model that they trained and whats happening in the world, and they realize that the machine only knows what they taught it. The AI is no longer the smartest thing in the room. Theyre the smartest thing in the room, and the AI is a tool. Russia is quietly testing a new plasma propulsion system that, if it performs as claimed, could dramatically change how long it takes to travel to Mars. Early results suggest a leap in speed and efficiency that has drawn attention precisely because it is not coming from NASA or private U.S. companies such as SpaceX. The engine is being developed by the Troitsk Institute, part of Russias state nuclear corporation Rosatom. According to researchers involved in the program, the system could reduce interplanetary travel time from several months to roughly one to two months. Ground-based testing is currently underway, and the developers say the technology could be ready for space deployment by around 2030. A Different Approach to Space Propulsion Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. Unlike conventional chemical rockets, the new system relies on electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged hydrogen particles. This places it firmly in the category of electric or plasma propulsion, a field that has gained increasing global attention as space agencies look for more efficient ways to travel deeper into the solar system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chemical rockets deliver very high thrust for a short time, which is ideal for launching from Earth. However, they are inefficient for long-distance travel once a spacecraft is in orbit. Plasma engines, by contrast, generate much lower thrust but can operate continuously for long periods, gradually building up extremely high speeds while using far less propellant. If the Russian system achieves its projected performance, it could have a major impact on how future missions to Mars and beyond are planned, both for scientific exploration and for potential military or logistical applications. Testing Conditions and Early Performance Claims The prototype engine is currently being tested inside a 14-meter-long vacuum chamber designed to simulate space conditions. According to technical details reported by the Russian newspaper Izvestia, the engine operates at a power level of 300 kilowatts in a pulsed periodic mode and has already demonstrated a working lifespan of 2,400 hours. That duration would be sufficient for a full Mars mission, including acceleration and deceleration phases. Researchers say the engine accelerates charged hydrogen particles, including protons and electrons, to speeds of up to 100 kilometers per second. By comparison, traditional chemical rockets typically achieve exhaust velocities of around 4.5 kilometers per second. This massive difference in exhaust velocity is the key to the engines potential efficiency and speed. How the System Would Be Used in Space The plasma engine is not intended to launch directly from Earths surface. A conventional chemical rocket would first carry the spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once in space, the plasma engine would be activated to provide continuous thrust for the journey through deep space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials involved in the project also note that the system could function as a space tug, moving cargo, modules, or satellites between different planetary orbits. This concept aligns with broader international interest in reusable orbital transport systems. Nuclear Power and Engineering Challenges Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The engine uses hydrogen as propellant and relies on an onboard nuclear reactor to provide a constant energy supply. According to project researcher Yegor Biryulin, hydrogens low atomic mass allows for faster acceleration while reducing fuel consumption. Its abundance in space could eventually allow for in situ refueling, at least in theory. The propulsion system uses two high-voltage electrodes to create directed plasma flow. Charged particles pass between them, forming a magnetic field that expels plasma and generates thrust. This design avoids the need to heat plasma to extreme temperatures, which reduces component wear and improves overall efficiency. Rosatom documentation lists the projected thrust at 6 newtons, which is high for a plasma propulsion prototype. Even so, the thrust remains far lower than chemical rockets, meaning spacecraft would be designed for slow but continuous acceleration rather than short bursts of power. Context and Open Questions Plasma propulsion is already used in orbit on many satellites, including systems on OneWeb spacecraft and on NASAs Psyche mission launched in 2023. Most existing plasma engines operate at exhaust velocities between 30 and 50 kilometers per second. The Russian claims of 100 kilometers per second would represent a significant step forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the technology remains unproven in space. Peer-reviewed scientific data have not yet been published, and the nuclear reactor design has not been disclosed. Nuclear-powered spacecraft raise complex safety, regulatory, and international approval issues, especially during launch. While the concept is promising, the engine is still years away from practical use. Its projected readiness by 2030 will depend on continued testing, funding, and successful resolution of engineering and regulatory challenges. This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review. Former French senator, Joel Guerriau, 68, has been convicted of spiking a colleague's drink with ecstasy in an attempt to sexually assault her, a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the French political landscape. Guerriau, who has appealed the decision, received a four-year prison sentence, with 18 months to be served behind bars. Guerriau was a centrist senator representing Loire-Atlantique until 2025. 'I discovered an attacker' The incident occurred in November 2023 in Paris, when Guerriau allegedly administered a dose of MDMA into a glass of champagne served to Sandrine Josso, a 50-year-old member of the MoDem party. Josso, who attended Guerriau's flat in the chic 6th arrondissement for a celebration, described feeling unwell shortly after drinking. She experienced palpitations, nausea, and difficulty standing, prompting her to leave abruptly and seek medical attention. Toxicology reports confirmed a high concentration of ecstasy in her system, along with traces of the drug found at Guerriau's residence. '[I came] with a light heart to celebrate his re-election. As the evening went on, I discovered an attacker,' Josso told the court. During the trial, Josso recounted her distress, stating she believed she was close to death after feeling the drug's effects. She had visited Guerriau's apartment motivated by a celebratory mood, unaware of his intentions. She mentioned she was the only guest, to which she found it quite bizarre. 'I thought maybe it was a bad champagne. Then he insisted that we toast again. I found that odd,' Josso said. Her testimony highlighted her physical and psychological ordeal, including needing to have four teeth extracted due to stress-induced grinding and undergoing extensive psychological treatment. Josso's legal team said she was suffering from 'physical treatment, psychological and psychiatric follow-up, nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation,' where Josso needed six months off. 'With the aim of raping her' Guerriau admitted to making a grave mistake but denied any intent to assault. He claimed that he had prepared the ecstasy to calm a panic attack the day before the event but decided against taking it. 'In short, I am an idiot,' he said before the judge. The former senator expressed remorse, describing himself as an 'idiot' and stating he hoped Josso might forgive him someday. His defense argued that the drug was not intended for malicious purposes but was a misjudgment. 'I feel really sorry for Sandrine. That's something I never wanted,' Guerriau told the court. 'I hope one day she'll forgive me,' he added. Despite his apologies, the court found Guerriau guilty of deliberately spiking Josso's drink with the aim of sexual assault. The state prosecutor emphasized Guerriau's premeditated actions, citing that he had searched online for information about drugs related to rape about a month prior to the incident. Investigators noted that Guerriau's online activity was consistent with research on ecstasy, which he claimed was part of his work as a senator. Legal proceedings and future developments The verdict has broader implications amid ongoing concerns about drug-facilitated sexual assaults in France. Josso has become a prominent figure in the country's fight against such crimes, co-authoring a parliamentary report and participating in investigations into drug-related sexual violence. Originally published on IBTimes UK 2 min read Tech Mahindra announced a partnership with FICO, a global analytics software leader, to help banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) organizations accelerate value creation through AI-powered decisioning and advanced analytics. As part of the partnership, Tech Mahindra will establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) for FICO Platform, reinforcing the companys commitment to driving large-scale core banking modernization and intelligent decisioning for global financial institutions. Tech News Of The Day The CoE will deliver end-to-end consulting, implementation, and managed services, enabling enterprises to fully leverage the capabilities of FICO Platform and realize faster, measurable business outcomes. Tech Mahindras deep expertise in digital business transformation, cloud-native architectures, data engineering, and AI-led modernization will play a central role in accelerating customers transformation journeys. Tech Mahindra will apply its global delivery scale, industry frameworks, and accelerators to ensure seamless integration of FICO Platform within complex banking ecosystems, significantly reducing implementation risk and time-to-value. Harshul Asnani, President and Head Europe Business, Tech Mahindra, said, Enterprises are struggling to derive meaningful returns from their digital transformation investments. This challenge is amplified by a global shortage of data scientists and system architects, resulting in delayed implementations and fragmented decision-making. The partnership addresses this gap, bringing together FICOs proven analytics platform with Tech Mahindras deep implementation expertise. Under this partnership, our skilled workforce will enable customers to drive innovation at scale and unlock measurable business outcomes. The partnership will also help financial institutions transform core banking environments by unifying fragmented decisioning systems into a single, AI-driven decisioning layer. Tech Mahindra will also launch dedicated skill development and enablement programs to train consultants on FICOs AI-driven decisioning tools. The initiatives will focus on helping enterprises operationalize AI, moving from experimentation to production-ready deployments. By combining certified talent, reusable accelerators, and industry-aligned solutions, Tech Mahindra aims to help clients de-risk adoption while maximizing return on investment. Alexandre Graff, Vice President for Global Partners & Alliances at FICO, said, Businesses are looking for the fastest way to get value from FICO Platform. By leveraging Tech Mahindras FICO-trained experts, proprietary accelerators, and ready-to-deploy integrations, businesses can significantly reduce implementation risk and fast-track their digital transformation journeys. While the initial focus is on BFSI, the scope of the CoE will extend beyond banking, as Tech Mahindra and FICO jointly develop industry-specific solutions leveraging the FICO Platform across additional sectors. One of the quiet scandals of modern Western coverage of war and protest is not what is reported, but how certainty is rationed. Consider Iran. When protests erupt, Western outlets and NGOs routinely report precise death tolls with confidence. The US based Human Rights Activists News Agency can confirm thousands of deaths, often down to specific figures, even amid internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and opaque state repression. These numbers are treated as authoritative, repeated without ritual caveats, and woven directly into headlines. Now consider Gaza. Suddenly, certainty evaporates. Death tolls become awkward. Numbers are hedged, bracketed, distanced. We are told, again and again, that figures come according to the Hamas run health authority, as if this phrase alone were enough to suspend normal standards of reporting. Outlets such as the BBC repeat this formulation relentlessly, even when the same data is later corroborated by the United Nations, international medical organisations, satellite analysis, and on the ground journalists. The question is not whether scepticism is appropriate. It always is. The question is why scepticism is applied selectively. If casualty figures emerging from Iran can be treated as credible despite severe information constraints, why are figures from Gaza treated as uniquely suspect, even when produced by a functioning civil health system with decades of historical reliability? Gazas health authorities have, across multiple conflicts, produced figures later found to be broadly accurate by independent investigators. Yet the ritual disclaimer persists, functioning less as transparency and more as a moral distancing device. This is not neutral journalism. It is narrative signalling. By constantly qualifying Palestinian death counts while reporting Iranian figures with confidence, Western media implicitly tells audiences whose suffering is trustworthy and whose is perpetually in doubt. The effect is cumulative. It does not merely inform; it conditions. The role of NGOs compounds the problem. Organisations that rightly demand evidentiary rigour in some contexts appear strangely comfortable with uncertainty in others. The standards shift depending on the geopolitical sensitivities involved. Where Israel is concerned, the burden of proof becomes infinite. Where its adversaries are concerned, inference becomes acceptable. This double standard does not protect truth. It undermines it. Worse still, it corrodes the very idea of a rules based international order. If civilian deaths only count when they occur under the right political conditions, then international humanitarian law becomes performative rather than universal. Law turns into language, and language into cover. Defenders of this practice argue that Gaza is different because of Hamas. But this argument collapses on inspection. Health data does not become invalid because a governing authority is politically objectionable. If it did, vast swathes of global health reporting would cease overnight. Journalists do not stop reporting hospital deaths in authoritarian states simply because they dislike the government in power. The deeper issue is not Hamas, or Iran, or Israel. It is Western discomfort with moral consistency. Acknowledging the scale of civilian death in Gaza forces uncomfortable questions about complicity, arms sales, diplomatic cover, and selective enforcement of international law. Qualifying the numbers allows those questions to be deferred indefinitely. According to becomes a way of saying, this matters less. This matters enormously in the current global climate. As Western governments lecture others on human rights while tolerating or enabling violations by allies, their credibility erodes. Figures like Donald Trump do not create this hypocrisy. They exploit it. When international norms are already bent, it becomes easy to snap them entirely. Journalism and human rights advocacy do not need to abandon scepticism. They need to apply it evenly. If numbers can be trusted in Tehran, they can be interrogated honestly in Gaza. If caveats are necessary in Gaza, they should be used consistently elsewhere. Anything less is not rigour. It is politics by other means. And audiences are not stupid. They notice which lives are footnoted and which are counted. In the long run, selective outrage does more damage to Western institutions than any hostile propaganda campaign ever could. It teaches the world that principles are conditional, empathy is negotiable, and truth is strategic. That is a lesson the world is already learning. And it is not learning it kindly. (TBTCO) - Chieu 2/2, tai tru so Bo Tai chinh, Bo truong Bo Tai chinh Nguyen Van Thang, Truong ban Ban chi ao Tong ieu tra kinh te nam 2026 trung uong a chu tri cuoc hop chuan bi cho Hoi nghi trien khai va ra soat, ieu chinh ke hoach Tong ieu tra kinh te nam 2026. As enlistment among Russian citizens declines, the Kremlin is increasingly recruiting men from low-income countries with promises of pay and fast-track citizenship. From Meduza. Russias enlistment numbers have begun to fall after four years of waging all-out war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlins recruitment drives abroad seem to be ramping up or at least attracting more attention. In early January, viral videos that appeared to show Russian officers mistreating African recruits prompted renewed warnings from Ukrainian officials that Vladimir Putins military views foreign fighters as disposable. However, promises of high salaries and fast-track citizenship continue to lure thousands of young men, particularly from low-income countries, into the Russian armys ranks and its grinding assault on Ukraine. A Huge Need for People In early January, videos that appeared to show Africans fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine went viral online. One showed an African fighter with a landmine strapped to his chest being ordered at gunpoint to storm Ukrainian positions. Speaking in Russian, the person filming explains that the soldier is being used as a can opener in other words, that hes expected to blow himself up. The soldier, who identifies himself as Francis, repeatedly says No. Another video showed a group of African soldiers singing and dancing in a snowy forest. Look how many disposables there are, the person filming says in Russian. Theyll be singing a different tune once theyre sent into the meat grinder, he adds. While the authenticity of the footage hasnt been verified, the videos have brought renewed attention to Russias global efforts to recruit fresh troops. With the full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaching its fifth year, official figures show that the number of Russians enlisting in the military has started to decline. Moreover, analysis from the independent outlet Mediazona, which tracks Russian military casualties, suggests that 2025 was the deadliest year of the war yet. Russia has a huge need for people to fight in this war, says Karen Philippa Larsen, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) who is studying the Russian militarys recruitment of foreign nationals. As Meduza reported previously, Russia has targeted migrant workers inside the country for army recruitment and cracked down on naturalized citizens for avoiding the draft. In May 2025, the head of Russias Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, reported that 20,000 newly naturalized Russian citizens had been sent to fight in Ukraine. But Russia has also sought fighters further afield, particularly young men from former Soviet countries and low-income nations in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. While the exact number of foreign soldiers on the Russian side remains unknown, the BBC Russian service estimates that at least 20,000 third-country nationals may have joined up. In a November post on X, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that 1,436 individuals from 36 African countries are fighting in the ranks of the Russian military. The number represents those identified, though the actual number could be higher, he added. Dmytro Usov, the secretary of Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, later reported that Kyiv has identified at least 18,000 foreign nationals who have fought for Russia, and is currently holding POWs from 37 countries. Money and Citizenship Much of what we know about Russias foreign fighters has been gleaned from interviews with those who surrendered to Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. As part of her own fieldwork, Larsen spoke with 19 third-country nationals held in prisoner-of-war camps in Ukraine in the spring of 2025. These POWs hailed from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Yemen, Togo, Morocco, Egypt, and Brazil. And contrary to how Kremlin propaganda tends to portray foreign recruits, Larsen found that they were anything but ideologically motivated to join Russias war against Ukraine. The biggest and most common motivation was money, and then citizenship, she says. Most of them describe an inability to sustain their daily lives back home and, in that sense, feel forced to migrate for work, Larsen explains. A Russian passport represents this gateway to work abroad, in Russia, and to secure future income. In addition to offering recruits hefty sign-on bonuses, Russia has passed a raft of legal changes designed to incentivize foreign nationals and stateless individuals to join its military. In January 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting Russian citizenship to foreigners who sign one-year army contracts during the special military operation and their immediate family members. Russian lawmakers are also set to consider a package of bills that would protect foreigners who serve in the military from deportation and extradition. That said, there is no shortage of media reports about foreign citizens who have been duped or coerced into joining the Russian army. On 7 January, the Ukrainian military released an interview with a captured fighter from Uganda, 43-year-old Richard Akantoran, who claimed to have been lured to Russia by the promise of good-paying jobs and then forced to enlist in the military at gunpoint. According to Larsen, most foreign fighters join up willingly, and only a minority are entirely unaware of the reality of their situation when signing a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry. At the same time, many either presume or are led to believe that theyll be working far behind the front line, she says. How Russia finds potential recruits abroad remains murky. The POWs Larsen interviewed said they had been recruited through word of mouth either by friends and family members or by agents associated with the Russian Embassy in their home country. These intermediaries are very important in both online and offline recruitment, Larsen says. A recent BBC investigation alleged that a Russian woman named Polina Azarnykh used Telegram to attract hundreds of recruits from countries in the Middle East, falsely promising young men non-combat roles. (Azarnykh rejected the allegations). Experts following the issue told the BBC that Azarnykh appears to be part of a web of informal recruiters for the Russian military. Russia is also stepping up its global recruitment efforts using the social network VK, according to the London-based research group OpenMinds. Based on an analysis of 19,000 military recruitment ads aimed at foreign nationals, OpenMinds found that while the majority targeted Russian speakers, specifically those from former Soviet Union countries, 38% mentioned countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. OpenMinds analysis also revealed the number of posts calling on foreigners to join the Russian army increased sevenfold between June and September 2025, accounting for a third of all recruitment ads on VK. Prisoners on the Front Line Although media reports sometimes refer to Russias foreign fighters as mercenaries, many third-country recruits are not professional soldiers. Most of them dont have military training, Larsen says, explaining that the POWs she interviewed received between 10 days and three months of basic training before being sent to the front. According to the researcher, many of her interview subjects said they trained alongside other foreign recruits, specifically in groups that spoke the same language. However, these troops werent kept together during their deployment. Instead, individual fighters were paired with a Russian soldier as their buddy and then struggled to communicate on the front line because they didnt speak a common language. From the interviews, it became clear that Russia doesnt really trust these people, Larsen says. Several POWs told Larsen that they had repeatedly tried to break their military contracts, both during training and after deployment, only to be met with violent threats. Some of them say that their commanders directly told them that they would be killed if they left, she recalls. They felt like they were prisoners on the front line. The POWs also spoke of weathering very hard battles, explaining that they were often sent out ahead of other Russian troops to probe or locate Ukrainian positions. Most of them said Ukrainian forces captured them within weeks of their arrival on the front line. According to Larsen, these tactics suggest a tendency within the military to treat foreign fighters as expendable much like the convicts recruited out of Russian prisons. I think there is a tendency to see the foreigners and prisoners who fight for Russia as disposable soldiers, in a sense, because they are most likely not very well trained, she explains. And I think the foreigners are especially vulnerable in this context because if and when a foreign soldier dies, theres no Russian family that receives a coffin. Mediazona and the BBC Russian Service have identified at least 554 foreign nationals killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine. But Kyivs headquarters for the Treatment of POWs says Ukrainian authorities have identified 3,388. Ukrainian officials also maintain that the Russian army uses foreign fighters as cannon fodder. Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called meat assaults, where they are quickly killed, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X in November. The Russian command understands that there will be no accountability for the killed foreigner, so they are treated as second-rate, expendable human material. After videos of African fighters began circulating online in early January, Ukraines ambassador to South Africa, Olexander Scherba, told The Telegraph that Russia is using Africans as meat for the meat grinder. However, as Larsen points out, a disregard for military casualties appears to be the rule rather than the exception. The Russian army also is not treating Russian soldiers very well, she says. All for All? Whether theyre still on the front line or being held by Ukraine, foreign fighters on the Russian side have struggled to return to their home countries. According to Larsen, third-country POWs in Ukraine find themselves in limbo, with officials in Kyiv maintaining that they can be released through prisoner swaps and Russia showing no interest in exchanging them. Theres a lot of insecurity about how they will actually be able to leave the prisoners of war camps, she says. Since November, South Africas government has been negotiating with both Moscow and Kyiv to return 17 South Africans who were allegedly tricked into fighting against Ukraine. The men allege that they were lured into the Russian military by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of South Africas ex-president, under the pretext of bodyguard training. Zuma-Sambudla claims she herself was deceived. Kenyan President William Ruto has also asked President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to facilitate the release of Kenyan nationals in Ukrainian custody. More than 200 Kenyans are believed to be fighting for Russia, including former members of the countrys security forces, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said in November. A spokesperson for Ukraines headquarters for the treatment of POWs, Petro Yatsenko, told The Kyiv Independent in December that Moscow has not requested to swap third-country captives because it doesnt need them. He also suggested that Kyiv may be open to repatriating foreign POWs if there is interest from their home countries. At the same time, Yatsenko said that although Ukraine is currently holding captured foreign fighters as prisoners of war in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention, Ukrainian courts may eventually seek to try them for mercenarism. In Larsens view, Russias apparent unwillingness to seek the return of its captured foreign fighters is yet another indication that these soldiers are viewed as disposable. She added that an all-for-all prisoner swap which Ukraine has advocated throughout the full-scale invasion could hypothetically bring about their release. However, this may only materialize as part of a peace agreement. There might be an all-for-all prisoner exchange at the end of the war, and they might be swapped under those conditions, Larsen says. But I simply dont know what will happen if Russia refuses to accept them. The 20-point peace plan drafted by the United States and Ukraine in late 2025 stipulates an all-for-all prisoner swap. But as of this writing, President Donald Trumps year-long push to negotiate an end to the war appears deadlocked. When Russias ready, Ukraines not. When Ukraines ready, Russias not, Trump said at a White House press briefing on 20 January. Meanwhile, Russias recruitment drive continues to draw in more foreign fighters. Kyivs Foreign Intelligence Service reported in late December that Ukraine had identified more than 150 recruits from 25 countries who joined the Russian military that month. Eilish Hart is the deputy editor of Meduza English, where this article originally appeared. Republished by permission. The River Rhine is one of the most historically and culturally important rivers in the world. Emerging in the mighty Alps in Switzerland, it flows north and west across a vast stretch of central Europe, crossing Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, before emptying into the North Sea. Known as Father Rhine, it has defined European trade, politics, and geography for millennia and occupies a place at the heart of European history. The Rhine marked the northern border of the Roman Empire and runs through some of the oldest and most important cities in Europe. This mighty watercourse captivates the imagination of almost everyone who explores its length, including European travel expert Rick Steves. He says, "There's a rhythm to the mighty river that merges with its environment: black slate cut from plains above, terraced vineyards zigzagging up hills, husks of ruined castles, and stoic spires of stone churches slicing vertically through townscapes." And while he loves the entirety of its 800-mile stretch, he is a particular fan of the 36-mile stretch from Mainz to Koblenz, which boasts picturesque castles and stunning landscapes, as well as some of the best hiking in Germany. Steves recommends the small, innocuous town of St. Goar as a wonderful base camp for exploring the delights of this epic corner of Germany. St. Goar is located on the banks of the River Rhine in western Germany, about half an hour's drive from Koblenz and an hour from Mainz. The nearest international airport is Frankfurt-Hahn around 45 minutes away, which is served by routes from across Europe. The larger Frankfurt Airport is about an hour away, with direct flights from across North America and around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth A crumbling castle and a charming old-world town Aerial view of Rheinfels Castle overlooking the River Rhine - Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images Rick Steves describes St. Goar as "a classic Rhine tourist town [with a] hulk of a castle [that] overlooks a half-timbered shopping street and leafy riverside park, busy with sightseeing ships and contented strollers." The town is dominated by two key features: the magnificent Rheinfels Castle and the remarkable Loreley, a unique geological feature that plays a huge role in German myth and legend. And while Steves describes the town as not "much more than a few hotels and restaurants," there's actually plenty to see here before you set off to explore the surrounding countryside. Rhenifels Castle is a great place to start, one of the most romantic ruins on the banks of the Rhine and a must-see castle on any visit to Germany. Built in the 13th century, it gave the Counts of Katzenelnbogen control over the region and allowed them to tax traffic along the river. It was one of the few castles that survived the Thirty Years' War and the War of the Palatine Succession and remained an imposing fortress until it was blown up by French revolutionary troops in 1797. The rest of the town offers several charming experiences. The German Dolls and Bears Museum is a quaint delight, particularly for families, with an amazing collection of dolls, soft toys, and puppets. It is worth checking out the largest free-hanging cuckoo clock in the world, which hangs outside a small souvenir shop in the old town, as well as the exquisite miniature railway, which takes tourists from the main market square all the way up to the ruins of Rheinfels Castle. Finally, St. Goar is an excellent place to start a boat tour of the Rhine River gorge. Hiking the Rhine River Gorge Rhine gorge from the viewpoint of Loreley - puntacristo/Shutterstock Hiking the Rhine River Gorge is one of the best things you can do in this part of the world and one of the best ways to take in the scenic beauty of Germany. From St. Goar, this starts with a scramble up the Loreley, just across the river. This 433-foot steep slate rock looms over the town and features in a number of German myths and legends due to its status as an infamous disaster site. Various shipwrecks and drownings are attributed to ethereal mermaids, seductive sirens, and mischievous dwarves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the Loreley, St. Goar sits on the wonderful RheinBurgenWeg, the Rhine Castle Trail, a fabulous hiking route that stretches 125 miles from Rolandsboden to Bingen. From St. Goar, the 4th stage of this epic through-route takes you just over five miles along the river to Oberwesel in around three hours. The route passes through picturesque vineyards, colorful rape fields, lush green forests, and along wide-open plateaus, offering excellent views of the Loreley Rock and Burg Katz, another spectacular Rheinish castle. 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. Russia has escalated tensions with Europe after a senior Kremlin-aligned politician claimed NATO nations are effectively defenceless against Moscow's Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, a statement that has reignited fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the West. Aleksey Zhuravlyov, a high-ranking Russian lawmaker and chairman of the Rodina party, has issued a chilling warning to NATO and the European Union, claiming that Western capitals now stand completely vulnerable to Moscow's new Oreshnik hypersonic missile system. The remarks, delivered via Telegram by hardline MP Zhuravlyov, follow a devastating missile strike on Ukraine's Lviv region on 9 January 2026, which occurred just 50 miles from the Polish border. While the Kremlin frames the weapon as an 'unstoppable' deterrent capable of striking with 'meteor-like' force, Western intelligence agencies suggest the move is a calculated act of psychological warfare designed to fracture the Atlantic alliance. No specific cities were named in his post, nor did he explicitly threaten the UK or any individual nation, yet the implication was unmistakable. As the conflict enters a 'decisive phase', the deployment of nuclear-capable technology near the EU border has reignited global fears of a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Oreshnik Missiles Controversy: Separating Fact from Kremlin Rhetoric The Berliner Zeitung's original reporting focused purely on the tactical deployment of hypersonic weapons during intensified Russian strikes across Ukraine. According to the German publication, Russia had deployed the Oreshnik system during heavy bombardments of Kyiv and western Ukrainian regions, marking the first significant use of the weapon system in months. What began as straightforward military reporting, however, became fodder for Zhuravlyov's broader narrative of Western vulnerabilitya claim the newspaper itself had never advanced. Zhuravlyov's track record makes the inflammatory nature of his comments unsurprising. The nationalist politician has repeatedly made aggressive statements about NATO and the West, consistently warning of direct military confrontation between Russia and Western powers. His rhetoric typically frames Moscow as technologically superior and the West as perpetually caught off guard. This latest message follows the same familiar pattern, yet the escalatory tone reflects just how strained the current geopolitical landscape has become. Why Oreshnik Missiles Matter The broader context makes Zhuravlyov's comments particularly significant. Tensions between Russia and NATO remain at their highest level since the Cold War ended decades ago, and the prolonged conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution. Each escalatory statement from Moscowwhether about new weapons systems or veiled threats against European citiesdeepens concerns about how this crisis might spiral into direct NATO-Russia confrontation. The stakes are genuine, even if the specific claims are exaggerated. Hypersonic weapons do represent a genuine technological challenge for Western air defences, and Russia has indeed developed these systems ahead of most NATO members. The concern, however, lies less in Russian technological superiority and more in the willingness of Kremlin-aligned figures to make increasingly provocative threats. When senior politicians publicly declare that European nations are defenceless, it signals either confidence in Russian capabilities or, more troublingly, a conscious effort to intimidate and demoralise the West at a critical moment in the Ukraine conflict. Sober assessments suggest the reality is far more complex than Zhuravlyov's inflammatory claims suggest. Yet his words reflect a dangerous escalation in rhetoric that suggests Moscow may be testing the boundaries of how far it can push the West verbally before miscalculation becomes reality. Europe Rallies Defence with 'Odin's Eye' and 5% GDP Targets In response to the growing hypersonic threat, European powers are rapidly accelerating their own interceptor programmes. France and Germany recently launched the 'Odin's Eye' initiative, a joint space-based early warning system designed to track hypersonic glide vehicles from orbit. Additionally, the Aegis Ashore missile defence base in Redzikowo, Poland, has been put on high alert to bolster the 'shield' across the eastern flank. As WW3 fears dominate headlines, the US has reportedly urged its allies to reach a 5% GDP defence spending target to counter the shifting technological landscape. Whether the Oreshnik is a 'superweapon' or a 'political tool', its presence in Belaruswhere launchers are reportedly being stationed at the Krichev-6 facilityhas ensured that the threat to European capitals remains a permanent fixture of 2026 geopolitics. Originally published on IBTimes UK The World Bank Group has officially opened its new, energy-efficient offices here, which will serve as the hub for its Caribbean operations. The building brings the Banks Caribbean team together in one physical space, which will strengthen the institutions presence and support in Jamaica and the wider region. Greenland tensions "strategic wake-up call" for Europe: Macron Xinhua) 09:10, January 29, 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron (C) greets Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (R) and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Jan. 28, 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that escalating tensions with the United States over Greenland constitute a strategic wake-up call for Europe as a whole, while reiterating France's solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. (Photo by Henri Szwarc/Xinhua) PARIS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that escalating tensions with the United States over Greenland constitute a strategic wake-up call for Europe as a whole, while reiterating France's solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. "Recent events confirm that the situation in Greenland is a strategic wake-up call for all of Europe: on asserting our European sovereignty, on our contribution to Arctic security, on combating foreign interference and disinformation, on the fight against climate change, and on a privileged partnership for sustainable development and reducing strategic dependencies," Macron said at a joint press conference with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland in Paris. Macron said France is deeply committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity with all its partners in the European Union, adding that France will continue to defend these principles in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for NATO to play a much more significant role in the region and in the High North, including in and around Greenland. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland, a move that has been repeatedly rejected by Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Jan. 28, 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that escalating tensions with the United States over Greenland constitute a strategic wake-up call for Europe as a whole, while reiterating France's solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. (Photo by Henri Szwarc/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to say that the Trump administration is ready to "use force" to ensure that Venezuela's interim regime cooperates with its intent to oversee the country's oil industry. He will make the remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noting that while it is the administration's "hope that this will not prove necessary," it will "never shy away from our duty to the American people and our mission in this Hemisphere." The hearing takes place as another report has raised doubts about whether Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, will cooperate with the Trump administration by cutting ties with adversaries such as Iran, China and Russia. Reuters noted that demands include expelling diplomats of said countries from Venezuela, but the regime has not taken steps to do so. Intelligence reports claimed it is not clear if she is fully on board. The report comes after Rodriguez called on the U.S. to stop interfering in its internal affairs. "Enough with the orders," she said during a public appearance during the weekend. The most recent developments stand in contrast with different reports noting that Rodriguez and other top regime officials agreed to cooperate with the Trump administration to remain in power. The Guardian reported last week that Rodriguez and her brother Jorge secretly pledged to work with the U.S. if Nicolas Maduro was removed. They added that his removal would be a welcome outcome. "She said, 'I'll work with whatever is the aftermath,'" a source detailed. Trump quickly announced that Delcy Rodriguez would be Venezuela's interim president after the operation. He has since said the administrations are "getting along very well" and that she is "giving us everything that we feel is necessary." Trump told The New York Post earlier in January that his administration expects to maintain direct oversight of the government in Caracas for an extended period, noting that it will last "much longer than a year." Trump also declined to set a specific timeline for the involvement, saying his government plans to extract and sell Venezuelan oil while providing funds back to the country. Originally published on Latin Times As a businessman and a father, I left the recent launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerces Success Leaves Clues series with a deep sense of appreciationnot only for the quality of the discussion, but for what the initiative represents. The inaugural fireside conversation, featuring Senator the Honourable Satyakama Kama Maharaj, Minister of Trade and Industry, reminded us that real business wisdom is not learned from theory alone. It comes from experiencefrom success, failure, resilience, and hard decisions made over decades. MINNEAPOLIS Many families with children who could be directly affected by Immigration Customs Enforcement operations have discussed the subject for weeks. Families who were not affected may not have talked about it, or know what to say. But all children have questions. Katie Lingras, a child psychologist at the University of Minnesota, encourages parents to broach the subject, even if it feels fraught. The natural response from many parents is, This is really scary. I want to protect my kids, and Im not going to talk about it, she said. But even very young kids can pick up on subtle cues that somethings different, and Lingras says giving them age-appropriate information can be more reassuring than avoiding the subject. Its all about how you talk about it and what you say, she said. Lingras and other experts share their tips for how to talk about immigration, ICE operations and killings with children from preschool to high school age. Your kids are likely overhearing conversations or noticing changes in behavior. If you avoid the subject, kids can fill the gap with misinformation and worst-case scenarios theyve conjured. Even if they dont have explicit knowledge, they can have just an implicit feeling if theres something wrong, Lingras said. Kids down to ages 2 or 3 can make up their own stories about whats going on if they arent given some sort of explanation. You can always keep talking, Lingras said, explaining that kids often digest information the way they eat apples: They take a bite, leave, come back, take another bite. If you started the conversation, that means youve opened the door to the conversation and created a pathway to go back and have continued conversation, she said. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Though the subject may make caregivers angry, sad or fearful, experts suggest trying to initiate conversation when you are calm and regulated. That way, you can help kids process the information in a way that grounds and reassures them instead of panicking them. Ask kids what they know already and what questions they have, as they may need to have misinformation corrected. Acknowledge that while the events are upsetting, you will support them as best as possible. Reassure your children, use age-appropriate language Psychologist David Walsh and his daughter Erin Walsh, co-founders of the Spark & Stitch Institute, suggest validating kids experience of a traumatic event by saying something like, It makes sense that you feel this way. This should never have happened, and it is awful. Lingras suggests reassuring kids by saying something like: Its OK to be scared, its OK to be angry and we are doing everything we can to keep you safe. Younger children can be given a basic explanation of immigration, that people move to the United States for a variety of reasons. Lingras suggests explaining that there are different processes and paperwork that need to happen when somebody moves to the U.S., and ICE officers enforce rules about who can stay in the country. For preschool-age children, focus on routines, comfort and reassurance and offer a more general message. St. Paul-based anti-bias educators at Amazeworks recommend something along the lines of: Some people arent being treated nicely because of where they were born. That isnt right. Give elementary-age children more specific information and context to help them understand why members of the community are reacting differently to ICE than other types of law-enforcement officers. Preteens and older children can understand more abstract concepts about race, justice, civil rights and policy. For example, you can explain that Renee Good was trying to observe what ICE agents were doing. Her confrontation with ICE officer Jonathan Ross escalated and he shot and killed her. Its OK to be direct in your language, Lingras said, without being graphic. Have a plan and make sure your family knows it Its important to have a family safety plan and to designate a trusted guardian for your children, should you be deported. Lingras and other University of Minnesota child mental health professionals put together a pamphlet and webinar to help families directly affected by ICE operations to support their children. Even if your child is very young, tell them who will take care of them if you have to go away, what their days might look like at that persons house and how you will be able to stay connected from afar, they advise. Lingras says that preparing for a scary situation, as kids do with school fire drills, can provide reassurance. Talk to your kids about trusted adults they can go to for help and how to contact them. Younger kids can learn basic safety skills such as not to open the door without an adult present, while older kids can learn their legal rights and what to do should they be stopped. Reinforce the idea of resilience by focusing on the ways people are helping and the actions you can take. Talk about the human and community side of how people are resisting," Lingras said, "how people are supporting each other, how people are engaging in their communities." Killing in Minnesota intensifies protests Your Apple Watch can be the key to preventing strokes in the future. Recent research from Amsterdam University Medical Center and St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London highlights the growing role of wearable devices like the Apple Watch in detecting atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a heart rhythm disorder that significantly raises the risk of stroke. Unlike traditional monitoring, wearables provide continuous heart tracking, allowing early identification of irregular heartbeats even before symptoms appear. Amsterdam Study Reveals Smartwatch Advantage The Amsterdam trial included 437 participants aged 65 and older with elevated stroke risk. Half of the participants wore an Apple Watch for 12 hours a day over six months, while the rest received standard care. The results were striking: the smartwatch group detected heart arrhythmias four times more frequently than standard methods. Using photoplethysmography (PPG) and built-in single-lead ECG sensors, the Apple Watch offered real-time heart monitoring. 21 participants using the smartwatch were diagnosed and treated for A-fib, 57% of whom had no symptoms, compared to only five cases in the standard care groupall symptomatic. London Study Supports Post-Treatment Monitoring At St. Bartholomew's Hospital, researchers confirmed that wearable devices are also effective for post-treatment monitoring, such as after catheter ablation. Patients used the Apple Watch to record clinical-grade ECGs at home, helping doctors catch A-fib symptoms early. According to CNET, the approach reduced hospital visits and eased patient anxiety, demonstrating wearables' value beyond initial detection. Per Michiel Winter, a cardiologist from Amsterdam UMC, "using smartwatches with PPG and ECG functions aids doctors in diagnosing individuals unaware of their arrhythmia, thereby expediting the diagnostic process." Nowadays, wearables are not only worn for fashion. Beyond checking time and other advanced features, its prized health features are really what matter the most. Originally published on Tech Times PHOENIX Arizona lawmakers advanced three abortion restrictions Wednesday, including one that declares it is the intent of the legislature that women who get a "partial-birth abortion'' should be subject to the same criminal penalties as the healthcare providers who carry it out. HB 2074, given preliminary approval on a voice vote, is designed to expand on existing laws which make it a crime to perform the procedure. It is defined in Arizona law as what happens when a fetus is partially outside the body and is "deliberately and intentionally killed.'' Rep. Lisa Fink said HB 2074 inserts a requirement for anyone who works at a facility where a procedure is performed has an obligation to contact prosecutors. Those who fail to do so could be subject to a year in state prison. What that does, Fink said, is ensure the state "can verify compliance with existing law.'' The Glendale Republican said this is no different than other statutes that require some people to report other medical events like surgical complications and certain infectious diseases. But House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos pointed out there's something else in the measure: a "legislative intent'' clause. "The Legislature rejects the notion that a woman should be exempt from all civil or criminal liability in a partial-birth abortion,'' the bill reads. Fink's language also says that while there should be compassion to women "in crisis,'' there needs to be a legal framework to recognize that a partially delivered child is deliberately killed. "Allowing such acts without accountability devalues the life of the unborn child and undermines the very foundation of equal protection under the law,'' it reads. That alarmed De Los Santos. "That means that this Republican legislature believes that women should be civilly and criminally punished for seeking life-saving health care,'' the Laveen Democrat said. "That is wrong.'' Strictly speaking, the language in that "intent clause'' does not enact new penalties. That can be done only with a measure that amends existing statute law. But De Los Santos said that doesn't make it meaningless. "It telegraphs exactly what this bill is about: criminalizing women for getting abortions,'' he said. Just having that language adopted can have an effect, he said. "Courts routinely look to intent language when interpreting statutes, which is why Republicans put it in there in the first place,'' De Los Santos said. The measure needs a roll-call vote before going to the Senate. Fink's bill was just one of three abortion-related measures that advanced Wednesday in the House. Rep. Rachel Keshel separately got the House Government Committee to vote along party lines, with the Republicans in the majority, to make it illegal for any employee of a university or community college to tell students they have the legal option to terminate a pregnancy. And her HB 2186 is broad enough so it even covers the health care professionals in a student health center. State law already bars public facilities, including university-run hospitals, from performing abortions. What the Tucson Republican said she wants to do is preclude anyone at the schools, while in their official position, from even discussing that there is a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. The key, she told colleagues, is that these schools are taxpayer funded. "Those taxpayer dollars should not be used to directly or indirectly promote or assist an intentional ending of a preborn life,'' Keshel said. But Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton said such a restriction will have a "chilling effect'' on what advice students who seek out care at a university health care center can get. And that, said the Tucson Democrat, could lead to students not getting information about how to protect against pregnancy in the first place. "Once we start down this road and we eliminate any kind of choice, we are not empowering our young people to step through adolescence into adulthood with the tools that are going to keep them healthy and safe and make the choices that are right for them,'' she said. Keshel separately also convinced the House Judiciary Committee to make it a Class 4 felony for doctors to arrange to ship mifepristone, an abortion-inducing drug, to their patients. That carries a presumptive term of 2.5 years in state prison. And as approved by the panel, even anyone who orders or requests the drug including a pregnant woman who has a prescription from a doctor and got the drug mailed to her would be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, an offense that could land someone in county jail for six months. Shipping the drug already is illegal under state law, but only with civil penalties. Jill Norgaard, who represents Arizona Right to Life, said the law needs more teeth. "Mail-in abortion drugs circumvent our current medical processes and sidestep responsible oversight,'' Norgaard said. This goes beyond what a doctor might prescribe, she said. "Pills sent by mail with no prescription required can be ordered by children and traffickers and abusive partners who can give these to pregnant mothers unknowingly,'' Norgaard said. But what she did not mention is that what's in HB 2364 goes beyond people ordering prescription drugs for themselves or for others under nefarious circumstances. Jodi Liggett, lobbyist for Reproductive Freedom for All, noted that Keshel's proposal comes as a judge in Arizona is weighing whether Proposition 139 voids some existing laws including ones that now block doctors from using telemedicine to prescribe abortion drugs to their patients who may not live in cities with abortion clinics as well as statutes that bar those patients from getting the drugs delivered to them. The initiative, approved by voters in 2024 by a 3-2 margin, creates a "fundamental right to abortion'' prior to fetal viability. That generally is considered between 22 and 24 weeks. And it definitely covers the first 11 weeks of pregnancy in which mifepristone, which induces an abortion, is generally prescribed and considered effective. The lawsuit pending in Maricopa County Superior Court alleges Proposition 139 specifically overrides the laws banning doctors from providing medical abortion through telemedicine. The reason, challengers contend, is that restriction requires patients to travel to a clinic to undergo an in-person physical exam. And a 24-hour waiting period means two visits all of which they contend interferes with that fundamental right to terminate a pregnancy. "Telemedicine is a safe, cost-effective, and common way to deliver medical care,'' according to the attorneys for the challengers, including two abortion providers and the Arizona Medical Association, who are asking Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Greg Como to invalidate the ban. "Telemedicine patients have comparable clinical outcomes to those who receive face-to-face care, with equivalent success rates and a low prevalence of adverse effects.'' And tied to that, the lawsuit says, is the ban on the delivery of the abortion-inducing drug to the patient. "Due to this mailing ban, even if a patient seeking medication abortion could meet virtually with their provider for a telehealth consultation, they would still have to make an unnecessary trip to pick up their abortion medication in person,'' the challengers argue. PHOENIX Gov. Katie Hobbs calls the comments by Attorney General Kris Mayes about possible dangers from confrontations between citizens and law enforcement officers "inappropriate.'' "She should retract them,'' the governor said of her fellow Democratic elected official. "It is the responsibility of every elected official to turn down the temperature and do everything we can to be very careful with our language about ramping up the potential for violence,'' Hobbs said. "We are seeing across the county people's fear increasing and the potential for violence.'' She was reacting to Mayes' comments that the Trump administration has allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to act in ways that could lead to dangerous encounters. Hours later, the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate voted along party lines for a resolution calling for Mayes to resign "because she has lost the trust of law enforcement officers." "She is not resigning,'' responded Mayes' press aide, Richie Taylor. The Senate Republicans' resolution also says the attorney general should "retract her dangerous rhetoric concerning the use of deadly force against federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.'' The resolution has no legal teeth. All this is the outgrowth of remarks Mayes made last week about the actions of ICE officers in other states and the confrontations that have followed. "When armed, masked agents force their way into the homes of U.S. citizens without warrants, the risk of dangerous and volatile situations rises dramatically,'' Mayes told Capitol Media Services. "The Trump administration must start acting within the bounds of the Constitution so we can ensure public safety in Arizona and across the country.'' What caused a firestorm of criticism was that Mayes pointed out Arizona is a "stand- your-ground'' state. "That says that if you reasonably believe that your life is in danger and you're in your house or your car or on your property that you can defend yourself with lethal force,'' she told Brahm Resnik of KTVK-TV. Mayes also noted that Arizona law allows any adult to carry a concealed weapon. "We're a gun culture in this state,'' she said. "It's kind of a recipe for disaster because you have these masked federal officers with very little identification, sometimes no identification, wearing plain clothes and masks." She said that's why it's important for police to have uniforms and be easily identified. Hobbs, however, said none of that justifies the attorney general making the comments she did. Law enforcement officers "have a really, really hard and dangerous job," Hobbs said. "And we have to do everything we can to make sure that that job is as safe as possible." The governor's comments drew a quick response from Mayes' press aide, Taylor. He said that Mayes, in subsequent interviews and a video message she put out Sunday, has "repeatedly clarified her comments.'' "She obviously does not believe it's legal to shoot a peace officer,'' he said. Mayes has not rescinded her original comments. Taylor also said Hobbs is focusing on the wrong issue. "The actions of Donald Trump's federal agents are endangering public safety and putting local and state law enforcement and the public in danger,'' he said. "And that is what should concern the governor.'' Meanwhile, the resolution approved by the Senate on a 17-13 party-line vote said of Mayes: "Her continuance as attorney general will offer support to those using her misstatements as a defense when charged with using deadly force against law enforcement officers." Senate President Warren Petersen, a Gilbert Republican who is seeking to unseat Mayes in November's election, seized on her comments to boost his own candidacy. He said in a statement released by his campaign that Mayes' comments were "reckless, dangerous, and disqualifying.'' Democrats, in turn, repeatedly said Petersen was using the resolution as a campaign publicity stunt. "We are essentially paying right now, the taxpayers of Arizona are paying for, a publicity stunt for a member of this body's campaign,'' said Phoenix Democratic Sen. Analise Ortiz. "We need to remember how shameful that is.'' She directly asked Petersen if he was playing partisan politics. "No, I'm not,'' he said. "It would not be appropriate. I'm not. I never have. I never will.'' Petersen noted he's currently running in the GOP primary where he faces two other contenders who also hope to be the party's nominee for attorney general. "I'm currently not running against Kris Mayes, but with God's will, in the general election I will be running against her,'' he said. Democrats and Republicans spent more than 90 minutes explaining why they were backing or opposing the resolution. Fountain Hills Republican Sen. John Kavanagh, a retired Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer, said he was the one who brought the resolution, not Petersen. He said he was compelled to defend law enforcement. He also said he has arrested people while in plain clothes and served no-knock warrants on drug dens. "And nobody had a right to shoot me,'' Kavanagh said. "And I felt the need, the need to try to take this corrective action with respect to the attorney general, out of respect for all law enforcement today.'' Other Republicans also slammed Mayes and Democratic senators who defended her, saying ICE agents were doing their jobs and being attacked. "Congress established this law. This is not lawlessness,'' said Sen. Mark Finchem, R-Prescott. "This is a law enforcement agency with the federal government engaged in enforcing federal law,'' he said. "So to use twisted logic to somehow say this is lawlessness is simply incomprehensible.'' Democrats said Republicans were twisting and misquoting Mayes' words for partisan ends. "She was expressing concern for law enforcement and officers being in placed in such situations,'' said Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson. "She was expressing concern for residents of Arizona who might find themselves in a situation where a masked person at the door, unidentifiable as federal or other law enforcement, could create a very dangerous situation.'' But Hobbs, in own comments, brushed aside the attorney general's claim that all she was trying to do was prevent danger from confrontations between masked ICE officers and Arizonans. "If she's had to do as much explaining as she has it didn't hit the mark,'' the governor said. Queen Creek Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman said he wasn't buying the attorney general's claim her comments were designed to prevent violence. "This is quite literally a battle between sanity and insane, and we're going to stand on the side of sanity, and we're going to stand on the side of law and order,'' Hoffman said. "What truly should be happening is she should be impeached, convicted, investigated and prosecuted by the federal government for inciting violence and murder against federal law enforcement.'' Joe Clure, the executive director of the Arizona Police Association, has said of Mayes' comments, "Frankly, we view it as a very loud dog whistle that it's OK to assault police offices, shoot police officers. She can try to wordsmith that and defend that how she may see fit. That is clearly how the guys on the street took it.'' There were similar statements from the Arizona Sheriff's Association and the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police who said that Mayes, by mentioning the state's stand-your-ground law, could put officers at risk. Hobbs brushed aside the fact that her statements put her in at least partial opposition to all the Senate Democrats who were opposed to the resolution. "I don't disagree with members,'' the governor responded, while saying she stands by her remarks. "I think that she should retract her comments,'' she said. "I think that they created more confusion and the potential for escalation than the opposite of that which is what we should be doing. And I think she should retract them." Petersen told Capitol Media Services he is not asking for the Arizona House, which would have to start any impeachment process, to take that step. 10 makes surprise U-Turn and drops The Amazing Race Australia Despite a renewal announcement, and even casting underway, 10 has pulled the pin on Amazing Race for 2026. In a surprise move, Network 10 has today confirmed The Amazing Race Australia will not screen in 2026 after all. A 10 spokesperson said, Weve been working on another brilliant new season of The Amazing Race Australia, but due to several factors including travel logistics, it will not be part of our 2026 program schedule. The news is unexpected given its return was announced at its recent Upfront. Tamara Simoneau, Vice President, Content, Paramount Australia, had also told TV Tonight casting was well underway for the show to screen in Q4 this year. Thats what were working towards at the moment, she said. But behind the scenes, a detour hit the shows own production route. TV Tonight understands the decision to yank it from 2026 was only finalised late yesterday. It will leave 10 with a major tentpole slot to fill given last year saw 15 episodes. While 10 rests the show it has not ruled out a return in the future. Beau Ryan also remains part of the network family, but at this stage is without another hosting role. Breakers filming in WA for Netflix First Netflix drama to shoot in WA is set around a surfing community led by a charismatic but mysterious figure. Netflix has announced its first series to shoot in Western Australia, surf drama Breakers.* Starring Antony Starr (The Boys, Banshee, The Covenant, G20) the drama, from writer Pete Jackson (The Death of Bunny Munro, Somewhere Boy), follows two backpackers who are sucked into what seems to be a perfect surfing community led by a charismatic but mysterious figure. The series is produced by BBC Studios Clerkenwell Films (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World) in partnership with BBC Studios Australia. Production has commenced in Western Australia supported by Screenwest and the WA Government through the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. Casting for extras is currently underway. It will wrap in June. Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CE, said, Screenwest is delighted to welcome Netflix to Western Australia for the first time. Breakers provides a fantastic opportunity for Western Australian Heads of Department, crew and cast to work on a prestige series and continue developing their careers right here in our South West. We look forward to seeing the series brought to life over the coming months. Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said, Attracting a production of this scale to Western Australia is a very exciting opportunity for the local screen industry. As the biggest series to be filmed in Western Australia, the project is estimated to inject more than $19 million into the WA economy and directly employ more than 100 Western Australians. Production kicking off for a project of this scale on the back of Perth Film Studios reaching completion last week shows our screen industry is going from strength to strength. This is all part of the Cook Governments vision of growing WAs film industry to help diversify the economy, create local jobs and unlock new opportunities for talent and innovation in Western Australia. Breakers will be directed by Mary Nighy (Say Nothing, Industry) and Ng Choon Ping (What It Feels Like for a Girl, Femme), and executive produced by Gavin OGrady (Somewhere Boy, This Way Up), Petra Fried (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World), Wim De Greef (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World), and Pete Jackson. Executive Producers: Gavin OGrady (Somewhere Boy, This Way Up), Petra Fried (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World), Wim De Greef (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F***ing World), Pete Jackson (The Death of Bunny Munro, Somewhere Boy) * not to be confused with a short-lived Bondi soap on 10 in 1998. Friday Flashback: Dance Academy Before there was Heated Rivalry, there was Dance Academy... Before there was Heated Rivalry, there was Dance Academy... ABCs Aussie teen drama in which 16 year old Sammy Tom Green) admitted to having a crush on his roommate Christian (Jordan Rodrigues). In 2010 a same sex kiss screened to a teen audience in a G classification without any of the outrage that had surrounded another in Home & Away a year earlier. Producer, Joanna Werner told TV Tonight, In one of the episodes Sammy kisses his ex-girlfriend Abigail and imagines hes kissing Christian instead. Even in terms of retaining our G Classification we treated a same sex kiss no differently than we treated a straight kiss. We have been really delighted with the response to these storylines from our audience, with fans debating who Sammy would have a better relationship with as opposed to focusing solely on whether or not he is gay. Before the series concluded he found chemistry with another classmate, Ollie (Keiynan Lonsdale). Dance Academy, cast and creatives will reunite as part of the AACTA Festival on February 8. A major city airport has issued an update after Aer Lingus announced plans to fully cease its transatlantic operations by the end of March. On Wednesday the airline said it would withdraw its routes from Manchester to New York, Orlando and Barbados. Aer Lingus announced that its Manchester to New York route would cease from February 23, while the long-haul routes will cease completely by March 31, MEN reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said that it plans to operate a service from Dublin to Barbados (subject to receipt of necessary approvals) during the months of April and May to reaccommodate affected customers. The airline stated that its Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional flights between Manchester and Ireland will not be impacted. Customers affected by the announcement will be contacted directly with reaccommodation and refund options. Aer Lingus added: Aer Lingus will continue to engage with staff representative groups to discuss the phased reduction in operations, redeployment opportunities and the terms of a severance package at the Manchester Base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aer Lingus acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and will seek to ensure that colleagues are kept informed and supported as discussions evolve during the next phase of the consultation. Manchester Airport has reassured passengers that the routes to New York, Orlando and Barbados are already served by other airlines. Responding to the news, a Manchester Airport spokesperson said: Aer Lingus has taken the decision to stop offering long haul flights from its Manchester base but it is important to be clear it will retain a significant presence here in Manchester thanks to its short-haul network. All Aer Linguss long-haul routes from Manchester New York, Orlando and Barbados are also served by other airlines operating here so it doesnt affect our overall connectivity meaning Northern passengers still have the full benefit of the greatest international route network of any UK airport outside London. The official confirmation of the end of Aer Lingus transatlantic routes from Manchester Airport comes after weeks of growing uncertainty. In November the M.E.N reported that the company was moving to close its operating base at Manchester Airport, affecting around 200 jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the firm said that its Manchester long-haul operating margin performance 'continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus's Irish long-haul operating margin' and that they were assessing the base's 'long-term viability.' They said they were entering a consultation period with affected staff. On January 8 the airline said that it would no longer be offering tickets for transatlantic flights from Manchester from March 31 this year, in order to 'minimise customer disruption in the event of a closure of the Manchester base.' A man travelled more than 14,000 miles for a day trip to share a final pint with his dying friend. Peter Gould, 82, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December and when his friend of over 40 years, Bob Walker, heard the news, he jumped on a plane. Bob travelled over 7,000 miles from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Peter's hometown in Arbroath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair, who met while aircraft engineers in Papua New Guinea, shared cans of their favourite beer and reminisced about old times - before Bob made the long journey back home the following day. Peter said: "I'm very grateful for what Bob did - he didn't have to do it." Bob said: "I knew I was coming home to see him as soon as I heard the news. -Credit:Amanda Gould / SWNS "There's not many opportunities where you can actually say goodbye to people, so I really wanted to do the journey. "He's been with me for 40 years through the same career in aviation." Bob, now 67, and Peter met in 1986, becoming fast friends. After several years in Malaysia, they parted ways while travelling the world in various jobs - but remained in contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1996, they reunited, both taking jobs at Manchester Airport, where their families also became close. Peter said: "We started off in Papua New Guinea. "We worked there for two or three years around New Guinea. "After that, Bob joined Airbus and I joined Malaysian Airlines, and we went our separate ways until we went round the globe a bit - and then Manchester Airport." -Credit:Amanda Gould / SWNS Bob added: "I ended up in Manchester where he was working as well. "My daughter was born in Manchester, and my wife was a long way from her family. "Pete and his wife Marie really helped out and supported us very much, so they became very good friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After that, I shot off elsewhere - but Pete's been very good at keeping in contact. He was always calling on a regular basis and chatting. "He's always been an anchor - somebody who's always there." Before his trip, Bob even managed to find a pack of the pair's favourite beers, which they used to drink together in Papua New Guinea. "This particular brew is very, very popular there - at our parties and celebrations and get-togethers, we drank an awful lot of South Pacific Lager. "I contacted someone who very kindly said he had a six-pack left. "I wrote him an email with the reason why, and he said that's a great story, and donated the beers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The lager took us right back to 40 years ago when I went down there to work." Peter's daughter Amanda described her surprise at Bob's heartwarming gesture. She said: "He said he was coming over, but I didn't actually believe someone would do that! "I was trying not to get Dad's hopes up, because Bob had Visa stuff to sort out. "It's such a long way - but he did. "It was lovely seeing my Dad sat there talking with his old mucker - they've got so many years of history. "He's got friends all over the world who have all been reaching out and having video calls - but what an incredible friend he is to have made a 15,000 mile round trip to come and see him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bob says the journey was more than worth it for his old pal, adding: "He was there for us when we really needed him in Manchester. "He's great company - a straight shooter. His friendship is very important." The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva continues to mobilize disaster relief assistance to rebuild Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah Sri Lankans living in Switzerland joined with the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to provide essential supplies following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. A consignment of disaster relief items including high pressure cleaners, kitchen utensil sets, sanitary items, cleaning items, baby care products, school bags, clothes etc. was air-lifted with the support extended by AERO Logistics in Zurich for immediate transport to the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo, on 11 January 2026. The Mission continues to reach out to communities and facilitate the transfer of financial donations to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka fund. To date, CHF 32,228.99 has been transferred to the Fund through the Mission. Individual donors as well as members of various community organizations including the Sri Lankan Association of Geneva (SLAG), Direct Help Water, Les Soeurs De Vevey joined with generous contributions. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) initially launched an appeal for CHF 5 million to support the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) in responding to catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The revised appeal has been tripled to CHF 14 million to provide life-saving assistance and long-term resilience building for nearly 600,000 of the most vulnerable individuals. The Mission further welcomes the contribution of US$4.5 million by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) through the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office in Colombo and the contribution of US$ 175 000 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as emergency funds to support essential health services through WHO Sri Lanka. The Mission is working closely with the UN and other International Organizations on possible technical assistance to improve the disaster preparedness capacity of Sri Lanka in the long term. The Permanent Representative met with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Kamal Kishore regarding technical assistance and enhanced forecasting to mitigate risks. The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) and United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) office in Bangkok, are coordinating on capacity building on landslide risk assessment, remote sensing, and drone and satellite imagery analysis. The Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva expresses its deep appreciation to Sri Lankans, other nationals, and community groups in Switzerland for their generous and continued support. The Mission also thanks the United Nations and other international agencies for their emergency financial contributions and technical assistance to rebuild the country and strengthen its disaster preparedness capacities. The Permanent Mission and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka Geneva, Switzerland 29 January 2026 Le Thi Bich Phuong and the refrigerated container used to store infected pork. Photo: H.N On January 28, the Dong Nai provincial police issued an arrest warrant and detained Le Thi Bich Phuong (born 1983, residing in Thong Nhat, Dong Nai) for violating food safety regulations. Based on surveillance and investigative operations, authorities discovered signs of serious food safety violations at Phuongs facility. Initial findings revealed that throughout 2024, Phuong had purchased about 12 tons of pigs that had died from African swine fever in the former districts of Dinh Quan and Thong Nhat. She paid prices ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 VND (approximately $0.40 to $1) per kilogram. Police issue an arrest warrant and detention order for Le Thi Bich Phuong. Photo: H.N After bringing the pigs home, she butchered and sorted the meat into portions like pork belly and lean cuts. These were then sold at prices between 70,000 and 85,000 VND ($2.80 to $3.40) per kilogram to customers in Dong Nai and Ba RiaVung Tau for profit. Due to the large quantity of diseased pork, Phuong purchased industrial freezers, ice boxes, and cold storage containers to preserve the meat before distribution - until police uncovered and shut down the operation. All pork samples submitted for testing came back positive for African swine fever virus. Forensic analysis by the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment confirmed that the samples contained pathogens listed among notifiable terrestrial animal diseases. Hoang Anh Part 2: Bac Ninh Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Hong Thai, together with provincial leaders and representatives of departments and agencies, inspected the progress of infrastructure development at the Chau Minh - Bac Ly - Huong Lam industrial park project in Xuan Cam commune. 3 key breakthroughs To realize the goal of becoming a centrally-run city, what breakthroughs does Bac Ninh need in to make terms of mechanisms, policies, planning, infrastructure, and development governance? Among these, which area is identified as the priority to lead the way and create a spillover effect for the entire development process? Bac Ninh clearly identifies three key breakthroughs of decisive importance to its goal of becoming a centrally governed city. First is the breakthrough in institutional regime and development governance capacity. The province focuses on completing mechanisms and policies; promoting decentralization and delegation of authority in tandem with stronger inspection and supervision; enhancing administrative discipline and order; building a digital government and a service-oriented government, with the satisfaction of people and businesses as the measure of effectiveness. Second is a breakthrough in human resources. Bac Ninh considers this the most long-term and sustainable breakthrough. The province focuses on building a contingent of officials with sufficient integrity, competence and credibility, who dare to think, dare to act and dare to take responsibility; while also prioritizing training and attracting high-quality human resources, especially in high technology, digital transformation, logistics, healthcare, education and modern urban management. Third is the breakthrough in synchronized and modern infrastructure. The province prioritizes developing inter-regional transport connectivity, industrial park infrastructure, urban infrastructure and digital infrastructure; expanding development space and strengthening linkages with the capital Hanoi and other localities in the capital region. Among these breakthroughs, Bac Ninh Province identifies planning and infrastructure as the areas that must take the lead. Planning must be closely linked with regional and national planning with a long-term vision; infrastructure must create a "runway" for development, reduce logistics costs, and improve production and business efficiency. At the same time, institutions and enforcement discipline are the decisive factors to turn planning and infrastructure into actual development capacity. Developing a modern urban area without sacrificing the environment, culture, and quality of life is a consistent requirement. How do you assess the role of people and the Kinh Bac cultural identity in creating a sustainable foundation and long-term competitive advantage for Bac Ninh? Bac Ninh Province identifies people as the center, the subject, and the goal of all development strategies. Economic growth must aim to improve the quality of life, ensure a safe environment, civilized urban areas, sustainable social security, and fair opportunities for happiness for all citizens. Kinh Bac cultural identity is the core value, the spiritual foundation, and the soft competitive advantage of Bac Ninh. The province views preserving and promoting cultural values not only as a heritage preservation task but also as a way to create intrinsic resources for development. When culture is connected with modern thinking, technology, and the creative economy, Bac Ninh can develop cultural tourism, cultural industry, creative services, and high-quality education and training. At the same time, environmental protection is identified as a mandatory requirement. The province strictly manages natural resources and land; controls pollution in industrial zones and craft villages; promotes a green economy and circular economy; and raises environmental standards to attract investment. Urban development must go hand in hand with preserving identity, protecting the environment and improving quality of life, so that Bac Ninh truly becomes a place worth living in, worth investing in and worth long-term attachment. From the forum of the 14th National Party Congress, what message do you wish to send to the people of the province, the business community, and investors regarding the determination, action, and aspiration to build a Bac Ninh that is fast-growing, sustainable, and worthy of a centrally-run city? The message that Bac Ninh wants to send is: develop fast but sustainably, modern but without losing identity; economic growth must be closely linked with improving the quality of life. This is not just a development choice, but the path Bac Ninh steadfastly pursues in the coming period. To the people of the province: The core message is that all development guidelines and policies are designed for the sake of people, by the people, and centered on the people. To the business community and investors: Bac Ninh Province wishes to continue being a reliable destination, a convergence of cooperation, innovation, and long-term development. The province remains steadfast in selective investment attraction, prioritizing high technology, environmental friendliness, and efficiency. To the entire political system: The consistent message is the spirit of responsibility, discipline, and action. Every development goal must be concretized by practical work and tangible improvements in social life. Thanh Hue The song Bac Bling by Hoa Minzy highlights the cultural beauty of Kinh Bac to the world, contributing to tourism growth in Bac Ninh. When Vietnams identity is rooted in creativity, humanity, and modernity, opportunities for international collaboration will emerge naturally. Thats why cultural diplomacy should not trail behind economic efforts - it must go ahead and pave the way. What we urgently need is a shared compass. To guide Vietnams creative industries, that compass could be summed up in four values: identity, creativity, modernity, and trust. We must preserve our identity without isolation. Encourage originality without imitation. Embrace modern methods without losing depth. Build trust through commitments and consistent quality. With this shared compass, every film, festival, design, or performance becomes a piece of a larger national mosaic - no longer isolated efforts, but interconnected elements of a coherent story. Not someone elses responsibility The creative economy is a new engine for growth, a foundation of soft power, and a vital bridge in foreign affairs. But it is not just the responsibility of the state or the arts community. Businesses participate through investment and governance. Artists contribute through their imagination. Schools engage by nurturing aesthetic sensibility and fresh thinking. The media tells Vietnams story in ways that captivate. Citizens contribute through modern, confident lifestyles. Each of us, in our own way, can become an ambassador of Vietnamese culture. While national resolutions provide direction, it is our shared national aspiration that truly drives momentum. This is a vision of Vietnam not only known for its wartime past but also for its creativity and values in the present and future. A Vietnam that does not merely export goods - but exports stories, symbols, and soul. A Vietnam that, when mentioned, evokes rich culture, humane people, and a spirit of innovation. In the end, developing cultural industries and pursuing cultural diplomacy is not just about making money from culture. It is about how Vietnam tells its story to the world - a story deep enough to be respected, vibrant enough to be loved, and strong enough to stand the test of time. Tran Si Chuong Travelers arriving at Da Nang International Airport amid heightened Nipah virus surveillance. On January 28, the Da Nang Department of Health issued a directive calling for proactive efforts to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus following reports of confirmed cases in India. Health officials emphasized the need to strengthen epidemic prevention protocols at border checkpoints, medical facilities, government offices, and within communities. A particular focus is being placed on travelers entering Vietnam from affected regions. Authorities are implementing strict monitoring at entry points to detect suspected cases early and take immediate action at border control. Healthcare workers are required to adhere strictly to personal protection measures, especially when interacting with suspected or confirmed cases. Hospitals across the city have been instructed to intensify infection control protocols. Da Nangs Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been designated as the lead agency for updating international and domestic outbreak information. The CDC is also tasked with developing communication strategies and detailed contingency plans in case of an outbreak at local border gates. The health department further emphasized the importance of closely monitoring individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue - particularly travelers arriving from India through major hubs like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or those transiting via third countries. At hospitals, the directive requires medical staff to enhance screening and identify possible Nipah cases from the moment patients arrive, with a focus on thorough epidemiological assessments. Dr. Nguyen Dai Vinh, Director of Da Nangs CDC, noted that the city is a major tourism destination with high passenger volumes. During the busy Lunar New Year travel season, particular attention is being paid to air travel surveillance. As part of a nationwide effort, Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi have also stepped up health screening procedures for travelers from Nipah-affected areas to safeguard public health. Ho Giap Standing deep inside the underground tunnel where workers and heavy machinery are actively building the metro line, Costa expressed his delight at witnessing firsthand the results of collaboration between Vietnam and its European partners. "Last year, the EU and Vietnam celebrated 35 years of partnership. Today, we've officially elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he said. "This must go beyond a name or a title - it must be reflected in concrete actions by the EU here in Vietnam." Costa emphasized that joint efforts involving EU member states and Vietnam are already delivering tangible benefits for Hanois residents. He pointed to the metro line as a practical step toward more convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation. "Thousands of people will use this system every day and directly experience the real impact of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the EU," he noted. A shared vision for sustainable urban mobility Metro line 3 spans 12.5 kilometers, including eight elevated stations and four underground stations. The elevated section (Nhon Cau Giay) is 8.5 kilometers long, while the underground segment (Cau Giay Hanoi Station) stretches 4 kilometers. As one of Hanois key infrastructure projects, the metro is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve public transport, and enhance urban environmental quality. It also stands as a symbol of international cooperation in sustainable urban mobility and supports Vietnams commitment to a green transition. The project has received significant financial support from France, including more than 500 million euros in concessional loans from the French Treasury and the French Development Agency. Additional funding has come from the Asian Development Bank (about USD 407.8 million) and EIB Global, the international arm of the European Investment Bank (141 million euros). Antonio Costa visits Temple of Literature on symbolic day Later in the afternoon, Costa visited Van MieuQuoc Tu Giam - Vietnams first university and a landmark of its educational heritage. His visit coincided with a special occasion: Hanois official recognition by UNESCO as a "Global Learning City", an honor celebrated during a ceremony at the site. Walking through the historic grounds on a warm day, Costa was introduced to the rich history and architecture of the Temple of Literature. The site has long been a popular destination for both local and international visitors, including foreign dignitaries. He showed keen interest in the site's historical, cultural, and artistic value, and praised Vietnams tradition of respecting education, teachers, and talent. Education as a cornerstone of EUVietnam cooperation Education is one of the key pillars of cooperation between the EU and Vietnam. In late 2025, the EU and Vietnams Ministry of Education and Training signed a funding agreement for the VietnamEU Vocational Education and Training Program (VETVET), with a total budget exceeding 50 million euros. The initiative aims to develop a highly skilled workforce in Vietnam. In their recent joint declaration upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam and the EU committed to deepening cooperation in science and technology, and pledged to expand collaboration in education and training. This aligns with the Vietnamese Communist Partys 14th Congress, which identified high-quality human resources, linked to science, technology and innovation, as one of three strategic breakthroughs for national development. European Council President Antonio Costa tours the construction site of the underground section of metro line 3. Costa receives an overview of the metro project and its significance for Hanoi. He expressed joy at witnessing the tangible results of EUVietnam cooperation. Antonio Costa continues his tour at the Temple of Literature, a symbol of Vietnam's long-standing reverence for education. He listens to the site's history and appreciates its cultural significance. Costa visits the Stelae of Doctors and the inner courtyard of Quoc Tu Giam. Tran Thuong & Pham Hai Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - While more than 155,000 migrants and refugees managed to reach Europe via the Mediterranean last year, the UN migration agency (IOM) notes that Sudanese arrivals tripled between January and November compared to the same period in 2024 The government has directed that adjustments to various allowances, the base salary, pensions, and several social benefit schemes must be implemented within the first quarter of 2026, in line with resolutions passed at the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. The government orders adjustments to allowances, base salaries, pensions, and social benefits in Q1/2026. Illustrative photo: Le Anh Dung. This directive is outlined in the appendix attached to Document No. 38/TTg-QHP from the Prime Minister, which provides guidance on priority tasks for ministries and agencies to enforce recent National Assembly resolutions. The government has assigned responsibilities for revising several types of allowances and the base salary. At the same time, pensions, social insurance allowances, monthly benefits, support for people with meritorious service, social assistance, and social retirement benefits will also be adjusted, as per Conclusion No. 206/2025 by the Politburo. Specifically, in March 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs will lead the adjustment of certain allowances and the base salary, while also coordinating revisions to pensions and related benefit schemes. All changes must be implemented in a synchronized manner within the first quarter of the year. Earlier, the government issued Decree 73, which raised the base salary from VND 1.8 million to VND 2.34 million per month (approximately USD 96), alongside a 15% increase in pension levels. These changes mark a key milestone in the broader roadmap to reform wage policy, as outlined in Central Resolution 27. Currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs is working with central agencies to draft amendments to wage and allowance regulations, targeting full implementation in 2026. According to the Ministry, Resolution 27/2018 of the Central Party Committee lays out detailed principles for designing a new salary framework. The general direction is to broaden wage relationships, using them as a basis to determine specific salary levels aligned with job position, professional title, and leadership role. The ministry has already coordinated with other government bodies to report on progress toward six key components of wage reform, with implementation starting from July 1, 2024. Under Conclusion 83, the Politburo assigned the Central Economic Commission (now the Central Policy and Strategy Commission) to lead the midterm review of Resolution 27. This commission will work with the Party delegation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant agencies to evaluate feasibility and propose implementation plans for five new salary tables and nine allowance schemes within the public sector. These reforms aim to ensure real-world applicability and are scheduled for review by the Central Committee after 2026. This timing aligns with the expected rollout of the nationwide job position directory throughout Vietnams political system. Based on this process, the Ministry of Home Affairs will report to higher authorities to finalize a suitable salary regime, in line with the roadmap previously approved by the Politburo. The Ministry is also finalizing a draft decree to revise salary regulations for officials, public employees, and armed forces personnel. This includes proposed changes to the leadership allowance tables for certain titles. At the same time, the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and other related bodies to continue consulting higher authorities on increasing the base salary in 2026, ensuring the changes are fiscally viable and consistent with the wage reform goals. Vu Diep Contaminated food from a school meal supplier reported by Dan Viet. (Photo: Dan Viet) On January 28, multiple schools issued urgent notices to parents following an investigative report by Dan Viet newspaper. The report raised serious concerns about food hygiene standards at An Phuoc Thang SG Trading Co., Ltd. - a company contracted to supply lunches to local schools. Nguyen Van Huong Primary School in Phu Thuan Ward announced it would suspend lunch services starting January 29 while waiting for official inspection results from relevant authorities. In the meantime, parents have been asked to arrange two-way transportation for their children or provide packed lunches, with a commitment to ensuring food safety. Tan Quy Primary School in Tan Hung Ward also halted lunch services on the afternoon of January 28. The school cited an ongoing investigation by the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department (PC03) into the same food supplier. Parents were advised to plan alternative lunch arrangements for their children and coordinate with homeroom teachers to manage student rest time and eating spaces during the lunch break. Combined, the two schools reported that over 2,200 students have been directly affected by the sudden halt in lunch programs. Urgent action from education authorities In response to the incident, Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, confirmed that all relevant departments have been tasked with launching an immediate inspection. The aim is to verify the facts and ensure student health and safety while addressing oversight in school kitchen operations. The Department had earlier issued directives urging all schools citywide to strictly adhere to regulations concerning food safety in meal programs, reinforcing that student health is the top priority. Schools have been instructed to only sign contracts and organize food provision with suppliers that fully meet food safety standards. The selection and evaluation process must be public, transparent, and documented. Every shipment of food must have clear origin information, traceability, delivery and receipt logs, and signatures from both the sender and receiver. Absolutely no expired, spoiled, damaged, or untraceable food is to be accepted. Stricter rules on food handling in schools The Department has mandated that all schools maintain full records of supplier contracts, legal documents, invoices, inspection logs, food sample records, hygiene logs, and any official inspection reports if available. Particular attention has been given to the use of cooking oils. Only oil with verified origin and valid expiration dates is allowed. Schools must maintain usage logs and are strictly prohibited from reusing frying oil or mixing old and new batches. Any oil with unusual odors, discoloration, foaming, or residue must be discarded immediately. The crackdown comes amid rising concerns among parents and educators about the quality and transparency of school lunch operations. Several previous incidents involving substandard or suspicious ingredients - such as a recent case involving 90 kilograms of low-quality frozen pork - have heightened scrutiny of food safety in schools. As the investigation continues, Ho Chi Minh Citys education authorities are expected to take decisive action to protect students and restore public confidence in the school lunch system. Le Huyen Ho Chi Minh City police have dismantled an illegal operation producing and distributing arsenic trioxide (white arsenic), a highly toxic substance, for use in dental products. Shockingly, the poison was manufactured by hand in a residential bedroom before being sold to dental equipment suppliers. Three suspects arrested (from left to right): Vo Thi Thu Oanh, Tang Thi My Hoa, Tang Hoang Vinh. Photo: Police On January 28, the citys Economic Police Department confirmed that it had filed charges and detained three suspects: Vo Thi Thu Oanh (born 1976, resident of Ban Co ward), Tang Thi My Hoa (born 1978, of Tan Binh ward), and Tang Hoang Vinh (born 1983, of An Dong ward), for illegally producing and trading toxic substances. The investigation began in mid-December 2025 when police raided Tan Da Dental Equipment Shop, located in the Ngo Quyen apartment complex, An Dong ward. Police inspect the dental equipment store. Photo: Police Toxic dental products seized during the operation. Photo: Police There, authorities discovered a large quantity of unlicensed products labeled ArsenicBlue 5g and Pate Necronerve - commonly used in dental procedures to kill nerve tissue. The shop owner was unable to provide any invoices or documents proving the legal origin of the goods. Forensic testing by the Institute of Criminal Science confirmed that the samples contained AsO (arsenic trioxide) - a carcinogenic and potentially lethal poison under special regulatory control. The total seized quantity exceeded 674 grams. Toxins made in bedroom lab Various arsenic-based products seized as evidence. Photos: Police A concept image of the iPhone 18 Pro. (Source: Fpt./YouTube) Amid an industry-wide climb in component prices, even Apple, long considered a dominant whale buyer in the semiconductor market, is not immune. Ultimately, it may be consumers who foot the bill for this supply crunch. According to recent reports, Apple has failed to leverage its scale to negotiate down memory prices. Despite being one of the largest clients of Samsung and SK Hynix, Apple is being affected by a global surge in chip prices that shows no signs of slowing. Samsung has reportedly proposed memory chip price hikes of up to 80% for Apple, while SK Hynix is pushing even higher, with increases nearing 100%. These staggering figures reflect severe supply-demand imbalances, largely fueled by the booming artificial intelligence sector. The root cause of the crisis lies in the explosion of AI data centers, which have created insatiable demand for DRAM and high-performance flash memory. As global supply tightens, prices are skyrocketing - pressuring even the most powerful tech giants. Unsurprisingly, major memory suppliers are passing on the costs. As a result, the cost of producing high-end electronics - especially smartphones - is rising significantly. The challenge for Apple goes beyond pricing. The company has also had to adapt its supplier contracts. Instead of the standard year-long agreements, Apple is now reportedly accepting shorter-term deals, only covering the first half of the year. The rationale is simple: memory prices are fluctuating too wildly. With AI-related demand still climbing, no supplier is willing to guarantee long-term pricing, leaving Apple exposed to further cost spikes in the months ahead. This instability may lead to not just one, but multiple price increases across Apples product line. The iPhone 18 series, rumored to debut in a new two-stage launch format, is expected to be hit the hardest. The staggered release schedule will make it harder for Apple to control costs, especially if chip prices continue to fluctuate between launch waves. Apple already raised prices slightly with the iPhone 17 lineup, and a repeat seems almost certain with the iPhone 18. In fact, price increases may exceed expectations if memory costs continue their upward trajectory. Still, Apple is likely to do everything possible to keep any price hike within an acceptable threshold. Excessive increases could hurt sales and erode market share - especially as high-end Android rivals grow more competitive. A telling example comes from Samsung itself. Reports suggest the company scrapped a planned camera upgrade for its standard Galaxy S26 model to avoid pushing prices too high. Even a tech and chip powerhouse like Samsung is making difficult sacrifices under current cost pressures. Apple may take a similar path - scaling back or delaying certain hardware upgrades, particularly on base iPhone 18 models, to offset rising component costs. This may be the only way for Apple to preserve profit margins while keeping its phones attractive in a crowded market. Regardless of how Apple adapts, the reality remains: iPhone 18 buyers are likely to pay more. The simultaneous memory price hikes from Samsung and SK Hynix have triggered a domino effect that no smartphone maker can easily avoid. In the AI era, where memory has become a strategic commodity, flagship smartphones may never be priced the same again. And the iPhone 18 could become the most visible sign of that shift. Hai Phong Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has signed a decision approving a detailed plan to implement the Government's Decree 221/2025/N-CP on granting time-limited visa exemptions to foreign nationals designated as special beneficiaries entitled to preferential treatment in support of Vietnams socio-economic development. The plan sets out clear assignments, timelines and accountability for all involved agencies and units to ensure the Decree is followed in a timely, comprehensive, concerted, effective and lawful manner. It also seeks to establish a close coordination mechanism among ministries, ministry-level agencies, Government-affiliated bodies, local authorities, and relevant organisations throughout the implementation process. Under the plan, the Ministry of Public Security shall coordinate with other ministries, central-level agencies, and relevant organisations to regularly organise the dissemination and popularisation of the contents of Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP on the Governments official portal or through various methods that are suitable to the conditions and practical situations in accordance with the law, in order to raise awareness and ensure consistency in understanding and actions among officials, civil servants, public employees, and individuals involved in the implementation of the Decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will join hands with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant agencies to disseminate and popularise the contents of Decree 221 to the business community, foreign investors, and foreign nationals eligible for preferential treatment through overseas media, particularly international communication channels and forums related to tourism and investment abroad. The ministries, central-level agencies, and relevant organisations shall propose the issuance of special visa exemption cards to foreign nationals, ensuring compliance with the applicable criteria and subjects as stipulated in Decree 221, and in accordance with the functions, tasks, scope, and areas of operation of the respective agencies and organisations. At the same time, they are required to regularly review and notify the Ministry of Public Security in writing about foreign nationals who hold a valid special visa exemption card but no longer wish to request visa exemptions, or about those who no longer meet the criteria set out in the Decree; and cooperate in resolving any arising issues related to foreign nationals who have been granted preferential visa exemptions. By March 1, 2026, ministries, central-level agencies, government agencies, and the People's Committees of provinces and cities, within their functions and responsibilities, shall organise inspections and reviews of the legal documents related to this matter and propose amendments, supplements, replacements, or the issuance of new legal documents to ensure effective implementation of the Decree (if necessary). In 2026 and subsequent years, the Ministry of Education and Training shall take the lead in proposing criteria for identifying and listing research institutes, universities, and major universities; the Ministry of Finance shall take the lead in proposing criteria for identifying and listing large enterprises that are authorised to invite foreign nationals, who fall under the special categories for preferential entry into Vietnam. The Ministry of Public Security is tasked with collecting proposals and submitting them to the Government for the issuance of a Resolution approving the eligibility criteria and list of research institutes, universities, colleges and large enterprises authorised to invite qualified foreign nationals for entry into Vietnam. It is empowered to approve amendments or additions to the list, based on Government-promulgated criteria, within 30 days of receiving input from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Finance. Ministries, ministry-level agencies, Government-affiliated bodies, municipal and provincial Peoples Committees must report to the Prime Minister, via the Ministry of Public Security, on the progress of both the Decree and the action plan by August 15 each year, or on an ad hoc basis as directed by the PM./. VNA Samsung has officially confirmed that its upcoming Galaxy S26 series will be equipped with a new privacy display technology capable of blocking side-angle views at the pixel level. The feature uses dedicated hardware to narrow the screen's visible angle, helping users shield their data in public environments. The Galaxy S26 will feature a new pixel-level privacy screen to block side-angle views. Photo: SamMobile According to Samsungs latest press release, the feature was specifically designed to combat shoulder surfing - the act of peeking at someones screen from the side. The underlying mechanism keeps the display clear when viewed head-on, but it dims or becomes unreadable when viewed from side angles. This aligns with previously leaked animations in the beta version of One UI 8.5, which showed the screen automatically dimming when the device is tilted left or right. Samsungs use of the phrase pixel-level security highlights that this is not merely a software trick, but a specialized hardware solution. Industry experts speculate the company may be applying its Flex Magic Pixel OLED technology, first showcased at Mobile World Congress 2025. Contrary to early rumors that artificial intelligence might be used to control the feature, Samsungs announcement made no mention of AI. Instead, the company confirmed the function will be highly customizable. Users will be able to assign specific apps to trigger the privacy mode automatically. The feature activates when users type passwords or input sensitive information. Brightness levels can be adjusted, allowing users to control how dark the screen becomes at various angles. Samsung positions this privacy screen as part of its broader Knox and Knox Vault security ecosystems. Because the feature relies on hardware integration, its considered significantly more reliable than existing software-based screen filters. However, that also means older Galaxy devices will not be able to receive this functionality through a software update. At this time, it remains unclear whether the feature will be available across the entire Galaxy S26 lineup or only in the high-end Ultra model. Samsung is expected to officially launch the S26 series near the end of February, most likely on February 25. Du Lam Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang speaks during the January 29 press briefing. Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived in Vietnam on January 29 as a special envoy of Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping. The visit aims to congratulate Vietnam on the successful conclusion of its 14th National Party Congress and the re-election of General Secretary To Lam. At a regular press briefing the same afternoon, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed the visit, which is scheduled to run until January 30. Liu is delivering official congratulations from the CPC Central Committee and from Mr. Xi Jinping himself, praising the achievements of the Congress and expressing support for Mr. To Lams leadership as the newly re-elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Right after the Congress concluded successfully, we were honored to receive high-level delegations from several countries coming to share in this important moment for Vietnam, said Pham Thu Hang. Among these were Lao President and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse, and Men Sam An, Vice President of Cambodias Cambodian People's Party, who represented party leader Hun Sen. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also noted recent phone calls between General Secretary To Lam and world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In each case, the leaders warmly congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th Party Congress and To Lams continued leadership. Hang added that Vietnam has received an outpouring of international support, with 925 congratulatory messages and letters from political parties, international organizations, civil groups, and overseas Vietnamese communities around the world. This reflects the deep interest and sincere friendship from the international community and the Vietnamese diaspora toward the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, as well as their recognition of the Communist Partys leadership role and the countrys development direction, she said. Hang also took the opportunity to thank foreign diplomatic missions, international organizations in Hanoi, and both domestic and foreign journalists for their continued interest and support throughout the 14th Party Congress. Tran Thuong The website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on January 28 posted a congratulatory message on Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam on the development of Vietnamese culture. In the message UNESCO wrote that it formally acknowledges and commends the promulgation of Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This important document represents a significant shift in the development paradigm, formally recognising culture not merely as an auxiliary sector, but as one of the four indispensable and co-equal pillars of sustainable development - alongside the Economy, Society, and the Environment. This approach closely aligns with UNESCOs efforts to establish culture as a standalone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the post-2030 international agenda. Issued ahead of the 14th National Party Congress - a pivotal assembly outlining the national vision toward 2045 and the socio-economic strategy for 2030, Resolution No. 80 demonstrates strong alignment with international commitments at the highest level of national policy. The Resolution articulates a concrete roadmap for structural reform, aiming to mobilise social capital, catalyse the creative economy, and safeguard cultural diversity. It builds upon Vietnams long-standing cultural advocacy and provides a framework to navigate the complexities of the digital era and a volatile global landscape, according to UNESCO. Amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainties and the growing need for cross-cultural cohesion, UNESCO views Vietnams strategic positioning of culture as a regulatory compass for development as a substantive contribution to the pursuit of global peace. By prioritising people-centred values and cultural identity, Vietnam promotes a model of development that is both self-sustaining and globally integrated. UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to continued cooperation with Vietnam in realising this vision, further asserting the role of culture as a key driver of equity, prosperity, and social cohesion on a global scale, read the message. Regarding this important message, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of the Vietnam Permanent Mission to UNESCO, expressed her happiness that UNESCO is increasingly paying attention to, valuing, and highly appreciating Vietnam's development direction in the new phase set out by the Party, including the strategic orientations from the 14th Party Congress. UNESCO's endorsement of Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on the development of Vietnamese culture clearly reflects its high evaluation of Vietnam's new, highly significant policies in the cultural field. The ambassador also stated that this demonstrates UNESCO's recognition of Vietnam's role, status, and prestige, as well as the country's contributions to the cultural field at UNESCO. This includes promoting dialogue and connections between cultures, preserving cultural heritage, protecting cultural diversity, and proactively contributing ideas and initiatives. For example, Vietnam proposed a resolution that was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2025, which recommends that the United Nations General Assembly soon launch the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development./. VNA The decision was issued following administrative inspection and legal review. The six banned products were marketed in Vietnam by Trinh My Co., Ltd., which is now required to fully withdraw them from all distribution channels. According to authorities, the products violated two key regulations: their Product Information Files (PIF) were incomplete, and the actual formulas did not match the approved declarations. Trinh My Company was previously fined by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health for these same violations, which included distributing cosmetics without sufficient documentation and for using unapproved formulas that differed from the officially declared content. Mandatory market recall and product destruction In its directive, the Drug Administration ordered all provincial and municipal health departments to immediately notify businesses and facilities to cease circulation of the six products. Local authorities must organize product recalls, investigate related violations, and handle them according to current regulations. Trinh My Company has been instructed to send formal recall notices to its entire distribution network, take back the offending products, and destroy them. The company must submit a full report of the recall results before March 5. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has been specifically assigned to supervise the destruction process and submit a compliance report by March 20. List of 6 recalled cosmetic products: Derma Peel Rejuvenate Derma Peel Max Brightening Stem Cell Solution Derma Peel Peptide Waterful Cream Derma Peel OneTouch Derma Peel 02 Bubble Foam Cleanser Derma+ Soothing Mask N. Huyen The historic announcement came following a formal welcoming ceremony and high-level talks between President Luong Cuong and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who is on an official visit to Hanoi. President Luong Cuong and European Council President Antonio Costa during their bilateral meeting. President Luong Cuong praised the visit as especially meaningful, marking the first time since 2012 that a European Council President has visited Vietnam - and the first European leader to do so following the conclusion of Vietnams 14th National Party Congress. The two leaders agreed that the elevation of the partnership signals a new chapter in VietnamEU relations. President Cuong reaffirmed Vietnams commitment to strengthening ties with the EU, which he called one of the countrys most important diplomatic partners. He emphasized Vietnams desire to build a deeper and more comprehensive relationship with both the EU and its member states. The Vietnamese head of state also highlighted the EUs global role in upholding multilateralism and international law, and its contribution to peace and stability. Sharing outcomes of the recent 14th Party Congress, Cuong underlined Vietnams two centennial goals: to become a modern industrialized country with upper-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. Vietnam, he said, is determined to pursue a new growth model driven by science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green development - and is ready to work closely with the EU in this new development era. He proposed that both sides actively implement the Joint Statement on the upgraded partnership, with six key focus areas: enhancing political trust through high-level exchanges, activating and expanding cooperation mechanisms, prioritizing economic cooperation as a growth engine, and positioning science, technology, and innovation as a core pillar of collaboration. Cuong also called on the EU to boost maritime cooperation, support Vietnams efforts in building a sustainable fisheries sector, and urgently remove the IUU yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports. He expressed Vietnams full support for strengthening ASEANEU relations and affirmed Vietnams readiness to serve as a bridge between the two regional blocs - especially as they prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEANEU relations in 2027. A historic turning point President Antonio Costa expressed his honor at being the first European leader to visit Vietnam following the Party Congress - a moment he described as crucial to the countrys future orientation. He commended Vietnams impressive development achievements and emphasized the countrys central role in the EUs ASEAN and Indo-Pacific strategies. Vietnam, he noted, shares key values with the EU, including respect for international law, free trade, and freedom of navigation. Costa described the elevation of ties as a historic moment, not only as a culmination of 35 years of diplomatic relations but also as proof of shared long-term vision and trust in a volatile world. He said the EU sees tremendous potential for expanded cooperation with Vietnam in trade, sustainable development, innovation, ocean economy, governance, security, and people-to-people exchange. The EU also looks forward to deepening its collaboration in traditional areas like trade and investment, agriculture, and climate action, while expanding into new fields such as green and digital transformation, fair energy transition, infrastructure development, and transportation connectivity - in line with the comprehensive strategic partnerships scope. Following the talks, both leaders officially announced the new partnership status and agreed to develop an action plan to implement the joint declaration effectively. They affirmed their commitment to making science, technology, and innovation a central pillar of cooperation - especially in areas where the EU excels, such as digital transformation and connectivity. Both sides also pledged to fully and effectively implement the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and to soon ratify the EUVietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The two sides further agreed to sustain the EUVietnam Defense and Security Dialogue, strengthen collaboration on UN peacekeeping operations, and expand cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, and crisis management. Other priority areas include environmental protection, climate change adaptation, green economy, circular economy, marine economy, and clean energy development. On regional and international affairs, the two sides pledged to coordinate more closely in addressing global challenges, advancing multilateralism, upholding international law, and promoting peaceful dispute resolution in line with the UN Charter. Tran Thuong Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The first meeting of the research group of the Euro-Maghreb Centre for Strategic Studies and Research opened on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Libyan Higher Academy of Strategic Studies, in the Libyan, Tripoli Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong at the regular press briefing on the morning of January 29. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology At a regular press briefing held on January 29, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong emphasized that Vietnam is gradually laying the groundwork to master semiconductor technology - a vision that hinges on having domestic companies engaged across all key stages: design, production, and packaging. One notable highlight he mentioned was the launch of a high-tech semiconductor chip manufacturing plant by Viettel Group on January 16. "While Vietnam already has many companies involved in chip design, and hosts several foreign-run packaging and testing plants, we did not have our own chip production facility - until now, the Deputy Minister said. This marks a significant milestone for our information technology industry. In addition to Viettel, another tech giant - FPT Corporation - has stepped up its investment in infrastructure. The company recently announced the establishment of a semiconductor chip packaging and testing plant, with operations expected to begin within the next three months. It may still be small in scale and early in execution, but this is a pivotal first step. Once we have Vietnamese companies handling design, manufacturing and packaging, we will truly be laying the foundation to take ownership of semiconductor technology, Bui Hoang Phuong stated. Import age limit for used semiconductor equipment raised to 20 years To support infrastructure for businesses, universities and research institutes, the Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Circular 30/2025, detailing criteria for importing used machinery and production lines. A key update in this circular is the extension of the maximum age limit for imported semiconductor manufacturing equipment to 20 years - double the previous cap of 10 years. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Quality Management Division at the Department of ICT Industry, said this threshold was set after consultations with leading tech corporations and assessments of the actual needs of academic and research institutions. For training and research purposes, Circular 30 further relaxes import rules by exempting older equipment from requirements related to energy consumption and operational efficiency. This approach aims to incentivize investment in infrastructure at a time when Vietnam's semiconductor sector is just taking its first steps. Technically, all imported equipment and production lines must still meet three basic conditions: they must not belong to any category of obsolete, poor-quality, or polluting technologies in the exporting country; must not be on Vietnam's list of banned or restricted technologies; and must meet domestic safety, energy-saving, and labor safety standards. In the absence of local standards, G7 standards may apply. The import process will also shift to a post-clearance inspection mechanism. Companies will be responsible for self-declaring and providing documentation and commitments to customs officials, replacing the prior system of pre-import administrative review. However, post-import oversight will be strengthened. Under a forthcoming government decree on administrative violations in science and technology, any misuse - such as deploying research-intended equipment for commercial production - will be penalized. Violators may be forced to re-export the equipment and face additional fines to deter repeat offenses. Du Lam In early 2026, Russell Headlee, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, led a delegation of US businesses to Vietnam to explore cooperation opportunities in AI, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Headlee said AI is now a top priority in US digital policy, reflected in the Americas AI Action Plan announced on July 23, 2025. He praised Vietnams ambition, noting the country is positioning itself as a regional leader by being among the first to adopt the Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI) At the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting in Hanoi in mid-January, a US delegation including 18 major technology and telecommunications firms such as Google, Meta and Amazon Web Services expressed strong interest in Vietnams market, viewing it as a potential destination for building AI infrastructure, developing services and expanding operations. Several major projects have recently been announced. Create Capital Vietnam, Haimaker.ai and the Vietnam DataGen joint venture plan to build a 100 MW AI data centre in Da Nangs High-Tech Park with total investment of 1 billion USD. Japans Meiko Electronics unveiled a 40 billion JPY (255 million USD) factory project in Hanoi to produce AI-integrated printed circuit boards, while Dassault Systemes opened an R&D and a centre of Excellence for AI and Digital Twin in the capital. Competing with regional peers In its Artificial Intelligence in Southeast Asia report, Source of Asia highlighted Vietnams growing role as a strategic hub for AI talent and research. While Singapore is described as the brain of policy and capital and Malaysia the heart of infrastructure, Vietnam is emerging as a large-scale provider of AI research and skilled human resources. The country was ranked among the Developing AI Talent Powerhouses, economies rapidly accelerating training and attracting talent. Vietnams advantage lies in its people. With more than 500,000 engineers and IT professionals, it has one of Southeast Asias largest technology workforces. The number of AI startups jumped from about 60 in 2021 to 278 in 2024, signaling a rapidly evolving ecosystem. Global perceptions are also shifting. Vietnam is no longer seen only as a software outsourcing base but increasingly as part of the AI value chain. Qualcomms AI R&D centre in Hanoiits third-largest AI hub globallyunderscores this trend. CEO Cristiano Amon said Vietnam was chosen to serve not just the domestic market but the wider region. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Kobayashi Yosuke noted that AI is moving from testing to commercial deployment across multiple sectors, and Vietnams skilled workforce, innovation spirit and expanding digital economy provide strong foundations for a competitive startup ecosystem. Turning AI into a competitive advantage Vietnams Law on AI will take effect on March 1, 2026, alongside a national AI strategy through 2030 with a vision to 2045. The country aims to become one of the top three AI R&D centres in Southeast Asia by 2030 and train at least 50,000 chip and AI engineers. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said new science and technology laws effective from 2026 offer strong incentives for high-tech R&D investment. AI, semiconductors and ICT are among 11 strategic technologies being prioritised. Experts stressed the need for coordinated action. FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh urged Vietnam to safeguard key national data domestically and promote open systems. Professor Nguyen Ai Viet, Director of the Institute for Generative Intelligence Technology and Education (IGNITE), highlighted technology diplomacy and stronger R&D investment, while Professor Tran Xuan Tu, Director of the Institute of Information Technology, called for continued state leadership in legal frameworks, infrastructure and financial support./. VNA At a regular press briefing held on January 29, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to media questions following statements from the Gaza Peace Council and the US Embassy in Hanoi, both welcoming Vietnam as a founding member. Vietnams consistent position is to support and contribute to international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, and with respect for the legitimate rights of all parties involved, Hang emphasized. Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responds to press questions during the January 29 briefing. As one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine, Vietnam welcomed all initiatives promoting lasting peace in Gaza, specifically those grounded in legal principles and aimed at protecting the rights and safety of the Palestinian people. Vietnam has endorsed the peace plan adopted under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025. Based on this plan, Vietnam accepted the invitation to join the newly established Gaza Peace Council to support its implementation. Vietnam will actively coordinate with other council members to implement the peace plan, with the goal of ending the conflict in Gaza and promoting sustainable peace in the Middle East, Hang said. This will be based on a two-state solution that respects international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions. Also during the briefing, the Foreign Ministry addressed questions about recent tensions between the US and Iran. Vietnam said it is closely monitoring the developments in the region. Vietnam calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions, Hang stated. Disputes should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and negotiations, in strict adherence to international law and the UN Charter. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-use or threat of force must be upheld in international relations. Vietnam also called on parties involved to create favorable conditions for peace negotiations to ensure security and stability in the region and beyond. The Foreign Ministry reiterated its travel advisory issued on January 15, urging Vietnamese citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran at this time. Vietnamese nationals currently residing in Iran were advised to stay informed, follow local government travel and safety regulations, and observe all warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For assistance, citizens in Iran can contact the Vietnamese Embassy or the Ministrys citizen protection hotline. Tran Thuong The delegation is headed by Colonel Le Dinh Nghi, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2. According to the plan, during the voyage, the delegation will pay courtesy calls on local authorities at ports of call and at the Lumut Naval Base of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Upon arrival in India, Ship 17 and the Vietnamese delegation will take part in the MILAN 2026. Throughout the journey of more than 5,000 nautical miles, officers and sailors aboard Ship 17 will combine long-distance sea training with efforts to enhance their capabilities in command organisation, coordination, combat readiness, and mastery of weapons and technical equipment. The voyage also provides an opportunity to strengthen endurance, discipline and professionalism among naval personnel. The deployment is conducted at the invitations of the Malaysian Navy and the Indian Navy, with the aim of further consolidating and strengthening friendly relations and effective cooperation between the Vietnamese military and navy and their counterparts in participating countries./. VNA The meeting, themed Vietnams cassava supply chain: Current situation and challenges, was jointly organised by the Vietnam Economic Science Association of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Vietnam Cassava Association, and Forest Trends. Speaking at the event, Nghiem Minh Tien, Chairman of the Vietnam Cassava Association, said cassava production, processing and trade play an important role in Vietnams agricultural trade and provide livelihoods for around 1.2 million farming households, mainly in midland, mountainous and disadvantaged areas. Alongside domestic consumption, cassava has posted strong export growth, with turnover in 2025 estimated at about 1.3 billion USD, making Vietnam the worlds third-largest cassava exporter. Vietnam is both a major producer of raw cassava and a large processing and export hub in the region. Annual cassava supply exceeds 18 million tonnes of fresh roots, of which about 58% comes from domestic production and 42% from imports, mainly from Laos and Cambodia. Cassava cultivation area in Vietnam covers more than 500,000 hectares, producing roughly 10 million tonnes annually, while imports stand at about 8 million tonnes. Participants noted that although export volumes have risen sharply, export value has grown more slowly. A key long-term solution is to increase added value through deeper processing. This includes gradually reducing exports of dried cassava chips and low-processed starch, while encouraging investment in high-tech products such as modified starch and products for the food, pharmaceutical, industrial and bioenergy sectors, thereby improving efficiency, sustainability and resilience to raw-material price fluctuations. While several important policies have been issued, including the scheme on sustainable development of the cassava sector to 2030 with a vision to 2050, implementation remains limited due to the lack of detailed guidance, monitoring tools and sufficient incentives to ensure compliance with requirements on traceability, transparency and forest protection. Meanwhile, despite a slight nationwide decline in cassava cultivation area in recent years, expansion has continued in some localities, raising concerns about impacts on forest resources. International markets are also tightening requirements on legality, traceability and deforestation-free products, notably the EUs Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), posing growing challenges for Vietnams cassava exports. Ha Cong Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Economic Science Association of Agriculture and Rural Development, pointed out that the biggest difficulty in ensuring traceability lies in the raw material stage, including supplies from both domestic farmers and foreign sources. Nguyen Vinh Quang, representing Forest Trends, said the cassava sector needs to restructure its supply chain, strengthen control over production and land use, formalise informal activities and improve transparency across the chain to meet traceability requirements. From the business perspective, Tien affirmed that cassava enterprises are committed to building a transparent and sustainable supply chain that meets forest protection, environmental and traceability standards. He also called on authorities to provide clearer guidance and appropriate support mechanisms to facilitate compliance with new requirements./. VNA Following the 14th National Party Congress, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung spoke in an exclusive interview about Vietnams foreign policy in 2025 - a year of global volatility when diplomacy, alongside defense and security, was officially declared a strategic and constant priority for the first time. General Secretary To Lam hosts the state welcome for Lao General Secretary and President on January 26. Photo: Pham Hai Reflecting on the past year, Minister Trung acknowledged that 2025 had been the most turbulent in recent memory, echoing the Partys assessment that the world is undergoing epochal changes. Against that backdrop, what stood out in Vietnams foreign policy was our ability to seize opportunities, defuse risks, and help shape a new diplomatic landscape for the countrys entry into a new era, he said. A record-setting year in diplomacy In 2025, Vietnams foreign affairs sector delivered on its highest strategic responsibilities, upholding the directive of General Secretary To Lam: Maintain peace and stability, accelerate sustainable socio-economic development, and improve peoples livelihoods - all for the people. Vietnam's top leadership was highly active on the diplomatic stage. The country elevated its relationships with 17 partners, bringing the total number of countries with Comprehensive Partnerships or higher to 42. President Luong Cuong hosts the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime in October 2025. Photo: Pham Hai This expansion was not only broad but also deeply substantive. Nearly 350 cooperation agreements were signed - 2.5 times more than in 2024 - marking a new record. Vietnam also enhanced ties with political parties and further diversified forms of people-to-people diplomacy. While multilateral institutions faced global headwinds, Vietnam continued to demonstrate strong commitment to multilateralism. Vietnam has consistently voiced support for multilateral cooperation and actively contributed to setting strategic directions, regulations, and norms within multilateral frameworks, said Minister Trung. Vietnams contributions were especially noted in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, energy and food security. The country secured leadership roles in the UN Human Rights Council and six of UNESCOs seven governing bodies. Major international events hosted in Vietnam further strengthened its global standing, including the ASEAN Future Forum, the P4G Summit, and the Signing Ceremony of the Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime, which drew the UN Secretary-General and other top leaders to Hanoi. Driving growth through economic and tech diplomacy Candles lit for world peace at Ba Den Mountain during the 2025 Vesak celebrations. Photo: Nguyen Hue Vietnams economic diplomacy played a vital role in supporting the countrys 8% growth target. It accurately tracked global economic trends and emerging sectors to inform government strategy. Tied closely to high-level diplomatic engagements, economic diplomacy achieved record-setting results in agreements, market expansion, investment promotion, and regional-global supply chain integration. Science and technology diplomacy also emerged as a key pillar - focused on innovation, digital transformation, and green transition - advancing Vietnams 11 strategic technology sectors. Cultural diplomacy and overseas Vietnamese engagement Vietnam also amplified its soft power through strategic cultural diplomacy, notably hosting the 2025 Vesak Day celebrations and successfully securing seven new UNESCO recognitions. This brought Vietnams total number of UNESCO titles to 77. External communication efforts helped shape global perceptions of Vietnam, defending national interests in a complex information landscape. Citizen protection efforts swiftly responded to global crises, repatriating thousands of Vietnamese nationals from high-risk areas. General Secretary To Lam meets with the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 2025. Photo: VNA Policies supporting overseas Vietnamese helped ignite pride and patriotism. This was reflected in record-high remittance flows sent home in 2025. People-to-people diplomacy continued to serve as a crucial bridge - forming the foundation for Vietnams broader external relationships. Foreign affairs as a constant national priority Minister Trung emphasized the importance of the Partys 14th Congress decision to classify diplomacy, alongside defense and security, as strategic and constant. He called it both an honor and a major responsibility for the diplomatic corps - and a significant evolution in the Partys strategic thinking. Since Vietnams earliest days of independence, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed the vital role of diplomacy: After defense, foreign affairs are essential for an independent nation. Now, by declaring diplomacy and international integration as strategic and constant, the Party is reaffirming the enduring relevance of Ho Chi Minhs diplomatic philosophy. Minister Trung explained that the phrase strategic and constant implies foreign affairs are of the highest national importance - tied to the countrys survival and prosperity, embedded in its long history of nation-building and defense, and vital to achieving its twin strategic goals of development and protection. With that in mind, he stressed that foreign affairs must not be seen as the sole responsibility of the diplomatic corps or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - but a shared mission of the entire Party, people, and armed forces. The foreign ministry will coordinate closely with defense, security, central agencies, and local authorities nationwide to safeguard peace, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity - working proactively to prevent threats before they arise. Vietnam will also continue mobilizing external resources and favorable international conditions - especially by strengthening economic and technology diplomacy - to accelerate national development and target double-digit growth. Positioning Vietnam globally General Secretary To Lam meets Vietnamese ambassadors and diplomatic leaders abroad during the 14th Party Congress. Photo: VNA Minister Trung said Vietnam must further elevate the Partys and nations international reputation and influence in global politics, economics, and civilization - moving toward the vision of standing shoulder to shoulder with world powers, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh. Resolution 59 from the Politburo on international integration provides the foundation to amplify the pioneering, strategic, and constant role of foreign policy. Minister Trung outlined a major strategic shift: Vietnams integration mindset must now move from receiving to contributing, from deep to full integration, and from being a latecomer adapting to global systems to a pioneer leading in new areas. He called for full coordination across all pillars of Vietnams foreign affairs: Party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. He also emphasized the importance of synchronized, coordinated action throughout the political system, from central to local levels, and greater involvement of political organizations and overseas Vietnamese communities. Finally, Minister Trung said the foreign service must adopt a results-driven mindset - one of practical implementation - where words must be matched by action, and actions must be seen through to the end, following the guidance of General Secretary To Lam. This means that every international commitment and agreement must be backed by corresponding reforms in domestic policy and institutions. Tran Thuong Four Vietnamese banks under mandatory restructuring began posting profits in 2025. Most recently, the Digital Technology Commercial Bank Limited (VCBNeo) held its 2025 business review and 2026 planning conference. At the event, Le Quang Vinh, CEO of Vietcombank (VCBNeos parent bank), affirmed that VCBNeo had overcome its most difficult restructuring phase, although challenges remain ahead. He expressed confidence that VCBNeo could fully achieve its goals of safe, efficient restructuring and gradually become self-reliant. The State Bank of Vietnams Regional Branch 1 acknowledged and praised the positive performance VCBNeo achieved in 2025, especially in capital mobilization, credit growth, and non-performing loan control. Earlier, at Vietcombanks annual business meeting, executives revealed that VCBNeo had recorded a profit of over USD 73 million by the end of 2025 - a significant shift after many years of losses. This marked the first time since VCBNeo was transferred to Vietcombank that its financial results were publicly disclosed. Among the four transferred banks, VCBNeo posted the highest profit. Meanwhile, Prosperity Era Commercial Bank Limited (GPBank) reported a profit of over USD 20 million in 2025 after a year of comprehensive restructuring supported by parent bank VPBank. VPBank previously stated that during the first five months of 2025, GPBank saw a 20% increase in deposits and a 3% growth in independent lending. June 2025 marked a turning point, as GPBank recorded its first positive monthly profit after years of losses. Vikki Digital Bank Limited (Vikki Bank), in its first year under the ownership of HDBank, also showed promising signs of recovery by returning to profitability. According to Le Thanh Trung, a member of Vikki Banks board, the bank has laid down foundational elements for its future development after years of financial hardship. For Modern Vietnam Commercial Bank Limited (MBV), its first year under MB's management brought clear improvements in size, asset quality, and operational performance. MBV's total assets surged from roughly USD 1.6 billion to USD 3.7 billion by September 2025, a 129% increase. Credit outstanding nearly doubled, from USD 1.3 billion to USD 2.6 billion - a 94% rise. Meanwhile, deposit volume rose to USD 2.3 billion, up 30%, securing strong liquidity for further growth. At the 2026 national banking sector planning conference, MB revealed that immediately after acquiring MBV, it deployed personnel to fill key leadership roles, restructured the organizational model, and streamlined operations. Around 200 MB staff were reassigned to support MBV. MB also sold assets to MBV in line with the annual roadmap of the mandatory transfer plan. In addition, MB provided comprehensive support in IT and infrastructure, helping MBV complete 20 critical information systems that meet high standards of security, business continuity, and customer service. Tuan Nguyen Exports to the US last year reached 53.15 million USD, accounting for approximately 54% of total tilapia exports, making the US the largest import market for this product, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Compared to 2024, this strong growth reflected both increased import demand from the US market and the ability of Vietnamese businesses to capitalise on opportunities amid fierce international competition. In terms of product structure, the growth in tilapia exports to the US was mainly concentrated in fillets with approximately 40 million USD, a 499% increase year-on-year, becoming the main driver of the overall export increase. This trend aligns with US consumer demand, where convenient, easy-to-prepare, and consistently high-quality products continue to be favoured. Conversely, exports of other processed tilapia products and dried fish to the US market recorded sharp declines of 39% and 68% year-on-year, respectively, indicating that the US market has been increasingly focusing on frozen fillet products, rather than other deeply processed products. According to VASEP, the increased presence of Vietnamese tilapia in the US market is linked to significant fluctuations in global supply. China, the world's largest tilapia producer and exporter, has continued to face tariffs of up to 55% on exports to the US, significantly reducing its competitiveness. Meanwhile, Brazil has been also subject to a high 50% tariff from August 2025, forcing its businesses to adjust their export strategies, including shifting to other markets. In this context, Vietnamese businesses have stepped up investment in tilapia farming and processing, especially frozen fillet products that meet the technical requirements and consumer preferences in the US. Advantages in production costs, relatively stable supply, and the ability to flexibly meet import standards are helping Vietnamese tilapia expand its market share in the demanding market./. VNA Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has voiced Vietnams interest in deepening ties with Switzerland to develop its planned international financial centre (IFC), with a focus on institutional frameworks, operational know-how and quality workforce training. During courtesy calls to Swiss President Guy Parmelin and President of the National Council of Switzerland Pierre-Andre Page in Bern on January 28, Binh also wished for broader collaboration in trade investment, science technology, green transition, renewable energy, which he linked directly to Vietnams pursuit of double-digit GDP growth. He also suggested Switzerland maintain optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community living there to integrate successfully, contribute meaningfully to Swiss society, and thereby reinforce the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. The Swiss leaders welcomed Binhs visit in early 2026, viewing it as a meaningful activity marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Both sides noted that the visit takes place at a time when bilateral ties are thriving across multiple fields, particularly since the Comprehensive Partnership was established in early 2025 during PM Pham Minh Chinhs visit to Switzerland. They spoke highly of Vietnams growing role and stature on the global stage, and commended its impressive socio-economic and internaitonal integration achievements. The Vietnamese official briefed the Swiss leaders on the key outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, reaffirming the country's consistent policy of valuing friendship and cooperation with Switzerland. He thanked Switzerland for its vaccine donations that aided Vietnams swift containment of COVID-19, as well as subsequent support in the wake of severe floods and storms. He also conveyed condolences over a recent fire in Crans-Montana town. The two sides discussed concrete steps to advance ties to a more substantive and effective level, including the regular exchange of all-level delegations, especially those at high level; the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership framework, and the Swiss Federal Assemblys establishment of a Switzerland Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group to boost inter-parliamentary ties. On this occasion, Binh extended invitations from Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong to President Parmelin, and from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Page for official visits to Vietnam. The meeting between Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and President of the National Council of Switzerland Pierre-Andre Page on January 28 (Photo: VNA) Hosts and guest vowed to bolster political trust and expand cooperation in areas where complementarities and respective strengths align, with benefits expected to accrue to both countries and for peace, stability and sustainable development in the regions and the world. They specifically pledged to expedite the conclusion of talks on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, as early as possible in 2026, a move expected to open fresh channels for trade, investment, and closer linkages between the two countries financial centres. On the same day, Binh met with leaders of the Swiss Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF), the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), and representatives from finance and technology firms to boost trade and investment cooperation, specifically encouraging Swiss companies to engage with Vietnams IFC. Impressed by Vietnams economic momentum, Swiss firms expressed confidence in its growth prospects. They welcomed the establishment of the IFC in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and voiced readiness to share expertise. Several of them pointed to their own successful track records in Vietnam and hailed the IFC launch as a timely move to draw new foreign capital inflows. As Vietnam targets an average GDP growth rate of 10% or higher between 2026 and 2030, demand for resources will be substantial, particularly in areas of Switzerlands strength such as green finance, digital finance, clean energy and modern infrastructure, Binh said. Hoping that Swiss enterprises will invest more in Vietnam, the Deputy PM assured that Vietnam stands ready to accompany and remove difficulties to enable long-term and effective commitments from them./. VNA Nipah virus, which can spread from fruit bats, poses a serious public health risk. Photo: HCDC On the morning of January 28, the Department confirmed that its coordinated response plan aligns with the current level of risk following confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, India. Stricter surveillance at border gates The citys health department will strengthen monitoring efforts at Tan Son Nhat, especially for passengers arriving from or transiting through Nipah-affected zones. Anyone showing symptoms such as fever, respiratory issues, or neurological abnormalities will be closely monitored and immediately transferred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HCMC) for isolation, diagnosis, and treatment as required. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases has been designated as the central facility for receiving and handling suspected or confirmed cases. It will also conduct training for healthcare staff across HCMC in diagnosing, treating, and managing infection control related to Nipah virus cases. Strict adherence to protective measures All healthcare facilities are required to enforce personal protective protocols for medical staff and tighten infection control. Special attention must be given to patients with acute encephalitis of unknown cause. In such cases, healthcare providers must thoroughly investigate epidemiological risk factors and consult with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases as needed. Returning travelers from affected regions are advised to monitor their health for at least 14 days post-entry. If any suspicious symptoms appear, they should contact healthcare facilities immediately and avoid self-treatment. Cooperation with health monitoring at borders and in the community is strongly encouraged. For those traveling to outbreak areas, the Department of Health advises avoiding contact with fruit bats, pigs, and any visibly sick animals. Food and beverages potentially contaminated with bat waste should not be consumed. Personal hygiene, especially regular hand washing with soap, is essential. Anyone developing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath, or altered consciousness during or after a trip to an outbreak region should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their travel history to health authorities. According to the Ministry of Health, as of January 26, 2026, Vietnam has not recorded any Nipah virus cases. Surveillance of Nipah has been ongoing for years, and so far, there is no evidence of the virus circulating in the community. In HCMC, advanced testing methods including metagenomics, PCR, and mass spectrometry - conducted by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in collaboration with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases - have found no traces of Nipah virus in encephalitis patients in the city or in southern provinces. While the risk of an outbreak in HCMC remains low, the Department of Health cautions that international travel increases the risk of importation. People should stay informed through official sources, remain vigilant, but avoid panic or unnecessary worry, the Department advised. Heightened monitoring at Noi Bai Airport In Hanoi, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been tasked with strengthening screening efforts at Noi Bai International Airport, particularly for travelers arriving from India - especially West Bengal - through automated temperature screening and specialized protocols. These efforts aim to identify, isolate, and investigate suspected cases promptly to prevent community spread. The CDC has also been instructed to closely follow global and domestic outbreak developments, coordinate with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to collect and test samples when needed, and organize training for frontline healthcare workers. Supplies such as protective gear, disinfectants, and other resources are being stockpiled in preparation. The CDC will also work with media outlets to ensure timely and accurate public information. Phuoc Sang TEL AVIV, Israel and BEIJING, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (the "Company") (SZSE: 000553), today provided an estimate regarding its financial performance for the full year of 2025. The Company saw further positive impact of its 'Fight Forward' strategic transformation plan, with improvements in key financial metrics, including positive adjusted net profit and significantly reduced reported net loss. Sales For the full year of 2025, ADAMA is expecting to report a decline in revenues of approximately 1% to 4% in USD compared to the full year of 2024. The decline in revenues was generally attributable to lower prices and the Company's decisions to optimize its portfolio and geographical presence and to pivot away from selling some basic chemical products, as well as significant declines in Turkey in Q1. Prices remained weak mainly due to low prices of active ingredients in light of overcapacity, as well as a high-interest-rate environment and low commodity prices, which put pressure on distributors and farmers. Adjusted EBITDA and Net Profit For the full year of 2025, the Company is expecting to report an increase in adjusted EBITDA and in its margin, in comparison to the full year of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA and its margin improved due to an increase in the gross profit and its margin, mainly reflecting the positive impacts of lower costs due to improved operational efficiency and lower costs of inventory sold, more than compensating for lower prices. The Company expects to report an adjusted net profit in the range of USD 4 million to 54 million for the full year of 2025, compared to a loss of USD 206 million for the full year of 2024. The profit was mainly due to a higher adjusted operating profit and lower tax and financial expenses. Adjusted net profit (loss) Estimated Full Year 2025 Full Year 2024 Net profit (loss) attributable to shareholders (USD millions) 4-54 (206) Earnings per share (USD) 0.0016-0.0231 (0.0885) Net profit (loss) attributable to shareholders (RMB millions) 25-385 (1,468) Earnings per share (RMB) 0.0107-0.1651 (0.6302) Adjusted Net profit excludes the impact of transitory, non-operational or non-cash items, mainly including: i. Non-cash amortization charges in respect of transfer assets received from Syngenta related to the 2017 ChemChina-Syngenta acquisition; ii. Non-cash amortization net charges related to intangible assets created as part of the Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) on acquisitions, with no impact on the ongoing performance of the companies acquired; iii. Restructuring and advisory costs incurred as part of the continued implementation of the Fight Forward transformation plan; iv. Fixed asset and inventory impairments related to improvement of operational efficiency, as part of the Fight Forward plan; v. Provision of cleanup and remediation costs by an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of the Company for its plant in Israel; vi. Compensation related to product liability; vii. Financial expenses including non-cash expenses related to revaluation of put options attributed to minority stakes in subsidiaries. Reported EBITDA and Net Loss The Company expects a higher reported EBITDA and its margin and a lower reported net loss (which includes the impact of the above adjusted items) for the full year of 2025 compared to 2024. This expectation is mainly due to higher reported operating profit and lower tax expenses despite an increase in reported financial expenses. Reported net profit (loss) Estimated Full Year 2025 Full Year 2024 Net profit (loss) attributable to shareholders (USD millions) (172)-(122) (407) Earnings per share (USD) (0.0737)-(0.0522) (0.1749) Net profit (loss) attributable to shareholders (RMB millions) (1,233)-(873) (2,903) Earnings per share (RMB) (0.5290)-(0.3746) (1.2461) The estimated results of the Company are a preliminary estimation of the Company and have not been audited or reviewed by certified accountants. However, the Company and the external auditor have preliminarily communicated regarding relevant matters of the performance estimation and have no material disagreement. These estimations may change as a result of the further processing and analysis of the financial data that the Company will perform for the preparation of its financial statements, which are expected to be released after trading hours on March 26th, 2026. Investors are reminded to exercise caution when making investment decisions. About ADAMA ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing practical solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. Our culture empowers ADAMA's people to actively listen to farmers and ideate from the field. ADAMA's diverse portfolio of existing active ingredients, coupled with its leading formulation capabilities and proprietary formulation technology platforms, uniquely position the company to develop high-quality, innovative and sustainable products, to address the many challenges farmers and customers face today. ADAMA serves customers in dozens of countries globally, with direct presence in all top 20 markets. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com. Contact Joshua Phillipson Zhujun Wang Global Investor Relations China Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/799829/Adama_Agricultural_Solutions_Logo.jpg SOURCE ADAMA Ltd. On January 28, Standing member of the Party Central Secretariat, Tran Cam Tu, signed Directive No. 57 on behalf of the Secretariat, outlining sweeping measures to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and information security across Vietnams political system. The directive responds to what the Secretariat describes as increasingly complex and unpredictable developments in global and domestic cyberspace. As data becomes a strategic resource and artificial intelligence rapidly expands, cyberspace is emerging as a new domain of strategic competition. The Party affirms that cybersecurity and data sovereignty are no longer purely technical issues - they are core matters of national security, sovereignty, political stability, and global competitiveness. A national mandate for cybersecurity Directive 57 calls for a unified, top-down approach. All Party organizations and political institutions must recognize cybersecurity and data security as urgent, ongoing responsibilities. These are to be managed directly by the Party and uniformly administered by the state. The armed forces and public security forces are identified as the backbone of this defense system. The directive emphasizes a strategy shift from passive defense to proactive defense, urging the creation of a comprehensive, anticipatory cybersecurity shield to detect and neutralize threats early and effectively. The principle of "self-reliance and resilience" must guide the development of Vietnams cybersecurity capabilities. All information systems must be secure by design - from planning through to deployment. Any system that does not meet security requirements must not be deployed. Strict controls must also be applied to the collection, management, and usage of digital data. State secrets and sensitive data must be protected at the highest level, including during testing phases. Leaders at every level are held directly accountable for ensuring cybersecurity and data protection within their jurisdictions. Their performance in this area will now factor into annual evaluations of Party organizations, civil servants, and public employees. Crackdown on anonymous accounts and fake IDs One of the directives most striking provisions is the nationwide requirement for identity authentication across cyberspace. This includes citizens, social media users, telecom subscribers, and owners of digital assets such as IP addresses and domain names. The Secretariat demands a clean sweep of so-called rubbish SIMs, fake accounts, and anonymous users. All social media platforms operating in Vietnam will be required to enforce mandatory identity verification and implement age-restriction mechanisms to protect minors. The Ministry of Public Security will take the lead in managing cybersecurity and data protection across the entire political system, from system design and development to operation. The Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cipher Committee will oversee cryptographic security under the new Cybersecurity Law passed in 2025. Investing in infrastructure and national capabilities The directive calls for accelerated investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and technologies. It instructs national agencies to develop quantum-resistant encryption and secure chips made in Vietnam - strategic technologies deemed vital to resisting emerging quantum decryption threats. Vietnam will also build a layered national cybersecurity architecture to protect the entire internet backbone and information systems of all government, party, and enterprise sectors. Information-sharing networks will be established between agencies to support real-time threat monitoring, coordinated incident response, and recovery. The Secretariat also promotes the development of a homegrown cybersecurity industry. Resources will be prioritized to develop Make in Vietnam cybersecurity products and capabilities. In a bid to elevate Vietnams leadership in the region, the directive encourages the establishment of a regional training center for cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention. A new era of cyber sovereignty Directive 57 marks a significant shift in Vietnams digital policy - from passive regulation to active enforcement. By mandating identity verification, emphasizing technological sovereignty, and holding top officials accountable, the Party signals a new era in its approach to safeguarding cyberspace. As global cyber threats escalate and AI transforms the landscape, Vietnam is placing cybersecurity at the heart of national security - and putting every user on the record. Tran Thuong The Company will present an overview of its strategy and capital allocation framework, along with an in-depth update on key developments and the outlook for the product and chemical tanker market. The February 12, 2026 event will also include the Company's presentation of 4Q 2025 financial results. HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC) ("Ardmore" or the "Company") today announced that it will host its 2026 Investor Day on Thursday, February 12 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time in New York City. At the event, Ardmore's senior management team will provide a comprehensive update on product and chemical tanker markets, including supply and demand fundamentals, evolving trade patterns, and the impact of geopolitical volatility on trade routes and vessel demand. Management will also deliver a business update highlighting how Ardmore is actively identifying and capturing value in a volatile market environment, alongside an overview of the Company's strategy and capital allocation framework. Institutional investors and analysts interested in attending the event should contact IGB Group at [email protected]. A live webcast of the presentation and slides will be available to the public on the Investor Relations section of Ardmore's website at www.ardmoreshipping.com. Please allow extra time prior to the presentation to visit the site and download the necessary software required to listen to the internet broadcast. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website. About Ardmore Shipping Corporation Ardmore owns and operates a fleet of MR product and chemical tankers ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 deadweight tonnes. Ardmore provides, through its modern, fuel-efficient fleet of mid-size tankers, seaborne transportation of petroleum products and chemicals worldwide to oil majors, national oil companies, oil and chemical traders, and chemical companies. Ardmore's core strategy is to continue to develop a modern, high-quality fleet of product and chemical tankers, build key long-term commercial relationships and maintain its cost advantage in assets, operations and overhead, while creating synergies and economies of scale as the company grows. Ardmore provides its services to customers through voyage charters, commercial pools, and time charters, and enjoys close working relationships with key commercial and technical management partners. Investor Relations Enquiries: Mr. Leon Berman IGB Group 32 Broadway, Suite 1314 New York, NY 10004 Tel: 212-477-8438 Fax: 212-477-8636 Email: [email protected] Or Mr. Bryan Degnan IGB Group Tel: 646-673-9701 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ardmore Shipping Corporation Industry professionals, media, and wine enthusiasts will explore the new vintages of Montalcino's celebrated red wines in New York on February 24, followed by a consumer tasting at Millesima on February 25, and educational masterclasses in Dallas and Austin in early March. NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino is excited to announce the expansion of its United States programming. In addition to the main Benvenuto Brunello walk-around tasting, taking place in New York City on February 24th, 2026, for the first time, the Consorzio will also bring its educational program to Texas with two masterclasses in Dallas (March 3rd) and Austin (March 4th). Benvenuto Brunello The New York program will showcase the latest releases of Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, offering trade and media attendees a curated walk-around tasting with 48 producers traveling from Montalcino. Featured wines include Brunello di Montalcino 2021, Brunello Riserva 2020, and Rosso di Montalcino 2024, highlighting the elegance, complexity, and heritage of this iconic Tuscan appellation. Two exclusive seminars, 'Brunello 2021: Decoding the Vintage,' led by Master of Wine Gabriele Gorelli, will give attendees an in-depth exploration of the region and wines through guided tastings and expert insights, with each seminar featuring a curated selection of 10 labels. "The United States is one of the most important and influential markets for Brunello di Montalcino, not only commercially but culturally," said Giacomo Bartolommei, newly elected President and youngest-ever leader of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. "Returning to New York while expanding for the first time to Texas reflects our commitment to being present where trends in wine, food, and lifestyle take shape and influence global conversations. At the same time, we note that the image of Brunello can sometimes seem distant or reserved. One of our key challenges is to demonstrate that Brunello is not only a wine that ages beautifully, but also one that can be enjoyed at an earlier stage. Promoting Rosso di Montalcino alongside Brunello is part of this effort, offering younger consumers and new audiences a more approachable entry point into Montalcino." On February 25, a consumer-focused tasting will enrich the New York City event. Millesima, a luxury wine retailer on the Upper East Side at 1257 2nd Ave, will open its doors to wine enthusiasts, offering a walk-around tasting where guests can meet producers, explore new releases, and learn about the distinctive qualities of Montalcino wines. For the first time, the Consorzio brings its educational program to Texas, hosting two masterclasses in Dallas and Austin for trade and media. The seminar "Brunello 2021: Decoding the Vintage" will be presented in both cities. The Brunello Forma vintage evaluation model has now entered a phase of maturity. This analytical tool is key to assessing the vintage from multiple perspectives, enabling us to fully comprehend and communicate the complex narrative of the 2021 vintage in Montalcino. Hence, the title of our Masterclass, "Brunello 2021: Decoding the Vintage." Academy Dates, Locations, and Hosts: Dallas | March 3rd, 2026 55 Seventy, 6130 Berkshire Lane Hosts: Gabriele Gorelli, MW and Bernardino Sani, Vice President of Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino Austin | March 4th, 2026 Jeffrey's, 1204 W Lynn Street Hosts: Gabriele Gorelli, MW and Bernardino Sani, Vice President of Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino Participating Wineries at Benvenuto Brunello 2026: Abbadia Ardenga, Altesino, Aminta, Argiano, Banfi, Bottega, Camigliano, Capanne Ricci - Tenimenti Ricci, Caparzo, Caprili, Carpineto, Casanuova delle Cerbaie, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Col d'Orcia, Corte Pavone, Cortonesi, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Fanti, Fattoria dei Barbi, Fossacolle, Il Palazzone, Il Poggione, La Casaccia di Franceschi, La Fiorita, La Fortuna, La Magia, Marchesi Frescobaldi, Mocali, Palazzo, Patrizia Cencioni, Pian delle Querci, Pian delle Vigne, Pinino, Podere Brizio, Ridolfi, Ruffino, San Polo, San Guglielmo, SassodiSole, Scopetone - La Melina, Sensi Vigne e Vini, Talenti, Tassi, Tenuta Luce, Terre Nere, Uccelliera + Voliero, Verbena, Villa i Cipressi About Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino The Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino was founded in 1967, just after the DOC designation, as a free association of vignerons whose aim was to safeguard their product and emphasize its best qualities. The Consortium has fostered bringing together old and new wineries, small and large alike, united by the common goals of respect for nature and the desire to make the best quality wine. The Consortium organizes events in Italy and abroad, and facilitates the participation of member winemakers in trade fairs. It manages public relations and the image of Montalcino wines through its press office, and distributes news and information through the official website, with numerous publications in several languages. https://www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it/en/home/home About Colangelo & Partners Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on "closing the loop" between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. http://www.colangelopr.com Media Contact Carlotta Ribolini [email protected] SOURCE Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino Photo: VNA European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Vietnam on January 29, as the EU and Vietnam elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. His programme includes meetings with Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, as well as a site visit to Hanoi Metro Line 3, a project co-financed by the European Investment Bank. "The European Union is committed to strengthening and deepening its ties with Vietnam, building on shared values and mutual goals. For 35 years, our partnership has grown in depth and ambition. I am honoured to travel to Vietnam to mark the upgrade of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said Costa. EU-Vietnam cooperation today spans trade, sustainable development, innovation, governance, and global security. Among the most significant achievements of the past decade is the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in 2020. As the EUs first free trade agreement with a developing country, this agreement has helped raise bilateral trade by around 40 per cent and expanded EU investment in Vietnam from 22 billion ($18.5 billion) to more than 30 billion ($25.3 billion). Looking towards the future, the EU and Vietnam are working closely to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides see considerable potential in deepening cooperation across the green transition, research and innovation, science and technology, and digital transformation, including skills development and future-oriented sectors such as semiconductors. At the same time, cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, and crisis management is expected to expand as both partners navigate a more complex global environment. European businesses already play a strong role in Vietnams development, and predictable, transparent, and coherent policies will help further attract high-quality investment that aligns with Vietnams ambitions for a green, digital, and high-income future. European business confidence reaches highest in seven years EuroCham released the Q4 2025 edition of its Business Confidence Index (BCI) on January 13, recording its highest level in seven years and marking a decisive shift in European business sentiment. EVN and AFD sign credit agreement for Vietnams first pumped storage hydropower plant Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a credit facility agreement worth 76 million ($89.5 million) for the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant on December 26. NOVATO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brayton Purcell LLP is drawing urgent attention to a nationwide health crisis intensified by new reporting from InvestigateTV, which documents devastating cases of silicosis among workers who fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone slabsalso referred to as quartz, engineered, artificial or manufactured stone. Crystalline silica artificial stone contains at least 90% silica in nanosized particles, along with approximately 10% other toxic and carcinogenic metals and VOCs, which are released during cutting, grinding, and polishing. The January 19, 2026 InvestigateTV article and broadcast show the irreversible injuries caused by crystalline silica artificial stone dust, as well as the profound emotional, medical, and financial impact suffered by affected workers and their families. Silicosis Cases Rising at an Alarming Rate InvestigateTV reports that "hundreds of workers in the engineered stone industry are falling ill due to silicosis." California state data cited in the report show that nearly 500 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, 27 have died and 54% of California fabrication shops have at least one confirmed case of artificial stone silicosis among their workers. Dr. Jane Fazio of the UCLA School of Medicine, who treats many of these workers, explained the progression of the disease: "So you're not able to take in the amount of air that you really need to [the lungs] become essentially stone." She further noted that patients are, in effect, "suffocating to death." With silicosis having no cure, many workers ultimately require risky doublelung transplants. More than 50 workers in California have undergone lung transplantation in recent years. A Family's Life Forever Changed InvestigateTV highlighted the story of Tyler Jordan, a 31yearold father of three who worked in his family's countertop fabrication shop. Jordan described his deteriorating breathing capacity: "Trying to take a deep breath, there's just a point where there's no more I feel like I should be able to breathe deeper, but I can't." Doctors initially suspected cancer, but Jordan later reflected on his diagnosis: "And then now, looking back, cancer would have been a better outcome." Jordan also developed silicainduced kidney failure and underwent a kidney transplant with his father as the donor. Speaking about how silicosis has destroyed his plans for the future, Jordan said: "Because that was my life plan. That's what I wanted I don't really have a plan anymore." Industry Pushes Legislation to Block Lawsuits InvestigateTV also reports that H.R. 5437, a bill currently before Congress, would prohibit lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of crystalline silica artificial stone slabs. The "bailout" bill is backed by mostly foreign artificial stone slab manufacturers and would indemnify them from any wrongdoing. Jordan opposes the legislation, telling InvestigateTV: "I think it's a little bit ridiculous when a product is this dangerous to not have any repercussions about putting it out and getting people sick or essentially killing them." Growing Calls for a Ban Medical professionals interviewed by InvestigateTV expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis. The Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA), representing over 600 occupational health physicians, petitioned California officials urging a statewide ban, stating that crystalline silica artificial stone "is too toxic to fabricate and install safely" and that "education and enforcement alone" will not curtail the health emergency. Australia banned crystalline silica artificial stone in 2024, concluding that "there is no scientific evidence for a 'safe' threshold of silica in the product." Legal Options for Exposed Workers Brayton Purcell LLP represents nearly 500 crystalline silica artificial stone countertop workers in California, and 200+ workers in other states. Individuals diagnosed with silicosis from exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone fabrication may be able to pursue compensation for medical costs, loss of income, and other harms. Brayton Purcell LLP has an accomplished team with decades of experience assisting individuals and families affected by toxic exposures, including silicarelated illnesses. Media contact: Nolan Lowry [email protected] 415-399-3107 SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP Kuehne+Nagel is supporting Schwalbes major expansion in Vietnam as the companies mark 10 years of partnership. Schwalbes export distribution centre will grow to nearly 20,000 sq.m total capacity, strengthening its ability to meet rising global demand for bicycle tyres. The expansion will create new employment opportunities for local talent and reinforce Vietnams role as a key hub for Schwalbes global operations, promoting long-term sustainable growth in the region. From this location, Schwalbe products are distributed to 43 international markets, supporting customers across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Bjoern Traemann, managing director of Kuehne+Nagel Vietnam, said, We value our strong relationship with Schwalbe and look forward to the continued partnership. This expansion demonstrates how collaboration drives innovation and enables us to meet global customer demands sustainably. We are proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Kuehne+Nagel. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability have been vital to our success. Looking ahead, we are confident in achieving our goals with the continued excellence of our partnership, added Vanessa Schulte, head of Supply Chain Management at Schwalbe. European expertise to boost Vietnams sustainable logistics push As Vietnam expands its role in global manufacturing and trade, the demand for smart, low-carbon logistics is becoming increasingly urgent to support its net-zero goals. Dan Jian, principal of Investment for the Asia and Middle East Region at APM Terminals under the Maersk Group, spoke with VIRs Bich Thuy about how European expertise can help accelerate the sustainable logistics transition. European business confidence reaches highest in seven years EuroCham released the Q4 2025 edition of its Business Confidence Index (BCI) on January 13, recording its highest level in seven years and marking a decisive shift in European business sentiment. On January 28, Hanoi Department of Health issued an urgent document requesting increased surveillance at Noi Bai International Airport, strict screening of incoming travellers, and preparation of response scenarios to protect public health. Photo: The Ministry of Health The Hanoi Centre for Disease Control is intensifying monitoring of incoming travellers, especially those returning from areas where Nipah disease is circulating, such as India, through professional measures and an automated body temperature measurement system to detect early signs of abnormalities. In addition, the health sector has prepared plans for temporary isolation at the airport, organised epidemiological investigation, collected samples for testing, and closely coordinated with the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in case of detecting suspected cases. At the grassroots level, hospitals, health centres as well as ward and commune health stations in Hanoi are required to strengthen screening and early detection of suspected cases with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue. Healthcare workers receive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and infection control of Nipah virus disease, and adhere to all required reporting procedures. Hanoi's health sector, in coordination with local authorities, is stepping up communication efforts, advising people, especially those who have recently entered the country from areas with outbreaks, to proactively monitor their health and immediately notify medical facilities if any suspicious symptoms appear. Health experts emphasised that early and remote monitoring, along with prepared response scenarios, are key factors in preventing dangerous diseases from entering the country and protecting public health in the context of increasing international exchange. Pfizer Vietnam hosts symposia on pediatric pneumococcal disease Pfizer Vietnam and local medical institutions convened over 1,000 healthcare experts to discuss the latest trends in pediatric pneumococcal disease. Protect whats next: towards a future free from meningococcal group B disease The School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, in collaboration with GSK Vietnam, has held a seminar titled Journey towards a Vietnam free from meningococcal group B disease. Vietnam unites to tackle major causes of disease and death The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on December 15 brought together representatives from the government, health and non-health sectors, and partners in Hanoi to speed up action on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death in Vietnam. Photo: baodautu.vn The figure represents the combined gross merchandise value (GMV) of three major food delivery platforms, ShopeeFood, GrabFood, and BeFood, as reported in the sixth annual Food Delivery Platforms in Southeast Asia report published by Singapore-based venture capital firm Momentum Works on January 28. Compared with 2024, Vietnams online food delivery market expanded by 19 per cent in 2025. Of the total $2.1 billion spent on food orders through these platforms, ShopeeFood and GrabFood emerged as the two dominant players, jointly accounting for 48 per cent of market share. BeFood held a 4 per cent share, while Xanh SM Ngon, which entered the market recently, has yet to record meaningful revenue. Momentum Works noted that GMV figures include completed food orders placed via delivery apps, excluding direct orders made with restaurants and cancelled transactions. Previously, the e-Conomy SEA 2025 report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company estimated Vietnams ride-hailing and online food delivery market at $5 billion in 2024, up 20 per cent on-year, with projections pointing to growth to $9 billion by 2030. Consumer surveys conducted in 2025 by Decision Lab indicate that ordering food via apps has become a routine habit for many Vietnamese consumers, particularly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. Data firm Statista attributed the markets strong growth to widespread smartphone adoption, increasingly busy lifestyles, and a growing preference for convenience in dining. However, the sector has also undergone intense competition and consolidation. In 2023, as many as six platforms were active in Vietnam. Baemin exited the market in December 2023, followed by Gojeks withdrawal in September 2024, which also marked GoFoods departure. By the end of 2024, local platform Loship had also ceased operations. The near-even split in market share between ShopeeFood and GrabFood is likely to face further shifts, with the entry of Xanh SM Ngon in mid-2025. The platform is leveraging the rapid expansion of electric two-wheel ride-hailing services as a competitive advantage. Across Southeast Asia, Vietnam remains the smallest online food delivery market among the six countries tracked by Momentum Works, behind Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. Combined, the six markets recorded a total GMV of $22.7 billion in 2025, with Thailand posting the strongest growth at 22 per cent, reaching $5.1 billion. VietShrimp Asia 2026 and Aquaculture Vietnam 2026, to take place on March 18-20 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, serve as a strategic platform where knowledge, technology and business connectivity converge to shape the future of aquaculture. The co-located exhibitions are expected to bring together 200+ exhibitors, attracting 7,000+ trade visitors from 30+ countries and regions, across a total exhibition area of 8,800 square metres. The exhibitions are organised by specialised industry sectors, covering the entire aquaculture value chain, from inputs, technologies and environmental management to advanced farming technologies and AI-powered solutions. Alongside the exhibitions, associated events will feature a series of industry-focused programmes offering in-depth content, updates on the latest trends, technologies and practical solutions. These activities are designed to enhance industry competitiveness and support the sustainable development of aquaculture businesses. International conferences will feature international leading experts and industry thought leaders, delivering in-depth insights and updates on global market trends, emerging challenges, and best practices shaping the aquaculture industry worldwide. Key discussions will cover sustainability strategies, regulatory frameworks, digital transformation, food safety compliance, and green development standards. Meanwhile, technical seminars will be delivered by leading companies and solution providers, introducing the latest technologies, innovations, and practical applications in aquaculture. Sessions will focus on high-tech farming systems, disease control solutions, cost optimisation tools, and advanced technologies designed to improve productivity and operational efficiency. One of the core values of the events lie in their ability to effectively connect stakeholders across the entire aquaculture value chain, from input suppliers and technology providers to buyers and trade partners in both domestic and international markets. VietShrimp Asia and Aquaculture Vietnam are also designed as long-term initiatives accompanying the sustainable development of Vietnams aquaculture industry. By fostering collaboration among businesses, experts and the aquaculture community, the events contribute to promoting efficient, responsible and future-oriented production models. A match and meet programme will provide a dedicated networking platform designed to help exhibitors, suppliers, buyers and potential partners easily connect, exchange business needs and explore long-term collaboration opportunities. Meanwhile, a bus-in programme is to be implemented to facilitate farmers, cooperatives, small business leaders, and technical professionals from key aquaculture provinces in gaining direct access to technologies, solutions and industry knowledge. Through this, the initiative helps enhance production capacity, management capabilities and adaptability across the entire aquaculture value chain. Maximising efficiency Last year marked a milestone for Vietnams aquaculture industry, with output nearing 10 million tonnes and exports reaching a record $11.3 billion, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth beyond 2026. Shrimp and basa fish continued to drive exports, while marine aquaculture and species diversification expanded supply capacity and value across the production chain. With that, the two events in March will create a strategic meeting point for the growing Southeast Asian aquaculture community, bringing together the entire aquaculture value chain within a single, integrated platform. This combined exhibition delivers clear advantages in cost efficiency and return on investment for participating companies. With just one exhibition presence, businesses can simultaneously engage with multiple target customer segments, strategic partners, and industry experts, enabling them to optimise marketing, sales, and trade promotion budgets while enhancing brand visibility across the market. LeadGrab, a dedicated application for exhibitors, allows for easy and efficient visitor data collection through simple QR code scanning. Exhibitors can quickly track, follow up with potential customers, and maximise post-event engagement, ultimately improving investment efficiency and driving sales growth after the exhibition. The joint events are organised by Informa Markets, which boasts a portfolio of over 550 international events and brands across a wide range of industries. As part of its global livestock and aquaculture exhibition series, VietShrimp Asia and Aquaculture Vietnam not only provide a large-scale business and trade platform, but also serve as a strategic bridge for accelerating technology transfer, promoting advanced production models, and expanding international collaboration within the aquaculture industry. With an international scale, carefully curated technical content, and a long-term development vision, VietShrimp Asia 2026 and Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 are expected to become a key meeting point for Vietnams aquaculture industry and the wider region. Through this platform, the events contribute to reinforcing Vietnams position as a dynamic hub for aquaculture and aquaculture processing, integrating into global markets, and meeting increasingly stringent international standards. Register to attend: https://ers-vn.informa-info.com/avs26 Contact information: Exhibition: Ms. Sophie Nguyen sophie.nguyen@informa.com Group delegation support: Ms. Phuong phuong.c@informa.com MarCom support: Ms. Anita Pham anita.pham@informa.com Norway and Vietnam to boost aquaculture ties The Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi and the Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) last week co-organised a seminar to discuss cooperation opportunities in aquaculture and seafood. Aquaculture stocks lean to speculative Market experts suggest that investors could consider speculating on leading Vietnamese aquaculture stocks in the final two quarters of the year, as valuations become increasingly attractive due to the cyclical nature of the sector. WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Defense has been awarded a $99.7 million contract by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to produce deployable, high-density, AI-enabled edge compute systems over a five-year period. This capability aims to accelerate tactical decision-making by enabling advanced artificial intelligence processing closer to the point of operations, bypassing traditional data centers. Contract and Program Overview The contract follows a successful prototype phase of the iCool program, which validated the operational viability of Bridge Defense's ComputeBridge Pods. Based on this effort, the program transitioned directly to production to support deployment to USSOCOM. AI Edge Capability and Integration ComputeBridge Pods enable AI compute at the tactical edge, supporting data processing and analytics in disconnected environments. The systems integrate with Palantir's Mission Manager to support dynamic workload orchestration and operational visibility across deployed systems. Advanced Cooling Technology The ComputeBridge Pods utilize Universal Edge Technologies' immersion cooling technology, enabling sustained high-density GPU performance in compact, deployable units suitable for austere and contested environments where air cooling is impractical. Company Approach and Capabilities Bridge Defense combines software, infrastructure, and deployable platforms under a unified system-level responsibility to deliver scalable and usable solutions tailored to mission needs, as demonstrated through the iCool program. About Bridge Defense Bridge Defense is a next- generation defense integrator focused on delivering comprehensive operational capabilities for the Government's most demanding customers and most challenging missions. The company combines infrastructure support, software development, and deployable platforms to turn mission needs into working systems. Bridge Defense delivers capabilities that enable artificial intelligence and advanced operations in contested and operationally constrained environments, with an emphasis on solutions that can be delivered, scaled, and sustained in real-world conditions. For more information, visit https://www.bridge-defense.com Media Contact: For inquiries, contact: [email protected] About Universal Edge Technologies Universal Edge Technologies (UET) is a U.S.-based technology company specializing in deployable, high-density edge compute platforms designed to operate in austere, power-constrained, and disconnected environments. UET's immersion-cooled compute architecture enables sustained GPU performance in compact, mobile form factors where traditional air-cooled systems are not viable. Purpose-built for advanced AI, analytics, and mission-critical workloads, UET's technology delivers reliable, low-latency compute capability at the tactical edge where conventional infrastructure cannot operate. For more information, visit https://www.uet.ai/ About Palantir Technologies Inc. Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. For more information, visit https://www.palantir.com/ SOURCE Bridge Defense Former chef trades catering career for coral reefs and marine PhD A former chef who spent years working in restaurant kitchens in Poland is now preparing to begin a PhD in Thailand. And Lukas Stevenson says it would never have been possible without the life-changing support he received at Coleg Cambria University Centre. When Lukas moved from Ireland to Wales with his family, he recognised a chance to finally pursue his long-held ambition of working with animals. A visit to Cambrias Northop campus quickly became a turning point, and although he initially planned to enquire about the Level 3 Animal Care course, staff encouraged him to apply directly to the university-level HNC and HND in Animal Management. Lukas remembers receiving an exceptional welcome, top-notch advice and being struck by the amazing facilities which are a reflection of the strength and quality of higher education at Cambria University Centre. With a background in catering, he was unsure what direction his future career might take, but the supportive environment and expert teaching helped him quickly find his path. A second-year work placement became the catalyst for everything that followed. While on a family holiday in Thailand, he spent time on coral reef restoration dives, an experience that changed the course of his future. That trip changed my life, he said. It was the moment I decided to dedicate my career to protecting the ocean. From his first day at Northop, Lukas felt encouraged and supported by the higher education team, particularly Programme Leader Sadie Thackaberry. Her mentorship played a central role in building his confidence and helping him realise his potential. Sadie is, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring tutors Ive ever met, he said. She goes above and beyond for every student not just teaching, but motivating, encouraging, and supporting you in every way to help you achieve your goals. Honestly, if I hadnt met Sadie on that first day in Northop, I would most probably still be cooking instead of following my dreams. Sadie said: Lukass journey is a powerful example of what can happen when passion and opportunity come together. His determination, curiosity, and enthusiasm for conservation were clear from the start, and it has been a privilege to support him. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and we cant wait to see the impact he will make in marine conservation globally. After completing the MSc in Marine Biology, Lukas is now preparing to begin a PhD in Thailand researching coralsponge competition and coral-killing sponges. Alongside his studies, he teaches SCUBA diving, free-diving, and marine conservation courses in Wrexham, inspiring others to protect the ocean. Cambria University Centre offers accessible degree-level study in a friendly, local setting, combining modern facilities with expert tutors who bring industry experience into the classroom. Find out more about Higher Education at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk/higher-education. Plans submitted for new Greggs bakery near Wrexham Maelor Hospital Plans have been submitted to open a new Greggs bakery near Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The company, which has more than 2,000 stores nationwide, is seeking permission for a change of use of a vacant unit on Croesnewyedd Road. According to plans submitted to Wrexham Council, the space forms part of the former Phoenix Healthcare manufacturing and distribution centre. However the space has sat vacant for nearly a year. As part of the proposals, minimal changes will be made to exterior of the building, including a new shopfront, roller-shutter door and signage. Internally there would be a serving area and a small seating area consisting of approximately 10 seats. Two-thirds of the space will be used as a back-of-house area to allow for storage, food preparation and a staff room, JMS Planning and Development, which has submitted the plans on behalf of the bakery giant, said the new store is considered to be a beneficial service to the workers and the staff of this area, providing an accessible, attractive and affordable bakery brining lunching opportunities on site. If approved, the new store is expected to create four full-time and seven part-time jobs. Opening hours would be between 6am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The applicants conclude: It is considered that the proposed use will support the surrounding area by providing convenient, quick dining options for residents and workers in accordance with LDP Policy S6. The proposal will contribute to making the area more attractive and sustainable by offering new facilities, which are accessible by public services and active travel means, whilst also creating several valuable jobs on site. The proposal utilises an existing brownfield site, which is vacant, thus promoting efficient use of land in accordance with Future Wales. The re-use of the building has a positive impact on the site and surrounding area in terms of amenity and visual betterment, with a reduction in other amenity impacts associated with the former health care distribution use. The proposal complies with both National and Local Planning Policy. Based on the above, it is respectfully requested that planning permission be granted, as this proposal offers social, economic and environmental benefits to the area. The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date. Sore throats and wobbly teeth among time-wasting 999 made to Welsh Ambulance Service A wobbly tooth, sore throat and accidentally swallowing some mouthwash are just some of the time-wasting calls made to the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust in the past year. Of the 414,118 incidents reported to the service, roughly one in every seven (62,454) did not require an ambulance response. Among the calls was someone with ointment in their eye, while another dialled 999 because of a fishing hook stuck in their finger. The following are real 999 calls made to the ambulance service in the past year: Call 1 Operator: Is the patient breathing? Caller: Yeah, Im the patient. I was gargling with mouthwash to try to get rid of my flu, and a drop of the mouthwash went down my throat. Call 2 Operator: Ambulance, whats the address of the emergency? Caller: What Ive got is a molar tooth which has come out of its socket tonight. Its hanging on by a thread. Call 3 Operator: Tell me exactly whats happened. Caller: He was sorting out his fishing equipment and a fishing hook has gone right through his finger, and theres no way I can get it out. Call 4 Operator: Ambulance service, whats the full address of the emergency? Caller: She was cleaning her ear with a Q-tip and I think she pushed it a bit far. Call 5 Operator: Tell me exactly whats happened. Caller: He got a little cut but he feels dizzy and light-headed. Its not a big cut, its a small cut, but he feels dizzy and hes sweating a lot. Call 6 Caller: He was listening with his headphones on a phone, and the ends come off and gone in his ear. Operator: Right, so theres an earphone stuck in his ear, is that correct? Caller: Well, he claims, yeah. Call 7 Operator: Tell me exactly whats happened. Caller: Ive just applied ointment under my eye. Maybe the ointment ran inside my eye and now Im unable to open my eye. My eyeball hurts. Call 8 Operator: Tell me exactly whats happened. Caller: Basically, Ive just woke up and I cant swallow or nothing. Its my throat, its killing me. Call 9 Operator: Is the patient breathing? Caller: Yeah, hes breathing. What it is, hes fired a nail gun, and the nail went into the tip of his finger. Operator: Is there any serious bleeding? Caller: Not yet. Call 10 Operator: Tell me exactly whats happened. Caller: Ive kicked a wall and I think Ive broken a few of my toes. Im in absolute agony at the minute. Call 11 Caller: What I really need is a dentist. Operator: Whats happened to your tooth? Caller: My tooth is broken, its gone. Operator: When did that happen? Caller: It happened last week. I dont want to waste your services. All I want is to be able to see a dentist in the morning. The Trust is now reminding people to only call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured. Andy Swinburn, Executive Director of Paramedicine, said: Our highly skilled staff are trained to deal with situations where immediate interventions are required because of the severity of a persons condition. Thats things such as cardiac arrest, chest pain, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, choking, catastrophic bleeding and stroke. When people call 999 for things like a sore throat, it takes up the valuable time of our call handlers and clinicians, who could be helping patients with a genuine emergency who urgently us. Our message is simple apply your common sense and help us protect our precious resources for those who need us most. Lee Brooks, Executive Director of Operations, added: All of the calls highlighted today did not require an ambulance and could have been managed by a more appropriate service. In fact, people with these conditions will no longer be seen in-person by us at all under our new clinical model instead, theyll get advice over the phone, allowing us to prioritise and improve our response for patients having heart attacks and strokes. We understand that when people are worried about their health, emotions can run high and that can cloud your judgement. This is not about placing blame, but we do need people to take responsibility for how and when services are used. The ambulance service, like emergency departments, exists for urgent and life-threatening situations, and is not intended for routine illnesses or injuries. Calling 999 does not automatically mean an ambulance will be sent, just as arriving at hospital by ambulance does not mean youll be seen more quickly. While were dealing with a non-urgent call, an elderly person may have fallen and broken their hip, a teenager could be in cardiac arrest or someone may be unconscious after a serious road traffic collision. These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues, so please remember that and use 999 appropriately. The Trust is urging people to learn about the alternatives to 999. The NHS 111 Wales website should be your first port of call for advice and information, or you can call 111. Pharmacists offer free advice and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments, like coughs and colds, while minor injury units can deal with minor burns, bites and stings, as well as minor eye injuries. It is also important to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet for things which can be treated at home, like sore throats, and keep on top of prescription medication. Douglas County deputies need your help finding a person of interest in a series of burglaries at the Gardnerville Walmart. Deputies say the woman is suspected of stealing multiple appliances from the store during separate incidents, from March through December 2025. If you have any information that can help authorities, contact DCSO Investigator West at 775-783-6049. The Washoe County and Carson City School Districts are responding to reports of possible upcoming student walkouts in protest of ICE operations and shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a statement sent to 2 News Nevada, the WCSD said that any student deciding to participate in a walkout will be marked tardy or absent, depending on the length of time they are out of class. These tardies or absences will *not be excused. Any students participating must not disturb other students or classes or be disruptive, the school district said. Unsafe actions or behaviors that risk the security of the school and fellow students will also not be tolerated, the district said. "As a district, WCSD has always placed a high value on student voice and encouraged our students to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about local, national, and international issues. We strive to teach our students to respect others, value free speech, discuss controversial topics productively, and consider the ideas and viewpoints of others in a peaceful and constructive way," said the district in its statement. "And while WCSD understands and respects the purpose of these events, its first priority is educating our students without disruption to instruction. In order for WCSD to carry out this mission, students must attend school," the district also said. As for Carson City School District, this statement was sent to parents on Wednesday: "Political protests involving students walking out of school are being observed throughout northern Nevada and on a national level across the country. The Carson City School District is aware of several student-initiated walkouts planned at Carson High in the coming days, including Jan. 29 and Feb. 2. Additionally, Friday, Jan. 30, is the national walkout day. These are not the first of their kind to be organized, and there will likely be others. These protests are not school-sanctioned activities, and the districts top priority remains on the safety and supervision of students. "We regularly coordinate with law enforcement to enhance security for events we have knowledge of, but we are unable to supervise activities that occur off school property. We invite parents to discuss with their students the risks involved with leaving campus and encourage them to stay at school. Our schools are places where students learn not only academics, but also civic engagement, respectful dialogue and the importance of peaceful expression. Finally, students who leave school during the school day are marked as an unexcused absence unless their parent or guardian excuses them." 2 News Nevada has been contacted by parents, staff, and students from other districts in the region, saying similar walkouts in those districts could also be possible. UN envoy sees potential turning point for Gaza, warns of uncertainties Xinhua) 09:12, January 29, 2026 UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said Wednesday that there might be a turning point for Gaza, with both profound opportunity and considerable risk. Alakbarov told an open debate of the UN Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, that the announced start of the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point comprehensive plan is a critical step in consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza. Nearly the entire population in Gaza remains in need of humanitarian assistance, he said. Heavy rainfall and cold temperatures have exacerbated the suffering of more than 1.5 million displaced Palestinians in Gaza, while across all sectors, humanitarian actors are still unable to operate at scale. Humanitarian work is being hindered by insecurity, customs clearance challenges, the limited number of partners authorized by Israeli authorities to bring cargo into Gaza, delays and denials of cargo at crossings, and limited routes available for transporting supplies within Gaza, said Alakbarov. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to conduct military operations, with airstrikes, shelling and gunfire occurring across the strip, he said, adding that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, including many women and children. Alakbarov highlighted continued tensions in the occupied West Bank. Negative trends are entrenched daily. The reporting period between Sept. 20 and Dec. 2, 2025 was marked by continued violence, with extensive Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, settler violence, demolitions and large-scale detentions, he noted. There is a genuine opportunity to lay the foundations for a more stable and secure future for Palestinians and Israelis, advance the goal of a legitimate Palestinian government that can reunify Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and chart a course toward ending the occupation and advancing a political process that will ultimately end the conflict, said Alakbarov. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BOSTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainability Roundtable, Inc (SR Inc) is pleased to announce that Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era, has entered into a long-term Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with R.Power S.A. through SR Inc's Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB). R.Power S.A is one of Poland's leading solar energy developers. The agreement supports the development of four new solar projects located in Poland: Wydartowo, Biezyce, Ostrzeniewo III, and Nowy Zagor III, with a total contracted volume of 470 GWh. DLA Piper provided legal support for the agreement and SR Inc partner LevelTen Energy facilitated the initial RFP. The partnership demonstrates Cisco's commitment to advancing renewable energy access through a range of projects. The 15-year VPPA, targeting a Commercial Operation Date (COD) in 2027, represents a milestone in expanding solar capacity and strengthening Europe's renewable energy landscape. It will help accelerate progress toward increasing use of clean-energy in the carbon-intensive Poland electrical grid. The projects represent purchaser-caused renewable energy capacity, directly enabled by Cisco's long-term commitment under the VPPA. "Cisco's leadership reflects the growing role of global enterprises in catalyzing regional renewable energy development," said Jim Boyle, CEO of SR Inc. "This agreement showcases how corporate buyers can drive impact through diversified, high-quality clean-energy investments." "We are proud to support the growth of renewable energy in Europe through this partnership," said Evan Scott Brown, Renewable Energy & Utilities Manager, Cisco. "This agreement not only aligns with Cisco's commitment to powering a more resilient energy future, but also directly supports operational needs, including the expansion of our lab facilities in Krakow. This collaboration is a powerful example of how partnership can increase clean energy access while providing business value." "Partnering with Cisco reinforces R.Power's position as a leading multi-technology renewable energy producer in Central Europe. Cisco's long-term commitment directly enables new solar capacity in Poland and supports the wider adoption of clean energy underway across the region," said Rafa Hajduk, Chief Commercial Officer, R.Power S.A. R.Power S.A., headquartered in Warsaw, is one of Europe's leading multi-technology Independent Power Producers, with a rapidly expanding pipeline of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects across the continent. The company develops, builds, and operates large-scale clean-energy assets and is driving the deployment of new renewable capacity in Central Europe. Its collaboration with Cisco through SR Inc's NZCB will further accelerate Poland's adoption of clean-energy while delivering tangible environmental and economic benefits to local communities. About Sustainability Roundtable, Inc (SR Inc) SR Inc's Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB) is a confidential buyers' community committed to creating corporate buyer-favorable renewable energy transactions that enable participating enterprises to chart a path to decarbonization globally. SR Inc Member-Clients have made the NZCB a leading platform for corporate aggregated procurements through VPPAs in North America, Europe, and India. About R.Power Group R.Power is a leading independent renewable energy producer headquartered in Poland, with operations extending to Romania, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Germany. As a multi-technology company, R.Power is developing a portfolio of over 30 GW+ across photovoltaics, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and wind energy projects, with energy sales supported by Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Its activities cover the entire renewable energy value chain, including project development and renewable energy production as an independent power producer (IPP). Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) services, are delivered by R.Power's dedicated subsidiary NOMAD Electric. In addition, through its subsidiary Quanta Energy, R.Power provides comprehensive renewable energy solutions for industrial clients, businesses, and institutions. Media Contact: Brittany Nammour [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870826/SUSTAINABILITY_ROUNDTABLE_Logo.jpg BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union agreed Thursday to list Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the blocs top diplomat said, in a largely symbolic move that adds to pressure on the Islamic Republic. The EUs foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said foreign ministers in the 27-nation bloc unanimously agreed on the designation, which she said will put the regime on the same footing" with al-Qaida, Hamas and the Islamic State group. Those who operate through terror must be treated as terrorists," Kallas said. Economic woes sparked the protests before they broadened into a challenge to the theocracy before the crackdown, which activists say has killed at least 6,479 people. Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise, Kallas said. Other countries, including the U.S. and Canada, have previously designated the Guard as a terrorist organization. Iran also faces the threat of U.S. military action in response to the killing of peaceful demonstrators and over possible mass executions. The American military has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers into the Mideast. It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will decide to use force. Iran issued a warning to ships at sea Thursday that it planned to run a drill next week that would include live firing in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting traffic through a waterway that sees 20% of all the world's oil pass through it. Terrorist group label a symbolic act Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the designation as a PR stunt and said Europe would be affected if energy prices surge as a result of the sanctions. Several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. None of them are European, he wrote on X. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, said the listing was a symbolic act showing that for the EU the dialogue path hasnt led anywhere, and now its about isolation and containment as a priority. The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state, as a terrorist organization, is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties," she said. The Revolutionary Guard now has time to comment before the listing is formally adopted, said Edouard Gergondet, a lawyer focused on sanctions with the firm Mayer Brown. The EU on Thursday also sanctioned 15 top officials and six organizations in Iran, including those involved in monitoring online content, as the country remains gripped by a three-week internet blackout by authorities. The sanctions mean that affected officials and organizations will have their assets frozen, and they will be banned from traveling to Europe, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. The Revolutionary Guard holds vast business interest across Iran, and sanctions could allow its assets in Europe to be seized. Iran already struggles under the weight of international sanctions from multiple countries, including the U.S. and Britain. Guard emerged from 1979 revolution The Guard emerged from Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution as a force meant to protect its Shiite cleric-overseen government and was later enshrined in its constitution. It operated in parallel with the countrys regular armed forces, growing in prominence and power during a long and ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. Though it faced possible disbandment after the war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei granted it powers to expand into private enterprise, allowing it to thrive. The Guard's Basij force likely was key in putting down the demonstrations, starting in earnest from Jan. 8, when authorities cut off the internet and international telephone calls for the nation of 85 million people. Videos that have come out of Iran via Starlink satellite dishes and other means show men likely belonging to its forces shooting and beating protesters. Once they reach the age of 18, Iranian men are required to do up to two years of military service, and many find themselves conscripted into the Guard despite their own politics. Strait of Hormuz drill planned Meanwhile, a notice to mariners sent Thursday by radio warned that Iran planned to conduct naval shooting in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and Monday. Two Pakistani security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to journalists, also confirmed the warning had been sent. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the drill. The hard-line Keyhan newspaper raised the specter that Tehran could try to close the strait by force. Today, Iran and its allies have their finger on a trigger that, at the first enemy mistake, will sever the worlds energy artery in the Strait of Hormuz and bury the hollow prestige of billion-dollar Yankee warships in the depths of the Persian Gulf, the newspaper said. Such a move would likely invite U.S. military intervention. American military officials did not respond to a request for comment. Elsewhere, Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose Green Movement rose to challenge Irans disputed 2009 presidential election, again called for a constitutional referendum to change the countrys government. A previous call failed to take hold. The World Health Organization also said at least five doctors have been detained and multiple health workers assaulted while treating injured patients in Iran since the protests began. Death toll stands at over 6,400 The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that the violence in Iran has killed at least 6,479 people in recent weeks, with many more feared dead. Its count included at least 6,092 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 118 children and 55 civilians who were not demonstrating. More than 47,200 have been arrested, it added. The group verifies each death and arrest with a network of activists on the ground, and it has been accurate in multiple rounds of previous unrest in Iran. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll. As of Jan. 21, Irans government put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeling the rest terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution. Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report. The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is inviting the Bay Area to celebrate a major milestone: the 25th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration. One of OMCAs most beloved traditions, this full-day, family-friendly festival on Saturday, February 21st, honors the holiday and uplifts Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the region through vibrant performances, hands-on activities, storytelling, and food. (Christine Cueto) Now in its 25th year, OMCAs Lunar New Year Celebration has become a space for connection, cultural exchange, and shared joy. This anniversary edition welcomes visitors to reflect on the traditions that have shaped the celebration over the past quarter-century, while embracing the energy and renewal symbolized by the Year of the Fire Horse. The festival begins at 11am, with performances and activities across OMCAs seven-acre campus starting at noon. The day opens with a traditional lucky lion dance, ushering in the New Year and chasing away evil spirits. It will be followed throughout the afternoon by performances representing Korean, Pilipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese heritage, including dynamic drumming and dance by Hansamo, kulintang music and Pilipino dance by KULARTS, and a high-energy lion and dragon dance by UC Berkeleys Vietnamese Student Association. Families and visitors of all ages can take part in hands-on activities such as horse puppet-making, red envelope decorating, K-pop dance lessons, a collective wishing tree, and a self-guided Lunar New Year zodiac animal quest throughout OMCAs galleries. (Christine Cueto) Storytimes with author Benson Shum and the Oakland Public Library will invite deeper engagement with Lunar New Year traditions through books and music, while Oakland-based musical artist seiji oda will present a special set featuring meditative deep listening paired with movement and breathing exercises for all ages. And be sure to bring your appetite: Beloved Bay Area AAPI chefs and food vendors will offer festive bites throughout the day, alongside offerings from OMCAs own Town Fare by chef Michele McQueen. Tickets to the 25th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration are $10 for general admission (free for members) and include access to OMCAs galleries and special exhibitions. I am the worst kind of person: one with a wine cellar. I spend many evenings droning on about food pairings, noting that we need to give the bottle a chance to breathe, and resisting the urge to punch myself in the face. But most nights I drink a bottle that costs less than $20. How do you find a great wine at that price? The second-hardest way is to read a newsletter article, then go searching for those wines in the haystack of your local store or online website. Members only The first hardest is to get in a conversation with me, which will involve maps of Europe and words like terroir. Luckily, my editors have cut those parts from this article. Buying wine isnt like shopping for anything else, largely due to interstate rules about transporting alcohol. Online shipping is limited and expensive. Wineries get better or worse over time, changing ownership or winemakers. Stores wont carry everything. Looking for one specific bottle is a waste of time. Use these guidelines instead. 1. Avoid America Theres nothing wrong with American red wine. But California Cabernet Sauvignons are expensive. Even cheap American whites arent worth the price. 2. Seek out obscure European regions Good Burgundy isnt going to happen often for under $20 its all expensive, and the quality is still a crapshoot. Think of wine purchasing like travel it takes a lot of dough to go to Paris, but you can have a great vacation in Dordogne. Look for reds from Languedoc-Roussillon and the Loire in France (Cremant de Loire offers three times the value of Champagne). Check out the Rieslings from Alsace. Experiment with the light reds of Germany. 3. Think small-batch The brands you see on TV commercials are not a good deal. Theyre more reliably the same, bottle after bottle, and offer a lot of what Guy Fieri means by flava, but they dont deliver much interest for the price. 4. Stay away from the supermarket Supermarkets make mass deals with mass providers for shoppers influenced by those TV commercials. In this episode of Disruption Interruption, retention expert Joey Coleman joins host Karla Jo Helms to expose the trillion-dollar cost of employee turnover. Coleman reveals why the first 100 days are critical for retention and challenges leaders to shift focus from compliance to cultivating remarkable workplace cultures. TAMPA BAY, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to research from Harvard Business Review, 20% of new hires leave within the first 45 days, and about a third depart within the first 90 days. This turnover disrupts team dynamics and increases recruitment costs, which can range from 50% to 200% of the departing employee's annual salary. To tackle this trillion-dollar issue, Joey Coleman, expert in experience design and retention strategy, joins host Karla Jo Helms on the latest episode of the Disruption Interruption podcast. They discuss why businesses bleed talent and how to stop the bleeding by focusing on the "First 100 Days." Coleman argues that in a post-COVID world, companies must radically rethink their onboarding to turn new hires into lifelong loyalists. DI: Episode 214 As Coleman notes, "There is no one who wakes up in the morning, looks in the mirror and says, 'My primary job when I get to work today is to make sure that this is the best place that any of these people have ever worked.'" The High Cost of the "Compliance" Mindset The episode delves into the staggering reality of modern employment, where a lack of structured onboarding leads to massive attrition. Coleman points out that globally, 4% of new hires quit after just one day, and by the one-year mark, 40% have left. This revolving door is often due to a fundamental shift in how organizations view Human Resourcesprioritizing legal safety over employee experience. "For the last 50 years or so, the focus of HR has shifted from culture to compliance," explains Coleman. "Instead of a role that is focused on culture, we want them documenting procedures and managing benefits. We want them making sure that everything is set up for litigation prevention." Coleman highlights a critical leadership void resulting from this shift: "In most organizations, there is no one who wakes up in the morning, looks in the mirror and says, 'My primary job when I get to work today is to make sure that this is the best place that any of these people have ever worked.'" Designing the First 100 Days Coleman posits that the solution lies in intentionality during the first 100 days of employment. He advocates for a proactive approach where leaders understand the eight phases of the employee journey and constantly recruit to "build a bench" rather than panic-hiring to fill vacancies. By shifting the focus to experience design, companies can foster a culture where employees actively recruit their peers. "The worst time to go out and hire someone is to fill a spot that has been vacated because everybody's under the stress that it has to be filled right now," Coleman states. "What we need to be doing is constantly thinking about our future players and constantly building our bench." He suggests that true success is measurable by internal advocacy: "The way you know you're running a remarkable organization is if you announce to the team, 'we're gonna hire a new salesperson,' and your existing employees come to the table with recommendations of people they want to work with. If your own people aren't actively bringing you other people that they want to work with, something is broken in your culture." Links Disrupting Retention: Hacking Employee and Customer Profits with Joey Coleman https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-retention-hacking-employee-and-customer-profits-with-joey-coleman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycoleman1/ Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption Interruption Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and moreand COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traitsand not-so-commonthat are changing our economic markets and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at www.disruption-interruption.com. About Joey Coleman Joey Coleman is a two-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author /and a leading expert in experience design and retention strategy. As the creator of the First 100 Days framework, Joey helps organizations transform the way they engage with employees and customers, turning new relationships into lifelong loyalty. With a background as a criminal defense attorney, White House advisor, and consultant to organizations like NASA, Volkswagen, and Zappos, Joey brings a unique perspective to solving the costly challenges of employee and customer turnover. His books, Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee Again, provide actionable strategies backed by over 50 case studies from all seven continents. A sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader, Joey has delivered thousands of speeches across the globe, inspiring businesses to create remarkable experiences that drive retention and profitability. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References Phelan, J. (2024, April 2). Onboarding new employees without overwhelming them. Harvard Business Review. hbr.org/2024/04/onboarding-new-employees-without-overwhelming-them Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR 727-777-4629 SOURCE Disruption Interruption December 2025 Quarterly Report Perth, Jan 28, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Significant activities by the BPH Energy Limited's (BPH.ASX) investees during the December 2025 quarter were as follows: Advent Energy Limited ("Advent") (BPH 35.8% direct interest) PEP-11 Permit Advent Energy Limited's100% subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Ltd ("Asset") is a participant in the PEP11 Joint Venture with partner Bounty Oil and Gas NL ( ASX:BUY ). PEP-11 interests are: Advent Energy 85 % / Bounty Oil and Gas 15% On 20 January 2025, BPH Energy Limited and Bounty Oil & Gas NL (Bounty) ( ASX:BUY ), as the PEP 11 Joint Venture, announced that they had been given notice by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) that the Joint Authority had refused the Joint Venture Applications made on 23 January 2020 (First Application) and 17 March 2021 (Second Application) (the "Decision"). On 12 February 2025 BPH advised that investee Advent Energy Limited's (BPH 36.1% direct interest) 100% subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Ltd had applied to the Federal Court for an Originating Application for judicial review pursuant to s 5 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) and s 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) to review the Decision of the CommonwealthNew South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, constituted under section 56 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth). The Company previously announced that the Originating Application was listed for a 2-day hearing on 16 and 17 September 2025. On 16 September, after hearing from the parties on technical points of law, the Honourable Justice Jackson decided that the hearing should be conducted by him in NSW and adjourned the proceeding. The Originating Application is now listed for a 2-day hearing on 20 and 23 February 2026. PEP-11 continues in force and the Joint Venture is in compliance with the contractual terms of PEP11 with respect to such matters as reporting, payment of rents and the various provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth). Cortical Dynamics Limited (Cortical) (BPH 16.4% direct interest) Technical completion of Cortical's next-generation AI enhanced brain and pain monitoring BARM 2.0 is expected over the next months. BARM 2.0 is the only solution that unifies hypnotic depth and pain response monitoring, combining EEG with AI in one system, giving clinicians real-time control over anesthesia, and hospitals a smarter, more scalable way to achieve better patient outcomes both during and after surgery. Post technical completion BARM 2.0 clinical trials are scheduled in the USA and the Netherlands to be followed by submissions to regulatory authorities worldwide as soon as possible. Regulatory Device Summit, Sydney Cortical was invited to showcase BARM 2.0 at the Australia Regulatory Device Summit 2025, that took place on the 17-18 July at ICC. In attendance were key stakeholders including the US FDA, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and international regulators from ANVISA (Brazil), HSA (Singapore), and PMDA (Japan). This was a unique chance for Cortical to connect directly with the regulatory community and major global players in medical technology. MedTech on the Hill, Canberra Cortical was also selected to exhibit BARM 2.0 at the Medtech on the Hill at Parliament House event in Canberra 27-28 August 22025, organised by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). In attendance were Ministers, MPs, Senators, and industry leaders for an evening networking event in Mural Hall, Parliament House. The Showcase brought together a dynamic cross-section of MTAA member companies across therapeutic areas -from Australian startups to global MedTech leaders-offering hands-on demonstrations through a curated patient journey from prevention to management, and the chance to connect directly with the people and companies driving healthcare innovation forward. MTAA is the peak association representing companies in the medical technology industry. MTAA aims to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are delivered effectively to provide better health outcomes to the Australian community. CORDYAN(TM) Work continues on the development of CORDYAN(TM) which is Cortical Dynamic's new AI focussed predictive App initiative. Utilising proprietary state of the art AI and deep learning expertise CorticalDynamics is developing game changing medical Apps that can be used in association with BARM 2.0 or standalone and /or be integrated into leading OEM healthcare systems and EMR (electronic medical records). CORDYAN(TM)'s development has been facilitated by matched grants from MTPConnect, Australia's premier MedTech governmental organisation, and ARM-hub a federal government initiative to accelerate AI related technologies in areas of strategic importance. International Engagement and Investor Relations Renaissance Venture Capital - Un-Demo Day, Detroit, USA Cortical Dynamics was invited to present BARM 2.0 to US investors at Un Demo Day in Detroit on 1 October 2025. Curated by Renaissance Venture Capital, this event brought together Michigan based startups and investors from across the United States. The presentation served as an important platform to introduce BARM 2.0 to prospective investors and strategic partners, supporting the company's eventual commercial rollout in the US market. Henry Ford Innovations Visit, Michigan In early October, Cortical Dynamics visited Henry Ford Innovations in Detroit to advance collaborative discussions. The delegation met with Dr. Olena Danylyuk, who outlined Henry Ford Health's mission and legacy of medical innovation, and Dr. Patrick Forrest, Senior Staff Anaesthesiologist, to discuss developments in anaesthesia and gather feedback on BARM 2.0. The company also met with representatives from State University of Michigan Innovation Team whose efforts in fostering US-Australia life sciences collaboration were acknowledged. Detroit's transformation into one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the United States presents an ideal environment for Cortical Dynamics to strengthen its partnerships and expand its presence in North America. The quarter demonstrated meaningful progress in Cortical Dynamics Limited's engagement across regulatory, commercial, and investor domains. The company's growing recognition within both Australian and international MedTech ecosystems continues to support its strategic objective of global commercialisation of BARM 2.0 and future AI-based predictive healthcare technologies. Clean Hydrogen Technologies (CHT) (BPH 16.1% direct interest) As of mid-2024 CHT has developed its engineering and catalyst capabilities to a stage where it has proven consistently in its pilot plant in Nashik, India, to produce its 2 products; turquoise hydrogen and a CNT (carbon nanotubes) carbon composite, where its core process has no CO2 emissions and its feedstock is the hydrocarbons from natural gas. The next stage is to build production facilities in the USA and India, both being highly industrial markets with demand for CHT's products. As such since late 2024 CHT has been designing its production facility for India, which will produce at the end of its Stage 1, 820 tonnes of hydrogen and 2,462 tonnes of carbon composite. CHT plans to sell it products to the many industrial users in the State of Maharashtra India, home of its planned production site, and likely Louisiana, USA, with several site options identified. Before finalising production needs, CHT has been going through the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers') codes and standards required for operating production plants in the USA and IS2825 (Indian Standard for operating production plants in India) review of its engineering designs where this process is almost complete. CHT is now looking to source the funding required to build its plants in the USA and India requiring minimal funding of US$2.5m. This will start producing income, initially in India and then the USA, its primary market. *To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/0549V63I About BPH Energy Limited BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes. The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license. BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise. BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). Related Companies Quarterly Activities Report Brisbane, Jan 29, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Far East Gold Ltd ( ASX:FEG ) ( FEGDF:OTCMKTS ) reported a high-intensity quarter of exploration activity across its mineral portfolio. Extensive drilling, surface sampling, structural targeting and mapping have delivered new discoveries and expanded zones of gold mineralisation at the Idenburg Project for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. HIGHLIGHTS REPORTED DURING THE QUARTER: Higher Grades and Zone Extensions at the Sua Prospect - 10 holes for a total of 1,836m were drilled during the Quarter. The holes were planned to test depth and lateral extensions of gold mineralized zones intersected in historical drillholes. The results confirmed zone continuity to depth and the presence of high-grade gold associated with rare coarse visible gold. The results indicate the potential to significantly expand the current resource estimate at Sua. Refer to Company ASX announcements of 24 November, 2025 and 15 December, 2025. Significant intercepts included: - 24.08 g/t Au over 5.3m (20m to 25.3m) in KSD023 including - 131 g/t Au over 0.8m (24.5m to 25.3m) and - 180 g/t Au over 0.4m (24.9m to 25.3m) - 8.59 g/t Au over 35.5m (23.5m to 59m) in KSD024 including; - 252.5 g/t Au over 0.8m (24.5m to 25.3m) - 18 g/t Au over 3m (46m to 49m) in KSD024 - 3.16 g/t Au over 2m (68m to 70m) in KSD025 - 8.42 g/t Au over 7.7m (106.3m to 114m) in KSD025 including - 34.65 g/t Au over 0.7m (106.3m to 107m) in KSD025 - 8.82 g/t Au over 4.5m (120m to 124,5m) in KSD026 including - 51 g/t Au over 0.5m (122.5m to 123m) - 26.43 g/t Au over 0.5m (125m to 125.5m) in KSD026 The high-grade gold zones remain open down-dip and along strike to the northeast. Mineralisation at Sua is hosted within a series of stacked milky-quartz +/- sulphide veins in which more than 30 individual gold-bearing quartz veins have been identified. The Sua vein system occurs within the 5km long Sua-Afley shear zone and infers significant potential for additional high-grade discoveries. A review and discussion of historical exploration and assessment of resource potential can be found in the Company's ASX announcement of 21 August, 2024. Drilling Program at North Bermol has Discovered Extensive Near Surface Gold Mineralisation - To the end of the Quarter at total of 18 holes for about 960m were drilled. The holes tested a low angle thrust fault/shear plane that shows intense ductile deformation with associated quartz veins and pyrite mineralisation. Assays received suggest that high grades of gold mineralisation correlate with greater abundance of pyrite. Both quartz veins and pyrite reflect intense deformation. Refer to Company ASX announcement of 28 October, 2025. - Based on the drill results the North Bermol shear zone is a broad, near surface, shallow dipping (15deg) plane that strikes and dips to the northeast. The thrust plane has been intersected to a depth of about 43m and has an apparent true thickness of 0.5-8meters. 3Dmodeling of current drill results suggest that the shear plane is at least of 300m across (to NW) and has a strike length of about 350m (to NE). The thrust plane remains open in both directions. Significant intercepts included: - BND003: 2.6m at 3.9 g/t Au from 11.3m, including 0.5m at 15 g/t Au from 12.4m. - BND004: 5m at 4.9g/t Au from 23.5m, including 1.6m at 12.8 g/t Au from 24.8m - BND005: 2.8m at 8.4 g/t Au from 32m, including 1.6m at 12.3 g/t Au from 33.2m - BND011: 2.7m at 3.19 g/t Au from 24.6 m, including 0.5m at 5.7g/t Au from 25,6 m. - BND012: 2.35 m at 2.8 g/t Au from 27.6 m, including 0.9m at 6.3 g/t Au from 28.3 m. Managing Director &CEO Shane Menere said: "This has been one of the most productive and strategically important quarters for Far East Gold since our inception. Our team has worked relentlessly across multiple fronts advancing mapping, sampling, permitting, and drilling programs, to unlock the significant potential within our Indonesian gold portfolio. At Idenburg, we have been deeply engaged in drilling across three key prospect areas, with work confirming the scale and continuity of gold-bearing structures at Bermol and exciting new high-grade results emerging from North Bermol. Preparations are also well advanced to commence drilling at the Kwaplu high-grade zone, while assays remain pending from the known high-grade Sua prospect, both of which have the potential to deliver further material growth for the Company. The granting of the 9,000-hectare PIPPIB reclassification was another major milestone, providing regulatory certainty and allowing usto accelerate exploration and development activities across our broader Idenburg tenure. In parallel, we are advancing toward drilling commencement at Mount Clark West in Queensland and finalising preparations for near-term drilling at the Trenggalek Copper-Gold Project in East Java. We continue to engage with several Indonesian and multinational groups who have expressed strong interest in partnering with Far East Gold as we move toward the next phase of growth. These discussions underscore the quality of our assets and the credibility of the exploration foundation we've built. With multiple drill programs now active or imminent, and a steady stream of assay results expected over the coming months, we are entering a period of consistent newsflow and value creation. The groundwork has been laid - and we are now delivering tangible results for our shareholders as we advance toward a new era of discovery and development." *To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/NS6ZVETC About Far East Gold Ltd Far East Gold Ltd (ASX:FEG) is an Australian junior exploration company led by some of the biggest names in Australian mining. The company has secured the commercial rights for the acquisition, exploration and development of six advanced gold and copper projects in Indonesia and Australia, including one with a JORC estimate of 996,000 ounces of gold and 190 million pounds of copper. Related Companies OUTSTANDING HIGH-GRADE INTERSECTION 100 METRES OUTSIDE 309 MINERAL RESOURCE Outstanding High-Grade Intersection Brisbane, Jan 29, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - GBM Resources Limited ( ASX:GBM ) ( 36G:FRA ) ( GBMRF:OTCMKTS ) announced assay results for a further three of thirteen drillholes from Stage 1 drilling at 309, within the Company's Twin Hills Gold Project (~1.0Moz Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE")) in the Drummond Basin, Queensland. Highlights: Outstanding high-grade mineralisation intersected more than 100m outside of the existing MRE including: - 37m @ 5.00g/t Au from 225m (TNDH012) including: - 1m @ 77.25g/t Au from 228m, and, - 3m @ 29.96g/t Au from 251m Stage 1 drilling has continued to intersect broad, high-grade mineralisation outside of the existing MRE at 309. In addition, Stage 1 drilling results have provided significant structural information and good vectors for targeting deeper, 'feeder zone' mineralisation below the existing MRE of 10.6Mt @ 1.5g/t Au for 0.52Moz. These results continue to expedite the Stage 2 drilling program. GBM Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Hastings, commented: "The thick, high-grade intercept in TNDH012 is a particularly significant result as it was a 100m step out from the existing MRE and successfully intersected an interpretated shallow dipping structure that it was targeting. The result clearly demonstrates the potential for additional growth, the open nature of the 309 deposit and the excellent interpretative and geological analysis being undertaken by the GBM team." *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/D0OL4ES8 About GBM Resources Limited GBM Resources Limited (ASX:GBM) is a Queensland based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery of world-class gold deposits in Queensland, Australia. The Company has a high calibre project portfolio, hosting district scale mineral systems located within the Drummond Basin (QLD). GBM's flagship projects in the Drummond Basin (QLD) holds ~1.84 Moz of gold in JORC resources (Twin Hills, Yandan and Mt Coolon). Related Companies Susannah Streeter, Chief Investment Strategist, Wealth Club: The Footsie is heading up towards record levels, as geopolitical tensions make the defensive nature of the index more attractive. The flight to safe havens is intensifying with gold and silver hitting fresh records, amid concerns about fresh conflict erupting. Mining companies have made fresh gains, amid the insatiable demand for precious metals. With the Middle East tinder box looking set to ignite again, oil prices have moved sharply higher, lifting shares in listed energy giants. US naval and air forces are building up in the Gulf as the US has ratcheted up threats on Iran. President Trump has warned that the US is ready to act, if Tehran does not reach a nuclear agreement. Given that similar build ups were a precursor to the assault on Venezuela and the previous strikes on Iran, theres an expectation that action is imminent. So, supply concerns are swirling given that such conflict would disrupt crude shipments from Iran and across the region, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz, a key route is made impassable. The benchmark Brent Crude has hit the highest level since September, flirting with $70 dollars a barrel. The weaker dollar is also partly behind the move in crude rising higher, given that its denominated in the currency and so makes oil more attractive for buyers. The AI juggernaut is still on the move, with big tech pouring eye watering sums into the technology, but cracks are opening in the road ahead. Microsofts mismatch between soaring AI spend and slower cloud growth unnerved investors, with shares falling sharply after-hours and in early trading today in Frankfurt. However, Meta shares took off as results exceeded expectations, as it intensified its artificial intelligence drive. The bar has been set high, with investors needing to see real returns from the mega bucks push into the technology. The laggards look set to be punished and the winners richly rewarded. As confidence overall in the AI spend appears to be holding up, given the latest slew of tech results, the S&P 500 looks set for another spurt into record territory in early trade. E Source to lead key discussions on innovation, resilience and data-driven utility performance through keynotes, workshops and educational sessions HOUSTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- E Source, a leading advisory, solutions and consulting partner to the North American utility industry, will exhibit at Booth #4907 and present at DTECH 2026, the premier annual event for transmission and distribution (T&D) professionals, taking place Feb. 2-5 at the San Diego Convention Center. Today's utility decisions carry decades of impact, making clarity more essential than ever. At DTECH 2026, E Source will highlight how clarity comes from connectionuniting trusted research, advanced analytics and utility expertise to help organizations strengthen resilience and prioritize smarter investments. Supporting the full spectrum of municipal and investor-owned utilities across electric, water, and gas, E Source partners with utility teams to drive measurable results and advance the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Presence at DTECH 2026 E Source CEO Joe Eazor will host a fireside chat keynote with Director of Energy Partnerships Jason Altobelli of Google Cloud on Feb. 4, 2026 at 12 p.m. PST in Ballroom 20. Titled "From Pilots to Impact: Scaling Innovation in Regulated Industries," the discussion will explore what innovation requires to take hold and scale within complex, highly regulated organizations. Across workshops and educational sessions, E Source will showcase how connecting data, technology and expertise helps utilities cut through complexity and accelerate action. E Source subject matter experts and industry peers will lead workshops highlighting how utilities are applying advanced analytics and operational benchmarking to solve today's most urgent grid challenges. Drawing on decades of grid expertise and applied data science, these sessions will explore practical strategies to improve resilience and deliver measurable impact. Featured workshops include: E Source consulting experts will participate in Grid University Session #301 on Feb. 2, 2026 at 1 p.m. PST. The course, "From Data to Decisions: Proactive Asset Management with Palm Beach Water Utilities," provides utility professionals with practical guidance to launch, mature or optimize asset management programs, featuring real-world case studies from Palm Beach Water Utilities and PSEG Long Island. E Source will also serve as a Digitalizing the Grid Knowledge Hub Sponsor (Booth #6045), delivering 30-minute educational sessions throughout the conference on the following topics: Grid Digitalization at the Transmission Interface: Interconnection Study Insights for Utilities and Developers AI in Action: Unlocking Data Potential for Smarter Energy Solutions For attendees participating in the PLMA-SECC Symposia on DERs and Customer Engagement on Feb. 2, 2026, E Source experts will share insights and perspective on the following topics: Valuation the key to unlocking resources Are we hitting the brakes on EVs? Batteries included: How are consumers adopting new energy storage solutions? About DTECH 2026 DTECH is the leading annual transmission and distribution event that addresses technologies used to move electricity from the power plant through the transmission and distribution systems to the meter and inside the home. About E Source E Source brings clarity to the complex challenges utilities face today. By combining research, data, technology and utility expertise, E Source helps clients improve customer service, optimize the grid and strengthen operations. With deep visibility across the industry, E Source translates proven strategies into solutions that enable measurable progress and support the transition to a more sustainable future. See how clarity moves the industry forward at www.esource.com. E Source Media Contact: Amy Sachrison [email protected] SOURCE E Source Companies LLC Kerala Appoints NK Unnikrishnan as Special Prosecutor in Sabarimala Gold Loss Cases 2 The Kerala government has appointed senior advocate NK Unnikrishnan as the Special Public Prosecutor to head the prosecution in the high-profile Sabarimala gold loss cases, an official said on Thursday. The appointment was made through a government order issued on Wednesday. Unnikrishnan will lead the prosecution on behalf of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in two cases linked to the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the doorframes of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at Sabarimala. In addition to conducting the prosecution, Unnikrishnan will provide legal guidance during the investigation and scrutinise charge sheets before they are filed in court. A native of Thrissur, he is known for handling several sensitive cases in the state. He earlier served as Special Public Prosecutor in the 2016 rape and murder case of law student Jisha at Kuruppampady, where the prosecution secured the conviction and death penalty for the sole accused, Ameerul Islam. He is also currently the Special Public Prosecutor in the Koodathai serial killing cases against Jolly in Kozhikode. The appointment comes at a time when the prosecution in the Sabarimala gold loss probe is under scrutiny, following the release of one of the accused on statutory bail due to delays in filing charge sheets in the two cases. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has also initiated a money laundering investigation into the Sabarimala gold loss incident, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings. Legal and Regulatory Updates Staying current with legal and regulatory changes is crucial, especially in the realm of workplace safety. As compliance advisors, it's imperative to be aware of the latest amendments that can impact organisational safety strategies. Recent changes in compensation lawyers Carlton have highlighted the emphasis on ensuring employees' rights are protected and that organisations comply with safety regulations. With the dynamic legal landscape, businesses in Victoria should closely monitor these changes to protect both employees and the organisation. Understanding Recent Changes Laws governing workplace safety and compensation are continually evolving. For businesses in regions like New South Wales, understanding these shifts is not only about compliance but about proactive safety management. With personal injury lawyers Northcote South becoming pivotal in recent cases, there is an increased focus on prevention and early intervention. Consulting with legal professionals and leveraging resources from OHS training centres in North Sydney can offer clarity on these complexities. Key Regulations to Monitor Key regulations now focus on more stringent reporting and accountability measures. During your visits to the OHS training centres, youll find detailed seminars that dissect these laws. Compliance doesn't just minimise risks but aligns with your strategic mission to foster safe work environments. Updated guidelines emphasise the documentation of safety processes to mitigate any potential legal issues that could arise. Navigating Complex Legalities In addressing the complexities of legal changes, its beneficial to establish partnerships with seasoned professionals in the field. For example, compensation lawyers Richmond offer expertise that can assist organisations in interpreting legal nuances effectively. By maintaining open lines of communication with legal experts, companies can navigate legal intricacies with confidence and precision, ensuring the workplace is as safe as possible. Developing Safety Policies Creating effective safety policies is integral for any workplace aiming to maintain a safe environment. As an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Consultant, I've learned that surveying recent legislative changes and successful strategies from companies can guide the safety framework. Drawing insights from a top personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your policies align with current legal expectations and mitigate risks of potential claims. Creating Comprehensive Guidelines When designing safety policies, it's essential to address all relevant workplace hazards and regulatory requirements. Start with a detailed risk assessment to identify potential dangers specific to your industry. From there, create a step-by-step guide that outlines preventive measures and emergency responses. By involving employees who engage with these risks daily, your guidelines will be both realistic and effective. OHS training centers in North Sydney offer resources that can assist in developing such comprehensive policies. Employee Involvement Strategies Employee involvement is crucial in developing safety policies that work in real-world applications. Encourage employees to participate in safety meetings and training sessions to share their insights and experiences. This fosters a culture of safety awareness and makes compliance strategies more accessible and relatable. Organizing workshops and forums can also build engagement, allowing for a two-way communication channel that enhances policy development. Regular Policy Audits Regular audits of your safety policies are vital to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. Consult with experienced professionals, such as a workers compensation lawyer Melbourne, to review policies against current legal standards, ensuring full compliance. Implementing a schedule for quarterly audits will allow you to identify any weaknesses and adapt to new laws promptly. Remaining proactive by regularly updating your policies can prevent workplace injuries and offer peace of mind for both employers and employees. Training and Education Programs Effective Training Methods As a workplace safety advisor, it's essential to prioritize effective training methods that foster a culture of safety and compliance. A balanced approach combining traditional and modern techniques often yields the best outcomes. Consider starting with comprehensive OHS workshops at training centres in North Sydney, aimed at reinforcing basic safety principles. Augment these sessions with e-learning modules that leverage interactive technologies, catering to diverse learning preferences. This blended learning model ensures that all employees, regardless of their learning style, grasp crucial safety protocols. Adapting to New Safety Protocols Adapting to evolving safety protocols can be challenging, yet it's vital for staying compliant. As regulations change, our strategies must also evolve. Establish regular update sessions, drawing insights from compliance strategies implemented in technology hubs Macquarie Park. Here, integrating augmented reality (AR) for scenario-based training can simulate real-world emergencies, providing practical experience without risk. Engaging professionals, such as personal injury lawyers St Kilda, to deliver insights into the implications of non-compliance can also bolster awareness. Continuous Learning Initiatives Continuous learning is crucial in maintaining a culture that values safety. Regular refresher courses can cement understanding and keep safety top of mind. Encourage knowledge-sharing sessions where teams discuss recent incidents and near-misses, analysing them to identify learnings. In such forums, firms in locations like St Kilda West may benefit from insights shared by compensation lawyers St Kilda West. They provide a legal perspective that highlights the importance of maintaining robust safety standards, thus empowering teams to remain vigilant. Monitoring and Reporting Systems Implementing Technology for Safety In today's data-driven workplaces, implementing advanced monitoring systems is crucial for maintaining safety standards. Technologies such as IoT devices and AI-powered platforms can proactively identify risks and streamline compliance strategies. As an Occupational Health and Safety advisor, I find using digital tools enhances both accuracy and efficiency in audits. Systems that offer real-time data collection and analysis not only ensure adherence to safety protocols but also empower professionals to make informed decisions quickly. This approach aligns with the goals of reducing workplace injuries and ensures that employers are meeting regulatory standards without unnecessary bureaucracy. Reporting Mechanisms and Analysis Consistent and transparent reporting mechanisms form the backbone of effective safety management. By incorporating comprehensive reporting tools, companies can collect valuable insights into workplace incidents and near-misses. My experience shows that integrating these tools with existing systems enables OHS consultants like myself to pinpoint root causes and develop targeted interventions. For those in family-oriented neighbourhoods like ours, ensuring reliable and accessible reporting not only meets legal obligations but also fosters a culture of openness. By engaging with personal injury lawyers macleod west when necessary, we can reinforce accountability and demonstrate our commitment to employee welfare. Feedback Loops for Improvement Continuous feedback loops are essential to refine safety practices. Encouraging a culture of open dialogue and feedback helps us identify areas for improvement, facilitating ongoing enhancements in safety protocols. At OHS training centers in North Sydney, professionals are trained to utilise feedback effectively, adapting strategies to better address emerging challenges. As we integrate insights from feedback with proactive measures, we also work closely with a workcover lawyer to ensure all legal facets are covered. This holistic approach not only elevates safety standards but also empowers the workforce with a sense of responsibility and engagement. Common Challenges Identifying Typical Compliance Issues Navigating the intricacies of Australian workplace safety standards can often feel like a balancing act for professionals. Many organisations encounter frequent compliance issues, predominantly because of the ever-evolving nature of safety metrics. Key areas to watch include inadequate hazard assessments, insufficient documentation, and a lack of alignment with national Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) benchmarks. To bridge these gaps, you should stay updated by attending OHS training in North Sydney, ensuring your team remains knowledgeable and compliant. Overcoming Implementation Barriers Implementing new safety policies is no walk in the park, even for seasoned experts like those thriving in Macquarie Park's tech hubs. One main hurdle is budget constraints, often leading to underfunded safety programs. Additionally, the lack of stakeholder buy-in can stall progress. Overcoming these barriers requires a comprehensive strategy, incorporating investment in robust safety solutions and strategic employee engagement. Engage family-oriented professionals in the Northern Beaches through informative sessions that highlight the importance of fostering a safe working environment. Addressing Resistance to Change Resistance to change is a natural response, particularly in well-established ecosystems. It's essential to address this with conflict management strategies that emphasize transparency and foster a culture of open communication. Involve employees in decision-making processes and offer OHS training to equip them with the skills needed to embrace new protocols. By showcasing the long-term benefits of safety enhancements, you empower your workforce to adapt seamlessly, cultivating a culture where safety thrives. Former Electric Hydrogen Executive, and Climate Technology Veteran Joins as Company Scales Toward Commercial Deployment of Joule Hive Thermal Battery Globally to Provide Heat Lower Than Cost of Natural Gas BOSTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston-based Electrified Thermal Solutions, a leader in electrified heating and thermal energy storage projects, today announced the appointment of Supratim Das as Vice President of Finance. Das joins from Electric Hydrogen (EH2), where he most recently served as Director of Commercial Finance, having seen its growth journey from a small startup to a billion dollar green hydrogen company with a gigafactory in Massachusetts. The appointment follows the recent commissioning of Electrified Thermal's first commercial-scale Joule Hive Thermal Battery in Texas. Supratim Das, VP of Finance A two-time Forbes lister with a PhD and MBA from MIT, Das brings nine years of climate technology experience spanning roles as a scientist, investor, and operator. At Electric Hydrogen, Das contributed to the company's growth through multiple debt, equity and grant financings totaling >$700M, and paved the way to addressing FOAK project finance risk for lenders at the $100M+ scale by leveraging credit enhancement & off-balance-sheet liquidity instruments. Das, as the principal financial officer, will now lead all corporate and project finance as well as capital markets & formation strategy for Electrified Thermal Solutions, as the company transitions from technology demonstration to scaled commercial deployments, targeting delivery of 2 gigawatts of thermal power capacity by 2030 across the globe, at a cost lower than that of natural gas. Electrified Thermal's Joule Hive Thermal Battery uses electrically conductive firebricks to store low-cost electricity as heat up to 1,800C (3,275F) for hours or days, temperatures high enough to replace fossil fuels in the most demanding industrial processes including steel, cement, chemicals, and glass manufacturing. The company's investors include ArcelorMittal's XCarb Innovation Fund, with plans for technology validation at ArcelorMittal's GasLab facility in Spain. Other major investor backers include cement producer giant Holcim and one of the world's largest iron ore producers, Vale. "Strategic backing from the XCarb Innovation Fund and other major industry backers confirms that the Joule Hive is the definitive thermal storage solution for heavy industry. Our engineering delivers a 'no-brainer' advantage: the highest temperatures and direct grid integration that transforms a customer facility into a flexible, dispatchable load that provides both zero-carbon heat at cost lower than natural gas and essential grid stability," said Das. "We aren't competing with other thermal batteries; we are competing with natural gas, and we are winning on price, durability, and high-temperature performance. Now fully operational, we are blitzscaling to provide our partners with a carbon-free edge that makes fossil fuel-reliant operations uneconomical." "Supra brings deep cross-functional experience scaling energy technologies into industrial markets," said Daniel Stack, Co-founder and CEO of Electrified Thermal Solutions. "Our technology is proven, our first commercial-scale system is live, and we are executing commercial deployments with industrial partners. Supra's leadership strengthens our financial strategy as we scale manufacturing and build larger projects with industry partners globally." About Electrified Thermal Solutions Electrified Thermal Solutions is pioneering the future of zero-carbon industrial heat lower than the cost of natural gas. The core technology was developed from 10+ years of research at MIT, the electrically and thermally conductive 'E-bricks' at the heart of Electrified Thermal's Joule Hive Thermal Battery represent a step-change improvement in electric heating technology in terms of high-temperature performance and durability. The company's thermal battery converts and stores clean electricity as heat, delivering unprecedented near-flame temperature heat (up to 1,800C / 3,275F) with direct grid integration, offering the most cost-effective, clean alternative to fossil fuels for industrial process heat. For more information, please visit www.electrifiedthermal.com Media Contacts: Electrified Thermal Solutions Emily Torrans Mahoney Communications Group [email protected] (212) 220-6045 SOURCE Electrified Thermal Solutions In response to the Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti killings, and President Trumps announced changes in dealing with chaos in Minneapolis, corporate media crowed, claiming he was taking a U-turn. Plenty of conservative social media influencers blasted him. But Trump has done no such thing. Some prominent conservatives are overreacting. Corporate media -- vultures all -- are always anxious to tear a strip off Trump. Advertisement Trump's outreach to Minnesota governor Tim Walz marked a change in policy, corporate media and some conservatives claim. Its a capitulation. Nope. Trump's de-escalation in Minneapolis isn't about scuttling his goal of getting criminal illegals off the streets and ending deportations. It's about finding different ways of doing it. Trump's many years of experience as a New York City developer and as president has taught him how to navigate sticky situations. He's learned that the way to achieving a goal is rarely by a straight line. It's a zig-zag course with plenty of setbacks and, usually, small steps forward until breakthroughs are accomplished. How often in Trump's business and political careers has he quit? Infrequently, and certainly not when it comes to pursuing big prizes. For Trump, delay isnt defeat. Its an opportunity to learn and adjust. Advertisement Controlling the borders and winnowing out "undocumented" immigrants has been a core aim of Trump's since he first announced for the presidency. He isn't going to abandon that aim because of flak or roadblocks or wobbly establishment Republicans like Louisiana U.S. senator Bill Cassidy. He isnt going to let quick judgments by conservative social media players pull him off his game. Nor is Trump going to be deterred by the inevitable ups and downs in polling. Its January, after all. The midterm elections are months off. Trumps midrange goal is to improve optics and keep on plugging. Advertisement Nor will Trump permit lightweights like Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey to derail him. Trumps use of sledgehammer rhetoric masks a thoughtful and deft mind. For him, obstacles are cues to change approaches to get what he wants. W. James Antle III at the Washington Examiner provides proof that Trump is far from fickle. When it comes to winning, theres no cut and run in him. Advertisement The Washington Examiner, January 27: For the last decade, immigration has defined Trumps political career. He used the issue to distinguish himself from Republican primary opponents, including Jeb Bush, whose brother advocated amnesty for most illegal immigrants as president, and Marco Rubio, who, as a senator from Florida, was part of the Gang of Eight behind the last major bipartisan amnesty push in 2013. Advertisement Rubio recalibrated and is now Trumps secretary of state. Bush is out of electoral politics, and his family, which included two Republican presidents, has lost influence within the GOP. Trumps most prominent 2016 campaign promise was his pledge to build a wall along the southern border at Mexicos expense. It became a catchphrase at his rallies. You know, if it gets a little boring, if I see people starting to sort of, maybe, thinking about leaving, I can sort of tell the audience, I just say, We will build the wall! and they go nuts, Trump told the New York Times editorial board. Advertisement Immigration was once again among the reasons Trump returned to the White House. Former President Joe Biden lost control of the border and allowed record levels of illegal immigration during his term, but Trump vowed to secure it again. Moreover, the apparent massive fleecing of Minnesota state welfare programs -- involving loads of Uncle Sams money -- perpetrated by Somali immigrants in Minneapolis fuels, not detracts, from Trump's intention of sending criminals packing, whether theyre documented or entered the country illegally. The Somali fraud is reported to be in the many billions of dollars. Democrat leaders -- including Walz, whos been forced from his reelection bid -- are implicated, even if it was just turning a blind eye to the gargantuan theft. Doing that alone would be a crime -- a crime committed to, in effect, grease the palms of an important voting bloc for Minnesota Democrats. But Democrat crimes may be greater. Trump's Department of Justice is investigating. Walz and others may be in a much bigger world of hurt. How do we know that Trump is only switching tactics and not bailing? One name: Tom Homan. Homan is a longtime border and immigration enforcement vet. He was so effective in his work that President Barack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service. Because they need new voters, Democrats have done an about-face on border security and illegal immigration, but not Homan. Hes long allied with Trump. Homan was just dispatched by the president to oversee efforts in Minnesota. Homan -- unlike Kristi Noem and others in the administration -- has pushed for a surgical or "peeling back the onion" approach to tackling immigration enforcement. Go after the worst of the worst criminal immigrants first. Enlist -- or in the case of Minnesota, maneuver -- state and local officials into cooperating with ICE and Border Patrol efforts. Homan's approach takes patience. Its chess master stuff, but it lowers the heat while stripping layer after layer to accomplish the mission. Note, too, that Trump is publicly calling for Walz and Frey to turn over criminal illegal aliens now in state and local custody. That simple ask puts Walz, Frey, and Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison in a tough spot politically. Why not hand over criminal illegals who have committed felonies? Why keep bad hombres in Minnesota lockups? Process them on the federal level then boot them out. Voters wont object to kicking out murderers, rapists, child traffickers, and thieves. Trump is working at shifting the political ground back to himself. If Walz, Frey, and Ellison resist, Trump has a wedge issue readymade for the midterm elections. Further clues that Trump isn't tucking tail and running. Amid speculation that he planned to fire Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem and demote Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, no such things happened. Noem still has her job. Bovino was reassigned. Noem wins a vote of confidence from Trump, at least for the time being. Trumps backing has quieted Noem critics -- for the moment. And his reassignment of Bovino simply moves him to another theater of operations. That's hardly a firing. Initial reactions to Trump's new gambits in Minneapolis were wrong. Because Trump isn't invoking the Insurrection Act doesn't mean he intends to let go of the corruption in the Somali community -- corruption that, perhaps, was aided and abetted by the state's Democrats. It means that he's willing to alter his angle of attack and modify tactics to achieve his ends. That's the mark of an exceptional leader, one with a strong, agile mind, who doesn't stubbornly keep trying to push through dead ends, but backs out and finds new routes to success. Trump isn't perfect, but that's the point. No one is. Yet anyone whos really smart, possesses a gift for what he does, and loads of experience never permits himself to get stuck. Trump never backed off or got trapped through two impeachments, a rigged 2020 election, and ongoing persecution by Bidens henchmen and Democrats in New York and Georgia. Don't bet against Donald Trump achieving ultimate victory. Hes dedicated to not only cleaning up the immigration mess created by Bidens handlers, but resetting immigration policies and enforcement approaches for future times. You're watching a master at work. Keep watching. We all can learn something. J. Robert Smith can be found at X. His handle is @JRobertSmith1. At Gab, @JRobertSmith. He blogs occasionally at Flyover . Image: Gage Skidmore As stated on its website, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and elsewhere is attempting to carry out its duty to protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety. The agency has been doing just this, especially in Minnesota, where it has removed hundreds of criminal aliens, some of them violent repeat offenders. One of the striking features of the ICE website is its listing (with photos) of the worst of the worst, whom the agency has managed to remove from American communities like Minneapolis. Advertisement Another feature of the website is its Wall of Honor of ICE Fallen Officers dating back to 1915. Many of these have died in the last five years heroes who sacrificed their lives protecting American citizens. The mainstream media did not cover the deaths of Joseph Love (October 19, 2024) and Robert Castioni, Jr. (July 24, 2023), both of whom served at the site of 9/11 and afterward contracted cancer, or of the many who died as a result of work-related exposure to COVID or other work-related injuries or illnesses. The men and women of ICE deserve our respect and support just the opposite of what is happening in Minnesota. It is sickening to watch coordinated mobs of protesters shouting obscenities, taunting and assaulting ICE officers, vandalizing property, hurling frozen bottles, throwing fireworks, resisting arrest, and endangering the lives of ICE agents with their cars used as weapons. The conduct of these mobs is the opposite of the restraint posed by the orderly lines of law enforcement officers. It is the mob, not the police, that is inciting and carrying out violence. Advertisement It may not be surprising that Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey, political leaders elected by the people of Minnesota, have apparently made no effort to defend ICE or to condemn the violence of the anti-ICE mobs, but one would think that somewhere in the state of Minnesota, there exists an individual or organization willing to express its gratitude to those who are risking their lives to protect them. So far as I know, no significant case of such gratitude exists. The entire state of Minnesota is out of its mind. Minnesota has been out of its mind for a long time, actually. It is one of a handful of states, along with California, that require instruction in ethnic studies before high school graduation. In Minnesota, all high school students are required to take a social studies course, and these courses contain units on ethnic studies that, according to the Center of the American Experiment (as summarized in The Polarization Myth, New York, 2025), are straight out of a Marxist handbook (89). According to The Polarization Myth, students are taught to analyze colonialism and dominant and non-dominant narratives, using the conflict between Israel and Palestine as an illustration. In this way students are indoctrinated into a grievance culture that reflexively questions authority and valorizes acts of opposition. Advertisement Given this sort of education, it is no wonder that hundreds of agitators turned out to block ICE and resist ICE agents. According to The Polarization Myth, Minnesotas ethnic studies curriculum was drafted in part by a group called Education Liberation Minnesota, a group whose central figures have publicly stated their pro-Palestinian position and animus for Israel (90). A similar model of animus toward power and opposition to authority underlies the violent protests that have taken place in Minnesota, though obviously the protests are coordinated and funded, possibly from outside the state. In Minnesota, radicals have found a population ready-made for the classic Marxist playbook: Identify a grievance, exacerbate it through protests and violence, create sympathy and martyrdom for the protesters, and bring about Marxist takeover and lasting control based on that sympathy. I suspect that those behind the Minnesota protests do not really care about the fate of deportees; what they seek is to instill unrest, undermine law and order, and bring about political change, especially change directed at President Trump. Advertisement With the midterm elections just ten months away, leftists have a strong incentive toward creating antagonism and uncertainty around GOP policies. The Minnesota protests are theater, and the drama contains a clear message: Conservatives are authoritarian, fascistic, and undemocratic, so vote them out. The reality is just the opposite: Progressive Democrats are anti-democratic (cutting off dissent and free speech), and they are willing to resort to violence against lawful authority and against certain groups, such as Jews and Trump-supporters. According to FBI director Kash Patel, the bureau has identified people and organizations financing leftist protests in Minnesota. Patel reports that specific persons are now under investigation for coordinating events in Minnesota with the use of encrypted messages and financial backing. If this is verified, the protests are not entirely spontaneous and local, as some have claimed. Responsibility may be traced to wealthy leftists and leftist organizations that care little for individual deportees but that wish to incite widespread unrest. Advertisement Those who have taken part in the protests, aside from paid agitators, are simply pawns in the hands of outside radicals. Their behavior is not civilized or democratic; it is the rabid violence of those who have lost their minds in the service of a fanatical Marxism directed by others who are cool and calculating in their planning and funding. The behavior, facial expressions, and language of the Minnesota protesters are appalling: they are hate-filled and furious, all in the service of non-deportation of some of the worst of criminals, including murderers and child rapists. What the Minnesota protests have revealed, more than anything, is the existence of a small segment of our population that is fanatical in its hatred of Trump and of America as most of us know it. When this segment is coordinated and led by well funded agitators, the result is a destructive unrest with national implications. The participants in the Minnesota protests have not thought these things through, but then they are not thinking. They are out of their minds. Advertisement Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image: Bradinator33 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. The creativity and the brilliance of the right never ceases to amaze me. Heres the story, from an article at The Guardian: Advertisement In certain corners of the internet, on niche news feeds and algorithms, an AI-generated British schoolgirl has emerged as something of a phenomenon. Her name is Amelia, a purple-haired goth girl who proudly carries a mini union flag and appears to have a penchant for racism. Advertisement [snip] Videos of Amelia typically feature her walking through London, or the House of Commons, declaring her love for England and warning of the dangers of militant Muslims or third-world migrants. In one clip she is harangued by [a] bearded man in Islamic attire for eating a pork sausage. Advertisement Heres the ironic, hubristic twist of fate that will most please conservatives: The origins of the character are ironic, to say the least. An early iteration of Amelia began life in a counter-extremism video game funded by the UK Home Office and created to deter young people aged 13-18 from being attracted to far right extremism. Advertisement Its so pleasingly delicious when conservatives hijack government anti-conservative efforts and flip them into even more effective social media campaigns; this must mortify British government lefties who paid for the AI Amelia game. While the nationalistic doppelganger becomes a wildfire phenomenon, having exploded across the internet in a trend that astonished even the creators of Ameliathe leftists version finds itself banished to digital obscurity: Analysis provided to the Guardian by Peryton Intelligence, a UK company that monitors disinformation, indicated that an anonymous account known for skilfully disseminating far-right messaging started the Amelia meme on X on 9 January with a post that has since been viewed 1.4m times. Advertisement The brilliant inspiration of one anonymous person (perhaps MAGA?) has rapidly attracted others to spread the meme widely: The volume of Ameliaposting has since gone from an average of 500 a day when that account first introduced it to the world to roughly 10,000, starting on 15 January as it hit international audiences. On Wednesday, it hit 11,137 posts on X alone. Advertisement The creativity and energy of entrepreneurial individualism that explodes within capitalism once again defeats plodding government efforts. No surprise that some are trying to make a profit from conservative AI Amelia. In one of the most surreal twists, an Amelia cryptocurrency has emerged, with social media users seeking to leverage its value on the memes rising profile. On Wednesday, Elon Musk retweeted an X account promoting an Amelia cryptocurrency token. Elon Musk knows a good thing when he sees it. Im endlessly envious of AI Amelias genius creator for converting a floundering leftist propaganda tool into a shockingly effective MAGA rightwing tool. I admire people who can master and deploy AI technology to right the ship. This is way more effective than the newsletters and leaflets my geezer generations used. I prefer effectiveness to smarts in our cultural warfare against commies and woke culture. However, conservative AI Amelia reveals the power of combining them. In some not too distant future, AI Amelia might join Britains Reform Party, win a seat in Parliament, and unseat Starmer as Britains Prime Minister. Could she endorse candidates that want to Make England Great Again? Please excuse me for jumping on this creativity bandwagon with an impossibilitybut could we see Amelia settle down with a strapping young English lad? I can just imagine the interest in a pregnant, wifed-up Amelia, then a beautiful, patriotic baby. The possibilities are endless for their political activism and personal life. Image generated by ChatGPT. Things are getting rough for Americans in Denmark, thanks in large part to the Trump administration's rhetoric over wanting/needing the world's largest island, Greenland, and its seeming willingness to take it by force, if necessary. Advertisement Americans have now reached pariah status among this normally calm and reasonable people. The situation is similar to the mid-'70s when I first moved here. Then, university students, anxious to see Europe on a Eurail pass with a backpack were removing any vestige of American identity from their clothing in the wake of the unpopular Vietnam War and instead were busy sewing on Canadian flag patches on their rucksacks and learning to pronounce words like "about" the Canadian way (that's 'a boot' for those who've never encountered a real live Canadian). Advertisement And it wasn't only students that were the object of the Danes' ire. Even new immigrants like myself of a military age were being lumped together with Lt. William Calley's platoon that slaughtered dozens of villagers in the My Lai massacre of 1968 in South Vietnam. We Americans were called "baby killers" by the more radical elements in Denmark. It didn't matter if we had ever toted an M-16 or served in that conflict or not, our identity was linked by some with those who did and who committed war crimes. There was no escaping it then. and there is no escaping the deterioration of our American identity now as we experience a new low in our relationship with the Danes. Advertisement Back then, there were still people here unwilling to paint every American with the same broad brush. American companies were making gains penetrating European markets with their products and Ford and Coke were not considered four-letter words in the Danish parlance. The Danes still traveled to the U.S. on vacation and happily spent their money in New York, Florida and California (the three top tourist destinations at the time) all while the Simon Spies charter travel company was busy raking in millions by transporting other Danes to Mallorca and Greece despite the oil crisis that held the world in an iron grip. Advertisement Several student exchange programs existed which gave Danish and American students the opportunity to live in each other's country, and American executives were being transferred to U.S. companies' European operations for a few years to get some much-needed international experience. Several American friendship organizations existed as did the annual Rebild Festival (the largest festival celebrating American Independence Day held outside the U.S.). The latter was formed in 1912 and continued uninterrupted even during the Vietnam War years. Advertisement Today, it is in danger of being canceled for only the second time in its history (the first was during the Coronavirus pandemic). Today, American products are under attack as thousands of Danes actively boycott them (a Facebook group of nearly 100,000 people have vowed not to purchase them). This is being done regardless of the fact that many of them are produced under license in Denmark and in Europe and that the companies that do produce them employ thousands of Danish workers. Advertisement The Danes are canceling their plans to visit the U.S. and they are not being shy about saying why "Det er Donald Trump" (translation: it is Donald Trump). Yes, the Danes are angry, very angry and feel abandoned by their "old friend" and long-time ally, the United States, and they blame it all on Donald Trump, but much of it is now spilling over the dam and drowning our friendship with the Danes. While there are many America-watchers and America analysts in Denmark, many fail to understand the changes that have taken place in the United States over the past forty years or at least since President Bill Clinton was elected and more importantly why Donald Trump was elected. They see America's problems as being self-generated and the result of one man's (the president's) edicts and policies. The truth is that America is caught in a maelstrom that has sucked common sense and reasonableness into it and left nothing behind. Another metaphor would be that of a cultural tornado that has systematically devoured everything in its path and left the landscape barren and fallow. It is no wonder that that the Danes are confused when they look at us and especially the ideological stubbornness that divides us. They ask me, frequently, "Don't you know how lucky you are with all your resources and why can't you work together to solve your problems?" Their questions are valid and the answers are simple: "No, we are not grateful enough for what we have, and no we cannot work together because we are miles apart in our ideologies and are unwilling to compromise our positions on the issues facing us. Also, we really do not trust each other anymore nor do we really like each other anymore because our views are so diametrically opposed. That is why we vote the way we do and end up in a vicious circle of either inertia or in a power imbalance." I'm afraid that knowing that will still not be enough to soften the Danes' now deeply-entrenched view of Americans which is at the DEFCON 4 level (DEFCON means Defense Condition Readiness and is a military measurement, and level 4 is Increased Intelligence Watch). It means the Danes are at a state of slightly higher readiness and heightened awareness of possible threats from the U.S., from policies of the Trump administration with respect to Greenland. The Greenland grab is front and center in the Danes' minds, but beyond that manifestation of the administration's policies toward Greenland and by extension, the Danes, is Donald Trump, himself. They despise him. They do not trust him. They hate his style and rhetoric and they feel that he doesn't deserve to be president or to represent the American people. They feel he hates Europe and will do everything he can to sabotage Europe and Europeans and that goes double for NATO and the EU. With that in mind, it is no wonder that prominent Danish politicians feel emboldened to criticize him openly and resort to vulgarities and ad hominem attacks in European fora. such as the Jan. 21, 2025 statements made by Danish Member of Parliament, Anders Vistisen who said: Mr. President, I have a few words for dear President Trump. Listen very carefully: Greenland has been part of the Danish Kingdom for 800 years. It is an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale. Let me put it in words you might understand: Mr. Trump, f* off. Mr. Vistisen is not alone. There are many other prominent Danish politicians, journalists and political commentators that share his sentiments and who feel that anyone, any American, who is living in Denmark and who supports the Trump administration's policy on Greenland should be classified as a traitor. Apart from the Greenland grab, the Danes are mystified about how the current situation involving ICE agents and the Minneapolis and Minnesota governments can even exist. While most are stopping short of likening the tactics of ICE as "Gestapo-like", they are worried that we in America are headed for a massive meltdown that will take our First Amendment with it and replace it with an autocracy or worse. At present, there are about 10,000 Americans living in Denmark, and I suspect that many are keeping a low profile these days. I know the American ambassador is because he hasn't made a public appearance since he got here in November of 2025. He is like the Groundhog. I will give him until Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, to see if he pokes his head out of Gobbler's Knob (the American embassy) and sees his shadow. I would hope that he doesn't so that we might have an early Spring and see a thaw in our relations and so that I don't have to be the last American to leave Denmark and turn out the lights. 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] Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Insurrectionist Democrat-controlled states should have their constitutional statehood status suspended, like the Union essentially did for Confederate states after the war when it treated state/local governments as null and void, relating to them as military-occupied territories, only considering readmission when particular requirements had been met. Advertisement Minnesota would be a good first choice to get the statehood axe. After the original 13 colonies ratified our Constitution to create the federal government, all the other states had to apply for admission. All state officials had to swear to uphold and defend the Constitution, as well as the laws that support it. Deliberate disobedience, especially tolerating and/or encouraging insurrection, are surely valid grounds for suspension. Advertisement As suspended states would no longer have constitutional states rights, all its citizens and local governments no longer qualify to receive federal benefits or funds. This could give the president a huge club to wield in enforcing compliance. That really would solve lots of problems in one swoop. Itd be a glorious hoot to watch suspended state Democrats wailing and whining about no longer being a state. Crybaby MSM talking heads will make a nice icing on the cake of MAGA justice. There would be fewer dirtbag Democrats in the House and Senate. Im gleeful at the idea of ending their paychecks, retirement benefits, and seniority. Fewer Democrat electoral votes for president (Minnesota has gone blue in every presidential election since Carter). Democrats cant steal what they aint got. Advertisement No authorized federal judges in suspended states to foul up the just punishment insurrectionists deserve. Martial law declared for interim governance means a restoration of law and order. Advertisement And, no one from a suspended state would be allowed to seek relief through federal lawsuits, as their U.S. rights derive from state citizenship. Delaying SCOTUS meddling for as long as possible is good. This would also be an excuse to eliminate liberal federal judges, prosecutors, etc. in suspended states. Advertisement This may be too big and beautiful to come true, but, it is an idea Trump should keep in mind as insurrection increases. If nothing else, Trump could add it to his arsenal of effective threats that scare the pants off commie leftist politicians. Advertisement Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered. The Western liberal mind has convinced itself that to be decent and humane, society must engage in diversity. True, diversity of opinions is creative and constructive. There is, however, another form of diversity that has been disastrous for native European societies. Advertisement Perhaps the best example is the case of Sweden. In the 1950s, Sweden was largely a homogeneous and cohesive society. It was known for its low crime rates and high trust, where people left homes unlocked and bicycle theft was minimal. Today, after importing hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa, it has become the rape capital of Europe. Swedens socialist governments cared more about diversity and multiculturism and appearing humanitarian than about maintaining the cozy, crime-free society where, for instance, women could walk alone after midnight. They opened their gates to multitudes of people, primarily from Muslim countries Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, and sub-Saharan Africa, countries whose Islamic culture is not liberal and certainly not progressive. Women in these societies are not much more than chattel the personal possession of men, who demand that they be submissive. Moreover, the more radical Islamists among them actually find satisfaction in intimidating the Christian infidels of their host country. Advertisement When speaking of homogeneity, the intent is not in reference to race, religion, or ethnicity, but rather cultural homogeneity. When members of society accept the same moral codes and live in accordance with them, their skin color or religious preference does not matter. However, the elites of western European states have blindly imported hordes of migrants whose moral codes and behavior differ vastly from the established population. For Europeans with a colonial past (Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, and, more recently, Germany and the Scandinavian states), it was white guilt that motivated them to admit Afghanis, Iraqis, Syrians, and sub-Saharan Africans. The actions taken by the Western host countries resulted in the creation of two parallel societies. In short order, where opposing world outlooks collided, tensions were bound to flare up. The migrants brought their home cultures including their foods, dress, music, attitudes toward women, laws, hygiene, etc. In Britain, Pakistani Muslim men exploited, drugged, abused, and groomed more than 1,400 young British girls, preparing them to be sex slaves. In France, radicalized North African Muslims were found engaging in terror against infidels because, according to their religious beliefs, France ought to become Muslim. In Britain, churches have been converted to mosques, and in London and in other major cities, Muslims control the streets and mayoral offices. Advertisement As early as 1998, Bruce Bawer, an American living in Europe, was writing about the problem he was witnessing in cities across the continent including Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Stockholm. In his book, While Europe Slept, he recounts the rapid expansion of Muslim enclaves and how the unassimilated immigrants would prowl the streets, threatening infidels, Jews, white women, and homosexuals. Unlike the West European and North American (U.S. and Canada) states, Japan is a homogeneous society. There is only one official language and culture. Japan has exceptionally low crime rates, especially for violent offenses like homicide (around 0.2 per 100,000 people), significantly lower than many Western nations. In Japan, there is clarity of behavior stemming from common mores and shared beliefs. The Japanese do not feel guilty about their society being homogeneous, nor about the absence of Western-like diversity. Advertisement The key word in the context of diversity is assimilation. In Germany, the Angela Merkel migrants of 2015, from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, have not assimilated. The explosion of crime in Germany, particularly rapes, has to do with Middle Eastern Muslim males perceiving lightly dressed German women (immodestly, as they perceive it) as nothing more than prostitutes, hence raping them is no crime. In the USA, the term Melting Pot is associated with the British author Israel Zangwill, who popularized the idea in his 1908 play about immigrant assimilation in America. Zangwills play depicted a Russian Jewish immigrant creating an American Symphony, which became a cultural touchstone for the idea of diverse cultures blending into one new American identity. In their influential 1963 book Beyond the Melting Pot, Nathan Glazer and Daniel P. Moynihan famously argued that the melting pot ideal would prevail the belief that immigrants would blend into a homogeneous American culture. Regrettably, subsequent decades proved otherwise. Advertisement There was a time when all ethnic, religious, and racial groups found common ground in the American experience, when all groups opted to become American with shared values and culture. Germans, Irish, Italians, Poles, Jews, blacks, and Puerto Ricans strove to become Americans. The shared experiences during WWII melted the differences. Today, America no longer seeks to assimilate its immigrants into the melting pot. The influx of Spanish-speaking migrants from Mexico and Central and South America are accommodated by making the Spanish language as official as English. That in itself runs counter to the idea of the melting pot. Diversity has now created disconnected communities, which erodes the strength of American ideals. No longer is there a government campaign for assimilation into the American way of life, which has become diluted. The liberal establishment, especially in academia, has fostered diversity. Diverse and disconnected communities create envy, resentment, and anger among the less accomplished groups. Anger and resentment create crime. Advertisement The need to revive the melting pot culture in America has never been sharper. America needs cultural homogeneity, united by shared ideals and purpose. Image via Pxfuel. Have you ever wondered why it seems as though some on the left are bent on destroying the country? Have you also wondered why some leftists have a certain affinity for foreign causes and countries but couldnt connect the dots? Does it also seem that some on the left are just following along as useful innocents (or the other I-word)? Advertisement A piece from Glenn Beck, the non-profit Mauro Institute, and the Washington Free Beacon will go a long way in answering these questions. When it comes to the fringe far left, they always seem to reach for the extremes in beliefs while dragging their rank-and-file comrades along to fill in all the crowd scenes. Insights that explain why the extremist elements of the far left are out to destroy the country, as well as show that their U.I.s may be going along for other reasons. A recent video from Glenn Beck gives an overview of the information: Advertisement Well start with one of the primary groups that youve probably never heard of, which has been intimately involved in the chaos and obstruction in Minneapolis and surrounding areas: the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), exposed by the efforts of Glenn Beck and the Mauro Institute. Their goal is not to work within our civil society and strengthen America. Their goal is to seize civil society, overthrow the system, empower our adversaries, and deploy the same rhetorical and political strategies that supporters of Hamas used so successfully against the U.S. and especially law enforcement. Advertisement MIRAC appears on an MN Community Response Resources list circulated in Signal chats used to organize against ICE. Among the listed tasks is Train up Community Members in Rapid Response and Intervention, for which MIRACs Immigration Raid Response Trainings are specifically recommended. This is an excerpt from the MIRAC website entitled website: Advertisement MIRAC sees the U.S. immigration system and criminal justice system as fundamentally unjust, racist, and white supremacist MIRAC struggles for legalization and full equality for all, an end to immigration detention and deportations, and an end to border militarization. We believe no human being is illegal. MIRAC carries out activist campaigns to protest and change unjust immigration laws and policies. We organize communities and support individuals and families impacted by those laws and policies. As noted in other investigations from Glenn Beck, the group often softens its language in describing its aims and tactics, because it only gets worse from here. MIRAC and other extreme far-left groups are part of what Ryan Mauro characterizes as the Turtle Island Intifada. MIRAC justified this moniker on Instagram: From Turtle Island to Palestine, occupation is a crime! Self-determination for Palestine! Advertisement For those unfamiliar with the more extreme reaches of far-left insanity, Turtle Island refers to the North American continent and, more specifically, the United States. It harkens back to native tribe creation mythology that the continent resides on the back of a giant turtle. Somehow, this means the country is illegitimate and thus needs to be returned to them or something. Curiously enough, this subject popped up in the news for a very short time about a month ago. The members of a far-left domestic terrorist group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF) were arrested for planning a terrorist attack on New Years Eve: Advertisement Multiple splinter cell members of the radical Turtle Island Liberation Front, which posts disturbing slogans such as Death to America on social media, were arrested last Friday for allegedly plotting a New Years Eve terror attack in the Los Angeles area. The name and beliefs of the group were explained in another report: So thats what the natives called it was Turtle Island, the person, whose face is concealed, says in the video. So thats the de-colonized name of the Americas. And Turtle Island Liberation Front is looking for reparations and land back for these indigenous groups. The name apparently matters, because it predates the country, and they are signaling that their war is not just about policy, but about the legitimacy of the countrys existence. Its no accident if this sounds disturbingly like the language used against the state of Israel. That is because the Turtle Island Intifada provides them the rhetorical framework of colonizer or occupier. It gives terrorists and saboteurs the justification for violence as resistance. It also ties them to our countrys enemies. There is a question of whether the extreme leftist leadership in Minnesota has informed the rank and file of the true nature of their movement. Or do they just fill them with happy talk of virtue-signaling on steroids? Because its actually about a revolutionary ideology of overthrowing the government. Its doubtful theyre going to gather the crowds theyve had if everyone knew those were the true goals of these groups. All of this chaos isnt just about opposing ICE or civil disobedience. The hardcore leadership of these extremist groups has a deeper agenda at stake, and thats the abolition of the country as founded. But they havent been honest about this with the public or likely even their most dedicated supporters. So why havent they been condemned for their deception? D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack. Image via Pexels. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has named Joe Gibney, a proven aviation executive and strategic growth leader, as dean of the David B. O'Maley College of Business at its Daytona Beach Campus, effective March 2, 2026. With more than 20 years of executive experience, Gibney has built a career spanning corporate aviation, airport operations, infrastructure development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He most recently served as senior advisor at Ridgewood Infrastructure, a private equity firm devoted to transforming and growing companies across the water, utilities, power and renewables, transportation and communications sectors. At Ridgewood, Gibney identified potential investment opportunities, provided market insights in the aerospace and transportation segments and supported portfolio companies with initiatives to develop strategy, enhance operational effectiveness and improve decision making. He also served on the board of Ridgewood-owned APP Jet Center. Prior to his time at Ridgewood Infrastructure, Gibney served as vice president and chief operating officer at TAC Air, where he oversaw the company's plan for growth and strengthened its position as a premier ground services provider of U.S. fixed base operators (FBOs). "The appointment of Joe Gibney to dean of Embry-Riddle's David B. O'Maley College of Business reflects Embry-Riddle's commitment to academic excellence, industry partnership and preparing graduates for leadership in aerospace, aviation and business," said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. "Mr. Gibney's experience guiding complex organizations and advancing innovation will position the university as a catalyst for our students' professional success, preparing the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders to succeed in a rapidly expanding global economy." Gibney's leadership highlights include: Driving organizational transformation and growth in the U.S. aviation sector, with a focus on operational excellence and innovation. Overseeing large-scale workforce initiatives and strategic planning for thousands of employees across multiple business units. Establishing and strengthening industry partnerships to create career pathways and experiential learning opportunities for students. Bridging academic and professional communities through his commitment to workforce development. Gibney holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle and a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. He has served in influential board roles with the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA), and he is known for his commitment to advancing industry standards and workforce development. "Joe Gibney brings a depth of leadership experience and a forward-looking vision that will strengthen our academic mission and expand opportunities for our students," said Embry-Riddle Senior Vice President and Provost Kelly Austin, Ph.D. "His commitment to accelerating innovation and sustaining strong industry partnerships will enhance the David B. O'Maley College of Business and support Embry-Riddle's global leadership in aviation and aerospace education." Gibney said he is honored to join Embry-Riddle and lead the David B. O'Maley College of Business. "I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students and industry partners to advance innovative programs and implement strategic initiatives that prepare our graduates for the future of business in aviation and aerospace," he said. Media Contact: Seth Robbins, director of media communications, 386-241-6060, [email protected] About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Reporters worldwide contact Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for content experts in all aspects of aviation, aviation business, aerospace, engineering and STEM-related fields. Our faculty experts specialize in unmanned and autonomous systems, security and intelligence, air traffic and airport management, astronomy, human factors psychology, meteorology, spaceflight operations, urban air mobility and much more. Visit the Embry-Riddle Newsroom for story ideas. Embry-Riddle educates over 30,000 aspiring aerospace and aviation professionals at its residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, and across more than 115 Worldwide Campus locations and online degree programs. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report named Embry-Riddle Worldwide the nation's No. 1 provider of online bachelor's degree programs among private universities. Our residential campuses hold multiple Top 10 rankings. All of our campuses have been ranked Best for Veterans. SOURCE Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University An unexpected danger is lurking in the health care and service industries people whose ideologies are so extreme that theyll endanger the very people theyre supposed to be serving. Weve seen stories of restaurant workers refusing to serve law enforcement, or sabotaging their food. Weve seen hotels rescind reservations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Advertisement There have also been cases where people have been murdered by nurses and by doctors. This doesnt include the thousands of people whove been euthanized under the Orwellian-named Medical Aid In Dying program. But recent stories remind me of stories from the Third Reichs inhumane experiments conducted on concentration camp prisoners, or the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study. When medicine is subordinated to ideology, it betrays its core principle of do no harm. People in caregiving roles whose political zeal leads to fantasies of weaponizing their medical knowledge against their perceived opponents endanger us all. Advertisement In Virginia, a health care worker posted videos on social media encouraging violent or disruptive actions against ICE agents. She suggested medical providers fill syringes with saline or succinylcholine, a powerful paralytic drug, to use as a deterrent. She also proposed extracting poison ivy or oak, steeping it in water, and using water guns to spray the solution at agents faces and hands. She went on to urge women to match with ICE agents on dating apps and slip laxatives into their drinks. She described this gambit as highly, easily deniable. Her posts prompted immediate outrage over an ostensibly professional person with access to deadly substances advocating chemical attacks and poisoning. She was placed on administrative leave by her employer, Virginia Commonwealth University Health (VCU Health), who went on to call her content highly inappropriate. Quite the understatement. Advertisement In Florida, a labor and delivery nurse targeted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is expecting a child. She wished Leavitt would rip from bow to stern and never s--- normally again during childbirth. Florida surgeon general Dr. Joseph Ladapo has since revoked her nursing license and emphasized that threats undermining patient confidence could not stand. Women in delivery rooms, indeed every person under the care of a doctor, nurse, CNA, or other health care professional, need resolute trust in their providers. Ideologically driven vitriol shatters that trust. In Sydney, Australia, Liverpool Hospital treated an elderly Jewish woman who had been wounded by shrapnel and gunshots to the head during the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre last year. This attack was carried out by Islamic terrorists who were associated with an ISIS cell. The hospital assigned her the alias Karen Jones, giving her a wristband that omitted her religion. They claimed it was to protect her from media scrutiny. The woman, however, believed that the measure stemmed from the fear of radicalized staff or community backlash. In 2025, nurses from nearby Bankstown Hospital promised to send Jewish patients to hell and refused to treat them. The woman in Liverpool Hospital spent her stay crying as she felt compelled to conceal her identity in a place meant for healing. Advertisement These incidents demonstrate a disturbing pattern. Health care workers at all levels hold tremendous power of life and death. When a persons political views degenerate into malice toward certain groups, the potential for abuse skyrockets. What terrifies me more than these stories themselves is the realization that these are just the people we know about. These gremlins actually posted their intentions on social media platforms. How many other health care professionals are walking around just waiting for the opportunity and the guts to take action against those they deem their enemies? Advertisement Will it spread? What happens if or when a car mechanic sabotages someones brakes or engine because he doesnt like what he read on a bumper sticker? Must we become suspicious of our plumbers and electricians? We no longer trust our public school teachers and college professors, and the favorability ratings of bureaucrats and elected officials hovers somewhere near that of athletes foot. This cannot continue. Professional standards demand impartiality and do-no-harm principles. When these fail, the kind of swift accountability we saw demonstrated in Florida and Virginia becomes essential to safeguard the public. Advertisement Societies must remain vigilant. Professional expertise should never serve as a tool or a weapon for ideological vengeance. Image: Pkd2016 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. In an era where trust in institutions is already frayed, a disturbing trend has emerged within the medical profession: healthcare workers openly expressing willingness, even eagerness, to deny care or inflict harm on patients based on political disagreements. A recent viral scandal involving a Virginia nurse underscores just how far this rot has spread. Advertisement Malinda Cook (sometimes reported as Melinda), a nurse employed by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, posted a series of TikTok videos that shocked the nation (the link takes you to a Lib of TikTok X-post so as to avoid engagement for Cook). In them, she encouraged viewers to sabotage Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents by injecting them with succinylcholine, a powerful paralytic drug used in anesthesia that can cause temporary paralysis and, if misused, far worse. She went further, suggesting spraying poison ivy on agents, poisoning their food, and even urging women to date ICE personnel solely to drug them. All the medical providers, grab some syringes, she reportedly said in one clip, framing it as a scare tactic or outright sabotage. VCU Health swiftly placed Cook on administrative leave, and investigated the matter, and ultimately terminated her employment. VCU Police assisted in the probe. The health system condemned the videos as highly inappropriate and inconsistent with its values. Yet the damage was done: a licensed healthcare professional, entrusted with life-and-death decisions, publicly advocated using her medical knowledge to harm individuals she politically opposed, federal law enforcement officers carrying out deportation policies under the current administration. Advertisement This is not an isolated aberration. It is symptomatic of a broader, deeply troubling pattern on the political Left within healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countless doctors, nurses, and other providers took to social media to declare they would prioritize or deprioritize care based on vaccination status, a proxy for political affiliation. Some gleefully wished death on the unvaccinated, calling them selfish or worse. Others explicitly stated they would deny treatment to Trump supporters, with posts like Let the MAGA folks die gaining traction in certain online echo chambers. More recently, reports have surfaced of nurses in Colorado suggesting they would target Trump supporters in emergency rooms, and a Florida nurse facing backlash for refusing care to patients wearing MAGA attire. These are not fringe outliers; they reflect a cultural shift where ideological purity tests have infiltrated a profession bound by the Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm. Advertisement What makes this especially chilling is the power imbalance in healthcare settings. Patients are vulnerable, sedated, in pain, or dependent on providers for survival. If a nurse like Malinda Cook feels emboldened to broadcast fantasies of poisoning and paralysis against those she views as political enemies, what prevents subtler acts of neglect or malice behind hospital doors? A delayed response to a call button? An accidental medication error? Withholding optimal care during a critical moment? Worse, the victim may be mistakenly identified, or identified based upon family affiliation, residence, or occupation, leaving families in the dark regarding the possibility of abuse. Families who have lost loved ones to unexpected complications, sudden declines, or deaths during or shortly after medical treatment, particularly in politically charged times like the pandemic years, should take notice. Political disagreements cut both ways, but the overt hostility has disproportionately come from one side. If a patient wore a MAGA hat, expressed skepticism about vaccines, or simply held conservative views that became known, could that have influenced their care? Advertisement This is not paranoia; it is prudence. Medical malpractice and neglect claims exist for a reason. Families have every right, and perhaps a duty, to investigate thoroughly. Request medical records. Consult specialists for second opinions on what went wrong. Speak with attorneys experienced in healthcare litigation. Investigate the social media of caregivers and aides. Patterns may emerge that demand accountability. The politicization of medicine erodes the foundational trust that allows our healthcare system to function. Patients must believe that their providers will treat them based on need, not ideology. Hospitals and licensing boards must enforce a zero-tolerance policy for such threats, and lawmakers should consider stronger protections against discriminatory care. Advertisement Until that trust is restored, vigilance is the best medicine. Protect your family. Ask questions. Demand answers. In a profession dedicated to healing, no one should ever have to wonder if politics played a role in harm. Advertisement Image: AT via Magic Studio There are few scenes in cinema and literature that unsettle me like sadistic health care staff, or situations where the infirm are either unable to communicate their wishes, or left to the mercy of a world that views them as inconvenient or disposable because of their infirmity. Watching vulnerable people suffer gruesomely at the hands of those who are supposed to be caring for them really strikes at the something deep in the human psyche. Advertisement Nurse Ratched and the lobotomy of Jack Nicholsons character in One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest comes to mind; the dystopian short story titled Torching the Dusties by Margaret Atwood still haunts me; and I will never forget a really frightening ending to the Skeleton Key, where a young, vibrant woman finds herself swapped into a feeble and ailing womans body through an act of voodoo, who is then whisked off to die in a facility. Well, thats no longer a trope confined to the world of fiction: its happening in Canada with the states medical homicide policies. Per an item from Zero Hedge, an elderly woman who had been in palliative care has been put to death, despite expressing her will to live and expire naturally. Mrs. B experience complications after a heart surgery, and rapidly declined. While at home on hospice, she allegedly expressed her desire for euthanasia, so her husband called the referral service. Yet, when that assessor showed up, Mrs. B said she did not want to be euthanized, citing personal and religious values and beliefs and instead wanted in-patient care for the remainder of her life. As you might have guessed, that costly expense was deniedif theres one thing we know about socialized medicine, its that it doesnt work, and resources can only go so far, leaving lots and lots of inhumanity and death in its wake. However, Mrs. Bs husband was experiencing caregiver burnout, according to doctors, so something had to be done, and urgently. At this point, the husband and the medical team brought in a second assessor, who deemed Mrs. B to be eligible for a lethal injection. Advertisement Heres how things ended: After the second assessor judged her to be eligible for MAiD, the original assessor objected - expressing concerns over the alleged urgency of the request, and expressing the need for further evaluation. A request to meet with Mrs. B the next day was declined by the MAiD provider, as the clinical circumstances necessitated an urgent provision. Advertisement Then, a third MAiD assessor agreed with the second one, and Mrs. B was euthanized that evening. In August of 2024, The National Review reported that euthanasia was the fifth-leading cause of death in Canada, citing these statistics: Advertisement The number of Canadians dying prematurely by medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has risen thirteenfold since legalization. In 2016, the number of people dying in this way was 1,018. In 2022, the last year for which data are available, the number was 13,241. MAiD in Canada is the worlds fastest-growing assisted-dying program. And that number only increases each year. In 2023, using data available since the time of the NR article, The Guardian reported this: More than 15,000 people received medical assistance in dying in Canada in 2023, the highest figure on record. But federal statistics show the growth in cases has slowed significantly, with assisted death making up 4.7% of deaths, compared to 4.1% the previous year. Advertisement Once again, were reminded that progress actually just means murder. Advertisement Image generated by ChatGPT. Apple and many tech giants are no strangers when it comes to allegations of antitrust violations. Over the years, the company has faced numerous lawsuits and allegations, but how much have they been fined? Turns out, were talking a number close to a billion. According to Protons Tech Fines Tracker, Apple was hit with antitrust fines in 2025 to the tune of $851 million. How much in antitrust fines did Apple pay in 2025? According to a new report from Proton, Apple antitrust fines in 2025 totaled a staggering $851 million across various privacy and competition violations. Most of that money went to European regulators who took issue with how Apple runs its App Store and implements its privacy features. France hit Apple with a 150 million fine back in March, while Italy followed up in December with another 98.6 million penalty. Whats interesting is that both countries targeted the same thing: Apples App Tracking Transparency feature. Apple launched the privacy tool back in 2021. It was designed to give users more control over their data. It also requires apps to ask permission before tracking activity across other apps and websites. Sounds good for users, right? But regulators saw it differently. They argued Apples implementation gave the company an unfair advantage while making life harder for third-party developers. Apples not alone As it turns out, Apple isnt alone in facing these fines. The company has been battling various European investigations for years, from music streaming services to third-party app store requirements. The European Commission has been particularly aggressive about enforcing its Digital Markets Act, with Apple antitrust fines in 2025 representing just one piece of a much larger regulatory push. Protons report also looked at all the major tech companies and found that Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon combined for $7.8 billion in fines throughout 2025. But you know whats shocking? Based on their free cash flow, these tech giants could pay off the entire amount in just 28 days. The question now is whether these fines actually change anything. For a company that can generate enough cash to cover $851 million in a matter of weeks, the penalties might simply be chalked up to the cost of doing business. It appears that scripted automations in Google Home are broken for some users. After a Reddit user posted about scripted automations failing on Tuesday (January 27th), more users responded to the post telling a similar story. Users complain that their automations stopped working sometime yesterday, and there doesnt seem to be any possible explanation for whats causing this. Google Homes scripted automations are reportedly broken Going into details, Reddit user Tkemalediction posted on the Google Home subreddit that all their scripted automations, ones made using Google Homes YAML script editor, had stopped working. These were apparently working fine previously. Comments to the post report a similar behaviour. Its not clear whats causing this issue at the moment. Fortunately, Automations that you create in other ways, like through Gemini or the Home apps automations UI, seem unaffected. Google Home got a major automation update at the beginning of this month. This expanded Automations with smarter triggers, conditions, and actions. But then this was a couple of weeks ago, and the issue with scripted automations surfaced only yesterday. Theres a workaround for the issue There seems to be a workaround for the issue, as suggested by Reddit user TheStriker995. Open the broken scripted routine in the Google Home app or editor, and add a simple OK Google starter to the routine. Save the routine with this extra starter, then edit it again to remove the dummy starter that you added. This will apparently get the routine working again. One user acknowledged that this workaround worked for them. Google has yet to respond to the new scripted automation failure, but well update if we hear more. Last week, Google Home users reported that smart lights and switches were appearing offline in the app. Its not clear whether the latest issue is related. But for what its worth, Google acknowledged the smart lights issue and said that its working on a fix. Additionally, earlier this month, multiple users complained that the Gemini update for their Google Home wasnt a delight. They note that Gemini on their Home devices couldnt perform simple tasks like setting alarms or controlling smart lights. They note that the Gemini update broke their smart home automations. Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit revolving around Android data collection, which could lead to a nice little payout for all users impacted. The settlement would see Google paying about $135 Million. Google says it didnt do anything wrong when it comes to the data collection accusation, but its agreeing to the payout anyway. The settlement could lead to up to $100 for every user who was impacted. Its not an astronomical amount, but it would be a free $100, so thats nothing to complain about. This would be Googles second lawsuit that it has agreed to settle, with the other being a lawsuit based around Google Assistant, which the company agreed to settle for $68 Million. Google also recently agreed to settle a lawsuit between it and Epic Games, though that settlement has yet to be approved. Part of that settlement agreement includes an amount of $800 Million that Epic agreed to pay Google to help it promote Android. The Google data collection lawsuit settlement still needs approval Just like with its case against Epic, Google will need to have the settlement agreement approved in this data collection case. Google simply agreeing to pay the $135 Million doesnt necessarily mean it will go through. If it does go through, however, its said that it would be one of the largest payouts, or the largest payout of this type of case. For those unfamiliar, the lawsuit accuses Google of collecting data from Android users without their knowledge or consent. It alleges that Google needlessly collected cellular data even if users closed apps and disabled location sharing. As part of the settlement, Google has also agreed to add a toggle that will let users opt out of data transfer. As of right now, Googles trial for this settlement agreement is for August 5, so it will be a little while before theres a potential approval. In the past year or so, layoffs have become rampant across the tech industry, with major tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon already doubling down on AI. Now, it seems that 2026 will also be the year of massive layoffs. After slipping the news about global job cuts late Tuesday via an accidental email, Amazon has now officially confirmed that it will lay off 16,000 employees across the company. For those unaware, thats the second major round of layoffs announced by Amazon in three months. Amazon announces major layoff, affecting 16,000 employees across the globe In a copy of an internal memo shared with employees, Beth Galetti, Amazons head of People Experience and Technology, noted that the latest round of layoffs stems from organizational changes that have been in place since October 2025. Galetti further notes that Amazon has been working to reduce layers, push more ownership across teams, and cut internal bureaucracy. US-based employees impacted by the layoffs will get 90 days to apply for other roles within the company. However, those who dont choose new roles will receive severance pay, health insurance coverage, and access to outplacement services. Employees outside of the U.S. will get support depending on their local labor laws. Addressing employee concerns around layoffs, Amazon says that broad reductions every few months are not part of its plan. That said, it didnt deny whether there will be another round of layoffs down the line. But just as we always have, every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate, said Beth Galetti. The company will continue to hire for important roles While it is obvious for anyone to wonder that if a company is announcing big layoffs, is there any chance it will continue hiring? The tech giant says it definitely has plans to continue hiring in areas that it considers important to its future. Amazon hasnt admitted that the latest round of layoffs has anything to do with funding its AI-first strategy. However, many tech companies are reinvesting in AI-focused roles and products after laying off their employees. So, its possible that Amazon is trying to do the same. Pinterest, for example, is also undergoing a major restructuring. The company has also announced plans to cut nearly 15 percent of its global workforce. MAINGEAR is jumping on the retro train as well, with its new Retro98 today. This is a new desktop that looks like its from 1998, but it has 2026 specs. This is a limited-edition gaming PC inspired by the rigs that sparked our obsession with gaming. The company says that it is built around the SilverStone FLP02 tower PC case, and it is for gamers who swapped GPUs under the cover of darkness, begged for RAM upgrades for their birthday, and lived for LAN parties. Retro98 has the beige look of PCs from the 90s, but that doesnt mean its old. Its an unapologetically over-the-top liquid-cooled rig co-developered with Alphacool, Retro98 is packed with todays most elite components: the newly announced AMD Ryzen 9 9850X3D, graphics up to the GeForce RTX 5090, ultra-fast Kingston FURY RAM, and SSDs. MAINGEAR also notes that each Retro98 system is hand-assembled by a single master technician at MAINGEAR HQ in New Jersey. Its also tested like the rig is being kept for themselves. The MAINGEAR Retro98 configs are insane The Retro98 starts at $2,499 and goes all the way up to $4,999. Theres even a Retro98a that is an open-loop liquid-cooled rig that will cost you $9,799. Which MAINGEAR says is unapologetically overkill. So the base model for $2,499 will get you the Intel Core Ultra 7 256K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB of Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 RAM, 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD, and the MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard. If you want to go AMD, youll have to spend $3,499, which will get you the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, along with the GeForce RTX 5080. And if you want to max out the graphics for the GeForce RTX 5090, that one will cost you $4,999. This is going to be an extremely limited edition. Only 32 units, plus six Alpha units. MAINGEAR says no reruns. period. Its available today from MAINGEARs website. In addition to announcing the Motorola Moto G17 and Moto G17 Power, which we already talked about, the company also announced the Moto G67 and Moto G77 handsets. These two phones leaked yesterday, and soon after this announcement followed. Motorola did not make a big fuss over this, though, as the whole situation was dealt with via a press release on the website. Its a rather silent launch for these smartphones. Much like the Moto G17 series, these devices are budget phones, but more powerful than the other two. The Motorola Moto G67 & Moto G77 offers military-grade durability Motorola says that the Moto G67 and G77 are two bold new additions to the moto g family that raise the bar for what a midtier smartphone can do. These phones do offer military-grade durability. If you check out the gallery below, youll see the devices themselves in Pantone-curated colors. The phones are available in PANTONE Shaded Spruce, PANTONE Black Olive, PANTONE Arctic Seal, and PANTONE Nile colors. These two phones look basically the same. They have a flat display on the front, with a centered display camera hole up top. The bezels seem to be uniform, but theres a chance the bottom one is slightly thicker than the rest. They have vegan leather backplates, and should be quite grippy The physical buttons are located on the right-hand side, while the entire backplate is covered with what seems to be vegan leather, including the camera island. Their cameras sit on that camera island in the top-left corner. Both of these phones include a 5,200mAh battery and offer storage expansion. The Moto G67 has 4GB of RAM, while the Moto G77 comes with 8GB of RAM. Both of those are expandable via virtual RAM. A 6.78-inch display is used on both phones, an AMOLED panel which is protected by the Gorilla Glass 7i. Both phones are IP64 and MIL-STD-810H certified. They both also support 30W wired charging, but no wireless charging. The Moto G77 has a better camera setup The Moto G77 has a more powerful main camera, a 108-megapixel unit with an f/1.7 aperture. Both phones include an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera on the back. Android 16 comes pre-installed on both phones. The Moto G67 is fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, while the Dimensity 6400 processor fuels the Moto G77. Motorola said that both devices have started arriving to select markets across EMEA. Pricing will vary from one market to the other. Samsung is officially putting the Galaxy Z TriFold on sale tomorrow, here in the US. But ahead of tomorrows launch, Samsung is giving select customers early-access to buy the device, including yours truly. The email says that it is a limited quantity and available today only. And youll be able to buy it in-store or online. This early access does answer an important question, though: Trade-ins? Unfortunately, theres no trade-in option at all when buying the Galaxy Z TriFold, at least online. This might be different in-store. You are, however, able to finance it. You can do Samsung Financing, which will be $120.80/month for 24 months, or pay in four installments of $724.25 every two weeks. But thats about it for options. There are no carrier versions available either. Samsung could opt to allow trade-ins in-store, which is what weve been hearing. But where Samsung is not making very many Galaxy Z TriFolds, its likely that they are making it harder to buy than any of their other devices. The official Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold release date is set for January 30, 2026, in the US. Galaxy Z TriFold is the first trifold available globally The Galaxy Z TriFold is only the second TriFold device in the world that is actually being sold. And its the first to be sold globally. Huawei was first back in 2024, but the Mate XT and the Mate XTs from 2025 were only sold in Asia, mostly only in China. So this is huge for Samsung and those who want a phone that can unfold into an actual tablet. Samsung has outfitted the Galaxy Z TriFold with a 6.5-inch outer display and a 10-inch inner display, which is closer to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Making it a much better experience for watching content versus something like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a square inner display and shows you plenty of black bars. Trucordia Insurance Services, LLC allegedly failed to accurately record employees' full time worked, including time worked off the clock. This, allegedly, resulted in violations to various California Labor Laws. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** ORANGE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Trucordia Insurance Services, LLC violated the California Labor Code. The Trucordia Insurance Services, LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. 30-2026-01539962-CU-OE-CXC, is currently pending in the Orange 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 against Trucordia Insurance Services, LLC, the company allegedly failed to provide Plaintiffs with all legally required meal and rest periods . From time to time, Plaintiffs were allegedly asked to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided ten (10) minutes rest periods. Further these employees were denied their first rest periods of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts of at least two (2) to four (4) hours from time to time, a first and second rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of between six (6) and eight (8) hours from time to time, and a first, second and third rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of ten (10) hours or more from time to time. The lawsuit further alleges that Defendant underpaid sick wages to Plaintiffs by failing to pay such wages at the regular rate of pay. When sick pay was paid to Plaintiffs, it was paid at the base rate of pay. Defendant failed to reimburse and indemnify Plaintiff for required business expenses associated with their job duties. Defendant allegedly violated California Labor Codes 246(1)(2) and 2802. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Trucordia Insurance Services, LLC, 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 A town impacted by the floods in Mozambique (AP) Aid agencies are struggling to attract donors to support the humanitarian response to devastating floods in Mozambique, which in recent days have flooded more than 150,000 homes and killed at least 22 people. Mozambique is no stranger to requesting aid for climate-driven disasters, having suffered from huge tropical storms like Cyclone Kenneth , as well as a crippling drought across 2023 and 2024. But according to Gaspar Sitefane, the director of WaterAid Mozambique, aid budgets being decimated over the past year has left a very different situation. In the past it was much easier to access donor support it is today, he told The Independent. Now, the majority of donor countries are telling aid organisations that they have other priorities and they are not able to offer support for this emergency. The numbers that we are seeing are just really very short of what is needed, and also less than what was received in other crises in recent years, he added. Mr Sitefane said that there are a lot of people in the country of 35 million who have not received any support yet. The situation is being made all the more complex by the fact that many of the camps where people are congregating are only accessible by helicopter at the moment, due to roads being flooded. Vehicles line up along a flood-damaged road close to the Mozambican capital, Maputo (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Mr Sitefane added that it does not feel right that donors should be less available than they have been, just as climate-driven weather events are becoming much more common. The famous floods that everyone can easily recall were in 1977 then we had big ones again in 2000, 2015, 2023, and now 2026, he said. But even though these events are becoming more common, [the] aid available is reducing, which makes it harder for countries like Mozambique to respond. Overall, some $187 million (136m) in humanitarian funding is required for the aid response to Mozambiques current floods, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As of 26 January , the response from donor nations that has been highlighted by OCHA includes $1m from the US, $2m from Norway, and a humanitarian shipment worth $552,000 from the EU, which is set to support some 50,000 people. Additional funding is urgently needed to sustain and scale up the humanitarian response, said OCHA in its humanitarian update. This latest disaster is a stark reminder of Mozambiques vulnerability to the convergence of multiple shocks including conflict, drought, cyclones in recent years, and now severe floodingplacing enormous strain on communities and response capacity. Other impacts recorded in the current floods include 430,000 dead livestock, and the flooding of 440,000 hectares of farmland - as well as the closure of 229 health centres and 355 schools, according to data collected from humanitarian groups . The amount of standing water as well as the flooded wells and boreholes will increase the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera and malaria, Mr Sitefane said. Other worries include the availability of food in remote villages, as well as crocodiles that are swimming into towns and have so far killed at least three people, according to the national disaster management agency. Children wade through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Maputo, Mozambique A new analysis from World Weather Attribution, which is an international group of climate scientists, found that the extreme weather that has led to flooding in Mozambique and neighbouring countries this year has become much more likely thanks to climate change. Specifically, there has been a 40 per cent increase in rainfall severity since pre-industrial times, while the frequency of the 10-day rainfall events that have led to the flooding has also increased as the climate crisis has escalated. The science is clear: human-caused climate change is supercharging rainfall events like this with devastating impacts for those in its path, said Izidine Pinto, from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Our analysis clearly shows that our continued burning of fossil fuels is not only increasing the intensity of extreme rainfall, but turning events that would have happened anyway into something much more severe. Friederike Otto, from Imperial College London, added: This is a textbook case of climate injustice. The people of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini have not contributed to climate change, nor are they profiting from using or selling fossil fuels. Yet they are the ones losing their lives, homes and livelihoods. A home that has been destroyed by the floods in Mozambique. More than 150,000 homes have been flooded in the country For countries like Mozambique to adapt to their new climate reality, significant amounts of money will be required for longer-term investment in resilience. According to Mr Sitefane, this is also increasingly hard to come by in the era of shrinking aid budgets as well as the hoops that the worlds poorest countries to access the money that is available in the worlds major climate funds. Its extremely difficult for organisations in Mozambique to receive money for climate adaptation projects at the moment, he said. There are lots of stories of organisations, and even the government, applying for climate adaptation finance and not succeeding. It does not seem right that Mozambique should be suffering so much from climate change, and yet it cannot access the money that should be available. David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary, told The Independent this week that countries will need much more aid from rich countries to adapt to the climate crisis, with this kind of financing unlikely to be able to attract private investors . We need grant-based aid not just for vaccinations and to treat things like malnutrition , but also to fund climate resilience, he said. Protecting communities so that their livestock dont get washed away in a flash flood is a long-term benefit that is worth funding. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project Armed gangs are running rampant across the Gaza Strip and using Israeli weapons to kill Hamas operatives and members of the public, according to a new report. One group, named the Helles Gang, forced Palestinians out of a residential block at Israels request, according to Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, leading Hamas to ambush some of their members on the outskirts of Gaza City on Monday morning. Several Palestinians were also killed as they approached the yellow line in the Shejaia and Tuffah neighbourhoods by the gang, the newspaper said. Raad al-Jamal one of the earliest members to join the group was killed, gang leader Rami Helles wrote in a Facebook post. Multiple criminal gangs have emerged as the strip grapples with a power vacuum left by a Hamas depleted by intense Israeli bombardment. The factions vying for power have taken it upon themselves to kill senior Hamas members, with claims that some have been supported by Israel. They have dubbed themselves Popular Forces or Counterterrorism as they continue to fight Hamas and others across the region. Palestinians walk surrounded by the rubble of houses destroyed in Israeli strikes during the war, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Reuters) The report suggests that Israel had high hopes for cooperation with the most prominent gang led by Yasser Abu Shabab, who was notorious for seizing humanitarian aid and later formed an armed group that spread under regions controlled by Israel. Abu Shabab was later killed by Hamas, and leadership of the group was passed down to Ghassan al-Dahini. The report also found that the groups have assassinated members of the Hamas security services and the al-Qassam Brigades. The first such killing was carried out by Shawqi Abu Nseiras group. An officer in Hamass Internal Security Service, Ahmed ZamZam, was killed in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza. Sources told the newspaper that gang members in Gaza have obtained Israeli weapons, as well as food. On 12 January, Hamass head of investigations Mahmoud al-Astal was killed in Khan Younis in an orchestrated assassination by a gang led by Housam al-Astal. Al-Astal is reported to have been a relative of the victim. Abu Nseira and Al-Astals gangs are reported to display a stronger loyalty to Israel, sources told Asharq al-Awsat. They suggested that gunmen who carried out the attacks wore body cameras and used pistols with silencers. They also said the leaders had been trained by Mossad and recruited by Shin Bet. Last year, 28-year-old journalist Saleh Al-Jafarawi was reportedly killed by the Dughmush clan amid clashes in the Sabra neighbourhood. Al-Jafarawis body, with a press flak jacket, was recovered from the back of a truck. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is sponsored by Kim Leadbeater, a backbench Labour MP - David Parry Media Assignments/PA Wire Assisted dying campaigners are threatening to force the bill through Parliament to override peers opposed to the legislation. Critics of the controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill have accused its supporters of bullying by going nuclear and ramming through the legislation using a rare parliamentary procedure. Kim Leadbeaters assisted dying bill is undergoing scrutiny in the House of Lords after the House of Commons voted in support of the legislation last year. But its supporters claim that peers opposed to the legislation are trying to drag out the debate in the upper chamber to prevent it becoming law. If peers fail to get through the tabled amendments by April 24, the bill will fall and new legislation will have to be drawn up. They are now considering invoking the Parliament Act to override peers before the Kings Speech in May. The legislation allows for bills that have been backed by the Commons in two successive sessions but rejected by peers to pass into law without approval from the Lords. Lord Falconer, who is sponsoring the bill in the Lords, said it was now very difficult to see how the proposals could get through the Upper House in time to make it onto the statute books without either a fundamental shift in peers approach or invoking the Act. If the Lords continue to block the bill the constitutional answer is the Parliament Act, Lord Falconer has said - Hannah McKay/PA Wire The issue about assisted dying is very controversial, but ultimately somebody in our constitution has got to decide whether the country should make the change, he told the BBC. The people who should decide it should be the elected representatives in the Commons. If they make up their mind but are blocked in giving effect to that decision by a small number of peers then the constitutional answer is the Parliament Act. Lord Falconer added: Together with Kim Leadbeater MP, who introduced the bill in the Commons, I have sought advice on the possible ways forward and it is clear to me that, while we would strongly urge the Lords to come to a conclusion while there is still time, the Parliament Act is an option. One way or another, Parliament has to come to a decision on this. The elected chamber has voted for it. By a very large margin, the public support it. Supporters of assisted dying say there are precedents for the Parliament Act being used in relation to so-called conscience issues. Only seven Bills have been passed using the powers under section 2 of the law, including the Hunting Act 2004. A source close to Labour MPs and peers opposed to the Bill said threats to use the nuclear option to force it through were the act of a bully who knows they are losing the argument on the substance. They said the bill was dangerously flawed and would hurt vulnerable people. Nearly all the professional and expert groups consulted on this have raised massive concerns about danger it poses to vulnerable people, none will say it is safe, they said. MPs who passed this Bill in the Commons knew this, with many asking the Lords to fix the problems. People need to be very clear, using the Parliament Act to force this through would mean that none of the known issues with the bill would be fixed. Every MP who voted to force it though would bear responsibility for the inevitable suffering and deaths of vulnerable people. The crash occurred at Herbert Avenue, near to the junction with Manor Avenue in Poole (Google Maps) A baby was born in a serious condition after a pregnant woman was hit by an e-bike, which failed to stop at the scene of the crash in Poole. The mother, who is in her thirties, went to hospital for treatment on Monday after the e-bike collided with her on Herbert Avenue, near the junction with Manor Avenue. She did not have serious injuries, but her baby was born in hospital and remains in a serious condition. The rider of the e-bike failed to stop at the scene. Dorset Police told The Independent that no arrests have been made so far. Dan Blagden, from the roads policing team, said: We are carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances of this collision, and I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please contact us. The speed for e-bikes is capped at 15.5mph (Lucy North/PA) The incident took place at around 3.50pm on Monday. I would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam footage or witnessed the manner of the riding of the e-bike prior to the collision, PC Blagden said. We understand there was a pillion passenger on the e-bike at the time of the incident and we would ask this person and the rider to come forward and speak to police." Officers investigating the incident have asked for anyone with information to contact Dorset Police online, or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling freephone 0800 555 111. E-bikes are bikes with a rechargeable battery and an electric motor. A legal e-bike must have its electric assistance motor cut off at 15.5mph in the UK. Last September, surgeons warned that e-bike injuries were causing a massive burden on hospitals, with Royal London Hospitals orthopaedics trauma ward seeing 150 cases caused by e-bike accidents over a six-month period. Surgeons said injuries, including broken bones, were not uncommon due to the speed at which people fall off the bikes. LAKELAND, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education at Florida Polytechnic University is receiving a major boost with $2.9 million in federal funding for the creation of its Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL). The community project funding will support a next-generation facility that advances hands-on cybersecurity operations and applied AI through a secure, student-driven model. The funding was championed by Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida's 18th Congressional District, where Florida Poly is located. "Florida Poly's continued growth and excellence have made it a key innovation hub here in FL-18," Franklin said. "I was proud to secure $2.9 million in FY26 funding for the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory to expand hands-on training in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, strengthening workforce development, public safety, and national security." The federal investment reflects growing recognition of Florida Poly's leadership in cybersecurity and applied AI innovation. "We are extremely grateful to Congressman Franklin for his strong support of Florida Poly and for recognizing the national importance of this work," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly's president. "This investment empowers our students and faculty to lead in the development of real-world cybersecurity and AI solutions that strengthen our communities and drive innovation in the state of Florida and beyond." In October, Florida Poly partnered with Sittadel, a leader in private cybersecurity services, to launch a new student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) on campus. The center immediately began producing advanced cybersecurity defenses to meet industry needs while preparing graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving field. The newly funded expansion will grow the SOC's capabilities by integrating network operations and research and development (R&D) functions. As the initiative relocates to the second floor of the University's new Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, PSAIL will also add a public safety-focused AI research lab. The lab builds on Florida Poly's ongoing partnership with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to provide technical and research support to its AI Investigation Unit. PSAIL will feature two integrated, secure environments: the network and security operations center, which will serve as the University's primary hub for network monitoring and cybersecurity defense, and the AI solutions lab, which will support applied AI development and testing for public service and safety use cases. Students and industry partners will soon begin seeing significant enhancements to the SOC's existing capabilities, said Cole Allen, Florida Poly's vice president and chief information officer. "With PSAIL, we will be able to elevate our current student-powered Security Operations Center into a hub for both advanced cybersecurity operations and public safety-focused AI research," Allen said. "By integrating dedicated R&D, students gain hands-on experience addressing real-world challenges, including securing networks and developing AI solutions that enhance public safety." Allen explained that students have already assisted with client-based projects such as threat identification, code and internal policy reviews, and product development. These experiences replicate the work of professional security analysts in security operations centers, strengthening students' resumes and their real-world experience. "This is exactly mission-fit and in our lane," he said. "We deliver practical, solutions-oriented research that meets real industry and government needs while contributing to the growing demand for cybersecurity and AI expertise." SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University Betting on politics is the new game: More than $200M on wagers increases fears of insider trading Millions of dollars are now being bet on global political events, with online prediction markets such as Polymarket seeing a boom in activity in recent months. Around 370,000 people are making bets worth more than $90 million on politics at Polymarket, according to an analysis of data from Dune Analytics, conducted by The Washington Post. Its rival prediction market site, Kalshi, says it has around $129 million at stake on various political happenings, though it does not allow bets on events involving direct military action. Many of the bets, which have been criticized as unethical, revolve around the actions of the U.S. and Donald Trump especially the White Houses foreign interventions. Domestic matters, including the content of his State of the Union address and the next Federal Reserve Chairman, can also be wagered on. DHS Secretary Kristi Noems odds of being the first Trump cabinet member to get fired surged among political bettors following her attempts to defend the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota earlier this week. Millions of dollars is now being bet on global political events, with online prediction markets such as Polymarket seeing a boom of activity in recent months (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Before this, Polymarket added multiple betting contracts that allow users to gamble on potential geopolitical events, including a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, Russian territory gains in Ukraine and U.S. military action in countries including Colombia and Cuba. However, the increasing amount of money being wagered has increased concerns over the potential for insider trading on significant global events. It comes after one trader won more than $400,000 with a wager that Nicolas Maduro would be ousted as the leader of Venezuela, The Wall Street Journal reported, having noted that Polymarket had appeared to anticipate the presidents imminent capture by the U.S. military. Many of the bets, which have been criticized as unethical, revolve around the actions of the U.S. and Donald Trump especially with regard to foreign intervention (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Gamblers complained that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a press conference early, right before the 65-minute mark, which traders on Kalshi had bet thousands of dollars on. The White House did not respond to The Journals request for comment. Following the fortunes made on Maduro, New York Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced a bill banning government employees or officials from betting on events they could have any influence over similar to insider trading laws in the financial sector. If youre both a government insider and a participant in the prediction market, you now have a perverse incentive to push for policies that will line your pockets, Torres told The Wall Street Journal. Suspicions were also aroused shortly after when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a press conference early, right before the 65 minute mark which traders on prediction site Kalshi had bet thousands of dollars on (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) That kind of self-dealing is the very definition of corruption. It should be categorically prohibited within the ranks of the federal government. Other experts have suggested that allowing traders to bet on global political events could violate the 1936 Commodity Exchange Act that prevents wagers being placed on events related to terrorism, assassination, war or anything against the law. Trading on Polymarket is banned in over 30 countries, including the U.S., the UK, Australia, France, Italy and Ukraine. Boy, 5, detained by ICE in viral moment is now sick and asking for his mom in detention center Liam Conejo Ramos, the five-year-old boy taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, is now sick, sleeping a lot and asking for his mom, according to his family and lawmakers who have visited him. Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, drew national attention when they were taken by ICE last week. The viral image of the young boy wearing a blue, bunny-ear hat and a Spider-Man backpack during his fathers detainment has only further fueled the outrage in Minnesota and nationwide over the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, both Democrats from Texas, visited Liam and his father Wednesday at a detention facility, the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. Both lawmakers reported being alarmed by the childs condition and are demanding his release. Castro said the preschooler asking for his mom and his family, and telling his father he wants to go back to school. He seemed lethargic. His father said that Liam has been sleeping a lot, that he's been asking about his family, his mom and his classmates, and saying that he wants to go be back in school with his classmates, Castro said at a press conference Wednesday. Representative Joaquin Castro visits Liam Conejo Ramos, 5, at an ICE detention facility in Texas. He was asking about his family, his mom and his classmates, Castro said (Representative Joaquin Castro) He's asked about his backpack and his cap that he was wearing when they picked him up in Minnesota, he added. Crockett shared her worries for the child in an interview with CNN Wednesday after the visit. He was so lethargic. He was never alert, the entire time that we were there. I was very, very concerned about his health, she said. His father indicated that he was not eating, that they had determined that he was depressed. Crockett also told CNN that the five-year-old only has one set of clothes, which his father washes every night after he goes to sleep. Liams mother, Erika Ramos, told Minnesota Public Radio that her sons health was deteriorating. The situation of my husband Adrian and my son Liam inside the detention center is deeply concerning, she said Monday. Liam is getting sick because the food they receive is not of good quality. He has stomach pain, hes vomiting, he has a fever and he no longer wants to eat. Liam was taken by ICE agents while wearing a blue hat and Spider-Man backpack last week (Columbia Heights Public Schools) When contacted for comment, the DHS provided The Independent with a statement from Dr. Sean Conley, Acting Director and Chief Medical Officer for the Office of Health Security. "A pediatrician examined him and found no medical concerns. It is standard policy to provide medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody, Conley said. This includes medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to necessary medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare many of these individuals have received in their entire lives. Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE. Illegal aliens are provided with three meals a day that are certified by dieticians, including pediatric considerations," he added. The lawmakers also voiced deep concerns about the state of the Dilley facility as a whole. Crockett told CNN she heard concerns that the drinking water is making some people sick. "They consistently talked about the water and how awful it was, and they said that the water makes them sick. They told us before that, literally, when people kept getting sick with certain water, they found that there was mold that had been like in this container, and then they basically just put, like, some rocks or some bleach or something in it," she said. Attorney Eric Lee, who attempted to visit the Dilley facility Sunday, said he's similarly concerned about the water being used for baby formula, according to CNN. "The water is putrid. They have to mix baby formula with water that nobody wants to even smell. The food has bugs in it. The food has dirt in it," Lee said. Castro said he heard from attorneys who said their clients have been locked in their room. He also told CNN there isnt always proper medical treatment at the facility. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin pushed back on some of these claims in a statement to CNN. The Dilley Immigration Processing Center is NOT on lockdown, she said. Additionally, ICE would NEVER deny any illegal alien medical care. These types of smears are leading to our officers facing a more than 1,300% increase in assaults against them. Castro said Thursday hes planning to visit Liam and other residents at the Texas facility tomorrow. I will be putting in notice Friday morning with DHS to return to Dilley to check on Liam again and the many other children and families there. Liam did not look well. My staff and I are very concerned about him, Castro wrote on X. Federal officials have defended the detainment of Liam and his father. McLaughlin has said ICE did NOT target, arrest a child or use a child as bait, and that agents abided by the fathers wishes to keep the child with him." Marcos Charles, acting executive associate director of ICE enforcement and removal operations, has accused Liams father of abandoning his child in the middle of winter in a vehicle. The DHS has characterized Liams father as an illegal alien. The familys attorney, Marc Prokosch, told reporters last week the father and son came legally and are pursuing a legal pathway. Sir Keir Starmer has secured a deal on visa-free travel to China for UK citizens during his visit to Beijing, Downing Street has announced. Britons will be able to travel to China for 30 days without a visa under the new deal, which will apply to both tourists and business travellers. It brings the UK into line with 50 other countries, including France and Germany. Sir Keir said: As one of the worlds economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China. Well make it easier for them to do so, including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home. Sir Keir and the Chinese leadership also agreed to work towards a trade agreement on services, setting out clear rules for UK companies wishing to do business in China. And he left the door open to a future visit to the UK by President Xi, more than a decade after his last state visit. The deal on visas could be significant in terms of helping the UK achieve economic growth, by opening up opportunities between the two countries. But it comes amid concerns over Chinese espionage in the UK, with the recent collapse of the trial of two men an academic and a former parliamentary researcher alleged to have engaged in spying for Beijing. A number of political figures have also pushed for the UK to erect further barriers with China over attempts to steal UK copyright, as well as human rights abuses in Hong Kong, where the activist and British citizen Jimmy Lai has been imprisoned since 2020. But the deal comes as Sir Keir is pushing for investment in the UK and after Donald Trump imposed tariffs that have had an impact on Britains relationship with the US, its biggest trade partner. Keir Starmers trip to China is the first to be made by a UK prime minister since 2018 (PA) Sir Keir has also agreed a data-sharing deal to help tackle the small-boats crisis, with 60 per cent of the boat engines used by organised criminal gangs coming from China. Earlier, at the start of the meeting, Sir Keir told President Xi that he wanted to achieve a more sophisticated relationship with China, while Mr Xi said relations between the two countries had been through some twists and turns in recent years. Sir Keir met with Mr Xi at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip to China, the first vist by a UK prime minister since 2018. Afterwards, the prime minister said: We made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China, and on information exchange and cooperation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts. So a very good, constructive meeting, with real outcomes and thats very much in our national interest. When questioned about the possibility of the Chinese leader coming to the UK, Sir Keir said: Im not going to get ahead of engagements, future leader visits. But I think weve been very clear that a constructive and more open relationship with China is in the UKs national interest and thats what the Prime Minister will continue to pursue. The meeting, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, was the second between the two men and represents the culmination of months of preparation for Sir Keirs visit as he seeks to reset relations between the UK and China. The Chinese government said, in its own readout of the meeting, that it was willing to actively consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the UK. Downing Streets readout said the two leaders had agreed they would continue to enhance cooperation on areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. The prime minister raised areas of concern to the United Kingdom, No 10 added. Sir Keir is understood to regard meetings with the Chinese leadership as crucial for Britain, as he seeks to emphasise the practical benefits of engaging with Beijing. To that end, he arrived alongside a delegation of 54 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions looking to deepen ties with the country. China visa for UK holidaymakers could be dropped as early as Monday, says top tour operator The tangled red tape for British visitors to China could be history as soon as Monday, a leading tour operator has predicted. At present, UK travellers must apply no more than three months in advance, pay a minimum of 130 and visit a Chinese visa office in London, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh to be fingerprinted. Downing Street has announced that Sir Keir Starmer has secured a deal on visa-free travel to China for UK citizens during his visit to Beijing. It will bring the UK into line with Australia, France, Germany and around 50 other countries. A statement from No 10 said: It will mean people visiting China on business, as well as tourism, will be able to visit China visa-free. It gave no details of timing. But Wendy Wu, founder of the eponymous travel firm, told The Independent the eased bureaucracy could take effect within days: Hopefully, from next Monday, British travellers will be able to go to China visa free. We predict that. However, the official line is that the Chinese government needs to announce it. Glittering prize: Shanghai is about to be visa-free for British travellers (Simon Calder) For Wendy Wu Tours, this is the historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005. In the past, when you go to China, you have to get a visa and that is so much work. But now it will be no barrier. Please take the opportunity and go, go, go. You just take your passport to the window, to the line saying visa free. Citizens of around 50 countries are already able to visit the Peoples Republic without a visa. Louisa Trickett, product manager for China at Audley Travel, said removing the red tape would transform journeys: The visa process could only be started three months before travel, and as the majority of our clients book far earlier than that, it resulted in uncertainty for them in the period between booking and securing their visa. We expect to see enquiries rise from those who have been intrigued by China and the incredible experiences it offers, but were put off by the visa application. The man who pioneered tourism from the UK to China in the 1970s has welcomed the news. Neil Taylor, former director of Regent Holidays and now a tour leader and guidebook writer, said: This will make China suddenly competitive with all its neighbours: Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, everywhere in that area doesn't require visas for British people. So now China can join that market again. He predicted there could be a surge in demand, with costs rising for tourists to China. Airfares may go up in price now unless the airlines expand massively on the basis of this new potential, Mr Taylor said. Ms Wu said British visitors will be welcomed: Chinese people, they are very outgoing, very warm. So they can't speak the language, but that doesn't stop them wanting to take a photo with you and they want to practice a few sentences with you. And you can tell they are so happy to see you. Read more: Could this private jet become the successor to Concorde? Harry Cobden made the perfect return to the saddle when his first ride back, Pourquoi Pas Papa, breezed to victory at Wincanton. The former champion jockey has been out of action since being stood down after taking a fall at Ascot earlier this month that was the culmination of a whirlwind week for the 27-year-old. He was announced as JP McManus number one rider for next season, picked up the ride on McManus Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase but was then forced to miss the mount due to an earlier fall on the card. Having sat out the action at Cheltenham on Festival Trials day he was back in the plate to assist current boss Paul Nicholls in the Visit Irish Bloodstock Sales With ITM Maiden Hurdle, guiding the 5-4 favourite to a seven-length success. He told Racing TV: He travelled well, did everything nicely and jumped well and I think having only 10st 7lb today with the ground heavy was quite a big advantage. Even so he still had to win and he did it nicely. On his enforced absence, he added: Ive had a few days off and I didnt watch a whole heap of racing, but it was a nice little rest and Im back in good form again now. I was looking forward to coming back (today), but when Im off I do try to stay off the phone, get back to a bit of normality and enjoy the farming and do something I want to do away from racing. It doesnt do you any good sat inside cooped up watching the telly missing winners every day. Cobdens second mount of the day, Nicholls Take Your Time, was pulled up in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Dick Hunt Handicap Chase However, things could get better for Cobden on Saturday after being booked by Willie Mullins to partner Kauto Star Novices Chase winner Kitzbuhel when he returns to Britain seeking more Grade One honours in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown on Saturday. Rich countries should provide significantly more foreign aid in the form of grants and donations, rather than loans to help the worlds most fragile countries adapt to the climate crisis, David Miliband has told The Independent. The former foreign secretary, who has been the CEO of humanitarian NGO the International Rescue Committee (IRC) since 2013, said that the escalating climate crisis is fuelling conflicts around the world, and more aid for climate adaptation is needed to help combat this. We need grant-based aid not just for vaccinations and to treat things like malnutrition , but also to fund climate resilience , he tells The Independent after a speech at Chatham House. Such financing is important not only because the last thing fragile states need is more debts , Miliband continues, but also because it is very hard for climate adaptation efforts to attract money in such countries. Protecting communities so that their livestock dont get washed away in a flash flood is a long-term benefit that is worth funding, he continued. But [these interventions] are hard to make investable for the private sector and thats triply or quadruply hard in fragile or conflict-affected states. Pointing to a recent IRC report listing 20 countries most likely to face worsening humanitarian crises this year, Miliband says: I think the contribution of climate change to conflict is underestimated. He points out that the majority of the 20 countries featured in the IRC report are situated around the equator, which is known to be a highly climate-stressed part of the world. Some of the biggest conflicts that exist at the moment, notably in Ukraine and Gaza, aren't climate conflicts, so it's important that we are disciplined in how we speak about this, he continued. But climate change is a major contributing factor to resource stress, which is known as one of the major factors driving conflict globally . The poorer you are, the less help you get Climate adaptation can include everything from mangrove forests to protect coasts, to the distribution of seeds for drought-resistant crops, to the construction of flood defences. That is different to mitigation, which is about reducing carbon emissions, and is an area that experts are much more confident around attracting non-aid-based investment in fragile countries, due to the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies . Alo Baniya, 40, a father of seven from the Afar region of Ethiopia, stands next to his flooded home in September 2025. Ethiopia is among 20 countries that the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has said are likely to face a worsening humanitarian crisis this year (WFP/Michael Tewelde) Given the immense pressure that aid budgets have come under over the past year, with Donald Trump slashing US funding and the UK also planning significant cuts as well as the hugely inadequate levels of foreign aid made available for adaptation in recent years aid agencies have told The Independent in recent months that they have been working hard to drive private investment in climate adaptation. However, data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that only around 10 per cent of money directed towards climate adaptation in developing countries has traditionally come from the private sector. Whats more, analysis produced last year from the NGO Mercy Corps modelled that, even in a best case scenario, only around 15 per cent of adaptation needs could be met by the private sector in developing countries. The challenge that we face is about helping people sustain their livelihoods in the face of a changing climate which in some cases is very difficult, but not impossible, to adapt to, Miliband tells The Independent. We have to really shift this inverse relationship at the moment, where the poorer and more exposed you are to climate change, the less money you get for climate adaptation, he adds. Unprecedented moment The IRC report Miliband mentions, Emergency Watchlist for 2026: An assessment of the 20 countries most likely to face worsening humanitarian crises this year was released last month. In it, Sudan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories top the list. Collectively, the 20 countries represent 12 per cent of the worlds population, but 50 per cent of people in extreme poverty, and 89 per cent of people in humanitarian need. The report describes the world as being at an unprecedented moment, while global support to address them is collapsing. Indeed, IRC itself had to cut its budget by some $400m (290m) in the wake of aid cuts announced by the US and others last year, which led to some 6,000 staff being made redundant. The report, which supports Milibands view that the climate crisis is an underappreciated factor in amplifying conflicts around the world, stresses how conflicts across the world are driving humanitarian situations, highlighting how the 61 conflicts recorded globally in 2024 was more than had been recorded in any year since the Second World War. Some 18 countries recorded more than 1,000 conflict deaths in 2025, and the 1,000 people killed seeking medical care in the first six months of 2025 is a total 60-times greater than during the same period in 2024. Milibands comments come several months after 10 of the worlds conflict-affected countries told The Independent at the Cop30 UN climate talks in Brazil that war and conflict has been a blind spot consistently overlooked in climate talks. They warned that they are among the most vulnerable to impacts of the climate crisis, but are only receiving 10 per cent of global climate aid, which is preventing them from adapting and building resilience to the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. The comments came a year after a network of conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable countries was formed at Cop29 in Azerbaijan in 2024, which came with a call for $20 billion in aid annually to meet these countries climate adaptation needs. At Cop30, however, the Brazilian presidency had ignored the countries calls for the subject to be a key part of the agenda, despite high-profile conversations around climate finance in other areas. A former Illinois deputy has been sentenced to 20 years for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for help. Sean Grayson, 31, was convicted in October of second-degree murder. Grayson, who is white, received the maximum possible sentence and has been in police custody since being charged in the killing. Masseys family members, who were sitting in the court, celebrated his sentence with a loud cheer: Yes! The judge admonished them. Grayson apologized during the sentencing, saying he wished he could bring Massey back and spare her family the pain he caused. I made a lot of mistakes that night. There were points when I shouldve acted, and I didnt. I froze, he said. I made terrible decisions that night. Im sorry. Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, which could have led to a life sentence, but a jury convicted him of the lesser charge (AP) Earlier, the judge heard from Masseys parents and two children who urged the judge to carry out justice in Sonyas name. Today, Im afraid to call the police in fear that I might end up like Sonya, her mother Donna Massey said. In the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Massey who struggled with mental health issues summoned emergency responders because she feared there was a prowler outside her Springfield home. According to body camera footage, Grayson and sheriffs Deputy Dawson Farley, who was not charged, searched Massey's yard before meeting her at her door. Massey appeared confused and repeatedly said, Please, God. The deputies entered her house, Grayson noticed the pot on the stove and ordered Farley to move it. Instead, Massey went to the stove, retrieved the pot and teased Grayson for moving away from the hot, steaming water. The victims mom said shes now afraid to call the police in fear that she might end up like Sonya (AP) From this moment, the exchange quickly escalated. Massey said: I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson drew his sidearm and yelled at her to drop the pan. She set the pot down and ducked behind a counter. But she appeared to pick it up again. That's when Grayson opened fire on the 36-year-old single mother, shooting her in the face. He testified that he feared Massey would scald him. Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, which could have led to a life sentence, but a jury convicted him of the lesser charge. Illinois allows for a second-degree murder conviction if evidence shows the defendant honestly thought he was in danger, even if that fear was unreasonable. Massey's family was outraged by the jury's decision. Masseys killing raised new questions about U.S. law enforcement shootings of Black people in their homes (Illinois State Police) The justice system did exactly what its designed to do today. Its not meant for us, her cousin Sontae Massey said after the verdict. Masseys killing raised new questions about U.S. law enforcement shootings of Black people in their homes. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump negotiated a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County for Massey's relatives. The case also generated a U.S. Justice Department inquiry that was settled when the county agreed to implement more de-escalation training; collect more use-of-force data; and forced the sheriff who hired Grayson to retire. The case also prompted a change in Illinois law requiring fuller transparency on the backgrounds of candidates for law enforcement jobs. Send Help star Rachel McAdams has said working on the film saw her learn how to open a coconut for herself. The 47-year-old Canadian actor plays Linda Liddle in the film, an employee who is mistreated by her sexist boss Bradley Preston (Dylan OBrien), who refuses to promote her as his father had wished, instead sending her on a trip to Bangkok to prove herself before her plane crash-lands on a deserted island. Asked what she had learned on set, while speaking to the Press Association at the films UK premiere, McAdams said: Well, there were many (things), but my favourite is now being able to open a coconut by myself, which is a daunting task. Rachel McAdams and Dylan OBrien attending the UK premiere of Send Help (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North) Because you go buy them at the grocery store, and Ill never buy a coconut and now, now I will, Ill have fresh coconut milk whenever I feel like it. The film also stars Dennis Haysbert as Franklin, Xavier Samuel as Donovan and Chris Pang as Chase, and is directed by Sam Raimi. Speaking about McAdams performance, Raimi told PA: She was so thorough in her preparation of the actor she portrayed and I thought she did so beautifully. Sam Raimi attending the UK premiere of Send Help (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North) But then in the movie, theres another multiverse so theres a second Rachel McAdams, very similar to her original one, but with different backgrounds, as described by the writer, and I saw them very suddenly pulled into her performance.. and then we had a third version that got cut out. He went on to say that the film depended more on the characters interaction than any other movie he had made and added that he had to focus and concentrate on the joint performances while making it. Send Help will be released in cinemas in the UK on January 30. Dame Prue Leith has said her decision to quit The Great British Bake Off came from a desire to work less and play more. It was announced last week that Dame Prue was stepping down as a judge on the popular Channel 4 baking show after nine series, including judging more than 400 challenges. Dame Prue joined the show in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, and will be replaced by TV cook and cookbook author Nigella Lawson. Our wonderful Prue has decided to step away from judging Bake Off. From joyful judging to colourful fits to accidental innuendoes, you are simply the best and will be so missed. Please join us in wishing Prue the very best and thanking her for nine brilliant years in the Tent pic.twitter.com/NI1JpxXwYc British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) January 21, 2026 Writing for The Spectator, Dame Prue said: I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off. When I joined nine years ago, I thought, since I was in my mid-seventies, that Id be lucky to manage two years. At that age, my mother was deaf as a post and away with the fairies, believing her son was her father and that her cat was the one shed had 40 years before. But my marbles stayed more or less in place and there seemed no good reason to give up a job I loved. Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me. Bake Off and its offshoots such as The Great American Baking Show and even the Christmas specials are all filmed in the summer, which has meant I could never have a summer holiday. Dame Prue Leith at Royal Ascot in 2024 (John Walton/PA) (John Walton) Following a trip to Madagascar to escape the English winter, Dame Prue said she finally jumped and made the call to leave. She said: I suddenly realised that if I dont give up Bake Off, Ill never again have a holiday in the south of France, in Italy, in Spain, or even in Cornwall or Scotland. Dame Prue also described her replacement Lawson as a great baker and mighty glam, and said that despite filming schedules making summer plans challenging, she never had to learn lines, rehearse, go to meetings and was able to just walk on and eat cake. There cannot be a better job in the world, she said. Dame Prue added: (Lawson is) also really nice, mighty glam and seriously bright, sexy and sassy. Im just glad she wasnt in the running nine years ago. Dame Prue said she will miss being treated like a VIP (very important person), fellow judge Paul Hollywoods teasing and the Bake Off co-presenters, specifically the unstoppable, loving, hilarious Alison Hammond and her giant hugs and the multi-talented, slightly crazy comedian Noel Fielding. Noel Fielding, Alison Hammond, Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon/PA) (Channel 4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon) She said: Ive made truly great friends. It has been a joy to work in such great company. I find it irritating when businesses insist their staff are all just one happy family. But that tent does seem to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, friendship and mutual support. But in the end, I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed. In all my conversations over the past two years with the bosses of Love Productions, which makes the programme, theyve always insisted I was doing a great job and could stay as long as I like. And I know Id enjoy it if I stayed. But I do want to reorganise my life a bit. Ideally, Id like to work in winter and play in summer. The Great British Bake Off will air later this year. Former Bond girl Jane Seymour on ageing, love and purpose. (Photo illustration: Yahoo Life UK; photo: Getty Images) Jane Seymour says that life has taught her many lessons but "the most important" came on the day she "died". While filming Onassis: The Richest Man in the World in 1988, the actress recalls how she went into anaphylaxis a life-threatening allergic reaction and "left my body" before being resuscitated. "I learned the only thing you take with you when you pass is the love you've shared in your life and the difference you've made," the star of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman tells me in our chat for Yahoo UK's Unapologetically series. "If you don't have a purpose and make use of this amazing gift of love, you're wasting it." The importance of purpose is something the former Bond girl says was also passed on to her by her mother, Mieke Frankenberg. Frankenberg spent three and a half years in a Japanese internment camp in Indonesia during the Second World War and used her Red Cross nursing skills to tend to others. And purpose is something Seymour definitely has in spades. At 74, the mum of six four biological and two stepchildren and grandmother to four, is the founder of the nonprofit Open Hearts Foundation, which supports emerging charities to help others. She's also recently filmed the fifth series of Harry Wild for Acorn TV. In the Irish mystery drama, Seymour plays Harriet 'Harry' Wild, a retired university professor with a knack for solving crimes. "I feel like I'm in my prime right now," the British actress, who now lives in California, says. And having "grabbed "life by the horns and lived it fully", Seymour, who is turning 75 in February and has been married four times, says she has no plans of "burying myself under a rock" anytime soon. Jane Seymour starred alongside Roger Moore in the 1973 Bond film Live And Let Die, filmed at Pinewood Studios. (Express via Getty Images) Has there been a defining moment that's changed the course of your life? It was the day that I died when I had anaphylaxis shock. I was playing Maria Callas in Onassis: The Richest Man in the World in Spain. I was given an injection of antibiotics and I left my body. I learnt the most important thing I've ever learned, that the only thing you take with you when you pass is the love you've shared in your life and the difference you've made. The vehicle that we travel in is like a car because you leave your body when you die If you're not in the present moment and if you don't have a purpose and make use of this amazing gift of love, you're wasting it. It's only when you lose it that you realise. I have grabbed life by the horns and lived it fully and appreciated every waking minute. What is the one piece of wisdom you've learned through life? Resilience. It's how you get up, not how you fall. I've also learned that you have to accept, which is the hardest thing to do in life. You have to look around and see if someone's worse off than you, and see if you can help, even if it's just listening and hearing someone. Then having a purpose, that is the key to everything. My mother taught me that. She survived a concentration camp in Indonesia for three-and-a-half years in World War II. [Having a purpose] It's certainly the way I have lived my life and that I have always found to be the wisdom that carried me through. What has been your experience of ageing in the spotlight? I feel like I'm in my prime right now, really as opposed to what Im supposed to have done, which is go and bury myself under a rock [and say,] 'I'm retired now and I'll pet the grandchildren when I get to see them'. I'm a very active grandmother, too. I'm on the floor. I'm right there in the grass. I've been incredibly fortunate, really, because I think 40 is usually when things go a little, like, 'Urgh, we'd rather have someone 30.' And that's when I got Dr Quinn. So I broke that mould right away. Jane Seymour attending the premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. (Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images) Which of your roles do you feel have been the most empowering and why? There are lots of great stories I've been able to tell. Obviously, Dr Quinn was amazing but my character in Harry Wild is a gift. She's an empowered female who is sassy and irreverent and intellectual and not afraid of anything and gets out there and solves crimes. And my partner in it is not a romantic partner. He's a 16-year-old kid from the wrong side of town who knows people. There werent many strong female leads when you took on Dr Quinn... It was a huge thing. Only in retrospect do I realise how huge it was. We're talking 35 years ago, almost, that I did that. At that time they pretty much told me that it would never work to have a woman in the lead. Well, it did, and it still plays everywhere, every day. Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman ran for six seasons from 1993 to 1998. (michelle neese via Getty Images) Many people are considering working less in their 70s I'm not doing this for the money, trust me. I'm doing this because I really love it. Also, it's about having a purpose in life. I remember Sir John Gielgud when I worked with him on War and Remembrance. We were in Auschwitz and it was minus 20 and miserable. I said to John, 'Why are you doing this at your age?' He must have been late 80s. And he said, 'Well, dear girl, I have never missed a day's work in my life if I have a call sheet at night, I know I'll be alive in the morning.' Forget the vitamins! Have a call sheet. You played Solitaire in the 1973 film Live and Let Die, how do you look back on your role as a Bond girl? At the time, it was an amazing experience. Obviously, I was a very green actress. I probably got the role because they were looking for virgins and they were very thin on the ground in the 70s. I was as close to one as you could get. It was a great opportunity at the time, but in England I think it defined my career because that's all the English can ever talk about. In America, they don't really care. There was always this stigma, I think about what happened to Bond girls. Halle Berry and Diana Rigg and a bunch of us have done very well. It just depends what kind of an actress you are and want to be. Roger Moore used to joke and call me Baby Bernhardt because I thought it was a serious acting role. And I obviously didn't get the memo that I was supposed to run three paces behind a man with a gun in high heels, scantily clad. In Live and Let Die, Solitaire is a psychic and tarot reader. (Screen Archives via Getty Images) What has it been like finding love again with musician John Zambetti [the couple went Instagram official in 2023]? Its not what I was ever expecting and it's a wonderful relationship. So far, so good. It works really well. Apart from loving one another, we really encourage one another in what we love to do. And the whole idea is it's never too late, right? He's just writing and performing and he's a couple of years older than I am. So, I found somebody who has the same love of life, energy, and positive attitude. John Zambetti and Jane Seymour pictured in 2025. (Daniele Venturelli via Getty Images) Are you quite fearless? The only failure to me is to not have tried it in the first place. I have failed many times, but I bounce right back and use it as a learning tool rather than a failure. Trying and stretching myself and learning and trying something different and new is really important. What is your experience of motherhood? The love that I have for all of my children and grandchildren is immeasurable. Each one has found their passion. For me, successful parenting is having children that actually want to see you and are creating their own group of friends in their own right, their own way of living, their own choices. So they all have purpose. They all helped me in my nonprofit, the Open Hearts Foundation, which is fantastic. They're really like the apples that fell off my mother's tree. My mother was that way. She survived World War II in a horrible way and had lots of trauma, and I came up from that. And then my kids have learned to be resilient and to live in the moment and to really care about other people. This whole sense of living with an open heart, the way that my mother did, has passed on to every member of every generation. This has been edited for length and clarity. Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece remains Board Chair for fourth year; and Glendora Council Member Mendell Thompson remains Board Vice Chair for third year MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At their January meeting today, Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece and Glendora Council Member Mendell Thompson were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair (respectively) of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Board of Directors, following a unanimous vote by their peers. The re-election of Chair Reece and Vice Chair Thompson comes during an important time at the Construction Authority, as the agency advances the 2.3-mile Claremont Extension from Pomona to Claremont this year. "This is a critical time for the Construction Authority, as we begin the final design work and prepare to hire the contractor for the next project segment that will bring light rail service and all of its benefits to the city of Claremont," stated Chair Reece. "With 23 of the 25 planned Foothill Gold Line stations from Los Angeles to Montclair now complete, we look forward to continuing to guide the agency to its final destinations in Claremont and Montclair in the years ahead." Chair Reece and Vice Chair Thompson have both been on the Construction Authority board for five years, as well as having served on the project's Joint Powers Authority board for several years before that. During their tenure on the Construction Authority and Joint Powers Authority boards, the four-station Glendora to Pomona project was completed on time and on budget, despite being built in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the agency received a funding commitment of $798 million (SB125 funds) from LA Metro to complete the Claremont Extension - the final station in Los Angeles County. "I, along with Vice Chair Thompson, want to thank our colleagues on the board for continuing to believe, not just in our leadership, but in the vision of creating truly regional transit that expands mobility, quality of life and environmental benefits to the millions of people living in - and traveling through - this corridor every day," added Chair Reece. "I look forward to continuing my efforts to ensure the Foothill Gold Line continues to be a true success story as we realize its full potential for our region." The Foothill Gold Line board is made up of elected and appointed representatives from throughout the project corridor. In addition to the Chair and Vice Chair, the board currently includes Pomona Mayor and Metro Board Member Tim Sandoval, La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn, Montclair Mayor John Dutrey, Pasadena Council Member Gene Masuda, and South Pasadena representative Dan Evans. About the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority The Construction Authority is an independent transportation planning and construction agency created in 1998 by the California State Legislature to plan, design and build the Metro A Line system from Union Station to Claremont (later extended to Montclair). Over the last 26 years, the agency has successfully completed more than 34 miles of light rail and 23 stations over three construction segments Union Station to Pasadena in 2003, Pasadena to Azusa in 2015, and Glendora to Pomona in 2025 all on time and on budget. The final 3.3-mile, two-station project segment from Pomona to Montclair, which will include stations in the cities of Claremont and Montclair, will be built in separate projects. The Claremont Extension has received $798M from SB125 funding and is starting final design and engineering. SOURCE Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Another week, another looming government spending deadline. In the wake of the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend, Democrats are demanding Republicans put a list of reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement into a spending bill lest there be another government shutdown. Almost as soon as Customs and Border Protection officials shot and killed Pretti, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Democrats would oppose the government funding bill if it included money for the Department of Homeland Security, which houses both ICE and CBP. Schumer made the demands even more concrete on Wednesday: ending the roving patrols of ICE agents in cities like Minneapolis; requiring search warrants; cooperation with state and local law enforcement; a uniform code of accountability; removing masks for ICE agents and body cameras. In fact, they're the types of policies that all of our local police departments have to live with every single day, Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, told The Independent. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) threatened to hold up funding for the Department of Homeland Security after two U.S. citizens were murdered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis. (Getty) Some of this is in line with what Democrats demanded in the spending bill after the killing of Renee Good. That spending bill, which all but seven Democrats in the House opposed, had $20 million for body cameras. And some of the agents who took part in Prettis killing wore body cameras. But it looks like Democrats see this as a chance to enact real reforms since many departments of the federal government would run out of money by the end of the week. And they feel they have a winning hand, given how public opinion has turned against ICE. Do they want to provoke a shutdown, defending ICE? Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats, told The Independent. This is especially salient given that King voted to keep the government open during each of the votes during the last shutdown, given that he did not want to give the Trump administration carte blanche to cut whatever it wanted. Democrats argue that this should be fairly easy to enact as the Senate is set to have its votes on the government spending packageknown as a minibus billthis week. Sen. Christopher Murphy (D-CT) said he thinks Republicans dont want to be left defending ICE. (Getty Images for MoveOn Civic Ac) That would be very straightforward to execute by an amendment, Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent, told The Independent. If there is a government shutdown, that is John Thune's choice. But heres some tough medicine: For one, ICE is still sitting on a $75 billion cash pile regardless of the government spending package, thanks to the One Big, Beautiful Bill. That money will be spent regardless of the government passing its funding package. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland told The Independent he hoped to claw back some of that money. Under that circumstance, they would at least have to dig into the monies they have, rather than get a fresh supply of money, he told The Independent about whether a government shutdown would happen. But even then, Democrats are in the minority, and in a steep one at that. They have only 47 seats in the Senate, which is enough to filibuster, but theyd need 13 Republicans to defect and vote with them. In short, Democrats have enough gas in the tank to drive the car into a ditch, but lack the tools to get it out. Still, they think they have public opinion on their side. I think in the face of the horror that people are watching in Minneapolis, it's going to be hard for them to defend shutting down the half the government when that's not something we're demanding and saying no to any and all reforms to DHS, Sen. Chris Murphy, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security, told The Independent. But heres another tough reality check: Even if this were to pass the Senate, it would still need to get through the House, and theres no guarantee Speaker Mike Johnson would take it up. King said the House might take it up. At least I am not talking about radical proposals. I'm talking about common sense proposals to put some limitations on the activities, he said. But as of Wednesday evening, Johnson had yet to release a statement about the killing of Pretti. Statements from US President Donald Trump on Iran featured in Iranian newspapers. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images (Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images) Donald Trump has warned that Iran must come to the table to negotiate a deal over its nuclear programme or face the possibility of airstrikes and regime change, capping off a month of bellicose posturing and whiplash inducing u-turns from the US president. The US presidents demands threaten to open a new chapter in Americas long and tumultuous relationship with Iran, which in just over a decade has seen rapprochement, broken deals, targeted assassinations and unprecedented airstrikes. Heres a recap of just the last 31 days: 29 December : Well knock the hell out of them At the end of December, Trump suggested that Iran was building up weapons again, just six months after the US launched unprecedented strikes against the countrys nuclear sites. Speaking beside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, Trump said if Iran was working to build up again well knock the hell out of them. But, hopefully, thats not happening. He added that the consequences of such a move would be more powerful than the last time. After Netanyahu suggested that Iran may be attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme, the countrys foreign minister called for renewed talks with the US. 2 January: We are locked and loaded and ready to go After Iranians took to the streets in the largest national demonstrations in years, Trump said that if protesters were killed, the US would come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded, and ready to go, he said. The unrest, triggered by an unprecedented decline in the value of the national currency, prompted a renewed escalation in tensions between the US and Iran. 6 January: Make Iran Great Again Days after Trump launched strikes on Venezuela and captured the countrys president Nicolas Maduro, Trump was pictured posing with a Make Iran Great Again hat. With protests in Iran spreading and reports of dozens dead, Trump again said that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters the US would come to their rescue. 10 January: The USA stands ready to help!!! As the reported death toll in the protests soared into the hundreds, Trump was said to be weighing a response. Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!, the US president said on the Truth Social platform. The speaker of Irans parliament warned that Israeli and US interests in the Middle East would be legitimate targets if Washington attacked Iran. 13 January: Help is on its way Trump announced new 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran, but there was no official documentation from the White House and it appears they were never implemented. Amid reports of a brutal regime crackdown on the protesters, Trump had initially claimed Iran wanted to negotiate, but later went on to say that he had cancelled all meetings with officials. Iranian Patriots, keep protesting take over your institutions!!! help is on its way, Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. 14 January: The killing in Iran is stopping Despite reports that as many as 3,428 Iranians had been killed and that executions as punishment were imminent, Trump said he had been told that the killing in Iran is stopping And theres no plan for executions. It was understood he had reviewed the full range of options to strike Iran but was unconvinced by any single action. His administration had also been lobbied by Middle Eastern allies not to go ahead with strikes, with fears that an attack would lead to a major and intractable conflict across the region. In the days that followed the huge protest movement slowed under the weight of the regimes brutal crackdown. Mass arrests followed and many Iranians said they felt betrayed and confused by the presidents sudden about turn. 22 January: We have a lot of ships going that direction After several days which saw Trump distracted by anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis and a breakdown in relations with European allies over the fate of Greenland, Trump returned to the issue of Iran, saying We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. With the death toll from the protests now said to be more than 5,000 and reports it could be many times higher than that Trumps decision to send the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers to the Middle East were thought to be in response to the regimes brutal crackdown. 28 January: Time is running out With US ships now in position in the Middle East, Trump issued an extraordinary threat to Iran, saying of the armada, like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Warning that Iran must make a deal, Trump said that the country would have NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. The statement marked a shift in his administrations rationale for sending the armada to the region, with no mention of the protesters, their demands or the regimes brutal crackdown. Nearly 100 children suffered harm at the hands of orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar, a Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) review has concluded. Hundreds of children were treated by Mr Jabbar, who specialised in lower limb construction, between 2017 and 2022, and a panel of experts found that his surgery fell below the standard expected. Of the 94 children harmed, 36 experienced severe harm, 39 moderate harm and 19 mild harm. Many were left in pain, with several going on to need further surgery. The hospitals review noted that 642 patients under Mr Jabbars care did not suffer harm directly attributable to him. One seven-year-old boy was subjected to a completely unsuitable leg-lengthening surgery which will affect him for the rest of his life. A 12-year-old was left with a pin going into his thigh due to Mr Jabbars poor surgical skill. There were instances of premature removal of fixation devices, the combination of procedures without clear rationale, inadequate counselling on fracture risk, and an over-reliance on junior staff, the report said. There were some serious problems found, including poor planning before surgery, not making the area stable enough, unclear or incomplete notes, and putting implants in the wrong place. Other issues were making cuts in the bone at the wrong level or using the wrong method, making decisions that didnt match what was seen in the scans during surgery, problems with how frames and pins were used, and not involving the wider team when dealing with infections. Many patients came to harm or were left in pain, with several going on to need further surgery (Getty) James Wood, 19, from Great Yarmouth, first encountered Mr Jabbar when he was referred to him at the age of 12. Mr Wood was born with multiple pterygium syndrome, a rare congenital condition that mainly affects neuromuscular and skeletal functions. It causes skin webbing across the joints and, in Mr Woods case, it limited movement in his knees and ankles. He was referred to Mr Jabbar in September 2018 and underwent an operation in April 2019 in which a frame was fixed to his leg with the aim of stretching the tissues in his knee. He also underwent an achilles tendon lengthening procedure. Weeks later, Mr Wood began to suffer extreme pain and swelling in his right thigh. An ultrasound identified a large collection of fluid and medics discovered one of the pins used to secure the frame had protruded into Mr Woods thigh. When it was removed, there was a lot of bleeding and surgeons noted damage to his femoral artery. The frame was removed and Mr Wood was then placed in a permanent full-length leg cast to support his leg. An independent review for Gosh into Mr Woods treatment found that poor surgical skill by Mr Jabbar had resulted in a pin going into Mr Woods thigh when the frame was fitted. It said the type of pins used had increased the risk of vascular injury, and other pins should have been used. Mr Wood, a student at the University of East Anglia, said: I missed a lot of my formative, high school experiences and it left me quite lonely in my childhood because I spent my early teenage years in recovery. It was all incredibly traumatic and the pain is still horrifying and has had a long-term impact. Analysis of the independent expert case reports into the surgeons practice identified that Mr Jabbar was highly inconsistent in his approach to clinical care with recurrent deficiencies in documentation, assessment, and surgical decision-making, the report said. Many families said they were not given clear explanations about treatment options, risks, or why certain decisions were made. They were often confused about the purpose of procedures, expected results, and alternatives. Several families reported raising concerns directly with Mr Jabbar, but they felt these were usually dismissed. Mr Jabbar is understood to live abroad and no longer has a licence to practise medicine in the UK. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: We are in contact with Great Ormond Street Hospital in relation to this matter. We will review the report commissioned by Gosh and assess whether there is any requirement for police involvement. Matthew Shaw, chief executive of Gosh, said in a statement: We are profoundly sorry to all the patients and their families who have been affected by the care provided by Mr Jabbar. The report we have published today sets out in full what happened, what we found in our review of patients, what we have learnt and what we have done as a consequence. We have made significant changes to both the orthopaedic service itself and across the hospital to minimise the chance of something like this happening again. Many of these changes are designed to help spot potential issues before they become a risk to patient care. We know this comes too late for the families affected by this issue, but we are committed to ensuring our hospital is a better and safer place for all current and future patients. Paper and packaging giant DS Smith is set to return to the London market just a year after being bought by a US rival in a deal worth 5.8 billion. Memphis-based International Paper plans to de-merge its European, Middle East and Africa division largely made up of the DS Smith business through a listing on both the London and New York stock exchanges. International Paper is expecting to complete the spin-off in a year to 15 months, subject to shareholder approval, and said it aims to keep a meaningful ownership stake in the new company. It comes a year after DS Smith disappeared from the London market when it was snapped up by International Paper in a deal which created one of the worlds largest packaging manufacturers. International Paper has since been streamlining its European operations, last May announcing plans to close five sites in the UK, putting about 300 jobs at risk, to cut costs after the deal. The EMEA business which is expected to be called DS Smith currently operates across 30 countries and will include the regional operations of DS Smith and International Paper. International Paper said it plans to keep investing in the EMEA division ahead of the split, with 400 million US dollars (289 million) earmarked for the unit this year. International Paper chairman and chief executive Andy Silvernail said: During the past year, we have created two regional powerhouses with scale, strong customer relationships, leading brands and talented teams. The two businesses operate in distinct market environments and are at different stages of their transformation. We have learned a lot about how to create value in each region. The next right step in our transformation journey to achieve full value creation potential is to create two independent, regionally-focused companies. Taking this swift, decisive action now will enable both businesses to reach best-in-class performance and maximise long-term value creation through enhanced focus on their unique opportunities and targeted investment approaches. Tim Nicholls, executive vice-president of DS Smith EMEA, said: The past 18 months have brought significant change across our industry and our markets. In that time, we have acted decisively to reshape our EMEA business integrating our operations, simplifying our structure and ensuring our sites are aligned to the needs of our customers. Gordon Elliotts El Cairos survived a blunder at the final flight in his Thurles prep run to ensure he goes to the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham with a victory under his belt. Promoted to the head of the betting for the Festival opener when on the verge of creating a huge impression on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown before falling at the last, he almost succumbed again. Having lost his position as favourite to Nicky Hendersons Old Park Star, El Cairos faced only one serious market marvel as he was sent off the 1-5 favourite for the ThurlesRaces.ie Maiden Hurdle and all was going to plan before he dived at the last. Jack Kennedy was soon back on the bridle, however, going on to account for Roc Dino, beaten by Mighty Park last time out, by three lengths. It is job done and he never came out of second gear. Jack said it was his fault at the last as he said he should have either taken him back or asked him, but I loved the way he came back on the bridle straight away and youd have to be impressed by that, said Elliott. We came here looking for good ground so I was nervous, but it was either come here or to Navan or Punchestown next week, which was getting too close to Cheltenham. I dont think he could have done any more and he is very fast. Jack said the boot he has is unbelievable. Hell learn plenty from today and even racing in a big field will do him no harm. Hell go straight to Cheltenham and hell be way better on better ground. Coral left El Cairos unchanged at 5-1 for the Supreme but Paddy Power pushed him out to 11-2 from 9-2. Willie Mullins Charme De Faust made a successful Irish debut in the Thurles Maiden Hurdle. Sent off the 5-6 favourite, the Rich Ricci-owned filly briefly looked as if she might have a race on her hands turning in but came home a powerful nine lengths clear. She was cut to 14-1 from 25s for the Triumph Hurdle by Paddy Power. Winning rider Paul Townend said: She handled the ground well, will improve from it as she had a couple of blows and she jumped brilliantly. I was able to use her French experience and I think there is plenty of improvement in her. I liked how she did it and she has developing to do yet, to fill into her frame. I think shell have a nice future and when she strengthens up, shell be a fine mare. General Alexus G Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, attends the Nato military committee session, Brussels, Jan 22 - Omar Havana/Getty Images Europe When Donald Trump was in Davos last week, Natos military committee, its highest military decision-making body, was in session in Brussels accelerating the delivery of military capabilities and looking afresh at Arctic security. Nato multinational battlegroups on the eastern flank are being bolstered to brigade level, with some allies now transitioning to being permanently based there. For the first time since the Cold War, specific national forces are now pre-assigned to defend specific geographic regions. Reassuringly, the recently released US National Defense Strategy makes clear that Washington would still aim to provide critical support to Europe, albeit more limited. In the interests of credible deterrence everything must be done to ensure the United States continues to have its dog in the fight. This will clearly depend on the evidence that European nations which doesnt mean the EU are increasingly willing to do more to defend themselves. Trump is merely giving greater substance to the demand of successive US presidents over the past 70 years. Aside from its lack of credibility, any idea that an EU army might be a substitute for Nato should be dismissed. It would lack American strategic capabilities and the massive deterrent effect of US commitment. Additionally, is anyone seriously suggesting that France, for example, is a more reliable ally than the United States? She left the military structures of the Nato alliance for 43 years from 1966-2009 and is still determined to humiliate and obstruct Britain at every opportunity across a range of policy areas. In 1986, when the Reagan-Gorbachev talks in Reykjavik created jitters in Paris, London and Bonn, times were very different. There was no armed conflict in Europe, Britain was spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and our combat divisions were stationed forward in Germany along with Nato allies (except France), to deter aggression. 2004 to 2014 were the locust years. The Europeans turned a blind eye to massive increases in Russian military expenditure and continued to run down their military capabilities. Regional conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Libya merely exposed their military limitations and increased tension with the US. The EU made cosmetic arrangements for military planning and command structures and focused on trying to be a global actor. It was all about political integration, not military capability. Moscows prize objective, meanwhile, has been consistent: to break the transatlantic alliance and separate the US from Europe, leaving Russia to deal piecemeal with the Continent. The danger now is that we once more become distracted by structure and process rather than upgrading our deterrent and war-fighting capabilities. There is loose talk about British involvement in the EU army project. There are many reasons why this would be the wrong route. Except on self-regarding EU terms, it excludes non-EU countries: Britain and Turkey, as well as strategically-vital Canada, Iceland and Norway, and crucially the United States. Britain would be regarded as a supplicant third country, only to be involved once key decisions had been taken, and only participating in weapons procurement and market access at great cost. The whole saga would be wrapped in bureaucracy and EU regulations, and subject to supervision by the European parliament and the European Court of Justice. The least dangerous approach would be an enhancement of the European stance within Nato with minimum disruption. Additional forces and military capabilities adapted to 21st century warfare would need to be rapidly introduced. This would not only reassure the Americans that the Europeans were taking defence seriously and deserved a robust US commitment but, most importantly, they were doing the right thing for their own people. Geoffrey Van Orden is a former British Army officer and Conservative MEP The Europa League is hotting up (AFP/Getty) The draw for the first knockout round in the 2025/26 Europa League is set to be made after a frantic league phase finale sealed the fates of British sides. Nottingham Forest find themselves in the pot with a 4-0 victory over Robbie Keanes Ferencvaros not enough to force themselves into the top eight, while Aston Villa bypass the play-offs after finishing second in the table. Sean Dyches side will, however, be joined by Celtic after Martin ONeills side avoided elimination on the last matchday, staving off a comeback from Utrecht to beat to Dutch side 4-2 at Parkhead. The likes of Lille, Bologna and Fenerbahce are also among the top-24 contingent required to go through the play-offs to keep their Europa League ambitions alive. Heres everything you need to know. When is the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw? The 2025/26 Europa League knockout phase play-off draw starts at 12pm GMT on Friday 30 January, in Nyon, Switzerland. The draw includes teams that finished ninth to 24th place in the league phase, with the top eight sides in the league phase qualifying automatically for the last 16. How can I watch the Europa League draw? The draw will be streamed live on Uefas website and the Europa League app, while Independent Sport will have a live blog with all the results from the draw and the latest reaction. Which teams are in the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw? There are 16 teams in the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw, including two-thirds of the remaining British contingent. With the number representing their finish in the league phase, the following teams are seeded: 9. Genk (Belgium) 10. Bologna (Italy) 11. Stuttgart (Germany) 12. Ferencvaros (Hungary) 13. Nottingham Forest (England) 14. Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) 15. Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) 16. Celta Vigo (Spain) The remaining teams are unseeded: 17. PAOK (Greece) 18. Lille (France) 19. Fenerbahce (Turkey) 20. Panathinaikos (Greece) 21. Celtic (Scotland) 22. Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) 23. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) 24. Brann (Norway) How will the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw work? The clubs are paired together in relation to their league phase positions, forming four seeded pairs: positions 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16. There will be four unseeded pairs: positions 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22, and 23 and 24). Clubs in each seeded pair will draw a tie against an unseeded pair: clubs 9 or 10 against clubs 23 or 24, clubs 11 or 12 against clubs 21 or 22, clubs 13 or 14 against clubs 19 or 20, and clubs 15 or 16 against clubs 17 or 18. Teams from the same national association, or teams that have already met in the league phase, can all play against each other in the knockout phase play-offs. When will the knockout phase play-off ties take place? Matches will take place over two legs, with the seeded team set to play the return leg at home. First legs will be played on 19 February and second legs are slated to take place on 26 February. When is the round of 16 draw? The eight teams that advance from the knockout phase play-offs will be in the draw for the round of 16, along with those who directly qualified. That draw will take place on Friday 27 February. What will the round of 16 ties look like? Here are the combinations for the round of 16 fixtures: Will face Porto or Braga: Stuttgart or Ferencvaros vs Celtic or Ludogorets Razgrad Will face Midtjylland or Real Betis: Nottingham Forest or Viktoria Plzen vs Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos Will face Lyon or Aston Villa: Red Star Belgrade or Celta Viga vs PAOK or Lille Will face Freiburg or Roma: Over the weekend, a Kentucky family facing frigid temperatures on their farm welcomed a newborn calf struggling in the cold into their home. After being fed and warmed, the calf even took a spot on the couch with the Sorrell familys two children. Macey Sorrell, the childrens mother, captured the moment in photos and shared them on social media, where they quickly delighted viewers. The calf had been born outdoors on Saturday, in single-digit temperatures. Macey said her husband, Tanner, discovered the tiny animal suffering while checking on the pregnant mother. She was just frozen. Her umbilical cord looked like a popsicle, Macey recalled Thursday from their home in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. It was just frozen. The family keeps about three dozen cows on their land, and are used to bringing farm animals indoors from time to time. (Macey Sorrell) After losing a calf last winter to frostbite, the family moved quickly to bring the baby inside to clean her off and warm her up. When we brought her in, she had ice on her. The afterbirth was still on her, I had to wipe all that off," Sorrell said. I took out the blow dryer and warmed her up, and got her all fluffed out. Soon the calf was lying on the couch, cuddling with her young children. They crawled up next to her like it was just the most normal thing, she said. Her 3-year-old son, Gregory, decided to name the calf Sally, a character from his favorite movie, Cars. The family keeps about three dozen cows on their land and are used to bringing farm animals indoors from time to time. Sally was reunited with her mother the next morning, and is doing well, Sorrell said. Sorrell said she almost didn't share the photos on social media, because it was nothing new to the family to bring an animal indoors when necessary. Several commented on the cuteness of the photos. It's just part of what you do, she said. Nigel Farages Reform UK will only win the Gorton and Denton by-election if everything goes its way, says a political expert. Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science at Manchester University, believes four parties have a credible shot at victory in the crunch by-election on February 26. But he stressed: Though Reform have gained a lot of ground in the national polls, they may find Gorton and Denton, where they start 36 points behind Labour, a tough nut to crack. Professor Ford not only lives close to the seat, is a political expert, but also knows Reforms candidate Matthew Goodwin well having co-written a book with him, called Revolt on the Right: Explaining Support for the Radical Right in Britain. Matthew Goodwin speaks as he is announced as Reform UK candidate for Gorton and Denton on 27 January 2026 in Denton, England. (Getty Images) He believes Mr Goodwin being a high-profile figure, as a GB news presenter, may benefit Reform but that he lacks political experience of election winning and could have a message discipline problem with some of the stances he takes. The Gorton and Denton seat was formed at the 2024 general election, after boundary changes, and is a tale of two Manchesters constituency, Prof Ford explained. It is made up of four south Manchester city council wards, experiencing some gentrification and three wards of the Tameside council town of Denton. The four Manchester wards...are on average 42% white and 40% Muslim, with 42% of the population either a university graduate or a current university student, he said. In other words, these wards are full of exactly the kinds of voters Labour has been losing in the last couple of years to the Greens (urban graduates/students) and to the Workers Party and Gaza independents (Muslims). The three Tameside wards...are on average 83% white, 86% UK born, and 30% in routine or semi-routine jobs (one definition of working class). In other words, exactly the kinds of places where Labour might worry about a Reform challenge. However, crucial to the likely by-election outcome, the Manchester wards had 55,000 registered electors in the 2024 local elections, while the Tameside wards had just 26,000. So the balance of electoral power splits about 2:1 in favour of the more diverse, graduate and urban liberal heavy Manchester wards, Prof Ford stressed. Everything would have to go Reforms way if they are to win here, he believes. They will need a massive swing from Labour on high turnout in the more demographically friendly Denton wards and a fragmented left vote on a low turnout in the Manchester wards, to offset their greater electoral weight. Threading this needle is possible but not easy. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham who was barred by Labour chiefs from seeking to be the partys candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election (PA Wire) Labour won the Gorton and Denton seat at the 2024 general election with 50.8% of the vote, but this was down on an estimated 67.2% in 2019 after boundary changes are taken into account, as more young people and Muslim voters turn away from the party. Labour will need a strong candidate with a positive message addressing the concerns of Muslim communities and progressive voters alike if it is to consolidate the left and see off the right, said Prof Ford. Separately, a focus group by the More in Common organisation suggested that Labour would have found it easier to retain the seat if it had not blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from being its candidate. The by-election was triggered after Andrew Gwynne, who was sacked as a minister and suspended from the Labour Party last year over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group, resigned as an MP. Green Party leader Zack Polanski (PA Wire) The Greens, under new leader Zack Polanski, have a more straightforward route to victory, Prof Ford believes. They are best placed to mobilise and unify the disparate voter groups unhappy with Labour in this seat, and if they can do so then a winning coalition is there for the taking, he said in a detailed analysis of the upcoming by-election.. On George Galloways Workers Party of Britain, he believes that the constituencys Muslim population does not look large or unified enough to see it to victory. George Galloway (PA Wire) But Prof Ford concluded: The upshort of all of this is we have a by-election where four different parties have a credible shot at victory, with Reform on the right aiming for a second by-election gain of the Parliament, while three parties on the left all aiming to convince voters they are the strongest anti-Reform option available. The focus group by More in Common found voters on the Left in the constituency are desperate to keep out Reform but unsure for who to vote. MiC researcher Louis OGeran messaged on X: Just finished a focus group with 2024 Labour voters in Gorton and Denton who are now undecided between parties on the Left. What came through was a sense of tactical paralysis - desperation to keep out Reform, but real uncertainty about who the safe choice is. The FBI is investigating an attack on Democrat politician Ilhan Omar by a man who sprayed her with an unknown substance. The Minnesota representative was targeted at an event in Minneapolis on Tuesday, where she called for ICE - the controversial immigration enforcement unit - to be scrapped. The man who attacked her during her address was identified by police as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, who was arrested for third-degree assault. US federal law explicitly states that assaults on lawmakers must be investigated by the FBI. The agency had stayed largely quiet about the incident until Wednesday evening. It told Sky's US partner network NBC News: "The FBI is investigating this matter. To maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, no additional details are available for release at this time." Ms Omar gave a news conference the day after the attack, and blamed Donald Trump. He has repeatedly criticised her and called her "garbage" last month. He has also denigrated her birthplace, Somalia, describing it as a "disaster" and "not even a country". 'Trump is obsessed with me' Ms Omar declared: "Every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket." She said she would not be such a target "if Donald Trump wasn't in office and if he wasn't so obsessed with me". "I do believe that the facts of the situation are that I wouldn't be where I am at today, having to pay for security, having the government to think about providing me security, if Donald Trump wasn't in office," she added. Read more from Sky News: King speaks out about backlash US plans to check tourists' social media Ms Omar, now a US citizen, fled Somalia with her family when she was a child during a civil war. She is the first Somali-American member of Congress. The Minneapolis-St Paul area is home to some 84,000 people of Somali descent - nearly a third of the total number of Somalis living in the US. Thousands of ICE agents started to be deployed to the city, the largest in the state of Minnesota, on 5 January. The aim, according to the government department, was to arrest "fraudsters, murderers, rapists, and gang members". It came after a right-wing online influencer alleged a number of childcare facilities run by Somali residents in Minnesota had committed welfare fraud. Two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have since been shot and killed by agents. Those involved in the latter have been placed on leave amid growing backlash. Multidisciplinary Team to Guide Stakeholders Through Political, Economic Transformation Across Latin America WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forward Global, a leading commercial and geopolitical risk management firm, today announced the launch of its Venezuela Task Force, a specialized advisory group designed to help organizations navigate Venezuela's evolving political landscape and emerging commercial opportunities during a period of significant transformation. Venezuela's rapidly shifting political, economic, and regulatory environment coupled with expanded U.S. engagement in the region presents both substantial challenges and strategic opportunities for businesses, investors, and institutions with exposure to the country and broader Latin American markets, particularly in the energy space. The Venezuela Task Force brings together Forward Global's deep expertise in international trade, sanctions compliance, government relations, and geopolitical intelligence to provide coordinated guidance during this critical juncture. "Venezuela is entering a transformative phase that will have significant implications for regional stability, energy markets, and cross-border commerce," said Sven Stumbauer, partner at Forward Global. "Organizations need sophisticated analysis and strategic counsel to understand the rapidly evolving landscape and position themselves appropriately, whether managing risk or identifying opportunity." The Venezuela Task Force comprises senior advisors with specialized capabilities across international trade and sanctions compliance, government relations and public policy, corporate structuring and transactions, banking and finance, regulatory enforcement navigation, narrative and reputation management, and geopolitical forecasting. This multidisciplinary approach enables clients to address complex challenges that span legal, geopolitical, and commercial dimensions. Strategic Support During Geopolitical & Economic Transition The Venezuela Task Force is actively supporting clients through several key areas: Policy Interpretation & Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating dialogue with key decision-makers in Washington and the Trump administration to understand shifting U.S. policy priorities and regulatory frameworks affecting Venezuela and the region. Facilitating dialogue with key decision-makers in Washington and the Trump administration to understand shifting U.S. policy priorities and regulatory frameworks affecting Venezuela and the region. Sanctions & Regulatory Risk Assessment: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of trade, investment, and compliance exposures as international enforcement approaches evolve. Conducting comprehensive evaluations of trade, investment, and compliance exposures as international enforcement approaches evolve. Reputation & Narrative Management: Advising on narrative development, stakeholder messaging, and reputational risk management for key actors navigating market entry, transaction announcements, or operational changes during Venezuela's political transition, ensuring alignment with evolving U.S. policy objectives and regional sensitivities. Advising on narrative development, stakeholder messaging, and reputational risk management for key actors navigating market entry, transaction announcements, or operational changes during Venezuela's political transition, ensuring alignment with evolving U.S. policy objectives and regional sensitivities. Sector-Specific Analysis: Tracking implications across infrastructure, energy, finance, technology, and consumer markets as governance and commercial structures undergo recalibration. Tracking implications across infrastructure, energy, finance, technology, and consumer markets as governance and commercial structures undergo recalibration. Intelligence & Scenario Planning: Providing real-time monitoring and forecasting to inform business continuity planning and strategic positioning ahead of political, security, and economic developments. "Effective strategy in complex markets requires understanding not just current conditions, but anticipating how political transitions reshape regulatory frameworks, commercial relationships, and risk profiles," said Jose Mallea, managing partner of Forward Global's Miami office. "Our approach integrates government relations and international public affairs expertise with on-the-ground intelligence and deep knowledge of both U.S. and regional dynamics." The Venezuela Task Force draws on Forward Global's established relationships across public and private sectors in the Americas, including connections with former and current U.S. government officials, regional leaders, and institutional stakeholders. This network enables pragmatic, relationship-driven insights for clients managing uncertainty or positioning for sustained engagement. Forward Global's Venezuela practice complements the firm's broader Latin America capabilities and its track record advising multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on cross-border transactions, regulatory matters, and strategic communications in complex environments. Venezuela Task Force Leadership Sven Stumbauer, Partner Investigations | [email protected] Jose Mallea, Partner Government Relations | [email protected] Noe Garcia III, Partner Government Relations | [email protected] Nicholas Fitzgerald, Managing Director Reputation & Narrative Management | [email protected] Dr. Judith Jacob, Director Geopolitical Intelligence | [email protected] Jonathan Bucks, Senior Director Investigations | [email protected] Juan Nino, Associate Director Investigations | [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT Nicholas Fitzgerald [email protected] SOURCE Forward Global An video still shows Alex Pretti, left, being grabbed by a federal officer in Minneapolis on 13 January, 11 days before he was shot dead. Photograph: Max Shapiro/AP (Photograph: Max Shapiro/AP) Good morning. Footage emerged on Wednesday of a previous altercation between Alex Pretti and federal agents, 11 days before federal officers fatally shot the ICU nurse in Minneapolis. A video published on Wednesday by the digital news outlet the News Movement shows an incident on 13 January in Minneapolis in which officers appear to grab Pretti and bring him to the ground during community protests against the crackdown in the city. It is unclear what happened before the incident in the video, but the footage shows Pretti shouting at agents in an unmarked vehicle and kicking the tail light of the car as they move away. A heavily armed agent then gets out of the car and tackles him, while others crowd around. Jacob Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, said he did not consider the new footage relevant to Prettis fatal shooting 11 days later. Trump administration officials initially claimed Pretti was brandishing a gun when he was killed is that true? No, video evidence directly contradicts this claim. Footage from his killing on 24 January shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun. Pretti, who state officials have confirmed had a license to carry his firearm, had been disarmed before the first shots were fired. Did he have a gun on 13 January? There appears to be a gun in his waistband, but Pretti does not touch it during or after the altercation. Iran accused of revenge as doctors arrested for treating protesters Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping to save some of the tens of thousands of people injured in Irans brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests. At least one surgeon is at risk of being sentenced to death. The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of revenge, human rights groups say, after healthcare workers and doctors treated protesters shot or stabbed during the crackdown. An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with moharebeh (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. How many have been killed in the crackdown? Estimates vary significantly. The US-based Human Rights Activists news agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and is investigating more than 17,000 further recorded deaths. ICE thwarted from entering Ecuadors consulate in Minneapolis by employee Ecuador has officially complained to the US after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent attempted to enter its consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday morning, only to be turned back by an employee. In response to the incident, Ecuadors foreign minister immediately submitted a note of protest to the US embassy in Ecuador so that acts of this nature would not be repeated at any of Ecuadors consular offices in the United States. What was said during the incident? Video verified by Reuters showed an employee at the consulate telling the agent: This is the consulate of Ecuador, you are not allowed to enter. The agent replies: Relax, relax, I didnt enter, before telling the staffer: If you touch me, I will grab you. The agent leaves soon after. In other news Elon Musk announced on Wednesday that Tesla would end production of its Model X and S cars, in the clearest sign so far that it is pivoting away from vehicles and towards robotics. Several crew members of a ship that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore almost two years ago are still being detained by federal authorities despite no criminal charges being brought against them. Russia has hit cities across Ukraine with drones and a missile , killing a couple near Kyiv, before peace talks at the weekend. Millions of people globally are creating and sharing deepfake nudes on the secure messaging app Telegram, a Guardian analysis has shown. Stat of the day: Weak dollar drives gold over $5,500 an ounce for first time The price of gold has continued to soar, rising above the $5,500 an ounce level this morning, just three days after hitting $5,000 for the first time. Its gains so far this year are almost at 30%, as investors rush into safe-haven assets owing to geopolitical and economic uncertainty and a weak dollar. The Filter recommends: The 20 best things to wear to stay warm this winter, tested in snow, rain and wind As temperatures plummet, the Filter team spoke to experts, including people living in some of the coldest places around the world, to create the ultimate guide to cold-weather apparel. Dont miss this: Is this the end of gentle parenting? At least online, the backlash against gentle parenting is well and truly here, and the Fafo method appears to be taking its place. (Read the piece to learn what that acronym stands for but examples include a mother throwing a misbehaving childs iPad out of the window.) Critics say it relies on childrens fear and erodes trust, while advocates say it teaches children their actions have consequences. Emine Saner looks at the changing mentalities around parenting: This is online-influenced child rearing, where extremes are pushed, nuance is out and polarisation is in. Climate check: A year of Trumps EPA prioritizing big business over public health Under the second Trump administration, in just a single year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has abandoned its role as an environmental regulator, instead backing coal, gas-guzzling cars and artificial intelligence. While it was expected that the agency would shift in Trumps second term, in recent weeks it has gone much further, accused of placing zero value on human life when setting air pollution regulations. Last Thing: Is the potato bed the ultimate sleep solution? There is a hot new sleep trend making the rounds on TikTok: the potato bed. It involves creating a cocoon-like setup to allow you to sleep on top of a pile of pillows, blankets and duvets. Probably not great for your spine, but ideal for hiding away from the harshness of the world. Sign up First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If youre not already signed up, subscribe now. Get in touch If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com Michael Flatley has said he will be calling his dancers, as a legal order blocking him from engaging with the Lord Of The Dance production was overturned by a court in Belfast. At the Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday, Mr Justice Simpson discharged a temporary injunction that had been secured against the dancer, saying trenchant and quite personal allegations had been made on both sides. Switzer Consulting took legal action in a civil case against Flatley for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows. The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer found international fame performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance. The productions 30th anniversary tour is due to play in Dublins 3 Arena next week on February 5, continuing in 2026 across Europe and the US. Michael Flatley has said he will be calling his dancers (Liam McBurney/PA) (Liam McBurney) Speaking outside the court after the judgment on Thursday, Flatley blessed himself as he said: Id just like to say thank God, Im delighted with the judges decision today. I wont be in the car 10 seconds and Ill be calling all my dancers, all of the cast and crew. All their families have flown in and were going to lift the roof on Thursday. This will be the greatest version of this show that you will ever see. Im absolutely delighted. Asked if he was back in control of the production, Flatley said: Yes, 100%. The legal dispute hinged on a terms of service agreement under which Flatley transferred intellectual property rights for Lord Of The Dance to Switzer and they in turn were then required to provide business management services to Flatley such as accounts and payroll. The temporary injunction first filed by Switzer director Joe Gallagher in early January prohibited Flatley from cancelling, postponing, or in any way interfering with the Lord Of The Dance, including forbidding him to contact promoters or venues. This was on the basis of breach of contract as well as conspiracy to cause loss by unlawful means. Mr Justice Simpson said that at that time he had been shown a text message Mr Gallagher had been sent from Flatleys agent Denis OSullivan, saying understand you have no further involvement whatsoever in anything to do with the Lord Of The Dance. Gary McHugh KC, representing Switzer, had said the injunction was necessary to protect Switzers interests because Flatleys financial situation would have left him unable to pay damages. The court heard a statement by Flatleys former financial adviser Des Walsh who said the dancer has lived the lifestyle of a Monaco millionaire by borrowing money as he did not even have the minimum cash required to open a residency package. His statement claimed Flatleys appetite for lifestyle cash was insatiable, and he borrowed 75,000 euros for a birthday party and 50,000 euros to join Monaco Yacht Club. David Dunlop KC, representing Flatley, rejected the claims that Flatley was a man with substantial debts, and that ad hominem attacks had been made on his character by the opposing legal team. Mr Dunlop had told the court on Wednesday that Flatley had half a million euro with a solicitor in Dublin that was available to pay to the end of the contract with Switzer. On Thursday Mr Justice Simpson said he was satisfied that damages are an adequate remedy for the plaintiff (Switzer) and that the money is available to pay for any damages sustained. Flatleys legal team also raised the fact that Switzer had filed new accounts last weekend, updating their valuation with a primary asset being their licence agreement with Flatley. Mr Justice Simpson said: I cannot see how accounts can be filed essentially taking the whole of contingent income and describing it as an asset worth 2.14 million. The judge added that over the course of proceedings trenchant and quite personal allegations were both made and denied but that the civil nature of the case meant it was not the place to resolve hotly disputed issues of fact. Flatleys lawyers had warned that the Lord Of The Dance tour was in danger of falling apart without the creators involvement because his artistic direction is a vital component. The production is described in promotional material as the culmination of Flatleys belief that Nothing is impossible. Follow your dreams. UK and EU approvals for pesticides and herbicides have diverged since Brexit, complicating any rapid realignment of rules. Photograph: Loop Images Ltd/Alamy (Photograph: Loop Images Ltd/Alamy) British food sector representatives have urged the government to introduce a transition period if it agrees to realign post-Brexit agriculture rules with the EU. They warned that aligning regulations overnight would create a cliff edge that could cost UK businesses between 500m and 810m a year, because of the divergence in standards since Brexit. David Bench, chief executive of Croplife, a trade organisation that represents the agrichemical sector, said: If we do not have a transition period, it would have very damaging consequences. Related: Ive had vets chasing lorries down the motorway: The hell of post-Brexit paperwork The warning comes days after the president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) said that British oats used in cereals, snack bars, meatballs and veggie burgers could be rendered unsellable in the EU, because British farmers for the past five years have been allowed to use certain fungicides not yet approved by the EU. The point of the UK-EU reset is to remove the barriers that have led thousands of businesses to stop exporting to the EU, and to reduce supermarket prices. The parliamentary trade select committee has said the extra red tape was costing the UK an extra 8.4bn, with goods trade down 18% on five years ago, and food and drink down 24%. Concerns are being raised as the EU and the UK start technical talks on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, one of the targets laid out at the reset summit last May between Keir Starmer and the European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen. If an SPS deal entered into force on 1 January 2027, for example, crops grown in 2026 under British rules but still in grain stores in 2027 would be rendered unsellable in the EU, the NFU has said. Talks between British and EU officials began in London last week with the aim of removing much of the Brexit paperwork for both sides. One transport chief told the trade select committee Brexit paperwork had been pure hell, with one truck held up for as long as 27 days in Calais simply because it did not have the right certificates for a frozen beef cargo. The Andersons Centre, a consultancy commissioned by Croplife to quantify the cost of realigning with EU rules, said in its report that the UK has maintained equivalent legal, scientific, and technical standards to the EU, as it adopted EU legislation wholesale following EU exit. However, UK and EU decisions on plant protection including pesticides and herbicides have diverged, with Britain, for example, allowing four new pesticides and herbicides to be used on farms that are still in the approval process in the EU. The plea from the industry comes as farming representatives complain of lack of engagement on the topic with the government. Industry figures fear the government has prioritised secrecy over engagement with sector chiefs. Bench said: The impact of a cliff-edge scenario on British growers could be devastating. At a time of increasing pressure on farm profitability, this could prove a tipping point for many farmers and growers. Croplife and the NFU have called for any realignment to be phased in over at least a year, as happened with Brexit but ideally over a longer period. A government spokesperson said they were focusing on getting a deal that could deliver up to 5.1bn a year for the UK economy that would slash red tape, cut costs and delays at the border - supporting farmers, producers and businesses across the UK. Our negotiations are ongoing, and were working with businesses on the ground to shape our approach and make sure theyre ready to benefit as soon as any new arrangements take effect, the spokesperson added. Greg Bovino breaks his silence after Minneapolis ouster in address to federal agents from Mt. Rushmore: Mean Green Machine Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has sent a heartfelt message to the federal immigration agents he oversaw in Minnesota, praising them and sending them love in a video filmed in front of Mount Rushmore. Bovino, who was recently demoted from his role leading the aggressive deportation operation in Minnesota, made a pit stop Thursday in South Dakota as he makes his way back to his original post in California. Standing in front of the U.S. monument, Bovino addressed his team by comparing those conducting immigration enforcement in Minneapolis to the turn and burn presidents whose faces are carved into the side of the mountain. Im very proud of what you, the Mean Green Machine, are doing in Minneapolis right now, just like youve done it across the United States over these tough past nine months, Bovino said. I want you to know you are the modern day equivalent of turn and burn. Since becoming a central leader in President Trumps immigration operations, Bovino has referred to his tactics as turn and burn moving into a city quickly, conducting mass arrests and then leaving. I love you Bovino told federal immigration enforcement agents in a video message that praised their work (AP) Makes me very proud, Bovino added. Also want you to know Ive got your back now and always. I love you, I support you and I salute you. Bovino, a career Border Patrol agent, has made national headlines over the last year after being named commander-at-large for the mass deportation operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and Minneapolis. His military-like tactics in leading immigration enforcement operations have been subject to nationwide controversy, sparking lawsuits accusing agents of violating the Constitution, complaints about brutality and protests in opposition. But after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens, 37-year-old Renee Good and 37-year-old Alex Pretti, in separate incidents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration decided to move out Bovino and replace him with Border Czar Tom Homan. Trumps immigration enforcement chiefs have faced more scrutiny than ever after the killings of Good and Pretti. The decision to remove Bovino appears to be an attempt to quell public outrage at the clashes between civilians and federal immigration enforcement agents. However, the administration described the move as just a change-up. Bovino is pretty good, but hes a pretty out-there kind of guy, Trump told Fox News this week. Maybe it wasnt good here. A satellite image taken two weeks ago shows the military zone of Niamey airport in Niger. Photograph: 2026 Planet Labs PBC/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: 2026 Planet Labs PBC/AFP/Getty Images) Heavy security has been deployed around the main airport in Nigers capital, Niamey, after overnight gunfire and explosions that the countrys military ruler blamed without evidence on France, Benin and Cote dIvoire. The shooting and detonations began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, according to residents of a neighbourhood near the airport, which is next to Base Aerienne 101, a military base previously used by US and then Russian troops. Calm returned about an hour later, the residents told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Videos filmed by local people showed streaks of light in the sky and the sound of loud explosions, while other images showed flames several metres high and charred cars. On state television, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup, accused the presidents of France, Benin and Cote dIvoire of sponsoring the attack, and vowed retaliation. We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar, he said, signalling further worsening of relationship between the Sahel nation and the neighbouring countries he sees as French proxies in the region, and its former colonial power. The offices of the presidents of France, Benin and Cote dIvoire could not be immediately reached for comment. Several observers indicated it was probably a jihadist strike. The country is grappling with armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates who have been launching attacks on the tri-border region with Mali and Burkina Faso in particular. Tiani also thanked the Russian troops stationed at the base for defending their sector. Since seizing power, the military rulers in Niamey, like the military rulers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, have cut ties with western powers and turned to Moscow for military support to tackle the insurgencies. Niger state television reported that one of the several assailants killed was a French national, as footage showed several bloodied bodies on the ground. It provided no evidence. A source with the Togolese airline Asky told the Guardian that gunshots had made several holes in the fuselage of its two planes on the tarmac of Niamey airport. Staff were at their hotel at the time but remained stranded in the country. They destroyed both aircraft They left evidence at the scene, the source said. Yacouba Fofana, a spokesperson for Air Cote dIvoire, confirmed that one of the airlines aircraft had also been hit. A communique is being prepared [about it], he said. It remained unclear who had fired the shots or whether there were any casualties. Satellite images published early on Thursday showed areas with signs of scorched earth near the airports runway. Authorities in Niger, a junta-run country in west Africas Sahel region regularly hit by jihadist violence, have yet to comment on the situation. On Thursday, a heavy security presence blocked the perimeter of the airport and, in particular, access to the military base on the site. But in most parts of Niamey, people were going about their lives normally. Over the last few days, there have been warnings of an imminent risk of an attack, but its not clear if it was going to come from the two main groups active in the country, Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at the consultancy Control Risks, told AFP. But they have been building their presence in areas near Niamey. Ochieng said the incident could align with the wider cause claimed by the al-Qaida-affiliate Jamaat Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) to continue targeting [the] security establishment, high-profile establishment as a way of delegitimising the juntas. Last weekend, JNIM claimed responsibility for destroying an army vehicle with an improvised explosive device several kilometres east of Niamey. In July 2023, Nigers presidential guard, led by Tchiani, overthrew the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, marking the seventh successful coup in west and central Africa in three years at that point. There has been at least one successful coup and two failed attempts in the region since then. The junta suspended the constitution and faced international condemnation and aid cuts. After the Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions and threatened military intervention, Niger withdrew from the regional bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso both also under military rule to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. Niger also expelled French and US forces, signalling a geopolitical realignment away from former traditional allies. The security situation has deteriorated significantly since the coup despite the juntas promises to restore stability. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 reports that Niger recorded the largest increase in terrorism deaths globally in 2024, rising by 94% to a total of 930 deaths, the countrys worst ranking since the index began. Agence France-Presse contributed to this report Haiti Couleurs will head to the Denman Chase at Newbury next weekend after his name did not appear among the declarations for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on Saturday. Victorious on his last trip across the Irish Sea in the Irish Grand National, he has since added the Welsh version to his growing record. Trainer Rebecca Curtis had been keen to take on the best of the home team at Leopardstown, but a culmination of factors led to a change of heart. Curtis told the Press Association: It was a tough decision, but it just turned out there were too many negatives to taking him over. Firstly hed come off a few days of antibiotics at the beginning of the week, a very small sinus issue which was nothing really, that wasnt our main issue. They cancelled our local ferry from the nearest port at Fishbourne which would have meant a big hike up to Holyhead and then across to Dublin. Thirdly there was the uncertainty about the ground, they are due more rain again having already been waterlogged once this week so the likelihood is heavy ground, whether it will be that we dont know. When the Gold Cup is his main aim we just thought everything wasnt adding up for a good prep run for that, so well definitely go to the Denman at Newbury next Saturday with him now. She added: Hes all well, there are no problems but you need everything aligned to be at your best at Cheltenham and we didnt think that was happening, as we were using it as a prep we didnt think it was ideal only six weeks out from Cheltenham. A total of 13 have been declared with Willie Mullins running eight, including Galopin Des Champs. Paul Townend maintains his partnership with the three-time winner, while Mark Walsh has chosen Fact To File over last seasons Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin, who will be ridden by Keith Donoghue. Jack Kennedy will ride Mullins 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, leaving Haiti Couleurs regular jockey Sean Bowen to partner Gordon Elliotts Firefox. Gaelic Warrior, Spindleberry, Champ Kiely, Grangeclare West and Lecky Watson also run for champion trainer Mullins. Noel Meades Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Montys Star complete the field. A gas explosion that ignited a massive, deadly fire in a Bronx apartment building over the weekend was started by a stove thief, police said. The blaze tore through the upper levels of a 17-story apartment building on Saturday, killing one and injuring over a dozen more. Following an investigation, Samuel Calderon, a 55-year-old man, who is homeless, was arrested on Wednesday, New York City police sources told CBS News. He now faces a number of charges, including murder, manslaughter and burglary. According to police, Calderon removed a stove from a unit, triggering a gas leak which resulted in the explosion. No motive has been identified at this time. A deadly explosion at a Bronx apartment on Saturday was caused by a stove thief, police said (FDNY) Neighbors said they began smelling gas in the building, located at 3485 Bivonia Street, around noon on Saturday, according to NBC New York. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters spotted residents leaning from windows and shouting for help as the fire raged. The New York City Fire Department said in a statement that firefighters were investigating a smell on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred. We had severe structural damage in six apartments on each floor, Chief of Department John Esposito said. We eventually had fire in five apartments on the 16th floor and five apartments on the 17th floor, he added. It was a very, very dangerous operation for our firefighters, who performed incredibly on those upper floors, searching and protecting civilian life. The blast sparked a fire that ravaged five apartments, killing one person and injuring 14 others (FDNY) 'It was a very, very dangerous operation for our firefighters, who performed incredibly on those upper floors,' the New York City Fire Department said (FDNY) The department confirmed that one person died and a total of 15 patients were transported to nearby hospitals. The deceased individual was identified by CBS News as Ronald McCallister, 60, who was pronounced dead at the scene. "Its an incredible tragedy. Were sending all our thoughts to the families involved," Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning, said during a news conference on Saturday. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that all building utilities were shut off and its 148 apartments were fully vacated. ICE claims Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis was not clearly marked when officers tried to enter Federal immigration officers nearly triggered an international incident this week after trying to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without permission, what the countrys foreign ministry called an attempted intrusion that sparked a formal complaint to U.S. authorities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement claims that officers were tracking down an Ecuadorian immigrant who ran into the building, which an agency spokesperson claims was not clearly marked as the consulate. Two large seals reading Consulate de Ecuador are posted on the brick building, including one directly above the door that officers tried to walk through, according to widely shared footage of the incident. Another sign to the left of the front door includes the Ecuadorian flag and the words Republica del Ecuador. ICE is now accusing the consulate of shielding a public safety threat illegal alien who is still at large. ICE claims officers inadvertently tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis, which they agency says was not clearly marked despite large seals on the outside of the building (AP) In footage of Tuesdays incident, a consulate employee is seen rushing to the door as masked immigration officers try to open it. If you touch me, I will grab you, an officer can be heard saying. You cannot enter here, the employee replies. This is a consulate. This is a foreign government property. In a statement, Ecuadors foreign ministry said consulate staff prevented the entry of the ICE officer to the consular headquarters, thus ensuring the protection of the Ecuadorians who were in that moment at the consular headquarters. Staff also implemented emergency protocols, it noted. Ecuador issued a formal complaint to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador so that acts of this nature do not be repeated in any of the consular offices of Ecuador in the United States, according to the statement. Under the Vienna Conventions, a countrys embassies and other diplomatic offices are considered sovereign territory of that nation and protected under diplomatic immunity that prohibits the host nations officers from unauthorized entry. The United States is a party to the international treaties. The State Department referred The Independents request for comment to Homeland Security, which shared ICEs statement. Protesters in Quito demonstrated against the Trump administrations anti-immigration agenda outside Ecuadors foreign ministry after ICE officers nearly triggered an international incident (AP) Officers were performing a targeted enforcement operation to arrest Jorge Miguel Bravo Uriles, who was accused of driving while intoxicated in 2022 with previous arrests on allegations of sexual assault, according to the agency. He then fled into a nearby building, a spokesperson told The Independent. Unknown to the ICE officers at the time, the building housed the Consulate of Ecuador, however, the building was not clearly marked as the Ecuadorian Consulate, the spokesperson said. The ICE officers were focused on arresting the criminal illegal alien, their own safety, and the safety of the public, the statement added. At no time did the ICE officers enter the Consulate. The Consulate employees protected this public safety threat illegal alien. He is still at large. The incident follows weeks of growing tensions and violence from immigration officers patrolling Minneapolis, where roughly 3,000 masked and heavily armed agents have been deployed by Donald Trumps administration to support his efforts to arrest and deport tens of thousands of people. The city is reeling in the wake of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two U.S. citizens and demonstrators who were shot and killed by immigration officers this month. Several high-profile immigration arrests have also targeted Ecuadorian nationals, including five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who was arrested in the driveway of their home in suburban Minneapolis last week. An image of the pre-schooler standing in his frozen driveway wearing a Spider-Man backpack and blue, woolly hat during fathers arrest has fueled further outrage. Liam, who is detained with his father at an ICE detention center in Texas, is now sick, sleeping a lot and asking for his mother, according to his family and members of Congress who visited him January 28. A federal judge temporarily blocked their immediate removal from the country after the boys father sued the Trump administration over his arrest and detention. The arrest of another Ecuadorian man, identified in court filings as Juan T.R., also triggered the wrath of Minnesotas chief federal judge, who threatened to hold ICEs acting director Todd Lyons in contempt after repeated violations of court orders. People protest against ICE in Lewiston, Maine, on Saturday. Photograph: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images) Federal authorities have ended their immigration enforcement surge in Maine, a state senator said on Thursday, even as Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, insisted that the much bigger operation in Minnesota would continue. Susan Collins, a Republican, cited a conversation with the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, saying that the enhanced operation in her state of Maine had been wrapped up. Nicknamed Operation Catch of the Day, it has targeted communities in Portland and Lewiston and led to the detention of more 200 people since last week. Most have already been removed from the state, sparking concerns among family members and attorneys who fear the detainees will face greater odds of removal outside Maine. There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here, Collins said in a social media post, adding that she had been urging the agency to reconsider its approach to enforcement, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection would continue their normal operations. We have noticed a dramatic downswing of enforcement [in Maine] since the week started, said Jenny Beverly, an attorney with Haven Immigration Law who has been fielding legal aid requests since the ICE surge began. Related: Senate fails to pass funding bill after Democrats refuse to back DHS funding Other legal advocates said that ICEs retreat would only provide moderate relief. The fear is reverberating across Maine, and so many people have completely withdrawn from public life, Sue Roche, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, said in a statement. There is no guarantee an ICE surge or operation will not happen again, and the increased enforcement in Maine since the beginning of the Trump administration has been devastating in and of itself. Noems apparent decision to end the Maine enforcement push comes as the administration appears to be reassessing its activity nationwide following large-scale anti-ICE demonstrations in Minnesota, Philadelphia and New York, as well as public rebukes from Republican and Democratic lawmakers including 160 officials calling for her impeachment. Earlier this week, the Trump administration removed the border patrol commander Gregory Bovino from his post in Minneapolis in an apparent attempt to quell public criticism. Homan has now assumed command of the nations most high-profile enforcement campaign. Speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis on Thursday, Homan said: Im not here because of the federal government has carried this mission out perfectly. Federal agents have killed two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in the space of two weeks, sparking nationwide outrage. President Trump and I, along with others in administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made. Thats exactly what Im doing here, Homan said. He also pledged to stay in Minnesota until the problems gone, without offering any details. Homan suggested that there could be a reduction of federal agents in exchange for cooperation from Minnesota officials, including granting ICE officers access to local jails. The withdrawal of law enforcement resources here is dependent upon cooperation, Homan said. He did not elaborate on further examples, but Homan has long sought access to jails, especially in so-called sanctuary cities with large immigrant populations. The drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric and the impediment and interference will stop, Homan said. When the violence decreases, we can draw down the resources, despite the fact that the protesters have been largely peaceful and that by far the worst violence has come from the federal agents who killed Good and Pretti. He did add that federal agents who breach codes of conduct will be dealt with, but gave no further details and did not mention the killings. Homan also insisted to reporters that we know exactly who were looking for, despite reports that many people without criminal convictions have been detained. On the ground in Minnesota, reports of federal agents around Minneapolis, in the suburbs and in rural areas have continued this week, with videos and first-hand accounts from people showing they have encountered agents near schools and churches and in residential neighborhoods. Observers have continued to patrol their communities to document federal agents actions here. City council members in Minneapolis have reported little change despite Bovinos exit. Related: Minneapolis ICE observers keep showing up despite risk of arrest and violence There isnt any indication that immigration activity has changed in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis city council member Jason Chavez wrote on social media yesterday. Make no mistake, our neighbors will continue to blow their whistles, and we will continue to alert our community about ICE activity. Journalists with the Associated Press reported that they were confronted by federal agents on Wednesday morning while attempting to report on an enforcement activity in Minneapolis. I dont care who you are, get back in your vehicle, an agent told the AP journalists, according to video of the incident. The backlash has been at least somewhat bipartisan, with two Minnesota lawmakers saying they will no longer run for elected office, including Chris Madel, a top Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, who said on Monday: I cannot support the stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic senator, announced on Thursday that she would be running for governor, after Tim Walz, the incumbent, said he would no longer run for any elected office. Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was transferred to a hospital from his prison cell for medical treatment amid concerns that an untreated eye condition could lead to permanent damage to his sight. On Thursday, Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party said in a statement that there was serious concern following the federal information ministers confirmation that Khan was transferred from the Adiala prison to a hospital for medical treatment without prior notice to his family, legal counsel, or political representatives. This comes after his party warned that Khan could lose his vision if his eye condition were left untreated. The PTI disclosed that Khan had been diagnosed with a blockage in the retinal vein of his right eye a condition known as central retinal vein occlusion. The medical condition which, if not treated promptly and properly, carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight, the party said in a statement. Party officials claim Khan is already experiencing blurred vision. Political party PTI says Khan had also spent 100 days without contact with his legal team (AFP via Getty) Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is serving multiple sentences related to corruption and the leaking of state secrets convictions he has repeatedly described as politically motivated. Earlier this week, PTI said Khan had spent 100 days without contact with his legal team raising fresh concerns over due process and the fairness of the ongoing legal proceedings against him. Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khans PTI, said: Authorities have provided no verifiable details regarding Imran Khans medical condition, the treatment administered, the specialists involved, or the basis for his immediate return to prison. Government claiming that the episode was routine remains unsupported by transparent medical disclosure. We have credible concerns that Imran Khan is suffering from a serious medical condition that involves his vision, requiring independent specialist care. Continued denial of access to family members and personal physicians, particularly following hospitalisation, raises grave human-rights concerns and appears inconsistent with Pakistans obligations under international standards. Earlier, he wrote on X (Twitter): This is a serious and rapidly escalating concern. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) requires immediate medical attention and may indicate serious underlying health conditions. It is imperative that accurate and responsible medical attention and information be provided without delay. His personal doctors from Shaukat Khanum Hospital must be granted immediate and unhindered access to him. Any further delay could result in irreversible harm. The party accused prison authorities of preventing Khans personal physician from examining him for months, calling the restrictions reckless and warning that they were placing his health in grave danger. This is a serious and rapidly escalating concern. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) requires immediate medical attention and may indicate serious underlying health conditions. It is imperative that accurate and responsible medical attention and information be provided https://t.co/5oFmi8cEw7 Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) January 28, 2026 Access to Khan has become a growing flashpoint. Lawyers, senior PTI figures, and his sisters say they have been unable to meet him for nearly three months, despite a court order allowing family members and legal counsel to visit twice weekly. Protests outside the Adiala prison demanding access have been met with teargas and water cannon. Mr Bukhari earlier told The Independent that it was absurd how Khan was being denied access to his lawyers even as the authorities continued to pursue a multitude of cases against him, and that it was being done because the authorities do not want any communication with Imran Khan. They know that whenever he speaks, it generates enormous public attention and noise, and offers guidance to the country, even from within a small jail cell, he said. Khans sister, Noreen Niazi, wrote on X: Our brother, Imran Khan, was taken under the cover of the night to the PIMS Hospital on the pretext of eye treatment. He was kept there for three hours and then transferred back to Adiala Jail in an atmosphere of extreme mystery and terrifying silence. If this news is true, it is not merely oppression, it is a blatant crime. She added: Why does no one have the courage to tell the truth to Imran Khans family and lawyers? Who is this being hidden from, and on whose orders? What treatment is our brother being subjected to inside the jail, and why are our family and lawyers being kept in the dark? Imran Khan is not just another prisoner. He is the hope of this nation. To endanger his health is nothing less than an attempt to blind the entire country. Pakistani authorities have yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations. In the past, they have rejected claims of mistreatment, insisting that Khan is being provided the same facilities as other inmates. Khan served as prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed through a no-confidence vote after a breakdown in relations with Pakistans powerful military. Since his arrest, he has faced more than 100 cases. He was sentenced to three years in prison for selling state gifts, followed by a further 14-year term in January 2025. His wife, Bushra Bibi, remains jailed after receiving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption case. Issued on behalf of Americore Resources Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EquityInsider.com News Commentary Silver's explosive climb past $100 per ounce for the first time in history[1] marks a massive structural shift where real discovery momentum has replaced speculation as the main value driver. With China's new export licensing system now locking down 60% to 70% of the global silver supply for its own domestic needs[2], the 2026 cycle is prioritizing platforms that can rapidly expand resources in safe jurisdictions. This high-signal environment translates directly into massive upside for Americore Resources Corp. (TSXV: AMCO) (OTCQB: AMCOF), Magma Silver (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF), Aya Gold & Silver (TSX: AYA) (OTCQX: AYASF), Guanajuato Silver (TSXV: GSVR) (OTCQX: GSVRF), and Kootenay Silver (TSXV: KTN) (OTCQX: KOOYF). Fitch Solutions predicts the global silver deficit will persist throughout 2026 as investment demand continues to climb[3]. This creates a perfect window for resource-anchored juniors to command premium valuations. Institutional capital is already rotating aggressively into the materials sector, which has surged 9.05% year-to-date as giants like State Street and BlackRock rebalance toward heavy commodity exposure[4]. This move positions discovery-driven platforms as the primary winners of a historic market realignment. Americore Resources Corp. (TSXV: AMCO) (OTCQB: AMCOF) is a North American exploration company advancing the Trinity Silver Project in Nevada, where it recently launched its 2026 field program featuring a comprehensive drone magnetometer survey designed to identify structural controls that could point to additional silver deposits across the property. The Trinity Project sits in Pershing County, Nevada, just 23 miles from the town of Lovelock, in an area with established mining infrastructure and a history of significant silver production. "Work has progressed on updating the database to include the Seka and HiHo claim information and with the air magnetometer survey it will enhance our understanding of the regional structures and possible satellite deposits," stated Jeff Poloni, CEO of Americore. The company has been aggressively expanding its land position over the past several months, which matters because in mining, controlling more prospective ground means more potential ounces in the ground. Americore now controls approximately 22,700 acres spanning patented ground, leasehold concessions, and newly staked claims. This expansion came through both direct staking and a strategic option agreement with Primus Resources for 42 unpatented claims that returned grab samples as high as 1,690 grams per tonne silver and 4.33 grams per tonne gold. The expanded footprint is particularly significant because Americore now controls all the ground covered by a 2012 historic resource estimate that tripled the company's historic resource base to 36 million ounces of silver equivalent. For context, 36 million ounces of silver equivalent at today's prices represents substantial potential value, though investors should note these are historic estimates that require verification through modern drilling and technical work. The property also includes 364 historic drillholes previously held by Newmont, one of the world's largest gold miners. This provides a substantial technical database for the company to reinterpret using modern methods, potentially saving millions in exploration costs compared to drilling from scratch. The current drone magnetometer survey covers 312 line kilometers and aims to map structural trends along a southwest to northeast corridor roughly six kilometers long, with the historic Trinity pit at its center. Between 1987 and 1988, U.S. Borax mined over one million tons of silver-oxide material from this pit, producing approximately five million ounces of silver through heap-leach operations, proving the district can produce real metal. Americore is working to advance the project toward a current NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate targeted for Q2 2026, combining historic data with AI-assisted structural modeling and confirmation drilling to build a modern exploration framework. CONTINUED Read this and more news for Americore Resources at: https://equity-insider.com/2026/01/12/the-only-silver-that-matters-now-is-silver-you-can-touch/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Magma Silver (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF) acquired 100% control of the Ninobamba silver-gold project in Peru during 2025, positioning the company in the mining-friendly jurisdiction with a primary silver asset. The company completed $6.5 million in financings to fully fund programs through 2026, with its share price increasing 209% during 2025 as the operation advanced through organizational phases and field validation programs. "2025 was an organizational year, and 2026 will be a year to start delivering on the promise of this project," said Stephen Barley, Chairman & CEO of Magma Silver. "We are taking the correct steps to position our company and shareholders to realize the potential of Ninobamba." Drilling will commence in Q1 2026 on one segment of the project for the first time since 2010, with the company's 2025 field programs confirming and exceeding historical results including grab samples returning up to 300 g/mt silver and 14.56 g/mt gold at the Joramina zone. Magma Silver maintains over $5 million in treasury to support its 2026 exploration program and continued relationship-building with local communities as the project advances toward resource expansion. Aya Gold & Silver (TSX: AYA) (OTCQX: AYASF) has delivered a comprehensive year-end 2025 exploration update highlighting over 175,000 metres of drilling at the Zgounder Silver Mine and Boumadine Project in Morocco. The company achieved significant intercepts including 3,794 g/t Ag over 10.0 meters and increased Proven and Probable Reserves by 4% to 73 million ounces of silver net of depletion. "In 2025, our exploration programs at Zgounder and Boumadine demonstrated our exploration leadership, supported asset growth, produced outstanding intercepts, and underscored the potential to add significant high-grade ounces in the near term," said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO of Aya Gold & Silver. "With 16 new permits expanding our Moroccan footprint, we remain focused on creating shareholder value through the drill bit and building on this momentum into 2026." The company completed 569 drillholes totaling 150,325 meters at Boumadine while extending mineralization and discovering new zones. Aya Gold & Silver expanded its exploration footprint to 378.8 square kilometers at Zgounder and 340.7 square kilometers at Boumadine through strategic permit acquisitions. Guanajuato Silver (TSXV: GSVR) (OTCQX: GSVRF) closed its acquisition of the Bolanitos gold-silver mine from Endeavour Silver Corp., adding the company's fifth producing precious metals mine in Mexico with a 1,600 tonnes per day flotation plant currently under-utilized with significant capacity for increased throughput. Located adjacent to Guanajuato Silver's San Ignacio mine, the acquisition was completed for total consideration of up to US$50 million consisting of US$40 million upfront and US$10 million in contingent payments upon achieving production milestones. "With the prompt closing of the acquisition, Guanajuato Silver shareholders can now look forward to almost a full calendar year of precious metals production from the Bolanitos mine," said James Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Guanajuato Silver. "We also look forward to working toward the full integration of Bolanitos into our growing portfolio of producing Mexican mining assets." Material mined at San Ignacio during the first few days of January was already stockpiled and ready for transport to the Bolanitos plant for blending designed to optimize both throughput and recoveries in the restructured Guanajuato district hub-and-spoke processing model. Guanajuato Silver positions itself as one of the fastest growing silver producers in Mexico with five operating mines and four processing facilities across the states of Guanajuato and Durango. Kootenay Silver (TSXV: KTN) (OTCQX: KOOYF) commissioned engineering firms Sacre-Davey Engineering Inc. and Canenco Consulting Corp. to conduct a Preliminary Economic Assessment on its La Cigarra Silver deposit in the Parral Mining District of Chihuahua with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2026. La Cigarra hosts a pit constrained resource totaling 51.57 million ounces of measured plus indicated silver in 15.73 million tonnes grading 102 grams per tonne silver representing 60.56 million ounces silver equivalent plus 11 million ounces of inferred silver in 3.37 million tonnes grading 102 grams per tonne. "These three deposits are well positioned to be quickly advanced with silver experiencing a nominal record high of $94.09 per ounce driven by a multi-year supply deficit and intense industrial demand," said James McDonald, President and CEO of Kootenay Silver. "At the same time, we are aggressively drilling Columba to achieve our goal of increasing its maiden resource of 54 million ounces of silver to 100 million ounces followed by a PEA of its own." The company is executing an aggressive 50,000 metre program at Columba aimed at pushing the resource from its maiden estimate of 54 million ounces to 100 million ounces followed by a separate Preliminary Economic Assessment. Kootenay Silver aims to exit 2026 as a developer with 43-101 estimates on four deposits and active programs advancing La Cigarra and Columba in prolific mining districts of Mexico. Article Source: https://equity-insider.com/2026/01/12/the-only-silver-that-matters-now-is-silver-you-can-touch/ CONTACT: Equity Insider [email protected] (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). MIQ has been paid a fee for Americore Resources Corp. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Americore Resources Corp., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ owns shares of Americore Resources Corp. which were purchased in the open market, and/or through private placements, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will sell shares of Americore Resources Corp. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Americore Resources Corp.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Americore Resources Corp. and will sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. SOURCES: Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2840019/5737669/Equity_Insider_Logo.jpg When police raided the Apple Daily newsroom in 2021, journalists across Hong Kong understood they were watching more than the collapse of a newspaper. They were being shown the future. A little over four years later, the conviction last month of the papers founder, Jimmy Lai, on sedition charges has merely formalised that state of affairs. The real impact has long since settled in, embedded in daily decisions about what can be written, who can speak, and how far the press can push in their pursuit of the truth. What remains of journalism is editors identifying invisible red lines, protecting staff and ensuring their reporting does not expose journalists or sources, while reporters engage in self-censorship to escape harassment and intimidation by the government. Nothing has changed because everything has already changed. The changes are baked in, Tom Grundy, the founding editor of Hong Kong Free Press, tells The Independent. Many Hongkongers, from whatever side youre on, are reluctant to speak nowadays, and there are fewer opportunities to ask questions of the authorities. Only a handful of journalists working in Hong Kong agreed to speak to The Independent, with several requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal. Those interviewed, from local and foreign media organisations based in the city, described witnessing in real time a rapid erosion of press freedom in what was once one of Asias most open and freewheeling media environments. Critics of the Chinese government say the guilty verdict against Mr Lai, delivered after a 140-day trial, was preordained. The elaborate courtroom performance, they argue, should not be mistaken for justice. Lai is due to be sentenced soon, likely to life imprisonment. The looming verdict against the billionaire British businessman has sharpened pressure on prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit on Wednesday, to raise the matter directly with president Xi Jinping. Starmer is the first UK leader to visit China in eight years. His flight out came just after the controversial approval of Chinas planned mega-embassy in London, and Starmer is facing widespread calls to prove he can still stand up to Beijing by securing the freedom of Mr Lai, a British citizen whose health continues to deteriorate after more than 1,850 days in detention. Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing, China, on 28 January 2026 (AP) Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, says the days are now gone where you would see any story that questioned political power, or the citys disciplinary forces, in the local press, as these are now deemed the most sensitive areas. On the surface, the working conditions for the citys press seem quiet and calm: there are no longer dramatic newsroom raids, sudden arrests of journalists or people working in news organisations, and few, if any, overt acts of censorship. Instead, she says, there are more covert forms of coercion anonymous letters accusing journalists of indulging in anti-China activities, threats of being reported to the national security police, targeted tax audits and, in some cases, gag orders preventing them from explaining why they have stopped publishing or speaking publicly. Authorities have continued to arrest and prosecute people over speech, sometimes over quite innocuous comments on the internet criticising the government or over certain political slogans. None of these used to be criminal in Hong Kong, says Ms Cheng. They have moved to use other coercive methods covertly, so that people stop publishing or saying things in public. Projection on the UK parliament spotlights Keir Starmers golden opportunity to free Jimmy Lai (Supplied) Ms Cheng, 35, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with The Wall Street Journal over her dismissal by the paper, says that the authorities have realised that arresting people, especially journalists, could backfire or lead to greater reputational damage for the government. She says she has first-hand experience of the threats and harassment that many in the profession have faced. Letters accusing her of anti-China activities or causing unrest in Hong Kong were sent to a professional organisation connected to one of her family members. Basically, it felt like a way to intimidate me and their professional contacts, suggesting that those contacts should not have a relationship with me, she says, adding that the letters mixed half-truths with public information to appear credible. The journalists association has documented about a dozen similar cases involving reporters and their relatives, with complaints to police delivering no relief. Final edition of Apple Daily in Hong Kong on 14 June 2021 (AFP/Getty) The deterioration of press freedom in the city Hong Kongs global press freedom ranking has dropped from 18th in 2002 to 140th now moving closer to that of mainland China, which is in 178th place, worsened dramatically with the introduction of the national security law in 2020. The law, imposed directly by Beijing after bypassing Hong Kongs local legislature, criminalises any acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, using language that critics say is deliberately vague. One of its first blows landed in June 2021 when 500 police officers raided the Apple Daily offices. Mr Lai and senior staff were arrested and assets worth 1.64m were frozen. The newspaper was raided twice before it announced its closure a few days later a move described by Hong Kongs journalists and critics of the Chinese government as a chilling blow to freedom of expression. At least 14 other media outlets have shut down since, and many individual journalists have been arrested, according to Human Rights Watch. Stand News, once the citys most prominent pro-democracy outlet, had its office raided, its assets frozen and, two years later, its editors were convicted of sedition over published articles. A journalist working for a foreign outlet, among those who requested anonymity, says the pressure is no longer confined to local media. International outlets are now part of the same calculation, he says. In a move that he described as chilling and unprecedented, the national security office called in representatives of all foreign media outlets to warn them against indulging in anti-China activity following the devastating fire in Hong Kongs Tai Po district on 3 December. The national security law ushered in a new era in Hong Kong which is now experiencing a steady march towards becoming an integrated part of the authoritarian state, the journalist says, adding that news outlets in the territory now routinely consult lawyers before publication, highlighting the unpredictability of the national security framework. That legal ambiguity has created a level of nervousness weve never seen before, he notes. Almost every international media organisation now seeks legal advice before publishing stories related to figures like Jimmy Lai. Reporters from local media outlets are being approached by national security police to drink tea a euphemism long used in mainland China to call in journalists to threaten or question them, he says. Drinking tea is framed as a polite invitation from national security police to have tea, the journalist explains. But it is really a euphemism for a meeting in which a journalist is warned, questioned or quietly threatened. Journalists in Hong Kong are under mounting pressure (AFP/Getty) The intimidation is no longer limited to members of the media, journalists say. News sources routinely withdraw at the last minute, decline interviews or insist on anonymity. Some media organisations allege that government representatives have contacted advertising departments to discourage certain coverage, threatening to withhold advertising budgets if they dont comply. For the international community to better understand China, Hong Kong is sadly a case study in terms of how different the values are between China and much of the world, the journalist working for a foreign outlet says. Some people I interview often say that Hong Kong seems, in some ways, stricter than the mainland. Authorities almost treat Hong Kong similarly to how Xinjiang or Tibet might be treated. Officially, the authorities deny any erosion of press freedom in the city. Yet the coverage of Jimmy Lais trial by the Hong Kong media closely followed court statements, with editorials in state-aligned outlets insisting it was fair and that the case had nothing to do with journalism. The South China Morning Post ran an editorial saying the verdict stands up to scrutiny, rejecting claims that it undermined judicial independence. The paper accused the West of misrepresenting the trial as an attack on press freedom. State media outlets like China Daily, Global Times and CGTN echoed this line, urging international media to retract what they called misleading criticism. Before its closure, Apple Daily sold up to a million copies per day at the peak of its popularity. That same popularity is now being presented as evidence of a criminal conspiracy. Jimmy Lai once said he had named the newspaper after a forbidden fruit in the Bible, telling Lianhe Evening News: "If Eve hadn't bitten the forbidden fruit, there would be no sin, no right and wrong, and of course no news. A newsstand sells copies of Apple Daily in Hong Kong in 2020 (AFP/Getty) Mr Lai has repeatedly denied acting illegally, calling for sanctions on China or inciting violence, insisting that Apple Daily gave voice to Hongkongers desire for freedom. Robert Sirico, a US-based Catholic priest and friend of Jimmy Lai, says he met the media mogul in Hong Kong after his baptism and turn towards religion in the late 1990s. Lais real offence is moral, not legal, Father Sirico tells The Independent. He refused to be silent. And more remarkably, he refused to leave Hong Kong, even though he holds British citizenship. He was an uncompromising advocate of human freedom, but he was never treasonous. There were no machinations of that kind in all my dealings with him. Mr Lai could easily have escaped if he wanted to, he notes, because he had the wealth, the passport and the opportunity to do so. But he stayed in Hong Kong because he always said Hong Kong gave me my freedom and he felt obliged to defend it. Fr Sirico recalls leaving the courtroom with deep unease after seeing Mr Lai in a glass dock, surrounded by security, at a 2024 hearing. It was a little frightening. The courthouse was surrounded by a lot of military presence with guns. To enter, you had to go through security, paparazzi and metal detectors, and that was the moment I felt the most uncomfortable, he says. No words were exchanged when I first saw him in the small courtroom. When he walked in, he greeted his wife and family, and then he saw me. I could see he became emotional. He bowed in my direction, and I made the sign of the cross. Fr Sirico hopes that voices around the world will keep speaking up for Jimmy Lai. The Pope has met Mrs Lai and their daughter, and political leaders have raised the case, he says. Thats the hope: that he can be released and spend his final years with his family. Jimmy Lai is escorted to a prison van before appearing in a Hong Kong court on 12 December 2020 (AP) A journalist speaking anonymously after being targeted over their work says the case is about more than just Mr Lai. Apple Daily and its publishing group meant a great deal not just to journalists, but to the entire media industry and to Hong Kong society, they say. The journalist says when people talk about the case, they focus on Mr Lai because hes the owner and a well-known figure. But six other senior figures, including journalists, were also arrested and convicted. The crackdown on Apple Daily caused enormous damage to the industry. It was the first major action taken against a press group in Hong Kong. Hundreds of journalists lost their jobs, and some no longer felt secure living in the city and the country. In addition to Jimmy Lai, six former executives of Apple Daily and its parent company, Next Digital, were tried under the national security law, and all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. For journalists still working in Hong Kong, Mr Lais case is a boundary marker rather than a story a measure of how far speech can go. As for the future of the citys press, Hong Kong Free Presss Tom Grundy is not very optimistic. But we are still here, he says. For all the compromises we have to make, and for all the risks we have to face, we feel its better to be in than out to keep our ears to the ground and capture, with nuance, what is really happening inside the city. A new mega court being built in London will help reverse years of under investment and neglect in the criminal system, the Justice Minister has said. The 18 court rooms at Salisbury Square in the heart of the city will hear Crown, magistrate and civil cases when the building is finished in 2027. It is the first new court built in the capital in 15 years. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman visited the new court building with the City of Londons Policy Chairman Chris Hayward (ES) Justice Minister Sarah Sackman told the Standard: We are about a year away from opening what will be one of the landmark showcase courts in the country, hearing civil trials, criminal trials, working hand in glove with the police. This is a brilliant moment for the justice system, for courts in London, able to deliver local justice for Londoners. To see a brand new building, I think it's a signifier of investment going into our courts, which is a real turnaround from where we've been after years of under investment and neglect. Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, added: By speeding up the handling of complex cyber crime and fraud cases, this new justice quarter will deliver faster outcomes for victims, free up vital capacity across the courts, and strengthen public confidence in our ability to tackle economic crime. Fraud is the most common crime in the UK, and it is growing in scale and complexity. The Salisbury Square Development represents a once-in-a-generation investment in our justice system, ensuring we have the modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and specialist expertise needed to respond. There are around 80,000 outstanding cases waiting to be heard in courts across England and Wales, meaning some victims wait years to see justice. Ministry of Justice projections suggest the crown court backlog could reach a high estimate of 125,000 by the end of this Parliament under current conditions. London has the fastest growing backlog in the country. It is the first new court built in London in 15 years (ES) In the capital there are around 19,000 cases outstanding, an almost 25% increase in the 12 months to September 2025. Ms Sackman added: At the moment, the waiting list stands at 80,000 and it's getting higher. We inherited a mess in our courts, and it's something that the Government is determined to get a grip on. Part of that will involve investment in buildings like this, opening up new courts so that we can hear those trials more speedily. It will involve investment in legal aid, in the workforce that delivers justice for us, but we also need...structural reform, and that's what we're going to be introducing this year in new legislation. Justice Secretary David Lammy has set out plans to reform the courts system following recommendations from a review by Sir Brian Leveson. There will be 18 new court rooms in the heart of the city (ES) They include controversial measures to scrap the right to jury trials for most criminal cases where a sentence is likely to result in less than three years in prison. Juries would only be used for those accused of the most serious crimes, such as rape and murder. Critics, including legal professionals and some Labour MPs, have argued it will undermine the justice system and violate the democratic rights of alleged offenders and victims. But Ms Sackman said: The vast majority of criminal trials, including some of the ones that will be heard in this building, are heard by magistrates. Some 90% of our cases are heard in that way. And we've got to use every single lever that we can to bring down the backlog, which is what these reforms are all about. We'll always have jury trials. They're a cornerstone of British justice. So it's about preserving jury trials for the most serious cases, but ensuring, if the cases are less serious, that they get on quicker, so that we can ensure swift justice for victims. The building is due to open in Spring 2027 (ES) It comes as the MoJ announced that four temporary courts set up during the Covid-19 pandemic will be made permanent in an effort to cut court backlogs. Former court buildings in Fleetwood, Telford, Chichester and Cirencester will become part of the estate, providing an extra 11 courtrooms. Temporary nightingale courts were introduced during the pandemic to provide additional space for hearings, but many were kept open for years. The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE said: Victims and the public deserve swift and effective justice, so I welcome any move to tackle the chronic gridlock in our courts system. Keeping these courts open is a necessary first step. But opening courtrooms is only half the battle. New capacity is meaningless without the judges, staff and advocates to make it work and these shortages remain a challenge. As Sir Brian Leveson made clear, no amount of efficiencies, funding, or extra sitting days alone can fix a system this broken. Any new capacity must be matched by bold reform if we are to prevent total system collapse. Iranians block a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on 9 January 2026. At least 6,000 deaths have been verified by one human rights organisation, which is investigating more that 17,000 more. Photograph: MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images) Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Irans brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, with at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death. The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of revenge, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range, and in some cases set up makeshift treatment centres. An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with moharebeh (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation. Speaking to the Guardian, his cousin, Nima Golchini, who is based in Canada, said that Golchini was taken from his home on 10 January. He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son, who is only 11. They beat him up so badly during arrest, they broke his arm, ribs and dragged him out of his home. My family is terrified. A few days before his arrest Golchini, who also treated protesters during the 2022 Woman, life, freedom protests, had posted a note on his social media, says Nima, sharing his number and asking injured patients to contact him for treatment. All he did was his duty of saving lives as a medical doctor. He had sworn to save peoples lives. How can any doctor not stand by his oath? I am worried not only for him, but also for other healthcare workers who have been arrested for simply standing by their sworn oath. Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on Golchinis detention, nor have they confirmed any charges against him. But Irans judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities not to show any leniency towards protesters. We should not remain silent in the face of those who seek to exploit the situation and disrupt the security and calm of the people, he said. Golchini is one of at least nine doctors and healthcare volunteers arrested over the past week, say rights groups and medics. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), security forces raided makeshift medical shelters as well as the homes of doctors and volunteers who treated injured protesters. It said there is no information now on the whereabouts or condition of those detained. Related: Iran protest doctor: In one street, I saw blood pooled in a gutter with a trail stretching several metres | Anonymous This appears to be a deliberate revenge campaign against doctors and medical staff who refuse to abandon the wounded, said Hossein Raeesi, an Iranian human rights lawyer living in exile. IHRNGO also reported the arrest of a volunteer first responder who had turned his home into an improvised medical shelter. According to the source, he was detained on 14 January after security forces raided his house, where he had provided care to more than 20 injured protesters, two of whom later died. He was taken away in an extremely brutal manner and was severely beaten, a source told IHRNGO, adding that security forces smashed the windows of the house, destroyed the interior and severely damaged his car during the raid. At least 42,324 arrests have been made across the country with limited information on their fate, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, which says the regime is putting pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support for the injured. This persecution of medical personnel is yet another dimension of the regimes crimes against humanity, said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHRNGO director. A statement published yesterday by the US state department on X demanded the release of Golchini and all the brave doctors who have helped their fellow countrymen. It continued: President Trump has clearly stated that no executions should take place in Iran and that there will be consequences if the government takes such actions. Protesters on the streets of Tehran earlier this month. The nationwide demonstrations began in late December - MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Iranian protesters say Donald Trump has blood on his hands after encouraging them to take to the streets where thousands were gunned down. The US president urged the Iranian people to keep protesting and promised help is on its way during this months unrest, but then appeared to renege on his support for the anti-regime demonstrations. Iranians told The Telegraph Mr Trumps words inspired them to take to the streets, only to see their family, friends and neighbours shot by the Islamic Republics armed forces. Trump encouraged us to act, to stay in the streets, one Iranian said at the border with Turkey as he left the country. But now were disheartened because nothing happened. Donald Trump is said to be still weighing up his options for action against Iran, but the protests he encouraged have already been suppressed - Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo Demonstrators who participated in the nationwide protests said both Mr Trump and Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran, who also called on them to take to the streets, share blame for the carnage that followed. Some who witnessed the violence first-hand said they only joined the protests after hearing assurances of assistance from abroad. We have been living under the regimes brutality and went out to protests like we had so many times over the past few years, knowing nothing would change, one protester in Tehran told The Telegraph. Then Pahlavi came out and encouraged us to fight the repressive forces empty-handed. Trump followed, saying help was on the way. They are both to blame for the carnage that happened here. Protesters who thronged the streets of Tehran say they feel let down by Donald Trump after he promised action to help them - MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Another man who demonstrated in Tehran said he watched people shot in front of him after taking to the streets based on Mr Trump and Mr Pahlavis statements. They have blood on their hands, the protester said. They should take responsibility for the thousands killed who listened to them, and target those who actually ordered the killings. Mr Trump is still weighing up military options against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders, although the protests have now been quashed by the Islamic Republics rulers. US sources said the president was aiming to create conditions for regime change. The death toll from the protests remains disputed. HRANA, a US-based rights group, has documented 5,937 deaths, including 214 security personnel, while Iranian officials acknowledge several thousand deaths but put the official figure at 3,117. Credit: Telegram / @VahidOnline Mir Hossein Mousavi, leader of Irans Green Movement, described the deadly crackdown as a black page in Iranian history, and called on security forces to lay down their weapons. Mr Mousavi, who has been under house arrest since 2011, urged the military and police forces to allow people to chart the path to freedom. While opposing any foreign military intervention, Mr Mousavi said: Internal suppression and closing the door to dialogue has exposed the country to external interference. An Iranian on the Turkish border also blamed Mr Trump for the deaths of protesters in Iran. Fires on the streets of Tehran at the height of the protests - MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images He said: Its difficult to change the regime. People protested because they wanted regime change, but its difficult. Khamenei (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader) has said, Ill never leave; were ready for war. So Trump encouraged the protesters to go to the streets, but its very complicated for us if thats what Khamenei is saying. What will that mean for us? Another Iranian said: The [Iranian] government has weapons and is using guns, and we cant go up against them unarmed, so we need outside force to fight back. A student in Malard, outside Tehran, said Mr Pahlavi, the US-based son of the Shah deposed by the Islamic revolution in 1979, had consistently positioned himself as a leader and called on Iranians to rise up, despite lacking any real power. Credit: Telegram / @VahidOnline The student said change could not come through social media posts from the former crown prince that had only resulted in more deaths. We definitely want regime change, but we need an opposition with a clear plan for Irans next five years, the student said, expressing concern that the MEK opposition group or supporters of Mr Pahlavi could create new violence if the Islamic Republic falls. It is crucial for us to know what will happen the morning after the ayatollahs go. Our problems wont be solved from outside the country because we have no serious opposition, and you cannot bring change with tweets they just get more people killed. We are the victims of their statements. As soon as the current regime leaves, the MEK and Pahlavis would come and kill more people and the regime would kill even more of us. Mr Trumps options range from strikes on commanders responsible for the violence to larger attacks on Irans ballistic missile capabilities or nuclear enrichment programmes. The arrival of a US aircraft carrier and supporting warships in the Middle East this week expanded US military capabilities after he repeatedly threatened intervention. On Wednesday, the US president urged Iran to negotiate on nuclear weapons, warning that any future US attack would be far worse than its June bombing campaign against three nuclear sites. Israeli and Arab officials, however, said air strikes alone would not topple Irans clerical rulers. Saudi officials in Washington are trying to act as mediators, while Israel has passed intelligence on possible targets inside Iran. Multiple regional sources have expressed concern that US strikes could backfire, weakening a protest movement already traumatised by the bloodiest repression since the 1979 Islamic Revolution rather than encouraging further dissent. And Vladimir Putin has told Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, that Russia is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and wants to discuss it with him in talks at the Kremlin. We continue to call on all parties to exercise restraint and to renounce any use of force to resolve issues. Clearly, the potential for negotiations is far from exhausted... We must focus primarily on negotiating mechanisms, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said. The lack of a clear successor to the supreme leader raises further concerns about what could follow if Mr Khamenei falls. Many are warning of uncertainty about the fate of Iran if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were toppled - Leader's Office Handout/EPA/Shutterstock Arab officials and diplomats said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could take over, entrenching hardline rule and deepening the nuclear standoff. Regional officials favour containment over collapse, fearing turmoil in a nation of more than 90 million people could unleash instability beyond Irans borders. And Western diplomats have warned a fractured Iran could spiral into civil war like post-2003 Iraq. The USs regional allies fear they would face retaliation if Mr Trump orders strikes on Iran, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt having lobbied Washington against military action. Meanwhile, Irans mission to the United Nations said the country was ready for dialogue based on mutual respect but would defend itself if pushed. On Thursday, as the military added 1,000 drones to its combat regiments, Irans army chief Amir Hatami vowed a crushing response to any attack. Inside Iran, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is prepared to negotiate with the US, but only through honest discussions, and reformist politicians said they could no longer justify the governments handling of protests. Javad Emam, a spokesman for the Reformist Front, a coalition of moderate politicians, said reformists must stand with the people, and that current conditions bear no relation to their vision of the Islamic Republic. An Israeli airstrike on Gaza City two days after the Hamas-led massacre in Israel - Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images Israel has signalled is ready to acknowledge that 70,000 people have been killed in its war on Gaza. Officials from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported the estimated death toll for the first time to multiple Israeli news outlets. The figure is almost identical to the 71,667 reported by the Gaza health ministry, which is run by Hamas. Throughout the war, the Israeli military and government has accused the health ministry of publishing exaggerated figures, cautioning the media and NGOs not to trust the data. Until now, Israel has refused to offer alternative figures. However, the IDF officials said it is not yet known what proportion of the 70,000 is made up by terrorists. The IDF said the reported figures do not reflect official data. The Gaza ministrys figures include people killed directly by Israels military, rather than secondary factors caused by the war such as disease. The ministry also claims that at least 440 Palestinians died of malnutrition during the conflict. Israel denies this, with security officials claiming that Hamas manipulated the figures to include those with serious underlying conditions. Israel routinely accused Hamas of using its civilians as human shields, by fighting among the population and placing command posts beneath sensitive sites such as schools and hospitals. Israeli warplanes bomb Deir al Balah in Gaza, Aug 2025 - Anadolu via Getty Images The proportionality of Israels response to the Hamas-led massacre of Oct 7 has been a point of international controversy throughout the war. IDF officials have previously been reported saying they believe two to three civilians have been killed for every terrorist. Comparisons with other wars are fraught with difficulty because of the unique nature of each conflict. However, in 1999 the International Committee of the Red Cross estimated that between 30 to 65 per cent of casualties in global conflict were civilians. It is a figure broadly mirrored by subsequent research by the Uppsala Conflict Data Programme (UCDP). In 2017, UCDP stated that civilians make up 49 to 66 per cent of known casualties in urban warfare. In Gaza, some studies have raised the possibility that the death toll in Gaza is higher than the Gaza health ministry figures. One, published in January last year by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, claimed that the true figure could be 40 per cent higher than the ministry statistics. However, the IDF has argued that, particularly in early 2024, civilians were killed by the high number of misfired Hamas rockets that fell in Gaza. A military official said: The IDF clarifies that the details published do not reflect official IDF data. Any publication or report on this matter will be released through official and orderly channels. Israeli military accepts that 71,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza war for first time, says report The Israeli military has for the first time accepted figures released by Gazas health ministry showing that more than 70,000 Palestinians were killed during its war in the territory, according to a report. The Gaza health ministry says 71,667 people have been killed since Israels military operations began on 7 October 2023, including 492 who have been killed since a ceasefire agreement was finalised in October. IDF sources told Haaretz that the death toll has now been accepted by military officials. The figures are regarded as reliable by humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations. The tally includes those killed directly by Israeli fire, not those who died of other causes, including starvation. Several studies suggest the death toll could be far higher. The health ministry also reports that 171,343 people have been wounded by Israeli fire, representing around 8.1 per cent of the population. Palestinian Civil Defence members lay out body bags containing the remains of members of the Shahebar family (AFP/Getty) The Israeli military did not comment when approached by The Independent. Gaza health ministry records identify nearly all of the casualties using their names and identification numbers, but they do not distinguish between militants and civilians. According to Haaretz, Israels military is currently analysing data on the deaths to calculate how many people killed it believes are combatants and how many were civilians. A study carried out by Professor Michael Spagat of the University of London suggested that more than 75,000 people had died during the war as of January 2025. At that time, Gazas health ministry placed the number at just over 45,600, suggesting it undercounted the true total by 40 per cent. Other research, published in the medical journal The Lancet in January 2025, also suggested the death toll was around 40 per cent higher than the recorded numbers. Violence has continued in Gaza even after a fragile ceasefire came into effect in October last year. Two more Palestinians were killed in eastern Khan Younis on Thursday, medics said, in an area adjacent to where the army operates. People search for survivors and the bodies of victims through the rubble of buildings destroyed during Israeli bombardment, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip last year (AFP via Getty) It comes as Israel and Hamas prepare to move into the second phase of the ceasefire, following the discovery of the body of the final Israeli hostage remaining in Gaza on Monday, police officer Ran Gvili. Israel said it had agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing linking the Gaza Strip to Egypt, the main point of entry and exit for Palestinians, which has been mostly closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side. The Rafah crossing was meant to open during the first stage of the ceasefire, but the Israeli government instead made it conditional on Hamas making every effort to return the body of Gvili. The Israeli military intends to restrict the number of Palestinians allowed into Gaza to ensure that more leave than enter, Reuters reported, citing three sources. People protest against ICE outside the Whipple federal building near Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 17 January 2026. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images (Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images) A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from detaining refugees in Minnesota, following a spate of arrests in the state. More than 100 refugees who had lawfully resettled in the state had been arrested in recent weeks, according to attorneys and advocacy groups. Some were flown to detention centers in Texas, according to attorneys representing the cases, and then were abruptly released and left to find and pay their own way back home. On Wednesday, US district judge John R Tunheim ordered the administration to temporarily halt the arrest and detention of lawfully resettled refugees, while a lawsuit about the administrations policy of re-vetting this population continued. The judge mandated the immediate release of all detained refugees in Minnesota and the release of those taken to Texas within five days. The ruling came after lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of refugees after the Trump administration announced its Operation Parris earlier this month, which it described as a sweeping initiative re-examining thousands of refugee cases through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 5,600 refugees who had resettled in the US and had not yet become permanent residents would be subject to this vetting process. One of the plaintiffs in the case, referred to as D Doe, said he was at home with his family when a man in plain clothes knocked on his door and said that he had hit Does car. When Doe went outside to check the damage, he was surrounded by armed men and arrested. He was detained first in Minnesota, and then flown to Texas, where he was interrogated about his refugee status, according to the filing. He was released in Texas and had to find his way back home. I fled my home country because I was facing government repression, said Doe. I cant believe its happening again here. Does wife, who is also a refugee, had been afraid to go outside since her husbands arrest and had been staying with friends because she feared agents would return to her home. Such arrests had caused panic among Minnesotas refugees, many of whom had already been wary of leaving their homes or go to work because they feared being stopped and racially profiled by the thousands of immigration agents conducting aggressive immigration sweeps throughout the state. Before they are approved to come to the US, refugees undergo extensive vetting in a process that can take years. When they arrive in the US, they do so on flights coordinated with the government. Operation Parriss scheme of detaining lawfully present refugees is an unprecedented assault on core human rights that are enshrined in both the 1951 convention and the 1980 Refugee Act, said Michele Garnett McKenzie, executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights, who praised the courts decision. The homeland security department did not immediately respond to the Guardians queries regarding the ruling. One of the most challenging aspects of these detentions, McKenzie said, was that refugees were being detained and moved out of the state within days or hours leaving their families scrambling to find them and get them legal aid. Because refugees had already been vetted and legally resettled, the vast majority of them did not have immigration attorneys, the attorney said. In more than one case, after a terrifying ordeal of being arrested, detained and moved out of state, people were flown back and then released in Minnesota, she said, in at least one case in the middle of the night, without any prior notice given to their families. One client of hers was put on a plane from Texas, but was not told where he was being sent leaving him with the impression that he was being deported back to his home country. He was surprised to find himself once again in Minnesota, she said. Another was released in Texas with no belongings, no money, no papers, she said. The court finds that the threat of irreparable harm favors immediate relief in this case, Tunheim said in his ruling on Wednesday. The stories of terror and trauma recounted by named plaintiffs in their amended petition make this harm impossible to ignore. This article was amended on 29 January 2026. An earlier version featured a picture that was captioned as showing a demonstration in Minneapolis, when in fact it was taken in Washington DC. Ryan Wedding is escorted off a plane by FBI agents in California after being arrested - FBI/REUTERS Mexicos president has suggested Kash Patel stole credit for Mexican polices capture of an Olympic snowboarder accused of being a prolific drug kingpin. The operation to detain Ryan Wedding, a Canadian national, was led by Mexican agents with the support of members of an FBI hostage rescue team (HRT). Mexican law bars foreign law enforcement officials from operating in the country. Taking part in an actual operation would be particularly frowned upon. Yet following the capture on Jan 22 of the 44-year-old, accused of working with the Sinola cartel, Mr Patel wrote on X: Our FBI HRT teams executed with precision, discipline, and total professionalism alongside our Mexican partners to bring Ryan James Wedding back to face justice. He added: One of the most dangerous criminals in the world is now off the streets. Kash Patel announces the detainment of Ryan Wedding during a press conference in California on Friday - Mike Blake/REUTERS Claudia Sheinbaum said of the comments that operations conducted on Mexican soil were nothing to do with the US. We collaborate, they give us information, we give them information, but operations in Mexican territory are the responsibility of [the] nation, she said. Ms Sheinbaum also told the Wall Street Journal that she was not going to get into a debate with the FBI director, nor do I want there to be a conflict. On Thursday, Mr Trump said he had very productive conversation with Ms Sheinbaum when they spoke by phone about trade and combatting the flow of drugs from Latin America into the United States. Claudia Sheinbaum says operations in Mexican territory are the nations responsibility - Shutterstock Editorial Ronald Johnson, the US ambassador to Mexico, said Mr Weddings surrender was a direct result of pressure applied by Mexican and US law enforcement working in close coordination and cooperation. Such a narrative has been disputed by Anthony Colombo, Mr Weddings lawyer, who said his client had not turned himself in to the US Embassy in Mexico and did not surrender. Mr Wedding is said to have been known in underworld circles as Thor, and was on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, where he attracted a $15m (10.9m) reward. He represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and came 24th. His lawyer told the Wall Street Journal that Mr Wedding had been flown to California, where he had pleaded not guilty to a total of 17 charges, including murder. Keir Starmer (centre right) during a meeting with Xi Jinping (centre left) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photograph: Kin Cheung/Reuters (Photograph: Kin Cheung/Reuters) Keir Starmer has taken a big step towards rapprochement with China, opening the door to a UK visit from Xi Jinping in a move that drew immediate anger from British critics of Beijing. During the first visit by a UK prime minister to China in eight years a period which Starmer has described as an ice age he said talks with the Chinese president had left the bilateral relationship in a stronger position. While Starmer and his team were flaunting the results of the trip including a visa waiver, a cut in whisky tariffs and economic cooperation agreements there was growing concern in the UK over the prospect of a return visit. Related: What happened when Starmer met Xi Jinping? podcast While travelling to Beijing, Starmer had said the UK government would remain clear-eyed and realistic about national security threats from China, despite Beijings espionage activities in the UK and imposition of sanctions on British MPs. But asked whether Starmer would like Xi to visit the UK, his official spokesperson said: The prime minister has been clear that a reset relationship with China, that its no longer in an ice age, is beneficial to British people and British business. He said the Beijing trip was not a one and done summit, indicating there would be more meetings ahead, but added: Im not going to get ahead of future engagements, well set those out in the normal way. Starmers three-day visit to China represents a marked shift in the UKs relations with Beijing, after almost a decade of hostility from Tory administrations and, more recently, concerns over the reliability of the US as a trading partner. When asked on Thursday night for his reaction to Britain getting into business with China, Donald Trump said: Well its very dangerous for them to do that. When Canadian prime minister Mark Carney visited China in mid-January to secure trade and tourism deals, Trump threatened 100% on Canadian imports if Carney made further deals with Beijing. Five Conservative MPs, who are some of the most vocal critics of Beijing in parliament, and two peers are among nine Britons who had sanctions imposed on them by China in 2021 in retaliation for measures taken by the UK over human rights abuses against the Uyghur people. It would be politically challenging for Starmer to invite Xi to the UK while the sanctions remained in place although No 10 said progress had been made on this and while Chinese diplomats are banned from parliament after a spying row. The first, and last, time Xi travelled to the UK was for a state visit in 2015, at the height of the golden era in relations under the then prime minister, David Cameron, when the pair visited a pub near Chequers for a pint of ale. Tim Loughton, a former Tory minister who is one of those sanctioned by China, said offering the president a visit would be a definite red line and he [Xi] would in any case have to be banned from the parliamentary estate, as is the ambassador while we remain sanctioned. Another sanctioned politician, Neil OBrien, a shadow minister for policy, said it would be strange to offer Xi a visit when the Chinese ambassador was banned from parliament because of multiple rounds of spying on MPs. I obviously think the governments strategy of sucking up to them while they sanction us is a mistake, he added. Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons speaker, said that Xi would be barred from addressing parliament while the sanctions remained in place. Im the guardian of MPs. Im there to protect them from sanctions. It would be wrong to let Xi into their workplace while these sanctions are in place, he said. Related: Xi didnt really see a point to Kiers visit but hey, let a hundred flowers bloom | John Crace Before their talks in the Great Hall of the People, Starmer told Xi he wanted a broader, deeper and more sophisticated relationship between the two countries. It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again. Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel. The Chinese leader said a closer relationship was imperative for world peace, after it had gone through twists and turns over the years, arguing that a more consistent approach was in both their interests. Xi said the two men would stand the test of history if they could rise above differences. He appeared to reprimand the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, for her criticism of Starmers visit. Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention, he told the prime minister. Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead. As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history, he added. Starmer had begun the trip by saying he wanted to bring stability and clarity to the bilateral relationship after years of inconsistency under the Tories. After the talks, he said he had respectfully raised human rights abuses including the detention of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist who is facing life in prison in Hong Kong, and the persecution of the Uyghurs. In a significant move, China agreed to a visa waiver for British tourists and business travellers, ending the requirement for travel to be no more than 30 days and bringing the UK into line with 50 other countries. The UK also signed a number of agreements on closer economic cooperation, including greater trade and services, making it easier for British firms to operate there. They included a 10.8bn investment by the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca in its Chinese operation. Beijing also agreed to halve its tariff on Scotch whisky imports from 10% to 5%, estimated to benefit the industry by 250m over five years. It is Scotlands 10th largest whisky market. The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine war, but Downing Street refused to say whether Starmer who had spoken to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the eve of the visit had pressed China to restrain Russia. Sir Keir Starmer has said the relationship between the UK and China is in a strong place after meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. He held talks with the Chinese president at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip there. Sir Keirs visit marks a thaw in what he called an ice age of diplomacy between the two countries in recent years. Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister had secured a deal on visa-free travel for Britons to the Peoples Republic following the meeting. UK citizens, both tourists and business travellers, will be able to travel to China for 30 days without a visa under the deal. It brings the UK into line with 50 other countries including France and Germany. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of their bilateral meeting (via REUTERS) Thursdays meeting, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, was the second between the two men following months of preparation. At the start of his meeting with Sir Keir, Mr Xi said: China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries. Describing the state of the world as turbulent and fluid, Mr Xi stressed dialogue between the UK and China was imperative, whether it was for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries economies and peoples. Sir Keir and the Chinese leadership agreed to work towards an agreement on trade in services, setting out clear rules for UK companies doing business in China. Progress is also reported to have been made on issues including tariffs on whisky and tackling small boat crossings. The Prime Minister said: "As one of the world's economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China. "We'll make it easier for them to do so, including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home." However, he acknowledged a need for frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement between the UK and China. Sir Keir speaking in Beijing on Thursday (via REUTERS) Li Qiang and Sir Keir in the Great Hall of the People (via REUTERS) He told reporters he had raised difficult issues with Mr Xi, including human rights and the imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai. The PM later received a ceremonial welcome in the Great Hall of the People with an honour guard of 140 Chinese army, navy and air force troops ahead of his meeting with Premier Li Qiang. Sir Keir told President Xi at their meeting that it had been too long since a British leader visited the country. He said: China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship. Stressing the economic benefits of improved relations, the PM said: It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again. Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel. The Prime Minister is understood to regard meetings with Chinese leadership as crucial for Britain, as he seeks to emphasise the practical benefits of engaging with Beijing. To that end, he arrived alongside a delegation of 54 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions looking to deepen ties with the country. The Prime Minister held talks with the Chinese president accompanied by top aides and top ministers at the Great Hall of the People (Carl Court/PA Wire) Sir Keir during the meeting with President Xi Jinping (Carl Court/PA Wire) Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Xi said: In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations. China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples. Mr Xi told Sir Keir the two men would stand the test of history if they could rise above differences. Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention, he said. Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude. Following the talks, Sir Keir said progress was made on issues including tariffs on whisky and visa-free travel to China. He said: We had a very good, productive session with real, concrete outcomes and it was a real strengthening of the relationship and that's in the national interest, because, of course, there are huge opportunities here in China as the second biggest economy in the world, and that's why we've got such a big business delegation. The PM visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) A lot of discussion was about how we open up access for those opportunities, focusing - as I always do - on how is this going to be delivered back in the United Kingdom? How does it benefit people back at home? And we made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China and on information exchange and co-operation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts. So a very good, constructive meeting with real outcomes, and that's very much in our national interest. The two countries are expected to sign an agreement on Thursday that will provide for joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operations aimed at preventing gangs smuggling people across the Channel by disrupting the supply of small boat engines. Some 60 per cent of the engines powering the small boats crossing the Channel have been found to be Chinese-manufactured, while the boats are often made using Chinese parts. The deal is expected to cover intelligence sharing on smugglers supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to discourage them from supplying the gangs. Before the meeting with Chinas leader, Sir Keir was welcomed by National Peoples Congress chairman Zhao Leji at Beijings Great Hall of the People. Mr Zhao said it was significant to develop the UK-China relationship amid the changing and turbulent international landscape. He also praised Sir Keirs efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were on the correct track to improvement and development and positive progress has been made.